The countdown will be downtown..

So tonight we have a room downtown, dinner reservations, and will be at the Peabody "Wild Side" party...Join us! I can't wait!! Bring on 2009....

A Cold Run, but for a good cause...

I finally got Tony to run another 5k since the Firecracker on July 3rd. He isn't much into running at a slow pace for three miles, he would rather run and stop for awhile, and that's what he did for this run. He said he was waiting on me so we could finish together, which he did. Belinda, Loren and Julie and Greg ran too. I always like running this race bc it is for such a good cause. Last year a group of us ran the half marathon and I was a little sentimental THINKING, just thinking about doing it again, but it is just so physically hard to do! I don't think my lungs are cut out for that much running at one time. This year,  I wanted to make sure we got some good pictures after the race, so I ran with my camera in the back pocket of my pants. NOT a good idea, bc the weight of the camera was slowing draggin my pants down, thank goodness I had on a pair of tights underneath.  So I had to get my drawstring tied and after that I was good, but not an easy task in gloves. After we ran we thawed out in the Peabody lobby and took some "Christmas Card" photos by the tree.  

PINK Collegiate on Sale now

Ok, so I am obsessed with PINK by Victoria Secret, ya I'm sure they are not targeting 32 year olds for this line, but I have been waiting for the Collegiate line to go on sale and today I got it all, the hoodies, the tshirts, the sweats, you name it, if it was PINK and UT I got it! The Yoga pants with the fold down back that displays Tennessee on the top of the bootie, my personal fave! 50% off now at Victoria Secret. I met my friend Engin for coffee at Starbucks and ended up at the mall. I love after Christmas shopping! 

Slumdog Millionaire

You MUST go see this movie! It was wonderful..action, a little gangsta and a love story all in one! And at the very end a Bollywood-esque dance scene, what more could you want? It is also Golden Globe nominated...Best Director, Best Original Score, Best Screenplay, not to mention Best Motion Picture-Drama. 

It was a Special Day..

Well, so much has happened after going to Knoxville for Coach Fulmer's last game coaching at UT.  But, I did want to document the special day even though I"m a few weeks behind. We were staying in Crossville for Thanksgiving, so Tony and I drove over that morning. UT had set up a really nice reception at the complex for Coach Fulmer's former players and teammates. 35 years is a long time for someone to be somewhere and a lot of relationships have been built.   I knew Tony had wanted to tell Coach how much he appreciated him really caring about him and the other players even after they left. When Tony was applying for his current job, Coach Fulmer called and followed up to make sure that Tony got the good recommendation that he wanted to give him. Tony always commented how he really cared about all of his players. We saw lots of our friends, Eric, Troy, Jekia and Mikki and Courtney Blair Gregory and her husband Kevin. I hadn't seen Courtney in years and it was great to see her. She introduced me to the new Alpha Chi president, who following in our footsteps is a Vol Hostess and isn't in love with every fraternity boy on campus :) We filled her in on some of the drama I used to create by bringing football players to every event instead of a frat boy. We also introduced her to Eric who was our All Sport Alpha Chi coach of all time.  It was fun catching up with Courtney and talking about our college memories in Alpha Chi and as Vol Hostesses. Before the Vol Walk, Coach Fulmer made a wonderful emotional speech, he wanted everyone to know that this wasn't a funeral and he was okay and life would go on. It was just wonderful to see how many people that came back for this. I noticed guys flew in from all over the country.  It was all so perfect, but the weather didn't cooperate very well. It was very cold and rainy, not to mention windy.  There was a tailgate planned, but the tent was so small it was hard to all fit underneath, so we headed down to the stadium early, but not before I got some good Buddy's bbq. I stood outside the locker room for a long time while the guys went in and visited with the team and coaches. Eric, Troy, Phil Crosby and I got to catch up some too. While standing there I got the see Coach Fulmer come out and stare out into the stadium...it was really a moment. I had to snap a picture. His wife Vicky and his daughters were all there walking around under the stadium too. It was very sentimental. Tony and I watched the team run though the T and walked out onto the field after..we watched most of the game from the sidelines in the freezing cold wind and rain. Afterwards we met Eric, Kamron and Dad at Ray's. It was very emotional and strange for it to be the last day that Coach Fulmer coached at Tennessee, I'm very glad that we made it back for the game. It will be so different to come back next year when Coach Kiffen is in charge. Go Vols! Thank you Coach Fulmer for all your years, dedication and hard work. It was a Special Day...

Riding the TO Train

Well, we rode the TO train this year and came in third place in our Fantasy Football league! If TO and Jason Witten would have performed the week before last we would have made it to the finals and won the whole dang thing! But...our first round pick TO couldn't do it that week...he was so up and down this year, but its Terrell Owens, you gotta play him every week! It will be nice watching football today and not worrying about who's doing what, who's scoring in what game..I might just wear my Peyton jersey!

72 degrees

What's up with the weather here!? Who needs South Beach when you have 72 degrees in Memphis two days after Christmas!?!? Its so strange...

Doggie Treats

How cute are these dog treats that Courtney gave Lennox and Lane for Christmas?? One is an Obama Doggie with red, white and blue stars and the other is a dog in a dog house that is named Starbarks and lots of coffee beans. The dogs love them, but I had to take a picture of them because they were just so cute and thoughtful. Thanks Courtney!!

Merry Christmas From Lennox and Lane!

Merry Christmas from Memphis!

Wishing you lots of love (Pit Bull love) 

Holiday Puppy Cheer

3 beautiful puppies who are in foster care until they can be adopted..how cute is this threesome!? My friend Romi was fostering these puppies but is going to Japan this week, so she got her neighbor to go through the fostering process and she is going to foster them while she is gone, and is going to adopt the middle one! These babies were dumped on Jackson Ave with their eyes still closed..but this is a happy story, they will be up for adoption at the end of January...Everyone needs a rescued puppy for Christmas...please encourage your friends to NOT buy from pet stores...Oh and these puppies know Japanese!

Eight Stop, Central BBQ..

We went to Central BBQ on November 21, 2008.  It is a very popular spot locally and I thought it was older than it actually is..they opened in April 2002. They have two locations, one on Summer Avenue and one on Central Avenue. The Central Avenue location is the original location. The Central location actually had a kitchen fire the night that we dined there and has just opened back up this week. 

Linda's Review: Because my bbq buddies and I misconducted, and I arrived at Central BBQ right after they left. I opted to order my food to go, I was a good decision.  I always like to comment on the eating environment and even though I didn't actually eat there, I was impressed by how bright Central is, especially compared to the smaller barbecue places we've visited. The people behind the counter were busy, efficient, friendly and smiling, also all to the good.  The barbecued chicken which I later ate was moist, flavorful and not all that greasy. Randy recommended the the homemade potato chips and I was glad I did.

They are seasoned nicely, crisp-even reheated-and a great accompaniment to the chicken. I also tried the greens and wasn't disappointed there either. I chose to bring Dale the half-slab of ribs. They were packed in a foil-lined bag, and I wasn't sure they'd reheat well, but they did. Dale was nice enough to share and we both agreed that the ribs were really good. They weren't in the least bit dry, despite the reheating process, and the sauces served with the ribs were delicious. The cole slaw was pretty ordinary, a bit wet, but travelled well the way it was packaged. I rank the food a 4 out of 5, and intend to return to Central with my family. 

Kembree's Review: There was a line out the door at lunchtime and it was a pretty cold day.  We got to the counter 

and tried the 'bbq tour' line and its didn't really work, Courtney got some chips for free and that was it. The chips were

excellent and actually my favorite thing on the menu.

Very crispy and crunchy. I got the sandwich and it was very good, but I would say just average and boring.  Not bad at all, just plain. The most exciting thing was the 'sauce bar'. They had they

 mild, hot, vinegar and mustard sauces all 'pump' style and you could get as much as you wanted. The tea was very good too, and they let you take your plastic cup home as a souvenir. I really see them as a great caterer. Just good basic bbq that everyone would like, just across the board good. I give it a 3.5 out of 5. 

Tony's Review: Kembree again brought me the ribs home. They were pretty average I would give them a 3 out of 5. 

Courtney's Review: I was so rushed when we ate at Central, but from what I remember..I had the pulled pork sandwich and it was really good. The meat had a nice smokey flavor and was very tender. I preferred their slightly sweet mild sauce, but they had several sauces to choose from..mild, hot, mustard and vinegar 

based sauce. For my side I had their 'house-made' bbq chips. The reminded me of Kettle Chips, very thick and crunchy with a mild bbq seasoning..they were good, but I would have liked them to have more bbq flavor.  I would definitely go back but not until its warm enough to sit outside on the deck..it was so crowded and there aren't many indoor tables. 

Randy and Diane's Review: Central bbq was just an average barbecue restaurant. Nothing stood out about the food or the service.  It probably does well for catering big affairs.  We both give it a 3. 

Loren's Review: (Her first time with us, she only ate the beans) Beans, or No Beans. They have very good bbq beans with good juicy plump kidney beans at Central BBQ on Central in Midtown (before the fire!). A little hint of hot, but not too; and that sweet vinegar that 

they use is really nice.  I like the cilantro addition too..I'm not a weeny since I like the beanies...

Chance got a home!

Another one of my favorite, Boxer/Pit Bull/ American Bull Dogs...whatever the heck they think Chance is, got adopted on Saturday! He lived at the Humane Society since November 21, 2006..keep the good thoughts coming!! Another dog from the class of 2006! 

Mikenzie and Ava are 1!

Ella, Colin and Brayden

Mikenzie and her cake

Jekia and Mikenzie and Lynn and Ava

Ava and I finally meet and hit it off :)

"Christmas Time" has taken over all of my time, ya poor me, 2 Christmas parties every night...but I wanted to post pictures from Mikenzie's Minnie Mouse theme 1st birthday that I attended in Murfreesboro  a couple of weeks ago. I also got to meet Ava for the first time! Mikenzie and Ava are a week apart, and their mommies are two of my best friends from high school, Jekia and Lynn..not to mention Patti's threesome that I got to see too! 

More Pit Bull LOVE

Found this on the TheUnexpectedPitBull.com Tony told me I had to put it on my blog..just an adorable picture! They are having a photo contest and I have to find some to submit! 

Call me Betty Crocker

So we are at home watching MNF, praying the Browns will hang on and score a touchdown so we can advance to the SuperBowl of our Fantasy Football League.  See, we are playing the Bullets this week and it has come down to the Eagles defense. At this very moment we are tied, but our bench has more points so if the game ended right now, we would win and advance to next weeks game. Go Brindle Invasion! Well I have survived a wild weekend of baking, baking, baking, eating, eating, and more eating..and Four Christmas parties..Oh and I got 95% of my Christmas cards done today! Watch your mailbox. Well, Friday night I had our volunteer Christmas party at the Humane Society that I brought cupcakes to, then went to our annual Jazzercise cookie exchange that I brought 6 dozen cookies and some cupcakes to. Saturday, I went to Brooke's Cupcakes and Cheer party and decorated cupcakes and ate some, and then went to Brenda and Jared's and brought them more cupcakes and some Italian Foccacia bread. I dont have any pictures, bc I havent had time to do that yet with football watching yesterday and Christmas card writing..Ok so back to the Browns and Eagles..Dang, throw the damn ball to Donte'!! 

Oh I almost forgot, today is Maax, our families Westie that lives in Knoxville birthday..Happy 14th birthday Maax!!! 

Damn! Ken Dorsey just threw a pick!!!!!!!! $&#%!! Damn we are down by 8, looks like its over for The Brindle Invasion...

T-Bone has left the building

I just heard the news that T-Bone went home with his new mom yesterday! T-Bone had been living at the Humane Society since November 9, 2006. So right at 2 years and a month! Way too long!! Everyone think positive thoughts about this guy that his situation works out. He is moving to West Memphis with a teacher and will also have an ex racing greyhound as his roomate! What a way to start the day with this news...I know need to think positive thoughts for another 'long-timer' at the HSMSC...hmmm I have someone in mind..

Lose 8 Update

So I won $53 for losing my 8 lbs in 8 weeks. And I just found this interesting article...

Tom's BBQ the Seventh (Heaven) Stop on the Tour

Tom's Bar-B-Q was one of the four restaurants on the food network's, Diner's Drive-Ins and Dive's. Adam the owner had lifesize pictures of Guy Fieri, the host all over the place. Tom's originally was a gas station owned by two ladies then Tom bought it from them and started a bbq joint. Meanwhile,  Adam the current owner was running a small bbq joint out of a gas station in Whitehaven. He then offered to buy Tom's, but Tom had him work for him for over six month before he could purchase it. What a wonderful job Adam has done with Tom's, including his Middle Eastern charm. Courtney mentioned to Adam that we were doing a bbq tour and he totally hooked us up. He let us sample everything from the bologna, to the catfish, to the 'special' spaghetti, to the rip tips! Whew, what an experience....

We went to Tom's on November 13, 2008. 

Kembree's Review: I don't think I had ever been to the part of town that Tom's is located in. Its more of an industrial area, but right off Getwell and it didn't take to long to get there from Cordova. It is very close to the street, so that makes sense that it was a gas station. When you walk in you can tell that they 

have enclosed the eating area that seats about 30 people. They had two huge menus up for fast service when you order and by the time you make it around to pay, you food is ready and handed to you. I got the pulled pork sandwich that was really good. The meat was tender, juicy and very smoky. I loved both of the sauces, the hot and regular. The regular spaghetti as my side was just ok, but did try Adam's special spaghetti and it was wonderful, lots of great cheese and special spices. The catfish was amazing..so delicious, a buttery lightly breaded amazingly seasoned

piece of fish. The bologna was fabulous too, perfectly sliced for

dipping into the sauce. The rib tips were ok, just too much work for me, I tend to not like to chew up something and then spit something out. We look some home to Lennox and Lane and they loved them.  The ribs...ah...the baby back ribs...the meat completely falls off the bone, again with a wonderful seasoning..I would give the sandwich a 4 out of 5, and the ribs a 4.5 out of 5. I really think this is a spot that one HAS to try if they are tasting bbq around Memphis. You cannot get hospitality like this anywhere, especially at a fast food bbq joint. Adam really make the place special. 

Courtney's Review: Tom's BBQ is my hands down favorite stop so far on 

our 'tour'.  Our host and owner, Adam, went above and beyond to make our first of may visits extra special.  His level of hospitality and generosity is something you don't find too often anymore...especially in the restaurant business. The pork on the sandwich was moist and tender with a mild smokey flavor. I went with the mild sauce this time and loved it. I'm not usually a fan of ribs because its too much work, but Tom's ribs were so tender the meat literally fell off the bone. His version of dry ribs with a Greek Seasoning rub made them surprising and delicious. (I wish he sold that season. Cant wait to go back!

Diane's Review: Tom's Barbecue was delicious. The pork sandwich was of high quality and very tasty. It was probably my favorite so far. I have already recommended Toms to Rick, our friend, who you all have met. He considers himself a barbecue aficionado. He wanted to know all about it. Its amazing that as native Memphians we had never heard of Tom's. Of course it goes without saying., that the reason that Tom's is such a success and has so many people for lunch is Adam.

What a host! I think that we all agree that he was so generous with all with all of his specialities. If all of his guests are treated as we were, he will have to build another addition.  I liked the 

baby back ribs, the catfish, the Mediterranean spaghetti as well. As far as a score, I would give it a 4.5. 

Randy's Review:  Randy agrees with everything Diane wrote above. He would give the whole place a 4.5-5.0. In addition, he liked the rid with the dry rub. The rib tips were probably good for people who like them. It might be a little too much work. The service was fast and the host was terrific.  We said as far as he's concerned that we didn't have an others to visit. 

Regina's Review: Oh my goodness! I was floored by the hospitality at this place. Next time I go the JIM Promotions I will be stopping in! The BBQ pork was quite delicious, not smothered in sauce.  The babyback ribs were fabulously tender and the dry Greek seasoning was a fresh approach in my book. I was blown away by the fried catfish and come Lent I may have to make the trip for a Friday treat.  I really like the bbq'd bologna and this one did not disappoint---cut into chunks and served with sauce on the side.  I will have to say that the slaw and beans at this location take a backseat. Although we did not discuss the preparation with Adam, I think the slaw is a prepared mix with a prepared dressing and the beans also. But doesn't matter, they were a tasty

complement! Still licking my lips over this one---I give it a 4.5---hard to beat! 

Dale's Review: (First time reviewer, Linda's husband) Best barbecued bologna I've ever eaten. I'd go back anytime for the catfish;the seasoning and fresh this battered crust made it very tasty.  

Linda's Review:  This is a highly efficient restaurant. It was very busy-always a good sign that your food is going to be fresh.  The counter servers were friendly, and didn't miss a beat while filling orders.  I decided to try Tom's signature rib tips, on a plate rather than sandwich, per the advice of the servers. My ribs were crispy-they looked fried-and were very hard to eat.  Every bite had a nugget of rib surrounded by chewy pork.  They were a lot of work! On the other hand, Dale's barbecue sandwich was absolutely delicious; moist and tender, with the right amount of sauce.  As Regina said, the beans and slaw were pretty average.  I wasn't terribly impressed by the food, until we had the opportunity to taste the baby backs, smoked bologna, Mediterranean style spaghetti, and the catfish. The ribs were the plumpest, meatiest I've eaten so far, and the covered with a dry rub that was

 distinctly different from the Memphis norm.  I was able to distinguish bits of thyme, rosemary and cardamom seeds in what Adam called his "Greek spices rub".  These ribs didn't shrink during the cooking process and were very flavorful. I'd never tasted bologna prepared this way, and I'm not usually a big bologna fan, but this was a spicy treat!  The saucy spaghetti was blanketed in a combination of melted cheeses, which was delicious.  I echo Dale's sentiments about the catfish.  All in all, it was a feast! What made this trip so special besides my table companions, was the expansive friendliness of the owner, Adam.  He epitomizes hospitality.  His enthusiasm for cooking and serving are contagious, and I wont hesitate to recommend his labor of love to anyone.  I'm looking forward to bringing my out-of-town guests to enjoy the best of Tom's! 

Tony's Review: I got there right at the end of the meal.  Kembree did get me an order of baby back ribs that Adam kept warm for me in the back. They were really good and the dry seasoning was nice.  I liked everything that I got to sample from the catfish, to the bologna, to the rib tips. I took the rib tips home and ate a little bit more the next day, but they aren't the best cut of the meat, so not my favorite.  I would give the ribs a 4 out of 5 and would for sure come back and eat with Adam again.