So much for a quiet night...

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Kate Gosselin

Dear People Magazine,

If you must resort to featuring Kate Gosselin, please know that I would prefer to just skip that week's issue. Blech.

Sincerely.


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Sushi Nobo -- The BEST Sushi in Smyrna/Vinings

Before I tell you about how delicious Sushi Nobo was this weekend, let me address a couple of other things.

1. We are still training like fiends for this Half-Marathon, commonly referred to by Tony as "YOUR cockamamie idea, woman!" This weekend I ran 4 miles outside without stopping. And it was humid. Really HUMID. Also, Smyrna is full of hills. Feel free to praise me. Consequently, I will be using http://www.mapmyrun.com/ to find something with less elevation, as this weekend we move to 5 miles.

2. I've been cooking lots of healthy stuff lately. I need to post some pictures. I love love to cook healthy stuff that tastes great.

But, back to the important stuff-- Sushi Nobo. We LOVE this place. Evidently, it is the reinvention of a place called Mt. Fuji. Mt. Fuji was in Marietta, and had quite a following. If this place is anything like it, I can see why.

Located in the West Village, just off of Atlanta Road and 285, Sushi Nobo has moved into first place for delicious, quality sushi in the area. And it won't break your budget.
We like to sit at the sushi bar. From what I hear, Don has quite a following. As it turns out, we have been seated in Yama's section both times. I cannot imagine that Don has anything on Yama. He is fantastic.

As he gets to know you, and your preferences, if you are willing to trust, he will create some of the most fantastic dishes that will delight your taste buds!

We like spicy items, so, he created the following non-menu items for us:

Spicy Yellowtail with Spicy Ponzu Sauce

This is fantastic. Hands down, it will be ordered each time we go. He figured out that we could handle the heat, and created this concoction:

I'm not sure that it has a proper name, but it involved some edamame paper, and sriracha in addition to their delicious fish.

We also ordered one of their special rolls that I've seen on the menu a couple of times-- the Super Spicy Crunchy Roll. More jalapeno and sriracha.

Seriously, you know you want it. By this point, I was glad for the Asahi Extra Dry. One bottle is enough for 2 pint glasses, so order one to share with your friend, and it will stay extra cold.

The food is fantastic, and the service even better. Each person is so friendly. The beer is cold. What else?

Oh, will we be back soon? HAI!

4 Miles

I am writing this entry from my phone because my legs hurt too darn much to make the 20 foot trek to the computer. Hal Higdon-I sure hope you are an evil genius. Otherwise, you are just evil.

The muscle misery began when I stepped off the treadmill. I nearly fell. In the two hours since, the soreness has increased with a swiftness. Not since the spelunking adventure of 2009 have I been this aware of my legs. Consequently, the cave exploration adventure was another of my awesome ideas (in my defense, the brochure mentioned neither the bats nor their poo).

In any case, we are doing this thing. Thank goodness that tomorrow is strength training. I hope I have the strength to lift a glass to my lips.

TTFN....

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Never Trust A Big Butt And A Smile

After walking 2 miles this morning with Sweet M Doggy...

we ran 3 miles. Yep, me, T, and the Marines have all gotten 5 miles in before 7 a.m.
I must confess that part of my success with a non-stop 3 mile run is thanks to my totally awesome, super kick-@ss 5K Mix for the iPod.
All of my choices have catchy beats and many have explicit content. It will keep you moving. Without further ado:
1. Faith -- George Michael
2. Humpin' Around-- Bobby Brown
3. It's Tricky-- Run DMC
4. Nasty-- Janet Jackson
5. On Our Own-- Bobby Brown (refrained from doing the dance with the shoulders, you know the one, but I wanted to)
6. Push It-- Salt-N-Pepa
7. Sally, That Girl-- Gucci Crew II
8. Supersonic-- J.J. Fad

Not included on this particular set, but a standard fave for keeping it moving is Poison by Bel Biv Devoe.
I really cannot contain myself from shooting my arms up and/or out on some of those notes. True, I am totally quirky. Also, I am totally at peace with that fact.

TGIF.

Spiderman and Freeze in full effect...

Clearly I have taken leave of my senses

Because today, I committed to complete a Half Marathon, the Inaugural Athens, Ga Half Marathon.
In the short time since I posted this on FB, I've received many comments. The one that resounds with me most is this:
WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU?
Fine, fine, fine question Greggie.
I have not a clue.
As a kid, I was the opposite of an athlete. More of a mathlete, if you will.

Oh, and more Drew Barrymore than LiLo. Tangent-- I hope that LiLo finally rehabs. Drew seems to have it under control now. And I'm back to the topic...

In Junior High, I could not run a mile (4 laps around a dirt track, I remember you Lee Jr. High). I was a kid. I should have been able to do it. Even though I wanted to be an athlete, I felt like it wasn't possible. That mindset lasted for years.

In college, I took up aerobics, and kept with that off and on for the next decade.  Say what you will about Jazzercise, those (often old) ladies glutes look fab and I know that they could kick my butt from here to the moon and back. But that was dancing, and that did not fit into my mindset of sport.

A few years ago, heavy and unhappy about it, I began to introduce healthy eating and  physical activity into my life. (Weight Watchers does work, folks!)

When I began, I could not run even 1/16th of a mile. Inside. On a flat track. Did I mention there was air-conditioning? True.

So, as the years passed, and I was encouraged to participate, I completed my first 5K. Just under an hour, yes indeed. I walked the entire way, chatting it up with coworkers and friends.

The next year, I made more of an effort to walk at a faster pace. I shaved a bit off my time.

Year 3-- I ran. Who even knew that I could run 5K?  I sure didn't. So, I claimed the victory. Just around 33 minutes. Special thanks to Tony who says that he knew I could do it all along. I don't think he was blowing smoke either. Thank you extra, Baby! Whether he sees the good in me or just has years of experience with my stubborn streak is not to be questioned at this point.  Rather, I'll just appreciate it.

Year 4-- A little faster (truly a miracle considering that I climbed INTO The bottle of red wine the night pre-race).

That was earlier this year.

So, a few of my good friends have recently completed Half Marathons. They are both working mothers. If they can find the time to train, so can I.

They are awesome. Check them out: Caroline and Lara. They have really encouraged me to do it!

I do love the way running changes my body. I feel leaner and stronger. So far, I've only tapped into what is possible, I think. Hopefully, this will be the push that gets me on a path to my most healthy self.

T wants to amp up his fit factor, too. So we are doing this together.

I have researched Hal Higdon's 12 week Training Program for a Half. We are starting the program 4 days late, but I believe it will be fine. We already have both done a bit of running this week anyway.

I have printed Calendars that we will post that tell us what we are to do each day. When we complete our assignment, we get to put a sticker on that day. I got stars for Tony and  ladybugs for me. You can laugh ALL you want. I like positive reinforcement!

So, in 12 weeks, rather 11 weeks and 3 days, I will have done something I never thought I could. And really, perhaps that is my motivation. Take that, 7th grade me.

TTFN...

Shellac Nails Smyrna

12 days and no chips. Hurry to Top Nails and tell them Meredyth sent you!!!






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Location:West Spring St SE,Smyrna,United States

Bacchanalia

Handsome BF and I went to Bacchanalia to celebrate our 4th Anniversary.

Both of us certainly enjoy a fine dining experience, and neither had both never been to this celebrated Atlanta Eatery.

Reservations were made 2 months in advance.

Upon arrival, we strolled through Star Provisions and were greeted by a Hostess who took us to our table.

Immediately this meal was off to a fine start. Our table was in a private corner, free of traffic from staff and other guests.

Almost exclusive red wine drinkers, we elected to start our meal with a glass of white, as this was the suggested pairing for the restaurant's signature appetizer--Blue Crab Fritter.

Wine arrived and with it, the first of many 'gift from the chef' bonus tastes, a warm bite-sized pastry filled with soft cheese. It was delicious.

We ordered different items for each course so that we could share and enjoy different tastes. Our selections were:

Appetizer:

Me:Wood Grilled Georgia Shrimp

Heirloom Tomato

Local Cucumber, Crème Fraiche

Summerland Farm Lemon Thyme

He:Blue Crab Fritter

Citrus, Thai Pepper Essence

Both were fantastic, though we agree that his was better. Per our server, the Blue Crab Fritter has been on the menu always, and will never rotate off.

At this point, we ordered a bottle of Pinot Noir from the Willamette Valley. It was more jammy than wines from this region are typically, and had a bit of a merlot feel. Though it was not what we typically would choose, we enjoyed this with the rest of the meal.

Cheese and Contrast:

Me:Pierre Robert

Poached Cherries

Marcona Almonds

He:Appenzeller

Local Pole Beans

Hazelnuts

Bacon

Again, both choices were great. I think that we each thought ours was the best. I enjoy a soft cheese, and really enjoyed mine. The cheese that was part of his menu was dry, but delicious. In fact, I rarely encounter cheese that I don't like.

Entree:

Me: Fish

Sweet Georgia Corn, Bacon

Oyster Mushrooms

He:Local Berkshire Pork Loin

Crispy Belly, Local Field Peas

Butter Beans, Smoked Tomato Butter

Fresh Andouille Sausage

We shared bites of both. I think we each preferred the entree of the other.

Dessert:

Me: Caramelized White Chocolate

White Chocolate Crunch

Poached Cherries

He: Fried Georgia Peach Pie

Cilantro-Lime Ice

Fantastic, both of these. These are two that are favorites of the diners. I must say that while I enjoyed them both, that the Caramelized White Chocolate was FANTASTIC. I do not ever choose white chocolate, but did so on the advice of our server. He salivated when he described it. He was right.

(This dessert was a gift from the chef. DELICIOUS mascarpone icing--I think.)

I can see why people adore this place. Hopefully I will get it in gear soon and add a picture of us from that night.

Shellac Nail Update

Six days in and still perfect.


Please forgive the paper cut on the middle finger. This service is available at Top Nails in Smyrna.


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It's the moustache....

So we walk the neighborhood with M Doggy all the time. As a result, we get to know many neighbors, and even more fur-neighbors. I always assign a name to the animal. Often, as we regularly walk, we meet the fur-child’s parent, and learn the cat or dog’s real name. Well, this weekend, We met 2 such people and were delighted to learn the animal’s real names.


One of my favorite neighborhood cats, “orange” , is actually named Poupon (as in Grey, and I enjoy the irony). There is another kitty that I regularly address, whose name now as I type escapes me. But, the point of the story is this. Somehow bf was telling the ladies about how we name all the animals something and refer to them as that name-- either indefinitely or until we learn their real name.

Michelle, owner of the kitty who looks a lot like this:

 

wants to know what we call her kitty. I wasn’t quick enough on my feet to say "Kitty" or "Oreo" or any number of other innocuous cat names.

First, I stammered.

Then, I fessed up—“Kitler, you know b/c of the moustache."

THANK GAWD they were not offended.

Lesson Learned, BTW. No more naming neighborhood cats after Tyrannic Genocidal Maniacs. (EVEN if you have seen a website that is devoted to cats who look like them: Cats That Look Like Hitler.)

Shellac'd in Smyrna

Every woman I know has the same complaint about nail polish on your natural nails-- it chips. Almost immediately after leaving the salon, your nails start to lose that perfect look. Within a week, if anything is left at all, it looks like the hands of a guest on Jerry Springer. Sure, you could get acrylic nails, but that is costly, and damaging to your nails.

Finally, there is a hybrid nail color that:

1. Does NOT harm your nails and
2. Does not chip (for at least 14 days). That is right, 14 days. I've tested it.

Top Nails Salon in Smyna offers the Shellac service.  Check out some 5 Star Reviews of their Salon.
Top Nails is located in the Publix Shopping Center at the intersection of South Cobb Drive and the East West Connector.

I have been going to this salon for about 10 years. Donna, the Owner is fantastic. Long, the Manager is a hoot and will go out of his way to make sure that your experience is divine.

But really, you want to know what the nails look like don't you?

I can attest that this product will not chip. It is a dream come true! It takes about 30 minutes, and I love it. Take off is a breeze-- you just soak your hands in polish remover, and the polish peels up. They use a cuticle stick, or something smiliar, to remove anything that remains.

I'm a believer!

Check it out, and tell them Meredyth sent ya!

Fine Dining

More on our extravagant dining to come... However, do enjoy M Dogger trying to enter thru the drive-in window. Rotten.



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Did I eat that?

Last night we tried a new sushi place in the area--Sushinobo. It was lovely. The rolls were tasty and not very expensive. The sake was nice, but less of a bargain. We did not order this, but they sent an order anyway. I was the only one who tried it. Totally different than the octopus at Kyma.


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It does a body good!

Clearly the Des-monster does not find milk to be nearly as disgusting as I do. He is more than thrilled to enjoy a bit after his daily meds. Of course, it is lactose-free.
Who knew that most cats are lactose intolerant?
At any rate, he is back to full fiest, and we are glad.
Special thanks to the folks (especially Dr. Tyson and Paul) at Cumberland Animal Clinic who take such good care of the beasts.
*******************************
Looking forward to a fantastic weekend.
Plan include a dinner at Bacchanalia.
It all looks FANTASTIC!
I'm considering trying their wine pairings for each course.
I wonder if I will enjoy it as much as Kitty enjoys his Lactaid?
A full report to follow.
TGIF!

We have cheese at home.

Let me start by saying that I am everso glad that Alisa Maier was found safe after being missing for 24 hours.


When watching this story on the news this a.m., it reminded me of something my mother once told me when I was a child.

We were at some store, probably K-Mart, when I noticed a sign next to the restroom that said "No Merchandise Allowed Beyond This Point".

Innocently, I wondered why, and asked Mom-- Why can't you take merchandise into the bathroom.

Clearly, I did not understand theft.

Instead of explaining the concept of thievery, she told me something along the lines of:

"Well, a bad person could take a child into the bathroom, cut and color their hair, and sneak them out of the store unrecognized."

Ok-- That is a little scary, don't you think? One might say that is more harsh than explaining theft. Just saying. Then again, not out of the realm of possibility entirely.

Another of my favorite exchanges with my Mother, which, btw, she adamantly denies having, involved my desire for a swimming pool in our backyard.

It was HOT in the summer in Louisiana-- AFRICA HOT, you might say-- and a nice in-ground pool would have been much appreciated. Heck, our neighbor behind us and slightly diagonal had a pool with a diving board AND a slide.

So, innocently, I asked if we could have a pool.

She didn't skip a beat-- "No."

Naturally, I asked why the denial (as a child is prone to do), and again, she didn't skip a beat-- "The City won't allow two this close together."

Well, she could have shut me up, I assure you, with the simple explanation that they cost too much (I was sure we were destitute based on my Father's denial of cheese on my burger at McDonald's alone-- more on that later), are a pain to maintain, and well, she cannot swim. Instead, she invoked imaginary building enforcement code.

I'm not sure why she chose to explain things the way she did. Perhaps she was bored. Perhaps this was my 4000th question of the day, and she just needed some additional authority behind her explanation in order to avoid question #4001.

In any case, I survived, without a pool, without abduction, and without McDonald's cheese on my burger ("We have cheese at home"-- CB). Here is a a picture of us from the Fourth Of July weekend:

So, what did your parents tell you as a child that makes you laugh (or just shake your head) today?

What do you see?

Taken in a restaurant in Leeds, Alabama.



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Healthy And Happy Fur-kids

So-- Kitty Update-- he is at 100%. Here are some recent pics.

Believe it or not, after this many years, they get along. Des is smooching on M Dogg.

See? I didn't make this up.

Poor M Dogger is having a hard time accepting that her Daddy loves another furchild. You can see her doing her darndest to get somebody to rub her belly while Des is getting the good brusha.

She finally inched her way in. Though he looks like he is pestered, we know he loves her.

And finally, she is satisfied and relaxed.

Seriously, she gets away with everything. This is why.

Looking Good

Kitty greeted us at the door. And, the treasure chest was full. And he us sneering at his sister/doggy.


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Addiction

Seriously. WHY is it so much fun? Scrabble with wooden tiles is not nearly this fun. I have a problem.

Supporting Cast of Characters

In the coming days, weeks, etc... I'll tell stories about some people whose names I have changed to protect their sterling reputations. Of course, some of my people proudly claim their adventures, and they will be addressed directly.
I personally am looking forward to the adventures of Carmen, who told me over a cold beer just last night that she was about to do some irreparable damage. I think this on-again-off-again romantic affair has just about run it's course.
Coming soon-- Adventures of Meg, Lucy, and Gina.

Feline Update

He is eating more and leaving liquid deposits in the litter box. So... things are looking good. He is more than willing to eat the smelliest cat foods that the grocery store sells. Also, he is starting to chow on some of his bits.

Happy Hour

Des is heading to see Doctor T and Paul for some extra fluids this afternoon. They are encouraged that he is eating. I wonder if D will appreciate this for the HH that it is. This pic was taken after his lunch of tuna soup. He seems to be feeling a bit better, too.

Well, he decided to eat a bit of dry food yesterday, and he seems to be feeling a bit better. Hopefully we are on the road to recovery. As the picture shows, he cannot be bothered to smile for the camera.

In other news, this blog was never really intended to focus on the kitty. I surely thought that I would have lots of fun stories about life, family, work, etc... Good News! I'm going to spend some time with the family over this holiday weekend. No doubt, something funny to report when I get back.

Testing

Can I really post from this fancy new phone?


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Weekend Update

Weekend was busy. On Saturday I took Desi for more fluids, as he still was not eating/drinking. The vet gave me some cans of food, hoping they would stimulate his appetite, and he did scarf one can right down. Still, he was not (is not) drinking kitty milk or water. Yesterday, he devoured a can of tuna-- he used to eat tuna every day but we cut that out as part of his cure for obesity several years ago-- but still isn't really drinking. This a.m. I gave him fresh water, kitty milk, and only dry food. Hopefully he will enjoy some liquids soon. We shall see...
Last night (see picture) we gave him lots of love with his favorite prop-- the brush (brusha). He will allow you to groom him for the longest time. Go figure that he likes to be pampered.

When will he back to 100% ???

Well, the Kitty is acting a little more energetic (not much) and is still not showing much interest in eating or drinking. Even the delish Kitty Milk. I guess we will call the Doctor again at 9 a.m....

This picture is from a few years ago. Hopefully he will be smiling again soon.

Friday Fives

Ok- so Kathryn and Caroline are doing this, so it must be cool---


1. If given a choice to skip work for a day, how would you spend the entire day?

I would hang out with Tony. Walk with M Doggy. Take a nap. Cook something delicious. Enjoy some great wine.


2. If you could start fresh, what profession would you choose?

I would write and/or report. Don't I have a degree in something like that...? Oh, and I would, without shame, specialize in Entertainment.


3. What is your favorite candy or candy bar?

Snickers, Twix, oh heck-- I like candy. Period. Except for sour patch varieties. Blech!



4. Have you ever ordered anything from an infomercial or bought an "As seen on TV Item"?

Some of my favorite items are As Seen On TV-- Wonder Hangers are great! M Doggy has a Snuggie, too! Oh, and I am DYING for a Magic Bullet.



5. What movies do you always cry at? Beaches, Steel Magnolias, The Notebook


Maybe my next post will be from my thisclosetobeingmine iPhone....

On the mend...

This was taken yesterday at the Vet's office, poor little guy. As of this a.m. he was looking a little better, and with some strong suggestion, drinking a little mlk and eating a few morsels of food. It hasn't even been 24 hours, so I'm trying to be reasonable (thanks to some suggestion from the bf) and not expect too much too soon. Get Well Soon My Little Monster!

UPDATE ON THE KITTY!

Guess who has a UTI? And seriously, it is more expensive to fix a cat's UTI than say, mine or yours.  But...
after an office visit, comprehensive panel, blood cell count, urinalysis, some fluids, and a nice shot of antibiotics, the little bugger is on his way (hopefully) to terrorizing again very soon.
I do love the folks at the Animal Clinic-- especially Paul, who has an unnatural love of Bad Kitty. He almost flipped out when he took his temperature-- 98.5, and evidently a cat should be around 102. Also, something below 99 signals the body is losing the fight. When he came back in to deliver the results he told me-- I'm so sorry for being such a Drama Queen! But then again, I am a Queen! So I should get to be dramatic, too! This is sort of a standard conversation that he and I have had through the years. It all started when I was in the office one day wearing a fabulous gold coat that he coveted.

We will know more soon....

For any of you who know the cat in the picture, you know that it is beyond strange for him to stop eating. Well, that happened about 4 days ago. I changed his food, and the same thing-- no eating. He won't even eat the smelliest of all smelly pouches of nastiness. He is refusing cat milk-- his favorite.
We are going to the doctor today. Hopefully, his daily medication for thyroid just needs adjustment.
But, he is 14 years old, and so I'm a little more than worried.

Time To Make The Doughnuts

Does anybody else feel like they are spinning their wheels at work? Same stuff? New day?
How do you shake up the workplace?
A couple of weeks ago we held a competition in my Department to see who could come up with the best "Minute To Win It"- style competition.
Also, does anybody else think Fred favors the Sassy Gay Friend? He just needs a scarf, I think.
And what is up with is moustache?

Summertime Refreshment

It is getting REALLY hot outside.
How about a refreshing frozen Margarita?
I've been using the same recipe since college, and it is always a hit.
Place the following ingredients into your blender:
1 container frozen limeaid (which you will use as a measuring cup, so hold on to it until all ingredients have been added, THEN
2/3 container filled with tequila (recently, a nice white tequila has been my preference), THEN
1/3 container filled with triple sec, THEN
add ice to fill, blend to desired texture, and enjoy.
Salt is optional.
During a recent visit to hang out with one of my bff's, we altered the recipe, just a bit, and a delish new beverage was born.

We reserved a bit of the finished product, and blended it with some fresh raspberries. The result was yummy yummy-- it could probably stand alone, in fact, depending on your tastebuds.
I am considering making the adjusted recipe for Fourth of July this year, and adding a few blueberries as garnish-- Red, White (ok, that limeade color is almost white), and Blue!
What could be better?

Giving Credit Where Credit Is Due

When I was considering what to name this blog, many many things came to mind. Clever pop-culture references, obscure references to things that would amuse only a few. Then I really thought about what the content would be-- simple retellings/observations/ interpretations of that which I see around me. Probably (read certainly) with a snarky twist. To that point, I borrowed a phase from the grandmother of a dear friend of mine. Each time she said something, perhaps in a direct way that only a geriatric can be allowed, and someone would question her delivery/content, she replied with something to the effect of --'What? It's just a Casual Observation'. And there you have it.