"Tie Guys"

Ever since we bought my boy cousin Rusty a bowtie for his birthday, there has been much talk of my mom and her bowtying abilities. When we went to Northpark to get the tie, there were 3 "tie guys" working the tie area. My mom and I were trying to pick out the best one--- for it was mighty slim pickin's. In order to get the whole picture, my mom started tying the potential presents around my neck as a model. Well, the "tie guys" could not believe that my mom could actually tie a bowtie... and in less than 10 seconds. I must admit that I was impressed as well, but the salesmen were amazed. "How in the world do you know how to do that????" And then came the "tie guys'" confessions "we have no idea how to tie a bowtie." YIPES!!! We were in the TIE DEPARTMENT--- While I was working on a major Nicholas Cage moment, my mom started giving bowtying lessons to the salesmen.






And it turns out that Mama Jan's bowtying skills do not limit themselves to ties--- when she was visiting NYC this past weekend, she began a mission to start a new trend: the bowtie scarf.

Tavin Dillard

My friend Tyler Ozanne recently introduced me to Tavin Dillard, the main character in "Sweet Tea Films." http://sweetteafilms.com/unlocking-the-white-trash-mind/ This is a series of short “episodes” ranging from 1-4 minutes in length. They follow the happenings of Tavin Dillard, a trailer park resident, who consents to giving weekly interviews. I would start with two of my favorite episodes: "Butter" and "Trailer Park Business Advice." All episodes are listed under the "Southern Samplin'" tab. Thank you for your weekly advise Tavin!

Jersey Boys

Broadway shows are definitely one of the perks of living in New York City. I have recently fallen in love with Jersey Boys. I first saw the show last fall with Kathy Lee, my amazing mother-in-law. This past weekend my mom was in town, so Bryant, Mamma Jan, and I scored some tickets and snuck in some Junior Mints and Dark Chocolate M&M's. (I also must tell you that my mom accosted one of the actors on the subway on the way home.) This musical is the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. The entire show is set up as a concert narrative around the rise and fall of the band. The music is amazing and includes classics like "Big Girls Don't Cry" "Walk Like a Man" and "Sherry Baby." I must admit that even though I am usually the youngest one in the audience by 30 years, it is one of my favorite Broadways shows ever. The acting and singing is top notch and the story is wonderful. Most of the guys playing the lead roles have been in the show since it opened over a year a go--- which goes to show you that they love their jobs and believe in the show itself! And please note that I have finally mastered most of the steps and would be honored to show you the correct way to perform "Walk Like a Man." Please enjoy this medley from last years Tony Awards. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hr_h8DNPyN8&feature=related Also note that Joe Pesci was a childhood friend of the members of The Four Seasons.

Riverside Grill

My Uncle Bubba (Fred Edgar) has this keen ability to find great, cheap eats... especially breakfast spots! He loves to meet people for breakfast and catch-up over a greasy spoon. On my latest trip to Dallas, I met Bubba for breakfast at his new favorite.... The Riverside Grill. Most of you know that I rarely get up before noon unless I have to, and I also rarely travel outside of the Park Cities bubble... so 8am at Industrial and Constitution it was! I must say it was a treat. Of course he knew the waitress by name and introduced me to the lovely Murphy (her husband is also the cook). I followed Bubba's lead, so we both got 3 eggs fried over medium, 2 sausage patties, a side of grits, and 2 biscuits and gravy. Yes friends, all of this and coffee ran us $12 (US). What a deal!

And I must also give a shout out to the lovely lady that was sitting "at my 4:00 wearing her pink jammies"... she was awesome.

So all of you Dallasites need to check this place out if you are in the mood for a major find! Ask for Murphy (see picture) and don't forget to mention that you were referred by Fred Edgar.

PS: I hear the Cherry-Pineapple Cake is to die for!

Perry Leigh's Baptism

My double niece Perry was baptised Sunday, January 13 at Highland Park United Methodist Church. She did an amazing job--- even sneezing in Rev. Rasmussen's face was right on cue! Rev. Rasmussen was the pastor at Rusty and Carly's wedding 4 years ago, so it was very special for him to baptize baby Perry also. Perry had a full army of family standing behind her... grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts, uncles, great aunts, cousins, a future aunt-in-law, and a double aunt! Please check out my cousin Leigh's blog as I am sure it will be updated with a gaggle of pictures, links, and videos pertaining to the event. Oh, and it was Rusty's birthday also... happy birthday Russ.

We also need to discuss my Aunt Suzie's new "patty cake" phenomenon. While it has officially replaced the traditional "Fa la la la" (a Suzie version of Carol of the Bells) both in volume and repetition, Perry loves it! And thank goodness that cake is marked with a "P for Perry" before we "throw it in the pan."

Rock Band

This weekend I was introduced to the video game sensation called Rock Band (http://www.rockband.com/). At the risk of sounding dramatic... I think it has changed my life. Bryant's brother David has the entire set-up in his apartment and I thought about breaking and entering a few times just touch up my drum solos.

There are 3 members to every band... the singer, the drummer, and the guitarist. The singer is judged on pitch accuracy and rhythm. The drummer has to hit the given drums at the given time and is also in charge of that pesky bass drum. The guitarist is given the notes to play and when to strum (just like the original game "Guitar Hero"). As a group you need to stay together and try as hard as you can not to get booed of the stage.

My friend Stacy Mitchell even joined us one night--- and I must admit that she has got some serious Rock Band skills.

The Baby Rounds

Well, a large chunk of our Texas time was taken up by what I like to call "the baby rounds." Say hello to our little friends...

This is Perry Leigh Edgar, or Perrywinkle--- my double niece. Please note that "double niece" is a totally made-up relation, but I don't think "double cousin once removed" does us justice! This was Bryant's first time to meet Perry, and she greeted him with a major bear hug. She has also found her voice, so Bryant and Perry had a very serious talk about the future, feelings, etc.

Next up we have the newest baby of the group...

Charles Curtis Averitt was born January 4, 2008 at 6:37pm. He weighed in at a whopping 6 lbs. and 13 oz. Graham and Alyson Averitt are so excited and doing an amazing job as first time parents.

I call him "the football" for no other reason other than he is about the size of a regulation NFL ball. Charlie has a full head of blond fuzz and usually just chills... with maybe a few wiggles if he is having a dream.

If you are planning to enter the Averitt house, get your hands ready for the Purell--- Graham's main guest duty. Graham will also be very excited to show you his "miracle pictures." Charlie's first name is after Alyson's Dad, Charles, and Curtis is the 4th generation middle name for Averitt men.

Next we have our biggest surprise of the week. The last time we saw Katelyn Joy Kouba (of Hillary and Chris Kouba), she was about 5 days old and not up to much. Well I guess a lot has changed since Bryant and I moved to New York...

Katelyn is quite the young lady. Aside from being an amazing soccer player, she also has a very fashionable purse in which she stores her lipstick, cell phone, and sunglasses. Katelyn gave us a tour of her new "big girl room." She is retiring her nursery to make way for her little sister, MacKenzie Grace Kouba, who will be joining the Kouba crew on February 19.

Interviews

Well, the quality in writing is about to take a major plunge now that Bryant has started classes again. But never fear, the CPO (Chief Picture Officer) is going to sub-in for the CLO (Chief Literary Officer... and don't think for a moment that we do not refer to each other as our blogging job titles around the apartment.

Bryant and I just returned from Texas where our main purpose was Bryant's summer associate interviews. It was a very long week and a half, but we are getting more and more excited about the road ahead. We will keep you posted on any summer decisions.

The next few entries are going to be a little different--- I am going to try to divide our time in Texas into a few separate stories.

Introductions All Around

I suppose that any good story begins with the introduction of the main players to the audience. I also suppose that this story should be no different. Without further adieu, here are brief biographical sketches of the folks whose lives will be chronicled in this award-winning blog.

Bryant is a student. He is a law student. He is also a CPA. Clearly, this is one wild and crazy guy! Do not set out on the town with Bryant if you cannot keep up with the best of them. Seriously, though. He is a funny guy. At least his wife laughs at him. Sometimes. Originally from Houston, Bryant graduated from Texas A&M (Fightin' Texas Aggie Class of 2002) and worked for an accounting firm in Dallas and New York for four years. This past summer Bryant fled his dangerous and exciting life as an accountant to begin his exotic and adventurous life as a law student! He is now a 1L at Columbia and a true believer in the stress and anxiety of which everyone warned him. Right now he is in Houston hustling for a summer job and desperately hoping that someone deigns to hire him and defray the high cost of his legal education. Good luck!

Bryant is married (luckily) to the beautiful and talented Sarah.

Sarah is a starving artist. That is a fairly ironic label given that she works for a restaurant in midtown Manhattan. Clearly, she should be eating more of her product. Or at least bringing it home for her husband. Originally from Dallas, Sarah graduated from Southern Methodist University (Fightin' Chi Omega Pledge Class of 1999) and earned her Master's degree from the Manhattan School of Music in 2004. Sarah has graced the stage and shared her voice with audiences in Dallas, Ft. Worth, and New York. This spring she is planning to travel to (Holy) Toledo, Ohio, for a program with an opera company. As most of her operatic roles thus far have paid her solely in experience (tax free, of course) she is currently pursuing a PhD in waitressing. Now, if she would only bring home more steak and mashed potatoes!

Bryant and Sarah have a dog. That dog is Ida.

Ida is a basset hound. The world revolves around her. Or so she thinks. She eats. She sleeps. She demands walks. But not long walks. She has short legs.

Happy New Year! Here's to 2008.