28 Days and Counting!

I can't believe its already August! I was sitting in Erik's chair this morning reading my emails and suddenly I realized that its almost Football Time in TENNESSEE!!! The time of the year that we look forward to the most. On any given Saturday in the fall, you will find us in our living room glued to the television. I would be at every game if possible, but with gas prices who can afford to do that every weekend? Don't answer. To be honest with you we'd probably go broke if we had season tickets this year, because of gas. I tend to be an addict and will turn down any plans to do anything else if the game is on. I sometimes think I'm worse than a man! I love it! So, the countdown is on until Sept 1. Can't wait!

Happy That My "Better-Half" is Home

On Monday as I was leaving from work to head to my cardio class, I received a call from Erik saying that he was being deployed to Texas for Hurricane Dolly. It was 5:00 and he told me that he had to be at the warehouse at 8:00pm and that they were leaving out at 10:00pm. As you can guess, I skipped class and headed straight home to see him before he left.

Erik is a member of Tennessee Task Force-1, a national asset through FEMA that responds to natural and man-made disasters anywhere in the United States. It is not affiliated with the fire department, however, many Memphis firefighters are members as well as fireman from Shelby County, Germantown, Collierville, heavy equipment operators, doctors, engineers, HAZMAT specialists, search specialists etc. The crew drove as far south as possible without getting in the path of the storm, and waited for a call for help if needed.

Erik left home around 6:15 on Monday night, but the buses didn't leave until 12:30am. I talked to him several times on the way down and throughout the day on Tuesday. What a LONG drive. The task force finally arrived in San Antonio, TX around 7:30pm. They had "bus trouble" outside of Dallas, which delayed them a few hours, so needless to say, Erik was extremely tired. The whole week they were confined to their hotel property. They were not allowed to leave at all. No sightseeing or anything! He quickly informed me after I told him "what a bummer" it was, that he was not on vacation-hehe! But, he called me on Thursday to tell me that the "bosses" had let their guard down and let them go to Walmart... in shifts. woohoo!! Pitiful, huh? Erik said that more than likely, since the hurricane wasn't as bad as predicted, that they would probably head home on Friday morning. I am thankful that they weren't needed. They left around 9:00 yesterday morning and stopped for a quick tour of the Alamo on the way out.

The task force finally arrived back in Memphis last night around 12:30am. Erik got home around 2:30am and slept until 12:00. I can't blame him. Glad to have him home!

Inside the grounds at the Alamo

A Joshua Tree

Truck 1 - San Antonio Fire Dept.

Central Fire Headquarters, San Antonio, TX

The Art of Procrastination

pro·cras·ti·nate \prə-ˈkras-tə-ˌnāt, prō-\ (v.)-: to put off intentionally and habitually, to put off intentionally the doing of something that should be done . Okay, so I know you all know the definition, but I think that they forgot to put my name in it! All week I have had the intention of getting up today and getting my house cleaning done early. And what am i doing? Sitting here my laptop! So far, I've managed to do a little laundry, including my new sheets that had to be washed and ironed. Yes, I iron my sheets and my friends think that I am absolutely insane, but I love the feel of fresh, clean, crisp sheets and besides, they're monogrammed and who wants a wrinkly monogram? The only thing left to do now is cleaning the bathrooms, vacuuming, dusting, and mopping. Its hot out and in and I don't feel like doing any of it.

I have decided today that I am actually ready for the fall. I went out to take Joey for a potty break and to spray the back porch off and I could hardly stand the heat. I love the fall. I love the colors, the smell of pumpkin, mums, and all of those corny Halloween decorations. I love it when I feel the first little chill in the air. At the first sign of the fall, I always go out and try to find a spice scented candle. The smell always makes me feel all warm and cozy inside. Now don't get me wrong. I didn't say I was ready for winter! Its definitely not a favorite. I just wish we could for once get a break from the heat and get a little rain. I don't know about your plants, but mine prefer God's water much more than city water, and I prefer a cheap water bill!

So now as I sit here in procrastination, waiting on my Erik to get home, and have clean, crisp sheets, I guess I should quit blogging and finish my housework. Will I get it done? We'll see!

Birthday Again! It's Barbara's birthday!

Ok, so I forgot my camera, but last night was a very special person's birthday, my cousin Barbara! She and her husband, Harold, along with Mom and me, My Uncle Byron, Aunt Judy & Kelley, went to eat with her at one of the local Mexican resturants. We had a blast! You have to know Barabara. She is the life of the party! I guess that just because you are at a resturant doesn't mean that you can't get down with one of the "mariachi guys," huh?! Barbara and her husband Harold just moved to Covington from Germantown, and it seems as if they love it. Anyways, Happy Birthday Barbara! Thanks for the good time and for making sure my grandmother got to see the world!

Happy Birthday Drew!

Kids grow up too fast! Tomorrow, my cousin, Drew, will celebrate his 3rd birthday. I can't believe that he will be 3 years old.
Today we celebrated with a party at Brandon's, his Dad. The kids had a blast sliding down the big waterslide and getting into whatever there was to get into. We had a great time eating hamburgers, hot dogs, cake and ice cream, and Brandon's delicious grilled wild turkey wrapped in bacon.
Drew seemed to have a great time. He opened tons of presents and seemed to love everyone of them, thus spreading hugs, kisses, and "thanks yous" to everyone. HAPPY BIRTHDAY "DREW DREW"!!

Busted!

Every morning when I wake, I carry out the same routine of getting out of bed, heading straight to the coffee pot, and getting in the shower so that I can head to work. Erik has either gone to work, or is still in the bed, and Joey doesn't move a muscle, and if he does, all I get is a big "huff" and a "would you please be quiet" stare. I literally have to jump over him to get out of bed. He sleeps beside me on the floor every night.

Even though this dog of ours is spoiled rotten, we understand that he is a dog. Joey knows his boundaries in our home. Again, Erik and I believe that he is a dog, therefore, we try to enforce normal "dog rules." No begging for food, eating people food, or getting on the furniture...with the exception of getting in the recliner with Erik at times, but only because its leather and can be wiped off. He is a pretty good at knowing his "dos and don'ts."

Did I speak too soon? Yep! I spoke too soon. The other morning when I stepped out of the shower, I found my Joey in my bed! He was out like a light! I did manage to tip-toe past him and get the camera before I made him get down. I know, I'm a mean momma. HEHE!

Congratulations to the Weavers!

Last night, we had the privilege of attending my best friend, Stephanie, and her new husband, Bo's wedding reception in Lakeland. They were married June 27 on the beach in Destin, Florida. Unfortunately, Erik and I were unable to attend, but I am glad we were able to celebrate with them last night. I am so excited for Stephanie and Jon Harris. Bo is a "Godsend" to them both, and Bo too is a lucky guy to have been given such an awesome girl and new son. I know that their new family will continue to grow daily with blessings from God. We had such a wonderful time of fellowship with family and friends. Jon Harris was a big hit! He had some good dance moves, not to mention his karaoke entertainment..."Mustang Sally" with his uncle Ryan, and "Proud Mary." My how he has grown!

Stephanie and Me

The new family and their first dance of the night

Jon Harris showing his moves

Our Moms! Apparently, they love Sweet Home Alabama.

Time to join them!

Dogs Get "Bed-Head" Too!?

I couldn't help this, and I know you're probably thinking "Oh, the dog again." But...I just had to share this picture of my Joey when he woke up this morning. The poor thing had a bad case of "bed-head." He managed to move every time that I turned a light on or opened the blinds. Then I found him trying to get under our duvet to keep the light out of his eyes. He's just a little rotten!

Happy 4th of July!

I hope everyone has had a wonderful holiday. Unfortunately, Erik had to work today, so we had to celebrate last night. We spent the evening with the Hansons and had a wonderful time. Amanda managed to prepare a wonderful spread of fresh grilled shrimp, crabcakes, corn on the cob, and steamed broccoli. It was DELICIOUS!

Erik, Justin, & Amanda "manning" the grill

Snickers enjoyed the party too!

Today, Justin, Amanda, and myself made our way down to the zoo. Admittingly, I haven't been to the zoo in ages. No, literally, I haven't been to the zoo in about 15 years. I know, its terrible. Erik and I have had every intention of going, but it just hasn't worked out. So today we went without him. I couldn't get over all of the neat exhibits. I managed to take a ton of pictures and was having a "ball" with my new camera, until...the battery died! I was so upset! We were about to be done with our day and I hadn't even seen the lions and tigers. I kept turning the camera on and off with hopes that it might let me take just a couple more pictures. Just two more and I would have been content, but there was no hope in the matter. So, we left and made our way to Potterybarn Outlet for some quick shopping, and then to the firestation to visit Erik. I hate that he couldn't be with us, but I had a wonderful time, and can't wait to take him with me next time.

It was naptime for the pandas

Justin & Amanda getting an "eyefull"

I think he was checking for ticks

Awake and In Desperate Need of a Mocha...

...with two shots of espresso that is! Its 6:00 in the morning and I'm sitting here trying to wake up just good enough to get a shower. We are out of coffee!! Aaahhhh! I just want to go back to bed! If it can just make it one more day. My body is tired and sore. I decided that I would try to kill myself, by attending two fitness classes last night. So, I guess that all I can only blame myself. Although they were both really fun. I have been attending the "drums alive" class at Barr Belles since May, as well as dance cardio since Jan., but last night I pulled a double. Erik and I decided to try the new co-ed fitness class. We had so much fun, but I will admit that we were drowning ourselves in pity at the end-hehe! No, we really did the best we could for our first time. I haven't done circuits in years! It was definitely an eye opener. Everyone else seemed to be suffering just as much, so I didn't feel as bad. I just tried to make the best of each obstacle and make it fun. It is great to have Erik with me. Finding something that we can do together is always more motivating. Now if we can just "keep it up." He's a great partner!