On the Road & Relationships

Happy 2012! :)  I haven't posted in a very long time.  Honestly, I had many ideas for posting and would sometimes log in with the intention to post, only to see the photo in my last post and decide I loved it too much.  (perhaps a little slow to change?!)

Since that last post in October 2011, there have been so many exciting things going on and thoughts and revelations and moments and trips that I should have captured in print and shared for the few of you out there that read this blog.  But alas, I just kept on keeping on living this blessed life.  Pictures pile up, life happens, and special moments soon become memories.  It has been a cycle, but not a vicious one.

Maybe I'll catch back up someday, but for now I can recap the last couple of weeks.  In the past two weeks (well, two and a half now that I'm settled back in), I have traveled over 2,500 miles on my own through eight states in two different rental cars and completed three audiobooks....and that doesn't include the round trip flight I took from Charleston, SC to Nashville.  I traveled to two weddings, a baby shower, a Mothers Day family gathering, countless work events, visited friends, new babies of friends, family, and friends whom I count as family; yet I won't dare try to count the numbers of loved ones I've seen lately.  There was one stretch in the first week where I channeled my inner Goldilocks and slept in five different beds over five nights.  I've laughed, I've cried, I've gone through way too many drive-thrus and pumped so much gas it's probably hazardous to my health.  And somehow I only missed two days of work.  Sure, I'm worn out from it all....but it's a good feeling of tiredness because while I know I haven't done it all just right, I can rest in the fact that I've given it all I had.  Relationships with friends and family are extremely important, they reap many rewards, but one lesson I'm learning as I grow older (and wiser) is that they don't keep themselves going.  They take investments of time and effort. 

But now the time has come [well, almost].  It's a moment I've been waiting for.  Through the absolutely wonderful times I've had the past two weeks, I am looking for a fun adventure this weekend....getting to spend the first full weekend with my husband since Easter.  And that's putting it pretty lightly since I haven't mentioned that he has been attending grad school since January, worked second shift the month of April, is putting in crazy amounts of overtime hours, and has had extensive work travel in Seattle, San Antonio & Cincinnati during the semester.

My hard working husband takes care of our family and makes our adventures possible.  I am so grateful for him and how he leads us.  He is extremely caring and protective of me, which I'm extremely okay with. ;)   In the midst of his recent jam-packed schedule, he made the effort to book all my hotels and rental cars (not based on the cheapest choices as I would have arranged, but with my safety and comfort as priority), he took money out of the bank so I had cash on my trips (he knows I wouldn't do this on my own), and he has been earning awards and recognition at work.  His work ethic and humbleness are models to strive for.  Multiple times each day I am overwhelmed with the blessings we share and I can't believe just how God laid out this path for this life of joy with this man.  It's not about the stuff he does for me  -- not at all.  These are just recent examples of how he goes over and beyond to show love for me on a regular basis and even during hectic times.  He seems to naturally understand that our relationship takes time and effort.  I guess I'm a slow learner because I'm just now really starting to understand how vital they are to maintain.

I pretty much can't put into words how I feel about my husband and our family and friends.  I'm so thankful - a blessed girl for sure!  So I don't get too sentimental, I'll leave with a few fun photos from the last couple of weeks:

Amy's Wedding in Cincinnati, OH

Catherine's Baby Shower in Northern KY

My work trip to Norfolk & Virginia Beach, VA

 Jillian's Wedding in Lexington, KY

Sarah Gets Married!

A couple of weekends ago we headed to Kentucky to see Sarah marry her love!  Sarah is a very special friend to me.   Not only is she a gorgeous friend, she is my sorority big sis and we were childhood friends.  Despite her family moving during our elementary years, we maintained friendship and that carried into sisterhood in college and beyond.

Josh and I flew from Charleston to Nashville, where we made quick stops to visit with his family and mine.  Then on Saturday morning we drove to Lexington (Big Blue Country!) for the wedding festivities.  It was a beautiful wedding and of course Sarah was a beautiful bride! 

Sarah & Alex during their vows

 No Alpha Gam wedding is complete without the candlelight song!

My handsome husband and I

Gotta get a pic with the beautiful bride!  I would say we've come a long way since the days and stages of awkward glasses, braces, and odd fashion! :)  

[Seriously, check out her shoes - they are fabulous!]

And a sweet pic with hot Mae, my former basement buddy and rockin' awesome friend!

The Alpha Gam girls celebrating with our stunning bride!

It was a great weekend trip and passed by way too quickly!  We enjoyed time with friends and family - although it was full of short visits, we had a great time (until getting to the airport and flight delays seriously took more time than it would have taken to drive the trip)! 

Congratulations Sarah and Alex!  We wish you a lifetime full of love and commitment!

We Made It!

4 weeks

3 time zones

2 lovers

1 adventure

We arrived safely again in Seattle late Monday night/early Tuesday morning.  It was fun to see the Space Needle just before we landed!  We were welcomed by the typical Seattle rain upon arrival.  Our bodies are still adjusting to the time difference.  I am proud to say that I represented UK from coast to coast on Monday by wearing my UK gear!  Unfortunately my plane wasn't the one that did the C-A-T-S cheer in air, but I proudly wore my blue and white!

When I was putting our room together yesterday morning, it was very evident that we packed considerably less stuff than last time.  That might mean doing more loads of laundry - I'm okay with that.  The only thing that I realized that was forgotten is a swimsuit so I might buy one here. 

Same hotel, all is well, just not as quiet as last time.  I can definitely tell it's Spring Break because there are lots of families staying here and kids are around.  Last time it was obviously just business travelers during the week days.  The pool that was empty all day during our last trip was full of approximately 20 kids yesterday morning.  Maybe I won't buy a swimsuit. :)

Yesterday I received some news that a young woman (I knew her through mutual friends) passed away after a hard battle with cancer.  Only 35 years old and she left behind a husband and daughter.  My heart is aching for this  family.  In the midst of aching for her family, I am rejoicing because I know that Jesus rescued her from this terrible sickness.  I know she has been made perfect now.  I know this because I had the privilege of seeing her baptized last year!

I'm still sifting through some thoughts on my mind and in my heart.  I plan on writing about those.

Until then I'm going to thank God and be content right here, right now.  I hope you will too!

The offer still stands if anyone wants to see Seattle while we're here!  Book your flight and visit! :)

Birthday Re-cap, Seattle Sunshine, Darius Rucker, Etc.

My sweet hubby officially became an old man yesterday!  Just kidding!  He's not old.  And besides, age is just a number.....right?!!  Despite the fact that he had a really long work day yesterday, beginning while it was still dark outside and not finishing until it was pretty much dark again, he says he had a great birthday!  He's so funny, I just love him.  Bless his heart, he didn't even get a lunch break yesterday.  Originally the plans were for me to pick him up for lunch and we would dine together.  I had thought of taking him to his favorite.....Mexican.....and this time I hoped I could find a place where my sweetie could get some cheese dip.  Such an easy guy to please.....he really is.  Anyway, his work calls for flexibility and I am 100% supportive of that.  So we altered plans and instead he got some downtown Seattle seafood restaurant recommendations.  He decided on Elliott's Oyster House for birthday dinner.  On the water and serving great seafood, we enjoyed a birthday date night together.

 

 
If you haven't been to Seattle before, let me be the first to tell that it's a big darn city! When we drove by a few days ago we had no idea just how extreme the elevation was!  That is until we were wheeling the Charger around last night downtown.  The steepness of the hills as well as the mountains surrounding gave me a feel of a San Francisco & Denver mix.  Huge city for sure!  Still much more to explore!

Yesterday was a perfect day for Josh's birthday  because it was beautiful and sunny!  Seriously, it was not rainy whatsoever......our only non-rain day so far!  We welcomed the Seattle sunshine and enjoyed a little vitamin D!  :)

This picture shows the Dreamlifter opened up to either load or unload cargo.  There are only a few of them and they transport parts for the 787 plane.  We see the Dreamlifters frequently in Charleston as well, but this was my first time to see one open.  Josh has been inside one before, but this is as close as I can get!

This was yesterday morning at 7AM -- notice it is still pitch black!  At this point I had already taken Josh to work and had been back for a little while when it hit me how dark it was!

 Despite the dark morning, yesterday was so beautiful!

 I had the opportunity to see (and hear!) many planes taking off and landing!

 We can see these snow-capped mountains from our room's window!

 This is random, but I thought it was quite funny!  I was in TJMaxx a couple of days ago and this was a display hanging in the men's section.  Hmmmm......not sure why that was there, but glad to see some Wildcat representation in the Pacific Northwest! :)

And even more random......last Friday in Charleston I was out running errands.  I was picking some things up at a store in the mall and I saw a man and his young son walking and singing to whatever song was playing in the store.  Seriously, they were only five feet from me.  From the moment I first looked at this man, I knew without a doubt that it was Darius Rucker.

 Photo

Every ounce of my being wanted to run up to him and tell him how much I like his music, get his autograph, enjoy some Charleston and country music chit-chat, and snap a pic of us together with my camera phone before we parted ways.  But I showed some major self-control.  You see, Charleston is his hometown.....I already knew that.  Which means if he's in Charleston, he's probably enjoying some time off......time off with family and away from the "celebrity stuff."  So even though I pretty much knew I may never have an opportunity to see him so up close and personal again, I just couldn't bring myself to become "that girl."  A crazy star-struck fan.  After all, celebrities are people too.....we all put our pants on the same way, right?!

So without saying a word or causing a scene, I watched Darius and his cute little boy walk together out of the store.  And I showed restraint until the very last couple of seconds before they pulled away.  That's when I did pull out my camera phone to get this low-quality, totally paparazzi style shot.  That's right.  This picture-taking guru turned down a chance at a real celebrity photo for the sake of this musician and the time he was enjoying with his son.  It was sweet watching them hang out together.

Although next time, I'll probably not be so self-controlled.  I'm at least asking for a real picture next time.  Next time.  I keep telling myself there will be a next time.  We're practically neighbors after all! :)

Happy Birthday Josh!

Happy Birthday Josh!  

To my sweet husband, I am so thankful to be with you on your birthday!  I look forward to celebrating with you later this evening.  On your birthday (and every other day) I am reminded how you are a precious gift to me.  A God-given gift.  I am thankful for you and the husband who you are to me.  It is a pleasure and privilege to be your wife.  I thank you for being the head of our household and the head of my heart.  I admire your work ethic, determination, giving spirit, and your do-what-it-takes attitude.  I am so thankful to have you challenge me to step out of my comfort zone - we have been very blessed through your willingness to try new things and set high goals.  

Words can't really express just how much you mean to me.  I am thankful for the man you are and how you show love to me unconditionally, even when I don't deserve it.  Thank you!  I love you dearly!  

Can't wait to celebrate with you tonight and see this new town together!

Happy Birthday Ashley!

Me, Mama, Diane & Ashley on her wedding day - 5/17/08

Twenty-six years ago today my sweet friend Ashley was born into this world!  Little did our mamas know what was in store for them when I was born two days later and they were together in the hospital with us!  We were raised to be best friends (and pretty much thought we were sisters - we used to tell people we were twins!) -- our Moms would take us to McDonald's, Chuck E. Cheese, Sesame Street Live, shopping -- we did it all together!  As we grew older, we would spend time together every weekend, vacation together, go to each others school dances and birthday parties, and then we were engaged within two weeks of each other, married within months of each other, and have since enjoyed catching up over pedicures!  Ashley, you are a very special friend to me and I love you dearly!  I know there are many miles that separate us on our birthday weekend this year, but I want you to know that I am thinking of you and hoping you have a wonderful day!  Enjoy the celebration and know that somebody in South Carolina loves you!  

Birthday Celebrations & the Shrimp Game

May is a huge birthday month in this family!  Since Mr. P and I both have little brothers with the same birthday, we have done some celebrating this week in honor of them!

Wednesday night was a fun time in Nashville at The Melting Pot celebrating Keeton's 21st!  So yummy!  Everything was perfect except the fact that Mr. P was on an overnight business trip in a stupid state north of here.....he was definitely the missing piece and I was glad to finally get him back home last night.

The Yin-Yang Chocolate.....dark and white....definitely the best of both worlds!

Tonight Josh and I went back to Nashville for a yummy Japanese dinner at Kabuto's in celebration of Jason's birthday!  The meal was yummy and it was fun to celebrate Jason' birthday at the Hibachi grill!  However, they played that stupid shrimp game and I was the chosen catcher.  Does anyone else know which game I'm talking about.....where they save a few shrimp and pick a diner to "catch" the shrimp in their mouth after the chef throws it?  Well, those who know me well know that I absolutely despise this game with a pure passion.  I refused to play and the chef kept insisting, so finally decided to just take it for the team and try to be a good sport.  And of course I had on white, but thankfully no mess was made!  Is it just me or does anyone else dread this moment? 

 Brothers!

Spongebob!

Cute pic with the birthday boy!

Happy Birthday LL!

Happy Birthday Lora!

Here's wishing my sweet friend Lora a very happy birthday today!!!!  I am proud to say that I celebrated her 19th & 20th birthdays with her in France & China, respectively.  We had  a blast celebrating overseas and made so many memories!  Happy Birthday to a special friend!  Can't wait to celebrate together!

* Disclaimer: I apologize that life has gotten in the way and many birthdays of friends and family were neglected on the blog.  I am trying to get better at this and stop letting work take over my life!

Happy Birthday Little Brothers!

Believe it or not, Mr. P and I each have a younger brother and they have the same birthday (just different years)!  We love our little brothers dearly and want to take the time to wish both guys a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY!  Our brothers are so very special to us, in fact, the two of them  stood up with us at our wedding over two years ago.  So instead of a Best Man & Maid of Honor we had a Best Man & Gentleman of Honor.  

Happy Birthday Jason & Keeton!  We love you!

One of my favorite pictures from our wedding:  My Mr. P between our two brothers!  This is taken just a bit before the wedding ceremony:  Keeton, Josh & Jason.  This one is framed on our mantle because I love it!

Surprise Birthday Party for Mom!

The invitation:

Mom and Daddy

Our Sweet Moms!

We Love our Family

The new beverage dispenser! :)

Mom with her longtime friend Pat!  They cheered together in high school!

The tired host and hostess at the end of the night!

We celebrated Mom's 50th Birthday with a surprise party at our house on Saturday evening, May 8.  She was surprised until they pulled into our neighborhood and Mom saw all the parked cars!  How funny!  We tricked her into thinking they were coming to pick the two of us up so that we could all go out to dinner together.  I must say, we were believable so that helped her be surprised!

I am so thankful for family and the opportunities to celebrate special occasions such as birthdays, holidays, etc.  We were happy to host the event in our home and we're definitely glad that she was surprised and everyone had a great time!