Ahhh....Confessions...This is QUICKLY becoming my Favorite thing to do...and I am Happy that I am late posting this because if I wasn't I would not have the first confession to drone on and on about-for your reading pleasure OF COURSE...
So...Confess Sesh...where to begin...hmmm...If I was my oldest sibling, it would go a little something like this:
ONE
I am married...as in...got married 3 months ago...and didn't bother to tell anyone in my family-nope not a one-not even those that I speak to on a RELATIVEly regular basis...like..oh...My Sister...My Mother...My Father...My Brother...nope, not a one. But right after my husband and I tied the knot, I did have a conversation with my sister to tell her that we were going to GET married NEXT September...as in September 2012...but I failed to mention that I already got married last week...in September of 2011...you know, those crazy life changing events that happen-that just slip your mind-yeah...me too...oh until 3 months later when I change my FACEBOOK status from "In a relationship" to "Married..."
BUT ALAS-I am NOT her...I am Me, and just so you know, the above-is a TRUE story and here is MY Confess Sesh:
ONE
I AM UPSET PEOPLE...UPSET...I am not even sure where to start with this one...so in case you aren't friends with my sister-She, apparently, is married...I know right?! Crazy. What's that? -No, I don't know what her dress looked like-Oh, nope, Can't tell you how she wore her hair-Ummmm-nope don't even know "new" Brother In Law's middle name or anything about his family...oh yeah, no, I can't tell you WHAT DATE or TIME they actually did get married...nope, none of that-oh because I had no clue it was happening...and neither did any of the rest of my family for that matter. Seriously...
Please don't get me wrong-I am ALL FOR ELOPEMENT-ELOPE if that is what you want to do-don't want a huge ceremony? Perfect-go to the JoP and have a quick ceremony..(.hey-if you want to get married in SC, call me-I can perform the ceremony for you-I am pretty dern good at it if you ask me-but I can give you references should you doubt my awesome abilities...) Talk to you family about it though! Life changing events are just that-THEY ARE EVENTS THAT CHANGE YOUR LIFE-ALL ASPECTS OF IT...and I am apart of that life too-and I feel super disrespected at the way I found out about this marriage...Oh, no, it wasn't via phone conversations-clearly we are much too busy being married for that...nope, it wasn't over lunch-also too busy being married for that...it wasn't while we were trick or treating ALL TOGETHER-I didn't see a wedding ring when I saw you last either-because one of us has gone out of our way to hide this new status...until yesterday. Yesterday my sister logs into Facebook and changes her status from in a Relationship to Married...and she doesn't have the opportunity to call her family to tell them at any point in the last THREE Months that she is married, but is OK with letting them read it on the World Wide Web where God and Country found out as well...nice...hope you secret marriage is everything you hoped it would be. I thought we were closer than that-and I have always been the one to give you the benefit of the doubt when no one else would or did...My feelings are hurt and I feel disrespected. no-Thank you very much.
TWO
I haven't started Christmas shopping yet...S-L-A-C-K I know...
That's it for this week kiddo's-what are your confessions? Link up with Leslie and spill your guts!
So I missed Posting this Friday because we were out of town-we went to Bryson City, NC to ride the Polar Express-it was a blast-and hopefully you will have the fortunate opportunity to read about that adventure later...if I have some time to write about it (and if you are a frequent visitor or follower of mine you know not to hold your breath for a quick post because I am SLACK.)...
On to Spilling my Confessions-in no particular order other than what comes to my mind first
ONE
When the Sale comes First and the Truth comes Second...yes, I am fully aware those are lyrics to a song...but for real...and this applies to many aspects of life...say...for example...in a job interview. I know both the interviewer and the interviewee are both trying to sell something...to the other party, but seriously people-FULL DISCLOSURE and HONESTY are important. If you tell me that "People don't Leave" your company but every time I turn around they are dropping like flies for one reason or another...someone wasn't honest...if you tell someone you are a hard worker, but the only thing I see you working hard to do -is to find others to do your work...we have a problem...
TWO
I hate people who are All talk...seriously-if you were that awesome at what you do you would NEVER have to tell me (or anyone else for that matter) how good you are at something-because I would have heard it from other people-or seen it in action for myself. PERIOD
THREE
Trying to accommodate all of the families during the holidays is making me crazy...for.real. We spend all day driving around to various houses on Christmas Day that we don't really ever get to enjoy the time we have with the people we are with (and Hannah doesn't get to play with her toys either... which wasn't really a problem before, but now that she is 3...I know so old right?...she is going to expect to be able to play with the toys she opens this year) because we are so busy thinking about when we need to leave and our next location...this year, we are going to try to spread Christmas across a few days...
FOUR
I ate like a Fatty 5000 this weekend while in the Mountains...and I have been listening to my pants scream at me all morning for it too...or maybe it is my muffin top that is screaming-hard to tell at this point because I am too puffed up to lean over and see which it is for sure...regardless...diet is BACK ON...anyone want some lifesavers-they must be removed from my office immediately-come people you don't want my pants to go on strike anymore than I do for labor abuse...they are going to make a hostile work environment claim in the very near future...I can feel it...no seriously...i can feel it...
FIVE
One of my Favs-is having a baby VERY soon (don't tell her that because she might get a bit freaked out-but she is totally ready for it and is a Great mom so it will be okay if she finds out...though...I am pretty sure she knows she is due soon too...) and I feel like i haven't seen her in so long and i am a bad friend...I promise to try to take you out on a Baby Mama date soon! I know you are busy with the Holidays but should you need an escape-err...break you just say the word and I will scoop you up...
SIX
I hate the thought that people touch my stuff when I am not around...
SEVEN
Pot luck lunches creep me out sometimes...I mean, if I don't KNOW you, I am not likely to eat your food because I have no idea how you made it...I was unaware that I felt this way until I heard my last manager say it out loud (though she was referring to herself at the time, and not me) and it hit me-Self-you don't know what that person's kitchen looks like...and you KNOW they don't wash their hands in the restroom before they leave so why would you consider eating their food?
EIGHT
So...I haven't bought those black or brown slacks I mentioned in the here but I am still on the hunt...but I haven't actually looked for any...and until the situation detailed in FOUR is resolved, I will NOT be shopping for them anytime soon
NINE
OK..I have a closet problem...but if you ask Hubs (and I STRONGLY encourage you not too...) he will tell you I have a shoe problem...I just don't have enough closet space for all of the shoes I have...or any of the ones I WANT to own...I can't help it...The shoe department is like my SPCA...I can't walk by a beautiful pair of shoes without hearing it cry out for an owner! They WANT me to buy them...so I do...much to Hubs' dismay...and because of the lack of closet space, and the fact that I KNOW Hubs will D-I-E if he sees me procure ANOTHER pair of shoes (in any color, height, fabric...what have you) he might...well I am not sure what he would do, but I don't want to find out...so I keep a lot of them in my trunk...and backseat...and front passenger side of the car...OK...my car is a mobile shoe closet...I said it-happy?! none the less...I can't stop myself from buying shoes...I love them...and they love me...and like I said-it just breaks my heart to see a perfectly good pair of beautiful shoes sitting around WAITING to be loved....my mother in law has this same feeling when she goes to the SPCA and now has 2 dogs...
TEN
Hubs Stinks...well...he doesn't stink...but what he is constantly letting OUT does...I mean, it was so bad yesterday, I had to leave THE HOUSE...which might have been a bad idea because when I walked back it, it was like getting slapped in the face-Dutch Oven style-TIMES 100 because the heat was on and the doors were closed...ugh...why doesn't he get that he COULD leave the room and do all that stuff in a room (or outside) where no one else is sitting...like..oh..i don't know...the BATHROOM? I know you know what I am talking about-if you live with a boy...it was so bad-HE was giggling and didn't want to breathe...All.Day.For.Real
ELEVEN
I HATE HATE HATE having to repeat myself more than once...ESPECIALLY if you aren't listening...recently someone asked me to repeat what I had just said...it went like this:
Person: hey-Erin-do you know where I can find (insert item here)
Me: Yeah, I think you can get them at Target
PERSON: What now? Say that again, I am listening this time
Me: Sigh-I think you can get them at Target
Person: What-I wasn't listening again...
Me: I am not repeating myself again because you aren't listening...and for the record...you asked ME for help, and THEN said you were listening, and you really weren't-it isn't like I interrupted you and asked you for your help...
Person: Well that was rude...
REALLY?!?!?!?!
TWELVE
If you are too sick to go to church with your family, then you are too sick to go hangout with your friends to relax...get back in bed and take your medicine and go to sleep...and IF you suggest that you are going to meet up with your friends, DO NOT, and I cannot stress this enough-DO NOT complain about how bad you feel. PERIOD
THIRTEEN
I may have mentioned an OCD coworker...I brought him a Holiday treat today, and he was so excited he gave me a hug...now, before you say-so-big deal-let me explain...he doesn't touch others because of said OCD factor...so he wraps his arms around himself and squeezes and sways back and forth while telling me he is giving me a Giant Hug...I see the face you are making and all I can say is I know right?
FOURTEEN
I really cannot stand the sound of a spoon scraping the inside of a yogurt-type container...you know...where the person is just trying to get the last bit of yogurt (pudding, soup, etc) out before throwing it away...like nails on a chalkboard...
FIFTEEN
Similar to fourteen-I CANNOT stand the sound of cardboard rubbing on cardboard...blech...packing household items with me is a dream!
SIXTEEN
I stare at myself in mirror-whenever possible...seriously...If a reflection can be seen, I am trying to find it...I was "outed" of this character trait in high school-a group of us has gone out to dinner-Olive Garden I believe-and someone saw me staring at myself across the table...I also do this while I am talking on the phone...I like to see what faces I naturally make when speaking to others...and see if I make a face if it changes the tone I am using...
SEVENTEEN
I sing songs-in my head-while brushing my teeth...and I frequently find myself dancing along to said song...as does Hubs...who always wants to know what I am doing...to which he receives the following response:
"Brushing my teeth-Duh" what does it look like?
That is probably enough for one session...Hope to read your confessions too!
So...I am not a "morning" person...I have never really been a person, not have I EVER claimed to be a morning person...when I wake up in the morning, I like to take my time getting out of bed-it is a process that USED to (pre-Hannah) go a little something like this:
1) I find THE comfy spot in the bed-you know the one I am referencing here-the one you spend ALL night looking for-without realizing it, of course
2) The alarm goes off approximately immediately after said comfy spot is located.
3) snooze on the alarm (which, at current, is the LOVELY sound of a rooster...no lie. the more irritating the sound of my alarm is, the more likely it will wake me up...don't believe me? ask my roommate from my Sophomore year-Melinda-she will tell you-I had this alarm clock that would play nature sounds-beach, babbling brook, forest sounds...got me? Good-well it would go off every morning, and of course, every morning, I would sleep right through it because I did not find them irritating enough to cause me to stir from my state of slumber-and every morning, Melinda would yell at me about hating the sound of running water in our room...seriously...ask her...Shout out-Love and Miss your face Mindy! Sorry for the torture you endured with the running water and birds chirping...at least you don't hear the rooster, like Hubs does though.)
4)rooster crows again
5)rooster is silenced (this repeats at LEAST 3 times...don't judge me...if I could set longer snooze times on the alarm I would probably do it and it MIGHT reduce the amount of times I hit snooze...but the world (nor the Hubs) will ever know because it is not an option...
6) I move one leg out from under the blanket to make me slightly more uncomfortable to make it easier to get out of bed
7) sit up
8) groan as I get out of bed
9) shower
10) get dressed while watching a combo of The Daily Buzz, VH1/MTV videos, and Live 5 news for current news and traffic weather reports...
11) get in my car and listen to music that fits my current mood
12) arrive at work and get started on the to do list made the day before...
Now, all of that being said (pre-Hannah time) I generally don't like to strike up ANY sort of conversation OR do anything that makes me feel uneasy or cause me stress until about 9:30 or 10...it just better for everyone that way...trust...
(As an aside, now that we are in the Hannah stage of life, I operate under her schedule, and after dropping her off (or leaving home, in the event Hubs is off for the day) I resume into the no talking mode...Hey-you can't not speak to the Hannah-it's not possible because she WON'T let you...(not that I would really want to because I love that kid) she will literally repeat her statement/question over and over again, until you address her...you know like that SUPER IRRITATING Family Guy commercial (I REALLY HATE this commercial BTW) where the kid is stand there saying Mommy Mommy-Mom-mom-mama-mama...yeah, you know EXACTLY what I am talking about-and you either hate it like I do, or you are laughing all over yourself like Hubs does because you know someone who hates it like I do...ugh...I digress-none-the-less-I will make an exception to my silence in the morning rule when it comes to Ms. Hans.
There is always that one person (generally a female-and you know if this is you) who is the Epitome of Morning Person...you know the one...She walks in and you can practically HEAR the bounce in her step, and can LITERALLY hear her say Good Morning to EVERYONE around the path she takes to her desk-(at this point you have either said "Self, she is talking about me!" or "Ugh, I know EXACTLY what you are talking about and know a person who fits this description perfectly...") I will say good morning back to this person but then return to my nonspeaking condition...and generally put mt ear buds back in my ears so I can drown out any surrounding noise and get back in the focused -work mode.
Now, you also need to know that I have a few pet peeves when it comes to driving...oh come on-you do too, you just don't want people to know...I am only going to list a few of them...because I would like to keep your attention so you will keep reading and hear the actual Vent Sesh...(shout out to Cara there, because I know she is grinning ear to ear right now with the use of shortened words...) Moving Right along...Pet Peeves while driving
1) slow drivers...specifically being stuck behind someone who is a slow driver...ESPECIALLY if they are in the "fast" lane of a multi-lane road...Examples include, but are not limited to MOPEDS-I don't care what the speed limit is people, get your moped out from in front of my vehicle...period...,(shout out to my sister for this one...) People who cannot multi-task (e.g. talking on the phone and driving, talking to the passengers in their vehicle and driving, singing while driving, entertaining toddlers while driving, doing your makeup while driving, changing the radio station while driving...)seriously-I am not saying you should be doing ANY of those things while operating a motor vehicle, but if you are considering doing any of the aforementioned-and it results in your driving slower than you should be-GET OFF THE ROAD or don't do it....I digress
2)People who turn their blinker on A MILE before they turn...I don't need you to announce your intentions of turning until you can at LEAST see the place in which you intend to turn
3) That being said, I also hate when people DON'T use their blinkers at all...If I am trying to turn onto a road while at a stop sign, and you are on the road of which I need to turn, and you DON'T use your blinker-letting me know I can turn and not T-Bone you, I am going to get mad...and saying something like-"What-your blinker doesn't work today?" not that you can hear it, but it will make me feel better none-the-less...also with the lack of blinker...
4) If I want to change lanes on a 3 laned road and I turn on my blinker to do so, and you also want to change lanes to get into the middle lane also-but you opt to NOT use your blinker...you will likely find out that you are #1...and see a few choice words from me, as I swerve back into my original lane...you are not on the road alone people, so don't act like you own it, you don't...and if you did, you need to put more money into fixing it...until that point, USE YOUR BLINKER (I should add that Hubs rarely uses his blinker to notify people of his lane changing intentions and then gets frustrated when people don't let him over...to which I say "Well Mister, they can't read your mind, why would they arbitrarily slow down in the off chance that YOU, in the random car on the road in the lane next to them, wants to get over?" It makes him mad every time, but hey...I am right and he knows it...
5) When people choose to stay IN your blind spot...you know the ones, who maintain a pace that prohibits you from changing lanes...ugh...speed up or slow down (when you are doing this, if you happen to see my mouth moving, you will likely see me saying that statement...just slightly more colorful...)
6) People who INTENTIONALLY get in a lane that is ending so they can bypass traffic with the expectation that people further down in traffic will let them over...I HATE HATE HATE this tactic, and refuse to let you over if I see this happening. Now, I know that sometimes you don't realize that your lane is ending-it might be the first time you are traveling on that road...but when I see you change lanes to get into the one that ends and then immediately turn your blinker on as you drive down the lane so someone else will let you in...you have crossed the line...the dotted white line painted on the road and you can stay right where you are Mister/Missy, because I am not letting you over, and don't try to nose your car's way into my lane, because in the event our cars touch-YOU, my frenemy-will be paying for my damages because you couldn't be patient and wait in the line of traffic like the rest of us...which BTW-was probably caused because of people like YOU who were too impatient to wait in the first place...
7)Traffic...in general...i don't like to wait in lines, not in a store, not in a car, not at an amusement park (I feel like a bad Dr. Seuss book right now...)
Now, I also have one more thing that really irks my nerve that you should be made aware of before my vent sesh...and that is my EXTREME DISDAIN for CREEPY OLD DUDES...I feel like this goes without needing an explanation...nuff said...
Let the ACTUAL Vent Sesh Begin.
So this morning, I was IN the Comfy spot, and of course, the rooster starts a crowin-and immediately, he is silenced-and off he goes again, and again I put the kibosh on that loudness. Before I have the unfortunate opportunity to be blessed with the sound of the fake-rooster crow-I hear Hannah yell-"MOMMY!" Immediately, I run into her room to see what the problem is...when I arrive 2.5 seconds later, Hannah proceeds to tell me, in the darkness from her bed, that "Reeber (River) woke me up and won't get out." To which I tell her I am sorry that the Pupper (maybe puppy in your house ,but it is Pupper in ours) woke her up and I closed the door...and advised Reeber that her stay at my house will be drastically shortened if she continues to wake up Hannah...UGH...so I return to my room and try to get back in my bed...but it is clearly time to get up...so my morning routine is ruined...not a good sign...
I drop Hannah off at my mom's with one thought...I NEED an iced coffee from Dunkin Donuts...yep, if you are having an off morning, get yourself a coffee or tea treat and that will help you get back into the right frame of mind...though when I pass DD, the line for the drive thru is around the building and the parking lot (the WEE parking lot) is packed...so I opt to pass on that DD and decide to visit the one closer to work...no problem...
Here I am, driving along my usual morning route for my morning commute, minding my own business when I turn my blinker to notify the other road warriors of my intention and desire to change lanes (specifically, I wanted to depart from my current location in the far LEFT lane and venture into the Middle lane). When I turn my blinker on, I check the middle lane, where I see a white truck...lingering around my blind spot...ugh...so I wait a minute...and look again to see if the coast is clear...but at this point, have to slow down drastically because I am approaching the long line of traffic I was hoping to avoid by changing lanes in the first place...but the middle lane is moving just fine...except for this ridiculous truck...who has not increased his speed, but rather, decelerated to match my decrease in speed-allowing him to remain in a position to prohibit me from changing lanes-UGH...i am starting to get mad at this point...so finally the white truck comes CREEPING up next to me and I look over into the window of the truck to see A CREEPY OLD DUDE (now to caveat this OLD status-it is really anyone who looks older than I...1 year, 5 year 10 years 50 years, doesn't matter how much older...if you look older and you are creepy, you are lumped into this category...if you look younger than me, you fall into the CREEPY McCreeperson Category...to be clear)...now what makes this dude creepy you might ask, well allow me to tell you-as he passes he is making a (blech) kissy face at me while (gag) licking (blech) his fingers (oh...I am going to be sick again)...GA-ROSSE! WHY?!?!?!?! unnecessary! Now, my day started out off kilter, I don't have my iced coffee yet, you have angered me with your poor driving and you are a CREEPY OLD DUDE...
PSA: It is not necessary to make lewd gestures at a female when she drives by-period...seriously. That female is someones daughter, and granddaughter-could be a wife-a mother-a sister-an aunt-a niece-anything-imagine how you would feel if some creepy old dude made lude gestures at was your wife or daughter or granddaughter or sister or niece...you would HATE it-and if you saw it you would likely not have nice things to say to the individual making the gestures...so just don't...
I spent the rest of my commute to DD and then to work with a perma-stink face...I have it again now as I type...ew...I threw up a little in my mouth when I thought about it again just then...blech...
Now-along the CREEPY OLD DUDE line...Saturday evening, we had a Santa Claus encounter...now in prior years, Hannah has not been a fan of Santa, though this year, she is warming up to the idea...so we were at a venue (that shall remain nameless, because I know this particular Santa does not have an affiliation with the establishment of which we were visiting...because a)they have higher standards and b) he announced that he had just left another engagement and came in for a snack...but did not bother to change his get-up first...
So Hannah tells me she wants to go see Santa...so we go stand in the line...and right before her turn, she decides she no longer wants to sit on Santa's lap and runs away...and 10 minutes later requested we get back in line (because the first time was just a warm up I guess) to see Santa...so we do. She climbs up on his lap he asks her what she wants for Christmas and she says "Cinderella and a Baby doll" good to know...he gives her a candy cane and we go back to our seats...Later Santa begins walking around and visiting with all of the tables...I attempt to take Santa's picture as he approaches our table (I am sitting next to my mom (Ms. Claus was also with him, and I was hoping to get a candid of both of them together...) he sees me taking the pic, and poses for the photo op...after the picture is snapped, he approaches me and leans down and says in a loud whisper, "You know, we could do this the right way and you can come sit in my lap and tell me what you want from me." WHAT?!?!?! SANTA! I.KNOW.NOT. I.DIE...CA-REAP-EEEEE. I instantly regretted letting Hannah sit in his lap and wished she was still afraid of him...because I am now...thanks a lot creepy old dude...
I KNOW that was not the real Santa...and I feel like this is appropriate...
So Hannah is really something else-I really never know what she is going to say. This weekend I tried to get her out of the house as much as possible so Hubs could sleep (he worked nights this weekend). At some point on Saturday, she picked up a new thing to add to anything she says...Real life examples can be found below:
"I will get that for you, Sweetie"
"I will open the door for you, Sweetie"
"I got this fork for you, Sweetie"
"I will see you after my nap, Sweetie"
"I will help you put your shoes on, Sweetie"
Now...from the above (few) examples, one would likely conclude that I call her Sweetie too frequently and should ease up on the usage a bit...however...I don't use the word Sweetie...I I do, it is a variation of the word and is "Sweets." Nope, she picked this new word up from our waitress from breakfast Saturday...and so from then on, it was a Sweetie filled day. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind it, there are FAR worse things she could pick up fro ma stranger than the word Sweetie...but it makes her sound like an older lady no?
Some other Random Hannah isms from this weekend are:
The So you don't get cold line-examples below:
"I am going to put my princesses on your tushie (while I was laying on my tummy reading her a story) so you don't get cold"
"I have ice..I am going to rub it on your cheeks so you don't get cold"
"I need bubbles in my bath-you do it so you don't get cold"
"I need another starburst...can you do it so you don't get cold?"
Clearly Hubs and I are very concerned with her body temperature...
The Can't be Sure response (of which, she most definitely got from me"
Me: "Hannah, do you want applesauce or raisins for your snack?" Hannah "Hmmm...can't be too sure Mommy...can't be too sure..."
Me: "Hannah, would you rather watch Charlotte's Web or Pocahontas today?" "Can't be to sure which one, Mommy, can't be too sure..."
The following has only been used once, so far, but I KNOW I will hear it MANY times as she gets older
Hubs bought a Christmas Music CD for her to listen to in the car. Some of the songs are sang by Mickey and friends, the others are just random people...there are 10 songs total, and Mickey, ET AL., sing 5 of them...and of course, Hannah only likes those 5...well...listening to the SAME 5 songs over and over again gets REALLY old...so I decided that we could listen to one of the non-Mickey songs-please see below for conversation with my 3 years old.
"Um...Mommy? No."
"Hannah, what are you saying 'No' to?"
"I don't no like this song, Mommy"
"Well, Hannah, Mommy and Daddy like it so we are going to listen to it for a minute, okay Bug?"
"Ugh, This song makes me sick." said while crossing her arms...
She also has an immense hatred for ants and mosquitoes...which results in the following comments:
"Be careful when you cross the street mommy! Don't let the Ants get you!"
"Oh, and remember Mommy, don't step in the ants"
"Remember that one time, when the ants got on me?" (For the record, at the time this statement was made, the referenced occurrence happened 1 year ago...the kid forgets nothing)
"Remember that time at the Quarium, (Aquarium) when the skeetos bite my leg?" (There were some serious mosquitoes inside the Aquarium during a visit-4 months ago...and she still talks about it today)
"I'm sorry ants and skeetos bite my leg...Poor Hannah" (seriously said by Hannah)
Yesterday I asked her to please go back to her room and pick out her pj's and she looked at me with a straight face and said "Well, i am coloring right now, but maybe in a few minutes I can go back there Mommy, k? That will be okay?" hmmm...she is already a skilled negotiator and Hubs and I are in T-R-O-U-B-L-E...for real. You never know what that girl is going to say!
Hannah is sitting on the soccer ball "So it doesn't get cold"
So Leslie, over at A Blonde Ambition started a Link up called Confessions...and it sounds like something that is right up my ally...so I am going to be keepin it real...not that I don't always keep it real, but I do try to keep it real "PC" most of the time...and the Confessions are just for the things that are on your mind...so here we go!
1) My shoes smell funny...not all of them, just this pair that I wore today...(and I used to have another SUPER cute pair of red heels that also had the same smell and I threw them away...this pair might end up with the same fate...) To me, they smell like weird meat...and they smelled like this before I wore them for the first time-which also happens to be today...and I feel like everywhere I go people think I smell like weird meat...it isn't me...it is my shoes, and it isn't my feet that caused it either...
2) I used to be obsessed with the Kardashians...but I no longer feel the need to keep up with them...though let's not be confused-if there is nothing else on TV that will satisfy my viewing pleasure, I will likely have E! on, and should they be on-I won't turn it off...but it is not something I am going to look for...
3) I have an addiction to online shopping...I can't help it...I LOVE to buy shoes on line...(which is how weird meat shoes came to be mine...seriously-anyone know how to resolve the weird shoe smell-it has to be something with the material...anyone?) and I KNOW Hubs HATES it...but I can't stop it.
4) I probably have over 20 pairs of trouser pants for work...and yet not one par is a normal solid brown or black...I am determined to fix this "problem" and will likely end up with one of each as well as 5 more in random color/patterns.
5) Sometimes I would much rather text someone than call them...nothing against the person (most of the time)...Hubs and I will text each other while in the same house...it is better than yelling down the hall to turn the tv down because it is too loud...I feel like that defeats the purpose of decreasing the loudness...
6) I like to dress up...now. I used to only wear jeans and a hoodie (or t-shirt when it was too warm for said hoodie) but I actually enjoy looking nice-for me-not anyone else, but it is a bonus for you all because you can enjoy seeing all of the outfits and shoes I choose to sport!
7) My kid is bossy...yeah. I know she is, and I have NO idea what to do about it because sometimes it is cute and it makes me laugh-when it is not directed at me...for example-Hannah was talking to Hubs the other day while we were decorating the Christmas tree. This year we have a train that circles around the tree-because Hannah LOVES trains...well that thing is L-O-U-D so we turned it off and told Hannah that it needed to rest...after about 10 minutes Hannah said "Daddy, is the train done resting?" Hubs did not respond, so Hannah repeated her question...2 more times...so finally she says "Excuse me Mister! Jason look at me when I am speaking to you and we don't say yeah...is the train done resting now?" I cracked up (quietly of course) because what do you say to that? She also likes to tell me to be careful and not step on the ants when I go outside...weird no?
8) I do not know what I am going to do with all of my free time when football season is over...it really is my favorite time of the year...
9) I really have no idea what to do about Christmas gifts this year...I am thinking homemade things from Hannah...let the judgement commence...
10) This morning, at the gas station, a woman walked up with a jacket that had not 1 but 2 rows of extra long fringe on the back and under the arms...and matching knee boots...all I could say was "Self, WHY IS THERE NO ONE HERE TO SEE THIS WITH ME?!"
11) I cannot stand to hear people talk about wanting to lose weight and then doing nothing productive to make it happen...seriously-don't tell me how you think you are fat and then show up with a Big Mac...I will not respond kindly...
12) I could eat cereal EVERY night for dinner...seriously...I love it...
13) I think my professional career is causing Hannah trauma...during Thanksgiving her teacher asked her what she was thankful for and she said: my Friends because they play with me, my family because they work, and animals because giraffes are my favorite." Sigh...I hate feeling guilty because I have to work for her to enjoy the things she likes to do...without the job we couldn't take her to the zoo to see the giraffes...hopefully she will have a good work ethic when she is older...
14) I would Love to move to a different city or state, but don't think I would make it without my mom and dad...judge away I don't care.
15) I have a hard time not chiming into other people's conversations when they are wrong...or just irritating...for example-while ago, I was listening to someone complain about a situation...for like an hour-no exaggeration...and then he says: "Well, I really don't care about it, I'm just sayin..." To which, I HAD to speak up and say "Excuse me-if you don't care about it-then WHY have I had to listen to you drone on and on about the issue for the last hour?" it was not received well-but I felt like it needed to be said...clearly...
16) The guy who sits across from me is OCD about stuff on the floor or being in its place...so much so that one day a PAPERCLIP (gasp!) had fallen off of my desk and landed UNDER my chair while I was STILL SITTING IN IT, and he freaked out about having a mess on the floor and how everything has its place...(XQ-I am at my own desk-in my own space...and how in the world was I going to see that paperclip UNDER my chair while I was still seated?) so the other day someone may or may not have thrown 4 paperclips on his floor while he was at lunch...and then laughed about it...for a long time...
That's good enough for now...do you have any confessions?
Friend…what does the word Friend mean to you?The meaning of the word changes as you grow older…when you were an infant, your “friends” were the children (most likely also infants) of your parent’s friends and/or neighbors.When you were a toddler, your friends consisted of anyone who was willing to let you play with their toys (again, likely dictated by the company your parent’s kept…or even your childcare situation (preschool/daycare provider etc).When you were in elementary school, you friends were the kids who were in your class-because they were the ones you spent the most time with.Then you went to middle school (and if you didn’t change school’s for middle school, bear with me, because you were, at least, of age to be considered a middle school student (you know the 5th to 8th grade range) and your friends were the people who shared similar interests/things with which you were active…be it, sports, band, art, chorus, being mean to other kids (a.k.a. bullying-these kids probably wouldn’t consider themselves bullies if they aren’t physically harming the other kids, but don’t live in denial, the words that kids use are sometimes more hurtful than physical altercations can be so maybe you aren’t using your fists, but there are a group of you out there who can throw a verbal right cross like it is nobody’s business-and you know who you are…the ones who know just what to say to send someone over the edge) or any other activity you are introduced to while in middle school.
Middle school is kind of key when it comes to determining who your friends will be in high school.The friends you have while in the 8th grade will likely be the ones you will sit with, should you have the same lunch period, when you are a freshman in high school…and you didn’t know it then (o maybe you did…), but that table is what defined you as a person to the other students who attended your high school.This table would tell anyone else in the lunch room if you were a jock, or a cheerleader, a band geek, a skater, a punk, etc-you get the point…and the label you get on your first day tends to follow you throughout your high school “career.”There are a few exceptions…You know, the girl who may have lost weight over the summer between freshman and sophomore year, she might move from a shy or awkward group to a more popular group due to the attention she receives from the boys in that group…or it can work the other way as well-the girl who says the wrong thing to the captain of the cheerleading squad and gets “banished” from the cheerleading table and is forced to find other “friends” to dine with for that 20 minute period of time…
After high school, people have an opportunity of the lifetime-but so few people realize this opportunity, until it is too late.After high school graduation, many people go on to College…You can go to a community college, a vocational/tech/ school, a local University, an in state college, an out of state university, or even attend school abroad…the possibilities are endless, and only limited to the work that you (or your parents…I am not throwing any stones here, because if it wasn’t for My Pops, I have no idea where I would have ended up…) put into the search for higher education and/or scholarships.When a person chooses to go to college, they have the opportunity to redefine who they are as a person.You will find yourself surrounded by strangers who have no preconceived notions of who you are or knowledge of what table you sat at during lunch while you were a sophomore in high school…this is your time to shine!
How did you choose your friends while you were in college?Did you befriend your roommate?Did you strike up conversations with people in your English 101 course?Were you on a team sport so you automatically had a commonality with several other people-who were forced to endure early morning practices and training schedules much like yourself?
I, initially, chose my friends based on the similarities we shared-and the smile lines on their faces…no, seriously, if you look at a person and you can’t see visible lines on their face that are made from smiling, they probably don’t smile frequently…or laugh a lot…and I do.I smile AND laugh a lot…because I like to…and I choose to spend time with other people who do as well…I also chose to spend time with people who cared about the well being of others…I just like to know that the company I keep is constantly thing of ways to improve the lives of others, in any way possible…My friends also dressed like me (which, at that time, was jeans, t-shirts, flip flops ,little to no makeup and pony tails-98.5% of the time)-, liked to watch the same kind of movies, etc.
Because my father was in the Navy, I moved a lot while I was growing up.I did not have the luxury of living in the same neighborhood from birth through high school, I don’t have friends that I have known since elementary school, and, on top of the frequent moving, I was shy, so I had a difficult time making friends at a rapid pace.By the time I graduated from college, I had a small group of gals that I considered to be my good friends.In fact, 3 of them were in my wedding party (which occurred 10 months after we graduated from college.I felt like I had a very strong bond with those ladies, and that they were there for me during very difficult times in my life and critical times of the relationship that Hubs and I had while we were dating.I know that without the support and friendship from those ladies, Hubs and I would not be where we are today.I heard a quote once that goes like this: “I did not go to college to find my husband, I went to find my bridesmaids.”I don’t know where that quote originated, nor was that my intention when I enrolled in college, but that is what happened.
Why all the banter about what a friend is, you might ask?Well, I will tell you….it has to do with something that has been weighing heavily upon me for a while.I would like to preface this next portion with, I love my family, and I would not trade Hubs or Hannah for anything, so please do not misinterpret anything you read to mean anything different. As I mentioned above, 3 of the ladies I called friends were in my wedding.One was my Maid of Honor (of First Runner up J if you will) and the other 2 were Bridesmaids.After college we all went our separate ways, I moved home to the Charleston area, which is approximately 100 miles from Columbia (where I attended college), my MOH ended up moving to DC (and after a while in DC, she moved back to Columbia), one of the bridesmaids moved back home to Greenville, and the other stayed in Columbia (I will call her Columbia-creative no?) .Shortly after my wedding, I lost touch with one of the ladies, due to conflicts of “adult life” (you know, work, family, location, etc), and did not have much in the way of communication with the other, unless I found myself in Columbia of some reason, then we would speak in passing, though, unbeknownst to me, there was a reason for all of that lack of communication, other than just because we lived in different cities and had different work schedules.
I came to discover, through a mutual close friend that Columbia had gotten engaged.I posted a message on her MySpace (remember when people used Mspace? -Yeah, it was that long ago) as well as on the Facebook page telling her congratulations, and that I was excited for her and couldn’t wait to hear the story of the engagement and all of the details of the wedding.If she was happy, then I was happy for her.I made a trip to the city of Columbia to visit some friends, including Columbia, but I felt a little-distance-for lack of better words-from her while we spoke of her wedding/engagement in Fazoli’s (What-you know you love Fazoli’s-I do andam not ashamed to admit it…).She said that she was going to have a small wedding and would oly have one bridesmaid-her sister.This detail did not surprise me, as she has always said her sister would be her bridesmaid and that she did not care to have a large wedding…she also said that she was considering making the wedding family only in the late fall.Again, not a reason for me to raise an eyebrow, knowing of her desire to have a small wedding for so long.
Time went on, and I really didn’t hear much from her nor about the wedding…I only knew of the date and time of the wedding because the other bridesmaid from my wedding, texted me and asked if we could hang out after the wedding…Of course, I agreed to meet with her, I hadn’t seen her in so long and I love to have the opportunity to spend any time with her!We met at the mall and caught up for a little while until she had to leave.It was during this meeting that I discovered that Columbia no longer liked me…it was there that I learned that she said after graduation she was going to cut ties with a lot of people she no longer needed din her life…it was also there that I learned that the wedding was not, family only, and that she never actually considered making it family only, but that she only told me that so I wouldn’t expect an invitation in the mail…it was also there that I learned that Columbia no longer deemed my friendship necessary because “I thought I was better than everyone.” Now, my feelings were hurt.I am not going to lie.My feelings are still hurt.And yes, I still tear up over this.No, not the part that I wasn’t invited to the wedding, but because Columbia said I thought I was better than everyone…you want to talk about the figurative knockout punch-there it was-she hit me with it-an uppercut to my heart…which sunk into my stomach…and made me sick…(I am sure it did not help that I was VERY early in my pregnancy with Hannah-and when I say VERY early, I mean, literally just found out the day before this meeting that I was, in fact, pregnant).
I do not care for anyone who believes they are better than other people.I don’t like the perception that someone has put themselves on a pedestal and looks down on other people.I believe we all have our strengths and weaknesses but that is why we have friends-to balance those out….I wanted to cry right then and there…the second I heard the words…they cut me real deep…and they still do.As I type this my eyes are welling up.Why though?I feel certain that Columbia has not given me a second thought since the day she decided to cut ties with me…without telling me…I feel like I need closure…I want to know why.(I always want to know why-it doesn’t matter what the situation is, I just want to know why things are the way they are…it is just who I am…and it tends to get me in trouble…).I have always said (and will always continue to say) that I don’t think I am better than anyone.It is not for me to judge the talents and abilities of others.The Lord demands accurate scales and balances, he sets the standards for fairness-Prov. 16:11.Because tof the Priviledge and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning-Don’t think you are better than you really are.Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us-Romans 12:3.
I want to close this chapter of my life …I want to move on but I feel like without knowing why Columbia made the decision she made I will be stuck right here-without closure…wondering what I did that made her feel that way.I can’t recall a single time when I had ill intentions or feelings towards her…I wish her well in life, and I hope she has happiness in everything she does.
I just wonder if the person I believe I am is really the way other people see me as well…is my perception of reality so distorted that I have no idea how other people view me?You are not very good if you are not better than your best friends imagine you to be…but then again, was Columbia ever my best friend?Did she have a different view of our friendship than I did?I have heard that Friendship is not capable of ending for, if it ends only because it never existed…I don’t want to think that some of the happiest memories I have of college were fake… It takes years to build up trust, and just seconds to destroy it."I have a wonderful life, and I would not be the person I am today without all of the experiences I have endured… Moving on is simple, what you leave behind that makes it difficult.
Thanks for sitting through this if you did…clearly I needed to get all of that out…
First Things First-(well, technically this will be the second and third thing first but you will see why in a minute). Today is 11-11-11, which is pretty awesome just by itself, though,. today is also Veterans Day. Personally, I believe Veterans deserve more than just one day of recognition...Not sure why we don't have a Veterans Awareness Month...anyone know someone who can put that into motion-seriously? None the less, because today is a holiday for some, so yesterday my place of employment brought in some cake to celebrate Veterans Day-so of course, I had a piece BIG enough for all of the Veterans I know and Love :) and then I sent them an email letting them know that I ate a piece in their honor...as well as to say thank you for unflinchingly following their call of duty...it is because of their (and countless others) service and sacrifice that I am able to sit here and type this blog post...I am sincerely grateful for all that they do. We are the Land of the Free because of the Brave.
During my morning commute, I pass a cemetery, where I know many Veterans have been laid to rest, and this morning there are yellow ribbons tied around the trees that line the road-which is a nice sentiment-I wish they were there all year though-none the less, I turned the volume of the radio down as I passed by and said a prayer of thanks-and because I am a bit more sensitive these days-more so than usual for whatever reason (and no, I am not pregnant-for the record...I just had a big lunch thank you very much) and I got teary eyed as I passed by...thinking about the families of those who have lost the loved ones that have been laid to rest there...or anywhere...as a result of the most selfless sacrifice ever made-defending the rights of their loved ones...ugh-here come the tears again...and now my nose is red like that of Rudolph...
Now next to my FAVORITE (and what I would consider the first of the first things first comment above) part of this week...MY BROTHER (aka one of my Favorite Vets) IS HOME!!!! Woot Woot!!! you may recall when I posted about Nick being deployed...no? you can read about it here. Well, my friends, This week, Nick came home FOR GOOD EARLY!!! This has never happened to anyone that I have ever known (that I am aware of anyway) before! If anything, people's tours get extended and they have to stay away longer...None the less, I am so excited to have him home-safe and sound-even if he isn't here in SC with me, I feel much better knowing he isn't over there anymore.... But I will continue to pray tat the rest of the soldiers of there remain safe and come home soon too!
Additionally- Hannah had a dentist appointment yesterday and I am happy to report that she doesn't have any cavities...but sadly, does have her Father's teeth so there is a VERY strong likelihood that she will need braces in the future...I am sure she will love that...though I will say that I used to wish that I could have braces when I was growing up (I know, those of you who had them hated them)...but we all want what we cant' have...or don't need...
Now I would also like to add that i feel like Friday showed up approximately 4 days late this week...anyone else feel like this has been one of the longest weeks EVER? I have put in quite a few hours of "overtime" (of which I do not get paid...LAME) this week and I am just ready to relax!
Which brings me to 5 Question Friday!!!!
1. What's the last thing you spent too much money on?
Hmmm...this is a tough one because RARELY am I willing to pay full price for ANYTHING. (Hey, I am not made of money, and should you feel back you can feel free to send me gifts of all kinds-including checks, gift cards, and hard cold cash)...um...It is probably clothes though...I am sure I spent too much money on clothes for myself, but it is only so others can enjoy them as well (and by that I mean have the pleasure of seeing me wearing them-not so they can wear them too....)
2. What Celeb chef would you want to make your dinner?
Um...Oh dear...so many to choose from here....Guy F from Diners Drive ins and Dives-I LOVE his personality and he is pretty daring when it comes to food...I feel like we would just have a good time...and he has kids so he could make sure Hannah would like whatever he made too...
3. Where do you hide things when visitors pop over or do you let them see the real deal?
Well,...it depends on who the visitor is...but if the junk needs to get out of sight quick fast and in a hurry, it goes in the guest room (aka storage) or in my room...
4. Who is your oldest living family member?
My Great Great Grandmother, Baba...who is in her 90's...and she is just as feisty now as she was when I was younger! I love her spunk and hope to be like her as I get older.
5. What is your favorite DQ treat and/or Sonic drink combo?
Hands down-Cherry Limeade-HELLO I LOVE A CHERRY LIMEADE!!! Did you know Trident came out with a cherry and lime layers gum-AWESOME....get it...today-now in fact-get it.
It has been a long time since I participated in 5 Question Friday so I decided today I was going to bring it back on the Hit or Miss Radar...for this week anyway-we will see where next week takes us...
1. Do you prefer cotton, silk, or flannel sheets?
I LOVE a flannel sheet set in the winter time...however, Hubs might catch on fire if I were to ever put flannel sheets on the bed...he doesn't even sleep with a blanket because he gets so hot while he is sleeping...me on the other hand, I sleep under multiple blankets...I get it from my momma...no seriously-that woman sleeps in sweatpants and a sweatshirt year round and still requires multiple blankets....
All that being said, I am forced to stick with the cotton sheets...which aren't bad, just not as warm as the flannel ones are...which means I need more blankets...so every night I go to sleep and tuck my side of the blanket under me so it doesn't go anywhere when I roll over...and just to be SPITEFUL Hubs starts out sleeping under the blanket-no matter how hot he is, and no matter how much he is sweating-he won't push the blanket off just so I don't have the entire blanket to myself-seriously-this is a conversation we frequently have...and I lose every time...every.time.lame.
2. What time zone are you in?
I am in the Eastern Standard Timezone...and it never fails, no matter where I am working, I always have to deal with people on the west coast who are 3 hours behind us...kind of makes my job a bit difficult when it comes to timely communication...
3. What is your favorite part of the holiday season?
Well it used to be all of the time our family was able to spend with each other...which is now my second favorite part...me new favorite is seeing how EXCITED Hannah gets about ANYTHING Holiday related. That kid's face lights up at the mention of the Holidays...She LOVES (and I know I cannot express the amount of love but just know it is A LOT of LOVE) Lights-any sort of lighted decoration delights her heart like you have no idea...when it gets closer to Christmas, she and I will drive around neighborhoods in our area on our way home in the evening just so she can see all of the lights...it is incredible to see how happy they make her!
And-not that you asked-but another favorite part of mine is how people are generally happier around the holidays...it is a pleasant and welcomed change from the standard-I am yelling at you because it makes me feel important to know I made you feel bad about something-mode of thought most people have the rest of the year!
4. What is your favorite Wintry drink? (It doesn't have to be an alcoholic drink!)
I really enjoy eggnog...Hubs HATES it and I won't let Hannah try it so it is really just me in the house, so it is a rare occasion to find some in our fridge...BUT last year Hubs did buy me some eggnog ice cream-which was pretty good and really nice of him...though it would have been even nicer if he would have stopped making gagging sounds while I was eating it...but whatever, I take what I can...
5. In your opinion-what is the worst job in the world?
Ok...man...this is tough...I would have to say it is a toss up between garbage collector (especially on a hot and Humid August day in SC...no thank you!) or the people who work at the...I don't know the proper/technical term for it...so the "Poo Plant" if you will...you know-after you flush the..waste-it goes somewhere...and I do NOT envy the person who has to do anything with it after that...Really anything that deals with bad smells or touching anything unsanitary...blech...I shudder at the though of either...seriously-I would not be able to do it so Hats off and much respect to those of you who can-and do-Especially the Garbage collectors in my neighborhood-they are so friendly and always look so happy and wave to me whenever I pass by!
For any of you who might be friends of mine on Face book, you have more than likely seen the information that I am about to share, but I am still going to make a blog post about it anyway, because, as described in the Title of this post, I am a proud Mommy.
Friday, I took the day off of work (and a much needed day off, if I might add) because we had a Parent-Teacher conference scheduled for Hannah...What? Yes, Hannah is only 3, and yes, they are actually scheduled during the day time. From what I understand, these things usually occur in the evening, but I would assume that is for "normal" school aged children, not those who are in pre-school. None the less, Hannah's was scheduled for 9:30 on Friday morning, so it didn't make much sense for me to get up at O'Dark O'clock to get ready for work, only to leave about 1.5 hours later and then take the rest of the day off (because we were going out of town already) so I took the whole day off.
So we also decided we would take Hannah to Dunkin Donuts before going to the conference-that girl LOVES a donut...but who doesn't right? So we took her there and got her some munchkins and a chocolate milk and we made our way to her school.
We met with Ms. Rhonda (Hannah's lead teacher). We went over the usual information-she showed us her "test scores" (you know, her ability to identify the letters of the alphabet and numbers 1-20, identify colors, shapes,motor skills, etc). Ms. Rhonda advised us that Hannah is the most advanced student in her class and she is at least 6 months ahead of the other kids in her class. I feel certain that I was beaming when she said that! (I mean, seriously though, I already knew she was super smart, but it is always nice to receive confirmation from someone else--especially a teacher!) Hannah speaks very well...VERY well-she uses complete sentences and is very clear with her verbal communication...she is a "Clear Leader" and "Very Creative." (I feel about 70% certain that Clear Leader is teacher code for bossy...but I can't be sure...and to be honest, I wouldn't be a bit shocked if that is what she meant, because Hannah can be bossy especially when she forgets to use her manners and say please when demanding requesting participation of others. We are working on that though, I swear-but she is 3 and is very independent...
I can't begin to tell you how happy I was to hear that update from her Teacher! It really makes me feel like I am doing something right when it comes to raising a child-and not just any child-My child! She melts my heart!
After the conference, we went home, finished packing, dropped the Dogs off at the Bed & Biscuit, loaded up the car and started our trip to Columbia to see Nana and Granda (...or Hubs' dad and step mom). We had plans to meet up with some old college friends of mine (wait...they aren't old...not even 30...what I meant was some friends from college that I haven't seen in a long time...does that clarify it? In fact...I am older than 1 of them in age, and both of them if you consider I am married, own a home, have a child and 2 pets...by that description, it practically makes me their grandma!) but because Hubs worked Thursday night and didn't sleep at all Friday morning so he was not feeling up to going out so we didn't gt to see them-which was sad for me, but I don't blame him one bit.
Saturday we watched the Carolina game and did some grilling. (as a side note, I am not too confident in the rest of our season without Lattimore...we are IN TROUBLE) and then Saturday night we went to Boo at the Zoo. Hannah had a BLAST trick or treating around the Zoo and seeing the animals and the Halloween decorations at night. We left the Zoo and went to Yumilicious...which is an INCREDIBLE frozen yogurt place that you pay by the ounce, can mix and match your own yogurt flavors and toppings. Then we headed back to Nana and Granda's house.
Sunday, we headed back home-and were all pretty tired so when we got the car unpacked we all took a nap...and when I woke up the Patriots were playing, so you know I slept WAY too long...
All in all it was a great weekend-Though...I think Hannah's cough is getting worse and I am going to have to take her to the doctor because it just will NOT go away-she has gotten sick around Halloween every year so far...I don't like that trend...when she turned 1-she had the Swine flu-awful experience-you feel so useless as a parent when yo just can't do anything to make your baby feel better...
I leave you with these pictures from our trip to the Zoo-sorry for the quality-they were taken with our phones...
so excited about bringing her trick or treating pumpkin
Feeding the Goats...I swear that goat has almost figured out how to open the gate...
we have some pretty scary eyes...
A baby tiger! She roared at us the whole time she wore the mask!
Even the biggest Gamecock fan can't resist the cuteness of this little Tiger!
She litterally just started dancing in the middle of Yumilicious-and it was super cute.
I used to work at Verizon Wireless...I started out as a customer service rep and then moved on to be a Universal Coordinator where I did a variety of things, but mostly tech support...which was great for me-problem solving...but it also taught me one thing-one very important thing...I am not a fan of "smart" phones...honestly, they were the majority of the phones that had issues that needed tech support...and they were constantly going out of date-practically right after they hit the market for external sales-a newer-better-version was available-leaving you, the eager consumer-who was so excited after the initial purchase, regretting the fact that you chose to procure your phone one day too soon....or worse, outside of the window of no haggle no questions no penalties for returns/exchanges....poor poor eager consumers...(also note to wireless customers-if you drop your phone in the water-the technician will know-do not try to claim that you didn't drop it in the water...and if you do drop it in the water, DO NOT put that piece in the microwave in an attempt to "dry it" you will have just ruined your phone and I am not even sure the insurance will cover it...put the phone and battery (if the 2 can be separated, please do so) in a bowl of UNCOOKED rice-bury them in the rice and leave them there for about 24 hours...then put the phone back together and try to see if it will work-the rice will absorb the moisture...if that doesn't work, then I am unaware of any other options for you...but the technicians are not the reason your phone broke or is not functioning-and they are people too-so treat them kindly and with manners. I digress...
None the less, since leaving VZW, I really have a different outlook when it comes to cell phones...I really just need a phone that texts and calls...the end...I like to have one that takes pictures too...so Hubs and I got a phone about 3 years ago...and because the phones worked just fine, we didn't bother trying to upgrade when we became eligible...so when my phone stopped receiving/sending texts and calls, I knew it was time for a new phone...so Hubs and I made our way to the VZW store...
Crystal, our sales rep, was amazing. She had the patience of a saint and was very knowledgeable and helpful...and even let Hannah watch Mickey Mouse Clubhouse on her iPad (side note-if you ever find yourself at the VZW store on Rivers Ave, ask for Crystal B, she will take care of you!) which was amazing because it allowed both Hubs and me to pay attention to what she was saying as opposed to the standard one listens and tries to explain everything to the other...never ends well for anyone. When Crystal saw out phones...The Verizon Blitz, I am pretty sure she started to have heart palpitations...I would have if I still worked there...and then when she pulled up our account and saw that we were not only out of contract, but had been for 2 years, she probably had a mild heart attack...again, I would have, because this is make or break time-either we are getting phones today-or we are cancelling and going with another provider...
We both ended up getting Driod X2s...and as she was activating them, Crystal said-you are going to hate these until you really learn them-and then you will love them...and she even went through some of the apps and showed us which ones had a price associated when using them and which ones didn't-again-Above and beyond...
As we left the store, phones in hand, Crystal said-Welcome to the 21st Century guys! I kind of laughed when she said it, but what's sad is that I am not sure how I lived without this blasted phone before...Both Hubs and I have become more and more addicted to them and all of the silly games on them...Angry Birds anyone? I digress...
So Hubs and I have officially accepted the advancements of cellular technology-after years and years of avoiding it...I still maintain that while my phone maybe be "smart" it doesn't mean I know how to use that piece...I am still a work in progress...
And now I believe Hubs is convinced we need an iPad...anyone have one-what do you think about them-Questions? Comments? Emotional Outbursts? Anything is welcomed!
So, as some of you know, Hubs and I have been looking for a church to call home...again, I try to refrain from being super religious in the blog, in an effort to make everyone feel comfortable to stop by and visit, so I don't blog about church or religion much...
When it comes to religion, my family pretty much comprises the entire spectrum- We have Catholics, Methodists, Baptists, Mormons, Atheists and Jewish family members...I am sure there are many more that I just don't know about...Hubs was raised Methodist...As a child, I recall mom taking us to church a few times...but one of us kids always got in trouble for not being a good listener or putting our feet up on the pews in front of us (no names, as to who the offender of this action was, but I know for sure, it wasn't me....or Nick...) When I was in middle school, I attended church with my friend Kim and her family. When I was in High school, I attended a Methodist church with my Friend Alana and her family. While I was in college, I attended chapel on campus...and since graduating have tried out a few different churches...I am sure this story is not too different for some of you..
I have made it my mission to find a place for My little family to call home because it is important to me...and I want my family to want to go to church...and having a church home helps to create that sense of wanting to go...So-Hubs and I have been "auditioning" churches for a while...attending the services and talking to members to get a feel for the atmosphere...and we have been attending Northwood Assembly for a few months now...and as few weeks ago, attended the New Member class and went through the membership process, and when we got to church this Sunday, one of the inserts in the bulletin announced that Hubs and I were new members of the church!!!
Mission Completion (Thank you Little Einsteins)-We are now members of a Church and have a Church to call home... It feels great to have this important piece of the crazy puzzle of life finally put in its place... :)
I hope you have a place to call home that allows you to serve and practice your beliefs-whatever they may be-that makes you feel welcomed....
If not, feel free to join us at Northwood Assembly :)
So if you don't know, I am in the wedding business...no, I am not a wedding planner, though I think that would be incredibly awesome and would LOVE to do it...nor am I a wedding coordinator (and on the same note, I recently met one and I could totally do that job too, possibly even better than she did...and far more professionally...I digress) I actually officiate the ceremonies...I Marry People...I LOVE this. There is nothing better than feeling the love 2 people have for each other as they exchange their vows-seriously-it is incredible. I am truly honored anytime someone asks me to perform a ceremony for them.
On August 20, 2011, I had the wonderful honor of making Madeleine and Tyler officially Mr. and Mrs. Davis. The best part of the ceremony? Hmm.... Hands down, the moment the Bride turned and Groom's eyes locked the second the Bride made her way to the aisle...I am tearing up as I type thinking about how happy they both looked and the love that was felt at that moment...It.Was.Awesome.
Anyway, I thought I would share some of the pictures from the wedding events for you to enjoy :)
I never had a reason to wear this dress so I was pretty excited to be wearing it 2 years after I bought it...I knew it would come in handy at some point!
The site of the wedding-Shem Creek-really pretty but CRAZY HOT in August
Practice run
These heart things were on the table and Hubs kept putting them all over my hands and arms during the rehearsal dinner speeches
Hubs and Me
Hubs got me flowers :)
This thing was awesome...
This is what I wore to the wedding...Those shoes were a last minute find...
All mic'd up and waiting for my music cue
How beautiful!
Tyler, you may kiss your Bride!
Officially Mr. & Mrs. Charles Tyler Davis! (Seriously-look how happy they are!)
And now some pictures from the Reception...Hubs and I had a lot of fun at the reception!
The Fronsons!
MBFF & HBFF looking at the wrong camera...
Hubs & me
A Candid moment
Whoops...caught myself off guard
Waiting to be announced
Madeleine is very tall...some of the members of the wedding party were not...
Grooms cake-GEAUX GAMECOCKS!
Delicious!
teehee
We were right in front of a fan...I literally have the wind in my hair look!
LOVE LOVE LOVE this bridal portrait!
"I can be camera ready at a moments' notice!" just so you know you will never get a candid of her...
Happy Couple and me
Miss.Your.Face
Naughty Lady of the Cloth?
Silly!
Congrats to the new Mr. & Mrs. Davis-may you never forget the happiness and love you felt for each other on 08.20.2011.
