Preparing for the Worst

Batteries. Check. Bottled water. Check.

Canned food, bags of ice, candles. Check, check, check.

This morning I woke at 7 to the sound of the wind whipping through the trees and alongside the two-story house we're staying in. J woke right after me. Brush teeth, pull on shoes and take the dogs out before the weather gets bad.

Even though its a necessary statement, preparing for the worst is something we just do in the South. No hesitation. We're used to the statement.

Some of us evacuate. Some of us tape windows and border our homes and shops with sand bags. Some of us hunker down for the storm. Some of us go shopping for two days buying all the necessities in case we're trapped for days. (Yes, we are the latter.)

We're hunkered down at J's parents' this long weekend. They're traveling north for their vacation so we left the apartment complex to stay in their home. We have J's brother and his fiancee staying with us as well as an instigating Mini Monster (rat terrier), a psycho spastic pug named Jasper and a calm mothering pit bull named Princess.

The boat, vehicles, trailer and even our new big black beauty is tucked away and strapped safely under the carport. No, we didn't close on the house Friday. No, I don't want to talk about it. *pout* All I really want to say is these companies we're dealing with really need to get a grip on what they've been doing for hundreds of years. "We forgot to include a number on line 3," or "Oops, there's one more thing you need to sign".

Make an effing checklist. You do this shit every single day. There's really no excuse.

Continuing on the Gustav prep... We finished all the necessary to-dos yesterday. Mom's birthday is Labor Day so we went to visit early yesterday for a little pre-birthday, birthday party. She opened presents and we ate a yummy diabetic-friendly dessert that I made for her (pictures and recipe for another post). We all cut up and watched the kiddos play together, but we all talked about the storm. We all had it in the back of our minds. Though my immediate family is only a few miles and minutes away from one another at the moment, we still worry.

The tv stays on the weather station. The words landfall, damage, and winds are heard every five minutes. J paces from room to room, stepping out on the enclosed porch to look at the weather. I let out an occasionally "stop!!" when the pug and the rat terrier get to aggravating each other.

Today's is my mom's birthday. Give her a hug if you have a moment: Tookie Tales Probably doesn't feel like much of a birthday to her.

I'll try to check in, there isn't a whole lot to do when you're waiting for a storm. I have magazines, books I haven't been able to read and J's laptop. Oh, and the ever-entertaining dogs...

Through His Strength

Got this off of ZenHabits and nearly lost half my mascara at work.

TGIF my lovelies.

Awesome Blogger Lost

Don't you hate when you find a new blog by way of a fellow blogger's list of fellow bloggers, through their comments to another list and you FINALLY find one that catches your attention... And you start reading and click on a link they are sharing in their current post and you think "I'm so going to add this one to my bloglines! and then you X out of that shared link to get back to the awesome blogger's page and its GONE.

Just like that. Who knows exactly how I got there. I will never find that clever, witty blogger again. I'm sure of it.

Ugh.

Does this mean we're adults now??

Yesterday Jason and I had planned to stop by an appliance store after work to check out this refrigerator he liked. We both wanted a black side by side, that much we knew. Jason gets there before me and says "The place closes at 5 and there's one black side by side left."

What? I can't SEE it before its purchased?? Yikes!

I stir in my head for a minute. I imagine Jason in devil's clothing on my right shoulder saying "Just be spontaneous for once!!"

"Buy it," I tell him over the phone.

"What?" He says quietly. "Are you sure?"

Now I'm quiet. Then he says "You trust me?"

I get a rush of giddiness through my chest and say forcefully "Just DO it!" Like Ben Stiller does on Starsky and Hutch.

We share a laugh and a squeal and J's off to buy our big black beauty.

And big black beauty it is:























I can't wait to stuff you with all our favorites. Cheeses, pineapple, fresh lettuces, lunch meat and leftovers. Big jugs of orange juice and tea. Frozen bags of hasbrowns and tilapia. *sigh*

If you guys haven't figured it out already, the loan went through and we're supposed to be closing this Friday!!! So J and I are rushing around picking up the necessities. Cross your fingers for us!

Jewelry takes people's minds off your wrinkles. ~Sonja Henie

Even though it bothered me enough to post about it, I was sick just seeing it as the first thing on my blog. Time for a new post!

So now I'll just drive you crazy with my jewelry! I can't help it. I'm so in love with it, I'm cheating on Jason with it. Especially the City Lights earrings.

And uh, if you're interested, 25% entire shop today and today only!! Wahoo!!

Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade jilllamonte.etsy.com

Disgusting

I'm on the way to work this morning and my stomach is getting queasier and queasier. Why, you ask? Because the middle aged guy in the work truck in front of me has his window down and is spitting every 3 minutes out his window.

WHHYYY DO GUYS DO THIS???

For you guys reading, just so you know - its DISGUSTING. What exactly is in your mouth that is so gross you have to spit it out in public? Did you brush your teeth this morning? What about your tongue? Cause it might have something to do with it.

What? Its because the smoking leaves a build up that you have to get rid of?

*stare*

Well quit smoking, jack ass.

Another time we were out on the river and I was having a conversation with a female friend of mine and her boyfriend's son, who's 18. The son kept hawking and cackling in his throat like an 80 yr old man who's been smoking all his life. Every other sentence he'd make that awful throaty sound and spit a big ole wad out his mouth. After the third time of him spitting right in the sand in front of me I stopped mid-sentence and walked away.

Where is the respect these days? Who told you that its okay to spit in front of others?

I remember this older man who used to come into the grocery where I worked back in college. He carried a hankerchief and coughed a lot. Once he stopped me in the middle of ringing groceries and said to excuse him. Stepped right outside the doors and pulled his hankie out. I could see him taking care of his spitting routine and as he came back in he apologized.

Why guys think its okay to spit right in front of women is beyond me. If you have a doubt let me make it clear.

Stop. Its digusting.

A New Look

I sat back the other day after loading a few new baubles into my shop and realized that my banner was definitely not representing me, my style, OR my jewelry! Some of you may know that I graduated from LSU as a graphic designer, so having someone else create a banner for me was a big step. But I just couldn't do it for myself. I'm too picky and indecisive. It took this long - nearly a year since I've opened my shop - to finally seek out a another creative soul to paint my new look.

Sounds like I'm getting a self make over doesn't it? Don't make fun - this is so exciting for me!

Behold, the fabulous Swieky Siggies' banner creation:







Go have a look at the bigger picture for yourself: www.jilllamonte.etsy.com

Erin was so awesome to work with. Besides being totally affordable and easy to communicate with, she's super creative and knows her stuff. If you need a banner for your blog - go see her!

http://swiekysiggies.blogspot.com/

I appreciate everything, Erin! I'm totally diggin' my shop's new look, thanks to you!

Back in my arms, again

-- UPDATE!! KLove link has been corrected. Grrr! --

Dear KLove,

I haven't been able to listen to you at work because I had an old junker of a computer leftover from the employee before me. No speakers. No sound card.

My boss had a new computer set up for me today, one with sound! The first thing I did was return to you, my sweet music, my calming melodies.

I've needed you so. Over a month without you in the background of my work day was way too long. I think J even knew I needed you. We rode about town last night in my car and he didn't switch the channel, he left you playing the whole time.

I just wanted to let you know how much I missed you. My world is complete again.

Yours always,

Jill

Why does music have such an effect on me? *sigh* I feel so calm, so clear, even romantic and shall I say, pretty, when I have these songs playing.

On another note, I'm getting a new header for my Jillry Etsy Shop. Finally! And when the header is in my hands, I'll share and shamelessly promote the hell out of my designer, for she is awesome!

Hope you're having a good Friday. Its a beautiful day in my neighborhood...

Yeah You Right

Saturday night me & J met up with one of our dearest couple friends, Michelli and Davide.

Our first stop was Fish City Grill where we ordered platters of crabs, shrimp, spicy andouille sausage (Michelle, are you imagining me saying "andouille" right now?), corn & potatoes. We talked of wedding plans, the new house and as always, laughed out loud as Michelle quoted random movie lines.

Mid-way through being wrist deep in shrimp & crabs, Michelle picks up a rather greyish looking shrimp. Eh, not cooked. Jason makes a comment that one of his crabs wasn't cooked thoroughly either. Michelle sweetly notes the observation to the waitress - after all, we surely didn't want someone else to be served an uncooked plate of seafood. Sushi anyone?

So we're back in conversation and the chef comes out, all smiles. He asks about the uncooked shrimp to which Michelle replies that she doesn't necessarily want him to replace her shrimp, just wanted him to know. He announces he is going to cover our food tab, its on him. We're all a little stunned and protest - we weren't looking for a free meal! He insists and we all walk out, me & Michelli being the cheapest dates EVA, as we both just had a glass of water with our seafood. Our men are sooo lucky. :)

Next Michelle and I ran to play in Frock Candy, any chic girl's fashion delight. The guys had a ladies sunglasses fashion show while Michelle tried on some girlie digs.

Off to The Roux House next, where a rather (eh, hmm) ghetto band was playing, named Yeah You Right. Are you ready for this? I can't make this up, people. They wore baggy pants, big chains, side-ways ball caps, and rapped rock music. But first they opened with Funky Cold Medina. Even better? This pregnant chic that was maybe 7 months in her pregnancy was out on the floor dancing like her previous profession was of the adult entertainment nature. Eh hmm. Awesomeness.

At least we got a few good photos out the night:















If anyone makes a comment on my lip blemish, I'm coming out this computer to... do something very bad to you! Yeah. Watch it. I'm stressed peeps.

J and I were pooped by 11pm and headed out, my pillowtop mattress was calling. All and all, a fun, if not strange night.

That's it y'all. Word to ya motha.

Random Observations

Ever since I can remember, I get chills when I hear someone sing live. Don't confuse this - if some cover band at the local hole in the wall sings Funky Cold Medina, its likely I won't get them. Touching songs, songs where the artist actually sings? Chills.

Example: This morning I was listening to KLove and Chris Tomlin was playing Never Let Go live on the radio. I got chills. I think it means something. *stare*

You know how that kid claimed to "See dead people?" Well, get ready for this: I can sense roaches. I can. Swears. As I step into a room I KNOW immediately if there is a roach in there. Went into the bathroom the other day and I froze. I got this creepy feeling and a buzzing in my ears and there it was, hanging out on my Walmart sienna striped shower curtain. Bastard! I just cleaned that! I screamed and my knight in shining wad-o-toilet-paper came running to save me.

Maybe you can help me on this one. I have spent approximately 84.3 hours planning my wedding. Shopping for gown, shoes, favors, flower basket, etc. Vocalist, attendents, guest lists, shower lists, music, catering, photographer. Making jewelry for me, for my attendants. Registering for gifts. Whitening teeth. I can keep going.

My question is, WHY do people drive themselves nutty doing all this work and planning for a 3-4 hour affair?? And all that money!! My parents and I are sharing in the costs of this big shin-dig, my parents taking in the bulk of it. I almost feel guilty I'm getting married!

Oh and, I now know why there's a honeymoon. Its because the bride is taken away from the groom for hours on end, weekend after weekend running about town doing this and that for the wedding. Its because even during the week when they are just hanging out together, she's in her own little world, planning and scheming in her head and Did I call the vocalist yet? I need to pick a song. *big sigh*

We hang out, a lot actually, but I just don't feel like I'm getting quality "us" time anymore. I'm somewhere else in my head or we're busy taking care of business for the wedding together.

So yeah. The honeymoon. A much needed get-away.

That's all for now folks. Hopefully a photo post of the weekend coming up soon!

I'm INSPIRED, again...

I'm a jewelry-making maniac these days. I woke up this morning at 7 to go running and did, but you know I had to fiddle with my pretty new baubles before I left and then when I came back in.... and then in between lunges. Its an o b s e s s i o n.

Just got in a TON of new, unique bits and pieces for my creations. My favorite are these new kidney earwires (gross name, right?) I've seen them around for ages but just decided recently that I HAD to have some.

So glad I got them.
















Green with Envy Earrings

Angel Tears (Genuine turquoise)


















And this is one of my faves - Fleur de lis in the Box. The lighting makes the silver look dark, but its actually a brilliant shiny silver. I'm so in love with this!

Happy Saturday y'all. Now its time for the fruit market. I'm thinking grapefruit and mushrooms and nanners....

More Than You Need To Know

Stolen from Foxy Roxy!!


1. What is your occupation right now? Assistant to real estate broker/handmade jewelry designer (hey, it counts if its bringing in funds)



2. What color are your socks right now? I rarely wear socks, wearing heels now. Really cute metallic olive ones. Sorry, FOCUS JILL!



3. What are you listening to right now? My fingers typing. No speakers in the office yet. Grr.



4. What was the last thing that you ate? pb on wheat with 1/2 a grapefruit



5. Can you drive a stick shift? not really



6. Last person you spoke to on the phone? my realtor about house stuff! Woo hoo!



7. Do you like the person who sent this to you? she's fab & funny - but I stole it from her, mwahaha!



8. How old are you today? 29



9. What is your favourite sport to watch? what is this thing you call "sport"?



10. What is your favourite drink? non-alcoholic: tea, alcoholic: strawberry margarita



11. Favourite food? just one? cheese, fajitas, greek salad, shrimp



12. Favourite day of the year? March 33rd



14. How do you vent anger? I beat people. Sometimes people I don't even know...



15. What was your favourite toy as a child? Barbies. Hands down. My mom took them away when I was "too old", but I swear I'd still be playing with those things if I knew were they were.



16. What is your favourite season? definitely fall. the breeze, the colors of the trees, the lack of humidity and big hair *sigh*



17. Cherries or Blueberries? blueberries! Blueberry pancakes rock.



18. Do you want your friends to add this meme to their blogs? fo shizzle



19. Who is the most likely to respond? not sure...



20. Who is least likely to respond? Bob



21. Living arrangements? my teeny cute lil one bedroom apartment but soon it will be a lovely house with me, Babers and Mini Monster!!!



22. When was the last time you cried? last night cuz I'm breaking out like I'm 18 cuz I'm stressed outttt



23. What is on the floor of your closet? shoes, old printer, box of photos, shoes, laptop box, purses, and shoes



24. Who is the friend you have had the longest relationship with that you are sending this to?

Not sending to anyone. And I have no friends. *sob*



25. What did you do last night? picked up J's wedding band and then shopped my lil heart out for some new tops. Btw, my husband to be is the bestest - he actually came in the stores with me to give me a second opinion. This is vital to me people - i cannot make a decision to save my life!



26. What inspires you? music, art, good people



27. What are you most afraid of? not having mayonnaise in the fridge



28. Plain, cheese or spicy hamburgers? all three please



29. Favourite dog breed? a mini monster breed



30. Favourite day of the week? Friday!!!

31. How many states have you lived in? just Louisiana

32. Biggest Life lesson? You simply cannot change someone. They have to want to change (for the good) or else it ain't happening.

TGIF BLOGGERS!!!

The Death of My Motorola Razor

Today is a new week, thank goodness. Last week was... trying.

On Friday, I lost parts of my cell phone down an elevator shaft. Had too much in my hands and my cell phone took a dive to its death.

J & I go for new parts at the local shop. That battery is discontinued. Option 1: Go through a lot of hoopla and nonsensical hassle to get an upgrade, or Option 2: Lose your number but get a new phone & get on a family plan with J to save $. Yays! Curtain 2 please!

My new cellie:

Quick gawking. Get yer own.

P.S. - This is a good thing, losing the old number. I have virtually "disappeared" from many people that I no longer want to talk to including but not limited to ex-boyfriends, ex-girl friends, ex-clients-that-are-more-trouble-than-they're-worth, and old bosses. Yeck.

Sunday J and I decide its time to register. It took us four hours. FOUR. It was fun at first, J pointing that little gun at ice cream scoops, wine glasses and dinnerware, me swatting at J occasionally because he was trigger-happy. Then it became frustrating and tiring. I'm positive I snapped at J at least once and I'm sure he wanted to strangle me for not being able to make any more decisions. I was just like "I don't CARE what you scan babe, I need an IV." We were both tired, dehydrated and hungry. It was great fun but man, the decisions you have to make! And if you know me at all, you know I'm simply terrible at decisions. And not that great at shopping...

Oh, and check it out. That day we're both wearing t-shirts and shorts, kinda bumming to be comfy. J's got this tee on that has the Punisher face/logo on it. We're walking down an aisle and come to a stop to let this woman and her 13ish year old son pass. Right as the kid is passing us, he turns to J, puts his fist up and hisses "PUNNISSHHHERRR!!!" I almost lost it. J just kinda looked stunned. I'm over here giggling behind dinnerware and J's just walking towards me with a bewildered look on his face. I'm waiting to see if he'll wear his shirt again....

House Status and Personal Space

I go to Hobby Lobby today at lunch and get in the check out line with my goods. Now, I'm kinda crazy about my personal space. I need a good foot of space around me when in public. The lady behind me is so close I can feel her without actually seeing how close she is.

My sister and I have these little things we like to do when this happens to us when we're together. Cause for some reason, something like this always happens to us during a Walmart trip. It never fails. These things we do are mainly just to show off, make each other laugh. If the customer behind us is too close, one of us bends over right in front of them so our butt bumps into the offending customer. Or we'll stretch real big flinging our arms behind us and "Oops. Did I hit you?" and then under our breaths "you shouldn't have been in my space..."

Immature? Yes. Funny? It is to us.

I was by myself today when this happened to me so I wasn't brave enough to stretch or stick my butt against her. But y'all this lady? She had a gigantic plant in her arms and that thing's leaves were rubbing against my head, flicking my hair all over the place. I was in the middle of being shocked and irritated and wanting to laugh out loud at the absurdity.

I ignore it. I'm almost at the checkout.

It happens again. I let out a sound this time. "Oh! Goodness!" I say, whipped my head to face her, smoothing down my hair.

She just looks at me like its MY FAULT. "I was trying to keep it away," she says. Like its a dog or something! I'm perplexed. Really??? You were? Cause you could have done a better job. My hair was getting strip searched by your gaudy plant there...

______________________________________________________

House Update

A few of you have asked about the house. At the moment J and I are feeling less excited and more irritated these days with the hurry-up-and-waiting going on. I'm sure those of you that have been through this know: I have never signed more papers in my life! Its craziness.

At the moment we're waiting on loan paperwork, yadda yadda, and taking care of insurance stuff, blah blah blah. I really don't know exactly where we are... are we half way there? Almost done? I'm just not sure. But, the house is OURS. I finally feel comfy enough to begin to think of colors and furniture layouts. Its OURS.

As promised I'll post photos of the house before our stuff is moved in and then do an after photo post when we've got our touches on it. The house was pretty much in terrific, updated condition, so there really isn't a lot to do other than rip the green and pink flowered wallpaper out the hall bath. Fun stuff. :)

That's all for now folks. I'll be posting photos of our wedding site next. Hope everyone has a great weekend! Muah!

Hold up, wait a minute!

First I just gotta say how much I love my bloggy friends. You're there to pump me up when I'm in need of inspiration and there to support me when I'm doubting life or love. My last post? Those comments? Loved. Thank you.

Got to share something hilarious with you guys: http://www.someecards.com/

Go there. Send someone a card. Send ME a card if you want. I love the clever humor, the dryness, the inappropriateness. Shoot me your email if you want to play and I'll pick a card out for you to brighten your day. (Or at least give you a giggle.)

Something that made me happy yesterday: I went running. Let's face it, I ain't in my lower twenties anymore. I can't have a burger and just sit on my ass. This chic is a foodie and has to burn for it. That's all there is to it.

I won't bore with all the details, but basically I decided I seriously need to be more consistent with cardio for my health and to be honest, my body's appearance. (Man I hate admitting that!) I got my Victorias Secret swim suit in yesterday and I was nothing less than depressed looking at my almost-thirty body in the mirror, remembering my body at 23.

I've only ran twice this week and I'm building up my distance slowly so I won't burn out. I can already feel the benefits. I have so much energy today. I hope I can keep it up.

So you're wondering why exercise would make me happy, right? I walk into the apartment yesterday after my run and J's on the floor in the tiny living room doing pushups. My jewelry supplies are sprawled out all over one corner, folded laundry and bridal magazines on the other, and J's in the pathway between them doing pushups. I couldn't help but smile.

What do I do? I grab my weights and get inches beside him to do my arms. Me, him and all my stuff in that tiny space, it made me truly happy. Silly happy. Why? Because soon, very soon, we will have all the space we need to work out side by side!! *squeal*

That's all I got for today. I've been more inspired to blog lately. I wonder if that has to do with my exercise? Hmm... Don't forget to look at that card site peeps! Great for at least a good chuckle. Happy Hump Day!

He loves me, I can tell

Those of you who have been with me and this blog long enough might remember that saying of J & mine. After a sweet something one of us did for the other we would say "You love me, I can tell."

We still have our sayings, still run them in the ground until we are sick of them and no longer use them.

I miss this one most for some reason. It said a lot in a few words. We said it in the beginning of our relationship, in the honeymoon phase. I miss that too. But, the closer we come to being married and living in our new home, the less that loss of honeymoon phase bothers me.

Bride & groom. Man & wife. *sigh* The time is coming at full speed and I'm bracing myself. Trying to savor the little moments. Like these:

Technically, Babers is still courting me. And really, he still does. We still date. Text each other sweet things during the day. I still get surprises. And he knows how much I love surprises. And wildflowers, for that matter.

Will he still surprise me after we're married? Will he randomly bring home a bunch of my favorite flowers with a bottle of delicious red wine, like he did this time? And when I ask "What is this for?" will he respond with a sly little smile and say"Just because"?

I think so. Its what I fell in love with. Its what I love so much about him now and I think it will be the same twenty years from now.

Call me an optimist, a romantic, a dreamer. I don't care. I've recently been part of conversations where women have rolled their eyes while talking about their men. "It doesn't last long, honey." Well, I just hope that I don't have that type of attitude when I get older. Cuz to be honest, why would J still want to love me with as much silly abandon if I have that attitude?

I've gone off the rocker. Apologies. I'm just floating this morning, having a look at my pretty bunch of lilies and sunflowers, thinking about how J will look coming in the front door of our new house one day with a gathering of these. Or just how he'll look coming through the front door. We'll still smile wide at each other and go in for our big hug and kissie face fest.

And maybe I'll say "You still love me, I can tell."