I'm in love with Jamie

Oliver, that is.

I didnt feel great today, so I worked for a few hours, then come home and crashed. When I woke up, it was still earlier than I usually get home, so I headed over to abc.com, planning to indulge in some Desperate Housewives (yes I still watch it), but I stumbled upon Jaime Oliver's Food Revolution.

In the words of Jamie, this show is brilliant! He wants to change the way Americans view eating by starting in the most unhealthy town in the country (somewhere in West Va.) He goes into the schools to start changing what the kids are eating. It really is a fantastic show, and he is clearly passionate about what he does. Ive always had a crush on the "naked chef," and now I can watch him every week on abc.

UP (in the air)

I did not want to like this movie. 1) Im not a George Clooney fan. 2) It just looked boring.

 So when J insisted we watch it to see how it compared to the other movies nominated for Best Picture this year, I resisted even until after the Oscars. However, he refused to order any more netflix until I watched it, so I was stuck. To my surprise...it was actually good, and funny. Im not very good at critiques, so thats about all ive got. You should see it though, it might surprise you. A new show we also like is....

PAWN STARS!

This is the only show on the History Chanel that J and I agree on. I love it because they get some pretty neat historical pieces in the shop that people are trying to pawn or sell. Its interesting to see them negotiate with people as well. Plus, the owners of the shop are characters.

Speaking of Up, things are going much better this week. Im feelin good about work, and even though today was busy, it was good busy, not hectic bad busy. I think things are def looking up.

So...

I got in a little trouble this week by being so candid on my blog. I feel like life happens no matter what we do, so sharing and caring with each other, regardless of what life is handing you will only help you get through it easier. Well, not everyone thinks that way. So, now im being somewhat censored. So you might just hear about good things that happen to certain people in my life, and not so much the unfortunate. However, im a pretty candid person, and blogging helps me deal with stress, so you will still receive most of my musings.

Speaking of life being thrown at you, as ive mentioned previously, its been a long week. Stressful, tiring and sad to be exact. I found out Monday that one of my business partners, of a year and a half, has decided to take a position at a different firm. This was shocking as we all three get along splendidly and there had been no talk of it at all. As much as I regret to see him go, I understand his reasons, so I have to respect them. So, it was a week of telling clients that our partnership of three is now two. There were lots of questions. Some were more accepting than others. It was also sad to see him tell people he has spent years getting to know,  he will no longer be around. In his words, it was like calling your friends and telling them you cant hang out anymore. I had to sit in a few of these meetings, and sad is really the best word to describe it. It also made me realize that I also care for my clients like they are family. I couldn't imagine being in that position, and having to end those business relationships. Today was his last day, which was awkward too because although we will all stay good friends, I just wont see him daily.

Now, alot of work must be done to reorganize. I'll spend most of Sunday at the office with Davo to update our business structure, strategic plan, and even our practice name (no more Burns, Jones & LeCompte). Ironically, I spent this afternoon downtown at a strategic plan meeting for Rotaract. The timing couldnt be better because I needed to hear this business consulting which will directly relate to our situation. Im not scared about our business, we'll be fine. It was more stressful this week dealing with change. I'm not a huge fan of it. Tomorrow im taking the day off to run, cook, and watch some mixed martial arts. I cant wait.

Its official

This has been the worse week ever. More details to follow.

Trickery

Today I captured my business partners and made them ride with me to Ben & Jerry's. (well, we had a lunch meeting at Shula's, they just didnt know about my dessert plans...) We get to Paton creek, and there is 

NO B & J. what? The website last night specifically said there was one right here and they were participating in the free ice cream cone. Plus ive been to it before. I was determined to get free ice cream. So, instead of going back to the office, I drive to the Summit. NO STORE THERE EITHER. When did it shut down? This is now a sick joke that adds to my week's woes. Turns out, there is now no longer a store in bham, so sad. Daniel offered to buy me an ice cream sandwich at the gas station (they were really feeling sorry for me at this point, and they prob just wanted to get back to work...) I declined. The only ice cream we were suppose to eat today was free ice cream, damnit.

On a fun note. I got 5 boxes of Kashi cereal (retail $5.29) and one box of kashi crackers (retail $2.39) at publix today for $2.11. That's right, im getting pretty good at this now! I would take a picture, but im too lazy. gnight

Manic (depressive) Monday

Ive heard it said before that when bad things happen, they occur in threes. Today was no exception. First, I got a call telling me that I actually wont be able to go to Montreal after all. The room they originally thought was free is no longer, so no Canada for me. I was bummed, but not sad. I would rather save those delta points to go somewhere with Jordan anyways. Speaking of my husband, the next call I got was him. He heard back from Regions, and did not get the job we have been hoping for. Talk about yet another let down. He handled it better than I did. I told him I was going to move my checking account to Wachovia (all of my $20). That will show them...So, when im thinking I need to just climb back in bed, I go into a meeting and am told some news that will definitely change my business. I cant go into any more detail than that until Friday, but its for the best. Dont worry, (you out there that worry) my job is safe, it will just be a change.

At about 6pm, i was exhausted of bad news, so I headed over to Liberty Nail (one nail) and got my weekly polish change. My lenten promise of not biting my nails is one of the only promises I have kept for myself. Another promise, this weight loss thing, is starting afresh! Thanks to Cristin, Ive started following The New Rules of Lifting for Women. Today was the first workout, and I am def sore. Updates on that to follow.

The only great news I have today is this:

"On March 23rd(TOMORROW!), head to your local Ben and Jerry’s to celebrate FREE cone day by snagging some FREE ice cream— NO coupon or purchase required!" (thanks Hip2Save.com) 


Jensi and Olivia dont miss out! I know yall love this place as much as me!

Rotaract Masquerade Ball

Tonight we headed on down to the newly renovated Woodrow Wilson Hall in Woodlawn for Rotaract's annual Gala. This is our biggest fundraiser of the year for the (International recognized) Rotaract Foundation, which has currently succeeded in putting a library in every 2nd grade classroom in Bham city schools. Yeah,  its kinda a big deal...SO, we celebrate in a big way each year. Here are some of our friends enjoying the night, YP style.

and in case you were missing my fatty boom bah kitty...spencer says hey

The Back Yard Transformation

When we bought our house, the biggest challenge (besides those cabinets) was the yard. The previous owner had really let it turn into a jungle. We were able to tackle the front yard after two long days of work, but the back yard is a much bigger challenge, and I have a deadline. My practice is putting on a crawfish boil in May at our house, so the cleaning has to happen. Luckily the yard guys my parents use are amazing. Take a look at the transformation:

Before

After

Before

After

Before

After

Before

After

(we still need to get that tressle down)

Before

After

Before

After

I cant wait to start adding color to this newly cleaned yard! I think its really calling for a dog! In due time of course...

St. Paddy's

We decided that since we had friends present during our wedding day, we should spend time with friends for our anniversary. Plus Paddy's day is all about being with those you care about. So after work yesterday we headed over to good ole Superior Grill for some awesome food and friend time. Since these are relatively new friends who werent at our wedding three years ago, we had to fill them in on what our big day was like.

Rocking my new Paddy's Irish Pub T-shirt (Always Sunny reference) Presents on a budget are so endearing. Its almost as good as the Gerbil that sang "Everybody was Kung Fu fighting" and swung nunchucks when you pressed his paw....

Erin & Artie

Ashley and Kevin were a bit camera shy.

celebratory Paddy's Day/ Anniversary Tequila shot. New tradition? I think so :)

Random picture, but this guy looked JUST like Josh, one of the realtors from the Bravo's Millionaire Dollar Listing. Yes, that is one of my "mindless shows," and im ok with that. The picture doesnt do this resemblance justice, he looked just like him. It was uncanny.

Three's a (lucky) charm

Three years ago tonight I was enjoying an amazing rehearsal dinner at Flemmings with all my loving family and friends. J and I were about to embark on a crazy journey of newlyweddedness (ive trademarked that word btw). Now its been three years of marriage, and im loving spending every day with my best friend. Saying that, I think we are still learning to live together, figure out quirks and adjust to life as two. I dont mean that as a negative, but those of you who know either of us, know that we are two highly independant (and stubborn) people, so adjustments are necessary. I really cant wait for the next three years of life in our new house, starting a new family. I think the next three will be even better than the first. However, since I wasnt an active blogger back in 07, enjoy some pics from the big day.

Rehearsal dinner smooch

My new brother and sister

my gals

more of my gals

my sassy sisters

dancing with J to ray lemontagne

the fam

finally relaxing

I love you J

Anna Howard Shaw Day

This episode is why 30 Rock is genius. My fav episode ever. Take 25 minutes and enjoy.

If I could have drinks with any famous person, Tiny Fey would for sure be on my list. Others on the list include (in no particular order):

-Diane Keaton
-Angalina Jolie
-Larry David
-Lady Gaga
-John Hamm (almost purely to look at)

updates

Things have been pretty chill here at the Burns/Gaston house lately. We are still waiting to hear about Jordan's job with Regions, so that's a frusterating waiting game. I was thinking this week that with him (hopefully) starting a job soon, we prob wouldnt be taking a trip this year, and I would get to spend a week volunteering at Sumatanga. (something I havent been able to do in three years now because of work)  As soon as I get this into my head, I get a phone call. Ive been invited to attend the Rotary International Conference this June in Montreal! There goes camp, because i'll be in Canada for a week. Has anyone been to Montreal?  I cant wait to do some research on the city, and find out more. I was even more excited to hear that Canadian currency is one where we as Americans, with our dollar, dont get screwed, (like we do with the Euro & pound) awesome! I am actually heading up to camp today to see friends though. I was hoping I had fun news of appearing this summer, but not so much...OH CANADA OH CANADA, here I come!

Also, i'm pretty excited because I get to go back to the radio world on Monday. No, I wont be speaking this time. My friend (and coworker) Carolyn is doing a 8 minute interview on the opening drive (with Jay Barker, Tony Curry and Al Delcreco) about her upcoming bash- Partying for Parkinsons. It is March 25th at Vulcan, and everyone should go, it will be a blast. All proceeds go to the Michael J Fox and Alabama Parkinsons Foundation. (Her boyfriends father has Parkinsons) So, back to radio. Im a HUGE fan of the Jox's radio station. Because most of al Bham radio is aweful, I listen to sports talk. Im so excited she is letting me go with her to the station and just be a fly on the wall. Listen in monday at 10:15 to 94.5!!!

Property Virgins

I have been meaning to write this post for a while now. It took Jordan and me over 6 months to find a house we could agree on. I wanted to highlight the people that helped us on our journey because they were fantastic!

First: helping us find our house, the fabulous realtor, Sherry Fry

She was patient as can be as we looked at house after house in all areas of the city. At the end, we made 3 different offers, on 3 different houses in less than a week. Luckily we did finally find a house (the last one we looked at) and signed the offer on my current kitchen island. I couldnt be happier with our casa, but I still find myself looking at homes for sale on the internet because it was fun to see what was out there.

Next: helping us buy the house was the fabulous mortgage broker, Cathy Gapen:

I met Cathy at a Shelby County Chamber event, and in less than a year she has become a business ally, friend, and a lifesaver when it comes to buying a home. We get along so well that she even asked me to do a radio bit talking about my experience with her and her company, hometown mortgage. I cant remember if I talked about that on here because I wasnt sure how I sounded on the radio waves, but I think it turned out alright. I dont know if they are still playing it, but you can hear it if you listen to 93.7 WDJC!

My accountant: not someone you typically thank, but she really did help me keep everything straight. Thanks Ruby!

Also, thanks to both mine and jordan's family for being dragged to showings and for being brutely honest about every house i loved....

Now, I hope I dont have to do this again for a long long time!

Frustrating Friday

I made it to Friday, only to be given several dinky consulation prizes for my efforts to make it to week's end:

Prize #1:  Door shut in face- I realized today at 5:35pm that with all the week's events, I hadnt yet made my car payment. This is the only bill that I still take to the bank and pay in person. I know i could set this up electronically to make it easier, but a part of me likes the old fashionish of it. Well, i made a quick call and realized that they arnt open on saturdays. I wasnt going to make it to the greystone branch of Legacy Credit Union in 280 traffic, and I had to go downtown anyways for an LEI function, so at 5:42, after I made a quick call and realized they close at 6, I made my way to the downtown Legacy Branch. I made good time, and pulled up right at the clock hit the hour. I raced out of my car and made it to the door of the branch at about 30 secs after. The lady on the other side of the door was reaching up to lock the door when I caught her attention and said I just need to make one quick transation. She acted like I wasnt even standing there, finished locking the door, and walked away. WHAT?!? All the tellers were still at their respective booths looking like all they wanted to do was take my check. I was pissed and baffled by her rudeness, but the first thing that came into my head was to say "Please be a good samaritan!" I yelled this hoping she could hear me through the doors. She turned, stared me down, and then walked away. Now, I realize I was late, by 30 secs, but still late. And I would have understood if she had turned around and said, i'm sorry, we have to close up now. But, no. She gave me a cold stare and just walked away. I sulked back to my car and reluctantly got back in and drove off to my destination.

Prize #2: Bump it- I got a little turned around driving from 5 pnts to The wine loft, and had to make lots of turns on one way streets. Finally, I turned around in an area with an unlevel street. As I was making my way back into the regular avenue, my car hit a bump and slammed back down on the street. It did not sound good. Now me and my car are taking a beating.

Actual Prize: Networking award- I was still pissed when I arrived at the wine loft, and just had to tell the first person i saw, which happened to be the chair of our board. She was shocked like me, mostly because Legacy is known for being family friendly and accomodating. Well, it just so happens her husband is best friends with the President of the Credit Union, and so guess who will be hearing from me on monday morning. Dont mess!

Prize # 3: Unnecessary Brakeage- I left the wine loft (having only drank water) exhausted, and I just wanted to get home, put on some pj's and watch Grey's. As im making my way down 280, I get about 4 car length from the (green) traffic light in front of the summitt when the car ahead of me slams on his breaks. This was not a normal slamming, it was shockingly quick and even more confusing because he did this while going under the green light. So, of course, I have to slam on my brakes so fast that my car (for the second time tonight) is pissed and swerves a little, but comes within inches of hitting this fool in front of me. Luckily those german brakes are bad ass. I realize that he has seen a ambulance coming up 280 in the other direction (nowhere near us), and decided to yield to it immediatly, in the middle of an intersection. Awesome. Now my car is making a not so good noise when I brake and it has stopped for a few seconds. Maybe it just needs some rest, and I pray nothing is wrong with it.

 Prize #4 Over the line-  I got Taco Bell for dinner. Yes, it was easily justifiable in my head from the night's events. I got home to enjoy my bounty of deliciousness, only to find that the chips that make up my nacho supreme......are burnt. NEVER in all my years of professional taco bell eating have i seen such a sight. I almost cried. It was pathetic. Im going to bed before I can cause any more havoc to myself or others.

Season 52 Road Warrior

Im back! This has seemed like a week's worth of traveling squished into 3 days. There were some fun parts. Dinner at Seasons 52 Monday night was so much fun. I had never heard of this place, but every entree, app and dessert on the whole menu is under 475 calories. I'm down with that. Why cant we have one of these in bama?

They bring this dessert tray to your table and you can choose from any of these. I just took ONE, the mango cheesecake, but it was hard not to go for more.

Back to Bham Monday night in the rain and slush of the nasty weather we have been getting. There are entirely too many 18 wheelers on that highway.

Work, work, work tuesday morning, then headed back over to hot-lanta. Snow was still on the ground once I crossed the state line.  Thankfully my ever so sweet cousin, Jana let me crash at her place so I didnt have to get up at at 3am in bham to get to buckhead by 7:30 eastern. Jana, I pomise the noodle-less lasagna was awesome, no jokes!

Our Buckhead office is pretty cool and very "metro" being in the Terminus building downtown. Sometimes I feel like a country mouse when I go there. But, then I get into city girl mode, and i'm over it. Back to Bham.

Luckily my (female) boss' boss was there when i arrived. I always feel better about my male ego issues when she is around because "they" hum a completely different tune during those times. Plus, I can actually talk to her about my issues. I didnt this time, but she has helped in the past. Thank goodness for strong women in leadership roles, now we just need to find some more of them!

In other female empowerment news. This weekend, one of the women's non-profits that I work with is having its huge 10 year anniversary gala. Leading Edge was a group that I got introduced to in college. We stayed a week at 4H camp, and did work in the black belt to learn about issues surrounding women and children in Alabama. Jordan called it feminazi camp. go figure. Cristin remembers....

But it should be fun, and hopefully is a great fundraiser for this organization.

Time to crash.