Snorkeling and Parsailing in Cabo

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Is ready for Friday!

That's right, I am so ready for Friday. Why you ask. Well, I'm driving to Columbia, TN to see my best friend, Summer, and her husband and little girl. I haven't seen them since last year and Irie is already over a year old. I'm really looking forward to my drive. I'm actually going to spend the night in Florence, SC at Brian's parents, then leaving Friday morning. That way it will take 2 hours off my drive. Anywho, my drive will be really nice. I will get to drive through the mountains. I've always loved the mountains. Growing up, my family and I would go camping in a small town called Townsend. I loved going there. So many fond memories. We would go inner-tubing down the river, drive through Cades Cove, go into Gatlinburg and ride up the sky lift to see the view from the top of the mountain, drive over to Cherokee, and so much more. I've had the opportunity to bring Brian there a couple of times. I think he enjoyed himself when we went. I'm a little more outdoorsy than he is. Grant it, I won't be driving in the state park, but I will get to see the mountains from a distance when I drove through Asheville, Knoxville and the other towns I will be passing by. I think we will have a good time. Summer and I always have fun when we get together. Saturday night we are going to watch the Sex and the City movie. Soooo looking forward to that one. I'm glad I get to watch it with someone other than Brian. I think Brian would have shot himself if he had to watch the movie with me. On my visit, we will just relax and catch up on everything I'm sure. I will leave Monday and head back to Florence.

Tuesday, Brian and I are getting on a plane at 5:45am for San Diego, CA. We are going to spend two and a half days before we jump on a cruise ship to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. We are going to the San Diego Zoo, Sea World, and to a Padre and Chicago Cub's baseball game. Can't wait. Brian got us a room at the Hard Rock Hotel in the Gaslamp district. Actually, everything is located at the Gaslamp. We can walk to everything from our hotel. I've already looked up the restaurants that are rated to best places to go to check out. It will be a little chilly there, but at least we won't be sweating while at the parks. We should have a ball.

Thursday, at 4pm, we will get on the Carnival Elation ship for our voyage to Cabo San Lucas for 4 nights and 3 days. So exciting! I'm looking forward to eating all of the food. I'm also looking forward to all of the fabulous drinks we will be having. We will arrive in Cabo at 8am on Saturday and we will be there until 4pm. While in Cabo, Brian and I are going snorkeling and parasailing. Sounds like fun doesn't it? I will be sure to take lots and lots of pictures. I've never been on a cruise, so you know that I'm so looking forward to this trip. I got a cocktail dress for the Captain's Dinner and a couple of beach cover-ups to wear on the ship and island. I know this will be a fabulous trip. I'm glad I have a husband that likes going to different places each year. Our first year together we went to San Francisco, the next year to Omaha, NE for the college world series, and this year to San Diego and Cabo. Plus, lots of other places in between.

When I get back, I will post lots of pics.

Our home.

It's finished! We finally moved into our house and I absolutely love it! It was a lot of hard work, but well worth the suffering. Now we can sit back and enjoy our accomplishment.

New Kitchen and Laundry Room Floors

We finally have floors in our kitchen and laundry room! On top of that, they did it all in one day. They were suppose to be here for two days but was able to do it all in one day. I think it turned out really good. We will...let me rephrase that...I will have to repaint the baseboards again because the quarter round looks whiter. I really don't understand why because we used the same color paint. Who knows. I will have to do the living room, dining room, entry-way and hallway again since I'm sure it will look the same as the kitchen and laundry room. Boogers. Here are a couple of pics of our new floors. Whatcha think?

While they installed the floors today, Brody and I walked the "loop" at Wrightsville Beach. The “loop” is a circular scenic 2.45-mile path around the public park and scenic marshes and through the village of Wrightsville Beach. It's amazing and quiet a workout. You can definitely feel the burn in your legs. After our walk, we went to Chic-Fil-A and got the #2 comb0, Chargrilled Chicken Sandwich, fruit instead of fries, and a diet Dr. Pepper...yummy. Did you know that this chicken sandwich only has 270 calories and 3.5 grams of fat! Not too shabby. Beats the original chicken sandwich that has 410 calories and 16 grams of fat! How do I know this ? That is, if you are wondering. Go checkout www.dietfacts.com and it has a list of restaurants and their menu's. Believe me, you will become more aware of what you eat after looking it over. Sorry, I got a little side tracked. So after picking up my delicious lunch, Brody and I went to eat it at Hugh McRae's Park. My favorite park. They have a little pond with geese everywhere, beautiful flowers, a gazebo, an arch bridge over the pond, and cute little benches to sit. It's very peaceful. Its also a great place to go walking to. That's where we usually walk...a mile long...but I figured we had some time to kill, so we walked the "loop." It was a fabulous day.

The installers will be back on Wednesday to start the hardwood installation. Its suppose to take 3 days, but I don't think it will take that long...maybe 2. Can't wait!

Anticipation

Next week we will FINALLY have our floors installed. After a 3 week wait, they will be at the house everyday next week. Even on the following Monday with the installation. This Monday and Tuesday they will be laying the tile in the kitchen and laundry room. The hardwood will take 3 days to install...Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Monday, they will be back to install the carpet for the 3 bedrooms. Brian bought an area rug yesterday for the living room. I think it will tie the living room all together. Once we get the floors and move the furniture out of the garage and into the house, I will post some pics. Only a few more days of suffering.

New Bathing Suit, New Shoes...what more can a girl ask for?

Today I did a little shopping and found the cutest pair of wedges and bathing suit. I went to Kohls to look for a couple of bath mats for our bathrooms and decided to browse in the shoe department. They were having a big sale...all though, Kohls always has a sale going on. Anyway, I spotted a pair of Mia white wedges. I decided to try them on since they are originally $45 and they were on sale for $23 and that they were too cute! I couldn't resist, I had to get them. I knew they would look really cute with a navy blue with white polka dots sundress that I have. Besides that, they make my legs look fabulous! Now, if only I could get out into the sun and get some color.

After going to Kohls, I went to the mall. I haven't been there in a while and wanted to see what new Spring/Summer items they have gotten in. This June, Brian and I are going to San Diego for a couple of days and then we are going on a cruise to Cabo San Lucas. Cannot wait! I thought maybe I would check out the bathing suit's since I have to have one. I didn't even where a suit last summer. My body wasn't in the best of shape. Not saying that it is now, but I'm working on it. I still have a month to tone it up. Sorry for getting off track. I stopped into Dillard's to see what they had. I'm very picky when it comes to my bathing suite's, but I came across the cutest suite. It's very different. I tried it on and I didn't hate it. I knew I should go ahead and get it because I would be kicking myself if I didn't. I think it will be ideal for a cruise. Isn't it cute!

Cole Bros. Circus

Saturday night Brian and I went to the Cole Bros. Circus. I had imagined driving up to this huge tent with clowns walking around, games to play, elephant and camel rides, etc. Was it like that? No. There was a tent, a few concessions, and an elephant ride. That's it! We walked inside and it was a little better. They had pony rides for the little one's and they were so cute. Little kids had big smiles on their faces...too cute. They had a ring master and some freakishly tall. A manly looking women. She kind of looked like a transvestite. They had some pretty good acts. Of course they had the acrobats, and the guy that was shot out of a cannon. Cruel I know, but I was somewhat hoping that he would miss the net. Why? I don't know. My weird side I suppose. Unfortunately, there wasn't a lion tamer. How awesome would that have been! My favorite were the little dogs riding a pony and this so called "cowboy" and his house that drank from a coke bottle. It was cute. Overall, it was okay. It did bring a smile to my face. It was worth going. As the ring master said, "Everyday is circus day!"

Michelle Branch and Colbie Caillat Concert

Last night Brian and I attended the Michelle Branch and Colbie Caillat concert at Trask. It was a really great concert. Brian actually enjoyed it. Along with Michelle and Colbie, they even had other celebrities that were introduced. Barbara Alyn Woods was the Azalea Queen this year. She plays Deb Scott on One Tree Hill which is filmed here in Wilmington. Along with her was Lee Norris (Mouth McFadan), Hilarie Burton (Peyton Sawyer) and Chad Michael Murray (Lucas Scott). They all play on One Tree Hill as well. The other celebrity guest was Kevin Frazier who works with Entertainment Tonight. I'm not familar with him. Brian said he started out on ESPN. Overall, it was a great evening.

(before the concert)

(Kevin Frazier)

(Lee Norris)

(Hilarie Burton)

(Chad Michael Murray)

(Barbara Alyn Woods)

(Michelle Branch)

(Colbie Caillat)

Tonight we are attending the Cole Brothers Circus. I've never been to a "real" circus. So needless to say, I'm really looking forward to it. The reason why I put real in quotations is because Winona had a small circus that came into town one year and I wouldn't really call it a circus. It had a couple of clowns and some elephants. So, this should be really fun. I'll post some pics from the show.

For tomorrow, we are going downtown for the street fair. I am hoping it won't be so crowded since tomorrow is the last day for the Azalea festival. Unfortunately it won't be as warm as it was today, but it will still be nice. You gotta love this town!

Renovating...

One word...headache. Here are some pics of what we've done so far. In a few weeks this will all be competed....at least I hope that it is :)

We are home owners!

This morning, Brian and I met with our realtor, lender and attorney to close on our house. Let me tell you, it feels so good just knowing the we actually own a house! We will get our keys this afternoon, after the papers are filed at the courthouse. I am so ready to start decorating....that will be so much fun! I'll post some pics, once I take some, of the now empty house. The former owner has moved everything out and the only thing he has left to do is vacuum. I know once I walk in, the wheels in my head will start turning. Oh so exciting!! Anywho, just wanted to let everyone know that we are now homeowners!! Wooh-Hoo!!

Busy little bees.

It all started last weekend with Brian and I running in the 5k without any preparation. If you have never ran in one of these, trust me on this...PREPARE. We hung out in the back of everyone. I wasn't about to get in the middle with all of Brian's colleages, which who runs everyday. So, once the buzzer was blown, off we go. We probably ran about a quater of a mile and I had to stop. Yes, you heard me right, a quater of a mile. Brian looked at me like I was crazy. I'm sorry, I haven't ran in like 10 years and he use to run a mile a day. Anyway, I told him to go ahead and I'll just walk. I think he had to show something to the marketing department. So, Brian went ahead and I walked in a fast past. I did jog in between my walks. Only because there were these two girls who were behind me that would walk, then start jogging. I wasn't going to let them pass me...are you crazy. After walking and jogging for about 40 minutes, I could here people cheering. When I hit that last stretch to the parking lot, you cannot walk, you have to run. These two little 10 year old girls are cheering you on to finish, "You can do it, you can do it, GO GO GO!" Everyone who has finished is clapping and cheering you on, it was quite a rush. I finished in 42 minutes, Brian at 37 minutes. As soon as I sat down, I thought I was going to be sick. I didn't, I held it in luckly. Painful my friends, painful.

Thursday was Valentine's Day...the day of love. Brian sent me a bouquet of tulips and a little heart shape balloon with the sweetest little note. Once I got home, I walked in the house with something smelling oh, so good. I cooked us a couple of filets and back potatoes. No veggies or bread, but it was delicious. He also cleaned the house and did the laundry. If that's not romantic,then I don't know what is. We stayed because we weren't going to get out in the hussle and bussle of Valentine's Day. It was nice and relaxing. I couldn't ask for it in any other way.

Pics will come soon. This crazy website isn't letting me post anything.

We Got It!!

We got a house!! Yea! The seller made a verbal agreement with Brian last night and we will be signing the papers soon. It turned out that someone else made an offer the same day we did and the offered full asking price. Luckly, the said he would accept our offer without hearing there's. I'm sure he's spitting nails that he didn't wait to hear what they had, but hey, I'm glad he didn't go against his word. The closing date will be March 17th. I'm so happy everything worked out. WE HAVE A HOUSE!!!

We'll see what happens.

Today, Brian and I became "official" adults. Why you ask? Well, we bidded on our first house. This house has a lot of potential. The neighborhood is great, it has a huge fenced in backyard, two car garage, big master bedroom and bath, the additional bedrooms are a decent size and the FROG is finished. I think after we tear out the carpet and replace it with hardwood floors, new counter tops, kitchen and bathroom floors, and new paint, I think it will be FABULOUS. Its all the house we need. The square footage is 1733 which is fine. I think once we put in the hardwood, the house will look much bigger. Listen to me go on and on about this and I don't know if the owner likes our offer. We actually asked about $20,000 under the asking price. From what hear, the owner is ready to sell. We will know something by 7pm tomorrow.