I do LOVE weekends...

November 9, 2008

Very nice, relaxing weekend. All weekend felt and smelled just like fall! Enjoyed some shopping, good food, and the Harbor Town dog show. We spent most of the weekend with Emily and Lily.

Lily wondering who this funny guy is next to her...

Smile for Aunt Brooke...

A Good Day...

November 7, 2008
While I put out lots of fires today, I actually had a good Friday! Enjoyed being able to get out for lunch at Cajun on Front with Jennifer and Wendy. Plus, Emily and Lily are in town (Caleb is at deer camp) and they met us for lunch! Love the food, but the service still needs some work. Looking forward to a relaxing weekend. Hope you all have a good one. Below is a picture of Jennifer and I with Lily.

Home Sweet Home...

November 6, 2008
Hooray...I'm home from Vegas. All in all, it was a good trip. Probably walked 8-10 miles per day, but thanks to my privos, my feet or legs never hurt! The show was so different from the trade shows in my previous career. Lets just say, there were alot of cars (alot is an understatement). We stayed at the Palazzo, which is part of the Venetian. Beautiful rooms...see photo below. I did gamble a little bit, but didn't leave a winner. I struggled with the time change and a nagging cold, so I am glad to be home in my own bed. Thanks to my vendors, I did eat very well every day (Alize atop the Palms, David Burkes and Nobu). Tomorrow it is back to the office...TGIF!

The car I was most impressed with...I ain't afraid of no ghost!

Filming of MTV's Pimp My Ride

Best time of the year...

November 1, 2008

I can't take the Tennessee game, so I decided to blog. For all my followers (all 88 of you...I didn't know that I knew that many people), I want to post that my review at work went well. I'm glad I stressed over it, because if not, I would have never been able to answer all the questions. I was so happy to leave early yesterday...came home and made hundreds of mini pumpkin muffins for Merry Marketplace. Ray and I enjoyed a relaxing Halloween night with Janis, Jennifer and Gavin. Not many trick or treaters, so we have a lot of candy left! Today, I volunteered at the Jr League Merry Marketplace. Really enjoyed myself. As I was leaving I realized that I couldn't find my blackberry...hmm where could I have left it...not sure how it got there, but it was found in the toilet in the restroom I had used...must have fallen out of my pocket, hmm I didn't hear it drop in. So, I hope it dries out overnight (I don't know what I will do if I loose all my numbers, I don't have any numbers memorized anymore)! 55 days till Christmas. The market really got me in the mood, if I wasn't so against decorating before Thanksgiving, I would be pulling out the decorations now! I leave you with a super cute picture of Gavin the Rockstar!

And a picture of Merry Marketplace to get everyone in the Holiday Spirit!

Check me off the list...

October 29, 2008

I performed my civic duty...I early voted! I'll be in Vegas next week for a trade show, so I knew if I didn't go today I would have no other option and if you don't vote you can't complain! I had about a 40 minute wait, but was very entertained by the crowd! Let me tell you, check your ballet before you go...who knew there were 12 items to vote for? I thought this was all about the president and a senator, but there were 8 amendments on there too. This afternoon, we had kids come trick or treat in the office, so that took my mind off of my review. The kids were in a local tutoring program. I was a bit disappointed that they were not in costume, but oh well, they were cute in their uniforms! Only 2 more work days and it is time for the weekend!

What a weekend...

October 27, 2008

What a fast weekend (I will leave out Tennessee's loss and me worrying sick about work) and just hit on the highlights! Jennifer met me at Race for the Cure and I had the best time. It is so touching to see the women in pink and read every one's shirts. I had to fight back tears more then once. I met up with Lisa and Susan when I first got there, but we lost each other among the other 18,000 people. I had plans to take our picture as we crossed the finish line, but I forgot as I was taken back by the sure joy of seeing everyone together for a common cause.

Saturday afternoon I went over and helped mom with Trunk or Treat...not a huge turn out, but the trunk looked good. Dad even hooked lights up to the car battery!

I worked on Saturday night and all day Sunday...just took a break for a quick shopping trip with mom and Molly and then to eat dinner with my parents. Dad cooked the best boston butt and mom's baked beans were delicious. Here's to a good week!!!

It is the little things...

October 24, 2008
I'm so glad to put this work week behind me and hope to be even happier next week at this time! I learned today that I am obviously not as prepared as I seemed to think I am for my line review on 10/31. Oh well, this blog is about the blessings in my life and it is a blessing that I have a paying job in this trying economic times, so for that I am thankful. Plus, I have been reminding myself that God does not give you more then you can handle. Below are a few of the small things that made my night...
Emily and Lily are staying another night with Nonna and Grandpa Chuck, so we met the family for dinner at Sole Fish (YUM)!

Last night as I was grocery shopping...in the check out line...there they were...all 3 of my favorite Christmas magazines, so I had to have them all and can't wait to read every recipe and creative idea.

About to watch a movie with Ray! If you haven't experienced a Red Box, you must go find one now! Movies for $1.00...a much better treat then a candy bar (and probably cheaper!)

It rained all day...

October 23, 2008
So what does that mean...well, Lisa and I were unable to have our Thursday walk on the river, so we had to resort to the 'dreadmill' (as Lisa calls it!). And, Caleb couldn't farm in the rain, so he went to deer camp and Emily and Lily came to spend the night with Nonna and Grandpa Chuck. Ray and I went over for dinner and stayed for Lily's bath. Nonna got her a special duck bathtub to keep at her house and yes it quacks! Too cute!

Free Undies and a lot of nothing!

October 22, 2008
So, I got to work about 7 and at 8, I got an email from Ray saying he was taking the afternoon off to play golf and did I want to join him. Well, yes, I wanted to join him, but then I remembered...I don't work for HMK anymore...bye, bye my large vacation bank! However, would I have really taken the afternoon off if I had the days? Not sure, but definitely something to think about. I always say, I must enjoy life more and be spontaneous (however, I am a planner)! Oh well! One can never have enough panties...my friend Kembree sent an email about a free panties giveaway from Hanes... http://www.wedgiefree.com/nrutvsample/#entertowin
I signed up for mine! I'll leave you with a cute picture of Lily in her bumbo seat from this weekend.

October Birthdays

October 20, 2008
On Sunday afternoon, Ray played golf and I went to work. I really wanted to go shopping, but I have a line review to prepare for. Did go out to lunch with my team today to celebrate October birthdays...A little Mexican Fiesta!
Jim (my director in grey), Walt (Birthday Boy) and Chuck

Brandi celebrated her 30th and Suzanne her 50th!

Lily's walked the soles off her keds...

October 18, 2008

After work on Friday, I met Emily and Lily and we drove to Jonesboro. Lily spent her first night in a hotel and did wonderful. We got up early to do the Make-A -Wish 5K that Molly has been planning. It was the first year and they had a great turn out. They raised around $20,000 and will be able to grant at least 2 wishes. I am so proud for them! Hayden, 8 year old, who recently had her wish granted was there. She went to Disney World and had an amazing time. She told the crowd all about it. Let me tell you, I had no idea that Jonesboro had so many hills and pushing a stroller up hill is not an easy task! However, It was fun and Lily slept the entire race. I'm now home listening to the TN game and waiting for our Chinese to be delivered...too tired to go anywhere (missing my zoo boo friends).

Lily getting bundled up for the race...

Snug as can be in her hat Nonna made...

Emily and I lining up...yes, we both shop at Macy's, but no we didn't know that we both had the same warm up jacket.

Molly and Hayden entertaining the crowd...

The girls after the race...

Happy 3 months Lily Brooke!

October 15, 2008

Wish I was there to share a cupcake with you...

Who doesn't love M&M's???

October 14, 2008
Did you see the Pink M&M car that Kyle Busch drove in the Nascar Race this weekend? Too cool! I encourage you all to show your commitment to breast cancer research by signing up for Race for the Cure and making a "promise" to buy a bag of special 'pink' M&M'S® (I've already bought mine!). Remember every 3 minutes a women is diagnosed with breast cancer.

Lots and lots of cotton

Sunday, August 12, 2008
Went to visit Emily and Lily on Saturday morning and got home just in time for the 2nd half of the Tennessee game. Based on the game outcome, I should have stayed with Lily! Emily and Lily put on their matching outfits (jeans and white shirts) for a mini photo session in Daddy's cotton. Too bad Daddy Caleb was too busy to get cleaned up for the pictures. Maybe next time. We met Ms Donna and Baby Sam for lunch in Wynne. Had a great visit and great day!



How cute are those little jeans and keds...

Tomorrow is finally Friday

October 9, 2008
Is it bad that I have been waiting for Friday since Monday morning? Our weekend plans include nothing, nothing and more nothing...well I need a Lily fix, so plan to go visit her (and Emily & Caleb). Plus, I have heard that 'Fireproof' is an amazing movie, so I would love to have a date night too (must remember to tell Ray!). Oh and we play Georgia...Go VOLS! Had a review at work, the only negative things are that I sometimes talk too fast and say the word 'right' too much! Right...Well, I can fix those things, so no worries! Absolutely gorgeous day out today, enjoyed a great lunch at Cajun on Front (the old Cayenne Moon) with Kristen. It was delicious! I'll leave you with the breathtaking view that Lisa and I had as we exercised today.

Lily Fix

October 8, 2008
I've had a super busy week at work; leading up to a big line review at the end of the month. Ray and I went to the golf range tonight, he has a tournament on Friday. Had fun, till the mosquito's took over. We need a freeze and soon! Lipstick Jungle is about to start...loved the book and the tv show does not disappoint!
Not sure about you, but I need a Lily fix! Emily had a little photo shoot in the cotton field, so here you go...I can't wait to hold her and kiss those cheeks!

I'm going to the zoo, zoo, zoo...

October 6, 2008
On Sunday afternoon, I went to the zoo with Stephanie and Mary Anna. We met Jennifer and Gavin (Mary Anna and Gavin go to school together and I work with Jennifer...I know it is a small world!). It was a little hot, but all in all it was a beautiful day! We had a great time. The Memphis zoo has changed so much since I was little and the family membership is such a deal! I am very eager for the zoo to update the hippo's home...poor thing can't move! I adored the pandas, giraffes and zebras! The kids adored the aqua(there is a lot of aqua at that zoo)! There is a pregnant elephant that isn't due till next July, they carry their babies for 2 years! I was very upset the polar bears were not out, but pretty much all the other animals were enjoying the lazy Sunday. Hope you all did too!

Churched and Ray's new BFF

October 5, 2008
Ray and I have decided to join the church we have been visiting off and on for 2 years now, so all weekend we have been in an inquirers class. It has been very inspiring and we have really enjoyed the time getting to know the people and the church. I grew up in a tiny church (which I love and if they had an early service, we would probably still be there), but WOW! we really feel at home at this 'large' church. What is so ironic and surprising is that I know one of the other ladies in the class, because we grew up going to church together. We were confirmed as children together and now we are joining a church together as married adults. Besides all of our churching this weekend, we went over to Kristy, Brian, Alex and Reed's for a wonderful dinner last night (best potatoes & artichoke dip I have ever eaten)! Thanks guys! It was Kristy's birthday this past week, so I took cupcakes and we had the best time. Enjoyed catching up with them as well as Avis and Christy. Which brings me to Ray's new BFF, Alex. Maybe because Ray is so laid back and like a big kid himself, but Ray and 'Big Al' hit it off. So looking forward to getting together again soon.
Adorable, always happy, Reed walking with his fire truck.

Ray and 'Big Al' (not his real nickname, but the one Ray gave him!) discussing the Vanderbilt game.

The girls

Brian and Ray pushing Alex on the swing (my camera takes great pictures in the dark and in the light, but dusk is horrible...any suggestions?)

So sore, but feeling good...

October 3, 2008

Lisa and I exercised last night! I am so sore today, but it fills so good to be out there again. Lisa is training for the St. Jude half, so I hope I didn't slow her down. It was great to catch up and I look forward to our next work-out together. Today at work we had a thank you lunch, followed by a visit to the Civil Rights Museum and then some friendly bowling competition at Julian's. I had a very nice time. Below is a picture of some of the 'girls' I work with (Kristen, Brandi, Kim , and overdressed me, who didn't get the 'you can bring casual clothes to change into' memo). Then a picture of the ultra cool cosmic bowling area.

One of those days...

October 1, 2008

Where you just want to go home and have grilled cheese and tomato soup for dinner. If you haven't checked out the V8 soups, I highly recommend them. I've been in a 3 day negotiation seminar (tomorrow is day 3...yea!) and I'm ready to get back to the swing of work. Can you believe it is October? I guess it is a good thing I started this blog, so I can read what happened in September! One thing I love about October is that it is breast cancer awareness month. There are so many people who are touched by breast cancer every day. Two wonderful women close to me are survivors (Aunt Linda & Mrs Robinson)! I look forward to Race for the Cure on October 25th. Below is a picture of Molly & I after last years race. Would love for everyone to join us there this year. I encourage you all to take this quick survey and $1.00 will go to Susan G Komen.