Guest Chef at Rags'

Unlike so many people my age, I am skipping the 30x30. Instead, I am jumping on opportunities to do things I've always wanted to or just sound really cool.

Last fall, I was introduced to this little restaurant and bar in Lakeview (Birmingham). They do guest chef night from time to time and I finally got around to signing up in April.

Back in high school, I used to want to be a chef. Then I spent an entire day cooking for my friends and changed my mind. (LOL!) This was all about getting in an industrial kitchen and cooking for more people than I am comfortable with. I also got to do a little fundraiser for my favorite local charity, the 1917 Clinic.

I chose to make my go-to recipe of apple roasted pork tenderloin. Rags' donates a portion of the profits to a charity of the chef's choice, and I decided to donate $5 per plate served to the 1917 Clinic, as well.

Here, I have to thank everyone who supported me and the 1917 Clinic that night. Alan, who donated his own $5 because he wouldn't be able to attend, my mother, Gamma, Mrs. Graham, James, Michael,Debbie, William, Margaret, Meredith, Shannon, Dana, Melissa (who is a vegetarian and just skipped the pork), Laura, Ryke, Space, John Paul, Jordan (my brother, who came all the way from Montevallo), and everyone else I don't know who ordered the plate.

I'm really glad I decided not to pursue that career path, but I think a couple of times a year doing guest chef will satisfy me just fine!

28th Birthday Party!



On April 7, I turned 22 for the second time. (I actually turned 28 ... heehee). I celebrated with my friends on April 8, at Nana Funks, of course. I racked up on the wine (thank you, everyone!). It was such a special night and I am so thankful I got to visit with friends from many seasons of my life. Shannon did such a great job decorating. That part was so unexpected, and she went above and beyond!

I'm one of those people who likes to eat around 7 or 8, but Happy Hour (specifically, Friday Happy Hour) tends to get in the way of that. We have this group we call the "Friday Friends," so Fridays are THE social event of the week. All I wanted was to be able to eat dinner at Happy Hour, so I got a small catering order and a cake and we partied!

Before I go any further, I want to thank the Nana Funks staff! I hopped in real quick on my actual birthday and Ryke had bought me a glass of wine, and Ricky wished me a happy birthday as he was leaving and I was coming in. Like I said, Shannon did a great job of decorating. (She even got me a special balloon with a sweet dog on it because I have been wanting a dog.) Melissa and Stephanie actually took time away from their evening (when I assume they are getting in a good nap before they have to be at work later on to work all night) to make appearances. And Troy and Dustin also made a point to wish me a happy birthday. It was very special that everyone acknowledged my special day and I hope to never forget it! After all, how many times does a girl turn 22? We'll find out ... (LOL). Also, Scott gave me some glasses of wine the next Monday when I saw him. If you're looking for a bar in Birmingham, make friends with Nana Funks! They are a great group of people!

One more highlight I don't want to forget is dancing with the Space-man to "No Sugar Tonight." Time of my life!

Now, on to the pictures. Please excuse my purple lips (and probably teeth!). I was having too much fun to bother with keeping that under control :)

Shannon wrote this sweet sign for me

Me and Brother (Jordan)

Me and Melissa - best girlfriend from high school! We have very few pictures together and rarely get to hang out.

The Cake - I decided to turn 22 again!

Full view of The Cake - from Savage's, of course!

Me, Laura, and Melissa

Me and someone who probably wishes to remain anonymous

Me and The Debbie - my best bar friend!

Jessica, Me, Keri D., and Sara

Me and Space - my favorite ex-boyfriend

Meredith, Me, and Margaret - my favorite Auburn fans!

Me and Stephanie

Food!

Decorations - Shannon did such a great job :)

A wonderful bottle of wine from my anonymous (Alabama fan) friend. I love how he wraps a present!

Widespread Panic

These are my pictures from the Widespread Panic concert in Birmingham. I didn't take any pictures Friday night because, to put it nicely, people were not very nice that night. I missed most of Charlie Daniels, cried most of the first set (the stress got the better of me :/), and finally was able to enjoy the second set (for the most part). You wouldn't have wanted to see those pictures, anyway.

On a happier note about Friday, the energy from the band was AWESOME!!! They covered "Riders on the Storm," which was pretty cool and very fitting for a stormy day, and later they covered "Feelin' Alright," and I was in LOVE. I freakin' love Joe Cocker! They also played "Bust it Big," and "Porch Song." It's kind of foggy on the rest of the set list, due to my little meltdown (note sarcasm).

The pictures here are from the second night. I chilled out at home in Birmingham on Saturday, locked myself in my bedroom, blasted some Panic CDs, took a hot shower, and just centered myself in a much better mood. And it worked! Ain't life grand, y'all!

Saturday night was much more laid back, and we all had fun, especially Space, as you will see.

Go order the DVD of the shows! It's the best $30 I've ever spent. While you're at it, go download them, too. Loves it!

 

Space-man was SPACED! He definitely had a good time. Don't judge - he's been pretty responsible lately.

Me and Shannon. So freakin' excited for a good night!

Me and Space. He was all over me all night. I gave up on dancing when I found myself with a Space backpack :/