and the award for best mix tape goes to

Took a few minutes to download the new "Dark was the Night" compilation cd yesterday.

Not only was it the love child of 2 members from one of my favorite bands ever (The National), but even better it confirms that I completely share in their musical tastes. Every one of the 32 songs on there could be a part of a playlist to represent soundtrack for the last year of my life.

Oh, and all the proceeds to go funding to prevent and cure HIV and AIDS.

Get thee to itunes.

it's the little things in life

I normally don't eat "heat ups" as David calls them. But with recent circumstances, I've introduced a few new (read cheap) items into the rotation.

Today I had my first WeightWatchers Chicken Quesadilla. It was fine.

But the instructions on how to prepare? Maybe one of the funniest things I've read in the past few weeks.

They begin:
1. Remove 1 (in BOLD!) Quesadilla (1 serving) -- Once again, BOLD! Return second Quesadilla to freezer. (yes, in italic)

Directions continue:
4. Microwave on high for 1:45 - 2:15 minutes (watch closely as overheating may cause loss of filling)

Let's get this straight: is some woman out there using the directions to prepare her 220 calorie meal to provide her last bit of will power to avoid eating something that actually tastes good, like a real quesadilla? If so, God forbid she lose the least amount of filling that she deserves for being so good and listening and returning the second quesadilla to the freezer. I can only imagine her reaction. Well, screw you WeightWatchers, you lost my filling, so I am going DEFY you and ignore that first instruction to return the second quesadilla to the freezer. Woman's gotta eat.

Really, this is hilarious to me. I keep thinking about it at random times of day and laughing at loud. At this point even Sooner recognizes the absurdity.

It's the little things.

well heeled

We're in a season in our lives where I can't have these. (And by season, I don't mean transitioning from winter to fall. If only!)
And even if I could, I have to tell myself that I couldn't walk in them, anyway.

So as much as the idea of them makes me smile, I must remind myself that wearing them, in fact, probably wouldn't.

But other than that, are they not perfect?

what's new is new

Yet another sentiment that's not only appropriate for the times, but just as appropriate for our entryway.

Loving this print from Bold and Noble.

Valentine's Day is just around the corner. David, I know you're in Iraq and all, but are you noticing trend here?

score

20x200 did not disappoint today. I got not one, but two, limited edition prints by Christian Chaize within minutes of receiving notice of today's release. (And if you want yours, read no further and do the hustle-buck to 20x200 now!)

With the exception of Clemson wiping the court with Duke, this has been the highlight of my week.

Thank you, Jen Bekman, for allowing us simple folk to purchase art even in these times of economic doom.

yea, sewanee's right

Feeling a bit wistful for my days at Sewanee lately.

Found this quote from a religion professor that really sums up the way my time there has shaped me.

"Sewanee is about dreaming. Not ideals and fantasies but about the visions that inspire us, the dreams that lead us, the high idealism that makes us change the world when others quit. We are not satisfied that you might get a very good education here; what is the point of that if you have no wisdom or compassion or generosity or leadership? We do not educate so that you can go away and feel certified and satisfied. We pour ourselves passionately into your dreams because of our dreams: you will become the way we change the world. No less than that. We live in a screwed up world that needs what Sewanee people can offer and we expect you to take up the cause, dream the dream, make us proud, make the needful smile, and make God notice." -Smith

I pray for help in living it.

to sleep perchance to dream

I recently discovered John Robshaw quilts, bedding, pillows and rugs. This has lead me to mentally redesign every room in the house while drooling over the site for the past few days. 

Who doesn't love a combination of handmade and eclectic yet totally modern, color-drenched goodness?

yes, please

After a few less-than-inspired seasons of offerings, I'll take this and this from Banana's Spring 2009 line. I guess their designers also had grown tired of 80's retro cocktail patterns in horrible fabrics. I know that I am not alone in celebrating their return to refined editing.