until I'm done

Its a big week for me at Hobby Lobby...I am training for what will be my new position (surprised anyone? kidding). One of the front end supervisors moved on to a job that will eventually be better for her as she finishes college so there was an opening and the store manager asked me if I would like it. It does mean that I am offically full time as of tomorrow (but yes, it comes with benefits after 90 days) and yes, I will have to close the store more often but I might get some Saturday's off and hopefully get to see Chad at night a little more. My new job basically puts me in charge of all the cashiers at the front of the store and the first in line when someone has a complaint to lodge (woohoo!). This week though I am actually doing little in the way of front end training...it is the week when we go through the ENTIRE home accents department (the whole center department of the store, the largest by far) and take out (a.k.a. "pull" is the official term) any items that have been there 9 months or longer, reprice them at 66% off and move them to another part of the store (where Christmas stuff was) and try to get rid of it. I spent the whole day repricing, moving, reorganizing home accents stuff and thinking that no wonder people didn't buy it, some of this stuff is hideous!! We still have...oh...about 90% of the department to go but hopefully I will get some actual training this week because I am off tomorrow and Thursday is my first offical day as supervisor and frankly I don't have the foggiest idea what I am doing.

Chad is off Thursday and we are a little bummed that we didn't get the same days off. No one wants to stay up late and do stuff when it is their turn to go to work the next day so we probably won't be doing anything late night tomorrow because I will have to go to work and nothing late night tonight because he will have to go to work tomorrow. So much for our New Year's bonfire plans...
Headed to see Chad's grandmother tonight when I get off work (she isn't doing well...hospice has her on serious pain meds) so keep his whole family in your prayers. Knowing it is coming never makes it easier.

and more pictures

My friend Danielle finally posted about her Christmas full of lies...enjoy the camera my friend.
I am still working on Photoshop so here are some more unedited, in their full glory, pictures from our Christmas week extravaganza...

Crazy uncle Jay and Gwendolen wearing their Christmas finest

Megan, my fabulous sister-in-law (who might live with us next year
and yes, I would be super excited)

The stockings at my parents house. Mom had to make new stockings for the family additions.

Left to right:Gwendolen (Noah's ark fabric), my sister's (My Mema cross stitched ours back in the day), Frannie's, mom's, dad's, mine, then Chad's on the end.

Fun Times!

My cool mom, admiring Christmas gifts

My goofy dad tempting me with faces...I had to take the picture!

for the pictures!

My beautiful sister (who is the head chef at Eddie's Attic in Decatur...check it out!)

At the bottom of our stairs...

the greenery goes all the way up the banister and is tied with satin bows

Candles and metal trees on our window table

Our tree, lit up with our "All things merry and bright" signs

An overbright self portrait...

I will work on this one with photoshop since it is a decent picture

in preparation

To tell the whole story...finally...
So, as you folks know, when Chad bought my new camera on Ebay he bid on two of them and ended up winning both. It wasn't a big deal because we got such a great deal on both of them BUT we didn't need two obviously. We knew we could find someone who wanted the other one so we asked around. My fabulous friend Danielle said she wanted it but we never really worked out the details. I knew I could just take it to her when I went home for Christmas so I wasn't too worried...then one day I got a phone call from her mom (Hi Becky!!) that said she and Dani's dad wanted to just buy it for her for Christmas and didn't want her to know. We came up with this long story about how my camera got broken (bad drop in the woods!) and I wanted to keep the second one until I knew whether or not mine could be fixed (we also came up with this idea that there is a short, rarely noticed part of the Christmas story where the angels hark the birth of our Savior and then kindly excuse lying between December 1st and 25st...for gift giving's sake alone of course!). The rest of the story is that I had to avoid Danielle like the plague for the past two weeks or so...I mean SERIOUSLY...every time she texted or called I had to ignore it and it drove me CRAZY. I was so worried that I would tell her or somehow spoil the secret that I just decided it was best to pretend I didn't have a clue what was going on and that I was just really busy! Also, it meant I couldn't post any pictures with my new camera since it was "broken" (see the things I do for you Dani?!?!) In other words, be prepared for the onslaught folks...
I've been moving all my pictures onto my new portable hard drive (I had about 1,000 pictures from India alone...total about 5 GB of pictures on my computer and now I am freeing up all the space on my laptop, hoping to make it run a little faster). I might be able to get a cheap copy of Photoshop CS3 from a friend so cross your fingers for me...I would be eternally in his debt!
As soon as the camera battery charges and I can get some pictures off, I will commence picture loading immediately...

(just trying new stuff out)

I am trying to figure out how to add links in my posts without putting the whole ugly web address in my text. I think I've got it figured out so without further ado...let's try this thing!
Hm...for a first try...check out my friend Danielle's blog . She is too cute and finally getting to celebrate Christmas with her family today (Saturday). Oh boy do I have a story about her...but that can be tomorrow's post....when all will be revealed.

This is one of my favorite pictures of us...I had just gotten home from India and I drove over to St. Simon's Island with her so she could go to a job interview at a hospital there for a summer job. Ooo..she's awesome.

and then its back to work

I am sitting on the couch, surrounded by (ok, truth, being sat on by Chad and laid upon by Gwendolen) and then Jay (who is minding his manners on the other side, quietly sipping his coffee)...theoretically enjoying a few minutes of....oh, who am I kidding...the dog is driving me crazy and Chad is laying on my right arm so I can't type correctly....oh how I love them.

I have to go back to work today (ugh...gotta work till 10 tonight). I think it is worse after having a few days off but I will be off tomorrow for Sunday too. Hopefully we will get Christmas presents put away today and clean up a bit on Sunday but we plan on just lazing around together today, enjoying our last offical day of freedom before the "Real World" starts again.

I got some cool gifts (besides the camera...long story...we'll see how it turns out) I got the portable hard drive (160 GB...plenty for all my pictures and I already freed up the space on my laptop...from Chad's parents), cute fleece jackets from my sis and Frannie, cute App State shorts from Megan, some tools from Chad's dad (Chad got the cordless drill and I got all the accessories to go with it so he's really stuck with me now!), a beautiful jewelry box from mom and dad, scarf and mittens...and the list goes on. I can not believe how blessed I am and now that I have two families I am twice as blessed. We got back to The Nooga last night and the Irwins and Jay all came over and we ate good pizza and had Irwin family Christmas. It was fun...and nice to just be with them. Chad and I decided that we are leaving the tree up till after New Years. No point in putting the thing up if you aren't gonna get your "goody" out of it, as my mom would say.

Maybe I will be able to post pictures soon...I'll let you know.

because I'll be home for Christmas

Yes, oh yes, I'll be home for Christmas....and not in my dreams!
I can not explain how excited I am to go to Columbus and hang out with friends and family that I haven't seen since October (I know, doesn't seem that bad but to me...its terrible!).
Don't expect a post for a few days and don't expect pictures (long story on the camera that I might tell one day...to upset to talk about it now)...I'll take some with the point and shoot and see how they are...mostly of us all with messed up hair, no makeup, and in our PJ's Christmas morning. Did I mention that my CRAZY sister thinks that you should still get up super-early on Christmas and open presents even though we aren't 8 years old anymore? I haven't told Chad that part yet. It will probably break his little I'm-an-Irwin-we-sleep-in-whenever-we-can heart.
So, Merry Christmas from us our little family to yours. I hope you remember why we are truly celebrating and who's birth we are "harking" into our lives. Enjoy these days...

too bad

Sorry, I will be better about blogging after Christmas. I will post pictures of our photography hike Sunday morning but for now I MUST get some other things done...like the Christmas cards, and cheese straws, and cocoa mix.

Then we got THIS in the mail

Our first Christmas card came in the mail!!
It was from one of my best friends and her husband in Columbus (J&R as they will be known). I was so excited but it made me even more anxious to finish mine and get them out (seeing that Christmas is less than a week away now).
Mom and I got a TON of stuff done yesterday. The big one was a home made fleece sleeping bag liner to keep him warm and snuggly when he (goes crazy) and decides to camp when it is far too cold to do so (and yes, I am sure I will be right there in the tent with him, losing our minds together). We also made little treats for all the guys that Chad works with up at the forestry and took them up there to them...can't tell you what they were because some other people who might read this are getting similiar ones as well so I wouldn't want to spoil the surprise! I did make home made toffee though so I hope no one made themselves sick eating all of it...so rich!
We did some Christmas shopping too, finishing up Uncle Jay's (from me and Chad so no, it is not homemade, I am making exceptions) and Dad B's (again, not homemade because it is a joint gift). We still need to get something for Megan and I need a little something more for Danielle but I already have a plan for that one. Other than that and needing to finish a few projects, I am about done with Christmas stuff. Hopefully I will get to work some at the house on Sunday so I will finish up then.
Oh, did I mention that my fabulous, wonderful boss gave me the day before Christmas AND the day after Christmas off so I can spend more time with my family in Columbus. Can't wait!

because tomorrow I don't hafta..

I don't have to go to work.
I don't have to get up early.
I don't have to make my lunch.
I don't have to blog while eating my cereal.
I don't have to do anything I don't wanna do (except laundry).

I do get to hang out with my mom, one of the coolest women I know.
I do get to do some Christmas shopping (I WILL finish tomorrow...ok, hopefully).
I do get to work on my handmake Christmas gifts with mom and the sewing machine.
I do get to eat good food (maybe Mexican on top of Signal Mtn.)

I might even get to figure out out to get pictures off the new camera onto the computer...now wouldn't that be icing on the cake.

before I go to work

Quick post...boring too. read on if you dare...
work again today. It is the "Christmas party" which means they supply lunch. I'm ok with that because it means I save about 5 minutes packing one in the morning.
Our store manager gets his Christmas present today but he has to do a scavenger hunt to get it and I am one of the clues (they are all people in the store). So, I have a clue and a pack of peanuts in my cash register drawer, waiting for him to figure it out!
Get off at 6 tonight then dinner with Dad B and Mom S and some family friends of theirs...belated wedding congrats I think.
The best part about today is tomorrow.
My mom is coming up to see me and help with some Christmas presents. Bringing her sewing machine to help me make Chad's large gift and then leaving it with me so that I can finish up a few others that I have been wanting to make. I am SO super-duper excited that she is coming that I can barely stand it. I haven't seen my parents in a couple of months (since our reception maybe??) so I am really happy to see her. I might wait in the upstairs window and stare out like Gwendolen, expectantly waiting for someone to show up!
Much love...P

finally post the pictures

Yes, for those of you who have been patiently waiting (and will probably be very disappointed when they see them...sorry!)....here are the pictures of Christmas decor in our little place. here

(Still can't get Picasa to work so no cool captions...and new camera is sitting at the UPS warehouse and I can't get it till Monday so bear with me on the quality).

Our Apple tree

Garland on the stairs with our stocking and mini-presents!

We have two little trees outside the front door and a wreath on the door, all with matching bows (made by me!). Please note the little face looking out the window at me taking pictures.

Our "JOY" stocking holders...Chad, mine, and Gwendolen's. There has been some question what we are going to do when we get another dog...wait, who said anything about another dog? We will NOT be getting another dog. JOY will stay JOY for a quite some time, if you know what I mean. The candles were some I already had and I wanted to be able to use them again so I just tied some red and green embroidery thread around them so I can change the color later!

And finally, the tree! I painted the little signs above the tree...they say "All things merry and bright". There are currently two wrapped presents under the tree, which I did NOT wrap. Jay did them. That is my project for today.

Headed to church and lunch with Dad B and Mom S then we are coming back to get the house ready for our Survivor finale party tonight. Ok, ok, we don't actually watch Survivor on a regular basis but Boss B and Fun-Wife L are coming over tonight to hang out, eat dinner and watch the finale for a fun Sunday night. BUT, that means I need to go to the grocery store and clean up in the kitchen and living room and get those presents wrapped before then!

When I might

I might go Christmas shopping tonight to buy a gift for our Uncle Jay (I am making a handmade exception because it is from Chad and I together so it doesn't really count). Hopefully we can get him exactly what he wants because that always makes people happy.
Or I might just stay home tonight and wallow in my "I don't feel cute today and I had to go to work" misery. Its a toss up. Jess would understand. Chad just doesn't.
And that stupid dog we love so dearly has been barking incessantly (did I mention the FOR DAYS part) for no apparent reason.
I'm going crazy.

Oh a different note...Chad and I both have some opportnities at work that we need your prayers about. Life seems to always come at you fast so pray that we will make the best decisions and do what we feel God is pushing us towards (because I know I can be hard headed sometimes).

Christmas decor pictures to come later....after the wallowing.

Today's the day.

Day off...here's the plan.


Still naked tree. The lights came home with Chad from work yesterday but only one strand was entirely functional so I am keeping the HL ones until I see how many more strands I need. I WILL decorate that tree today. The whole thing. And finish my apple tree (you'll see).

Shopping with M-I-L S. For my Christmas present I think.

Clean up kitchen. It needs it. Bad.

Clean up living room. It needs it. Bad. :)

Chad vaccumed the living room, stairs and our bedroom yesterday when he got home.
He. Is. Wonderful.

Haircut and eyebrow appointment at my new fav salon...its called Salon Haven and I pay too much for a haircut but I really like the girl that cuts my hair and she did EXACTLY what I wanted last time so I am letting her do it again! and yes, finally taking care of those bushy, out-of-control eyebrows (I even have a coupon to get the brows done free with a haircut so I AM saving money!!)

Running errands with Chad when he gets off tonight. It will be so nice to be home when he gets off and be able to hang out with him. Then, only two more days before I get another one off. Happy! Maybe I will be able to post pictures tonight.

I would go as far as to say that this was my most exciting post yet....no, seriously. :)
Posted at 10 am.

Update at 4:30 pm.

I just spent five hours with S. All I have done is the tree. No lie.
And bought one Christmas present I did not intend to buy.
And got my haircut so that is a success...yea for freshly razored bangs!

Not you? Then it must be me.

My Christmas tree is still naked.
I am unhappy about it.
What happened to getting and decorating the tree on Sunday? Life.
That's what happened life.
Oh, and Chad trying to be thrifty.
Now let me be clear, thrifty is perfectly fine. I realize we need to be saving money.
But he wants me return the lights I bought (on sale! at Hobby Lobby! AND used my discount!) and he is supposed to be bringing some home from Boss B and Wife L.
Urgh.
Stupid. Naked. Tree.
I refuse to post pictures until I can post ALL OF THEM.

Ok, done with that for now...

Made Rice Krispy Treats tonight. Oh yes. I am happy. I will take them all week in my lunchbox. and then I will have something to look forward to for hours on my feet.

Chad's mom, S, came to see me at work today and bought some of her Christmas stuff. We didn't have exactly the thing she wanted to she bought it at my store and is switching it out at the store across town for the one she wanted. Oh yes, a city big enough for TWO Hobby Lobby's. Amazing.

My mom is supposed to come see me between now and Christmas to help me with Chad's present but it is looking like we are running out of time. She might just have to help me do it when we go down home for actual Christmas. By the way, for those of you that are interested in seeing me, we will be in Columbus from VERY late night on the 24th to the afternoon of the 26th. I know I am not going to want to come back home but that is all the time I can get off for one holiday so that is what we are doing. Mom talks and muses about the two sides of the being employed coin...either you are unemployed with plenty of time on your hands and no money to do the things you want or you are employed with NO time on your hands to do the things you now have the money to do. Its a sad cycle. I had all this time on my hands to visit people and have them come see me and do fun stuff but had no money. Now, I have NO TIME and a little bit o'money. Oh well....

We paid for my Christmas present this morning and hopefully UPS will deliver it by this weekend so we can use it. I am so incredibly excited. I am going to take the instruction book to work and read it while I am on my lunch break (oh, I am such a nerd.)

My car got a new battery yesterday thanks to my fabulous husband. It wouldn't start a couple of times...something about it not liking the cold weather (ok, really just something about cold crank amps, whatever the heck that means). So, new battery (with more cold crank amps I hear) and all seems to be doing well (of course, wouldn't really know judging by the fact that today was the warmest day in about a month).

Finally, I like my job. I would even go as far to say I love my job (except for the tired feet part...seriously!). Its the people that I get to work with. I really like all of them (ok, with the exception of like ONE person. There is always one person right??) and they seem to genuinely care about each other. BUT, let's be real. HL is not my dream job by any stretch of the imagination. I mean, I would LOVE to keep getting a discount there forever but I am desperate to be doing something that my heart can get a hold of. I know that sounds super vague but selling crafts doesn't feel like my calling, if you can understand that! So, for those of you who might be reading who don't know (ok, I am fooling myself here but I can be hopeful!) me that well...my degree is in Political Science and I have minors in Professional Writing and Criminal Justice. I am super passionate about victim's rights, women and children, orphans, community development, law, etc. If any of you know about someone that might be hiring or need someone just part time, please let me know! I need to be doing something to positively impact the community around me and I just haven't figured out what that thing is quite yet...

Yes, you...

Yep, I was talking about YOU Emily...
(confused folks? Check the comments on the "we won" blog).

but not for long

We got our tree...I am ready to post some wonderful decoration photos so here they are...!


Oh wait, I can't.
Why is that? (oh, I know you MUST be wondering).
The tree is naked. That's right folks, I said naked.
I got bad intell (that's Chad's phrase, he loves to use it at really inappropriate times like when I tell him what we are having for dinner)...about the existence of PLAIN, single strands of white Christmas lights.
We have none. We DO have those crazy net lights (for the lazy outdoor decorator...and yes, we have been reqested to put those on our bushes so we atleast look like we are in the spirit to the neighbors...don't get me started on the stupid, U-G-L-Y neighborhood association required gold/maroon bow again, PUH-lease...).

I guess it is a FABulous thing that I work someplace that has Christmas lights...woohoo for the Hobster Lobster. So, headed to work. To work. oh, and then to buy lights for the tree so we can FINALLY finish decorating and I can post pictures (because we all know, that's the whole reason I decorated!).

Oh, and Chad still hasn't done my eyebrows. You don't want to know what they look like. It is time to take matters into my own hands.
Much love from a hairy girl.

We won!

Chad bid on a Rebel Xti camera on Ebay this morning. Ok, two of them.
He won my Christmas present. Ok, two of them. This camera retails at Canon for like $700 dollars and granted the one(s) he won don't have lenses, but I already have lenses. But, I sorta don't need two cameras. So, if anyone is interested (Emily you get first dibs because I know you are thinking about one and I DID just text you about it), let us know. We will give you a SUPER good deal on it. I mean, one is cool. Two is a little much coolness for one girl.

I am off work tomorrow. Joy, oh joy.
We are going to the last Sunday Market downtown (a really cool mix of artists, farmers, locals, etc). It is the Christmas edition because it is the last I guess but I am going to see if I can pick up a couple of other handmade gifts tomorrow for some gals and guys that I am struggling with. Any suggestions? (I am struggling with Chad's gifts...help people!!).

Getting our Christmas tree tomorrow too...I can-not-wait. I will finally finish decorating so I can post some pictures. (Maybe with my new camera!! Chad said I could use it between now and then and he would just wrap the box....Oh joy, joy again...)

Not too much to say other than that. Headed to bed soon. Long, crazy, buzy day at HL.

decided not to blog.

Was gonna blog.
Tell you about all the exciting things that happened today (like Chad reading my blog for the first time or me being at HL all day again...etc)
But decided to go crawl in bed with that fabulous husband of mine instead.
And sleep dreamy sleep.

because today I...

I am decorating the house for Christmas today...I will show you before pictures and post after pictures when we finally get the tree this Sunday. I am pretty excited. Mostly because I am home by myself and I got to do it however I wanted to! (I can't get my Piscasa to work to edit images so what you see is what you get...)

Our boring living room...before.

The dining room table covered with all the crap, I mean beautiful decorations, that I am putting out.

That's snow on them' thar hills!

A couple of days ago it was really cold and we got a little bit of snow on and off all day. It snowed overnight and the houses on the top of the mountain got a couple of inches. We didn't even get enough to stick to the roof tops but it was nice anyway. Hopefully we might get a little more (even though I do NOT have appropriate snow attire and I do NOT know how to drive in winter conditions!!).

We are going to dinner tonight at this guy's house..Chad's boss Brian...I know he's a cool dude or I wouldn't have put this fabulous picture (that Chad surprised him and took, thank you very much!) on the blog. I really like him and his wife and we have a good time when we hang out with them...its nice to have some friends/people to hang out with even if they are more of mom/dad figures to us. I'm excited...

And I leave you with this....a picture of Chad brushing Gwen's teeth last night. Yes, seriously. But, admittedly it helps her have better breath. And we all know how bad dog breath can be so anything is an improvement.

They are the cutest...

but it's ok

All is well because today is already Tuesday.
And I get Thursday off.
I'm going to do some Christmas decorating and rearranging to make room for Sunday's visit to the tree farm....woohoo!
On the subject...I am doing good with the Christmas presents. I already have Jay's, Dad's is finished, mom and sis' are in the works, I got something small to go with Megan's, Jessica's, and Chad's. Looking forward to a handmade Christmas folks (there will also be good stuff to eat...I got a cookie press on sale at HL!). I have the stuff to make Chad's thing but I am lacking the sewing machine so my sweet mom is going to come up and bring her's and help me out. Even better!
On a scarier note, my Dad is having an epidural this week to try and rid himself of constant back pain. Say a prayer for him when it crosses your mind please! I love you Dad!
Headed to work...maybe more later.

and Monday never comes.

Oh well, I guess tomorrow is Monday anyway. Too bad.
The only day off I get this week is Thursday so I will be putting up some Christmas decor and we will probably get our tree next Sunday ( a week from today so I have some time to locate what ornaments there might be here and see what kind of shape they are in....)
To answer some comment questions: the Smokey the Bear tattoos came from Chad's work (he works for the forestry service). We put them on ourselves (as well as Uncle Jay and Elaine) as sort of a joke for the Turkey Trot. They take them to schools when Smokey the Bear goes and talks to kids about preventing fires, etc. (Yes, a man in a smokey suit). The best part is the instructions on the back go something like this...place tattoo...wet thoroughly with towel and hold in place for approx. 30 seconds...use this 30 seconds to teach child about fire safety....blah, blah. Yeah, so they hold you down for atleast 3o seconds to teach you about fire safety while you get smokey on your arm. It's great!
And, I have no idea when I will be home for Christmas. But, looking at it realistically, I realize that I work in the retail work so chances are I am only going to get Christmas day off unless I ask for other days off. I will talk to some coworkers and see what is typically done and maybe ask off the 24th or 26th. Too bad it doesn't fall with a Sunday, that would be perfect!
We just bought groceries for the first time in almost two weeks (woohoo!) so we can take lunches all week and eat at home for dinner....trying to save the money!!
Well, its been a nice weekend (except for the whole working on Black Friday and Saturday part). Church was nice tonight...music was a little loud for me and Chad, more like a rock concert than Chad but since there was probably only 20 or 30 people there they probably should have turned it down a bit. Not enough bodies to absorb the sound. Sang some songs I didn't know...new stuff is fun!
Headed to bed...yes, still with out-of-control eye brows. We REALLY gotta work on that.

where it is Sunday every day

I wish I lived in a place where it is Sundy every day but I still got paid to work, without having to work...oh well. I don't.
But I plan on enjoying today...Chad and I found Lord of the Rings (the whole trilogy) on TNT today so we might just hole up and watch the entire thing!
Maybe some art projects too!

to a place far, far away.

Black weekend in the retail world is over for Hobby Lobby employees.
Thank You God.
Ok, so it wasn't that bad but it was busy. Very busy.
But I am glad that it is over. Very glad.
I have another headache. Came home and took some tylenol and drank Dr. Pepper (Chad says something about caffeine helping.....whatever, I just like Dr. Pepper so any excuse will do!)
Its getting better now but we are talking about going to see Madagascar 2 but I am not sure that I will be able to handle the booming sound and bright screen.
Going to hang out with Chad and his friend Jessie and eat dinner with Dad B and Mom S AND Jay (he rocks, ps....and I say that because he just did the dishes...yes, from Thanksgiving. Yes, it is Saturday night. Seriously. I am almost embarrassed to tell you that. Almost.)

Have you every noticed that when you don't get to see people that you miss them more (oh, wait is there a saying that goes with this...something about absense makes the heart grow fonder? People, Its true.) Jess - I miss you. Lots. You are the best friend that any girl could ask for. You are caring, honest, true to your self and your word, beautiful inside and out and I wish I got to see you every day. When are you moving to Chattanooga? Dani - you too. I hope your hospital is treating you well. I read your blog! But I wish I could see your face and hear your voice a little more often (its just not the same!).

Tomorrow is Sunday. That means sleeping in (the only day of the week I get to) and then hanging out with my sweetie ALL FREAKING DAY....I am so excited. We are going to (trying to go every week but we aren't so great at it) this church service at Christ UMC that is on Sunday nights (works best for our schedules) that is for "young" or "young at heart" folks and is supposed to be a "deeper" discussion of...well, all things Jesus. We like it so far. So, Sundays are fabulous.
More later...from the still out of control eyebrowed Paula.

take me away

I am blogging twice today.

Mostly because I can and felt like it.

I've never told the blogging world (ha!) about my trip to India so I will just post a few pictures and tell my story...

I love India. I mean, I LOVE it. Something about that strange, beautiful place has gotten in my blood, in my heart, in my spirit, and I will never be able to get it out. After a very short trip (2 weeks) my sophomore year of college, I knew that I would always feel some sort of kinship for the people there, a draw to go back. And I did. I spent about three months living with 17 strangers in New Delhi about two years ago (Jan 2007 to April 2007). Some of those strangers remained strangers and some of those strangers became my friends. There are a few with whom I keep in touch with, people who had such a strong impact on my life in such a short time that I know we will always be friends.

I read a book recently that talked about cultural history in that part of the world (India, Pakistan, Afghanistan) and they talked about the meaning of family and being literal blood relatives. There is something about that bond that you will always feel, you will always know is there, you will always understand. I feel like there are people in India who are blood relatives to me. It is a tie that binds me.

We spent the majority of our time working in an orphanage, a couple of leper colonies, and a few slum areas. It was not a mission to "convert the unbelivers". It was a love mission. It sounds strange but we talked about just going to "love on" the people there...the unloved children, the untouched lepers, and the unlovable outcastes. Why not love on them? I guess it isn't really strange at all...we all need to be loved by someone who means it.

I love the people, the political history (the good and the bad), the rich culture, the colorful saris, the smokey air, the color of the sun, even the smell. You have to be there to understand.

Not a day goes by that I don't think about India. I think I have finally convinced Chad to take a trip with me there, to spend some time trying to understand what I mean when I talk about the cows in the street, monkeys, children with outstretched hands, and the spicy smell as soon as you step off the plane. He said, when I went, that he would never go there (I would like to believe that it is just because it is what took me away for 3 months but he isn't that sentimental). But I need him to go. I need for him to try to understand and to finally see...open his eyes and see the beauty and the wonder that is India.

because he offers to...

offered to pluck my eyebrows.

Seriously.

And I think I will let him.

Thanksgiving was crazy.

There were a lot of people here.

Chad and I, Megan, Uncle Jay, his friend Elaine,

Dad B and Mom S, our neighbor Snickey (yep, that's her name),

and Grandmother (yippee...she got to come home for Thanksgiving).

(I have a couple of larger art projects that will go on walls that I have been putting off because I didn't want Grandmother to come in and think we had done so much stuff that it didn't feel like "home" to her because she kept talking about wanting to go "home" for Thanksgiving. So, I tried to leave it looking like home as much as possible, as long as possible.)

We ate too much, laughed a lot, ate some more, and just enjoyed each others company.

It was nice to have everyone over but I did miss my family quite a bit.

I called my parents house Wednesday night and my sister answered the phone and it made me a little sad that she was going to get to spend Thanksgiving with my parents and I wasn't going to...but we WILL be there for Christmas. Chad and I have already talked about it so...

Mark My Words.

We goofed off a lot. Gwen slept off her one bite of turkey (though earlier she stole a whole block of cheese of the coffee table and took us on a wild goose chase to get it back before she made herself quite ill).

I had to work at 8AM today. It wasn't NEARLY as bad as it could have been. Customers were reporting that they had to wait in line like an hour and a half at other places just to check out.

Way to go Hobby Lobby for a quick check out...woohoo!

I am finally back at home and what did I find...a messy kitchen.

Chad did most of the dishes last night (I am so thankful!)

but since I was the only one who had to work today and every one else got to choose what they did all day I had hoped that I would come home to a clean kitchen.

No such luck. Its ok...I will just clean it and be thankful again.

Off to find Chad and have nice eyebrows.

I married a wonderful man.

I know, I know, this isn't a "worship Chad" blog. But today, again, just a little more.
I had a good day at work, we were crazy busy and it makes me dread Friday and Saturday a LOT. But I came home with a headache. That got worse. And worse. And worse.
And tonight, I took some Tylenol and laid on the bed for a while.
And my headache got worse. So bad I thought I might be sick.
In the middle of all this, some of our Turkey Day company arrived and brought their dog with them.
Not good.
Really, really not good.
Stella (the dog about 8 times Gwen's size) and Gwen are not friends.
Not even sorta friends.
Not even acquaintances.
Matter of fact, I would go as far to say enemies.
So Gwen barked. And barked.
And then barked some more.
And I laid on the bathroom floor, shivering, under towels, praying that Chad would come.
And he did.
And he laid beside me, with his hand on my face. Loving me in my tears and headache.
And made me hot tea.
And brought me a blanket.
And provided light with his headlamp because it has a red light which is (beautifully) not painful to the eyes when a person honestly believes that a drill to the brain would be helpful.
And now he is cleaning up the kitchen (with a little help...if only those dishes were a little quieter)

And yes, my head still hurts.
What did he say? "As soon as you get insurance, you're seeing someone about this. It should have been done a long time ago." Always practical that man.

He found the ONE THING I wanted for Christmas, cheap, on Amazon tonight and tried to buy it but someone beat him to it by just a few minutes. Bummer. We'll keep trying....

Chad and Jay are running a 5k in the morning and his sister, Megan, and I are walking a 3 miler...fund raiser. Its called the Turkey Trot.

I realized

I think I am a boring blogger because I don't particularlly have anything interesting to talk about but then I guess most bloggers just talk about their lives and that's what is all about (sorta like the Hokey Pokey...Sis.) I will do my best here folks.
Tonight going to dinner with Chad, Jay, and a family friend K.
Chad and I have been doing so good eating at home and not eating out but I guess it is ok since we are eating with people we like to hang out with (and sometimes they pay and THAT is wonderful for my wallet though not my waistline). I guess I will forgo the eating healthy this week and just focus on being thankful and being with the people I am thankful for. Admittedly, I am pretty bummed out about not being with my family on Thanksgiving.
It will be the first that I spend with my Chad's family and not my own but I am still thankful.
I miss my Papa more on holidays that we spent at their house. But I am still thankful for the family I have.
I miss my parents every day but I am still thankful for my new family and for Chad...oh so thankful for Chad. Thankful that he never leaves without kissing me in the morning. Thankful that he keeps up with the bills. Thankful that he is responsible and caring. Thankful that he loves me even when I screw up, or cry, or don't do the dishes (I am sadly, not thankful for dirty dishes), or the laundry, or don't feel like making dinner. Oh so thankful.
and even more for the way he just walked through the kitchen singing..."two turntables and a microphone...two turn tables and a microphone..." (I guess you have to know him).

And then one day...

Reporting in...

I work every day this week but Thanksgiving but I also get paid for working all those days so in truth, there are few complaints (other than tired feet at the end of the day).

This week is going to be a little crazy. We have a lot to do here at the house before Thursday because we're hosting the Wilkinson/Irwin family Turkey Day of 2008.

My list:

-clean up the kitchen (oh, and I mean it this time...spotless baby. and yes, dear, this includes the desk area that we can no longer see because of all the....lovely things....that have been "stored" on it for the past two months. its time.)

-clean up the living room and VACCUM all the (insert your favorite curse word here) dog hair that our perfect pooch (big lie...did I actually type perfect? I meant...oh yes, Chad might actually read my blog one day....) leaves on the couch and dark colored rug.

-decorate the table (this part I am actually looking forward to). I might even go ahead and do it with plates and everything to take some pictures and let you guys see. It won't be that great but I did get everything for the center on sale at HL. The placemats were wedding gifts (of my choosing) and the plates..well, they were Aunt Mary's. I will reveal those fabulous things later...(the color is a clue)

-do some laundry so we can put clean sheet on the "guest" bed.

- clean bathrooms (ALL OF THEM...yes, 4 toilets. ugh).
-oh did I mention I am in charge of the green beans too? (I did claim the easy job since we are hosting at our house)

Mainly just cleaning and organizing so people don't think we're bonkers (or dirty people!!)

So, a little shout out today...I was at work today, training a new guy (I am NOT qualified for that!!) and I was running some returns to their proper location and I hear a "Hey Paula!". Now that isn't that odd because I DO wear a nametag and total strangers call me by my name all day and it ALWAYS takes me by surprise but today was different. A friendly face. I mean, most people are friendly and have faces but to see someone you already knew from HOME...that was icing on the cake. I realize that in my past jobs, I was constantly seeing people I already knew...friends would come by for a visit, repeat customers became friends, etc but I a)haven't worked at HL long enough for that and b) don't know that many people here in The Nooga (I only call it that because Chad hates it...no, I don't actually call it that in real life) so seeing someone I know is super rare. I seriously almost cried. And then, to ice the cake with cream cheese icing ('cause that's my favorite), she told me she read my blog so she thought I might be there.

Shut up (I mean that in the GOOD way Mom.)

Someone else reads my blog.

So Emily (hope its ok I used your name...I didn't use your last name so your still safe!), you made my day.

Finally, The Nooga is starting to feel a little more like home.

I will try to put pics in more blogs. I know you folks at home want to see pics. We are taking some for S & B's Christmas cards on Thursday so maybe I will share one or two of those (that was one of S' requests. All she wants for Christmas is new socks, her two front teeth *kidding* and a family picture for her cards where we are all behaving. Good luck.)

For now, THIS (See below, I haven't figured out how to make text a link yet, sorry techie friends) is all I want for Christmas (ok, it is one of three things on a very short list but it is so expensive I am second guessing my decision. Chad is gonna see if he can just get EVERYONE who might get me a gift to just help out with it. And I would be totally ok with that.)

because I work so much

Because I work so much, I don't have time for blogging as much.
Which sorta makes me sad.
I like to blog...boring, random stuff about our lives.
But I am working pretty much full time (40 hours this week and next...I didn't know that this is what "part time" meant) at HL so I come home with very tired feet, ready to just bum around and hang out with Chad.
The only day off I get next week (besides the required Sunday) is Thanksgiving.
And I have A LOT to do before then so you might not hear much from me.
Or I might take lots of breaks and blog instead.
Who knows.

but not for long.

I am back home now after an evening across town...went to dinner with Chad's mom (S)...B is sick and at home trying to feel better.
A quick trip to the Linens'N'Things that is going out of business to see if there is anything we want...bought some sheets to fit our bed. My mom gave us a set (Early Christmas present) but we need two so we don't have to wash them and put them back on the bed when we forget until 10 at night! We bought white ones because they match everything but I am dying for some Chocolate brown ones...hopefully I can find some on sale.
We just turned the heat on for the first time this winter...why you ask? Because it is freezing outside. No. Literally. We had been doing ok with just the fireplace on for a few hours at night but we would get up in the morning and be pretty uncomfortable until we bundled up. No fun.
So of course, now our house smells like something is burning and probably will for a few days...as long as nothing really IS burning, I think we'll be ok.
Oh, yeah, and I am typing on my computer with double the RAM that it had earlier today. Who did that? you ask...ME! Ok, so the girl with the Geek Squad showed me how but I installed the cards myself. Oh yes...I AM the Geek Squad.

by myself

I am spending the day by myself today..sorta nice but I wish Chad was off work too.
He got up early like always and left for work, me still in bed feeling like I am getting a cold and PRAYING that I don't...then I had a dream that it was raining so he didn't have to go to work and stayed home with me. Too bad it wasn't true...
I am doing some things at home with the dog (vaccuming, laundry, dishes, etc) and then running some errands (taking my SLOW computer to the Geek Squad to see what they can do for it...
haning out with grandmother and probably Chad's parents tonight...good times.

spent at home

I am in my hometown so I haven't been blogging.
Spent Friday night and Saturday at a Girl Scout overnight...it was fun. Entertaining as always.
Hung out with the BFF last night and we had a sleep over so we are struggling to get up and get to church this morning.
Will blog more when I get back home...
can't WAIT to see my Chad.

maybe a great day

Work today.
They asked me to stay late. Again.
But its cool...it wasn't as crazzzzzy as yesterday.
No computer crashes.
My boss came up to me and said that my "seasonal" status there is no longer true...
I am "part of the team" now and I can stay as long as I want. Cool.


Lindsey posted our pictures today on her website...I was super excited.
http://lindentreephotography.blogspot.com/
Check it out. She has a ton of cool photography.

Working on Christmas presents. Not too much to chat about tonight..pretty beat.

a good day

Been enjoying a few days of these....

but they are mostly turning brown now and, after today's bit of rain, are mostly on the ground.

After a few days here...

I think I am doing OK. Takes a lot of practice and warming my fingers up on chilly mornings to make them do right at the cash register but I think I am getting the hang of it. Our credit card machines sorta had a "crash" tonight. Apparently it was a problem that extended beyond our store so we don't feel so bad. I did get a little praise for how well I handled the stress and LONG lines of customers so that felt pretty good...I have even had a customer like me so much (yesterday) that they came back (today) with home made apple jelly because we talked about it...

How sweet and amazing. What a little blessing in my day.

Can't wait till this weekend...gonna eat some...

with...

So today is...

Today is Sunday. My only day off for the next week but one of the true benefits of working at HL.
My first two days at work went something like this...
-turn in important papers to boss
-watch required safety videos for about an hour
-watch another cashier do her thing, trying to keep up with her lightning fast fingers, for about an hour
-watch with shock as my other boss asks me if I am ready to be on my own register...um, is "I am not sure I will ever be ready" an appropriate answer?
-watch with horror as they set up my register...
-spend the next two days on my own register, literally making up answers or items as necessary (admittedly, one of my other extremely nice bosses...yes, I have a lot of them...came over and watched me for a while and praised how quickly I caught on and how well I was doing. I nearly cried cause I was so stressed about her watching me!!)

Its more complicated than it looks...I know you don't think so when you shop there but be appreciative next time you go shopping for your craft supplies!

So today I get to hang out with Chad, Jay and Gwen (or maybe just spend the whole day cleaning up her curse-word-dog-hair that is everywhere). The vet says that he thinks her excessive shedding is probably due to a hormone swing, post-surgery and gave us some nutritional food additive to help but SERIOUSLY...its driving me insane.
I am working on a couple of art projects around the house and hopefully some of those will get finished or alteast almost finished today because I have to work every other day this week (well, Monday through Thursday, all day) and then I am headed to Columbus for a FUN Girl Scout overnight and hanging out with Mom, dad, Jess, etc...woohoo!

and a job.

I need a job.
Seriously.
Bad.
Being at home all the time drives me a little batty.
I've been applying but to no avail.

And then finally, a breakthrough.
An interview. This morning.
At what is possibly my favorite store in town.
So I went. Talked to the store manager, M, who I thought was really cool, very relaxed, and I think I would really like to work for him.
And guess what...I am gonna get that chance!
I got an offer at HOBBY LOBBY and decided to accept it. Woohoo.
I know it isn't my dream job where my degree is concerned but it is a really awesome Christian organization and I LOVE to shop there (my paycheck will probably reflect that!) and it is something to do that gets me out of the house, meeting people.
It is a part-time, seasonal gig but the manager said that most people stick around after the holidays so that sounded good to me.
Finally...I am super-duper excited.

On another note...I was watching TLC while taking a break at the house to eat lunch and our cable is apparently messed up. It keeps freezing and flickering and is driving me crazy...it would be ok if John and Kate Plus 8 wasn't on but this is just NOT cool...the cable company might be getting a call from me today (from the driveway where I have to make all my phone calls so I get service!).

I need peace.

Yesterday was ELECTION DAY.
You voted right? Well, if you didn't, you missed your chance.
I did. Won't tell you who for though it is might tempting...
all I want to say about it now is...we have our results.
Obama will be our next president, ushering in a lot of first.
I will say I am proud that I went out and participated in a very historic election.

And I promise, no matter how you voted, it is not the end of the world.
Or even the end of civilization as we know it (though some people are making it sound that way).
Matter of fact, think about it, choose any candidate and think...how many changes can one person make in a given term?
How many changes could YOU make in YOUR life in four years?

Change takes time.
So let's all sit back and give the man a chance.

and see me soon

Trying to take a picture of the other cat but this one was so interested he had to come check it out...
T.S. (Eliot), yes, named after the author. But the best part is she is laying like Gwendolen does with her legs out behind...too cute. Notice the ears of the other curious sister cat. 

Car self portrait. 

On my sisters Mac computer so forgive the lack of captions and me not knowing how to move the pictures around!! 

Hanging out in Atlanta with my sister and Frannie today and spending the night.

I miss Chad already. First night away from him since we got married...I know...the required awwww's and cheesiness goes here. 

I am going to head home after lunch tomorrow and arrive in town to head up to the forest where Chad works to do some fall colors photography. I am pretty excited. I am taking my "good" camera which is a Canon Rebel SLR (film) camera. The only thing I am putting on my Christmas list is a Canon digital camera, sticking with Canon because I already have a couple of nice lenses and I want to keep them and use them with the new camera. I would kiss Santa on the lips if I got one...I don't even care who Santa is at that point. 

We went to IKEA...woohoo. I bought pillows. To go on our bed. And I am taking back the ones I got at Bed, Bath, and Beyond. They are, admittedly, overpriced. Even thought I love them. And they match perfectly (because they are made to go together!). But I got two pillow shams and the two filler pillows for about half of the price of ONE sham alone, from the BB&B. I couldn't justify it. Sorry BB&B. My sister also bought me a toilet brush for every bathroom in my house...99cents each! You can't beat color coordinated toilet brushes!

Ate dinner. Drank a good beer. 

Watching the election results on TV. I have a feeling who I think is going to win. Mostly I just want this mess to be over.

Did you go vote? I hope so. 

come over