It's A Rather Boring Week

Hello Readers! There’s not much going on in the life of Nat these days. This past weekend was busy, but mostly with errands and cooking and cleaning and mowing the lawn, which you all probably do as well and therefore don’t need to read about.

In other news, I’m sick with a sinus infection, or at least I’m pretty sure that’s what it is. I use the Neti Pot every day, which I’m obsessed with; and ever since using it every day, I’ve not had one sinus infection until now. I coughed on the way to the gym Saturday morning and had a feeling something was coming on; I realize that sounds strange but we all know our bodies pretty well I think. Yesterday was the onset of the first sinus infection of 2010; thank you heat and humidity! So, I’m headed to the doctor this afternoon to confirm my suspicion and hopefully get some drugs.

My friend Erika told me today that she heard you were not supposed to use the Neti Pot every day. So, I guess I’ll have to cut back my usage and see how that goes. In the meantime, I have a stuffy head and want to be sleeping right now.

Since there may not be much material this week on the Chronicles of Nat, I thought I would pass along some other sites for you to peruse.

Word To The Mot is written by Jackie’s niece Brooke, who is living in France for the summer. She’s updating everyone on her adventures there – try not to get too jealous. Leave her a comment of encouragement; I’m sure she would appreciate it.

Culinary Concoctions by Peabody is a food blog that Erika introduced me to a while back and has lots of yummy desserts as well as a witty story to go along with each dessert. Call me crazy, but I think if I met Peabody in “real life” we would be great friends.

My Milk Toof is another blog Erika introduced me too; it’s a little odd, but in a good way and you may find it as interesting as we did.

Stuff White People Like is a site I came across a year or so ago and it totally cracks me up. Go back and take a look at all the past entries and tell me it’s not true!

I hope to be back to regularly scheduled blogging this week. Maybe there will be something noteworthy to tell you about. In the meantime, check out these sites and recommend some others in the comments section and have a great week!

Fun, Food, and Friends

Ah… summer. Last night after the gym, I met Jackie and the kids and some other friends for dinner at Wing’s. Our friend Jay and a guy named Andy were playing guitar and singing out on the patio and we decided to go support them and have some dinner. Nothing like fried food after hitting the gym!

I recently read an article in Parade magazine written by Mitch Albom about our fascination with outdoor dining. It was a funny article and I kept thinking about it as we dined on the patio amongst the flies and the heat. Actually it wasn’t too hot out there, surprisingly. I tried to find that article so that I could link to it and you all could read it, but I have been unsuccessful in finding it.

I brought my camera along because is it really a fun time if there’s not proof? Enjoy the photos and I hope everyone has a nice weekend!

Troy was drawing pictures of Harry Potter characters when I arrived

Ashlyn looking lovely with her strand of pearls

After our food arrived Troy found a very versatile french fry

It could be used as a smiley face

Or a booger (never thought I would write booger on my blog!)

Ashlyn found one of her own

Andy and Jay

Friday Movie Review - Get Him To The Greek

This past weekend, Tony and I took in a movie – Get Him to the Greek, a raunchy film that has quite a few laughs.

If you’ve seen the previews to this one, then you know the premise. Basically Jonah Hill’s character has 72 hours to get a rambunctious rock star from Britain to Los Angeles to perform in a 10th Anniversary concert at the Greek Theater. Along the way, they encounter lots of booze, drugs, loose women, and other crazy obstacles which are meant to leave the viewer wondering if they will ever make it. But it’s the movies people; we know they’re going to make it!

This movie was hysterical at some points and quite filthy in others. If you are easily offended, then this probably isn’t the movie for you. Even I found it to be racier than I would have liked, but overall it was more funny than frightening.

Jonah Hill was as delightful as ever and Russell Brand’s outlandish acting made the rock star Aldous Snow seem quite believable. The end of the movie actually had a bit of a sentimental moment and if you look beneath the surface there’s an actual message there.

Tony's take: pretty good

The Doors Are Open - Kind Of

As I’ve mentioned on this blog in the past, the church I attend is in the process of building a new building. (I think it’s weird to say building a building, but anyway…) I wrote about the progress here and here. This past Sunday evening, we held our first worship service in the new facility. I can hardly believe that the building has come so far so fast! It seems like it was just yesterday that we moved out of our old location and started worshipping at our temporary home.

Although the building is not completely done, the fellowship hall/auditorium/worship center/whatever-you-want-to-call it is complete and looks really great. My friends Lisa and Candy and all the other ladies on the decorating committee did an excellent job picking out the colors.

Until the classrooms and offices are finished, we will remain at our temporary location and then permanently move into the new facility in August or September. In the meantime, we plan to have a few worship services and church activities there. The next one is scheduled for July 4! If you live in the area, we’d love to have you. The building is located on Winchester Road and we are now known as Chase Park Church of Christ. I think we are having a cookout and fireworks that night too so it should be a lot of fun. Having the new building is really exciting; a lot more exciting than I thought it would be actually. I am looking forward to the classrooms being completed so we can take full advantage of our new home.

Here are some photos from the first worship and fellowship - unfortunately no empty cigarette packs were lying around this time:

Tony with his fake smile

Folks talking and fellowshipping after service

The stage - still a work in progress

The soundroom - where the magic happens - ok, not really.

Doesn't Tony look thrilled to be having his photo taken by my outstretched hand?

People eating after service

Ashlyn's Dance Recital

This past Saturday was Ashlyn’s dance recital. I think this was her third one; but the first one I’ve had the opportunity to attend; so I was really looking forward to it. When I was in grade school, I used to go to dance recitals every year since all of my friends were dancers. I never took dance and was always a little jealous of those who did. I don’t think my parents could afford it or maybe they just didn’t want to afford it. Who knows? What I do know is that my lack of taking dance as a child has greatly contributed to my lack of coordination and dance skills as an adult. You can’t win ‘em all I guess.

Ashlyn’s dance group did a number to “Walking on Sunshine” and wore pink outfits with yellow shorts. They all looked so cute and did a really great job.

After the show we went to eat at Little Rosie’s – it was Jackie, Ashlyn, Troy, Tim, Jan, and me. I had a great time. I think we stayed there for an hour and a half or longer just talking and catching up. Now that Tim and Jan go to a different church, I don’t see them as often and I really enjoyed spending time with my other family.

Troy rode with me to Little Rosie’s and on the way announced that he had to go to the bathroom… right now. So, I drove by my friend Shawna’s house so Troy could use the facilities. Thank goodness she was home! It was a really funny experience and one that I’m sure we will never forget. It’s not often that people stop by just to use the bathroom.

Here are some photos from the show:

Here's Ashlyn dancing the afternoon away!

This is my favorite! I love the jump!

Ashlyn with Jackie

Ashlyn with me

Some of the moms of the dancers got together and did the dance from Thriller. It was rather funny.

They did a great job and their costumes were really well done!

An Unsuccessful Venture

Afternoon Update: Kendra sent the photo above a little while ago. It was taken by a friend of hers. Apparently this is the car the MJ drives - love it!

As mentioned, there was an unsuccessful venture of sorts this past weekend. Back in March I wrote on this blog about a Michael Jackson impersonator that performs in and around Huntsville.

On Friday afternoon/early evening while I was cooking dinner, my friend Kendra sent a text saying that Huntsville’s very own MJ was at the corner of Whitesburg and Governor’s Drive. For months I have been on a search to see this guy and haven’t been lucky enough for a sighting. Robert, a friend from work, saw MJ at a wedding and was lucky enough to dance with him. Here’s the video. But as for me and Tony, we have not been lucky enough to see him.

So, after Kendra sent the text, I sent a text to Tony to let him know and about 10 minutes later we were in the car to see if we could finally see for ourselves the elusive MJ.

Here's Tony driving as quick as he can to see MJ

Unfortunately, by the time we got to Fuel City, MJ’s favorite spot at the corner of Governor’s Drive and Whitesburg, he was no longer there, which was a shame, really. I had my camera in hand ready to take a photo but we were unsuccessful in our venture to find MJ.

If you have a MJ sighting, tell us about it in the comments section. I want to know all the places where we can possibly see this guy!

Happy 90th Birthday Margaret!

Rudye and her sister Margaret - the birthday girl

This past weekend was busy – packed full of unsuccessful adventures (more on this later) and fun activities. This first of the fun was my best friend Margaret’s 90th birthday party which was on Saturday morning from 10 –noon.

Earlier in the week, Margaret’s sister Rudye called and asked me if I would serve cake and of course I agreed! How could I not help out?! After all Margaret is my best friend. You see, Margaret would always tell me I was her best friend when I would see her at church. Then one day a few years ago, I was walking by a classroom and I heard her tell my friend Janet, “You are my best friend.” So, of course, me being me, I stopped in my tracks and said, “Margaret, I caught you! I thought I was your best friend.” It has become a bit of an inside joke for me, Margaret and Janet, and we often laugh about it when we are around each other.

So, I arrived at the party a little early to get set up for serving cake and to take a few pictures. (Please excuse the outfit I was wearing. I have no idea why I went with this but needless to say it was less than flattering and it looked like I weighed about 20 pounds more than I actually do – not that you care, but I do. Thanks for letting me get that out.)

Me and the birthday girl!

The party was a huge success and had a steady stream of people for the whole two hours. That’s a lot of cake cutting! Margaret was afraid no one would come which is the silliest thing I’ve ever heard because she is one of the most loved people at our church. She and her sister Rudye will make you laugh any time you are around them. They have a quick wit and are absolutely hilarious. I heard a story at the party that their hair dresser calls them the Dynamic Duo and it is certainly the truth.

Margaret and her hairdresser

Three men showed up to the party even though it was for women only. The first man was with his wife and was someone I didn’t know. The second man was Lisa’s granddad, Mr. Hendrixson and I imagine he came because he had to drive his wife, Mrs. Connie. The third man was Mark Rowe, father of my friends Shelley and Kimberly. I imagine he came because he’s unconventional and wouldn’t have it any other way!

Today is actually the day of Margaret’s Birthday – 90 years old! That’s amazing! I hope you have many more birthdays Margaret because you are an absolute delight to be around and I am proud to call you my best friend!

The serving table

A lady from church made these "M" shortbread cookies

The birthday cake

The flowers were so pretty

The first guests come through the door

Guests enjoying cake

Here is my friend Candy (right) talking to my friend Pat.

I gave Candy a piece of cake with a rose because she loves icing like nobody's business!

Here's my friend Lisa with another friend Claudette.

Claudette's is actually Lisa's aunt by marriage and is also a great teacher!

Mr. Hendrixson, the second of three male guests

Mark Rowe the third of three male guests - getting a hug from Lisa

The cards Margaret received for her birthday.