tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78518807952999495892024-03-12T20:07:52.897-07:00Playing TouristCome with me.
Let's see how much trouble we can find when we "play tourist" in great cities and towns. We are a military family, so our lives take us to lots of places.
I'd love to hear from you. Let me know where we should see when we play tourist in your town.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12074231076188648521noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7851880795299949589.post-26885077644655775552013-09-04T13:47:00.001-07:002013-09-04T13:48:15.440-07:00Three September Festivals Worth Wasting Gas Money On...If you are like me, you long for days that aren't so freaking hot. I know that I have relocated to Tennessee from the sweltering dessert temperatures in Arizona, but Tennessee has it's share of days that are so hot and muggy that you are afraid to move. I spend all summer reading and hearing about great things to do, but it takes an act of God and Congress to pry me away from my air conditioned home office. Now that the day time highs are just south of ungodly, it's time to poke my head out of my hermit cave and enjoy Indian summer in Middle Tennessee.<br />
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Here is a compilation of 5 festivals in and around middle Tennessee that are worth the gas money...<br />
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Photo by Jason Nelms</div>
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<b>1) Tennessee State Fair September 6-15, 2013</b><br />
http://www.tnstatefair.org<br />
I look forward to fair food all year. In fact, I become rather grumpy if I don't get funnel cake at least once a year. This year - look for an almost sinfully good deep fried, bacon wrapped macaroni and cheese. The fair has something for everyone. I love to look at the winning crafts and animals. I always leave thinking that I couldn't possibly live without at least one alpaca. The kids hit the rides and spin around until they puke. The guys gather around the antique tractors and cars to talk about life in the good ol' days. <br />
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Photo by Michael Hicks</div>
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2) <b>35th Annual Mountaineer Folk Festival September 6-8, 2013</b><br />
<a href="http://www.visitfallcreekfalls.com/visitorguide/mountaineer_festival.pdf">http://www.visitfallcreekfalls.com/visitorguide/mountaineer_festival.pdf</a><br />
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This crafts fair and music festival is a great way to start Christmas shopping for those hard to please people on your list. When the crafts and bluegrass music get to be a little much - there is always the state park to keep you entertained. I have a wading/swimming date with my three year old nephew planned for the shallows beneath the falls. Come on out the water is fine. <br />
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3) <b>White Oak Crafts Fair September 14-15, 2013</b><br />
<a href="http://www.artscenterofcc.com/Crafts/WhiteOakCraftsFair.html">http://www.artscenterofcc.com/Crafts/WhiteOakCraftsFair.html</a><br />
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Cannon County Tennessee is known for two things: white oak baskets and moonshine. This craft fair held on the grounds of the Cannon County Arts Center. While you are looking at the crafts and handmade baskets. I own one and wish I could afford more - maybe one day. <br />
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All three of these festivals (and the fair), are great opportunities to get out with your family and enjoy music. I'll be all three and can't wait to see you there.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12074231076188648521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7851880795299949589.post-33498853423363448472013-08-24T19:02:00.001-07:002013-08-24T19:02:26.253-07:00Rolling...Rolling Down the RiverI know I am starting to sound like a broken record, but it is hotter than four hells here in Pheonix! I know that you, dear reader, have got to be tired of hearing about how I am melting bit by bit in this heat. I know that the hubby is tired of hearing me complain everytime I venture out of our air conditioned house. Regardless, I have collected a Phx Valley Guide somewhere in our travels and have been using it to plan little adventures since I am out of school for the summer (and not nearly as disciplined as I should be in finishing the great American novel). I found a brochure entitled, "101 Cool Things to Do" from <a href="http://www.phxvalleyguide.com/">www.phxvalleyguide.com</a>. <br />
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One of the activities is suggested is tubing down the Salt River. (<a href="http://www.saltrivertubing.com/">http://www.saltrivertubing.com/</a>) If you are in the area, I highly recommend taking an afternoon to relax and cool off. <br />
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We caught a ride on the bus to the drop off point and then floated all day. It's difficult to explain how relaxing it is to sit on an inner tube and watch hawks circle the cactus on the horizon. <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12074231076188648521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7851880795299949589.post-21150377774509719022013-08-24T18:59:00.000-07:002013-08-24T19:03:33.937-07:00Everything Is Like a Dream in Kansas City...I've spent the last three weeks in Kansas City. My in-laws went over to Germany to see my niece (their first grand child), and I stayed at their house to watch their three dogs and two cats. I spent the day seeing the sights and listening to my father-in-law expound upon the history of the town. We weren't able to cram everything into today's agenda - the day was jam packed as it is, but I think I was able to see enough to have a starting point for my next visit. <br />
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Our first stop was the city market. Saturday is the farmer's market day, and there were vegetables of all kinds. I was actually a little sad that I was leaving for Tennessee tomorrow. Had I been staying in town, I would have loaded up on veggies for the grill. <br />
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View of the Missouri River from the Town of Kansas site.</div>
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After shopping, we walked town to the site of the Town of Kansas. The original settlement has long since disappeared (because the railroad tore it down for tracks), but there were enough signs to get a feel for what it must have looked like.<br />
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After our shopping, we headed to Arthur Bryant's BBQ (<a href="http://www.arthurbryantsbbq.com/index.htm">http://www.arthurbryantsbbq.com/index.htm</a>). I love to try the iconic restaurants when I go to a new place and Arthur Bryant's fits this bill perfectly. You know that the food is going to be amazing when there is a line out of the door. We waited for our turn, and finally it was our turn at the window to order. The cook was very focused on his job, and I was more than a little intimidated to ask for my "burnt-end sandwich", but I was finally able to squeak out my order. It was worth the gruffness of the cook, because the food was the best BBQ I had ever tried. The order size was huge, and I worried that they would have to roll me out of the restaurant. It is apparent why there are so many famous people on the walls - no one can resist this food. <br />
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View of the restaurant - notice the line out the door. </div>
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The best BBQ sandwich and fries I've ever had!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12074231076188648521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7851880795299949589.post-80895932762414701822012-07-01T18:31:00.001-07:002012-07-01T18:31:22.181-07:00I think I'll stick to TMP...The husband and I ventured out of our comfort zone to see a movie yesterday. No, watching movies isn't out of our comfort zone; we do that all the time. However, we almost always go to Tempe Market Place because it is very close to the house and closer still to Barnes and Nobles (BN is the shit!). We ventured to the "other" theater in Tempe because we wanted to watch different movies and it had Promethus (for him) and Magic Mike (for me) both showing at 4:15. <br />
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I thought that the theater was great. We did forget our loyalty cups, but my forgetfulness can't really be blamed on the venue. <br />
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After the movie...I wanted to like Magic Mike more than I did...we decided to walk around the mall because it's air conditioned. This is our first summer in Pheonix, and we have been making a game out of finding things to do in the AC. The mall was a little scary. I've worked the past 8 years with gang afiliated youth, and I lost count of the people I saw walking around with various gang paraphenial and markers on. I don't think I have ever been to a mall before that had armed security...and this counts the one in Fayettevill, NC where someone gets shot there what seems to be every weekend.<br />
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All in all, I think I will save the trip to AZ Mills for when there is something that has to be seen in IMAX or when I'm feeling lucky. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12074231076188648521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7851880795299949589.post-24923308957034981452012-06-22T10:02:00.001-07:002012-06-22T10:02:11.363-07:00Retro Date NightThe hubby and I try to make a date every so often. Thanks to a Groupon coupon for 2 hours of unlimited bowling - last night was the night. <br />
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We decided to keep with the retro theme of a bowling date by eating dinner at Jerry's Diner on Thomas and 24th street. One of my favorite things in the world is fried chicken (insert Southern joke of your choosing here). I tried the honey fried chicken with corn bread and a salad. I loved every bite! (<a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/jerrys-restaurant-phoenix">http://www.yelp.com/biz/jerrys-restaurant-phoenix</a>) Perhaps the best part of our date was an enormous strawberry milkshake with (gulp!) real whipped cream. Our waitress added extra when she heard me tell the hubby that whipped cream was my favorite part. <br />
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After stuffing our selves with diner fare, we headed to the bowling alley over on 12th street. We didn't make the entire 2 hours of bowling that the Groupon gave us. I wouldn't think that bowling was hard work, but I was tired after hefting the 12 pound ball (usually down the gutter) for an hour and a half. The highlight was our last game where I actually beat the hubby...156/144! He's says that he let me win, but I think he is just a sore loser... the fact that he won all the other games means nothing.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12074231076188648521noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7851880795299949589.post-56718615386299591792012-06-11T22:37:00.001-07:002012-06-11T22:38:53.771-07:00Heat Doesn't Rise When You Leave the ValleyIt is no secret that I am not the biggest fan of the heat in the valley. The husband planned a romantic weekend get away because he loves me...and possibly wanted me to shut up already about the million degree temps in the valley.<br />
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We had a whirl-wind two days in Tombstone, Bisbee, Sierra Vista (Ft. Huachuca), and Tucson. We left out house in Tempe early in the morning on Saturday. <br />
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OK -- Time for some back story. The husband celebrated finishing several quizzes and decided to take the motorcycle out. I am usually totally okay with him riding around, but when 2am rolled around I was getting more than a little worried. (He made it home fine; he's a big boy and is capable of riding in the dark.) Needless to say, I didn't sleep well *read: at all* until he got home Saturday morning. <br />
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Regardless, we left the house early Saturday morning and headed south. Our first stop in Tombstone was breakfast at The Longhorn Restaurant. (<a href="http://bignosekates.info/longhorn.html">http://bignosekates.info/longhorn.html</a>) My omelet was great - and the hubby's food didn't last long enough for him to taste it. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTdHgXhkv1lgkWHRZfibFhxZLz-N-5-kWBrCehXzAm9Khyphenhyphen8B8FJKgiZpRUoc4gIV8IKusz4KR6fPmUtZWm5Hxy4UZABpYJklYyi70tVaUdhTL33UFr3d2p7On8iPAYW_ymdH6ZrBABX5-I/s1600/IMG_0599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTdHgXhkv1lgkWHRZfibFhxZLz-N-5-kWBrCehXzAm9Khyphenhyphen8B8FJKgiZpRUoc4gIV8IKusz4KR6fPmUtZWm5Hxy4UZABpYJklYyi70tVaUdhTL33UFr3d2p7On8iPAYW_ymdH6ZrBABX5-I/s320/IMG_0599.JPG" width="213" /></a><br />
The Buffalo soldiers were being celebrated in Tombstone, so we saw a parade and then walked around the town waiting for the comedy gun show to start at <strong>Helldorado Town. </strong>This was the best show that we have seen in a while, and I got to be part of the action...I did, however, shoot the wrong man. I said then and I'll say it again - <em>It happens!</em> <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRiJ_bDZHlREk0nWrAmU-0H967DoBqajKRVYmJWNE2Rrfh5nEOHrQhkVmm4Wq35-bWy_u7Gqig-LsfRjQoaeLM0I29SpbSUj6AWV4FFsyswIENS0ms_gxg6Vu7IrBdld8f2YNiGSAYaWsH/s1600/IMG_0608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRiJ_bDZHlREk0nWrAmU-0H967DoBqajKRVYmJWNE2Rrfh5nEOHrQhkVmm4Wq35-bWy_u7Gqig-LsfRjQoaeLM0I29SpbSUj6AWV4FFsyswIENS0ms_gxg6Vu7IrBdld8f2YNiGSAYaWsH/s320/IMG_0608.JPG" width="213" /></a>We left Tombstone and made our way to Bisbee to have lunch with a friend that the hubby deployed with in Afghanistan. We ate at Santiagos (<a href="http://santiagosmexican.blogspot.com/">http://santiagosmexican.blogspot.com/</a>). I wanted to like the food. I really did. The nicest thing I can say is that the food didn't live up to the atmosphere. I had the enchiladas from the specials menu - and I left more than half of them on my plate.<br />
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We took the trolley tour of the town and learned a lot about this great little slice of AZ. I'm trying to figure out how to support us in a tourist town, so we can go back. (The current plan is to let me live there if the hubby ends up at Ft. Huachuca again, so we'll see.)<br />
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No trip down south would be complete without the hubby showing me some of his old stomping grounds. He was stationed at Ft. Huachuca for over a year and took me on a tour that included things like <em>running up this hill sucks </em>and <em>this d-fac is where I ate</em>. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgviD2-zy8x1JCv1CvKjGtyT9Ypee4k4Z8XhZdMOvXa3KX8bbmqvi0nS-wz2OPCCrL_eUipK8exr4OIEfjrg3iT90CrQHiawsxDbt-bRaHfcFGg096cv8ain87jrJF-U9Hw-7dA3iGxKkHq/s1600/IMG_0698.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgviD2-zy8x1JCv1CvKjGtyT9Ypee4k4Z8XhZdMOvXa3KX8bbmqvi0nS-wz2OPCCrL_eUipK8exr4OIEfjrg3iT90CrQHiawsxDbt-bRaHfcFGg096cv8ain87jrJF-U9Hw-7dA3iGxKkHq/s320/IMG_0698.JPG" width="213" /></a>We spent the night in Tucson, and headed out to Mt. Lemmon in the morning. (Not too early this time since we were both working on less than 4 hours' sleep.) The drive up to the Meadow Trail was spectacular and was one of those times where I am grateful/thankful to have the little red sports car. We decided to hike the Meadow Trail, and while the meadow looked surprisingly like a mountain, the views were well worth the huffing and puffing it took to get there. <br />
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I also want to take the time to thank the unknown motorcycle rider who warned us about the Sheriff running radar and saved us a ticket. Like I said, my car is zippy and the road was awesome. <br />
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We headed down to 4th Ave. for lunch after our hike since the restaurants up on the mountain thought that a pulled pork sandwich and some chips were worth over $12. I used the UrbanSpoon app on my phone to find the Surly Wench Pub (424 North 4th Avenue Tucson, AZ). It was listed as somewhere to find a burger, and we were both hungry from the hike. We both ate the "Cooter Burger" (and amazing concoction of nacho cheese and jalapenos on a hamburger). They were spicy, messy and perfectly delicious.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12074231076188648521noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7851880795299949589.post-8050856814141449502012-05-28T15:46:00.000-07:002012-06-02T15:48:54.371-07:00Easy Hike My Foot!A little back story is in order for this one. My birthday is in January and I wanted to hike to see the Petroglyphs in the Superstition Mountains on the Hieroglyphic Trail. I was dealing with a sinus infection and the medicine I was taking made me very dehydrated. We walked and walked but never made it to the pictures on the rocks before I got ill and forced us to turn around. <br />
Fast forward a few months...<br />
I no longer have a sinus infection and have been utilizing my elliptical trainer for more than a glorified clothes hanger, so I thought I might be able to make it. We decided to give it another try for the hubby's birthday on Memorial Day, so away we went. <br />
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The trail head is easily found and well marked, so there was no worries about getting lost and recreating any of my favorite scenes from Hatchet. The trail is not that steep (only the first part has much climb to it at all), but the loose rocks that cover the trail make for some tricky footing. I'm used to hiking back East on pine needle covered trailed, so this is quite a change for my aching, arthritic knees. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqYGfby_LzCpPuguh_Lt8u_f_t7bZ-JASYBNJAFKR3WCvuMHNg5qlQFCTJ3XTbJTwVUv56ktzUtS5mGwLRHRS8jtxAKs3xJsFF21IDXolT0X4k7UfWpZVc2nyfKize5OcfYdjoDSC4ANmo/s1600/2012-05-28_11-10-18_29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqYGfby_LzCpPuguh_Lt8u_f_t7bZ-JASYBNJAFKR3WCvuMHNg5qlQFCTJ3XTbJTwVUv56ktzUtS5mGwLRHRS8jtxAKs3xJsFF21IDXolT0X4k7UfWpZVc2nyfKize5OcfYdjoDSC4ANmo/s320/2012-05-28_11-10-18_29.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I am happy to announce that I made it back all the way to the pretty pictures, and was able to sit in the shade of a rock outcropping and gloat on how far my conditioning has come. (I went home and took a nap which kind of tells you how much farther I have to go, but oh well, I will take my small victories). <br />
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I made it, but our 7+ year old Brittany Spaniel, Ginger, wasn't so lucky. She literally walked the skin off the pads of her feet. Luckily, the hubby was hiking too and was able to give her a lift back to the car. She is nearly better now, and I'm sure that she is looking forward to more hikes - but with better foot protection.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwJHG_EaBaGmbjFK469-j7_417rE5FPvSYSA-C75s78WIKlIjyms98XqEXn2MANtIqohG4cGv8s7gAY7VS8y4BLZR-KDiq310BkoiAHB8J4D-dP7VwMt5xnW3HwKHGLJ5ThLWvDs1T6iUQ/s1600/2012-05-28_11-58-59_203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwJHG_EaBaGmbjFK469-j7_417rE5FPvSYSA-C75s78WIKlIjyms98XqEXn2MANtIqohG4cGv8s7gAY7VS8y4BLZR-KDiq310BkoiAHB8J4D-dP7VwMt5xnW3HwKHGLJ5ThLWvDs1T6iUQ/s320/2012-05-28_11-58-59_203.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12074231076188648521noreply@blogger.com0Apache Junction, AZ, USA33.4150485 -111.549577733.3620325 -111.6285417 33.4680645 -111.4706137tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7851880795299949589.post-50610241466397233462012-04-08T13:41:00.000-07:002012-06-02T15:49:42.860-07:00Verde Canyon Railroad<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL_fYwserVmItgOI_Rt4oAxlsjfrVoHLnTsZMVVpdaqupvbB0gnBK4rmTD7askwxvgyGYpb9w9WBpecXQ6-vpXRMuvPb_ToYGayqkYqApl2U7SIgWCwTIGSm9Telhng1LxEeVER2by6wkF/s1600/verde+canyon+sign.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL_fYwserVmItgOI_Rt4oAxlsjfrVoHLnTsZMVVpdaqupvbB0gnBK4rmTD7askwxvgyGYpb9w9WBpecXQ6-vpXRMuvPb_ToYGayqkYqApl2U7SIgWCwTIGSm9Telhng1LxEeVER2by6wkF/s320/verde+canyon+sign.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The hubby often gets grumpy when I stop at one of the festivals we go to and take the time to throw my name (and information) into the give away hat. Bearing that in mind, I had to write fast at the Tempe Arts Festival when I entered for a chance to take a free ride on the Verde Canyon railroad. He had to eat his dirty look when I got the email saying that I had won two first class tickets on the train. (<a href="http://www.verdecanyonrr.com/">http://www.verdecanyonrr.com/</a>)<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicGObbLN8Y2zPFuVUY1o922H6vVUoL_-VsRWNU66Wc5VXXbSx-YOC8j3E2Z71jm2f2uRtY60fIR3YF3GGnlA0adq3S5euY_RPTq5bl2LJ33Gp0h6_-JGCSwZ1BOKDscPWwjZSIxkokYE7l/s1600/john+bunny.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicGObbLN8Y2zPFuVUY1o922H6vVUoL_-VsRWNU66Wc5VXXbSx-YOC8j3E2Z71jm2f2uRtY60fIR3YF3GGnlA0adq3S5euY_RPTq5bl2LJ33Gp0h6_-JGCSwZ1BOKDscPWwjZSIxkokYE7l/s320/john+bunny.JPG" width="213" /></a><br />
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We decided to redeem the voucher on Easter Sunday.<br />
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We spent the morning talking during our drive north out of the valley. We were so deep in conversation that we missed it when "Mable", our GPS, told us to turn. It didn't take long to get back on track, and soon we were at the train station.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5TczwedNo5QUPyHzf6UTKe1_l_vgAmB1IJ41cpuFaVpeaMjADjjuzzisaAFgWGXsigHwqqv9T5TPHQBoBOvlXtnpc_D7jgjSixjbgKYHvEQsrJDvKwCspxLeyRjG1CcPm8JmoOQjGEsH3/s1600/tressle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5TczwedNo5QUPyHzf6UTKe1_l_vgAmB1IJ41cpuFaVpeaMjADjjuzzisaAFgWGXsigHwqqv9T5TPHQBoBOvlXtnpc_D7jgjSixjbgKYHvEQsrJDvKwCspxLeyRjG1CcPm8JmoOQjGEsH3/s320/tressle.JPG" width="213" /></a>Every moment after that was purely magical. We had a snack while snapping pictures with "E. Bunny" and then boarded the restored Pullman car. It seemed as if every direction that we looked could have been taken straight from a postcard. I saw my first wild bald eagle in AZ, and it was on this train ride that I noticed the pretty flowers on the cactus. <br />
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The Verde Canyon Railroad isn't cheap (about $85 for a first class ticket) but it is worth every penny. The finger foods were delicious, and I could have drank a gallon of the prickly pear lemonade. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi101lfmmCM7DtGQ0Gj7MliK-7ys-oFPERE11rvcCNV5NoGHzIwS4hevo1PE8xO10ECm8aFPDaaJPAEnR3syTxfftDFQkIAA7j-hxcNIlUstgSCrIzREsxh4nUSaLdiD0jI3nS4SHoJAVOm/s1600/verde+canyon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi101lfmmCM7DtGQ0Gj7MliK-7ys-oFPERE11rvcCNV5NoGHzIwS4hevo1PE8xO10ECm8aFPDaaJPAEnR3syTxfftDFQkIAA7j-hxcNIlUstgSCrIzREsxh4nUSaLdiD0jI3nS4SHoJAVOm/s320/verde+canyon.JPG" width="213" /></a><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12074231076188648521noreply@blogger.com0Cottonwood, AZ, USA34.7391876 -112.009879134.6869946 -112.0888431 34.791380600000004 -111.9309151tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7851880795299949589.post-32049317359454626852012-03-22T13:34:00.000-07:002012-06-02T15:21:46.576-07:00Take me out to the ball gameThe hubby and I celebrated spring break by taking in two games.<br />
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The first game (my first baseball experience ever!) was a result of winning a Salty Senorita (<a href="http://saltysenorita.com/">http://saltysenorita.com/</a>) give away. I told the world that one of my favorite ways to relax was listening to Salty's amazing playlist and munching on their out-of-this-world avacado and steak salad. We were given too tickets to a Rockies games with parking voucher. These tickets were close...I mean - we nearly caught a ball - close.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKpZjChQ_tjRY9bM4gRAc-UAiVIN4nGOQr8ZRZmsfc00bxznEPztpkzopMfsm1afWdnFzKE4t8hKKeaeNZIodQ-XW3plcbMZ5nw5HzsWsGUeL1MyLPa1pxmiQaX1hJyETrYFVIfkXZJvyH/s1600/2012-03-20_15-14-46_735.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKpZjChQ_tjRY9bM4gRAc-UAiVIN4nGOQr8ZRZmsfc00bxznEPztpkzopMfsm1afWdnFzKE4t8hKKeaeNZIodQ-XW3plcbMZ5nw5HzsWsGUeL1MyLPa1pxmiQaX1hJyETrYFVIfkXZJvyH/s320/2012-03-20_15-14-46_735.jpg" width="240" /></a>Then a few days later, I got tickets for the hubby to a Kansas City Royals game. He is from KCMO and wanted to see his hometown team play. They won the game we went to, but I'm told this is kind of rare. ;)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiACuPGmLWSeb17TjGoNmXxBAH8GkJG9pV3ES-TAT05xwVVAI4d-7-Hreust-5Ndo92QMHxJdC0P_HQ4BrERIaMsZ2OMeTvMYbok1U7F84tNpVY57bEdIwNIPLPhI65Eh0hvNBqLinNtAVl/s1600/2012-03-20_13-21-31_502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiACuPGmLWSeb17TjGoNmXxBAH8GkJG9pV3ES-TAT05xwVVAI4d-7-Hreust-5Ndo92QMHxJdC0P_HQ4BrERIaMsZ2OMeTvMYbok1U7F84tNpVY57bEdIwNIPLPhI65Eh0hvNBqLinNtAVl/s320/2012-03-20_13-21-31_502.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12074231076188648521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7851880795299949589.post-53219866515963491772012-03-22T13:32:00.001-07:002012-03-22T13:33:15.279-07:00Flogging Molly at Tempe Beach ParkI know, I know. I usually try to come up with interesting or at least witty titles for my posts. That said, I am still to impressed with the show that Flogging Molly put on for St. Paddy's Day - that if you were there, you would think that "Flogging Molly at Tempe Beach Park" was interesting. (If you weren't there, I am told that they come every year...and you should seriously consider making it a priority next year.)<br />
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Okay...Okay...enough with the intro. I'll tell you about St. Paddy's Day in Tempe. <br />
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The hubby and I rode the free Orbit bus down to Mill to pick up our tickets from will call early in the afternoon. It was the first time that I had taken advantage of the free ride down to mill, and I was impressed with the cleanliness of the buses. Finding out that the concert didn't start until a lot later that night, we decided that a nap was in order.<br />
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Fast forward to 7pm.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAAAGh8l5HEqSHbHZ1maMKWEmf2WmL8rBJv5Ky1luRA3QVM8vfk9Gugt18tokvJ2IkCTEo_L0Q-3Bl1Rk9ifZq39_Pf1aAnwdg4GTZWCDTUbS8xWVScAsAWjZFNKhWQ7dubs_APeECqMjS/s1600/2012-03-17_21-43-04_367.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAAAGh8l5HEqSHbHZ1maMKWEmf2WmL8rBJv5Ky1luRA3QVM8vfk9Gugt18tokvJ2IkCTEo_L0Q-3Bl1Rk9ifZq39_Pf1aAnwdg4GTZWCDTUbS8xWVScAsAWjZFNKhWQ7dubs_APeECqMjS/s320/2012-03-17_21-43-04_367.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
We took the bus back down to mill, and decided to have dinner before the show. Since it was St. Patrick's Day and there were so many people on Mill, we knew that there would be a killer wait pretty much anywhere we picked. A little off Mill we saw Slices Pizza (<a href="http://slicespizzajoint.com/">http://slicespizzajoint.com/</a>) and had a great dinner. You can't beat pizza and a drink for a little under 5 bucks. I really like thin crust New York style pizza, so I was in heaven.<br />
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Then on to the concert. <br />
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I love Flogging Molly and have since my sister introduced me to them a million years ago. This was the first time that I got to see them in concert. It was worth the wait. I danced and danced to all of my favorites and generally had an amazing time. I can't wait to see them again (after teaching hubby a few more songs).Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12074231076188648521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7851880795299949589.post-19827281702728729852012-03-07T21:13:00.000-08:002012-03-07T21:13:07.875-08:00Turn Left!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQUyvxZHyGuiV07Rsj1UpsSkjLwby7P73gEJGXTQkLjp8SXnet1C_pM8SroAlGmuQtEd0XVrE00Nkr3Jck6j9epl9y5bymFPFh7doa3I7AEOYUVKvAXLfrDLlCCVLuOX_TfeqI7RterrOp/s1600/2012-03-04_14-39-50_42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQUyvxZHyGuiV07Rsj1UpsSkjLwby7P73gEJGXTQkLjp8SXnet1C_pM8SroAlGmuQtEd0XVrE00Nkr3Jck6j9epl9y5bymFPFh7doa3I7AEOYUVKvAXLfrDLlCCVLuOX_TfeqI7RterrOp/s320/2012-03-04_14-39-50_42.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12074231076188648521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7851880795299949589.post-59114939749059532952012-03-07T09:11:00.003-08:002012-03-07T21:41:42.695-08:00Busy, Busy Weekend<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Wow! I think I need a weekend to recover from this weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">We have tentative plans to leave the state in January, so we made a renewed commitment to see and do as much of the local flavor as possible—it wasn’t like we were spending every weekend at home as it was.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Anyone who reads even half-way closely knows that John is here to go to school for the Army.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This means that he can get tickets to certain events though a service called Vet Tickets. (If you are active duty or a veteran, we highly recommend this site!)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The biggest thing that it allows us to do is afford to see some of the events around town on a teacher’s salary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This great site allowed us to jam pack a weekend…</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">I decided that money was money, and being a teacher I don’t make a ton of it – so I decided to teach AIMS boot camp for half a day each Saturday morning for six weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This Saturday was the first session. It was actually a really enjoyable day with the “babies”, and I’m looking forward to seeing if their scores go up after working for 6 Saturdays.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-tMlCQLd0_vpwax-P7lNu7SZOLDdBiInxTSCaW3-LCPTxgu5egu9eWYLSYR7DCfeM3huCRWFgL-G1os6s1pfydzg2Mc87JB-ZN3fcfyoyXXna2toFny0rTCffX1JNlCsHnBX2vKMEc0re/s1600/2012-03-03+19.11.13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-tMlCQLd0_vpwax-P7lNu7SZOLDdBiInxTSCaW3-LCPTxgu5egu9eWYLSYR7DCfeM3huCRWFgL-G1os6s1pfydzg2Mc87JB-ZN3fcfyoyXXna2toFny0rTCffX1JNlCsHnBX2vKMEc0re/s320/2012-03-03+19.11.13.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">We had tickets to the Coyotes NHL game Saturday night, and I have to admit that I was really looking forward to seeing the game.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love hockey – ok…I love a good fight – and that game had a hum dinger!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also just really like the area around the Jobing.com arena.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We didn’t decide to eat there this time, but it is really fun to walk around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">We decided to have dinner at a place I’ve seen near my school and read reviews about in the paper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Barrio Café on <street w:st="on"></street><br />
<address w:st="on">Thomas/16<sup>th</sup> Street</address>came highly recommended.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have been looking for amazing Mexican food since we moved to AZ; I’m sad to say that we are still looking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The food was really good, but it wasn’t amazing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was also expensive to be in a restaurant that is located in a “depressed” area of <place w:st="on">Central Phoenix</place>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not exactly the wrong side of the tracks, but I was still glad that the car has an alarm on it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I ordered pasole soup (something my students told me to try) and it was the highlight of my meal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I go back, I will definitely be trying it again.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Part 2 – of busy, busy weekend will be the NASCAR race.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12074231076188648521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7851880795299949589.post-73633459604888732742012-02-28T12:51:00.001-08:002012-03-07T21:11:54.112-08:00Soup and Hoops<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">One wouldn’t think that soup for a good cause would turn into one of the better afternoons since we have moved to the <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Phoenix</place></city> area, but that is exactly what Tempe Empty Bowls ended up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
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I had been told that to get the nicer (and more unique) pieces, we needed to go to the library early; so we went to the <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Tempe</place></city> library just before 11.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tempe Empty Bowls is an organization that raises money and awareness for the hungry around the valley.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The money goes to resupply a food bank that among other things supports food programs that feed children over the weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>–Some of the kids that go to the school where I work benefit from taking food home on Fridays to help supplement their weekend nutritional needs.—</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Tempe Empty Bowls sells a hand made bowl and then gives away some soup, bread, and water to remind you what it is like to be hungry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The soup and bread is donated by Whole Food Markets (I recommend the potato leek soup…it was simply devine!)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">While we were eating our soup, a lady came out of the library and invited us to come see someone hoop dance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hadn’t seen anyone hoop dance before, and I was game to see the free show so we went inside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP4i2VKacOqK8YOtYChrFXNsuGJbT31Llp4NQYzZZChDr8e1D8AbmPPuD5noWJU0zKv8EyBHDPbhaNTQstzp3cGYZIdAAGwwRJ51TW7heLoga49uqNMnyiPm6Iu-kwxN4DTr5z-VSCdzCv/s1600/dallas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP4i2VKacOqK8YOtYChrFXNsuGJbT31Llp4NQYzZZChDr8e1D8AbmPPuD5noWJU0zKv8EyBHDPbhaNTQstzp3cGYZIdAAGwwRJ51TW7heLoga49uqNMnyiPm6Iu-kwxN4DTr5z-VSCdzCv/s320/dallas.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Brian Hamill was inside giving a show with his family (Native Spirit Productions) and we were amazed for about an hour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Brian’s son, Dallas, is the #2 juvenile hoop dancer in the world and once we saw him dance we could easily see why.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is supposed to be on <country-region w:st="on"><place w:st="on">America</place></country-region>’s Got Talent, and I plan to watch this summer and vote for him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then Brian danced, and we found out a little something that he had forgotten to mention…he is the number one hoop dancer in the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was so impressed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know that if I tried to do it – I would trip on a hoop and would need my leg put in traction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">This week the husband has been very good to me…we have tickets to the Rodeo in <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Scottsdale</place></city> and tickets to the NASCAR race!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t wait to tell you about both of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12074231076188648521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7851880795299949589.post-38910214124332609612012-02-21T20:50:00.000-08:002012-02-21T20:50:39.676-08:00This past President's Day weekend turned out to be one of the most pleasant weekends that we have spend in Phoenix thus far. It was all in all a very nice weekend from the entertainment, to the food, to the simply amazing weather.<br />
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It was Veteran's night at the Coyotes' hockey game Saturday night, and the husband was able to score us two free tickets. (That's a really good thing because the price on EACH of the tickets was $112...there is no way that we could afford them at the price!). They were playing the Stars, and it was a hard fought game. The Coyotes won in over time. I loved every minute of the exciting game and am hoping that we will be able to get tickets to another game before the end of the season. <br />
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John has been missing Moe's Southwest Grill, and we didn't know that there was one in Glendale. We thought that it was an Eastern Coast thing. We were pleasantly surprised when we saw it while we were walking to the rink to watch the game. It shouldn't come to a shock to anyone that we made dinner plans to eat there at the end of the hockey game. John always (and I do mean always...it was what he wanted me to bring when he got back from Afghanistan) orders a Joey bag o' doughnuts. I got their nachos and there was too much food for two people to eat in my one order of nachos, so if you are going to order them (and I suggest you do - they really were delicious) bring a friend.<br />
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Monday we decided to go to the Renaissance Festival. It should be no surprise to anyone who has read any of my posts that pretty much we ate our way from one side of the fair to the other. It costs and arm and half a leg to get into the fair, but once you are inside they have decided to be nice with their food prices. That made me very happy. I am used to fairs that seem to think that once they have you, you'll pay anything...so they charge anything for their food. Don't leave without eating a roasted ear of corn, a bread bowl (the marinara meatball was delicious, or a royal spud. I would pass on the Scotch egg - they are better at most Highland Games (and my mommy makes better). Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12074231076188648521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7851880795299949589.post-10405422979850874232012-02-15T13:48:00.000-08:002012-02-15T13:48:35.390-08:00Tucson for Rocks and SconesLast weekend, we traveled South of town to Tucson for what I am told is one of the biggest gem and mineral shows in the United States. Being a girl and all of that, I was more than excited to go to a show that featured all things sparkly! I loved learning about how to cut my own opals. I don't think that I am ever going to take up that particular hobby, but it was very interesting to learn how gets a beautiful opal out of a chunk of unimpressive rock. I also left fervently wishing that my skills and talents were such that I could make my own jewelry since there were so many stones that needed to be set - I still find myself thinking about these pieces that reminded me of Japanese water color paintings. (I may look for some already made into jewelry online...thank God for the power of the Internet!)<br />
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One can only walk around looking at rocks for so long, even when the rocks are as magnificent as the Hooker emerald. (74 carats!) So, John took me over to 6th Street for lunch and shopping. He lived and and trained at Fort Huachuca for about 18 months when he first joined the Army, so he is very familiar with Tucson. I loved the little shops that we founds, and I wish that we had enough time (and appetite) to try all the restaurants that lined the street. We decided to have Italian food for lunch and stopped in to Carusos. (<a href="http://www.carusositalian.com/">http://www.carusositalian.com/</a>) I had the minestrone soup and was very impressed with how deep the flavor was, however; my favorite part of our meal was my lemonade. I could be wrong, but I am positive that it started the day out as real lemons. We walked around a little and then decided to have something sweet. We decided to try out the Chocolate Iguana. (<a href="http://www.chocolateiguanaon4th.com/">http://www.chocolateiguanaon4th.com/</a>) We had a chocolate chip scone with orange icing, and I am here to tell you that it was one of the best things I have ever eaten. I'm on one of those dreaded after-the-holidays diets, and it is definitely worth the calories. <br />
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I certainly will be after the hubby to take me back to Tucson so I can explore some more. I specifically will be back to 6th Street to eat at some of those restaurants.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12074231076188648521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7851880795299949589.post-91276279726692803832012-02-10T21:48:00.000-08:002012-02-10T21:48:34.647-08:00Wack-a-mole Champion of the World!I am married to the Wack-a-Mole champion of the world. We had made plans to go see the rerelease of the first Star Wars movie (in 3D), but I had read the movie schedule wrong so we arrived at Tempe Market Place 7 minutes late to see the movie. We decided to see the movie some other time and just grab a bite to eat and come back at a later time to catch the movie. <br />
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We stopped in to have a bite at Axio's Pizza at Tempe Market Place. The Hawaiian volcano pizza was really good, I especially liked that the crust wasn't too thick. I have a hard time believing that it took me thirty years to discover pineapple pizza with jalapenos, but it is simply the best flavor combination I can think of. The pizza was also really cheap. A slice and a drink were only 3.50 when you showed them a movie ticket stub...that simply cannot be beat!<br />
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We still weren't ready to come home after our pizza so we decided to step into to Dave and Busters after our dinner. John set the high score on wack-a-mole and ended up winning me a Dave and Busters coffee mug that I can't wait to use tomorrow morning when I make my morning coffee.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12074231076188648521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7851880795299949589.post-9670160131102788512012-02-06T21:04:00.000-08:002012-02-06T21:04:10.601-08:00Pizza and Opera - Hey they are both from ItalyMy birthday just pasted and now I am officially working my way through my 30's. It is okay since 20 wasn't exactly a shining moment for me. <br />
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The hubby took me to see Madame Butterfly at the Phoenix Symphony (loved it!) and then we enjoyed a stroll downtown as we looked for reasonable food downtown. The opera was amazing. I had seen the play Madame Butterfly, but not the opera. We both enjoyed the opera, and I loved the chance to put on dress up clothes and play girlie-girl for a day. It was especially fun to drag hubby to an opera about an American military man behaving badly (for those of you who aren't following along, hubby is a military guy - so it was especially fun for us). After the show, we were both starving so we were both looking for food really close by.<br />
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We dropped by a small pizza place near the symphony. The Bklyn NYC Pizza had exceptional prices ($5 for wings, and around $5 for a pizza/salad combo) we each were pleasantly surprised with the quality and amount of food. I am hoping that he finds us hockey tickets through the veterns' tickets outlet and we can swing back through for more nummy food. <br />
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144 E Washington St<br />
<div class="content"><div class="line">Phoenix, AZ 85004 </div></div><div class="content"><div class="line">(602) 253-7499</div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12074231076188648521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7851880795299949589.post-77204860010033449242011-12-27T21:54:00.000-08:002011-12-27T21:54:18.565-08:00Wart Hogs and BBQThe in-laws came out to visit us in Tempe from Kansas City, MO. They have been here a few days and we have kept them busy hiking South Mountain (<a href="http://phoenix.gov/parks/trails/locations/south/index.html">http://phoenix.gov/parks/trails/locations/south/index.html</a>), photo ops at Canyon Lake (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canyon_Lake_(Arizona">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canyon_Lake_(Arizona</a>), walks around Papago Park (<a href="http://www.tempe.gov/parks/parks/papago.htm">http://www.tempe.gov/parks/parks/papago.htm</a>). Today we decided on keeping with the walking theme...to take them to the zoo. We really enjoy the Phoenix Zoo because you seem to be able to get closer to the animals than in other zoos that we have been to. Today the zoo was a ,well, zoo. With kids being out of school, it seemed to be national take your screaming brat to the zoo day...we still enjoyed seeing all the animals especially the prairie dogs...I swear that I could watch them all day.<br />
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I did see an ad for the New Year's Party at the zoo, and the hubby and I are thinking about drinking in the new year with all the animals.<br />
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His parents are going home tomorrow, so we decided to go to Old Town Scottsdale to have dinner. I love the Sugar Bowl and have noticed Earls BBQ located behind their building, but we had never eaten there. We decided to give it a try, and I am really glad we did. I had the pulled pork sandwich and boy did they give a lot of meat with that sandwich. I loaded it down with their signature hot and spicy sauce and went to town. I'm writing this several hours later, and I am still comfortably stuffed from their very large portions. You know that a BBQ place is good when my BBQ snob of a husband likes it - he's from KCMO and fancies himself a BBQ expert.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12074231076188648521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7851880795299949589.post-48520740524420887352011-12-24T08:41:00.000-08:002011-12-24T08:41:55.764-08:00Burgers...Lots of BurgersIf you have read more than one of my posts, then you know that I pretty much plan our outings based on the food nearby. So, you can image how excited I was when I noticed that there were several "mom and pop" type restaurants near my new job. (I teach 7th grade at PACS on 16th Street.) <br />
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The first thing I noticed was a restaurant called "Fat Ass Burgers" ironically across the street from Weight Watchers. (<a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fat-ASS-Burgers/171915529522170">http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fat-ASS-Burgers/171915529522170</a>). This place was so good that I did something that I seldom do...eat there twice. This was the best, juice dripping down my chin, burger I have had since coming to Phoenix. Their fries are really good as well. Basically, this place is going to be my go to lunch joint when I am at work.<br />
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Last night, we decided to try out Burgers and Bottles (<a href="http://www.grubhub.com/phoenix/burgers--bottles/">http://www.grubhub.com/phoenix/burgers--bottles/</a>). I was happy with my n'awlins burger. They were out of the bun that typically comes with it, so it was served on a pretzel bun. OMG - I will be substituting this bun from now on. I had fried pickles, and they were good - but I can think of three places that make better. I didn't drink any beer, but my mother-in-law did and she said that it was really good. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12074231076188648521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7851880795299949589.post-37361584325563614332011-12-24T08:21:00.000-08:002011-12-24T08:21:34.523-08:00Motorcycles and Irish CoffeeWe were invited recently to go to a viewing of the MotoGP movie Fastest (<a href="http://fastestthemovie.com/">http://fastestthemovie.com/</a>) at a local bar. My husband is a huge (and I mean HUGE) MotoGP fan, so of course we went. <br />
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The movie was being shown at The Fox and the Hound in Peoria. (<a href="http://www.foxandhound.com/locations/phoenix-peoria.aspx">http://www.foxandhound.com/locations/phoenix-peoria.aspx</a>) First, I can tell you that the movie is a good movie and a must watch for anyone who likes racing sports in general and motorcycles specifically. Now, for the stuff that we all know that I really care about...the food. It was late for this middle school teacher, so we had already eaten dinner before going. We ordered nachos for the table, and I have to say that they were the nachos I had been waiting for. We have ordered nachos quite a bit when we are out watching UFC fights, but these were the first ones that fit into the image of nachos I had in my head. (There were also a ton of them for about 8 bucks - all three of us were stuffed by the time we had finished the plate.)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12074231076188648521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7851880795299949589.post-38739129914481341012011-12-17T10:56:00.000-08:002011-12-17T10:56:05.445-08:00Wheels and Wings in TempeI am officially married to a genius! No really, ASU agrees with me. We went out to celebrate the hubby making straight A's this semester. This is his first straight A semester since starting college a million years ago - and he was understandably excited about it. <br />
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I offered to take him out for dinner in celebration; he picked Buffalo Wild Wings (a chain that we went to a lot when we lived in NC). (<a href="http://www.buffalowildwings.com/">www.buffalowildwings.com</a>) The food and the service we excellent as always. <br />
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We noticed Tempe Bicycle next door and since he wants to get a bike to ride to campus we decided to stop in. The show was crammed to the gills with bicycles of all kinds. It was amazing to me since I have never learned how to ride a bike, so I didn't know that there were so many two-wheeled options. (<a href="http://tempebicycle.com/">http://tempebicycle.com/</a>) We were helped by the manager of the campus store, Debbie. She was awesome. It didn't take long at all for her to have him sized and taking several bikes for a test ride. If you know how to ride a bike...I don't...I highly suggest you go down to talk to her. My goal for this time in AZ is to learn how to ride a bike...so if anyone knows of bike lessons....Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12074231076188648521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7851880795299949589.post-15442644636342378392011-12-10T22:10:00.000-08:002011-12-11T06:52:01.955-08:00Art, Boats, and a Man TestI don't know how we manage to cram so many unrelated things into a weekend, but I think this one takes the proverbial cake. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGavvnMKhphoOtbGBTz_lOG8UIfuOwgPgnmroCXzwRCKyeyhvhLbfdy-v222XXZA9mrK2TKPiknevRxRCFq38Vl6hoKEQDbPlI4lzIpbAhuvC1QaEZqU3gyjGCq73FIEsnpD5nt8fnp-RO/s1600/costume+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGavvnMKhphoOtbGBTz_lOG8UIfuOwgPgnmroCXzwRCKyeyhvhLbfdy-v222XXZA9mrK2TKPiknevRxRCFq38Vl6hoKEQDbPlI4lzIpbAhuvC1QaEZqU3gyjGCq73FIEsnpD5nt8fnp-RO/s1600/costume+2.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9X8_DHkbvg9LloFXZDugJ7EqN_4uKWM3UaSU_Re7SbUzHZSN6wFjPGMMUw6T24DE4bohxR6r9mlXjjMWWA4t3rrJyj8NkXFOnKLFOcJxHvYVMEmuNkq_JtoIXbBwZMQTtLUZLaiqvZ3kn/s1600/costume1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9X8_DHkbvg9LloFXZDugJ7EqN_4uKWM3UaSU_Re7SbUzHZSN6wFjPGMMUw6T24DE4bohxR6r9mlXjjMWWA4t3rrJyj8NkXFOnKLFOcJxHvYVMEmuNkq_JtoIXbBwZMQTtLUZLaiqvZ3kn/s1600/costume1.jpg" /></a>Last night I was reading the local paper (we get weekend delivery) and saw a write up that Evermore Nevermore was going out of business and last night's 2nd Friday was going to be their last day. I am a lover of all things weird, and the hubby likes comic books so we decided to go check it out. I had high hopes for stocking stuffers. Mesa has a 2nd Friday art walk (<a href="http://www.2ndfridaynightout.com/">http://www.2ndfridaynightout.com/</a>), and I have to say that it was very enjoyable. There were unique arts and crafts type items along main street. My favorites were a booth that sold "Harry Potter" type wands and one that sold unicorn horns. There are several pop culture type shops - and one seemed to feature awesome t-shirts. We stopped in at Lo-Fi coffee shop (<a href="http://www.loficoffee.com/">http://www.loficoffee.com/</a>) for a warming cup of coffee as we walked. I wasn't impressed with their pumpkin spiced latte, but the hubby said that the chai tea was really good. <br />
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This morning the hubby and some of his friends from the motorcycle discussion boards decided to test their stuff against the "Man Test" 5k (<a href="http://www.man-test.com/">http://www.man-test.com/</a>). I went for moral support and to work the camera. It is a 5k that features several obstacles. The race didn't live up to it's hype, but they looked like they were having fun when they took the giant slip and slide down to the finish line. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqf1yJVlLCr1jCfM7NhJlPZHiV3iS-c-RIhL8GGgrtOtGTkQOnLBskVS0rmgaCryQHQW9copVdZ7YpZLRFYe1Po-iNVyhfAYh1ccmUkCwd_V_GTj1b0RKwiJevo-WoZarRZCLTGjVuZwRo/s1600/man+test+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqf1yJVlLCr1jCfM7NhJlPZHiV3iS-c-RIhL8GGgrtOtGTkQOnLBskVS0rmgaCryQHQW9copVdZ7YpZLRFYe1Po-iNVyhfAYh1ccmUkCwd_V_GTj1b0RKwiJevo-WoZarRZCLTGjVuZwRo/s320/man+test+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Sabine (our friend that ran the Man Test with John) suggested that we go see the Tempe boat parade, so after a nap and some warming up we headed down to Tempe Town Lake to see the boats.(<a href="http://www.millavenue.com/events/fantasyoflights">http://www.millavenue.com/events/fantasyoflights</a>) There were so many people that we couldn't see the boats on the water, but I really enjoyed walking down Mill Avenue and looking at the lights. I even got my picture made with the Mellow Mushroom mascot outside the restaurant, even though we decided to eat at home when we got back and not go for a slice. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUAy5eOgcECeCcg2HwNN1scsGJeA356d9F4apvAeejqQxaYb5Ar7rPZ4CGUEcDGfbq9XosboCA7Iji52PvGFjfLxjwoa1a4l17SRXumI1s4XzS2ObCGTizuHe7U5oDKS7fx3l5O8g8pHFL/s1600/mellow+mushroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUAy5eOgcECeCcg2HwNN1scsGJeA356d9F4apvAeejqQxaYb5Ar7rPZ4CGUEcDGfbq9XosboCA7Iji52PvGFjfLxjwoa1a4l17SRXumI1s4XzS2ObCGTizuHe7U5oDKS7fx3l5O8g8pHFL/s1600/mellow+mushroom.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I think John is going to run Camelback Mountain tomorrow with some friends while I stay home and try to finally beat the cold I have been fighting since last Monday.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12074231076188648521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7851880795299949589.post-1993076055305272762011-12-03T19:09:00.000-08:002011-12-03T19:09:30.492-08:00Wild Animals and Irish FoodOur one year wedding anniversary was yesterday. It has been quite a year in our mildly unorthodox marriage (more on being married by proxy later). We decided to make the most of the last good weather for a while and spend the afternoon at the Phoenix Zoo. (<a href="http://www.phoenixzoo.org/">http://www.phoenixzoo.org/</a>) <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoIBd0XxMzw9Eur_movcE8RE9dn06FenSz7wY7zHnZzhgKJtk4II5I5ayBesylyBZaTleWANInFFOTigztXp3VEQp05PJVkzYiFO2jWiaIjnG4X5AF8iqGdQND9W_QlyA3C6d8s3TLkhjX/s1600/zoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoIBd0XxMzw9Eur_movcE8RE9dn06FenSz7wY7zHnZzhgKJtk4II5I5ayBesylyBZaTleWANInFFOTigztXp3VEQp05PJVkzYiFO2jWiaIjnG4X5AF8iqGdQND9W_QlyA3C6d8s3TLkhjX/s320/zoo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>One of the things that I really enjoyed about this zoo as opposed to the Nashville Zoo are Grassmere or the North Carolina zoo is how close to the animals you can actually get. I was having a close conversation with these two giraffes until some loud children came up and scared them away. <br />
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After walking around the zoo, we decided to go to an anniversary (late) lunch on Mill Avenue in Tempe. We decided to try Rula Bula Irish Pub since I love Irish food. (<a href="http://www.rulabula.com/">http://www.rulabula.com/</a>) The atmosphere in the restaurant was very nice. It was so well decorated; I thought I could very well leave the restaurant and step out onto the streets of Dublin. I had the Fish and Chips, and while the food was adequate; I really wasn't impressed. The fish and chips were good, but the atmosphere made me expect and really want better than just typical pub fare. I will say that the service was perfect. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12074231076188648521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7851880795299949589.post-8529902444949774082011-11-26T13:40:00.000-08:002011-11-26T13:40:23.294-08:00Spending Black Friday at Sun Devil StadiumWe almost missed last night's football game because neither one of us remembered that we had bought the Groupon for the game until just a few hours before kickoff. Luckily, we remembered in time to walk down to Will Call and pick up our tickets. The Groupon was for side line seats not too far up - and we weren't disappointed. My husband was quick to point out that our seats were right in front of the cheerleaders...<br />
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I love to people watch, and the game didn't disappoint. There was a couple behind us having a pretty serious relationship discussion (the only thing that makes me smile more is when couples have very private fights on one another's facebook wall). <br />
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We live about three miles from Sun Devil Stadium, so we like to walk down to Tempe when we are going to a show or game and then catch a cab back home. We walked down to the stadium stopping at Quick Trip to get me a pumpkin cappuccino - my one vice. The game was a good game even if the Sun Devils tried hard to lose (and ultimately succeeded). Then when we went to catch a cab, we tried to get one of the cool green cabs, but there were none to be found. We ended up riding back home in a cab that had the cab thingie on the roof, but absolutely no cab equipment on the inside. (It was also more expensive than usual...live and learn, I guess).<br />
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We will be looking for free things to do in the next month around Tempe. I lost my job and want to save all the pennies we have until I start working again. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12074231076188648521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7851880795299949589.post-42290678356080180892011-11-25T12:31:00.000-08:002011-11-25T12:31:05.209-08:00Black FridayWho among us hasn't had the dreaded alarm no-show? Yep. We had big plans to get out on Black Friday and pick up a few things we needed for the house. The hubby and I lay down last night at midnight, and he set his watch for a very Black Friday respectable ...0330. Then we awoke to the lights shining in our window at 7. Epic Fail.<br />
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Not ones to let adversity (or over sleeping) get us down...we packed up the Mustang and headed to Tempe Market Place. I was expecting a mad house - especially since we were getting there 5 hours after the shopping started. There weren't many people there at all. He left his gift certificate at home, so we ran back to get it, and I decided to stay home. Aspergers means that I don't do so well with crowds. He was able to get what he wanted with a minimum of fuss - although he said it had started to get crowded at 10 or so when he left. <br />
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I didn't get anything...being laid off means that I don't know when I'll have money again, and I don't want to spend it on things that aren't absolutely necessary...you know: electricity...food.<br />
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Living lean, doesn't mean living lonely. One of our friends came over to get help on her motorcycle and I made brunch. Turkey and Broccoli Quiche. Look for more recipes from me that include the star of our Thanksgiving dinner...we have two gallon sized zip bags worth of left overs. mmm mmm<br />
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I have hopes to hear from Foothills Academy since they want their new teacher to start Monday, but I am a little frustrated by the job search. Ok. I am a lot frustrated by the job search. It seems like everyone has an ad out looking for help, but I haven't even gotten a call back from the retail stores I applied with (and it has officially started the busy shopping season). It's all I can do not to take it out on my hapless spouse. We moved here so he could go to school, and I left a tenured position to do it. Since I had no intention of killing a student, I basically left a guaranteed job for one that ended after six months and left me with no income and a crap ton of bills. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12074231076188648521noreply@blogger.com0Tempe, AZ, USA33.4255104 -111.9400054000000233.353448900000004 -111.99088040000002 33.4975719 -111.88913040000001