Although we've been moved into our new apartment for about a month. I thought I would share with you my column that I wrote in reference to the move. All I can say, is thank God, we don't have to move for another 13 months.
After four days, over 437 miles and some “heightened” dialogue, we are moved into our new apartment in Little Rock. Parish started moving during the week, while I was at work and accomplished what a whole moving crew would. When it comes to a project, he becomes laser-beamed focused and doesn’t stop until the task is completed.
Parish moved most of the boxes and plastic storage crates and our couch by himself. Yes, he heaved our large couch over his head and carried it down a flight of steps to his truck. Because I didn’t want him to get all the glory, when I got off of work, I put on my comfy clothes and helped him move.
One of the items that we moved was our 45” flat screen TV. I was very nervous about moving this item for a couple of reasons. Mainly because the TV is his baby. Seriously, when we got the Wii and started playing games, he asked me about 500 times if I had the wrist strap secure.
Whenever I get too close to it, he gasps and lunges towards me and says, “Watch out for the TV!” Okay, I get it, it’s one of his treasured toys, but it’s basically a glorified boob tube. Anyway, when it came time to move this electronic fortress of goodness, I froze. I started sweating and couldn’t stop envisioning the TV falling from my feeble grasp and busting into 137 billion pieces. My horrified facial expression caused Parish to pause and ask me if I was really ready to move his baby. I took a deep breath and calculated how far I could run if the TV splattered on the sidewalk. Long story short – it made it safely to the cab of the truck and I didn’t have to sprint back to Colorado.
Based on my experience and two years worth of marital knowledge, I think every married couple should move, at least once. You learn so much about your spouse during the experience. Moods, facial expressions and tones are unearthed like a slow-moving, emotional avalanche. It’s really quite something.
I really learned the importance of communication when it came to moving with Parish. He would ask if I wanted the chair here or there, if I wanted particular artwork on this wall or that and everything in between.
I also failed to mention that the temps were reaching into the 100s during this time, so besides being stressed, we were also melting. At the time of publication, our new pad is about 90 percent settled. Mona Lisa (my cat) is adjusting nicely, although the road trip from Conway was definitely more exciting. Did you know that cats can get car sick? They can and she did. So in addition to heaving 500-pound boxes up a flight of stairs, I had to clean up soggy Seafood Sensations out of the car carrier.
Mona then proceeded to sit in a bowl of water, causing another huge mess and made me question why I adopted the furry feline in the first place! At the end of the day, after the vomit and deluge was cleaned up, I had had enough. I sank into bed and realized being a mother to Mona is all I can handle right now and there is nothing better than lying next to your best friend.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Thursday, June 18, 2009
New Orleans - Happy Anniversary
As I mentioned last month, June was going to be a month of celebrations. First there were birthdays, then came anniversaries and other milestones. I just realized the other day that I forgot to send my dad a Father’s Day card, sorry dad - you know I love you! My mom, aunt and cousin all celebrate their birthdays (consecutively) at the end of the month. No doubt, I help Hallmark hit their quota in June.
Parish and I decided to celebrate our second wedding anniversary in New Orleans. Our first anniversary was spent adjusting to a new state and getting used to the whole married thing. Now that we are settled and really like being together, we decided to hit the open road and head to the Big Easy. I had only been to New Orleans once, pre-Katrina, in college. I warned Parish that the city is really different and to be prepared to see a little of everything. After about eight and half hours in the car, we arrived at the Ambassador Hotel. I researched New Orleans hotels for about three weeks before we went.
I think I ended up finding the best deal – which included free valet parking ($40 value) and a buy one night, get one free special. And besides, when you’re in a place like New Orleans, how much time do you really spend in your room? We discovered we spent about a total of 15 hours. The last night we came in at 3 a.m.
The Ambassador is a historic hotel located about four blocks from Bourbon Street and about 10 blocks from the French Quarter. We walked off every piece of shrimp and spoonful of gumbo we ingested! I’m so glad I brought my tennis shoes, New Orleans is a pedestrian friendly city, everyone walks.
We were only there for two nights and one full day, but we discovered that was ample time to see and do everything. On our first night there, we headed to Bourbon St. and took in every square inch. I have never enjoyed people watching as much as I did on that strip. There are people of all ages, shapes, colors and everything in between. We enjoyed the traditional hurricane drink, which I’m surprised they didn’t rename after the devastation Katrina caused.
Speaking of Katrina, I expected to see some remains of the hurricane, but found the city to be in good shape. I understand that most of the damage took place in the Ninth Ward and areas closer to the levees. Nonetheless, the city was packed with tourists and locals and seemed to be recovering well.
The following day, we enjoyed the French Quarter and all it had to offer. We just so happened to plan our trip as the same time as the 23rd Tomato Festival. Vendors were selling tomatoes, trinkets, hats, and souvenir goodies galore. Parish and I were overwhelmed! We actually went back to our hotel and took a little nap before dinner. I failed to mention that it was about 99 degrees outside, with a humidity index of 1000 percent. After our nap (and lots of water), we headed back to the bright lights of the city and enjoyed an anniversary dinner and one more trip to Bourbon St.
Happy anniversary Parish, here’s too many more years and fun road trips.
Parish and I decided to celebrate our second wedding anniversary in New Orleans. Our first anniversary was spent adjusting to a new state and getting used to the whole married thing. Now that we are settled and really like being together, we decided to hit the open road and head to the Big Easy. I had only been to New Orleans once, pre-Katrina, in college. I warned Parish that the city is really different and to be prepared to see a little of everything. After about eight and half hours in the car, we arrived at the Ambassador Hotel. I researched New Orleans hotels for about three weeks before we went.
I think I ended up finding the best deal – which included free valet parking ($40 value) and a buy one night, get one free special. And besides, when you’re in a place like New Orleans, how much time do you really spend in your room? We discovered we spent about a total of 15 hours. The last night we came in at 3 a.m.
The Ambassador is a historic hotel located about four blocks from Bourbon Street and about 10 blocks from the French Quarter. We walked off every piece of shrimp and spoonful of gumbo we ingested! I’m so glad I brought my tennis shoes, New Orleans is a pedestrian friendly city, everyone walks.
We were only there for two nights and one full day, but we discovered that was ample time to see and do everything. On our first night there, we headed to Bourbon St. and took in every square inch. I have never enjoyed people watching as much as I did on that strip. There are people of all ages, shapes, colors and everything in between. We enjoyed the traditional hurricane drink, which I’m surprised they didn’t rename after the devastation Katrina caused.
Speaking of Katrina, I expected to see some remains of the hurricane, but found the city to be in good shape. I understand that most of the damage took place in the Ninth Ward and areas closer to the levees. Nonetheless, the city was packed with tourists and locals and seemed to be recovering well.
The following day, we enjoyed the French Quarter and all it had to offer. We just so happened to plan our trip as the same time as the 23rd Tomato Festival. Vendors were selling tomatoes, trinkets, hats, and souvenir goodies galore. Parish and I were overwhelmed! We actually went back to our hotel and took a little nap before dinner. I failed to mention that it was about 99 degrees outside, with a humidity index of 1000 percent. After our nap (and lots of water), we headed back to the bright lights of the city and enjoyed an anniversary dinner and one more trip to Bourbon St.
Happy anniversary Parish, here’s too many more years and fun road trips.
June 8, 2009
I just celebrated my 27th birthday. I’m another year older, wiser and closer to 30. For some reason, 27 sounds A LOT older than 25 and 26. I don’t know why. Although, seven is my favorite number, so I expect good things to come from this year. I also realize that age is just a number and you are only as old as you think you are. I know, I know…but still, it’s kind of weird. I remember when I was little and birthdays were monumental events. Planning started months before the actual day and the excitement spread like a wild fire once you told your best friends about the affair.
When I was 11-years old, I wanted Barbie dolls and scrunchies. This year I’m hoping for a new Blackberry, designer eyeglasses and a day at the spa. What happened? I guess I’m just growing up, but I long for the day of invitation-only birthdays and themed decorations.
I once had a backward birthday. Everyone wore his or her clothes backwards and we even ate the cake before the pizza. I had a blast and I know everyone else did too.
I remember playing games in my backyard, the relay race that involved spinning around a bat 34 times and then carrying a bucket of water down the yard still makes me grin. When I got older and slumber parties were thrown into the mix, I was in heaven. Slumber party birthdays were the best – you could party all day and ALL night. What is better? I remember it was always a challenge to see who would fall asleep first. If I could hit a big rewind button, I would go back to a slumber birthday party.
I remember one birthday party I had a park, I think that was the one where we had a piñata. One of the advantages to being an only child, you can kind of have whatever you want on your big day (within reason). For instance, the live tigers and trapeze artist were out of the question.
For my 21st birthday, my parents threw me the best surprise party of all time at the neatest Irish Pub called Jack Quinns (in C. Springs). My parents planned quite a blow out. There was an Irish band, complete with Irish dancers. All of my family and closest friends were there. As long as I live, I know I will never, ever forget that day.
Last year, was my first birthday in Arkansas. I don’t really remember what we did. This year, we are combining my birthday (6/8) and our second wedding anniversary (6/15) celebrations and heading to New Orleans. I already know that will be a birthday for the memory books! I guess I just need to be thankful that God has blessed me with another year of living and every birthday is happy, because you are able to celebrate it.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Free?
I’ve been told my whole life that if something sounds too good to be true, it probably isn’t true to begin with. Therefore, when I heard the news that Dillard’s was giving away free makeup, I turned the channel. Yeah right, people are just handing out free products with names like Estee Lauder and Ralph Lauren at no charge. Then my husband told me about the offer.
Once again, I brushed off the news and assumed it was a media hoax. The next day my friend sent me a text and asked me if I got my free product at Dillard’s. She told me that she went last Tuesday night and got a big tub of Sarah Jessica Parker shower gel. Okay, enough of this doubt, I needed to take action.
First, I made a game plan, which included research. I Googled Dillard’s and the words “free” and “makeup.” I held my breath and pushed enter. Immediately, 144,000 hits appeared on my screen. (I’ve come to believe that if you can Google something, it must be true). A report out of Reno said the massive giveaway started when the cosmetics industry was sued by several women from Northern California.
The women accused the industry for allegedly price-fixing their products and over-charging customer for about a decade. According to the report, the department stores and makeup companies denied the claim, but eventually settled the case in court. The settlement demanded that the companies involved give away $175 million in free products. At this point, I’m still thinking there is a catch, because $175 million worth of mascara and perfume excites and exhausts me!
According to the settlement, if a person bought make-up at a department store between 1994 and 2003, he or she would most likely qualify. All someone had to do to receive a free make-up product was sign a petition saying that you bought a make-up product from the participating stores, including Dillard’s and Macy’s during that period. At this point, I’m in my car and heading to Park Plaza.
I decided to go after work to beat the rush. Unfortunately, there wasn’t a herd of angry women rushing into Dillard’s demanding free merchandise. There was short line and a pleasant lady with a clipboard. I looked to the head of the line and to my dismay, only saw two products to choose from. My little Chanel heart just sank.
After signing my name, I approached the table of free products and tried to smile. There was a pile of light blue boxes and a stack of oblong, white boxes. One container wiped away wrinkles, the other promised a moisture surge. Honestly, this is not the atmosphere I expected. Everyone was calm, patient and happy with the lack of free products. I wanted to see trays of perfume, gold leafed bowls flowing with mascara and lipstick. Instead, I encountered a very pregnant Clinique saleswoman with a good attitude, who recommended the moisture surge.
I took my small box, smiled at the helpful woman and left the store. A couple days later I Googled the face cream and discovered that it retailed for around $35. A smile spread across my moisture surged face and established my belief that if something sounds to good to be true, Google it and then go.
Twitter and tweets
This technology age is a funny thing. We can e-mail from our bathtub, use our phone to find the nearest restaurant and listen to music on something the size of a matchbook. It’s also a very interesting time if you are a young person and your parents are baby boomers. I can speak from experience, because I am that young person and my parents, God love them, are from a time when love, peace and happiness were all that mattered.
For example, our family has a treasured home movie from back in the day; my mom thinks it’s from the 60s. The last time we gathered together, we had to hunt to find a projector to play the film. It was amazing, both the hunt and the actual home movie. We all gathered in my grandpa’s living room, pulled down the large, white window shade and watched the good old days, in silent color.
For being about 50 years old, the film wasn’t in that bad of shape. After laughing at the bell-bottom pants, long hair and curly mullets, my family decided to put the film on video. That was about 10 years ago, so now the VHS tape is considered ancient. Now someone needs to take the memories off the video tape and put it on a DVD.
My point is, in this era we are blessed to live in, we can now record an event on our phone and download it straight to the Internet for the world to see. Facebook and MySpace have completely revolutionized how we communicate.
Which brings me back to my original theme, (my) parents and the world wild web. My mom, who I adore, combines the two programs and calls it Facepage. As soon as I tell her whom I found on one or the other, she demands that she wants a Facepage or Mybook. Now, my father is much more up to date. So much so, that he suggested we start communicating on Twitter. Excuse me? Before my dad mentioned the newest way to e-communicate, I had never heard of it. I couldn’t believe my dad was introducing me to a new outlet on the Internet, I felt so lame and out of touch. Why didn’t I know about Twitter? I’m online over half my day!
Anyway, Twitter is a real-time short messaging service. As a member you can follow and “tweet” with other members. You have 140 characters to express what you’re doing, what you are thinking or what you had for breakfast. It’s fun and simple. You can post a photo of yourself that shows up as a tiny thumbnail. Twitter doesn’t require you to list quotes, personal information or marital status. Twitter is about communication on the go and takes less than two minutes to log on, update status and see what others “tweeters” are doing. My screen name is beckysue33, just in case you are interested in following my random thoughts, mood or lunch selection.
As crazy as the technology age is becoming, I’m enjoying the advances and look forward to the latest gadget. Cell phones and e-mail help with the distance between my parents in Colorado, my cousin in Florida and my dear friend in Northern Ireland. So, it doesn’t matter whether you have a Mybook or Facepage, the important thing is to stay in touch and keep up to date. Thanks dad!
For example, our family has a treasured home movie from back in the day; my mom thinks it’s from the 60s. The last time we gathered together, we had to hunt to find a projector to play the film. It was amazing, both the hunt and the actual home movie. We all gathered in my grandpa’s living room, pulled down the large, white window shade and watched the good old days, in silent color.
For being about 50 years old, the film wasn’t in that bad of shape. After laughing at the bell-bottom pants, long hair and curly mullets, my family decided to put the film on video. That was about 10 years ago, so now the VHS tape is considered ancient. Now someone needs to take the memories off the video tape and put it on a DVD.
My point is, in this era we are blessed to live in, we can now record an event on our phone and download it straight to the Internet for the world to see. Facebook and MySpace have completely revolutionized how we communicate.
Which brings me back to my original theme, (my) parents and the world wild web. My mom, who I adore, combines the two programs and calls it Facepage. As soon as I tell her whom I found on one or the other, she demands that she wants a Facepage or Mybook. Now, my father is much more up to date. So much so, that he suggested we start communicating on Twitter. Excuse me? Before my dad mentioned the newest way to e-communicate, I had never heard of it. I couldn’t believe my dad was introducing me to a new outlet on the Internet, I felt so lame and out of touch. Why didn’t I know about Twitter? I’m online over half my day!
Anyway, Twitter is a real-time short messaging service. As a member you can follow and “tweet” with other members. You have 140 characters to express what you’re doing, what you are thinking or what you had for breakfast. It’s fun and simple. You can post a photo of yourself that shows up as a tiny thumbnail. Twitter doesn’t require you to list quotes, personal information or marital status. Twitter is about communication on the go and takes less than two minutes to log on, update status and see what others “tweeters” are doing. My screen name is beckysue33, just in case you are interested in following my random thoughts, mood or lunch selection.
As crazy as the technology age is becoming, I’m enjoying the advances and look forward to the latest gadget. Cell phones and e-mail help with the distance between my parents in Colorado, my cousin in Florida and my dear friend in Northern Ireland. So, it doesn’t matter whether you have a Mybook or Facepage, the important thing is to stay in touch and keep up to date. Thanks dad!
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