I Love You Days

Day #774

2011-07-13T07:49:00.000-07:00

Today, I came across this verse and find that God can provide the message that you need the most when you least expect it.

Romans 5:3
"Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;"

Source

Day #728

2011-05-27T08:09:00.000-07:00

Almost 2 years!

In 48 hours, Mr. M and I head off to the great state of California to enjoy San Fransisco and wine country as we celebrate two great years on Monday. Now cue Uncle Jesse and

the theme music...

This morning, I discovered that our local newspaper made us the feature couple of their ad for engagement and wedding announcements. The timing of this is perfect!

My how time has flown by...

Day #693

2011-04-22T12:39:00.000-07:00

Soooo cute!

Day #644

2011-03-04T08:21:00.000-08:00

This is how my week has been.

Hardly Working

2011-02-17T10:57:00.000-08:00

I saw this on The Blog Is Mine and thought it was great.

Especially the Fantasy Football part...

[Source: OnlineMBA.com]

Day #622

2011-02-10T11:00:00.001-08:00

Happy Birthday Dad!

Day #620

2011-02-08T08:59:00.000-08:00

Thankful Tuesday…

Every Tuesday, I take a moment to give thanks to one thing that I’m thankful for in my life. Some of my blessings are sweet and some of them are silly but all of them are important to me.

This Tuesday I'm thankful for my church and the fellowship it brings…

While we are probably some of its youngest members, I do enjoy our church family. It has introduced Mr. M and me to a different group of people that we would not have met outside of Central. Each month, someone from our 20/30 Young Adults group will host a dinner and invite the rest of the group. We even get together for a baby showers as Mr. M and I are hosting the next one at our house in a few weeks. Overall, it’s a great group of people that have taught us a lot over the last few years.

Photo Credit

Day #615

2011-02-03T11:27:00.001-08:00

Day #613

2011-02-01T08:04:00.000-08:00

Thankful Tuesday…

Every Tuesday, I take a moment to give thanks to one thing that I’m thankful for in my life. Some of my blessings are sweet and some of them are silly but all of them are important to me.

I'm so very thankful for our Military.

You can not place a price tag of the services that they provide us. It is such a large sacrifice that they {and their families} give to us and one that I feel that we can not every repay.

Day #612

2011-01-31T07:24:00.000-08:00

I made the video. :)

Day #606

2011-01-24T07:57:00.000-08:00

Thankful Tuesday…

Every Tuesday, I take a moment to give thanks to one thing that I’m thankful for in my life. Some of my blessings are sweet and some of them are silly but all of them are important to me.

This Tuesday I'm thankful for my fuzzy children Felix and Oscar.

Soon to turn 8 this upcoming May, Felix and Oscar are pretty content and happy cats. Each as a distinct personality as Oscar could be a stand in for Garfield and Felix thinks that he's thirteen and loves to slam doors around the house {last night he locked himself in the guest bathroom} but we love them and wouldn't trade them for the world.

Day #605

2011-01-24T07:53:00.000-08:00

Heard this song on the radio and I've been singing it all morning.

Happy Monday!

Day #600

2011-01-19T14:09:00.000-08:00

600 days! Where did the time go? I'm one very lucky, lucky girl.

Day #599

2011-01-18T13:57:00.000-08:00

{From left to right: Me, Charlea, Jessica (in the back) and Samantha torturing Charlea}

{From left to right: Samantha, Charlea, Me and Jessica on my wedding day}

My sisters Jessica, Samantha and Charlea.

There is no need for the TV to be on when we're all together because we're all talking a mile a minute. I appreciate their honesty, their creativity and the genuine thoughtfulness. Even though we all now live in different cities miles apart, we do try to get together a few times a year. There are days that they do drive me bonkers but I am blessed with a great family.

Day #594

2011-01-13T08:44:00.000-08:00

Love this song.

Day #593

2011-01-12T13:33:00.000-08:00

Thankful Tuesday…(err Wednesday)

Every Tuesday, I take a moment to give thanks to one thing that I’m thankful for in my life. Some of my blessings are sweet and some of them are silly but all of them are important to me.

Sorry for the delay!

My parents on their wedding day.

With the joy of 5 inches of now also comes issues with power. Today was the first day of actually seeing people since church on Sunday. Talk about Cabin Fever.

Today I'm thankful for my parents. My parents gave me the foundation to be successful and believed in every creative {aka crazy} idea that I had while growing up. They fueled my creativity instead of ignoring it. For example in 5th grade, my Social Science class homework was to make up an island that feature different geographical regions {rivers, mountains, beach, etc.}. Instead of turning in a drawing, I turned in a cookie map of my island. The mountains were Hershey kisses and the rivers were made of icing. My teacher was so impressed that he called the local newspaper to come and take a photo of this map {hello small town} and I made the paper. Needless to say I got an A.

My parents could have taken the easy route, handed me some markers and let me draw something typical but instead they encourage me to think outside the box.

Fast forward to my college days when I was applying for the chapter consultant job with the Delta Zeta Sorority. They asked me write about what personal tools or traits I would use on the road while traveling. Instead of writing about them, I sent them a real toolbox filled with things like a mirror {because I tried to reflect positively on the sorority}, a watch {time management} and so on. It made such an impression that they brought up the tool box several times during my interview and allowed me to stand out amongst the 400 + candidates.

If I had not been taught at an early age to think creatively, I don't think I would be where I am today. It is my parents guidance {and patience} that allowed me to be successful and for that I am eternally thankful.

Day #585

2011-01-04T12:50:00.000-08:00

Thankful Tuesday…

Every Tuesday, I take a moment to give thanks to one thing that I’m thankful for in my life. Some of my blessings are sweet and some of them are silly but all of them are important to me.

This Tuesday, I am thankful for Mr. M. Without him, I would not have a reason to write I Love You Days. He really is the rock in our relationship, patient with me {and our odd ball cats} and I’m lucky we found each other almost 12 years ago.

Who knew that a baseball game would be so important?

Day #584

2011-01-03T11:08:00.001-08:00

Happy 2011!

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I told Mr. M that this is going to be "our year" in accomplishing some of our goals.

Here are the main three:

1. Saying A Prayer of Thanks.
Each morning I plan to say a prayer of "thanks" versus a prayer of wants. Sometimes we just need to remember to count our blessings.

2. Spend less. Save more.

{Simple to say, hard to do in practice}

3. Update this blog more.
With my job change in the beining of 2010, my main focus was to keep my head above water. My goal is to not to neglect you all out there {including my dad} when it comes to my updates.

Day #570

2010-12-20T12:50:00.000-08:00

This is great! Our Christmas Season has been packed with baking, parties and church.

May your Christmas be a delightful one!

Day #550

2010-12-01T13:03:00.000-08:00

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So yesterday, Mr. M and I celebrate a 1 1/2 of marriage. Go us!

I did win ILYD so now I'm in the lead.

We also had our first "bunker down" experience as two tornadoes were spotted miles from our house. Imagine trying to get a 26 pound cat and a 19 pound cat into a bathroom as fast as possible. My hands are now covered with scratches. I will say that it must be the Midwestern in me to immediately act to a tornado warning...or maybe I watched Twister one to many times. Luckily, both small towns did not receive extensive damage and I am now in search of a weather radio.

Day #538

2010-11-19T08:09:00.000-08:00

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School is finally winding down and I'm coming back to reality. Just to catch you up on the lives of the Ms. I won ILYD for October. Whoo! Next month marks a year and a half of marriage.

Totally crazy.

Football is coming to a close in the next few weeks and basketball at WoCo has already started. Hopefully, we'll have a few days of R&R before 2011 but I'm highly doubting it. ;) This Saturday's game determines my Thanksgiving plans if we A) travel to some random city in the US or B) if I get to stay home. Either plan is great, it's the waiting limbo that I could do without.

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Day #515

2010-10-27T11:49:00.000-07:00

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This was to funny not to pass on...

Day #513

2010-10-25T08:05:00.000-07:00

"Growing up Southern is a privilege, really. It's more than where you're born - it's an idea, a state of mind that seems imparted at birth. It's more than loving fried chicken, sweet tea, high school football, beer, and acoustic guitars. It's being hospitable, being devoted to front porches, moon pies, sun drop, and each other. We don't become Southern - we're born that way."

Via Kentucky Mama

Day # 506

2010-10-18T12:56:00.000-07:00

A lot has happened in the last 30 or so days so I’ll recap in photos...

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Started back at Clemson University as I’m taking a

Research Methods Class for my degree….

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Mr. M and I are chairing the young patrons society fundraising

campaign to help our local arts community…

Found out that one of my photos was selected for a local calendar so now I’m a published photographer. Whoo!

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Carolina beat #1 Alabama. Way to go Gamecocks!

Had an accident while running and totally pulled a Peter Griffin on the sidewalk in my neighborhood. So classy – I know.

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Flu 2010 decided to pay our household a visit and I’m still trying to get better after three weeks.

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Mr. M won ILYD - again.

Day #472

2010-09-14T06:39:00.000-07:00

So funny.

#461

2010-09-03T06:56:00.000-07:00

Brian & Eileen's Wedding Music Video. from LOCKDOWN projects on Vimeo.

I saw this fun video on Our Little Haus this morning and had to pass it on.

Enjoy a great Labor Day weekend!

Day#457

2010-08-30T16:50:00.000-07:00

Thank you to everyone who has read this blog as today is it's one year anniversary! As for ILYD - I won!

Day #450

2010-08-23T11:09:00.000-07:00

A photo from this weekend. Sometimes I feel like the leader of the pack and other times, I feel like the last duck in line. Here's to a fresh start of a new week - hope everyone has a great

week.

Day #432

2010-08-05T12:04:00.000-07:00

Real Housewives of DC begins tonight! So excited.

Day #430

2010-08-03T09:03:00.001-07:00

Love. Love. Love this song.

Day #429

2010-08-02T08:02:00.000-07:00

For those who need motivation today...like myself.

*Heads up if you are watching this at work, the language is a little blunt but the message is still good.*

Day #427

2010-07-31T07:56:00.000-07:00

Mr. M won ILYD this month. That little stinker woke me up at 5 a.m. to win. :)

Have a great weekend!

Day #423

2010-07-27T13:18:00.000-07:00

Now I don't feel so bad about the Alvin Greene debacle. This campaign is being backed – strongly – by Jack Daniels.

Day # 417

2010-07-21T12:58:00.000-07:00

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Today Mr. M and I are going to a memorial service for our friend's daughter. Her mother {let's call her Sally}went into labor early at 24 weeks and the little one's lungs were not fully developed so she only lived an hour.

An hour.

That phrase gets me everytime. If you could only live an hour of your life,

which one would you pick? Or could you pick?

Day #409

2010-07-13T14:20:00.000-07:00

VH1 TV Shows Music Videos Celebrity Photos News & Gossip

Remember Pop-Up video? Awww...good times.

Day #403

2010-07-07T08:14:00.000-07:00

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Free books! Sign up today for neat opportunity to win a copy of a free book through Read It Forward. Contest ends on July 14th.

(Thanks Hip2Save!)

Day #395

2010-06-29T11:54:00.000-07:00

If you have not read {or heard} about the story of Bayler Teal, take a moment to read this article from The Post and Courier about his passing on Sunday and his passion for Gamecock Baseball.

I think God finds his way of exemplifying his love and power in the most amazing ways. The Gamecocks could have easily lost their games to Clemson and gone home but instead they battled back to win a chance to play for the national title. And now, with the help of the media, more people are learning about the team's love for this little boy and their ultimate belief in God.

So much that a perfect stranger {from the Gamecock nation} fronted the money to pay for a charter flight so the Teal family could go to the World Series which is what their son would have loved to do. Seriously - God is in control of this one.

This baseball series, I feel, is a special one and encourage you to read the post by the P&C reporter Travis Haney. My fingers are crossed that the Gamecocks will one more for the little guy.

Day #394

2010-06-28T08:18:00.001-07:00

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Way to go Gamecocks! Can't wait to watch the big game tonight. :)

Day #391

2010-06-25T10:46:00.001-07:00

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Next month!! Whoo!

Day # 389

2010-06-23T13:33:00.000-07:00

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If you have not read this essay by Florida fourth-grade teacher Jamee Miller, then you should.

Part of my job is to bring in corporations and businesses that will increase the overall wage of our citizens. This has become a hurdle {major hurdle} as I am constantly told that our area does not have the "talent" that they are looking for and therefore find another city that has the educated workforce that they need.

This all boils down to what occurs in the classroom. As a nation, we must recognize this as an issue and come together across party lines in order to establish a more talented workforce so that Americans can become an even more competitive on the global front.

Day #388

2010-06-22T13:00:00.000-07:00

They have a book? Who knew?

If you do not watch The Real Housewives of {insert city} then you are missing out on some seriously cheese but addicting television.

Days #387

2010-06-21T13:53:00.000-07:00

Reason #257 of why I love my husband...

If you haven't heard, Redbox is giving a way a free movie rental today so when I realized that we {gasp} had a free evening together tonight, I e-mailed him to see what he wanted to rent.

I mentioned renting The September Issue because I thought it would be interesting and this is the e-mail response that I got:

Hey, you found the code so to the victor go the spoils. If you want to see how an issue of Vogue goes together, that’s fine by me. I might sit my man card on the table, crack open a Zima and watch it with you.

It's the small things that make me happy.

Day #383

2010-06-17T11:02:00.000-07:00

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So in our house we have a large wall that connects our dinning room to our kitchen that needs some TLC decoration wise. The house was build in the early 1920's, I'm assuming that there used to be a wall dividing these two rooms which would explain the empty space.

Since moving into the house now a year ago, I'm still trying to decide what to do with the space and I found a few ideas the other day. What do you think?

Day #380

2010-06-14T09:01:00.000-07:00

Does anyone else find this commercial disturbing?

Day #373

2010-06-07T13:57:00.001-07:00

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72 hours ago this was my view.

{sigh}

Mr. M and I are now home from our great trip to Treasure Island, FL as a week off from the reality was definitely in order.

Day #353

2010-05-28T13:00:00.001-07:00

On Sunday it will be one year for us. Where did the time go?!?

Day #359

2010-05-24T12:35:00.000-07:00

When did Hannah Montana become Britney Spears?!? Wow.

Day #352

2010-05-17T09:40:00.000-07:00

I may be a sap but I still get teary eyed when I hear Alan Jackson’s Where Were You When the World Stopped Turning…

I think 9/11 is the reason why I focus on my energies on living life to the fullest and volunteering every waking hour of the day. I’d rather spend my time doing something productive than sitting in front of the TV watching other people doing something with their lives.

9/11 is probably why I stopped watching scary movies all together. Funny how on e event changes you.

Day # 348

2010-05-13T14:16:00.000-07:00

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So true.

Day #338

2010-05-03T06:48:00.000-07:00

Had a random non-meeting filled night and actually got to watch a few minutes of mindless TV. You can tell that the staff of The Simpsons must have a lot of fun at work.

Day #331

2010-04-26T14:15:00.001-07:00

Let me introduce you to the Pink Princess (as she calls herself) who seriously has Mr. M wrapped around her little finger. Yesterday was her birthday party so I took a quick study break to watch 2 year-olds run around silly and eat a cupcake. It was a Lilly Pulitzer pink and green themed party so naturally, I was in my element. This is one of my favorite photos from the day as it's right after she released a balloon in the sky. The excitement on her face to watch it go in the air reminds me how sweet childhood can really be...

Day #324

2010-04-19T07:47:00.001-07:00

SJ playing at the Shower.

Did we have a weekend? The past two days have been jammed packed with parties, dinners, a yard sale and a baby shower. It was just non-stop.

In breaking news...I finally broke down and got a blackberry. I'm not a big fan of smart phones for the simple fact that people are so distracted by them. Instead of being present in the moment, their noses are buried in the tiny screen and they're missing life as it passes them by.

The other big news is that my grandmother celebrated her 82nd birthday on Sunday. Mr. M and I drove to TN Sunday afternoon for dinner and we had a ball. She's at this fun age where she just likes to laugh and crack jokes and overall is just a happy person. I'm always amazed by how sharp her mind is at her age.

Day #321

2010-04-16T07:26:00.000-07:00

A great big THANK YOU to Leslie at LMSTOEHR for this great blog award! She's participating in Relay For Life this weekend (go Les!) and overall great blogger.

Here are the rules:
1. Blog about your award and the person who sent it to you including their link.

2. List 7 things may or may not know about you.

- I collect stress balls...my desk is covered with them.

- I'm a news junkie and would rather watch FOX, CNN, MSNBC than Big Brother or American Idol.

- I'm the oldest of four girls

- I would love to one day own a non-profit art gallery so local artist could show their work. Of course then I would have to win the lottery to pay for it so....
- I would like to one day win the lottery.

- I'm in love with CVS and the fact that I earn so much free money there.

And the fact that their staff tells me how to beat the system makes my day that much better.

- I so thankful everyday for my husband. :)

3. Pass the award onto 6 blogs that make you smile and give you inspiration.

OMG! I'm a Mom

This girl is HILARIOUS. Seriously, take a second to read this blog.

Also, in other news, I saw this trailer for a new movie that's coming out. It's about 4 babies in different parts of the world and their first year of life. The concept is pretty cool and since it seems that I'm now in the stage of my life where everyone is pregnant and my conversations are now about bottles and strollers rather than going to a wine tasting or shopping, it seemed fitting to me.

Day #317

2010-04-12T07:13:00.000-07:00

Day 3, 4 & 5

Curse my name now because this post is going to be full of photos so if you have a s-l-o-w connection...well I'm sorry.

Keeping up with the schedule, so on Day 3....

First we went to Jamba Juice since we don't have that in the South and Jill

thought I should have a shot of wheat grass. The fact that they literally cut the

grass in front of you to mix it up in a blender is hilarious.

Next we went to get our toes done and have a

spa moment before the big game. Mr. M designed

the t-shirt that Jill's wearing.

We found a great bar that allowed me to have control of the TV so I could watch the big game and scream my head off....which I did...loudly. I will say that this place was a amazing food and service wise. And the fact that they didn't kick me out for acting like a spaz during the game was a plus. Wofford did lose but they played an AWESOME game.

In efforts to cheer me up, Jill took me to the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Of course Jill found this great little sign and then we had to get a photo with...

This a male seahorse giving birth. I know, we're being silly

but blame it on the wheat grass shot or the beer. Take your pick.

This was the only turtle in the whole darn place. Aquarium FAIL.

Next we went shopping on Cannery Row in all the tourist trap shops as I was

on the hunt for a pint glass to bring back to Mr. M (he collects them). We didn't find it

there but we did find it at this neat brewery. On another note, I thought this cheesy "They didn't have your name"name tag was hilarious. Poor kids.

Awkward tourist trap photo shoot.

Day 4:

The start of the wine trolley. :) A must-do in Monterrey.

Another fun stop on the wine trolley.

Random photo with the captain and two friends we made on the wine trolley.

Got to hang out with a few interesting birds at the Fisherman's Wharf. Apparently this guy

is called "Crazy George" at Jill's school and works in the cafeteria during the week. Small world. The reason for my "WTH" face is due to the fact that the "Crazy George" told me to let the bird eat my fingers. Clearly...WTH.

Day 5:

So Jill and I had a blast shopping and seeing the sites in San Fran.

Unfortunately we were having to much fun that we forgot to take photos.

She did drive down Lombard Street which is the crookedest street in America.

Last photo together :(

The start of my 8+ hour trip home.

Day #305

2010-03-31T08:56:00.000-07:00

Day 2:

Sorry that I've been MIA for a while, it's be a couple crazy days with work, school and board meetings. So where was I? Oh yeah - Day 2 of the Cali trip.

The next morning we took a fantastic ride down the Pacific Highway. If you're out in California on a visit you must drive this highway at least once during your trip. Seriously, make time for it because the views are beautiful. It was even better in Jill's convertible.

So off on the highway we went to the Hearst Castle (which to Jill's disappointment is not a Castle) and took the tour. The place is beautiful but it really is a giant Goodwill. Per our tour guide, William Randolph Hearst apparently waited until all of his rich friends were poor and then offered to buy their stuff of them for a really cheap price.

(Guess that's why he was so wealthy huh?)

So it's kinda of a sad place but the view was nice.

Here's a picture of the front pool.

And photos of the actual house...I mean castle.

After the whirlwind trip of seeing all the sites, we took off down the highway back to Monterrey to have dinner with a few DZ sisters at Sardine Factory located in historic Cannery Row area.

PS. Jill took all of these lovely photos. I'm still trying to find my computer cord.

PPS. I won ILYD! Yeah for 10 months!

Day # 297

2010-03-23T08:02:00.000-07:00

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Well, I got back from California yesterday after several fun hours of flying. The trip to Monterrey was a whirlwind especially since I decided only two weeks earlier to go but I'm glad I went. My sorority sister Jill was an excellent tour guide as I saw 500 miles of California in 4 days.

Day 1: Of course the night before I left, I came down with some random flu so I was "that girl" on the plane out there. You know the type - the ones that sulks in the corner with their ipod or iphone jammed in their ears. Yep. That was me.

Luckily I sat next to this really nice computer geek on the first flight that took pity and left me alone. That was until I asked for tea from Stewardess Stephanie. Now I realize that I'm on a moving aircraft but I couldn't really breath nor could I talk due to my throat so I thought it would help. So when Stewardess Stephanie handed me my tea and most of it spilled on my left hand (yep...burning hot water...way fun), I wasn't mad until I asked for a first aid kit so I could fix my now burnt hand. Her answer?

"We don't have one."

You don't HAVE one?!? WTH. Delta Airlines FAIL.

I was totally stunned. It was the kind computer geek who asked her for ice to help with my hand which I held for the rest of the flight. The rest of the trip went fine and I did make it to California in one piece.

My first stop (per the request of my baby sister Charlea) was In-N-Out Burger. Apparently they have a normal menu and also a secret menu. I thought having a secret menu was a tad odd but at least the food was good. Then it was off to Monterrey where Jill and I went out to one of the local pubs to see the sites.

London Bridge Pub is a really cool place. Right on the water with a laid back atmosphere which was fine by me since I was a) sick and b) up for 22 hours.

We ended the night at this neat crepe place downtown that is open till 2 am and perfect to people watch. If you make it to Monterrey this must be on your to-do list.

Day #289

2010-03-15T13:30:00.001-07:00

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Today is the 2nd anniversary of Mr. M and I getting engaged “E-day” as we call it. In all the hustle and bustle of Wofford going to Jacksonville, we took a moment to have lunch and take a breather. It’s amazing to me how fast time flies!

Also over the weekend myself and my kid sister had a birthday (hence the throwback 80's photo). Photos of fun times to come!

Day #283

2010-03-09T13:11:00.000-08:00

Photos from last night..

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They did it! Wofford won!

Wofford College is the smallest Division I school in the country and since the team is going to March Madness, we're now the "David" in the David and Goliath story of basketball.

I will say that for the size of this school (1,439 total), the fans really showed up last night. You could really feel the excitement in the air as the 7 bus loads of students showed up in Charlotte. It's nice to see them have pride in their school, their team and each other.

They're going to have a great and fabulous run as I hope the players take a breath to enjoy all of this craziness over the next week.

Get your dance shoes ready everyone.

Day #282

2010-03-08T13:46:00.000-08:00

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I'm living off of two hours of sleep (got home around 11:30ish...went to bed at 2 and got up at 4 a.m. for boot camp...I know...I know...my fault) but it has been an wild but fun weekend. Wofford made it to the SoCon Championship game and Mr. M is on cloud 9. The game is late (like 9pm est.) and there are reports that 400 students are going to this game. That's 1/3 of the student population...not counting the team, pep band, cheerleaders and dance team that's already up there.

It's going to be nuts. Fingers crossed that we make it to the big dance!!

Day # 278

2010-03-04T12:48:00.000-08:00

I discovered this great website last week and found myself completely

in awe of the postings that I saw. Some will make you laugh and (warning)

some will make you cry but they did make me think.

Day #277

2010-03-03T06:44:00.000-08:00

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Hello crazy world - I'm back. After massive (and I mean massive) computer problems, my good friend J was able to salvage my computer and bring me back to the modern world.

I have seriously felt like this cat over the last few days. Here is to a

great week ahead and (with fingers and toes crossed) no computer issues.

On another side note...I won ILYD this month and officially am

winning this game. Yeah for 9 months!

Day #272

2010-02-26T12:27:00.000-08:00

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This week has been full of “what the hell?” moments at work. It’s like I’m on a bad episode of the office except I’m not being paid a dime for being on the show.

Let’s recap shall we?

Crap you should not say in a public….

“I thought he was going to tell us she was hot.”
– 50 something married mother of two to my boss’s boss.

“If you mess with my house I will F*& you up.”
- Voicemail from drunk a**hole

“This will not be good press.”
- High strung psycho lady who showed up in my office and asked if I was the secretary since I was (A) a girl and (B) wearing a dress. So glad all those women burned their bras in the 70s for the women’s movement.

“Well, I guess you know him since you wash his undies”
- Another crack pot referring to my husband helping them out on a project and since I know him (or I guess just wash his clothes), I could help them out. This one received a “WTH?” look.

There are more but these were the top ones. Hello Friday…so glad to see you.

Day #268

2010-02-22T14:09:00.000-08:00

Photo Credit

I heart Etsy. I mean really - it's like a decorator's gold mine.

I came across this cute boutique and found this fun sign. Not sure if I'm going to buy it yet but it would fit in a little nook in my kitchen...near the wine...

Day #263

2010-02-17T12:05:00.001-08:00

Link to Shop

I adore this fun little clutch by BagatellesAndCo. It’s cute, fun and I love the colors which remind me of a night out on the town with either the girls or Mr. M. Either way, I know I would have a great time and have tons of laughs.

Funny how an accessory can place a smile on your face – here’s to a great day!

Day #262

2010-02-16T13:35:00.000-08:00

Only 48 hours until Laugh for a Child! I can’t believe this event if right around the corner and it was just yesterday when we were booking the comedian.

Here’s a recent interview that I gave about the event: http://www.yourcarolina.tv/ycvideo/entry/laugh_for_a_child/

Day #250

2010-02-04T08:31:00.000-08:00

Monday night Mr. M and I were asked to judge a food contest at a local college.

Me…judge a food contest? Did you have to ask twice?!?

The contest was the finale of an interim class titled, “So You Think You Can Cook” in which a group of 15-18 students took part in during the month of January. Students were split into teams (think Top Chef’s Restaurant Wars) and we got to taste each menu. At the end, we had to award the team on the best menu - a very hard decision. Below is a video that was shot by the local newspaper. You can see where Mr. M and I are trying to

figure out which menu to pick first.

video credit

Day #248

2010-02-02T13:56:00.000-08:00

Thought for the day:

A sister is a little bit of childhood that can never be lost.

~Marion C. Garretty

Day #247

2010-02-01T07:41:00.000-08:00

Photo Credit

Moving to my new office has been a tad different and last week I felt like Elle Woods from Legally Blonde 2. Besides that my desk looks “girly” (which it should…I am a girl), I’ve been temped to break out a Snap Cup to cut down on the complaining.

In other news, Mr. M won "I love you day" over the weekend.
I can't believe that it is already 8 months!

Day #241

2010-01-26T11:04:00.001-08:00

Well, today's weather is a 180 from last week. It's certainly a "Carolina Blue" sky today and a beautiful sunrise this morning which made me think of this Corey Smith song. Enjoy!

Day #240

2010-01-25T07:45:00.000-08:00

When I was at boot camp this morning; I could not stop humming this song. Even if you can't watch the whole video just the beat should put you in a good mood. Here's to a great week!

Day # 237

2010-01-22T14:29:00.001-08:00

Sorry to be M.I.A. this month blog readers but January has truly been an insane month.

To update you on the job front, I’m moving to a new building next week. So the last week has been full of going through and updating all my files, packing and training my current co-worker on what projects she’s taking over while at the same time trying to do my new job. I’m blessed to have a fabulous husband who has listen to me whine over the last 22 days.

A bright spot in all of this mess is a “Gender Revealing” party that I planned last week for our friends Elizabeth and Marc. I saw on idea and thought, well I can totally pull it off. The theme of the party is that the guest where what color they think that the baby is (pink for girls; blue for boys) and then the couple reveals the answer at the event.

A fun way to reveal it is to make cupcakes with the gumball of the correct color in the center. Then your guests eat the cake at the same time. Since, I didn’t want to find out if they were having a boy or a girl before the party; I decided to take it up a level by having our bakery bake two cakes – one pink and one blue – and have Elizabeth call in the order for the correct cake. Then later that night, at the party, Elizabeth and Marc cut the cake to reveal the big news. It was cute and best of all, the bakery got really into it.

Here are a few photos from the night. Enjoy!

Mr. M and Will

Even the kids got into the action.

Team Pink

Team Blue

I love Marc's face in this photo.

It's a girl!

Day #221

2010-01-06T15:18:00.000-08:00

Well 2010 knew how to come in with a bang. I found out yesterday that there were layoffs planned at my office. Fortunately, I was not laid off but my department was dissolved. We lost one employee and the other is focusing on internal marketing and I was moved to another department. To be honest, I’m still numb by the changes and slept maybe 2 hours last night. While I think the move will be fine – the department head is nice and I enjoy a challenge, it’s just the fact that life is indeed changing and its happening fast.

Day #219

2010-01-04T14:58:00.001-08:00

Photo Credit

Today is National I Love You Day! Tell the people close to you how much you love them.

Day #216

2009-12-30T13:20:00.000-08:00

Can you believe that 2009 is over? So much has happen in the last 365 days…I got married, moved into a house and moved into a new office. It’s been a great, spontaneous year and I’m excited to see what 2010 will bring our little M family.

I hope you all have a great and Happy New Year!

Day #214

2009-12-30T13:05:00.001-08:00

Our First Christmas

Part Two

Christmas day was full of activity as Mr. M and I drove from Manning to Tennessee for lunch at my grandmother’s home. It was great to catch up with her, my parents, sister C, uncles, aunts and cousins as we arrived when presents were being opened. Then of course, Mr. M and I enjoyed a delicious Christmas feast. I hope one day that I can cook as half as good as my grandmother.

Sister C. and me in Tennessee.

After that we traveled back to my parent’s home in South Carolina where immediate family had Christmas dinner. I think my dad was amazed by hustle and bustle of all of his four daughters working in the kitchen to get dinner on the table.

Then Mr. M and I headed back to our cozy home for our own Christmas and finishing the 600+ mile trip of family visits where we cooked dinner at home (salmon and crab cake pinwheels), drank champagne and opened gifts. It was truly a blessed weekend and I’m thankful that we were able to celebrate Jesus’ birthday being surrounded by loved ones.

Also, today is “I love you day” for Mr. M and I and guess who won – ME! Happy 7 months!

Day #213

2009-12-29T13:29:00.000-08:00

Our First Christmas

Part One

Happy Holidays! What a busy week – can you believe we only have two and half more days left in 2009? Sorry for not posting sooner as Monday was one crazy day at work.

Our First Christmas was great as we decided to travel 674 miles around the state of South Carolina, North Carolina and Tennessee between Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Even though we were in the car for 7+ hours, it was a chance for Mr. M and me to be alone and just talk {besides listen to the radio and watch the weather radar on the blackberry}.

Our first stop was in Manning, SC where we spent Christmas Eve with Mr. M’s family. It was fun to shop downtown {by the way – make a stop at Donna’s House downtown. Way cute store} and see the sights.

The photo is a little dark but this cute restored area called the The Horse Stables that's right across from the court house.

This was the pharmacy that Mr. M’s grandfather and uncle use to own….

Which made for a cute photo opportunity.

I also love the fact that Manning is pro-local shopping which is a new project I'm working on at work. Yeah for local businesses!

Day #207

2009-12-23T12:14:00.000-08:00

Some people worry about how to decorate their house –

I worry about how to decorate a whole city.

Part of my job is to handle the placement of the city’s Christmas

decorations and last night Mr. M and I walked through

downtown to take in the holiday season.

As we get ready to celebrate our first Christmas together,

I hope you and your family have a great holiday weekend.

Merry Christmas!

Day #206

2009-12-22T14:50:00.000-08:00

Last night Mr. M and I traveled to Charlotte, NC to celebrate the fabulous birthday of our dear friend (and fellow Delta Zeta sorority sister) Leslie. It was great to see her, her husband Brad and our Twyla for dinner. We even celebrated Christmas with a mini gift exchange.

I love this time of year!

Day #205

2009-12-21T14:18:00.000-08:00

Christmas is definitely in the air with all the festivities. Saturday, I hosted a brunch at my home for my Delta Zeta sisters. It was great to get together and share stories while making plans for 2010. That afternoon, Mr. M’s dad traveled up to the ‘burg and we both went to the Wofford v. University of South Carolina basketball game. An early Christmas present for the T-dogs as they won 68 to 61. It was a very exciting game to watch and my fingers are crossed that this might (might) be the season for this team.

Sunday, Mr. M and I had our friend Twyla over for brunch as she and a friend made their way to Asheville to visit the Biltmore House. It was great to just sit back, relax and catch up over chocolate chip muffins.

That evening, we traveled to a great little Mexican restaurant in North Carolina to have “family dinner” with our friends Kim and James. I love this place because no one really knows the name of it but will call it, “that-Mexican-restaurant-that’s-in-the-old-Hardee’s, and near-the-Interstate-in-Columbus”.

Kim and I used to be roommates before she and I got engaged. We called our apartment a lucky charm because as soon as we signed up to rent there, we both were engaged within a year. The food is great and the beer is cheap (my kind of place) and there was SNOW. So we had dinner in a little winter paradise.

Day #202

2009-12-18T12:30:00.001-08:00

Last night was a flurry of parties, one being with the Junior League Sustainer (aka women who have served 8 or more years in the Junior League) Christmas party. It was so much fun to see all of the women that I work with in the community come together for a great night. My fellow supper club gals, Elizabeth and Jennifer, serve on the Sustainer committee and we were able to get a quick photo during the evening.

Day #201

2009-12-17T14:23:00.000-08:00

Last night I hosted book club at my house and had a fabulous time. These girls are the greatest and I’ve enjoyed hanging out with them at least once a month.

We had several huge announcements as not one but THREE of them are pregnant and will have their little ones within a month span of each other. Yeah for all the upcoming baby showers!

Day #200

2009-12-16T13:35:00.001-08:00

Photo Credit

Today is 200 days! Can you believe? Where did 2009 go?

A lot has changed for me as a married woman.

* I’ve learning more and more each day to be a better homemaker. Notice – not a great homemaker but I would say I’m at least a “B” in the whole cooking and cleaning section.

* I’ve become a morning person as in wake up at 4:45 a.m. morning person. The reason that I get up at before the crack of dawn is so I can make it to my work out routines, which leads me to my next accomplishment.

* I’m now a runner. Not a good one, I’m still the fat kid in the back of the line but I will say I’m trying at least 5 days a week. The unfortunately part is that I still enjoy food and so during this Holiday season, my mantra is to loose or maintain but not to gain.

*I’m now a coupon addict. If you have not visited Southern Savers or Coupon Mom.com , please do. I’ve become this insane planner when it comes to the grocery store which is a 180 from the girl that I once was that just randomly bought items while I was there.

Of course with any marriage celebration post comes a wedding day photo. Enjoy!

Photo Credit

Day #199

2009-12-15T05:56:00.000-08:00

White Christmas - Click here for funny video clips

As Christmas approaches, one of my top holiday songs is "White Christmas" and thought this video was way to cute not to share. Enjoy!

Day #193

2009-12-09T07:07:00.000-08:00

Photo Credit

I saw this photo today and got a good chuckle.

My final is due this week and I so feel like this little dog - tired and

about to fall asleep on my computer. 2 more days to go!

Day #191

2009-12-07T13:40:00.000-08:00

I now appreciate this movie more than I did when I watched it in college. Enjoy the stapler scenes.

Day #187

2009-12-01T14:05:00.001-08:00

What an insane week. So far in the last eight days the following has happened.

Have a great Thanksgiving with the family in Tennessee. Mr. M and I had a scare on Thanksgiving night as our alarm went off in our house. We thought at first our cats set the darn thing off (their large and by large I mean like 19 pounds) but after the second alarm – we knew we had a problem. So we packed up early, said good-bye to the family and headed home in lightning speed. Luckily, both were false alarms but it hit home how lucky we were that was just that – false alarms.

Photo Credit

USC beat Clemson 34-17. Totally fabulous!

Photo Credit

We celebrated six wonderful months on Monday! I can’t believe time has flown by so quickly. Mr. M did win “I love you day” at 4:30 a.m. when I was getting up to go to boot camp so now our score is Me: 2, Mr. M: 3 and Tie: 1. He was a total sweetie the whole day by bringing me lunch, buying me roses and my favorite dessert to come home to last night.

Photo Credit

And boy did I need a pick-me-up on Monday. So on top of all the holiday festivities, I was also finishing up my research project on teen pregnancy. Now all I have left is the final exam!

Day #179

2009-11-25T10:03:00.000-08:00

I can totally relate to this commercial and the thought of having the "perfect Thanksgiving" with the family. Luckily for me, I don't have to worry about all of those details (thanks Grandma!) as I'm not the one cooking this year. I will say it's pretty neat to celebrate our first Thanksgiving as a married couple and that I truly have so much to be thankful for: a roof above my head, my family, a job, friends and the list can go on and on.

Have a GREAT weekend and don't get to crazy with all the Black Friday sales this weekend.

PS. I love her husband's face when he holds the paper Turkey. Classic.

Day #178

2009-11-24T12:45:00.000-08:00

The best cover of "Bohemian Rhapsody" I've seen in a long time and who doesn't enjoy the Muppets?

Day #177

2009-11-23T15:08:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Leslie for my OVER THE TOP award!

Her blog is pretty awesome - check her out!

Now for the details:

1. Thank the person who gave it to you – Thanks for thinking of me Leslie!
2. Answer the questions below using only 1 word answers.
3. Pass it on to 6 other bloggers you think are Over The Top!

1. Where is your cell phone? charger
2. Your hair? curly
3. Your mother? creative
4. Your father? funny
5. Your favorite food? pizza
6. Your dream last night? music
7. Your favorite drink? tea
8. Your dream/goal? progressing
9. What room are you in? office
10. Your hobby? sick
11. Your fear? alone
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? overjoyed
13. Where were you last night? Hendersonville
14. Something you aren’t? blonde
15. Muffins? Yes!
16. Wish list item? patience
17. Where did you grow up? everywhere
18. Last thing you did? E-mailed
19. What are you wearing? jacket
20. Your TV? on
21. Your pets? feisty
22. Your friends? lovely
23. Your life? fabulous
24. Your mood? hungry
25. Missing someone? totally
26. Vehicle? red
27. Something you’re not wearing? bracelet
28. Your favorite store? H&G
29. Your favorite color? red
30. When was the last time you laughed? afternoon
31. Last time you cried? Ummm…
32. Your best friend? sweet
33. One place that I go over and over? Publix
34. One person who emails me regularly? Hilary
35. Favorite place to eat? Chick-fil-A

Here are 6 ladies I think are marvelously OVER THE TOP!

Our Little Haus
MA Belle
The Bentley Family
Confessions of a Martha Stewart Reject
Mrs. Grits
Pink is Not My Favorite Color

Day #172

2009-11-18T18:35:00.000-08:00

Where has the week gone? I can't believe how zany life has been in the last few days with the Junior League fundraiser, sorority conference in Dallas and oh yeah...working. Tomorrow and Friday, I'm teaching classes at a local high school on why its important to get an internship.

Wish me luck!

Day #165

2009-11-11T14:37:00.001-08:00

Photo Credit

Happy Veterans Day everyone! So thankful to those who chose to go above and beyond and defend our country.

It’s a great day to be an American.

Day #164

2009-11-10T12:15:00.000-08:00

Happy Tuesday! We had a busy weekend – my midterm was due, a busy wedding weekend and we celebrated Mr. M's birthday. I'm now getting into the swing of things,trying to survive my to-do list and prepare for a visit from the in-laws.

I have no idea how working mothers handle it all.

I will say in the middle of all the hustle and bustle, it was pretty surreal in the fact that I purchased my first “husband” card…as cheesy as it sounds.

Day #159

2009-11-05T14:48:00.001-08:00

Photo Credit

This morning in my sunrise yoga class, we had to pick something to focus on: wisdom, patience, energy and communications. Since I was schedule to be apart of the MDA Lock-upand needed to raise money this morning, I chose communications.

Ironically, that’s not really what God, had in store for me today.

While I did participate in the fundraiser (raised enough money in an hour to buy a kid wheelchair. Whoo!), that’s not the communications I needed to focus on.

Later in the afternoon, I got quite a scare. I saw on Twitter of all places that there were shootings at Fort Hood. The same place where my dear friend Hilary just moved to and where her husband is stationed.

My heart dropped and I ran to find my cell phone.

Thankfully after a call and text, I got a hold of her and she was okay. Her husband was on post (and now on lock down) but she had just left Fort Hood twenty minutes before the shooting. As the afternoon wore on, we kept text messaging each other updates - on my end, what was going on cable TV, twitter and Internet news stories and on her end, what was happening through military messaging.

Its insane now how one communicates with friends these days but yet the bond is still the same.

I pray for the families and friends of the 12 deaths and 31 injured soldiers. This is such a sad, sad tragedy for America.

Day #158

2009-11-04T14:14:00.000-08:00

Photo Credit

And the winner is...CATE with 72% of the votes! Yeah for her and her family.

Day #157

2009-11-03T14:11:00.000-08:00

Photo Credit

Did you vote today?

I love election day. It's a chance to express your voice, your ability to have a say in what goes on around you. The problem is that most Americans don't feel that their local elections are important so they don't bother to vote. Which frankly, is sad. Who picks up your garbage? Your local government. Who decides what books are read in your child's school? Your local school board. Who decides how much of the budget to put towards your police and fire? Your local city/county council.

Not to be on a soap box, but these elections are the ones that really affect us close to home. So if it's before 7 p.m. and you're reading this...go vote!

Day #156

2009-11-02T10:54:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I just have to remind myself to "keep swimming"...especially on a Monday.

Day #151

2009-10-28T18:36:00.001-07:00

Miss you Emily.

Day #150

2009-10-27T15:07:00.001-07:00

Photo Credit

Apparently I have been living under a rock and missed the announcement of Hallmark's Mobile Greetings. While I get the concept - send a cute, fun message to family and friends, I feel that nothing beats getting personalized mail. Like today, when I came home at lunch, I had two cards waiting for me in the mail (thanks Laura and Leslie) and it jazzed up my whole afternoon.
Not sure a happy phone message would have done the same thing.

Day #149

2009-10-26T13:15:00.000-07:00

Photo Credit

I heart Dave Ramsey. Thanks to my dad, I've been listening to him for years and following his plan on how to tackle debt and saving for the future. I look forward to the day when my husband and I are debt free (including the house) and can call Dave up to celebrate. If you haven't heard of him, try listening to his radio show. Here's the link: http://beta.daveramsey.com/

Day #146

2009-10-23T13:10:00.000-07:00

Photo Credit

I had a post ready for today. Seriously...it was all planned out,

typed and ready to go.

And then my Internet ate it.

Yeah for slow-not-so-great-internet connection. So instead,

here is a "Happy Friday" cartoon. Have a great weekend.