Technology Discoveries of the Week

1.  Podcast Discovery - iTunes Celebrity Playlist - I love reading celebrity playlists on iTunes, but the podcast of this feature takes it up a notch.  It basically consists of this:  A celebrity makes a playlist and explains why they picked each song after playing a short clip.  I have been reminded of some tunes I had forgotten, but also found some new music!  I enjoyed listening to The Fray's playlist this week - they introduced me to some Peter Gabriel songs I hadn't heard.

2.  App Discovery - Skygazer - When I look at the sky, I think all stars are either Orion's Belt or the Big Dipper.  Those times are about to change!  I downloaded Skygazer for my iPhone & it is amazing!  It uses your location from the GPS and the compass to show you a picture of what stars should be in front of your eyes & what the names of the constellations are.  Orion would actually be in my vision right now if the sun weren't out.  I am very excited about this app!

3.  Post Discovery - Old Fashioned Floats - The Kitchn website posted an amazing article yesterday about different types of ice cream floats to make!  And after reading the post, I am dying to have a float party.  I must make a Purple Cow soon...... Be sure to read the comments section - people had a lot of delicious ideas to contribute!

Becoming an Organic Farmer

Rowdy's new career aspiration is to be an organic farmer.  Since he has never planted anything edible, we thought it might be a good idea to start experimenting with vegetable gardening before he leaves the law office forever.  We live in the trees and have no space in the ground to plant, so we are attempting container gardening on our porch!  We have a successful herb garden out there that Rowdy's mom put together for us last summer.  We started squash, tomatoes, cilantro, and strawberries from their seeds and I am happy to report that everything has come up except the strawberries (I think I missed the season).  All 3 successful plants showed signs of growth after in 10-12 days.  We are going to plant beans and eggplant this weekend - they are supposed to be easy!  I had no idea I would enjoy this so much, but I look forward to checking on my plants and nurturing them each day.

 Our little helper

Gaye Gaye also bought us a super book  - Easy Container Combos: Vegetables and Flowers.  The woman who wrote it tried over a thousand ways to plant vegetables and flowers & gives wonderful basic instructions with pictures.  I still have a lot of questions, but this has been a great starting point!  I don't know if we will save money or even produce plants that are superior to anything we can buy, but I love working with my hands outdoors in a productive way.  More updates to follow...

Our squash at 3 weeks.... the bottom 2 are the failed strawberries. 

I Miss Cassette Tapes

On my way home from work recently, I heard two beats of a song I probably haven't listened to in 20 years.  Yet, I found myself belting out every lyric (even the back up singers echos) to Out of the Blue by Debbie Gibson.  And when it was over, I waited in my head for Foolish Beat to be the 2nd track on the tape (didn't that song totally sound like Wham's Careless Whisper?).  I love my iPod and even CDs, but I love the bonding cassette tapes provide.  You knew the order of the whole tape, how much space was between each song, and the lyrics to even the worst quality songs artists could put out.  And your friends knew them the same way too.  The iPod has caused me to be so lazy about my music - I really listen to the same set of songs over and over because I don't want to push through and get used to something new. 

Anyway, here are the 3 tapes I probably know in my sleep (I did not include any soundtracks in the list - maybe for another day?):

1.  Paula Abdul - Forever Your Girl - I am not an American Idol person, but I loved some Paula back in the day.  The Way That You Love Me is my personal fav, but Straight Up was amazing too.

2.  JJ Fad - Supersonic - "We are the home chicks that are rockin' your world" - I remember staying up until 5 am playing the original Mario Brothers on mute and listening to this over and over.  I just got a sick slumber party feeling thinking about that. 

3.  Bangles - Different Light - I made my mom wake me up to this by pushing play on Monday mornings because I wanted to hear..... Manic Monday.  I do love a theme.  I was extremely outraged that year because U2's, With or Without You beat out Walk Like an Egyptian for the #1 song of the year.  And Sledgehammer by Peter Gabriel had beat it out for the #1 video.  What a wasted New Year's Eve of countdowns... Oddly enough, I now listen to Peter Gabriel and U2 on a very regular basis... and hardly ever pick the Bangles.... hmmmmm. 

Honorable Mention:  Belinda Carlisle, Belinda; Bryan Adams, Reckless; and Madonna, True Blue

What cassettes do you miss??

Biographies

My last round of reading included two enjoyable biographies - I recommend both highly for different reasons.  Jumping Through Fires by David Nassar is a story of an Iranian/Alabamian's journey into Christianity.  I love reading people's stories, but this one was particularly touching to me because it involved teenagers reaching out to others.

Home Game is written by Michael Lewis (author of the Blind Side and husband of former MTV News Reporter, Tabitha Soren) about being a young father.  I laughed my way through it because I can see so much of Rowdy and myself going through the same trials as new parents.  I particularly enjoyed  reading his thoughts about the question, "How's Dad?", to men when their wife is in labor.  No one cares about the dad - even if they are hungry (or in our case - happen to be wearing uncomfortable shoes).  After watching the Blind Side this week & reading Home Game, I am looking forward to more of Michael Lewis!

Birmingham Golden Birthday

I love Golden Birthdays!  If you are not familiar with the term, it is when you turn an age the same number as your birth date.  I had mine on my 22nd b'day because I was born on the 22nd.  Aunt Sally had hers last week, so we decided to road trip to Birmingham to help her celebrate!  Here are some great things about B'ham:

1.  Turkoyz - This is my favorite jewelry shop ever!  It is located in Brookwood Mall and has simple, but unique pieces for everyday wear.  It is always a hard choice to decide what to get because I usually want about 15 different things.  Here are the cool bird earrings I picked up!

2.  Birmingham Botanical Gardens - I cannot believe this was the 1st time I was able to go here!  Sally talks about this spot often, but I had no idea it was awesome!  We went on the most gorgeous day ever, which probably helped a lot - but I think this place would be amazing any day.  They have several different natural terrians, lots of places to throw out a blanket, paths to stroll or run, a vegetable & herb garden, indoor jungle and desert rooms, and it was free.  I ran out of my favorite type of journal this week and was able to pick up a flowery patterned set at their gift shop - bonus!  Fantastic place.


3.  Ousler's Sandwiches - We had an amazing box lunch at Sally's birthday party at her work.  I wanted a second one.  This place makes chicken salad sandwiches on white bread and deviled eggs that were fab.  Perfect for an antique store golden birthday party.

4.  Aunt Sally - She's our favorite part of Birmingham!  We can't wait to go back and visit her again!