Unleashed

Last night I volunteered to photograph "Unleashed", the Nashville Humane Association's (NHA) first dog fashion show. Going in, I had no idea what to expect, but walking out, I could not have enjoyed my Saturday night any more. It was fascinating to meet so many canine enthusiasts and learn about their pet passion. Everyone was very eager to introduce themselves, their dogs, and share their stories. After volunteering with NHA, I can really appreciate the work they are doing for pets here in Nashville. Many of the dogs you will see below have either been adopted or are waiting for someone (like you???) 

to step up to the plate and give them a wonderful home. For the record, the first dog you 

will see on my photo list is Mazzy, a jack russel terrier mix with a hear of gold, and as

of 9pm last night, she had yet be placed with a loving owner. I understand that getting a dog is a

big commitment, but if you think you're ready, NHA is a great place to find your new best friend!

Anteaters' Ball 2011

Over the last four years, Anteaters' Ball has been a huge part of my life. I have many a fond memory from singing and dancing my heart out on stage w/ my anteater brothers & flamingo sisters. As I graduated last May, Anteaters' Ball 2011 marked the first of its kind where I was a spectator, not a performer. While it is sad that one chapter has come to an end, it is inspiring to see a new chapter begin. 

I want all of my friends in APX & PKS to know that they put on one fantastic show and I'm incredibly proud of their efforts to raise funds against malaria. You guys are amazing. 

Oh, and ants suck.

Creek Wood Football 2010

Follow the link below to check out my latest sports highlight showcase!
http://www.vimeo.com/18637870

A Fond Memory From The South Bronx

One January afternoon working in South Bronx PS 179, I met a jolly little boy in the crowded lunchroom. His name was Jose and he was in the fifth grade. As I was a college aged white kid, Jose inherently knew I was with Camp Shiloh, a summer camp that gives kids & teens of NYC the chance to get out of the big city, experience the countryside, and most importantly, learn about God.

I've really enjoyed my experiences working with students in the South Bronx, but in the back of my mind I always wondered how much of an impact our presence in public school 179 was making. Jose, who I discovered is a regular at camp Shiloh, would gladly resolve my pondering.

After the introductory basics (name/grade/thoughts on the Yankees), I posed a question to Jose. His answer will forever warm my heart. I asked him "So, Jose, what's your favorite thing about Shiloh?" Without a moment of hesitation, he looked me in the eye and said, "I just really like getting to learn about God." Expecting the answer to revolve around playing games, picking on lifeguards, or sleeping in cabins, I was nearly rendered speechless (And anyone who has spent any amount of time around me will attest that speechless is seldom a fitting description). After taking a moment to collect myself, I looked at Jose and said in the most articulate way possible, "Dude. That is the coolest thing I have ever heard."As soon as I got these words out, the lunch lady called for Jose's class and he joined the heard of his fellow fifth graders as they exited the lunchroom. All I could do was smile as my new little hispanic friend skedaddled out of sight. My heart was warmed.

Reflecting on this experience, I've really come to see the beauty of my annual winter New York City mission trip. Even though the city may present a level of arctic chill that my southern body can barely tolerate, knowing that our efforts are really changing lives in the Bronx keeps me warm inside. And in the end, even if Jose were the only child we reached, it would still all be worth the while.

Details Details @ The Coup

Sweet & Sour Chicken: An Epic

Over the past few years, Pei Wei has become the staple of my carryout life. Not only do I enjoy the ambrosial flavors and the friendly faces of the local Green Hills establishment, but I dare say I relish the challenge of chopsticks. While I may not boast the ability to snatch flies out of the air (yet), I'm certainly on the plane of mastering the art.

Going back as far as I can remember, sweet & sour chicken has hands down been my favorite Asian inspired dish. So, not surprisingly, it is my most beloved dish on the Pei Wei menu. In case you've never had the joy of experiencing the sweet & sour chicken, allow me to paint you a delectable story, an epic journey on the road to taste bud euphoria.

First, and foremost, you must begin with the bed of white rice. It can be easy to overlook the significance of this prologue, but the white rice is a key ingredient in bringing this flavorful adventure to life. The calm taste and gentle texture of the white rice provide a landscape for your journey into savory bliss.

Next, chopped green bell peppers, sliced onions, and strips of red ginger fall about the snowy white fields, adding a crucial crisp to the dish while providing lovely refreshment to your palate. These fresh veggies pave the road for this cuisine crusade.

Crispy chicken is quick to follow suit and join your quest. This is the core of the sweet & sour dish, filling you up and never letting you down. This protein packed ingredient is the perfect companion with just the right mixture of crispy texture and mouthwatering flavor.

At this point in the expedition, the action is rising and our dish is really taking aesthetic form. Atop the bed of white, we have greens and reds mixed in here and there to make you feel festive, but something is still missing. Now comes the pinnacle of Pei Wei's sweet & sour experience, the chopped pineapple. As these dashes of tropical fruit parade their way onto the dish, the flavor really comes to life, exciting all taste buds. Welcome to the peak of the meal.

Last, but not least, comes the application of the mind-numbing Cantonese sweet & sour sauce, the catalyst of the dish. This magnificent sauce rushes over the crispy chicken like the mighty Yangtze River, carrying your taste buds downstream to an unforgettable dining experience. This is the yin and the yang, providing an unsurpassed balance of both sweet and sour. My mouth is watering at the thought of it.

As our tasty endeavor comes to a close, be sure to top your meal off with a fortune cookie and you have the complete Pei Wei experience locked down. I hope I have painted a beautiful picture in your mind, one that inspires you to go out on a limb and reach for the sweet & sour chicken on white the next time you enter the golden halls of Pei Wei. It is an unforgettable experience. Trust me, you won't regret it!

And at the end of the day, it's sweet AND it's sour. What's not to like?

New Background!

Judging by today's high of 40, December has officially arrived. So, to celebrate the accession of the new month, I've changed my background to something a bit more festive. Enjoy!