The latest crazy dream:

The other day, I had a dream and the guys from Top Gear made guest apperances! We had to build a car that could both fly and go underwater. I can't remember who's team I was on (it was either Richard Hammond or James May's team because I don't think I could ever get a long with Jeremy Clarkson). The entire time, they made fun of me because I am a girl, I didn't know anything about cars, and I am American.

I don't know if watching Top Gear right before bed is the wisest idea any more.

Photo Courtesy of TheNeave.com

I am NO longer depressed!!!!!!!!!!!

I just got a phone call from the lady at A Helping Hand and they offered me the fellowship position!!!! Hurray! I can't even tell you so very excited I am right now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (I think the gratuitous use of exclamation points might help though) It is such a relief to finally have employment prospects. And employment prospects that are pertinent to my field as well!

I just can't believe that I'm getting a real-person job! I'm just so happy!! :) Now I am going to celebrate by buying new work clothes (as it turns out I only have one pair of dress pants that fit). Hurray for me!! :)

On a totally unrelated noted, I think that all cities should install a "fast lane" in all stair wells.

I am depressed

I'm waiting to hear back about a job and the suspense is killing me. I'm pretty sure I got it, but still I'm nervous. Ugg... I think I need chocolate, ice cream *and* chic flick therapy. Hopefully, my fate will be decided by tomorrow or Monday at the latest. I really hope it's tomorrow.


*update* - I decided to go with retail therapy today instead, although I think I'm going to indulge in some milkshake book therapy in a second as well...
 

I am the best wife ever*

*According to Matt

Saturday, I was craving something warm, gooey, and chocolatey. I think this qualifies. And can you say, "Holy block of butter, Batman!"

After a somewhat disappointing dinner disaster (say that five times fast!), I was looking forward to something delicious. (What can I say, I'm just not into fish)

Matt, through his traveling, has come to appreciate a certain restaurant called Flemming's. Since he doesn't have to pay for it (because it is *really* expensive) he goes there every week and every week he gets the chocolate lava cake for dessert. He loves it. He would write sonnets to it if he were lyrically inclined.

So, when I got the chocolate itch, I decided to satisfy it with this. Mouthwatering, isn't it?

As much as I would *love* to claim the credit for this gustatory masterpiece, all brownie points are owed to brandielle at Tasty Kitchen. I found the recipe via Tastespotting, which found it at The Pioneer Woman, who got it off of Tasty Kitchen. It was a long way to go for deliciousness, but it was worth it. The recipe can be found here.

I think, next time I won't leave it in the oven as long because my ramekins are on the small side. I would also like to note, that I halved the recipe and it still turned out great (which doesn't always happen in baking)! Also, Matt said (before I even asked him) that it was a "Make Again". That's a really good sign (because Matt is pickier than most three year olds).

P.S. - What do you think of my new apron? I made it with my mom when I visited. my favorite part is that one of the lines on the apron says, "If we were meant to pop out of bed, we'd sleep in toasters." Amen to that.

Ode to the Outlet Mall: a haiku

Oh, how I love thee
With such cuteness abounding
And deals all around

I went shopping at the Tanger Outlet in Park City when I was in Utah over the past two weeks and what can I say, I'm a bargain hunter. I don't mind paying full price for an item I think I'll wear a lot, but mostly I never buy things unless they're on sale. I just have a hard time justifying it. The only way I'll buy things full price is if I'm still thinking about it three days later. Then I know that it's something I would really use as opposed to proximity. :)

I found the cutest shirt at Banana Republic that I wasn't so sure about at first, but I'm totally in love with it. I want more of them. I think I'm going to try to figure out how to make one and make more of them. :) It's just super flattering on my frame and that's something that's hard to find!

Oh, and by the way, what do you think of the new blog design? I know right?! It's auh-mazing! I had Mary do it for me. I lurve it. She was amazingly easy to work with (which is a hard thing for me to say. I tend to be picky and perfectionistic sometimes. It drives people crazy) and she did a great job. You should totally ask her to give you the hook-up! And I love my little elephant guy at the bottom! :) He makes me happy!

Meet my new attack giraffe, Matilda

Isn't she adorable? :) We went to Ihop with the fam (and little brother treated us too! What is this world coming to?!) and there was a lady there who was making balloon animals for the kids. I don't think she would've stopped by the table, but I rather loudly pouted that I wanted a balloon animal.

She came by a few minutes later and made Matilda. And you know what? She had Parkinson's. She did an amazing job, despite all the tremors. So here's to you Ihop Balloon Animal Lady!

Ole Time Barbeque Review

I love me some good barbecue. The problem is that good barbecue is hard to find. Of the barbecue in the area, I firmly believe that Ole Time kicks all the other 'que shacks' trash.

I recently discovered that they have two locations and there's one ridiculously close to us! I haven't been there yet, but I'm sure that it will be just as good as the double-wide trailer in Cary. It won't have one thing that the Cary location has: charm.

Ole Time is nothing more than a double-wide, yellow dive on the side of Chatham Street in Cary. They serve up the best tasting pork in the area in addition to the most delectable hushpuppies this side of the Mississippi. The flavor of the food is only enhanced by the ambiance and the service that is only attainable by deep southern hospitality.

Matt and I went for a date a few weeks ago and here is our exact (well, almost) conversation:

Waitress: What do you want?
Me: I'll have the pulled pork sandwich plate with potato salad and beans please.
Matt: You're not going to get coleslaw?
Me: Um, Ew. No.
Matt (to the waitress): Can I have her coleslaw on my plate?
Waitress: What?
Matt: She doesn't want her coleslaw, and I want other sides, so can I have her coleslaw put on my plate?
Waitress: Um, no. You can get your own coleslaw (said with the most sass possible).
Matt: Oh, ok. I'll have (I can't remember) with (two sides I can't remember) and my own coleslaw.

We all laughed at this point, but seriously, that waitress was really abrupt and seemed esasperated by the very fact that we were there. And if happened in any other restaurant, Matt might've had words with the manager, but we laughed hysterically. Our waitress was an older black lady and you just knew she'd just about had it for the day. It was hot in the little double wide and it was kind of late in the day. I loved it! Service with a side of sass.

And honestly, isn't a large part of any reason you go to your favorite places the atmosphere it offers? I love that the wait staff treats you like family, and just like every family, they'll let you know when you're being dumb. I love Ole Time. It is truly a 5 star place, even if it is a little rough around the edges.

Oh, and I just found out you can order their barbecue online! So, if you're not living in Raleigh and want some good southern sunshine to brighten your evening meal, order some delicious North Carolina barbecue. You won't regret it!

Ole Time Barbecue's Website