The Eagle Has Landed!!!

Well, the puppy has pottied anyway.  Today at lunch.  MK came home with me to meet Louis.  I was explaining to MK, who has a fabulous pug called h, the issue that Louis has with going potty outside.  It's not that he "messes up" and goes inside sometimes, it's more that he REFUSES to go outside.  Ever. At least...that's what I thought....

Anyway, I'm complaining up a storm and we arrive at my house.  We enter and don't make a fuss about Louis.  We go into the kitchen and I open the crate door and we keep chatting as if we are not excited to see him.  This was the advice I received....no big deal when leaving or coming home.  This will help Louis with his separation anxiety issues. 

I noted that he had not pottied in his crate.  I went to fetch his harness and lead.  I waved them around and said in such a happy voice "go outside?  go outside Louis?".  He is not a fan of going outside.  Regardless he walked out the door and I rewarded him a small piece of cheese.  He then immediately headed back inside.  Darn! 

I carried him into the yard.  MK and I are chatting and she is walking him about when all of the sudden she says "look, look, he's peeing".  She squatted down just to be sure, and yep....true fact...Louis peed in the yard.  I was totally confused.  He didn't squat like he does in the kitchen.  He just leaned forward a bit.  Like he was stretching. "Oh crap, MK, I think he has done that before", I remark.  "Oh well, just start praising him now", she says.  Can you believe it?!?!?!  The poor guy is probably so confused.  Here he has pottied before and TEN and I are still saying "go potty Louis!".  He's probably thinking "Geezzzz people!  What do you want?  I've just pottied and you want more?"

Anyway, this afternoon post potty, MK and I started hopping about and praising Louis and I gave him another piece of cheese.  I'm not quite sure he knew what the fuss was all about, but we used the word potty as much as possible.  I'm hopeful that it will click at some point. 

AND...I promise this blog is not going to become a blog about a puppy.  However, at the moment I'm a bit consumed.  There is nothing else going on in my life but taking care of this little guy.  TEN got up with him at 3am this morning, and slept on the couch after that to keep Louis from barking so I could sleep.  Tonight is my turn.  I sure hope this crate training/getting on our schedule thing comes together quickly.  Sleepless nights are no fun for anyone :(

And finally, I'm going to share some more pictures, and a little video with you.  Let me preface this by saying that I am absolutely aware that I sound like a complete idiot in the video.  I had no idea how ridiculous I sounded until I listened to it myself.  But, Louis is precious in it, so I'm going to share it.  Please be kind and turn down your volume...otherwise your opinion of me will drop drastically.  I assure you :)

Pictures:

(sleepy baby!)

(snoozing in front of the fireplace)

(investigating the camera)

(giving TEN a bath)

And finally.....the video....no laughing allowed!

TEN and I are going Thanksgiving shopping tonight.  We both get off early tomorrow, and I'm looking forward to 4-1/2 days of TEN time, Louis time and lots and lots of wine :)

Happy Early Turkey Day to you all!!!

T

Old Moon

BFF and I saw New Moon last night.  Here's the thing.  I already read the book.  I knew what was going to happen. There was no anticipation.  I yawned 12 times.  BFF felt the same way.

Damn.

I wish I hadn't read the books.  I loved Twilight, but I hadn't read the book.

T

P.S.  Jacob is creepy.  Something about him makes my hair stand on end.  Not in a good way.  And....I'm not talkin' 'bout the fact that he's a werewolf.  Maybe it's that Taylor/Tyler kid that plays him?  Maybe he's the creepy one?  I know bunches of girls are running around drooling over his muscles.  Not this girl.  I see him and want to hide in a corner and chant Ave Maria. 

Girl vs. Boy

As you have now figured out, we chose a boy puppy.  There were a few reasons for this.  First, there were only two puppies to choose from.  The others had been sold, and there was a little boy and a little girl left.  The little girl was smaller than the little boy, and I immediately wanted her for that reason.

Then, the wife/breeder sat me down and started telling me about the two puppies personalities.  The little girl was headstrong.  She didn't mind very well, and she did things her way.  It would be tough to break her, the wife said, but she was very loving and good otherwise.  She also stated that the little girl was very "busy", meaning she was all over the place.  We witnessed this.  She climbed all over the other puppies and never really stopped to catch her breath.

The little boy puppy was playful and appeared happy and well socialized.  The wife said that he was her favorite and that he was a cuddler because of this.  She cuddled with him a lot, and said that he was much more calm than the girl.  She said that he always wanted to be with you, where the little girl was very independent and didn't care to cuddle and sit still.

So, what it came down to is that the little boy was going to grow up to be more of a lap dog, and the little girl was going to grow up to be hell on wheels.  TEN observed that these descriptions corresponded with us rather well.  Him - a lap dog.  Me - hell on wheels.  He let me make the decision, but his recommendation was that we take the little boy.  Then, he went across the room and sat down while I kept talking to the wife.  The little boy puppy followed him and sat down at his feet.  That was it.  The little boy puppy wanted to be with TEN.  He was alreadying following him around.  SOLD.

I don't for one minute regret my decision.  By the time we made it back to Smalltown, VA from the breeder's house I was in love.  Truly, madly, deeply.  Louis is my baby.  Now, if only I could somehow convince him to come to work for me, and I would GLADLY spend the day sleeping in the crate :)

Yawn,

T

Your Eyes Are Getting Heavy. Very, Very Heavy.....

Louis is my heart.  I cannot imagine life without him.  I cannot imagine that he was not a part of my existence Saturday morning, and now he is the focus of my world. 

That being said....Louis is going to be the death of me. 

That puppy has both of us wrapped around his little paw.  He didn't speak until last night.  We thought he was mute.  Daisy and her friend came over Saturday night and we made a fire, ate pork loin and played Canasta.  Louis was exhausted and could barely hold his head up.  But...he wanted to be with us.  So, I moved his little bed into the living room in front of the fire.  He promptly drifted off.  Daisy's friend kept saying "that can't be a puppy.  like a real puppy?  he's so quiet and still."  Uh-huh.  That's what we thought too.

Yesterday (Sunday) we took Louis to TEN's football game.  Even though TEN is injured he still wanted to be there to cheer on his teammates.  Louis was well behaved, and he wore his argyle sweater because it was quite cold.  BFF's kids were at the game.  They played with Louis and he was a little angel. 

After the game BFF and I went to see New Moon (separate post for my thoughts on that!) and TEN babysat.  Louis ate, peed outside for TEN, etc.  I come home from the movie, TEN and Louis are asleep on the couch.  The evening winds down.   It's bed time for Louis.  Or so I thought.

From 11PM until 1AM Louis howled/cried/barked from his crate in the kitchen.  TEN and I were upstairs in my bedroom, and it was as if Louis was in the room with us.  So very loud.  So very sad.  So very pitiful and frightened sounding.  I sat at the top of the stairs and kept telling TEN I couldn't do it.  I couldn't leave him alone and scared.  So, TEN put Louis (crate and all) in the basement.  The house was silent.  I felt much better :)

This morning when I went to fetch Louis from the basement he was very groggy.  I'm guessing he continued to cry/howl/bark until the wee hours of the night.  Poor baby :(  Once again, he would not pee outside for me.  He won't do this, you see.  Only for TEN.  He likes TEN more than he likes me.  I'm convinced of this.  You see, TEN held him on the long drive home.  I drove.  For that reason, he bonded with TEN first.  Also, TEN doesn't snark at him when he pees/poops on the floor.  TEN also doesn't clean the mess up, so any quasi-snarking he does is only half hearted.  I expressed my thoughts on this today, and TEN has agreed to become the disciplinarian. 

I realize we are only on day three, but I already feel like a failure :(  I tried to think positively on my way home at lunch, but wanted to cry again when I saw that Louis had soiled his crate.  And when I say soiled, I mean SOILED!  So, towels are now in the wash, the puppy has new towels in his crate...but NO TOYS.  Bad puppy!  Of course I didn't yell at him, and I did tell him I loved him before I left and put him back in his crate. 

I'm exhausted.  Literally exhausted.  Thank God it's a short 3-day work week.  Perhaps I will get some opportunity to sleep!  Perhaps I should also take advantage of my 73.5 hours of vacation left over for this year.  Perhaps staying home with Louis would help him adapt?  Or, perhaps I'm just expecting too much too soon? 

Regardless, he is my little angel, and if he is ends up spending the rest of his life in diapers that's okay.  We will love him anyway.

Yawn,

T

Welcome Louis Wellington Gray!

We have been busy, to say the least, but I wanted to share a picture or two of the new baby.  We chose a little boy, for quite a few reasons.  I will share more on that tomorrow, but for now...here he is!!!

(on the LONG car ride home)

(this morning..bright and early at 6AM...uggghhh...with his new argyle sweater!)

T

Shhhh!! Be Very, Very, Quiet Please....

My head hurts. 

Badly. 

Multiple Flirtinis = very, very, very bad decision.

I am doing all that I can to appear functional today at work.  I am seeing double, but smiling constantly so that no one can tell I can't actually make out what/who I am looking at.  MK isn't feeling much better.  We both had biscuits first thing this morning, but they haven't healed us yet. 

I did want to share a picture of my dress from last night.  I think that is about all you are going to hear from me today though.  The act of typing is too strenuous. 

(me, MK, boy BFF, Christie, BFF, Stevie)

Have a great weekend, and I can't wait to share pictures of the new puppy with you on Monday!

T

Not Just ONE, but TWO! Happy Day!!

Well, I was already having a wonderful day...posting up a storm...AND THEN.....

The fabulous Leah from Thinking Out Loud bestowed upon me TWO awards.  Oh yes, that's right.  TWO AWARDS.  Can you believe?  I'm giddy.  Just plain giddy.  Leah, thank you ever so much for honoring me with two blog awards, and I'm so very excited to post my 10 things!!!

First, Leah awarded me with

The rules for The Fabulous Sugar Doll Blogger Award are to list 10 interesting facts about yourself and then tag 7 other bloggers.

Secondly, Leah awarded me the

The rules for the One Lovely Blog Award are to accept, post it on your blog and then tag 15 other bloggers.

Leah blended the two awards together, and posted 10 interesting facts about herself, and then awarded 15 bloggers BOTH awards.  So, I'm going to follow suit :)  I hope you don't mind my copying you Leah!

So, here are my 10 facts:

1.  I have always wanted to have dark brown hair.  I have blue eyes, and went to school with a girl who was 2 years older than me who had blue eyes and dark, dark, dark brown hair.  One year I colored my hair brown.  I didn't so much go to a stylist, I just did it at home.  My hair turned green.  It was terrible.  I have not experimented with that ever again.

2.  I am fiercely independent.  I have a hard time asking for help, and I have a hard time letting people help me.  I am for some reason under the impression that I need to prove to some invisible force that I am capable of doing everything myself.  It really annoys my boyfriends.  I am trying to learn to let people help me, because I am realizing that when someone cares about you they want to do things for you.

3.  I am an only child.  I always wanted brothers and sisters.  I wanted a HUGE family.  Since that isn't the way it worked out, I always dreamed of having about 10 kids so that my house would be full of them and their friends.  At Thanksgiving and Christmas I imagined the house full of my children, their friends and their significant others.  I'm not off to a very good start :(  Hopefully the puppy will fill the house with love and laugher for now!

4.  One of my favorite things to do is entertain.  I know this is probably odd, considering I can't cook, but I adore it just the same!  Whether it's hosting a game night, dinner night, or just a regular cocktail party...I am in heaven :)  I like to see my friends smile.  I like to introduce new people to each other, and watch them find out they have a lot in common.  I like getting dressed up and acting fancy.  If I could throw a party once a week I would be content!

5.  I went to school to be a Veterinarian.  I stayed in the program for 2 years before I realized that it was not what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.  The problem was that I had wanted to be a Veterinarian since I was 6 years old.  I never stopped to re-assess the situation.  I just assumed that was still what I wanted to be.  Thanks Mother and Daddy for being understanding about that mishap!

6.  I cannot stand to hike or camp.  I was in the girl scouts years ago, and thought it was the bees knees.  Now, however, I cannot imagine what I liked about it.  I do like making fires...in the fireplace....but that's about all that stuck.  I feel like everyone thinks hiking is "the thing to do".  I hate that I don't like it, but I've tried to pretend and it didn't work out very well.  Oh well!

7.  I have a secret love affair with the mafia.  I know it's nuts, but I always wanted to marry into the mob.  I think this goes back to me being an only child, and having a small family.  I think I was under the impression that marrying into the mob would give me an instant family.  Of course, now that I'm older I also realize that my husband would probably own a strip club and cheat on me incessantly, but still....sometimes I think it would be really cool.

8.  I don't clean my house.  I haven't for years.  I pay someone to do it.  It's terrible of me, and lame and pretentious.  I hear you.  I know this.  I just can't help it.  I used to clean my house/apartment/townhouse from top to bottom every Sunday.  I was the only person out of all of my roommates that would ever clean.  I think I just overdid it all through college.  I haven't cleaned my house in 5 years.  For shame!

9.  I didn't work for 6 months.  This wasn't right after graduation or anything, it was directly in the middle of my grown up working life.  The job I worked at for a year wanted to transfer me to the west coast.  I had no interest in going for numerous reasons.  My current job was being done away with.  So, I was basically jobless.  I took 6 months to "find myself".  I wasn't really seeking out a job during this time, and it was the most amazing 6 months of my life.  I volunteered, job searched a bit, soul searched and visited friends.  Basically I figured out who I was and what I wanted.  I would NEVER have done this voluntarily, because I wouldn't have had the guts.  I am so very thankful every single day of my life that I had that time though.  It brought me to where I am today.  AND...while I was without a job...I still paid someone to clean my house!  See, I told you.  I'm terrible :(

10. I cannot live without manicures and pedicures.  This was something else I learned while on my 6 month hiatus.  No matter how "put together" I may appear to others, I feel like a wreck without my nails done. Gosh, I really sound high maintenance don't I?  YIKES!

Okay, now it's time for me to tag 15 bloggers with both of these awards.  Here's the thing..I do like tagging people, because I think it's really nice to be tagged.  However, maybe I don't read enough blogs?  OR...perhaps I'm just the last one to get tagged sometimes?  I have the hardest time tagging bloggers that I read that haven't already been tagged with these awards.  And then I feel like I'm tagging the same people over and over.  If I'm tagging you to death, please bare with me...okay? 

So, here goes nothing....I'm going to try to make sure I don't tag anyone who has been tagged before...and I hope I succeed!

MCW from Saving The Best For Last (fingers crossed) (i know you have been tagged w/the Sugar Doll award, but I didn't see the One Lovely Blog award!)

Polka Dots & Protein Bars

Perfectly Pleasant

Kate from Nautical by Nature (kate i know you have to have these already, but i couldn't find them??)

My Flip Flopz

MRS.MFC

Prep in the Big Apple from MRM

Little Pink Magnolia

JLMARGS from Liner Notes

Fai from Letters From A College Student

Flip Flops on Lex

Faith Hope Love (i know you have the One Lovely Blog award..but congrats on the Sugar Doll award!)

Marian from Escaping the Single Life

Emily Elizabeth from Emily Elizabeth and the Big Blue Dog

Paisana from Burlap Condoms

Congrats!!

T

The First Thanksgiving

I just realized I didn't share my exciting news about this year's Thanksgiving.  Well, I think it's exciting...some people may not I suppose.

Anyway, TEN and I are having our own Thanksgiving at my house.  Our families live in another city...and although it is drivable, we aren't driving.  We both find holidays at home stressful for various reasons.  Therefore, we have decided to stay in Smalltown, VA and cook our very own Thanksgiving!

I'm a little nervous.  I'm not going to lie.  I'm not a cook...AT ALL.  TEN is a very good cook, and he has agreed to take on turkey duty.  I have signed up to make stuffing and homemade mashed potatoes. That's it.  Stuffing and mashed potatoes.  We will be having turkey, stuffing and mashed potatoes at this point.  Hmph. 

I feel like there needs to be a much larger spread.  Don't you think?  Perhaps green beans?  Or, asparagus?  Neither of us are fans of cranberry sauce.  Perhaps corn would be a nice addition? 

We are bringing cookbooks on our 2 hour drive to visit the breeder on Saturday.  I'm hopeful that we will find something delish that we want to add to our menu.  We also have to come up with some exciting treats for the Saturday after Thanksgiving.  This is the annual Virginia Tech vs. UVA game.  It is truly THE GAME OF THE YEAR.  I am having a little get together at my house to watch the game, and TEN and I are making all of the food.  Once again, TEN and I really means TEN, but I do want to help!  Last night he DVR'd a program about Thanksgiving leftovers.  We are both hopeful that they give us some great ideas on what to do with a TON of turkey, stuffing and mashed potatoes.  An idea that would potentially feed all of our friends on Saturday?  Hmmm....

So, here's to my First Thanksgiving in my little house!  Very exciting....

T

New Moon Will Have To Wait....Sigh....

What a chilly, rainy day we are having in Smalltown, VA.  Blech!  It makes me want to curl up and have a nap for sure.

However, there is a very exciting event tonight that I must stay awake for.  One of the organizations that I am on the Board of Directors for is hosting a Little Black Dress Party this evening.  This is an annual event, and a wonderful fundraiser for the arts in Smalltown, VA.  We work for months to secure prizes and such to give away at the event, and everyone puts on their favorite little black dress to attend.  Of course, boys are welcome too!  Because really...when you have a bunch of girls dressed up in little black dresses the boys are sure to follow. 

This year I've decided to switch it up a bit.  For the last two years I've worn a simple black dress with loud, fun shoes.  However, this year I have decided to wear a loud, fun dress.  The dress is predominantly black, but has some white as well.  My dress is "inspired" by a Hervé Léger dress that Blair Waldorf wore on Gossip Girl:

I obviously did not pay $1,800 for my dress, but I adore it just the same!  I'm thinking that I will wear plain black heels, and a fabulous red purse I carried to another event earlier in the year. 

If this year's event is anything like last year's, we will be dancing into the wee hours of the night and I will be feeling like death tomorrow.  Oh the price we pay for charity!

Also, I am no longer going to see New Moon tonight.  You see, BFF and I were going to attend the Little Black Dress Party with plans to leave at 11pm.  We were going to change into our "Twilight gear" and head to the midnight showing of New Moon.  After further consideration, we decided that was probably not the wisest decision.  So......we are going to see the movie on Sunday.  My "Team Edward" t-shirt is all pressed and ready to go, and I am super excited for Sunday to arrive. 

All in all this is going to be a fantastic weekend.  Starting tonight! 

Tomorrow night BFF and her husband and TEN and I are going to dinner.  Probably not a very late night though, since TEN and I will be leaving early Saturday morning to head to select the new puppy!  Saturday will be a fun filled day of playing with the puppy no doubt, and watching the Hokies take on NC State when we get home.

Sunday is my big New Moon date with BFF, and TEN has agreed to "babysit" while we are at the movie.  He plays on a flag football team, but won't be playing this weekend due to an injury.  He does, however, plan to take the baby to the game.  Egads!  I hope she doesn't get too dirty or scared with all of those people running around.  Oh well.  I suppose that sooner or later she (oops!  I keep saying she) will need to be introduced to the madness that is my life :-o

I hope you are all having a lovely Thursday, and that your weekend is filled with fun, friendship and many smiles!

T

In Other News....

I'm listening to Christmas music.  Yes, you heard correctly!  A local radio station has already begun playing Christmas music and I'm LOVING IT! 

This Thursday there is a fabulous event taking place in Smalltown, VA.  It's called the Little Black Dress Party, and everyone I know is going!  In preparation for the event I decided I needed a little bit of color.  Therefore I put some self tanner on this morning.  Whoops!  Perhaps I overdid it a bit?  I just looked at myself in the mirror and my face looks as though it has been to the islands for a week.  The rest of me, not so much.  I will obviously have to work on this issue before Thursday's festivities!

And finally...some VERY exciting news!!!  For any of you girls that love Sex & The City as much as I do, I've got some scoop.  MK just shared it with me (well, all of us I guess) on her blog mrs.mfc.  Do be sure to hop over and check it out.  I AM SO EXCITED!!!!

T

Happiness Becomes Her

I was going to attempt to post a daily "I am Thankful" post.  I've failed miserably.  Not because I'm not thankful, of course, but because I'm so busy!!!  But, I am thankful that I'm busy because it means I have a job and so many fun things to do :)

So, today I'm going to play catch up.  I'm feeling especially happy today, and I'm going to tell you why:

• I am going to be a mommy.  To a puppy.  It's for real.  We have an appointment with the breeder on  Saturday.  TEN made the appointment today, and I am coming home with a puppy.  We have spent most of today picking out names (thank you for all of your input MK...we couldn't have done it without you!).  A boy name and a girl name because we have no idea which of the puppies will end up leaving with us.  The pictures are all cute, but until you actually interact with one I don't think you know for sure which one should be yours.  Westies are rather noble characters I think, so we wanted the pup to have a strong and noble name.  If it's a girl we are going to name her Wellington Paisley Gray Mylastname and call her Wellie.  If it's a boy we are going to name him Louis Wyndham Kingsley Mylastname and call him Louis.  I'm partial to the girl name, of course, but I am not making any decisions until I meet them all. Granted, from the pictures I have selected this one already:

• I have plans every night this week with friends.  None of it is work related, it's all fun and games.  I get to catch up with quite a few friends that I haven't seen in a while, and I am very thankful for that! 

• TEN has gone back to the sleep doctor to get his results from his sleep study test.  I'm guessing he hasn't got anything life threatening, or they would have called him before now.  However, his last words to be before heading to the doctor were "I'm going to ask her about Breathe Right Strips".  Thank you baby Jesus.  That's really all I wanted from the beginning.

• I am wearing a pair of corduroy pants today that haven't fit me in over a year.  I still can't fit "comfortably" into my favorite jeans of all time.  But, I'm apparently moving in the right direction and I'm not starving myself or exercising or doing anything differently I don't think?  I have been smiling all day about this!

So these are the things that are making me happy today.  I have some exciting news about Thanksgiving that I can't wait to share, but work is calling....so off I must go....

Smiles,

T

Well, I Guess It WAS About Time....

......to meet the parents. 

I meet TEN's dad and stepmom on Saturday.  I was super nervous, and it turns out that I had no reason to worry.  It's silly, but I always get nervous when I meet someone's parent.  Well, not my friends of course, but my person.  I usually have a pretty positive outlook about life, but in this instance I start thinking:

"What if they don't like me?  How will that effect our relationship?"

"What if I don't like them?  Will I still want to move forward with this relationship?"

It's almost like I prepare myself for the worst.  That way I can't ever be disappointed.  It's silly.  I know.

Saturday in Smalltown, VA was glorious!!!  The sun was shining and it was warm...almost like a spring day!  TEN's dad and stepmom came to town around 11am.  When I walked in, TEN's dad gave me a huge bear hug and said "I'm so glad to finally meet you".  And you know what?  He meant it.  And I knew it.  And that made me relax bunches. 

We all visited and chatted at TEN's, and his dad told funny stories about their family and we all laughed.   We then piled into TEN's dad's car and went to pick up lunch.  We decided to take them to our favorite local winery, which has great views of the city, for a picnic. 

You know how it is when you meet people and are immediately comfortable?  You don't have to be quiet and just listen because you are afraid you may say the wrong thing.  You laugh easily.  You are really interested in what they are saying.  And...they are interested in what you are saying.  It's just easy.  All of it.  Well, that was the kind of day we had. 

When we got back to TEN's apartment we talked about the fact that TEN and I are going to look at puppies this weekend.  I want a Westie.  TEN wants a Westie as well, but because he currently lives in an apartment he isn't going to buy one.  He wants to share my Westie, and I think that is a GREAT plan.  Because...truth be told...I'm a little nervie doing it on my own.  TEN's stepmom loves dogs, and had lots of great advice for training my new pup.  She and I talked for an hour straight about the best methods for house breaking pups, teaching them tricks and most importantly....making them mind :)

After a while they decided to head back home to their city (oddly enough, TEN's mother AND father live in the same city as my mother.  talk about a coincidence!!).

TEN and I were both exhausted.  I think we were both so excited/nervous/whatever about the day that we wore ourselves out.  So, we walked down to a local pub for dinner and proceeded to drink much wine and watch a few movies on his couch for the rest of the night. 

Today TEN told me that his dad e-mailed him to say just how much they liked me, and that they sure hope I liked them too.  I told him that I hoped he said that I did, very much so.  They are lovely people, and there is nothing not to like about them.  And I'm so very glad that I met them, because knowing them helps me know even more about TEN.  And I like that.

T

Dr. Suess Makes Me Smile!

"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind."

-Dr. Seuss

MK just sent me this quote.  She said it reminded her of me.  Isn't it the best?!?!?! 

T

Story People

I have never heard of these "Story People" until today.  I was catching up on Make Mine a Mojito and found "them".  Is it them?  Or it?  Whatever.  I want them.  Every last one of them.  The prints. They remind me of the simplicity of Winnie the Pooh. 

I have always adored Winnie the Pooh.  When I was small my dad would read me what I called "Pooh stories".  I would follow him around the house and say "Pooh stories please!".  You can only imagine what people thought when they first met me! 

Anyway, the simplicity and sincerity of things like:

“If you live to be 100, I hope I live to be 100 minus 1 day, so I never have to live without you.”

"If ever there is tomorrow when we’re not together.. there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we’re apart.. I’ll always be with you."

"If there ever comes a day when we can't be together keep me in your heart, I'll stay there forever."


"A bear, however hard he tries, grows tubby without exercise."


"Just because an animal is large, it doesn't mean he doesn't want kindness; however big Tigger seems to be, remember that he wants as much kindness as Roo."

"My spelling is Wobbly. It's good spelling but it Wobbles, and the letters get in the wrong places."

"You can't stay in your corner of the Forest waiting for others to come to you. You have to go to them sometimes."

When I was at college my father would always sign his letters with one of the first three quotes.  I wonder sometimes if he knew he would leave me far too soon?  These quotes will always be my treasures.  My memories of us. 

And now I've found the Story People.  LOVE!

“I read once that the ancient Egyptians had fifty words for sand & the Eskimos had a hundred words for snow. I wish I had a thousand words for love, but all that comes to mind is the way you move against me while you sleep & there are no words for that.” — No Words

“I was waiting for such a long time, she said. I thought you forgot. It’s hard to forget, I said, when there is such an empty space when you are gone.” — Hard to Forget

I try to use unconditional love in small amounts, she said, so people really appreciate it. The rest of the time I just try not to yell.  -Unconditional Love

There are things you do because they feel right & they may make no sense & they may make no money & it may be the real reason we are here: to love each other & to eat each other's cooking & say it was good. -Real Reason

I've had some of my best conversations with strangers, she said, because they have no idea who they're dealing with. -No Idea

Anyway, you get the point.  Aren't they fabulous?  They make me smile.  And I want them all.  They aren't very expensive.  I think I will begin my collection now!

So now it's back to work. And in closing...my all time fave:

Piglet sidled up to Pooh from behind.

"Pooh!" he whispered.

"Yes, Piglet?"

"Nothing," said Piglet, taking Pooh's paw. "I just wanted to be sure of you."

 
T

Today I Am Thankful...For Lots Of Things :)

We are floating away here in Smalltown, VA.  It has been raining for 3 days straight!  I know that everyone in the south east is probably experiencing something similar, and I am just thankful that we are not more coastal or it could be very scary!  Smalltown, VA has a bit of a flooding problem though, which makes me ever so thankful that my home is in a neighborhood that is high on a hill!  The river has crested, and flooding throughout the day is expected.

Thank goodness for my yellow wellies!  They have definitely come in handy lately :)

(wow...just realized i have LOTS to be thankful for today!)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Now, on to what's what in the land of Seersucker.  Tuesday night I went to my women's wine group and we tasted "Wines of Greece".  All I have to say is YUMMMMMMMMMMM......  I've not really had Greek wines before (that I know of), and I can definitely say that I am a fan!  After wine group some of the girls decided to head downtown for some late night cocktails.  Not a good decision for T.  Not good at all!

Earlier that night, probably 5:00 or so, BFF came over to my house.  She said she had a surprise for us to enjoy before wine group.  AND...she sure did. 

Skinny Girl Margaritas!!! 

I am a fan of the Real Housewives of NYC, of course, and Bethany is a fave.  I've not tried her margaritas before, and the prospect of doing so was tres exciting.  BFF and I proceeded to have three margaritas before wine group.  THREE.  That was probably about two too many.  Oops!

So, fast forward to 2am while I am still out shutting down the bar with friends and TEN.  Bad, bad, bad T.  Yesterday I pretty much felt like death, and was so excited to head home after work to do nothing but relax and recoup.

The weather was frightful (cold and rainy) last night, so TEN and I decided that a nice fire and take out would hit the spot.  He showed up at my house after work with the most beautiful flowers and a tasty bottle of wine :)

Bloggy friend Tudor City Girl often talks about receiving flowers, and how very nice it is.  I've gotten flowers before, of course, but for special occasions.  My birthday, Valentine's Day, etc.  I really don't know that anyone has brought me flowers before....just because.  You know what TCG...you are right.  It was really, really nice :) 

TEN proclaimed that he had chosen the sunflower and burnt orange motif because he thought it would match my kitchen very well.  Pretty thoughtful huh?  See, here's the thing.  TEN isn't perfect.  Neither am I.  But sometimes I think I forget how great he is.  I don't ever want to forget that.  I don't ever want to quit remembering why I'm the luckiest girl in the world.  Even with our little issues and problems, I'm happier than I have ever been.  And that is really something :)

So, here I am on a Thursday morning....yellow wellies, cuffed jeans, a lavender oxford and my favorite grey J. Crew cardigan keeping me warm and dry, with a really big smile on my face.

I wish it would stop raining.  I wish I didn't have to go to the grocery store tonight.  I wish I was independently wealthy and didn't have to be working today.  I wish a lot of things.  But in all honesty....I am so very thankful for what I have. 

T

New Love

My friend WIMP introduced me to this song over the weeend.  It's by a girl called Zee Avi.  Never heard of her?  That's okay.  Me either.  But she's pretty freaking amazing.  This song has been stuck in my head for the last 3 days.




I hope you enjoy it as much as I have!

T

Ahhhh....Those Were The Days

It just occurred to me that on this day, two years ago, I was in Italy.  Sigh.  I wish I could be there now.  It was the most amazing experience of my life.  Truly, it was.  Forgive me while I take a walk down memory lane, and share some of my absolute favorite pictures from our trip:

It's definitely time for another vacation :)

T

You Say Potato....I Say Potaaaato....

Ahhhhh...back in the office after a completely relaxing, couch potato kind of weekend.  I think we all need those every now and again.  Don't you?


I will confess, Friday night/Saturday I slept for 12 hours!!  I'm not sure that is healthy, or normal, but it sure felt WONDERFUL!

TEN and I couch surfed Friday night after a heck of a week.  We were both exhausted and just needed to let ourselves recoup.  I fell asleep off and on throughout the evening, and then went down for the count at about 9pm.  I don't think I've been asleep that early since I was a kid!

Saturday I slept until 9 or 9:30 (see, I did really sleep for 12 hours!).  All day Saturday we did NOTHING. 

We did watch The Proposal, because I have been wanting to see it for a long time. 

As a side note, about 15 minutes into the movie the following conversation commenced:

TEN:  Well, we all obviously know the ending of the movie before it has even really begun.
T: What?  I don't know how it is going to end.
TEN: (looks at me as if I just fell off of the turnip truck) Seriously?
T: Yea.  Seriously.
TEN: (just shakes his head)

Mind you, about an hour into the movie the conversation picks back up:

T: Okay, okay, I see now...they are so going to end up together!
TEN:  hmmmm...you think?

Snarky, snarky!

Anyway, I liked the movie.  It was totally mindless, and it was just what we were looking for on a lazy bones Saturday afternoon.

Saturday night was WIMP's husband's (gosh, that sounds weird...husband) birthday.  We went over for a bit to help celebrate, but oddly enough we were both tired and left early.

Sunday I slept until 11am.

Seeing a general theme here?  Oh yes.  It's okay.  You can say it out loud. 

T, YOU ARE AN ABSOLUTE SLUG!  YOU WERE SOOOO LAZY ALL WEEKEND!

Yep.  True Fact.

However, I did get myself up out of bed on Sunday (finally) to head to a local winery for a Chianti Comparative Tasting with the girls.  It was YUMMY!

(this is the winery we visited Sunday)

The people that own the winery have a villa in Tuscany as well.  They spend 1/2 of the year there, and 1/2 of the year at the winery above.  What a wonderful life!

When I got back to Smalltown, VA TEN had cooked a tasty stir-fry for dinner.  It was delish! 

Now it's Monday.  Back to the real world.  Blech! 

T

P.S.  Okay, I still have no Spellcheck.  Does anyone know what is going on?  Are you having this problem?  My Spellcheck button has been gone for a while, but I was able to right click and it was an option.  Now that option is gone????