Ever feel like you have a 100 different dreams for you life? I do. A few things I've been thinking about doing lately:
- become a tambourine player and join a band
- Open my senior project business: Get Organized
- Open a classy, fun women's underwear store in the neighborhood, name it something like Skivvies
- Open a build your own burrito/taco place in the neighborhood.
- Open Bryan's idea for a restaurant. Home.
- Quit my job and stay at home.
- Move to Europe
- Move to the beach
- Own a boat
- Operate a "burger barge"
- Cook more
Those are just a few. I don't consider this a bucket list, just my changing whims. But I'd like to really do at least a few of these.
Does anyone have any money they would like to invest?
Aug 22, 2010
Jul 23, 2010
Restaurant Review: The Villa
Bryan and I went out the other night and decided to try the Villa, what was once Le Chardonnay. We never went to Le Chardonnay, so we can't tell you how it has changed, but can offer a fresh view on a new restaurant in our neighborhood.
We live in the Tucker Jefferson neighborhood, just two blocks away from Overton Square. It was one of the main reasons for buying our house, the ability to walk just about anywhere we need, specifically some of our favorite restaurants.
Excited to try a new restaurant in our area, within walking distance, we walked into The Villa on Friday night. Maybe its been a while since we've been to Overton Square on a Friday, but it took us a long time to find a parking spot and it looked like all the restaurants had a wait.
When you walk into the Villa there is a sign greeting you at the door to see the bartender for a table. Its the first time I've seen a sign like that. I stood at the crowded bar for several minutes before someone even acknowledged me. She didn't even give me a guesstimate on how long it would be to get a table. We found a place at the bar to tide us over until we got a table.
It actually didn't take long to move to a table, 10-15 minutes. However, it appeared that the bartenders played hostess and waiter. I didn't see one employee that seemed like a real waiter/waitress. Everyone was a bartender/runner.
While our food was good, the service was awful. Its not the employee's faults... they are understaffed by at least two. It took a full hour to get food. We had to wait five minutes after receiving food to get silverware. We were never offered bread or appetizers... even though we saw other tables getting free bread.
The atmosphere is great, although rather loud. They could use a bit more fabric in the place relieve some of the loudness of the space. But otherwise a well decorated and appropriate.
Maybe we were there during their busiest time ever, or maybe that's just how it is. But the service was awful and I probably won't be back unless we hear the service has vastly improved.
We live in the Tucker Jefferson neighborhood, just two blocks away from Overton Square. It was one of the main reasons for buying our house, the ability to walk just about anywhere we need, specifically some of our favorite restaurants.
Excited to try a new restaurant in our area, within walking distance, we walked into The Villa on Friday night. Maybe its been a while since we've been to Overton Square on a Friday, but it took us a long time to find a parking spot and it looked like all the restaurants had a wait.
When you walk into the Villa there is a sign greeting you at the door to see the bartender for a table. Its the first time I've seen a sign like that. I stood at the crowded bar for several minutes before someone even acknowledged me. She didn't even give me a guesstimate on how long it would be to get a table. We found a place at the bar to tide us over until we got a table.
It actually didn't take long to move to a table, 10-15 minutes. However, it appeared that the bartenders played hostess and waiter. I didn't see one employee that seemed like a real waiter/waitress. Everyone was a bartender/runner.
While our food was good, the service was awful. Its not the employee's faults... they are understaffed by at least two. It took a full hour to get food. We had to wait five minutes after receiving food to get silverware. We were never offered bread or appetizers... even though we saw other tables getting free bread.
The atmosphere is great, although rather loud. They could use a bit more fabric in the place relieve some of the loudness of the space. But otherwise a well decorated and appropriate.
Maybe we were there during their busiest time ever, or maybe that's just how it is. But the service was awful and I probably won't be back unless we hear the service has vastly improved.
Jun 13, 2010
Recent News
Recent news in our lives:
1. I went to Minnesota for the first time ever.
This is as much as I saw of the city. But I met a ton of great people. And didn't hear one "dontchaknow", which I found very disappointing.
2. We have decided to go to Europe. First to travel and get a feel for it. If we decide we like it, we'll consider moving. We are focusing on Spain, Italy, and France. And will probably be traveling next February and/or March.
3. In lew of #2, I've decided not to buy more "stuff". We will be asking ourselves before any purchases, does this help us get to Europe?
4. Also in lew of #2 and #3, we're prefer money for any gift giving occasions in the next year.
5. I've got herbs! I need to do a whole seperate post on my little front stoop garden, but its now majorly hot outside and I can't bring myself to go out there.
6. We got Instant Netflix on Wii! The amount of time spent in front of the tv has now quadrupled. But we're mostly watching documentaries, so does that even count?
7. We took Bosco to the lake yesterday for a swim. She loved it. She also loved mud.
1. I went to Minnesota for the first time ever.
This is as much as I saw of the city. But I met a ton of great people. And didn't hear one "dontchaknow", which I found very disappointing.
2. We have decided to go to Europe. First to travel and get a feel for it. If we decide we like it, we'll consider moving. We are focusing on Spain, Italy, and France. And will probably be traveling next February and/or March.
3. In lew of #2, I've decided not to buy more "stuff". We will be asking ourselves before any purchases, does this help us get to Europe?
4. Also in lew of #2 and #3, we're prefer money for any gift giving occasions in the next year.
5. I've got herbs! I need to do a whole seperate post on my little front stoop garden, but its now majorly hot outside and I can't bring myself to go out there.
6. We got Instant Netflix on Wii! The amount of time spent in front of the tv has now quadrupled. But we're mostly watching documentaries, so does that even count?
7. We took Bosco to the lake yesterday for a swim. She loved it. She also loved mud.
May 31, 2010
Motley
Meet Motley.
Motley has made a full recovery and is out and about among the rest of the members of the family. She was quarantined to the bathroom for a few days at first while she was still healing.
She and Tigger get along well for the most part.
But Bosco is very eager to have a new playmate. She (Bosco) hasn't learned to be gentle yet. We were hoping since Motley has claws she could put her Bosco in her place, but Motley is reluctant to use her claws, which is good and bad depending on the case. Good: no shredded furniture, window treatments, or rugs. Bad: Bosco is still too rough with her.
It will take a few more weeks or months for everything to fall into a nice rhythm, but for now, we're all getting along well.
May 29, 2010
The Pantry
One of the things I love about our house is the large pantry. It was so much better than the zero storage we had at our first apartment. However, over the last year and a half that we've been in the house it has gotten a bit disheveled to say the least.
Pictures before:
So with a few days on my hands, I decided to tackle the pantry. It didn't take much time, one extra large garbage bag, and one trip to Target.
I started by taking everything out. Then I wiped and vacuumed the crummies. With everything out I could start with a blank slate and group like things together.
I even had some extra room to store a few small appliances!
I purchased a few media bins at Target and they were the perfect depth for the space. I put small things together in those. The lesser used items were put on a higher shelf.
The real trick will be keeping it this nice.
Pictures before:
So with a few days on my hands, I decided to tackle the pantry. It didn't take much time, one extra large garbage bag, and one trip to Target.
I started by taking everything out. Then I wiped and vacuumed the crummies. With everything out I could start with a blank slate and group like things together.
I even had some extra room to store a few small appliances!
I purchased a few media bins at Target and they were the perfect depth for the space. I put small things together in those. The lesser used items were put on a higher shelf.
The real trick will be keeping it this nice.
May 12, 2010
Our New Friend
We've actually had several new friends in our household. First, Henry Chapatoula, purple beta fish. Part of the decorations of my dear friend Allison's wedding. He has a lovely home in a blue bowl in the kitchen. Although he might be finding a new home soon.
The other night when the husband and I were headed out a small, motley looking cat came up to us mewing. It was so pathetic, yet so friendly. And much smaller than Tigger, our indoor kitty. He did not go away and I felt so bad for the little friend, I fed it. I know, roll your eyes, tell me how awful that is, whatever. I fed it. Its little and hurting and it needed help. I'd do the same for you and I'd hope you'd do the same for me.
Five days later, the cat is still around. I've called multiple societies and shelters, no one will take the little guy or girl. So I take matters into my own hands and take it to a vet.
I was initially worried about how I was going to catch a stray cat. Its been overly friendly (more friendly than our cat we've had for two years now), but you never know until you try to pick up a cat. I also wasn't sure if the cat was going to be around when I needed to round him/her to take it to the vet. But I came home and there it was laying in an empty pot. It mewed a hello to me as I opened the door to retrieve the cat carrier.
Cat carrier in hand, I picked it up and set it in the carrier. No problems. However, I had to listen to it howl for an hour. I never knew cats could make such noises.
An hour later, we have a girl. She has an absess that will need to be drained and a skin allergy. A couple hundred dollars and a few days, we will welcome home our latest addition, a spayed female kitty named Motley.
The other night when the husband and I were headed out a small, motley looking cat came up to us mewing. It was so pathetic, yet so friendly. And much smaller than Tigger, our indoor kitty. He did not go away and I felt so bad for the little friend, I fed it. I know, roll your eyes, tell me how awful that is, whatever. I fed it. Its little and hurting and it needed help. I'd do the same for you and I'd hope you'd do the same for me.
Five days later, the cat is still around. I've called multiple societies and shelters, no one will take the little guy or girl. So I take matters into my own hands and take it to a vet.
I was initially worried about how I was going to catch a stray cat. Its been overly friendly (more friendly than our cat we've had for two years now), but you never know until you try to pick up a cat. I also wasn't sure if the cat was going to be around when I needed to round him/her to take it to the vet. But I came home and there it was laying in an empty pot. It mewed a hello to me as I opened the door to retrieve the cat carrier.
Cat carrier in hand, I picked it up and set it in the carrier. No problems. However, I had to listen to it howl for an hour. I never knew cats could make such noises.
An hour later, we have a girl. She has an absess that will need to be drained and a skin allergy. A couple hundred dollars and a few days, we will welcome home our latest addition, a spayed female kitty named Motley.
Apr 19, 2010
Happy Anniversary
Today marks two blissful years of marriage. To commemorate the event we took a weekend getaway to Little Rock, Arkansas. While not a 5 star getaway, it was a very relaxing and fun weekend. We made it back to town aroun 1 pm and had a wonderful afternoon and evening hanging around hte house and patio listening to live music at Huey's Anniversary party a block away.
However, things took a turn for the worse around 12:45 this morning. The house alarm went off. Our house came with an alarm system from a previous owner. We have not activated it, but it beeps anytime a door or window opens. That is enough security for me... that and we have a very large, ferocious dog. So when we were awakened in the middle of the night by constant beeping for an alarm we don't know anything about, we were a bit muddled to say the least.
Bryan was the first to realize what was going on. I just thought it was beeping like when you come in to an armed house and believe I mumbled something about just hitting the button before becoming cognizant of what was actually happening. After Bryan being out of bed messing with it for a few minutes and the sustained beeping, I decided it was time to see what was going on.
For a good forty-five minutes I hit "Bypass" every 8 seconds while Bryan did his best to figure out what the hell was going on and how to stop the constant beeping before both ended up in a sanitorium.
Finally, after 45 minutes of confusion and frustration it stopped. Neither of us has a clue why or how, but it did and that was enough for us. Until exactly an hour later... just as I was finally beginning to fall back into a peaceful slumber, the beeping. Oh, the beeping! Bryan jumped up and hit the button. Peace was among us again. Until exactly an hour later! I'm not sure how long this went on, but around 4 something it decided to begin beeping every 5 minutes. Bryan left me for the couch so as not to disturb me when he jumped up. Somehow at this point the beeping didn't disturb me so much. I guess after 4 hours one becomes immune to constant beeping. Who knew? Probably some poor tortured prisoner. Around 5 or so, the beeping stopped. For what we hope is good.
To celebrate our actual anniversary our plans include sleeping. Going to bed early and sleeping. Not quite as exciting as Boston or the wedding, but we look forward to it very much.
UPDATE: The above was written while at work. When I got to my front door I could hear the beeping already. My way of dealing with it until the husband got home was sitting out back where I could barely hear it. While talking to said husband he convinced me to try a combination of buttons which immedately set off the alarm alarm and a steady beep. Bosco, my guard dog, and I are sitting out front now making sure the police don't show up or something. Please send help! Constant beep + alarm is NOT FUN!
However, things took a turn for the worse around 12:45 this morning. The house alarm went off. Our house came with an alarm system from a previous owner. We have not activated it, but it beeps anytime a door or window opens. That is enough security for me... that and we have a very large, ferocious dog. So when we were awakened in the middle of the night by constant beeping for an alarm we don't know anything about, we were a bit muddled to say the least.
Bryan was the first to realize what was going on. I just thought it was beeping like when you come in to an armed house and believe I mumbled something about just hitting the button before becoming cognizant of what was actually happening. After Bryan being out of bed messing with it for a few minutes and the sustained beeping, I decided it was time to see what was going on.
For a good forty-five minutes I hit "Bypass" every 8 seconds while Bryan did his best to figure out what the hell was going on and how to stop the constant beeping before both ended up in a sanitorium.
Finally, after 45 minutes of confusion and frustration it stopped. Neither of us has a clue why or how, but it did and that was enough for us. Until exactly an hour later... just as I was finally beginning to fall back into a peaceful slumber, the beeping. Oh, the beeping! Bryan jumped up and hit the button. Peace was among us again. Until exactly an hour later! I'm not sure how long this went on, but around 4 something it decided to begin beeping every 5 minutes. Bryan left me for the couch so as not to disturb me when he jumped up. Somehow at this point the beeping didn't disturb me so much. I guess after 4 hours one becomes immune to constant beeping. Who knew? Probably some poor tortured prisoner. Around 5 or so, the beeping stopped. For what we hope is good.
To celebrate our actual anniversary our plans include sleeping. Going to bed early and sleeping. Not quite as exciting as Boston or the wedding, but we look forward to it very much.
UPDATE: The above was written while at work. When I got to my front door I could hear the beeping already. My way of dealing with it until the husband got home was sitting out back where I could barely hear it. While talking to said husband he convinced me to try a combination of buttons which immedately set off the alarm alarm and a steady beep. Bosco, my guard dog, and I are sitting out front now making sure the police don't show up or something. Please send help! Constant beep + alarm is NOT FUN!
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