Ok I didn't blog yesterday and today I didn't go around Birmingham. I did go to many places yesterday and took more pictures. I have seen many places and learned new things about the city I have grown up around. I hope to teach the kids to explore more and not to be afraid of checking things out. I plan on going farther now in my exploration of Birmingham. There are still many places I haven't seen but look forward to visiting. When Cody gets out of school I plan on taking him to places too. Anyway I have a lot of cool pictures and thought I would share some more here. Someone made the comment that they feel like I took them on a mini vacation, well actually thats what I feel like I have been on too. Sight-seeing in my own back yard. If you are reading this I actually hope to encourage you to do the same in your own backyard. If you have any questions about any of the photos feel free to ask. I wish you could see them all.

Birmingham

Ok this morning I took Cody at ASFA as usual and Jessica and I decided to walk around Birmingham and take pictures. It was a very long walk 3 hours worth even though there were stops in there. The best part of the walk for me was when we found the Alabama Theatre. The sign said open so we walked inside and my mouth just dropped open. It took my breath away. This beautiful building that has been there my whole 37 years of life and I had never been to. We couldn't find anyone working at first but we didn't want to just leave without looking around, so 5 minutes later a man working found us in the main hall. He told us that there was a fire yesterday and that there was no air but we can look around all we like, I asked him if it would be ok to take pictures and he said that it was fine. I have posted two pics one of what it looked like in pictures in 1929 and one of what it looks like now in pictures. The experience was totally awesome having the whole theatre to ourselves, we read a sign saying it was made in the 1920's and the atmosphere showed it. Jessica and I both thought we should be better dressed. I could almost see the people that came to the theater in the 20's, the way they would walk up into the balcony or down to the rest area. It is just a beautiful building with a great feel to it. Jessica and I walked all over about 15 blocks each direction. I did not know that there were so many parks in downtown. We saw the Birmingham News building, more bank buildings than you can count, all the way down to the Fourth Ave Baptist Church. Which I have never seen before either. We made our way back to the Art Museum and looked at some of the Art. Which I have never been to a musuem and I found that I really liked it and would love to have more time to look at things. I don't know why I have never taken the time to see the city in which I have spent most of my life trying to avoid. I think I like Bimingham, the buildings, the people, the hustle and bustle in the mornings. I think I will continue to walk through Birmingham and take more pictures and see what else I have missed of this beautiful city.

ASFA

Yesterday was Cody's first day at ASFA (Alabama School of Fine Arts), I got lost trying to get there and then trying to get to my doctors office I got lost again. Then when I finally got to the Doctors office I realized that my appointment is for today it is for NEXT monday! The doctor saw me anyway and told me I have lost 50 pounds now. I know, not bad for 3 months (minus one week) huh? Jessica goes with me walking and she has lost weight too. We are now walking 4 miles and jogging 1/2 mile a day sometime this week we move it up to 5 miles walking and trying hard to jog the whole 1/2 mile. I can hear Jess moaning now and she can't even see this... lol. So today was Cody's second day at ASFA and I didn't get lost, but waited for 3 hours at the library. Everyday it seems we need to find something to do in downtown B'ham for 4 hours. Any suggestions would be appriciated. I do plan on walking around tomorrow and taking pictures of spots that intrested me. Maybe I can post a few here.