Absentee

Well, hi.  You've missed out on the entire month of April.  I've either been on the road or hosting visitors.  Both of which, I've thoroughly enjoyed.  Where to begin....

Easter
First "big" holiday spent in the Big City...with the family.  My father's first trip to the Big City since he moved me in, nearly two years ago.  Let me tell you, we had an amazing time.  I've never seen my father more proud, which meant the world to me.  We dined at some of my favorite places, drank copious amounts of wine and other spirits, and just caught up on life.  I loved showing them my city and amazingly, the walls of my teeny apartment didn't close in on us while they were there.

 William in the gnome loft. Even Lula at 5'2 had to duck upon entering.

Shower Weekend
The following weekend, I hit the road for Janety's first shower!  Spent the night with TK (hadn't seen the boy in three weeks) then trekked to Jackson for the event.  It was SO WONDERFUL to see my friends.  I shouldn't even speak this, but I hadn't seen MyH(e)art since HER WEDDING, that was nearly (how did that happen?) one year ago.  Janety got some great gifts and I loved getting to know some of the fellow bridesmaids.  That night, we went to Mimi's.  My heart needed it.  There's something about that place that just makes your world right.  We all stayed up late visiting.
Let me tell you something too, the longer I'm gone, the more I appreciate the little things that seem so common.  Honeysuckle.  It's overwhelming and one of the best smells in the world.  It hit me a few times that weekend, that I could possibly enjoy a life in the pasture.  Then I laugh.  Because I would die in the country.  But stop and smell the honeysuckle.

Tax Weekend
TK came to the Big City after Tax Day.  He arrived on Thursday because they got Friday off.  So we got like four days together.  We really did a whole lot of nothing but it was just what we needed.  Favorite part?  We spent an afternoon in an arcade.  Playing Skeeball.  Neither of us are competitive.  So it wasn't fun at all.  Obviously, I won.  We gave our tickets to a little boy...surely there's some good juju coming our way.

The Inbetween
I've been working on my fitness.  There's been some success.  I really can't complain.  I've been on an exercise hiatus for around two weeks.  I randomly developed this huge thing on my right shin.  Really hard.  Bulging about a centimeter and a half off my shin.  University of G.oogle deemed it shin splints.  One lady said a blood clot- based on anatomy, that was impossible...but it scared me enough to make a doctor's appointment.  So the Dr. thinks- stress fracture.  Lovely.  X-ray says no stress fracture.  Bone scan says no stress fracture, but finds something in my LEFT ANKLE.  I'm sorry, what?  Ended up being nothing, Thank God.  But there was some drama there for a second.  The day I was going in to be re-examined I woke up with what has now been determined to be a strained trapezious muscle.  Probably from sleeping.  Let me tell you EVERYTHING I did hurt.  I've been on pain killers and muscle relaxants for the past five or so days.  Made class more fun.  I'm warding off any other ailments for the time being.  At least until I'm 30.
I finished clinic last week.  I sobbed as I left.  My supervisor did too.  We had fun and I learned so much.  I hope I am the educator she is one day.  I had a patient give me a letter on one of the last days.  I lost it then too.  One of the nicest things I've ever read.  We hugged it out before the appointment ended.  I know why I'm doing this never-ending school thing.
I think I have a Capstone.  Praise Be to God.  FOR REAL.
We chatted Fourth Year (Extern Year) with our director.  We all kind of freaked out.  This is all coming to an end very quickly.  The real world is getting real. 

Double Decker Weekend
TK begged me to come back for an Oxford weekend.  I said, finals- schminals.  Why study?  So I came back and loved every second back in my home away from home.  Saw so many people I haven't seen in forever.  TK actually said, everywhere we go here you know someone...you definitely must have been more popular than me in college.  As if that was a question.
Also, shout out to LAUREN.  Sister, I saw you at DD.  I should have introduced myself.  Do Blogfriends=Friendfriends?  Check her blog out.  It's cute.

Next Steps
Studying for finals.  Studying=eating.  I'm not really sure why.  It becomes a reward system.  Oh, you've read two pages, eat 10 M&Ms.  Not really, but...kind of.
Exercise hiatus is over.
Wedding season is officially here.  This eternal bridesmaid has nearly every weekend booked this Spring/Summer...and into the Fall.  Don't let me fool you, I love it.
Sorry for the lack of pictures.  I know they are better than the words.

Until Next Time.

You'll Laugh

A teacher friend recently shared this poem with me.  It was recited by a 5th grader to her art teacher.  If I'm correct, it then spread like wildfire to the entire school.  It's just too good not to share.



Bacon is bacon
Eggs is eggs
Don't let no boy between yo legs

He'll say you cute
He'll say you fine
But in nine months he'll say it ain't mine




Yeah, you should be laughing now.

24.

If there's one thing I'll always remember about my childhood- it's that birthday's were a huge deal.  And who am I kidding, birthday's are STILL a huge deal, even if you are 24.  My mom always made a point to make you feel really special on your big day...because it's the only day out of the year that's all about you!  You always get the cake of your choice (Happy Birthday song included) and the meal of your choice...oh and gifts, that's a given.

The people who love me, other than my immediate family, have come to learn that my birthday is a time to celebrate.  While my birthday is on March 9th, the celebration started on the 8th.  For as long as I can remember, I've either been studying or taking midterms on my birthday.  Let me be the first to tell you, that.really.blowsssss.  Good news?  I'LL NEVER DO IT AGAIN (mainly because my birthday is on Saturday next year and the year after, I'll be a working girl).  Since I have amazing friends, I didn't feel so bogged down with tests.  On the 8th, after a test, they took me to my favorite Greek place.  With the mention of my birthday, the waiter brought out free birthday shots and possibly the most disgusting dessert I've ever tasted...credit to the waiter...he lit it on fire first.

We headed to study and at the stroke of midnight, my three best gal pals sang happy birthday to me and gave me a sweet print of our Big City.  I was also given a pin that read "Sexier with Age"...and you better believe I proudly wore that thing.  Do I even have to say it?  Yeah, it's true.

Friday, the 9th, was pretty anticlimactic.  I had a test at 12:30 which meant that every hour from 6 AM was spent studying (at Einstein's...which made it better) followed by a test raping.  So I did all that and then drove six hours to my love.  I did get to talk to lots of sweet friends on the drive back.  When I arrived at the pasture, precious Tuck was SO excited to give me my presents.  I was exhausted and having a caffeine withdrawal.  BUT I quickly snapped out of it when I opened a KEURIG and a box of K-Cups.  What a sweet boyfriend!  We took it easy that night.  I even ate a cheeseburger because I was 24 and it was my birthday and it was Spring Break.  Living on the edge.

TK on March 9th.  Really interested in the birthday girl.

Saturday, the 10th, I got my hair DID.  The red is no mas.  I couldn't be happier.  It got funky there at the end.  This was a special gift to myself with love.  An afternoon of pampering and scalp burning.  It was worth it.  The red was engrained on this head, to the point we were worried the brown may not process.  It did and now I'm a brunette again with caramel highlights.  My classic do.  That night we went to a Tool Shower.  I got to see a bunch of friends that night.  I learned that night that everyone we know is married or engaged.  Everyone is fluent in "wedding" these days.  I sit and nod.  And smile because it makes me nervous.  Sunday I celebrated with Tuck's family.  We had a Mexican themed meal because...I love it.  I got to hold the baby and feed him...I hated every second of that.  Tuck made a heart shaped funfetti cake with chocolate icing...we are sweets people and will most likely weigh 8,000 pounds.

Monday was the ultimate.  My birthday with my family.  Is there anything better than birthday time with your Mama?  No.  24 candles to blow out on my Mimi Chocolate Cake (homemade chocolate icing...what what).  Gift presentation on the fireplace.  A Mexican fiesta that night.  It was so perfect.


Spring Break came and went.  I savored every second of it.  Long power walks.  Sitting poolside.  Yard work.  Shopping.  Margaritas.  Patio time. Getting to see my boyfriend both weekends.  Visiting with good friends.  My friend Casserole got engaged...looks like I'll be in another wedding in October!

It's Spring. 

I have pink jeans. 

I'm beyond happy. 

So blessed with irreplaceable friends and family.

24, I think you are going to be a wonderful year.

Mardi Gras and a Birthday

A random catch up.

Mardi Gras happened two weekends ago.  Time really is flying by.  Tuck arrived on Friday.  We went to eat Mexican that night because, that's all we eat.  Saturday morning we woke up and headed to Berns and Nelson's house.  They cooked a feast for us.

 AuD's gone wild

We (and when I say we, I mean everyone but TK- ol' Tuck was trying to be a hero and he paid for it later) started off with mimosas, pancakes, eggs, and bacon.  Oh and vodka gummy bears made by my roomiekins.  Awful and wonderful all at the same time.  We didn't spend much time there (just enough) to catch the train to the parade.  We had a great afternoon.  Hurricanes.  I mean pretty self explanatory.  I also learned I have an affinity for catching beads.  Obviously way above the competition (takes me back to my Easter egg hunting days).  Oh and our glasses?  EVERYONE asked where we got them...we were smart and shopped early...so popular.  Tuck's head burned...in February.  Next time he will: eat breakfast and wear a hat (he will learn to *listen* to the wise one...one day).  And could Sub.way have picked a better time of the year to do $5 foot longs?  I'll tell you.  No they couldn't have.  And does my 23 (almost 24 : \) year old body recover in quite the same way as my 21 year old body did?  Also, no.

We had a great time.  So glad I got to share a Big City first with my man.

Tomorrow marks year 25 for old man TK.  OLD MAN.  I got to go see him over the weekend to celebrate his birthday.  Yeah, three weekends in a row...that never happens. We had a fun time with his family.  I especially loved getting to feed, snuggle, and love on the little CuddleBug.  Be still my heart. I think TK liked his gifts.  He tries to guess what's in each box.  It makes me mad especially when he guesses correctly. I want it to be a SURPRISE.  Next time he's getting rocks in a box.  Or nothing at all.

Happy Birthday Tuck. 

So thankful to get to spend another year with you.

You're practically 30 but I still love you!

Valentine's

I spent the weekend celebrating with my man.  My Valentine.  Former Palentine.  And all in one short year. 

Last year around this time we were still figuring each other out.  Actually a year ago I was writing this post and this post.  A year ago, this past weekend, I was meeting Tuck for the SECOND time.  While we talked all the time back then I was very adamant that we were NOT "dating" and we most certainly would NOT be celebrating Valentine's Day.  He would be my Palentine, nothing more.  I'd be lying if I told you I didn't secretly hope he'd send me flowers that day.  Don't worry.  He didn't.  BUT in typical Tuck fashion, he sent a care package a week later...see, a Valentine, just not on Valentine's.

So like I was saying, I went to see him this past weekend.  Having class until 3 on a Friday, then driving six hours...blows.  There's really no other way to put it.  As a side, I decided to blow my diet and eat (God Help Me) Mc.Donald's on the way down.  I was enticed for probably 20 miles.  Driving into the pitfalls of hell Osceola, Arkansas for this highcarolic-superfatty-cancerladen tasty meal only to find that the restaurant was 4 more miles down the road.  Long story short.  I blew my diet on Chester's Fried Chicken from a gas station.  What.ev.

I finally arrived to a very happy boyfriend who met me JUMPING UP AND DOWN in his driveway.  Saturday morning he worked.  I washed clothes.  We grabbed lunch and went to see the baby.  Sweetest little guy I know.  Precious cheeks, so cuddly, and that baby smell.  Yeah.  We left shortly after and went back to relax.  Spent the afternoon catching up with friends.  That night we went out for a wonderful dinner.

We exchanged gifts as well.  He's always so thoughtful.  The weekends always end way faster than they should.  I got sad this time.  Surprisingly didn't cry as I was leaving but had time to mope on the way back.  Took it out on Tuck.  I know.  Was really bummed knowing he couldn't come this weekend for Mardi Gras.  Complaining that less than 48 hours together just wasn't enough.  Whining.  Truly PMSing (I can admit that now).  Even got that snotty cry going.  Just being a girl.  I was a real pleasure, I'm sure.

So the real Valentine's Day rolls around.  I start getting these real cryptic texts about a delivery, Friday, and something sweet.  I was so confused but finally guessed that Tuck IS my Friday delivery (He can't keep a secret/surprise going to save his life...bless his heart!)!  I'm not sure how anyone can work 55 hours in 4.5 days but he's doing it.  Not taking lunches.  Going in before the sun rises.  For me, my surprise was even sweeter than the actual gift he gave me.  Quality time is my love language, for sure.  Getting to spend my weekend with him AND getting to do something in my city with him that I've never even done?  Icing on the cake.  Thanks, Bug.  It means the world to me.

So there's our first/second Valentine's Day. 

Funny what can happen in a year.

He's Here!

Today was an exciting day.  Super Bowl Sunday, Tuck's nephew made his debut.

The whole pregnancy, he has been measuring a week early.  So we knew he would be a big guy.  Well, last week, at the 39 week appointment, he measured 43 weeks!  Umm whoa.  Since his due date was the 6th, they made plans Friday to induce tomorrow.  The doctor did an extra sonogram to make sure he was hanging tight and to see how much he would weigh...to determine if he would come naturally or via c-section.

I think everyone has been on pins and needles.  Every day I've talked to Tuck I've said...this is the last day they will do X, Y, or Z...this is the last Friday night just the two of them, etc.  We've all been ready for his arrival.

So this morning I wake up and see I have a text from Tuck's sister.  We text randomly a lot so I didn't really think much of it.  I rolled over and tried to go back to sleep but the phone was staring at me.  Just beckoning for me to read.  I popped back over to see what she said, and much to my surprise her water had broken!  I immediately text Tuck...too excited to go back to sleep. Tuck said CuddleBug (as termed by the babe's mother) would be here around 11.

So I had to do something.  So I worked out.  It was after 11.  Hadn't heard a thing.  My boyfriend was NOT responding to my pleas for information.  Finally at 11:46 AM I got the sweetest picture of the little CuddleBug. Well that really opened up at can of worms for Tuck because I naturally had 4 million questions that he was unable to answer on the spot.

CuddleBug weighed in at a healthy 9 pounds 8 ounces. 19 inches long.  Future little linebacker.  Blonde hair.  Sweet cheeks.  What looks to be a good combination of both parents. Seems to have a pretty mellow personality...from what I hear, at least.

The sweetest thing?  Hearing my boyfriend talk about his new buddy.  I really almost cried. He was SO excited today.  He told me: this is the most beautiful baby I've ever seen.  Tuck was pretty defensive when they poked and prodded the little guy.  He quickly learned I need to be updated frequently.  He graciously obliged.

The (nameless) grandparents were pretty excited too.  Who am I kidding?  They were thrilled.  I say nameless because they haven't decided on names.  As a grandparent, this would be one of the most exciting things for me.  We ALL know I LOVE a nickname.

Things I'm looking forward to?  Seeing Tuck hold him for the first time.  Getting to hold him myself...on Saturday!  Watching Tuck's sister and brother-in-law raise him.  Watching him grow up.  Sporting events.  Gifting him with really loud and obnoxious toys.

I couldn't have been more happy/thrilled/exuberant/over-the-moon about today.  I so WISH I could have been there for the celebration. 

CuddleBug (heaven knows, I promise I will come up with a different name as you grow), you have been SO loved and prayed for since we first knew of you.  You were so wanted...by all of your wonderful family.  While I can really only speak about the King side (even though I've grown to love and adore your Pop and Marvie) as far as family goes, you couldn't have a better one.  As far as parents go?  They're the best.  Can't wait to see the plans our God has for you.  What a wonderful journey it will be!

He's Here!

Miscellaneous Monday

I've been absent.  Getting back into the swing of things.  Starting week 3 back in the Big City.  It feels good to be back...after a bit of a rough start.

The weekend after our 365, Tuck came to visit with me and my family before I went back to school.  He had to come on Saturday because we are knee deep in tax season.  That day I kind of woke up feeling "off".  I was never hungry for whatever reason, but don't worry I didn't miss a meal.  At dinner I noticed I was slowing down...that kind of oh-my-gosh-stop-eating-you-are-going-to-throw-up feeling.  Tried to put it in the back of my mind.  We (as a family) watched Miss America.  The "storm" was raging.  After the pageant, I went upstairs with Tuck to pack.  That lasted about two seconds.  I was miserable.  I'll spare you the details but I did every thing I could to not get sick.  But it happened and fast.  My I-can't-even-watch-Grey's-anatomy boyfriend stayed with me the whole time.  I was so surprised he didn't flip.  I thought I was fine after that.  Nope.  Around 1:30 AM I was in SO MUCH pain and was beyond dehydrated...like every muscle group cramping, dehydrated.  Tuck made the executive decision to head to the ER...that's when he flipped...shuffling me out to the car, carrying my TWO purses, getting shoes on my feet, not sure how to get to the hospital, nervous I was going to lose it in his new truck, carrying around my (ahem) vom bucket...who could freaking blame him. By the time we got to the hospital I was about to die.  I KNEW my gallbladder was coming out.  I was green.  My nails were blue.  My blood pressure was so low I could hardly sit up.  In triage, I bumped a man in the ER who had an issue after a prostate surgery.  Bad news.  After fluids, two rounds of anti-nausea and IV pain meds, and a CT..we got a pretty inconclusive diagnosis but thankfully, we were out the door.  The sun was rising as we pulled up to the house.  Tuck had been up for 22 hours.  I was delirious.  Boosin tucked us in.  I ate fifteen noodles three days later and lived on Gatorade for a week.

I ended up getting back to the Big City later than expected but everything always works out.  I'm just now feeling caught up.  And after two weeks of class?  I bought my books.  Today.

Shot from 365 weekend.  Daddy Duley (Poodle's bf), skinny Poodle, you know the rest.

THIS past weekend, Tuck came to the Big City for the first time since November.  The man worked SO HARD to get here on Friday.  Had to get in ~55 hours before Friday.  He worked ~6:30 AM to ~7:30 PM every night.  He did it.  It meant so much to me.  He was exhausted by the time he got here but put on a good face.  The weekend was relaxing.  We went to the Science Museum and the mall on Saturday.  Might have gotten an awesome cupcake from The Cup.  Then enjoyed dinner at Molly's in S.oulard...we enjoyed alligator, hurricanes, fried oysters, and shrimp and grits.  It was the best weekend we've had in a while and I loved every second of it. 

Now?

-I'm working on my fitness.  Who isn't?

-I should be writing a paper for class

-We are patiently (or not so patiently) awaiting the arrival of Tuck's nephew 

-I'm LOVING my clinic site 

-My sheets are clean, clothes are washed, house is dusted and vacuumed. 

-Looking forward to my first (to get to celebrate) Mardi Gras in the Big City