I'm Baaaaack!

And its good to be home. But I did have a wonderful time!

We got in Saturday night and went to this really schnazzy place in Atlanta, GA called "Two Urban Licks". It had a great atmosphere and was totally fun! Live music, hilarious waiter, GRRRREAAAT freaking wine, and fun ambiance. But... I'm such a tight wad... the prices were a bit steep. I tend to think of food in terms of poo... (sorry, TMI for many, I'm sure) but... honestly, whatever you eat just turns to crap...why spend 300.00 on a meal? Also, because I cook, I tend to think in terms of "I could make this at home for xxxx cheaper!" But it was wonderful and Todd and Kate treated so I'm shutting my cheap-skate trap. Seriously, check out their menu, I had the seared ahi tuna and it was a delight, for certain.

Then we went to the Ani DiFranco concert at the Variety Playhouse, which was SUPER amazing. I used to listen to her a lot back in my depressed high school phase. That woman can play the guitar(s) like nothing I've ever seen before and she's totally married TO A MAN and has a baby. Blows my mind! Lots of pichouli and hairy armpits aside, it was definitely the highlight of Atlanta for me. I'd love to see a concert in every city I ever visited.

Sunday morning we went to Cracker Barrel (I am a Cracker Barrel virgin) and I had grits with my breakfast (also a grits virgin), which Stephanie says... aren't real grits. I liked them, but I didn't love them. Apparently real grits aren't as watery... I think they could have done with a touch more sugar and a touch less water and then I would have really enjoyed them. But for now, I have had grits in the south and become addicted to sweet tea (and Chick-fil-A).

Sunday I spent the whole day with Steph in Chattanooga, TN and she showed me around the city, we went shopping, got ice cream, went out to lunch with her hubby, made dinner, etc. It was wonderful and fun and I wish we'd had more time to be creative and see more of the city.




Here's my lunch:

And promptly thereafter we had ice-cream @ Clumpys where I so quickly devoured my coconut chocolate chip that I didn't even get a picture! But here is steph waiting:


I am so awful, I did not take ONE single picture of Steph's awesome hubby, Bo. I think its because I was slightly pre-occupied by these two freaking adorable cats, Alli and Gracie. I made them a little catnip mouse and it was all over, we were insta-buds after that:

In Atlanta, we went out for some real southern BBQ @ Swallow at the Hollow. I really wanted to go to the scary part of town and eat, it seems like that's where the best food always is but our hosts were leery. I'm the kind of person ... I love good authentic food so much, I'd rather be shot while eating a savory rack of ribs and potato salad over being in the wrong place at the wrong time any day.

LOL. Sad but true.



We also visited the world-famous Atlanta Aquarium and Connor was so excited he made a fish face (actually, he made this face a LOT during the course of our trip... ) one funny moment I remember at the aquarium -- as we were walking out, they had someone wearing a fish costume and Connor just thought he was great. So he goes up to the fish and gets a hug (like a Disney Land only with sealife) and then tells Depot the fish "You're Fat". Ahhhh, kids. I love it. Later in the week he also asked CJ why he was so fat. Very not nice, but got a chuckle out of me. Brutal honesty.


I pushed a woman out of the way to get a shot of the octomom octopus as it was floating out of sight (not my finest moment, but this thing was magnificent, I couldn't stop myself!!)


And there were lots of other pretty fish that I couldn't stop taking pictures of:

And the kingfish (and queenfish):

Some random photos in Marietta and Atlanta:

(Highschool buddies)

(Connor and I made an apple crisp together, you can't see it in this photo, but he isn't wearing any pants... i've always wanted to cook in my undies... now that John is finally moving back in with his wife, perhaps I'll give it a whirl ??)

(CJ in his natural habitat)

(Kate and baby Parker)

Oh travel. Oh flights. Oh airports. Oh BLIZZARDS. Oh Denver, Co.




The best thing about the south: Friendly genuine people who will do everything in their power to make you feel welcome.

The worst thing about the south: NOBODY FREAKING RECYCLES ANYTHING!!! (I just threw up in my mouth a little). Amen.

And the thing I know for certain: I.love.my.bed.