My new highlights and haircut, I love that all the weight has been lifted and I don't feel like I look like a hippy!!   Yahoo

W-I-L-W

I'm LOVIN' life, period.

I'm LOVIN' that in ONLY 129 days we'll be setting sail on our first Disney cruise :)

I'm LOVIN' the recent thunderstorms we've been getting, as long as they don't become severe of course.

I'm LOVIN' the new season of True Blood, it was getting a little crazy at first, but it's toned down to some bit of normalcy the last couple of episodes.

I'm LOVIN' that Trevor is so intelligent.  Earlier this summer he participated in a summer program at University of Alabama-Birmingham involving cellular and molecular science.  He is now doing another two week course there where he actually gets to work in the lab, dissecting specimens and working with DNA samples..etc etc.  He said he plans on becoming an Oncologist (go big or go home, right?!).  He will he be a sophomore this fall, my little brother is getting so old!!

TRIGGERS

I've been told by several people I remember too many things. I was listening to Q100 yesterday morning on my way in to work and they were talking about their "youngest memories" and it really had the wheels in my mind turning. Certain things can trigger a memory...a smell, song, show, car, piece of clothing...the list goes on and on. 

Here are a few of my memories....

 

 

DATE SPECIFIC

 

March 31, 2000 - The night I met Hardy

 

I was wearing L.E.I. blue jeans, a white Garbage Pail Kids t-shirt (feat. Boney Joaney) and Glazed doughnut flavored Lip Smacker's chapstick.

 

 

May 13, 2000 - Hardy's Junior Prom

 

My first dance with my first BOYFRIEND.  Aren't we so cute?

 

February 14, 1999 - The day I thought I was going to marry Taylor Hanson

I'm obsessive in nature, when I find something I like I tend to become enthralled in it. I would say it started with Hanson...and it lasted a loooong time. I got made fun of so much in school, but I didn't care, I was proud to represent. In the middle of the severe ness of my Hanson obsession, I decided to set a wedding date....keep in mind I would have only been 14 at the time of our "wedding"....kind of disturbing. Needless to say I DIDN'T marry Taylor, but he did marry a girl from Georgia who is a brunette, lol.

SONG Memories

Lightning Crashes by LIVE

This song will always remind me of my mom and Trevor. She was in love with this song when she was pregnant with Trevor and no matter when I hear it, I always think of the two of them.

Time by Pink Floyd

My junior year at Central I was taking Music Tech class (which was so cool) and became friends with Keith Stephens. At the time he was in a band and they performed at the Battle of the Bands that year and performed this song, of course the highlight of the song was the guitar solo which Keith played....I was just in "awe" of him. I couldn't believe he was so talented.

Blue Monday by Orgy

Orgy was another band I was slightly obsessed with as we exited middle school and entered high school. Freshman year at Central Gwinnett Azra Muftic, Danielle Barthen and I all made up a dance (with the help of my mom) to a dance remix of this song, so to this day when I hear it...I imagine the many evenings after school where we practiced in my kitchen.

Breaking the Law by Judas Priest

The summer of 2004 we were on our way to Charleston, SC when I was pulled over for doing 68 in a 55 (even though he claimed I was doing 72). How ironic that THIS song was playing, I will not let Hardy play this song when I drive.

 

 

CLOTHING/ACCESSORY Memories

Generation Swine t-shirt

Hardy gave me one of his Mötley Crüe t-shirts after we were dating for about a year. I put it on a teddy bear I'd gotten for Christmas one year and anytime he visited, I always asked him to spray the shirt with his cologne.

Black pleather pants from Gadzook's

I used to love this store and Hot Topic back in the day. For Christmas 1999 my mom got me this pleather pant and jacket set. I wore those pants with pride. I got made fun of, but again I didn't care. What fun is being yourself if you're trying to be what someone else wants you to be?

Gelly braclets

These were so "in" in High School, but once every one adopted them, it wasn't so fun anymore. At one time I had close to 100 between both wrists. I stopped wearing them eventually, but after moving to Bloomingdale, GA and starting my new school, I noticed no one else was really wearing them, so I brought them back into my daily wardrobe.

Gelly shoes

Ahhh childhood, I remember having a clear pair and I think a pink pair at some point. I loved wearing them, but they always made my feet stink!

Belly button ring(s) as earrings

Another time from high school....I decided to gauge my ears using belly button rings (14g). I actually still have them that size now, I've never wanted to go any bigger, only now I have two holes in each ear. Other than them getting tangled in my hair occasionally, they're a lot easier to take care of then small studs. My ears don't ever bother me.

 

 

So tell me....do any of you have special memories from long ago??  Or any triggers that remind you of a person/place/time period?

My husband can cook!!

And it's edible!

No honestly, Hardy is a great cook and I'm so happy he enjoys it. We've had a few bumps in the road with some dinners, but overall it's delicious. For our anniversary this year he broke out our Cooking with Mickey and the Disney Chef's cookbook

and made an amazing Honey Sesame Chicken with fried rice and tonight he did it again (not the same recipe)!! He made Pollo a las Rajas from the San Angel Inn Restaurant at Epcot.

::sighs::

Both of these turned out fantastic! He's my hero. Not only did I marry my prince charming, he loves Disney and HE CAN COOK IT TOO!!

Movie Reviews

We have been watching a TON of movies lately.  Borrowing them from friends or watching them on T.V. so here are a few reviews

Rango

Starring: Johnny Depp, Isla Fisher, Bill Nighy, Abigail Breslin

Adorably cute. I can see where young children might not stay attached to it through it's entirety as some jokes and parts of the plot wouldn't make sense. However, Johnny Depp narrates Rango and that was enough to make me want to see it. All of the character's are so cute! We laughed out loud several times.

Beastly

Starring: Vanessa Hudgens, Neil Patrick Harris

A modern day Beauty & The Beast story. I actually saw previews for this movie several years ago, but for some reason it wasn't released in theater's until 2011. It was sweet. If you're feeling romantic and sappy and just what a short chick flick and don't mind a "teen" love story, it's worth a watch.

Just Go With It

Starring: Adam Sandler, Jennifer Anniston, Brooklyn Decker

Hilariously funny! I've noticed with more recent Adam Sandler films there isn't much cussing, not that I care if there is cussing, but it's nice to watch a movie knowing they were able to keep you entertained WITHOUT compensating with language. Anniston is naturally beautiful and funny, I think she's redeemed herself with this role (as opposed to The Break Up and Bounty Hunter).

Hall Pass

Starring: Owen Wilson, Jason Sedakis, Christina Applegate

I wouldn't BUY the movie, but because it was given to us to borrow, we watched it. It had "some" LOL parts, but was kind of slow and there were several crude jokes that I could have done without. DO NOT WATCH THE UNRATED VERSION unless you don't mind seeing male parts for an extended period of time.

The Dilemma

Starring: Vince Vaughn, Kevin James, Winona Ryder, Jennifer Connelly, Channing Tatum

Super cute even though the movie deals with cheating. I love most anything Vince Vaughn stars in because his improv is hilarious. It was good to see Winona Ryder in a film too, I always liked her before she went cuckoo and stole from that store a few years ago, I think she's a very talented actress.

Black Swan

Starring: Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis

I wanted to see this just to see what all the fuss was about during Oscar season. I can definitely say the movie was DIFFERENT, in my case....not something I would own. I don't even know what category to put it in?!? Drama, Horror, Suspense....just weird weird weird. I was kind of put off by the movie anyway after seeing all those news headlines saying Natalie Portman didn't do all of the dancing in the film and the real dancer wasn't given credit.

Splice

Starring: Sarah Polly, Adrien Brody

An interesting movie about genetic engineers trying to create new hybrid animal by splicing DNA from multiple animals. A big company who is funding their research asks them to try and find a specific protein from these hybrid species so they can further their research for a cure of human diseases. They end up creating something partially human and it is interesting to see how their lives change. I can't really say much without giving away the storyline, but if you like sci-fi...psychological thrillers...this is one for you. It's certainly unlike anything I've ever seen before.

What I'm Lovin' Wednesday

I'm LOVIN that my younger brother, Trevor, has been spending time with us since last week. 
 
I'm LOVIN the swimming pool this year, I try to go at least 2-4 times a week if possible.
 
I'm LOVIN that we won 1st place at trivia for the FIRST time last week...of course Trevor is taking the glory claiming he's the good luck charm!
 
I'm LOVIN Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows Part 2 - - what a great ending to a series.
 
I'm LOVIN that the cruise is getting closer!!

Biggest Loser

NBC reality television show “The Biggest Loser” will be holding a casting call in Atlanta on Saturday, August 6 at the Hard Rock Cafe downtown. Individuals or pairs who each need to lose at least 85 pounds are eligible to apply. Contestants must be 18 years old or older and be a legal resident of the U.S.

Auditions will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m

Hard Rock Café
215 Peachtree Street
Atlanta, GA, 30303

For additional details please visit www.thebiggestlosercasting.com.

Monday's Top 10: Favorite Sweets!

I'm actually not that much of a sweet eater. If it's available and offered I might give it a try, but I don't keep sweet snacks, candy bars or chocolate in our pantry.

10. Krispy Kreme doughnut

*I don't care who you are or where you're from, but if you get a FRESH Krispy Kreme doughnut from an actual Kripsy Kreme store it will make your day brighter, I promise.

9. Cheesecake

*No particular kind....in fact, I found the cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory was no better than that from the Publix deli.

8. Hershey's Chocolate Pie

*My mom used to make something similar to this on special occasions so I haven't had it in YEARS, but to get a quick fix - go to Burger King and order it, tastes almost identical :)

7. Caramel Apple milkshake from Steak N Shake

*I tried this shake about 5yrs ago during the fall (it's a seasonal shake for Halloween) and OMG....delicious. You would never think caramel apple flavor would be good coming from a milkshake, but you are wrong!! It's especially delicious if you're like me and love those caramel apple pops available at Halloween too!

6. Crème Brule

*I've only had this one time in my life, homemade by some friends and it was delicious...omg just all around goodness.

5. Root Beer float from Sonic

*I don't drink root beer often, but if/when I do...I prefer a float from Sonic. The perfect amount of soda poured over a heap of vanilla ice-cream, mmm mmm good.

4. Snicker's bite size

*If I had to pick a favorite candy, this would be it. I can never eat a whole candy bar, so I prefer the bite sized candies.

3. Tollhouse Chocolate Chip Cookie's

*There is something about these small cookies when they come straight from the oven, with a glass of milk that will make your stomach smile.

2. Brownie's

*Betty Crocker is the best. I don't like home-made brownies....they never match the fudgy-chewiness of Betty Crocker. I love the corner pieces, got that from my mom I think.

1. Oreo Blizzard from Dairy Queen

*What is so scary about this is that I used to eat a LARGE when I would visit my Nana & Papa over the summer. Now it's all I can do to finish a regular size, so the mini blizzards are my best friend. It's just enough to kill the craving, but not enough to make you miserable. I do always ask for extra Oreo's though.

So....what are YOUR favorite sweets??

There's a 1st Time For Everything

After approx 6 months of playing trivia, we FINALLY won 1st place, I couldn't believe it.  Well I guess I could...we've been trying sooo hard.  We won $30 house cash! 
 
We did learn some semi-sad news though, the Rick Tanner's in Buford (where we've always played) will be closing this weekend.  They're actually having a 2yr Anniversary Bash tomorrow with 20% off, they have some amazing chicken fingers, fried pickles, wings and beer....go check them out!  Once trivia was over, the manager announced that a new company bought the shopping center they're in and they couldn't come to an agreement on the rent.  He said he appreciated the loyalty and hopes to see us over at the Rick Tanner's in Hamilton Mill in the weeks to come, until they find a new location to replace the Buford one. 
 
He gave every trivia team $10 house cash which can be used at Hamilton Mill.  I tell you....these are some of the nicest people I've ever met in my life.  We LOVE our waitress, so I was a little bummed that we might never see her again, but towards nights end said that she would hopefully be moving to the Hamilton Mill location.  She always takes care of us and remembers what we like, she's even thrown in a few free drinks here and there.  I always try to tip her well for her attention to detail and friendliness. 
 
The Hamilton Mill location does their own trivia every Wednesday night, but because there are so many of us who play in Buford...our trivia DJ agreed to move with us and now we'll be playing trivia on Tuesday's at Rick Tanner's at Hamilton Mill @ 7:30.  If you live in the area, I assure you, you will have a great time.  The address for the Hamilton Mill location is 3519 Braselton Hwy {aka 124}.  If you would rather not attend a trivia night, you should still give their food a try....yumm-o!
 
::Happy Dance::
 
We won 1st place
We won 1st place
We won 1st place

A Letter To My Period

Dear Tag Along,
 
            We’ve known each other for fourteen (14) years.  Can you believe it?  We’ve had a fairly decent relationship.  You’ve always been every 28-30 days; I could almost set a clock to your schedule. Causing only mild cramps and backaches, an occasional wicked migraine, but I get through it. 
 
Two weeks ago, however, you really caused some stress when you didn’t show up...zip…nadda…nothing.  I tested and tested, but continued getting negative results.  In fact, I had almost convinced myself I might be pregnant and the tests were just being retarded.  I also thought I could have been abducted by aliens and they implanted an alien life form in me and it was only days before it busted out of me like some crazy sci-fi movie. I was baffled, turning to friends to see if they’ve ever had this issue, but ultimately I just had to wait it out. 
 
After 14 days…(funny how we’ve known each other 14yrs and you decide one month to be 14 days late) I decide to visit the doctor to figure out what in the world was going on with me.  THE DAY I actually went to see my physician about your absence you show up…what kind of friendship is that? 
 
In the words of Stephanie Tanner from Full House “HOW RUDE!!”
 
Now that you’re back, you’re being a real BRAT!!  I do not find it humorous that you tricked me, and that now you’re back; you are trying to hit me with every possible ailment related to your visits all at once.  What did I ever do to you?  Why are you being so cruel and sassy?  Just like a woman to stab me in the back after years of loyalty.  I just want to let you know that one day…. when I actually AM pregnant I will laugh as loud as I can, from mountains, rooftops and maybe even off the wing of an airplane because I won’t have to deal with your attitude problems for an entire 9 months!!  How about that Miss Priss?!
 
I expect a prompt apology.
 
Sincerely your pal,
Amanda Jones

Weekend Recap

About a month or so ago, I received an email from The Masquerade (a club in downtown Atlanta) stating I had won 2 tickets to a show...obviously there aren't many bands these days I have an interest in seeing so every time I enter these contests, I choose bands I know Hardy likes.

Hardy, Heath, Chelsea and I all rode together Friday after work to Atlanta to see Children of Bodom. I was pleasantly surprised at how "cool" it was inside the Masquerade as generally there is no air circulating what-so-ever. Of course this only lasted about an hour, until more people started loading into the club. Soon we were all stuffed like sardine's. One thing I've come to realize in my older years is that, I can't stand being smashed into a crowd with people I don't know. I don't like sweating and I don't like feeling other people sweating on or around me. I ESPECIALLY don't like the few people who show up to concerts without having put deodorant on....BLAH!! There's a huge difference of my tolerance for certain things when I was in high school and now.

I bailed before Children of Bodom came on stage and hung out in the back where there was a lot more room to move around and my own air to breathe instead of every one else's carbon dioxide. Shortly after Heath & Chelsea followed and we retreated to the car where there was NICE cool air. We got home about 1am or so.

Saturday we woke up late and while Hardy watched some movies and played video games, I headed to the pool with Michael, Kristin, Hayden, Avery and my younger brother Trevor. We were pretty happy because for about 2hrs we had the entire pool to ourselves....that's amazing on a Saturday (in my opinion). We didn't have to worry about people splashing us (other than ourselves) or kids running around the pool, throwing balls over our heads...etc. I stayed for about 3hrs before finally deciding I needed to

A. Eat
B. Stop pruning.

It was so relaxing though, if it weren't for food and my skin wrinkling, I probably could have stayed in all day long.

Sunday we just chilled out until about 5pm when we headed back to Atlanta, but this time to Aaron's Amphitheater (Lakewood) to see Mötley Crüe & Poison. When I bought our tickets several months ago, I got section 102, row L thinking we would be in the middle of the middle...perfect seats. Well when we showed up, they had apparently taken up rows A - H to make room for the VIP section, so we were 4th row!!! We couldn't believe how close we were to the stage.

(Bret Michaels of Poison)

Mind you we've seen Crüe at least 8 times and have had decent seats or been in general admission each time. In 2009, however, we had VIP tickets, aka standing room only and I almost died. There were WAAAAAYYYY too many people in the small space we had and it made it so hard to enjoy the show, let alone breathe and wiggle your arms. So this year, I made a point to get seats because I like my personal space and well they were a lot cheaper.

(Nikki Sixx of Mötley Crüe)

(Tommy Lee of Mötley Crüe's amazing drum solo a ROLLER COASTER!!)

(Mötley Crüe)

(Tommy Lee of Mötley Crüe)

Other than the year we got to meet Mötley Crüe, this was the 2nd best show that they've put on in my eyes. Their energy was great, the vocals were the best they've ever been and the entire theatrics of the show was amazing. Tommy Lee's drum solo....a ROLLER COASTER!! Whoa, no words can describe it.

Mourning a friend....

In March 2002 I along with my mother and youngest brother moved to Bloomingdale, GA (about 30mins north of Savannah). I finished the rest of my junior year and my senior year of highschool at South Effingham High School.

I met a lot of really sweet and genuine people there, one of which was Kim Mincey. She always had a smile on her face and was full of life.  She never judged anyone and was always kind.  Even after I moved back toward Atlanta we kept in touch via MySpace and more recently Facebook.

Kim was a loved daughter and sister. She was a wife to William Sehr and a loving mother to their two children Logan & Laney, with another baby on the way.

Today after I got home from work, I did my daily Facebook scan and noticed there were numerous posts on Kim's wall from mutual friends of ours. I was shocked to learn she had passed unexpectedly sometime Thursday evening/Friday morning. Words cannot even explain how I'm feeling right now. While I haven't seen Kim since graduation, I spoke with her often.

My heart hurts for her family. I ask that you please keep the Mincey & Sehr families in your thoughts and prayers over the weeks and months to come as they cope with the loss of such a young soul.

A part of a Sarah McLachlan song kind of sums up how I'm taking the news...

"I’m so tired but I can’t sleep.

Standin’ on the edge of something much too deep.

It’s funny how we feel so much but we cannot say a word.

We are screaming inside, but we can’t be heard. 

Writer's Block

It’s been a while since I posted, I just haven’t had any particular topic of interest that I felt the need to write on.  I couldn’t even think of a good Top 10 list for Monday. 
 
I am alive though, just incase you were wondering…
 
The extended weekend was nice. 
 
Friday evening we watched movies.
 
Saturday I went swimming with my sister in law while Hardy and my brother headed over to Movie Stop to trade in some movies.  I got a good bit of sun on my shoulders even though we weren’t out there more than 2 hours (funny how sunburn takes HOURS to really show up, it wasn’t until 11pm that I noticed my skin was on fire.).  We went to Hope’s for dinner and to check out the fireworks at Sterling on the Lake (a subdivision in Flowery Branch).  Before fireworks we enjoyed a couple of games of badminton, where I proceeded to get eaten alive by mosquito's. 
 
Sunday we went to church, got groceries, watched some more movies and just chilled out.
 
Monday we spent the evening with our good friends from trivia and watched the fireworks at the Mall of Georgia.  They were good, as they have been in years past.  We had a perfect seat parked at Target.  Traffic was pure HELL when we tried to leave though.  The cops had all the traffic lights off and they were directing traffic.  I’m sure if they had just left the lights alone, we would have all been on our merry way LOOOOOOOONG before 10pm.
 
So that was our weekend – how did you spend your 4th?