Re "tie" erd

Tomorrow officially marks the end of several things here in Auburn for me.  First of all, the current Master's students will fulfill their final requirement before graduation by presenting their Capstone Projects (equivalent to defending a Thesis) during a day long seminar.  Secondly, by attending these presentations, it will wrap up my last commitment to the program before leaving for Kansas.  And lastly, it will likely be the final time I will be able to sport this snazzy getup:

Everything is ending/transitioning/beginning so quickly!  Whoa...

---AB

Toomer's Corner

As I have been driving through certain parts of Auburn over the past couple of days, some sites are already evoking feelings of nostalgia...  Crossing over the intersection of Magnolia and College today, I looked out at the Oaks on Toomer's Corner and had a sinking feeling as their imminent fate was even more so apparent.

I'm not sure if you're aware of this corner's 130 year tradition or of the recent drama surrounding it, but this place has been the epicenter of celebration for decades and as evidence by the blockades guarding the base of the old oaks and the sickly branches stemming from the trunk, it's future looks grim.  (Although, I did just receive an email from the University stating that they will allow for individuals to "roll" Toomer's Corner after football victories this season.  Yay!)

Some of my best Auburn memories were made at this site.  (sigh).

---AB

Momma Knows Best

This afternoon's heat index of 104 degrees had me searching for a food joint where I could seek refuge from the sun and cool down with an ice cold sweet tea and small snack.  Without hesitation I proceeded to head to one of my favorite retreats over the past 3 years -  Momma Goldberg's Deli .  Home of the famous "Momma's Love" sandwich and some of the best sweet tea on the southern plains, this deli offers up one of the most unique and delicious snacks I have ever had the pleasure of enjoying.  Never to be imitated nor replicated and always to be appreciated, I introduce you to "Momma's Nachos" :

Allow me to describe the wonder that is pictured above.  They take a snack size bag of Nacho Cheese Doritos, place them on a sheet of foil (pictured), toss on a handful of Jalapeño slices, cover in pepperjack cheese squares, and place in a Nacho Steamer (actual picture from MGD) for several seconds, and then you get this tasty treat...  Accompanied by a refreshing sweet tea and this dynamic duo is a match made in snack heaven.

YUM!

Hope you babes enjoy this post as much as I enjoyed eating it :)

---AB

Maxin' & Relaxin'

No better way to deal with the steamy, sticky, and sweaty afternoon in the south than with a lazy dip in a luke warm pool.

"Aaahhhhhhhh....... So serene."

I was determined to begin my vacation poolside and to document that, yes, every once in a while, I do find time to rest and relax.

---AB

Birth of an IDEA (well sort of...)

In order to give this blog and our idea a little more context, here is the TED Talk by Matt Cutts that it derived from:

His idea to "Try Something New for 30 Days" was inspirational and it encouraged me to begin thinking about ways that I could start to experience life through a different and even more appreciative lens.  Kathryn, Dana and I began discussing ideas for following through with one of these "Challenges" and the idea of this blog was born.

In addition to just completing these really radical monthly "Challenges", I believe that this project will help to promote the following:

1)  An increase in daily awareness
2)  A focus on and appreciation of life's simple wonders
3)  Personal growth in the area of commitment
4)  Formation of good habits / Elimination of bad habits
5)  Social relationships that serve as an audience as well as a support

So, we began developing an initial list of challenge ideas (the list is awesome) and decided that we will start off our first "30-Day Challenge" on Monday, August 1, 2011.  The Challenge, you ask?

Challenge 1:  Take a Photo a Day (August 2011)

I'm really looking forward to this one.  See you mamas on Monday.

--- A