summer lovin' had me a blast

So it's not like I get off for summer or anything, but just the thought that summer is here brings me a sense of revival and refreshment. But let me set something straight for the record: there is nothing worse than the summer Mississippi heat in August. When I was little, I loved this swimming weather, but now that I must wear work clothes throughout the dead heat of summer, I can think of nothing worse. I love to sweat, mind you. But only when sweating is planned. Working out, for example. When I am in clothes, dressed for the day and walking to a meeting, the last thing I want to do is sweat.

Whether I asked for it or not, summer heat has hit the deep south. Two days ago as I was driving down the wretched Hardy Street, I noticed the temperature reading on the ever-so-disgusting KFC sign: 102 degrees. And it is not techincally summer yet.

But I live in Mississippi, my beloved state, so I digress.

In college, during the summers, I worked in Maine at the most wonderful place in the world: TLC. "The Promise Land", it is called. And rightfully so. My cousin, Jake, whom I love and adore, is there right now. Jealousy abounds. Point is this: weather in Maine during the summer is simply the best. Some morning and nights in July I needed a sweatshirt - JULY! SWEATSHIRT! It was all foreign to me. The girls that went to TLC were completely amazed and intrigued that I was from Mississippi. It was as if I had told them I was from outer space. My first summer there I was asked many questions: "Do you wear shoes?" "Have electricity?" "Have you ever heard of Couture?" Once we got through the basics of Mississippi and that, yes, indeed, I own a car, have internet, a cell phone, even an IPOD, the summers spent there were quiet enjoyable. In fact, it's safe to say, it was love. I miss it almost daily. Especially this time of year.

But alas, I am an adult now and must do adult things - like work 12 months a year.

However, in honor of the summer aproaching, and Laura being through with school, I have compiled a list of things I actually am looking forward to this summer:

1) Reading "Chasing Harry Winston" by Lauren Weisberger. I don't care if you judge me for reading this stuff - I think she is a riot and love all things she publishes.

2) Drinking Abita Seasonal. It's strawberry flavored and just so refreshing. A bit of bad news, however. I went to order one the other day and was given the horid news that they, whomever 'they' might be, stopped brewing the summery ale. It was all gone. While this hurt my heart to hear, the man behind the counter said he had one more and wasn't going to charge me. That made up for it. If you are out there reading this, you Abita people, please, for the sake of summer, make some more of that strawberry goodness.

3) Going to Camp Lake Stephens to visit my friend, Russell. He is one of the directors there. If you recall, faithful readers, Trey and I attended a dance there over New Year's. Last summer we spent a few nights there. I helped out with the convenience store, but was told my help was needed no more after I royally screwed up the money situation. Never was one for numbers.

4) Our anniversary is June 3. Year number 2. Should be fun. Last year we went to a Damien Rice concert in Memphis. This year we are keeping it low key. Gas is $4.00/gallen for crying out loud. Trey likes to keep things old school and follows the traditional gifts for anniversaries. This year it really works out in my favor: Cotton. I sent him a wish list of clothes via email. He has yet to bring that email up. I was only trying to make gift shopping easier. Always thinking of others.

(Damien Rice, my other love)

5) Amy's wedding. In just 2 short weeks my first Hattiesburg friend, Amy, is getting hitched. Going to be a fun weekend. The bridesmaids luncheon is at a fab restaurant, and you know I love to eat. She is going to be a beautiful bride.


That about covers it. It goes without saying that I am super excited about starting my new job, which happens June 2nd. I will keep you updated. It also goes without saying that I never turn down a good key lime pie in the summer.

Tonight I am heading to Starkville to see the fam. Kristen, Rob and Henry are coming too. I love that little man. We are staying until Monday morning, when we are then heading to the coast for a Memorial Day cook-out with Trey's fam. Good thing we both have fun families.

I now leave you with a product I recently discovered: TAZO Diet Giant Peach Green Tea. I typically shy away from drinks with more than 3 adjectives, but this one is just so divine. And with 0 calories, it is sure to become a summer favorite.