Sky High

So a few weeks ago, Kevin and I decided we needed to go to the top of the Sears Tower (OK, it is the Willis Tower, but most of you wouldn't know what I was talking about if I said it).  Since we have lived in Chicago for 2 years and haven't done it, we decided it was time. 

The Sears Tower held the title of world's tallest building for over 20 years and it is still the tallest in America., so that was reason enough for Kevin to fork over the cash for some amazing views.  The observation deck is on the 103rd floor and they have these nifty retractable glass rooms that stretch out over the Chicago river and give you a great look at what is below.  On a clear day, which it was, you can see Wisconsin, Indiana, and Michigan.  We got up there in the late afternoon, and got to watch the sunset and Chicago light up in at night.  

We're going to miss this city.

Happy Camper

What does it mean to be a "happy camper"?  Well, Kevin and I went on a camping trip this last weekend, and I have yet to decide if I was a "happy camper" or not.  The being outdoors, campfire, hiking, and the scenery were all divine.  Unfortunately, the camping/sleeping portion of the the trip was sub par.  You see, my darling husband purchased a tent, but not just any tent.  It was the "Lone Elk".  Now Kevin and I are over 6'0" tall and I would not describe either of us as petite, but the Lone Elk, was a 1-man tent.  Needless to say, I didn't sleep.  I think my sister-in-law is on to something.  She claims camping to her is staying in a Motel 6.  I think I will be in charge of our next camp out and then, I WILL be a happy camper.
Our camping location was Sleeping Bear Dunes in Northern Michigan. It was gorgeous.  The weather was incredible, as in 80s, the scenery was pristine; peak fall colors, sandy beaches, gorgeous water, and Kevin's new favorite thing, dune grass.  Thanks to Kevin, I have over 550 pictures, but I will only share a few so I don't bore you.

 

Hotty Toddy

So, since BYU has gone independent, and they were going to be taking on an SEC team (Ole Miss) for their season opener, it was a MUST see game.  Kevin had been getting excited, and ended up buying front row tickets for this grand event.  We were ready to take on the deep south and enjoy some southern hospitality.

We left after I got off of work on the Friday evening before the game, and drove late into the night down to Mississippi. We found our camping spot, and roughed it in the backwoods with the possums and other critters and I even survived.
The next morning, we headed into town for breakfast and the best tailgating in the country (per the travel channel and ESPN).  On the way in, we passed some homes that made me giggle. Kevin was driving, so I was in charge of pictures, but I got distracted and didn't get any really good shots.  These houses were built of nothing more than scrap metal and/or plywood, and all of them had a brand new $50,000 truck parked out front. I thought that was super classy, I love me some backwoods rednecks!

Here is the best example I got of their humble residences.  

 We did however, have time to stop and document that we saw the World's Largest Cedar Bucket. I bet you always wondered where this was located. Oxford can certainly claim it.

Oxford was such a delightful town, and I had to keep reminding myself that I hate Ole Miss because of its affiliation with the Manning family. Every speed limit sign kept me in check. I can hate Tennessee more because I like Payton the least of all of them.

 After wandering around campus for a bit, we noted that Rowan Oak was just a short walk from campus. It was the home of William Faulkner. I think the BYU fans were the only ones visiting that day. 

 If it is a national historic landmark, Kevin HAS to go check it out.  It was a nifty little estate.

 This is the entrance to "The Grove" The central location of tailgating and where the the fans and band line up for the team to walk through on their way to the stadium.

Then it was back to campus to enjoy the festivities. There were just droves of people everywhere. Apparently there is a tradition among the students that the women wear cocktail dresses and heels that I would break my neck in to the games and the men wear slacks and sport coats.  I do love that they would tell you that they may not be the best team in the SEC, but they are definitely the best dressed.  Kevin LOOOOOOOOVES big bands. I have about 30min of the band playing recorded. If you would like to see it, just let me know. They do have a pretty fantastic band.

 While I am still trying to forget that I hate Ole Miss, I do have to say, I have never met so many pleasant people. As we were walking around in our BYU gear, everyone would stop to talk to us, take our pictures, and give us high fives. I couldn't help but get an eerie feeling that I was either the butt of their inside jokes, or this is what southern hospitality really is. I think I will choose to believe the latter. Although, I still want to know what "Hotty Toddy" means. I had that said to me way too many times.

 This is to prove I was actually there.

 Kevin made it onto ESPN! He was so excited when his friends texted him, that he had to watch the entire thing that night just to see about 1.5 seconds of himself.  Then we watched it over and over and over again.

 Since a hurricane was moving in and rain was in the forecast, we scratched the Ozarks and decided to hit up the sights of Memphis. Of course, we needed to get some southern BBQ. It was delicious.  Kevin has converted to dry rub ribs.

 We sat in the same booth Pao Gasol sits in at Corky's.  If you're in Memphis, this is the place to go!

 Then it was off to Graceland.  The nice lady at the Elvis store had to comment on the Ole Miss loss and mistakenly confused Kevin for an Ole Miss fan.  After she started in on BYU, it was a little too late for Kevin to pipe up and claim his alma mater. He does look cute in his Ole Miss shirt though. Good disguise.

Finally it was off to the Lorraine Motel where Martin Luther King Jr. was shot. 

Although we had to cut our trip short, we got a BYU win, great BBQ, and some good historic sites in.  Overall, I'd say it was a Hotty Toddy trip.

To Quit or not to Quit?.....That is the question.

I decided I should be healthier.  I am taking my multivitamins more regularly, watching what I eat, thinking about exercising....but is THIS something I am willing to give up.  I can't decide.  I decided that I am not addicted. I checked. I have over a week without having it, but I just really enjoy a cold can of pure divinity.  It's been like a companion to me for so long. What do you think? Just for the taste of it. I feel like I might lose a sense of self.
Quitting might take some convincing.