I just got home from a FABULOUS weekend out of town to continue The Celebration that is Brittany and Earle's upcoming wedding. It was so much fun. Great people, great talks, great food, and great laughs.
That's what makes the world go 'round, my friends. Recap to come. :)
My phone starting ringing last night and when I looked down to find out who it was, I was excited to see it was my friend Ash (aka the mama of my little boys).
***
J: (answering the phone) Hey my friend!
(I was about to find out that it was actually my little Will-man calling me from Ashley's phone)
W: Hey Jenn Jee-yen (he likes to break the last part up into two syllables like a good little south Georgian boy should)
J: Well, hey buddy! What are you doing?
W: I weedin my book!
J: Oh my goodness, that is so fun. What book are you reading?
W: Yittle Bear Yittle Bear
J: Aww, will you read it to me?
W: No.
J: Oh ok, well maybe next time when I come over. Will you read it to me then?
W: Um, yes! I like dat that berry much!
***
I like that too, you adorable little thing.
I was sad he didn't read it to me because he has read "Little Bear Little Bear" to me live and in person before, and it that is some SERIOUS cuteness to behold!
Of course he has the whole thing memorized and doesn't actually read the words. Even 2 1/2 year-old geniuses have their limitations. But, despite the fact that he has not mastered the skill of reading, this child is SO smart. Later in the conversation Ash told me the funniest story about our Baby Einstein. Here is a conversation they had a couple days ago riding down the road.
***
Ash: (ending a phone conversation with a friend) Ok, well talk to you later! Bye bye.
W: Mama, why you tell her "bye bye"?
Ash: Well you know how when we end a conversation we say goodbye. I was getting off the phone, so I told her goodbye.
W: But, you not say "goodbye." You say "bye bye."
Ash: Well, baby, "bye bye" is another way of saying "goodbye."
W: (all matter-of-factly) Well...you not say "hello hello."
***
I'm sorry, are you 2? Because I didn't realize they were teaching LOGIC in preschool these days.
Will-Will, thanks for being so smart and funny. You amaze me, sweet boy!
The last couple of nights, I have been spending a little time with an old friend. To be honest, we aren't true friends because, well, I don't like him. While he's never done anything to me personally (in fact, his main goal in life is to make me look good), he's the kind of acquaintance you can't just relax and have a good time with. Seriously, the whole time we are together, I am counting down the minutes until I can leave his presence--the relationship really just wears me out. When we wrap up our time together, I am literally exhausted. Oh look, here he is now...
Yet, I have to say, I always feel bad for cursing him as soon as our time together is over. Because for some reason, as much work as our relationship takes, I always feel better after I've hung out with him for a bit. One reason we have starting hanging out again recently is the fact that he really understands my trepidation at having to put on a bathing suit in a mere 10 days.
...............(moment of silence)...............
He understands that even though I am thrilled beyond measure that I get to head to the beach to celebrate the bachelorette-ness of a lovely bride, it saddens me deeply that I must subject myself and the world to a body that is out of shape--not to mention one that has not seen the light of the sun since well, last July.
Due to this sun hiatus, I am now a color that can only be described as "fluorescent." And THAT unfortunate revelation has caused me to also befriended this girl recently.
I know, I know. I don't want to talk about it because I am so ashamed. I swore off our friendship a long time ago because I know she is a devil in disguise--giving me everything I want and making me feel good about myself, while simultaneously causing much damage deep down. She is so sneaky that way.
But, seriously. 10 DAYS.
...............(moment of silence)...............
The saving grace of this whole situation is that the dread I feel for having to reveal myself (you know what I mean) this early in the year is matched only by my joy and excitement to spend a weekend with my toes in the sand alongside some really awesome girls.
The kind of girls who make me laugh loudly and who love me regardless of how much time I have spent with the two "friends" mentioned above.
And that's worth putting on a bathing suit--even if it's only 10 days away.
Now, let me break down some of the what you are seeing because you are probably thinking someone accidentally decorated some old storage closet. No, your eyes are not deceiving you, this junkyard is where we interns call home. This is my personal space, but if you did a 360 turn, you would see more of the same. And please disregard the computer monitors stacked up on the left. Our office also seems to double as the place PC's go to die. It's kind of like a Personal Computer Hospice.
Junky or not, I must say that beautiful flowers like these (sent by my parents and brother) really brighten up this shoebox. I love my family.
Some sweet prizes from my supervisor Becky (stress ball) and Janna (ADORABLE "J" stationery).
After I loaded all of the birthday paraphernalia into my car, Janna and I went off to supervise some visitation. Sweet Janna let me go early (not just because it was my birthday--she's that sweet ALL the time), and I met some lovely gals for a little bday dinner at Johnny Carino's.
I don't know who these freaks are. They just sat down at the table and started talking like they knew me.
Just kidding, it's Brittney (not to be confused with Brittany-the-Bride) and Meg! They were our entertainment for the evening.
Peter the waiter took a picture of the whole gang. Thanks, Pete.
Surprise Dessert! I totally did not see that coming at all! You girls were so discrete when you asked the waitress in non-hushed tones right at the table. Truly, shocked!
Some of the gifts....
Karen's wonderful and thoughtful presents. It's so nice to have friends that know you to the depths of your being.
Unfortunately there was a Flower Massacre at the paws of Meg's two cats. This disturbs me greatly.
Moving on to Meg's presents starting with the perfect card!
Shabby Chic picture frame for the picture we will one day have together!
Her next present came in a bag whose message describes a perspective we have taken up since the first semester of grad school. It is also one of life's great lessons.
"PERCEPTION: What some might call "goofing off," others may call "stress relief." It's all how you look at it." That's Megan's picture on the bag in case it's blurry and you can't tell.
Gifts not pictured: adorable pj pants from Ash and the boys, some Clinique lipstick I have been coveting and comfy lounge pants from Mama and Daddy, and another Subway gift card from Risa (because God knew I would use up Karen's in 2-3 days and would be needing a few more free meals). That in combination with all the calls, texts, and facebook messages reiterated to me once again that I am blessed something serious.
And lastly, I leave you with a sweet sweet sight. I was at home this past weekend for an Easter/Birthday Combo Celebration. In case there is some doubt in your mind, this was beyond delicious. And I cooked the whole thing.
Kidding again. Big Scruff cooked it all.
And I don't know about you all, but no birthday is complete in our house without cake. I think my mama wrote that into her vows when she and my daddy married almost 30 years ago.
Sadly two women, who shall remain nameless, could not wait until Sunday to sample (which is exhibited by the huge chunk missing there on the top right). Again, birthday law.
All in all, it was a great time of celebration. :)
So, yesterday was my birthday (pics to come soon--shocker, I know), but it was last weekend that the reality of turning 24 really hit me. And let me make it clear that by NO means do I think 24 is old. And even if it was, I truly consider every year I am given a huge blessing.
:::::insert mushy thankful stuff here:::::
Still, realizing that the big 2-5 is right next door took a moment to get used to. I had a flashback of being like 16 and thinking about what life would look like when I was 25. Educated. Employed. Friends. Marriage. House. Maybe a little babe. Happily ever after and all of that.
I have to say, I'm going to be a very busy 24 year-old trying to get all of that accomplished in a year's time.
Apparently my time-table was a little off back then, but I'd say I still have the happily ever after. It just looks different at 24 than I thought it might. And actually, I think I like where I am now better than my original plan. Most days that is. And on the days when I wish I had certain desires of my heart right now, I just read Ephesians 3:20 and I feel better.
So, in the spirit of letting God lead this life in the way it should go, I really have no idea what is in store for this, the 24th year of my life. I am happy to take whatever may or may not come, but as I rode around town with Mama last weekend, I decided it wasn't unreasonable to start things moving in the right direction. I decided in that moment what I was going to wish for as I blew out my candles.
Except I decided to ask God for it instead, because I feel that will have a higher success rate compared to that whole candles thing.
*****
Me: Oh my word, next year at this time I'll be turning 25. 25!!! (to God) Dear Lord, please let me at least have a boyfriend by then.
And what word of encouragement did The Debster have in that moment?
Mama: (without skipping a beat) I second that emotion.
******
It's good to know we're on the same page, per usual. :) Here's to a great 24th year!
The lovely and laughy Bride-to-be 
The Bride with Heaven on a Plate. Since The One Bri loves the most was sick, so she posed with the one she loves second most. 
It's Kimberly and Josh! I have missed them and refuse to count how many months it has been since I have conversed with this girl. We had a lot to catch up on.
I took lots of pictures of Kimbo to remember what she looks like in case I don't see her again for a long time. And also, because she's pretty.
She also is a SKILLED photographer (with like a degree and everything), and she teaches me things like F-stop and Aperture and Letting Light In. I can't remember what any of them mean, but she got an A+ for effort and an A++ for Friendship.
I practiced all that camera stuff on Brittany. The lighting looks good, but apparently my skillz distort faces.
We grow 'em real handsome where I come from. Even Earle got in the pic via his senior portrait over there on the right.
Speaking of handsome. Here is the father-of-the-groom and father-of-the-bride. Just a couple of peas in a pod.
As we sat and watched the two men above drop it like it was HOT on the dance floor, Bri got a whiff of something she could only describe as ROTTEN.
Thanks to my crisis intervention training, I saved her from certain death by shoving chocolate up her nose.
Sweet, sweet friends.
And lastly, Sleeping Beauty. We missed you Earlie. And just so you know, I stuck your hand in hot water and you told me all kinds of secrets.
I got to see these little cheesers Sunday night! And let me just tell you--having them bowl me over with hugs, read me books, and tell me through tears that they wish I could come over "a whole bunch" was the perfect way to wrap up a very BUSY week. :)
Ginette threatened to quit her job earlier in the day, but thankfully we talked her out of it by saying things like "OK" and "alright, see you later" as we stared blankly at the walls of our office. We're glad she decided to stick it out though.
A shot of the whole room full of people wanting to give their money to a great cause.
Creepy, "neglected "(?) girl in the center of the table. I never fully understood the vision of this decoration.
Have I mention Jaclyn (or jaKEY, as I like to say) is 6 feet tall? This is how I feel when I stand next to her. I have to yell really loud so she can hear me way up there. 
Oh crap. I hope he didn't see me. That wouldn't be embarrassing at all.
I found this picture that Dawn took on my camera, and I thought it was so cute. At one point in the night everyone was asked to reached under their chairs to see if they won a little something special. This guy in the middle was obviously SO excited he won a free ice cream. I feel ya, brotha. And look there's Googie again on the right. My hair and I say hi, Googster!
It's Scott the Fireman! I have a small crush on Scott the Fireman (I like to use his full name and title while speaking of him). Maybe it's the whole man in uniform phenomenon or maybe it's the Canadian accent. I can't explain it.
And lastly, the Harley that I and about 500 other people almost won. Dang it! So close.
Well that just about wraps up another fun day at the office! Sponored By: a hilarious group of girls, a chocolate fountain, and knowing The Auction is over and we WILL have toilet paper.
I have a paper due in the morning. It's now 11:15 and while it is ALMOST done, I am fascinated by all the many ways I have managed to put it off. I have been this way all of my life and it still amazes me. This is procrastination at it's finest. Mama don't read this--it will not be your proudest moment.
***
7:45 am. Leisurely get up and moving this morning.
9:00. Leave the Boro around 9 to make the 3 hour trek back to school.
12:00. Make it to work.
Read blogs, email, twiddle my thumbs. Oh, and write out my to-do list. Top of the list? My paper. That's the sad part, I really still think I'll do it in a timely manner. And by timely, I mean the AFTERNOON before it's due as opposed to the NIGHT before.
3:00 pm. TRY to work on my paper, but the phone at work is out of control. I can't work this way! I pack it up and head home.
Well, I head to Sonic. Then I head home.
4:00. Plan to get right on the paper and finish that joker up, but somehow the TV turns on and Oprah and Simon Cowell distract me for a good hour.
Impossible to concentrate on a paper while watching TV, but it IS possible to work on updating the blog. Write and hang out with Big O. I really have to post because hello, it will take me all week to recount the last few days' activites. Got the engagment post up. Aww. Memories. You should read it below.
6:00. Well look a there! It's supper time. Off to Subway. Hmm, I need a couple of items at Wal-mart while I'm there (the Subway is INSIDE the Wal-mart because God loves me). If I ever meet the person that made that decision, I will kiss them.
Groceries. Check. Supper. Check.
7:00. Make it home, eat and somehow another hour goes by. I can't account for it.
8:00. Dancing with the Stars is on but I tell myself I am not allowed to watch it. I can watch it later, no big deal. Paper must get done, Jenna. C'mon.
Well, maybe just a peek. Turns into an hour-long peek.
9:00. Still haven't really worked on the paper, but now it is time for Jon and Kate Plus 8. Hmm. Two new episodes on tonight. Interesting. Decide to watch. The heck with it. Type some sentences during commercials.
9:44. Text Meg to make sure she hasn't finished either in order to make myself feel better.
10:00. Call Mama. She's watching The Bachelor. I tell her I am working on my paper. Love you, bye. Off to work FOR REAL. I'll watch my new British boyfriend later.
Flip the TV back on for just a SECOND to catch a glimpse of him. Hot. And funny. Good combo.
Oh my word at these women! It's like a train wreck. I can't stop watching.
11:00. How is it 11:00??????
11:30. Finish blogging about how I have STILL not finished my paper and for REAL head off to complete it. Realize how sad this is.
11:31. Decide that taking a shower will make me feel better and will help me focus.
11:32. Sign off and get to work!
***
It's a sickness. And the only cure is putting on a cap and gown and walking across that stage. May 10, 2008. I'm so there.
Well, there has been a little covert operation in the works and on Thursday night, Joel took my cousin, Risa, to the dreamy location pictured above and asked for her hand in marriage!
(The above is a reenactment of real events that transpired earlier that day.)
Mother of the Bride waiting underneath the balcony. As you can see, she is beside herself with nervous joy and oblivious to our new loud friend. Excitement will do that to you.
Ris and Joel were also oblivious to The Wino as well (love and diamonds will also do that to you). It was all smiles when they saw us!
After we stood down there oohing and ahhing and congratulating, we headed up to hug it out and explore the scene. This is what dreams are made of, people.
The path up to the table.
The view from the top.
How cool is this? Their own specialized celebratory labels. It's all in the details, my friends.
And of course, the beautiful ring. Or should I say, BLING.
Sisters by chance, crazy by choice.
Joel with his fiance, his future Mom, the MAID OF HONOR (awwwww! I could still cry thinking about it), and his new aunt-in-law. Good luck, Joel. Good luck.
Talking to my brother on the phone.
Her baby's getting married. And.....tears.
After the photo session, it was time to go eat some yummy food and continue to toast a great couple.
Cheers! My cousin and Tom Cruise's cousin. Who would have ever thought? Oh, I kid. But I totally think Joel and Tom share ancestors.
Happily ever after.
Now the real fun begins! Wedding planning here we come. :)
I AM alive, and I coming back with so many pictures my head may explode with all of the visual imagery. Not to mention all the fun times that have occured over the past 72+ hours (which by the way, feel as if they have all existed in one long, continuous day.)
A preview:
1. An engagement (not mine, oh goodness no)
2. An auction that could have (should have!) ended with me riding a way on a Harley (but didn't)
3. Another day another party on the Brittany/Earle wedding circuit. (sadly, Earle slept through it)
Tired but smiling. That's my Sunday theme. :)
On Saturday morning before the shower, Earle went to McDonald's to get all of us ladies some breakfast. He's really sweet like that. When he came back, we were all sitting around the kitchen table eating and discussing how after our shower that morning, Britt and Earle (as well as Brittany's friend, Meredith, and her boyfriend, Russell) had to head out to ANOTHER shower for one of Earle's groomsmen.
I think it's safe to say it's Wedding Season.
All of a sudden a light bulb went off in Earle's head, and he looked over at his bride and said, "Hey Babe, we should probably take a present tonight."
Bri just patted him lovingly on the arm and informed him not to worry--she had already taken care of it. But, hey, thanks for bringing that up 3 hours before it was time to leave. What would we do without you?
Then Bri looked over at Earle and asked the question girlfriends/fiances around the world often wonder.
B: "How come when YOUR friends are having a shower, I buy the gift. And when MY friends are having a shower I buy the gift?"
All the girls started laughing, and even Earle flashed his cheery grin. He loves that sassy little thang. But, in that moment, another light bulb went off and he shared the answer with us.
E: "The same reason that when WE have a shower, YOU get all the gifts. And when YOU have a shower YOU get all the gifts!"
Touche, good buddy. And accepting that truth will take you far in this life. Or at least until the wedding. :)
On the way to the shower. Homegirl was excited.
Here are some of the presents! They were taking over the world.
Lin signing in. Bri's doing a really cool thing by having a scrapbook with the invitations to all the different parties/showers. On one side is the invite and on the other guests write notes. Such a neat idea and a great keepsake!
"Fill 'er up!" -Bri (she didn't really say that, but she was thinking it).
Opening up Lin's present--a wine shaped cheese tray. SO cute. I am starting to see a pattern here. 
Lin very excited Bri likes the present she chose. But she knows there is even more in that bag...
Have to have all the fixins! Crackers, cheese, and wine--let's pass that around, shall we?
Next up was my present. My time was 3 o'clock, so I figured Britt would be getting home from teaching a bunch of 4th graders and would like to relax. But, unlike myself, Brittany is not a procrastinator, so I figured she'd probably use that time to write some thank you notes. I mean, she'll have 800 to write from this shower alone.
So in her basket was this really cool return address stamp that stamps down this on your envelope...
Ok, moving onto more fun presents...
Here we have a gift from Brittany's older sister. Let's see what she got her little sis for the 11:00 PM hour...
Hmm, what do we have here?
Oohlala! We were in a restaurant and no lie, a guy in the back whistled. There may have even been a hoot and a holler.
Britt, why is your face so red??
Ok, let's just put that back in the box for now...
Cute!
Because it's always important to document cute shoes.
And now a look at all of Bri's friends that love her so much!
BFF Mer
Lin and JT
All the girls at the shower
College friends!
Me and the bride
It was such a great weekend full of many more special moments to remember, and I can't WAIT to continue to celebrate these precious friends!
It really all started on Friday. The Fun, that is.
I usually have Fridays off, but one of the duties of the interns at work is to put on a Child Abuse Prevention puppet show for local elementary schools. It's not every week, but on this past Friday we got to hang out with the puppets and assist them in telling kids about how important it is to tell someone if they are being hurt. The show sends a worthy message, and the kids heart the puppets more than life itself. Truly, the moment they walk in the room and realize what is before them, it is like Christmas morning and their birthday all rolled into one. For us, it's more like Labor Day. Without a trip to the lake or the beach.
Here is a little taste of life as a puppeteer. It's glamorous, I assure you.
First, we load up the set and puppets into my car. That gray box is where the puppets live.
Then the real fun begins as we get to drag those large, splintery, black set pieces up and down the halls looking for the classroom we are assigned too. I am usually very sweet and happy during those times.
Here is Jaclyn. She LOVES the puppet show. Obviously.
Once the kids get there, it's showtime. Here is a backstage shot of the three other interns saving the world one 2nd grade class at a time.
I only have one part in the show because I go out and talk to the kids afterwards. There could be a whole post on the comments they make and the levels of their cuteness.
Here I am with Ms. Foster. She is very concerned about her student, Sarah, who has been staying home all alone. Ms. Foster does not play around with stuff like that. Because like one child said, someone could come into Sarah's home and steal stuff like her XBox. Which was totally the point we were trying to make.
Sometimes I get bored waiting to go out, so I pass the time by messing with the other girls. I do so by taking pictures while they are puppetering and/or dancing all in between them to throw off their game.
They have got to learn how to persevere and pull it off even in the midst of distractions. This is a vital lesson they must learn or they will never make it in the puppet business.
Blair is doing her part to strengthen her fellow interns' skillz.
Pretty soon it was time for Ms. Foster to confront Sarah about this staying home alone issue. Here I am counting down the seconds until my arm falls off from holding her up for so long. The puppets and I have a love/hate relationship once the arm cramps set in.
Let's now address my hair in this picture. What is with that one fluorescent streak of highlighting there in the front? Why does it not have highlighted friends all over the greater hair area?
Well I am happy to report that my second activity I had to complete before heading down the highway to Bri's was a hair appointment. I decided to be extremely brave and try out a new guy in the town where I work. I don't know what came over me, but I just got it in my mind earlier in the week that I should get my hair done before I partied it up at the wedding shower this weekend.
My mother told me I was living life on the edge by straying from the girl that has been doing my hair for 2 years back at home. Mama also told me not to come crying to her if it didn't work out. The Debster gets very serious when it comes to hair. She errs on the side of caution, while I apparently throw caution to the wind.
Thankfully, it all turned out fine. No tears were shed to Mama or anyone else.
So after all of that, I FINALLY got on the road around 4:30 and excitedly drove myself to my sweet friend's house. I got there just in time to jump in the car and head out to eat. We ate a very nice restaurant that will be catering the wedding come June, so that was really neat. It was so fun to be back together again with so many people that I enjoy so much. I loved looking down the table and seeing Brittany and Earle, the bride and groom to-be, and their families. Also in attendance was my BFF Lin who I had not seen in an obscene number of months. I won't even count back because it is disturbing, but thankfully we get to see each other a lot in the coming months as we continue to celebrate. I miss this pretty girl.
Lastly, I was so excited to spend time with my friends Meredith and Rachel who are Bri's high school friends/current roommates. I have gotten to know them over the past years and they are both pretty much awesome. 
All of these people are so dear to me, and my heart could have just leaped from my chest from all the happiness.
But, come to find out, I didn't even KNOW happiness until we got to the restaurant and my Stuffed Chicken Marsala came out. Great people and great food. What more is there, really?
After a wonderful dinner of catching up, laughing, and getting all the latest details on the wedding, we all headed back to Brittany's house to hang out and relax. It was like just like old times. Well, except when Bri tried on her wedding dress for us. She never really did that back when we lived together in college. We also didn't all take turns trying on her wedding veil during those years. Those were new yet fun activities. :)
Bri putting the veil on Rach.
After we all got our turn with the veil, we changed into our pajamas and sat on the couch laughing for a while more. Then we all headed to bed to get some sleep. We had a great day of showering Bri with lots of love and presents ahead. :)
It was such a fun weekend and so nice to be with old friends again. I am thrilled that the Brittany & Earle Party Circuit is in full swing because it means I get to see my people practically every weekend until June.
This makes me incredibly happy.
When I think about getting to see them so much in the near future--when the business of life and living in different cities has kept us from spending adequate amounts of time together in the last couple of years--I am reminded of something my Pop used to say.
"The only thing better than this is more of it."
Of course he was referring to the pie he was shoveling into his mouth, but I think the phrase can translate to just about any context.
There is just something about being with people you have known for years and experienced such a great part of your life with that causes you to long for those moments of just being together--doing nothing or discussing important issues like oh I don't know, a WEDDING. It is so nice to just savor those times when you can be back on the same couch doubling over in laughter at only the Lord knows what.
It was truly a great time, and there are so many pictures I will be putting up here. I'm thinking it may even have to be a two-parter. :) That's when you know you had some good fun right there, folks.
I hope you are having a great Monday!
Another weekend full of fun is on the horizon and it all kicks off today. I have a couple of activities I have to complete on this rainy Friday before I can hit the road, but once those are done, I am off to par-tay with some very dear friends.
Shout out to Bri for getting married so we can have a lot of mini-reunions every couple of weeks until June!
First up, we have a fun "Around the Clock" shower for the beautiful bride. Here is a special little item I have prepared for Brittany to use around the 3 o'clock hour.
I am very excited about the prizes inside (which will be revealed later), but mostly about seeing these two girls and many others whom my heart has been missing.
Have a great Friday!
Unfortunately, their water heater caught fire, and the flames moved quickly through the house and up into the attic--causing excessive amounts of smoke and water damage. They lost basically everything. But! Blessing alert: Because Meg and Tyler were renovating their house, a lot of their keepsakes/irreplaceable items were being stored in the room at the far end of the house. Because this room received the least amount of damage, a lot of what was in there was salvageable. I still just think that is amazing! Thanks, God.
M and T were hosting their small group Bible study that night, and they thankfully realized what was happening in time to get everyone out safely--including their two cats and this wittle pwecious baby...
And, speaking of things that are smokin hot--who's that stud on the right?? Bow chicka wowow.
I will always remember you fondly, Antique Rocker. Thanks for letting me sit on you all those times. You rocked.
**********************************************
So fast forward to now, and I am very happy to report that everything has worked out great, and Meg and Tyler made it through the whole ordeal like the champs they are.
The new house! (Random pieces of wood and huge dumpster not included).
The door was just put in today, so I gave Meg a few minutes to swoon over it's splendor. I pretended not to watch her, but I totally saw her kiss it.
Oh be still my heart at the incredible porch. Hey, porch. Love you. I have a feeling you will be seeing a lot of me in the years to come.
Here is where I am going to hide on Halloween so I can jump out and scare people.
Well ok, it's not technically my bedroom, but that is how I will refer to this particular room from now on because hello, I need somewhere to sleep during the spend-the-night parties I'm planning)
Don't be shy! We welcome visitors!
Pictured below is the inside of the house. I won't go into what you're looking at exactly because I know it's so obvious.
Here is Meg out on the lovely porch off of the master bedroom. The name for this area is still up in the air, but last I heard "Meg's Porch" had the most votes.
Tyler standing in awe of his stunning estate.
So my very dear friend and partner in crime, Meg, is ill. And not the kind of ill she gets when I start to make a point about whatever we are talking about, and it ends up being a really long and involved (yet always relevant!) story. Which usually concludes with her telling me to wrap it up already, and me getting all sassy on her because EXCUSE ME for having a story about everything. Let's try to look at it as a gift, shall we?
But no, she is the kind of ill that has struck down many a friend and acquaintance this year (including her very own husband, Tyler!). She has been hit with the Flu, and this makes me so sad for several reasons...
1.) It is my friendly duty.
2.) Tuesdays are our class day and being up at the school without her is a world I don't want to live in. Even more important than that, Tuesdays are when we go eat for the first of our bi-weekly lunch dates. I felt so lost today as I walked out of school hungry and alone.
Jenna, Party of One.
3.) Her crazy doctor said she could be contagious for 1-2 more weeks! I'm sorry, what? How is that even possible, I ask you? Meg is in denial and is choosing not to really believe the doctor on this matter.
4.) I, on the other hand, trust medical professionals. And because of this contagiousness diagnosis, Meg may have to strike this pose every time I see her for the next couple of weeks.
Oh, I'm kidding Megan, you are way too pretty to hide that face! But I'm not, so I'll just be way over here wearing this mask if that's ok with you.
5.) And lastly, the days just aren't as fun around here without being inappropriately touched, laughed at, and made fun of!
Feel better, my friend! I love you!
So as I am writing this, I am sitting on the bed having a really good cry as I watch Oprah's Big Give. Whew.
Yet, through the happy tears, I have to document my very happy weekend! I must say, I have been racking up on the weekend fun-ness the past month or so, and these last couple of days were no exception. I mentioned the birthday of a very special red-head earlier in the week, and to celebrate the life and times of my cousin Larisa, I headed down the interstate to hang out with her and my aunt on Saturday.
Let's just say there was cheesecake with chocolate icing. There was also food and wine. And, of course, there were a lot of laughs. I don't think I need to say anymore. I personally had myself at "cheesecake."
The weekend began with me getting a little bit lost on the way to Larisa's house. Don't be alarmed, it is a problem I have come to know well. I am generally not a one to freak out easily, but when I saw what's in the picture below, I wondered if I had been transported to some type of Chicken Wonderland. Truth be told, it was lunchtime and it wouldn't have been the worst thing ever.
SPOILER ALERT: I did eventually break the hauting gaze of the World Famous KFC Chicken and found my way to Risa's house.
Here is Ris taking part in a little family tradition. One that, if I'm not mistaken, was started by my very own mother on her first birthday. Hey wait a minute, what's this?
Why, it looks like an old picture of Mama's 50th birthday cake with a big bite out of it. As you can see, tradition is everything in this family.
DD and Ris toasting 28 years as mother and daughter. (Not pictured: Jenna who I believe was licking cheesecake off of her plate.)
The rest of the night was spent cuddled up on the couch watching TV and enjoying one of my favorite pastimes: making DD laugh until she has to excuse herself to the restroom. We all have our gifts.
The fun continued today as we went to a very delicious BBQ restaurant with Risa's boyfriend and his family for yet another bday celebration.
Love is in the air!
Or is it just pigs roasting on an open pit? I can never tell...
Don't get me wrong, my Daddy owned a very popular BBQ restaurant for the first 22 years of my life--pork has a special place in my heart. But even with all the barbecue sauce that runs through my veins, there are just some things I don't need to see. Um yes, hi there Mr. Waiter, I'll have the chicken.
DD and Risa were not phased by the roasting pigs. The are like two peas in a pit. I mean pod.
And speaking of two peas in a pod...
Aunty Jenna adores that 
