Happy New Year

Here's to a new year- new chances, new ideas, new possibilities, new love and a new outlook. Each year is an opportunity for everyone to wipe the slate clean, start anew. One of my best friends got engaged last night here in Charleston and I was so fortunate to be the first person to see their glowing faces. They are so excited about a new life together. It was a joyous opportunity to absorb some of their excitement and optimism. Heather and Mike will have many wonderful years ahead of them and I look forward to being with them in everyone. Happy New Year, blogger world. Hug your loved ones tight, raise of a glass of bubbly to a new year and a new year! Here's to 2010! PS- and with that, I am dipping out of work early today to go celebrate with Heather over a glass of wine and delicious mussels at Rue de Jean!

Merry Christmas

So, I know I have been slack the past few weeks. And, I have no excuse but laziness. Yes, I could say the hustle and bustle of the season, running around from one holiday party to another, work is kicking my butt with year end gifts, etc. etc. etc. Like I said, at the end of the day no excuse. I have been reading all of my lovely friends' blogs and have enjoyed remembering my own Christmas pasts, traditions and memories. There are so many and I am so thankful. The past four Christmases have been pretty rough on my family. There has almost been a hold your breath and wait for something bad to happen moment each one. Not to sound like a downer, but divorce, cancer, heart attack, Grandmother's death...literally one year after another. However, through it all, my family continues to grow closer and closer. No matter the circumstance, we always gather together to thank God for our blessings and to enjoy the wonderful spirit of Christmas. Christmas Eve candlelight service. Christmas breakfast at Grandma's. Christmas dinner at mom and dad's. Holding hands to give thanks. I do feel like the Grinch, Christmas after Christmas, not because of my grinchiness, but because I feel like my heart grows three sizes each year. Full of cheer and happiness and love. May you and your loved ones give thanks for every blessing you have this year. Hug your families tight and open your eyes to the tiny wonders around you. Merry Christmas to all of my friends- thank you for being a blessing in my life.

Success

Success is such an awesome feeling. Like, when you work hard and late hours, but it really pays off and you know you did it right. The kind of success where you don't need a boss to say good job or to get a bonus. The kind of success where you know your hard work paid off and just knowing it is a reward. Doesn't have to be anything big- mine isn't, just the fact that you got it right. 'The secret of success if constancy of purpose." - Benjamin Disraeli

Thanksgiving 2009

Ok, so I'm a bit behind. I blame it on being out of town. I headed to Conyers last Monday after work. Many of my friends questioned my sanity, how would I be able to stand my family for almost a full week?!? To me, it wasn't a question. Here's a little secret: I love being around my family. I am the third of three girls and the only one who lives more than 15 miles from my parents' house. Therefore, I take advantage of as much time as possible at home, catching up on family and town gossip, sleeping in my old bed, being treated to dinners and pedicures, the works. Now, this does not mean that after three or four days some tempers flare and brief arguments arise. But, we get past them and I remind myself to be thankful for the wonderful time with my family.

So, I spent Monday night and Tuesday at home in Conyers, running around town. Mom, dad and I saw "The Blind Side" on Tuesday night, which I encourage you all to see-- you will quickly become a Baltimore Ravens fan! Wednesday, we headed down to the lake for some R & R and in preparation for Thanksgiving. Me, mom, dad, Jennifer and my aunt, uncle and cousins came down to spend the night (and Ginger, my cat of course!) The next day, Julie and Brandon came down to eat before heading to the airport to fly to Michigan to see Brandon's family. We had a feast, more than a feast. We ate early, then played cards, drank some wine, watched football and enjoyed the fellowship with each other. I truly am blessed with a wonderful family.

We headed back to Conyers on Friday and participated in some Black Friday shopping. Saturday took us to the Atlanta Farmers Market to get a Christmas tree- one of the biggest my parents have ever had! That night we cheered and cheered for our GT yellow jackets, but that fell short. That's ok- I have faith that they will bounce back before the match-up with Clemson this Saturday!

All in all, I had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I was so thankful to have enough time saved up to take the week off. I already looking forward to Christmas so I can see more friends and do more relaxing! My post for the last ten days could say many things I am thankful for, but friends, family and health are the three most important, and what I go to bed every night thanking God for. Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Grateful for...

Grateful for: live football games on a beautiful fall afternoon (will be in Clemson tomorrow!) young children to remind me I am still a child at heart Insurance papers and bills to remind me I am an adult in reality :) Christmas tree sale stands ready and set up for the people to come and truly begin their Christmas season

Ok, I have a lot of catching up to do, but I'm doing my best!

Ok, let me think back to the weekend and the past few days.

beautiful sunsets, Rooftop dining, Publix holiday commercials, cards in the mail, a mom and two sisters who can walk me through cooking over the phone, other non-profit professionals who reinforce that you aren't alone when it comes to raising a lot of money by year end,

new friends, a cheap power bill cause there is no need for air or heat!, radio stations that are already playing Christmas music

Grateful for...

Free minutes with AT&T after 7 p.m. First amendment a ten year old car that keeps getting me where I need to go! Weekends! Never thought it would get here...one hell of a week. Goodwill stores (crock pot for $4- hello!) when people show up for events! TV on Thursday night! (I love ABC and Bravo)

wednesday nov 11

I am truly thankful for all of our Veterans today. Every single one of them. And am really thankful for all of those that are currently serving. Wherever you are and whoever you are, thank you for the many blessings that provide this country.

catch up on thankfulness

Ok, sorry I missed some posts, so time to catch up. I'm doing my best (which hasn't been too bad so far). And, as my excuse I have had a very strange work week so far with people refusing to show up as a demonstration of their rights, but that's an entirely different post. On Saturday, I was thankful for: homecooked meals 75 degree weather in November A mom who loves football as much as me Sunday: bloody mary's cell phones to connect me to family forgiveness Monday: leadership skills determination fresh produce at the grocery store belief in my coworkers "Castle" on tv- it really cracks me up for some reason Tuesday (today): rain that is much needed a safe return from travels for my friends Jason and Scott Burt's Bees chapstick RSVP's so I can plan ahead

Friday Nov, 6- Give thanks

Today, I am thankful for: Payday! The weekend! long-distance phonecalls to friends who have moved away smell of clean warm clothes out of the dryer This weekend: Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets! (ok, I know, enough with the football) New friends Art exhibits at the beach Sweet Tea

Nov. 5 Thanks

Today, I am thankful for: America's Favorite Pastime, the World Series my iphone the radio, which always keeps you guessing Two friends of mine, who both celebrated Anniversaries yesterday. Congrats Cappi and Sarah!

Give Thanks

Ok, I am stealing from Carissa, who stole from Mandi, the idea to post things we are thankful for this month. Boy, do I have a lot of them, so I have no excuse not to have plenty to post! Let me make up for the four days of the month that I have already missed! November 1 - a warm Halloween in Charleston - College football on Saturdays - friends to watch football on Saturdays with me! -Brunch - An extra hour of sleep November 2 - cool mornings and warm days - my Little Foot I have had since childhood - honest friends November 3- - the new Glee soundtrack! -the Gym -Vickery's on Shem Creek for a lunch outdoors on the water Today (November 4) - leftover Halloween candy - Susan G. Komen Foundation and the wonderful people I have had the opportunity to meet - long hair I can put with a pencil for a last minute meeting

Halloween Fun

Thought I would share some good times from a great holiday! Had a wonderful time celebrating with several groups of people and dressing up in four, yes four, different costumes!

Whirlwind

OK, I'm back. I know I have been MIA for the past few weeks, and I apologize, but my life has been moving a mile a minute. So, let me back up and catch everyone up. The first weekend in October I spent in Charlotte with my lovely friend, Lauren, and our friends for her birthday. We had a great time celebrating at the Widespread Panic and AB concert. As many of you know, this isn't my usual music type, but nevertheless, had a great time dancing and singing and enjoying some Southern Comfort (which I will not be drinking for quite some time). Came back to Charleston on Sunday for some rest before another big week. The next week arrived with lots of meetings and after work "socials". I seriously need a new wardrobe- I know some of these people are sick of me wearing the same things! Last week was busy busy and ended with Leadership Charleston at the Food Bank, followed by Race for the Cure. I have been serving on the planning committee for the race since February and served as Teams chair this year, responsible for recruiting and organizing teams from schools, corporations and community organizations. Let's just say it was a lot of work. But, well worth it. Friday was spent in the wet and cold rain, setting up on Daniel Island. Then, my mom and sister, Jennifer, came to town to cheer and run. I was so excited they came to town and spent time with me, so important to my family. My mom is coming up on two years in remission from breast cancer and I couldn't be more proud of her. It was an emotional day for her, and all of us, but a huge success. We had over 8,300 participants, making it the second largest race in South Carolina (obviously behind the bridge run). We spent the rest of the day cheering on the Yellow Jackets to victory over Va Tech (woohoo- number 11 in BCS!!!) and just enjoying each other's company. This week, the work days have been full and I have something after work every night between now and the weekend- BUT Skinful Halloween is this Saturday- I am still looking for the perfect costume. The Farrah one is on the backburner, but not sure I have the guts to wear that red bathing suit...

Awesome Book

If you need a good fiction read, check out "The Help". It is an easy read and if you are from the south, you will truly appreciate it. I am not completely done with it, but when I am (which should be in the next day or two) I will post a full book review.

Life update

Who has time to slow down these days? I feel like it has been one thing after another after another! Let's see- brief catch up. Last week was a pretty good week at work- can't complain too much. Then, Thursday and Friday I spent at Middleton Place for a retreat called Leadership Charleston, a program I am proud and excited to be apart of. It is a 10 month leadership program designed to increase awareness and participation in the community. I was excited when I learned I was accepted as a new member (and the youngest at that but hey, what's new for me- I always like a head start). So we spent two days and one night getting to know each other and brainstorming on ways we can participate in the community and make Charleston a better place. I promise to update as we meet every month. Then, Saturday was a blast. I hosted, with a friend, a Baby Kegger for our friends that are expecting. Yep, I said it, a baby kegger- it was their idea, not mine! They wanted to have a get together for friends but refused any games and did not want to open gifts in front of people. So, we did a big outside get together that ended up being a huge success, with over 50 people coming! So, needless to say, I rested yesterday, worked out at the gym and watched football (way to go Falcons!) Today, I was at Channel 2 early this morning to record on Lowcountry Live, promoting Race for the Cure, and I have to be at the Naval Base at 6:15 in the morning to encourage federal employees to give to the Aquarium through the combined federal campaign- whew! Exhausted already and it's only Monday!

Pet Peeve of the Day

If you are fancy enough and special enough to join a board or need a biography written about you, you should have a resume or CV to help the poor soul (i.e.: me) to help write it so that he/she is not having to stretch the truth or scroll through 10 pages of google searches to find where you attended school or if you are a junior, the III or the IV. Good grief.

Good read

If you have not had the wonderful opportunity of reading "The Secret Life of CeeCee Wilkes" by Diane Chamberlain, I encourage you to go out buy it today. However, I warn you, it is addictive and very thought provoking. I don't have children, but if I did, I have a feeling it would even be more meaningful. I won't give you the storyline or any hints, but I encourage anyone looking for a good read to indulge!

The Cove

If you have not had the wonderful and compelling opportunity to see the movie, The Cove, I urge you to do so today. check out www.thecovemovie.com. It is worth your money and time to see this movie, that tells a horrible story about the slaughter of wild dolphins in Japan. It especially touched me as an employee at an aquarium. Although the filmmaker is anti-Aquarium, he had very valid points and the truth about this awful act needs to be publicized. I had the wonderful opportunity to see a special screening last night with fellow conservationists and lovers of the ocean, as well as Philippe Cousteau. It opened my eyes and made me think twice. South Carolina is the only state that prohibits marine mammals to be on display- bravo to us. For once, we get kudos for standing out. Anyway, I encourage you to check out the website and see if it is playing at at theater near you. If you live in Charleston, it will be playing at the Terrace until Thursday.

TFLN

I'm a little obsessed...with the website texts from Last night. To the point where I downloaded the ap on my iphone, and that's pretty bad, even for me. It just makes me laugh. Not saying they are appropriate or even make sense, but regardless, they still make me laugh, like: (518): Mario Lopez is the poor mans Ryan Seacrest Ok, so that one isn't the best but time is sensitive and just wanted to make sure that if you haven't checked it out, you begin so ASAP, and get your daily laugh in.

Is the work week over yet? I have been swamped at work this week- last minute grants to get in, proofread another one, letters to get out to donors, events to plan, 10th anniversary planning, and the list goes on and on. The good news is that two of my bestest girls are in town for the weekend- Taff and Katie! Two of my orginial 9 Felix girls! What is sure to be a great crazy weekend, will also leave no time to catch up on rest, but will be well worth the time catching up with friends!

pet Peeve of the day

There is nothing that bothers me more than when I go into our staff kitchen at work and the coffee pot is empty! Rude coffee drinks. I mean, seriously, if you notice that it's empty, or you take the last cup, all you have to do is start another pot. It's not that difficult and you can't claim that you didn't notice or you didn't know if anyone else would drink some. Um, it's 9 AM- you know there are a lot more cups to go before the day is over!

Happy 123456789 Day!

In just a few minutes, the time will be 12:34:56 and the date will be 07/08/09.* This is only going to happen once so we figure it's news worthy enough to make the site on a slow Friday.So, what are/were you doing when the clocks read 123456789? Let us know in the comments section below! If you missed it, well, don't worry, you didn't miss much. Just the time really. (pretty cool, huh?)

3/50

This is an awesome concept and something we should all do. I am guilty of buying online because of simplicity or going to big chain stores because of the abundance of choices, but at the end of the day, we need to support our communities.

it's the little things....

You know it's a good day when... I was staring at the vending machine, debating whether I really want the candy, even though I knew it will add another 20 minutes worth of pain in the gym. I was literally pacing back in forth changing my mind every two seconds. My coworker walked by and asked what I was doing so I told her my dilemma. She replied to screw it and pick which one i really wanted. So, I put in my 75 cents and picked Starburst, all time favorite (plus I thought fruit is a food group as opposed to chocolate, so it had to be better than the Twix looking at me). Well, I must have made a good decision, because not only did they drop down, but TWO packages fell! I promptly took them to my coworker with the good advice. Those 20 extra minutes will be well worth it 'cause I ate every single one!

Today is my parents' 36th Wedding Anniversary- crazy, huh? I am so proud, honored and humbled to call them my parents. What blessings and wonderful inspirations that continue to be, day after day. I hope someday I can claim the same great milestone. happy anniversary!

"In the end we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand; and we will understand only what we have been taught." -Baba Dioum

I admit it. I love reality tv. I was glued to the Bachelorette every Monday for the past three months. I mean, who wasn't? Ok, ok, so a lot of you weren't. And, I wasn't even that much of a Jillian fan. MY thoughts were, 'Give me a break, there are enough single American chicks out there, why do we have to watch a girl from Canada steal one of our few available great looking sweet loving men? Don't they have their own show? Ok, might be a bit harsh, but still the same. And was I every heartbroken when poor Kiptyn was turned down on Monday night. But hey, leaves me a chance, right?

"Anyone who says sunshine brings happiness has never danced in the rain"

Moving

Moving. Lord have mercy how I hate it. I am about to make my 7th move in six years, and that doesn't include me packing everything up to go to Spain for six months. I mean, you would think I would be a pro at it by now and you know what, you should be right. Everytime I tell myself I am not packing that shirt that I "think" I will wear again, or that sentimental high school dance team shirt or that 80's costume skirt I wore to a party five years ago. But yet, I can't seem to part ways with them. What if....I have a last minute party and need a skirt? Or what if, I decide one day to make a quilt from old shirts? Yep, I'm a pack rat, I'm that girl who keeps letters and cards from birthdays, even if it is just signed "Love you, Mom". I mean, it's a memory right? And in my mind, every memory is worth saving. I really am making an attempt to downsize every move I make. But, some things continue to be a wish. I am so looking forward to seeeing my things that have been in my POD since I tucked them away last January. It's almost like a treasure hunt as I unpack boxes. Hell, maybe I should have them drop the pod off at Goodwill on the way to my house to help sort out some of those "memories". But then again, maybe not.

First Dates

First Dates. It's a love/hate relationship. Always sounds like such a great idea, but then as the time gets closer, I begin to think of excuses to cancel. Anything- working late, electricity out, broken down car- any excuse. But, last night, I sucked it up and went on it. Well, let me be perfectly honest by saying I did text him two hours prior saying "I might have to call it an early evening because I have a lot of work to get done tonight". Lame, I know, but that was going to be my cop out. Anyway, I went through with it, and honestly, one of the best nights I have had in quite some time. Nothing fancy- actually, very casual, a few coronas, take-out sushi, watched "the reader" (great movie by the way) and finished the night with a great glass of wine. I think I had forgotten how great new people, new ideas and new perspectives can be. Next time, I will have more confidence and not frantically think of an excuse to get out of it. But, I probably still will have my pre-date beer, just to be sure. :)

I love Skirt! magazine and the cover this month couldn't be better.... "Home is pajamas straight from the dryer on the coldest night of winter and a roof that doesn't link during a rainstorm. It's food in the refrigerator and heat that works and this month's rent paid in full. It's Benjamin Moore Blue, porch light yellow a loose-change-in-the-sofa silver lining. It's the dog who thinks you invented walks and someone to share your late night thoughts. It's the evening news with a glass of wine and a slice of the moon in the window at bedtime, the shower that washes away work and the special mirror that makes you look taller before you leave the house. Home is the key left under the mat, your mother's phone number, the place you drive through the night to reach. It's where we find our belonging." I'm looking for my new home right now and I want nothing more than these words of Maya Angelou.