And the Award Goes To...

Inspired by the Screen Actors Guild, who just really filled that gap between the Golden Globes and Oscars by creating another much-needed award show for the same group of people, I've decided to hand out my own award of sorts. So, here it is: the 2006 Most Craveable Foods. So far there are only 4 categories: beverages, appetizers, meals, and desserts. Maybe I'll get more creative in 2007. Nominations will only go to specific beverages, appetizers, meals, and desserts at restaurants.

Since I am limited in my knowledge of restaurants outside the Oxford, Tuscaloosa, and Birmingham areas, feel free to submit nominations of your own. Keep in mind: these are foods you crave the most, not foods you like the most. What do you just have to have?

In the mean time, here are the leaders:

Beverages
The Bellini, Burgundy Room (Oxford)
Margaritas, Sol y Luna (Birmingham)
Pineapple Infusion, Catch 22 (Tuscaloosa)
Caramel Frappuccino, Starbuck's

Appetizers
Super Crunch Roll, Surin West (Birmingham)
World Famous Chile Con Queso, La Paz (Birmingham)
Red Bean Rolls, Ajax (Oxford)

Meals
Cheeseburger, Mugshots (Tuscaloosa)
Thai Noodle, Surin West (Birmingham)
Brocolli Rice Casserole, Phil's (Tuscaloosa)

Desserts
Bread Pudding, The Cypress Inn (Tuscaloosa)
Glazed Doughnut, Krispy Kreme (Anywhere they're Hot Now!)

Oh, and I'll have to give an Honorable Mention to the Chevron in Oxford for their late-night menu.

Update: I have been remiss in leaving out Bottletree Bakery (Oxford). They excel in all things breakfast and all things sweet. They've even earned acclaim from Oprah, who featured their apple pie on her show three years ago. But I'd personally have to recommend their blueberry muffins!

In Search of (Wo)man's Best Friend

I have spent countless hours this weekend scouring the internet for the breeder of a beautiful Bernese Mountain Dog that will come and live with us in May. I have been in love with this breed since I saw a picture of one over a year ago, a love which grew after meeting our friends' dog Jack in Oregon this summer.

Needless to say, there are many considerations in this endeavor. I have been told we do not want a dog from a "puppy factory." The problem? These breeders are thousands of miles away and therefore totally unaccountable to us for their breeding practices. They could post all manner of good things on the web and not stand behind any of them.

Nonetheless, I am undeterred and anxious to get a ball of fur of our very own. I'm sure I will update on the status at a later date.

The Beginning

Well, I guess I should start off with some sort of introductory post stating why I started a blog, its intended purpose, etc. Here's the problem: I had no intention of starting a blog. It sort of happened (read: my husband disabled comments by non-bloggers on his site, so I had to join The Force to share my insight). Once I created a username and Blog Name I kind of got hooked.

I have a list of blogs I read everyday, and occasionally I feel the need to comment. Though I enjoy reading what other people have to say, I haven't started a blog before because I wasn't sure I had enough to say. And as I'm typing this, it's dawning on me that I'm rarely at a loss for words. So it's hard to believe I won't find something to type here every once in a while. In the mean time, here it is...my blog.

Just thought I'd start my blog off with a picture. This is me with my best friend Heather.

And, on that note, a word to Heather: I know I said I'd never blog, but I've succumbed to the peer pressure. And besides, when you've perfected the art of ranting like we have, you really should write it down for amusement's sake...