tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35607271988019676642024-03-13T07:59:14.889-05:00That Much Further 'Hamor what I learned on wikipedia today . . .Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00611577956495039063noreply@blogger.comBlogger187125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3560727198801967664.post-77036392342410028562020-10-19T09:51:00.001-05:002020-10-19T09:51:37.945-05:00Hello? Is this thing on?<p> You should really subscribe to Morning Brew...Click this link</p><p><a href="https://morningbrew.com/daily/r?kid=6a4d48">https://morningbrew.com/daily/r?kid=6a4d48</a></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00611577956495039063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3560727198801967664.post-59771843932440888062011-12-26T22:25:00.042-06:002011-12-27T22:25:32.133-06:00Thanks for the Inspirado, Ana!<div align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;">About a year and half ago, I stumbled upon Ana White’s <a href="http://www.ana-white.com/">website</a> (via Facebook), and saw she had posted <a href="http://ana-white.com/category/plans/project-type/play-kitchen-collection">plans</a> to a Play Kitchen for her daughter. I showed the LOML, and we were like “Awwwwwwww, I totally need to build that for Ru when she’s a little older” . . . fast forward to Fall 2k11, and it got real . . . It was time for me to build Ru a Play Kitchen for Christmas!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDo6rmOcl1UW7uC9u1G8av2MRdJ1_f1rBUbvvv4VtTjzJiZqrUp-w-MO6m8Ap5djLrZfbr6HO_jtbWHwVmZ3TpjG1wf68Sz3gnZDCCTgiv6UgpnEOdy16RusKz6IBhDyIZU-9qMZQciN0H/s1600/wood.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 300px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690660339483006978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDo6rmOcl1UW7uC9u1G8av2MRdJ1_f1rBUbvvv4VtTjzJiZqrUp-w-MO6m8Ap5djLrZfbr6HO_jtbWHwVmZ3TpjG1wf68Sz3gnZDCCTgiv6UgpnEOdy16RusKz6IBhDyIZU-9qMZQciN0H/s400/wood.JPG" /></a>Here’s what my first (of many) trip to Lowe’s looked like. Ana’s plans are awesome because she gives you the exact cut list for each board. I won’t say these plans are exactly step by step (you have to infer a little bit), but her drawings are great, and I think most anyone could follow them.<br /><br /><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ent02IFUJu0/TvlI_2l5QJI/AAAAAAAABOk/iiDNB6IrQeg/s1600/fridge%2Bbox.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 240px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690659865982746770" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ent02IFUJu0/TvlI_2l5QJI/AAAAAAAABOk/iiDNB6IrQeg/s400/fridge%2Bbox.JPG" /></a><p></p></td><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-302djiLsDw0/TvlJlLFTnQI/AAAAAAAABQQ/V0bfmFn0Mrc/s1600/sink%2Bframe.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 240px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690660507138366722" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-302djiLsDw0/TvlJlLFTnQI/AAAAAAAABQQ/V0bfmFn0Mrc/s400/sink%2Bframe.JPG" /></a><p></p></td></tr></tbody></table><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SLam-Hs1LpQ/TvlJT4pzlRI/AAAAAAAABPo/fU47hAnfJek/s1600/primed.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690660210133406994" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SLam-Hs1LpQ/TvlJT4pzlRI/AAAAAAAABPo/fU47hAnfJek/s400/primed.JPG" /></a>I’m by no means a carpenter, but I was able to assemble the sink, stove, and fridge “boxes” in a few Sunday afternoons . . . November was kind of a blur, but eventually we got them primed, and then the LOML did most of the painting 2 weeks ago. My bro-in-law, <a href="http://www.cgwoodwork.com/">Christian</a> (who has also been featured on Ana’s blog <a href="http://ana-white.com/2011/01/rustic-hutch-for-the-workbench-console.html">here</a>) cut the hole for the sink and showed me how to install the euro-style cabinet hardware. Honestly, I couldn’t be more pumped with how everything turned out:<br /><br /><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o7h2Gyah5iA/TvlJTnu6v_I/AAAAAAAABPU/YZV9dCg9D1o/s1600/oven%2Bclosed.JPG"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 240px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690660205591445490" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o7h2Gyah5iA/TvlJTnu6v_I/AAAAAAAABPU/YZV9dCg9D1o/s400/oven%2Bclosed.JPG" /></span></a><p><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></p></td><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZYZsHTnrjyg/TvlJT3omTnI/AAAAAAAABPc/YaCTY-U6HaM/s1600/oven%2Bopen.JPG"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 240px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690660209859907186" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZYZsHTnrjyg/TvlJT3omTnI/AAAAAAAABPc/YaCTY-U6HaM/s400/oven%2Bopen.JPG" /></span></a><p><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jw4EN7ZcXl0/TvlJAL1rPoI/AAAAAAAABOw/zaM1tFWhZU0/s1600/fridge%2Bclosed.JPG"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 240px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690659871686082178" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jw4EN7ZcXl0/TvlJAL1rPoI/AAAAAAAABOw/zaM1tFWhZU0/s400/fridge%2Bclosed.JPG" /></span></a><p><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></p></td><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oQ7maTMLEhY/TvlJAQQX1tI/AAAAAAAABO4/CsVmRgvCEq8/s1600/fridge%2Bopen.JPG"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 240px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690659872871798482" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oQ7maTMLEhY/TvlJAQQX1tI/AAAAAAAABO4/CsVmRgvCEq8/s400/fridge%2Bopen.JPG" /></span></a><p></p></td></tr></tbody></table><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--FdjcIZFWLg/TvlJAX1VFbI/AAAAAAAABPI/iYJhSet5V68/s1600/fridge.JPG"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 300px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690659874905855410" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--FdjcIZFWLg/TvlJAX1VFbI/AAAAAAAABPI/iYJhSet5V68/s400/fridge.JPG" /></span></a>And here’s the whole kitchen, set up before Christmas morning!!!<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9wLIDcmJNMg/TvlJUJMhWTI/AAAAAAAABP8/p_asSJ6JL7Q/s1600/set%2Bup.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690660214573979954" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9wLIDcmJNMg/TvlJUJMhWTI/AAAAAAAABP8/p_asSJ6JL7Q/s400/set%2Bup.JPG" /></a>Ru has really been enjoying her kitchen so far (she loves making smoothies!!!). I can’t wait to watch her (and her sister!!!!) cook for many years to come!!<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tac14-OjZIY/TvlRkNCSmcI/AAAAAAAABQc/jI7h4nJ3LIM/s1600/ruplay.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690669286575741378" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tac14-OjZIY/TvlRkNCSmcI/AAAAAAAABQc/jI7h4nJ3LIM/s400/ruplay.JPG" /></a>* Sorry for the iPhone picts<br /><br />** Don't call this a comeback</span></div>Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00611577956495039063noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3560727198801967664.post-46320621368569496292011-01-09T23:06:00.013-06:002011-01-09T23:21:36.198-06:00Busy Season 2k11 . . . j/k! lolz!<div align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;">Alright. I’ve been meaning to give you readers some type of update or closure or something since I abruptly ceased blogging back in the fall . . . I guess the biggest update from the last few months is I got a new job (cue Hallelujah chorus!!!!). But seriously, public accounting was very good to me the last 5 years, and without it I wouldn’t be in the position I am today. But I am FREAKING PUMPED to be starting 2011 without the dread of another busy season. If I want to take a Friday off to head down to the <a href="http://thatmuchfurtherham.blogspot.com/2010/03/are-you-there-april-16th-its-me-tmfh.html">Fantasy Baseball Draft</a> early, I can. And if I want to take a week off for spring break, I can. And if I want to take a day off to celebrate my sweet baby girl’s birthday, I can (and planning on it!).<br /><br />It was actually a pretty long process “changing careers” (or rather my career-path) and I feel like I learned a lot through all the networking, interviewing, researching etc. A big hat tip to sites like the <a href="http://www.hrcapitalist.com/">HR Capitalist</a>, and anyone else who gave me 15 minutes to pick their brain. Recruiting was always one of my favorite parts of public accounting, and I’d love to share my thoughts/experiences with anyone else who is looking to transition down the road, etc.<br /><br />Speaking of interviews, here’s reason #381 why my wife is the coolest and I love her to pieces. Back in July, she was leaving to go out of town the day before I had a big interview (not with my current employer, but one I REALLY wanted to work for at the time), so she went to <a href="http://www.icingonthecookie.net/">Icing on the Cookie</a> and left me this note:<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/TSqVyhDVHhI/AAAAAAAABJY/Wxlg12uClTw/s1600/photo.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 480px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 360px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560421385040633362" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/TSqVyhDVHhI/AAAAAAAABJY/Wxlg12uClTw/s800/photo.JPG" /></a>Isn’t she awesome?<br /><br />Ok, so I promise not to drone on and on about my job change, but I do have one book recommendation for anyone interested. Check out <em><a href="http://strengths.gallup.com/">Strengths Finder 2.0</a></em>. Basically, the book talks about how we should be focusing on finding work that utilizes our “natural” talents/strengths (and we should be working to improve those strengths), rather than trying to improve upon our weaknesses. Makes sense, seeing you’re more likely to “enjoy” improving on something you’re already inclined/interested in rather than getting frustrated when you’re not “succeeding” at something you probably won’t be able to master in the first place.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/TSqV_LcR6bI/AAAAAAAABJg/TMDoIIThJdA/s1600/strengthfind.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 283px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560421602578000306" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/TSqV_LcR6bI/AAAAAAAABJg/TMDoIIThJdA/s400/strengthfind.jpg" /></a>The book (and on-line assessment) gives examples of what your strengths might look like in “real-world” situation and gives tips on finding work/careers that utilize those strengths. There are 34 different strengths/talents, and my five (everyone has 5) were Analytical, Input, Learner, Intellection, and Connectedness. I can DEFINITELY see how my current job is fostering the development of these 5 talents and I’m excited to see what the future holds! (not that public accounting wasn’t necessarily doing this, but I digress) . . .<br /><br />Ok, so I was planning on turning this post into a big 4 month catch-up and maybe talk about my High School <a href="http://thatmuchfurtherham.blogspot.com/2010/03/i-sell-biscuits-and-gravy-all-over.html">reunion</a> or how we went to Disney World/Harry Potter or how I (re)signed up for Twitter, but it’s getting late, and Birmingham is in the middle of a BLIZZARD, so I should probably hit the hay . . . but oh yeah:<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/TSqWqfAEetI/AAAAAAAABJo/7ofRC1Pp_eo/s1600/185994660-07182211.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 265px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560422346562763474" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/TSqWqfAEetI/AAAAAAAABJo/7ofRC1Pp_eo/s400/185994660-07182211.jpg" /></a>War Cam Eagle!<br /><br />PS - I met Verne Lundquist over Thanksgiving!</span></div>Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00611577956495039063noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3560727198801967664.post-30139145736070843972010-09-16T19:27:00.002-05:002010-09-16T19:27:00.531-05:00Cookies ‘n Cardio<div align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;">Just because I haven’t been posting, doesn’t mean we haven’t been cooking. It’s been a busy Summer (err, Fall??) and I want you to know, that I know, that you know it’s been a while.<br /><br />But if you do need a TMF’H-related culinary fix, lemme suggest my lovely and talented sister, <a href="http://cookiesncardio.blogspot.com/">Laurie</a>! (pictured circa 1987?)<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/TJJF4Y9kHGI/AAAAAAAABIM/3QhjJgJJcJE/s1600/fam87.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 353px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517549328557939810" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/TJJF4Y9kHGI/AAAAAAAABIM/3QhjJgJJcJE/s800/fam87.jpg" /></a>She started a food and healthy-lifestyle blog, <a href="http://cookiesncardio.blogspot.com/">Cookies 'n Cardio</a>, back in August, and I think you’ll really dig it!! She’s also big on <a href="http://twitter.com/DeeJangles">tweeter-space</a>, if that’s what you’re into.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/TJJF5JyWaYI/AAAAAAAABIU/XX4mMRYkAC4/s1600/Sis.bmp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 66px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517549341664242050" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/TJJF5JyWaYI/AAAAAAAABIU/XX4mMRYkAC4/s400/Sis.bmp" /></a>BTW – the pizza recipe she posted today is really tasty. We had it when she came to visit the LOML and SBG back in August!</span></div>Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00611577956495039063noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3560727198801967664.post-25515396858727352432010-08-30T08:00:00.002-05:002010-08-30T08:40:09.728-05:00Do Fun Stuff<div align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;">You already know I'm a big <a href="http://thatmuchfurtherham.blogspot.com/2009/09/pacing-panic-room-wheres-dwight-yoakam.html">fan</a> of Pacing the Panic Room. Well today <a href="http://pacingthepanicroom.blogspot.com/">Ryan Marshall</a> has released <em>Do Fun Stuff</em> a "Kids Record For Parents" to support a really worthy cause:<br /><br /><iframe height="719" border="0" src="http://dofunstuff.net" width="480" align="middle"> <p>Sorry, your browser does not support iframes.</p> </iframe><br /><br />100% of the proceeds from the sale of this album goes to a grant fund Ryan established with <a href="http://www.prisms.org/start.htm">PRISMS</a>. The money will be made available to grad students who wish to make <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smith-Magenis_syndrome">SMS</a> their field of choice, the benefit of this is more hard research being done, which leads to more case studies, which leads to more answers for parents and researchers.<br /><br />The LOML and I picked it up on iTunes this weekend and you should definitely check it out!</span></div>Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00611577956495039063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3560727198801967664.post-19057320199597027242010-08-02T21:14:00.007-05:002010-08-02T21:21:11.963-05:00Yo Quiero Taco Truck<div align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;">Friday for lunch, I finally got around to trying West Valley’s infamous <a href="http://www.bhammag.com/bhammag/food-taco.aspx">Taco Truck</a> (check out AL Eats for their full <a href="http://alabamaeats.blogspot.com/2009/09/taco-truck-aka-taqueria-guzman.html">review</a>). I had one asada, chorizo and al pastor taco and they were all amazing! It was a pretty chill atmosphere (I was the only “gringo” there for the first 15 minutes), no tables, and you just set your drink on the side of the truck. I don’t know if I’d call this (area) “family friendly” (I think the LOML would definitely be scared), but if you and your bros are looking for a place for to get some authentic Mexican “street” tacos, you need to check it out (I bet it’s even better in the Fall, when it’s not 100 some odd degrees out). I didn’t want to kill the mood (and prove to the regulars that I was a newbie), so I didn’t take a picture til I was driving away (but I think this gives you a better idea).<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/TFd8L7Pd8uI/AAAAAAAABH8/HMEy5UEjamA/s1600/photo.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501002014179324642" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/TFd8L7Pd8uI/AAAAAAAABH8/HMEy5UEjamA/s400/photo.jpg" /></a>This weekend, Jay and I also took a bro-mantic weekend to PCB, and the highlight (dining-wise*) was Friday night at <a href="http://www.jmichaelsrestaurant.com/">J. Michael’s</a>. Jay mentioned before that the “Ultimate” roast beef would put <a href="http://thatmuchfurtherham.blogspot.com/2009/03/im-thinking-po-boys.html">Parasol’s</a> to shame . . . and he was right. This sandwich was the JAM!! I couldn’t really tell you that the beef itself was that tasty, but the pepper gravy and onions made the sandwich. (the Pepper (Cole) Slaw was also really good). Just thought you should know in case there were any roast beef bets that needed to be settled.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/TFd8LoVRrKI/AAAAAAAABH0/wwNOW1dX6dg/s1600/photo+2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501002009103412386" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/TFd8LoVRrKI/AAAAAAAABH0/wwNOW1dX6dg/s400/photo+2.jpg" /></a>* Next time you see Jay, get him to tell you the Duncan Donuts <a href="http://brosicingbros.com/">Icing</a> story.</span></div>Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00611577956495039063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3560727198801967664.post-17780182650098570912010-07-27T18:36:00.001-05:002010-07-27T18:36:00.295-05:00Bella Famiglia<div align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;">I’m not usually one to do (post) this, but I can’t help myself:<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 335px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498688153212496226" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/TE9DvfbhKWI/AAAAAAAABHQ/5P2tbA6jezs/s800/DSC_0103.jpg" />I have the most beautiful family in the whole world.<br /><br />(I took this on Sunday and now have it set as the background on my computer desktop. Hope you enjoy the non-blacked out eyes)</span></div>Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00611577956495039063noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3560727198801967664.post-39740526548534218392010-07-22T12:38:00.009-05:002010-07-22T12:48:08.921-05:00Hi<div align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;">(pleasantry, pleasantry, excuse for absence, promise to update more, etc.)<br /><br />I’ve got to brag on the LOML for a minute. Yesterday afternoon, she said she had a special meal planned for dinner, and that it would be a surprise (don’t worry, it wasn’t baby carrots, baby shrimp and baby back ribs).<br /><br />When I got home, the house smelled great and she had a giddy sense of accomplishment because she knew she just made something awesome . . . and she was right!!<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/TEiDlUodjmI/AAAAAAAABHI/hbqOO2VJrYQ/s1600/photo.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496788022422507106" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/TEiDlUodjmI/AAAAAAAABHI/hbqOO2VJrYQ/s800/photo.jpg" /></a>My dear wife roasted a whole chicken with lemons and onion (a ‘la <em><a href="http://www.barefootcontessa.com/indexes_two.shtml">Barefoot in Paris</a></em>) and served it with an arugula salad with homemade lemon vinaigrette!!!! (BTW, the salad had sungold cherry tomatoes (from Snow’s Bend) and they were the sweetest tomatoes I’ve ever tasted)<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/TEiDirVwQGI/AAAAAAAABHA/6FA910zuOQM/s1600/photo+4.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496787976978448482" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/TEiDirVwQGI/AAAAAAAABHA/6FA910zuOQM/s800/photo+4.jpg" /></a>I’M SO PROUD OF HER!!!!<br /><br />After dinner, we decided to try the new <a href="http://www.visityogurtlab.com/">Yogurt Lab</a> in Vestavia . . . Amazing!!!! As you may have noticed, there has been a recent surge (<a href="http://blog.al.com/businessnews/2010/07/frozen_yogurt_is_cool_again_in.html">over-saturation</a>??) of self-serve yogurt shops in Birmingham in the last year (Thanks for spotting an <a href="http://birmingham.bizjournals.com/birmingham/stories/2010/04/12/daily48.html">opportunity</a>, Yogurt Mountain), but I think Yogurt Lab is leading the pack (I’ve only tried YM, TYS, and Tuttie Frutti (Auburn)). The space was huge and the (fresh) topping selections were better than what I’ve seen elsewhere. We are definitely going back this weekend.<br /><br />PS – Sorry for the iPhone picts. I've left my DSLR @ the office this week while I’ve been taking company headshots for <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/">LinkedIn</a>, promotional press, etc.</span></div>Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00611577956495039063noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3560727198801967664.post-22890051210058563892010-06-28T22:14:00.013-05:002010-06-28T22:27:34.044-05:00José, Can You See??<div align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/TClmQ3RrSYI/AAAAAAAABF0/bSqE1QGS0h8/s1600/photo.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 296px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488030060829690242" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/TClmQ3RrSYI/AAAAAAAABF0/bSqE1QGS0h8/s400/photo.jpg" /></a>This weekend Charlie & Courtney invited us to tag along on the tail end of their 5 Year Anniversary ATL weekend . . . to the <a href="http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/">BRAVES</a> GAME on Sunday!!! I think I’ve been to 2 or 3 Braves games (the last one about 6 years ago), but nothing like this. Our seats came with access to the <a href="http://755club.com/docs/755ClubMenuAlaCARTE.pdf">755 Delta Club</a> where we ate lunch overlooking the Outfield (BTW, the “Knucksie” was the jam!!)<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/TClmY-LE-sI/AAAAAAAABF8/_XArvXg_huw/s1600/photo+2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 296px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488030200120015554" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/TClmY-LE-sI/AAAAAAAABF8/_XArvXg_huw/s400/photo+2.jpg" /></a>But nothing has ruined me for watching a baseball game like these seats!!! 4th row, behind home plate!!! These were seriously AWESOME!!<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/TClmi9atUKI/AAAAAAAABGE/zTZI9mp6BHg/s1600/photo+(1).jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488030371715829922" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/TClmi9atUKI/AAAAAAAABGE/zTZI9mp6BHg/s400/photo+(1).jpg" /></a>The Braves ended up losing, but we had a great time. And I felt like I was 8 years old. Charlie & Courtney, thank you for the best 5 Year Wedding anniversary present a boy could ask for!!!<br /><br />In true narcissistic fashion, when we got home, I promptly checked the TV guide to see when the replay came on (luckily, the game was blacked out live).<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/TClmpPdKYhI/AAAAAAAABGM/JvE0k5zkfWA/s1600/DSC_0004.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488030479637176850" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/TClmpPdKYhI/AAAAAAAABGM/JvE0k5zkfWA/s400/DSC_0004.jpg" /></a>We watched a little of it tonight after the Bachelorette (OMG!!!!), but got kinda bored after 10 minutes. You can only say “Hey, there we are!!!!” so many times.<br /><br />Do you see me taking the picture that I posted above???<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/TClmt1kk6lI/AAAAAAAABGU/MS2fNm2fz-s/s1600/DSC_0021.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488030558588299858" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/TClmt1kk6lI/AAAAAAAABGU/MS2fNm2fz-s/s400/DSC_0021.jpg" /></a>PS – Who knew there were so many Detroit Tigers fans in ATL??? I felt like it was split 70/30??</span></div>Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00611577956495039063noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3560727198801967664.post-16352991820157909242010-06-14T21:49:00.002-05:002010-06-14T23:02:39.025-05:00Shawty<div align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;">This post goes out to a dear friend . . . my trusty old fratagonia* shorts!<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/TBb5qIuf-hI/AAAAAAAABFI/eJmIwQ6Oej8/s1600/20100606-DSC_0003.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 335px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482844098662496786" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/TBb5qIuf-hI/AAAAAAAABFI/eJmIwQ6Oej8/s800/20100606-DSC_0003.jpg" /></a>Remember </span><a href="http://thatmuchfurtherham.blogspot.com/2009/09/dont-call-what-youre-wearing-outfit.html"><span style="font-family:arial;">last year</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;">, when I said I should come up with a book of items that “I can’t wear anymore”???<br /><br />I bought these at <a href="http://www.kinnucans.com/">Kinnucan’s</a> (?) in early Summer 2003 (I’m pretty sure it was during summer term at AU). For shorts they were pretty expensive (I think they were in the $50 range), but I liked em, and looking back it’s been a pretty good investment. I bet I’ve worn these over 200 times (at least 5 times a month, 6 months out of the year, for the last 7 years), and I know you can’t tell, but they used to be dark olive green.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/TBb5wzt0vTI/AAAAAAAABFQ/gqYp2RiSkUw/s1600/20100606-DSC_0017.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 335px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482844213281602866" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/TBb5wzt0vTI/AAAAAAAABFQ/gqYp2RiSkUw/s800/20100606-DSC_0017.jpg" /></a>Over the years, they’ve started to fray and the last few months have seen some pretty bad rips/holes in the “knees” (yes, I know shorts are already cut-off at the knees, but work with me here). Well, last weekend, I decided to pull the plug and turned these into cut-offs. I can’t show you the after picture (this is a family blog) as they are even shorter, and the LOML has made it clear they should not be for public consumption. I still think I can mow the (back) yard in them, but we’ll see . . .<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/TBb57wJpj1I/AAAAAAAABFY/2q_Y4lj8B4E/s1600/20100606-DSC_0019.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 335px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482844401303129938" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/TBb57wJpj1I/AAAAAAAABFY/2q_Y4lj8B4E/s800/20100606-DSC_0019.jpg" /></a>I love you Patagonia shorts. You’ll be missed.<br /><br />* If I haven't already, remind me to tell you my "<a href="http://www.bap.org/">Beta</a>" story the next time I see you. It's the LOML's favourite!</span></div>Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00611577956495039063noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3560727198801967664.post-974995848110074002010-06-04T09:43:00.009-05:002010-06-04T09:43:01.293-05:00Blogger Street Café<div align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;">When I was in high school, I worked (so did <a href="http://jonathanandheatherharden.blogspot.com/">Harden</a>!) at a bagel shop that made <em><u>THE BEST</u></em> chicken salad in Memphis. I don’t know if they were ever actually awarded that distinction, but it was a HUGE seller and seriously tasty*. Lucky for me (and you), I was able to get the recipe and it’s been a personal favorite ever since.<br /><br />Since this is the first week of the LOML’s summer (permanent) vacation, we did a little meal planning on Sunday, and thought we’d whip up some of this tasty chicken salad to munch on all week.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/TAbRffsur5I/AAAAAAAABE4/fIn58pYBY8w/s1600/20100531-DSC_0075.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 335px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478296335758045074" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/TAbRffsur5I/AAAAAAAABE4/fIn58pYBY8w/s800/20100531-DSC_0075.jpg" /></a><u>TMF’H Chicken Salad</u> (adapted from anonymous Bagel café)<br />4-5 lbs chicken breast<br />1 C sliced almonds<br />1 lb sliced (halved) grapes<br />1 tsp salt<br />1 tsp black pepper<br />2 tsp garlic powder (we were out, so I used 1 tsp fresh chopped garlic)<br />2 tsp thyme<br />1 C (light) sour cream<br />2 C (light) mayo<br /><br />So I used these five MONSTER chicken breasts (from a local meat distributor) that probably weighed about a pound each, and poached (or boiled, rather) them until they were cooked through. After letting them cool off a little bit, I chopped/shredded the chicken, and then let them cool some more.<br /><br />Now, I know what you’re thinking: “That is a **** ton of sour cream and mayo!!!!”<br /><br />I know. It looks a little much. But here’s what I’d do. After the shredded/chopped chicken has completely cooled off, I’d mix in the sliced almonds and grapes and then combine all the other ingredients in a separate bowl. Then I’d fold in the mayo/sour cream mixture in small batches until you get the consistency you want. When you’re finished, throw it in the fridge and you’ve got chicken salad GOLD that should last you (at least!) a week.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/TAbRid3jrlI/AAAAAAAABFA/i5DMLDqWfFA/s1600/20100531-DSC_0081.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 335px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478296386806197842" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/TAbRid3jrlI/AAAAAAAABFA/i5DMLDqWfFA/s800/20100531-DSC_0081.jpg" /></a>In addition to having this for lunch most of this week, we had this for dinner with the LOML’s homemade pita chips and organic baby carrots (on sale @ Publix). The LOML can make some mean homemade pita chips.<br /><br />* For comparisons sake, this is probably closest to Birmingham’s <a href="http://www.ocarrs.com/">O’Carr’s</a> chicken salad vs. a <a href="http://www.zoeskitchen.com/">Zoe’s</a> or some other sub-par version.</span></div>Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00611577956495039063noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3560727198801967664.post-76569966220967759202010-06-02T19:29:00.016-05:002010-06-02T19:29:00.142-05:00If You Like Swiss Chard Frittatas and Getting Caught in the Rain<div align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;">These 2 week breaks are becoming familiar, aren’t they?? Oh well, I’m back and I’ve got tasty produce to share:<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/TAbOPHzKLXI/AAAAAAAABEI/yKAgwPKdUhQ/s1600/20100521-DSC_0053.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 335px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478292755929771378" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/TAbOPHzKLXI/AAAAAAAABEI/yKAgwPKdUhQ/s800/20100521-DSC_0053.jpg" /></a>Week 5’s CSA Bounty (picked up and photographed about 10 days ago)<br /><br />'Panisse' Lettuce<br />Mixed Head Lettuce<br />Rainbow Chard<br />Strawberries<br />Snow Peas<br />Cilantro<br />Bok Choy<br />Baby White Turnips<br /><br />Week 5’s selection was awesome! I think my favorite items were the snow peas, but my first experience with rainbow (Swiss) <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chard">chard</a> was pretty fulfilling, too. When I searched for a good rainbow chard recipe, frittatas seemed to be a common suggestion, so I thought “Hey Family, let’s get classy and make a Sausage, Mushroom, Feta and Rainbow Swiss Chard frittata for dinner!!”<br /><br />After cooking some Italian sausage (about a pound) in our skillet (sadly, we didn’t have a cast iron skillet handy. . . R.I.P. Great Smokey Mtn <a href="http://www.lodgemfg.com/factory-stores.asp">skillet</a> – thanks, Colton!), we set the meat aside and sautéed the chard stems and mushrooms in the sausage drippings (flavor!) with a little extra olive oil. So colorful, right??<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/TAbOV6-9IvI/AAAAAAAABEQ/goOBgt0YmwA/s1600/20100525-DSC_0024.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 335px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478292872748671730" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/TAbOV6-9IvI/AAAAAAAABEQ/goOBgt0YmwA/s800/20100525-DSC_0024.jpg" /></a>After a few minutes, the LOML threw in the chard leaves and cooked those down (much like spinach, the leaves cook/shrink down pretty nicely). Here she is admiring our sweet baby girl (in her bouncy seat) while managing the skillet. 2 days as a S.A.H.M. and she’s already a pro at multi-tasking!!<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/TAbOqxikPtI/AAAAAAAABEg/4Hsa5DFRJqA/s1600/20100525-DSC_0025.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 335px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478293230990933714" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/TAbOqxikPtI/AAAAAAAABEg/4Hsa5DFRJqA/s800/20100525-DSC_0025.jpg" /></a>After all the veggies were cooked, we added the sausage back to the pan, added some feta cheese (not much was in the fridge) and 6 beaten eggs. In my mind, I thought the 6 eggs would fill this pan up to the side, but as you can see, the pan looks pretty empty. Kinda pitiful looking, isn’t it?<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/TAbOtxHZ98I/AAAAAAAABEo/ZNhMY0vJ1kc/s1600/20100525-DSC_0033.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 335px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478293282416621506" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/TAbOtxHZ98I/AAAAAAAABEo/ZNhMY0vJ1kc/s800/20100525-DSC_0033.jpg" /></a>Well 30 minutes in the oven at 375 though sure puffed everything up! I will say that since there wasn’t that much egg, 30 minutes was WAAAAAAAAAY more time than necessary and the egg formed more of a crispy (browned) crust. If I could do it over, I’d pick a smaller pan, double the eggs (or halve the filling) and then check it around 20 minutes.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/TAbOxWN68CI/AAAAAAAABEw/HZeD28eqjyE/s1600/20100525-DSC_0055.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 335px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478293343915667490" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/TAbOxWN68CI/AAAAAAAABEw/HZeD28eqjyE/s800/20100525-DSC_0055.jpg" /></a>Either way, for my first <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frittata">frittata</a>, I thought dinner was a success. And we stayed classy . . . Where are my cuff links and boat shoes??</span></div>Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00611577956495039063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3560727198801967664.post-83453533316685961282010-05-14T15:19:00.015-05:002010-05-14T15:42:08.399-05:00In the Summertime when the Weather is High . . .<div align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;">Sooooooooooooooooooooo, I’m sure you’ve noticed I really haven’t felt too bloggy lately. Wish I had more pictures of what we’ve been up to the last month, but you’ll have to settle for this:<br /><br />We dedicated our sweet baby girl to the Lord last Sunday (Happy Mother’s Day). She (the LOML and my daughter) is the best!!! And at her doctor’s check-up today, she’s in the 95% for weight (my daughter, not the LOML)!!<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/S-2zsoAtyJI/AAAAAAAABD4/-c8B9ro86w4/s1600/dedicate.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471226701561055378" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/S-2zsoAtyJI/AAAAAAAABD4/-c8B9ro86w4/s400/dedicate.JPG" /></a>I bought my ticket this week to see <a href="http://www.myspace.com/thepainsofbeingpureatheart">the Pains of Being Pure at Heart</a> and <a href="http://www.myspace.com/thepainsofbeingpureatheart">Surfer Blood</a> @ the Bottletree next month!!! Now I just need to find my Smiths’ <em><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singles_(The_Smiths_album)">Singles</a></em> cd to get pumped up. (HT: <a href="http://forgetwyh.blogspot.com/">Will</a>)<br /><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/B4itzHRpltQ&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/B4itzHRpltQ&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br />I just changed most of the privacy setting (and profile information) on Facebook (and I’ve <em>really </em>toyed with the idea of deleting my account . . . Oh No, He didn’t!! Oh Yes, He might??). Still haven’t seen the <a href="http://forgetwyh.blogspot.com/">South Park</a> episode about FB, but I’ve heard it’s pretty funny.<br /><br />I just ordered a new shoot-through umbrella and bounce reflector!!! I have some shoots scheduled in the next few months (I also have bad <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gear_Acquisition_Syndrome">G.A.S.</a>)<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/S-2zv8tZ_jI/AAAAAAAABEA/8F57jULGSwQ/s1600/SAPUR102T.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471226758656818738" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/S-2zv8tZ_jI/AAAAAAAABEA/8F57jULGSwQ/s400/SAPUR102T.JPG" /></a>I’m still trying to hit up Planet Fitness (more than once a week), but haven’t really dropped any lbs. Probably because I make stuff like <a href="http://www.amateurgourmet.com/2010/02/momofuku_milk_bars_compost_cookie_recipe.html">this</a>.<br /><br />If you’re bored and looking for some new sites to add to your <a href="http://thatmuchfurtherham.blogspot.com/2009/12/help-me-help-you.html">RSS feed</a>, check out these out, I've happened upon in the last month or so:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.bothsidesofthetable.com/">Both Sides of the Table</a><br />Entrepreneur turned VC, Mark Suster’s thoughts on all things Start-Up, Technology, etc.<br /><br /><a href="http://goingconcern.com/">Going Concern</a><br />Accounting News & Gossip (I can’t think of a topic most of you would be less interested in)</span></div>Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00611577956495039063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3560727198801967664.post-89735942836753473662010-05-07T14:48:00.015-05:002010-05-07T14:57:37.363-05:00Baah-zill<div align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;">2 weeks huh??? Anyways, I’m back and wanted to share what we received from CSA week 3!!! (we’re splitting (alternating weeks) our share with good friends, Grantham & Liz)<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/S-RvPnmhW0I/AAAAAAAABDY/6I9-IoL9iCI/s1600/20100507-DSC_0024.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 335px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468618161653898050" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/S-RvPnmhW0I/AAAAAAAABDY/6I9-IoL9iCI/s800/20100507-DSC_0024.jpg" /></a>Spring onions<br />Bok Choy (ironic?)<br />Spinach<br />Salad Mix<br />Strawberries<br /><br />Also, call me crazy, but I’ve really wanted to try out a Basil smoothie. I got a few basil plants a couple weeks ago at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens plant sale, and they’ve come along nicely. Since I usually throw in a TON of baby spinach, and lately been adding avocado to my smoothies, I thought “What the heck?” Let’s go all-in crazy????<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/S-RvYMivsgI/AAAAAAAABDo/frKP7teUvDw/s1600/20100506-DSC_0001.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 335px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468618309009125890" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/S-RvYMivsgI/AAAAAAAABDo/frKP7teUvDw/s800/20100506-DSC_0001.jpg" /></a>First, if you’re not adding baby spinach to your smoothies, you really are missing out. You don’t taste ANYTHING but you get all sorts of good vitamins, healthy stuff, etc. Also, avocado adds a whole new level of creaminess (sort of ice-creaminess), and again, you don’t taste any avocado flavor. Alright, here’s what my green Basil smoothie included<br /><br />OJ<br />Vanilla yogurt (I froze some in the ice tray last week)<br />Spinach (a lot)<br />Sweet Basil (9 leaves - fresh)<br />½ Avocado (frozen)<br />1 Tbs (generous) Peanut butter<br />I also added some frozen honey dew and cantaloupe pieces after it had been blending.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/S-RvTgka0cI/AAAAAAAABDg/DPwCY8aZxQM/s1600/20100506-DSC_0003.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 335px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468618228485509570" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/S-RvTgka0cI/AAAAAAAABDg/DPwCY8aZxQM/s800/20100506-DSC_0003.jpg" /></a>Ok, full disclosure. This was just alright for me dawg. I got a faint basil flavor, but it didn’t really impress or wow me. Honestly, skip the basil, add a little more fruit, and enjoy. It was a fun green color though . . . (Sarah & Chad, you should make this for the kiddies!)<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/S-RvcenVrdI/AAAAAAAABDw/XFukpMOWR9Y/s1600/20100506-DSC_0014.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 335px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468618382579707346" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/S-RvcenVrdI/AAAAAAAABDw/XFukpMOWR9Y/s800/20100506-DSC_0014.jpg" /></a></span></div>Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00611577956495039063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3560727198801967664.post-3004448054626050392010-04-23T14:43:00.008-05:002010-04-23T14:54:33.967-05:00Eat Your Veggies!<div align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;">Can you tell we’ve been watching Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution????<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/S9H6VIhbvGI/AAAAAAAABC0/3NYsHskSPGk/s1600/20100418-DSC_0111.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 335px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463423063949032546" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/S9H6VIhbvGI/AAAAAAAABC0/3NYsHskSPGk/s800/20100418-DSC_0111.jpg" /></a>But seriously, if you haven’t been watching this show (SEASON FINALE TONIGHT), you need to visit ABC’s <a href="http://abc.go.com/shows/jamie-olivers-food-revolution">website</a> and watch all (six) episodes for free (with limited commercial interruptions). Sure it’s got some Extreme Home Make Over, heart-string pulling moments, but the message is great and it’s done really well. And how can you not like anything done with a British (faux Cockney) accent???<br /><br />If you have been watching, I’m sure you’ve noticed Jamie is a BIG FAN of (lovely) stir fries! Soooooo, a few nights ago, the LOML and I were inspired to do the same. This was my first time cooking with bok choy and I was impressed. I probably would have tossed out the greens, but a quick search on the handy iPhone revealed you can eat those too.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/S9H6R_VlldI/AAAAAAAABCs/UPtVRvm1FYw/s1600/20100418-DSC_0119.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 335px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463423009943819730" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/S9H6R_VlldI/AAAAAAAABCs/UPtVRvm1FYw/s800/20100418-DSC_0119.jpg" /></a>Nothing too precise here. Just bok choy, onion, green bell pepper and zucchini, with beef marinated it in a combination of Teriyaki sauce, Rice wine vinegar, Hoisin Sauce, Fish Sauce, Sesame Oil. Oh yeah, and we served this on a bed of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cellophane_noodles">cellophane noodles</a> . . . Tasty.<br /><br />Yesterday was also the first day of our <a href="http://thatmuchfurtherham.blogspot.com/2010/01/its-now-easy-eating-green.html">CSA</a> through <a href="http://www.snowsbendfarm.com/">SNOW’S BEND FARM</a>!!!! Check out the first week’s bounty!!!<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/S9H6JjND9LI/AAAAAAAABCk/Qsn4Z2vuD64/s1600/20100422-DSC_0122.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 335px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463422864952915122" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/S9H6JjND9LI/AAAAAAAABCk/Qsn4Z2vuD64/s800/20100422-DSC_0122.jpg" /></a>Mustard Greens<br />Salad Mix<br />Baby Turnips<br />Radishes<br />Arugula<br />Carrots<br /><br />We’re such TREE HUGGERS!!!!</span></div>Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00611577956495039063noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3560727198801967664.post-47488813852868624742010-04-15T09:41:00.008-05:002010-04-15T09:46:09.246-05:00We might be Vanilla<div align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;">Happy April 15th, American Taxpayer . . .<br /><br />Boom. Roasted.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/S8cl3bcyTMI/AAAAAAAABCc/JLrmy59qOkw/s1600/photo.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460374707401542850" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/S8cl3bcyTMI/AAAAAAAABCc/JLrmy59qOkw/s400/photo.jpg" /></a>Have fun at your Tea Parties!! Look out for <a href="http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2010/04/slate_of_tea_party_events_acro.html">Sarah Palin</a> (‘s brother and father??)</span></div><br /><div align="center"><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/PTU2He2BIc0&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/PTU2He2BIc0&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object></div>Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00611577956495039063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3560727198801967664.post-48920570089606129992010-04-12T19:21:00.000-05:002010-04-12T19:21:00.694-05:00Who is Sergey Chilikov??<div align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;">A few years ago, I was really drinking the p4k kool-aid on this new band, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beirut_(band)">Beruit</a>. “They” were the brainchild of 19 year old Zach Condon, who recorded Gulag Orkestar in the bedroom of his parents' New Mexico house. How he recreated the sounds of 19th Century Eastern Europe on a MacBook, I’ll never know, but I was really digging it and streamed their <a href="http://www.myspace.com/beruit">MySpace</a> tracks while prepping tax returns in the Spring of 2006. I ended up buying that first record, but when I played it for the LOML, she thought it was kinda scary and all the chantings/old-world music* reminded her of Muslim Jihadists (I’ll admit that not all of their songs are as cheery/pop-friendly as “Postcards from Italy”).<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/S8NzT9ZGl_I/AAAAAAAABCE/nBsDas0TTDI/s1600/church.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 480px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 360px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459333960037734386" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/S8NzT9ZGl_I/AAAAAAAABCE/nBsDas0TTDI/s800/church.jpg" /></a>Well, this weekend, the LOML and I took our little one to the <a href="http://www.stelias.org/festival_2010.html">12th Annual Lebanese Food & Cultural Festival</a> at St. Elias <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maronite_Church">Maronite</a> Church! A friend of mine at work is a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kibbeh">HUGE FAN</a> and I was really bummed we missed it last year. My wife is such a good sport, that we didn’t make the same mistake twice.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/S8NzR39qo9I/AAAAAAAABB8/hyENVzPJn2o/s1600/boom.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 480px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 360px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459333924220740562" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/S8NzR39qo9I/AAAAAAAABB8/hyENVzPJn2o/s800/boom.jpg" /></a>I ordered the BEIRUT CLASSIC (Deluxe Baked Kibbee Plate) which included baked kibbee, grape leaves, spinach pie, rice, green beans (Ioobia), Lebanese Salad, and pita bread. The LOML had DJAJ MISHWI (Grilled Chicken Plate) which had half a grilled lemon chicken, rice, green beans (Ioobia), Lebanese Salad, and pita bread.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/S8NzZjLSP-I/AAAAAAAABCU/-Le2NOMIQbk/s1600/LOML.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 480px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 360px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459334056079671266" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/S8NzZjLSP-I/AAAAAAAABCU/-Le2NOMIQbk/s800/LOML.jpg" /></a>To me, there seems to be a lot of similarities between Greek and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lebanese_cuisine">Lebanese food</a>. I’ve ordered Kibbee (which kinda reminds me of Lebanese Meatloaf) at the Olive Branch in Cahaba Heights before, but I think my favorite dish was the green beans. They were in a tomato based sauce and had CINNAMON, which was kinda funky, but still tasty.<br /><br />Apparently, there are a ton of Lebanese food fans in BHM, because St. Elias was packed. Even though the meals were a little pricey ($15 for the BEIRUT CLASSIC) I had enough leftovers for dinner last night. PLUS it’s all for a good cause. I’m glad to see so many folks supporting local events like this, and I really want to keep taking our sweet little baby to stuff like this as she gets older.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/S8NzWThvG9I/AAAAAAAABCM/t-_CKxm4RrY/s1600/glass.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 480px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 360px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459334000339262418" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/S8NzWThvG9I/AAAAAAAABCM/t-_CKxm4RrY/s800/glass.jpg" /></a>After lunch, we took a quick tour of their sanctuary which featured some impressive stained glass. You’ve probably driven past <a href="http://www.stelias.org/">St. Elias</a> hundreds of times and didn’t know it. It’s located right off I-65 in Southside and you can see the steeple from the interstate.<br /><br />* BTW, I saw <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Hawk_and_a_Hacksaw">Hawk and a Hacksaw</a> open for WILCO last spring. They were gimmicky/redundant. Not sure I’d go see Beruit play live . . .</span></div>Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00611577956495039063noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3560727198801967664.post-29390337561326964192010-04-06T21:42:00.006-05:002010-04-06T21:42:00.405-05:00All Sewn Up<div align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;">When I was in college, I really wanted to get a Tennessee state flag tattoo on my bicep. This was at the height of my Lucero-listening, <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20040321064946/http://www.auburn.edu/~holtale/backporch.html">alt.country DJ-ing</a>, whisky-drinking, untucked, shaggy-haired days (my wife is cringing right now). Well, BIG SHOCKER, this over-analytical, accounting major never went through with it, but I can’t say NOT getting that tattoo was a HUGE REGRET (I’m actually pretty neutral on the idea now).<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/S7vCiRGq4tI/AAAAAAAABBs/qci64aGbdX0/s1600/0001.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 279px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457169267452207826" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/S7vCiRGq4tI/AAAAAAAABBs/qci64aGbdX0/s400/0001.jpg" /></a>Fast forward to today when I was reading the Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants Tuesday bulletin (NERD ALERT!!). I saw the ASCPA has a new <a href="http://alsocietyofcpas.wordpress.com/">blog</a>, and what did they have a link to, but . . . <a href="http://www.cafepress.com/+live_love_accounting_tile_coaster,279150681">ACCOUNTING-THEMED GIFTS & APPAREL</a>!<br /><br />So I start scrolling through the pages when my past and present hit me like a train a comin', that’s rollin' 'round the bend:<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/S7vCk_O0RBI/AAAAAAAABB0/MF29D5HL2yA/s1600/lla.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 378px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 342px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457169314194146322" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/S7vCk_O0RBI/AAAAAAAABB0/MF29D5HL2yA/s400/lla.JPG" /></a>Who in their right mind would combine accounting with the classic tattoo stylings of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sailor_Jerry">Sailor Jerry</a>??<br /><br />Should I get this for my office??<br /><br />If people saw this, would they know I was being ironic??</span></div>Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00611577956495039063noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3560727198801967664.post-64384488752852570552010-03-28T22:49:00.004-05:002010-03-28T22:57:35.262-05:00Measure Me Sunday (week 3)<div align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;">Alright folks, this is gonna be quick. I hopped on the scale this morning and it read 204.5 lbs aka a 1.5 lb loss!! Woo Whoo!! I was a little nervous, b/c I only made it to the gym twice last week, but I guess all those carrots I’m eating with lunch (instead of chips) worked.<br /><br />OK, time for bed. I got a early wake-up call b/c I’m driving to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastaboga,_Alabama">EASTABOGA</a> all week for work!<br /><br />(why am i posting?? this post bores myself . . . )</span></div>Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00611577956495039063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3560727198801967664.post-11957252181003043162010-03-21T23:02:00.013-05:002010-03-21T23:25:54.490-05:00Measure Me Sunday (week 2)<div align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;">I guess you’re here for “Measure Me Sunday,” right??? Lemme just say, I thought this was a pretty good week. I got to the gym four times, and I’ve been averaging about 500-ish calories (FEEL THE BURN) on the elliptical/treadmill, so I thought I’d have a chance of pulling some decent numbers this week (Don’t I sound so <em>Biggest Loser</em>). Buuuutttt, there was <a href="http://thatmuchfurtherham.blogspot.com/2010/03/mr-chens.html">Mr. Chen’s</a>, and pizza for lunch, at the office, and a bunch of other EXCUSES I could make of why I actually GAINED half a pound as of this morning (yep, I’m at an even 206). Do I feel defeated?? Nope. I think this is just a lesson that I can’t half-ass this thing (literally), if I’m gonna lose some weight.<br /><br />BUT, guess what I tried this week??????<br /><br />Yep . . . a <a href="http://www.seriouseats.com/2010/01/alton-browns-sardine-avocado-sandwich-diet.html">SARDINE and AVOCADO SANDWICH</a>!!!!<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/S6bs9Z0AAqI/AAAAAAAABBg/KfPKGorSmMQ/s1600-h/20100318-DSC_0175.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 335px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451304938623730338" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/S6bs9Z0AAqI/AAAAAAAABBg/KfPKGorSmMQ/s800/20100318-DSC_0175.jpg" /></a>Ok, I’ll admit the idea of sardines is a little freaky. I mean you open up the tin and they’re in there. Looking like tiny fish.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/S6bs5pg_omI/AAAAAAAABBY/haA6Nf53nCk/s1600-h/20100318-DSC_0176.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 335px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451304874119504482" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/S6bs5pg_omI/AAAAAAAABBY/haA6Nf53nCk/s800/20100318-DSC_0176.jpg" /></a>Even though they still have their tail/fins on, the heads and innards are removed so you can eat them right out of the can. Since this was my first time, I removed the tails, but I don’t think it was necessary.<br /><br />I decided to try one by itself to shake off any last minute jitters before I ate the ENTIRE contents on one sandwich.<br /><br />You know what? I think our pre-conceived notions are the freakiest things about sardines. They weren’t that bad at all (they actually reminded me of a cross between canned tuna and smoked salmon). I mean, I don’t think I’d eat them every week, but I could definitely see myself trying them once or twice a month??<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/S6bs1puu_lI/AAAAAAAABBQ/wJTUj9f_LAw/s1600-h/20100318-DSC_0181.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 335px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451304805457657426" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/S6bs1puu_lI/AAAAAAAABBQ/wJTUj9f_LAw/s800/20100318-DSC_0181.jpg" /></a>After de-tailing, I gave mine a rough chop and placed them on a bed of fresh spinach, with sliced avocado, on whole wheat toast. I read something the other day that called Avocado “Nature’s Mayonnaise” . . . Mmmm, avocado is so good.<br /><br />Anyways, the sandwich was great. Honestly, you couldn’t even really taste the sardines, but I just felt healthier knowing they were there. And when little pieces of sardine fell out onto the plate, it wasn’t that weird to pick it up and pop ‘em in my mouth.<br /><br />Here’s to Sardines and all the hobo’s in <em><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pee-wee's_Big_Adventure">Pee Wee’s Big Adventure</a></em> who loved them, too.</span></div>Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00611577956495039063noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3560727198801967664.post-45110826177157992812010-03-18T21:17:00.004-05:002010-03-19T08:00:52.323-05:00Mr. Chen's<div align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;">I was flipping through this month’s B-Metro magazine (aren’t the cover shots always a little Dave Hill-ish??) last weekend and was pretty psyched about their “<a href="http://www.b-metro.com/10-spots-march-2010">10 Spots</a>” for best international cuisine in the Magic City. Always looking for some new and tasty restaurants, I definitely wanted to check out #1, Mr. Chen’s in Hoover (so close to my office!). And after reading some <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/mr-chens-authentic-chinese-cooking-birmingham">reviews</a> on Yelp, it sounded like Mr. Chen’s was the real deal!<br /><br />I e-mailed Grant earlier this week to see if he’s ever been, and sure enough, he discovered it a few weeks ago and has already been twice. Well today, with nothing better (1040s? Review notes? Fixed Asset schedules?) to do for lunch, Grant, Bro-Jeezey and I set out for some authentic Chinese cooking (with REAL Asian diners!!)<br /><br />Lemme just say, it was AMAZING-NESS!! If anybody ever wants to go, I am totally game.<br /><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baozi">Steamed Buns</a> and Pan-fried Dumplings<br /><br /><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/S6LDGAIxENI/AAAAAAAABAo/ujLEZuABYJA/s1600-h/buns.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 270px; HEIGHT: 360px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450133006955122898" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/S6LDGAIxENI/AAAAAAAABAo/ujLEZuABYJA/s400/buns.jpg" /></a> <p></p></td><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/S6LDDsepynI/AAAAAAAABAg/5-fDNfdZ6aw/s1600-h/dumplings.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 270px; HEIGHT: 360px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450132967318473330" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/S6LDDsepynI/AAAAAAAABAg/5-fDNfdZ6aw/s400/dumplings.jpg" /></a> <p></p></td></tr></tbody></table>Basil Squid and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mapo_doufu">Mapo Tofu</a><br /><br /><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/S6LD-p0xayI/AAAAAAAABA4/cRyNymv8uaE/s1600-h/squid.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 270px; HEIGHT: 360px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450133980218223394" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/S6LD-p0xayI/AAAAAAAABA4/cRyNymv8uaE/s400/squid.jpg" /></a> <p></p></td><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/S6LD8I9IGMI/AAAAAAAABAw/G1rcJn5VrAU/s1600-h/tofu.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 270px; HEIGHT: 360px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450133937035155650" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/S6LD8I9IGMI/AAAAAAAABAw/G1rcJn5VrAU/s400/tofu.jpg" /></a> <p></p></td></tr></tbody></table>The over-whelming favorite, Eggplant with Pork Basil in Hot Pot<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/S6LEdee7emI/AAAAAAAABBA/OHW1Ltz4hZg/s1600-h/eggplant.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450134509749762658" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/S6LEdee7emI/AAAAAAAABBA/OHW1Ltz4hZg/s400/eggplant.jpg" /></a>And the coolest part about lunch?? At the end of our meal, one of the waitresses came around and said “You all really know good things to order” (like we were legit Chinese food connoisseurs)<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/S6LEkCC0moI/AAAAAAAABBI/yByjy-T4uSg/s1600-h/everything.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450134622374763138" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/S6LEkCC0moI/AAAAAAAABBI/yByjy-T4uSg/s400/everything.jpg" /></a><br />PS – For “Americanized” Chinese food, I don’t think you can beat Chan Lee’s (downtown in the Harbert Center). When I worked downtown, that place was the jam!</span></div>Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00611577956495039063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3560727198801967664.post-31176941557691293672010-03-14T21:27:00.013-05:002010-03-14T21:48:11.664-05:00Measure Me Sunday<div align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;">A couple* weeks ago, I had planned on posting my own “<a href="http://itsgreenhere.blogspot.com/2010/01/biggest-looser.html">Measure Me Sunday</a>” where I would track my progress at the gym and healthy (healthier) eating habits. Weeeelllllllllll, I never posted those initial measurements, and since then haven’t really made any progress, so I never followed through with it. Sorry.<br /><br />After NOLA (and some encouraging word from the LOML), I feel like this past week has been really good on the healthy lifestyle front. As of today, I’m 205.5 lbs, which is 1 pound less then my original weigh-in last month, <em>but</em> I’ve probably lost closer to 5 this week, if you count what I weighed in at last Sunday (from all those crappy (albeit, <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/slim-goodies-diner-new-orleans">delicious</a>) calories in NOLA). It’s pretty tempting to want to hop on the scale every day, but going forward, I’m going to try and only weigh-in once a week. Since I’m not rocking p90x, I don’t think I’m going to measure (neck, chest, gut, etc.) every week, but I might do a monthly progress report.<br /><br />Oh yeah, why else I’m posting?<br /><br />Everyone knows music can get you PUMPED up when getting your sweat on. I made a “Work-out Mix” when I signed up for Planet Fitness and here are some songs that have helped me “Push it to the Limit” (port of Miami) on the treadmill and elliptical (I’ll admit to air drumming while listening to some of these). If you’re looking for some new tunes to GET YOU IN THE ZONE, I’d recommend any (though, some may have explicit content!!)<br /><br />“<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thrash_Unreal">Thrash Unreal</a>” (Against Me!) – I wore my <a href="http://thatmuchfurtherham.blogspot.com/2009/09/dont-call-what-youre-wearing-outfit.html">AM! shirt</a> the other day. I could tell the Sleeve Monsters were frightened<br /><br />“<a href="http://stereogum.com/62252/new_jay_reatard_video_doa/video/">D.O.A.</a>” (Jay Reatard) – 68 seconds of sweaty rock<br /><br />“<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I">I’m So Hood – REMIX</a>” (DJ Khaled, etc.) – you’d be surprised how much Rap and Hip-Hop improves your cardio (and AUDITING!)<br /><br />“<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brooklyn_Go_Hard">Brooklyn Go Hard</a>” (Jay-Z) – I listened to this song a lot last year<br /><br />“<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swagga_Like_Us">Swagga Like Us</a>” (T.I.) – Can’t wear skinny jeans<br /><br />“<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Stay-Positive-Hold-Steady/dp/B001BP4K4K">Stay Positive</a>” (Hold Steady) – Title should be self-explanatory. Great song when finishing up your work-out.<br /><br />“<a href="http://www.makeshiftmusic.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=33&Itemid=60">Superimposed</a>” (the Glass) – If I was ever going to film a car chase scene in a French film, I’d want this as the background music. I don’t know why.<br /><br />“<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Search_and_Destroy_(song)">Search and Destroy</a>” (Iggy Pop & the Stooges) – Get your ass the hell off my boat<br /><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/x0yucFw3qCQ&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/x0yucFw3qCQ&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br />“<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freedom_(Rage_Against_the_Machine_song)">Freedom</a>” (Rage Against the Machine) – the verses are a little dull, but the intro/chorus guitar riff is sweet<br /><br />“<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leviathan_(album)">Blood and Thunder</a>” (Mastodon) – Roooooooooooar, literary references!!!!<br /><br />“<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Wolf_Is_Loose">The Wolf is Loose</a>” (Mastodon) – this song would scare the baby<br /><br />“<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walk_(song)">Walk</a>” (Pantera) – I wish I played football in high school, just so I could listen to this song before the Friday Night Lights.<br /><br />“<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Creeping_Death">Creeping Death</a>” (Metallica) – some good ole fashioned 80’s thrash metal<br /><br />“<a href="http://http//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metallica_(album)">Holier than Thou</a>” (Metallica) – my favourite track off the Black Album.<br /><br />“<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broken,_Beat_&_Scarred">Broken, Beat & Scarred</a>” (Metallica) – 46 year-old James Hetfield could be hard to take seriously, but this song is good stuff.<br /><br />I’ve got a whole lot more songs on the playlist, but we’ll save those for another day (?)<br /><br />* has anyone else gotten into discussion/debate about the word “couple” when describing any amount other than two?? I’ve always used the word “couple” to describe anywhere from 2 to 4 (maybe even 5) objects/items. My sweet, dear wife likes to point out there are 2 people in a couple, and therefore “couple” shouldn’t be used to describe any other amount. I really should be saying a “few” . . . </span></div>Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00611577956495039063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3560727198801967664.post-24166335276040307472010-03-10T21:51:00.001-06:002010-03-10T21:51:00.342-06:00Are You There April 16th? It's Me TMF’H<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Sorry I haven’t been too bloggy lately. It’s been kinda busy around TMF’H, what with corporate deadlines, catching up from the weekend, trying to get my gym on, and taking in all of the little munchkin’s newfound laughter/giggles/smiles :)<br /><br />Speaking of NOLA, it was a success!! Sure I completely negated any progress (?) I’ve made at planet fitness, but we ate a lot of tasty food, like <a href="http://mahonyspoboys.com/">this</a>:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/S5g_XTk5MHI/AAAAAAAABAU/SENfr-SFY9w/s1600-h/poboy.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447173418929172594" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/S5g_XTk5MHI/AAAAAAAABAU/SENfr-SFY9w/s400/poboy.jpg" /></a>Cochon De’lait Po-Boy (w/ Creole-Slaw). It’s basically baby (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suckling_pig">suckling pig</a>) pulled pork. I did not feel guilty eating this.<br /><br />The Draft started around 9 am Saturday morning, and I pulled the (lucky) 13th spot (I selected Ryan Howard in the first round). Stephen actually got the party started around 7:30 am Saturday morning with the theme from <i>Ghostbusters</i>, and Stew started making Bloody Mary’s. You can see our (impressive) draft board in the background.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/S5g_Uc435qI/AAAAAAAABAM/X6FX517268A/s1600-h/draftboard.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447173369889285794" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/S5g_Uc435qI/AAAAAAAABAM/X6FX517268A/s400/draftboard.JPG" /></a>And what trip to Nawlins would be complete without a trip (or two) to Harrah’s Casino. As an ardent supporter of Crown Financial Ministries/Dave Ramsey/basic personal finance, I’m not a big fan of gambling (maybe if I watched <i>21</i> again??) but I was able to enjoy watching my buddies gamble without the hassle of losing $200 in ten minutes! PS – I’m not “casting judgment” on anyone who gambles, I’m personally just not “good” at it and therefore don’t like throwing my money away. If you’re able to “bring down the house” more power to ya!!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/S5g_Rf9hQcI/AAAAAAAABAE/n9tECpTCciU/s1600-h/photo.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447173319174472130" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/S5g_Rf9hQcI/AAAAAAAABAE/n9tECpTCciU/s400/photo.jpg" /></a></span></div>Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00611577956495039063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3560727198801967664.post-56581426038089846392010-03-04T20:16:00.001-06:002010-03-04T20:16:00.495-06:00A Boy Named Shu*<div align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;">The other day I stumbled upon this <a href="http://www.seriouseats.com/2010/01/alton-browns-sardine-avocado-sandwich-diet.html">article</a> on Alton Brown’s (semi) recent weight loss (also featured on a recent episode of <em>Good Eats</em>). Basically he lost 50 pounds by eating Sardine and Avocado sandwiches . . . ok, not really, but he did explain 4 basic lists (food groups) and how often you should eat them (he does NOT consider this a diet).<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/S5BAfDTJIlI/AAAAAAAAA_k/wuypCAir4hw/s1600-h/Alton_brown.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444922851696648786" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/S5BAfDTJIlI/AAAAAAAAA_k/wuypCAir4hw/s400/Alton_brown.jpg" /></a><u>Consume daily:</u><br />Fruits, Whole Grains, Leafy Greens, Nuts, Carrots, and Green Tea<br /><br /><u>At least 3 times a week:</u><br />Oily fish, Yogurt, Broccoli, Sweet Potatoes, and Avocado<br /><br /><u>No more than 1 time a week:</u><br />Red Meat, Pasta, Dessert, and Alcohol<br /><br /><u>Foods to avoid:</u><br />Fast Food, Soda, Processed meals (TV dinners), Canned Soups (salt), and "Diet" anything<br /><br />Seems pretty logical, right?? Obviously, I need to cut down on the Red Meat, Pasta & Dessert category, but I think the LOML and I get some good items from the first two groups. Well, this article has inspired me to up my Green Tea (ancrient Chinese secret say . . . sorry) and Oily Fish intake.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/S5BAZs04VXI/AAAAAAAAA_c/tExhct7Truc/s1600-h/photo.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444922759764792690" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/S5BAZs04VXI/AAAAAAAAA_c/tExhct7Truc/s400/photo.jpg" /></a>So far I’m on Day 3 of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_tea">green tea</a>, and it’s not that bad (it’s actually kinda bland). We’ve got the <a href="http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/325507">Kirkland</a> variety here at the office (free) and I’ve been drinking it straight (no lemon, sugar, etc. – I’m sure that would be blasphemous in hard-core green tea circles). Hopefully, whatever (proven and unproven) health benefits from drinking this stuff will be worth it.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/S5BAUos0pAI/AAAAAAAAA_U/mxoytu7mUs4/s1600-h/5TERRE.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444922672757908482" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/S5BAUos0pAI/AAAAAAAAA_U/mxoytu7mUs4/s400/5TERRE.JPG" /></a>As far as oily fish goes, I’ve seen a couple of recipe <a href="http://www.pinkofperfection.com/2010/01/the-case-for-sardines/">posts</a> in the last couple months that <a href="http://www.amateurgourmet.com/2010/01/sardines_mustar.html">piqued</a> my interest. The first time I had sardines (freshly caught and grilled) was in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cinque_Terre">5 Terre</a>, Italy, and the last time was on a pizza at <a href="http://bettolarestaurant.com/index_full.html">Bettola</a>. From doing a search on-line, quality and taste can vary pretty widely, but I’m looking forward to trying some out sooner than later (I have a feeling the LOML will pass).<br /><br />Yes, I realize the irony in posting this the night before I head out on a <a href="http://thatmuchfurtherham.blogspot.com/2009/03/im-thinking-po-boys.html">weekend</a> full of Jambalaya, Crawfish/Oysters, Dixie Beer, and Bourbon.<br /><br />* obscure work-related reference</span></div>Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00611577956495039063noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3560727198801967664.post-53089206952284897512010-03-01T21:43:00.000-06:002010-03-01T21:43:00.370-06:00I sell Biscuits and Gravy all over the Southland<div align="justify"><span style="font-family:arial;">I was so jacked when my high school’s 10 Year Reunion STD (save-the-date) post card came in the mail last week!!! Seriously, it’s gonna be awesome!!!<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/S4xDauTGkWI/AAAAAAAAA-o/xtFCW97Ccus/s1600-h/Boomtmfh.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443800175967900002" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/S4xDauTGkWI/AAAAAAAAA-o/xtFCW97Ccus/s400/Boomtmfh.JPG" /></a>This past weekend, our dear friends Jonathan, Heather & Jackson (with Cohen in the oven) came to visit us (actually the baby) and we had a great time (and ate a lot of great food)!! As you can see, Harden also shares my excitement for the upcoming Reunion.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 270px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443800344839867346" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6aPrPT-ZQtw/S4xDkjZUS9I/AAAAAAAAA-w/RBmmF6toKHg/s400/GrossePointeBlank.jpg" />BTW, how sweet was John Cusack’s “come-back” in the late 90’s?? <em>High Fidelity</em> and <em>Grosse Pointe Blank</em> are two of my favourite movies (watched repeatedly during college), and how could you flip the channel when <em>Con Air</em> comes on TNT??? (other than Nick Cage’s horrendous South Alabama accent)<br /><br /><em>Put... the bunny... back... in the box.</em><br /><br />PS – Happy Birthday (month) to the LOML :)</span></div>Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00611577956495039063noreply@blogger.com3