Hodge[s]podges

Sometimes & Always

2012-02-21T09:36:00.003-05:00

Today I'm linking up with sweet, sweet Megan for Sometimes & Always. Go show her some love, she needs it right now.

Sometimes: I think my crappy immune system is getting better and better.

Always: I'm sick. All the time.

Sometimes: Mr. Husband and I go out and party with our friends like we're young and stupid.

Always: I have a raging hangover the next day and swear I won't do it again. Until the next time...

Sometimes: I can't help but see God in some things

Always: I'm grateful how well He speaks to me, and I praise him for it!

Sometimes: I'll start crying out of nowhere when thinking about the sad times some of my friends are going through right now.

Always: I'm here for them if they need me.

Sometimes: Mr. Husband gives me the side eye when he asks who I'm texting and I say "duh, Mia."

Always: I'm so lucky to meet such great people through blogging. (even if we haven't met in person yet!)

Sometimes: I don't have pictures for posts.

Always: You forgive me, right?

Conversations, singing, and love.

2012-02-20T05:00:00.002-05:00

Sunday is one of my favorite days because I get to spend the whole day with the usually MIA Mr. Husband. And this Sunday was no different. After church, we were driving to brunch, and I strongly resisted the urge to remind Mr. Husband "Aren't we supposed to take this exit?"

I was so proud of myself, that I felt the need to tell Mr. Husband that I was proud. At which point he started into his (joking) rant about how much he (sarcasm) loves that. Which brought me to share something else with him,

"Did I ever tell you--" I started.

"That I was your hero? No, you haven't," he interrupted.

Which wasn't at all what I was going to say. But it none-the-less started Mr. Husband into a fist clenching, eyes squinting rendition of Wind Beneath My Wings at the top of his lungs. Over and over.

I shared that I loved the song because my mom and my oldest brother (who once flew helicopters and planes in the Army) danced to the song at his wedding. "By Bette Midler," I said.

"Uhm, no. Bette Midler did not sing that song."

Which, of course, made me to youtube it on my iPhone as we are cruising down the highway (I was shotgun, promise). To which I spat "Ha! Bette Midler." And started playing the song.

And then I started to get all choked up. Because I'm an emotional lunatic. But as I sat there and listened to the lyrics, I couldn't help but tear up because this song is one hundred and ten percent my mother. Not just for my brother on his wedding day, but I think I can safely say for all my siblings. She is the most selfless, caring, understanding and encouraging person I've ever known. And if any of us (all five of us!) turn out to be half the person she is, we'd be pretty darn lucky.

I know everyone thinks they have the greatest moms. And I'm sure your moms are great. I just really want you all to meet mine. Because she's pretty awesome.

Love you, Mom!

xoxo

Frumpy-nista

2012-02-17T12:00:00.014-05:00

So, I can't believe I'm actually going to say this. But I think I need to put a pause on buying nail polishes and make up. My usual weaknesses.

Because my closet is full of clothes that are either 1) hand-me-downs. 2) From a thrift store or 3) from late high school/early college.

And I look frumpy. It's embarrassing.

Here's how I'd actually like to dress. And this might be where Mia has to step in...

via

I'm a nanny, so it's not likely for me to wear fancy clothes every day. But the baby is getting older (and much less likely to spit up all over me multiple times a day), so it's not totally out of the question to start putting some effort into how I look each day. I'm a very casual person anyway, but that doesn't have to mean I look frumpy, right?

For all you saavy shoppers out there, please feel free to leave comments on tips for shopping sales and/or where to go.

So, this means Mr. Husband has to let me go shopping, right? (And by let me, I totally mean not give me a hard time. Because let's face it, I do what I want ;) )

It's Okay

2012-02-16T09:21:00.002-05:00

I'm linking up with Amber and Neely today for:

It's okay...

that I change my mind every darn second it seems
that I don't know how to say no or "let someone down gently" without seeming like a jerk, so I end up stringing them along in my quest to be nice. Which also makes me look like a jerk in the long run.
that I'm ever so grateful that our Charleston trip was moved to the end of the month due to scheduling issues because I had the stomach bug the days the trip was originally scheduled for.
that I'm just now reading Harry Potter for the first time.
to be longing for summertime even though I'm usually more of a fall/spring girl.
to want to go ahead and start looking for new (rental) houses even though we aren't moving until July. Which holy cow, we're moving in July! (still Charlotte, just to a less ghetto location ;))
that Wednesday is quickly becoming my favorite day because of a Bible Study class I recently joined.
to hope every day when Mr. Husband walks through the door that he has news about a football contract.
to basically ignore twitter from Wednesday night on until I'm able to catch up on Revenge and OTH.
to be strongly considering pulling away from facebook.
to realize I have a lot of "okays" this week.
to actually be looking forward to meal planning and grocery shopping tomorrow now that Mr. Husband isn't doing the no-carb thing anymore!

I hope you all have an awesome Thursday!

Happy Valentine's Day

2012-02-14T09:28:00.003-05:00

Thanks for all the get better love yesterday. Unfortunately, I'm still chained to my bed. Not so unfortunate for my forbidden-from-sleeping-in-the-bed puppy dog who has been allowed up to keep her sick momma company.

She's loving it.

But sick or not, Happy Valentine's Day.

And I really hope none of you have to suffer the stomach bug.

Especially on Valentine's Day.

It's the worst.

{Happy Valentine's Day Mr. Husband. I love you!}

Valentine's Swap Revealed!

2012-02-13T09:23:00.007-05:00

Oh, gosh y'all.

I am sick. Like...

So sick.

Had to stay home from work and

Couldn't get off the bathroom floor sick.

So I'm reporting in

from under a pile of blankets and pillows...

from my bathroom floor. :-(

This swap was just so much fun! {Thanks for hosting it Celia, Meg and Tara!} I got to meet a lovely blogger: Amanda over at Little Green House. And she is just so sweet and adorable. And so is her little girl (with the coolest name EVER). Y'all should stop on by her blog and check out what she got from me!

I was having a bit of a rough week when I checked my mailbox and BOOM! Suddenly my day was much better! {and that's one of the reasons I love blogging so much, it'll lift your mood when you need it most!}

I was thrilled when I opened the package to find that it had all of my favorite things in it! {it's amazing what a person can learn about you simply from your blog!}

{Also, I'm in love with birds. they may have unintentionally been the theme of our wedding. So I have a notebook in the exact same pattern as the card she sent me!}

Of course I couldn't wait to try out the nail polish because it was gorgeous! So Mr. Husband walked in to me painting my nails right on the kitchen counter with the package contents still sprawled out around me! I was like a kid on Christmas morning!

{I know it's hard to see the color here, but it is really stunning!}

Thank you so much, Amanda, for being so thoughtful! It was awesome to meet you, and I'm so glad I found your blog because I love it!! These swaps are seriously the best thing ever!

I have a confession...

2012-02-11T16:00:00.005-05:00

Hi guys! It's me. Just me.

No gimmicks.

No link ups.

Just plain old me.

It's nice to see yah!

I have a confession to make. You ready for it? It's probably going to make most women roll their eyes at me. And it probably sets women's rights back several years. But you know, I just can't help it.

I. Adore. Valentine's Day.

via

I love love!

It's true. I always pretended to hate it because I was supposed to. And I was supposed to believe that a guy should always treat a girl like it's Valentine's Day (which I mean, really they should!) But why can't we take a day and really, truly show it? We're all so busy. Life happens. Shouldn't we take a breather and just say...i love you?

I won't lie, 7th Heaven kind of ruined Valentine's Day for me (and for Mr. Husband) for a while. There were three Valentine's Days where I was expecting something sparkly. And because Kevin proposed to Lucy even though she said not to made me think it would happen for me that way too. it didn't.

But none the less--the ring eventually came, and Valentine's Day is still on my list of favorite things.

I love romance. And surprises. And just being shown that I'm loved. I love sweetness and thoughtfulness. I love the cheesy displays in the stores and roses.

via

Mr. Husband is awfully romantic. He used to whisk me off for romantic getaways and actually GET AWAY with surprising me back in the day. Now that we're married (and for some reason have less money than we did in college?), things have slowed down in that department. But it doesn't take much. Chocolates. Roses. Cheesy, lovey dovey cards. I'm mush for it all. You know, not to throw any hints out there (hi hunny!)

So tell me, do you hate me now? Or are you a closeted Valentine's Day Lover just like me?

Love my vices {Valentine's Challenge}

2012-02-10T15:38:00.003-05:00

I'm linking up with Neely, Amber and Casey for the last day of the Valentine's Challenge. Thanks for reading along! It's been fun!

My vices:

Procrastination. Despite my best efforts, I'm always running out of time.
Coffee addict.
Wine.
Grinding my teeth. I'm not sure if this is a vice or not, but I sure wish I could stop.
My potty mouth.
Junk food, all kinds. All the time. I cannot stop.

Brief post, yes? Hope you all have a wonderful, wonderful weekend. Are you as happy it's the weekend as I am?

It's Okay!

2012-02-09T14:29:00.003-05:00

linking with Neely and Amber.

It's okay...

that I spent all of my unexpected day off on Tuesday cleaning our house from top to bottom
that I keep forgetting to buy cotton balls and don't remember until I go to use my toner in the AM.
to jam out like a teenager in the car.
that I'd managed to convince Mr. Husband to take me to see The Vow last weekend, only to realize it comes out this week...
to wear sweats to work especially when you've felt borderline sick all week.
to desperately want a massage or a visit to the chiropractor (even though they scare me).
to have eaten baby carrots, cucumbers and 3 cookies for dinner last night.
to be anxious about leaving the dog for the first real time at end of the month when Mr. Husband and I travel to Charleston.
to be overwhelmed by the love I received after yesterday's post.

Happy Thursday, y'all! THANK GOODNESS!

Love my family [Valentine's Challenge!]

2012-02-09T05:00:00.001-05:00

I'm linking up today for the second to last time with Neely, Amber and Casey!

Yesterday's post was the hardest. And today's post is the easiest!

I have the most amazing, loud, fun, fantastic, encouraging, supportive and loving family. And something you should know about us. Blood is not required to be a part of our family. It never has been. And it never will be.

I'm the baby of 5. And a daughter to one mother and one father. Yup, my parents are still married 42 (almost!) years later.

I have eight nieces and nephews which is great because it allows me to be on the rental system for a good long while before Mr. Husband and I have our own kids.

I can't talk about family without mentioning someone very important. This is John. I called him "Uncle" John though he is neither a brother to my mom or my dad. But he was such a force in our family. Friend doesn't seem like strong enough of a word. He was sometimes the glue that kept us all together. And the person we called upon for everything. He was there for the good, the bad and even the ugly. And the day he went to dance with the Lord is the hardest day I've had in my life thus far.

To me, family is all encompassing. I grew up in a house where everyone used the back door and no one knocked. Deliveries rang the doorbell, that was it. I was taught that when you love someone, you love them. There is no measurement to the degree in which they are important to you. So my friends mean just as much to me as my family. And I treat them as such.

And lastly, but certainly not least... here's my own little family.

Love myself {Valentine's Challenge}

2012-02-08T05:00:00.004-05:00

I'm linking up today with Amber, Neely and Casey!

I've been dreading this post since I read the criteria for this challenge. And I strongly considered just skipping today. But if I am nothing, I am committed to a flaw. So here I am. Basically standing naked before the internets.

We're getting real down and dirty here today. And honest. Painfully honest.

I didn't like myself for a really, really long time. For most of my adolescent life and into my teenage years, I couldn't find one thing that I liked about myself, never mind loved. I wasn't pretty, and I knew it. I was too loud and totally awkward. Qualities I still have today. The things people would say "behind my back," but really to my face, it all stuck with me.

I was the geek. The outcast. The girl everyone picked on and picked last and well, I felt hated. And I felt alone. And that girl still lives inside of me, but I've learned to keep her quiet.

And as I started to make friends and i mean real friends I started not to hate myself so much. Because these amazing people wanted to spend time with me. And I just stopped questioning it. And stopped worrying so much. And just let those friendships take over.

So here goes nothing....

I like my height. I wouldn't want to be any shorter or any taller. I feel like my height suits my personality well.
As annoying as it might seem to some, I like that I'm a friendly, eager, outgoing person. I think I'd get bored as a quiet person.
I like that I can get so tan in the summer time. I don't know what I'd do if I just burned. I like the sun too much.
I like that my friends feel like they can come to me for anything. And I like that they value my advice. And I like that I'm able to give it to them.
I like that over time, I grew to love myself for all the reasons my friends loved me. Despite how my hair never falls right or how my eyes are a little squinty or my nose is exceptionally pointy, they liked me anyways.
I like that when someone is talking to me, I really listen.
I like that I'm a crazy empathetic person. As crappy as it is to almost always cry when someone is crying, I like that I'm able to put myself where they are and really, truly try to understand them.

Love Blogging {Valentine's Challenge}

2012-02-07T05:00:00.001-05:00

I'm linking up with Neely, Amber and Casey again today. Only three more days of this fun little challenge. And then it's back to regularly scheduled programming :)

You might not realize this, only because I didn't start "hanging out" until recently. But I've been blogging forever. I mean, for as long as there has been an online outlet, I've been doing it. Xanga. Livejournal. It's all there, trapped in the blogesphere forever.

And I started for me. I started because I'm an emotional basket case. And I type faster than I write. Although, I still kept/keep paper journals too. I write everything down. I always did, and I still do. Mr. Husband judges me because I'll even go back through our calendar on the pantry and add things that happened in on days that have already passed. You know, just so I can remember.

And as I got older, and things became clearer to me, I chose to continue blogging for one very specific reason. To practice writing often. As a graduate with a Creative Writing degree, sometimes this little blog is the only place I get any actual writing in.

But then you guys happened. This whole new world opened up to me. This world full of support and women who are just like me. Who share the same passions and who love writing. And it's gotten to the point that I feel like if I didn't write, it would actually matter to someone. Anyone. And that's a great feeling.

I don't write for the fame. Or for the comments [which, let's face it always brighten my day]. I don't write so people can get all up in my business, although I am a chronic over sharer.

But I will be honest. It's really, truly an amazing feeling to know that people are actually reading what I have to write. And maybe actually even like it.

So I love blogging for a gazillion reasons. And you are a huge reason. And so am I.

Love to be Creative {Valentine's Challenge}

2012-02-06T06:45:00.003-05:00

I'm linking up with Neely, Amber and Casey today!

I love crafting, but let's be real. I can do something if the idea is someone else's. I'm not exactly the "dream it up and do it," kind of girl. I would never assume that bathroom tiles and scrapbook paper could become custom coasters. I would also never look at coffee filters and say, "gee, I could make the most fabulous, fluffy wreath out of that." But if there are instructions somewhere, I can execute it. Just like cooking.

The kindle case is something I use every single day. When I got my kindle I knew I needed something to protect it while in my purse, but I didn't want to spent $30 +. But I can't sew. So I used fabric that I got from JoAnn's Fabric (on sale!) for $1.20. And liquid stitch. And just got down and dirty with it!

Hope you all have a wonderful day! I wish I could say that I'm feeling crappy because I partied too hard during the super bowl last night. But I was responsible and had nothing to drink and basically just camped out on the couch during the party. But I am feeling pretty terrible today. No fever yet....

Love My Girlfriends {Valentine's Challenge}

2012-02-03T05:00:00.001-05:00

I'm linking up with Amber, Casey & Neely today!

When I was getting married, I thought long and hard about who to have as my bridesmaids. Because I had plenty of girlfriends. Lot of "hey, let's grab a drink" kind of girl friends.

But when it came down to it, I wanted the girls who I could act like a total crazy biatch in front of without judgement. So I picked my very best friends. The ones who I knew would be in my life when I'm old and gray.

Meet Kelly:

Met: in 8th grade.

Became best friends: almost over night (literally) sophomore year.

Maid of Honor.

{Fun Fact: marrying Mr. Husband's best friend}

Meet Gaby:

Met: when she moved in behind me when we were 2

Became best friends: instantly

Bridesmaid

We have been close our entire lives. Who can really say that?

{Fun Fact: She lived at my parents' house with me post college when she stayed in NC (vs. FL)}

Meet Cori:

Met: my freshmen year

Became best friends: Second semester of my Junior year. She helped put my pieces back together after a bad break up. She taught me to love myself.

Bridesmaid

{Fun Fact: We went off campus to Wendy's for lunch every single day until the end of the school year and still fit in our prom dresses}

Meet Abby:

Met: When I dropped off a resume' at Capel Rugs Feb of 2007

Became best friends: by time I left after dropping off my resume!

Bridesmaid

{Fun Fact: We survived a crazy stalker boss who was fired and showed back up threatening us.}

{fun fact: because they were all "best friends" from different points in my life, they didn't really "know" each other. I had a bridesmaid slumber party so they all could get to know each other. We all got along so amazingly!}

I have also met some wonderful ladies through blogging. People who have so much in common with me and are also passionate about writing and reading and well, crazy things like FRIENDS and desserts and make up and wine and food and...well. I could go on! I'm excited for the possibility to "meet" some of you!

It's Okay!

2012-02-02T08:34:00.005-05:00

I'm linking up with Amber and Neely (again!) today!

It's okay...

that I've posted twice today. And linked up with the same people twice.
that I've been wishing for Friday since Monday morning. It's been a rough one, guys.
to already know that a lot of wine will be consumed on Friday afternoon.
to hope that I can convince someone (anyone!) to go see The Vow with me this weekend
to have had coffee "out" every morning because I keep forgetting to buy creamer
to feel like I'm literally losing my mind
to be looking WAY forward to "spring break!" And "summer." And to be grateful that I'm at a job that recognizes those things.
that I just pulled my hair into a messy updo because my alarm was NOT my friend this morning.
to need a hug. or a vacation. or both.
to be trying to work out a trip home to Raleigh so me & my new blogger BFF can hang out!
to be excited that National Signing day is over but bummed that spring training will start soon. {football never really ends, does it?}

Alright friends. I'll end the pity party here! Thanks for stoping by! And I promise I'll be in better spirits soon!

Love Weddings [Valentine's Challenge]

2012-02-02T05:00:00.002-05:00

Linking up today with Neely, Amber and Casey!

Mr. Husband and I were married on a perfect May day in 2010. It was the day I always hoped. While planning the big day, people kept asking what I wanted. You know, flowers, decor, food, etc.

My answer?

I want all my friends and family there. I want to wear a white dress. And I want to marry Mr. Husband.

And really, that's all I wanted.

And I got it all.

Oh, and I had a fabulous, wonderful wedding photographer. That was the one thing I wouldn't skimp on. I spent all my money on getting the exact photographer I wanted. And it was perfect. Getting married? You should really check out Nancy Ray Photography.

My daddy seeing my for the first time was captured so well. I'm the baby, and his last little girl. And I love my childhood best friend poking out from the bathroom :)

All I saw when I walked down the aisle was Mr. Husband. I seriously saw no one and nothing else. It was like tunnel vision. And it was amazing.

Mr. Husband and I giggled through the entire ceremony. I was really worried about this because I am such an emotional basket case that I just knew I'd be sporting the ugly cry the whole time. I'd ruin my make up and all the pictures. But the feeling was so different. I don't even know if I could explain it. My heart was so full and it wasn't a sad feeling at all. It was like I'd just won the lottery. I could feel all the love and support in the church, and as I stood up there with my best friend, and our best friends just behind us, it was all I could do not to just laugh out loud at how wonderfully blessed we were.

Fun fact: my maid of honor/best friend is marrying Mr. Husband's best friend/best man. We may or may not have been hoping for that.

It was all surreal. Best, best, best day and moments of my life. I've never felt so happy and lucky and wonderful all around. Gosh, why can't we do this every year?

We partied hard. Our friends and family are still talking about our reception. My parents threw us an incredible party. The food was great, the drinks were flowing, and the music was awesome. Family friends were our DJs, which was great because it was so personal and they really knew our crowd. And they got everyone up out of their seats and kept us there!

Mr. Husband and I decided to class things up a bit and interrupt our first dance with a little dance routine. The only people who knew were us, my maid of honor and our DJ. Also? Mr. Husband was living in Athens, GA (I was in Raleigh, NC). He traveled in two days before the wedding. He learned the entire routine via SKYPE!!!

I always said I didn't want cake smashed in my face and he didn't care either way. Seconds before it happened, I thought to myself "why be boring..." Notice the surprise in his face? Yeah, that was fun!

Our wedding day was the best way to start our lives together as Husband and Wife. It was so much fun to have all our family and friends together celebrating our love. Especially because our dating life was rough. We had a lot come our way that tried to keep us apart. And if we were weaker, we wouldn't have made it. But our love is real and true. And it was such a peaceful and amazing feeling to know that we'd made it.

Mr. Husband- I love you and being married to you is so much fun. You're my best friend and you sure do keep things interesting. Thanks for hanging around and being so persistent at first. And thanks for putting up with all my crankiness.

Awarded!

2012-02-01T09:59:00.009-05:00

You guys? Sweet Ashely gave me an award!!!

And I'm glad that in her post, she explained what this meant. Because I'm fairly new to this little world, so I had no clue! Liebster is German for "dearest" "beloved" or "favorite." And I am flattered! It's an award for bloggers with under 200 followers. Thanks, sweet Ashley!!

1} show your thanks to the blogger who gave you the award by linking back to them.

2} award 5 of your favorites with less than 200 followers & link them

3} post the award to your blog!

4} bask in the love from the most supportive people on the internet--other bloggers, OF COURSE!

5} best of all, have fun and spread the karma!

1. Mia @ Ms. Mia Maree

2. Becca @ one girl one beautiful life

3. Jess @ Pretty Physicist

4. Renee @ This Won't Hurt A Bit

5. Monica @ Monica's Notebook

These blogs are so great and fun! You should really check them out!!

And y'all. Number 4 is so right. I've been blogging forever but only recently started taking part in this little "world." And you guys are the best!

In other news, I was persuaded. No! Peer pressured into watching The Bachelor by Mia.

It was so much fun to participate in all the craziness that surrounds this show on the internet, but I have just one question for you...

Do you think all those ladies actually like that guy?

Please tell me no.

Because he's a wee bit...odd.

Also, let me go ahead and throw it out there. Because I'm totally going there. Why does the girl from my town [Charlotte] have the be the... Ok...I'll use her term: VIP cocktail waitress? Way to represent, gosh!

And another thing... I already can't stand that model girl...Courtney? Oh, my. What a train wreck.

Anyway, just thought I'd share.

Outfit [Valentine's Challenge]

2012-02-01T05:00:00.000-05:00

Valentine's challenge link up with Neely, Amber & Casey!

Okay. This outfit is kind of all over the place. And it might actually be for a child, I can't really tell? But something about it just kind of screams Joey. Maybe without the star earrings. And with the way the weather's been, I could probably leave out the cardigan.

[photo from pinterest]

Plans have changed. Mr. Husband and I will be staying in Charlotte for Valentine's Day because there was a snag with our reservations for Charleston. We're going Feb 26-28 instead. I'm actually really okay staying here because this town has so much that we've still yet to try! I'll be sure to share my actual Valentine's outfit because it'll probably be more grown up than this.

The Worst Date Ever [Valentine's Challenge]

2012-01-31T05:00:00.002-05:00

I'm linking up with Neely, Amber and Casey today!

This also falls into the category of one of those "missed opportunities." And let me clarify. This was only a bad date because I made it that way. Mr. Husband is completely romantic. And I'm hard to surprise.

We traveled to Charleston, SC with our college buddies for Mr. Husband's fraternity alumni formal. We weren't going to participate in the actual formal, but we wanted to see everyone and used that excuse to get down to our favorite town.

We had an amazing few days. We played on the beach all date, ate some amazing meals and partied hard. One of Mr. Husband's fraternity brothers invited my best friend along, so it was great.

The night of formal, Mr. Husband made a pretty big deal of making sure we spent the evening alone. There was a restaurant that we'd gone to once before, and it was kind of expensive. And he wanted to take me there. And he made sure I wore a specific dress. No, my stomach wasn't in butterflies hoping for a ring. Okay, maybe only a little bit.

My best friend was staying in the room right next to us, so while Mr. Husband was getting ready, I wandered over there just to hang out. And our friend [her date] comes and sits next to me on the bed.

"Jo, I feel like I should tell you that J didn't bring the ring. I just don't want you to get your hopes up so you can enjoy your evening."

Uh. Well, I would have. But now was just sad. And mad. And hurt. And well, let's face it...fuming! Please, before you judge me, know that at this point Mr. Husband and I had been out of college for a year, and he'd already had my ring for two years! [I wasn't certain of this fact, but I did know he had it.] And we'd been together for five years and 9 months! Not that I was counting...

I tried to brush it off. I would be fine. I would just enjoy my evening with my wonderful boyfriend who was taking me to a gorgeous restaurant in my favorite place.

Nope. We all get in the cab to head downtown, and I'm not talking. I'm just staring out the window blinking back tears. I might be the most emotional, dramatic person on the face of the planet. We go our separate ways from our friends, and now it's just me and Mr. Husband. He can tell something is wrong. He doesn't push it.

We order our food, and I'm really trying guys. I'm really trying to be pleasant and cute and witty and all I can think about is why doesn't he want to marry me?

Dinner was somewhat of a blur. I don't remember a bite of my food. I don't remember what wine I drank. All I remember is sitting across from the man whom I desperately loved questioning whether he loved me too. What an awful awful feeling.

The waiter comes by our table...and here's the freaking kicker.

Mr. Husband tells him it's two separate checks!!!

Oh, God. It was just so awful. We left the restaurant and I demanded to just go back to the hotel. I cried all night long. It was terrible. Awful. And I made it that way...

There are no pictures from that night because I was being such a sour puss. I ruin everything with my stupid moods! [luckily, Mr. Husband loves me anyway :)]

[The Real Story: Mr. Husband did have the ring. His friend apparently was just trying to throw me off [as was Mr. Husband when he asked for 2 checks] Unfortunately, all they were successful in doing was pissing me off. Mr. Husband figured he'd wait until I wasn't in such a bad mood to propose. He proposed the next weekend. And that's an even funnier story.]

Best Date [Valentine's Challenge}

2012-01-30T05:00:00.003-05:00

I'm linking up with Neely , Amber & Casey for the valentines challenge!

Is it weird that our best date was after we were married? And it wasn't even a really planned out date? It's just one of those nights that I will forever look back on with such peace. It was a nice evening. Just me and him.

Mr. Husband is a football coach. Which means from about July to whenever the season finally ends, I never see him. There were a lot of days where I'd go to bed before he ever got home (if he ever came home), and I'd leave for work before he woke up. I don't care how much you love each other or how secure you are in your relationship, that always hurts. Being married but living like a single person. Being the only one to take out the trash, feed the animals. To tuck yourself in to bed alone every night. I missed my friend.

His team had an away game in Raleigh, our hometown. I was so excited because it meant going home to my parents house, even if Mr. Husband had to stay with the team. The state fair was in town that weekend, but we weren't sure if he could hang back with me after the game or if he had to travel back to Charlotte on the bus with the team.

Somehow, magically, he managed to stay behind. And somehow, magically, we convinced all the people who've been dying to see him, that we were going to The State Fair...alone. [side note, at this point Mr. Husband and I had been together eight years. we'd never been to the fair alone.]

Do you know what I mean if I say it was a night we were just completely in sync? No petty spats, no anger, no expectations? No arguments over what to eat, what to see. We were just completely enjoying our stolen moment together. Holding hands, kissing under the bright, colored lights. We shared dinner while walking. We shared yummy treats. We were witty and the conversation never lagged.

My friend was back. And I was so completely happy in the moment.

We didn't want the night to end, but of course it did. And the next day, we traveled back to reality, and I lost him for a few more weeks. But I always, always look back on that night, think back to how I felt the whole night. And I'm grateful that we can still get there, to that place, to that feeling, after all these years.

There have been many great dates. Dates where we were dressed fancy and Mr. Hubs spent a lot of cash. But nothing, not to me anyway, will top that night at the fair.

All The Yelling...

2012-01-27T05:00:00.003-05:00

I'm going to get down, dirty and really honest here. Because if not here, where?

I'm not always the nicest person. I know, *gasp*! But I've been doing a lot of thinking the last few weeks about who I'm not nice to.

And the answer makes my stomach flop.

Because I'm generally almost sickeningly nice to people whom I hardly know/don't know/ etc.

But I can be my nastiest to the people [person] I love the most.

why on earth do I do that?

[okay, hopefully it isn't THAT bad!]

Need an example? Well, as shameful as it is, here you go.

Tuesday Morning Mr. Husband had to ride with me to work because we left his car there {we went on a date right after I got off on Monday so he just met me at work, I'll share pics from that in a minute}. I leave at a very precise time every morning. And I'm always on time. And Mr. Husband, since I've known him for twelve years, is habitually late. Not a terrible amount, usually within 5-10 minutes late. I can't stand when people are late.

So when it was time to leave for work on Tuesday, what did I do?

I hollered and screamed like a mean old lady.

And drove like a bat out of hell to work scaring Mr. Hubs in the process, I'm sure.

I was late. Only by a couple minutes, but still. I hate to be late.

Mr. Husband jumped out, kissed me and left. And I felt horribly guilty, like I always do when I lose my temper at him.

So I called as soon as I got settled to apologize for yelling at him. And you know what he said?

It's okay. I'm used to it.

Stab me in the freaking heart right now. The last thing I want my husband to be used to from me is yelling.

[photo]

So Mr. Husband. I'm sorry. And I love you. And I promise to make more of an effort to be as nice to you as I would be to total strangers.

Oh, our date? It was lovely! You know, after I bit Mr. Husband's head off for parking at a parking deck several blocks away in the rain. [gosh! I'm seeing a trend here and I don't like it!]

It's Charlotte Restaurant Week, which means all these fancy pants restaurants offer amazing deals that grant poor people like us the opportunity to feast.

And boy did we FEAST!

We went to Chima Brazilian Steakhouse. You know, a place with the gouchos who walk around with unlimited meat, a giant salad bar and fantastic appetizers? Oh, have mercy was my tummy hurting when we left. I can't usually eat very much in one sitting, but I think I definitely got my money's worth!!

My plate was this full for approximately 4 rounds. Holy cow! No pun intended. okay, maybe a little

I definitely finished the Top Sirloin pictured here. The service was so great, though, that I knew I wouldn't be able to get a picture of my EMPTY plate before they would come and swoop it away.

It was quite a lovely dinner, I must say! Live in Charlotte? I highly recommend taking advantage and participating in Restaurant Week!

Also linking up today with Tara @ Fabulous but Evil for my favorite link up!!

Sinful Colors: Mint Apple. You can't tell, I don't think, from this picture but I also have China Glaze Nova over my ring finger. Just a tiny hint of glitter on an already sparkly polish. Loved.

It's Okay!

2012-01-26T06:00:00.000-05:00

Oh gosh, y'all. We made it to Thursday!

I'm linking up today with Neely @ A Complete Waste of Makeup and Amber @ Brunch with Amber for It's Okay Thursday!

It's Okay...

that Mr. Husband and I went on a date at 5PM on Monday because it would be cheaper. Whatever it takes, you know?
that I've never watched a single second of The Bachelor. Maybe I don't know what I'm missing? I'll watch if you convince me!
that I'm one hundred and ten percent looking forward to Valentine's Day this year because Mr. Husband and I get to celebrate it in our favorite place: Charleston!
to have friends over for enchiladas on a random Tuesday just because.
to go out and party like college students when we're 25+. And have house parties that the cops show up to 3 times. #justlikeoldtimes.
to read an entire book in one day [I've only ever done that twice! I'm the slowest reader ever!]
that I wore leggings under yoga pants on Monday because it was 1)that cold 2) I so desperately wanted to be comfortable.
to be really excited about my new domain name [even if it all came out of being frustrated about my followers situation. and i had to move my blog back over to blogger from wordpress. shoulda just stayed there from the beginning!]
that once I get an idea in my head I can't just "let it be." I need it done, right then. #impatientmuch?

Hope you all have a WONDERFUL Thursday.

xoxo

Aw shucks, you guys!

2012-01-26T05:00:00.002-05:00

Can I get real for a minute? Because I'm feeling really overwhelmed lately, and in the very best way.

[photo]

I've been writing my entire life. I can't remember a time when I wasn't filling pages of notebooks with stories and feelings and the like.

I even went to college for writing and graduated with a degree in English with a concentration in creative writing. But that's when things kind of changed. Part of that program was these awful things called workshops. Where you printed a million copies of your work and passed them out to the class to take home and read. And then the next class session, we'd sit around and they'd discuss your work like you weren't sitting right there. And it was God awful and terrible and always left me questioning why I was even bothering. Because I wasn't going to be Faulkner. Or Hemingway. Or anyone people studied in their English classes. And because of that, I felt like I didn't belong. And I felt like I wasn't any good at what I always thought I'd be doing with my life.

[photo]

It left me empty and without the confidence I needed to pursue the career I always wanted.

Somehow I found the courage to take the step and at least write a book. But that confidence I needed to actually show it to someone was lacking.

And suddenly I'm feeling like it's not all that bad. And that's all because of you guys. Every single one of you who happen upon this little blog and take the time to tell me you enjoy it. That there really might be an audience out there who likes what I have to say.

[photo]

So I just wanted to take a second to say thank you. You have no idea what you're doing for me, and I greatly appreciate all of your support. And who knows. Maybe I'll even contact that editor and send her my work. Because you make me feel like it might be worth it.

Love Story Part 3!

2012-01-25T05:00:00.002-05:00

Missed out? Don't worry! Catch up on part one and part two!

Senior year started with a bang. No, really. A few weeks after the concert, a friend of mine was hanging out and smashed into the tail end of my car while backing out of my driveway. So I started the year with a bumper that was basically just hanging on. Classy, right?

If nothing else, it made my car extremely noticeable.

So when my car wouldn't start one afternoon the first week of school, I just attributed it to the damage that still hadn't been repaired. I didn't skip a beat, hopped in a car with a friend who took me home.

My car hung out in the school parking lot for several days.

Finally, my mom and I went by the school one afternoon so we could wait for AAA to come tow the car to a shop. I was secretly thrilled because it was a gazillion degrees outside and I was missing marching band practice. It was a Tuesday, so practice was actually from 6-8, the football players had their practice early so we could alternate using the field. So it wasn't unusual to see all the football players leaving campus.

I saw Mr. Husband's truck. Or heard it, rather. I looked up just to take notice. And I found him pulling into my section of the lot. What is he doing??

He hops out of the car and suddenly there's this confidence about him.

"Y'all alright? What's going on?"

I explained, and he asked for my keys as he walked up to my car. I tossed them to him and watched, in awe. What is that feeling? Why is it different all of a sudden? I'm actually happy to see him.

He pops my hood and explains that it's either the battery or the alternator. He said he'd wait til AAA got there just to be sure we got taken care of. wow, that's really sweet.

AAA arrives a bit later after some chit chat and the boys do their thing. While the man is attaching my car to the tow truck, Mr. Husband came and stood by me, kind of behind me. I leaned my back into his chest and could feel his heart beating wildly. mine was too...

He followed my mom and I and the tow truck to the shop just to be sure we didn't get taken advantage of. I thanked him and told him I'd call him later. Let's be clear here, it would be the first time I ever did the calling.

I called him that night, and we talked for hours and hours. And by the end of the conversation, I knew things were different.

I can't explain why. I have no idea what changed, even to this day. But suddenly, it felt right. I was falling for him.

Sometimes & Always

2012-01-24T05:00:00.003-05:00

Today I'm linking up with Megan for Sometimes & Always

Sometimes: I get really frustrated when things don't work the first time

Always: I become almost annoyingly persistent until it all works out. Which it always does

Sometimes: I wait a really long time in between eye brow plucks only because I'm lazy and too poor to get waxes.

Always: I feel so fresh and new when I finally just take the time to do it.

Sometimes: The baby I nanny smiles and points at me when I'm standing outside her window of the car.

Always: It melts my heart and makes my uterus flutter!

Sometimes: My dog sleeps like a person.

Always: Mr. Husband and I think it's so adorably cute

Sometimes: I wish it were Friday as soon as Monday rolls around.

Always: I end up enjoying my week and it flies by.

Sometimes: I can't believe I got so lucky in life.

Always: I praise God for being so lucky.

Have a happy Tuesday, guys!

xoxo