Mood:  irritated

I really did it this week—I worked my ass off. I know you all think I'm lazy and I just sit around watching CSI and drinking beer all day (I wish), but no. I've actually been working like crazy, even after I get home from my job. 

Because of the constant threat of the budget cut, I have been scurrying around looking for freelance work. I am still writing for House & Home Magazine, but have picked up another magazine gig (which I will debut next week). I wrote two articles for my new project this week. I also did some work for my dad's company, Purple Trout, helping him with six smaller articles.  

On top of that, I was asked to do a presentation for LSU's Campus Communicators group (more on this next week), so I put together, practiced, and gave a presentation on blogging as a form of social media.

Just because my work life is buzzing doesn't mean my social life can suffer either. I was able to set aside time for the man in my life—I made us dinner one night during the week, which gave us some quality time to visit.

With my writing deadline Thursday night, I can't tell you how excited I was for Thursday to roll around. But of course, with seven stories turned in and ready to go, my eighth story had to be the most difficult. So instead of relaxing Thursday night, I worked (my friends are reading this and laughing, because in fact, I passed out for nearly 2 hours before I got to work).

When I got home from work, it finally hit me—how do parents do it? They work all day and then deal with the little brats when they get home from the office...shit. I feel like my youth should keep those thoughts out of my mind, but at this age, my parents already had me. But I know I was a perfect baby—I probably fed myself and changed my own diaper. So whatevs. 

But hey, it's Friday! There's a long weekend ahead of me, filled with football...which means food, beer, and time with my man and friends. Oh, and I won't leave out sleep—that's where it's really at. So with my brain completely scrambled and tired at the moment, I want to leave you with a list of things I've been thankful for this week. 

1. Coffee: I gave it up during detox and I'm completely back into my addiction.

2. My Blackberry and Laptop: thanks to my personal tech devices, I can multitask like a mo-fo. Send pictures and e-mails for stories during meetings? Check! Coordinate interviews during photo shoots? Check!

3. Pile of change in my desk drawer: I had enough of the silver stuff to buy myself an afternoon pick-me-up (read: Coke Zero) everyday. Like I said, back on the caffeine.

4. My Life as Liz marathon: Yeah, I watch tv while I write. And I think Bryson is mega-cute (for a 17-year-old).

5. The Mustache Man: A good mid-week visit with him cheered me up.

6. My desk in my apartment: It's big enough for my notes, a lamp, my computer, and plates of food. All extremely important to the writing process.

7. The 3-day weekend ahead: It's always nice to have your eye on the prize.

8. Girls luncheon today: it's important to treat yourself, right? So my favorite co-worker and I planned a lunch for today—treating ourselves to some bagel sammys and then shopping at our favorite boutique. Hells yeah!

9. My friends: They keep me sane. Or they just tell me I'm not crazy when in fact I am.

10. Writing: Don't get me wrong, I love writing. And I appreciate the fact that I have something I can turn to when things get tough—if it weren't for freelance, my savings account would surely suffer. So I hope I don't come across as complaining; I really appreciate all of the work I have! Of course, when I see it in print, I will be excited, too.

Have a safe and fun weekend, everyone! 

Posted by wittywriter7 at 12:01 AM CDT

Updated: Friday, September 3, 2010 7:52 AM CDT

Share This Post

Post Comment | Permalink

Mood:  quizzical

This is the first week of classes, kicking off the fall semester at LSU. Every year when this sweet day rolls around, I get a little nostalgic. I remember packing for school, saying goodbye to my cat and partner in crime, Lucky, and hitting the road with a near 15-hour drive ahead of me. 

The entire summer before I left Indiana, it was in the back of my mind—sure, I was going to miss my friends, my family, my own bedroom...but I knew a slew of interesting adventures awaiting me in swamp country. What an understatement.

But when moving day finally rolled around, I had a bad attitude. I didn't want to leave. The original plan was for my mom and I to make the drive to LSU, and she would help me move into the dorm. But I wasn't ready to say goodbye. So my best friend Angela and her mom agreed to join us on the trip.

All was right in the world.

The day we moved into my dorm, a Saturday, it was hot as hell. Hauling Rubbermaid bins full of extra-long sheets and school supplies wasn't really my cup of tea, but it had to be done. Since I had arrived a week before classes started, in order to rush for a sorority, my roommate hadn't arrived yet. So Angela spent the night on my mystery roommate's bed—that was my first night in the dorm.

The next day was a casual goodbye; my mom didn't want to make it a big ordeal. Which was probably the best decision. After all, it wasn't goodbye forever. Like most families, the bond with my parents grew once I got out of the house and we weren't getting on each other's nerves.

So on the Thursday before every fall semester begins, I see the parents rolling in, looking for the correct dorm, their mini-vans packed to the gills with shower caddies and computer accessories, all neatly labeled.

As I was catching up on The New York Times this week, I came across an article that touched on this very subject of parents letting go, "Students, Welcome to College; Parents, Go Home."

The article says colleges such as Morehouse College, University of Minnesota, and Grinnell College have created a formal "Parting Ceremony" that forces parents to get out and let their college kids be.

Wow.

These formal goodbyes come in many different forms, one in particular made me laugh—the students walk through the gates of campus, while the parents watch before the gates swing shut leaving them outside of campus. Others involve a ceremony with students on one side of the room and parents on the other.

Seems a little harsh, but according to the article, parents sticking around campus has become a recent problem (some even attending the first day of class with their son or daughter) due to the "Baby On Board" generation—or the parents who are living vicariously through their children.

At the company cookout last weekend, I remember one of my coworkers saying that when she left for college, her parents didn't even go with her to help her move in. I blame this on the fact that she probably went to college an hour away from home, but still.

Letting go of a son or daughter when they go to college, or even off to the military, is something I won't understand until it happens to me. But I hope when it does, I'm not left outside of the gate.  

Posted by wittywriter7 at 12:01 AM CDT

Updated: Thursday, August 26, 2010 7:46 AM CDT

Share This Post

Post Comment | Permalink

Mood:  lucky

Since I went from 19 to 20, I haven't been a huge fan of my birthday. Growing up, I never thought I would be one of those women who complained about her age, or getter older in general, but I do. 

I don't know exactly what it is that makes me shy from the birthday celebration—a friend pointed out that since my day falls near the fourth of July, maybe I'm used to people being gone for the long weekend and I'm not used to the attention.

Could be.

I think it's simply the pressure. It's right there in your face—BAM! Another year gone, another year older, more things I haven't accomplished, less of an excuse to act-a-fool...you get the picture.

From the looks of last year's birthday blog entry, I was pretty down about the fact that I was single when many of my friends were not. Truth be told, I wasn't single last year. I was seeing someone who treated me like shit, as he ignored my birthday entirely. The year before that, I went to dinner with a cocaine addict, who was twitching at the table. No wonder I've hated my birthday—it's become a battle, much like Valentine's Day for me. 

This entire week, I've thought about my life. It's certainly not where I wanted to live at 25. It's not where I wanted to be in my career and it's not where I wanted to be in love. But this is what the cards have in store for me, and I'm going to try my best to seize the opportunity.

Already, this birthday has been different. I enjoyed a lovely dinner at The Melting Pot with my girlfriend Nicole last night and walked into work this morning to find gifts on my desk from my coworkers—a Starbucks coffee, a pack of Silly Bands, suckers, and a wine journal! I have lunch plans with my friend Leslie, and although I am officially single, I have a dinner date this evening with a sweet guy—what a change!

I am hoping this is a good sign for my 25th year—so here's to a jump start on getting where I want to go. Because hey, even though I'm currently suffering from a back injury and frequent charlie horses, I'm too young to be feeling this old (as Drake says). Thank you all for a great day!

Me and my buddy OJ, getting ready for the day: 

Posted by wittywriter7 at 10:11 AM CDT

Share This Post

Post Comment | Permalink

Mood:  cool

Over the weekend, I went to New Orleans to accompany my friend Leslie to a wedding (nope, still not a lesbian) for some college friends of hers. 

Held in St. Patrick's Cathedral, it goes without saying the ceremony was beautiful, and sweet, and all those things a wedding should be. Her dress was gorgeous, he looked handsome, blah, blah, blah...

I can't lie, going to a wedding was a little more difficult than I imagined it would be, and the fact that I was in New Orleans—my city full of baggage, was a double whammy. And yes, a certain someone had been bugging me this week—he will remain nameless (here's a tip: pretend I'm dead).

But hey, cheers to the open bar at the reception! As the couple danced their first dance, I was sucking down vodka/sodas like there was no tomorrow. Accompanying the open bar was a great array of food—so of course, I gorged myself on meatballs, spinach crepes, gumbo, salad, chocolate covered strawberries, and wedding cake. Delish!

But aside from the food and drink, the highlight of the evening was most definitely the band. It was a full on band, with a guitarist, drummer, a backup singer, and the lead singer, who may as well have been Steve Carell. No, seriously. 

Of course, they sang a few typical slow love songs, until they realized no one was dancing. Then I had the pleasure of hearing a white guy singing, "Back dat ass up." Everything was enunciated perfectly.

"You going to ride in the Jag, yeah, with that head. You could smoke a fire bag, yeah, of grass, yeah. I'm a Big Tymer ***** yeah, pull the trigger, yeah."

I don't think my words do this any justice.

His playlist also included, The Bunny Hop, The Cupid Shuffle, Baby Got Back, Yeah ("Next thing I knew she was all up on me screaming..."), and Apple Bottom Jeans ("She turned around and gave that big booty a slap!").

Half of the time I was dancing, the other half I was laughing and trying not to fall over from doing so. I decided that even if I have to marry myself, I will have a white wedding singer to do rap songs at it. Decision made.

I couldn't stop picturing this guy, years ago, wanting to be in a band, before he finally had to suck it up and accept his fate as a wedding singer. He then realized he'd have to keep up with the people getting married, so he spent his free time memorizing Juvenile songs, with the appropriate hand motions.

So perfect.

I had a blast at the wedding! Hope to see you all very soon! 

Posted by wittywriter7 at 11:34 AM CDT

Updated: Monday, June 21, 2010 11:36 AM CDT

Share This Post

Post Comment | Permalink

Mood:  happy

Last week, I got to visit a friend from college—we live in the same city, but hadn't gotten a chance to catch up in awhile. My friend Travis recently got engaged and bought a house, so we had lots to catch up on. 

So Travis invited me over for a Thursday night at the new home he shares with his wife-to-be, Kelly. There new home is 80 years old, which makes it very interesting. I got the grand tour, which was full of different rooms, a very short shower, and those cool pull down windows. I can honestly say, in my year at House & Home Magazine, I've never come across a house quite as unique as this. There were even cool souvenirs Travis has discovered, including a World War II bullet shell. 

This was also my first time meeting Kelly, which was a pleasure. I had heard many good things about her, and knowing Travis, didn't think he would go for any less.

What I love about the new home is that they are making it completely theirs—doing remodeling, painting, and making the entire landscape completely edible (Kelly's idea)—how delicious is that!

They seemed most excited about the newest addition—four baby chicks. Now, when I told my friends I was visiting Travis' chicken coop on a Thursday evening, they were a bit confused.

"Who, in this city, has a chicken coop?"

"Uh...Travis."

The coop was quite impressive, a nice safe place for the chicks to sleep, eat, and grow. When I arrived at the house, they were running and clucking freely in the backyard—happy little clams! There are three brown chicks and one black one, which Kelly already named Cosmo. It was a huge hit watching the chicks snatch up all the native grub—bugs. 

Since my dad grew up on a farm, I'm sure he'll be proud to know I even gave the chicks some love and petted them. They are so cute! I am looking forward to visiting them again soon and watching them grow.

Aside from the tour and watching the chicks, we enjoyed some wine and deer sausage—this brought the neighborhood cats around, to which I discovered they didn't want the sausage as much as they wanted attention (ole mustard tail). 

As Travis and Kelly work on their home and plan their wedding, they are blogging about their experiences. Read about their progress here: http://765nestinprogress.blogspot.com/

My favorite entry includes their engagement video, which was nestled into their housewarming party, just after they planted a Louisiana orange tree. Very sweet. And Kelly's ring is da bomb!

Travis and Kelly, thanks for a wonderful Thursday night! Can't wait to visit you all again, and the chicks too.  

Posted by wittywriter7 at 1:54 PM CDT

Updated: Friday, June 18, 2010 2:03 PM CDT

Share This Post

Post Comment | Permalink

Mood:  celebratory

Over the weekend, I celebrated something I never thought I would celebrate—a close girlfriend NOT getting married. That's right, we had a non-bachelorette party. 

Friday, she was supposed to be walking down the aisle with the man she would spend the rest of her life with. However, things went differently, they split up, and she has found herself on a path she probably never pictured.

But as I get older, the more people I meet, and the more relationships I witness, I learn more and more. Marriages, as I knew as a young girl, aren't the same. They don't always last forever. And neither do engagements. Just as a boyfriend-girlfriend relationship, they can end. And it's never pretty. Hell, did I ever expect to be celebrating being single after dating someone for nearly three years? No. But I figure, if you can't beat em, join em. And there's no sense in being sad, when you can be happy, right? Right. 

I know, I kind of sound like Debbie Downer right now (Wamp! Wamp!), but I do and always try to see the silver lining in these types of events. Because, although it is sad to experience such a loss of innocence, it makes us who we are—and I'm certain we will be ready for the right people, the right relationship, when the time is right.

So Friday night, we ventured out in our best black dresses, ready to party. We had dinner and cocktails (Spa Martini, you and I are bffs forever now) and then started in on the scavenger hunt. This list I created was all for one purpose, to get my single gal pal some digits and free shots. The list included things like—get a guy to show you a magic trick, find a mullet, find a guy with an out-of-state driver's license, get a guy to serenade you, get 10 business cards, etc. 

The magic trick was the first thing we crossed off the list, and although the trick was kind of cheap (pick a card, any card), it was funny to find a random guy who found a deck of cards and actually had a trick for us. 

Wow! I was shocked that we were able to accomplish most of the things on the list, and a few guys even wrote in some new tasks, such as "Pick a Page" where we randomly selected a shot to take from a bartender's guide. I am convinced we need to create a scavenger hunt for each weekend we go out—it's a guaranteed fun time. 

During the process, we hit up nearly all of the bars downtown, telling everyone what we were doing along the way. I don't think I've ever seen that many guys so excited that a group of girls were celebrating NOT getting married! There was a women we ran into at our second stop that had gotten her divorce finalized that day, so needless to say, she was pretty happy for my friend.

Speaking of our second stop, it was there that we partook in a tradition—eating the worm. I think half the bar watched as we took shots of premium tequila, complete with the worm swimming freely in them. Now that worm is in my stomach, probably enjoying my lunch (gross, I know). It was a good experience that I'll always remember! We even got t-shirts to prove it—thanks, Nicole!

After completing nearly all of our tasks (no body shots, nor could we find the penny with our birth year on it) and last call was upon us, we got some rest and spent the weekend relaxing...and celebrating a little more.

Although my friend has made great progress in the dating world, we all have our setbacks, and I think the looming wedding date was one of them. So I hope now that she made it through that day with flying colors, she can move on to something truly better. Tonight, we are celebrating her birthday—it's amazing what can happen when the girls get together!

Posted by wittywriter7 at 2:38 PM CDT

Updated: Tuesday, June 15, 2010 2:46 PM CDT

Share This Post

Post Comment | Permalink

Mood:  suave

I watch QVC. And I don't know if it makes it any better or any worse that I've never bought anything from it. So I can't use the excuse that they have really good deals or quality products, because I don't know. To be honest, I don't know how I got started on QVC, but I will have you know it is a staple in my television routine—with great reason, of course. 

1. Lisa Robertson

Robertson is one of the QVC hosts, mainly during the evening hours—prime time QVC. Not only is she a cute lady, but she was Miss Tennessee in the 80's, so she's got that southern pageant girl thing going. She's also got that fake laugh down pat.

I can't imagine what it's like to work at QVC, but it seems like to them, it's no big deal to be running live tape. So I notice the hosts, including Robertson, will talk about personal issues on air or go overboard with a certain schtick. Although Robertson has a chic personal style, I get a kick out of her saying everything on the show is cute—I know they have to, but come on.

Anyway, I love her. She's funny and has great style; the best part is the callers (who I'll get to in a moment) get to talk to her and you can tell they're older ladies and they say "oh, Lisa you look so good in everything you wear, I always order what you have on." Like obviously buying the jersey-knit shress with jeggins isn't going to transform you into Miss Tennessee...but I understand—QVC is convincing like that!

2. Callers

The callers who make it on air at QVC are a close runner-up. I've never called QVC, so I don't know how it works. I'm guessing the person calls to order their coveted watch, pair of shoes, or makeup and they seem sane enough for the operator to let them go live. Or maybe the caller asks to go live? Or maybe it's standard procedure for the operator to ask if the person wants to go live? I have no idea, but whatever it is, it makes me laugh.

I can't judge someone sitting at home watching QVC, because that's exactly what I do. But I love hearing this:

QVC: And we've got Tina from Michigan calling in. Hello Tina darling!

Tina: Hello Lisa, hello Isaac (Mizrahi)!

QVC: And what did we have for you this evening?

Tina: Oh, I got the tote bag in the cherry. I just love it.

QVC: Don't you? Oh, that is such a great value, and the color is waaayy gorgeous once you see it in real-life. You are going to love it!

Tina: Isaac, I just love your style. I've been watching all day waiting for you to come on. I've already ordered the leather moccasins, the logo bracelet, and the pearl necklace.

QVC: Oh wow, you've got some goodies coming your way!

Tina: Yes, I do, just don't tell my husband.

(Everyone chuckles).

Oh what a life that would be to sit at home and order ballet flats and glass rings and crockery off my husband's credit card.

3. Easy-Pay

On the screen, they always have the name of the product, it's original price, the QVC price, and the Easy Pay option.

Easy Pay is basically lay-a-way, and another way of tricking you into buying whatever they're selling. What's funny about it is the host usually says something like, "and you can get that at 5 payments of $35," which means for five months you pay $35. So that's usually followed up with a comment like "It's only a dollar a day, which is practically free."

Remember Tina? Yeah that's the same thing she's telling her husband when he gets the bill for the Q-card and he's paying a dollar a day for the rest of his damned life.

Technically, you could say anything costs a dollar a day, it's just how many days are you paying it and how many dollar items do you have? Three new cars might cost you a dollar a day for 6 light years. Just saying.

4. The Ticker 

On most items, there will be a counter at the bottom of the screen showing how many items have been sold. I love seeing the number soar vs. what the hosts are saying.

"Oh, it's made of real leather." —jump 650 items

"There's a zip pocket in the front." —890 items

"4 payments of $200." —SOLD OUT

5. The Descriptions 

As a writer, I am forced to wonder about who does the descriptions for all of the products that come through QVC. 

I mean, I am good at writing descriptions, but these are pretty intricate. The best part about them is that every product sold on QVC is a great product for ANYONE and I mean male, female, young, old, etc.

I know they are supposed to sell the item, but it just makes me laugh when it's a nylon bag and they say it can be sporty or you can dress it up. Or it's a gold watch and they say it's a status piece, but yet casual enough to wear everyday. See how that works?

Say what you will about the tacky QVC, but hey, I like a little tacky every now and then.  

Posted by wittywriter7 at 12:01 AM CDT

Updated: Wednesday, March 24, 2010 8:18 AM CDT

Share This Post

Post Comment | Permalink

Mood:  blue

You don't want to read this blog. It's not about my favorite things, nor is it about whiskers on kittens or copper kettles. In fact, it's not the least bit cheerful or optimistic. 

That's right, I'm going to say it. Things suck for me right now. It's because I'm stressed. And I'm stressed about pretty much everything I could be stressed about. I think I'm always a little stressed about something, but when more than one or two things gets out of hand—I flip my shit. My normal, cool facade goes straight into bitch-mode and you don't want to cross my path.

But what could I be stressed about? Well, let me just give you a typical run down of my day, BOB. My alarm starts ringing at 6:01 each morning. Around 6:28, I roll my fat ass out of bed and hit the shower. Afterward, I feed my cat and pack a shitty lunch because I'm currently saving every penny I have for when I lose my job in six months. I leave for work around 7:30, fight the traffic with my middle finger stuck out the window, and roll into the office just before 8. Coffee is always first on my agenda and if it isn't made, I want to throw a temper tantrum.

In the mornings, I usually tackle e-mails and meetings, unless I have writing to do. Around lunch, I dread eating that shitty lunch I packed because I'm hungry and wish I could just eat out. So I eat lunch at my desk while I work. Since I'm huge, I usually finish my lunch in 15 minutes, making me hate my life even more.

I leave work around 4:30 and fight traffic to get home. On the way home I stress about losing my job. Upon entering my complex, I have to press a button on a remote because I live in a gated community. Chances are the gate doesn't open, which I then get out of my car and flip off the leasing office and demand a refund on my rent. Then I try to wreck my piece of shit car into the side of the building because I hate it and I'm too poor to get a new one and then I realize that I hate living in my stupid complex for said reasons. When I get home, I freeze to death because I am officially too cheap to turn the heat on because I am saving every penny for when I lose my job.

The job thing is a multi-layered issue. Last year, I was worried about losing my job when maybe I shouldn't have been. But this year, nearly everyone in my office is afraid of getting the ax. I'm trying to do the responsible thing by saving money and looking for new job opportunities. Well, it sounds dandy, but saving money sucks. I can't go to the bars and drink like I once did, go out for a nice meal, or even buy myself a pretty new pair of shoes. I feel guilty for anything that costs money unless it's food, rent, or gas. Looking for jobs is just another set of problems. It takes time and patience—two things I wish I had. And let's be honest, there aren't many jobs out there, period. So ask me about Kohl's discounts in six months because that's probably where I'll be working.  

Shortly after I get home, I force myself to put on workout clothes and make it to the gym. If you haven't figured it out, I hate working out. I don't run, pretty much hate walking, don't ride a bike. I have no interest in any sort of physical activity. The only reason I'm doing it is because I agreed to do Race for the Cure. I can't run a mile to save my life, so how I'm going to run three to save someone else's is beyond me. The "gym" I go to is in my apartment complex, which only has a few treadmills and bikes. So I usually run/walk for as long as I can or until I have a mental breakdown and walk back to my igloo where I cook myself a shitty dinner because of the said reasons. 

After dinner, I work again. I am always on a freelance deadline, which I am thankful for the money. But of course I'd rather be doing something else at 8 p.m. at night. After that, I usually write this blog. Or watch television where everyone else's life is better than mine. I usually sleep off and on through the night, interrupted by my teeth grinding, nightmares, or general stress about my suck ass life. 

When the weekend comes, the only real perk there is getting to sleep in. I still have freelance to do, shitty meals to eat, and forced workouts to do. Occasionally, there's a date slipped in, but let's face facts—I'm such a bitch that everything just ends up in a fight. 

Don't worry, I'm not going to kill myself. However, checking myself into a mental hospital for anger management sounds like a splendid plan.  

Posted by wittywriter7 at 12:01 AM CST

Updated: Friday, January 29, 2010 8:20 AM CST

Share This Post

Post Comment | View Comments (1) | Permalink

Mood:  a-ok

It's New Year's Eve—big whoop. Enter the true Grinch of this holiday. I don't care what kind of awesome party you're hosting or how many bars you're taking shots at tonight...I hate New Year's Eve. 

Each year, everyone is out trying to top last year's party. Chances are, you're with a group of friends who each have their own agenda, so you end up at a place you don't want to be at midnight. The worst part of it is the couples. It's worse than Valentine's Day! The couples are kissing, while all the singletons are whoring themselves out to find that perfect kiss.

Last year, I stayed vowed to stay home and was asleep before 2009 reared its ugly face, and this year, I'm following suit. Although it seems like 2009 really shit on me this year, there were some good things to come out of it. And since everyone else is looking back on 2009, I guess I will too—one last time before I give it the middle finger and call it a day.

• Although I stopped bartending this year, I still took two wine classes which I enjoyed very much. Not only did I learn more about wine, but I met groups of great people, with whom I still talk to. I also tried my first glass of Dom Perignon bubbly...yum!
• Discovered Steven Ward of Tough Love...need I say more?
• When my CD player in my car quit working half-way through the year, I was pretty certain my life was over. But, I actually developed a liking for morning talk radio. I often listen to Kidd Kraddick in the Morning, J-Tweezy and the Wakeup Syndicate, The Rod Ryan Show, or Ryan Seacrest. 
• I entered a lot of writing contests. I mailed my work to New York, Chicago, and LA among many others. Did I win any of them? Nope, but it's still great to get my work out there. 
• John Mayer finally released a new album, which I love. He has also gotten back to writing in his blog. I will be sitting 4th row at his concert in March. 
• I missed the Hanson concert...so, there's that. On the other hand, I went to my first country concert (Sugarland/George Strait) and I went to my first rap concert (T-Pain/Lil Wayne).
• I saw Jerry Seinfeld live!
• In career moves, I celebrated my one-year at LSU. I was able to write many great stories, including my piece on the Golden Girls 50th Anniversary. I gave my first presentation, speaking to the Campus Communicators. I also got a job writing once and month for House & Home Magazine.
• Saw many great movies, including Jonas Brothers Concert in 3D, Julie & Julia, and The Soloist.
• I participated in the Baton Rouge Wine Walk Downtown...several times over. 
• I baked and cooked my way through the year, experimenting with 20 new recipes. 
• And last, but not least, I read 27 books this year! Go me. 

For 2010, I am still going to work on putting myself first. However, it's important for me to improve my relationships with my friends, family and loved ones this year. I have officially named 2010 the year I write my book. While I have already started writing it, the real work will happen this year, because I just can't wait any longer. I am still going to be writing for House & Home Magazine and keeping up with this blog, just beware that it might be book-talk. And after reaching my financial goal of 2009, paying off all of my credit card debt, I am anxious about my money in 2010—because I'm continuing to save it this year.  

So yeah, if you're going out tonight, don't puke. And please don't drink and drive.  

Posted by wittywriter7 at 9:40 AM CST

Share This Post

Post Comment | Permalink

Mood:  cool

Saturday night, I had the pleasure of attending the Catholic wedding blessing of my favorite married couple—Ardath and Thad.

For some odd reason, I had people asking about my Saturday night plans and when I said I was going to a blessing, they didn't understand what I meant. But I can't act all smart, I had to ask Ardy what it was when she invited me to come along.

Ardy and Thad were married quite awhile ago, in Hawaii, with only their two best friends present. When they got home, they had a reception for friends and family. Although their wedding was a success (not to mention very beautiful), it happened outside of the Catholic Church.

For situations such as these (and many others), the Catholic Church has a ceremony that officially recognizes the marriage into the Church, making them validly married.

Ardy told me most blessings are very intimate, involving the couple and their immediate family. However, once Ardy called her parents to tell them the blessing date, they did what alot of parents would probably do—called 50 people.

This blessing, for the families, was basically the wedding they never got to witness. Ardy wore a beautiful white dress and the string of pearls from her wedding day. The ceremony was simple—there were prayers, the exchange of the rings, and the vows were recited. I think the priest was tickled at the crowd and let them kiss at the end.

Although I've only known Thad and Ardy as a married couple, the ceremony made me a little teary-eyed. Their story reminds me that fate doesn't just exist in sappy movies; it's real! They met on a blind date—all Ardy knew about Thad was he was just divorced and had just gotten his braces off. Yet, now they are married and in love and when I'm with them, I have the greatest time. I hope someday I have a marriage as great as theirs.

After the ceremony, a crowd of people gathered at Ardy's parents' home, where there were trays of food and coolers of drinks. There was a wedding cake and even a groom's cake. The cutting-of-the-cake was the best part of the night...mainly because I could tell neither one of them were thriled about it, but they had to fake it for the photos. Plus, their champagne glasses formed a heart when held together and that made me laugh—big time.

But hey, the cake and champagne were delicious and so was the food (if you're reading this Ardy, can I get the recipes for the green beans and cole slaw? Thanks!). It was great to see all the people there supporting this great couple. I love you guys! 

Posted by wittywriter7 at 10:15 AM CST

Share This Post

Post Comment | Permalink