Big Nasty

Day 3: Indulge in the city's culinary delights (and, perhaps, debauchery).

This morning I enjoyed a truly divine breakfast with my son and husband. Hominy Grill, infamous Charleston eatery that's always visited by camera crews and travel writers. The outdoor courtyard became the spot for our indulgent behavior. First up: The "Big Nasty" (no need to explain this one- envision carbs (homemade biscuit) stuffed with fried (chicken, that is), smothered in gravy(packed with sausage and spices and love). Remorsefully gobbled up within seconds... Next to the table: the best Shrimp n' Grits in the lowcountry for our merry consumption. A tad tangier than others I've tried, but they always talk about the shrimp n' grits when Hominy Grill is featured, so we feel obligated to drool over it, too. Final course: Pulled straight from the special board, Braised Gold Shoulder Tamale with Coconut Hoppin' John...(insert sigh and bloated expression)

Oh, it was a breakfast to remember. I'll note that there's also delicious little folk-esque pottery on each table with delicious fruit jams...the locals are appreciative and never surprised, the tourists stand silently in line as they wait for their table and leave silently, stuffed.

Ideally, the August heat would have been weakened by the winds of Hurricane Bill's ascent on the northern coast...we needed at least a jaunt 'round the block to knock ourselves back into consciousness. No luck would find us, though, so we took our drowsy trip back home and went straight to bed for a glorious mid-morning nap.

Dinner (preceded by celebratory champagne in honor of a young and deliberate bride-to-be): Charleston Grill - an institution, a haven for foodies and jazz enthusiasts and culinary thrill-seekers. The menu is life-changing, the wine list is nothing short of bliss (and can be overwhelming without the help of sommelier Rick Rubin), the company I enjoyed was the perfect accompaniment. I'll encourage you to visit them soon for the "Dinner at Dusk" special...call Mickey for more info...you'll get more than you asked for (and it's worth it).

(Didn't make the cut: Charleston Pedicabs - Envision Cute C of C boys sporting Vans and thrift-shore tees and pulsating calves...could have been quite the thrill-ride for our girls-night out, although we opted for the less casual, roomier luxury SUV parked and waiting just past the bell stand. Nate, thank you for being the best driver I've had in Charleston, for entertaining us with brilliant trivia, and for taking our shenanigans with patience and grace.)

Late Night: Shine - new to the scene and outfitted for the modern-design-aroused Xers, this stylish spot offering "internaltional street fare" (complete will frilly bar menu) became our late-night locale. Flirting, loose tongue, affectionate banter...all taking place in a once-"ghetto" address waaaay down Upper King. Almost felt as if we'd turn the corner and be in Soho...but really, no. It's Charleston... and it's come a long way from it's colonial roots and rules.

Get out and enjoy yourself...there's much fun to be had in this holy city!

Goals accomplished:
1 - Chew Slowly as to enjoy every morsel
2 - Look my fellow diners in the eye and enjoy their conversation
3 - Take notes like any other travel/food writer would

Self-Absorbed and So Amazing

Day one: Humble attempt at recording my life’s moments in the hopes that I’ll learn something.

Perhaps I’m just hyper-sensitive (true), perhaps I’m just overdramatic (very true), perhaps I just have an over-stimulated imagination (quite possible)…I'm still waiting for that "aha" moment, that life-changing insight that jumpstarts everything. And I want you to accept me. I don’t care about you, your values, your interests…I simply want you to accept me and adore me and give me lots of undivided attention. This is who I am and this is the reason for this self-absorbed blog - to track my own life, my own experience and to hopefully (and faithfully) gain some insight into what life is presenting.

I’ve been migrating East for the last 12 years (my first adventure beginning shortly after leaving home after high school in 1997). I’ve been up, I’ve been down, I’ve been in danger, I’ve been around…fast forward to 2007…my friend-turned-boyfriend asked for me to be his wife, followed by a wedding 5 short months later, coupled with a change in jobs, followed by the news that we were expecting our first child (within 2 months of marriage), followed by buying (and building) our first home, followed by another job change (holding breath, sigh), all culminating to selling our house just a year after we moved in (without even putting in the market), and packing our lives in order to move homeward to our families …it’s been turbulent, exciting., and overwhelming, to say the least. Oh, I forgot to mention the most important detail of these past two years (with the exception of the birth of my son) – I recently turned 30.

Here I am, today - Life spinning ‘round my head in chaotic circles, my soul questioning every decision I’ve ever made…How did I get here and how could I escape (if wanted to)…I haven’t found what I’m good at, I’m out of shape, I’m longing for simpler days when it was just me and my cats (R.I.P. Maximus) and my one beloved credit card. Life is pressed upon me now with such a force that I cannot run away. And here I go…

Migrating again soon, but this time back “West”. My husband, my son, my cat, and all my memories areg being packed up, we're selling our house, moving in with the in-laws, and starting a new life in a new town in a new state with no friends and our share of debt and (I hope) enough faith, love, and trust to see us through.

This blog is the only way I know how to cope. When my son was born (no, really when I started dating my husband), I stopped writing in journals and began to internalize every emotion and every urge…I let go of anonymity and accepted the responsiblities that come with having and providing for a family. Now, I’m realizing that if I don’t find a way back to my inner self, I may impose ridiculous and detrimental tendencies on my child…something I’d rather not do.

So...Goals:

1 – Return to self

2 – Create a bucket list for Charleston, this beautiful and remarkable city that I’ll soon be leaving

3 – Allow myself to be happy

4 – Become a better wife, mother, friend

5 – Experience…every day

6 – Start a mild revolution (whatever cause that may be)

Oh,and...

7 – Be amazing