Monster

(I normally don't post blogs both places, but I know some of my followers here haven't made the leap to the new blog yet.  I feel like this topic warrants a double post.)

A couple of weeks ago, I scheduled a doctor's appointment but felt uneasy about it. I've been having issues for the past few months, but wasn't confident that my doctor (who I love and think is fabulous) could really help. That particular Monday was an especially bad day, leading me to finally break down and call the doctor.

My appointment was scheduled for 8:30 the next day. I don't know how it works with your doctor, but appointments are never obtained that quickly with mine unless there is bodily fluid oozing out of an orifice.

In the waiting room, I was the first patient to be called back - despite the fact that others were there before me. The normal nurse was out for the day, and the fill-in chatted me up, helping take the edge off my nerves.

Then it was my turn with the doctor. I told her my WebMD diagnosis and waited for her to agree with me. Instead she asked my symptoms. I twisted my hands as I explained my problems have been more intense the past few months, but I suppose they’ve been around for a while now.

Family history was then discussed. I always knew it was a problem most of my family had, but I had never considered it to be significant enough to mention to the doctor. After only providing 3 examples, she interrupted. 
Please continue reading at the original posting site...

Fireball Classic 5K - Race Report

Sorry I'm a bit late on this race report!  As a result, I'm sure I will accidentally leave out important snippets along the way.  Between my mom and me, however, we got some pretty good pictures, so hopefully they will make up for the lack of fine detail.

My parents decided to tag along - as always they made the racing experience all the more fun.  I snapped a few pre-race pictures, then took off on a warm up.  I ran into these guys along the way and just had to get a picture.  Being the heroes that they are, they couldn't say no to a photo op!

(from left to right Thor, Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Captain America)

After another warm-up pass, it was time to line up.  I'm claustrophobic, and not a huge fan of crowds, so lining up was a bit difficult on me.  I like getting towards the front so I don't have to fight my way around people to pass, but I also enjoy NOT panicking/hyperventilating pre-race.  I settled on a mid-pack spot and waited for the gun.

Race time temps were supposed to be in the high 80s, but one of the ladies I was lined up next to said it was mid 70s.  If that was the case the humidity had to be at a billion percent because it felt HOT!  Thankfully the race start time was 9 PM, so we at least didn't have the sun to contend with.

I tried to start off fast, but had to spend the majority of the first mile passing other runners.  Given the weather conditions, I wasn't hoping for a PR but I wanted to race my best.  This race is ran on the same road as my current PR and I very much enjoy it.

Mile 1 - 9:15

During the 2nd mile I expected traffic to ease up, but it really didn't.  I was still passing people as I made it to the turn around spot and headed back.  After a brief up hill spurt, the cluster broke up a bit by that point the exhaustion (from passing?  from the humidity?) had kicked in and I couldn't will myself to go any faster.

Mile 2 - 9:36

The next mile was more of the same.  The fire department had a truck along the course spraying us with water, but since I'd brought my iPod along I skirted the outside of the spray.  Bummer too, because I'm sure it felt great for all who ran through it.

Mile 3 - 9:36

I had told my parents to look for me between the 25 minute (a girl can dream, right?) and 30 minute mark.  No matter what I wanted this race to be sub 30, but beyond that I really didn't have a goal.  As I neared the finish line I saw my dad with a cowbell.  He immediately started ringing it and looking towards the finish line.

My mom wasn't with him, and I quickly figured out this was the system they had set up for him to signal her to get the camera ready.  Apparently they didn't do a great job of spacing themselves, because she ended up getting a picture of my back.  The picture looks horrid and makes me look much larger than I am, so I will not be sharing it.  I do, however, applauded their attempt.

(this isn't the above-mentioned picture)

After crossing the finish line, racers were given a bottle of water and a cold, wet towel.  Add to that the Rita's Italian Ice in the snack line and I'd have to say this race had the best after party I've seen at a shorter distance.

How'd I do?

Gun Time: 30:26  
Chip Time: 29:38

Not a PR, but before this year sub 30 was a big goal of mine.  If I can go out and do that on any given race, I consider that a win!

Fashion Friday: Repeat Boutique - Summer 2012

Biyearly Knoxville's Repeat Boutique holds a clearance sale spanning the months of January and June.  Items begin to be sold at a 40% discount, followed by a 50% the next week, and finally 70% the final week of the sale.

The sale is a traditional for my family as well as others - each year we run into familiar faces.  The boutique has plenty of "repeat" customers (sorry, I couldn't resist!)

This year, I didn't manage to snag as many finds as normal.  I usually budget between $50-100 for each trip, and at 70% off consignment prices that's a big haul o'loot!

This isn't a commercial for them - promise!

I wanted to share with you a few of the goodies I snagged this year.  And yes, I was disappointed that I didn't get more.  For a grand total of $14.09 (9.5% TN sales tax included) I purchased the following:

A gold undershirt/tank.  
I'm of the opinion a girl can never have too many of these!  I'm not sure what I'll wear with this color, but for $2 it doesn't hurt to have it on hand.

American Eagle tank

This one has a drawstring right at the chest - my smallest part.  I love it because it makes me look skinny while also hiding some of my pudges.

Gap tank

Once again, fitted at my smallest part - flowy everywhere else.  I'm probably wearing this one today, visiting a friend in South Carolina. (I'm traveling and this was scheduled so forgive me if I don't comment on your blog until next week!)

Gap brown tank

Nothing special about this one, but I have plenty of dresses/shirts that it will look great under.  These days I feel self conscious if I don't wear an undershirt.

J. Crew Sweater

This was the most expensive purchase - double the $2 average price-per-piece.  The sweater didn't hardly look worn, and will be great for this summer in my over air-conditioned office.

Maybe I've read too much Jen Hatmaker or am too concerned about the lack of closet space in the new cabin.  Either way I saved some serious coin this time around only picking a few items.

What's the best deal you've ever gotten on a piece of clothing?  What's your shopping routine - do you shop for the fun of it, or out of necessity?  

Happy Weekend!!

Daily Thanks - The On-the-Move Edition

Friday - Uno Mas!

Now that we're neck deep into it, Jay and I love watching How I Met Your Mother.  Its fun just kicking back at the end of the day, watching stupid mindless TV and saying "Uno Mas!"  when its time to click through to the next episode.  We're currently in season 5 (of 6 available for streaming) and are taking applications for the position of new favorite show.  Suggestions?

Saturday - 7 Islands

I had a beautiful trail run on Saturday at the 7 Islands Wildlife refuge.  Kinda made me sad that I haven't used this resource (only a couple minutes away from my house) more.

Sunday - Daddy & Papaw

I'm so thankful to have a wonderful father and grandfather in my life.  I'd link you to the lovely tribute I did for them, but well...(see Tuesday)

Monday - Our new home!

We've still got some work to do on it before moving in, but we closed on Monday.  EEEEEEEEEE!  and EEEEEEEEEEEK!  all at the same time.  Now to sell our current home...

Tuesday - Backup Plans

Someone *coughJaycough* forgot to renew the Frugal Trophy Wife domain, so they shut the lights off.  I'm very thankful to have this ole blog to fall back on while we get everything back up and running over there.

Wednesday - MIB3

My parents took me to the movies and dinner for a belated birthday celebration.  Great movie, great family, and cheesecake.  What more can a girl ask for?

Thursday - Total Body weights class

Sad to dump my Iron Sisters, but the workouts just weren't meshing with my current training plan (and training buddies).  We've decided to try the class again.  I'm a little skeerd though, because I'm still sore from Tuesday's class.

This is how I roll

Sure today is check in day at the Sisterhood. 

Yes this is a quasi-post about just that.



See - I even used the button.  ^^

I'm up a half pound today and am thrilled about it.  I ate 3,000+ calories yesterday and am still suffering a bit from beer bloat.  Only a half a pound is incredible!

Wanna know why I'm struggling with this weight loss thing?  Slip on these size 9 narrows of mine and take a little walk.

Yesterday I got up early to run before work so that I could help Jay with an errand for the cabin at lunch.  Breakfast was fine, as was morning snack.  As I tried to eat my lunch before I left to pick him up, I just couldn't force myself to eat it.  Chipotle lime chicken with rice. 

Might as well have been a stale saltine cracker.

You see for over a year now I've dazzled my taste buds with exciting cuisine: chips and salsa followed by a chicken chimichanga with refried beans at the Mexican restaurant, pizza and bread sticks galore at the Pizza Hut buffet, and whatever my mom and I decide we're craving on Fast Food Friday.

So instead of eating the chicken and rice, I rebelled.  I did finish my salad, but I threw the rice away and put the chicken back in the fridge.  Then after Jay and I were finished with the errand we stopped in Rotten Ronnie's for a burger, fries, and a hot fudge sundae (I'm a $1 menu shopper).

After a dental appointment, Jay and I met his cousin and wife at our favorite local restaurant for dinner.

{insert picture of 33 oz Black Bear Ale here} *

Beer, wings, and pizza was the order of the evening.  Followed by a little mini-golf.

{insert putt-putt picture here}

Around hole 16 it started thundering.  By my turn on hole 18 it was pouring the rain and me (and my Ann Taylor work clothes) were drenched.  We retreated inside to the arcade.

{insert picture of Big Chad playing a hunting game here}

Jay & I hated to waste money on tokens, but I did bust out a few mad skeeball skilz.

{insert skeeball picture here}

So you see, with all that fun and excitement - how do I expect to lose weight?  I'm certainly not going to be the girl who sips water and eats a salad while everyone else dives in to the fattening yummy food.

*I'm highly annoyed with blogger right now.  Its not loading the super cool awesome pictures I wanted to show you.  So that's it for blogger.  I'll announce my ebook winner here tomorrow, then Friday I'm moving over to my new wordpress site.  Hope you'll join me there!!

They're Playin Our Song!

Let me just start out by saying, we can be an unorthodox family.

No clue why my father felt the need to try on the Little Man's 'boggin, but we're all a little crazy like that. 

When we hired the photographer and DJ for our wedding back in 2008, I let them both in on surprise for my dad for which I needed their help. All along I told him we weren’t having a father/daughter dance.  Those are always to corny songs, none of which seemed to fit our relationship.

But as soon as Jay and I finished our first dance as a married couple the DJ moved right along in the music.

When Daddy heard Butterfly Kisses start playing you could see the surprise and delight in his eyes. He started crying immediately. I grabbed him and hugged him tight because I knew what was coming and couldn’t control the laughter.

He looked confused at the record scratch then the familiar stoic opening. “He had plastic bags wrapped ‘round his shoes, he was covered in the evening news...”

Everyone told me that I couldn’t play a song about a homeless guy at my wedding. The only problem was that Almost Home by Craig Morgan is our song. My father is a sap who cries at everything. So when the song came out in 2003, he cried every time he heard it.

And being a good daughter, I mocked him every time. Whenever I hear it on the radio, I quickly call him, turn up the radio, and put the phone up to the speaker.
 
I knew it was the perfect choice for our father-daughter dance.
 

 
It was everything I wanted it to be.  Touching, memorable.  But most of all real.  I love my Daddy, but not in a way a sappy "Daddy hung the moon" song can convey.
 

To honor him this Father's Day, I'm playing the world's most depressing song on my blog.  After all, its so much more than a song about a homeless man. 

It's our song.

Women's Basketball Hall of Fame 4Kay - Race Report

This past weekend I had the pleasure of walking the WBHOF 4K for Kay with my mother.  The race is held every year in honor of Kay Yow, former NC state women's basketball coach, who died of cancer in 2009.

We arrived 30 minutes early to get registered and settle in. 

I made a point to have my camera there for pictures.  I rarely get good race photos and knew that walking this one meant I had a better opportunity.  We posed for pictures before hand, but my dad said we were smiling too big in the pictures.  This pose was especially for him.



We made our way toward the back to get in position.  I hate getting stuck behind walkers when I'm trying to run a race, and I think we did a great job picking a spot this time.  We were out of the way of the runners, but positioned in the front of the most of the other walkers.  As we crossed the start line, I noticed our cheering section going wild.

That's my dad in the brown t-shirt and Jay in the WV hat.  That's as wild as they get.  My dad has made us travel all across the country visiting other sports hall of fame's, but had never visited this one - despite it being right next door.  The HOF was open (and free) so Jay and Daddy took advantage of that while we raced.

One of the few walkers we didn't get in front of at the start was the 92 year old man who set a state 5K record the last race I did.   His 5K time was better than my parents' 5K PR.   "We have to beat him!"

That's right, our main goal was beating a 92 year old.  Our secondary goal was beating the pace my parents walked the Covenant 5K last year.  She's sworn since the race that she could have done it faster but that Daddy was dragging her down.  This was her chance to prove it.

We  talked with a couple of other walkers as we went. Its a family thing - we can't not talk.  Even to strangers.  Its the south though, everyone down here is use to it.  :P

My mom wanted to jog a time or two, in an attempt to catch up with the walker-walker and by the turn around spot we caught him.  I'll admit that there were a couple times on the way back in that we might have said "I hear the wheels of the walker - let's jog!"

I was really proud of how hard she pushed herself (or I pushed her and she let me) this race.  Its her first since her surgery earlier in the year and she did a great job.  We stayed together until the end.  It was a non-chipped/shoot finish so she had me go slightly ahead of her.

We finished in 36:30 by my watch - that's a sub 15 m/m pace! We definitely achieved both of our goals for the race.  Then it was time to head inside for the award ceremony.  No shock that we didn't win, but I was surprised to find out our rabbit didn't win the 80-99 age group.  Apparently there was another 80+ man in the race! 

You know I can't pass up an opportunity to cheese for the camera!

After the awards we hung out so that we could meet/get autographs of the Hall of Fame class of 2011.  In the bottom level of the HOF, they have a "past, present, and future" interactive section.  "Past" has an old school hoop (complete with net that doesn't release the ball), "Present" a standard basket, and "future" is a lowered basket for kids.

Since the other two were taken, Jay and I shot on the "past" hoop.  Given the nature of the net, Jay got a to use his vertical skills - hitting the ball out of the hoop backwards with each made shot.

Then it was time for autographs.

"
To be honest, I don't follow sports much so I didn't know any of these ladies.  It was still fun meeting them all and getting my bib signed.

All in all it was a great race/morning!

Did you race this weekend?

Frugal Friday Fun!

Okay so I threw the "fun" part in just to sucker you in.  Did it work?  Mhahahahahahaha!

I think we're doing pretty good on the budget this month, although we did splurge on a dot com that I hope to introduce you to in the next few weeks.  I'll be saying goodbye to blogger for greener pastures, but I promise to leave enough bread crumbs so that you can still find me!

Brooke's personal spending:

$125 budgeted/$25.26 actual

Doing well on this!  I can continue spending at this rate (about $18 a week) and still have $45 left!  I'm mulling over a clothing revolution for myself...so I'm thinking of early registration for a couple of races I have my eye on.  The month is still young, so something could come up.

Jay's personal spending:

$95 budgeted/$0.54 actual

We got 3 more BP gift cards for $10, so I gave them to Jay and reduced his spending by that amount.  He must have at least used 2, because 4 cans = $10.27.  That means he's purchased 8 cans for the month?  That can't be right.  Hmmm...maybe a couple of charges just haven't shown up yet.  (He typically uses a can a day.) 

Groceries

$150 budgeted/$130.42 actual

There are a couple of things factoring into this one, so I'm not going to spaz.  We've got plenty of food on hand, so I might be able to stick to the budget.  Jay cooked me a super awesome birthday dinner including steak and chicken, so it wasn't exactly frugal or best price.  But it was yummy. 

Eating out

$100 budgeted/$0 actual

We went out to eat this weekend with my parents but they bought my dinner for my birthday and they wanted to buy Jay's too since he's been helping out so much with the garden (my dad's shoulder still isn't back up to snuff since his surgery).

This weekend we're staying in (as best I know) so we shouldn't spend anything.  I hope to go under budget on this one, but we'll have to see.  As I've said the month is still young.

How are things going with your budget?

The Birthday Report

Side Note: I just wanna ask if those of you with blogger comments (not the kind like mine, the other kind) that comments aren't working for some of us.  I haven't been able to comment on your blogs in a couple weeks.  Not sure why they aren't working, but its not just for me - others are having issues too.  Obviously others are not, as I see comments on your blogs I just can't leave them.  I am still reading - and I wanted you to know that.  Hopefully the issue will be fixed by Blogger soon.

Birthday Post: 

I believe most of you are aware because I shouted it to the world that yesterday was my birthday.  I'm a big kid when it comes to my birthday.  I'm selfish enough to love all that attention.  And pressies.  I love pressies.  It doesn't even have to be something big - when we've decided not to spend money on gifts, I still make Jay buy me something at the dollar tree.

My birthday really started on Saturday.  I had some friends over for game night to celebrate a friend's birthday (hers was the 1st) and my upcoming.  Had hot dogs on the grill then played several rounds of croquet.  (Sorry I don't have the pictures to share.  Will post on facebook...eventually)

Once it got dark (and our headlight round was done) we moved inside and hooked up the Wii.  "Just Dance" is my personal favorite, and Melissa & Jimmy  have both editions.  She snuck our air down to 72* and we danced our booties off.

Then ate cookie cake.  The best cookie cake in the world.

Sunday my parents took me out to a really nice restaurant (I'm pretty sure its just a local chain, not nationwide) for dinner.  They came back to the house afterward and my mom planted some flower bulbs out in the big flower bed out front.

Monday...okay so Monday I didn't do anything for my birthday. 

Yesterday was the big day and I was a bit nervous.  After all I hadn't given Jay any parameters or lists or ideas.  How would he do at pulling things together? 

Before all this my friends and I went to Little Tokyo for birthday lunch.  The Hibachi chicken was good, but I had to wait a little longer than everyone else to get mine.  The chef accidentally gave my portion to another family sitting at the same table as us.

Just as we were finishing up the lights dimmed and the restaurant employees started singing "Happy Birthday"

...as they cook a cake to a little boy two tables away.  My friends apologised, not realizing the restaurant did that for birthdays.  They made up for it with cake and ice cream later in the afternoon. 

On the way back from birthday lunch I got a text from Jay asking if a joke was okay for my birthday as long as I knew it was a joke.   Checking my email, I discovered (what I thought) he was talking about.

We live in the land of tacky t-shirts.  Jay's office is right around the corner from this one.  I've joked in the past that I was going to get Jay this shirt.  His email informed me that they didn't have any of the female version of the tee available yesterday. 

Right before I was going to leave work - I noticed Jay commented on my blog.  "I am screwed."  Its hard to know with him.  Sometimes he messes with me and makes me think he hasn't done anything when he really has.  Other times he really hasn't done anything.  Its hard to tell with him. 

On the drive home I was told to drive around a bit while he got everything ready.  I browsed in Family Dollar for about 10 minutes then he told me it was safe to come home, just call when I got in the driveway.

He came outside to greet me and made me close my eyes as I entered the back door.  He guided me through the hearth room and sat me down at the table.  "Open your eyes..."

If you can't read them the book title is "Your big fat boyfriend: How to Stay thin when dating a diet disaster."  The koozies say "Don't look at me - that's not my kid." and  "Don't make me unfriend you."  What can I say we're a classy couple.

Jay said he'd get the pizza rolls cooking, but then had trouble locating the cookie sheet.  "Come help me look," he said.  As I walked into the kitchen I told him they were in the dish  washer.  Only they weren't.  3 plates were missing as well.  None of the rest had been put away.  Also?  I noticed a wine glass on the cabinet and the door to the glasses (we always use cups) was partially opened.

"Where could they be?  Come help me look."  He led me into the dining room where we found the cookie sheets...and a spectacular dinner awaiting us.

He'd fixed steak, BBQ chicken, corn, and red skinned potatoes all on the grill.  Who knew he knew how to cook those things (but you'd better believe that knowledge is the best birthday gift of them all).  He'd opened a bottle of wine and already had a glassed poured for me.

To be honest, I expected some sort of middle ground between pizza rolls and this feast.  Burgers on the grill or something.  The meal was incredible!  Who knew there was more?

Along with the daisies I'd requested (in a round-about way via twitter) he'd found a really pretty purple flower to go in the bouquet. 

And of course, there were 3 wrapped books on the corner of the table, but I was fairly certain those came from the Dollar Tree where he had purchased my other goodies as well.  He wrapped them using newspaper and glue, since he couldn't find the tape.  Unwrapping them I noticed he'd done a pretty good job on titles.  I don't recall them, but they all seemed pretty interesting for $1 books.

In the final book I opened I found something else - I guessed (because I always guess my presents - that's half the fun) that it was a gift card.  Of course I was right, but I was blown out of the water when Jay told me what it was for - a manicure, pedicure, and a 50 minute massage (gratuity included). 

Let's not tell him that I would have been thrilled with one or the other, m'kay? 


Disclaimer: This blog contains an Amazon Associates link.  Clicking + buying = kick backs for me. 

Consider it a belated birthday gift. 

A Confession of the Obvious Sort

I'm a control freak.

There I said it.  Now that its out there let's let it marinate for a moment.  I like control to the point that when not in control, I flip out a little.  Guess what?  Life's about 85% impossible to control, hard as I might try.

As a perfectionist, I have high standards.  Seldom do I live up to these standards, but they are there none the less.  They are not just for me - I hold my family to these standards as well.  Care to guess how often they live up to them?

Last year I turned 30.  I wanted a fun birthday party to chase away any "holy crap I'm officially old" vibes I might have been feeling.  Instead of leaving the party planning to my husband, I took care of it.

What kind of lame loser throws themselves a birthday party?  A control freak terrified that her husband is going to screw it up that's who.

I chose the guest list.  I planned the menu.  I even made sure the house was immaculate before the guests arrived.  Thankfully I had some friends step up to the plate, quite literally, and help out by bringing side dishes.  Jay was the grill master and took care of the hot dogs. 

And there was cookie cake.  I will always be friends with Melissa no matter what she does because she makes the best cookie cake ever.

If I do say so myself, I was an excellent party planner/hostess.  I had a great time, and it seemed like everyone else did too.

Which causes me to question my decision for this year even more.  I've given my husband no instructions other than he's responsible for dinner tonight.  He's received no birthday wish list.  No ideas from me on how he can make this special.

I've given up control.

I realize now that I'm not dictating his every move, he has the chance to blow me out of the water.  Make this birthday the best ever.

But in the back of my mind I still question my decision.  What if dinner is ramen and my gift is something from the dollar tree?  What if the bottle of wine I put in the fridge this weekend is the best part of my evening?

This once, that's a chance I'm willing to take.

After all - you only turn 29 once twice  3 times in your life.

No pressure Jay.

(I'll report back in tomorrow.)

Financial Friday - May close out, Hello June!

Hopefully tonight (after we go to the pool) Jay and I will have our month end/month begin budget meeting.  I know - Dave Ramsey would yell at me - June's should be done before the month begins.  If that's the worst I'm doing wrong I'm in good shape.

Eating out -  ??? budgeted/$156.89 actual

We were bad.  Not sure why May's meeting never happened.  Cannot let that happen for June.

Groceries - $200 budgeted/$263.03 actual

Jay and I discussed this one because he wanted me to stockpile and thought that a $200 budget for the entire month would be sufficient.  Not so much. Honestly though now we don't have much room for me to buy more, although that's party because of a Sams Club trip.  I got outta there for under $150.  That's  doing well right??

Brooke personal spending - $125 budgeted/$124.51 actual

I'm good. 

Okay not really.  Jay said I only had to count 1/2 of my thrift store purchases out of my personal spending, and my parents ending up springing for my usual Friday lunch this past week.  The goal for June is to keep it down to $100 to prove to myself that if I get a smart phone the extra money out of this category won't hurt.

Jay personal spending - $85 budgeted/$101.66 actual

Tsk, tsk, tsk!!  We'll discuss tonight if the extra comes off the top of next month's budget. 

We got to pay extra on our mortgage this month, so I'm really hoping that will help me get more focused in my efforts.   Although I hope Jay doesn't let that stop his generous heart when he goes birthday shopping for me! 

Have you completed your budget this month?  What's your biggest struggle?

Wanna see a bear!

I will never forget the day of my wedding heading in to Cades Cove (in the National Park where the ceremony took place) my dad shouting at the window to cars stopped in the street "If you wanna see a bear go to the d*mn zoo." 

That's one of those family moments that gets funnier with age.

What can I say - we're a family of crankies.

(That's my dad's brother.  We go to his house every Super Bowl.   One year he went on and on about how he hated Cades Cove and would never go back again.  Jay and I just started laughing - while we weren't yet engaged we knew we were headed that direction and had already discussed getting married in the Cove.  Uncle David not only went back to Cades Cove for the wedding, but went a week in advance to get some good video footage of the leaves during peak season.  He was our videographer.)

Moving right along...

Memorial Day weekend had perfect weather for putting the top down in the Jeep and riding around.  Jay was armed in the front seat with his camera, and I in the back with mine.

As always we stopped at "our" church for pictures.

Don't ask me why Jay didn't change out of his church clothes.  We both packed shorts and a t-shirt because we weren't going home after Worship Service.  He told me not to nag him about it, that he was comfortable.  But its weird right?

My mom would probably kill me for posting this picture.  Good thing she doesn't read my blog!!

Our first wildlife spotting of the day.  Jay was afraid that we wouldn't see anything because we were driving the loop in the heat of the day.  Thankfully that wasn't the case.

I love this picture of me.  I look skinny or something.  :P

Could it be??? Is it??  It is - a bear jam!!

As always please note that I used the zoom on my camera.  Getting too close to bears (especially like this mama who's cubs weren't very far away) kills people!

Then it was time to dip our toes in the creek and read the Sunday sale paper.

Yes - he has a shirt that says "I'm bringing Grumpy back."

The family photographer loves playing with the settings on the camera.  Good thing one of us is good at that kinda thing!

Some one's not happy that he's missing his Sunday afternoon nap!

How'd you spend your Memorial Day weekend?

Today We Remember

Pvt Worth was my great uncle.  He was killed during the Normandy invasion.

Upon my first visit to the cemetery I was confused as to why his death date on the tombstone was 11 days after the invasion, but of course with the high death toll it took a while for him to be moved from "missing" status to officially declared dead.

According to a soldier in the same boat as him, Ray was killed before he ever left the boat.

I know I share his story every year, and you might tire of it.  Ray left behind no wife or kids.  He was survived by his parents (now deceased) and his siblings (only 2 currently still living).  I fear that Ray's story will be forgotten.

He was a simple farmer who was drafted into the second World War.

It is for him - an others like him - that we pause today and remember.

Survey Time

How many of you are hear to see the WCW???
30 points to whoever gets that reference.

I was feeling uninspired today, so I figured I'd look to twitter for assistance. 

"Today is a perfect day, perfect in every way.  Why?"  asks Jen

I had a perfect day two weekends ago.  It was the perfect mix of work, relaxing, and hanging out with my family.  Jay and I worked around the house all morning.  Yes I'm crazy enough to enjoy a clean house, even if it means I have to clean it.  We went for a walk along the river/golf course later in the afternoon, grilled out, then watched a movie that evening.  It had a little bit of everything - exercise, hard work, a clean house, beautiful scenery, the man I love.

The next day was almost perfect as well.  Church (would have been the perfect day had Jay attended with me), followed by Dunkin Donuts coffee, meeting my parents for lunch, another walk along the river/golf course, then Jay & I pulling out the sofa bed for a Netflix Eli Stone marathon.  We snuggled all afternoon/evening, only getting up to pee, get snacks, and hit "next episode."

"Will you be supporting Ron Paul in the 2012 election?"  That's from Foom, a LOST message board buddy.  We mostly just have LOST in common and couldn't be more different politically.

For the moment the answer to the question is "yes".  While I don't talk politics a lot around here, I think Paul represents my opinions best of all the candidates.  As the election season draws more near, however, I reserve the right to change my mind.  :)

Do I think he can win?  That's a different story.  Its a different climate than last election and he did better than people expected then too.  Having said that I think somewhere down the line his son Rand Paul has a better shot at the presidency.  He has the charisma that his dad lacks, while still holding similar values.

If you could live anywhere in the world besides where you do now, where would it be? What draws you to that place?

I love where I live.  I'm surrounded by beautiful mountains - complete with a great (free) national park for hiking, a gorgeous river near my home (perfect for flat runs), and my family.  The only other place I can ever see myself living is my sister's home city. 

I miss her.  Before she had kids and before I met Jay, she was my best friend.  I'd go up all the time and hang out.  When I was in college I regularly invited myself over to do laundry and eat her wonderful cooking.  She's still my best friend, but its a bit more complicated now. 

I miss her kids too.  Thankfully we recently discovered Skype, so I can see their antics first hand, but that's not the same as being able to squeeze them and pollute their minds with "Go Yankees" despite their mother being a hard core Mets fan.

Hawaii was lovely.  Given the money I'd love to vacation there 1 month a year, but no matter how perfect it is, without my family its not for me.

Gotta a question for me?  Hit me with it in the comments and I'll save it for future posts. 

Weekend Wrap-up

I had a glorious weekend!  So grand I'm just now getting an opportunity to sit down and blog today.  I need to schedule weekends like this, instead of just waiting for them to happen.

What we did:

Friday night we had leftovers for dinner.  We ate on the front porch and just enjoyed the cooler weather.  We chatted about the wedding we'd be invited to, played around on the computer, and just enjoyed one another all evening.  When dark hit we went inside and watched Kick Ass.  I'd only recommend it if you like disturbing violence.  I wasn't a fan.

Saturday was cleaning day.  Jay called dibs on the washer and dabbled in household projects.  I cleaned and straightened the house, wrapped baby gifts (thanks Marla), played on twitter and facebook. 

Around 5ish I was done and considering starting the last Michael Crichton novel soaking in the tub.  Then I decided it would be sinful to miss an opportunity to enjoy the beautiful weather.  Jay was washing his car so I decided to abandon the book idea altogether and wash my car.  It was too late in the day to get the interior, but the outside looks great!

The NGA Hooters Golf Tournament was near our house, and the course was open to spectators who wanted to walk around and view it so once we finished on the cars Jay and I went for a walk.  The course (and the river) were gorgeous.  I find golf to be boring, but I enjoyed holding hands with my fella.

I had volunteered to give my testimony Sunday morning in Bible study, so I was sure to be up early enough to be on time for class.  I think I rambled and babbled trying to be as nonspecifically specific as I could be.  The floor was opened to discussion and a few people picked up themes from my testimony and shared about their life as well, so I'm hoping they got something out of it.

After church Jay & I met my parents for lunch, then we all went and walked the golf course again.  After that Jay & I just watched Eli Stone on Netflix.  We were laying on separate couches and I said "I wish this couch was big enough to hold us both."  Which prompted Jay to pull out the bed from the sleeper sofa so we could snuggle.  We probably watched 6 or 7 episodes.  It felt nice to not have to do anything and just hang out.

We ended the night Skyping with my sister and her kids.  I love that we've downloaded it.  I'm sure its not high on her fun list to look at me whilst chatting, but I love being able to see the kids.  They like interacting on the web cam far better than they like talking on the phone.

Look up "perfect weekend" in my dictionary and this is what you find. 

Did you do anything exciting?




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