You Only Turn 27 Once

This weekend was officially birthday weekend for me and I couldn't have asked for more. Bobby and my mom (more Bobby) planned a great bowling party with my best friends and family. It was really a great time. I enjoy bowling and we wanted something that was fun and would cross the ages as we had my grandparents, Bobby's niece and our friends. It really worked out. We even made awards, "Princess Bowler," "MVP," "King Pin," and "Real American Bowler." Hope was given the Princess Bowler, Teddy MVP, Brandy King Pin and Robyn Real American Bowler. I got killed in all 3 games we played, but it was fun and great to have everyone there to celebrate me getting older (blah!) Pictures below:

Office Re-Model

Over the last week or so we've been re-modeling our office. We have gone from stark white walls and navy carpet to cream walls and a patterned carpet. What a difference. You walk in our office now and it feels more "homey" and a lot more inviting. Additionally, the office is a lot more presentable for new and prospective clients. As long as we can keep the clutter to a minimum we'll be good. They even redid the kitchen. My office feels very "comfy" these days and it really does help with productivity in my opinion. Office view below, but it doesn't look like you can really see the color in these. Nonetheless, you can see where I spend the majority of my day...

St. Patrick's Day - AKA March 17th

St. Patrick's Day has several important meanings, one of which is one of my favorite people's birthdays. HAPPY BIRTHDAY Jackie! I hope you enjoy it and live it up! The other meaning has something to do with Ireland, Green Beer and pots of gold at the end of rainbows. All of which are OK with me. We had the honor of being invited to the Pizza household last night for their traditional St. Patrick's Day dinner. It was great and my first time to eat corn beef and cabbage. And what a dinner it was. Johnny spent the entire day cooking and preparing. We had the best corn beef, which I was a little scared of at first and great cabbage. I'm not sure that I have ever been somewhere on St.Pat's day that actually serves corn beef and cabbage. It was a great treat and something that has inspired me to make this dish next year and join in the celebration. I hope you all had a great St. Patrick's Day.

Picture Session

These are our cute babies. We couldn't ask for much more!

Passing The Time

Every morning and every evening I have the pleasure of sitting in traffic. I am sure if you read this blog you are aware of how much traffic and I do not get along. But, we have developed a love/hate relationship. If I can get some good tunes and maybe a call or two on my phone I'm good to go. But, yesterday the radio was not on my side and the rain made my commute home a good 2+ hours. AWESOME! I started to play games with myself while sitting in the parking lot knows as 285 West. I made up stories about the people in the cars to my left and right and the trucker behind me. Then I noticed the license plate on the little red convertible Lexus in front of me. I notice plates a lot lately because sometimes there isn't anything else to focus on. This plate said MRSBJ. At first I read it as Mr. SBJ, then I realized it could be MRS. BJ. WHY would anyone want Mrs. BJ on their license plate?? So I had to know who was driving the car and I really wanted to pull over and ask them what they were thinking. So, I merged to the left and tried to get around a few cars to pass the Lexus. Come to find out there was a very attractive woman driving this cute little car with the terrible plate on the back. She looked normal and well dressed, which from my car passing by is a good assessment in my opinion and about all I knew/know about her. I started to think about the scenarios to how that plate was designed. Did she decide she would be Mrs. BJ or did her husband/significant other. Was she really Mrs. Brain Jones or Brett Jordan... or OMG Mrs. Bobby Johnson! I would be Mrs. BJ!! I quickly decided I would go with Bobby's "real" name in all references to Mrs. anything. I would have to be Mrs. Robert Johnson in the effort to avoid being Mrs.BJ.

Other plates I noticed last night were a few that started with BVI, to me that means British Virgin Islands. Probably not planned or intended to make you think that, but those made me smile. Then there was a T ROD 8. I wanted to ask him in his little Geo, why 8 and what happened to 1-7. My favor was MSTHNG and H8THIS. I really will notice plates a lot more now and might even try to get mine customized the next time I renew!

I did a search for a few pictures online since in the rain last night my camera would not have made out any of the plates really well and those are to the above right. Enjoy and take notice of the "vanity" plates (as they call them) around you. It might give you a little glimpse into the type of person that is driving the car.

Love Like Crazy

This morning on my way into work in the rain, I turned my radio to XM 11, the country station. If I am just not in the mood for morning talk radio on our local stations I can always find some good tunes on XM. The song that was playing when I hit 285 (the worst road in my morning commute) was Lee Brice's song "Love Like Crazy." I have heard this song many times before but never really listened to the lyrics well enough. Today I cranked it up and realized that it was an amazing song about Love and really embodies everything I feel about the four letter word that makes and brakes people L O V E! The chorus is the best part and how I aspire to love:
be a best friend
tell the truth
over use i love you
go to work
do your best
dont out smart your common sense
never let your prayin knees get lazy
and love like crazy

I think Love is sometimes a mystery to people who have really never felt it. But, once you do and you know its real and reciprocated then life is good and you couldn't ask for me. This song is really a great work of country music and even though I wasn't feeling well this morning it really put me into a great mood. I found it on YouTube and have it below, its not his official video, but it makes the point and the song is great. Enjoy and remember LOVE LIKE CRAZY!!!!

Spring Table

This weekend I was inspired to make my own table arrangement. I'm not really sure what got me going, but I had an idea and wanted to just do it. So, I did! I took a bowl my sister gave us for Christmas and filled it with the floral foam, Oasis, and then added flowers. I picked up new Spring place mats and napkins as well. We were all set for the dinner we had Saturday night and I think it looked great!

Our Babies Love The Snow

It's amazing to me how they like to play in the snow but hate the rain. Hines has no problems rolling around in the freezing snow and getting covered in the fluff, but he won't go outside when its raining. Go figure!

Blog

In a conversation earlier this morning I started thinking about what a blog really is. What it means to me and how other people see them. For those who don't blog and are more private people they don't understand and its hard to explain. But, I thought I would try. A blog as defined by the all mighty Wikipedia : A blog (a contraction of the term "web log")[1] is a type of website, usually maintained by an individual with regular entries of commentary, descriptions of events, or other material such as graphics or video. Entries are commonly displayed in reverse-chronological order. Many blogs provide commentary or news on a particular subject; others function as more personal online diaries. A typical blog combines text, images, and links to other blogs, Web pages, and other media related to its topic. The ability of readers to leave comments in an interactive format is an important part of many blogs. Most blogs are primarily textual, although some focus on art (Art blog), photographs (photoblog), videos (Video blogging), music (MP3 blog), and audio (podcasting). Microblogging is another type of blogging, featuring very short posts

I like this definition as it really defines a blog and I view it as a personal way of expression. Much like some people write, or play music, I blog to express myself. Wikipedia goes on to say: The personal blog, an ongoing diary or commentary by an individual, is the traditional, most common blog. Personal bloggers usually take pride in their blog posts, even if their blog is never read. Blogs often become more than a way to just communicate; they become a way to reflect on life, or works of art. Blogging can have a sentimental quality. Few personal blogs rise to fame and the mainstream, but some personal blogs quickly garner an extensive following. One type of personal blog, referred to as a microblog, is extremely detailed and seeks to capture a moment in time. Some sites, such as Twitter, allow bloggers to share thoughts and feelings instantaneously with friends and family, and are much faster than emailing or writing.

I personally strive to capture the moments in my life and share them with people who care of matter, even if "those people" only consists of me, myself and I. With that I blog on and hope everyone will understand a little more now, WHY I blog. Self expression in my opinion is one of the best things a person can do to contribute to their lives and the lives of others.

March Madness Family Style

So March is a busy month in the Phillips Family. We have 4 birthdays and there is always a lot going on. We start the month off with Jamie on March 3rd, then Randy on March 10th, I'm the 22nd and Chris is the 28th. We just love to celebrate birthdays so its a busy and fun month.

This weekend we celebrated Jamie's Birthday with family dinner at P F Chang out at the Mall of Georgia. It was really a great dinner and my sister hopefully had a great time. I had some really cute pictures of her blowing out the candles but she didn't like them, so I won't post them at her request. But, we got to see little Jolie and Bobby and I just love her! Bobby really is great with kids which makes me ecstatic.

Dreams... While You Sleep

The last few nights I have been dreaming like crazy. In fact, I'm not really sure how much sleep I've actually gotten. When I dream a lot it seems like my mind doesn't stop and I wake up tired. My body is rested but my mind is done and its only 7:00 a.m. Thank goodness for coffee. Last night's dream I actually had twice. I don't know if that has ever happened to anyone but I actually remember dreaming the same dream twice. I woke up around 4 when Bobby's alarm went off and remembered my dream at that point and then fell back asleep to the same dream. It was the oddest thing, I dreamt that we were both attorneys and that we had a case against each other. It was back and forth and finally he won. Not sure if I dreamt the dream twice to try and change the end or if I just really enjoyed it. Either way, I am convinced that I dream about the things I am thinking about when I go to sleep. Last night I watched the Deep End on ABC, one of my new favorite shows and I think I translated that into my dreams. Regardless, my mind just never stops.

Moving on to the Deep End. (Not that my dreams aren't interesting enough) This is a new show on ABC about lawyers and it really has sparked my interest. Not that I need another show to follow, but I really like it. I have to admit I caught the first few episodes online, but they were great. My favorite character is Addy, played by Tina Majorina. You remember her from Napoleon Dynamite, Alice & Wonderland and one of my all time favorites Corina, Corina. I loved that movie growing up and when we had our Nanny Mrs. Patty I used to want her to take us to the place where we could order breakfast in our cars and have them bring it to us. It was great.

Now she is all grown up and playing in Deep End. I would recommend it to anyone who like a combination of Law & Order with Gray's Anatomy. Or if you ever watched Boston Legal... this is a less racy version of that show and all the characters are great. It comes on Thursday Nights @ 8:00 on ABC, just before Gray's.

La Familia

Family, as defined by wikipedia (the new version of the truth as it stands online)
is "a group of people affiliated by consanguinity, affinity or co-residence. Although the concept of consanguinity originally referred to relations by "blood", anthropologists have argued that one must understand the idea of "blood" metaphorically and that many societies understand family through other concepts rather than through genetic distance." I bring this up to explain part of my argument in an early morning discussion. For some reason this morning the topic of family and who is included was debated on Cascade Drive.

I have to agree with the anthropologists, whomever they may be, and say that your family is who you understand it to be. For me it is more than just my blood relatives, its my friends and those I love and care for. This would extend to my cousins' wife's' parents and even the parents of some of my friends whom I am close to. To me the family is what you make it and you get out of it what you put in. No, no family is perfect and sometimes there are those you don't want to claim, but who is to say that you aren't part of the family. Terrible!!

To be honest I would say Bobby and I are family and that Sadie and Hines are our children. They are puppies but I care for them as they are my kids and consider them an extension of who Bobby and I are. Is this wrong? Not in my opinion it's not. Even the black sheep in the family are your family, even when they aren't blood because you are defined by those around you and those you associate with. And at the end of the day all you have is your family and while my interpretation is a bit broader than others, it works for me and keeps me safe and happy. I sleep well knowing there are a bunch of people blood related and not that love me and consider me to be part of their family.

Should you want to do more research of your own on the term Family feel free to check out the Wikipedia full explanation HERE.

Back In Action

The pups are back in actions these days and back to their peppy, fun loving and hyper selves. We had both the pups fixed this past Friday and thought we would be picking up 2 lethargic beagles, but not so much. We should have known better than to think that taking away their reproductive organs would hold our two babies down. In fact, they are happier than ever and seem really unaffected. The vet was shocked at how well everything went and just asked that we keep them from opening Sadie's stitches and that we try to keep the movement to a minimum. Movement to a minimum??? Have they met Sadie and Hines?? Nonetheless, Mommy and Daddy did our bests Saturday and Sunday to keep them calm. But the weather was amazing and we spent the entire day outside in the yard. No one got hurt so we did well and really they no worse for the ware.

It's a Zeta Weekend

This weekend was Zeta Alumni weekend and state day. Its the one time a year that everyone from all Georgia chapters come together for an alumni reception and then State day. This year my alumni chapter along with the North Metro group were in charge of organizing the day. Since I am no longer President I was relieved to not have to really be in charge but just be a worker bee. For once I could come and go with little to no responsibility. Friday night was the alumni reception at Social Vinings, which is one of my favorite places in Vinings. Their tapas are great and the sushi is rather good too. My favorite things they have however are the deserts. They have fried oreos and small ice cream cones that are to die for and the best part is they are small portions so you don't feel as bad eating them!! I just loved catching up with everyone and really getting to know more of my sorority sisters.

Some of my favorite Cobb Alumni ZTA ladies. Kaite, Megan and Cheryl. Its amazing how we all went to different chapters but seem to have a lot in common.

Our entire chapter. Gotta love our diveristy and yet we always have a great time. At state day with all the collegates, Miss Georgia was in attendance. She is a Zeta and was there to speak and show her talent. The girls loved her and she was really sweet.

"Feels like somebody's watching me"

Yes, the title of this blog entry was stolen from an old song. But, its very appropriate. Over the last couple of months a little "bug" has been hanging around. A week or so ago she called me out for reading her blog. Funny really since I had only read it a few times, but for what she called me out on, I did not do. The best part is that she really thought I cared enough to "comment" about her. The truth is that my own insecurities lead to me find her blog and read it. But, those have been more than erased and with recent events I have decided to not live another day worried about anything. In an effort to vent and share with the world my frustration I write the paragraph to follow.

So, I thought I would write this subtle or not so subtle entry to simply say move on. Texas is rather far away but with today's technology its too easy to stay in touch. And I'll throw out a hypothetical as well for those who might read this and not know about the situation. Hypothetically, if you had tried to break up with someone several times but they put themselves into the hospital or made themselves really sick each time and finally you were able to end things, would you want to be friends?? No is the answer to that. If you had to think about it you should evaluate your relationships in general. Honestly, the feeling sad for someone only lasts so long . No one cares about who you've met or who you are working for or even when you are in town. In fact, over the last 2 years you've been indulged enough. Yes, there were a few years you shared together and I'm sure you both have taken a lot away from that. I might even go as far to say that you he might have loved you. Love is a strange thing and it changes as you grow. You can love someone but not be in love with them. Hopefully you are both better for your relationship. But, Happiness is what you make of it and if you are holding on to things no matter how small you should let go, erase phone numbers and emails and really just get over it. Life is too short. Stop following my blog and enjoy your life, I am sure there is someone out there for you, I really do believe that.

Ok, done venting for the day... Sometimes girls are crazy and I know this first hand, I'm not without flaws myself. But, there comes a time when people need to grow up for real.

Catching Up - Week in Review

So a lot has happened over the last week or so... were to start?? The overview is Mama Mia, Snow covered Marietta, a fun datenight on the square, visit to Athens to see my cute sister, Valentines Day and the pups are home!! WOW, what a week.

First, Bobby's mom took all the girls to see Mama Mia and it was great. I haven't seen the play or the movie and this was a great production. It was a bit unclear if we'd get to go since it snowed that night before, but we braved the weather and headed down to the Fox for the show. My mom, Mrs.Johnson, Aimee, Sara and I went down for the afternoon showing. I love my family and am so greatful to have such a wonderful group of women to go see plays with.

SNOW came to Marietta again this past weekend and it stuck. The first time we got back weather it was really ICE camafloged as snow. This time it was the real deal - white and powdery. My only complaint was that the pups were still at Man's Best Friend and they didn't get to see the back yard covered. But, it was beautiful. Not the best to get around in, but it was fun to see. I would have loved to have a White Christmas, but a White Valentine's Day is just as good. The house looked so cute covered and I didn't mind walking to Waffle House to grab breakfast. In fact, it was a morning adventure that Bobby and I actually enjoyed. The pictures are beautiful and below

Eventhough it snowed and I wasn't feeling great Friday night, we took a trip up to the square while the snow was falling and had a date night. We saw Bobby's friend Bert play at the Strand and then had sushi at our favorite little place on the square. It was fun, but cold.

Then Saturday after Mama Mia and the snow melted we headed to Athens to see my sister. We made sushi and went to see the movie Valentines Day. It was a lot of fun. Jamie did really well with her California Roll and I made a bagle roll. It was our first time really making sushi and I think it went really well. We stayed in Athens Saturday night to hang out a little more with Jamie and to see Zoey & Pierre too! Loved every minute of it and can't wait to go visit again soon.

And finally, THE PUPS ARE HOME!!! I really really missed those little bundels of joy. They did very well at Man's Best Friend and are not perfect, but getting close. Love them so much and can't wait to really get into their training and have perfect pups!!!! Sadie and Hines are home :)

Quickest Super Bowl Ever

So we were planning to go to Sarah and Joseph's to watch the game last night and a few things came up so Bobby ended up going into work and I stayed home to do a few things around the house and watch the game. I really thought it started at 7, so when I turned it on at 7:05 hoping to still see Carrie Underwood start things off, I was shocked that the 1st quarter was almost over. But, I did watch that second quarter and see the Saints go into half time down by 4. Something magical must have been said in their locker room because they came out with a little more fire under their butts than the Colts. We were pulling for the Saints all along, but it was nice to really see them when. Of course the commercials were a focus this year as always, but I was really less than impressed and maybe I missed the good ones. I didn't actually see the one below but I heard about it and think its possibly the funniest one I've seen so far.



Overall I was glad the Saints won and the game was over and done by 9:45, with plenty of time for Undercover Boss. LOVED it and will make it part of my Sunday viewing, along with the new season of Amazing Race.

Hope everyone enjoyed their weekend. Only one week and counting until we pick up the pups. I can't wait!!!

Millionaire Matchmaker

My latest guilty obsession is Millionaire Matchmaker with Patti Stanger. She is fabulous with a capital F. This is the third season of the show but the first time I have seen the new episodes on the nights they actually show. Or at least in the same week as we DVR the new episodes. I have caught a show or two here and there but my obsession really started a few weekends ago when Bobby and I were both feeling kinda crappy and spent the entire day on the couch watching a marathon of Millionaire Matchmaker. We even went as far as to pause episodes around lunch time to shower and make pop corn. It's an addiction and I'm not really sure why. But, its entertaining, funny and intreging to watch her try and fix up millionaires who are often more clueless than us nonmillionairs when it comes to love and relationships.

The basics for each episode are that Stanger and her staff give their big-bucks clients complete transformations with the help of personal shoppers, date coaches and therapists. Each time two wealthy clients are set up on dates hand-picked by Stanger or by them in what she calls a "mixer." The concept seems a bit much and I think I'd be embarassed to be a potential date, but she seems to know what she is doing and women and men come from all over LA to be potential dates. Patty does have a few rules; no sex with monogomy and no more than 2 drinks on a date. Simple to follow, but you'd be surprised who doesn't follow the rules and how many people pick their matches based on looks and have terrible dates. One of my favorite clips from this season is below (its hilarious because the client they call "sex toy Dave"):

Hotness

I have decided the fratty prep look is back and I love how Channing Tatum pulls it off. Gotta love the hot guy who can dress really well. This is my famous person crush (allowed because there is no way I'd ever have a chance.) Bobby's latest is Heidie Clum...

Let's Get Physical

This year our goal (not resolution, because those we never keep) is to get back into shape and just take better care of ourselves. To do this we're making sure we eat better and get to the gym. We also have started tennis lesson at the Atlanta Athletic Club and will be swimming, biking and running to get into shape. To get us started I create a little Jib Jab for motivation.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW

Miss Zoey

I'm not sure everyone knows the full story on my sweet Zoey Lynn so I thought I would briefly explain it here. I bring it up because she was treated to a pampering yesterday and looks just so darn cute these days that I wanted to post her sweet picture and thought the background would be good too! I was blessed to get Zoey from a litter of the most mismatched dogs I've ever seen. In fact, none of them looked the same, her brothers were black and brown and some of the females were a lite tan color and then there was Zoey. The timing wasn't great, but I had just ended a relationship and a puppy seemed like a good idea. She was a great thing for me, got me out of the house more and yet kept me home more as well. Really I needed her at the time and she was great. Then I moved home to save for a house and my dad didn't want Zoey coming with me so I found her a home witha family that wanted to adopt a puppy. She had a great little house and family who had 2 kids and a mom that didn't work so she'd be home all day to play with Zoe and keep her company. Then a month later the family got transferred to New York and their son got really sick, so Zoey came back home to live with me and my parents. That didn't go over very well, but it did win Grandma's heart over and then she was set! Grandma fought for her to stay but in the end my sister stepped in and adopted her, which was a God sent. She now lives with Jamie and Pierre and loves life. I can never really thank Jamie enough for taking her in and finally giving her a stable home. She really loves Pierre and Jamie and is fortunate to have a mom who loves her and Aunt Sam who will always lover her too!!

Below is little Zoey all groomed and looking fabulous:

Man's Best Friend

We took the pups to Man's Best Friend this weekend for puppy boot camp. It sounds like a great program and one that we hope will give the pups a good start to being better behaved. Not that they were terrible, but they were always jumping all over the place and walks had become a chore with the two of them. Nonetheless, I am having pup withdrawals already and we just dropped them off yesterday afternoon. I'm hoping they are doing well and will not hate us forever. I'll keep you posted on their progress for now, but I can only imagine having the 2 of them in a training class of any kind. Plus, we had them put in as 2 separate dogs so they will be sleeping apart... sad but needed for their separation anxiety.

Dear John

Last night I saw a preview of Dear John with some girls and my mom. Mom has become my movie date lately and it's been great. I am happy to say that we have become a lot closer of the last year and that is something I couldn't be more excited about. Mothers and daughters are an interesting combination. We haven't always gotten along but mostly because I played the moody teenager that was too cool for her mom. Now I'd like nothing more than to have lunch and hang out with my mom all day. :)

The movie was good. I wouldn't say great because the ending is different than the book and kind of sad. But, Nicholas Sparks I hear is known for making sad love stories. Either way, if you are a romantic at heart and are up for a few tears I would say go see it. I do have to give a quick shout out to Ashley who is the writer of Hesseltime! Her blog is great, so read it if you can and maybe she'll be giving out more free movie passes again soon.

Hope everyone has a great weekend. We're preparing for Winter Storm 2010 as the forecasters are calling it, but I'll believe it when I see it.

Peach State of Mind...

Last night my favorite ladies and I had dinner at Buckhead Diner, one of the Buckhead Life Restaurants. I love the Diner and have always had good meals there. However, last night was less than great for us. I don't know if it was the fact that the waitress was less than happy that we didn't get a more expensive bottle of wine or that the blue cheese chips weren't warm enough. But, I left thinking that I could have made a meal at my house for about a 1/4 of the cost and still had a great time with the girls. Really Buckhead life Restaurants (its a group of restaurants all owned by the same people) have gone down hill over the last year or so. I'm guessing the economy hits everyone, even the really good places to eat. Sad, but true!

The good news is that I got to see my favorite people. We try to get together at least every 2 weeks and have dinner or hang out and just catch up. Love you girls and am so thankful for the relationships we have!! Gotta love our new codes and the fact that we can sit and talk about anything at any time.

In other news, check out this great video made by some kids from Wesleyan. Its a really well done version. My new favorite break from work!

On the Wings of Love Really?

While watching the bachelor last night I sat and wondered about how "real" this show could really be and how for years I've been watching and pulling for these people to really find love. But, not until recently did I realize how much this show makes lite of marriage and being in love. Can you really meet someone, date them while he's dating 15+ other girls, fall in love and make a commitment with him for the rest of your life?? I wouldn't think its that easy, but then again there are those people who meet and know instantly. Even worse is that these people meet on TV and get their makeup done, have meals prepared for them, get to go on romantic dates in vineyards and stay in these amazing mansions. I think I could fall in love with that life style too!

When reality hits a year from now and they wake up next to each other and wonder who the person is sleeping in the bed, then what?? "On The Wings Of Love"

Flowers For Me!

When a girl gets flowers one would assume they are for a special occasion or to make up for something that has happened. Not often does one get flowers just because... but Bobby sent flowers just because. Very sweet and thoughtful! All I can say is that I love him a lot!

My Babies

Birmingham Fun

This past weekend we drove to Birmingham for Ellie's Bachlorette Party! I have this great camera and still only took about 4 photos, sorry! It was a great weekend filled with lots of laughs and a great dance party with an 80's cover band. Gotta love nights out in Birmingham!

TV Schedules Are Important

OK, so TV schedules aren't really that important but I realized last night exactly why we are not in the best shape we could be and why it is hard to get the the gym after work. Network and non network TV shows are killing my drive to work out! As I sat at the January Junior League meeting last night and listened to our guest speaker talk about her past struggles with an eating disorder and how important it is to take care of numero uno all I could think about was making sure I made it to Publix after the meeting and was home in time to let the pups out and get another load of laundry done. WHO AM I? I am a fun 26 year old (almost 27 ahhhh) female that feels like a 30 something housewife. And the kicker is that I'm not married and am no one's housewife. Nonetheless Audrey and I say there for a few minutes and I showed her our TV Schedule. Mondays - The Bachelor , Tuesday - NCIS & The Good Wife, Wednesday - American Idol & Leverage, Thursdays - Burn Notice & Project Run Way. Goodness, that's a lot to keep up with. Today I decided to use our Tivo and get out and about and make myself go to the gym. I think Tivo was invented for late night and early morning viewings of the shows that will hold you prisoner during the peek hours of work out time. I stand today to say NO MAS! I'll watch my shows when I want to!!

Happy Hump Day!

January Changes and Resolutions

With the new year comes change. I am firm believer that if you set your mind to something you can do it and will do it if you really want to. I didn't really make a resolution this year as all of the ones I've made before have been less than met. So, instead I decided to make my "resolution" to see my friends more. I have a habit of getting into a relationship and losing myself in that person. But, I've found that the best and healthiest relationships allow for personal time and time with each persons friends. Otherwise you do get lost and forget who you are as an individual. Don't get me wrong, I love Bobby and our relationship is great, but a girl needs her girls sometimes and I know he need the occasional guys night out too.

The first 12 days in January have been cold and colder. We had our first freeze that left us unable to get out of the driveway, Bobby's car side swiped and my battery dead. So, we're off to a great start of 2010. However, this start of the year has also left us with great friends, 2 happy and healthy puppies and a warm and happy home. I'll take the second list over the first. Things happen, people change and lives go on. Here's to a Happy and Healthy January and the rest of 2010.

2010 Here We Come!

Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a wonderful New Year and enjoyed their time off however long or short that time was. We had a great New Year, a cold one, but a good one. This year we went to Tennessee for the New Year with some friends and rented a cabin for the weekend. It was a great and relaxing few days. I have to say it was nice to not have to pay outrageous amounts of money for dinner and dancing on a night that really is like any other minus the actual date. It was great to have tacos and enjoy the count down in my pjs with a group of great people. Plus, the night ended with Georgia chants on the front porch of our cabin in the bitter cold, who can ask for more!

Christmas with Puppies

A Chance to clean out our fridge

So this weekend turned into a great "Chance to clean out our fridge" and to get things back in order. Not by choice but by chance. I failed to mention in my last post that our house lost power Saturday, the morning after Christmas. Basically we had a power surge and because the house is old it made all the lights flicker and the dryer stop working. A blessing in disguise really because it could have been an electrical fire and not just flickering lights. So... the city came and turned off the power Saturday afternoon and we relocated to my parents for the next 2 days. It actually wasn't that bad of a deal because Zoey is still visiting and my parents love having us and the pups. The pups stayed in the basement with Bobby and I stayed in my room upstairs. Not ideal but it worked until we could get the power fixed. Long story short, we have new wires from the city connection to the weather head, from the weather head to the meter and from the meter to the breaker box. Power was restored at 8:00 p.m. last night and my fridge is clean!

Christmas!

Christmas has come and gone and what a wonderful time it was this year! Sure we spent most of our day in the car, but it was worth it. We went to see Hope Christmas Eve, then dinner at my parents, to church with Bobby's parents and then back to my parents' house for the night. Christmas morning we woke up at my parents' house did gift there and then went to Bobby's parents' house for the Johnson Family Christmas. Later in the afternoon we went over to my grandparents' and then back to Bobby's parents' for Christmas dinner. Wow - ALOT to do, but well worth it. Santa was very good to us both and we have a wonderful day. Pictures below..

Our house decorated for Christmas. A big step up from last year when all Bobby had was one wreath on his front door that his mom actually brought over and put up. I love the lights and garland. Christmas Day below:

My mom had the camera for Christmas Eve and got some great pictures of the pups so I'll have to get those later this week. This Christmas was great!

2 Days and Counting

This past week has really flown by, but it has been a great one. We've had a party or dinner every night for the last 2 weeks. We started things off with a little Junior League Christmas ornament exchange, then there was my sorority sister dinner, dirty Santa with my alumni group, Bobby's company Christmas party, my company Christmas party, Holiday cocktails at the Lawrence's, a Cascade Christmas party, Jamie's open house and volunteering at Cobb Christmas.

Out of all our activities the best thing I've done this season is Cobb Christmas. I really enjoy volunteering for this organization every year. Its a chance to give back to those who can't have Christmas like we've had our entire lives. It made me think about how grateful we should all be for what we have. The best part is that by volunteering and giving our time and money we are able to give a lot of children a Christmas they would have never had without it. This year my grandmother wasn't feeling well enough to go along, but she usually pulls a 6 hour shift for donation day. This year I went it alone, but still had a wonderful time. Some great Zeta ladies joined me and we filled carts and delivered toys all morning Saturday. Really its a great thing to do and if you don't give to any organization - you should!! Check out Cobb Christmas.

I haven't had my camera the last few days because its not the best any longer since we dropped it a few times Halloween. Hopefully Santa will bring me a new one. With only 2 days left before Christmas I am starting to get excited and looking forward to some great family time with my family and Bobby's. More so Bobby's this year because I didn't get to see them last Christmas!

Just remember what the season is all about - Our Lord and Savior!

Puppis, Puppies, Puppies

The last few weeks have been crazy for us and the poor pups are enjoying these busy times as well. Sadie and Hines have been busy bodies lately and I think its because they have been in and out a lot and all over the place. Plus, they are growing pups as Hines tips the scales at 9 pounds and Sadie rounds out at 7.5 pounds. Lately they have really gotten into playing in the yard and exploring. We let them out around 6:30 to go to the bathroom and usually have a hard time getting them back in around 7:30 to eat breakfast. But, they can literally entertain themselves for hours in the yard. The great thing is that we have a wonderful yard for them to play in. I thought since not everyone gets to see them all the time that I would tell a few cute Hines and Sadie stories.

My favorite Sadie story actually happened last night as I let them out for an evening play time and bathroom break. It has been getting colder at night and lately there has been a lot of rain so it wasn't abnormal for there to be an evening rain and for it to frost over a little bit. I let them out and Sadie came barrelling out of the kitchen only to hit the frosted deck and to slide all the way across the deck. She was stopped by the fence that lines the deck on that side and she actually hit the wall rather hard. She just laid there for a few seconds and then rolled over on her back with all fours in the air like a dead dog. Then she jumped up and looked around to see if anyone was paying attention. The minute she saw me notice her she started winning and stumbled over to see me. She shook her little head for a second and fell over at my feet like a poor little pup that had been drinking. It was very funny, but she did not appreciate that I laughed at her. Either way, I picked her up and played into her poor little puppy game and held her for a minute or two. Then she was good to go and wanted to beat up Hines again.

My favorite Hines story actually was this past week when Hines had scratched his eye. We got up one day last week and noticed Hines' eye was very blood shot and was oozing yuckiness. So being the over reactive parents we are we took him to the vet to be checked out. But, I couldn't stay for his appointment and needed to get to work. So I left him for the day at the vet. They took care of him and flushed out his eye. However, the vet closes at 6 and even though I left the office at 5:00 I was never going to make it there in time. So, I called my dad to have him go pick Hines up for us. He did and was going to bring him to our house to drop him off. They wouldn't let me leave his collar when I dropped him off, so dad didn't have a way of walking him before they got into the car to head home. The minute Hines was put into the back of dads car he went to the bathroom. Not just number 1 but number 2. ALL over dads car. He then walked all in it and might have even played with it a little bit on the way home. My dad was livid! I called to check on them both and dad said, and I quote " your dog is in my back yard, come get him right now." I was on my way there that minute and couldn't help but laugh when I pulled into my parents driveway and my dad was washing out his car. The good news is that his back is an SUV trunk and can be rinsed out with no problem. Needless to say, he probably will not be helping us out much any more. Mom and I got a good laugh out of it though!

Christmas is less than 10 days away!! Can't wait! Our first official Christmas as a family, Bobby, Sadie, Hines and I. Lots to do before now and then and I'll be sure to upload the tree and our house decoration!

Tis' The Season!!!

Holiday Parties Galor

This weekend was filled with Holiday Parties and lots of decorating. We finally got a tree and put it up late last night. I'll get some pictures of our small little tree and post later this week. All in all the weekend was a good one, just busy. Pictures below

Chrissy and Huck's mantel looked amazing. I would love to have a mantel to decorate. Maybe in my next house that's what I'll look for. :)

Tis' The Season

Tis The Season seriously. I just love the holidays and ours are in full swing. Things really started last weekend but will continue to roll this weekend and the next. I think everything them culminates in Christmas and then New Years. All in all it doesn't look like we'll get a break until 2010. I hope I can last that long.

Last weekend I was still feeling kind of crummy and had to pass on volunteering for the Marietta Tour of Homes, which killed me. But, it was snowy and freezing and the last thing I needed was to get out in the cold. In fact, I slept most of the day and left the house work to Bobby. Saturday night we had the First Annual Holiday Game Night! It was really a great time. I think it was the first time in a long time that we had played pictionary and other "family" games. But, it was a good time and the girls really showed the guys who the winners are! Sunday we were treated to seeing the Rockettes at the Fox. Bobby's mom took us along with the family to see the Christmas Spectacular. It was a blast and Hope really loved it. You should have seen her face when they all came out dressed as Santa. She was confused at first and then just loved it! She's really into the kicking and has loved the Rockettes since she saw them on Dancing With The Stars.

This week has flown by as well. We had dinner with my grandparents (meatloaf, Bobby's favorite) on Tuesday and really enjoyed some one on one time with them. It's such a different experience to be with them as adults. I just had fond memories of them taking care of us for the weekend and looking up to them as these wonderful people. That's all still the case but now I feel the roles are going to reverse and we'll be taking care of them. I have no problem doing that, but I'll miss all of grandma's cookies and fudge and grandpa combing our hair on the way out the door to Sunday School.

This weekend we have friends in town, Bobby's company Christmas Party, Clint & Ellie's annual White Elephant Party, Jess & Bragg's Party and a lot of shopping to do. Wish us luck with sleeping and getting everything done. Plus, the pups need to get some exercise and we're going to try out walking them on leashes... we'll see how that goes.

Tis' the season and I'm SO excited!!!

We Should Have Known

I just got this message below from my sister, its really cute and so true!

REMEMBER THIS AT CHRISTMAS TIME

According to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, while both male and female reindeer grow antlers in the summer each year, make reindeer drop their antlers at the beginning of winter, usually late November to mid-December. Female reindeer retain their antlers til after they give birth in the spring.

Therefore, according to EVERY historical rendition depicting Santa's reindeer, EVERY single one of them, from Rudolph to Blitzen, had to be a girl. We should've known... ONLY women would be able to drag a fat-ass man in a red velvet suite all around the world in one night and not get lost.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL!!!

Latest Find

Found this great art the other day and love it. I want to get one, but not sure where we'd put it exactly. But, I'd take one any day!

6 Months Today

Yep, today is 6 months for Mr. Johnson and I!! Gotta say, it's been a great 6 months! Second Chances are worth it!