SWEET PEACHES!

Stop the press!!! Because the moment we've all been waiting for has arrived! (what I actually mean is the moment Katie has been waiting for...but humor me with a little excitement please). I received an email this afternoon from my husband with this link. As dumb as this is, he searches the web on his iphone while sitting in Atlanta traffic everyday. Normally, I frown upon this, but today I only slightly grimaced, because he stumbled upon this. I am so stinkin' enthused because the trailer is even better than I anticipated...which is really saying something! Click on the link below to view it!

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince Trailer

Irony is....

defined by wiktionary as:

The quality or state of an event being both coincidental and contradictory in a humorous or poignant and extremely improbable way.

A prime example of this is when you are a school teacher that looks for a summer job in May, interviews for one in June, and is finally offered one that starts on the first day of school. So, I did get the job at Barnes & Noble. They called me this afternoon and hired me, and my first day is Friday, August 8th. I figured I might as well give it a go, because the idea of getting discount books discounted makes my heart skip a beat! So keep me in your prayers, that all goes well and that I don't completely pull my hair out on the first day of school. (It would be humiliating to go bald for your first day at a new job).

Interview series: Session 2

Here is session 2 of my interview series. This week we will focus our attention on a guy most of us think we know...but like all superheros, often we do not see the obvious clues of an alter-ego. We all have a special appreciation of our dear friend Jason Kelley. Not only is he a brave and intimidating cop, but he's a great pal to many, fantastic roommate to Chad, and super husband to Bethany. He often dominates the football and ultimate frisbee fields, even though we know he plays down his super strength and speed to try and fool us all. When he is not killing terrorists or fighting zombies...this is what plagues his mind. The gig is up, Jason, we know your secret.

Katie: Which lollipop flavor do you prefer?
Jason:

Ummm...As in "dum-dums"? Probably rootbeer.

Katie: What would you say is your most prized possession?
Jason:

Other than Bethany, or George? Probably my Avengers #4 Comic book, you know, the one that brought Captain America back.

Katie: Your favorite and least favorite words:
Jason:

Favorite word: hero: I suppose because it is associated with comics and it solves conflicts
Least favorite: conflict: because it causes drama and its what heroes fight.

Katie: If you were to deem yourself a fictional or historical character, who would you be and why?
Jason:

Can I answer with Captain America? Okay, him. Is that lame?

Katie: What was your favorite toy/or game to play as a child?
Jason:

I really liked legos a lot. Especially the Robin Hood set!

Katie: Have you ever met or seen anyone famous? Who? Where? (X-Ray vision excluded)
Jason:

I was hoping not to go there, but I've seen Buff Bagwell (the 1990's wrestler). Also, Sonny Purdue was in our Sunday School class. But I didn't get to tell him my "sonny-do" list...

Katie: And the question I've decided to ask everyone...Are you planning to bring sexy back?
Jason:.

(Laughing, he sheepishly responded:) No...but if it happens, it happens.

Reason #3

Well, again, I have another installment of how Bunny is smarter than Olive. Last week, Olive decided to try to scare Bunny by acting like a ghost, squealing like a banshee, and chasing Bunny around. However, the scheme backfired and somehow Olive ended up terrifying herself. Here she is hiding in the bathroom, pleading for our help.

Yum

Well, I feel like there are a million wonderfully unique places to eat in Athens. The problem is, sometimes it's tough to break away from going to the one's you love to try something new. I thought it'd be nice to voice our opinions about our favorite (maybe lesser known) restaurants and our favorite things to order there. Maybe this will give courage to people like me who are scared to try a new unfamiliar dish when their favorite meal is a block away.

My number one top choice is Big City Bread (393 N. Finley Street~Downtown in between Broad and Prince Ave.) and I absolutely LOVE their Croque Madame! This is a popular lunch entree found on every Parisian cafe menu. It's basically a grilled ham and gruyere cheese sandwich with a fried egg on top (if you don't like fried eggs, the Croque Monsieur is the same thing sans oeuf). Their quiche du jour and sweet pastries (Truffle stars, chocolate croissants, and fruit tarts) are also to die for, but I haven't found much I don't like there. They have a wonderful patio (with fire places in the winter) and are very dog and child friendly. They even let kids (or adults for that matter) graffiti the walls and ground with side walk chalk.

Any other good suggestions?

late evening

Last night a crew of us (the Kelleys, Pepins, us, Chad, and Becky) stood in line to view the midnight showing of The Dark Knight, the new batman movie. I think we all really had a good time, eating our smuggled snacks and laughing at people in costume. Everyone seemed to agree that this film was even better than Batman Begins! Heath Ledger was absolutely ridiculous! I may venture to say....the creepiest movie villain I've seen.

However, in my nerdiness, I found myself disappointed. I was wishing and hoping for a preview for the upcoming Harry Potter movie. There were rumors that there might be a small teaser trailer with this film since they are both Warner Bros productions. But, to my dismay, there was not (at least not in the regular theaters). There was however a preview in the IMAX theaters. And here it is: It's only 15 seconds, and a black screen, but I still got pretty excited nonetheless.

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince teaser trailer

If you're curious about what is being said, it's Dumbledore's voice simply saying:

"Once again, I must ask too much of you, Harry."

Interview series: Session 1

I've decided as a regular treat for my readers, I will be conducting random interviews with people you know, some you don't, and many you thought you knew. You may see some of the same questions repeated, but most will be new, as will our interviewees. Keep your eye out, anyone could be next, that means YOU! This week, I have chosen a friend we all know and love, to get this ball rolling: Melissa Fawn Pepin. She is a mother of 3 (2 pups and one husband) and is a successful photographer who travels the world (even Iowa). Here she is with her husband, being all romantical with some bagel bites. Here goes nothing:

Katie: What was your favorite pet you've had (name, type of animal)?
Melissa:

Other than Sophie and Charlie, a sweet rottweiler named Jesse my family had when I was young, who was really stupid. She took out my parents' bedroom wall while chasing a moth.

Katie: What was your favorite toy/or game to play as a child?
Melissa:

Fav Toy: Cut and Style Barbie (until she ended up looking like Sinead O'Conner)
Fav Game: Mall Madness (where I learned the important life lesson that you can't do anything without a credit card)

Katie: If you could travel back in time and change one thing from your life, what would it be?
Melissa:

I probably would have applied to the University of Georgia from the beginning (rather than starting off at smaller schools in the area). Things would have probably been a lot smoother and college a lot quicker.

Katie: Have you ever met or seen anyone famous? Who? Where?
Melissa:

I've seen several...Lenny Kravitz in his Porsche Boxster on Rodeo Drive in LA, Cuba Gooding, Jr. at my mom's first boxing match, and who hasn't seen Michael Stipe, the B52's, or Widespread Panic cruising around Athens from time to time?

Katie: What has been the best job you've ever had, money has nothing to do with it?
Melissa:

Definitely this one! I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE it! It's awesome getting to see people at their absolute best and getting to use creativity on an everyday basis!

Katie: Any nicknames we should (or perhaps shouldn't) know about?
Melissa:

Lots! Tootie, Tootoo- by my father's family, and my mom and dad, Kidstuff- by Tony, my stepdad, Mel- by about everybody else, and Melis- by my high school volleyball team

Katie: Are you planning to bring sexy back?
Melissa:

Done.

Katie: And lastly, who is the 4th person on your recent/received calls list on your cell phone?
Melissa:

Mandy (one of my future brides booking an engagement session)

Happy Day

Everyone's favorite little buddy just turned 1! Yea, Noah! We love you! Here he is eating a lemon cupcake at his church birthday party. My favorite 5 things about this little guy are:
1) He sings during worship at church.
2) He shares his toys with my husband.
3) He cracks up over nothing at all.
4) He plays the moroccos like no one's business.
5) And he always dresses in casual business attire (sweater vests, corduroys, and polos).

X

We were invited by the Pepins and Helleloids to an intense evening of game playing last night. Beginning at Kingpins, the attitudes were fierce. It was a steep competition of who was the worst. There was Melissa with her dramatic wind up, it looked as though she was pitching a 6-pound fastball. And then Matt with his ridiculous side arm roll. Somehow Eric still beat everyone with all of his scooter wounds, and Jill and I tied for last place. As usual, Anthony simply provided the eye candy...wink wink.
Matt was a turd because it took us like 6 attempts to get the three of us in this shot, and when we finally did, he ruined it with a rude gesture. So ignore that top left corner, please.
Afterwards, we recongregated at Jittery Joes for what Eric and I like to call "The game previously known as 'Dice." I hear its even considering dropping that too, and only being referred to by this symbol.
The future Matt B's joined us, after their invitation escapade, and a few of us returned to chez Moore. Here, Casey truly learned of Bunny's hatred of all things bubble wrap. We ended the evening watching Matt B line dance to 'Hook' by Bluestraveler, as the rest of us daydreamed of our next great adventure. All in all, a fabulous friend filled night.

How to freak out your roommate in 12 ways or less

Here are all of my former roommates. Of the following 12 methods, some I have just read about, several of which I made up, but only a few of which I've tried on any of them.

1. Spend all your money on Transformers. Play with them at night. If your roommate says anything, tell him/her with a straight face, "They're more than meets the eye."
2. Leave a declaration of war on your roommate's desk. Include a list of grievances.
3. Hide your underwear and socks in your roommate's closet. Accuse him/her of stealing it.
4. Array thirteen toothbrushes of different colors on your dresser. Refuse to discuss them.
5. Shelve all your books with the spines facing the wall. Complain loudly that you can never find the book that you want.
6. Give him/her an allowance.
7. Whenever your roommate comes in from the shower, lower your eyes and giggle to yourself.
8. Buy Sea Monkeys and grow them. Name one after your roommate. Announce the next day that it died. Name another one after your roommate. The next day say that it died. Keep this up until they all die.
9. Eat a bag of marshmallows before you go to bed. The next day, spray three bottles of whipped cream all over your floor. Say you got sick.
10. Every night, when going to bed, begin singing opera music at the top of your lungs as soon as the lights are turned off. When your roommate turns them back on, act just as confused about where its coming from.
11. Draw eyes and a smile on a Watermelon, treat it like your new best friend. After several days forge a suicide note, and push the melon out the window. Mourn for weeks.
12. Wear a ridiculous and conspicuous disguise (trench coat, sunglasses, wig, etc.) and sit in the back of all your roommates classes for one day.

Melissa's space

I am proud to say that I have been able to witness the development of what Melissa now calls home to her flourishing business! Over the last week, we have all been cleaning and painting, painting and cleaning, building, hanging, and then moving. But all I'm going to say is that Melissa has the coolest club-house ever! I totally vote for a "She-woman man haters club" like in the Little Rascals. We could even have a password...what do you think Melissa?

I know that everyone will be super overwhelmed with Melissa's vision for this space. It is quite impressive how she turned an unused, storage local into a studio any photographer would envy (or any French teacher for that matter). She is going to throw one kickin' party when all is said and done.

B&N

So, on Saturday, I finally got a call about an interview with the good ol' Barnes & Noble.

I met with an assistant manager today for a preliminary interview (which I think went pretty well, because they talked to me about when we could have the second interview). This second meeting will be sometime this week.

We're still not really sure about whether or not this would be a good decision for me to take it if offered. Because as Casey put it, "Will you be bringing home a negative paycheck every week from the massive amounts of books you're going to buy?" And yes, Casey, that will probably be the case.

and the rockets' red glare...

Yesterday was the 4th, and what a 4th it was. I awoke early to fetch supplies at the Kroger...and rapidly baked some chocolate and strawberry cupcakes with cream cheese icing and patriotic sprinkles and made some potato salad (And by "made" I really mean that I put it in a nice bowl, so people would think I made it, because I hate making potato salad, especially when Kroger's is still going to be better than mine).

At noonish, Matt and I went over to the future Bozemans' for a cookout and swimming. There was a watermelon that tasted a lot like lighter fluid; pool dodge ball with tennis balls, Frisbees, and a kick ball; and Mrs. PacMan. While it looks as Casey got hit by an unidentified flying object, I was on the business end of that watermelon. All in all, a ridiculously fun afternoon.
That evening, the Kelley's invited us over to eat with their family (seeing that ours all skipped town on us, pity-invite). It was one of those average BYOM&F parties (Bring Your Own Meat and Fireworks). It all began with a riveting game of whiffle ball, I was very honored to not be picked last, and also to be picked by Chad, who I know is VERY serious about whiffle ball. I heard he did a little pre-game scouting when he saw me catching and throwing a few with Matt (by the way, he did not pick Matt). My team lost, but I am proud to say that I made a double play... whatever that is.
At dinner, all the great American staples were there: Pasta and potato salads, corn on the cob, hotdogs, barbecue chicken, kabobs, ice cream, cake, cupcakes, etc. After dinner I found a yo-yo that truly was a blast from the past, and then the fireworks began. The guys sported the heavy artillery (bottle rockets and cherry bombs), while the girls had some fun with sparklers and roman candles. I totally pretended to be Harry Potter for like a second and got busted. I think we all had our fill of explosives until New Year's, especially Casey. We did our fair share of mere-chilling on the new driveway. Then we partook of the purdiest little cake I ever did see, thanks Bethany!

It's official,

I'm a nerd (if there was ever any doubt)! Last night, Matt, Chad, and I went to see the band "Harry and the Potters" at the 40watt club. This, probably, was one of the single-most interesting events of my life. Upon entering, we were all given a name tag (the band's request to create a more friendly and personal environment). However, most people were not themselves. Matt was just Matt, but I was Andrew W. K. the hard core rock-and-roller! We were also informed to help ourselves to the homemade cupcakes and free face painting. And so I did. After partaking of their tasty red-white-and-blue cupcakes, I got a lightning bolt scar painted on my forehead.
The concert tour was titled "Unlimited Enthusiasm Expo '08" and consisted of 3 bands. The first of which, was called Uncle Monster Face. With a sheet and a projector, they showed ridiculously weird short videos they had made to go along with their music (including, but not limited to infomercials and roller coaster ride simulators). They also had sock puppets and someone dancing around through the crowd wearing a paper-mache monster-head.
Math the band, was the second act. They describe themselves on their own website as this:

"Math the Band is a being of pure light and energy. A three piece high energy electro dance rock band that sings songs about were wolves, the water cycle, sharks and the importance of staying in shape. High speed high energy dance anthems with more beats per minute than you’d know what to do with!"

I couldn't have phrased it any other way.

And the band we've all been waiting for.....Harry and the Potters. They were everything I expected and more..... Of course they were nerdy, both dressed completely as Harry, and their songs were solely about the book series, but everyone there was having a blast. Being a family friendly show, tons of young kids and their parents attended, dressed in costume. It was a site to see kids under 12 in a mosh pit. During one part of the show, Harry's guitar string broke, and he borrowed a drumstick to use as a wand and summon another. From off-stage, someone threw him a guitar with broom bristles attached to the end, which he caught and began playing without missing a beat. Some of my favorite songs they played were: "Save Ginny Weasley," "Voldemort can't stop the ROCK!" and "Hagrid is Full of Hugs but Don't Get Stuck in his Beard." I bought myself an awesome t-shirt, and Matt bought some Harry and the Potters' official Dental Floss. This truly was a night to remember!

College Ave. Carnival

This is another favorite story of mine about the Matt and Katie of yester-year. It's a little difficult to explain in writing, especially without losing some if it's magic. So, here's to trying to do it justice...

In March of 2005, Matt and I, along with our roommates and a couple close friends were very bored on a Saturday night. Somehow, amidst the boredom...we developed an intricate plan. This plan involved a 10pm trip to walmart to purchase facepaints, generic soda, and neon posterboard.
And so...the "College Avenue Carnival" was born!

We decided to have some lighthearted fun with the Athens downtown scene, as they were drinking the night away. So we set up camp on the corner of College Avenue and Broad, right in front of where Five Guys is now stationed from 11pm to about 2:30am. People of all shapes & sizes, ages, genders and sobrieties stopped to inquire about our free activities and why we would spend our Saturday night and money on such a thing. Our response was "For the Hell of it!"
The carnival featured the following:

• Creepy Carnival music (just like being at the circus).
  
• Phrases like "Step right up, folks, step right up!" and "If we can't guess your weight, YOU win a prize!"
  
• A face painting booth: Where Rachel and I painted animals by request for FREE on any willing participant's cheek. Some of our art work included polar bears, mice, dogs, cats, rabbits, and one skunk.
  

• A "Guess your Weight" Game: Where the fellows took turns guessing their contenders' weight, and if they couldn't get within a 5 pound radius on the bathroom scale, the guess-ie won a Snickers bar.

• And a Can Toss: Where players could also win prizes by knocking down our tower of empty generic soda cans with an old hackey-sack. We all drank more crap-cola than should be allowed at any carnival.
  

All in all, it was a night to remember. It was shocking to see how many 20-somethings hit up the carnival in between hops, or how many would run and pull their other friends out of bars just to have a go at the can toss or get their face painted. If given the chance, I'd do it again but only with my former fellow carnies.