So long, farewell, Auf Wiedersehen, Goodnight... from Ash and Herb

Well, I didn't hang so well with this blogging deal. Oh well. I was happpy to share with y'all some of my profound thoughts.

So, Herbie (the most awesome, cute, soft, sweet, who knows how to sit, shake, beg, and scratch his butt on the bed while making comical noises dog in the world-Erica wouldn't let me write an entire entry about how great my dog is so I thought I would get my digs in ;)) woud like to take this chance to say goodbye to Erica.

Things I will miss about Erica:
1) the smell of her yummy coffee in the morning
2) her frankness
3) she helped me learn to be clean and neat (no small feat)
4) the constant presence of reduced fat cheeze-its and Wheat thins in the house
5) she and Drew get along really well and like to chat about Carolina football
6) always knowing what is going on in Lauren's life :)
7) Her love of lists (inspiring this one)
8) Her love for Herbie-love and her tolerance when I bring other dogs (even sweet smelly ones like Rudy) to the house
9) always having a friend to watch The Hills with
10) having someone to take me outside and feed me treats (that one is from HERBIE)

We will miss you Erica.

The Elevator

Every morning I park my car, take an elevator down to the lobby of our building, then take another elevator up 12 floors to my office. I work at a large law firm so I inevitably ride up with someone I know. During my weekly rides I have come to realize that Emily Post may need to write an article or book on elevator etiquette (Ms. Post, if you already have- please forgive my ignorance, and could I have a copy?).

Where do you look? We have those tv screens showing the weather, but the tv is on the left side of the elevator, so if you are on the right side, you are out of luck. Do I look straight ahead, share an akward smile, should I look at my feet?

How to you respond to other folks' conversations? Example- I have on more than one occassion found myself laughing or giggling at a joke or story between other people sharing my daily ride. Should I pretend not to hear their office gossip? Should I apologize when a chuckle slips out?

If you are having a conversation how to you politely and quickly end it when you reach your floor?Ex. John Doe asks me my plans for the weekend when we stop on floor eleven and I don't have time to answer before having to get off at my floor (12)? Should I make everyone else wait while I finish telling him? Do I just smile and hop off, telling him to have a good day? STRESS! I would appreciate any suggestions.

Until next time...Blog On!

Hmmmm...

While I have nothing but the utmost respect and admiration for my co-blogger, I must disagree with her previous post. My blogs will continue to address shallow, silly, and frivolous topics.

Topic 1: Brangelina's Baby Names

Any guesses on Angelina's baby names? Or the sex of the babys? I personally am hoping for one of each, although the rumors are that she is having two little girls! I personally think we are due for some meaningful names---perhaps Esperanza and Dulce or Asilia and Constance? Just and Loyal for boys? Any other ideas? We'll know soon!!!!

Topic 2:

So excited that Mary-Kate Olsen called Spencer Pratt out on the Hills.

Topic 3:

What's going on with Madonna and Guy! I am rooting for them!

Just for the record, I do have opinions on politics, religion, and the environment. And, I am happy to share, but for now I will leave the "deep" stuff to my esteemed colleague.

Until Next....Time Blog on!

Why I am excited about summer...

It is light outside until 9:00.

Trips to the beach- and being on the water in general.

Home grown tomatos.

Bluegrass at El Burrito.

Eating outdoors at restaurants.

Sweet-tea.

Wearing white and searsucker.
Flip-flops.

Jimmy Buffet, Kenny Chesney, Jack Johnson

Beach music--shagging

Cold Coca-Cola .

Suntans.

Sundresses.

Sunglasses.

Kids playing outside.

Swimming in the pool.

Happy First Day of Summer!

Until Next time...blog on -A&E

Britney Spears may be a mess,

But she has created some really good perfumes. I get many compliments on my Fantasy scent, but still get a bit embarrassed when naming my fragrance. Britney, tighten up, so I can spray my perfume with pride!

Until next time....blog on -A&E

The Publix Man

I am a huge fan of the publix man who works at the Gervais street store in the meat section (http://www.publix.com/). Why am I a fan you might ask? Well, that answer is pretty easy. I love grocery shopping, I love to eat, I love food, and I love to talk about grocery shopping, eating, and food. Publix man shares these interests, and always has a few recipes to share. He helped me impress my bf with a crab-meat stuffed Cornish hen. Also, Erica doesn't know it yet, but he helped me pick out two pretty salmon fillets for a special dish involving cumin (her favorite spice). Also, he recently gave me some tips on how to cook a pork roast with peach jam filling. So, thank you Publix man, for putting a smile on my face. In the spirit of sharing the joys of food, we are going to share a yummy, easy recipe with you:

Sundried Tomato Chicken

1 Bottle Sundried Tomato Salad Dressing

1 Jar Sundried Tomatoes

1 Pound Chicken Breasts

Oregano, Seasoning Salt, Garlic Powder, Parsley

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees

pound chicken breasts to 1/4 inch thick

spray shallow glass baking dish with Pam

place chicken in dish

Season Chicken with spices

Pour enough salad dressing to cover the chicken

Top with sundried tomatoes to taste

Cover with tin foil

Bake approximately 30 minutes

This meal is SO simple, and yummy

I suggest serving it with saffron rice and a steamed green vegetable.

ENJOY!

Until next time.....Blog On- A&E

Full House

I miss TGIF. Full House, Family Matters, Step by Step...those were the days. Today everything on TV is too bloody, sad, and dysfunctional. Yes, dysfunctional is more realistic than the TGIF families, but is there really a problem with slipping away into a world where the biggest problem is figuring out whether DJ should finally get her own room?

For a while, the closest I got to Full House was seeing pictures of the scarily thin Olsen twins on Perezhilton.com and people.com. Thankfully, I recently found Full House DVDs and am the proud owner of seasons one and two. Now I can travel back to the days of "cut it out," "how rude," "you've got it dude," and smile when every episode ends with a hug.

Until next time...blog on -A&E

I just got my very first...

Lawn mower. Self-propelled, electric start, push mower. My neighbors are also very excited about this purchase, not just because they won't have to deal with my overgrown, unkept yard, but because of the comic relief I will provide. You see--I have NEVER mowed a lawn before, am not very...uh...well, coordinated, or good with heavy equippment... Wish me luck.

Until next time...blog on -A&E

These are a Few of My Favorite Things

Sex and the City had an episode where they discussed secret single behavior. I guess after thinking about it, I do have a ritual that I turn to when I find myself home alone on a random Saturday night. My ideal night in alone involves watching Young and the Restless re-runs- thanks Brooks--while having a glass of wine, reading people.com, and wearing pjs. Shallow? Perhaps. But, there is no better way to relax. Of course, snuggling with Herbie-love completes my evening.

Also, I have not yet discovered Erica's secret single behavior, but I'll keep you posted.

Feel free to share your secret single behavior with us. Thanks for reading...

Until next time, Blog on- A&E

Columbia's own McDreamy

Herbie is an old dog. As an old dog, he has to take a few visits to the vet a year. I went through three vets in Columbia before I found one I really liked. He takes time to explain his diagnosis and to talk about my concerns. Also, he is very good with Herbie. And, he doesn't look half bad. Alright, he looks great---in ranks with McDreamy and McSteamy.

My boyfriend occasionally goes to the vet with me. And, has teased me for flirting with the vet in front of him. (I am a very loyal girl, but flirting can be fun!) Last week I had to take Herbie to the vet. I asked my bf if he would come with me. He told me that he would stay at home, and reminded me that I would flirt with the vet whether or not he were there (probably true).

So, I take Herbie to the vet. And, hopefully we have a few new solutions to help Herbie's hip problems. I would also like to think that the vet and I exchanged some witty banter.

Then, the vet tech leaves the room, and the vet says to me-"Now, I would like to talk to you about something a little awkward." My pulse begins racing, I am CONVINCED that hot vet is going to ask me on a date. Sure I flirt with him, but I have a wonderful bf! Still, my ego was feeling pretty darn good. I am thinking of ways to let him down gently, after all- I can't lose the one vet in Cola who I trust the precious Herbster with!

Until...the vet tells me that he is recently engaged and thinks I "look like the type of person who would want to buy his fiance's house."

Self-esteem-- plummeted.

Until next time...blog on-A&E