they say it's your birthday

For he's a jolly good fellow!
For he's a jolly good fellow!
For he's a jolly good fellow!
Which nobody can deny!

Happy Birthday, Kell!
I'm glad you were born!

"x" is for...

I'm so excited that my sister Harris has catapulted herself into the blog-o-sphere! Be sure to check out her blog for diva dialogue on nail polish, cats, Posh, jewelry, makeup, bargain shopping...

"w" is for...

Let me preface this post by saying in no way do I consider myself a fashion icon. I am no Kate Moss, Jennifer Anniston or Kate Hudson - in more ways than one. But, I do think I can spot a fashion disaster - ranging from the minutely messy to the horrifying - a mile away, or at least several yards. I'd be sadly disappointed if I quit my day job to pursue the dream to be a stylist to the stars, but I have found that I can vicariously revitalize the fashionably challenged through my dear friends, Stacy (I want to be her) and Clinton of TLC's What Not to Wear. I don't remember the first time I stumbled upon this program, but I do recall it being pre-Clinton, when the duo was Wayne and Stacy (you long-time fans out there might recall that Wayne was nothing much to look at himself). And if you've never seen the original What Not to Wear on BBC, you are in for quite a treat. These British babes make S and C look like kittens.

Haley and I have many times discussed developing a local What Not to Wear program. I envision us having a regular spot on WAPT or somewhere of that nature, taking people from their jobs, from the mall or anywhere a fashion criminal might lurk, and turning these ugly ducklings into beautiful, stylish swans. Many times have the words, "I could really help her," or, "Stacy and Clinton would have a ball with that one," left my lips. I'm not guaranteeing a 100% success rate, but if I change one life, it's all worth it, right? Anyone want to be our Nick or Carmindy?

"v" is for...

The prices of gas, groceries and everything in between are soaring, and America is feeling the sting. Families are cutting back on extras and luxuries great and small to make ends meet. One particular victim of this cost crisis is the family vacation. Reporters and fluffy morning shows have tried, with their rose-colored sunglasses, to make it seem okay and even fun to vacay in one's own backyard...literally. And as no other show can, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart has gotten wind of this new trend and turned it on its not-so-tanned backside.



And is that the PC Guy from the Mac commercials?

"u" is for...

Uh-oh. As a fervent fan of the red fruit, I am most stressed about the current tomato situation. Restaurants and grocery stores across the country have removed several variations of maters from their shelves and menus due to a salmonella outbreak. And we all know how I feel about any kind of intestinal discomfort. Though the outbreak did not seem to reach grape tomatoes, which happen to be my favorite species, I think I'll steer clear for a while.

"t" is for...

I am really fortunate to have the opportunity to travel with my job. I've said many times that I lived 25 years without even knowing there was such a thing as the tourism industry, and here it is, taking me places I've never been and introducing me to people I'd never otherwise have met. Though it's often not an easy thing to pack a suitcase in anticipation of being away from home and familiar surroundings, it's always worth the experience. Without the opportunity to travel, I might never have...

Seen a real Harajuku girl
Gone to Disneyland
Strolled by Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace
Paid for meals in Pounds and Yen
Heard "Please Mind the Gap" in the Underground
Seen the musical Wicked

Walked beneath Japanese Cherry Blossom Trees
Shopped in the Mall of America

Figured out that Myrtle Beach, SC is no Charleston

Watched the Cirque du Soleil show, LOVE, in complete awe

No matter where I go, though I appreciate every mile and cab ride, I always look forward to coming home. There's nothing better than seeing Kell waiting for me and my luggage at the airport. And while I'm always begging him to come with me, it's even better when I don't have to miss him (and the twins) anymore.

So, how do you like my new banner? My friend, the fiercely talented graphic designer, Tracy McGarrh designed it for me (she also did the Save the Date cards for my wedding, too). Though Viking is her day job, she keeps the creative juices flowing by cranking out some fantastic freelance work, too. If you ever need a designer, she's your gal! Check out her website for examples of her work including websites, custom logos and Christmas cards. Thanks, Tracy!

"s" is for...

In no particular order...

Ten reasons I love STRAT!

1) He can "walk with Kings and keep the common touch." (quote courtesy of Mrs. Sassafras)
2) I can't go anywhere without meeting someone who knows and loves him.
3) He instilled in me my love for Mississippi State.
4) He loves airplanes, is quite the scholar of World War II and watches "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" on the Food Network religiously.
5) All he ever wants is for his family to be in one room together.
6) He loves my mom more today than when he married her.
7) He is an award-winning miniature airplane builder.
8) He gets choked up every time he watches Field of Dreams or when State wins the Egg Bowl.
9) He's Greek!
10) He's the only one I want to talk to when I'm sick (Right, KK?).

I always feel a bit victorious when a friend bravely marches into the blog-o-sphere. Katy and I have been friends for years, thanks to our hubbies, and we always have fun together. So, here's a shout-out to my buddy and new fellow blogger! Welcome Agnews!