blessed.

I spent my weekend in charleston hanging out with a group of army men about to deploy. I grew up in a military family, and have always had respect for people who choose to serve their country like that; but as I've gotten to know the group of guys better I've gained more respect than I could imagine. These guys are leaving their families (wives, children, parents, girlfriends, fiances, etc) for months and months on end, and all for our freedom. Last June I went to this unit's Yellow Ribbon ceremony, and this weekend I had the privilege of attending their Farewell ceremony. I love going to these, mostly because it makes Charles uncomfortable, but also because it allows me to show my respect for the soldiers. I'm so blessed to know so many really honorable men that have chosen this lifestyle, and will be forever grateful for their service. I'm counting down the days until my best friend is back and I am able to talk to him all the time. Until then, FaceTime will have to do (no matter how much he hates it).



*thats Charles, the furthest to the right.*





 *a picture hanging on the wall at the armory*

 Other charleston happenings: bike rides downtown, walks through the charleston city marina, great food at Taco Boy where I ran in to the lovely Megan at Style Me Swanky (always a pleasure), carafes of mimosas at Triangle for brunch, and hours upon hours of playing fruit ninja with Charles in our hotel. Because we are lame gamers. If you haven't played this game yet, do yourself a favor and don't download it. You will get nothing done if you do.

I've realized another great blessing this weekend. I have a strong, healthy mom. not everyone is that fortunate. One of my oldest/closest friends from Mississippi lost her mom this past Saturday. And while I came very close to losing mine, i never had to actually face that tragedy. My mom conquered cancer, thank God. And while I know my friends mom fought her hardest, she was not as lucky in her battle. I am devastated for B, because at 24 there is still so much you need your mom for. Years ago, I spent a long time cursing God for giving my mom cancer; last night I spent a long time thanking him for allowing her to beat it. I'll never take for granted her life or health again.

God has truly blessed my life with great people. Sometimes I forget to thank him for all that he's given me, not tonight. Tonight I will express an immense amount of gratitude; for a great mom and a hero for a best friend. No matter how many ugly girls I've known him to hookup with.



reunion.

Things that I learned this past weekend, at BT's wedding:

*I don't ever want to go that long without seeing some of my best friends again.
*be sure your hotel doesn't grant the previous guest in your room a late check out, when you've requested an early check in.
*keep tabs on your brand new iPad charger, at all times.
*keep having your hair dresser as your best friend. It makes for fabulous 'dos and even better eyebrows.
*scream as loud as you can when reunited with everyone in the hallway. Even when in leggings & a bra.
*don't be late to a wedding, you will get yelled at by the director and the preacher (j,c,a,a).
*Brittany Tinder Webster is who they modeled Bridal Barbie after. Absolutely breath taking.
*get wedding ideas off of pinterest.
*drink as much as you want, but don't slap Courtney....
*(in reference to the above) if you do slap Courtney on the arm, be prepared to be tackled on the dance floor. Numerous times.
*stand your ground against 60 year old women yelling at you at the bar.
*when you wake up the next morning, and go knocking on doors of the other girls' hotel rooms, be prepared for what you may find.
*dine and dash at the hotel breakfast...they'll never know, and it's expensive
*plan anther reunion as soon as possible, bc you'll never have as much fun as you do with these girls.

<3.

superstitious

i wish i were one of those "Friday the 13th is my favorite day" kind of people... but i am not.  Today has been one helluva day for the following reasons :

• i woke up late
• the heater in my house has gone out and it was 49 degrees
• my hair would NOT do right
• i had to finish packing up for my trip this weekend
• i felt ungodly nauseous
• drove all the way to work feeling nauseous
• was so nauseous i couldnt eat breakfast
• my nausea got the best of me at work (vom!)
• when i finally got my appetite back, i had someone pick up chick-fil-a for me and the retards in the drive thru gave me a spicy biscuit instead of regular :(
• it has been retarded busy (but obviously not busy enough for me not to blog)
• had to drive my coworker to the doctor on my lunch break because she fell and bruised/strained/pulled some sort of muscle/rib/back
• now i have to drive 4 hours to Columbia, SC.

on a good note, i get to see all of my best friends at Brittney's wedding this weekend :) can.not.wait.

i know there will be tons of champagne, tequila, wine, beer and shots involved. i know that there are sure to be a million laughs over all of our millions of inside jokes.  im positive there will be screams involved.  there will also be tears, of joy (seeing BT walk down the aisle) and sadness (leaving everyone again).  we will make plans to have more frequent reunions (most of which will fall thru, though i wish they wouldnt) and we will stay up all hours of the night. just like old times.

i cant wait to catch up with all of my favorite people from college.  while everyone i know is getting married, this is the first wedding where everyone i want to see is invited. and im ecstatic over it.  updates/pictures to follow, that im also sure of.