Hunting & Gathering

God I love Mardi Gras. Normally, Im over it before it even starts, but this year is different. I dont know why, maybe its just my attitude towards it all.
My Mardi Gras weekend started at 12 on Friday when Lindsay & I met for a pedicure. Between getting my hair done & pregaming at the hotel, my night didnt slow down at all before the parade & ball. Heres a video of Justin parading!

Right after parade, Chris showed up, we got dressed & went to to watch call outs. This is when the real fun began. Here we are before the ball (and before any drinks.)

As soon as we got seated, here comes Justin, drunk as a mother fucker, running up into the stands. He was screaming and carrying on, grabbing boobs & butts wherever he could. To me, it was hilarious, to the people around us, he was crazy.
After call outs, we were ready to get the party started... well, after we hit the bathroom. Lindsay & I gave Chris & Pat specific instructions to STAY PUT while we peed. Of course, this directions were obviously too complex for their simple, alcohol saturated brains. Linds & I came back literally 3 minutes later, and the boys were gone. We spend half an hour wandering up and down the hall, and through the rooms to find them, but they were nowhere to be found. But just when we had almost given up, there they were, back where we had left them.
I freaked out a little. I wanted to know where the hell they had been, even though it was pretty obvious, because at that point, they had plates full of food. Chris said "We were, umm, Hunting some food." Aggravated & tipsy I replied "WHAT the fuck ever, You were GATHERING food." The boys didnt take kindly to being called gatherers... their logic was that you could not gather meat... Well, I beg to differ, but its all good.

After we finally rounded up our men, we spent a few hours just hanging out & daning a little. We got to hang out with some great friends- Eddie, Karleen, Sean, Misty, & we ran into a few other people we knew too.

Me & Misty

The Girls

The Guys

The later it got, the more drinks we had, the more silly our pictures got.

Also, as I drank, my eyes got smaller & mouth got bigger. haha

& As much fun as I had with my friends. & as excited I was that Chris actually danced with me. The highlght of my night was playing with the feather hats & getting to put one on. I was so happy I knew Jeff & Kim Lawson.

When people started heading out, and the numbers started thinning, Lindsay, Pat, Chris & I headed to Boo's after the ball. Chris & I didnt even stay long enough to get a drink beforewe were ready to call it a night.

 

The next morning Chris, Justin, Alisa, Lindsay, Pat & I went to breakfast at Spot of Tea. It was delicious as always.

The rest of the day flew by way too fast. We finally got home, got showers & a nap, and by that time it was already close to 4. We had to return Chris' tux, and do a quick clean sweep & trip to the grocery store.

Around 7 we had Lindsay, Justin, Alisa, Mike & Paulie over to watch the UFC fights. We had a nice time just being able to hang out and unwind from a nice weekend.

Today Im going to write my religion paper from my Marriage & Family class & then Im just going to hang out around the house, got to get ready to do it all again next weekend!

Peanut Shells

Everybody has something weird about them. In my case, there are several quirky things. For example, when I get really excited I tend to gallop instead of walk or run. If you ever find me tipsy, ask me to demonstrate, I promise it's funny. (Please dont do this to me at Mardi Gras. If Im drunk, Ill probably do it, and I will embarrass myself.)
Another weird fact- I love roasted peanut shells. I really dont care about the peanuts inside, even though I eat them, but Id rather eat the shells. Yes, I said it. I like to eat peanut shells (and sunflower seed shells.) But only if theyre salted.  Its like a snack of pure salty deliciousness.
So today while eating lunch, I convinced Chris to try a peanut shell. HA. Yall should have seen him. He just looked at me with this look of disgust on his face. He described it as chewy, and fibrous. He also said he would be "pulling [that] shit out of his teeth all day". What can I say, I love it. Dont judge me!!

On another note, my sweet baby boy is sick. Ever since he was a baby puppy, he has has problems with his trachea. When he gets really excited, his trachea collapses and he has trouble breathing. I took him to the vet, and they said not to worry about it. But last night, Mobley woke up 5 or 6 times with his trachea collapsing. Once, it happened for over a minute. I was so scared, I was ready to take him to the vet hospital. I would absolutely DIE if something happened to my baby.
I called the vet this morning, and luckily, I can give him some special syrup & it should help. I love that little man more than anything in the whole world... except for maybe Chris... I dont know, its probably a tie.

& TOMORROW IS THE INCA PARADE & BALL!!! I can hardly wait till tomorrow. Im going to get a pedicure with Lindsay tomorrow at 12, then get my hair done. After that, Im heading down town to hang out with Alisa until Chris gets out of class. Then itll be time for the ball!!!

Cant wait to see my friends there! Ill post some pictures & stories about the ball later this weekend!

& The Living's Easy

Okay, so I know it's not summer time, but I LOVE this beautiful weather. It is so perfect outside. The sun is shining, its about 70 degrees, life is good in lower Alabama today.

Along with beautiful weather, I had another great weekend. Saturday day was spent mostly on working on school work.
[I realize I was just bragging about how I had this phenomenal weekend, but let me digress for one minute and RANT about my damn online class *Warning, I say (fuck) like 10 times here...sorry*
I thought I was signing up for an easy online class. Sign in once a week, read some shit and take a quiz. Maybe write one paper. No. Fuck no. I have to log on like every fucking day to participate in some dumb forum-style discussion about Marriage & family issues. On top of this we have to answer 6 questions each week. Which doesnt seem all that hard, except it is. It takes me easily 3 hours to answer these questions. We have to be insanely specific, but she wont grade anything over 3 pages. Anyway, normally when I do this, I am satisfied when I get a decent grade. However, this week, my crazy bitch professor took off 7.5 points out of 10, because I said I dont feel sorry for poor people who use check cashing places, but dont utilize a bank account. REALLY?  Her comment was that "some people dont know about banks." Where the FUCK did they think their check came from? The magic check fairy? I dont buy that bullshit. She also told my I need to work on my sociological thinking. NO. Here is the problem. I actually thought about it and gave my opinion rather than spitting back the garbage she gave us to read.... UGH. I hate my online class...]

Back to my amazing weekend. After my school work, Lindsay and I went to Paint Party Studios & had so much fun! I cant wait to go back! I painted some love birds (so sweet) & Lindsay painted a really cute Mardi Gras painting. Enjoy a few pictures :)

After Paint Party, we went to Bonefish for a glass of wine & some dinner.

Sunday was also a pretty great day. When Chris got home, we got dressed and went down to his dads house to help build a shed. Well, Chris helped build a shed. I mostly tried to stay out of the way.

When we were finished (or tired of) shed building we left and went to the Rec Center & played on the Rock Wall. We also got to meet a few people going on our climbing trip too. I am SO excited. This is where we are going...

                                  This is Cherokee Rock Village, where we are going for our Hiking Day

                                This is Little River Canyon, where we are going on our last day.

I am so excited! I cant wait to go. After our little Rock Wall adventure, we played some racquetball, then headed home to get dressed for Jeff Eardly's birthday party at Bluegill.

Bluegill was pretty good. I mostly just enjoyed spending time with Chris. We didnt stay too long because, of course, I had to come home to finish my online class assignment that was due at midnight last night. Luckily, Chris helped me get it finished. Now Im just hoping for a good grade on it, so I dont have to go crazy again next weekend.

Scratch that, next weekend is going to be so amazing that I am not going to let anything bother me. INCA is in 4 days! 4 days!!!! Im pretty excited. :)

Have a good Monday everybody!

Bring Your Own Sunshine

"Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine."  ~Anthony J. D'Angelo

A few months ago, Chris brought it to my attention that I was being so negative that it was difficult to be around me. At the time my feelings were obviously hurt. I cried. I didnt think I was 'that' person; I didnt want to be that person. But after a painful look in the mirror, I realized that he was right. Sometimes, I do dwell on negative things. Sometimes its just a rant that I need to get off my chest, but often times it was more than that. This morning though, while I was laying in bed with my beautiful family I realized that I've changed. Over the last few months, I've made a concious effort to be more positive. Over the last week or so though, its come as second nature. I didnt have to try. I just found myself being in a better mood, enjoying my life more and talking/thinking happier things.

I wanted to share this because I think everyone could use a little reminder that sometimes you just have to look at the good in your life. The grass isnt always greener on the other side. Life is good. :)

With that being said, Chris and I had the most wonderful day yesterday. He is so good to me. 2 days ago I lost our controller...  he bet me he could find it in under 5 minutes. (I had already looked under the couch, in the office, in the spare bedrooms, in both bathrooms, in the pantry, in the trash can, in the dryer, and in the fridge and freezer...) Of course, he found it in under 20 seconds... it was in the couch.... I just had to laugh.

Around 3, Chris and I hit fuego for a margarita & some guac. I LOVE Fuego. Its AMAZING. Their Watermelon Cucumber Margarita is the best thing ever. I am developing a plan to have these served as a specialty drink at our wedding. Im thinking if I offer to pay the bartender there a couple hunderd dollars, plus tips, surely she will bartend our wedding (and keep my margarita glass full!)

After Fuego, we took our time getting home. We cuddled up on the couch and watched "Life As We Know It." About 45 minutes into the movie, I noticed Mobley wasnt on the couch anymore, and he wasnt anywhere in sight. I was worried that he may have been eating my shoes and Chris says "No, I threw my jeans over your shoes so he couldnt get to them." We watched the movie for about another 30 seconds before Chris paused it and said he was going ot check on Mobs.  Thank GOD he did! Mobley had pulled Chris' wallet out of his jeans, opened it up and started eating the contents. When we saw it, we just laughed. I know it wasnt that funny, and we shouldnt encourage him, but what else could we do? Cry? Luckily he didnt eat the money in his wallet (that I wasnt supposed to know about, he was putting extra up for a ring. He is so sweet!) But when we caught him, he had Kim & John's check for MOT Tickets in his mouth. Thankfully, we got it before he shredded it;  That would have been the second time I ruined their check. No real damage was done, except that he shredded the little paper in Chris' wallet that had the Ring # and my ring size written down on it. Ha, Like I said, sometimes all you can do is laugh.

Though I dont think today will be quite as exciting as yesterday, Im making the best of it. Today is "Bring Mobley to Work Day." & Those are always good days. I love the way he sleeps on my desk. He really is a good dog, even though he likes to shred paper...

I hope everybody has an amazing weekend. ONE MORE WEEK TILL INCA! & Remember to bring your own sunshine this week! 

Preparing for Pardi Gras!

OhMyGod, Mardi Gras is so freakin close & I dont think its possible for me to be more excited. Inca is 9 DAYS AWAY! I feel like I have so much to do before then, like, hmm, get my dress altered maybe... Nothing like waiting untill the last minute... Oh well.
& as excited as I am about Inca, I am more excited about MOTs. Well, let me rephrase, I am MOST excited about seeing family & friends that I havent seen in a while, and seeing them all in once place and one time.
Lets run through the list, starting with Chris's family.
Debbie- We last saw Debbie over the summer when she brough her family here to visit, but I havent seen her husband, John, in probably 2 years. I am really excited about seeing her son Drew, and daughter Rachel. Drew keeps me laughing the entire time Im around him. (They are traveling from Indiana)
Ginger- I think the last time we saw Ginger is when Debbie was in town. Ginger is coming from Laurel, MS with her daughter Sarrah, & hopefully Summer. Tarriq is coming down from Wabash College with Deb & fam.
Eric- Eric, Pam, Ericka, & Jack are coming from Seattle. We havent seen them since last Mardi Gras!
Rob- I am really hoping Rob can bring his whole crew here for Mardi Gras! Even though we did get to see them last August, I cant wait to see Liz, Bella, Josie, Ethan, & Ashley very very soon! (They are traveling from London!)
Claude- We got to see Claude, Wanda, CJ, Jack & Ashley at Christmas, but Im still looking forward to seeing them again. We dont see them nearly enough, even though they live so close to Mobile.
Mike- I have only seen Mike once since New Years, which is extremely unusal. But I know life is busy & hope he is enjoying his new job

This will be my 4th Mardi Gras with the Newmans, and I this is the first time everyone is going to be able to be in Mobile at one time. I cant tell you how excited I am. I love this family so much, and cant wait to call myself a part of their family.

But more than just family coming in to town, my best best girl friend, Suzanne is coming in for the MOT ball. I cant wait to see her and to see what kind of trouble we can start up :)

In case you havent kept up with my list here is all the people that we will be partying our asses off with this Mardi Gras @ the Ball, Debbie & John, Ginger, Mike, Rob & Liz, Eric & Pam, Claude & Wanda, Fred & Gayle, my parents, Kim & Danielle, Danielle & Joey, Suzanne & Drew, Lindsay & Judson, Alisa & Justin, Karleen & Eddie, Monica & Bogdan, & Shannon. Plus the thousands of others that are going to be there!

So in order to get ready for Mardi Gras, Ive been hitting the gym, and tanning. Well this morning when I went tanning, I used my 'upgrade' for the month. I though I was a bad ass and could use my super tanning lotion and tough out 12 minutes in the platinum bed... NOPE. I burned my ass... It literally hurts to sit. Somebody better notice that I got a tan. :)

As much as we've done to get ready for Mardi Gras, it feels like we have so much more to do, mainly buy throws. & Puchase & Distribute tickets. But life is good, Im not gonna worry, it'll all get done.

Plus I am SO thankful for my flexible job that is allowing me to take time off while we have friends and family here so we can all spend time together.


On To Something New
 I didnt intend for this whole post to be about Mardi Gras, but, what can I say, Im exited! I almost feel like I should make a new post, but that would require too much effort...

Anyway! Our Valentines Day was amazing!! When I left the house Monday morning I left Chris a card, his present (a shoehorn; dont ask. he asked for it...) & set the coffee to come on when he was supposed to be home. He came and picked me up from work and took me to get a light lunch at the Jerusalem Cafe. Before I got off work, he showed back up to sign his tax return, and apparently while he was there he left me a card & flowers in my car for me to find when I got off work.
When I got home we spent the day being lazy, and playing with Mobley. Then we went to Pure for dinner & holy shit it was so good! We split a tuna appitizer that was to die for. Then he had corn chowder & I had gumbo, we both ate salads, then for out entree he had pork chops & I had chicken & goat cheese. & for dessert we had bread pudding & creme brulee. (They were having a 5 course meal special, we dont normally eat like that, haha) After dinner we went home & crashed. It was a very nice Valentines Day. I am very lucky to have such a wonderful man in my life.

Yesterday was uneventful, as Im sure today will be. I do have to go to the dentist though, yuck. Wish me luck.

Love Story

Chris, Thank you for making me the happiest girl in the whole world. There are not enough words to express how much I love you, so if a pictures worth a thousand words, this will have to do. Here are a few of my favorite pictures of us over the years. I love you with all of my heart. I cant wait to celebrate us and our love tonight at dinner!



Frontroll to Failure

For those of you that dont know my brother, Josh, he is an AMAZING wakeboarder. He was number 1 in Alabama in his division and went to Nationals last year. He's good. But occasionaly, he takes a fall. Since this one was particularly bad, i thought I'd share.

 Heres the video. & Here is the after math...

When I asked him how he felt he said  "its like a trampoline from all the fluid so im kinda just poking it softly"

Luckily, Josh thinks battle scars are cool. In fact, he was especially excited about getting dinner in bed. I bet my mom wishes the orthopedist offered frequent flyer miles...

Update: Apparently, even though they dont offer frequent flyer miles, my family has been able to make some connections with Orthopedist. Somehow my mom got a doctor to agree to meet them at the emergency room tonight, after the doctor "finished his movie." But, thats a whole hell of a lot better than waiting to go in the morning, or spending all night in the waiting room. Ill let everybody know when the find out how bad it is.

Update: Well, Josh hurt his NCL, but with time it will heal on his own. They are waiting to find out if he hurt his ACL, but he will have to wait 7-10 days to have the MRI because the swelling is so bad. If he did hurt his ACL, he will have to have surgery, so cross your fingers he didnt tear it. For right now, he is in a leg brace, and on crutches. I know the next week or so is going to be hard on him. Josh hates sitting still, but I know hes got to be in pain. When I talked to him this morning he was laying in bed watching Dora the Explorer, because he couldnt reach the controller, and it hurt too bad to move.