Fayetteville (Feb 17-22): The South. Not a place I fit in right way. Not a place where I feel comfortable. I'm a bit geographist - what's the word I'm looking for that means I judge people by where they live? - towards southern folk. I do not like country music (except for Carrie Underwood and Rascal Flatts, and maybe Lady Antebellum). I do not understand the southern drawl. I do not do well with grits or any other form of food that looks like baby spit-up. All that said, I LOVED the Raleigh area. Go figure. I got to visit one of my closest friends from high school, Amy, and her husband and their new born baby Wyatt. Who is A-dorable. If you don't believe me, I submit exhibit A:
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| Wyatt and Alli |
It was a wonderful time to relax and get away from the cold, snow and day-to-day life. I also got to visit my cousins who live in Garner and close family friends in Cary. Shout out to the Doepps and Keegans! You guys were such a huge blessing to me while I was down there and I have to say my attitude and energy towards the current challenges in life really turned around after getting to talk with both of you. I hope you read this and know how grateful I am for a listening ear and sound encouragement. I love you.
Boston (Feb 25-27): Back home. But this time... Michelle and Tim came to visit me! Michelle and I have both been dealing with some pretty harsh issues currently and we really needed to have some BFF time. Tim was gracious and went to hangout with his buddies at the Sam Adams Brewery while Michelle and I chatted it up at a local coffee shop for about 3 hours. Yep, no typo there. 3 hours! I miss my bestie. We then joined our friend Heather for some girl time until the boys came back and insisted we watch The A-Team... and by that I mean I wanted to watch The A-Team. We spent the remainder of the weekend at Heather and Joe's and it was an extremely relaxing and revigerating weekend which was topped off with a small marathon viewing of The Newlyweds. I believe Nick and Jessica would've lasted forever if it wasn't for that stupid show.
Connecticut (March 4-6): My dearest friend Mary is getting married!!! After an extremely lovely summer last year filled with bridal showers, bachelorette parties and endless weddings, I decided to do it all again! Ha! This time I am a bridesmaid for Mary and Chris' wedding which will be in FL on Palm Sunday. Score huge for swimming weather and sunshine. The other bridesmaids and I planned out this adorable pink and green spring-like bridal shower for Miss Mary and I just needed to show some pictures because I can't help myself. Congratulations to the future Mrs. Ducan! :-)
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| Cupcakes, decor and the beautiful cake by Betsy |
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| Jackie O. and some retro photos to go with the cooking theme |
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| My mom, Debbie, me, Mary, Brie, and Mrs. Vigue |
NYC (March 12-13): Last and certainly not least is my visit with Samantha. Her and her husband won a sweepstakes trip to the country of Jordan. You read correctly - they won a $15,000 trip! Jealousy. Anyway, on their way home to what Sam likes to refer to as Memphrica, they had a 24 hour layover in the Big Apple. Joy! I drove down the four hours and spent Saturday into Sunday with them and enjoyed some pulled pork at the Pig 'n Whistle on 2nd and 51st (which Alex consumed because he missed pig products so much for his 10 days away in the Middle East) and then some good ol' NY pizza for Sunday brunch. A quick visit but worth the 4-hour drive both ways. Also, Happy Birthday to my mom!! Her birthday was yesterday the 13th. Love you so very much, mommy dearest!
With all the excitement, I got myself sick. I'm re-cooperating now and only have a slight headache and stuffy nose. I'm excited to relax and watch the finale of The Bachelor tonight! If he does not choose Emily, so help me I will throw something at my television.
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| If they don't live happily ever after... |
*Also, just a quick note to keep Japan in your prayers. My friend Hannah, her husband Seth and their two kiddos are over there in Nagano and although they are fine there are more fears of earthquakes. Their hearts and ours are so heavy for the country of Japan right now. Keep them in your prayers so they remain safe and also so they know how to reach and be a comfort to those people who have been affected by the earthquake and tsunami. Here is a link to a live English-spoken Japanese-channel feed for most up-to-date information: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/nhk-world-tv
Grits aka baby spit-up = HILAR. Laughed out loud, loudly. xoxo, Gossip Girl. MademoiselleMichael
ReplyDeletei actually think 3 hours was short for us. <3
ReplyDeleteAhh, I was just thinking about Hannah and her family this morning. I'm glad to hear they are okay.
ReplyDeleteSo much fun!!! Glad you've been able to get out and about for a bit.
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