The Help

For the past fortnight (you're welcome, Matt) I've enjoyed a delightful read named The Help.  It's by a University of Alabama graduate (whom I'll forgive), Kathryn Stockett, and is based on the Jim Crow South.

The book is written in the view of a few different women.  First is Skeeter Phelan.  She is, in a nutshell, my hero.  A fresh Ole Miss grad destined to be a writer, she moves back to Jackson, Mississippi with her parents until she lands a job, or even better, a husband.  It is then that she realizes things are changing, and starts interviewing various black women that work as "help" in town, in secret.  

Another of my favorites is Aibileen.  She is a domestic worker in a modest Jackson home and has tended to 17 white babies.  She is warm, intelligent, and courageous - everything you want in a lady.  When approached by Skeeter, she helps round up ladies to help with stories for her book.  She is a beautiful soul and I just want to hug her!

Then there's Minny, who you hate to love and love to hate.  She is the spunky, often troublesome best friend of Aibileen.  You just have to love her, especially after the way she treats the Terrible Awful, Hilly.  

I've said this to everyone, but it truly is the best book I've read since To Kill a Mockingbird.  It's one of those quick reads that will absolutely change your life.

AND they've made a movie about it!  Even though I'm a firm believer in reading a book before watching the film (which is why I haven't seen it yet), if you are too lazy to read it, just catch in theaters.  Or, buy it on DVD December 6th (no, I'm not obsessed).

Emma Stone playing Skeeter Phelan

Viola Davis as Aibileen Clark and Octavia Spencer as Minny Jackson

Aibileen, Minny, Skeeter, and Hilly

Happy reading/movie watching :)

A Night Out

Last night, Matt and I went out to celebrate our friend Aaron Freed's birthday. Aaron requested that we all "suit up", and I must say, we clean up nice.



Brett and me at our watering hole, Thursty Nelly's




'twas an enjoyable evening :)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AARON!!
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Pumpkin Madness

Last night, Matt and I hung out with the Zimas for some pumpkin carving, as well as pumpkin soup and seed making. Here are photos:






Patton eating pumpkin. He loves it!!






Mmmmm, homemade pumpkin soup with spoils from the local market :)






Matt working diligently...






Our pumpkin!!

Also to celebrate the amazing holiday known as Halloween, we've ordered Rocky Horror Picture Show, an oldie but a goodie. Can't wait until it gets here! We will have to make pumpkin delights that night as well.

Until then, have a ghoul one....heedles :)
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Life

Matt and I have so much to look forward to in the next month or so!

In late October we are headed back to the states.  There we will visit our "home town", aka AUBURN!!, see relatives we haven't seen in over a year, hang out with the best friends anyone could ask for, and attend a family wedding.

Though I'm stoked about our sister's wedding (NOT MUCH LONGER ALISA!), I'd be remiss to say that I'm not equally, if not a bit more, excited to see my grandmas.  I'm lucky enough to have three terrific grandmothers that have been dynamic in my life.  And they love Matt like they do all of their grandkids.  Sometimes I get a little jealous, but don't tell ;)

And our besties.  Where do I start!?  We base our life around when we can see Sarah and Daron Flory.  It's just the truth.  We consider them family, and there will be a major sob fest upon our meeting and departure.  Well, from the boys at least.  

But besides our trip we have other news which I have shared with you - embarking on a new chapter in life known as Masterdom!  I cannot express in words how ecstatic I am to get started with school!  If there were a profession known as eternal student, that would be moi.  

To recap, I am working on my Masters in International Relations through the University of Oklahoma.  The plan is to graduate by Spring 2013, and then complete a summer or semester long internship in D.C., NYC, Brussels, or Atlanta.  At least, that's the "plan".  As the saying goes, "Shoot for the moon.  Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars".  That is my motto!

I'm lucky to have such a supportive partner in Matt.  He always encourages me to better myself, which in-turn betters our bond.  I joke with him that I am ahead in the race to our PhDs.  He thinks I'm kidding...

My first class - Geography of Primary Production - covers resources and environmental geography.   "What is the world is that?" you might ask?  We will talk about mining, forestry, oil, water, agriculture, and other environmental stressors/woes.  I. AM. STOKED.  Particularly on the issues of oil in the Middle East and agriculture in Asia!  Wow, that sounded nerdier than anticipated.

Suffice it to say, we have a busy couple of months planned out.  But every day I think about it all and can't help but smile.  We are going to end 2011 on a fantastic note!

Hope you all are enjoying Hump Day!

The Hitscherhof Farm Festival

I heard at school last week that there was a pumpkin festival this weekend.  Seeing as Autumn and I are like peas and carrots, I had to find out where.

In a little farm town of Hitscherhof we found pumpkiny fun!  There were pumpkin brats, pumpkin breads, nuwine (YUM!), and the most delicious pumpkin soup EVER!!!  I sincerely hope we don't have to wait until next year to taste that scrumptious soup.

We perused the grounds, weaving in and out of vendors as we looked for potential holiday gifts.  I'm happy to say we found some :)

So here are some pictures of Matt, me, and our friend Shawn (miss you Brett!):

 Awwww

 Shawn 

 He is an awesome pumpkin picker

 With our pumpkin

 Matt and me :)

 I love cows!

And of course, beer is a must.

Veganism Debunked :)

I'm putting this on Veganista, so I thought I'd share with you, too!

Sometimes Matt and I catch flack for our diet choices.  When most people find out that we eat a plant-based whole foods diet, they think we're stinky hippies.  That, and they don't understand why we do what we do.  But always, there is the inevitable question that makes me want to scream: "But, if you don't eat meat, how do you get enough protein?".  It's not their fault, they have bought into what years of Western overeating has preached.  This is extremely annoying to Matthew and me.

I was told by someone who had never researched or done so much as to read one article about plant-based diets that I was unhealthy.  Really?  Every time my blood pressure is taken people are astonished, I'm not skin and bones, heck, I eat a TON, and my body glows from the inside out.  I'm perfectly fine.  Maybe you should read a little more...

And there is always the, "What are you going to do when you get pregnant?".  Ummm, DUH.  If I think this diet is best for me, and I want the best for my child, I'm going to continue eating healthy.  Maybe a little more soy ice cream than normal, but what gives?  Vegan moms produce healthier birthweight babies and typically have an easier birth (especially if moderate exercise was included during pregnancy).

As for my children, ah, yes.  This is tricky.  You want the best for your kids, right?  But you also want them to make their own choices.  So we've decided on raising our children as vegans.  When they procure their own money they may spend it on whatever they want.  If it's a cholesterol filled burger, so be it.  That's their money, not mine.  They are affecting their own health, not mine.

My Twink, aka Sarah Flory, recently posted this infographic on Pinterest, and it actually led me to the post.  Click HERE!

A big shout out to my parents who laughed when I became a vegetarian in high school, rolled their eyes when I joined PETA, but always supported my decision.  Thanks for putting up with me when I won't eat things you labored over (the roast and veggies looked and smelled great, but they were marinated with the meat...sorry!), and for listening to me when I rag you about a plant-based diet (Dad).  But most of all, thanks for being proud of me for daring to be a little out there.  LOVE YOU!

The Spilling of the Beans

So...here it goes...




I'm going to be a master!!! At least, that's the plan.

A few weeks ago I sent transcripts and an application to he University of Oklahoma. I am pleased to say, I will soon be a student in their Masters of International Relations program.

My long-time dream has been to work for an NGO, think tank, or the State Department. Without a Masters, these dreams are merely that. Especially with the government, even at GS level. After all, a Masters degree these days is more the equivalent of yesteryear's undergrad.

So I'm on my way. It's official. I start a grant writing class in October and couldn't be more stoked!!

Though I guess I'm now a Sooner, you best believe I'll ALWAYS be a Tiger!

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