The Road to Eclipse

Let’s go back to 2008, shall we?

About two and a half years ago, I walked into Barnes & Noble at the Mall of Georgia with Drew and Alison. We browsed around for quite some time, eventually separating and going our own way. I went upstairs, not searching for anything in particular. What I came across though was unexpected.

Yes. I was thrust into the world that is Twilight. While the first book had been out around two years at the time, I had heard nothing of it. And actually, I initially picked up the book because I thought the cover was pretty. Go figure. I read the first few pages and that was it. I was sucked in. I looked around and noticed there were two others.

And

And what’s that, a sign announcing the release of the fourth book in the series?

It was late winter. Early spring? I had until August 2nd to finish Twilight, New Moon, and Eclipse. Puh! I thought, “well this is totally doable!” (note: I was a full time student and working at the time). Little did I know, it was going to be a problem, but not in the sense I had expected. The problem was I flew through the first three books! I ate, breathed, and slept Twilight. I read every second I got. I stayed up into the early hours of the morning to read. And then when I finished, there was the waiting…oh, I was going to have to wait for Breaking Dawn?! Damn, Jamie. Damn.

While I was reading Twilight, I kept telling the bestie, Cassie, that she had to read it. She just had to. That same week I started reading it, her and I were babysitting Reidy Speedy, Josh, and Jesse while their parents were out of town. One night we just had Reid and she had to work at the church nursery so him and I went to my house for dinner. We dropped her off and I said, “Here, take Twilight with you!” Two hours or so later we returned to pick her up. She walked out, got in the car, and turned to me and said, “Can we go to Target so I can buy my own copy?” I laughed so hard. And that began our obsession into Twilight together. That night, after we put Reid to bed, we both laid in bed, engulfed in the world of hunky vampires that Stephenie Meyer had created. We were hooked.

Reidy: "Mom, Cassie and Jamie are reading about vampires!"

I can’t remember if it was the same week or if it was a few weeks later, but we got to talking about the possibility of there ever being a movie made. We went on and on about it and finally Googled it, and what did we find? Production pictures!!

Exhibit A

Exhibit B (they look so young!)

Instantaneous excitement ensued. Hello, Kristen Stewart!! I’m not going to go on and on about her in this post, because if you read this here little blog, you probably know about my obsession already. I’ll spare you. You’re welcome. So now we have not one, but two things to wait for; Breaking Dawn in August 2008 and Twilight in November 2008. Whew, it was tough.

I’m not going to lie to you and say that we didn’t go buy BD at midnight when it came out. Because we did. We actually hadn’t planned on it, but we were awake, so why not? We hopped in the car and made the thirty minute drive to Borders. Luckily by the time we got there, the crowd had died down considerably. We bought our books, drove back home, and went to bed reading.

I read Breaking Dawn really slow. I didn’t want it to end. I knew it was the last, and I wasn’t ready to say goodbye. I read it so slow. I can still remember where I was when I finished it. It’s kind of like the questions, “Where were you when JFK was shot? On September 11th? When Michael Jackson died?” Seriously, where were you when you finished the Twilight saga? Me, I was sitting on the edge of a hotel bed in Indianapolis, IN. We’d driven up for DCI Finals, it was finals night and we were headed to the stadium. I had ten pages left and I couldn’t leave until I finished. I finished. I loved it. And I was immediately upset at the fact that there would be no more.

p.s. Regiment won that night. And we were there. It was beautiful. Here is Will celebrating.

Fast forward to November 21st. I can say with truth that we did not attend a midnight screening of Twilight. Instead, we waited until the next night and caught a showing in Atlantic Station. It was packed. People cheered when the lights went out. I hate when people cheer in movies. Why? People gasped the first time Edward Cullen walked on screen. You know the time. In the cafeteria. And that was the beginning of the end for Robert Pattinson. Bless him. We left loving the way Catherine Hardwick brought the characters from the book to screen. Was it cheesy? Absolutely. But we left loving it. And wanting more. And anticipating the announcement that New Moon was green lit.

Then there was more waiting as New Moon went into production. Almost a year to the day after Twilight’s release, New Moon rolled into theaters on November 20, 2009. This time the excitement got the best of us. We planned a night at the movies (not midnight) followed by a slumber party with games and cupcakes.

Team Edward? (yes, they DO sparkle)

Or Team Jacob (LIES)

I know most (read: the KSIBTU crew) didn’t like New Moon. It’s because of the LIES. I get IT. It is lies. But I liked New Moon. I liked what Chris Weitz did. How he made it his own. I cried. You know I cried the first time I saw it. Bella sitting in the window after Edward left. The camera panning around her. The music. The look on her face. The passing of the months. I was a hot mess. And the reunion. Please. You have to get through New Moon for the reunion. It makes it worth it.

I think this is more times than CC has seen the movie all together! Haha!!

It’s now June 29, 2010. It’s been seven months since New Moon graced us with its presence. In a matter of hours, millions of fans (not me) will flock to the theaters to see the next chapter, Eclipse. Many are already there. Waiting in line or enjoying a screening of Twilight and New Moon. While I’m excited, I don’t have that buzz of anticipation about me like I did with the first two. Maybe it’s because we’re not making a big to-do about it. Maybe I’m starting to realize that soon it’ll all be over. I’m not ready.

My KSIBTU crew is in NYC right now. They’ll be seeing the movie together tonight at midnight. So wish I could be there with them! I hope you ladies are having the best time!

CC sent me this yesterday. Do you see my painting in front of the TV? She brought it with her! So...it's like I AM there!

I’m seeing Eclipse tomorrow night at 10:30 with Cassie and Alison. That’s an almost full 24-hours after most everyone will have seen it. Oh the torture! Then we’ll see it again Thursday night with Brittney and Tiffany. And, I’m sure there will be other times too. You know there will. Did you see my other ticket stubs? Mmk. I’m sure I’ll love it. No matter what. Because KStew is in it. And Kstewisbetterthanu. What's not to love?

When next we speak, I will have seen it. I’m sure you will have too.

Happy Eclipse-ing everyone!

xoxo

Foodie Weekend in Atlanta

The amount of food I've eaten in the past two days is ridiculous. It's beyond ridiculous actually. Let's start with Friday night, shall we? And warning, if you're hungry while reading this, I hate to tell you, but you'll be hungrier.

Let's go.

Friday night Alison and I headed into Atlanta for a night out with Jennifer and Ashley. Jennifer is moving to the Dominican Republic until August to work in an orphanage. She wanted sushi and dancing before she left. So for dinner we hit up Twist. Two things you should know about me before we talk about the food. First of all, I'm not a sushi fan. I love seafood. I flove it. But sushi? It's just never been for me. Secondly, I want to like Thai food. So badly. But the one time I ever ate it was in Pasadena and I hated it. So I've been hesitant to try it again. Friday night, I ate sushi and Thai. Whaaat? First of all, we started off dinner with their calamari. I've never come across calamari that I didn't love. Ever. And Twist, well they just put calamari on a whole new level. Drizzled over the top was a lemon aioli. Delicious explosion in my mouth! Calamari will NEVER be the same. Now onto dinner. I debated for a while but decided to order the Thai curry with shrimp and chicken. Holy, spicy goodness!! It was so amazing! Needless to say, I want to try everything Thai now!

Delicious.

And onto the sushi. No, I didn't order it myself. I'm not there yet. But I tried some of Ashley's. And while it was just the basic California roll, it was good. I liked it. I need to expand. I want to expand. Someone please tell me what to expand to next!

In honor of Josie, I had the white sangria. So good.

So all around, Twist was a good time. The food was great, the drinks were great, the company was great. It's a really cool environment. Loud, lots of young people enjoying food and drinks after a day at work. Cool place. I'd go back. But luckily we got there at the right time because the line was out of control when we left.

After Twist we headed over to East Andrews. In this area there are actually several bars that you can hop around to and from. We started at East Andrews. The people there were too fratastic for me. Too tight polo shirts, popped collars, and way too much try. After a bit we headed up to 8 Traxx. A 70's and 80's disco? Yes, please! I've actually been to this place twice. But as Andrews Upstairs.

The first time it looked like this:

Bobby Long, Take 1.

The second time it looked like this:

Bobby Long, Take 2.

Friday night, it looked like this:

Yes, that is a cage.

So we walk into 8 Traxx and they are playing the best music ever! There are black lights and a disco ball. And the above cage. And NO ONE was dancing! What??? How can you not dance to Michael Jackson? Or Whitney Houston?! So we hung out on the dance floor for a bit, not really dancing because, well...we were basically on display for all to see since no one else was on the floor, but after a while a few people came down. And then. AND THEN, this girl came in dancing her little heart out. And it was the funniest dance moves I have ever seen in my entire life. She bounced. Everywhere. With every move she did, she bounced. I'm kicking myself now for not getting the camera out and recording it because it was priceless. We were laughing so hard.

Alison, me, Jennifer.

Once the dancing girl left, there wasn't much for entertainment so we made our way home.

Saturday morning Alison and I got up and went for a walk. A short one because well, it's Atlanta and it's hot. And humid. And it's worse in the city. Then we hopped in the car and head to....wait for it....PINKBERRY!!!

Welcome to Atlanta where the playas play.

You heard me right, folks. Pinkberry has made the leap across the country and graced Atlanta with its presence, buying me a few more months (years?) until I must move there. My first Pinkberry experience was probably the best experience I've ever had in a...would you call this a restaurant? Anyway, we walked in and were greeted with "Welcome to Pinkberry!" from every employee there. We walked up to the counter and the guy asked us if it was our first time. We said yes and he said, "Well, want to try every flavor?" And who's going to say no to that?! So the tasting began. The coconut was surprisingly good. I like coconut flavored things. Not so much coconut itself; It's the texture. But I was kind of hesitant about coconut frozen yogurt and shockingly, it was really good. He gave us the original and said it was the tangiest. I disagreed. It was good, but why get original when you can get a flavor? Like chocolate. Oh my God the chocolate was out of this world. So creamy. So sweet. So good. Then there was the pomegranate. It too was really good. Then came my favorite. Mango. It was a HOT day in Atlanta Saturday and this mango froyo was the perfect refresher. And then there was their seasonal watermelon flavor. Again, on such a hot day it was rather refreshing. And then I had to decide. What to do?? In the end I went with the watermelon because it's only going to be around for six more weeks.

Oh. Em. Gee.

Watermelon froyo with fresh watermelon, cucumber, kiwi, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, and mango, topped with a watermelon puree?? Heaven. Absolute Heaven. And let me just say, these fruits they added were by far the freshest, sweetest, most delicious fruits I've ever put in my mouth. And I eat a TON of fruit. It was so delicious. And we left wanting more.

After Pinkberry we headed back to my sister's and spent the day at the pool. And it was stifling. It was so hot that sweat was pouring off of me in a matter if minutes. I worked on more paintings for Reese's nursery and because of that, the tops of my knees and my back were a little burnt.

I always seem to end up painting by the pool...

After a while it was impossible to be outside for longer than 10 minutes without being in the pool. And then the water wasn't even that cool. Oh well, that's Atlanta in the summer for you.

Finished product. They'll hang above her crib.

When we finally couldn't take the heat anymore, we headed back inside to get ready for another night out on the town! And is it just me or does anyone else love the way their makeup looks with sun kissed cheeks? I might be weird, but I just love the way makeup looks with a little sun. Anyway, we got ready and after a stop at Sephora were off to Atlantic Station for Girl's Night out with Brittney, Cassie, and Payton! We met for dinner at Rosa Mexicano.

They don't tell you they bring you a whole pitcher when you order a single Sangria....oops.

The best part about this place is the guacamole. It's fresh. They make it there. Like right in front of you at your table. And it is the best guacamole I've ever tasted. So yummy.

So cool.

That was only supposed to serve 2-3. Yeah right!! So much guacamole!

So funny story. The part of the restaurant we sat it overlooks the grassy area in the center of Atlantic Station. When we got there I remembered that they were showing Twilight and New Moon there Saturday night as part of the 12-city Eclipse night or whatever. So when we sat down, the stage was directly behind us.

Exhibit A.

When we first sat down, there was a Paramore cover band playing. They were pretty good! Then we started wondering what actor/actress was going to show up. Enter Daniel Cudmore.

All six foot, six inches of him.

The movies do him no justice because he is seriously attractive!!

It was exciting. People were screaming. We watched as he answered questions. But from the comfort of an air conditioned restaurant without the screaming girls. So after that excitement, it was time to eat.

Chicken tacos!! Yum-o! (and notice the phone on the table! classy!)

Me and Payton wrapping up dinner.

After dinner we walked over to Kilwins for round one of dessert.

I had no idea what Kilwins was until recently when Iris and Josie were always raving over it. I finally checked into it to see what it was and low and behold, there was one in Atlantic Station. Of course, I had to make a visit while we were there!

And we walked in to this.

And this.

And I felt like this was appropriate since we'd just seen Daniel Cudmore.

Cassie and me with our purchases.

Chocolate covered marshmallows, rice krispie, ritz crackers, and a pb cup. And no, I did not eat all of this at once! Kill me.

We gathered up our purchases and then found a table outside to eat and chat. And take pictures, of course!

Typical.

The real deal.

Brittney O.

And as if we hadn't eaten enough at this point, we decided to drive twenty minutes to the Cumberland Mall area to introduce the B, C and P to the greatness that is Pinkberry and round two of dessert.

One day. Two trips. Because can you ever have too much Pinkberry?

Group shot!

The designer in me LOVES this.

Remember how I said the service was incredible earlier in the day? Well, they didn't disappoint late at night either. They were all smiles and ready to serve. And the place was packed out! And there may have been some Michael Jackson playing and there may have been some dancing from the employees. So awesome.

Pinkberry x5

This time I went with the mango. With all the same toppings. Except for the watermelon puree and kiwi. I forgot about them. Sad.

I'm happy! (again with the phone!!)

And then when ours was all gone, they came and offered us samples. I took watermelon and chocolate. As if I hadn't eaten enough froyo that day!

Before we left, Alison and I HAD to demonstrate the dancing we had witnessed the night before. We call it, "the girl at 8 Traxx." It was hilarious.

And I love this picture.

Think I had a great weekend, or what? I probably gained 20 pounds but it was so worth it! It was great seeing and hanging out with all the girls. And we've decided that it will happen monthly. Dinner in Atlanta. And we'll always end with Pinkberry.

Always.

I hope you've all had a wonderful weekend. And here's to a great week ahead.

xoxo

Ohhh, baby!!

You can't see the bump, but trust. It's there!

Saturday we had the first of several baby showers for my sister. My sister!! Seriously, I know she's five years older than me, but how can she possibly be having a BABY?! Every time I see her, her belly has grown and it's becoming more real. Now we're having baby showers, the nursery is coming together, and there is a car seat in my mom's car!! Whaaaat?? Don't get me wrong, I am beyond excited! It's just so surreal. Weren't we just babies ourselves. Like yesterday?

The answer is yes. We were.

And if I feel this way, I can't imagine how my parents feel! And didn't she JUST get married??

This was FIVE years ago? Really?!

Legit. One of my favorite pictures of us. Ever.

But I'm ready. I'm ready to meet baby Reese and hold her and spoil her rotten! I'm ready to see who she looks like. What color her eyes are. Her hair. Whose nose she has. I'm ready to see every little thing about her. And guess what? I get her all to myself. As in, I'm her only aunt! I don't have to share her with anyway! Muahahaha!

For her first gift from me, I did three paintings for her nursery. The animals match the animals that are on the bedding. I'm happy with the way they turned out and Jessica and Joe liked them too.

Love the yellow and purple with the gray!

Sunday afternoon we drove up to Atlanta for Father's Day lunch at Muss & Turner's. So, so, so, yummy! Their sandwiches are divine! After, we went back to Jessica and Joe's for dessert. Joe and I hung up the paintings and then while we were all hanging out downstairs, Jess decided to lay on her side to see if she could get Reese to move. I placed my hand on her stomach and a minute or so later I swear Reese did a flip! It was definitely NOT a kick. It's hard to explain, but it was more like a continuous wave. It was the coolest/weirdest thing ever!

Reese is due August 16th. We're down to the last few weeks and I KNOW they are going to fly by.

Let the waiting begin!