MTV Divorce Rate Up

I'm sure this will come as a shock to you, but MTV is three for three on divorced reality show couples. Who would have ever thought this could have happened?

Recently Carmen Electra (whose real name is Tara Leigh Patrick--what's that all about?) and Dave Navarro split. Their MTV reality show 'Til Death Do Us Part had seven episodes. It was the follow-up to the couples "courtship" (the network term, not mine!) which was also an MTV reality show entitled Carmen & Dave, an MTV Love Story. Courtship? Are you kidding me? I hardly think the relationship portrayed between the two falls within the bounds of "courtship."

Now the stars of Meet the Barkers, also and MTV reality show, have announced their separation. Travis Barker (from the band Blink-182) and Shanna Moakler, a formal Miss America, have announced they are divorcing. Who knew that the third time wouldn't be a charm? (And as we all know I'm all about unique and personable weddings, but a gothic, Nightmare before Christmas inspired ceremony on Halloween Eve is just too much for me. I hate Halloween anyway!)

And of course we've all heard about the demise of Nick and Jessica. I have to say (with no sarcasm, this is legit) that I'm truly upset by that. I love Nick and Jessica. I loved their show, I love their relationship, I loved them together! Although most Hollywood break-ups don't shock me and I deem Hollywood marriage as temporary, I really thought Nick and Jessica would withstand the Hollywood scene and have a happy little marriage. Their dating relationship was so grounded and wholesome. It seemed they had a good foundation for marriage. I'm sad for whatever ripped them apart. I think the Hollywood scene had a lot to do with it. As popularity rose they were assimilating into the culture there.

I guess that's what happens when you have television cameras around you all the time to film your public and private life. I can't imagine J and I having cameras around us all the time. (No one else should try to imagine it either--BORING! We love our life but it's nothing for film crews. Well, unless it's project time in the garage!). Really though--having everything you say and do on camera? That must be hard.

I'm sure there are some greedy, fame-crazed, idiot celebrities or wannabe celebrities who will still sign up for future opportunities to exploit themselves and inevitably get divorced with public display. I half wonder if some celebrities enjoy the attention of the divorce as well. Hey--it's still attention. At any rate, I think doing such a thing is ludicrous.
Congrats MTV! You're breaking up happy and harmonious unions one reality show at a time.

Anti-Crocism Part II

I'm so happy that Addy feels the same on my anti-crocism. I'll agree that those in the medical profession may happily wear their crocs guilt free. However if you are not in the medical profession and are wearing crocs, you're an idiot. It's like wearing a jersey of your favorite sports player and considering it dressing up, especially if you're a grown man. The sports player in question doesn't wear his jersey out as a fashion statement--neither should you! It's cute on kids but beyond that it makes you an idiot. If I can find a man wearing crocs and a professional jersey I'll have to tell him this. At least take a picture to chuckle about here. (Haven't I become quite the fashion critic lately?)

However I'm on the fence about gardeners. I suppose it's practical, but I'm still sticking to flip flops. For kids at summer camp, I'm sticking with velcro around the foot tevas or flip flops.

Tuesday Top Ten

Today is the 100th day I've been married.

Top Ten Things I Love About My Husband (I'm sure there are more--but here are 10 random)

1. Yum Yum! He can cook, he's a grill master, and he bakes good brownies. Not to mention that for the past two years I've gotten a homemade carrot cake with cream cheese icing!
2. He gives good back rubs. (and sometimes he does it without my asking!)
3. He has learned to make the bed correctly. Likewise he can also put most things in my super OCD organizational system. (He mostly does it with a cheerful smile too! haha!)
4. He's so handy! He can do things with cars, and furniture, and use tons of power tools. Now that's hot!
5. He's such a sweetheart. He gives me sweet kisses and writes me cute little notes.
6. He's adventurous. He likes to be outdoors and try new things. Even things I like that he doesn't (i.e. Chair Lift!).
7. He's very caring. He has a big heart and a genuine love and concern for his family and friends. He can also make me laugh! I love his hidden wittiness. I love when we giggle together for so long we're not sure what started it.
8. He's smart. I love that he is so business oriented and savvy. He's good with numbers and all of that accounting/financy stuff that I could care less about! I love that he can read those smart magazines and understand and enjoy them.
9. He has goals and dreams and is driven. (Perhaps lacks motivation occasionally--but that's why I'm here!). I love his ambition and what he has planned for the future. I love that he cares about my goals and dreams and pushes me and supports me to reach those.
10. He's so cute! Have you seen him? Oh my goodness what a doll. And strong I tell you! That boy has muscles.
    

What the Croc?

I can't hold back any longer. I. HATE. Crocs!

Crocs are perhaps the worst trend ever formed. Who can comfortably walk around in rubber in a pool of sweat? Isn't that why "jelly shoes" were a bad idea? Crocs are large, ugly, tacky, and I will make fun of you if you were them.

But crocs are sooo comfortable and feel so good on you feet. Yes, well, so do tevas, chacos, new balance, nike, etc.

Kids in crocs can be ok, because they're kids and they're cute. But again...who can effectively walk around in a pool of sweat at your feet? Probably not a toddler.

Yes, perhaps crocs are good for those little swim team kids because they are water resistant. Who cares!? Get some flip flops and you'll be just fine.

I'd like to give a few shout outs to the worst croc wearing recipients:

1. Big Blue Crocs I saw on Sunday--you're already big feet in even bigger blue rubber shoes made you look as if you were wearing waterskis to church. This could be hazardous to those who are trying to walk around you. Not to mention that your big blue crocs match nothing! They especially didn't match your nice khaki shorts and button down shirt. Go buy some birks.

2. Snow Blinding Crocs Frat Boy--just because you're a frat guy doesn't mean that you can look cool in any trend that comes along or any trend you choose to wear. On the contrary you looked ridiculous in your semi-filthy bright white crocs. As I watched what a ridiculous fool you looked like I pondered offering you a life preserver since I know that at any moment you'd be drowning in the pool of sweat that was forming at your feet.

3. My last shout out is my favorite. I've been harboring this since March!

Here's to you Mr. Man Who Wears Socks with Crocs. The temperature outside is a mere 51 degrees but you my friend will not be separated from your big, ugly, stupidly trendy crocs. Oh no--you will find big stark white fluffy socks to warm your piggys as you slide them into large round rubber shoes with holes in the middle of winter. Oh the feeling of being trendy has always been foreign to you and it still is! You proudly wear your socks with crocs with your ugly pleated chinos and overloaded cable knit sweater, that's right Mr. Socks with Crocs, the rest of us have nothing on you! Well, except for a wardrobe that is fully functional, aesthetically pleasing and free of car tires and food storage containers. Don't you worry Mr. Man Who Wears Socks with Crocs--we'll all be here to chuckle at you when you fall on your rear from the unsteady walking on big rubber feet.

The Weekend

Well my weekend was eventful to say the least. Here's a rundown.

Friday
Worked all day except for the two hours in the afternoon we were without power due to a horrible storm that came thru. It was stressful thinking about completing everything for the weekend, but turned out not to be painful once the power was restored. Once I finally got home it was nearly time for LR's (C to Be) Lingerie Shower. I love having people at my house and hosting parties, and we had such a good time! I didn't think the fun would ever end. Ta did such a great job with the games and everything. I loved getting to spend time with LR and BH. It felt like high school except we weren't changing into cheerleading uniforms in the back of the car while visiting every fastfood place High School Town had to offer because we all wanted a certain item at a certain locale. Oh the memories. I love those girls. Once the party was said and done, Ta and I sat up and chatted. It was way, WAY, past my bedtime by the time I went to bed.

Saturday
Saturday was my brother's birthday, but I didn't get to see him. Instead I got to go to Boyfriend's 5th Birthday party. Boyfriend is one of the darling children I was a nanny for. I've known him since he was about 9 months old. Let's move on to talk about this party. It was by far the coolest child's birthday party I've ever been to. (Even cooler than his 3rd birthday with the horse and Indian teepee and his 4th birthday with a field trip to the fire department....yes--this kid has amazing birthday parties!).

So this year was a slip-n-slide racecar theme. Uncle J works for Dewalt Racing and Boyfriend thinks it's the coolest thing ever. So this was a Matt Kennseth party. It started with a life size stand up of Matt Kennseth greeting you at the driveway. Various checkered flag decor were about including three other Matt Kennseth stand ups. And then of course, there was the slip-n-slide. This was not the out-of-the-box-from-a-store-slip-n-slide. Oh no my friend! This was a 12x50 downhill extravaganza! Yes it was! You should have seen the kids flying down. It was such entertainment. Well of course I decide to try my hand in the giant slip-n-slide. The only big kid around to venture to such things (later one of the moms decided she had to do it too. Boyfriend's mom was on her way but seeing the fate of others decided this wasn't safe for the baby in her belly!).

Girlfriend wanted me to go down with her so I put her on my lap and here we goooooooooooooo! Let me tell you--it was a wild ride. We totally wiped out and while it was fun--it was a little frightening even for me. No wonder she was concerned. You can pick up quite a bit of momentum on that hill. The way the hill and the water was running you'd slightly veer to the left and could go off in the grass. Understand one thing people: GRASS BURN HURTS! Yes, you can get grass burn. I saw the big red marks well upon my legs but decided it was no biggie and continued to slip-n-slide with Girlfriend.

On one particular "0ff-sliding" incident my swimsuit bottoms managed to make there way up my bum so far I was nearly wearing them as a hat. When I tried to gracefully dig them back to their proper locale I think I could have gave a nice moon to all the onlookers below. Hope you all enjoyed! So again, despite the flaring red marks I slide a few more times with little Girlfriend . Love that child I tell you!

J and I ran some errands on the way home so it was a bit before I was able to get there and change. When I did I realized there was grass in places I didn't know existed. It appeared that I could have had sod implants on my bottom. Not to mention it was dry by now and not so easy to get off. I was scrubbing my already aching bottom and legs in attempt to rid them of all weeds. It was then I realized the battle wounds were not only on my left leg, but also on my right leg, and also all over my bum. Yes, the aforementioned incident with the swimsuit shifting about left my bum exposed on the crash in the grass thus giving me grass burn on my derriere. Ouch! My darling husband's response to my battle wounds, "I told you you were too old!"

Saturday night J and I went to the drive in with some of our good friends, the Y's. We had so much fun packing up a tailgate/picnic and having a little party around the car. It could have only been better if the other bracelet girls and their hubbies could have joined us. It was quite entertaining to people watch, but we laughed that we too could be entertainment. However the suburban with the nasty old mattress, the half drunken granddad singing, and the load of rednecks around beat us out. However the guy with the subwoofer rocked! We could hear great from him.

Again, I was out WAY past my bedtime.

Sunday
Sunday was a semi relaxing day for J and I. After church we had lunch at home and went to visit my cousins for a bit. It was so hot that you'd melt just standing outside, so we opted for our cool and cozy den to relax for the afternoon. Later that evening we had a little photoshoot of me in my pretty, pretty wedding dress with the Bell. What a cutie she is! After a visit with the S's we picked up some take out and went home to cuddle up with our grub and a little TV before bedtime. It was fabulous!

Here's a little pic of me and the Bell.

Happy Birthday Eve Little Brother

Tomorrow is CDs (gasp!) 13th Birthday. You know what that means? Yes--I'm old. Dirt was made when I was three.

I can't believe he is thirteen. He's such a sweet, caring, generous, and kind hearted young man. He's very mature and I'm so proud of him. I know that Dad, Grandma, Grandpa are too.

So, HAPPY BIRTHDAY EVE LITTLE BROTHER!! I love you! MWA!

DIY Update

I know that many (Addy!) of my faithful readers enjoy hearing updates on the adventures of DIY projects of Mr. and Mrs. M. Most notably-what could have/did/might have/almost/went wrong and were there any lost limbs/lost phalanges/abrasions/trips to the ER/etc.

Our current project is pretty mundane. We're giving a facelift to the potting shed in the back yard. We're painting it to match the house and J made cedar window boxes for flower to hang on the front. It will be so cute!

J has worked hard to paint it for the past 3 nights and I joined in last nights festivities. We have the door painted (a great shade of blue! We're also repainting the front door and shutters this color) and the bottom three quarters of the building itself. J is going to trim some limbs (God be with him!) and get on the ladder (God watch over that too!) to paint the top quarter of it. Then we're going to second coat the whole thing.

After the potting shed is complete we're going to paint the front door and shutters the same shade of blue as I mentioned earlier. That should conclude our outside tasks for a bit. This fall J is going to kill the bad grass and reseed the good grass. (It's all just weeds to me!)

A few indoor projects are my picking out the exact perfect fabric for the cushions in the den. We also need to recover the top of the trunk to match and make a drop shade for the french door. We're also refinishing the mantle for that room.

Upcoming projects of this fall include (but are not limited too): cornice boards (we've bought some of the wood....we're getting there!), balloon shades for the master bedroom, a little touch up paint action here and there, getting the trim and moldings painted (this will be contracted out!), and refinishing a dresser and nightstands for the master.

That list, of course, is subject to change (by additions only!).

Tuesday Top Ten

To move on with the theme of "Where-am-I-going-with-my-life?", today's Top Ten will be.....

Top Ten Jobs I'd Very Much Love

Well, first and foremost I want to be a mommy--but that job will co-exist with any combination of the following.

1. Magazine Writer
How cool would I be as a YM or Seventeen correspondent?
2. Columnist
My husband said I should take my blog one step further and write a weekly column about
young, married, city life. Oh yeah, that's me: Carrie Bradshaw--married style!
3. Grand Writer for and Education Foundation
Oh wait, I just missed that position last fall! Sucka sucka!
4. Grant Writer for a Non-Profit
I'd love to be a grantwriter/fundraiser for a well established nonprofit that I believe in. For
example, I know that ETCH is hiring right now and I have an inside connection through a
friend. However, I'm happy where I am.
5. Event Planner/Community Relations for a Non-Profit
See number four.
6. Child's Counselor
This can go so many ways. I love children and would love to have a job to make a difference
and enrich the lives of children. I have two friends who aspire to be child life specialists and
work in a hospital. They'd help children understand about their or a family member's illness
and provide counseling. My cousin works for an agency that helps low income families get
childcare and pay childcare expenses so that the parent(s) can work. A social worker or
family rehabilitator falls in this category as well as the aforementioned school
counselor/guidance counselor. I have a feeling that as a school counselor I'd see a little of
everything.
7. News Anchor
How cool would that be? When I was little I used to want to be Barbara Walters on 20/20
and by high school I was totally aspiring to be on the view.
8. Marketing Director
I just love the world of PR and Marketing. I love it all: planning events, organizing
campaigns, overseeing art productions, writing press press kit materials (news releases,
features, fact sheets, psa's, etc), designing brochures, making media calls, etc.
9. Teacher
I'd love to teach kingergarten and be the foundation for children's educational experience. I
love little ones! (Hence I was a nanny for a million years!). I'd also like to teach middle
school. I'd love to be an English teacher so that I can have a substantial amount of creative
writing in the class. Of course at the high school level of English I could teach about
media/newspaper/magazine writing and incorporate PR in there. Sweet! I do not, however,
EVER have the desire to be a professor and teach college.
10. Small Business Owner
I'm actually (ever so slightly) working on this. I'd love to have a small out of home business
that does custom made bags, jewelry, monogramming, custom made gifts, hand painted
canvas' and windows, a children's shop, etc. That would be my forte'; a boutique!

Quarter Life Crisis

It's fabulous to know that I'm not the only girl out there with a "quarter life crisis." I'm not the only mid twenties, well-educated, has-a-professional-career, suburban, yuppie young lady who has no idea where she is going next. I know at least that the Bracelet Girls can relate as well as some other dear friends (Liz, Alice, Addy).

Although I can be a little melodramatic and small obstacles and issues tend to amplify with me to the point that I stress and worry for no reason, I'm such a lucky girl! I have the most wonderful husband in the whole world who loves me even when I'm a spaz. I know that he supports me and will help me through anything I choose. I have fabulous friends who are always there to listen to me and give me their girlfriend wisdom. I have a wonderful family and the cutest little (almost 13--holy cow!) brother on earth. Seriously, have you seen him?

With that said, I'm much closer to making decisions than I was. I'm praying about my next move, discussing options with my husband, and covering all the bases for my educational options here. I hope to have an update soon!

What do I want to do when I grow-up?

I keep thinking that WOW--I should be finishing grad school right now. Unfortunately for circumstances beyond my control I wasn't mentally and emotionally able to pursue grad school fresh out of undergrad. I thought that would be find since for my chosen career I need substantial experience as well as education. However now I'm so ready to pursue further education and realize there is not time like the present. I keep thinking "What do I want to do when I grow-up?" And then I hear a voice within me saying, "Good Morning Dollface--you are grown-up, now what?"

It's a horrible realization that I don't think I really know what I want to do with forever besides spend it with J (Awww, I know!). What I thought I always wanted to do has changed...several times.

I used to think that I wanted my MS in College Student Personnel. This came from being super involved on campus as an undergraduate and loving what the Graduate Student Advisors with my organizations did. That has slowly dwindled when I think that pursuing that means always living in a city with a college that has need for such positions. And fighting all that daily college stuff but without the extended holidays and summers off. I hadn't really thought about that option in awhile and was definitely assured of that as I visited campus today for an appointment. DO I HAVE THREE HEADS? I totally felt like I was being stared at and that I didn't fit in. My goodness I only graduated two little years ago.

Another option that I always wanted to pursue was getting my MS in Public Relations, which was my undergraduate major. It would be simple and easy (as simple and easy as possible) since I have all the prereqs and that kind of work comes really naturally for me. UT also has a magazine writing program which I think is amazing. I always wanted to write for a magazine. I wanted to start with a trendy magazine for young girls such as YM. Is that still around? It was my favorite magazine as a teen. Then I thought I'd move up to something like Elle, Glamour, Lucky, or Domino. From there I'd move over to Better Homes and Gardens, Real Simple, or Southern Living. Finally, I'd end up with Parents, or Child. Yeah, I had it all figured out. So I haven't ruled out the PR/Writing option, but since I already have a background in that do I want to change it up a bit?

So my final option is School Counseling. If I were to write a short manifesto of the escapades I was exposed to as a child and adolescent, they'd probably give me a MS in School Counseling! I do love children, I'm into the counseling thing, could be a nice fit. It opens doors for social work type fields as well as being a guidance counselor. I could be around kids but not in a full time setting. It has a great schedule for when I have my own children and is a position where I feel as if I'd be making a difference. Plus I could be a cheer/tennis coach! How fun! With further classes and licensure processes I could also move into being a teacher if that is what I wanted to do. I would love to teach creative writing classes to students. (See--everything goes back to writing! I love it! Simply love it!)

So what is a girl to do? With working a full time job it will roughly take a million years to complete my MS. In addition if I'm doing it through UT (most likely given my geographical location and my love for all things orange) what if they change the program and it adds extra years. J and I have talked about my going part time for a couple years and he'll be finished with his MBA. From there I could go to school full time and finish in just one more year.

What I do know is this. I. Do. Not. Like. Working. In. The. Summertime! Summertime is meant to be doing stuff that isn't working. Hence the school counseling option looks very viable because (drum roll please) I have summers off! In addition that means when I have children I would work about 180 days per year (Thanks for that stat Mrs. Bex!) and be able to be at home with them a lot.

Which raises other questions. Will I be a stay-at-home-mom? I know everyone reading this is shouting a big, emphatic "YES!", but I really don't know. I feel as if I have to be doing something. I want to feel as if I'm contributing something to my family besides raising kids and also to society, besides raising kids (i.e. I can have my own secret checking account and since I have a job won't feel like I have to be the one to do the laundry all the time! wink, wink!) . I feel like working part-time would make me happier than being a stay-at-home-mom. It would be easier to work part-time with the PR degree/magazine writing emphasis. However, having and educators schedule is basically the same thing but different format.

Since having children and being a mother is very important to me, I really want to think about what is best for me and my family as J and I grow up (that's right, up, not old!) together, have children, and move on to other places in our lives. Who knows where we will even be in a couple of years? His job could take us a variety of places and I want to be able to be flexible in what I pursue. That being said, I think my above options are flexible.

As T2 says no matter how long it takes I'm going to be the same person this time next year and the year after that. I can either be where I am now or taking steps closer to goals and graduate degrees. That T2! She's so smart.

Search for "what I want to do with the rest of my life, " is that a Google option?

A Toilet! A Sink!

This weekend J and I got a toilet and sink for the completion of our third bathroom. Do you know how happy that makes me? Turn to page 304 of "When you know you're old" and you'll see this:

You get excited about a new sink and a new toilet!

We don't really have plans to complete it just yet, our goal is actually in about 2 years We hadn't really planned on acquiring these items just yet. But now we just need a bathtub and we're all set except for the cost of plumbing and a new floor.

I have my sights set on bigger things first though, such as the deck! I'm so going to have my deck with bench seating on the sides next spring. Won't that be great to not have to go around to the patio when grilling out? We'll grill out weekly--even in the winter.

Lucky

I'm love-love-loving my new Lucky jeans. They fit absolutely perfect and they make my apple bottom look absolutely lucious!

Puppy Fever

Everyone is getting puppies! It makes me have such puppy fever. I've been looking at dogs since J and I moved into our house. We found one last March that was a baby St. Bernard/Retriever mix. It seemed great but we really doubted we were ready for the responsibility of an animal. We very much like to get up and go whenever we want and an animal takes that spontaneity away. Also we knew we were going to be going on our honeymoon in April/May and we'd be away for a week. Inevitably we decided against the perfect pup.

Another opportunity of a St. Bernard came up in May but again, J and I decided we couldn't take on the responsibility at that time. I know the family still has a few of the dogs, but I'm still not sure it's a good idea for us.

I keep looking at St. Bernard, Collie, and Golden Retriever Rescue websites as well as at the local animal center and Humane Society. I'd much rather adopt a puppy that needs a home than to buy one from a breeder. We also have the option of adopting a fullblooded Greyhound from my family's farm. They're all adopted out when they're finished racing.

I told J that we could reapproach the subject of adopting a dog next spring. That gives us time to be good and settled with our married life/new house/new job/etc. Plus I think springtime is the best for a puppy so by the time winter rolls around, it's rather grown up, and I'm just not an animals-in-the-house kinda girl. However I do think that if we were to adopt, it would find a little home in the den foyer where it's all nice and tiled.

Seeing as how I'm the No-Dog-Nazi, I'm the one with puppy fever. I think it's just seeing all the cute furry creatures. When I come back to earth I realize that "hey--that's just more responsibility!" I'm also afraid that I'll get sick of a puppy if I rush into it. I like to pet dogs for a few minutes then I want to put it down, change clothes, and wash my hands. I'm such an OCD freak sometimes. It's came in my "old age." I grew up with pups and it never bothered me. I'll need to get out of that when J and I decide to adopt though.

So I guess for now we'll just keep our eyes peeled at the rescues and animal shelters and hope when we're ready we'll find the perfect dog to adopt. We definitely want a big dog breed that will be a good family dog, has a good personality, and will be fun to have around.

For now, I guess I'll just stick with Fluffy, my betta fish.

90 Day Review

Tomorrow is our three month anniversary which J likes to call our "90 Day Review." He says he'll assess the situation and see if he's going to keep me. Geesh--we're legally bound with a 30 year mortgage. It's pretty expensive to "break-up" at this point. However it also means that he is being assessed for the "90 Day Review." He sure did haul booty to finish up the landscaping this week and got the paint and extra siding for the potting shed. I think he's working hard to get a satisfactory report.

Since I have no doubt that I'll get a satisfactory report I wonder what my reward will be? I could (paisley fabric) think of (pink Liz Claiborne wallet) a few things (black leather bag) that would be (silver monogrammed locket) very nice (shadow box) as a reward for the (framed canvas of wedding picture that I love) very satisfactory (materials for cornice boards) report that I'm going to (2ct diamond earrings to match my ring) receive.

I might (just maybe) have a little something in mind for the weekend. If J is reading my blog today then perhaps I'll get a call in a few minutes. But he'll just have to wait and see what the little surprise is.

Tuesday Top Ten

How could I have forgotten TUESDAY TOP TEN!?

Nonetheless, here it is, even if it's Wednesday. Since this is my 100th post today's topic is:

To Little Reasons to Celebrate
1. Getting a sweet note from a friend
2. Having a relaxing candlelit dinner at home
3. Finding the perfect pair of jeans....on clearance
4. Getting to wear your little black dress
5. Taking weekends away with those you love
6. Spending time with a child
7. No lines at your favorite store
8. Having a blissfully sunny day
9. Reading a book
10. Making someone laugh

Another One

I'm having another one of those fabulous Ann Taylor days. Even my all-I-did-was-dry-it hair is working for me, which is rare. I'm loving my new black frilly, lacy shirt. I feel as if I should leave work to hit cocktail hour followed by a nice dinner at some place like Bogartz. Yeah, that's it.

Too bad tonight is laundry and mowing the grass. I suppose I'll change out of my 3 inch heels for that. But when I get it all done then I'm going to take my happy little self to the mall this week for a little retail therapy.

It's Official: I Hate July

I've decided this week that July is my least favorite month. It's just too humid here to do anything in July. I walked outside for work before 8 am this week and broke into an instant sweat. The humidity levels make it unpleasant to even sit outside beneath an umbrella for lunch. I can't imagine what my friends are feeling since My Town is mild compared to most places in the South. Mrs. S in Twiggy Town, CC in Atl, Bracelet Girl M in Texas, and Braceleth Girl E in Florida probably all have it far worse. Unite girls--no more July!

May it also be known that I picked the worst month of the year for the landscaping project at our house. J and I have been doing little things after work and because the evenings are still so miserable, we wait until late and were still mulching via floodlights last night at 10pm. But thankfully, the project is almost over and it looks wonderful.

Ugh, did I mention July is miserable?

Good Morning Mrs.S!

Mrs. S, this is your 5am wake-up call! Good morning darling! I love you and hope you have a wonderful day! MWA!

WHAT?! WHAT?!

I heard the most atrocious rumor yesterday, and I'm afraid it's true.

My. Work. Place. Does. NOT. Have. The. Day. Off. After. THANKSGIVING!

What on earth kind of communist, absurd, senseless place did I sign up to work? I guess I should expect such things in the media industry. Perhaps I should have done a little extra research in my year long trek to get a job here.

J gets that day off. It will be out of the question to see my family for Thanksgiving if I work Friday. Well, out of the question for me. J will be there with bells on if my Auntie B is cooking. Even spending the day with J's family will be arduous. How do they expect me to have a good holiday. Better yet--HOW DO THEY EXPECT ME TO GO SHOPPING ON BLACK FRIDAY!?!?

Well, the good news is that I have plenty of vacation days as well as my BIRTHDAY day that week so perhaps I can score the day off. Of course being the newest girl, it's not certain. Others will have priority over me. Luckily, however, several here are My Town natives with all of their family being here so it may not be a big deal for them.

I suppose we'll wait and see. I may be donning clothes of mourning complete with black hat adorned with an ugly flower and taffeta veil hanging over my face.

Work? On the Friday after Thanksgiving? WHAT?

Quote de Jour

"You're all precious cargo! I would bubble warp you if I could - but I am afraid you would just pop it!"--Amy to the Bracelet Girls

Tuesday Top Ten

Top Ten Places I'd Rather Be

1. Doing stuff at the house with my hubby
2. On a cruise ship to the USVI
3. Visiting lighthouses in the Outer Banks and/or New England
4. On a plane to Bora Bora
5. Shopping wildly in NYC
6. Sewing balloon valances or roman shades for our bedroom
7. Having tea with my girlfriends
8. Taking a nap in a hammock
9. Getting a manicure/pedicure
10. Five feet outside the door would work

I Don't Like New Grocery Stores

J and I went to a different grocery store last night because it was in the same Shopping Center where we were doing other errands. Grrrr! I do not like new grocery stores. It took longer to find what we needed whereas in Kroger we know the layout and can be in and out in no time. One time, we even stopped on a Sunday evening after being out of town and had a full list. We did it all, arrived home, and unloaded in under 40 minutes so I didn't have to miss Desperate Housewives! Snaz, huh?

I was already tired last night and being in this grocery store made me cranky. I didn't know where anything was, they didn't have the same brands and things that I was used to finding so quick and easy, and the pizza and cheese looked awful! The only thing I enjoyed about the experience were my blueberries.

So there, my whiny rant and rave on why I don't like grocery stores that are foreign to me.

West Virginia Weekend

I returned home last night and felt as if I'd been gone for a week.

J and I left Friday afternoon to go to West Virginia. We had a little "off roading" experience on the way. The weather turned nasty as soon as we went to leave. There were a couple horrible thunderstorms along the way. When it finally cleared up there were just dreary skies and wet roads. There were some spots with puddles so deep the water would splash more than 6-8 feet up and over the concrete barrier to the median. Somewhere outside of Asheville, KY we hit water. J wasn't driving extremely fast, just interstate speeds. It wasn't even a huge puddle of water, just a little water. J saw it and began to slow down. However, we were going downhill and into a curve and it didn't seem to matter. We fishtaled, spun around in the road and went into the median backwards at about 45mph. Once in the median we spun around twice and begin to pop up the other side. J was able (by the grace of God is all I know!) to keep the car down so we came to a stop on the bottom. That was it! We thankfully didn't hit the guard rail we were headed for. When we turned backwards I just knew there were cars behind us that were going to hit me and it was going to hurt and make lots of loud and nasty noises. J just knew that we were going to pop up into oncoming traffic. But no, none of that. We sat there for a moment and realized "this is how people die!." We were semi stuck and began spinning, but J was able to straighten the car up and pull right out to continue going. When I looked back I noticed a couple had stopped and was running toward us. Isn't it nice to know that there are still nice, concerned, "good Samaritan" type people still in the world. We of course couldn't really stop since we were on the other side now and moving. Thank God for protecting us in a potentially horrible situation.

So onto more exciting things, we arrived around 8:00 pm to have dinner with Mrs. Bex and Pie. Mr. Bex was at work but we were able to see him Saturday. Pie is such a doll. She is quite a little mover and shaker and she can really be a chatterbox. She's so cute when she says "La La and J." Oh I love it!

Saturday morning we went shopping at a few of my fave stores that aren't in TN. We stopped back at the Bex's for a little visit before the two hour trek to my Pappy's house. We visited him on Saturday evening and went to G's with my cousin's for dinner. It's a fabulous little pizza place that I love. That evening brought about a B Family Spades Tournament--not for the weak! J did well though. I was proud. And thankfully no one was bleeding at the end. (Those tournaments can be brutal). I truck had jack-knifed on the mountain (yeah, we're in the sticks) and J and I couldn't get back to my granddad's so we spent the night with my cousins.

Sunday morning stylist friend cut my hair and we went back to my Pappy's to hang out until brunch when we all went to my Auntie B's. I love Sunday brunch with my family. There is nothing like a rip-roaring good time with a houseful of B's.

After spending a couple hours with my family we had to hit the road for home with a quick stop at The Drive-In for the world's best hotdogs. We bought a dozen to put in the freezer! When we get low, it's time to go back to WV.

We had a rather quick and thankfully uneventful trip to Tennessee. We made a quick to visit J's parents. It was nice and it also means we won't have to make the trip in the next few weeks.

Once we got home and put away the garden that grandpa had stuffed in my trunk (potatoes, peppers, greenbeans, cucumbers, zucchini, peas, blueberries...) I passed out.

And today, I'm still tired.

Is this picture beautiful or what? This is Uncle Tim's Bridge in Wellfleet, Cape Cod. I'm planning a "New England Road Trip" for J and I for sometime next year or the following year. (Also on the agenda is an "Out West Road Trip" and we'll be going to Europe as well, but that's not really a "road trip." We're going to visit Andrew in Northern Ireland, but while we're there I think we'll hop on to London, Paris, Rome, etc...) I don't know what order the trips are going to be in. I am excited to visit those northern seaside towns. We are such "lazy seaside cottage" kind of people. This site will definitely be on our list when we do go. Perhaps I'll post a complete agenda (that I've already gathered, but with room to be altered) another day. For now, just get lost and daydream in this picture!

Take Me Home...

Country roads, take me home
To the place I belong
West Virginia, mountain momma
Take me home, country roads
-John Denver

This weekend J and I are taking a little road trip to West Virginia to visit family and friends. Although they all came to our wedding, I didn't really get to spend time with anyone. I'm so excited to visit my Pappy, cousins, and of course my precious little Pie!

We're going to arrive for dinner tonight with the Bex's, do a little shopping at some favorite stores there that aren't in Tennessee, then make the two hour trip to my Pappy's house with a quick stop in The Drive-In for hotdogs. (Not just any hotdogs, but these are the best hotdogs on earth, I don't know what it is but they are absolutely scrumptious!). Sunday morning will be brunch at Auntie B's with all the family before we leave.

Unfortunately I won't be able to see BJ or her parent's because they'll be in Kings Island. (Lucky little girl!)

Trips to visit my Pappy are so quick and hurried now that I'm a graduated big girl with a big girl job and yada yada yada! It's hard to cram so much into a visit. It's also hard that I don't get to see or spend time with some of my family and friends like I used to. I can't tell you the last time I actually got to go to "The Farm". ("The Farm" being the Greyhound Farm, a joint venture with my Pappy and his brother, Uncle D, mostly a hobby).

I do love to visit up there though. I'm thankful I don't live there and I think I had a much better life growing up in East Tennessee than in the part of West Virginia where I was born and spent the first half of my childhood. I never thought I'd think I was better off here. Talk about a homesick little girl! But visiting there still makes me happy. I remember my dad used to roll down the windows at the top of the mountain when we'd arrive in the state so we could "smell that West Virginia air." Now of course I don't even travel that way since "that's how Davy Crockett and the Pioneers went" according to my Pappy.

I'm looking forward to visiting and will quite possibly have some great entertainment upon my return.

A Bit of Exciting News

Yesterday J had his one year review at work and (drum roll please!), HE GOT A RAISE! Yea for him (and me, and our bank account!). Time to rip open the mattresses and begin vigorously stuffing them with all of this newfound wealth!

Not only did he get a raise but he got an above average raise. Everything on the list was "on track". I'm so proud of him. This is so exciting. Plus now the company will pay for tuition so he can get his MBA as he'd hoped. Let's hear it for my hubby!

Cheers!

A Date With My Husband...and Boyfriend

Yes, I had a date with my husband and my boyfriend! Am I a lucky girl or what? Last night J and I took Boyfriend to see Cars. I love spending time with children and Boyfriend was excited to see this movie so we made a little date of it.

I picked Boyfriend up after work and took him to the house to wait for J so we could eat pizza. Within five minutes I turn my head and he has scaled the railing over the stairs. What a monkey. Thankfully he returned safely and I threatened his life if he ever did that again. Boyfriend had a great time; we fed him pizza, M&M's, kool-aid, and other such goodies before and during the movie. Afterwards, we returned him home. Oh how I love kids but how I also love returning them to their parents and going home to my own world.

As for the movie review, Cars was very cute and a must see for kids. It is, however a long movie at two hours. It may be more of a buy-on-dvd for little ones with short attention spans.

Hasta la Vista, Addy

Addy is moving to DC! It's been two years and her time has finally come. I got to visit her for the last time before her move this week and we commemorated by eating at one of her favorite restaurants, see The Devil Wears Prada, and then a coffee at her favorite little coffee house. I'm so excited that this is finally happening for her. It's been her dream to go to grad school at AU and move to DC since I've known her. She's worked hard to get there and it's all paid off. I hope a long weekend to visit her works out this fall.

The Devil Wears Prada is a must see. I'm rarely an advocate for books-turned-movies but this has been a favorite for me along with In Her Shoes. It gives me hope that I will love The Nanny Diaries when it comes out. I loved that book as well.

At the Lake

J and I spent the weekend on Chickamauga Lake with one of my best friends CC and her boyfriend CO. CO's family has a cute little house with a large wrap around deck overlooking the water. I loved the inside of the house because it was so "Golden Girls!" They also have a fabulous dock, partially covered, and with a little bridge down to the actual boat portion of the dock.

Isn't it amazing how you can take a short trip for the weekend and feel rejuvenated? It was nice because it's only about an hour and a half drive for us. We got there super late on Friday night and returned home Sunday afternoon. Some other friends, Holly and Grant (also newlyweds!) were there, too. It was really nice to hang out with everyone.

We laid in the sun all day reading and chatting and the guys, well, made idiots of themselves fishing. But I am proud that my hubby caught the most and biggest fish. Well, CO caught the most, but it doesn't count when you realize he caught this little two inch sunfish (Nemo we named him!) about five times in a row.

We sat out on the boat all night listening to music, chatting, and playing cards. It was so relaxing to have a little weekend away with my hubby and spending time with friends. We look forward to going back soon and J and I are going to take our kayaks. I can't wait.

I also can't wait until J and I can afford our own little lake house. We'd really like to find a cute little place on Norris Lake, or just get land and build later. I grew up on the lake with boats and love to spend my weekends like that. I also want that for my kids. Furthermore, when we do purchase a cute little 3 bed, 2 bath, eat in kitchen, with mudroom, large deck, back yard, nice dock cottage on Norris Lake---you're all invited to visit!

OFFISHUL CHIKIN EATIN DAY JULY 14

That's right! Today is "OFFISHUL CHIKIN EATIN DAY" from Chick-Fil-A. If you wear a full fledged cow costume to Chik-Fil-A, you get a free Chick-fil-A combo. Chick-Fil-A is one of my favorite fast-food places to eat, YUM! But I'm not sure the $5 is really worth the full fledged cow costume.

And They're Off....

B and Sjb have gone to Montana to get married. I saw them off about 8:15 this morning. I want to be there so, so bad, but having just paid for my own wedding leaves little in the travel fund to fly out there. That combined with gas prices resulting in ticket prices skyrocketing to obscene amounts (in the neighborhood of 1,000 for just me to fly, leaving my hubby at home!). I do, however, have a copy of her ceremony which I'll read about 8pm on Tuesday night when she'll be walking thru the field and down the aisle with her parents and locking eyes with her best friend and man of her dreams all the while looking absolutely stunning.

Last night J and I went over there to ahem, keep the peace. She and B could have very well strangled each other with the stress of getting everything together and a few last minute things to do. It was great to be on the outside of that. I remember the couple weeks and especially the last couple days before our wedding. I was, um, slightly less than my charming and joyful self. Sometimes I look back and think, "Why on earth did he still marry me?" Nonetheless, I'm so, so happy that he did. But last night was fun, helping her pack and pick out music as well as throwing out reminders to ensure they'd done everything. At least I get to be a little part of her big day. I also went with her to try on and pick out her dress as well as both fittings. It was such fun. I remember when we went to, ahem, "play" in our wedding dresses. That was good times. We loved being dressed up so pretty in our dresses together. In fact, this fall we're going to take off our bands and go to a different bridal boutique to try on dresses just for fun! We can't go back to White Lace because they know us there all too well!

Sjb and B have such a great story of knowing each other since Kindergarten and being high school sweethearts, twice since the first attempt didn't go so well. But how cute that they went to their Jr. and Sr. Prom together, graduated together, attended college together, and graduated again together, and now they're getting married. It makes me wish I had a precious high school sweetheart story. But then I think, "PRAISE THE LORD---I did not marry any of those jerks or losers that I went out with in high school!" Besides, I don't think J and I would have liked each other in high school. We were both very different than we are now.

So besides all of the tangents I wandered off on in this post, Sjb and B have gone to get married. So, SO, exciting! In three days she'll be a Mrs., and we'll be able to be wives together. I know Sjb may not be in My Town much longer (and hey, who knows how long J and I will be here and where we'll end up in a couple years) so I'm glad that I know we have a few months to be in this part of our lives together.

My Gerber Daisy

As an addendum to the previous posts about my (current lack thereof) green thumb I would like to note that (drum roll please), I grew a gerber daisy! Yes I did! Mrs. R and Mrs. O had me a wonderful Brunch Bridal Shower and that was the centerpiece and my little treat to take home. Well of course it abruptly died. (Why? Because plants come to me to die.) So I trimmed it back and "deadheaded" it and sat it on the front porch. And you know what? It found new growth! It bloomed! I have a beautiful hot pink gerber daisy alive and well. My darling husband may note that he watered it, but that is so beside the point. I watered it some too and it grew! My luck is changing. I'm going to grow plants and they are going to be beautiful!

Landscaping

J and I had the day off July 4th and what did we do? We were up and out in the yard at 7am to landscape! Yes--7am! I've never seen my husband so up and about at such an early hour. J made a rock wall leading down the driveway Monday night and Tuesday morning. For the front, we made the shape of our project, cut it out, cut and laid the logs, and finally pounded in 2 ft. stakes to with a sledgehammer (could be why I feel a little sore!). All of that took until about after noon. It was so hot and we were tired so we decided to call it a day. We hosed down with the nice cold water hose right there in the front yard, clothes and all. (Yeah-the redneck roots of H and S county came out again!) We cleaned up, got Subway, and went to the pool. We were only out there for about an hour because the sun was so scorching hot. We went home to get ready for our evening cookout with the B's and Y's, which was such a good time! I love those people!

Up next for the landscaping project is cutting out the sidewalk area and evening it up, laying plastic, planting the new bushes, and finally mulching. I'm so anxious and eager for it to be finished. It's going to look so pretty and I can't wait to have real, fresh, flowers to cut for my house.

I've already decided that this winter I'm going to plant tulip, calla lily, and stargazer lily bulbs. In the spring I'm going ot plant some gerbers and shasta daisies. I love, love, love pretty flowers and I'm so determined to have a green thumb. I'm planning what I can do in the window boxes that I know I'll talk J into making for the front of our house. He's already made some gorgeous cedar window boxes for the potting shed that I can't wait to get up. (We're going to paint the potting shed first, though). Yea--I'm so excited! When the work of doing all of this starts to feel sucky I just remember: WOW--I have a house where I can landscape and plant flowers in the yard. This is awesome!

Harsh Realities from my Husband

HARSH REALITY ONE
We're eating dinner Monday night (chicken kabobs, squash casserole, and glazed carrots). J isn't seeming so into the squash casserole or glazed carrots so I ask him if he likes it. It goes a little something like this:

Me: Do you like the squash?
J: Yeah, it's good (takes a heaping bite, but isn't convincing.)
Me: Really? Because if not it's ok.
J: No really.
Me: Because sometimes I feel like you say that just to not hurt my feelings.
AND HE SAYS:
J: Well, I have before, but this really is good!

Yeah--he has lied to me about not liking what I've cooked. Apparently the time I cooked with a bay leaf it was a little potent for him.

HARSH REALITY TWO
I totally don't have a green thumb but wish I did. I'm working really hard on it. After the honeymoon I planted an Herb Garden which resides just outside the kitchen door. Monday night I was carrying a tray out for dinner and noticed that there was tons more growth. Especially the spearmint. I picked a leaf and smelled it but it wasn't so spearmintish. So I tell myself it's just not fully ready. Sitting at dinner with J:

Me: Did you see my herbs? The spearmint? And I was afraid it wasn't going to grow.
J: It's grass.

I mean c'mon! I was pretty sure, but not super sure. I still had hope! I'm glad my darling is so blatantly honest (sometimes!).

I Know

God above all the world in motion
God above all my hopes and fears
And I don't care what the world throws at me now
I'm gonna be alright
It's gonna be alright
Cause I know my God saved the day
And I know His word never fails
And I know my God made a way for me
Salvation is here
Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe
Sin had left a crimson stain
He washed it white as snow.
O praise the one who paid my debt
and raised this life up from the dead.

Weekend Highlights

Besides buying new furniture, my weekend seemed to be full of excitement.

I have a date!
Friday evening J took me on a date! We went to the movies and snuck in candy and soda. It was like being a poor college kid only married. But I'm cheap so I don't want to pay more than thirty three cents for my Reese's Cup and the theatre doesn't have Diet Dr. Pepper Berries and Cream which is my current flavor of choice.

Garage Sale
When we got home it was time to set up for our impromptu garage sale. We have plans to have a "NEWLYWEDS GARAGE SALE" with S and B after their wedding and honeymoon. But we were tired of looking at all of that stuff in the "garage sale room" and in the garage, that we thought we'd just put a sign up by the road and go with it. Thanks to my marketing ploy we had some great business. My signs were awesome! They said "Just Married" with an X through it and then "Garage Sale" with an arrow! How cool is that? Anyway, we made a whopping $200 and I'm not even sure what we sold. All the big stuff (and good stuff) is still left for our Newlyweds Garage Sale with the other couple. So exciting. Let me tell you, merging our stuff (which we had too much of anyway) plus all of the wonderful wedding gifts has left us with more than plenty to get rid of. We've given away so much stuff to our friends, too (dishes, pots and pans, sofas, tables, dressers, etc.) and we still have plenty for a Garage Sale Extravaganza! I'd also like to mention that we picked the hottest day of the year to spend the morning on our blacktop driveway. It was rather comparable to Hell--but I did get some good sun.

Saturday afternoon we bought our furniture! For more info see the previous post. We even went and picked it up on Saturday so we didn't have to wait for delivery. It was very exciting!

Dumpster Diving
Also Saturday evening my hubby and I had a darling little date of Dumpster Diving. Now, now! Don't laugh. My papasan (which is sadly going in the garage sale) and the futon (which is living at T-Ho's) were both brought back to life from the White Columns dumpster! People really throw out good stuff. (We may also have a grill that was sitting in Northshore Woods.) There was a house on our street that had a lawn mower and an old wooden wheelbarrow out by the curb. J likes to work on things so seeing that lawn mower was like a toy store for him. And the wheelbarrow, an old wooden wheelbarrow, SCORE! A house on the adjacent street had a desk by the curb. J had been eyeing it for 2 days. So we stop by to check it out, realize it's fabulous and put it in the blazer. Well we didn't just put it in the blazer because it wouldn't fit. Instead we both developed hernias trying and it was still sticking out of the back. But that wasn't stopping J.
Absolutely not. He jumped in the back, held onto it, and made me drive the mile or so home. Yes-everyone knows we're from H and S counties now because we totally rednecked it up. Upon unloading the desk into our garage (which he is so excited to fix the top and give to my good friend Alice) we went down the street for the other goods. But much to our dismay, they were gone! Yes, gone! Someone beat us to it. Those (expletives!). Oh we are so easily entertained! As for Alice, she's so excited about her new desk that she could nearly pee her pants!

The Ghetto Fabulous Family
There is a family on the adjacent street to us that we often get a good chuckle at and refer to them as the "Ghetto Fabs." At any given time when you drive by you can see a man mowing the lawn, shirt off, gut hanging out, and (drum roll please!) beer in hand! Yeah baby--he's just cruising along on his riding mower. All he needs is hydraulics. One day last week they were all out in the front yard hanging out in lawn chairs. This is only odd because they have a very large, flat backyard and everyone knows that you congregate in the back yard! Besides, it's a rather busy, curvy street they live on. Not so friendly for families and kids to be living it up next to the idiot drivers. So this weekend the Ghetto Fabs took it one step further and had a grill and blow up swimming pool out there. Yeah--they're just hanging out doing their thang and waving to all the folks on the road.

Now I'm sure you thinking what J and I already hee-hawed over. We (the rednecks of the neighborhood) obviously have room to talk about the Ghetto Fabs. HA! No, we don't, but doesn't that make it more entertaining.

Home Depot
Another hot date from that romantic little thing! We went to the Home Depot after church. I was excited about it though because we bought the stuff to landscape our front yard and make it pretty, pretty! I hope my roses and hydrangeas bloom nicely. I'm sure tomorrows 90something degree weather with 80something percent humidity will make for a lovely day of landscaping.

Car Washing
Sunday evening after I spend some quality time at the pool J and I washed our cards. We quite possibly had the dirtiest cars in the world. We had to scrape and scrub whatever stuff the off of his blazer that the idiots at the wedding used to paint on it. With mine, there was no excuse, it was gross. Between the outer layer of disgusting dirt and the actual surface that was my car, we found midgets, houses, clowns, zoo animals, and even a remote tribal village from a third world country. Yeah--told you it was nasty!

Conclusion

The furniture debacle is over! Yes, it's over! We have made a decision. We went with the light khaki suede microfiber sofa and loveseat. We went back to get it on Saturday and also found a leather bench ottoman to go with it. J has wanted a large leather ottoman for the den since we moved in, we'd just never found the right one. But then, there it was. The perfect color, the perfect size, the right "look" (no nailheads, minimal stitching, not button tufted), it was everything. Plus the feet on it are very complimentary to the feet on our new sofas. It's so exciting! We feel as if we're in a different house because suddenly our two living spaces have been transformed.

We (I) have fabrics in mind and we're going to cover pillows and the trunk top that sits to the side of the den. I'm also going to make a tie up shade for the French door. That way I won't be so scared if J is out of town and I'm in there by myself! (Who are we kidding? When J is out of town I surround myself with friends or shut the bedroom door to watch tv or go straight to sleep. I'm a wimp and I'm not ashamed!). We're going to move the bookshelves around (maybe, I'm not sold on this but J wants to do it) and paint the inside blue along with a shelf over the entertainment center. We already have a great chocolate brown chenille throw for the basket downstairs, some fabulous lamps that we've already set up on the end tables, and we've made a plan for the decor. Perhaps a rustic looking map for behind the sofa and I'm ordering wedding pics for over the mantle. We also have pictures in our bedroom that we're going to move downstairs since I'm going cottage chic in there.

It's so exciting! (Yes, I'm excited over sofas, also guilty of being excited over silicone bakeware and anything with a kitchen aid label, especially the stand mixer and food processor!) I'm glad we have a room to decorate in brown and blue. Everyone is invited over to hang out in our new "man den."

Pretty and Shiny

I went to the mall and had my rings cleaned today on my lunch break. Let me tell you, nothing thrills me more than these pretty, sparkly, shiny diamonds on my left hand being even prettier, sparklier, and shinier. I love waving my hands under the light and watching them shimmer and shine. I have jewelry cleaner at home but it just can't do it as good as the jewelry store can. I try to get them cleaned there at least once per month. Since I am toting around 3.5 flawless, certified, colorless, carats on my left hand, they do need to look stunning and gorgeous, dahling!

And on a happy note along with that, the sweet girl at the counter told me how much she liked my rings and how pretty my set was and complimented how nicely my band and engagement ring look together. What good taste she has. Oh I love my rings! I love them almost as much as I love my wonderful husband who bought them for me!

Why I Blog

I have a few friends who are older and uncooler than me who ponder, "Why do you blog?" To which I intelligently respond, "Because I'm very insightful and have something to say!"

Is that not a good enough reason? I certainly think that it is.

Here are a few questions I'm often asked:

Q: Why do you put your life online for the whole world to see?
A: Really? The whole world? I'm flattered! I thought my only faithful readers were the 5 a.m. Mrs. S (Hi A!), the darling ex-roomie A (Hi Addy!), my dear hubby who enjoys mocking my blogging(Kiss Kiss Crabcake!), and occasionally my Grandmother in Florida(Hi Grammy!).

Q: Do you really want everyone to know about your personal life?
A: Believe it or not, zoo outings and sofa shopping are not the most personal things that go on in La La Land.

Q: Aren't you afraid of having people you don't want to read your blog?
A: If they're reading my blog unwanted, they need to get a hobby. (See my profile for a great recommended list!).

Q: What if you get a stalker?
A: My very own stalker? Really? SWEET!

Come on people. Welcome to 2006. Blogging is the new cool thing to do. My blog is perfectly safe and mundane, and here are the reasons why, satire withheld:

1. My blog is private. I only give the URL to people whom I care to read it. In addition I don't use real names for those who may saunter in uninvited.
2. I love, love, (LOVE!) to write. I enjoy writing. Having a blog is step one for my novel (Well two novels--I have such great ideas it will have to turn into two novels! How about that?)
3. It's fun to enlighten my friends and family on my day to day life without cramming it all into a phone call. It's a nice way to keep friends and family in the know. (News Flash: If you don't want them in the know, don't blog about it!) Plus, it has proved very entertaining for my four readers. Perhaps I do have others, but I'm getting no love from them if so.
4. Really, a stalker?

I encourage all of my friends to get blogs too. It really helps to develop your communication and writing skills. It's a great way to express yourself. It's a quick and easy way to communicate with those you care about. It's also a great way for me to entertain myself so go blog already!

Furniture Update

J and I went back to the furniture store on lunch today. Furniture store hours are so silly. Most close at 6 and J doesn't get off work until 6. So at lunch we went to check out the coveted leather furniture again. Sadly though, we didn't like it this time. Yes, I know that if you read the other post about how this furniture was the Alpha and Omega of furniture, you're shocked. So were we. I'm not sure how we went from love, love, loving it, to blah. But we did.

The color and style was right, but when we sat down we felt like it sank too much. We tried out every other leather sofa in the store and all but one sank like that as well. I just couldn't handle it. J turned out not to like it either. Then I was afraid that because the price was too good to be true, and perhaps it was a reflection of the quality. The seams looked good...but how do I know? How many leather sofa seams have I looked at and tested? It's just the old lady in me. I have to ask a million practical questions.

Beyond that, the chair was going to be too plush and oversized for the office. J wants a more sleek look and smaller chair in there. But don't you worry---he found one that will probably come home with us.

So the choices have changed and we're now looking at the others we liked. We're also going to check a few more stores even though we have most likely already picked out the one we're going to get. Again, that's how I am. I want to check every possible viable option before committing.

Good thing I was pretty sure of J though. If I were still going through every possible viable option I could not be worry about this sofa dilemma and could have worse things to deal with.

You and I

You and I were made to worship,
You and I are called to love,
You and I are forgiven and free.
When you and I embrace surrender,
You and I choose to believe,
You and I will see how we were meant to be

A Good Friend

I've been babysitting T-Ho quite a bit since her surgery. For those of you that don't know, T-Ho is one of my oldest friend and she just had surgery on her toe. Her second toe was freakishly as long as my fingers and she had part of it cut off to have normal feet. There are currently screws sticking out of her toes, but she is very excited to wear cute shoes and heels since this was nearly impossible before the surgery.

T-Ho has been stuck on bed rest with there feet propped up in the air for more than a week now. She's thankfully not feeling pain, but is suffering cabin fever. She is beginning to act like a bit of, hmmm, a super pampered spoiled brat!

Last night at something til 10 (hello? nearly my bedtime!) T-Ho decides she needs a little something something sweet. The pudding didn't do it for her. She needs chocolate chunk cookies. Yea, that's it! Pepperidge Farms Chocolate Chunk Cookies.

T-Ho: La La, would you want to go get lil t-ho some cookies?

Me: Are you serious? How about another pudding?

T-Ho: The pudding didn't work. I really want cookies. Or a brownie, but probably cookies.

Me: For real? It's almost 10. I'm ready for bed. Do you have to have it?

T-Ho: (SIGH) No, no. It's ok. I don't need it.

Me: Good.

T-Ho: PLEASE GO GET ME SOME CHOCOLATE CHUNK COOKIE! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE!

So I do. I go to the grocery and by the spoiled, over pampered, bratty, miss prissy princess, her cookies. It's 10:00 at this point. My bedtime is, um now! It's dark, on the side of town I don't live on, it's raining and nasty, and I'm going out to get her the coveted cookies. Really I want to pick her up by the screws in her toes, but I don't. Am I a good friend or what?

All I can say is one day when I'm overreacting to the sniffles and I'm piled up in bed--she better be there to bring me something delish!

Furniture Shopping

J and I have decided to do a little rearranging in our house. We've only been in it for about 6 months, but we have already decided we need to upgrade a bit. We use the living space off the kitchen much more than we anticipated we would. Consequently, we use our downstairs living space less than we thought we would.

When we have people over it makes sense to hang out in the space adjacent to the kitchen since we are most likely eating. Of the evenings when J and I are hanging out we tend to use that space as well because between dinner, errands, and other activities, we (I) just don't feel the need to go get cozy downstairs when it's nearly my bedtime.

Ok, so anecdotes aside we have decided that we need a full size sofa in the living room. We're all excited to go sofa shopping (sign number 304 that I'm getting old. I get excited about sofa shopping. I've also been known to be excited about over sized toasters that fit panini bread). We were after a darker neutral color with a strong lasting material. (Where did I learn to be so practical?) Think khaki in a sturdy canvas or tweed. J would love to have a leather sofa and ottoman, but we have dubbed that as unaffordable. However after 4 furniture stores we found a very affordable leather sofa. It's everything J has dreamed of, and we all know how picky my darling husband is! It's dark brown (check!), it's plush yet not oversized (check!), it has a sleek contemporary appearance yet is very classic (check!), it actually has a price tag that won't result in him selling a kidney on the black market (CHECK!). This sofa is the only one that we both totally agree on and think would be a wonderful addition to our home.

So it should be easy, right? We purchase the fabulous leather sofa for our upstairs living space and take it home to love as a first born child (because I know Jl will be particular about it and that's about how much it will set us back!) But then J will be forced to choose between two things he loves most (besides me!). The leather sofa upstairs, or the large flat screen television downstairs. Next to this sofa on the showroom floor is a wonderful matching love seat and chair and ottoman that would all look absolutely lovely downstairs. So our eyes adore the furniture before us and our minds wonder right off track of "sofa only." Hmmmm, now what?

So we think. And think, and think, and think. And think. Could we move the red sofas upstairs and make the entire downstairs sleek with the leather sofas and flat screen with J's beloved entertainment center? He has always wanted a leather chair in the office which is right off of the den and it would look really nice. Since I haven't bought the fabric for the upstairs cornice boards it would be minimal change. The sofas and coordinates will go nicely with the walls. Furthermore it would give us the chance to redecorate a room since most of the house was ideas we already had with furnishings we already had and not much room for change. It could be the nice blue and browns scheme we nearly did in the master bedroom. The whole downstairs could be J's decor with the "man den", office, and garage. While the upstairs kitchen, dining, living room, and bedrooms could be mine.

So we ponder and ponder on what to do. Our upstairs living space is a little awkward so we aren't sure the sofas will fit. So we break out the tape measure and play architect. It just might work. So we think and think and think. Stay focused! You just need the sofa! But.....

So what should we do? It seems so practical to go ahead and get the entire set! One less large purchase to buy. It's a good price, it's classic, it will last for years to come. Right? Our next big purchase will be a dining table and china cabinet as well as a king sized sleigh bed, however, those purchases may not be in this house. (Well---the bed may be...we'll see what I work out!). So if we go ahead and get this....it will be one less large purchase to make, right?

Well, we are still pondering options and trying to think responsibly, practically, and make a good decision. Tonight we are going to visit a couple more furniture stores and then make a decision in about a week.

For me to be so stern on we are only getting a sofa---I'm kinda the biggest cheerleader for buying the full leather set.

Being a B Girl

I'm very excited! This weekend I will be an official B girl. Sjb's mom and sister C are coming to town for her brunch shower I'm hosting tomorrow and for her last dress fitting, also tomorrow. Sjb is very excited to get to spend time with her family, and I'm very excited to meet them. It's just too bad that little Miss C and J won't be joining them.

Sjb has invited me to be an official B girl this weekend. I'm very excited about shopping, going to the fitting, and having dinner with the B girls. I'm so far away from my family that I don't get this often so even if it's in the adoptive sense, I'm very excited to be a part.

Make me a t-shirt: Here's to being a B Girl!

Ursula, the Sea Witch

We all have an Ursula the Sea Witch in our lives. I, however, have found that I have more than one. Most likely everyone has more than one. I feel as if I've encountered several this year. I've encountered two just this week and one was a man!

So, I've tried to put on my girl panties and deal with it the best I can. I've done really well today and hope that I can keep the positive, optimistic attitude. I'm really good at it until I get ticked off again. Believe it or not I'm really sensitive. The littlest thing seems to upset me and make me cry.

But here are my conclusions about the Ursula's in your life:

1. Some people suck and that's sad.
2. There are people that you think don't suck, and they suck totally.
3. There is nothing you can do about other people sucking, it's nearly useless to try.
4. Sometimes you have to put on your big girl panties/big boy boxers and deal with it.
5. When all it's fails you can just say, "Screw you! I'm going to better than you today!
6. In the end, live by my darling Liz's motto: "Initiate Deductive Happiness."

Shopping

Yesterday after work I had a million errands to run. I don't much enjoy the mall or the west traffic so luckily I could do most everything at the new TC Shopping Center. I do so love the new Pavilion there.

I feel like I'm in a different world when I'm out there. For some reason it feels so beachy to me. I would love to live in a charming seaside town and that's how I feel when I shop there. Also with the 91% humidity in My Town, it really did feel like the beach.

I had a long and semi rough day yesterday so it was nice to feel like I was making an escape while just running errands.

Of course as luck would have it I wasn't able to do all of my errands there and still had to go to the mall followed by the grocery store. When did I get so old? When did my evenings consist of running errands and going to the grocery?

I'm going to need to hush now before I age myself another 10 years by typing.

Balancing

Today I'm sporting a way cute pair of brown with pink plaid trousers a la E. She's much taller than I but with my wedge sandals I can pull it off, and wow do I look tall! Here's the thing. E is a flat bootied girl, whereas I on the other hand, am bootylicious. The pants are short waisted and have conformed to her flat bottom so transforming them to fit me made me feel like a Fat Bottomed Girl (thank you QUEEN for those lovely lyrics!). So when accessorizing this morning I wore my huge hoop earrings that I usually reserve for going out. Thus balancing out my junk in the trunk! How about that? I think it just might have worked!

So much to Blog About

I don't use my computer too much on the weekends. I use one enough at work that I'm busy doing other things at home. Hence why I haven't blogged about the last several days. It was the weekend and while at work I was actually busy! So, let's begin.

Thursday: Sundown and Marc Broussard

J and I were very excited to go the last Sundown this year and to hear Marc Broussard. But I also remembered why I don't often attend free city sponsored events. Every freak, geek, and redneck comes out of the woodwork to attend free city sponsored events. Especially those who don't have an open container rule. That's right, on Thursday nights April-June you can walk around loudly and proudly with your plastic cup of beer on Market Square. It's like Knoxville's own little Bourbon Street. (Actually that would be New Orleans in general since open containers are always allowed and welcomed.)

So while there were about a million people there, I managed to run into everyone I know. Big O was "here on business" (yeah right, so was I!), I found some camp friends, T-Ho, random college acquaintances, a lovely family from my nanny network, co-workers, and even people who I never care if I see again. Also out in full force were way too many children who needed to be accompanied by an adult. Middle school children have absolutely no business running around Market Square half dressed and wearing too much make up. The kids are very immature and are more of a ruckus. Sure, come here the music, but do just that. But no, these kids are running back and forth wildly like an ape that has escaped the confines of the zoo. It was very disturbing. Did I mention how they were half dressed and wearing too much makeup? Hello? You are in middle school. You have no hips and no chest, your cheeks are round and you have baby fat on your middle. Now cover yourself and wash your face!

(Anecdote: Being the girly girl I am I've always worn make up. Well, always as soon as my super strict parents would let me. I'd always sneak lip gloss, but in middle school I was allowed to wear makeup. By allowed to wear makeup I mean powder, blush, pale eyeshadows, and a little mascara. No 3 inch thick eyeliner rings with gray, smoky, come hither eyes that made me look twenty four. That was so old back then!)

Beyond that there were all of the high school kids. They were either A) half dressed with too much make up or B) over dressed with too much makeup. By overdressed I mean this is not the prom! You do not need your black strapless with sequins and 4 inch gold heels. This is an outdoor music festival on a Thursday night in June. Throw on a sundress and call it a day. I was wearing jeans and a pink halter top. (If only everyone were like me!). Another nuisance of the high school crowd was the running around. Not as obnoxious as the middle school crowd, yes just as disturbing. They were not there to here music but to see and be seen. And for the love of everything good hang up your cell phone! You can't hear anyone and they can't hear you. It's a concert and it's loud.

Parent's need to not use free city sponsored events as babysitters to dump their kids.

The freaks, geeks, and rednecks out reminded me of the town where I went to high school. R'ville has free pool day on July 4th and there is a huge array of events at the adjacent city park all day. There are concerts, talent shows, games, booths, free giveaways, etc. Now if you wanna see some freaks, geeks, and rednecks, just mosey a little northeast and visit on the 4th. People come out of the hills to bathe for free pool day. You wouldn't catch me near that nasty water. Cherokee Lake is cleaner!

Other exciting spottings at Sundown included a number of ladies sporting 6 shades of trailer park in their hair, a comparable number or ladies sporting fake tans that are natural for no body type, old women wearing cut up daisy duke like shorts with their nasty (yet tanned!) flabby stomachs and legs hanging out, obscure, trashy, nasty, and gross tattoos poking out of every body part imaginable, and believe it or not there are people guilty of being all of the above!
Yes--they are out there. That is exactly what I mean about freaks, geeks, and rednecks. Oh and the men, gotta love the skanky old men all roughed up with the aforementioned tattoos, strutting long with a string of smoke trailing behind and holding the plastic cup of hops. Most has obviously had a little "pre-hopping" before arriving.

Oh, the good times. But above the the sightseeing, Marc Broussard was absolutely fabulous! I really enjoyed attending the show and hearing his music. I'd heard so much about him, yet had never seen him. He is very soulful rock and roll. If you like DMB and Hootie (my faves!) he is your kinda guy. But even if you aren't DMB and Hootie fans, he was great! He has the kind of music that I think anyone can enjoy. J and I are on the search for a CD. Marc Broussard is a new must listen to up and coming favorite! (Like Ingram Hill!).

Friday: Wedding Time

Friday was B's bridesmaid luncheon hosted by Mrs. Teresa and was absolutely lovely. We all had lunch at the Applecake Tea Room which reminded me so much of the Norris Tea Room, which we all know that I adore. It's very cute and cozy. The bracelet girls were all in attendance except Missa. Mrs. B and Mrs. Y were also there and I so love those ladies along with B's Nana whom I adore and R's Grandmother from California whom I hadn't met. It was so nice to sit back with the girls for lunch and tea. We simply must do that more often.

That evening was the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. Everything went smoothly despite a few things that B was not pleased with. She is so against walking to one side down the aisle, and most definitely the prayer books. I (oh the devil in me!) encouraged her to go ahead and split in the back anyway. What was the Preist going to do? Not marry her? Doubtful! So with my insistent prodding she did it! I was so proud! Way to stand up for yourself B! I also assured her that there are a great number of people out there who have pegged me as going to hell and probably have a handbasket and/or hot plate all ready and waiting, with that being said, I had no qualms with making a little trip to the church to remove all the prayer books and replace them after the ceremony! Unfortunately she declined the offer. You know my love for adventures, that would have been a good one! I'm sure I could have had my fellow bracelet girl Mrs. S to back me up on that one! It would have been a good time.

Following the rehearsal was dinner at BRAVO! Yum! That's all you can say, YUM! It was great to get to spend more time with the bracelet girls and their hubbies as well as the bride and grooms family whom again, I adore!

Friday night was the M Bed and Breakfast! We had guests to fill the extra rooms and it was exciting! If it weren't for wedding madness starting bright and early the next morning I could have made waffles!

Saturday: Here Comes the Bride

THE HOLIDAY IS CANCELLED! Just kidding--but that was a little shout out for Mrs. B. Of all people, I along with Mrs. S, was the calm and collected one. Now tell me, where did that come from? Mrs. S and I are the most uptight, OCD, anal retentive, type A gals you can find. Depsite the high stress everything worked out wonderfully.

I love weddings. Especially those of my best and dearest friends. It was so much fun to do hair and makeup and get ready together. B looked absolutely stunning in her dress! The ceremony was wonderful and the reception just got better and better. Finally--the bracelet girls all together! We partied like rock stars until we shut the place down. It was on the dance floor that I had the divine epiphany that WOW--I think I'm Mrs. Young's daughter!

It was the first time that I hadn't got to join the crowd of "come catch the bouquet" girls. Instead, the bracelet girls stood in front of B and cheered her on. She is the last of us to be married. We were all determined to beat her down the aisle and have consistently been doing the wedding thing since December.

So after seeing the newlyweds off to Las Vegas, we went home to crash. Yeah--we're getting old.

Wedding Day Highlights

Here is a slideshow of wedding day highlights. I love, love, love my pictures.
Enjoy!

Whimsical

I'm having another one of those very feel good days, much like yesterday. I'm also feeling very whimsical and nostalgic. So, I feel like making a list (one of my fave things!) of all the wonderful things I love. In no certain order:

Jesus
my husband
my little brother
vanilla frozen yogurt on carnival cruise ships
writing
reading
having coffee on weekend mornings with my husband
hot showers
long showers
long hot showers
singing loudly in my car
riding with the sunroof open and the air conditioning on high
pretty flowers
hydrangeas
shopping
the smell of clean laundry
crawling into bed between clean crisp sheets
the color pink
making things
going to the beach
taking walks
having adventures
making lists
mda camp
listening to music
vacations
80s and 90s music
big hair bands
magazines
watching sex and the city reruns
calling a friend
wearing my bracelet that reminds me of the bracelet girls
beading
looking at pictures
being creative
long weekends
listening to stories
going to charleston
smelling fresh cut grass
knowing the history of cities
golden girls reruns
sweet tea from pal's
cookouts
giggling with my husband
yard saling
finding old things
cooking from a rachel ray cookbook
eating fruit
chicken and dumplings
having a picnic
talking to my grandparents
happy memories
visiting friends
hosting parties
cherry limeade
decorating my house
playing with kids
reese's cups
having tea
eating off of my china
a real cherry coke with grenadine
feeling accomplished
taking naps on stormy afternoons
lying in the sun
going to the lake
dreaming about the lake house J and I are going to buy
tap dancing
taking pictures
live music
being happy
getting my back rubbed
watching plays
going to weddings
sitting by the fire

Being A Girl

You know those days when you leave the house feeling rather well about yourself, only to look in a mirror later that day and realize you were wrong? You look at yourself and ponder "what was I thinking?" or "why did I leave the house like this", or better yet, "why didn't someone tell me?" I hate those days. It is so not a good feeling. I feel I often have them.

So I shave my legs this morning fully intending to wear a skirt. Then I realized that the skirts I had in mind were dirty. My darling husband and I haven't done our work laundry in awhile. (Work laundry, by the way, is different than weekend laundry. Since we both dress up everyday for work and our jeans and t-shirt type clothing we lovingly call our "weekend clothes. Yeah, we (HE!) are quirky people about our laundry). So the skirt was out.

I began looking at my pant options I again realize that we haven't done laundry in awhile. I pick a pair of pants that are super cute but not sure of the shirt to wear with them. I find a super cute top to go with it but not sure how I'll feel about the combination of the two on my body. Yeah--a girl thing. J can pick a pair of pants with the right hand, a shirt with the left and inevitably it will match and he will feel fine in it. So, back to my dressing dilemma. I pick two tops and hope one will work for me. The first one, a failure! Too much cleavage for the office and I wasn't feeling very flattering in it. So I mindlessly put on the second and WOW! A success. I could have a new fave outfit. I find a blazer to go with it and I'm all set.

Finishing the morning I curl my "leftover hair" and apply my makeup. I open my armoire to find accessories thinking I have something in mind but choose earrings and a bracelet I haven't worn in forever! Hmm, things are coming along nicely this morning. I finish my morning routine, take down and spray my hair as I run out the door.

So, I don't think much more about my appearance but do receive several compliments. Nice! So later I'm making round two of my morning caffeine getting some coffee and head to the restroom. Back to the looking in the mirror and thinking blah...I don't! Instead I think to myself, Self--you are looking stunning today! How very Ann Taylor you are. The outfit, the hair, the jewelry--fabulous. Have a wonderful day you darling girl!

And so I have.

It's nice to feel so wonderful about yourself, especially when you have a long day as I will today.

All of this brings me to another point which I had originally planned on blogging about until I decided to tell the world how fabulous I was today, but it ties in.

Girls dress for girls. Yeah--not guys, but girls. Girls may not be out to impress anyone, but always feel the need to be impressive. Girls may not be competitive, but still feel the need to be the best. Girls may not judge others, but still stereotype. You can be so proud of your best friend, yet you still compare yourself to her. To sum it all up, girls are insecure. No matter how confident, I think all women have a little insecurity and a need to be accepted.

Why is this? Why are girls hardwired to be this way?

I consider myself very genuine, down to earth, carefree, and happy go lucky. Yet, I catch myself having all of the above tendencies. It's subliminal! I have to stop myself and wonder why am I doing/thinking/feeling that and then make myself stop. Even the most sincere women feel it. If you deny it, you're lying to yourself.

Children Are Such Fun

So J and I were the picture perfect little family at the Zoo on Sunday. How cute we were with our two curly blonde, tanned, and gorgeous kids. I was flattered that the world thought they were ours (the stick straight brunette with not much color and the extremely white bald guy).

Sunday was my company picnic to the Zoo and we decided it would be more fun if we took along our "boyfriend" and "girlfriend". We adore the R kids and enjoy doing things with them. Girlfriend has some extreme love for J and Boyfriend still says that we are getting married even if I'm married to J--so there!

We had such a great time with them (on our "double date" as Boyfriend informed me!). It's so fun to see things from a kids perspective and watch them get so excited. There was a bear right up next to the glass in the water and the kids were thrilled be right at eye level with it. Later one of the large gorillas kept sticking his tongue out and picking his nose which was a big delight to the little ones. I love watching them run from each exhibit or look intently trying to find where the animal is inside.



After spending all morning looking at the animals we went to our picnic lunch. Let me tell you--most people know that I'm a newlywed. They didn't know I had two kids. HA! I think I straightened everyone out though. After lunch we played in Kids Cove. We took a carousel ride and then visited the petting zoo (J opted out). The kids played in the sandbox and then on the big playground before spending the hottest part of the afternoon in the water area, which by the way is entirely too small for the millions of kids that want to enjoy it. After that we finished the day off with the much anticipated camel ride. Let me tell you--J and I are way cool and one upped the parents on the camel ride. Boyfriend and Girlfriend were so excited and couldn't get on the camel fast enough. They were darling as they waved at J to take pictures of them. They were so excited when they got off and wanted to watch the other kids ride and pet the small ones. I love, love, love those darling children.



Now I know what you are all thinking....I'm going to be putting a bun in the oven. Oh contrare my friends! I love kids, and I love the R kids, but I love to take them home and go back to my anal retentive, OCD, simple life with just me and my hubby. I know that the bracelet girls have me pegged as the first to reproduce, and that may be true, but it will be quite a few years before that happens. For now, I just get my enjoyment out of Boyfriend and Girlfriend and the enjoyment of returning them to their parents. I'm young and selfish. I'm simply not ready to share my time and my time with J with children. I'm not ready to put money in college funds or pay a nanny. I just want to be the cute, young, newlywed, career girl that I am, and that girl is child free for the next several years. Besides I need to get my MS to be a stay at home mom...right?

I'm a List Maker, I Love Lists

Everyone who knows me (or thinks they know me) should know that I love to make lists. There is nothing like jotting down (in outlined, organized fashion) a list of things to do/get/make/buy/etc. and then checking off the list one by one as accomplishments are made.

I take quite a great deal of criticism from my lovely husband and best friend Sec about my love for lists and spastic list-making habit. Good thing my love for lists is strong enough that their teasing and poking fun of me doesn't affect my skills and productivity of making and following lists.

Today, I made a great discovery. I have found a new list making friend. I had know idea that Mrs. KB was a list lover as I am. Mrs. B and I are friends through another best friend (T-Ho, who does not share the joy and love of lists) and discovered this just this afternoon. We have both already made lists today. Isn't that great?!

Here's to you Mrs. KB--my new BFF of lists. We may just form a List Lover Sisterhood.

A Date

It's the little things in life that please me. Tonight I have a date with my husband and I'm very excited about that. We're going to dinner and a movie which is something we haven't done in a long time. It's crazy how two people can live in the same house and constantly be going in different directions--which is how I feel this month will be for us. So the "just dinner and a movie" makes me pleased as punch. Really--it's the simple things!