Maine....

Maine is fun! Boyfriend and I had a great time. As soon as I find the thing I need to upload my pictures I will post more, but here are some highlights:
1) Camden, where we stayed and pictured above, is the perfect Maine town- it is exactly what I pictured!
2) We went sailing and met a really fun couple we went to dinner with.
3) At this dinner Boyfriend gave me a $100 bill for eating half an oyster, something I said I would NEVER do.
4) We went hiking to the top of a mountain where there was a great place to look down over the town, harbor, and Penobscot Bay.
5) I had A LOT of really good lobster.
6) I got to see some lighthouses- one you get to by walking 7/8 of a mile on granite rocks into the middle of the harbor: (pictured below)

7) Our cottage was secluded but directly on the water.

All in all we had a great time and I highly recommend Maine to visit! I tried to convince Boyfriend that we should move there in the summers but he reminded me we have jobs that don't have a Maine outpost...what does he know.

Bad news Bear

I will admit I am not the best housekeeper in the world. Its not because I don't like things neat, its just when I am at home I'd rather be lying on the couch than cleaning. All this to say that sometimes my housekeeping habits have a price.
This past week that price was my digital camera. Last year for my birthday I got a really nice digital camera from my Dad- and now I'm hoping I get a new one for Christmas. Apparently Izzy(the dog) or I stepped on it and now the screen is shattered to the point you can't see a thing! Oops.
Luckily I gave my old one to Boyfriend so we will be able to take pictures in Maine and then I can dazzle you next week with all the sites I saw....

Maine

Ok, Boyfriend and I are going to Maine this week for a very quick three day vacation. SO, if anyone has been to the greater Portland, Maine area and knows of somewhere yummy to eat or something we must do, please let me know. We are actually staying in Camden and have already booked a 2 hour boat trip but am looking for anything else we need to do. All Boyfriend wants to do is eat lobsters off boats- I'm hoping I get a good restaurant recommendation so i can at least sit down!

Last week.........

As Bossybarwife reports in her post, we had a pretty good time together at our conference last week. Luckily we think each other is funny, but the more I meet people the more I tend to think no one else thinks we are funny which I think makes us even funnier. Ha.
We each had our really dumb moments as she reports but I will say I might have topped it off with realizing I left all my bras and underwear at the hotel. So, next time someone checks into our room, instead of a Gideon Bible they will find some nice Victorias Secret underwear.
The good news is I wrote a lot of thank you notes during the week and got a lot of Sudoku done to keep me from being bored to death.

Hmmm...

As an update. I finally got an e-mail from Limetree. (I deleted the last two entries about them since it seems they are trying to make amends- although I do have to wonder if they ever google themselves and saw this bad press....although that would require someone other than bossy, me, and snakenation reading this so I am going to go with no on that) It was quite apologetic and they are supposedly sending me a gift certificate...we shall see.

Why bother?

An example of why you shouldn't ask boys for fashion help:
(This scene takes place yesterday as I was about to leave for work)

me: Hey, does this shirt look ok tucked in?
Boyfriend: Huh?
me: Does this shirt look ok tucked in?
Boyfriend: Yes.
me: Are you sure?
Boyfriend: I don't know, can I see it tucked in?
me: It is tucked in you freak. Nevermind.

How can you not know a shirt is tucked in?

I am officially old

So, Saturday I got a new car. I'm very excited because I have never owned a car that was built in the same decade I was driving it, much less one that has new car smell. But, I am the proud new owner of an '07 Jeep Patriot. But, thats not the story.
I was sitting in the car dealership with my Dad, stepmom and sister when the car saleslady says, "This one really has every option available." To which I turn to my sister (who is 20) and say, very seriously, "Is that what they call tricked out?" All she could say was, "Ummm...I'm sorry, are you 85?" I of course immediately realized how dumb I sounded and for the next five minutes laughed hysterically. The car people thought I was real cool and defnintely mature enough to own a new car.
A few minutes later the car person asked for my title to which my response was, "My title at work?" When they explained the title to my car I had to ask them what it looked like.
No worries though, next time I am going to look real smart.

Good things

Here are some things I like at this very moment:

1) The beach. I always forget how much I love the beach. I mean, I remember I love it, but I forget I need it. Even though I was sick for some of our beach trip, it was still fabulous. Here are some pictures:

The view from my beach chair.


The view from our balcony.



Our living room area



my bedroom

2) My Sephora eyeliner- and its only $4! (You might remember from a previous post my search for an eyeliner that doesn't smudge and this is the best)

3) my Braves jersey bottle koozie. It turns your beer into a little person- love it.

You Give Love a Bad Name

Dear Blake Lewis from American Idol,
Why Why Why? Why did you die your hair black? It hurt me.
Don't worry, I still love you.

Mayor

Awake to see another day...

Good news: I'm alive. Apparently it was not an infection that spread to my brain. Still don't know what it is but I am choosing to blame my new Sonicare toothbrush.
That or it is an infection spreading to my brain but being by the pool and ocean are strong enough to combat it.
Yesterday was a fabulous beach day which consisted of lying by the pool, walking on the beach, and reading my book. In fact I had to go to the bookstore to stock up on books for today.
Today I am feeling even better so I'm venturing back out to the beach- right after I slather myself with enough SPF 30 to block any ray of sun within a 45 mile radius.

Not so pretty...

Back in November I decided I was going to go to a Conference for work that just happened to be held at my favorite beach ever. I talked my mom into taking a vacation so we could rent a beachfront condo together and turn it into a vacation. The thought of this week has literally been keeping me going since November.
We were all set to leave this past Sunday when out of nowhere at 6:00pm the night before I come down with a nasty stomach virus. I'm not going to go into the nasty details but lets just say I could have had 4 gallons of Jim Beam and not thrown up as much as I did.
However, by 3:30 the next day I had had enough pepto to be able to sit in a car moaning while Mom drove the 5 hours to the beach. The first day was spent entirely in bed, but I couldn't complain because my death bed was now facing the ocean. (As an aside I will say I have lost no weight even though I had 3 crescent rolls and 4 saltines to eat in 48 hours- which if you know me you know the significance of this. I am the only person to have gained weight when I had mono. I tend to eat a lot of chicken pot pies when sick.)
Yesterday I felt even better and even ventured to the pool for an hour. Last night I was feeling so good I jumped at and down when my mom did something completely dumb/funny. Things were on track for today to be my day to shine at the beach when....
I wake up this morning with one side of my face swollen. huh??? What? Apparently something is wrong with my tooth and thus I can't eat or swallow. And being the hypochondriac that I am, I am somewhat convinced it is an infection that is now going to go untreated and spread to my brain and I will be dead by days end. (At least I think that can happen.)
Maybe I'll venture to the pool so I can at least die in a lounge chair. And no one will be looking at my face I'm hoping. I figure everyone is so absorbed with their bathing suit or the ocean they will skip over elephant girl.
Hopefully I will be alive later to update you....

Darn you Al Roker

I was so proud of myself this morning taking a shower and doing my make up in record time.......and then Al Roker happened. I watch the Today Show every morning as I get ready and today Al was in Nashville giving truckloads of supplies to a charity. Today it was a charity for inner city kids who couldn't afford music lessons. This place gave music lessons for 50 cents! So they open the truck and it was tons of new guitars, pianos, etc.
I don't know if I've mentioned before I'm a crier, but needless to say I had to redo my eye makeup and my record breaking time was totally lost.

Mint Juleps anyone?

As I previously posted, the Boyfriend is going to the Derby again this year. He has been going every year for about 10 years and is somewhat obsessed with it. I, on the other hand have never been, mainly because it is his time to hang out with his best friend, but more than that I have learned over five years that if he has ANY inkling of drinking whiskey I should not be involved. Its not pretty and I am a firm believer in not putting yourself in ugly situations.
Anyhoo, his best friend's family has a box at Churchill Downs they will be going to this year and somehow my poor fashion-challenged boyfriend realized he needed a new suit (In previous years I have tried not to imagine what he wore but I am quite confident there was more than one Southern lady with a big hat looking him over and thinking "Bless his heart") and much to my excitement he told me I was in charge of putting together his look. (This is BIG as he is so afraid of shopping he literally will not accompany me to a mall- no matter what it is for. I think in five years we have been to a mall less than five times together.)
Well, I am proud to announce that today we had a fight free shopping experience and he is now the proud owner of a VERY CUTE Derby outfit. He will be wearing- a blue and white seersucker suit, white shirt, green or pink tie (we are still negotiating that one), adorable new white bucs, and a straw hat. And the best news is not only did he willingly buy these things, but he actually liked them- especially the shoes. He has fallen in love with them which may be the most bizarre thing I've ever seen from him, but I like it.
Of course (bless his heart), I'm not sure he quite understands he is in what I think of as the uniform for the Derby - he is from California orignally. As we were driving home from the store he looks at me and says (seriously), "You don't think anyone else will be wearing my suit do you?" To which I could only respond, "Babe, I think more people will be wearing your suit than not. But, not to worry it is the Southern male equivalent of the little black dress." In my opinion there can never be too much seersucker- that is one thing my small, private, southern, too conservative, liberal arts education taught me.
So, shopping success. However, check back after the first weekend in May for my post on how the outfit returned home.....I'm a little worried.

Laugh till you cry

One of my favorite things in life is when somthing happens (that usually isn't all that funny) but for some reason you find it so funny you do that laugh so hard you are crying/can't talk thing? Tonight I went out to dinner with two of my favorite people, Bossybarwife and Really I'm a Mother and for some reason I started telling this story that isn't that funny but I started laughing so hard I was crying and could only get a couple of words out at a time. Bossy and Really I'm a Mother at first were just staring at me trying to figure out what I was trying to say but then they started laughing at how dumb I am.
The story goes like this: about 4 years ago when I started my current job I got really really sick about a month after I started. I am talking out of work for a week, think you are going to die sick. I couldn't seem to get better and finally someone suggested that I go see a nutritionist since my new job required me being around lots of children so I probably just needed the right vitamins to build up my immune system.
Long story short I went to the nutritionist and after going through my life history I ended up on about 14 different vitamins a day (which actually helped- I haven't been that sick since!- although I only stayed on them for a few months- did you know vitamins are more expensive than food???!!!) Well, one of the things she gave me a vitamin for was nightmares. I usually had (up until a few months ago) horrible, horrible nightmares at least 4 times a week. I'm talking the kind you wake up from where someone is trying to kill you convinced someone is really trying to kill you so you turn on Nick at Nite and all the lights in the house and pray that DJ Tanner can make it all go away. Well, oddly enough the nutritionist gave me something for my nightmares---------YAM JUICE! I had to put two drops of yam juice in orange juice every night before I went to bed and believe me when I tell you it was the foulest thing I have ever tasted in my life. I actually think only used it for a couple of weeks it was so awful, but it did help my nightmares for awhile. (Later I realized the source of the nightmares was me taking my Wellbutrin at night- who knew?)
(As an aside- another vitamin the nutritionist gave me was Cats Claw- which for some reason one day I decided that is why I had a scratch on my arm- from the cats claw)
It may not be that funny of a story now, but believe you me it was HYsterical after 3 Dos Equis and way too much cheese dip.

PS

I think the time has come for me to confess publicly my love for Blake on American Idol.

Am I really supposed to be happy for this?

Ok. I think I need some help. I am in a situation where my boyfriend thinks I should be happy for him and frankly I'm not and its causing us some tension. Here is the situation:
As you may or may not know I am one of those people who is fascinated with celebrity- as many of us are. I realize its dumb and a part of society that is a problem, but I get REALLY excited at seeing famous people. Once I saw our local news anchor at the mall and I got so excited I embarassed my entire family. My favorite part of the week is usually buying People a US Weeky and sitting on the couch and reading them without having to think of anything important.
On the other hand, Boyfriend is not like this. He could care less- which I actually like in a boy........until this situation arises.
Boyfriend goes to the Kentucky Derby every year and lucky for him his best friend's family is fairly prominent in Kentucky- they have owned horses in the races, get to sit on Millionaire's Row, etc. So, the other day Boyfriend calls me and says his best friend called and got them tickets to this party over Derby weekend. He wasn't at this point telling me to brag but was asking where he should get a tux because its black tie only. He then casually mentions Bill Maher and Pam Anderson will be there (odd mix I know). I of course freak out a little because- well, celebrity is celebrity- that and in 5 years he has never put on a tux in MY presence, but whatever.
Fast forward to five minutes ago. I get to work and get a call from Boyfriend who says, "Peyton Manning AND Eli Manning are going to be at this party." (Another thing you must know about me is I am in LOVE with Tennessee football and more particularly Peyton Manning. I currently sleep in the cutest pink gingham pajama pants with the Colts horseshoe on one leg and a Colts t shirt. The COlts are the only NFL team I will watch. I love the Manning Dynasty.) Then he says, "And Outkast, Kid Rock, Cuba Gooding, Jr, Travis Tritt, Brooks and Dunn, Tom Brady, and who knows who else."
Apparently I didn't sound excited enough and he said, "Aren't you excited?" to which I replied, "No because I'm not going."
Long story short he said that was selfish. And maybe it is, but all's fair in love and celebrity I say. I mean, seriously- he doesn't even know who Brooks and Dunn are nor does he realize the importance of being at a party with a red carpet.
Maybe one day I will find it in my heart to be happy for him.

Things I like Today

Ok, I know I totally stole this idea from That's Sew Sally (thanks, PAL) but I have been struggling for things to write about and she did such a great job with hers, here are things I like today:

1) Ginger Ale! I am newly obsessed with Ginger Ale lately for some reason. I can't seem to get enough of it. Unfortunately for me I haven't quite grown to love the diet ginger ale, but I hope to force myself one day. I've also noticed that it is SO hard to find. A lot of convenience stores, etc don't have it- which I think is weird.

2) I went to visit my sister and brother-in-law and niece and nephew this weekend (they live about5 states away) and it was very fun. The best parts- the weather being nice enough to sit outside and have a beer with sister and Mom (who only drinks white zin- and only half a cup every three months) while niece and nephew played in the backyard.....and having my 5 year old nephew introduce me to his friend at church by saying, "Oh yeah, this is my stupid aunt." I thought it was super funny, but I told my sister I reprimanded him so she wouldn't think I was encouraging words like stupid.

3) Daylights Savings Time! I hate the first night and the loss of sleep, but few things in life make me as happy as having it sunny until 8 or 9 at night.

4) America's Next Top Model. SOrry, Snake Nation, but I really do love it. This season of girls aren't as fun as past ones, but it is just fun, no thinking, tv.

5) Rereading Tom Wolfe's I am Charlotte Simmons. If you are looking for a great book that goes really fast, this is for you.

6) Having a job where I can interpret Business Casual as nice shorts with a nice shirt and cute shoes.

Chitown

So, last week I went to Chicago for the first time. Unfortunately I was going for a Conference so I was staying in a suburb about 25 miles outside the city. I have always wanted to go to Chicago ever since the movie "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" (because that's where they make Dance TV)- my favorite movie as a fifth grader that I made my mom rent at least once a week at the Movie Stop. But, there were other reasons as well- I hear the Art Institute is fabulous, Lake Michigan, the Magnificent Mile, Wrigley Field, the list goes on and on.
So, after one day at the Conference I decided I could skip a half day and ride the El into downtown for some sightseeing. I finally made it to my stop (my first goal was the Art Institute) and the woman told me to walk East on Adams and I would run right into the Art Institute. Well, I was slightly confused how I was supposed to figure out which way was east, but felt like maybe I was supposed to know, so I decided I could figure it out. After all, on my map I noticed it was right next to the lake so I would just walk towards the way where all the buildings stopped. As I got out of the underground subway I looked around and finally decided the obvious way. However, 7 blocks later- still not Art Institute. I finally asked someone and luckily instead of compass directions they used left and rights so I returned to where I had come from and then hung a right- apparently that was East. Four short blocks later I had arrived at the Art Institute. I ran up the steps and had finally made it! And, it did not disappoint. There was even a special exhibition on Voillard- the art critic's- collection From Cezanne to Picasso. As an Art History major I was totally excited to be seeing so many famous pieces and I literally ran through it. (To me museums are like buffets. I can hardly appreciate what I am looking at because I can't wait to see whats next). Unfortunately after an hour my back was hurting so bad I could hardly walk so I had to stop my tour short- I think I missed some of my favorite pieces, but that just insures I will have to return!
After I left the museum I was determined to walk down to see Lake Michigan and then do some more sightseeing. I made my way down to the lake, but between my back and the 15 degree windchill I decided my death was not worth the Lake. So I took a picture from a block away and made my way back. I was feeling like somewhat of a tourist failure when all of a sudden I looked up- and there it was! It was like the heavens parted and God smiled upon me. There was the building I have equated with Chicago since I was 10 years old. I don't know the name, but I'm sure you will all know it as the "Adventures in Babysitting" building. You know the one with the slanty top that Sarah climbs out onto the ledge to escape the bad guys and they have to pull her up by a rope- the building where her parent's party was??!!! I was so excited. I snapped a picture and found my blue line el train and returned to the suburbs feeling like not such a tourist failure.

**As a weird aside to this story- I asked four separate people how to get to the Art Institute and each time (no lie) they said, "The Art Institute of Chicago?" Keep in mind I was in Chicago.

Way to go me

So yesterday was my 5th anniversary with Boyfriend. There are a few things to note about this milestone:
1) I was always the girl who said if you were still dating someone after 3 years and not engaged yet you were stupid. But, look at me now. For some reason marriage just isn't as important at this minute as I thought it was when I was 24. Although if I'm back in 4 years saying the same thing- hit me.
2) Last night we went to a very fancy restaurant. It is Zagat's #1 in our city and Boyfriend was VERY excited as he is totally obsessed with cooking. I myself prefer some nice chicken fingers or fish so I had an eggroll before we went, just in case.
The experience was very fun. I had risotto for the first time and am newly obsessed with it and we had some truffles which were good. Needless to say this was a VERY expensive meal so you can imagine how well the night ended when after desert I innocently asked "Do you want to give me my present now?"
Apparently expensive dinners are the present.
Who knew.
I was kinda kidding.
Kinda.

iPod Game

I was complaining to Bossy about not having anything to blog and she said, "Well, you can always do the iPod game." In honor of her birthday, here it is:

Opening Credits: Superstition- Stevie Wonder
First Day of School: I'll Cover You- Rent Soundtrack
Falling in Love: Become You- Indigo Girls
Fight Song: X & Y- Coldplay
Breaking Up: Where is the Love- Blackeyed Peas
Prom: Space Cowboy- NSync
Life: Mrs. Potter's Lullaby- Counting Crows
Driving: Tough Guy- Beastie Boys
Flashback: Andy, You're a Star- The Killers
Getting Back Together: Least Complicated- Indigo Girls
Wedding: Friends in Low Places- Garth Brooks
Party: Seasons of Love- Rent Soundtrack
Birth of a child: Sweet Caroline- Neil Diamond
Death Scene: If I could- Jack Johnson
Funeral Song: Root Down- Beastie Boys
Ending Credits: Smile Like you Mean It

I thought most of these were good- especially my wedding song....and now I might have to name my first born Caroline, because if God wants me to name a child after a Neil Diamond song, I cannot argue.