Sunday, October 19, 2008

Weirdos











Board Games

Cranium is a relatively popular board game nowadays and its no exaggeration by any sense that I'm quite horrible at it. I'm one of those that would rather sit on the sidelines and make fun of everyone doing what's on the cards. I had to post this because it was so good and clever. Forgive me for not knowing all the technical terms of the game but one of the cards asks every team playing to draw with their eyes closed. The clue was thing and we had to draw a toilet. Poor Lance doesn't even stand a chance when he's on my team, we always come in dead last. But Krystal is quite the artist, so much so that I had to take a picture. She drew this toilet and Matt had guessed it in seriously half a second, it was hilarious! He only guessed toilet because of the awesome action going on with the stick figure.

I think Michelle quickly learned I'm no good at this. Perhaps it's bored game instead of board game?

Josh is trying to act out Death Valley.

No explanation.

Halloween Extravaganza

Last night we went with several friends out to Hollywood to a Halloween Extravaganza put on by the local high school. We've never been before so we really didn't have any expectations but we knew there was a haunted house and that was reason enough to go. The price was a little misleading so we ended up paying more than double what we were prepared for. But we went on a haunted hay ride through the woods - it was awesome! I mean, I really don't get scared, every now and then I'm a little jumpy but not a whole lot. Well this got a good scream or two out of me! It was very well done with costumes, skits, lighting, music, pyrotechnics, creepy clowns jumping into the trailer, plenty of chain saws, etc. Oh man, it was awesome!

Afterward, we waited in line for about and hour and a half, yes, AN HOUR AND A HALF just to get into the haunted house. By the time we were up to the front, I was done. I was so tired of waiting and standing, I was hungry, I was exhausted from the day. But I must say, it was worth the wait. I mean this was no ordinary haunted house, they went to every extreme you could think of - dead girl on the bathroom floor while another girl washes in a tub of blood, a demented doctor eating the guts of his screaming patient, scary fingers crawling up your back to your neck (and I knew it wasn't Lance's fingers because he was in front of me), skeletons jumping out at us from the muddy swamp, a mental guy chasing us with a chain saw, etc. I mean, very well done, probably the best haunted house I've been to, ever!

Some pretty neat outdoor decorations.



Matt and Krystal were the only brave ones to go through the haunted house with us.....and wait in line for so long. Who's that guy in the middle?

Drayton Hall Plantation

For some reason summer decided to end and winter sneaked up on us overnight, it was FREEZING all day! Of course, in comparison to Idaho weather we were blessed with a nice fall Saturday, but seriously, it was really cold! Nonetheless, we didn't let that stop us from touring the Drayton Hall Plantation. Can I just say that I feel bad for people who live in Charleston and never take the chance to visit the plantations. It's sad, they're missing out on so much history and culture. With that said, this is our favorite plantation and we really enjoyed every bit of it.

John Drayton built his plantation in 1738 just off the Ashley River. He was raised on the Magnolia Plantation with a silver spoon in his mouth and eventually came to own 30 plantations, tens of thousands of slaves, and many, many other properties and mansions including those along East Bay St. His family was among the first settlers in Charles Town and this plantation is one of the largest and the only one that has completely survived all the wars, earthquakes, hurricanes, fires and military bombardment.
This is the privy. It obviously is not connected to the house but is much larger than most middle class home's back in the 1700's. You can see in the drawing below what it looked like inside. It was a seven seater, made of mahogany wood so all the guests would know of the wealth that the Drayton's had. Notice the little child's potty on the ends and even the back and arms rests for added comfort. I think the Drayton's brought new meaning to the phrase "party pooper."

We're getting cozy in the privy!

The following few pictures in the interior of the house are of the intricate detailed woodwork done by hand, mostly from slaves.


This is the grand double staircase. It was painted a bright red so that when guests entered they new a lot of money was spent on the stairs, red being the most expensive paint color. The actual hand rail was left unpainted so guests could see the Drayton's used mahogany wood.


This is the basement where the slaves did most of their work such as polishing the silver and ironing. As you can see it obviously is no where as lavish as the the other levels. Just a fireplace and few walls for separation.

Unfortunately, most of the other tourists in our group decided not to stop at the slave graveyard. It was unbelievable! They had about 30 known grave sites, only 8 of which were marked, but most of them you could see because the ground was so sunk in. It was astounding to see and since the weather was not cooperating that day, I couldn't really get a shot to show the depth perception. It was actually a very peaceful place, being several hundred yards away from the house in a little wooded area.

Archaeologists just started this excavation. This is the parking lot about 50 feet away from the slave graveyard. They've found remnants of bodies underneath the parking lot but since it was raining, it was all covered. It was very humbling to see this.

Friends and Food

We had an awesome chance to hang out with several friends Friday night. We have a missionary from California who's family owns a Mexican restaurant and he's been to culinary school. It was neat to have the missionaries over and have them cook for everyone instead of the other way around. Elder Redston, I'm beyond impressed! He made a Polynesian chicken dish with fresh ginger, pineapple, and rice while Matt and Krystal made their usual yummy spinach salad. Of course Matt and Debbie graciously hosted and provided most of everything, it was fantastic!

The head chef.

Matt and Krystal really love food.

Josh, I'm not quite sure if you're blowing on your chicken or serenading it?

Thanks so much Matt and Debbie!

Jewelry Class with Yours Truly

I was asked to teach a jewelry class for whomever in our ward would like to learn how. Of course I was ecstatic because this has become my new passion and after teaching a few classes several times, I'm finally getting the hang of being in the "teacher" mode. I thoroughly enjoyed myself all night teaching and helping everyone make their projects, fixing the broken or the not quite as attractive pieces, and all the girl chat and yummy food. I just want to give a shout out to Country Bumpkin. Yall will probably never read this but coming from the ladies, you are by far the best bead store in comparison with prices, customer service, how-to questions, and creative ideas. Thanks to every one and especially Dawn for hosting the night!

Girls Night

I had a girls night this week with my two best friends. Not just any girls night, but a sleep over! Yes that's right, we abandoned our kids and husbands and stayed in a hotel together, it was so much fun! We had a nice dinner and went down to the marina to take pictures, laugh, and chat and of course we stayed up way too late talking. It was such a blast and what a way to end with one last hoorah, as Trea just moved to Summerville and I'm moving in two weeks. It was awesome!

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Rush Hour

I work about seven miles away from home. It takes me 15 minutes to get to work, give or take a few minutes depending on how many and which traffic lights I get stuck at. For whatever reason, traffic last night was horrible. I mean bumper to bumper traffic and in every vehicle there were arms flying everywhere in disgust, hands (and head) hitting the steering wheel in protest and what's worse is there was no explanation. I never saw an accident or a vehicle obstructing the lanes, it was ridiculous. It took me 45 minutes to go 7 miles! Grrrrr!! I know, I don't have it nearly so bad as some people I know where it takes them 2 hours to go 40 miles. One thing I am definitely looking forward to in Twin Falls is the lack of traffic, and if there happens to be a little on Blue Lakes Blvd, at least its moving!

Saturday, October 11, 2008

Best of Broadway

The traveling Best of Broadway was in town yesterday and Lance and I bought tickets to Sweeney Todd. I have not seen the movie or any version of the play, nor did I even know the story. Therefore I had no expectations whatsoever other than I was curious as to what version of the story they would be playing. (I read about it on Wikipedia so I'd know what was going on and wouldn't be playing 20 Questions with Lance during the show).

The show was fantastic! It was very interesting and unique in that there were only 10 cast members who not only were characters but also the orchestra. It was intriguing to see them play their instruments and sing and act and switch around the set all at the same time. Honestly, where did they find people this talented? And they didn't stick to just one instrument per character, they switched throughout the entire play from cello to viola to tuba to flute to drums to the oboe and so on. I don't think I've ever seen that much talent on stage at any one given time, it was absolutely phenomenal! I've definitely got to get the music, it was just so awesome! After having a lengthy discussion afterwards just to ensure I understood what was going on and who was who, I really want to go see it again, or the movie. I cannot say enough good things about it, it was spectacular! Or should I say spook-tacular!

Question

Even though I've been blogging for several months, I still don't understand the pictures. After I post a picture from my files and you can click on it to enlarge it, how do I get it to not blow up super huge???

Friday, October 10, 2008

Scary Old Bag Lady or Chic?

When I got home this evening I realized I had finally admitted to myself that I have a shopping frenzy for something other than shoes. I admitted to myself many years ago that I was a shoe fanatic but this one snuck up and bit me on the heal. Confession: I have a problem with buying too many purses for my own use. Let me demonstrate with pictures.

Exhibit A: This is my current purse and it works for me because it has several pockets on the outside and in, and its also a neutral color. But can you see it's lifeless shape? And it isn't quite big enough to hold all of my things. Now, I don't like heavy purses so I really try to constrict what I carry around with me at all times. One necessity however is my camera, and on occasion an umbrella. See? Just dull and boring.

Exhibit B: When Lance's parents came to Charleston to visit us in March, we had to stop by the market because if I ever saw a shopaholic, that would be my sweet mother in-law. Which, works for me because I love the market and shopping altogether so she makes a perfect shopping buddy. I instantly fell in love for this rag quilt purse. It's raggedy you say? Well duh, it is a rag quilt purse but I like it because its unique with the different patches and patterns and there's so many Vera Bradley's out there (no offense, I love Vera Bradley) but this one was so unique, and my mother in-law must have seen my wanton eyes because she purchased it for me. Thanks again Donna!

Exhibit C: We went to a show in Myrtle Beach while Lance's parents were here and again, knowing Donna, we stopped at Broadway at the Beach to get our fill of shopping. When I saw this purse I instantly thought to myself, "Self, this purse is SO my mom! I should get it for Mothers Day. Come on, it's for a hip, young grandma of 8 and she will just die when she sees it!" Therefore, I purchased this purse, isn't it just so cute?! I love all the extra details like the stitching, the bow, all the vibrant colors, and it has little metal feet on the bottom that you can't see here. Well, I really love this purse and selfishness over came me. I decided to keep it for myself. In my defense, I haven't used it yet because I still might give it to my mom for Christmas. Maybe.

Exhibit D: A good friend of a good friend made this next purse for me. She was in town visiting our good friend so I was much obliged to meet her, especially after finding out that she made my good friend's purse. Is it horrible that I asked her to make one for me and I had just met her from out of town? I think I would probably fall under the "sketchy" category which I have since repented and must have been blessed because she did in fact make me this purse. It's reversible, and this dark bluish/teal has become my new favorite color. I love the colors and the vintage design (Amy Butler fabric by the way). I told her she seriously needs a blog or an eBay or Etsy account to sell these things because they are darling!
Exhibit E: Don't sit there and tell me this purse is not TO DIE FOR!! This one I definitely had no rhyme or reason to purchase because its a diaper bag and I don't eve have kids nor am I trying! I know I am SO lame but I love all the colors together. Notice, it also came with a make up/change/clutch sort of bag and one of those diaper changing pads/thingamajigs, whatever those are called. It has oodles of pockets inside and is actually much bigger than it looks. Confession, I did get this at the market as well, same booth as exhibit A. Another confession, not only have I given this purse designer lots of business but I bought one for my sister Christine and sister in-law, Trish. True, I don't see much of a paycheck and I can't say I help pay the bills too much because this purse designer has been given most of it. Gleefully, I'm going back to the market next week when my family comes and I'm desperately trying to have a little self discipline...but its so hard sometimes!

Exhibit F: Now these two purses I purchased today. You see, I had a few extra minutes on my lunch break and being the shoe gal that I am, decided to wander into Shoe Carnival. No of course I was smart enough not to indulge in a pair of shoes, but alas! I found this purse which coincidentally I have been eyeing for the past several months. Can you see the orange clearance sticker that says $16? I thought to myself nah, I don't want to see Lance's expression when he notices that I've bought yet, another handbag. But the lovely sales women pointed out the large sign above the rack that loudly declared CLEARANCE $5. Oh yes, $5 it is and knowing that Christmas is just around the corner, I purchased two of them. Two hand bags for $10? That my good friends, is a steal! I'm just waiting to see what Lance's expression will be when he finds out I not only bought one purse that I definitely don't need, but two.



This conclusion brings me to the question, am I ridiculously vain? Honestly, tell me what you think. Now, three of these pictured (even more sadly, they're not all pictured) I can give away as gifts. I know my sister in-laws very well and they'd be thrilled to receive them. But, there's a small selfish part of me that wants to hang on to them. Are purses like shoes, you can't have too many? Or am I completely over analyzing this altogether? You see some things like these last two purses that are identical, I didn't buy them just for the use of the merchandise. Bur rather, I really wanted the bargain. It thrills me inside when I have beat out the retail big whigs and I come home with a bag full of merchandise for only a tiny fraction of the price. Now that is satisfaction!

Childish?.......Nah!

I'm having a sleep over monday night with my two best Charleston friends, Crystal and Trea. Is that childish because I'm SO excited! They each have three kids and are in their early 30's, not quite sure why they hang out with me because I'm only 23 and I have no kids, but we get along so great and always have such a great time together! Somehow Crystal has a one night stay at a hotel downtown for free so the three of us are going to pack our little bags for the night, they're going to abandon their kids, and we're going to party!! I'm SO excited I haven't had a sleep over in years it's gonna be so awesome!!!! Childish or not, I'm bringing my fruity fuschia fingernail polish, a bag of chocolate chips, a gallon of moose tracks ice cream, a facial masque, a waxing kit, at least 3 chick flicks, soft and fuzzy warm pajamas, and all sorts of stories and gossip.
Have you seen the movie 13 Going On 30? This is just like that but opposite, where we're going back to our early teens wishing we had boobs to fill our bras (I'm still wishing), oogling over dreamy guys in magazines, trying to sing like Mariah Carey, and hoping to one day fall in love (although we've all found our perfect spouse and still oogle over them several years later).

Friday, October 3, 2008

Goals

Lance and I only have four weeks left until we move. Don't get me wrong, I'm not counting down by any means. But I am counting down the days until I get to quit my job. :) Our departure date is Nov. 3rd. Yes, I'm still very distraught and beside myself about leaving Charleston which is why I have certain goals that I'd like to accomplish before leaving. I mean, we're in the culture capitol of the country (in my opinion of all places I've visited/lived) and my only regret about leaving, are the "what ifs" or "why didn't we" of not taking more advantage of everything Charleston has to offer.

#1 We want to go to Myrtle Beach one last time. I want to stroll the little village streets of Broadway at the Beach, and I'd love to ride the paddle boats in the man-made lake (and possibly one more show? See goal #2).

#2 We want to go to one last show or concert. Being in a much larger city than Twin Falls we've had many opportunities to go to various shows, concerts, and plays. We've attended two broadway plays, two shows in Myrtle Beach, the Glen Beck Christmas Show, and several concerts of whom the singers are world renown i.e. Chanticleer, The Swingle Singers, The High Kings, etc. When we moved here we told ourselves that we'd make every sacrifice we could to attend as many shows as possible. In Twin Falls, we'd have to travel to SLC or Boise to go to a decent concert so we've definitely taken advantage of being closer to the arts. I've come to really fall in love with broadway plays. Given, we're not in NYC or London but there's a traveling group called the Best of Broadway that puts on shows in various cities. We've seen Evita (one of our favorites) and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat. Next week we're going to see the play Sweeney Todd and I can't wait!

#3 I want to fill our next house with all things Charleston so I'll always be reminded of the AWESOME friends we have here and the many, many things I've come to learn about Charleston and life in general. Therefore, I need to take many more trips to the market to do LOTS of shopping. (Now the real question is, where will I get money to do this)?

#4 One thing we definitely have not taken advantage of, is the beach. We're only 20 minutes away and we've gone swimming maybe twice this year? Pathetic! We have gone several times in the evening just to sit and talk with friends, so I'd like to take more of an opportunity of that while we're here and go at least five more times.

#5 With Lance's relatively new job as a carriage tour guide, he's gained so much knowledge about the history of Charleston and all the buildings downtown. Because he's permanently licensed, he and plus one (that would be me) gets into most everything for free. There are several other homes and plantations that we'd like to go through and see and learn as much as possible.

#6 One of our favorite things to do is ride the scooter downtown together at night and I'd like to go at least another five times. It's so relaxing! We like to leave about 11pm and walk along the battery or Colonial Lake. It's during this time that we've had some of the best conversations together. It's such a great reflective way to think of all we've been blessed with and ponder how good the Lord has been to us. Just to breathe in that salty ocean air and have the warm humidity and history around us is so invigorating!

#7 I'd like to go to the Biltmore Estate one last time. Even though this is a goal, my parents are coming to town the third week in October and we've already planned a second trip up to Asheville. It's the largest house in America and if any of you have not seen this place, it's an absolute MUST. So amazing!

#8 I'd like to do one last session in the Columbia, SC temple. It's been about two months since we quit working there and I'd really like to say good bye to all the wonderful friends we've made who live in GA, NC, and SC that travel to work in the temple. Truly their faith is amazing.

#9 Is not only a goal, it's a MUST. I must have one last girls night out. I love all the ladies in our ward who've become my best friends. Of all things I will miss of Charleston, it is them. They're my strength, my happiness, and my stress relievers.

#10 I love my calling in the young women's presidency, I love to teach. I am scheduled for one last lesson and I'm already preparing for it, it'll be a doosy. I will miss those girls so much, they're a blast!

Of course there are many more goals but this post is long enough. We just really love Charleston SO MUCH!! It breaks my heart just thinking about leaving and I won't say my good byes yet. I'm going to live up these last few weeks!