Westie Wednesday Part II

I forgot that I took pictures of Louis during our birthday invitation discussion.  Silly me!  So, here they are:

(Me telling Louis that it was probably time that we begin discussing his Birthday festivities)

(Me telling Louis that I thought it was probably a bit soon for him to start telling people that Ruthie is his "girlfriend")

(I showed Louis his Birthday Party invitation, and he loved it!)

I also wanted to share the funniest thing that my girlfriend Mel sent to me the other day.  She follows Louis and I on the blog, and due to his recent obsession with eating everything I own.....she saw this and thought of us:

No I have not seen your darn lipstick, why would you even ask me that? I'm insulted! Every time something goes missing around here, everybody looks at me!

T

Do Tell...

Trish from Pink Preppy Lilly Lover has tagged me to answer a fun questionnaire!  Thanks Trish :)  Now let's see what I need to tell you:

Favorite Color? 

Red, White &  Blue together.  I know that isn't just ONE color...but...

(oh goodness...I just took this picture from a my post from last July 1.  wow.  how different my life was then.  i was getting ready to head to the lake with my <3 for a long weekend.  Uggg....NEXT...)

Favorite Restaurant? 

The Palm.  Not just for the food...but for the ambiance as well :)

Hobbies? 

Hosting Parties

Planning Events

Playing Tennis (which I don't do much of anymore)

Reading

What does your room look like?

A MESS!

But...in my mind it looks like this:

If you could have dinner with two people, dead or alive, who would they be? 

My dad.  I only need one :)  And we would eat at Singleton's Seafood Shack in Atlantic Beach, FL.

And he would have just walked off of the golf course.  And I would be wearing a little sundress.  And he would tell me all about his game that day, and how he almost beat his best score.  And I would be telling him about the latest guy in my life.  And he would be telling me I was too good for that guy.  And we would be looking over the rail at all of the shrimp boats coming in for the day:

And it would be the best dinner of my life.  Because you never really realize how special those dinners are.  Sitting at Singleton's at sunset.  Talking about things that really don't matter.  Not even realizing that all that does matter is that you are together.  And you are smiling.  And laughing.  And if I was ever given that chance again I WOULD realize it.  And I would eat an appetizer, and two entrees and four desserts.  Just to make it last as long as possible....

What is your next big splurge? 

A new bedroom suit

What is your favorite joke, quote or saying? 

I think anyone you ask who knows me well would tell you something different.  Apparently I say a bunch of silly things.  A lot.  And apparently I quote different things.  A lot.  And I don't really have a favorite.  Because I'm a Gemini.  And what I like tends to change.  Constantly ;)

Anything else you would like known? (a random fact)   

I am an only child, but I have always shared and  played well with others :)

Trish, don't shoot me...but I'm too lazy to share the tag.  This post has taken it all out of me for today. 

So, to those of you out there that want to share a little about yourself...please, please do :)  I love finding out more about each of you!!

T

Westie Wednesday

Since Louis had such an exciting weekend (new girlfriend, sleepover, first kiss, etc.), we've taken things a little slow this week.  He's still recouping from it all.

We did, however, begin discussing his birthday festivities.  I asked him who he would like to invite.  Of course Ruthie was at the top of his list!  I asked him what type of invitation we should send out.  He is a fan of e-vites because he cannot stand to wait for people to receive their invitations, and only then RSVP.  I tried to explain to him that any southern gentleman knows a printed invitation is the way to go.  He promptly turned around and stuck his rear in my face :(

He wanted Ruthie to be on the e-vite with him.  I explained that may be a little too much a little too soon.  He held firm.  So, I suggested that we put pictures of all of his friends that he is inviting on the invitation.  He agreed.  He also insisted that he be wearing a birthday hat on the invitation.  Lord help us all.

So, I did the best I could.  Here is Louis' First Birthday invitation:

I know.  It's pretty tacky :(  But so far everyone is coming....and I guess that's what counts?

T

SOS....BLOG html HELP NEEDED!

I posted HERE about the new post "separator" that Dawn from Lydia and Pugs made for me.  I Googled to find out exactly how to insert it.  I followed those directions, and on the preview it showed up beautifully.  A little row of westies separating each blog post, rather than the white line. 

However, when I published/saved/whatever...it didn't work :(  The line of westies only showed up after the first two blog posts.  AND THEN...when I would scroll down to see if they continued, and then back up to the beginning, the westies after the first two blog posts disappeared too!!!

What am I doing wrong?  Have you any ideas?  I've paid to have these precious little pups created and I so desperately want to use them.

Any ideas you have would be most appreciated!!

xoxo,
T

12 Marks of a Modern Day Gentleman

A very good friend of mine is a DJ in NYC.  DJs apparently have endless access to newsworthy information.  Things to discuss on the air and such.

Today Mr. DJ found something quite fabulous.  He just sent me the link, and of course I wanted to share.  I should probably open up a new match.com account and post this as my "what I'm looking for"!  haha..just kidding.  Well, for today anyway :-o

So here they are....12 Marks of a Modern Day Gentleman as proposed by TrésSugar.:

1.Read the news today: We know he was on the Internet, but can he talk about the big stories? A modern-day gentleman can.



2.Doesn't overuse Facebook: he shouldn't be updating it like a 16-year-old girl. True for Twitter too.


3.Dresses up without borrowing: He may need to rent a tux, but other than that he's ready, pressed, and set for any occasion.


4.You can take him anywhere: Whether it's to an art opening or a bar closing, he knows how to act, dress, and circulate at (nearly) every occasion.


5.Recommends books: He not only reads, but he has an opinion on what's good, what's not, and what you'd like.


6.Tips well: If you can't afford the tip, then you can't afford the dinner. A gentleman knows this, and he will not try to weasel out of it.


7.Pays you back: Nothing should stop him from paying you back, especially if it's a large sum. Not even a breakup!


8.Doesn't talk about exes: Unless you ask him (and do you really want to?), he doesn't talk about his ex-girlfriends. Especially by obliquely referring to them as "friends"!


9.Can cook dinner: Really, it's not that hard. It doesn't have to be amazing or gourmet or even in season; it just needs to be, well, cooked.


10.Holds the door: It may sound old-fashioned to the point of passé, but it's one of those small gestures that's just better off done. If he does it, we notice; and if he doesn't, we wonder why.


11.Is kind to women — and men: Kindness knows no gender, and he knows that. If he's nice to only ladies, then he's in it to win them. And, he'll always lose.


12.He's not perfect, and he knows it: With this list, we're not saying a modern-day gentleman is made of perfection. We don't want to live with that, and we certainly don't want to live with a man who believes it.
 
What do you think friends?  Did they include everything that is needed to deem someone a "Modern Day Gentleman"?  If not...what did they forget?
 
Have you seen the Brooks Brothers Book "How To Be a Gentleman"?  I have given this book to every guy I have ever dated.  Not because I didn't think they were gentleman, but simply because I think it's something every man should have.  It's clever and witty, and really does have some great info in it.  Let me just say that if I EVER find someone who can check off everything in this book as "that's me", then I'm sold.  Heck, I'D even buy HIM an engagement ring :)
 
T

Weekends Are My Hobby :)

Let's back it up a bit..... 

Thursday night was Glow Ball, but I didn't end up playing.  It was too hot and when I put on my little Bobby Jones golf skirt and short sleeved oxford I thought I was going to pass out.  So, off with that and into my madras sundress!! 

(H, KW & me)

They played 9 holes, and we were over it after about 3.  Sadly, we left before our friend CL flipped his golf cart.  Clearly that would have been picture worthy, but alas....

Friday night S and I were out and about, and she and Ruthie had a sleepover with Louis and I (see last post).

Saturday was the day of D and PTB's wedding!!!  A few people stopped by my house pre-wedding to talk hair and outfits.  Then, at 3:45 fourteen of my nearest and dearest arrived to ride up to the wedding in a van I had arranged.  The wedding was at a winery up in the mountains, and we all know that wine + driving + mountains = BAD DECISION.  So, the van picked us up and deposited us here:

It was probably somewhere in the neighborhood of 100 degrees on Saturday in Smalltown, VA, but somehow that didn't really bother us.  Everything was so breathtaking, and there was a hum all around of nervous anticipation.  We couldn't wait to see D walk down the aisle with her dad:

And then they were married!  It was that quick.  Very sweet.  Very simple.  Very genuine.  I smiled a lot. 

(Mr. & Mrs. PTB)

(the girls!  i'm to the immediate left of the bride, D)

(MK and I)

As is always the case, it seems, near the end of the wedding Beyonce's "All The Single Ladies" began playing.  Let me take a moment to tell you....I abhor this song.  I abhor it because at the last 612,342 weddings I have been to they have played it.  If you played this at your wedding, please don't judge me.  Just trust me.  When you attend the number of weddings that I have it gets old.  Really old.  And I always try to lag back in a corner and not participate.  Even when I have a serious boyfriend as a date.  I don't want to catch the bouquet. 

Why? You may ask.  Well, I'll tell you.  I've caught 14 of them.  True fact.  And as many times my boyfriend has caught the garter.  And it means nothing.  And it isn't always that they didn't want to marry me.  Sometimes I didn't want to marry them.  It doesn't matter.  I just don't want to catch another bouquet as long as I live.

So, I tried to dodge the bullet.  But D starts yelling "T!  T!  Where is T?!?!" So, what's a girl to do? 

(yay!  i love this song and really want to catch the boquet....NOT.)

Well, this girl feigned excitement (as any good friend would) and kicked up her heels.  However, as the bouquet went flying I looked to my right as if I had heard/seen something.  Oops.  I missed the bouquet.

(please take a moment to observe Daisy's take on the whole tradition.  Thumbs DOWN.)

And although you may think it ended here.....

You would be wrong.  D came up to me and said "this is the best day of my life, and I don't want it to end.  We have to be out of here at 10pm, but lets all meet up downtown!".  And so we did.  And somehow at 2AM I was standing outside of a club, with all of my friends, telling a tranny that I liked his/her tattoo.  This is why it's best if I am tucked in bed by midnight my friends :)

Sunday morning, bright and early, we headed out on the lake.  I don't know why it didn't occur to me that resting may have been a wiser idea.  But alas....

Late last night, as I was finally falling asleep, I had some pretty amazing thoughts running through my head.  This is my life.  Full to the brim with friends, and laugher, and weddings and boat rides.  There is no time to be sad.  No time to be selfish.  There is so much to do!!  And I am thankful for that every day.  I wonder, sometimes, what it would be like to live someone else's life.  Someone who didn't have all that I do.  That thought scares me.  I don't want my life to change.  Not ever.  I don't want to let go of all of the wonderful things that fill my days. 

I've had a rough few months.  But no more so than many of you.  So many of you whose blogs I read have experienced as much, if not more, heartbreak than I.  And with that knowledge I can tell myself to get over it.  To stop dwelling on what was, and to look forward with excitement at what is to come!  To be honest with myself.  And also with him.  To just call it like I see it.

(stole this from Julie at Brown Eyed Bell because I loved it sooooo much!)

To quit focusing on this:

And to start focusing on this:

(thanks MK!)

And I believe that sometimes epiphanies just come to you, much like true love,  when you least expect them.

T

Louis Is In Love

Friday night my friend S came over.  We enjoyed some cocktails on my patio before heading downtown for dinner.  S's husband was out of town, and she and her pup, Ruthie, decided to have a sleep over with Louis and I. 

Let me note that Louis has NEVER seen another animal in his home.  We always seem to go to everyone else's home.  So, I was a little bit nervous about how territorial he may be.  Silly me!

When Ruthie entered my home Louis was stunned.  Completely and totally stunned.  He just stood there staring at her.  Ruthie is a pomeranian/beagle mix.  I cannot believe that I DID NOT TAKE ONE PICTURE of Louis and his girlfriend, but she looks like this:

Mostly pom-ish, and she is just a bit smaller than Louis.  Ruthie is cute as pie and 100% girl.  Let me just say P-R-I-S-S-Y  :)

Once Louis recovered from his "love at first sight" moment, he gave Ruthie kisses.  He then gave Ruthie his Busy Bone.  Louis gave Ruthie pretty much anything she wanted.  And then...at bedtime...he wanted to snuggle with her.

CUTEST THING I HAVE EVER SEEN!!

It warmed my heart to know that I've raised a handsome little man who will share his toys, and his heart.  Unconditionally.  Now, if only I could find that for myself in human form :-o

T

Follow Friday & Saturday Nuptuals!

Today is the first day I am at my computer for Follow Friday!  Bethany from Maryland Pink and Green started this awesome Friday post so that we could all have the chance to find some great new bloggers.  Be sure to visit Follow Friday HERE to sign up!

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This weekend two of my very dear friends D and PTB are tying the knot!  I couldn't be more excited :)  When I think back to the day they met, and all that has happened since then, I can't stop myself from smiling.  D and I have been friends since I moved back to Smalltown, VA from DC.  We met and immediately bonded!  We both served on a board of a local non-profit, which brought us even closer.  We supported each other through both good and bad relationships with men, and found ourselves single at the same time.  Two single girls navigating through Smalltown, VA's dating scene is nothing short of hysterical...and going through it with her made it so much more fun!

(me and D)

(me, Barbie, M and D)

(me, D and Daisy)

At a cocktail crawl one Saturday afternoon, in the pouring down rain, she told me about PTB.  We were all supposed to go to an event earlier in the week, but I bailed.  She went.  She wasn't exactly sure what to make of PTB at first.  Was he really as good as he seemed?  Or...was he too good to be true?  The jury would stay out on that for a while, but in the end....we all realized he was just as good as he seemed.  A smart, handsome, charming and kind southern gentleman.  D had hit the jackpot!  And believe me, PTB feels exactly the same way about her :)

Tomorrow D and PTB will begin their forever.  I have chills on my arms just now thinking about it.  I'm smiling because she finally found her man.  I'm so happy that all of the pain and suffering she went through with undeserving men has brought her to PTB.  And I'm so very honored that I will be a part of it all!

D and PTB will be opening up the floor for toasts at their reception.  She told me at her last shower that she knew exactly what I was going to say.  I just smiled.  Because I knew what she was thinking about.   That day.  Under the awning at the cocktail crawl.  The day she first told me all about him.  But wasn't quite sure.  Wasn't sure if she should trust in what he said.  Wasn't sure if she should let herself fall again.  Wasn't sure if there was heartbreak at the end of this story.  Well my dear friend...surprise!  There is nothing but love and happiness and all that is good in this world at the end of your story.  And this is what I want to say to you and PTB, and everyone else, tomorrow at your wedding.  But I'm not sure that I can.  I'm not sure that I will be able to do that for you.  Because even as I sit here writing this, there is a tear rolling down my cheek.  I am so very happy for you, and I don't want to cry on your wedding day......

Here's to you D and PTB...I love you both!

 

Love,

Mary Sue Smith

Necessities

e.l.f.

Yes, it's cheap.  BUT...it's good :)  I ordered from e.l.f. this week and they have 50% off with the coupon code CAROLINA.  I saved $6.00 and that paid for my shipping.  Shazam.

Rolling Collapsible Cooler

Daisy has one of these.  It's basically the bomb.  Now I have one too!  This cooler:

combined with this beach chair:

will make my days at the beach sooooooo much more convenient :)  After all, the tagline for the cooler is "Less Schlep, More Slurp".  Hahaha....

Souper Meal

I know, I know...the sodium alone is enough to kill you.  I have this obsession with noodles.  Ramen.  Cup o' Noodles. Souper Meal.  Whatever.  I can't get enough.  I also don't feel bloated after eating them.  I'm full, but not so much that I want to crawl under my desk and have a nap post lunch time.  I just devoured one of the extra large containers.  Mmmmmmmm....

Waggin' Train Jerky Tenders

Without these little pieces of gold my experience as a pet owner would be oh so different!  I can basically get Louis to do ANYTHING with one of these in my hand.  I have researched this company (and product) extensively.  Yes, I know that in 2007 someone tried to say these treats were made in China and made a bunch of dogs sick.  NOT TRUE.  They are made in South Carolina.  The people that own the company are awesome.  And they will e-mail you back to answer your questions.  They all have dogs.  Their pictures with their dogs are on their website.  Wanna see?  Click HERE to read about them.  I'm a huge fan.  But, most importantly...so is Louis.

Aquaphor

If you ever spent any time riding horses you are undoubtedly familiar with Aquaphor by Eucerin.  To this day I cannot live without it.  I don't do much riding these days, but my hands never feel quite as good as they do when lathered up with Aquaphor.  I usually put it on in the morning as I'm leaving the house.  I don't put it on again until I go to sleep. 

I am a bit of a Lotion addict all around.  After I take a shower I cover myself from head to toe with Gold Bond Ultimate Restoring CoQ10 lotion.

Then to top it off, Burt's Bees Lip Balm. 

Wow, this probably makes me sound like an old lady but I don't care!  Spending a day at the beach, then coming home to shower and lube up with my favorite potions makes me giddy inside:)  Then, to slip into a comfy pair of linen pants with a cotton cami.  Heaven I tell you.  HEAVEN!

So these are a few of my necessities.  I don't quite recall what gave me inspiration for this post.  I think it was the Souper Meal.  I think it was the fact that I remarked to MK earlier "I cannot live without these noodles in my life".  And then I started thinking.....T, are you serious?  You cannot live without noodles?  What are some other ridiculous things you cannot live without? 

And there you have it!

I'm off to play Glow Ball this evening. My golf shoes are polished and my golf skirt is pressed.  I haven't a clue what I'm getting myself into, but I guarantee there will be some hysterical pictures to share tomorrow!

T

My Girls

Last night I got together with four of my girlfriends.  I know we all feel, at some point, that our lives are like an episode of Sex & The City.  Last night was one of these moments for me. 

The four of us were gathered around a table catching up on everything that has taken place in the last few months.  And there has been A LOT that has taken place.  One of us just started a new job.  One of us was just laid off due to a downsizing.  One of us is planning a wedding.  And one of us is newly single (that would be moi).  Each of us are at such different places in our lives, but somehow relate so well to each other.  We talked for hours.  We listened.  We gave advice.  We laughed.  And then.... a guy from my past walked in and spoke.  And I had to fill the girls in.  Because he represents some of the crazy situations I get myself into.  And we had to laugh about that :)

None of us were aware of our surroundings...just of each other.  And at some point last night I realized that I am going to be okay no matter what happens.  Because I have my girls.  And I will always have my girls.  And just like they did before, they will cheer me on as I go on dates.  And they will laugh with me about how some of those dates turn out.  And they will be honest about their thoughts of "the new guy".  And when I fall they will catch me.  And when I stand tall they will smile with pride for me. 

I don't have a clue where I am supposed to be right now.  I can't fathom what it is that I am supposed to be doing.  All I know is that wherever I end up, and whatever I do....my girls will be right there with me.  And THAT,  my friends, is EVERYTHING.

(thanks MK...another fabulous quote!)

MK also sent me HERE to read THIS today.  What an amazing girl.  I'm her newest follower :)

T