A full-blown case of writer's block

I've got it, and I've got it bad.

Sure, I always procrastinate when writing, but eventually the pressure of a deadline spurs inspiration or at least the idea for a good enough lede to get me going. I'm working on a profile for Southern Beauty (my second one). It's about philanthropist and former political insider Jaci Reid. For more than three days I've been trying to figure out the right angle, and I'm not satisfied with any ideas. So, what do I do? Blog about it, which serves two purposes. First, it prolongs my procrastination. Second, it updates the blog since I'm realizing that not enough interesting stuff happens to me to make this thing very entertaining. I'm hoping when I start traveling again things will get more interesting.

Okay, enough venting. Back to staring at a blank screen.

Yech, Tech.

Is it really a smart marketing idea to put an ad for Georgia Tech football season tickets on The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's UGA page? The fact they have to advertise is hilarious, though I'll admit I'd love to be able to enjoy a season of UGA games for only $150.

Now that I think about it, the UGA page is probably prime real estate and a great way to reach Jacket fans. They seem to have an obsession with all-things Georgia.

Only 130 days (I think) until the first game!

Spreading like wildfire!

I can't believe how well "Hot Sauce" is catching on! Check out these completely unscripted and spontaneous "Hot Sauce" moments caught on tape. I'm so glad we just happened to have the camera rolling!

In Birmingham:

(thanks Jamie and Amanda!)

Jonathan and Julia in Commerce, GA:

And then we received this in an e-mail from my aunt Laura:

"Georgia turned a double play against Ga Tech last night and Ken & I yelled 'Hot Sauce!' and high fived. Ken is thinking about yelling 'and Cornbread' instead of biscuits afterward. Just wanted to let you know we are on the bandwagon!"

Step one: Admitting you have a problem

Matthew is addicted to Superior Grill. I knew he liked the place (and their queso and enchiladas), but now I've realized he's eaten there three times in the last 10 days. Sadly, he's in denial.

Georgia on my mind; Louisiana on the horizon

View from Mississippi side of the river looking into Louisiana.

I made it safely back to Shreveport. Wow, an 11-hour ride really gives you time to think. Unfortunately for me, being alone with my thoughts is not a good thing. You know how much I can find to worry about in 11 hours? That's why I spent the trip back home practicing the songs in my karaoke lineup. I want to be prepared if I am ever forced at gunpoint to sing in front of others. Here are my choices:

First Choice: Delta Dawn (takes full advantage of my country twang)
Encore: Midnight Train to Georgia
Second Encore: Coal Miner's Daughter
Duet with Matthew: You're the Reason God Made Oklahoma

What would you sing?

Other observations from my travels to Georgia and back:
1. Should it really be called a Fine Wine Selection if it's in the Danielsville Golden Pantry? How fine can it be?
2. Has customer service gotten so bad that we have cash registers, rather than cashiers, that say "thank you" when the cash drawer opens?
3. My favorite town name between Shreveport and Athens is Chunky (outside of Meridian).
4. When Flo Rida's song Low comes on the radio, it is physically impossible for me to be still. I must dance.
5. Who has the worst roads, Louisiana or Mississippi? It's a toss-up.

Dinner with the Hixes

While I'm home, I had dinner with my Uncle Lynn, Aunt Tonya and the rest of the gang. No, we didn't have chicken, but Vince is quite the poultry expert.

Matthew's jealous!

He wants a puppy or at least he wants to play with one. But he was working while I was in Birmingham meeting Scout, Sara's new golden retriever. See my smile? That's because the battery on my car hadn't exploded yet! Thankfully, Sara's big brother Hayes came to my rescue and helped get my car going again.

Pam is 50! Hot Sauce!

We had a great time celebrating Pam's 50th birthday at Unicoi State Park. Fortunately, the weather cooperated. So glad to see everyone!

Hot Sauce Addendum

Already, it has been pointed out to me that I've omitted a few things of note on our blog. First, I should have mentioned that the blog name and reference to turning the HEAT ON fits nicely with our "Hot Sauce" saying, which we are trying to spread across the country. Secondly, our Hot Sauce High-Five evolved over time to include me following up with: "And biscuits!" For the advanced version, watch and listen:

Hot Sauce!

Since last football season, Matthew and I have been trying to get a new saying to catch on. When something good happens, for example when a Georgia player sacks Tebow for the sixth time in the game, we yell "Hot sauce!" and high-five each other. Unfortunately, it hasn't really caught on, but perhaps we've found the person to help champion our cause.

When Matthew and I went to see a performance of "Blast" at The Strand Theatre last week, we both spotted this guy in the crowd. Yes, that is a bottle of Tabasco Sauce (made in Avery Island, Louisiana) on his belt. I guess he doesn't want to be caught without it. I made Matthew take the picture, and I must say his paparazzo skills have improved since our celebrity sighting at Superior Grill a few weeks ago.

On another note, if you have the opportunity to see "Blast" you should totally buy tickets. It's a drum corps show set on stage, and better yet, the current touring show features three University of Georgia alums. In fact, the two snare solos, which happen to be the best part of the entire show, are by UGA guys who were with the Redcoats while I was there.

The Name? I'll Explain.

I'm not cool enough for Facebook, but I am self-indulgent enough for a blog, so I'm trying it out. As for the name, I owe thanks to Matthew and Jamie. See, when we go to a restaurant and the hostess can't understand the name Heaton as she's taking our name for the waiting list, Matthew says: "You know, it's like 'Turn the HEAT ON.'" He thinks it's terribly clever and I think it's funny. Jamie pointed out that it would be a good blog name because not only is it one of our sayings but this blog is the Heatons' take on Louisiana, thus The HeatOn Louisiana.