Tune Thursdays-Cowboy Mouth and Randy Wood Guitars 3rd Annual Pickin' Party

This week, my editor asked me to do TWO articles instead of just one (gotta be a good sign, right?). Here they are:
Cowboy Mouth to perform at Live Wire

My other article is not online yet, so I will add it here when it is.

Also, for those of you that read last week's Boom Chick article, Gary and I actually went to the Sunday night show and they were AWESOME. High energy, fun, funny, and just plain rockin'. They said that they are looking to move from Brooklyn and are considering Savannah. They are so good that I would make the effort to see them weekly! (ok, maybe monthly, but you get my drift). An added bonus of going to the show? The lead singer said they had the best show of their lives the night before at Hangfire in Savannah, and Sentient Bean was packed when we went on Sunday also. So, I got warm fuzzies because maybe, just maybe, some of the people that went read my article and that's why they decided to go. I can hope, right?

Other Savannah Morning News articles:
A Nickel Bag of Funk, headed by Savannah's own Leslie Adele
MillionYoung and Little Tybee
Tiger! Tiger!
Lubriphonic: Chicago "Rock and Soul Stew"

Whatever Wednesdays-Comment and Follow Me Giveaway!

Okay everyone...yesterday I posted and linked articles to everyone I have ever written about...musicians, restaurants, bars, tourism offices, etc. Today, I am asking all of YOU (yes, this includes you, Roger!) to help my blog because we are trying to get a book deal, and the more readers I have, the more appealing I will look to potential agents or publishing houses! In return, your name will be entered into a hat and the winner will receive a $25 gift card and a copy of our book (once it's published) called Barstinations--an art/sketch book that brings to life about 20 of the best bars in Savannah. To enter, just complete two steps (and it will only take you about 5 minutes total, I promise!):

1) click "Follow" on the right-hand side of the page (you may have to scroll down a little). It will only take about two minutes to fill out the information. (If you already "follow" me, then just do step two).
2) Make ONE comment on any of my blog entries.

The drawing will take place next Wednesday, and I will video tape Gary pulling the name out of the hat and then showing the name. If you win, just email me your address to shawndrarussell@gmail.com, and I will send you your gift card! Simple and awesome--can't beat that!

THANK YOU!!!!!!

Taste Tuesdays-Cha Bella

So, Cha Bella is one of the last few places in Savannah that I hadn't yet tried--not surprisingly, one of the more expensive too (hence the not having been there before-ness). But the ingenious Living Social daily emails offered a $70 voucher for only $35 to Cha Bella, so I snatched it up. With the next two weeks being totally packed (this weekend I have a volleyball tournament in Charlotte, then next Wednesday my mom and sister are coming to town for a long weekend), Gary and I decided to have a date night before the madness. Anyway, Cha Bella did not disappoint. Although we didn't get to sit in the dining area because they were booked (on a Sunday!), we sat at the bar area where the bartender/our waiter recognized Gary from playing flag football against him earlier in the day (small world!). They joked about the game (is flag football like Fight Club? The first rule of Flag Football is, you don't talk about Flag Football) and I ordered a red sangria (using fresh fruit they grow themselves, giving it a very citrus-y and refreshing taste, although I couldn't really taste the wine flavor!). Cha Bella's "thing" is that they are known for their sole use of organic and local produce. They use cheese from a dairy farm in Richmond Hill (didn't even know they had one!), have a farm where they grow their own produce, and have daily shipments of fresh fish and other meats. Gary ordered the short ribs with gnocchi, and it was truly cooked to perfection and the gnocchi were the biggest I have ever seen and the best tasting in the states (still can't beat my first gnocchi experience in Rome, but that's probably impossible to do anyway). My fish of the day, sea bass, was also cooked perfectly and definitely tasted fresh. However, truth be told, it was just a good piece of grilled fish, nothing special really--but I am totally spoiled because Gary makes A-mazing fish at home. Anyway, I should have went with my initial choice, the yellow fin tuna (cooked like a steak--Gary and I aren't brave enough to try that at home yet); guess I will have to wait for another Living Social or Groupon email! All in all, I would say Cha Bella is worth going to for a special occasion and I love their standard of using fresh, organic, and locally grown everything only. Very cool.

Marriage Mondays-He said/she said: Morning Routine

So Marriage Mondays is going to take on a new form. Gary and I are going to both write about relationship topics to give the male/female, husband/wife perspective. If you have any topics or questions you'd like us to tackle, please comment!!! Thanks.

MORNING ROUTINE: Why the chaos?

He said:

Are you sure you want to delete this post? This action is permanent. Yes, delete postNo, keep post

Ah, yes the morning routine.  Let's just say that my morning routine resembles more of a zombie staggering through the house with its eyes mostly open.  There are four main goals:  get dressed without looking like a bum, brush my teeth, feed the dog, and grab a coffee for the road.  Four goals, no problem right?  Wrong.  Most human beings get up at the same certain time, usually giving themselves an efficient amount of time to wake up and get ready for work.  I tend to shy away from that by maximizing my sleep time and alotting myself about fifteen minutes to get out of bed and accomplish my goals.  Fifteen minutes is actually more than enough time for me, if only I did not spend half of that time walking in circles, going into the wrong room while searching for something that was right in front of me to begin with, and trying to remember if I have everything that I need for my day: lunch (optional, after all I only have fifteen minutes or so to get ready), wallet, both cell phones, and car keys.  In my defense of such a poorly planned morning, I work on salary and have the flexibility of coming in a little late because I can adjust my lunch break accordingly.  That eliminates the sense of urgency of needing a morning routine--or, so I have convinced myself.  So, much to the dismay of my wife, mornings for me are a slow-motion display of clumsiness and forgetfulness.  Hardly a word is spoken, and all thoughts are clouded with the desire to get through goals one through three, so that I can have that first sip of life in the morning--coffee.   

She said:

Are you sure you want to delete this post? This action is permanent. Yes, delete postNo, keep post

So after 6 years of marriage, we still don't have our morning routine down yet. We both struggle to get out of bed, but I usually try to get up and work out in the morning, which means that he has to get himself up out of bed and usually doesn't, then is usually late to work and a total grump without any time for conversation, let alone breakfast or coffee or a discussion of that day's "honey-do-please" list. So, we literally might spend 1 minute together, and if I even TRY to bring up something a little bit important or serious, he completely shuts down and we end up getting into a mini-fight. You think I would learn that it is pointless to try and talk to him at all in the mornings, but like an idiot, I keep thinking that he will grow out of this phase and actually resemble my night time husband one morning. Sigh...I'll let you know if that ever happens.

My question for you: Have you mastered a morning routine? Do you or anyone you know have a "good" routine or is this just one of those things in life that's unattainable?



P.S. Here's a link to one of our favorite "marriage" books we have ever read that really has helped us understand and love each other "better":

Double post Sunday! New Yahoo! article

The assignment? Write about local breweries in your area. Being a craft beer lover, I couldn't pass this assignment up, so I wrote about our one and only microbrewery, Moon River Brewing Company. Check it out here:
Moon River Brewing Company in Savannah, Georgia

Sightseeing Sundays-Jekyll Island

Although under construction right now. Jekyll is a great place to get away from it all...it makes me think of the beach on Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Cross the bridge, turn off your cell phones, and feel time stop. With just a few restaurants and hotels, all the distractions of your regular life melt away. Check out Blackbeard's for beachside dining, homemade hush puppies, and huge seafood platters. Bon Voyage!

Savannah Saturdays-Celebrity Sighting!

Last night we had our monthly book club meeting at our usual spot, Gallery Espresso, and about 5 minutes in to the meeting, I saw my first "real" celebrity sighting (prior to last night, the biggest star I had ever seen in person was Jack Hanna...pretty lame I know. Oh, and I don't count athletes that I have seen playing--but I have seen Micheal Jordan at an exhibition game, and of course all of the Cleveland Browns, but I digress). It was RON LIVINGSTON! I freakin' love Office Space, and I loved him as Burger on Sex and the City and even in Little Black Book. But what is even CRAZIER is that one of our best friends Anthony just saw Mr. Livingston on an airplane going from LAX to ATL two weeks ago and took a picture with him. He was so pumped to show us the picture when he got to Savannah, so I texted him last night and he COULD NOT BELIEVE that I had the same celebrity sighting just two weeks later in a totally different city. Mr. Livingston's wife (I guess? They both had wedding rings on) was with him, and they were very loving towards each other, just regular people in line for a cup of coffee. He was definitely skinnier than I would have thought, and a little cockier too--I always saw him as humble and sweet, but he definitely had a little air about him. BUT he was dressed super casual in plain ol' jeans and a button up and his hair every which way (pretty adorable, BTW). I was a total spazz the rest of the book club until he left the coffee shop, trying to steal glances and I had my camera poised ready to take a sneaky picture but alas I never got a good shot.
Who's the "biggest" celebrity you have ever seen in person?

Here's a little collection of Ron Livingston's Movies:

(Non)Fiction Fridays-Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother

Wow. I LOVE my book club because books that I probably wouldn't have ever read or gotten around to reading are on my radar, and most have shifted my perspective or life with impact. This month's selection (with what I'm sure will result in a heated debate tonight at our monthly meeting) was Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother by Amy Chua. This is not a fun beach read, or story about family, or really a story at all. This is a microscopic view of a family from the autobiographical viewpoint of the matriarch of the Chua family. Chuas was raised Chinese, a second generation immigrant raising two Chinese-American daugthers with a Jewish-American husband. You feel and hear the screams of this mother as she desperately tries to do what's right and raise wonderful children that grow up to be responsible, successful, fulfilled, and happy adults. I know the big controversy about this book is that it challenges Western parenting, blah blah blah. For me, the most important part about this book is not the Chinese vs. Western way of parenting, it's just parenting period. As a teacher, I have seen so many spoiled, disrespectful, lazy, ungrateful and just plain poorly raised students pass through our hallways. But the ones with tough (i.e. good) parents are kind, respectful, motivated, hardworking, curious, interested in learning, genuine, and have a goodness about them. These are the straight A students, yes, but they also are interesting, thoughtful, and confident. Some may be shy because they don't like the high school cliches, gossip, and plain silliness, but often they have plenty of friends and when they do speak up in class, it's because they have something thoughtful and intelligent to say, not just because they want attention or to hear the sound of their own voice. It's funny because Chua could be overzealous and unrealistic and of course way too demanding, and that is what some people who read or hear about this book will only focus on. But in reality, Chua had some great concepts, values, and instincts, and ultimately, she knew that by being tough on her children and challenging them to be the best versions of themselves every step of the way, they would grow up to be happier and more successful adults. Yes, the kid who gets everything handed to them might like their parents as they are growing up (usually not even the case even when they get everything they want!), but realistically, many of these kids grow up resenting their parents for not instilling better morals, values, and goals in them. Look at Death of a Salesman! Biff would have been a happier adult if Willy would have held him to higher standards (and of course, been a better example himself). Instead, he glorified Biff and as a result, high school was the best Biff's life ever got. Now, trust me, I loved high school as anyone that grew up with me will tell you. But, at the same time, my parents had high standards for me: they expected A's, excellence when playing sports, and respect (I still don't feel comfortable saying "that sucks" in front of my dad). Where they as tough on me as Chua is on her kids? No. But they did hold high standards that I feel instilled a work ethic, desire to succeed, and motivation in me. Parenting is tough and there is no guidebook, but Chua's book should be on bookshelves right next to What to Expect When You're Expecting. Not because you should follow everything that Chua did with her kids, but you should at least being aware of the high standards that exist as these may cause you to raise yours. I once had a parent tell me that one of her friends said, "I just want to get my daughter through high school without getting pregnant." Her friend responded, "Why not set your standards a little higher?" I mean, really? How about encouraging her strengths so she is focused on those and a good future so teen pregnancy won't even be a possibility (well, I guess it's always a possibility, but you know what I mean). I know it's cliche, but I have always loved the quote, "Shoot for the moon; even if you fail, you'll be among the stars." Set our standards high for our children and students. Then if they fall a little short, they will still be successful, hardworking people. My old college teammate's blog has a similar message about standards and expectations that you might also enjoy: http://foreveryoungward.blogspot.com/2011_03_01_archive.html

Tune Thursdays-Savannah Morning News article

So the deadline each week for my Thursday-released article is Sunday night, and since last week was crazy Saint Patrick's week, I didn't get to write it until Saturday (I usually try to write it during the week so I can enjoy my weekends work-free and I'm just a LITTLE bit overzealous--have you met me?). But on Monday morning, I got a note from my editor that the band I had decided to feature, called Weedeater, had to cancel their tour because one of the guys in the band broke his hand. What is both infuriating and hilarious about this is that in that article, I wrote about the various body parts these band members had injured the year before, causing them to cancel shows and push back the release of their album. I shoulda known. Anyway, this means that I had to write TWO articles for the price of ONE this week. Sigh...maybe I can use the Weedeater piece at a later date? Here's hoping. Anyway, read this week's feature about Boom Chick, an adorable White Stripes-ish duo:
Music Matters: Live Music Summary: Boom Chick: "Man+Woman+Guitar+Drums=Boom Chick"

And my past Savannah Morning News articles:
A Nickel Bag of Funk, headed by Savannah's own Leslie Adele
MillionYoung and Little Tybee
Tiger! Tiger!
Lubriphonic: Chicago "Rock and Soul Stew"

Thanks for reading! You can also follow me via Savannah Morning News here:
http://savannahnow.com/taxonomy/term/23200/0/feed

Whatever Wednesdays-Wasted Time

I get violently, irrationally upset when I feel like I am "wasting" time. Like, waiting in lines, traffic, or if I forget something at home and have to turn around. But, I am perfectly happy "wasting" time in ways of my choosing...sitting outside listening to music all day on a Sunday, reading and laying out, watching movies...I guess most of us feel that way because time is our most precious resource, and we want to be greedy with it because we don't know how much of it we have left. Gary teases me because when we are in the car, he just likes to kick back and listen to music when he is driving, where when I'm driving I like to catch up with people on the phone, think about (and write down--I know, I know, dangerous. I need a voice-activated computer!) to-do lists, and brainstorm writing ideas. I feel like driving is "wasted" time that I need to use productively. You are probably thinking I need to "lighten" up, and maybe you are right. But I want to use, not waste, my time to the fullest. But truth be told, instead of "wasting" time getting mad, I need to just accept the detours and move on. I'm working on it...

Taste Tuesdays-Green tea

So I have been sick the last couple of days (and I always brag that I never get sick--go figure!), and I have been drinking lemon, honey, and hot water concoctions to help my sore throat (trying to go the natural route instead of medicine--my husband and some friends are anti-medicine and have rubbed off on me). I have also been drinking my regular green tea that I try to have twice a day, preferably one in the morning and one at night. Why? Because they say green tea helps flush out toxins, AND for the two hours after you drink it, your metabolism runs 10% faster than normal--TOTALLY worth the not-so-great taste. But I have never thought about trying to make it taste better--it's like medicine to me, and medicine doesn't taste that great anyway. But, yesterday Gary put honey in my green tea and POOF!: Delicious. But, is it worth the extra calories just to make it taste a little better??? Shouldn't I just drink it plain like I have all these years? Sigh....I almost wish I have never tasted it with honey so I could just keep on being ignorant :). For more about the benefits of green tea, read:
WebMd's Green Tea Boosts Metabolism, Protects Against Diseases
Health Benefits of Drinking Green Tea

Marriage Mondays-Lucky

We often think of luck in terms of money, happy coincidences, or doing well at something that we were nervous about. How about luckiness in terms of who you are with? Within the last year, I have started to be more aware of how truly lucky I am to be with Gary. The first few years, it seemed like total madness with me finishing grad school, us finding jobs, settling in Savannah, and finding good friends. But we have really hit our stride lately, and I think partially for me its because I think every day how lucky I am to share my life with him because we laugh every single day, we can talk about anything, and I look forward to the next 70 years together (okay probably slightly less than that especially with how crazy our life is sometimes, but I'm an optimist!). Turn to your "partner in crime" today and tell them how lucky you feel to be with them!

For other marriage and love articles I've written, please click on the titles below:
Our Proposal Story: He said, She said
Shoeboxes and Pancakes


5 New Year's Resolutions for My Marriage

Sightseeing Sundays-Jacksonville, Florida

So, I had a volleyball tournament in Jacksonville this weekend, and although I have been there plenty of times, I have never been that impressed with it as a place to visit (besides for a Jacksonville Jaguars/Cleveland Browns showdown). But, since I was stuck in a hotel room alone in between games, I picked up the local entertainment guide and there were TONS of places off the beaten path that I want to try! They have pages and pages of places to eat (many with an old-school approach to seafood), tons of live music places, a few microbrews, and a surprising number of wine tasting spots! I have only ever really walked around downtown on the water, and I wasn't really impressed with the crowd or atmosphere. But I think the other areas of Jacksonville look pretty cool. Anyone been who has any recommendations?

Savannah Saturdays-THE BEST ST. PATRICK'S WEEK YET!!!

So I am going to do a quick recap for you of the madness that was Saint Patrick's festivities this week:

• Started with running in the Shamrock Run Friday night (under 25 minutes I might add for 3.1 miles!), followed by celebratory drinks at the Rail and Murphy's Law in our sweaty green gear
• Sunday went to cheer on the Real Human Babies, my husband's flag football team, with some Irish coffee and then continuing the festivities by watching Rugby teams from around the world play (purposely planned during St. Patty's week). P.S. the team from CINCINNATI, OHIO won! Then went on to Wild Wings where we listened to live music, our dear friend Anthony came in from California, and went to another famous Irish pub, McDonough's
• Wednesday (St. Patty's Eve) kicked off at Kevin Barry's, the largest Irish pub in town with the most authentic Irish cuisine and live Irish music nightly (I got a turkey reuben with authentic potato soup) and continued the party at O'Connell's, the most authentically decorated Irish pub in town complete with inner windows like in Ireland (shutting the bar down at 3am)
• Thursday woke up at 5am (yes, after only TWO HOURS OF SLEEP--the price we pay for securing a good spot along the parade route!) to find that people (knowingly) stole our spot (I have been going there for years), but turns out that the place we got was WAY better because we were front row along the parade and had more room and way more fun being near the action! After having a blast during the parade, we headed over to the new square that was just covered with people listening to the live music outside. We then proceeded to dance like maniacs for the next 3 hours at a nearby bar (literally my calves were burning the next day from jumping and thrusting about so much!), and we wrapped up the night listening to bagpipes and getting a guy to let us hit his giant drum with the puffy-ball sticks (had to give up a few beads for that honor). By far the best St. Patty's week I have ever experienced, complete with AWESOME people, music, and debauchery all around! If you haven't been, plan to come next year when Rachel and I will be launching our book about Savannah! To get you even more excited, read my article about Irish pubs in Savannah and another about how to get the most out of your visit to Savannah for Saint Patrick's Day.

Fiction Friday-Book pitch!

So my super-talented fine art making friend Rachel M Cotton and I pitched a nonfiction book that brings the best bars to Savannah "to life" called Barstinations (check out our website at http://savannahbarstinations.wordpress.com/ which will eventually be just barstinations.com--waiting on the transfer period as we just bought it), and it has been one of the most exhilarating, exhausting, and meaningful things I have ever done in my life. Send happy thoughts and energy our way, and I'll let you know as soon as I hear anything more! You can even follow our progress via a feed from the website. We have bought the trademark (takes 3 months to hear back from U.S. patent office), copyrights, websites, and have sent sample pages and query letter out to over 100 literary agents. The cool thing is, that we KNOW it's a great idea and that someone is going to love it--if not, then we will self-publish it! Go ahead and plan on being in Savannah the week of St. Patrick's Day in 2012--we are going to have a launch event then AND hopefully get a parade in the float to help promote it! If you know any literary agents or people in publishing, let me know :) WISH US LUCK!!!!

Tune Thursdays-Savannah Morning News article: A Nickel Bag of Funk

A Nickel Bag of Funk, headed by Savannah's own Leslie Adele

You can also follow me to stay current with these articles at http://savannahnow.com/taxonomy/term/23200/0/feed and clicking on the RSS feed (orange button)

For past articles, please click on these titles:
MillionYoung and Little Tybee
Tiger! Tiger!
Lubriphonic: Chicago "Rock and Soul Stew"

She sounds like the Fuguees and does an amazing cover of "Killing Me Softly"

Whatever Wednesdays-Mental Exhaustion

So my dear friend Rachel and I worked on a BIG project proposal for a book all day yesterday (like for real 10 hours STRAIGHT!), and I came home feeling like I could conquer the world! But I could NOT get out of bed today, my brain hurts, and all I want to do is crawl back under the covers. I guess that's the price of brainstorming and creating all day! Totally worth it, but I need to get off the grid as much as possible today to recover. Hopefully I will be able to tell you more details about the BIG BOOK PROJECT very, very soon!!!!!

Taste Tuesdays-Dunkin' Donuts

A lot of people rave about Dunkin' Donuts coffee, which is good if you like REALLY strong coffee. But what I love is the healthy breakfast choices, with their sandwiches, wraps, and flatbreads offering egg whites and turkey sausage. YUM! and totally different than other fast-food breakfast choices. Taste for yourself and then come back and comment! :)

Marriage Mondays-Dancing

So we don't go out with the intent of dancing hardly ever, but one thing that I love about Gary is that he will dance with me impromptu when the moment presents itself. Like yesterday, we went downtown to listen to music outside with some friends and "You Look Wonderful Tonight" (classic Eric Clapton!) came on. I grab his hand, and he knew it was time for a quick dance. Although it only lasted a few minutes, I love these little moments that he is willing to have with me--a moment to ourselves in our own little bubble. So grab your love when the moment strikes and get a quick dance in :)

Sightseeing Sundays-Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head is gorgeous, fun, has great sand volleyball, and is a super clean, with an emphasis on appearance and upkeep. A quintessential 50's-like pride in aesthetics and beauty, you will enjoy the resort feel that resonates throughout the island. Check out Catch-22 for fine dining or Remy's Bar & Grill for a low-key local experience. Go on a charter with Captain Moore of Moneric Charters (843-816-0215--also has rental properties!) and catch delicious Sheephead right now, or Cobia season starts in Mid-April (and it's worth the wait!). If you go, get in touch with me, and we will come up and play too!!!

Savannah Saturdays-To-Go Cups

One of the best things about partying in Savannah is that you can take your cups "to-go." We always brag about this awesome fact to out-of-towners, and yesterday, I had to convince a guy that really, he could take his drink to-go if he wanted (as long as it is in a little plastic cup). I did some research for a Savannah article a few weeks ago, and found only SIX CITIES IN AMERICA allow "open containers in public" on the streets; how convenient that we live in ONE OF THOSE SIX!!! :) Meant to be I guess...Anyway, the others are Butte, Montana (huh?), Las Vegas strip (duh), New Orleans (another duh), Kansas City, Missouri, and Memphis, Tennessee (definitely on my list of places to visit soon!). People like to argue that it's legal in Key West too, but actually, it is only "tolerated" there, and it is TECHNICALLY illegal to drink on the streets, but they just turn the other cheek (with all the absolute mayhem going down in Key West, I think it's safe to say cops have other things on their mind). Oddly, Vanderbilt University in Nashville also allows drinking in cups, with their chancellor even publicly stating that they will not "check cups." Whoah. So when are you coming to Savannah??? ;)

For more of my articles on Savannah, click (and share!) these titles:
 So You Want To Sing Karaoke?
Must Visit Pubs in Savannah, Georgia
March of Dimes 5K Savannah Shamrock Run and Fitness Walk
Savannah, Georgia Bistros
Best Happy Hours in Savannah, Georgia
Best Bakeries in Savannah, Georgia
How To Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Savannah, Georgia
Must Visit Pubs in Savannah, Georgia
Top Breakfast Spots for Valentine’s Day in Savannah, Georgia
Best Valentine’s Day Dinner Restaurants in Savannah, Georgia
Best Brunch Places in Savannah, Georgia
Mother and Daughter Destinations for Spring Break 2011

Fiction Fridays-Best Narrators in Fiction?

I'm working on an article/list about the "Best Narrators" I have ever read. I'm also very intrigued by Lenore Hart's narrator in The Raven's Bride--Poe's dead wife's ghost--but haven't read it yet. Who would you add to this list? Please let me know--I would love to read your comments and feedback!!!!

• Death from The Book Thief 
• Chief from One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
• Huck Finn from The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
• Cannie Chapiro in Jennifer Weiner's Good in Bed
• Sal in Keroauc's On the Road
•  Katniss from The Hunger Games
•  Scout from To Kill A Mockingbird 

Tune Thursdays-Savannah Morning News article: Little Tybee and MillionYoung

Check out my Savannah Morning News feature for this week:
MUSIC MATTERS: MillionYoung and Little Tybee

Past features:
MUSIC MATTERS: Tiger! Tiger!
MUSIC MATTERS: Lubriphonic

Whatever Wednesdays-The Ipad

Do any of you have an Ipad? I want an honest review from someone I know personally. Does it actually help you better your time management and life in general? I am not aware of anyone that I know having one (except my rich students, and they mostly use it for games or to read the books I assign online). I have to pay off some debt, but I would like to save up for one IF IT'S WORTH IT???

Taste Tuesdays-Mardi Gras!

Today is one of those days that even if you have a million things to do, why not make tonight's dinner a little special and celebrate Mardi Gras with some gumbo or creole-inspired dish like jambalaya or dirty rice and mix up a Hurricane or my own published concoction, a Mardi Gras Purple Tea (click on the name for recipe)! It's fun to have a cocktail on a Tuesday, and I am all about any excuse to be festive and have some fun no matter what day of the week it is :) Oh, and kick back with your sweetie and read my Mardi Gras inspired (fictional) love story, Shoeboxes and Pancakes--both symbolic items for any Mardi Gras celebration!

Marriage Mondays-Excuses for Romance

Yesterday we were driving home from the Jacksonville airport and decided to stop at the new Buffalo Wild Wings (or BW3's for short) near the airport. After a couple of interactions at a mutual friend's pool party and then at the Subway where I worked back in 2002, Gary and I reconnected at the BW3's in Ashland August before we started our senior years at Ashland University. During the first year of our relationship, we went to BW3's more often than I'd like to admit (it was one of the few bars/restaurants in town!), so it is now part of our history. They don't have very many in the South (this one in Jacksonville being the closest one to Savannah) so we rarely get to go to one and haven't been in years. But even though we were tired and just wanted to get home, we decided to stop in and have a bite to eat, and even though there were tv's blaring, lights flashing, kids yelling, and trivia and poker participants cheering for right answers or good hands, it still felt romantic because it was nostalgic and reminded us of that first sweet year together when our love was just getting started. I felt 21 again (yikes, that' been a while!) and saw Gary with that 21-year-olds' eyes. We could have just driven by or just wolfed down our food, but we enjoyed this little excuse for romance, and I'm so glad we did. It capped off what was a wonderful weekend and gave us a chance to reconnect one-on-one. What's your excuse for adding some romance today?

Sightseeing Sundays-New York City

So we are on our way back to our house from Jacksonville airport (cheaper than flying out of Savannah), and I have to say, I LOVE NEW YORK CITY, which totally surprises me. I thought I would think it was cool, fun, etc. but never did I expect to just absolutely, positively love it. Like, I wanna-try-to-go-once-a-year love it. Gary and I even said that if we are ever rich and fabulous one day, we would like to try and live there for maybe a year just to experience it more fully. The rumors that people aren't friendly in NYC are totally false--EVERYONE was super nice with bartenders buying us beers, cabbies serving as part-tour guide, and lots of smiling people (which I'm sure 60 degree weather in March had a lot to do with that). Of course the food was amazing, but my favorite part was just walking around and seeing the little cities within the big city--Greenwich Village being my favorite, and we loved Rockfeller Square and Times Square too. Another surprise that stuff was not as expensive as I had always been warned. Beers, food, entertainment--all reasonable and well worth every penny. All-around an unbelievable, awesome, absolutely amazing trip with great people and memories for a lifetime. We can't wait to go back!

Savannah Saturdays-Savannah Stopover

People in Savannah love to complain that we never get the big name acts to come to Savannah even though many go to Atlanta and then skip right over us to head to Florida or Texas. This year, Savannahians involved in the local music scene have organized the first annual Savannah Stopover to encourage bands to "stopover" in Savannah on their way to SXSW in Austin. The concept is that "tomorrow's big bands play today in small clubs." This idea truly is genius, and I hope locals and tourists come out to support the idea. There are 60 performances over a 4 day span in 10 venues--holy cool weekend Batman! We are going to buy the one day ticket for Saturday and hopefully watch at least 5 bands. You can also buy a pass for all 4 days for $65 which is still a great deal especially if you go to at least one show each day. Check back next week for my review of the event.

Sites and Sounds of Savannah Jazz

Fiction Fridays-One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

In class, we are wrapping up our Postmodern unit for which we read One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. Although sometimes I wonder if they pay attention to the lessons, themes, and morals because they can't get over the fact that there is candid cussing, talk of the mental patients peeing themselves, and all-around debauchery. But, I hope that they see that it's never okay for people in authority to treat those they are in charge of as worthless. Nurse Ratched, the evil dictator-like character in the novel, can show up in so many forms in our lives--bad bosses, overbearing parents or spouses, bullies in school, or a relentless sibling. The author, Ken Kesey, seems to be sending a message not to rebel just for the heck of it, but to be conscious of the world around us and the leaders and trends that we follow, and if necessary, pull a Gandhi and "be the change you want to see in the world." If you hate to read, at least check out a young Jack Nicholson's award-winning performance as the main character, R.P. McMurphy.

Double post Thursday! Savannah Morning News Article Link

Every Thursday, I will also be posting the online version (it also is in print in the newspaper!) of my weekly music feature (since this is the day it goes out) which previews 1-2 bands that are playing in Savannah each week. Writing these articles is TRULY SUCH FUN, and even if you don't live in Savannah, maybe the bands will come near you and you can check them out???


MUSIC MATTERS: TIGER! TIGER!

Travel Thursdays-Hawaii

I think it's safe to say that most people have Hawaii on their vacation wish list, and I think that if and when you do get there, your trip should be everything you imagined and more. So, I wanted to give you a little advice about traveling to Hawaii. Get in and out of Honolulu as quick as you can. You will more than likely have to fly in and out of Honolulu, but this is not the Hawaii of your dreams. It is extremely touristy, crowded, overpriced, and not the relaxing mecca that I envisioned (at least three people ran smack into me as they adamantly tried to take about a zillion pictures). Sure, you could spend one day there just to see it and travel down the road to hike up the Diamond Head volcano that you can climb up to get some great views of the gorgeous water and beaches. But after one day, get out and go to North Shore and other areas, and maybe take a small plane (very affordable and short flights) to one or more of the other islands. If I ever go back, I think I want to do one of the Hawaiian cruises that takes you to all of the islands (except the private one that only Hawaiians are allowed on, or you have to be invited directly by a resident). The other islands are peaceful, beautiful, and all about the nature and surroundings, NOT shopping and people. Nothing wrong with that, but come on...it's HAWAII! You just want to lay in a hammock or lounge chair, enjoy the consistently perfect weather, drink fruity drinks, gaze out of the sand and water, and be absolutely lazy and unplugged. Or is that just me? :)

Whatever Wednesday-Cosmo's Facebook Article

So Cosmo wrote an article about the most annoying Facebook statuses, and while pretty hilarious, it got my friend and I talking about the issue. Is it wrong that people mostly use facebook to report only the good stuff? I know I don't eagerly write about my horrendous days. Are we creating a false persona that only good things happen in our lives? I don't think so. I think it's rude if someone is always lamenting about how awful their lives are so that others feel sorry for them. What a downer! I go on facebook to laugh and see what fun things people are up to, not be a digital shoulder to cry on. What do you think?

Here's a link to the online Cosmo article: Most Annoying Facebook Habits

Other technology-related articles by me:
Using Google Documents as a Sanity (and Time!) Saver

Taste Tuesdays-Lenny's New York Style Pizza

If you are ever near Daytona Beach, Florida, you HAVE TO stop at Lenny's Pizza on A1A, about ten minutes North of Main Street in Daytona. Lenny is straight from New York and brought the whole family with him to run this delicious pizza joint. The walls are covered with black and white New York scenes and movie posters (Godfather, mobsters, etc.), and Lenny and his family remember everyone's faces (if not their names--he calls me "Teacher" and Gary "Big Guy"). They whip up the pizza New York style--huge flat slices with tons of taste, cheesy goodness, and of course some grease for good measure. We recently brought some of our friends from New York to this place and although we bragged about how good it was, we were worried that these real "New Yorkers" would be disappointed in the pies. They were not in the slightest. Our friend even said that it was the closest to New York pizza he has ever tasted outside of the city. Quite a compliment! I like the plain ol' cheese while Gary gets the meatlovers. We went two days in a row for lunch, and on the second day our friend got the Sicilian--the only thick pizza I have ever seen from Lenny's--and it was just to-die for. Enjoy!
For more information, click here: Lenny's