Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving is tomorrow and I am following the lead of some fabulous ladies here in blogland and posting things for which I am thankful. Since the ultimate day for thanks is on the 26th, I will give 26 reason my heart is continually happy, even throughout the tough times!

1. Mr. Marine. Truthfully, I could choke him at the moment but this man has taught me to love deeper than anyone I have ever known. 

2. My family. They are fabulous and I am thankful God put me with them!

3. My Mama. She's my absolute best girlfriend. I couldn't be prouder to be called her "mini-me."

4. My Dog, Riley. He has seen me though a lot. Words can't express how much I love and depend on this dog!

5. My Health. I was always told, "As long as you have your health, consider yourself rich."

6. The Marine Corps. This challenge has been one of my toughest, but it has changed me immensely. It has forced me to slow down, appreciate the present, hold on to those I love and that  no matter how tough the days get the sun will always rise and I am expected to get up and greet the day!

7. Moving. Ok, so I hate this. I'd rather just be living in Texas with my friends and family. 

8. My Girlfriends. I never knew the importance of female friends until later in life. They are my lifeblood. 

9. Travel. I was fortunate enough to grow up seeing the world. That's shaped who I am as an adult and I am incredibly thankful for those experiences.

10. My Car. It was a graduation gift that has kept on giving. Thank you parents.

11. My In-Laws. They are amazing. I was faced with having in-laws that would have been awful. So I know how to appreciate the gift I have been given with these wonderful people. 

12. Country Music. These songs make me cry. They make me laugh. They have been known to lead to my screaming the lyrics and dancing the two-step alone in my office, my house, and with many a handsome cowboy in the honky-tonks of Texas!

13. Ex-Loves. They are why I am the way I am. They are why I love the way I do. They gave me great memories and led me to the man I love with all my heart.

14. Frozen Reeses Cups. I only like these straight out of the freezer. Yum!

15. Airplanes. Thankfully they keep my family and I connected.

16. My Paid-For Education. I cannot thank my parents enough for this gift. I may be married to a Marine, and not have the job I dreamed of, but my education is everything to me. Thanks rents!

17. My Childhood. I lived in Texas, grew-up in Los Angeles and then moved back to Texas. My friends will tell you I was a "cowgirl" in California. A Southern misfit, so to speak. While my friends in Texas will tell you I definitely got my fashion sense from living in LA. I love the mix of both worlds.

18. Culture. I am thankful for being exposed to much more than what was outside my front door.

19. Art. My parents encouraged me to paint. To draw. To learn about art. I have my particular tastes but I have never been to an art museum I didn't appreciate.

20. Food. It is a blessing and a curse, but foods found across the world teach you more about a culture than most things ever will.

21. Nature. I love watching waves roll in, wheat blow in the wind, corn stalks grace the land, cows roam free, longhorns travel across the Texas ranches, snow capped mountains and fall leaves. 

22. Shoes. They make me happy and I have plenty, but will never have too many.

23. Seasons. I love them all. I just prefer winter and summer be the shortest.

24. Actors. These people make us forget. They bring us to another world and at one time or another...we all need that.

25. Memories. They may not always be happy but they got us to the next happy place. 

26. Photographs. They remind us when it is all too easy to forget.

Finally, and most importantly, I am thankful for God. He makes this list possible.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Relying on the Internet for My Happiness...Not Ok, Apparently.

Right after I decide to stop slacking and update my blog regularly, my damn Internet goes down at my house. So for the past week, I have had to go to the local coffee shop or use it at work until this is all fixed at home.

So there I was on a lovely Saturday morning reading blogs, facebooking and drinking chai tea at the cafe up the street. 

Since I decided to update my blog regularly, but had the stinkin' Internet go down, the following has occurred in my life:

- Mr. Marine dropped my camera and broke it. Not having my camera in my purse causes anxiety.

- My Internet at home isn't working. This makes me grouchy and forced Mr. Marine to give me a "come to Jesus" talk about finding things in my life that don't require the Internet. He thinks I am too dependant on the Internet for my happiness. Nice.

- Mr. Marine and I have "dates" at the coffee shop now. Both staring at different Macs instead of snuggling at home. Ahhh, married life is great! Priorities for Mr. Marine: Sports Illustrated and checking on Georgia football. Priorities for me: Facebook, Blog, Emails, Us Weekly and People. Snuggling can happen later, right?

- I started Weight Watchers for the bazillionth time. I recently found my old WW card from college, and my starting weight then, is my goal weight now. Damn.

- Political crap in the USMC is driving me nuts. I HATE being told what I HAVE to do. And I will bitch about it to Mr. Marine just to bitch about it, but he knows I will always comply.

 Dang my compliant personality.

- I vowed to begin running again. Deciding to do this as winter is approaching wasn't my best decision. I have yet to even walk down the street, much less run.

- Our precious and handsome Bulldog, and the face of Bulldawg Nation, died this week. We will miss you UGA VII.

Well, I must go home before I drink anymore coffee. I'm starting to get the shakes. 

Finally...pics of the USMC Ball!

Hey strangers! I feel like it has been forever since I've posted anything on this blog and I am beginning to miss it...and miss y'all! 

I've had a few of my favorite ladies ask me to post pics from the USMC Ball so they could see the dress and the shoes I was so excited about! So, I got off my lazy behind and obliged! 

Mr. Marine was in the ceremony so he had his sword and all that jazz! 

The proud wife and her nervous Marine...but he did an excellent job shouting his lines!

And the star of the show? These Kate Spade beauties! 

The evening was amazing. Mr. Marine had a rather large speaking (err shouting) part in the ceremony so there wasn't any pre-partying for us this year. I had major hair drama and had to have my boss fix it 15 minutes before the Ball. But aside from that, we had a great time.

I really felt like a princess that night. My dress was all that I hoped it would be (after the debacle at Nordy's), my jewelry complemented it perfectly, and the shoes were stunning. It was the perfect ensemble to accompany my Marine to his Birthday Ball. 

Every time my husband puts on that uniform, it takes my breath away so it meant the world to me when Mr. Marine said to me, "I am incredibly proud to bring such a beautiful woman to the Ball. I am even more proud, that woman is my wife."

The Tale of A Princess, Nordstrom, and a Free Pair of Kate Spade Heels!

Let me tell you about a fabulous shoe lover and her new favorite pair...

Long long ago (about a month) in a far away land (Missouri) there lived a fashionista. This fashionista had been invited to attend an annual Ball (the Marine Corps Ball) and was eager to begin dress shopping since she never wears the same formal twice. 

She immediately set her sights on a magnificent laser cut steel blue gown from BCBG, complete with sweetheart neckline (since the typical strapless doesn't work on her figure). She ordered it from her favorite store, Nordstrom. 

Well, if you are a loyal customer of Nordy's (us regulars call it that) than you know, and love, their return policy. Do you have tags on clothes you used to love but have never worn and it's been 6 months to a year? Nordstrom will take it back. No tag? No problem at Nordstrom. Well, this time that return policy bit this excited woman right in her patookie! Nordstrom shipped her an evening gown that had been previously altered and returned (may that cheap person who wore something and returned it suffer years of shopping droughts).

What was this fair lady to do?

They immediately ordered a new dress, altered it to fit like a glove (supposedly) and off she went to shop in other departments. However, when she came back to try on the altered dress, they had taken too much out and off! Oh, no...the Ball is 3 days away! No worries, Nordstrom fixed their mistake and let some out so this magnificent beauty could actually eat and breathe at the Ball. 

However, the length was an issue. After explaining to the store manager that this fair lady would like the alteration charge removed, given her inconvenience at this hectic time, he agreed. Then it was brought to his attention that with the dress being shortened too much, this shoe diva didn't have ANY shoes that would be wearable the evening of the Ball. You see, this petite woman only owned 4"-5" heels since everyone knows height lengthens the stature and takes an instant 5 pounds off. 

What was a lady to do, with only one day till the Ball. (Did I mention this charitable Junior Leaguer is hosting a charity cocktail party the evening after the Ball) so clearly there is no time to rectify this mistake. 

But wait! The manager of Nordstrom than sang into this woman's ears. He spoke these words, "We will give you a pair of shoes for this inconvenience" and the southern belle fainted.

That's right ladies and gents, the head master and Nordstrom came to this princess' boutique with a bag of shoes to choose from, including: Stuart, Via Spiga, Kate Spade and others. If the man hadn't been interested in the other gender, this stunned woman would have proposed right then and there!

After much consideration (and trying all the fabulous shoes on) this is the pair she chose! These shoes have been in her heart and on her mind for weeks. She begged her prince to buy them for her and he lectured her on responsibility and how paying 400.00 for shoes was not high on the list. She pouted (which usually works) but it did nothing to sway her husband.

In the end my fair and faithful readers, it was not my sweet sweet husband who made my heart pitter patter last night. No, it was a tall, stunningly handsome gay man with impeccable taste that personally delivered these designer shoes to me and left without asking, "Will you be using your Nordstrom card today?"

 

Birthdays Past & Present!

It's My BIRTHDAY!!!!!

OK, so in celebration of this year's birthday, I'm going to take a look back at one of my favorite birthdays ever!

My 27th!

Spent in Austria (on our way to Croatia)...Mr. Marine had just returned from deployment and life was amazing!!!!

We rented a Vespa and sped around town, had near-death experiences, saw gorgeous scenery and laughed until we cried! 

Ate amazing food and drank even better wine! 

Sidenote: On my 29th, I can no longer wear that dress...not a good sign!

Ahhhh, drinking beer in the crisp Austrian air after climbing a bazillion stairs to get to the top of this mountain...errrr hill!

Now, for the hard to swallow 29th birthday we are heading to Kentucky for some bluegrass, some bourbon tasting, some shopping and a Sunday breakfast at The Downs!

Have a good weekend y'all!!!!!

Birthday Weekend O' Friends

I have been an awful blogger lately, and to be honest, I'm not sure it's going to get any better in the next few weeks! However, I wanted to at least show y'all what Mr. Marine did for me for my "Birthday Weekend with Friends."

Mr. Marine is a fabulous cook and we love to entertain, drink wine and enjoy good friendships. So for this particular celebration, we combined all the above! We had two couples over for a wine tasting experience...each couple brought a dish coupled with a complementing wine!

The Festive Fall Table

Mr. Marine's Famous Caesar Salad in a Parmesan Bowl

Mr. Marine's Duck with Soy Buerre Blanc and Wasabi Mashed Potatoes

Mr. Marine's Fried Georgia Peach Pound Cake with Carmel Bourbon Sauce and Candied Pecans

Note: I did not get pics of Maggie and Liz's dishes. They were the first 2 courses, and quite frankly I was too busy stuffing my face at that point!

After drinking too much wine, we headed to our neighborhood bar for some birthday drinks. 

Justin, head bartender, gave us some celebratory shots that tasted like milkshakes!

Outside the bar before we all headed home

Let's just say, none of us girls were feeling well the next day. Maggie and I of course had to be up early for a JL event. Not good. I had planned to take pictures of everyone that day, but I was so busy trying to hold my cookies down that the camera never made an appearance!

But by the evening, we were feeling better and we were heading off to a Blues hockey game! The Marines gave Mr. Marine some free tickets on the lower level so we were excited to go to our first professional hockey game as a couple!

Maggie and I outside the stadium! (This was such the weekend of Maggie and I)

So fun!

Sunday, I headed off to Market in Chicago to do some buying for the boutique....That post is for another day!

I know you are out there BCBG dress...I'm stalking you!

I have the attention span of a gnat. Actually, it might be less than that because those little gnats can be quite persistent in their quest to annoy me. 

Okay, I have the attention span of a 5 year old. No offense to those with kids of that age, but they drive me bonkers with their eternal need to change what occupies them every five minutes. Just color until the entire book is a gorgeous plethora of color. Why can't you play tag for 3 consecutive hours, or at least until your mommy and I are done having wine and chatting like you aren't there? I digress...

Back to my attention span (told you it was that of a child)... I am waiting for my Ball dress from Nordstrom. I have stalked this BCBG beauty along its route...Nordstrom, Springfield, Earth City...I know you are out on that truck and you better get here now!

The UPS man and I are great friends. After all, he brings me all my favorite things (unlike the mail man who brings me bills) so we are quite close. My lab even likes him, probably because he senses his momma's excitement every time this man dressed in brown comes around. However, Mr. UPS Man, with one turn of my attitude this vicious, slobbering, treat-desiring, trick expert Labrador retriever will attack. So it is in your best interest to bring me that dress immediately before he senses my irritation towards you...HURRY UP I TELL YOU!!!!!

Flashback Friday!

In honor of reunions, since once of my best friends just got her fiance back, I am going to post a pic from Mr. Marine's homecoming. Only those who have experienced it will know the true emotion captured in this photo... Tunnel vision, world stopped turning, and a feeling that my heart was going to leap from my chest! 

I don't have children, but women who do swear you forget the pain when you hold your baby for the first time...Well, when Mr. Marine held me in his arms it made all the sleepless nights, all the tears, all the worry fade away (Don't worry, those emotions came back when he talked about deploying again less than 9 months later) But what I felt in this moment is something that still gives me butterflies...

As a "Welcome Home" gift I got my chef of a husband the ultimate "Mr. Marine gift." We went to a fabulous restaurant in Raleigh, sat at the Chef's Table (in the middle of the kitchen) and got served a special menu by the chef himself, complete with wine pairings. Of course, Mr. Marine was in heaven telling me all about what the people were doing in the kitchen, the stations, etc...Oh, and when he discovered that restaurant uses the same knives he has, his eyes lit up like a 5 year old on Christmas morning! Actually, he was probably thinking, "I told you our knife collection was the best...even if it does cost us the price of a small vehicle." 

 

(P.S. I am in love with this pic because I haven't been this skinny since that day! It is my motivation pic when I am not wanting to workout!)

Need Stain Removal Advice!

I just spilled coffee on my brand-spankin-new silk shirt.

I am pissed!

Please tell me how to get this out!

From now on, I will only drink from a straw when wearing nice clothes. I hate you coffee!

P.S. I can't do anything at the moment, so don't tell me to take it off and soak it...I'm at work and clients don't want to see what is under this shirt...trust me!

It's Like a Fraternity Formal...Except My Date Isn't Living in Filth and Eating Top Ramen!

I just ordered this beauty for the Marine Corps Ball...

Now, let's all collectively pray it both fits and looks good!

Another Glorious Weekend of College Football...Here We Come Tennessee

Another glorious weekend of college football is upon us! So, Mr. Marine and myself (along with our dog Riley) are heading to Knoxville, TN to see...

This adorable bundle of rolls...

Take on the obnoxious orange of this school...

Good News: We are going with a Marine buddy stationed out of San Diego, so it should be a very fun weekend! 

Bad News: The Dawgs are a bit inconsistent this year so it could be a victory or an embarrassment. 

Really Bad News: It is supposed to be raining THE WHOLE GAMEDAY!

Sex, Lies and High School Drama...

Am I officially old?

Let me start from the beginning...I am addicted to teenybopper TV. I loved Laguna Beach. I have never missed an episode of The Hills (but my girlfriend is Audrina's personal make-up artist...so I watch as much for that as anything). I watched 90210 growing up and was stoked to learn the new one was coming out, so now I am addicted to that. And even though it's not really teenybopper...I religiously DVR The City!

However, The Hills has been deleted from my DVR list. I watched the season premier but I was so turned off by Kristin and the drama that ensued that I turned it off. I cannot stand watching Heidi try and make Spencer "want" to have kids. She was just reported in Us Weekly as having said, she "needs a kid to mature Spencer." You both disgust me! I spent much of my life in LA going to school with child movie stars, celebrities' kids, trust fund babies, etc... and while many were snotty and felt rather entitled, many were the sweetest and most down to earth people I have ever known. So this show full of "wanna-be rich kids" is repulsive. But it never was before, so what gives?

This morning, before work, I was watching 90210. It is not nearly as good as the original, but things rarely are. But the fashions are fun to observe and in a sick way...I enjoy the show. However, today I caught myself thinking, "If I had high school or middle school kids, I would not let them watch this." I don't want my oneday kids to think sex in high school is ok, is normal or worse...is expected!

Now, my mom allowed me to watch 90210 and I didn't have sex in high school...heck, I didn't have sex until I was almost 21 and if I could take it back and wait I would because the guy was a total loser who dumped me 2 weeks later.

I am not naive in thinking I can shield my kid from all of the things that go on in the world. In fact, I think many kids that are protected end up worse than those who faced it and were equipped to handle it. But for the first time today, I saw this show from a mother's perspective and it was not what I had expected.

I know my 29th birthday is this month...is this a sign I am getting old?

Birth Control B!*@%

It's gonna get a little bit personal here ladies...but this is my blog so I'll do what I want!

I have been having a terrible time losing weight, so my GYN decided to try switching my birth control from Yasmin (which I was on for 3 years) to...

Since I have been on this Loestrin (all of 1.5 weeks) I have become an awful wife. I'm argumentative. I'm loving one minute and a standoffish beotch the next. I thought it might just be an adjustment period to a new pill but I called the doc today. 

I informed the nurse that I am "a horrible person since I began taking this pill." 

I'd rather be a bit plump than have the constant urge to punch Mr. Marine in the face. I knew it was bad when I told my mom today that I'd rather go home or rent a hotel room than be around him right now. Poor guy didn't do a damn thing to me!

Has a switch in birth control ever made any of you ladies become an angry mongrel? 

Fabulous Fall Weekend Recap!

I don't know about y'all but I am tuckered out ofter this weekend. 

Friday: Mr. Marine and I hosted the lovely Liz from Gangl*icious and her hubby for dinner! As usual, Mr. Marine cooked a fabulous meal of tenderloin with a Guinness sauce, mash potatoes, portobello and asparagus! Yum Yum! They brought infamous Walter who gave Riley a run for his money! They are so going to be doggie BFFs. After ganging up on our non-Texas husbands, we decided to just plan a trip together and make them see Texas through our eyes. I look at Texas real estate (even though I know the Marines have stuck me here) so it was nice to hear how Liz looks at jobs in Texas and then points out to her husband how great a job he could have in TX! We are so sneaky :) 

On a final note...I woke up with a raging headache, went downstairs Sat morning and realized we had enjoyed 11 beers, one bottle of vodka and 2 bottles of wine! But it was so much fun!

Saturday: I got up (with a massive headache) and headed off to go get pampered. I met Maggie from It Is Everlasting for a pedi and it was fabulous! I think I mentioned before, but she is also in my Junior League new member class so I will be seeing her again Tuesday! We both laughed because Mr. Marine gave me a hug before I left "in case he didn't see me again." He was convinced she was a he and he was going to kidnap me. Obviously, he wasn't too concerned since he sent me off on my way alone :)

Sunday: A fabulous fall day at the ballpark! My boss and her husband invited Mr. Marine and I to attend the final regular season game for the Cardinals. Well, Mr. Marine refused to miss his softball game so I had to take a stand-in date! We had a blast and my "date" caught a foul ball! Good thing he was a stand-in or he would have been obligated to give me that ball :)

[Oh Albert...you are one of a kind...except when you are beating my Astros]

[Oh, did I forget to mention we had first row seats...where I could also spy/drool over the guys in the dugout?]

[My boss and I have too much fun together..and this guy was just full of fashion pizzaz]

[These were our seats, right along the first base line...I touched the dirt but secretly wanted to touch the players...heehee]

Hope y'all have a fantastic week!

Fabulous Fall Weekend Ahead!

TGIF!

Weekend happenings that I am SO excited about:

1. Tonight, Mr. Marine and I are hosting a dinner for a fellow blogger and her husband. I knew I had to meet Gangl*icious when I read her "about me" section of her blog. When I read the words, "Texas girl trying to love St. Louis" I about fell out of my chair and screamed with joy at the same time! We had drinks a few weeks ago and now her and the hubs are coming over for dinner tonight.

2. Tomorrow, I am meeting up with another blogger from this area. It is Everlasting and I are going to get pedicures together on Saturday! We have been trying to get together forever and it never happens so we have a date to get our toes painted tomorrow...yay! Oh, did I mention she and I are in the same Junior League new member class? Double yay!

3. College Football: Need I say more? Ok, I will... Georgia plays LSU (Goooooooooooo Dawgs!) for one of the day games. Miami plays Oklahoma (Goooooooo 'Canes). I don't really care for Miami but I despise OU!

4. Sunday: Going to the final regular season Cardinals baseball game. My boss and her husband invited Mr. Marine and I but he refuses to miss a softball game for this league he is in. Stupid team always loses but that's another story! So, I am going with another Mr. Marine. Switching players is ok as long as they're on the same team, right? I joke, I joke!

5. Misc: Painting and cleaning...Ugh! Way to ruin a good weekend!

Fashion with a Benefit...Bangle Proceeds Help Susan G. Komen

Tomorrow kicks off Breast Cancer Awareness Month and I'd be willing to bet most of my readers have been affected by this disease, be it directly or indirectly. 

In college, I wasn't one of those girls aching to join a sorority. Truthfully, I had been burned by some girlfriends and was in no hurry to join a large group of them. I was finally in a place where I could choose my friends and I was NOT going to be thrust into a situation where I had to be nice to people who didn't deserve it.

Well, my roomie from freshman year joined ZTA and before I knew it, I was jealous! However, because I wasn't joining for the popularity, I could join for a reason that mattered...philanthropy! 

As a Zeta, I helped host Pink Ribbon events, I wore pink ribbons on my clothing, I had pink ribbons on my keychains and we hosted a "Big Man on Campus" event that raised money for Susan G. Komen. 

This is a disease that affects so many and we need to each do our part to help eradicate it. Who doesn't love fashion? Well, now you can pair this fabulous bangle with the hottest new boyfriend blazer. Put it with your favorite pink Lilly Pulitzer  dress. It would make a great accessory with a crisp white blouse. 

A. Tierney is donating 20% of the sales from this bangle to Susan G. Komen as long as you enter the code: Fall09 at checkout. 

Just remember, you may not need this organization now, but unfortunately it is likely that at some time in your life you will witness a friend or family member in need of these funds and prayers. 

Buy now...help save a life!

In Need of Pedicure Date!

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I am in desperate need of a pedicure. 

Heels rough and scaly? Check. 

Toenails jagged? Check

Polish left on toenails from ages ago? Check.

Friend to go with me so I won't focus on how strange I actually find pedicures? No

Damn!

Art, Money, Bowling and more...

A little randomness does a girl good...

* I am jumping on the Jillian bandwagon. I went out and bought The 30 Day Shred and am starting it this week. Now, I know some bloggers out there talk about how they need to get in better shape and then post a picture of their rock hard abs...well, when this lady says, "I need to get in shape" I ain't lying. So there will be NOOOOO pics of my abs since you can't see them anyways! But I will give y'all updates from time to time on my progress.

* I am going back to my starch free diet. I will have some rice or a sandwich from time to time but for the most part, I will not be consuming breads, pastas, etc... This also means a lot less drinking for me. I'm not going to lie...I will be drinking my heart out in 2 weeks at the Georgia/Tenn game but other than that, I will do my best. Besides, there is always vodka/soda!

* I wish we were rich! Since I'm keeping this blog real, I will admit to being a bit of a material girl. I grew up with a comfortable lifestyle and I get kinda pissy when I can't buy what I want when I want it. I love art and am annoyed I can't afford the good stuff. I get irritated that I can't hire an interior designer or that I can't book a trip to Europe on a whim. However, the job Mr. Marine has is something larger than both of us...so I will suck it up and be thankful we have all we need (even if it isn't all we want)

* That being said, Mr. Marine and I met a fabulous local artist who does amazing abstract art and he is coming to our house tomorrow to see our colors, our decor, etc.. and design something uniquely for us! Can we say EXCITED?

* I joined Junior League. I'm kinda nervous because although I am a girly girl, I have always thought of JLers as a bit snotty so this could be interesting but I am excited to meet new people and a fellow blogger is in my new member class so that is AWESOME!!!!!

* I need a hobby. Mr. Marine is working more and more and I am bored! I used to paint and was very good at it, even selling some at auctions for hundreds of dollars. However, I had a bad experience with an art teacher during a very vulnerable time in my life and I haven't picked up a paintbrush or a piece of charcoal in over 10 years. I'm very nervous to pick up and begin again after such a lapse, but it is something I miss dearly.

* I have been a bowler since I was 4 years old. I used to be amazing at it. I'm thinking I need to start that again too! But bowling isn't recreation for me...it is a competition. Sure, I down a few beers but I am serious, composed and will kick anyone's butt...I miss being the one guys think just looks cute and then being the girl who makes their skills look elementary! I think I need to join a local league!

Wow...diarrhea of the mouth! That's all the randomness I'll subject y'all to today! 

Selfish? Maybe. But I'm Not Ready to Be Pooped On!

NEWS FLASH: This woman has found reason #34287690 to fear having children! My cousin who is a very new mom just informed me that she must wear a "poop apron" to change her sons diaper because he "blasts" them with poop the minute you take his diaper off!

I think I just threw-up in my mouth just typing that!

Now, where is that anonymous person that called me selfish for all of my fears. Remember: fear of getting fat, fear of staying fat, fear of vomit, fear of sucking as a mom, etc...

Well, now you can add to it...FEAR OF BEING POOPED ON!

Call me selfish, but I am not ready to trade wine parties for projectile poop!

A Cute Bulldog or A Heinous Pig? Gooooooo Dawgs!

Mr. Marine and I are heading off to Arkansas tomorrow to cheer for the Dawgs! It is supposed to rain this weekend so I'm not sure how hot I will look in the pictures but I can promise I'll be sporting the Red and Black!

But before I head out to this state I have never had an interest in going to, I must ask...

Why in the world would someone choose to root for this...

[Image source]

When they could root for this!!!!

[Image source]

[Image source]

Gooooooooooo Dawgs! Sic 'em! Woof Woof Woof!

Trading Designer Duds for Mushed Peas - Will I Ever Be Ready?

Are my fears of [someday] motherhood irrational or rational?

I know moms out there will tell me "it is the best thing in the world," "it is worth every sacrifice you will make," "You won't ever regret it." But I am terrified of the idea.

I just got off the phone with a very dear friend who I admire as a parent. She is a wonderful mother but she didn't lose herself in the process. She makes time for her relationship with her husband without neglecting her kids. But I also have friends who won't leave their babies, haven't been on a date with their husbands in years, have relationship issues because of it, and they can't talk about anything besides kids.

My fears:
- Losing my sense of identity
- Having a marriage that gets neglected
- "Ruining a good thing" so to speak
- Losing my fashion sense
- Having to clean up after my vomiting kid (Hint: other peoples throw up makes me vomit)
- Losing the ability to speak about worldly things, instead speaking of poop, baby food, etc...
- Becoming frumpy (I'll die if I ever purchase faux jeans with elastic waistbands)
- Not being able to provide for my kids like I was provided for (ie spoiled)
- Not being able to pay for their college or private school education
- Being too selfish to be a good mother
- Not being able to travel to places besides Disney
- Being a "single" mom while my husband deploys
- Having to give birth alone in the case that Mr. Marine is off with his wife (ie USMC)
- Screwing my kids up
- Being too harsh
- Not disciplining enough
- The list goes on...and on...and on....

However, I will be 29 next month and I don't want to miss my chance at motherhood. My parents are everything to me and I want them to know my children. I want them to know my mother and why she is my best friend. I want them to know my dad and my step-dad and neither is is great health.

Guess I am just being paranoid. I always said, if God wants me to have kids He will surprise us because Mr. Marine and I will over think this until we are out of time!

125.00 Tee Shirt Ego Ruins My Relationship with J.

I feel taken advantage of just looking at this TEE SHIRT!

Seriously J. Crew...your ego disgusts me. You are beginning to resemble one of those men who lures you in with his good looks but ruins it all by knowing he's hot!

Guess what, you're not that hot! In fact, your clothes rarely fit me. And if I felt like dropping 125.00 on a new top I'd hightail it to Nordstrom where I can get a great lunch, a glass of wine, an awesome return policy, retail assistants who actually care what my shape and style are, and most importantly...I'd get a shirt that wasn't going to fall apart!

You're dead to me J. 

Dead!

I am one of those wives...and I am proud of it! God Bless America!

Mr. Marine told me in early 2001 that he joined the Marines. I told him that we would NEVER be married because I refused to be be of those military wives! I was a junior in college. I had dreams. I was wild and free to do as I wanted. And I sure as hell didn't want to be married to man who would be gone all the time, might die in war and who would probably cheat on me because that's what military men do...especially the Marines!

After reconciling the fact that Mr. Marine and I would always have a closeness, but never be together...I moved on.

I got home in the middle of the night on 9/11 and checked my email. I had one in my inbox from Mr. Marine that read in part "...I don't know why you are letting the word Marine scare you. It's not like we are ever going to go to war..."

I went to bed next to my new college love and woke up to a phone call from my mother tearfully stating, "Carebear, America is under attack." Mind you, my mama has a flair for the dramatic so I stumbled out of bed, knocked on my roomies door and we all sat in front of the TV, watching as the 2nd plane hit the Towers.

Over the next 4 years, I stayed in touch with Mr. Marine, asking every so often, "Where are you? Are you going to Iraq?"

Ironically, this war and 9/11 is what kept us in touch. This lasted until 2005 when we decided, Marines or no Marines, we were meant to be together.

So now, despite my adamant claims that I would never become one, I am a Marine wife.

My eyes fill with tears each time I hear the National Anthem. I have proudly tied a yellow ribbon around my old oak tree while I sent my Lieutenant off to war. I have said that goodbye, knowing it could have been the last goodbye and I love you that he heard from me. I have cried along with my fellow spouses and friends and I have shared laughter with the women who know what it is to love a service member.

Most importantly, I share a bond with some of the bravest women I have ever had the privilege of knowing. Had I stuck to my guns and refused to be one of those wives, I would have been the weak one...because those wives possess more strength in their heart than many possess in their entire being. I am one of those wives and I am a damn proud American!

Mr. Marine's 30th Birthday Surprise REVEALED!

Sorry I have been a bad blogger lately. However, I was yapping about Mr. Marine's HUGE 30th birthday surprise and then I left y'all hangin'.

I bet you've been wondering all these weeks what it was...well, wait no more! Here is the rundown... Now, keep in mind, no surprise was revealed ahead of time. It all unfolded as the weekend progressed!

Surprise #1  - We flew to Jacksonville, FL where I surprised him with a golf trip. But first, we had to get our rental car...where Mr. Marine surprised ME with a shiny red mustang!

Surprise #2 - We stayed the night in an oceanfront condo with some old colleagues of mine who have traveled the world over and are currently in Rome (jealous, me?). Mr. Marine enjoyed  a round of golf at The Ritz!

Surprise #3 -  We head North on 95 when Mr. Marine thinks he has figured it out, proudly saying, "We are going to my parents house or Savannah." Where the tricky little Mrs. states, "I won't say where we are going but I did arrange to meet your sis of 95 for a drink."

Little did Mr. Marine know, that I had already spoken to some of our friends who had driven in from Atl and were meeting us at the restaurant! So, when Mr. Marine walked in the Mexican restaurant and looked to his left, he saw his sis, his Marine buddy Brett and his wife Morgan!

Surprise #4 - We head to his parents house on The Island and when he goes to remove our luggage, I inform him that we aren't staying. Confused, I must confess..."We are staying at our friend Katie's beach house on Sea Island!" Mind you, Mr. Marine is shocked about the beach house but even more surprised that Katie is coming to his birthday weekend given her fiance (Mr. Marine's Phi Delt buddy and fellow Marine is deployed right now!)

At dinner that evening, I call his best friend, and best man in our wedding, and Nate arrives at the dinner table to an enormously surprised Mr. Marine

Surprise #5 - This was a surprise to us both...Katie's beach house is beautiful and this was our room in said house! I never wanted to leave.

Surprise #6 - I told Mr. Marine to sleep in and the girls and I had some errands to run but we'd bring breakfast. Oh, sneaky me had arranged for his good friend from OCS/TBS to fly in from San Diego. So we picked him up and drove back to the Island. When Mr. Marine saw him come through the door, I wish I could have video taped his expression...pure Joy!

Surprise #7 - I chartered a sailboat and the 6 of us spent an awesome day on the water just drinking beer and catching up

Surprise #8 - Mr. Marine's folks hosted a big ol' party at their house on Fri night. As we walked in the door, Mr. Marine had another couple of buddies waiting for him that came in from Atlanta!

The next day was spent at the beach, just lounging and drinking!

Mr. Marine and I enjoyed a relaxing day on Sea Island.

The all impressive Cloister!

Whew! Are you as exhausted after hearing about it as I was after planning all of it and stressing about it all remaining a surprise? 

All in all, it was one of the best weekends I have ever had. To see the expression on my husband's face every time I pulled off another surprise made me gleam! I am lucky to be married to him and I hope this showed him how much he is loved and appreciated by ME!

Terrifying Night in Casa de Stilettos

This post isn't going to be long because I have a pounding headache from sinus, as well as tension/anxiety.

Last night, my lab went downstairs about 1:30am which is totally out of character for him. Mr. Marine and I didn't think twice about it till we heard him growling a bit and heard noise outside. Mr. Marine looked out our bedroom window and tore out of the bedroom and flew downstairs...insert panic in this scaredy cat wife!

Our dog doesn't really bark, but we can always tell if it is a stranger or a friend by asking, "Riley, Who's there?" If it is someone he knows, his tail wags and he whimpers to get out and play with the person. If he doesn't know them...he barks. Well, we asked that question last night and he barked his little head off.

All I heard was Mr. Marine yelling, "Get out of here. No, get out of here. We are calling the police."

That was the downstairs scene. Mr. Marine calm and collected. Simply stating the facts!

The upstairs scene where I was:

Running around in my tank and underwear trying to find shorts, pants, jeans anything to put on my lower half. Trying to dial 911, and asking Mr. Marine, "Babe, what do I tell the police...OMG OMG OMG!!!!" Finally, I abandon the search and wrap a towel around my waist...still panicking.

Finally, the guy leaves. I don't shut my eyes the rest of the night and was still paranoid as hell when I walked out of my house this morning.

Apparently, the guy was drunk and thought our house was his house. So he was trying to break into his own house since his keys weren't working...So he kept telling Mr. Marine to "open the door."

Mr. Marine travels a bit and the travel is only going to pick-up...so had this happened 2 days ago I would have been alone in the house.

Results of last nights event:
1. I sleep in a tank AND shorts
2. We are having our alarm re-connected
3. I am paranoid now, which I never was before
4. Mr. Marine is lobbying for a gun which has always been prohibited from my house
5. I have a tension headache that makes me want to shoot my eyes out with aforementioned gun!

Happy Birthday Mr. Marine

Happy birthday to the man of my dreams. Though we have known one another since we met that fateful summer 12 years ago, I never dreamt I would share my life with you. I gave up on you, just in time for you to decide I was the woman you had let slip away. I never thought I'd lead the life of a loving Marine wife...In fact, I still can't believe I got roped into this life :) 

I am so proud of you and the love you have for both me and this great nation. I always joke that the USMC is your wife, I am simply the mistress...but I support you and am happy you chose me to be your sidekick. Very few people find their true passion in life, and you have found yours and I am envious. 

You make me smile when I am furious and want nothing more than to punch you. You make me waffles on Sunday mornings. You know just when to grab my hand and help me get through something I am determined to do alone. You bring me wine, or meet me on the porch steps with a margarita after I have had a long day. You guide me when I feel lost. You keep me on my toes. You always remind me that I can't control everything, and that's ok. You have taught me to be more understanding when things aren't going my way. You have taught me patience. 

Most importantly, you have taught me that with love...we can survive anything.

I hope you enjoy your surprise. You deserve the best. However, my 30th birthday is Oct 30, 2010...so you better start planning!

And We Are Off!

Well ladies, the time has come for me to execute this fabulous surprise for the love of my life. Mr. Marine will be the big 3-0 on Sat so I am taking him on a little getaway that will be all about him! I still can't say what it is because he is a HUGE snoopster and I have been keeping this under wraps for months so I can't blow it now.

If I get a chance tonight, I will write a scheduled post wishing him a Happy Birthday on Sat but I'm not making any promises. There's a ton to do before we leave tomorrow so I am running around like a chicken with my head cut off...

But for now, I will leave you with one of my favorite pics of Mr. Marine and myself. This was taken at a UGA football game 4 years ago but it was our first real "date" even though I had to fly in from Houston (long way for a girl to travel for a date, huh?)

College football season is about to kick-off which means two things: 1) I lose my husband; 2) There will be plenty of beer consumed, food eaten, and parties thrown!

P.S. If his eyes look a bit "off"...well, it was a UGA football game and for you fellow SEC fans that's enough said!

Just cut a woman some slack!

C'mon life..cut me some damn slack!

Blah blah blah...stuff happens but all these little irritations are adding up to one big annoyance! Mr. Marine and I are back on the same page about him being a stinker. He loved the cookies and is sharing them with the guys at work. Thank God because I want those things OUT of my house!

I informed Mr. Marine he needed to work on being more emotional (not his usual boob squeeze kind of emotion either). I am going all out for this 30 birthday and I need a little "Thank you" once in a while. He reminded me that he is Irish and Irish people don't have the emotion gene...but he said he will work on it :)

On to the horrible thing in Stilettos land...I had my hair colored and I had a severe allergic reaction! I mean, my scalp is burned to holy hell with scabs all over, massive itchiness, and pain! And because I was picking at aforementioned scabs, I now have infected hair follicles which has made my neck so sore I can barely move. I am super doped up on Benadryl and am seeing stars I am so sleepy!

Not to mention, I am still working on this uber-surprise for Mr. Marine and I don't have time for this shit!

I am being punished. Whenever I try to control everything, life does this to remind me I am not in control. OK...I get it! Just make my damn head stop itching and I'll promise to be a little less Type-A.

In good news, Mr. Marine and I leave next eek for his big 3-0 birthday surprise. I can't wait to tell y'all all about it.

Yeah, I rock! And so do my cookies!!

In spite of my husband being a bit ungrateful and self-absorbed, I stuck to my plan of making him his favorite cookies. After all, I am giving him a birthday gift EVERY DAY of his birthday month leading up to the big surprise so I couldn't stop just because I wanted to choke him last night!

Today, he will be surprised with Oatmeal & Gumdrop Cookies at work.

Yeah, I pretty much rock! Now someone run along and tell him because he seems to have forgotten!

Pleas tell me I am not alone!

Am I alone in sometimes wanting to put my sweet loving little hands around Mr. Marine's very strong and sexy neck and squeeze!?

Please tell me that on occasion, you ladies do get the urge to choke the dumbness out of your husbands! Please Please Please tell me I am not the only one!

I love and adore my husband but he is driving me NUTS right now. I am usually in withdrawals when he leaves but last night I enjoyed the quiet and tonight I will be baking wonderful goodies for the August Birthday Boy since he is still out of town...possibly while enjoying a nice quiet evening with a bottle of wine!

I know, there are some of my closest friends that would give anything to have their men back in their arms right now. I have been there and it drove me bonkers when women would complain and force me to snap back with, "At least he is home giving you something to complain about."

I just want to choke the stupidity out of this wonderful man because I fear it is taking over my husband.

Please tell me you too occasionally get the urge to grab a dinner fork and poke your husband with it!

Vicksburg, MS...What I remember of it anyways!

Ok - I am beat! I was in the car for 10 hours on Friday and then proceeded to go out with friends and just get ridiculous. Saturday, I could hardly pull myself out of bed. I managed to go get a fabulous lunch in Vicksburg, buy some UGA cups and go back for a nap before the wedding. I didn't drink 1 sip at the wedding after I had such a night before. Sunday, we drove 10 hours back home and now my body is mad. I mean pissed! So I don't know if I have a sinus infection, a cold from the crappy hotel air or am just exhausted. Either way, Mr. Marine's 30th surprise is fast approaching so I may be heading to the doc's tomorrow for some fast acting meds!

Since I don't feel like chatting, I am going to display my weekend in picture form. Enjoy!

[VA and I lookin' hot given the sweltering heat]

[Hannity gave the groom his own personal shout-out. Exclaiming, he "hopes they have lots of little conservatives]

[Mr. Marine and I. Please pardon the humidity hair]

[The girls at lunch in Vicksburg]

[Mr. Marine and I shopping for UGA stuff in Ole Miss country]

[You can dress us up, but you can't take us out]