Spring Break

I realize the description is very late, but here it is!! The description of the most fabulous and wonderful spring break in the history of spring breaks!!

We arrived Sunday to our beautiful home very close to the beach in Folly Beach, SC. It was huge and amazing! Perhaps even more amazing than I had imagined. From the second we arrived there was a feeling of relaxation and fun in the air! We took a little trip to the beach which was a minute away, and we went to get dinner in Folly Beach. Little did we know they would be out of everything everywhere. Our first stop was this good looking Mexican place, but they had nothing including chips and fish for their fish tacos which was one of the main things on their menu. So we left. Then we went to a seafood place that was out of French fries amongst other things. How do you run out of these things? Go to the store and buy some potatoes! Weird to me. Anyway, we ended up at a pizza place that was pretty delicious! We went grocery shopping at the piggly wiggly which was awesome! What a cute grocery store! That night we hung out and played loaded questions I think? This is 3 months later so the specific details are a bit fuzzy. Nonetheless, loaded questions is always a good time!

Monday we decided would be the best beach day, even though it wasn’t and was a bit too windy and chilly. It was nice to lie by the beach, though, even though I got a terrible burn on the back of my legs that made sitting painful for a few days. It was so nice to just relax though after being on the road for basically a month straight before this (Tampa for two days for a conference, Washington State, Purdue and U Illinois Chicago, and then San Antonio). I was home maybe 12 hours from San Antonio when we left for spring break, actually. So needless to say it was nice to be somewhere and relax. Along with relaxing, I was able to introduce many people to How I Met Your Mother, and I love introducing people to great tv shows! We also came up with the nickname HIMYM, though I didn’t really invent it, but I first began using it here! Once again, I don’t remember the specific details of Monday night, but it involved fun and relaxing! Hilary and Colleen had taken a trip to an outlet mall, and Colleen came back with a pair of hot pink satin converses to match her hata-blockas. Colleen is so wonderful! I know some people went to “downtown” Folly Beach, I think Hilary and I stayed in to watch tv. Just my kind of relaxing night!

Tuesday was our first trip into Charleston. Let me say if there was a look of a city that matches me, Charleston would be it, pastel colors everywhere and classic houses and little brick streets! There’s a picture on this little street that people think is in Europe, because this city is so old and classic it actually resembles a European city, not like many cities in America. We began the day by going to lunch at a place that was decent but had very stale bread. We walked through the Old City Market where I bought a little straw basket, my souvenir, because it’s a famous thing in South Carolina. This was a fun little place to visit. We went to a candy store and sampled some free pralines that were very good. We walked along the water and found a park where we sat in swinging benches and then the coolest things, individual benches, I loved those pictures! We walked around a lot and found a place to get a snack (I’m not sure if this is the correct order we did things). We then began a walking tour which I narrated and got rave reviews, at least people told me they liked it. It was very stressful trying to give information about everything I could, but I love self-guided walking tours, mostly because of Rick Steves, and I do have a sort of secret dream about being a female Rick Steves for America, since he only writes books for Europe. We looked at tons of historic houses and the Battery area by the water. We walked by Rainbow Row, a beautiful row of pastel colored houses, I loved it of course. We were all pretty tired after this so we headed back towards the car, taking a detour into a mall to go to the bathroom, such a nice mall! Tuesday night I am also a bit fuzzy on… Tuesday night I think we did the murder mystery game which was great fun! Everyone brought so much humor and uniqueness to the game, it was fabulous! It’s something I would love to do again!

Wednesday, Stacy, Hilary and I headed into Charleston again and Andy, Colleen, Nicole, and Corey went kayaking. Hilary, Stacy, and I began our day by going to a temple which was very beautiful and interesting. This cute little old man told us all about the history of the temple and there was a tiny museum-like area. The man was nice besides the fact that he didn’t really care about my life and cared about Hilary and Stacy much more. He asked them what they were doing next year since we were graduating, yet he neglected to ask me. This also happened somewhere else, but I can’t remember where. Clearly people just don’t care about my life, yet I am writing this blog anyways in hopes my friends will care! =) We continued our day by going to Jestine’s Kitchen, a popular spot for good Southern food. It was DELICIOUS! This is where my love of fried okra began, unfortunately, I no longer live in the South to enjoy it. =( This meal was totally delicious, though. Sweet tea, fried chicken, fried okra, corn nuggets, etc. Totally unhealthy and bad for you, but delicious nonetheless. Plus, it’s a trademark of Charleston, so I’m glad we were able to go! There’s usually a line out the door, but we went pretty early and got sat right away. We also got very cheap ice cream from a famous seafood restaurant with an unfortunate name (Hyman’s). We continued on to visit a historic house. We walked around to get there and went on the tour of it, I forget which one it was at the moment… It was enjoyable, I love historic things. The tour guide was kind of bitchy and racist though. She was describing an easel they used to paint and how the slaves would carry it from room to room for the people and she goes, “Isn’t that nice?” No, lady, it’s actually terrible. One thing that I didn’t like about the area is the pride they still hold in their racist past. I understand it’s their history, but it’s kind of terrible to sell confederate flags everywhere and reminisce about the days when they had slaves. After our historic home tour we headed over to Ft. Sumter which was interesting and probably one of those things you should see before you die, but nothing totally spectacular that I’d have to do again or anything. If I knew where my book of 1,000 Places to See Before You Die was, I’d look it up, but I have no clue where most of my life is right now, so maybe by the end of the summer I’ll find it and be able to check some new stuff off, such as Ft. Sumter, because I assume it is on the list. I hope I find it soon… I would love to do a blog entry of the places I have been and whether or not I think they deserve to be on the list. That sounds fun! Anyhow, after Ft. Sumter we headed back to the car, which we purposely parked near Ft. Sumter so we wouldn’t have to walk far at the end of our exhausting day. However, we didn’t recognize the parking garage we parked in, as the one that we parked in. So we continued to walk around in circles for 15-20 minutes until we ended back at the garage closest to Ft. Sumter that we had parked in after all. It was pretty hilarious yet frustrating. Wednesday night I think it was (I may have mixed up Tuesday and Wednesday but I think I have it right) we went into Charleston to go to an improv show which was tons of fun and super cheap (thanks Hilary!). We came back to relax after.

Thursday we went different ways. Hilary, Colleen, Corinne, and I went into Charleston to go to the Charleston Art Museum, while Nicole and Corey went to the beach, and Andy and Stacy went to a plantation. I wish I could have done the art museum and the plantation, but alas I had to choose, and since I must go to art museums everywhere, I did. There was a lot of local art and portraiture at the museum, which isn’t necessarily my favorite, but it was still enjoyable. I especially liked the modern and contemporary collection which had some very creative art that couldn’t have been found anywhere else because of the locality of it! Plus, it’s always interesting to see what artists from different places produce. After the museum we headed back to Folly Beach to eat lunch and relax, we managed to continue watching tons of HIMYM, fabulousness if you ask me. We later planned our big final dinner in Charleston, we ended up going to a pirate-themed restaurant that Corey loved. It was called the Buccaneer and was very good. I was able to order Shrimp & Grits and be satisfied that I then had all of the southern food I needed on my trip. Then Andy, Stacy, Corey, and Corinne went out on the town, and Hilary, Colleen, Nicole, and I headed to Sonic for some dessert on our way home to watch more HIMYM… another wonderful relaxing night. I love Spring Break!

Unfortunately we had to leave Friday! =( Luckily, though, Andy, Stacy, and I were heading for a stop in Savannah on our way back! Savannah was beautiful and seemed totally livable. All of the squares in the city also reminded me of Europe, except a little more green. There’s also more amazing houses. We got food at a “local” Southern restaurant which was actually a chain, but I suppose a local chain, like Sonny’s, but not as good as Sonny’s sadly. We went on a walking tour of the city that we hired a lady to take us on, and it was slightly disappointing. According to Andy and Stacy’s reviews of the lady and me, I could be a better walking tour guide for hire (perhaps a profession for some extra side money in grad school?). We did go into a neat cathedral though that also reminded me of Europe because it was large and Gothic, and it’s not everyday you see those in America! We saw I think every square in Savannah and went near the River Front area, which was actually kind of scary and ugly (though this could be because it was a dreary day), and I wasn’t a huge fan of it. We walked by the art museum, which actually looked pretty great, and I’d love to take a trip back one day to go there! Unfortunately this concluded our spring break trip and we went back to Gainesville. But it was wonderful and I will always remember it!

Blogs

If anyone has a blog please let me know via this or my e-mail nei0327@gmail.com or facebook! I love reading blogs! =)

Summer Television

So I thought I would start my blog off with some summer programming that I'll be checking out and you guys may want to check out, if you're bored like me! Some new shows coming on may not sound that entertaining, but since it's summer and there's not much else to do, I'll be giving most of them a chance for at least a couple of episodes! If I watch and find something creative to write about, I'll write my opinion of some shows!

Shows already on that you should try to catch:

The Fashion Show (BRAVO; Thursday 10 pm and many other times to be repeated): Like Project Runway, not quite as good, but I love these shows about fashion, and recently it has gotten much better!

Watch this if… you like Project Runway or anything having to do with fashion.

Real Housewives of New Jersey (BRAVO, Tuesday 10 pm and many other times to be repeated): So trashy I can’t stop watching!

Watch this if… you love trashy docu-series or any of the other Real Housewives franchises… or the Sopranos.

Southern Belles: Louisville (SOAPnet; Thursdays 10 pm): Like the Real Housewives series except most are single or at least not married.

Watch this if… you like the Real Housewives franchises.

The Bachelorette (ABC Monday 8(?)pm): Jillian is adorable and watch out for Jake, the really hot, sweet pilot!

Watch this if… you liked Jillian in the Bachelor and like hot pilots!

Million Dollar Password (CBS; Sunday 8 pm): A pretty decent game show.

Watch this if… you enjoy game shows hosted by Regis Philbin or you liked the original password show.

Mental (FOX, Tuesday 9 pm): A show about a House-like doctor but in the mental ward. I like the fact that it deals with mental health. Better than I thought it would be.

Watch this if… you like House.

The Goode Family (ABC; Wednesday 9 pm): A show about a bunch of liberal vegans trying to do what they can for the earth and humanity. A very funny take on liberals.

Watch this if… you are liberal and enjoy poking a little fun at yourself.

Shows premiering in June (shows in italic are shows premiering for the first time):

Burn Notice (USA; Thursdays 9 pm): Show about an ex-CIA agent in Miami solving crimes I think? (Season 3 premieres JUNE 4^th, 9pm) This is the 3^rd season, and I haven’t watched it but on June 2^nd-4^th there are marathons of seasons 1 and 2, 6 am-2 pm; 6 am -3 pm; and 6 am – 6pm respectively. If you have a dvr and a lot of time on your hands, why not? I hear it’s great!

Royal Pains (USA; Thursdays 10 pm): This is about a blacklisted doctor (Mark Feuerstein) who reluctantly becomes a doctor for hire to the rich and famous in The Hamptons. Mark Feuerstein is super-cute, and I love USA’s other shows Monk and Psych. (Season 1 premieres JUNE 4^th, 9pm)

The Listener (NBC; Thursdays 10 pm): A paramedic is a telepath. (Season 1 premieres JUNE 4^th 9pm and 10 pm, normally on at 10 pm though) Sounds alright, may not be that great, though. This is one of the ones I am only tuning into because it's summer.

Army Wives (Lifetime; Sundays 10 pm): Army Wives follows the struggles, dreams and friendships of a diverse group of women and one man living with their spouses and families on an active army post. I really enjoy this show, I think the characters are great! (Season 3 premieres JUNE 7^th 10 pm) This is the 3^rd season. The 2^nd season is available to watch on lifetimetv.com, but I’m not sure about the 1^st season.

Raising the Bar (TNT; Mondays 10 pm): A courtroom drama with Zack from Saved by the Bell! (Season 2 premieres JUNE 8^th 10 pm) I haven’t seen this yet, but I love a good courtroom shows, and Zack is good-looking!

Top Chef Masters (BRAVO; Wednesdays 10pm): Like Top Chef but with real professional already successful chefs. Seems like a winner! (Season 1 premieres JUNE 10^th 10 pm)

Lie To Me (FOX, Wednesdays 9 pm): They are going to replay all of the episodes from the first season! I’ll be tuning in because I’ve heard good things! Revolves around a specialist who can read clues embedded in the human face, body and voice to expose the truth behind the lies in criminal investigations. (Season 1 re-premieres JUNE 15^th 9 pm)

True Blood (HBO; Sundays 9 pm): About vampires. (Season 2 premieres JUNE 14^th 9 pm) They will be rerunning Season 1 on HBO2 June 4th-7th from 8-11 each night so you can catch up if you have HBO! I myself will have to go to my sister's since my parents don't have HBO.

HawthoRNe (TNT; Tuesdays 9 pm): Jada Pinkett Smith plays a compassionate and headstrong Chief Nursing Officer heading up a group of dedicated nurses at a hospital who spend long days and nights on the hospital's front lines. I’ll tune in, TNT has some great programming recently! Also, Michael Vartan is in it and anything with him is worth watching! (Season 1 premieres JUNE 16^th, 9 pm)

Merlin (NBC; Sundays 8 pm): Merlin is a new 13-part drama series that updates the story of the infamous sorcerer of Arthurian legend for a new audience in the mythical city of Camelot, in a time before history began. Giles from Buffy is in it!! (Season 1 premieres JUNE 21^st 8pm) I love the idea of a fantasy-themed show!

Make It or Break It (ABC Family; Mondays 9 pm): Set in the world of competitive gymnastics, this show follows a group of teen Olympic hopefuls as they train and prepare for their day in the spotlight. I just hope it’s more Bring it On with gymnastics than Stick It… (Season 1 premieres JUNE 22^nd 9 pm) Could be good if it’s like Bring it On with gymnastics, could be bad if it’s like Stick It.

NYC Prep (BRAVO; Tuesdays 10 pm): This show chronicles the lives of a group of privileged teenagers who are key players in Manhattan's elite high school scene. A combination of the Real Housewives of NYC and Gossip Girl if you ask me! A recipe for success! (Season 1 premieres June 23^rd 10 pm with a special preview episode June 16^th 11pm) Sounds AMAZING!

Better Off Ted (ABC; Tuesdays 9 pm): The remaining episodes from the first season will be shown throughout the summer. PLEASE watch! =) (Season 1 continues June 23^rd 9 pm)

The Philanthropist (NBC; Wednesdays 10 pm): This show chronicles the heroic adventures of a billionaire playboy turned vigilante philanthropist. (Season 1 premieres June 24^th 10 pm) Sounds unique and clever!

Samantha Who? (ABC; Thursdays 8 pm): The remaining episodes from the second season will be shown throughout the summer. Repeats of the first episodes from the second season may be on Fridays at 9 pm? (Season 2 continues June 25^th 8 pm)

I'll be writing another entry sometime in the near future about shows beginning in July & August and shows you can catch online, too! If you watch any of these and have an opinion, please let me know! =)

Welcome to my new blog!

Hey everyone!!

I am super bored and thought I would try to do something somewhat productive. One thing I've been doing a lot since my summer began is reading blogs, and it has inspired me to create one! So since I've always wanted to actually keep up a blog and constantly update it, this is probably the best chance I'll have! I'll be blogging about any sight-seeing I do, movies I see, books I read, and probably mostly television. I'll also be writing about other various things, life in the Midwest, decorating my new townhouse perhaps, and anything else that comes to mind! I hope you will read and enjoy it. I would say check every day for updates, but who knows if I will actually write every day, so perhaps every few days or once a week, but if you want to check once a day, please do (maybe I'll surprise myself!). I do hope you'll read and enjoy, though! Please comment and leave me any tips for improvement or anything you'd like me to write about! I hope everyone's summers are going great!

Nicole