Happy Halloween!!

I cannot believe it is Halloween!! This year has flown by! Maybe because it's actually been such a good year...time flies when you're havin' fun! Meanwhile in Lee and Megan land.. we have been delaying our pumpkin carving for quite some time. We spent an entire funfilled day at Sinkland farms and I absolutely couldn't wait to carve our pumpkin! We wanted to wait a little closer to Halloween so it wouldn't rot. I even bought "It's the great pumpkin, Charlie Brown" ( i love it and watch it every year) to accompany us to our pumpkin carving. Halloween seemed to sneak up on us. It's not like we didn't have tons of reminders..I practically decorated the apt to look like a haunted house! haha! BUT for some reason...we put off the pumpkin carving each day..and last nite we realized..we HAVE to do it tonite..we have to light up our pumpkin at least one night and display it in our window. Unfortunately I had a huge exam last nite and I knew I wouldnt be home until around 9 or so..THEN i remembered that I had to run over to the new apartment to grab the mixer. I had to make Halloween cookies for work the next day (today!) So I ran over there with the intentions of quickly grabbing my mixer and running home! Well..I never expected Hope to be home! So of course we sat and talked for a while..a long while! When I finally got home it was late and I still had to make cookies, carve the pumpkin and watch the office! ahhhh! it's all so overwhelming! haha! Well, we watched The Office. Then Lee decided maybe it would be a good idea for him to carve the pumpkin while I made the cookies! I was kinda bummed but it was my fault for putting it off so I agreed.
Well folks, Neither of us were successful in our attempts. This is a picture of Lee With great intentions of carving a fabulous pumpkin:


This would be Lee being "scary" and hacking into our precious pumpkin:


And THIS would be Lee's attempt to carve the pumpkin:


Poor Lee. He had a lot of trouble with this. He decided to forget about the design and carve his own product. I decided not to post a picture of this..you wouldn't want to see it anyway! :)

Meanwhile..I'm in the kitchen measuring out perfect proportions of ingredients to make the best Halloween cookies ever. I followed the directions EXACTLY. Here's what they look like:


OK OK..that's what they were supposed to look like.... here's what mine looked like..get ready:


Wow.. I mean..at least they look scary..scary enough that probably not a lot of people will eat them! UGH! Oh well...what is Halloween all about really? It's about spending time with the ones you love right?



Nope! Who am I kidding?..it's about eating Candy and partying until you puke! Hopefully sans the puking! Hope everyone has a safe and happy Halloween!!

Dolly parton knew what she was talking about..

An excerpt from My Favorite Movie of all time (Steel Magnolias):


Shelby: Truvy, you know what you need in here? You need a radio, takes the pressure off of everyone feeling they have to talk so much.
Truvy: I had one once, but I threw it up against the wall when I couldn't figure out where the batteries went. I know now I was suffering from pre-menstrual syndrome.

Ok..so I came to the conclusion that yesterdays frazzledness was the fact that I was experiencing some major PMS. I may have dramatized that a little tooo much. YES, I am stressed and yes I havent felt as well lately..and I dont cry ALL the time..haha :) Lee pointed out the fact that about once a month around this time I get like this..and lose my temper easily( yesterday a lean pocket with mushrooms WHICH I HATE, set me off!) and get emotional and wah wah wah. He's right. I never realized I suffered from PMS but now im pretty sure that is the case. Mystery solved. Lee is very loving and cares about me very much and I cant blame him for dreading this time of the month and telling me to get over it. I mean honestly who loses it from a lean pocket?! ME!

So Im really looking forward to Minnesota! We're leaving in a few weeks..I'm super excited because I havent been in a plane since July 2000 and I love flying! We will be gone from NOV 22nd to Dec 2nd! A LONG TIME! plus im taking the 3rd off after we get back to get myself together and so a ton of laundry im sure. Anyway I've started to gather stuff for my trip and I wanted to take some cute coats with me! So I head over to the old apartment and start picking out stuff to wear. I'm so upset because I had this one green pea coat that I loved very much! I couldn't find it anywhere! It's a 70 dollar coat that I bought with my own money and I loved it and wore it a lot. Its totally disappeared! Anyway..its Green..its not a long peacoat and the pockets on the side are kinda turned upward (i know this for a fact because that always annoyed me! haha) SO if any of my friends are reading this and possibly have it lying around their house somewhere or something let me know! I know its a long shot but I really really want to get it back if anyone has it!

Last but not least
Lee,
I love you
so much
thank you for last nite
you made me feel better
you always do
*muah*

Frazzled

So lately I've been feeling very stressed out. Its causing my mood to go up and down like crazy. Im feeling stress at work, stress from school, stress from trying to be thin, stress from trying to keep the house clean. The only way I see to release it is to yell, pick fights, or smoke. I had been doing so well with NOT smoking and then all of a sudden I need it again. I cant concentrate, I cant focus, and my emotions are getting the best of me. Ive tried to relax, breathe, anything. Nothing is working. Ive got an ulcer in my mouth, Im sick, I cant eat, I cry a LOT. I hate feeling this way and I hate taking it out on Lee. Theres no one else to talk to about it and he NEVER wants to hear it..he always tells me to shut up or calm down, or get over it. HE doesnt realize how I feel. I feel like I cant keep up and the world is caving in on me and I dont know what to do. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Update on the Jars!

Ok...SO BEING THE SMART girl that I am..Ive been asking people to look and see if they have any of these old blue/teal mason jars..mainly encouraging people to ask their cute little canning grandmothers too look in the basement or back of their pantry! THEN..it occured to me..why not ask my mother/grandmother? FUNNY how this incredible thought crossed my mind..so I gave it a shot. The reply? "No, we used to have a bunch..but someone was collecting them so we gave them all away!" OH NO...then not five mins later she calls me back.. " OK we HAVE 20! IN all different sizes!!" THANK YOU MAMA! Also ..my friend Alisha has a bunch of awesome ones..so im good on the mason jars. HOWEVER..I urge you to make the smart change to Claussen pickles..Im still saving those jars! YAY! ;) K thanks..bye

That's what I love about Sunday..

Once again I had a kick-back, wonderful, relaxing weekend! I had my heart set on going out Friday nite for some drinks but it was pretty rainy/drizzly and my hair just cant risk it! haha! Plus, Lee had been hunting most of the day and was exhausted so we hung around the apartment and watched some much needed TV catch up! Saturday I woke up early as usual to run some errands. I went to the tanning bed, went to the old apartment to pick up some packages and pack some stuff/move stuff and brought Lee some lunch. Then we got ready and headed over to Jeff and Alishas to watch the Tech Game! Lee and I most definetly offically VA Tech fans now..how can we not be?? Of course Tech lost..they had a pretty rough game. Tucker, and Jeff and Jessica all came over too..Tucker was hilarious..I thought I might lose it. He was making me laugh so hard! Alisha made some awesome zesty asian style wings and some of her fab chili. YUMMO! After the party we decided to call it a nite and came home to watch my MOST FAVORITE FAVORITE Halloween movie of all time...Hocus Pocus!! I have loved this movie since I was a little girl..and honestly it wouldn't be Halloween without watching it! I was about to fall asleep when Jen called me and invited us out to Mac and Bob's. It was still kinda early so I said sure why not and got ready to go. We headed over there and had a ball with Jenny and Chase. Jenny and I discussed and swapped wedding plans while the boys talked about..who knows? We had some chocolate cake to top off our nite...note to JEN...HOLY SHOTS! No more for you!

Today SUNDAY. I love Sundays. It's become my favorite day of the week. I know its the day right before I go back to work but I always seem to find a way for it to drag on. We woke up early and had breakfast at Panera and went over to Barnes and Noble to browse. We stayed there for a couple hours. I couldn't seem to get out of the cookbooks and wedding planners...oh golly gee goodness! I could spend the whole day in that store..but instead we had to head home because Lee wanted to take a motorcycle ride..seeing as how this might be the last 70 degree day we have for a while. It's been fridgid/fallish all week (which I love) but today was a little warmer so we decided to go for it..after some much needed and appreciated coaxing from Lee! It was probably the prettiest ride we've ever taken! All back roads..and wound up in Blacksburg..had a late lunch at the best mexican restaurant I've ever eaten at..and then rode home! I was happy to be back because THIS IS HOW I SPENT MY SUNDAY EVENING! :)

Yes I finished it already...only took a couple of hours..im a freak..
AND THIS is how my Geeky (but fabulous and loveable..had to add that in) spent his!


BOOOOOOOOOORING!
Well that was our weekend..Im going seepy nite nite :) MUAH!

Say Cheese!!

YES, I've been blogging a lot today but I forget to update this little detail in my first blog (and im sooooo bored its ridiculous..i shouldnt be im working..ha) :) On Nov 9th, Lee and I are having our pictures made for christmas cards. I know it seems a little over the top. BUT Lee is my heart and soul and he IS family (not officially) and I love his family like they're my own..and my family loves Lee and says they've never seen me happier? What better way to declare our love than by sending out these christmas card pics?! haha. My friend Evelyn is a photographer and has agreed to photoshoot us that day. I haven't decided where to do them yet though. Im praying that I can get my hair appt in before that (since I am scheduling one before we go to Minnesota) and that it doesnt rain because I most definetly want to do them outdoors! I think I've found a simple outfit for me but I'm trying to find something for Lee. Im also trying to figure out if there is a way to incorporate semone and pumba in a few..but the great outdoors tends to freak out those felines..not to mention semone is camera shy..so we'll see! :)
~Meg

Jars Jars Jars!

So I'm on a misson to collect a bunch of these antiqey blue mason jars. I like how they have somewhat of a "teal" hue. I've googled the crap out of them..and the only site that you can find them on (thats not absolutely obnoxious) is ebay ..and I would have to buy a few at a time or win those bids. Granted, they aren't expensive but I'm trying to use other resources to find these jars. Yes they are antiques and hard to find if you're looking..but chances are your grandparents have some sitting around in their basement. Im looking for all sizes..big and small and i'll be willing to pay a small amount if you find any! ALSO...anyone a fan of pickles? I LOVE pickles and I have a particular favorite. The Claussen pickles. You cannot find these in the normal pickle aisle. They are always in the refrigerated section of the grocery store with the lunch meat usually. Anywho I love the half speared cut dill pickles..not the quartered but the half. If you are dissatisfied with your pickles or perhaps looking for a new pickle to try..please try the CLAUSSEN HALF DILL SPEARS IN THE CLEAR ROUND FAT JAR REFRIDGERATED SECTION OF YOUR LOCAL GROCERY STORE...and then eat all the pickles and save the jar for me..and if at all possible could you wash it out with a little water and save the lid..who knows how long these jars will be sitting around..I don't want them to get too dusty. This is all just part of my future brilliant plans..I figure I met as well start collecting now..why not? Thanks everyone!

Holy 1955!!

From Housekeeping Monthly, 13 May, 1955.

* Have dinner ready. Plan ahead, even the night before, to have a delicious meal ready on time for his return. This is a way of letting him know that you have be thinking about him and are concerned about his needs. Most men are hungry when they get home and the prospect of a good meal is part of the warm welcome needed.
* Prepare yourself. Take 15 minutes to rest so you'll be refreshed when he arrives. Touch up your make-up, put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh-looking. He has just been with a lot of work-weary people.
* Be a little gay and a little more interesting for him. His boring day may need a lift and one of your duties is to provide it.
* Clear away the clutter. Make one last trip through the main part of the house just before your husband arrives. Run a dustcloth over the tables.
* During the cooler months of the year you should prepare and light a fire for him to unwind by. Your husband will feel he has reached a haven of rest and order, and it will give you a lift too. After all, catering to his comfort will provide you with immense personal satisfaction.
* Minimize all noise. At the time of his arrival, eliminate all noise of the washer, dryer or vacuum. Encourage the children to be quiet.
* Be happy to see him.
* Greet him with a warm smile and show sincerity in your desire to please him.
* Listen to him. You may have a dozen important things to tell him, but the moment of his arrival is not the time. Let him talk first - remember, his topics of conversation are more important than yours.
* Don't greet him with complaints and problems.
* Don't complain if he's late for dinner or even if he stays out all night. Count this as minor compared to what he might have gone through at work.
* Make him comfortable. Have him lean back in a comfortable chair or lie him down in the bedroom. Have a cool or warm drink ready for him.
* Arrange his pillow and offer to take off his shoes. Speak in a low, soothing and pleasant voice.
* Don't ask him questions about his actions or question his judgment or integrity. Remember, he is the master of the house and as such will always exercise his will with fairness and truthfulness. You have no right to question him.
* A good wife always knows her place.


HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!
I LOVE THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!

business as usual

So I figured I havent written an actual blog right in a while so I thought it was time. I've been really busy lately with work, school, fighting off sickness and what not..so here's an update. Last weekend was amazing. I was supposed to go out of town but it didnt work out. However it was awesome because I got the apartment to myself for a few days and it was totally worth it. I hadn't been alone in so long..it was like a refresher for me. Friday after work Lee headed to NC for a wedding. I didn't go with because A: John was coming in from NY as Lee's date and B: I had to work Saturday. AND it was the perfect weekend to work because it was somewhat rainy so I was cool with it. Friday nite I made myself some dinner and watched a couple of scary movies alone in the dark!! I know right??? Needless to say I checked all the doors and closets before I went to bed and slept with a knife beside my bed..haha! It was so relaxing! The next I woke up and headed to work for a bit and afterwards came home/showered/cleaned before I headed off to Davids Bridal with Hope! I wanted to find a dress for the wedding and rehearsal dinner in Nov. I had found two on-line that I liked. I tried them both on..they fit perfectly! AND were a size smaller than I thought they would be!! YAY!! One of them has to be ordered because its not the color I want but the other one I bought and took straight home! I cant wait for Lee to see me in it! :) We headed over to the mall for some much needed shopping..I wanted to pamper myself with some new clothes and smelly goods...WELL i couldn't help myself..I ended up shopping ONLY for Lee! I didn't buy one thing for myself. He deserves it for being such an amazing boyfriend and putting up with me. At least I've gotten most of his Christmas shopping outta the way!
I've been going to the tanning bed again. I know I know its bad! But, I want to be a little tan for the wedding so I dont look like a ghost in all the pictures. I'm actually getting tan suprisingly fast this year. I haven't been to the tanning bed since July of 2007! So I'm pretty pleased with myself for going that long..i know i know I shouldn't go..but I'm not an addict..I'll pace myself!
Lee and I still haven't carved our pumpkins..stay tuned for that mess of fun.
School is almost over for the semester..I can't believe it!! I only have a few weeks left! YAY!
Last Sunday, Lee's mom came in to Roanoke with her new beau, Craig. This was my first time meeting him! His sister in law was having an open house at a little antique store downtown. We browsed the shop and had mimosas and yummy food from alexanders. I wasnt feeling well but that mimosa perked me up! It was a great way to spend a sunday nite. I really liked Craig alot. He's a Pharmacist!! Wow..takes my back to the good (BAD) ol days at walgreens...ahhHHH!
So I MUST tell you about the wedding Lee went to! He called me from the wedding just to tell me how awesome it was! He said it was small..simple..but full of so much love (yes lee's words!) He said it was the best wedding he's ever been too..and trust me..Lee has been to some good ones! He said that he wanted his wedding to be just like it. DONT worry.. I got LOTS of great ideas!! Is it sad that I have pretty much planned my entire wedding but am not even engaged?! hahahaha...its ok though..I'm not too worried ;)
I've been getting up at 515am to work out!! AND i started weight watchers..Im gradually losing weight..but not as much/fast as I hoped..my weight fluctuates because im good all week and then on the weekends lee and i treat ourselves (probably a little too much) So im going to the gym before work (EARLY) and after work..i dont even know how i find time to eat!! Wish me luck
Anywho..Thats all thats been going on with me.
I want to give my condolences to my friend and her boyfriend and family. They suffered a terrible loss this past Sunday. Im praying for you guys still..I know this is hard but you're a strong couple/family and I know you'll get through this!
Also to a couple of friends from the past..we've had our ups and downs and we dont really talk anymore..I guess thats what happens when you have a huge falling out. However..the did FINALLY tie the knot this weekend and I want to wish them the best. I'm genuinely happy for them and I know they will make it! I'm sure they'll have dozens of beautiful babies too (maybe not dozens) but I just want them to know that Lee and I were both thinking about them. (they probably wont read this..but..you never know)
AND ONE LAST THING.... VOTE OBAMA!!!! please :) LOVE: lee and meg

My laugh for the day

So Lee always makes fun of me when I talk about High School Musical..I'm not really a big fan of it..but I always tell Lee we have to go see the movie when it comes out. He sent me a link to put our heads on the main characters..so I one-up'd him and now's he's got the lead role with who else? Paula Deen!

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My favorite part is where he slides down the hall in front of the lockers..and I apoligize profusely for Paula. I know she looked like she had a slight stroke..I had a bit of trouble outlining her mouth/chin. Thank u :)

Lee and Megan.. The Questionaire

1.
What are your middle names?
Ross and.. Megan

2.
How long have you been together?
16 months as of wednesday!

3.
Do you have any children together?
nope not for a while! :)

4.
What about pets?
You know i used to hate cats..but now i consider semone and pumba my own and I LOVE them! They are SO funny!

5.
Did you go to the same school?
Nope I went to Lord Botetourt and he went to RJ Reynolds and NC State


6.
Are you from the same hometown?
no he's from NC
7.
Do you live in the same town now?
we live in a lovely apt together!

8.
Who is the smarter one?
DEF lee..duh
9.
Who is the most sensitive?
DEF me :)


10.
Where is the first place you went to eat as a couple?
Wasabis :)
11.
Do you wear matching clothes?
negative


12.
Where is the furthest you have traveled as a couple?
Harrisburg..or Louisville...ALASKA next aug will be the furthest!!!

13.
Who has the best group of friends?
we both have amazing friends!
14.
Who has the craziest ex/exes?
DEFinetly LEE...this article was posted sat http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-jocelyn-kirsch-081018-ht,0,933793.story..yup thats her..
15.
Who has the worst temper?
hands down ..that would be ME!


16.
Who does the cooking?
I do..I love cooking..but lee always washes the dishes (loads the dishwasher!) haha..but when lee does cook its WONDERFUL!
17.
Who's more social?
we're both pretty social..im probably more shy than lee

18.
Who is the neat freak?
DUH! me!

19.
Who is the most affectionate?
we are both very affectionate :)

20.
Who is the most stubborn?
ME

21.
Who hogs the bed?
LEEEEE!

22.
Who wakes up earlier?
we both wake up very early everyday!

23.
Where was your first date?
blind/double date at Martins :)

24.
Who said "I Love You" first?
i did..but he said it back :)

25.
How did you spend your 1st year anniversary?
at a bed and breakfast at the lake..private dinners, lots of wine, boating..laying on the beach..ahhh :)
26.
Who has the bigger family?
probably me..because i have so many extensions on my family..haha


27.
Do you give/get flowers often?
not really..just vday and our anniversary

28.
How do you spend the holidays?
last year we spent the holidays with each of our own families seperately..this year im excited to go to minnesota and spend 10 days for thanksgiving..then for christmas we will do christmas eve at my grandparents, christmas morning together and christmas morning at my parents and then go to winston salem that afternoon! :)
29.
Do you think you will ever get married?
YES i do...keep reading our blog;)

30.
Were you each other's "first"?
I'm not going to comment..but the people who need to know..already know :)

Nuts for Nascar!

This weekend Lee and I had the pleasure of heading to Charlotte for the Lowes Motor Speedway Dollar General 500! One of Lee's friends got tickets for us! It's been really awesome getting to know Jeff and Alisha. They have been very good friends to us. They are hilarious and we always have a good time with them. They also recently got us the VA TECH tickets a few months ago!
Lee had never been to a race before so I was very excited! I knew he would love it. I hate watching it on TV but going to a race is completely different! We left on Friday after I got off work to head down for some camping. The race wasnt until Sat nite. After a horrible traffic Jam we made it to the campsite a little after nine. We decided to head over to the track for the Busch race. For all you non-nascar fans, the busch race is always the day before the actually Nascar race. Its a lot of younger guys trying to work their way into the Nascar race and actually a few of the Nascar drivers run in that race too. The look on Lee's face was priceless when he saw those cars take off!
I was so happy to be there with him. We pretty much caught the tail end of that race since we got there a little late but it was still fun. We headed back over to the campsite and alisha and Jeff made a few steaks before they headed off to bed. I wasnt hungry and rather exhausted so I excused my self for some seepy nite nite. The next morning we woke up and the place was packed. There were miles and miles of campsites, RV's tents and what not. It was the biggest tailgating party I'd ever seen! People had huge TV's outside their RVs and there were bonfires and even a few stages set up with some toe tappin' bluegrass performances. very cool! We took a walk through the outside of the stadium where there were all sorts of booths and fun things to check out. It was like a carnival times a million. People were hoarding around bags of free stuff that they were given. We got tshirts, magnets, food, even deoderant from the Old Spice guys! we twisted through miles and miles of fun little side shows and bars and music. You could spend the whole day there having a great time and not even see the race if you wanted! Plus the weather was perfect the entire time! It was awesome. We then headed back to the campsite for a few beers and some snacks. Lee and I were going to leave for the race a little early to catch what else? the Jessica Simpson concert!! I was so excited! I love her! We had to walk like 2 miles to get to our seats and we didn't get quite as close as I had hoped. We asked if you could walk down to the infield to see the concert and the woman told us that we couldnt. HOWEVER, we found out later that we could have...she was an idiot! OH well..I got some decent pics and I love her. Plus Lee paid 50 dollars so we could get the headset. It helped keep the noise of the cars out (you usually have to wear earplugs) and it came with a little TV so that we could see everything! It was pretty awesome..and worth the money!
After Jessica they introduced the drivers! That was really cool..and then they brought out all the cars and lined them up. Jessica Simpson sang the national anthem and then the famous phrase..."Gentlemen, Start your engines!!" I think the start of the race is the most exciting! A truck will lead them around the track a few laps at a slower place..probably 60 or 70mph just to get the cars warmed up. Then the truck pulls into pit row and off the go like the speed of light!! Its amazing! The track was a mile and 1/4..and we calculated the cars going around the whole track in about 28 seconds! It was soooo much fun! It was a little long but we had great seats right at the start/finish line and in front of pit row..about 30 rows up just enough so we could see the entire track! Perfect seats! It was a night race so I worried that the weather would be cold but it turned out to be perfect and I had a blast! Jeff Burton (a virginia driver!!) won the race! Afterwards we headed back to the campsite..it was a long day..I was exhausted (i feel like im 50 sometimes) and Lee and Jeff and Alisha had some more drinks and hung out with the neighbors. I DID however get to witness Alisha dancing. I pretty much about peed my pants watching her. She was too funny!
The next day we got up early and headed off to Cracker Barrel for breakfast and got some fun Christmas decorations for the apartment. We also each picked out or own christmas ornaments for our tree and an ornament for each of the kitties :) Lee is so excited about going to get a live tree this year! We got home around 3 o'clock and decided it was too pretty to do anything but ride the motorcycle. We quickly unpacked and then headed off to get a pumpkin carving kit, some wine, and some scary movies for the night! Then we rode up on the parkway to see all the pretty fall foliage! We also picked up some christmas lights for the windows and had some long awaited chinese for our first chinese sunday in what seemed like years. We came home and hung out for a bit and then crashed. We decided to hold off on the pumpkin carving till another night..and the scary movies.
It was a great weekend! Next weekend Lee's mom and boyfriend are coming up to Roanoke where hopefully I'll be able to entertain them while Lee goes hunting! I love it when Lees mom comes! She already feels like a mother to me! :) She's amazing! and im very much looking forward to meeting Craig!
Well thats our weekend in a nutshell...yay!

FINALLY!

Ok..I just got some FANTABULOUS news! SO.. a few weeks ago one of Lee's friends got him tickets to the Nascar race in Charlotte this weekend! Lee immediately emailed me and was like "hey we've got tickets to the race!" I was so excited because I knew Lee had never been to one and I couldn't wait to go with him!! Well the next day Lee forwarded the email with all the info about the weekend of the race and I read it carefully and realized that I was NOT included! Lee had read it so fast he just assumed that I was in! I would've been..but one of the other guys was bringing TWO people so that was the 6th person! :( I was soooooo bummed and so upset because I didnt want him to go without me! :( WELL! TODAY he confirmed that I do have a ticket! We managed to get one...we have to pay some money for it but Oh well..its worth it right? So anyway after we finally got that all worked out I was super relieved! THEN i get an email from Lee...the subject line said "sit down" OH NO! I was thinking the worst. When I opened the email it said "before you click on this link" ok..?! GET READY! I click on the link only to find that JESSICA SIMPSON will be performing the concert before the race and singing the national anthem!!!! OK EVERYONE knows how much I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE her!!!! I've always wanted to see her in concert!! I actually saw her little sister Ashlee simpson in concert for my 20th birthday (also in charlotte..weird) and it was amazing! I will always be a diehard fan of "Newlyweds" and have all the seasons on DVD. IN FACT i just took them out last night and watched them when we got back from KY because after going to churchill downs it reminded me of the episode where Jessica and Nick went to the KY derby and I sat down to watch that episode..along with about three more of course! HOW WEIRD that I was watching it last night and got all this great news today!! EVEN BETTER NEWS is that we are camping friday and saturday night on the infield..so I can probably get really close to the concert seeing as how ill be camped out there all night!! EVEN BETTER BETTER NEWS...theres rumor that Dolly Parton may make a guest appearance to sing their new single together! STOP IT RIGHT NOW! if that happens I will have to be carried off the infield...now if regis waves the white flag it'll be the end of the world!! I'm so excited!! WISH me luck! I'm gonna try to get good pics..i doubt I'll be so lucky! :(

Looeyville...looavull...we conquered another city!

Ahhhhh There's nothing like a fun weekend getaway to start off my favorite season..fall. As most of you know..I LOVE the show Ghost Hunters and watch it religiously..or whenever I can. I told myself, no PROMISED myself that next Halloween (being this halloween) that I was going to go to the Waverly Hills Sanitorium. First of all, some background. Waverly Hills is and old sanitorium and Louisville, Kentucky. The first time I saw it, it was featured on..what else? Ghost Hunters. They found some PRETTY CREEPY things there that night and even went back a year later for Halloween night and did a live Ghost hunters all night long. I've been intrigued with this place ever since. The building was used for TB patients back in the early 1900's and is now very old and run down. I called the Waverly Historical society back in April (which is how long I've been planning this trip..haha) and told her I would love to come to the haunted house that they have there on Halloween. Now as most of you know we've all been through these haunted houses before and they're not really scary just funny mostly and I didnt expect much more with this one. The reason I wanted to go is because I was in love with the building and the story behind it and thought it would be a fun way to start off October! There is another tour you can do during the day (historical) or a paranormal two hour tour in the evening if you're not brave enough to stay overnight. I tried to sign us up for the overnight tour..its 100 per person to stay an entire night but Lee wasnt to sure..he gets a little scared ..to say the least. Plus, they don't do the tours in October during the halloween haunted house because it interferes with the tour itself. They will resume after Halloween. Now after actually being there, Lee definetly wants to go back and do the overnight stay! (so proud of him!) and there are a few other people who've chimed in saying they'd also like to go so we'll probably do that sometime in the new year..now for the rest of the trip!
I had to work a few hours on friday before we left. Lee suprised me with sushi before we left..love him! We arrived in Louisville around 900 or so, earlier than expected! Let me just say this. It's a looooong drive! 7 hours! HOWEVER, it did not feel anywhere near that long because the whole drive is absolutely beautiful! I've never been to Kentucky before. I had driven through WVA before, but it's been a LONG time. It was so beautiful. The ride passed very quickly because of this. Kentucky is also a pretty state. But about an hour into it..you start to lose the mountains..which turn to foothills, rolling hills, and then its flat. I dont think I could live without this gorgeous virginia mountain backdrop. But all in all the state of Ky was very beautiful..in its own way!
We wanted to check in quickly and go out to dinner on the town. Our hotel was wonderful. THE most COMFORTABLE bed I've ever slept in. We stayed right in the heart of downtown louisville in the residence marriott! It was a suite with a kitchenette, living area and huge bathroom area! It was a nice place to come back to thats for sure! Good pick, Lee! After we got checked in we got decked out and headed out. I wanted to take Lee to Joe's crab shack because we have a "thing" for that place! We both LOVE eating there. Well...after mapquesting and following the directions..we NEVER found it.*this would not be the last time mapquest would let us down this weekend!) WE found a restaurant in the spot that we thought it would be..and we thought that maybe this restaurant replaced it and that the crab shack possibly closed..guess we'll never know. Anyway this place was called tumbleweeds. I was kinda bummed but I thought..why not? It said southwestern and had a pretty view of the Ohio River so I just went for it. OK first of all..the food was disgusting. The wind must've changed or something because right as we were finishing up our crappy food the smell of sewage totally dominated the whole restaurant..it was pretty gross. It sucks because the place looked nice but it was really lame. Strike one for Louisville! After that fiasco we headed back to the hotel and watched step brothers with Will Ferrill! It was absolutely hilarious! We fell asleep to this... what a long day!
The next morning we got up early because there was so much we wanted to do/see before our trip to Waverly! The hotel served up a pretty decent breakfast..they had pretty much anything you could want there and we got full bellies before our trek out into the city. When we first arrived it was dark so we couldn't see much so I was excited to get out and see everything. First thing we did was walk down mainstreet over to the Louisville Slugger Museum to see the big bat! You really can't go to louisville without seeing two things..the bat..and churchill downs. So first things first. After staring in awe for about 2.5 seconds at a giant piece of wood..we walked down to the river to see the water...gross..very dirty. Probably not dirty in all of the places..say at the park ..but where we were..it was pretty darn gross and smelled too. There was even a warning about the trash and the sewage..yuck. Not that Roanoke's river is much better..or nearly as beautiful as the ohio river..but still..Strike two louisville!!
Next we decided to go to Churchill downs. First though I wanted to drive through Old Louisville to see all the big victorian houses. Beware..you must go through some ghetto-ish areas to get there! Anyway..the houses were very pretty! Louisville has the largest collections of these old homes in the country! We drove around that area for awhile. We had no choice. Roads kept being blocked off for some artsy festival they were having. The houses throughout the city reminded me a little of Boston..and a little of New Orleans. A nice mix..very cute. Next we went over to Churchill Downs where they have the annual Kentucky Derby! Ok first of all...I want to warn everyone about there about mapquest..use google maps! I mapquested all the places we wanted to go before we left so there would be no problem. I can guarantee you that when using the mapquest to get anywhere in Louisville..it's going to take you through the ghetto and the projects. ALWAYS have a map for an alternate route! We eventually got the hang of it but it was hilarious watching us try! NOW, to be completely honest I was not really that excited to go to Churchill downs. I've never really gotten into the whole horse race thing...and didn't really get all the hype. I just love seeing all the beautiful people and their lovely hats..good enough for me. BUT, I figured we're here..we should go see it! I would just like to say that i REALLY REALLY enjoyed that tour! Churchill downs is in the middle of Louisville right near University of Louisville. Its so old and gorgeous. The tour was VERY entertaining. Our tour guide was awesome and I learned a LOT of stuff I didn't know. Actually I really didnt know anything and came to actually realize why people liked it so much! I'm really glad we did it because we almost didn't. If you're ever there, definetly go its worth the twelve bucks! :) 1 point for Louisville!
After our derby fever wore off we were starting to get hungry. I researched the city a lot before we left and got lots of reveiws on restaurants to go to. One restaurant we found was called Mike Linnig's. Apparently its been a favorite of Kentuckians for a long time so we decided to try it out. DONT be fooled but its cute setup-very warm and inviting...the inside reminding me of K and W and the outside reminding me of a family picnic. You could sit a picnic tables or in outdoor cabins! it was very appealing. So far so good. Well thats about where the goodness stopped. Dont eat here unless you're actually looking to eat at a total greasepit! It was so gross..the food was all deep fried! we ordered a platter with a variety of different seafood and we couldn't even tell what was what because it was all deep fried and breaded!! we took a few bites of different things..and EVERYTHING tasted exactly the same! It reminded me of a long john silvers! ewww. Needless to say we did not enjoy our food choices so far..! Strike three Louisville! after lunch..if thats what you'd like to call it..we went to a gas station so lee could throw up! We were both pretty hungry because we tried our very best not to eat much of our food. Then, we decided to drive around some of the suburbs of louisville and try to get a feel for the area. We didnt really know too much about where we were but we headed down the freeway and over to bardstown road area. I'd read that there were a lot of fun restaurants and bars and shopping in the area. Not impressive. It was ok..but a little too congested for me. AND all these "nicer areas" of Louisville are surrounded by NOT so nice areas..its a very strange set up. Now dont get me wrong..all cities have bad areas..and roanoke has plenty to say the least. But in general I loved louisvilles appeal. Very hospitable. Lots of details in the archtecture and a lot of KY pride! Thats what I like to see. But I think on this trip the bad outweighed the good. I think when we go back we'll have a better knowledge of where to go and where not to go.
Anyway..after crusin' around the ville we headed back to the hotel to rest a little and charge the camera before heading to the waverly. When i say rest a little..i mean..sit around for about 20 mins and head out again! I cant stand to be stuck in the hotel! We headed over to the waverly before dark. I wanted to get some pics before it got too dark..and i didnt want to wait forever in line because we had planned on going downtown later that nite! We got there at the perfect time and were the third group to go in! They even had fire-breathers to entertain us in the parking lot. Not to mention the fact that we were in line with a woman who "claimed" she was a sensitive and was telling us all the stuff she was hearing/seeing.. She didnt seem one bit authentic but we humored her because who better to go into a dark spooky haunted house with than her?! HAHAHA! It was the usual set up..creepy florence nightingale dark rooms, tunnels, black lights, bodybags, psycho patients. Like I said..The experience and the building in general was what I wanted..not to be scared out of my pants (because i knew that wouldnt happen) Lee actually pushed me to the front of the line..he got scared. I could tell he was nervous..it was hilarous! and of course they chased us out with the chainsaw..suprise suprise! It definetly wasnt worth the money..but the experience of going there was priceless! I would've paid 50. Plus, the money goes to a great cause..they're restoring the building. Its a HUGE building so it will take many years to finish it..so I'm happy to help! Plus renovations always stir up some fiesty sprits..hahaha! (right lee?)
After that we decided to head downtown to Fourth street live! Its a pretty cool idea.. a street shut off from cars..a glass covering..several bars, shops and places to eat. Once again I had researched this place before we went to louisville and suprised lee by taking him bowling at Lucky strikes! as most of you know LEE loves bowling!! We havent gone in a LONG time..due to the fact that I can only handle it every so often..so i decided this would be the perfect place to go considering its a bowling alley, bar, restaurant all in one..and very cute. We had our own lane..sat on swanky couches and had our drinks and food brought to our table. We had soooo much fun! That was probably one of the highlights of the trip. We were both pretty tipsy by the time we finished that. Lee wanted to go to some more bars but I was ready to pass out! Id seen enough of Louisville! haha..guess I was homesick:) We headed back to the hotel to watch sarah palin get bashed by tina fey on saturday night live...LOVE IT!

Today (sunday) we woke up late. I wanted to sleep in that bed forever! We headed over to the st matthews mall because I was dying to go to Pottery barn and williams-sonoma! MY TWO FAVORITE stores! BUT first we had a terribly yummy lunch..at the cheesecake factory! That meal totally made up for the first two horrible ones we experienced so I was very pleased! We had a lovely brunch and of course Pumpkin cheesecake. Recommended by our AWESOME waiter..he says they only have it these two months out of the year so of course we had to get it. After drooling over pottery barn and basically designing each room in our new house we headed to williams sonoma where Lee bought me a few goodies!! AWWWWW ..he totally suprised me! I definetly wasnt expecting anything from EITHER store..so i was totally in shock. I love you lee. After the wonderful mall experience it was time to go home! AGAIN the drive was not bad..because it was so lovely..we got home around 830 and are happy to be back here and see the kitty cats...yes world, we conquered yet another city. Out next stop is Minneapolis in November and Orlando in April... and Im hearing.. NYC in JAN?? Woop! wow.. my hands are tired...thanks for listening to my rants and raves.. love to all! :)

...And he's even better

Everyone knows..no matter how wonderful Lee is..My dad is the number one man in my life (as well as grandaddy, its a tie!) and then Lee! Anyway..My dad deserves a HUGE and i mean HUGE thank you for what he did for me recently. I love you more than life itself, Dad. You mean the world to me. I wont go into details but he's proved to me over and over again why he's the greatest father in the entire world. Thank you for what you did.

He hates acting somewhat normal for pictures..but at least i got one :)

He's the best :)

I had a really bad morning. Lee sent me this at work today and made me feel a lot better. Sometimes I don't realize how lucky I am and sometimes I sit and think..golly I am so blessed. I remember the first night we met...and when I think back, even that night, I thought..there's something different about this one..! We're not perfect..we bicker and argue..but deep down i know how much he loves me and how much I love him...there's no denying it. Lee Ross Hammarback, I love you.


From Lee:
Love you. its you on our old bed!