Is this what happens when you get old?

I feel old today. Not just because I'm tired. No, that's not it.

It's a slap of reality that has hit me the last few days.

I found out yesterday that an old friend had his kidney removed in emergency surgery. I kept seeing some posts on his wife's facebook page about him being so strong, superman, etc. I posted something asking her what was going on, but no response (which has to do with the "former friend part". Let me explain. Best firends in HS, tried to date, didn't work, best friends at the start of college. I started dating, upset him, he never dated, I dated some more - apparently breaking the "we're supposed to get married" code. Yes, I am the "girl that broke his heart" the girl who "let their son fall in love" etc. Really?) Anyhow. The wife isn't a fan of mine, and if he was heartbroken, she has every right to defend him. I get it. But, we have a lot of fantastic friendship memories. A lot of great times. A lot of good stuff. And it's all gone. My biggest regret is not inviting them to my wedding. We weren't speaking. They never thanked me for their beautiful wedding gift (actually they denied ever getting it, even though I had delivered it to his mom). But. I should have been bigger and sent the stupid invitation. I hate that about great friendships that die in the "heat" of a moment. Stupid, stupid, stupid. We were going to try to meet up while on mutual vacations in Savannah this year. I felt so great about it. But, we got the cancellation text. Sigh.

Anyhow. He went to hospital. Had lost 40% of blood internally due to a mass on his kidney. The operated, removed the 4x larger than normal mass. Then hours later went back in to remove the kidney. He is 28. I konw this isn't the worst of the worst, but it just makes me sad for him, for his wife and son to know the recovery they will endure. It makes me sad I can't call him or talk to him as a friend and say how freaking scared and sad I've been.

Sad.

Another acquaintance posted last night that her new husband passed out at work, hit his head and was in the hospital with a skull fracture and an air pocket behind it.

Another Facebook posting uncovered that the son of a family I used to house sit for had a serious bicycling accident and broke his neck and back. He is not paralyzed but is enduring surgery after surgery.

Why??

Why all this serious pain and tragedy?

I thought I'd be better

Well, I really thought I'd be better at posting. But...in true fashion, it's over one month later and I'm just now catching up.

I promise not to bore you with every detail. Is that possible? Sure. Because, mostly I feel like it's been partly hazed by alcohol! Not right now, the past month!

So, I survived the Sorority Conference. The highlight was definitely getting to know three college ladies who traveled with me. They were so fun. They definitely made me realize I'm not 65 years old; and that 27 can still be young and sassy. They also made me realize I can't drink two boxes of wine, extra glasses of sangria and then shots out in the sun by a pool, all day. No, I can't. I'm sorry. However, rebounding with pizza and a movie in bed was classic. Just my style!

Here are the cuties:


9 days was a long time. The conference was only about 4...We had another advisor who had no reason to be home. I was glad to be able to have the work time to take off. And even more glad to have some pool time with some girlie books. And sunshine. And a pool.

I returned home and we went to a family engagement party and then to the lake to camp with my family. How quickly we can leave a resort and go to the camper. I had a mental lapse when I asked if we had to take our own towels to the "shower house." Wrong crowd. Here was the view heading to the 4th of July Fireworks on the water.



I returned from FL on July 2nd. I left on July 19th to go to Minneapolis for a work conference. It nearly killed me. The drinking that is. Another thing the young girls taught me; drinking every week is Fun. Until your body shuts down. I'm really to old for this...



That's my boss. We've been working together for almost 5 years. Luckily, she and I were together and out until 3:30 a.m. one morning. Luckily she understood when I vomited all morning and missed the opening session; she did too. Thank you non-profit gods. What is with our conferences? I mean, I guess we all know the stresses we endure over the year so a chance to totally let lose is just on the agenda. I love that our conferences reunite us with work friends from all over the US. Reignites ideas, passion and love for what we do. The free drinks help too. A lot of what went on there, will stay there. We didn't do Mall of America, or MOA as it's called to the locals. We did do a Twins game which was cool (even though I am not a sports fan). The Target Field was AMAZING. HOly cow. I almost bought by nephew a $40 hat but I opted for a cocktail instead and found my senses. It was that moving though. I ate the 2 story Target store UP! Oh my. HEAVEN. We had great food. All the things a good work trip are made of!

We got back and went right into a new year. Our offices were adopted by Day of Caring and Valspar sent a crew over with our paint color of choice. We're liking the new duds and trying not to junk it up!

Leaving for 9 days

Tomorrow I'll be heading to Orlando (hold your jealousy) for a sorority conference. Luckily the conference doesn't start until Saturday, and only runs through Tuesday. That means I have tomorrow, Friday, Wednesday and Thursday free. Now you can be jealous. I don't think I could handle 9 days of "Oh My Gosh! Chi Omega for Life." No, I know I couldn't. I am excited to go to the resort we're at (because the convention hotel booked up) and to lay out and read. That's all I care about. I heard Disney is there, but fighting the crowds in the heat...Eeek. Oh well, I'll try to rally for one trip (I do have a free pass) but otherwise, I claim my time. There are 3 collegiates going with us; who I think will behave and then one advisor who has poor health and I pray doesn't get very ill. (Why she thinks she needs to go???) So...we'll see how this plays out.

I haven't slept the past few nights. I guess it's anxiety or stress? I'm taking all the pills I have for that! I have loads to pack, to fold, dishwasher to unload, weeds to pull, weeds to spray, flowers to water, notes to leave my husband to water, notes to leave my husband to make sure the dogs have water....See....

Anyhow, we went to Nashville this past weekend for Chad's conference. He had a large night Thursday while on his boys night - and I just beat that by having a LARGE night on Friday...Chad likes to say when I started yelling (he is really being dramatic) at another lady it was time to put me to bed. I'm telling you - free cocktails are dangerous...And so where the two at the bar and so was the one when we got back from the bar. Oh my. Saturday Chad had meetings and I drug myself out of bed around 10:30 to go lay out w/ another wife (who is only weeks away from delivering). I think the sweating and soaking in water from a pool cured me!

We had the "fancy dinner" that night - where I could barely get down 2 glasses of wine (at least I tried).

Here are some pics. We were a Scoobie Doo team for Friday. I don't normally wear the Scoobs out to bars!!



And then a bit more sober and professional looking :)


It's nice to be included in Chad's work conference. They even have a meeting just for spouses, and have the spouses attend the opening session - which is really nice as well.

Today we're tackling May

Oh yes, we are...and then it will be..OMG.. JUNE! (Just in time for July, right?).

I feel like today is the calm before the storm. I know I'm supposed to be catching up on May, but let's just process the next few weeks.

Tomorrow, off work (WHOOHOO!). I'll pick up a wife of one of Chad's co-workers and we'll drive to the Cool Springs, TN area to meet our hubs. It's their work summer conference. Today the men are golfing all day and drinking and then watching basketball tonight. It is bad I'm UBER excited to have a night to myself? A morning to try to sleep in past 6:30??? I can't wait. And, I'll be glad to see Chad, of course. We'll go to a meeting w/ the boys tomorrow afternoon and then to a Cartoon Character Themed Dinner (really. Really?) Saturday I'll have all day free and Chad will get free midday. Unfortunately I won't have a pool to lay out by (BOOO) but Chad has devoted the day to "us" so whatever we do, I guess I should be thankful. There will be a "dress up" dinner that night and then back home on Sunday.

Next week will start another storm. We have our 3 hour Board Planning on Tuesday, haircut and color Tuesday afternoon (which is JUST AS IMPORTANT as Board Planning) and then I leave on Thursday for Orlando. For 9 days. For a sorority convention. It sounded fun months ago but now I'm not sure. I PRAY that the free time we have prior to and after is solely spent by a pool with cocktails. Even if I'm the only one old enough to drink. And no, I'm not confused and thinking I'm still in college, I've just devoted my sanity to being an advisor....again, more cocktails.

So, May...Hi...How are you? Where you been?

Well, according to my planner (because I live by it). This is where we been:

Week of May 3rd - Metings and worked like a dog for our largest fundraiser the Mini Corvette Challenge...a 3 day event. FUN FUN FUN...WORK WORK WORK. A huge success - which we desperately needed for our morale and budget!

Week of May 10th - It's breakfast time - Appreciation Breakfast in Simpson County that I coordinated and conducted. Then - the best part of the month (if not year so far) - OFF TO COLUMBUS to see my best friend KELLEY!!! WHOOHOO! Now, let me just say - COLUMBUS, OH - I LOVE YOU. I love your SHOPPING (OMG). I love your restaurants, I love your bars, I love your shopping, I love you! LOVE YOU!



Chad went with and Kel's boyfriend came up. We went to a fabulous "upscale" Mexican Resty that night...then to one of Kel's favorite dive bars. Saturday she and I shopped in some fabulous area (hello new dress and new shoes), had drinks at lunch (you really can do that) and just enjoyed pure, delightful friendship. Chad golfed and Todd ran errands.

That night we met up w/ Kel's cousin and her hubs and we went to a Clipper's Game. I actually drank beer (!) and had fun at a game (I'm not your sports gal!). Chad, of course, was a trooper!



We left on Sunday and I loved every minute of being with Kelley and having Chad there too...

Week of 17th - Another breakfast in Logan County...another success!

Week of 24th - Sex and the City movie week! Need I say more?
That weekend, an important little buddy graduated high school. I've kept this family of 3 boys for about 8+ years. They were in my wedding if that tells you how much I love them. The oldest graduated this year. OMG!

Here we are years ago at a soccer game. I was often mistaken as their mom - which is a huge compliment (she ROCKS). When I was in college and would stay w/ them for a week - we'd go to dinner and they would start calling me "MOM" which would mortify me. People gave me "that look" like I was really a 20 year old mother of 3!!!



and at my rehearsal dinner:


and wedding:


Those pics were almost 2 years ago and they are all just as handsome as ever...I am a lucky lady to have been blessed by their family.

Well, I think that's it for May...June...get ready, we're going for July!

Let's get through April

Ok...I noticed I worked up to April 7th...Then I looked at my calendar and it says JUNE now so I figured it was time to haul ass.

ATL was a blast...We shopped, ate, drank, shopped and just had a good time. It was truly Driving Miss Daisy (Me driving my mom and her friend) but it was wonderful, quality time. It was fun to see our friends renewed spirit and it was great to have some time with my mom, away from other distractions.

Back to reality.

That weekend also marked Chad playing in the 2nd Franklin Simpson Alumni HIgh School game...He enjoys it more than he'll ever say! It's fun seeing him cut up and try to be 15 with all these athletes! Some legends never change.

That week of work started chaos. We hosted our Annual Appreciation Breakfast in Warren County with over 100 in attendance. I didn't realize how much my part ended up being the "meat & potatoes" of the event, but I am glad it was. It is really rewarding to put together a "year in review" of all the work we do for students. Well, a power point helps illustrate that but it is remarkable. This was one even that we received some very heartfelt praise and thanks for - but more than that, we received so many feelings of appreciation for what we do - and what most people don't realize we do. I also hosted a AT&T Job Shadow for 40 students from one of our high schools. Despite a rocky start with my organizer at the site - it was a FANTASTIC experience...the site went above and beyond and the students were really engaged, which is hard to do at that age. Even better that we received funding for every student that went through the experience...so...SCORE for the NON PROFIT budget!!

The weekend of April 16th-18th was one of the most trying events of the Spring. We went to a family engagement cookout that Friday which was easy and fine. Saturday started the day from hell. Let me recap:

9:15 - go to a salon to do a trial run of makeup on a bride I have never met. There is a lot going on in that one statement. I hate going into salon's to do make up - it always turns out fine but I feel like they are looking at my hodge podge of make up and wondering "who in the hell" I think I am rolling in there (literally...I roll a scrap booking suitcase in)...The bride turned out to be chill (would you be if you'd been at the salon since 6:45 a.m. getting a color, highlight and style by someone you've never met)? Her mother turned out to be "that mother of the bride." Oh me...I didn't start makeup til about 9:40...They were out the door by 10:15, off to buy an outfit at Macy's for an 11:00 shower that was 20 minutes away.....Can you tell there is SO MUCH MORE to the story?

From there I had about 2 hours to kill, which initially I thought would be spent sitting outside in the sun, but I thought I'd tackle my husbands office room/closet...I made it gleam...until he got home and was NOT appreciative...Eeeeck.

Then to our local university for a 2:00 meeting (which was a weekend of events in itself but of course, none of that worked out for me).

Then home at 3:30 to change to go take candid photos at a small private wedding, then to go get them developed and framed and on a table for reception guests to see.

I'm going to stop there and say the pictures were great, none of the guests cared, I drank wine and danced and then we relived the closet cleaning annoyance at home. Fun times.

April 21st...the project I spent 2 months on. I was working on a job shadow experience for the entire 240 student senior class at one of our high schools. This has been MY BABY...At the end of the day, 172 students went into 70+ different businesses for a job shadow experience. The rest either skipped, didn't turn in a permission slip or didn't care. Yes,I will do it again next year....because my reward was a free ticket to BON JOVI that night(these didn't go hand-in-hand) and a free dinner at Ruth's Chris....I considered it my reward!!

The 23rd we had JA Night at the Hot Rods - our baseball team (I have no idea what division). It's an easy event and great publicity for us!

That was about it for the rest of April...other than chaperoning our second Sorority Formal. We actually drank at this one...and it was much more fun that the last!

Whew...Are you still there?

I'm not sure who I am referring to in that questions (ok, Jack - it's you) but maybe I need to ask myself that question! March 16 was the last post...really? Really? Ok, so how to catch up on two months..Well, I'm going to flip through my calendar and realize it may take a week or two to catch up - but I'm going to try.

So, since Nahm Lately, what's been going on. When I flip my calendar back to March - I realize why I went MIA. It's a sea of yellow high-lighter..and I think my blood pressure is rising. But wait, it's over. I made it out alive. So what was it all about?

Looks like a lot of meetings, I hosted my first Sangria Saturday on March 20th with Keri and Katie. For a moment it looked like it was just going to be me, but the gals pulled through, and Mom even stopped by! Although it wasn't toasty and sunny, we made it fun with fantastic appetizers. Keri had another party to go to, so Katie's hubby (our wedding photographer) joined us and then stayed for pizza and a UK game, I think! Fun times. Sangria Saturday's are "the thing".

I hosted two Best Buy Job Shadows on March 23rd and 24th. That was 76 5th graders that I accompanied on a half day experience w/ our local Best Buy. It's a win-win for us. We get student numbers and we get $500 a day in grant funds! Score!!

I assisted with some sketchy and bothersome sorority personnels due to Spring Break behavior. The younger generations really are a different breed. Oh my.

I also lured Chad into chaperoning a Chi Omega dance on Saturday, March 27th. When I say he is a trooper, HE IS A TROOPER. Amid the dates that were passing out, vomiting on the floor, knocking holes in the bathroom walls and girls randomly crying, Chad chatted it up with the DJ, had a few beverages and maintained his cool the whole time!

I worked with high school students to film a video for our JA office to show at events and breakfasts. Filming in local schools was really fun and we didn't some neat things. The video turned out fantastic.

Hello April...

Heather (boss) and I traveled to Corbin, KY to pitch some Junior Achievement things but the highlight was eating at Colonel Sanders hometown KFC. Honestly folks, it's the little things. That same night I met my friend Katie at Greener Groundz for $2 wine night, which is quite possibly one of the highlights of my weeks.

April 7th I traveled with my mom and my basically second Mom, Donna to Atlanta. We were going to the Apparel Market and took Donna along. One of my favorite things about going to ATL is seeing my mentor and dear friend, Christine. Here are some pics to liven up this post:

I can't get the damn picture to post...I've been trying for two weeks now..Oh well, I"m publishing and will continue to update!!!

Nahm Lately

I took off Friday - MUCH NEEDED - but instead of resting or piddling...I launched into a full on project. By Myself. I had purchased some bedding two weeks ago for our guest room - the room we ran out of steam and money on when we renovated the bachelor pad before the wedding. I remembered why we didn't tackle that room. Can we say wood laqured trim? Everywhere? Can we say it all had to be PRIMED and then painted with OIL BASED paint? Oh fun. Anyhow, I managed, by myself, to paint two coats of paint on the walls, edge the whole room and then prime and paint the trim. The door, closet doors and window probably need another coat but after 72 hours of painting, I just wanted the damn room DONE...so....I put it all back together and will think about painting another coat...Sometime...
Here is the new room...Note I need a new valance, some artwork and some pillows for the shams.These closet doors were a B*&TC*
I also decided last night, as if I hadn't done enough, I could start on a picture wall in the Pool Table room...(Chad will love this when he tries to play pool).And thanks to Savannah; my inspiration wall behind our bed, is complete:
While we didn't leave the house this weekend, we did celebrate some birthdays two weekends ago. It was a fun night out. We stayed out til 11, gasp! I got to dance...and dancing with girlfriends can be fun!
Whew...I'm ready for some more time off!

Another Year Older, Not Sure if Wiser.

Apparently the last time I posted was in February. That seems so long ago. In fact, I just turned my calendar back to see what my excuse could be. So, since Feb. 22nd, what has life produced...

A crazy busy week the week of Feb. 22nd...Yes, I remember it. I was on the road most of the week before and that week. Yes, it's all coming back. It was so busy in fact that by Saturday at noon I was in the bed with a headache and fever. Apparently my body was tired of all that running around. However, by Sunday the Birthday week celebrations were about to begin. Sunday we went to my in-laws for a Bday lunch and I was able to see my sister-in-law and dear friend which is always fun. She gave me the cutest little basket of fun stuff; the best being this awesome wine glass that says, "I'm Party Trained." Yes, I love it. I got a great Target gift card from my in-laws so Spring shopping is on the horizon.

Enter the month of March. Monday and Tuesday were busy but good. My birthday is on the 3rd but we did my families celebration on Tuesday night because my other sister in law wouldn't have been able to join us on Wednesday night. Traditionally my mom cooks my favorites; shrimp fettucini and strawberry cake with strawberry icing (all homemade) but with 3 neices and nephews, everyone working - it was just easier to go out. Chad had 3 volleyball games so he was only able to join us for beverages but I looked forward to us celebrating solo on the 3rd. (do you see all the 3's?). We had a good dinner at Red Lobster - the 24 year old waiter flirting with me made it all the better. Who turned 27? Not me :) It was fun. After that everyone fled but Mom wanted me to come over for cake and gifts. Just my parents and me. It was good; I was tired and the cake was store-bought. Oh well! It's not about me anymore! I got some cute spring clothes and gift cards...again...Spring shopping is on the horizon!

March 3rd marked my 27th birthday. I generally stay very low key on my birthday. Why extra attention. However, I am learning that this is the one day it is about you - so I decided to try to embrace it a bit more this year. Yes. It. Is. My. Birthday. Luckily it is also my best friend Kelley's birthday too. It's so heartwarming to wake up and know we both share such a special bond on this day. Last year we celebrated by my visiting her in Ohio. We shopped. We ate. We drank...We will be doing all of the above this May for our celebration!

My day started differently than I imagined. I imagined Chad cooking me breakfast...considering he had the 3 games the night before, he slept in the guest bedroom as he typically can't wind down from the games until into the wee hours of the a.m. I had also volunteered to take a child to school for a family I have babysat for years...so I was up and at 'em and playing Mom by 7:20 a.m. Their actual mom left me a cute gift so that was fun. My co-workers took me to lunch, Facebook sent me all kids of Bday wishes and my phone beeped all day. I felt loved! I got home, ready to have a great meal with Chad only to find him on the couch not feeling well. FANTASTIC. He rallied (thank god) and cooked an incredible meal of crab legs (which we devoured) and shrimp fettuccine...paired with bread and RELAX Riesling. OMG. Heaven. In bed by 9;30 -even better! It was a good day :)

The rest of the week has been good. We have our first work fundraiser of the year tomorrow. It's supposed to be sunny and almost 60 here. Everyone is on a sun -high. It's time for some SUNSHINE!

Chad has a game tonight. I feel like I'm 47 going to my husbands game on a Friday night.

27...what will you bring? Growing up - 27 was the magical, cool age in my head. I can remember writing short stories in 4th grade about being 27. Driving a red jeep wrangler, crusing around, dating someone with a name like Drew. Who knows. I told Chad this and he asked if I wanted to be in a red wrangler, babysitting and dating. No, I don't think I do - but what can I do to make 27 different? 26 was a great year professionally. I got married. I won two awards. It was fantastic. Now am I entering the mommy hood era? Is that going to be my next claim to fame? I guess when I'm 100% ready and ready to accept that, it will be great. Until then, I'm wondering what can I do to make this year a great year? I have everything I could ever want - relatively speaking. There are small things I'd like but don't have to have. Chad is fantastic to me. My family and friends are amazing. My sister-in-law is expecting. I am on the edge of still feeling young and independent and realizing life changes are soon to be expected.

Until them, I'm taking it a day at a time and trying to be thankful for where God has put me.

Just a hint of Spring

I think everyone in this geographical area got a much deserved taste of spring yesterday. Temperatures got up into the 60's and it was just so pleasant out. After another weekend of casual plans - here it is Monday, dreary and already chilly.

Friday night Chad and I met my good friend Keri and her long-distance beau for pizza and beer. We had a great time - how can you not have fun with friends, pizza and beer? YUM.

Saturday we caught Mason's basketball game and then grabbed some lunch w/ my brother and the crew.

Hallie made her way into our car and Mom and had decided to get pedicures with our gift certificates (Thank you, Valentine). Hallie of course wasn't missing this. We got there, and everyone else in Bowling Green had the same idea. So, after waiting for 30 minutes, we each got a chair and then basically waited for another 30 minutes. Hallie was a TROOPER. So much that she lucked up with the Princess Pedicure which cost Mimi $20...but the laughs - even the laughs today - were so worth it.


Mom and I then ventured to Nashville yesterday to browse some of the outdoor shops and go to Trader Joe's. LOVE. THAT. PLACE....Mom was needing some mother/daughter time and she got it! We had fun!

Came home to hubs and cooked a great meal and watched The Time Travelers Wife. A great night!! (maybe I can cross finishing that book off my list now?)

Chicken Pasta Bake 6 servings
1 pound penne pasta (I used organic, whole wheat....it was great) 2 pounds ricotta cheese 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1 (12-ounce) can fat-free evaporated milk (I used 1 cup 1/2 and 1/2. Didn't realize I needed that). 1 egg 1 tablespoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped broccoli, thawed and well drained 1 (10-ounce) package or 2 cups cooked chunked chicken breast 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare penne pasta according to package directions; drain. Coat a 9" x 13" baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, evaporated milk, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper; mix until well combined. Stir in broccoli and cooked chicken; mix well. Add the penne and toss gently until well mixed; pour into baking dish and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Cover with foil and bake 45 minutes then remove foil and bake 5 more minutes.

Enjoy!

Exercise Update:
Friday - 20 or 30 minutes on treadmill. Can't remember
Saturday - a quick walk w/ Hallie and dogs
Sunday - shopping
Monday - woke up to walk...but just got in the guest room bed to watch the news. Yikes..I'm not doing very good.

Logging it in

Tuesday - no workout.

Wednesday - 30 minutes on treadmill in a.m.

Here goes Monday

Well, I know my one lone follower had been dying to get my update, so Jackie, here we go!

Since last week, I went to my fourth John Mayer concert. He was great, as always, but getting weirder by the day. The concert made some national press as he literally broke down crying during a random venting session...and...considering some of the horrible comments he's had in the media lately, I agree with John...SHUT UP and Just play your guitar...Wow..Strange, sexy man.

Any how, the ladies who went were fun. We ate at Whiskey Kitchen in Nashville beforehand. It was a trendy, quaint, cool place that had a great, affordable menu. In honor of Whiskey, I drank Washington Apple Martinis and oooo they were delish. We all got different appetizers and it was yummy! Fried green tomatoes, artichoke and sun dried tomato pizza, nachos, spinach dip, seafood mix, chicken bites and sweet potato fries! OMG! Here is a pic of us at WK. It is so fun to laugh with women who are in different stages of life. I don't know them all really personally but it was a blast! And here is Johnny boy (I feel after 4 concerts, I can call him that).

Getting home at 1 a.m. was worth it (and so was being called Cougars as we were leaving the show). Thursday was a long day but Friday was around the corner. We celebrated my mom's birthday on Thursday. In true Simpson family chaos style; we dined at Steak and Shake which is about all that 3 kids under 7 can handle. I splurged and bought Gigi's cupcakes in lieu of a cake...and due to the price, I made sure everyone ate one or at least licked on one. Whew. In deed those will be reserved for very special occasions.

This weekend was really nice. My parents and brother and his crew left for Gaitlinburg so we knew we would have a quiet weekend here in BG. Well, quiet if you consider three dogs trying to fight and hump each other (we had my parents dog). Wow...Friday night we rented Love Happens which was alright. Saturday we met Chad's cousins and brother/sister-in-law and bowled. It was fun to bowl one set and then gab with Rachel for another! We went to Mariah's bar that night to just get out of the 3 dog house. Eddie tried to 'romanticize' Jayla as long as we could stand it....

Valentine's Day was Sunday, as you know. I've never been a bit fan of Vday. I feel like it makes women look needy and the focus somehow shifts from expressing love to expressing the want for your mate to be a SEXY VIXEN. Yah, not for me. When Chad and I met, I decided that I would make us a really nice meal. Candles and all. I have kept that up and really enjoy it. I was telling him last night that around January 1st I start to wonder what I'm going to cook but then as if fate would have it - the recipes just pop up. We dined on:

Chicken Breasts stuffed w/ artichokes, sun dried tomatoes and Parmesan

Asparagus w/ olive oil and salt/pepper

Couscous (Thank you Jackie)

Cresent Rolls

Chocolate Mousse Torte

Pinot Grigio (used for cooking and drinking).

I found Jackie's delish dessert on her blog and then she helped recommend the other side dish. Thank you dear friend!

For the first time I pounded chicken and was not a fan. Seeing the juices splatter everywhere took me into GERM PHOB ALERT...Chad had to take over and I just agreed to wipe everything down. Even the coffee pot. You never know :)

We really enjoyed the meal and our exchange of cards and small gifts. Isn't it funny how really a card can be the best gift? It was nice to look at him over the candlelight and really not have to say much but know it was all being said.

We also went to see Dear John yesterday. I'm not a Nicholas Sparks book fan; but the movie was really sweet. I recommend.

So...It's almost lunchtime on Monday. WHOOHOO! More snow....but a slow day. Clearly I don't function as well with to many slow days!

Off to speak to a College Public Relations group tonight. No doubt I'll end up feeling like I'm 40. I was already stressing about what jeans to wear this a.m. Our intern just told me I was OK. Whew.

Workout Log (something new I'm adding): 30 min. on treadmill

To bad we don't have kids...

I say that only because I. Don't. Sleep. I have no idea what is going on but I am hoping that by 9:15 on Friday a.m. a doctor has a remedy. Most nights I wake up around 1 a.m. for any sort of reason; I dreamed something, I think I heard something, I think I heard something or I think I heard something. I toss for a while, get hot, get up, go to the guest room or couch...lay there for a while, doze off and on and then go back to bed at 4 a.m. Typically I wake Chad during this process - you know, "Can i turn the TV on?" He loves to hear my voice at those odd hours, I just know he does. Well, this a.m. might have been the breaking point. I went to bed at 9:00 p.m. with a HORRIBLE headache (thank you cocktail hour...I have to start eating when I have beverage or two...). This included taking a Excederin migraine (which is rare), putting a sleep mask on and asking everyone to be quiet. I finally fell asleep close to 10 p.m. and then woke up thinking I heard Eddie barking at 1 a.m. He wasn't. It was a dream but a really real one. I asked Chad if I could turn the TV on (just for reassurance), watched TV til 2 a.m., decided to move to the couch. Got there, realized I needed to use the potty, got there and realized I was blessed with my monthly visitor (does it get any better?), got back to the couch, realized I really could use a Midol but to hell with that...dozed off and on and got back to bed at 4 am...alarm went off at 6:30 a.m. for the treadmill and luckily we have SNOW so I was able to lay around til 7. I did get on the treadmill (my boss had text me to take my time coming in!) for 30 minutes; thank you highlight of the a.m., and proceeded on with my routine. In dog news, Eddie seemed a bit grumpy today. He did lay on the bed and watch me on the treadmill which I believe is true love and admiration. Perhaps he is cross eyed from it so when I leaned in for the hug - he was a bit overwhelmed? Emma on the other hand has warmed up to the snow. She found some great frozen poop treats in the yard. She was obsessed. GAG ME.

Did I mention our kitchen sink is stopped up and has been out of commission for 48 hours now? Yes, that is great fun for a dog who needs his food soaked and then drained and for those of us that like to rinse things off, and just use the sink. Maybe seeing a frozen hose, mud, mulch, leaves and snow in my kitchen last night started the headache. I'm not sure, bottom line I need a few things: 1. sink to be fixed by my non plumber Husband who swears he can fix it (Mr. Plumber, we'll be calling you soon), 2. Cramps to ease up - come on 3.) Sleep to happen upon me one glorious night 4.) John Mayer concert to be fun and safe...We don't get snow often so when we do - it's monumental. There was actually no mention of much snow last night and then about 4:30 it started to POUR snow...and it POURED for 2+ hours...and under it is ice. Oh yes, this is the big kind of winter weather. Police actually blocked off some roads last night because of the idiots out driving (not us, of course). Another headache prompter, I believe. Oh, and let me clarify. I did not drink and drive. I had a cocktail after work. Got home and Chad drove us in the ice and snow. What fun (not).

So Wednesday, here I face you. Not as motivated as yesterday, coffee, blueberries and Cocoa roasted almonds in hand. It's 10:00 a.m. - what am I going to accomplish today?

Is it happy hour yet?

What a day it has been. I came into work with a panic thinking I really needed to accomplish a lot today. Job done....I would feel more accomplished had I gotten up to walk this a.m., but the vision of snow outside and my walk to the couch at midnight and back to the bed at 3 a.m. again made the bed all the more comfy. Oh well, maybe tonight. It's something about Tuesday's. Monday mornings I get up, walk on the treadmill and go on about my day. Tuesday seems IMPOSSIBLE to get up - but then Wednesday tends to be normal. I will admit the guilt is enough to make Wednesday mandatory!

Tomorrow will be another fairly busy day. Luckily my boss and I will be heading out early to see John Mayer in concert. Fourth time for me. I wish my other concert buddies (Kelley, Marty, Keri) could join us but they can't so I"ll have to represent them in spirit. We will have a great time - just wish it wasn't a Wednesday night :(

Thursday is Mom's bday and a busy day at work with meetings and such...The weekend is getting closer and closer!

It's cold outside...but I know a glass of wine that will warm me up...We'll see if that treadmill thing happens tonight!

Taking the plunge

Like many of you out there blogging, my desire to write has come after a few years of reading some tremendous stories out there. It strikes me interesting that the folks I don't know seem like friends and the friends I follow now seem more like family. It's crazy how putting it all out there for the world or your mom to read really can come easy; but telling someone these things can seem a bit harder. Nevertheless, I am going to try this for myself at least. There are days where I hear a story and wish I had a place to save it - or times when I can't help but want to voice my opinion on something but no outlet to do so; until now.

I titled this blog Fashion, Family, Furbabies and Faith because that pretty much sums up the 4 pillars of my life.

Fashion: My mom worked in retail for 28 years. She was a fashion merchandiser, marketer, advertising manager, fashion show coordinator, sale organizer and any other thing you can think of at a small town department store. I loved her job. I grew up thinking my mom would do that forever, and when she was done, I would fall into her footsteps. We laugh that my first toy must have been a tube of lipstick, given to me by the cosmetic queens I adored, as I played at the "store." There was hardly a fashion show where I didn't tape shoes for the models, tape hemlines, pick out music (just helped Mom stay "cool"), choreograph or watch in total admiration. I traveled with my Mom to Nashville, TN to work their shows which were HUGE, HIGH BUDGET shows. The Fashion Director there was this brilliantly ecletic woman whom I adored. She had a crew of models who were so cool, fun and nice. We always joke that I saw more "life" by the age of 14 than some people do by 40. I met celebrities, stars, make-up artists and wannabes and soaked EVERY bit of it in. I am telling you; we could write books. Books upon Books. I briefly modeled myself; some of my friends modeled; it was all just fun. I did some ads in Nashville, one country music video and a few big shows...but I was hardly 16 at that time. My wonderful Mom drove me to so many auditions, jobs and no telling whatever else. We would either say she had joined me for a day of shopping or that my car was in the shop because most clients had no idea I was 15! When I did get my license I had a bit more freedom; but there are only so many times you can skip school to go to TN or Alabama for a show....It just wasn't going to be easy and I wasn't going to become famous; but it was a fun run. Some great pictures to look back on and a lifetime of memories to recall when I'm older!

Family: I am immensely blessed with a loving, wonderful family. My immediate family includes my fantastic Hubby, Chad (married just over 1 year!!!), my Mom (58) and my Dad (60), my brother Bryan (32) and his awesome wife Heidi and their three kiddos: Mason (7), Hallie (4) and Tate (4 mos). We are a WILD bunch, who are together A LOT. I love those kids more than I really understand. Until Chad and I have kids, they totally fit the bill :) I still have my maternal grandmother, Goggie, who turned 89 this past Friday (2/5/2010) and my two maternal uncles who happen to be twins: Jimmy and Tommy. We are so lucky to see each other quite often. We realize how precious time is - so we make all the effort we can to get together.

Furbabies: I am surprised I didn't list them first...My furbabies are MY LIFE. Period. Emma (5), a shih-tzu mix came into my life 3 years ago when I had moved out of my parents house, on my "own." A recent heart-broken college graduate, she was my little soul-mate. I found her on petfinder.com and my Mom rode with me to TN to pick her up. Our life was never the same again. She just had no idea how good she was about to have it. She was my best friend and taught me as much as renting a home did about life. She has been the ultimate mom-training as we have gone through nights of vomiting (her, not me, well, never mind, we both have), allergies, pills, vet visits, colds, etc. You name it - she has broken me in. She is a bit attention crazed but I can't blame her. It was her world until Eddie came into the picture. Enter Eddie. Our 13, (oh god, he turns 14 this month..) adopted Carin Terrier that Chad and I got after a night of cocktails. We have my mother (and margaritas) to thank for him. We adopted him in December 2007 and it was a rough start. He lost 3 teeth within the first week we had him, gave Emma an awful kennel cough and was in surgery within a month to have 10 teeth surgically removed. Thank you previous owner. Add to that another bought of tests a year later for another possible disease, well, he has cost as much as a newborn so we claim him as a child. Seriously. Life Lessons. Check. Eddie had a bit of a pot-belly but after being introduced to the green bean diet at night; he has shed some pounds (so fun to see your dog shed pounds that easy...I really am close to trying the green bean diet myself), is down to two medications and is A WHOLE NEW DOG. He runs, jumps, attempts to play...he is just a frisky little Momma's boy. I love it. I love him. I love them. They. Are. My. Life.

And last, but most important: Faith. I grew up going to a Catholic school but like most of my Catholic friends; I recognize I don't know a fraction about my faith that I should. For 12 years I have attended (and I admit, with many breaks) the Catholic Church on our college campus in town. I believe that giving one hour a week is the least we can do -but I also believe that faith is more than that. I believe that God is with you at all times and just recognizing your daily blessings and thanking him for them keep you in his grace. I do believe that without faith; life can be hard to understand; heck, with faith it's still hard...but I believe that sometimes when you just can't make heads or tails of life - God can. And He Will. So. I don't talk much about faith or religion; each to their own. But, I recognize I would not be who I am or have what I have with out it. So I claim it.

So...there is snapshot of FFFF. Oh the journeys I hope to record. This blog is based out of Bowling Green, KY. I work for a non-profit where I have been employed for 4 years.