Thomas

"Did u hear the officer in the Queensborough shooting was Thomas?"

A friend sent me that heartbreaking text at 1:01 AM Thursday morning.

I had just posted on Facebook that I was praying for SPD after I had heard that an officer had been shot.

Never in a million years would I have thought that the kind, sweet, humble, funny, quietly friendly Thomas, with a smile that could melt your insides, would be the victim of such an awful act.  Thomas was killed in the line of duty.

How could this be?  Why did this happen?  Is this real?  Why can't I stop breaking into tears?  Why can't I seem to shake this feeling of heartbreak?

I worked with Thomas for just under two years.  I was a reporter/producer/anchor in Shreveport.  He was a photojournalist.  A really good one.  I usually produced nightside a couple of times a week, so I got to know him pretty well.  I was even lucky enough to hang out with him outside of work a few times.  He was one of those guys that was handsome and had such a unique quality to him that, at first, I was almost intimidated to talk to him.  But, he always made me feel like what I was saying mattered.  He was such a hard worker.  If something crazy happened a few minutes before he was to get off work, and I had to send him to the worst part of town to cover something, he went without hesitation.  He knew he had a job to do and never tried to get out of work.  He had such a witty, dry sense of humor.  You couldn't be around him for 5 minutes without laughing.

He was an incredible friend to so many.  I count him as a friend, but I was clearly not as close to him as the guys at work.  I was especially impressed by his interaction with Chris Redford. I challenge anyone to try to assign someone besides Thomas to Redford.  It wouldn't happen.  They were different in so many ways, but they had an incredible connection and the sweetest friendship.  They had each other's backs.  Together, they pounded the streets of Shreveport bringing stories to the public.  Usually, those stories were about crime and how police officers were making the community a better place.  This is apparently what made him decide to be a police officer.

I left Shreveport before Thomas became an officer.  I can only imagine how good of an officer he was.  I don't think there's a person out there who would make a better officer.  He was made to do that job.

I wish I had told him how great I thought he was.  Anyone who takes on the task of being a police officer deserves to know how incredible they are.

I pray that if anyone takes anything away from this awful situation, they remember to love everyone they encounter, especially the people like Thomas who leave a lasting impression.

I hate that I will never get to see his handsome face ever again.  I hate that I will never get to hear about him getting married and having children.  I hate that his mother had to bury her son today.  I hate that the city of Shreveport is a little worse off today without him here.  I hate that he is gone.

My heart is broken.  I can only imagine that heartache his family and best friend are experiencing.  My prayers are with all of you.  I only wish I had been as close to Thomas as you all were.

Guilty Pleasures

What's your guilty pleasure(s)?

Mine are...

having a glass of wine alone at midnight after everyone is asleep
watching The Bachelorette
making (and eating) smores in the microwave
looking up how much my friends', acquaintances', and local celebs' houses are worth on the Shelby County Tax Assessor website

100 Things to Eat in Memphis: Fuji Cafe

Oh. My. Gosh. 

The BEST thing you'll ever eat is at Fuji Cafe in Collierville. 

Stuffed jalapeño peppers!

They are the perfect amount of spice and melt in your mouth amazing. 

$6.95

You must try them!

http://www.commercialappeal.com/go-memphis/bucket-list-culinary-tour-of-best-of-memphis-is

4 Pregnancies, 1 Baby

The rug was pulled out from under me today.

Michael and I found out we had our third miscarriage.

I was happy and at peace, confident today would be the first time I would get to see our new baby's heartbeat.

Instead, we were told that there had been no change since last week and that we should be seeing much more at this point.

Devastated.

Heartbroken.

Sick to my stomach.

How can this be?  How did my body figure out how to keep our beautiful little Presley safe and sound for 9 months, then all of a sudden forget how to keep a baby?

I did allow myself to consider that I might have a miscarriage, but I told myself it wouldn't hurt nearly as bad as it did before Presley.  That is not so true.  While it felt so wonderful to hold her tight after our awful appointment, I am still in so much emotional pain.

I stupidly bought Presley a "Big Sister" shirt when we first found out.  Now, it sits in my closet.  Maybe, she'll still be able to fit into it when a successful pregnancy does happen.  I am hopeful she will.

Thank you for your prayers.

List Update!

It's time to update my list!  This is my list of places I'm trying to eat my way through.  I'm crossing off everything I've tried.  

Where do we go next?

100 Things to Eat in Memphis Before You Die

1: Greek burger at Alex's Tavern, 1445 Jackson, (901) 278-9086.

2: Cheeseburger at Tops Bar-B-Q locations, including 1286 Union, (901) 725-7527.

3: Soul burger at Earnestine and Hazel's, 531 South Main, (901) 523-9754.

4: Burger at Dyer's Burgers, including 205 Beale, (901) 527-3937.

5: Colossus burger at 3 Angels Diner, 2617 Broad, (901) 452-1111.

6: Joyce roll at Sakura Japanese Restaurant, 2060 West, Germantown, (901) 758-8181.

7: Guacamole and chips at Las Delicias Mexican Bar and Grill locations, including 4002 Park, (901) 458-9264.

8: Sweet potato pancakes at The Arcade Restaurant, 540 S. Main, (901) 526-5757.

9: Barbecue spaghetti at Bar-B-Q Shop, 1782 Madison, (901) 272-1277.

10: Barbecue bologna sandwich with slaw and hot sauce at Payne's Bar-B-Que, 1762 Lamar, (901) 272-1523.

11: Popovers with strawberry butter at Paulette's Restaurant, 50 Harbor Town Square, (901) 260-3300.

12: Coconut cream pie at Germantown Commissary, 2290 Germantown Road S., Germantown, (901) 754-5540.

13: Sausage and cheese plate at Charles Vergos' Rendezvous, 52 S. Second, (901) 523-2746 .

14: Acquisto sandwich at Fino's, 1853 Madison, (901) 272-3466

15: Fried chicken at Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken locations, including 310 S. Front, (901) 527-4877.

16: Fried chicken at Uncle Lou's Fried Chicken, 3633 Millbranch Road, (901) 332-2367.

17: Mr. Bruce's Nachos at Molly's La Casita, 2006 Madison, (901) 726-1873.

18: Barbecue nachos (on homemade chips) at Central BBQ locations, including 2249 Central, (901) 272-9377.

19: Chilean sandwich at Pop's Deli, 6755 E. Shelby Drive, (901) 366-3463.

20: Milkshake at Wiles-Smith Drug Store, 1635 Union, (901) 278-6416.

21: Sno cream sno-cone at Jerry's Sno-Cones, 1657 Wells Station Road, (901) 767-2659.

22: Tamales at South Memphis Grocery, 9 W. Mallory, (901) 775-2135.

23: Tamales three ways at Dino's, 654 N. McLean, (901) 278-9127.

24: A M breakfast appetizer at Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen, 712 W. Brookhaven Circle, (901) 347-3569.

25: Devil's Nest Soup at Tao Too Asian Eatery, 2072 West St., Germantown, (901) 737-3988.

26: New Orleans doughnuts at Gibson's Donuts, 760 Mt. Moriah, (901) 682-8200.

27: Sausage po' boy at DeJaVu Restaurant, 936 Florida, (901) 942-1400.

28: Prozac cupcake at Muddy's Bake Shop, 5101 Sanderlin, suite 114, (901) 683-8844.

29: Mojo cookies at River Oaks Restaurant, 5871 Poplar, (901) 683-9305.

30: Bibimbap at Kwik-Chek Food Store, 2013 Madison, (901) 274-9293.

31: Duck confit grilled cheese at Automatic Slim's, 83 S. Second, (901) 525-7948.

32: Jalapeño chips at Flying Fish, 105 S. Second; (901) 522-8228.

33: Onion loaf at Corky's Ribs & BBQ locations, including 5259 Poplar, (901) 685-9744.

34: Banana cream pie at McEwen's on Monroe, 120 Monroe, (901) 527-7085.

35: Sticky toffee date cake at Acre Restaurant, 690 S. Perkins, (901) 818-2273.

36: Chilaquiles with fried eggs at Taqueria la Guadalupana, 4818 Summer, (901) 685-

6857.

37: Fried catfish at Soul Fish Cafe locations, including 862 S. Cooper, (901) 725-0722.

38: Desayuno (a savory breakfast pastry) at Caminos de Michoacan, 3896 Macon, (901) 458-5550.

39: Paletas, any flavor, at La Michoacana, 4091 Summer, (901) 555-1234.

40: Bourbon Street chicken at Buckley's Fine Filet Grill, 5355 Poplar, (901) 683-4538.

41: Coconut cake at Café Palladio, 2169 Central, (901) 278-0129

42: Pancho's cheese and hot dips at Pancho's, 717 N. White Station, (901) 685-5404.

43: Stuffed jalapeño peppers at Fuji Cafe, 875 West Poplar, (901) 854-7758

44: Potato chips with blue cheese dip at The Majestic Grille, 145 S. Main, (901) 522-8555.

45: Shrimp and grits at Sweet Grass, 937 S. Cooper, (901) 278-0278.

46: Gyros at Jr's Fish and Chicken (formerly Castle Restaurant), 3992 Park, (901) 320-1020.

47: Meatloaf at Peggy's Heavenly Home Cooking, 326 S. Cleveland, (901) 474-4938.

48: Cinnamon toast at Otherlands, 641 S. Cooper, (901) 278-4994.

49: Original steak sandwich at Jack Pirtle's Chicken locations, including 1370 Poplar, (901) 726-6086.

50: Sampler breakfast at Bryant's Breakfast, 3965 Summer, (901) 324-7494.

51: Onion rings at the Belmont Grill, including 4970 Poplar, (901) 624-6001.

52: Amazing Island club sandwich at Bardog Tavern, 73 Monroe, (901) 275-8752.

53: Chicken and waffles (Friday lunch) at Felicia Suzanne's, 80 Monroe, (901) 523-0877

54: Banh xeo, or Vietnamese pancake, at Shang Hai, 1400 Poplar, (901) 722-8692

55: Roasted sea bass on black Thai rice with soy beurre blanc at Tsunami, 928 S. Cooper, (901) 274-2556

56: South Side Italian sausage sandwich at Wiseguys Chicago Pizza and Sandwiches, 5441 U.S. 51 N., Horn Lake, (662) 342-5334

57: Southern eggs Benedict with blackened catfish and Creole hollandaise at Rizzo's Diner, 106 G.E. Patterson, (901) 523-2033

58: Spanikopita omelet at Brother Juniper's, 3519 Walker, (901) 324-0144.

59: Pizza, your choice, at Trolley Stop Market, 704 Madison, (901) 526-1361.

60: Barbecue pizza at Coletta's Restaurant locations, including 1063 South Parkway E., (901) 948-7652.

61: Around the World pizza at Pete & Sam's Restaurant, 3886 Park, (901) 458-0694.

62: Irish breakfast at The Brass Door, 152 Madison, (901) 572-1813.

63: French fries trio at Fuel Café, 1761 Madison, (901) 725-9025.

64: Yellowjack with Gulf shrimp, heirloom tomatoes and harissa cafe au lait at Restaurant Iris, 2146 Monroe, (901) 590-2828.

65: Shrimp and chive dumplings at dim sum at Asian Palace, 5266 Summer, (901) 766-0831.

66: Brie and fresh pear sandwich at Café Eclectic, 603 N. McLean, (901) 725-1718.

67: Moussaka at Casablanca, including 1890 Germantown Pkwy., (901) 433-9712.

68: Louisiana-style calamari at Jim's Place, 518 S. Perkins Ext. (901) 766-2030.

69: Ahi tuna tacos at Boscos, 2120 Madison, (901) 432-2222.

70: Bananas Foster at Frank Grisanti's Restaurant, 1022 S. Shady Grove Road, (901) 761-9462.

71: Mul-naengmyun at DWJ Eastern Grill & Sushi Bar, 3750 Hacks Cross Road, (901) 746-8057.

72: Crème brûlée at Café Society, 212 N. Evergreen, (901) 726-9212.

73: Fried green tomatoes at Miss Polly's Soul City Café, 154 Beale St., (901) 527-9060.

74: Macaroni and cheese at Interim, 5040 Sanderlin, (901) 818-0821.

75: Macaroni and cheese at Mollie Fontaine Lounge, 679 Adams, (901) 524-1886.

76: Banh-you, banh-mi sandwich at The Elegant Farmer, 262 S. Highland, (901) 324-2221.

77: Sock it to Me cake at Neely's Bar-B-Que, 670 Jefferson, (901) 521-9798.

78: Baklava (served warm) at Petra Café, including 1560 Union, (901) 722-4040.

79: Flan at VGM Foods & Deli, 6195 Macon Road (901) 937-7798.

80: Elote con cotija y mayonesa at Los Tortugas Deli Mexicana, 1215 South Germantown Road, Germantown (901) 751-1200.

81: Hot wings at Ching's Hot Wings, 1264 Getwell, (901) 743-5545.

82: Fresh vegetable plate at The Grove Grill, 4550 Poplar, (901) 818-9951.

83: BBQ shrimp appetizer at Memphis Barbecue Co., 709 DeSoto Cove, Horn Lake, (662) 536-3763.

84: Bagels at Sharon's Chocolates & Bread Cafe (Saturday only) at 2881 Poplar, (901) 324-4422.

85: Salad plate at Calvary Waffle Shop (during Lent only); 102 N. Second, (901) 525-6602.

86: Chicken salad at La Baguette French Bread & Pastry Shop, 3088 Poplar, (901) 459-0900.

87: Hot fudge pie at Westy's, 346 N. Main, (901) 543-3278.

88: Deep-fried ribs at 10 Bones BBQ, 5960 Getwell, Suite 126, (662) 890-4472.

89: Ribs at Cozy Corner, 745 N. Parkway, (901) 527-9158.

90: Rib tips at Tom's Bar-B-Q, 4087 New Getwell; (901) 365-6690.

91: Hummus with ground meat at Mango Restaurant, 2733 Getwell, (901) 369-4334.

92: Hummus at Sean's Café, 1651 Union; (901) 274-3917.

93: Love Boat at Edo Japanese Restaurant, 4792 Summer, (901) 767-7096.

94: Banana pudding cheesecake at Stone Soup Cafe, 993 S. Cooper, (901) 308-2349.

95: Papa's Pimiento cheese (with jalapeño is good, too) at Holiday Deli & Ham, including 2087 Union, (901) 881-6433.

96: Firecracker corn dip at Patrick's Steaks & Spirits, 4972 Park, (901) 682-2853.

97: Lacy Special at Little Tea Shop, 69 Monroe, (901) 525-6000.

98: Mexican shrimp cocktail at El Mezcal Mexican Restaurant, 402 N. Perkins Road, Memphis; (901) 761-7710.

99: Gelato cake at YoLo Bakes at 6 S. Cooper; (901) 343-0438.

100: Cheese fritters at Amerigo Italian Restaurant, 1239 Ridgeway, (901) 761-4000.

100 Things to Eat in Memphis: Wiseguys Chicago Pizza's South Side Italian Sausage Sandwich

Check out our visit to Wiseguys Chicago Pizza in Horn Lake, Mississippi.

It too is on the 100 Things to Eat in Memphis list.  You're supposed to get the South Side Italian Sandwich.  

It took us a little while to find this place, thanks to a certain person's directions mishap.  That person will remain nameless.  

My parents came with us, so we got to sample more than just the sandwich.  

Basically, everything here is good.  Really really good.  The first picture is of the sandwich.  My parents got the Junk Yard Style Pizza.  

The place looks like a house from the outside, so when you turn to get to it, you'll probably think you're headed to a house.  Well, you kinda are.

The inside is decorated in all kinds of Chicago memorabilia.  They also have room outside for kids to play.  

One bad thing:  The service.  While everyone was really nice, there was major disorganization.  It took us a long time to get our pizza and food.  They warn you that the pizza will take 25 minutes, but it's like they forgot to cook our other stuff, so I had to wait for my sandwich about 10 minutes after my parents' food had arrived.

If you've got 2 hours to spare, check this place out.  Enjoy!

100 Things to Eat: Wiles-Smith Drug Store

Get the best milkshake in Memphis while you can!  Wiles-Smith Drug Store is closing.  :(

Luckily for me, I got to try a milkshake before they closed.  This place and the milkshakes is on the 100 Things to Eat in Memphis list, so it's very important that you stop by before November.  

When you walk into this place, you step back in time.  They still have the hooks up by the booths so jackets can hang neatly next to patrons as they eat.   The service is very friendly.  The milkshakes are amazing.  This place is perfect.  

I hate that it's closing the doors.  

Check it out before it's too late.

How cool is my school?

Together, we can achieve the impossible.  Sounds super cheesy, right?  But it's true.  Today, the faculty at my school got to see that in action.  Together, we were able to move an 18,000 pound vehicle!  What!!!

My administration is great.  They did an amazing job setting this up!

5K Etiquette

Gibson 5K Start

Recently, I completed the Memphis Summer Race Series.  

It was 4 evening races throughout the city of Memphis.

Zoom through the Zoo (4 miles)

Harbortown 5K

Gibson 5K

Stars and Stripes 5k

For the most part, they were fun.

EXCEPT for the beginning of each race.

Every single race was difficult to start.  Unusually difficult.  I run a lot of 5ks.  These were the worst when it came to 5k etiquette. 

In truth, it was likely because there were many people running who had never done so in a race format before.  

Walkers and stroller pushers started at the beginning.  People tried to run in huddles.  

Each race was a mess at the start.  The worst BY FAR was Zoom through the Zoo.  I know I felt that way about the race.  It was confirmed by a group of people I was standing in front of waiting to use the restroom at Stars and Stripes.

So, I thought I'd make a list of the 5 bits of 5K Etiquette Advice.

1.  If you haven't run 3 miles in the last 6 months, get your butt to the back of the start.  

In every single race, I would be about a quarter of a mile in when people would start dropping like flies.  They would be panting, hands on hips, trying to figure out what happened.  

If you haven't been for a run in a while, you aren't going to magically be able to run a full 3.1 miles.  I admire you for trying, but don't slow down everyone else by being at the front of the runners.  

2.  If you have a stroller, get to the back!  

I witnessed a child get clipped by a stroller because some dude though the could just plow through the crowd with his 2 year old child in a stroller. 

What the heck?  You know that your timing chip will give you your accurate time.  Why would you try to be up in the huddle with your precious child.  It's not worth it.

Truly, I think strollers should be in a separate division and should have a separate start time.  Many races don't allow them.

3.  Don't wear perfume.

YUCK!  There is nothing worse than trying to take a deep breath while you run and being forced to inhale someone's awful Walmart perfume.  

A race is not the place for it.  We all stink.  Get over it.

4.  Don't wear the race t-shirt.  Everyone will know you're a newbie.

This doesn't really annoy me, but I thought I should share. 

No one who has ever participated in a 5k before actually wears the race shirt to the race they are running.  Just a little tip from me to you!

5.  Be an encourager.

I have told this story numerous times.  I was dying at the end of Zoom through the Zoo.  I wanted to walk.  A girl came up out of nowhere and just started cheering me on.  She was like, "You can do this! Finish strong!"  She completely changed my outlook.  I am forever grateful to her.

Sidenote: I tried to encourage a guy at my last race.  He was walking right at the end.  I was like, "You've got this!  Come on!"  He was clearly embarrassed.  Which was the exact opposite of what I wanted to do.  He started telling me about how he had just worked out legs yesterday and that it probably wasn't a good idea.  So, maybe you should just encourage people of the same gender.  I don't know.  Maybe it actually helped him.

Just do your part to help everyone get across that finish line!

Done!

Well.  I'm done with grad school.

For the most part.

I just finished my last assignment.  I have to present it Friday.  Basically, it's over.  Finally.

I now find myself feeling the way I did in May of 2006 when I graduated with my undergrad.

What now?

My degree is in instructional leadership.  My prayer is to one day work in administration.

It's not easy...at all...to get a job or even an interview for an administrative position.

So, how long do I wait?  1 year?  2 years?  5 years?  10 years?

I don't know.

I'm happy teaching.  I adore my school.  I'm just ready for a new challenge.

Patience is not my strong suit.

I know whatever is meant to be will be.

I hope my head can tell that to my heart.

Stitch Fix #2

Yay!  My second Stitch Fix arrived!

http://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3452408

In case you don't know what Stitch Fix is, it's a clothing service.

You go to the website that I've listed above, fill out a survey, pay $20, and wait for your Fix to arrive.

Once it arrives, you have three days to try on your stuff and decide if you like it.  If you do like one item, your $20 fee is applied to the clothing item.  

This is my second Stitch Fix and it was fun!

See my items below!

This is my favorite by far!  I would never pick this out, but I absolutely love it. 

The only thing I'm unsure about is the waistline.  I think I'm over that now though.  I'm keeping this.   

Okay.  The white pants and the shirt.  The pants are so comfortable,  but a little too tight.  The shirt was just okay.  It pulls in a weird way across my chest.

I like this shirt, but it's a little boring.  I don't know if I am keeping.

Denim Jacket - I really really like this.  I can' t decide.  I can get a denim jacket anywhere, but I love the cut. 

Scalp Psoriasis

I have scalp psoriasis.  Since high school, it has plagued me.

This is what my skin looks like under my hair...

This is not my head.  This shows what it looks like.  Fortunately, my hair covers all of mine. 

I itch CONSTANTLY.  If I scratch, I have flakes everywhere.  It's impossible for me not to scratch.  Michael has been trying to get me to stop for years.  It doesn't work.  The itch is that intense.

I have had embarrassing situations happen many times.  I'll wear a jacket with a hood in my classroom, go outside and put the hood up, and my flakes will go everywhere.  Several of my teacher friends have started noticing.

Basically, I can't wear anything dark on the top half of my body without fear of embarrassment or without being extra extra careful.

It was terrible when I was working in TV, because there's nothing better looking than a black blazer.  I had to be extremely careful and "dust" myself off during commercial breaks if I was anchoring and wearing dark colors.

I have tried numerous treatments from my dermatologist.  I think because my hair is so thick and it's so difficult to get to my scalp, all those treatments have failed.

I went back to the dermatologist a few weeks ago.  She gave me a new treatment.  I am determined to make it work.

I've also been watching youtube videos from people who've had a similar issue.

This girl has a lot of good advice.  She actually shaved her head to treat her psoriasis.  She says she found a remedy that would have not required head shaving.  Her story is cool.

So, I'm praying my psoriasis clears up.  I really want to start wearing black again!

100 Things to Eat in Memphis: Uncle John's

I'm just here for the bread pudding.  I am an ADDICT.  

So, when I saw that there was a new list of 100 places to eat in the Memphis area and that bread pudding was on that list, I had to jump in the car and get there as fast as I could.

This bread pudding is unique, because it's made with hamburger buns.  It gives it an extra extra fluffy feel.

It's pretty good.  I would put it in the top 5 I've ever had.  (The top spot, by the way, is Sucre in New Orleans.)

This post is from Spring Break, so it's been a minute since I visited Uncle John's in Crawfordsville, Arkansas.  

Second Line

Finally, Second Line, we meet!  I have really been wanting to try this place.  New Orleans is my favorite city, and this restaurant gets its name from a New Orleans' tradition.

Overall, the experience was cool.  The food was great.  My favorite was absolutely the appetizer...

The Star of the Show - Pimento Cheese Fries (Pimento cheese is just one of the many ingredients here.)

One problem I had, there was only like one highchair between both Second Line and Restaurant Iris next door.  There was a table using the highchair, but the kid wasn't in it.  So, we had to wait and wait and wait.  Finally, I went up to the table myself, because the hostess wasn't going to do so.  I asked if we could use the chair, and they said I could.  Still, as the customer, I don't think I should be the one dealing with that.  So, other than that minor annoyance, we had a delicious time.

Cup with Ticket

I've seen these on Pinterest, but this was my first one to see in person.  It was on the street with the restaurant. 

Break Pudding - Pretty Good

Just Okay Red Beans and Rice

Phenomenal Onion Rings

Ham and Cheese Poboy - I think.

Duh, Menu - The clipboard is cute. 

My father and ESPECIALLY my father-in-law would hate this sign.  

My Lunch Dates