Newman Farms: The Bounty of Bohemia

My dad came up with that tag line for my unofficial farming venture. Well, I suppose that it's a real venture, just not a company. My mom and I went to the garden center this past weekend to choose what plants I would attempt to grow. While most everything looked great, I had to choose wisely. Here's what made the cut: three tomato plants (two Celebrity tomatoes and one Sweet 100), three bell pepper plants, two English cucumbers, three strawberry plants, basil, chives and lavender. Oh, and I bought several marigolds because of their natural insect-deterring scent. I'm excited about all of them, but I'm especially excited to see how the tomatoes do. I really hope that they produce so much that by August, I'm tired of eating tomatoes.

And here's what it looks like all planted in the ground. Let's all hope that my efforts prove fruitful. Pun intended.

Outside the Loop

See, my sister has been married almost one year. And she hired a fantastic videographer to document her day. He produced a quick two-minute trailer for her while he finished editing her complete video. I've seen that trailer a million times, but have yet to see the final product, right? Well, I just learned that there was a four-minute highlight reel that he did for her. I'd never seen it! If you want to see it, check it out here. After watching the highlights, I almost feel no need to watch the entire video. I guess that's the risk you take when your video tells such a compelling story.

I'm perpetually outside of the loop. Which is odd, because I live inside the loop. (Houston humor)

Anyway, hope you enjoy. It was a memorable day and Tim captured it in the most special way imaginable.

The Waiting Is The Hardest Part

Well, it's no secret that I have tickets to see Pearl Jam. However, in the last month or so, the concert calendar has filled right on up. Let me break it down for you.

In May, I'll see Band of Horses and the almighty PJ. One week later, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. This will be the third time I've seen Tom and I understand that not everyone loves him. Well, he and I have a pretty significant history. When I was two years old, my parents had this record player with ridiculously huge headphones. I used to pad my way over to the record player and put the headphones on until my dad would start the music for me. I enjoyed the usual stuff - you know Sesame Street and the like - but apparently, I used to just LOVE when my dad would play Tom Petty for me. 'The Waiting' was my favorite song in the world. At least that's what my parents have told me. So, seeing Tom Petty three times, with the best dad in the world, is a pretty cool thing. And this time, my hip little mama is even going to come along!

Early in June, I'll be checking out the two-day Summerfest here in Houston. The Flaming Lips are headlining and there is an absolute bevy of others that I'm excited to see. Namely, Ra Ra Riot. They were great the first time I saw them, and I'm looking forward to seeing them again. About one week after that...

MAIDEN. Iron Maiden, that is. Yes, I saw them in 2008 and it was magical. I will get to see them again and I could not be more excited. I didn't think that anything would ever top the first time, but this go-round I'll have the fantastic Donny G. and one Mr. M to accompany me. Oh, and there's the best guy of all - my fantastic father. One of these days, I'll tell you all about the man that is corporate Global Manager by day, and more rock and roll than you and I combined, by night. Just know this: he's so awesome, we need a new word for awesome.

If You Can't Say Anything Nice...

Yeah, today was one of those days. When someone who doesn't really have any business throwing stones your way, totally does. What's even worse, is that you know it shouldn't hurt your feelings. But it does. It truly ruined my afternoon. However, it will not ruin my evening.

I'm back on the old fitness wagon. See, here's what happens to me: I get happy and I gain 10 pounds. Ugh! Why can't we have it both ways? That would be much too simple. So, I have been back in the gym and eating as healthily as I can. Being a vegetarian, I know it would seem that gaining weight would be difficult. No, no my friends. Not the case at all. Luckily, my significant other is all about going to the gym with me and he while he doesn't like all of my 'hippie food', he's such a good sport about it all.

The weather was warm today for the first time in months. As I stood outside and felt the sunshine wash over me, I became hopeful. I don't know what I was hoping for. But I do know that whatever it is felt incredible.

Newman Farms Tomatoes

Well, it's been a while. Let me catch you up to speed.

First things first, I am in love. Yep, for the first time in my life, I'm in love. And not just with my dog this time. The guy that gives me the butterflies in my stomach now gives me those same butterflies each and everyday. He picked up and moved to the big city and we get to hang out all the time. Talk about lucky me! He's great.

Next, I have the sweetest little house in the sweetest neighborhood. In fact, last week I prepped my garden for its transformation into Veggie Town USA. My house is becoming Newman Farms. Where's that logo, Donny?

A lifelong dream is coming true - I will finally get to see the band that has defined my musical development - Pearl Jam. Think it's lame? That's unfortunate. I've been a fan since I was 14 and it's finally happening. Did I mention that I'll get to check out Band of Horses right before PJ? Oh, and I will have the most wonderful group of pals to accompany me.

Whew! That's not even the half of it, but at least it's a little something. I'm the lamest blogger alive. Sorry to disappoint both of you, my faithful readers.

Off to Target now. I haven't been there in over a week and I'm almost positive that there's some knick-knacky crap that I can't live without just waiting for me. Ta-ta!