War Cam Eagle!

This weekend was awesome! And mainly it was because my Auburn Tigers are #1, not only in my heart, but in the BCS ratings as well! I have been trying not to get to cocky or arrogant about how well Auburn's football team is playing this year, but in doing so I have limited my excitement and enthusiasm for our season. Well, no longer! I am soo proud of Auburn and how far we have come since last year. It was very difficult to see our team have a not-so-great season last year, while on top of that, have a strong punch in the gut to see our rivals Bama win the National Championship. We have suffered through the "Bamer" fans bragging on Mark Ingram and Sabanation and blah, blah, blah. Well Bamers, we have Cam Newton who is amazing and-- an awesome team altogether! We are not perfect and still have many games to play, but for now I'm going to celebrate how great we are doing and being on the top right now! I know a lot can happen in the next few weeks, and I pray it gets better and better for Auburn, but no matter what happens-- it sure does feel great to be an Auburn Tiger right now!

War Eagle!

Waiting for Superman

I recently learned of a documentary that is being shown in certain cities called "Waiting for Superman". After hearing that this was focused on children in America and our education system, I thought that I really didn't have a strong need to watch this since I, a.)am not in school b.) don't have a child, and c.) therefore don't have a child in school. Stupid me to think that! Once I started hearing more and more about this documentary the more I want to see it. Of course since I live in Alabam-er we don't get any breakthrough documentaries showing in our theatres. Luckily though Oprah did a 2 show special on this and I feel that this is a subject all citizens of our society should be aware of whether we are in school, have a child in school, or not.

Basically the premise of this documentary is that the American education school system is failing our children. There are millions of children in school who aren't being taught correctly, being looked over, and forgotten. There are tons of children who want to learn but are being failed by the teachers and our system. HUGE disclaimer here--there are TONS of great teachers who are doing an awesome job, and this is not about you. The problem is the teachers and faculty who are not so great and don't care about the students. In some states there is a lottery system to get into so-called "good" schools. I saw clips of families shouting and crying with joy after their child was selected to attend these schools, and others bursting in tears when their child was not. One woman stated how she knew her son (who was maybe 6) getting into the "good" school would make the difference of him going to college or jail. Wow. That really strikes home and makes the Social Worker in me upset. Why should a child have to win a lottery to get a good education?

Another problem discussed is putting children into different programs or tracks such as a vocational degree, college prep degree, advanced placement degree, etc. The problem they pose with this is that unless there is a specialized problem such as a disorder or mental deficit, shouldn't we expect all of our students to be knowledgeable about the concepts taught in school? To say, oh well you just want this type of degree so we won't make you learn more. Does this sound okay to anybody? It doesn't to me. I believe you live up to the goals you set for yourself. This starts with the education system and carries on to our lives. If we set high goals and expectations for children as students, then they learn they should strive to meet them-- and have teachers who are supportive and helpful to get them there. They then learn that in life to set high goals for themselves and that when the going gets hard they must continue to push on and to try harder. Instead, we are basically giving up on students learning concepts that may be marked "too difficult" and showing them that they are not worth trying for? No one truly believes that they can do better? What type of message does that send to children and teens? Give up on yourself doing anything difficult, it just isn't worth it, or can't/won't happen?

Before I step off my soapbox of this subject I want to give you a few facts I learned. This is what really started the spark in me to be interested in this subject and think of how this subject doesn't directly affect me but soon will. Our nation is now ranked #26 out of 30 countries with our students test scores in math and science. Almost dead last. We used to be on top! This is the first time the younger generation will be LESS knowledgeable than the one before it. What will happen to our country and our future? America is one of, if not, the leading country with our power, intelligence, and business. Will this continue with our education system working the way that it is now? John Legend says he believes the fight for reform within our school system is going to be this generations' civil-rights movement. I agree that it is something we all should look into and fight for not just for our future childs'/generations' sake, but for our country as well. If I get the chance to see this documentary I certainly will, and recommend you do so as well.

What's been going on

We have been pretty busy lately! Last weekend we went to Atlanta to hang out with my family and relax. We arrived Friday evening around 7:30. My mom recently moved and this was our first time to check out her new place. We love it! My mom has an amazing knack at decorating and it seems like she makes everywhere she lives seem to feel homey and comfortable. This new place is no exception. We went to a nearby (as in across the street walking) pizza place Friday night and enjoyed some amazing food and a few drinks. After, we walked home and ended up heading to be early.

Saturday we did a little shopping (thankfully for Matt I didn't find anything to purchase!) and came home to watch the Bama vs. South Carolina game. Around half-time of the game we headed to my dad's house to watch the 2nd half and watch our Auburn Tigers play. We grilled out and had a great time.

Now, I'm a true Auburn fan. It began just out of high school when I went to Camp War Eagle for 3 days where new incoming Auburn students stay in the dorms, learn Auburn traditions, go to the stadium to learn and practice Auburn cheers and fight songs, and bask in the Auburn way of life. Since that weekend, I have felt part of the Auburn family and am 100% loyal to that family and school. Therefore, as an Auburn fan, I despise The University of Alabama, as they are our rivals. So, when the undefeated since 2008, former National Champs lost this past weekend to South Carolina (whom we already have beat this season) I was elated! I love my friends who have made the mishap of going to, or loving UA, however, I think they must understand that with my love for Auburn comes my hatred for UA (not them, though, of course!). So needless to say, I was in an awesome mood Saturday night. Until that is, my Tigers gave me a heart attack by having such a close game with Kentucky. Thankfully, I believe in Auburn and love it, and they pulled through with a win to make our season a 6-0 record so far. I must admit my anxiety about this upcoming weeks game against Arkansas, but I will keep the faith and believe in my team.

Sunday, we headed back to Birmingham around lunchtime. I'm pretty sure I mentioned in the past about my broken camera mishaps and I'm happy to report that this issue was resolved finally yesterday at Best Buy when my camera was replaced with a new and improved model. So, though it was sad to see my old camera break and not to have it for a couple weeks, it worked out well when Best Buy gave me a newer and better model. Thanks Best Buy! Last night we relaxed and watched some of our favorite shows (the Amazing Race, Undercover Boss).

Today is exciting for me because after work, Matt and I are going to Williams Orchard, a place in Springville, Al to pick out our pumpkin, some Mums, and hopefully some fresh fruits and vegetables. We are also having dinner with some of our best friends as well so hopefully it will be a great night!
Happy Monday everyone! Oh and to those who are off today, happy day off! (you suck! ;) )

Why I love FALL

Fall is one of my favorite seasons and I wanted to compile a list of why I love this season. Here are a few:

1. Football. Nothing like getting together with your best friends and watching Auburn football. Or even going to the wonderful town of Auburn, Alabama and tailgating prior to attending the game. Oh yeah, and I LOVE tailgating food! Every Saturday morning I try to think of a great dip or dessert to bring to wherever we are watching the game.

2. Weather. Nothing is better than the crisp breeze you feel during a beautiful Fall day. And I love being able to turn the a.c. off and open the windows.

3. Colors. I love watching the beautiful colors the trees turn during the Fall. The oranges, fiery reds, browns, and yellows are so amazing.

4. Food. There is nothing like cooking a pot of soup or stew and sitting on the couch snuggled up with your loved ones and eating it. And, it's also time for pumpkin pies, which are one of my favorites!

5. Holidays. Fall has two holidays that are both on my favorites list-Halloween and Thanksgiving. Halloween is so much fun, to decorate for and dress up for. I love candy, scary stuff, and dressing up. What a perfect holiday. And Thanksgiving, which warms my heart to even think of. Getting together with my family who I rarely get to see and enjoying THE BEST food ever. Ahh I can't wait!

6. Decorations. Last year I made an Autumn wreath and was so excited to get it out this year and put it up. I already have some neat Autumn themed decorations up around the house and would love to get more. I'm always keeping my eyes posted for more! I love to buy large Mums in bright colors to put on the front doorstep by some pumpkins. I think it looks so pretty!

7. Traditions. Everyone has different traditions but I'm sure most are similar. Carving a pumpkin is one that we always do. Matt and I always go together to pick out the best and most perfect pumpkin we can find and get home and decorate it. I usually make Brunswick Stew and pumpkin pie the night we carve the pumpkin.

8. Dress. I love to wear boots, scarves, sweaters, and light jackets and Fall is the time to start pulling these out.

So these are just a few of the reasons why I love this season. I'm trying to enjoy each day as it comes, as the seasons usually fly by. Fall is such a great time of warmth, traditions, and time to spend with family. Happy Fall to you all!

Megan's Bachelorette Bash

This past Friday night several good friends and I went out to celebrate my soon to be sister-in-law Megan's looming end to her single hood- her bachelorette party! Our boys all went to Philadelphia, Mississippi to lose, I mean gamble their money away so we took advantage of being single for the evening and had a night out on the town.

We started at this neat restaurant/bar called Rogue Tavern in downtown Birmingham. It has a really neat atmosphere and great food. There was a band playing and I think the staff at Rogue thought it would be an easy persuasion to give us all free shots to dance with the band. And they were right! As we started to talk about moving to another venue, the bartenders kept giving us free drinks to stay a little longer so we did. After awhile though, we decided to move on.

Next stop was the bar called "Above" which is literally above, or on the roof of the Redmont Hotel in Downtown Birmingham. It overlooks the city and was really neat. I have heard it can get very crowded but we were lucky and had plenty of room that night. We danced on the roof and mingled in the bar. After Above we lost a few soldiers of our party (huge THANKS to my friend Amanda who was a champ and took care of our sick friend who will remain nameless ;) ), the bride-to-be, her good friend Elena, Phoenix, and I ended up continuing on to Nano Funks.

Nano Funks was a blast and we danced the night away. We didn't end up getting home until 5:30 am and needless to say I was SICK the next day. Ugh! It was worth it in the end though and I think the bride-to-be sure had a great time which is what matters the most!

Due to an unfortunate accident in Auburn a few weeks ago, I currently don't have a camera (hopefully will be getting a new one ASAP). So instead of taking pictures, I wrote down funny quotes we said through out the night. Some are hilarious, and some are just plain silly. Without further ado, here they are:

-This is a good dressing for dinner (as we are in the car not talking about food at all)
-I wouldn't have his babies but I'd have sex with him (talking about a famous celebrity crush)
-She's sutcher in a hurry
-If you put a bag over our waiters face he'd be hot
-I just don't want to throw up in the taxi (which happened to 3 of us-including the bride!)
-Filter. Off.
-I need a beat. Let's get some rap!
-Is that a challenge? Cuz I like it!
-Anyone in a minivan...I will drink down.
-Oh! They're in a mommy mobile!
-Oh is that a snuggie? I thought it was a large jacket!

I know I'm getting older when...

-I'm in bed by 9pm on a weeknight and on the weekends I "sleep in" until 8:30

-I no longer watch "The Real World"

-I wear pearl earrings regularly instead of large hoops

-I often think the TV or music is turned up too loud. "It's hurting my ears!"

-I will have my I.D. ready to show my birth date when purchasing alcohol and the cashier says "I don't need it."

-I used to go out to the bars around 11pm. now I have stayed out late if I was out until 11pm

-I haven't been to Waffle house or Krystal in over a year

-Grocery shopping is fun

-When I check my friends' Facebook pictures instead of the crazy weekend party pictures its of their babies and children

-I get excited to decorate the house for different seasons or holidays

-I don't wear skinny pants or neon clothes

-There was no "emo" type when I was in school

-I make references back to when I was in school

-I don't know who Gucci Man is. Or if I even spelled that right.

-I'd rather wear flats than heels

-When I meet someone in a bar who thinks 23 is "old". Not that I'm even near 23 anymore!

-I look back on all the fun and crazy stuff I did and still think my life is only getting better and better

What about you? What makes you realize that you are getting older?

What an AUsome time!

This weekend we headed to the great plains also known as Auburn, Alabama. Most of my friends and I graduated and left Auburn in 2005 and we only get to come back about 1 time a year so it's always amazing to visit and see what has changed, and boy has Auburn changed! The town has gotten much larger and has added so many new places and buildings and businesses. They now have a transit system which runs specifically at night to take people from their homes to the bars. I can't even imagine how great this would have been when we were there!

We left Friday straight from work and made it to our old stomping grounds around 6ish. We met up with several of our friends and had dinner and then later went out to hit the local bar scene.We decided to ride the transit downtown Friday night and it was so nice to not have to worry about who's driving and finding parking places, etc. Most of the bars have changed or aren't there anymore that were once around when I was a student but I was very happy to see that one bar hadn't changed named Bourbon Street. We headed there Friday night and had a blast. We felt like young college kids until we'd meet people and a.) they had no clue a ring on your left hand means your married and/or b.) we'd try to explain we were older and they would guess our age at 23, which really? Do they believe 23 is old!? It was still a blast and we got to see a girl fight on the transit ride home which was pretty hilarious. The poor driver just acted like nothing happened as the girls are rolling around on the bus fighting. Guess he probably sees a whole lot of stuff that late at night!

Saturday we got up bright and early to tailgate. We headed to our friends Tiffany and Keith's family tailgate which was awesome. They have been tailgating a very long time and I think they really have it down! It was tailgating at it's finest. They had a huge tent, plenty of chairs, games to play, a TV, and food. It was great to see Tiffany and Keith who currently live in Oklahoma, and meet their baby Sawyer who is precious! We also got to see some other great friends we hadn't seen in awhile as well. The game started at 6 and boy was it a nerve racking game! Auburn played terrible for the first half but came back the second half looking like a new team. Luckily though, we won in overtime!

We headed back to Birmingham Sunday morning and I had to attend my soon to be sister-in-law Megan's bridal tea. It was very nice and I hope she had a great time. She got some great presents and had a good turnout!