Loving and Laughing

Ready for random?  Some things I'm loving and laughing about.

1. This guy

Yeah, I know.  Hard to tell if I'm loving or laughing.  Really?  Just both.  I'm LOVING that he will be an uncle in February.  The BEST uncle at that.  I'm LOVING that he's mine.  I'm LAUGHING because he took me to the wilderness for the Fourth of July...to a cabin...with a shower that was smaller than a broom closet.  I got the last LAUGH when we were trapped in a room beside "outdoor activities" (think spring party/ Spring Break) and with a SNORING Wolfman and some active intruders/roommates.  It was HOT, LOUD, and BUGGY.  I couldn't sleep and if I wasn't sleeping...Lord KNOWS he wasn't going to be sleeping either.  He tells a hilarious  version of that same story...get him to tell you some time.

In the flesh.  Wolf.

But all in all, we had fun.  I LOVE that Tuck came to the Big City a few weekends ago.  I LOVE that we went to our first game together.  I LOVE that he got great seats.

2. It makes me laugh when people don't know when to quit a texting convo.  I love that I'm awkward enough to just stop talking because I feel like I've sufficiently conveyed my message...so really, what more COULD be said.  I've heard I leave people hanging on.  Nope, just done talking to you.

3. I laugh when people send thank you's for thank you's.  Or when they try to out-do your thank-you.  Having the last word in a thank-you war.  I think it's hilarious.

4. I love/ am laughing that I let the Roomie put shatter on my toenails.  The silver looked horrifying on my feet, yet it took me more than a week for me to take it off.  Giving a thrill to my little old patients. Is it pink or is silver?  It's cool.  I'm 23.

5.  This weekend, I'll be seeing a few of my favorites.  Tuck, Edotlouise, MyH(e)art, Janety, JBaby, Mr. Berry, and Dr. Kurt...to name a few.  So excited to be celebrating with CRae and Huangness on their special day!

6. I love that I got to spend a few days at Mimi's AND that Tuck got to come meet a lot of the family.  He saw us like we really are...and believe it or not...he STILL wants to hang around.  Can you believe it?  My uncle made him cut the meat that we were eating that night.  Let me tell you, this is the ULTIMATE in initiation to our family.  All the men who have entered have been thrown under the bus to either sink or swim by either preparing, grilling, or cutting the meat.  Carnivores we are.  He did a great job.  I love my family.

7.  I regret to admit I haven't always read Miss Joyful's blog...but I read it religiously now.  I LOVE it.  She makes me laugh.  I've had the pleasure of getting to know the author over the last couple of years.  She is the long time pal of Edotlouise and MyH(e)art, my fellow bridesmaid x 2, and our gracious hostess for MyH(e)art's Bachelorette party.  Check it out.  She's fun to read.

8.  I'm officially on "summer break".  I am soaking it up and sucking the marrow out of this time off.  I needed it.  Hoping it will get me in the right frame of mind for this next semester.  Believe it or not...I'll be half way done with the schooling portion of grad school come December.  Yeah, Little Engine That Could...I think I can, I think I can, I think I can.........

Loving and Laughing

Backstreet's Back

Yeah, they came.  NKOTBSB.  That's New Kids on the Block and Backstreet Boys...in case you didn't know. And we went...because really, WHY wouldn't we?  Plus, it was a Groupon so how could you say no.

This wasn't my first rodeo.  I saw BSB...oh, 13 years ago.  Not that much has changed in 13 years.
-Brian keeps playing games with my heart. 
-I screamed like a 10 year old girl (yeah...both times)
-Once drank a large coke and ate cotton candy.  Today? A big ass beer quenched my thirst...no cotton candy...but really wanted some.
-Boosin told me she wouldn't take me to another concert if I complained about going to school the next day from being out late...I didn't complain but definitely didn't want to go.  Woke up today and definitely didn't want to go to work.
-Once barely filled out my Limited Too bra.  Today?  We know how that goes.
-Brian, once a teen heartthrob.  Today?  A father and husband.  Yeah, pretty much the same thing.
-The band once created enviable dance moves.  Today?  Hipping and hopping...in a 30 year old kind of way.
-Once went with my mother who bought my ticket.  Today?  I purchased my own but Berns offered to hold on to my ticket until the show.  Sure, mom.
-Sang along with every song...that's obvious.
-Girls were pulled up on stage to be serenaded.  Yet again, I wasn't selected. 
-White suits from the Millennium CD were quite possibly pulled out of the closet...take note of last picture...I'm just saying.

New Kids on the Block?  Well let's see.  GREAT performers.  I definitely knew a lot of the songs.  But, the MOMS?  Oh my sweet Jesus, the MOMS.  If you've ever seen Music and Lyrics  then you know EXACTLY what the NKOTB portion of the show was like.  These women were not that old.  NKOTB really kicked it off in 1989...so we are saying like 30-40.  Ok.  So now, if you can imagine these women...who fled their homes leaving their husbands with sticky summer-smelling kids, in their shorts with a 9 inch inseam and solid color crew Tees and their hair adorned with a banana clip, swaying back and forth, fist pumping, and buzzing off their Bud Light...then you were basically AT the concert.  The majority of my entertainment came from these ladies...so I definitely appreciate their presence.

So as Joey said, "Whether you entered this journey down memory lane in 1989 (SCREAMSSSSS) (pause...pause...pause...hand to the ear...pause...pause) or 1999 (SCREAMSSS) we are glad to be on the ride with you".  It was definitely money well spent.  I felt like a kid again.  Reminiscing on my private BSB concerts in my room, kissing my Brian Littell posters on my wall, and "hyperventilating" whenever I would see them on TV.  It was great.

My worst nightmare was realized last night.... 

If these guys are still getting it.  Justin Bieber is going to be around for a long, long, time.

Backstreet's Back, Alright.

How It Should Be

I have the cutest patients.  Young and Old.  The babies melt my heart but I ADORE my oldies.  The stories of past and present and their concerns... really often times confusion makes me giggle....and tests my patience.  But they are my favorite.

I love when an older couple comes in together.  Seeing them so comfortable with one another makes me smile.  Watching them play off of one another and reveal secrets in the office is hysterical.  I love when my patient is a male (asking questions about medical history, medications, how often he's wearing his hearing aids, etc) because he always looks to his wife to give the answers.  As she speaks he will look at her with such adoration and just smile and agree as she busts him out for being a horrible pill taker, super wax producer, and seldom wearer of his hearing aids. He is usually wearing his veteran hat...proudly proclaiming what branch of the service he served for. You can't help but smile.

Guaranteed he will walk out of the counseling room and tell you how long they have been married.  Yesterday I heard,  "For seventy-one years I've been married to the same girl.  She still takes my breath away".  I teared up.  How could you not?

I feel like romance like that has changed a lot over the years.  It takes finding a prince to have car doors and really doors in general be opened for you.  Women and men have different roles these days than in days of the past.  You know, times have just changed.

Luckily, we have great examples of how "it"- marriage, love, relationships- should be.  I see it every day at work but I also saw it for 20 years with my grandparents.  Today would have been their 63rd wedding anniversary.  My grandparents ADORED each other.  Seeing the sweet twinkle in my Papa's eye when he would tell the story about the first time he saw Mimi could make you cry.

I'm sure it wasn't always easy but I'm so thankful they showed us

How It Should Be.

The Weekend

I had an amazing weekend but one that was full of mixed emotions.  We celebrated MyH(e)art becoming a BERRY, remembered Chad on his birthday, and celebrated Father's Day.  This blog will be filled with elation...don't get me wrong...but I need to say a few things first.

Saturday was Chad's birthday.  It was one of the first things on my mind that day.  I read my daily emails from my family, where everyone was remembering in their own special way.  I was sad.  I knew the day he died that Christmas would be unimaginable without him there.  Thanksgiving for that matter too.  But his birthday?  The day that marked his entry into this world...I didn't think it would hit me the way it did.  I took a pause and really tried to put it on the back burner.  This was MyH(e)art's day...I could be sad tomorrow.  Until I read this.  I was in the truck with Tuck...reading silently on my phone when I had a t-total meltdown.  I know I caught him off guard because he didn't know if he should keep his eyes on the road or on me...the hysterical passenger in the front seat.  Her blog was chilling.  So beautifully and perfectly written.  And then I was really sad.

In that moment I realized that June 19th was Father's Day.  It hit me that this would be the first year of my life to not spend Father's Day with my father...who is alive and well.  So I was sad.  It hit me that his babies were missing their daddy yesterday.  That HIS father spent his first Father's Day without his oldest son.  It broke my heart.

Little moments during the weekend left me paralyzed thinking about him.  At the rehearsal dinner I was upset knowing that he would never meet my future husband.  Knowing he wouldn't be there to give a toast at my rehearsal dinner.  MyH(e)art married a Chad.  Her older cousin Chad had his fourth child that weekend.  He was every where and it was all I could do to not think about him.

Don't get me wrong.  June 18th was a happy day.  I was able to celebrate his life...and one of the most important days in my girl's life.

She said I do.  And he did too.

The weekend was perfect.  After braving some EXTREME weather in Arkansas the Thursday night before...I was in Tupelo and ready for action.  Friday morning started the weekend off with a bang.  A bridesmaid's luncheon filled with lots of laughter, bottomless mimosas, and heaps of chicken salad kicked the day off right.  Lots of meeting and greeting...with the groom's mother and grandmothers in attendance.  I learned that Chad's mother (the MOG) and I are kindred spirits.  She is an absolute hoot, has the best attitude, and will tell it to you like it is- wish I had gotten to meet her sooner.  It was also excellent because so many of my favorite people were all in one place and under one roof.  In typical Tupelo fashion...we took 423409127974523410912 pictures...but I didn't mind.

 Missing 3 bridesmaids and a flower girl...but best group shot I got

 One of my favorite pictures of the weekend

 MyH(e)art with her precious grandmothers

 Original GO

 Original and wannabe newest GO girls

Disney's newest princess.  Watch out nugs...Belle is on her way to Orlando!

Friday afternoon Tuck came to town.  We had a quick visit before I had to get ready to practice my stroll down the aisle.  Please take note of his tie and shirt combos in pictures to follow...my first time shopping for a boy (without any male input)...and I think I did pretty good.  Just as Tuck said, "FYI: I look sexy"....yes, you do sir, yes you do....if I do say so myself.  Dinner that night was fabulous.  The speeches were so sweet and described our couple perfectly. 

After the dinner, Chad's family had us on the rooftop of the restaurant for some dancing.  Let me tell you.  Tupelo girls are known for breaking out into spontaneous song...full on harmonization and everything (don't worry they did it this weekend too).  But Little Rock boys/ Ole Miss KA's?  Definitely known for shaking a tail feather or two.  We had SO MUCH fun dancing that night...it was a GREAT indicator for what Saturday night would have in store. 

 I've done this more post graduation than I ever would have considered doing during college

Saturday could not have gone more smoothly.  MyH(e)art was absolutely breathtaking.  Everything was just perfect.  Her dress was totally her.  From lace in her hair that looked like her everyday headband...side pony included...hit the nail on the head.  The whole day was all her.  Her photographer made everything so easy and allowed her to just soak up the day and HAVE FUN.  I cried as she walked down the aisle.  I could see her tiny little body just shaking as she held on to her daddy.  Being able to see Chad's face during the ceremony was amazing.  He meant every word he said...each vow said with such purpose.  They shared communion together after they said their vows.  She caught my eye as she turned back to be announced as husband and wife.  The look on her face was priceless.  A combination of: this is really happening, I'm definitely almost Mrs. Berry, thanks for being up here with me, and I'm so in love.  She is...so in love.  I'm delighted I got to share in that day with the two of you!

The reception immediately followed.  The wedding party trekked the streets of Tupelo for additional wedding pictures.  It was HOT but gorgeous.  We danced the night away.  I hardly even sweated...I was amazed.  Tuck was dry as a bone when we left...we're lucky that way.

 Apparently I have some stiff competition 

 See, like not hot at all

Best part of the night?  Wedding party did the Wobble.  I hope y'all are able to view this.  We will see.  It was so fun and so very Berry. 

Oh and I toasted the happy couple this year.  Unlike last year.  So they know all my wishes for the future.  With such a solid foundation...so much fun ahead for the two of you!

The Weekend.

Just some words

Just some words to recap my weekend.  No pictures this time...so I totally understand if you feel the need to "X" out.  Go for it.

So I spent the weekend with Tuck.  And with his family.  I had the best time.  He apologized over and over for not having a "plan"for the weekend.  Not having "events" for us to be fully entertained every hour of every day.  It couldn't have been more perfect though.  We both agreed that it was nice to just be.  Since we see each other so infrequently we try to squeeze all this stuff into two days.  We were just together and I wouldn't have had it any other way.

People are always surprised about the weird things that we know about each other but living nearly six hours way from one another...the only thing there is to do is talk.  But this weekend?  I learned a lot.  A lot stuff that made me laugh.

1. The boy has no issue throwing you under a bus.  Say for instance, you aren't particularly fond of eating a certain type of meat...but you will eat it.  Say, too, that this meat (that will remain unnamed) is being served that night for dinner...it's in the plan...his mama planned it...had it cooking.  So hypothetically speaking, say all of that happened, know what he would do?  He would walk into the kitchen and TELL HER THAT YOU WON'T EAT IT.  Ummm, excuse me?  Hypothetically speaking you would apologize profusely, say there was a misunderstanding, tell her that you actually LOVE this meat, and you would eat extra that night.  Hypothetically speaking, of course.
2. When swimming it is important to keep the boy occupied.  Pool toys may or may not have been purchased for his entertainment.  He also may or may not have been the most popular guy amongst his five-year-old counterparts.
3. He hates Oreos.  I don't even think I can go there...because let's be honest...that was almost a deal breaker.
4. When he is eating or drinking something new he gets the most serious look on his face.  I've known for about six months now that we are working with a very limited palate.  BUT this look of fear comes over him...like whatever is inside his oral cavity is about to retaliate on him in there.
5. Sometimes the look of death must be flashed in his direction for the trash to be taken out.  That's all.
6. He's a good sport.  We visited Mimi over the weekend.  Margo (an aunt....you will be hearing about them this summer...Crazy Lady blog in the works) INSISTED we give him a tour of the happenin' town of Belzoni.  We saw all of the highlights...including the cemetery.  Don't think it was a drive by or anything...we had to drive the car through it.  You know, why not?  No trip would be complete without a trip to the cemetery.  He went along with it and didn't break up with me after.  Miracles do happen.
7. Going along with being a good sport...he's suffered through a lot of crazy...but taken it in great stride.  Last week, for whatever reason, my entire family (the women) attacked him on Facebook.  One, who will remain nameless, FORCED him to be her friend...sent some pretty threatening messages.  He does well with cougars...most of these women are in that "cougar" population...so honestly, I think he enjoyed it.
8. It should go on record that THIS weekend we spent the most time together that we've ever spent with each other.  Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.  Four.whole.days. Thanks for taking off on Monday.
9. Trying to create a drink that you've never actually tasted and don't know the proportions for isn't always the best idea.  It didn't even end up tasting that horrible but you think we could ever make it again?  Heck no.

So those are just some words and some things I learned.

You got to laugh about it.