Tampa Trip Recap Part 1

Here is my original To-Do List:
(modifications/notes made in purple!)

• Catch up with old friends (I would for the most part this was successfully accomplished. I saw almost everyone I attempted to hang out with and am pretty happy about it.)
• Get a cuban (or two) from Larry's Deli. An absolute staple in the area with the BEST Cubans. 
• Tijuana Flats. I've already been once, and I've been here two days. If you recall this post about Orlando I mention it. I feel like my stomach takes over my posts sometimes...
• Go out on the lake- brush up on those wakeboarding skills!   Sadly...It didn't happen. 
• Visit Courtney @ her new place downtown & check out The Taco Bus in Tampa. That place looks amazing!! 
• Howl @ The Moon/Channelside
• Spa trip
• Clearwater or St. Pete Beach -I didn't actually make it out to the beach to tan (a broken car prevented the one planned trip I had) but I made it out to the nightlife & Warped Tour in St. Pete! Does that count?
• Warped Tour @ Vinoy Park
• LA Fitness- I have to make myself workout or all that food from The Breakfast Nook & my other favorites will definitely be showing! Again, another modification. I knew it was going to be hard to workout, but I never actually made it to my gym. I did however hit up Lifestyles with Kristin & run around my neighborhood & walk our dogs multiple times. Not great but not terrible!

And now the details....

The Friends: Background

* I purposely picked the MOST flattering picture I could find on my computer. I can't help it if my friends look like this. ;) Also, I was going to originally do a "how I know them" paragraph, but I think a funny story involving them will be much more entertaining!

Jessica- We met in 8th grade during my first year in public schools at Pine View Middle. At a friends birthday party in 8th or 9th grade, we decided to jump in the lake behind their house. It was January and actually cold for Florida at this point. After changing into our bathing suits & quickly jumping in the lake and back out, we ran back inside to change. At this point, I remember someone yelling (possible me?) about then a dead minnow fell out of their bathing suit bottom. We all yelled, screamed, and laughed hysterically. 

Kristin- After meeting in math class 9th grade, we became super close all throughout high school. One of the most embarrassing moments involves being a mermaid at a party, but I won't tell that one! Instead, a story of cheerleading camp. While in 9th grade, someone brought boxing gloves where different members of our team would playfully box. Kristin and I put on our gloves and then beat the crap out of each other. Her braces bled and my head ended up slammed into a wall. We have since called a truce to never, ever again challenge each other physically. Lesson learned!

Courtney- In college, an Intro to Education course brought us together. The night of Courtney's bachelorette party was crazy from skinny dipping to hookah & finally out at Howl at the Moon. The best part was Courtney's Carl doll which went everywhere with us the first night and even next to Courtney on the floor when she was no longer mobile. This past weekend, we discovered a new favorite drink, a Creamsicle, and reconnected with lots of laughs & gossip. 

Kierstan- We met sophomore year of college in an education class. Kierstan & I have had a lot of fun times out together, mainly in Irish Pubs. However, a funny memory is from our Keys trip. We went out to Duval Street and upon returning were taking care of Kierstan. Her caretaker was a little overzealous for Kierstan and so as she was being dressed for bed she mumbled "No piggies!" to indicate that she did not want her piggie pajama pants. It was a great moment that we still discuss to embarrass her. ;)

Anna- Anna was also in the class I met Kierstan in and her take-no-shit attitude hooked me from the start. My favorite memory is when Anna called me after we left Fifty Brews when she was rolling down a hill into a ditch near where we lived. I could hear the wind & then thumping, and right before she hung up "Brad, let's do that again!" ...Almost 8 months later and she's pregnant with that night linked as the culprit. That night makes me look back & smile.

Chris- While living in Alafaya Club freshman year of college, my roommates & I befriended Chris & his roommates...the rest is history.

With Chris I have many embarrassing fond memories, but the most infamous is the night of the drunk bandana.  It was Halloween, and Chris had quite a bit to drink. He was dressed as Walker Texas Ranger and was acting a fool all night. After he came back inside from ripping water pipes off the building and smashing them on his head, he started talking to a few of our friends. One of them had recently arrived to the party and asked Chris, "What are you a cowboy?" His response: "NO, I'm a drunk bandana!" Suffice to say he is now the drunk bandana whenever he drinks!

I was fortunate enough to visit with ALL of these lovely ladies (& Chris) within the two weeks I was on the west coast of Florida. I've known these wonderful people for anywhere from 3 year to 10 years! I can't say how grateful it makes me to have these amazing friends- especially since I know visiting with them will be few & far between with my move to SoFlo.

Larry's Deli

 A mix between a convenience store & a sub shop, this cozy deli is in the heart of Land O' Lakes, Florida.

In high school, Kristin and I would drive straight to Larry's Deli after school to grab a cuban to eat before cheerleading practice. We would split a footlong. I almost never had leftovers!

The sandwich I bought last week didn't disappoint. Going in at lunch time, the place was packed! Luckily, we called ahead and in a few short minutes the sandwiches were ours! I wish I could have made it back for round two. Until next time, Larry's Deli, you will be missed!

American Idol & Orlando 

Two days after my mom flew out of TPA, my sister and I finished up a busy weekend at The Breakfast Nook & headed to Orlando to watch American Idol Live! My mom & sister have been avid fans for seasons on end. Me, I started watching when my mom bought the tickets. Not to say that I didn't have my favorites (Haley & James), but the hype that surrounds that show has never really been "it" for me. However, I was pleasantly surprised by all the hits that they crooned, most of which I was familiar with. The show was fast-paced and entertaining with lots of medleys and a nail biting finish in which Scotty finally performed for the last 20-25 minutes of the show. 

After walking back to Kierstan's place from the Amway Center, Andraya decided to stay in and relax while Kierstan and I explored downtown. She introduced me to her new favorite local spot- Frank & Steins. I was in heaven with an actual craft selection (MIA in most Treasure Coast restaurants) & promptly ordered an Ommegang 3 Philosophers. We talked and ordered the special- a hotdog any way with these bad boys...

Also, I just found out that there is a Frank & Stein in Stuart! There is hope for craft beers on the east coast! These last few pictures were taken near Kierstan's studio by Lake Eola. We really enjoyed hanging out- thanks for the hospitality Kierstan!!

Painting With a Twist

My mom with her twin, Carol

What an awesome way to spend an evening! At Painting with a Twist, we booked a private room to host Cheryl & Carol's 50th birthday. 

I brought appetizers & wine to snack on, and we dutifully followed our host in drawing this beach scene.

The two hours went by so fast! I think mainly our chatter had something to do with it (possible the jello shots too) but overall we kept a pretty fast pace. For the perfectionist, this is not your cup of tea!

All in the family! From left: Andraya, Lavern, Carol, Cheryl,  me, & Brittany.

               

The amazing thing about the paintings is that no two are alike- while it is essentially the same picture, they all look different according to that artist's interpretation and color mixing. 

Though a little pricey for my college student taste, I would definitely do this again with some friends!

Taco Bus & Out with Courtney
Are you in or near Tampa? Then go try this place right now. I mean it, stop reading my blog & go try them. They're open 24 hours so it doesn't matter what time you're reading this. ;)

 Courtney & I as first-time Taco Bus goers, asked the server what to get. She suggested the quesadilla, and we both ordered them with chicken. 


The Taco Bus may look a little worn in, but the food is so authentic you'll forget that it was just made on a bus. 

Sadly when I was out with Courtney I only took pictures of my beer, but we walked all over SoHo in Tampa trying out different places & laughing the Wednesday night away. Courtney is such a trooper for skipping bowling & staying out late with me on a weeknight! In SoHo we tried out The Lodge, McDentons, and Yard of Ale. All were great! SoHo gets two thumbs up from a first-timer.






In my next entry.....


Brenda's 50th Birthday- Spa, Channelside & Howl @ The Moon

Warped Tour & Other Outings with Kristin

Exercise

The Breakfast Nook


Dinner Done