Not exactly a spray tan

It began as any regular evening. I was walking Winnie around our neighborhood, as I do regularly during the week. As we rounded the corner to our street to end the walk, Winnie and I saw a white, furry animal. I wasn't sure what it was -- I only noticed how pretty I found it.

Then the adventure began. Winnie lunged toward the picturesque creature and starting pulling me with her. Startled, it turned around, raised its tail, and started spraying. I realized it was a skunk -- an ALBINO SKUNK (Yes, they exist. I Googled it.) and sprinted toward my house, pulling Winnie as she fought me in her effort to "go play" with another animal.

Thankfully we outran the stench, but I bet our street will be stankin' tomorrow morning. Consider this your warning, West Tupelo: Hold thy breath!

Spoiler Alert!

Anna and I went to Kroger to stock up on water before we left for RYM. Check out this tricked out spoiler we saw in the parking lot!

Tea and Tans

Lately...

I have discovered that it is time I stop shopping in the Junior's section. I have put on a few pounds (lame), and I guess my body has matured somewhat...Anyway, I have officially outgrown the Junior's section. When I told Kurt about my revelation, he responded, "Uh, yeah... you're 26 years old." Apparently it was obvious to him that I should wear adult clothes at, what I consider, a mere 26 years young. Oh well.

I also realized I don't like John Mayer's music anymore. His last few songs have been sub-par and just plain bothersome. Even when his old stuff comes up on the ol' iPod, I tend to change it (with the exceptions of "Find another you" and "Another kind of green"). I hope he hits a better stride soon. There's just no comparison between mediocre John Mayer and the amazing talents of Ryan Adams.

Last month Kurt and I took our junior high youth group to RYM in Florida. We are leaving on Monday to take our senior high youth back to the same conference. My favorite part about RYM is, no, not the food -- although it is good. It's not the seminars, although Kurt is teaching one, and it is sure to be a hit amongst the youth for the 2nd year in a row. It's not even the night out to eat good seafood and shop. I love RYM because it is AT THE BEACH! That's right, we get free time each afternoon to enjoy the sand and sea, sunbathing, and reading books. And this year, sunbathing is key. "Why?" you ask. Because I plan to be the victor in this year's Second Annual Tan-Off between yours truly and Drew Allison. He won last year, and I plan to win the rematch this year. I have spent lots of time in the sun this summer, so I believe I have a fair shot at this. I'll let you know when we lock arms and compare in August.

Guess what Winnie Claire's been up to lately? We have discovered she likes an array of snacks NOT designed for dogs. Pita chips and hummus, Cheez-its, pretzels, and gummy bears -- to name a few. The other day I took her with me while I drove to AT&T to pick up my iPhone 4 (wooty woot!). I left my car windows down so she could breathe in the sweltering July heat, and I was in the store 10 minutes maximum. I returned to find an empty 4-pack of Nutter Butter cookies and an empty cup where my tea once was. So, little Winnie girl might be British after all since she downed, albeit a lesser version, of tea and crumpets.

Tupelo Sighting: Champion

The Lawndale Presbyterian Church Youth Group Ultimate Uno Champion was recently spotted. She now only answers to Nighthawk, and will sign no autographs unless generously compensated.

2010 so far: A few of my favorite things

1. Reuniting with friends from college

Donkey Kong, Bowser, Mario

John, me, and Greg

The Noreds and me

Anna and Kel

2. Giving Winnie her birthday presents

3. My birthday breakfast from Kurty Poo

4. This dog I saw floating in my friend's pool

5. Graduates

My brother Ryan

My sister Brittany

My buddy Katie

6. Family

Granddad

Grandmom posing under a Corona sign: "Hey, my name is Martha, and I like to party."

(Granddad suggested I take this one!)

Cousin Katherine and Baby Nita

The Coopers

7. Purses, apparently

Long story...

8. Dancing

A thing of beauty

I commissioned a painting of Winnie. My friend Kathryn Wiggins, a professional painter, did it for me. I gave her a picture, and she must be magic because it looks EXACTLY like Winster.

Let me know if you want her information for a painting of your baby (pet or human). She's great!

Product placement

After complaining about Winnie's atrocious normal shedding habit, my friend Amy suggested the FURminator! It's a metal-toothed brush shaped like a large razor, and it really grabs the dog's undercoat. Brushing Winnie used to be a battle, but she loves that the Furminator gives her a good scratch!

Kurt, preparing for Furminate

Got my game face on

My baby girl

Kurt furminating Winnie (yes, in our kitchen...now we do it outside)

This is the result! It works!!

This brush can be pricey, but I got mine for half price on Amazon.com. Let me know if you get one!