A close friend of ours turns 30 today, so a group of us went to Crechale's restaurant last night to celebrate. For those of you who don't know, Crechale's has been around FOREVER; it's an old-school place that hasn't changed its decor or menu in decades. Pretty much everything they serve is some variety of fried seafood. It's worth the trip just to hear them sing the birthday song then break into a rousing rendition of "Hail, Hail, The Gang's All Here." Anyway, Crechale's is located in what we affectionately refer to as SoJo--South Jackson. We rarely venture that direction and prefer to stay in our bubble in NE Jackson. Let's just say we feel a little more secure in our neck of the woods, although I'm going to use the term "secure" loosely since this is Jackson we're talking about. After dinner was over, we began discussing where to continue our celebration. Someone at the table mentioned that there was a karaoke bar in the vicinity. The birthday boy agreed that it would be fun, and off we went.
Did I mention that said karaoke bar is right off Ellis Avenue? The Ellis Avenue that's always headlining the news. As in, "Three car pile-up on Ellis Avenue." Or, "Armed robbery on Ellis Avenue," and last, but not least, "Gunshot victim on Ellis Avenue." You get the picture.
We pull into the gravel parking lot and file out of our cars. The lady at the door tells us there is a $7 cover, but it's "All the karaoke you can sing." We bargain our way into $5 cover and we go in. Wow...let's just say we stuck out like sore thumbs.
There were about 25 bar patrons including ourselves, but we didn't get the memo that you were NOT supposed to have on a dress shirt, but you WERE supposed to wear your confederate flag do-rag. They didn't accept debit or credit cars, and we had already used our cash to get in, so in order to buy drinks, we had to pay with a check. A CHECK. I repeat: we kept a bar tab open with a check. It was that kind of place.
However, I may secretly belong in SoJo because I had a great time. It was a complete and total blast. People with cowboy hats took the mike and sang "Watermelon Crawl." We took the mike and sang, "Don't Stop Believin," and "I Love Rock 'n' Roll," among others. One of our friends is a HUGE Tina Turner fan--she saw her in concert last year--and she got up and did "Proud Mary" complete with all the talking at the beginning. Two other girls were her back-up singers and synchronized dancers.
If you ever want to put on your dancin' shoes and have a legendary night, head on down to "The Horseshoe" karaoke bar. You'll be glad you did...if you don't get jumped in the parking lot.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
This is how we do the watermelon crawl...
Monday, May 25, 2009
I can't even deal...
My. Child. Is. One.
Obviously, I had to have a completely over-the-top-he's-not-even-going-to remember-I'm-so-obnoxious-birthday party. Yes, I'm now one of "those people." But seriously, how cute are the invites? I cut off my phone number and address because I don't want you people stalking me, but you get the general idea. Circus, folks; and it was a circus.
Did my child play in his slice of cake? Nope...he took it down like it a champ. There is no doubt that the kid belongs to us.
He let me put his party hat on him for a surprising amount of time. He'll hate me for this picture later.
The rest of the pictures are below in the slide show. There are a ton--I thought I would never finish uploading them.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
To My First Son...
Cradle Song
by Alfred Lord Tennyson
What does little birdie say
In her nest at peep of day?
Let me fly, says little birdie,
Mother, let me fly away.
Birdie, rest a little longer,
Till thy little wings are stronger.
So she rests a little longer,
Then she flies away.
What does little baby say,
In her bed at peep of day?
Baby says, like little birdie,
Let me rise and fly away.
Baby, sleep a little longer,
Till thy little limbs are stronger.
If she sleeps a little longer,
Baby too shall fly away.
Dear Sam,
Time is defined by the important moments in a person's life. Before a big event such as a marriage or a birth, one counts down the days, and each minute feels like an eternity. Afterwards, it seems that the seconds fly by. As cliche' as it is, I cannot believe that an entire year has passed since your arrival. You have blessed us simply by being here, and I hope that no matter what, you will never forget how much your father and I love you. You have been pure joy since your arrival on May 21, 2008. I have loved every second of getting to know you, and I look forward to watching you grow. Some of my dearest memories are rocking you to sleep and watching your long lashes droop as you nod off. When you wake in the morning, smile your dimpled smile, and say "Mama," I feel as if my heart will burst. Every time you walk into my arms, I think that I might cry with pride. Your sweet presence makes our lives richer.
We have had so many "firsts" this year, and we've already had a few "lasts." I look forward to all the other "firsts" to come, and I pray that your life will be as full and rich as mine has been. I have been a lucky, lucky girl, but having you was the luckiest moment of my life.
I love you very much,
Mom
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
I love summer...
Although we didn't have a lot of excitement this week, it looks like this summer is going to be a good one for us. (Let's hope I'm right.) Sam started swimming lessons last week and L-O-V-E-D it. I thought he'd be clingy, especially since the last time he was in a pool he looked like this:
(I really can't believe my child was ever that chunky. I mean, he's no waif now by any means, but seriously...what a difference.)
He went into the water with no qualms whatsoever, and he grinned from ear to ear. So cute. I don't have pictures yet, but I will very soon.
Other reasons I'm loving the summer:
1. Sam's 1st birthday is coming up. *sniff*
2. We've got a trip to the Beau Rivage, an anniversary trip to San Fransisco, and a trip to the beach on our schedule.
3. Sno-cone stands are officially open, and we all know how I feel about anything with sugar.
4. Sunshine and heat=days spent at the pool
5. A lot of my teacher friends won't be working, so I'll have available pool and lunch partners.
6. I get to see my parents more, and they'll get to see Sam.
7. My summer wardrobe is FAR superior to my winter wardrobe.
8. I love dresses, and the heat means I get to wear tons of them.
9. Backyard cookouts with friends.
10. Have I mentioned our awesome trip schedule?
FYI: If you haven't had We Love Yogurt's Alpine Strawberry Yogurt you are seriously missing out. Delicioso!
Monday, May 4, 2009
You should be jealous...
Yep, I said it...you should be jealous. I had probably the best birthday of my life. So far, 30 is pretty good if you ask me. I'll elaborate.
My 30th birthday was last Thursday, April 30. All Anthony would tell me is that he had lots of surprises in store for me and that we would go out to eat on Friday.
Birthday present #1--Thursday morning I woke up, and Anthony told me to go back to bed. He got Sam ready and dropped him off at his grandmother's for the day. Awesome.
Birthday present #2--I was told the only thing I had to do before meeting him for lunch was to go and get a mani/pedi. There was no need for him to tell me twice. Fantabulous.
Birthday present #3--Lunch with the hubby at Bon Ami, a favorite lunch locale. Fabulous.
Birthday present #4--Gift certificates to my two favorite stores--Banana Republic and Anthropologie. Wonderful.
Birthday present #5--I'm told to be at Trio for an hour-long massage. Excellent.
Birthday present #6--Drinks at Bravo sans child. Lovely.
So that was Thursday. Pretty good, huh? I'm not finished yet.
(Ooooh! I almost forgot--Anthony had a maid come and clean our house. I love him.)
Friday I knew we were going out for dinner, but he refused to tell me where. I got ready, and we loaded Sam into the car for the usual drop-off at his grandparents. When we arrived at the Shermans' house, we got out to deliver Sam. I walked in the door to a resounding, "SURPRISE!"
Needless to say, I was floored. Everyone kept asking all night long, but I honestly had no idea. Almost all of my nearest and dearest were there--college friends, bookclub buddies, our regular "Jackson crowd," and most awesome of all, my parents. We had such a good time.
I must give a humongous thank you shout-out to my sweet, thoughtful husband. He's come such a long way since he thought an appropriate Valentine's Day was spent watching Wrestlemania Valentine's Day Massacre at the frat house. (And no, I'm not making that up.) It was easily the best birthday I've ever had.
I also want to say that if you think you have the best in-laws in the world, you're wrong. Sorry. I won that prize 4 years ago when I married Anthony. I know that the birthday party was his idea, but I also know who cooked all the food, decorated, and went to all extremes to make it a night to remember. I am soooooo fortunate. Thanks MP and Joe.
For all of you who came--thanks so much. It meant the world to me.
The final damage by the numbers:
4 1/2 cases of beer
1 case of wine
1/5 of bourbon
18 thank-you notes
1 adorable baby
1 wonderful husband
2 loving parents
2 fantastic in-laws
A plethora of friends
30 years of memories
A ton of fun
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