Wolfgang Puck Chicken Tortilla Soup

I know nothing about Wolfgang, maybe he once was on Food Network? My only frame of reference for him is seeing him on my grocery store shelf selling soup. Nothing really struck my fancy till I was house sitting and saw that they had some of his soups. They told me to help myself to whatever, so I helped myself to some his Chicken Tortilla Soup. I figured since it was a mexican style dish that Id grill up some quesadillas to go along with. There are few things in this food life that I lead that is much better than this folks. Maybe not Wolfgang Puck’s version every time, but how have I not had tortilla soup before then? How is that possible? I really dont know. Maybe I have and it wasnt that amazing that I just dont remember it. But man alive, this bowl of soup was oh so good. So thank you Pell’s for stocking your shelf with this soup and offering it to me while you were on the west coast. My eyes have seen the light to the greatness that is tortilla soup.

Wet ‘N Wild

Beginning of the summer some friends of mine from 514 told me I should get a sessions pass to our local water park, Wet ‘N Wild. You may be thinking that these are young, college age friends when actually they are in their 30s and parents to the sweetest one year old in the world. The story goes that the summer they moved to Carolina from Washington (state - I cant believe I even say that because if I meant D.C. I would say D.C. I can spot a east coaster vs. a west coaster when this is even a discussion) they got sessions passes to Wet ‘N Wild and with Emma (their one year old) loving the water, they thought this would be the perfect summer to do it again. I wasnt totally sold, and put it off. Even when other friends of ours who at the time where expecting a baby goes sessions passes. But then my pastor’s family got sessions passes, who have kids that ages are perfect for such a place, I caved. I got a sessions pass to Wet ‘N Wild and man Im glad I did. Ive had such fun hanging out with my 514 friends, spending some quality time with Emma in her floaty, riding rides with the Renslow kids (pastor’s family) and my favorite, spending hours just floating on the lazy river. The Renslows go twice a week, every week, all summer. My other friends come when they can, which is probably once every two weeks or so. Im pretty much the same with my random work hours. I even took the Renslow kids without their parents once and it was blast. This last week I went alone, which to me felt a bit like going to the movies alone. Uncomfortable at first, but once I settled into, no one really cares other than myself that Im here alone, it was great. I got some quality tan lines which is really why I got the sessions pass in the first place oh and the fellowship of course. I hope that this many friends get sessions passes again next summer because I have loved showing off my sessions pass to my friends who I know are judging me for having it. I have no shame! I have loved my summer and my sessions pass.

Many apologizes for the delay in posting my favorites. Blame the lack of commutation on my landlords part to tell us he had changed internet companies. And then not understand what “just reset the router” means but interprets as call the internet guy to come out twice to the house. Poor internet guy. But I cant complain too much, the rent is too cheap. So, lets carry on with this fun little series.

Jon and Kate plus 8
TLC has brought many wonderful things into my life. I enjoy What Not to Wear (but it is very bad to watch that then go to a public place like the mall. Gosh does America dress awful.) and some of the home make over shows. But lately, all I turn TLC on for is to see if Jon and Kate Plus 8 are on. I just dont know what it is about this show but I cant get enough of it! Its almost that I couldnt believe that a women is alone all day with 8 children and her house looked so neat. Or that she didnt run away. I had to seen how they function in such a matter. I love the line at the end of their show “It may be a crazy life, but its our life.” They love their life and its not at all what they had planned. They are a delightful family who love each other. Sure, Kate can be mean to Jon but I wouldnt be so kind if I had 8 kids running around either! Id be too tired to be nice I think. Im amazed at her mad organization skills. I think also, its sharing their story, a story they didnt plan or expect. Us, the viewers get completely wrapped up in it and want to watch these kids grow up. We have made this connection through this TV show which is so weird to think of since I dont really consider myself a reality show watcher. I keep coming back, seeing how their doing. To hear more of their story. And I really cant completely explain why but I enjoy Jon and Kate plus 8 a lot.

Harvey Seat Belt Bags This love for these bags started long ago when this company was first starting out. The company I worked for in high school (a fancy baby story) started carrying them in a diaper bag form. Even then, I considered getting one just because they were just that cool. Who cares if the bag had a space for a bottle? Other the years I kept tabs on this wonderful company based just outside of LA. Jason bought me my first seat belt bag - a cute red one for my birthday the first year we were dating. I got a even bigger one, a brown on for my next birthday. And then they had a sale randomly and so I bought a cute little green one. Yes, I own three Harvey Seat Belt bags. You’d think that be enough, but no, I love them so much I want one of each kind they come out with! They have bags with more than one color… bags with patterns… different styles… I love them all! I didnt think I was a bag/purse girl till the Harveys came into my life.

Forever 21 . Okay so I understand I am boarder line (not already) too old for this place. This is my guilty pleasure store, that I dont go to very often, but every once and a while I want a cheap vintage looking piece to add to my wardrobe. This happens maybe every 2 years or so. I have never been to the Forever 21 here in town, which is in the mall, which explains why I have never been there. Firstly, the mall here doesnt have a good rep, as in, not a good idea to go there at night. Second, I dont really enjoy malls and thankfully, it doesnt seem that my high schoolers do ether. Only time I have been to the mall before my trip to Forever 21 about a month ago was two years after, day after Thanksgiving aka Black Friday. The Starbucks in the mall needed help to properly serve caffeine to all those crazy shoppers who were up way too early. It was such a blast being in a tiny Starbucks with 10 other baristas. So, what did I purchase at Forever 21? Well, sadly, only one piece. I looked on their website before I went and I saw at least 8 pieces I wanted to find and try on. Only one I really loved in person and it fit, which is this tank:

Isnt it cute? First thing Jason said when he saw it (besides my freshly chopped off hair - which is why this photo was taken in the first place) was that it was vintagey looking. Goal accomplished! And if you read yesterday’s post - you can see why this piece really caught my eye. Who can resist cute buttons? Not me!

.:Buttons:.

I dont know what it is about these cute little round circles, but lately Im drawn to them. Shirts, shoes, whatever! Though these buttons are not like a typical collar button down shirt - no you’d find buttons on its shoulders, or shoes that “bow” is a button. They are adorable and I want to buy every since piece I come across. Are they coming back in style or is just me seeing them everywhere because Ive become glazed over when I see buttons and Im like a month to a flame? Now Im in the mood to find some neat decorating idea to make out of cute buttons. Or go to a flea market somewhere and fine old funky buttons.

Grande unsweetened three splenda no water black tea with a splash of non-fat milk. That is my summer Starbucks drink. And yes I put milk in my tea - not much, just a little more than a splash. I drink it the English way when its hot, so why not when its cold? If possible, I drink one of these everyday. Being with my discount its about a dollar (or free if Im lucky). For while I wasnt drinking anything from Starbucks for whatever reason. I have been on a tea kick for quite a while but it is way too hot to be drinking hot tea. So I moved my way over to the cold side and have been enjoying it ever since. You know when the Starbucks near the church I work at recognizes me and at least knows its black tea… but they dont know my “picky” parts of my drink….Ive been getting this drink way too much.

Feasting on Asphalt - If you are an Alton Brown fan, surely you have heard of this show. Last year the second season was on the Food Network and the previews had Jace and I on the edge of our seats waiting for it. We adore Alton, so of course we were going to tune into this show about eating on the open road. We have yet to see season one of this series, but recently I purchased the season we partake in last year. As much as I love Altons witty banter and large consumption of road food - I really love it for the pretty photos and videography. I will forgive his crew for using a Cannon to take photos because they are so pretty. I dont do, Netflix so Im not sure if you can this great show or not. I got my copy of it for $20 at Target - which is worth every penny if you enjoy traveling, food, photography and well of course the wonderful Alton Brown.

Ive been a very bad blogger lately. I have all sorts of reasons - but instead of giving you those, Im going to share with you what my “come-back” is all about. I love how my friend Brandi lists something good that happens everyday and posts it the beginning of a month looking back on the last. My other friend Kendra told me that her husband and her looks back on their days and pick their favorite moment of the day. I love both of these ideas a lot. Here is my own version of that - some of my favorite things and people that recently have been deemed “my favorite” as of late. Number one is…

Pirate’s Booty. I know Ive already lost you some of you. Unless you are into pirates which surprises me how many people out there are actually into pirates. This is the only degree of pirate you’ll find in my life. These tasty morals that make up a bag of Pirate’s Booty are basically a very light weight popcorn covered in this tasty, almost Parmesan cheese but better powder. Trader Joe’s is this delightful grocery store that sadly the nearest one to me is over an hour away. But in my homeland of California they were everywhere. And my mom couldnt keep Pirate’s Booty in the house when we all lived in home. When I was in Ohio this past summer we had a “Kroger Run” (which means we let 180 high school kids run wild in a Kroger) and low and behold not only did they have Pirate’s Booty but it was on sale! So Im currently enjoying a bag of Pirate’s Booty that came all the way from Findlay, Ohio.

Friday I worked in the AM at the church - got a lot done since the day before I was at the zoo with 30 high schoolers for a fun day. And it was fun! Look at photos on flickr of that. Friday afternoon Gayla and I took our sessions passes to the local water park and spent the afternoon catching up. She had been away at Cornerstone then a death in the family took her to TN the week I came home from Project Serve. We had a lot of catching up and she listening to my talk.

Saturday was the first day in over two weeks I got to sleep in late. 11am! I felt like my day was half gone getting up at that hour. I really didnt do much. Bummed around my friends house whom I am house sitting for. Did a little bit of laundry, worked on my talk for Sunday and walked the dog. At 9pm, with my friends Olivia and Kathryn, we went to visit our friend Justin at the fire station where he works then headed to the airport to welcome the Trinidad team home. They’re flight that was to come in at 10pm actually cam in at 11pm. Long travels for them, so glad they are home.

Sunday was slammed packed. I went from church, which was about simplicity, straight to a bridal portrait session (stay tunned for photos) with Emily to the Core. I ate a handful of grapes all day becasue I became so nervous about speaking at the Core. I shared the story of my birthmark - one that Ive been wanting to share with youth for a very long time. After 7 years with middle school, I found my audience - high schoolers. I had a strong circle of support before my talk - during I was a little shaky at first, but felt alright during it, felt pretty much like a blur. Then at the end Jason surprised me by stepping out from his secret place where he’d been listening the whole time.

photo by Emily Freeman

It was a pretty good weekend.

I posted some photos on flickr of Project Serve. I wrote a little bit under each photo to tell a little bit about the trip. Enjoy.

…in this non-blogging that is happening here. I know I said Id blog about Project Serve with photos. Well my photos are all a mess and I havnt gotten to pick which ones to use yet. Im working on it. But my “free time” which is Saturday will be spent second shooting a wedding, so it maybe delayed even more. I have something to share in the mean time - Sixspence None the Richer is back with a new cd. Thank you Nate for this tip. Im excited.

Did I mention I was going to Ohio for 9 days? I probably didnt since I havnt been around my blog as much this Spring/Summer time - who KNEW that was crazy time for youth ministry. While I was busy, and was a litte annoyed with being so busy, I loved every moment I got with the students. And thats why I was in Ohio - I went with the youth I work with on their annual Project Serve trip which this year was to Findlay,Ohio to help with flood relief but to also just to serve the community of Findlay. I WILL blog more about that later - with I gather all of my photos together for some visual. Im better at telling/recalling stories when I have photos to go along with them. But for now, why dont you go check out some of my favorite people who were on the news yesterday talking about our trip. This is the fourth press we have gotten! Its crazy how much we have been in the media over this trip. You can also check out the blog we had while in Findlay at www.calmthewaters.wordpress.com . Has a few dailys (two more still to post) that my team created - you can get a glimpse of our time there until I blog again.

The other day at work my coworker and I found something in common - we both liked the song that was playing in the store. This is small I know, but I really dont have much in common with her. Our work styles are completely different. She gets offend really easy and sometimes I simply dont know what to do when I work with her. So when we made a connection of liking music (it was a song off of Jason Mraz’s new album) I felt like there a little bit of hope for us. Not that Im wanting this deep relationship with her, but 5:14 is based on Galatians 5:14 which is about loving our neighbors. Where I live, I dont really have typical neighbors - I have business. My ‘neighbors’ in my life is the communities I find myself in, one of them being my coworkers. When this coworker said she is wanting new music and liked (so it seemed) the same type of music I offered to make her a mix CD. She seemed very greatful for the offer, so I made it a point to put it together before I leave next week for Ohio. Not that I listen to a lot of Christian music these days, but I find it interesting that I really didnt add a lot of Christian music to this mix. I wasn’t avoiding it, but Im also not trying to had her a track in the form of a CD. I just want to share with her a little bit of my life which I think this CD reflects, if not my little sound bites of my connections on her play list I wrote up for her. I think opening myself up a little more than I normally do will hopefully show love to her.

1: Behind Your Eyes – Jon Foreman
Jon is the front-man for the band Switchfoot (who you may or may not have heard of) who released four EPs (one for each season, which I find amusing since hes from San Diego like myself, and we do not have seasons there) this past year of his music away from the band. Switchfoot’s music is much more rock, where as his EPs are simple yet amazing singer songwriter style songs. This is one of my favorites.

2: 100 Miles to Charlston – Martha’s Trouble
When I moved from California to North Carolina two years ago this month, my friends Mike and Kari made me a three-disc road trip mix. This is one of the songs Kari picked out for me. I really like Martha’s Trouble music, but this song is where I started.

3: Please Forgive Me – David Grey
David Grey has been a long time favorite of Jason’s. He put this song on a mix CD for me when we first started dating. I have grown to really enjoy David Grey’s music a lot over the past year.

4: Rangers – A Fine Frenzy
We actually play (or did play) this song at Starbucks. She was even a free pick of the week at one point. When I got this CD I wore it out. I really love her voice and music. This is probably my most listened to song of hers.

5: New Life – Todd Martin
I went to see Peter Bradly Adams (who you will met later on this CD) and Todd opened for him. I really enjoyed his personality on stage and bought his CD, even exchanged a few emails with him. Its singer songwriter type stuff again, but a little more pop than normal.

6: Scythian Empires – Andrew Bird
Andrew Bird is another guy who Jason really likes who I have gotten into because of how much he listens to his stuff. Andrew likes to whistle a lot in his songs, I like that little touch he adds to his music that’s different than what is out there.

7: Falling Slowly – Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova
I had a really hard time picking which song of theirs to share with you. If you have not seen the movie Once, go right now and rent it. It’s a wonderful movie staring these two people. This song was written for the movie, and it won an Oscar! Jason and I traveled to Richmond just to see them live and it was so worth it. Their music is just amazing.

8: Everything But You – Glen Phillips
Back in the 90s there was a band called Toad the Wet Sprocket who Glen was the front-man for. Apparently they are back together now, but I haven’t heard any music from them yet. Glen between now and then made a little solo career. He’s a very honest song writer.

9: How Lucky We are – Meiko
This past Christmas went I went to California a friend of mine got married. She played this little song at her reception and I’ve loved it ever since.

10: High and Dry – Jamie Cullum
Yet another guy Jason turned me on to. Actually, the day that Jason and I met Jamie Cullum’s CD was the soundtrack to our day as we drove around getting to know each other. This is a wonderful cover of a Radiohead’s song.

11: Tomorrow is a Long time - Nickel Creek
Nickel Creek is a great bluegrass band that you should buy every single one of their albums if you don’t already own them. I maybe love them a little more than most fans because they are from my hometown in California. This is a Bob Dylan cover and I just adore. I usually love Bob Dylan covers more than his originals… I just cant get past his voice. His words on the other hand I could listen to all day long.

12: Chinese Translations – M. Ward
I have to give full credit to my friend Mike for his guy. For his birthday Mike went to see M. Ward live, and I only knowing a few of his songs went along. Seeing M.Ward live put me over the edge and I have been a fan ever since. This is probably his “hit” song.

13: Rowing Song – Patty Griffin
When I lived in Alabama my roommate got me into this wonderful lady who writes mostly sad songs. Sometimes sad songs are just needed and Patty writes beautiful lyrics and her music is pretty. She’s a little bitter at men you could say.

14: Unreconciled - Peter Bradly Adams
He used to be apart of a duo called eastmountainsouth who sadly is no longer. They put out one amazing record that I still listen to a lot. He now does music on his own, this is from his first offering.

15: Plenty – Sandra McCracken
Probably my most favorite singer/song writer is Sandra. I personally think she is better live than in her recordings, even if its just her and her guitar (and her husband has done backup too). She just writes songs that make you think since they don’t always give away what they are all about. This song is pretty clear on its purpose, but just moving. This song is not about her husband – it was written before she met him.

16: Out of My League - Stephen Speaks
I listened to this band a lot in my early twenties – they write a lot of sweet songs about girls. This is one of my favorites; I’m a sucker for a sweet song with a strong piano melody. My dad has out listened me on this song – he and I like a lot of the same type of music.

17: Stars Go Blue – Ryan Adams
My friend Scott is a huge Ryan Adams fan. Actually a good handful of my friends like Ryan Adams a lot, but I’m pretty sure Scott got me listening to him first. Ryan Adams is one crazy guy but he writes some pretty great music. This is one is prettier songs. He can be very rock and roll

18: When the Leaves Turn Green – Songs of Water
I had to put on one of Jason’s bands songs on here. Just couldn’t help myself! This song is one my favorites – its just so pretty. Jason plays the guitar on this song.

Number of Graduation ceremony’s attended: 3

Average time of a graduation ceremony: 2 hours

Number of kids I saw graduate: over 1,000

Number of kids I actually knew: 22

Number of places we had to go for the graduations: 1

Amount of speeches I got to heard: 9

Number of Freeman’s John cheered for that he didnt know: 1

Amount of graduations John went to: 6

Emails replied to during graduations: 11

Number of different skirts worn: 3

Different colors of robes: 2

Number of Graduation parties I was invited to: 7

Number of Graduation parties attended: 4

Amount of veggie plates I ate: couple of pounds

How many times I was proud of these kids: a billion

My birthday is 18 days after Christmas. Thankfully I have family and friends who understand that joint presents are not okay. This means though that my receiving of gifts is pretty limited to the Winter time. I start getting itchy for gifts around Summer and the Amazon wish list gets updated a lot around this time. And to be totally honest, I love giving gifts more than getting them. I really do, as much I do love me some presents, Id take giving one over receiving one any day. But… then I discover this:

The Office DVD Board Game

or

The Office Trivia Game

Its two of my favorites - The Office and board game. TOGETHER! This might be one of those days where Id like to give a gift rather than get one.

There is a Dunkin’ Donuts being built walking distance from my house. That, ladies and gentleman is very dangerous. Its not as though I am a huge Dunkin’ Donuts fan by any means. I think Ive been to one maybe a handful of times in my whole life, probably less. Im more of a Krispy Kreme girl myself - when that pretty red sign is on, its takes great strength to keep driving by. A lot of times the hot and now just call my name so loudly that I cant help but to listen. My love for Krispy Kreme has dampened a bit when I once was like a moth to a flame when I saw the “Hot Donuts Now” sign on. I ordered “One hot donut now please!” (yes just like that) and when I received my donut it was not hot or now. It was a very, very sad day. But needless to say, I like donuts. My tolerance for sugar doesn’t allow me to have more than say two in one sitting, but even two too often is not good. Cake donuts, like the ones at Dunkin’ Donuts are quite tasty. I can see myself now, convincing myself “Well if I walk to Dunkin’ Donuts and back, when Im totally burning the calories Id eat from a yummy sprinkled donut.” I can make anything healthy, even donuts! Oh yeah, this can not be good.

I was at the used bookstore in town the other day and found the greatest hits album for the band PFR. I wouldnt have called myself a huge fan, but two CDs I did had of them, I played out. So much in fact that when I put the CD in my car this morning for my ride to work I sang along as if I listened to these songs yesterday. I laughed out loud at the fact I still could sing these songs word for word, even if has been ten years since I sang them last.

For a long time (and maybe still have in a box somewhere in my parents garage) I had a interview with one of the guys in PFR who is married to Leigh Nash. I believe I tore this interview page out of the magazine called 8 Ball? Maybe? Anyways it was this awesome music magazine. I distinctively remember a photo of the PFR guy and Leigh Nash - they were newly married and she was ether just starting Sixpence or just before that. Ether way, it was pre-dark eyeliner days for Leigh. She wore overalls in these photos - as was I when I read the interview probably.

This CD is worth every penny of the $2 bucks that I paid for it.

Thinking we still would get in the middle of the opener, we were just happy to know we wouldnt be missing the main reason we came to Richmond. Once we got there, there were a lot of people coming in at the same time as us. Did we read the ticket wrong? We walked in and the opener wasnt even on stage. The concert had been pushed back half an hour and we were delighted. What we were delighted about was that it was a standing show. Jason is a foot taller than me, and Im short - finding a place where both of us could see was a hard task. We walked around, stopped, got pushed around, moved again, got pushed some more and I told Jason we have to go up stairs, this was just not okay. Upstairs was a large balcony, good for a short gal like myself. We found this spot that was center stage and so I went to get us some drinks. When I came back with the New Castle and Coke (I’ll let you guess who got what) there was a girl in my spot. I give Jason a look in which he says “Shes new.” Yeah shes new and in my spot! What the heck! She was my height in heels and the guy with her was Jason’s height. I was a bit annoyed so when he left to get them drinks, I snuck into his spot. Problemed solved! When he came back though, he tried to get back to his spot. No way buddy, this is mine! The gal, who I have named “Jane”, said to me “How about you and I stand next to each other and the guys stand behind us. Can we all see that way?” I could of not been more surprised or thrilled with Jane; she was a gift from God. After I said “Why cant every concert goer by like you!” We exchanged pleasantries as we waited for Glen and Marketa to come on. Once they did, was just so surreal. Just couldnt believe they were actually on the stage in front of me singing these songs I adore. Apparently the couple to the left of me felt the same and sang the song they just sung between the talking and story telling. That is one of my favorite parts of a concert, hearing the stories behind a song I have grown to love. So, when this dude keep singing the song once it was done I was really annoyed. Why cant every concert goer be as awesome as Jane and “David” (thats what I call her guy). I can tell you all about the worries the couple to the left of me were having about his parents being there and not liking the show and what should they do, because they talked about it ALL NIGHT. You do not go to concerts to talk the whole come, you come to listen. Do you know what else you dont do at concerts? Pay good money then drink so much that you are a loud drunk that even Glen wants you to shut up! And when he does ask you to shut up, really, you are going to give him the middle finger? Wow. Thanks for that to stick with them about Americans.

Besides the horrible concert goers, which I could get on a real soap box about, the concert was so wonderful. Marketa had a cold, so she wasnt on the stage the whole night. At the start of the show they gave each other a kiss that was so sweet to see. Jason said it well, we waited and wanted durning the movie for them to kiss, so was almost seeing the happy ending we had really wished for. They played all but one song that I hope they would play. “Fallen from the Sky” is a bit too electronic for the softer sound they were playing. Glen even played “Hoover Sucker Guy” as a request from the crowd, after he said “Its the two second song that gets requested instead of the ones that were labored over for years.” He talked about their night winning an Academy Award, how unreal it is even now all that has happened. He told the stories behind them and Marketa played a new song. At one point Glen was wondering if the bar served Guinness since he hadnt had one in the states yet. An Irish voice shouted from the crowd “Dont do it!” Besides the drunk fans, the crowd was pretty great, singing along to the songs when Glen asked us too. It was sad to see the night end, but it was worth even the late drive home that got us back into town at 3am.

Friday, I took the day off from both jobs to take a day trip up to Virginia with Jason. The Swell Season, which is of course is, Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova, who where in a great little Irish filmed called Once. I will keep my love for this movie and these two people to as minimal as possible. But I did drive to another state to see them live after-all, so maybe my love has already been shown. Yes, they did have a show in North Carolina but those tickets were sold out before I even knew of their US tour. After we decided to make the trip, Jason and I figured, why not make a day of driving all that way? Since the show wasn’t till night we wanted to go visit one of our favorite places: IKEA. We both love IKEA a lot, though our love is different in Jason has always had these big ideas and dream of IKEA from a catalog and never been to one till he visited me in California. Where I have two with in an hour of me. I, the girl who moved around a lot growing up, has memories of playing the kid center at IKEA and enjoying Swedish meatballs with my family, sort of love for IKEA. Last time we went to IKEA it was in the way of DC, this time we traveled through the city of Richmond,Va (where we later travel back to for the show). As we drove through part of me wanted to skip IKEA and explore Richmond.

We arrived at IKEA and got rock-star parking then went straight to get some Swedish meatballs. Jason has never really eaten at IKEA like I did growing up, he just enjoyed greatly their cheap frozen yogurt when we were in DC last. I hadnt had the Swedish meatballs in years and years so it was a fun treat to share with him. Maybe one day we will be close enough to IKEA to get the 99 cent breakfast that they offer. Last time we were in IKEA is was on a Sunday and it was packed full of people. How great it was to go on a Friday, no crowds at all! We took our time looking at the fake rooms and wishing we could take them back to North Carolina in Gwen’s small frame. The plan was to get me a new bookcase since I have out grown my current tall one. That was a success along with some bigger pots for my little herbs that are growing and odds and ends that we just couldn’t live without. Jason’s good friend Graham came by to see us for a bit while we were in his neck of the woods. We sat in couches near the exit just chatting and eating frozen yogurt with out charts beside us. It was a lovely, but quick time with Graham who warned us of the 95’s rush hour traffic so we left sooner than planned to make it to the show on time.

Along side of the 95 (yes, I refuse to give up the southern Californian in me that says “the 95″ instead of “I-95″) runs highway one, Graham told us as a tip in case the world stops moving because of traffic. We figured we could get in the car pool lane (which our here its called HOV lane. I find that amusing.) and be fine. We never could figure out how to get onto the HOV lane and it ended shortly after we entered the parking lot of a highway. We went 5 miles in about 30 minutes. Realizing we were going to be late to the show if something didnt happen we deiced to try highway 1. Again, I wish we didnt have other plans because I wanted to explore the little towns that we drove though. Yall, we drove by the birth place of Robert E. Lee! And dont even get me started on how many 7-11s that we pasted even though I really was wanting a slurppe. Slushys at Target are just not the same as a real 7-11 slurpee and for some reason North Carolina and 7-11 dont get along because there are none here. We were worried at one point we were going to be really late for the show and miss the first part. We were relived to discover that there was an opener and that when we ventured back over the 95 it was normal speeds.

Next you’ll discover that we did have time to stop for a slurpee…