What I'm Loving Wednesdays!

It's Wednesday, and today I am loving:

1.  That Javier won The Voice!  I loved everything about him during the show!

2.  That we are only 2 days away from a 3 day weekend!  WOOHOO!

3.  That I have plans to be outside all weekend to celebrate our nation's independence.

4.  This guy:

And who doesn't love Red Wayfarers!

5.  This book:

I started reading this book this weekend, and I can't even put it down!

Head over the Jamie's blog and tell us what you're loving!

Simple Acts of Kindness

I was raised in church...I was raised a member of the United Methodist Church.  And, even though I don't go on a regular basis, I love the United Methodist Church...it is good for my soul!  This past Sunday when my mom was in town, she and I went to the Methodist Church close to my house.  I have been to this church a few times and I love the minister there. 

This Sunday's sermon, in particular, really hit home for me.  He asked each of us if we have witnessed Simple Acts of Kindness this week.  That really got me thinking...I sometimes get so bitter and focused on what is going on in my life that I fail to notice, much less DO simple acts of kindness.  In fact, I couldn't think of a single example of such behavior in my life in the last week.  Therefore, I decided right then that whenever I find myself becoming Negative Nancy I am going to focus instead on a Simple Act of Kindness.

What Simple Acts of Kindness have you witnessed this week?

Weekend Update!

So, I can't believe I haven't posted since Wednesday!  I've been so busy the last few days, but I'm super pumped to be back at my favorite past time!

Despite the fact that my beau was out of town on a Bachelor Party weekend for the last few days, I still had a really great weekend.  Friday night, I got a brand new haircut, which was much needed and also perfect timing since I have a lot going on in the next couple of weeks.  Then, because my mom STILL did not have electricity at her house, she came to town to hang out with me and Zoey for the weekend!  She hadn't met Zoey, yet, and she was very impressed!  And Zoey was crazy about her grandmother...she pretty much followed her around all weekend!

Saturday morning, after laying around for several hours, the sun finally came out enough to head to the pool.  Thank goodness I was able to work on my tan a little bit...I needed it for my big night on the town.  Saturday night was Kathleen's Bachelorette Party, which started off with a lingerie shower:

She got lots of pretty things...

...including this Grandma friendly nightgown...I bet Mickey will LOVE this one!  Ha!

After opening all the presents, it was time to head out on the town:

The whole gang about to walk out the door!

Our first stop was Zanie's Comedy Club to see Loni Love.  She was hilarious, and pretty much UBER vulgar.  She even called Kat out and gave her a little of her own attention that night!

Alysia and I hanging out with the Bride-to-Be

After the show, it was time to head downtown:

A few of us waiting in line at The Stage!

The entire group in between dancing and singing at the top of our lungs!

After a fun evening, it was time to head home!  Sunday, after my kickball game was cancelled because of rain, I headed to church with my mom.  Then, she and I headed to do a little shopping and eat a little lunch.

The rest of the day was spent relaxing and getting ready for the work week...boo!

I hope all of you had a great weekend!

Project 365 -- Week 10

Sunday, June 18, 2011 -- Happy Father's Day

Monday, June 19, 2011 -- Kat's Bridesmaid's Dress Arrived (To be revealed after the wedding)

Tuesday, June 20, 2011 -- My Favorite Recipe

Wednesday, June 21, 2011 -- Beautiful Day Lily

Thursday, June 22, 2011 -- Nashville Sounds Game

Friday, June 23, 2011 -- Zoey Meets her Grandmother

Saturday, June 24, 2011 -- Kat's Bachelorette Party

What I'm Loving Wednesdays!

So, I know it's just barely still Wednesday, but since it's not midnight, yet, I thought I'd go ahead and tell you what I'm loving this week:

1.  That this Saturday is Kathleen's Bachelorette Party!  Can't wait to hang out with the ladies and enjoy some good 'ole fashioned comedy at Zanie's Comedy Club!  Who knows, we may even hit up mine and Kat's Nashville fav, The Stage after the comedy show...It's her night, and I can't wait to see what her sister (aka the Maid of Honor) has planned!

2.  That I don't live in Knoxville tonight...apparently, there are a bizzillian people in that city without power (including my parents) and rumor has it, electricity will not be fully restored to everyone until sometime this weekend.  YIKES!

3.  That I am getting a cut and color on Friday!  I can't wait to have my look refreshed before the weekend!

4.  That I ran a mile and a half tonight without stopping!  Yea for finally overcoming my fear of running longer than a mile!

5.  This guy:

6.  And last, but not least...this doggy:

Head on over to Jamie's and tell us what you're loving!

Weekend Update!

Two years ago, I was definitely that girl who thought that the only GOOD weekend was one where I was so busy that I went back to work the next Monday feeling absolutely exhausted! Well, maybe it's getting older or maybe it's the fact that a lot has changed in my life in the last 2 years, but this past weekend was anything but exhausting, and it was simply magnificent!

Friday night, I just hung around the house with Zoey and then, Patrick came over a little later in the evening. Saturday, I had big plans to go to the pool all day and work on my tan. However, the nasty, nasty weather put a big stop to that! I was kinda bummed out, but then the day got better and better because I got so much done and I continued to hang out and relax with Z and my beau.

Saturday night, the weather cleared up just in time for the Nashville Junior Chamber's Annual Gala. It was a great night, and I love getting all dressed up once in awhile. Gala is always a lot of fun, and this year was no different.  In fact, at this year's Gala, we did all of the following:

We posed for pictures...

We took "self portraits"...or rather I took "self protraits"...

We sang...

And my favorite part of the night...we danced...

BTW, the above video is just a taste of my favorite quality of my beau...to say it simply, he can DANCE!!!!  He doesn't even have to try...he just gets up there and moves...seeing as how dancing is one of my favorite pasttimes, it makes us fit perfectly together!  =)

Even though we were having a great time, we were also super tired, and my feet were super hurting, so we decided to head home for the evening at a reasonable hour...

Sunday was spent resting, running and running errands.  Also, I had a nice dinner at Brick's Cafe in Brentwod.  If you haven't been here and you live in Nashville, do not stop go, do not collect $100; head to this restaurant NOW!  It is YUMMY!

It was a wonderful weekend...I wish it could have lasted longer, but since Wednesday is already over, I only have to wait a couple more days for it to start all over again!

New Blog Design!

I just wanted to send a special "Thank You" to Jenn at Munchkinland Designs for creating the fabulous new layout for my blog!  I love it and have already received compliments!  She does great work and is very easy to work with!  Definitely check her out if you are looking for something new!

Oh, yeah, and grab my button for your blog, if you're interested!  =)

Project 365 -- Week 9

Sunday, June 12, 2011 -- Zoey's First Bath

Monday, June 13, 2011 -- Dinner Club at Suzy Wong's

Tuesday, June 14, 2011 -- Last NJC Board Meeting of the Year!

Wednesday, June 15, 2011 -- Mine and Zoey's First All-Girl Sleepover!

Thursday, June 16, 2011 -- First Bloom of the Year

Friday, June 17, 2011 -- Pita Chips with Nutella = Deliciousness!

Saturday, June 18, 2011 -- My Beau and I All Dressed Up!

Happy Father's Day!

Today celebrates the day that all men refer to as the holiday after Mother's Day.  Ha!  No, it's true...dad's really do get the shaft!  Everyone drops everything on the day that celebrates Mom's, but Father's Day tends to be overlooked.  Well, here is my tribute to my Daddy!  And also the top 10 reasons I love him...

10.  Because he always fixes things when he comes to my house!

9.  Because he planted the most beautiful day lillies last fall that I am really enjoying this summer!

8.  Because he still opens the door for my mother after 38 years of marriage!

7.  Because he would do anything for his children (even his canine child)!

6.  Because he has welcomed Patrick into our family with open arms!

5.  Because he calls all the time to check on Zoey!

4.  Because he has worked hard all of his life to make sure that his wife and kids had everything they need!

3.  Because he has pushed me harder than anyone I know, but is always proud of me when I succeed!

2.  Because when I passed the CPA exam he called everyone he knew and told them.  I was extremely embarrassed about this at the time, but think it's pretty neat looking back.

And the #1 reason I love my Daddy:

1.  Because he made me drive the worst car EVER when I was 16!  It was terrible at the time, but looking back I see that this instilled a strong work ethic and the realization that it doesn't matter what other people think.

Happy Father's Day, Daddy!  I love you!!!!!

Finally, I also want to say Happy Father's Day to my beau...the best Puppy Daddy a girl could ask for!

Patrick opening the card that Zoey bought him!

Happy Birthday, Laura!

So, today my little kid sister turns a quarter of a century old!  Yep, I can't believe it...she is 25!!!!!  I swear it really does seem like yesterday that she was annoying me by coming in my room all the time in grade school, stealing all my clothes in high school, and coming down to Nashville to visit me when she was in college. 

Now, she's working on her Master's Degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs, but still seems like she should be that little girl annoying the crap out of me.  =)  I am so proud of her!

Laura, I hope you have a wonderful birthday, and enjoy the last half of your 20s...they go by REALLY fast!

The Summer I Went to Europe - Day 3

Day 3 of our trip and we have arrived in Livorno, Italy!  Instead of spending the day in Livorno, we decided to take a charter bus to visit both Pisa and Florence.  During the ride to Pisa, we had an excellent travel guide who explained everything we could do in Pisa and the best way to see the most in the short time we were be there.

We thought these trees were really pretty!

After arriving in Pisa, we were off to see the #1 attraction there...yep, you guessed it...the Leaning Tower of Pisa!  I was really excited to see this, even though I really didn't know anything about it.  I learned from our tour guide that the tower was originally built as part of the town's Cathedral and began leaning shortly after construction began because of the soil that was used.  We got some really cool pictures of the Leaning Tower and other attractions in Pisa.

Up close pic of The Leaning Tower!

Me and my beau!

Probably my favorite pic of the tower!

And because no trip to Pisa is complete without trying to "hold the tower up." 

Then it was my turn!

After MUCH searching, we finally found someone who was up to our photography standards!

The Tower with the Cathedral to the right!

The Cathedral with the Baptistery behind it!

Just a cool pic Patrick took!

After a quick trip to Pisa, it was time to hop back on the bus to head to the land of Snooki...yep, Florence!  When we first got to Florence, we were both starving and REALLY craving some good Italian food.  With a little help from our tour guide, she led us to the best meal we had the entire trip.  Not only was it yummy food, but it was also outdoor seating right in the middle of the Signoria Square, which is the town plaza that houses the townhall of Florence.

Bargello was DE-licious!

Patrick's beer was MASSIVE!  I had a Diet Coke of the same size...it rocked my world!

My meal was soooooo good!

Me, just relaxing with the plaza in the background!

Once we had re-fueled, we decided to take in the sights of Florence.  Our first stop was the plaza where we had lunch!  Here we saw Palazzo Vecchio; just outside this building is a replica of the Statue of David.  The original is located at the Academy of Fine Arts.  We didn't get to go there because of time, so we decided the replica would be good enough.  =)

Palazzo Vecchio

Statue of David Replica

After that, we strolled through the Uffizi Gallery, one of the oldest and most famous art galleries of the Western world.  There were several cool statues, including the likeness of the following people:

I'll be honest...except for the bottom statue of Leonardo Davinci, I have no idea who these other people are.  =)  On the other side of the gallery, we came to Ponte Vecchio (i.e. Old Bridge).

Our next stop was the Cathedral.  The cool think about this church is that the door was built to tell stories of the Bible for people who could not read.

Fun fact I learned on this trip...every Cathedral has a Baptistry

Beautiful entry way to the Cathedral

These are the door I was talking about above.

Patrick being silly!

Best Pic of the Cathedral!

By this point in the day, we were REALLY tired...thank goodness it was almost time to go meet our group, at the Church of Santa Croce.  It is amazing to me how long ago these churches were built...they are all such MASSIVE structures, too.  I can only imagine how long each of them were under construction!

Church of Santa Croce

After getting back on the ship, we quickly made our way to dinner and then decided to head to the ice skating rink on board the ship to watch Encore!  An Ice Spectacular.  It was amazing, and the talent on this ship continues to amaze me! 

That was it for Day 3!  At this point, all of the busy, busy, busy was beginning to catch up with us, but we were having a great time, and couldn't wait to head to Rome the next day!

And, finally...because no blog post is complete without a towel animal...