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Saturday, May 21, 2011
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
You've Got A Friend In Me
"Even though we've changed and we're all finding our own place in the world, we all know that when the tears fall or the smile spreads across our face, we'll come to each other because no matter where this crazy world takes us, nothing will ever change so much to the point where we're not all still friends." ~Anonymous
I saw this quote and immediately thought of all my wonderful friends from college. It was also appropriate as I was getting ready to write my blog about our Girls' Weekend in Atlanta. What started out as just a random weekend Melinda was going to come in town for and we were going to go shopping eventually turned into a full out get together, which could not have come at a better time for me. We were all back together and I got to host them here at my house.
After college we all went different directions, none of us lived in the same town so we made a pack that we would all get together at least for a weekend in June! Melinda moved to Nashville, Rachel moved to Wilmington, Becca went to Pharmacy School in Memphis, Nikki was finishing up Pharmacy School in Athens, Big Ed (aka Brittany C) moved to St. Louis now Marion, IL, Sheryl goes between her home in Murfreesboro and her vacation home in Smith County, Will moved to Lexington, and I moved back to Atlanta. Not only did we move to different towns but all of us went into different field after school. We truly were all finding our own place in the world while keeping each other apart of our lives!
Our yearly get together in Junes are only one of many times we all get together. We also do a football game every year for the Annual Beta/Zeta Tailgate. Lately, we have started doing random Girls' Weekend. It started when we met at Center Hill Lake for a weekend on Sheryl's Family Houseboat to the Shop 'Til You Drop trip in Atlanta and hopefully all meet in Knoxville in late March.
Every time we get together it doesn't feel like it has been months between us, we pick back up from where we left off. We all come together and continue to build the friendships that began in Knoxville, TN in 2003. Who would have thought we would continue to become best friends as not only the years went on but the miles increased. I think it helps with the social networking in todays society, between facebook posts, blog stalking, text messages, and phone dates, we all keep in touch with one another. As Rachel puts it I just make sure to tell one of you something and I know the entire group will find out.
I can't express how much these girls mean to me. I love telling people about the wonderful group of friends I have and how much I miss them and they are definitely not replaceable!
Our weekend was filled with lots of "Girl" stuff! It was like living on the Zeta floor all over again but with a grown up twist! We stayed up late on Friday night catching up with each other, laughing and having a great time. Saturday was filled with fun restaurants, memorable experiences involving things with wheels, shopping, and GIRL TALK! We got to learn more about Melinda's new exciting stage of her life with her upcoming arrival of Elena Grace, hear about the cute stories of Big Ed's adorable boys, Becca's upcoming graduation and hopes of a job, Rachel's relationship development, Sheryl's wonderful every day stories, and get to celebrate Nikki's birthday with her! Though everyone left sleep deprived, I think it was a great weekend with the Girls! I can't wait for many more....oh and don't worry these weekends and get togethers will be put into Shutterfly books for gifts :)
I saw this quote and immediately thought of all my wonderful friends from college. It was also appropriate as I was getting ready to write my blog about our Girls' Weekend in Atlanta. What started out as just a random weekend Melinda was going to come in town for and we were going to go shopping eventually turned into a full out get together, which could not have come at a better time for me. We were all back together and I got to host them here at my house.
After college we all went different directions, none of us lived in the same town so we made a pack that we would all get together at least for a weekend in June! Melinda moved to Nashville, Rachel moved to Wilmington, Becca went to Pharmacy School in Memphis, Nikki was finishing up Pharmacy School in Athens, Big Ed (aka Brittany C) moved to St. Louis now Marion, IL, Sheryl goes between her home in Murfreesboro and her vacation home in Smith County, Will moved to Lexington, and I moved back to Atlanta. Not only did we move to different towns but all of us went into different field after school. We truly were all finding our own place in the world while keeping each other apart of our lives!
Our yearly get together in Junes are only one of many times we all get together. We also do a football game every year for the Annual Beta/Zeta Tailgate. Lately, we have started doing random Girls' Weekend. It started when we met at Center Hill Lake for a weekend on Sheryl's Family Houseboat to the Shop 'Til You Drop trip in Atlanta and hopefully all meet in Knoxville in late March.
Every time we get together it doesn't feel like it has been months between us, we pick back up from where we left off. We all come together and continue to build the friendships that began in Knoxville, TN in 2003. Who would have thought we would continue to become best friends as not only the years went on but the miles increased. I think it helps with the social networking in todays society, between facebook posts, blog stalking, text messages, and phone dates, we all keep in touch with one another. As Rachel puts it I just make sure to tell one of you something and I know the entire group will find out.
I can't express how much these girls mean to me. I love telling people about the wonderful group of friends I have and how much I miss them and they are definitely not replaceable!
Our weekend was filled with lots of "Girl" stuff! It was like living on the Zeta floor all over again but with a grown up twist! We stayed up late on Friday night catching up with each other, laughing and having a great time. Saturday was filled with fun restaurants, memorable experiences involving things with wheels, shopping, and GIRL TALK! We got to learn more about Melinda's new exciting stage of her life with her upcoming arrival of Elena Grace, hear about the cute stories of Big Ed's adorable boys, Becca's upcoming graduation and hopes of a job, Rachel's relationship development, Sheryl's wonderful every day stories, and get to celebrate Nikki's birthday with her! Though everyone left sleep deprived, I think it was a great weekend with the Girls! I can't wait for many more....oh and don't worry these weekends and get togethers will be put into Shutterfly books for gifts :)
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| Shopping in Atlanta |
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| Lunch at Taco Verde |
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| Celebrating Nikki's Birthday at South City Kitchen |
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| Excited about Elena's soon to be arrival into our circle! |
Sunday, January 23, 2011
You Complete Me
Russ and I started dating six years ago then got married three years ago. I truly thought our lives were complete just the two of us for a few years until we decided to grow our family. We moved back to Atlanta, both making careers for ourselves then we found a house we wanted to call home. After we bought the house, Russ went to Law School and I continued to develop my career at Coke. We got into our normal routines, traveled to visit friends and family, and were content just the two of us.
Then Russ started asking for a dog. If you know me, I was not one for dogs. I had a childhood dog growing up and he was a wonderful dog. Bud guarded the house if a stranger walked by, he slept next to your bed if you were the only one at the house, he let you know when he needed to go out, his electric fence was broken yet he didn't escape, he didn't jump on your or try to lick you, he was there to provide comfort and happiness. He was actually my Dad's dog more than anything. With other people's dogs, I did not like for them to jump on my lap, or want to hold one, I definitely didn't want one licking me. I dealt with dogs but really didn't care to be around them let alone get one. Russ had been asking for a dog for a couple of months but he knew how I felt towards them. He finally convinced me that he would take care of him, and he didn't have class during the day so could be at home with him and help train him. On Christmas last year, I finally decided to give in. I went out and bought dog toys and a card telling Russ we can finally get a dog. I didn't realize my live was about to change.
Melinda helped me find a dog on PetFinder. Russ and I had a couple picked out to go check out in January. He wanted a medium size dog and I wanted a black lab, so we thought we would compromise with a beagle/lab mix that Melinda found a litter of. We called the lady and she was going to have all the dogs at PetsMart that Saturday, so we went to check him out. She had one of the puppies left, all the others had been adopted. This puppy "Had me at hello!" We quickly signed the papers and got all the puppy necessaities and headed home. Well that was a year ago today. Willie joined our family on January 23, 2010 and has completed our family.
Willie and I have a bond that I never thought I could have with a dog. I treat him like he is our kid. We had a birthday celebration for him, at Christmas he had a stocking and everyone on both sides of the family bought him gifts, I take his picture when he is playing in the snow, sleeping all cute on his bed, laying on Russ, or just so we can watch him grow. At nights, the two of us lay on the couch and watch TV together. He cuddles up next to me. In the mornings he will come and wake me up and put both paws on teh bed and look at me like a little kid would to wake up their parents. He absolutely loves my Dad, and he loves going to Camp Granddad's while we are out of town. Now he ended up not being a lab/beagle mix, but we still love him, all 25 pounds of cutest as our Vet says. Who would of thought that I would become such a dog person. I can truly say "You Complete Me." Now I know I have quoted two lines from Jerry Maquire, but I truly feel that he had us at hello and he completes me. I now understand people's love for their pets and how they treat them like their children. Willie has also helped us meet lots of our neighbors, which has helped our social lives and enjoy our neighborhood so much. I am so glad that we adopted cute little Willie a year ago!
Then Russ started asking for a dog. If you know me, I was not one for dogs. I had a childhood dog growing up and he was a wonderful dog. Bud guarded the house if a stranger walked by, he slept next to your bed if you were the only one at the house, he let you know when he needed to go out, his electric fence was broken yet he didn't escape, he didn't jump on your or try to lick you, he was there to provide comfort and happiness. He was actually my Dad's dog more than anything. With other people's dogs, I did not like for them to jump on my lap, or want to hold one, I definitely didn't want one licking me. I dealt with dogs but really didn't care to be around them let alone get one. Russ had been asking for a dog for a couple of months but he knew how I felt towards them. He finally convinced me that he would take care of him, and he didn't have class during the day so could be at home with him and help train him. On Christmas last year, I finally decided to give in. I went out and bought dog toys and a card telling Russ we can finally get a dog. I didn't realize my live was about to change.
Melinda helped me find a dog on PetFinder. Russ and I had a couple picked out to go check out in January. He wanted a medium size dog and I wanted a black lab, so we thought we would compromise with a beagle/lab mix that Melinda found a litter of. We called the lady and she was going to have all the dogs at PetsMart that Saturday, so we went to check him out. She had one of the puppies left, all the others had been adopted. This puppy "Had me at hello!" We quickly signed the papers and got all the puppy necessaities and headed home. Well that was a year ago today. Willie joined our family on January 23, 2010 and has completed our family.
Willie and I have a bond that I never thought I could have with a dog. I treat him like he is our kid. We had a birthday celebration for him, at Christmas he had a stocking and everyone on both sides of the family bought him gifts, I take his picture when he is playing in the snow, sleeping all cute on his bed, laying on Russ, or just so we can watch him grow. At nights, the two of us lay on the couch and watch TV together. He cuddles up next to me. In the mornings he will come and wake me up and put both paws on teh bed and look at me like a little kid would to wake up their parents. He absolutely loves my Dad, and he loves going to Camp Granddad's while we are out of town. Now he ended up not being a lab/beagle mix, but we still love him, all 25 pounds of cutest as our Vet says. Who would of thought that I would become such a dog person. I can truly say "You Complete Me." Now I know I have quoted two lines from Jerry Maquire, but I truly feel that he had us at hello and he completes me. I now understand people's love for their pets and how they treat them like their children. Willie has also helped us meet lots of our neighbors, which has helped our social lives and enjoy our neighborhood so much. I am so glad that we adopted cute little Willie a year ago!
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| PetFinder Picture - Willie is the middle puppy (5 weeks old) |
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| The Day we brought Willie home, Russ calling everyone (8 weeks old) |
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| We got Willie blessed at church at Blessings of the Animals (6 months old) |
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| Willie loves the look out the bay window |
Monday, January 10, 2011
Snow Day!
It is very rare for Atlanta to get snow, the city usually doesn't get anything and if it does it is more ice than anything. The past two years we have had snow that actually accumulated. Not only is it rare for Atlanta to get snow but it is rare for businesses to close their offices, well not this year. Overnight, over 6 inches of snow accumulated in Atlanta then during the day sleet/frozen rain decided to add to the accumulation. The schools were out, doctor offices were closed, businesses closed their offices and had work from home days, grocery stores were out of bread and milk, and major interstates closed...it truly was a snow day!
I worked from home today but took some time to enjoy the beautiful snow! It looks like we might be home tomorrow as well. Here are some pictures from the snow as well as the neighbors coming over to play with Russ and Willie.
I worked from home today but took some time to enjoy the beautiful snow! It looks like we might be home tomorrow as well. Here are some pictures from the snow as well as the neighbors coming over to play with Russ and Willie.
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| Glad the new paint color goes well with the snow! |
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| Don't think we are going anywhere tomorrow either! |
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| Another view of the house, don't worry we parked the cars at the bottom of the hill. |
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| Six inches of snow topped off with ice |
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| Caleb and Oren love coming over to play with Russ and Willie |
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| Willie and Russ (this is Willie's third snow since we have had him) |
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| Russ trying to make a snow angel |
A New Hobby
Some people complain about being a homeowner, I look at it as a hobby. I find lots of enjoyment out of decorating the house, renovation projects, and other odd and end projects around the house. We moved into our house in August 2008 and have done so much to it already, it looks like a completely different house. It seems like each year we have two or three major renovations/projects. I am not sure what I am going to do when its all done...oh who am I kidding, things never end when you are a home owner. In 2011, we are going to finish up the backyard and built a shed. The kitchen will be a year or two! Also, a special thanks for all the work Dad has helped me with around our house, it has been extremely helpful.
Projects in 2008
Projects in 2008
- Bought the house on July 11, 2008
- Installed overhead lighting and replaced a fuse box into a breaker box
- Put in a new lamp post outside along the driveway
- Painted everyone in the house but Russ' study
- Renovated our guestroom bath
- Remodeled the laundry room (new floor, shelving unit, and painted)
- Cut down one tree in the backyard and started to grow grass
- Installed a new bay window and master bedroom windows
- Tore up the front walkway and step and replaced that as well poured a side driveway
- Completed all the room decorations
- Hired a landscape designer to design the outside of the house
- Landscaped the front walkway
- Cut down 5 trees and trimmed the front oak trees
- Removed ivy on both sides of the house and cleared out over growth
- Installed a new front and side door
- Dad built us a deck
- Painted the house (brick and all), picking the paint color was the hardest
- Patio and Fire pit finally completed
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| Front of the House (from the MLS listing) |
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| Backyard (from the MLS Listing) |
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| Front of the House (Spring 2010) |
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| Backyard (with grass and a patio) |
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| Another view of the finished product (now need furniture) |
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| Finally can see the house (no more overgrowth, need a picture without the snow) |
Wrapping Up 2010
2010 has come and gone, and it came with lots of ups and downs. We already have a busy 2011 planned for us, but before we can move forward we need to reflect on 2010.
As many of you know, Russ and I traveled a lot last year. It was a lot of fun and we truly got to visit ALL of our friends and family, which is rare now a days with people all over the country. While on our tour of the Southeast this past December, we decided to list out all the places we visited. It came out to 26 different trips we took, this does not include people visiting us, day trips, or school/work related travel, just the trips we took for fun! That is half of the year we traveled, no wonder we are worn out. In the middle of that, we adopted a puppy, had a roommate, I had a second surgery, my Granddaddy had a scare, we lost another loved one, job status changes, tons of visitors throughout the year, countless volunteer activities, baby showers, weddings, two moot court competitions, law school, Coke and CCE transaction, dinners with friends, the engagement of my best friend, and a weekend here or there that we got to rest.
As 2011 starts off, it doesn't look like it will slow down either. Thankfully for the month of January we do not have any plans besides to get our lives back on a routine and organized. We have some weekends booked and trips already on the calendar starting with a visit from Melinda (and potentially Rachel), I am coordinating my first weeding at church, cabin weekend with my high school friends, trip to Houston, Russ' graduates, extended weekend trip to somewhere for Russ finishing law school, week off for Russ' graduation gift/took the bar from me, visit to friends and family, LOTS of weddings, annual Girls' weekend, another football season in Knoxville, and other key events throughout the year. I will use January to recharge so we can have another successful year!
As many of you know, Russ and I traveled a lot last year. It was a lot of fun and we truly got to visit ALL of our friends and family, which is rare now a days with people all over the country. While on our tour of the Southeast this past December, we decided to list out all the places we visited. It came out to 26 different trips we took, this does not include people visiting us, day trips, or school/work related travel, just the trips we took for fun! That is half of the year we traveled, no wonder we are worn out. In the middle of that, we adopted a puppy, had a roommate, I had a second surgery, my Granddaddy had a scare, we lost another loved one, job status changes, tons of visitors throughout the year, countless volunteer activities, baby showers, weddings, two moot court competitions, law school, Coke and CCE transaction, dinners with friends, the engagement of my best friend, and a weekend here or there that we got to rest.
As 2011 starts off, it doesn't look like it will slow down either. Thankfully for the month of January we do not have any plans besides to get our lives back on a routine and organized. We have some weekends booked and trips already on the calendar starting with a visit from Melinda (and potentially Rachel), I am coordinating my first weeding at church, cabin weekend with my high school friends, trip to Houston, Russ' graduates, extended weekend trip to somewhere for Russ finishing law school, week off for Russ' graduation gift/took the bar from me, visit to friends and family, LOTS of weddings, annual Girls' weekend, another football season in Knoxville, and other key events throughout the year. I will use January to recharge so we can have another successful year!
A Year in Review With Pictures
(I know I have left a lot out)
A Trip to New York City to bring in the New Year
MLK Weekend in North GA with the Lawrenceville Crew
We adopted Willie and the first snow in 2010
Finally got to use my china and other wedding gifts, we hosted Easter Lunch this year
Mom and Aunt Jill (I helped) hosted a Bridal Shower in Fayetteville TN for my cousin Rebecca
Baby Emma Long joined us in June 2010 (June babies are the best)
Long weekend trip to Vegas with my wonderful friends!
Bobby (and the Dunlaps) visited us in July
Girls' Weekend at the Lake
The Dabbs visited us for the weekend (Braves Game, Vortex, Sweetwater, and Shopping)
Christmas in July in Atlanta
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| Will visited us in July and met his nephew |
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| Went to Chicago for a weekend just the two of us! |
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| Russ' last first day of school, he is a 3L! |
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| We visited Allison and Tony in Savannah and Hilton Head for Labor Day |
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| Braves made it to the playoffs! |
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| Fourth Annual Beta/Zeta Tailgate |
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| Apple picking in the GA Mountains |
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| Burt's Pumpkin Patch |
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| Thanksgiving with the Dunlaps at Kentucky Lake (Patti's) |
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| Lots of weekends in Knoxville for UT Games |
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| Annual Wilbourne Christmas Eve Dinner with Granddaddy |
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| Russ' First White Christmas |
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| 3rd Anniversary Trip - Asheville, NC (Biltmore) |
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| Visiting Daren and Mary, Epcot for the Day |
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| Finished the year in Tampa for Christmas with the Dunlaps |
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| Last Sunset of 2010 |
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