Well, good... (2.24.06)

I have been saying that a lot lately - mostly in a sarcastic tone. It makes me laugh. For example..."Molly, you're 10 days late on your car payment..." Molly: "Well, good...." hahahahah
So, I am leaving work in an hour and a half. Swinging by home, picking up Charlie and our luggage, picking up Lee at work, and heading off to Atlanta. I didn't ask for the time off - but my boss is in Tampa for the next week, and no one seems to need me in a huge way today...don't think it will be a big deal. Of course, I say that and some huge emergency will come up and everyone will be running around screaming, "Where the Hell is Molly??!?!!?!" Oh well, knock on wood. I have certainly put in enough overtime (unpaid, mind you) that I deserve a few hours off to avoid traffic. So there. :P
I am a little sad for one of my coworkers today... She's really young (barely 23) and is working in an administrative role with our company for now. Very bright - graduated from UGA and picks up on things so quickly - but that's just how advertising works. Have to pay your dues. Anyway, her boyfriend is in school, working to get into dental school, and she is here answering phones and feeling unfulfilled in her job...the boyfriend is constantly studying, and they're both living with their parents right now, and they're just frustrated. I can really understand it. And for some reason, at that age, it is really hard to see the big picture. It just feels like you're in a rut that you'll never get out of. She broke down in here a few minutes ago, and I just had to let her cry because honestly there wasn't anything I could say to make it better. I told her that it will eventually be fine...he will be out of school, she will move up in the company, they will have time together...but right now, she's just sad. And that makes me sad. But happy that she (and others) feel they can come to me about stuff. I hope I helped - even just by listening.
Watched a really bizarre/funny/interesting movie last night - "Pretty Persuasion." It reminds me of a cross between "Heathers," "Jawbreaker" and maybe "The Virgin Suicides" and "Election." Crazy movie - Evan Rachel Wood, James Woods, Ron Livingston, Selma Blair - lots of great actors. It's about a bunch of soulless, wealthy, fame-obsessed people - but so good. I recommend.
Ok, it has taken me forever to write this - many interruptions. Have a wonderful weekend!! We will be moshing and celebrating Loco's grand opening with the select few in Tifton. haha... :)

U-G-L-Y...I ain't got no alibi (3.1.06)

I'm ugly, hey hey, I'm ugly! Hahahah... I just got back from the dreaded DMV (had to further the process of changing my name), and I swear, looking at the picture on my new driver's license, I might as well be a toad. Good Lord, it's bad! Ick ick ick. Had to get some Twizzler Bites to make me feel better. And to add insult to injury, I parked in an unmarked employee space and was blocked in by a government vehicle. Oh well, that's behind me now. It was actually a decent experience minus the small traffic inconvenience and hideous photograph that I will be carrying around for 5 years.
Tonight is our Young Professionals Happy Hour - yeeeee... And it\'s sunny about 80 degrees outdoors - perfect weather. There is even going to be live music there tonight, which I love. Good times! I have gotten through the day with no chocolate and no fried food - and the 3rd thing that both Lee and I are going to try to give up are cigarettes. I only smoke when drinking, but it's time to put them down. It's just a stupid gross habit. Wish us luck!! Won't be easy for him, definitely.
I had a really bizarre dream last night about being chased by a killer. It was awful. I ended up stabbing him in the neck with a fork, but I couldn't make myself really hit him hard. It was weird. He was chasing us through some sort of amusement park - so scary. At the end of the dream, it was just me, the park had closed and he was still lurking around looking for me. Yikes... pretty intense. He had on a red shirt.
Lee and I had a LONG talk last night about what we're going to when "Junior" comes along... my company doesn't offer maternity leave because they don't have to - we're too small. We get 4 weeks because that's the law, but that's it. I don't know what we're going to do when that time comes... I am watching a coworker go through it right now, and it's so hard. This just isn't a very parent-friendly place. Much too fast-paced and driven for "silly" things like children. I know we will be able to work it out - maybe our company will even have grown by then and HAVE to offer a real maternity leave, but it definitely was a grounding discussion. And kind of an exciting one because it means we're thinking toward family. I just really don't want to give up my career (or my salary!), but I want the birth and first few months of our baby's life to be wonderful...not stressful and laced with work. Well, we will cross that bridge later, I suppose. For now, just keep your fingers crossed that we hire about 5 more people. heh heh
Happy Hump Day!

Goetz's Caramel Creams are the Best Candy Ever (3.1.06)

Just thought you should know.
Today has gone surprisingly well for a Tuesday - I got tons accomplished, the weather is gorgeous outside, I like what I'm wearing, and things generally seem to be going my way. That's a nice feeling. Yesterday I was so sluggish - couldn't get motivated to do anything at work, and then so tired when I got home that I was a zombie. Drank a glass of wine, made supper with my husband, watched Wife Swap and The Bachelor (I am torn about the outcome) and we went to bed. I had not even an iota of energy to do anything else. Today is a different story...yeeeeehaw.
Mardi Gras - Big Fat Tuesday...that's today, my friends. Which means tomorrow begins Lent. I am Methodist and have never given anything up for Lent before, but this year I am. I think I am going to either give up fried foods or chocolate. Either will be pretty tough for me, but I want to prove to myself that I can do it. Wish me luck...may just flip a coin. Both would be a big sacrifice...and I'm not big on self-control. haha
Happy Hour tomorrow - for the Young Professionals of Savannah. Sounds dorky but it's really a lot of fun - you don't feel like you're chasing the heels of the early-twenties crowd...more people our age in the same boat. I really enjoy them. We have SO much to do before we close next week that I shouldn't even be thinking about Happy Hours...should be thinking about packing...but I am going to allow myself this one little bitty night out. ;)
This is a complete stream of conciousness entry - forgive. I am going to work on my time sheets, play on myspace a little (so addicted - wah!) and go home to my sweet husband. May even have fried food AND chocolate tonight...it's my last chance!

Whirlwind (2.27.06)

This weekend was absolutely perfect - so much fun!!! We did travel a little too much - 4 hours Friday, 3 hours Saturday, 3 more yesterday - but we had the best time.
The concert Friday night... remember that it was NoFx. We're talking punk, moshing, beer-throwing, Bush-bashing, angry band. But as much as I am not "in tune" with some of those things, it was SO MUCH FUN! The venue was incredible - huge and dark and felt like a castle. There were actually 3 other bands playing in the downstairs room...crazy big place. We had a blast. The hotel we stayed in was so neat - built at the turn of the century, very quaint, small rooms, but so much character. We loved it. And we could walk to the concert.
We got up early Saturday morning, packed up, and hit the road. It was raining so hard, but because I am a control freak, I insisted on driving. Ugh... I could barely see! I hate it when people think they need to speed on wet roads - the vapor/mist/crap coming off of their cars was blinding, and it was a really nervewracking drive. But after we hit Macon, it was smooth sailing. Got to Tifton around 2, had a late lunch with the family and just rested.
Saturday night was the Loco's Friends & Family Grand Opening - despite the weather, everyone had fun. How could you not have fun? The booze and food was free! hahah... My brother's best friend is the proprietor, and Tom had given him several pieces of Tift County High School football memorabilia to put on the walls. Well, when we first walked in, Tom pointed behind the hostesses' station, and what should be displayed on the bookshelf but MY megaphone from high school. Complete with my name on it (there aren't that many Molly's in Tifton...so this is obviously mine).
I was caught between feeling flattered and feeling like an old vintage relic. But it was funny, we laughed it off, and I drank three extra beers to numb the pain.
Came back to our little nest last night - it's hard to believe that it will no longer be ours in a couple of weeks. Yikes! I have loved that house so much... Times they are a changin
Happy Monday.

It's Official! (2.23.06)

Just got back from the Social Security Office... I have now - in the eyes of the law and a nice lady whose nameplate read "L. Polite" - taken my husband's last name. I know, I know...we've been married for almost 5 months, but the process is a PAIN! The SS office is only open from 9am-4pm, M-F...that does not really work for those of us with the ol' jobby jobs. But I needed to do this before we close on the new house - apparently it can make the closing complicated, blah blah. I hate paperwork.
I actually do feel a little different now - that's kind of weird. I mean, I've been introducing myself with my new last name for awhile now, and I am using the towels with my married monogram, and all of those little things - but legally changing it - whew, whole different matter.
Which brings me to another point - I did not realize until the past year or so that keeping your maiden name as your middle name is, for the most part, a Southern tradition. Very interesting. I just thought everyone did that - or kept their maiden name. So interesting to me - I just cannot imagine dropping my maiden name altogether. I almost feel like it would be insulting to my parents. Does that make sense? It does leave me with rather a strange name now...it certainly does not roll off the tongue... but it's my past and present and future. All together.
Didn't mean to get philosophical.
Going to a punk concert tomorrow - will NOT be philosophical there. Will drink beer and try not to look my age. Maybe even MOSH! Sweet.

Strike that, life is good until you make a fool of yourself on a conference call (2.21.06)

Why do I do things like that? I am on a conference call - with 8 other people (3 of them clients) and I am the first up. So instead of being a normal person and just getting right down to business, I practically scream "Good morning!" in a weird voice and then yell, "MEDIA!\" (which is my "subject")... Everyone sat there in silence, I turned purple, and one of my co-workers actually said, "Whoa." I think I thought it would be funny - who knows... With my friends, I do weird stuff all the time - I AM weird - but I need to remember that not everyone gets me. Especially when they can't even SEE my face to understand that I'm joking. Ugh... I hate that feeling. I will put it in my HUGE pile of Most Embarassing Moments. I think it was number 4,359,299...jeez.

Phooey.

In other news, we have two trips (count em) two trips this weekend. We are headed to Atlanta Friday night (4 hour drive) to see NoFx. This band is one of my husband's favorites... I will enjoy it, I'm sure (as I did Social Distortion), but I have this vision of me surrounded by eyeliner-wearing punks moshing all over one another and I stand awkwardly in my pea coat. hahah...It's actually a funny thought. Saturday we are driving to Tifton (another 3 hours) for the Friends & Family opening of Loco's down there. My brother's best friend is the owner, so we got these sought-after invitiations through him...should be a lot of fun. Free booze and food and a bunch of people we know. :) But, my God, we are going to be slap worn out by Sunday.

I watched a massive amount of television last night - old Laguna Beach episodes, Flip this House (AWESOME show), The Secret Life of a Serial Killer (extremely interesting...and creepy), The Bachelor (Allie G didn't show...I kind of feel bad for her crazy a$$), and then a show on a transexual about to have an operation. My brain is fried. But expanded. ha...

Happy Tooseyday - Math homework, green beans on the stove and Inspector Gadget on TV ... ah yeah

Here Goes Nothing! (2.7.06)

The owners of the house we want accepted our offer. The guy that wants our house signed our counter-offer...we're ready to go! So crazy - this happened so incredibly fast!! I haven't had time to let any of it sink in. Bizarre! I looked at Lee last night and was like, "Yikes! Is this even a good idea?? We haven't had time to really even think about it!!" Which is not entirely true - we sat in our den about a week ago and made a HUGE list of pros v. cons about what we're doing. Then my accountant husband assigned values to all of our points, and the pros won 111 to 79. So, we DID think about it...even analyzed it as much as you can. It just seems so quick.
Soon we will be out of downtown (knock on wood that everything goes smoothly) and into a 2 year old house in a new neighborhood. Three bedrooms, a bonus room...a PATIO... a YARD... wow!! So excited...yet so anxious at the same time. Please keep your fingers crossed that this all works out.

Our House...in the Middle of the 'Burbs (2.6.06)

So, we are in "negotiations" right now - we got a great offer on our house that we are countering (for timing reasons), and the people that own the house we want have accepted our offer (contingent on us selling our house). Stressful, fun, scary, exciting - all those things in one. Keep your fingers crossed - we could be moving into the burbs as early as March! Yikes!
My brother came into town this weekend at the last minute. It was such a nice surprise, and we had a really great time. He got in around 930 on Friday night, we had a few beers and headed downtown. I am so lucky to have such a great brother - and even luckier that he and my great husband get along. A few times during the weekend, I was upstairs doing this or that and would hear them having conversations downstairs. Totally comfortable with one another and like old friends. It made me so happy. Two of the most important people in my life - and they love each other. What a blessing. Fun, fun weekend.
This week is going to be a long one...I don't even know why I say that, but I feel it's true. Maybe because it's 11:12 am on Monday, and I feel like I've been here for at least 17 hours. Ugh... We do have a fun trip to look forward to - we're headed to Nashville, TN Friday - we're going to visit my friend, David (who sang at our wedding) and our friends Beth & Robert are going to. Will be a blast - these are my best friends...I wish everyone could make it (a true "Circus" reunion), but those times are few and far between these days. I'll take what I can get!
I will write more later - have a wonderful Monday.

Life is good (2.20.06)

I think I have written posts with that title before, but if anything is worth repeating, it's that phrase. Life IS good. Sometimes it makes the world a better place to sit back and think of everything in your life that's going in the right direction. It's so easy to let the bad stuff take over...but taking even just 5 minutes to count the "pros" can make you feel downright silly for mulling over the crap.
I had a great weekend. Friday night, Lee and I did nothing - had a few beers, played Trivial Pursuit, ordered pizza and just talked. And it was so much fun. Saturday I hit the road for Atlanta - Melissa's birthday celebration. Got up there around 430, sat with her for awhile in her midtown loft, Beth arrived. Of course when Beth arrived, she immediately broke out the wine (I love her) and we all started getting festive. Shortly thereafter, Melissa's parents (who I've known almost my whole life), sister (whom I cheered with in high school) and brother-in-law got there. It was all hugs and laughter. Something about "home" folks, you know? Melissa's friend, Heather and her boyfriend, Rob, got there and we all headed out to dinner.
It was CHILLY in Atlanta, but we were all bundled up with our wine in our "travelers" (which is not legal in Atlanta - na na na boo boo...it is here), and we walked to the little Italian restaurant down the street. Baraonda is so charming - small, filled with good smells and laughter, great food. We all sat down, ordered drinks, and toasted Melissa. After a big, long, yummy meal (and several bottles of wine), Melissa's dad picked up the tab (so sweet) and we were on our way. M, B, myself, Heather and Rob headed out to "the club" - a place called Vision on Peachtree. This is just the kind of place 50 Cent is talking about when he sings "in da club..." But what an experience! Rob got us in for free and even got us VIP passes - so much fun. The place was HUGE and glitzy and cheesy and awesome. We had a blast.
We ended the night at this little joint called McCray's which shares a parking lot with Melissa's condo building. It was late, we were tired, tipsy and happy...and it was time to call it a night.
Went to lunch yesterday with Beth's baby, Andie (who is so adorable...I want to eat her). All in all, just a wonderful trip with good, old friends.
I got home and Lee had made beef stew and had written me a poem. I am a lucky girl. :)
Happy Monday - don't forget to count your blessings.

Friday...Thankfully (2.17.06)

I have been really bad about writing lately - just so much going on. This week alone, we had an inspection of our new house, a buyer back out on our old house, a new buyer come in and make an offer, talks with the new house owners, and finally setting a date of March 8th for the closing. All that and working fulltime too. Who has time for Valentine's Day??

It's been exciting, though, and I think (HOPE) we're all set. Our house is getting inspected on Wednesday, so please keep your fingers crossed. It's an old house, but it is in remarkably good shape. I just hope the inspector agrees with me.

Last weekend, Lee, me, Beth, and her husband, Robert, all went up to Nashville, TN to see our friend, David. We had a blast. It snowed, we drank, it snowed, we ate, it snowed, we slept. So much fun. David rented limos for us Friday and Saturday night to take us to and from town - so much fun - these limos are older, a little roughed up, and we had a blast. I had not been to Nashville in years (b/c the drive is horrendous), but it was so much fun. We'll have to do it again soon. And David has become quite the real estate mogul - so proud. :) Good times.

Tomorrow I am headed to Atlanta to help one of my best friends, Melissa, celebrate her 30th birthday. Beth is going, too, and I know it will be a blast. Going to have a date tonight with my sweet husband, and head up there in the morning.

Oh! I got a new desk today at work - I am quite professional now. I hope this doesn't mean I have to start wearing suits...although my office DOES smell of rich mahogheny. hahaha

Have a great weekend!!

Being a grown up... (2.1.06)

is not all it's cracked up to be. We have decided to sell our house and move to the 'burbs - something I said I would never do. It's such a strange feeling to know what you need to do and to feel yourself wanting to do what's best for your "family" and not just yourself. I guess being single so long made me a bit (eh-ehm) selfish/independent. But, here we are, talking family and future and knowing we need to get out of downtown Savannah.
For that reason, I am going to list all my favorite things about Downtown Savannah - I have been living within a 1.5 square mile area for almost 6 years, so I've accumulated quite a few (bear with me):
1. Spanish Moss - so gorgeous and just everywhere (tourists play with it and get chiggers - heh heh)
2. Pinkie Masters - the best dive bar ever - I have lived 5 minutes from this place for so long...they even gave us a wedding gift
3. Forsyth Park - huge, smack dab in the middle of downtown, historic, perfect running path, WONDERFUL concerts and plays (where you can pack wine and food and have picnics...so much fun)
4. My Short Commute - I will go from a 2 minute commute to a 15-minute commute - not terrible, but I will miss the extra sleep (you and I both know that every minute counts)
5. Soho - the best lunch restaurant EVER - they have the most amazing tomato basil bisque I have ever tasted
6. Six Pence - where I met my husband... :)
7. Our church - this is the church I belong to and where we got married - it's beautiful and is so special to me...will be a bit of a drive, but we'll keep coming in for the services
8. Spur of the moment plans - it's so easy for us to pick up and go to restaurants/bars to meet friends right now...everything is within walking distance almost! So that will change
9. Squares - the Savannah squares...green and well-manicured and romantic
10. Crazy homeless people - that's kind of what we're getting away from - but they're so hilarious...will miss the characters
11. Sweet Leaf - best bbq restaurant in the WORLD
12. Mercury Lounge - love the bartenders and the ambience
13. Vinnie's Pizza - some of the best pizza you will ever put into your mouth - and located right in City Market...great joint
14. Beach Access - right now, we're only a short drive...we'll double that by moving out, and I am a BEACH GIRL in a serious way
15. Church Bells - you hear them all day every day...they have become part of my Savannah soundtrack - I will certainly miss those
That's all for now - making me too sad. Wish us luck - we're in Counter Offer Hell right now.

Too poor to paint, too proud to whitewash (1.19.06)

Has anyone else ever heard that saying? I can remember the exact day I heard my mother say that to me - we were in Macon, Georgia, passing by a beautiful antebellum home that needed some work. The paint was peeling, and it just looked awful. Still majestic and an amazing architectural feat, but without any upkeep. And my mother said - more to herself than to me, "Too poor to paint, too proud to whitewash..." And I have never forgotten that. It wasn't something that my mother even probably thought twice about, and of all the wise things she has said to me, I have no idea why I remember that, but I do. And it is one of the millions of things people have said or done to me, with me and around me that have shaped who I am.
Now part of this is being Southern. Southern people - especially women - have a saying for everything. And sometimes they make absolutely no sense in the modern world...yet we perpetuate them anyway. It's part of that fabric that makes a certain region what it is. And the South (yes, I'm biased) is by far the most romantic and mystical region in the world. The soft seasons, the strong people, the molasses-thick accents, the hardcore religon, the even more hardcore drinking, the "bless your heart"s, the football, the food... I love it.
A friend asked me last night if I were to get a tattoo, what would I get. I think this was supposed to be a finger on the temple...let me see kind of question, but I knew immediately. I knew because I have toyed with the idea of getting a tattoo forever - just too chicken to do it. I would get a peach. A Georgia peach. My family has been here forever, and I seem not to be able to leave this great state...so a peach it would be.
This is a really random post - forgive my ramblings... Just some things I wanted to get down. Don't ever find yourself in a position where you're too poor to paint but too proud to whitewash.

My aching neck (1.6.06)

This week has been a rough one. Work is absolutely insane right now - we're working long hours under really hardcore deadlines, and everyone's nerves are SHOT. Makes for a high-stress environment. I actually had a dream the other night that one of our Vice Presidents tagged along on my family's beach trip. And tried to make me work. I told her the story in hopes she would realize what she's been doing to us, but that was to no avail. Still cracking the whip.
I'm glad it's Friday, but there are rumblings about us working this weekend. And the worst kind of working - being "on call." It's one thing if you know you have to work on a Saturday and you plan to come in...a whole other thing if you're home, relaxing, getting into a cheesy Lifetime movie and some yummy junk food, when you get the dreaded call. I am keeping my fingers crossed that I won't be an important part of the process over the next couple of days. Sound ambitious, don't I?
I did make a little headway on my resolutions this week - completely cleaned and organized my office. It is like an entirely different world in here...I can actually FIND things and work efficiently!! What a great feeling! Totally changes my attitude about being here. I plan on doing the same thing at home this weekend...am in dire need of a closet-clean-out. I have things in there that I bought in college...and if you do the math, that was a LONG time ago. Clutter is my enemy in '06.
Watched "The Office" last night. Hilarious hilarious hilarious. I absolutely love that show. In fact, for Christmas, I bought my brother the dvd's of the British (original) version...which is even more uncomfortable to watch and even funnier. Check it out if you get a chance.
Ok, have a wonderful weekend..

2006...here we come! (1.3.06)

Wow, sorry it has been so long since I updated! Christmas got away from me this year - work got hectic, I realized I was way behind on gift-buying, we traveled (as usual)... Whew. Now it's back to the old grind - working, planning dinner, walking dogs, doing laundry. In a weird way, I'm almost glad things are back to normal. It gives you a feeling of stability. I am a huge dork.
Christmas was fabulous. My parents had a party at their house Friday night (12/23) - so much fun. My friends, my brother's friends and my parents friends all came over. It was cold outside, all decorated inside, yummy snacks...and enough "Christmas Spirits" to go around. I enjoy being in my small hometown over the holidays - running around and doing last-minute shopping at the tiny mall, eating lunch at our favorite hole-in-the-wall pizza joint, running into old teachers and classmates in the grocery store. There's something really homey about it all. I am a sentimental fool - I know this - but it really is something I love.
My husband, brother and I gave my parents a trip to NYC for Christmas. It was a huge surprise and something we've been working on for months. They will stay at my in-laws' 5-story walk up in Manhattan for 5 nights in March. We got them tickets to see "Wicked" on Broadway and their flights are all set. It was the absolute most fun present I've ever given - it was the least I could do after everything they did for our wedding in October. But I think they are really excited about it.
I got Lee an MP3 player that we finally figured out yesterday...hahaha... Children of the 80's. But I think he's really going to enjoy it.
New Year's Eve was a blast - we went to a black tie party in an exclusive neighborhood here in Savannah. We were both a little wary at first...we only knew 2 of the hosts, and we were afraid that we might feel out of place. Like kids at an adult party. But it ended up being so much fun - we knew more people than we expected, the food was fabulous, open bar...GREAT party! And it was fun to feel a little more adult and dress up for the occasion. ;)
Last night was a heartbreaker for all UGA fans. I stayed up WAY past my bedtime to watch the Dawgs put up a hell of a fight against West Virginia. The game was a real nailbiter - one that went from us losing 28-0 in the first quarter, to us only trailing by 3 with a few seconds left. Our Dawgs did us proud by fighting, though. Next Sugar Bowl, we'll get em.
Back to work. Hope everyone had wonderful and meaningful holidays!!! I will be better about my updates. (at least that's one of my resolutions)

O Christmas Tree (12.12.05)

I love December. I had thought that as I get older I would love it less - that the excitement of the holidays would fade...but it hasn't. Not even a little. I am just as in love with Christmas as I was when I was a child - I am more about decorating and having parties and giving presents than Santa Claus and stockings and jingle bells, but it's still so much fun just the same.
Our party Friday night was a success! We had plenty of food, everyone came (about 30-35 folks), candles everywhere, Christmas music... Lee had a chiminea all lit up in the courtyard, and he even went so far as to paint the screened in porch and clean up the yard. The inside was warm and smelled like apples, cinnamon and Christmas trees. It was just a really fun night. Our guests didn't leave until about 2 am, so I am considering that a really good sign that they had fun.
The rest of the weekend was pretty low-key. With our party responsibilities behind us, we just relaxed. Saturday night, I represented "us" at a welcome home party for our friend, Charlie, who has been in Iraq. That was such a great feeling - seeing someone come home to his friends and family who has been in a war for a year. Just in time for Christmas. It was wonderful.
Today I am back at work - but not totally. I have at least 30% of my heart and head in the Christmas spirit... and I'm loving every minute of it.

Tis the season! (12.6.05)

We are having a Christmas party at our house this Friday. It's the first time I have ever hosted my own Christmas party...and it's more pressure than I thought it would be!! Probably because I adore the holiday season and want it to be "just right" - perfectly decorated, great Christmas music, yummy food, people laughing and having fun. At this point, we have a half-clean house, no idea of a menu, no Christmas tree, and very little funds. Oh well...I'm sure we will pull it off in one way or another!
Lee and I are actually getting our tree tonight - we wanted to clean the downstairs before we got it...and that was quite a task! I'm excited, though...I love to have a decorated house. When I was little, the very first thing I would do when I woke up on a December morning was turn on the Christmas tree - that is, if my Daddy hadn't done it already. He's a sucker for the holidays too.
If anyone has any suggestions on easy, cheap, yummy hors d'oerves, send them my way!! I intend on making this party a success...even if it kills me. That's the Christmas spirit, eh?? haha
I hope everyone is havng a wonderful December so far - I just love this time of year soooo much.

Be Weird...or Be Gone (12.1.05)

I had a night out with one of my best buddies last evening...she and I together are a handful. In fact, when we are together without "supervision" the bartenders at Pinkie Master's give an audible sigh and "uh-oh..." We just have so much fun - and really feed off one another in the oddest of ways.
Last night, we met a group of virtual strangers (we knew the girl that set it up) for a Holiday Happy Hour. Tonya and I marched on up there, and our friend, Jason, joined us as well. The people at this particular bar were what you would classify as "young professionals" - all lawyers, or bankers, or in sales... Tonya and I work at an advertising agency, and Jason is an international rep for an art school. Needless to say, we don't always fit in. The problem (?) last night was that Tonya and I had started our giggle-fest in the car before we even arrived. That's never a good idea...especially when you're meeting new people, because you still have the urge to laugh and be silly, but you don't want your first impression to be that of a mindless gigglebox. So, in an effort to appear mature, you end up looking even worse - stifling laughs and catching each other's eye while trying to carry on chit-chatty conversations.
Suffice it to say, we didn't even really try last night. We were like, "Hey, we're weird...get into it!" In fact, after one particularly random comment, I apologized to our new "friends." Tonya piped up and said, "Don't apologize for being awesome!" hahahaah... I love her.
Well, I must direct you to T's blog today because she had the GRAND idea of documenting random comments that we heard from people throughout the night. You would just not believe what a night in Savannah can hold...seriously, it can be really bizarre. This town is FULL of artists...and crazy people. Anyway, check it out...hilarious...
www.inmyownblog.blogspot.com

I also love NYC (11.28.05)

But... LA wins. NYC is its own magical, incredibly electric place...full of diversity and history and beautiful buildings and seedy neighborhoods and real estate that blows your mind...but I am a beach girl at heart that longs for quiet walks, cozy places to read good books, and weather that doesn't require layers. But how fortunate am I to have been able to visit both coasts - and both amazing cities - within a week of each other. And to think, I never even traveled until I was in college. :)

NYC was really a treat - especially during Thanksgiving. The Macy's Day Parade was so much fun...everyone standing around, all bundled up, drinking hot chocolate, and cheering for the floats...it really gets you in the holiday spirit. There was a slight mishap this year with the M&M balloon (hit a light fixture and injured two girls), but everything turned out ok and the parade was - unless you were those girls - a giant success. My favorite float was probably Sesame Street...just brought back so many memories!!

That night (Thanksgiving), I went with my husband, inlaws and kids to eat at a family-style restaurant called Carmine's. Carmine's is usually Italian, but for the holiday they served traditional T'giving fare. I use the term "traditional" lightly because not anywhere on that table did I spot cornbread dressing, giblet gravy, squash casserole, butter beans or green bean casserole. The turkey was wonderful, however, and I got a great perspective on how Yankee's celebrate Turkey Day.

Friday, we did the obligatory shopping that you HAVE to do the day after Thanksgiving. We went to Macy's (mob scene) and trekked all around midtown Manhattan. It was CRAZY! But really fun with so much energy in the air... That night, Lee, myself, his sister and brother-in-law went to dinner and then to see "Walk the Line" - AWESOME movie...and it was such good timing... All four of us felt so proud to be Southerners when that movie ended, and we returned to the sea of Yankees on the Manhattan streets.

Saturday, we went down to Rockefeller Center and watched the ice skaters while dining at The Sea Grill. This place had the most incredible crabcakes I have ever had, and this new (to me) appetizer...portobello fries!! Literally portebello mushrooms cut up and fried - so delicious. That night, we turned in early after walking all over Greenwich Village, Soho and Little Italy.

We returned home last night at about 7 - enough time to eat, shower and hit the sack. It was a spectacular trip - thanks to the in-laws for having us!!!!

Back to work. Blah.

I love L.A. (11.21.05)

Being a self-proclaimed Georgia girl...completely in love with the South and its people, terrain and personality, it's hard for me to believe how much I love Southern California. This weekend was my second time out there, and I am just head over heels for that part of the country.

We stayed in Santa Monica with a view of the Pacific Ocean from our hotel room... Thursday night, after arriving at LAX and getting safely to the hotel, we set off to meet our friends at the Viceroy. It was walking distance from where we were staying, so we strolled on down. It was so much fun - a reunion of sorts for Lee and his buddies...we saw most of them our wedding weekend, but this was the first time we could all relax and really hang out. And boy did we make the most of it. The bar was really swanky...complete with a crystal clear pool and cabanas all around (you can rent the cabanas for the bargain price of $4k per night...NOT including alcohol). We even rubbed elbows with A-lister, Owen Wilson. And when I say "rub elbows" - I literally mean, he brushed past me...didn't speak...but did brush past. haha...

The next day we walked to breakfast at a little cafe and ate with my inlaws. Gorgeous weather, good food, great company. Lee and I ventured down to the Santa Monica Pier...played the tourist role and rode the ferris wheel (which was amazing), then shopped until time for the rehearsal.

Rehearsal Dinner took place at a small private club right on the ocean...it was intimate and comfortable and the food was great. The bride and groom didn't stop smiling all weekend - I swear. Saturday we had yet another yummy breakfast, followed by some college football down at the Promenade...then the wedding. Ceremony was perfect - even had a bagpipe! - and the reception (held at the Beach Club on Pacific Coast Highway) was one of the nicest parties I've ever been to. Sushi and goat cheese appetizers, champagne being passed around, full open bar, toe-tapping band, seated dinner...and all right on the Pacific Ocean.

I know, I know...it sounds made up. But it really was a perfect wedding weekend - and thank goodness...it WASN'T ours which meant we got to enjoy it even more!!

Thanks, Thomas & Lisa...good luck and congratulations. :)

Working Woman Blues (11.14.05)

Back from a fantastic weekend of football, friends, family and laughing until I cried... back to work. Blugh!! Today is one of those days where I sit and wonder how I am going to be able to continue working for the rest of my days (or until I am old enough to retire). I worked hard this morning and right after lunch...but since about 330, I have almost literally been in pain...just wanting the day to end. I am that kind of "busy" where I know what I need to be doing, but no one is really depending on any of it...so I find myself being lazy and not getting very much done. That's awful...but I just have no motivation on this stinking Monday!!

The Bulldogs did lose the game...it's true. By one point...in the final 8 seconds of the game. But it was a great game to watch, a long and fun day of tailgating, and we had an absolute blast regardless of the score. My best friend's baby might be the cutest creature to ever walk the earth - and she's at that precious toddling stage...dancing a little and laughing at faces we make. So cute. And it was wonderful seeing friends and hanging out in a relaxed setting (NOT our wedding)... I'm so glad we made the trip.

We are leaving this Thursday for L.A. My better half is in a wedding in Santa Monica - should be a great time. I absolutely love California...which I didn't think would be the case until I went to L.A. last January...but I love it out there. The weather, the hills, the shopping. Heaven.

So a short week awaits - maybe I can light a fire under my own rear end tomorrow morning so that I can get some things accomplished before we leave. BECAUSE THEN NEXT WEEK IS THANKSGIVING - YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!! I am a holiday addict. Period.

Happy Monday...

What's that comin' down the track? (11.11.05)

We are headed to Athens this afternoon. We will be staying with my best friend and her husband who live there, and one of my best guy friends is heading down from Nashville to stay with us, too. I could not be more excited!!! It's been a really long time since we have been able to have a weekend that is nothing but old friends, football, and playing. I am actually going to try to leave work early - probably 230-ish - so that we won't be driving into the night.
Tomorrow the Dawgs take on Auburn - it's going to be a night game which spells debauchery for UGA fans, but also means it's a huge game. There will be a chill in the air...beer, bourbon and fried chicken smells throughout campus...red and black as far as the eye can see...and the UGA fight song coming from every car radio, boom box, and voice within earshot. I cannot wait. We are meeting my parents and brother for tailgating and have actually scored tickets for the game, so we are, as my guy friend said..."golden." This morning as I was packing my red and black, I got that surge of excitement that I always get before a trip to my alma mater.
My time in Athens was absolutely amazing. From the moment I got there, scared and 18 years old and without love handles, in September of 1994 until I graduated - happy, not wanting to leave, about 10 lbs heavier and 22 years old, in June of 1998 - those were the best four years I could ever have asked for. I learned so much - not just in the classroom...but about life. About friends, and fairweather friends. About heartbreak and healing. About the fact that I was a very small fish in a very big pond for the first time in my life. College is such a crazy and enlightening time. So glad I did it...and glad I did it the way that I did.
Ahh...ok, enough reminiscing. I am told I do that a lot. In fact, an exboyfriend once said that I should name my first child "Nostalgia." There's a reason why he's an "ex" - hahaahah...
Have a wonderful weekend - and goooooooooooooooooooooooooo dawgs! Sic 'em! woof woof woof woof!

Real world...already (10.26.05)

I just found out that I am probably going to have to input about 35 invoices line by line (each invoice having over 100 lines) into our computer system at work. That is complete and total bullsh-- and the exact reason WHY I went to college...so I wouldn't HAVE to be a data processor. Oooooh, this makes me really angry... And if you knew me, you would know that I don't get angry all that often. Certain things, though, really push me over the edge. Like this. The upper part of my cheeks (where my cheekbones are highest) get hot and red, and I get these little flutters in my stomach and my eyesight literally wavers for a bit. You know the term "so mad I couldn't see straight?" - it really happens to my brother and me. And, to be honest, I should probably not let this get to me...but it's just that feeling of having worked in the agency world for over 7 years, being a professional, climbing the stupid ladder...and then still being made to do mundane sh-- like enter invoices.
Now honestly, I would take out the trash at work - it doesn't have anything to do with me feeling "above" this - it's just that OTHERS feel above doing it, so I am the one that gets thrown under the bus. This post probably makes no sense unless you have been in this position, and I am being passive aggressive by writing about it instead of SAYING something...but whatever. In reality, if I said something about it then I wouldn't be a "team player" - so it's better to bitch in anonymity.
On the other side of the coin, I just sent a coworker a picture of Vanilla Ice because he slipped and told another coworker of ours that he used to cruise around and listen to him. So that was fun and my mood is slightly better.
We are headed to Jacksonville this weekend for the UGA/FL game...the "Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party in the World" - should be a good time. Staying in St. Simons, taking a bus down to Jax, full bar and catering...even a dj included... This is my 7th year running - and we always have a blast. I just hope the Dawgs can pull it out without Shockley. Hunker Down!!
Ok, random post is ending in 5, 4, 3, 2.....

I frighten young children. (11.3.05)

We got our wedding video back. Man, what a double-edged sword! I love having it because it's so hard to remember that blur of a day, and it's so much fun to see the people you didn't get to talk to, and great to have it captured in this little dvd - all the sounds, the colors, the sights, the music. But good Lord, why has no one ever told me that I literally have the face of a cartoon character?? I make expressions that would scare crows away. When I am surprised, people in South Dakota probably know it.

I mean, I've always known that I have big features, and in pictures, I see that. But to WATCH myself talking and dancing and laughing in "real time" - holy nightmare. How have I ever gotten a date? Why do babies not automatically start bawling when I get close? Is Lee blind?

Anyway, I have finally just come to the realization that all my friends and family are actually now accustomed to having a cartoon character around, so they barely notice anymore. Thank goodness.

I would put a little Quicktime video up here but I wouldn't want those of you who AREN'T familiar with elastic-face me to run from your screens, screaming in terror.

Other than this little discovery, life is good. I am loving married life - I had no idea that it would be different...but it is! And in such a good way! We are now more of a team than ever...and that's fun. And thank God Lee actually LIKES cartoons because if I was that crazy-looking in my wedding dress, imagine me in the morning!

Exhale... (10.25.05)

Well, there we are...all the planning and worrying and anticipation...all done. Time to breathe, clean up the wrapping paper and move on. We had a wonderful wedding - the weather was beautiful, we had so many friends and family travel to be there, Lee and I danced and drank the night away. We couldn't have asked for anything more. And that feeling that everyone kept telling me about - the disappointment of everything being over - I am just not experiencing it! The honeymoon was absolutely amazing - a whole week of gorgeous weather, lying in the sun, eating scrumptious food, snorkeling, walking on the beach, sleeping in...and how can you feel anything but happy after that? I have a tan going into November - I love it.
I came back to work this morning to find that my harddrive had blown up. Almost literally...there is a charred, black grill on the back of my cpu (is that the right term these days?). So I am going from empty desk to empty desk, trying to at least check my multitude of emails. Kind of nice actually - keeping me from the reality of WORK for at least a day, right?
Being married is such a fun/different/crazy feeling...the realization that I have a husband - wow, it just blows my mind! In a good way, though. I went yesterday to have lunch with Lee, and while I was driving, I was thinking, "I am going to have lunch with my husband." HAHAHA... cracked me up since I feel like I am about 10 years old at most.
Thanks for all the well wishes!!! I will be back with more once my computer gets out of surgery.

Nine times... (10.6.05)

There's something about our generation of young adults...anytime anyone says the number "9" I think that we all immediately think of Edward Rooney, sitting at his desk in the principal's office at Ferris Bueller's high school, telling Bueller's mom about Ferris' abundant absences. Anyway, that subject came to be because we are 9 days out from the wedding...and all I could think of was Matthew Broderick and that bizarre brown and black sweater vest he wore during the movie.
9 days...
Let's think of all the things that are about to change for me:
1. No more "Seward" - as much as this last name has plagued me (you would be amazed how many people can't spell or pronounce it), I love it. It represents such an amazing family and one that I am proud to be a part of. I am keeping "Seward" as a middle name, though, so I'm not losing it altogether.
2. No more "my boyfriend" or "my fiance" - I'm going to have a husband. Breathe...
3. Lee and I will share a bedroom at our parents' houses when we go to visit. Weird.
4. My family will have a son-in-law
5. My brother will have a brother for the very first time
6. I will be someone's wife
There are 3,000 more changes, but I feel I am boring the masses.
My checklist is getting smaller and smaller. At this point, most of the things left to do are getting myself ready. Manicure, pedicure, haircut, etc. etc. I still haven't bought a dress for the rehearsal dinner or the bridesmaid luncheon, but I can do that sometime in the next few days (the next few days are filling up mighty fast). I am finally getting really excited, though. This is such a process and takes so much planning, but in the end, we will have 200 people there who mean the world to us...and hopefully we will throw one heck of a party that everyone will enjoy. And we're getting MARRIED! yeeeee...

Bon anniversaire (10.3.05)

Today, 30 years ago, I came into this world. I cannot believe that I have been on this planet for three decades. I still feel like a child most of the time. But all in all, I am really pleased with the way I've lived my life thus far. I haven't shied away from opportunities, I have made so many friends, I have had my heart broken (and broken a heart or two), I have tried to be kind to others, I have laughed and cried and sung and danced my heart out, read books, gotten a college degree, raised a puppy...and now, I'm getting married. Pretty good for 30 years, I think.
My bachelorette party was an absolute blast - I loved that everyone came down here...it was so calming having all of my friends around me. The condo we stayed in was amazing...so nice of Cindy...we had bar time, beach time, nice dinner time and plenty of laughter. I couldn't have asked for a better weekend.
12 days until the wedding.
Tonight Lee is taking me to dinner at one of the only places in Savannah that I've never eaten. The Olde Pink House - I cannot wait. I know it will be wonderful, and it will be such a nice break for Lee and me as a couple...to slow down, eat a nice meal, drink a glass of wine and TALK. We haven't done much of that in a while. haha...
Yesterday afternoon, after everyone had packed up and gone home, I decided to have a Molly night. Lee was napping, so I wrote him a note and just snuk away. It was therapeutic. I drove around for a long time, talked to my mom on the phone for almost an hour, and then decided to go to a movie. I have only done the solo movie thing one other time, but I really like it. You just feel so anonymous for 2 hours...it's wonderful. Saw "Flight Plan" which was pretty good...suspenseful enough to get my mind off of the millions of other things I have going on. I got home about 9. Got some good sleep and feel great today.
Lee sent me flowers today - they're beautiful. :) Getting flowers is one of those special things that never loses its charm. And some of my coworkers put balloons in my office...so sweet. Birthdays are fun to me.

Oh, what a nigh-igh-ight... (9.30.05)

First things first: we get to pick Joey up today. I have a crate all set up (compliments of Elizabeth, Dog Lover Extraordinaire)...and can't wait to have him home again. I know that Charlie will be shocked - he thought he was rid of that hound dog - but I know they'll be glad to see each other.
On to other news - tonight begins my bachelorette party! A weekend of friends, laughter and straight-up debauchery. Woo hoo! I am really touched by everyone who is traveling to be here. Old friends, new friends, best friends...cannot wait to see them and toast to every single one! We are staying at one of the new friend's parents' condo on Tybee - it sleeps tons of folks - so we will take cabs to and fro downtown. Much fun ahead.
Work is about the last thing on my mind right now, but I have so much to do. Such a struggle. I have a huge list of things to finish before I leave the week of the wedding. Which gives me exactly 7 work days (holy sh!t! I didn't realize that).
Ok, enough blogging for today.

The Joseph (9.29.05)

This is what we call Joey, the Basset, most of the time. It just seems odd and funny - which is Joey in a nutshell. Thanks to everyone who has prayed for him and thought about us the past week - it's been trying with him hurt and at the vet. Lee and I got to see him yesterday - and he looks 10 times better than I thought he would. He had his surgery on Tuesday, and by the time we saw him on Wednesday, he was up and around (limping...but up). His scar is a bit daunting - probably close to 10 inches long - and he has a huge pin in his hip and right leg. But he's alive...and seemingly happy, and that's what counts.
We get to take him home tomorrow. It has been hard (the two times I've gone to see him) to leave him at the vet. When he sees Lee or me, he thinks he's going home. The little look in his eyes just about does me in. But I have been so impressed (and thankful) to the vets and their staff...they've been amazing.
Now we have the challenge of keeping Joey from putting any pressure on that leg for 2-3 months. You can't exactly reason with a dog (especially Joey), so this is going to take some work on our part. He'll have to be crated which he will hate...and not allowed to run free which he will also hate...but we'll work it out. (Hey! It has taken our minds off of the wedding a little bit!) :)Anyway, that's my Joey update. More later.

Un-dah pressure (9.26.05)

People tell you that the last few weeks before your wedding are so ridiculously hectic and stressful that you wish you would have eloped. I am not quite there, but I am damn close. I know that I would always regret it if I didn't have the church ceremony, friends and family, reception, band, bar...I know that I would. So that is how I'm hanging onto my sanity...but holy mother of matrimony, this thing has taken on a life of its own.
I spent yesterday buying a guest book, serving pieces for the cake, and yards of tulle and ribbon. For those of you who know me in Real Life (B.W. - before wedding)...I am NOT the type to stroll around Michael's looking at spools of string. At all. This is a whole new world. It is fun...but also very foreign to me. Last night, I sat at our dining room table and tied pink tulle and chocolate brown ribbon around mints for 3 hours. Who am I?? I know deep down, though, that all of this "stuff" is going to make the actual day and the honeymoon so amazing - I cannot wait.
Southern Living Cook-Off - what a fantastic experience. Since I am technically one of their clients (even though MY client was there, too), I was pretty much pampered. The resort where we stayed was AMAZING... only a month old. The Ross Bridge Resort was the name, and it looked like a mountain chalet. Golf course, spa, wonderful restaurants and bars, an enormous pool, those heavenly beds, robes, the works. And not only were the accomodations great, we had entertainment to boot. Wednesday night, after dinner, we had a songwriters round - Allen Shamblin and Rob Crosby (who have written songs for Bonnie Rait, Mark Wills, the list goes on and on...) sang their songs and told the stories behind them. Amazing.
Thursday, we all relaxed, had pedicures, walked the golf course, read a bit... wonderful. Then that evening was the actual Cook-Off. This thing is big, people. Not being a chef or very domestic at all, I didn't realize what a huge deal this thing is...we got to tour the Southern Living test kitchens (which was so cool), then we were off to the cook-off (hosted by Tyler Florence of the Food Network) where we got to watch 15 contestants (who are readers) compete for $100,000 by cooking their best recipes. It was so much fun.
I was exhausted by the time I got home on Friday...but managed to go to Forsyth Park with some buds for the Jazz Festival. It was a good time...but had to get up early Saturday for another shower. This one was in Macon - given by a lady I used to work with who might be the funniest and most charming woman on earth, and her daughter, who I adore. I got to see friends that I don't see often and family that I don't see enough. It was so much fun.
Then there was the bad news...our basset hound, Joey, escaped the back yard on Friday. Lee and I walked around looking for him until dark, then let the Humane Society and Animal Control know that he was out there somewhere. When I left Saturday morning, we didn't have a clue where he was or if we'd see him again. Lee called me right after the shower and let me know that someone had found Joey - he had been hit by a car, and was alive but his leg is broken in about 10 places. He is undergoing surgery tomorrow morning. It's such a blessing that he's going to be ok...but so very sad at the same time. I hate to think of either one of my babies being in pain. So please say a prayer...
All in all, there are huge silver linings all over the place. I can't and won't complain. Life is pretty damn good - I had one of "those moments" while in Birmingham...I had just walked the golf course and was having breakfast by myself in the dining room...overlooking the pool and distant mountains...and it just hit me, "I love my life." It was a strange and rare moment of peace and clarity...and I'm hanging onto it, friends.

Countdown... (9.19.05)

We are exactly 25 days out from the wedding...that is not enough time to lose the 15-20 lbs I was hoping, grow out my fingernails, sculpt my arms, or do the 14 tons of laundry that have piled up at our house. It is probably only time enough to try and tie up some loose ends at work and finalize details with all of our vendors. Crazy - I can't believe we're this close! Where has the time gone?? Yikes.
This weekend alone, we had 3 parties. One Thursday night (Stock the Bar), one Saturday night (BBQ) and a shower on Sunday afternoon. Thursday: Savannah...Saturday: Tifton....Sunday: Macon. Talk about exhausted. It's been a whirlwind for the past few weeks, and it will continue right up until the big day. I'm trying to take everyone's advice and "slow down...enjoy it..." - that's not easy, though.
I am leaving Wednesday morning (6 am flight - ouch) for Birmingham - I am attending the Southern Living Cook-Off event...and cannot wait. We advertise in Southern Living with one of our clients, so that is how this came about...but it should be a really good time. I have no direct bosses going - just me, the client and his wife. I think it will be much fun. Coming back Friday afternoon to Savannah and then heading to Macon Saturday morning (for another party). Busy, busy, busy...
Few things I have not gotten done yet:
- Track down the *&@#%)@& trumpet player
- Track down my hairdresser
- Put together the goody bags
- Get everyone all paid up (vendors)
- Get the Bride's Book
... there are more, but this is stressing me out.
Going to work for a bit now - and desperately try to leave my fingernails alone. Happy Monday...

Dreamweaver (9.13.05)

Ok, so my dreams lately have been a little (LOT) strange... I happen to have a fine example since I dreamt of crazy weirdness just last night.
Dream: We were at a water/amusement park (and not exactly sure who "we" is)...and we kept going back and forth between rides that were free, and rides that we paid for in cash.
In order to get from one park to the other, we had to ride in a school bus. This particular school bus was actually a ride in itself - there were 3 drivers that kept rotating, and I think two were brothers...and the buses went SO fast and up and down lots of hills. It was really scary - but exciting. So, a few of us ended up in this little compartment (I think it was like the bus stop...?), and I remember looking around and thinking how cool everyone was, and how lucky I was to be with them instead of the dorks that we left behind.
I literally said (in dream), "Hey, is this where the in-crowd hangs out?" I said this in a tone that meant, "I know that I'M cool and I know that Y'ALL are cool...so look how cool we are and love it..." So bizarre. And horribly obnoxious.
So then, we get to the other park - this is the one where we have to pay - and we all get ready to ride. Then I remember - and here's where the dream resembles real life - that I don't have any money. So I go to this ATM that happens to back up to the bathrooms. Well, I soon discover that the ATM talks...yessireee, it talks. And my friends (cool friends, remember) are in the bathroom as the ATM screams, "YOU ONLY HAVE FOURTEEN DOLLARS IN YOUR ACCOUNT!" I remember trying to cover up the speaker, knowing that the cool ones could hear it. And then, the ATM starts doing crazy math saying something like, "WE WILL HAVE TO TAKE 5 DOLLARS FOR THIS TRANSACTION AND THEREFORE YOU WILL ONLY HAVE 9 DOLLARS. DO YOU STILL WANT THIS TRANSACTION?" And the ride was $5... So, of course, I couldn't back out of the ride - I mean, the cool people were there!!! So I took the money, rode the stupid ride, and woke up.
What the HELL does that mean???

Gus Chiggins, Coldplay & Meer cats (9.12.05)

What a weekend...such a blur but so much fun. Friday night, our Savannah buddies had a shower for us at Tonya's house. We had a blast - very good crowd - lots of beer - bbq - presents...and it has finally cooled down a little. It is so humbling for your friends to show up and literally shower you with presents - I have still not quite gotten used to it. Feels a little awkward but so special at the same time. And being there with Lee is a huge help - he's such my partner. So, after lots of beer and some obligatory tequila, Tonya and I snuk off for our Will Farrel ritual. We seem to always do this in the midst of a party - we go back and watch the Will Farrel "Old Prospector" clip and roll around on her bedroom floor laughing our a--es off. This time we kidnapped our friend, Jason, and made him watch too. Not sure if he found it as hilarious as we did, but we really weren't that concerned. ;)
At midnight, Lee and I resigned ourselves to the fact that we needed to go. Saturday, we rose fairly early and hit the road to Raleigh. We have had Coldplay tickets for several months now, and it was finally time! The venue is fabulous (we saw Fleetwood Mac there last summer, and this was Lee's 5th show there) - it's the Alltel Pavilion in Raleigh...seats about 20,000...mostly lawn seats...the cleanest, best, venue ever. And the concert was simply amazing - Chris Martin is fantastic. The vocals were great...and even when he coughed through part of "The Scientist" - he handled it with a funny, humble grace that made it even better the 2nd time around. He sent out a song to Gwyneth and even sang into his cell phone (which I'm sure was on a call to his wife) towards the end. Just unreal. I would see them again in a hearbeat.
(nice review of the show: http://www.newsobserver.com/lifestyles/story/2793869p-9234343c.html)
Sunday, we made our way back to Savannah. Book on tape, beef jerky, Diet Cokes...ready to go. We had some small problems with our books on tape - had to return a few along the way at various and sundry Cracker Barrels for some CD malfunctions, but eventually we got one that we liked and that worked. Got home around 5 or so, went to the grocery store (we are on a new diet - we're not eating crap anymore), and settled in for the evening.
There was a show on GPB (PBS) last night about animal behaviors and emotions. Dogs feeling grief, elephants feeling loss...and a special segment on meer cats. It hit me so hard for some reason! The piece about the meer cats showed one of the females that had been mauled by a jackal. She wasn't dead, but she was hurt very badly. Apparently, meer cats travel all the time - for food, for shelter...they are always moving. But when this one cat was so badly injured, she couldn't go any further. Her family stayed with her - her mother rested her head on the injured meer cat's head, and they all stayed close. They would not leave her. Eventually she succumbed to her injuries and died, and only then did the family move on. I cried like a baby. I mean, SOBBED... it just really touched me to watch these animals behave like we humans only sometimes think that we react. Was just amazing. My eyes are swollen today. Because of meer cats. Go figure.
Ok, off to work - I have so much to do...and have done pretty much nothing today. Talk soon.

Home again, home again...jigadijig (9.7.05)

Not yet...but will be on my way in the morning. A day of looong meetings and one left to go...I'm ready to be there already. I have to say, though, being away every couple of weeks really makes me love going home. To my house, to the dogs, to Lee. I think these mini-breaks are actually good for us. And they're good for my career, too...I have been more involved than ever in client meetings and management talks. All good things.
I am going to spend the night with my brother in his new house tonight. I can't wait to see it...my Mother said that it looks really cute. I am still having a hard time digesting the fact that my little brother has a mortgage, but I am so proud of him. Maybe I can talk him into a couple of beers this evening. Would be fun for us both.
I am looking at my thumbs right now - I have destroyed them. Bitten at the skin and picked at my cuticles...they look horrible. I need to stop, but I get into these meetings and I'm nervous and I don't even think about what I'm doing to my poor hands. wow...total stream of consciousness...sorry about that.
Off to the 3rd meeting of the day - this one is actually over drinks, though, which should make it a lot less painful.
Until tomorrow.

I Love Livin' in the City (9.6.05)

Not really true, but Lee sings that song constantly, and I am in Atlanta right now, so I figured it was appropriate for a title.
Drove in last night and was expecting horrible traffic, but I was pleasantly surprised. Not so much as a tapped brake as I came into downtown...ahhh... Checked into the hotel around 745, showered, got room service, watched a little tv, read and slept. Very nice evening. Am in the office now and have yet to see my boss - he's here but busy - so I'm taking full advantage of the down time.
I am on the 17th floor of my hotel - the view is fantastic. And sometimes I do miss living in Atlanta and being right in the middle of the hustle and bustle...but Savannah is so much more my speed. And everytime I go back there from being on a trip, I remember why I love it. The Spanish moss, the lazy afternoons, the easy nights... ahhh... I would take it any day over the concrete jungles of the world.
Went to a wedding this weekend in Asheville, NC. Two friends of ours got married, and the ceremony was so unbelievably beautiful that I'm not sure there was one person there that didn't get choked up. They had the wedding outside, in a valley of sorts...the backdrop consisted of the Appalachian mountains, a small lake, and horses grazing beyond the water. The weather was about 75 degrees, blue skies with no clouds, and breezy. Both the bride and the groom have been through a lot of ups and downs - some drug problems, alcohol, family issues - more than most 30 year olds - but on Saturday, both families were accounted for, everyone was calm and happy, and the day was perfect. Just one of those love stories that inspires you. We had an absolute blast.
Well, I better earn my keep...talk soon. Hope everyone had a wonderful Labor Day.

Shame on me... (9.1.05)

I got called out by someone for pontificating on my wedding woes and being excited for Lee's new job while all of the folks in Louisiana and Mississippi are facing the fight of their lives. I decided not to post said person's comment because this is MY blog and I can talk about whatever I feel like...but in light of his comment, I will say that I have been decidedly self-centered lately. I don't apologize for it...but I do feel guilty about it.
That said, I pray a lot, and lately I have been praying several times a day for the folks left in Katrina's wake. Lee went to college at Tulane, so he feels especially close to the devastation, and we have been watching the news like addicts. Living in a coastal town, we know that this could just as easily happen to us - no one living on the ocean is exempt from hurricanes. In fact, my parents' beach house needs $50k in repairs due to Dennis.
So I suppose my point is that I do care about things going on outside of my little world...I am aware that I am not the center of the universe...I am actually more compassionate than most...
I am updating this about 4 hours after I wrote it...I have been reading a lot of articles online about Katrina and about New Orleans. This is such a scary time. I was telling someone yesterday that the fact that people here are in line at the gas station and all harried and weird makes me think of nuclear war and aliens and the like. Which sounds like a wierd statement, but it makes sense to me. It's that feeling of uncertainty...fear of the unknown. And that's what's happening in New Orleans too - people are losing their minds down there. Shooting at military helicopters, fighting in the superdome, looting stereos (????)...it gives me a horribly uneasy feeling. Disasters usually bring out the best in most people, but they can bring out the worst, too, apparently. And I know the people down there are feeling so helpless and scared. And of course the big question is, What can I do? Give, give, give and give... that's all we can do.
My mother forwarded me an email this morning about a teacher at her school who took a borrowed van down to New Orleans and is actually transporting people to Houston himself. Now THAT is admirable. He is taking strangers 350 miles to safety just because.
So, yeah, my wedding is not even a blip on the grand radar screen. Not even the corner of the edge of a blip. But Katrina has made me even more thankful for all the wonderful things in my life. That's what we do, right? Take stock of our blessings and try to help those less fortunate. Humbling to say the very least.

Cause for celebration! (8.30.05)

My day just got about 300% better. Lee called and let me know that he got the job that he interviewed for - it's with the same company (so he won't have to completely change everything...), but it's in a whole new department, and it's something that he is so excited about AND will make more money doing! He has been feeling a little bored and dissatisfied with work lately, so this is a HUGELY great thing for both of us. A happier, more challenged, better paid Lee. Yah! Can't tell you how great this is for us.
Also, I met with my wedding director today...she's precious. I would say around 72 years old and just storybook classic. Sweet lady with a tinge of Southern attitude...my favorite. She really knows what she's talking about and had me all up to speed and calmed down in a matter of about 20 minutes. My organist is ready to go (my mother nailed that down today), I got an email about stuff for our goody bags, the table/chairs/table cloth people are set...we are getting there, my friends!
Ahhhhhhh...
I may write more later - just had to share this.