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!