"Kiss My Grits"

LIFE

I will start by admitting that I have caught myself actually speaking with a southern accent, especially when I'm at work around all the hillbillies.. Yep. Yuh spend so much time makin' fun of 'em by imitation and it becomes a second language, almost naturally. Alyssa and I have also had grits for the first time. Nothing special, really. They taste like cream of wheat. It's good! Anyhow, lemmy get to this post right quick <-- WHAT??!???>

WORK

I've officially decided to leave the Food & Beverage industry. I have put a two weeks notice in with Little Caesar's -- and on the very same day they decide to start making me an assistant manager.. My last day there will be June 23 (I think) and the only connection I can foresee myself having with F&B are the beautiful, ripe tomatoes I will be growing, hopefully sooner than later! Why the dramatic loss of interest? Well, I've been hired in as a delivery rider (not driver) for Lowe's and I'll sum it up by saying I've already received overtime for this "part time" position. I felt it was unfair to keep missing shifts and calling in to Little Caesar's, so I just left. Plus, Lowe's offers a plethora of great benefits and other incentives as well as promising opportunities for career advancement, even for those "part timers" such as myself. At the very least, I'm getting a LOT of exercise hauling refrigerators, ranges, washers, dryers, and more, on and off of trucks, in and out of peoples' homes. This has become quite beneficial with the Weight Watchers program, as Alyssa mentioned in her post a few days ago. I'm also getting to know the areas in and around Mount Pleasant and getting some great ideas of places to look for our first home!!

FUN

Ever since we moved here, Alyssa and I have both heard from neighbors, colleagues, and passers-by about the Riverdogs.. They are a Minor League Baseball team and we got to go to our first home game against a team from Greenville, SC. The play-by-play announcer was annoying and unoriginal but it is the closest thing we have to any major sports franchise without having to travel a few hours to Columbia, Charlotte, or even Atlanta. Their stadium is called "The Joe" which I refuse to acknowledge, save for this rant, because I will always know Joe Louis Arena as "The Joe" and the official home of the Deeeeetrrroooooiiiit Red Wings! Actor Bill Murray, who lives in Mount Pleasant, apparently owns a part of the Riverdogs and can be seen at games on occassion. Additionally, it has come to our attention that many other celebrities have homes or vacation spots in and around Charleston such as Oprah Winfrey, George Clooney, Reese Witherspoon, and Bruce Willis and most noteably in the Kiawah Island and Seabrook Island areas. They even have their own private airport... I've already delivered to some of those areas and, although I am unimpressed, I am a bit envious of these large castles. I digress. Many players for the Riverdogs have been drafted to play for the Yankees, which means it made for a great game! We won 6 to 4 and I caught a free shirt for Alyssa when they were being thrown out into the crowd.

From Jun 13, 2011

Perhaps I can catch a "Great Clips Foul Ball" (sponsorship) at our next Riverdogs game!

MEDICINE

Did I mention I am in the delivery department for Lowe's? Oh, right, I did.. Well, that means I get to meet very interesting people and the places they live. I've begun asking a tiny mental list of regular questions to some of the customers. I would ask about places to go and eat or things to do and see. I met a group of retired teachers who recommended Locklear's Fine Seafood in Mount Pleasant. The entire experience was phenomenal! Our host was polite as he sat us to our booth. Our waitress Tabitha, who grew up in Mount Pleasant but sounded like she moved from up north, was very informative but even more so attentive to our needs; she even admitted that we were her only table at the time so check ups and water refills were quite frequent! Tabitha also answered each and every one of our picky questions in regards to health, reduced-guilt, and other Weight Watchers-related inqueries. We were able to order substitutions (i.e. oil instead of butter). After browsing the selections, we each decided to start with a cup of Locklear's award winning She Crab Soup. Similar to a clam chowder, this cream-based delight was full of crab meat and vegetables and we both agree with all of the food panels and judges to award this apetizing soup! Next came our house salads with ranch. The mixed greens and veggies were fresh and the creamy dressing has easily become a favorite for both Alyssa and me. Alyssa ordered the Pasta Locklear: sauteed shrimp and veggies over pasta with parmesan cheese. I ordered the blackened swordfish with rice pilaf and fried okra. Both entrees were marvelously delicious and I will just let the next two pictures share the rest because, after all, a picture is worth a thousand words, is it not?

From Jun 16, 2011

From Jun 16, 2011

DEATH

Lastly, I am officially a murderer.. Apparently, I planted Gabriel in the Topsy Turvy incorrectly and I neglected to remove the non-biodegradable pot. This caused poor flow of nutrients and subtle root rot to occur. As such, I bought Monty!

From Jun 16, 2011

He is the same species of tomato plant, Big Boy, and he came in a biodegradable pot. I wasn't prepared to accept a double homicide of vegetation, however, and I removed the pot and label. This should allow the water and soil to reach the plant and produce much healthier buds. I just planted Monty yesterday, so I will try to provide an update of his status in just a few weeks!

CLOSURE

That's pretty much it, for now.. I've recently downloaded a 3D design and engineering software to assist me with some inventive ideas I have. I've already said too much..

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