Her(s)

So, I was reading Jessica's post and it made me think of all of the wonderful girlfriends I have in my life. The hardest thing over the past year since I moved has been finding good girlfriends. Don't get me wrong, the ones I have met are very nice but none have come close to the ones who live far away. You know, the ones I call when I am having a sad day or a rough day of work. The ones I call on my drive home just because I know they are still at work/school and have(or make) time to talk to me. The ones I talk to when I have boy troubles or need advice. The ones that send me valentines cards and silly stickers and candy. The ones who saw me through big hair in high school and allowed me to live at their home throughout childhood. The ones who were my first friends in Chicago. The ones with whom I yearn to live near to have a glass of wine or a martini (or 3). The ones who flew 800 miles to move me into my first home. The ones I didn't expect to like in college. These are the kinds of girlfriends I want around me. These are the kinds of girlfriends who help make my life complete. So, instead of feeling sad about having very few of them near me, I am going to thank my lucky stars that they are still in my life. And even though we talk less often, I know they are there to pick me up/kick me in the butt/or give me lots of love when I need it. So thank you.

Can't always believe

So, I like to think that I have an independent streak and I do not necessarily have to follow the masses but lets face it, new developments happen that everyone wants to try every now and again. This year at the State Fair it was chocolate covered bacon. When Michael and I went, we refrained choosing to dine on other scrumptious things like deep fried Reese's. My high school friend Chad and I decided to take a risk. When the two of us go to the fair it is strictly to gorge ourselves on fried goodness that neither of us need. We figure, its once a year so what the hell?! Well, our first stop was the Chocolate Covered Bacon stand. We paid and were handed two bacon strips on a stick, covered in chocolate. It actually didn't' look too bad. In my mind I figured, salty and sweet, not a bad combination.

BIG MISTAKE!

Although the bacon looked crispy and yummy, it was not. Once I bit through the chocolate I was eating a piece of cold chewy bacon. Not good! I took one bite, looked at Chad in defeat and said....I can't do it! I'm not sure if it was the mixture of textures, cold bacon or what, but it was gross.

Lesson learned: millions of people can be wrong.

It's Official.....

...I'm a Tar Heel Fan!!

On Friday night, I attended my first "Late Night with Roy."  Michael, Shelia (my coworker) and I enjoyed hours of entertainment at the Dean Dome. Upon entering the dome, everyone was provided a light up Pompom so when the lights went out, it looked like tons of twinkling stars all around the dome.   We watched the UNC Women's' Volleyball team beat Duke followed by a showcase of the Women's basketball team.  They did some funny dance skits and a ten minute scrimmage against each other.  It was funny but the highlight of the evening was yet to come.  

                  

The coaches and the 2009/20010 men's team were announced and out they ran to the roar of the crowd.  They also did some very funny dance skits including one where they spoofed Coach Roy's Rock Band Commercial from last year.

The team performed dance routines from each decade they have won a championship.  The pictures below are from the 50's and all the guys were dressed up as Elvis.

Amidst the skits, they had different video footage.  They had outtakes of the players saying where they were from which was hilarious.  The freshmen did a video spoof of Tyler Hansbrough's AT&T commercial but instead of Tyler at the end finding a little girl's puppy, it was John Henson (complete with two pig tails) finding the NCAA trophy sitting on a porch with Travis and David Wear.  It was too funny!!

The night was a blast and we capped it off by heading to Bailey's for some late night eats and drinks where we were excited to see the Wears and their parents dining too.  They are SO tall but look so young.   Can't wait to see what they can do!!! 

On Saturday, Michael and I headed to the State Fair for some fried goodness and quality people watching.  I had some deep fried Reeses Cups and Michael had some chocolate covered cheesecake on a stick.  We watched some truck pulls, juggling acts and I even dragged Michael through the arts and crafts building.  We couldn't leave without seeing this years LARGEST pumpkin.  

There was one sad part of the fair...we walked over to the livestock area where they had the Grand Champions of various categories.   The Grand Champion Meat Goat was missing from his cage which led me to believe that they actually taste the meat to determine the winner.   Congrats and goodbye little goat.

Meatloaf, pumpkins and Waffle House...Oh my!

Jake and Brian in the Butterfly garden at UNC Hospital

What a wonderful weekend it was!!

I was lucky enough to have Deb, Brian and Jake in town this weekend. Deb came into town on Friday where we partook (is that a word) in an old Friday night ritual, Girls Night In. We caught up on the weeks' TV shows (thank you DVR) and had some takeout for dinner. It was lovely and made me a bit nostalgic for my former roomies.

Saturday I did my part for the Red Cross and donated platelets...ouch times two!! They took blood out of my right arm which traveled to a machine that took my platelets and then my blood was returned in my left arm. It took about 3 hours from start to finish partly because the vein in my right arm went left when the needle went right. It was difficult stick which resulted in the nurse having to readjust it every 10 minutes. I survived, met up with Michael and the kids for 9 and later dined with Jake's Aunt Diana and Uncle Joe (along with Deb, Brian and Jake) on yummy homemade meatloaf and potatoes.

Sunday, Deb and I went for a run (haven't done that in two months...ouch!) and met up with the boys for Waffle House breakfast...YUM! I spent the afternoon carving pumpkins with Michael and the kids and of course, roasting pumpkin seeds. Michael and I met up with Jake and Brian for sushi dinner. After beer, sake and 3 bottles of wine, I was ready to call it a night. Needless to say, toothpicks were needed this morning to prop my eyes open!

Christian and Daniel...showing off their pumpkins and goofiness!!

The witch and the Tarheel...I'm referring to the pumpkins!

Our 6 monthiversary !

6 months ago, Michael and I met for a drink at a local pub and have been dating ever since. I have not been a serial dater so all these little milestones are still fun and exciting...especially when they involve chocolate and roses.

I arrived at his house to find a beautiful card, a LARGE gift bag of chocolate (Reeses pieces and reeses dark...my new favorite) as well a a dozen roses.

Of course I cried because it was a big surprise...I know, I am such a dork. We quickly headed to an area of Raleigh called Five Points. We dined a a great local place called The Point. We both ate some yummy fish and I had cheese grits for the first time. I am a bit of a consistency eater, so I wasn't sure how the grits would go over (I cannot do runny oatmeal!) but I really liked them!

Me and my first grit :)

Us after a large meal AND dessert!!

After dinner and dessert (Tiramisu) we headed to Ben's place for a couple of drinks. It was a very fun night and I can't wait for the next milestone to arrive :)