We Sure Are Cute For Two Ugly People

Between the Bookends

2010-02-24T08:51:00.000-08:00

The Scarpetta Factor was Patricia Cornwell's best attempt to bring back the passion and suspense that she has in the first books in the Scarpetta series. I loved that she referenced story lines from previous books and focused on the forensics of the case. However, the climax of the book was very weak. It literally last about four sentences. I am encouraged by this book and hope that Cornwell has tapped into a new reserve of suspense and mystery writing greatness.

As for what I am reading now... the semester is in full swing so I am reading articles and journals for class and don't see another pleasure book in sight. If you have a suggestion, please let me know. I am always on the hunt for the next great novel.

Between the Bookends

2010-01-29T18:24:00.000-08:00

So I finished Between, Georgia. It was a easy read that I enjoyed spending a sunny, summer day engulfed in. I also re-read the Twilight Saga: Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, and Breaking Dawn. It is the most engrossing set of books I have ever read. They immediately sweep you into the story and don't let go until the last page of Breaking Dawn. DO NOT just see the movies because the movies are extremely disappointing. It is amazing that such a wildly successful book series has produced one horrible movie (Twilight) and one mediocre movie (New Moon).

Now I am reading The Scarpetta Factor by Patricia Cornwell. I have been a huge fan of her books since high school. Cornwell's Scarpetta series is amazingly enjoyable if you like mysteries and crime novels. Scarpetta Factor has brought back the suspense that Cornwell had at the beginning of the series. Her past few books have been rough to read, but Scarpetta Factor reaches back and makes me think of those days when Scarpetta was kicking butt in Richmond.

Who Let the Dogs Out?

2010-01-29T17:45:00.000-08:00

Last weekend, our amazing friends from Mississippi spent the weekend with us in the Smoky Mountains. It was days and nights filled with laughs, memories, and more laughs. The "hot bath" was a favorite hangout and introduced most of us to the new game, "Ah So". A major highlight was introducing Rain Man and Firefly to the hilarious frivolity of The Hangover. As always, the crowd favorite was the Miracle House (otherwise known as WonderWorks).

Our time in Mississippi will always have a very special place in my heart. It is where Chris and I began our marriage, where we bought our first house, and where we made friends that we will have for life. We now begin the wait for Market Street Festival in early May.

Between the Bookends: What am I reading now?

2009-08-11T14:03:00.000-07:00

I am reading Between, Georgia by Joshilyn Jackson. I read her first novel, gods in Alabama, and loved her humor and southern characters. Between, Georgia has been entertaining so far, but I only 100 pages into the book.

Between the Bookends: Twilight by Stephanie Meyer

2009-08-11T13:47:00.000-07:00

This summer I have made an effort to read more, watch TV less. So, as a by-product, I have a number of book reviews I can do. Let me start with my summer reading blockbuster: Twilight by Stephanie Meyer.

To say I was reluctant to start the series is an understatement. I did not think a novel with romance, vampires, werewolves, and teenagers would appeal to me. I was wrong! Twilight grabs your attention from page one. You are instantly drawn to Bella and her awkward, shy nature. As she stumbles through the spring semester of her junior year of high school, you begin to champion her quest to be with Edward, the vampire. The struggle that Edward feels throughout the book is magnified by the exceptional storytelling that Meyer weaves together. This novel leaves you "thirsty" for the next book in the series, New Moon. Be warned, once you start the series, you will not want to stop until you are done.

-Side note- The movie is not even in the ballpark compared to the novel. Once you have read the book and then see the movie, it is like a 2 hour trailer for the novel. They skip some of the best parts of the book so it just leaves the Twilight fan wanting to re-read the book so they can get the story right in their head.

Birthday Thank You

2009-03-11T18:14:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday was my (Lauren) birthday. I have to say that this year was a great birthday. This is not to say that I did not have quality birthdays as a child. Some of my most memorable parties were at the Knoxville Zoo, Showbiz, the Tennessee School of Beauty, and my surprise 17th birthday. However, now to have a good birthday does not require a big party or elaborate gifts. This year I just wanted a good meal with my family and friends and a relaxing hike in the Smoky Mountains. I lucked out and got both.

Thank you to everyone who celebrated with me.

Now is the time to be an American

2008-11-05T07:51:00.000-08:00

As a moderate independent, this election has been one for the books. Some are really excited today because Obama won and others are upset that McCain lost, but either way you feel, today we must come together as a nation.

Our political leader does not control our life so do not get down on this great country or the presidency because your man did not win. Instead, find ways to make a difference in your life and your community. We are not going to get out of this recession by sitting back and waiting for the government to bail us out. It is on our shoulders to take care of our personal finances. As Obama said last night, "if you ever thought you could not do something, this election is your proof." Quit blaming the other side for the missed opportunities in your life. Stand up for yourself and do not let anyone stop you from working hard to provide for yourself and your family.

My wish for the next four years, is that we put our political affiliation away and focus on getting back to basics. Our government is to big to operate successful and is giving out to many "freebies" to our citizens (and non-citizens). As the bible says, we need to teach folks to fish instead of continually throwing them a fish to eat. I hope that you will stay in touch with the politically environment and not wait until the next election to tune in. We, the people, lead this nation and our government representation will follow.

God bless America!

Our New House

2008-10-06T13:05:00.000-07:00

Finally, a picture of our new house. It is our mountain house in the city.

Is the Election Over Yet?

2008-10-06T11:39:00.000-07:00

Wow, this could go down in history (at least for the next 4 years) as the longest presidential campaign. It has gone on so long that it is becoming anti-climatic now. I am so sick of hearing about McCain and Obama, that I just want the election over. Don't get me wrong, I will be voting in this election (as all legal American citizens should!), but I can't wait until I can turn on the TV or log onto Yahoo and there not be a new example of why America has a major leadership problem. This vote, as most presidential elections, is simply choosing who you believe to be the lessor of two evils.

So, here is my point, even though this election has gone on way to long and both candidates have numerous flaws it is your duty as an American to educate yourself, pick a candidate to support, and on November 4 GO VOTE!

We're Homeowners, again.

2008-10-03T06:28:00.000-07:00

Chris and I closed on our second house on Tuesday. As of today, it feels like a vacation home because we have not moved in yet. We only go visit at night or during the day when we are getting deliveries. However, we plan to start moving in tonight.

I am thrilled about the new house! It is a beautiful house with loads of potential. Chris has been working non-stop on the perfect landscape design. His design is in CAD and he is just waiting on the land survey to finish. A beautiful yard is a perk of being married to Chris Herbstritt. I can't wait to see what his creative mind has come up with.

As for the inside of the house, the wall color is just my style and the wood floors and carpet are perfect so all I need is beautiful furniture to fill the space. The furniture buying will be a process because I refuse to go in debt to have the furniture. Instead, I want to buy piece-by-piece as we have the money to do so. In order to carry out my plan, I have gotten a part-time, seasonal job at Pottary Barn. The extra income and discount at Pottary Barn will help tremendously towards furnishing the house.

We bought a house that is great for entertaining and we hope that y'all come visit us soon!

P.S. - I promise I will have pictures soon.

Our Closing Date is Set

2008-09-12T12:58:00.000-07:00

Well, our life chapter is Mississippi is almost at the close. We heard today that we are closing on the sell of our first house (and probably our favorite) on Monday, September 22. I am so excited for the woman who is buying the house because it is a home full of love, laughter, and great memories. I hope it brings her as much joy as it has brought Chris and I.

So, you might be asking, what is your next step in Knoxville? Well, let me tell you. We have put a contract on a great new (as in new construction) house in West Knoxville. It is super convienant to everything and we are so excited to be the first owners of this houes. The deal is not totally done, but the builder has accepted our contract and we are waiting on the home inspection and punch list to be completed. Chris and I are hopeful we will be in our new house around the first week of October. I will try to have pictures posted soon.

I want to say a big THANK YOU to eveyone who has been praying for us as we have made this life change. God has really blessed our lives with great friends, family, and careers so even though this has been exhausting and sometimes emotionally draining, we are grateful for the experience.

House Update

2008-09-06T18:47:00.001-07:00

Our Mississippi house has a solid contract on it now. It was a blessing that the first contract fell through. I admit the first contract caused great anixity and frustration, but the second offer was better. We are set to close on the house on Monday, September 29th. I have not met our buyer, but Phyllis Enis, the best realtor in Columbus, has spoken to her and is very complimentary. It was my prayer that the person/family that bought our house would get to experience the love and joy that the house has brought Chris and me. It is not over yet, but I feel confident that we will be closing on schedule. I sure hope so, because Chris and I have been house hunting in Knoxville. More to come about that search ...

House Drama

2008-08-27T07:11:00.000-07:00

Ok, let me catch you up on our drama. On Saturday, a buyer sent us an offer that wasn't great, but it was good. Chris and I thought it over and decided to accept the offer. We had made some compromises, but we were thrilled about selling the house. However, when Monday came and the buyer asked to be released from the contract due to buyer's remorse. This was really heartbreaking. Chris and I had already contacted a real estate agent in Knoxville and we were going to being our house hunt.

Then on Tuesday we were given another offer by a second buyer. We are currently looking over the offer and considering our options. Chris and I plan to have a decision made shortly and we will hopefully be able to sell our house and begin the fun part - looking for our new home.

Please keep praying for us and that the second buyer is the right one! By God's grace only will Chris and I make it through this process!

We're Back

2008-08-20T13:51:00.000-07:00

I know many of you have been checking often to see when I would post another insightful and humorous blog entry. So, here it is...

This past month has been about adjustment and prayer. Chris and I are adjusting to being back in my parent's house after living on our own (and out of town) for three years. It has been pretty smooth so far. There have been road blocks like the need for one more cable box, air conditioning control, and where all the cars go, but all-in-all it is really nice to be close to family again.

The prayer part comes because we are praying someone buys our house soon. We have buried a St. Joesph statue upside down in the front yard and been saying the Prayer to St. Joseph every morning. I have never felt more Catholic in my life. The good news is we have had two "bites" on the house. So I feel like the prayer is working. If you have a moment, please shoot a word upward for our house.

Can Time Apart Strenghten a Relationship?

2008-07-27T20:59:00.000-07:00

This weekend Chris and I went our separate ways. I hit the road for a girls trip to Huntsville, Alabama while Chris went rafting with his friends and the church youth group. During my trip, the girls and I enjoyed shopping, exploring the Space Center, and lounging by the pool. We shared many stories and laughs. Chris spent the weekend throwing himself down rapids and chaperoning the youth boys. Apart we each had a terrific weekend. We got to spend time with our friends and have a little adventure.

Once we got home, we were excited to see each other and spill the beans about all that had happened while we were our separate ways. It made for a great conversation and we reconnected with each other. I am always amazed at how much I want to talk to Chris when we are not together. I want him to know about all the great things I did and I want to know what he is up to. They say to marry someone you truly enjoy talking to because later in life all the sexual connection will go away and what will be left is a great friend. Chris is a great friend, he is my best friend.

So I guess what I am trying to say is spend some time apart because it makes you appreciate their presences.

I'm Looking for a Nomadic Tribe to Join

2008-07-23T05:55:00.000-07:00

Now that I am in the throws of moving, I can see why being a Nomad is so appealing. They never have to worry about selling a house, keeping it unrealistically clean, or organizing years worth of junk that I thought was treasure when I bought it. The Tribe's only concern is can I walk and do I have my tent and donkey?

Yesterday, the Realtor Caravan came through the house. We had only positive "showing comments," but that all means nothing unless they bring a client to look at the house. So, I will just wait by my phone for a call that someone is coming to look at the house. Good news - if you want to talk, I will be by the phone at all times.

My Last Mississippi Bunco

2008-07-22T13:59:00.001-07:00

Last night was a sad night for me because it was my last Mississippi Bunco game (at least until December). For all of you out there who do not know what bunco is, allow me to explain. Bunco is a dice game played with 8 to 12 players. The object is to score as many points as possible in a round before the head table gets to 21 points. My bunco group gets together once a month to play. Over the last two years, the women in my bunco group have come to our game the 3rd Monday of each month ready to let their hair down and have fun.

To all my bunco babes, I will miss you and the comedy show that transpires during our monthly get-together. Aside from the wonderful food and delicious drinks, you have each made me laugh so much. I am not saying goodbye, just that I can't wait for co-ed Bunco in December.

Goodbye Mississippi, Hello Tennessee

2008-07-17T11:16:00.001-07:00

Well, its official. Chris and I are packing up our house and moving back to Knoxville. Even though we knew this day would eventually come when we moved to Mississippi, I am still sad to say goodbye to our house, my job, our church, but most of all our friends. The past three years have been wonderful and that is in large part because of the people we have met. I am thankful that Chris and I have had the opportunity to start our marriage in a new place without the comforts of hometown ties.

So, here is the dirt about the new jobs. Chris has a landscape design position with Greenscapes of Knoxville and is going to begin work on a Masters of Landscape Architecture at UT. I have a job with UT College of Law in Annual Giving and Alumni Affairs. We are both really excited about our new jobs. The other perk (ask me another day and it may not be a perk) is that we are both closer to family. It will be nice to spend time with family without rushing to fit everything into a 48 hour visit.

Stay posted because the adventure of moving is just beginning.