The Date Has Been Set

The planning has begun, and we've set a wedding date, Saturday, October 18, 2008. These past two weeks have involved a lot but I'm having so much fun with all of the planning. This past weekend my Mom, good friend Stacey and I hit the bridal shops and I swear I tried on about 40 dresses. Wow, is all I can say. It was an experience in its own, but I loved every stinking minute of it. Now I have to narrow down my top picks. It was a riot, everything from the 40 hook push up bras they provided (can I get some help with this thing please?), to getting lost in the dress while trying to get it off and get the next one on, to coming out for a "what do you think of this one" as we laughed our butts off at some not so pretty moments. At one point I realized I was working up quite the sweat when I decided to utilize the complimentary body spray in the dressing room on my underarms. The pure stinging sensation I proceeded to have for about the next 10 minutes was just another addition to the crazy day it was. We broke for lunch and fueled up for the next shop. All in all it was a great day and now I must make a decision and pick the dress I will look so forward to wear for the next 6 and 1/2 months on the most special day. Oh yeah, I just realized that the 18th of Oct. is Sweetest Day too....awwwww!!!!!!

In addition to the dress, we have been so blessed with some of the connections we have been able to utilize. The church, reception site, suggested photographers and florists, just to name a few. It's one thing to get a good recommendation on something but another when things just seem to fall into place. A big shout out to my fam for all of their help and support so far.

I'll keep you posted on the going ons and hope that this finds everyone well.

YES!!!!

I know it's been awhile since I've posted but I have the best news.........Jamey and I are engaged!!! It's such a happy time and we're ecstatic about it. The proposal was beautiful and I'm literally on cloud ten if there is one. We're working on a date and will keep everyone posted.

Knowing that I'm going to marry the love of my life and best friend is just the most amazing feeling. Beyond this state of pure joy I realize there is so much to do but for now I am just going to cherish this state of bliss. I'm posting a picture of my new *bling* too, since a girl has to show that off!

Life in a cardboard box!

Sometimes it's just the smallest things that end up being the biggest present. People pay big money on expensive toys for their kids and pets and it seems like it's always the free stuff you dig up in the home that gets used and enjoyed the most.

After a trip to Costco last weekend, I ended up with this box and it occurred to me how much Ernie and Farlie love boxes and paper bags, anything they can crawl into just to get away from it all (because you know they have such a rough life). Well it didn't surprise me that Farlie absolutely loves his new little box. So much that he's pretty much taken up residence in it full time. We put a little pillow in there and he's happier than can be. Ernie's pushing it for fitting in there, he likes to sit on the couch to keep watch on all that's going on. I'm posting a couple pictures of the two fellas.

Farlie's new home

Ernie "keepin' watch"

The big blob o' cats

Good deed gone bad!

Yesterday I gave blood as my work invited the Michigan Community Blood Center bus to our work site. Everything was going along fine until the two phlebotomists started conversing saying, "Yeah....we better stop hers, that isn't good!" So I asked to be filled in on the going ons and after they tried wiggling the needle around some more in my arm, I said, "That'll do, I'm done." I'm not too up on the phlebotomy lingo, but I do know they either/and or hit a valve and stripped the vein. They had already drawn too much to start over on the other arm but not enough for a full bag.....bummer it had to go to waste! I've never had any problems in the past so hopefully it was a one time deal. Too bad I don't have any ace bandages....ha ha, that was for you Mom and Dad! Here's a picture of the damage.

Happy Birthday Dad & Happy Valentine's Day!

My dad (on right) fishing this past summer

They smell so good!

Delicious!

I know a lot of people consider today just another Hallmark holiday, but it really is a sweet day. It's special to me as it's my Dad's birthday! I called him this morning and he sounded so happy. He was getting ready to take my Mom out for breakfast and he was telling me about this heart necklace he bought her for Valentine's Day. After 37 years of marriage and he continues to shower my Mom.....how lovely is that! How many people do you know that answer the phone, "Good Morning!" Well my Dad does, every day. He has such an amazing outlook on life, it's not only refreshing but so admirable. I have always thought so darn highly of him, it brings tears to my eyes just talking about the guy. So.....here's to my wonderful Dad.....Happy Birthday!

As for the other man in my life, that would be Jamey, the love of my life. He surprised me with a dozen beautiful roses this morning at work in person. What a guy.....do they get much better than this?

Tonight we made shrimp pizza for dinner and it was so good. When we were in Florida, Jamey's mom Jan made this one night. Just take a frozen cheese pizza and doctor it up. I put mushrooms, black olives and shrimp on it. Posting a picture to show you the yumm-ness!

Home Sweet Home!

Got home from vacation late last night and although it's good to be home, this weather isn't so welcoming. Yesterday I was in flip flops and at one point I thought to myself, I am so stinkin' hot right now I don't think I'll ever be cold again in my life. Darting inside for a little A/C was all I could do to get cool and now I'm cranking the heat up! We had such a great time, Jamey's parents were the most gracious hosts and I am so thankful for their generosity. Here are some pictures of the trip.

Here's a couple pictures of an Atlantic Moonfish I landed. It's in the same family as the Jacks/Pompanos.

Jamey and I at Bajia Honda State Park

The docks and marina at Hawk's Cay


A reef shark Jamey hooked into on the charter boat we went on


Jamey and I after a couple days there....we were quite sunburned, OUCH!

This picture had to be taken! It's of this crazy tan man in a string thong speedo! He was so odd and this was way too funny not to get a picture. I had to pretend like I was taking pictures of the water and beach, I think he knew! Rumor has it he has a twin and they compete at local beaches for the ladies! YIKES.....any lady I know would be runnin' the other way! Jamey thinks it would make a good Will Farrell - Ben Stiller movie.

Here's a 3 foot iguana the Jamey got pretty close to!

More pics of Bajia Honda...it was so beatuiful there, except for the stink once in awhile. The mangroves and vegetation get ripe when the tide is low. Smells like a sulfer factory.

Bon Voyage

Banana tree....this year I'm going to pick one!

One of the best times I've ever had offshore fishing.....here's a barracuda Jamey landed.

Entrance bridge to Duck Key

I plan on spending some serious time here!

Ernie packing himself!

Thursday morning Jamey and I leave for the Florida Keys. The forecast looks great and I am so excited for some warm weather and R&R. I'm posting a couple pictures from our trip last year. The fellas know that something is going on and they are not happy about it. In fact Ernie has invited himself along. He must have heard talk about mega fish we're going to catch, he loves himself some fresh catch!