A look back on '08.

It’s hard to believe another year is just around the corner! Thinking back to how Nate and I spent last New Year’s Eve it feels so far away, but yet not that long ago. Last NYE sucked. Royally. I have made it my goal this year not to allow that to happen. I kinda think New Years Eve is overrated anyway. Perhaps it’s because I’m over going out to bars and clubs, but having to get extra dressed up to go out and count down with people who are obliterated out of their minds is just not fun for me.

My ideal night will involve a glass of wine, my husband, and a few close friends. Maybe, just maybe, that will happen tomorrow night.

2008 had some definite highs: Nate and I moved from a one bedroom apartment (that I love and miss dearly!) to our first home, we went to ALASKA, got our first dog, I got a new job, we celebrated one whole year of marriage, and for the most part had wonderful health. We are blessed, and thankful.

There were also a few lows, particularly in the latter part of the year: I was in two car accidents, one involving a spawn of Satan, I have completely lost touch with one of my closest friends against my own will, and my Grandmama passed away. But I guess you’ve got to have the lows to appreciate the highs, right?

2009 only promises to be better. Eventually Nate and I will decide it’s time to expand our family (not yet though, don’t get too excited) and there are promises of cruises with friends, possibly a trip to New York, and I can’t wait to get more into writing and cake decorating.

I rarely, if ever, make New Year’s resolutions (I don’t feel like you should have to wait until a certain date to start something that you truly want to do for yourself,) but this year I’ve decided to make just one. I am going to start saving more money, and I mean it. It’s perfect because pay day is this Friday, and I’ll get the chance to make my first deposit into the savings account in a long time! Even if it means having it set up as a direct deposit straight out of my check I am going to save money, damn it.

So, what about y'all? Any resolutions this year?

Inspiration.

One of my favorite gifts this Christmas was a sexy sleek black KitchenAid Mixer. I have wanted one since I got married, and Natea Clause came through for me! My Mom also hooked me up with a 110 piece cake decorating kit, so I am set and ready to open up shop!

Though I've never decorated more than cupcakes and sugar cookies, I have always loved to bake. I don't actually enjoy eating that many sweets, but I really love making them. I randomly had this idea that I just might be good at it. I'm nerdlicious in many ways, and this will be just a new item to add to the list.

I mean you can make beautiful wedding cakes, birthday cakes, or just plain funky cakes like this one:

I'm really excited about it, and if any of you have any tips or ideas, I'm all ears. Big, fat, nerdy ears :)

Post-Christmas Blues.

There is nothing sadder than a naked Christmas tree with no presents under it on December 26th. It's the sure sign that the Christmas Season is over, and it breaks my heart.

All of the anticipation of, "did I buy him enough presents" or, "I really hope she likes that" is over, and all secrets are revealed. Bittersweet day. I've been known to complain that they start the Christmas songs and decorations a little to early, but now I don't want it to be over!

Christmas can be so stressful, but this year Nate and I just decided to go with the flow. To relax and enjoy the family that we were with, while we were with them. It was wonderful, and we spread our family time equally. I really had a wonderful Christmas, and could not be more thankful. Nate and my Mom spoiled the heck out of me. (Thanks, again!)

Here I sit on Sunday night, constantly thinking that work starts again tomorrow. I have slept in until 11:00 every day except for Christmas since last Wednesday, and 7:00 a.m. is going to come really early. (Hey, I needed my beauty rest, okay?!)

I'm pretty sure it has been scientifically proven that Christmas brings the blues, and I'm pretty sure that I have them! Positive note - it does seem that time flies even faster these days, and before you know it, it will be Christmas 2009.

I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas, and I wish you a Happy New Year!!

Marley, who?

Just when I thought that I had no ideas for a new blog – Bailey to the rescue. You’ve all no doubt seen the preview for the movie Marley & Me. It opened Christmas Day and apparently broke records in sales. What many don’t know is that this movie was a book first, a really OLD book. I got a copy for Christmas and can’t wait to read it!

The previews show a family (played by Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston) who get their first puppy, a yellow lab. Their lab, Marley, is full of energy and creates quite a few disasters along the way. I find myself daily thinking, “Marley, Who? More like Bailey & Me!”

Take for instance, last Saturday night. It had been a long week at work, I was PMSing, tired, and just needed to relax. So I headed to my garden tub, glass of wine in hand, and settled in for a bubble bath complete with dim lighting and candles. After a few minutes of peace and quiet, Bailey bolts in the door. Something about the end of the day and me being in the bathtub really excites her.

My bathtub is really high, and she can just now reach her paws up and see over the ledge. So I’m thinking that I’m safe, right? Wrong. She ran to the far wall and then dove straight at me and jumped right on in the tub! Quiet relaxing bath officially over. “NATE, NATE get her out!!!” I was laughing so hard I was helpless.

One thing Bailey discovered during this encounter, “hey, I’m a WATER DOG!” She had never been in water tall enough to actually feel like she could maybe swim in it! With every slap down of the paw, water went up, and she tried to eat it. Slap, water up, eat. Slap, water up, eat. Water was absolutely everywhere. On the wall, window, sink, floor, everywhere.

Bottle of wine. $7

Water. Free. (Well sort of)

Candles and Bubble Bath. $10

Having Bailey join you. Priceless.

Random.

Today has been one of those days. I thought that I would be bored at work today. Ha! Not very many secretaries or paralegals are working at all this week, so ALL of the attorneys at the back half of the office are bringing me their things. It ended up being okay, but my carpel tunnel syndrome is flaring up like whoa.

The church lady is "demanding" I pay her - tomorrow - if I don't want the insurance involved. I am so freaking frustrated. I feel like I'm being taken advantage of, but at the same time I really don't WANT to involve the insurance. Ugh. It just makes me so mad every time I think about it. End of story.

Good news though, I finished up with Christmas shopping today! So I can try to enjoy my last day at work for the week, and just relax. I'm looking forward to spending Christmas Eve and Day with my family. Apparently, Santa has been really good to me this year! So that's something to look forward to!

Also, I just wanted to say Congratulations to Nate for getting his first deer of the season last Thursday night!! Bailey and I are so proud of you for putting food on the table :)

I'm big, you're little.

There are people in this world that have this air about them of, “I am holier than thou art.” You know these women. I call them: church ladies. Now, don’t get me wrong. I love church, and I love me some Jesus – but a church is about the best place to find someone who thinks they are better than you.*

These are not holy women. In fact they are the opposite. They love to tell you how you should be living your life, how you should handle your business, and will be the very first to spread a piece of gossip. When in all actuality, their families are dying (not literally, but emotionally), they have more skeletons in their closet than you can imagine, and they aren’t – contrary to what they say – out for the glory of God.

I had the blessed experience of rear-ending this particular type last night. While this woman never ever mentioned God or church or anything like that, her presence was immediately “I’m better than you.” A church lady.

I admit it. It was my fault. I hit her, I was helping Bailey get into my lap and let go of the brakes. Problem is: THE LIGHT WAS GREEN, and had been for a while. Me, assuming that a normal person would GO when the light changed (especially after having sat through this very light three times already) I assumed it was safe to let go of the breaks. Fail.

Her attitude was immediately condescending. See, this precious woman was under the oh-so-wrong assumption that I was 16 years old driving Daddy’s car. She spoke down to me with the “honey’s” and “dear’s,” and rudely told me that my dog “needed to be restrained.” HA. You fit her crate in my car.

She continued with this attitude until I not so politely told her that I was NOT 5 and she could stop acting as such. Her next response was meekly, “why are you being so rude to me?” REALLY?? You just sat in the middle of and f-ing intersection for 5 minutes because “you’re not allowed to leave the scene of an accident.” Last I checked, if no one is hurt you move your vehicle out of the way so people not involved can go about their business.

This hostility continued, and I sure as heck didn’t back down. The paint scratch on her car was this ---------- big. And I’m serious. You would have thought I mangled her child and totaled her car. (There was no child in the car by the way.) She finally asked in her ever-so-condescending tone if I had someone coming to help me. When my response was, “Yes, my husband,” her attitude changed. "Oh she’s not 5, or 10 or even 16. This is an adult I’m dealing with." OOPS.

I completely avoided her from this point on.

You know, people are human. They make mistakes. Shit happens. The woman who rear-ended me 2 months ago was on prescription medicines and didn’t even know where she was, and I was not even openly rude to her.

It is so frustrating to cross paths with these people. No one is better than anyone. Period. We’re all jerks who make mistakes from time to time. Should this woman have been upset with me? Absolutely. I hit her – I would be mad at me too. But, the second someone shows a hint of friendliness and apologizes, I lighten up a bit. So don’t call me your “honey” cause you ain’t my husband and you sure ain’t my Mama!

*Obviously this is an unfair generalization, but it works well for my point! Not all church women are like this, and not all women like this go to church, but I’ve noticed a pattern and I’m just sayin’.

Can I just say...

Sometimes it just sucks to be female. I mean just sucks. I feel like men could not possible imagine, or go through for that matter, some of the things we have to endure on a day to day basis. I can, however, recall on several occasions my husband saying, “that’s why I’m glad I’m a man” after I complain that it feels like someone is literally punching me in the uterus or something of that nature. A few examples of this suck-ness follow:

1. PMS - Not that this needs any explanation, but having violent mood swings with no logical explanation is rather hard to explain to the male species. If I never had PMS, I would never fight with my husband. Ever. That is the only time of the month that everything anyone does has the potential to piss me off royally.

2. Birthing children – Pain, ripping, pain, tearing, pain, oh my gosh I’m gonna throw up. I haven’t even experienced this yet, but it scares the bajeeezus out of me. (This, by the way, is also on my list of the perks of being a woman – it’s something that only women can do and creates a bond between you and that child that only you can share.)

3. The Glass Ceiling. No explanation needed.

4. Having to SIT to use the restroom. While I have no desire to try it standing up with my current anatomy, there are times (concerts, public events, anywhere where a port-a-john is involved) where it would just be easier if you could STAND and handle your business. No touching icky toilet seats, no playing the hover game, just stand and go.

5. The “wifely” duties: While this is not a problem in my house, as Nate helps with all the chores, I’m sure there are women out there who absolutely hate the fact that it is “their” expected responsibility to cook, clean, do the dishes, bathe the kids, help them with their homework etc. etc.

6. Constant sex object: Sometimes being whistled at, or a noticeable look can be flattering and make a woman feel good about herself. But, when this stare lasts a little too long or goes to the wrong places you go from flattered to violated. AND, some men in bar situations feel that it is okay to touch as well. Oh no, no, no, no. That's a really good way to get yourself slapped, men!

Though all of the above are perceived negative, women also have a distinct ability to turn their unique qualities to their advantage. Sex appeal is a plus when trying to get your way, and "hey do this I'm pregnant" can't be all that bad :)

Anything else that drives you crazy, ladies?

A Little Yuletide Fun.

Last night marked our first annual “Ugly Christmas Sweater Party.” I say first annual occurrence because we. had. a. ball. All of the attendants donned the ugliest/tackiest sweater they could find and came for a night of fun and festivities. Here is just a little taste of what when on.

As you can see, there were lights, bells, Santa’s and snowmen. Reindeer, snowflakes, tassels and puffy paint. A Dirty Santa game made for tons of fun with gifts including a copy of the Kama Sutra, thermometer, and lottery tickets.


I would highly recommend this themed party to anyone. Everyone can enjoy this light-hearted fun with Good times, great friends, and ugly sweaters!

Persistent Polly.

My dog is a Persistent Polly. Every morning a precisely 5:45 a.m. she scratches at her crate door to let Nate and I know she’s ready to get in the bed with us for a morning snuggle before a long day of solitude while we’re at work (sad, I know.) Feeling so bad for her, we (well mainly Nate) oblige and always get up and put her back in bed with us. She sniffs, scratches, wiggles and squirms and then finally finds a way to get as close as physically possible to one of us. This often involves her curling up to my back and laying her head across my neck. I love her at 5:45.

Evidently I am a light sleeper in the morning. Just about the time I get good and asleep again, my alarm clock goes off at 7:00 a.m. Grrreat. I am a snoozer. Always have been, and likely always will be. Pre-Bailey I swear those were the best seven minutes of sleep I got. Snoozing is no longer fun.

With the first ring of my alarm clock, dog is UP and moving. It is time to eat, NOW. I try and try to get her to lie back down for just five more minutes. Beg and plead that she stop pawing at my face for just a minute, but she doesn’t get it. She walks up and down our bodies, paws at us, growls, and will even stand on my head if necessary. Twenty pounds, and evergrowing - this is not comfortable.

But, I am stubborn, so I stick it out and get my extra snooze minutes and then wearily drag myself out of bed and get Bailey’s day going. And dog is happy.

Wouldn’t it be nice if we really wanted something, say a raise, if we could just walk up and down our bosses back and growl at them until they gave us what we wanted? It’s a dogs life.

Going Home.

Last Thursday morning my Grandmama went home to be with God. There is no better way of putting it than just that. While of course my family is sad and in mourning, my Grandmama lived a life of example. A long, healthy life that is to be celebrated.

At 91 years old, she left an impact on so many others that will not be forgotten. I came to know and love her most when she moved in with my family a few years ago after suffering a stroke. While she was completely self-sufficient, she still needed to be around someone that cared about her and could be there should she need it. That involved her leaving her home town of Valley, Alabama and moving up to North Carolina to be with us.

There was no question from the beginning where her heart was. It was in Valley, with her late husband. While my great-grandfather had passed back in ’76, he was her one and only true love. She spoke of him daily, and wanted nothing more than to be reunited with him again in Heaven. In 2006, she made the move back to Alabama to live out her last years. It’s where she wanted to be, and she was well taken care of.

I had not been to Alabama in about ten years, so this weekend was a blast from the past. My Daddy took us around to the old home place, where his family grew up, their schools, Grandmama’s house, everywhere. It is the epitome of a small southern town. A mill town on the Chattahoochee River that is a little behind on the times, but the kind that you just fall in love with the minute you get there. It still has that southern hospitality that is not easily found.

While not many people attended her funeral (she has literally out-lived everyone) there was no question that the town respected her, whether they knew her or not. On the drive from the funeral home to her final resting place beside her loving husband, every single car that we passed stopped. I don’t mean just slowed down a little, or waited until the police car went by. I mean stopped. People walking or running on the streets, stopped, and watched repectfully as the caravan of cars made their way to the cemetery. It is a sight that I will never forget. I am very appreciative that people still have that kind of love and hospitality for their neighbor.

Grandmama is finally home. With her husband, and with God. She loved and feared the Lord, knew her Bible, and lived a good life. While she is gone from this life, my faith lets me know that one day I too will be with her, and that is all the comfort I need.

So Grandmama, we love you and will think of you daily. Go Rest in Paradise. :)

A Healthy Portion.

I am not exactly what you would call the “healthiest eater,” but am by no means the worst eater either. I rarely eat chocolate, I don’t like cake or candy, and I don’t indulge in random foods that aren’t good for me. But friends let me tell you – all those rumors about gaining weight when you get married, are true!!

So true. I blame it mostly on the fact that I’m very happy, and rarely (thankfully) have anxiety anymore. (When I have anxiety it’s hard for me to eat a lot.) But, I assessed what could have possibly caused this weight gain that might be my fault, other than the “freshman fifteen of marriage.” Watch me eat ONE time, and I think you might figure it out.

First of all, I eat ENTIRELY too fast. We’re talking five minutes and I’m D-U-N. At our work Thanksgiving potluck I cleared my plate before most of them had even got started on their turkey. It was pointed out for all to see. Next, I eat like a horse. Since I married Nate, I eat like Nate who is 8 inches taller than me and rightfully weighs more. For some reason my mind thinks that it’s cool for me to go back for seconds and thirds just ‘cuz, and because I eat so fast my body doesn’t register that I’m full! Lord help me.

So I shared my assessment with Nate, and explained to him how, “Well you know your main dish is only supposed to be the size of your fist.” He died laughing, and said that he had never, ever heard that. I mean am I crazy? I know that that’s true! So I have made it my goal to SLOW the heck down when I’m eating, and perhaps maybe I won’t overeat!!

I hope those of you who know me understand my lightheartedness in this. I am NOT trying to lose weight, or say that I’m fat by any means. I’ve just noticed something that could potential cause problems in the future, and that is unhealthy. After all, I’m pretty dang small, and there is no reason I should be chowin’ down on a Shaquille O’Neal fist-sized steak!

Give Thanks

Another work week has begun! The Thanksgiving festivities are over, I’ve eaten WAY too much, and the Christmas decorations are going up!

This Thanksgiving was one of my favorites in recent memory. My husband and I happily floated to three different households visiting with our families. Both of us were able to resist the temptation to eat three Thanksgiving meals, and only divulged in two. (This is a step up from last year where I consumed four.)

I also took part in the Black Friday shopping this year! I had such a great time with my sister and her boyfriend beating the crowds and getting great deals on some Christmas shopping. ($3 for popular DVDs, people. Three dollars.) I have completely finished shopping for Nate, and knocked a huge dent in my list for everyone else.

Last night before we fell asleep Nate pointed out that we had not even taken the time to be thankful on Thanksgiving. We were so busy having a great time we forgot to just sit back and say, “Hey thanks, God!” So we took turns saying things that we are thankful for. Among the things I am thankful for are: our families, our friends, my Mom, Bailey & Maggie, an awesome God, our health, our family’s health, our jobs, a loving husband, and a beautiful house.

This time of year can truly be wonderful if you just let it! Sit back and give thanks for all that you have!

So tell me, what are you thankful for?

I. Hate. Reality. Television.

Last night before passing out in a near coma (I’ve been sleeping like a rock lately, and am tired all day) I was flipping through the channels when I stumbled across several reality TV shows. After seeing Sharon Osbourne listen to a trashy girl complain about another bratty girl in the house, I found the lovely Paris Hilton BFF show. Oh. My. God.

It was likely watching a very painful train wreck. Last nights episode (I’m assuming a re-run?) showed Paris down to four tentative “BFF’s.” I happened to turn it on as the elimination was occurring. Here sits Paris in this magnificent chair, beautiful no doubt, but whining to the girls about how her feelings were hurt because she didn’t think the one girl wanted to be there. Boo freaking hoo.

REALITY CHECK: No one, no matter how much money, no matter how much fame, is worth having to go through the things these girls have had to do. Being Paris Hilton’s new BFF should not be your ultimate goal in life.

The girl was kicked off and Paris said “TTYS” rather than her usual “TTYN” (talk to you never, maybe?) because she really liked this girl apparently. When the show cut to the girl crying her little eyes out because she had been kicked off that was all I could take, and I turned the channel. I mean, REALLY? How, I ask, is this television!?

I know some people love it, and call it a “guilty pleasure.” I personally think it’s dumb and condescending. Up until I graduated college I very rarely watched TV, so maybe I’m not the best judge but there are SO many things you can do with your life than watch this crap. All it does is help talentless, bitchy, and otherwise complete boring people get really rich for nothing. Talk about your American dream. Now go watch the Discovery Channel and learn something!

What I want to be when I grow up...

This past weekend Nate and I went to a friend’s wedding in Charleston. It was to be outside at an old hotel in historical downtown, but unfortunately it rained heavily forcing the sixty guests inside to the reception area. The ceremony was short and sweet… and I mean short! We’re talking seven minutes including walking up and down the aisle time. No music, no unity candle, no fluff. Just “I do,” “I do.” Ring. Ring. Okay you’re married.

The bride and groom were so happy that they barely remembered not to kiss after she had weaved her way through the tables to her handsome future hubby. Everything was beautiful, and it was a great night to be had by all.

The next morning Nate, having had just a few too many drinks, requested that I drive the three hour trip home to give him a break. I obliged, and he quickly fell asleep leaving me to my thoughts. I just kept replaying a conversation I overheard at the reception in my head over and over. (As nerdy as it may sound). Before we all headed out to the dance floor to shake our moneymakers, a female friend of mine who is a tap dance teacher made the comment that, “pshh this is what I get PAID to do” when a male friend had jokingly told her that she couldn’t dance. Her response to him was, “and what do you get paid to do?!” “Draw,” he laughingly said. He is a graphic designer for Anheuser Busch.

Jealousy basically shoots through my body when I think about this. Here I sat with two very close friends who are totally happy in what they are doing. They are living their dream, and making a wonderful living doing so. My girlfriend has always danced, and has turned it into a career that allows her to do something she loves every day. Likewise, my male friend always loved drawing growing up and he made a successful career out of it.

This got me thinking. If I could get paid to do something that I loved, what would it be? Idea 1: Music. I grew up playing many instruments – of them piano and guitar have always been my favorite. Unfortunately, while I’m a decent player, I’m no virtuoso so a career in either is simply out of the question. Idea 2: Arguing. While I’m only half joking, from age 7 I had wanted to be an attorney. Everyone always joked that I’d be great at it because, “I would argue with a stop sign.” A bad experience in a law firm, the high price of law school, a lost passion for the law, and that’s out too. Idea 3: Writing. I absolutely love to write things that I like to talk about. If I could get paid to write for a living I would be one happy individual. Now there’s an idea!

I wonder though just how many people have stayed at jobs over the years just so that they could have a paycheck. My Daddy has always encouraged me to do something that I love, and if that means becoming a lawyer, or being a stay-at-home Mom, it’s fine. With the economy the way it is hard to encourage people to branch out and follow their dreams, but it will get better one day and I can only hope that one day I am completely happy in my job doing something I absolutely love every single day.

*Note: I like my current job. I’m just sayin’.

A Pleasant Surprise.

I don’t usually watch the County Music Awards, or any award shows for that matter. I just don’t care for things like that because half of the time the performances are big let downs when it is broadcast loud and clear for millions of folks to see that these high paid men and women do not perform well live. Gasp!

However, last night I found myself watching them anyway, and I must say that I was more or less impressed! There was plenty of cleavage and big hair to go around, but on top of that the performances weren’t terrible. Kenny Chesney, who is an excellent live performer by the way, rocked out along with various other artists who were able to belt it out with no problem.

And can we say holy hottie, Shania Twain. I was so happy when she stepped out on the stage, and I support a Shania come back. Oh and Brad Paisley took a piece of my heart when he kissed his wife’s tee-ninsy (I’m assuming pregnant) little belly before accepting his award. Country music singers seem to be the most down to earth in the biz. I mean can you see T.I kissing his baby-mama belly before he accepts an award? I didn’t think so.

Moral of the story – I love country music and the beautiful men and women that sing it!

Christmas, already?

While riding to dinner on Monday night, I couldn’t help but notice a few homes with Christmas lights already up. Yes, in early November! One particular house was completely decked out – blow up snow globe in the front yard and all. These people take their Santa duty seriously.

If you have been anywhere near a Wal Mart, Lowe’s, or Target you have seen that the lights, trees, and random tacky snow globes (like the one mentioned above) are already out. This year I have decided I am NOT going to have a problem with these early birds anymore.

Last year, the day after Halloween the Christmas music started on the radio, and it made me mad. I felt like Thanksgiving was getting gypped, and it just made me grouchy. Rather than letting it ruin my month, I’m just going to embrace it. Enjoy the early Christmas sales, and just turn the channel when radio stations play Christmas music. Not quite ready to Deck the Halls just yet.

Even though its here two months early, Christmas really only comes once a year and when it’s over, it’s over. Nothing is sadder than a dying Christmas tree with all the presents gone from underneath it. So bring on the Christmas cheer, just don’t play Silent Night just yet…

Come December though, there will be Ugly Christmas Sweater parties, a decorated house - Clark Griswold style, and lots of presents to go around! Let’s just get through Thanksgiving first!

Every girl loves flowers.

No matter your age or marital status – every girl loves getting flowers. Some say, “oh, well it’s just a waste of money” or “I’d rather have something practical,” but you know good and well that getting a bouquet of flowers at work can brighten your day… as did these!

Nate sent me these today for our First Anniversary! I can’t believe it has been an entire year already! It seems just like yesterday I was running around picking out my wedding dress, deciding on flowers, throwing bridesmaids luncheons, and counting the guests. We had a wonderful wedding and I wouldn’t trade those memories for the world.

Here we are a year later, and we are just as happy and still going strong. I thank God as often as possible for putting a love like this into my life. It is such a blessing.

Nate, thank you so much for being the amazing husband that you are. I look forward to many, many more anniversaries!

*Sorry if I got a little sappy, I’m just happy :)

Destination Relaxation!

This week has been very draining. I was swamped at work, Nate has had less than a pristine week at work, and the lack of a complete night’s sleep from the puppy is starting to take a toll on both of us. She is just like having a small child, and sometimes I’m convinced it’s worse!

But just in the nick of time, we get to go on a mini-vacation! Our one year anniversary is Monday, the 10th so we’re heading up to the mountains to stay at a quaint little bed and breakfast. I hope we’re not too late to enjoy at least some of the fall leaves. I’m so happy to get to spend time with my husband but am really looking forward to no alarm clock, no rules, and no set place to be!

Happy Friday!

Time to Stand Together.

Yesterday was a defining moment in the history of the United States. Our first African-American President has been elected. I congratulate him! This morning I woke up to tons of Facebook status’s stating whether or not they were pleased with the election. Some people say they are moving to another country, others are so happy they are crying. It’s divided straight down the middle.

What I do know is that no matter who you voted for yesterday, today is the time to stand together. People fear change, and a black, former Muslim no doubt brings fear into some hearts. Myself included. But after watching his acceptance speech I have nothing but happiness and encouragement for him. This man deserves a chance to run our country. If perhaps a trial comes while he is in office and he fails miserably – only then hate him, only then blame him. As for now we need to look at him as a clean slate and move forward. Like it or not, he is your President and it is time to support him.

I have heard people say they are going to hang their flag upside down, or wear all black today for the death of our country. That is selfish and quite frankly, it’s stupid. We’re all nervous right now, but I totally believe that God has a plan at all times. This is very obviously his plan right now. God did not forget us yesterday, he was there for every second. So let’s trust His decision and move forward.

As for John McCain - good run, buddy! If you have not taken the time to watch his concession speech, please do so. McCain set the tone for the positive attitude that will allow us to move forward in a way that will be productive and prosperous for us all. It’s time to let go of the harsh feelings and join together as One Nation, Under God.

I am Jessica, and I approve this message.

Decisions. Decisions.

Today marks the most important election in my lifetime, if not one of the most important elections ever. As we all well know, it is the first time an African-American has been nominated for the presidency. Half of the excitement to rush out to the polls stems from this, but the other half is people’s dire need for “change.” Whether it be McCain or Obama they are voting for, most basically just want George Bush out!

It was really exciting driving into work this morning and seeing just how many people were standing in line to vote at the four or five centers that I passed – the lines were wrapped around buildings. I think it is fantastic that our country has finally taken their right to vote seriously. A friend told me that 85% of registered Floridian voters had already cast their vote before this morning. We all remember what happened back in 2000 when Bush and Gore were going head-to-head. I guess these people want to make sure that doesn’t happen again! (Not that I blame them!)

I will shamefully admit that I have totally been torn on who to vote for. Most people will say, “What!? HOW can you not know? They are so different!” Problem is – I tend to lean Republican, and share most of the same values, morals, and ideas as the Republicans typically do. But, I also know that statistically the economy is much better when a Democrat is in office. So what do I pick? To stand by my beliefs and what I think is ethically and morally right? Or stand by my desire to make my dollar stronger again? The latter of the two seems selfish, but we are in an ever-sinking economy and I just can’t convince myself that another Republican is the solution to the problem. Have no fear though, I have made an educated decision and will be heading to the polls this afternoon to help make history!

Money, it's a gas.

Can someone please tell me why little green pieces of paper practically run the lives of every single person on the face of the Earth? (Obviously not every Country's money comes in the form of green paper, but you get my point!)

With the U.S. economy facing it's worst crisis in over a half-century, how much money you have - or don't have - is becoming more and more of an issue. The cost of everything is going up. Food, gas, clothes, everything. The only thing NOT going up is housing costs and that's because a ton of people are losing theirs. The supply simply outweighs the demand.

And gas prices. What the hell? Charlotte, North Carolina has GOT to be the most selfish city in the South. There is a reason that our gas prices are still higher than everyone else in the U.S. - we panic. The unnecessary demand outweighs the supply.

My dental hygienist informed me during the recent gas scare - where people were waiting in lines for hours and pulling guns all to get a couple gallons of gas - that she stopped every other day to "top off, you know, just in case." She, my friends, is the problem. And if you did this too - shame on you! Stopping to finish off your tank is selfish and unnecessary. If you NEED gas, get it - but don't pull into the quarter-mile long line just so you can be sure you get your slice of the pie. Side note: I am seriously convinced that this scare was brought on to persuade people that, "expensive gas is better than no gas."

Another example of this selfishness: someone says the words "ice storm," and bread, milk and batteries are GONE from the stores. Doesn't matter that it's two states away and probably won't even effect us - "I've got mine, and to hell with everyone else!"

Money brings out the worst in all of us. Sure, it's great to have nice things, new cars, and beautiful homes. And it's super easy for me to sit here and say that you shouldn't be selfish, but the fact is it's human nature to be out for yourself. Can we do away with money? Absolutely not - it's what makes the world go 'round. Sometimes it's just a little depressing to think about the state of the world in which we live in.

I leave you with Pink Floyd, Money.
Money, get away. Get a good job with good pay and you're okay. Money, it’s a gas. Grab that cash with both hands and make a stash. New car, caviar, four star daydream, think Ill buy me a football team.

Money, get back. I'm all right jack keep your hands off of my stack. Money, it’s a hit. Don't give me that do goody good bullshit. I'm in the high-fidelity first class traveling set and I think I need a lear jet.

Money, it’s a crime. Share it fairly but don't take a slice of my pie. Money, so they say is the root of all evil today. But if you ask for a raise it’s no surprise that they're giving none away.

When it Rains, it Pours.

This week has been absolutely crazy! I haven't even been able to think about writing. Our brand new puppy became extremely sick in the wee hours of Sunday night/Monday morning, so Nate and I spent the majority of the night at the Emergency Vet. The word “parvo” was mentioned and I nearly had a heart attack. There was no "waiting to see if this one blew over.” Parvo kills puppies.

Thankfully, Bailey did not have parvo, but she did have various other stomach bugs including a disgusting bout of roundworms. She spent the next few days in and out of the vet, only coming home for about seven hours on Tuesday and then back in again until late Wednesday night. More than a few hundred dollars later, we have a healthy dog. Well, sort of - our nights now consist of waking at least every two hours to allow her to relieve her bladder and belly, and a 5 a.m. round of FOUR medicines.

It is amazing how quickly you can get attached to pets. The first night without her was really hard on us – having only had her for 7 days when she was admitted, you would have thought we had had her for 7 years. The house felt so quiet and empty. But, now we have her back full throttle. The biting, scratching, whining and barking are back, and life as we were beginning to know it can continue.

In other news, my car also has “more damage than originally thought” from my October 2nd accident. I’m driving around in a brand new Dodge Charger rental with terrible gas mileage and hellacious blind spots. So if you see me coming, watch out!

The main stress issue in all of this, is money. Money. Money. Money. Everything costs lots and lots of money, and I hate it. More on that to come…

Parenting 101.

My husband, Nate, and I got our first dog six days ago. It already feels like it has been years. She is a chocolate lab, named Bailey, and is seriously one of the cutest things I have ever seen.

Growing up, my family always had a dog or many dogs. But for the first time ever, I have something in my life that totally and completely needs me. I mean if I don’t feed her or let her out…well, she dies. This responsibility has hit me like a ton of bricks.

I by no means regret getting her. It’s just that I’m not sure I totally realized what all being a responsible dog owner involved. There is training her not to pee in the house, "no don’t chew that," "why are you eating my sock," the insane amount of scratches and teeth marks on my hands and feet, and losing the freedom (oh the freedom) that Nate and I had when it was just the two of us.

I can’t stand to hear her cry, and it upsets me the amount of time that she is in her crate, all alone. I’ve pathetically cried like every day out of pity for her. This revelation has led me to understand and respect parenting more than I ever have. I totally feel like a Mom, and now realize that me working full-time after children is probably out of the question.

Sure we have to go through nights of her crying, chewed up items, and a house that now smells like a dog. But hey, the relationship that we will have with this dog will be long and rewarding. (We hope) Plus, it’s good practice for a baby!

Ready to Launch, finally.

For the past few months I have spent time studying blogs. Yes, blogs. How you write them, which ones are worth reading, and what is actually worth writing. Some that I came across were completely addictive, while others…well let’s just say they didn’t leave me on the edge of my seat begging for more.

I realized how much I love to write my senior year in college. Most of the blogs I came across were people who had “always” loved to write, or just “knew” that was what they wanted to do. This passion for writing was news to me. So, after many months of nay-saying on my part – I’ve decided to give it a shot and launch my own blog.

I do not plan for this to be political or religious, but those issues will no doubt be incorporated in my writing as I care about both. I can, however, guarantee that it will be random, and that you won’t always agree with what I have to say. The things I love to read come from those who are passionate and personable, so here’s hoping I can live up to my own expectations. Happy Reading!