Fireworks...

Last night Tara and I had a very relaxing evening. We both cleaned our separate quarters and decided to watch a movie. It was during the middle of the stupid movie, "Must Love Dogs" I got up to get a drink. I was standing by the sink when all of a sudden I heard a BANG. Typically when I would hear that sound, I would think someone had just gotten 'capped'. Not in the Ravenwoods.

Tara and I quickly ran outside to find my neighbors shooting off fireworks. It was a good minute and a half show, and afterwards all of the neighbors who were standing on their porches started clapping and shouting. "Thanks Jeff" "You ROCK!" Kids were running all over the streets laughing and singing. What a way to celebrate the summer together.

I love my house.

Culture Shock

Last Saturday my friends Summer and Molly convinced me to go to the Elmwood Strawberry Festival with them. I decided to attend the festivities to culture myself in small town interaction. The whole day kept reminding me of such movies like "Sweet Home Alabama" and "Steel Magnolias".


It took about 20 minutes to absorb the whole 'experience'. That including: a band singing patriotic songs while the crowd stood at attention, a craft display consisting of booths only selling homemade jewlerly, woodwork and light covers, a center for prominades, and the best of all the FAIR STORE that sold only items that were made 20+ years ago. It blew my mind how they could still have them there. I just wanted to touch everything, and make sure I wasn't dreaming. We decided that in order to enrich our cultured experience we will be traveling to various festivals around the area.





Here are a few pictures for your viewing pleasure.





This was the Strawberry Jam that was sold. I like to take note to the mason jars. You know your in the country if you use mason jars.
































Please note not the horrible look on Summer's face, but the clogger in the background. Summer did not get the memo that she would actually still be IN the picture, although the main focus was to take a picture of this horribly embarrassing outfit without being obvious. This was taken after lunch as we were enjoying Strawberry Pizza and a fabulous Strawberry Shortcake.





This was the cheesy band playing. They all had matching pale yellow shirts on. They were singing God Bless America while the crowd stood at attention with their hands over their hearts. Touching.























What a better way to get into the Elmwood spirit then to get face paint. Although we had to pummel some little kids because they didn't think we were in line and kept cutting us.




Yes, this was all of us with our Strawberry Fest Strawberry on our face. Molly was the only one whose strawberry didn't look 'booty'.

I am happy to say that I survived my first small town Festival. Thanks Molly and Summer for dragging me to it!



*Sorry if this publishes wrong, I haven't posted pics in a long time!

My life..

Life after college has been great. I've had a chance to relax and re-evaluate who I want to be 'when I grow up' which I guess is now.

Work has been keeping me busy, and I still enjoy what I do. However I still do not have benefits, and I am typing this with a headache I have had for days beating behind my left eye. I have been miserable sleeping, probably havent slept through the night for a week and a half. Maybe I should look into the benefits thing..

I have really been blessed with my friendships. Thats all for now.