Social Security

I'm apparently irresponsible. Somehow I managed to lose not only my social security card, but both of my girls' cards as well. So this morning I had the invigorating experience of spending three and a half hours in the social security office downtown. The system is screwed up and I could go on and on about how after waiting for an hour the other day, I was informed I didn't have the correct proof of ID, had to go back and wait two hours today, only to be put back in the waiting room because the guy could only issue two cards, I had to see someone else to get three... but that's not the point of this post.



While sitting in the rock hard chairs, I befriended a gentleman from the Phillipines. He and his wife and kids moved here to the states because of his job. It's a small world, because we realized he worked only minutes from where I live. He's lived all over the U.S. and has settled here in Mississippi. I asked him where his favorite place to live has been, and to my surprise he said right here in Mississippi. He mentioned how he wished that there were more museums and historical places to tour, but the fact that the people are so warm makes up for all of the state's shortcomings. I found that comforting. On paper, Mississippi may not seem so great, but in person it's the best.

The Subway Lounge

This month Delta Magazine ran a story I wrote on the Subway Lounge that used to be in the basement of the old Summers Hotel in Jackson. This story was so much fun to write because we all know how much I love Mississippi culture and the Subway was the epitome of pure Mississippi music and as I found out, holds a special place in the hearts of so many people in our state. I interviewed the owner, Jimmy King, and had so much fun listening to the memories he had to share. I had the pleasure of spending more than a few nights there before the doors closed a few years ago and I must say, it was like nothing I had ever seen. Such a fun place.

Now, on Saturday nights, Schimmels restaurant in Jackson transforms from upscale dining to a very "Subwayesque" atmosphere and you can hear the sounds of the Houserockers, the Subway's former house band.

So pick up a copy if you see one. I know Barnes & Nobles in Ridgeland sells them. The magazine itself is really great too!

The Rock

One of the coolest parts of our trip was visiting Alcatraz. My history buff of a husband was beside himself with excitement while we were there. I must say, it was very cool and a little eerie. Just to think that Al Capone along with lots of other very notorious and dangerous men spent years walking those grounds was incredible. Standing on the island, you can see in full view the bustling city. This must have been excruciating for those prisoners. One of the inmates on the video we saw said that one of the toughest things was to see what you can't have so close, but yet so far away. If you're ever in San Francisco, go tour Alcatraz. It was very interesting.

We're Back!

We arrived back in Jackson last night after a very, very fun trip to San Francisco and wine country. We had a really great time with some really great friends, but were very glad to be home and hug our babies. Here are a few pics:

The Golden Gate Bridge

Alcatraz - very cool

And we're off...

I'm really bad at doing anything besides spreading cheer during the holidays, so sorry I've not been posting...

I hope everyone had a great, merry Christmas. We had the opportunity to see lots of family and are completely worn out. BUT - we're off to San Francisco tomorrow for a little vacay with the Cruthirds. See ya on the flip side with lots of pics!

Happy New Year!