Monday, July 11, 2011

It's Time

This little girl came to stay with us on Friday afternoon:


She is called Ruthie, and she was Louis' first love :)  Louis shares all of his toys with her, and even allows her to snuggle with TEN and I.  Very impressive for our only pup!

After getting Miss Ruthie situated and such, TEN and I headed out to a birthday celebration for D.  We went to the new cajun restaurant that we all love so much, and I tried their Cajun Nachos with Lobster Cheese Sauce.  All I can say is YUMMMMMMMMMMMM!

~~~~~~Saturday~~~~~~~

Saturday we were up and at 'em rather early, as we were scheduled to pour wine at a wine festival at 11.  We had a bit of a drive, and got there just in time.  Boy, what an experience that turned out to be!  First, we saw the largest pig known to man.

(sorry, no picture to share because they aren't on my camera.  booo...)

Then, we rushed off to find the tent of the winery we were helping with tastings.




The festival welcomed horses and pups!  We plan to take Louis next year when we aren't volunteering :)







I have to tell you that the owner of the winery we volunteered to help was just lovely, as were most of the other volunteers.  HOWEVER, there was an older couple (who apparently lives across the street from the winery) who were a bit "over enthusiastic" one might say?  They constantly corrected us, told us we were doing things wrong, interrupted us when we were talking to tasters, etc.  We were pouring tastings of sangria for heaven's sake!!  How hard can that be?  We were selling glasses and pitchers by the dozen.  People loved us, and we were enjoying ourselves.  What a shame that older couple was there :(

After volunteering for 3.5 hours, the older woman snarked at me for the final time.  It was hot as hell, and I'd simply had ENOUGH.  I looked straight into her eyes and smiled.  I handed her the pitcher and said "I think it's time for us to be going. You two seem to be doing just fine, and I have no doubt you can handle this on your own".  Daisy was standing beside me, and she grabbed her purse.  Then, I called to TEN (who was in the middle of a tasting) and told him we were leaving.  He heard "that tone" in my voice, and set down the pitcher.  We walked to the car.  I had had enough.



TEN  helped me realize something this weekend.  I volunteer too much of my time.  I am always the first person to throw up my hand to offer my home, my time, my service.  No one else seems to do this.  Why do I?  TEN pointed out that perhaps this excessive volunteering leads to my constant stress?  He said that he missed the days when we could spend time together...just he and I.  It made me sad to think about how much I am affecting his life too, with my incessant volunteering.  Because I always drag him along :( 

And so, I've made a new resolution.  I said it out loud, and therefore it is so. 

"I have given enough of my time and energies at this point.  Now it is time for me to take some back."

Because people really don't appreciate the time that I volunteer.  And I just need to keep it for myself moving forward.  For a while anyway :)


~~~~Saturday Evening~~~~



We got home Saturday afternoon and took some time to relax before our Night in Havana party.  A few people messaged to ask what I was doing on Sunday.  I replied "Nothing.  TEN and I are looking forward to it :)"  And I felt strong.  And that felt good. 

The Night in Havana party was in celebration of Ken's birthday, and Barbie went all out with the decor!  The men wore linen with straw hats, and the girls wore maxi dresses (for the most part).  I wore this dress:


Minus the clunky shoes!  It's much cuter in person, I must say, but unfortunately no one has posted any pictures as of yet.  TEN brought Ken some cigars, and the guys sat around on the patio smoking.  It was a very relaxing evening :)


~~~~~~Sunday~~~~~~~



Sunday TEN and I decided to go to the pool.  We were in no hurry, and I realized how refreshing that could be!  We lounged in the sun, drank cocktails and talked about our vacation.  We are thinking Jamaica.  In November.  So exciting!



We had decided on Tortola, but the flights to the BVI are ridiculous.  We could spend 10 days in Italy for the same price.  I don't think so. 

Have you been to Jamaica?  Any "must do's" you care to share? 

T

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'll ask MB's sister who just got back from vacationing in Jamaica and absolutely loved it. I've always heard great things but nothing specific to actually contribute. I so love how you handled the situation during volunteering, I'm so not good at doing that. I tend to stick it out and replay it in my head for days wondering what I should have said/did.

Love the dress, but not surprising since you can't seem to not be awesome and gorgeous in whatever you are wearing.

Like I've said a million times, I'd hate you with envy if I didn't adore you so.

Unknown said...

What a jam packed weekend. I am right there with you on volunteering, too much. Sometimes it's hard to find the happy balance. I always have to double check that I am getting as much "reward" as I am putting in.

You will LOVE jamaica! There are so many awesome activities to do there! I loved climbing the dunn's river falls, jumping off of cliffs into the water, zip lining. There is just so much to see and do there. We also rented a mini speed boat and drove around with a tour guide that took us to tiny cool beaches. You will get harassed to buy drugs everywhere off resort property. Also as cheesy as it sounds I love staying at the all inclusives because you don't have to worry about anything once you are there-sooo nice.

Katie, Julep and Derby's Mom said...

Right with you on that volunteering stuff and enough is enough!

Vacations ... the world is your oyster, so to speak ... been to Jamaica several times but have no desire to go back ... my suggestion - if you want the islands - go on a cruise - you can see several that way ... then there is always Hawaii ... long flight is the only problem ... sounds like you guys need to make a list and pick one out of a hat!

All the best, Katie
www.westiejulep.blogspot.com

Tote said...

I would have loved to have been a fly on the wall to see that exchange! Can you imagine that lady raising children? Talk about control.
I love mani dresses and your dress is beautiful. I bet it looked so nice on you.
Sometimes volunteering can get carried away. I am glad you and ten are spending more alone time together.
I have never been to Jamaica, so no suggestions here but my sister in law & brother in law did climb the falls. I think zip lining would be fun to try.
Have a great day T.

Susan

Dee Stephens said...

I can't stand those overly enthusiastic people like that. Especially, at wine events.
Buzzkill.
As for the volunteering. I recently gave up duties at the USO center because I realized it was getting to be too much with all my Jr. League duties.
I decided I need to spend more time with Brad.

BelleinBows said...

I seriously hate to hear that you were treated liked that period. Never mind the fact that you we were giving up your time, which is precious, to help someone out. It sounds like you handled yourself gracefully.
I think TEN gave you great advice. While I think you could still volunteer if it brings you happiness, you could definitely cut back on it!
I love Jamaica. Great food, delicious drinks, a lot of sun! Paradise.

Ann said...

What a sweetie friend Louis has.
Good for you not taking any more of that woman.

Alyson said...

Goodness gracious talk about a busy weekend! Hope you still had a great time at the wine event regardless of the overly-enthusiastic/rude couple! It's wine! Who cares how it's poured!?

flip flops on lex said...

How obnoxious! I was volunteering a LOT for about a year and a half and I finally had to take a step back and tell myself it is OK to sleep in on Saturdays, lounge around, do nothing. Volunteering started to feel like a job and I already have one of those.

Ruthie is adorable!

REBrown said...

What a fun weekend (besides the super seniors!).

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