Saturday, May 30, 2009

Not 15-years old anymore


Well Brad and I got up and went to the local amusement park today - Carowinds!

Gosh, we were excited but quickly realized that we forgot how EXPENSIVE it is! OMG!

*$10 - parking
* $70 - tickets
* $10 - locker
* $4 - bottled water
* $7 - frozen lemonade
=$101 -- yeh.. nice eh??

We also forgot about all the rednecks and white trash that like to hang out at these parks! Overweight people with tatoos! arhgg..

I didn't take my camera because I didn't feel like keeping up with it or chance it falling out of my pocket while we were riding so TOTALLY cool rollercoasters like the one on the picture above.

Overall -- fun -- but we learned from today's adventure that we aren't 15-years anymore. We lasted about 4-hours in the heat and waiting in lines and were BEAT! I remember staying out there all day as a kid!

We are home now and getting food ready for a cookout. Turkey burgers and salad. We're still trying to shed the extra pounds.

Happy Saturday!

Friday, May 29, 2009

Funny Foto Friday

I'm starting something new here on Dee's Adventures on Fridays! Funny Foto Friday!

I happened onto this last night and thought it was too funny not to share.

Can you say first boyfriend? Check out the hair and the class ring on my finger!

TGIF!

CIRCA 1989

Thursday, May 28, 2009

My Favorite Hair Accessory


Ok – when I talk about products/things on my blog that means I REALLY like them. I’m pretty sure I’ve only mentioned 2 other products. Well, here’s a third!

Jennifer Ouellette headbands!

I discovered these during a visit to Barney’s in NYC four years ago and have bought 2 more since then! The only problem is – until recently one of the only places you could buy them is Barneys and there is not a Barney’s near Charlotte.

These really are unlike any other because they’re actually comfortable and they lay better on your head than other headbands I have …and let me tell you I have some headbands…

Seriously though – anytime I wear one to work or elsewhere people comment on it.

This morning I bought another one online at Jennifer’s website to go with a dress that I plan on wearing for my friend Beth’s rehearsal dinner up in Tahoe.

So – if you're a hair accessory freak like me check Jen’s website out by clicking here!

Happy Thursday! BTW - here's an old picture of me with short hair wearing one of Jen's headbands.
Also -- my location in this photo is one of the most fun places I've ever been to. Marshside Mamas on Dafuskie Island, SC. Check it out if you're ever there!

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Real Housewives of NJ and now DC??


Ok - I'm a big sucker for The Real Housewives series as I know most of you are too?

My favorite is still Orange County but I've enjoyed NYC and Atlanta too. Even though Atlanta got a bit ghetto for me.

Anyhoo -- I've started watching the newest series which is New Jersey and I have to admit -- I'm not digging it too much?

Is it me -- or are they just bad actresses?? Last night's scene about Jacqueline's daughter and the car was just staged and as for Danielle? Seriously, she is just ridiculous! To say that Dina is fat?? OMG!

I'm sure I'll be watching despite the fakeness but I just read today that they're in the process of casting and developing a Real Housewives of DC and that's the one I'm really ready to see!

CIAO for now!
Happy Humpday!

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Memorial Day Weekend Part II

Well, the Memorial Day holiday is officially over but my friend Dawn from NOLA is still here visiting and I’m having to work.

Oh well, we’ll do something tonight when I get off work.

The holiday weekend was fun and long! It included hiking, boating, fishing, hanging with friends and family and drinking a lot of cocktails.

As I mentioned in an earlier post we went to Brad’s parents house on High Rock Lake(45mins north of Charlotte) on Thursday night and stayed until Sunday morning.

Aside from hanging on the boats and jet ski we went hiking at Hanging Rock State Park. When we came back to Charlotte on Sunday morning we enjoyed a fun evening at our friends Stephan and Abbey’s house where they grilled and she cooked Pilipino egg rolls! Yummy!

Then Dawn arrived Sunday night and we all hung out for a bit.

Yesterday(Monday), despite the rain Dawn and I decided to go for a hike and what happened?? We got caught in a torrential downpour halfway up the mountain! Seriously…we just stood under a tree for about 15 minutes until it slowed down. We were drenched!

Then..last night we went and saw Ghosts of Girlfriends Past at this TOTALLY cool and trendy theater in Uptown Charlotte. It includes a bar, restaurant..more of a club than a theater! As for the movie – cute but wait till it comes out on video.

The one thing I realized from this weekend? Time to lose some weight. I’ve got only a couple of weeks until Beth’s wedding and it’s ‘go time’ on the healthy eating..

Well – that’s it for now – here are a few pictures from the weekend. Happy Tuesday!
The Stephens' lake house. They've done a great job with the yard now that they're living there fulltime!

Right after Brad did a cannonball.

Me fishing for the first time in 25 years. Still boring as I remember.

Baby Paige's first boat ride! She did so good!

Robyn driving the boat..

Brad and Reed playing in the lake..so cute!

The flag Brad's parents bought in honor of me..the wine lover :)

Dawn and I out on Sunday night..

On the top of Crowders Mountain after getting caught in the downpour. SOAKED!

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Memorial Day Weekend Part I

Well, Memorial Day weekend isn't over yet but we're back in Charlotte and I'm back on my computer :)

Have you missed me? LOL..

We've spent the last 3 nights at Brad's parents lake house and had a blast. On Friday Brad and I went hiking at Hanging Rock State Park which is an hour north of his parents.

This was kind of a big deal kids! I've been there before but Brad and I have never hiked together before. I normally just go with my girls.

We did the Moore's Wall Loop trail - which is listed as strenous but I figured he goes to the gym and yes we were fine. It was 4.5miles and we got a great view on the top. Again, I've done this particular hike before but it was in Feb. and it was snowing when we got to the top!
This time was much different. Brad complained a bit because we saw 2 snakes but overall I think he had a fabulous time.

He called exercise with a reward at the end. I said "EXACTLY" :)

More pictures of my weekend later.. for now here's what you get!

So happy that Brad came with me :) The things that make a girl happy...

Having a snack atop Moore's Knob

The Rhodies were in full bloom!

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Race Weekend/Speed Street and My Weekend Plans


It’s officially the big race weekend here in Charlotte, the Coca-Cola 600 will be held out at the speedway on Sunday and it is officially the longest race of the year. 600 laps!

With the race comes the annual Speed Street festival, that lasts until through Saturday, brings with it a long of carney food and fun as well as some pretty good music. There are two stages – one country and one rock.

This year’s acts include: Bell Biv DeVoe(yes, they’re still around), along with Simplified, Lifehouse, Gavin DeGraw, Clint Black, Rodney Atkins and others. The best part is it’s free if you’re willing to fight the crowds of rednecks that emerge onto our city this time of year.

You can see what I’m talking about in the photos below. I went out on the streets during my lunch-break and it’s funny to see all the bankers in the same area with all the race fans. People wait in lines for little bags of M&Ms that are given out and a lot of other schwag aka junk.

My weekend plans ‘might’ include one night of Speed Street but not totally for sure. We’re leaving to go up to the lake tonight and then tomorrow we’re hiking at Hanging Rock State Park. Then we’ll spend some time on the lake before returning late Saturday. From there we’re going to some party and who knows what.

I did get a call from my b/f/f Dawn in NOLA and she says she’s driving up here late..late..Saturday and will spend Sunday through Wednesday here in Charlotte.. YAY!
We are going to hike Mount Jefferson on Monday! Should be a good time.. more on that and the rest of the weekend to come.

For now – sights from Speed Street 2009.

Yes, a Budweiser bar that they've rolled up on the street in front of the BofA Corporate Center!

The crowds.. this is nothing.. wait until tonight!

One of two music stages.

Typical race fans....

then you've got your bankers.. what a combo!

people waiting in line for free junk!

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Meetup.com


Having moved several times in my life I’ve always been innovative in the ways I meet new people in each city. The same thing goes for Charlotte – except I wasn’t new to the city!

See—I love to hike and was just devastated to find out my friend and hiking partner Kara and her hubby Chris were moving to Tampa. What was I to do? How was I going to meet another girl that enjoys hiking and the mountains as much as I do and is in shape enough to do some more strenuous trails?

That’s how I found the site Meetup.com

I found a local hiking group on there and decided that I would go and meet them for a day hike in the Pisgah National Forest.

Well, I met 3 awesome women, one whom I hike all the time with now, the other I’m most likely going hiking with on Memorial Day, and the other is literally – Charlotte’s Woman of the Year this(no kidding).

The point of this post is – meetup.com is in every city – if you’re looking for people that enjoy doing the same things you like to do go to this site and put in your zip code and your interest and most likely they’ll have something for you.

I’m talking everything from mountain biking, to Mommy groups, dining out groups(people who like to try new restaurants), it’s a great way to meet new people and make new friends all while enjoying doing the things you love to do.

Click here to get to meetup.com

Good Luck!
(BTW-I included a funny picture of me and my friend Kara(who moved to Tampa) back in 2002 – our very first hike together)

The hike group --last June.


Hiking Pisgah -- I have to say -- it was hot and part of this group literally ran up the mountain. I had Buddy and was lagging behind..

The 3 women I met that day. Sue, me, Carol and Kelli.

Old picture of my hiking partner, Kara, who moved to Tampa. Come visit this summer and let's do The Grandfather Trail Kara!!

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Ahh.. College Days -- Delta Gamma


OK – I’ve been out of college for over 10-years now but I still reminiscent of my days at LSU – Louisiana State University. I also think back of my fun days as a Delta Gamma—living in the house, going to exchanges, grubs and football games. (BTW--Love the pix up top!? HAHA)

Brad likes to make fun of me –saying that I still think I’m in college – especially since I’m involved with my Delta Gamma alumni group here in town.

Dee Gee will always be a big part of my life since a majority of my current close friends are all women I met during college. Everytime I've moved I joined the alumni group and made great friends outside of work.

AND -- For goodness sake – I wouldn’t have this blog if it hadn’t been for the inspiration I gained from Dee Gee sis from LSU Casey of Starnes Family!

Anyhoo – to get to the point – inspired by blogger – Kappa Prep of Monograms and Manicures – I’m doing a post about Dee Gee houses that I’ve been too.


Let’s begin with the chapter house I call home. LSU…check this beauty out. Perfectly situated on the LSU lakes, we had great balconies and great swings! What a great way to spend a fall afternoon!

University of Washington. I visited this house during my junior year of college. I met a girl online that was also doing an internship with MTV and when I visited family up there that fall decided to meet her.

The cool thing about this house was they had something called a 'porch'. All the pledges lived on the 3rd floor in one room with bunk beds.

At LSU you had to be 2nd year to live in the house.


UCLA --I spent a summer living in Los Angeles during my sophomore year of college with a friend from high school.

I never actually went in this house but took pictures of it and in front of it. UCLA campus was beautiful.

Well, that's it for now. A cheesy post for a Happy Tuesday!

Monday, May 18, 2009

Stone Fest 2009


Well, after The Buddy’s birthday party got rained out me and my friend Dana decided to find something else to do and that put us at my local neighborhood bar’s “Stone Fest 2009”.

“Stone Fest” is basically a full day of live music acts at the bar “Philospher’s Stone” by my house. I’ve mentioned “P-Stone” in previous posts – it’s a little bar with a great patio that tends to be mostly hippies and the hippies were out in full force on Saturday at “Stone Fest”.

It was great fun with all kinds of bands including a Widespread Panic cover band that rocked!

Dana and I ran into a bunch of people I used to work at Fox Charlotte with and a few people I currently work at the bank with.

Brad – not being as fond of hippies as I am – opted to stop by late in the evening. ;)

Anyhoo – a few shots of the day/night. Needless to say – I slept late on Sunday morning! LOL!

My director when I worked at Fox Charlotte - Rick..

Dana, Rick and Jim

Me and my current colleague at the Bank.. Karen..

WSP cover band..

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Birthday Bash for Buddy


Well, it was fun while it lasted. Literally only about 2 hours and then it started to rain :(

The weather was weird here yesterday in that we got off and on showers all day.

Anyhoo -- thanks to everyone who came! Buddy got to catch up with a lot of old friends and new ones!

He got a lot of treats and toys too! As you might imagine -- he loves that ;)

Below are a couple of the snapshots of the day but the top photo is my favorite of my little man!

Cheers to Buddy! BTW -- he's hungover today! LOL!

Birfday Boy

ready to partee'!

Lily and Reilly jumping for a treat!

Ms. Katie talking to Buddy

Bud smelling his new friend Brodie's butt..nice to meet you too!

The scene!

Me and my canine kid!

Buddy and his girlfriend Reilly.

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Birfday Celebration continues.


Buddy and I are getting ready to head to the park. The sun is shining now so cross your fingers! more to come.. but for now...I had post this puppy pic!
CIAO!

Friday, May 15, 2009

Happy Birthday Buddy!!


It's hard to believe that "The" Buddy is 4-years old today!!
YAY!

I'll never forget the day I got him...

I had never had a dog in my entire life before and I was SUPER nervous about being able to care for one and the responsibility of the whole thing.

I have to say though -- it is literally one of the best things I ever did.

He's my best friend and has been there through a break-up of a long-term relationship, a move, several bad dates. He's traveled with me to many mountain tops, cities, hotels and has never complained ;)

Seriously -- he has hike upwards of 8-miles and is still running down the trail in the end(except on 7/7/07 the hottest day of the year that I decided a hike would be fun)..picture below.

Here's to The Buddy! Pictures of his birthday party tomorrow! ;) CHEERS!!

Buddy through the years....no puppy pix but those will come tomorrow!
Many of the pictures are compliments of my friend Kara!


Buddy with his Aunt Dana and friend Reilly.

Buddy and his friend Macy.

Hiking Crowder's Mountain.

Buddy and his beagle cousin Copper.

Love the yawn here - we had not even started the trail yet..

Buddy jumped up this rock on a hike..so impressed!

Too much Christmas for Bud..

Linville, NC - playing in the snow...

Infamous 7/7/07 hike..100-degree day.. what was I thinking??

Taking in the view in Linville.

Buddy frisking a little girl at the Easter egg hunt at The Biltmore.

Smile! He's happy the Tigers won the national championship that year ;)

Swimming in Wilson Creek -- I was so impressed with him this day!


The Biltmore lawn on Easter.

Hiking in the Highlands,NC

Copper and Bud...

Hanging with friends! LOL! this is my favorite!

Air Dog!

Chillin at The Westin Buckhead in Atlanta on his 'Heavenly'dog bed.