Sunday, January 10, 2010

Letters

I got my first letter from C yesterday. I smiled, laughed and teared up all at once. I now can imagine how it must have been in the olden days with no cell phones and the only form of communication was writing letters. I must say it was the best feeling to hear from him! Letters are so romantic and I can re-read them over and over again; not like a phone conversation where you can not replay it. I have been writing C everyday and I know he will find encouragement with them. I miss him dearly and I did not realize it would be this hard to be away from him. 2 weeks seems like an eternity apart and I still have 6 weeks to go.

It does put everything into perspective though. The difficult things in life always put a new perception on everything and life seems more vivid. Because it is clear to me now, being without him, that I have been taking him for granted with all the small things he did for me. When I cannot reach a bowl on the top shelf, I wonder how did I ever survive without him around? It is miraculous how God works that way. "Absence makes the heart grow fonder" is definitely an understatement!

image credit: russian-women-marriage.com

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

My Dad's Birthday January 4th

This year my dad requested something for his birthday, which was Monday January 4th. He never asks for anything, but this year he said he needed a Golf vest. I made a funny face and laughed. "A golf vest?" I replied. I said I would search for one since he requested it; which he never does. I found out that there are many kinds of golfing vests: Sweater vests, pull-over vests, wind-resistant vests etc. So I called him and asked what kind he wanted. He said wind-resistant and so I happily went back to the store to find a wind-resistant vest for my pops. I also found the biggest candy bar I had ever seen and had to buy it for him too. I'm serious, it had to weigh about 5lbs.

I took him out to lunch today at a nice restaurant that over looked the water. He opened the gift and smiled. It made me so happy to see my dad's true smile. You know how your loved one's have different smiles? They have a just being polite smile and a smile that is a true smile. Well that was the smile my dad gave to me and it made my heart so happy. It was a good day filled with true smiles, a wind-resistant golf vest, and a very large candy bar.

The was like the vest except I got him a tan color.

Friday, January 1, 2010

Happy New Year!

2010 is here and I look forward to making plans towards goals that I have been putting off for years. I plan to finish my scripts, start back to school, and start learning a new language (to name a few). I am excited that my husband has started on a goal of his by being in the Air Force. He has helped me have time for my goals and I appreciate him for that so very much. I love my husband!

Here's to a Great 2010!
Happy New Year!
image credit: unknown

Friday, December 25, 2009

Sunday, December 20, 2009

My First EBay Catastrophe

I decided to cash in on some of my stuff by selling it on EBay. It was going well for awhile and I was getting the hang of shipping items and using paypal. I was very proud of myself for making extra holiday money, until I made my first screw up... Sigh. I went to the post office as usual and they all know me by name now, since I have been coming by every few days. However, the items I was sending out that day I had decided to package them when I got to the Post Office instead of doing it from home (my first mistake). Well there was a long line due to the holiday shipping season so i jumped in line (my second mistake). I should have gone to the priority mail corner of the office and took my time packaging my items and making sure everything was correct.

So I finally get to one of the clerks, Olivia, to check out. Her and I start chatting about the weather and how busy the office it etc. As I am talking to her, I am trying to stuff my items into the boxes and seal them up. I had previously printed out the customers addresses and had them in my hand. Olivia told me to hand the addresses over to her as we continued to gab and giggle. People in the line were getting irritated due to me not being ready ahead of time. I understood that and I felt all the eyes staring at me. I started to hand the addresses to Olivia and I fumbled with them causing them to fall to the floor. I had the addresses in order coordinating with the boxes. And they fell every way except in order of course. I then cursed out loud and beads of sweat popped up all over my brow.

"What now?" I thought to myself. Well I should have just taken my lumps and returned home to get the addresses re-organized, but I didn't (BIG mistake #3). I tried to remember which box was which and started taping addresses on. Olivia helped me as people in the line continued to snicker and sigh impatiently. Olivia asked if I was okay because my perspiration and flushed demeanor. I said that I was even though that was a lie. I thanked her and left. One person started clapping and as I was passing him I said, "Merry Christmas, to you too, Buddy!" I agree that I deserved it though.

The aftermath of the mishap: I only received two emails from people saying they had received the wrong items. That is miraculous because there were about 8 boxes! Luckily the two men who had been shipped the wrong items were very nice and not cursing me for making such a mistake. Also I was lucky that I was only dealing with one switch-a-roo, which could have resulted in way more due to the volume of boxes originally. I just asked them to mail each other the items to make it all correct and I will reimburse them for shipping.

So to all EBayers out there: "Have your stuff organized before you get to the Post Office!" Period. Why our we all in such a hurry anyways? Life is too short and it is not worth it. Take your time and life is better... this is true with most things, not just EBay.

Happy Holiday Shipping to all!

image credit: coolwizardz.com

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Naval Museum

I'm officially a military wife on December 27th. C is leaving for basic training and will be gone for 2 months. He will be joining the Air Force's Special Forces Division and he is so excited about it. I am excited for him too, because I know he has always wanted to serve his country and challenge himself in ways ordinary jobs cannot provide.

Today, C took me and his Brother to the Naval Museum here in Pensacola. (I am standing in front of a propeller located at the museum in the above picture). It was a fun day and I am happy to see my husband intrigued and eager to learn. This country is lucky and blessed to have him on the team.

Friday, December 4, 2009

I'm on a mission... I think

Today is almost over, but my mission is to tidy up our small apartment. It will not take me that long to accomplish my goal, but I keep procrastinating getting starting for some reason. I have checked my email three times and I have been looking on EBAY... anything except starting my mission to clean up the place. Why is it so hard to do what one knows needs to be done sometimes? I think I have a control issue, because as a kid my mother used to make us do our chores before we could go out and play. Now that I am older, I rather play first before doing chores and I love to eat dessert first before dinner. LOL Ironic how I feel more like a child now than I did when I actually was one. Well I am off to Target to buy a new mop to succeed at my mission... or I could just be procrastinating again, but nonetheless I have a goal and that always helps success!



image credit: urbanposters.com

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Changing My Name Adventures and My Holiday Wish

I did not realize how crazy it would be to change my name to my new married name. I now know where the social security office, the DMV, and the tax collectors office are located. Luckily the whole process has not been too painful, but I still have to change my name on some bills. I am still waiting for my new credit cards and debit card to come in with my new name on all of them. It has been difficult since my license now has my new name on it and all of my credit cards have my maiden name. Not a great time for this difficulty since it is Christmas time! It will slowly but surely all work out eventually... I hope LOL.

C and I have some new friends who come to visit us everyday. They are two stray kitties who are so sweet and playful. We named one, Jack, and the other, Buttons. They are brothers and are loved by the whole condo community. Everyone feeds them, but they like to come and peek into our window to see us. My holiday wish is that someone will adopt them. I have called the Humane Society to see what our options were to help the poor kitties, but they told me the only place who guarantees adoption process is full right now. I'll just have to keep calling and checking for an opening. C and I love animals and hate to see animals in need, so we have been taking care of them as best we can. I pray someone finds them and welcomes them home.Leonidas looking out at Buttons and Jack (our stray kitty friends).

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Snorkeling in Cozumel

We are back from our blissful honeymoon in Cancun, Mexico. We had such a great time and I am happy to be back home with our kitties, but I already miss the never ending cocktails with umbrellas and free room service! Why isn't normal life like that? I guess it could be possible if you were a wealthy person, but no matter, I felt so blessed to have the experience. I felt like a wealthy woman lying on a hammock with my handsome husband as we watched the sunset; that is the kind of wealth I want for my life.
The picture above is of C and I snorkeling in Cozumel. We got to see some barracudas and huge snapper. It was one of our many adventures in Mexico. Did I mention we had a good time?

Monday, November 9, 2009

I'm A Married Woman!!

I'm getting ready. My grandma and my stepmother were buttoning my many buttons. I love this picture.

November 8, 2009
C and I had the best wedding ever yesterday! It was just perfect and we barely missed a huge storm (by a day). A true gift from God to provide gorgeous weather for our special day. I'll post a more elaborate post later. Just wanted to share my happiness. I love my husband and he showed up yesterday, so he must love me too!

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Getting Our Marriage License

Today, we went to the county clerk's office and registered for our marriage license. It was exciting and our pastor even came down to sign the completion of our premarital counseling paperwork. That was so nice of him because by doing so he saved C and I around $30 buckaroos. Frank is our pastor/ officiant and he is totally an awesome man. I am so happy he will be there making our day wonderful. It was a very good day. I even wore my new boots from my good friend Maegan, in honor of her given birth to a healthy baby boy! Go Maegan! Very good week so far.

10/29/2009

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Flowers and more flowers


My grandmother used to grow these Tropicana Roses in her garden; which makes them a sentimental possibility for my wedding. Maybe they would be nice for the reception centerpieces?

I am trying to finish up finishing touches for the wedding. I am pacing myself everyday so little by little things are checked off my list of to-dos. I am now in the process of ordering my bouquet and other flowers for the Big Day. I love the roses mixed with exotic flowers such as orchids. I am veering towards the pinks and purples, but I wouldn't be opposed to fall colors either. Oh, how indecisive I am. I might have to go with a two toned rose because of this characteristic. What do you think of the below possibilities?


image credit: marthastewartweddings.com

Thursday, October 8, 2009

One Month to go Until the Big Day...

I cannot believe the wedding is now only a month away. Time just flies by. The actual day will probably be a blink and be gone just like that. All of this preparing for one day. Even so, I am very excited and I feel good for the choices I have made. Especially about being with C forever, which is what the whole thing is about. I am so blessed.

image credit: militarymoneymight.com

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Pre-Marriage Counseling Today

C and I in the Fall of 2008 photo by JulieCottrellPhotography.com
C and I met with a chaplain today for pre-marriage counseling. His name is Frank and he will also be the man marrying us on November 8th of this year. He used to work with my mother at Hospice many years back. He is just a wonderful man and I am so ecstatic that we found him! I definitely suggest for couples to have counseling before getting married. I feel it helped C and I immensely!

Counseling also gives you a discount on registering for your marriage license in the state of Florida (which I found out after the counseling session was over). At this point, any money saved is a blessing. It was just an over all great thing to do. We talked over subjects that I had not thought of and important things I might add. It was a good day. One day closer to the Big Day.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

A Trip to Heaven...almost


Last night, my sleep was filled with some crazy dreams and one in particular that I will probably never forget. Like many dreams, I remember bits a pieces that were all scrambled and confusing, however, what I do remember very clearly was an unbelievably gorgeous man visiting me in the middle of the night. And yes, I do realize that I am getting married in less than two months, so why am I dreaming about a gorgeous man who I have never seen before? Well, the dream gets better: the unknown, gorgeous man wakes me up and offers his hand to me. I look over my shoulder in bed to see if C-man is seeing this because it felt so real, but C-man was nowhere to be found.

The gorgeous man smiles at me still offering his hand. I reach up and put my hand in his and he immediately pulls me out of bed up into his arms, cradling me like a child. This man was like a Greek God. He was ripped with muscles and he was very tall. I cannot explain exactly how amazing this man looked, but it gives me goose bumps just thinking about the experience. I felt like he was real. It was one of those dreams that felt so real, I remember every piece of it. He finally spoke: "Do you know who I am?", he asked. His voice was the most pleasant sound to my ears. It was a deep yet smooth voice. Clearing my throat I said, "Um, no I don't, sir." I'm thinking to myself, did I just call this gorgeous creature sir? Like he was some boring history professor or someone ordinary.

I was acting so nervous and the gorgeous man acted so calm as he carried me through the dark house in the middle of the night. He opened the front door of the house still holding me tightly in his arms and I asked where he was taking me. He said, "To heaven." I immediately said, "Why?" He laughed and said, "I have never received that reaction before." I remember trying to figure all of this out because it felt so real. I could see him better now that the bright moon shined down on him. I looked at him studying his face. I asked him, "Is this real? Have a died or something?" He looked at me with these unbelievably amazing eyes and said, "No, you haven't died, silly girl." Silly girl, I thought? Why would he call me silly girl? He acted like he knew me or something.

"Do you know me?", I asked. "Yes.", he said with no hesitation. He gently swept my cheek with his hand and smiled. I almost melted, thinking this has to be a freaking dream. I started to say in my head over and over, "Wake up, Meredith! Wake up." Then Mr. gorgeous said, "Why would you want to wake up now? I want you to see where we are going first." I was puzzled because he must have read my mind to know that I wanted to wake up. Then I thought he must think I am an idiot. My mind was racing and all of a sudden he bent down and leaped into the air.

"We have to hurry if we are going to make it.", he said. I remember wanting to scream, but then something came over me like it was totally normal for me to be hurdling through the air in my pajamas with a strange yet gorgeous man. We were flying! "Don't look down.", he said. The wind was blowing my hair and my face, but I tightly held onto him and I could not help but smile in excitement. I thought to myself this is one awesome dream! Then he looked down at me and said, "Are you sure it is a dream?" I felt like I then made a funny face like a kid being caught doing something wrong. He laughed and looked back up toward the dark sky.

I then noticed that he had these huge white wings like Pegasus, but he was wearing a white t-shirt and what looked like a pair of Gap jeans. I swear this dream was the most real and strange that I have ever had. I was flying to Heaven with a Greek God-looking angel who dressed like James Dean and had huge, beautiful wings. I was trying to make sense of what was happening as the sun was just starting to come up from the horizon. The clouds were thick white and bright colors started spilling out behind them like someone was painting a sunrise right in front of my eyes. I started to ask him what his name was when he told me to close my eyes. I hesitantly obeyed him and I was so excited to see what happened next. Then I heard this weird sound... It was like a funny digital horn sound.

Then I opened my eyes to see C-man turning off his alarm saying good morning to me. "What the F?", I said. C-man said, "Excuse me?" I'm sure C-man didn't know what I was talking about or why I acted so peculiar, but I just had to get back to sleep to see what happened next. I quickly turned over, closed my eyes and tried to get back to my angel. Alas, I could not get back to sleep much less find out what Heaven looks like. It kills me about how real that dream was though. Could a man that beautiful exist? Could that dream be real? I like to think so, because if it is real than I have a kick-ass, amazing looking angel watching over me! Woo-hoo!

image credit: chromasia.com

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Wedding Updates

Okay, so I have changed some plans for the wedding...again. We are now going to have the reception in a private room at the Hilton called the Emerald Coast Ballroom. I decided that I wanted more privacy for our reception than to share a noisy restaurant with other people. I finally got my invitations together and I am sending them out Monday. This is a crazy life, planning a wedding. I am happy I am not a wedding coordinator.

Oh, and by the way I have decided to no longer have the wedding ceremony on the sand by the ocean. I am now planning to have it under a Pergola right next to the ocean and the Hilton's pool. Here's a picture of what I hope it will look like. Enjoy!

image credit: Pergola at Hilton Gulf Front Pensacola Beach

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Official Wedding Plans

The arch I am planning to have for the ceremony. image credit: www.pensacolabeachweddingandevents.com

Well I and C-Man have been a busy bees making official wedding plans. We have been signing contracts and making verbal agreements these past two weeks. I am so relieved that the wheels for the party have started rolling!

We have decided to have our wedding at The Hilton Garden Inn, Pensacola Gulf Front. We are going to have a lovely wedding ceremony on a secluded beach 3 miles from the hotel at 10:30am. Then return to the hotel by Trolley (see picture below) for a Sunday brunch at the Hilton's H20 Grill. We will have a saxophone player to entertain us while we drink our Mimosas and Bloody Marys. I am meeting with a wedding coordinator tomorrow to tie up the last arrangements. Whew! Thank the Lord, I am almost done planning!

The Trolley that will take us to and from the wedding ceremony. So cute isn't it? image credit: pensacolahistoric.com
I must say that C-Man has helped me tremendously. He was the one who thought of brunch and how that could be original. He also wanted to start the celebrating early so we could continue all day! I just hope we will have the wedding of our dreams and that our family/ friends will have fun with us.

Saturday, August 15, 2009

My Castle

I definitely recommend visiting Asheville, North Carolina to see the largest residential home in America: The Biltmore Estate. I pretended it was my castle for the day. I felt like I went back in time to where people would just sit and talk in one of the many luxury sitting areas of the castle. Or write a letter to a loved-one in one of the 250 bedrooms. Take a swim in the huge indoor pool or take a horse ride around the 8,000 acre kingdom. Where time felt like it stood still and for the Vanderbilt family every dream was at their fingertips.

Image: Me in front of the Biltmore Estate on August 10, 2009

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Road Trip!

image credit: www.sonrisev.com
C-man and I are off on another adventure. We are headed North with planned stops in North Carolina, Iowa and anywhere else we feel like. We are leaving our baby kitties with their grandma on Friday and we are off. Here's to spontaneity.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

2009 has not been so fine...

image credit: www.myfreewallpapers.net
I feel that all year long the universe has been against me. Every time something good happens for us, life kicks me back on my butt. For example, my great new boss quit this week and I am certain that property management is no longer my career path. I am now trying to get back into the personal training scene. C-Man has not been happy lately and it makes me sad. We miss all our friends in LA and we have been very disappointed in returning to the southeast. It is so freaking hot here!! Things have got to be looking up for us, because there is no other direction to go at this point. The one good thing about all this is that we have been able to save some money; which is a blessing in this economy.

Sunday, July 5, 2009

Wedding Ideas

This is how I invision my wedding ceremony, but I know Pensacola Beach will not have such cool trees. However, I do love the blue bows over the white chair covers.

These little chairs would be cute as place cards or photo frames beside the guest signature book.

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Moved yet Again!


Our pool and clubhouse.

Hahaha...I am amazed at how patient C-man is with how many times I have moved us around. We are now 3 miles from the beach, living in a resort style community. We love it! I am so much happier. My new boss rocks and I am so excited to be this close to the ocean. Thank you, Lord! Not to mention we only pay $461 a month for a 2BR 2BA. Too good to be true!

My new beautiful kitchen.

Friday, May 29, 2009

Thank God for the Weekend & for the Beach...

I am so excited about the weekend. C-man and I are headed to the beach tomorrow. I am praying for pretty weather for our fun day in the sun. Have a happy weekend!
Images are of beaches at Gulf Shores, AL where C-man and I plan to go tomorrow. Yeah!

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Speaking of Great Hairstyles...

I love this up-do! I love it so much that I want my hair to be like this on my wedding day. I love how the bangs flow soft and the bun is just the right height. Oh and the hair accessory is to die for! I love love this!! image credit by media.onsugar.com/updos

My good friend, Maegan, made a great point about my last entry. She stated that there can be anxiety when getting a hair cut; which is totally true. Anyone can cut hair, but it takes a true genius and an amazing artist to create a boost of confidence in people! Check out these current hairstyle trends I found. Which one do you fancy and why? Catherine Zeta-Jones has the famous tousled look. The dedication to achieve this goddess-divine look is harder than it would seem, but I love it! image credit by hairstyletrends.com
Reese Witherspoon is wearing bangs with style. I personally love this look! image credit by hairstyletrends.com
Rhianna sporting a unique bob with plenty of bangs. I would like this look for Halloween when I am attempting to be Jennifer Garner in Alias. image credit by hairstyles.com
This choppy, uneven cut has gained popularity through Victoria Beckham wearing it and also Rhianna. I personally think it is a meticulous mess. image credit by hairextensionpictures.com

Monday, May 25, 2009

Magic Monday: The Magic in a Salon

image credit: stevenbobb.com and la-story.com

Happy Memorial Day! Today for Magic Monday, I would like to talk about one of my favorite places to visit: The Salon. There is something magical about the salon. When I walk into a salon, I feel a creative vibe from all of the hair stylists. I feel like they are looking at me as though my hair (to them) is like clay that needs to be sculpted into a masterpiece.

They are all artists and have all of these fancy sprays and volume-creating cremes that bring life to our hair. It is so fun learning new tricks for current styles and trends. Doing something to promote yourself feels amazing. I have indulged myself by visiting the salon twice this month. I finally found a stylist who is pure genius.

Hair stylists wear many hats as well. I feel like they are psychologists, artists, motivators and most of all our friends. When I take a seat in the chair of a great hair stylist, I feel as though I am transformed into a stronger more confident Meredith. It is amazing how a good hair cut can make me feel like I can take on the world. To all great hair stylists out there, I salute you!

Me taking on the world 05/25/2009

Have a Magically Confident Monday!