Decisions

I'm in a bit of a predicament. I have RSVP'd for J and I to attend a wedding this weekend. The wedding is for a friend, but not exactly a close friend. We were close in high school, drifted a bit, and reconnected through another friend.

She and her fiance did attend my wedding, but truthfully they weren't on the A list. I found out she was kind of expecting an invitation and since I could spare a few extra people, I sent her one. It's not that I didn't want her to come, but as I said we weren't super close. She is a lovely, lovely girl and we have a great time when we're together, but busy schedules and distance keep us from having much of a relationship.

And just to clear it up, she is having a desserts only reception. (Do you know where this is going yet?)

Um, Internet do you know that this Saturday the Tennessee Vols are playing in the SEC Championship in Georgia? Did you know that? Huh? Did you? I'm a loyal alumni of The University of Tennessee. My husband is a devout fan by association. I attended the SEC Championship the last time they went (in 2002). I know our dear friends Mr. and Mrs. O would like us to make it a roadtrip and we have friends in Atlanta who have welcomed us to stay.

So do I attend her wedding, her one day, the only day she'll ever get married (well, we hope). Again, only a desserts reception, not like we're cancelling on a sitdown dinner. Or do I do a little football and Trader Joe's? How can you go wrong with a weekend of SEC Championship and Two Buck Chuck?

Shamefully this is from the girl who is a bit anal rententive about RSVP's and the like. See, I'm not perfect darling readers. Just close, really, really close. (Kidding, don't roll your eyes at me.)

Blessed

I had a fabulous weekend and am very happy that leftovers should last us through this week and I'll not have to cook and clean. This is great because I have more than enough monogramming projects to keep me busy.

I had a fabulous birthday and was spoiled with all of the items on my wishlist (less the diamond earrings, as you can imagine) mostly from my darling husband (and the pooch of course). I'm blessed beyond measure to have wonderful a fabulous husband, a wonderful family, and the greatest of friends. There is nothing like feeling loved.

In addition, one of my sorority sisters had her baby girl on my birthday! How fun is that?

Oh, and UT is going to the SEC Championship--that is super exciting news for the football obsessed Southerners!

I have cash in hand for a new camera and I'm fairly certain I've decided on a Canon SD950 (for the fast shutter speed, 12.4 MPs, wide angle lens, and lithium battery). But ohmygoodness do you know how hard it is for me to make a decision? Especially an expensive decision? J has tried to order it three times and I can't seem to let him because I get all choked up about that kind of cash. Yes, I think it's worth it. But what if i drop it in the ocean and it's gone forever? Well, I guess I'm safe since I will not be at the ocean any time soon, but you get my point, right?

My photographer suggested the Canon SD800 as the best point and shoot camera so I was totally getting that one until I found the SD950 and thought I should just go for the gold since is it the SD800 and more. I should have never decided to do my own research and just ordered it to begin with. Any suggestions?

I hope you all had a fabulous and blessed weekend and are still waddling from all the turkey. Thanks so much for all the sweet friends who sent me birthday wishes, they were much appreciated.

Turkey? Yummmmm!

Here it is Wednesday already. My job has had me on location at one of our resorts for the past three days and I'm spent. The good news is I was out of the office. The bad news is I still have to do all of that work. But no one cares about work, right?

J and I had our last huh-rah of 2007 in Neyland Stadium on Saturday. It was a bit chilly, but we had a great time together. It was a rather interesting game. I say interesting because UT's MVP was the kicker for Vandy. Poor guy. I'm still in shock that Tennessee is one game away from going to the SEC Championship, what a crazy year it has been for the SEC. What? You don't care about football? Tsk! Tsk! In the words of the great Mrs. S, "There are some things of which you just don't mess with a Southern girl; Jesus, Jack, Football, Shopping, and Hair Dye." That's right, we Southern Belles love our Lord, our bourbon, our pigskin, our charge cards, and our peroxide, although I don't partake of the latter.

On Sunday J and I had an early Thanksgiving with some of my family. I learned my cousin can cook quite a bird and outght to invite us over more often. They don't live very far away but our busy schedules and their now-ten-month-old baby makes it hard to just get together on the fly.

The rest of this week is chocked full of festivities for me. Tonight will be a little pre-birthday wine and cheese celebration with some friends who are passing through town. Tomorrow will be a fabulous feast with the H's (Rev and his wife as you may remember). I'm making the green bean casserole, 2 pumpkin breads, 2 apple cinnamon coffee cakes, and a lemon poppyseed bundt cake. It will be the least of the items on the menu. Of course all of this will take place after the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, one of my favorite Thanksgiving Day traditions. In addition to Thanksgiving with the H's, this Saturday is Family Shopping Day.

J and I are attending Fantasy of Trees between now and Sunday. I've ordered our Christmas cards in hopes to get them out in time for the competition. (What? You didn't know about the competition? Well, I guess you won't be the winner then will you?) I'll put up decorations sometime this weekend, probably Sunday since it's my birthday and I love decorating for Christmas. Sunday will also be the day J cooks me a fabulous birthday dinner, just the two of us. Saturday night will be the birthday extravaganza at Green Hills Grille. Oh, and there will be shopping, plenty of shopping as I am The Bargainista!

I think that covers it. See y'all next week. Have a very blessed and Happy Thanksgiving. I hope you each have grateful hearts. Great. Full. Hearts!

Where they keep the babies?

J and I were visiting his grandmother's house a while ago and he and his dad wanted to go to the "old house" to look at a buffet his grandmother wanted him to have. I knew there was the current house, and across the street was the "little house" (a cute little cottage that his grandmother keeps all made up for guests and has allowed children/grandchildren to live in when necessary.) Apparently I had a lot to learn about the farm as there was also the new barn and the old barn.....

We go off-roading over the land with me and Mack hanging on for deal life. He stopped a few times for things he and his dad wanted to see. I was in a dress and sandals--not exactly attire for scouring the land. Finally we reach the "old house" which is a very (very!) old farmhouse his grandparents lived in and raised children in until the 70's. It's not been maintained but the buffet was inside as well as a couple other items (a mantle that J (and I) would greatly love). Apparently he couldn't get the buffet at the time because all sorts of critters and bugs live in there during the warmer weather (eek!).

There were a few other little buildings around the house and the inquistive little thing in me just had to ask. Keep in mind, I grew up on top of a mountain. We didn't have cows and farms and all that jazz.

Me: What's that? (pointing to a small building)
J: The spring house.
Me: What's that? (as if spring house cleared anything up for me.)
J Dad: It's built around the spring......
Me: Aha, that makes sense. (duh!) What's that? (pointing to another small building)
J: The crib.
Me: (thinking) The crib? (aghast and shocked): WHERE THEY KEEP THE BABIES?
J and J Dad: Roars of laughter.
J: No cupcake, where they kept the corn. You know, the corn crib.
Me: No obviously I didn't know and it's not that funny.
J and J Dad continues fits of laughter.
Me: Hey, "Corn don't grow at all on Rocky Top!" I'm a mountain girl. I had no idea.
J and J Dad continues fits of laughter.
Me: I'm not amused!

Further Proof/Incrimination

The jury is still out on The Great Dish Debacle although it appears that Buffalo China may be the front runner. However the issue has been pushed aside for time being as it's time to enjoy these:

My snowmen winter dishes! Yes, I'm dish whore and I'm not ashamed. I've collected these for a few years and I do believe I've neared completion. I chose the snowmen dishes rather than Christmas Trees, etc. because I can use them from November to Feburary as "winter" dishes. Besides, I actually do a lot of Christmas decorating in blue (odd I know and I'm not Jewish, well obviously since I just talked about celebrating Christmas). So here they are, the winter dishes. I love the mix and match of the plaid, snowflakes, and snowmen. There are four different snowmen designs too, isn't that fun? And also mugs with the snowmen (not pictured).

So I'm officially inviting you (the whole Internet) over for a Christmas Cocktail soiree. Between the Christmas dishes and the china, I believe we have ourselves a party!

Add Actor to his Resume

My pweshus weshus poochie woochie is a star! He was featured on a news video at his Pooch Prep Academy last night. He's the pooch the call "sheepish." Actually he's only "sheepish" around those other dogs because he thinks he's human and simply doesn't care for canines. We may have more work to do at Pooch Prep, yes?

Sadly, there was a young lady (21 years old) who was recently killed by pit bulls and it has raised quite the commotion (as it should) here in My Town. The local NBC affiliate filmed some footage and interviewed his instructor as part of this story.

Also, that is my handsome husband's feet you see there in the video (head to The Bargainista this week where I've talked about his vest). I was off (enjoying wine and cheese) at a Junior League meeting last night so don't be squinting for cute pink shoes, I'm not there.

Also--be a responsible pet owner and get basic obedience and manners for your pooch. Even sweet pups can react hostile in situations. It's important that as a pet owner you learn how to interact and react to your animal(s). For example most people don't know that you should not punish a dog for growling. Growling is a warning and punishing the dog means he will not give a warning before reacting (biting?) in the future. Well, that's my PSA for the day: be a responsible pet owner and invest in manners and obedience for you animal(s).

Now if you'll excuse me I'm off to field requests for Pooch to be the next Benji. Oh the life of a human of a star!

(Also, if anyone knows how to capture the video to place in the blog screen, let me know. I think it's protected though.)

Sinful and Delightful

I made the best desssert for our guests this weekend. It can only be described as sinful and delightful all at the same time.

The PB Brownie Volcano was a big hit. And it included two of my favorite food groups: peanut butter and brownies. I have a special dome pan that leaves a hollow center for stuffing. The dome and base was regular old brownies and the center loaded with a peanut butter mixture much like a Reese's Cup or pinwheel candy. Then, oh then, there was chocolate icing over the entire thing. In the words of the fabulous Rachel Ray--"YUM-O!"

I'm not one of those wimpy people who think anything can be too sweet, too rich, or too much. That simply doesn't exist to me. However, this delighfully sinful dessert may do that for the commoners who don't view brownies and peanut butter as their own seperate food groups.

Even without this special pan, I think you could make this delightful dessert by creating it layered-cake style.

What you need:
2 boxes of brownies (I used decadent chocoate Duncan Hines I think)
Ingredients for preparing brownies
1 cup peanut butter
1 cup powdered sugar
1 block cream cheese softened
1 can chocolate frosting

Prepare brownies as directed and bake in two matching pans (9x13, 9x9, etc) or bake half at a time.
Mix peanut butter, cream cheese, and powdered sugar.
Smooth peanut butter mixture over one pan layer of brownies and top with layer two.
Add chocolate frosting.
Wipe chocolate frosting from mouth (you know you're eating some).
Sprinkle flower on face.
Smear something or another on apron.
Pretend you've slaved in the kitchen making this delightful and sinful concoction from scratch.
Eat every last bite with a gallon of milk (I recommend skim as it will counteract the very few extra calories the dessert may have)
Graciously take all compliments and claim the recipe is a Mrs. M secret so no one knows how incredibly easy this really was.

Starstruck!

Oh dear Internet, remember how I told you about the exciting weekend I had planned with my dearest friend and her family? It was fabulous, really it was. But I happened to leave out an important detail about my Sunday once they'd left.

Remember how I told you all about my obsession with multiples and that I was in love with Jon and Kate? Well, hubs and I MET JON AND KATE THIS WEEKEND! OHMYGOSH I MET JON AND KATE!

They're my new best friends. Yesiree they are! Totally our new best friends. We may even have Thanksgiving dinner with them because THEY ARE OUR NEW! BEST! FRIENDS!*

It all started when I found out that Jon and Kate would be speaking at a church in My Town. I reserved a spot for hubs and I and tinkled my pants a bit in the process. Yesterday we arrive a good 30 minutes early to said church and well whaddaya know we were practically the first people in the door and by far the earliest we've ever been to church (and it was 30 minutes away as opposed to out normal 5 minute commute to church). I marched to the front (three rows back) so I could get a good spot to see our now best friends.

Hubs: Is this close enough or would you like to sit on
stage?
Me: Oh this should do, the stage is for Jon and
Kate silly! Besides, the front row would make me crane my neck.

We're sitting there for a bit checking out the visitor infoand bulletin and OH!
MY! GOODNESS! In walk Jon and Kate. IN WALK JON AND KATE! Hubs lovingly grabbed
my hand, most likely because he did not want me to jump up and pelt them with
hugs, kisses, and offers of monogrammed towels.

So I sat there. And started. My eyes were big, my shoulders slinky, tounge wagging out of mouth with buckets of drool. I crossed my legs real tight because how embarassing would it be to tinkle in front of Jon and Kate? They were the cutest things ever too. (By the way Brittny, Kate's profile so looks like you!) I think I need to find out where she got those cute shoes and perhaps get J and sweater like Jon's.

Me: Hey maybe we should go sit over there.
Hubs: No cupcake, I think we're fine.
Me: But J we can just give them a sweet Southern Hello! and sniff
out what kind of perfume/cologne they wear, and we can share lip gloss and also I'll offer her a starter to my Amish Friendship Bread.
Hubs: Cupcake, they're from Pennsylvania, I'm certain they see plenty of
Amish, probably know some. And I'm sure she'd love a yeasty, fermentanted, white
liquid from a stranger.
Me: Well, I need to get the kids favorite colors so I can send them all
monogrammed lunch boxes!
Hubs: Yes Cupcake, go right ahead. Jon will talk into his watch and
security will come out and take you away.
Me: Oh, you really think so?

Church finally started and as the singing began I was thinking I'm totally singing in chruch with Jon and Kate. It took every ounce of discipline in me to focus on the actual praise and worship. But ohmygoodness I totally spent my Sunday morning doing praise and woship at church with Jon and Kate.

Soon it was time for Jon and Kate to speak and I got all googly-eyed, my jaw hit the ground, and I was mesmerized-hanging on there every word. I totally big, puffy, pink polka-dot, HEART Jon and Kate. They were amazing. Creative editing and ratings don't show much of their spiritual life but I loved hearing them talk about lessons they'd learned through their journey and how the had learned to rely on God, not plan the future, and trust in the Lord. It was very inspirational, and mostly because they were so real! They were very down-to-earth and imperfect and everyday people which made me LOVE THEM EVEN MORE! Short version: it was amazing!

After chruch there was a reception of which I just had to attend because whaddaya know I had my camera in my Gucci bag (yes, I took my Gucci bag. I was sure Kate would want to hear about the bargain it was!)

Hubs: I don't think you should ask them for a picture.
Me: What? Why not? Should we ever see these people again
no one will ever remember us.
Hubs: I'm 6'3" and bald--no one forgets me.
Me: (blank stares as if he thought that would really
change my mind)

Poor Jon and Kate barely made it through the door and they only had about 10 minutes before being wisked away to the airport.

But we totally met them. Yes we did! Jon walked over and stuck out his hand and said "Hi, I'm Jon."

"I KNOW! I'm Mrs. M and I love you and I watch your show religiously and even the reruns because you totally never get old to me and I was a nanny for five years and the kids loved me and the parents loved me and everyone loves me and we would totally move to Pennsylvania and all and by the way my husband is so handy and crafty and would love to do all the hanging of shelves in the garage and building carnival stands for the birthday party and guess what Jon we love japanese restaurants and wine too and had a blast in the Florida Keys and oh that song this morning that you enjoyed is so one of our favorites and also I have a snowman notepad just like one that I saw in one of your episodes and you two are just fabulous--watching your show is like looking in a mirror!!"

Ok, I didn't really say that because I have a small bit of dignity and instead just introduced myself and told them I enjoyed hearing them this morning and Hubs and Kate had a little conversation and howaboutthat we're now BEST FRIENDS FOREVER!

Then I totally asked for a picture. I could envision how lovely it would be on a Christmas card. "Merry Christmas! With Love, Jon & Kate and Mr. & Mrs. M (BEST FRIENDS FOREVER!)

Only something tragic happened. (Insert sob story here). My (gasp!) camera (sigh!) would (cry!) not (wail!) work (sob, heaving sobs!). Are you believing this? My on-the-fritz camera picked a fine time to go cahput! I totally missed my photo-op with Jon and Kate. Tragic! (In leui of flowers, send new camera!)

I did have a spontaneous thought of doing a U-turn and heading out to the airport, you know, just because I'd not been since August and should totally check things out. But I feared a headline this morning would read something along the lines of "Mrs. M sprints down runway in tall black boots with pink camera phone and firmly grasps wings of plane yelling for Jon and Kate. (claims she has Amish Friendship Bread starter for new best friend)" That would not be good.

This means one, and only one thing. When I have a new loving camera in my hand we have take a roadtrip! Of course that's what it means. They're going to be in South Carolina in April and just so happens we've not been to Charleston since my darling hubby asked me to be his wife on a romanitc getaway and well our anniversary is in April so what a fine time to head back. And well, while were there we'll swing by their latest speaking engagement.

HI JON AND KATE! REMEMBER US? YOUR BFF's FROM TN! LOOK! I GOT A NEW CAMERA! SAY CHEESE!

So yes, I was a bit starstruck because I just love Jon and Kate. But it's all cool now because we're best friends so it's not being starstruck anymore.

Meeting them made my day. Only George and Laura Bush, Dog the Bounty Hunter, and maybe Joey McIntyre (what? I never got to see a New Kids concert as a child!) could hold a candle to meeting Jon and Kate. Also, please don't beg me to introduce you because as their new best friends we totally respect their privacy and simply can't do that. However, they may not know we're showing up for Thanksgiving dinner but they most likely welcome us with open arms when we knock on the door with a have a big, crisp, golden, stuffed bird in our hands. Right? I mean probably not.

By the way, I'm thinking Hubs and I should totally start having kids because we're way behind schedule to be on par with our new best friends Jon and Kate. Maybe I should adopt a three by thirty motto!

*My condolences to previous best friends: Mrs. S, Mrs. C, Mrs. G, and Mrs. A, but certainly you understand!

B&B is full this weekend

There are fresh linens on the beds, towels rolled neatly in a basket, new toiletries in the bath, soup simmering in the crock pot, and a fresh-baked brownie cake dessert. Do you know what that means? We are having weekend guests at the M Bed & Breakfast!

Mrs. A (Bex), her husband, and the utterly adorable Pie are coming to spend the weekend with us. As I've told you, Bex and I have been peas and carrots since the days of big bangs and Paula Abdul lace trim leggings! I'm also super excited to see her baby belly as she's six months pregnant with little Tart.

I'm so excited to see them all. On the agenda: soup, dessert, and hot cocoa and tea for their arrival on Friday night. Saturday morning will be a juant at the park for some pictures and playtime followed by a trip to The Southern Market and a few other little shops that Bex enjoys when she visits. After Pie's nap it will be a late lunch at the DTGB, shopping at the Mast General Store, and going up in the Sunsphere. Afterward we're sending the A family off to enjoy a concert by the Wiggles and J and I will induldge in a little UT Football. Saturday night we'll have home-made veggie lasagna with tasty croissants followed by building a fire on the patio and making s'mores.


I'm so excited! I can't wait to see my darling best friend and her family, it makes my heart so happy!

I hope you all have a fabulous weekend.

Pertinent Information

J and I both have four letters in our name. Three are the same letters. Our names are totally different and sound nothing alike. I knew you would want to know this.

Also, I think the pooch is a bit pretentious since going to his fancy pants school.

And also again, where was the love here? I want to know whats on your wish list in case I want one too!

First Day of School

Today is Mack's first day of school. For the next 8 weeks he'll be attending Pooch Prep School, hopefully learning some manners, obedience, and to not snack on children. He got a haircut over the weekend (didn't want the other pups to make fun of him!) and a new backpack, excuse me, that's mackpack! Cute, yes?

He insisted on the lovely L.L.Bean monogrammed backpack (monogrammed by yours truly) as his parents have L.L.Bean monogrammed luggage and he didn't want to be left out. It's perfect for all of his goods (leash, harness, treats, bowls, toy, etc.) no matter where we go. And it looks cute on him too!

Now let's all cross our fingers that my pooch doesn't get suspended--he's an ornery one.

Back me up on this one

As most of you know my husband is in school. He's working on his MBA and will be finished December 2008. Seems so far away, but he's halfway there and I'm very proud of him.

He is also a card-carrying member of the procrastinator's club. He often studies amidst as many distractions as possible at any given time. (He's also quite the comedian if you were unaware.)

Would you generous readers be so kind as to leave some comments for my darling husband stating any/all variations of the following:

• Turning off the television will greatly improve study methods as to read, comprehend, and understand.
• Closing windows of Ebay, etc. will most definitely do the same.
• Avoiding procrastination and studying will allow you more time to spend with your (lovely, beautiful, charming, always right) wife.
• As an added bonus you will have time to exercise and play with the nutbags pooch.
• As a super-duper added bonus you will have time to tend to the ever-growing honey-do list (contain the excitement there.)

Of course leave these comments/thoughts/suggestions because it's the truth, and not just because I'm right. Besides, if you read it on the Internet, it must be true.

A series of hot dates

Friday night: pizza, beer, and wine followed by bathing and grooming the dog.

Saturday night we redeemed ourselves with dinner out at Peerless.

Sunday night: cheese fries with (what else?) beer and wine.

What can I say? We're easy to please!

And you hot date this weekend was.....?

Terrier, defined.

Terror was already taken.

(This is why all of his toys come from the 19 cent bin at the thrift shop.)

Wish List

The holiday season has officially begun. I love the month of November because it's Thanksgiving and my birthday! Yes, my birthday is a mere 24 days away (November 25 for those of you with your calendars out. Email me if you need my address to send my goodies.)

Of course when I was a wee little La La I thought Thanksgiving was all because of me. You see, I was born on Thanksgiving Day and my (wonderful, fabulous, darling) Pappy told me that's how it all got started. Kindergarten was a bit of a disappointment to me as I learned about all of the
Pilgrim and Indian stuff. If my (nearly (gasp, choke, gasp) 26-year-old) memory serves me, I do believe I tried to help the teacher with that lesson because she had it all wrong.

So November starts the gifting season. I love gifts--getting and receiving. It does, however, disturb me that the season has became so much about gifts. I have a huge soapbox that I could jump up on about that, but we'll save it for another day. In short, I enjoy the tradition of giving gifts and of course, enjoy receiving them as well. However when it becomes about the gift, the money, and the obligation of whom to buy for, it disgusts me. Ok, moving on.

I have a great deal of my Christmas shopping done, but still things left to buy. I like to buy a few things during the festive season, but mostly stock up beforehand. J asked me for a wish list which includes both birthday and Christmas. Here's my wish list, what's on yours?

• A new digital camera (mine is on the fritz, and yes I realize this is a bit of a big ticket item, however it is my Birthday and Christmas, and the grandparents live 300 and 700 miles away so they send checks--cha-ching!)
• Silver monogrammed wine stopper
• Acrylic monogrammed pitcher and tray
• Liz Claiborne wallet
• Address stamper (fine! It's monogrammed too!)
• Handheld vacuum (I know--so old lady!)
• Books: My So-Called Normal Life (Erin Zammett Ruddy) and Fourth Comings (Megan McCafferty)
• Full length mirror for the closet
• Silver tongs for serving
• 4ct t.w. diamond princess cut earrings to match my engagement ring. (Such a wish, but I always throw it out there just in case the money fairy plants a tree in our back yard).

No tricks, just a treat

The cute little Mackipoo Pumkin just wanted to say Boo!

And to also show you that is a prodigy pooch. Just look at this self-portrait pumpkin. I think he really captured the ears.

I stand by the fact that I'm not a bad driver

Hubs and I meet at home for lunch nearly everyday. We're both fortunate enough to live rather close to our offices so that we have a very little commute. Today one the way home I thought I'd swing through the local farm store for some fresh milk and to fill up my gas tank while I was at it.

Well that I did.

And then I called hubs.

"Hi lovely, darling, precious, sweetheart husband--you handsome thing you. Um, I'm at the farm store on the pike and I have flat"

SuperHubs flies on over to save the day and change my tire. He looked at me quizzically.

"Cupcake, did you maybe hop the curb when going in excess of the speed limit and not braking properly"

"Nohoneyreally! Iwasn'tgoingthatfastatall! But, uh, er, I kinda did apparently hop the curb, um, just a little bit. But not because I was driving like it's turn four of Talladegga--that's what Mrs. S does, but not me, no, huh-uh!"

(Sorry Mrs. S!)

"Yeah, just a little bit."

Strangely hubs wasn't very entertained when he popped my trunk to find a wedding dress, blanket, backpack, and easy-bake oven.

He gave me a less than humored look and I'm fairly certain he followed up with an eye roll.

"Honey I need those things! I might have a fance something or another to go to on the fly, and I might get cold, and that backpack has everything from jumper cables and maps to lipgloss and bandaids--clearly just the essentials. Oh, and the easy-bake is just incase a hunger pain strikes while wearing the dress wrapped up in the blanket."

"Well go inside and pick up some cookie dough while I change this"

I believe I detected a bit of smarty pants in that comment. Yes I do.

(Really the backpack does contain essentials, and the blanket is incase I break down and get cold. The dress is because I had it cleaned after the fountain fiasco and havne't bothered to remove it from the car since it's stored in there as nicely as in my closet. And as for the easy-bake, well everyone has those in their trunk, right? Ok, it's for Pie, she's visiting in less than two weeks.)

Hubs stripped off his dress shirt and changed my tire in his work chinos and undershirt (whistle!). He completed the great tire change and checked out the damage.

"Well I don't know what the hell you did Cupcake, but you did a good job."

I smiled proudly--what a compliment.

I looked at the little donut tire.

"Um, J, this looks a bit flat too."

"Why yes it does--drive slow and don't wreck in the two miles home."

That's why I love him--he gives such great advice.

And really, I am a good driver.

It's great to be a Tennssee Vol!

Our little family of Tennessee fans!

Saturday morning J and I decided to go to the UT vs. USC game that evening. Our tailgating action included dinner at the DTGB (where I/we could have the Downtown Nut Brown--yum!). We love that place and lucky for us it's only about 9 or 10 blocks from the stadium.



I love Tennessee football games, and especially night games. I get so nostalgic being on campus, but that's another post for another time. This was a fabulous game to watch and we have great tickets. The first half was awesome with Tennessee's commanding lead of 21-0. The second half, well not so awesome. It was at that point I thought Phil had wrapped the game in a bow to hand it over. USC came back with three touchdowns and a field goal for a lead of 24-21. Tennessee had two kicks, missed the first one and was pushed back for a penalty. J was disgusted and ready to leave with 9 seconds on the clock claiming there was no way they'd make it if they hadn't made the first one. Oh ye of little faith! I refused to leave with a mere 9 seconds and Tennessee made the kick! Woot! Overtime. South Carolina won the toss and opted for defense. Tennessee made a field goal giving them the lead of 27-24. USC had one last chance, and lucky for us, missed it! We won! Not a soul played in that game and I think the whole thing was dumb luck. Nonetheless it made for a good night of football.

It was also great entertainment that sitting in our midst was a referee, the offensive coordinator, the defensive coordinator, and an announcer. Yesiree! What would we have done without the profound insight of them sitting around us? Well, I just don't know. J gets great joy out of poking fun at such individuals. The (very intoxicated) offensive coordinator got up and half-time and didn't return. We were quite worried (not to mention clueless to what was going on.)

Also entertaining was the sorority fall fashion show. (Not to be confused with the spring fashion show at the boxing tournament.) I liked to look cute for the games and all, but I only broke out short skirts and knee boots for the obligatory dress-up for the Homecoming game. (Nothing like walking from White Columns to the Stadium in three and a half inch heels, yes GFTS and Mrs. S?) But some of these girls--geesh. I was clad in my dark wash denim jeans, khaki moc shoes, navy and white striped gap long sleeved shirt with a little orange with white and navy Tennessee tee over it. Compared to the runway that is the stairs, I felt a bit frumpy. Oh the ridiculousness!


These aren't the best pictures, but my camera is on the fritz but has to last through the end of the year. Left to right: Tennessee running through the Power T before the game. J and I having fun, the Pride of the Southland half-time show (love the band), and the last picture where the alma mater was being sung and I get a wee-bit misty eyed. I puffy heart you UT!

The 500th is China

Wheee! This is my 500th post on Newlywed Bliss. I've decided the 5ooth is china and have the perfect post for you.

This one is good! I've been saving it!

You know my love of china! I also have a deep love of all things old and antique. To top it off, I'm a thrifty girl. Yes, I'm nothing if not Southern, savvy, and thrifty. As if this is possible, I have combined all three.

One Saturday morning in September (the 22nd to be exact) J and I gallivanted about a couple of garage sales on our way to our favorite ministry thrift store. As we were returning home he detoured by a sale he'd seen advertised online. It's in an old neighborhood that we've frequented before. We've attended several estate sales there but are often rather pricey because of the items, and because they're normally ran by an estate and auction company.

On this day, it was just plain ol' garage sales. There were three in a row so we decided to get out. (Too often our garage saling results in more money spent on coffee and gas than anything else. We often slow down and decided to get out only if the presentation is nice.) Upon walking to the first sale there was a large sign that read "Your purchase today will help the Vietnamese children". It was written in both English and Vietnamese (well, I can assume that is what it said.)

Well, we had to buy something there! The Vietnamese children were depending on us. I browsed about and noticed a place setting china on the table. It was an elegant white on white pattern with platinum band-beautiful! It was fifty dollars. Hmph, it's $50 in the stores and why would I want one place setting of china. I admired it and as I was about to move on the gentleman approached me to talk about the china.

"Do you like that? The rest of it is over here in a box."

I snapped around and followed him to the box.

"It's a pretty good deal for fifty dollars, there is probably two or three hundred dollars worth of china in here."

I beheld the goodness in the cardboard box on the driveway and I think a little tinkle slid down my leg. I composed myself.

"Sir, the entire box is fifty dollars?"

"Yes Ma'am."

Yup, definitely tinkle down my legs. I only had forty dollars in cash. Hubs had none. I thought I'd try it.

Acting nonchalant, "Will you take $40?"

Enter Vietnamese wife (use your best voice here): "Na! Na! Na! Chi-Na eez feefty dollaz! Fi-nol!"

"Yes, I understand, but I only have forty cash. Can I give you that to keep (my darling, precious, lovely, must-take-home) this for me and I'll just skip down the street to the ATM?"

The gentleman was very nice and said he'd hold it for me sans deposit and I could return with payment in full. I put on my speedy quick legs (well, my husband's SUV) and we made a mad dash for the ATM returning with the crisp ten dollar bill to make my purchase. It was mine! Mine! Mine! MINE!

You may not be that excited thus far, but this was Noritake china. In the box were eight (8!) place settings, two vegetable bowls, one large platter, salt and pepper shakers, butter dish, and sugar and creamer. The gentleman informed me that the china had been his mother's and she was in a nursing home. He again told me that there were two or three hundred dollars worth of china in the box.

Clearly he's an idiot and knew not what was in the box. Clearly his mother would like to knock him out if she knew. Clearly-the lights shone down, the angel's sang, and the proverbial bells were ringing when I discovered this fabulous deal!

As I've noted the pattern was a very elegant white on white design. Thus I determined it to be from mid nineties at the oldest. To get this pattern in an antique I thought I'd have to go back to the 30s or 4os at least, and that is super pricy. Most china in the 50s through 80s was very colorful and very floral. Imagine my shock and awe when Sir Google told me it was circa 1969! I nearly fainted! It's 12 years from being an antique which makes my heart so happy that it nearly melted to butter!

Sir Google also informed me that all of the pieces I had purchased had a value in the field of one grand! Good grief! For a split second I considered resaling because I could a gazillion percentage profit. But perish the thought! No amount of money would make up for the deal and beauty of this find. Money means nothing, but this china will be cherished in our family for decades to come.

Antique China! Bargain! Wow! Here are pictures of my gorgeous Noritake Kendal china. It compliments our wedding china perfectly (solid white with double platinum band). I've always wanted to find some antique pieces of china (since my family has none to pass down) to mix with our wedding china and now I've found the whole sha-bang! I have twenty place settings of china (yes I realize this information combined with this makes me a dish whore!)--I need to have you all over for a fancy dinner!

Lastly--you know my love of teapots, right? I have a teapot with our wedding china, but I wanted a teapot with this pattern. Sadly, it's $200. Hubs fainted, I cried. Let's take up a collection, shall we?

Dear Husband,

I'm not sure how I managed 7 years of driving without knowing you. Your constant "why are you in this lane" and "shouldn't you get over" are ever so informative and constructive. I've lived in this town for seven years, and you three. I'm fairly certain I am capable of navigating the streets.

Furthermore the sighs and gasps are rather distracting. I realize I may test the strength of my brakes a bit more than you'd like, but is it really necessary that there is now a hole in the passenger side floorboard from your "imaginary" brake? I think not. In addition, kindly loosen your grip from the handle of the door.

I claim not to be the best driver, and have a host of tickets that will tell you the same. However, if memory serves me, your number is quite comparable.

While I'm certain you mean well darling, it is clear from the tinkle left in the seat that you're uncomfortable with my driving habits. Therefore I'm more than happy to hand over the keys and allow you the privelage of driving whenever and wherever we got together as it really isn't that thrilling to me anyway.

With Love,

Your Darling Wife (reading in the passenger seat)

P.S. It's not that cute when you pretend the dog is saying things like "Get me off of this roller coaster."