review: Home (revisited)

Home
date of visit: 6/26/08

kiwis:
service: 4
taste: 4
ambience: 4

So we went back to home when my sister was in town...


I have to say I was a little disappointed. Don't get me wrong, I was still wowed by most of the food, and will most likely eat at Home again in the future. I just might not be as excited about going.

It was definitely more crowded this time, now that the word is out that this is where Richard Blais can be found. It took a while for service to start. This time there was no tasting menu. So for Snacks, we had Deviled Duck Eggs and Fried Green Tomatoes. Both were superb! I really enjoyed the tomatoes - they were cut vertically instead of horizontally and the fry on them was perfect.

For appetizers we had the Crab Cake and the Chicken Fried Sweetbread. The crab cake was pretty good, had a nice spice to it. None of our party had ever tried sweetbreads before, so we figured now would be a good time to do so. They are very...interesting. This will probably make me sound so pedestrian, but I have to admit, I didn't like them too much. They were so squishy in texture and tasted like a big piece of fat to me. I ate a couple bites, trying so hard to like them and have an open mind. Since every gourmet thinks the world of them. But honestly...I just didn't like them that much. Oh well.

For main course I definitely lucked out with the best entree - swordfish. I was expecting a modestly sized steak, but instead got 2 pretty big pieces of fish. It was cooked perfectly, with a nice spicy rub. You know how swordfish is very steaky and can be very dry? Well this was just about the juiciest swordfish I've ever had. It was great! Ryan had a steak that was just a steak. Nothing too spectacular about it. And Holly had fried chicken. Again, nothing too spectacular about it. Good, but not great. The side dish of mac n cheese was actually more enjoyable to me than the chicken was. Along with our entress came some vegetables, served family style. They too were nothing to write home about. In fact, I can't even really remember what they were...mashed potatoes, carrots...2 others...hmmm

Dessert was cool. I got the Moon Pie with Coke float. The dry ice used to make the float made cold vapors billow all over my plate. Pretty neat! Holly got red velvet cake with cream cheese ice cream, and Ryan got pecan cake with sweet tea ice cream. Both were yummy.

So overall, it was a good experience, just not as great as it was the first time. But upside was that we saw Dale, also from Top Chef season 4, and our server told us that he was being courted to open an Asian restaurant here in Atlanta. It was pretty cool to see him & Richard together talking. I almost felt like I was on the TV show! haha :) I always had a soft spot for Dale and his filipino cooking (Dale thinks it's the next big thing)! I hope he brings it here.

hang together

Here is a "funny" quote, to break up the seriousness of my recent posts.

The story goes that Ben Franklin said this when everyone was signing the Declaration of Independence. The room was so silent and somber, and then he's so clever and says this. It's funny now, and was then, but at the same time, it really makes you shudder. When they signed the Declaration, they were signing their lives away.

We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately.

Benjamin Franklin
at the signing of the Declaration of Independence
July 4, 1776

loves liberty

Every man who loves peace, every man who loves his country, every man who loves liberty ought to have it ever before his eyes that he may cherish in his heart a due attachment to the Union of America and be able to set a due value on the means of preserving it.

James Madison
Federalist No. 41: General View of the Powers Conferred by The Constitution
Jan 19, 1788

we the PEOPLE

Happy weekend! 3 quotes for you today :)

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

The Constitution of the United States, Preamble
1787

What do we mean by the American Revolution? Do we mean the American war? The Revolution was effected before the war commenced. The Revolution was in the minds and hearts of the people; a change in their religious sentiments, of their duties and obligations... This radical change in the principles, opinions, sentiments, and affections of the people was the real American Revolution.

John Adams
Letter to H. Niles
Feb 13, 1818

If it be asked, What is the most sacred duty and the greatest source of our security in a Republic? The answer would be, An inviolable respect for the Constitution and Laws — the first growing out of the last... A sacred respect for the constitutional law is the vital principle, the sustaining energy of a free government.

Alexander Hamilton
Aug 28, 1794

the difference between here & there

So does someone want to tell me why this has gotten almost no coverage in the news, while this has practically blown up (it was the top story on google news a couple hours ago)?

Rhetorical question I guess.

the experiment

I dwell on this prospect with every satisfaction which an ardent love for my country can inspire, since there is no truth more thoroughly established than that there exists in the economy and course of nature an indissoluble union between virtue and happiness; between duty and advantage; between the genuine maxims of an honest and magnanimous policy and the solid rewards of public prosperity and felicity; since we ought to be no less persuaded that the propitious smiles of Heaven can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right which Heaven itself has ordained; and since the preservation of the sacred fire of liberty and the destiny of the republican model of government are justly considered, perhaps, as deeply, as finally, staked on the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people.

George Washington
1st Inaugural Address
April 30, 1789

made for each other

With equal pleasure I have as often taken notice that Providence has been pleased to give this one connected country to one united people--a people descended from the same ancestors, speaking the same language, professing the same religion, attached to the same principles of government, very similar in their manners and customs, and who, by their joint counsels, arms, and efforts, fighting side by side throughout a long and bloody war, have nobly established general liberty and independence.

This country and this people seem to have been made for each other, and it appears as if it was the design of Providence, that an inheritance so proper and convenient for a band of brethren, united to each other by the strongest ties, should never be split into a number of unsocial, jealous, and alien sovereignties.

John Jay
Federalist No. 2: Concerning Dangers from Foreign Force and Influence
1787

so close but yet so far

I'm closing in on the marathon! 5 races down, 3 to go! Crazy to think I'm almost halfway there. Ran between 10 and 11 miles yesterday, not sure exactly how much because the rain & darkness cut it a bit short.

But here's the schedule for the rest of the year 2008, if you want to come out and cheer me on! I would love that :)

10/18
Peachtree City Classic 15K

10/26
Augusta Half Marathon

11/27 (turkey day!)
Atlanta Half Marathon

off topic

This has nothing to do with food, running, spirituality, or politics. But it's just so darn cool I had to post it!



If you haven't seen Wall-e yet, you need to go. It is a great film! And if this cute clip doesn't convince you further, I don't know what will!

Thanks for the link Ryan :)

I tremble for my country

And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are the gift of God? That they are not to be violated but with his wrath? Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just: that his justice cannot sleep for ever.

Thomas Jefferson
Notes on the State of Virginia, Query 18
1781

I love that - "I tremble for my country." Does anyone tremble for our country today, when we see how far we've strayed from our founding principles? And the second part "when I reflect that God is just." What are we doing with the gift of liberty? How do we appreciate it on a daily basis?

To whom much is given, much is expected!
Luke 12:48

27 ways...

to run better! love this article

my favorites:
#14 Use the fridge - stock it with good food on the inside and put motivational pictures all over the outside
#18 Run on different surfaces - funny because one of my favorite runs is up W. Paces Ferry to Buckhead, and I always like looking at the different surfaces people use for their fancy driveways
#19 Take a trip - aka travel to exotic places for races! Disney in january...then the rest of the world! mwahahaha!
#24 Start a running streak - pick a race to do every year...maybe the Peachtree?

peachtree road race

The most fun race I've ever run. I can't wait to do it again next year! I told Ryan that right after he found me in the Reunion area, and he said "That's really sick." haha! I think everyone needs to do it, run or walk it, at least once. It's such a fun experience!


Five Points MARTA station around 6 am - all runners here!









Everyone getting off the trains at Lenox station









Ready to walk toward the start













Check out where 80000-99999 had to go! My line-up was with numbers 1-29999 - couldn't really ask for a better start. We started 7 minutes after the first wave.

I got to warm-up in the Lenox Mall parking lot and I lined up right at the intersection of Lenox Rd and Peachtree Road, under a stop light. There were several helicopters hovering at the start, Gov. Perdue did a little intro, and there was a huge flyover - not sure what kind of plane. But I was wowed.

Once the 2nd wave started, I have to say I got really emotional running under the giant American flag. I let out a cheer and raised my arms Rocky style. Then jockeyed for a good position middle to left on the road.




Ryan found a good spot at the finish line. Right around sunrise, the wheelchair racers approached the finish. See the wheels?






Some patriotic runners - I cannot imagine running with heavy flags for 6.2 miles! These guys are troopers. Some other funny runners that I saw included:

Swimmers - guys wearing speedos, swim caps, and goggles
American flag capes - guys with flag capes & red/white/blue wigs
A man answered his cell phone around mile 5 "Hey Sweetheart, I'm runnin the Peachtree! Let me do this thing! I'll call ya back!"
Mohawk boy - guy with mohawk and checkered pattern in his hair




Can you see me?









There I go, on to the finish! I finished with a time of 1:04:40, almost 1 whole minute less than my 10k in February (Charles Harris).

I really enjoyed the race, the atomsphere was just so fun. I couldn't help but smile the whole time I was running. Every mile there were musical acts (DJs, bands, trombone players, drummers), free stuff being thrown out (tshirts, bracelets, bumper stickers), and all kinds of nourishment (yogurt, beer, athletic drinks, donuts, cupcakes). I think it would be fun to walk it next year just to enjoy all the free stuff! I always had a laugh when I saw people stopping for a donut (how can you eat a donut and keep running? I would totally hurl), or people stopping at a band's stage to sing along and cheer.

I really wanted to stay focused on the run for my first Peachtree, so I ran the whole thing, even all the way up Cardiac Hill. This is definitely the hardest hill I've ever run in my life. It's so long! Runners were dropping like flies all around me, stopping, walking, slowing down. But I just kept chugging along, all the way to the end!

What a great time :)

essential liberty

They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.
Benjamin Franklin
February 1755

no turning back!

I registered today! Disney Marathon here I come! Who wants to come?

independence day

I probably won't be around a computer much this weekend, so today you get 4 quotes! One for today and three for the weekend. What a treat =)

Our obligations to our country never cease but with our lives.
John Adams to Benjamin Rush
April 18, 1808

And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.
Declaration of Independence
July 4, 1776

There is no longer any room for hope. If we wish to be free--if we mean to preserve inviolate those inestimable pirvileges for which we have been so long contending--if we mean not basely to abandon the noble struggle in which we have been so long engaged, and which we have pledged ourselves nver to abandon, until the glorious object of our contest shall be obtained--we must fight!!

Give me liberty, or give me death!
both quotes from Patrick Henry - Speech at St. Johns Church
March 25, 1775

almost july 4th

Tomorrow I run the Peachtree!

Check out the course here.

Excited but scared! Running it by myself, so I hope I make some friends out of the other 55,000 people running it with me!

these are the times that try men's souls

Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: 'tis dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed, if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated.

Thomas Paine (that's for you Lauren!)
The American Crisis
Dec 19, 1776

happy birthday america

To celebrate July 4th, Independence Day, I decided it would be cool to have a patriotic quote or the like each day this month. Nothing big! Just to remind us daily of what we have here in America, and maybe get you in the patriotic spirit! Most of the quotes will probably be from what I've read in Our Sacred Honor, which I think is a must-read/must-have for any American family. It's a great compilation of letters, documents, poetry, stories, etc from our founding fathers on different themes. I think I may have mentioned it in a previous post. Thank you Bill Bennett.

What better way to start than with the Declaration of Independence...


We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

from the Declaration of Independence, Preamble
July 4 1776

something new

Today I did the unthinkable! I woke up at 6 am (1.5 hours earlier than usual) and...gasp...went for a run!

After my glorious 10 mile run, I went a whole week without running. Not entirely by choice. I was really busy last week! But I definitely slacked off the weekend, which was also busy, but I could have fit some runs in there if I really wanted to. But today rolls around, and I can't not run another day.

I like the morning. It leaves my evenings clear, which were the source of my running frustration last week. It's also much cooler (I wore pants! for the first time since...March? February?) and quieter. Less cars on the road, more runners out. And it sets the conditions for every race I've run - early morning.

But there were definite cons. I felt rushed because I had a time limit, had to be back in time to shower & get ready for work. It was also harder to get warmed up, I felt pretty stiff, even after stretching, until after the 2 mile mark. I ran 4 miles today, but could I run 5 tomorrow and still be back in time to get ready for work? Will I have to wake up even earlier? And believe it or not, sometimes the frustration through the work day makes me have really good runs, because I'm running off steam. But in the morning, I just feel kinda groggy.

I have to admit though, it's nice to be sitting at work now and not have to worry about running in about 10 min. I can just go along my merry way!

happy day

Laura is back on the air!
=)

brilliant bush

I listened to Monica Crowley this morning in response to Bush's speech. Her big point was that this is one of Bush's big defining moments. Yes, it's about N. Korea cooperating with talks, accepting our incentives, dismantling their nuclear program. But more so it is a warning shot to Iran. Iran, who won't cooperate, who continually blows the U.S. off. Well, as she put it, "all bets are off." U.S. diplomacy is working with N. Korea. What will Iran do now?

glenn beck on conservatives

What a great, timely article by Glenn Beck on what conservatives believe.

In case you don't want to read the whole thing, here's the best part:

A conservative believes that our inalienable rights do not include housing, healthcare or Hummers.

A conservative believes that our inalienable rights DO include the pursuit of happiness. That means it is guaranteed to no one.

A conservative believes that those who pursue happiness and find it have a right to not be penalized for that success.

A conservative believes that there are no protections against the hardship and heartache of failure. We believe that the right to fail is just as important as the chance to succeed and that those who do fail learn essential lessons that will help them the next time around.

A conservative believes in personal responsibility and accepts the consequences for his or her words and actions.

A conservative believes that real compassion can't be found in any government program.

A conservative believes that each of us has a duty to take care of our neighbors. It was private individuals, companies and congregations that sent water, blankets and supplies to New Orleans far before the government ever set foot there.

A conservative believes that family is the cornerstone of our society and that people have a right to manage their family any way they see fit, so long as it's not criminal. We are far more attuned to our family's needs than some faceless, soulless government program.

A conservative believes that people have a right to worship the God of their understanding. We also believe that people do not have the right to jam their version of God (or no God) down anybody else's throat.

A conservative believes that people go to the movies to be entertained and to church to be preached to, not the other way around.

A conservative believes that debt creates unhealthy relationships. Everyone, from the government on down, should live within their means and strive for financial independence.

A conservative believes that a child's education is the responsibility of the parents, not the government.

A conservative believes that every human being has a right to life, from conception to death.

A conservative believes in the smallest government you can get without anarchy. We know our history: The larger a government gets, the harder it will fall.

inspiration

Last week, when I was really down about running, I had a spark of inspiration. I was running the Pi Mile at GT, and out of nowhere, I saw someone who has inspired me since my 2nd year of college. Walt Smith was there at the corner of Brittain and 4th! I had to stop and talk =) And after our talk, I definitely had an extra spring in my step and smile on my face.

Walt is the trainer for the GT baseball team, and he's worked with them for a verrrry long time. I would always stand next to him in the dugout when I was a bat/ball girl, and we'd talk about the game, etc. My favorite story is my very last game I was working, I bought Walt a big bag of M&Ms, his favorite. He eats them every game. Just as he started to open them, 2 players ran into each other in the outfield. The M&Ms exploded everywhere into the dugout. I was so bummed, my parting gift to him and it went on the ground. But he had a job to do, and his instinct and speedy getting out on the field was crazy!

We had a good talk, about what I was up to these days, about how maybe next year will be they year for Tech baseball, and how he saw me at the one GT game I went to this yr at Russ Chandler. Good talk...miss those college days.

lesson learned

I did it! I passed the 10 mile mark yesterday!

When I made my life goal list last December, I also made a deal with myself that once I reached 10 miles, that would be the time to put the money down on the Marathon. So, I guess it's time to do that now!

This time around, I did things much, much differently!

For starters, I was in Augusta, where the air is much better. I ran a course that was actually a bit hilly, and I started the run around 7. I think the conditions are comparable to what the Peachtree 10k will be like (or at least I hope they are, since I handled them ok!). My course was 5 loops, each loop was 2 miles long. I ran the loop forwards, back, forwards, back, back. At the end of each loop, I took a quick water break. At the end of loop 3 (6 mile mark), I slurped down an energy gel.

I can't believe I actually made it this far. By the time I was on mile 9 I started smiling really big, because I knew I had it done. It's such a great feeling, getting out of the discouragement and reaching for something I've never done. Thanks for everyone who has encouraged me this week!

hope springs eternal 5k

Finally! A post about the Hope Springs Eternal 5k. I had to get pics developed, then scanned...then posted!

Basically, it was a reeeeally hot morning. I donned my Turner Volunteer shirt since it was a Turner event, but that meant I was not wearing my usual cooling running gear. No sweat wicking this time. I had a hat b/c it was so bright out, but maybe that was a bad idea because it too was a heat absorber. The course wasn't too bad until somewhere along mile 2. A nice big hill. Ugh. So I didn't make good time, but it was fun! Cool to do something with co-workers. Free tshirt, fruit, drinks, etc.

Sportin my number and my ridiculously hot (as in retaining huge amounts of heat close to my body) Turner volunteer t-shirt.









Group shot of our Turner volunteer team









Warm-up time









And we're off...







There we go!










Coming around the final bend...really hot & really not happy









Crossing the finish line












Much happier face, no hot shirt on, no hot hat on, and I'm sitting by Thomas Jefferson. Woohoo!

discouraged

So after I ran 8 miles, I felt pretty good about myself & my running. The next week I was supposed to reach the 10 mile mark.

Well...that didn't happen.

I think my biggest mistake was that I had successfully run 8 miles without stopping and without a water break during the run. I think I gave myself an invincibility complex. Like...I can run 8 miles, I can run 10 miles without any help! Cuz I'm awesome & on a roll!!!

Then Sunday rolls around and I go for a run, and it's not all shady, and actually quite hot! I got around to the 3 mile mark and started feeling incredibly parched. I got towards the 5 mile mark and felt incrediby weak. I looked ahead and saw a neverending hill.

And then I did the one thing I have not done since starting my training way back in January. I stopped. I walked. I walked all the way home, and didn't finish the 10 mile loop I had mapped out for myself.

I'm pretty down & discouraged right now. I feel like if I can just reach the 10 mile mark, that's a big step! I can really do a marathon in 6 months. But I just couldn't do it this weekend =( I feel like such a loser!

I just thought I could do too much. Maybe if I had brought water with me, or maybe if I had broken up the route better into down & back segments rather than one huge overwhelming 10 mile loop. Maybe I just psyched myself out because I couldn't stop thinking about the run all week long, overthought things. Who knows...

So this week I am just repeating last week's training, and hopefully reaching 10 miles this weekend. It's a big step, because I keep telling myself that once I reach 10 miles, I'm putting the money down for Disney.

Wish me luck, and happy thoughts!

review: Home

Home
date of visit: can't remember

taste: 5
ambience: 4.5
service: 4

Yeah...it's been a while. I went to Home about a month ago, to celebrate a promotion, and then totally got swamped and never wrote about it. But it is definitely one of the best restaurants in Atlanta now, and that's not just because of the star power of Top Chef finalist Richard Blais. Ok...it is.

We opted for the tasting menu that night, which meant Chef Blais would take items off the regular menu and put his own little spin on them. I highly recommend doing this if you go to Home and the option is available (apparently he's not there every night).

Amuse Bouche - oyster with tabasco pearls
I'm not any oyster person, but i slurped this one down. The tabasco pearls were really, really cool. He used liquid nitrogen to make them, and they were similar to dippin dots.

Course 1 - raw fluke with duck skin
I didn't even know what fluke was. It's fish. Raw fish with crispy duck skin. Doesn't sound like it would be good, but it was delicious. The fish was very delicate, the duck skin was a perfect contrast in texture. And tasted just like bacon!

Course 2 - shrimp & grits
Notice "shrimp." Just one shrimp. But it was the best cooked shrimp I've ever had. I'm not sure how he cooked it, but I need to learn. The grits accompanying the shrimp were also good, and also some dehydrated pineapple, foie gras, and some kind of smokey sauce. The flavors were all distinct & different but still managed to complement each other.

Course 3 - pork short rib
Ah yes, a dish I was waiting to see! It had peaches :) Which made me love Richard in the first episode of Top Chef this season, when he made peach pizza. Nothing like a Georgia homeboy representing the South! (ironically I think he's originally from NY, haha). Anyway! Pretty much the most tender rib I've had (until I got to course 4), and the peaches & coffee bbq sauce were great!

Course 4 - beef short rib
This is the most tender, juicy, flavorful rib I have ever had. It was cooked for 48 hours and served with a horseradish foam (foam!!), creamed potatoes, and beets. Beets? Ew right? No...these were good beets. If you hadn't told me they were beets, I would have never known. They were delicious, and again brought out the earthy flavors of the beef rib. Yummmm

Dessert - pecan cake & sweet tea milkshake
I am just blown away by his creativity. Sweet tea milkshake! Another thing I need to learn...and make every day...especially in the summer...

So Home, amazing food, amazing chef. My only complaint is the music in the dining room. It just doesn't go along with the menu & the restaurant decor. And really they might want to rethink the decor. It's a little stuffy. But the service was good!

richard blais

I wish I had a clip of him with the liquid nitrogen, but this is close enough :)

another blow

Does the Supreme Court hate America? I'm starting to wonder...especially when they take sides with terrorists.

Yesterday, the Supreme Court ruled that prisoners at Guantanamo Bay were allowed the writ of habeas corpus.


Hello. These are TERRORISTS.

Hugh Hewitt has a great article on this decision.

You know what is sad? That I file this under "politics." The Supreme Court shouldn't be involved with politics at all. Yet this is where we are today, and it stinks. Just uphold the letter of the law, quit with the judicial activism already!

cnn makes me mad

Sometimes I read the headlines on CNN and they make me nauseous.

But then I remember that more people watch Fox News in the morning, and that CNN isn't that far ahead in primetime, and I feel better.

Case in point...today in CNN's Political Ticker we have the lovely headline "Poll shows Obama with economy edge." Obama leads McCain in a poll (like polls even matter right now) over who would be better leading the economy by 6% lead, with +/-3%.

5 paragraphs, count 'em, 5 paragraphs extolling Obama and using words like "troublesome" and "warning sign" for McCain. And then you get to Paragraph 6 and we read "The new poll doesn't offer McCain all bad news however." Where we read that McCain leads the poll in regards to foreign policy by a much bigger margin - 11%. I'd say that's better than "not bad news". I'd say that's probably good news?

There are several other parts of this "article" that upset me, but I don't think something so minor deserves my time to pick it apart and just get more angry. The point is that from the get go, there is a positive Obama slant, and a not so positive McCain slant.

Let me fill you in on the preceding posts to the Ticker for today (and my comments of course!):

McCaskill interested in VP?
VP for Obama...the media is all over this! I've only heard one thing about McCain's VP...that he had 3 candidates out to Arizona. I've heard nothing since. Have you? Yet every day I hear of another new possible candidate for Obama. Where is the balance?
Blitzer: Next president will dictate court's future
Yeah, this is scary. Please please please we need judges who practice restraint!!! That is not gonna happen if Obama wins.
Cafferty: Why won’t Congress consider impeaching Pres. Bush?
Um, what? Really? I don't even have a comment for this.
McCain goes after second Obama VP vetter
yeah, and I don't blame him. But I love the language "goes after" like McCain is being vicious or something without cause.
Obama reminds voters of McCain's '100 years' comment
And now we thank you, CNN, for reminding us too. I would also like to remind you that he didn't mean literally a 100 years! Duh.
Clinton advisor blames strategy disagreements, money for loss
Is this even news?
Polls: Obama extending lead over McCain
Another meaningless poll. It's only June people!!
Nicholson the kiss of death for prez candidates?
Again...is this even news? Who cares what Nicholson thinks or does? What makes him a political expert, or anyone in Hollywood for that matter?
Obama confronts Internet rumors with new Web site
I think this is funny, he's trying to police the internet. Freedom of speech anyone? I heard on the radio that the reason they're doing this isn't even Obama...it's his wife Michelle! They're afraid of all the foot in mouth comments she makes. haha.
Paul: 'People will have a chance' with Barr
Ok.
Analysis: Democrats woo disaffected evangelicals
hmmm
Carville: Gore would make a great vice president…again
This one made me laugh. ...again. Please no Gore, no energy czar. This is the same guy that has a huge mansion that eats up more energy in a day than I do in one year.
McCain 'pleasantly surprised' by Iraqi leader
Sounds like CNN is surprised.

yeah...CNN. Like I said...makes me nauseous.

8 miles!!!

I have now surpassed my record of miles run at one time. I've never run more than 7. And now I have run 8.

Long? yes.
Painful? yes.

But I did it. And there will only be more miles ahead. I hope I can do this!!

community

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Matt. 11:28

As Memorial Day approached, I found myself with no plans. I longed to go to the beach, which for me is the place I find the most refreshing and the most honesty. Then I get a phone call from a friend...want to go to the beach? And bonus, it's a group of about 50 people who are going with the specific desire to rest in the Lord. Didn't take much convincing for me to say yes. The only "worry" I had was not knowing more than 2 people out of the 50 going. But how could I not go, when God so obviously put this opportunity in my path?

Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Heb 10:25

I went, and God did amazing things. Most amazing to me is that this trip was planned by a bunch of friends, who then invited their friends, and invited their friends, etc etc. til it grew to a group of 50 or so people all united in one vision of taking time to build community and focus on God. All through my life, I've gone on organized retreats or conferences...but this was a trip organized by a small group with a purpose. It was so refreshing to be around so many people my age who had this kind of focus and direction. Community. Meeting together. Gathering together. Community is something that we all crave. Everyone I met was so nice, and so clearly in love with Jesus. I don't surround myself enough with this kind of community. And I'm so excited about the connections I made there, how many of these relationships continue to build even though we're so far from the beach now.

Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Eph 5:19-20

Every morning, we had devotions, prayer, and singing. Totally optional, but the house was standing room only at this time. How cool! And then my favorite moment of the weekend, Sunday night worship on the beach. So dark that you couldn't really see anything but outlines of people, white crests of waves, and stars in the sky. We sang for 2 hours, song after song in praise to God for His creation, for His work on the cross, for His work in us. After worship, I walked down to the shoreline and took in how vast the world is, how small we are, and yet how amazing our God is to actually love each one of us so much, so much that He died so that we could live...so much that He knows the exact number of hairs on our head...so much that He hides us in the palm of His hand. And then I thought of creation and how His Spirit moved over the waters. And there I was at the waters, meeting God, praying & singing. It was a really powerful time of reflection, and of honesty. I say honesty because every time I am at the beach, I'm humbled by the beauty and the vastness. It makes me take a good long hard look at myself and where I am, and helps me think about where I'm going. I would live at the beach if I could. But then maybe I'd get overwhelmed thinking too much! hehe.

harriet christian

You have to watch this.



"And they think we won't turn around and vote for McCain. Well I've got news for you, John McCain will be the next President of the United States."

I have to say, I feel bad for her and for Democrats everywhere. I heard on the radio this morning that when you do the math of how the Dems split the delegates from Michigan & Florida, each person's vote only counted as half a vote. Now where is the democracy in that? What's the point of voting if you only get half a say, and some elitist party rulers get the other half of the say? Why are Dems so enamored with Obama when obviously there are many in the party who still really want Hillary Clinton?

i'm alive & 25% there

I can't believe how busy life can get! Not even enough time to drop a couple lines on the blog.

But on the subject of running...last last weekend I returned to the Silver Comet and ran 7 miles without stopping. I have now tied the most miles I've run in one day. (I used to run 7 mile at high school track practice). And 7 miles is a little over 25% of the way there to the marathon. I just keep plugging away!

Unfortunately (or fortunately, since I went to the beach), last week wasn't very fruitful on the running front, and this week may not be either since it's going to rain a bit...we'll see!

he makes me angry

I don't have time to really go into it but I just have to vent! Obama makes me so angry!

Bush goes over to Israel and gives a good speech. And Obama is so full of himself that he thinks the speech is all about him. It's not! Clearly he hasn't read it.

Then he has to go & "blast" (to use CNN's word) John McCain and Bush and tells Americans that they're not telling us the truth. He makes me so angry! He doesn't know what the truth is. He can't see past himself. The world revolves around him. Ugh. Makes me sick to my stomach. I don't understand how duped Americans can be to believe what he says.

when life is crazy

So I have been remiss in posting lately...I have plenty to blog about, but just copious amounts of work & life to deal with.

Pictures are coming for the Hope 5K...we forgot a digital camera so they're on actual film. So allow time for developing.

Have eaten out a lot lately, so reviews are coming!

I'm sure there will be much to talk about with the last couple primaries happening. And as Tatay pointed out, the Ron Paul Revolution is far from over!

And I have a lot to say about fasting...

So...stay tuned!

in it to win it

I don't understand why all the Democrats want Hillary to drop out. It's like Democrats love to settle for mediocrity.

Hillary is leading by huge amounts in polls in Kentucky & West Virginia. Sure, they may not be worth huge amounts of delegates, but doesn't that say something to the Democrats? Like...Obama is NOT the overwhelming favorite? And if he were to go head to head with John McCain, he may fare WORSE than Hillary?

But no...the Democrats just want the race to end. They're feeling the heat because the Republicans are done. But I just feel like, if I was a Democrat, I'd want to make absolutely sure the right nominee, the people's choice, was elected. Hillary's got some steam left and people are still voting for her. If Michigan and Florida hadn't broken the rules, Hillary would be winning right now. I feel like the Democrats are being awfully hasty.

Of course, that's probably a good thing for Republicans. I just worry about America sometimes. I want everyone to be smart, but maybe that's asking for too much.

the last 5K

Tomorrow I will be running my last 5K of the year! Crazy right? Time goes by so incredibly fast...and I can't believe that from here, it's only getting longer & longer!

How do I feel at this turning point...relieved & scared all at the same time. These 5Ks, while not really hard, have definitely taken a toll on my training schedule & my social life. I usually reserve the weekend for my long runs, but when you have a short, fast, early morning run, you don't really feel like doing much else. That in combination with having to block out my Friday nights & Saturday days, missing out on fun times with friends, makes me really really glad that I don't have any more races for a while! And that from here on out, they're few & far between.

But then that leaves me a little scared...it's an very uphill battle from here til next January. No looking back! No more easy 5K runs...onward & upward. Starting next week, I don't even have 5K runs in my training schedule. Yikes!

Anyway it's the 5th Annual Hope Springs Eternal 5K. I'm not too sure on the details, I'm running it & Turner covered the registration fee. A co-worker convinced me to sign up for it...and now she can't even do it, haha. But, it will be fun! A good cause and I have to appreciate corporate responsibility.

sara hall

Cool training tips from an aspiring Olympian:

Changing Speeds to Go the Distance from the New York Times

another one

Another great article on the timing & doubletalking of Obama...by Glenn Beck.

hold the phone

Before you start feeling rosy about Obama now that he's renounced Rev Wright, you need to read this article by Charles Krauthammer (awesome guy).

Not only is his rhetoric great, but just the first quote he uses from Obama makes you say "ohhh yeaaaaaah! he DID say that" and now he's saying something completely different.

Selected favorite parts:


"I can no more disown him (Jeremiah Wright) than I can disown my white grandmother."

-- Barack Obama, Philadelphia, March 18

At a news conference in North Carolina, Obama explained why he finally decided to do the deed. Apparently, Wright's latest comments -- Obama cited three in particular -- were so shockingly "divisive and destructive" that he had to renounce the man, not just the words.

What were Obama's three citations? Wright's claim that AIDS was invented by the U.S. government to commit genocide. His praise of Louis Farrakhan as a great man. And his blaming 9/11 on American "terrorism."

But these comments are not new. These were precisely the outrages that prompted the initial furor when the Wright tapes emerged seven weeks ago. Obama decided to cut off Wright not because Wright's words or character or views had suddenly changed. The only thing that changed was the venue in which Wright chose to display them -- live on national TV at the National Press Club. That unfortunate choice destroyed Obama's Philadelphia pretense that this "endless loop" of sermon excerpts being shown on "television sets and YouTube" had been taken out of context.

review: bee's knees

Bee's Knees
date of visit: 4/25/08


kiwis:
taste: 4
service: 3
ambience: 5

This is one of my favorite places in Augusta. It's just so darn cute. We visited the Bee's Knees after the Blood Sweat & Tears concert (featuring Chuck Negron of Three Dog Night).

The weather was nice, so all the tables on the sidewalk were occupied. We were seated inside right by the window, which made for good people watching. We saw a couple mohawks & some hot pink hair. Inside is cozy, candlelit, fun art on the walls, exposed brick. Trendy but unassuming. Which is why I love it so much. You also get your money's worth, unlike many Atlanta tapas joints.

We hadn't eaten in about 10 hours, so we ordered a lot of food: cheese plate, calamari, shrimp yaki, vegetable tempura, tuna carpaccio, crab quesadilla, tiramisu. Oh yummmm. Everything was so good. The only thing we could complain about was that the calamari lacked some seasoning. Definitely could have used some more salt. My personal favorites of the night were the cheese plate (it had some swiss cheese. I usually dislike swiss cheese. But this swiss cheese was just amazing. Soft and yummy. And a perfect pair to the sliced apples) and the crab quesadilla. I'm getting so hungry just thinking about it. I also enjoyed a glass of the red sangria (they also have white).

Our server was nice and good at refilling our water often, and the food came out in rounds so it was fun guessing what was next.

I definitely recommend this place if you're in the area! Worth the trip downtown :)

Also Chuck Negron is a total rock star!

ron paul - back & better than ever

So yesterday I bought a couple more books: Power to the People (Laura Ingraham), Confessions of St. Augustine (St. Augustine), and Our Sacred Honor (Bill Bennett). I've actually been reading Our Sacred Honor, checked it out from the church library. It is so good though - excerpts from the Founding Fathers that give their thoughts on topics ranging from courage to education to courtship. Maybe I will start sharing a daily quote from it.

Anyway, today I see that Ron Paul has a book that has skyrocketed to #1 on Amazon. Intrigued, I had to check it out. Here's what I read in the "Surprise Me" excerpt off Amazon:

In a country with a political debate as restricted as ours, it is revolutionary to ask whether we need troops in 130 countries and whether the noninterventionist foreign policy recommended by our Founding Fathers might not be better. It is revolutionary to ask whether the accumulation of more and more power in Washington has been good for us. It is revolutionary to ask fundamental questions about privacy, police-state measures, taxation, social policy, and countless other matters.

This revolution, though, is not altogether new. It is a peaceful continuation of the American Revolution and the principles of our Founding Fathers: liberty: self-government, the Consitituion, and a noninterventionist foreign policy. That is what they taught us, and that is what we now defend.


It's called The Revolution: A Manifesto. I wish I had known about this book earlier, then I would have lumped it in to my book order from Amazon yesterday. But I am so intrigued and so excited about what I've read so far, that I think I will just have to buy it today. I hope Barnes & Noble has it!

I find Ron Paul so refreshing. I may not agree with his views on Iraq, but maybe he will change my mind.

maps!

I couldn't decide between mapmyrun.com and runningmap.com. I liked runningmap.com interface more - better design. But mapmyrun.com just had more features, more functionality. So here's where I'm running today, and now I can share all my routes with y'all in an easy way!

finally!

Too little too late? I have been waiting for someone to come out & reeeally criticize the Democratic Congress for the mess we are in...thank you George W. Bush. After all, weren't they full of promises of change when they took over?

hilarious

"Senator McCain's not here," Bush said of GOP nominee-in-waiting John McCain. "He probably wanted to distance himself from me a little bit. You know, he's not alone. Jenna's moving out too."

"Hillary Clinton couldn't get in because of sniper fire and Senator Obama's at church."

Bush at the White House Correspondent's Annual Dinner

the world is green

Have you noticed?

I went for a run yesterday evening, and although I have run this particular route countless times, I felt like I was seeing it for the first time. It was so green. Green, green everywhere. The way the trees and plants draped the roads, green was all I could see. At some points, the trees were so tall, they made a kind of a canopy over my head. Almost like a cathedral ceiling.

But as I ran, I thought "man, it's so green...it's almost...fake?" Like someone had painted everything this vivid bright green. But of course that doesn't make sense, because the trees, the plants, the grass - this is the real world. But I am so entrenched in my everyday life, my repetitive thoughts, my numb senses. That I actually get out to the real world and I can't even fathom it being real. Being so green. Seeing those colors and the depths of them. How the color green that I think about every day pales in comparison to the green I saw yesterday.

Before my brain goes on overload trying to wrap thoughts around nature & reality, think about what this means in different areas of life. So for Iraq...we have been there a long time, and all anyone can think about is how we need to leave, how tired we are of death, the list goes on. But have we, as Americans, become so entrenched in anti-war thinking, that we can't see the reality over there? Only a privileged few know what is really going on over there. But what about the stories of hope? The new freedoms established?

Or what about the presidential campaign? When will we extricate ourselves from the emotions and critically think about the issues at hand? What is the reality of this campaign? What does it mean practically for each one of our lives?

Or what about our 9-5 lives? I must confess, mine wears me down and dulls my senses. How can I break out of the doldrums and feel something fresh? Feel something real? My short run through the green, I felt the enormity of the world. It's huge. There's so much out there. There are more real colors to see, and more real experiences to have. Life is so short...and there's so much more I want to do!

755 club pics

More pics from the 755 club

Watermelon carving on the buffet:


Little leaguers running the bases:


Me & Ryan enjoying the perfect view & perfect weather:


Batting practice:

review: 755 club

755 Club
date of visit: 4/20/08

kiwis:
taste: 3
service: 3
ambience: 5

I love the Braves. So that automatically makes me love the 755 Club. But even as fun as it is, the food & service isn't that great. If you're not a Braves fan, it's definitely not worth it ($30 buffet in the dining room, or $10 sandwich/bar food in the bar area).

First off, you have to be a member of the club, or use someone's tickets to get into the club (I fall into the latter category. It's one of the few perks that makes me like my day job, hehe.) Then, if you want to do the buffet, you have to have a reservation, no walk-up seating. You don't have to do reservations for the bar area, but then the line to be seated is often very long, and people like to take their time.

The buffet is nice...I've had dinner and brunch here now, and dinner definitely has more choices to it. I especially like the cheese buffet and sundae bar that you can get at dinner. But this past weekend we had brunch, which was a little cheaper and not as good. There is a buffet with all kinds of carbs (danishes, waffles, bagels, etc), then a buffet with a lunch type entree (ours had orange glazed red snapper with couscous - I really enjoyed this!), a scrambled egg bar with various toppings (the eggs are fake so I wasn't really into it), a salad/fruit bar, and a meat bar (bacon, sausage, and a carving station with ham). Dessert is separate from the buffet service & costs extra. It's good food, just not spectacular food.

The service is just average as well. Our host was nice, but then we didn't actually see our server until halfway through our first plate. We got plates and waters from a busboy. Our server was a little slow on getting us drinks, and then he asked us if we needed ketchup while he stared at the ketchup bottle already on our table. He wasn't quite all there if ya know what I mean...

But ambience. How can you beat being on top of an awesome ballpark with a great view of the whole field. Watching batting practice...being there before a game with all the excitement and pregame fanfare. I love it!

Here I am at our table in the awesome sunshine (the weather was perfect - sunny & a cool breeze):

what's wrong obama?

What's wrong Obama? Feeling faint? You don't want any more debates eh?

"Last night we set a new record because it took us 45 minutes before we even started talking -- until we started talking about a single issue that matters to the American people," he said.

So let me get this straight...you're discounting the continuing controversy over your pastor and your own remarks about the American people being "bitter." Not important for us to talk about? Really? Don't you want to defend your character & remarks? Or are you afraid of digging yourself an even bigger hole?

Yes the issues matter. I would love to hear more about how either of you would deal with our floundering economy. I am really tired of hearing about Wright, but obviously, the American people are not tired of hearing about it. Because they want to know, and I do too, if you have the character needed to be President.

Do you love America? Do you love the American people? Do you pledge to uphold American values? Do you even know what those values are, outlined by our forefathers so long ago?

Or do you like making the race divide wider? Or alienating the hard-working, hard-pressed Americans?

I just can't relate to Obama, and he can't relate to me. Maybe this is why he doesn't want to debate any more, when he doesn't have a polished speech ready to go and he may say some more revealing (damaging) comments.

review: st. angelo's

St. Angelo's
date of "visit" (we got take out): 4/12/08

kiwis:
taste: 3
service: 3
ambience: n/a - had takeout, it's a really small space

So the search for a perfect pizza continues. And it doesn't end with St. Angelo's. This place was just average. The crust was good, sauce was good, toppings were fresh and good. But it just wasn't spectacular!

We called in our order, and I have to say that the girl who took our order was not the brightest. First we got put on hold, and then she would repeat questions about our order. We had our worries, wondering if everything was going to turn out ok! But it did...although when Ryan went inside to pick up the order, they couldn't find it at first. Yeah....

We also got some wings, medium & honey teriyaki flavor. The flavors were good, but the wings were really small. So even though they taste good, you don't get enough meat for the money. Probably won't get them again.

And the pizza...better than a chain, but didn't blow me away. I'd probably go there again, close by and not too pricy.

But where, oh where can I get a GREAT pizza?!?!

pope benedict

I'm not Catholic but I've found the Pope's visit absolutely fascinating! I'm watching mass at Nationals Park right now...it's like being on another planet. I have no idea what they're doing or why they're doing it. And yet, we serve the same God. But have such different ways of worship & views of Him.

I thought he was so cute yesterday on the White House lawn, when he ended his speech with "God Bless America!"



What a different tone from that of a Reverend we've heard a lot about lately...

It bothers me that the media is making such a big deal about the political repercussions of his visit.

expelled!

Who wants to see Expelled? I do I do!

the challenge of simplicity

So I have been reading a book with Meg by Richard Foster, Celebration of Discipline. There are a lot of things I don't agree with in his book, but there is one practical thing that has really challenged me so far. And that is the discipline of simplicity. How can living simply help us be more spiritual people? The simpler our lives, the more time we have to focus on the spiritual part of our life, and the less we have to distract us. (Much easier said than done though, because when I look at my life, it's anything but simple! But I'm working on it)

"develop a habit of giving things away"
I love this becuase we all know it's good to give. But do we develop a habit of giving? I want to have that habit. I want giving to be a natural part of my life. I packed up a bag of clothes earlier this week to donate to someone/something, but had no idea really how I was going to donate. And then on Sunday, voila! in the bulletin at church...a women's clothing drive. Coincidence? I think not!

And how hard it is for me to part with my hard-earned money...what little of it I have. Yet what little I have is so much more than millions of people in other parts of the world, who have next to nothing. I'm so wealthy in comparison. I need to get in the habit of giving the blessing away.

"shun anything that distracts you from seeking first the kingdom of God"
"It is so easy to lose focus in the pursuit of legitimate, even good things."
What distracts me? Well when I'm at work it's gmail, facebook, my blog! Haha. And when I'm not at work, it's my blackberry! Oh the irony.

But seriously. When I first moved out on my own, I couldn't afford cable or internet or anything besides the bare essentials. Now I'm doing a little better, and at one time I considered buying an HD tv just because they were on sale for the Super Bowl. I'm so glad I didn't though, and I'm so glad I don't have cable or even internet. Not saying that they are distractions from the kingdom of God, but they aren't essential to my life. Yes, I can survive the evening hours without internet & cable tv. It surprises me! So I don't think I'll be getting either of these any time soon. It is a challenge, but it's almost refreshing not having these amenities any more. Because I actually have to DO something with my life & free time (thank goodness for running :)

And...sometimes I even turn off the berry in the evenings. The berry is something I really want to get rid of! Not letting work life complicate life.

So I'll leave you with what Foster left me at the end of his chapter on simplicity:
"May God give you - and me - the courage, the wisdom, the strength to hold the kingdom of God as the number one priority of our lives. To do so is to live in simplicity."

sick :(

So after my fun Pi Mile race in the rain...I didn't feel so hot. I pretty much slept through the rest of the weekend. I believe that this, in combination with work stress and amazing amounts of pollen in the air, contributed to a never-leaving cold. Ughhh. I remember the days when I'd have a cold and it'd be gone in 2 days. Now I get colds and they last a week...or longer.



So needless to say, I haven't run at all since Sat. But I think it's a good thing. Sometimes you just need a break! And though I wish I could be breaking at the beach...I can't have everything can I? I'm just going to take it easy & enjoy some time off of running.

review: seasons 52

Seasons 52
date of visit: 4/11/08

kiwis:
taste: 4
service: 4.5
ambience: 5

We went to Seasons 52 last week for Meg's birthday - it was delicious! I've always wanted to try this place, ever since I heard about their 300-calorie-or-less dessert shots. Mmmm...more on those later!

The host & our server were pretty much impeccable! I only give our server a 4.5 because I was a little baffled at the timing of the meal. The table ordered flatbreads, and then Ryan & I got the tune appetizer. Both came out pretty quickly (the tuna came out almost on top of the flatbread). But then we waited a while to give our dinner order...and then for dinner to come out...and then for our server to come back and let us order dessert. Just a minor complaint :) I just got really restless waiting to get dessert because I was so excited about it! I did get a black napkin to go over my black dress, so you know this is a classy place. The seared tuna appetizer was delicious! Comparable to Gladstone's in Malibu, just smaller pieces.

Cool thing - everyone at our table ordered something different. When does that ever happen? And everyone seemed pretty satisfied with their choices.

I chose the cedar plank salmon. It was cooked pretty well, and the cedar flavor was really good. It was a really big portion too, I was surprised. Since their thing is that all their entrees are less than 475 calories, I figured I'd be getting a baby-sized serving. But I had a large serving, and the fish seemed really fresh. However, I wasn't a fan of the vegetables. They were kinda shriveled and tasteless. Then I tried Ryan's citrus chicken. It was really juicy! yum!

And then...dessert. They bring out all the shot glass desserts on a rack, and offer for you to just buy the whole rack. I think next time I will just come for dessert and buy them all. Each shot glass is $2.25 and a scrumptious 2 bites. Maybe 3. But each bite is flavorful & rich. Surprising for only 300 calories right? I tried the amaretto-almond cake. The cake was airy and the cream was real. (I have this thing with fake cream. I only eat real whipped cream. As in heavy whipping cream whipped with sugar til firm.) Ryan had tiramisu. The coffee taste was too overwhelming for me. But it was still cute hehe. I wish I hadn't been so full by the end or I would defintely have tried more! But now I have an excuse to go back :)

Dean Griffin Pi Mile Race

I ran the Pi Mile last weekend...and guess what? It rained! Again...3rd race in a row where it has either rained or been gloomy from rain.

I ran it in 30 min, which is pretty good considering I ran pretty slow for almost 2 of the 3.1 miles. Wanted to stay behind with my old roomie & friend Lindsay. It's not often that I get to run with people, so I really enjoy being social if I know someone at a race! I'm pretty sure I would have had a sub 30 time if I had been running alone. Lindsay finally convinced me to leave her around mile 2. Then it was pretty cool passing so many people, since I had held out for so long. I even passed someone I knew, who called out my name as I was passing him. I was like, I guess I can hang out with you for a bit :) Then picked up the speed again and moved on! I am really starting to love racing!

Lindsay & I before the race

There I am chugging up North Ave, a fun long hill

Just a few strides away from the finish line

sharon

Walking through the hallways at work...I caught a glimpse of The Cafferty File on CNN. Some lady named Sharon emailed in saying that Hillary is the best candidate. Her last sentence was something to the effect of "Women love peace more than men."

Interesting...

I know plenty of guys who will do anything to avoid a confrontation, and plenty more girls who love a good catfight. Point is...what kind of generalization is this, and doesn't that just bring up the gender issue? Which should be a moot point?

1st place

Me & my plaque & a goofy grin :) And Jennifer said there was a 2nd and 3rd after me, so I actually did have some "competition" as unbelievable as it may be!

ILLEGAL immigration

I listened to some of Mike Gallagher during my lunch break today. I thought he made a great point. People go around saying these immigrants are just undocumented, and what's the big deal about immigration? Well the big deal is that it's ILLEGAL immigration.

Some of you may wonder, jeez, why are you so upset about it? Well, I'll tell you why. I myself am the daughter of an immigrant. And not just any immigrant. He was a LEGAL immigrant. He waited in line and took the tests. He OBEYED our country's laws. He believed in the American dream and made a name for himself the American way. He worked really hard to get to where he is today, and I am so proud of him.

So do I think it's fair that there are thousands of people who enter our country illegally and get all the benefits of a legal American without having to do anything? I don't think so! If you want to be an American, get in line. Obey our laws. If you don't want to do it this way, and you're here illegally, you should be deported. Because you're ILLEGAL. Hellooooooo has anyone heard of LAW before?

And that is my rant for the day.

review: sconyers

Sconyers BBQ
date of visit: 4/5/08

kiwis:
taste: 5
service: 5
ambience: 4

Sconyers is pretty much my favorite bbq in Augusta. There's so much history too that you just can't help but admire! The parking lot is a gravel hill, and the building is a log cabin style house with a small pond in front. We stopped to look at some funny turkey ducks:



We went for my mom's birthday this past weekend and were seated upstairs alongside some other birthday tables. I gave it a 4 on ambience only because the flourescent lights upstairs are a little harsh on the eyes, and our chairs were a little sticky. But otherwise, you get the nice homey feel. Our server was awesome, handled our large party well, was good on refills, and made sure our food came out quickly. I was impressed! But of course, I expect nothing less from Sconyers.

Ryan & I split the Plantation Platter. Only attempt to eat this alone if you haven't eaten for a day or two. It is soooo good. Chopped pork, chicken, beef, ribs, hash & rice, and potato salad. Can you ask for anything more? And every single bite was perfect. Especially the hash. I could eat that every day.

Here's what we had leftover (between 2 people):


Here's Holly's reaction to how good the food is:


And here are some of the beautiful azaleas out front. A little taste of what it must be like at Augusta National this time of yr:

from worst to first

So I ran the Downtown Dash for Diabetes 5K this past Saturday. It rained the entire time. SO fun.


This is the view from the car where I spent most of my "warm-up" time. Basically we got there around 7:15, I registered, got my # and t-shirt, and then we sat in the car for an hour watching the rain come down.



Here we have Chauncey Davis of the Atlanta Falcons leading us in some pre-race calisthenics. Think jumping jacks. It was fun :)






Ready set go! Can you spot me & Jennifer? We were the only 2 that made it from our team of 10. Yes, we are hardcore.






Approaching the finish line in a sprint! It caught me by suprise...I turned left on to Auditorium Place and there was the finish line! I wasn't expecting it so soon.




through the finish line and into the chute








Jennifer & I after the race, soaking wet, but happy to be done! AGD represent :)






The race was actually fun, despite the rain. At first, I was dreading it and I just wanted it to be over. I ran pretty slow (or at least I thought I was going slow) because it was just so miserable. The rain kept pouring down my face and my jacket was soaked all the way through. I can't even count the number of puddles I splashed through. But it was pretty neat running around the Capitol and running down to Oakland Cemetery. Even if we couldn't run through it due to tornado damage, it was still a pretty scenic run. Lots to look at! There was a barefoot runner who wore jeans. Crazy man!

And get this...I won 1st place in my age group! I didn't even think about sticking around for awards since I didn't feel like I even tried. But now you know a 1st place racer. Haha! Thanks to Jennifer, she picked up my plaque and once I get it, I'm very sure you will see a picture. I must have been the only one in my age group. Hehehe!

lunchtime run

I kind of got out of the funk. Went for a run during lunch yesterday when the sun made an appearance. It was nice, ran the pi mile around Tech. Good break up to the day, made work go much faster! Can't believe I have a race on Sat...don't envision myself doing that great since I'm going to the Braves-Mets game the night before!

review: olde towne tavern & grille

Olde Towne Tavern & Grille
Suwanee, GA - 3/29

kiwis:
taste: 4.5
service: 4
ambience: 4

I love this place. I will have to try out the Marietta location soon, it's the closest one to me. We went here for a best friend's birthday and it was great! At first you think it's going to be another upscale, pretentious sports bar, because it looks sooo nice. Flat screen HD tvs everywhere, dark hard wood furnishing, really nice ambience. Then you meet the staff, who are so nice and all smiles. (Just a little slow on seating or I'd give them a 5.) Then you open the menu and stare in shock at how inexpensive the food is. ($4.99 for an 8" pizza! 6 slices. I only ate 2 and saved the rest for lunch the next day.) And then you get the food and it is...AMAZING.

We ordered wings - medium buffalo and the house special lemon pepper. The medium was just right in spiciness, and the lemon pepper was so fresh. But the best part is the wings, they are huge! So meaty & juicy, cooked just right. We had a large party and our food came out so fast, we didn't have to wait long at all. My pizza was really great, delicious toppings, right amounts of cheese & sauce, and the hand tossed crust was awesome. I don't know what it was but the crust just had something extra to it that was soooo tasty. Cooked to a perfect golden brown. Ryan had steak, which I didn't try but looked pretty good, but I did try his Burgundy mushrooms, and they were deeeeelicious. Yummmmmm.

Great food, great prices, great service, great atmosphere. The perfect place to go to watch any sports event yet not too loud or obnoxious to still have a good time with friends.

Although...I wonder why they felt the need to put an "e" at the end of every word in their name, hehe.

slacker

yeah...that's me right now. I don't know what happened, life just got crazy, then combined with the crappy weather, I just haven't been running as much as I should be. I'm in a funk. Need some motivation! Any suggestions?