Another Blogosphere Game!

Okay, so I’ve told you that I’ve recently gotten really into this blogosphere world, and I’m loving it! I’m participating in an interview, which SoMi recently participated in. Here are the rules:

1. I must refer you to SoMi’s post where I got this idea

2. If you want to participate, leave me a comment saying, “Interview me.” (And your e-mail address, please.)
3. I will respond by emailing you five questions. I get to pick the questions!
4. You will update your blog with the answers to the questions.
5. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
6. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.

So, here were SoMi’s questions for me:

(1) Name only one blogger you really respect and tell me why. Just one? Gee whiz. . . . I respect all of y’all. I’ll tell you why I respect Jennifer. Sometimes the best friendships are ones that kind of happen in random ways, you know? I have gotten to know Jennifer through a mutual friend, and in recent years, Jennifer’s been crushed, her world’s been turned upside down, and she has been heart broken beyond explanation. The beautiful thing, though, is Jennifer is today, one of the most amazing Godly women I know. She has faced her battles with faith like a child, she has embraced the new life God’s given her with such gusto and enthusiasm! I’m one of many, many friends Jennifer has, and it’s so easy to be her friend because she’s so full of life, excitement, warmth, and grace. She’s the true epitome of a Christian Southern Lady, and I’m proud to call her my friend.

(2) If you had to pick a non-urban, U.S. destination in which to vacation for a week, where would you go?

White Salmon, Washington!

Tim’s aunt and uncle live there, and the pictures I’ve seen are beautiful! With a population of just over 2,200, this is definitely a non-urban destination!!!

(3) If you had $500 to spend on housing, food and entertainment for the trip mentioned in (2), how would you spend it? Since we’d stay with Cindy and George, I’d spend $500 on food for the fam and fun times from hiking Dog Mountain to touring wineries and anything inbetween!

(4) Tell me about one person with whom you've lost touch. If you hope for a reunion, how would you like that reunion to take place? It would have to be Kristin, a friend from high school. Actually, Kristin went to school with me in kindergarten, too, but moved to California. She returned for her senior year, and we were instantly close friends. We remained close through college, even living together for a few months. When I graduated and returned to Macon, Kristin and I were roommates in a guest house together. Let’s just say I ended up moving out, losing money and a friend. She moved for work, and we really haven’t spoken since. . . . then the wonderful world of Facebook intervened, and I found her mother (or did she find me?) and Kristin. We’ve chatted briefly via Facebook, and while I miss her friendship dearly, I know I always will. It seems as though she’s happy now, and that’s really all that matters. We both grew up and are different people, I suppose. . . . Ah, thus is life. Reunion? Doubtful. . . .

(5) In 2008, what was your biggest achievement and your biggest failure/disappointment? Would becoming an aunt be an achievement?!?! Probably not so much since I really did nothing except cheer on my sister through labor and dote on Ellie ever since! So, my biggest achievement of ‘08 would definitely be running my first half marathon. What an experience! I’m especially proud since I really have only been running for less than a year! 2008 was such a great year for me, being a newlywed, watching my sister and brother in law become parents. . . but the disappointments would be losing a dear friend to cancer and losing my Pepoppie to stroke. Amy was just too young, and Pepoppie’s illness was so brief that I’m not sure it’s hit me yet that he’s really gone. Life is so fragile.

So, there you have it, friends! Hit me up, and I'll send you questions so you can play along, too! Happy New Year! Stay safe!

These Are a Few of My Favorite Things

My my my, what a Christmas we had! Here are a few of my favorite things - or memories - from Christmas 2008.

Grove Park Inn, Asheville, North Carolina ~ Where we stayed on our First Anniversary Trip!

The Biltmore Estate, which we toured during our stay in Asheville

A tree full of presents before the opening madness takes place

My precious hubby sleeping soundly on Christmas morning. I tried to wake him up, and he rolled over and said, "How bout you go and tell me how it was?" Later in the day, he did not remember saying that at all!

Gizmo, the Slocum's dog, got toys for Christmas. A few hours later, his green bone was all chewed up. Here he fell asleep with stuffing all around him and his beloved carrot a few feet away!






Need I say more? My hubby and my niece together in one shot!

My precious sisser! Okay, so I look like I'm a little happy or excited to see her! Step off!

Precious Eleanor Grace McMenamy

Given our many blessing of 2008, I cannot wait to see what 2009 will bring!

5 Senses Wish List

So I’m becoming totally addicted to Google Reader. There are so many great writers in blogland, and I am always intrigued to read what others are experiencing, thinking, or feeling. During one of my most recent blogland stalks, I found out about 20SB’s Blog Carnival. Fun times! Bloggers may pick from one of the following topics:

1. A wish-list of 5 items, one for each sense (that's an item for sight, one for smell, etc)
2. A wish-list of things you want that are free
3. A wish-list of things you would sneak under the tree for yourself, age 13

While they all sound super fun, I choose to complete a wish-list of 5 items, one for each sense. Here goes. . .

Sense of Sight: A Fireplace! Oh, how I long for a fireplace in our home! Not only is it super comforting, but the sheer sight of a burning fire is totally captivating to the eyes! This could also be a wish for my sense of smell as there is nothing as great as the smell of a burning fire and for my sense of hearing. My goodness, isn’t the crackle of a fire so comforting?

Sense of Smell: An eternal “smell good” for our home that doesn’t bother Tim. Most of the plug-ins or candles that I prefer give Tim a head ache. I grew up in a home where you could “eat the walls” as one of my sister’s friends once said, so I love for a home to smell delicious!

Sense of Touch: I want a blanket of my own that’s fuzzy and warm on one side and silky and cool on the other. You know, like the baby blankets! Why can’t we adults have one, too? And no, please refrain from giving me one of those shlanket things that are out this season. You know, the blanket that has sleeves in it like it's also a sweater?

Sense of Hearing: a Bose speaker system for our home. I have loved listening to Pandora this Christmas season; type in Peaceful Christmas, and your computer speakers come alive with the likes of Jim Brickman and other calming, soothing Christmas carols. Only at the Slocum house, you must be in the office or maybe in one of the bedrooms to hear the music. And then this morning, Tim tells me how his hotel room (he’s in Orlando for work) has speakers in the bathroom, so he listened to SportsCenter while showering this morning. How cool is that!?!?!

Sense of Taste: Starbucks coffee brewed fresh daily in our Cuisinart coffee maker every day on its own!

There you have it! What is your wish list? Do tell!!!!

One Year Down, a Lifetime to Go! Who knew marriage could be so much fun? Such a blessing? It’s absolutely amazing! I continue to fall in love with Tim more and more each day. And today, it’s super easy to fall in love with him all over again, because we celebrate our First Anniversary today! Yep, it’s hard to believe it’s been an entire year since this. . . .

And

But it has been a year! Despite what so many told us, the first year really was so much fun! We’d been warned about how hard it might be, but we’ve really been blessed with a remarkable year that’s been full of fun, laughs, memories, and love love love!!!!!

Tonight we’re using Ally’s wedding gift ~ a gift certificate to Natalia’s ~ and treating ourselves to a delightfully scrumptious dinner at Macon’s finest restaurant. Yummy! Thanks again, Ally!

Best of all, I'm still this giddy

And to think we’ve only just begun. . . .

Birthday Poem(s)

This is more of a selfish post, really. I just want to make sure I document this for my own personal sake.

The most random talent I have is that I can make up silly, gay little poems at the drop of the hat. Any given day, you're likely to hear me singing to the dogs or Tim, making up the song as I go. So, with Brad's (Brad is Jodi's husband) birthday yesterday, I had the perfect opportunity to put this talent to good use! Here's what I sent him:

Happy Birthday, Brad! It’s the Big 3-0, but don’t be blue!
Long ago, we thought 30 was old, now we know that’s not true!
With Jodi beside you, Lawson and Bella in tow,
You’re sure to have a blast in your 30s, may your life glow
With happiness and love Tim & B wish you
A happy birthday and a great year, too!

Much love ~ B & Tim

Only Brad Sappe would have a snazzier, snappier response:

YO, YO,……… YO, YO, YO!
B,
Thanks for the rhyme,
It was sure on Time.
Friends like you help get me through,
It hasn’t been easy but you’ve sure been kind.
I’m glad you and Tim have been friends of mine.
As I start this journey on my next 30 years,
With Christ by my side I should have no fears.
I’m gonna truly enjoy my family.
Spend time with Bella, Lawson and my wife Jodi.

WORD TO YA MUTHA!!!!

Peace, I’m out

I love it! We have all laughed over this and will do so for many more times, I am sure. Happy Birthday, Brad. We're proud to call you a friend!

I’m new to google reader, and I’m really liking it. Only I find myself reading too many blogs during the day while I should be working. . . . oops! Skinkering Hearts is one of a handful of blogs I love reading just b/c she’s such a great writer. SH recently posted on contradictions in her life, and I couldn’t help but smile while reading it. I, too, am full of contradictions in my life and in my preferences. . .

- I’m the first to jump at a chance to eat whatever I please but also the first to complain about being overweight.

- Like SH, I like raw carrots but cannot stand them cooked. Something about the texture just turns my insides out.

- I like ketchup. . . . sometimes. Not always and not only at certain restaurants. Today I might want ketchup for my fries at Chick fil A, but tomorrow I might not. Totally depends on my mood
- I never have played rec sports or school sports, but I am extremely competitive all the same.

- I love to tuck my toes under Tim’s legs when we go to bed, and my hands are always also tucked under my pillow, but I cannot begin to imagine falling asleep with my head tucked under the covers.

- I am sure I’m claustrophobic but I oftentimes wake up with my entire body, head included, under the covers. So if I end up that way in my sleep, does that mean it’s all in my head?

- I love to eat shrimp, crab, and lobster. Tuna, most salmon, and any other fishy-fish grosses me out.

- I really want to be a faster runner, but I really hate getting up early in the morning for the gym.

- I’ve been known to only like “real” plots for movies and books. You know, no science fiction or the like, please. But I’ve become totally engrossed in the Twilight series. Tell me when vampires and werewolves became “real”?

- I love watching medical shows that show surgeries, blood, guts, and all the gory stuff. I often wonder if I should be a nurse. But I almost fainted twice during my niece’s birth a couple of weeks ago!

- I can talk to anyone until I’m blue in the face, but I could never sell a coat to an Eskimo.

- I listen to songs like “Walkin on Sunshine” and “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” while running, but my running hero – Amber, that’s you! – prefers techno and can’t imagine running to my music!

- I can’t stand cleaning a tub but I’ll clean a toilet any day of the week.

Ha! After reading this, I’m sure I’ve only skimmed the surface, and to think. . . . a couple of years ago, I honestly asked Tim, “Am I high maintenance?” No wonder he just smiled and kept quiet. God bless my husband's heart. . . .

Bah Humbug setting in?

I’m annoyed that. . . .

1. I’ve waited til the 10th of December to make some decisions about Tim’s Christmas and things are either out of stock or on back order. I’m pretty much back to square one with the exception of one thing. Ick!!

2. It’s warm outside and rainy. Maybe the rain will bring cooler weather?

3. My tummy hurts and my work neighbor just got back today after battling a stomach bug for days. . . . certainly I’ve not gotten it?!?!?!

4. It’s not easy to be a faster runner

5. We have friends who are experiencing heartache – again – with a miscarriage. I don’t understand God’s plan in this. Really, I don’t. They love each other and they love God. Why won’t God give them the desires of their heart?

6. There will always be Negative Nancies at work. . . . or in life

7. I left those negative people hurt my feelings or bother me.

8. My new brown boots already have scuff marks on the toes. That’s what I get for buying cheap shoes, I guess!

9. John Tesh’s radio show is the only Christmas music radio station I can get in my office. He annoys me!!!

10. Nothing sounds good for lunch, so I’m just waiting for something to ring my bell!

11. I don’t have the patience of Job with someone who honestly can’t help it that he / she is aggravating as homemade sin. Seriously.

12. I’m letting the tiny things I’ve mentioned bother me! The big things are worth being annoyed (refer to Number 5).

Gee whiz. . . I’m going to lunch!

Is that real blonde hair? Because it should be. . .

Friday night was GNO! Also known as Girls Night Out, me and 5 of my closest, dearest friends, get together as often as possible for dinner, drinks, and fun times! This being December, we did an ornament swap, too! That was fun, if I must say so myself! We took ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, added some “rights” and “lefts” to the story, and I read it aloud. Each time I said “right”, you gave your ornament to the person to your right. Each time I said “left”, we gave our ornaments to the person to our left! It was fun fun fun, and I ended up with one precious ornament from Jamie!

We had a great dinner at the Brick in the ‘ville ~ Fun Times! ~ and enjoyed catching up with each other and everyone bragged on babies!

The conversation turned to the man / woman who had a baby last summer and is pregnant again, which apparently silenced Barbara Walters, according to Robyn. Robyn and Carol talked about how this person lives as a man but still has woman organs, so it’s really not that big of a deal that he’s having a baby. . . or is it? Anyway, before I knew it, everyone at the table is totally engrossed in this story, and they are referring to this notorious pregnant person as “Shim”. I finally say, “I heard the story but I didn’t follow it as closely as y’all. I’m impressed you know his name is Shim!”

Umm. . . everyone promptly started laughing and told me his name isn’t Shim! They’re calling him She-him ~ Sheim! Ahhhh, I get it now!

Daffy Aunt B Here

All my life I’ve heard people say, “Oh when it’s your own child, things are so different.” Blah blah blah. . . a week ago, though, my sister made me an aunt, and low-and-behold, all those folks know what they are talking about, I am sure! And I am just the aunt! Is it really just that Ellie’s is my sister’s baby? Or is she just as precious as I am convinced she is?

Tim and I are kind of behind many of our friends when it comes to marrying and having families. We’re still happy-as-can-be newlyweds having a blast being married! While we’re not ready for kids of our own, we do love when we spend time with any of our many friends who have babies or kids. Whether it’s a Friday night of pizza and piling onto Lawson’s “ship” (his bed) to get out of the "water" (his bedroom floor) and watching Bella laugh at Tim or if it’s a dinner out with Shaun and Laura watching Hannah smile at strangers, play with the crayons, and eat the crayons. . . . we do enjoy spending time with these kids of our friends!

But sometimes, I’ve found myself thinking some people are a little obsessed with their children. I mean, how many times do we have to stop our conversation to watch Cute little Baby hold a French fry?

And then my sister went and had a baby of her own.

Saturday afternoon I realized I was one of three adults hovering over a 5 day old baby sleeping soundly in her bassinette, all three of us holding cameras fighting to capture Ellie’s every move. Seriously! She’s sleeping, folks! Just sleeping. . . . We’ve gotten pictures of Ellie with her hand on her chin like she’s thinking, one where her pinky’s by her mouth like Dr. Evil, one where both of Ellie’s hands are up behind her head like she’s truly laid back and relaxed. . . and then this one:
She was disgusted about the Dawgs losing to Tech. Just disgusted. Yep, I’m daffy about this little angel! They say babies grow up too fast, and they do. But I watched a toddler today walking to her Daddy’s car, holding her Daddy’s hand, and she was chatting away and looking up at her Daddy like he hung the moon, and I thought, “Oh, I can’t wait for Ellie to know us like that, to be excited to see her Aunt B come pick her up, to be telling her Aunt B which playground she wants to go to, which slide she wants to go down, which flavor ice cream she wants. . . . Ahhh, yes, life will never be the same!

And I couldn't be happier about that!

Christmas Decorating at its Best!

Last Christmas was such a blur with our wedding taking center stage that I hardly remember much of the actual season. Don’t get me wrong, we had a fantastic Christmas, but it was really full of wedding bliss!

So, as we decorated for Christmas this year, it was so much fun! I feel like just about everything we have is a new gift! I’ve been full of oohs and aahhhs as I unpack our Christmas decorations! I totally forgot about our sweet nativity set that Karen and Lee Swann gave us! And the precious chip and dip set a cohort gave us? Totally forgot about it, too! I was also pumped to find the cute snowman sugar and creamer set that Mrs. Stella from Gordon gave us. He’s so cute! Oh, and the fat Santa cookie jar that’s so stinkin’ cute he’s our table centerpiece. . . yep, forgot all about him until I opened that box!

So it’s like Christmas is back with gusto at the Slocum house! And we love it!

Another weekend happening was spending lots of time with Miss Ellie! She seemed to enjoy hearing “Glory Glory” while the dawgs were playing, but unfortunately she soon became as disgusted as her Aunt B over the game.


She simply refused to watch. And I don't blame her!