if you ask me. . .

these are the things that you should be looking into and at these days. you can thank me in the comments section.

Mumford and Sons. get their cd. i apologize in advance for the profanity, but despite the occasional cuss, the entire album is quite redemptive. and if you ask me, that matters.

The Price of Privilege by Madeline Levine. If you have kids, work with kids, hang out with teenagers, or grew up in an affluent or success driven family, you should read it. It's easy to get through, and very informative.

David Gray in concert. SO STINKIN GOOD. seriously, it was incredible. if you get the chance to go listen to him play - take it. you won't regret it. justin and i went to see him at the ryman (for justin's birthday) and it was the best birthday present i ever got him.

because i'm so scholarly

oh gracious, there is just SO much. i shall have to take it one piece at a time. The first piece? Thanks to holly (of a little seed, a little water blog) I wasted precious time on the internet finding this fabulous item:

it's a stamp! and i can put it in all my books! it's a cute, sweet way to say "don't steal my stuff." (anyone pick up the spoony luv reference? anyone? anyone?). all of a sudden i'm convinced that everyone needs a book stamp (or embosser if you're really fancy like my husband) that perfectly reflects their personality. btw, my choice between this one and a tree was difficult, but the fonts in this one total prevailed. you can find tons of fun book stamps on etsy.

happy birthday?

this is a book - like a coffee table book - that justin's dad sent him for his birthday. at least, i think that's why he sent it. it is exactly what it looks like. a book full of carrot-top kids. i will say that again: it is a book full of carrot-top kids. kids with red hair from every state. it is so weird, it is hilarious and particularly at home on this huge-A coffee table in this cozy little home of redheads.

i hope this isn't supposed to be a hint

ps - sorry it's sideways. i just tried, like, 4 ways to get it turned the right way, and even though it looks normal in EVERY OTHER application and location, every time it uploads it here, it's sideways. just turn your head to the side.

it's come to this.

obviously i've gotten SUPER serious about working out. why else would i be drinking this? i'll tell you why. because i always crave chocolate milk after i work out, and the guy at the desk convinced me that this would be really good for my muscles. with any luck, i'll be buff like my dad in no time.

last night we went to see Over the Rhine at Workplay and it was spectacular. it was so good that i kind of wanted to join the people behind us chanting "OTR forever!!!!" thanks to a really crowded workplay we shared a table with my new friend Sarah. in fact, it was a conversation i had with Sarah (between musical acts of course - we're not rude) that inspired my next list:

the person i wish i was. . .

- listens to NPR and understands, nay, enjoys it.

- is entirely comfortable going to a concert alone.

- enjoys records (like vinyl) more that recorded reality shows.

- reads, then uses what she has read to have intellectually stimulating conversation

- has her own pilates mat and attends regular classes

- cares less about her clothes and more about people

- siezes the day each morning with coffee, alone time and a run, bright and early, instead of clinging to her bed for as many minutes as possible.

- can articulate why certain moments are so funny

- is patient enough to find awesome crap in thrift stores.

let's be honest, that's a short list but its all i have time for. because the person i really am is late for tutoring.

the curse of the pale-skins

This is the sun. Yesterday he decided to return to Birmingham. I was so happy to see him that i spent all day outside. Now, my legs feel like fire. I wish my melanin would get with the program.

for the past 5 days, i've been sick. not quite go-to-the-dr-and-get-a-note kind of sick, more the just i-feel-bad-enough-to-be-whiney-and-annoying-in-public sick. i have a cough that seemed to really annoy the girl in front of me at sound of music. and my head consistently feels like its about to explode. so i've been taking drugs, whining to my husband and attempting to rest. when i do have an appetite i seem to be craving really fresh things, like this gem of a recipe from smitten kitchen. it is DE-LISH-US. Even Justin took a few bites then got himself a plate. it combines some of my old favorites: fresh green beans, arugula, corn - with my new favorite: pearled barley. SO GOOD i tell you. fresh, healthy and full of goodness. it was perfect for this sunny tease of a day.