Bowl.A.Rama

Instead of working a full day today, my work closed early for a company wide bowling event.  It was a much needed rest from the office and I had a great time hanging out with my co-workers!

An Ode to Coffee

During my years as a student at Roanoke College, Mill Mountain Coffee in Salem, VA was my second home.  In fact, the majority of my paycheck went into their pockets.  In my opinion, they had the best drip coffees in the Roanoke Valley, and their baristas could make an iced vanilla latte to die for...seriously.  I had built relationships with the workers there - they were the first to introduce me to dirty chai (a chai iced tea latte with a shot of espresso).  Hours of my life were spent there in the Salem store writing papers, studying, listening to music, hanging out with friends, having Bible studies, and sometimes just zoning out while looking through the front window.  When I graduated from Roanoke and Carter and I moved to Raleigh, I was sad knowing I would no longer be able to begin my mornings at Mill.

Since our move here, I have found a few places to enjoy coffee - The Morning Times in downtown Raleigh and Crema Coffee in Cary - however, I do not enjoy the atmosphere in these places as much, nor are they convenient.

But finally, after two years of living in Raleigh, I have found a coffee shop with a great atmosphere and great coffee - Jubala Village Coffee.  Not only do they serve excellent coffee, they make delicious scones and Belgian waffles.  As you can see, Carter and I enjoyed having breakfast there this morning!  Although Jubala will never take Mill's place in my heart, I'm sure I will enjoy spending time (and money) making memories here.  I already know two of the baristas from church, so it looks like I'm off to a good start!

Feliz Cumpleaños a mi!

I turned 24 years old yesterday...wow time flies!  I felt like my birthday lasted all week - on Wednesday, Carter arranged a 2 hour session at the spa for me where I had a full body massage and facial.  I had never been to a spa before, it was a great experience.  I'll be honest, it was a little weird being catered to by strangers, but it was something I could probably get used to.  Knowing that I've been trying to learn to speak Spanish, Carter gave me a birthday card written in Spanish.

We also celebrated my co-worker Dan's birthday Friday night with some friends at Dos Taquitos!  If you live in Raleigh I would highly recommend this place - it was by far the best Mexican food I've had since we've been here, the atmosphere of the restaurant is great too.  We told them it was Dan's birthday, they sang to him and gave him a hat and birthday shot.

Sunday was my actual birthday.  I chose to eat my birthday dinner at Azitra (another great Raleigh restaurant) that serves Indian food.  Normally I get Chicken Korma, but I decided to try something new and had the Crab Masala - it was delicious, as you can see :)

Thanks for all the birthday wishes and cards.  I am so thankful to God for all my family and friends, he has truly blessed me without reason!

Weekend Wedding - Valhalla Vineyard

Last weekend Carter, his parents and I attended his friends' wedding in Roanoke at Valhalla Vineyard.  It was a beautiful wedding.  The ceremony took place at the vineyard on top of Sugar Loaf Mountain which overlooks the Roanoke Valley.  At the reception they had three choice wines from the vineyard, some amazing desserts, and dancing! I was also able to meet some people who had been a large part of Carter's life growing up.  They were all so friendly, I felt like I had known them my entire life as well.  It was a great night!  Of course out of all the pictures I took, I forgot to get any of the actual bride and groom -- yeah, I'm a great photographer, but here are a few pictures I did take from the evening...

If you live in the Roanoke Valley, or are ever visiting there, I would highly recommend Valhalla wine.  My favorite was their Sangiovese.  Check out their website http://www.valhallawines.com