Hiatus

I'm sure you all noticed I am taking a bit of a break from the blog. With Patrick being home and business picking up for the holidays, I have been busy with some other things. I have also lost our camera, so that makes it tough to keep the pictures up. Not sure how long of a break I will be taking, but it probably won't be forever and I will let you all know when I am back at it again. Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Look who's home!

After being gone for over 13 months, Patrick finally returned today from Iraq. I didn't say anything before because I didn't want to disappoint anyone if today didn't end up being the day- but everything went fine and he arrived at Ft. Campbell early this morning.  We ended up on the website for the newspaper, so you can check out all the photos of the welcome home ceremony by clicking to the link on the title of this post. I am so proud of him and even happier to have him home- words can't even describe.....

Happy Halloween!

From the furry little ladybug! 

My first press!

I got quoted in the style section of the paper today! My first press! I'm so proud. 

http://shop2.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081029/SHOP/81029097/1839

VEGAS BABY!

It's VEGAS Baby!  I spent the last two days in Vegas with my parents. They were already going out there for a friend's birthday, and they invited me to tag along too. We had a great time sightseeing, eating, drinking, gambling, watching the Titans game- I didn't want it to end! Two days isn't quite enough time in the City of Lights- I didn't even have enough time to lose all my money! 

The Car Wash- Fun For All Ages!

I have mentioned before how cool the car wash is that I go to- they can totally detail the car in like half an hour and they have a coffee shop, gift shop, Internet and TV to entertain you while you wait. I had been there for awhile when I finally noticed the child behind me. He was having the best time hanging out and playing with his game in that chair. I couldn't help but laugh. That term "make yourself at home" well, children certainly do!

Busy Month

Ah, sorry that it is been awhile since I have posted. I've been working a lot- and I am not sure where this month has gone, but it seems to be almost gone already! So, here's what I have been up to: 

1. Things are great with Patrick- he and his unit captured a terrorist that had been in hiding for two years. He was happy to be a part of the capture and now since the "Big Mission" of the deployment is over, he is ready to come home! I am so proud of him and his unit.  

2. I put together another fashion show for the store- this one was a fundraiser for breast cancer research. It was really fun because I got to dress 20 ladies that were breast cancer survivors, and it was so inspiring to hear all of their stories. The show was good and the ladies all had fun, which was the most important thing. 

3. Another big event at the store- this one was cool because it was like a big cocktail party, and I had the pleasure of selling lots of clothing to very drunk women... ; )

4. I went golfing last Sunday morning since the Titans were off. I had a horrible game- I really need to take lessons. I can drive alright, but I get anywhere near the green and it is a disaster! Unfortunately, the Broncos played as badly at football as I did at golf..... 

5. I found a new brand of fabric softener sheets...they work like magic and smell like heaven....

Yeah, that's my life. You see now why I haven't posted lately.  Really, you didn't miss much. Patrick is doing great things, but I am just...well...here. I'll try to do something more interesting for you all soon!

Hopefully things will be getting more post-worthy here sometime soon......

5-0 Titans

Well the Titans have done it again and taken their season to 5-0. It has been a pretty fun team to watch this year, but I must say that they could just as easily have been 2-3. Even with their record, they need a little improvement on their passing game in my humble opinion. Passing game or no, frankly, I am just happy to be watching football! I haven't had consistent Sundays off since I was in college and I am just drunk with football watching bliss! Things are so great, that I have even gotten to watch almost every Bronco game too! Pretty much my Sundays consist of this: Waking up at 11:00-having a latte- watching the game at 12- having a beer- watching the game at 3- having another beer- watching the game at 7- going to bed. I couldn't be happier. Viva La NFL!!!!

Road Trip

Doug and I took a little trip this week to Indiana and Michigan. We went to Indiana first to see Patrick's Grandparents and then to Michigan so I could see the "Big Lake". We had a lovely time and I got some fun pictures. 

                              Grandpa Don and Sassy


Grandma Ruth and Sassy in her new sweater that Ruth knitted for her. 
                          A quick stop by Notre Dame campus.

          Amazing Lake Michigan- Man that's a big lake! 


  Sassy having fun at the lake until she got swept into a sink hole of water (she may never want to go to the lake again!) 

Brentwood Ladies Fashion Show

I spent the last week working on the first of two fashion shows for Belk. I had a great time getting to know all of the ladies and dressing them for the show. I did all of the commentary during the show, so I didn't have a chance to take pictures during it, but I got a few of the ladies before, so I guess those will have to do! I am currently working on another one, so I'll keep you posted on how that one goes as well. 

Update coming soon

I've been busy the past few weeks. I just finished one fashion show for the store and am on to the next one. They are fun to coordinate, but they take a lot of time and energy. 

Doug and I also just got back from a quick road trip to Indiana and Michigan. I have some great pictures, so I will share those sometime soon. Hope you are all doing well out there too!

Out of Gas in Nashville

Panic struck the city today and people discovered there was no gas to be found ANYWHERE in the area. People were talking about it at work and Doug called me to make sure I had gas to get home. Luckily I had enough, but I passed several cars on the side of the road that didn't. I thought Pleasant View for sure would have some since we are further from town, but I got here only to discover there apparently isn't gas for like a 100 mile radius of the city. Hmm. Bummer. My car only has about 100 miles left before empty, so I will be able to get to work and back tomorrow, but after that I might be screwed. Hopefully the town gets more before it turns really ugly. Do you all see now why I want a Vespa so bad?! 

Fall Decorating II

I also re-decorate the bedroom in the fall- I took a picture of it too, mostly because it won't ever be this clean again! (I also had to throw in a picture of Sassy.... of course)

Fall Decorating

I decorate the house based on the seasons, and today I put up the fall decorations. I did a few new things this year and I was happy for the way they turned out. Welcome Fall!

So Tell me About You

Doug turned me on to this awhile ago and I continue to be amazed by the accurateness of it. He and I were just discussing it today, and I remembered that I never shared it with you. If you want to know more about yourself, take a few minutes and take this test. You'll be amazed at how spot on it is. I was in INTJ- so tell me what were you? 

Briggs-Myers Personality Test

http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/jtypes1.htm

Rock City

Doug and I took a little day trip Wednesday to Rock City in Chattanooga. It was a really nice drive over there and a perfect day to tour the tourist trap Rock City. Patrick and I had been there before and Doug had as well, but it had been 40 years since he was there, so we decided to check it out. It's pretty cool, so if you are ever in the area check it out. Trust me, you can't miss it- they advertise it on billboards about 250 miles before you actually get there! 

Pikes Peak Challenge

                    Ain't no mountain high enough! 

                    Ain't no valley low enough!

                    Ain't no river wide enough! 

                    To keep Mom from getting through it babe!

My mom did an amazing fete yesterday- she climbed Pikes Peak! Thirteen miles of high altitude hiking to get to the top. Many people try, but few finish. This was her first try and it only took her about 9 hours to do it! I am so proud of her I can't even find the words. I certainly don't know if I could do it, and I'm sure there certainly aren't many other 55 year olds in the world that could do it either! Way to go mom! How was the view from the top?

Pictures from Colorado

Finally here are some pictures from my trip to CO

                                  Cute lil' Brandon

          Sassy at the parade wearing her cowgirl outfit!

     Sadie at the parade wearing her cowgirl outfit!

      Mom and I at the rodeo being rowdy with all our friends.....

Jazz Festival

Doug and I went to the Franklin Jazz Festival on Sunday night. It was a small little festival with a main stage and a smaller stage in the beer tent. We took Sassy and she got quite a bit of attention from the other festival-goers. We decided that it would be a good idea to get Sassy a T-shirt made so I wouldn't have to answer so many questions- it would say: 

My name is Sassy. I am a Maltese-Pomeranian

I weigh 4lbs. Yes I am full grown. 

I'm almost two years old

Yes I know I am the cutest dog ever. Thank you. 

No, you can't buy me.  

I always like when people think she is cute, but after awhile I must admit that I tire of the same questions! 

Anyway, we met some nice people, heard some good music, and had a nice evening overall. 

Natchez Trace Trail

Doug and I went for a nice drive yesterday on the Natchez Trace Trail. It is a scenic highway that runs to the west of Nashville. We saw some wild turkeys, some deer, and just a hint of some yellow leaves. In one month it will really be beautiful with all the colors of fall. Sassy enjoyed the trip too!

Back from CO

I spent the last couple of days in CO visiting family and friends and checking out the State Fair. I will get the pictures up soon so everyone can see all the fun Sassy and I had. Right now though, I'm too tired!

As Ikey would say...

Moon, moon, great big silver moon- Won't you please shine down me? 

I remember from a long time ago Ikey singing this song out on the farm. I always think of that when I see a full moon. 

Evening on the deck

Doug and I are spending a nice evening on the deck. This has been the one of the nicest months in Nashville history and Doug and I are definitely enjoying it!

Phelps Fever!

Like the rest of America, I am totally enthralled with Michael Phelps. How could you not be? I hadn't even heard about him until the Olympics, and now I have spent the last week watching every race and interview. I am so immensely proud of this man that I have never, and will never meet. That's what I love about the games is that you get the chance to learn about the incredible people that make our country great. So here's to you Michael and you're countless medals- You're a nice person, an amazing athlete, and most importantly- a great American! 

More cuteness from Brandon

Computer Savvy Sassy

Sassy likes to help when I post things on the computer. She likes to give her input on the blog.

Another Martini Please...

I am happy to discover that my most favorite hometown band Martini Shot has put out a new CD!

They are the band from Pueblo that played at Patrick and my reception at the Red Barn. I think they are great and I have so much fun whenever I see them. I was on their website last night and was happy to see that they have put out another CD of original music. You don't even have to be in Pueblo to purchase- you can ITunes it! I wish the guys would come to Nashville- they have the stuff to make it. 

Likes that Tiger!

Jackie had these pictures of Brandon  that I thought were so funny I had to put them on my blog too. He really likes his little Tigger!

Fun at the Wildhorse

Doug and I went to a show at the Wildhorse Saloon the other night. We saw a good group that was very old school and Johnny Cash-ish. I can't remember their name but I do know there was the word "fabulous" in their title. Doug and I were highly entertained by the large masses of line dancers that descended on the floor the second the band took a break. We did not join in. We were too intimidated by their 'excellent display of dancing ability' that we feared we would look foolish next to them, so we maturely sat and talked about them instead ; )

Address update

Just an update on Patrick's address for those who don't read the comments. He is going to have the same one- they are just forwarding his mail to him. If anyone has any questions feel free to email me or him- his address is patobaird@gmail.com

Patrick on the move

Hey everyone- I just wanted to let you know that Patrick's unit moved to another area in Iraq. He isn't going to be receiving mail anymore at the address you all currently have, so please hold off on sending him anything until he has his new one. I know some of you were planning on sending some things for his birthday, so I'll try to get it from him as soon as possible! 

He said his new area is a lot more calm than the place he was last, so we can all be thankful for that! 

Boxwood Bistro

Since I only have to work 3 days a week now, I found myself unsure of what to do with my extra time. Kristin and Sarah both encouraged me to find a new hobby now that I have some time to pursue it. I really enjoy the Food Network (as you all know) and dining out and I have become increasingly interested in food and wine here recently, so I decided that I might try to take a cooking class, or a wine class or something. In searching on the internet, I came across this article about this new restaurant that was opening near the mall where I work. I decided that instead of paying someone to teach me about food and wine, I would apply for a job and get paid to learn the same things! I got hired as a bartender/server and have so far had a wonderful time and learned a lot. I am just hoping that I don't screw anything up! 

Read about the restaurant here:

http://www.williamsonherald.com/home?id=57479

New Roommate!

Since I have been feeling a little lonely, Doug decided to come to TN to spend the rest of Patrick's deployment with me. I must say, it is very nice to have someone to hang out with. He just arrived yesterday, but we have already had a very nice time just hanging out. I think we will have some fun times together waiting for Patrick to come home. It sure is better than being all alone! 

Sweet little boy Brandon

Here's a few more pictures from last week. He is a very lovable little guy! And so cute too... must take after his aunt.... : )

My Little Visitor

My Grandparents, Jackie, and little Brandon came to visit me this week. We have been pretty much just been staring at the poor boy for three days. He is pretty cute! Sassy doesn't care for him much, but I like him. I'll post more pictures of their trip here sometime soon. 

My new favorite place

I have a new favorite place- the Auto Spa! I took the car there today because I was too busy (lazy?) to clean it myself. I was happy to discover that a whole car clean, including interior, was only $15!!! It costs me more at the regular car wash to wash it and vacuum it myself! They have monthly packages that you can purchase for like $30 and get your car washed as many times as you want for that one flat fee. I couldn't help but think of my dad and his precious Ford Ranger that he keeps immaculately clean- he would put them out of business by getting his Ranger washed everyday! Personally I passed on the monthly package because my poor Fusion only sees the washer about once every 3 months, but for this one time it was surely worth it! 

Military Spouse Appreciation

The day has come and gone- I didn't even realize there was such a thing- but I found this article on the internet today and I liked it, so I thought I would share. 

It's not so easy on this side of the world either you know...

http://faithwives.blogspot.com/2008/05/show-your-support-for-military-families.html

A dog walks into a bar....

Excuse me? Can I get some service here please? I swear I'm old enough- do you want to see my tags?

Mighty Threatening Mailbox

When you are as small as Sassy, big things- like mailboxes, are very intimidating. It is necessary to bark at them so they know you are not to be messed with.

Roll Call

I am so happy to see that I have a few new people are commenting on my blog! Sometimes I wonder if anyone reads it at all.... This has inspired me to do my first ever blogger Roll Call. Please leave me a comment to this post just to let me know you read it. I am interested to see who looks at the blog that I don't even know about! 

To comment- simply click the word comment on the bottom of the post- it will automatically take you to the comment page. You can comment as an anonymous user, just be sure to type your name in the post. 

Looking forward to hearing from you! 

FORE!

I went golfing the other day and was having a lovely time right up until I was nailed with a drive ball from about 10yds away. I was standing on the green of hole #2 when a boy on the T box of hole #8 hit a horrible shot that somehow went right into my chest instead of down the fairway. I was totally in shock and thought my heart was going to stop. After a few minutes though, it was fine and I just have a wicked bruise to show for it. The guy felt so bad and apologized like 100 times. I told him it was fine, but suggested that perhaps he hit the driving range a little more often to practice his aim!

Good as new!

Once upon a time there was a wee Macbook that had a broken charger. The Fair Princess took the Macbook to the Grand Palace Mac to purchase a new charger- only to be told by the mean dragon that the charger had broken off in the computer and fixing the problem would  cost upwards of $700 and that purchasing a new computer would be the only option. The Princess was very sad...a new computer was not quite in the budget, but the internet was the only way she was able to communicate out of the dark dungeon of her life, so she felt she had no choice but to succumb to the needs of the tech savvy dragon. Alas, a day passed, and the Princess had a thought "why not check out another computer castle?" Fair Macbook was then taken to another shop where the fine Techno-Knight Jason informed the Princess that a new charger part would cost a mere $25! No new computer was needed! There was great rejoicing throughout the land! Blogging could commence! The Princess and The Macbook lived happily ever after.

Won't be on for awhile

I am sitting at Kinoks right now trying desperately to reach the outside world. It seems my computer is injured horribly and is better left for dead. I am very sad, both at the loss of my good frind MacBook, but also at the horrible pang that is the expense of a new computer. Needless to say, I will not be blogging for a few days. Feel free to call me and console me in my sorrow.
Till the next time-

Will the real Sassy please stand up?

Like all children, Sassy's favorite toys are the ones that look like her- her "Dollies", if you will, receive quite a bit of love. You will notice that all three of her Dollies have various parts missing: eyes, bows, noses- all showing obvious signs of attention.  Now, the funny thing is- I only  really gave her ONE of these doggies to be her toy- the other two were actually gifts given to ME that she happened to find in the house and claimed as her own. So which is her favorite? Well, she has interest in all of them, but much like Goldilocks, she finds that one is a bit to big for flinging about, one is a bit to small for serious biting, but the one in the middle is "just right"! Her original "Dolly" will probably always be the favorite (and as you probably will notice too- will also be the dirtiest!)