Atlanta Purple Stride 2010

 We did it! We ran in our first 5k-- the Atlanta Purple Stride 2010. We ran in memory of my Uncle Craig and Jeremy's Grandfather Farist. Both close family members of ours who had Pancreatic Cancer. My uncle lost his short battle to the cancer in January 2010. & Jeremy's grandfather who passed away in 1997.

 The team ProSki was made up of 9 people- 6 runners and 3 walkers.. It was a chilly morning but we were all excited for the event. I could not be more grateful to my close friends who ran with me, Jeremy and my family. Their support means so much.

Team "ProSki"

It was an emotional day for me and my family. My mom and I cried as we posted Craig's photo on the Honor wall, and both of us cried multiple time throughout the event. I think the emotion was a mixture of sadness and happiness in celebrating/ honoring Craig. I noticed Dad a couple of times with red eyes, and could tell he was holding back the best he could.

Jeremy and I weren't quite able to run the entire thing, but we did our best-- running about 3/4 of the 5k and finishing in 40 mins.We crossed the finish line running and holding hands- then hugged and cried together. We can't wait to run it again next year, and hopefully be able to run every last step.

Miss and love you, Craig, so much.

FOSTER MONSTER

Jeremy and I signed up to foster dogs from the Last chance highway-- specifically the Great Pyrenees breed. On Tuesday, we got our first foster Macy, a 4.5 month old 50 Lb great pyr/husky puppy. She is adorable and kind of looks like a baby polar bear BUT she was a terror at first! 50 lbs and a young puppy proves to be a challenge 

We have had some pee-pee issues. Not sure if she was marking territory or confused/scared. For every time she peed in the house we scolded her, put her in her crate, and then after a timeout would take her directly outside. 10 mins later she was peeing again on the carpet..... so frustrating! So, that night while getting ready for bed I had an epiphany-- she was confused by 1. our ways of discipline vs. her past foster 2. she needed positive reinforcement. So day 3 we figured it out! 1. take her out every hr. and 2. constantly baby her w/ no negative tones. So far so good!

She also cries and howls a loud every time you put her in her pin...and don't get me started on the toys she destroys in a matter of minutes.... Frustrated by her energy and toy destruction (thank god not furniture destruction), I ventured to a local feed and farm store and found her a bone the size of her head and couple "tough toys." Worked like a charm! The bone has proven to keep her busy thus far for hours on end-- Thank God!Not to mention she passes out cold when she is done chewing.

As said, it was been a challenge getting used to the new pup, but she is finally (after 5 days) adjusting quite well. Macy & Sakura play great together-- running laps in the backyard. She is a huge cuddle bug -- and I do mean HUGE, & she has become fairly obedient. She has also learned to walk, without pulling, on a leash; which is a necessity to get her adopted. No one wants a 50 lbs puppy ripping their arms out on a walk.

So Cheers to trying new Things, opening up our home, and giving an innocent puppy a chance at life!

Before & After

I have completely redone my guest room. I changed the rooms, head board, painted the dresser, got new sheets,etc. Some of you saw the new room at my engagement party... but I have yet to post anything about it yet...

Recently, my parents gave me a headboard that they made awhile back for the lake cabin. I was excited to use it in the guest room vs. the willow one that was in there. The willow one is cool but not really the style I'm going for in the house.  I tried putting the new headboard in the room I had originally made the guest room, but it just didn't look right b/c it was to big and the orientation of the room just didn't work.... So I decided to move it into the other guest room, which is my fav room in the house b/c of the windows, and the room is bigger/longer than the other room. It worked perfect! Not to mention, the antiques my family has pasted down worked great with the new headboard in the room.

Before

After

 .... but the dresser needed something. It just didn't quite go with the other woods, and it was to shinny for my liking. I had always intended in refinishing it but couldnt figure out quite what I wanted to do with in until now...So I painted and distressed the to make the headboard and bought new pulls. I, of course, had to go get new sheets for the bed to match (luckily-- I already had a quilt that went perfect), stole a vase from my mom (thanks mom), and some floral stuff to go it in to finish off the room.  

Due for a new post- updated (check)

I know I know... I need to update! I Have been so busy, but had a great weekend with family and close friends at the engagement party! more to come soon....

OK... so I don't even know where to begin???

The past few weeks have been a whirlwind  in every since of the word.... between batting for Brittany, another engagement picture sitting, getting ready for the engagement party (including refinishing a dresser before the party), my sister and nephew visiting, pumpkin patch,  the actual engagement party, MOH & MOB dress shopping, meeting with the florist, and meetings a work...need I saw more?

Batting for Brittany was an event held for Jeremy's Aunt and her family in memory of Brittany (Jeremy's Cousin) who was killed in a car accident about 3 months ago. Brittany loved to play soft ball thus, Batting for Brittany. It was a beautiful day and the turn out was great over 14 teams played in her memory and I was honored to be there.

So we met with the photographer we want to shot our wedding and turns out we got a free engagement pic sitting with them! so we get more engagement pics-- not to mention he is a much better photographer than the Groupon girl. We went up to a waterfall in the mtns and even though it was cold... Jeremy and I got in the water for some pics. They came out great and we are excited to have Eric Delaforce Photograph our wedding!

Jeremy and I went on a absolute cleaning/yard work rampage before the engagement party. we had to well #1 clean and do yard work :) #2 hang some more pics and other decor stuff & #3 i had to refinish the dresser in the guess room. Got it all done with little time to spare... but it got done. The Engagement party was fantastic we had so much fun and everyone we hold closest to our hearts was there to share with us. it also happened to work out that we had a 10.10.10 engagement party-- so that was kinda fun too!

My sister and nephew visited for 10 days and we had a great time going to the park, playing at the lake, going to a pumpkin patch, making smores, etc. I miss them so much now! but we had sooooo much fun and Brendan loves his uncle Jeremy! "Uncle ,Uncle J!" not o mention it was great to see Jeremy interact with him... J is going to be a great father someday!

While my sister was here we also got the MOH and MOB dress shopping done! so now i can cross that off the "to be done" list for the wedding! Bridesmaid dress choices of course followed suit with the MOH dress selected. !!! we also met with my florist that day to get some ideas and she gave me to fantastic flower arrangements to take home. Now I just have to mull over exactly what I want. I have way to many ideas...

Looking forward to relaxing some before the holiday rush gets here.....

Engagement photos

Yesterday evening Jeremy and I met photographer, Sarah Esther, at Lullwater park to take our engagement photos. We found Sarah though a Groupon offer, and couldn't have had more fun working with her.
She made us so comfortable! Jeremy and I basically spent the entire hour laughing together and falling in love all over again! ere are some samples & we can't wait to see the rest!

Update on wedding: 
We were approved by the owners association for the wedding at Skylake! I have also chosen a florist, and DJ. I have self- designed and made the invites.
The engagement party invites have been sent and I have begun planning that party.Thus, getting the yard done, etc! Now I just have to get a menu ready and CLEAN for the engagement party on Oct. 10!

Project Backyard: Complete!

planter on patio

As I had mentioned in a blog a few weeks back, Jeremy and I wanted to tackle the yard-- put in more attractive and homey plants at the front door and do something, Anything! with the back yard. So, we began our mission a few weeks back... we wondered into Pikes Nursery to browse and get ideas, we didn't want to buy anything yet b/c it was still (and is still) to hot to really plant anything new. BUT we got way to excited about the possibilities and walked out with a car slammed full with plants,soil, and mulch. 

When we got home (at 6pm) we placed the plants where we had envisioned them going during our plant shopping spree and got planting; or should I say Ripping? I say this because we first had to carefully rip the commercial looking plants from the front planting bed before we could start on our masterpiece. After moving the new plants around a few times, arguing a'lil, and moving them around more-- we finally got them planted!

front planting bed

 By this time it was almost dark... but that didn't stop us! we moved around to the backyard and worked till we could no longer see; figuring out where we wanted to put new plants and where we were going to reuse the plants we ripped up from the front. Then, we called it a night! The next day we put everything in the ground- just to put it in the ground. lol! no planting beds yet, just put holes in the grass so the plants would make it through the above average hot weather for the week.

The next weekend we went to home depot "just to pick up somethings"--- hahaha good one right! we walked out with 2 cart fulls of plants, a hammock,and planting tools. Oops again! When we got home-- needless to say-- we had to move all the plants around because we now had even more plants to incorporate into the design. After that Jeremy ripped up a big patch of grass, edged it out, and then we planted the plants,spread mulch and Wa-la! We had a beautiful planting bed!

 I also worked on a planter for on the patio. and...There was a ton more stuff we had to do to get to the end product (3 weekends worth total) of ripping up weeds, mulching, tree spot lights,etc.... but seeing that this entry is getting terribly long.... here are some photos of the finished product.

Planting bed we created around AC unit

planting beds at house and fence line plus- the hammock!

Scenic Mornings

I had an amazing drive into work this morning... Drove over Buford Dam as the thick white fog was creeping up from the river, rolling over the road, and then spreading over the Lake Lanier. It was absolutely gorgeous!

I wanted to stop so bad at the park and drink my coffee-- so that I could continue to marvel at this rare morning. I drive over the dam every morning, and lets just start by saying it can be quite dangerous b/c I get easily distracted by the beauty over the morning sun over the lake or fog laying low on the river. But of all the mornings I have driven this route (almost 9 mos now) I have never seen the drive this beautiful. The Sun was gleaming through the clouds just perfectly over the lake to make the fog glimmer as it crept over the still glass-like water. I am hoping that with the cooler weather of fall and winter approaching that just maybe there will be a few more of these morning in the near future. wish I had a picture of it! and I will be armed with a camera next time.

Picture not of this mornings drive -- but a pic I took one overcast morning when the sky looked like a watercolor painting, while one distinct beam of sun came shining through the clouds onto the lake. (I-phone pics just don't do it justice)



Vent Session

UGHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!-------!!!!!!

That's all I have to say about how I feel about my job right now. Between my boss and Charlie-Aka "Mr.Sunshines out his ass"-- I might explode with anger and some very very explicit words!!! (Oops already used onebad word!)

I will never understand why people fall for a brown-nosers B.S. so much! I mean come on!

Big Kid

I think it is offical to say "Jeremy loves the b-day present I got him"

He has figured out a way to set the camping hammock up in the back yard so that he can enjoy it more often. Needless to say, een though Jeremy just turned 29-- he is a big kid and loves swinging. : ) and as you can Imagine... I'm the same way! I couldn't wait to climb in it after he got it set up.

He uses the "slap straps" to suspend the hammock from the fence posts. I just hope the can hold our weight over time and doesn't fall over.

THE Dress!

My mom and I found "the dress" today!

I went dress shopping with one of my bridesmaids, Anna, on Saturday and we thought we might have found the dress. So I got excited took pics and emailed them to the rest of my bridesmaids and of course my mom. Turns out my mom didn't like the one I was thinking of getting -- which completely bummed me out, but I did see her point about not looking quite "Bride" enough on me. So.... we tried on a few more, none of which I remotely liked. I was feeling like I was never going to find "it" and should just settle for a paper bag! Then, on one final sweep thru the racks.... I found it and on clearance! When I put it on with the veil and the water works began; my mom and I both cried. It was "the dress"

It's funny b/c the Dress ended up being the perfect combo from the two dresses I really loved. The first fancy/ornate dress that was just out of my price range, and the second very simple dress. AND it was the last one they had in my size b/c it has been discontinued, so it won't be every other brides dress next yr!

It was meant to be that I went and found it  today, b/c on Saturday when I looked it wasn't on clearance yet and I would never had been able to afford it. Perfect Timing !

When your heart aches... Paint.

In yesterday's blog I mentioned that Jeremy and I were going to work around the house, and I had planned on painted the down stairs guest bath, while he tackled the garage and some other random things....
well, we made our way to home depot and got the supplies we needed-- and picked up a much needed cordless weed eater/edger on open items table for $40. AND it works great! SCORE!

Unfortunately, when we got home my mom called to let me know that my grandfather, who had been fighting Alzheimer's for the last several years, had passed away at 2 am.  Pop-pop had taken a turn for the worst a few months ago, so I had been prepared for this news...but it always hurts to loose someone. I think it hurts more knowing how much my mom hurts; and hearing her cry makes me cry just thinking about it. She has lost her brother and father within 7 months of one another and yet somehow she holds it together-- I would be a complete broken down zombie, parked on the sofa starring into space. 

Anyways... after talking to my mom, I began to tackle the painting.  There is a lot of edging to do in a bathroom and lots of little nooks to get behind-- a.k.a the toilet!  Most people hate painting, and I can understand why. BUT to me there is something comforting in it--- Maybe its the mind numbing concentration of edging, or rolling the roller up & down. Or maybe it's a combo of the actual act of painting and watching it coat the walls transforming the room into something new and beautiful.

Before
(was going to paint Red but changed my mind)

After 5 hrs. of painting

So... painting was my outlet yesterday. To bad I'm not better at painting landscapes or something, b/c I'm learning that:

"When life gets you down, or when your heart aches... paint."

 

Hemlock Falls Trail

Jeremy and I were suppose to be at my boss' beach condo in PC this weekend and coming home today.... but last week we decided not to go 1. b/c a 6 hr drive for 2 days at the beach wasnt really worth it to us 2. we need to save as much money as possible for the wedding/honeymoon and 3. for the upgrades we want to do to our house....

So with our long weekend we decided to go on an overnight backpacking trip with the dogs, on the Hemlock Falls Trail near Lake Burton. We packed in only a short distance of about a mile to the water fall at the end of the trail. I had been to this spot before but never camped there and was super excited to sleep next to this beautiful, roaring waterfall. Plus, this was both Tinkerbell and Sakura's first camping trip. Tink has never been before b/c I usually camp in the fall and early spring-- which are typically to cold for a 7 Lb Chihuahua. anyways... needless to say the dogs had a great time and they weren't to annoying. Tink barked at every little thing for the first bit but then calmed down. Sakura was great-- except we had to keep an eye on her because she likes to explore/ wander. And both slept great in our tent, thank god it's a 3 person tent or else we would have been smothered by dogs.

It was a great quick get away and we got to take the dogs-- which was another reason we didn't go to the beach, we wanted to get them out of the house and experience something new with us. it was a great trip and beautiful spot to camp. (will post pics later)

Now with our extra day off today, we are going to do some chores/upgrades around the house:
1. organize the garage 2. paint the down stairs guest bath 3. hang our new outdoor light fixture.
 ..... I think we may have to split up to tackle the chores or we my not be able to get to all that today-- seeing that is already almost 11 am....... I will let you know how they turn out.

DIY Bride

I am quite proud of myself.... becoming a DIY bride has come easier to me than I previously thought it would. I have figured out exactly how we want to do the table-scapes at the reception, created some decorations for the ceremony, and made my invitations. I was especially excited about the invites because I know they can get very very expensive... my DIY invites came to a total of $70-- that is for the invites and the RSVP card. Saving a ton of money!

I was able to do all of this because, I think, we found the place we want to get married and this finally gave me inspiration i needed to envision my wedding! We have decided on Skylake Country Club in Sautee, GA (My grandmother's neighborhood-- just south of Helen). All the paper work is being turned in today & now we just have to be approved by the owners association. Fingers crossed again!

Hoping to have the ceremony on the grass (at the far left of the pic), the cocktial hour at the picnic area (@ covered area in mid/left of pic), and the reception in the room in the Clubhouse (building @ right). 

The inside of the clubhouse is so beautiful-- they really did a great job with the renovation. Oil rubbed bronze chandliars hang from the ceiling w/ large beams and huge window looking at to the lake. And not to mention I walked thru the grass that would be the aisle and could totally invision the real thing. It was perfect!

Wedding venue Agent

This past weekend my parents, Jeremy, and I went on the hunt for the perfect wedding venue.

My dad set up a map and directions of 5 places to visit-- he was seriously like a real estate agent showing different places, but substitute the houses for wedding venues. It was great and we visited some great places and got some great ideas. I am also excited about the fact that my dad has gotten so involved with the planning!

We visited WatersMill, Neverland Farm, Blackstock Winery, Kellum Valley Ruins, and Chukkar Farms. All the places were great! I especially likes Blackstock winery b/c my grandmothers maiden name is Blackstock. And even though blackstocks no longer run the winery anymore-- its still family land -- which I think makes it a really cool added element to our special day. there is also a cool resort area/day spa right around the corner from the winery that would be great to stay at for the wedding weekend. Not to mention-- the decor and architectural details fit my wedding scheme so well, I feel like I would barley have to decorate. So we are visiting again on this Saturday to meet with the consultant.

 Then we are visiting Sky lake (grandmothers neighborhood county club in the mtns) to view that facility. I remember the place to be stinky with goose poop all over the lawn from when I was little-- but my mom says they have renovated the club house recently and it it very nice now. I do love the lake there and there is a waterfall --were we could possibly have the ceremony--AND it is our least expensive option. So here is to crossing our figures that the place lives up to my expectations!

Skylake Club House

Let the Wedding Planning begin!

So as you know Jeremy and I got engaged 2 weeks ago! and now the pressures of wedding planning are setting in-- not only wedding planning but wedding planning on a very tight budget.

Turns out they don't really offer to many wedding venues in my price range by the time you look at all the extras costs, taxes, gratuity, etc. Yipes! Sooooo some alternative but quite interesting venues have shown up on my list of places to visit.

Now, you are probably thinking Tiffany the wedding is over a year away... you have time! The problem is 1. this is me we are talking about 2. I worry that with everyone else in this financial crunch that the less expensive places are going to be reserved & 3. I want to have my first chose pick on the date I want Sept. 24, 2011. 

I am going to learn how to be a DIY Bride--- which I think will be very fun and stressful at the same time. Mom and I went to Hobby lobby the other week and came up with the wedding theme-- and how fitting it is-- rustic w/ river rocks. The colors were more or less pulled from a bag or river pebbles we picked up: taupe, brown, Grayish Purple, and to add some extra pop I'm throwing in a Plum.

Inspiration Pic!!! (Minus the balls)

I have an appointment with a wedding advisor next Wednesday and I think Jeremy and I are going to venture out this weekend to check out a couple options for venues. let the chaos ensue!

Just Breathe!

Wow! is all I can say to describe this past week. I have had so much going on since we got engaged, I think I keep forgetting to breathe. Since the engagement, I don't know how many phone calls I have had or taken, plus visiting everyone to celebrate, started wedding planning, fostering a found dog, and the unfortunate funeral all since I last blogged. Like I said... forgetting to Breathe...

I can't tell you how great it has been Celebrating with everyone--Sat afternoon w/ my parents. Then,Sara and Patrick cooked us a great dinner sat night and Sara stocked me up with enough bridal magazines to start my own stand-- thanks girl! Sunday, we went out to lunch with Jeremy's parents. & Girls night on Wednesday night was especially fun b/c we were long over due for a dinner. It has been great and we have enjoyed celebrating this joyful time with all of our close friends and family.

You are probably wondering how in the world a foster dog and got into this mix. well.......
I found a Maltese running down the middle of the road on sat afternoon on the way home from my parents house. And knowing me of course.... I picked her up took her home and then posted flyers the next day. NO luck finding her owners- ugh! she is the sweetest little dog! loves to do tricks, cuddle, playing with the other animals-- I would have kept her had I not already had 2 little monsters to take care of already. So I gave her a friend of ours, Camille and her family. The dog will hopefully be a perfect fit into their lives. She was my little shadow/cuddle bug for 6 days and I will miss her-- but hopefully Aunt Tiff will be able to babysit sometime. :)

The funeral was sad sad event that took place yesterday to honor and remember Jeremy's cousin, Brittany. She was a beautiful girl -19 yr old- who's life came to an end way in a terrible car accident. It was a very sad day and I wish Jeremy's family all the best wishes. My heart truly goes out to them b/c I cant imagine the grief they are experiencing. I only met Brittany once but after hearing all the loving stories about her-- I feel like I knew her well. I also feel blessed to be becoming part of such a great family.

Tying the Knot

Yep you read that right! Jeremy and I are engaged! He popped the question last night at Central Park in Cumming during sunset. We went out to dinner, and then we went home to get the dogs and  took them to play/run around at the park. I was chasing after Tinkerbell baby-talk yelling "I'm gonna get you, I'm gonna get you", and when I ran around the corner after her-- there was Jeremy, down on one knee! I practically froze stiff I was so surprised! And I'm not so sure I even heard what he was saying but I heard the important part, the... "i love you and want to spend my life with you. Will you marry me?" and well of course I said YES! so we went home a popped a bottle of champagne & toasted to us.

Funny thing is...I knew he was up to something b/c he was being secretive.  BUT!  I wasn't expecting him to ask me on a Tuesday Evening. Totally threw me off any "scent". It turns out once Jeremy got the ring, it was burning a hole in his pocket and he couldn't wait to put it on my finger--- Thus, a Tuesday evening engagement & it was perfect!

We are so excited!!! and are talking about getting married Sept 2011. So, let the Wedding planning begin!

"Me Tarzan, You Jane"

.... that is a simple way to put it! Jeremy and I did a North Georgia Canopy Zipline tour with some paddle friends of ours last Saturday! It was so much fun-- like a giant grown-up play ground, complete with adrenaline! I cant wait to go zip lining again hopefully next time someplace tropical!

Subaru-whoooooo

So, I finally made the decision to trade in the Infinti FX35 for a more economic car,-- the Subaru Forester. It was a hard decision b/c I have a sentimental attachment to the FX.  My dad bought me the car for my college graduation, but  I have been teetering on the edge of the choice for awhile now & I finally made the jump....

As I mentioned; I loved my FX but it was just getting to expensive with repairs that were needed as it got older and the warranty had run out. Not to mention the $1,200+ tires every 30,000 miles and Premium gas that it requires. A luxury car with all the bells and whistles is great-- don't get me wrong but its just a car and only gets you from point A to Point B. So a more economic-- but still great and super sporty car that has gotten excellent reviews this year-- is now my new car!

                                                         My new 2010 Subaru Forester!!!

I was lucky enough to pretty much make an even trade, keys for keys. Thank God! and now I can breath alil easier when I stop at the gas station (takes regular!). Now, I have a car under warranty again and not to mention I am saving money on my Insurnace b/c its a top safety pic. woohoo!

I've heard once a Subaru owner always a Subaru owner... I hope this excellence I have heard so much of really pans out. Because I could not be happier about my decision!

Opps....MIA for awhile

So, I have been alil MIA with the blogging thing! My bad! So here is what has been going on in a nut shell since I got home.

Where to start---
Well, I was thrown a huge curve ball at work on Monday when I returned from my Week on a river... like I said in my previous blog-- SHELL SHOCKED-- ugh! My boss decided to bring a new sales person on for free (really who works for free?& I get to train him. Just what I wanted to start doing when I get back.... Plus, this guy Urks me alil bit! He is not cocky but has a "the sunshine's out my butt, or I can do no wrong" type attitude--- and not to mention he a extremely chipper in the morning- grrrrr! I am soooo not a morning person and don't really start to feel alive until at least 9:30.....

Anyways....So while we were gone, I think the dogs had a great time at the grandparents. They came back a lil fatter and lil crazier. I swear Tink puts on 10 Lbs every time she stays with them for more than a weekend-- and ends up looking like a Combo (you know the like kids snack).  & Sakura got fixed while we were gone. Thus, we had to keep her calm there for a couple days once we got back. Not an easy task!--- she is a complete spaz and loves to jump and run around. But, I guess we succeeded though b/c her belly healed up just fine and she never really seemed to skip a beat.

Also when we got home... we came back to weeds and tall grass that had turned our back yards into what looked like a mini jungle. It had been raining so much before we left that we couldn't really cut the grass-- won't be making that mistake again! We have made a mental note: always clean house and cut grass before leaving to go out of town! b/c we don't want to think about it when we get home. Hince, why I still have clean clothes piled up that need to be folded from like 2 weeks ago. oops!

The 4th was kind of a Bust this year...
I didn't get to see fireworks due to ruined plans. boo! One of the reasons I love the 4th so much is b/c of the fireworks, esp over the lake. In fact, I love the 4th so much--it is my fav holiday! You can imagine then how bummed I was that plans got messed up.But! one the up side to the ruined 4th plans was... we did spend it with some great friends just hanging out at our place. And Jeremy's parents were able to come over and hang out at the pool with us! It was really fun and good to see his fam!

Oh! and we saw "The Last Airbender" on Sunday... unfortunately it did not meet our expectations. we love the cartoon-- not so much the movie. It needed to be way longer than 1.5 hrs to do the story line justice...

Cartoon:                                                                                Movie;

Thank god for long weekend, right!?!
Jeremy and I had a "Date day"--to take advantage of the long weekend.  We went to the GA Aquarium and then the Park Tavern for dinner. It was a great day! We had never been to the aquarium together, so it was fun to watch each other-- watching the fish. After we finished up at the Aquarium, we headed over to the Park Tavern and Piedmont park. We had intended on walking around the park for awhile-- but due to the heat just had a earlier dinner instead-SUSHI! nom nom nom!

 

WOW! look at me go on and on and on..... guess I will be all cought up on blogs. huh?

7 Days, 82 Miles, 1 Great Time!

So, I am back from Paddle GA. This year we paddled/ raised money for the Broad & Savannah Rivers. It was a another great trip! Jeremy and I exceeded our fundraising goal raising $1020.00, and came in 7th place for most funds raised! I cannot tell you how excited we were to reach our goal & how appreciative the organization is for the help. It really makes you feel like you are helping to make a difference & and it doesn't get much better than that.

Visit the Ga river network blog to get a detailed break-down of the day-by-day on the trip:
http://garivernetwork.wordpress.com/

and for my un-editied pics:
http://mymultigrainlife.shutterfly.com/
( Password: shortboat )


Now, I am feeling a little bit shell shocked back in the real world & at work, Ugh! I miss my paddle herd (this is what we call the group we mainly paddle with on the trip).  I go through this shell shock feeling every year... if Paddle Ga were a drug, I would be having serious withdraws right now. Oh!-- and I think Jeremy is officially a river rat for life!

Ya- Ya!

Refreshingly Cold River Water!

I am completely exhausted from this past weekend! It was way to much fun, packed with Taco Mac Beers, REI Scratch & Dent sale, 80"s costume/B-day Party, and Kayaking on the Upper Hooch.... way, way to tiring! Needless to say, my lunch hour today was spent in my office with the lights out--passed out on my desk. Ahhh, what a refreshing lunch break ;)

The 80's party was great! I love any chance to dress up and be a goof ball!

But... I think kayaking wore me out the most, especially after an already packed weekend. I can never pass up a trip down the river though! 

Yesterday the average temp was a whooping 95 degrees with a heat index of 100-- and humid. It was the kinda hot that made you sweat when you were even sitting still, even in the shade, Yuck! So, nothing feels better on those scorching hot days than a dip in cold river water. I took a few that day, however, one was unintentional--- this was the first time I have ever tipped my boat over/feel out. I am sure it won't be the last, and it wasssss about time it happened to me. Falling out in rushing river water did shake me up a'lil bit, but I wasn't hurt-- so Jeremy emptied out my somewhat sunk and water logged kayak- I made a stupid joke- and the group started back down the river. The saying, "when you fall off the horse, you have to dust yourself off, and get back on again" comes to mind....

Now, with my first river trip of the year (& Kayak tipping) over... I am super amped up for Paddle GA 2010! Let the Froogle packing begin -- 40 LBs or less of luggage required & w/ 4 days and counting left! Ya Ya!

Fundraising

Man-o-man, Fundraising is tough!

I have been tying to fundraise for the last few months for my Paddle GA Canoe-a-thon trip with the GA River Network, and don't really seem to be getting anywhere.....
that is until this week. Now, the donations seem to be rolling in more and more. However, I don't think Jeremy and I will be meeting our goal this year of $1000-- which totally bums me out! Last year fundraising seemed easy, maybe b/c it was the first time raising money for the event-- I don't know.

I can say that, struggling to fundraise this year also gives me a greater appreciation of those who fundraise for a living. Meeting this goal gives me so much anxiety-- I cannot imagine having to reach a goal in order to support my pay check. YIKES! I mention this because my sister and Brother- in -law have been fundraising for a living/job for much of their working life. Heather & Brain- I commend you!

Meanwhile, I am completely excited for the paddle trip! wooo-hooo!!! I spend an entire year (from the day the trip is over) looking forward to the next year. I am bummed my my paddle buddy and one of my best friends, Colleen, won't be able to come on the trip this year : ( Luckily, Jeremy is joining the adventure this year! I cant wait for him to experience this life changing event, and hopefully, he'll be committed to the river rat life after the trip-- just as i was after my first time on the trip w/ colleen -  3 yrs ago.

First day/First yr. on Paddle GA 2008,

Flint River w/ Colleen

love this poster!

How I spend my days off

Home owning has so many rewards-- 1. not having to rent from a bit**y landlord anymore  & 2. not throwing money away each month on rent. But.... I am quickly learning that there always seems to be a "to-do-list" for the weekends. I take pride in my new/first house & love doing things around the house, so that it looks great. Man-o-man, sometimes I just wish I had a house keeper, landscaper, chef, dog trainer, etc. maybe throw in a personal masseuse to that list too.

I had a few days off last week for Furlough days and decided I was over the all the white walls with white trim in the new place.  My house is craftsman style-- and I wanted to keep authentic to the design eras colors. Soooo excited to be able to paint my own place (and not have to paint it back at the end of a lease), I got started! I chose a color called Sweet Tea for the Island wall and Morris Room Gray for the kitchen walls. The finished product looks great and I am super proud with the result. Painting is exhausting though! If I had not had the help of my mom, I don't know what I would have done. Thanks Mom! Now the only thing is.... the rest of the rooms need some color or accent to catch up to my faboulous kitchen!

Before

After

I also decided, while I was letting coats of paint dry, that I would refinish the rocking chair and table at the front door. & Man! did they need it. I first sanded down the rocking chair-- with a gaint electric sander (that made my hands and body feel like they were tingling for a good 30 mins after I was finished).and then spray painted both a semi-gloss black-- just what they needed!

Before

After

Now, I am sending the HOA a letter asking to change the front door color to a rusty red (similar to the color I chose for my kitchen island) so that it has a pop of color and accents the brick. I am also asking for permission to plant a dog wood tree in the front yard to give a little more curb appeal. Fingers Crossed --- they will approve!