Sunday, November 30, 2008

Ridiculous...

So I was right about the Boy. This Thanksgiving will be significant in years to come...I can tell :)

I ended up packing an overnight bag and joining him on a photography road trip across NC. Yes, that's right. Nags Head, NC to Stone Mountain, NC.

Started out in Cary, NC and drove in the late Friday afternoon to Nags Head. Arrived around dinner time and began looking for a place to fill our tummies. Mulligan's, it was. We each had almond-encrusted Rockfish, mashed sweet potatoes, and cute little hushpuppies. I had just had Thanksgiving dinner and seafood extravaganza with my family but the seafood was a treat for the Boy. Oh, one thing we realized over dinner...Boy had forgotten his whole backpack of clothes. Yep, sitting right here on his bed in Cary. No bueno. So, we ventured to Kitty Hawk Sports and Surf Shop where he got this Patagonia fleece -- in the color North Sea -- and it looks great with his blue eyes. He figured he could manage the rest of the weekend without the rest of his clothes but warmth is a necessity.

The plan was to originally camp in the back of the Yukon...but our mothers were not keen on this idea. So we ventured out to the Clarion Hotel and booked a little room for the night.

And to the moooooovies we go to see Nicole Kidman in Australia. I completely recommend this movie. It was a lovely blend of romance, action, passion, and comedy. Plus, little Nullah was the cutest little boy. We were both captivated throughout the entire movie and my favorite aspect was how the film included references to the Wizard of Oz and one of my favorite songs, Somewhere Over the Rainbow :)

We, then headed off to the Harry Teet for the necessities (that was still on his bed in Cary) for the Boy -- toothbrush, toothpaste, and deodorant. This chica was completely exhausted at this point and needed rest. Going back to the Clarion, we bunkered down for bed, waiting for the sun to rise.

Boy has to capture sunrise shots of this part of North Carolina so we got up at 5:45am, with his back hurting tremendously, and in his words he was in a "terrible way". (Still aren't sure at this point what is going on with his back but I say "doctor" soon) We headed for Oregon Inlet where he took some great beach shots and of the Bodie Island lighthouse. Then, we drove back towards Nags Head and we went on Jockey's Ridge where the sand won the adventure. We were c-o-v-e-r-e-d. And everyone in unison say: BRRR. For some more photos, we drove a little ways down Hwy 12 to Kitty Hawk and he took a few shots of the Memorial to the Wright Brothers.

And then the big jaunt begins for the other side of North Carolina. Lots of music. Lots of having to stop for the bathroom (my fault...I'm not a camel by any means...). Lots of conversation and laughs. Stops for gas (it's getting cheaper!) and lunch. And then the rain begins. Rain!? what?! in the mountains?! no way. yes way. It always rains there.

Not to mention that this gal got carsick (that never happens) and I finally get out at Stone Mountain State Park and the fresh air was amazing. I immediately felt better (like magic) and the rain slacked off as well. He took pictures of this neat waterfall that was about .6 miles down the trail. Then, we headed toward the Blue Ridge Parkway but we stopped in awe of the deer that were in the Park. At one point, I counted 12 deer just munching away in a field. Boy then shoots amazing pictures...it was like we were at a petting zoo. We then saw two bucks after a doe -- never in my life have I seen something like that in real life! Racing against the rain, Boy finally finds the overlook he wants to photograph and we begin our journey home.

Please keep in mind that the Service Engine Soon light keeps flashing to no end that should be considered in this tale. We stopped in Yadkinville (apparently, there, they say it in only two syllables...I still can't get that one) and talked to the Advanced Auto man named Chan. He and the Boy diagnose the truck and everything is fine. We put some magical seafoam in the fuel tank and everyone is happy, including the Yukon. Boy gets high-quality recommendation from Chan to go to Taste of Italy for dinnnnner. I was suspicious but hungry and ready to eat :) Food was yummy, service was quick, and we had lots of leftovers.

At this point, the rain is coming down pretty hard but we still had a ball on the way home. I keep my eyelids open and we just talked and laughed a lot...Boy told me lots of stories about his fraternity, growing up, and all the crazy times he has had in college. We realized we had been in the same room, restaurants, conferences, multiple times before but never knew it. Crazy huh? Small world. Arriving back in Cary around 9pm, we said our goodbyes and he headed off to Chapel Hill. Yes, that's right...he is a Carolina boy. eek! I will be seeing this fellow again tonight...it's time to cram our quality time in before his finals and my projects begin to pile up. OH wait, they've already piled.

I love road trips. His photography may follow soon. That's all.

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Did not see this coming...

There's a boy :) with lots of potential.
That's right...Southern Sunshine is smitten.

Excuse the lack of posts...life has been cRaZy. Hopefully, I will get creative/have time to breathe over Turkey Break.

Leave love!






Photobucket

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Let it Snow?

Seriously, it's November 18th...in NC...and it's snowing?

Please picture me and Tina monitoring our kindergarteners as they are quietly writing in their journals...and bless his heart, "C" raises his hand and exclaims that it's snowing! I respond with "Noooo it's not...."...only to look outside and see a freaking blizzard.
I did get the children time to "ooo" and "ahh" near the windows. And then back to their seats to finish their lovely journals. I'm hardcore. ha ha. 10 minutes later and the sun is shining...but it's still BELOW 30 degrees. so cold. nuts!

I'm not fit for this weather.

I need warmth. The beach. The sand. That's all.

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Watson arrives...

It's my senior year in college and I came to the realization that my best friend, whom I refer to as Watson, has only visited NC State/Raleigh area a few times...(she goes to Virginia Tech)

So I convinced her come for a spontaneous trip last Thursday and Friday. We had a great time together...full of fun and introducing her to my life in Raleigh.
Here she is serenading us at the bar:


She is loads of fun, can't you tell??

Her reaction to our house was so sweet -- she giggled and swooned! And of course, I was super excited to show her my room. She fell in love, sprawling herself on my seersucker bed and monogrammed pillows :)

Friday evening we enjoyed amazing salads at Cafe Carolina...I had to bring her there considering that's where I spend...well...a lot of my time :) (studying, playing with friends, eating, reading all YOUR blogs!)

Look at the goodness:


{Image from Cafe Carolina & Bakery}

I made sure to eat ALL the strawberries :)
Just wanted to make sure you all knew about this beautiful place in the Carolinas. There are a few scattered throughout NC but my favorite, by far, is here in Raleigh at Cameron Village.

Saturday, November 15, 2008

One more thing...

Just a note to say that I love my roommates. I'm so blessed to have these ladies in my life every day...and I love their fashion sense. classic. full of sass. and sexy in a simple way.



We love watching John and Kate Plus 8, Say Yes to the Dress and Grey's together. And now that it's getting colder in NC, we are ready to enjoy our favorite movies with a cozy fire in our living room :) Not to mention they've helped me learn a few things in the kitchen...

Our fourth roommate is on the Meredith College soccer team (Go Angels!) so we are ready for her to season to end so we can all hang out more...

I'm going to miss them next year! eek!


EDIT: So I guess I should have re-read this post before putting it out there for you all to see...Our fourth roommate goes to Meredith...and the rest of us go to NC State. Go Pack! Sorry if that confused you all!


Photobucket

yummy.


So my bestest visits this Thursday and Friday from VT and surprises us with Carol Lee doughnuts from Blacksburg, VA.

Attention: these are the BEST doughnuts I've ever had...a taste of heaven. seriously.
The quaint little shop is nestled near downtown Blacksburg and everyone should experience this goodness at least once in their lifetime :)
Carol Lee Doughnut Shop. go!







Photobucket

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Father of the Bride

So I was intrigued after seeing this post by Tickled Pink and Green and found this:

It's freaking hilarious and super sweet. Be sure to watch until the end :)






Photobucket

Saturday, November 8, 2008

Being Honest

So I'll be the first one to admit that I don't like the cold weather...BUT I love the colors of fall. There is something about the richness and diversity of the colors that makes me smile. It is a beautiful reminder of how precious God's creation is. Honestly, I'd rather be taking pictures of the beach...but it's fun to enjoy these lovely colors here in Raleigh :)

enjoy!


{view from my front yard}


{view from the backyard}





Photobucket

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Key Lime Pie

Two things...

Key lime pie makes me smile.

and so does this Pembridge-dot Camille dress from J. Crew. Color...Key Lime :)

Winter, spring, and summer dress?? Paired with appropriate accessories of course...

And these ivory shoes would be perfect. Added to the wish list.

Thank you, J. Crew.

I'm obsessed

I love everything classic about a monogram. I read this post on With This Ring and I immediately grew to adore these monogrammed labels...


What do you all think?

I'm heading off to order them here on etsy A.S.A.P. which could be a while considering the idea that Daddy suggest I learn how to live on a budget. boo. I'm trying to be more of a grown up?

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

non-political...

I'm not going to say anything tonight about the election.

BUT onto something fun:

Seven Strange Things About Me:

1) I love Circus Peanuts. I know...it's weird.

2) When I brush my teeth, I can't keep my eyes open...I have to close them to concentrate on my pearly whites :)

3) I like to keep my closet color-coded.

4) Rarely do I leave my room without all the seersucker pillows arranged nicely on my bed.

5) I always have a coozie in my handbag.

6) I have one those nice garden tubs in my house...and I've used it twice in the last two years.

7) When I run outside, I never run with my iPod. I like listening to the birds :)

Monday, November 3, 2008

Saying Thank You

Introducing y'all to the little boys that I babysit. Sweet children. Here Little Guy is playing with my tennis shoes. Funny how he could barely walk in them because they were so big. He was shuffling around like an old man :)


And there's Big Boy with part of his Halloween costume. He was a police officer, hence the handcuffs.


And to end this post, I'll let you all know why I love this family. Little Guy (21 months) said thank you to me after I changed his poopy diaper. He is so grateful...

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Heart Attack on a Stick?

My first collegiate North Carolina State Fair experience could not have been better (maybe a bit warmer...but I didn't whine!) ...

I love people watching and boy, was that a perfect place to do it. Along with people watching, I heard so many interesting things while standing in line for the fab fried food, rickety rides, and silly games of which I think I could never win a stuffed animal. One thing that I overheard when we were in line for fried pecan pie (my favorite of the evening) was "Dern, that pie looks like a heart attack on a stick"...

Oh, how I love living in the South...we fry everything. Take a gander at what we ate at the Fair:

fried Oreos.
fried Reese's.
fried macaroni and cheese.
fried pecan pie.
fried green tomatoes.

And ended the lovely night with fireworks :)


Can you tell from this picture that we're stuffed??