It's New Year's Eve and I just climbed into my pajamas, curled up on the couch with a new book and am waiting on a pizza and Mike to arrive. I could not be happier.Traveling is exhausting and both Mike and I picked up some sort of virus during our visits. However, we did have a wonderful time seeing family and friends and I managed to make it through my first Christmas away from the Blackburns. Luckily for me, the Cherbonneaus always welcome me with open arms and made this year just as special.
We were able to swing through Birmingham on our way to Atlanta to see my sister, Julia, for one night. Her work schedule was not meshing with our travel so we stopped for dinner and a mini-Christmas. The next morning we got up and made it to Atlanta in time for lunch. My sweet nephew Houston is three years old and hilarious. Our beautiful niece Calista makes me smile everytime I see her. I'm pretty sure I had her in my arms 75% of the trip.
On Christmas Eve, the Cherbonneaus have a seafood extravaganza. Calamari, shrimp, lobster..you name it - we are eating it. Earlier this year, my in laws downsized their house and moved into a cute new one. While Mike was playing with Houston we turned on the bridge of the stove to cook a large pot of water. We heard something pop and the next thing we saw were sparks. Please keep in mind we all had a glass of wine in hand. The result :
Me: "Michael, Michael - there is a fire!
Mike: "Jenny, I am in jail - I can't get up."
Mrs. Cherbonneau immediately threw flour at the fire (which is what you are supposed to do,) began calling for her dog and was headed out the door.
Kristen, my SIL was on the phone attempting to get her husband to pick up their fire extinguisher and bring it to the house. She then ran upstairs for the baby and was herding everyone out.
Houston: This may be the most exciting thing that ever happened to him. He was running around the house yelling, "Fire! Fire!"
(Please note that no one ever yelled for Lullabelle. That poor cat never had a chance!)
When Mike finally realized that what was going on was serious, he threw the pillows off of him (his jail cell) and grabbed the sprayer from the sink. He put the rest of the flames out but we still called 911. Luckily we warned my father in law that a fire truck would be in the front yard when he pulled up. While Houston went outside to examine the truck, the firemen examined the mess. Flour melded to the floor with water and a melted electrical socket. Diagnosis: No power. Prognosis for dinner: Bleak.
Poor Kristen ended up hosting Christmas Eve at her house. We moved everyone down the street, along with the food. It ended up being delicious and perfect. Everyone is safe and healthy, which is all we could ask for. I have much more to write and many pictures to share, but thought I would start you off with that. Happy New Year! Enjoy these last few hours of 2011!
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Saturday, December 17, 2011
It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas
Wow. It seems like the last time I wrote, I was talking about leaving town for Thanksgiving. I love December, but it always flies by. I have been excited to get my Christmas decorations up and adament that we were going to have a real tree in our house. (I'm pretty sure that was ok with Mike because the fake tree we own is buried deep in the closet under the stairs.) Regardless, after many days of nagging, Mike went to get our tree.
When I was growing up, we got the tree as a family. Everyone loaded into the station wagon and drove to (wherever) to pick out that perfect Frasier Fur that becomes the center of your home during the holidays. Looking back, I'm not sure it was really that fun. 5 people running different ways looking for trees? I do remember at one point we used to go to a Christmas tree farm a little ways away. My last memory is driving straight down the street to the local elementary school. I guess you do what you gotta do to maintain those traditions.
All this to say, Mike continued to inform me that in his home, the man picks out the tree. I was regaled with stories of his first job working at a nursery (seriously) and how he knows how to pick a tree. At first I argued, thinking this needed to be something that the two of us did together, but eventually I let him go. Not 5 minutes after he arrived he called, asking what sort of tree I wanted. I had to tell him he was the man and he was on his own.
He picked out a beautiful tree. This is what happened when he got home. I still don't know what he was doing, but I do know I never saw my dad doing this with our tree.
Yes, that is a miner's light that he has on his head. (It's amazing how handy those can be!)
Unfortunately, the decorations that covered our old tree didn't quite cover the new, bigger, more robust tree. And I ran out of the ribbon that usually wraps the tree and tops it with an extravagant bow. So we got a little something like this:
Our tree skirt is in the same box as our old tree and I did not make one out of burlap and ribbon. Maybe next year.
Next up, our holiday cards. I. Love. Them. I love running to the mailbox every day to see what beautiful pictures and notes our friends have sent. However, I have not come up with a creative way to display them...Mike informed me his grandmother used to do this with hers:
Who cares. They make me happy!
Next, the stockings, hung by the chimney with care:
Yes, Lullabelle has her own stocking. Sadly, she will not be accompanying us on our southeastern tour next week. After a lot of thought, we decided it was too much for her (and my patience) last time. I keep telling myself she will be fine and less traumatized if we keep her at home. Yes, we have someone to feed her (and maybe cuddle with her for a required 30 minutes?) I feel guilty just writing about it.
I will leave you with some outtakes from our holiday card...sometimes the best ones just don't make the cut. I particularly like this first one - I think it embodies our relationship.
Here, I was trying to make it look more professional than my mom snapping pictures with my point and shoot Canon. (I threw a bunch of leaves in the air....)
I am laughing hysterically, but there was a little, "Jenny, what the he**?!" going on in the background.
Happy Holidays! Love, Jenny and Mike :-)
When I was growing up, we got the tree as a family. Everyone loaded into the station wagon and drove to (wherever) to pick out that perfect Frasier Fur that becomes the center of your home during the holidays. Looking back, I'm not sure it was really that fun. 5 people running different ways looking for trees? I do remember at one point we used to go to a Christmas tree farm a little ways away. My last memory is driving straight down the street to the local elementary school. I guess you do what you gotta do to maintain those traditions.
All this to say, Mike continued to inform me that in his home, the man picks out the tree. I was regaled with stories of his first job working at a nursery (seriously) and how he knows how to pick a tree. At first I argued, thinking this needed to be something that the two of us did together, but eventually I let him go. Not 5 minutes after he arrived he called, asking what sort of tree I wanted. I had to tell him he was the man and he was on his own.
He picked out a beautiful tree. This is what happened when he got home. I still don't know what he was doing, but I do know I never saw my dad doing this with our tree.
Yes, that is a miner's light that he has on his head. (It's amazing how handy those can be!)
Unfortunately, the decorations that covered our old tree didn't quite cover the new, bigger, more robust tree. And I ran out of the ribbon that usually wraps the tree and tops it with an extravagant bow. So we got a little something like this:
Our tree skirt is in the same box as our old tree and I did not make one out of burlap and ribbon. Maybe next year.
Next up, our holiday cards. I. Love. Them. I love running to the mailbox every day to see what beautiful pictures and notes our friends have sent. However, I have not come up with a creative way to display them...Mike informed me his grandmother used to do this with hers:
Who cares. They make me happy!
Next, the stockings, hung by the chimney with care:
Yes, Lullabelle has her own stocking. Sadly, she will not be accompanying us on our southeastern tour next week. After a lot of thought, we decided it was too much for her (and my patience) last time. I keep telling myself she will be fine and less traumatized if we keep her at home. Yes, we have someone to feed her (and maybe cuddle with her for a required 30 minutes?) I feel guilty just writing about it.
I will leave you with some outtakes from our holiday card...sometimes the best ones just don't make the cut. I particularly like this first one - I think it embodies our relationship.
Here, I was trying to make it look more professional than my mom snapping pictures with my point and shoot Canon. (I threw a bunch of leaves in the air....)
I am laughing hysterically, but there was a little, "Jenny, what the he**?!" going on in the background.
Happy Holidays! Love, Jenny and Mike :-)
Sunday, December 11, 2011
New Adventures
It's been a long two weeks. I haven't been working much more than the average person, (although I haven't had any days/weekends off since Thanksgiving) but driving back and forth between these different jobs can be tiring and confusing. This week was a special adventure. I have been helping my boss sell her cell phone covers at various expos around the city. Tuesday evening we ventured to Southfork Ranch. If you are a "Dallas" fan, you know this is where the hit tv series was shot. If not, it is a cool, historic piece of land. We showed up for the Native American Chamber of Commerce Expo. Yep. Cell phones blinged out in Swarsvoski crystals competing with hand made candles, snuff boxes and lava lamps. Good times. We made $32 and packed up our product. It just really wasn't our market.
Thursday night I brought the covers to a "Girl's Night Out" at a small boutique. Here's the thing about Dallas. There is constant competition to be the next New York City or L.A. While Mike and I love the area and most of the people we have met, there is definitely an elite group that believes the only people worth talking to are those with money. A lot of money. It was clearly exhibited to me when Pat Smith (Emmett Smith's wife) walked in. Y'all, she was as sweet as she could be, chatted with me and gave me a hug. I was appalled by the way everyone else was falling over her. I have never seen a group of grown women compete for attention and approval as much as they did that night. I called Mike when I left (after being ignored by these women for 2 hours) to tell him I was over it and that I hated women. He listened to me vent with a "Thank you for what you are contributing to the family dear" thrown in here and there. (He is learning.)
I got home and fell asleep. When I woke up the next day I couldn't find my keys.The last time this happened, I found them in the wine drawer... After a lot of searching, freaking out and then laying on the couch to rest my eyes for just a second, I texted my boss. He told me not to worry about coming in because he wasn't feeling well anyway. As soon as I got back in the bed, Mike brought me my keys.I have heard that when you reach a certain point of exhaustion, you being acting like you are drunk. Perfect example. My keys had been laying in the closet by my shoes. To wrap up, I FINALLY have a day off. Mike and I are going to get a Christmas tree today and I am hoping to clean up so I don't trip over something every time I try to make my way through the bedroom in the dark. I have too many bruises that I can't explain.
I am looking forward to Christmas shopping and decorating and getting into the spirit! We finally sold our St. Louis condo on Friday. It had been on the market for 14 months and we are ecstatic! (Christmas was on the verge of being cancelled...) Everything is back to our kind of normal for at least a day or two!
Thursday night I brought the covers to a "Girl's Night Out" at a small boutique. Here's the thing about Dallas. There is constant competition to be the next New York City or L.A. While Mike and I love the area and most of the people we have met, there is definitely an elite group that believes the only people worth talking to are those with money. A lot of money. It was clearly exhibited to me when Pat Smith (Emmett Smith's wife) walked in. Y'all, she was as sweet as she could be, chatted with me and gave me a hug. I was appalled by the way everyone else was falling over her. I have never seen a group of grown women compete for attention and approval as much as they did that night. I called Mike when I left (after being ignored by these women for 2 hours) to tell him I was over it and that I hated women. He listened to me vent with a "Thank you for what you are contributing to the family dear" thrown in here and there. (He is learning.)
I got home and fell asleep. When I woke up the next day I couldn't find my keys.The last time this happened, I found them in the wine drawer... After a lot of searching, freaking out and then laying on the couch to rest my eyes for just a second, I texted my boss. He told me not to worry about coming in because he wasn't feeling well anyway. As soon as I got back in the bed, Mike brought me my keys.I have heard that when you reach a certain point of exhaustion, you being acting like you are drunk. Perfect example. My keys had been laying in the closet by my shoes. To wrap up, I FINALLY have a day off. Mike and I are going to get a Christmas tree today and I am hoping to clean up so I don't trip over something every time I try to make my way through the bedroom in the dark. I have too many bruises that I can't explain.
I am looking forward to Christmas shopping and decorating and getting into the spirit! We finally sold our St. Louis condo on Friday. It had been on the market for 14 months and we are ecstatic! (Christmas was on the verge of being cancelled...) Everything is back to our kind of normal for at least a day or two!
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Processing
We got back in town last night from Thanksgiving with my family. Lullabelle chose to hide in the basement until 6:00 pm Sunday night, which delayed our travel by a full day. I was not happy with our child, even though she is bouncing around our house now like she never left. We had quite a cast of characters this year for Turkey Day. My parents, both my sisters, my grandmother, Mike, three cats and a dog. Our house seemed to have shrunk since the last time we visited and continued to close in on me as the week progressed. Something just seemed "off" and at the time, I wasn't able to put my finger on one specific thing.
It didn't help that I got sick the day after Thanksgiving. I think some of my crankiness came from that, as well as feeling boxed in. At one point I told my mother we would be renting a hotel room next year. I think it hurt her feelings...I'm still not sure how I feel about it.
First things first. We didn't leave until 2:00 pm on Tuesday afternoon. Pretty much as soon as we pulled out of the garage, I decided to bring up "the talk" about where my husband thought we would be in three years. It was bad timing - I should have waited until we were on the road and had some time to settle in. But, we got that out of the way and were able to listen to the two "Thanksgiving 2011" CDs I created. Mike HATES Top 40, pop type music. He loves Radiohead, Pink Floyd and other bands that I don't understand. I'm more of a "bop along to whatever is on the radio" kind of girl. We definitely meet in the middle on some of the classics, but unfortunately those were not included on the hot new mix I made. I can assure you with 100% certainty that Mike is not a fan of Lady Gaga or Enrique Iglesias. (Katy Perry also did not receive a high marks.)
Once we got to Birmingham, the girls geared up to make Thanksgiving dinner. I am extremely thankful that I have food on the table and a family that loves each other. I am thankful that my parents are still happily married after 36 years, and that I have wonderful sisters who I enjoy getting to know more and more everyday. I am thankful for my husband who is patient, kind, smart and funny - he surprises me with something new all the time. And I am thankful for my in-laws. You can't choose the family you marry into, and I definitely got lucky. Finally, I am so thankful for my grandmother. This is where things get dicey and really where the story begins.
I was trying to figure out why I broke down crying on our way back to Dallas. We tried to leave Birmingham, but I couldn't stop clutching my grandmother. She has already lost more of her memory since I saw her several months ago. I am terrified of the shell that I know she is going to become, because we experienced this illness with my other grandmother. I am so lucky to have a grandmother who is still around, but it is odd how quickly a relationship can change. I used to be able to talk to my grandmother on the phone about anything and she always had a wise "Grandma" answer or piece of advice for me. Let's face it - she has lived an eventful 80 years. So it is difficult for me to listen to her tell me three times that it is raining outside. Or to see how excited she gets when someone offers to take her to the grocery store with them.
I can tell how lost she feels, and how she is grasping at anything she can to feel in control of something. I hate that she can recite to me how her day will go, because nothing really eventful changes. Wake up, 2 cups of coffee, start her crossword puzzles or knit, until someone can go on a walk with her or let her tag along on an errand. She doesn't understand that she can't go too far alone because she might get lost. And she doesn't want to understand that she can't drive her car anymore because her mind is going - she believes it is because the doctors think she is losing her vision. The worst part is, if she knew that people were worried or saddened for her, she would be furious. She is the last person to need pity from anyone, so I am trying to be strong. But it's hard.
So we are back in Dallas. And as horrible as it may sound, it is a relief because my Grandmother is not right in front of me, reminding me of how sick she is. I will continue to think as positively as I can and to be thankful for the time I have with her. Hopefully, I can read this in a year and chastise myself for being overly dramatic.
So that was my Thanksgiving. Want me to come over to your house to help you get in the holiday spirit too?
It didn't help that I got sick the day after Thanksgiving. I think some of my crankiness came from that, as well as feeling boxed in. At one point I told my mother we would be renting a hotel room next year. I think it hurt her feelings...I'm still not sure how I feel about it.
First things first. We didn't leave until 2:00 pm on Tuesday afternoon. Pretty much as soon as we pulled out of the garage, I decided to bring up "the talk" about where my husband thought we would be in three years. It was bad timing - I should have waited until we were on the road and had some time to settle in. But, we got that out of the way and were able to listen to the two "Thanksgiving 2011" CDs I created. Mike HATES Top 40, pop type music. He loves Radiohead, Pink Floyd and other bands that I don't understand. I'm more of a "bop along to whatever is on the radio" kind of girl. We definitely meet in the middle on some of the classics, but unfortunately those were not included on the hot new mix I made. I can assure you with 100% certainty that Mike is not a fan of Lady Gaga or Enrique Iglesias. (Katy Perry also did not receive a high marks.)
Once we got to Birmingham, the girls geared up to make Thanksgiving dinner. I am extremely thankful that I have food on the table and a family that loves each other. I am thankful that my parents are still happily married after 36 years, and that I have wonderful sisters who I enjoy getting to know more and more everyday. I am thankful for my husband who is patient, kind, smart and funny - he surprises me with something new all the time. And I am thankful for my in-laws. You can't choose the family you marry into, and I definitely got lucky. Finally, I am so thankful for my grandmother. This is where things get dicey and really where the story begins.
I was trying to figure out why I broke down crying on our way back to Dallas. We tried to leave Birmingham, but I couldn't stop clutching my grandmother. She has already lost more of her memory since I saw her several months ago. I am terrified of the shell that I know she is going to become, because we experienced this illness with my other grandmother. I am so lucky to have a grandmother who is still around, but it is odd how quickly a relationship can change. I used to be able to talk to my grandmother on the phone about anything and she always had a wise "Grandma" answer or piece of advice for me. Let's face it - she has lived an eventful 80 years. So it is difficult for me to listen to her tell me three times that it is raining outside. Or to see how excited she gets when someone offers to take her to the grocery store with them.
I can tell how lost she feels, and how she is grasping at anything she can to feel in control of something. I hate that she can recite to me how her day will go, because nothing really eventful changes. Wake up, 2 cups of coffee, start her crossword puzzles or knit, until someone can go on a walk with her or let her tag along on an errand. She doesn't understand that she can't go too far alone because she might get lost. And she doesn't want to understand that she can't drive her car anymore because her mind is going - she believes it is because the doctors think she is losing her vision. The worst part is, if she knew that people were worried or saddened for her, she would be furious. She is the last person to need pity from anyone, so I am trying to be strong. But it's hard.
So we are back in Dallas. And as horrible as it may sound, it is a relief because my Grandmother is not right in front of me, reminding me of how sick she is. I will continue to think as positively as I can and to be thankful for the time I have with her. Hopefully, I can read this in a year and chastise myself for being overly dramatic.
So that was my Thanksgiving. Want me to come over to your house to help you get in the holiday spirit too?
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
It's Coming...and So Are We
The holidays are upon us. I have refused to listen to Christmas music until after Thanksgiving (even though it eliminates one of my favorite radio stations) and our "Fall" wreath (as opposed to the Christmas one) is still up. As another blogger wrote, "November?!?!?! If you are like me, you are experiencing a slight state of panic (right on cue at this time every year) because Thanksgiving is 2 weeks away and Christmas is about 6 weeks away...yikes." [Taken from Ginger Watkins @ "All These Things"]
Obviously she updates her blog more often that I do, but that is the general feeling around here. I always freak out around this time, dreaming of Christmas lists, Christmas cards and budgets. (Except for last night when I dreamed someone told me I looked like I had gained 30 pounds. How mean! I think I have some guilt from not working out very regularly...) I digress.
For some reason, I am feeling strangely calm this year. Maybe it's because December isn't actually here yet, or maybe it's because I am starting to let go of some of the things I can't control. If I have learned anything this year, it's that as much as I try, I can't control life. I know Mike has been integral in this realization... he is one of the most relaxed people I know. And so, while I listen to the dryer run and recognize that no one is packed even though we are leaving for a 10 hours drive today, I am not freaking out. We will get to Birmingham....even if it is late.
So. I didn't pass the bar. And it's ok. I have worked through it and while I am not going to go into all the details on this blog, I think it may actually be for the best. I'm not going to take it again in for awhile - it exhausts me to think about it. At some point I think I have to recognize that there may be other options for me than the traditional practice of law. And not my original response to finding out I didn't pass. With no tears in my eyes (I think I was in shock) I looked straight at my husband and said, "That's fine Mike. We are just going to have lots of babies." (Made no sense at all, but he let it slide.) Thankfully, the attorney that I am working for is amazing and didn't fire me. He has been so wonderful as a boss and a teacher. I'm not sure that I have ever had someone truly care that I understood what I was doing, and that makes a big difference!
Ok...I am not sure were this post is going, and I think it is probably more therapeutic for me than exciting for you. I think my point was, I am excited about the holidays. I truly cannot wait to get in the car, spend some forced quality time with Mike and see my family. My Grandmother is in town, and there is nothing I could more thankful for right now than her health.
I am looking forward to Christmas and ALL the DIY presents I have planned. (Ha! Do you want me to cross you off the list?) We'll see how that goes. I will have to write another post about how I already received my Christmas present...a new phone! (It didn't got as smoothly as it may sound, but I am quite happy with the Droid Charge!) Also, we sold our condo in St. Louis! 14 months on the market, but we hope to close December 7. Merry Christmas! I will leave you with some recent pictures and plan to update more frequently - I promise!
Below: Mike's mom came to visit on her way to CA to celebrate her 21st birthday. She is not holding a baby - that is a bear that sings "Happy Birthday." All. The. Time.
This was Mike and my's first attempt at carving pumpkins together. It also looks like a scene out of "Dexter."
The finished product. PS - pumpkins rot a lot more quickly than I ever knew!
Happy Holidays!
(This picture is from June 2010. We don't get out much.)
Obviously she updates her blog more often that I do, but that is the general feeling around here. I always freak out around this time, dreaming of Christmas lists, Christmas cards and budgets. (Except for last night when I dreamed someone told me I looked like I had gained 30 pounds. How mean! I think I have some guilt from not working out very regularly...) I digress.
For some reason, I am feeling strangely calm this year. Maybe it's because December isn't actually here yet, or maybe it's because I am starting to let go of some of the things I can't control. If I have learned anything this year, it's that as much as I try, I can't control life. I know Mike has been integral in this realization... he is one of the most relaxed people I know. And so, while I listen to the dryer run and recognize that no one is packed even though we are leaving for a 10 hours drive today, I am not freaking out. We will get to Birmingham....even if it is late.
So. I didn't pass the bar. And it's ok. I have worked through it and while I am not going to go into all the details on this blog, I think it may actually be for the best. I'm not going to take it again in for awhile - it exhausts me to think about it. At some point I think I have to recognize that there may be other options for me than the traditional practice of law. And not my original response to finding out I didn't pass. With no tears in my eyes (I think I was in shock) I looked straight at my husband and said, "That's fine Mike. We are just going to have lots of babies." (Made no sense at all, but he let it slide.) Thankfully, the attorney that I am working for is amazing and didn't fire me. He has been so wonderful as a boss and a teacher. I'm not sure that I have ever had someone truly care that I understood what I was doing, and that makes a big difference!
Ok...I am not sure were this post is going, and I think it is probably more therapeutic for me than exciting for you. I think my point was, I am excited about the holidays. I truly cannot wait to get in the car, spend some forced quality time with Mike and see my family. My Grandmother is in town, and there is nothing I could more thankful for right now than her health.
I am looking forward to Christmas and ALL the DIY presents I have planned. (Ha! Do you want me to cross you off the list?) We'll see how that goes. I will have to write another post about how I already received my Christmas present...a new phone! (It didn't got as smoothly as it may sound, but I am quite happy with the Droid Charge!) Also, we sold our condo in St. Louis! 14 months on the market, but we hope to close December 7. Merry Christmas! I will leave you with some recent pictures and plan to update more frequently - I promise!
Below: Mike's mom came to visit on her way to CA to celebrate her 21st birthday. She is not holding a baby - that is a bear that sings "Happy Birthday." All. The. Time.
This was Mike and my's first attempt at carving pumpkins together. It also looks like a scene out of "Dexter."
The finished product. PS - pumpkins rot a lot more quickly than I ever knew!
Happy Holidays!
(This picture is from June 2010. We don't get out much.)
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Loose Ends
Well, one of my three faithful readers emailed the other day and asked, "Are you ever going to post again?" So in the interest of pleasing my followers, I decided to write and catch y'all up on what has been going on. Here's the thing - somehow or other over the last few weeks, life went into fast forward. Thank goodness! I don't think I have been this productive in three years! To get the ball rolling, here is the Cherbonneau take on Halloween decorations:
The only DIY thing I accomplished was drawing the "C" on the pumpkin....that's ok - I was thrifty!
Besides that, I have been doing a LOT of networking with different attorneys, or people who work with attorneys. Fortunately, I just got offered a job clerking three times a week for a solo practitioner who does estate planning. I am really excited about it - I have my first client on Wednesday! In addition I have been working here:
http://www.crystalsonfire.com/
I have to tell you - when I started working, I didn't understand why people would pay money for these excessively adorned phone cases, shoes or jewerly. Now that I have been in Dallas awhile, I feel plain and homely without enough "bling" on my 2 year old cell phone cover. Lastly, I have been doing data entry and filing for a gentleman as he tries to get his office organized. I am having fun and feel like there might actually be an ending to the life in limbo where Mike and I have been living. I keep thinking one day I can tell our kids, "When Daddy was in school, Mommy was working three jobs just so there would be food on the table. She walked uphill (both ways) to work (in the snow) barefoot." Maybe an exaggeration because there are no hills in Texas, but it makes me feel better.
Mike finished his comprehensive exams a few weeks ago and is waiting on his results. I get my bar results back this Friday - I can't believe the day is finally here. I get anxious every time I think about it. Hopefully we will get our results together and they will be both be positive!
Mike's mom was just here visiting for a few days on her way back from a girls trip. We had a lot of fun catching up, eating great food and just laughing. I am looking forward to the holidays when we take on the southeast in our quest to visit everyone!
Happy Halloween!
The only DIY thing I accomplished was drawing the "C" on the pumpkin....that's ok - I was thrifty!
Besides that, I have been doing a LOT of networking with different attorneys, or people who work with attorneys. Fortunately, I just got offered a job clerking three times a week for a solo practitioner who does estate planning. I am really excited about it - I have my first client on Wednesday! In addition I have been working here:
http://www.crystalsonfire.com/
I have to tell you - when I started working, I didn't understand why people would pay money for these excessively adorned phone cases, shoes or jewerly. Now that I have been in Dallas awhile, I feel plain and homely without enough "bling" on my 2 year old cell phone cover. Lastly, I have been doing data entry and filing for a gentleman as he tries to get his office organized. I am having fun and feel like there might actually be an ending to the life in limbo where Mike and I have been living. I keep thinking one day I can tell our kids, "When Daddy was in school, Mommy was working three jobs just so there would be food on the table. She walked uphill (both ways) to work (in the snow) barefoot." Maybe an exaggeration because there are no hills in Texas, but it makes me feel better.
Mike finished his comprehensive exams a few weeks ago and is waiting on his results. I get my bar results back this Friday - I can't believe the day is finally here. I get anxious every time I think about it. Hopefully we will get our results together and they will be both be positive!
Mike's mom was just here visiting for a few days on her way back from a girls trip. We had a lot of fun catching up, eating great food and just laughing. I am looking forward to the holidays when we take on the southeast in our quest to visit everyone!
Happy Halloween!
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Grandma - Part II
Well, whatever you have been doing is working! Grandma is awake and seemingly much better. They doctors did drain the blood from her head yesterday, which seems to have helped. She is now walking around with aides and answering cognitive questions in better form than my uncle has seen in months. Apparently when the doctor asked her which comes first, peeling or eating a banana, she replied, "Well, it sure would be difficult to eat if you didn't peel it, wouldn't it?!"
My parents are still going up to Virginia on Thursday, but I feel much better hearing some positive reports. She will be going to rehab because there seems to be some damage to her physically, but then she is scheduled to go home! Very exciting!
Oooh - I also got a little part time job that y'all are going to love. It is not law related, but it is just in time for Christmas. Stay tuned!
My parents are still going up to Virginia on Thursday, but I feel much better hearing some positive reports. She will be going to rehab because there seems to be some damage to her physically, but then she is scheduled to go home! Very exciting!
Oooh - I also got a little part time job that y'all are going to love. It is not law related, but it is just in time for Christmas. Stay tuned!
Monday, October 3, 2011
Grandma
My Grandma is not doing well. Yesterday she was admitted to the hospital with a subdural hematoma (bleeding in the brain.) I did not know what that was and looked it up on the computer - this was a horrible idea because everything is so negative. My parents told me to get off the computer. ANYWAY, my aunt found Grandma in the tub without any water in it, adding another concern as she has apparently been more confused than normal for the past few days. Thank goodness she is living with them. Last night we knew nothing, which was hard. We didn't know if she was still bleeding or what sort of damage she may have incurred..
We still don't know much. This morning, the doctors drained the blood and are keeping her until Wednesday. She is in and out of consciousness and confused. Right now she is unable to lift her left arm, but she will be going to rehab Wednesday to work on that and whatever other issues may come up. My parents are going to Virginia Thursday morning and hopefully we will have more information then. In the meantime, please just think positive thoughts, or do what you do, in hopes that she will get better. She is 80, but as my mother in law said, "That is young!" She is a fighter, so hopefully things will be ok. Thank you.
We still don't know much. This morning, the doctors drained the blood and are keeping her until Wednesday. She is in and out of consciousness and confused. Right now she is unable to lift her left arm, but she will be going to rehab Wednesday to work on that and whatever other issues may come up. My parents are going to Virginia Thursday morning and hopefully we will have more information then. In the meantime, please just think positive thoughts, or do what you do, in hopes that she will get better. She is 80, but as my mother in law said, "That is young!" She is a fighter, so hopefully things will be ok. Thank you.
More Antics from Lullabelle
It all started last week when I took Lullabelle to the vet. She has been biting a lot (specifically not allowed in our home) and I started wondering if it had anything to do with the tooth we dealt with a month ago. I was able to look in her mouth (pry her jaw open) and saw that she had a bump on her gums. I was sure it was an infection because Mike and I didn't exactly give her the antibiotics. She didn't like them! When I took my child in, a different doctor than the one we had last time came in the room. I immediately said without thinking, "You're not the doctor." He looked at me and said, "I've been here for 10 years. What's the problem." Not so much with the bedside manner. I explained the issue and he started to examine my cat.
The vet finally looked up at me and said, "There's nothing wrong with her." "Oh - there is," I argued! "She has a bump on her gum!" He proceeded to explain that these "bumps" are folds of skin and most cats have them. Oh, and if I had looked more closely, she has one on the other side too. Oops. Thankfully the doctor decided not to charge me for this piece of information. I walked out of the office and called my mother, knowing she would think this was hilarious. After she gave me an obligatory pep talk about how I am an avid pet owner, she said, "Don't worry - you are just a concerned mother." I agreed and she said, "No. Really. I was one too. When you have kids they put a note in your chart that says the mother gets worked up about things that aren't really a problem." Great.
She went on to say, "But then, sometimes I didn't even know anything was wrong with you. Julia could go an entire week with an ear infection. How do you know?" Super. So glad we all ended up so normal. I got home and told Mike about my excursion. After saying, "That's embarrassing," he told me that we needed to be more serious about taking care of Lullabelle. "We have to give her medicine even if she doesn't like it. Our (unborn) kids aren't going to like everything we do!" (This coming from a man who takes spiders outside so that he doesn't hurt them.)
So, in the spirit of being more strict, Lullabelle is on a diet. She was supposed to lose 2 pounds the last time I was there and she lost 3 ounces. Not very good progress. So we are going to start being more serious about this issue....unless she starts crying because she is hungry.
The vet finally looked up at me and said, "There's nothing wrong with her." "Oh - there is," I argued! "She has a bump on her gum!" He proceeded to explain that these "bumps" are folds of skin and most cats have them. Oh, and if I had looked more closely, she has one on the other side too. Oops. Thankfully the doctor decided not to charge me for this piece of information. I walked out of the office and called my mother, knowing she would think this was hilarious. After she gave me an obligatory pep talk about how I am an avid pet owner, she said, "Don't worry - you are just a concerned mother." I agreed and she said, "No. Really. I was one too. When you have kids they put a note in your chart that says the mother gets worked up about things that aren't really a problem." Great.
She went on to say, "But then, sometimes I didn't even know anything was wrong with you. Julia could go an entire week with an ear infection. How do you know?" Super. So glad we all ended up so normal. I got home and told Mike about my excursion. After saying, "That's embarrassing," he told me that we needed to be more serious about taking care of Lullabelle. "We have to give her medicine even if she doesn't like it. Our (unborn) kids aren't going to like everything we do!" (This coming from a man who takes spiders outside so that he doesn't hurt them.)
So, in the spirit of being more strict, Lullabelle is on a diet. She was supposed to lose 2 pounds the last time I was there and she lost 3 ounces. Not very good progress. So we are going to start being more serious about this issue....unless she starts crying because she is hungry.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
I am Jello
I haven't had a clue what to write about for the past week. I feel like y'all are probably getting tired of the daily grind around here (I am) and I wanted to write something dazzling and inspiring. While I am not sure that this post will meet that criteria, I will tell you its idea came to me as I was pulling a jar of pickles out of the refrigerator. No, I am not going to write to you about pickles - although I do love them. I am going to write about how my pickles were plain. They had no funny eyes made out of olives, or toothpick arms. The point is, they were not creative.
Do you remember in "My Best Friend's Wedding" when Julia Roberts says to Cameron Diaz, "You are NOT Jello. You are ne-ver gon-na be Jello." As far as the creative world is concerned, I am never going to be Creme Brule. I am Jello.
I have known for quite awhile now that I am not artsy, creative or really a DIY-er. Then I joined Pinterest. I was floored by how little I actually know how to do and how CUTE everyone seems to be. Did YOU know you can make a wreath from a few feet of tubing from Lowe's, a glue gun and Christmas ornaments? I actually vowed not to join this new site when it first came out. Why do I need more reasons to procrastinate/stare at a computer screen? But I broke down. Several of my friends at home were talking about how great it was....and I caved. So for the last few days, I have been perusing ideas for a new kitchen, recipes, DIY holiday ideas and clothes. I actually described to Mike the kitchen I wanted and what walls I would tear out/colors I could use to create the perfect space. I could be Creme Brule! And yet, Mike reminded me we are renting....and not buying a house anytime soon. Back to Jello.
So, for me, the best thing about this site is the recipes. Did you know that everyone in America has a blog now? I guess I wanted to believe that I was one of the elite few. I'm not. You like to cook? You have a cooking blog. Do you sew? Log into that clothing blog. Anyway, I have found some of the best recipes on this site, and that is one thing I KNOW I can do. Y'all may not get a made from scratch, cutesy holiday ornament from me this year (ok - none of you will) but I can buy ingredients and put them together! And in the future, I will have some ideas for the house I want, the children's birthday parties I will throw and the cute wreath that I will just go buy at Target.
Now that the jar of pickles are gone, I hope you are dazzled and inspired by this post. And if you are Jello, don't worry - we too have our special, hidden talents! For proof, go join Pinterest. You just might just find them.
*This is not a paid advertisement for Pininterest, but we are accepting donations.*
Do you remember in "My Best Friend's Wedding" when Julia Roberts says to Cameron Diaz, "You are NOT Jello. You are ne-ver gon-na be Jello." As far as the creative world is concerned, I am never going to be Creme Brule. I am Jello.
I have known for quite awhile now that I am not artsy, creative or really a DIY-er. Then I joined Pinterest. I was floored by how little I actually know how to do and how CUTE everyone seems to be. Did YOU know you can make a wreath from a few feet of tubing from Lowe's, a glue gun and Christmas ornaments? I actually vowed not to join this new site when it first came out. Why do I need more reasons to procrastinate/stare at a computer screen? But I broke down. Several of my friends at home were talking about how great it was....and I caved. So for the last few days, I have been perusing ideas for a new kitchen, recipes, DIY holiday ideas and clothes. I actually described to Mike the kitchen I wanted and what walls I would tear out/colors I could use to create the perfect space. I could be Creme Brule! And yet, Mike reminded me we are renting....and not buying a house anytime soon. Back to Jello.
So, for me, the best thing about this site is the recipes. Did you know that everyone in America has a blog now? I guess I wanted to believe that I was one of the elite few. I'm not. You like to cook? You have a cooking blog. Do you sew? Log into that clothing blog. Anyway, I have found some of the best recipes on this site, and that is one thing I KNOW I can do. Y'all may not get a made from scratch, cutesy holiday ornament from me this year (ok - none of you will) but I can buy ingredients and put them together! And in the future, I will have some ideas for the house I want, the children's birthday parties I will throw and the cute wreath that I will just go buy at Target.
Now that the jar of pickles are gone, I hope you are dazzled and inspired by this post. And if you are Jello, don't worry - we too have our special, hidden talents! For proof, go join Pinterest. You just might just find them.
*This is not a paid advertisement for Pininterest, but we are accepting donations.*
Monday, September 12, 2011
A Little Piece of Heaven
If you look closely off Highway 97, you might notice a dirt driveway covered on either side with beautiful old trees. If you venture in, you will be transported to a little spot where Wi-Fi doesn't work, your cell phone doesn't get service and nothing is around besides Mom and Pop stores, the water and clear skies. You can see the stars at night, and you don't have to worry about locking the door when you leave because no one is really around.
Usually there is a sailboat tied to the dock, but it was being cleaned for the summer. My parents have used the water and sailboats for years to get away from the stress of everyday life and rejuvenate. I am so thankful that they included their children in the majority of their trips, and now, that they have a place that they can escape to whenever they want.
Even though Mike and I arrived at the same time Tropical Storm Lee did, we were still able to enjoy the solitude and quaintness of the area.
Don't you just love this bench? I sat on it and have no idea how much time went by. The breeze and the ocean just take you away. (By the way, pretty much everything in these pictures was built/planted by my parents.) Sometimes I think if they were stranded somewhere and no one could find them, it would be just fine with them. :-)
Here are some pears that my parents grew this season:
And here is mom doing a little weeding before the rain came back....
I have been wanting to try this cheese store that my dad always raves about. I don't know what I was expecting, but he told me he thought my expectations were a little high. He tried to explain that some "hippies" made cheese from the cows they keep on their land. And he was right.
We walked into a room not much bigger than the room you are probably sitting in now. The cheese was displayed in front of us and you can taste whatever type you like. I think Dad was getting embarrassed because I made sure to get my fill of samples! The cheese was delicious - I thanked the cows on our way out.
That evening we put the boys to work just so we could have a taste of this:
I love oysters. Baked, fried or raw, I do not discriminate. The crazy thing was, with the storm, many of the oyster boats were not going out. After calling at least four different places, we were able to reserve two boxes of oysters that Dad and Mike shucked with great tenacity.
Don't they look thrilled? I think they were tired from all their hard work. Seriously, nothing beats fresh seafood.
And here is just a cameo of mom and me - were enjoying some wine with our oysters. (No, I am not expecting. That is just a really bad angle...)
So what did we do over the weekend? We woke up, ate breakfast, traveled to one of the stores or watched football, took a nap and then just hung out until dinner. It wasn't a lot of late nights, but it was exactly what we needed. Yes, if the sun had been out, the pictures would probably have included tubing and laying out, but this was just perfect. We can't wait for the next time we get to escape to my parent's little oasis!
Thanks Mom and Dad - we had a great time!
Usually there is a sailboat tied to the dock, but it was being cleaned for the summer. My parents have used the water and sailboats for years to get away from the stress of everyday life and rejuvenate. I am so thankful that they included their children in the majority of their trips, and now, that they have a place that they can escape to whenever they want.
Even though Mike and I arrived at the same time Tropical Storm Lee did, we were still able to enjoy the solitude and quaintness of the area.
Don't you just love this bench? I sat on it and have no idea how much time went by. The breeze and the ocean just take you away. (By the way, pretty much everything in these pictures was built/planted by my parents.) Sometimes I think if they were stranded somewhere and no one could find them, it would be just fine with them. :-)
Here are some pears that my parents grew this season:
I have been wanting to try this cheese store that my dad always raves about. I don't know what I was expecting, but he told me he thought my expectations were a little high. He tried to explain that some "hippies" made cheese from the cows they keep on their land. And he was right.
We walked into a room not much bigger than the room you are probably sitting in now. The cheese was displayed in front of us and you can taste whatever type you like. I think Dad was getting embarrassed because I made sure to get my fill of samples! The cheese was delicious - I thanked the cows on our way out.
That evening we put the boys to work just so we could have a taste of this:
I love oysters. Baked, fried or raw, I do not discriminate. The crazy thing was, with the storm, many of the oyster boats were not going out. After calling at least four different places, we were able to reserve two boxes of oysters that Dad and Mike shucked with great tenacity.
Don't they look thrilled? I think they were tired from all their hard work. Seriously, nothing beats fresh seafood.
And here is just a cameo of mom and me - were enjoying some wine with our oysters. (No, I am not expecting. That is just a really bad angle...)
So what did we do over the weekend? We woke up, ate breakfast, traveled to one of the stores or watched football, took a nap and then just hung out until dinner. It wasn't a lot of late nights, but it was exactly what we needed. Yes, if the sun had been out, the pictures would probably have included tubing and laying out, but this was just perfect. We can't wait for the next time we get to escape to my parent's little oasis!
Thanks Mom and Dad - we had a great time!
Babies!
It's been awhile huh? I didn't realize when I booked my plane tickets that I would be gone for a full two weeks. Even though I had a great time visiting with friends and family, I was ready to get on the plane, see Mike and Lullabelle and get back into the swing of things. One of the best things about this trip is that it wasn't rushed. Usually when we are home for the holidays, we feel like we are cramming as many events and attempting to see as many people as possible. This trip, I was able to take my time and see almost everyone I could. (I miss you Rach and Anna Barton!)
I had a wonderful lunch with a friend and her sweet baby girl one afternoon. We had not spoken in almost ten years - not for anything important, life just drifted us apart. It was so nice to be able to pick up where we left off and sit for two hours chatting and laughing. I missed you Ellen! I wish I had a picture of her gorgeous baby,Vivi. But never fear, I think I have enough pictures of babies to make you smile for awhile.
One Thursday evening, five women thought it would be a good idea to bring four babies together into one room. My very best friend of 29 (yikes!) years was in town from New York and I had never met her eight month old baby! I still can't believe I went that long without seeing him. You can believe I soaked up all the time I could with him. I think his Grandmother was getting jealous....
He looks a little concerned about Crazy Aunt Jenny here:
How could you not want want to squeeze him?
And now, introducing for the first time on the blog, (in random order because they are all beyond cute.)
Harper Miller:
Kate Maple:
And Riley Cook:
And here's what happens when you mix them all together!
Kate was over it. I think we were having a stare down...she won.
And Harper was avoiding the paparazzi at all costs. Don't you love that smirk?
It was chaos, but so much fun. It is amazing to me how much these little people have already developed such big personalities!
Did you think I was done? I went to lunch with another friend from high school who has 2 year old identical twin boys. Randomly, we reconnected through someone else's blog! We hung out at Whole Foods while her boys played.
They are precious things, John David and Timothy, and their mom Catie, is not so bad herself.
I planned to write about Mike and my's trip to the beach with my parents, but this is getting long by itself. I will make you wait for another post about our trip to Elberta, Alabama!
I had a wonderful lunch with a friend and her sweet baby girl one afternoon. We had not spoken in almost ten years - not for anything important, life just drifted us apart. It was so nice to be able to pick up where we left off and sit for two hours chatting and laughing. I missed you Ellen! I wish I had a picture of her gorgeous baby,Vivi. But never fear, I think I have enough pictures of babies to make you smile for awhile.
One Thursday evening, five women thought it would be a good idea to bring four babies together into one room. My very best friend of 29 (yikes!) years was in town from New York and I had never met her eight month old baby! I still can't believe I went that long without seeing him. You can believe I soaked up all the time I could with him. I think his Grandmother was getting jealous....
How could you not want want to squeeze him?
And now, introducing for the first time on the blog, (in random order because they are all beyond cute.)
Harper Miller:
Kate Maple:
And Riley Cook:
And here's what happens when you mix them all together!
Kate was over it. I think we were having a stare down...she won.
And Harper was avoiding the paparazzi at all costs. Don't you love that smirk?
It was chaos, but so much fun. It is amazing to me how much these little people have already developed such big personalities!
Did you think I was done? I went to lunch with another friend from high school who has 2 year old identical twin boys. Randomly, we reconnected through someone else's blog! We hung out at Whole Foods while her boys played.
They are precious things, John David and Timothy, and their mom Catie, is not so bad herself.
I planned to write about Mike and my's trip to the beach with my parents, but this is getting long by itself. I will make you wait for another post about our trip to Elberta, Alabama!
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Lullabelle Scare
Last week, after much pushing and prodding by Mike, I finally took Lullabelle to the vet . Ok, she has never been in her entire six years of life. Before you judge me, let me explain. She lives inside and is only with Mike and me. I just never thought that she needed to go. (Are you still not convinced? Do you still think that I am a bad mother?) After a little nudging and a lot of guilt, I took my sweet cat to a vet I found online. It ended up being a nice place, which is something I was worried about. They took her mug shot and then brought her into another room to take her blood. If you remember, this cat is skittish. She was in the pound for a year before I got her and has had many traumatic experiences since then. I actually heard her scream when they took her blood, and I felt sick to my stomach. I truly can't imagine taking my human child to the doctor or having them be sick - I was a wreck during the entire process.
When the doctor came into the room he told me that her blood work was fine, but she had a cracked tooth. He showed me where her tooth had split in half (most likely for stale treats that either Mike or I gave her) and was completely infected. The vet told me that she needed to go into surgery ASAP to get this taken care of so we wouldn't have to pay for a tooth extraction down the line. Then he said I could go home and he would see me in the morning. How can you leave this face??
I left after saying multiple goodbyes. I asked the secretary if they would please contact me when she got out of surgery. She said I was welcome to call at 4 pm. (Apparently they have more important things to do than make personal calls for each patient.) I was on the phone at 3:30. Luckily Lullabelle did great but was still a little groggy when they went to check on her. I asked if maybe I could just come pick her up then, but the nurse said that was out of the question. When the doors opened the next morning, I was standing on the steps waiting to pick up my sweet cat.
There was a new front desk lady who did not make me feel very comfortable. When I asked how Lullabelle had done overnight she replied, "I don't know. I wasn't here." Hmmm. I paid my money and she went into the back to get my precious cargo. When we got home, Lullabelle just kind of laid around and randomly walked into things. Mike thought this was hilarious. I was on the phone with the vet making sure everything was ok. I think the anesthesia has finally worn off. We have antibiotics that she is supposed to be taking but she has fought us every step of the way. Mike tried to put them in her water, but then she stopped drinking. She's a smart one, that cat.
This is her recovering the next day - still a little stoned I think.
So, that was our excitement for the week. We really are starting to be a little domesticated, suburban family - I love it!
*New post below.*
When the doctor came into the room he told me that her blood work was fine, but she had a cracked tooth. He showed me where her tooth had split in half (most likely for stale treats that either Mike or I gave her) and was completely infected. The vet told me that she needed to go into surgery ASAP to get this taken care of so we wouldn't have to pay for a tooth extraction down the line. Then he said I could go home and he would see me in the morning. How can you leave this face??
I left after saying multiple goodbyes. I asked the secretary if they would please contact me when she got out of surgery. She said I was welcome to call at 4 pm. (Apparently they have more important things to do than make personal calls for each patient.) I was on the phone at 3:30. Luckily Lullabelle did great but was still a little groggy when they went to check on her. I asked if maybe I could just come pick her up then, but the nurse said that was out of the question. When the doors opened the next morning, I was standing on the steps waiting to pick up my sweet cat.
There was a new front desk lady who did not make me feel very comfortable. When I asked how Lullabelle had done overnight she replied, "I don't know. I wasn't here." Hmmm. I paid my money and she went into the back to get my precious cargo. When we got home, Lullabelle just kind of laid around and randomly walked into things. Mike thought this was hilarious. I was on the phone with the vet making sure everything was ok. I think the anesthesia has finally worn off. We have antibiotics that she is supposed to be taking but she has fought us every step of the way. Mike tried to put them in her water, but then she stopped drinking. She's a smart one, that cat.
This is her recovering the next day - still a little stoned I think.
So, that was our excitement for the week. We really are starting to be a little domesticated, suburban family - I love it!
*New post below.*
Scuba Certified! Check!
I think I mentioned in a blog awhile back that I was planning to take scuba classes. I started last Tuesday night and finished up today. It really is one of the coolest things I have ever done. We started out in a pool where our instructor taught us how to assemble the gear, put the gear on and eventually get in the pool. If you are considering taking classes, also consider booking a massage for the week after. I am so sore. The tank/equipment, etc is approximately 60-70 pounds and you are hauling it around on your back. Although it is weightless in the water, I have been on the couch every time a session finished. The process is exhausting - swimming, breathing and carrying that load.
Once we completed our pool skills, they took us out to the lake. Since there is no ocean within 6 hours of us, they certify people this way. I wish I could say that I saw a lot of amazing things, but that was not the case. The visibility was only about 5 feet in front of us, but it was amazing to that we were able to stay under water for so long without worrying about taking a breath or running out of air. The instructor makes you do all these things in the lake just in case they were to ever happen in the "real world." Examples: losing your mask, losing your breathing tube or learning how to use a compass underwater (tricky).
Using the compass was hilarious. They made us practice on land so that if someone veered off course, they would be able to grab us without losing us in the lake. The instructor made us all put towels over our heads and wander around until we got to our appointed destination. I kind of think he did it just to laugh at us. My towel kept getting in the way - things were not going well. Luckily things smoothed out under water and I was able to pass that portion.
One of the things that I found interesting is that I was not claustrophobic at all. I was concerned that I was going to get very anxious and not want to stay under water. But again, you get so caught up in what you are doing and seeing that you forget you are underwater doing something that humans are not made to do. I am so excited to go diving in Florida and have already informed my father that I have several trips planned for us. My father informed me that I have a propensity for spending other people's money and we will discuss future dives after I get a job. In the meantime, I can keep diving at the lake! Hope everyone had a great weekend!
Once we completed our pool skills, they took us out to the lake. Since there is no ocean within 6 hours of us, they certify people this way. I wish I could say that I saw a lot of amazing things, but that was not the case. The visibility was only about 5 feet in front of us, but it was amazing to that we were able to stay under water for so long without worrying about taking a breath or running out of air. The instructor makes you do all these things in the lake just in case they were to ever happen in the "real world." Examples: losing your mask, losing your breathing tube or learning how to use a compass underwater (tricky).
Using the compass was hilarious. They made us practice on land so that if someone veered off course, they would be able to grab us without losing us in the lake. The instructor made us all put towels over our heads and wander around until we got to our appointed destination. I kind of think he did it just to laugh at us. My towel kept getting in the way - things were not going well. Luckily things smoothed out under water and I was able to pass that portion.
One of the things that I found interesting is that I was not claustrophobic at all. I was concerned that I was going to get very anxious and not want to stay under water. But again, you get so caught up in what you are doing and seeing that you forget you are underwater doing something that humans are not made to do. I am so excited to go diving in Florida and have already informed my father that I have several trips planned for us. My father informed me that I have a propensity for spending other people's money and we will discuss future dives after I get a job. In the meantime, I can keep diving at the lake! Hope everyone had a great weekend!
Friday, August 19, 2011
49 Days and Counting
Today is the 49th day this year that the temperature has been over 100 degree. And I'm not talking about grazing the boundary around 101. I mean it is a consistent 107-108 degrees every day. Just imagine getting in your car (which you know is going to show a higher temperature) and seeing 120. I really can't believe it. Now, I will see say, I know that AL, LA, and MS are all very hot, plus they have the added bonus of humidity. The difference is this dry heat where you feel like you are actually burning as soon as you walk outside.
I will not be writing a entire post on the weather today, but just wanted to show you why I finally caved and joined a gym. After Mike locked me out, and the temperatures were still above 100 at 9:00 at night, I decided there really was no point in trying to run outside unless I had some sort of death wish. (I don't.) I have always had some aversion to joining a gym. A) There is something so freeing about walking out your front door and going for a run. B) I don't know what any of those machines at the gym do. When the guy was signing me up, he asked me exactly what I was going to be focusing on. "Just a treadmill please, that's all I need." I have since found the ab machines, which I *think* I am doing correctly. I have tried a few other machines, but I am pretty sure I am working out my legs when I should be working on my arms, abs, etc on that particular machine.
This gym is HUGE. I accidentally walked into the "candlelight yoga" class yesterday when I was trying to find the Zumba class. That was embarrassing. The best thing about this gym is that they have come up with the idea of a movie theater with treadmills in it instead of seats. Brilliant. You no longer have to switch channels when the commercials come on and you run in the dark. I LOVE the idea, but am terrified of flying off the machine (this has happened before) and disturbing everyone else's run. The other glitch they are still working on is the actual movies. You are able to check the movie schedule on the internet before you go - this is key for me. I don't want to watch G.I. Joe (which Mike and I did rent the other night) while I am running. On this particular day, The Dilemma was playing. I was excited - a girly movie that wouldn't take much thought. When I walked into the theater, I saw - The Terminator. I stuck it out for an hour, but it was pretty horrible.
If you are still reading this, I realize it was pretty boring. Sorry - however, I can't move very much today after two consecutive days at the gym (getting my money's worth!) and am getting a little bored. Enjoy the rest of your Friday!
I will not be writing a entire post on the weather today, but just wanted to show you why I finally caved and joined a gym. After Mike locked me out, and the temperatures were still above 100 at 9:00 at night, I decided there really was no point in trying to run outside unless I had some sort of death wish. (I don't.) I have always had some aversion to joining a gym. A) There is something so freeing about walking out your front door and going for a run. B) I don't know what any of those machines at the gym do. When the guy was signing me up, he asked me exactly what I was going to be focusing on. "Just a treadmill please, that's all I need." I have since found the ab machines, which I *think* I am doing correctly. I have tried a few other machines, but I am pretty sure I am working out my legs when I should be working on my arms, abs, etc on that particular machine.
This gym is HUGE. I accidentally walked into the "candlelight yoga" class yesterday when I was trying to find the Zumba class. That was embarrassing. The best thing about this gym is that they have come up with the idea of a movie theater with treadmills in it instead of seats. Brilliant. You no longer have to switch channels when the commercials come on and you run in the dark. I LOVE the idea, but am terrified of flying off the machine (this has happened before) and disturbing everyone else's run. The other glitch they are still working on is the actual movies. You are able to check the movie schedule on the internet before you go - this is key for me. I don't want to watch G.I. Joe (which Mike and I did rent the other night) while I am running. On this particular day, The Dilemma was playing. I was excited - a girly movie that wouldn't take much thought. When I walked into the theater, I saw - The Terminator. I stuck it out for an hour, but it was pretty horrible.
If you are still reading this, I realize it was pretty boring. Sorry - however, I can't move very much today after two consecutive days at the gym (getting my money's worth!) and am getting a little bored. Enjoy the rest of your Friday!
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Goodbye Silver Bullet
Today was a somber day. I watched my Pathfinder drive away with another owner. And I actually cried. I had sunglasses on, but my voice cracked when I was trying to be professional and say thank you. I have got to work on the "business" side of me before I get set up in this whole law business.
If you are interested in selling a car, I now know everything you need to know. Prior to today, I had no idea what I was doing. First of all, the guy that I sold the car to was anxious to get it as quickly as possible. He asked me to bring the title when he actually looked at the car for the first time. Umm....where is that pesky piece of paper? Of course, I blamed my mother for giving me something of such great importance at the young age of 20. I don't think it was a very good argument. So, I had to explain to the guy that we could do a Bill of Sale and I would next day air the title. I don't know what I was thinking. Have you ever heard of a DMV that does next day air specifically for you? Me neither.
So, we met at the Fed Ex office while I mailed my request for a title (that will be returned in 2 weeks.) We made copies of the Bill of Sale (this was his idea) and copies of our driver's licenses (also his idea.) Both were great ones, I must say. Then I gave him the keys. Did I say keys? I meant the one key that I still have to the car. I wish y'all could have seen his face. "You only have one key?" I said yes and then mumbled some excuse that I don't think he really cared about. (Mike kept conveniently wandering away. I think he was embarrassed too...)
But, it all worked out in the end, and I watched my little SUV drive down the road while I cried. You see, I have been driving that car for eleven years. That is a lot of events that the Silver Bullet had been a part of. She was around when I was in college, when I got my first job, when I met Mike. She has traveled to Mississippi, Virginia, Missouri (she didn't like it there either), Louisiana and Florida (just to name a few.) I have eaten more breakfast bars in there, had more diet cokes and had more passengers in that car than I can even count. And I have impressed more than one person by showing off that she is a "stick."
That car was perfect despite the fact that it had a large crack in the windshield, the clock worked when it wanted to and there are random pieces of plastic that have fallen off and I'm not sure just where they were supposed to go. The Silver Bullet endured at least 8 people crammed into her on a Saturday night in New Orleans, listening to '80s songs while everyone sang/screamed at the top of their lungs. She survived boyfriends and break ups way before Mike was around. The type that led to me driving around with the windows open and some sort of country love song blaring while I dramatically cried, thinking I would never find "love" again. She survived my sister driving her into a large cement pole at the gas station. And she was there when I got married. So today when I said, "Take good care of her! She has never been in an accident!" while sobbing, I didn't really feel that silly.
Here's only hoping the replacement, "The Blueberry" will be as reliable and bring as many memories as the Silver Bullet. She has some big tires to fill.
If you are interested in selling a car, I now know everything you need to know. Prior to today, I had no idea what I was doing. First of all, the guy that I sold the car to was anxious to get it as quickly as possible. He asked me to bring the title when he actually looked at the car for the first time. Umm....where is that pesky piece of paper? Of course, I blamed my mother for giving me something of such great importance at the young age of 20. I don't think it was a very good argument. So, I had to explain to the guy that we could do a Bill of Sale and I would next day air the title. I don't know what I was thinking. Have you ever heard of a DMV that does next day air specifically for you? Me neither.
So, we met at the Fed Ex office while I mailed my request for a title (that will be returned in 2 weeks.) We made copies of the Bill of Sale (this was his idea) and copies of our driver's licenses (also his idea.) Both were great ones, I must say. Then I gave him the keys. Did I say keys? I meant the one key that I still have to the car. I wish y'all could have seen his face. "You only have one key?" I said yes and then mumbled some excuse that I don't think he really cared about. (Mike kept conveniently wandering away. I think he was embarrassed too...)
But, it all worked out in the end, and I watched my little SUV drive down the road while I cried. You see, I have been driving that car for eleven years. That is a lot of events that the Silver Bullet had been a part of. She was around when I was in college, when I got my first job, when I met Mike. She has traveled to Mississippi, Virginia, Missouri (she didn't like it there either), Louisiana and Florida (just to name a few.) I have eaten more breakfast bars in there, had more diet cokes and had more passengers in that car than I can even count. And I have impressed more than one person by showing off that she is a "stick."
That car was perfect despite the fact that it had a large crack in the windshield, the clock worked when it wanted to and there are random pieces of plastic that have fallen off and I'm not sure just where they were supposed to go. The Silver Bullet endured at least 8 people crammed into her on a Saturday night in New Orleans, listening to '80s songs while everyone sang/screamed at the top of their lungs. She survived boyfriends and break ups way before Mike was around. The type that led to me driving around with the windows open and some sort of country love song blaring while I dramatically cried, thinking I would never find "love" again. She survived my sister driving her into a large cement pole at the gas station. And she was there when I got married. So today when I said, "Take good care of her! She has never been in an accident!" while sobbing, I didn't really feel that silly.
Here's only hoping the replacement, "The Blueberry" will be as reliable and bring as many memories as the Silver Bullet. She has some big tires to fill.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
The Big 3-0....Again...
As I have mentioned before, we love birthdays. We do not have children to celebrate birthdays with yet, so we basically act like children when our special day comes around. Last year was kind of a rushed Big 3-0 celebration as we were moving and there honestly just wasn't time for a lot of celebrating. That's ok, it just gave me that much more to celebrate this year!
I mentioned Mike's parents were in town a few weeks ago. Mrs. C took me shopping for my birthday. She always saves me from looking like one of those "fashion dont's." I was able to pick out a few special things and had a wonderful birthday dinner. I have realized this year, I don't really like surprises. I thought I did. I always said that I wanted big surprises, but I think I wanted to plan the surprise and then be surprised so that everything would be just how I wanted it. Does that make sense?
This year, I told Mike to decide what we were going to do for my birthday week/day. But then I kept making suggestions. "Maybe we should go see a movie?" "Maybe we should specifically go see The Help at 5:30 and then go get sushi?" "Maybe we should go to that sushi place we haven't tried?" Mike finally asked me, "I'm sorry - did you want to plan this, or am I?" So, I tried to let go.
It was perfect.Yes, we did end up seeing The Help and eating sushi, but we just had so much fun being out together. I am so thrilled because I got some new sunglasses just in time for us to head to the beach. My old ones are all scratched up and you can't really see out of them. (I promise they still look cool.) I also got this cake:
It makes me smile. No, Mike cannot take credit for the flowers, but the rest of the decorating is his handywork. We didn't have any candles so I blew out a lighter...is that redneck? Yesterday we laid around and watched movies and today, we FINALLY sold my Pathfinder! We have had it on Craig's List for several months and someone contacted me saying they wanted to buy it ASAP. We are "making the swap" on Tuesday at 4:15 in the grocery store parking lot. I feel like I am living on the edge.
I don't remember if I mentioned that I am going to B'ham a few days early so that I can see all my "nieces" and finally meet my "nephew." I will take a picture with all four of these sweeties so you can see why I get so excited to go home. On that note, I showed Mike this picture today:
His response: "Which one is this?" Well, that would be our niece.
It just goes to show you how many babies flash in front of his eyes everyday. Isn't she getting so big and so cute!! I told her momma those eyes are going to be trouble! Sean, you better get your gun!
Anyway, there's the weekend update. Hope everyone's weekend was just as great!
I mentioned Mike's parents were in town a few weeks ago. Mrs. C took me shopping for my birthday. She always saves me from looking like one of those "fashion dont's." I was able to pick out a few special things and had a wonderful birthday dinner. I have realized this year, I don't really like surprises. I thought I did. I always said that I wanted big surprises, but I think I wanted to plan the surprise and then be surprised so that everything would be just how I wanted it. Does that make sense?
This year, I told Mike to decide what we were going to do for my birthday week/day. But then I kept making suggestions. "Maybe we should go see a movie?" "Maybe we should specifically go see The Help at 5:30 and then go get sushi?" "Maybe we should go to that sushi place we haven't tried?" Mike finally asked me, "I'm sorry - did you want to plan this, or am I?" So, I tried to let go.
It was perfect.Yes, we did end up seeing The Help and eating sushi, but we just had so much fun being out together. I am so thrilled because I got some new sunglasses just in time for us to head to the beach. My old ones are all scratched up and you can't really see out of them. (I promise they still look cool.) I also got this cake:
It makes me smile. No, Mike cannot take credit for the flowers, but the rest of the decorating is his handywork. We didn't have any candles so I blew out a lighter...is that redneck? Yesterday we laid around and watched movies and today, we FINALLY sold my Pathfinder! We have had it on Craig's List for several months and someone contacted me saying they wanted to buy it ASAP. We are "making the swap" on Tuesday at 4:15 in the grocery store parking lot. I feel like I am living on the edge.
I don't remember if I mentioned that I am going to B'ham a few days early so that I can see all my "nieces" and finally meet my "nephew." I will take a picture with all four of these sweeties so you can see why I get so excited to go home. On that note, I showed Mike this picture today:
His response: "Which one is this?" Well, that would be our niece.
It just goes to show you how many babies flash in front of his eyes everyday. Isn't she getting so big and so cute!! I told her momma those eyes are going to be trouble! Sean, you better get your gun!
Anyway, there's the weekend update. Hope everyone's weekend was just as great!
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Now What?
*I wrote this several days ago and stopped in the middle of it. The house is no longer eerily clean.**
I am sitting on the couch with a grocery list in my hand, but grocery shopping is not as enticing as it was when I was supposed to be studying. I am already going a little stir crazy. My in laws are gone and Mike has gone back to school to get ready for his big test on October 12. Things are eerily quiet and clean around here.
We had a great time with Mike's parents. They are always lots of fun, and we ended up shopping both days they were here. While Mike's dad played golf, I went with his mother and one of their close friends to "The Mart" and to do a little early birthday shopping. We had some wonderful dinners and it was nice to have someone to just take care of us for a little while. Sometimes being a grown up is exhausting and it is so wonderful when your parents step in!
Today I have searched for jobs, cleaned the kitchen again, watched more episodes of Weeds and created the menu for the rest of the week. I called my parents who are (of course) at the beach this weekend. I was trying to explain how antsy I felt to my father who said, "Oh - I'm not sure I have ever been in that position. Well, when we were in Jamaica and I was just sitting on the beach I did get antsy. That's when I got scuba certified." SO not the same, Dad. I calmly told him that I did not feel we were in the same place and I probably needed to get off the phone.
One good thing coming out of that conversation is that I am getting scuba certified so that I can be my dad's partner. Mom is not at all interested in participating, and neither is Mike. So, we figured they can fish or tan on the boat while Dad and I are diving. Good plan, huh? I signed up for a class and start in a week. Apparently, you learn in a pool and then they take you to the lake where you do your "dives." After I paid for the class, I called my mom and asked her if she thought I give off an appearance of stupidity. I was so annoyed by what the guy selling the class (and all equipment in the store) was trying to hook me into buying. He went on and on about how it was necessary for me to buy $200 goggles so that I don't get blisters around my eyes, and how the rental places for scuba diving never have the correct sizes. When I tried to "argue" my position (just say no) he got very huffy. I wanted to tell him that I do in fact have a college education and am not as dumb as I may appear. Regardless, I am signed up and will let you know how these lessons go. I am a little worried about how my claustrophobia is going to play into all of this, but, I'm sure it will be fine. What's the worst that can happen?
We are going to meet my parents at the beach over Labor Day and I cannot wait. This pale body needs some sun, and this southern girl is missing the beach! It seems as though everyone has had their beach/lake vacation and I am ready for ours! That really is all that is going on here these days....birthday post to come!
I am sitting on the couch with a grocery list in my hand, but grocery shopping is not as enticing as it was when I was supposed to be studying. I am already going a little stir crazy. My in laws are gone and Mike has gone back to school to get ready for his big test on October 12. Things are eerily quiet and clean around here.
We had a great time with Mike's parents. They are always lots of fun, and we ended up shopping both days they were here. While Mike's dad played golf, I went with his mother and one of their close friends to "The Mart" and to do a little early birthday shopping. We had some wonderful dinners and it was nice to have someone to just take care of us for a little while. Sometimes being a grown up is exhausting and it is so wonderful when your parents step in!
Today I have searched for jobs, cleaned the kitchen again, watched more episodes of Weeds and created the menu for the rest of the week. I called my parents who are (of course) at the beach this weekend. I was trying to explain how antsy I felt to my father who said, "Oh - I'm not sure I have ever been in that position. Well, when we were in Jamaica and I was just sitting on the beach I did get antsy. That's when I got scuba certified." SO not the same, Dad. I calmly told him that I did not feel we were in the same place and I probably needed to get off the phone.
One good thing coming out of that conversation is that I am getting scuba certified so that I can be my dad's partner. Mom is not at all interested in participating, and neither is Mike. So, we figured they can fish or tan on the boat while Dad and I are diving. Good plan, huh? I signed up for a class and start in a week. Apparently, you learn in a pool and then they take you to the lake where you do your "dives." After I paid for the class, I called my mom and asked her if she thought I give off an appearance of stupidity. I was so annoyed by what the guy selling the class (and all equipment in the store) was trying to hook me into buying. He went on and on about how it was necessary for me to buy $200 goggles so that I don't get blisters around my eyes, and how the rental places for scuba diving never have the correct sizes. When I tried to "argue" my position (just say no) he got very huffy. I wanted to tell him that I do in fact have a college education and am not as dumb as I may appear. Regardless, I am signed up and will let you know how these lessons go. I am a little worried about how my claustrophobia is going to play into all of this, but, I'm sure it will be fine. What's the worst that can happen?
We are going to meet my parents at the beach over Labor Day and I cannot wait. This pale body needs some sun, and this southern girl is missing the beach! It seems as though everyone has had their beach/lake vacation and I am ready for ours! That really is all that is going on here these days....birthday post to come!
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Happy Birthday Houston!!
I just couldn't let today pass without saying Happy Birthday to this very special boy. He turned three this year!!
This is Mike's sister's first baby - sweet thing. I think this is only a few days after he was born.
He was a big hit during our wedding preparations!
And was very supportive on the big day:
He is always good for a hug, or a little nap when you are tired.
And he is generally just the life of the party!!
We missed his birthday party today, but it was super hero themed, and from the pictures, it looks like everyone had a great time. It was hard for me to find a good shot of his face because he was so busy today, so this is what you get.
Happy Birthday Houston!!! You are such a big boy!!! We love you!
This is Mike's sister's first baby - sweet thing. I think this is only a few days after he was born.
He was a big hit during our wedding preparations!
And was very supportive on the big day:
He is always good for a hug, or a little nap when you are tired.
And he is generally just the life of the party!!
We missed his birthday party today, but it was super hero themed, and from the pictures, it looks like everyone had a great time. It was hard for me to find a good shot of his face because he was so busy today, so this is what you get.
Happy Birthday Houston!!! You are such a big boy!!! We love you!
What Happened to Saturday?
So, I missed Saturday. I slept for 36 hours. I am like Rip Van Winkle. Part of it is that I have some kind of crud that my body was thankfully fighting off until I finished. The other part is just exhaustion. I vaguely remember Mike coming in and out of the room and asking if I was alive and ok, but besides that things are kind of a blur.
I am ready to be back to normal...hopefully it will just be a few more days. In the meantime, I have become hooked on the show Weeds, and am just eating to fill my time. Mike looked at me with a BOX of cupcakes in my lap today, watching television and said, "I think I'm ready for you to come back." Me too, babe, me too.
I am ready to be back to normal...hopefully it will just be a few more days. In the meantime, I have become hooked on the show Weeds, and am just eating to fill my time. Mike looked at me with a BOX of cupcakes in my lap today, watching television and said, "I think I'm ready for you to come back." Me too, babe, me too.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Recovery
I am having PTSD symptoms and I blame the Bar. I woke up soaked in sweat last night because I dreamed I was sitting with a bar examiner, watching her grade my essays. I kept watching as she continued to mark big red "X's" all over my papers. Then this morning at 5:30, my alarm went off. In my exhaustion last night, I forgot to disable it. I jumped out of bed (literally) and was so confused, trying to figure out where I was and what I was being tested on that day. I cannot tell you the relief I felt when I realized I was in my own bed.
We haven't unpacked because I pretty much came home, drank champagne, ate cupcakes and sushi (in that order) had some wine and went to bed. When I asked Mike today if he had any idea where my toothbrush was, he simply said that it was in his black bag. Wouldn't you know that comment somehow sent me into a fit of tears, heaving and sobbing on the couch. The reasoning was, he wouldn't help me find it?? Poor Mike. But I do think he knew I was a little crazy when he married me .
Finally, I just informed the pharmacist at the Wal-Greens that we will not be doing business with them anymore due to their lack of respect for their customers. That is a whole other story, but I have to find a new pharmacy. I think I should be fine in the next few days. I better. Mike's parents are coming on Tuesday and they cannot see me, or our house, in they condition that we are in!
Regardless, this thing is done. It was brutal. I only got 2 hours of sleep after the first day. I just couldn't sleep. I tried everything, but was still staring at the clock, wide awake, at 3 am. I got up that morning, threw up, and went and took the 6 hour, 200 question multiple choice test. (By the way - I can't remember if I wrote in that last post that someone also had a seizure during the first day and had to be taken out by the paramedics??) Anyway, I talked to my dad that afternoon who told me not sleeping was a horrible idea (in case anyone didn't know that.) Anyway. I went for a run and went to sleep. The funny thing is, the other kids taking the Bar were running around getting D-runk. It was like a college co-ed get away (one that I never partook in....) I told you there was a complimentary happy hour - and they were taking full advantage. I really couldn't believe it, but somewhere in the back of my mind I was horribly thinking, "keep drinking! Maybe you will be too hungover to come tomorrow!" Mike actually called the front desk around midnight to complain that the kids in the pool were being really loud and keeping others awake. Sweet guy - I really think he was almost as stressed as I was. I don't think he slept much more than I did.
The last day was 12 essays - again, 6 hours. It is pretty much a time game, getting as much as you know written in some sort of a coherent manner. All I can say is, it's over. I don't know how I did, but I can honestly say I put up a good fight. The results come out early November. Three months. Aside from Wal-Greens, I haven't moved off the couch today. And I don't plan to.
All I want to do is take a minute and soak in just a few days of having nothing hanging over my head. No guilt if I decide I want to take a run, or God forbid, clean up around here. No guilt that I haven't put in the requisite amount of time at the library. No guilt in reading a book that doesn't contain law. I know that this is not life or death. I have done it before, and we all know, I have learned a lot in the past several years. I DO believe if it doesn't kill you, it makes you stronger. But I also believe I have that lesson down as an art form, and now I would just like to be a licensed attorney please. (It makes me nervous even writing that down.) I am a little bit superstitious.
I remember one of my friends getting her bar results back years ago, when I was still doing social work. She was going on a trip and sat down in her seat on the plane. She told me that when the person next to her asked her what she did for a living, she was proudly able to say, "I'm an attorney." I'm ready for that.
So thank you to EVERYONE who has thought about me for even a second over the last couple months. Thank you for the texts, the emails, the phone calls, the cards, the flowers, the plants, the fruit (it's gone and I got in this morning) and the free hotel room. I love each and every one of you very much. (I'm going to start crying again.) This has to stop.
Also, if I haven't responded to your sweet messages, please know I am getting there. I have been thinking of you. I am also aware that owe several of you wedding and baby presents. Those are also now in my line of sight. Enjoy your weekend!! PS- Happy Dance Day tomorrow!!
We haven't unpacked because I pretty much came home, drank champagne, ate cupcakes and sushi (in that order) had some wine and went to bed. When I asked Mike today if he had any idea where my toothbrush was, he simply said that it was in his black bag. Wouldn't you know that comment somehow sent me into a fit of tears, heaving and sobbing on the couch. The reasoning was, he wouldn't help me find it?? Poor Mike. But I do think he knew I was a little crazy when he married me .
Finally, I just informed the pharmacist at the Wal-Greens that we will not be doing business with them anymore due to their lack of respect for their customers. That is a whole other story, but I have to find a new pharmacy. I think I should be fine in the next few days. I better. Mike's parents are coming on Tuesday and they cannot see me, or our house, in they condition that we are in!
Regardless, this thing is done. It was brutal. I only got 2 hours of sleep after the first day. I just couldn't sleep. I tried everything, but was still staring at the clock, wide awake, at 3 am. I got up that morning, threw up, and went and took the 6 hour, 200 question multiple choice test. (By the way - I can't remember if I wrote in that last post that someone also had a seizure during the first day and had to be taken out by the paramedics??) Anyway, I talked to my dad that afternoon who told me not sleeping was a horrible idea (in case anyone didn't know that.) Anyway. I went for a run and went to sleep. The funny thing is, the other kids taking the Bar were running around getting D-runk. It was like a college co-ed get away (one that I never partook in....) I told you there was a complimentary happy hour - and they were taking full advantage. I really couldn't believe it, but somewhere in the back of my mind I was horribly thinking, "keep drinking! Maybe you will be too hungover to come tomorrow!" Mike actually called the front desk around midnight to complain that the kids in the pool were being really loud and keeping others awake. Sweet guy - I really think he was almost as stressed as I was. I don't think he slept much more than I did.
The last day was 12 essays - again, 6 hours. It is pretty much a time game, getting as much as you know written in some sort of a coherent manner. All I can say is, it's over. I don't know how I did, but I can honestly say I put up a good fight. The results come out early November. Three months. Aside from Wal-Greens, I haven't moved off the couch today. And I don't plan to.
All I want to do is take a minute and soak in just a few days of having nothing hanging over my head. No guilt if I decide I want to take a run, or God forbid, clean up around here. No guilt that I haven't put in the requisite amount of time at the library. No guilt in reading a book that doesn't contain law. I know that this is not life or death. I have done it before, and we all know, I have learned a lot in the past several years. I DO believe if it doesn't kill you, it makes you stronger. But I also believe I have that lesson down as an art form, and now I would just like to be a licensed attorney please. (It makes me nervous even writing that down.) I am a little bit superstitious.
I remember one of my friends getting her bar results back years ago, when I was still doing social work. She was going on a trip and sat down in her seat on the plane. She told me that when the person next to her asked her what she did for a living, she was proudly able to say, "I'm an attorney." I'm ready for that.
So thank you to EVERYONE who has thought about me for even a second over the last couple months. Thank you for the texts, the emails, the phone calls, the cards, the flowers, the plants, the fruit (it's gone and I got in this morning) and the free hotel room. I love each and every one of you very much. (I'm going to start crying again.) This has to stop.
Also, if I haven't responded to your sweet messages, please know I am getting there. I have been thinking of you. I am also aware that owe several of you wedding and baby presents. Those are also now in my line of sight. Enjoy your weekend!! PS- Happy Dance Day tomorrow!!
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
One Day Down
I bet you didn't think you were going to hear from me this week. Well, I am sitting on the couch in our hotel room waiting on my cheeseburger to arrive. We had several options for delivery this evening - pizza, pasta, chinese or burgers. I figured since pizza was last night, and the others are sure to send me into a coma, the cheeseburger was the best option.
Michael and I left yesterday evening to travel the full 20 miles to Irving, TX. You may be wondering why I am staying at a hotel when I live only 20 miles away. First, I completely envisioned myself leaving late, getting stuck in traffic and missing the entire test. Second, I could not wait to get out of that house. The lady at the front desk seemed very overwhelmed. She gave me take out menus, quickly ran through the amenities and asked if I would prefer for my wake up call to be at 4:45 or 5. WHAT? Apparently that was the average rate going. I went for 5:30 (just to fit in.)
Mike thinks we are on vacation. He walked in the room, fully unpacked (we are here 3 nights) and is taking advantage of the free happy hour downstairs. He was also more than a little excited when we drove up and saw the pool. Last night was good - I wasn't too stressed because today was only half a day of testing. (Thank you Texas for having your own procedures, coinciding with the Federal Rules.) I walked in after the test in a great mood, laid down, and woke up a completely different person. Mike left shortly after to "run some errands." :-) It has been good though - I was able to get some studying done without him pacing around the room or randomly interrupting me with comments about the news or whatever happens to be on t.v. As selfish as it sounds, (and I told him this) I really just need to him here to sleep.
Mike has been incredibly supportive through this entire process, but drew the line yesterday when we were packing and I suggested that we bring the plant and balloon my in-laws sent for good luck. (He also wouldn't bring me my coffee maker and coffee from home....isn't hotel coffee the worst??) He keeps informing me that we are not moving in, but it sure does feel like we have!
So. Today. I walked downstairs for breakfast and immediately began having flashbacks of law school. Here's the thing about law school - probably any school. We used to call it middle school with alcohol and sex. There are cliques, the cool kids, the crushes, the gossip. (Not so much the jocks.) The best part is, within this selective class, there is also a group that has somehow been placed in the class of nerds. And I laugh because let's be honest, everyone there is in some form or fashion, a nerd themselves. It's also funny, because there are an elite group deemed "the smart ones." These are the kids on law review, the ones with the best grades - the smart kids. I started thinking how ironic it is that we still have that hierarchy, while pretty much everyone there would be considered, "smart." (I'm not trying to pat myself on the back - I wasn't one of the smart kids. :-)
And so we all congregated together to begin this test that is supposed to define the rest of your life. A girl threw up during it. I felt horrible for her (but I didn't know until the end of the exam because I had my nerdy earplugs in!) The kid next to me told me. The thing about this test is that it is created to be as intimidating and anxiety producing as possible. We were required to bring our laptops into the testing area/corral in a 2.5 gallon ziploc bag. Why? I don't know because no one ever checked to see if we had. I think it is just to give you one more thing to worry about. You are given a number and sent to sit at a long table with people who are just as freaked out as you. The best part is the proctors. They make sure that you are unable to do anything that would make you comfortable, or the process less painful.
We had a break between 90 minutes sessions today. Several people got up to go to the restroom, which also contains a table with chilled water. You can see it. But you can't have it. You can't bring it to your desk. And during that 90 minute break, they wouldn't let anyone go to the bathroom! Several people made a run for it, but I watched a pregnant girl turned away because "this was not the time." They prefer for you to dash while the test is being timed, you have your earplugs in and are fumbling around trying to hand your license over the person guarding the bathroom. It is chaos.
So, if you are still reading, tomorrow is from 8-5. (They will be allowing lunch.) Sorry I wrote so much - this whole seclusion thing is tough!! And my burger is here!!
Michael and I left yesterday evening to travel the full 20 miles to Irving, TX. You may be wondering why I am staying at a hotel when I live only 20 miles away. First, I completely envisioned myself leaving late, getting stuck in traffic and missing the entire test. Second, I could not wait to get out of that house. The lady at the front desk seemed very overwhelmed. She gave me take out menus, quickly ran through the amenities and asked if I would prefer for my wake up call to be at 4:45 or 5. WHAT? Apparently that was the average rate going. I went for 5:30 (just to fit in.)
Mike thinks we are on vacation. He walked in the room, fully unpacked (we are here 3 nights) and is taking advantage of the free happy hour downstairs. He was also more than a little excited when we drove up and saw the pool. Last night was good - I wasn't too stressed because today was only half a day of testing. (Thank you Texas for having your own procedures, coinciding with the Federal Rules.) I walked in after the test in a great mood, laid down, and woke up a completely different person. Mike left shortly after to "run some errands." :-) It has been good though - I was able to get some studying done without him pacing around the room or randomly interrupting me with comments about the news or whatever happens to be on t.v. As selfish as it sounds, (and I told him this) I really just need to him here to sleep.
Mike has been incredibly supportive through this entire process, but drew the line yesterday when we were packing and I suggested that we bring the plant and balloon my in-laws sent for good luck. (He also wouldn't bring me my coffee maker and coffee from home....isn't hotel coffee the worst??) He keeps informing me that we are not moving in, but it sure does feel like we have!
So. Today. I walked downstairs for breakfast and immediately began having flashbacks of law school. Here's the thing about law school - probably any school. We used to call it middle school with alcohol and sex. There are cliques, the cool kids, the crushes, the gossip. (Not so much the jocks.) The best part is, within this selective class, there is also a group that has somehow been placed in the class of nerds. And I laugh because let's be honest, everyone there is in some form or fashion, a nerd themselves. It's also funny, because there are an elite group deemed "the smart ones." These are the kids on law review, the ones with the best grades - the smart kids. I started thinking how ironic it is that we still have that hierarchy, while pretty much everyone there would be considered, "smart." (I'm not trying to pat myself on the back - I wasn't one of the smart kids. :-)
And so we all congregated together to begin this test that is supposed to define the rest of your life. A girl threw up during it. I felt horrible for her (but I didn't know until the end of the exam because I had my nerdy earplugs in!) The kid next to me told me. The thing about this test is that it is created to be as intimidating and anxiety producing as possible. We were required to bring our laptops into the testing area/corral in a 2.5 gallon ziploc bag. Why? I don't know because no one ever checked to see if we had. I think it is just to give you one more thing to worry about. You are given a number and sent to sit at a long table with people who are just as freaked out as you. The best part is the proctors. They make sure that you are unable to do anything that would make you comfortable, or the process less painful.
We had a break between 90 minutes sessions today. Several people got up to go to the restroom, which also contains a table with chilled water. You can see it. But you can't have it. You can't bring it to your desk. And during that 90 minute break, they wouldn't let anyone go to the bathroom! Several people made a run for it, but I watched a pregnant girl turned away because "this was not the time." They prefer for you to dash while the test is being timed, you have your earplugs in and are fumbling around trying to hand your license over the person guarding the bathroom. It is chaos.
So, if you are still reading, tomorrow is from 8-5. (They will be allowing lunch.) Sorry I wrote so much - this whole seclusion thing is tough!! And my burger is here!!
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Top 10 Things NOT to do While You are Studying.
1. Don't decide this is the perfect time to clean the house. This is no time to be vacuuming baseboards.
2. Don't come home for ANYTHING, including food. You will inevitably be called to the couch where your nap will last much longer than the timer you set.
3.Do not accidentally leave your computer at home and discover your mistake once you get to the library. This will most likely result in #2.
4. Absolutely do not try to talk to people. You are in a reclusive state that not even you realize. No one understands what you are saying.
5. Avoid drinking multiple Red Bulls. This will definitely "give you wings" when all you need to be doing is concentrating. Potentially, you could arrive back at #1.
6. Do not look at Facebook, blogs or again, talk to anyone (especially your family if they happen to be at the beach.) It will result in you feeling sorry for yourself, depression and a general questioning as to why you are studying.
7. Please do not leave the house without checking your face. Inevitably, there is some sort of food or drink plastered to it that no one is going to tell you about.
8. Similar to #7, do not take your stress out on your face. If you can't see the pimple without a magnifying mirror, the rest of the world (which you are avoiding anyway) probably can't either.
9. Do not feel badly about yourself because when you wake up, your hair automatically forms a ponytail before you brush it. This too shall pass.
10. DO attempt to avoid massive emotional breakdowns. They scare your husband, your cat, and only one of them has made a commitment to you for better of for worse.
2. Don't come home for ANYTHING, including food. You will inevitably be called to the couch where your nap will last much longer than the timer you set.
3.Do not accidentally leave your computer at home and discover your mistake once you get to the library. This will most likely result in #2.
4. Absolutely do not try to talk to people. You are in a reclusive state that not even you realize. No one understands what you are saying.
5. Avoid drinking multiple Red Bulls. This will definitely "give you wings" when all you need to be doing is concentrating. Potentially, you could arrive back at #1.
6. Do not look at Facebook, blogs or again, talk to anyone (especially your family if they happen to be at the beach.) It will result in you feeling sorry for yourself, depression and a general questioning as to why you are studying.
7. Please do not leave the house without checking your face. Inevitably, there is some sort of food or drink plastered to it that no one is going to tell you about.
8. Similar to #7, do not take your stress out on your face. If you can't see the pimple without a magnifying mirror, the rest of the world (which you are avoiding anyway) probably can't either.
9. Do not feel badly about yourself because when you wake up, your hair automatically forms a ponytail before you brush it. This too shall pass.
10. DO attempt to avoid massive emotional breakdowns. They scare your husband, your cat, and only one of them has made a commitment to you for better of for worse.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Super Quick Update
As the bar is rapidly approaching, my domestic duties are waning. This is what our dining room table/my desk looks like: (don't worry - I know where everything is that I need.)
Mike said that it is embarassing to even post this picture, but this is our life. Mike has been helping out SO much - laundry, grilling and random acts of cleaning have made my life much easier.
However, this one just made me grab my camera. I ate some cookies as a snack.....apparently, I didn't get all the crumbs.
That is a mini dust buster - I didn't even know we owned it.
Hope everyone is having a great week!
Mike said that it is embarassing to even post this picture, but this is our life. Mike has been helping out SO much - laundry, grilling and random acts of cleaning have made my life much easier.
However, this one just made me grab my camera. I ate some cookies as a snack.....apparently, I didn't get all the crumbs.
That is a mini dust buster - I didn't even know we owned it.
Hope everyone is having a great week!
Thursday, July 7, 2011
A Break
I took a break today. And I'm not going to feel guilty about it. I went to get a hair cut, apologizing profusely as soon as I walked it because I looked like Cousin It. I took a nap and then I went to dinner with a friend from college who I absolutely love. Three hours after we sat down for dinner, we both decided it was probably time to go home. I have been so secluded from the world that it was weird to see make up on my face and interesting to see whether or not I could still walk in heels. My go-to outfit for the past month or so has been jeans, a t-shirt and flips flops. Sometimes if I am feeling crazy, I will put on some mascara. Mike is a lucky man!
In 20 days this test will be over and done with and we can hopefully get back to whatever "normal" Mike and I know. I cannot wait. So....while there is nothing very exciting to report, I decided to give y'all a quick update on what is happening in our lives. I have been trying so hard to keep exercising while I am studying because of all those proven health reasons, relieving stress, sleeping better, blah blah blah. The problem is, it is so freaking hot here. It hits at least 100 degrees every single day. So, running is out unless I wake up at 3 am. I took a couple Zumba classes from this studio I found down the street. Have y'all done this? I loved it, but then I got annoyed that this one girl was better than me and I stopped going. I also realized this is part of the reason why I run...no none to compete with except myself :-)
The point of that paragraph was to explain why I went for a walk the other day. I figured it would do the trick, and I headed out the door with specific instructions to Mike. "Do not lock the door when you leave." You cannot even know how many times I have uttered those words with no problems. However, the one day that I sluggishly dragged myself home, dripping sweat and about to collapse, the door was locked. At first I thought this was a joke. I kept looking around for Mike's car thinking he was trying to trick me (sometimes he likes to do things like this.) The more I looked, the more I realized. This is not a joke. I looked at our cat, staring out at me, and started wondering if perhaps she is smarter than we give her credit for and would be able to get the Hide a Key that is sitting on our KITCHEN COUNTER. (Yes Pops, you were right.) No, I didn't have my phone.
Five houses later (can you believe that??) someone finally answered the door. I explained my predicament and watched her check my ring finger when I mentioned my husband had locked me out. She told me I could use her phone, and I started to follow her inside into the vixen air conditioning that was calling my name. She shut the door in my face and came back with her cell phone. And she never offered me any water!! (Am I being too sensitive here? I was really surprised!) I called Mike, who thankfully picked up a number he didn't know, and then handed her back a completely sweat soaked phone. The door shut and I went and sat on our little walk way up to our house until Mike pulled up. He managed to take a big swig of Mountain Dew before he got out of his car. I would never survive in the desert.
So that was fun. My middle sister leaves tomorrow for Israel and Slovakia. You might be wondering, as I did, why she chose these random places to visit and who in the world she was going with. This is how our phone conversation went this afternoon.
Me: Now, who are you meeting in Israel again?
Julia: Oh! My friend "S" lives there. Remember her?
Me: Not even a little bit. Is she from college? Or Iceland?
Julia: No! She's from when I was studying in Australia.
Me: Of course she is. Ok, then y'all are going to fly to Slovakia?
Julia: No! Jenny, remember, "B" lives in Slovakia.
Me: "B" from Iceland? The kid that came and stayed in Alabama?
Julia: Yes.
Me: Ok. Did you figure our something to get his parents for letting you stay with them?
Julia: Nah, I figured I would just pick up something at the airport.
Nothing about that conversation is normal. Julia is so funny. She was very shy growing up, and now she is off meeting friends in random countries that I am pretty sure I will never visit in my lifetime. It is pretty amazing. I hope I get something from the airport.
That's about it. Back to the grind tomorrow. I will try to check back in before the 26th - if you don't hear from me, send out some positive thoughts, a prayer, whatever you like. (I will not be accepting negative thoughts for the next 20 days.) Hope all is well!
In 20 days this test will be over and done with and we can hopefully get back to whatever "normal" Mike and I know. I cannot wait. So....while there is nothing very exciting to report, I decided to give y'all a quick update on what is happening in our lives. I have been trying so hard to keep exercising while I am studying because of all those proven health reasons, relieving stress, sleeping better, blah blah blah. The problem is, it is so freaking hot here. It hits at least 100 degrees every single day. So, running is out unless I wake up at 3 am. I took a couple Zumba classes from this studio I found down the street. Have y'all done this? I loved it, but then I got annoyed that this one girl was better than me and I stopped going. I also realized this is part of the reason why I run...no none to compete with except myself :-)
The point of that paragraph was to explain why I went for a walk the other day. I figured it would do the trick, and I headed out the door with specific instructions to Mike. "Do not lock the door when you leave." You cannot even know how many times I have uttered those words with no problems. However, the one day that I sluggishly dragged myself home, dripping sweat and about to collapse, the door was locked. At first I thought this was a joke. I kept looking around for Mike's car thinking he was trying to trick me (sometimes he likes to do things like this.) The more I looked, the more I realized. This is not a joke. I looked at our cat, staring out at me, and started wondering if perhaps she is smarter than we give her credit for and would be able to get the Hide a Key that is sitting on our KITCHEN COUNTER. (Yes Pops, you were right.) No, I didn't have my phone.
Five houses later (can you believe that??) someone finally answered the door. I explained my predicament and watched her check my ring finger when I mentioned my husband had locked me out. She told me I could use her phone, and I started to follow her inside into the vixen air conditioning that was calling my name. She shut the door in my face and came back with her cell phone. And she never offered me any water!! (Am I being too sensitive here? I was really surprised!) I called Mike, who thankfully picked up a number he didn't know, and then handed her back a completely sweat soaked phone. The door shut and I went and sat on our little walk way up to our house until Mike pulled up. He managed to take a big swig of Mountain Dew before he got out of his car. I would never survive in the desert.
So that was fun. My middle sister leaves tomorrow for Israel and Slovakia. You might be wondering, as I did, why she chose these random places to visit and who in the world she was going with. This is how our phone conversation went this afternoon.
Me: Now, who are you meeting in Israel again?
Julia: Oh! My friend "S" lives there. Remember her?
Me: Not even a little bit. Is she from college? Or Iceland?
Julia: No! She's from when I was studying in Australia.
Me: Of course she is. Ok, then y'all are going to fly to Slovakia?
Julia: No! Jenny, remember, "B" lives in Slovakia.
Me: "B" from Iceland? The kid that came and stayed in Alabama?
Julia: Yes.
Me: Ok. Did you figure our something to get his parents for letting you stay with them?
Julia: Nah, I figured I would just pick up something at the airport.
Nothing about that conversation is normal. Julia is so funny. She was very shy growing up, and now she is off meeting friends in random countries that I am pretty sure I will never visit in my lifetime. It is pretty amazing. I hope I get something from the airport.
That's about it. Back to the grind tomorrow. I will try to check back in before the 26th - if you don't hear from me, send out some positive thoughts, a prayer, whatever you like. (I will not be accepting negative thoughts for the next 20 days.) Hope all is well!
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