If you are reading this, it means that we've survived Christmas. And I'm pleased to say that this year no one screamed or yelled or even laid a 'cussin' on anyone. A Christmas Mircale!
The Hubster and I had our marathon holiday, as is our "new" custom. The first year we were married we ended up going to 2 breakfast's, 1 early lunch, followed by 1 early supper, and wrapped up with 1 late supper. Since that year I've eliminated breakfast... we still do everything else-- plus visit his parent's house before we go to lunch.
Yesterday we woke up around 7:45ish. The Hubster had ended up sleeping in his clothes on the couch. We cut up a cheese danish and made hot chocolate (well, I made hot chocolate) and watched part of TBS' 24 hour marathon of "The Christmas Story."
We eventually decided to open up presents. The Hubster got some awesome gifts. I got some pretty nice onces myself. I'm now the proud owner of some really nice cowboy boots. I've alwasy wanted a pair-- but I've never been able to pick out any that suited me. Too many choices. So, in passing I mentioned to the Hubster that I'd like a pair.
ME: Those boots are really pretty.
HUBSTER: What? I thought you didn't like boots?
ME: I never said I don't like boots-- I just could never find any that fit my foot right and I could never make up my mind. If someone picked me out a pair, I'd wear them.
And poof-- I got boots!
The Hubster also got me some Wii games. Now we aren't gamers-- in the least. In the 5 months that we've had the Wii, it's been played maybe 4 times. But I wanted that new Mario Brother's game that is very similar to the one that came with the very first Nintendo system. I love that game.
Anyway... I'm not going to bore you with more of my Christmas loot. Just know that Santa Claus did come to my parents house and I got some really thoughtful and useful presents sprinkled with some wants.
Today I'm doing a little online shopping and hanging out with my favorite little Itlaian-- Mario. Hope your day after Christmas is going well.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Merry Christmas Y'all...
So this is Christmas...
My hands and fingers are offically sore from all the papercuts from wrapping presents. This year I ordered my wrapping paper on-line from Papermart. I try not to buy wrapping paper that is too Christmas-y because I'd like to use it long after the Christmas season. So I ordered a pink houndstooth print and a pink, plum, white, and gold stripe print. Each roll is two foot wide and 100 feet in length. I hand tie every bow with gold wired ribbon and I attach a glittery name tag (Christmas trees for the pink houndstooth and Gold Merry Christmas for the stripe).
Did I mention my hands and fingers hurt?
I just killed the Christmas mouse that was living in our kitchen. Evidently there is a hole or something under our stove that occassionally lets in a mouse. And since its been raining like crazy, farmers haven't been able to get in the fields to harvest the cotton or soybeans-- until now-- so little field mice are looking new homes. The joys of living in the country, surrounded by fields! On the flip side, I'd much rather a country mouse than a city rat!
So, hopefully, no creatures will be stirring on Christmas Eve night.
I've just remembered that I've neglected to finish buying our dog, Buddy, his Christmas. I'm going to have to take care of that, ASAP. We generally don't buy him too much during the year-- he chews up everything we ever give him-- but at Christmas time, we like to spoil him, just a little bit-- let him chew up whatever he likes!
I can't decide if I should get something for my brother-in-law's girlfriend. They've not been dating too long and I don't think I'll see her Christmas day or anything... but I really like her. This is the first girl he's ever dated that I can actually talk to. So when I run out to pick up the dry cleaning, I might stop and get her a little something.
I finally got around to taking some pictures of my Christmas decorations. I'm going to post a few.
My hands and fingers are offically sore from all the papercuts from wrapping presents. This year I ordered my wrapping paper on-line from Papermart. I try not to buy wrapping paper that is too Christmas-y because I'd like to use it long after the Christmas season. So I ordered a pink houndstooth print and a pink, plum, white, and gold stripe print. Each roll is two foot wide and 100 feet in length. I hand tie every bow with gold wired ribbon and I attach a glittery name tag (Christmas trees for the pink houndstooth and Gold Merry Christmas for the stripe).
Did I mention my hands and fingers hurt?
I just killed the Christmas mouse that was living in our kitchen. Evidently there is a hole or something under our stove that occassionally lets in a mouse. And since its been raining like crazy, farmers haven't been able to get in the fields to harvest the cotton or soybeans-- until now-- so little field mice are looking new homes. The joys of living in the country, surrounded by fields! On the flip side, I'd much rather a country mouse than a city rat!
So, hopefully, no creatures will be stirring on Christmas Eve night.
I've just remembered that I've neglected to finish buying our dog, Buddy, his Christmas. I'm going to have to take care of that, ASAP. We generally don't buy him too much during the year-- he chews up everything we ever give him-- but at Christmas time, we like to spoil him, just a little bit-- let him chew up whatever he likes!
I can't decide if I should get something for my brother-in-law's girlfriend. They've not been dating too long and I don't think I'll see her Christmas day or anything... but I really like her. This is the first girl he's ever dated that I can actually talk to. So when I run out to pick up the dry cleaning, I might stop and get her a little something.
I finally got around to taking some pictures of my Christmas decorations. I'm going to post a few.
Welcome to Our Home...
From the Front of the House...
From the Side Porch (excuse the cords)...
My White "Naughty" Tree...
Our Real Tree (The Hubster wrapped the presents without bows-- they are for me)...
Our Christmas Card...
Other's Cards...
Our Stairs...
The Living Room Mantel...
A Glittery Name Tag...
More Christmas Tree...
And more Christmas Tree...
And More White Tree...
Presents...
My Manger Scene (my sister and I used to fight over who got to play with it)...
Ain't it pretty?...
Some Christmas Kitchen Decorations...
Happy Holidays... Warm Wishes... and Merry Christmas Y'all...
Who Would Have Thunk It?...
I've mentioned it before, the Hubster and I are in the pre-process of building our "dream house." We've got the plan all picked out and the artist rendering sits on our "re-claimed" coffee table as a reminder of such. And currently, the land deed is at the lawyers' office being transferred into our name. Needless to say, it is a very exciting time for us.
Recently, however, I've discovered that excitment can lead to anxiety. I'll be walking along, minding my business and I'll start to worry, "Can we afford this?" or "Will we still be able to save money with a large house payment?" or better yet, "No more frivolous spending on shoes or tops or dresses once this house is built-- Goodbye, childhood, goodbye style!-- Hello tacky Christmas Sweathers and Teacher Jumpers!"
It is sad really-- you just can't have it all.
But there is a light at the end of the tunnel. There's this man, Danny, that has offered to help us with getting things in order. Who would have thunk it?
To explain I'll have to take you back to three years ago, just after my wedding.
My cousin, Sarah, who is a mere three months older than me, had decided to start dating a man that was 25 years older than us. He was weatlhy and connected. And our Uncle, who is also wealthy and connected and the same age as this man, went ballistic. So when they got engaged Christmas Eve night, three years ago, it created a problem in my family. A little dysfunction, if you will.
I'll never forget walking into my Grandma's house, Christmas Night, to the sounds of yelling and people crying under the carport. The Hubster and I had just left a very tranquil scene at his grandmother's home, expecting to find my rowdy bunch gathered around the Christmas tree and finishing up dessert.
Instead, my cousin Sarah was no where to be found. My Aunt, the mother of Sarah, was at home crying while her other daughter, Annah was crying under the carport with my Daddy. My Grandma, who loves Sarah the most, was yelling at my Uncle. She basically told him to get out and never come back.
He left with his wife and three children and a very confused and hungry boyfriend... poor Ashton.
The rift opened up all the hurt feelings that had been stowed under the surface for years. I was instantly sucked into the maddness as well. We all were. I was angry with Sarah and I couldn't understand why she was so determined to ruin things. Years of repressed feelings and anger bubbled to the surface. I was convinced that she was nothing but selfish. It didn't help that she had treated my friends badly during my "Girls' Weekend" at Wrightsville Beach-- three weeks before my wedding. I was not interested, at the time, in understanding what she was going through.
But one night-- not that long ago-- I decided to just let go of the anger and the hurt and move on-- to forgive. The anger I was feeling towards Sarah was not healthy and it was starting to run my life. So one night, I just let it go.
My way of forgiving was to accept what was going on and acknowledge Sarah in this relationship through a party. I was going to host a Bridal Brunch. It would be a small gathering of family, here at my house. We would dine on the porch surrounded by my knockout roses and gardenia bushes. I had even ordered the cutest favors ever-- woven palm fans, in case the heat was too much for early June. I was going to decorate my porch columns like May-Pole's... I was very excited to be able to host such a party.
The invitations were at the printers, the meeting with my rentals guy was all set up. All that I was waiting for was a phone call with the guest list.
Instead, I got a call from my father, who happened to be on a fishing trip in Virginia. He told me to stop planning the party-- the wedding was off. The man had cancer. Not just any cancer either-- Lung, Liver, and Bone. That was back in May-- just a month before the wedding.
The wedding was called off and Sarah and this man started down the path of recovery. Instead of talking about honeymoon destinations or flowers, they were talking Chemo and Radiation. Sarah had to start keeping a time log of pain medications, instead of a wedding checklist. Instead of Sarah and this man's name being printed in a wedding bulletin, his was printed in the 'prayers & concerns' section of our church bulletin.
Our Uncle, who was so against this wedding and union, found room in his heart to forgive as well.
This man is Danny. Danny is involved in the construction world. His father was a builder, his brother is a builder, and up until his sickness, he owned and ran a successful lumber yard. He still is involved in this world and he has, so graciously, offered to help the Hubster and I with our home.
Last night, while celebrating the 23rd birthday of my cousin Annah, Danny mentioned his idea to my husband and me.
He doesn't have to do this, but he wants to. He thinks we could save us some money-- which would be great. He says he considers us family.
Life is unpredictable and cruel sometimes. You aren't promised anything. Three years ago, I would have never thought things would have turned out this way. I would never, not in a million years, have ever thought that my whole family would be gathered under one roof again. I would have never believed that anyone, who had been treated so badly, could really turn the other cheek.
Forgiveness is an amazing tool that we all need to use more often and much sooner. I wish now that I hadn't let my own petty feelings keep me from getting to know Danny and moving forward with Sarah. I can't turn back time, but I can continue to make things right in the future.
Recently, however, I've discovered that excitment can lead to anxiety. I'll be walking along, minding my business and I'll start to worry, "Can we afford this?" or "Will we still be able to save money with a large house payment?" or better yet, "No more frivolous spending on shoes or tops or dresses once this house is built-- Goodbye, childhood, goodbye style!-- Hello tacky Christmas Sweathers and Teacher Jumpers!"
It is sad really-- you just can't have it all.
But there is a light at the end of the tunnel. There's this man, Danny, that has offered to help us with getting things in order. Who would have thunk it?
To explain I'll have to take you back to three years ago, just after my wedding.
My cousin, Sarah, who is a mere three months older than me, had decided to start dating a man that was 25 years older than us. He was weatlhy and connected. And our Uncle, who is also wealthy and connected and the same age as this man, went ballistic. So when they got engaged Christmas Eve night, three years ago, it created a problem in my family. A little dysfunction, if you will.
I'll never forget walking into my Grandma's house, Christmas Night, to the sounds of yelling and people crying under the carport. The Hubster and I had just left a very tranquil scene at his grandmother's home, expecting to find my rowdy bunch gathered around the Christmas tree and finishing up dessert.
Instead, my cousin Sarah was no where to be found. My Aunt, the mother of Sarah, was at home crying while her other daughter, Annah was crying under the carport with my Daddy. My Grandma, who loves Sarah the most, was yelling at my Uncle. She basically told him to get out and never come back.
He left with his wife and three children and a very confused and hungry boyfriend... poor Ashton.
The rift opened up all the hurt feelings that had been stowed under the surface for years. I was instantly sucked into the maddness as well. We all were. I was angry with Sarah and I couldn't understand why she was so determined to ruin things. Years of repressed feelings and anger bubbled to the surface. I was convinced that she was nothing but selfish. It didn't help that she had treated my friends badly during my "Girls' Weekend" at Wrightsville Beach-- three weeks before my wedding. I was not interested, at the time, in understanding what she was going through.
But one night-- not that long ago-- I decided to just let go of the anger and the hurt and move on-- to forgive. The anger I was feeling towards Sarah was not healthy and it was starting to run my life. So one night, I just let it go.
My way of forgiving was to accept what was going on and acknowledge Sarah in this relationship through a party. I was going to host a Bridal Brunch. It would be a small gathering of family, here at my house. We would dine on the porch surrounded by my knockout roses and gardenia bushes. I had even ordered the cutest favors ever-- woven palm fans, in case the heat was too much for early June. I was going to decorate my porch columns like May-Pole's... I was very excited to be able to host such a party.
The invitations were at the printers, the meeting with my rentals guy was all set up. All that I was waiting for was a phone call with the guest list.
Instead, I got a call from my father, who happened to be on a fishing trip in Virginia. He told me to stop planning the party-- the wedding was off. The man had cancer. Not just any cancer either-- Lung, Liver, and Bone. That was back in May-- just a month before the wedding.
The wedding was called off and Sarah and this man started down the path of recovery. Instead of talking about honeymoon destinations or flowers, they were talking Chemo and Radiation. Sarah had to start keeping a time log of pain medications, instead of a wedding checklist. Instead of Sarah and this man's name being printed in a wedding bulletin, his was printed in the 'prayers & concerns' section of our church bulletin.
Our Uncle, who was so against this wedding and union, found room in his heart to forgive as well.
This man is Danny. Danny is involved in the construction world. His father was a builder, his brother is a builder, and up until his sickness, he owned and ran a successful lumber yard. He still is involved in this world and he has, so graciously, offered to help the Hubster and I with our home.
Last night, while celebrating the 23rd birthday of my cousin Annah, Danny mentioned his idea to my husband and me.
He doesn't have to do this, but he wants to. He thinks we could save us some money-- which would be great. He says he considers us family.
Life is unpredictable and cruel sometimes. You aren't promised anything. Three years ago, I would have never thought things would have turned out this way. I would never, not in a million years, have ever thought that my whole family would be gathered under one roof again. I would have never believed that anyone, who had been treated so badly, could really turn the other cheek.
Forgiveness is an amazing tool that we all need to use more often and much sooner. I wish now that I hadn't let my own petty feelings keep me from getting to know Danny and moving forward with Sarah. I can't turn back time, but I can continue to make things right in the future.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Another Wedding...
So I've been a tad remiss in not blogging lately... but, as always, I've got a great couple excuses. Namely, my husband's cousin-- my old college roommate and very good friend-- got married this past weekend and I was, of course, a bridesmaid.
And being a good bridesmaid I lent my services the week before the wedding to help the bride get the things she needed to get-- you know, the last minute things that seem to slip one's mind. And since the bride decided to get married during the busiest month of the year-- there were things that she had forgotten. I was more than happy to help-- even if it meant, a whole week without blogging about Christmas ornaments or the ultra-funny 'Dirty Santa' game we played a couple weekends ago with my mama's family.
The wedding was beautiful and I'm very excited to see the photos. The photographer-- Stacy Borelli of Swank Photo Studio (formerly The Art Bouquet)-- had us in a snowy-white cotton field for a bunch of the outdoor shots. And even though it was the coldest day of the year (so far) I can tell the pictures are going to be great. Stacy did my wedding photos-- we ended up on the cover of a magazine and making editors pick in a The Knot photo contest-- she is amazing and I highly recommend her to anyone with a wedding coming up or small children.
Unfortunately I left my camera at home for all the wedding stuff. I would have loved to have posted some unprofessional pictures from this past weekend. I'm hoping that the other bridesmaids will share their pics. I'll post if I can.
The other big distraction has been Christmas preparations. Last week I finally finished the final touches to the outdoor trees-- Sunday I finally got down the last of the indoor decorations and put them up. And I made two trips to local towns to do some shopping for some friends.
I've still got a lot to take care of and I'm hoping that this weekend I get all that accomplished.
I promise to post some pictures of my excessive tree decorations-- real soon.
And being a good bridesmaid I lent my services the week before the wedding to help the bride get the things she needed to get-- you know, the last minute things that seem to slip one's mind. And since the bride decided to get married during the busiest month of the year-- there were things that she had forgotten. I was more than happy to help-- even if it meant, a whole week without blogging about Christmas ornaments or the ultra-funny 'Dirty Santa' game we played a couple weekends ago with my mama's family.
The wedding was beautiful and I'm very excited to see the photos. The photographer-- Stacy Borelli of Swank Photo Studio (formerly The Art Bouquet)-- had us in a snowy-white cotton field for a bunch of the outdoor shots. And even though it was the coldest day of the year (so far) I can tell the pictures are going to be great. Stacy did my wedding photos-- we ended up on the cover of a magazine and making editors pick in a The Knot photo contest-- she is amazing and I highly recommend her to anyone with a wedding coming up or small children.
Unfortunately I left my camera at home for all the wedding stuff. I would have loved to have posted some unprofessional pictures from this past weekend. I'm hoping that the other bridesmaids will share their pics. I'll post if I can.
The other big distraction has been Christmas preparations. Last week I finally finished the final touches to the outdoor trees-- Sunday I finally got down the last of the indoor decorations and put them up. And I made two trips to local towns to do some shopping for some friends.
I've still got a lot to take care of and I'm hoping that this weekend I get all that accomplished.
I promise to post some pictures of my excessive tree decorations-- real soon.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
A Tall Christmas Tree...
I had a genious idea on Friday as the Hubster and I discussed our Christmas Tree plans for this Holiday Season. Of course we'd put the artifical white tree, that stands about 5 foot all, in the back entrance of the house and the real tree in the front hallway/entrance. The Hubster suggested we get a tree before the weekend was over-- which I was all for because I would be home to decorate it. The Hubster suggested we get a tree from the grocery store, since our usual tree lot was no longer in business.
"NO!" I screamed. "The only good thing about our old house is the tall ceilings-- We need a tall tree to show off our ceilings. NO, we are getting a TALL tree this year! Besides, a grocery store tree is not near good enough for us! You remember the first tree we got from the Food Lion? I dried up and died two weeks after we got it! You really want to buy a short, stubby, dried up tree?"
"No, but at least it won't cost that much money." He replied looking less than thrilled at the conversation we were having. He really hates it when I get all tree snobby.
"We are getting a TALL TREE!"
So that Sunday we loaded up and headed to the nearest tree lot with TALL trees. We found the perfect tree that was almost 10 foot tall! The gentleman we bought it from-- Spanky-- even cut the end off and put it in the back of the Hubster's truck. I was so happy because that meant no cussing and yelling once we got it home to put the stand on.
We got it home. The Hubster got it in the door. It was huge-- much bigger than it had looked on the tree lot. The very tip top of the tree almost touched our ceiling.
"Wow, that's a big tree!" I exclaimed, a little overwhelmed.
The Hubster didn't say anything except under his breath-- more to himself, "That's what you wanted."
The Hubster put the lights on. A strand went out. I left to go pick up supper while he fixed the dead strand. When I got home the tree was lit and it was my turn to start decorating the 10 foot monster in my front hallway/entrance.
One hour into decorating I began to panic when I realized I would need a 6 foot ladder to be able to properly decorate the tree.
Two hours into decorating and manipulating a 6 foot ladder around cords and boxes and tree limbs I began to loose it.
Three hours into decorating and manipulating a 6 foot ladder around cords and boxes and tree limbs, and deciding that this tree was actually the devil, I realized that my genious idea about getting a large tree was a huge mistake.
Four hours into decorating the tree-- manipulating a 6 foot ladder and so on-- I was sticky from tree sap, aggrivated beyond belief at the Hubster who could not tear himself away from Charlie Wilson's War long enough to hold something up so I could figure out if it "goes" there or not.... I was forcefully removed from tree decorating by the Hubster who was tired of hearing me bitch and moan about how bad a job I had done decorating.
Since Sunday night I've made up with the tree and I'm starting to like it a little better. However, I know I will never have a tree this big ever again-- even if we have 20 foot ceilings one day.
When I'm completely finished with my trees I'll share the pictures.
"NO!" I screamed. "The only good thing about our old house is the tall ceilings-- We need a tall tree to show off our ceilings. NO, we are getting a TALL tree this year! Besides, a grocery store tree is not near good enough for us! You remember the first tree we got from the Food Lion? I dried up and died two weeks after we got it! You really want to buy a short, stubby, dried up tree?"
"No, but at least it won't cost that much money." He replied looking less than thrilled at the conversation we were having. He really hates it when I get all tree snobby.
"We are getting a TALL TREE!"
So that Sunday we loaded up and headed to the nearest tree lot with TALL trees. We found the perfect tree that was almost 10 foot tall! The gentleman we bought it from-- Spanky-- even cut the end off and put it in the back of the Hubster's truck. I was so happy because that meant no cussing and yelling once we got it home to put the stand on.
We got it home. The Hubster got it in the door. It was huge-- much bigger than it had looked on the tree lot. The very tip top of the tree almost touched our ceiling.
"Wow, that's a big tree!" I exclaimed, a little overwhelmed.
The Hubster didn't say anything except under his breath-- more to himself, "That's what you wanted."
The Hubster put the lights on. A strand went out. I left to go pick up supper while he fixed the dead strand. When I got home the tree was lit and it was my turn to start decorating the 10 foot monster in my front hallway/entrance.
One hour into decorating I began to panic when I realized I would need a 6 foot ladder to be able to properly decorate the tree.
Two hours into decorating and manipulating a 6 foot ladder around cords and boxes and tree limbs I began to loose it.
Three hours into decorating and manipulating a 6 foot ladder around cords and boxes and tree limbs, and deciding that this tree was actually the devil, I realized that my genious idea about getting a large tree was a huge mistake.
Four hours into decorating the tree-- manipulating a 6 foot ladder and so on-- I was sticky from tree sap, aggrivated beyond belief at the Hubster who could not tear himself away from Charlie Wilson's War long enough to hold something up so I could figure out if it "goes" there or not.... I was forcefully removed from tree decorating by the Hubster who was tired of hearing me bitch and moan about how bad a job I had done decorating.
Since Sunday night I've made up with the tree and I'm starting to like it a little better. However, I know I will never have a tree this big ever again-- even if we have 20 foot ceilings one day.
When I'm completely finished with my trees I'll share the pictures.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Ooh-La-La: Shower Pictures Continued
Enjoy...
The Drink Station... the Champagne Punch was a huge hit
The Dessert Station--
(Don't worry... the table is not about to fall over-- it is just the angel in which the picture was taken.)
My sister-- Jenny, Nicky-- my brother-in-law's girlfriend, and myself
Jenny's gift for Cherish-- her boyfriend and his brother picked it out!
The Mother-in-law's gift
Jenny and the Maid-of-Honor-- Candice
The most revealing outfit of the night!
My gift to the bride.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Whooped So Hard, Her Head Fell Off...
Turns out all that hack-hack-hacking was something more than "just a bad cough." It seems that I have contracted Whooping Cough. Crazy, huh?
Evidently, as explained by my doctor, it is not so bad in adults, often looking like a bad cold or mild flu. Three weeks ago when I went home sick and started living on the couch, popping fever reducers and coughing up my right lung, I probably had it then. What remained was the constant and hacking cough.
The doctor happily put me on ethromycian and super heavy duty cough syrup. Turns out that I'm allergic to ethromycian and I, sadly, started vomitting and breaking out in a rash about an hour and half into taking the pill.
So now I'm on a mondo dose of another class of drug that seems to be doing the trick. The cough syrup is worth its weight in gold!
Evidently, as explained by my doctor, it is not so bad in adults, often looking like a bad cold or mild flu. Three weeks ago when I went home sick and started living on the couch, popping fever reducers and coughing up my right lung, I probably had it then. What remained was the constant and hacking cough.
The doctor happily put me on ethromycian and super heavy duty cough syrup. Turns out that I'm allergic to ethromycian and I, sadly, started vomitting and breaking out in a rash about an hour and half into taking the pill.
So now I'm on a mondo dose of another class of drug that seems to be doing the trick. The cough syrup is worth its weight in gold!
The good news I got more pictures from the party I threw last Saturday night.
The invite-- the favors
The back entryway to my home
Don't you just love my polka-dot lamp?
Undies garland
The Food Table-- I spray painted the twigs pink!
Cherish examining a slip-- it was so pretty!
(Excuse my strange expression in the background)
I'll post more later. The Hubster has been cooking me a lovely breakfast-for-supper meal and I must eat.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Hack-Hack-Hacking Away-- Still...
So the cough isn't much better. I thought it was-- it's not. I'm going to the doctor tomorrow. I pulled up the WebMD symptom checker at work and I'm afraid I have some sort of horrible disease now... something that could kill me.
This is great timing on my part... this weekend is my friend, Cherish's, long-awaited bachelorette (did I spell that correctly?) party/weekend at the beach. Looks like if things don't improve, I'm going to be hanging out at the house this weekend.
On the otherhand, a nice restful weekend might be just what I need to get back up to par. Last week was nothing but a stress-fest worrying over the million-and-one-details of the shower I threw for Cherish. Not that I minded in the least-- but looking back it probably didn't help my cough or the pain in my chest.
Yes-- I said pain and chest in the same sentence. The WebMD symptom checker and already warned me to go to the nearest medical facility--stat. Well, it may not have said stat-- but it would have been cool if it did.
In other news (that happens to be wedding related) I am trying to find a pretty pair of gold shoes with a high heel for the upcoming wedding. If anyone happens to know of something fabulous, I'd love to know about it.
This is great timing on my part... this weekend is my friend, Cherish's, long-awaited bachelorette (did I spell that correctly?) party/weekend at the beach. Looks like if things don't improve, I'm going to be hanging out at the house this weekend.
On the otherhand, a nice restful weekend might be just what I need to get back up to par. Last week was nothing but a stress-fest worrying over the million-and-one-details of the shower I threw for Cherish. Not that I minded in the least-- but looking back it probably didn't help my cough or the pain in my chest.
Yes-- I said pain and chest in the same sentence. The WebMD symptom checker and already warned me to go to the nearest medical facility--stat. Well, it may not have said stat-- but it would have been cool if it did.
In other news (that happens to be wedding related) I am trying to find a pretty pair of gold shoes with a high heel for the upcoming wedding. If anyone happens to know of something fabulous, I'd love to know about it.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Party Time...
So a little over a week ago I was stricken with what I thought was the dreaded Swine Flu. After a good 48 hours of living on the couch I realized that it wasn't the flu but a really bad chest cold. And so by Monday I was up and running again. Yet I still have this horrible, naggin, annoying (just ask my husband) cough that I can't seem to shake and I'm pretty positive that I've popped a lung or something because it hurts to cough.
Yea-- and if I'm not feeling much better tomorrow I'm heading to the doctor's office.
But this past week has been nothing but a mad rush. This past Saturday night I held a lingerie shower at my house for my friend that is getting married in little less than a month from now-- so all week long I was preparing for the big event. I don't have that many pictures-- my sister has them on her camera so she has got to make me copies-- but I will share what I have-- just to give you a taste of what went on.
Yea-- and if I'm not feeling much better tomorrow I'm heading to the doctor's office.
But this past week has been nothing but a mad rush. This past Saturday night I held a lingerie shower at my house for my friend that is getting married in little less than a month from now-- so all week long I was preparing for the big event. I don't have that many pictures-- my sister has them on her camera so she has got to make me copies-- but I will share what I have-- just to give you a taste of what went on.
For the favor I made lavendar bath salts-- put them in little jars and had hang tags printed. I thought they were super cute-- but the Hubster kept talking about how they "stunk"-- but what does he know?
Over the mantel I hung up lacey undies in the colors of the shower. This also upset the Hubster because he worried someone would come over before the shower and think this was normal.
This looks really scary doesn't it? It was part of a centerpiece I made. It wasn't scary in real life-- just the macro setting on the camera makes it look freaky!
On the back of my kitchen chairs I hung little boxwood wreaths-- aren't they cute?
Hopefully my sister will get me the "real" pictures soon so I can post them.
I think I should start a party planning service.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Doctors, Denim, and Deals...
Can you believe it’s already November? Pretty soon I'll be posting about the holiday rush or my knack for decorating Christmas Trees-- and between you and me, I totally rock at the 'more is more' style of decorating for Christmas.
But anyway. Monday was my first appointment with the new dermatologist at the swanky skin care center. I was very pleased with the facility and with the staff. The PA I saw was young and never once lectured me about my make-up wearing. After all, I'm 27 years old and if I want to wear make-up I will. But thankfully, she got down to business-- she listened to my story, examined my face, and she gave me her honest opinion. Surprisingly, she suggested that I try Accutane, sighting my mild to moderate acne should respond to that course of treatment over the topical treatments I've been trying. According to her, after a six month course I should be dealing with clear skin that is less oily-- which would be a welcome change from the ‘fried-chicken greasey’ skin I’ve been experiencing in the last few years!
In other news-- my birthday Joe's Jeans arrived today. I'm happy over all with them. I need to wash them so the dark dye doesn't bleed onto my furniture or other clothing. I can tell you-- for me, they ride a little higher than my 7's & Citizens ‘do, but I think the days of the super-low cut jeans are thankfully fading. I especially appreciate the quality of the denim—super, super soft—and I’m pleased with the shortened length. With a pair of 3 inch heels they are perfect for my 5 foot frame.
Moreover, today I managed to snag a J. Crew Lady Day Coat for less than $110 bucks! They are running an online special through today taking an extra 30% off (hurry). Smarty that I am—I saved up my last big J. Crew gift card from Christmas last year (thanks Mama & Daddy) and put it to the coat with the extra 30% off! And since it’s not final sale—if I end up hating it, which I doubt, I can always send it back.
I ordered it in the brown color as I have an array in several other colors.
But anyway. Monday was my first appointment with the new dermatologist at the swanky skin care center. I was very pleased with the facility and with the staff. The PA I saw was young and never once lectured me about my make-up wearing. After all, I'm 27 years old and if I want to wear make-up I will. But thankfully, she got down to business-- she listened to my story, examined my face, and she gave me her honest opinion. Surprisingly, she suggested that I try Accutane, sighting my mild to moderate acne should respond to that course of treatment over the topical treatments I've been trying. According to her, after a six month course I should be dealing with clear skin that is less oily-- which would be a welcome change from the ‘fried-chicken greasey’ skin I’ve been experiencing in the last few years!
In other news-- my birthday Joe's Jeans arrived today. I'm happy over all with them. I need to wash them so the dark dye doesn't bleed onto my furniture or other clothing. I can tell you-- for me, they ride a little higher than my 7's & Citizens ‘do, but I think the days of the super-low cut jeans are thankfully fading. I especially appreciate the quality of the denim—super, super soft—and I’m pleased with the shortened length. With a pair of 3 inch heels they are perfect for my 5 foot frame.
Moreover, today I managed to snag a J. Crew Lady Day Coat for less than $110 bucks! They are running an online special through today taking an extra 30% off (hurry). Smarty that I am—I saved up my last big J. Crew gift card from Christmas last year (thanks Mama & Daddy) and put it to the coat with the extra 30% off! And since it’s not final sale—if I end up hating it, which I doubt, I can always send it back.
I ordered it in the brown color as I have an array in several other colors.
Happy Hump Day!
Monday, November 2, 2009
Happy Fall Y'all
So I had promised pictures of my Halloween/Fall outdoor decorations-- once I got everything like I liked it. Well-- it took some time. Actually, on Saturday I was still working hard to get things perfect for the 2 Tricker-Treaters that we had Halloween night.
Of course, "perfection" comes at a price-- I received 4 very painful fire ant bites on my left foot and toes. I suppose flip-flops were not the best idea for planting flowers. Oh, hind-sight!
Of course, "perfection" comes at a price-- I received 4 very painful fire ant bites on my left foot and toes. I suppose flip-flops were not the best idea for planting flowers. Oh, hind-sight!
Our front door. Excuse the shadow... imagine it gone, if you will.
At the base of our ugly evergreen trees that flank our front steps. See below.
Right Side
Left Side
Right Side Again...
At our side entrance...
(The Mums are past their prime--- but I got them a good three weeks ago 4 for $10!)
Spooky... huh?
Happy Fall Y'all...
Friday, October 30, 2009
It's My Birthday-- well it was my Birthday...
My sister and her boyfriend are going to be H1N1 for Halloween. One is going to wear H1 on a shirt and the other is going to wear N1 on a shirt. Both will wear pig noses and possibly wings (get it? Swine Flu-- Swine Flew!) Each year, Greenville-- home of the ECU Pirates, puts on a huge Halloween bash and since my sister's boyfriend's brother is at ECU and it is his 20th birthday they are going to celebrate in style.
Speaking of birthdays-- mine was yesterday. I'm offically 27 and glad to be rid of 26. Have I done anything special for my birthday? Well-- sort of.
At work I get to plan Red Ribbon Week, which was this week-- the week in which communities and schools band together to educate our school children about the dangers of drugs. Each day during the week we have a theme or "Spirit" day. For example, Monday was "School Spirit" Day where students wore the school's colors and yesterday, Thursday, was "Put a Cap on Drugs" Day where students and staff could wear their favorite hat or ball cap. Being a hat lover, I purposely planned hat day to fall on my birthday.
A few years ago, after I discovered how much I love expensive jeans, the Hubster started taking me shopping for my birthday to buy me a pair of said expensive jeans. Just another example of how I know that he loves me, because he thinks paying more than 50 bucks for a pair of jeans is highway robbery-- but for me, he will do it-- he bitches and moans about it--but he does it. This has now became a tradition. But this year instead of heading to the nearest mall, we ordered, on line, a pair of Joe's Jeans. I'm hoping I love them as much as I think I will.
And since my birthday fell on a weekday, which most of the time it does, my family will manage to drag out the celebration to a weekend day that will allow everyone to celebrate. I think Sunday my Daddy is cooking me ribs. Yum!
So that wraps up my birthday news... Hello 27, goodbye 26. Here's hoping that 27 is good to me!
Speaking of birthdays-- mine was yesterday. I'm offically 27 and glad to be rid of 26. Have I done anything special for my birthday? Well-- sort of.
At work I get to plan Red Ribbon Week, which was this week-- the week in which communities and schools band together to educate our school children about the dangers of drugs. Each day during the week we have a theme or "Spirit" day. For example, Monday was "School Spirit" Day where students wore the school's colors and yesterday, Thursday, was "Put a Cap on Drugs" Day where students and staff could wear their favorite hat or ball cap. Being a hat lover, I purposely planned hat day to fall on my birthday.
A few years ago, after I discovered how much I love expensive jeans, the Hubster started taking me shopping for my birthday to buy me a pair of said expensive jeans. Just another example of how I know that he loves me, because he thinks paying more than 50 bucks for a pair of jeans is highway robbery-- but for me, he will do it-- he bitches and moans about it--but he does it. This has now became a tradition. But this year instead of heading to the nearest mall, we ordered, on line, a pair of Joe's Jeans. I'm hoping I love them as much as I think I will.
And since my birthday fell on a weekday, which most of the time it does, my family will manage to drag out the celebration to a weekend day that will allow everyone to celebrate. I think Sunday my Daddy is cooking me ribs. Yum!
But most excitingly (is that even a word?) today I took off work and the Hubster and I headed to Wilmington to look at house plans-- specifically the one we love-- which I consider another birthday celebration in itself. And even though we've not purchased the plans yet, I think we are closer than ever. We just have to talk to our builder to get an estimate and to see how many plans we will have to buy! I'm excited!
So that wraps up my birthday news... Hello 27, goodbye 26. Here's hoping that 27 is good to me!
Monday, October 19, 2009
Pop-tarts and Parasites or My Excuse for Not Writing...
So where have I been lately? With the sudden erratic weather-- hot one day, cold the next-- I've been out and about a little more than ususal, trying to take advantage of the last few warm days of the year. I generally write this blog in the afternoons, after watching a little bit of the Y&R and/or after walking with my mama down the road a ways, however I've been a little less talkative lately and there's been plenty going on.
Let me fill you in:
Exactly a week ago I got a text message from my newly married friend, Olivia who just happened to be fresh from her honeymoon to the Dominican Republic, asking me to call her. And of course I did. I was excited to hear from her because the Husbter and I went there on our honeymoon and I couldn't wait to get an update. Of course, her and her new Hubby are much more adventurous than the Hubster and I and they actually ventured out into the cities of DR and had a delightful time sampling local faire and meeting people. I recall on my honeymoon never speaking to a single soul except the Hubster and the wait staff of the resort. We are good resort people--snobby, lay-around-by-the-pool-with-umbrellas-in-your-drink-kind. Olivia and her man-- they are camp counselor type people-- hikers. But it takes all kind. Now it is possible they have some sort of Third World Country Parasite. For real, I'm serious. Maybe next time they'll stick to eating resort pizza and drinking fun drinks from the comfort of the king-sized bed in the hotel room!
So that was why I got side tracked on Monday.
Tuesday was a beautiful and warm day. So I decorated for Halloween and planted a few mums after work-- I threw out a few "Funkins" and hung a cool looking Spider Web-- it is beautiful. I'll be sure to post some pictures once I get everything like I like it... still got a couple mum's to plant.
My other good friend is getting married in December and I've decided to throw a Lingerie Shower at my home in a few weeks. So Wednesday afternoon I went to my favorite invitation/stationary store and ordered the prettiest hot pink and black invites I could find. That took all afternoon.
Thursday was miserable-- cold and rainy-- the only thing that could have made it worse was snow. Luckily, we are months away from the threat of snow-- I hope. Someone told me today that El Nino was going to cause it to be a tough Winter with lots of snow (for us)-- and I hate the cold. Anyway-- I had a 6 o'clock hair/highlight appointment and that took up the whole afternoon and into the night... but don't worry-- I didn't miss a single minute of Grey's.
Friday was crisp and sunny, so mama and I decided to walk. And Friday would have been a great day to write because I had plenty to complain about-- for starters-- why does my face keep breaking out? Even with the Retin A cream that the doctor prescribed? Since then I've discontinued use and made an appointment with a new dermatologist that also has a cosmetic side to the practice. My last dermatologist was only interested in removing moles and treating scalp diseases of elderly folks... they could have cared less about my zit farm. But luckily for y'all-- walking was a better way to burn off my steam.
The weekend was nice-- busy. The Hubster and I took the weekend off-- no parties, no social events. Just went out to eat with my folks one night and hung out with my sister and her boyfriend at our favorite Mexican place the other night. I didn't feel like writing... I felt like cleaning and Saturday I did just that.
We did decide to go car shopping on Sunday-- or car looking. I love going to town with the Hubster-- he always stops at Starbucks and Krispy Kreme. He loves a good White Chocolate Mocha almost as much as I do. We've decided to wait on the car thing and focus on the house building. I'm torn though-- I'd love a black and white leather interior VW CC but not quite as much as a nice granite countertop on my personal kitchen island. Being an adult is sort of sucking-- you just can't have it all!
Tonight I decided to get my butt in gear. I cooked dinner-- which was a complete and total disaster... the first complete disaster ever in my short cooking history. Word of advice-- never, not ever, go to the grocery store hungry! Not only will you buy junk and spend way too much money, but you (I say you and mean I) will end up buying some cheesy-potato-hamburger helper box that looks so yummy but actually tastes like plastic and something I can't quite place. As God as my witness, I'll never buy that crap again!
Really, it was so bad that when the Hubster carried out the remainder of the dish (like all of it except what the Hubster ate-- proof that he must really love me) to the dog--Buddy sniffed it, took a bite and then peed on it and continued to eat it.
As my wonderful husband put it, "It just needed something extra!" I'll be eating a Strawberry Pop-tart for my dinner tonight. Good thing I ate a bunch of cookies when I got home from work!
Let me fill you in:
Exactly a week ago I got a text message from my newly married friend, Olivia who just happened to be fresh from her honeymoon to the Dominican Republic, asking me to call her. And of course I did. I was excited to hear from her because the Husbter and I went there on our honeymoon and I couldn't wait to get an update. Of course, her and her new Hubby are much more adventurous than the Hubster and I and they actually ventured out into the cities of DR and had a delightful time sampling local faire and meeting people. I recall on my honeymoon never speaking to a single soul except the Hubster and the wait staff of the resort. We are good resort people--snobby, lay-around-by-the-pool-with-umbrellas-in-your-drink-kind. Olivia and her man-- they are camp counselor type people-- hikers. But it takes all kind. Now it is possible they have some sort of Third World Country Parasite. For real, I'm serious. Maybe next time they'll stick to eating resort pizza and drinking fun drinks from the comfort of the king-sized bed in the hotel room!
So that was why I got side tracked on Monday.
Tuesday was a beautiful and warm day. So I decorated for Halloween and planted a few mums after work-- I threw out a few "Funkins" and hung a cool looking Spider Web-- it is beautiful. I'll be sure to post some pictures once I get everything like I like it... still got a couple mum's to plant.
My other good friend is getting married in December and I've decided to throw a Lingerie Shower at my home in a few weeks. So Wednesday afternoon I went to my favorite invitation/stationary store and ordered the prettiest hot pink and black invites I could find. That took all afternoon.
Thursday was miserable-- cold and rainy-- the only thing that could have made it worse was snow. Luckily, we are months away from the threat of snow-- I hope. Someone told me today that El Nino was going to cause it to be a tough Winter with lots of snow (for us)-- and I hate the cold. Anyway-- I had a 6 o'clock hair/highlight appointment and that took up the whole afternoon and into the night... but don't worry-- I didn't miss a single minute of Grey's.
Friday was crisp and sunny, so mama and I decided to walk. And Friday would have been a great day to write because I had plenty to complain about-- for starters-- why does my face keep breaking out? Even with the Retin A cream that the doctor prescribed? Since then I've discontinued use and made an appointment with a new dermatologist that also has a cosmetic side to the practice. My last dermatologist was only interested in removing moles and treating scalp diseases of elderly folks... they could have cared less about my zit farm. But luckily for y'all-- walking was a better way to burn off my steam.
The weekend was nice-- busy. The Hubster and I took the weekend off-- no parties, no social events. Just went out to eat with my folks one night and hung out with my sister and her boyfriend at our favorite Mexican place the other night. I didn't feel like writing... I felt like cleaning and Saturday I did just that.
We did decide to go car shopping on Sunday-- or car looking. I love going to town with the Hubster-- he always stops at Starbucks and Krispy Kreme. He loves a good White Chocolate Mocha almost as much as I do. We've decided to wait on the car thing and focus on the house building. I'm torn though-- I'd love a black and white leather interior VW CC but not quite as much as a nice granite countertop on my personal kitchen island. Being an adult is sort of sucking-- you just can't have it all!
Tonight I decided to get my butt in gear. I cooked dinner-- which was a complete and total disaster... the first complete disaster ever in my short cooking history. Word of advice-- never, not ever, go to the grocery store hungry! Not only will you buy junk and spend way too much money, but you (I say you and mean I) will end up buying some cheesy-potato-hamburger helper box that looks so yummy but actually tastes like plastic and something I can't quite place. As God as my witness, I'll never buy that crap again!
Really, it was so bad that when the Hubster carried out the remainder of the dish (like all of it except what the Hubster ate-- proof that he must really love me) to the dog--Buddy sniffed it, took a bite and then peed on it and continued to eat it.
As my wonderful husband put it, "It just needed something extra!" I'll be eating a Strawberry Pop-tart for my dinner tonight. Good thing I ate a bunch of cookies when I got home from work!
Monday, October 5, 2009
It's Wedding Time...
As soon as work was offically over, I quickly packed up my bags, and briskly walked to my old reliable red Honda. I quickly cranked the car and the radio popped on to Ryan Seacrest. Apparently the biggest Hollywood Headline out at the time was that Jon Gosselin, formerly of Jon & Kate, Plus 8 fame, had stolen $200,000 from a joint checking account he had with estranged wife, Kate, virtually wiping out the entire fund.
The first thought that ran through my head was, "Wow! I wish I had $200,000 in checking." And the very next thought was, "So much for a friendly, quiet divorce." Those poor kids. I'm offering now, if they'd like to farm out a couple, I'll be glad to take Leah and Aaden. Well, what the hell, I'll take Collin and Alexis too.
To be honest, I broke up with the show soon after the offical split. I can't take the drama and, honestly, I felt guilty, because I truly believe that the show did damage the marriage and if I hadn't been so Gosselin crazy, maybe they'd still be together, in their average sized house, worried about finances-- but happy.
And speaking of happy... This weekend was one of the happiest. (How is that for a transition?)
My dear friend, Olivia, married her long time boyfriend, Byrne in beautiful Lake Waccamaw, North Carolina. To be honest, I had worried all week long about this wedding. After going through my own wedding, I've grown to appreciate how much planning and praying goes into even the simpliest of events and earlier in the week when our local weatherman was calling for rain, I began to worry for my friend and all her plans. On top of that, and being the type that loves to worry, I found myself convinced that I was going to be stricken with Swine Flu and be unable to attend the wedding, rain or shine.
Luckily, I made it a full week Swine Flu-free and the rain the weatherman was calling for held off until today. It was a beautiful weekend for an outdoor affair-- a nice balmy 82 degrees.
The ceremony and reception took place at the home a of local Lake Waccamaw resident that happened to be a personal friend of the bride and groom. Olivia had explained to me that this was an awesome location, but not being from the area, I was having a hard time understanding why this was such a special place for them.
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The first thought that ran through my head was, "Wow! I wish I had $200,000 in checking." And the very next thought was, "So much for a friendly, quiet divorce." Those poor kids. I'm offering now, if they'd like to farm out a couple, I'll be glad to take Leah and Aaden. Well, what the hell, I'll take Collin and Alexis too.
To be honest, I broke up with the show soon after the offical split. I can't take the drama and, honestly, I felt guilty, because I truly believe that the show did damage the marriage and if I hadn't been so Gosselin crazy, maybe they'd still be together, in their average sized house, worried about finances-- but happy.
And speaking of happy... This weekend was one of the happiest. (How is that for a transition?)
My dear friend, Olivia, married her long time boyfriend, Byrne in beautiful Lake Waccamaw, North Carolina. To be honest, I had worried all week long about this wedding. After going through my own wedding, I've grown to appreciate how much planning and praying goes into even the simpliest of events and earlier in the week when our local weatherman was calling for rain, I began to worry for my friend and all her plans. On top of that, and being the type that loves to worry, I found myself convinced that I was going to be stricken with Swine Flu and be unable to attend the wedding, rain or shine.
Luckily, I made it a full week Swine Flu-free and the rain the weatherman was calling for held off until today. It was a beautiful weekend for an outdoor affair-- a nice balmy 82 degrees.
The ceremony and reception took place at the home a of local Lake Waccamaw resident that happened to be a personal friend of the bride and groom. Olivia had explained to me that this was an awesome location, but not being from the area, I was having a hard time understanding why this was such a special place for them.
But then I saw it with my own eyes...
They married on a pier that was completely covered in the prettiest Impatients and other flora that I don't know the name of, that I've ever laid eyes on.
Of course, we got there late because my hair was a hot mess and we had to sit in over-flow seating (we live a good 2 hours away from Lake Waccamaw and its hard to figure out when you need to leave-- and then my hair looked like pooh-- an oh, well!)-- which turned out to be a blessing. We had the best seats in the house and we got some awesome pictures that we wouldn't have been able to get otherwise. I just wish my sister had carried in her heavy duty Cannon instead of my little point and shoot number. (It's a Cannon too, but it's no where as nice)
Olivia's daddy presenting her in marriage.
The other side of the pier, leading to the house and reception area. By the way, I'm in love with Spanish Moss-- even if its parasitic...
Chowing down on some BBQ and BBQ chicken at the reception...
Sunset at the Lake...
Cherish and Christopher are getting married next! And don't worry, he normally doesn't look like that-- My sister, Jenny, had him laughing about her trip to the Mountains with her boyfriend's family.... and it was really funny.
My sister, Jenny and her boyfriend, "Purple Rain" Porter...
Jenny on the Tour de Franzia...
Cherish, Lyndsey, Olivia, and me...
The Couple's first dance...
Let them eat cake...
I've had it with the humidity...
Wearing shades because our future is so bright...
And I'm the only one that hadn't been drinking!
All in all, it was a beautiful weekend for a beautiful couple who deserve all the happiness that a lifetime can bring. Let's just hope that they don't get their own reality series that America falls in love with and eventually turns them against each other.
Jon and Kate-- my offer still stands.
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