Resolutions

I don't think I've ever made a "real" New Year's resolution. Of course, I'd like to lose weight and eat better like practically anyone else who makes a resolution, but those are such generic ideas. 

I found this list on another blog and thought these might be specific enough to be realistic for me. 

A bad habit I'm going to break--I have a tendency to be very whiney when I get stressed out. I want to do better managing my stress. My new job leaves me feeling like a small fish in a big pond frequently, but I need to trust in my skill and not worry so much. I might not be successful at this goal, but I want to give it a real try. 

A new skill I'd like to learn--I'd love to learn how to block the Japanese spam I receive daily. I have received at least one spam email from the same address every day for over four years. It's not that annoying since it goes to my Auburn email that is not my primary account, but enough really is enough. Thousands of emails later, it's time to put a stop to this nonsense. 

A person I hope to be more like--I have a friend whom I have looked up to for many years. She's one of the best at all she does--professionally and personally. She's experienced adversity in her life, but has grown from her experiences rather than being hindered by them. She's a person I always want to spend just 5 more minutes with and a person I always laugh with no matter the circumstances. It would be an honor to be considered even a little like her. 

A good deed I'm going to do--I'd love to get Emma certified as a therapy pet. I'm not sure if she can satisfy all the requirements, but I'd like to find out more and start the process, if possible. 

A place I'd like to visit--I haven't been to New York City since college. I'd love to go back and see as many shows as possible. (hint, hint...you know who you are)

A book I'd like to read--I'd like to read the (not so) new Dan Brown book. I've enjoyed the other books in the Robert Langdon series and I'm sure I'll enjoy Inferno as well. 

A letter I'm going to write--I love to receive letters from friends and family. I'm going to send one (or more) letters to people that are dear to me every month. It's so nice to get "real" mail instead of junk and bills!

A new food I'd like to try--I've recently learned that butter lettuce does not upset my stomach--in small quantities at least. I'd like to (carefully) sample other foods I avoid to see if I can expand my "safe" foods list. 

I'm going to do better at--Realizing when I know what I'm doing and asking for help when I don't. I think doing a better job at the "asking for help" part will go far in lowering my stress level. 

I'm sure I won't succeed at all of these items, but I'm going to give them a try. Here's to a great 2014--hopefully, the best year yet!

A Post I Don't Want to Write

I hoped that I had longer before writing this post. I hoped we had more happy days together. However, it was not meant to be. My precious Grandaddy was welcomed to Heaven on December 3. He suffered a serious fall the morning of the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and it was such as grevious injury that he could not recover from it. 

We had a few precious moments together over the last few days of his life. When we were waiting to be admitted to Hunstville Hospital, he continually pushed my bangs out of my face until I finally gave up and pinned them out of the way. Looking good didn't matter if it made him happy. He was in pain, but still making me laugh. 

His grip was so strong even until the end. He, Grams and I were always hand-holders, so I held his hand since there was nothing else I could do for him.  There's never been anything more peaceful than sitting on the swing on the patio holding his hand. When I couldn't take all the people in the house being loud and moving things around, I went downstairs to the swing and stayed until it got dark. 

He gave me the sweetest final memory of him the last day he was conscious. I was holding his right hand at his bedside when he reached out with his left hand, pulled my head down, kissed me and told me he loved me. I'm so grateful that he had the presence of mind to tell me he loved me one last time. 

I accepted the end result as soon as I knew how bad his injury was. As I told someone, I love(d) him enough to let him go. He wasn't going to get better and I didn't want to watch him suffer if it was in my control. I made sure that he was as comfortable as possible and made sure I told him I loved him--practically with every breath. 

I told him this and I've told others--If I was only destined to have one Grandaddy on Earth, I was given the very best. Even through the heartache of the past few weeks, I've been able to reminisce and share wonderful memories of time spent with my sweet Grandaddy. 

I couldn't be more grateful for 26 years with this wonderful man. God broke the mold when making him. 

Insert title here

I can't think of a title. Oh well...

Since I last posted, I spent some time with Mother and Daddy in Gatlinburg and in Florence. I drove down to Florence after a ridiculous morning involving my social security card, a safe and a locksmith. Needless to say, I have two keys now and a good locksmith should anyone in the Nashville area need one. 

We left Florence late since we had to wait on the sheetrock people to leave for the day. More on my parents' home renovation later...if it ever gets finished. It was right before midnight when we finally made it to the condo. We actually discussed whether it counted in the guest book if we arrived after midnight. We decided that if we sleep, it counts as a night. 

I didn't do much while we were in the mountains. Dad climbed Mount Le Conte with some neighbors while Mom and I went shopping for a second time. The first trip was one of my famous whirlwind trips where I spend far too much money in far less than an hour. If you've been on one of these trips with me, you know what I'm talking about. 

My second set of parents, Mother's best friend and her husband, also have a condo near ours and we had to invite them over for the infamous pizza night. It's so fun to cook for them and spend time with good friends. It's also fun to have my very own personal sous chef in Vickey!

The last day of our trip, we took a ride on the Great Smoky Mountain Railway. I'd definitely recommend this if you have the time and the weather is nice. 

I forced everyone in to taking pictures while we waited for the train to get moving. I had to try out the camera in my new 5S, right?

After we got back, I spent some precious time with Grandaddy. I know this is a blurry iPad picture, but he was in such a good mood that night and I love this picture. 

I started my new job three weeks ago today. My desk looks a little better than this now that my docking station came in. All the cords are somewhat in order and I've had requests to decorate other people's cubes since mine is so cute. Their words, not mine. I just brought a few frames and a couple special items, but it's starting to feel like home. 

I think I'm getting the hang of my new responsibilities and I don't have a feeling that I'm constantly drowning. I think organization and a daily to-do list are going to be key in getting acclimated. Of course, remembering I work downtown now helps. I haven't gotten off at the ring exit...yet. I'm sure it's just a matter of time. 

Thanksgiving is right around the corner as well as the delivery of my parents' new cooktop and refrigerator. I've been joking that they bought me new "toys" to play with. Definitely the kind of toys I like!

After Thanksgiving, it will be time to head back to Disney. I can't wait to go although I wouldn't mind a strong sleeping pill on the way down there this year. I learned my lesson and I'm bringing a real pillow this year instead of a travel one. 

I saw my first Christmas lights of the season tonight. I am just not ready for lights outside yet. I have to admit that I thought about putting up my tree last weekend, but I decided it was just too early. I've never put up a tree until after Thanksgiving and that's the way I want it to be. If that makes me Scrooge, so be it. 

I haven't been sleeping well lately, so I'm going to sleep while I'm feeling tired. Until next time...

New Adventures

I turned in my notice at my old job two weeks ago this past Monday.  My last day was last Tuesday. I start my new job next Monday. Now to recap the whirlwind that resulted in my new job!

I had met with recruiters previously, but I hadn't seen any opportunities that seemed right for me. Going to industry would mean better hours, but also sacrificing benefits such as time off. I didn't really see the benefit in going to a similarly-sized firm. I wasn't sure what was right for me, but in certainly hadn't considered making the move to a far larger international firm. Funny how things change...

I saw the job posting on LinkedIn and thankfully already had an "in" through a good friend of one of my best friends in Nashville.  I got a little more info on the job and was still interested, so I had a casual interview with my friend's friend over coffee. We both knew each other socially, so this was a great opportunity to talk a little more freely that typical in a first interview. 

Before I knew it (ie - less than four hours later), I had an office visit for the next day. They were interested and I was, too, so it was very exciting. At this point, only family and a few close friends knew I was interviewing. 

I got a phone call the night of my office visit that convinced me an offer was in the works. I sat on pins and needles for a day before getting my verbal offer. After a little negotiating, I had a new job! All in about a week!

I was scared about turning in my notice, but it went as I expected. I had a great experience at my old firm and made great friends, but it was time to say goodbye. 

I'm very sad about leaving one of my closest Nashville friends at my old firm, but we are determined to keep our friendship. We've been texting and emailing since I left and we have plans for a nice long dinner next week. Can't wait!!

Another great thing about this job is that the third member of our little "trio" at my old job is now working only one floor below my new office. Since I'll be working downtown for the first time, I'm so excited about having a lunch buddy when the people in my office don't want to go out!

I'm sure I'll be nervous Sunday night, but right now I'm very excited for the challenge!!

Lots of catching up!

Since I last posted, things have been quite eventful!

I went to Gatlinburg with Mother and Daddy for Labor Day weekend. I took off the Tuesday after, so we enjoyed a little more family time before heading home. We didn't see any bears in this trip despite this footprint the week before. 

Next, I had the September 15th deadline at work for extended corporate and partnership returns. As much as I wanted that deadline to pass, it also meant my last days working with one of my best friends. Melissa got a great new job and I'm very happy for her, but, at the same time, I'm very sad for me. 

September also marked my first Junior League meetings. I'm a provisional this year (with Melissa), so this year is about learning what the League does and how to get involved. 

Last weekend, I went home for a visit. Mother and Daddy are starting some major renovations to their house and I wanted to see the selections that have been made in person. Mom and I also needed to finally pick out glasses for her. I was able to relieve Mom and spent some of her weekend time with Grandaddy so she could rest. I'm always glad to see my sweet boy!! 

Also, Dad joined the iPhone team and I tried to help him understand how it works.  If he could just remember his Apple ID and password, we'd be golden!

Last Sunday, I rushed back to Nashville after church to go to a friend's Pampered Chef party. We had fun at the party, I ordered a few things and I ended up staying most of the evening. I brought Emma with me to play with my friend's kids and she was passed out that night from all the fun she had! They talked me in to hosting a party in October, so let me know if you want to come (or order online)!

This weekend, I've been pretty puny. I woke up Saturday with a terrible headache that hasn't completely gone away. I actually went back to bed for a while with a pillow over my head. I'm popping Tylenol every 4 hours and I'm able to function now. I had to work for a few hours yesterday, but I was alone and no one saw me without makeup! Today, I decided that getting up and going to church might make me feel better. It didn't, but I'm up anyway. I'm going to alternate resting with cleaning and laundry and see how that goes!

Changing Habits

If you know me well, you know I am most certainly not a morning person. I typically don't speak first thing in the morning. It's a struggle every day to get up and get to work on time. The only time I'm awake before my alarm goes off is when I'm looking forward to something going on that day and can't wait for it to happen--like a child on Christmas morning! Thankfully, I don't have to clock in or be in a classroom at a certain time, but I'm trying to improve my morning habits nonetheless. 

For the past few weeks, I've really been trying to get up when my alarm goes off. Doing so gives me an hour to get ready and thirty minutes (or less) to get to work with an additional thirty minutes to spare before I'm "technically" supposed to be at work. Getting up when my alarm goes off is the optimum situation. However, until recently, this never happened as I have a terrible habit of walking across the room, hitting snooze and going back to sleep. 

I've been so busy at work lately that getting to work early is the only way to survive. Somehow, my subconscious seems to know I need to wake up since I usually wake several times during the night and have to reassure myself that "No, you didn't turn off your alarm. It's still dark outside." It's really quite annoying. 

I'm trying to make an effort to be in bed relaxing or trying to sleep by 10PM. I can manage on less than 7-8 hours sleep, but the cumulative effect of sleep deprivation is not pretty. Exhibit A: How I look and feel on April 15th. 

I'm also trying to pick out my clothes for the next day the night before. That definitely saves time out of my morning routine. 

I always manage to get a little bit of extra restful time after my alarm goes off and I get up. One of my very favorite things about my house is that my bathroom has a large window and I can start getting ready in the mornings without turning on the lights. This is a weird quirk I've had since childhood, but was unable to do in college or in my apartment here. I don't ever turn on the lights until I start my makeup!

Let me know if you have any advice for getting up and going in the mornings. I'm all ears!

It's getting close to 10 o'clock and I can't keep my eyes open any longer. Lets hope I have good start to the day tomorrow and get up on time! I've got too much work to do to sleep in. 

Overly Emotional

It must be the long days I'm working leading up to the September 15th deadline at work (or my terrible sleep lately from worrying about work projects--or oversleeping and getting to work late), but I have been an emotional basket-case today.

The waterworks started when I watched this video that I saw on my Facebook page.  This little man reminds me so much of Grandaddy and his sweet relationship with my Grams.  Even looking at him reminds me of Grandaddy--except Grandaddy doesn't have near that much hair.  He always said he didn't have much hair as a result of playing "beauty shop" with me when I was little.

I thought I was finished crying when my phone notified me that I had been tagged in a picture from Instagram.  One of our sweet sitters, Betsy, posted the sweetest three pictures of Grandaddy with her 6-7 month old son.  Grandaddy's face was lit up in the pictures and they made my heart so happy.  Most of the time I feel like Grandaddy is just existing in this life until he is reunited with Grams, but these pictures were proof to me that he can still find joy even though his body is feeble and his mind is confused.  **I can't figure out how to save the picture from Instagram to put here, but feel free to friend me on there if you want to see it!**

Seeing him with Owen makes me think back to when I was little and saw Grams and Grandaddy at least six days a week.  Grandaddy worked until I was in middle school, so when he came home for lunch or at the end of the day, he would open the back door and whistle.  His whistle was very distinctive and no one has ever been able to replicate it.  Sadly, he doesn't remember it now.  As long as I heard his whistle, I would come running for my hug from Grandaddy. 

Grandaddy made sure I got to play while I was at their house.  I had a play set, a swing hanging from the pecan tree in the backyard, a slide he handmade for me and, best of all, he restored Mom and Beth's fort for me.  They couldn't have a tree house, so they got a two story fort when they were little.  I remember playing drive-through from the second story with Grandaddy.  For some reason, I threw the pretend food down to him instead of him "driving through" to get it.  I don't know why I thought that was the thing to do?!  We also gave Grams a fit when he let me help him re-shingle the fort.  Helping basically consisted of sitting up there with him while he did the work, but Grams was absolutely certain something bad would happen to one or both of us.  I wasn't worried--there was no reason to be afraid of anything as silly as falling off the roof when Grandaddy was there to protect you!

I wish we could do all the good times all over again...my memories will always linger on...

Now I'm going to start crying again!  I think it must be pretty obvious to anyone who knows me how much I love my precious Grandaddy and what an amazing influence he has been on my life.

Birthday Recap

Even though today is my actual birthday, the festivities began last weekend. 

Saturday, I had a hair appointment first thing. I was a week overdue to have my hair done and I was seriously starting to go crazy. After my appointment, Mom and I went to a few stores looking for birthday presents. I ended up with a monogram door hanger and a pair of earrings. 

We ran a few more errands before going to Ford City to eat at Stanfield's. Surprisingly, it wasn't crowded and we were headed back to Florence in just over an hour. We visited with Grandaddy, Mother's sister and her older daughter before heading home for cake. Mom put two candles on my cake and I joked that they might be trick candles. I don't think Mom intended it to work out this way, but they were trick candles and I blew them out four times before finally dunking them in water!

Sunday, I went to early church with my parents before choir practice and 11 o'clock church. My sweet choir friends sang Happy Birthday to me before we went upstairs to the Sanctuary. After church, my friend Becky, her sister, Teresa, and I went to lunch after church. As I said on Facebook, if the three of us had enough time together, I think we could solve all of the world's problems--or at least catch up on everything worth knowing in Florence!

Today, my sweet work friends definitely made sure I had a good day. My friend (and work mentor), Melissa, picked me up on her way to work so I wouldn't have to drive myself. My other close friend at work, Sandy, brought donuts for our department and even brought a special one for me! (I might or might not have eaten my cinnamon sugar donut and then a chocolate one several hours later!) We had a baby shower during lunch, so these sweet girls took me to Chuy's tonight to celebrate. I'm so lucky to have both of them in my life and I'd be lost without either of them!

Another friend from work made an interesting discovery lately. The Publix she shops at had pieces of the Toomer's Corner trees on sale. When she mentioned it, I thought that it had to be fake. This morning, she came in with a gift for me--my very own piece of the actual Toomer's Corner trees--certificate of authenticity enclosed! How funny that pieces of the tree would end up at a Publix in Goodlettsville, Tennessee!!

Mom and Dad weren't able to come see me today as we originally planned. I have to admit that I was quite upset when I found out about this. I have spent every birthday with Mom and only missed one with Dad until today. There just wasn't a way to make it work this year.  We talked several times today and I know they both would have been here if it was at all possible. They sent a beautiful arrangement of flowers to my office which certainly brightened up this gloomy, drizzly day. 

I'm at home next to Emma now. It's been  a full day of celebrations interrupted by a little bit of work here and there. I've had many birthday wishes on Facebook and sweet texts from dear friends. 26 doesn't feel any different than 25 so far, but it's been a great reminder of all the special people that make my life so much fun!

10 Years Ago...

...I was nervously awaiting taking my driver's test the next morning.  The weather forecasters were predicting rain and it was also the first day of my Junior year of High School.  I practiced with Dad in the days leading up to my birthday, but, being the last in my class to turn 16, I'd heard plenty of horror stories about the awful people at the State Trooper's station and was basically petrified of them.

Roses from my Aunt, Beth

On the morning of the test, it was raining.  Mom and I were there an hour early to be at the first of the line, but they would not let me take the test until the rain stopped and the roads were completely dry.  Shortly before lunch, I finally managed to take my test.  I have no idea what the tester said at the end, but the sentence ended with "pass", so I was happy.  I dropped Mom off at her school and drove to Bradshaw and checked in just in time for the first half of French III and lunch.

I was a baby!!

After school, I picked up Mom and her friends took me to Trowbridge's for an Oh My Gosh--a brownie with ice cream, whipped cream, caramel sauce and cherries on top.  It's a plate full of sinful deliciousness that's best shared with 4 or 5 people.  I think I'd go in to a diabetic coma if I ate an entire serving by myself!

Apparently, I didn't smile with teeth back then.

 Ten years ago, the biggest thing in my life was getting my Driver's License.  Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined myself living the life I do now.

Favorite Products

Last night, when I was taking off my makeup and getting ready for bed, I started thinking about all of the products I use on a daily basis and which ones I would not want to live without. 

You see, I have a bit of a problem with beauty products.  I find something I like and use it forever and ever and then add a few more things in along the way.  For example, I currently use 5 different products on my hair per day.  It's quite ridiculous, really and I promise I'm not really that high-maintenance.

Starting off the list of things I don't want to live without...

Clinique Liquid Facial Soap in Mild

 

I've used this product religiously for about three years.  I like it so much that I have a bottle by my sink to use at night and another bottle in the shower for morning use.  I can't go to bed without using this to remove my makeup.

 

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel

 

I've used both the gel and the lotion.  Right now, my face is extremely dry from some topical medication I'm using, so I'd go with copious amounts of the lotion.  This product doesn't seem to cause breakouts and definitely helps to make my makeup go on smoother.

 

Now, getting into makeup...

Laura Mercier Eye Basics in Linen

 

I thought this product was a little silly when it was recommended to me at the Laura Mercier counter.  However, I was amazed at how much more resilient my eyeshadow and eyeliner are after using this product.  I've had a problem with my eyeliner appearing at the top of my eyelid in the past and this prevents this from happening.  It's also great to use on days that you don't want full eye makeup.  It almost acts like a very neutral shadow and works perfectly with eyeliner and mascara alone.

 

Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner

 

This is a fairly new product for me since I've only been using it for about two weeks, but so far, so good!  I've been using a black liquid liner with a navy pencil on top for about a year.  I like that the black line helps to emphasize my lashes while the navy accentuates the color of my eyes.  This liner is very easy to apply (even for people with somewhat unsteady hands like me!) and lasts all day.  Like I said above, I don't sleep in makeup, but I think this could make it through the night if I tried it.

 

Next up...hair products...

 

Tresseme Tres Two Extra Hold Hairspray



 

This is one product I do not ever leave the house without.  I personally use enough hairspray annually to be responsible for a new hole in the ozone layer directly above Brentwood, Tennessee!  I've used this particular hairspray since college.  It keeps my bangs in place without feeling crunchy or sticky like I remember from the hairspray Grams used.  It's also pretty inexpensive and often on sale at CVS.  I got two cans for $7 this past weekend at CVS and would have bought two more for the extra care bucks (ECBs) had they had more in stock. This is one of the things I stockpile since I cannot go to work without a good spray to my hair.

 

Tressemme 24 Hour Body Foaming Mousse

 

This is another must-have any time I blow out my hair and is also something I have used since college.  I have very fine, very straight hair and if I do not use this product, it will lay completely flat against my head.  Again, this mousse is often on sale and I snag it whenever I can since I can't go to work without using it!

 

 

 

Well, those are the most essential products I use every day.  I also use Laura Mercier Luminizing Primer, Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer and foundation in combination with Bare Minerals powder foundation.  The combination of a dab of tinted moisturizer thins the foundation and I've found that I need the lighter moisturizer combined with the slightly darker foundation to mix a better shade for my complexion.  Bare Minerals foundation is a good product to blend out any remaining imperfections and to cover up any shinyness.

 

Now that I've made public how much I like beauty products, let me know what your favorites are.  I'm always up for trying something new!



 





What a week!

It's been a ridiculous week and its only Wednesday night. I'm afraid if the rest of the week continues on this trend. The first part of the week was busy, but fun. The rest of the week has been busy, but not remotely fun. Here's the recap...

I went to Florence for the weekend and stayed through Monday. I took full advantage of my day off and crammed as much as possible in to that day. 

First, I had a dentist appointment. I cannot stand the dentist. I guess it's from all the teeth I had pulled as a child and two oral surgeries. If you know me, you wouldn't believe that I really have a small mouth! 

After the dentist, I visited some friends at my favorite clothing boutique where I might have snagged a few sale items! Then, I took Mom to the eye doctor and then we met Dad for lunch at Sam's Sports Grille (a new restaurant in Florence). 

Afterwards, I spent some time with Grandaddy before going to church. We had a concert that night and I went early to help prepare for it. The concert finally arrived and went well, but then my purse was locked in the choir office. I was having a panic attack until my friend Becky pulled out a spare key from her purse. I don't know what I would have done otherwise! 

Then, I had to start the trek back to Nashville. Needless to say, I was exhausted when I finally got to my house about eleven o'clock!

Tuesday was fun, but only on #OppositeDay. I had a sinus headache when I woke up, so I went in to work late. When I got to work, I quickly became overwhelmed in a huge project that had to be done ASAP. I ended up staying until 10PM, but I didn't finish. I was completely emotionally drained after struggling with that project for 12 hours. 

Then, I hit the ground running today to try to figure out what was wrong with the big return I had been working on. I almost turned around and went back home shortly after getting to work. It took some reassurance from my two work BFFs (one of whom is also the best mentor in the office) before I started to calm down. The three of us also went to lunch which helped me to settle down. 

I left a little after 5 to meet a repairman at my house. Not far away from work, I was stopped in rush hour traffic. While I was sitting stopped in traffic, a woman rear-ended me. I heard a bang and my head went forward. Luckily, I wasn't hurt, but as I tried to figure out what to do, she began to pull away. I took a picture of her license plate and decided to see where she was going. I followed her for a few minutes before she finally pulled over. I was on the phone with 911 all of this time. She was completely non-apologetic about leaving the scene, but stayed when I said the police were coming. While we waited, her son appeared. He had one beer in his hand when he walked up, he left for a while and returned with a new beer. Around this time, he became verbally abusive and I got scared. The doors and windows of my car were up and I called the police again, but still no one showed up. He finally left with some other people. Probably because he knew I called the police back. 

After all of this, it was 2.5 hours and 4 phone calls later before the police arrived. When they did, they were very apologetic and professional. I can get the report in three days. There doesn't appear to be much damage, if any, but I wanted a report in case something goes wrong tomorrow or even next week as a result of this. 

I'm physically and mentally exhausted and I'm going to hold Emma and go to bed. I'm a little afraid of being in a storm since lightning might strike me with the week I'm having. Hopefully, I've experienced all the catastrophes for this week and I can finally take it easy. I'm just grateful that neither one of use were hurt. 

Not So Comcastic

Today, I looked at my most recent Comcast bill. To my amazement, the amount due was approximately $220 instead of the expected (outrageous) $140. To clarify, I do not have movie channels and I do not have special sports packages. I do have 2 TVs with HD and one DVR. The total cost for these two "upgrades" per my most recent bill? $9.95. 

I have the so called "Triple Play" of cable, internet and phone. I don't use the phone, so I only got it since "bundling" makes it a better "deal". I definitely think $180 for this "deal" sounds absolutely reasonable. Or not...

I spoke to a "customer service representative" whom I hope was having a particularly horrible day since he was nothing but hateful to me from "hello". When I compared the cost of a month of service at this new rate to a car payment, I was told that the services I was receiving are worth a car payment. That was the point that I hung up. 

I was not happy with a $140 bill, but I kept paying it. However, somewhere between $140-220 is my breaking point. I have packaged up the cable boxes and other ancillary items to be returned tomorrow morning. 

I work in the customer-service industry. If a client of mine was unhappy with their bill, I know I certainly would not act as I was treated tonight. We are taught to respect our clients and try to keep them happy. After all, they are the reason we have jobs!

Thankfully, I have internet on my phone and don't require television to sleep. I'm definitely going to miss using my iPad, but I'm sure I'll figure out something before long!

Until then, I guess I'll read a book! Any good suggestions?

Let's play catch up!

In the last week, I have:

     done 9 loads of laundry

     worked late at the office

     taken Friday off

     made caramel brownies and didn't eat a bite

     sang at a funeral 

     bought a few "happys" in Florence

     visited with Grandaddy three days in a row

     picked flowers from Grams' garden

     sang at church

     went to lunch with sweet Choir friends

...plus quite a bit more!  It's been a busy week and I'm grateful for only three days of work this week. 

Flowers from a coworker's hydrangea bush. 

Flowers from Grams' garden. 

This week, I want to:

     get to work by 8 o'clock--traffic is not a good excuse 

     go home from work by 6 o'clock

     go to the Y since my workout partner is on vacation

     leave early enough on Wednesday to beat the traffic

     have my old screen from the back deck picked up by garbage collectors

     catch up on my magazines

     spend time with dear friends in Florence

     cook good food for my family

     celebrate Daddy's birthday

It's going to be a good week! I'm ready to get started!

     

Five on Friday

I'm participating in the Five on Friday linkup for the first time.  I can't think of anything fun to write about, so I'll give this prompt a try.

-One-

It's finally the weekend and it couldn't have come soon enough.  I've had a sinus headache for the last few days and that, coupled with puffy, runny eyes has taken it out of me.  I took some allergy medicine last night and was asleep before 9 o'clock!  I think I need a little R&R this weekend before I can gear up for the last full week of work before the Fourth of July!

-Two-

I seriously need to do laundry.  Between traveling and working tons lately, I haven't caught up on my laundry lately.  Somehow, just washing what I need for the next day isn't cutting it.  I imagine I'll have at least four loads (since I'm really OCD and do a white load, a black load, a pink load and sometimes throw a blue one in the mix for good measure!)

-Three-

Emma isn't here and I'm seriously lonely.  She stayed in Florence last weekend to get a haircut (Yes, I take my dog out of town for a haircut.) and she's not coming back until the middle of next week.  Sad face.

-Four-

My good friend, Melissa, and I are going walking around my neighborhood tonight.  It's such a good opportunity to burn a few calories and get some good laughs in.  We critique houses on our walk and talk about everything we can't talk about at work.  It's always a good time and I'm always willing to do another lap if we still have topics to discuss!

-Five-

I'm going to a committee meeting on Monday and it's less than 10 minutes from my house!  I'm super excited about not fighting traffic getting on the interstate and also about being home way before 5 o'clock.  It doesn't take much to excite me! Hehe!!

I hope everyone has a great weekend!

Happy Birthday, Grandaddy!!

Today is Grandaddy's 94th birthday.  I can't fathom all the changes he has seen in his life and everything that he has experienced from growing up in Haleyville, to going to Africa and Europe in World War II, to going being the first in his family to receive a college education and then to raising a family with my sweet Grams.

I can't adequately say how much I look up to him and how much he has influenced my life.  I can only hope I can find someone who is half as hard-working and patient as him to spend my life with.  There is no other man like my Grandaddy and I am so lucky that he is mine!

I went through all my pictures of him that I have on my computer in Nashville.  I'll caption the pictures to try to explain the story behind each one.

Quite possibly the most handsome man in the entire United States Army.

Early on in their marriage.  So sweet!

Grandaddy graduating from Peabody College in Nashville.

Such a handsome young man.

Typical Grams and Grandaddy.  In the woods near where Grams grew up.

A Grandaddy and his baby.  A love like no other.

Best friends for over 70 years.  Together they spell T-R-O-U-B-L-E.

A drawing of Grandaddy from the front of his retirement card.  He turned 80 the month after his retirement.  He taught math for 25 years before being the Director of Maintenance for the school system for another 25.

My precious boy.  I think this was around his 90th birthday.

Grandaddy's induction in to the Winston County Sports Hall of Fame

Grandaddy and me at his induction into the Winston County Sports Hall of Fame.  He was the star quarterback at Haleyville High School.

Grandaddy visiting the WWII Memorial in Washington.

Still in love after 64 years together.

Grandaddy and his girls.  We used to fight over who got to sit next to him.  I always won.

At his old shop at Burrell-Slater on his 90th birthday.  His former coworkers had a party for him.

Opening Christmas gifts at the piano.

It's been fun looking through all of these pictures.  I'll have to scan some of my favorites next time I'm home.  I think the picture of me covered in candy cane sticky (thanks to Grandaddy) is sweet and I love a picture of the two of us making a mess of the kitchen eating watermelon together.  I can't look at a watermelon without thinking of Grandaddy.

As bad as things seem at times, his face still lights up when he sees me.  I teasingly ask him who I am and he always says "My baby!"  

I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always.  As long as I'm living your baby I'll be.