I love Disney Edition.
Happy Weekend!
Friday, July 30, 2010
MARRIAGE
"When I got home that night as my wife served dinner, I held her hand and said, I've got something to tell you. She sat down and ate quietly. Again I observed the hurt in her eyes.
Suddenly I didn't know how to open my mouth. But I had to let her know what I was thinking. I want a divorce. I raised the topic calmly.
She didn't seem to be annoyed by my words, instead she asked me softly, why?
I avoided her question. This made her angry. She threw away the chopsticks and shouted at me, you are not a man! That night, we didn't talk to each other. She was weeping. I knew she wanted to find out what had happened to our marriage. But I could hardly give her a satisfactory answer; she had lost my heart to Jane. I didn't love her anymore. I just pitied her.
With a deep sense of guilt, I drafted a divorce agreement which stated that she could own our house, our car and a 30% stake of my company.
She glanced at it and then tore it into pieces. The woman who had spent ten years of her life with me had become a stranger. I felt sorry for her wasted time, resources and energy, but I could not take back what I had said for I loved Jane so dearly. Finally she cried loudly in front of me, which was what I had expected to see. To me her cry was actually a kind of release. The idea of divorce which had obsessed me for several weeks seemed to be firmer and clearer now.
The next day, I came back home very late and found her writing something at the table. I didn't have supper but went straight to sleep and fell asleep very fast because I was tired after an eventful day with Jane.
When I woke up, she was still there at the table writing. I just did not care so I turned over and was asleep again.
In the morning she presented her divorce conditions: she didn't want anything from me, but needed a month's notice before the divorce. She requested that in that one month we both struggle to live as normal a life as possible. Her reasons were simple: our son had his exams in a month's time and she didn't want to disrupt him with our broken marriage.
This was agreeable to me. But she had something more, she asked me to recall how I had carried her into out bridal room on our wedding day.
She requested that every day for the month's duration I carry her out of our bedroom to the front door every morning. I thought she was going crazy. Just to make our last days together bearable I accepted her odd request.
I told Jane about my wife's divorce conditions. She laughed loudly and thought it was absurd. No matter what tricks she applies, she has to face the divorce, she said scornfully.
My wife and I hadn't had any body contact since my divorce intention was explicitly expressed. So when I carried her out on the first day, we both appeared clumsy. Our son clapped behind us, daddy is holding mommy in his arms. His words brought me a sense of pain. From the bedroom to the sitting room, then to the door, I walked over ten meters with her in my arms. She closed her eyes and said softly; don't tell our son about the divorce. I nodded, feeling somewhat upset. I put her down outside
the door. She went to wait for the bus to work. I drove alone to the office.
On the second day, both of us acted much more easily. She leaned on my chest. I could smell the fragrance of her blouse. I realized that I hadn't looked at this woman carefully for a long time. I realized she was not young any more. There were fine wrinkles on her face, her hair was graying. Our marriage had taken its toll on her. For a minute I wondered what I had done to her.
On the fourth day, when I lifted her up, I felt a sense of intimacy returning. This was the woman who had given ten years of her life to me.
On the fifth and sixth day, I realized that our sense of intimacy was growing again. I didn't tell Jane about this. It became easier to carry her as the month slipped by. Perhaps the everyday workout made me stronger.
She was choosing what to wear one morning. She tried on quite a few dresses but could not find a suitable one. Then she sighed, all my dresses have grown bigger. I suddenly realized that she had grown so thin, that was the reason why I could carry her more easily.
Suddenly it hit me... she had buried so much pain and bitterness in her heart. Subconsciously I reached out and touched her head.
Our son came in at the moment and said, Dad, it's time to carry mom out. To him, seeing his father carrying his mother out had become an essential part of his life. My wife gestured to our son to come closer and hugged him tightly. I turned my face away because I was afraid I might change my mind at this last minute. I then held her in my arms, walking from the bedroom, through the sitting room, to the hallway. Her hand surrounded my neck softly and naturally. I held her body tightly; it was just like our wedding day.
But her much lighter weight made me sad. On the last day, when I held her in my arms I could hardly move a step. Our son had gone to school. I held her tightly and said, I hadn't noticed that our life lacked intimacy.
I drove to the office... jumped out of the car swiftly without locking the door. I was afraid any delay would make me change my mind... I walked upstairs. Jane opened the door and I said to her, Sorry, Jane, I do not want the divorce anymore.
She looked at me, astonished, and then touched my forehead. Do you have a fever? She said. I moved her hand off my head. Sorry, Jane, I said, I won't divorce. My marriage life was boring probably because she and I didn't value the details of our lives, not because we didn't love each other anymore. Now I realize that since I carried her into my home on our wedding day I am supposed to hold her until death do us apart.
Jane seemed to suddenly wake up. She gave me a loud slap and then slammed the door and burst into tears. I walked downstairs and drove away.
At the floral shop on the way home, I ordered a bouquet of flowers for my wife. The salesgirl asked me what to write on the card. I smiled and wrote, I'll carry you out every morning until death do us apart.
That evening I arrived home, flowers in my hands, a smile on my face, I run up stairs, only to find my wife in the bed - dead.
My wife had been fighting cancer for months, and I was so busy with Jane to even notice. She knew that she would die soon and she wanted to save me from the whatever negative reaction from our son, in case we push thru with the divorce.-- At least, in the eyes of our son--- I'm a loving husband...
The small details of your lives are what really matter in a relationship. It is not the mansion, the car, property, the money in the bank. These create an environment conducive for happiness but cannot give happiness in themselves. So find time to be your spouse's friend and do those little things for each other that build intimacy. Do have a real happy marriage.
If you don't share this, nothing will happen to you.
If you do, you just might save a marriage.
Suddenly I didn't know how to open my mouth. But I had to let her know what I was thinking. I want a divorce. I raised the topic calmly.
She didn't seem to be annoyed by my words, instead she asked me softly, why?
I avoided her question. This made her angry. She threw away the chopsticks and shouted at me, you are not a man! That night, we didn't talk to each other. She was weeping. I knew she wanted to find out what had happened to our marriage. But I could hardly give her a satisfactory answer; she had lost my heart to Jane. I didn't love her anymore. I just pitied her.
With a deep sense of guilt, I drafted a divorce agreement which stated that she could own our house, our car and a 30% stake of my company.
She glanced at it and then tore it into pieces. The woman who had spent ten years of her life with me had become a stranger. I felt sorry for her wasted time, resources and energy, but I could not take back what I had said for I loved Jane so dearly. Finally she cried loudly in front of me, which was what I had expected to see. To me her cry was actually a kind of release. The idea of divorce which had obsessed me for several weeks seemed to be firmer and clearer now.
The next day, I came back home very late and found her writing something at the table. I didn't have supper but went straight to sleep and fell asleep very fast because I was tired after an eventful day with Jane.
When I woke up, she was still there at the table writing. I just did not care so I turned over and was asleep again.
In the morning she presented her divorce conditions: she didn't want anything from me, but needed a month's notice before the divorce. She requested that in that one month we both struggle to live as normal a life as possible. Her reasons were simple: our son had his exams in a month's time and she didn't want to disrupt him with our broken marriage.
This was agreeable to me. But she had something more, she asked me to recall how I had carried her into out bridal room on our wedding day.
She requested that every day for the month's duration I carry her out of our bedroom to the front door every morning. I thought she was going crazy. Just to make our last days together bearable I accepted her odd request.
I told Jane about my wife's divorce conditions. She laughed loudly and thought it was absurd. No matter what tricks she applies, she has to face the divorce, she said scornfully.
My wife and I hadn't had any body contact since my divorce intention was explicitly expressed. So when I carried her out on the first day, we both appeared clumsy. Our son clapped behind us, daddy is holding mommy in his arms. His words brought me a sense of pain. From the bedroom to the sitting room, then to the door, I walked over ten meters with her in my arms. She closed her eyes and said softly; don't tell our son about the divorce. I nodded, feeling somewhat upset. I put her down outside
the door. She went to wait for the bus to work. I drove alone to the office.
On the second day, both of us acted much more easily. She leaned on my chest. I could smell the fragrance of her blouse. I realized that I hadn't looked at this woman carefully for a long time. I realized she was not young any more. There were fine wrinkles on her face, her hair was graying. Our marriage had taken its toll on her. For a minute I wondered what I had done to her.
On the fourth day, when I lifted her up, I felt a sense of intimacy returning. This was the woman who had given ten years of her life to me.
On the fifth and sixth day, I realized that our sense of intimacy was growing again. I didn't tell Jane about this. It became easier to carry her as the month slipped by. Perhaps the everyday workout made me stronger.
She was choosing what to wear one morning. She tried on quite a few dresses but could not find a suitable one. Then she sighed, all my dresses have grown bigger. I suddenly realized that she had grown so thin, that was the reason why I could carry her more easily.
Suddenly it hit me... she had buried so much pain and bitterness in her heart. Subconsciously I reached out and touched her head.
Our son came in at the moment and said, Dad, it's time to carry mom out. To him, seeing his father carrying his mother out had become an essential part of his life. My wife gestured to our son to come closer and hugged him tightly. I turned my face away because I was afraid I might change my mind at this last minute. I then held her in my arms, walking from the bedroom, through the sitting room, to the hallway. Her hand surrounded my neck softly and naturally. I held her body tightly; it was just like our wedding day.
But her much lighter weight made me sad. On the last day, when I held her in my arms I could hardly move a step. Our son had gone to school. I held her tightly and said, I hadn't noticed that our life lacked intimacy.
I drove to the office... jumped out of the car swiftly without locking the door. I was afraid any delay would make me change my mind... I walked upstairs. Jane opened the door and I said to her, Sorry, Jane, I do not want the divorce anymore.
She looked at me, astonished, and then touched my forehead. Do you have a fever? She said. I moved her hand off my head. Sorry, Jane, I said, I won't divorce. My marriage life was boring probably because she and I didn't value the details of our lives, not because we didn't love each other anymore. Now I realize that since I carried her into my home on our wedding day I am supposed to hold her until death do us apart.
Jane seemed to suddenly wake up. She gave me a loud slap and then slammed the door and burst into tears. I walked downstairs and drove away.
At the floral shop on the way home, I ordered a bouquet of flowers for my wife. The salesgirl asked me what to write on the card. I smiled and wrote, I'll carry you out every morning until death do us apart.
That evening I arrived home, flowers in my hands, a smile on my face, I run up stairs, only to find my wife in the bed - dead.
My wife had been fighting cancer for months, and I was so busy with Jane to even notice. She knew that she would die soon and she wanted to save me from the whatever negative reaction from our son, in case we push thru with the divorce.-- At least, in the eyes of our son--- I'm a loving husband...
The small details of your lives are what really matter in a relationship. It is not the mansion, the car, property, the money in the bank. These create an environment conducive for happiness but cannot give happiness in themselves. So find time to be your spouse's friend and do those little things for each other that build intimacy. Do have a real happy marriage.
If you don't share this, nothing will happen to you.
If you do, you just might save a marriage.
Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up."
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Mark My Words
If I ever win and/or make millions, and this house is still available, I will buy it, restore it, live in it and absolutely love it. I've had my eyes on it since 2008.
115 Battle Lane
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
It's located right in the heart of North Campus in the highly attractive Franklin-Rosemary Historic District. It requires complete rehabilitation, it is surrounded by a forest of bamboo, it has a nice sized yard, it is in walking distance to all that I love, and it is perfect. I can't believe no one has bought this highly significant and historic house in Chapel Hill yet... I think it's a sign - it is waiting for me.
Rowdy's Birthday Party
I really want a dog. If I had a dog, I would take it to this:
I would still go even though I don't have a dog, but I will be in Philly. If you have a dog, you should be there. There will even be these:
I would love. Happy (early) Birthday, Rowdy!
Hump Day Hottie
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Roger Federer. I like him better than Andy Roddick.
AND he's in Paris, wearing cute jeans. HDH!
GPOYW: Jumpsuit Edition
Oh, you know, just parading around the house in my new jumpsuit by Trina Turk.
*Gratuitous Picture of Yourself Wednesday
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
It's raining.
It's pouring. The old man is snoring!
1. I stopped by Furbish Studio. Visited cute travel table.
2. Jamie introduced me to Wally the Walrus - my new engagement gift ring holder. He's a keeper (no pun intended - it just happened).
I truly do enjoy the occasional rainy day. Today was the kind that reminds me of sitting out on my grandparent's screened-in porch in Florida. Sometimes, rainy days are meant specifically for relaxing. That's what I did there - relaxed, played board games and enjoyed family and friends. While relaxing wasn't the case for me today, I found other tiny ways to make this rainy day enjoyable:
1. I stopped by Furbish Studio. Visited cute travel table.
Visited Jamie & Rowdy.
2. Jamie introduced me to Wally the Walrus - my new engagement gift ring holder. He's a keeper (no pun intended - it just happened).
Thanks, Jamie!
3. I ran into The Cupcake Shoppe to celebrate their third birthday with free mini-cupcakes to-go.
3. I ran into The Cupcake Shoppe to celebrate their third birthday with free mini-cupcakes to-go.
It's the little things.
Chicken & Broccoli Ring + Bean Salad
As I've mentioned before, I love the Pampered Chef Pizza Stone. Not only because it makes homemade pizzas even more delicious, but because you can make rings of all sorts. This week's menu involves a Taco Ring and this Chicken & Broccoli Ring. It was super easy to make. I suggest you google - Pampered Chef Rings - because there are so many varieties, I am sure one will make your night!
With this, we had Hank's Grandma's Bean Salad which is an absolute favorite of mine. Make it the night before you are ready to serve it, and it will be perfect:
1 Chopped Onion
1 Chopped Green Pepper
2 Cans Cut Green Beans - Drained
1 Can White Corn - Drained
1 Can Lima Beans - Drained
3/4 c Apple Cider Vinegar
1/2 c Corn Oil
1/2 c Sugar
Add Salt & Pepper to your liking. Mix it all together, and let it chill for at least a couple of hours. It's so refreshing - a little summer in your mouth.
Surprise!
Who knew Paris Hilton was up to something so good?
I'm actually impressed!
"Paris Hilton may not have walked down the aisle just yet, but her heels sure have - Paris Hilton Footwear currently has the three best-selling bridal shoes at My Glass Slipper. Number one? "Destiny" (shown), an ivory satin peep-toe platform pump with a sassy bow."
I'm actually impressed!
"Paris Hilton may not have walked down the aisle just yet, but her heels sure have - Paris Hilton Footwear currently has the three best-selling bridal shoes at My Glass Slipper. Number one? "Destiny" (shown), an ivory satin peep-toe platform pump with a sassy bow."
Monday, July 26, 2010
Friday, July 23, 2010
Smile Friday
My bridesmaid dresses make me smile so much I had to have one edition. These ladies make them look so good.
Steve!!!!
You're HOT & You're COLD!!
Ever since you gave your last press conference, I have called Apple EVERYDAY. "Hi! Have you started the reservation list for the WHITE iPhone 4?" "Hi! Do you have the WHITE iPhone 4 yet?" Steve, I believed you! I believed the WHITE iPhone 4 would truly be out at the end of July. It is nearing the end of July, and now you tell me, today, I have to wait until 'late this year'!?!
Then... After I already purchased Hank & myself a bumper (mine in preparation) you automatically refund me for this purchase? You are so great. I didn't even have to think about it. You just did it, because Apple is the best company. Completely aware of quality customer service. Wow Oh Wow!
Hot & Cold, Steve. Hot & Cold.
Ever since you gave your last press conference, I have called Apple EVERYDAY. "Hi! Have you started the reservation list for the WHITE iPhone 4?" "Hi! Do you have the WHITE iPhone 4 yet?" Steve, I believed you! I believed the WHITE iPhone 4 would truly be out at the end of July. It is nearing the end of July, and now you tell me, today, I have to wait until 'late this year'!?!
Then... After I already purchased Hank & myself a bumper (mine in preparation) you automatically refund me for this purchase? You are so great. I didn't even have to think about it. You just did it, because Apple is the best company. Completely aware of quality customer service. Wow Oh Wow!
Hot & Cold, Steve. Hot & Cold.
Tea Tree Lotion
My boss legit has the best complexion. So I had to ask... What facial lotion are you using? Thank goodness for her answer, it has changed my mornings:
It's the lightest facial lotion I have ever used. It gives your face the best revitalizing sensation when you apply it right after a morning shower. For less than $12 - I am obsessed. My face feels so smooth now. Two thumbs up!
It's the lightest facial lotion I have ever used. It gives your face the best revitalizing sensation when you apply it right after a morning shower. For less than $12 - I am obsessed. My face feels so smooth now. Two thumbs up!
Tuna Tuna
Mmm... There is nothing like a home cooked meal! Seared tuna steaks, mashed potatoes & salad.
Nielsen
This past week we logged everything we watched on TV. We got $30. I sent these back today:
Good riddance! It's tough to think about recording everything you watch, how long you watch it, did you change the channel, is what you are watching from DVR, is the TV on but you are not watching it, and so on. It takes the relaxation out of TV time. Although, I still must say - when Nielsen Ratings calls you... Answer the phone! Too easy of a $30 : )
Good riddance! It's tough to think about recording everything you watch, how long you watch it, did you change the channel, is what you are watching from DVR, is the TV on but you are not watching it, and so on. It takes the relaxation out of TV time. Although, I still must say - when Nielsen Ratings calls you... Answer the phone! Too easy of a $30 : )
1 + 2 = Pint Night
1 Last week was crazy. This week was even crazier.
2 I'm trying to expand my horizons & learn to love delicious beers.
1 + 2 = Tyler's Taproom (Carrboro) for pint night!!
I loved my beer. Skinny Dip by New Belgium Brewery. Try a new beer each week? Yes please! Plus, this may not come as a surprise to some of you, but I love glassware (and I do not need any more glassware). Yet on pint night, you get to keep your glass! I can't even wait for a cute one. Terrapin Turtle... I would love. Hooray for SKINNY DIP!!!!
2 I'm trying to expand my horizons & learn to love delicious beers.
1 + 2 = Tyler's Taproom (Carrboro) for pint night!!
I loved my beer. Skinny Dip by New Belgium Brewery. Try a new beer each week? Yes please! Plus, this may not come as a surprise to some of you, but I love glassware (and I do not need any more glassware). Yet on pint night, you get to keep your glass! I can't even wait for a cute one. Terrapin Turtle... I would love. Hooray for SKINNY DIP!!!!
Thoughtful
I love thoughtful people. Especially surprisingly thoughtful people. Last week, at work, we each met individually with our retirement planner. He is a cool guy. The next day I got a call that an envelope just got dropped off downstairs for me. I assumed it was some paperwork. It was a wedding magazine with a nice note wishing me relaxation and all the best during these exciting times! What a thoughtful retirement planner - either that or he knows the essentials of great customer service. Be thoughtful.
Sad Day
I miss my favorite blogger lots...
"Be kind, be forgiving, be careful, be happy, be genuine and be thankful."
"Be kind, be forgiving, be careful, be happy, be genuine and be thankful."
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Terrapin
I hardly like beer, but I am trying on the good stuff. I'm pretty certain I will be at the local release party of Terrapin Beer Company's Side Project #11. It's called...
BOOM SHAKA LAGER
Could a beer have a better name? I don't think so!
True Confession Tuesday
I'm grateful that UNC will not allow a journalism major to graduate without passing a rigorous spelling and grammar test. Yet - I have a problem! I spell the word add wrong daily. I think it's because advertising has been in my life for the past five years. I love ads. I don't like to add. I have to constantly go back and fix these sentences in e-mails: "Let me know once you ad the new logo." It is unstoppable. Help!
Monday, July 19, 2010
Sparkling!
I've been wanting to try the above champagne for forever. Every time I walk into Total Wine I almost say yes. It's mini, in bright pink packaging, with a straw. Yet the price tells me no every time. I think it's $10 or so for only a few ounces.
On another note, I think Total Wine just got these, or perhaps I have just missed them, but the other day was the first time I saw these cute little cans of sparkling wine, with straw, in-store: Sofia Blanc de Blancs California by Francis Coppola. Too cute to resist, and at only $5.49, it was worth the try. The taste was okay, I should have chilled it longer, but these little cans are perfect for poolside or a picnic - especially where mini and non-glass are essential.
Sometimes it truly is all about the fun and convenience factors!
Friday, July 16, 2010
Redneck Yacht Club
Ahhh... The weekend is here, and this is one of my favorite lake weekends of the year. The annual barbeque with lots and lots of fun people and dancing at Club Tillery on the lake until the wee hours of the morning. Dance, dance, dance is exactly what I have been wanting to do!! Enjoy your weekend. XOXO
Silly Bandz!
Silly Silly Silly Bandz. Sweepin' all around the land.
I think this fad is pretty fun. Why didn't you or I think of these? Here are my Silly Bandz:
If you have some too, let's trade via snail mail. It's fun.
Just e-mail me at idea [at] unc [dot] edu
Meg mailed me Flash and a fish today, and I just mailed her some princess ones back.
So silly, but I love it : )
Pottery
It's one of my favorite things. I love that it is a handcrafted work of art, each piece is unique and you are supporting someone's passion. Lucky for me, my parents live less than an hour away from Seagrove, NC (home to many potters since the late 1700s). It's so much fun to see the history behind the pottery, to drive to each of these potter's studios to select a piece of their work that will become a part of your home.
My friend Maura gifted us with the above piece of pottery for our engagement. It was made in Charleston, SC - We're we got engaged! I'm obsessed with it. Speaking of Charleston pottery, they know how to do bright colors justice. I have an amazing piece I bought in Chapel Hill a couple years ago that was also made in Charleston:
It's this centerpiece, and even when the decorations are gone, it is on the table year-round. It's fun, festive and it makes people smile and laugh. Whether from Charleston, Seagrove or another artsy city - Everyone could use a dose of pottery passion.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Lime & Salt
My delicious new snack during work time:
Perfect size... Mini Bags.
Perfect taste... A hint of lime seasoned with salt.
Thanks for this natural delight, Orville!
Perfect size... Mini Bags.
Perfect taste... A hint of lime seasoned with salt.
Thanks for this natural delight, Orville!
Gumball Helmets
So this one day, a year or two ago now, Hank & I were inspired by our friends to visit a gumball machine. This gumball machine had a lot of tiny helmets in it, and we were specifically on a quest to get all 32 NFL teams. Of course there were doubles, and after $10 or so, we had all 32 helmets. Believe it or not, it was really fun - all about the element of surprise as to what was to come next.
I've been trying to think of a confined way to display these without it looking so tacky - to successfully go with the aforementioned theme of the front room. Last night, I found it! I got a gallon mason jar and filled the bottom with sand (palm tree beachy - yes). Then I spiraled the helmets inside, and they fit perfectly. It's the exact height I was going for next to this lamp - now I just need that table to put these on.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
GPOYW
Testing the Camera for
President Friday's* 90th Birthday Portrait
Edition
I loved his birthday cake:
Thanks for the photos Sarah & Kat!
*President Friday was president of the UNC-system in 1956 and served until 1986, the longest tenure in the 20th century. He is loved by all, as you could see from the hundreds of people waiting in line to wish him a happy birthday yesterday afternoon.
Toy Story 3
I can't wait to finally see T3 on Friday!! I love this clip:
It reminds me of my Barbie days, and I was obsessed! Barbie drove a sparkly pink Jaguar and lived in her Dream House with elevator too.
Southern Rail
I really want to go here:
To Southern Rail in Carrboro. I think it's crazy I have never been! It's located between active freight train tracks, and it is just too cute. I've heard they have it all - Drink Specials, Food & Dancing - What more do you need? I put my vote in for the next Girl's Night!!
Monday, July 12, 2010
Four Things
From Hank's desktop
Great leaders know that everyone needs four things:
1. Something to do
2. Someone to love
3. Something to hope for
4. Something to believe in
- Lou Holtz, Legendary Coach
Friday, July 9, 2010
Making Progress
The front room of the house is one of my favorite rooms, and it has been a mess for the last eight months. I love the access to the front balcony and the french doors it has. Lately though, progress has been made! This room is spotless. It now has a light and ceiling fan:
It now has blinds, but most importantly... IT HAS A BOOKSHELF!!
I put travel trinkets family have given us on each of the shelves:
There are some from Portugal, Holland, Dubai, Mexico, Belize, Norway, Venice, Japan and some cute little fish from St. John:
Now all this room needs is this little map table to put the palm tree lamp on:
This absolutely perfect daybed with trundle from Restoration Hardware (I have searched high and low and this is it):
I already have the perfect quilt and pillows for it from my dorm room:
Then all the sports memorabilia can be hung.
This room is essentially cruising in San Diego heading to a Chargers game. It has a palm tree & blue and green hues plus sports! Now onto winning the furniture lottery to be able to finish this room...
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Be Genuine
(REBLOGGED - Thanks, TM!)
You find out who your friends are - in the good times.
"For a long time, I believed the old adage that you find out who your friends are when you’re down in a ditch. I have been in the ditch, or ditches shall we say, and thank goodness there have been sweet souls that have been there for me in those times. I thank them for that.
However, as I grow, time goes by and life changes, I’ve learned that there is another test of friendship I never really knew about. It goes something like this: you find out who your friends are when everything is going right, and you are having the time of your life. Why? I’ve come to discover only the people that truly love you completely will be genuinely happy for you when all things wonderful come your way.
When you truly love someone, whether a friend or a significant other, you love them in the good times and bad. We are taught to think the “bad times” are the really important part when I actually think it’s not. It takes a very soulless and heartless person to not be compassionate towards someone, to not put their arm around them when they cry, or to not tell them something sweet when they are having a bad day. And yet it takes a very big person to be genuinely happy for a friend when they’re “walking on sunshine.”
Sometimes it's hard to celebrate something great that is happening to someone else when you wish it were happening to you instead. I've had those moments of weakness when I am disgusted with myself for having such thoughts. It really took God breaking me to realize how poisonous those thoughts are. You should stop looking at life through the scope of, "what others have and I don't" and instead be grateful for your own blessings and know your time will come.
Once you find happiness with your life and where it's heading, you will truly and genuinely, from the bottom of your heart, be happy for your friends and all the wonderful things that come to them. Celebrate the successes of your friends as if they were your own. They will be there to do the same for you when it's your turn."
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Mexican Fiesta
Yesterday my Dad brought my Aunt Kimmie & Cousin K.K. up to see the house for their first time. We played at the pool for a bit, went down the slide 100 or so times, then commenced to our Mexican Fiesta!
We had Martha's Pineapple-Basil Margaritas
Basil brings depth to this lush and lightly sweet drink, which is chock-full of fruit.
Serves 6 to 8
4 cups crushed pineapple (one can will do)
1/3 cup fresh basil (we plan to start growing our own!)
1 tablespoon sugar
2 cups Limeade (Simply Limeade from Harris Teeter will do nicely)
1 cup silver tequila - preferably agave
1 tablespoon course salt
Ice cubes
Muddle basil with sugar in a large pitcher. Add pineapple, limeade, tequila and salt. Refrigerate for 1 hour. Fill pitcher with ice cubes.
Enjoy - We did!
We also had Hank's family's recipe for Chocolate Chip Pound Cake for dessert:
1 (18.25 oz) Yellow Cake Mix
1 (3.8 oz) Package of Chocolate Instant Pudding Mix
3/4 c Vegetable Oil
3/4 c Water
1/2 c Sugar
4 Large Eggs
1 (8 oz) Lite Sour Cream
1 (6 oz) Semisweet Chocolate Morsels
Sifted Powdered Sugar
Combine cake mix, pudding mix and sugar. Stir with wire whisk to remove lumps. Add oil and next three ingredients. Stir until smooth. Stir in morsels. Pour batter into greased bundt pan. Bake 1 hour at 350 degrees. Flip onto platter and let cool completely. Sprinkle with powdered sugar.
I hardly even like chocolate cake, but this is delicious! After packing some up for everyone to take home, this is all that was left. A definite hit!
P.S. Everyone was so thoughtful! We were gifted with some amazingly fun housewarming gifts!!
Thanks so much! Not just for the incredible thoughtfulness and gifts, but for being the kind of family and friends anyone would dream of having!
Independence Day
Independence Day is for...
1. Going on boat rides.
2. Trading Silly Bandz.
3. Eating Mom's delicious home cooked burger creations.
4. Decorating a fabulous float for the parade.
5. Watching fireworks on the lake in an 'all lit up' boat.
Independence Day is for family, food & fun!!
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