Gameday on the Plains

Well, it finally arrived. Gameday was here. Y'all, it's almost like Christmas down here. The past couple of years, I've had a Gameday Eve "Tailgate" at my apartment on Friday (hence, Gameday Eve). It's very casual, just swing by, hang out as long as you like, eat, whatever. This year, I so did not get it together enough to invite all my neighbors. Oops. :/

I would like to note that one of my Junior League friends came by and brought her three-year-old son. I had fun catching up with her and playing with her son. He fell asleep in the car on the way home. (So, I debate adding this part, since all my college age neighbors thought this sounded terrible, but as a post-college adult who has taken care of a lot of children, I use the "offensive" phrase all the time in this sense, but here goes: I say it isn't a party unless someone passes out. So, little one didn't pass out from drinking - there was no alcohol served until way after he left - but he was so worn out from a long day and all that playing at my place he "passed out." Party success!)

Andy finally got here around 8:30 and we hung out, drank, ate, watched the end of Little Miss Sunshine, and went to bed around 11:00.

The next morning was GAMEDAY!!! I've been waiting on this day since June. We got up bright and early at 7:00, I made breakfast, he cleaned up a little, and we got going. Andy's friend, Johnathan, from college came down and my friend James and some of his friends came down. I had met Johnathan years ago, before I got my first apartment down here, but we never crossed paths again until this weekend.

Johnathan, Me, and Andy before leaving for the game

We got to our seats, and, y'all, it was so exciting!!! Look at all that orange!

 

As part of some pre-game activities, we saw the final installment of where Aubie has been with the crystal football. Of course, he ended up on the field! You better believe I was screaming and about to cry like a girl at a Beatles concert back in the day. You can't see it in the picture, but Aubie's running around the field with the crystal football. I was too excited to remember to zoom.

I don't know how many Auburn fans are going to agree with me about this, but I had total confidence we were going to win the whole time (except for when we had about three minutes left, I got a bit panicked). So what if it was a close game and we trailed at times? Y'all, I love - LOVE - Gene Chizik. He has got that team under control and I have total faith in him. Had Tommy Tubberville been our coach, I feel like we definitely would have lost that game. To me, the game seemed to be evenly matched (just because we're playing a team we're supposed to beat doesn't mean they are a bad team), and I am really pleased with the way it panned out. We never got so far behind we couldn't catch up and at the very end, when it seemed like there was a chance we might actually lose, we got two touchdowns back to back and pulled out the win. If we had done that earlier, there's a good chance the other team would have scored on us again. We had to let them think they had the game, and then get 'em at the very end, when they didn't have time to beat us. Loved it!

While I'm on the subject, I have got to say how disgusted I am with some of the Auburn fans sitting around me. I think they must be converts because the way they talk about our team disgusts me. Saying things like, "Come on, Tigers, wake up," and exchanging looks that could easily say, "What a bunch of losers out there. I am so disgusted." That, y'all, is NOT being a good Auburn fan. Support your team!

Back to the weekend, after I got my shower, and we rested up a bit, we went to Amsterdam Cafe for dinner. A girl was selling feather hair extensions, so I got some more feathers in my hair. (Yay!) Dinner was heavenly. Filet, broccolini, Malbec. Nomnomnom. And for dessert, I had the chocolate cheesecake. More nomnomnom.

Johnathan headed back to the ATL and I went to bed early. Apparently, Andy stayed up and watched TV. When we got up the next morning, we had a little breakfast, got ready, went to Target and Kroger, and went to Amsterdam again, where else? I've been craving a turkey wrap for months, y'all. (Andy and I usually order a turkey wrap to go when we eat dinner there, but we were so stuffed we couldn't think of any more food on Saturday. The next morning all we could talk about was how I should have texted Levi, my old neighbor from back in the day, to send a couple of turkey wraps home with my new next door neighbor. Yes, nearly everyone in my Auburn life is connected to Amsterdam.)

It was a great weekend and I now have to get back to reality and prepare to work some today and tomorrow.



Why do I doula?

Towards the end of my blog hiatus, I began posting a series about my personal health care journey. I did it partly for me, to put all the pieces together, but I also did it because I've been nauseated for over four years and my doctors have no idea why. I'm not the only one this has ever happened to ... I googled it one night and found a discussion board about all these people who have been/are going through it too. I was doing it as a way to reach out to those who might have the same problem, and also as a hopeful thing, hoping someone had been through it too and got an answer that may be the answer for me.

Two years ago, I had surgery. My symptoms to that point were fatigue, nausea, malaise, and tenderness in random places all over my trunk. It affected my work so much I ended up quitting my jobs. I just couldn't fight it any more. I had also developed a rather distended upper abdomen. I couldn't wear a bra, I occasionally had difficulty breathing (due to the pressure), and I looked pregnant. I figured surgery couldn't hurt anything. I was so wrong.

Actually telling about my whole recovery is painful. Within the first two weeks, I had changed to a stronger pain medicine, gotten into a huge fight with my boyfriend (at the time), cried a ga-zillion times, been to the emergency room, had DISSOLVABLE stitches RIPPED from my body, found out my after care instructions were complete bullshit, got passed off between doctors, discovered I had a hole. In. My. Abdomen. Went for an emergency therapy appointment. Got the white gunk dug out of aforementioned hole, and was on my way to recovery.

Or so I thought. Within a couple of weeks, I started waking up between four and six in the morning about once a week with excruciating back pain. It feels like my muscles are contracting, they pull tighter and tighter inwards until after they can't get any tighter and they finally begin to release. There is tons of pressure with this, too. (Just out of curiosity, I timed it one time and it took 20 minutes.) This still happens from time to time. Now, when I wake up with the pressure, kind of uncomfortable feeling, I take a deep breath and brace myself mentally. Usually by relaxing the best I can when it starts, I can keep the pain from getting as bad as it can.

I also just haven't been "the same" since my surgery. I am even more fatigued, more tender, and now I have muscle and joint (and tendon) issues. I've noticed lately I've been a little better, but my stamina is nothing! Once the weather cools down, I'll know a lot more.

And, of course, I'm still nauseous. But, I can breathe. And wear a bra. The breathing part is wonderful, the bra part ... I was getting used to shelf bra camis and they were oh so comfy.

So, what does this have to do with becoming a doula? Giving birth has such a wonderful outcome (assuming everything goes well), why should a woman have to just go with whatever the doctors and nurses say and hope she doesn't have a bad experience? I'm not saying this happens in every case without a doula, and I'm not saying every case with a doula is all roses. I just think having an advocate and support person to help you during this journey can help the outcome be as best as possible. Like I said in doula training, I think everyone should have a "doula" for every medical experience.

What can I say?

It's been a while, y'all. Lots of changes are taking place :)

I guess I should start off with some 'splainin' as to why I took down all my old posts ... see, what had happened was I thought I was going to start a "lifestyle consulting" business, where I teach etiquette and advise on wardrobe, homemaking, and other lifestyle kinds of things. I'll admit I'm not the best at any of that, but I know what is appropriate and I'm a fountain of advice. What better name that Southern Like That for the business? So, I figured I would take down all my posts and start the lifestyle blog. That didn't happen. Not that it ever won't happen, it's just, well, kind of overwhelming. And I have had this other little project going on.

Last year, I spent the summer suffering from hyperthyroidism and tendinitis. My plan was to go to massage school, get my license, and start my massage therapy practice in Auburn. Well, my tendinitis didn't heal in time to start school and I desperately needed something to do. I considered going to cosmetology school because I love doing makeup, but that's a lot of money to spend to just do makeup. Don't get me wrong, I will cut and color your hair for you if you are a very dear friend, but I don't love doing it. What else do I love, know, and can feasibly do for work? Become an artist. I'm no fine artist by any means, but I'm rather crafty.

It got put on the back burner as life got complicated the past year, but, fortunately, I did do enough work on it here and there to have a (hopefully) fairly good plan in place. As of last week, I am the proud owner of my very own business, Queen B, named for my beloved cat, Boston GoGo. I plan on launching in the next few weeks, so stay tuned.

With the business, I began exploring what social networking sites I wanted to utilize to help me promote Queen B. I've been hearing a lot about Pinterest, and really wanted an account, but it didn't seem like the right thing to do with Queen B. It is a great way to promote my other favorite hobby, lifestyle. So, you can now follow me on Pinterest, SoLikeThat. (Southern Like That was too long. Boo!)

Another little thing that happened this summer was I finally began my doula certification. Why would a woman who has no desire to put her own self through pregnancy and who desperately wants to be a mother become a doula? That's a long story you can read on my doula blog (when I get it up and running). I'll probably do a post on it here, just because I also have a passion for health care advocacy.

So, y'all, that's what I have to say. It's been a long, hot summer, and I am ready for the greatest Southern pastime - FOOTBALL. War Eagle, y'all.

P.S. Maybe I'll get around to putting the old posts back up :)

Pirates, parrots, and a bar baby shower, oh my!

One of my favorite bartenders is having his first son and I was appointed to plan his baby shower. Scott is so excited about becoming a father and his new family that we thought he deserved a shower. Also, none of his co-workers were able to attend a traditionally-timed shower (weekend afternoon) because they work like crazy all weekend.

With about one week to plan, I had to work fast! Step 1: pick a theme. I chose pirate. It's cool. It's Jimmy Buffett-ish. It's good for a boy. We had a good time!

Since the Nana's crew is a fun-loving bunch of people, I went all out! We had pirate hats, crowns, inflatable swords, and a treasure chest, just to name a few things.

We had the shower on a Monday night while Scott was working so we could help him earn some extra tip money! (It was also the best night to get everyone to come.)

Shannon and I went to set up way before Scott got there so he would be surprised with the decorations and so we wouldn't have to work around customers later on.

I'm so embarrassed to admit this, but I must give credit where it is due: I let Scott's mother to do the food. I got the cake, but she offered to cook for the shindig, and I let her. Emily Post might be rolling over in her grave for that one, but I am eternally grateful! The spread was awesome and it allowed me and Shannon to pay closer attention to the other details.

Booty (gifts, for you non-pirate speakers)

Shannon and I left a note for Scott and stuck it to the bar mat with a knife.

Clearly, we were really into the pirate theme :)

Invitation

Instead of a guest book, I had treasure maps for everyone to write a message to the new family

Directions for "guest book"

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 :/