Went to Chattanooga.. but didn't see the Choo Choo.

I got a way for a long day trip. My cousin Lois from California is here and us ladies hopped in the rental car and cruised to Chattanooga for the day. We hiked to an underground waterfall.. and then hit the Chattanooga Aquarium, which is ranked in the top 10 of the United States. It was so much fun.. here are some highlights.

The Next Biggest Loser.

Okay everybody. I'm auditioning for the Biggest Loser. I'm really doing it. I need your input and ideas for my ten minute audition video. So, get back to me. :D

The First Fake Tree I've Ever Owned.

We bought our Christmas tree today. Its the first fake tree I've ever owned, but fresh trees are astronomical here, and its not like I can hike in to the woods around here and cut one down. It still is pretty.. and its beginning to look a lot like Christmas over here.

A TN Thanksgiving...

I did miss Oregon a little bit.. and my family when I called home on Thanksgiving Day.. but I didn't go without celebrating ALL I am thankful for.. and part of that being the "family," I have here in Thanksgiving. Maria and I cooked a Thanksgiving meal and had some of our close friends over to share it with..

Thanks Walmart and Ruby for Keeping us warm!

Hey Ruby, thanks for my beanie (and thanks beka for sending it!) it warmed my heart to have a little piece of Oregon today, and my head in the cold Tennessee weather! Also, Walmart donated a bunch of winter jackets for our kids, we got those today... everyone was so warm, and thankful! Oooh.. just in time for Thanksgiving!

Do the Red thing... Bono is doing it.

So, I had my Starbuck's employee holiday meeting today. You know to beef up on all our holiday promotion's and the like. We found out that Starbuck's just entered in to a one year partnership with the Red Campaign Global Fund. Bono's foundation to help stop the three largest killers in Africa. AIDS, Malaria and Tuberculosis. Starting the day before Thanksgiving, Starbuck's will be donating a nickel from every sale on one of our holiday drinks to the global fund. I love working for Starbuck's.. they really are a cool company! So, help Africa, go out and get yourself an Espresso Truffle, Peppermint Mocha Twist, or a Gingersnap Latte today!

The Franklin Starbucks..

So they are pretty much regulars. I think 3 out of 5 mornings a weeks makes you a regular. Each time I have been completely star struck.. I haven't been able to say anything.. I really want to ask to take my picture with them, but I hated to ask because, 1. Nicole wasn't really done up (no make-up, sweat pants, etc.) and 2. They were just husband and wife trying to enjoy a good cup of coffee in the morning.

Maybe someday soon I'll get up the nerve to ask.