I. Am. Terrified.

But I'm going to do it. Because let's face it, I need an intervention.

The Other K Wick has introduced Operation Skinny Bitch by way of her blog. I admit, I was intrigued and clicked the OSB link.

Tons of women joining together to shed the pounds. What a simple but awesome idea. A bloggy support group for chics that want to drop a few lbs? Right up my alley yo.

So, I've joined them.

Why am I so terrified??

Because they POST THEIR WEIGHT EVERY WEEK on their blogs. Are they effing crazy? I'm not doing that.

Yes I am. Its my punishment.

You can see the battle I'm already having in my head over this. I want more than anything to lose about 10 ish pounds, but mostly I just need to tone tone tone! I've always been pretty content about my curvy bod but since high school, a few pounds have creeped up and my previous love of running is no longer existent.

Long time readers know about my struggle for consistent healthy eating and exercise. But hey, I'm a southern girl: I love my fried buffalo wings, my mayo and cajun pasta dishes. Its in my blood people.

But this OSB? This is hopefully going to give me the motivation I need with my short term goal: Get fit for the cruise in March. Yep, gotta get bikini ready people. You remember the lovely B&W Polka, don't you?

So yeah, I'm on the bandwagon. Come on in to see me on Wednesdays and root for me. And hey, if you have the same goals, join me. And poke fun at my weight if you must.

I'm inspired. Bring. It. On.

Wordless Wednesday

This photo cracks me up. Hope it gives you a giggle today too.

(My nephew Toot & niece KK, photo from last year.)

Wanna play? Wordless Wednesday

Walmart: Love or Hate?

(Click image to see larger view)
















Walmart. Love it, but love to hate it. It is that black cloud that hangs over our household when the fridge is running low on necessities, when the toilet paper is scarce and the laundry detergent is being rationed.

Why do we hate it so much? I think the bingo card funny above sums it up for most of us.

Why I love Walmart: The prices. And also, EVERYTHING is in one place. So there's the convenience factor. I can purchase my detergent, eyeliner, fruit and brown rice all in the same location. Plus, there's the Walmart brand items which cut your cost tremendously. I mean, who really cares if your canned peaches are off brand? They're peaches.

Why I hate Walmart: See bingo card above. *laugh* People run into each other in Walmart and just love to strike up a conversation mid aisle so that no one else can pass. And refuse to break conversation to move their buggys aside for other customers! Or worse, they're planted, yapping away right in front of the bread I need.

Also, the unruly kids of the world are brought in there seemingly by the truckload. I believe some parents think Walmart is break for them, a babysitting tool of sorts. Like Walmart is a place to bring your kids, oh say, comparable to the neighborhood park. J and I were shopping one day when this little kid, maybe 4 or 5 years old, walked straight up to our buggy and stood on the end of it, like we were his parents and this was normal behavior. The mom was o b l i v i o u s. PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR KID. If I was a kidnapper, I would have been out the door with your child by the time you chose your magazine, lady.

And one more thing, we buy more than we need. Sure, the prices are lower but I always see things that I "need" in there. J is bad about it too. Boy don't let him near the $5 DVD racks in there. Lol. (Sorry babe, but you're laughing right now cuz its true!)

What are your Walmart (or insert local big chain store here) loves and hates? Come on, you know you wanna vent...

Randomness

So I wasn't in love with Manic Monday's questions today so I decided to do an oldie but goodie - Randomness. That is my name, why not?Jillry giveaway winner: I announced the winner on the post below!
randomness...feed your mind and your blog
week of jan 18.2009: Finish the Sentences

1. I wish I could..... be consistent with my healthy eating and exercise. Support myself on my jewelry business alone. Have Fridays off. Visit Italy.
2. My biggest fear is.... heights. Always has been, always will be. (Didn't want to do the cliche' "losing a loved one", I'm in a happy place this morning.)
3. I hate to..... fold the white clothes. (Don't know why, just do.) Pluck my eyebrows. Scrub the tub. Go to the dentist.
4. I love.... my husband. (Fiercely.) Tomato basil soup from La Madelines. Pajama pants. My new warm fuzzy slippers. My family. My duppy pog. Getting fresh new beads in the mail. *sigh*
5. Today I will.... place our wedding announcement in the paper. (Finally.) Post new jewelry. Eat a healthy lunch. Exercise. Go suit shopping with J.
6. Yesterday I ..... comforted my sick husband. Cooked crawfish etouffee. Freshened up my hair color. Watched Paranormal State and got chills. Posted new Jillry. Visited with the family, my favorite people. Finally had a good night's sleep.
7. My hair is.... deep reddish brown. Tossled. A bit edgy. Something I like about me.
8. I will never... be skinny. Be good with math. Sky dive. Get plastic surgery. Eat oysters.
till next time... Would love to hear yours, feel free to post in the comments section below or join me in your own post!

We have a winner!

Finally feel 100% as of this very moment typing this post. Let me just say, if you have a cold that involves insane sinus pressure, runny nose, nasal congestion - hell, anything to do with the nose, GO GET MUCINEX D. My mom suggested it and after failing to find it at one store, I ended up with Sudafed, which is... basically a sugar pill. No help whatsoever. But this Mucinex D? I felt like a new person ten minutes after taking it.

J is sickly now, poor guy. I brought him beef stew for lunch from my parents after our Sunday visit and then cooked him a warm savory crawfish etoufee for his dinner. Feed a cold? I'm doing just that.

So okay, we'll get to it. The winner of the Grapefruit Sorbet Earrings is Mona! Mona, shoot me an email at jillrylove@gmail.com with your address and I'll send your pretty little win off.

I was pleasantly surprised by everyone's jewelry names. Great imaginations. Mona's stab at jewelry names were Mardi Gras Madness, Simply Sizzling and Licorice Ice. The one I pulled out of the hat was Licorice Ice. I'm already digging through my stash to create a giveaway for this delicious sounding name. Thanks Mona!

Psst. New items in the Sorbet Collection just posted.

Alright, back to regularly scheduled posting tomorrow. My Favorite Things photo post is coming soon and well as a couple of funnies I just have to share with you guys. Hope you all have a fantastic weekend!! Smooches!

Giveaway Time!

Like I said before, I just couldn't wait until the first of the month for the next giveaway. I've decided not to place a date on them, I'll just throw these freebies out randomly.

Behold the giveaway:

Grapefruit Sorbet Earrings - $10 value

















These are so sparkly and yummy! Irridescent czech glass, flower caps, copper accents. Very girly.

Here are the rules:

I'm looking for new inspiration. This time, names for my pieces.

1. Leave a comment with a name for a piece of jewelry that I can use for inspiration: earrings, bracelet or necklace. Everyone who submits a name in the comment section will be entered to win. You can submit up to three names which will place your name in the hat up to three times.

2. Check back in to see if you're the winner. If you are the winner, you must comment on that post to claim your Jillry winnings.

3. I'll then create a piece based on the name you submitted. This piece will be the next giveaway in honor of you!
















Another FREEBIE!!! Lipstick Earrings. Receive this pair of earrings FREE with any purchase of $10 or more from my Jillry shop. There are three pair of these earrings to give away, so the first three orders made will receive these Lipstick Earrings free. Just place your order through my shop and shoot me an email with the mention of this blog post.

Again, there are only three pair so if you make a purchase for the purpose of receiving these earrings for free, you may want to check with me first. jillrylove@gmail.com I reply to emails at an incredibly fast rate. :) (Unless, of course, I'm sleeping.)

Okay bloggy friends, jewelry post over. Back to regularly scheduled blogramming...

Dr. Jekyll & Mrs. Sick

One day its 70 degrees out, the next its 27. No wonder I've got a cold.

Yesterday I woke after a fitful night of tossing and turning, not being able to breathe. Being freezing cold and nudging Babers to put his legs on mine to warm me, then suddenly being hot and shoving his legs off. Poor guy.

So I get up and get ready for work. Coughing, sneezing. I decide to take medicine and head to the office. It will pass. Half way there I'm fighting my eyelids. They're getting heavier and Can't I just pull over for a nap? Oops. Looks like I took the drowsy stuff.

I end up leaving work, stopping by Winn Dixie for a jug of OJ, chicken noodle soup and some non-drowsy meds. I hope in bed, pull the covers over my head and curl into a ball. Four hours later I wake up in the same position, still under the covers.

And my J, he's such a trooper. He's very much a cuddle bug and wants kisses every time he passes me. You're going to get sick! I tell him, pushing him away, to which he replies I'm going to get sick no matter what. May as well make it worth it!

Yep, he's mine ladies. Hands off. :)

And the rest of my sick evening went like this:

J: On his way home - Can I get you anything?
Me: I'd give anything for a 20 oz Sprite.
J: Okay, I'll grab one. Anything else?
Me: No, thanks babe.
J: K, see you in a bit.
Me: Can you pick up two?

Me: Its HOT. I guess I'll get up and turn the heat down.
J: I'll get it.
Me: When he doesn't jump fast enough - Ugh, I'll get it.
J jumps up to turn heat down.
Me: Thanks babe, I love you. Can you get the fan while you're at it?

*snort* I'm a mess when I'm sick.

I yank the covers over, tell him he's hogging the bed and can he Please scoot over? J puts his legs on me. I fuss and push them off. Then I'm freezing, and ask him to put his legs back on mine. In the dark I can feel him giving me a look. Then he snuggles up to me and I whine. Babe, don't get in my faceeee... I'm sick.

The man has patience yo.

Are you like this when you're sick?

movies for kelly

Kelly made a comment about loving the movie Garden State in one of her most recents posts, to which I had to excitedly squeal "Me too!" Being that I was at work, a few nearby coworkers came running to see what imaginery friend I was squealing at this time.

I promised Kelly I would send her a list of some of my *Must See Movies*, so here I am doing just that. Now, before you movie snobs go tearing through my list, huffing at this choice and making fun of another, please note that these movies are in my own opinion "movies that females with similiar personalities and likes of my own would enjoy seeing."

Kel, hope you enjoy. I'd love to hear which ones of these you've already seen.


My Must See Movies

• Closer - Natalie Portman is just captivating in this movie.


• Marie Antoinette (for the beautiful cinematography more than anything)


• Garden State - again, Natalie Portman. So effing cute I wish I could stick her in my pocket to carry with me all day.


• Office Space


• Pride & Predjudice


• Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind


• Fight Club - the first movie Babers ever bought me.


• Playing by Heart - (slow at first, but stay with it, it'll give you a tear or two and a lot of smiles)


• How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days - Just hilarious. I rewind certain parts where Kate Hudson is being obnoxious, to play over and over again. And Matthew McConaughey ain't so bad to look at either.


• Into the Wild - Raw, beautiful. A harrowing but necessary movie to see.


• Braveheart - This is an oldie but goodie that I watched over and over with my parents growing up. Just never gets old.


• Dances with Wolves - Ditto with this. But its looonnngg, so if you aren't into calm, slow movies with not a whole lot of conversation, don't watch it. (But you'll be missing out.)


• A Beautiful Mind


• Amercian Beauty


• The Pianist - Another beautiful picture.


• Juno - This one knocked my socks off. I don't remember being this witty and clever as a young teen.


• Gladiator

• Great Expectations
  
  

Some I felt didn't need explanation. I think I'm going to put a few of these on me and J's Blockbuster online to view again.

What are YOUR must sees?

Delicious Jewelry & Giveaway Update

The Sorbet and Nature Collections, and a few others. Have a peek, let me know what ya think. (I'm so adorable when I accidentally rhyme, don't you agree? *snicker*)

These pieces run from $6-$14 if anyone is interested. Last time I posted my jewelry on my blog, I posted them on my jewelry site too. A few blog and local friends missed out on some pieces so I'm giving a full day of keeping these just on my blog to give everyone a chance to shop. Tomorrow night they'll go up on my Etsy shop, but due to Etsy fees, they'll raise in price a little. Just email me here if you want to own a piece: jillrylove@gmail.com














Vintage Button Ring $8














Raspberry Sorbet Earrings $10














Nature at Midnight Earrings $14














Nature & Pearls Bracelet $14














Key Lime Earrings $6














Lipstick Earrings $10














Isla Mujeres Bracelet $12














Green Eyed Lady Earrings $8














Grapefruit Sorbet Earrings $8














Dragonfly Bracelet $12














Detail of Dragonfly Bracelet














Autumn Copper Earrings $8


I used czech glass, swarowski and lots of yummy copper, silver and antique brass.

I'll keep shipping low at $2. Stay tuned this week for a Jillry giveaway. I just couldn't wait till the first of next month! The giveaway will be a pair of earrings or a bracelet from the Sorbet Collection. I'll post a peek soon!!

P.S. - Does anyone else like Paranormal State as much as J and I do? A new one comes on this coming Monday! *squeal* I hate scaring the bajeebees outta myself, but at the same time, I love scaring the bajeebees outta myself...

The Letter T

Rox did a meme and I wanted to join in, read below.

Here’s the instructions: How this memetic works is that you leave a comment on this post, and I’ll assign you a letter. Then you write about ten things you love that begin with your assigned letter, and post it at your place. When people comment on your list, you give them a letter, and the chain continues on and on.

My Letter Is T:

1. Ta tas. (Sorry Mom, I don't mean to be embarrassing.) Not just anyone's, come on people. MINE. They are my weapon of choice, my favorite accessories.

2. Treadmill. Maybe not right at this moment, but I know I will love the treadmill once it whips my bum into shape!

3. Taco Bell. This one is so not meshing with #2. But still, I love Taco Smell. Taco Hell. Give me a couple of crunchy tacos after a night of dancing and this girl is in mexican heaven.

4. Turquoise. As in the color and the stone. I picked up a turquoise pendant in Mexico on our honeymoon and wear it every chance I get. And I always manage to have a turquoise blouse or two in my closet. Its such a rich, happy color.

5. Tea. Rox, this letter was MADE for me! I love tea so much that my good friend bought me and J a tea maker for our wedding just because she knows how obsessed I am. I drink it nonstop. Always have an obnoxiously huge cup of tea at my side. Even have one now on my desk at work.

6. Tookie. My mom. Love her.

7. Tail. As in the Mini Monster's tail. She's always happy to see me when I come home every evening and that spastic wagging lil tail proves it.

8. TLC. One of my favorite channels!!

9. Thursday. Because Thursday night is Date Night for me and the Babers.

10. Thrift shops! Can always find a vintage brooch or funky piece of jewelry to turn into a beautiful new piece of jewelry for my shop in the local thrift stores. This helps keep my prices down and allows me to make one a kinds.

If any of you want to play, just leave a comment and I'll assign you a letter!

Manic Monday

If you were to name the most creative outlet that you have, what would it be?

Hard to choose just one but right now I'd have to say blogging. Reading other inspiring creative souls, being able to share my creativity on here with others and being able to freely vent my feelings through writing.

What spot in your body would you say is the center of your emotional being?

My crazy brain! My mood is so easily swayed by the thoughts rushing around in my head. I can change a funky mood into a good one just by talking myself out of it, or the flipside: bring myself down with worries or imperfections.

What do you think is the secret to a tranquil soul?

Simplicity.

If you want to join in click on the Manic Monday on my side bar! Happy Monday peeps!

A mish mosh of today's thoughts

Did that rhyme a little?

• I can't get enough of Rhianna's song Paper Chaser. The instruments in the background, her poppy voice... just makes me wanna shake my glutious maximus. That said, I would happily take the sound of nails on a chalkboard every day of 2009 if I don't ever have to hear a Red Hot Chili Peppers song again.

• I joined Twitter but really don't know much about it yet. You can find me there under randommoments7. I'm working on adding a Twitter section to my sidebar so we can all play together.

• Thanks for all the sweet comments on my last bridal shot post. While reading your comments I blushed. A lot.

• My newest cooking love is those gigantic boxes of chicken broth. They have a flip top lid for easy use and you just pop that sucker in the fridge to use the rest later. My favorite thing is to use the broth for deglazing my pans. Right now I'm cooking italian sausage spaghetti. After pan frying the sausage I used the broth to pick up the delicious lil pieces of leftover browned sausage and juices. My whole house smells like Italy, I'm sure of it. ;)



• Going to do a follow up post of Kelly's Five Ways to Spice It Up post. Think I'll call it Revive Your Love. Stay tuned to learn more about how to bring the desire back in your relationship. *snort* I love making stuff up.
  
  
• Speaking of making stuff up, I want a tee shirt that says "I make stuff up." Seriously. Have wanted one for like, 27 years. Yep, since I was 3. Where can I get one?

• Apparently I'm the only chic in the free world that hasn't read or isn't currently reading Twilight. If you've read it and recommend it, shoot me a comment.



• I haven't forgotten about Rox's letter post. I've been assigned the letter T to write about, ten things I love that start with this letter. A work in progress, post date TBD yo.



• Oh! I've finally updated my blogroll. If I left anyone out, just let me know. I haven't updated this since... well, since Madonna developed an English accent. So yeah, its been a while.



• I think I'm addicted to blogging. Again. Is there any medicine or support groups for this?



• Me and the hubs bought a new desk and bookcase. Now the junk room is the craft/office room. So love. Going to share pictures soon.



• J's new ring tone is Run D.M.C.'s Tricky. Now when I get a morning text from him, I either giggle, smile, jig or just flat out dance. It just puts me in a good mood.
  

This speech is my recital, I think its very vital...

Before the walk down the aisle, before all the happy tears...

... came the bridal shots. I promised them, so here they are. I only picked a handful of favorites so you guys wouldn't be sick of me by the end of this post. :)

















I think I'm as white as the swing.

This was actually a really fun day. Our photographer had to stand on this tall perch to take a couple of shots and lost balance, falling into a big bush. He was holding his camera high as he fell, it was so funny. My dad laughed about it all day.

Afterwards, we went to eat at little cajun restaurant on the way home from the Greenwood plantation. I had Mom and Dad all to myself that day, which was really nice. Its a rare occurance when you have two other siblings and two grandchildren to share them with. I pretended like I was their only child. :)

I felt so pretty and pampered. My parents kept asking every thirty minutes if my blood sugar was okay and Be sure your knees arent locked! If the height of the stairs freaked me out (they did). I kinda felt like a little girl all over again.

The plantation was beautiful and felt a little haunted at times, which was cool. I could have sat outside on the grounds all evening, maybe with a picnic basket and a good book. Just a quiet, serene place.

This day would not have been possible if it weren't for my parents, so, thank you, Mom. Thank you, Dad. I'll remember this day forever. Great memory. Perfect day.

My Resolutions

This year they will be simple for me, it is my theme for 2009. Simplicity.

1. Stop and smell the roses.

The months of November and December were far too hectic and busy for me. Christmas shopping, wedding planning, birthdays, holiday get togethers, non-holiday get togethers... It was madness. To be stress free is the only way I can be the best me. So, I'm going to slow down, journal more, enjoy those clear starry nights. Memorize my husband's face all over again, cuddle my puppy. Listen to my music more, enjoy nesting like before. Buy flowers for our kitchen table. Take advantage of the comfort and joy the little things bring.

2. Be a better friend.

First and foremost, I'm going to try to answer my phone more. I detest my cellular. That ever contant thing my friends complain about is how hard I am to find. How can I be a good friend if I can't be reached? I'm going to start sending cards again, long personal emails, let them in on secrets. Really listen. Spend quality time. Make road trips to visit my long distance friends.

3. Take care of myself more.

I can tell when I need "me" time. It comes like clock work. So more of that. And I'm going to read again, dance again, listen to my ipod more and download all the music that inspires me. I'm going to journal more, decompress the thoughts that are always crowding my brain. Eat more fruits and vegetables, drink more water. Exercise more. Maybe even renew my old love for running. Sleep at least 8 hours a night. Do something with my ever raging creative bug: photo shoots, jewelry, crafting, scrapping. Love more. Hug more.

4. Be a good wife.

Oh hush. When will I ever get to make this my new years resolution again without appearing as if I wasn't a good wife before? Cook nourishing meals for him, spend quality time with him, let go of my silly fears and be more adventurous with him. Bring him down the healthy road with me. Have more tickle wars before bed with him. (Man I love those.) Bring him a beer more often. Bwahaha! Shyeah right. Okay seriously, just continue be aware of my mood and continue to treat him with respect. And never, ever deny him of morning snuggles.

Goodnight Moon

Taken from our courtyard a couple of nights ago.

Goodnight stars,
Goodnight air,
Goodnight noises everywhere .....

Me? Advertise?

So my next post will be my new year's resolutions, but this post is relative to one of them: Being more agressive about my jewelry.

More than anything, I want to be able to support myself through my creativity. All I can think about during the day is going home and making the next one of a kind piece.

At your suggestions, I went wandering through my bloggy friends' sites, scrolling through their reads to find something new, enticing. And then I fell upon Old Lady at Michelle's place.

Not only is this "Old Lady" inspiring - a 16 year old chic who writes, dreams and creates like some of the adult women I know - she offered up spots for advertisement on her blog. After this post I was enamored with her; she was bound to be my new girl crush. (For you perverts, see below for definition of girl crush.) Not only that, I just happened upon her site at the right moment.

And I jumped. I got a spot for my very own button ad. So, when you have a second go visit her. And have a lookie at my lil button on her sidebar for my Jillry!

My newest collection: The Victorian Bride. I don't know, I'm still tweaking. The name of the collection may change. It shall consist of antique, vintage, old world style bridal jewelry. That of course can be worn with anything else, but made under inspiration for just that. The Victorian Bride.

One Golden Morning














girl crush - when one female digs another female after being inspired by them or because of their appearance, personality, craft, talent, etc. Meaning, the girl being crushed on likely has done, possesses or behaves in a way that is attractive to another female, but in a non-sexual way.

A peek at Christmas

Someone got a baby doll for Christmas. And didn't put her down all night.











Our first Christmas as a married couple. Say it together now, awwwwww.











Once KK was done unwrapping her presents, she came to look at ours.











I know. We're cute.















What my sweet sweet hubby gave me for Christmas. I've been eyeing this baby for months! And even better, he picked it out himself.















My heart.











Me and Toot. Doing what we do best. Being silly yo.















And Toot jumping on his Moon Shoes. He was out of control and it was hilarious.










Part of the crew. We remembered late in the game to take pictures, oops.

All in all, a great Christmas. The day after Christmas, Babers and I went shopping for a grown up tree. We got a big, full, beautiful tree with colored lights. That night, we opened the box and put the tree up. It was a pain in the butt but so worth it. After separating each little furry branch we stepped back and sighed at the sight. I already can't wait for next Christmas.

P.S. - Notice we are wearing short sleeves? I had on capris too. Christmas without sweaters was a little strange, but we're kind of used to this crazy weather in the South.

P.P.S. - Contrary to popular belief, J was NOT high in these photos, nor does he detest touching me. At this point he was probably full of bbq roast beef, taco shit (recipe at request) and meatballs, therefore in a coma of sorts. He loves me. He swearz.

Manic Monday

Do you have any idiosyncrasies or unusual quirks when it comes to food and/or eating?

I always feel like I need to dip fingers foods in something. French fries in ranch, grilled cheese in ketchup, etc. I also eat my pizza with a fork. I'm convinced it tastes better this way!

Have you ever written love letters?

Yes, many many moons ago. And in the beginning of me and J's relationship, we wrote love lots of little love "notes".

If so, do you still have any of them?

No but I kept them for a really long time. There was something so precious about the idea of writing a love letter, something we rarely do these days, that made me keep them for so long.

As far as J's love notes, I've kept every single one of them. They mean so much to me, I couldn't bare to part with them. We have a box specifically for our cards and notes to each other. I hope to one day take that box down from the top of our closet and read everything together.

How easy or difficult is it for you to say you're sorry?

I find it very easy to apologize when necessary now that I'm in a loving relationship with no games. For me, when I really love and feel totally comfortable with someone, my walls come down. I'm less prideful these days and more concerned about my love's feelings. If I've done wrong, I'll be the first to admit it. And he's pretty much the same with me.

When it comes to friends and family, I'd like to believe the same goes. Although, I have pretty healthy relationships with both and there is rarely a reason to apologize!

*Want to join in? Click on the Manic Mondays link on my sidebar!*

A good day. And a winner!

You know its going to be a good day when your favorite song is the first you hear on the radio in the morning. Addison Road's Hope Now. Her voice is clear and beautiful. The message fills you full of hope, just as the title suggests.

My voice was croaky from only having spoken the words goodbye to my sleeping husband, but still, I sang the song loudly. Good thing I didn't have a passenger, it was too perfect to pass up.

I thought of my husband, eyes still closed while he kissed me and told me to have a good day. I almost cried a little, that song playing and thinking of my life right now. My emotions seriously need to be put on check. You'd swear I was pregnant or something.

Heh. I'm not, just keeping you on your toes people. :)

So anyway, there's no food in my house. McDonald's was calling my name this morning so I put my happy little blinker on and dove in for a bacon, egg and cheese bagel.

After placing my order I pull up to pay. The cashier, guy probably fresh out of highschool says to me Your order has already been paid for by the guy in front of you, ma'am.

What? I say, confused. I look in front of me at the white truck, blacked out window, hidden driver.

He repeats himself. Says the guy wanted to pay for my order, says he knows me. I'm a little taken aback and say thank you and pull up. I try to get a look at the guy in front of me but fail. He pulls off as I'm grabbing my food.

After calling my sister and brother to identify the guy by his truck and both not recognizing the details, we decide it was an accident. There are plenty of teenage girls in my small town that drive my type of car.

Even if it was an accident, the gesture made my day. I plan to pay this guy back in some sort by repeating his kindness, or rather flirtation with his highschool crush, by paying for a stranger behind me in the next line I'm in.

Random: I'm going on a date tonight with Mr. Husband. I'm going to wear sparkly jewelry, heels and two coats of mascara. And I'm going to flirt like we did on our first date.

On another note, I am so overwhelmed with inspiration lately its insane. And its like crack; I want more.

New, inspiring, creative bloggers needed. I want some new good reads. Anyone have someone to share? I went through my bloglines last night and this morning reading all my faves and found myself wandering, trying to find more words to satisfy my craving. Please send me a link if you know of a good new blog read for me.

And now... wait. I forgot what I was going to post about next. Hmm...

Oh yes. The winner of my Jillry giveaway. *smirk*

Are you ready? Drum roll please.





Shoot, my enter bar keeps getting stuck.



Ha.


Okay seriously, the winner is: Michelle Sanders! Come on down!!! You are the winner of a brand new Whimsy Bracelet!!

Now, I know this may look a little funny because Michelle is my friend in real life, but I hardly get to see her enough and its not like she lives next door. But in any way you put it, any one of you winning could look funny because I adore each and every individual one of you and have some sort of connection with you. And because of that I'm going to keep these up until all of you have a piece of my heart. Er, Jillry.

Damn it. Sorry. Its that whole emotional thing going on....

Congrat Michelli! I'll either send your new lovely to you or have to make a date to bring it to you!

I'll do another giveaway on the first of February, so stay tuned my sweets. And have a happy day.

Shh, if you listen you can tell.

I'm married. Married.

What? That's crazy talk.

I wake this morning to a new year. The birds chirping outside our window. The feel of the weight shifting in our bed, my husband's feet trying to find mine in his slumber. His feet touch mine and they're freezing. Always freezing. I squeal.

He rolls over to me, tells me Good morning, Wife. I tell him I'm hungry, go fix your wife breakfast. He says Okay and pulls me in closer for more snuggles. He thinks I'll fall asleep again if he holds me tight enough. I love that about him.

My puppy's whimpering begins. Pay attention to me! Play with me, play with me, play with me! Then the jingle jangle of her tags as she starts her incessant scratching. STOP MINI!, we both say together and laugh. She's our little girl.

Later we're in the kitchen and I'm cooking us breakfast. Scrambled eggs with leftover baked ham. I hear his feet on the floor coming up behind me and his arms gather me up and I feel so little. Kiss kiss on my neck. I squirm because it tickles and pull away. Uh uh, I'm not through with you, he says. I can almost feel his smile. He thinks he's so clever. I think he is too.

And then I hear the tv come on, its football again. But now I'm used to it. I find comfort in the background noise of football on the tv. It tells me he's home. Even though I've lost all control of the remote, those sounds are endearing to me.

Right now the sound of Rocky is on. AMC has played it all day. I've been making jewelry for hours with football and Rocky in the background. The sounds of marriage. And the occasional air kiss sound J makes to me.

Oh and by the way, in the first Rocky? When the fight is over and everyone rushes Rocky in the ring, he turns and yells for Adrian. Aaaadrian!! He just finished his first real fight and all he can think of is Adrian. I swear I get choked up every time I see that part. And, when I do, there's the sound of J laughing at me.

*sigh* Enough of that. I'm just sitting here thinking about how today is the beginning of a new year while the hubs sits on the couch beside me. And I'm feeling all warm and cozy about it. A new year with new promises and new experiences.

A few things I accomplished today, sitting all fancy in my online shop:




















These first few were inspired by the New Year. Fun, festive and flirty.


























Don't forget to check in tomorrow to see who the winner is of the jewelry giveaway in my last post! Its not too late if you still want to comment. The cut off time will be tonight at midnight.