I had an awesome week at work and I really do love my job. I'm finally out of my formal training and doing more of what I'll be doing on a day to day basis. I have my client list and I'm starting to learn the area that I'll be calling on as well. I have some strong leads and I have already been on several appointments. I have tons of products ranging from print ads in the Tennessean, web ads on Tennessean.com, magazines, local editions, website design, mobile ads, direct mail, search engine optimization, and even media buys... Basically I am a full service ad agency. Plus, its seems as if there are some perks that go with the job too! And as perks I mean tickets!! Not just football tickets but plays, and festivals! This week was different from the rest because I wasn't in any classes... Plus I collected my 1st paycheck! Funny story about this is we bank at Navy Federal Credit Union and have not set up a local bank. I signed up for direct deposit but it has to skip the first pay period. Well the closest place for me to make a deposit is Kentucky!! Yep! Kentucky! Now, I would just go open up a bank account but I needed to have some $ in this account anyways so we decide to hop in the car and head to Kentucky! It took us an hour and half to get there and I laughed the entire time! I seriously thought it was hilarious that we were going to Kentucky. I took a picture of the sign when we crossed over, but there was nothing funny about it. Kentucky looked the same as TN as far as land goes, but the part we went to was really rural and we didn't really even see a city! It was interesting to say the least. Abandoned shacks, broken down barns, old buildings that had broken windows and no street signs on any streets! Of course though as we approached a brand new building that was Navy Federal Credit Union, we pass a large, nice from the outside Walmart! LOL!! We went and deposited my paycheck and headed straight to Nashville!
I love Nashville... I think its an awesome city. Downtown is amazing! Its historic and full of culture. There are plenty of bars, restaurants and shops. Its right on the Cumberland River and honestly that area has so much character. When we got out of the car my husband says 'Yum! Ya smell that, BBQ in the air?' Yep, that's right! It was Music City BBQ festival! We had a blast! We took our old ghetto double stroller, that I can't even push! There were tons of BBQ stations and booths set up of various vendors. We could have got a personalized grill with your favorite sports team, tailgating games, and the best ice cream I had ever had! They said it was home made and involved liquid nitrogen... This I don't understand and that might not have even been what he said. He was speaking Tennessean! They also had those large air slides and Charlie just had to go on one so we let her climb all the way to the top and then she was scared to come down! She stood up there for 5 minutes! Crazy kid, when she finally walked down the stairs to come down she said she wanted to go on another and pointed at an even bigger one! They were doing a 'don't forget the lyrics' game show and I was asked to play. They had a stage and a real microphone... I thought here's my chance! I'm in Nashville, I will be discovered!! I'm going to finally catch my break! I was just about to accept the challenge when my husband reminded me that, not only can I not sing, but I would be doing everyone a favor by not singing. So we I walked off with my head down, telling myself next time Sarah, next time! Besides, its not like it was dancing and that's really where I shine! All and all we had a great time, and I learned that 'BBQ' is not an adjective, and is not beef! At least not in the south!
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Sunday, August 29, 2010
Charlie Mae
Charlie Mae is getting ready to start her 5th week of school. She absolutely loves it. Everyday she comes home with a smiley face in her notebook which tells us she has been a good girl. This past Friday was "water day" and she wore her bathing suit to school. They set up water slides and sprinklers for the kids to play. Each week or day has had a theme. They started with colors, and shapes and she just loves bringing home her artwork and putting it on the fridge. She is the best big sister that anyone could ask for. She is always calling Addison her little sweetie and helps me tell by pulling things out of Addison's mouth that shouldn't be there. Charlie has learned how to say the pledge of allegiance and has learned several new songs as well. She gets to bring home a new library book each week that she checks out. Her vocabulary is enormous and she repeats everything I say. In fact, I was talking to Scott and spelled a naughty word and she came up with her own version. I said, "don't be a D I C K!" And just a few minutes later when I was telling Charlie to eat her lunch she pointed her finger at me and said "don't be an A B C!" Ah man it was hilarious! Lesson learned!
Addison Marie
As we grow in TN, we are starting to sleep better!!! Ha! Addison has slept all night 2 nights in a row. Of course it was the nights, I was on duty! Yeah, I really lucked out. I hope that she sleeps all night for Scott too. It is hard to believe that Addison is growing so fast. She finally has teeth. Her bottom two teeth came in Friday afternoon. I noticed them right away when I got home from work. Her little smile is just super cute! Also, she has started eating baby food and is doing really well. She is very LONG! I think its funny how long she is because I am so short. Her daddy is really tall though! Her skin is so white and fair, but it's beautiful. Her eyes are still blue and her hair is getting lighter everyday. Also, her hair is starting to fill in and her bald spot is almost completely gone. The best part is that her hair is coming in curly. She has some hairs that are curly and some that are straight. It's really cute how its coming in. She is also at a cute play stage. She plays on her mat and moves all over the floor. She doesn't crawl yet, but gets around! She also throws everything you put in her hands. And she is fast and strong. It is obvious that she gets her athletic skills from me because she is tough and coordinated. She will be crawling any day. She is starting to talk too. I swear she has said "hi". She is not as loud as Charlie but vocalizes well.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Its BRISTOL, baby!
Ha! Ha! We had a blast... Scott & I left the house early on Saturday morning at 6:30 to head towards Bristol. The morning was beautiful, in fact it wasn't even hot outside. The fog was rolling over creeks and the air was all misty... We really enjoyed our road trip. Scott and I were able to talk and enjoy each others company. It was funny how we both had so much to say, as if it had been so long since we had spoke, but yet we talk everyday. I think it was the simple fact that we were alone. Able to be ourselves and enjoy the moments. We had wonderful conversations and laughed the entire way to the track. It was a little over 4 hours of a drive. We met up with my cousin Brian and his wife Melinda a few exits before the race track so we could park together. It was so awesome to see family. Scott brought his grill so we cooked hot dogs and hung out in the parking lot all day. Scott's cousin Josh and his wife Dana met up with us too! It was so much fun. They also had a real friendly couple with them too. It was a party! Of course it rained a little bit, but not too much. I've learned to carry an umbrella so we had that. We were lucky the rain came early enough and passed through... I wish I could describe Bristol. Everything about it was amazing. As we were driving in there were people sitting in lawn chairs on their front porch selling parking in their yard for $20!! Ha! At the time I thought how silly and gave it the natural capitalistic high five it was worthy of, but didn't fully understand it and wouldn't for a few hours...
As we make our way in our view is just a sea of campers, trucks & trailers! The place was just full of high flying confederate flags, camouflage of all colors, and tints of hunter/TN orange as far as the eye could see! Everyone was loud and everyone was proud... Everyone had their own driver that they were sure was going to win and everyone for sure was there to have some fun!!
In true tailgate fashion our bellys were full and our beer and rum were gone so we headed up to the track. In true Sarah form I was nervous about my hair and that TN sun was finally peeking through the now clear blue skies... So I put my husbands ball cap on, we grabbed our shoulder cooler and were track bound. We hopped on the 1st bus we saw and were shuffled into the crowd of true NASCAR fans! You know what I mean... Bright, neon colored displays of their drivers number on their shirt and/or hats as they waited in line for free stuff. Ha ha! We picked up some BBQ sauce, I got a hat for my father in law and 4 red, white and blue hand towels!! We made our way over to the SPEED channel's booth where we stood behind Kyle Petty and if I wasn't so short I would have been on TV...
After a long walk we made our way up to the track and after I climbed up those stairs... I saw it. I saw the fastest 1/2 mile in the world!! It was awesome! The embankments on both sides were amazing. All I could think was RAD!! We all took pictures of ourselves in front of the speedway and finally felt anxious for the race to start. As we found our seats I wondered about the 'fly by'... The opening ceremonies were fantastic. The driver introductions were hilarious as they were stirring up the fans for some shit talking! They did a wonderful American flag presentation and recognized the sacrifices of our troops. Then of course they did the fly by during the National Anthem. Hearing/seeing that live just gives me chills. As the most famous words in NASCAR were said 'gentleman start your engines'... Wow it was loud!! That was the loudest sound I have ever heard! It was incredible. I even had head phones on!! Scott still can't hear a word I am saying!! 'Deaf'initely the coolest track I have ever been too and it was a great way to spend some quality time with my husband.
Now back to that $20! The law of supply and demand... Economics always WINS and yeah to capitalism! We sat in that 'FREE' parking lot for over 2 hours before we moved an inch!! It honestly took us 2 1/2 hours to get out of that 'FREE' parking lot! Now I know those people who paid $20 to park in someone's front yard did not wait 2 1/2 hours to leave, LOL!! We didn't check into our hotel room until 3AM! Ha, it was crazy... We actually weren't sure if we were going to spend the night or not, but at this point we had no choice. It was also pouring rain. And I mean pouring, ya know that TN 'the bottom fell out' kind a pouring rain! I bet I called over 20 hotel rooms from Bristol to Knoxville looking for an available hotel room! I finally found 1 heading East on I-40, rather than West, towards home. It was only about 7 miles out of the way, but in the middle of the night in the pouring rain, it was perfect!! It was a great hotel too. We were very comfortable and it was the perfect way to end an awesome day! We can't wait to do it again! It was wonderful to see family... Thanks Brian for the tickets. We are on our way home now and can't wait to see those beautiful girls! Charlie Mae and Addison stayed home with Ernie and Janette and I'm very excited to hear about their weekend. I hear they went to the Wilson County Fair!
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As we make our way in our view is just a sea of campers, trucks & trailers! The place was just full of high flying confederate flags, camouflage of all colors, and tints of hunter/TN orange as far as the eye could see! Everyone was loud and everyone was proud... Everyone had their own driver that they were sure was going to win and everyone for sure was there to have some fun!!
In true tailgate fashion our bellys were full and our beer and rum were gone so we headed up to the track. In true Sarah form I was nervous about my hair and that TN sun was finally peeking through the now clear blue skies... So I put my husbands ball cap on, we grabbed our shoulder cooler and were track bound. We hopped on the 1st bus we saw and were shuffled into the crowd of true NASCAR fans! You know what I mean... Bright, neon colored displays of their drivers number on their shirt and/or hats as they waited in line for free stuff. Ha ha! We picked up some BBQ sauce, I got a hat for my father in law and 4 red, white and blue hand towels!! We made our way over to the SPEED channel's booth where we stood behind Kyle Petty and if I wasn't so short I would have been on TV...
After a long walk we made our way up to the track and after I climbed up those stairs... I saw it. I saw the fastest 1/2 mile in the world!! It was awesome! The embankments on both sides were amazing. All I could think was RAD!! We all took pictures of ourselves in front of the speedway and finally felt anxious for the race to start. As we found our seats I wondered about the 'fly by'... The opening ceremonies were fantastic. The driver introductions were hilarious as they were stirring up the fans for some shit talking! They did a wonderful American flag presentation and recognized the sacrifices of our troops. Then of course they did the fly by during the National Anthem. Hearing/seeing that live just gives me chills. As the most famous words in NASCAR were said 'gentleman start your engines'... Wow it was loud!! That was the loudest sound I have ever heard! It was incredible. I even had head phones on!! Scott still can't hear a word I am saying!! 'Deaf'initely the coolest track I have ever been too and it was a great way to spend some quality time with my husband.
Now back to that $20! The law of supply and demand... Economics always WINS and yeah to capitalism! We sat in that 'FREE' parking lot for over 2 hours before we moved an inch!! It honestly took us 2 1/2 hours to get out of that 'FREE' parking lot! Now I know those people who paid $20 to park in someone's front yard did not wait 2 1/2 hours to leave, LOL!! We didn't check into our hotel room until 3AM! Ha, it was crazy... We actually weren't sure if we were going to spend the night or not, but at this point we had no choice. It was also pouring rain. And I mean pouring, ya know that TN 'the bottom fell out' kind a pouring rain! I bet I called over 20 hotel rooms from Bristol to Knoxville looking for an available hotel room! I finally found 1 heading East on I-40, rather than West, towards home. It was only about 7 miles out of the way, but in the middle of the night in the pouring rain, it was perfect!! It was a great hotel too. We were very comfortable and it was the perfect way to end an awesome day! We can't wait to do it again! It was wonderful to see family... Thanks Brian for the tickets. We are on our way home now and can't wait to see those beautiful girls! Charlie Mae and Addison stayed home with Ernie and Janette and I'm very excited to hear about their weekend. I hear they went to the Wilson County Fair!
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Monday, August 16, 2010
Wilson County Fair...
Charlie Mae had her first taste of the fair, and she loved it! Friday was the opening day and we went Friday night. When I asked her what her favorite part was she replied, "PIG RACES!" Ha! Ha! I'm not kidding! She was picked out of the crowd at one point too and sponsored pig number 5! It was a sight to see. This was our first experience with pig racing, but yes we had fun. We took her through the animal exhibits and she saw cows, ducks, turkeys, chickens, and just about any animal you could think of. To me, of course it was just a smelly mess. The fair is so not my style and the animal exhibit is my least favorite. She had a great time though and that is all that matters. It was a really, really hot night. We were all miserable. Especially Addison. She does not like this heat at all. Charlie Mae wanted to go on the Ferris wheel, but we didn't take her. She might have us convinced that she is big enough by the end of the week. She still has some tickets so she has a few more rides she can go on. She did however go on the carousel, the Bumble Bee, (which is like Dumbo), and she played a going fishing game as well. She also rode a little horse, or I guess it would be a pony. It was pretty big for a pony, so I'm not technically sure what it was. She did however pretend to lift up her imaginary hat and say 'yeahhaw partner, I'm a cowboy!' This made her daddy very proud, and would have made her Uncle Nat proud too. In fact she told me, "too bad Uncle Nat missed that". She has only rode a horse a few times and it has been with him. She had a great time.
I went back on Saturday with my new BFF Maggie. We had a blast. We actually went to the Ms. Senior Wilson County Beauty Pageant. That was adorable. It was so cute to see those women get up there on stage and model their fancy dresses and display their talents. There was 6 contestants and they were all adorable. I would go into detail about how hot that day was, but I'll spare you. I will say however that the pageant was outside, in the middle of the day and it was so humid that it actually started to rain about an hour after it was over. In fact we were still at the fair when as the TN folks said, "the bottom fell out". Now I wasn't sure what this meant, but I did know that I was soaking wet! My strapless sundress, (because that's what you wear to the fair) was see thru and soaking wet. I was dripping. I have been caught out in the rain 3 times in my entire life now and 2 times have been this summer in TN. The first time was in the south too. Scott and I were on vacation a few summers ago with Nat and Leslie and we were in New Orleans. We had just done a Mississippi River Boat tour and when we got off, "the bottom fell out". We had to run to our hotel in the pouring rain. We could see the streets flood and the entire city was basically floating. This was just a few months prior to Hurricane Katrina. I will never forget that trip for several reasons. Although those details are FUN, this is not the venue to reminisce. I will say, it was a lot of rain. Saturday night was just like that. We were actually walking out because we could tell it was going to rain. Here when you hear thunder and see lightening, it actually is about to rain. It is a fair warning. We just weren't fast enough. It was so funny. I was pushing Charlie in the stroller in my dress and flip flops, and Scott was carrying Addison. I kept telling him to just head to the truck to get Addison out of the rain, but he wouldn't leave me. He knew I would float away, hahaha!
I will say, TN is a very nice place. Everyone I have met here is extremely kind and nice. People are very polite. Everyone is always trying to help me out and everyone is so thoughtful and just kind. People are constantly giving me directions. When I see someone they ask me how I'm doing and then wait for me to answer. More and more people are asking me if I'm from around here and when I tell them California, it's always fun to see their reaction. I have met some pretty great people and I know I am making some lasting relationships. Especially at work. I love my job, the company is great and the opportunity for success is huge. The people are amazing and so friendly. I feel so lucky to be apart of this organization. Today I was able to shadow a team member on a few appointments in Nashville, which is just so cool. I love Nashville. I think it is a great city. It is so urban, but country at the same time. It's small enough, to learn your way around fast and big enough to see something different each time. They have some pretty awesome shops and fun dining as well. I can't wait to take Scott out to a few cool bars I have found, that I know he will love. I just love how much character this place has. It is so different from what I am use too. Now, I just need to learn how to relax. I am already high strung as it is, but stick me in a room with some Tennesseans and you'll think I need to do a few shots of patron! It's all good though, we are all having fun. I am learning so much and I am just so excited. This job is definitely a positive in the Tennessee Experiment for sure!
I went back on Saturday with my new BFF Maggie. We had a blast. We actually went to the Ms. Senior Wilson County Beauty Pageant. That was adorable. It was so cute to see those women get up there on stage and model their fancy dresses and display their talents. There was 6 contestants and they were all adorable. I would go into detail about how hot that day was, but I'll spare you. I will say however that the pageant was outside, in the middle of the day and it was so humid that it actually started to rain about an hour after it was over. In fact we were still at the fair when as the TN folks said, "the bottom fell out". Now I wasn't sure what this meant, but I did know that I was soaking wet! My strapless sundress, (because that's what you wear to the fair) was see thru and soaking wet. I was dripping. I have been caught out in the rain 3 times in my entire life now and 2 times have been this summer in TN. The first time was in the south too. Scott and I were on vacation a few summers ago with Nat and Leslie and we were in New Orleans. We had just done a Mississippi River Boat tour and when we got off, "the bottom fell out". We had to run to our hotel in the pouring rain. We could see the streets flood and the entire city was basically floating. This was just a few months prior to Hurricane Katrina. I will never forget that trip for several reasons. Although those details are FUN, this is not the venue to reminisce. I will say, it was a lot of rain. Saturday night was just like that. We were actually walking out because we could tell it was going to rain. Here when you hear thunder and see lightening, it actually is about to rain. It is a fair warning. We just weren't fast enough. It was so funny. I was pushing Charlie in the stroller in my dress and flip flops, and Scott was carrying Addison. I kept telling him to just head to the truck to get Addison out of the rain, but he wouldn't leave me. He knew I would float away, hahaha!
I will say, TN is a very nice place. Everyone I have met here is extremely kind and nice. People are very polite. Everyone is always trying to help me out and everyone is so thoughtful and just kind. People are constantly giving me directions. When I see someone they ask me how I'm doing and then wait for me to answer. More and more people are asking me if I'm from around here and when I tell them California, it's always fun to see their reaction. I have met some pretty great people and I know I am making some lasting relationships. Especially at work. I love my job, the company is great and the opportunity for success is huge. The people are amazing and so friendly. I feel so lucky to be apart of this organization. Today I was able to shadow a team member on a few appointments in Nashville, which is just so cool. I love Nashville. I think it is a great city. It is so urban, but country at the same time. It's small enough, to learn your way around fast and big enough to see something different each time. They have some pretty awesome shops and fun dining as well. I can't wait to take Scott out to a few cool bars I have found, that I know he will love. I just love how much character this place has. It is so different from what I am use too. Now, I just need to learn how to relax. I am already high strung as it is, but stick me in a room with some Tennesseans and you'll think I need to do a few shots of patron! It's all good though, we are all having fun. I am learning so much and I am just so excited. This job is definitely a positive in the Tennessee Experiment for sure!
Thursday, August 12, 2010
My 1st week at Tennessean Media Group!
Thursday night is here and as I sit to write this update I am just taking a breath from a very busy week. I have been going non stop since Monday morning at 5:00AM. I don't need to be at work until 8:30, but I have been nursing Addison from 5:00-6:00 before I get ready. I truly have had an amazing week. My training schedule has been non-stop and very busy... But I love it!! I'm having a blast. I'm learning so much and I'm so excited about this opportunity. My office is in downtown Nashville, in the heart of the city. Its an older building and it is very large. There are several parking lots and I'm in the closest, plus I have my own parking space! I have a name badge with my mug shot on it! I have to scan it to get in the building. I have a corner desk that everyone keeps telling me to personalize, but if you know me, you know I won't do this! Ha! Hang a calendar? I'll never change. LOL. I'm sure I'll get settled in eventually. I should at least take pictures of my beautiful girls! The building itself is pretty cool. I was able to take a tour & I actually saw where the paper is printed. That whole portion of the building had a strong odor, very strong. It was a combination of the paper, ink & machines. On my 1st day I sat in on a news meeting and heard what was going on the front page of the paper. There is a cafeteria, & a gym. The training manager is pretty awesome and I've enjoyed my time with her. Its a great feeling to not only learn new concepts, but to realize how much I already know is amazing. It has restored my confidence and has just affirmed that this is a good fit and a great transition for me. The company itself promotes from within and everyone I interviewed with has been there for such a long time. Its a great feeling to hear the encouragement and feel the support. I know I'm still in the honeymoon state, but I'm very optimistic and happy!
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Sunday, August 8, 2010
Unique graves that are off to the side, some are over 200 years old.
Family Cemetery Day.
Yesterday we went to an area close to Sparta, TN and visited two separate family cemeteries. One where Janette's parents, Scott's Grandparents are buried. His grandmother passed away about 11 years ago. Janette's father had passed away when she was a young girl. It was a small cemetery that consisted of a few different families. Scott had not been there since his grandmother Dollie Mae had passed and it was my first time as well. This is where Charlie got her middle name 'Mae'. We had driven about an hour and a 1/2 to get there and when we pulled in the first thing I noticed was a large table of food. Now all morning I had heard Scott and his parents talk about us 'not staying for lunch' but the thought of having lunch at the cemetery never crossed my mind. This is an annual event here. Families gather together and clean the headstones and markers and visit with family. Janette has 2 sisters, 1 in Arkansas and 1 in Florida, so she didn't really know anyone there and we chose not to participate in lunch. We put some flowers at his grandparents sight and took pictures as we tried to stand in the shade and dodge bugs. Charlie Mae didn't really understand why we were there and never really asked. She kept herself occupied by taking pictures of everything & anything! I was happy to be a part of it as it added another badge to our marriage chapter of our life. Scott was there for me in an amazing way in March when my Grandma decided to leave us here on earth and begin her journey through heaven. It was rewarding in my heart to hold his hand yesterday as he took in the moments and let his heart feel a little bit heavy. It was almost as if I could see the memories in his brain and as they moved across his face with each facial expression as took it all in.
We went a little bit further and ventured to another cemetery that is known as 'Haston Cemetery'. Everyone there is a Haston. Here we visited Ernie's parents and grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins. It was a real treat to hear my father in law talk about his family and heritage. Yesterday was not the annual clean up day for the Haston's so there was no lunch... Scott hadn't been there since his Grandpa passed away bout 5 1/2 years ago. Interesting note here is that Charlie Mae was born on Scott's Grandpa's birthday. She was named after my grandfather so its nice how she's connected to everyone in many ways. Also, I found it very interesting that Scott's brother Nat was named the same way. His name is Franklin Nathaniel and Franklin is Janette's daddy's name and Nathaniel is Ernie's dad's middle name... Pretty cool. I had met Scott's grandpa a couple different times and saw him just a few months before he died. He was a farmer and for many years he owned a dairy farm. It was pretty heavy for both Scott and Ernie to drive around that land and not know who lived in his house. However at the same time it was joyful to recall stories of the past and remember where they went fishing and just talk about the fond memories. In fact I have never heard a story about Scott's grandpa, where the person telling it wasn't laughing during the story! And there are many great stories! It was a pleasant Saturday and we all enjoyed spending time together!
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We went a little bit further and ventured to another cemetery that is known as 'Haston Cemetery'. Everyone there is a Haston. Here we visited Ernie's parents and grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins. It was a real treat to hear my father in law talk about his family and heritage. Yesterday was not the annual clean up day for the Haston's so there was no lunch... Scott hadn't been there since his Grandpa passed away bout 5 1/2 years ago. Interesting note here is that Charlie Mae was born on Scott's Grandpa's birthday. She was named after my grandfather so its nice how she's connected to everyone in many ways. Also, I found it very interesting that Scott's brother Nat was named the same way. His name is Franklin Nathaniel and Franklin is Janette's daddy's name and Nathaniel is Ernie's dad's middle name... Pretty cool. I had met Scott's grandpa a couple different times and saw him just a few months before he died. He was a farmer and for many years he owned a dairy farm. It was pretty heavy for both Scott and Ernie to drive around that land and not know who lived in his house. However at the same time it was joyful to recall stories of the past and remember where they went fishing and just talk about the fond memories. In fact I have never heard a story about Scott's grandpa, where the person telling it wasn't laughing during the story! And there are many great stories! It was a pleasant Saturday and we all enjoyed spending time together!
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Saturday, August 7, 2010
Addison Marie, the sleepless beauty...
My sweet, sweet baby Addison, oh she is as sweet as can be. I tell ya, it's true. She hardly cries, she'll play on her mat, she is curious about all her toys and has a smile that just melts your heart. This beautiful baby, bless her heart... just doesn't want to sleep! She goes to bed. She sleeps in her crib. She isn't hard to get to sleep. She just won't stay asleep! Sometimes she wakes up 4 or 5 times a night. I don't know what it is, but I am exhausted! I can't figure her out. She is as cute as can be though. She is sitting so well and most of her play time is sitting. She is still trying hard to crawl. We have seen her on all 4's and she smiles and rocks, but still goes backwards! She can roll back over from her tummy to her back, which is nice. She reaches for things, that aren't right there. She likes to trade up her toys all by herself. She has her mommy in her, the girl is stubborn and knows what she wants! She is so funny, how she'll laugh and cry at once! She is very dramatic. I think she gets that from daddy though! She still hasn't started eating foods. We have tried rice cereal, oatmeal and banana's, but it just isn't her thing yet. I just don't think she is ready. We have integrated the bottle into her diet since I am going to work. So we don't have to worry about that. She is a happy baby and goes with the flow, that she gets from me! Ha! She has started to growl, which is hilarious! We are pretty sure Charlie Mae taught her that!
Working!
Scott had an awesome week of work and is really enjoying his job. He loves the freedom of continuing to do his own thing, like he did in California. It's nice that all of the leads are provided for him. He is probably going to get licensed here and go back to doing it on his own. This is great practice for him, because with Haston Bros. his brother was the one who booked and bid the jobs. So this is great experience and Scott is starting feel more comfortable with that aspect of the business. I am confident that it won't be long before he is on his own and will probably have some subcontractors working for him too. He has many connections here and will not have trouble getting home improvements jobs.
As for me... When do I go back to work? Monday! Yes, it's true! I'll be climbing the corporate ladder starting Monday morning at 8:30! I will be commuting to Nashville from Lebanon. It's about 25 miles and shouldn't take me too long. Funny, I have been watching the local news here and they show the "traffic cam" and I laugh, when they say it's moving "slow". Ha! It's very different from what I am use to. I am not worried about the traffic at all. I am very excited and the the anticipation has settled. My mind is already wondering what I am going to wear? How will my hair look? Shoes? You know, the usual first day jitters! I know that it is going to be a huge adjustment for me, but I am ready. This is a great opportunity and there is a so much potential with this company. I am so lucky that I interviewed with someone who had vision and saw something in me. I am so optimistic and I have such a great feeling about this. Of course it helps, that my wonderful husband has all the faith in the world in me and believes I can and will be great. I am a lucky woman, let me tell you! I can't wait to report on my first day! Stay tuned...
As for me... When do I go back to work? Monday! Yes, it's true! I'll be climbing the corporate ladder starting Monday morning at 8:30! I will be commuting to Nashville from Lebanon. It's about 25 miles and shouldn't take me too long. Funny, I have been watching the local news here and they show the "traffic cam" and I laugh, when they say it's moving "slow". Ha! It's very different from what I am use to. I am not worried about the traffic at all. I am very excited and the the anticipation has settled. My mind is already wondering what I am going to wear? How will my hair look? Shoes? You know, the usual first day jitters! I know that it is going to be a huge adjustment for me, but I am ready. This is a great opportunity and there is a so much potential with this company. I am so lucky that I interviewed with someone who had vision and saw something in me. I am so optimistic and I have such a great feeling about this. Of course it helps, that my wonderful husband has all the faith in the world in me and believes I can and will be great. I am a lucky woman, let me tell you! I can't wait to report on my first day! Stay tuned...
Week 1, that's a wrap...
The first day day of preschool kicked off an awesome week for our princess. She did really well and truly enjoyed every minute. Taking Charlie to her first day of preschool was incredible. I was overwhelmed with emotions and scrambling around trying to get us all ready so no one would be late on that first day. I was so nervous. I just wasn't sure if she was going to be clingy or would want to stay. That morning Charlie was so excited. She ate all of her pancakes and took her milk "to go". She kept saying she was "going to school." She loved her dress, and her hair. She put on that backpack and said "lets go." On our way in the car, she says to me "don't worry mommy, I'll go to school and with all my friends and I'll be ok." Now, I know she is just repeating what I have been telling her all week, but it is just so cute! Well she not only wanted to stay, but after she introduced herself to the teacher, she turned to me and her daddy and asked us to leave!! Can you believe that? My little mommy's girl! We are so proud of her. She listened to her teacher as she instructed her where to sit and gave her a little name tag. So funny! I think she didn't have to wear the name tag long before everyone knew who Charlie Mae was! Needless to say Scott and I felt very comfortable leaving her there! Scott and I were so excited to go pick her up and hear all about her 1st day. We both knew she would have a lot to say. We wondered what they were going to say about her too. Does she really talk "too much?" Did she invade any one's "personal space?" Ha! She was so excited when our car turned the corner and when she saw us in the 'pick up' line, her eyes lit up and she started to cry! I was looking for her, but she was a little hidden behind an adult sitting on the steps, then I see her jump up and yell "Mommy!" She starts smiling and crying! It was just adorable. She was so happy! When she got in the car, she non stopped told us how much fun she had. She played with playdo, went to the playground, played dress up, heard a story and "had, apple juice, I just LOVE apple juice!" Ha! I had never given her juice, so she was in heaven! The best part was she asked us if she could go back. Everyday has been just as great as the day before. They have had special color days everyday and she has come home with pictures, and projects. On Friday she baked muffins, which is awesome since she loves to cook! She was so wound up after that first day that she didn't take a nap, but the second day she took a 4 hour nap! All week was great for her. She can't wait for Monday to come!
Monday, August 2, 2010
Charlie Starts Preschool!
Tomorrow my 3 year old little princess starts her 1st day of school. She is so excited! She has visited the school twice and hasn't stopped talking about it since. Everyday she has asked if she can go to school and tonight when she gave her daddy a hug and kiss goodnight she looked right at him and said 'I'm going to school tomorrow!' Her little voice had so much enthusiasm it just warmed my heart. However, me on the other hand I'm nervous. As I tucked her in bed and prepped her about tomorrow, the whole drop her off speech and come back and get her later, all I could think about was how is it going to go?? How will her 1st day go? I wonder if she'll start off quiet and listen to her teacher? I wonder if she'll ask 'how come' when the teacher says its time to sit down? I'm curious if she'll be hungry and actually eat her snacks? How will she play with other kids? Will she please remember to let someone know when she has to go to the bathroom! Will she say 'potty' instead of peepee and poopoo!! EEEK!
Funny, how I'm so worried and she is nothing but excited!! She really can't wait. I haven't even decided what she's going to wear. I want to make sure she is wearing something that is 'potty friendly'. Scott and I went and got her a brand new backpack tonight. She was a little disappointed that she had to have a new one, but adjusted fast! Her backpack had crayons in it and was left in the car... Needless to say its a mess! Ha! OOPS!
We sure had a nice weekend... We went to Lynchburg, TN on Sunday and checked out the Jack Daniel's distillery! That was pretty cool. We were unable to do the tour because we didn't think the kids were up for it. Its a pretty vigorous tour that includes some rough terrain and about 100 steps. It was not stroller friendly, so we just checked out the visitors center and saloon. Then we headed to downtown Lynchburg where we went into all the shops and did the souvenir scene! We had a blast. I will say it was hotter than heck! The really humid, sticky, sweaty, smelly, messy HOT! Pour Addison, she still hasn't cooled off! We parked in front of an ice cream parlor, so every single store we went in she would whine for ice cream! We sweated it out though and did the whole square. Funny, I kept thinking I was thirsty and went into over 10 shops and NOT 1 sold bottled water! Can you believe that? They sold soda, but no water! Me being from California, where there are 'people' on sidewalks with coolers selling water as you walk or drive by! LOL! Anyways, I stuck it on and didn't even get sun sick! That must only happen in the 'dry heat'! We really did have a great time. It was about an hour and a half drive in a direction we hadn't gone before. So I was able to see some more pretty. TN sure is growing on me, sure there are things I miss, but it really is pretty out here. Now remember I grew up in the desert so all this green is incredible. The trees are so beautiful and they are everywhere. We stopped at a really pretty lake, that Scott grew up fishing on... Charlie Mae loved hearing that because at this age she thinks she's going to enjoy fishing!
As far as the jobs go... Scott is enjoying his and its working out so far. I received my official offer letter today from The Tennessean, and it had everything they had promised me. I'm so excited! I have to arrange a drug test and as soon as I pass that I'll be ready to start. We still have to get the Volvo fixed EEK! Its fine around town, but before I can take it long distances I'll need to have Scott fix it. Other than that we are all doing well!
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®
Funny, how I'm so worried and she is nothing but excited!! She really can't wait. I haven't even decided what she's going to wear. I want to make sure she is wearing something that is 'potty friendly'. Scott and I went and got her a brand new backpack tonight. She was a little disappointed that she had to have a new one, but adjusted fast! Her backpack had crayons in it and was left in the car... Needless to say its a mess! Ha! OOPS!
We sure had a nice weekend... We went to Lynchburg, TN on Sunday and checked out the Jack Daniel's distillery! That was pretty cool. We were unable to do the tour because we didn't think the kids were up for it. Its a pretty vigorous tour that includes some rough terrain and about 100 steps. It was not stroller friendly, so we just checked out the visitors center and saloon. Then we headed to downtown Lynchburg where we went into all the shops and did the souvenir scene! We had a blast. I will say it was hotter than heck! The really humid, sticky, sweaty, smelly, messy HOT! Pour Addison, she still hasn't cooled off! We parked in front of an ice cream parlor, so every single store we went in she would whine for ice cream! We sweated it out though and did the whole square. Funny, I kept thinking I was thirsty and went into over 10 shops and NOT 1 sold bottled water! Can you believe that? They sold soda, but no water! Me being from California, where there are 'people' on sidewalks with coolers selling water as you walk or drive by! LOL! Anyways, I stuck it on and didn't even get sun sick! That must only happen in the 'dry heat'! We really did have a great time. It was about an hour and a half drive in a direction we hadn't gone before. So I was able to see some more pretty. TN sure is growing on me, sure there are things I miss, but it really is pretty out here. Now remember I grew up in the desert so all this green is incredible. The trees are so beautiful and they are everywhere. We stopped at a really pretty lake, that Scott grew up fishing on... Charlie Mae loved hearing that because at this age she thinks she's going to enjoy fishing!
As far as the jobs go... Scott is enjoying his and its working out so far. I received my official offer letter today from The Tennessean, and it had everything they had promised me. I'm so excited! I have to arrange a drug test and as soon as I pass that I'll be ready to start. We still have to get the Volvo fixed EEK! Its fine around town, but before I can take it long distances I'll need to have Scott fix it. Other than that we are all doing well!
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®
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