DC: The District of Clay

Yeah, I'm goin' to Jackson. Look out Jackson town.

2012-01-18T22:01:00.000-05:00

Well, the time has come and the rumors are true.... We are moving to Jackson, MS!! Wesley and I have always talked about what it would be like to write this post and to actually be moving back to the South. I really can't describe it though - a little bit anxiety, a lot of happy... but also a lot of stress!

Wesley has accepted a job with the new Governor as his Health Policy Advisor. Needless to say, I am so proud of him!! I, on the other hand, do not have a job yet. Perhaps I will be a lady of leisure for a while... :) But if anyone has any ideas for a job for me, I am all ears!! We are so excited to be closer to family and friends, and of course Oxford. :) We have appreciated all the love and support we have received over the past (almost!) 4 years we have been in DC. We couldn't have made it this long without yall and without yall welcoming us home with open arms everytime we visited. But now we are coming home for good - and we couldn't be happier.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO US

2012-01-12T14:49:00.000-05:00

I can't believe it has already been four years since we tied the ol knot. We are celebrating by heading to Charleston, South Carolina for the weekend. While trying to figure out exactly to say about our marriage, I came across my post from last year. I could not write anything better ever in my life about Lo. I will now direct you to that post.

JANUARY 12TH

my last thirty years

2012-01-08T22:12:00.000-05:00

Over the Christmas break, Lo threw me a danque birthday party in celebration of my last thirty years. She did an amazing job, and everything was wonderful. I want to thank everyone who came out and celebrated the evening. I truly am blessed with great friends and family.

May my next thirty years bring more love, laughter, a bigger family, great health, career satisfaction and success, a home in the South, and most of all, a better relationship with God.

A few photographs from the evening:

its got to be you i love

hostess with the mostest

sparklers

terrace party

brothers

family time

oh hello state. how are you way down there?

cigar group pic

its not a party unless there is the cupid shuttle

columbus

lo and me

Thought of the Day

2012-01-04T09:56:00.002-05:00

When God brings a time of waiting & appears unresponsive, don't fill it with busyness, JUST WAIT! The time of waiting may come so that you may be set apart from sin and made holy!

A Little Morning Wisdom

2012-01-03T11:33:00.002-05:00

So my friend Emily is just bursting with great content forblog posts. This is much better than the previous political post. It reallyhits home right now for us.

“The truth is there are a million steps, and we don’t evenknow what the steps are, and worse, at any given moment we may not be willingor even able to take them; and still worse, they are different for you and meand they are always changing. I have come to believe the sooner we find thistruth beautiful, the sooner we will fall in love with the God who keeps shakingthings up, keeps changing the path, keeps rocking the boat to test our faith inHim, teaching us to not rely on easy answers, bullet points, magic mantras, orgenies in lamps, but rather rely on His guidance, His existence, His mercy, andHis love.”

Donald Miller, Searching for God Know What

2012-01-03T11:23:00.000-05:00

I received the following email from a former co-worker, and it truly hits the nail on the head when trying to compare Republican and Democrats. I thought it was worth sharing. Thanks Emily Ferris!

THE FENCE

If you ever wondered which side of the fence you sit on, this is a great test.

If a Republican doesn't like guns, he doesn't buy one.
If a Democrat doesn't like guns, he wants all guns outlawed.

If a Republican is a vegetarian, he doesn't eat meat.
If a Democrat is a vegetarian, he wants all meat products banned for everyone.

If a Republican is homosexual, he quietly leads his life.
If a Democrat is homosexual, he demands legislated respect.

If a Republican is down-and-out, he thinks about how to better his situation.
A Democrat wonders who is going to take care of him.

If a Republican doesn't like a talk show host, he switches channels.
Democrat's demand that those they don't like be shut down.

If a Republican is a non-believer, he doesn't go to church.
A Democrat non-believer wants any mention of God and religion silenced.

If a Republican decides he needs health care, he goes about shopping for it, or may choose a job that provides it..
A Democrat demands that the rest of us pay for his.

If a Republican reads this, he'll forward it so his friends can have a good laugh.
A Democrat will delete it because he's "offended".

MERRY CHRISTMAS Y'ALL

2011-12-25T11:50:00.002-05:00

Merry Christmas from Brentwood!

Hope everyone is having a fabulous day and remembering the reason for the season.
We are missing our Mississippi family, but will see them very soon.

Love, Lauren, Wesley & Marlene

new york thru a lens

2011-12-18T17:35:00.001-05:00

lunch at mangia, bergdorf’s,window display at bergdorf’s, gaga at barney’s,
oscar de la renta, christianlouboutin, manhattan, fifth avenue, harry winston,
liz working at hw, citybakery, wo with mr. snowman, vintage table, man staging, classic american, nyc,louis vitton, drinks at aurora, aurora décor, subway station, waiting for thetrain, night in chelsea, elizabeth wine, brunch at westville, cappuccino,
happybirthday to lo

The Most Amazing Town in Mississippi

2011-12-11T19:28:00.001-05:00

One of the perks of my job is being able to visit Mississippi and see all the great things she is doing for the people that live there. Last month, I had the opportunity to visit the most beautiful place on earth, Oxford, Mississippi. The beauty of this town is known to everyone in the state and to many national publications.

Below are a few of the pics I was able to capture during my visit. Love that place.

Post Oxford, I headed to another amazing town, Columbus, and met up with my family, including Lo, who came down from Nashville. Columbus, as usual, was so nice and relaxing. Lo and I ran a couple of times down at the Riverwalk and walked around downtown. We had great Thanksgiving lunches and dinners with the family and a crackly bonfire night at my parent's house. It was good to be back, even if for a brief moment. We captured a few memories from that time below.

Door and Alley in Downtown Columbus

Homemade wreath by MS Mom, along with her Thanksgiving Dinner Table

Mason and the bonfire

Thanksgiving Dinner.

Hey girl Hey

2011-12-02T17:13:00.001-05:00

Get More: Britney Spears, MTV Shows

Ole Miss Humor

2011-11-09T12:43:00.002-05:00

I thought this was quite funny, even if I am an Ole Miss fan. "Hope and Change" is coming our way.

Is is 2012 yet?

weekend thru a lens

2011-11-07T20:54:00.000-05:00

weekend breakfast.whiskey and fleur-de-lis.

alcohol aisleat traders. dinner at souk. apartment shot. picturesque view of aspen dalevineyard. 

apartment shot 2. smith commons happy hour. aspen dale again. 

the potomacon a fall morning. 

wolo at aspen dale. brunch at le pain quotidien. motley crew:me, ryan, liz, and lo.  american home. 

flower market at eastern market. coffee. snacks. early morning run to arlingtoncemetery. 
sunrise over dc. pumpkin patch at traders. lo’s two favorite things. marinecorp marathon. taco. latte.

Sudden Loss

2011-11-03T21:44:00.000-04:00

I have wanted to write something about this since it happened, but couldn't really put into words what I was thinking. At any point during my years at the KA house, this could have happened to me and my friends. I can only imagine what these guys are going through. The Madison Country Journal has written a great article on these guys and just how close the Ole Miss community really is. You may leave Oxford, but you never leave Ole Miss. God bless these guys, their families, KA, and Ole Miss.

'A Celebration of Life'

3 inseparable friends memorialized at funeral

Ole Miss freshmen Mason Wilbanks, Walker Kelly and Sam Clayton Kelly were killed in a car wreck Sunday morning.

Walker Kelly, Sam Clayton Kelly and Mason Wilbanks

By STEVEN G. WATSON
Associate Editor

MADISON - The three knew no separation in this life as the best of friends and they are in eternity together now, which was the tone of a "A Celebration of Life" worship service here memorializing three young men Wednesday that drew thousands.

Sam Clayton Kelly, Jr., 18, Walker Kelly, 19, and Mason Wilbanks, 19, all Madison Central graduates and freshmen at the University of Mississippi, died in a traffic accident Sunday morning returning to Oxford for church with the fraternity they were pledging after a surprise visit home to see their parents.

The wreck occurred at about 8:30 a.m. on Interstate 55 at the Vaiden exit after the 2009 Infiniti Samuel Kelly was driving northbound veered off the left side of the roadway and ended up overturned on Mississippi 35, according to the Mississippi Highway Patrol.

There were no witnesses and all three died on impact, the authorities said. Willbanks was the front passenger and Walker Kelly was in the back seat.

Their lives were celebrated at Broadmoor Baptist Church on the Highland Colony Parkway where they were members.

University of Mississippi Chancellor Dan Jones invoked the Apostle Paul, using words the disciple wrote to "those he loved in the Church at Corinth."

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles...," he said. (See the Chancellor's full remarks on page A10.)

One of the fathers of the men said as the service closed: "God is absolutely real."

Expressing how all three professed a love for and belief in Jesus Christ, he said: "Don't let their lives be naught."

The bond was so strong among the three that the families said it was only appropriate to combine the visitations and funerals.

The service lasted nearly two hours with several fraternity brothers from Kappa Alpha Order speaking as well as others who knew them well.

All three avid Ole Miss fans, a recorded version of 'From Dixie with Love" or "Slow Dixie" by the University's marching band was played as the families exited the church. Some of those attending, including even the senior minister, carried or had in their back suit pockets red Ole Miss pom poms.

Several charter buses and vans were used to transport the overflow crowd of family, friends, Ole Miss students and other well-wishers to the grave site.

Hundreds of Madison Central students lined the Highland Colony in front of the school waiting for the funeral procession to pass.

Students and teachers wept as the three black hearses passed slowly.

Some drivers in the northbound lane stopped, got out of their vehicles and bowed their heads.

Broadmoor Baptist Church Pastor Rob Futral said that "Sunday morning changed our lives forever" and commented on the outpouring of support the families have received from the community.

In trying to minister to the families, though, so many have been ministered to by them, he said.

"Then and now we need to be together," he said. "The awesome outpouring of love from you has been amazing."

In explaining the title for the service "A Celebration of Life," Futral said anyone who looks at the pictures of Sam Clayton, Walker or Mason can see how they loved life.

"It's a celebration of the life that they lived," Futral said. "It's a celebration because of where they are today."

KA Pledge Trainer Trey Carroll spoke and told the parents that the brothers of Kappa Alpha "absolutely loved your boys."

He pointed out how poignant it was that the three died together, saying they were a model of what true friendship is.

Their lives showed what it meant to be friends and their deaths shows what it means to be friends, brothers in Christ, he said.

"These three young men did not know separation in life or death and they leave together into eternity.

"They were a model of what true friendship is," he continued. "We were so blessed and thankful to have had them in our lives."

Like many remembering the three friends, fellow Broadmoor member and KA brother Brent Chancellor said he'll always remember their smiles.

"You always saw them with each other and they always had a smile on their faces," he said.

KA member Matt McDonald also spoke, telling the family they always put smiles on everyone's faces.

"Each family told me how much they looked up to us and how much we were going to teach them," McDonald said. "I'd like to completely disagree. I'd like to say they have taught us more than we could have ever taught them."

Madison Central High School Principal Edith Mitchell said what impressed her the most is how the community at large has rallied behind the three families.

"I think the outpouring of love and support for these three families has been amazing," Mitchell said. "It's truly a testament to this community.

"These three fine young men, these three fine young Christian men, touched so many lives in just a short time on this earth," she added.

Chancellor Jones told the parents: "We were fortunate to have your sons in our lives - in the Ole Miss family - and are profoundly grateful for the joy they brought to us. In a large university, there is not the opportunity for us to know all of our students on a personal level. But in the last four days, through the voice and words of those in the Ole Miss family who knew and loved your sons, I've had the privilege to come to know them very well. Just as you are, we are very proud of them."

The Chancellor went on: "A line in the University's alma mater reads: 'There Ole Miss is calling, calling, To our hearts' fond memories.'

"It is comforting to know that in the days ahead, whenever the KA's, the Madison Central Ole Miss students, or any of the Ole Miss family who knew and loved your sons gather in the Grove or anywhere on our campus, they'll carry in their hearts fond memories of your sons."

happy (belated) halloween

2011-11-01T13:04:00.001-04:00

well, better late than never. time flew by and wesley and I ended up never getting costumes, or buying candy, or carving our pumpkin. . so we were those people last night with our gate locked and our lights off hiding from all the kids. apparently we missed the obama girls trick or treating by our house. oh well. we decided to get in the spirit last night and decorate our pumpkins. we didn't start until 9:00... so this is all I got!

happy belated halloween!

boo

hello

Marlene as Thackery Binx

We REALLY Need to Move Further South

2011-10-29T20:52:00.001-04:00

SERIOUSLY SNOW IN OCTOBER!!! We haven't even had Halloween... Like I tweeted earlier, with this weather, I should be watching It's a Wonderful Life, not Hocus Pocus.. Geez. I shot this video earlier to prove it was actually snowing.

I wish you would have told me you were taking a picture of me

2011-10-28T22:42:00.002-04:00

Earlier this evening, Lo and I went and grabbed a drink before dinner. Unbenounced to her, I snapped this picture. My goodness, how strikingly beautiful is she?? I mean seriously, this is a photo that captures all of her beauty.

Eat, Drink, & Be Scary

2011-10-27T21:02:00.004-04:00

Lauren and I found a nice package at our door yesterday, and when we opened it, goodies came crawlin' out. Just in time for All Hallow's Eve. Just thought I would showcase the creative talent of my mother. If anyone needs to place orders, just comment, and I will put you in touch with her.

it is almost winter.... which can only mean...

2011-10-25T09:54:00.000-04:00

we have mice again.

oh and didn't we have an exterminator come three times last year? yes.

and didn't we lay traps and try to warn the rest of the mice family not to mess with us this year? yes.

well, they are back which was evidenced by the hole in the stacy's pita chip bag and the half eaten brazil nuts in my pantry.

good thing we have a live-in exterminator this year................ stay tuned............ #mousewatch2012

weekend thru a lens

2011-10-23T21:55:00.001-04:00

Happy Weekend.

pancake party

2011-10-23T11:14:00.001-04:00

I don't know when I suddenly started making pancakes like a mad woman, but since this summer I seem to wake up on Sunday mornings and want pancakes. I have tried tons of recipes and ingredients - blueberry, chocolate chip, raspberry....... but since it is now fall, and I am obsessed with pumpkin, I had to try some pumpkin pancakes. I have to say these are hands down the best pancakes I have made in a while, and they are healthy too. They are super easy so you should definitely try them out. And get a griddle. What did I do before my stovetop griddle?! Happy Sunday.

Whole Wheat Pumpkin Pancakes

1 cup Whole Wheat Pastry Flour
1 Tablespoon Baking Powder
¼ teaspoons Salt
½ teaspoons Cinnamon
¼ teaspoons Nutmeg
2 Tablespoons Brown Sugar (or 1 Tablespoon Brown Sugar and 1 Tablespoon Stevia)
⅓ cups Pumpkin Purée
1 whole Egg
1 cup Milk
½ teaspoons Vanilla
2 Tablespoons unsweetened apple sauce (Can also sub in 2 Tablespoons butter)

Mix the dry ingredients together in one bowl (flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and brown sugar). Whisk the rest of the ingredients together in another bowl (pumpkin, egg, milk, vanilla and applecause). Make a little well in the dry ingredients - add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Let the batter rest for a few minutes. Pour 1/3 cup of batter onto a pre-heated griddle on medium heat. Wait until the batter bubbles a bit around the edges and flip. Cook until both sides are lightly golden. Enjoy!

Back in the Day

2011-10-21T17:24:00.001-04:00

I was a counselor at Camp Henry Pratt in Columbus. I have many memories of those fun days. One of my campers, Ruby Jane, was deathly allergic to dairy. To ease her mother's thoughts, I took it upon me to make sure Ruby Jane did not ingest anything that had the scent of cow. Since those days, she has become quite the artist. In 2005, Ruby Jane became the youngest invited fiddler in history to play the Grand Ole Opry, sharing the stage with Opry legend Mike Snider. Now 16, she plays 11 different instruments and has played at many other venues including another stint at the Grand Ole Opry and Lollapalooza.

Last night, she played at Hill Country in Chinatown, so Lo and I, along with our buddies, Jackson and MVB, went down to grab some bbq and listen to Ruby Jane. And boy did she rock it. Below are a couple of pics and videos of her performance.

Not sure what this anon couple is doing.....

A little singing.

Then a fiddle rock out.

Great night.

Happy Birthday Papacat

2011-10-20T09:48:00.001-04:00

He's turning the big 4-0 this year. hahaha. Not so much, but I will agree with what he said this morning. "As long as the Good Lord keeps me on the earth, healthy and happy, I don't care about the age." May his patience and OURS grow stronger with his age.

Cool hat. I think I may have on just like it right now.

Teleprompter

2011-10-18T10:28:00.001-04:00

In light of the recent news that President Obama's beloved and over-used teleprompter was stolen,

I will leave you with this funny.

Saturday Morning Thought

2011-10-08T10:35:00.004-04:00

Just a thought. What if Steve Jobs' mom would have aborted him when her father disapproved of her pregnancy? She chose to give the little life an opportunity to live. She chose to give him up for adoption so that he could thrive. Think about that while you play on your iPhone, your iPad, watch an animated movie in 3-D at home, and enjoy your music through an ipod.

Member Appreciation Day

2011-09-29T20:43:00.000-04:00

Wednesday was Member Appreciation Day at our gym. We have been members since 2008, so it is safe to say, we should be appreciated. Well, Lauren did not get the appreciation she wanted/deserved. So of course it was the topic of our early morning email conversation...

Lauren to Wesley :
Subject: Wednesday

Im so snoozy. Imgoing to have to go have a tea party before my interview at 10:30 am. I am pissed about the coffee. I am a valued customer and there is no reasonall the coffee should be gone by 8:40.

Like any good husband, I wrote an email expressing my frustration that my wife was not properly taken care of. Preface: For whatever reason, our gym likes to serve very unhealthy breakfast food on member appreciation day.....

Dear Vida,

It would be appreciated if on Member Appreciation Day, youwould have enough coffee for those who like to be appreciated. Also, it is abit of an oxymoron to serve creme filled danishes, muffin, croissants, andbagels at a GYM Appreciation Day. Youshould know that is takes 20 minutes of intense running to burn off onecroissant, so after getting up at the ass-crack of dawn, sweating my butt offto burn a few cals, why the HELL would you think I would want any of thoseoptions. You are promoting a "healthy lifestyle", yet serve itemsthat Trainer Bob says should never be on your daily menu. Come on now. Wake up.Maybe if you would have had more coffee, you would have been able to wake upand realize your stupidity.

Unregards,

An Unappreciated Member's Husband

P.S. I really didnt send this, but should have.

IT'S FALL!!

2011-09-28T16:38:00.000-04:00

So what does that mean for me? Just the following.

First Email
Title: i love all these things. and i am in desperate need of shoes.

http://us.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33060&storeId=13052&productId=2526127&langId=-1&sort_field=Relevance&categoryId=208588&parent_categoryId=&pageSize=20&refinements=category~[360999|208588]&noOfRefinements=1

http://us.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33060&storeId=13052&productId=3122594&langId=-1&sort_field=Relevance&categoryId=208588&parent_categoryId=&pageSize=20&refinements=category~[360999|208588]&noOfRefinements=1

http://us.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33060&storeId=13052&productId=2584368&langId=-1&sort_field=Relevance&categoryId=208588&parent_categoryId=&pageSize=20&refinements=category~[360999|208588]&noOfRefinements=1

http://us.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33060&storeId=13052&productId=2598544&langId=-1&sort_field=Relevance&categoryId=208588&parent_categoryId=&pageSize=20&refinements=category~[360999|208588]&noOfRefinements=1

http://us.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33060&storeId=13052&productId=2554015&langId=-1&sort_field=Relevance&categoryId=208588&parent_categoryId=&pageSize=20&refinements=category~[360999|208588]&noOfRefinements=1

http://us.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33060&storeId=13052&productId=2553197&langId=-1&sort_field=Relevance&categoryId=208588&parent_categoryId=&pageSize=20&refinements=category~[360999|208588]&noOfRefinements=1

Second Email
Title: shoes for me

http://us.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33060&storeId=13052&productId=2599356&langId=-1&sort_field=Relevance&categoryId=330539&parent_categoryId=208581&pageSize=200

http://us.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33060&storeId=13052&productId=3249333&langId=-1&sort_field=Relevance&categoryId=330539&parent_categoryId=208581&pageSize=200

http://us.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33060&storeId=13052&productId=3123979&langId=-1&sort_field=Relevance&categoryId=330539&parent_categoryId=208581&pageSize=200

http://us.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33060&storeId=13052&categoryId=208692&parent_categoryId=208581&productId=2629848&langId=-1&intcmpid=W_SUPERCAT_SHOES_US_WK3_AS_SEEN_ON_STYLE_SET

love her. so much.

Post Work Jog

2011-09-12T22:24:00.000-04:00

Lo and I decided to sleep in this morning and go for a run after work. It was quite the perfect day for a jog down the National Mall to the Lincoln Memorial, then back to the Capitol and on to Lincoln Park. After running up the treacherous hill that hugs the Capitol, we decided to stop and take in the beauty of the sunset. It was very calming and peaceful, considering the very tense weekend that just passed.

natural disaster week

2011-08-27T14:36:00.003-04:00

well, we start out the week with an earthquake and end the week with a hurricane. hopefully, things will for the most part miss us. since we live in a basement apartment where our bedroom floods even with a little rain, we have taken a few precautions. wesley has just finished rigging up a tarp and sandbags (well topsoil..... there is no sand left in the city) over our bedroom door. also, the electric in dc is notorious for going out so we are stocked up with some candles and trail mix, and of course wine. i started a crockpot with bbq pulled chicken this morning... so at least we will have some food!! now it is just kind of a waiting game. watching tv, getting some laundry done and maybe catching up on some blogging. we will keep yall updated (if we have internet!) things and praying for our friends in NC / lower VA and of course NYC. Stay dry!!!!

Huge Fan

2011-08-26T15:11:00.002-04:00

It is a well known fact that I have long been a fan of Leighton Meester. Since the first time Lo and I watch Gossip Girl, I knew I was on Team Blair and not Team Serena. May be too much info for some, but I'm positive those who are scratching their heads and questioning me right now have not watched the show.

A few years ago, the world found out that LM could also sing. Like most, she hit the music world with a hip-hop, techno style. She first appeared with Cobra Starship in Good Girls Go Bad. I still listen to this to get me in a good mood. She then followed with Your Loves a Drug, and then was featured on the Valentine's Day soundtrack with Somebody to Love.

Many may have seen Country's Strong, where she played an inspiring young country artist.

Where am I going with this? Recently, she has changed her style of music, and quite frankly, I really like it. LM hooked up with Check in the Dark, another band you must check out (pun intended). Here is their live performance in New York City at the Troubadour. Would like to see both of them in concert.

don't worry everyone

2011-08-24T20:10:00.002-04:00

we survived the quake.

June in Alabama

2011-08-21T20:01:00.014-04:00

The little brother got married in June. It was great to back in the South for weekend of fun, family, and friends. Unfortunately, the time flew by way too quickly. As did the time between when we got back and now.....a little late, but they are here now. Below are some pictures of the fabulous weekend of festivities.

The bride & groom

The whole Clay family

bruthers and seesters

comin

and a goin

late night finale

back to the district we go

2011-08-15T13:55:00.003-04:00

so we are back. and we aren't happy about it. trying to keep my relaxed beach self mantra around for a while as we settle back into reality. coming back to a broken fridge (with a new one not being delivered until the 25th!!!!) and a dirty apartment (to which my wonderful husband promptly cleaned :) ) weren't the highlights, but there ya go. that's life. i know we have a lot of catching up to do from all our summer shenanigans but i wanted to leave yall with a little picture. i caught this shark. i sure did. it nearly snapped my rod in half and we had to pick up the anchor to follow it just to get it in the boat, but i landed it. booyah me. bonnet head, that is.

A Much Needed Vaca

2011-08-05T16:04:00.004-04:00

The last few weeks have been INSANE in the Nation's Capitol, and tomorrow cannot come soon enough. You will not be hearing from us (but I guess that is nothing new for y'all) because:

We will be fishing here.....

And relaxing here.....

Holla.

happy friday

2011-07-22T11:32:00.004-04:00

A big thanks to my mother-in-law for sending Wesley this WONDERFUL idea. I must have this in my house..... when I have a house someday. I think Wesley might need to buy me some more CLs to fill it with..... hehe..... happy friday from wolo :)

ohh where has the time gone

2011-07-20T13:11:00.004-04:00

Well ladies and gentleman, today Wesley and I have officially survived three whole years in Washington, DC. This time three years ago Wesley and I arrived with four huge suitcases, no where to stay for the night in a city we hadn't been to since we each were in 8th grade.

I can definitely say it has been an adventure (we don't call it wolo adventures for nothing!). We have lived in four apartments all within a block from each other. We have stayed in the same jobs, but have received a few promotions along the way :) No car for the first 10 months and now share poor Bessy who has been beat up by the aggressive driving and street parking (needless to say - we have become excellent parallel parkers and have learned to decipher signs like the one to the left...). Southwest Airlines has become out best friend - well, more like we have become theirs with the thousands of dollars in flights we have purchased. We have had a few visitors (you know who you are and we LOVE you for it), but could always use a few more.... We've made a few friends along the way and have seen a few move away. We have had a British foster cat named Marlene for the past three months while she waits for her passport - and no, I'm not kidding.

We know this city like the back of our hand which is something down the road I know we will be grateful for. It gets tough at time being so far away from friends and family, but I know we will look back and cherish this time we have had in this crazy city called the District of Columbia. So on to the next year.........

virginia wine country

2011-07-11T20:47:00.015-04:00

one of the things that i will miss most about dc when we move away (someday.... anyday... anyone? please? jobs?!) ANYWAY! One of the things I will miss a lot is how close we are to vineyards and beautiful scenery. we can literally drive into virginia and in 30 minutes and we are in the middle of rolling hills and beautiful trees. we also can drink some good wine.

one saturday we decided hey let's go wine tasting. so we packed a lunch and snacks (food anxiety - definitely had to pack snacks) in our traders joe's insulated cooler and took off to the vineyards just the two of us. i didn't map it out - which i always do. so ocd. we just got in the car and drove. we had the best time and discovered some new vineyards that we hadn't been to before. if people would come to visit us............. we could take you to them :) in the mean time, you can look at our pics.

local places, local spaces

2011-07-11T20:43:00.009-04:00

i love supporting local business and farmers. for such a big city, dc does have a lot
of wonderful local shops, restaurants and farmers markets.
especially on the hill. our little neighborhood of capitol hill has, in the past
two years, really blossomed with restaurants and bars owed by local people. love love it.
one place on the hill that has been around forever is fragers.
fragers is basically our own mini lowe's. when wesley and i decided to clean up our patio (well
wesley really but i love taking credit for it).
i love pretending i have a green thumb, when in fact, i have basically now
killed all the plants in the pictures below. anyway, wanted to share.
we love fragers. we love the hill.

lots of plants
our little red wagon of treasure

finished product!before painting....

burlap covered herbs

the best porch now!

Marlene

2011-07-10T12:10:00.003-04:00

Sunday funday. Lo and I woke up this beautiful Sunday morning, walked to Starbucks to grab a drink, and then home for some lovely homemade blueberry wheat pancakes.

Last night, we had dinner with some friends before they move back to London. We were shown a video that I have posted below, and I honestly believe the person who made the it kept Marlene for a few weeks. The cat in the video acts EXACTLY like our UK kitty (except for the ending..you will understand after you see it).

Enjoy the day. Lo has some major posts to write very soon.

Werk Smerk

2011-06-17T16:22:00.005-04:00

[image from somewhere unknown]

After the wine, I Wanna Go!

Our New Bumper Sticker

2011-06-14T09:41:00.001-04:00

I will be purchasing this for Bessie.

green thumb

2011-05-23T21:36:00.003-04:00

I am growing this tiny squash. Do you think I would be able to start my own farmer's market soon?!!

POW

2011-05-05T10:10:00.014-04:00

My job has a few perks. I have met the Prime Minister. I have met the Foreign Secretary, William Hague. But yesterday, I had the great honor of meeting and speaking to the Prince of Wales. Not to brag (hehe), but it was awesome. Just a few pictures to share....

Just a little curtsy...

Can I meet Prince Harry please?

Oh yea... that's the back of my head.

Listening... staring... smiling...

That's all.

That Little Girl of Mine from Tennessee

2011-04-28T16:56:00.006-04:00

Since last Saturday, I have been bachelorin it up. That means I call the shots in the household. No compromise. What I says goes. So basically nothing really has changed. HAHAA. Everyone who knows my wife, knows that is not the case.

What does being a bachelor really mean:

It means NOT get up at the ass crack of dawn to be at the gym. Nope, being a bachelor means you get to sleep in until 8:20 to be at work at 9:00.

It means ordering 2 egg rolls, 6 steamed dumplings, and General Tso's chicken... then two nights later returning for another order of steamed dumplings.

It means eating wings two nights in one week.

It means not having to eat pizza with zucchini and squash on it.

It means whatever piece of clothing you take off stays right where it was removed. No clothes hamper mumbo jumbo.

It means toilet seat up.

It means drinking from the milk jug at the coffee table. No glass necessary.

It means throwing everything on the top shelf of the refrigerator because you know there is no one there telling you that doing that drives them crazy.

It means toothpaste lid off.

But the one the being a bachelor means is that it makes you not want to be bachelor. I think when I was actually one back in the day, I had several roommates and not just a cat that doesn't like me. It is amazing who time will do to a person. I even miss her stubbornness, and bossiness, and most importantly, her smile.....I can not wait to pick up that little girl of mine from Tennessee at the airport tomorrow.

I heard this song the other day and immediately thought of Lo.

My Little Girl in Tennessee from Chris Thile & Michael Daves on Vimeo.

Mississippi: Donate

2011-04-28T16:11:00.003-04:00

Please donate food, clothing, basic necessities to National Guard Armory in Amory. If you can't get there, donate to the Mississippi Red Cross. Northeast MS needs your help!!

Marlene & Me Part II

2011-04-25T20:04:00.004-04:00

Still not much interaction with Marlene. Except for at 5:01 A.M., 5:47 A.M., 6:13 A.M., and 7:29 A.M. That is when she decided it would be funny to come jump on the bed, meow like a crazy person, and tap my face or hand with her paw. Yes, she a tapper. On a normal morning, I would already be up and at the gym, but it's Bachelor week, and that means hitting the snooze button and not caring.

After her 4th meow yelling/paw tapping debacle, I decided I should get up and shower. I sat up and the cat disappeared. I didnt see her the rest of the morning. I didn't get much sleep last night because I thought Marlene was going to shit and piss all over my apartment. Luckily, she remembered where the pooper tub was located. With it being recess on Capitol Hill, I am able to run home for lunch. I also thought it would be nice to say hello. That didn't happen. I called her name, looked under the couch, the chair, the closets, under the bed, and any where else I could think. No sign of the black cat.

After work, I came home and for almost an hour, searched the normal places, while calling the cats name in English and British a thousand times. At this point, I started getting worried. What if on the first full day, I lost the damn cat. Typical of me. Then out of no where, she jumped out of the closet and figuratively scared the shit out of me. After that, she ran off and has been running away from me ever since.

She is currently sitting on the chair giving me the evil eye. Maybe one day she will want more. Until then, she runs.

See the cuddly Marlene here.

Marlene & Me

2011-04-24T20:55:00.006-04:00

Today is the first day Marlene joined our family. She is an adorable half English/half Scottish black cat, who is staying with us for a couple of months, until she is able to hop over to the UK with her real parents. Until that time comes, she will be with us. Which only means a lot of stories. Right now, she doesn't like me. That is fine. I totally understand. I don't like many people in the beginning either.

Earlier this afternoon, Marlene arrived with her luggage including play pen, fishing sticks, fake mice, goldfish, and a year's supply of Whiskas Purrfectly Chicken and Fish, Friskies Gravy Sensations, and of course, basic dry cat food. A girl's gotta eat, right?

Well since our first enactment, I have seen Marlene all of 5 minutes. Things were turning when she decided she wanted to lay on the couch with me. That quickly ended when a massive thunder storm decided to ride through Capitol Hill. I haven't seen her since. I have tried to make her life as normal as possible. Hopefully it will start working soon.

The night should be interesting. I hope she remembers where I put the tidy cat pooper tub.

Until Next Time......

Taste of the South

2011-04-24T20:01:00.006-04:00

Every year, us Southerners have to do something to show these Northerners just how a Gala is thrown. This year's event was amazing, except for the weather. As always, it rained. Lucky for us, and Lo's dress & shoes, it did not rain on our way in or out. Here are a few pics from the night. Taste of the South raised over $200,000 for both local and Southern charities this year, totaling over $4 million to date. Good times for good causes.

[courtesy of revamp.com]

Glad to Know People Love Us

2011-04-15T14:18:00.006-04:00

Don't worry people, I can honestly say that due to my patriotic act of walking into the meeting with President Obama and Majority Leader Reid last week, they were finally able to stop acting like children and agree to the GOP's spending cuts. It was all me. You are welcome.

But because of that and many meetings in the White House and on Capitol Hill, I have been unable to keep your days moving with my highly hilarious blog post. Its okay, the heart grew fonder. I know that.

I am back, but only to thank our dear friends Kayla and Kevin for visiting us. We had so much fun catching up with them, going to dinner, and showing them the beauty of Washington D.C.

Oh wait, that was.....OVER A YEAR AGO.

Yes, that was the last time someone came to visit. Hard to believe, I know? I mean come on people, its not like we leave in Bum-F Egypt. We live in the most powerful city in the world, a place many of you have probably never visited or if have, it was back in 7th grade and all you cared about what was how to get to the mall (not the National Mall).

We have heard all the lame excuses and don't buy them if you are wondering. In a year's time, Lo and I have been back to the South 9 times, so again, your excuses are invalid. There will come a time when we are not living in this city and every single person who didn't come will say "Dang. I/We should have come to D.C. when y'all lived there, but we didn't and we regret that". Umm damn right you should. SO think about that. Note: This blog excludes parents.

Oh and by the way, all forms of transportation get to this city....trains, planes, and automobiles. Boats too.

Anyways, don't worry about us. We are doing just fine. We have a big charity gala tomorrow, which is going to be a lot of fun. Pictures shall come up post event.

Happy Friday and until next time.....

We Need.......You Supply

2011-03-28T20:50:00.003-04:00

Our Weekends will not be the same if you do not help....so HELP.....

Don't you want us to stay in our comfort zone?!?! PEAS!

Today We

2011-03-19T18:38:00.005-04:00

This morning we woke up and met some friends for a quick trip to the US Capitol. Our good friend Brendan is Speaker of the House John Boehner's Press Secretary and he let us go hang out on the his balcony in the Capitol. Might I say that many people will never get to see a view quite like this, and especially not on the balcony that belongs to the person who is 3rd in line to the Presidency. #GOP

Currently, we are getting ready to head out to dinner with a group of friends. Adria, who is in law school at Ole Miss is visiting for Spring Break 2K11. First stop, dinner at Founding Farmers, then out on H Street, most likely at Smith Commons. Fun night ahead.

Inside Founding Farmers

Smith Commons on H Street

Until Next time....

Happy Anniversary to My Parents

2011-03-18T09:46:00.003-04:00

32 years is quite an accomplishment. It truly goes to show, if you marry your best friend, you can and will get through anything. May they have 32 more years together. Oh wow, can you imagine my father 32 years older and wiser?!?! Get out of the way people, Catfish is headed this way on his motor scooter and he's waiving his cane.

Guess who's back.... back again....

2011-03-06T18:05:00.006-05:00

Yea yea yea... no excuses. We basically are just terrible at blogging. Bottom line - that's it. We're bad at it. And we decided not to start our New Year's resolutions until March. Ya know... test out 2011. Dip our toe in and then decide what our resolutions for the year are going to be. Which is why today, the first weekend in March (or is it the second? Whatever... just go with me here), we are cleaning our house, rearranging our bedroom, actually doing a budget for the first time in the 3 years we have been married and coming back to the blogging world. Welcome to a belated 2011. Love, The Clays

SO. A brief recap. I actually feel like nothing has gone on. We have been home for most of the weekends which has been great. Wesley and I have seen a few movies (did anyone else get the Fandango $9/ two tickets deal?!!! Ummm amazing), gone to a few restaurants and basically been boring. Oh and we have been cutting coupons. And I am excited about it. I actually sat at Starbucks this morning and stole someone's Washington Post just so I could get the Sunday coupons out. Wow. Maybe this is an over share and I'm showing how dorky I really am. Anyway, I guess the biggest highlight is that Wesley and I both got promotions. Great news. I guess sometimes hard work does pay off. Besides that... here we go....

Margaret and Peyton got married :) Amazing time with great friends! Take us back!! (besides the fact that I lost my camera..........wahhhh)

We had our 3 year wedding anniversary. :)

Visited Liz and Ryan in NYC. We took the bus down Friday morning and spent the day wandering around Soho and shopping. Ate at Mercer Kitchen and Beauty & Essex. Delicious. Great time as always.

Avie McFatter arrived!!! :) Lauren and Daniel became parents to a beautiful baby girl on February 24. We are so in love already and can't wait to meet her. Aunt Lo can't wait to buy some Grove dresses for her. :)

And that's about it. Besides eating frozenyo constantly, cooking, working, running and having wolo weekends.... that's about it. Oh yea, and we have a part time cat named Kitty. No plans for the spring. Perhaps a trip to the South? We hope so.... too bad we are short on funds. We will take charity though. Please make out all checks to Lauren Clay. Any amount will do. Thanks for the generosity. Just kidding... kind of. Hope to see yall soon.

And if anyone sees my parents, could you please tell them to come visit me.... like.... tomorrow? That would be great. Until next time..... love, lo

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

2011-02-18T12:05:00.002-05:00

Happy Birthday to my wonderful Mother!

May you have many many more!!!

2011-02-15T10:35:00.001-05:00

Successful people don't dwell on the negatives of the world. They stay focused on the positive and move forward. -Unknown

Give It To Me, Bring It Here....Uh huh, okay, whats up?

2011-01-27T16:16:00.005-05:00

I know we said our posts would increase more this year, but as of now, not much has really happened that you needed to be aware of. Yesterday, it snowed alot and caused major chaos in the D.C. area. I'm not really sure why. I thought if we could handle 40+ inches at one time, then we could handle anything. Apparently not.

I have a really hard time spelling "apparently". I do not know why, but I do. I also can never say irrelevant. I most always (99.9%) say irrevelant, which is not even a word. I actually just re-read the sentence and said irrevelent. Weird. That is also the case with specific. I say pacific. I don't know why, I just do. I gave up facebook, so if any of you weirdo, stalker, non-friends can not seem to find me, its because I'm not there.

I am currently on this weight gain kick. I eat 6 or 7 small meals a day, increased my protein intake, cut back to only lean meats, and have hit a pretty extensive workout. No, this is not my New Year's resolution, I always workout. Maybe the eating plan has worked. From Week 2 to Week 4, I gained 6.3 pounds. Maybe it was just because on Sunday night I ate a large pizza, a box of chicken wings, and half an order of cheesy bread. Who knows? I guess the weigh-in on Monday will tell.

Cecilia, you're breaking my heart.....You're shaking my confidence daily....

Did we tell you about our cat named Kitty? She lives next door and comes in when we get off of work and stays until she goes to the door and starts meowing. She is very affectionate and loves attention. She also is kind of a bitch and hates when you twirl her tail. For some reason, she tries to bite you when you attempt this. (shoulder shrug)

I really really enjoy ethnic food. It has become a love of mine since moving to the District. I love Indian and Ethiopian cuisine. Yes, contrary to commercials, there is an Ethiopian cuisine. If you ever get a chance to venture out in the culinary world, I would highly recommend it. Also, nothing is better than General Tso's Chicken. I could eat it everyday. Seriously I could. I aint lying to you.

I will leave with one thought....How does a school that goes 4-8, loses to the in-state cow college twice in a row, has no defense, or quarterback, still end up with a better recruiting class?? Guess the cow college isnt really the school going up.

P.S. I was listening to GirlTalk when I wrote this, which now helps explain the jumpiness of my writing you were trying to figure out. REWIND. I got da diamonds on my neck. Patron in my hand.

Friday Afternoon Tune

2011-01-14T16:04:00.003-05:00

I received an email this afternoon from Brother Sam Waters and the following video was linked to it. Since then, I have listened to it 100 times. The original version by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros is quite amazing, but this duo really knows how to make you smile. The best part is around 1:47 listen in to see how cute she is. They are very talented. Happy Friday.

[video from youtube]

three years of wolo

2011-01-12T13:06:00.003-05:00

Well, I logged on to post a cheesy post about our anniversary and find the wonderful and sweet below post from my husband. That's why I married that man, people.

Anyway, my post is a little more light hearted in reference to our three years (well six actually, but who's counting?) together. Wesley likes to kindly tell me that it feels more like 20 years, but I will take that as a compliment. At this time three years ago, I was at the hair studio watching my bridesmaids get their hair done and eating Jimmy John's sandwiches. No one was drinking the mimosas we had because everyone had had a little too much fun the night before. :) It was a great, relaxing time before the games began! A lot better than where I am now - sitting at my desk at work!

Wesley and I have experienced a lot of changes, moves and ups and downs in the last three years. Here is just a brief recap of some things that have gone on in our lives.....

- lived in Oxford, MS for six months and have been in DC since July 2008
- we have lived in five different apartments all within the same block (besides the first one in Oxford)
- we have to be Southwest's best customers, racking up at least two free flights each per year
- both of us have been in the same jobs (truly a blessing!)
- attempted to get a cat... twice, and have been rejected, so we now settle for our neighbors cat who likes to come in our house when they let it outside to use the restroom. we like to steal it for a couple of hours. who doesn't love a pet that you only have to take care of when you feel like it?! - downsized from two cars to one. definitely a lesson in sharing - what's yours is mine, and what's mine is.... mine. right?
- established our household chores: wesley does the ironing, laundry and tidying up... and I watch and support. oh yea, and i cook sometimes :) i see hiring a maid in our future.
- we love filling our home with tons of smelly candles and frequently try to avoid burning our house down.
- the best way for us to live sanely is for us to have separate closets - in separate rooms!
- on the same note, a shoe closet is essential.
- we love spending time standing up in our kitchen with a glass of wine recapping the day.

I am sure there is more, but I must get back to work and the real world. I am so thankful for the past six years, and we want to thank yall for all the love and support through this time. Below is a picture from our wedding. I think it pretty much sums up wolo. And to my wonderful husband, I love you so much and cheers to many many many more years to come.

A Daughter, A Sister, A Wife, A Best Friend

2011-01-12T10:19:00.011-05:00

Growing up, I often wondered who I would end up marrying. I fell in love, lost love, and continued searching for love. In college, I conducted numerous 3-month experiments trying to find validity in love and hoping to discover its glory.

The trope of Western literature that is love at first sight is something that I grew up believing in. My father often told the story of how he met my mother. The story, in short, is that he saw her walking across a baseball field one day and knew at that moment, he would marry her. He then went home and told his mother he saw the girl he was going to spend the rest of his life with. This story has been confirmed by my grandmother. For me, I always felt I would someday experience this phenomenon. One February night after being denied by a now dear friend, I was able to meet this tiny, little, beauty from Tennessee. We exchanged hellos and went about our business, but something was there. I knew it. I called my father and said the exact phrase he once told his mother some years back.

Ben Harper once sang the following lyrics:

Waiting on an angel
One to carry me home
Hope you come to see me soon
Cause I don' t want to go alone
I don' t want to go alone

I no longer have to wait, because I found mine.

Today, I celebrate 3 wonderful married years with Lauren. We have spent the last 6 years getting to know each other and have witnessed much happiness, sadness, and challenges throughout that time. I was able to able to find love at first sight and I look forward to many more years with the stinker.

Below are a few glimpses of that January day, three years ago.

Reflection on Tuscon

2011-01-10T10:14:00.009-05:00

As we continue to get settled back into the grind after a long hiatus in Mississippi for the Holidays, I had hoped that my first post would be on a positive note. Unfortunately, I am unable to do that. By now, everyone is well aware of the tragedy that took place in Tuscon over the weekend. The media coverage has been non-stop, and I'm sure everyone is tired of seeing it when they turn on the television.

Often times when events like these occur, we feel sad for the individuals affected, but then continue on with our lives. Rarely (and thank God for that) does it really ever hit home. Unfortunately, this tragedy did for Lauren and I. While we did not know anyone personally, our ties are very close to two of the victims: Congresswoman Giffords and the aide who was killed. Working on the Hill, I have found our community to be a very close knit group. Everyone knows someone who has a connection with another friend of yours. It is a very small world.

Friday night, we watched the movie "Letters to Juliet". At one point, the main character writes a letter to a lady who lost love. She begins with this:

"'What' and ‘if’ are two words as nonthreatening as words come. But put them together side-by-side and they have the power to haunt you for the rest of your life: ‘What if?'..."

At that time, the quote stuck in my head, but it has become more profound in light of the killing of a staffer on Saturday. Giffords' aide had just turned 30 and was about to get married. His fiance, his family, and his friends no longer can celebrate the wedding that was about to take place. Instead, they mourn his life and think "what if".

As we sat there watching the news, Lo and I just sat in silence, not speaking, but knowing exactly what each was thinking. That could have been one of my co-workers. That could have been one of our friends. That could have been me. I have the same job as this former aide. Many don't understand the other side of the world that occurs in D.C. Thousands of staffers tirelessly work here serving our states, our districts, and the Senators/Representatives we work for. We, on NUMEROUS occasions, head back to the state to staff constituent events, not ever thinking about the possibility of our lives being threatened or taken. Until now. This event has shaken Capitol Hill and it will forever be in the back of our minds when we step out into the public for events. No one should EVER feel they have to work in fear. It was a senseless act.

Below is a picture from earlier this morning where Congressional Staffers paused for a moment of silence. It was amazing to see so many of us there. Somber yet moving.

[picture from the Washington Times]

merry christmas and happy new year

2010-12-27T15:50:00.004-05:00

A belated Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from the Clays!

I know we have been off the blogging sphere for a while, but have made a new years resolution to be better bloggers in 2011.

We are on the road this holiday season from Christmas in Columbus, to New Year's in Jackson for Margaret and Peyton's New Year's Wedding Ball :), and back to Nashville for a day or so.

I hope everyone has had a great holiday season, and we send

love, joy and happiness to all in the New Year.

Love, Lauren & Wesley

Back By Popular Demand

2010-11-19T15:11:00.003-05:00

Well not really.

To all you pregnant people out there, this could be your child....

When You Need a Little Oxford in Your Life

2010-11-18T10:52:00.003-05:00

But can not get there due to you residing in the Northeast, there is closer option.

Charlottesville, VA/UVA

If you have not made the trip to this great town, I would urge you place it on your bucket list. A few weeks ago, we were able to make the trip with our good friends Jackson and MVB. They went to school at the University of Virgina, but they also understand the greatness that is Oxford. They have grown to love our town, as we have grown to love theirs. Since living in D.C., we have fortunately been able to hit up the place with relative ease. Just a short 2-hour drive and you have forgotten what is the big city.

Once you arrive to the downtown area of Charlottesville, you feel as if you are right on the square. The people, the atmosphere, the look, everything, resembles Oxford. We have the Lyceum; They have the Rotunda. Its all picture perfect. The major thing that is different: Their IQ's are "just a bit" higher. And maybe their focus. Oh well, us Rebels can't be the best at everything.

On Friday, Jackson, Lo, and I made the trip to Wintergreen. It is a ski resort located outside of Charlottesville. MVB was already there at her parents condo, getting dinner ready for us. It was a low key Friday, with us just sitting around relaxing by the fire, sipping on some red wine. On Saturday, we made the short drive to UVA and stopped at the local World Market, for the best Chicken Salad, with cheddar cheese and roasted bell peppers on a ciabatta bread sandwich you have ever had. We then strolled to the game, where we enjoyed each other's company because that was the only good thing going on at that time.

Post game, we made our way to the downtown area, where we tried the famous steamed dumplings and bar hopped for a bit. As the time drew near to the Bama game, we decided it would be better to head back to Wintergreen. We then thought it would be fun to watch the game at the local ski resort bar. Boy was that an adventure. A fun one though. A quick but fun weekend came to a close. Oh how I love weekends.

Downtown Charlottesville

The Rotunda at UVA

Lo and I with MVB and Jackson at the game. UVA is similar to Ole Miss this year.....they can't seem to find a way to win. Oh well. Still a fun game. They do have a great band.

While it does not fully compare to Oxford, it does give you that a tiny feeling you are there in spirit.

Until Next Time.....

[top pics are from google]

Fall Sundays on the Hill

2010-11-07T19:33:00.004-05:00

Because Who Doesn't Need This.

2010-11-05T11:27:00.007-04:00

Lo forwarded me an email this morning and when the time comes for us to renovate or build our own home, this will 100% be added to the list.. Heck, it might shoot up to the top position like a Netflix movie does on your Queue.

Disclaimer: Should I EVER visit your house and this has been installed, I will know you stole it from us and I will CUT you. Have a good Friday and always keep one eye open.

You need some wine?

Hold on a sec while I go into my secret wine cave conveniently located in the kitchen.

Oh yes, it circles down. Way down.

Tornado warnings mean nothing in the Clay house. Also, should my wife ever become missing, you now know where to find her.

Until Next Time......

pictures from an email and obviously someone's home. If this is your home, you are cool. If anyone replicates this but us, well you know what will happen.....

I Had No Idea Today was Election Day

2010-11-02T09:54:00.010-04:00

Today We Vote for the "Enemies"!

Election Day means..........there will be a post, of course. On the way to the gym, I realized I had left my subway card at home. Lucky for me, the day I decided to leave it behind, just happens to be the coldest morning D.C. has had in months. By 7:15, it had warmed up a bit and I began my walk back to Capitol Hill. I usually pick warmer occasions to venture home outside, but without a pass, I had only one option. I picked my normal route: down 7th street, left on Pennsylvania, then onto Constitution, passing the Capitol and Senate buildings. The sunrise in D.C. is amazing.

On 6th and Pennsylvania is The Newseum. Founded by Charles Overby (The Overby Center for Journalism at Ole Miss and also a Brentwood native), this museum is one of the most amazing exhibits in D.C. A few weeks ago, Lo and I attended the opening for Covering Katrina there with special guest, Governor Barbour. Along with this exhibit, they have 4-5 floors of everything that is Journalism. Worth the money and the time.

Back to the point of my post, outside the Newseum, they display the front page of a local paper from every state. The paper changes daily, giving all a chance for representation. Today's headlines all had a similar message....Is today the day of change?

As a conservative, I hope so. So everyone get out and vote and if you live in District 1 in Mississippi, vote Alan Nunnelee for Congress! Get our country back people and lets show "those" we are not enemies, just lovers of our great nation!

Until Next Time.....

pics from the Washington Post and Southern Living. i couldn't find the ones we had taken, but they look just the same.

happy one month birthday, hadley monkeee geurl

2010-10-29T18:11:00.006-04:00

Is this not the CUTEST BABY you have ever seen?!!! This is a belated congratulations and happy one month birthday to one of my best friend's, Ellen Fritts, sweet precious adorable baby girl, Hadley Elizabeth. Wesley and I are sooooo happy for Ellen and Danny and seriously love Hadley as if she were our own. We can't wait to meet her on NYE. She's my sweet pink monkee geurl and I love her so much. I hope yall enjoy these beautiful pictures of her! TGIF. love, lo

8 days old and already adorable. Just peering around... she must have seen an awkward. :)

Monkee girl doing a twist

Just hanging out.... loving bath time

Enjoying her one month bday w/ her beautiful mama

Its Halloween at the United States Senate

2010-10-29T15:26:00.007-04:00

And just how does the political world do Halloween? By dressing up as a piece of legislation.....obviously. One of my co-workers dressed up as a "bill" and came to work. He rode the subway, went through security, and roamed the halls of the Capitol and Congress. I leave you with a few pics from The Adventures of Bill....

(L)I don't think they saw me, do you? (R) Do I look like George?

(L) The Rotunda (R) I love America!

Sorry Mr. Capitol Police, I just need a second to relax. That's all.

This is where I am at my greatest.

Here again

We the People, right?

Just a few of my friends, the Senate Pages.

Very Senatorial, right?

Another almost the weekend post.

2010-10-28T10:29:00.007-04:00

I was just thinking this morning that things have been going pretty well lately. And that I am pretty happy with my life. Here are a few things that are making me happy these days....

- DC in the fall. The weather, the leaves, the outdoor restaurants to drink wine. It is seriously the best time in this city. If you haven't experienced it, you should.

- This blog. This couple lives in DC and actually on Capitol Hill. I might start to stalk them... Shh. Could they be any cuter?!!! If I am half as cute as she is when I am 30 weeks pregnant, I might cry with joy. Check them out and you will want to stalk/be them too.

- Cooking. I really have found a little love of cooking. In high school and college, you would find me as far from the kitchen as humanly possible. But being married for three years has taught me two things (well, not just two... LOTS of things... but this is about cooking, people): 1. Eating out is expensive. 2. Eating out with a man who eats like a garbage disposal in a city that costs an arm and a leg for an appetizer is even more expensive. So to that end, we have really embraced cooking at home. I started off basic and now I have really expanded to all sorts of recipes. I have also been cooking a lot of vegetarian, and adding some meat in there for Wo every once in a while. Now, let's not get crazy. I have just been following recipes. I tried to make something up.... once.... and let's just say I was overly ambitious. I will try to continue adding some of the recipes I have been making to the blog. :)

- Farmer's Markets. This kind of ties in with the above "what makes me happy", but is it weird that I could walk around and stare at produce all day? Don't answer that.

- Boots. Seriously people, I have a problem with buying boots. And why do they have to come out with all these adorable styles? Over the knee, lace up, wedge, ankle, stacked heels, riding boots... the list goes on and on. And I must have them all.

- J.Crew magazines and email. Damn you, J.Crew and your adorably put together outfits and sale emails tempting me to spend my husband's hard earned money on clothes that I don't need. But it still makes me real happy... and sad at the same time. #imbroke

- Twitter. Enough said. It's like publicly accepted word vomit. Who doesn't love a good overshare?

- The thought of the holiday season right around the corner. I am already planning a span of activities for our Thanksgiving trip to Nashville. I am thinking the Boulevard Bolt immediately followed by Bloody Marys? Sounds good to me. Friends and family, can't wait. Then we will be off to Columbus for Christmas and then over to Jackson for Margaret and Peyton's NYE Wedding Ball. :) Fun times ahead.

- And let's be honest.... my birthday is a month away. And don't worry, you won't forget because I will continue to remind you for the next month. My birthday, in turn, means Wesley's birthday which is also real fun. :)

- Three years. And after all the holidays, birthdays, etc. THE wolo three year wedding anniversary is at the end of the tunnel. Can you believe it has been almost three years?! I can't. Wesley can. Sometimes he says he feels like it has been 20 years, but I will take that as a compliment. That just means he can't picture his life without me, right? :) All of this to say that sometimes I look around and remember that I am so lucky to have a loving husband who loves me for exactly who I am. Lately, I have been thinking about this and it makes me, well.... just real real happy. That's all, folks.

love, lo

Sometimes...

2010-10-28T10:22:00.005-04:00

I wish I was a ballerina. But I'm not... who am I kidding?! But could this picture be any more amazing. I love it. Thank goodness it is almost the weekend. :) love, Lo

One Liners That Really Hit You in the Gut

2010-10-27T11:45:00.001-04:00

You have to realize that the unpleasant obstacles in your life are often God-ordained opportunities to make a difference. - Author Unknown

Old Skewl Music

2010-10-26T16:39:00.004-04:00

While at work today, I decided to play a little Pandora. I clicked on my Widespread Panic station and began my easy listening. A few hours into it, the song below came on and I was instantly taken back to the 90's with this tune. I had to post because I am sure it brought many of you the same happiness and like myself, have not heard this song in some time. Enjoy.

music found on youtube

In Spirits with the Upcoming Election

2010-10-25T09:14:00.003-04:00

A funny from MS Mom. Thanks for the early Monday morning laugh. Oh how funny political jokes have become, now that I work at the mecca of the political world.

An elderly man suffered a massive heart attack. The family drove wildly to get him to the emergency room.

After what seemed like a very long wait, the ER doctor appeared wearing his scrubs and a long face.

Sadly, he said,
"I'm afraid Grandpa is brain-dead, but his heart is still beating."

"Oh, Dear God," cried his wife,
Her hands clasped against her cheeks with shock.

"We've never had a Democrat in the family before!"

Because its Friday

2010-10-22T10:24:00.005-04:00

And this song makes me happy. Thanks Jackson for introducing it to me from the Roosevelt Hotel. Big Balla! $875 bottle service! Yey-ya!

music found on youtube

Sometimes the smallest things mean the most

2010-10-21T09:27:00.003-04:00

This morning, when our alarm went off at 5:05, the first thing Lo did was hold my hand. It may not seem like alot, but to know she thinks about me right when she wakes up, means a great deal. In the end, it really is the small things that make the biggest impact.

I truly have found my best friend. Have a happy Thursday.

I'm feeling better. Thanks for asking :)

Until Next Time....

Happy Birthday PapaCat

2010-10-20T11:55:00.007-04:00

I'm not feeling very well today. Actually, I feel awful. Running at a mere 57%, but needed to give a shout to my father, who celebrates his day of birth today. I hope he has many more to come. There is nothing better than a little reminiscing on your birthday to make you realize just how old you have become. I am uncertain of the age of this photograph, but can be safe to say it was captured during the 70's.

Until Next Time...and hopefully feeling better

wolo columbus day

2010-10-11T17:18:00.004-04:00

One of the few perks of working for a government (believe me, they are few and far between), is that we get all the pointless holidays off. It is amazing. Wesley and I took the long weekend opportunity to stay in, cook and catch up on all the shows that we haven't had time to see. This morning we got up and worked out, went to Starbucks and I came home to make homemade brunch. We had a little hiatus to our morning................... since Wesley had to run up to his office to take a meeting that he had accidentally scheduled on his day off. I decided I would take the morning to make something that I hadn't made before - pancakes from scratch. I am obsessed with Pioneer Woman's recipe website Tasty Kitchen. I found these Whole Wheat Raspberry Pancakes and they were wonderful. Or would have been wonderful if I actually knew how to cook. I think they look a little bit more like cookies - I wish they had turned out fluffier. Even though they had to stay in the oven to keep warm for a hour............ , I think they were relatively edible.

Things I did differently.... or would do differently next time:
- I used all white whole wheat flour instead of the mix of regular flour and whole wheat flour.
- Always add the wet mixture into the dry mixture instead of the other way around.
- I used 1/4 cup measuring cup to scoop the mixture into the skillet and they turned out a nice size.
- The tip in the recipe to add the fruit after you put the mixture in the skillet is a good tip. I was able to add raspberries for me and chocolate chips for Wesley. I would try blueberries next time because the raspberries were a little big and didn't really soak into the pancakes and they ended up burning on the pan.... and smoking up my whole kitchen.... and setting off my fire alarm.......
- When I mixed the dry and wet ingredients together, I over whisked them hence why I got flat cookie-like pancakes. Next time I would leave them a little lumpier. Fluffier is better.
- Someone needs to buy me a griddle.

All and all I think I was semi successful. Here is picture of my pancake-cookieish mountain.
Busy week coming up.... off to NYC tomorrow night until Thursday night for work and then a full weekend. Keep on truckin'....

The Great Pumpkin Race

2010-10-09T21:31:00.003-04:00

Sometimes I get nervous about new things... or things I don't have control of. Actually I always do. Well, I always get nervous before races. I called Wesley out in the car on the way there because whenever he gets nervous he always hits the breaks. Literally. If we are walking toward something he isn't sure about he will literally back up. On the way to Reston, VA for our race today when we weren't sure where we were going he would literally hit the breaks. Well, I clam up. I cross my arms, cross my legs and look around like a deer in head lights. I also talk a lot. I like to give myself pep talks out loud... but to other people. Example:

Lauren: "Wesley, well this is just for our personal best. I mean, it doesn't matter how we do against everyone else, right? It is just for fun." (Verbal affirmation for myself so that I won't immediately walk away and/or just quit the second I cross the start line.)
Wesley: "Yes, dear (as he secretly laughs to himself because I'm such a crazy ass)."

Today ended up being a beautiful fall day in Reston, VA. Even more beautiful because I beat Wesley. Yes, you read that right. I beat Wesley (and no Mom, he didn't let me win!). Fair and square. I would even venture to say that in the last 0.2 mile I whooped about 10 men. Not to brag... or to kinda brag. I finished 46 out of 803 women and 12 out of 147 in my age group. I'll take that. Doesn't really matter - we had so much fun and enjoyed something new. Here are a few pics to share... don't judge my sweaty hair, people.

The Secret Garden Pumpkin Patch

2010-10-09T19:45:00.007-04:00

So I know any of you that follow us on Twitter, Facebook or our blog (yes we complained for a really long time......) saw our quest to find an apartment in August. We really appreciated all the comments, retweets and texts of encouragement as we had to move out of our apartment of two years :( yes i did cry when we left... were homeless and taken in by great friends for a week, left all our belongings in another wonderful friend's house for the week and moved in across the street bit by bit. If I took one thing from the whole moving experience, it was truly seeing what great friends we have made in DC. Between housing us and our things, we couldn't have asked for more. So after all the trauma, we have left everyone in the dark about our new place! It has finally come together after a month. Moving created one other problem for us - we had no furniture! All our other places were furnished and all our furniture has been sitting in my parents garage for the past two and a half years (thanks!!!!). Luckily, my WONDERFUL mother packed a uhaul with a couch and a bed and other things and drove the 13 hours up to DC. Isn't T the best!!! I took off work and the two of us not only parallel parked a 16 foot uhaul on a DC street, but unloaded the entire thing, unpacked almost every box and returned the uhaul in five hours. It was awesome. T & Lo Powerhouse. Maybe we should start a company? Or not
.... So anyway, a month later here are some pics of our new apartment. Hope you'll come visit :)

recipe of the week: acorn squash

2010-10-09T17:06:00.004-04:00

Okay, so I am not claiming to be any sort of chef or cook, but I have really started to enjoying making things lately. Even though I am forced to cook in the very back of our apartment in the kitchen that we like to call a "fun house kitchen" since our apartment seems to get smaller the farther you walk back and the cabinets sort of lean in on you........... I have somehow managed to make a few edible dinners. I mean, I am just basically following recipes and seeing what happens. I attempted to make something up earlier in the week (clearly too ambitious...) and it ended up being a running mess, but my sweet adorable husband gobbled it up and told me it was good. I know he has to say that and he is a garbage disposal so he will basically eat anything. ANYWAY, with my new found love for cooking and especially anything to do with seasonal vegetables, farmers markets, locally grown food........ I am going to start doing a recipe a week or more like a vegetable of the week. I was really super duper sad to give up all my summer fruits and vegetables (tata summer squash and wonderful tomatoes......) and have had to adapt to all the fall produce. This is the second time I have made this, but this Southwestern Stuffed Acorn Squash is awesome. It is really filling and is simple to make. You can make it vegetarian by omitting the turkey sausage, but I actually added a little lean ground beef instead to Wesley's and he really liked it. Also, I overcooked the squash a little bit in the oven to give it a crispy top. I like burned food, okay? Serve with a side of sour cream (duh) and you've got a meal. It may not look pretty, but it suuurreeee tastes good. Happy Fall!

On Friday's

2010-10-08T15:04:00.005-04:00

I get this type of email. Gosh, I love her.

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Overdue Congratulations

2010-09-24T16:42:00.004-04:00

It has been a while since the blog saw some action, and we apologize for that. There are so many things that need to be written, so rest assured, they will be posted. Until then, a VERY BELATED congrats is in order for my brother and his new bride-to-be. On Labor Day weekend, Lo and I flew down to Nashville for the weekend. During that time, my parents, brother, and then girlfriend were at a wedding in Birmingham. Since it had been months since we had seen them, we decided to drive down and "visit" with my parents, who just "happened" to be a few hours away.

Luckily for us and Anna (Brantly's (my brother) fiance), it was her birthday and her parents were throwing a luncheon to celebrate. My brother had told her that we were just stopping by because we had to make our flight back to D.C. that evening. So we "stopped" by the luncheon and low and behold it "coincidentally" happened to be the same time my brother was going to propose. So weird.

Lo and I were so happy to be able to be there for the very exciting occasion. It seems like yesterday, B and I were rolling down the hill in front of our house in barrels, dressing up in our homemade Halloween sweatshirts, and playing baseball on the neighborhood field. Those days are gone, and new memories are about to begin. As for Anna, I guess she will do. I really don't have a choice, do I?.....I kid. Anyone who can handle the person that is my brother deserves nothing but the best. And I guess I am a little bias, but I feel like she is getting the best. Well both of them are, actually. Lo and I were talking the other night about how fun it is going to be to be able to hang out with great friends, who just so happen to be family. Nothing is better than that. So we wish them nothing but the best and alot of happiness in not only the preparation, but for the rest of their married lives.

Rebel spell: timeless tailgating tradition

2010-09-01T16:10:00.020-04:00

Article from ESPN. Oh how I love this place. Hotty Toddy.

Ole Miss last won an SEC title in 1963 but, legend has it, hasn't lost a party since 1848

By Doug Ward
Special to ESPN Sports Travel

OXFORD, Miss. -- The Ole Miss campus speed limit remains a genteel 18 mph in honor of Archie Manning, but everything else in Oxford seems to be changing faster than Jeremiah Masoli's eligibility status. In the months since quarterback Jevan Snead last took a snap for the Rebels in the Cotton Bowl and turned his attention to the NFL:

Mississippi football has gone from the SEC's upper division to expected also-ran.
The NCAA denied Masoli's request for a waiver that would have allowed the disgraced quarterback to play this season after he transitioned from sociology undergrad at Oregon to recreation grad student in Mississippi.
And Ole Miss students voted to find a new mascot to replace the goateed, politically incorrect Colonel Reb -- who was banned from the sidelines of Vaught-Hemingway Stadium in 2003, six years after the waving of confederate flags was spiked -- as the school continues to distance itself from symbols of the Old South.

With a new sideline mascot pending (Ole Miss will continue to be known as the Rebels), the troubled Masoli seems to have trended past the squeaky-clean Manning and the kind-hearted Michael Oher of "The Blind Side" as the school's most high-profile icon of late.

Things traditionally are much simpler when autumn falls on this college town in northern Mississippi, where Saturdays are as timeless as oxford shirts, which are practically standard issue on the natty campus.

On those eternal fall football weekends, car speeds drop to 18 and everything else soon follows suit, from the speech patterns to overall pace of the surroundings.

There was one of those Saturday mornings in October 2009. Much of the campus is strangely quiet.

Outside The Lyceum -- the white-columned signature building that served as a hospital during the Civil War -- a statue of James Meredith stands proud but alone; the real Meredith could not have felt much more isolated back in 1962, when he became the first African-American to attend the University of Mississippi. Nearby, deserted fraternity and sorority houses that look like antebellum mansions or Restoration Hardware stores stand still.

Everyone is in The Grove, a blissful, 10-acre plot of oak, elm and magnolia trees on the Ole Miss campus that before, during and after home games doubles as the school's hub and heaven on earth.

The Grove is more than a tailgate party. It's a little like a family get-together and a lot like a school reunion.

"Coming back to The Grove," said Jay Carmean, an Ole Miss alum from the class of 1999, "is like coming back to a big hug from all your friends."

Mostly, The Grove is like no place else.

Walking through The Grove feels like stepping into the art-directed pages of a Ralph Lauren magazine ad or onto the set of a John Grisham movie.

The good ol' boys here wear navy blazers paired with khaki pants, white oxford shirts, red-and-white striped repp ties and Eli Manning haircuts. Coeds show up for football games in sparkling-new cocktail dresses. The student body, alumni and returning sorority sisters and fraternity brothers all greet each other with, "Hotty Toddy!" A young alum laments the agony of graduation: "God, I wish I still lived here."

On this fall Saturday, gray skies, intermittent drizzles and the Crimson Tide all will roll through Oxford, but no one in The Grove will much mind.

The last time the Rebels won an SEC title, Lyndon Johnson was in the first year of his presidency in 1963. But legend has it Ole Miss has not lost a party since James Polk was in office. Polk's administration coincided with the school's opening in 1848.

No one comes to The Grove to make history; they come to relive it.

Ole Miss put together a run of three national titles in four years as the 1950s gave way to the 1960s, and folks here are still feeling it.

"People hear stories from their grandparents about how great it was," said Carmean, now an Oxford attorney. Maybe that's why everyone here is so gracious and upbeat. It's the opposite effect of what happened to all those bedraggled baseball fans in New England, the ones who came of age hearing generational stories about how heartbreaking it is to root for the Red Sox.

Every home football Saturday begins with a red and blue tent city being erected in The Grove even before the sun comes up.

The portable shelters are decidedly upscale, stocked with sterling silver flatware, white linen tablecloths, fresh-cut flowers, even chandeliers and, of course, two kinds of dishes: fine china and satellite television. Menus feature Southern specialties like fried chicken, finger sandwiches and sides of potato salad with bread pudding for dessert. The smell of barbecue floats through the foliage. Beer is banned in The Grove, but bourbon and Coke is practically mandatory.

The crowd is inordinately homogenous but, sartorially speaking, very colorful. Officially, the school hues are Harvard crimson and Yale navy. But some of the guys are bold enough to mix Nantucket red pants with pastel blue shirts and seersucker jackets; some of the gals rock peppermint pin-striped pants and navy sweaters. Ralph Lauren has his own rack in the school's bookstore, and if you're going to The Grove, go preppy.

Then there are some folks -- at least three by my count -- dressed like the school's Colonel Sanders look-alike mascot, the one that has finally fallen from favor.

Strolling The Grove can be a little disorienting because it seems to go on forever and everything repeats itself. An inordinate amount of men look like one of the Manning brothers, and a lot of the women look like future or former Miss Americas. Everyone speaks in a slow, soothing drawl that's smoother than the gin-fueled Pimm's Cups they mix over at City Grocery on Oxford's Grisham-esque town square.

The deeper you venture into the thicket of The Grove, the more it feels like the entire state of Mississippi has come together for one big Super Bowl or New Year's Eve party. Indeed, this bash will still be going well past midnight.

"The great thing about The Grove," said Wilson Hubbard, class of 1999, "is that everywhere you go, you see the people you haven't seen since you went to school here."

And a whole lot of people you didn't go to school with.

While The Grove feels a lot like an official Ole Miss reunion, not everyone who parties here went to school here. An incredulous first-time visitor surveys the scene, then screams into his cell phone, "I've never seen anything like it!"

Who has?

A little more than two hours before kickoff, the festivities reach a crescendo as the Rebels players make their way through a famous arch of red brick and black for the Walk of Champions, during which players and coaches are cheered en route to venerable Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Players high-five their way along as fans bust out the "Hotty Toddy" ditty:

Are you ready?
Hell yeah! Damn right!
Hotty Toddy, gosh almighty,
Who the hell are we, hey!
Flim, flam, bim, bam,
Ole Miss, by damn!

"Hotty Toddy" has no real meaning, but it means everything in Oxford. For students, fans and alumni, it is a greeting, cheer and secret handshake all rolled into one. "Hotty Toddy" is the spirit of Ole Miss.

This being the SEC, the visiting team is well represented, too. Speakers atop a crimson SUV blast Kid Rock's "All Summer Long," which samples "Sweet Home Alabama." Bama fans accessorize outfits with all manner of black houndstooth. Caps, skirts, sport coats and scarves all are fashioned from Bear Bryant's favorite fabric.

Lessons learned so far on this day: The Grove is awesome, and houndstooth makes everything look better.

After surveying the happenings at The Grove, the Alabama-Ole Miss matchup begins to feel like a sideshow ... until, that is, you walk through the gates of Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, which on this day establishes an attendance record of 62,657 but feels much more intimate. Were it not for contemporary sky boxes and a press box above the sidelines and the south end zone and the Jerry Jones-style giant video screen in the north end zone, the place could pass for something out of "Friday Night Lights."

And like in Permian, Texas, football is the only game in town. Oxford's population of 19,000 quadruples on game day.

Fifteen minutes before kickoff, the Ole Miss band plays "Slow Dixie" as fans pump blue and red pompoms that look like they were around when the school won those national championships in 1959, 1960 and 1962. The pompoms give the proceedings an old-timey feel, as if all those folks in their Saturday best hadn't already done so.

Nothing at Ole Miss takes you quite as far back -- or as aback -- as what follows the rendition of "Slow Dixie." Did the revelers really just chant, "The South will rise again"?

Yep, they did. (If Ole Miss chancellor Dr. Dan Jones has his way, they won't anymore. Jones banned the song "Slow Dixie" -- otherwise known as "From Dixie with Love" -- in November, when students refused to stop the "South will rise again" exclamation mark. "Here at the University of Mississippi, there must be no doubt that this is a warm and welcoming place for all," Jones wrote in a letter. "We cannot even appear to support those outside our community who advocate a revival of segregation. We cannot fail to respond.")

As the band prepares for the national anthem, the public address announcer invites attendees to remove their "headgear."

Nutt leads the team onto the field. Today's jersey color: Harvard crimson. A videotaped message on a board the size of a drive-in movie screen comes from former Rebels linebacker Patrick Willis, now with the 49ers, and asks, "Are you ready?" The answer, which comes in the form of a "Hotty Toddy" cheer, is a resounding, "Yes!" It's very loud.

Fans spike industrial-size soft drinks with miniature bottles of Jim Beam. The ensuing smell of whiskey mixes with that of Corky's barbecue and wafts through the seating bowl as fans nibble on pork nachos and hot dogs.

The lights are on from the opening kickoff, and so is the crowd. On every play. To the left is a prepster with a pledge pin and college tie; to the right is one of those Colonel Reb impersonators wearing a white suit and bolo tie.

You are from California and have no vested interest in today's game, but you find yourself caught up in the proceedings, even speaking in a bit of a drawl. Ole Miss will sneak up on you like that.

By halftime, Alabama leads 16-0. Many Rebels fans head back to The Grove to watch the second half on TV as the game by this point becomes a bit of an afterthought.

The second half is no contest. Eventual national champion Alabama dominates and goes on to hand Ole Miss a 22-3 loss. The Rebels drop to 3-2 and fall out of the Top 25. And inside Vaught-Hemingway, the Rebels' last national championship of 1962 seems like an eon ago.

But back in The Grove, Ole Miss remains timeless. And absolutely perfect.

Doug Ward is a Southern California-based freelance writer.

One Liners That Really Hit You in the Gut

2010-08-31T14:39:00.002-04:00

“It takes good people with integrity. Human beings exist that have integrity… that know how to keep their mouth shut…. that know the bigger picture…that don’t sell out their friends. Those people are all over place…..When things get bad, they are still the same friends.” -Sandra Bullock

Nomads No More

2010-08-30T14:42:00.006-04:00

We had a few requests from our readers to inform them once we became apartment renters again. Lucky for everyone, we have arrived at that spot in life. After the strenuous application process, we were able to sweet talk someone into letting us rent their apartment. I have to take credit for this one, because we decided that if the renter was a female, I would do all the talking and if it was a male, Lo would throw out the bait. Well I won! Gotta love flirting with a middle age lady. I must be good at it. :)

So yesterday we got the keys to the Secret Garden. That is the name of our new place. Lo named it, clearly. I would have preferred to call it the "ultimate man cave", but that was quickly ex-nayed. You will see the name fits by the posted picture.

Along with our joy for the new place, we are also sad to leave behind our old apartment. You never really realize the great things that occurred in a place until you close the door that final time. A world wind of emotions run through your body. Bittersweet.

I am posting a few pics. Some are of us packing and others are to reminisce the good times we had on Maryland Ave.

Early stages of packing

And the boxes start to stack up

Last but certainly not least, the tv, spirits, and ironing board must go

The Penthouse back to its original state (minus our touch)

Sianara Penthouse (with our touch)

Funtimes at Murrrrland

(thats how people say it here....no comment)

Welcome to the Secret Garden

(aka the UMC, "Ultimate Man Cave")

More to come from this lovely abode. Until next time.......

Sometimes You Feel like a Nut; Sometimes You Don't

2010-08-27T14:00:00.005-04:00

After the Friday I have, I can totally relate to both parties involved in the video below.

The Narrator:

I believe somethings are better than they really are.
I am constantly asking, yet getting nothing in return.
Talking, but no one is listening.
Love my animal, yet hate it at the same time.
Constantly make excuses to cover the truth

Jobey

Sometimes, I just do not want to listen to anyone.
I hear ya, but it's going in one ear and out the other.
I, like Jobey, need to meditate sometimes.
Ocean water feels good on my feet too.
Sometimes, you just gotta shit in the water to get your point across.
Its my ball. Its my shit. Common denominator, its mine. Not yours. Don't judge me.

Sometimes you feel like the helpless owner. Sometimes you feel like a shitty dog. Until next time.....

Remebering Katrina

2010-08-27T13:52:00.004-04:00

Sunday marks the 5th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. I remember exactly where I was the day the storm hit. It is amazing how much progress and lack of progress still exists in New Orleans and along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The Boston Globe has a tribute to the disaster in honor of the anniversary.

If you have a couple of minutes, the pictures are powerful.

Boston Globe Website

One Liners That Really Hit You in the Gut

2010-08-16T21:56:00.000-04:00

"To achieve greatness, start where you are, use what you have, do what you can." - Arthur Ashe

Why....hello.....

2010-08-13T16:07:00.008-04:00

I'm trying to figure out where to begin. I have been absent-minded in my thoughts, causing my side of the blogging world to be that of a blank page. I started a new area of the legislative world in my career and during what is supposed to be a period of relaxation (since Congress is in recess) I have been quite the opposite. I have been running at 90 mph and the days are speeding away from me. I guess in the end, that is not such a bad thing. During the day at least. I prefer my nights to be slower.

Like the South, D.C. has experienced intense heat, not allowing our a.c. units to properly perform their duties of cooling down our apt. I have found recently, I can get quite cranky during the evenings if things are not going my way. I'm sure most are in shock at that last statement, because if you know me or Lo for that matter, you know I probably never get things my way. In a sense, I guess that comes with the job of a husband. I like to think it comes with being specifically married to my wife. Nothing makes me happier though than when I can make her smile. Everything negative goes away during those moments.

[In case you are wondering what makes me cranky at night]

1. The heat. I shower every evening to relax me. The kitchen in our apt is not ventilated, which causes the temperature to insanely rise while we cook. It makes me super cranky. It gets to a point when Lo has to take over, because I am in such a bad mood.

2. The heat. Continuing with this topic because the insane heat I spoke of earlier moves its devilish self into our living area, where I am trying to relax on the couch. At this point, our ac units have been pumping hot air into our apt all day and no where (except on the floor right in front of the unit) is cool.

3. Lo not performing her duties in a timely manner. I also like my week nights to go in order. We have to make Lo's lunch, pick out her clothes for work (she likes to do this "in her head" first so it takes a while), iron her clothes (I do this because she "doesn't iron them like I do"), wash her face and get ready for bed. By 9:00, I would like to be sitting on the couch, watching useless tv shows Lo assures me are great. By 10:30, I want to be in bed...Now this is were our marriage has its differences. Lo hates bedtime, refuses it actually. She will do whatever it takes to postpone going to bed. Rarely do we go to bed at the same time. I have never understood why it takes women so long to get ready for bed. Just wash your face and go to sleep. No need for face creams, under eye creams, forehead creams, neck creams, behind the ear creams. I just don't get it.

Going back to the nightly chores. Ideally, I would like for many of the things to be completed right when we arrive at home. Rarely, this occurs, but you bet your bottom dollar, my amazing, little wife will let me know when the uncommon act happens. She usually has a form of this conversation:

After I walk into the door before it has closed in its entirety
Lo: Guess what I did? (this isn't really a question, just an introduction for her to tell me) I already made my lunch and picked out my clothes. And just so you know, my clothes do not need ironing. I picked them especially for that reason so you don't get cranky. Aren't you proud of me? I did it for you. (huge smile and eyes beaming)

Got to love her. Wouldn't ask for anyone else. Ever.

Well the weekend is upon us and I must be out to enjoy the weekend with the ol' devil herself. What's in store for the weekend you internally ask? Probably a purchase for the wife for already making her lunch and picking out clothes that didn't need to be ironed. But that didn't happen this week. Oh well.

Until next time.

What Lo Wants: I Must Have This Jacket

2010-08-05T21:24:00.004-04:00

So as I get older (aahhh!) and essentially poorer (waahh!) I am trying to focus my wardrobe on more classic pieces and items that I know will be timeless, so that I can just change accessories up a lot to make different outfits. The roads you have to take when you have no money to buy clothes... siiigghhh. Anyway! Lately, I have been attracted to a lot of jackets and blazers. Never my style before, I keep finding myself wanting to buy more and more. I got the fall Anthropologie magazine earlier in the week and I died when I saw this jacket. I absolutely must have it. The orange color is perfect for fall and it would be a great layering piece. Think about it with wide legs jeans and tons of gold jewelry... oorrrrrrr skinny jeans and grey knee high boots with a white ruffled shirt underneath??!! Yes please.

wolo weekend

2010-08-02T20:41:00.009-04:00

When you live far away from your family and friends and only have a handful of local friends, you have to start getting creative. Hence, wolo weekends. wolo weekends are where basically Wesley and I don't do anything at all besides exactly what we want to do. Maybe we will go shopping (my choice!), run some errands, go to a farmers market or flea market, happy hour or go out to dinner. Since we are trying to save money right now, we have had a lot of wolo weekends staying in and cooking pizza and tacos - our two favorite meals. A couple of weekends ago though, we decided to go out to dinner. Wesley has recently gotten a promotion (yay!), so we decided it was time to celebrate. We went to a new local restaurant called Acqua al 2. Check out there website and menu here. By saying that this restaurant is one of the best restaurants ever is an understatement. It is situated right in the middle of Eastern Market on 7th Street NE. We got there a little early for our reservation, so we had a glass of wine at the bar. When the table was ready, we were taken back down the narrow restaurant where is the dark and intimate. I started off with the fennel salad (which was HUGE) and Wesley got his favorite, the caprese salad. Both were amazing and fresh. We had a few recommendations on entrees and decided to go with the balsamic steak for Wesley and the blueberry steak for me. Both were cooked perfectly to medium rare - I could eat the blueberry steak EVERY NIGHT. The only thing I would change would be to order a side dish as everything is served al a carte. Instead of dessert, we ended our meal with a glass of prosecco. All in all, I would recommend this restaurant to anyone in the DC area. A-MAZ-ING.

Cheers to wolo weekends!

Housing UPDATE

2010-08-02T20:20:00.003-04:00

So I know everyone is walking on egg shells waiting to see if we find an apartment. We found out we did not get the apartment that I loved so much. This taught us one thing. Owners judge you by what you are wearing. Do not wear your gym clothes, but dress up like you're going out. Is this real life? Oh yes, it is. Until we find somewhere new, we have moved into the residence below.
New address - 1 Box on a Street, Corner of 3rd and Maryland NE...

T MINUS 19 DAYS......

Just Call us Nomads

2010-07-27T15:46:00.001-04:00

If you follow me on twitter, facebook or really are in any communication with me, you are aware that Wesley and I are in the middle of the search for an apartment. The internship program Wesley is involved with is ending, which also means that we have to move out of our lovely abode (that we haven’t been paying for….!!!). So needless to say, yall will not see our bright and shining faces flying down as much, if at all, this fall. L Paying rent is going to come as a harsh reality!!

Okay back to being nomads. This is the fifth time is our married life that we have moved. Yes fifth. And no, I did not stutter. We have moved five times, and this time will be the fourth in DC. We are basically expert movers especially since we don’t have any belongings up here besides dishes, glasses, and clothes. This also makes it quite difficult since we are about to move into an empty apartment and we don’t have things like… ummm… a bed… or a couch. This should get interesting. Craigslist, anyone? Apartment shopping in DC is basically like applying for a job. Wesley and I spend every hour after work online looking for places to live. When we first started looking we would just send emails like this:

Hello,

My husband and I have to move out of our apartment 22 August. Can you send me some more pics of your places? We want to come see the apartment at a good time for you.

Lauren

Well, this approach didn’t go so well. I would get minimal responses or none at all. I decided I needed to finesse it up… make myself look appealing. So my emails starting looking a little something like this:

Hi!

I have come across your wonderful apartment on Craigslist and would be interested in seeing it at a time that is good for you. My husband and I are in our mid 20s, both have great jobs with governments and do not have any pets. We are both non-smokers and are very tidy. This place would be super convenient for my husband as he works on the Senate side. I thank you so much for your time and I look forward to hearing from you.

Warm Regards,

Lauren Clay

Luckily, this email has gotten us a lot more responses and we have been to see a few places. Now, I am what some people might like to call “high maintenance”, but in terms of apartment shopping I am pretty low key. I don’t care if it is small, but I don’t want a dindgy bathroom, etc. Well, this weekend we found one that I really liked. A basement, but nice lighting… a little on the small side, but still a one bedroom…. And totally redone on the inside. Wonderful! BUT. Now it is like freakin applying for a job. We had to fill out an application and now wait. Wait and see if we are picked out of all the applications to actually get the apartment. There is no, yea yea I will take it! It is… I love it! Now fill out an application and wait in complete agony all the while hoping you aren’t completely homeless in three weeks with nothing but your clothes on your back rolling a tiny suitcase down East Capitol Street trying to find somewhere to call home. A little dramatic, but you know what I mean. So needless to say, we would love your thoughts and prayers that we actually get this apartment! Otherwise we are off on the apartment hunt again. Do you think it helps that I wrote a smiley face on my application next to where I signed my name? Just saying……

CLARIFICATION

2010-07-16T15:25:00.002-04:00

The entire context of the last post erroneously conflated an idea that an author of this online media source has a "baby bug". The incident of two consecutive entries having the same character concept was purely coincidental. Clearly, the author of the last post has wrongly misunderstood my message and intends on placing possible false hopes or pretences in the mind of our readers by their comments. We accept that their comments are wrong and do not support the disclaimer. We regret the error and any inconvenience we have placed upon you.

DISCLAIMER

2010-07-16T12:36:00.002-04:00

To all our blog followers,

As a disclaimer, all of these "child" posts that Wesley has been posting is in no way, shape or form any indication that we have the baby bug. We will not be having any children in the near future. Don't get your hopes up.

Sincerely,

Management

PS Happy Friday - bottoms up!

EARTHQUAKE!!!

2010-07-16T10:57:00.002-04:00

So apparently there was an earthquake in D.C. this morning around 5:00. I was in the beginning stages of getting up for the gym, but did not feel the shake. I guess I can now say I have lived through an earthquake. Happy Friday.

Speaking of earthquakes, this kid/beauty queen will give you a shake down like no other. It is well worth the 6:52 minutes. I posted several weeks ago a clip of her, but this is more of her insane world that is beauty pageants and highly comical. She has enough one liners for Dave's Top Ten. I can't tell who needs to be slapped, her or her mother. I will give it to the girl, she knows what she wants.

[video from YouTube]

Kids Say (or Write) the Darndest Things

2010-07-15T12:46:00.006-04:00

Recently, I was reading the Huffington Post, when I was directed to an article about the strange/funny things children write when given the freedom to do as they wish. Below are some examples the childrens' inner thoughts. Why can't adults be this honest?

[pictures from Huffington Post]

One Liners That Really Hit You in the Gut

2010-07-14T10:20:00.002-04:00

"Don't wait. The time will never be just right." - Napoleon Hill

"Nothing is an obstacle unless you say it is." - Wally Amos

"Remember happiness doesn't depend upon who you are or what you have; it depends solely on what you think." - Dale Carnegie

"Being challenged in life is inevitable, being defeated is optional." - Roger Crawford

Busy Bees

2010-07-12T15:00:00.015-04:00

Okay, so no excuses but I know this post is way overdue (yea yea... Wesley called it that I would start out my post this way). We have had a very busy June and July! Between weddings, bachelorette parties and weekend getaways, we are finally back home and relaxing for a bit. It has been a little hot here in DC (ummm 105 degrees...hellooo!!), so between work during the week we have spent a lot of time indoors. We have also been doing a lot of apartment shopping since we are having to move out of our current place at the end of August. Does anyone know somewhere cheap we can move in the city?! Here is a recap and some pics from the last couple of weekends......

Bald Head Island - Memorial Day
So I jetted off with a few of my friends from DC (leaving all the boys behind!) to a GREAT relaxing weekend at my friend Betsy's house on Bald Head Island in North Carolina. You literally had to take a ferry over to the island where there were no cars and you got to drive around in golf carts. It was so nice being out of the District and hanging out and cooking dinners with good friends. :)

Peeling around in the golf carts

Cheers to a great weekend

Walking around looking at Old Baldy

The next weekend I was off again to Rosemary Beach for Erin's bachelorette party. We got there Thursday night and laid on the beach for the whole weekend. Friday night we stayed in and had little appetizers and the lingerie shower. Saturday night we got a limo and drove around the area and had champagne. We had dinner at Red Bar .... yom!!! ... and went out at Bud & Alley's.

Limo ride with champagne

Pretty girls!!

The next weekend, Wesley and I decided we were itching for a trip to New York so we hopped in the car and drove the four hours (well it really took us six... ahh traffic!) up to NYC. We still can't get over that we can pop up to New York any time we want because we were so close. It was the perfect weekend to go since it was Elizabeth's birthday. We went to an AMAZING dinner at Mas (farmhouse) in Greenwich Village (http://www.masfarmhouse.com/). If you are in the NYC area and are looking for somewhere incredible to eat, I would definitely suggest this place.

At Mas (farmhouse) - Happy Birthday Liz!

At the Soho Grand Hotel with Heather

Dannceee parrttyy for the birthday girl

Wesley and I were then home for a couple of weekends (trying to avoid the heat!), but we did try to get out a bit. After attempting to lay out in the public park by our house.... yes just in the grass... with cars flying by.... yikes...., we decided to venture to one of the public pools in the area. It definitely wasn't a country club......... but at least it was somewhere to go! We stayed in town for the 4th of July, which is always fun in the District. We went to a cookout at my friend Katie's house and I attempted to make a few festive treats. Yea yea... slice and bake I know... I tried, okay!

This past weekend we made the trip down to New Orleans for Erin and Lee's wedding weekend. We went down on Thursday morning so that we were able to have one day to spend exploring around NOLA. We got there and met Candace, Charles and Megan and went straight to Acme Oyster. We then walked around Jackson square and went to the rooftop pool which was amazing. Thursday night there was a get together at Lee's friend's house. Friday was the Bridesmaid's Luncheon at Court of Two Sisters with the Rehearsal Dinner that night at Crescent City Brewhouse. It was all so much fun and great seeing so many good friends! Satuday was the wedding with the reception at Rosy's Tap Hall - such an incredible time! My parents also came down, so it was great to see them too. Congrats to Mr. and Mrs. Smith!

After lunch at Acme Oyster - daiquiri timmee

Bridesmaids Luncheon

Wesley and I at the Rehearsal Dinner

Helping the bride get ready!

Fun times at the reception

So needless to say, Wesley and I are a little tired out! We have some down time here in DC for a while, so hopefully we will jump back on the blogging bandwagon. Is anyone else in shock that it is already the middle of July?! Happy summer everyone!!

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY

2010-07-04T14:55:00.004-04:00

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY live from the Nation's Capitol!

Wesley and I have had a full morning so far. We woke up and went for a jog stopping at Barracks Row to see the local kids parade and then wandering down (well actually forcing Wesley with puppy dog eyes to keep walking with me in the 100 degree weather...) down to Constitution Ave to watch the National Parade. We are heading to a cookout tonight (so I should be cooking...) but I have been religiously watching HGTV all afternoon... does someone have home buying on the brain?! I am making pasta salad, a fruit pizza and Capitol cookies! I will have pics to show tomorrow. I am hoping (no promises....) to upload a lot of pics from the last month. We have been traveling like crazy and have lots to share. I hope everyone has a safe and exciting 4th of July!!

Not Sure Where to Begin

2010-06-24T13:17:00.010-04:00

Life as we know in the Land of WoLo is in constant overdrive. I feel as if I am going 90 mph, yet still not making it to my destination. As if I really even know where my destination is. June postings have been the occasional One Liners That Really Hit You in the Gut. Not what the readers want, yet still give them something to think about. I'm not good at writing about how great the weekend was/posting pics of my "besties". That is what Lauren is good for :) She will, very soon, post a blog that starts something like "So I apologize for the blog vomit, but life has been a little hectic lately" or "Since I don't blog that much" or "I haven't posted in a while" and follow up with pics from all the trips she has been on lately.

Back in May, I visited my brother from a different mother Sam Waters for a few days of fun in North Topsail Beach, NC.

Below are the tweets (in order) I made on my drive there and during my stay. You should be able to get the picture.

@samwaters5 Can't wait to be twistin my t-shirt around my head spinning it like a helicopter

Two red bulls, gold fish, darkness, and a bad ass playlist. Looks like I am going to be hoarse from singing at the top of my lungs.

Creepy gas station on 95. Very.

I'm in rural North Carolina with the moon as my only friend and solely relying on GPS to get me there...& Fergie @ the moment

Oh how I have missed the southern summer rain aka bugs hitting the windshield.

Sitting at a red light in Kinston, NC at 1:25 in the morning. Where is that? Not really sure. Hope Glenda the British GPS lady does.....

Piggly Wiggly, Wal-Mart, and Lowe's......Feels like home.

To the ladies on the beach: why are you wearing inappropriate bikinis? You know you shouldn't. It ain't right. #coverthatshitup

@samwaters5 THEME NIGHT: Trashy North Carolina.

I am way too classy for trashy North Carolina night. They take it to a whole new redneck level even for a Mississippian. That says a lot.

@samwaters5 and I are at the Jersey Shore......but in NC... 2 fights 2 girls 2 guys bloodiness everywhere. A scene of all ages....

I just remembered @samwaters5 and I met the worst person in the world last night.

From there a trip to Blowing Rock, NC where my good friend Ruffin tied the knot. Amazing town and scenery. Congrats to them.

Since those trips, I have laid low in the District and worked worked worked. Boring. I think I over the concept of a job and reality. Yep, I am.

***Just realized I contradicted my first paragraph by doing exactly what I said I wasn't good at, posting pics and talking about "besties". Oh well. You are driiiiiven meeeee nuuuuttttss......Take me to the Pageant.

Until Next Time.........