Monday, April 18, 2011
Bad Blochblogger
I'm making myself type this so I make it known this blog still exists. I'm a bad blogger. I blame too many things but ultimately I do plan to blog {this month} and promise to catch up sometime this next week... or two.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Icy Birthday to me
The weather reports started last weekend, saying this would be a mega storm, and I was secretly hoping it would really happen this time but only if it was severe enough to keep Drew home from work on my birthday. On Sunday night it was starting to look like it might actually happen. Drew called on his way home from work Monday to say that it was really bad outside. We had the weather channel turned on and realized if this continued overnight, he would not have to go to work in the morning. Tuesday morning we got up and checked outside to see that everything was a solid sheet of ice.
Drew called the courts to learn they were closed and his office would soon follow. So we decided to go back to sleep for a few hours and it was the best way to start my 32nd year! I got my birthday wish and spent the day with Drew. I heard from friends & loved ones and it was one of the best birthdays I've had, even if I was freezing the majority of the day.
Later thatmorning afternoon we spent time catching up on our dvr shows before we headed across the street to see "The Kings Speech" where we had the theater to ourselves. When we came out of the movie it was pouring ice sideways. We ran to the car and were covered in what looked like rabbit pellet ice from a pop machine. I quickly got in the car and cuddled under my blanket while Drew scraped the windows. As we drove home we passed over the usually jam-packed I-69 highway that had {ZERO} cars on it at 6:30 at night. Only 3 semi-trucks were on the road and barely moving. We were thankful our drive home was a mile down the street.
On Wednesday morning it was almost the same routine as the day prior. Drew got up to check the weather, more ice overnight and now some snow was coming down on top of it. He called the courts, called his office and all were closed. A little nap, catch up on a few tv shows, then to start the day. Somewhere mid-morning we headed outside to tackle the front sidewalk... ya know, just in case the paramedics or fire dept has to rescue us they should have a clear path to our front door.
Today we were back in business with Drew going to work and Nicole applying for jobs, following up on prospects, running errands, running at the gym & fighting with driveway ice. There's something to be said for having a routine and I'm certainly someone who benefits from having a daily routine in place. Sometimes I think God has a way of reminding me that regardless of how hard I try to have my own routine, I need to stay focused that His plan must be the focus of my routine.
I had reminders of this throughout my day when this morning I got a call that a former coworker passed away suddenly overnight. This afternoon I got a call that a friend/former coworker got laid off. This evening I got a call that my cousins will have a baby girl this Spring. God knew I needed that baby news to lift my spirit and more importantly, to refocus my thoughts: God is in control of all situations, including these three that impacted my heart today.
After I came home from the gym and realized I still hadn't let go of all of my stress, I figured I should try to tackle some of the ice on our driveway day-by-day. One hour into the process, I thought the ice on our driveway would get the best of me {and my back}. As I stood up to let the blood rush around my body I then realized I hadn't prayed to ask God for some guidance with this daunting process. I stopped and asked for patience as I chipped away at the solid blocks. I gave thanks for Stan, my former coworker in SC, who I believe is in Heaven tonight with His Savior. I asked that God would bless Sharra, my friend in Fishers, who is now looking for a new job, to provide for her family. I gave thanks for my little girl cousin, growing in utero, that I cannot wait to meet. I savored how excited I am for her and two other little girls to join our family this Spring. God is good and I'm going to be a super-terrific-wonderful Auntie/Cousin to all six of these little girls! Bring on the toenail polish and hair bows! :)
So tomorrow is another day and it's Friday. Everyone loves Friday and it's a day to rejoice and be glad! This weekend we'll go to Xavier, we'll watch the Superbowl, we'll eat some food and hug some friends. It sounds like we'll shovel some snow in there, too but I can handle it.
 |
| Drew's car covered in ice |
Drew called the courts to learn they were closed and his office would soon follow. So we decided to go back to sleep for a few hours and it was the best way to start my 32nd year! I got my birthday wish and spent the day with Drew. I heard from friends & loved ones and it was one of the best birthdays I've had, even if I was freezing the majority of the day.
Later that
On Wednesday morning it was almost the same routine as the day prior. Drew got up to check the weather, more ice overnight and now some snow was coming down on top of it. He called the courts, called his office and all were closed. A little nap, catch up on a few tv shows, then to start the day. Somewhere mid-morning we headed outside to tackle the front sidewalk... ya know, just in case the paramedics or fire dept has to rescue us they should have a clear path to our front door.
 |
| Drew vs sidewalk ice |
Today we were back in business with Drew going to work and Nicole applying for jobs, following up on prospects, running errands, running at the gym & fighting with driveway ice. There's something to be said for having a routine and I'm certainly someone who benefits from having a daily routine in place. Sometimes I think God has a way of reminding me that regardless of how hard I try to have my own routine, I need to stay focused that His plan must be the focus of my routine.
I had reminders of this throughout my day when this morning I got a call that a former coworker passed away suddenly overnight. This afternoon I got a call that a friend/former coworker got laid off. This evening I got a call that my cousins will have a baby girl this Spring. God knew I needed that baby news to lift my spirit and more importantly, to refocus my thoughts: God is in control of all situations, including these three that impacted my heart today.
After I came home from the gym and realized I still hadn't let go of all of my stress, I figured I should try to tackle some of the ice on our driveway day-by-day. One hour into the process, I thought the ice on our driveway would get the best of me {and my back}. As I stood up to let the blood rush around my body I then realized I hadn't prayed to ask God for some guidance with this daunting process. I stopped and asked for patience as I chipped away at the solid blocks. I gave thanks for Stan, my former coworker in SC, who I believe is in Heaven tonight with His Savior. I asked that God would bless Sharra, my friend in Fishers, who is now looking for a new job, to provide for her family. I gave thanks for my little girl cousin, growing in utero, that I cannot wait to meet. I savored how excited I am for her and two other little girls to join our family this Spring. God is good and I'm going to be a super-terrific-wonderful Auntie/Cousin to all six of these little girls! Bring on the toenail polish and hair bows! :)
 |
| Driveway chunk I dominated |
So tomorrow is another day and it's Friday. Everyone loves Friday and it's a day to rejoice and be glad! This weekend we'll go to Xavier, we'll watch the Superbowl, we'll eat some food and hug some friends. It sounds like we'll shovel some snow in there, too but I can handle it.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Functionality in Indy... but missing the flavors
One of the things that drove me crazy while living in South Carolina was the overwhelming panic at the mere mention of the word snow. Currently, Greenville is under a snow & ice advisory for the next 48 hours, which has already closed businesses/schools for Monday morning. I would rather live where we have the proper equipment to handle the elements without life coming to a standstill just for a few flakes. It's only comical for so long before it's annoying. I understand it's not everyone's 'norm'... I'm just thankful I'm living back in my norm.
What I do miss about Greenville, aside from my friends, is the food. The wonderful, delicious, tasty, succulent, I still drool when I think about it- food. Drew & I had a few favorites and thankfully, we aligned in most of our tastes to pick the same places. Tonight we went to one of Drew's favorite sushi restaurants in Indy and while we're both thankful for the blessing of being full, we both agreed: It's not our beloved Tsunami- Greenville, SC
Falls Park is also where we took our engagement pictures. We have so many great memories of this place. Right after our engagement session, we ate at another one of our favorite spots: The Lazy Goat. They have the best paninis on the planet! I ordered the same Chicken Parm panini every time I visited and I cannot wait until I get to order one again (hopefully sometime in 2011).
One of Drew's favorites is also in my top 5 overall however, it takes the cake for two specific dishes. During our first visit to Soby's New South Cuisine, I ordered the Fried Chicken and Drew ordered Seafood Gumbo. We barely said anything while we savored our supper except to compliment our dishes. I remember Drew calling his dad afterward to tell him that he 'must visit Greenville' to try to dish.
The "Best Steak" award belongs to Rick Erwins, in my opinion, with Larkins on the River in a very close second. Both have beautiful scenery and great ambiance for social or business gatherings. Drew missed out on Rick's but loved Larkins as much as I did. I also had the pleasure of dining at both with my dear friend and colleague Ann on several occasions. I loved having a friend 'from home' that also visited in Greenville. Ann was one of my first visitors the month after I moved to SC and it felt so good to see familiar faces who knew me without any introduction. Over the next few years, I looked forward to her visits so we could girl talk, drink wine and laugh.
On our last weekend in Greenville, Drew & I hit up our favorite places (several listed above) and I finally took Drew to one of my first loves to have the long awaited crab cake at Northampton Wines. It was very worth the wait but we wish we would have had the chance to visit more often (*Drew would usually arrive late on Friday and we seemed to always miss out on Saturday). I look at this photo now and begin to salivate thinking about each bite, so tasty & so worth the wait. They serve some tasty french bread, too.
We can't wait to visit our beloved GSP again, to see people we miss and eat where we always left full and happy. Until then, I'll think of the yummy memories and smile as the snow plows clear our streets so we can keep on keepin on without interruption.
What I do miss about Greenville, aside from my friends, is the food. The wonderful, delicious, tasty, succulent, I still drool when I think about it- food. Drew & I had a few favorites and thankfully, we aligned in most of our tastes to pick the same places. Tonight we went to one of Drew's favorite sushi restaurants in Indy and while we're both thankful for the blessing of being full, we both agreed: It's not our beloved Tsunami- Greenville, SC
 |
| Nicole's standard steak meal |
 |
| Drew's sushi celebration |
We lost track how many times we visited this delicious establishment- I was able to go more often since it was downtown Greenville and so easy to get to. I would take photos of my food and text the pictures to Drew. I look back through the photos now and smile because I remember how happy I was when I snapped the pic. Very good memories of one of my favorite places during my time in the SC. After stuffing ourselves, we'd walk downtown in Falls Park, check out the scenery and soak in the South as much as possible.
 |
| Falls Park |
Falls Park is also where we took our engagement pictures. We have so many great memories of this place. Right after our engagement session, we ate at another one of our favorite spots: The Lazy Goat. They have the best paninis on the planet! I ordered the same Chicken Parm panini every time I visited and I cannot wait until I get to order one again (hopefully sometime in 2011).
One of Drew's favorites is also in my top 5 overall however, it takes the cake for two specific dishes. During our first visit to Soby's New South Cuisine, I ordered the Fried Chicken and Drew ordered Seafood Gumbo. We barely said anything while we savored our supper except to compliment our dishes. I remember Drew calling his dad afterward to tell him that he 'must visit Greenville' to try to dish.
 |
| Rick Erwins Steak & potatoes |
On our last weekend in Greenville, Drew & I hit up our favorite places (several listed above) and I finally took Drew to one of my first loves to have the long awaited crab cake at Northampton Wines. It was very worth the wait but we wish we would have had the chance to visit more often (*Drew would usually arrive late on Friday and we seemed to always miss out on Saturday). I look at this photo now and begin to salivate thinking about each bite, so tasty & so worth the wait. They serve some tasty french bread, too.
 |
| Most delicious crabcake |
Dessert? There's always room for gelato... (or jello) but Greenville has the best gelato at Luna Rosa Cafe. I would always sample a few flavors then usually pick between Godiva Chocolate or Butter Pecan, pending which was available that day. They rotate flavors but they are all artistic masterpieces in the display case. You can mix and match flavors but I learned my lesson during my first visit and decided to enjoy only one flavor at a time from then on.
 |
| Delicious chocolate gelato |
Friday, January 7, 2011
Happy Friday indeed
The first full week of work after the holidays always seems to take longer. Holiday hangover till mid-January for this girl and even though I'm not currently working, it's been a long week. I know it's been a long week for Drew, too. Add in a few snow flakes that fell today and I cannot wait for him to get home safely tonight.
 |
| Snow love on our driveway |
We plan to have a restful weekend, some chores to do around the house, take Drew's parents to the airport and watch some football. When it comes to sports, we are truly house divided. Still we manage to tolerate the other as each of us yells for their team on the tv. Even though it does no good, yelling at the tv seems to go hand in hand with watching a game, at least in my world. Any idea why?
Drew's teams:
*The logo size does not reflect the love for the team, just how they downloaded from the web.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
No better time
 |
| Drew & Nicole his first visit to SC |
 |
| Steve & Julie came from PA |
So far, 2011 has been chilly and has already had a few twists up its sleeve. The fun part is we celebrated in Cincinnati with Steve & Julie Forde (Drew's college friends from Xavier) then we were lazy bums the rest of the glorious weekend. Drew & I rarely stay in all weekend (my doing) but it was nice to stay put.
 |
| Indiana = HOME |
On Monday, I woke up sick to my stomach so I waited a while before going out on errands. Then (the downside of the year so far) I got in a fender bender at the bank, nothing major just irritated. Today I will buy a lotto ticket and pray my luck turns around quickly. I don't need the whole jackpot, just a portion to help with my current unemployed (but happier than I've been in years) status. I am so thankful that I've had time to detox, renew, refocus and recharge my spirit. I felt beat up and I needed time to find me again. I'm so thankful I'm here now, wholly, and that I can fully appreciate being home in Indiana.
 |
| Drew & Nicole on our honeymoon in Jamaica |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)