Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Portrait of a Tiger

Well, if this last weekend had a name it would be called "Leslie vs. her wedding list" - I took the list of all the things left to do for the wedding and I set out on a mission. The mission: to get as many things accomplished (i.e. checked off the list) as possible. I went to SoHo (southern Hospitality), Michaels, Shoe Carnival, TJ Max, Target, PartyPlus, Ross, Bed Bath and Beyond, and then with still more energy I went to...the mall. I stepped into Dillards, Fredricks (woo woo!), The bombay company, back to Dilliards and then I was beyond exhaustion so I took my weary feet and mind home. The next day i battled on! With Walmart and then on Monday it was Kirklands....
This wedding...........
Although my apartment is about to turn into a bridal store with all the junk I have in it - I accomplished a lot and feel relieved to have quite a few red lines thru "the list".

Yesterday in desperation for THE PERFECT PICTURE FRAME for one of the wedding "details" I found myself buying a gorgeous frame with a print of a tiger in it. I was embarrassed to be purchasing the ugly print but it was on clearance and I wanted that frame! So I bravely went up to the counter like the tiger picture collector that I am and made my purchase - almost positive that upon leaving the store - the staff were calling so in so to tell them they had won the pool and some crazy lady had actually bought the hideous tiger picture.

Thats all the gab I have for today- I have to spend the rest of my precious lunch hour with my nose in my book studying for my exam. Yes the exam that I am supposed to be focused on 100% and setting the wedding planning aside for. Oh well..you're only a bride once!

-L

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

The worse kind of homesick

Nothing can make you more homesick than visiting home - now, that is a documented fact. Let me tell you about my weekend trip home. First of all, it was wonderful and I had such a great time and yet it was torture - because my flight back on Sunday was always looming in the back of my mind. The trip was just too darn short for comfort. It started this way....

I left work at 2pm on Friday in order to go home and collect Kyle before heading to the airport. Upon arrival at TPA we found our flight was delayed. The instant worry is "Will we miss our connection?". So, we sat down at a restaurant, ordered a glass of wine and waited it out. On our way to our gate we decided to stop at the mini convenience store for a pack of gum and the some magazine I can read to avoid my textbook I brought to study on the plane. Coming out of the store I do not see the giant yellow "wet floor" sign and I fall directly on to my bad knee and my earpiece goes flying across the airport floor. Onlookers see me (Kyle is in the bathroom at this moment) and continue on their way. I scramble up and limp through my almost tears to find him for some comfort. The flight gets into Memphis with just enought time to.....find out that our flight that was to delayed and without a flight crew until 9:30 (note: we were supposed to be in Tulsa at 8:50). So, we settle in to find some dinner as our dinner plans with family are clearly off. Luckily we made it to a diner with 5 minutes to spare before the kitchen closed. P.S. when traveling into Memphis bring a snack as the entire airport shuts down at 7:30 pm. At 10:30 (yes, I said 10:30) we depart. We arrive in Tulsa at a little after midnight - we get home and I completely collapse into bed with exhaustion. Sorry Mom!
Satuday morning I awake at dawn (literally) and several hours later am joined by family. Then my Mom and I are off to the salon while Kyle goes to enjoy a day of golf with my father. After the hair salon we head to the Bridal Salon where I try on my wedding dress and IT FITS! Wahoo! A quick bite to eat and we are off to the my house where my maid and matron of honor are throwing me a personal shower. We had such a good time and it was so much fun to spend time with my friends!
That night - after being forced to go swimming at midnight when Kyle returned from his golf adventure.....I collapse once again in total exhaustion.
Wake up and go to my dad's new house. Get to see my Dad finally. Visit. Eat Lunch. Go to Airport. Sorry Dad!
Our flight is delayed our of Tulsa, we run like maniacs through Detroit's Airport (yes, Detroit) and are the last people on the plane several minutes before the door shuts. Drama drama..bags doesnt fit in overhead compartment...drama drama...unloading..repacking...most hated people on any flight-EVER!....take off.
Arrive in Tampa at 12:05am. Get baggage. Catch Tram to Parking Lot. Drive the half hour to Plant City.
Sleep.
Beep Beep Beeep!!! Alarm at 6:30 Monday morning....Grrrrrr.....

So, I am so homesick because I was home - and yet I was barely there at all. It feels like I just am torturing myself because the trip was too short. Thankfully we will be there longer for Thanksgiving so it won't be so bad.

Tuesday is better - maybe I'll even unpack my suitcase.

Friday, August 17, 2007

Sweet Home Oklahoma

Alabama would be closer but, i am headed to Okrahoma this evening and I am beyond excitement! In a huge decision making process last night my beloved fiance' decided not to cancel his ticket and to come home with me. The process included a pro con list, much discussion, a coin toss, and papers with "go" and "stay" put into a hat. In the end I convinced him that he wanted to go so he should just go! It's a quick trip but it will be nice to get away for a few days and spend some time with family and friends. He is going to play golf and hang out with my dad while we do the previously planned "girl stuff". I can't wait to see my dress! Lets cross our fingers that it fits!

And now to play Tracy's game:
Here are the rules if you are my blog readers and have no idea what Tracy's game is:

1. I have to post these rules before I give you the facts.
2. Each player starts with eight random facts/habits about themselves.
3. People who are tagged need to write in their own blog about their eight things
and post these rules.
4. At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names.
5. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.

(I'm gonna follow Tracy's lead here and not tag anyone - post 'em and play along if you want!)

My 8 Random Facts/Habits:

1. I have been a Sonic Carhop, worked in a Sport’s store, Served Custard at Shakey’s, Been a preschool babysitter at the YMCA/ this included riding the bus in the morning and afternoon with the other age kiddos, Been a Drama instructor/Counselor at a summer camp where my claim to fame was meeting a rattlesnake, a wasp, and a sharp edge of a pontoon boat all in one afternoon among other outdoorsy things that don’t really sound like me at all. I was a president of my college club-Kappa Phi- where the only answer is “I’d love to!”, the mascot in high school for bit, the editor of the yearbook, a lead in a play, the quiet kid in class, a parking attendant for the Plant City Strawberry Festival (2 years running), and an Interior Designer/Architecture Intern/Gopher/Receptionist/Color and Finish Advisor/ AutoCad Technician. And I am only 24? What else could God possibly have in store for me next? Oh yeah! He is making me a wife on November 3rd!

2. I am detailed oriented to a degree that sometimes scares even myself. My blessing
is that details are the core of my career so that is good. My curse...I live in a world of lists created by me!

3. Hello. My name is Leslie and I am a Shopaholic. Currently undergoing intense counseling from my future money conscious husband.


4. I have lived an interesting life so far. I have seen and felt a lot and I am happy to be who I am even with all my discrepancies. I have been on the in skirts of several divorces – I have learned more about marriage, commitment (or the lack of), courage, and selfishness than most 24 year olds I know (but not all). I also have learned that I know nothing (which is a valuable lesson I think). I have loved and lost but, loved again. I have tried and failed. I have walked away from my faith and almost everything I knew. I have ran back into the Father’s open arms when he opened my eyes. I have seen abuse but not felt it. Sadly I have witnessed alcoholism and drug use. I have lost people I loved. I have moved away from everything that was familiar and comfortable and started anew. I am a dreamer who prefers the streets of Manhattan to a field of flowers. I am a reader who prefers an old classic with the cover falling off to a new novel by the latest and greatest. I am a singer who cannot sing (don’t think that stops me). I am brave – but I am as scared as a mouse. I am happy – but never content to sit still.

5. I know the difference between a Louis XV and Louis XIV chair. I also know how a building is built and how it stands up. I even know how to attach a roof! I can even draw it for you! I comment on tile and plastic laminate finishes as casually as I do the weather –this is a big source of comedy with my friends. I like that I know these things – But I am still a student and I am always learning more. I’m not sure why but, people are afraid to have me see their homes. I think this is funny b/c I have NEVER said anything bad about anyone’s home! I make suggestions only when asked. Someday I am going to walk into someone’s house and start screaming “Ahhhh!! No! Those curtains are awful! Take them down now! O! My eyes my eyes!! That shade of green is deathly!....”

6. I LOVE PICTURES. I had to stop buying frames b/c there is no more place for pictures in my little apartment. I love scrapbooks, photo albums, refrigerators covered with pictures and magnets, Big framed pictures with matting….I love taking pictures and picking them up and seeing them developed for the first time – I love enlargements, black and whites and sepia is my favorite!

7. I could live on cottage cheese and green olives alone. And a nice, crisp Pinot Grigio.
Oh yeah..and the Lemon Passion dessert at Macaroni Grill.

8. I am more excited about getting married to Kyle than I ever even imagined I could be. I have wondered before if I was even the type to get married and now I honestly cannot wait to say I do! – most of the time we look at each other and wish we could just be married right now, I mean we are ready!!! I hope that November 3rd is a great day that we will always cherish – but I am looking forward to the days after (and not just Hawaii).



Okay, that was a little indulgent..but, that is what the blogs all about anyways right?
Happy weekend all!! See some of you very soon!!!

Leslie

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Bloggable

Not sure if I have anything "bloggable" but I figured that it had been a week so, I better update my fans..errr....readers.
So not too much going on... O wait! Actually there is a lot going on in my little world. First of all-I am soooooo psyched because I am going home for the weekend!!!!!
I have a dress fitting on Saturday morning, Mom, Stephanie and Tiff are going to do a practice run on the bridal hair-do and then my maid and matron of honor are giving me a personal bridal shower! I am bubbling over with excitement for it all!
Along with that excitement is this: The invitations have been sent. Kyle and I managed to get ourselves on task and attack the invitations this last weekend and as of yesterday - we handed them over to the good ole' postal service. Making sure to tell my Dad that because of their over sized shape we were able to add a substantial chunk of dough to his retirement. hee hee (in case that confused you - my dad is a postmaster of a post office in Tulsa).
The other exciting thing is....we found Kyle's wedding band last weekend as well and he is sooo proud of it! It is made of Tungsten which is indestructible and exactly what he wanted. It has a diamond in the center (which he swore he didn't want!) and it is really a cool ring.
Kyle and I also managed to figure out separately and together what we were getting each other as our wedding gifts to the other. We are going to give them to each other at the Rehearsal Dinner at the wedding so we are real excited about that.
Now..remember all that jazz I said before about the wedding being on hold until I take my test...Well! it has to really happen soon b/c the test is soooo soon! But, the wedding is sooo much fun and this weekend is more excitement than I can even handle!
I was telling my sister about this dream I had with a wedding cake chasing me and a lime dress that attacked me...and that one is mild compared to what has been going on in my dreams when I close my eyes at night. Whew!

Health report:
Well, as you might know I have in the last few months had several health "issues" and I would like to announce that as off last week, I had my last follow up and am on my way to health and happiness (provided I follow directions, eat right, and take my meds). Now I have a slightly new problem (big surprise) - by the way- have I mentioned that since I retired to Florida my bill of health has been that of a 65 year old? -
Anywhoo- I am joining the ranks of my family with a knee problem. As of my orthopedist's diagnosis this morning I officially have - Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome. Basically my knee cap in my right leg is tilted to the left. For right now the method for cure is physical therapy (at home), with a knee brace next if that doesn't help. The end is surgery which I hope to avoid at all costs!

Happy Wednesday and more later!

-L

Thursday, August 09, 2007

Spanglish

I read this poem on a friend's blog a million years ago, she is my best friend from childhood and her family are missionaries in Carlos Paz, Argentina. She teaches English classes there and posted this poem about the difficulties of learning a second language when that language is English-


Lets face it
English is a stupid langauge.
There is no egg in eggplant;No ham in the hamburger
And neither pine nor apple in the pineapple.
And while no one knows what is in a hot dog,
you can be pretty sure it isn't canine.
English muffins were not invented in England;
French fries were not invented in France.
We sometimes take English for granted.
But if we examine its paradoxes we find that
Quicksand takes you down slowly.
Boxing rings are square.
And a guinea pig is neither from
Guinea nor is it a pig.
Sweetmeats are candies, while sweet breads,which aren't sweet, are meat.
If writers write, how come fingers don't fing?
If the plural of tooth is teeth,One goose, two geese.
So one moose, two meese? Is cheese the plural of choose?
One mouse, two mice; one louse two lice,one house two hice?
Shouldn't the plural of phone boothe be phone beeth?
If the teacher taught, why didn't the preacher praught?
Or the grocer groce, or hammers ham?
If a vegetarian eats vegetables,what the heck does a humanitarian eat?
Why do people recite at a play,yet play at a recital?
Park on driveways and drive on parkways?
Ship by truck, and send cargo by ship....?
Have feet that smell and noses that run?
How can the weather be as hot as hell one dayand as cold as hell on another
You have to marvel at the unique lunacy of a language where a house can burn up as it burns down, and in which you fill in a form by filling it out and a bell is only heard once it goes!
How can a slim chance and a fat chance be the same,
while a wise man and a wise guy are opposites?
English was invented by people, not computers and it reflects the
creativity of the human race(which of course isn't a race at all)
That is why you get in and out of a car, and on and off a bus.
When the stars are out they are visible
but when the lights are out they are invisible.
And why it is that when I wind up my watch it starts,
but when I wind up this poem, it ends.

Hope you guys thought that was cute! Talk atcha later!

-L

Friday, August 03, 2007

Wisdom from a 24 year old

Perhaps an ironic combo but we'll see what you think:
Now at the ripe old age of twenty and four years, I thought it best to share with you some of the life lessons I have learned in my twenty three years on this earth and perhaps even a few I have learned in my brief twenty fourth (of course feel free to snore, guffaw, or scan and move on to more important things.)

And away we go....

*This last year I have learned that following your heart can be a great move
*I have also learned that there are many many people that will come in and out of your life and sometimes you need to pay close attention to who you spend your time with.
*I have learned that work is going to be a part of my life for a long time, so I better settle in!
*I have learned that family is so very important to who we are in this life.
*I have learned that living in a new place can be your best and worst decisions at the same time.
* I have learned that eggs are not a good start to my morning.
* I have learned that Milk doesnt always do a body good.
*I have learned how to crave a cup of coffee.
*I have learned that love is easy, but life is hard.
* People make decisions and life choices and never think about my opinion (this is a maturing lesson)
*I have learned that I deep down under my superclean persona...I am a big slob.
*I have learned how to love someone.
*I am still working on learning how to let myself be loved.
*I have learned that a wedding is an overgrown, overrated, hilarious detail oriented, party only invented so women can obsess over all the things we love to obsess about and have an excuse, because, "We are getting married!"
*I have learned that the "marriage" part starts after you accept the ring.
*I have accepted fully that I am a shopaholic and should be watched carefully
*I have learned that I am not ashamed of who I am
*I have learned that I am proud of what God has accomplished in my life
*I am trying to learn how to love, serve and honor God as I should
*I have learned that we are all very very different
*I have learned to love orchids. (this was not a hard task, they are gorgeous)

Since turning 24....
* I have learned that donuts are bad for you. Who knew!
* I eat way too much for no reason at all.
* I am way too lucky to have so many amazing people in my life that care for me.
* I have confirmed that I love balloons.
* I have learned that it's easy to ruin something when you let your expections build up beyond belief.
* I have learned that to be wrapped up in a hug in his arms at the end of the day is all I really need.

I love you Kyle!

Have a fabulous weekend all!

-Leslie

Thursday, August 02, 2007

You say it's your birthday? Well, it's my birthday too!!!

I was feeling as though 24 might be a real milestone of age..."am I old?" , I asked myself in the mirror this morning? Nah.... not yet I assured myself. Then I took my back pain medication, grabbed my double shot of expresso latte, my giant granny purse and I hopped in my Taurus and drove 45 the whole way to work. Yeah, I'm not old at all.

I have been blessed in so many ways already this morning. I was blessed with a fiance' who was so excited about his gift to me that he had me open it at midnight last night! I am blessed with good friends who remembered at lifegroup last night about my special day. I have been showered with cards this week and it is just now my birthday. I am sitting at a desk with a bouquet of daises and a balloon - eating donuts with my co-workers (because we believe in donuts for any occasion here at SCMH!)
I have had a hysterical Whitney Houston/Elvis solo version of the birthday song (accapella I might add) by my good friend Amanda.... I have been sung to this morning by my sister in law who called me first thing! I just feel soooo..what is the word? Blessed.

My desk calendar had this to say to me as I settled into my chair this morning: "May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us." Psalm 67:1

I have done nothing great or amazing to serve God as I should and yet his blessings are amazing and his grace unfathomable.

Praise God!

Thank you all for a special day and friends and family to celebrate with!

Love,

Les