Two for Two

Lord have mercy. I ACTUALLY took a 2 hour nap this afternoon. I wish it were just that easy everyday.
However, I think I know what did it - perhaps that 2 hour Zumbathon I participated in today. Holy Moly!

The point of the Zumbathon (besides burning an amazing amount of calories) was for participants to donate items to the victims of the tornadoes - specifically the families in Tuscaloosa. I realize that you guys probably don't hear about the devastation anymore.. but entire communities have been wiped out. One of the Zumba instructors actually lives in Tuscaloosa and teaches in Birmingham. He wanted to do something special. He got together with a local church and found out what was needed: diapers, food, basic needs stuff.

That's all you had to do - bring some items to donate and he was taking those items straight to the church in Tuscaloosa. In turn, if you travel to any of these areas, you will see lines of families waiting for their basic needs - still.

Here is what we were able to pull together from the "Birmingham Zumba" community -

So sorry the picture is blurry - but I was walking when I took this.

At any rate - 15 instructors got together and took turns leading a dance. We had an absolute blast!

The group started out small - and by the end of the first 1/2 hour - the room was packed.

I snuck a quick break in order to snap this picture.

The videos did not come out so clear - I was too far away.. sorry.

It was nice to see my personal instructors there, and my friend Cristina (who helped pull the whole thing together.)  We all had a magnificent time- and WHAT A WORK OUT!

For whatever reason, I always flush when I exercise, so my face is pink pink pink. Here I am - yucky, sweaty - and on my way home!

Did I mention - the hounds tooth ribbon? If you follow SEC Football - you will know that the legendary Bear Bryant (Alabama Football) always wore a hounds tooth hat. That has always been the official "print" of the folks that are big fans of Alabama football. The hounds tooth ribbon is the symbol for the Tornado Victims of Alabama.  Everyone at the Zumbathon was given one to wear.

God bless those families.



Glimpse ~ Fairhope, Alabama

Upon Arrival (Wednesday) in Mobile ~ I stopped immediately to eat some good, old-fashioned southern cooking. We're talking ribs, baked beans and mac & cheese.

PS- Did you catch the post before this one? If not - please do to see the pics from Pensacola

After spending a day visiting TV stations ~ I made my way back across the causeway to Fairhope. It is located across the Bay from Mobile (and is in Baldwin County - a territory I cover.) I stayed at this historic Hampton Inn.. Charming City.

After I got settled in at the hotel ~ I went for a walk around the block and stumbled upon this little salon. Seriously - the most charming place.

All of the trees in the entire downtown were completely decked out with twinkle lights. It was like a little magical fairyland!

One block from my hotel was a tiny French Quarter.

I stopped by Buck's Diner for dinner. Ecletic is an understatement. Overpriced - definitely.

What you see here is - Tomato Basil soul (divine!) corn fritters, mashed potatoes and sweet potato casserole. Yes - soooooo many carbs. Dieters.. just look away.

Thursday morning I met our fundraising team at the USS Alabama to scope out the scene where the next Heart Walk will be held.

Afterwards, the girls suggested Tacky Jacks for lunch. It's located on the waterfront - across from the USS Alabama.

This is the face of a girl who has probably gained about 10 pounds on this trip.

That afternoon I made it back to Fairhope (late afternoon) in time to see the town in the day. Again, went walking..

Who said Alabama was ugly? ;-)

This is actually a restaurant in a green house!

I sat here waiting to meet up with my mom (who had spent the afternoon shopping!)

Mom & I were both in heaven - it was an art supply store/book store/coffee shop!

Back in the hotel - wearing my WW pajamas and checking on emails..

Friday morning (early) - I drove over to the pier in Fairhope before heading over to Mobile. The sea gulls were lined up.

One of the boats on Mobile Bay

It was cold - had to thrown on my little black wrap - but did manage to grab a shot to prove I was there!

The sun definitely warmed things up a bit..

That's the end of my tour in Fairhope/Mobile, Alabama. Next post ~ New Orleans!

Mobile Trip - Collection of Video

As you know, I took a work-trip to Mobile & Pensacola.

Instead of posting 5 million videos - I thought I would add the collection here.

This is mainly for friends and family to view - of my little excursion.

So - disregard if you must!

My verision of my little trip!

The drive.






My room



Other side of my room.


View outside of my room.

Berney Fly Bed & Breakfast



My poolside bungalo



Downtown Mobile



Dinner!!




Drive into Pensacola





Pensacola, Florida - Home of the Blue Angels!



Heading Back to Mobile - over Mobile Bay







The End!

Unwinding.. in general

My home - for the next four days - is Mobile, Alabama. I am here on a "work trip" - but man oh man... it feels more like a a mini-break. Well, a mini-break from 6 -9am and then again from 5 - midnight. (Which is basically my waking hours.)

I am sitting alone in my little poolside bungalow at the Berney Fly Bed & Breakfast. It is adorable. The inn-keepers - simply entertaining and adorably friendly.

My meetings today went very well. I met with the local staff, and enjoyed a delightful lunch at Macaroni Grill. Yes - it is a chain, and typically I am against chains, but I have to admit - it was good and yes, it was the first time I have ever eaten there. (Again - anti-chain girl.)

My meeting with the local tv and radio station went very well. All of the work "stuff" ended around 4pm. I darted over and found my little home away from home. Beautiful area, and cozy bungalow. The inn-keepers did a wonderful job of showing me maps and familiarizing me with the all of the inside scoop on various restaurants, etc.

I ended up going for a little drive and discovered the downtown "new orleans-esque" architecture. I came upon a little soul food dive and decided to indulge (all for under $14.) I had bbq chicken, baked beans and mac & cheese - topped off with banana pudding. Yumm.. but full.. and i think I gained 500 pounds. lol.

The other awesome thing - I don't have to do anything for anyone. I can eat what I want, watch what I want and not feel as if I am supposed to be doing something else. I forgot what it is like to live alone..

I feel a bit free.

Hence - a mini-vacay.

I promised to upload pics tomorrow. I am tooo sleepy tonight.

Off to la la land while watching "Confessions of a Shopaholic."