It's been a while!

Sorry it's been so long since I've blogged!  It's embarrassing, really.  Life has gotten crazy, and I haven't kept up like I should.

Why has it been crazy?  Well, Matt's been working like mad.  They keep him so busy.  He takes his job so seriously, and is excellent at what he does.  Unfortunately, he stresses a little too much.  We're working on that.

I've been working with the Kindergarteners during the day, and going to school at night.  If I keep on the projected path, I should be done with classes by December, leaving only the board review and comprehensive exam for Spring 2013.  Looks like I may graduate in May 2013 :)  

What's new with us?  Well, Matt has embraced a vegan lifestyle, and hasn't eaten meat in weeks, maybe months.  I'm so proud of him!  He often comes home to watch "The Big Bang Theory" or "How I Met Your Mother" - two of our favorite shows.  He's also been reading a series of books by the name "I Am Number Four" and so on.  They are Science Fiction and seem quite interesting.  He also keeps Patton busy with snuggling and wrestling.

I've been up to my eyeballs in various books for school, not really getting to read for pleasure :(  However, this has led to my restored love for World War I and II history.  Which is quite perfect, as we live nearly minutes from the Maginot Line and only a short drive from various battlefields.  I have a feeling we will be visiting these sites as our bank account hemorrhages from tuition (sorry, dear).  But when in Rome, right?

Speaking of Rome, we just got back!  I was told it may be one of my favorite places to visit, and to all of those that said that, you were right!  I don't even know where to begin.  We envisioned the sites as they may have been during the reign of the empire, and it gave me chills.  

Here are some pictures :)

 The Colosseum

 Thumbs up, or thumbs down?

 Beautiful setting sun over the Roman Forum.  I call it Eden :)

 My best attempt at pensive and poised on the Spanish Steps

 The Colosseum in Matthew's eyes.  I've never seen something so magnificent.

Nautilus staircase in the Vatican

I took over 700 photos (because I'm a self-proclaimed shutterbug) and have many more if you would wish to peruse them.

When in Rome: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10100557653529721.2670938.7017274&type=3&l=695fecdf7c

Rome: A city of ruins, caesars, and hangovers: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10100557735585281.2670945.7017274&type=3&l=11faa224f4

Rome was a poem, pressed into service as a city: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10100557750066261.2670946.7017274&type=3&l=a56c6ce5b1

Hopefully it won't take me as long to write next time ;)

Cheers!

ps - i miss sarah flory!

Coldplay and Xmas

Matt and I went to see Coldplay in Frankfurt on Tuesday. It. Was. Phenomenal! Christmas came early :)



We have also spent a lot of time with the moms, taking them to Cmas markets and the like.






And don't forget cookies!



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Adopt a Turkey!

I still have to post a few things on our trip back home, but thought I'd take a moment to share a little something I posted on Veganista:

Ever wanted to pardon a turkey, but didn't have the funds to run for president?  Great news!  You can adopt one!

Last year, though I was, yes, a vegetarian, I bought a free-range Heritage turkey from a local farmer.  We were having family over and I felt it wouldn't be right not have turkey (then again - pilgrims didn't really have turkey at their feast!).  Any who, I couldn't even cook the thing, leaving it to my mother-in-law while I secretly cried in the bathroom.  The guilt!

I refused to ever have a turkey at my Thanksgiving ever again.  

This year, we are an ocean away from the United States, but that doesn't mean we won't be celebrating Thanksgiving.  I have SO many plans - vegan dishes, organic decorations.  But there is one thing that will never be on that list - turkey.

So, if you feel the same way I do about this, please consider adopting a turkey.  Just click HERE to go to Adopt A Turkey Project.  Save a life, build some karma, and have a feast for which you (and a certain cute creature) are especially thankful for.  

Do you really need a tryptophan (or as Matt says, tryptoleen, haha) induced nap?  Or the added calories and bulk a turkey brings?  Didn't think so.  Instead of spending that money on a dead turkey, why don't you protect a live one?  

Back Home

Matt and I just got back from a trip to the South. We have so many pictures to share, but first, here are some photos from Auburn.



Where we feel most at home - Toomer's Corner (corner of Magnolia and College) with our beloved ailing oaks.



Sarah and me outside of Jordan Hare.



War Eagle!
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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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