Happy 2010!

I have to say that I am getting a little too used to this holiday schedule at work!! I like having two short weeks with Christmas and New Years back to back!  Things have been a little slow around the office lately, but I have enjoyed the quiet as I have been able to scratch some things off the 'to do' list that I have been meaning to get to forever.

I'm heading off to Cola for NYE tomorrow night and plan on hanging out in the lowcountry for the weekend.  I can't believe that 2009 is already coming to a close.  What a year it has been!  For starters, I graduated college, got a job, moved to Charleston, and got my insurance license.  I can't wait to see what 2010 has in store. . . though I do still have to work on my new year's resolutions!!

Happy New Years everyone!

Merry Merry!

Hope Christmas was a wonderful holiday (and holy-day) for everyone.  My family and I had this incredible devotion on Christmas morning about making sure that Christmas remains a holy-day, and not just another holiday.  I know that even in my short 22 (almost 23!) years, I have definitely noticed how our "politically correct" secular society has replaced the nativity scene, Gabriel, and shepherds with snowmen, sleds, and nutcrackers.  It is saddening, for as Christians, we have an amazing reason to rejoice!  The Promised One, the Son of God, is here!  He has come to save us from our sins!  I pray that each and every one of you were able to remember that He alone is the reason for the season, and keep the Christ in Christmas!

We had the best Christmas at Laurel Spring.  All 21 of my dad's family (cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents) were there, and it was wonderful (and chaotic!!) to all be together under one roof for the better part of a week and a half.  There's nothing like family being together- the close relationships, good food, and tons of fun.  My dad's fam is quite the active bunch so our many activities included: shooting skeet, quail hunting (I got two!!), having a ladder ball tournament, playing games, walking twice a day, going to a debutante ball (all 21 of us), four-wheeling, and horseback riding.

It really was incredible to be away and have family time. . . especially since many of the cousins now have graduated, gone to college/ graduate school, gotten jobs far away, etc.  We don't get to see each other as often as we used to so the time together is certainly appreciated.  Also, several of the cousins' "significant others" (including Lash :)) were able to join us for a few days.  And, big news, my cousin Dargan's boyfriend proposed to her while we were there!  It certainly was a Christmas to remember.  I know we are all excited about the wedding and being together again this summer for it and our week at DeBordieu.

I'm now back in Charleston, unfortunately down for the count with a pretty nasty cold.  Too much fun and Christmas I guess, but thankfully the doctors in the fam were able to give me an antibiotic and other drugs so hopefully I will be on the rebound in no time.  (Specifically before NYE If I had it my way! I'm trying to find a miraculously cheap flight to Chattanooga or possibly be able to drive 7 hrs. .. .)

Anyways, I'm flying solo in Charleston this week and don't have any plans so I'll probably be blogging frequently. Lash is in Nebraska hunting with his family and Leah is skiing in Colorado. So, anyone have any good movie recommendations???  (Ahem, you should leave a comment--- this is my shameless plug).  I recently joined NetFlix and am definitely going to be hitting up that membership this week!  Hope the last few days of 2009 are wonderful for everyone!!

Police Report

Well, thought I was taking a blogging hiatus, but today's events deserve recapping!

As many of you may known, I never check my VM. However, today I was at work and received a voicemail from an unknown number. Because I had no idea who it was from, I figured I probably should check it out. Well, good thing I did because it was from the Charleston police department saying that they are investigating an incident that happened at my apartment.

(First, why would they ever leave that on someone's VM recorder-- that's a recipe for a heart and an anxiety attack!!I)

Naturally, I start freaking out, thinking someone has broken into my apartment, something is terribly wrong, someone has been hurt, or worse-- terrible things are running through my head. . . My fingers are shaking and my heart is pounding as I call the number back for an hour trying to get in touch with someone. No one answers, I leave two ovoicemails, call every number listed online for the police department. No one can help me figure it out. They have no record of an incident at my apartment.

I call my landlord, she has no idea anything is happening. I call my roommate Leah, and she has not heard anything. Luckily, she works downtown so she runs home, but nothing is wrong at the house- no windows are broken, the doors are still locked, and her bike is still out back. I am clueless (and still terrified haha).

I finally got in touch with someone almost two hours later. I have been near tears at the office trying to figure out what the hell is going on and feeling helpless. Well, it turns out that the property management group at the place I lived this summer on James Island still has my name on the lease agreement as the current tenant, even though I never signed the lease (remember that's why I moved out). I told the officer that maybe my name was on it because maybe they had not replaced it because no one had moved in yet... However, he laughed and explained that someone is living there because this new tenant had a raging party last weekend and something bad happened so the police are investigating the incident.

I am finally breathing one big sigh of relief! It was so frustrating not being able to get any information and answers. Understandably, I have not gotten a thing done at work this afternoon but thankfully everything is okay and I am not involved in the situation at all!!

Merry Christmas!!

Hope everyone has a very, very Merry Christmas!!  I am heading to the country for a week and a half and will definitely be taking a blogging hiatus. I still have to come into Charleston to work for a day or two, but other than that, I have fun holiday plans of a Christmas party, an oyster roast, a debutante ball, and lots of family time. I'm also hoping to knock down my first quail Saturday afternoon!  It is certainly different not having a Christmas "break" like you get in college, but I definitely am not going to complain since we get to be at Laurel Spring for two weeks. . . not to mention that I also love my job. :)

Anyways, I hope everyone finds time during the busyness of the holidays to remember the reason for the season! Thanks be to God!

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11

Tiger Tiger Tiger. . .

Hehehe... Courtesy of Dargan :)

Informercial Gold

After thoughtful infomercial consideration (gosh, so many options to choose from), I have finally decided on my gift for the white elephant gift exchange:

An Obama Chia pet!!! Of course, this is a special edition item so if you want one for yourself, I best suggest you hop on Amazon asap! And, this one of a kind treasure comes in two versions-- a happy or a determined face so you can pick your prez's attitude. . .

I can't WAIT for the gift exchange!

Online Shopping

I have a love/ hate relationship with online shopping for clothes. I don't have a similar relationship with places like Amazon (love it!), but when I'm ordering clothing online, I never know what I'm going to get!

Sometimes, I get lucky and find items that I end up wearing to death. Other times, I place an order online, and ultimately discover an internet shopping disaster when I go to try things on.

I guess that's the risk I take when browsing the web, but I hate it. I get so hyped up about my online purchases that I am so disappointed when they don't pan out. Someone has to be able to relate to me here, right??

Well, last week I ordered an impressive amount of merchandise from Forever21. I wanted some cute tunic-y dresses that I could layer over leggings or tights that I wouldn't hate ruining at a bar or similar event, or a cute, easy outfit that I could just throw on and go. Well, my items came today, after I have been stalking the FedEx.com shipment status hourly, and none of the items that I had been so excited about worked. The only thing I'm keeping is a $6.00 pair of skinny jeans... and I ordered those because I have never had a pair and wanted to see if they worked on me. Go figure!!

Best Macaroni and Cheese Ever

Courtesy of Alton Brown on the Food Network. This recipe is delicious!

Ingredients

• 1/2 pound elbow macaroni
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 1 tablespoon powdered mustard
• 3 cups milk
• 1/2 cup yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 large egg
• 12 ounces sharp cheddar, shredded
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• Fresh black pepper

Topping:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

In a large pot of boiling, salted water cook the pasta to al dente.

While the pasta is cooking, in a separate pot, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and mustard and keep it moving for about five minutes. Make sure it's free of lumps. Stir in the milk, onion, bay leaf, and paprika. Simmer for ten minutes and remove the bay leaf.

Temper in the egg. Stir in 3/4 of the cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Fold the macaroni into the mix and pour into a 2-quart casserole dish. Top with remaining cheese.

Melt the butter in a saute pan and toss the bread crumbs to coat. Top the macaroni with the bread crumbs. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and rest for five minutes before serving.

Merry Christmas from PURE

Do you like our office Christmas tree? The "skirt" is bubble wrap and the ornaments are hung with paper clips-- I think Dwight and the rest of "The Office" crew would be proud!

P.S. That's also my desk behind the tree so I will basically be in heaven for the next 3 weeks smelling the tree all day! :)

White Elephant

My cousins and I are having a White Elephant gift exchange over the Christmas Holidays. We did it last year, and it was hysterical. Someone walked away with an old retainer, another person used tennis shoes. . . This year, however, you are only allowed to bring gifts that you purchased from infomercials. It is pretty much guaranteed to be another great success. However, I still need to get my "prize!" Has anyone seen any great "as seen on TV" gag gifts lately? Ideas and suggestions greatly encouraged!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

May your stuffing be tasty
May your turkey be plump,
May your potatoes and gravy
Have never a lump.
May your yams be delicious
And your pies take the prize,
And may your Thanksgiving dinner
Stay off your thighs!

The Car Fairy

Crazy left her car lights on AGAIN today. (3rd time). I told you life is never boring living next to the elderly!

Worst first date ever. . .

If you didn't see this on the Tonight show, I hope you're sitting down when you read it. This is probably the funniest date story ever, first date or not!!! We have all had bad dates but this takes the cake. Jay Leno went into the audience to find the most embarrassing first date that a woman ever had. The winner described her worst first date experience. There was absolutely no question as to why her tale took the prize!

She said it was midwinter...Snowing and quite cold... and the guy had taken her skiing in the mountains outside Salt Lake City , Utah. It was a day trip (no overnight). They were strangers, after all, and had never met before. The outing was fun but relatively uneventful until they were headed home late that afternoon. They were driving back down the mountain, when she gradually began to realize that she should not have had that extra latte. They were about an hour away from anywhere with a rest room and in the middle of nowhere!

Her companion suggested she try to hold it, which she did for a while. Unfortunately, because of the heavy snow and slow going, there came a point where she told him that he had better stop and let her go beside the road, or it would be the front seat of his car.

They stopped and she quickly crawled out beside the car, yanked her pants down and started. In the deep snow she didn't have good footing, so she let her butt rest against the rear fender to steady herself. Her companion stood on the side of the car watching for traffic and indeed was a real gentleman and refrained from peeking. All she could think about was the relief she felt despite the rather embarrassing nature of the situation.

Upon finishing however, she soon became aware of another sensation. As she bent to pull up her pants, the young lady discovered her buttocks were firmly glued against the car's fender. Thoughts of tongues frozen to poles immediately came to mind as she attempted to disengage her flesh from the icy metal. It was quickly apparent that she had a brand new problem, due to the extreme cold.

Horrified by her plight and yet aware of the humor of the moment, she answered her date's concerns about' what is taking so long' with a reply that indeed, she was 'freezing her butt off' and in need of some assistance! He came around the car as she tried to cover herself with her sweater and then, as she looked imploringly into his eyes, he burst out laughing. She too, got the giggles and when they finally managed to compose themselves, they assessed her dilemma. Obviously, as hysterical as the situation was, they also were faced with a real problem.

Both agreed it would take something hot to free her chilly cheeks from the grip of the icy metal! Thinking about what had gotten her into the predicament in the first place, both quickly realized that there was only one way to get her free. So, as she looked the other way, her first time date proceeded to unzip his pants and pee her butt off the fender.

As the audience screamed in laughter, she took the Tonight Show prize hands down. Or perhaps that should be 'pants down. And you thought your first date was embarrassing. Jay Leno's comment...'This gives a whole new meaning to being pissed off.'

Oh and how did the first date turn out? He became her husband and was sitting next to her on the Leno show.

The Ginger People

Apparently, I have food on the brain this Tuesday... but this is something that I just had to share. You need to go out right now and buy this sweet Thai Chili sauce. It is the best. I am very picky about a good Thai Chili sauce and this one beats everyone I have ever tasted (store bought). It is the perfect blend of sweet and heat, with balanced flavors of the ginger, chiles, and red peppers. I serve it with so many dishes!

The one I love is made by The Ginger People and is their "sweet ginger chili sauce." I haven't looked yet at Publix or any "regular" grocery story, but I've found the sauces at Earthfare and Whole Foods... Be careful though and stock up, because several times when I've gone to get it, I have actually grabbed the last one on the shelf! I hope you love it as much as I do!

Penne with Asparagus and Peas

This is a delicious and easy recipe for any week night if you need something to throw together! Add sautéed chicken or shrimp for a complete meal.

Ingredients:

1/2 lb penne

2 T EVOO

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 lb. thick asparaguas, cut into 1" pieces

2 c. chicken stock

2 c. peas

1/4 c. heavy cream (I use milk)

2 T. unsalted butter

1/2 c. grated Parmigiano- Reggiano

1. Boil pasta al dente

2. Heat EVOO, add garlic and asparagus- cook over moderately low heat, stirring 3 mins

3. Add stock and boil over high heat until reduced by half, about 5 mins

4. Add peas and cream to the skillet, boil until sauce has thickened, about 3 mins

5. Stir in penne, heat through

6. Remove from heat. Add butter and cheese. S&P to taste.

Make Over 2

I'm still playing with my blog background. I want something simple.... that does not distract from the blog itself. The other ones I thought were a little busy, so I'm enjoying this one for a nice change! However,does anyone know how to make the blog title center in the middle of the blog header? I can't figure that out on here... Help a sista out!

Lash and I are about to feast on breakfast for dinner-- YUM! I'll try to do another post later tonight but it might have to wait until tomorrow. Hope everyone is doing well!

I PASSED!

Thanks so much for everyone's prayers and support over the last week! It was a rigorous week of studying, but thankfully, it is over, and I successfully passed the state exam!

I can definitely see why "adults" struggle with going back to school after they have been out of school for several years. It took me 3 days to get in the class routine and turn my brain/ studying mode on... and I haven't been out of school but 6 months!

Needless to say, right now I am completely content with my 9-5 routine any day. I LOVE knocking off in the evening and having no obligations (or studying to do!!) until the next morning. But I learned a lot last week and am so thankful for the opportunity that I had. I would definitely recommend the Brewer School of Insurance to anyone that is interested... My nerdy self really enjoyed it! Now, I just can't wait to get a deeper understanding how PURE with all the knowledge I gained from the class!

Insurance School

I'm back in school for the week getting my insurance license! I'm really excited that PURE has given me the opportunity to become a SC Property and Casualty producer... but please pray for me this week! Especially for some strength, knowledge, and peace of mind! I'm in class this week from 8-5:30, and then I've got a 2 1/2 hour exam to pass!

Happy Halloween!!

I carved my first (and last!!!) pumpkin this year. I made the mistake of NOT getting the $2 pumpkin carving kit and I was pretty much cursing myself the whole time for that decision. Basically, I HATED every second of pulling out all that those slimy insides, got impatient, and just started carving.... so I can't even put a candle in it because about half of the guts are still inside. But regardless, here is the finished product-- clearly we've got a prize winner in the house!!!

Hahaha, it looks so pathetic.

Also, this is a HYSTERICAL picture of my parents. They dressed up for a Halloween party for Wofford's Parents' Weekend. I can't not even tell you how bad I wish I had seen this in person. My sister sent me this picture to me on my blackberry via MMS with the subject "Who the hell are these people?" hahahahaha I LOVE IT.

Happy Halloween everybody!

Taking absentmindedness to a new level

This is probably one of the most random problems ever to have, but I have really been struggling lately with this:

Remembering to take my KEYS out of the front door lock!!!!!!

WHAT??!? Who has this problem? Moreover, how is it even a problem? It is NOT like it is a new concept! But y'all, at least once a week, I unlock the door, walk in, and totally forget to take them out. I generally don't consider myself to be absentminded, but this is just blowing my mind.

If only it were that simple!

The Proposal

I'm no movie buff... I never seem to sit down long enough in front of the TV to really enjoy one, or am too tired at night to stay up until 11 to finished one. If anything, give me a 30 minute (Jeopardy!) to an hour (LOST) TV show :). I LOVE those shows!

However, last night I did not have too much going on after work, and dragged Lash over to watch a movie with me. My mom and sister have both raved to me about The Proposal with Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds, so I somehow coaxed Lash into watching it with me. I thought it was going to be a little cheesy, but honestly, it is really cute! Certainly, some parts are awkward and too Hollywood, but overall it is a great laugh and funny story. I was almost in tears laughing at some points... and even Lash liked it too so it works for a good "date movie"!! Go rent it if you haven't seen it!

Happy Fall Y'all!

(Finally) Gone are the 80 degree October temperatures, and I am so excited!! Summer is hands down my favorite season... I love the heat, beach, river, sun, vacation, relaxation, etc, but there definitely comes and time and place for the cooler weather... and after about 5 months of 80-90 degrees, I'm welcoming the cooler temperatures with open arms!

Things I love about Fall:

-Scarves!

-Cooler temperatures in the AM and PM but tolerable temperatures midday

-Oyster Roasts

-Leaves changing

-Football

-New beginnings

-Weekends traveling to football games or hanging out in Charleston with friends

-Going to Laurel Spring (family plantation in between Beaufort and Charleston)

and of course,

-Fun Holidays and reasons to get together with friends and family

I love crabbing!

About a month ago, Lash and I went to my family's plantation in between Beaufort and Charleston, and went crabbing. I love to crab, and Laurel Spring has tons of them just waiting for my hand line and chicken neck. We filled up one and a half 5 gallon buckets full, took them back to Charleston for a pick 'n eat, and had a delicious supper with great friends!

Here is a picture of some of our monsters. We definitely didn't need to worry about the 5" minimum limit.... This fellas were huge! (And can you tell how excited we were!? haha, it was the best day)

Make Over

My blog got a little make over! I've been meaning to do this for a while... However, I'm not sure if this background is the one I will keep so don't be surprised if you check back and it's different!

P.S. SO excited all of my friends are joining the blogging world!!

Just another day on Rutledge Avenue....

As I mentioned, I recently moved downtown. It has been such a blessing living here- I'm walking distance to church, great restaurants, exercise routes, shopping, bars, or really anything my little heart desires.... and I feel super safe. Down the street, our neighbors are mostly families with young kids that run another the neighborhood, or older couples whose children are grown and have moved away.

To the left, however, we have three older ladies that live in the three townhouses next to ours. Two of them are widowed, and the other has a husband (but I'm not sure his elevator goes all the way to the top anymore.... I know it is horrible to say but I'm trying to paint the picture of the road to the left). Before Leah and I signed our lease, we met each of these ladies, and should have had a pretty good idea what we were getting into. As soon as we pulled up to look at the apartment, they were outside on the street trying to find out who we were, what we were doing, etc. They gave us the "no party" riot act, told us all about the residence's previous tenants, told us they would be "watching" us, but nevertheless, how excited they were to have "two adorable young ladies" as their neighbors. Bottom line, they are hysterical, the typical older ladies you see on funny cards and napkins, and we immediately knew that living near them would never have a dull moment.

Well, we have not been disappointed.

Two weeks ago, I came home from work around 6 and noticed that my neighbor's car was still on, though it was parked in her off street parking lot several yards from her house.... I shrugged, thinking it kind of weird, but thought maybe she had forgotten something and run back inside. 30 minutes later, I checked back outside to make sure either she is gone or that she turned the car off. NOPE. Trying to keep in her good graces, I go knock on the door, explain to my confused neighbor, that "okay crazy lady, your keys are in the ignition, your car is on, and it is unlocked..." Turns out, she had obviously not meant to leave it on. (?) We had a good laugh, and she thanked me profusely for saving her battery.

Well, Sunday night Lash came over for supper and went to leave around 8. When I walked him to the door, I realize that the same crazy lady's display lamp in her car is on, AND the passenger window is rolled down. I thought about crawling and trying to turn off the light myself, but then visions on a car alarm and my body half- way hanging out of the window made me think otherwise. I have to bang on her door, again, late on a Sunday night. This time, she is already in her nightgown, looking like she's about to go to bed any second. I felt so bad for disturbing her, and told her, "Please don't think I'm crazy, but your car . . . . ." and continued to tell her the story. And she responses, "Crazy? Your crazy? Hell honey, you know I'm the crazy one"

And all I could do was politely smile and laugh, because yes, ma'am, I'm beginning to think so.

Book Club

Highly recommended reading:

"The Help"

by Kathryn Stockett

Set in the 1960s, "The Help" narrates the lives of the black women who worked in privileged white homes in Jackson, Misssippi as "the help," during the midst of the turmoil of the civil rights movement. Three ordinary women embark on an extraordinary task for their time, and their lives will never be the same.

Throughout its captivating pages, "The Help" will have you laughing out loud and crying at the same time. It is one of the best books I have read in a very long time. I hope you enjoy it too!!

(Also, for you non-readers, the book on tape is a hoot! With excellent dialogue and well- casted characters, I also recommend listing to it after you have read it!)

Global Warming

Pretty clever :)

Are you there, blog? It's me, Mary Loyal.

Are you there??

I've been terrrrrible about updating this blog but I tell you what- lately, I have had NO inspiration... The creative juices just have not been flowing.

I've been getting an occasional shout out from friends that y'all are still reading.. so thanks for sticking with me! Hopefully your encouragement will motivate me to get back on the horse and keep writing.

So what have I been up to lately??? Moved Luci into Wofford, went to Garden City for Labor Day to hang out with friends and Lash's family, went home for a weekend for our annual Rowe/ Wofford blow out (my mom's college best friends come to Beaufort for a reunion.. it is always one of the highlights of my summer!) and then went to Raleigh with Tippins to visit Concetta.

Recurring themes? Back to back travel and being super busy!! I finally spent the weekend in Charleston last weekend--- the first since the beginning of August! I was so glad to finally be able to relax and not hop in the car--- although it really has been a great summer. Hopefully things will slow down a little bit in the fall... though with football and homecoming and whatever else comes along, I doubt that will happen!

1-888 vs 1-800

At work, I am responsible for answering the toll free number. I usually really enjoy talking to prospective clients as they call in wanting to know more about PURE or speaking with mortgage brokers or other agents who we work with about various issues.

Last week, a mortgage broker called wanting to get billing information on a mutual client. Because I'm working primarily on the sales side of PURE, I do not have access to that information, so I gave him the number to our Member Services department. Well, either he wrote down the number wrong or I gave him the wrong number, but he called back not 3 minutes later, laughing hysterically. He was like, "Either we miscommunicated the number or you just pulled the best prank on me ever." I was clueless as to what he was talking about. Well, little did I know that if you dial 1-800+ our number (instead of 1-888+ our number), you get a SEX HOTLINE!! OHHH it was so embarrassing! Luckily he had a great sense of humor about the whole thing, but next time someone needs that number, I will definitely reinforce the 1-888.

Bring the Rain

I've been swamped at work lately, and completely exhausted by the time I get home--- hence the lack of logging lately. Understandably, but nevertheless hypocritical, however, when I tell you that one thing that I love to do at night is read other people's blogs. I love getting lost in other people's worlds and reading about their lives. Maybe it is the dorky English major in me who is too tired to pick up a book, but I love it.

Last night, I stumbled upon a blog called "Bring the Rain." Until yesterday, I had never heard of Angie, or knew nothing of her life, but I am very thankful I found her blog. She is a strong Christian woman, and her courage and perseverance through life's ups and downs is very moving. It is a little difficult to catch up 2 years into her blog, if you read the first post, you will be hooked! http://audreycaroline.blogspot.com/2008/01/beginning-of-story.html

Bring me joy, bring me peace,

bring the chance to be free,

bring me anything that brings You glory.

And I know there''ll be days

When this life brings me pain,

but if that's what it takes to praise You,

Jesus bring the rain.

- Mercy Me "Bring the Rain"

Shark Week

In honor of Discovery Channel's Shark Week (which I am glued to), I thought I'd post some pictures from our recent family trip to DeBordieu. My cousins tied some mullet to a shark buoy in the inlet, just playing around and interested to see what they would get. Well, after a day in the water, when they want to see their trap, this is what they found.

That, my friends, in Hunter's right hand, is the 6 foot tiger shark that ate the mullet. The monster in the foreground, is the 9 foot tiger shark that ate the 6 foot shark.

Don't think its big?

This is my cousin Boyce who is taller than me!

JAWS....

Wedding Bells!!

One of my best friends is getting married!!!! Wilson proposed to Tippins today on the beach at Isle of Palms! I am beyond thrilled for them to have this "happily ever after" ending-- I know that they will be perfect together. They are a wonderful pair, and I wish them all the best as they begin a new chapter in their lives.

Here's a pic of me and Tip from this past spring. It is not very good of me at all but I didn't feel like searching for another one.. Tip, I'm soooo excited for you and love you so much!!!

July 23?

So, I haven't blogged in forever... I kind of took a little hiatus because 1) I really wasn't sure anyone was actually reading this (are you?) and 2) I really didn't have anything exciting to report! One thing I have definitely learned post graduation is that the working world is quite routine and flies by sooo fast!

I can hardly believe July is over. Also, I have been out of town every weekend of this month so far with our family beach week, the fourth, Beaufort Waterfestival, etc, etc... I'll finally be home this weekend and am excited about spending the weekend in Charleston. Plus, one of my best friends, Tippins, is coming down Friday to go out to dinner and then hang out... I love spending time with college friends! I seriously miss everyone so much, and really value the time I get to have with everyone.

BTW, I'm moving next week to the corner of Rutledge/ Broad downtown! I can't wait to be there. I've loved being on James Island, but things really were not working out very well with my landlord (i.e. I still haven't signed my lease and I have been here two months, plus none of my maintenance requests have been attended to...??). So, I'm outta here! Moving in with Leah Hyatt in this adorable little townhouse. I loveeee it. Come visit me!

"The Voice Claims Another Victim" by Cal Thomas

Below is an article entitled "The Voice Claims Another Victim."  Written by Cal Thomas, it gives a tremendous Biblical worldview on Governor Sanford's tragic situation and disappointing events.  I found this article very appropriate, well- written, and definitely worth passing along.  Hope you enjoy.

"The first thing that should be acknowledged about South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford's admission to an extramarital affair is that it could happen to any of us. That is not an excuse (and no, it has not happened to me, or to my wife). Every married person has heard the voice; the one that says you deserve something "better."

Gov. Sanford should have been familiar with the voice because of the Bible studies he attended. The voice began seducing humanity a long time ago. It told our first parents that they needed more than the perfection of Eden. The voice told them that God knew that if they ate of the tree of knowledge of good and evil they would be like God. But they already were like God, because they were made in His image.

Stick with me you secularists and non-literalists, because there is a point to be made for you, too.

Psychiatrists explain that married people tire of one another after 10 or 20 years (it used to be seven years, as in that Marilyn Monroe/Tom Ewell film "The Seven Year Itch." Must be inflation.). Good marriages are the result of hard work. Forsaking all others is more than a wedding promise. It is a daily denial of one's lower instincts. Temptation is everywhere. The key to overcoming it is to realize you are fighting an adversarial force that wants to destroy you, embarrass you and cause ridicule to be heaped on the God you claim to worship.

One can make excuses about power and loneliness and starting out as a friendship that develops into something else, as Gov. Sanford rambled on about, but one can't explain adultery. It is what it is and the person who commits it should be calling on God for mercy, not the voters for understanding.

I once asked evangelist Billy Graham if he experienced temptations of the flesh when he was young. He said, "of course." How did he deal with them? With passion he responded, "I asked God to strike me dead before He ever allowed me to dishonor Him in that way." That is the kind of seriousness one needs to overcome the temptations of a corrupt culture in which shameful behavior is too often paraded in the streets.

There was a time when a divorce would disqualify someone from public office. Now people admit affairs and expect to stay in office. "It's just sex," said defenders of Bill Clinton. One might as well say, "it was just a gun" that killed my spouse. Adultery wounds in ways a bullet cannot. One can potentially heal from a bullet wound, but a shot to the soul and to the trust that must be central to any marriage is nearly impossible to repair. The wounded spouse always wonders, "Will he/she do it again?"

A relationship most promise to venerate "until death us do part" is damaged by adultery, whether it's a TV evangelist, a politician or a regular Joe who violates the marriage bed. In fact, we rarely even use the word "adultery" anymore because it sounds so, uh, biblical, and those teachings and commands long ago fell out of fashion, though they work for those who embrace them.

Any man who claims never to have had thoughts of straying is a liar. Any man who has sought the help of God and other men in helping him to honor his marriage promises to his wife and children is a hero, especially in today's morally exhausted culture.

I miss Paul Harvey and his acknowledgement of those who had been married 50, 60, even 70 years. Those people are my role models. I'm sure they heard the voice, too, but they told it to get lost and it did. Pushing against weights builds up the body, pushing against the voice builds up the soul and improves a marriage. You can never take a marriage -- or the voice -- for granted; it's always on the prowl looking for new people to destroy."

Cola Trip

I went to Columbia last night for a mini Wofford girls reunion.  Blanche, Lauren, and Sally just moved into a house there, and I have been dying to catch up with them and hang out.  It was wonderful to see everyone!  Before we graduated, I was worried that it was going to be potentially awkward when we all got together for the first time in a while... but honestly, that was not the case at all.  It was like we had never missed a beat!  Unfortunately, I didn't take any pictures over the weekend so I've got nothing fun to color my blog with, but I hope I can find some someone else took.  

I LOVE being in Charleston, but I do really wish more of my friends were here.  Luckily, we aren't toooo far spread out (most of us are within driving distance), but I got so spoiled at Wofford having my best friends either down the hall or across a lawn.  In two weeks, we are having another big reunion at my friend Concetta's house.  I'm counting down.  It is going to be a hell of a drive (from Charleston to Hampton, VA---- I think like 7 hours), but totally worth it to see everyone.  I don't even know who is reading my blog, but damn, I miss everyone so much!

Riverdogs!

I went to my first Charleston Riverdogs game last night and it was so fun!  The company that I work for, Pure, is one of the team's sponsors so we have awesome first row seats- right behind the batter's box!  And, Thursdays are Thirsty Thursdays, so all yesterday I was thinking about a hot dog and a beer.  So healthy, right?

Lash came with me to the game and these days with my work and his internship and studying, we really do not get to spend much time together during the week.  It was great to hang out with him.  

It started out as a really fun game... until Lash noticed a BLACK cloud quickly approaching in the sky.  Because we weren't under any roof, we darted up the steps to get under cover.  Just in the nick of time too!  It started pouring!  Monsoon...  Thunder... Lightning... I was terrified haha!  

But, by that point, we couldn't go anywhere and the car was wayyy too far away to run... So we waited.  1 hour and 40 minute rain delay.  It didn't seem like that long because we found some friends and ended up hanging out with them (and they were still serving beer!).  And somewhere, at the rainy mess, they ended up playing the game again after it stopped raining!! 

We stayed for a little bit longer, but work at 9 am cut my night a little short.  I didn't get home from the game until 11:30 and didn't go to bed until later, so I have been ex-haust-ed today.  Its not even 9pm yet, and I am going to bed.  

Luci Goosie

Happy Birthday to the greatest sister in the whole world!  Luci is 20!  

I am so lucky to have such an awesome sister.  She is my best friend, and I love and admire her so much.  

Tuesday night my family had a big celebration in honor of our Luci Goosie!  I went home for the evening, and it was a great night.  Though I had to get up extra early to come back to Charleston for work on Wednesday, it was definitely worth it.  Mom fixed a gourmet meal that was incredibly delicious (as always), Luci opened her presents, and all four of us sat around the table laughing about funny Luci stories and times.  There is nothing like family...  I can't wait to go home again!

No more excuses

I never thought the 9-5 thing would THAT big of an adjustment, but boy, was I wrong!!  I have been SO tired at night when I get home from work.... Going to bed often before 10!  I was an early- to- bed, early- riser for the most part during college (well, on the week nights) so I thought 9-5 would be no big deal.  

Well, these days I get home, immediately put on my pjs, fix dinner, maybe have a glass of wine, watch a little TV, do a sudoku and I am out.  I've been trying to let myself "ease" into the routine--- sleeping until 7:30, not doing too much after work, taking it easy...  But not anymore.  

I'm getting back on an early morning exercise routine.  My friends Concetta and Tippins and I were reallllly good about working out last semester.  At least 3 days a week, we'd hit the gym at 7:20 am before our 9:30 classes and other days run in the afternoons.  And I loved those AM gym trips!  Of course, sometimes it was a pain to get out of bed, but nevertheless, it was a great way to start the day.  It gave me so much energy, and it was definitely great to get exercising out of the way!

So now, I have decided to pick it up again.  I'm going on my third week of work, and I've got to move on and shake it up a bit.  Tomorrow AM my alarm is set for 6:45.  I hope I get up!

TGIF

When I was in school, I thought I got the whole TGIF thing.

Wrong.

I've come to realize that, throughout my brief experience in the working world, TGIF means something completely different.  Once you get to 5:00 on Friday, you are finished.  Sure, some thoughts on the ole "to do" list may creep in my head occasionally, but they fade.  

I have found it so liberating to know that once that clock rolls over to that blessed hour, I have no obligations until Monday morning at 9 am.  Nada.  

Sunday's at school were always stressful- you had to make up for all the play time you took on the weekend, get organized for the week, and hit the books to prepare for the week ahead.... when all you really wanted to do was sit on the couch in your pjs and laugh with friends about what happened that weekend.  Now, I don't have any tests to rush back to study for or any papers to cram out late night and can sit on the couch all I want.

And, for that, I say TGIF!!!

Busy Beeee

OOOoooo I have been SO terrible at blogging lately.  I hope to get better about it now that life has slowed down a little bit and I seem to finally be getting into a routine.  

We got back from our family trip to the Keys and had a fabulous time!!  We stayed in a great condo on Marathon, with our boat right out back and a pool very nearby.  I was in heaven!  I turned into an angler while we were there, fishing all day everyday for 4 days straight!  We caught a monster dolphin one day off shore, and had pretty good success in the backcountry.  I think the Keys is one of my favorite places to vacation, and I definitely want to go back asap.  It was a perfect way to transition in between college and the real world.

Since then, I have moved into my apartment on James Island and started my J-O-B.  That's right, I am a working woman!  And, I have really enjoyed it so far!  (I think the only major adjustment has really been getting used to the 9 to 5 thing).  I'm sure I will be blogging about office life soon, I just really wanted to get a post up when it had been for-ever.

Bad Luck Bananas

My family is in the Keys for my graduation present, and I learned something very important today--- do not take bananas on a boat.  I grabbed a banana for breakfast before my dad and I went offshore fishing.  As I put it in my bag, he quickly said “Don’t take that on the boat!  You must eat it before we leave the dock!”  I laughed, and thought he was crazy as he went on the explain the “social more” of taking naners on the boat.  Apparently, to many fisherman around the world, there is nothing unluckier than a banana on a boat.

According to some site I googled,

“The origin of this superstition is uncertain, but many believe that it began in olden times, when bananas were transported by rickety, overcrowded, top-heavy boats plying the tropics (now known as cruise ships). These boats would frequently sink, leaving behind a residue of floating yellow commas, thus leading witnesses to deduce that hauling bananas was unlucky. A more scientific explanation is that since bananas give off ethylene gas when they ripen, it causes other perishable foodstuffs to spoil more quickly. This expended-gas theory could be why it’s also considered unlucky to have a politician on board. Yet another theory suggests that crates of bananas would also contain unwanted pests, such as spiders, snakes, flies, mice and Beanie Babies.”

Furthermore,

“In the early 1700’s, during the height of the Spanish’s South Atlantic and Caribbean trading empire, it was observed that nearly every ship that disappeared at sea and did not make its destination was carrying a cargo of bananas. This gave rise to the belief that hauling bananas was a dangerous prospect.”

I had no idea this superstition existed, nor do I particularly believe in superstitions, but I thought it was pretty entertaining and worth a mention….   

Though, it is important furthermore to note that yesterday, when I ate one on the boat, we got SKUNKED!  NO FISH!  Maybe its true!

Hurricane May Lo

It has been one hell of a whirlwind the past few days... 

An update on my life:

Last week-- went to Charleston for two days in between exams with Mom to look for apartments on James Island (and found one!), and afterwards, gave my last presentation and completed college... This past weekend-- lots of festivities, culminating in me graduating magna cum laude. I had one of the best weekends to end it all, though I HATED leaving.  Sunday, we moved out of Wofford (thank you mules Daddy and Lash!) and took a pit stop in Columbia to move my sister's old apartment out before going coming to Beaufort to unpack and repack...  This week-- moved into my new apartment on James Island, and tomorrow, going to the keys for a week as my graduation present.

To say the least, it has been C-R-A-Z-Y around the Laffitte household.

Leaving Wofford was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do.  I am so depressed that I will not get to be with my friends day in and day out like I have been the past four years.  It was one hell of a ride.  I am so grateful my parents allowed me to go to Wofford.  I am so excited to start my job and move on to the next phase of my life, but gosh, am I going to miss that place!!  And, the worse part is that I really have not had too much time to think through all the ramifications of leaving college because we've been so busy...  This time next week I'll probably be having a mental breakdown.  

Here's a photo of some of my best friends and I in our cap and down after graduation:

I can already tell you that I miss them so much... But, can't be sad for too long... life moves on, and I hope we will all always be close.  I am SOOO excited about our vacation (catching fish and getting sun!!) and can't WAIT to start my job.  I am so blessed to have one!  

School's out for summer.... School's out forever!!

I am 100% finished with my college career!!!!  The last class is over, my last presentation given, and my last exam completed.  It is such an exciting feeling, but also very bittersweet.  I'll be sure to post pictures from graduation and write about the weekend!!  

I am EMPLOYED!

WOOOOO hoooo!

I have received a job offer from an insurance company in Charleston, SC and can not WAIT to join their team!! I will be working for Pure, short for Privilege Underwriters Reciprocal Exchange, as an executive assistant, and am so excited about the opportunity to learn more about the "real world" and the insurance industry.   I'm sure a lot of my upcoming posts will be about my transitions!  I am so blessed--- Charleston is my dream city, and not only do I have a job, but also  insurance is my dream job out of college.

Furthermore, this news could not have come at a better time.  I just completed my last in class exams at Wofford!  Now, I have only one 15 minute presentation standing between me and a Wofford diploma.      

Life is good!

Jobs, Jobs, Jobs...

Trying to find a job in this economy has been quite difficult to say the least.  

However, I am hearing back from two insurance companies this week- one in Charleston and one in Columbia- so pray for me that something works out!!  I'm so ready to figure out what I am going to be doing.... in 12 days!

The "Lasts"

It has been a while since my last post, but with the semester winding down, things have been super busy!  Exactly two weeks from today, I will be a Wofford College alum.  Weird.  

This weekend was our last weekend here before "quiet hours" go into effect.  We had our last KD function and the last night at fraternity row.  (Clearly, the theme here is the "last" this and the "last" that...)  Luckily, Lash was able to come up to be my date Friday night, and we had the best time at Luau.  It was also so fun to be with my best friends.  The picture I posted is some of my best friends and me when we were just hanging out in the Village before the function. 

Saturday, I went to a retirement party for my favorite professor, Dr. Dooley.  I'm sad to see him go, but excited for him to kick back and relax after 40 years at Wofford!  And, I told him he could not retire until I graduated, so luckily that worked out quite well for me!  That night, two of my favorite bands were playing at the row on Saturday so I jumped from house to house listening and singing along.

So, after wrapping up KD, fraternity, and professor fun, tonight our KD chapter advisors had us over for an amazing dinner to congratulate us and send us off into the real world.  After four years of chapter, rules, and Kappa Delta responsibilities, we are totally finished.

I can't believe my time here is coming to an end.  We have one more week of classes, a week of exams, graduation, and then it is ADIOS.  

Melting

The air conditioning in our apartment has been broken for 5 days now and I am about to scream.  We noticed it wasn't working Sunday night, when our apartment was a blazing 76 degrees in the middle of the night.  I'm one of those folks who like it to be freeeeeezing when I sleep.  Freezing, pitch black dark, and with a fan on.  

Last night it was so unbearable, I went and slept in my friend Concetta's bed in another apartment.  Thankfully, their AC is working, and I finally was able to actually sleep without waking up miserable.

I've basically harassed Maintenance the past few days to get it fixed, and after bringing the wrong part and overnighting the correct one, they have promised to get it fixed this afternoon.  I sure hope so because it is going to be 88 degrees outside all weekend.

Senior Skip

As I mentioned, my college career is winding down.  Being a senior has definitely had its perks over being an underclassman that I have certainly LOVED taking advantage of.  

Last night, my sorority pledge class got to skip chapter and do something all together one last time.  For the most part, we all spent a lot of time together, but especially in these last few weeks, every moment together is a memory!  

We ended up meeting at to Gerhard's for dinner and trivia.... which I was so excited about because 1) it's my favorite in Spartanburg (if you come into town, you have to go) and 2) I love love love trivia.  We ended up fourth overall; therefore just barely missed out on gift certificates that I wished would have covered my tab but that's okay.  It was definitely a much better way to spend the evening than sitting in a chapter meeting or studying!  P.S.  I thought I should know this being from SC and seeing them everywhere- but who knew baby alligators were called "hatchlings?"  

I want to put up pictures from the night, but I have to wait to steal them off of my friends' Facebook albums when they put them up...  Hopefully they will be coming soon but I'm still a little foggy on how to make a blog "pretty!"

My first blog!

So, I am completely new to this blogging thing, but am very excited to be starting one!   I found my inspiration to start blogging from family friends back at home who blog about their lives, families, friend, etc....  I am currently a senior at Wofford College (about to graduate in 25 days...scary!), and figure now more than ever, with life's uncertainties clearly around and ahead of me, would be an excellent time to start!  I have always been a little skeptical on this blogging ordeal because I think a private journal is much more appealing, but I thought I'd give it a shot.  I'm still struggling to understand how this whole thing works so bear with me as I get the technicalities worked out.   To all that might venture a glance on here, hope you enjoy!