The beauty of friendship.

Since I have quite a bit of free time lately, and she had a snow day from student teaching, one my best friends, Kristen Methvin and I decided to do a little shopping. Shopping was uneventful...frustrating as I quickly realized it's been too long since I went shopping, and I no longer recognize the "in" style. But I digress...

The important part of this story happens after shopping. Only Kristen and I can get into the most awkward situations that no one else thinks are awkward. Only we could have the most hilarious moments that no one else thinks are funny. Some of you, actually most of you, will read what I'm about to write and think, "That's not that bad..." but for us...it made the night.

Since we hadn't yet eaten dinner after shopping, didn't want to eat in the mall, and Kristen has a new iPhone with a handy-dandy Urbanspoon application, we decided to venture out to a previously undiscovered (by us) restaurant. We decided on Italian food, Kristen hit scramble (or whatever it's called in the application), and Naples Italian Restaurant popped up. We were off!

First and foremost, Google Maps is never as good as you think it is...especially as a GPS when driving. So, of course we got slightly lost for a few minutes. From West Town Mall it's 3.1 miles to Naples Italian Restaurant (yes, I just used Google Maps to figure that out, so it could possibly be a little off), so how did we get lost, you ask? Only us.

Back on track and still craving bread and Diet Coke, we continued on our way. After attempting to figure out how to park at Naples (there seems to be a small parking lot from what we could tell), I backed out of a not-so-inviting alleyway and parked in front of the furniture store next to the restaurant.

Before I continue, here's the review Kristen saw on Urbanspoon for Naples Italian Restaurant:

"Tantalizing daily specials--like lobster ravioli--from this Knoxville classic frequently voted Best Italian and Best Romantic Restaurant in Metro Pulse's Best of Knoxville reader's poll. Full bar. No checks."

(Metro Pulse Knoxville)

Yes, Kristen led me to the most romantic restaurant in Knoxville...I'm pretty sure she forgot to mention this part of the Urbanspoon review until we got there because we were both thoroughly surprised to be asked if we had reservations and equally sheepish when we replied no. There were tables available, however, so we were promptly seated.

As we perused the menu through dim mood lighting and ordered our slightly small glasses of Diet Coke, the first of the fur coats passed by. Now, I'm not an animal rights activist, but fur coats aren't exactly my style, and I don't think I've ever seen that many in one restaurant at the same time. Fox, mink, some blackish-brown animal...you name it, it was there.

The loaves of complimentary bread kept coming as we attempted to figure out if our slightly small glasses of Diet Coke that cost exactly $2.19, according to the menu, were eligible for free refills. When our meal arrived, the fits of giggles subsided, and Kristen volunteered to say our evening meal prayer.

As we bowed our heads to pray, the waiter decided it would be a perfect time to refill our water glasses. I heard the clink of ice in the glass and Kristen stopped speaking, so I glanced up thinking, "Oh, we'll just wait until he's done and then we'll finish the prayer." When I looked up, Kristen still had her head bowed, was trying desperately not to laugh, and I was left looking awkwardly at the waiter as he refilled our glasses. I quickly ducked my head back down over my plate and listened to him finish filling the glasses, as Kristen waited to continue praying. The giggles returned as soon as the prayer ended.

Okay, so like I said, to most of you reading, this situation probably isn't funny in the slightest.

The beauty of friendship is that it doesn't matter whether or not anyone else gets your jokes, feels your pain, or understands your quirks. Awkward moments are the spice of life, and having a good friend there to share them with you, only makes the lasagna taste better.

"A true friend is someone who thinks that you are a good egg even though he knows that you are slightly cracked."

(Bernard Meltzer-- American Radio Host)

Love and peace,

Amelia

P.S. In two days I turn 24...bring it on. :-)

New song.

While I was in Louisiana, Lilli Lewis of The Shiz recorded one of my new songs for me. Check them out and then check out my new song here or here.

It's called "Heartbreakin' Love."

Enjoy!

Also, I've changed my background to reflect my hope that spring will arrive soon. :-)

Love and peace,

Amelia

A bit of traveling.

By plane:

Nashville to Houston to Portland to Houston to New Orleans to Houston to Nashville.

Total:

Sparta to Nashville to Houston to Portland to Zigzag to Portland to Houston to New Orleans to Hammond to Baton Rouge to New Orleans to Houston to Nashville to Sparta to Cookeville.

Whew...I suppose I've done a bit of traveling recently. After a relaxing Christmas, I had a few weeks off before starting my new job, so I decided to visit some family I hadn't seen in a while.

First stop: Oregon

My uncle and aunt have a beautiful cabin up in the mountains close to a little town called Zigzag, and my dad, bro, and I headed up there to enjoy the peaceful serenity of falling snow and bright green trees. We spent some time snowshoeing, hiking, and skiing. I was pleased to discover that I still know how to ski...it had been over 10 years, but it was just like riding a bike, ha ha.

I played at an open mic night and my uncle backed me up on bass guitar. Always fun to play music in a new environment! We also had a chance to visit with my cousin, her husband, and two kids...loved seeing them and meeting Kai and sweet Waverly for the first time. :-)

Second stop: Louisiana

Though over half my family is from Louisiana, I hadn't been there to visit them in over 10 years (sad, I know). I figured it was high time for a visit, so I stopped there for a few days after Oregon!

I had a chance to tour LSU (one of my possible grad school choices) and visit with my family. I loved seeing all of them and meeting my new cousin Blake! Such a happy baby!

More music was played and recorded...I haven't figured out how to put that up, yet, but as soon I do, you'll hear it!

All in all, it was a great trip. It's been a while since I was able to travel, and of course, I remembered how much I loved traveling. Sometimes I don't even want to come home ha ha. There's just something about the thrill of seeing new things and creating new experiences. My spirit tends to become restless when I'm in one place for too long.

New job starts tomorrow...good things are happening. :-)

Peace and love,

Amelia

P.S. Check out a clip of my uncle and I playing "Hot Coffee and Turbulence" at the Skyway Bar and Grill here... http://www.youtube.com/user/amtritico.

Only one way to find out.

Once upon a time there was a girl, nix that, a young woman, trying to find her place in life. She looked to melodies and found beauty and comfort but never quite a sense of peace. She looked to cultures, learning to speak and interact as one of the locals, but she never quite felt at ease. She looked to the “dream”, trying to fit into the life so many others had sought before her and found nothing but despair.

She searched and searched, looking high and low, never keeping her balance for long. Then one day, she remembered that she used to know how to write. She dusted the cobwebs and sharpened her ax. Poems and songs, fiction and fact…the words began to flow. As the ink dried and ideas emerged, she viewed life from a different perspective.

A comma goes here, no “it’s” not possessive, a lot is two words, and definitely only has one correct spelling: her eyes had new vision. Writing became an art, and she became an artist.

As she fell more in love with the paper and pen, she began to have questions. “Do people even read anymore?” she thought, “Would my words even be welcomed?” They were difficult questions with no clear answer. Difficult questions that needed a concrete response. “Is there room in the world anymore for loving what you do and doing what you love?” she mulled.

Only one way to find out.

Love and peace,

Amelia

P.S. Never pay more than $5 for sunglasses. :-)