The Black Family

Holiday Flurry

2010-01-07T19:51:00.000-08:00

The holidays have come and gone in a flurry. Suddenly the presents are all opened, the parties over, the Christmas tree down, and my oh my it is a new decade! In the midst of the holiday bussle I wrapped up employment at one law firm and have as of this week begun my first true attorney job at Nahon Saharovich and Trotz, a plaintiff's firm specializing in personal injury law. I'm currently immersed in training, and am already loving the office and awesome team environment that I'll be working in. But more of that for another post, and back to the holidays...

First off, we had a wonderful time celebrating Christmas with family in Knoxville. December 24th was spent with Trav's side of the family at Bib's house. There we ate dinner, exchanged gifts and even sang a little karaoke (including Redneck Woman with the Wake ladies). Later that same evening we headed to Sandy Love's house (see above photo) for the annual Love/Coffey/Spencer/Copeland Christmas Eve party. It was fun (as always) and complete with a Merry Christmas from the family sing-a-long and the requisite Earth Wind and Fire.

Christmas morning was spent with Dad, Betty, the syblings, my fabulous Granny Zelma, sweet Uncle Dick and his precious god-daughter CJ. We dined on the most incredible breakfast pizza (I need this recipe), sipped mimosas, then opened presents and our stockings (which Betty is a rock-star at assembling).

Next stop on the Christmas train was Mom and Gary's house for Christmas dinner and more presents. Things were a little out of the ordinary this year, however, because my sweet mother was recovering from hand surgery due to a laceration that had became infected about a week prior. Mom had to let go of orchestrating the event and turned things over to my step-dad Gary while she was in recovery. I must say that Gary did a great job cooking Christmas dinner with the help of Mr. Kennerly (and only a teensie bit of oversight from Fifi/Mom). We dined on goose, ham, and all sorts of other yummy sides. While opening gifts, Mom and Gary surprised me with a beautiful piece of artwork by Knoxville artist Robin Surber, the piece was personal to me and contains symbols of so many of the things that make up my new home with Travis.

After spending Christmas with my mom, we stopped by Granny Jewel and Pappy Ed's. Because of Granny Jewel's on-going sickness, they had been unable to come to mom and Gary's. Granny and Pappy were having a good day, and Granny has actually been able to walk short distances with assistance and some supervision. They opened their presents and we enjoyed hearing about life in the "old days" (of which I could never tire listening).

Christmas evening concluded at Trav's mom and dad's home in Halls. There we were able to spend some quality time with his immediate family by relaxing, catching up, and opening our stockings. Ruthie, David, and Trey are seriously the sweetest, most down-to-earth in-laws a girl could have, and I love how I can completely be myself with them.

The rest of Christmas break was spent sitting with my sweet mom as she continued to heal and one fun night out to celebrate Leighann's 27th b-day. We went out with Knoxville girls Julie and DeeDee, Stacy from Charleston (one of the funniest girl's I've ever met), and my bff and ex-roomie CJ - an awesome photog living in Atlanta. Dinner with them was at the not so sophisticated but ohhh sooooo good Wasabi - a little bit of a tradition for Leighs and I, when I'm in town. LA was thoroughly embarrased by our "Japanese" chef and yes they made her wear a hat while singing their birthday song.

We returned to Memphis the next day, and I finished up my final week at the old law firm. New Years was rang-in in Oxford with the Joiners, Pittmas, and Sarah Beth. We had reservations at 208, but over dinner I came down with some crazy nautia/sickness and had to leave before even eating my third course (and no I'm not prego). Thankfully, Trav consented to stay out and had a great time celebrating with everyone. He even had a celebrity siting (Joey Lauren Adams - think Chasing Amy or Big Daddy) at City Grocery.

I was definitely bummed that I missed the festivities (including most of my price fixed four course meal - grrrrrr), but ce'st la vie (and the grouper and cheese grits were just as tasty next day)... Thankfully whatever I had didn't last too long and I felt much better New Years day. The rest of the long weekend was spent at home catching up on some much needed R&R...before my first day at NST on Monday. The holidays were indeed a massive whirlwind, but such is life. And so begins 2010...

European Celebration

2009-10-27T20:41:00.001-07:00

October has been a month for celebrating. October 14th we flew to Munich for a European vacation and stayed with my friend Luisa and her boyfriend Bjorn. They were the most warm/welcoming hosts and truly spoiled us with their hospitality during our stay. Luisa must get it from her mom and dad who had us over for an authentic German dinner on our first night - Homemade potatoe soup followed by Schweinerbraten and Knodel (ie. pork roast with giant dumplings and gravy - so yummmmm). Below is a photo from dinner with the Lazavoricis.

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On Friday Travis and I toured Munich. The day was cold with snow flurries(!) but we bundled up and walked comfortably all over the city.

Early that evening I tried to keep my anxiety in check as I awaited the results of the TN Bar Exam. At 5:30 just as our beer tour was begining under the Glockenspiel our cell phone rang - it was my dad with some of the best news I've ever heard in my life -- I passed!!!

We celebrated that evening with a tour of Munich's finest brew houses, like the Pauliner (to the right - where we received an awesome behind the scenes tour of the art of German beer making).

The next day we headed to Salzburg, Austria for a tour of the city, where Motzart was born and scenes from the Sound of Music were filmed (shopping was not bad there either, and much less crowded then the more metropolitan Munich).

Sunday we departed Munich for Paris. It was there that we realized how truly fortunate we had been to have had Luisa and Bjorn to navigate us through Munich and Salzburg - when my German language skills were not up to par.

We got a little, okay a lot-a lost, our first day in the city. But when we finally found our hotel after numerous wrong turns - we were so pleased. It was the Hilton Arc de Triumphe, and the rooms and staff there were fabulous! To the left is a picture of the gorgeous view from our hotel window overlooking the courtyard.

Paris was packed full of as much sight seeing as you could possibly imagine over the next 36 hours.From the Louvre to the Seine to the Eiffel tower to the Arc De Triumphe to Notre Dame - and all the wonderful restaurants in between (whew!) it was a magically magnificent trip of a life time.

Our final evening was capped off with the most romantic dinner cruise on the Bateaux Parisien down the Seine. The boat was enveloped in glass so you could take in the city at night, and dinner was a fabulous three course meal served with two bottles of wine. It ended in front of a twinkling Eiffel tower. I could not have imagined a better trip...

Labor Day on Rocky Top

2009-09-11T14:44:00.001-07:00

So it has been a while since my last post, but in my defense the month of July was consumed entirely with bar prep (results to come in October!!!), and I honestly have no idea what I did in August but fall is in the air and I am baack! Last weekend I went into Knoxville for UT's 1st game of the season (Go big Orange), labor day and my 10 year reunion! Travis had to work, but I had a great time hanging out with my sissy, high school peeps, and family (including my adorable little niece Addie)! Here are a few pics from the weekend (and hopefully more to come - since I forgot my camera and am relying on downloads from other people- travesty I know!)

Leighann and I at the game

My step-brother Scott and I (he is the most die hard Vol fan you've ever met and an absolute sweet heart)

Betty, Leighann, Debbie, and I

My niece Addie (Andrew and Priscilla's little girl) and I - do you not just want to bite her??? She is the cutest little doll baby ever!

Fourth of July

2009-07-09T20:17:00.001-07:00

We spent a fabulous fourth with Trav's family in the mountains. Bob and Debbie found a cabin big enough for the entire Wake clan, and we had a wonderful time relaxing and catching up with everyone. Below is a picture with all my female in-laws (and Trey's girlfriend Olivia - future in-law maybe??? She is an absolute sweetheart). From left to right: Lauren, Cheryl, Debbie, Bib/Granmommy, Janet, Ruthie (my mother in law), Olivia and Me.

My brother-in-law Trey, Travis, his cousin Chase, and Chase's buddy Russell enjoying the mountain view...

While the mountains are breathtaking, the cabin had Golden tee, old school Pac Man, pin ball, air hockey (which apparently I'm much better at than golden tee), a pool table, and movie theater... needless to say we were easily distracted from the outdoors...

A new Wake family tradition is a dice game called LCR... Debbie organizes a game whenever family is together. Neither Travis nor I have ever won, but....the dice were on our side and the Blacks dominated by winning the pot two out of three games. We were seriously excited about our $92 one dollar bills (yes I'm fanning myself)...

Beautiful shot of the Smokies Debbie took. My goodnees East Tennessee is gorgeous....

Santa Fe

2009-06-13T13:45:00.000-07:00

Earlier this month I visited Santa Fe, New Mexico with Travis' grandmother "Bib," his aunts Debbie, Cheryl, and Janet, Bib's friend (and my new-found buddie) Gerrie, Debbie's friend Ginger, Ginger's sister Dana, and Dana's daughter Tara. I had such a fabulous time with all these ladies, but of course that was to be expected when you give a group of girls fabulous food, plenty of wine, and lots of shopping! But it amazed me how female comradery can extend beyond generations (we ranged in age from 28-80). I learned on this trip that there truly is a common thread of sisterhood that runs through all women. I've always felt that with my relationship with my grandmother, but to see how such goes beyond even blood relations is truly inspiring.

From Left to Right: Bib, Debbie, Cheryl, Moi, Dana, and Tara.

Debbie (travel planner extrordinaire) and Cheryl
Ginger, Janet, and Cheryl

Sweet Gerrie and my fabulous Grandmother-in-law Bib (watch out these girls are trouble)!!!

I love to travel (even in the backseat of a rental van). Looking forward to our trip next year - hint hint Deb ;)

As for Santa Fe itself...below are some of my favorit images from the trip:

The landscape in New Mexico is breathtaking. I felt like I was in another world while I was there. And there is a peacefulness to the air that you can't explain. This photo was taken at Ghost Ranch, where Georgia O'Keeffe lived some of her adult life.
I also had the chance to visit the Georgia O'Keeffe museum, located in downtown Santa Fe, which has a wonderful collection of her lifes works. Above is one of her paintings of the New Mexico landscape.

My favorite street in Santa Fe was Canyon Road. Canyon Road is Santa Fe's art gallery district, which is home to literally 100s of galleries. Santa Fe is reported to have the second largest art market in the US. Janet and I spent an entire afternoon touring galleries, and I could have easily spent another full day (or two) on this road alone.

Outside another gallery on Canyon.

San Francisco de Asis Church in Taos.

The patio at Luminaria, where we enjoyed lunch. Located in the Loretto hotel which is next door to the Loretto Chapel, famous for the chapel's staircase that some say was built by a divine miracle.

The courtyard at my favorite restaurant in Santa Fe La Casa Sena/ La Cantina. Fabulous food and wonderful ambiance (inside and out).

All About Travis

2009-05-28T20:28:00.000-07:00

May has been an eventful month for Travis. Not only did he turn 28 but he also finished the Memphis in May Triathalon. Roxy and I came out to support him, and we were so proud of our man. His finishing time was great (just at 3 hours), and we cant wait to see him rock it next year! Also, as mentioned...last Sunday (May 24th) was his birthday, for which we hosted some friends to celebrate (so sad I didnt get any pictures, but we had such a wonderful time). Happy 28 Travis!!!! I love you!!!!

Graduation Weekend

2009-05-11T18:18:00.001-07:00

I was so pumped to have my family together and on my turf this past weekend to celebrate my graduation!

Mom and Gary came in early and took us out for a great dinner just the four of us. My mom is seriously the most beautiful and the sweetest woman in the world. I love her sooo much!!!

I'm about to open one of my graduation gifts and posing with Mom, Gary and the Rox.

My beautiful new brief case! Perfect for the courtroom!

On Saturday Dad, Betty, Leighann and Traver flew in from Knoxville. That night we all went out to dinner at Itta Bena. The place is seriously my new favorite restarant in Memphis. It was perfect, and we had so much fun!

Posing with mom and dad! My parents are the best - and I love that they all get along!!!

Bob and Debbie came to celebrate too (Debbie is on the far left next to Mom). Deb and her husband Bob live in Memphis, and we love having them in town. They do so much for Travis and me. I'm taking a girls trip to Santa Fe and Taos with her and the other ladies in Trav's family this June. I can't wait! Its going to be nice to take a little break from studying for the bar.

My husband is such a hottie (grrrr)!

Mom, Leighs, Me, Debbie and Betty - posing like prom...

Me with Leighann and Daddy outside BB Kings - love the night lights...

Sipping on a bucket at Silky's - Traver's face is classic!

Travis and I outside at Silky's (notice we are still working on that diver)

Riding the trolley on Main before graduation. I love this photo.

Brunch with the moms (it was also Mother's day - I wish my head wasn't blocking out Fifi aka Mom)

In the Canon Center before graduation - I made everyone get there an hour and a half early. They might have hated me slightly for this, but they had great seats.

The Gitschlag/Copeland/Madden/Black crew posing post ceremony. We have four last names, but we are all family (awwwwww - so cheese :) I love it!)

At Wilson Air Center, about to say goodbye (except my Momma got to stay an extra day - loved having her all to myself a little on mother's day)...

G'bye family - Love y'all!

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes...

2009-05-08T14:34:00.000-07:00

Finished law school this Wednesday with my last exam, and graduation is this Sunday (pics to come). So I'm feeling a little reflective... What does completion of this milestone mean for me and for the rest of my life? How has it changed me? As for what the future holds, I'm not sure, and I'm trying to predict that sort of thing less. One thing I do know for certain is completing law school and getting married have changed me (for the better I think). Here are the top ten changes I feel I've made over the past three years (in no particular order):

1. I am more punctual
2. I'm not afraid to speak in public
3. When I sleep in it's till nine instead of noon
4. I procrastinate less
5. I cook more
6. I can impress my husband and family with my use of legaleze (I can also annoy my husband and friends with my legal analysis of every issue I spot in movies or tv shows..."you see there is no way that was a valid contract because...." -- I can't help it!)
7. I shop for great suits more than bohemian trends and have let go of wearing mini skirts and sunglasses on my head (at all times)
8. I am lesss apologetic and more assertive
9. I have a clearer understanding of and appreciation for all that my parents have given me
10. I try to pray daily and trust God fully

Kinder Surprise

2009-04-13T20:09:00.000-07:00

These chocolate eggs were my absolute favorite when I was a little girl, and my parents would always buy me a tray full of them whenever we went out of the country. Anyhow, my Dad took a trip to London the week before Easter, and found the following in the duty free store. He bought one each for my sister and me to share with our hubbies of course for Easter! The egg man is filled with eight kinder surprise, and I literally devoured them all in two days - no help from Travis. It is seriously the best chocolate ever, and I still love putting together the little toys that come inside. I've always wondered why they dont sell these in the U.S. I mean you can find them in Canada... Anyways its probably for the better, because I would be absolutely fat if I could buy kinder chocolates whenever I wanted!

April is off to a fun start

2009-04-08T19:43:00.000-07:00

Travis and I went to a Grizzlies game this weekend. My boss had some tickets they weren't using and gave them to us. I was so excited because they were playing the Mavs that night, which is my favorite team in the NBA. The Mavs lost, which was shocking! The Grizz are by no means the best team in the league, but they played really well that night - I was even starting to cheer for them a little at the end. The highlight of the night for Travis was when he caught a parachuting fedex t-shirt; he got to it before the little boy sitting across the aisle from him could - so proud of you babe show em' how it's done!!! This weekend we're going to a Red Birds game with our friends Chris and Crystal. Who knew I was such a sports fan!

Sole opened last Friday, and business their first week has been great! I can't wait to see the shop first hand when I get to Knoxville in May. Here are some pics from the store:

Sole in the city

2009-03-12T22:18:00.000-07:00

It's official my step mom Betty and her friend Debbie Cunningham have purchased a women's shoe store in Knoxville! What was formerly known as Talloni will be Sole in the City (I'm calling it "Sole" for short) as of April 1st. It's next door to Kristi, Pam Kelly, and Gift and Gourment. Betty and Debbie are currently in negotiations with various designers, and Leighann and I have been full of suggestions ...imagine that. Can we say I would so love a pair (or ten) of Christian Loubitans... I will keep you updated though as I learn more. If you have any suggestions regarding brands that you love let me know!!!

It's Bathtime Roxy...

2009-02-25T12:17:00.000-08:00

So I gave Roxy a bath last night, but before I could get her in the tub I had to catch her. The above clip is a glimpse into my life when Roxy goes psycho. Trav thought the entire scene was too funny so rather than help corner her, he decided to capture the moment on his phone. Enjoy!

2009-02-17T20:32:00.000-08:00

My sister Leighann and her husband Traver just moved into a new home in Knoxville. She is still in the decorating stage, and I have been incessantly asking her to send me pictures via her blackberry as often as possible. Their house is totally new, so Leighann really wanted to find ways to give the place some character. Leighann loves art, and she commisioned Knoxville based artist Robin Surber to do a painting on her venta-hood. To the left is the final product (I'm sorry the color of the photo isn't better, but its a picture from a text message). Anyhow, I think the work turned out so well and the best part is that the piece is removable and can be taken with her to her next home. What a fabulous way to individualize her kitchen!

2009-01-30T11:49:00.000-08:00

My sweet Granny Jewel is not doing very well. She went into the hospital earlier this week following a fall at her home. Since entering the hospital it appears that things have taken a turn for the worse and her body seems to gradually be shutting down. My family is arranging for hospice services to come to her home as soon as she is allowed to leave the hospital. In light of this, I have decided to fly home this weekend so I can spend some time with her.

As many of you know, Granny Jewel has been a constant ray of light in my life.

Granny Jewel was born on a farm in Crossville, TN in 1929, she was one of 13 children. As a little girl she worked with her siblings on the land, tilling fields, feeding chickens and milking cows. Because her help was needed at home, Granny's formal schooling was limited, and she never passed the sixth grade.

She wore hand me down clothes, and would walk barefoot to church with dress shoes in hand - her only pair for the year. Enduring the rocky road beneath her small feet, she would put the shoes on at the last moment so they would shine when she walked through the church door.

In her teens she found employment at a textile mill placing spools inside the machine with her tiny hands. It was at the mill she met her future husband. Ed Lowe spotted Jewel across the workroom and was struck instantly by her startling blue eyes and thick auburn locks. It was love at first site, and they eloped at 16.

Their first child, my uncle Gary, came two years later. He would be followed by five more (Tommy, Jimmy, Phyllis, Mike, and Linda). Linda was born with down-syndrome. She died at age two, which rocked Jewel to the core, but Jewel persevered. After all she still had four boys and another little girl that needed her.

Granny Jewel threw herself completely into commandeering the home. Her daughter Phyllis (my mother) clung to her heels. The bond between this mother and daughter pair was profound. Phyllis became Jewel’s best friend and solace. The little girl cooked, cleaned and sang with her mother, and Jewel spoiled her daughter with all the luxuries she had lacked growing up like pretty dresses, ruffled socks and patent leather. She taught the girl that true beauty came from within like laughter, and together mother and daughter laughed often.

At fifty my Pappy Ed suffered his first heart attack. For him this was a catalyst to focus on the things in life that really mattered, like his marriage to Jewel. The children had left the nest, and they were left to re-learn one another. Today they are best friends, and it is a beautiful thing to watch the big strong Pappy Ed dote so tenderly over her.

Jewel’s health has suffered too, but like my Pappy she often seemed invincible - fighting through whatever ailment life would throw at her. She has endured cancer, stage II diabetes, a heart attack, and more. Until now its seemed that not even old age could pull down the sturdy farm beauty.

Granny Jewel has taught me so much. How to laugh through your struggles and to smile through your pain. How to forgive those who wrong you and how to live and love fiercly. She has taught me how to give, as well as how to be strong, fighting, and still full of love. I know I could go on and on, naming the things I have learned from her and the way she has shaped my life. I love her so much more than words could ever adequately express.

Please be praying for her as she endures this chapter in her rich life. Pray also for my family, especially my sweet Pappy Ed, as he must sit by and watch his beautiful bride go through something we will all go through one day.

In many ways, I dont want to acknowledge that this is real, that things are coming to an end. She has made it through so much before, and I cannot imagine her not being here, not persevering. Because that is who she is, thats what she has always done. So I ask all of you to pray for me to, as I struggle to comprehend and understand life's realities. Your prayers and your love are so greatly appreciated.

2008-12-15T19:31:00.000-08:00

I love the holidays! Especially the fantastic opportunity for crafting all sorts of projects they provide! Below are some photos from recent holiday endeavors!

This is my first ever attempt at crafting a real flower arrangement (like not just throwing some flowers in a vase but actually building an arrangement "made")! It was for a holiday themed wedding shower at my mom's house! Betty gave Leighann and me instructions (and was honestly the mastermind behind the project), but it turned out so well! We used cranberries, two dozen white roses, and greenery from the garden. I wish I had a picture of it from the party, but above is one from my camera just after we finished working on it in Betty's kitchen.

What's Christmas time without a Christmas tree? Above is our tree this year! I love the oversized gold stars!

I also made our own Christmas cards this year, and I think they turned out really well! I found some cool scrapbook paper and glued it to plain white card stock to give it some weight. Next I sized down the above photograph and attached it to the card. I then printed out a holiday message on red card stock and glued it to the bottom of the photo. Last, I punched two holes to the top of the card, threaded it with red ribbon and tied it in a bow. Voila! I'll try to take a pic of the finished product soon! Hope our friends and family liked them!

Halloween 2008

2008-11-03T09:20:00.001-08:00

Airline Pilot and Sarah Palin at Silk O' Sullivans! Travis would not stop with the pilot puns all night! He was too cute!!!

Dad and Betty as punk rockers - with studded jewelry, black nail polish and fake tatoos! If we had only found a long black wig for dad - they would have been a perfect Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne!

28 Things about Courtney at 28

2008-10-31T10:48:00.000-07:00

I've taken the plunge into blog land! And since today (HAPPY HALLOWEEN) is my Birthday, I thought this post was appropriate thanks to the dual occasion (First blog and 28th Birthday). My dear husband Travis is omitted from this first post, because in his words this event (the 28th birthday) will not apply to him until May 24th next year (yes, I robbed the cradle by approximately six months - and he will not let me forget it!). Enjoy!

1. I was born in Goldsboro, North Carolina at 8:06 pm on an Air Force Military Hospital. Growing up my mom would call me her little tar heel, which I hated - because my sister got to be a Yellow Rose of Texas - and that sounded much prettier than something made of tar!

2. I have trouble saying no! I love to make people happy and so I will volunteer sign up for just about anything if asked nicely! Some may call this a weakness, but honestly I hate feeling or being lazy. Staying busy makes me feel productive! I would choose having a zillion things to do every day over having nothing to do any day of the week!

3. I am obsessed with my dog Roxy! She is a shih tzu poodle mix and the spunkiest little thing you have ever seen. We cuddle every morning before I get out of bed, and she sleeps with her head on my pillow. My birthday present from Travis this year was a portrait of Roxy from artist Alina Kremer. You can visit her website at: http://www.alinakremer.com/

4. I am a law student, and plan to practice law when I graduate, but...It is my dream to write a book one day and see it published! I had two articles that I co-wrote published in an immigration law book this Summer, and I freaked out when I got a copy of the book! I also tried my hand at writing a children's book this Summer about my dog and all of her friends, but I hated the ending! Needless to say, I have a long way to go before I achieve this childhood goal of mine!

5. I love kids! People think this means I'm baby crazy, but really I just love children! Of course I want some of my own someday - but we're a few years off from that (right Travis!?!) Right now I'm just enjoying playing with all my friends little one! Like precious little Anna Banana!

6. I am not a morning person!

7. I have a love/hate relationship with public speaking - love the adrenaline you get afterwards, but hate the stage fright I am so cursed with!!! I've actually thought about joining toastmasters to try and harness my anxiety!

8. I have a huge family that is also hugely confusing! In high school my family looked a little like the Brady Brunch meets step by step x 2. I have one sister (Precious Little Leighs) and Five step brothers (Andrew, Adam, Will, Stephen, and Scott), and we are all close to the same age, some of us in the same grade at the same school! My sweet mother in law literally needed a diagram to figure out who was who!

9. I love diet coke and probably drink on average four a day. In fact I am drinking one right now.
10. I am a bleeding heart liberal who normally votes Republican. I have flip flopped so many times during this election - that even I am not sure who I will be voting for!

11. I love to sing (but I cannot carry a tune to save my life) This morning I was belting out Broadway classics from Annie and My Fair Lady in the shower! Travis is not so keen on my singing, but he loves my British accent!

12. I have a terrible diet, that I am would love to stabilize - but self control is not one of my natural attributes. I could honestly eat a chocolate chip cookie for breakfast, Doritos for lunch, and cinnamon rolls for dinner - in fact I probably have at one point. (Yes, definitely did the cinnamon rolls thing for dinner a few nights ago!

13. I love Halloween, and am so excited because Travis and I are actually going to dress up this year! I am going to be Sarah Palin and Travis is going to be an airline pilot. Growing up I have sported such costumes as: Dorothy, Pumpkin, Cabbage Patch Kid, Witch, Angel, Black Cat, and Spice Girl. Roxy will be a Pumpkin for the 3rd year in a row.

14. I grew up in the South but did not have a Southern Accent until I met my husband Travis. Gradually his "draaawwl" rubbed off on me! That's what I get marrying a boy from Halls :)

15. I have no idea what sort of law I will practice. Currently I work part time at a law firm that specializes in immigration law (which I love). I'm also externing at the Shelby County District Attorney's Office - downtown at 201 Poplar (which I also love). I never thought I would say this, but I love being in court! Things are fast paced and each day is totally different. There is no telling what I will be doing next year...

16. I always want to be able to travel. Growing up my parents worked for the airlines and we flew everywhere for free. I actually cried on my 23rd birthday when I lost my free flying privileges.

17. I am a UT Football fan (That's TN not TX, though from a fashion standpoint I prefer Texas orange). We are having a horrible year, but dressing up, drinking bloody marys, going to the game and singing Rocky Top still makes for a great time!

18. The Dallas Mavs are my NBA team of choice (I am NOT a fan of the Grizzlies).

19. My favorite thing to cook is pie! Apple, Pumpkin and Chocolate are my specialties.

20. According to Travis, I am "That Girl." Meaning - the girl who is always on her cell phone when driving. He asked my step mom to put a blue tooth in my stocking last Christmas (which I dont use as often as I should).

21. My favorite place to go with Travis on Saturday is the dog park in Germantown. Roxy is quite the social butterfly and we love watching her make new friends.

22. I love Sushi and so does Travis. Unfortunately our favorite sushi restaurants are not the same. Mine is SPR and his is Sakura in Germantown.

23. My favorite restaurants in Memphis are Spindini, Molly's La Cacita, Garibaldi's, and Mosa.

24. I love little craft projects. I am making our own Christmas cards this year and have even started a scrapbook. I would love to learn how to sew and make my own clothes! Presently I don't even know how to reattach a button.

25. Travis does most of the everyday cooking in our house, he is very picky when it comes to fat content and the sterile preparation of meat. I grew up cooking with butter and did not associate the term cross contamination with the kitchen until I met him! I must admit, however, that I have become much more germ conscientious since I got married!

26. When I was little my favorite movies were the Wizard of Oz, Annie, and Labrynth (starring David Bowie). I even named my teddy bear David Bowie (weirdo, I know!) which I still have till this day.

27. My middle name is Jewel, after my grandmother. Granny Jewel and I are extremely close and talk on the phone almost every day! If I ever have a little girl, her middle name will also be Jewel.

Travis and I with Granny Jewel and Pappy Ed

28. I am a Christian, and am amazed everyday by the miracles that I see God working - in my life and the lives of others.