Cupcakes

People cannot help but smile when they look at a cupcake. In fact, I bet you smiled as soon as you saw the picture before you even read the blog post. I'm not sure whether it is the array of icings or assortment of colorful sprinkles that has a charming effect on people. On the other hand, maybe it is the prospect of being able to eat a delicious sweet treat. I came across an interesting quote about cupcakes which adds to the dessert's cheery and friendly qualities: "Friends are like cupcakes in my pantry of memories."
Feel free to comment and let me know what you think!    

The Holidays are in Full Swing

The Thanksgiving left overs are finished and the holiday has past in a blur. The malls are decorated with bright and sparkling Christmas decorations. Shoppers are arriving at stores in droves and shop with mixed emotions of cheer and stress as Christmas music plays over the loudspeakers in every store. People run through their wish lists and wonder what to get for Aunt Sue? How about Uncle Joe? Are my cookies good enough or do the neighbors expect a gift? The Christmas countdown as already began with a mere 22 days left. With 9 days left in the semester, students are worried about exams but eagerly ready to take the feat and finish the semester. Trees are up everywhere and brighten up peoples home's and store front windows. Christmas cakes, cookies, candies and every sweet imaginable are being popped out of ovens in kitchens everywhere. The Christmas season is in full swing and it really is "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!"


If you want to see the an example of the true Christmas Spirit watch these two videos of home Chirstmas lights synchronized to some of our favorite Christmas songs:
"The Most Wonderful TIme of the Year"

"Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree"

Robots Instead of Doctors?...hmm

As you can see from my favorite blog list, I am interested in working in the medical field, especially in the orthopedic field. Today in Communications class we discussed the pros and cons of robotic surgery opposed to regular surgery with human doctors. I thought this was a very interesting topic so I decided to share my thoughts and some of our discussion points:
Preparation for surgery does not consist only of surgeons "scubbing in" and nurses preparing clean tools and materials. Before surgery there are always consultation visits and opportunities to get to know your doctor. With a doctor you can build trust and form relationship before going into an operation. Yes there is a doctor behind the robot, but there is always the possibility of a technical errors and difficulties. A big issue, especially during to today's economic times would be that the robots are taking jobs away from hard-working, well educated doctors and nurses because in robotic surgery far less people are needed to execute the procedure.
There are always pros along with the cons and a huge bonus to robotic surgery would be the hygiene aspect. In the news we have all heard about tools, gauze and other material being left behind in a person's body and discovered later. With the robots, there are not any scissors or scalpels and all the work is done inside a small incision so germs in the air are less likely to get into the patient's body.
In my opinion, people will always prefer doctors and feel more comfortable relying on a person than a machine. Especially because many people young and old have a fear of technology and its many features.

"You've Got Mail!"

 It is a good feeling to pull an envelope out of the mailbox with your handwritten name on it. It doesn't matter if it is an invitation, announcement, birthday card or just a note from a friend or family member. Everyone loves to receive mail. 

Falcons Soar to Victory Over the Ravens

Last night, the Falcons played an amazing game against the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens are known for their tough defensive line and for heavy hitter Ray Lewis, but running backs Turner and Snelling continued to pound through the line to gain first downs. On the radio this morning, head coach Mike Smith described last nights game as one of the best games he has ever coached in his career. In the second quarter, Brian Finneran stripped the ball from the Raven's punt returner and allowed the Falcons to gain the ball back. Matt Ryan had an incredible game throwing for 316 yards and two touchdowns, but his skills were put to the test with a little over a minute left in the game. The Ravens were up for the first time all night 21-20 and the Falcons knew it was crunch time. They remained calm and collected as the confidently pushed for an 80 yard drive to get the game winning touchdown: a 33 yard pass to wide receiver Roddy White. Ryan credited the win the no-huddle offense against the Ravens. The win last night put the Falcons at  a 7-2 record and now the team with the best record in the NFL. 
Read more about: 
Matt Ryan's assessment of the game

Roddy White and the game winning touchdown on Sports Center Highlight of the Night

Camping? Hmm...sounds like fun.

This week, I watched Oprah on her show go camping with her friend Gale (yes, who would have thought Oprah would go camping?) and I realized a new lifetime goal. One day I would love to go camping in Yosemite  National Park. Oprah said that she saw "God's expressions" in nature while she was there. The park had beautiful waterfalls and massive Sequoia trees (as seen in the picture). It was breathtaking, even on the television. It would be a true adventure and a fun trip to take with friends.  

Paradise

This picture was taken at one of my favorite places in the world: Panama City Beach. The crystal clear blue water, sugar white sand,palm trees, the sound of the ocean and everything in between is like my own kind of paradise. The photo is of the pier, that was recently built along with Pier Park, at sunset. When I am all tangled up in school work and wish I could get away, I look at this picture and think of al the good times and memories at the beach from the summer. 

Rain

It has been raining everyday so far this week, which is very out of the ordinary. The recent weather has inspired me to make a post about the rain so I found a poem that describes rain in a very vivd way,both tangibly and emotionally. Enjoy! 

-Flimsy like Paper Lace

by: Jerry Bradford 

Flimsy like a lace paper window pane Rattled in a heavy wind blown rain The rain The rain came quickly down And the shutters leaked as they tried in vain To curb the pelting sound The rain the rain falls wet and cold And weakens the hillside ground Which then gives way and Tumults over the wall which cannot hold The rain the rain When will it end The rain will never cease The rain will someday wash our weary souls I am told The rain the rain the rain the rain

"There's No Place Like Home"

NFL "There's No Place LIke Home" Ticket Commercial 2010
When it comes to football there is nothing like wildly cheering when your team scores a touchdown, yelling at the TV when the ref makes a bad call and sporting your team colors for the home team. Dorothy couldn't have said it any better way; there really is no place like home.

Uga VIII Homecoming Debut

On October 16 at UGA's Homecoming game, Uga VIII made his debut in a special ceremony called "The Changing of the Collars." Uga 8's registered name is "Big Bad Bruce" in honor of the vet that takes care of the dogs, Dr, Bruce Hollett. "Bruce" is a direct descendent from the Uga Bulldog line and the half brother of Uga VII. Coach Mark Richt got to see Uga 8 for the first time this past Wednesday and after the Homecoming game he said, "What a wonderful choice. He was 13 months, 55 pounds and undefeated. I like that. I hope he stays that way.” The Dawgs beat Vandy 43 to 0. Maybe Bruce is the Dawg's new good luck charm. 

The Changing of the Collar Ceremony
Read more about Uga VIII and the Homecoming Game

The Notebook

In my communications class we are asked to make a couple blog posts a week. This week I decided to do a review of The Notebook, which I recently just finished reading. In the novel, The Notebook, Nicholas Sparks, yet again, appeals to any readers emotional side. Throughout the book the reader feels gushy over Noah and Allie's love story, angry at Allie's mother for hiding the letters and compassionate for Noah and Allie's situation as they are growing older. I recently finished reading the notebook this past weekend and couldn't help but feel touched by Noah and Allie's story. The setting of the book in New Bern, South Carolina, a small town and in the countryside at an old plantation house along the river, adds to the magical feel of the story. The best chapter of the book is when Noah and Allie are reunited after years of being separated and Noah takes Allie in his canoe up the river to feed hundreds of swans. Noah and Allie's story was truly inspiring. Publishers Weekly stated, "Early on, Noah claims that theirs may be either a tragedy or a love story, depending on the perspective. Ultimately, the judgment is up to readers be they cynics or romantics. For the latter, this will be a weeper." 

Fall Time

FALL is... the County Fair and ferris wheel. Chilly high school football games and spending all day Sunday watching football. Great weather. Crunchy, colorful leaves. Picking out the best pumpkin. Apple cider. Holidays where you eat way too much. Jackets and jeans. Bonfires with smores.  A fun and beautiful season.

"The Road and the Radio"

Driving down the road and singing to catchy lyrics to your favorite song is one of the best feelings. It can make a bad day better or an average day go from good to great. This feeling is even greater if your favorite song is a country song. Country songs tell a story unlike any other kind of music is able to, which is probably one of the reasons country music has left, and continues to leave, such a lasting impression on singers and song writers. A good country song has the ability to trigger a personal memory or feeling instantly. It doesn't mater if you are driving and listening to the radio or if the song comes over the sound system in a store, each song is packed with emotion. Everyone can find a little piece themselves in a country song.

Kenny Chesney Road and Radio song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQaCWkDt7O