I received this earlier today. Since, the holiday season is approaching like a freight train, I thought I'd share! Happy shopping to all!
Give and Get is Here!: "Enjoy 30% off from November 11-14 at Gap, Banana Republic and Old Navy plus we'll make a 5% donation to a non-profit."
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Worst...or Best (?) Pick-up Line
This happened a few months ago, but the incident popped into my head and gave me a laugh, so I thought I'd share.
I went to establish a memebership at a local college's recreation center. Since, I am an alumni, I receive a huge discount and the facility is extremely nice. I just wanted a place where I could swim through the winter. When I went to the recreation services office, I made it just before closing. The lady, who I spoke with several times on the phone, had already left for the day. The director of the department, who was a man, was there instead. Immediately, he told me that I looked familiar and asked if we had met before. I politely told him, "no," but offered some ways, in which we might have seen each other around town. Did he cycle? No. Did he run? Yes. Well, that might be it...at that time, all I did was run, bike and swim, in preparation for my triathlon. He said that he did triathlons. Well, his mouth said that, his body said the only triathlons that he did was eat, drink and run to the bathroom when he had too much Mexican food. But, I digress.
We moved on to my membership. He told me that if I was an alumni, I received a year free! The lady on the phone told me one month free for being an alumni, as well, as a monthly discount. I was estatic! Being a girl has its advantages sometimes. Then he went back to, "you look so familiar." Ok, I thought we'd covered this. But the man just gave me a year free membership, so again, I'm trying to help him out. I have a large family, maybe you know one of my siblings? People say we look alike. Did you go to U of M? No, turns out he *just* moved to Memphis two weeks ago from NYC. Two weeks?? Why was I wasting my time trying to help him figure out how he knew me?
After he told me that he'd only been in town for two weeks, again he started with the looking familiar crap. THEN, he said, "are you on any internet dating sites?" Uh-huh, now, the truth comes out. Lame. Negatory on that one, "Mr. You Look Familiar."
So, if I were on internet dating sites and said "yes," wouldn't it have been the perfect "in" for him to ask for a date? What do you think? Anyone have some horrible pick up lines thrown their way?
I went to establish a memebership at a local college's recreation center. Since, I am an alumni, I receive a huge discount and the facility is extremely nice. I just wanted a place where I could swim through the winter. When I went to the recreation services office, I made it just before closing. The lady, who I spoke with several times on the phone, had already left for the day. The director of the department, who was a man, was there instead. Immediately, he told me that I looked familiar and asked if we had met before. I politely told him, "no," but offered some ways, in which we might have seen each other around town. Did he cycle? No. Did he run? Yes. Well, that might be it...at that time, all I did was run, bike and swim, in preparation for my triathlon. He said that he did triathlons. Well, his mouth said that, his body said the only triathlons that he did was eat, drink and run to the bathroom when he had too much Mexican food. But, I digress.
We moved on to my membership. He told me that if I was an alumni, I received a year free! The lady on the phone told me one month free for being an alumni, as well, as a monthly discount. I was estatic! Being a girl has its advantages sometimes. Then he went back to, "you look so familiar." Ok, I thought we'd covered this. But the man just gave me a year free membership, so again, I'm trying to help him out. I have a large family, maybe you know one of my siblings? People say we look alike. Did you go to U of M? No, turns out he *just* moved to Memphis two weeks ago from NYC. Two weeks?? Why was I wasting my time trying to help him figure out how he knew me?
After he told me that he'd only been in town for two weeks, again he started with the looking familiar crap. THEN, he said, "are you on any internet dating sites?" Uh-huh, now, the truth comes out. Lame. Negatory on that one, "Mr. You Look Familiar."
So, if I were on internet dating sites and said "yes," wouldn't it have been the perfect "in" for him to ask for a date? What do you think? Anyone have some horrible pick up lines thrown their way?
Monday, October 18, 2010
The Month of All Things Pink
Since, this month is breast cancer awareness month, Susan G. Komen's signature pink has found its way into so many consumer products. The foundation's pink ribbons have expanded to pink shirts, caps, back packs, and even store grocery bags. It's absolutely amazing how much support the foundation, as well as, the entire month of October, receives.
On my last grocery shopping trip, here's how I was greeted at the check out line (ok, I acknowledge that it's not the best quality, but I was trying not to delay the line too much. cut me some slack):
How can this not make you smile? How? This lady made my day! After a long, stressful day, this lady (inadvertently) reminded me that life shouldn't be taken too seriously.
I hope that, sooner rather than later, there is a cure for this awful disease. In the meantime, keep showing your fun style, Memphis!
On my last grocery shopping trip, here's how I was greeted at the check out line (ok, I acknowledge that it's not the best quality, but I was trying not to delay the line too much. cut me some slack):
How can this not make you smile? How? This lady made my day! After a long, stressful day, this lady (inadvertently) reminded me that life shouldn't be taken too seriously.
I hope that, sooner rather than later, there is a cure for this awful disease. In the meantime, keep showing your fun style, Memphis!
Monday, September 13, 2010
The Climb to my Birthday!
As you know, a lot has happened in the past few months. The most important thing that happened is...ready for it? MY BIRTHDAY! Martie, what ever did you do for your birthday, you might ask. Well, let me show you. :-)
Learning all about rock climbing gear!
Just a hilarious shot! SNL (aka, Sarah) using Tom to balance as she puts on her rock climbing shoes. By the way, rock climbing shoes are the most uncomfortable shoes I've ever put on my feet. And they're not cute either. I'll put up with throbbing foot pain for the sake of fashion, but this went against everything I believe in. Yes, I wanted to go rock climbing THAT much!
Finally getting to climb. Gosh, the harness is just as flattering as the shoes are!
SNL and Tom give it a go. Tom took off like a rocket. So unfair!
SNL on the descent.
Dave, showing he can be like a spider and make it to the top, too!
The experience was a great one. Our instructor sprinkled the lessons with real life climbing stories. Some did not end well, as to "drive the point home" about the importance of reliable gear and pre-climb checks. I'm so glad that Outdoors, Inc. has rock climbing classes. After completing the class, people can use the rock climbing wall on their own. After all the stories, I think I'm going to stick to indoor walls with kooshy mats to break any falls. :-) I think using the wall at Outdoors (in Cordova) is something like $5.00 an hour. Not much to pay for some fun and challenging exercise.
Learning all about rock climbing gear!
Just a hilarious shot! SNL (aka, Sarah) using Tom to balance as she puts on her rock climbing shoes. By the way, rock climbing shoes are the most uncomfortable shoes I've ever put on my feet. And they're not cute either. I'll put up with throbbing foot pain for the sake of fashion, but this went against everything I believe in. Yes, I wanted to go rock climbing THAT much!
Finally getting to climb. Gosh, the harness is just as flattering as the shoes are!
SNL and Tom give it a go. Tom took off like a rocket. So unfair!
SNL on the descent.
Dave, showing he can be like a spider and make it to the top, too!
The experience was a great one. Our instructor sprinkled the lessons with real life climbing stories. Some did not end well, as to "drive the point home" about the importance of reliable gear and pre-climb checks. I'm so glad that Outdoors, Inc. has rock climbing classes. After completing the class, people can use the rock climbing wall on their own. After all the stories, I think I'm going to stick to indoor walls with kooshy mats to break any falls. :-) I think using the wall at Outdoors (in Cordova) is something like $5.00 an hour. Not much to pay for some fun and challenging exercise.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Well, Hello!
It seems I've been on a hiatus. Ok, I cancelled my home internet connection. I'm at "Charbucks" as we speak. All hail for free internet!! Now, if I could just stop with renting so many "on demand" movies (not the free variety, of course), maybe, just maybe, my cable bill won't be so scary.
For ages now, I've been wanting to really challenge myself, physically. Working out is a HUGE bore. Running is torture, but I do it because I love to eat. Anyway, after wondering if I could do it...and convincing myself I couldn't, I decided to prove myself wrong and participate in a triathlon! Trying to finish a 1/2 mile swim without drowning was my biggest fear. Shockingly, though, my body adjusted easiest to the swim training. Ok, so, I'm not a fast swimmer, but each day, the distance and time was easier than the last!
August 1st, I completed my challenge. It. Was. Awesome. I've definitely have the "bug" now! I think I, literally, swallowed it along the course. Oh, and on the run, it swarmed around my head for a good quarter of a mile.
It was a "dock" start. We all went into the water in 3 second intervals! No mad dash into the water.
Finishing the very hilly 23 mile bike part of the course.
Almost there...I can smell the bbq!
Overall, I was super slow, but steady. There were about 175 participants and the volunteers were wonderful. It was such a perfect introduction to triathlon racing. I'm looking very forward to next year's season. Watch. Out.
For ages now, I've been wanting to really challenge myself, physically. Working out is a HUGE bore. Running is torture, but I do it because I love to eat. Anyway, after wondering if I could do it...and convincing myself I couldn't, I decided to prove myself wrong and participate in a triathlon! Trying to finish a 1/2 mile swim without drowning was my biggest fear. Shockingly, though, my body adjusted easiest to the swim training. Ok, so, I'm not a fast swimmer, but each day, the distance and time was easier than the last!
August 1st, I completed my challenge. It. Was. Awesome. I've definitely have the "bug" now! I think I, literally, swallowed it along the course. Oh, and on the run, it swarmed around my head for a good quarter of a mile.
It was a "dock" start. We all went into the water in 3 second intervals! No mad dash into the water.
Finishing the very hilly 23 mile bike part of the course.
Almost there...I can smell the bbq!
Overall, I was super slow, but steady. There were about 175 participants and the volunteers were wonderful. It was such a perfect introduction to triathlon racing. I'm looking very forward to next year's season. Watch. Out.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Celebrity Snubbings!
So, anyone who knows me, knows that I love, love, love…LOVE comedy. Just like the “beat goes on,” so does my list of favorite comedians. When I received the Zanies (Nashville) flyer showing Tracy Morgan on the schedule, you could say that I was all a-flutter. You would also be making a cosmic understatement. I immediately made plans to go to the show, even though, I had other obligations in Memphis that weekend. No problem…I’d try and leave work early on Friday, then drive back Saturday, early afternoon. Nashville is only about 3 or 3 ½ hour’s drive, however, I seem to ALWAYS find bumper-to-bumper traffic at some point along the way. So, at least one leg of the trip ALWAYS takes more like 5 hours.
My friend was keen on making a quick trip to see Tracy Morgan, then drive back. She had a hot date on Saturday night. Let’s face it, my friends and I do have our priorities in order. Comedy first, then hot dates. :-)
So, Friday morning began to set the tone for the rest of the day; last minute packing; busy at work – would I even be able to leave on time? When I finally picked up my friend and we were on our way, I breathed a sigh of relief…too soon. Bumper to bumper traffic on the interstate AND we weren’t even out of Memphis yet. No worries. Luckily, I was right beside an exit…well, two lanes over. So I inched my way over to the exit ramp (thank you truckers who let me over) and skipped the portion of the interstate that was grid locked. We actually made the trip in really good time.
We stayed at Hotel Indigo, which is really nice, but the lighting in the room is much to be desired. Especially, if one intends on applying make –up…which we did. The front desk guy, Bag (I swear that’s what his name tag said), laughed the entire time he was checking us in. Okay, so my friends and I are goofy, but I didn’t think we were THAT funny. Bag asked if we wanted one or two queen sized beds. My friend immediately said, “two”…then turned to me and said, “unless you want to spoon.” To which I replied, “it has been a long time, but no thanks, I’m good.” Bag could not stop giggling.
On our way to Zanies! We're big pimpin' in the hotel's "shuttle!"
Off to the show we went. We arrived at Zanies super early so that we could get seats close to the stage. Maybe Tracy Morgan would razz us. We were able to get seats pretty close to the stage. Score! We ordered drinks and appetizers as we waited for show time to arrive. When the first warm up comedian took the stage, I figured it would be a good time to use the restroom. I certainly didn’t want to miss any of Tracy Morgan’s set. When I walked out of the bathroom door, into the cul-de-sac that was the hallway to the restroom, who was standing there looking at the photos of comedians hanging on the wall? TRACY freakin' MORGAN! I had to walk past him to leave the bathroom area & get back to my seat. If I didn’t say something to him, I knew that I would mentally kick myself for the rest of my life. So, as I walked passed him, I lightly touched his arm and said, “Tracy Morgan, I’m so excited that you’re here!” He looked at me with a blank look and looked back at the photo’s hanging on the wall. No, “thanks”…no, “screw you”…nothing. So, I just smiled and walked off.
That experience might have skewed my view of the show, but I really don’t think it did. When Tracy Morgan took the stage, immediately, we all thought he was wearing a woman’s shirt. It was the long sleeved type of shirt that has the fabric tag & button so that you can roll up the sleeves and fasten the tag to the button to make it into quarter sleeves. And he did have the sleeves rolled to quarter length. Soon, it became evident that he was not drunk, but not sober. That said, in his defense of the earlier "snubbing," it's quite possible that he thought I was a really tall illusion.
Well, whatever…as long as he’s funny, right? Funny, yes. Utterly vile and disgusting, very. Now, don’t get me wrong, I like gross/dirty comedy, as long as it’s funny, but Mr. Morgan kinda went over the line…A LOT. One of his jokes was about ordering off of the expensive (lobster/steaks, etc.) side of the menu. He warns his date that “That’s the three finger side of the menu. Three finger minimum." I won’t tell you what is done with those three fingers. Let’s just say, it made me dry heave. He also talks about running red lights…and he’s not talking about driving…
Yeah, it was dirty, he wasn’t a gracious celebrity, but it was still fun. But…the night didn’t end with the show. Afterward, there were more drinks to be had, arguments with idiots who want to discuss politics and Christianity, but only have one line of reasoning (literally) and who just keeps repeating that one line, until the other person gets frustrated and gives up. Then (almost) strangers thinking it is okay to smack someone else’s butt in public.
Having fun after the show...even after the "butt smacking" incident.
On the way home, of course, we ran into bumper to bumper traffic…in true "Martie" fashion, the trip took close to 5hrs. Was it worth it? Hands down, YES! I got a story out of the whole ordeal, didn’t I?
My friend was keen on making a quick trip to see Tracy Morgan, then drive back. She had a hot date on Saturday night. Let’s face it, my friends and I do have our priorities in order. Comedy first, then hot dates. :-)
So, Friday morning began to set the tone for the rest of the day; last minute packing; busy at work – would I even be able to leave on time? When I finally picked up my friend and we were on our way, I breathed a sigh of relief…too soon. Bumper to bumper traffic on the interstate AND we weren’t even out of Memphis yet. No worries. Luckily, I was right beside an exit…well, two lanes over. So I inched my way over to the exit ramp (thank you truckers who let me over) and skipped the portion of the interstate that was grid locked. We actually made the trip in really good time.
We stayed at Hotel Indigo, which is really nice, but the lighting in the room is much to be desired. Especially, if one intends on applying make –up…which we did. The front desk guy, Bag (I swear that’s what his name tag said), laughed the entire time he was checking us in. Okay, so my friends and I are goofy, but I didn’t think we were THAT funny. Bag asked if we wanted one or two queen sized beds. My friend immediately said, “two”…then turned to me and said, “unless you want to spoon.” To which I replied, “it has been a long time, but no thanks, I’m good.” Bag could not stop giggling.
On our way to Zanies! We're big pimpin' in the hotel's "shuttle!"
Off to the show we went. We arrived at Zanies super early so that we could get seats close to the stage. Maybe Tracy Morgan would razz us. We were able to get seats pretty close to the stage. Score! We ordered drinks and appetizers as we waited for show time to arrive. When the first warm up comedian took the stage, I figured it would be a good time to use the restroom. I certainly didn’t want to miss any of Tracy Morgan’s set. When I walked out of the bathroom door, into the cul-de-sac that was the hallway to the restroom, who was standing there looking at the photos of comedians hanging on the wall? TRACY freakin' MORGAN! I had to walk past him to leave the bathroom area & get back to my seat. If I didn’t say something to him, I knew that I would mentally kick myself for the rest of my life. So, as I walked passed him, I lightly touched his arm and said, “Tracy Morgan, I’m so excited that you’re here!” He looked at me with a blank look and looked back at the photo’s hanging on the wall. No, “thanks”…no, “screw you”…nothing. So, I just smiled and walked off.
That experience might have skewed my view of the show, but I really don’t think it did. When Tracy Morgan took the stage, immediately, we all thought he was wearing a woman’s shirt. It was the long sleeved type of shirt that has the fabric tag & button so that you can roll up the sleeves and fasten the tag to the button to make it into quarter sleeves. And he did have the sleeves rolled to quarter length. Soon, it became evident that he was not drunk, but not sober. That said, in his defense of the earlier "snubbing," it's quite possible that he thought I was a really tall illusion.
Well, whatever…as long as he’s funny, right? Funny, yes. Utterly vile and disgusting, very. Now, don’t get me wrong, I like gross/dirty comedy, as long as it’s funny, but Mr. Morgan kinda went over the line…A LOT. One of his jokes was about ordering off of the expensive (lobster/steaks, etc.) side of the menu. He warns his date that “That’s the three finger side of the menu. Three finger minimum." I won’t tell you what is done with those three fingers. Let’s just say, it made me dry heave. He also talks about running red lights…and he’s not talking about driving…
Yeah, it was dirty, he wasn’t a gracious celebrity, but it was still fun. But…the night didn’t end with the show. Afterward, there were more drinks to be had, arguments with idiots who want to discuss politics and Christianity, but only have one line of reasoning (literally) and who just keeps repeating that one line, until the other person gets frustrated and gives up. Then (almost) strangers thinking it is okay to smack someone else’s butt in public.
Having fun after the show...even after the "butt smacking" incident.
On the way home, of course, we ran into bumper to bumper traffic…in true "Martie" fashion, the trip took close to 5hrs. Was it worth it? Hands down, YES! I got a story out of the whole ordeal, didn’t I?
Friday, June 25, 2010
More Bicycling Weekends!
What, at the time seemed like the hottest day, so far (until the next day), was also the day of the 20, 40 or 60 mile bike ride to benefit Juvenile Diabete's Research. My friend and I decided on the 40 miler. Me on my steel framed 35 lb+ mountain bike, "Big Bertha" and her on her lighter hybrid bike. Here we are bright eyed and busy tailed. The temperature was only about 85 degrees at this point...8:00am.
At each 10 mile marker, there was a "SAG" station. I believe it stands for Service and Gear, or something like that. It's a place to refresh on fluids and eat some fruit or carbs...or both! We survived the first 30 miles and were even still smiling. Along the way, we met a lady, wearing a Betty Boop cycling shirt. She was a complete riot. And not just because of the shirt. At the mile 30 SAG station, we asked her if we could take a picture of with her in her Betty Boop shirt. Well, she thought we wanted to take a picture IN her Betty Boop shirt and said, "do you want me to take it off." As you can see, after a slight laughing fit, we explained to her that we did not want to wear her stinky, sweaty shirt, but wanted her to be in a picture with us!
After leaving the 30 mile SAG station, the wind, heat and lack of shade was really beginning to catch up with me. Not to mention lugging Bertha up all the hills that they seemed to save until the end! Needless to say, we did NOT take any "after photos." The fact that we survived was enough. By the time we finished, the temperature was 97 degrees!
The next weekend, our casual, fun group ride headed downtown for a stop at the Memphis Farmers Market. Since, the heat index has been close to and into the 100's pretty consistently, we decided to start at 7:30 am, instead of our usual, 9:00 am start. What a difference an hour and a half makes! The market was buzzing with activity and the booths were stocked. Normally, I arrive at 11:00 am, when it's all "slim pickin's"
If you haven't had the opportunity to make it to the Farmer's Market, definitely get there before the season ends! It's well worth it, but arrive early for the best selection.
At each 10 mile marker, there was a "SAG" station. I believe it stands for Service and Gear, or something like that. It's a place to refresh on fluids and eat some fruit or carbs...or both! We survived the first 30 miles and were even still smiling. Along the way, we met a lady, wearing a Betty Boop cycling shirt. She was a complete riot. And not just because of the shirt. At the mile 30 SAG station, we asked her if we could take a picture of with her in her Betty Boop shirt. Well, she thought we wanted to take a picture IN her Betty Boop shirt and said, "do you want me to take it off." As you can see, after a slight laughing fit, we explained to her that we did not want to wear her stinky, sweaty shirt, but wanted her to be in a picture with us!
After leaving the 30 mile SAG station, the wind, heat and lack of shade was really beginning to catch up with me. Not to mention lugging Bertha up all the hills that they seemed to save until the end! Needless to say, we did NOT take any "after photos." The fact that we survived was enough. By the time we finished, the temperature was 97 degrees!
The next weekend, our casual, fun group ride headed downtown for a stop at the Memphis Farmers Market. Since, the heat index has been close to and into the 100's pretty consistently, we decided to start at 7:30 am, instead of our usual, 9:00 am start. What a difference an hour and a half makes! The market was buzzing with activity and the booths were stocked. Normally, I arrive at 11:00 am, when it's all "slim pickin's"
If you haven't had the opportunity to make it to the Farmer's Market, definitely get there before the season ends! It's well worth it, but arrive early for the best selection.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Discovering New Places
One of this weekend's cycling expeditions started in Midtown. We made our way downtown and stopped of at Bluff City Coffee Shop, on South Main, for a refuel of light snacks and caffeine!
We then made our way to Harbortown. I had the opportunity to climb the Auction St. Bridge for the first time on my bike. It was even much harder than I anticipated. Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures to show the severe steepness of the bridge. I was too busy peddling! After biking through Harbortown, we rode down Second St. for the trek back to Midtown. Along the way, we noticed the house that was once a slave haven and stop on the Underground Railroad. I knew it was somewhere close to Second St., but never saw it before. It's amazing the new places (right under your nose) that you discover atop a bicycle!
We didn't have time to walk through the museum, but did take a breather long enough to pose for a couple of pictures.
Until Monday (which was a whopping 22 miles), this was my longest ride yet - 18 miles! But aside from that accomplishment, it was so much fun. Can't wait for future discoveries!
We then made our way to Harbortown. I had the opportunity to climb the Auction St. Bridge for the first time on my bike. It was even much harder than I anticipated. Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures to show the severe steepness of the bridge. I was too busy peddling! After biking through Harbortown, we rode down Second St. for the trek back to Midtown. Along the way, we noticed the house that was once a slave haven and stop on the Underground Railroad. I knew it was somewhere close to Second St., but never saw it before. It's amazing the new places (right under your nose) that you discover atop a bicycle!
We didn't have time to walk through the museum, but did take a breather long enough to pose for a couple of pictures.
Until Monday (which was a whopping 22 miles), this was my longest ride yet - 18 miles! But aside from that accomplishment, it was so much fun. Can't wait for future discoveries!
Friday, May 28, 2010
Five Senses Friday
Seeing - In honor of bicycle month and, especially, bike to work day:
Tasting - As the days get hotter, stawberry ice cream cravings are more frequent!
Feeling - Content and grateful to spend the holidays with family and friends.
Hearing - Comedy by Megan Mooney!
Smelling - One of my new favorite scents; Banana Republic's "Republic of Women" perfume
Happy Friday to all, and to all, a wonderful Memorial Day weekend!
Tasting - As the days get hotter, stawberry ice cream cravings are more frequent!
Feeling - Content and grateful to spend the holidays with family and friends.
Hearing - Comedy by Megan Mooney!
Smelling - One of my new favorite scents; Banana Republic's "Republic of Women" perfume
Happy Friday to all, and to all, a wonderful Memorial Day weekend!
Sunday, May 23, 2010
It's All a Blur
This weekend was fun filled, but quite busy. As soon as I get a chance to stop and smell the pollen, I realized that the weekend's almost over. It's a conspiracy, I tell you, a conspiracy. Monday's definitely in on it...
The weekend kicked off with my volunteering at the Brooks Museum for the annual "Bicycle Film Festival." One of my fan club members showed up - but that's a different story. He's not only a member, he's the President. :-) It was such a great event. Memphis had a cycle to B.F.F. meeting point at Court Square downtown. Early in the evening, there was a wave of cyclists approaching the museum. It was pretty cool to see. Some bikes and cyclists were especially fun to watch.
The most creative bike of the night, definitely went to this guy. You can't make it out, but the neon lights of his bike say, "Burn Fat, Not Oil." Love it.
After volunteering ended, I was able to stay and catch some of the movies. A few of my favorites included the Scraper Bike King. I was able to find some youtube stuff:
Here's a clip from the movie:
The rap theme:
Saturday, a couple of my friends and I biked to one of my favorite places on earth (second to Paris), Stax Museum.
The ride wasn't as bad as I thought it might be. The roads were good and only one car, that I remember, passed us really closely. The museum...it was awesome, as usual.
Me with my friends, Robert and Trina. How fly would my bike look as a scraper bike? Yeah, I want one.
Trina and me (aka, Miracle Grow)
The funniest thing, that I don't have pictures of, was the group of 14 Asian tourists who wanted pictures posing with us and our bikes...one at a time. They were so hilarious.
When I got home, I had a message from one of friends from college. She was going to be in Memphis participating in her first triathlon: the Memphis in May Triathlon. So, this morning, I made my way to Millington just in time to cheer her on as she approached the finish line.
Here she is afterward...still smiling. I was hot and tired just standing in the heat!
The weekend kicked off with my volunteering at the Brooks Museum for the annual "Bicycle Film Festival." One of my fan club members showed up - but that's a different story. He's not only a member, he's the President. :-) It was such a great event. Memphis had a cycle to B.F.F. meeting point at Court Square downtown. Early in the evening, there was a wave of cyclists approaching the museum. It was pretty cool to see. Some bikes and cyclists were especially fun to watch.
The most creative bike of the night, definitely went to this guy. You can't make it out, but the neon lights of his bike say, "Burn Fat, Not Oil." Love it.
After volunteering ended, I was able to stay and catch some of the movies. A few of my favorites included the Scraper Bike King. I was able to find some youtube stuff:
Here's a clip from the movie:
The rap theme:
Saturday, a couple of my friends and I biked to one of my favorite places on earth (second to Paris), Stax Museum.
The ride wasn't as bad as I thought it might be. The roads were good and only one car, that I remember, passed us really closely. The museum...it was awesome, as usual.
Me with my friends, Robert and Trina. How fly would my bike look as a scraper bike? Yeah, I want one.
Trina and me (aka, Miracle Grow)
The funniest thing, that I don't have pictures of, was the group of 14 Asian tourists who wanted pictures posing with us and our bikes...one at a time. They were so hilarious.
When I got home, I had a message from one of friends from college. She was going to be in Memphis participating in her first triathlon: the Memphis in May Triathlon. So, this morning, I made my way to Millington just in time to cheer her on as she approached the finish line.
Here she is afterward...still smiling. I was hot and tired just standing in the heat!
Friday, May 14, 2010
Five Senses Friday
An idea borrowed from one of my favorite sites, Pink of Perfection...here are mine...
Seeing: Signs of new life. Trees in bloom.
Tasting: BBQ, in honor of Memphis in May.
Feeling: A cool spring breeze with the return of happy hour...outdoors!
Hearing: Rediscovering a classic. I find, "Honey Hi" relaxing when spring fever tries to get the better of me.
Smelling: Lush jasmine shampoo bar.
Seeing: Signs of new life. Trees in bloom.
Tasting: BBQ, in honor of Memphis in May.
Feeling: A cool spring breeze with the return of happy hour...outdoors!
Hearing: Rediscovering a classic. I find, "Honey Hi" relaxing when spring fever tries to get the better of me.
Smelling: Lush jasmine shampoo bar.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Bike for Brunch
This past weekend a small group of my friends and I biked from Midtown to Downtown Memphis (about 10-12 miles) for brunch. We figure it's a good way to enjoy the weather, friends, get exercise and check out a new eatery...even if it's only new to us!
Apart from being windy and slightly chilly, the weather was beautiful. One thing we didn't factor in, was area colleges' graduations. U of M had two ceremonies at the FedEx forum, back to back. Luckily, I was with seasoned cyclists who knew, immediately, how to tweek our route to avoid heavy traffic.
We decided to give Beignet Cafe a try. I had been there for drinks previously and loved the atmosphere. Also, I heard that they expanded their menu and were now offering breakfast/brunch items.
They really have done so much with the space that they have. A sitting area to read, work on a computer or chat with friends while enjoying some chicory coffee. An upstairs and downstairs dining area as well as quaint, little patio.
We decided to enjoy the sun and sit on the patio. There were very few diners there and right from the start, the service was much to be desired. When we finally received breakfast menus, there were very little choices. Two breakfast options to choose from and a side menu that included: biscuits, toast, grits, bacon, sausage and fruit. When the waiter returned, we asked if we could order off of the lunch menu. He returned with the menu, which was MUCH better. Shrimp and grits, club sandwiches, salmon blt, a pletherea of salads, just to name a few things. Our waiter took ages to come back and take our order. Then, when our food arrived, one of the orders was wrong. The waiter apologized and said that he would have the kitchen correct it immediately. At least 15 minutes went by, the waiter delivered food to tables around us, without as much as an update on my friend's food. We all offered her portions of our plates, in the meantime. It took at least 30 minutes for him to bring her corrected, club sandwich to her.
The waiter was very friendly; however, seemed unaware at how poor the service was. Once it arrived, the food was amazing. When our food arrived, we even ordered beignets for dessert...because 1) we didn't know when we'd see our waiter again and 2) heaven knew how long it would take for us to receive the beignets. Well, our timing was perfect. The beignets arrived just as we were finishing our meal. They were just like the beignets you would be served in Louisiana.
All in all, Beignet Cafe's food was delicious, the atmosphere was authentic and hip, but the service was atrocious. I would love to take a book and sit in one of the comfy chairs while enjoying a fresh cup of joe. But would hate to try and eat a meal there when I'm hungry and they're busy.
Apart from being windy and slightly chilly, the weather was beautiful. One thing we didn't factor in, was area colleges' graduations. U of M had two ceremonies at the FedEx forum, back to back. Luckily, I was with seasoned cyclists who knew, immediately, how to tweek our route to avoid heavy traffic.
We decided to give Beignet Cafe a try. I had been there for drinks previously and loved the atmosphere. Also, I heard that they expanded their menu and were now offering breakfast/brunch items.
They really have done so much with the space that they have. A sitting area to read, work on a computer or chat with friends while enjoying some chicory coffee. An upstairs and downstairs dining area as well as quaint, little patio.
We decided to enjoy the sun and sit on the patio. There were very few diners there and right from the start, the service was much to be desired. When we finally received breakfast menus, there were very little choices. Two breakfast options to choose from and a side menu that included: biscuits, toast, grits, bacon, sausage and fruit. When the waiter returned, we asked if we could order off of the lunch menu. He returned with the menu, which was MUCH better. Shrimp and grits, club sandwiches, salmon blt, a pletherea of salads, just to name a few things. Our waiter took ages to come back and take our order. Then, when our food arrived, one of the orders was wrong. The waiter apologized and said that he would have the kitchen correct it immediately. At least 15 minutes went by, the waiter delivered food to tables around us, without as much as an update on my friend's food. We all offered her portions of our plates, in the meantime. It took at least 30 minutes for him to bring her corrected, club sandwich to her.
The waiter was very friendly; however, seemed unaware at how poor the service was. Once it arrived, the food was amazing. When our food arrived, we even ordered beignets for dessert...because 1) we didn't know when we'd see our waiter again and 2) heaven knew how long it would take for us to receive the beignets. Well, our timing was perfect. The beignets arrived just as we were finishing our meal. They were just like the beignets you would be served in Louisiana.
All in all, Beignet Cafe's food was delicious, the atmosphere was authentic and hip, but the service was atrocious. I would love to take a book and sit in one of the comfy chairs while enjoying a fresh cup of joe. But would hate to try and eat a meal there when I'm hungry and they're busy.
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