is it really Christmas time?

Where the hell has 2012 gone?  I am sure not ready for this year to be over.  I have not reached my sales target and will not make it, unless I can find like almost 400k in filter business between now and basically now, since we are paid on ship dates not order intake.  I will be happy to start the work year with a clean slate and not forever be in the hole.  However, I am not ready for 2013. 

I had an epiphany the other day...I am half way to 66.  That thought absolutely firightened me.  I am also not ready to deal with the fact that my parents are closer to 70 than to 50.  I absolutely can not imagine the day where I can not pick up the phone to call my Mama with a question.  It makes me more and more appreciate the time I do have with my parents and really really makes me want to move back to Texas. (no that is not going to be possible in the near future, but I never rule it out as to happening,)  I certainly feel that I have so much left to do and why the heck did I piddle around for the first 33 years.  J and I want to have our own kids and add to our family, guess I need to get working on that.  I still have a very long bucket list, well I think I do.  I may spend the next few posts putting an actual bucket list together and start checking things off. 

However, it IS December 6, 2012 and 2013 is going to happen whether I want it to or not.....so I need to get my act together and live.

Days of Thanks: Day 30

I know that I did not finish this Day's of Thanks in the correct time limit, but hell, I am thankful I finished my first challenge!  I really did try to blog more this month and being thankful for things for 30 days helped.  I know there are a lot of silly things I was thankful for this month, but sometimes I think the obvious ones are over done. I learned so much from my friends that did this challenge also.  I am also thankful this challenge is over because I found it hard to be thankful some of the time.

Days of Thanks: Day 29

On day 29, I am thankful for the ability to listen to my smart phone through my car tape deck. Yes, I said it...tape deck.  I am rocking a 2003 Toyota 4Runner which at the time had both a cd player and a tape deck.  Laugh if you must, but I use the heck out of that tape deck. I have one of those tapes with cord on it that plugs into my phone or ipod to play music or what not.  Today, I listened to a few sermons on line from my childhood church.  There is something about driving across Interstate 44 that makes me want to listen to sermons, but with out fail, I always do.  I guess it could be all of the wonderful christian billboards, next to all the adult porn ones that affects me so.  My minister from Christ United Methodist Church in Plano, Texas has all of his sermons archieved on the church website, so I started with January and just keep listening,  It made my 6 hour drive home to St. Louis go by quicker.

Days of Thanks: Day 28

Today I am thankful for some of the men in my life.  I am just blessed to have some amazing friends. So what if I hung out with mostly boys in college!  I was so fortunate to spend the last two nights with some key people in my life. These men are my 2 quiet friends.  We don't pick up the phone an talk regularly, but they are my big brothers.  They would always have my back, as I would theirs.  There is just something comforting about friendships that are easy and just work.  I just hope everyone out there has similar friendships. We have been friends almost 15 years and don't see that ending anytime soon.  Dave has the ability to make any situation funny.  He can always bring a smile to my face and has his own killer dance moves. Hott, is super smart and I appreciate his nerdiness and his love for Razorback football....Go Gogs!  I was honored that these 2 were users in my wedding.  I love them and love their friendship.

Days of Thanks: Day 27

On day 27, I am thankful for the University of Arkansas. As, I have written in other posts on my blog, I am a die hard Razorback.  To give a little background on this...  My mother is from Arkansas, and she had me calling the Hogs as a wee little tot.  I have seen home movies of myself saying "Woo Pig Sooiee", wearing a Razorback T shirt.  Growing up, I never thought I would actually choose U of A as my university of choice.  However, once I visisted the campus as a junior in high school, I knew it was the place for me.  I had an amazing 4 years in undergraduate school and I love almost every minute of my time here.  I found my voice. I was able to discover how strong of an individual I really was.  I grew more as a person in those 4 years. I also made decisions that would shape the rest of my life, from my career to my friends.  I absolutely love that the University of Arkansas is in my terrirtory.  Though the campus has changed a lot since I was in school 10 years ago....I don't think many other college campus are a beautiful as my alma mater....and I have seen a lot of college campuses.  There is just something comforting about being in Fayetteville.

Day 26 of Thanks

Today I am thankful for the ability to work from home when I am in town.  This is a blessing and a curse.  The blessing is that I can pretty much wear comfy clothes and not do my hair or makeup if I do not want to.  The curse is that I have to stay on track and actually accomplish something.  This prompted me to get my office set up in our loft....finally,  I think it is going to be a great spot for me to work, and definitely beats the no window basement I worked from in my old house.  It is also nice to seperate sleeping, eating, and working via our 2 story house.  I also love that my hair is french braided in 2 braids and I have on leggings and a sweatshirt!

Days of Thanks: Day 25

On day 25, I am thankful for jaccuzi bath tubs.  For the past 3 days, I have woken up around 5am for various events like black friday shift at Ann Taylor, Peyton's 7am soccer game, and our adventure to Kansas City for the Broncos/Chief's game and I am just plain exhausted.  I have also been having from what I can describe as back spasms. It feels like pins and needles across the center of my back.  I am sore and stiff and the feeling is just, well, weird..  I have never felt anything like this in my life.  A bubble bath in my new tub was amazing and for a few minutes, I had relief from the spasms.

Days of Thanks: Day 24

Today I am thankful for my in-laws.  While I was working in the hell of holiday season, my husband, MIL, and FIL spent the day painting and cleaning our old house to get it ready for rent.  They steam cleaned the carpets, packed up the rest of my basement, and painted.  I am very grateful to them for helping.  My FIL said they did it because I am family and family helps each other.  So now Yale is ready to be up for rent. Cross your fingers we get someone in soon!

Days of Thanks: Day 23

I can tell you what I am not thankful for on day Day 23.....Black friday, or better yet, Black Friday shoppers.  Hello people.....it is not my problem that you decided to camp out or shop all night. Do not take your frustrations on not getting that 1 TV that was on promo in the ads (there was one 1 per store, that info was left off the ad).  Ann Taylor opened at midnight on black friday. Yes, I guess they thought there would be a run on sweaters.  I am sorry, I know people love the rush of black friday, but it has gotten so out of hand.  People do not need to work 24 hours on no sleep, or better yet, have to not have Thanksgiving with their family because stores have to open early. People need to get a grip on what this holiday season is about.

Days of Thanks: Day 22

I resevered Thanksgiving day to be thankful for my family, intermediate and extended.  I am very thankful for my husnband J.  We may have our ups and downs, but at the end of the day, there is no one I would rather share my life with. He is my person.  He sure can frustrate the hell out of me one minute and then make me laugh the next. He blessed me with an amazing stepson who I love dearly. It has been a crazy whirlwind for my first year as a Blair, but I definetely found the right family for me. 

Days of Thanks: Day 21

On day 21 I  am thankful for DVR. I don't know what we did before the TiVo/ DVR? Oh yes. We taped shows using a VCR (of which I still have one).  I miss out on watching so many ofmy shows live so of is nice to come home and hit play, skip  commercials, and pause shows  this invention has also upped the number of shows in my cue. My husband hates that I record so many shows. I use both DVRs at once so he can't watch our TVs

Days of Thanks: day 20

I have to play catch up. On day 20, I am thankful for diet coke. If you follow my blog or know me in real life, you know that I have an abnormal obsession or addiction to diet coke.  I especially love diet coke from a can. Yes  there really is a difference! If not from a can, a fountain diet coke is pretty fabulous too!

Days of Thanks: Day 19

Today I am thankful for peppered bacon. I had to fly out last night to Little Rock in order to make an early appointment this morning. I stayed at the Hilton by the med center for the sole reason of their peppercorn bacon they have on the breakfast buffet.  I do not usually endulge in a large breakfast, but by gosh almighty, I ate the hell out of some bacon today. 

Days of Thanks: Day 18

On day 18, I am thankful for our church.  One of my New Year's resolution was to find a church home. New Year's Day was a sunday and we started the new years off right and went to church.  I can count on my hands the number of times we have missed church this year, but they were all due to Peyton's sports or being out of town.  We attend Salem in Ladue United Methodist Church.and yesterday we took the plunge and finally joined yesterday.  We have our spot in the 9:30 contemporary service where we sit.  I honestly really thought I would never enjoy a comtemporary service, but I very much do so. Adam, the associate pastor, preaches for us and he is so entertaining and easy to listen to.  Peyton likes it because they have donuts to eat on the way in and a rocking band. I am very happy we now have a church family

Days of Thanks: Day 17

On day 17, I am thankful for boots.  I love a great pair of boots. They are my staple item throughout the fall and winter.  I knew I had a big problem when it came time to move when I saw all of the boxes.  Boots just complete all my outfits, and of course you need them in black, brown, and grey.  I have 4 pairs of knee high, high heeled boots, 3 pair of cowboy boots, 3 pairs of flat boots, 3 pairs of ugg type boots, and 3 pairs of rain boots.....

Days of Thanks: Day 16

On day 16, I am thankful for girl friends.  It is has been a pretty tough couple of years for me with finding a good group of girl friends that stick by you no matter what.  I find it interesting how the levels of friendships change with time and age.  People you thought were your best friends through out the fun  times in your 20s, don't always remain such a good friend when you start calming down and entering different chapters in your life. However, I am so thankful to have some amazing girl friends. Some are far away in places like Texas and Arkansas, and I am happy to say I have some good ones right here in Missouri.  These girls are a blessing in my life.  I don't talk to all of them regularly (I need to be better about this), but they have shared not just the good times, but have carried me through some rough ones as well.  We have laughed together, cried together, celebrated milestones, danced, swam through mud, and just enjoyed each other.  I am a better person for these women and I'd like to share some of my favorite pictures of these gals! I realized I have a lot of friends whose name starts with "J" in the process........

me and Sara at my rehersal dinner......PDF pose!

Jess and I at Man Day

me and Jodi at Man Day

Kim, me, Sheila, and Alison after Warrior Dash

Julie and me at her annual Luau

Mrs. Hott and I at La Huerta

Days of Thanks; Day 15

Yay!  Finally caught up!  Today I am thankful for New Lattitude Movers.   They arrived early and are as I type packing up my home.  i am so happy to have this move over with. I really am over packing boxes and loading up my 4Runner.  Unpacking will not be fun, especially all the random boxes and bags I threw together in desperate last ditch efforts to finish packing a closet or room.

Days of Thanks: Day 14

On day 14, I am thankful for my first home.  I bought this town house while I was in grad school in July of 2004.  It was perfect for me.  1050 square feet. 2 bedroom. 1.5 bathrooms. partially finished basement and best of all, no yard work.  I have done a lot of work inside, like all new flooring, new countertops, paint, among other little updates.  I have spend 8 great years here.  I love the location. I love the memories.  I am happy that we are keeping it and turning it into rental property.   

Days of Thanks: Day 13

On day 13 I am thankful for Dish Network.  They made is so easy and hassle free when I called to move ny service to our new house. They even have a moving package....which does the move for free, 3 months free premium channels, Blockbuster at home for 3 months free, and a few other perks.  I also won't lose any shows stored on my current DVR! This makes me a happy girl.

Days of Thanks: Day 12

On day 12, I am thankful for Chobani greek yoguart.  I discovered greek yoguart about 2 years ago and fell in love.  I am not a milk drinker, so I have always been big on getting my calcium from cheese or yoguart.  They have this delicious pineapple flavor which is heavenly.  I made the mistake last week and threw the lemon flavor into my cart instead of the pineapple...damn yellow labels.  However, I regrouped and headed back to the store to purchase the right flavor.  Yummy.  It makes a good breakfast, snack, or dessert.

Days of Thanks: Day 11

On Day 10, I am thankful for 5 Guys Burgers.  If you have never had one, then you are missing out.  I went and picked up burgers for J and me while he was painting the living room of our new house.  I think this could be an issue that there is a 5 Guys very close to our new house. 

Day of Thanks: Day 10

On day 10 of thanks, I am thankful for my parents!  My fabulous parents flew in on friday to the StL to spend the weekend with me.  They have not been to St. Louis since the wedding a little over a year ago.  My mom and I had been talking about her coming for sometime during the week and then my dad said if we could pick a weekend, he'd come too! We planned it for the weekend after the opening of deer season. Heaven forbid my dad miss opening weekend.

We had such a fun time. A delicious dinner at Copia wine bar on Friday night.  Saturday, we picked up Peyton (not our normal weekend) and headed down to show them our river house.  I know what they had been picturing is not reality and they were very much surprised at how pretty it is down there. Peyton took both my dad and mom for a ride in the go cart....making sure to take my dad through a puddle of mud....he made sure to let Peyton know he sprayed his shirt with mud :)  The weather was perfect and there were quite a few boats out on the river.  We sat on the patio of Ethyl's for yummy barbque.  Peyton had an afternoon basketball game, so we cheered him on.  He has progressed so much since last year. He scored 8 points!  I worry that he will bite his tongue off....like Michael Jordan, he sticks his tongue to the side of his mounth.  I was most excited to show them our new home....which they love!  Of course, I have sent them pictures but it is nice fot them to see it all...and share in our excitment of painting and moving and redecorating.  Saturday was also my MIL birthday and we met everyone out at Donatelli's (where we had our rehersal dinner) to celebrate.

Sunday we got up and went to church. J and I will be joining Salem in Ladue United Methodist Church next sunday, so I am happy for them to see where we go.  They flew out at 1pm and I was sad for them to go. I miss my parents.  I do wish we could see them more often and I would really like to move back to Texas someday.  J is on board too, just very hard to leave Peyton...so not in the cards right now.

Days of Thanks: Day 9

On my 9th day of thanks, I am thankful for spiffs.  I received a really great email in the afternoon from one of my distributor reps.  His customer has decided to go with my Bioreactor as opposed to one of my competitors.  This is excellent news for 2 reasons. The first, is that the $24k will really help my drowning LT product number and the second reason is I will get spiffed $800/unit sold....they want 2!  This will be my first spiff for my time at Sartorius.  I know that 40% of the $1600 will go to taxes but at this time of year, any extra money will help. Crossing my fingers everything pans out and the order gets placed.

Days of Thanks: Day 8

Today I am thankful for my curling iron.  This is not just any ordinary curling iron.  It has a ceramic barrel and you are able to spin it with your thumb. It has changed the way I look and do my hair (like actually curl it!)  I am able to have a headful of wavy curls in less than 20minutes without tired arms.  Before, my arms would go numb from holding my arms above my head to ensure that all strands of my long hair were curled. now I don't have to have my arms about my head for long. I know it sounds silly, but sometimes it is the things we take for granted that I appreciate the most!

Days of Thanks: Day 7

Today I am thankful for advil.  I am pretty sure I drank more than a bottle or so of wine last night and boy am I paying the piper today.  I woke up at 5 am to a splitting headache. I went to the bathroom and took a large dose of advil and tried to go back to sleep.  Once it kicked in, I was good to go. 

The Watch Party

Last night, J and I had the opportunity to attend Dave Spence's watch party held in a ballroom at the Hilton Hotel in St. Louis.  Our friend's, the Demko's, had invited us to a meet and greet with him last month (I sadly could not attend due to obligations with work). J was very impressed with Dave, as well as my in laws.  Denise and Jerry made a contribution to his campaign, which got them invited to the watch party and hence we came with them  

Let me back the train up....Dave Spence was the Republican nomination running against the in cumbant Jay Nixon for Governor of Missouri.  He donated 6 million of his own money to run for office. He is a family man and even has a daughter named Paige!  One of his daughters is a freshman at Bama...but I didn't hold that against him. He is a small business owner who had success.  He is not a "in your face" type of person and I quite like what he had to say. That is nether here nor there now that the election is over. Dave did not win, but was humble and gracious in his defeat. 

I have never been to a watch party, but it pretty much consisted of sitting or standing around, waiting.  There were 2 big projections broadcasting dfferent television stations as the polls were coming in.  There were reporters from the major networks broadcasting from our watch party. Denise and Rick managed (on purpose) to walk by during a broadcast to be on TV :)   There were appetizers and an open bar.  It was a lot of fun...until the results came in. 

I decided last night, I think I really could get used to being a part of the political scene, be it on a committee or a wife of a senator! I really forgot how much I love being a part of the community and working on something I find passion in.  I really am cut out logistically to be an event organizer....and I look good and can dress the part.  Some of my favorite pictures of the night.

enjoying the evening.....and my husband all dressed up



Jessica and myself.....decked out in Republican Red



Days of Thanks: Day 6

Yes, of course I am thankful for the right to vote. I exercised that right this morning with my husband. We were in and out in less than 30 minutes.  We chose to vote via paper ballot because there was a line to vote electronically.  This was my first time voting "live" since all 3 other elections I have voted absentee for Texas.  It is a little more exciting voting in Missouri than in Texas because Missouri can go either way and Texas is and always will be a red state.

I just am ready for the whole thing to be done and over. Friendships hopefully can survive different party line.  I try my best to not let politics or religion get in the way of my friendships.  I know my friends no where I stand on most issues. I do not vote a straight ticket and I do not fit into any "mold". I have issues I am passionate about and argue with what my party feels/
          I am pro choice---and I do not think Roe vs Wade will ever be over turned
          I am in favor of stem cell research
          I am for same sex marriage
          I do not agree with Robin Hood projects
          I do not agree with universal health care
  I am not going to debate anyone on this.  I never get involved in people's political debates on Facebook, so I'm voicing my thoughts here.

Day of Thanks: Day 5

Today I am thankful for working from home.  It is cold and raining here in St. Louis today, and I am thankful that I do not have to get all dressed up for work. Instead, I have been writing quotes and drumming up business from the cozy comfort of my home in leggings, a thermal shirt, uggs, and with my hair in a pony tail.  Working from home has been a blessing and a curse for me.  Sometimes it is very hard to get motivated to do actual work, especially on days like today. However, I am able to get a lot of things done while I work. I am a great multitasker. For example, I am doing laundry, have chili in the crock pot and have gone to the cleaners in between calls and forecasting.

Day of Thanks: Day 4

Yesterday, I was thankful for new paint.  Yes, that is right...paint.  We have been working hard over the weekend to get our new home painted. I say we, but I mean, J does the painting and I do the Lowe's runs to buy said paint. You mess up one room, one time, and you are banned from ever picking up a paint brush again.  (I am not sure that is really a punishment for him or for me!)  We have our room and bathroom done, Peyton's room and bathroom done. Now we just need to paint the loft and the living room and it will give the house such a new fresh look.  We are not changing anything drastic, except Peyton's bathroom.  It was hidious, neon teal with a horrilbe fish border.  J's sister and I worked on scrapping off the wall paper boarder so J could come in behind us and paint.  I don't think I will ever have a house with wall paper...on purpose. It is such a pain in the ass to remove when it is put on wrong. 

This is also my 100th post!  I have not blogged as much this year as I would have hoped, but I am doing better than any other year :)

30 Days of Thanks: Day 3

On saturday, I was thankful for Ann Taylor.  I have had the pleasure of wardrobing clients for over 6 years now.  I love my non real job.  I am lucky to have to opportunity to only work friday nights and saturdays, putting the store together and helping put together fabulous outfits.  Retail can be a pain in the ass. I never like the slow days when we are dead. I thrive in the holiday season of hustle and bustle.  On the otherside, I love the employee discount.  I have way too many clothes and have a hard time getting rid of anything Ann.

Epic Fail

Recently, I have come to the conclusion that I am addicted to diet coke or diet dr pepper.  They say the first step is admitting you have a problem. I have a major problem. It is my coffee in the morning and what I love to drink during my windshield time in the car, what I drink with meals, and basically what I drink when I am thirsty. Yes, I know this is not a good thing and yes, I know it is not in my best interest.  I try to drink water, I just don't care for it too much.  The crystal light on the go's help, but they are not diet coke.

I decieded that November 1 was going to be the day where I cut back drastically or quit my DC habbit.  I did very well and ordered a water and apple juice at breakfast.  Usually it would be a diet coke, no water.  Mid morning, I bargained with myself and said that for every diet coke I drank, I had to combat it with a glass of water.  By noon, I was on the verge of a major caffiene headache.  Danm the luck, if we did not have lunch at a place that has the really cool new coke dispensing machines. It has a million flavor options....like diet cherry vanilla. I was completely powerless to this damn machine.  I only had 1.5 of them, so I thought that was a win in itself.  As the day drug on, I became weak.  I didn't drink as many as normal but I did drink more than I would have liked. 

So far today, I have been up since 6am. Had apple juice at the hotel and bought a bottle of water at the airport.  I plan to make it to lunch before having a DC with lunch.  I think I can not quit cold turkey......and heaven help those who get in my way before noon.....you have all been warned.

Give Thaks: Day 2

Today I am thankful for free wifi at Kansas City Airport.  I know, it sounds like such a petty thing to be thankful for, but without it, you would not be reading this post.  I am not just thankful for the free wifi at MCI, but also pretty much any public free wifi.  Life as a sales rep becomes much easier when wifi is easily obtainble.  I think some of our customers forget that we are out and about in the field, we are not able to instantly send them a price quote or look important information up. Yes, our iPhone can do a lot of things, but I can not send a quote from my iPhone....and iPad perhaps, but I'm holding out to have Sartorius provide me with one. 

We live in a era of instatnt gratification, You send an email, you expect a response pretty much instantly.  I have leanred that if I do not send a quick, "I'm out in the field, I will get you the info when I get home or in my hotel", I can lose the sale to another rep who is sitting in their home office.  Plus, I can always waste time looking at pinterest or facebook!

30 Days of Thanks: Day 1

Look at me, starting a challenge on the correct day! Now, if I can just keep up....that will be the question.  I am of course thankful for many things in my life....husband, family, friends, etc. I thought I would take this challenge to share with you things you may or may not know I am thankful for.

Today, I am thankful for Sartorius.  Sartorius is my company. Our main headquarters is in a city in Germany that I never pronounce correctly, but we have our North American headquarters on Long Island.  Side note:  we substained limited damage at the office from hurricane Sandy, just a lot of phone and power problems. I think we are open today...haven't been so far all week. The reason I am thankful for Sartorius, other than the fact that they offered me a job 2 days before my wedding, is the amazing people I get to work with.  I have a very down to earth, hands off type of manager, which works very well for me. I have a great support team back in the office, friendly, and always willing to help a girl out.  I have made it a year here and it really seems like just yesterday that I started working.  The product line is not the most sexy or glamourous but in the end, I really believe that good people make more of a difference than a hot and novel product portfolio. 

Even though we, globally, are a billion dollar company. I am not treated as just a number. I know our North American president (and she knows me.) I even did a few shots in Aruba with her!  I think this says a lot about a company. They honestly care about me and my growth.

There's No Place Like Home

Moving, or rather setting up a move, is quite exhausting.  I have spent the entire morning in my hotel room, calling, listening to less than thrilliing hold music, to set up all of our new services at our new house.  What a pain in the ass all of this is!  No wonder I haven't moved in over 8 years,  I just keep telling myself that it will all be worth it once we are fully in the new home and have so much more space. 

J is going to start painting tomorrow, hopefully. I will now be at the house all friday afternoon after my plane lands waiting for the gas man to come hook up our services. I have no idea what people who actually have to work from an office do for things like this.  I hate the 5 hour window.  We know for certain the 12-5 window means close to or after 5.

So I will leave you with some pictures:  Bear in mind....not loving all the paint colors

The Blair's are Moving

October sure was a whirlwind of a month.  I think I blinked and here we are at the end of the month.  The big news I have is WE ARE MOVING!  Scary...yes. Exciting....yes!  I hadn't really mentioned the house much before in feat that I would jinx the situation.  J found this 1950 square foot house for rent in St. Charles at the end of September. We went and looked at it and it was pretty much perfect for us....except for some horrendous paint colors.  We needed to know if they would allow pets (not leaving Char Char behind) and if we would be allowed to paint.  We heard back-- yes and yes. We made the decision to rent the house for a year and rent our current townhouse out after we move out. 

The timeline is as follows: Nov 1, start painting new home and start brining over boxes. Nov 15, movers move furniture.  Then paint townhouse and put for rent. I am crossing my fingers that we have someone living in our current home by mid december.  I am of course nervous and stressed that we will be floating both a mortgage and rent for longer than I'd like.  Our real estate agent seems to think he will have no problem getting out current home rented.  I know this to be true as our next door neighbors had 2 people wanting their place with in a week of putting it out for rent.  I just hope ours goes as smoothly. 

I am super excited to have a master bedroom on the main level and a 2 car garage (heck yeah to no more scrapping snow off my car in the morning!).  I love that Peyton will finally have a room all to his own, and we have already decided on a boat theme. There really isn't a yard but there is a small patch of grass J will have to mow and scoop poop.  I was sad to think I wouldn't be close to Forest Park anymore, but J showed me how close we are to the Katy Trail.  Charlie and I will definitely have to explore. 

Most people are confused as to why we are renting and not buying.  First off, we can not sell our current townhouse without literally losing our ass.  I bought when the market was good and have put some serious dollars into making it nice.  Location wise, it would be an ideal rental because it is close to Washington University and SLU and all the hospitals.  Second of all, due to newish guidlines, we can not use rental income towards a new home loan.  Therefore the kind of house we need, I can not quailify for due to my current home loan.  Also, I have always been very opposed to moving across the river into the St. Charles area. This will give me a trial run before buying a home to see how I like living in the area. 

We are super excited!  Come visit our new home!!

Bam!

This has been such a long work week. It could be due to the fact that I left St. Louis on Friday afternoon to work a conference all weekend. I am now en route from New Orleans to Long Island as I type this. I am very much a fan of posting from up in the air.  Until last year, I had never been to New Orleans. I was very excited last year to have it in my territory. It is such a city full of character and  good food.  Someday I would love to visit and not have to work!

We stayed right on Canal Street 2 blocks from Bourbon Street.  I thought Bourbon St. was crazy busy on a week night, but it was down right crowded and out of control on a weekend night.  It didn't help that LSU was playing a home game in Baton Rogue either.  Places I had been able to dance in, just wasn't happening on saturday.  However, the people watching was spectacular. 

I was in New Orleans to work my company's booth at the Neuroscience convention. I had to assemble the booth Saturday morning and then sit and work the booth Sunday through Wednesday from 9-5.  My lucky trade off was getting to enjoy New Orleans after the day was done at the conference center and I am pretty sure I have gained 10 pounds in a week from eating such yummy food.

I had the best meals I have ever had in New Orleans on this trip, (could be because my company now has a better expense account than I did last year!)  I had a delicioius barbque shrimp Po'Boy at Red Fish Grill, some killer wings at Pat O'Brians, some type of Gulf Fish special at Bourbon House, even the red beans and rice and gumbo at the conference center wasn't too shabby. However, hands down, I had 2 of the best meals ever at some of the hottest cuisine spots in New Orleans,

I have now eaten at 2 out of 3 Emeril Lagasse's New Orleans based restaurants. Monday night we dined at NOLA:
         "Located in a renovated warehouse with a bright yellow stucco facade, large French door         
         windows, and second floor balcony, NOLA is Emeril's casual and funky restaurant in the
         French Quarter.  Featuring an eclectic menu of New Orleans Creole and Acadian cuisine with
         an occasional ethnic twist, the rustic style of cooking showcases Southern Cajun, Vietnamese
         and Southwestern influences using Louisiana products"

I highly recommend NOLA. We had these amazing stuffed chicken wings..filled with crab, shirmp, other seasonings and dipped in a pecan soy sauce. I had the Grilled Pork Chop
with Brown Sugar Glazed Sweet Potatoes, Toasted Pecans and Caramelized Onion Reduction Sauce
....delicious!  One of my co workers got the buttermilk pan fried chicken and we all ate off her plate.  For dessert we shared Popcorn Sundae, Fudge Brownie, Popcorn Ice Cream, Caramel Sauce, Caramel Corn. I may has well died and gone to heaven, as I love popcorn so.

Last night we ate at Emeril's Delmonico:
          "Located on the famed St. Charles Avenue streetcar line, Delmonico, the legendary, century- 
           old institution, is an icon in the restaurant industry and has been a cornerstone of traditional
           Creole dining since 1895. Reopened by Emeril Lagasse in 1998 after an extensive historic
           renovation, Delmonico continues today serving a modern style of Louisiana's Creole cuisine
           with Emeril's warm style of service in a grand setting."

The food was just as good as NOLA.  I had pork once again: cuban chorizo stuffed duroc pork loin
red bean and rice congri, crisp plantains, mojo isleño, old new orleans rum jus. No one at our table had a bad meal. 

So now I must watch what I eat exteremly well when I get back home....that and actually work out again!  I hope I will have a chance someday to try his other New Orleans based restaurant....but 2 out of 3 ain't too shabby!

The Paper Year

I was meaning to post this earlier in the week, but I have been just crazy busy as of late.  Our first anniversary was wonderful,  I started off the day with a hair cut and color.  I am not sporting a somewhat auburn hair color.  Loving it....I always love a different hair color. I usually change something each time, and now that summer is over, I said goodbye to my blonde highlights and hello to some auburn.  Natalie, did my hair on my wedding day, so it was just fitting to have her curl my hair for our date that night.

We opened the present my parents had sent. They were so nice to send 2 more pieces of our crystal beverage glasses. Now we have enough glaases to serve iced beverages in as we do china!  Both our parents sent beautiful cards, as well as his grandmother.  When you google first anniversary presents, tradtionally this anniversary is said to be paper.  J has been joking with me that he was going to buy me toilet paper, and I honestly, half expected to unwrap some.   J never buys cards. He will tell you it is the biggest waste of money. However, he bought me not 1 but 2 anniversary cards. (he left the original one, with my present at the office and had to buy a replacement card.)  He later gave me a card with a print out picture of Chicago. I get to pick the weekend and we are going to take the train when it gets back warmer and explore Chicago, which I have never done.   The other thing J rarely does is get me flowers, but he made up for it this time.  Sunday, we get to church and sit down in our seats. I always read the bulleton, but just hadn't gotten situated fast enough apparently. J was li,e lookey here....he had the flowers at the altar dedicated to his loving wife, celebrating one year of marriage.  Who is this man? I just couldn't believe it. It was the sweetest thing ever....until we realized they were in the main sanctuary and we go to the contemporary service.  We peeked in on them and they were gorgeous.  We were able to come back and get them after the next service.  I love him for thinking of something like this.

 

We had an amazing dinner at Jim Edmond's 15 Steakhouse, which is really neat because this is where our reception was.  We both even had the roasted chicken, mashed potatoes.....similar to what we served exactly one year ago. After dinner, we unwrapped the cake, toasted with champange (me) and cidar (J) in the same champange glasses and cut the cake with our cake knife.  Our cake was surprisingly still moist and yummy.  Not even a hint of freezer burn!!!! I made him watch our rehersal dinner slide show and look at our wedding album.  Then I put my wedding dress back on.....I will finally get it clean now.  I love that it still fit!

At Jim Edmond's 15.....notice the purple

love my life!

We made it!!!!

I can not believe it has been exactly one year since I got married.  It really doesn't seem like that long ago I was getting my hair and make up done and putting on that wedding dress to walk down the isle a single person and walk back up it married.  I never thought I would be this sentimental or traditional but I feel this is such an important day.  I also never thought I would love being a bride as much as I did, not so much the front and center, but just feeling beautiful and loved!

It really has been a roller coaster of a year, and those who know me and have followed my blog know that it hasn't been the easiest of years.  The first year of marriage was tough.  We fought, we bickered, we did not agree on a lot of things, we tested our bond and our relationship.  We have also loved, laughed, and functioned as a family.

I am so happy that I said "I do" to J a year ago.  He makes me a better person and he challenges me, which is something I love.  He has this ability to calm me and reassures me that what ever I am overly stressing about will work itself out.  No one else has ever been able to do that for me.  I just love being with him and even though we have gone through some tough times, it has solidified and made us stronger together. 

Today, is special and I am also lucky to share this anniversary with my parents!  Here's to following in thier footsteps. I love my life!!!

Channeling my inner warrior

I did it.  I conquered Warrior Dash 2012.  Last weekend, the Diamonds in the Dust, my group of 7 women ran through the woods, crawled over barriers, under barbed wired, up cargo walls, over junk cars, leaped over fire, and swam through mud pits, and had a fantastic time.  We did this all while helping St. Jude's  research!

I have always wanted to do a 5k, half marathon, or a sprint triathlon, so when I heard about the Warrior Dash, I decided this would be my starting race.  I chose this one for a couple of reasons. One, the obstacles would break up the run.  Two, who wouldn't want to jump over fire??? and three, I think St. Jude's is an amazing charity to sponsor and donate my money.   I signed up back in April, so I wouldn't back out and thought that would give me plenty of time to train and get in better shape.  I was using it a goal to reach towards.  I started using the Couch to 5K treadmill running program, which seems pretty reasonable, mind you I never made it past week 3.  (I have no idea how someone who has not exercised in years could do that program at the speed indicated is beyond me).  I am not the most consistent exerciser with my travel schedule but I thought I'd be farther along that I was come race time. 

I woke up early Saturday and took a quick shower.  It was forcasted to be a beautiful day but started off a little chilly. I met my other Diamonds in the Dirt at the Bread Co and we had a bite to eat and then all piled into Julie's SUV to head over to Old Monroe, MO for the race.  After crossing the Missouri River 3 times, we finally headed the right way. Parked in a field a good mile away from the race, checked in, pinned our bib number on, tied our timer to our shoes and headed the start.  They have different start times and I think each had about 600 people in them.  At 11am we were off. I ran the first half mile to the first obstacle.  My sister had kept telling me she was so worried about my knee and me falling that upon walking up to my first challenge with mud, I was so over cautious that my foot slipped a little and I slashed my ring finger on barbed wire. After crawling through mud under planks, there was a nice guy working the race that had gauze and tape so we wrapped my bleeding finger as best we could and we headed on ward.  Of course I would be the one injured on the first obstacle.

It was tough. I sweated. I could not run the entire race. I did however conquer my biggest fear....the wall.  I have always been afraid of heights and climbing a wall using a rope added into fall from a tall height was terrifying.  I had to get out of my head and just grab onto the rope and climb.  I think some fears of not being able to do something  played into my fear, but I decided if other women not is as good of shape as me could do it, then I could to....and I did!  I think that was a break through for me because I didn't talk myself out of trying.  I loved leaping over the fire and breast stroking through mud.  I didn't hurt my knee and I completed the race!

I did however, get a tetnus shot at Urgent Care afterwards with mud still coating my body. Better safe than sorry!  I didn't have a great time. It took us 1:05 but we did it...as a group too!  I would do it again next year too.  Here are some of our pictures.

My Sisters......

The following was forwarded to me last week. I don't ever pass them on but wanted to share on my blog. I have amazing "Sisters" and it is so true.  I am blessed and I love each of them and I hope you enjoy this too!

"A young wife sat on a sofa on a hot humid day, drinking iced tea and visiting with her mother. As t hey talked about life, about marriage, about the
responsibilities of life and the obligations of adulthood, the mother clinked the ice cubes in her glass thoughtfully and turned a clear, sober glance upon her daughter. 'Don't forget your sisters,' she advised, swirling the tea leaves to the bottom of her glass. 'They'll be more important as you get older. No matter how much you love your husband, no matter how much you love the children you may have, you are still going to need sisters. R emember to go places with them now and then; do things with them.' 'Remember that 'sisters' means ALL the women.. your girlfriends, your daughters, and all your other women relatives too. 'You'll need other women. Women always do.'

What a funny piece of advice!' the young woman thought. Haven't I just gotten married? Haven't I just joined the couple-world? I'm now a married woman, for goodness sake! A grownup! Surely my husband and the family we may start will be all I need to make my life worthwhile!' But she listened to her mother. She kept contact with her sisters and made more women friends each year. As the years tumbled by, one after another, she gradually came to understand that her mother really knew what she was talking about. As time and nature work their changes and their mysteries upon a woman, sisters are the mainstays of her life.

After more than 50 years of living in this world, here is what I've learned: THIS SAYS IT ALL:

Time passes. Life happens. Distance separates. Children grow up. Jobs come and go. Love waxes and wanes. Men don't do what they're supposed to do. Hearts break. Parents die. Colleagues forget favors. Careers end. BUT......... Sisters are there, no matter how much time and how many miles are between you. A girl friend is never farther away than needing her can reach.. When you have to walk that lonesome valley and you have to walk it by yourself, the women in your life will be on the valley's rim, cheering you on, praying for you, pulling for you, intervening on your behalf, and waiting with open arms at the valley's end. Sometimes, they will even break the rules and walk beside you.....Or come in and carry you out. Girlfriends, daughters, granddaughters, daughters-in-law, sisters, sisters-in-law, Mothers, Grandmothers, aunties, nieces, cousins, and extended family: all bless our life! The world wouldn't be the same without women, and neither would I. When we began this adventure called womanhood, had no idea of the incredible joys or sorrows that lay ahead. Nor did we know how much we would need each other. Every day, we need each other still."

Blog Challenge: Day 27

A picture of you last year and now. How have you changed since then?


September 10, 2011 at my Bachelorette Party



How much a difference makes?  Physically, I think that I look pretty much the same as I did last year.  My hair is a little longer and has more red in it that it did last year at this time.  I haven't put on a ton of post wedding pounds, so that is good!



Mentally, I am in such a better place today than I was just a year ago.  2011 was a roller coaster year that started out was a job loss and job gain on the same day.  I thought I had found a company that I was really going to love and thrive at with a pretty unique portfolio with a boss I thought would be a great mentor.  So 2 out of the 3 isn't bad....I hated the company and their lack of focus.  I thought a unique porfolio was very cool and my boss was great, until he wasn't my boss.  I had 22 states and part of Canada.....I have always loved having a traveling job, but this was hard. I couldn't build traction and I felt like I was never getting anywhere.  I was the youngest sales rep by like 10 years and that made me feel really alone. 

J proposing was a high and I loved planning a wedding. I loved seeing my family more than normal and got to really bond with my mother. 



September 15, 2012 at Slough Stock



Then August came and the board of directors put the company for sale and eliminated my sales team....while I was sitting at a Starbucks in Baton Rouge.  Pre-J I would have utterly fallen apart. After a lot of tears and the most amazing support from friends, I regrouped and started the job hunt.  I knew I was relinquished from a job I didn't like, but I was terrified of not finding something with a wedding in 2 months.  I had a few good job interviews by phone, and was flown from west coast to east coast for a few in personl final interviews, but was not the right fit.

Right about this time last year, I started interviewing for my current job. An AMAZING job, that I landed 3 days before my wedding.  I was able to go on my honeymoon and start as soon as I got back into town.  So I have a new job, new last name, new family, new hopes for the future, new roles in my life, a savings account, and hopefully just more stability than 2011.

Blog Challenge: Day 26

5 books currently in your "to read" stack or on your Kindle
First off, I have always been partial to reading a real page flipping corner folding down book.  However, for my birthday, my wonderful mother in law surprised me with a Kindle!  It was a pleasant surprise because I have never mentioned buying a Kindle, but what an amazing gift!! It will be so nice to have such a light item to travel with.  Books can be bulky in my computer bag, especially if I am near the end of one and have to bring another book with me. I have many books on my "to read" pile.

1.  Two for the Show by Janet Evanovich.  My mother gave me the first 4 books in this laugh out loud series and I just started the second one.

2. Drums of Autumn by Diana Gabaldon. This is the 4th book in the Outlander series. My mother in law got me reading these books. They are not the typical type of book I read and fall into the Fantasy category I would guess. However, once I got into them and was able to understand the Keltic dialect, I was hooked.  They are long but very good reads.

3. Heaven is for Real: A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back by Lynn Vincent and Todd Burpo. Another suggestion by my mother.  I think Don Underwood, my minister in Texas had spoken about this book in his sermon while we were home at Christmas. 

4. 50 Shades of Grey Series....come on, I need some excitement too!!! I think I am the only person in the United States that hasn't read this yet.

5.  Hunger Games series.  Once again, I feel like the only person who hasn't read this.

I am going to keep this new Kindle busy!

Blog Challenge: Day 25

What is your greatest fear?

I don't like to admit my fears. We have always been told that fear is a sign on weakness, and I have never been one to show weakness if at all possible.  But that doesn't mean I am not fearful of things. 

One of my greatest fears has always been being alone. I do not mean that I can't not be by myself, I very much enjoy my Paige time.  I have always been afraid of being lonely. I am blessed to have a wonderful husband, amazing family and friend, and hopefully one day beautiful children of my own.  I just have always feared that one day, I'd wake up and I would have no one. No one to love or love me back. No one to make it through the tough times together and lean on each other.  I have always been very independent but I do need the love of others.  I never want to wake up, old, alone, and no one to talk to or have a meal with,. I have noticed that in this day and age of technology we don't make personal connections as much as we used to. We text, Fb, or email and never pick up the phone for voice to voice interaction.  I am just as guilty as others. I see what is going on in others lives via facebook photos and blogs and feel that is enough interaction. I am doing my best to keep real live contact with people so we have fun times together as we age.

Another fear I have is getting fat.  I know this is a vain statement, but for someone who has struggled with their weight their entire life this is a HUGE fear for me.  I have battled image issues as well as other eating disorders and quite frankly, I don't think I will ever not fear this.  I think this fear is spilling over into my deciding to have a baby.  I want to have a very healthy pregnancy and sometimes I fear the weight gain in pregnancy more that the physical act of having a baby.  I just pray that the Lord gives me strength to face this fear.

Blog Challenge: Day 24

A letter to your parents
This is a hard one.....so hard to put into words...

Dear Mama and Daddy,
    Wow, where does one start?  I first want to start off by saying Thank You. Thank you for being the best parents.  I know that growing up I questioned your decisions, fought back, talked back, did not agree, and thought you were the most strickest parents around. I know that I tried your patience and was a difficult hard headed individual. Now, that I am older and living on my own, I know that everything you did for me was out of love.  You actually DID know what you were talking about. 

It took me leaving Texas, especially my Plano bubble, to know how lucky I was with parents like yall.  I am forever grateful of all the opportunities you were able to provide for me.  I was a very well United States traveled child and I know the proper ettiquet for eating at nice restaraunts.  This was not unual for our family. I knew what was expected of me and I am grateful for the good Southerm values instilled in me.  I know that yall worked hard to give us such a fabulous childhood.  I never had to go home to an empty house or be put into daycare. I only wish my kids would be as lucky.  I have no student loans and to that I am most thankful.

You both have also set such a great example of marriage.  I am honored to share your wedding anniversay. I just knew that was a special day and hope I will be just as happy in 40 years.  You were both just great examples in general.  I see more and more of both of you in my daily routine and mannerisms as I grow older. I know that I can come to you and talk about anything. I know in my early 20s I didn't call to confind and ask for advice as much as I do now.  I am happy we have such a good relationship.  I wish we lived closer but I know that you are always a phone call away.

I know if I can only be half the parent yall were to me, my kids will be lucky.

I love you both!

Blog Challenge: Day 23

*Something you crave for a lot*
I'd like to think I am girl who is able to indulge in moderation but there are a few this I crave:

Popcorn--I do not think anyone out there loves popcorn as much as I do. Peyton says I make the best popcron EVER!  I actually have to not buy oil sometimes so I can trick myself into not having popcorn everynight.

Diet Coke--I wrote about this earlier.  I am going to have the hardest time cutting it out when I decide to get pregnant.

Attention from my husband-- Haha, by this I mean I crave having my back rubbed or something to that affect. 

This excersie is making me think I am weird, in that I have a hard time writting responses.

Blog Challenge: Day 22

*What makes you different from everyone else*

I have thought about this one a lot today, and I am not very sure. I don't fee that I am that different from most people but I came up with a list:

• I am a popcorn snob.  It must be the white kernels and popped on the stove.
• I would pick salty over sugary snacks
• I hate pickels, olives, tomatos, and cilantro
• I am a science nerd that has social skills and fashion sense
• I love folding laundry
• I sleep better in hotel beds than I do my own
• I hate driving
• I have more shoes than most people
• I love dressing up but I love wearing running shorts and a T shirt more
• I can not live without a good pair of leggings and boots
• I would love to be more creative, but sadly I am all talk and no do

The Big 3-3

Yesterday was my birthday and I love birthdays (mine in particular).  I love that there is day that is all mine. I even took off work so I could do exactly what I want and not feel guilty about it.  My day started with a phone call from my Mama.  We have a version of Happy Birthday that must be sung to start my day off right.  To be honest, as a kid I hated this version of Happy Birthday. It kind of sounds like a woman who has smoked multiple packs of cigarettes per day.  I have tried to sing this version myself for my Mama on her birthday and I sound like a Chinese person.  I had birthday cake and ice cream for breakfast....um hello, why wouldn't I???  Charlie and I went for a walk at the park, part to get out and enjoy the gorgeous weatheer and part to combat the breakfast cake and ice cream.  I read a book for fun on the back deck and then we picked up Peyton and met Rick, Jess, and my in laws at Calieco's for dinner.....good day.

On the flipside...I can not believe I am 33.  I don't feel 33, that's for sure.  I look at what I have done by 33 and the list is not a long as I would lik it to be.  I feel that my parents at 33 were way more established than I am at this age.  They were on their second kid and I feel that money was never a big issue for my family as I grew up. We had big birthdays and Christmas's, took nice long family vacations and I feel we are no where near to that luxary yet.  Why don't I have more in savings? Why don't we have a bigger house?  Wow, I  don't have kids of my own yet.  Sometimes I feel I am still a kid just playing house and pretending to be a grown up.

Blog Challenge Day 21

A picture of something that makes you happy



It is no secret, I love the beach, pool, boat, basically anything that allows me to be by water sunbathing myself.  This picture is from our honeymoon aboard "The Cat".  We took the Cat out to Turtle Island to snorkle with the sea turtles. It was amazing. The water was crystal blue and you could see all the way to the floor.  I am most happy in the summer with the sun rays tanning my skin.  I am so relaxed. I honestly think, that "laying out" is the only thing I have found that entirely relaxes me.  J is not a pool person, but he does love the water as well. (probably why we get along so well)  There are other things that make me happy, but I think this is one of the ultimates!

August Blog Challenge now September Challenge: Day 20

Yes, I know there are 31 days of this challenge and 31 days in the month of August. However, I did not start this challenge on August 1, so I am continuing into September. Get over it!

*What does your future hold/where would you like to be?*

Wow, this is a toughy.  I have tried over and over again to plan my future to a tee. And none of what I planned is the way it happened or the way I had thought it would be.  I am too much of a planner and I have finally learned to turn it over to God.  Did I ever expect to still be living in Missouri? Did I ever plan on having a job that travels every other week?  I did not plan on marrying someone who already had a kid.  I did not plan on a lot of things.  So, at the end of the day, all I can do is my best to be happy and let the rest fall into place.

What do I hope the future hold is a better quetstion:
Happy
Healthy
Prosperous
Kind
Loving
Love my job and be good at it
Love my family and have a healthy relationship with my husband
2 of my own kids (girls woiuld be nice)
Be an amazing mother (like I had)
Do not stress or sweat the small things
Financial stable
Travel miles earned from trips for pleasure other than business


**This post is brought to you from way up in ths sky, free of charge by my a list preferred membership of Southwest Airlines***

August Blog Challenge: Day 19

*Nicknames you have; why do you have them*

Paga- This is the nickname most people know me as....it was originally Paga de Paga. I was named this from Aaron, the assistant manager at Einstein's Bagels when I worked there my senior year of high school. He gave us all plays on our names.  It became long lasting when I worked at YMCA Camp Lakewood every summer I was in college. Counselors and staff did not go by their own names, but rather nicknames.  I have so many friends that for the life of me don't know real names....only camp names.

Mackey-- this one is obvious

Maccaroni-- again, this is a play on my last name that my good buddy Sweeny calls me...even still after getting married.

Hot Rock-- this is what my Daddy always called me as a kid....I love when he still calls me this

August Blog Challenge: Day 17

***Note to readers, doing this one out of order due to lack of baby pics on my work computer*****


Someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why??

This was another toughy for me...how fun would it be to switch places with one of the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills?  I love Kyle. She is a very good mother, has a great handsome, supportive husband, has great clothes and throws big charity parties. I think I would love hosting charity events.  I think I would love living as money isn't a real issue and how much from each paycheck do I have to save and not shop.  I also admire her realationship with her husband. They are very cute together and I do not think it is just for the cameras.  They are able to communicate well with each other and that is something I wish I was better at in my current life.  I just think living "the lifestyle of the rich and famous" for a day would be so fun!

August Blog Challenge: Day 16

*Put your iPod on shuffle: First 10 songs that play*

1. If You're Gonna Leave-- Emerson Hart
2. Thunderstruck-- AC/DC  (Mama would be so proud!)
3. Here Comes Goodbye-- Rascal Flatts
4. Here I Go Again-- White Snake  (wow seems like a theme here)
5. Fallout-- Sofi Bonde
6. Best Days of Your Life-- Kellie Pickler
7. Champagne-- Cavo
8. From Yesterday-- 30 Seconds to Mars
9. Simple Man-- Lynyrd Skynyrd
10. Dixieland Delight-- Alabama

So, looks like I turn to music during rough times in my life, like break ups viewing from these 10 random songs.  Also to note, 2 of these songs were featured at my wedding. Thunderstruck, was our entrance to to the reception with kazoos mind you.  And Simple Man was what Jay and his mother danced to....

I promise I have some good rap and hip hop, even pop....but they were not featured in this list.

August Blog Challenge: Day 15

*A picture of you and your family*

Mike, Allisom, Jay, Peyton, Me, Daddy, and Mama

The Blair's first boat ride of the season

My Daddy and I

My mother in law and my Mama singing to Bon Jovi

and we can't forget Charlie....after a hair cut

August Blog Challenge: Day 14

*A letter to someone who has hurt you recently*

I thought about this one for a long time....however, at this moment today, I don't really have some one to write this letter to.  I think the things that have hurt me in the past, I have blogged about some of them. However, I have made peace with these incidents and really do not want to rehash them.  I promise that I will be more open in my blogging and when something bothers me, I will write about it. 

August Blog Challenge: Day 13

*Your Blog Story (who you are as a blogger, how long you've been blogging, where your name came from, etc.).*

Honestly, I think this is the 3rd blog I have started.  When I first started blogging, a lot of my entries were about my crazy dating life. The ups and downs of being in my late 20s traveling for work and trying to maintain some sort of a normal dating life or relationship.  I have kept many "journals" on paper, mainly when I was hurt by someone and I basically was writting them a letter. That way, I got what I needed to say out of my head, but I didn't ever really talk to them about it.  I started this present blog, when I got engaged and planned on writing about planning our wedding.  However, I wasn't great a really writing posts.  I have tried this year to be better about documenting things in my life.  I think I have done somewhat better this year in trying to write more. 

I was never a great writer....my mind is all over the place, I talk this way also....just ask my husband. It drives him nuts.  I hope that by blogging, I will write better and smoother than I have in the past.  I also think it is fun to look back on archieved posts and see what was going on in my life at any given moment.