Duct Tape and The Force
Truth: I’m a Star Wars fan. I should be more specific, I am a fan of the Stars Wars movies. Mainly because I developed a giant crush on Harrison Ford at age 8 or so when I first saw the original series… which then led me to becoming a fan of the movies. Don’t ask me about the books or the expanded universe or all of the various other things… I know the six movies. Besides, I kind of like the plot line and the central concept of The Force and one thing guiding us all. Anyway, I found a notebook from grad school the other day, where I had written this quote down after being bored in class or a meeting. I clipped it out when I found it again and made a point to look it up on Pinterest to see if there was a graphic version… there was.
Duct tape is like The Force.
Via: http://365projects.blogspot.com/2013/07/the-relationship-between-duct-tape-and.html
I also have a belief in duct tape and that it can fix almost anything. Currently, it is holding up the right side of the blinds in my bedroom because one of the strings broke and I don’t know how to install new blinds (that is a project for another day). I think this quote is funny, accurate and it make me smile.
“Duct tape is like the Force. It has a light side and a dark side and it holds the universe together.”
Throwback Thursday: EWH and Jeffrey’s Wedding, May 2011
In May 2011 my good friend EWH got married a small and sweet ceremony to a great guy named Jeffrey. I was in the wedding party… but as the photographer! I did their engagement photos as well as their wedding photos and it was such a sweet time. EWH and I had lunch today, which isn’t really news because we have lunch at least once a week, but the nice spring day had me thinking back to this fun and wonderful day celebrating my two friends.
EWH and Jeffery’s wedding day… May 2011
Since I was the photographer, I am only in like, three pictures. This is me and EWH posing on the front porch! She was a lovey bride and it was such a sweet day!
Translation Tuesday: Charleston Green
Back in the fall I did a Translation Tuesday for Haint Blue, which is a color that porch ceilings in Charleston, SC are often painted. Today’s translation is a variation on that topic: Charleston Green.
Charleston Green via Southern Living
Charleston Green is a shade of green paint used on Charleston houses… often doors, window shutters, porch aspects, trim, and so on. Legend of the color goes back to just after the Civil War. During Reconstruction (which is the several year period following the end of the war) the Yanks provided black paint to help in the reconstruction of the city as part of it had been damaged during the war. Well, the Charlestonians weren’t a big fan of the basic black color, so they added a little yellow and a little blue to it to make it a distinct shade of dark green, nearly black. Now, it is officially on the list of approved colors to use when making changes to a historic home in Charleston. Now you know!
No One Retires Up North
Another Pinterest find that I’ve found true (more often than not).
via Pinterest
“Say what you want about the South but no one ever retires and moves up North.” Unless there are grand kids involved, I don’t think I have ever heard of anyone leaving a non-Northern area of the country and moving North to retire. In fact, more and more of my friends who are not from the South are seeing their parents move South. It has actually been a bonus for a lot of my friend groups because we have all of the sudden had places to have group reunions on the South Carolina, Georgia and Florida coasts! Blame it on the usually nice weather and often cheaper cost of living… not to mention the good food and nice people 🙂
I’d totally retire here…. in like another, what 40 years? (IDK, who knows what retirement age will be when I get there).
Throwback Thursday: Long Beach, 2008
In October 2008 I headed to the West Coast to visit my old college roommate, Ashley and her then boyfriend (now husband) Greg. Ash was in a doctoral program at Cal Tech, so I did a long weekend out in Pasadena.
First time at the Pacific Ocean! Long Beach, CA. 2008.
It was a whirlwind trip, and it was also when I realized that I can’t stand taking a red eye back to the east coast! We spent time in Pasadena, ate at some great places, made a late-night run to Disneyland and went down to Long Beach to see the Aquarium of the Pacific (it was awesome) and for me to put my feet into the Pacific Ocean!
Ash snapped this pic as I was headed to the water at sunset. The beaches were a lot steeper and not as wide as I am used to on the east coast… at least not were we were. But it was such a cool experience and a great trip. Definitely need more time in Southern California… at the very least so I can try In and Out Burger again!
Um, on a side note… I don’t know what is up with these pants. Could the leg be any wider? Eek! Got rid of these!
Signs I’m Getting Old
Ok… I know my early 30s are not that old in the grand scheme of things, but it feels old to me. My boss is ten years older than me, and it is pretty common for me to give him crap about that, but recently he has started dishing it back to me since my grad staff is now ten years younger than me.
Hanging with Bimmer earlier this month. I can run after a 22 month old… I’m not THAT old, right?
While that is all in good fun, a few things have happened in recent weeks that glaringly pointed out to me how I’m getting older. And honestly, many of them are kind of funny.
- I got a statement from my insurance company that let me know I had hit my deductible. This was the first time this has ever happened and I was excited. So would not have cared at all ten years ago.
- I have become ridiculously knowledgeable about how to process an estate after a death. As I’ve mentioned my Nana passed away this summer and my Dad has been the executor of the estate, so I’ve heard all about it. I had no idea it took so long and was so detailed! I mean it has been seven months and it is still in process. Not to mention how much drama has been involved with trying to sell her condo!
- Gail and I were catching up recently and these were the topics covered in the course of an hour: mortgages, percent of salary that goes into savings, 401ks and Roth IRAs, health insurance. Not movies, books, shopping or even gossip…. but money and insurance (and how much it costs… so more money).
- The Bestie and I were talking the other day and she starts telling me about how LiLi, who just turned three, has started that fun toddler development moment of asking why. Not asking why to be annoying, but asking why because she wants to know why it matters. In the typical response of someone who doesn’t have kids: I started laughing hysterically. I mean really, it was funny. She describes it as being interrogated by a pint-sized person. Why do you work? Why do you need money? Why do you have to pay for that?
- Sometimes, when I am walking across campus, I have to work very hard to control my reactions to the conversations I overhear from students. Such as how drunk they got last night, the hookup they had the weekend before, or something derogatory about someone else (usually about a roommate issue or about someone’s weight). I’m often rolling my eyes, sometimes if it is really out of line I will stop them and call them out on it, but often I’m just shaking my head… so far removed from those moments and immaturity anymore.
- I had another conversation about retirement plans today with the executive assistant in our office… it is like the topic never ends.
- When doing yoga, I’m the one who has creaking knees in the otherwise silent room.
- I don’t even have kids and I talk a lot about potty training… considering the Bestie has a 3 year old, Gail has a 22 month old and TT has a 14 month old.
- I’m intentional about taking my vitamins and fighting off colds as early as possible!
- I occasionally start freaking out that I’m developing a receding hair line (seriously, look at these pictures… those of you who know me… does it look like my forehead is bigger? I’m freaking out!)
So yep.. these are the topics that I’m often talking about. I’m getting old folks!
Luckily I’ve got nieces and nephews to keep me young!
Translation Tuesday: Suck It Up Buttercup
Truth: I did not know this was considered a southern term until I worked at Country Club College. Suck It Up Buttercup!
While I worked at CC I worked with this woman who had lived all over the world, but was originally from the South and returned to the South. She was a tell it like it is, not gonna sugarcoat it, former member of the military and she ALWAYS used to say “suck it up buttercup.” She heard it all the time as a kid.
Not getting what you want? Suck it up buttercup and move on. Having a shitty day? Suck it up buttercup, it could be worse. It is basically a way of saying, that is how the cookie crumbles… deal with it sweetheart.
I use this term ALL the time now. Love it! And it is so much nicer than just saying deal with it. And that is the South in general… finding a way to make bad things sound good (see: Bless Your Heart).
All to Well
Because it fits my mood. Because I likeTaylor Swift and think she is a wonderful role model for young ladies…not to mention incredibly talented. Because I spent forever on the phone with the Bestie over analyzing life. And because it answers my own questions that I often ask myself.
All to Well by Taylor Swift is a pretty song, but also one that makes some great points… Often we remember things all to well, even if we don’t want to. Or at least that is what my pastmybedtime mind is saying. 🙂
Spring in the South
Spring has arrived! It has been a rough winter, and even though the tree pollen is making me miserable… I am so happy that we are even a little closer to my most favorite months: April and May!
The first azaleas started blooming in the garden this week! The wisteria is about to bloom and the jasmine is starting to pop. Now we just need the pine and elm to move on and I’ll be able to breathe. The best week EVER will happen in early April… MASTERS WEEK! I’ve mentioned a few times how much I love the Masters, I keep hoping that one day I’m going to win the raffle to get into the ticket buying process. Until then I’m going to have to keep relaying on others not being able to go and selling their tickets. Later in the month is my birthday, the Heritage tournament, and then we move on to so many end of the school years events.
Once pollen season ends I can’t wait to get out in the yard and plant some flowers as well as getting out on the dam to walk again. Pretty soon I’ll be able to roll the windows down in the car and blast some music for a nice long afternoon drive. May means dinners out on the deck, the blooming of Confederate jasmine and Magnolias and the start of pool season. Oh! And sundresses, sandals and hats! I can’t wait to bust out some of my cute new dresses that I bought at the end of last season.
One more winter blast next week and then full-blown SPRING IN THE SOUTH! YAY! What are you excited for this spring?
Throwback Thursday: Hunting Island, 2003
Today’s throwback is over a decade old and is in honor of someone who has been a major part of my life for nearly two decades: the Bestie.
On the Beach with the Bestie at Hunting Island State Park. August 2003.
The Bestie and I have had a number of adventures over the years we have been friends, and this road trip adventure was to Hunting Island State Park in the low country of South Carolina. I can still remember the terrifying HoJo we stayed in and the monsoon we drove through to get there. I think I’ve mentioned it a time or two before, but this beach is one of my most favorite places in the world and this was the first time we both went there. It was right before the start of senior year of college… August 2003. A small group went and this was shot on old school film during a hot, but overcast day at the beach. Loved it.
Today’s throwback is in honor of the Bestie because today is a very important day: HER BIRTHDAY! Happy 32nd birthday to best adopted sister and best friend I could ever ask for. One of the awesome Christmas gifts she gave me this year was a charm of a compass… because we are lost without one another.I wear it around my neck most days.
We have been friends since we met in middle school back in the Fort and best friends since sometime in high school. Who knew all those lunch hours talking about what happened on Dawson’s Creek and Felicity the night before would lead to such a strong friendship years later? She taught me to drive, and drove my ass around until then. She stayed up on the phone with me every single night for three solid months in grad school while I cried myself to sleep as I felt my world was falling in around me. Her family welcomed me into their home when my own family was falling apart and made me one of theirs. She knows every single one of my deep secrets that I am terrified to tell anyone else. Everything I am embarrassed about, sad about or happy about… she knows. She has listened to me sing off-key and at the top of my lungs and happily gives me grief about it year after year. She can style my hair better than any stylist I’ve ever found. She puts up with my needing to eat at whatever place I “have to eat at” while I am visiting in the Fort… oh and she and her family let me stay with them every time I go home to visit. She knows that I read the last chapter of a book first to make sure no one dies, so whenever she gives me a book to read now she wraps paper around the last chapter so I can’t read it first. We both cry through Beaches and Steel Magnolias, but she can’t stand some of my favorite movies: Mama Mia and the Wizard of Oz. When it comes to shopping… the rule of thumb is if one of us loves it, the other would never wear it. We are opposite in so many ways and so similar in others.
At the same time. She lets me give her never-ending grief about that time we had to teach her how to make tuna salad (who doesn’t know how to make tuna salad?!). Her obsession with Heinz only ketchup, boy bands from the 1990s and the tv show Big Brother. Seriously, I don’t even follow Big Brother but I know when it is on and to not interrupt!
We’ve been each others’ rock through some good and bad times. We’ve had some pretty big fights and more hours chatting on the phone than I thought was possible. Oh, and she has been claiming she is turning 21 ever since her 22nd birthday. She is an amazing mother, wife, daughter and sister… and the best Besite that a girl could ask for.
Happy Birthday, Bestie!
And in honor of your LEGENDARY 21st birthday (the first and real one)… in the words of 50 cent “We gonna party like it’s your birthday. We gon’ sip Bacardi like it’s your birthday.”
Translation Tuesday: Lord Have Mercy
Today’s Translation: Lord Have Mercy
This one is another one that is pretty self-explanatory. Lord have mercy is a phrase OFTEN uttered by southern women. It often is exclaimed when something crazy happens or someone is exasperated. It translates to “Oh my goodness, someone up above help us” or “Heaven help us.” I often use it as a stand alone statement when I am ready to pull my hair out in frustration. Anyone else use this?
Anatomy of a Southern Belle
Ok, I came across this on interest a few months ago and I couldn’t stop laughing. A visual diagram: the anatomy of a southern belle!
Starting a the top:
- Hair- I disagree that it is all big and teased. Maybe in Texas, not everywhere else int he South. While there are people who do this, I think there are even more out there that like their flat irons. How else do you even begin to manage the humidity!?
- Koozie- Yes. Usually from some past event or a location.I have plenty.
- Lilly Dress- Yes. Not so sure about the Gameday… lots of people go for the school colors. But Lilly dressed definitely are a part of the wardrobe. Personally, I love me some Lilly.
- Jack Rogers- Yes. Love them, want to get a pair but I haven’t bit the bullet.
- Makeup- Yes. I should be clear… I generally don’t go out without makeup… unless it is to a drive-through window or an emergency. If pictures will be taken… there is a full face of makeup.
- Pearls- Yes. Got my first set at 16. Love them.
- The monogrammed bag- Yes. But mine is a makeup bag and it is my initials. I have four names, makes it hard to put a monogram on it!
The only thing that I would add to this is sunglasses being held up by croakies. Otherwise this is a pretty good rendition of a southern belle*!
*At least in the warmer months! This changes when weather is cooler!
Throwback Thursday: Butchart Gardens, British Columbia, 2004
This is one area of the world that is definitely on my “I’ve got to get back there” list. British Columbia, Canada. In 2004 we did a family reunion to that area. We flew into Vancouver and then all (my Aunts/Uncle/cousins/Dad/Nana) met in Whistler for nearly a week of fun times together. We tacked on several days in Vancouver and did a day trip out to Victoria…. which is where we got to see Butchart Gardens.
Butchart Gardens. Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. July 2004
This is actually probably one of the last vacations where I shot only in film… I fully moved into digital after this.
So, to be clear… the whole damn province is beautiful. I would move there in a heartbeat. But I really loved my visit to Butchart Gardens. It is an old quarry that was turned into a lovely garden for acres and acres by the family after the quarry years were done. It is simply stunning and this photo of the entrance to the sunken garden just does not do it justice. Go visit!
I Hate Pollen.
It is that time of year again… the time I love and hate… pollen season. I love the start of warm weather and I can’t wait for summer to get here. But first I have to suffer through the pollen. Specifically, the tree pollen.
The Enemy: Tree Pollen
Blooming trees
And more tree pollen:
PINE TREE POLLEN
THE SOLUTION!
The solution to evil allergies!
I love all of these things, and they are my personal solution to the nightmare of pollen season.
- Zyrtec- Even if it makes me a little sleepy, it works well.
- Flonase- Best prescription my doctor has even given me!
- Mucinex DM- This matters when I don’t start taking the first two items in time. Because if I don’t get a handle on the allergies soon, I then get a nasty cough. Working through it though!
- The eye mask- Because my under eyes and eye lids get all puffy and itchy.
- The eye glasses- I give up on the contacts because my eyes get miserable and go with the glasses. Granted, I love them. They are Kate Spade and we had a voting contest at the eye doctor’s office to pick the pair I got, we decided they were very academic- which fits!
So, add to this the fact that I limit the amount of time I spend outside between the end of February and the end of March and that is how I make it through pollen season! They are starting to get worse as I get older, I may need to cave and look at allergy shots in the future. Any other suggestions on how to survive pollen season?
Translation Tuesday: Shut the Front Door
Shut the Front Door!
via Pinterest
Shut the Front Door has two meanings down here:
1. To actually shut the front door… we have to keep all of those giant mosquito, pollen and hot air out of the house!
2. Shut the front door is also another fun southern phrase that means ” Oh my goodness, no way!” or “You’ve got to be kidding me!”
Now you know.
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