I'm sitting on the steps of the South Carolina State House.

You gotta admit, even though the State House is home to some of the
biggest goofballs in our government, it is an architectural
masterpiece. The same architect designed both the SC State House and
the US Capitol Building - and there is proof in their similarities...
a magnificent towering dome, monolithic stone columns, etc. It is a
place to admire for it's detail and history.

But what I enjoy about coming here more than anything else is that it
is surrounded by an emaculate landscape, hustling traffic, and is at
the very center of everything that is Columbia. This city is growing
into one beautiful place, with tons of green space, new life and
opportunities.

I'm excited to call this home.

This flower blooms in a forgotten corner of our yard. As quickly as it bursts to life, it disappears - only to be forgotten again until next year.

Over the past four weeks or so I have been in the market for a new car. It's been quite an experience and I've learned a lot... such as how car salesmen bum rush you before you get a chance to look around the lot. Or how they never give you their best offer up front. Or how they try to sell you extras before you even decide what car you'd like. Which takes me to this: I'm done with it all and have decided on the Mazda3.

In a sense, I guess I've already endured round one of this whole shebang. I resisted the painful first offers and the persistent calls from nagging salesmen and quite frankly I'm glad I can now tell them, "Thanks, but no thanks. I don't want your car." Next, however, is probably the most exciting part: working the deal.

I've done my research and know how much I can afford. I'm going to tell them what I want on the car and (a little bit less than) how much I want to pay... then we'll see how close they can make something happen. I'm going to try to avoid a down payment if I can. That way I can put the money I have saved aside for a rainy day.

So, last thing to do is head to a dealer. I do have one thing going for me: I don't NEED a car. And if they aren't willing to work with me, I'll just walk away. Simple as that.

Just as I was starting to feel bad for the little rodents - with not being appreciated and all - I find out they have an entire day designated specifically for them. Who started Squirrel Appreciation Day? As it turns out, Christy Hargrove of WNC-Rehab takes credit for founding this special day. 

I am the founder of Squirrel Appreciation Day, which was started in 2001. It falls on January 21st, and while there are no official events scheduled, you can help celebrate by putting out extra food for the squirrels.

Taken in Gilbert, SC on Jan 17, 2010.