Even though IT IS hot enough to cure tobacca -

We went to a Knight's game last night. 

Blood Davises are THE most cold-natured humans on earth. Proven fact. 

Married-in Davises are not. 

But, then, Lois Ellen and I ventured up to the AIR CONDITIONED heavenly escape. And I wondered why in THE WORLD we were sittin out in that heat. 

So, we compromised and decided we'd all venture up to the AC later in the game.

Yep - that was Anj with his hanky. Regular tissues aggravate his sensitive widdle nose. And yep - that was me with Ms. Caroline, one of the mascots. Don't worry - we went back out into the inferno to catch the fireworks. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This mornin - me and the hubs found Fried Green Tomatoes on TV. This is one of my absolute favorite movies. I just love the friendship that grows between Ruth and Idgie. (How much do I love random southern names that you can't even imagine how to spell?) I love anything set in the south, especially historical south. And, duh, I love sassy mouthy female characters in general. 

I was lookin for pics, and came across this post over at Ginny Branch.

She did a beautiful job of laying out why this movie is so magical, haunting, southern, funny, delicious. You just feel like you know Idgie, Ruth, Big George, Sipsey, Grady, Buddy, Evelyn, Ninny and "Towanda" all by the time it's over. <3

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We went up to Ma and Pa Davis's today to can some tomatoes, but we could only do one run, cause the tomato crop be's strugglin' this year, y'all:

Ooh-wee. Scurry. And core-tastic.

Then, we shelled some of these while listenin to Silas tell us allll about the farm trip, and hustlin the folks at the Marriott for free drinks at July 29th's happy hour with the passes they still had left over from July 26th's happy hour. 

Ladies, it's good to have a man who's resourceful.

Mmmm - I put some onions and garlic in there, and they're cookin up now. Smells so goooooooood up in heah!

Hope y'all's weekends are goin' just fabulously so far. 

Love, 

SIB

Sweet Fizzy Sugary Heaven

I haven't had a diet drink since Saturday. 

That's FIVE DAYS.

I haven't really thought about them. 

Not a lot. 

I mean, sometimes at night, I start to imagine the taste. The fizziness. I can just hear the pop of the top. 

Or sometimes, I think about it a lot at about 1:00. Break time. 

But then, my friend at work reminded me that diet drinks triple the risk of pancreatic cancer. 

And that's enough. Enough to make me focus on something else. 

But - you've gotta let yourself cheat a little. 

Or you'll implode. 

So today, at approximately 3:25, I sent an errand boy to fetch this for me:

Yes. 

It was everything I dreamed it'd be. 

Nothin like the real thing.

And I felt zero guilt.


 

Ooooh, weeee!! Look at dem pants!

First of all -

let me say - 

that I am in love with this:

Umm, yes, that is the cute little NC Stizzle Twitter following button thingy on gopack.com . Y'all - he is a cardinal, aka "red bird" aka my mama raised me to believe that these creatures are good luck, especially if they cross your path - much like the black cat is BAD luck when he crosses your path. (Yeah - we are part witch, whatev). How friggin' cute is that? Love him!

But, really, here is why I was at the gopack.com. Y'all know I love some NC Stizzle football season, but I am not a regular on gopack.com. I was at the gym tonight, sweatin away on the eliptical, watchin the news when I read the following captions: 

NC State unveils this season's new football uniforms...

The home jerseys, which are a bright, true NC State red, will have "STATE" emblazoned (git back, now!) across the chest, while the classic pants will be adorned with "Block S" logo.  The uniforms are made with TechFit fabric, which promises a more breatheable, comfortable fit for the players and the pants feature a sleek, beltless design.

"The uniforms have a very clean, traditional look," said head coach Tom O'Brien. "Our older fans will like them because they are reminiscent of the uniforms of great teams of the past and our current players will like them because they are stylish, comfortable and actually have elements that will benefit them on the field of play."

 I further learned that new new uniforms fit like a ......

glove.

* I wanted to edit this picture so badly, but I just stared and stared. Does it really need any help? I think it speaks for itself:

However, I did have fun with this one:

Both original images via NC State University 2011

Whatev. I like that it just says, "STATE" across the front. I do wish there was a lil stripe or some'in goin on down the side of the pants.

But, Debbie Yow's words were my favorite:

Director of Athletics Deborah A. Yow decided early in her tenure that she wanted the Wolfpack program to be identified as "STATE" on all uniforms. 

 

"It's a basic, bold statement:  State.  That's who we are." 

Now - off to dream of crisp fall temperatures, broken in jeans, cowboy boots, hoodies and NC Stizzle tailgatin.  

Come onnnnnn!!

Anti-Gluten/Food Diary Update

 Y'all.

I cannot believe this -

but my blood sugars are so going down. Being diabetic isn't all fun and games in the first place, clearly. But, it is EXTRA aggravatin when you start to become INSULIN RESISTANT! Ugh! Anyway, my blood sugars are going down! Rejoice! Ahhh! Hallelujah! OmGeeeee!!!!!! This further proves that the foods/bevies/supplements (lack thereof) that we put into our bodies MATTERS. A LOT! 

Anyway, I'm friggin' stoked about this. Know how in my last post (umm, which can also be found conveniently below until this gets archived) I was talkin about how I am in love with acupuncture and my girl, Jennifer encouraged me to keep a food diary and eliminate gluten to see if it helped with numerous issues I'm having?

Welp - I'm on day 5.

And, (since y'all are prolly dyin to know) I have, as a matter of fact, been keepin up with my food diary, oh yes indeeeeeed:

Yes - I may have had deviled eggs and popcorn for breakfast for the first few days - then I switched to some spicy, gluten free soup. I have never been one to discriminate against foods based on what time of day it is. And, I love some cold soup right out the fridge.

I'll spare y'all the other details of the happenings in my body that I have also been recording. But seriously - I highly recommend doing a food diary - there are a zillion reasons to - it helps you really "see" what's going on - allergies, weight loss, mood changes, you name it. 

Honestly - the no gluten thing hasn't been as hard as I thought it would be. I automatically feel better knowing that eliminating gluten has helped me to quit consuming so much junk in the first place - cookies, cake, muffins, packaged/processed foods, etc - It feels awesome to be proactive. I just cannot get over what's happening with my blood sugars! Next goal - no more diet drinks - if I HAVE to have a "drink" - I will try to make it one of these: 

I hope everyone is havin a splendid weekend so far! 

A Healthier Beef

So, those of you who know me know about my appointments. My reason for needing to sneak out at 3:55. The fix I need to be able to keep on going. The thing that keeps me from cussin my diabetes - among other things - from here to Hades. 

Here she is:

Jennifer at Ancient Elements Acupuncture

I've blogged about acupuncture before here, and I've been very pleased. Acupuncture is the bomb because it acknowledges that all things in your body are linked, as to where Western medicine often treats the symptom or the physical ailment, acupuncture looks for the root of the cause - the why. Having had diabetes for almost 23 years, I am very interested in doing as much as I can for my body now while I am (fairly) young, and in identifying the root of the ailments I have so I can make dietary and lifestyle changes to prevent them. I have never, until now, felt that someone has addressed me as a WHOLE PERSON and all aspects of my health - stress, diabetes, allergies, hormones, muscle pains, dehydration, you name it. She talks to me about all of it and we work on a piece of it at each visit.

Here's the latest ...

At first, I wasn't going to write about this for the following reasons: 

1) No one will read it/care.

2) Close-minded people might think I'm weird.

3) I feel lazy. 

But then, I decided I have more reasons in favor of writing about this, including, but not limited to the following:

1) I need to quit caring so much what people think. 

2) Writing about this might make me more accountable to my health. 

3) Maybe someone will read this and be inspired to try acupuncture. 

Okay, so actually, I came up with three reasons for both, but I think my reasons for writing are better than my reasons for not writing. If you think it is weird/you don't give a crap, it is your lucky day. We live in a free country, and there is a red and white "X" at the top right that will allow you to escape from this page. 

So, now...let's get started: 

I have been feelin QUITE stressed lately with myself. Primarily my hormones (evil snots) and my diabetes - whose goal in life is to PISS ME OFF - with such measures as: the harder I try to take care of it, the more it acts CRAY-ZYYYYY, the more insulin I give, the higher the blood sugars, the healthier foods I eat, the more she wanna get smart wit me! These things are especially difficult for me because I am a  

perfectionist. 

control. 

freak. 

I am NOT doing well with just havin my diabetes just hand me this $hi* and expect me to just deal. You can bite me Lil Miss Dia-bee-tus. Yes - I feel that with all the 'tude and drama and unpredictability, dia-bee-tus MUST be female, and I have no qualms in sayin so. I believe that my dia-bee-tus and my hormones get together late at night while I am sleepin and cook up plans to get at me, all while sending ANNOYYYYYYING alert messages to my pump EVERY. TWO. HOURS. which WAKE ME UP OUTTA MY SLEEP. They concoct plans such as:

* Hey - every two weeks lets just throw a wrench in there. Let's wait for her blood sugars to get pretty dang near perfect - you know - just so she thinks she's on to somethin good. Then, 

Wha - Bammm! 

 Ha! I'd like to see her try to control those blood sugars now! Psych! Nice try! Hehehe! Try again! *evil laughter coming from my hormones and dia-bee-tus*

I have had it wit dem beezies!

Do y'all hear me?!?!

Anyhoo ... 

acupuncture ...

So, here's the positive aspect of this blog post - yep - there is one, turns out. So, as a part of mine and Jennifer's plan (I don't know care if that is grammatically correct) - we decided that I most def need to get back to takin these. See, they are a lil expensive in my opinion, so I always wait *** time out - I am being RUDELY interrupted by my pump as we speak: ***

Anywayyyyyyyy - 

Like I was sayin, I normally wait for these babies to go BOGO at Walgreen's to save some scrilla which translates into umm, I haven't taken these in over six months (kept missin the sale obviously). But- a lot of my diabetes/hormone/insulin resistance whackness can be aided by takin these:

Dear Diabetic frands - if you are out there - GO BUY SOME OF THESE. Newsflash: Your regular endocrinologist (though I must say, I do love mine dearly) prolly ain't gonna grab you by the collar and demand you go get these. They are just in the vitamin aisle with all the other vitamins but they help with sooooooooo many things that insulin alone simply ain't gone do. The end. Things like your circulation, eye sight, metabolism of carbs and fat, hormonal balance and so many other things. The body is a system as a whole. There is no way diabetes is only going to affect the amount of sugar in your blood. Please. Go. Go now. Get some of these vitamins. You will be glad you did! You will feel so much better and keep things from fallin apart on down the road. Think of it like regular oil changes and maintenance for your car - except your body and long term health are so much more important. 

Okay - next: 

Jennifer also suggested seeing if gluten might be having a negative affect regarding inflammation in my body. I STAY jacked up with sinus problems and back and knee pain, and I do notice it gets worse at times when I've had a good ole dose of gluten. 

So my assignment, should I choose to accept it (which I did, duh) is this: 

Get ready for it. 

NO GLUTEN FOR TWO WEEKS. 

NO REALLY, LIKE NONE:

Adios, packaged foods:

Yes - even my beloved Nabs. 

Even my quick-my-blood-sugar-is-low-and-these-don't-have-to-be-refrigerated snacks:

Anything on God's earth with bread in it:

Here's the good news:


Chinese medicine does believe in the health benefits of red meat (and potatoes don't have gluten, THANK YOU JESUS).

* Disclaimer - duh, the bread still has gluten, I'll just not eat that. Also, Chinese medicine does not advocate for the health benefits of fried items soaked in grease and the damaging effects of soft drinks - especially diet ones - aka POISON. However, when one is super badly cravin red meat, it's prolly cause it's my one's body cryin out to me one for more iron and nutrients for my one's blood. Right, Jennifer? :)

So, Jennifer suggested I do a journal - of foods, blood sugars, whack hormonal episodes/urges to smack people/cry, energy level, etc. to see if we can nail down the "Is it gluten?" answer.

I told her - "Jennifer, I am neurotic about keeping data in any form. If I do it - it will just have to be color coded - it's just too much - sugars, moods, foods, sleeping habits, energy, etc. I will not be able to live with myself having all that information down without some sort of colorful, fun organization to motivate me."

Well, clearly it is meant to be because just this morning I found these on my desk:

Thank you, Cori Lyn for these bomb-diggity writing utensils that I LOVVVVVVVE. (I swear, if people bought me Papermate Flair pens and Nature Made Diabetes Vitamin packs for holidays I'd be a happy woman).

Also, I have a certain "planner" type book in mind that has LOTS of space to write for each day of the week - lots and lots and lots of writing space. ;)

Anyhoo - please pray for me frands. I love bread. And I get sick of tracking and keeping data as it is. But, I know this will be so beneficial. Also, if it is gluten, and I give up beer and bread, I am BOUND to lose weight right? Yeah, I know. I can't substitute the lack of bread with more fries and fried up red meat. Duh. I know that.

Just keep ya faingahs crossed. And if you see me snackin on ANYTHING packaged, or containing bread, or drinkin a beer - you have my permission to get smart wit me, run up and smack it out of my hand and say somethin like, "What the hell is wrong with you?! Are you insane?! Jennifer is going to be so disappointed! I don't even know who you are anymore. You disgust me!" etc etc etc

I will begin journaling ---

tomorrow.

Wish me luck! ;)

Tickets - Check!

Beyond excited for the following: 

{1}

NC Stizzle tailgatin. 

Food & Bevs

Frands

Cornhole

Redneck Golf

Red & White Errrthang

Crisp Fall Temps (eventually anyway)

{2}

Texas.

{3}

Jason Aldean. 

and Chris Young. 

and Thompson Square. 

I had way too much with that.

Hope everybody's weekend/summer is goin fabulously so far.

You KNOW you want some! Don't lie!

So, I really wanted to blog about the Infamous Magical Bomb Diggity Belmont Drive In ...

Straight mag - as seen out of Sylvia's backside. 

I'm sayin - we brought my most favoritest fluffy floral Hanes blankie from Amber Reams Austin and two of our "good" pillows.

Anj be lovin' him a lil drive-in.

Lettin back Sylvia's 2nd row seats to create a straight up "bed" - CLUTCH.

By the 2nd feature - aka 10:30ish, this was my feelin about the whole deal - we'd done already been through some thunderstorms and a torrential downpour where I had to walk through the MUDDDDDDD to the pissery although I SERIOUSLY considered peein' in a tupperwear dish I found in the back of the car. I should've done that. Hands down.

Anyhizzle - next day - Picklez.com:

Here's a bunch of picklin mess. We only used part of it. ;)

Here's the cukes from Silas B. Davis's garden.

This be's some garlic and DILL WEEEEEEEEEEEEEED.

Can't be cannin' no pickles wit some half sanitary lids, now.

Blood, sweat & tears of B. Davis, A. Davis, Lo-Lo Davis Tuttle and Hayden Tuttle Pie.

You KNOW you want summa DIS!

{Fast forward a few hours to suppa time and the A. and B. Davis hizzle:}

  

Snapped deez to make dis: 

Let's just be honest, EVERYTHANG is better w/ buttah and garlic and salt n peppa, duh! 

Mmmmm-tastic!

PS - I HIGHLY recommend gettin a garlic press. Keeps you from havin to put your hands allllllll over the smelly garlic-y funk. PSS - If you DO get garlic-y funk all over your hands - just rub your hands ALL OVA your stainless steel sink/faucet - takes the smell right out! ;)

Meanwhile...

We fried UP some squash!

I also chopped up some onion, cucumbers, tomatoes and SAT-UR-ATED em' in this DE-FRIGGIN-LICIOUS dressin - Ken's Creamy Balsamic. I. MEAN. O. M. GEEEEE!! SO good!

We also fried up some GREEN TOMATOESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS.....OMG - IF you never had any - YOU SUCK AT LIFE aka TRY IT LIKE RIIIIIIIIIIGHT NOW - I recommend wit some "Dijonaisse - aka - mayo n Grey Poupon" ;)

This here handsome snuggle pie fried em up for me:

Ladies: Marry a man who:
1) knows how to grow good $hi* in the garden
2) supports your fried foods habit
3) hates skinny ass women
4) loves tomatoes (people who don't like tomatoes are IN NEED OF THERAPY)
5) knows how to make tasty-arse dishes

You KNOW you want one.

Make you wanna smack somebody. You KNOW Beefy wouldn't lie to ya.

Final product, includin some of the MIL's potato salad - and when I remembered to take the pic I'd already ate half of it. Oooooooooooobz!!

Love me some summa-tiiiiiiiiiiiiime Y'all!!!! 

;)

xoxo

I'll get skinny & start givin a ---- tmr.

If you like random, it's your lucky day. 

If you don't - you can't have your cake & eat it too. <---- What a stupid phrase. WHY do you want cake if you can't eat it? Stupid. 

Let me try again - if you don't like random, then read another blog. That's about it. And here's what else. I don't even know if I'm gonna use enough give a flip to put pictures in. But maybe I will. I ain't decided. So WHAT?!?

{ONE}

First of all - I am TIRED. But ---

I drank a wholllllllllllle lot of Diet Coke. (Jennifer - if you are reading this, please block this out of your mind. I know it's TERRIBLE for the adrenals, but I NEEDED it. Promise.) 

I had lots of Diet Coke because I was at the movies and I can't go to the movies without a giant DC and a medium popcorn. (Unless I'm with Anj because he reminds me how RIDIC the prices are). Anyway, the movie was funny and full of the gross parts of middle school that you blocked out for a reason. Also - the "annoying" character was almost so annoying it just stressed you out even more than it made you laugh. I hate that. Oh - maybe you'd like to know the name of the movie. It was Bad Teacher.  (Yep - I underlined it. How grammatically on top of things I am.) Normally, I find the way Cameron Diaz's lips move MEGA ANNOYING. And I hate the way she laughs. But in this movie, she was dry and sarcastic and unenthusiastic. So, I could get down with it. Also, I felt vaguely inspired to rim my eyes in black eyeliner to make my eyes pop. But then I thought - I don't have blue eyes - they are hazel. Also, I can't imagine not looking like a hooker. And the hooker look isn't cute on me. I wouldn't terribly mind havin Cameron Diaz's body - but I clearly don't want to give up eating whatever I want whenever I want. Also, I don't want to work out at the current moment. Fingers crossed this'll change. The movies are always good for enjoyin popcorn and trashtastic diet soft drinks and then all through the movie, lookin at skinny hot actresses who are like 45 and thinkin, I'll get hot tomorrow. But, for now, I'ma eat this popcorn.

Added disclaimer: If you think Justin Timberlake is hot - you may change your mind after this movie. Especially the "bedroom scene on the field trip". You're welcome. Don't say I didn't warn you. 

{TWO}

Also - I decided 28 does feel a lot older than 27. And what's worse - 29 is next. BUT - I'm thankful for everyday God gives me. I also decided late 20's is whack when you feel you've accomplished not much. I married my other half. Fo realz. I ain't just sayin that to be cutesy pooh because I don't even enjoy sap-ness. And, I'd like to think I've left some sort of positive mark on at least one kid. But, we don't own property. We don't EVEN live in the same town. We ain't got any kids. My diabetes is totally wild and uncontrolled. I feel so random. For those of you reading who have any sort of thought on this - please - do share. Not so much complaining - I just feel kinda random. Should I feel like I've done more than merely exist by this point? Also, I feel chunky and like suddenly my skin sucks. I need a vacay from myself, I think. Anyone know a good travel agent?

{THREE}

On a positive note - I am excited about Jason Aldean. Pumped. I'm wearin cowboy boots with shorts. I don't care if it's trashy. It's a Jason Aldean concert. Also, I'm psyched about a special tshirt. Mad props to Anj Davis for thinkin it up. I'll show you after it's finished. IF it doesn't suck. I might wear it anyway. Although I'm not sure if it'll top my "I LOVE TWITTY" shirt. Amazing what people born in the 80's and who go to NC STATE DON'T know about Twitty. Seriously?!? Get your mind out of the gutter frands. 

That's all I got for now. Have a fabulous night shug pies. 

xo

Beef

Happy Birfday to US!

What a wondrous Fourth of July weekend. Jam packed with friends, family and American magic. From date night, to Live After Five with friends, to lunch with more friends, to visiting yet more friends to an awesome cookout to a wonderful birthday party at home (thanks Mama!!) .... it was all awesome! However, I got a lil lazy and only documented part of it. 

Please see below Hazel's Annual Fourth of July Cookout Shindig:

Bros playin cornhole...

Remember kids, the sun never sets on a bad ass.

Hubs and dad playin cornhole ...

My dad's awesome belt... (he did NOT give permission for this shot)

Unka Buck and Big Silas just a swangin' ...

Unka Jimmy ...

Emma, Junie and Mary Thelma ...

Adorable chirrens and the Gator - the ride of your life. Krispy Kreme hats compliments of Cousin Beef ...

The devil in caterpillar/worm form ... 

Here is why ...

and a nipple for good luck!

We be grubbin ... and we loves some watermelon ...

and corndogs ...

Jack and Big Silas ...

then came some BOMB ARSE HO-MADE TOMATO JUICE! OMG! THANK YOU WEEZE-E-BERT! Sooooo gooooooooooooood!

I may or may not have drank half the jar straight up right then. I then may or may not have utilized the rest to make a red eye out of this FLIPPIN AMAZIN redneck glass that clearly was made for me:

My apologies for the hot/sticky/gross pic - gimme a break - it was hot enough to cure tobacco outside.

Awesome Fourth of July/Bday celebration. 

Then I held hands on the way home with a sweet sweet hottie pie that I married:

Ain't him precious? 

I had an amazing weekend! I feel so loved and blessed to have so many wonderful people in my life who made my birfday just magical, indeed! Love y'all! Thanks again Mama for endurin the 106 temp, the blood transfusions and my tearin through your body like I was on a mission since I was 9.5 pounds and 2.5 weeks late while my lame-o doctor was off playin golf somewhere.What the hell did he thank it was?! A holiday?! Loser!

I got so many gifts that were so "me". Here are a few. Y'all know I love some vintage goodies and homemade food!: 

Yes - I realize that it is weird to collect vintage baby toys when I ain't havin no baby. But - some things I cannot resist! Especially this crib mobile. It is the exact same one I had when I was widdle! 1983 throwback!

Hope your Fourth was magical as well!