Showing posts with label Etc.. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Etc.. Show all posts

Sunday, January 29, 2012

January....Longest Month of the Year

Maybe its the post holidays, winter (although not necessarily winter like weather!) blues, maybe its the anticipation of a super exciting February (and 2012 as a whole!), mabye its just really, seriously long, but January has seemed never ending and I am so excited about February coming this week. We have definitely not been sitting around with nothing to do....actually lots of exciting things have gone on. Here is a recap:

*Our house went on the market!!
*We put in an offer on a new house and we should close on February 13th!!! (I will post all about it once it is official...now we are hoping our old house sells quickly!)
*We attended "John and Jen" at Workshop Theater
*We attended Columbia Classical Ballet's "Lifechance Gala" and cast party. At the silent auction we came home with a very cool, artsy bracelet, one of my favorite difusers, a gift basket and a gorgeous piece of art
*We visited our neighbor's church.
*I bought a waterproof to 10 ft Olympus Tough camera to take to the Bahamas for underwater pics....it does real cool things such as the fish eyed photo of Ben above.
*Ben had baseball conditioning to prepare for tryouts in February
*Ben spent three days on a field trip at Camp Thunderbird
*Ben and Glenn went to several Gamecock basketball games and I joined Glenn and Ruben for the first SEC win of the year against Alabama!
*Planned for next month's Bahamas and Washington, DC trips
*Booked a vacation to the Xcaret in Mexico for me and Glenn in June
*Began prepping for a spring break road trip for me and Ben...we are going to travel from SC to Houston, TX!

Now I am looking forward to so much in February, moving in the new house and the next six months that I am almost giddy!!

Saturday, January 7, 2012

2011 in Review



2011....snow....myrtle beach...ben's 12th birthday....ben's 1st school dance...cmfa pub night...phi mu fundraiser...ben plays baseball...bought a beach condo...red cross red gala...baubles and bubbles...visit coastal carolina...beach trip....spring break at the beach...ben's school play...met glenn's grandfather....easter...ben's confirmation...volunteer at the crawdaddy 5k...crawfish festival...usc dance gala...derby party...alisha and andy's wedding shower...cinco de mayo...carolina wildlife care black tie and tails gala...mother's day...quail hollow...texas tenors at township...memorial day at mb...drew and elizabeth's wedding at folly beach...myrtle beach...alisha and andy's wedding...keith urban concert...trip to phi mu hq...honeymoon...costa rica...nicaragua...usc wins college world series...4th of july at mb...peg's birthday...paula's birthday...hendersonville...ben goes to asbury hills camp...my birthday...beach with belinda and her nieces...beach with the wrights....beach with hilda and belinda...sky wheel...ocean club days...new furniture at beach...seattle...whale watching...glenn's birthday...phi mu events...charlotte for usc/ecu game...athens for usc/uga game...golf cart...gamecock football...met ray tanner...usc dance festival...kristie and randall's reception...fur ball...belinda's birthday...mrs. matthews' birthday...new car -- a SAAB...pearl night at capital city club...halloween...state band competition...band parent's senior night....mrs. m moves to still hopes...vista lights...the wrights come to visit...thanksgiving...decoarting for christmas...1st anniversary...fun with frieds...jeri katherine and hiram's wedding...usc/cu game...bishop's holiday party...EAGC party...russell's holiday soup party...nutcracker shop and columbia classical ballet's nutrcacker...polar express day...bridgepointe ladies party...matthews' christmas party...christmas day at our house...the boys with us at christmas...taking the kids to the beach...new year's eve! Oh, what a year!

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Introducing.......

.....SAABrina!!!


Last weekend, in a whirlwind of dealings, I bought the car I have wanted since I was 13.....a SAAB!!! I love my new car! :)

Sunday, February 27, 2011

Kitties!

Glenn's office has about six kitties who live in the parking lot (the girls in the office sweetly feed these wild strays!). They are all adorable and last week I decided they needed some photos.

our absolute favorite --- Kitty Mink (name per Glenn)
Scaredy Kitty (he always the deer in headlight looks)

And Modern Kitty....he likes to lay under the trucks!

Friday, February 4, 2011

ZOOOOOMMM!!!!!

That is the one word that I think describes the last few weeks...everything has been moving so fast! At first January seemed to be dragging, but, wow, somewhere along the way it went into overdrive and now the first partial week of February is almost over.



Since the snow:

*Glenn has been sick
*I've been sick
*My dad had surgery
*Ben started baseball
*We had our 2011 Leadership Training Potluck Lunch at church (Glenn is on the Parish Staff Relations Committee and I am the Evangelism Chair/Church Council member)
*Worked and attended a day long training
*Picked up 50 baby bottles from DayBreak Crisis Pregnancy Center for our church's campaign starting Sunday
*Went to the Columbia Phi Mu Alumnae February dinner
*Solicited and picked up items for the Phi Mu Alumnae silent auction for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals
*Sold and delivered tickets for the Phi Mu fundraiser
*Ben got his report card --- all As and 1 B
Can you tell we have been BUSY??!

Thursday, January 20, 2011

It's Thursday....

....and it sure has been a good one! After grocery shopping I got home to my box from Mario Badescu! Whoo Hoo! I've been reading all of these things that I "should do" to improve skin, health, etc. One article said that an exfoliant should be used each day to keep skin fresh and to minimize fine lines and wrinkles. I went to MB last Saturday night to look for one. In addition, I found an alpha hydroxy cream, hand lotion, and body wash. Then, when I checked out it allowed me to choose 3 free samples. I chose eye make up remover (which I just used and LOVE), shimmer gel and shampoo. AND, this made my day even better....they included the little green bag with THREE MORE, large samples of products! Double WHOO HOO!!!

To finish off my day we decided to try Saky, a sushi restaurant close to our house. We'd never eaten there, but had read on a blog that their sushi was good. WOW! It wasn't good...it was great! We tried their birthday roll, Columbia roll and calamari roll first and they were delicious. For dessert, we ordered a Saky roll and Spicy roll....perfect ending to the meal. Our last sushi meal at TakoSushi was such a disappointment, but Saky was a definite HIT. We will be back.....often.


Our New School!


In about six weeks we will finally get to move into our new building and I can't wait. I've been in a portable for 3 years now and I will be so nice to be back in a room in a traditional school building. We were given a chance to tour yesterday and its amazing how much has been done! Now, if they'll just hurry and finish!

Monday, January 10, 2011

First Snow Day of 2011

Today we had our first (and hopefully only) snow of 2011. After getting up to see the yard covered we went back to sleep in. After getting up and having some lunch we headed out to play in the snow and take a walk through the neighborhood. It was a beautiful winter wonderland. Afterwards we spent the day sipping coffee, watching X files on Netflix and relaxing. Late in the afternoon I did run out with Glenn to Walgreens. By the time we got back our driveway was a layer of ice and he couldn't get the Yukon back up it! And, he lost his wedding ring trying to clean the car window. I, however, after dinner took the flashlight and found it! Now, the end to a perfect snow day....watching the BCS Championship (GO DUCKS!!) and knowing that we have another one tomorrow!




I got to wear my new Burberry rainboots!







2010 In Review




New Year's In Birmingham...Papajohn.com Bowl...World Fest...Oyster Roast...Monster Jam...Clay's OA induction...USC beats #1 KY...Ringling Bros. Circus...Ben turns 11...CMFA Pub Night...our 1 year anniversary of our first date...Snow Day 2010...Valentine's Day at Capstone...Belser Arboreteum....Jimmy Buffett...Girl's nights...Superintendent Retirement Gala...St. Pat's...USC Ballet Gala...Baubles and Bubbles...birthday celebrations with the girls...Maundy Thursday...Wrights come to visit...Easter...Glenn gets baptized...joining Wesley Memorial...USC spring game...Ben decides to move to Columbia...Ben gets a hair cut...Mel gets a new car...Carolina Wildlife Gala...Cinco de Mayo...Crawfish Fest...Mother's Day...Charlotte trip with the Matthews...USC in the baseball regionals...Tony Bennett...backyard baseball...Township Gala...basketball at the park...soccer camp...USC wins the college world series...Myrtle Beach...July with friends...Mel's birthday...Hendersonville...Jump Off Rock...goats at Carl Sandburg...Orlando...Omni Championsgate...Epcot...Magic Kingdom...Animal Kingdom...MGM...Ben acolyting at church...day camp at Hand...1st day of middle school...Glenn's birthday...Christina's housewarming...GOT ENGAGED!!...Pampered Chef party...CMN Sweet Treat Day...Baseball...SFNA party...Glenn comes to my class...Gamecock football...Apple Festival...Bordens come for the UGA game...Kristie and Amanda come for the Furman game...engagement pics at Williams Brice...Bowling for Zonta...Panthers/Bengals game...1st wedding gift...baby shower for Christina...USC beats #1 AL...WMUMC pumpkin patch...FurBall Gala...WMUMC 100th Anniversary...CFA wedding shower...Belinda's 60th birthday dinner party...Belinda's birthday brunch...Halloween...Kinsley comes for TN game...Lachlan is born...basketball expo...bridal portraits at Mrs. Matthews house...USC basketball season starts...lingerie shower...bacherlorette party...Glenn's bachelor party...USC beats FL and wins the SEC East...Festival of Trees...Couples shower...decorating for Christmas...bridal brunch with Peggy...VEGAS...seeing the city...brunch at the Palm...wedding at the Bellagio...dinner at Prime...Thanksgiving in Vegas with family and friends...Grand Canyon West Rim....helicoptor ride...SEC Title in ATL...wedding reception at Spring Valley Country Club...EAGC party...Biltmore with the Wrights...Hendersonville...Christmas with my parents in Spartanburg...co-hosting Carolina Wildlife's Christmas fundraiser party...Festivus...Christmas Eve with the Wrights...my first Christmas meal cooking...church at WMUMC...Christmas morning...Christmas Day night with the Matthews...day after Christmas snow...ATL...shopping at Lenox and Phipps...New Year's Eve at the Chick Fil A Bowl...WHAT AN AWESOME YEAR!!!

Saturday, January 8, 2011

New Links

I have added three new blog links to my "Places I Visit". I am amazed, through Facebook, how many friends have blogs and I had no idea. I am enjoying adding these to my daily reading!

Catherine's Blog --- Catherine and I went to high school together and were friends. She is now a stay at home, homeschooling mom to 3 in NC. (She is also sister to Laura Story, the Christian singer for those of you who listen to Christian music.)

Jessica's Blog --- I met Jessica this past fall tailgating. We share a mutual friend and she came with Sherrie. She is a dear, sweet girl and we became friends since she is also a Spartanburg girl.

Melissa's Blog --- Melissa and I are both Phi Mus. I met her several years ago through the Columbia Phi Mu Alumnae Chapter. She works for the university and blogs about her running. (Maybe she will inspire me!)

2011

For the last few months of 2010 I told everyone that I was going into hibernation in January. And, I suppose that I have somewhat done that this first eight days of the new year. It has been nice. As I look at the calendar ahead, it isn't going to last much longer, though. As always things get busy....work, committments, social events, meetings, school, family. As I write I'm waiting to go take Ben to meet his friends for lunch. He's growing up and doing "big kid" things.

While I look back on 2010 (a recap post is soon to come) I noticed a lot of comments on Facebook to the effect of --- "Thank goodness this year is over!", "Glad to be rid of the worst year of my life!", "So glad to see 2011....2010 was AWFUL!". And, I'm so surprised because 2010 was the best year of my life. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't perfect by any stretch of the imagination. There were moments that I thought I would never get through. But, in all it was a terrific year. I went so many places, met so many new friends, enjoyed time with Glenn, Ben moved back here to me, Clay came for a few fun visits, the Gamecocks won the College World Series (sorry, couldn't pass that up!), I experienced so many new and exciting things, I gained a wonderful new family and I married the man I love more than anything else in the world. How couldn't this have been a great year? I worry (about everything!) that 2010 was so perfect that I will be writing those status' about 2011 next January. I mean, can 2011 be as good, much less even better than 2010?? I guess that remains to be seen.

How did I start off my year? Well, Sunday was catch up day for laundry, house and from New Year's travel. Monday was back to school. Unfortunately for my principal she started the year off very sick, however, for the staff that meant no first day back faculty meeting. YAY! I came home and took a nap! Tuesday evening I joined, for the first time in over 2 years the Phi Mu Alumnae Chapter for the monthly dinner. It was so nice to be back around these girls and involved again. I even agreed to serve as PR/Membership Chair for the year. On Wednesday, I had a meeting right after school at Palmetto Health Foundation for the Children's Miracle Network Committee. I had agreed to serve on this back in November, but was unable to attend the training in December. I'm excited about this activity for the year as Children's Miracle Network is a dear to my heart organization as a Phi Mu. Following my meeting, Glenn, Ben and I headed to our church to clean the grill. Glenn is the president of the UMM (United Methodist Men) and their first dinner is next week. He wanted to go ahead and get the grill ready so I scrubbed the parts for him while he and Van cleaned the outside. We went from there to Takosushi to try it. I'll give it an "okay". The sushi wasn't bad; it was average. I'd go back to try the southwestern, but probably would go elsewhere for sushi. Thursday night was my night...Ben was busy with his schoolwork and video games, Glenn was out with a friend. I laid on the couch and indulged in my TV guilty pleasure ---- Real Housewives of Beverly Hills!! Last night we were supposed to attend our neighborhood's first of the year party (Glenn is association VP and I am Membership Chair), however, I had a headache and opted to take Tylenol and rest.

Now, for the weekend, it is starting off relaxing. I'm enjoying the quiet of the house. (Ben is in the man cave waiting to go meet his friends, Glenn is at work and then off to a fantasy football draft....they'll both be gone to the basketball game later!) Today's agenda includes taking Ben, laundry, finishing My Reading Life, charging my Kindle and ordering a new book I heard about this week, putting together my 2010 recap slideshow and blog post, making chilli and writing thank you notes for wedding presents. Tomorrow is church day and I am the reader for service, then Ben has confirmation class afterwards. From there we are going to wait and watch the weather (and football) to see if this called for snow arrives.

Most of all, I am going to enjoy the day, and everyday, that the Lord gives me with my family and friends in 2011. When this year comes to an end I want my Facebook status to read "Another best year of my life!"

Saturday, January 1, 2011

December Week 2

The week after the SEC game was fun, but busy as we were working, doing holiday event and activities and preparing for our reception on Friday night. On Monday night my school held our Christmas party at Dianne's on Devine. The food was delicious and I scored a gorgeous red and black houndstooth scarf in the Chinese gift exchange.

Thursday night was the annual Christmas event on Devine Street. Ben, Glenn and I walked through a few shops and did a little of our shopping!

And, then we finally reached the big day....our reception!

Sunday, August 15, 2010

New is in the Air


Tomorrow is the big day....Ben starts 6th grade and it is my first Monday back at work. (My students don't arrive until Thursday.) I'm torn between being excited and not excite this year. The summer was so good that I don't want it to end, although I really would like cooler temperatures and football season to arrive. I have a new teaching partner this year and I think she and I will get along just fine ---she's very vibrant. Along with this time of year come so many "new" things. Over the next few weeks I'll start leading a Bible study, Glenn starts coordinating the men's activity "Men Cook With Fire", Ben starts confirmation, a new Sunday School program is going into place for all of us, Gamecock football kicks of on September 2nd, and more.......its makes for a time of year where everything is charged with excitement. So, I'll do a quick recap since my last post and then move on with all this "newness" that is definitely in the air!

Ben spent last week in Spartanburg and I finished summer reading of my last book Summer at Tiffany, also my favorite of the books I read this summer. Then, went back to school on Thursday. I met my parents in Clinton for lunch and to pick Ben back up. We then bought school supplies! On Sunday, after church and lunch, we headed to the parsonage for "Open House" with Jeri Katherine and her sister, Macie, who lives there with her. They had some very yummy treats prepared for church members to enjoy while visiting!

Pictures: my parents at lunch; the delicious foods at the Parsonage Open House!; Ben and Tripp a few weeks ago at chuch

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Chances

Sometimes I really disappoint myself with my haste judgements on things. Shortly after we joined our church, Wesley Memorial United Methodist, our pastor (and his family) that we loved announced they would be going to a new appointment at the end of June. Glenn and I were both very, very disappointed. Michael and Lucie had become friends, Ben had gotten to be friends with their children, Michael baptized Glenn and we had envisioned many years of him as our pastoral leader. Then our new minister was announced and I am going to admit that my first discussion with Glenn went something like, "I guess we should start looking at churches" and I started checking out others in the the area. We've debated back and forth since the announcement about where to visit/when to visit/etc. Glenn suggested that we at least let her start.


And, as I often do, I was hasty with my "let's move on". Jeri Katherine is young, just out of Divinity school, but she is also optimisitic, enthusiastic and her love for God is evident from the first moment of meeting her. She has a vision for the church --- one that continues to place God at the center of all things, while having a heart for people and above all sharing God's love with them. I'm glad Glenn encouraged me to give her a chance and not just jump ship. I truly believe after only two Sundays that God has great things in store for Wesley Memorial and its people. It's so interesting that we've been in turmoil over staying or leaving and what would be best for us and Ben. But, today after service (and a wonderful welcoming luncheon for Jeri Katherine) Glenn and I both, almost at the same time, said something to the effect of "Wesley is where the three of us are supposed to be." Even Ben agreed. As all things when God's hand is upon it there was a peace that we are exactly where we are supposed to be, when we are supposed to be there. I look forward to getting to know her and serving with her. I believe there are great things ahead. And, I'm so glad that I didn't let myself get in the way and miss out!
(The flowers are from Susan, a dear, sweet church friend's garden. She made them for today's lunch as centerpieces and encouraged me to take one and enjoy this birthday week!)

Sunday, June 20, 2010

30 For 30 and SC Representin' Today

Do you remember June 17, 1994? What happened that day? This may jog your memory --- White Bronco. Yes, that is the day that OJ led LAPD on the infamous high speed chase. But, did you know that Jack Niclaus was playing in the US Open, MLB was in the pre-strike season, The World Cup opening was rocking in Chicago, Houston and LA were playing the fifth game in the finals AND the Rangers celebrated their Stanley Cup win at a parade? I had no idea that all of that was going on the same day --- much of it at the same time. I learend this from watching the most recent ESPN produced "30 for 30". I always love that show and have learned a lot from watching, but this date specific documentary was particularly enlightening. As I was watching I observed a common thing --- OJ's chase was the start of our obsession with reality TV, instant news and star-hounding. I've always wondered when that shift in our society occured and was astounded when the producer of this episode echoed what I was thinking --- that day in history led (with lots of assistance from mass publication, Internet, cell phones, Facebook, Twitter, etc.) us to our star crazy, reality driven present. Amazing!

So, what does that have to do with today? In addition to that revelation, I was amazed that all of those key events were taking place on the same day. I don't think that every day can boast that full of a plate. But, today, SC is poised in what could be a uniquely memorable day. Once again the World Cup is in full force and MLB is playing. But, South Carolinian Dustin Johnson is in the lead of the US Open and USC AND Clemson are preparing to play games in College World Series. All on the same day....June 20, 2010. Will this be a great sports day for SC? We'll see!

Sweet Baby Surprise!

The other night I joined my friend, Peggy, at Cellar on Greene. While we were outside I heard an insistent mewling sound coming from the tree I was standing next to. Upon inspection, this is what, to my complete surprise, I found:

Three very hungry baby birds!!

Monday, May 24, 2010

I Love Ladybugs!!


And, I love spring flowers, so, of course, I couldn't pass up this little guy!

Saturday, May 15, 2010

The New Ride!


I've had it (a 2010 Chevy Aveo....its tiny and has GREAT gas mileage for which my pocketbook is going to be really, really thankful--I had an Explorer....need I say more?) for a little less than 48 hours and I LOVE it already!!
I thought it would never get here, but it has been well worth the wait!

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Mother's Day 2010

Ben wanted to wear his new pink shirt and the tie from Mr. Matthews (ie..Glenn) for Mother's Day!


Church courtyard shots before service!

After service
After church: Tripp, Ben Andie and Margaret
Glenn and his grandmother after lunch

me and Ben after lunch at Blue Marlin

Love this picture!

Wow! I acutally feel short between these two!

Happy Mother's Day!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to all of our family and friends that are moms and moms to be!! We love you all!