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."

For my inspiration & yours...

The Building Blocks to a Super Healthy Diet

I'm in need of an intervention. Not so much one like that on tv where family & friends are trying to stop a bad behavior, but more like encourage or inspire a good behavior.

Like eating healthy and exercising.

Check out the link. Its pretty basic stuff from Zen Habits, one of my favorite sites and daily reads. But, even though this is basic knowledge, in the very stressful and busy time I'm going through in my life right now I need a reminder and constant inspiration.

I have been doing pretty well on my healthy eating most of the time, but here come the weekends and I'm all "I don't feeel like cooking" or I agree to share a bag of popcorn drowned in butter with J at the theatre. I cancel my good behavior out all the time.

I'm weak but I'm getting stronger. Like this week I made a mexican pie (below) that I'm eating off of all week in an attempt to keep me from straying. Below I'll share some meal ideas that I enjoy and hope that it gives inspiration to those who need a kickstart like me. Please share your healthy meal ideas if you got 'em, I need all the help I can get!

Breakfast ideas:

• 1 egg scrambled with onions, mushrooms, bell pepper & ff cheese. Sometimes I like to add a little salsa on top for variety
• 1 cup of oatmeal with berries & honey. I like to use frozen blueberries & thaw them out on the fridge over night. This keeps me from hitting the fruit stand every couple of days.
• Wheat toast with 1 tbsp all natural fruit spread with a banana
• cereal with sliced banana & a little sugar sub sweetner
• grilled cheese with ff cheese & whole wheat bread

Snacks:

• yogurt mixed with berries or granola
• string cheese - I love this stuff and its really low in fat & calories & very filling
• turkey weiners - sounds weird, but also low in fat & cal & very filling. Dip it in mustard for zing!
• apple & ff cheese
• pistachios or almonds
• 100 calorie can of fruit cocktail (Dole makes these)

Lunch or Dinner:

• mexican pie - layers of wheat tortillas, lean ground beef or chicken, black beans, corn, green onions & a little cheese (email me if you want entire recipe - its so good and great for leftovers!)
• grilled ham & cheese on wheat
• turkey burgers with whole wheat bread, tons of lettuce, onions, ff cheese & salsa
• soups - throw left over meat in a pot with mixed veggies & chicken broth and lots of seasonings like oregano, cumin and garlic. Or use one of those seasoning packets you use for making tacos or ranch dip. Yum!

That's all for now. Throw me some inspiration dear friends! Now, if only I can find inspiration to keep up the exercise...

Craving

These:



















and these:


















and these too:

Can't you just imagine these pretties dangling on your ear lobes? *sigh*

I'm not very disciplined, so I may just have to add these to my JILLRY collection...

Yo Mama Lied to You

When yo mama said you had a beautiful singing voice, she lied to you. It is apparent that your mother failed to tell you that is it NOT OKAY to attach headphones to your new high-tech phone filled with R&B's greatest hits and proceed to sing out loud to those hits in Walmart. With one hand holding your phone up as you sing and the other hand on the buggy, you push your cart haphazardly through the middle of the aisle, distressing customers trying to pass you.

This is not okay. You are not the only person in this store. Wait until you are in your car or in your shower like the rest of us.

It is also NOT OKAY to sing gospel music whilst thumbing through Hanes white tees for your man beside me. Especially if this music is not streaming through the Walmart speakers and especially not if you don't, in fact, even have headphones on!

I mean, why must you sing in Walmart next to me? And just exactly where is the music you are singing to? In your head? Get that shit out of your system in church or choir practice for crying out loud. I'm trying to shop here.

And Miss? Oh Miss? Yo mama lied to you too. It is sooo NOT OKAY to go to Walmart after your day at the pool, IN YOUR BIKINI. Especially if you look like you may have been on a BBW adult website. Meaning, I don't want to see your belly rolls and I surely don't want to see body hair that you apparently have NEVER shaved in your lifetime. Its not necessary, really.

Have a great weekend folks! We're going for an inspection of our soon-to-be new home tomorrow morning. We will never be able to fall asleep tonight...

Doh!

I offered up my jewelry goods on myspace and realized that if you don't have a myspace account, you can view them! So Renee, here you are! And sorry about the crazy photo layout. Blogger is not being very nice tonight... Smooches!!

$25 Howlite Turquoise Set

$25 Dyed Mother of Pearl & Shell Chips Set

$25 Genuine Turquoise Coins Set

$20 Purple & Gold Freshwater Pearl Set

$16 Long Metal Chain Set

$6 Silver Metal Bracelet

$25 Silver Hammer Bead Set

$25 Turquoise Drop Set

$10 Dark Silver Bracelet Set

$20 Brazilian Seaweed Agate Necklace Set

$8 per piece - Bamboo Tile Pendants (Large Bail)

$8 Painted Lip Shell Earrings

$25 Genuine Turquoise & Coral Necklace Set

$25 Triple Strand Turquoise Howlite Set

$25 Genuine Coral & Lemon Jade Set

$8 Metal Cross

$6 Heart Earrings

$10 Blister Pearl Pendant

$25 Genuine Dragonskin Turquoise & Onyx Necklace (no earrings)

$25 Hammered Silver Chain Necklace

$25 Mother of Pearl & Freshwater Pearl Set

$25 Abalone Shell Necklace Set

$25 Triple Strand Gold Necklace Set

Tired & Busy

Just checking in. Been reading your posts but have been too lazy to comment. Sorry. *sigh*

Had my JILLRY party this weekend! Did AWESOME. And it all went on invitations. But, hey, that's what it was for. I'm trying to sell the shite out of it because the more money I make now to put on my part of the wedding and house costs, the less I'll be in debt for it later. Capish? (Don't know how to spell that word...)

Speaking of, I uploaded lots of new lovelies on my myspace page under my pics if anyone is interested. It costs to upload to my Etsy page so I thought I'd give it a go there: www.myspace.com/anotherdayinthesamelife

If ya do want something, just let me know! And I would rather make money than keep it and not, so if you want a few items just let me know and I'll discount.

Anyway, off my sales box. :) J and I signed on a home this past weekend!!! Right now we're in the inspection/appraisal period, so we're trying not to get too riled up thinking its absolutely ours. But... it COULD BE. We both want it so bad!

I have lots of pictures that I took out and about over the past few weeks which I promise to share soon.

Hope everyone is doing lovely! I miss you all!

And the search is on!

Well, its been on for quite some time now, but just recently we've been quite the aggressive lil' house hunters. Which is why I've been a slacker blogger lately. Usually I know its time to post when the old ball & chain mutters so under his breath after checking my blog 5 times with no new post. Heh heh. Ball & chain. Are we really there yet??

Yesterday we had a house viewing marathon, if you will. Four homes in 1.5 hours.

The first house we liked and saw potential in. Small yard but big shade trees (always a fav in my book), back covered porch, big kitchen, decent size rooms and a fireplace. Not bad for a first timer.

Second house. *pinching nose* What can I say about that one... Upon entering the house the smell of kitty litter nearly knocked us over. It. Was. Rank. It was really hard for me to make a clear decision with that smell smothering us but overall it wasn't impressing us anyway.

Third house was a cutie, but had its pros and cons. Minimum kitchen counter space but updated with nice ceramic tile. Pretty & spacious baths and bedrooms, but practically no yard and not one shade tree. Cute courtyard, lots of outside storage for J to play in. We're thinking 'bout this one.

Fourth house. Just not for us. Won't bother with details.

Thinking of what we want and need now makes me wonder what will change in our wants and needs once we've been in our first home for a while. Will we be aggravated by certain aspects of our first home? (Lack of storage, need of a bigger yard, etc?) Likely, these will be the things that factor into the plans of the home we plan to build.

I told J just the other day that I've been dreaming of owning my very own house and have had house fever for so long, that this just seems surreal. Is this really just around the corner? *squeal*

I feel like an adult. (Finally.)

So, what are your main wants and needs in a home?

Mama is NOT happy

I know, right?

Mama's pretty shoes got dirty today. Had a big conference meeting at the office and our lot is smallish. But, we just so happen to own the lot beside us, which is only partially covered with grass.

It rained during the meeting. And my poor shoes had to pay for it.

That's not all folks. I leave the muddy lot at quitting time: 5:00 pm.

One hour and ten minutes later I am pulling into my apartment complex. One hour and ten minutes. I live 6 miles away from my job.

Somebody top this nonsense please. Humor me. K, thanks, Bai.

The Little Things You Do

No, this is not a sappy, Jason-does-no-wrong post. Don't click the X just yet. You anti-love goddesses and guys may just enjoy this one...

My Babers is the shiz-nit, the Cheese Wiz for my crackers, the apple of my eye. But he DOES have his moments.

1. "I still love ya." Sounds sweet doesn't it? Its NOT. He uses this phrase after HE does something to annoy me. Not the other way around. For instance, I'll gripe at him for having to pick up his towel/boxers/beer cap and he'll smile all sweet and say "I still love ya." Is it just me or should "I'm sorry" replace that phrase???

2. Huh? I've blogged about this one before. I'll very clearly say something and he'll say "Huh?" to me. I'll be standing 5 feet away from him and he'll do it. I used to stop, look at him and say "Really? What did I just say?" Now, I just cut my eyes at him and continue, knowing full well he heard and won't miss a beat.

Or he'll act like he gets lost mid-conversation: We'll be talking about properties. Say we saw two properties in one afternoon and later discuss it. I'll be talking about the wooded lot we saw and then I'll say What about the other lot? Did you like it? And he'll totally blank out. Like he wasn't with me that afternoon. Like I made up this fictional lot and I'm trying to trick him. He does this a l l t h e t i m e.

I KNOW the guys out there are cracking up, slamming their beer cans together while reading this (like I have tons of frat boys out there who read my silly blog). I know you women out there are violently nodding your heads cuz you know what I'm talking about.

And Jason is probably reading this laughing his ass off. He tickles the hell outta himself. (Babe? I still love ya!)

3. My favorite, my ultimate favorite is this one:

Me: (after 8 hours of riding on the river) Can we start heading home now? I'm so tired.
Him: (all jacked up on Bud Light) Um, okay. After this beer?
Me: Okay.

One hour later...

Me: Jason? How much longer?
Him: (Digging in his cooler) After this beer...

In the meantime, I'm tired, light-headed and sick from hunger, and I get to drive us home 35 miles to town. Fun stuff.

Is this just a guy thing? One track mind? Beer. Beer. Beer. Beer.

(I'm sure by now i'm pushing it, but J owes me one. And he didn't take me to Hooters as make-up.)

4. The best one happened just yesterday. This one is priceless. Actually, the more I think about this one the more it tickles me.

We're out driving around looking at houses yesterday for like, 4 hours or so, and J yanks his wheel last minute and zips into an Arby's parking lot. Says he's hungry. Pulls up to order, orders his food. Pays for food and pulls out of lot. About 3 miles down the road he realizes he didn't ask if I wanted anything.

*crickets*

I know, greatness, right? But seriously, it was funny. It was so unlike him but the icing on the cake of a weekend I had with him.

*snort* I said CAKE.

Just a few things on my mind

1. These days, people wait until the last freaking minute to make plans. If you're having a planned get-together on Friday and you call me on Wednesday, I'm pretty much either offended or booked.

2. I have been extremely abused, but had no real idea of just how much until now. At my old job, my boss did not type or check his own email. Therefore I was constantly typing letters by dictation on tape. And re-typing these letters 12 times for minor changes each time instead of one thorough proof and correction. He yelled my name out loud if he needed me. He demanded I make coffee, run to the same bank three times in one day, take his car to the shop, avoid his pee on the toilet seat and floor, tried to get me to make his sandwiches and clean up his dirty dishes, and never said thank you or asked how i was doing. He was controlling on a regular basis, even to the point of allowing me to go to lunch only when he thought best.

My new boss types his own emails and letters and *gasp* - most people do! I had no idea. *stare* He buzzes my phone when he needs me and asks politely, he respects me enough that when he does need a memo typed he gives me light info to construct a memo for him without dictation of any kind, there is a womens bathroom here (laaaaa!!), I do not have to feed him nor do I have to pick up after him, and he always, always says please and thank you. When I do run errands for him he asks "do you mind?" I almost fainted the first time he said that. He asks how I'm doing every morning. He does not look down on me. I finally feel appreciated. Halleluyah.

3. I'm done with the major to-dos of my wedding planning. DJ - check. Ceremony/reception site - check. Caterer, photographer, dress, bridesmaids dresses - check, check, check, check. Now, however, all this nit-picking stuff is eating away at me. Bridal jewelry, attendant presents, bridesmaids jewelry, shoes for all, how to wear my hair, favors, decor, etc. If I wasn't on a budget I'd find me a wedding planner to take care of that stuff.

4. I have not exercised in a month. For reals. Its bad. I'm sluggish and not to mention, jiggily, and overall just disappointed in myself. I'm getting married just months away. I should be seriously hitting the pavement. Any suggestions on motivation?

Okay, that's it for now. Probably more later. Have a good 4th everyone!!

I'm a little concerned...

Jason and I go to bed at 9:30-10pm every night. We wake at around 6 in the morning.

Well, we try to anyway.

That's about eight hours of sleep right? That's enough for most human beings, yes?

Apparently not for us. People, the sleep is good. Real good. Nooo, you read right. I didn't say "the sex is good" - after all, I'm a southern lady, I don't speak about that sort of stuff. The sleep. It is GOOD. I don't wake in the middle of the night at all anymore, and in the morning... I'm a freaking brick.

Sometimes we even pass on the making-babies practice at night cuz snuggling up to prepare for a good night's sleep is just that good. Oh yeah, its that good. (But good in a different way, not better-than.)

I am NOT making sense, am I?

The thing is, on the weekends, we can sleep 10-12 hours straight with no problem. Not this, wake up - get an orange juice, get back in bed. None of this lazying around in the sheets just cuz there's nothing to do. Its slap dab, heavy lidded, dreaming like a maniac, waking only to pee, kind of sleep.

Why all of a sudden? At one point in our relationship I couldn't get more than 4 hours a night if he stayed over. Now its like sleeping-freaking-beauty.

I'm asking: Is this healthy? Normal? Why the change? Should we contact our doctors? Alert the media?

As doctors, I need your help. Your analysis, your prescriptions, anything. Please. Thanks in advance.

Hello Lover...

Someone went shopping this week. A new job calls for new items in the wardrobe. Thought you girls might enjoy a little shoe parade...

Kelly, I know your love for shoes. I'm hoping this brings a smile to your face!

Pistachios, Paranoia and My First Day

My first day at the new job was supposed to be July 7th. Change of plans. My old boss, DB (the nickname J tagged him with, abbreviation for "douchebag") decides that he doesn't need me after all. Says I can go on to the new position.

What an arrogant fucktard. (There, I feel better. Don't you?)

The first day rocked. Seriously. Like woah. Sweet ass office with a huge window that looks out into the courtyard, laid back boss who's younger than me by 2 years, and finally doing what I went to college for.

All this time I've been feeling sooo guilty. My parents put me through college, my major being graphics design. I was/am one of those artsy fartsy chics that you know, sans the long hair, paint stained jeans and piercings. Anyway, I decide I can't make a living on oil painting or photography straight out of college, so I major in GD. Little did I know that you can't make a good living as a GD unless you move to NYC... I work for the last 3-4 years in jobs with a little design work here and there, but nothing to brag about.

Now I'm in my own little graphic design heaven, making beautiful, tight little clean brochures for a real estate company. And I'll get to visit the sites for a little photography for these brochures as well. *sigh* I know, I'm a dork. Bite me.

Besides the loveliness in the new job world, I've got a little photo post in the works. Swears. I'm dedicating it to one of my dearest bloggy friends, Kelly, who definitely needs a little pick me up. And girl, do I have some photos that will!

In other news, Preggers Polgara has tagged me! And you know how much I love talking about myself. Hell, who doesn't?

___________________________________

What was I doing ten years ago?
Studying to be a graphic designer, taking photography & oil painting courses, living at home with parents, being a wild child on the weekends with my friends going dancing and such.

What are five things on my list to do this weekend?
Search for bridal and bridesmaid jewelry
House/land hunt
Take nephew to the river for first time
HNMN with the Babers
Maybe dinner out with my fiance so neither of us will have to cook or clean!


Snacks I enjoy?
As of late I am addicted to PISTACHIOS. *drool* Also enjoy grapes, turkey weiners (lol, I'm serious!), and J's cajun popcorn (aka popcorn with hot sauce, cajun seasoning and spray butter)


Things I Would Do If I Were A Billionaire?
I agree with Pol's answer on this one. I'd make few select friends/family millionares, mainly so they wouldn't bug me for lunch money. Then I'd pay off the little debt my parents have and set them up for the rest of their lives, buy me and Babers a house/land and then get busy traveling!

Three of my bad habits?
Clutter (Can't seem to let go of boxes. I hoard them for some reason...)
Paranoia - every single flipping time I leave the house I absolutely HAVE to go back inside and check to see if I've turned the hair iron off. Every. Single. Time. (Its exhausting people.)
Worry (I had to ask J for help with this question, the last he said was that I worry too much. So there you have it.)


Five places I have lived?
Have only lived in one place really, lived in Ruston, LA for a semester of college and then high tailed it back home cuz I missed everyone.


Five jobs I've had?
Graphics Designer
Waitress (college days)
Administrative Assistant
Association Coordinator
Photographer (for a summer in college)


How did you name your blog?
I wrote a book of poetry when I was younger over the span of 3 years or so and Another Day in the Same Life just popped into my head. That line in itself just seemed so poetic and yet so simple to me and it eventually stuck.

I tag: those who wanna take it! Go ahead, you know you wanna...

HNMN

In a slump but want a good rump?

HNMN!

Have nothing to do and in a good mood?

HNMN!

That's Half Naked Movie Night people. *meow!*

Okay, enough of the cheese, let me just tell you - Cosmopolitan is one of those magazines that I've always looked at but made fun of the whole time I'm flipping through it.

Until last week.

The article read something like "Fun Things to do with Your Guy". Simple, right? Well, I looked. J and I are always looking for something to do. Something inexpensive. (Wedding! House!) And most likely, something we will run into the ground. Cuz that's how we roll.

Number 3 thing-to-do: Half Naked Movie Night. One piece of clothing each, one great movie. Again, simple. Right?

This really is not anything out of the ordinary for the man, the Half Naked part that is. Most men already climb into bed with just their boxers. But me? I'm not much of a sex pot. You'll see me mostly in shorties and a soft cotton football style t-shirt. Poor J. ;)

So try it if you're looking for something to do with your guy. Its a lot of fun, really. Just don't expect to actually view the movie.

Or even the previews for that matter.

The Grass Appears Greener

Well friends, I have landed a new job.

I knew I would eventually find a job. I was getting interviews and offers, but nothing said "pick me!" Disappointed, frustrated, and plain old worn out, I'd keep plowing through the paper and job sites.

To keep a long story short, on my way back from lunch Wednesday my boss called my cell. He does this a lot. I can tell him I'm going out for lunch and he just has to call me in the middle of it to ask me something that can most definitely wait till I get back.

Wait. Didn't I say I was going to keep this short?

So I answer the phone and he tells me to hurry back, he's got a surprise for me. As I walk in the office I see him and a real estate agent that has been working with us a lot recently sitting in the conference room. They both smile and my boss tells me to shut the door behind me.

First he tells me he can't pay my salary this week. I give him a look. He has zero humor skills, zero personality. I know he's lying. He laughs and tells me no, he's joking. No shit, Sherlock.

Basically in conversation, my boss mentioned his contract loss and Brent (the RE agent) asked how it was going to affect him. This is where my boss mentioned having to let me go and cut pay hours for another co-worker. Well, Brent just so happens to need an assistant and has been interviewing with no luck for the past two weeks.

And there's your fit. So, Brent offered me a position doing the same work and keeping my pay the same, but for a far less stressful work environment. This guy is one of the nicest, mild mannered guys I've had to work with and I'm estatic to step into this new company.

I get my own office again. I will no longer hear "JILLL!!!!!" yelling from the other room. No more picking up behind a nasty bastard. No more straddling toilet seats to miss.... ehh, sorry guys. That's huge for me. No more extreme ADD man who takes ten tries to form a freaking sentence. No more dictation.

I can keep going, but frankly, I'm boring myself.

Babers and I are celebrating tonight! Not sure what we're doing, but I'm sure it will be followed by half-naked movie night. (That's another post.)

No more anxiety, bitterness, frustration. I'm back in the game peeps! Now, where's my wedding planner book...

Things I've Learned...

... in the past few weeks:

1. The saying "Don't know what you've got till its gone" is true and alive in the office this week.

I've been explaining my duties to the one and only co-worker that will be there when I leave and she looks terrified. Also, I've been complimented on my "skill", "maturity level" and "intelligence" and thanked for my "hard work" more in the past week than I ever have working here. Go figure.

2. The meaning of true friends.

As soon as I announced that I was engaged to be married, my real friends came out of the woodwork. As you all know from past blogs, my best, most favorite friends just so happen to live either out of state or out of town. This surprisingly works well for us as we all have busy lives and prefer less needy, more independent friends. We can pick right up were we left off last and nothing has changed.

These friends have offered their help, their support, their ideas for me and J's special evening, and I have appreciated each and every word, call and email.

When I mentioned to friends about my position (or lack thereof) here at work, friends immediately lended a helping hand in the right direction. One friend helped by putting an extra pair of eyes on my resume and cover letter, others told me of job openings.

I feel loved and blessed to have such terrific, caring people in my life.

3. How much of a rock my fiance is.

He has pretty much taken over the responsibilities of primary care-taker of the household. We've always been pretty equal in chores, but Babers has gone beyond the call of duty this week. He has been so supportive of my situation. He hit the grocery earlier this week when our meat supply was barren and filled our fridge and freezer. He's taken over the cooking this week without request, has stayed by my side quietly all week while I've spent countless hours pouring over sites for openings and tweaking resumes and cover letters, and walks the complex with me in the evenings. The dishes are magically cleaned as well as the entire kitchen. He has no idea how much of a stress relief he has been for me.

And fyi, today is his birthday! I'm taking him to a supposedly fantastic restaurant tonight. I'll post photos and stuff after when I get a chance.

Last but not least, this week I have learned...

3. I am not too old for girl crushes.

Go check out my myspace page and click on the video. www.myspace.com/anotherdayinthesamelife Me love some Kerli.

Peace out peeps. I hope to visit you all soon and see what you're up to. Word.

Absent

Hi guys... I've been absent due to a wrench thrown into my once blissful life. My position at the small office I work for has come to an end and I am consumed with resume updating and searching for the next best thing.

No worries, I'm not freaking yet. And no, I wasn't fired - my boss is a developer and his main source of income is no longer. So, cutting my position is the most reasonable option for his tiny office to stay afloat. I have no hard feelings. I would have been searching for a new job in the near future anyway, as you know, I really didn't like my job anyway. And I'm putting that nicely. I just didn't expect this to happen in the midst of planning a wedding and potentially buying a house, which doing at the same time is overwhelming, even more so while searching for a new job. Yikes!

This is a new beginning for me. Wish me luck! Miss you all so much... *sob*

New Pretties

Just put some new stuff up, got a wedding to pay for, thought I should get my butt into gear. :)


www.jilllamonte.etsy.com

I'm INSPIRED

J's away at work, so I get to play.

Such a lovely couple

Hope everyone has a great weekend! I'll leave you with this beauty of a shot...

Eh hmm!

Why didn't someone tell me that planning a wedding in 7 months would make me so busy that I can't remember if I took my vitamins or not? Did I lock the door? Did I turn the hair iron off? Oh, wait. I do those every day...

Sorry I've been absent - I've missed blogging and visiting, but haven't really had the time. *boo!* And when I do have the time, I'm just not inspired. Blah. However, I've got some big items done on my checklist this weekend:

Friday: booked photographer - love them! A sweet older British guy and his wife that have been doing photography for many years together. They have a really interesting style that I've been looking for. Artsy, yet professional. Casual and modern, yet with the usual old fashioned shots.

I've been told which plantation home is the most beautiful for bridal shots and have to book them next: Greenwood Plantation. The shots my photographer took at this place were breathtaking! Wish I had them to share.

Most girls grow up dreaming about their wedding and such - I was never the type. So, this has been a whirlwind for me and I'm surprised at the detail and amount of planning involved.

I'm also surprised at how overwhelmed I've become in the romance of it all, thinking about my bridal shoot in my dress on such a romantic spot... and the wedding day! I've already got butterflies thinking about walking up the aisle to my Babers. How his face will look, if I'll burst into tears, if he'll like my dress.

Saturday: Catered a graduation party for 100 guests. What a rush! Halfway through cooking up crawfish fettucini and spinach and artichoke dip in my teeny kitchen I say "Uh oh. Don't think this is enough." Thank goodness for Babers! Off to the store he went without a fuss to pick up more supplies. And HE was the one to offer. I'm so lucky. Thanks again FIANCE. :) *giggle* Oh and the woman I catered for said I got rave reviews on my dishes, so I'm tres tres pleased and can't wait for another gig!

Sunday: All about the fun. We went riding on the river all day for the first time this summer and had a great time. Good company, sunshine and being lazy in the water. That's about all we could ask for that day. Then Babers treated us to a little Louisiana Pizza Kitchen for dinner. Mmm. I could eat their chicken caesar salads every week. I know, I know, its a pizza place. Details, details.

Monday: Booked my caterer! Again, extremely pleased with who we are going with. Mini crawfish pies, jambalaya, mini muffulettas, brisket - I'll stop here or else I'll get hungry again.

So yeah, booked a couple of majors for the wedding in one weekend. Very proud of me and Mom! Now I can relax a bit and work on the creative stuff. :)

Also, J has been doing mucho research on honeymoon spots. I can't even begin to tell you how pumped up I am for our honeymoon! J and I have so much fun together, we could entertain ourselves in a wall with no windows. Give us beautiful beaches, jacuzzis in our suite, hammocks on our balcony - we may never come back. We're thinking Cancun, somewhere fun, beautiful and relaxing.

My favorite part in planning this wedding is researching - I'm overwhelmed but also very inspired by all the beautiful imagery and creative ideas I'm finding in magazines and on the web. All I really want to do is cut and paste, cut and paste, and make an altered art book for my future daughter. I think I will.

I'm ate up with it, aren't I? *snort* J tells me that every time I look down at my beautiful ring, which is probably way too often.

I'll do a photo post later. Off to visit everyone in between filing. Haven't seen you guys in a while...

Sunshine & Polka Dots

Move over Babers, I've got a new love.

See this cutie? It's MINE. All MINE!! Muwahahaha!!

Usually swim suit shopping is a very depressing, damaging experience for me. Not enough material here, too much there, strings aren't enough to bolster the puppies, etc., etc. Ladies, you KNOW where I'm coming from.

I'm writing a contract in which Jason must go swim suit shopping with me every year from now on. He must sign it in blood. Apparantly, he's a good luck charm. This swim suit was found in the very first store we went in and was only the third swim suit I tried on. THIRD. That never happens.

Now I'm excited about summer. Now I'm ready to go swimming and riding on the river.

The last few days here have been a little scary in terms of the weather. Thursday morning my boss actually called me at 8 am to tell me not to come in to work until noon because of the severe thunderstorms we had the night before and going on that morning.

Finally, today is beeaatiful and guess what? Babers has to work. *sigh* Guess one can't have to much of the good. Maybe Someone is smacking me around for gloating so much about how wonderful life has been lately. *cutting eyes*

On another note, I'm feeling ever so slightly guilty for not doing Thursday Thirteen two weeks in a row. My life is so unpredictable now with Jason here. I may just have to quit. Ugh, I'm a quitter. I hate that.

Hope everyone is having a fantastic weekend! I'm getting off of here so I can go try on my swimmie suit again...

Mushy Baber Goooo

I think the only reason I just titled this post what I did is because I just read an email from my best girl friend. We sign off like this often:

Smoochie Woochie,

Lola

or

Smooooochie Wooooo!!

Jill

It's tarded, really, but we're just like that. We have also recently started this thing where we email each other really uncomfortable, sick things like "I miss you so much, I've made a hair doll of you to sleep with at night" etc., etc. What's wrong with us?

So, my boyfri---screeech!!! My fiance just basically told me that I needed to update my blog, pronto. What does that say, really? When your fiance would rather you upload a new post instead of snuggle on the couch with him? Someone is sick with it, that's all I gotta say...









































Two days after Baber proposed to me, he took me out to a lovely seafood restaurant. Before we hopped in the car, I tucked my 2 year anniversary card into my purse for him, giving him the stink eye. He looked back at me and made a comment about not having a card for me. Well, I technically couldn't be mad at the man, after all, he JUST purchased a rather large diamond for my left ring finger.

I smiled, shrugged it off. But yeah, had to throw another jab in there a little later, cuz that's how I am sometimes.

Boy, did he get my goat.

What DOES that saying mean anyway???? Ouff, get back on track missy.

So we get to the restaurant. "Table for two, Jason," he tells the hostess. She states that it will be just five minutes, so Jason leads me to the bar. Well, I can't let anything go.

"She didn't give us a buzzy thing."

"What?" Jason says, looking over my shoulder.

"A buzzy thing. She said there's a wait of five minutes, will she just yell JASON! PARTY OF TWO! ??" I turn to see what he's looking at.

"Do you want a beer or glass of wine??" He says hurridly. I decline and we sit on a bench. Before we can even get comfy, the hostess is walking up to us.

"Ready?" She leads us through to the back of the restaurant. As we're passing a large table of women, one says "Man, you're really making our husbands look bad!!!" And then I see it.

Straight ahead, on the table in the corner is a beautiful arrangement of fiften white roses.

Okay, to be honest, my first reaction was "Oh, how beautiful. Wait, is that on every table?"

*stare*

And then I was all "Awww Baber!!!" *sniff sniff* *kiss kiss* Let's just say the man was quite pleased with himself. :) And he should be damn it! He impressed me more in that weekend than ever, made me cry, squeal, laugh and sigh in one sitting. Love him. And stuff.

Oh, and uh, don't you know the words that came out of his mouth? Yeah, you do.

"See? I DID get you a card." That man is something else. :)

All in all, another fabulous anniversary. Great conversation along with a delicious meal. We both had Mahi Mahi, cajun smashed red potatoes and steamed green beans. I had my glass of vino, he tugged on a beer. Had a great time. We always do though.

It's Starting

I was going to post about my romantic anniversary date with J, but thought I'd give you guys a break from the mushy mushy with a post in between. Now you can't say I don't care about you peeps. Pfft.

This week has been crazy, wonderful, NUTS. Sunday J proposed, Monday we went to get my ring sized, Tuesday was our anniversary and he took me out to dinner. Last night I put together last minute Mother's Day gifts. I'll post photos after Sunday! Tonight we have some shopping to do, Saturday we have a one year baby birthday party to go to in BFE and we are going to check out a possible wedding/reception location later in the evening. Then that night I'm cooking crawfish fettucini to bring to my to-be MIL for Sunday night dinner. Sunday is Mother's Day and we're having a crawfish boil at my brother's home and then off to J's parents that evening.

Ahhhhhhhh!!! Its starting. It used to be just me and Babers was miles away. Note: I am not complaining people. Its just, I can see the past... my mother in her sassy suits, perfectly coiffed hair and flawless makeup... getting three kids ready in the morning, packing lunches, calling her mother on one ear and putting an earring in the other. Homework? Tie your shoes! No, Jill gets the front seat today, Jenny put your seat belt on. Off to school and work. After it was grocery, stop touching that Jill. Grab that cereal for me Joey. Cooking dinner while juggling another night of triple the homework and still having time to clean the dishes, have evening chats with her parents on the phone, give her hubby some affection and get the kids washed up and into bed.

For the last year it was just me. Me and J on the weekend, of course, but it felt like playtime. We'll do the laundry later, let's go riding/to the movies/out to dinner/to see a band! Now he's home and he's asked me to be his forever, and ohmygod, its starting! And I can't wait.

Wait. Is this still considered mushy? I had good intentions, really... ;)

So much to post and not enough time. How do you guys do it? I'll be back! Have a great weekend!!

We're Engaged!!

I just wanted to pop in real quick and tell everyone the wonderful, amazing, exciting news. J popped the question Sunday night and I've been in a blissful fog every since.

No, that's not my exact ring, but its close. Mine is way more beautiful. :) Sadly, J and I had to have it sent off to be sized for my bitty finger. I was in agony and close to depression (as was J) walking away from the jewelry store last night. I promise to show real photos when its safe on my finger again. Girls, he done good. Real good. Its absolutely breath taking.

I'm beaming now, as I have been since Sunday and I think J is in La La Land as well. We keep finding reasons to use the words "fiancee/fiance". Good morning, Fiancee. Did have a good day at work, Fiance? I think I've fallen in love with him all over again.

No one ever shares how you feel in that moment when your love proposes... I've heard horror stories and really unique proposals, but no one tells you that you experience so many emotions in one second. I gasped, then sobbed my eyes out - not cute girlie tears, mind you, big hiccuping sobs - then laughed like crazy and smiled and almost forgot to say yes. It was the most romantic moment of my life. *sigh*

I love him, I love him, I love him.

I've got a mad, crazy week so I won't be here much. Very last minute custom Jillry orders for proms, swim suit shopping and tonight is our 2 year anniversary!

See you guys soon. xoxo - Jill