Changes

Yes, I have been MIA for awhile from the blogosphere. Don't worry- this doesn't mean I don't check in on all of you and your wonderful stories and great photos. It's one of the highlights of my mornings (don't tell my boss!) So, I have been super busy since, well, I guess since it became 2010! February I took an amazing trip to New Mexico and the Grand Canyon with my friend Rachel and 7 others. That's a whole other post, but it was a great experience (that has lasted quite sometime- my toenail fell off two days ago as a result of Canyon hiking! ok, maybe TMI, that's gross. Sorry! Anyway...so since January, I have been diligently hunting for a house. For me. To love. And make my home. And when I say I have been hunting, I mean as in looking at more than 50 properties. Going to these properties, not online viewing. It has been exhausting. The week before the Grand Canyon, I found a house I really liked. I mean really, really liked. So I made an offer. They countered, but I was leaving the next day and knew I wouldn't be around to counter and wouldn't have cell service. So, I said I would leave for the 8 days and see what happened when I got back to Charleston. Well, unfortunately when I returned there was a contract on this house. My house. I was truly sad and frustrated. So, I set back out on a hunt. I found a few places that were ok- didn't love and every property I compared back to Saint Clair, my first choice. I even had my sister and mom come over to help encourage me to like other properties. Finally I decided I guess I had to let Saint Clair go and I had found another place I "liked" so I made an offer. As I am waiting to hear back from the seller, my realtor gets a call. From the owner of Saint Clair. Their contract had fallen through and was I still interested??? WHAT??? Does fate get any better than that? Is there any more of a sign? I immediately withdrew my other offer and started bidding. All Easter weekend I was sick with nervousness, no sleep cause all I could think about was would it work out this time. Finally, Tuesday morning came last week and my realtor called to tell me we had a contract! woohoo! FINALLY!!! I was so relieved. So since then, I have been lining everything up. Met with my banker today. Inspection tomorrow (please let it go well). Call a closing attorney. Get homeowners insurance. Tell my current landlord I'm moving. As of now, my closing date is May 10th, if all goes well. May will either make or break me- closing on the 10th, board meeting on the 12th, concert on the 13th, 10 year birthday celebration for the Aquarium on the 14th, move out of current house by the 15th and the next week is my huge annual fundraiser, which has already sold out and invites don't go out til the end of this week. Did I mention Al Gore is speaking at it??? So, you can see there are lots of changes going on. Will I be broke? Oh yes. Will it be exciting and nervous. You better believe it. But I am so happy. truly happy to be doing something. For me. All me. All on my own. Wish me luck!

Spring

"If spring came but once a century instead of once a year, or burst forth with the sound of an earthquake and not in silence, what wonder and expectation there would be in all hearts to behold the miraculous change." -- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, American poet (1807-1882)

Gym

So, I can't say it was my New Year's Resolution (which was drinking more water daily, which I have done pretty well with). However, I might say it was my March resolution. Whatever you want to call it, for the past two weeks I have been somewhat addicted to the gym. Now, I have to say it probably has a lot to do with that I have joined a new gym (Bluefish, which is unbelievable) and the newness of the experience. It's classy, it's clean, they call me by name every time I walk in (yes, every time and they have yet to call me by the wrong name- nope, no Mary Beth's or Mary Jo's!), and I have even worked out with Catherine Bell from Army Wives. So, needless to say, it makes you feel good. And, the locker rooms are nicer than my own bathrooms at home, so I shower afterwards and head to my next meeting or happy hour, it's great. There's just one slight drawback. So I have worked out Monday-Thursday the past 2-3 weeks, and haven't lost any weight. No, I'm not saying that's why I'm doing all this working out (maybe just a little). It's mainly cause I need to kick my sister's butt in the Bridge Run in two weeks. But, I mean, can't a girl catch a break for trying to be good??? Don't worry, I won't let it discourage me. I'll keep telling myself I'm building muscle- yeah, right. :)

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!