The Felanies of Melanie

Ooops I did it again...

2009-04-14T12:20:00.006-04:00

Before I begin, I would like to especially dedicate this post to a one said Ashely Clark who has been leaving requests for me to post a new entry just about every day for the last week...this one is for you girl :).

Damn if I didn't do it again! And by 'it', I mean hurt my ankle. Last June, I so conveniently dropped a pint glass right on my ankle bone which sent me straight to the ER for 7 stitches. This time, oh this time, I didn't require any stitches, thank God, but I am wondering how this right ankle of mine is going to sustain any more injuries, because let's be honest...I am sure to do something again.

We had just arrived at Ogden Theatre to see Citizen Cope and in typical form were trying to find the best spot for us to see and hear this hamsome fella. We headed upstairs to the overlook and it is still hard for me to describe, but there is a ramp of sorts with stairs on the side that allow you to motor further to the right.

It was very dark, although the show had yet to begin, and there were only runner lights leading down the ramp. I am not sure that 'runner lights' are the appropriate terms for these type of lights, but whatever...take it from me...it should have been better lit.

Yours truly made it up the stair off the ramp just fine, but when we realized our scoped out spot would not have been fine, we decided to head back up to the bar for a drink. In the words of Cher from Clueless, we wanted to "do a lap before we committed to a location." Well, low and behold, I forgot about that dang step on the way back up to the bar and I missed that said step which in turn made me sprain my ankle. And wow did it hurt. Like real bad.

As I hear people laughing at me, even though I didn't fall to the ground, I was yelling at Kerri to wait up for me as I knew I had hurt myself. Of course she thought I was exaggerating and trying to be funny, but when I managed to make it up the ramp to the bar area, she realized I was being serious. I began feeling so light headed that I needed to find a place to sit and I could just feel my ankle throbbing, but I had no idea it was turning into this.

I decided to skip the drink and had Kerri ask the bartender for a bag of ice, so that I could elevate my foot and prevent even more swelling by icing it down. Well before anyone can get a bag of ice from the bar, the onsite medic must examine the situation. Within 10 minutes, the medic arrived to determine (what I already knew) that I had sprained my ankle. Luckily, that did make me eligible for the bag of ice, but not so lucky that it came in a big, black, like utility size trash bag.

So I sat there through the entire show, and a damn good show at that, wanting to dance, but stuck with my foot elevated, and being iced every other 20 minutes. I swear...this shizz only happens to me...and man I sure know how to ruin a good time...well almost.

(That's right...I will wear my Duke is Puke shirt just about anywhere.)

My poor ankle is still on the mend as I still have to elevate, ice it down, wrap it up, etc., so please pray that I don't do anything else to it in the meantime :)...

Funk

2009-03-25T15:33:00.002-04:00

I have to admit...I have been in a blogging funk. And I am not sure what has brought this on, but something that seemed so fun to me in the beginning has now been pushed to the back burner with no means of ever reappearing into my daily or even weekly routine.

I have been busy I suppose...I have had friends to visit, I have been babysitting, I started working at my neighborhood coffee shop, and March Madness is upon us...and I guess I just haven't had really anything interesting to report...which is quite unlike me.

So please bear with me during this oh so funky time...I hope to snap out of it soon...even though it might be awhile because my mom and brother are coming next week and then yours truly will be turning another year older ;). And yet again, the blog will be dissed, I can promise you that.

Lurvous and Motorvated

2009-03-04T23:50:00.005-05:00

Although I have been slacking on the blogging, I have not been slacking in creating new words...to which I would like to introduce to you, 'lurvous' and 'motorvated.' Yeah I totally came up with these on my own and they are really taking over the Denver scene...well at least with my entourage out here :).

Lesson 1: Lurvous
'Lurvous' stemmed from my use of the word 'lurve' that stemmed from my deeper meaning of the actual word 'love.' Like you know how I 'love' Subway...well I really 'lurve' Jersey Mike's... and how I 'love' beer, but I really 'lurve' Smithwick's...and how I 'love' watching mindless TV, but 'lurve' watching UNC basketball...I mean I could go on here for days...so you get my drift right? Basically, 'lurve' is like way more than love.

Well 'lurvous' is a cross between something you 'lurve' and something that makes you nervous. And I shall not discuss here to what it is that I am 'lurvous' about, but it is certainly a feeling that could not be described with any existing word, which prompted me to create a new one.

Now, just so I know that you know what I am talking about, I would like for you to leave me a sample sentence in the comment section using the word 'lurvous' in appropriate context. You will be graded on your use and creativity :).

Lesson 2: Motorvated
I must give credit to Olivia for reintroducing the word 'motor' back into my life as if you are going to 'motor' on out of somewhere as in to move on. I like to say "Let's motor" when we are done eating at a restaurant or in most occasions when a bar becomes really lame.

Well I thought it appropriate that one should combine said word 'motor' with 'motivated' as if becoming 'motivated' to 'motor' on to something new...thus creating 'motorvated'. I have found that it can really be hard to 'motorvate' some people because they just aren't ready to move on to something new. I on the other hand have no problem 'motorvating' as a scenery change does my body good...or really any change for that matter. I like to think I am ready to 'motorvate' on to a new career or something...hell even just a regular job...really anything to give me something to do.

Now that completes Felanie Melanie's vocabulary lesson today and like 'lurvous' I encourage you to use 'motorvated' in a sentence as well...and if you have any words that are a special part of your life, feel free to pass them along to me. I can totally get my Denver entourage to pick up on it too.

P.S. You should have seen the spell check on this little number...hahaha.

Tift, Brett, Martin, and Eric

2009-03-03T12:02:00.011-05:00

I tell you what...I feel so lucky to FINALLY live in a city with a music scene. I mean I just love live music and I love it even more that musicians actually want to come here to play just for me :). Back in December, yeah yeah, I know that was a long time ago, I had the pleasure of seeing Tift Merritt, Brett Dennen, and Martin Sexton all at the same time out in Boulder!

Tift is actually from North Carolina and I had always heard of her, but had not heard any of her music. I loved her stage presence, especially her boots, her music, and her love for UNC basketball. She actually gave a shout out to the Heels, to which I whoooo hoooo'd in agreement, along with some other fans in the crowd.

Brett Dennen took the stage next, whose music I absolutely love, but he was sans band...which was a disappointment because I fell in love with his hottie of hottiness drummer at the Mile High music festival. And after looking at Brett, you will understand why I needed his hottie drummer there.

Well it is not like you can see his face here (but this is my fave pic), but take my word for it, he is not the prettiest flower in the field. But I swear he had a crush on yours truly that night. We were pretty much on the front row, and I felt him looking up at me every now and again. And I am sure yall are thinking yeah right Melanie, but seriously...you can ask my friend Nikki. She saw it too. I would have put his looks aside just to get back stage and conversate and stuff...like how he can hook me up with his boy Jason Mraz.

After Brett, it was Martin Sexton, and I have to be honest here and say that I was EXTREMELY disappointed with his performance. There were just too many amens and too many hallelujahs, which I know he loves to belt out, but it became REAL overbearing at times. And again, it was around the holidays, and so I am totally excusing him, but I just feel bad that someone as a first timer might have thought we should have been in church. I was only a second timer and left feeling he should have sang this or he should have done that...which I have left shows before thinking that, but more bummed out with Martin as a whole. But believe me...I will not give up on him...perhaps he was feeling the spirit that night and I certainly cannot blame him for that.

Speaking of disappointment, the next show we went to was Eric Hutchinson in February, again at the Bluebird...and how about he performed the EXACT same set, full of the exact same songs, exact same jokes, exact EVERYTHING...minus his wardrobe and the new bass player.

And granted I still enjoyed the show because I love his music, and how cute and geeky he is and of course for him introducing to me the awesomest thing EVER (i.e. Hunkfest)...but I'm like damn brother...you were just in Denver 3 months ago...spice it up...I have never in my whole life of going to shows heard the same exact set. I mean really.

So if you want to read about this show, I suggest you just go to this post to read all about it because I am sure as shit not typing it out again :). But like Martin, I know I will go see Eric again...especially since his drummer reached out to touch me with his towel...

Better 2 months late than never, right???!!!

2009-02-04T00:19:00.017-05:00

I am sorry to keep all of you avid readers waiting, but finally I am posting about my sister's visit! Like for real this time!

Katherine made it into town on a Wednesday night (12/10 mind you), just in time for Flip Night! I am not sure whether or not I have told yall about Flip Night, but you basically order your round, flip a coin, and if you guess correctly heads or tails, your round is free. Unlucky for me, I called all the wrong shots with the exception of the first round...where I was ironically drinking cheap beer before switching to liquor. UUGGHH...

A fun night nonetheless, including meeting some new friends who were a little weird, but if you know me well enough, the weirder the better as the conversation seems to be something to blog about later :). But since it has been so long, I have nothing to report other than that our Thursday morning was a bit rough after talking to these yahoos.

That afternoon, I had made an appointment for Katherine to get her hair did from my hairdresser here in Denver, since she is so so so cheap, yet so so so awesome. Her appointment was later in the afternoon so we figured we would grab some lunch and chill out beforehand.

I took her to Thai Basil, one of my favorite restaurants here in Denver. I too came here on my first visit and I wanted her to do the same. As always, it was super yummy and quite the cure for the night before.

Katherine went and got her hair did with Tara and got a lovely new do, with a swooping bang. Once her hair was did, we headed over to my neighborhood favorite, The Spot, for some happy hour fun. We dined on jalapeno poppers, chips and salsa, and wings (ummm those were not for me), and had several beers before deciding to motor on over to the Irish Rover...via shopping cart.

We hung out there with my bar friend Drew and when he decided to leave, we thought we would do the same. Except he went home and well...we decided to venture into some other bars on Broadway. Again, we met some pretty weirdo people, including this guy...

He was really angry that neither of us would give out our digits, so we left to head home to get ready for another big day...really what had happened is that I had pissed off some of the other patrons and the bartender because I was trying to bum some money for the Jukebox...some things will never change :).

Friday we got up, grabbed a quick lunch...and headed to none other than the Coors Brewery Tour. It was just like the last time I remembered, except it was better to be there with someone who also likes to act a fool!

We completed the tour and got our drink on with the 3 free beers before hitting up that awesome gift shop again. Of course the hat needed to be tried on again for size...

And then, we needed to check out this rad beer glove, which would end up being one of Hunter's (our brother) Christmas presents...

I mean who doesn't need one of these???!!!

After the tour, we headed back to Denver and ended up going to the Blue Bonnet, a local Mexican restaurant I had been wanting to try. And I knew they had cheese dip for happy hour, but upon arrival, I realized that they did not honor the ole happy hour on Fridays. Boo. We did, however, have a really yummy meal and even had leftovers for later.

That night I wanted to take her to my favorite bar here, so after dinner we called a cab and headed to Sancho's. It has the best crowd (lots of cute hippie boys), good music (mostly hippie tunes), and pool tables, air hockey, and foosball. I just love it there as it reminds me of a Lagerheads in the mountains! And Katherine did too! My friend Brett from high school also joined us and another good night was had by all!

Saturday morning we got up and headed to Morrison so that I could show her Red Rocks Amphitheatre. I used my trusty GPS to get there and to find us the BEST sandwich shop I have ever come across in my life. Seriously. The best sandwich I have ever put in my mouth. Katherine said so as well. I don't even know what was so special about it, but I will forever go there every time I head up to Red Rocks.

We ate our lunch and made our way up the mountain and I was so stoked to finally get to see Red Rocks because the first time I was here, Lyle Lovett was setting up for his concert, so we were not allowed inside. And wow...it totally took my breath away...literally and figuratively.

We also toured the museum they have there, that covers all the greats that have performed at Red Rocks and I tell you what...I cannot freaking wait to go to some shows this summer!!!

That evening we headed to 16th Street Mall just to walk around and it was so pretty as all the trees lining the center of the road had Christmas lights on them and a few of the buildings were decorated.

We just cruised the streets and went to a few souvenir shops, where I really wanted to buy this guy for someone, but thanks to being unemployed, I don't have a grand to spare.

Again, who wouldn't want one of these?

We then ventured to the Capital Building so that we could officially be a mile high on like the 13th step of the West Entrance staircase, but when we arrived we could not determine which entrance that was. It was getting dark on top of that and there were some randoms hanging around, so we gave up and headed back to the car.

Saturday night we decided to take it easy since Katherine was traveling the next day, so we just went to dinner at The Hornet and came home and crashed...which of course was a good thing considering she was flying out earlier than we had been getting up...and by we I mean me. And on top of that, there was snow on the ground...like a lot...and by a lot I mean enough to make me FREAK out driving to the airport.

I had so much fun with my very first visitor here and I am so glad that Katherine came! Hopefully she will be back soon now that I have learned more "touristy" adventures for us to encounter...and hopefully it wont take me this long to tell yall about it :)!

Up next...Martin Sexton, Brett Dennen, and Tift Merritt concert :)!

Please join me...

2009-01-27T21:58:00.002-05:00

In wishing a one said Greg a happy birthday!!! Oh yes, got another text from the same lady requesting some naked Wii bowling action, but this was to say "Happy Birthday General Wii!"

I don't know about yall, but I am thinking that this indeed confirms that 919 Greg is a naked Wii bowler. Grodie.

Ummm I might need an intervention...

2009-01-15T23:46:00.010-05:00

Not like Sylvia that appeared on A&E's Intervention, for her daily intake of 10-15 mini bottles of Vodka per day, but an intervention with my new found love for Homies. I didn't even know what these things were until after a trip to Fort Collins last Saturday, but I already want to have a daily intake of 10-15 of these little guys.

Like I said, we went to Fort Collins to go on the New Belgium brewery tour and after a riveting tour (not really...I swear all brewery tours are the same...just give me the free beer), we stopped at the burrito restaurant we passed on our way to the brewery. Supposedly this was the number one burrito place in Fort Collins, and quite frankly after seeing Fort Collins, it may have very well been the only burrito place in that dump of a town, thus making it number one...

ANYWAY, after a disgusting meal, but a delicious Margarita (priorities right?), we were on our way out when Olivia pointed to a gumball machine filled with Homies. I had never even heard of them, but immediately started pointing out which ones I wanted to collect. My favorite one on display was the one with a grill...no not teeth, but an actual grill with a spatula in his hands. I will someday get him...I just know it...

So we fished around for some quarters to reveal which homies would inevitably be ours. They came out of the machine and I took the two plastic egg shaped holders and placed them behind my back. I made Olivia pick a hand to determine her homie destiny and I knew that the remaining homie in my hand would be mine forever...

Yes, this is my very first homie, De'Angelo. He helped me drive home that day by sitting on my dashboard and he also made appearances at the bar for the rest of the weekend, as did Olivia's homie Luis. It was quite unreal how many people recognized our little fellas when we were out and about and just how awesome everyone thought they were....even if the homies were smoking cigarettes and getting themselves into a pickle...

The night before Olivia and Luis had to head back to Raleigh, we had determined that if you sleep with the homies underneath your pillow, they are sure to bring you good luck. And hell, I am willing to do just about anything for some good luck these days so of course I put De'Angelo underneath my pillow that very night. However, the next morning I did not remember doing so (sounds like I need a Sylvia intervention huh, but rest assured I'm fiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiine)...and since I could not find him, I had to take Olivia and Luis to the airport sans De'Angelo.

After a stressful day of trying to find my homie and fretting that I had lost him for good, I put my arm underneath my pillow, as I always do when going to sleep. And low and behold, I felt something a little odd within my pillowcase and sure enought it was my homie De'Angelo.

I must say that not only is my homie De'Angelo bringing me some good luck with babysitting jobs this week, he is also making me believe that we both need more homies in our lives. So when leaving Blue Bonnet tonight, where I had another burrito, Kerri and I spotted another Homies machine.

Unfortunately, it was out of order, but right next to it was a similar machine with a label from like a label machine, that read 'Trailer Park'. And sure enough they are almost like Homies, but not nearly as cool...well because...I mean you know what I am saying. But without further ado, I would like to introduce to you Rico (left) and Randy (middle), the other "homies"...

And folks, after tonight, I am on another mission for more!!! Hence why I may need an intervention!!! Just wish me luck in finding the homie with the grill for now :)!

DISCLAIMER: All homies in my collection will be named by me, not the name listed on their actual website :).

Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow! And let me hire a driver...

2009-01-14T15:52:00.004-05:00

It's official folks...well it was official like back in November, but since I have been a slacker, I am just getting around to my announcement. I have officially traded in my Rainbow flip flops for these...at least for now...

I had to invest in my first pair of winter boots after the dampness of sneakers, regular old shoes and hell just plain boots took a toll on my not so warm footsies. I went out like a crazy person the day after Thanksgiving, also known as Black Friday, to buy 'em and I could not have been happier with my use so far.

Although I must say it has not snowed here nearly as much as I had expected. And when it does, it will be waiting for me when I get out of bed in the morning and will either be done by lunchtime or by lunchtime the following day, thanks to the beaming bright sunshine. In fact, I get all these phone calls, emails, chats, etc. inquiring about the weather out here, and I am pretty happy to report that it is usually nicer here than it is back home in North Carolina. So to everyone questioning as to why I would want to move somewhere "so cold", it really hasn't been that bad. I shall update you in March or April when there is still snow on the ground, thanks to a milder winter than normal, thus causing an abnormally freezing spring :).

However, one thing is for sure...I do not like driving in snow. And I know I just said that it hasn't been bad yet, but driving around in it scares the shit out of me. Sorry for the vulgar word, but it really does.

Granted, here is my lovely chariot that awaits me...

And yes, it is 4 wheel drive, but I don't think Pearl had prepared herself to drive thru the yuckiness of the snow covered, icy roads out here in Denver with all of the other crazies on the road. She does not like to stop appropriately at stop signs or stoplights nor when pulling into parking places when there is snow on the ground. She does not like for the defrost to work appropriately or for the windshield wiper fluid to flow so freely to clear off the windshield for her mama to see. And she especially does not like the nasty sand/salt combo that forms a brown film on her, thus making her look like she is sporting the not so lovely two toned wooden panel look.

But she and her mama, i.e. me, had better get used to driving in it because although we haven't seen much yet, I have a feeling there will be more of it in our future...which wouldnt necessarily be a bad thing considering how dang pretty it is.

Oh no! Please don't go!

2009-01-13T20:42:00.003-05:00

I received the below email from one of my fans...and by fan I mean former coworker who must be bored at work :)...

Dear Felanie Melanie,
As a devoted reader of your blog it is with great regret to inform you I must move on and will no longer seek out your blog daily and hope that there has been a much needed update only to be disappointed that its last update was in Dec 2008 . It was such a letdown to become addicted to something yet have it yanked away so unfulfilled . In its prime it was a great source of pleasure to your devoted readers but alias all good things seen to come to an end much to soon. Thanks for the short but great run on your blog and I wish you much success in the near and far future.

Signed, a devoted former reader who's a tad bitter

I don't even have a real excuse as to why I have been slack in my postings...I was having a hard time accessing my free wireless Internet, courtesy of phbbbbbbbt, I dropped my camera, not once but twice, thus causing its shutter to break, my sissie came to visit, I went back home for the holidays, then it was New Year's and I hit the ground running with my job search, luckily, I have been getting some babysitting gigs, blah blah blah...

Yeah yeah yeah...so those are my excuses...but I do have some things to share with you and in hopes of no longer losing any more readers, I shall bring you up to date by end of week....and by end of week, I mean Sunday, ok???!!! Promise!!!

Thanks Frank!

2008-12-30T13:25:00.002-05:00

So I know that most of you know that I have a "friend" named Greg...although we are not friends at all...he just has the 919 version of my phone number, but I feel like we could be friends considering all of his peeps that have called me, left messages, etc. But this one tops them all...

Sunday night we had gone out to watch the UNC basketball game and at 11:53 PM, I received this text message:

"Frank's phone f-ed up. we r wii bowling NAked!!! Havin lots of fun!!!"

Ummmm yes. That is exactly what it had said. I didn't respond because I had no clue who it was and figured I would just Sly Dial the number when I got back to my friend's house to see who it was, although I figured it was for Greg because I don't hang out with people that Wii naked...or that I know of.

I sly dialed the number and sure enough, I didn't have a clue who it was, but homegirl calls me at 2:18 AM looking for Greg again and it was my pleasure to tell her that she had the wrong number. Busting her was beyond classic...take my word for it! I am sure she was not nearly as embarrassed as this girl, but it was just worth it to let her know that I now know about her naked Wii playing...

So Greg, I urge you to get a new phone number. I now know that you drive a Cadillac, take pictures for the YMCA and school system and that you Wii bowl naked...or at least associate with people that do so. Sick.

Jumbo Face on the Jumbo Tron...

2008-12-16T15:13:00.006-05:00

So I went to another Broncos game on December 7th with a friend from the bar and his clients, but little did I know how awesome our seats would be. I mean awesome. Four freaking rows behind the field goal. And thanks to these guys' head gear that were sitting behind us, in like the third quarter, I look up at the scoreboard, and there is my jumbo face on the jumbo tron...

Yeah so I am pretty much famous. I also decided that next season, I am going to try out to be one of these girls...

I know that I am quite capable of performing their routines based on what I saw. I mean I felt as though I could have joined them on the field right then and there, but I refrained. My only concern is the uniform...

I don't know that the Broncos fans would like to see all my jelly jiggling around, nor have chaps really been my thing, but perhaps they would like to alter the costumes to my liking and figure.

I guess if they would not be willing to cooperate, I could always be this guy...

No midriff to display there! So at least now, I have some new ways to make money since my job search isn't going too well...

Anyway, the Broncos won and a good time was had by all! Even this guy who decided to take his shirt off after a bad play...

And yes, it was a gorgeous day to watch a Broncos game, but really???!!! I think it was a bit much for him to remove his shirt...and to display his jeans sitting below his behind. Like school on Sundays...no class!

Hey Lady's!!!

2008-12-15T19:01:00.002-05:00

Don't ever convince me that I need to double your homemade mac and cheese recipe because no one will ever be able to eat 3 big casserole dishes of mac and cheese...seriously no one...even if it is the most delicious stuff in the world!

I must admit I gave my try at The Lady's Mac and Cheese for the very first time this Thanksgiving. And yes, I am aware that the 'Lady's' in the title should be spelled ladies, but I was going for the effect of the recipe title in my title. Anyway, it says that the recipe will serve 6-8 so when I learned that there would be 10-12 at our dinner, I thought it necessary to double the recipe. Not a good idea, hence my note above.

Thankfully, I was invited over to my friend Jason's house, where all of the Denver orphans went to give thanks and to have some good eats. Being a vegetarian sure does make Thanksgiving a little awkward as you not only cannot eat majority of the dishes served, but everyone feels the need to question why you don't eat meat...

Q:How long have you been a vegetarian?
A: Since I was 12....so 16 years.

Q: What made you stop eating meat?
A: I just didn't like the taste of it. So when you don't like the taste of something, you don't eat it. I think it's a texture thing. And no, it is not an animal cruelty thing although I do find myself crying over the poor little piggies headed off to the market.

Q: Really, well what all do you eat?
A: Oh you know, a lot of things, just not meat.

Q: Well how do you get your protein?
A: Well I eat tofu, beans, and cheese...not necessarily all together.

So yeah, questions about my eating habits make for my typical Thanksgiving...and this one was no different, but there were was another veg head representing, which made it a little easier. I did have a lot of fun, even got to see a little snow and learned that frying a turkey is the healthiest way to cook it! Really???

And even though I had sh*t tons of mac and cheese leftover, I thought it was the best thing I have ever eaten on any Thanksgiving I can remember...maybe I am ok at following directions...

Drink Drank Drunk

2008-12-09T14:14:00.009-05:00

It sure has been a long time and I feel like there is so much to fill you in on. So much that I had to go thru my camera to see what big events had been captured prior to me falling off of the blog world.

So on November 16th, I ventured to the Coors Brewery Tour in Golden, CO. And yall know how much I love a good old fashioned brewery tour. I never listen to the educational part of the tour as I am too concerned with getting the free beers in the end so I don't really have much to report on how they make the ole Rockies favorite brew. However, the one thing I remember was that they take the leftover ingredients and turn it into cat food. I cant seem to remember what those ingredients were, but I just think that is totally nuts. Is that why cats are crazy because secretly they have a buzz??? Nah only kidding...

Anyway, here we are at the beginning of the tour...yeah I was totally the fifth wheel, but whateves...we are a fun crew...

And here are Nikki and I enjoying our first little sippy cup of Coors Original...well she may have had light, but I had the original...must have been feeling manly that day...

Yeah and those things around our necks are the audio for the tour. Brett, one of my friends on the tour tried telling me that if you don't listen to every single number that you aren't allowed to get the free beers in the end. Liar. And a good thing, because I may have listened to 2. I mean I have been on brewery tours before...I know what goes on :).

So we made it thru the tour and were rewarded with 3 beers to which I had 2 Blue Moons and a Killian's as if I have never had them before. And of course as you go to leave the place, they entice you with a Coors gift shop...in case you want one of these....

Oh yes, for 24.95 this could have been mine...a cowboy hat made out of beer boxes. I mean who wouldn't want one of these???

After playing around in the gift shop, it was time for us to leave. And I don't think we could have left at a more perfect time. We got our picture taken in front of this barrel thing and then saw the most amazing sunset over the mountains. But my favorite part is the white 'M' that rests on the mountain. I believe it stands for mining, but in my world, it is in honor of me.

I mean wow...so pretty.

So the following weekend, I went on a little day drinking adventure with my friend Jason. I actually found a bar that was willing to play the Carolina/State game to which I have no further comment, but thanks to them, a little too much alcohol was consumed which led to me trying to climb on this at 16th Street Mall. I imagine it was quite a sight and thanks to a little boost from Jason, I finally got where I wanted to be...

Still thinking about these efforts and my will to climb on this bull still makes me laugh...hence the drink drank drunk of this post.

Perfect Pat-time Income 9pm-2am (Downtown Denver)

2008-11-18T17:20:00.003-05:00

This seriously was a posting on Craigslist (http://denver.craigslist.org/csr/923334905.html).

And I am not sure why I clicked on it, but I did...

9:00PM-2:00AM Tuesday-Saturday Male and Female Bathroom Attendents needed for V.I.P. Restrooms in LODO. Must have transportation, communication, professional, good customer service attitiude. Fun work!!! Great hours!!! Call Cathy for immediate interview 720-641-2949.

Attention Cathy:
I am desperately unemployed and no, I don't want to have pat-time work in a bathroom. Really??? Perfect pat-time income in a bathroom? I think that is more than handing someone some soap, something to dry their hands off with and a mint to freshen their breath.

And really V.I.P.? Although that is the only thing that interests me, well only because the word has always interested me as it was my dance studio's competition group that I was never able to join because quite frankly, I wasn't that good, but a bathroom is a bathroom regardless of its status...and the status of the men and women who use it.

Next, I cannot say I have ventured to LODO yet and quite frankly from what I have heard from other locals, I probably never will. I don't like to dress up and wear heels and mingle with these so called V.I.P.'s that you mention. I am quite happy with The Spot, Irish Snug, and Sanchos.

Lastly, I think you should look into some spell checking action. Because if one of your must have's is communication, I think spelling plays a little part in written communication.

With all of this said, I will not be calling you to discuss this 'fun' opportunity as NEWSFLASH...working in a bathroom is not fun. Thanks for posting this for my enjoyment and those that read my blog.

Sincerely,

Felanie Melanie

Ok it's alright with me...

2008-11-18T15:24:00.004-05:00

Except it was way better than alright...it was more like flipping awesome. We went and saw Eric HUNKFEST Hutchinson last Thursday night at the Bluebird Theatre after eating some yummy dinner at Goosetown Tavern.

The venue was much like Lincoln Theatre in Raleigh in that it had the stadium floor with upstairs seating and a small mosh pit area up front. The show began promptly at 8:00 with a new artist, Matt Hires, who I believe has recently been signed, but if he hasn't, he most definitely will be soon! Holy cow! It was just him and his guitar and I just fell in love with his voice...and him of course.

Not a very good shot of him...a little dark as my camera has been acting up...but he was so cute and so amazing on stage. His voice reminds me of Adam Duritz from the Counting Crows and he really captured the audience, both with his music and looks so with that said, be on the lookout for Mr. Matt. And sorry ladies...he is taken...not by me :(...but by someone called a wife, which was honestly a bummer because he didn't wear his ring while he played, but it was most definitely on after the show when he was signing CD's. I thought there would be a chance...

Anyway, Meaghan Smith took the stage next for her 5 songs and she was really good as well. It made me really appreciate Eric even more for bringing along two incredible opening acts, even if they were only able to play a couple of songs. Her music is rather hard to describe, which isn't a bad thing, but it was a little folky/jazzy/indie. One of the songs she played though was on One Tree Hill last night so you know she is on the rise :).

And then...the moment I had been waiting for...Eric Hutchinson came on and wow! He was even better and funnier than he was at Mile High!

I swear I would love to just hang out with this guy. He is so geeky yet witty, often making fun of his album or a song or just himself. Nonetheless, you can tell that he absolutely loves what he does and is so appreciative of all of his fans. I noticed that every time someone would raise their camera to take a picture, he would try to make eye contact with the camera (although that was not the case with me of course). That is just freaking awesome if you ask me!

He played most of his album with two new songs (next album will also be very good) and even covered the oldie 'My Girl' with a break into 'Ignition' by R Kelly. Unbelievable!!!

As you can see above, he got a little hot and sweaty with his jacket on and it had to come off...but what you cant see in the picture below is that the guy playing the drums, also had a tambourine he was responsible for.

So in case I cannot find a job here in Denver, I think I am going to reach out to him to see if he would like some help with that tambourine. What do yall think? I mean surely I am capable of that!

Anyway, this was probably one of the best shows I have been to in awhile and I cant believe that for 15.00 I was able to hear 3 terrific acts. I would have paid double that if I knew how good it was going to be!

Oh and as for HUNKFEST...I think it was a total joke on his part. Seeing his personality and hearing him talk about the reasonings for some of his lyrics makes me believe there is still hope for me :).

Pearl's not on drugs...

2008-11-14T15:16:00.005-05:00

No Pearl did not do a bunch of blow...instead Denver was blessed with its very first snow!!!

HUNKFEST 2008

2008-11-13T16:44:00.002-05:00

Ok so tonight I am going to see Eric Hutchinson...check him out if you haven't already...I promise you wont be disappointed...I just LOVE him and his music, so in true unemployed fashion, I spent most of today checking out his website to read and understand all of his lyrics, looking at t-shirts that may be offered at the show, and reading his bio and favorite things. And under his favorite things, I read this...

""OCEAN'S 11" - I'm always on the lookout for good cable movies. No, I don't mean Lifetime Movies of the Week. I mean a movie that comes on TNT and you are morally obligated to sit there and watch the next two hours. No matter what part of "Ocean's 11" I happen to stumble onto, it's always a great time to start watching. And George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon and Don Cheadle are certainly easy on the eyes. HUNKFEST!!!"

And believe me, I couldn't agree more, about the dudes not the movie, those who really know me know that I don't like to watch movies, but seriously???!!! Hunkfest...and in all caps...I guess I wont be able to catch his eye tonight...unless I had a Hunkfest t-shirt and poster...hmmm...

So as of November 13, 2008, there are no more sausage fests in my book, only Hunkfests, wait I mean HUNKFESTS. I am going to try and figure out how to have a HUNKFEST of my own and I urge everyone to do the same. And I am going to need t-shirts to commemorate the event. And maybe some souvenir cups. Shot glasses, yes we will need to get shot glasses. Wont this be fun???!!! I am open for any other suggestions, but should you not want to participate, just say HUNKFEST in a sentence and spread the word to your friends...it's fun and will never get old! Cheers to the HUNKS!!!

10 things I love and hate about Denver...

2008-11-12T15:04:00.005-05:00

Lovie:

1. Being the new girl in town :)!

2. Meeting awesome new people, some who remind me of my peeps back home.

3. Being able to see REAL concerts that would never dare go to North Carolina for whatever reason (i.e. Jason Mraz and Eric Hutchinson).

4. SO SO SO many hot dudes, with scruff, that don't have on wedding rings...now I just need the courage to talk to them to see if they are really single :).

5. Full pours...seriously every beer is poured to the rim...and you should see how they pour the wine...awesome.

6. With that said, new bars like the Spot and Irish Snug that aren't The Point or Churchill's...none of which allow you to smoke inside.

7. Ummm haircuts for $25, tip included, done by a real cool chick who does a GREAT job for that cheap.

8. New restaurants like Thai Basil, Mad Greens, and a Taco Bell/Pizza Hut drive thru where you can get a personal pan pizza, 3 breadsticks and a drink for $6!!!

9. Driving around in a big city and being able to see the Rockies in the distance, most of which are snow capped...breathtakingly beautiful.

10. Not having a job so I can explore a new city and reap the benefits of unemployment from NC :).

Hatie:

1. Not knowing my way around town...even with my trusty GPS.

2. Not being able to just jump in Pearl for 2 hours to see my family.

3. Missing my oh so dear friends...who could never ever be replaced by my new friends here.

4. Having to ask that UNC games be played on at least one of the TV's at the bar, preferably with the sound on, since they are NEVER on regular cable for me to watch at home...I mean SERIOUSLY...things had better change before basketball season...but hell our football team is ranked...UUGGHH.

5. Not having the Upper Deck/Profile/High Park Bar and Grill to watch the games mentioned above with some REAL UNC fans.

6. Comments about the accent...and if they think I am bad, they should hear some of yall back home...hahaha...I am talking about you Ashely and Tonya :)! Jokes!

7. My retail gig...no longer a current hate, but it was nonetheless. I will have you know one thing, I know how to fold a sweater and when that b**ch tried to tell me otherwise, I knew I wouldn't last long.

8. The channels are so weird and different and the times my shows come on are way too early for my liking. And when you have nothing to do all day, it really throws you off.

9. With that said, not having a job and only living off stupid unemployment.

10. And with that said, not having any money :).

I am sure there are more...some of which I cannot or rather should not disclose, but all in all, I am the happiest I have been in awhile and thought yall should know!!! Now I just need a job to make this circle complete!!! Keep your fingers crossed for me next week that I hear some great news!!! Oh and all of the above are in complete random order :)!

Holy Blog Alert!!!

2008-11-06T17:26:00.002-05:00

I am caught up...got me feeling caught up...I'm losing control...name that artist in the meantime, but after 5 hours today, you are all up to date on the Felanies of Melanie...ha!

Pearl's New Hat

2008-11-06T16:50:00.006-05:00

Hey! Look at Pearl! She has a new hat!

Silly Pearl...with a mattress on her head! Her crazy ass mama went and bought a mattress yesterday to stop living like a poor ole college kid sharing a bed with her best friend!

Yep, it's true...not only do I have my very own room here, but now my very own bed! I was sharing a very comfortable, big bed with Kerri, but some nights would sleep in my room on a measly futon mattress, that felt like me sleeping on the floor...as seen below.

So after inhaling dust and dog hair the night before last, I decided I had had enough! After visiting 6 different mattress places in Denver, I settled with the first one I saw! I put the frame together all by myself and with Kerri's help, got the ole Queen to her new throne...and I am talking about the mattress :)!

Please note that this room is very small...seriously...and she is a little self conscience that she takes up the whole room, but here she is in all her glory!

Voila! I just love her and can tell that we are going to be the very best of friends especially since Mark, the Mattress Man told me that you spend 1/3 of your life in a bed...crazy huh?!

Buckin' Broncos (11/2)

2008-11-06T16:09:00.004-05:00

So this past Sunday, I went to my very first NFL game!!! We went to see the Denver Broncos take on the Miami Dolphins...or I should I say lose rather than take on, but another fun time nonetheless!Kerri's company were the 'Most Valuable Tailgaters' for the game since they had the 'best' tailgate at the last game. So we showed up at 10:30 AM, mimosas and Coors Light in hand, to have one heck of a day!

And I am still not sure what the 'Most Valuable Tailgaters' meant, but I do know there were some really cool things happening around us...

It was pretty awesome to have the drum line perform for us and even more awesome that one of the guys dropped his drumstick and let me have it...and then pretty awesome for pom pom men to let you have your picture taken with them and not ask for tips like the ladies in Vegas.

We continued tailgating and my Coors Light turned into Keystone Light and then into Budweiser (clearly not my choice, but desperate times called for desperate measures) and we ate some version of a low country broil...just corn and potatoes for me! And then it was time for the game!

I was lucky enough to score a free ticket, which was awesome, even if it was away from everyone else, but not so awesome how high I was in the stadium. And I am talking nosebleed section folks...not on drugs. I made some new friends with strangers in the crowd after sitting in the wrong section and seat and caused quite a scene when one not so nice man yelled at me for apparently kicking his chair. It was then I decided it was time for me to go.

So I called Kerri and we caught a cab back to our house before the game was even over and it wasn't until the next day that I learned we lost...I am thinking it was because I left :(.

Hello my name is Meg Griffin (10/31)

2008-11-06T15:55:00.004-05:00

Can you tell I am so trying to catch up on my blogging today??? I have to tell you...we are almost there!

Aaahhh Halloween...I sure do love playing dressing up!!! And after tossing out ideas to go as Betty from 'Ugly Betty' or Meg Griffin from 'Family Guy', I went with Meg, well because it was easier...and not as ugly.

Before getting dressed up though, I went to the Denver Zoo for a little adventure and had such a good time looking at all the animals. And I didn't realize how much more fun it would have been to go with a friend until I started seeing funny things I wanted to have my picture taken with. Oh well...I will spare you my pictures from the zoo though...well because they are all like your other zoo pictures.

So Halloween night, we got dressed in our costumes and headed over to Kerri's coworkers' house for a little get together...where Meg got to see a Panda, play beer pong with the Three Amigos, and watch the Burger King King bonging a beer!

Lucky Meg! So they say that Denver normally gets their first snow before Halloween...not this year...it was mid 70's during the day and maybe low 60's at night :)! What a fun, good feeling night!

Mr(s) Mraz (10/27)

2008-11-06T15:13:00.005-05:00

Seriously...why cant I just be her! I want to be Mrs. Mraz!

The day I got back from Vegas was the night of the Jason Mraz show and quite frankly, I wasnt sure how on earth I was going to gather the strength to fully enjoy myself...which is SO not like me, especially when it is my boyfriend Jason Mraz, but I was EXTREMELY exhausted from Vegas, dealing with a little bit of jet lag, and not to mention a headache that was kicking my ass.

Kerri and I went to a little dinner before hand after finding a kick ass parking space and after seeing the line to get in to the show. It seriously was wrapping around almost 3 full blocks! It is so bittersweet because I am like "Holy shit he has finally made it", but then I am like "Damn all these people...they can never love him like I do :)".

After dinner, we joined the crowd waiting in line and although it seemed like it would be awhile, we were to the door to show our ID's in about 15 minutes. The venue was definitely one of the coolest venues I have ever been to.

It looks like it used to be an old skating rink, not that you can tell, but the chandeliers really added an intimate touch, although the venue was HUGE.

Lisa Hannigan opened up and although Jason really loves her, I didnt really love her at all. There were a few songs that were ok, but for the most part, it was a little too 'folky' for my liking and I could hardly hear her. It very well could have been because I was grumpy and ready for the main event :)! So in fairness, I should give her another shot...and I did like her dress.

Jason took the stage after a very cool introduction, showing clips of him playing Guitar Hero and covering other music like 'Mercy' by Duffy and it was then that I woke up and was so jazzed about the evening ahead.

I wish I could recall the exact playlist and I am sure it is out there somewhere, but I must tell you it was an AWESOME show, with an even more AWESOME encore. He was so interactive with the crowd and just danced his little heart out. He even covered 'Buttercup', which unfortunately was one of our sorority's rush songs so I could not even sing along appropriately.

I had a blast, even though he didnt play my fave 'Details of the Fabric' (so so so jealous of you Heather) and I do hope to see him again soon...dont wait another 3 years for the Fillmore Jason!!!

Sunday Lazyday in Vegas (10/26)

2008-11-06T15:01:00.002-05:00

So we woke up late again on Sunday, but not like Saturday, since Kerri was leaving to head back to Denver. Kerri and I went downstairs for a slice of pizza and once we finished, she was off to the airport. I returned upstairs to the room to a sleeping Elizabeth, but woke her up so that she too could enjoy a slice.

We laid around and talked about life in our crazy, hungover state and it was just so nice to catch up with one of my best friends who I hadn't seen in quite some time. She left to go back to L.A. around 3:00 and rather than going out into the crowds of Vegas, I sat in the hotel and had some Melanie time.

I talked to a few friends about our high school reunion that was the night before that I SO missed out on and played catch up with a few others before getting motivated. I showered and got ready in no time, perhaps I was itching for something to do, and met April and her friends at the Nine Fine Irishman...well because I might as well not break my streak.

I had a Bloody Mary and then introduced Smithwick's to the crew and we sat and yet again watched the screaming individuals on the haunted bridge. However, unlike the other nights, I called it an early one since I was flying out in the morning. I ate another slice of pizza and hit the hay...and was really looking forward to getting back home to Denver!

Miss Conception (10/25)

2008-11-06T14:16:00.007-05:00

Oh man! I think I may have spent most of that Saturday sleeping the day away although I did make it out of bed to a deli in the hotel for a sandwich. We went to Kerri's aunt's room again that night to meet up with the gang before heading to yet another surprise event...well not for us, but perhaps for April.

We all took cabs to our destination and after an argument with the cab driver as to who the Caroline was in the song 'Sweet Caroline', I was right by the way, we arrived at Lucky Chang's for a little dinner theatre. And by dinner theatre, I mean a Drag Cabaret show. Shockingly enough, it was my very first drag show and oh my gosh! Hysterical!

It was so 'rude, crude, and socially unacceptable', but not to me of course! I enjoyed every single minute of it! My favorite queen was the host, Miss Conception. She was just so stinking funny! Here is the before and after of her during her 'Rocky Horror Picture Show' performance...

During the show, we treated ourselves to a Chinese buffet and some really funny drink names, that are too explicit to list here. So yes, I did go to a show in Vegas...but it wasn't a 'real' show that you might have expected...however, this was about as close as we could get to Cher without spending a fortune :)!

After the drag show, we returned to New York New York to go to the Nine Fine Irishman again to basically do what we did the night before.

Only this time, new strangers were met, one with this HORRIFIC tattoo...

I swear I cannot make this up people...he will have this on his side for the rest of his life. I am sure his parents are proud. I capture moments like this just for your viewing pleasure.

Anyway, Elizabeth and I yet again ventured from the Irish Pub to the casinos, where we tried getting our pictures taken with the ladies below, but they wouldn't let us without tipping them...which made Elizabeth ask them if the economy too was hurting their income...

Needless to say, we did not pay them to get our picture taken with them, but I wanted the moment to live on, just to prove that the economy really is affecting all of us...even those with jobs like dressing up in your old dance costume for patrons in Vegas...ha! I cannot judge and may consider the opportunity if things keep going the way they are going...ha again!

We got a margarita for the road and headed to Elizabeth's lucky spot where she won 300 bones at the Roulette table the last time she was there. No such luck this time, but I had some luck in finding some cute Irish or Scottish boys (Forgive me...I cannot remember...and I am not trying to insult either) that bought me beers while Elizabeth was at the Roulette table.

I particularly loved the one on the right...but I particularly loved their accents the most! They were a lot of fun and left to go to the 'discotech', and since that wasn't really our scene, we headed back to the hotel at the wee hours of 2:00 AM.

Rok without a C! (10/24)

2008-11-03T12:27:00.031-05:00

So it had been exactly one week since returning from Vegas that I started this post so I thought I better go ahead and tell yall all about it before I forget :)...

I arrived in Vegas that Friday morning and saw and heard just what I expected...all the hotels, casinos, people, cabs, slot machines, chaos. I say chaos because there were just people and things EVERYWHERE.

Kerri was just waking so I talked her into getting some breakfast, so we went downstairs in our hotel (pictured above-so nice) to eat some below average French Toast at Il Fornaio. Not to mention my 3.00 Coke...what the hell...why is Vegas ridiculously expensive???

After that, we decided to walk the strip for our gambling money...only kidding...just to see the 'sights' also known as other casinos. We walked into MGM where we saw the cutest bar stools at the Rain forest Cafe...I am now a parrot...

And then went to see the boring, sleeping lions...

I am not sure what I expected them to be doing...maybe playing with that one ball in there or something. But there are people, I guess I should say trained professionals, that are in there with them at all times. Weird.

We continued our trek down the strip and treated ourselves to a fruity cocktail in a lovely souvenir mug from Fat Tuesdays. The bartender had asked us if we wanted an extra shot in our drinks and of course we said yes. But little did I know that the shot wouldn't automatically filter its way thru the drink so my last sip was not strawberry daiquiri, but a nice surprise of straight 151. Yum. Biggie, now you know what led to that mysterious phone call...and by mysterious...well you know what I mean...

Thanks to the wonderful surprise above, I had to certainly chase it with something so when we spotted 3.00 Coronas on the strip, you know I just had to have one...or two...

I swear I don't drool on myself...it's the Corona sweat...We made our way to the Bellagio, which had the most AMAZING decor...here is the ceiling right when you walked in...they looked like glass, very well could have been plastic, flowers just hanging with the sunlight trying to make its way thru...beautiful.

And as you walked further in, they had crafted their very own fall extravaganza...

After being in such utter amazement, we walked outside in hopes of catching the water fountain show, with no such luck, so we headed back to the hotel to try our hand on some slot machines...no such luck again for yours truly. I left Kerri and her dad to get ready for April's birthday social before I lost even more money in such a short period of time.

Once ready and once Elizabeth arrived from L.A., we went to Kerri's aunt's room to eat pizza and drink wine prior to our tram ride over to Mandalay Bay. I believe it was a surprise for April, but we were headed to the Minus 5 Bar, which is a bar that is made with nothing but ice...even the glasses you drink out of are made from ice.

We had to don our special apparel to enter...jackets, booties, and mittens...

And we were even equipped with sweet pagers to let us know when it was time for our exit because heaven forbid we freeze over too...we then entered for our 20 minute experience...

And come to find out, the next day mind you, that it was Minus 5 as in minus 5 degrees Celsius, which is actually 23 degrees Fahrenheit. I'm with Kerri...she said there wasn't a need to pay money to get into this bar...we can do that in Denver here in a few weeks :)...although it was pretty cool...no pun intended.

After Minus 5, we went back to New York New York to the Nine Fine Irishman...you guessed it...an Irish Pub. Little did I know I would spend every night I was there on their patio watching the tail end of the haunted bridge that had scary clowns chasing after people with chainsaws...hilarious. What entertainment I tell ya :)!

Anyway, Kerri, Elizabeth, and I sat on the patio and caught up with one another while watching the scene mentioned above.
But Kerri left after a short while to go gamble with her family, leaving Elizabeth and I to do what we do best...drinking and mingling with strangers...

We bar hopped to just about every bar in New York New York, stopping to play the slot machines here and there...but the best was when we tried to get into Roc...the nightclub...because both of us are so nightclub...insert sarcasm.

I recall the bouncer telling us we could get in for free, but that they were not opened yet. But when we tried to go back, there was too long of a line and we certainly were not waiting in it just to make fun of people getting their dance on. And besides...I think it was best that we called it a night...even at 12:30 AM...and that folks was my first day/night in Vegas!

My new 'friend' Peter

2008-10-29T18:40:00.007-04:00

I am embarrassed to say that I did not get out of bed till almost noon today...for what it's worth though, I think I was still recovering from Vegas, the Jason Mraz concert, and just not sleeping well thanks to the stress of my interview.

Once I got motivated, I treated myself to lunch at Thai Basil and had intentions of going to pick up my ginormous paycheck from the retail gig, getting my Halloween costume squared away and going to the grocery store. I had also promised myself that I would no longer sit around the house all day, but that I would go out and explore Denver. I mean when you are working, you have no time to have fun and explore so I need to be doing this while I can.

Anyhoo, none of that really happened today, although I did get most of my costume, that I am not happy with at all, but a whole hour and a half of my day was spent obsessing over this:

I was sitting in the living room at the house and all of a sudden I hear all of this scurrying and such. It almost sounded like someone was just dragging their feet on the stairs or across the wooden floor. So I got up and saw absolutely nothing, but then my roommate's dog led me to see my new friend Peter.

It was this little guy that had managed to climb up to the ledge above our door and I have to tell you that he is still freaking there 3 hours later. I know I said he was my new friend, but I am TERRIFIED of opening the front door. It is the door I use to get to my car and it is the door that is right beside the mailbox. And I am in such fear of him attacking my face like the squirrel in Chevy Chase's Christmas Vacation that I just cannot go out the front door.

I tried throwing things at the window, tapping my phone against the window, and of course Sadie, my roommate's dog has been barking at him, but none of the above seem to make him go away. So I am asking all 5 of you readers out there, what in the hell is this little guy doing up there? Is he hiding from his psycho ex girlfriend??? I mean that is all I can come up with, but he needs to relocate and fast. I don't like having to walk around to the front of the house to get to my car nor do I like fearing for my life when checking the mail. And I am sure Sadie the dog would like a break from barking and growling...I know I would like her to have a break.

HELP!!!

Packing Schmacking...

2008-10-24T00:19:00.002-04:00

So clearly I really hate packing...better yet...I love to put off packing. It is 10:20 Mountain time and my flight leaves Denver tomorrow at 8:20 AM, thus meaning that I need to be at the airport by 7:00 AM to get thru sahcurrity. Therefore, for me to get the appropriate 8 hours of sleep, because I am not going to be sleeping for several days because no one sleeps in Vegas as I am told...I should be going to bed...oh wait..I should have gone to bed about 20 minutes ago.

But guess who is still doing laundry? And guess when it will be done? Alright I will tell you...in like 1.5 hours. And for those of you out there wondering, as I am too, what did I do today? I know I went to the Post Office and to the bank. I sure didn't go to work...not even at my retail job (even though I was supposed to...wasn't feeling well so I called out sick). I know there was a short nap in there because I wasn't feeling well. But really??? I didn't even make it to Target for the last minute things (like a new tunic and sweater wrap) till after 7:00. Why cant I ever get focused enough with my task at hand??? UUGGHH I hate having A.D.D., but I guess it is good that I will come back to a cleaner and better organized room because you know that needed to be done because I don't even stay in there (don't have a bed yet :) ).

But Viva Las Vegas yall! Please pray that I win big (or find a sugar daddy) so I can come home and continue putting off things I need to do...like finding and getting a job :)!

Ride em Cowgirl!!!

2008-10-21T19:11:00.004-04:00

No I didn't go horseback riding this past weekend, but I did go to the Atomic Cowboy, a bar out here in Denver to get my Friday really started off right. New bar, Connect Four...it doesn't really get any better than this.

Kerri, pictured at left, claimed to be the best ever and undefeated at Connect Four...until a few glasses of red wine and a few beers Melanie came along! I felt so accomplished...winning makes you feel so good, especially when someone claims to be so awesome :).

Woke up Saturday morning, not feeling so hot, to a glorious sunny day in the 70's. I received a text message from my friend Brett (went to high school with Brett and reconnected thru Facebook to learn that he too was living in Denver) wanting me to join him and his friends for some beers and bocce ball in the park. Of course I wanted to say yes, but I was having to work that afternoon at my stupid retail gig...bummer...because beers and bocce ball are WAY better than folding stupid sweaters...can you tell I am really happy there?

The only thing that really made me go in to work was knowing that I would be working with my new friend Amanda. She pretty much rules. So I made it in...and on time...despite waking up from my nap a little late because I still was not feeling 100%. I worked an awesome 4 hours (insert sarcasm), and was thankful for my shift to be over. One would think that when one is unemployed that one would want to actually work and make some money. Not this girl.

After our shift though, we went to dinner at Kona Grill, yep in the mall where we work, and had some yummy pizza and a bottle of wine. And after dinner, we thought we would go have a little bit more, and at the California Pizza Kitchen across from Kona, yep still in the mall. And in typical fashion, we had more than one more glass and ended up closing the place down...but remember we were still in the mall so that meant it was about 11:00 PM.

So why stop there, right? We headed then to her neighborhood bar, The Elm, which is the 'sister' bar to the Spot, where the fun continued for just a few more beers. And then it was time to call it a night, but what a fun one it was!

Got up Sunday to another glorious day and we headed to the Spot to watch some football...

And that was my weekend in a nutshell...and another fun weekend fast approaching...I am leaving for Vegas on Friday morning and returning Monday, just in time for Jason Mraz! Oh yeah and then the weekend after that...going to the Broncos game! Man I love it here!

I like trespassing!

2008-10-16T18:44:00.011-04:00

Got the news on that Wednesday about my Granny's passing, but the first of the week was spent searching for jobs. I hate looking for jobs just as much as I hate driving through Kansas. It's just so monotonous and you are always so unsure of yourself and wondering whether or not the company is even legit. Not to mention, there are rarely any new opportunities from day to day so it seems like a waste of time.

Anyway, the following couple of days after hearing the news were just zombie like for me. I would get out of the house to go to the cafe to use the Internet, but nothing was really clicking nor did I really even give a damn. So it was a relief that Jenn did not have to work that Friday and had wanted to go the mountains to see the leaves changing...come to find out, we were a little late...oh well.

It was nice not to sit around all day, but special at the same time that I was going to the mountains because Granny had always loved the mountains. So what better way to spend the day of her memorial than by being in the Rockies. We drove through Fairplay and Alma, where Southpark is based on, and ate at a little restaurant called the Brown Burro.

I had the cheese enchilada platter and it was quite yummy. I guess Colorado is known for its green chile sauce of sorts (still not sure why), but it was on there and I ate it. And it was good, but still unsure about the hype of it all. My favorite part of this little place was a map on the wall for its customers to use a push pin to mark where they are from. Someone had already poked Wilmington and I am going to guess that it was Kerri, so I didn't feel the need to make my mark.

Anyway, we continued our trek to Breckenridge, which is perhaps the cutest dang town I have even seen in my whole life. Gosh so cute! (I cant wait to go skiing there this winter!) But rather than stopping through (when you don't have a job, you don't have any money so shopping would be no fun), we continued our trek through more mountains, or maybe down the mountains, hell maybe even up some mountains, who knows...but I looked to my right and there was this gorgeous scenery...a lake of sorts with sailboats in the water with the mountains resting behind it. I just knew that these were the pictures I had been wanting to take all day. So I made Jenn stop the car, park it in a very random parking lot, which meant we had to jump through fences just for my perfect photo opp.

I will let the pictures do the talking because my words could definitely not do them justice...

Pretty awesome huh? I feel so lucky that this is my new home...I have officially traded the ocean for the mountains...and I am SO alright with that! Just check back in with me when it starts snowing :).

And we made it...to the Spot!!!

2008-10-16T18:25:00.004-04:00

We arrived in Denver about 6:30 PM and after calling everyone and their mama to let them know we arrived safe and sound, we headed to the Spot to celebrate our arrival...and hoping to watch the rest of the Carolina football game. I mean I don't wear my shirt for nothing :).

But apparently there was a bigger and badder game on, so no such luck in being able to watch them beat ranked Connecticut. *Note: They don't play too many North Carolina games here...things had better change before basketball season.*

We managed to have a good time nonetheless. Kerri could not join us as she was still in San Diego and look what fun she missed out on...

Nothing says 'Welcome to Denver' like a shot of Jager. Clearly some like it more than others. I had the most delicious quesadilla that night and perhaps the best guacamole I have had in my lifetime. The night was cut fairly short, but rest assured we would get up and do it again for Sunday Funday.

We had a cookout the following day and started off with some mimosas while watching some football. I mean does it really get any better than that? We grilled out, kept drinking, and finally Kerri arrived just in time for us to have a few more beers before heading to the Spot. Another fun night was had by all...yet I still could not believe I was actually here.

Pearl's Big Adventure...and mine too!

2008-10-15T17:32:00.010-04:00

Leaving really really really early meant leaving around 7:00 AM, rather than the initial 5:30 AM, but in turn was almost 8:00 AM. After some last minute rearranging, and by rearranging I mean leaving even more stuff behind at my mom's, Pearl was all set and ready for her big adventure out west...
And yes, I could see out the back window this time even though it may not look like it :).

I left Mom's around 6:45 AM to go meet Hunter at the McDonald's. As I pulled away, I started to cry, but I knew I had to pull it together before picking him up. This was it. No turning back now. And then that sense of relief fell upon me again and I just knew I was doing the right thing.

We finally got on the road a little before 8:00 and listened eagerly as Sheila, the GPS, directed us where to go. I had gone to AAA the day before to take advantage of their TripTik Travel Planner, but was absolutely relieved when mom let me 'borrow' her GPS.

I am still not sure why, but AAA had us going up through West Virginia then over, but Sheila had something else in store for us, which we did not realize until we hit Tennessee. And yes, I am that dork who wanted to get out to have her picture taken with every 'Welcome to Whatever Sign', but decided against it when a.) the Tennessee sign was blocked off due to road construction and b.) it was dangerous to do when in Kentucky. Bummer.

We stopped here and there, mainly to relieve yours truly who chugged water like it was no one's business. At one point, after a Mellow Yellow enjoyed by me and a Red Bull enjoyed by Hunter, we thought we were going to drive straight through the night. Yeah. Freaking. Right.

We ended up stopping around 12:30 AM in the rockin' city of Columbia, Missouri for a lovely stay at the Motel 6...that was right across the street from a Hooters...where I took several beers to the face while watching Maury...about lie detectors (shocking)...where this woman flipped out because she found a rotten tooth in her bed...a tooth from a woman her man had been sleeping with behind her back...and you know what...he was lying about it...

Sorry enough Maury, I just wanted you to know what a classy evening it was...after those said beers, I was able to pass out in that dump and wake up fairly early to hit the road again around 8:00 AM. Little did I know that the most boring part of my life would be approaching.

Yes folks, Kansas. Absolutely nothing in Kansas. Flat Land. That's it. And by this point, we had played so much Catch Phrase that all of the words/phrases/etc. in every category had been guessed. We were out of things to do...during the worst part of the drive. It.was.AWFUL.

But then....oh then...what my eyes were wanting to see the entire trip...

(That's my holy shit I actually did it pose!) Welcome to Colorful Colorado, which still meant we had quite awhile to go, but NO MORE KANSAS!!! And holy cow, we are almost there! And holy moly Pearl made it! I don't even know how much longer we had until we were to arrive in Denver, but for whatever reason, this part of the drive seemed to go by a heck of a lot faster than the rest. Perhaps it was because of the excitement. Or more Mellow Yellow. Who knows, but it didn't take long for me to see this...

And clearly the picture doesn't do any justice as to what I really saw...but the sun was setting over the Rockies and rays of sunshine were coming through the clouds sitting right over the mountains. I was home and I felt happier than I have felt in a long time.

Sheila continued to guide us right up to the street we are living on and just when I thought I could not feel more at ease, I looked to my right and there was my sign. No not our street sign, but a rainbow. The prettiest and thickest rainbow I have ever seen in my entire life...and folks, if that wasn't my sign that everything is going to be alright, I don't know what is.

Oh Wilmie...

2008-10-15T15:46:00.004-04:00

Instead of Sunday, I arrived in Wilmington that Monday, with a very packed Pearl...so packed that I almost took out a pretty big truck since I could not see out the back of my window. Scary. Other than that, it was a pretty smooth ride and made it town just before good ole Wilmington 5:00 traffic.

Spent the week making sure to see everyone I wanted to see, eating everything I wanted to eat, doing things that I wanted to do. I had some dinner with two of my very best friends who I have known since preschool, got to watch my brother's soccer game against their biggest rival, bought a new pair of Rainbows, but most importantly spent time with my family.

The goodbyes seemed to have gotten tougher as the week went on, so much that I decided to leave for Denver a day later, just to make sure I had the quality time with everyone prior to me leaving.

The hardest goodbye of course was with my Granny because I knew it was really goodbye. She looked at me and just smiled, which I am not even sure she knew it was me or what adventure I was about to embark on. But that smile will be something I will keep with me forever.

The second hardest goodbye was with my Poppy because I knew that soon he would be losing the love of his life of 62 years in the coming weeks (turned out to be just days), but I knew he knew why I wanted to move to Denver. He had spent some time out here while in the military and had told me that if he didn't live in Wilmington that he would have lived in Denver. I considered that his blessing, but it broke my heart to know that he sobbed as I pulled away from his house.

I tried to get the hardest of goodbyes out of the way first, but unfortunately it was just as hard to say goodbye to my cousin, nephew, and of course Mom, Dad, Katherine, and Hunter. Knowing that moving to Denver was the best decision for me, it's hard to leave those behind without feeling selfish. It was nice to be in Raleigh for the last 4 years because it was only 2 hours away...and now I was going to be 2 timezones away. And I wouldn't be able to just drive home...I would have to catch a flight...

In the end, I know they were all very happy for me, so they say, and quite frankly, there is no way that I could have done this without their love, support, and encouragement. And I just had to keep telling myself that over and over again...

Procrastinators Unite....Tomorrow!

2008-10-14T16:51:00.002-04:00

I know I mentioned the above in a previous post, but that is really the way the story goes. Did I mention that not everything was even close to being packed before my goodbye party as planned? Like.not.even.close. Meredith had even come over that Friday to help me and one of the first things she says to me is "What have you packed?" And she was right. My measly 2 boxes somehow led me to believe that I was ready to head on to Wilmington before hitting the high road to Denver. Really? So yes, I am perhaps the BIGGEST procrastinator I know. In fact, I am considering changing my name from Felanie Melanie to Melanie, the delayer of the inevitable because I am damn good at it.

So I woke up the morning after my party at my friend Lisa's house...at 12 freaking 30. 12:30. I have never in my life slept that late. Panicked, and knowing there was much more packing to be done, I was served a Bloody Mary...you know to get me real motivated. Real freaking motivated to have another...and then 2 more liquor drinks...for a person that does not drink liquor. What the hell?

And then somehow, I end up at a bar, rather than my condo, because you know the bar needs to be packed up...so guess who did not head to Wilmington that day? Yup. This girl. I was, however, home by 8:00 PM, you know to get a good night's rest so that FOR REAL I could pack the next day.

Ok...so the next day, we started the fun that is packing around 9:00 AM after going to Target for some storage bins...because you know that could not have been done in the 3 weeks prior to me moving. Luckily, we got everything packed up in Pearl by noon or so...minus the 325 dollar packages that had to be shipped to Denver because yours truly thinks Pearl is the size of an 18 wheeler...

So after a delightful trip to UPS and a delicious lunch at the Village Deli, it was officially time for me to head...leaving Raleigh, my condo, my very bestest group of friends all behind. And for whatever reason, there were no tears, but rather a sense of relief, which made me believe I was making the right decision after all.

Goodbyes are not good part deux...

2008-10-14T15:57:00.012-04:00

Especially when there is alcohol involved...

Prior to leaving Raleigh, I wanted to get everyone together for one last night on the town. I threw myself a going away party at the Blue Martini, but prior to the shindig, my friend Lisa treated me and some of my bestests to a delicious meal at Piccola Italia in Cameron Village. Man it was so delish! And for the second time that week, I had eaten at a place I had never been to in my four years in Raleigh. (The first time being Sadlacks for some delish sammy's with Meredith and Mary Holt).

Anyway, after some yummy red wine and stuffed shells, we headed back to Lisa's, where the reindeer games began. I say reindeer games because Tic Tac Shots were made, you know to make sure we started the night off right, and they were served in the cutest reindeer glasses. They each had a name on them along with a cute lil graphic depicting the name, so what do we do? We make up a game that if we do not call each other by our reindeer names the entire night, we have to drink. Not good. (For the record, I was Vixen...and her lil glass showed her with a boa around her neck...so dang cute.)

We arrived at the Blue Martini feeling quite nice and continued playing those reindeer games.

People started arriving, which was awesome, but I just knew as the night went on, that it meant the goodbyes would be coming sooner...something I had been avoiding ever since I made my decision to move out west. So I tried to have fun and not think about why we all happened to be together this very night.

After many many many tearful goodbyes, or see you laters, or whatever you want to call them, I decided to a). accidentally leave my black Rainbows at the Blue Martini for someone to steal(which should score me some points for wearing heels all night long) b). head to the Point to try to close the place down on my last night in town....or what I thought would be my last...

With or Without You

2008-10-08T14:52:00.003-04:00

Yes, that is the song that was playing when the numbness subsided and I positioned myself at the Spot to have some lunch, just so I could get out of the house. And I must say that with that lunch, I wanted a beer because that is what she would have wanted...she had said that when she got out of that hospital that she wanted to have a beer, so in her honor, I am obeying her wishes.

I had this really disgusting feeling last night. I was at The Spot and out of nowhere, I just got really sad. The pit in my stomach. Feeling extremely anxious. The tears ready to escape my eyes. I left shortly thereafter, called my mom who didn't answer, and then spoke to my sister who was able to calm me down...just a bit. For whatever reason, I just knew something was not right, but tried fighting it with other things I am currently facing like finding a job and not having any money. But I just knew it felt like more...

I even slept with my phone beside me, with the ringer on, which I never do. And I wasn't sleeping...just tossing and turning all night long. Then it happened. I got the call. The call I have been dreading since arriving here in Denver. It was 7:00 AM Mountain time and once I saw it was my mom on the caller ID, I just knew. My sweet, loving granny had died.

Mom said she went peacefully around 5:30 AM (Eastern time), with both my aunt and her by her side, which is very comforting as she had been in and out of the hospital for about 7 years now. She is finally at peace, no longer having to do breathing treatments, no longer doped up on morphine...she is now among all of the angels where she belongs.

And even though mom assured me that Granny was proud of me for moving to Denver, here I am, feeling so unbelievably selfish for moving away and not being able to comfort my family during this difficult time. Please please keep my family and me in your thoughts...

Denver or Bust

2008-09-30T21:28:00.004-04:00

But not until Friday...the plan was to leave early early early Thursday, but now it's early early early Friday. I just wanted to provide yall with a lil update...

I am in Wilmington with a VERY packed Pearl, visiting with my oh so special family, with still a TON of things to do before my departure...things that perhaps could have been done in the three weeks I spent delaying the inevitable...oh well. But I think my brother explained it best..."Procrastinators Unite...tomorrow!"

I shall let yall know when I have made it out west...until then, say a little prayer that Pearl, Hunter, and I make it to Denver safe and sound. I cannot thank you all enough for your support and encouragement!

Goodbyes are not good...

2008-09-24T23:55:00.004-04:00

I am really hating the goodbyes...like A LOT...I have already had 3 sets this week and I don't know that I am going to make it past Saturday...or next Thursday for that matter. I have everything here...my wonderful family just 2 hours away, an amazing bunch of friends who mean the world to me, a job...wait I don't have one of those...but it feels like I have everything I need so why on earth would I leave all of this behind? Am I crazy?

I cant help but to think that everything in life happens for a reason and if you have heard the reasons, you would know that it is meant for me to be out west in Denver. And I know I have been in quite the rut here lately in Raleigh, but why is it that something that seems so exciting as in moving to Denver is now sounding like the WORST idea ever? I need for the tears to stop flowing and I need for the anxiety to subside IMMEDIATELY or I am going to have the biggest meltdown this side of the Mississippi...and it aint going to be pretty.

Really shouldn't have left you...

2008-09-24T11:36:00.005-04:00

Without a dope beat to step to...so sorry I have been MIA ever since the big move announcement...I guess you could say I have been busy preparing for my crazy, new adventure and packing. But by packing I mean staring at boxes just wishing they would pack themselves. How does one acquire so much shit? Excuse my French, but it's true.

Luckily I have been able to sell most of the big things on Craigslist, and luckily I was able to take everything that wasn't coming to Denver to my mom's house. But now...NOW...everything that is in my house is in for the long haul...and I should be packing it up, but cant seem to do it. I don't know whether I am being lazy, or if I am scared to be sad, but either way it is not getting done and it needs to be. HELP :)!

In with the new...

2008-09-15T13:55:00.005-04:00

My God! So they are FINALLY donezo with my counter tops...about freaking time...only took a freaking week, which means a freaking week without a sink and stove, but alas, here they are...just in time for me to move to Denver. I am sure my future tenants will just love them...and take care of them...yeah they better take care of them...OR ELSE.

One door closes...

2008-09-11T17:01:00.001-04:00

And then you move to Denver...yeah that is what the quote says right? Ummm no, it says that another door opens, but folks, I am going to Denver...AT LAST! You see that picture of me to the right...that's me in Denver...and you see how happy I am...

This week has been quite an interesting one. I was getting new counter tops. And that probably doesn't sound too weird, but it is. You see, I had top secret plans to move to Denver in April and was going to go ahead and put things in motion to make that happen. One of those things was to have the property management company come to take a look at my place to see how much I could rent it for. BUT that wasn't going to happen until I got my new counter tops. And this was the week they came to put them in. And now the property management company is coming on Monday to assess my place.

On Tuesday I had called my dad after leaving work and he had asked me how things were going, to which I replied 'not too well' as I was pretty slow again. Then I said to him jokingly 'I just wish they would lay me off so I could go ahead and move to Denver.' And Wednesday morning, it happened. I was laid off. And was angry. Livid. Crushed. Embarrassed. Disgusted. Betrayed. Used.

I immediately left that hellhole, to which I shall now call that place, and after many hours of uncontrollably crying my eyes out, calling my family and friends to let them know I had yet again been laid off, it came to me...I needed to go ahead and move to Denver...no sense in sticking around these parts without a job.

And RANDOMLY, Hunter called (he was in Denver when I was, driving cross country). I say randomly because we had only been keeping in touch through My Space, but I did not have his number and that day, out of all days, he calls to tell me that he wants to move to Denver.

Little did he know I had been laid off and wow what a day for him to call and tell me such news. If these aren't all signs pushing me out west, I don't know what is. I now feel unbelievably calm and totally see that hellhole letting me go as the biggest blessing. I am so on to bigger and better things...and in the Rockies! And like Jason Mraz says, "Hold your own, know your name, and go your own way...and everything will be fine."

It is so going to be fine even if I don't have a job (yet), or my own bedroom in Kerri and Jenn's house. It just has to be. And I could not be more excited. And nervous. And scared. And sad. But hopeful, which is pretty dang important.

So folks, Hunter, Pearl, and I will be hitting the road around the beginning of October! And I cannot wait to share this new adventure with you all!

ATTENTION PARIS...

2008-09-08T15:46:00.003-04:00

No one wants to be your new BFF.

Love, Felanie Melanie

P.S. Sorry readers I am working from home today and have been listening to the Run's House marathon on MTV and have seen her commercial SEVERAL times. Does anyone find this as ridiculous as I do? I mean the only good thing that came out of her last reality TV bust was Sunnnnnahhhhh Siiiiiiiiine Sunnnnnnnaaaaaahhhhh Siiiiiiiine. Other than that, the series was a train wreck...much like her I guess, but why cant she just go back to being rich and out of my face? UUGGHH...gawsh...

Sinks and stoves...OH MY!

2008-09-08T10:04:00.004-04:00

Now tell me...what is wrong with this picture?

No not the massive clutter silly, that's just everything that belongs in my kitchen...

I will give you a hint...there in the left corner...

Yep, there is a sink in my dining room.

And this...what is this?

No...not mini pictures of me and my sissie and friends...there is a freaking stove in my living room!

And guess who didn't think about not being able to use either of these things while their new counter tops are being put in???

Out with the old...

2008-09-07T20:57:00.012-04:00

I have owned my condo now for almost a year and a half. I must admit that the kitchen was one of the most appealing things about this place. Although I rarely cook, but have the best intentions to do so, I just fell in love with the kitchen...and not just because it was mice free...unlike the dump I previously lived in.

I loved the cherry colored cabinets, black appliances, and the so called granite counter tops. And I say 'so called' because I still don't know what they are made of, but what matters most is that they are being replaced. They may have looked really good when I first arrived, but by God, I have managed to ruin them.

I know I said I rarely cook, but I have been known to make a pot of beans, a casserole, or mac and cheese every now and again. But all of these things have caused me to ruin my counter tops in some way, shape, or form. I shall start with Exhibit A:

If you will please note the 3 rings above...you see that was from me re-heating a bowl of black eyed peas and rice in the microwave and moving them down my counter not once, not twice, but three times. Come to find out these bad boys, like most counter tops, are not heat resistant. Who knew? This girl sure didn't.

I now present to you Exhibit B:

You see those scratch marks? Yeah those were done just about a week ago when making that one said casserole. I slid my mixing bowl over to make room for the actual casserole dish and VOILA! I get scratch marks!

And last, but not least, see both of the pictures above for Exhibit C. All the white spots. Not exactly sure where all of those came from, but I think some might have been from boiling water jumping out from the pot. But that is just my excuse for some of those. The rest, there is no telling.

So as you can see, my counter tops have turned out to be shit. Shit I tell ya. But thanks to another incident my little condo was involved in, I learned from a secret source that they were replacing all of the counter tops in all of the newly sold units. And yours truly just had to get in on that action.

Luckily, I have an awesome relationship with my realtor (if you are buying a place in the Triangle area, I will gladly refer you) and she had recently helped one of my co worker's in finding a place. Although she is not really involved in my development any more, I still gave her a call to see if I could get in on the good stuff. And you know what...this girl is getting new counter tops starting tomorrow.

I have to say starting tomorrow because the damn things take more than 3 days to do. Who knew? This girl sure didn't. And I have seen what they are putting in, thanks to the model unit, and I am so not crazy about them, but they are FREE. So they will work just fine. And I have heard that tile counter tops are heat resistant. Score!

With that said, I now present to you the before...please excuse the bareness...had to move everything out of the way...

So be on the lookout for the after later on this week...

Here we go Tarheels here we go!!!

2008-08-29T11:43:00.012-04:00

Whooooo Hooooo!!! It is that time of year again...that most UNC fans don't get excited about...but IT'S FOOTBALL SEASON!!! And I am so excited! And I am even more excited that when sitting in the waiting area hoping and wishing that Pearl was gonna make it, I heard the glorious words of one of the ESPN announcers..."UNC is underrated this year." WHAT? REALLY? Awesome. Maybe we will win more games than we lose this year, but there is honestly only one thing I want our boys to accomplish...and that is to beat the ass of the whack Pack.

They say in life that you should have no regrets...and although I like to say that I don't, I would be lying to you. There is always one regret that resurfaces every year around this time. And that is that I did not go to a school with a football team. Yeah UNCW had the beach, but I was also born and raised in Wilmington so it was no big thing and yeah we had Brett Blizzard almost take us to the Sweet 16...but we had no football team. Therefore no football players. No football stadium. No tailgating. No homecoming. Well there was homecoming, but it was during basketball season and it was extremely lame.

Thankfully, after I graduated, I moved to Chapel Hill where I got to experience my first real football game, even if the Heels were no good. We woke up super early on a Saturday, dressed in our favorite UNC gear, to start the day right by drinking ice cold beer and eating some tasty sides (because I don't eat the meat you know). And when it was about game time, we walked up to Kenan, me hiding all the liquor bottles in my bra, pouring drinks once inside the stadium, eating popcorn, cheering like crazy, high fiving the people around us and then returning to the tailgate afterwards to start it all over again once the game was over...or half time. And I have been hooked ever since. Not just on the tailgating, but on the game as well...even if we did lose just about every time.

So thanks to that experience, and the many that have followed, I declare that no college career is complete without a football team and tailgating. I am serious. And if you are/were unlucky like me, I have a great team in mind for you to support. So in honor of the Heels, football, and tailgating, cheers to all the other Carolina fans out there, especially those proudly wearing the prettiest color ever created for College Colors Day...like all of us at my work.

Here we go Tarheels here we go!!!

Man I wish I had this kind of time...

2008-08-24T20:28:00.001-04:00

Not that you would want to see the jelly that is my belly, but could I interest any of you to come over to my house to practice? I have the Sharpies...

Hello Kitty!

2008-08-22T15:24:00.003-04:00

Ok yeah...that guy pulled up to the Flying Saucer last weekend and wanted to go on a date with me. Sike. I don't know that I am his type. However, I saw him talking to another table on the patio and I just had to get his attention, much for the same reason as the other table. You just cannot let these things pass you by without a picture.

I "cat" called him down to where we were sitting...get it...that leopardness of his bike totally screams MEOW...and sure enough he and his sweet bike posed for a picture with yours truly. The best part...his rad sound system on the bike was playing "Cherish" by Madonna and it was her birthday. Go Tiger go!

Pump Fake Pearl

2008-08-22T14:17:00.004-04:00

Oooops she did it again. I was trying to get to work yesterday and that heifer Pearl refused to start. Seriously. She would not freaking crank, so yet again, I had to call my new best friends at AAA, who by now have regretted offering me a membership at half the price, to send out a battery boost. I wanted her towed to teach her a lesson, but AAA does not let you have 2 services sent to your vehicle. I don't know how a tow truck man with jumper cables constitutes 2 services, but whatever. These people have saved my tail twice this week, so I no longer argue with them.

The nice man, without big muscles, came to the rescue and boosted her battery right up. I then took the reins and drove the beast to the mechanic and explained to them that she received a new battery on Monday and that they needed to figure out what was draining that new battery.

I was able to hitch a ride to work where I dreaded getting that phone call from the mechanic. I think I was helping myself to some birthday cake, I think I know why my pants don't fit anymore part 2, when they called, but I returned their call almost immediately to hear the damage that Pearl had done.

But no...there was no damage. Just the battery cables were loose. And I didn't have to pay a thing. Thanks for the pump cake, I mean fake, Pearl. I appreciate you causing me a lot of unnecessary stress.

Damnit Pearl

2008-08-19T21:57:00.003-04:00

No not the landlord Pearl, but my mode of transportation, Pearl. She's a real beauty I tell ya, except for when her momma (i.e. me) has to pay for such "beauty treatments" or "doctors' visits."

Speaking of which, she went to the doctor on Saturday to have her quarterly exam, with tire rotation included, and was released within 40 minutes in what I thought to be perfect condition. And by perfect, I mean they didn't try to sell me anything else in addition to her oil change and rotation. That to me says, "Pearl, you are looking good!"

Unfortunately, that only lasted till Sunday night before Pearl got too big for her britches and decided to show off in the Taco Bell parking lot. Yeah in all flipping places, Taco Bell, where her momma really wanted a burrito and went inside rather than going through the drive-thru. It was when I came back out that she refused to start. Instant panic...from me, not Pearl.

Not knowing what to do, and many failed attempts of reaching anyone to help me, Pearl suggested that I walk home (after eating the burrito). I waited for returned phone calls, but FINALLY, it was Olivia to the rescue. She said she had jumper cables, but didn't know how to use them, but no fear, she was willing to convince Pearl that she REALLY needed to start for her momma...

(Pearl is a bit embarrassed for me displaying her with her hood up, but that is what she gets.)

Needless to say, two girls, two cars, some jumper cables, some sparks, a Taco Bell employee, and Jim, could not get Pearl to budge, which meant she had to spend the night at the Taco Bell. And knowing her, that is what she wanted...perhaps a wild night on the town was what the doctor had ordered.

The next day, Pearl was still where she was supposed to be...perhaps a little hungover from the jumper cable action the night before. I told her that AAA was coming, but that it would be another hour before they arrived. I had first called AAA and asked for her to be towed as everyone that saw her in the parking lot the night before assured me that it was more than a battery problem. But when I was walking to go wait with her, out of instinct, I had called AAA back and asked for the battery man, as he had taken care of Pearl before. About 2 hours later, after sitting there an hour as the operator lady had told me, the tow truck man showed up instead. He suggested we try jumping her again, and low and behold, she started. I think it was because he had big muscles.

But the fun was not over then...as I had yet to spend money on her, of course. We then ventured back to my house, where I had to leave her running, so that I could locate the nearest Advanced Auto Parts. She was hooked up to the little battery machine that determined her battery was completely dead. The nice Advanced Auto Parts man then had to replace his 7th battery of the day as well as put in a new air filter, so that Pearl would be able to strut the streets of Raleigh again...even if it is at the expense of her momma.

Lost and Found

2008-08-18T14:52:00.008-04:00

I was in Target one day and there was this young girl, probably about 5 years old, in a very cute, pink, smocked dress that was clearly disrupting two ladies as they shopped. She was talking to them and once they could get a word in, one of the ladies told the little girl that she liked her dress to which she replied, "My babysitter got it for me from the lost and found." Sounding mortified, the mother quickly jumped in and explained that the babysitter had worked at the country club pool and at the end of the summer had given the dress to her since no one claimed it by the end of the season. It just made me chuckle because kids are truly some of the most honest people out there.

Now for my lost and found story...and don't worry, I no longer wear cute, pink, smocked dresses...BUT the back of my poor little cell phone became missing the night of April 6th of this year...my very own birthday. I am guessing that because of a few cocktails on this glorious day, I was unable to remember such details, as where one loses the back of their phone...hence why it has been missing ever since.

At that time, the phone was a rather new phone and being the stubborn cell phone customer that I am, going to get a new phone was clearly not an option. Seriously, Heaven forbid stupid AT&T get any more of my money...so certainly a little Scotch tape would do the trick. And it sure did...UNTIL...my friend's boyfriend, who works at a cell phone store, was able to provide my little black phone with the appropriate little navy back to my phone. A little mismatched was my phone, but it was a heck of a lot more efficient than the tape.

FAST FORWARD TO 8/16...

ALAS, the black back to my cell phone was discovered by the boys cleaning Meredith's car! She had so graciously driven me home that night and somehow, some way, that little black back made its way into the seats of her car!!! So my phone has since been reunited with its appropriate back and he could not be any happier! But have no fear little navy back, he cherished every waking moment with you and you will certainly not be forgotten!

Tag...along.

2008-08-14T18:59:00.006-04:00

I say Tag...along...because that is what I am right now. I see Head was tagged from one of her friends and although she did not tag me, I thought I would tag along with them just because I wanted to post!

1. My uncle once: traveled with me to Germany, Italy, Switzerland, and Austria. He also took me to see 'Chicago' and treated me to homemade fondue! But not on the same trip...

2. Never in my life: will I go sky diving.

3. When I was five: I would get to my kindergarten classroom before anyone else, including the teachers, and would take my name card out of the stack. I would then place my name card at the top of the stack so that when the teacher drew names for special duties, I could select first. Before I was busted, I was line leader like every day.

4. High school was: high school. I enjoyed it and still keep in touch with a lucky few :).

5. I will never forget: see # 6.

6. Once I met: Jason Mraz...with Head...in the snow/sleet/rain...in London.

7. There’s this girl I know: named Heather that needs to come back home to Raleigh SOON! Oh how I have missed drinking mimosas with her!

8. Once, at a bar: OH GOOD LAWD. Let's play it PG and say I met Marcus Ginyard, Wayne Ellington, and Alex Stepheson (all UNC basketball players in case you didn't know). They were kind enough to let me have my picture with them and I even gave Marcus a kiss on the cheek after telling him he had the best ass. Ok so that was like PG-13.

9. By noon, I’m usually: wishing I had something else to eat for lunch. And counting down the hours till 5:00.

10. Last night: I was in bed at 7:30. Nerd Alert.

11. If only I had: a normal tummy. I am so tired of being a lab rat at the GI.

12. Next time I go to church: will probably be for Nick and Sarah's wedding in September.

13. What worries me most: "is something happening to the people I love most." Had to use quotes because I'm with ya Head.

14. When I turn my head left I see: my dining room table with a wall that desperately needs some art.

15. When I turn my head right I see: a lovely new addition to my wall...a picture frame with 4 different pics of my bestests.

16. You know I’m lying when: Oh you will know. I am a horrible liar.

17. What I miss most about the Eighties is: my parents still being married.

18. If I were a character in Shakespeare I’d be: Oh I don't know. I am not that literary.

19. By this time next year: Oh gosh...my baby brother Hunter will be going off to college. Freaking scary. Where has the time gone?

20. A better name for me would be: Rachel. It is my token drunk name...although I do love my real name.

21. I have a hard time understanding: this crazy world we live in.

22. If I ever go back to school, I’ll: Ummm not gonna happen. Seriously...not gonna happen. I am still paying that crap back from the first time around.

23. You know I like you if: I make fun of you.

24. If I ever won an award, the first person I would thank would be: myself because I love myself like that...hahaha...only kidding...well kind of. The fam and friends fo sho!

25. Take my advice, never: secretly put meat in something and try to make me eat it. It is not very nice.

26. My ideal breakfast is: waiting till Jersey Mike's opens at 11:00 AM where I will take a #14 on wheat with spicy mustard, mayo, lettuce, cucumbers, green peppers, pickles, salt, pepper, and oil and vinegar on the side. Miss Vickie's BBQ chips. With a Pepsi (I would prefer Coke, but they don't have it) or half sweet and half unsweet tea.

27. A song I love but do not have is: Piano Man because I like to sing "because we're all in the mood for some Melanie."

28. If you visit my hometown, I suggest you: go to Wrightsville Beach and have a few beers on the ledge at Lagerheads...and there is no way you can just have a few with all of that quality people watching. Then the next day, cure your hangover with a Bloody Mary from Dockside.

29. Why won’t people: do the damn job they're supposed to do? Current work frustration.

30. If you spend a night at my house: we have probably been drinking. And I will treat you to the chef's favorite, grilled cheese, and we will have a dance party before going to bed. You may even get to wear the gold sequined shoes.

31. I’d stop my wedding for: Jason Mraz...duh...or here lately the entire 2008 Men's Olympic Swim Team.

32. The world could do without: mean people. I hear ya Head.

33. I’d rather lick the belly of a cockroach than: Oh GAWD...I am dry heaving just thinking about it. I cannot answer at this time.

34. My favourite blonde(s) is/are: I only know one REAL blonde and that is my friend Mary Holt. Cheers to her! And today is her birthday!

35. Paper clips are more useful than: Cynthia Potter's commentary on Olympic Diving. See post below. I dislike this woman more and more every day.

36. If I do anything well it’s: complain. Right Brad and Ashely :)?

37. And by the way: I'm tired and my belly really really really hurts. Look there I go complaining...

Now I challenge this game of tag to my betches who blog...Tonya, Ashely, Mrs. Blueberry, and Mr. Brad although he only uploads pics and stuff...just do it!

Dearest Cynthia Potter,

2008-08-12T20:38:00.002-04:00

You are on my very last nerve. I have only listened to you for 2 nights now, but you are RUINING my viewing pleasure of diving. I had to Google you because I had no idea such an annoying person could exist and what do you know, you are an experienced diver. But give it up...they are going to make a big splash. They are diving from a really high board and hitting the water at fantastic speeds. What else do you freaking expect? They are not creating "tidal waves" and I can guarantee that I make a bigger splash than them by just dipping my toes in a pool.

Please please please just shut it and let me enjoy the 2 people jumping off that high board with all of their flips, tucks, twists, whatever else they do to simply amaze me. In my book, they are doing a damn good job, so just shut your trap. And I think my friend Meredith said it best...you sound like Nancy Grace...but I think your voice is far more annoying...and I didn't think that could even be possible.

With love,
Melanie, who has zero clue on any diving matters/expectations/etc. nor any experience in the sport. Clearly.

HOLY HELL!!!

2008-08-12T12:54:00.007-04:00

If you have not read the post prior to this one, it might make more sense to do so. Ok so I received the following email from my big sis Tonya...

Just read your blog and I know that you're gonna love this.
It will totally get your goat and have you back on the "He's so Hot train" in less time than it took Mr. Phelps to kick the world records ass last night!~
WHOOT WHOOT

http://www.nbcolympics.com/swimming/photos/galleryid=156776.html

Sorry friends, in addition to Michael Phelps, I also have dibs on Aaron Peirsol, Ryan Lochte and Brendan Hansen. And since I lived in Australia for a month back in 2002, I also have dibs on Andrew Lauterstein. All of which I knew of before now, thanks to their uuuuhhhh yeah... swimming abilities...not just for their uuuuhhhh hot bods...I promise.

I need to now make you aware that I have OFFICIALLY reinstated my relationship status with all of them. Man I am going to be one busy woman...so many boyfriends, so little time...at least I have some time before they return from Beijing.

Warning: Shallow Post Ahead.

2008-08-10T19:09:00.005-04:00

I was a good swimmer. Not great, but better than average. I swam on my country club's swim team every summer, with a lot of year round swimmers and I certainly kept up with the best of them. I even brought home the gold in the 50m butterfly in the summer championship one year, beating out all those said year round swimmers. And from that moment on, I wanted to swim year round because I really felt like it was something I could be really really good at if given the opportunity to swim every day.

Needless to say, my parents could not afford it, which is kind of cliche that I was on the country club swim team (my parents' priorities have always been out of whack). But I cannot help but to feel a little bitter when I watch the Olympics because I really feel like I could have been something. Maybe not Olympic stylie, but maybe like local celebrity for my swimming abilities stylie. But MAN...if I were Olympic stylie, especially this year, I would have to have me one of those swimmer boyfriends...

I am not normally a shallow girl (no pun intended...get it...like shallow pool...ok I will stop) basing my opinions of people on just their looks, but holy cow. I just don't know that there is anything hotter than a boy with a swimmers body. Even when they are wearing those stupid new full body suit things that supposedly help them go faster, I cannot help but to crush on them.

I would like to bring your attention to Michael Phelps as a very prime example of this. He is so AWESOME and I am constantly determining whether or not I find him attractive...again, not that it matters because he is so amazing. But I see him getting ready for his big swim in his cap and goggles and the announcers are talking about his 6 foot 7 wing span and his size 14 foot. And then he gets up on that block like he means business, flapping his arms, getting warmed up and I am like he is so freaking hot. Then after his swim, they zoom in on all his gold medal glory and he smiles, and I am like not so much. But he then gets out of the pool and unzips that heinous number they call a swimsuit, unveiling that bod, and I am like WHOA, mommy likey. And then he gets on that pedestal to accept his medal and I am back on the not so hot train.

I mean I must admit that I would not "kick him out of bed" regardless of my not so hot feelings towards him...and I mean that as a saying...not in the "easy" way, but their bodies AND talent totally make up for what they may or may not lack in their face. I mean really, who am I to "judge", and BELIEVE ME, I know better than to judge someone based on looks alone, but am I crazy for finding Mr. Phelps attractive?

I think I know why my pants don't fit anymore...

2008-08-05T16:18:00.004-04:00

I present to you Exhibit A...well probably Exhibit beyond the alphabet.

Cashier Boy: A Moo Moo Mr. Cow? (which is the kids sized burrito at Moe's mind you)
Me: Yes sir.
Cashier Boy: Would you like the kids cup for your drink?
Me: Sure.
Cashier Boy: What kind of cookie would you like today?
Me: Ooooooohhhhh I don't think I can have a cookie today.
Cashier Boy: Come on you have had a bad week, you deserve one.
Me: But it's only Tuesday. (Insert pause). Alright I will have chocolate chip.

NERD ALERT

2008-08-02T22:48:00.003-04:00

Total nerd for blogging on a Saturday night...BUT if I don't finish my wrap up of Denver, I am going to go nutso. We woke up and I instantly became depressed knowing that it would be my last day in Denver. My flight was not until 1:00 (thank God) so we were able to hang out briefly before my big departure. I had overheard some people talking about Lucille's so I suggested that we go there for breakfast. I had some cheese grits and potatoes, both were yummy, but a struggle to get down thanks to a hangover setting in. Perfect. Traveling all day long with a hangover. And you know, I didn't even care. It was SO worth it. I totally had the time of my life with so many awesome (there I go again) memories, pictures, new friends, and a love for the city of Denver. Like serious love. Like REAL love. L.O.V.E. Loooooooooooove.

Darlin' Do Not Fear

2008-08-02T21:20:00.010-04:00

What you don't really know...

Because that's what Brett Dennen said...well that's what he sang...

Day 2 of the festival and I most definitely remembered my ticket! In fact, at every stop, I made sure I had it! First up on that day's agenda, was the one said above, Mr. Brett Dennen. And based on his music, I just expected him to be so dang cute...ummmm not so much...

But the drummer. Whoa the drummer. Mommy likey...

They really started the day off right and it was awesome even though I managed to spill my first 8.00 beer of the day. I hate being clumsy...at least it was a waste of 8.00 and not 75.00...

Next up was Martin Sexton...and my God...absolutely amazing. I mean wow. I have been listening to his music for a couple of years now, but I had no clue just how amazing he could be. Luckily, we were on the front row for all of this goodness...

I promise we had on clothes...anyway, he played my two faves, 'Hallelujah' and 'Black Sheep' so I was a happy girl. We headed next to hear Tea Leaf Green, who my friend recommended and they too were good. Shortly there after, we headed back to the main stage for Rodrigo Y Gabriella...insert fuzziness...probably because of this...

Thankfully the people beside us had gotten some homemade potato chips because I was starving. I don't think they minded...or if they even knew...

We camped out at the main stage for the remainder of the day/evening/night for John Mayer and Dave Matthews, both which were good per the usual. I so hate that I missed the Black Crowes and The Roots, among other bands, but it was just so hard to be in multiple places at the same time.

So, all in all my first festival experience was just awesome. I feel as though I have used that word a lot in these posts, but it really captures how it was. Just freaking awesome. I heart the Mile High Music Festival and love that I was a part of the very first one! Looking forward to the one next year!

Live High at the Mile High

2008-08-01T15:17:00.015-04:00

Because that's what Jason Mraz said...well that's what he sang...

So day one of the festival got off to quite a rocky start (no pun intended) I must say. And by rocky start I mean having to spend another 75.00...that was not budgeted for...because I am an asshole. We had taken about a 30 minute cab ride to the venue in an un-air conditioned van, with me making sure everyone had put on sunscreen, had their water, and of course their tickets. And low and behold, this girl (i.e. me) got all the way up to the front gate and realized that she didn't have her ticket. Seriously.

Trying to stay calm, but with tears secretly streaming down my face, I remembered that my ticket was in my wallet, that was at Kerri and Jenn's house, which was even further away from where we departed from. How in the hell did I manage to do this? I'll tell ya. I had my wallet in my bag as we were about to leave Kerri and Jenn's house and Kerri reminded me that it might not be a good idea to bring my whole wallet. Of course it made total sense, so I removed my license, cash, and a card, but NOT my ticket.

Luckily, we found a man selling a ticket, a scalper if you will, that only charged me face value, but when you only have 150.00 cash to spend on beers at the festival for the whole weekend, and half of that is already spent, and not on 8.00 beers, you become quite stressed and frazzled. Believe me. THANK GOODNESS I have such awesome friends that helped a sister out with her much needed booze...and for the mini bottles I was able to sneak in.

We arrived just in time to set up base camp in front of the main stage and haul tail to the completely opposite side of the complex to see my second boyfriend of the day, Eric Hutchinson.

(you can see little Eric in the background...or not)

As expected, he was awesome and it was even more awesome to introduce him to my crew who had never heard of him. I was really disappointed that they only let him play for 30 minutes, but I certainly had my fix and headed back to base camp for...chillin' and MORE BEER of course.

And finally it was time for the next band...or musician with his band rather...Gavin Degraw. He was good...and might have been better had I not been obsessing over my boyfriend Jason Mraz about to play. He was playing on the stage that Eric Hutchinson had just played on, which meant we had to trek back over there, with a beer stop on the way.

We made it in the nick of time and as always, my boyfriend was cuter than ever, and just jammin on that stage like nobody's business. He played all my faves, including 'Summer Breeze' and it was like the happiest I have ever been in my life.

But because Citizen Cope was about to be playing back at the Main Stage, everyone left, but Jonathan, so we stayed to hear (and see) the rest of my boyfriend's performance.

I too wanted to see Citizen Cope, but I was NOT going to miss a minute of my boyfriend, so once he was done, we ran (yes, I ran, still cannot believe it because I only run if someone is chasing me with a gun or knife...and now I should add Citizen Cope to my list) to make it back to base camp. And honestly, this is where the day starts to get a little blurry...and by blurry I mean the details...like what songs I heard...I remember the bands, just not the whole shebang...you understand...

I know that Citizen Cope was just awesome because they just are. That is all I can tell you, but once they wrapped things up, I went for a little adventure...all by myself...which might not have been the smartest thing...to check out Spoon. I jammed with them for a few songs and realized that I was by myself so I headed back to base camp to collect some peeps for Lupe Fiasco. And on my way back to base camp, I captured this pic of the main stage with the creepy sky...

Rounded up the troops (Kerri and Jenn) to check out Lupe Fiasco...believe me, that's them...

So so so rockin'!!! Really really really enjoyed them and it wasn't because of the beers consumed...they were just really really really cool. After they were done, we went back to base camp to listen to O.A.R. and then Tom Petty.

That is all I can really tell you. Not because I don't want to tell you, but because I just cant. But what I can tell you is that the stupid 75.00 extra that I had to spend was worth every damn penny.

Day 2 of the festival coming right up!

Rock em Rockies (Not to be confused with Rack em)

2008-07-30T14:20:00.016-04:00

Rack em, rack em, funky chicken, rack em. Ok so that is from a You Tube video of this crackhead and I don't want to post the link because it's one of those situations that is really sad, but damn funny. If you have a sick sense of humor, just go to You Tube and type in Rack Em. Now back to my Denver posting...

We got back from the beer store and treated ourselves to some Kewrs Light on the back porch before heading to Kewrs Field for a Rockies game. But why go ahead to our seats and drink expensive beers when we can go sit outside the stadium at Fado's, an Irish Pub? So of course you know what we did...

I am not sure what inning it was when we entered the game, but we eventually made it to our seats, double fisting mind you, because heaven forbid we ever run out of beer. But here is the field in case you care...I absolutely LOVE the skyline in the background...

Before we knew it, and while everyone but Hunter and me went to get beers, there was an infield home run, which is kind of unheard of...so GO ROCKIES. And when the Rockies hit a home run, the fountains go crazy, everybody cheers, and it is awesome...

I had never really liked baseball, but everyone suggested that I go to a real live game to prove me otherwise, which was definitely the case! I had a blast!!!

And being from "Raleigh", where we are so "ghetto"...you know we just had to buhring IT to the game!!!

They ended up sweeping the Pirates so we went back to Fado's to celebrate! And by celebrate, I mean dance offs and beer tricks!

And before too long, we had to part with Fado's so that we could make it to the festival in the morning. But oh what a night!!!

Smile if you Swallow!

2008-07-28T18:48:00.009-04:00

So we got up Friday morning at a relatively normal time considering the night before and headed to Brueggers for some breakfast. We passed through Wash Park, which was just gorgeous. There were so many pretty flowers in bloom and I wish I would have made everyone stop so I could take a quick pic, but I was worried that Jonathan was going to get caught on top of a sprinkler...inside joke. I will just have to keep the Wash Park photo opp in my head...

After breakfast, Kerri and I ventured out on our own to Red Rocks, which was beyond breathtaking. The mountains...not so much the picture of me...

Unfortunately, we were not able to go down into the amphitheatre thanks to Lyle Lovett, but the scenery sure did it for me. They are so fortunate to have this venue because any musician would be lucky to perform in the open air surrounded by this. Words definitely cannot do this place justice. This was one of my fave pics of the day because it captures the mountains with the Denver skyline in the back...just beautiful.

After our adventure to Red Rocks, we decided just to go to 16th Street Mall and walk around for a bit. There was a good "Denver" store there where I picked up 2 new t-shirts :), but neither were as cool as the guy wearing a 'Smile if you Swallow' t-shirt. Yes. In public. One of favorite past times, is to keep track of the most redneck/trashy/raunchy t-shirts I have seen (mostly at the free music events downtown, at the fair, or any other place that encourages people to crawl out of the woodwork). And this one certainly made the books.

It was so nice to walk around even though it was quite warm, but there is no humidity in Denver, which is just unheard of being from the South. And on top of that my stupid aluminum free deodorant doesn't know how to work, but all in all, a very nice afternoon checking out the downtown area. It reminded me of a bigger and better and safer and cleaner area that you would see here in Raleigh...ok so nothing like what we have here...but I am still amazed at how clean it was.

After a lovely stroll, we went back to the house to meet up with Jenn, Jonathan, and Hunter to grab a bite to eat. And holy cow. I am still thinking about my meal. My mouth waters every day for it. We went to a place called Thai Basil and I had the sesame tofu, extra spicy. And seriously, one of the best meals I have ever had.

With a full belly and wanting to immediately unbutton my pants, we returned home after a stop by the beer store, to get ready for my first baseball game!!!

Thirsty Thursday Part Deuce...Raleigh is Ghetto.

2008-07-28T12:49:00.011-04:00

Ok whoa...took quite the hiatus from the blog, but now I am back. Let's see where we left off...aaahhhh yes...Kerri got home from work and we all went to the Spot, their neighborhood bar. I had heard so much about this place and I must say it definitely exceeded my expectations. Shocking that a bar would do that to me, but whatever :). It's just funny because when I lived with Kerri here in Raleigh, we went to the Point ALL the time. So it was nice to venture to her "Point" in Denver...and how awesome that it is called The Spot. So awesome. And I didn't realize until my way out of town that their sign is a little Dalmatian Pup...how presh.

So we chilled on the patio, drinking more Fat Tires, some Kewrs Light (as ordered by Hunter), and of course shooting some liquor. Way.too.much.fun. Great patio, great booze, great friends, just great. But there were a few weird things that happened as well, that certainly don't ruin a great time, but leave you with a little WTF action.

There was this guy there Morris, who had arrived at the bar shortly after we did with some Gelato...little insert here...Jenn later comes to realize that Gelato is ice cream and not an energy drink...and he proceeds to order 2 shots of vodka and 2 shots of rum so that he can enjoy his own Gelato martini. I wasn't sure why he would have brought Gelato to a bar, but come to find out, Morris cannot really be served at the Spot for whatever reason, so this was his way of getting his drink on.

ANYWAY, I happened to mention that I was from Raleigh and that I had been taking a hip hop class. He replied, "Yeah Raleigh is really ghetto." Excuse me. Are you kidding? Really? Raleigh? Ghetto? He was serious. He also further insulted me on my job saying that project managers expect everyone else to get the job done so that we can sit back and relax, while taking all the credit. Ok what? I was shortly done with him thereafter and apparently the Spot bartender felt the same because he was no longer able to be served. Loser.

Jenn finally got off from work and another friend, Jason, also from college was able to come join us. GOOD TIMES DEFINITELY HAD BY ALL as you will see below. You can certainly see the progression of the night...

As you can tell, I totally got back to my roots of ghetto Raleigh by the end of the night. And that basically sums up my first day/night in Denver! All I can say, is that I totally can hang!!! Dat altitude aint have nuthin' on me. Wooooooooorrrrrrddddd to your moms.

Thirsty Thursday

2008-07-24T22:55:00.005-04:00

Well thirsty Thursday last Thursday...day one of vacay!!! I know you, my fans, have been anxiously awaiting to hear about my trip to the land that I love! Let's take a look at where it all began...

So my little sissie came to pick me up to take me to the airport...at 6:45 AM...which came a little too early for my liking after not going to bed till after 1:00 AM. Everything went smoothly with my check in and off to Dallas I went for some layover action. I headed straight to the bar, shocking I know, and a T.G.I.Friday's nonetheless to treat myself to my first vacay cocktail...a Bloody Mary to hopefully mask the beer smell from the night before. There is nothing quite like having some beers while packing.

While at the bar, I watched the UNC-GA Tech game from last season that was up for an ESPY (how awesome) and low and behold, 2 seats down from me was someone famous. Well I should say "famous" because I still have no clue who he is, but he has got to be known to other people, to let's just say some Broncos fans. It comes time for him to leave, and the bartender, who is your typical "I'm a bartender and I'm cool", I guess forgetting that he is not cool because he works in an AIRPORT bar says, "Hey man, do I know you from somewhere?" And he replies, "I used to play football around here, but now I play for the Broncos." That is the only way I would have ever known that this dude was "famous" even though my curiosity was peaked by the ice in his ears and his Louis Vuitton luggage...and his like 7 foot tallness.

After my cocktail and a house salad, I decided that I needed to go ahead to my gate because sometimes I have a bad habit of forgetting about why I am really in the airport. So I am sitting there reading the Independent and this boy (later to be known as Tommy, lead singer/keyboardist for the band Sofo) asks me if I am from Denver. And I tell him no, that I am from Raleigh, but traveling to Denver for the Mile High Music Festival. We chatted before boarding about the awesome music scene that is Denver and he gave me an even more awesome list of bands to check out during my stay (thanks again Tommy...they all rule...I will provide the list to you readers at a later time). And that's when I just knew I was going to fall in love with this place...strangers that are nice people willing to share and spread music...I could never ask for anything more.

After collecting my baggage, which by the way was like the third bag on the rotating thing, I arrived via Super Shuttle to my friends' house... I look forward to telling you more about the Super Shuttle ride some other time. Both pals were working, but Jenn had 2 friends in town who were there waiting for me...not really, but let's roll with it. Come to find out, these dudes were from Wilmington and had been in Denver for almost a week on their trip across the country. I had mentioned that I was starving and luckily they were too, so after following my friend Kerri's recommendation of the Hornet, we ventured on foot to grab a bite to eat...and to of course start drinking. That is what vacay is all about right ;)???!!!

So Jonathan, Hunter, and I ate some food...the best hummus of my life...and I drank a few Fat Tires, a new fave beer. I must mention that prior to me going on this trip, everyone including Kerri, had reminded me of the altitude and the toll it may take on my beer drinking skills. I am so calling bullshit. The last words Kerri said to me was "Drink a beer you don't normally drink, like Fat Tire, and don't get too drunk". I did both. And was completely FIIIIIIIIIIIIINE (in Sylvia's voice).

We headed back to their place to welcome Kerri home from work only to head to The Spot shortly there after...

I hate to leave you hanging like this, but it is time to hit the hay...I will try to post about the Spot and more tomorrow...believe me, I am as anxious as you are :).

I'm so in love...

2008-07-22T01:24:00.002-04:00

With Denver! Like REALLY in love. L.O.V.E. Loooooooooooove. I don't know how to make it any clearer...but I just love that place. And I was only there for 5 days. If only finding quality dudes took 5 days...ha...not gonna happen.

Anyway, I have TONS to share, but I have quite the jet lag/drank WAY too much in 5 days/tiredness/grumpiness/depression to even discuss the shenanigans that occurred in the Rockies. But since I was smart and also took a day off to recover, I am hoping to post tomorrow.

Hope you didn't miss me too much...

Your Majestinastiness is Out...

2008-07-16T21:53:00.005-04:00

Why I think that Majestinastiness is funny is beyond me, but for real...I'm out...of North Carolina that is! Headed to Denver to see my old roomie and to attend the Mile High Music Festival. I must warn you, if you check out this band schedule, you are going to be jealous. And you are going to be even more jealous, when I come back as Mrs. Mraz...

I have had many people in the last couple of days, mainly from work, ask me about what I am doing in Denver. I of course tell them about the awesome music festival that I am going to and the same question often surfaces...'Are you camping out?'.

If there is anything you should know about me, it is that I don't camp. So it's not the most important thing about me, but it is pretty high ranking. I don't camp and I am certainly not camping while in Denver. Just going to the Spot, a Rockies game, and for two days, the festival. But FOR REAL if there is one thing that you should know that I love, it's music. So before I leave, I would like to share with you the bands I look forward to seeing most while in Denver:

1. Jason Mraz...DUH

2. Eric Hutchinson

3. Brett Dennen

4. Spoon

5. Martin Sexton

6. Tea Leaf Green

7. Citizen Cope

8. O.A.R.

9. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

10. Dave Matthews Band

I know that there are a ton more and I honestly cannot wait to check them all out, but I guarantee pure satisfaction if you were to listen to any of the above. Seriously, as you can see I am way more excited of the first 8 (which you may have not even heard of) than the later. So I really do encourage you to listen/buy/borrow (but not from me) as I swear you too will fall in love like I have.

What the eff is this???

2008-07-16T13:48:00.007-04:00

So sorry about two DISGUSTING posts in a row, but seriously, what the eff is this?

You may be questioning the thing that looks like a burrito filled with cat food, really it's filled with beans, but that THING...that THING hanging off the side of the plate was there nestled into my bean burrito only to be extracted by a confused, grossed out, almost vomiting, yours truly. Once extracted, the girls and I tried to figure out what it was. To make me feel better, they were telling me it was a spice of some sort. That was NOT making me feel any better because I swear that that THING is a damn twig to put it nicely, but secretly I think it is even worse. What did I do to deserve this? A bean and twig burrito. I just ordered a bean burrito and mentioned nothing of a twig.

So in true fashion, I politely called the waiter over, and said "Sir, can you please tell me what this is?" I slid my plate over to him and he picked up the "twig" with a napkin and closely examined this piece of tree that was snuggled up with my beans. And do you know what this crazy man says to me after rolling it around in the napkin as if drying the twig off to get a better examination..."Oh I believe this is an onion." EXCUSE ME. An onion? OK no. But I went with it to make myself feel a little bit better about what was going in my mouth.

And then...THEN...another twig, I mean "onion", was spotted in my coworker Emily's taco salad...

Seriously, GROSS. So unbelievably GROSS. I am officially grossed out so bad that I don't even know why I am still talking about it. I know what a damn onion looks like and it is not seen in any of the pictures above. So now out of the two Mexican restaurants I tend to venture to in this area, I can no longer go to either...uugghh. At least the other place didn't have random onion sticks in their food...just slow service and cold food...both of which are unheard of in a Mexican restaurant...

BUSTED

2008-07-15T21:36:00.002-04:00

And just to warn you, this is pretty freaking disgusting, but something I have to share because I swear, these are the kinds of things that only I would see. Let me provide you with the setting...driving home from hip hop class, talking on the phone with TJ, and scrolling through my CD to find the song "Whoa" because that was the song for tonight's routine. Sounds like a lot to be doing while driving, but I assure you that all is good in the hood...or in my car. So I go to take my exit at the appropriate beltline (which only took me 3 years to master) and as I am curving around, I am able to see the traffic at the Glenwood stoplight. So I glance over at the other cars and happen to also see a homeless man with the 'standard' help me sign and then...this is where it gets gross, I watch him stick his hands in his pants, scratch around those parts, remove his hand, and then sniff it...all while I am going around this curve.

WHAT THE HELL??? Let there be no shame in being homeless, but damn...all the shame in the world to you for standing in a very high traffic area scratching and sniffing. Disgusting. I know you male readers are thinking 'Oh we have to adjust things down there'...WHATEVER...there is NO excuse for doing that in front of all those people and then having the nerve to smell your hands. I wish I would have had some money to give him to NEVER do that again...

His area code is 919...

2008-07-14T13:18:00.002-04:00

I cannot even begin to tell you how many times a day I say the above...at least 3 to 4...just ask my coworkers. Sometimes it's more when his friends, coworkers, clients, car dealerships REALLY need to get a hold of him. You see, I live in Raleigh, but the area code of my cell phone does not match where I reside. I have had my cell phone number since I was a junior in college and it is just one of those things I don't want to get rid of. However, because of him, I often consider it. Seriously.

He lives in Wilmington. He has a sister-in-law named Laurie that likes to text him. He drives a Cadillac that seems to be getting serviced quite frequently. He is a photographer for the YMCA and New Hanover County Schools. How do I know all of this you may ask? Because those calling and looking for him seem to think that I am him or that I know him.

I am sure you are thinking, 'Why bother answering the phone', but these people REALLY need to talk to him. When I do not answer, they keep calling back over and over again and they leave messages for him thinking that they are going to get a returned phone call. I really think that it is just better for me to pick up the phone to tell them that his area code is 919.

But mainly I pick up the phone because these people are calling from the area code of my home town so I think that maybe just maybe they are calling for me. Maybe it's my mom calling me from the hospital about my granny or maybe my brother is at a friend's house and needs to talk to me. But it is NEVER for me...it's always for him.

He has called to thank me for being his secretary, which is very polite indeed, and even last week he called me asking if I was the exterminator. I still don't understand that one, but my how I wish he would change his number because I am definitely not going to.

2:00...The Best Part of My Work Day!

2008-07-10T16:57:00.005-04:00

Besides eating my lunch and leaving for the day...DUH! I would like to introduce to you a little thing called the 2:00 song. Each day at 2:00 or any other time near 2:00, the girls and I at work play a special song to get people pumped about the afternoon. We even created a schedule so that we would know whose turn it would be to pick out a song each day. Fridays are special because we not only play a song, but we also have a dance party too! We are such the professionals...

Anyhoo, my day of the week to pick the song is Thursday, which just happens to be today. And from this week forward, I shall post the 2:00 song of my choosing. Today's lucky winner was Stevie Wonder's Part Time Lover. Again, real professional when playing at work. Nonetheless, an awesome song that really made everyone's afternoon...even if Karen thinks it sounded better coming out of the jukebox while having some drinks at one of our favorite spots...

So You Think You Can...

2008-07-10T15:58:00.004-04:00

Get whiplash from a hip hop dance class??? Inspired by one of my all time favorite shows, So You Think You Can Dance, I felt it necessary to sign up for a hip hop dance class this summer. I must admit I was a little reluctant to take the class, not because of my inability to hip and hop, and believe me, I can hip and hop, but because it was for ages 13-adults. Quite a wide range of ages I'd say, but I signed up nonetheless...and with a friend so at least I wouldn't be the only adult in the class of teenagers that were ready to bust a move.

For the first half of the session, I must admit I was a little disappointed, well, with a lot of things. First of all, my friend mentioned above totally left me hanging and went to another class, thus leaving me behind to show these teens that this twenty something can move it. Second, I had never heard of the song for our routine nor did I even like it. I still don't even know what song it is...something about 26 Days and P. Diddy. Third, the routine was quite cheerleader-ish and not so street like I had anticipated. I was ready for booty popping and crumping and the knee slides they warned me about when telling me what to wear to class. I got none of that.

My how those days are over. Second session. New Instructor and it's a boy. He wears high tops and hoodies. And I think he may have given me whiplash. Well not him, but his choreography. For real. My neck is hurting so bad and I am only one class in. I mean whoa...this boy is street. He knows hip hop. He so has moves. Moves I have never seen, well maybe on So You Think You Can Dance, but those people are well trained and really freaking good. This girl...not so much. I did take 10 years of jazz and tap and was one of the captains of my high school dance team. But this. I don't know that I am capable of this.

Now I'm feeling a little apprehensive of the booty popping, crumping, knee sliding across the floor...and making my poor little neck do things that it doesn't want to do. But I am going to do it. I want to do it. I have 3 more classes to wrap up this routine and I just pray that I catch on next week. He tells me I will, but that damn crazy kick ball change slide move gets me every time...

I owe it all to Lucinda...

2008-07-09T14:48:00.000-04:00

Lucinda Pepper...that's who. Although I don't know that I can use the word who, so much as she was a thing. You see, Lucinda Pepper was an old friend of mine. Again, I don't know if I can use the word friend, so much as she was a hot pink hair extension that would venture out with me for crazy nights on the town. And it is because of this thing, friend, hair extension that I have decided to start a blog.

I had often considered starting a blog, but had no idea what kinds of things, if any, I wanted to say to this crazy little world. I am no poet, well maybe a haikuist, if that is such a word. I am no world traveler, although I think I am pretty well traveled. And I am definitely no mother, although I love kids. Not saying that those are the only reasons to blog, but all of the above have something to say or share. I am just an (extra)ordinary girl that wants to share stories. And funny stories at that. At least I think they are funny...

Back to Lucinda...I am not quite sure why I even started thinking about her today or how I came up with such a name or why I thought it necessary to clip her in my hair. Who knows really, but whatever. The same will go here with my blog...really, anything goes. I think it will be a good time...or a good read nonetheless. But that is based on my definition of good, which is all that matters. Thanks for joining me on this ride...too bad Lucinda isn't around anymore to enjoy it too...