The Things I'm Thankful For...

Since Thanksgiving (and the busiest travel day of the year) is right around the corner, I thought I'd take a few minutes to jot down a few of the things I'm thankful for this year.  

Here they are in no particular order...

1 -  My Job:  I am beyond thankful to be gainfully employed... Especially in the industry in which I work.  In a time of economic instability and employment insecurity, I am so very lucky to have a stable job, with decent pay, in an industry that I love.  (I am going to have to keep reminding myself of this one as I work through this coming weekend.  Sunday is by far our toughest day of the year, and I gotta admit... I'm a little bit scared!)

2 -  My Health:  Even though I've been given a run for my money lately, I am always well aware that I am a VERY lucky girl when it comes to my health!

3 - My Friends and Family:  Where on this earth would I be without my friends and family?!  I have amazing friends, and a loving and supportive family.  There's not much more a girl can ask for in this department.

4 - My Stevie:  I've said it before and I'll say it again... I am SOOO lucky to have this guy in my life!  I've made a number of mistakes in my life, but he is one thing that I got absolutely, without a doubt, 100% right!

5 - My Monster:  She is my dog... She is my world.  What more can I say?  She ranks right up there with Steve in my book.  (Although she has quite a bit more hair, and doesn't usually smell quite as good as he does!)

6 - My Stuff:  This includes my apartment, my car, my bank account, etc.  My home may not be my dream home, and my wallet may not be as fat as I might like.  However, I have a roof over my head, a warm place to sleep, clean clothes to wear, and food on the table.  I've worked hard for the things I have and I will always, always be thankful for them.

7 - Days Off:  I absolutely treasure my days off work... especially this time of year.  Lately, I've been referring to my days off as "Martha Days".  This is simply because the past few weeks, I've been channeling my inner Martha Stewart.  I've been making Christmas gifts, Christmas cards, Thanksgiving goodies, dog treats (for Christmas), etc.  I love these days because I can stay in my pajamas all day, turn up the Christmas tunes, and let my creative juices flow.  

8 - Mac:  Without him, I wouldn't be in touch with all of you!!

What are you thankful for???

There's No Place Like Home...

Are you picturing a little black dog and ruby slippers yet??

Well... I have the little black dog already, but getting those ruby slippers has proven a bit tricky!

Our trip to Arizona was uneventful... and wonderful! Steve and I spent a lot of time hanging out with my parents, eating some fabulous home-cooked food (My mom is like Betty Crocker with a hill-billy twist), and catching up with a couple of long-time friends.

I had warned Steve time and time again about Round Valley being a small town, but I don't think my big city guy quite understood what I was talking about. The first day we were there, Steve and I took a drive to just do some looking around. We drove through South Fork and then took a tour through Greer. After our drive, I took Steve to Java Blues for lunch, and saw 5 or 6 people that I knew (i.e. Our waitress was Megan Hamblin). It seemed like every time the door opened, someone I knew from years ago would appear. I thought it was funny. I think Steve was a little bit scared.

We spent a couple of days doing some geocaching with my parents, and my dad also took Steve and I out trap shooting a few times. Most of the time it was freezing cold (thanks to that good 'ol Round Valley wind), but we still had a blast!

After four years, it was nice to be able to spend some time relaxing with my family and friends. It was good to sit and chat with my parents, fun to hang out with Dustin, Greg, BJ, and Ramone, and a blast to finally get to meet Braden and Mollie (BJ's little girl).

While I love Ohio and am really glad that I live here... There really is no place like home!

Long Time, No Blog...

I know, I know...


I'll have more on my Arizona trip posted later this week. For now this is all you get!


This one is from Dustin... I tag anyone and everyone who wants to play!



High School Tag

1. Did you date someone from your school? I dated a few someones from my school... Not too particularly proud of any of them, thank you!

2. What kind of car did you drive? A Geo Tracker. It kinda looked like a pregnant roller skate, but man did I love that car!

3. What was your most embarrassing moment? I honestly have no idea... (And I'm not asking for any suggestions, Dust!)

4.Were you a party animal? I don't think many of my friends even knew what "partying" was back then. Aside from the occasional visit from the local police, we were pretty good kids!

5. Were you considered a flirt? Nope. I'm no good at it.

6. Were you in band, orchestra, or choir? I was in choir for a couple of years... Got to wear some really ugly dresses, too!

7. Were you a nerd? I'm sure I was at times!

8. Were you on any varsity teams? I was on the Varsity Spiritline... Good times!

9. Did you get suspended or expelled? Nope.

10. Can you still sing the fight song? I think so... "Fiiiiiiight boys and never give in, HEY!....."... Yep! *Thanks, Dust!*

11. Who were your favorite teachers? I really liked Mrs. Rawlins. I hated Spanish (except for on Fridays because we got to play "Loteria!"), but she was fun!

12. Where did you sit during lunch? Just about anywhere there was food!

13. What was your school mascot? An Elk

14. Did you go to Homecoming? Yep. A couple of them!

15. If you could go back would you? BWAAAAHAHAHAHA!!!! No no no no no.....

16. What do you remember most about graduation? Shane Rhoton and I were squirting people with water guns from the back row, and Jesse Slade snuck up behind us and hissed, "You two need to start acting like ADULTS!!". Pfffffffffffttt!!!!

17. Where did you go for your Senior Trip? California! It was a blast, too! Who knew you could fit 25 18-year olds in a hotel hot tub?!?!

18. Were you in any clubs? Yeah... There were a few. SADD, NHS... And it's funny that Dustin mentioned being the treasurer for the Spanish club. I was the Secretary and we had NO CLUE what the heck we were supposed to be doing.

19. Have you gained weight since High School? A little bit. I still work out regularly, but my Stevie keeps me well fed!

20. Who was your Prom date? I went to my Junior Prom with Brett Hamblin. It was probably the best date I ever went on in high school. We had a blast!! Senior Prom, I went with Lee Hamblin. Not quite as much fun, that one.

21. Did you go to your 10 year class reunion? Nope. Too much going on here at home! Maybe I'll catch the 20 year one.

22. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself? Forget about the boys, work harder on school, and stop trying to fit the mold!

Meeting Mr. Wonderful...

While Steve and I were in Arizona, we were lucky enough to meet up with my best friend Dustin and her husband Greg for dinner at Molly Butler's and an evening of spotlighting.  It was so good to see them, and it also gave us the opportunity to meet Braden for the first time!  

He is such a handsome little guy, and it was really fun to spend a few hours getting to know him.  I wish we lived closer to each other... I can't wait to see him again!

Thanks Dust, for driving up the mountain to see us and for re-arranging your schedules to spend time with us.  You're a wonderful friend and I appreciate all that you do!!

And thanks to Greg as well for showing Steve his first elk... He had a great time!

And We're Off!!!

Tomorrow morning at 10:20am, Steve and I are hopping on a plane to Arizona... I can't wait!!

I hope to have lots of pictures and stories to share when we come home!

See you in a week... WOO HOO!!!!!!!!