Just Making Plans

Nothing too special to write about today. I have some things that I plan to write about in a few upcoming posts, but I need to relax and plan them out so I don't have 7 posts in a day and then go 2 weeks without blogging again. ha ha...

Tonight I'm getting dinner with my good pal, Laurie. Her and her family just returned from a pretty extended vacation with family, so I can't WAIT to get caught up on all the things that I missed and everything exciting that happened. It should be a great time of catching up... there's certainly never a dull moment when we're together, that's for sure!

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Random Alert: There's a new show on USA called Covert Aff@irs. It's pretty good, but I'm not sure what I think about it, just yet. What about you guys? Have you seen it?

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Okay. Back to reality. McStudly and I are hoping to plan a cruise sometime in the coming year. Neither of us have ever been on one, but... we're stoked! We've been saving while paying off our debt and are pretty much stoked about the thought of a cruise with just the two of us.

Actually, since we've been married, we've only been on "two" vacations alone together. Our honeymoon (obviously), and the one that earned the quotes around the number above, we took an impromptu weekend (and by weekend, I mean friday night into Saturday) at the ocean.

Other than that, we're pretty "green" when it comes to travel and romantic getaways. Well... not for too much longer! Anywho - more info to come on that, but I'm stoked and I'm hoping that all y'all that may have been on a cruise before will have plenty of advice for us on who to sail with (or maybe who not to sail with), and maybe where we should or shouldn't go.

Anywho - that's it for today. Looking forward to your input, and I guess I'll catch y'all later.

Toodles!

2-3-4!

I know - I'm Slacker McSlackipantalones for sure. BUT I thought it was a nice chance to take a break (break from what, most of you are probably thinking... it's not like I've been exactly on the ball, lately) over the 4th Holiday and just relax with my McStudmuffin...

Check!


It was fabulous. We did a whole lot of nothing -

Wait. That's not true. We did a lot, BUT we have nothing PLANNED, so it was oh-so relaxing.



Friday night, we went up to Annapolis and mosied on around the new Town Centre. We bought new running shoes (more to come on that) for both of us, had dinner at one of the newer restaurants in the area (nothing to write home about, unfortunately), and I day-dreamed about shopping at Anthropologie (window shopping at it's finest) as we walked past.

Saturday, we slept in a little, I went up to Joanns and scored BIGtime (LOVE me some fabric sales), had lunch with some of mi familia (momma & pappa bear, and little sis), scored yet again when I stopped at a local consignment shop with Momma and little Sis on the way home from said lunch, went our separate ways for a big (Studly and I, that is), then met up again a little later. He spent some time with a good friend of his, and I met up with one of the awesome ladies' from our church (more to come on that, as well) before going for a run (and again... more to come on that). It was awesome.


Then comes the 4th. We slept in again (oh so lovely...) and then we'd planned to meet up with a buddy of his and his wife and little girls on base for the festivities, but then changed plans. We Goodwill hopped for a bit, then mosied on around in Annapolis again before checking out another new restaurant and chowing down on some yummy frozen yogurt at one of our new favorite places, Menchies (yumm-o!), where we happened upon some old pals of ours (Hi Livi, Leah, and Natalie!! oh... and you too, Lane). And out of pure laziness, we decided to stay in the Annapolis area for some fireworks. We wandered up to the top of one of the many parking garages and watched a few of the different shows (since you could see about 3 or 4 of them from there) before heading home for a movie and some puppy time with our favorite dog, Austin.



Wow.. there's STILL another day to talk about?! Gesh. I looove long weekends. :-)



So Monday morning came around and we slept in again (not too long, this time... we wanted to take full advantage of our day off). I called one of my bestest buddies in the whole world, Ash-a-Bash, and we decided to drive out to Virginia, meet up with her, and then go check out a fun new golf place in the area. It ended up being a TOTAL blast. Seeing her is always a super fun time. I love my Ash. *sigh And then getting to hang out with her family again (it's been for-eh-ver!) was also a blast. I miss them all. *tear



Aaannnnd that was pretty much my awesome long weekend. Woot!

It was fabulous, for sure.




So what about you all - what'd you do with your long weekend?

It's Official

Last week I was honored to be a part of some very special celebration. My friends Mike and Aiyana tied the knot (FINALLY!) after much anticipation and we couldn’t be happier for them!!

**Congrats you guys – we love you!

Well along with the wedding came rehearsals, a bachelorette party, a lingerie shower, and a bachelor party for the men-folk. Good times were had by all (well… mostly. Poor Mike was 7 shades of red when the guys surprised him with this embarrassing accessories for the evening) and though it all went by quickly, I’m just glad that Studly and I were able to be a part of it and celebrate with them.


But I tell that story to tell you another story… one that comes with a need for your assistance in the coming months and a willingness for you to bear with me as I prepare. *teeth chattering

And for those of you not paying attention and trying to figure out what it is. Just be patient… you’ll learn soon enough.


Thursday night was Aiyana’s bachelorette party. The ladies all met at Fuji for dinner (and entertainment. Have you seen those hibachi grill chefs? AHHmazing!) and then went back to the maid of honor’s house for a little lingerie action (oww owwww!).

Wait.

Let me rephrase.

We went back to have a lingerie shower for Aiyana. *whew That sounds MUCH better.


Back to the story… while I was there catching up with some girlfriends I hadn’t seen in a while (which is ALWAYS a ton of fun, right?!), my friend Amber gave me this amazing tidbit of information. Here’s what happened.

She had been at Atlanta Bread Company earlier in the day and came across this pamphlet. Upon further review, she discovers that the event focuses on Crohns’ and Colitis.

As most of you know, McStudly was diagnosed with Crohns’ disease last year. It was actually this time last year, actually, when he was finally diagnosed, so it’s been about a year now that we’ve been learning and trying out different medications and treatment options. Growing through the process.


So basically – to state that this hits close to home would be a total understatement. It’s not close to home, people… it IS home! I mean, you can’t get a whole whole lot closer than that, right?!


Anywho, she gave me the pamphlet (thanks, Amber. You’re such a sweetheart!) and I took it him to look it over and do a bit more research on the subject. And after talking it over with the Stud himself, we decided we were game.


It’s official. This December, the 5th to be exact, McStudly and I will be running the Rock & Roll ½ Marathon in Vegas. The proceeds go towards helping the CCFA (Crohns’ & Colitis Foundation of America) find a cure.


Fact: Did you know that chronic, and often debilitating digestive diseases impact more than 1.4 million Americans? True Story.


But I’m tired of just talking the talk. Crohn’s hit home for us. And see how it affects people in all different ways makes me wanna get off my butt and do something about it. But since I don’t have my doctorate and am certainly not a scientist, this is where I can help. So I’m going to do it, dang it!


So how can you help? I’m glad you asked.


Don’t worry, you don’t have to sign up to run it with us. In fact, you can do everything from the comfort of your couch with a big ol’ bowl of popcorn and a nice Big Gulp on the table next to you… or whatever it is you eat while you think about other people exercising. For me, it’s Chocolate Chip cookies and/or brownies with a nice big glass of milk. Yumm… I can feel myself getting fatter already. Woohoo!!


No – in fact, all we need from you is a lot of encouragement and a little bit of moolah.

Okay – I’ve already lost some of you. *sigh


Really though – let me explain. This money isn’t going to us. It’s not going to some VP’s pocket. It’s not going into the big hole that is the US Government’s “treasury” (which reminds me - doesn’t something need to be in it for us to actually consider it a “treasury”? I’m just sayin…). It’s going directly into the funding of finding a cure for Crohn’s and Colitis.

By giving us just a few bucks here and there, as you’re able, you would not only be changing my husband and I’s life by helping us run this race, but you’ll be absolutely changing the lives of over 1.4 million Americans that are impacted by these diseases. And for that, my friends, I will be in huge debt to you.


For those who don’t know the whole story, my husband wasn’t sick hardly a day in his life until all of a sudden WHAM! He’s got an auto-immune disease that he’ll have for life. Umm.. whaaa?! That’s a lot for someone in their 20s to all of a sudden have to deal with. Not to mention how he went from not even knowing what a headache really was to having them on a consistent basis thanks to the steroids they put him on. He’s since switched treatments and now goes in for infusions every 8 weeks. If he misses one, he feels it.

That’s quite an adjustment.


Basically – we need your help. We need to raise $3,500 a piece to be able to compete in the ½ marathon and support such an amazing cause. But for those of you that are as skeptical as I am about these things, here’s where the money goes:

$2,500:
- 16 weeks of training with a professional trainer and the team of other runners in your area, to make it easier for you to be able to complete the race
- Race entry fees, which aren’t all that cheap for this one
- Hotel accommodations for race weekend
- Entry to the Pasta Party on the eve of the race, to make sure you load up on carbs before the big day
- Moolah moolah moolah going towards the whole reason for the race

$3,500:
- Airfare to and from Vegas (and I live almost as far as one can live and still be in the same continent) for the race along with your team
- Ground transportation to and from the airport, as well as throughout the weekend for the various organized activities


I know it seems like a lot of money – TRUST me… I’m worried that we won’t be able to raise enough to be able to participate. But I do know that even if something happens and we can’t raise enough to race, the money that we have raised will still go straight to the cause. And that, my friends, is music to my ears… er – McStudly’s intestines. ??


There you have it. McStudly and I will be training to run a ½ Marathon in December to benefit Crohns’ and Colitis research, and we’re stoked! Our only concern has nothing to do with training or getting there… it’s whether or not we can raise the money in time to be able to participate and support a cause that has such an effect on our lives already.


So that’s where you come in. Can you help? Any little bit will help us go a long way when combined with the other little bits we’re hoping to receive. AND come August, we’ll have a link on the side of the blog that’ll take you directly to our Team Challenge fundraising sites so you can contribute. So start setting aside money, if you can. We’d be greatly honored, probably more than you’ll ever know.




Thanks guys!!

She's here!

This post is LONG over due, but I just had to update you... a few posts back I mentioned that I was on baby watch. Well, tax day or not she sure made her entrance!

Little Abby Grace was born on 15 April.

Her momma pushed (yes... just the pushing) for 3 hours. 3 HOURS!! Can you even imagine?! Oof... it makes me tired just thinking about it. But she did SO great and now our pals Laurie and BJ are the proud parents of a beautiful little girl.

She arrived on her own schedule (meaning several weeks past her momma's ideal time, and even 1 week over her due date), but came out with a head full of dark hair (just like her momma) and the cutest little raspy cry you'd ever hear. Seriously, y'all. It's so sad!

But since it's not my story to tell, I'll leave it at that. Their now 3-member family is happy and healthy, and all are doing great.

Now, unfortunately, I don't have any of the pics from our visit to the hospital, but here's a few of when we went to visit them after their first night back home:

Congrats, guys. We're so happy for you and can't wait to see her grow!!

And just for giggles, here's typical "use" picture... it really doesn't get more accurate than this:

Craziness

We're never given more than we can handle, but that doesn't mean we don't start to feel broken by the weight of it all, right?!

I had a rough weekend. Some of that was captured in yesterday's blog. But the stuff not mentioned, as well as a pretty rough day today... let's just say I'm feeling pretty weighed down today.

And tonight I have to go to the clinic and meet with my client for a re-test, since she still hasn't gotten her period (and I think she's probably pregnant, and the last test was too early).


Don't get me wrong - I still absolutely LOVE volunteering and interning at the clinic. I really really do. And I'm looking forward to working with her again and helping her. I just pray that when I'm walking in, I'll be able to leave everything at the door and be Jesus to her when she needs it.


But now that, too, has me thinking. I wonder how many people have left baggage at that door.

Interns. Counselors. Clients.

I wonder what it would look like if we could put on our special goggles and see the kind of stuff that's just been chillin there for who knows how long.


I've heard the saying, before, that if everyone threw their troubles into a pile, we would each be quick to take back our own, after seeing it amidst the weight of all the others.

That's probably true.



This week should be full of interesting things. Some really good friends of ours are already overdue to have their baby girl, and I just CAN'T wait to meet her! Come on little Abby!! She's apparently just way too comfortable hanging out in there.

Sunday, on top of answering all of the questions regarding our worship pastor leaving, I was also lucky enough to field the "baby watch" questions.

*sigh*

Now I know how google feels.


Anywho - we're on baby watch. Kind've on neighbor watch (I'll still need to fill you on in all of that mess, soon. oh it's good... you'll love hearing all that action). Still recovering from our eventful and emotional weekend. AND I have a Dr's appt on Thursday. Fuunnn stuff.

I'm beginning to feel like the only solution would be planning a good vacation for just the two of us...





Can I get a Amen?!

Like a Stick in the Mud

This has been a whirlwind of a weekend. Where do I begin? Oh, I know where I'll begin, because I can only really even write about a few things (the down side to having people you know read your blog...).

Well, we just got word that some good friends of ours are leaving. Pastor Travis (our worship pastor) and Leann, along with their two little ones.

It sucks.

To be honest - it's strange how much this is effecting me. I consider them dear friends, and he has actually been kind've a mentor to me for the past year plus. Not to mention they're just plain ol' fun to be with. But even as I sit here typing this up, I find myself crying (...again...).


I get it that people come and go in your life. And I've only even known them for a little less than 2 years. I guess I've just grown really fond of them? I don't know... like I said, it's kind've strange how much this is effecting me. I almost feel stupid. Hopefully it doesn't weird them out to hear that. ha.

But I can honestly say that I hope we remain friends, even after they are gone. We don't know, yet, just how far away they'll be going or where they'll be... they're still trying to figure that out. But for some reason I'm really having a hard time with this.


Gosh dang it. My tear-ducts must be broken... there's a leak or something. Any eye plumbers out there??


I know that God's got plans for them. And I know that he's got plans for me. To prosper all of us and not to harm us. To bring glory to him. I just hate that those plans are going to be in different places, even if just for now. It sucks.


But I know that his ways are higher than mine. I can't even begin to comprehend what he's doing in and around us. I just hate it when it hurts, ya know?


And what makes this weekend even more difficult (and probably why the shut-off valve for my eyes is MIA) is the stuff that I can't really write about. I wish I could. I want answers to some things. I feel like I deserve some answers!! And hey - maybe you guys could shed some light on some stupid situations, but unfortunately I'm left without.

Honestly - I wish I could just dump it all out there. I want to just get it off my chest, but I just don't feel right about it, right now. And it sucks. Dang it - why am I such a freaking nice person?! Ugh!!

Some of it is related to the above, and some is not. So if you're reading this and you know me, and you're wondering why I'm being such a big weird baby, then know that there's more at play.

And you know how it is... a piece of paper doesn't weigh much, but when you start to stack it all up, and then fill a box, and then another... it starts to really weigh you down.

I just feel so torn. I feel stuck. I've really felt like God has been moving me in a certain direction, and now I keep asking myself if I just misheard or misunderstood him.

But his sheep will know his voice. And the Lord confides in those who fear him. That's what my bible tells me... what my Jesus tells me. And I believe it.

...and that's why I'm so confused! Because what I feel and what I'm experiencing don't add up. God's saying "apples" and all I'm seeing are oranges. I'm surrounded by oranges. Oranges. ORANGES!

What the heck?!

And I think, too, that I got so caught off guard because I wasn't expecting ANYthing like this. I did NOT see this coming at all (back to the original subject here, folks).

But then it did.

And I realized how much I take for granted.

Period.

Even just in general.

But I was asked by several people, this morning, how I was doing. They're the ones leaving, and people have been asking how I was doing. So to most of them I just replied that I'm doing good. That I'll obviously miss them (they have no idea, I'd bet), but I know God's got a plan a-working and things all work out for his glory.

But then one person asked me how I was doing, and I began spouting off what became my routine answer, and all of a sudden I sprung a leak, again! I had been fine ALL morning, and then BAM.

I felt like SUCH a dweeb.

But I think we both knew that he wasn't asking for the standard answer, but he wanted to truth. And, well, he got it. I started crying, again, and just smiled. He said "yeah. I figured..." and said that he'd be praying for me. Which is all he can do, really.

Again... have I mentioned that I totally feel like a dweeb with how much this is effecting me.

It's just that we'd made so much progress, I felt. We were doing things. I've been growing so much.

And even through it all... last night as I was trying to go to sleep and my mind just would NOT stop running in circles... I just felt like God was pushing this song back at me that I had been working on a while ago. One that I had worked on with Travis and didn't get very far. And then he came back with some changes to the melody and, again, it kind've stayed in that stage for a while.

But last night I just couldn't sleep and I couldn't stop thinking through this song. I felt like God was really just leading me to focus on it, and I just really couldn't help but do just that.

In God's grace and sovereignty, I feel like I might've finished it last night. And I don't know how I did that without crying (I told you I've been a weepy mess... poor McStudly), though, in the interest of full disclosure, I did get choked up by that knot in my throat...

You know what's funny? I made it through this last night without a single tear, but as I prepare to write the words to the song here on the blog, I am crying yet again (or still, maybe?).

Anyways - here it is. Not all of it, but the main point of it, in poetic order as I'm feeling right now (so, basically, not in song format or order):

Our hearts now changed by your love

Your praise my lips will still proclaim

Who can ever compare to You,

God, I'll never be the same

You're my strength when I have none

You're my vict'ry, You're the one

I may stumble, I may fall

But by Your grace, You're my all

You're my all

You make life out of death

You bring peace and rest

You're my all in all

You bring joy in my pain

Time and time again

Jesus, You're my all

So yeah. I cried. I took a break. I think I'm past it, now, but Lord knows it'll probably come back in a second or two.

Basically, I'm a big huge dork baby and I probably need a midol or something (I promise I don't usually cry this much, no matter how much McStudly probably says otherwise) and I'll be fine. But I'm not happy about this change.

*insert pouty lip and child-like tantrum stomping here*

But I'll accept it, because... well, what other choice do I have?!

I just know that I will really miss them more than I thought I would miss someone I've only known for not-even 2 years. And I hope I haven't freaked them out by saying so. ha ha

Keep praying for me, guys. And please add our church to your list, if you can. We need to find a new worship leader and transition as smoothly as possible. And hopefully some other big bits of my mess can be cleaned up soon...

...to include the puddles caused by my leaky eye-holes. *sigh*

Love you guys. Thanks for letting me blubber on here. And count your blessings that this is not a video blog because I am NOT a cute crier. No no... not in the slightest.

Snot ya later.

Yee Gatz!

*Music Man reference, for those of you wondering about my curious choice of blog title.

I got an award!! Thanks to Jaime @ fearfully and wonderfully made for this gem:

So here's what I have to do:

- tell you 5 things that I'm obsessed with, and

- tag 5 other fabulous friends


And the obsessions are (in no particular order):

1. Music. Umm... I don't even think I need to explain this one. Just check this blog, this one, oh and probably this one, too, if you have the time and need a kill an hour or two. :-P

2. Organization. Well, this is in theory, I guess. We are currently undergoing "mission organize" at the Puhl house, with hopes of "completing" it before McStudly's mom is in town in a few weeks. The problem? We have done little to probably no organization whatsoever since we moved in just over a year ago (wow, has it been that long already?!). So, needless to say, there's a LOT to do. So sometimes I sit at work and daydream about how I'll organize the spare bedroom, or what our bedroom will look like all put together and organized. *sigh Someday, right?!

3. Crafts. Specifically sewing, but really a lot of things, actually, though I can't really take part in all that I want to do. I've been WAY into sewing lately, and am loving it! Though, at the moment, my sewing machine is in a pile of stuff while we finish painting the entire downstairs and spare bedroom upstairs. But seriously, I am always coming up with new ideas, and my friend Queen Rosh and I's Etsy shop will even be up soon (we're hoping). I can't wait and I have just LOVED getting crafty, lately. But I also have this dream of refinishing a chair, or old antique dresser/hutch (but I don't have the space), and also creating a personalized painting for our dining room wall. Hopefully I'll at least get to do that last one, but we'll see, I suppose.

4. Blogs. Although I haven't been the best at posting, lately, I am still WAY obsessed with reading y'alls blogs. It's a sickness, I think. Sometimes, when you don't post, I even sit there and hit refresh a few times, or go out and come back to the page just to make sure my computer isn't just lagging or messing with me. It's that out of control! Thankfully, I've learned to sometimes be able to control my urges to get some work done and catch up (which is why I've been so pseudo-silent the past few weeks... catching up from all of the other slacking off I have been doing!) on things, but there are still days, like today, where all I can think about is what you guys are up to, or your witty blog banter, or what I could come up with for the day that will get your comments rolling. So perhaps instead of just blogs, I'm even more obsessed with getting comments? It's pretty sad how much it drives me, but I'm so into them that I actually have been known to be sad when I only get 1 or 2 (though I'm WAY WAY WAY excited to even get those!!). It's a sickness!! See? I told you I'm obsessed...

5. TV. Well, let me explain - I'm not obsessed with tv, in general, but more so with certain tv shows. There are several shows that McStudly and I really follow, and I'm the kind of person that genuinely gets upset when a season finale leaves too much in question. I get SO upset! Like Bones - it's got to be my all-time favorite show. But the season finale last season? HORRIBLE!! Booth was just waking up from a coma and didn't remember Brennan? What kind of crap was THAT?! You better beLIEVE that I watched that season opener (which left too much of a gap, if you ask me). We DVR like EVERYthing, just in case. Especially since it's football season and all... can't miss an episode of these shows (in no particular order): Bones, Criminal Minds, How I Met Your Mother, NCIS, Army Wives (haven't watched this week, but we seriously need some more drama, people), Big Bang Theory, Castle, Ghost Whisperer (though it's losing me, slowly), Chuck, and a few others I can't remember at the moment for whatever reason.



Well, there you have it. A few obsessions I'm currently stuck with, but not really minding too much.






**Random thought of the day: Do you guys remember the Nickelodeon cartoon "Doug"? I LOVED that cartoon! For whatever reason, I've had various different songs by "the Beets" stuck in my head, all day. Remember this one?: "Bangin on a trash can. Drummin on a street light. Strummin with my banjo. One little voice is callin me callin me..." ha ha ha. Too fun!! *sigh Ah the memories.

Like I Said...

I told you all that I've been getting awfully crafty lately, right?! Well, if these people would quit having babies, I could move on to a few more projects I've been wanting to work on!

Just kidding.... kind've.

Two Pastors in our church, their wives were due to have babies this week. Well, one of them done had the thing! Ha ha. Baby Sierra was born today. Congrats you guys!! I'm sure she's quite the lucky gal.

The others are set to be induced at nidmight - er - midnight (Sorry... a little Rindercella humor, for those of you who may remember) Wednesday evening. Little Kilea will be here before we know it!!

So with all these pretty little girls coming into the world, of COURSE I've had to make some adorable little baby accessories, right?! So a little set of shoes & a matching headband or two may or may not have been made for when they're a teensie bit bigger. If you scroll down, you can see the set I made for little Kilea out of a little fabric leftover from turning a dress into a shirt.

Sierra's wasn't finished, just yet. I thought I had time until Sunday, but it looks like she had other plans and insisted that she come today! Hopefully I can get everything finished tonight, or at least sometime soon and before she's outgrown it! ha ha.

Anywho - that's that. BUT I wanted to show you guys the fabric I bought to make a pillow or two for our couches (I can FINALLY replace those horrendous pillows that came with... HOORAY!!). Check it out (picture of fabric is darker than reality):

And for those of you wondering, YES I have some things up my sleeves for some little boys. I'm hoping to send some stuff to a certain blogger friend of mine, when I finally get the chance to finish it all (she shall remain nameless until I finally finish it and ship it out... then again, it's not rocket science if you want to try and guess).

So - what do you think? If I had an etsy shop, would you buy from me? I'd be cheap, I promise... and there'll be more options coming, once I get the chance to put my brainstorming session down on paper - er - fabric? :-P

Toodles!!

BREAKING NEWS!

A dear friend of mine, Queen Rosh, just called and has free tickets to the American Idol concert tonight in Baltimore. After a quick check-in with the hubs, you bet your TAIL I'm going!!

So hopefully there'll be lots of stories and pics/videos tomorrow. And for those of you on twitter, follow me (http://twitter.com/SarahPuhl) and I'm sure you'll get pics and updates as the night progresses. SCORE!!!



Toodles!

Pride, Irony, and Oozing Orifices

I'm going to be real with you all today. I figure I owe it to you after not blogging for like a WEEK! *sigh* I'm such a slacker.


Anywho - have you all seen the trailor for the movie "My Sister's Keeper" that recently came out? Well, I admit that I may have cried a little during the full-length trailor. (don't judge me, you KNOW you did, too!) But then I actually went to SEE the movie.


Oh Good Lord in Heaven.


You know that feeling you get when you're about to cry at a movie or something really moving. You get that lump in your throat and feel like you have to swallow a million times a second, and your eyes feel like you just simultaneously poured acid and water on them because they start to burn, but then fill with what probably began the Niagara Falls phenomenon? BUT you, unlike Niagara, are able to keep them at bay and prevent those falls from-a-flowing. Your eyes still glisten, but you've won the battle. Score: Pride-1, Moving Moment-0.


Well, that was me during the full-length trailor. I'm not talking about that piddly little excuse for a trailor they played on the major tv networks. Those don't do anything to me. I'm like the rock meets Jimmy Fallon when it comes to fighting off the tears with those bad boys. But if you have gone to see any full length films in the theatre over the past 2 months-ish, then you saw the full length trailor. And admit it: you teared up and you know it.


So the decision to see the movie was a spur-of-the-moment kind of thing for me. My sister and some other girls had planned a girls' night, but McStudly and I had like a bazillion parties that day, so I opted out. But when the boys left for the Bachelor party, my friend R and I decided we'd make a night of it, possibly grab some grub, and check out the movie. She and her husband BOTH warned me that she would probably be an impossible wreck. It made me laugh, really.

She told me about how she's not a big cryer, but when she goes to really emotional movies, it's like the flood gates open and everything she hasn't cried at over the years, all of those uncried tears start fighting for freedom (I'm paraphrasing, of course... or maybe kind've making that up. But it's true to her point, at least). So I said I'd drive and we would make it through... as long as we brought tissues, because I was sure I may cry a little at some point. I mean, if the trailor makes you tear up, a full 2 hours of something is bound to break you, right?!

So we stuffed a wad of tissues in her purse and went about our merry little way.


I should stop here and tell you that the movie was AH-mazing. I won't give anything away, but you need to see it. Seriously. Right now. (Why are you still reading this? Go! Go see the movie!!) No, really thought - it's awesome, though made quite a bit differently than you'd expect from the trailors, and all.


I think I started tearing-up about 5-ish minutes into the movie. Never a good sign. But by about the last 15-20 minutes I was sobbing... SOBBING! I cannot express to you how humiliating that was, mainly because I did NOT care at the time. (And I'll have you know, I was NOT the only one, thankyouverymuch.)

Have you ever tried to contain a sob? It kind've starts to sound like you're choking or gasping for air. It's ridiculous. I tried to muffled my international sound of distress with a wet wad of tissues (speaking of which, where does all of that goo come from? It feels like it's coming out of every orifice north of the aorta! GaRoss!!), but I'm not sure how well it worked. So I did what anyone would do - I started slowly mouth-breathing. It's like the only weapon against fierce chick-flick tears. But if you're not careful, and you haven't mastered it, you'll end up whimpering like a child who scraped their knee and 10-minutes-later has not forgotten about it. (You know that you know exactly what I'm talking about. Where 10 minutes later they have those random spurts where there shoulders seize up again and their bottom lip almost meets their esophagus and there's that little breathy hiccup sound that's almost kind've cute... yeah, that one.)


The funniest part about all of this? My friend R didn't shed a single tear! She was the one we were worried about and nothing. nada. zip. zilch. nunka. dryer than the sahara. In fact, I think I cried more than enough for her. How's that for irony?!


So I guess the moral of the story is, make sure you're close enough with your sob-story chick-flick movie buddy so as not to be embarrassed when the lights come back up and your more puffy than the magic dragon.





...and that you need to see "My Sister's Keeper." Like yesterday.

Pay It Forward

Saw this on Kelly's blog and thought I'd give it a whirl!

Here are the rules:
The first 3 people to leave a comment on this post will receive a small gift from me within one month!
You must be willing to host a pay it forward too! As well as send the gifts out to your recipients within a month.
Post this same thing on your blog and then come back and leave a comment telling me you're in! Please remember to leave me your e-mail!

PS: If you haven't seen the movie "Pay It Forward" you're SO missing out. Netflix it or something. Totally worth it!!

Oh Deirdre...

She's got to be one of the funniest people I know. And if you knew her - you'd absolutely love her. She's got a phobia of closeness and a well-founded view that she has no plans to have children... or marry, for that matter. She loves her some Ultimate Fighting and her favorite movie is The Punisher... she's unlike any other girl person I have ever known.

She's hysterical. I don't think I've ever been around her and NOT laughed at something.


So I had to post her reply to the Girlfriend's Survey I sent out today. I don't typically send these kinds of things out, but I'm SO glad that I did because she literally had me laughing out loud at work, almost to the point of spewing water out through my nose. Good times indeed.


So here it is - Deirdre's Survey Response:



2009 Girl Friend Survey

Welcome to the 2009 edition of getting to know your Friends. ' press FORWARD ' then change all the answers so they apply to you, and then send this to your friends including the person who sent it to you. The theory is that you will learn a lot of little things about your friends that you might not have known!

1. What time did you get up this morning?
5:45am, 6:05am, and finally 6:15am
2. Diamonds or pearls?
Diamonds. Most women under 40 who wear pearls are either bipolar or schizoid.
3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema?
Madea Goes To Jail. I would’ve gone to jail once if I hadn’t kept myself from running over my dad in a parking lot last year.
4. What is your favorite TV show?
I don’t watch TV. It kills brain cells.
5. What do you usually have for breakfast?
Who cares?
6. What is your middle name?
Michael (Yes, I know it’s a guy’s name. Get over it.)
7. What food do you dislike?
All of it. Look what it’s done to my body.
8. What is your favorite CD at moment?
Who listens to CDs anymore??? Oh well, anything Led Zeppelin is my fav.
9. What kind of car do you drive?
What kind of stuck up question is this? What if someone doesn’t have a car? What if someone can’t afford a car??? Is this to allow people with new cars to show off and rub it in everyone else’s face??? I refuse to answer this question. It sucks. (FYI- I drive a 2009 Scion tC Coupe and I look freakin’ awesome driving it…)
10. Favorite sandwich?
Knuckle Sandwich
11. What characteristic do you despise?
I don’t even want to think about this. It’ll just make me angry.
12. Favorite item of clothing?
Shoes. Hats. Fishnet Trouser Socks. Boots. Coats.
13. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go?
Michael Ealy’s House (HELLO!!!) Of course, most of you probably don’t know who he is because you didn’t see “Barbershop”. Just google him.
14. Favorite brand of clothing?
The kind that’s on sale.
15. Where would you retire to?
I’m too freakin young to think about that.
16. What was your most memorable birthday?
My birthdays always suck. I try to 4get them.
17. Favorite sport to watch?
MMA
18. Furthest place you are sending this?
Who knows…
19. Person you expect to send it back first?
My Cuz, Gina.
20. When is your birthday?
Who cares…
21. Are you a morning person or a night person?
I rise and set with the sun. Night blows.
22. What is your shoe size?
The size that will fit in your…
23. Pets?
I got rid of all my pets. I can’t remember the names of most of my exs.
24. Any new and exciting news you 'd like to share with us?
No, not particularly.
25. What did you want to be when you were little?
A Jedi Knight
26. How are you today?
I’m great. I’m always great. Who isn’t???
27. What is your favorite candy?
Man Candy
28. What is your favorite flower?
Black Roses
29. What is a day on the calendar you are looking forward to?
The day my belly no longer hangs over my pants when I sit down.
30. What's your full name?
Deirdre Michael Truesdale
31. What are you listening to right now?
I’m listening to my freakin’ phone buzzing.
32. What was the last thing you ate?
Something totally disgusting.
33. Do you wish on stars?
Wish on a star??? And what exactly is this star supposed to do for me??? That’s the gayest thing I’ve ever heard.
34. If you were a crayon, what color would you be?
Beautiful Buxom Brown
35. How is the weather right now?
*Sigh* How long is this thing???
36. The first person you spoke to on the phone today
A Georgetown Law Student
37. Favorite soft drink?
Soft drinks are gay.
38. Favorite restaurant?
Idk.
39. Real hair color?
Black.
40. Favorite toy as a child?
Toys were for sissies.
41. Summer or winter?
Summer. Winter blows.
42. Hugs or kisses
Anyone who has ever met me knows the answer to this.. NEITHER!!! Ugh!!!
43. Chocolate or Vanilla?
Chocolate. I’m done with Vanilla.
44. Coffee or tea?
Tea. Coffee smells like hot dirt and makes people’s breath stink. What I really need people to stop doing is drinking Starbucks and then coming to church singing praise and worship without popping a handful of Altoids. Really… your breath is rockin…
45. Do you want your friends to email you back
My friends will email me back because but only to tell me how “Out of Control” I am and to tell me that they lost about 5lbs laughing at my answers.
46. When was the last time you cried?
Cry? Me… Cry??? Crying if for lesser beings. A better question for me would be “When was the last time you made someone cry?”- The answer is “Sunday”.
47. What is under your bed?
Nothing. What kind of dirtball keeps stuff under their bed???
48. What did you do last night?
Church and Target.
49. What are you afraid of ?
People who get too close to me.
50. salty or sweet
Both
51. How many keys on your key ring?
2. How many more do you need???
52. How many years at your current job?
6+
53. Favorite day of the week?
Everyday. Life is great.
54. How many towns have you lived in?
7
55. Do you make friends easily?
Heck no.
56. How many people will you send this to? ;
I don’t know.
57. How many will respond?
I don’t care.

Here she is:


My first blog award, from Lindsay at Laugh Along The Way. Is that awesome, or what?! Thanks Lindsay!!


"These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award!"


Now I have to pass it on (in Alpha order):
~ Aiyana at Word
~ Brittany at Evolution of Brittany
~ Carrie at Momma Bowyer
~ Malia at Lia Marie Fotographie
~ Melody at Simplicity
~ Lindsey at Learning to Be a Wife
~ Terri at The Peters and the Point
~ The Mrs. at Trying Our Best


So there you have it, ladies and gentlemen! I'll be commenting on all of their pages to make sure they see that they've received the award. Thanks for your awesome blogs, ladies!!