After allowing Tyler to tell what it's like living in Detroit for the last two months, we decided it would be good for you guys to hear the real story of what living with Tyler is like and what he really does at work. So this week you will hear from his lovely roommate me – Amy Brown!, and me, Tyler, because I decide what goes on the blog dang it! My s(n)ide comments will be in bold. I will state in advance, that I am not as witty or funny as Tyler so the blog might not be as humorous as it normally is.

First, Tyler has introduced me to lots of wonderful music. Before his arrival here in Detroit, I was going through a music rut. Since Tyler moved in about two months ago there has only been one time we have listened to my CD's. One of the great things Tyler brought to our house is the I-Pod. This is my new favorite toy. Tyler introduces me to lots of new artists – Sufjan Stevens, Ben Folds, and Wilco to name a few. Also, we have decided since Tyler has introduced me to so many new great groups and artists I need to experience them in concert to get the full experience of these artists. So, we are taking donations to make this dream a reality since the US-2 Missionary and grad student salary will not support this dream. Seriously, WWJD people?

Another one of Tyler's passions in life is sports. Over the past two months I have watched more Alabama football, tennis, and baseball than ever before. I've even played Frisbee golf. I can now have a slightly intelligent conversation about SEC football and a decent conversation about baseball, which is especially useful since the Detroit Tigers are the American League Champions and playing in the World Series. Go ahead Amy, tell everyone what the main difference between the AL and NL are... in the American League the pitcher does not have to bat. In the National League the pitchers must bat. During the World Series, you play by the home team's rules. For instance, when the Tigers are playing the Cardinals in St. Louis later this week, they might want to think twice about putting Kenny Rogers in as the pitcher because he will have to bat...and he might cheat. WWJD Kenny?

Since Tyler and I are both from the great state of Alabama, there have been many wonderful things Tyler has reminded me I like about the South. For instance, since moving to Detroit I had stopped drinking sweet tea. Upon Tyler's arrival this was quickly remedied and I have fallen in love with sweet tea again. One problem with Tyler and I both being from the South is our accents. Over the past two years I had almost gotten rid of my accent; however, now that Tyler is around mine has come back in full force. You can take the girl out of Alabama, but can't take Alabama out of the girl. <That's pretty cheesy, but I'll allow it. ummm...cheese.

While Tyler has introduced me to many things, one of the things I have introduced Tyler to is Fiesta Dishware. For those of you not familiar with Fiesta, please see the picture below. There are many benefits to having Fiesta dishware in our house. First, they are very colorful and pretty, you know, if you're into that kind of thing and all. Second, they make any food look good. Third, I like to cook because then we get to use them. Tyler likes the third reason best and I like living with Tyler because he likes to wash the dishes after I cook. Leslie - thank you for teaching him to be so helpful. Mama always said I was a good helper.

While I had been preparing myself for having a roommate for sometime before Tyler's arrival, one of things I did not anticipate was all the food and beer that would be consumed once Tyler moved in. I was not much of a beer drinker before Tyler arrived, but I am in the process of being converted. Also, Tyler is wonderful because he eats all the leftovers! One of the problems of living by yourself is it's very hard to cook for one person and I was always stuck with all the leftovers. With Tyler and I living together, it is a lot easier to be motivated to cook for two and the amount of leftovers decreases rapidly. Mama always said I was good at eating leftovers.

One of Tyler's major responsibilities at work is to compress all the garbage in the trash can. During preparations for Bag Lunch, we accumulate a lot of garbage from emptying boxes we get food in. We put these boxes in the trash can, but there is a lot of wasted space unless someone gets in the trash can and smashes the garbage. This is Tyler's favorite activity at work and he does a great job of demonstrating it below. If there's anything I learned in college to prepare me for the real world, it was in my freshman 1-Y course, " Ecological and Social Implications of Trash Stomping: Consolidating our Wastes to Create a more Just and Sustainable World", co-taught by Scot Duncan and Ed Lamonte. This stomp's for you guys.

On a serious note, part of the reason Tyler and I thought you guys would like to hear from me is that I could give some insight to what we do at work. We work with the NOAH Project, which stands for Networking, Organizing and Advocating for the Health of the Homeless. The main aspect of our job is meeting with clients and working to address some of the issues they face. Clients come in with a variety of needs - assistance with transportation to job interviews or doctors appointments, clothing and using the phone are just few. One of main aspects of meeting with clients is hearing their stories. Many times our clients are homeless or not far from it. Their lives are chaotic and full of trials and triumphs. Many times there is not much we can offer our clients but a listening ear and supportive shoulder. We cannot create more affordable housing, make bus fares cheaper or raise wages. She's right, that's Webb Lyon's job. Click on the link and scroll down, way down... http://www.endhomelessness.org/section/aboutus/staff. However, we can be empathic to what our clients are going through. Our clients always have a story to share and we can help those stories find a voice.

In conclusion, living and working with Tyler has been more fun than I could have ever imagined. We have laughed, talked about how much we hate cold weather and miss Alabama. Tyler is a wonderful roommate and co-worker. I am looking forward to continuing to get to know him over the next two years. Unless I die of crazyfreakinmichigancoldweathergivitus first.

This has been a combined effort of Amy and Tyler, but mostly Amy, for your viewing enjoyment.