PCB - Spa Weekend

Well the weekend of July 16 -19, I took my mother & sister down to Panama City Beach for a Spa Weekend.

(the pier outside our room that leads to Lime's)It was so much fun. We had no idea the Billfish tournament was going on that weekend, but we discovered it on Thursday night when we arrived at the Bay Point Resort & Spa to tons of cars & people. The Spa is located on the tip of the Bay right along the marina. It is absolutely gorgeous & huge! Our room was on the ground floor with direct access from our patio to the pier that goes over to Lime's (a Restaurant/Bar that featured live music). We ordered a club sandwich and some quesadillas from King Fish on property - OME so yummy.

There were so many pools - of all kinds: heated, lagoon style, whirlpool, salt water, chlorinated. They are surrounded by cabanas and lush landscaping. The staff was sensational! Due to having so many people on property and at the resort for the festival we lucked up & valet parking was complimentary our entire stay! woohoo!

The first full day was Spa treatments. We woke up early and headed over to Serenity Spa (it was right around the corner from our room). We treated ourselves to some bottle water, spa robes, slippers and then over to the whirl pool. AHHH!!! So wonderful. Nina ventured into the sauna. I really hate being overly heated so I stuck to the warm whirlpool. They called us when it was time for our massages. OME!! An our of luxuriating Swedish massages... so good. Then we were scheduled for hour long Facials. This was fun. I have never had a true facial before and my attendant was someone who actually studies the dermatological side of it. I only usually use soap & water to clean my face... um not good. lol. She lectured me (very sweetly, but firm) about what I need to be doing to take care of my skin. What she did was awesome! I felt so refreshed when it was over. Then we ordered our lunch and sat lazily by the pool before heading in for our pedicures. As I sat there sipping a mimosa and chatting with my mom and the attendant, I realized it has been too long since the three of us (sister, mom & me) have done something like this. It needs to be something we do more often. (I mean just the treat of a spa day is always great, but spending it with my two favorite females is even better!) The day was wonderful!

After that we decided to get dressed and find somewhere to eat dinner before catching a movie. Pompano's won the dinner choice due to driving on Front Beach in the evening is a trip so it looked good & did not seem to have been hit yet with the dinner rush. The food was good, the restaurant loud - but pretty, the restrooms - okay these need to be addressed by management of this facility - YUCK. lol. I hate public restrooms anyway, but geez. ew. lol

After dinner I decided to barrel my way to Pier Park where we would watch the movie. Yes barrel my way. If you have never driven, oh I am sorry, 'cruised' around PCB it is an experience. Horn honking, people walking, riding, beer flowing, crazy people driving (present company of course excluded) everywhere!

We made it to Pier Park & watched Harry Potter 6. My third viewing of the movie. It was around 12:30 a.m. when it finished and after returning to the Resort Nina decided she wanted to walk out to Lime's for some drinks & music. So around 1 a.m the two of us left mom to settle in for the evening and we went to watch the real crazies come out (again present company excluded *wink*). It was an interesting few hours. Almost a few fights, one girl did not like that she wasn't wearing regular underwear (though I am sure for those who saw them as she lifted her dress over her drunk head I am sure they were fine) and the music was pretty good.

Saturday we decided to just get in the pool for a little bit then do some browsing/shopping back at Pier Park. So many cute little shops, yummy eateries, and tons of people. After buying a few things we had some lunch then headed back to the room to chill before heading to dinner.

Dinner for our final night was Captain Andersons on the Marina. If you have never been - you should definitely go! It is so yummy!!! We had some great drinks, some delicious appetizers, our entrees were divine, but dessert was perfect!!

Sunday we ordered room service for breakfast. Did I mention the onsite food locations were awesome??? We had pancakes, waffles, eggs, grits, sausage, bacon, toast, juice, milk, fruit...we were stuffed as we finished packing and got on the road.

it was a wonderful weekend. I really enjoyed the relaxation that is a Spa retreat. Nina & Mom were so much fun! We tried some new things, talked incessantly, and just enjoyed each other's company!

Happy Birthday Tracy

Well today is Sunday, July 12. This is a special day for many reasons, one Sundays are always good days, two it is July - SUMMERTIME, and three most importantly it is Tracy's birthday.

About 9 years ago I happened to be at Marcus & Rob's apartment when a young woman (whom I had only met briefly once before at a Bama ballgame) wondered if she could use their washing machine. She had subleased the apartment across from them - a bug infested, scary people surrounded apartment. Of course since their apartment was where I did laundry, another Tracy (Tracy Carpenter), and Regina did laundry - who were they to say no to yet another gorgeous girl who wanted to spend time at their place!?

The guys would come home from class or work and find girls on the couch, in the kitchen, nail polish on the tables, fashion magazines scattered everywhere, supper or snacks almost ready and loads of laughter. They were college guys - they didn't mind. :o) But what we all had no idea of is that there were bonds being formed that would withstand the college years, that would flow over into marriages and vacations. In particular one friendship that I now consider to be more of a family relationship than just friends. I have said before that I have more than just Nina as a sister. Stacie has been there from the get go and we are lucky to realize that our sisterly connection continues to grow even stronger.

Then there is Tracy. (Mclees-Pulley) I was surprised when this Seattle girl slipped into my heart but not at all upset. Her quick wit, vivacious smile, strong faith and love of life are hard to resist. During those college years new apartments & houses were found, love was discovered & lost, time & distance created challenges - yet this was the girl I looked to when I needed someone to listen or cook sausage balls with, this was the girl I immediately knew I wanted standing beside Marcus & I when we said our vows; this girl is special. She is the friend I never knew I needed & the sister I thank God for sending me.

Tracy - I am so glad to be able to send these Birthday wishes into the universe. There is no one who deserves every wish when blowing out the candles more than you. Your beautiful daughter already shows signs of harnessing some of your wonderful traits & that crazy hubby of yours I know recognizes his great catch! Thank you for being there whenever I have needed you - for loving Marcus & I no matter what and for being the Seattle girl whose heart is all South.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY - WE LOVE YOU - TRACY!!!!

WILD & WACKY TIMES WITH THE FAM!

Well the last two weekends have been crazy. The very last weekend in June I slipped over to Atlanta to see Nina for her birthday weekend. It was SO MUCH FUN!!! Friday night we enjoyed dinner & a movie at the house. Saturday morning Christian had an early morning baseball game. I really love watching coach pitch. The kids are so adorable. You can really see how much fun they are having!

Don't be afraid - the knife is just to ward everyone off from her yummy cake.

After the game Nina & I went for lunch by the marina & then went shopping. I LOVE the store Honey Butter in Woodstock. Then there is FoxTales - a precious locally run bookstore. Ooohhh also Christine's! The little community around Nina is quite charming. We always have fun. A little bit of trampoline time on the couch too....



The kids & I whipped up a yummy cake! Then Keith grilled some great steaks for dinner. The day was all about Nina... which I think she liked :)
Sunday was a different day - Nina and I worked on a home project of hers and it took a few hours to get everything pulled together but by the time I was headed home, we felt content with the project. ;o)

Last weekend we headed to the big city of Camden for a few days of food, fireworks & fun!

Aren't all "my" children adorable??
Mom & Dad graciously hosted this crazy clan of family! Pray for their sanity :o) We all really appreciate all the time & effort they put in so that we can all be together. The pool was sparkling & the food was sensational. We love you!
The pool is rarely this calm - we were all sitting at the picnic tables eating lunch. I thought it interesting that the water was just calmly waiting for our return. The volleyball net was probably breathing easier since no child or adult was dodging its threads! :)

Don't be fooled, this grin is full of mischief!

My husband's eyes are cutting to the side due to the food that is passing him by... yeah.

Jon's birthday happens to be July 4th so along with the typical homemade ice cream & barbecue we blew out some birthday candles! LONG hours in the pool made the weekend perfect. We also had this yummy punch that was, well... YUMMY!

My big brother Jeremy was able to stop by for some yummy dessert & to wish Jon a Happy Birthday!

The Quest of Dai: The Eroe

Okay before I put my weekend in Atlanta then Fourth of July pictures & post I have to take a moment to post about the book I read yesterday.

A few weeks back I participated in a charity auction for Bridget Zinn. She is a new author who in one year published her book, got married & also was diagnosed with cancer. Her cause is one that brought together many members of the writing community. They offered items such as signed books, ARCs, paraphernalia, etc.

I bid & won 2 items: a signed Stephenie Meyer "Eclipse" & a signed "The Quest of Dai: The Eroe" by Vivian Marie Aubin du Paris.

I had never heard of Vivian nor her book, but just the synopsis caught my attention. I was blessed to receive a direct email from Vivian & was pleased that she responded to a reply that I sent. I expressed to her my own writing goals and just enjoyed 'speaking' with another young woman who has/had dreams that are similar to my own - give or take the bunny. :o) (you will have to visit her site to understand that last bit).

I was excited to receive my personalized book and then came yesterday. The first day I had free of other reading/writing projects to open the cover; a beautiful cover with a majestic picture of a wooded area. I came home from work around 5:15 and as I sat on my couch I traveled to a world full of amazing people & places. Dai is the main character (Diamond Gold is her whole name - cool, huh?). She is a normal 18 year old from Indiana who only wants to enjoy the magic that Prom and your last years of High School bring. Who knew she was destined to save another world? The characters she meets are mysterious & in their mystery I lost myself. I fell in love with the one person who gives her more grief than anyone else - much like I feel she is falling in love with him. After 4 hours I closed the book. I had laughed outloud, balled my eyes out, gotten angry at the frustrating attitudes that we as humans tend to develop, and I ached for love lost. But thankfully this is book 1 of a trilogy....I just now need the other two books :o)
I could not breathe for about an hour. Literally I would sit on the couch with Marcus & Peanut, then I would just start crying. I ached for so many things in that book. I am now invested in the story. Vivian wrote a book that I many times in the past have found myself falling in love with. There is chivalry and the hilarious misunderstanding of people from different lands. Love, compassion, hatred, betrayal, confusion, & destiny flow through the chapters. Those things we think we would choose so easily become the difficult choices. How we see the world - the good we see in people is questioned by evil actions. Then there is the romance of two people who think that the other hates the first & vice versa. They internally fight the connection for fear that if they fall they will lose everything in the end & the pain of that is so unbearable that it is better to just deny it all.

I completely adored this book. It is fast paced so it is a quick read even for those who don't read as fast as I do. I cannot wait for the next two & so hope to see many more things from Vivian. She began this book when she was 18. It is now, I am sure, her pride & joy.

I also hope to one day share one of my own with her, for I may have found a kindred spirit from a far away land myself. It was a wise choice for a good cause and I will forever be grateful that I stumbled upon it. I only hope that Dai will look back on whatever choice she has to make & will feel the same.....

I pulled the trigger & did not even know it was loaded...

Everyone has their trigger: that word or movement or item that brings a memory back so fresh. It almost always is unexpected, especially when that trigger knocks us back into moments that took us by surprise to begin with. Tonight I found myself packing an overnight bag, collecting some books, arranging my iPod and I wrote down the date on a CD I was burning for my sister… I am going to Atlanta this weekend to see Nina, Keith & the kids for Nina’s birthday. I am going by myself so that Marcus can get some work done, plus they are going to Camden for the Fourth so he will see everyone then. My hand shook when I set the pen down and I got so nauseated. I found myself just sitting there and it took a few moments to register…it was the date that did it. The last days of June…

A year ago I took the same trip. Packed the same bag – even some of the same clothes; I went by myself last year too. Last year Stacie met me in Atlanta on her way down to Camden. It was a great trip – we celebrated my sister’s birthday, ate some yummy food, the kids finished up swim team, Nina & I were bouncing off the walls ready for New York, I was excited about seeing them the upcoming Thursday for the Fourth. The repetition is eerie due to its repetition, but I realized a moment ago that last year I wrote a blog entry when I got back from Atlanta all about the weekend and the fun we had…that blog entry is the last entry I made until August 2nd – the day we should have been in New York. I did not make a single entry in July 2008.
2 weeks after the Atlanta trip I was screaming my head off and terrified out of my mind. For some reason that fear hit me tonight like a brick wall. I just sat down beside my bag and just cried. You would think I had watched the saddest movie or read a tear jerker book. I could not & still cannot stop the tears. For a minute I just was trying to quit sobbing. I cannot imagine what people go through when they are hit with the memory of a loss but for me this was a loss that for a second I could not explain the grieving, but that is what I have done for the last 30 minutes – grieve. I grieved for a part of me that I had not even realized had died. That part that had always been excited about unknown weeks ahead & adventures yet to come, but also that part of me that plans extensively. Marcus has noticed that when we plan a trip lately I don’t come home within three days with “travel book”. So far I have waited until the week we are to go on the trip to compile information. Fear of the unknown and fear that if I plan and put my heart into it the world will just rip the plans away.

It physically hurts to be afraid of the rest of the summer – yes ridiculous isn’t it, I am afraid of the upcoming weeks. Terrified of repetition. I even threw in an odd shirt in my bag just to really mess it all up :o) Laugh at the pitiful girl – trust me I have to. Sorry for a bummer type of entry but blogging is my personal therapy. This is a new thing for me. I mean I have my fears but the unknown has never really been one of them. I tend to run head first, thinking later about the unknown. But in the last year, I have been more cautious and have tried to be more self aware.
Anyway, tomorrow I drive. I loaded new songs to the iPod, I have my camera for new pictures, I may buy a few new clothing items this weekend or something, I just know that mixing it up a bit in even the littlest way will help. Here is to a great weekend and an amazing rest of summer. Hopefully the repetition will be the comforting kind and the unknown will be the extraordinary kind. :o)

Sleep - Eat - Swim - Eat- Swim - Sleep - Eat - Swim - Eat - Sleep.... ah summer.

We went South last weekend to Camden for Father's Day. We were quite tired when we arrived but some wonderful Chicken Salad on Croissants, fruit, fruit dip & chips were waiting for us... goodness it was so good we woke right up. Well we at least woke up enough to slip into the pool for a few hours. :o) The water was so warm it was like a huge hot tub set on just the right temperature. Mom, dad, Marcus & I just floated and talked. It was so nice. Saturday was a warm, cloudless day. The water was still warm but cool enough to be refreshing. By 9 a.m we were an hour in and stayed until around noon got out, ate, went back in, got out around 6, ate, went back in. Do you see the pattern here? lol.

We had so much fun. Eric, Mindy, Coy, Colton & Hannah all came down and the kids had fun playing in the pool. It is always so nice to see them. The boys are growing up so fast! Hannah is just a little doll. She is so sweet & really coming along with the swimming. They all asked if we would be there the 4th. It is a wonderful feeling being loved by your nieces & nephews. I never really had that type of relationship with my parents' siblings. My dad's were so much older than him & my mom's just were not close geographically. This time though, I get to spoil them rotten. I get excited every time I get to visit with them and sad when it is time for them to go.

The summer this year is a whole new kind of HOT. I mean what is the deal? Every day I walk to my car at lunch, every day I grimace at the temperature of 105, 111, even 121 last week that my car is at. Then as I try to enjoy my lunch the lowest it goes is 99. Dude, what is the deal???? It would not be so bad if say it were end of July or August, but um, middle of June? Way too hot, too early.

So as I type this I realize that there is still so much summer left. So many more days of sauna like heat and steamy afternoon storms; but there are also beach trips, volleyball games in the pool, sales, family gatherings, reunions, books to read, books to write, cool evenings inside, good food to eat... so the balance is quite in my favor. I hope your summer is a hot one with loads of entertainment. :)

Whirlwind weekends...

So we slipped away last weekend to see Robert & Ramona.

It was a lot of fun. A whirlwind, but a lot of fun. We needed the escape. Though we travel a great deal of the time we find that the trips aren't always 'relaxing'. This one was actually quite relaxing. We spent the day in Galveston at the beach on Saturday then that night we relaxed under the stars in a hot tub. It was quite nice.

We ate some Shrimp Kisses at Fish Tales on the beach - YUMMY!! Butterflied shrimp with a pepper cheese on top then wrapped in bacon.... oh yeah. :o)

By the way Robert & Ramona have pets... not a dog or cat.... birds. They have birds. Okay I love to see birds eating the food in my backyard that I put out. Nothing is cuter than a parrot on a tropical island... but these are birds that randomly land on your: shoulder, leg, arm, chair, table..or head. Yes I was the victim of Sugar's love for blonde hair.

Then Tazoo bit Marcus while I took a shower. No worries though Sugar decided she liked both of us. Tazoo stayed in the cage for most of the visit. It was very different. I have to say though Robert & Ramona are very taken with them & it is obvious the birds are quite fond of them as well. It is a cool set of pets, just different for us dog owners. :o)

Sunday we found time to do some shopping and I found an adorable dress and purse. LOVE THEM!!! Then we caught a plane & found ourselves back in T-town. What a crazy weekend!

Memorial Day... Pensacola Beach 2009

Oh we had a wonderful Memorial Day at Pensacola Beach. The first day was a bit sketchy high winds (like 20 mph gusts) and rain threatened to create a very enclosed weekend but by mid day the winds were becoming slower & the sun was glowing through the clouds. The waves though... wow! I am not sure I have ever seen the Gulf with such high crests! It was beautiful!

We sat on the beach and sunned a little then on Sunday everything was as it should be - GORGEOUS beach weather. Oh it was wonderful. Regan & Riley loved the easy access pool & hot tub.
The waves were calmer than the day before but also still very high. It was a yellow flag day so everyone hit the water carefully. It was clear - no jellyfish or seaweed - and cool. John (Mike & Rhonda's little boy) was buried in the sand. I don't mean like sitting down or lying down I mean standing up buried to his chest. It was hilarious. Eian dug the hole & dropped him in it. Then they just filled it in! Crazy.

Marcus & I were staying with Robert & Ramona at a beautiful home on the beach called the Tiki House. It was HUGE; fully equiped kitchen, gigantic living room, game room (big screen with a bunch of game systems) then a traditional game room (air hockey, pool, ping pong & foosball), private pool, hot tub, and fenced in back yard. It was awesome. There was 21 of us staying in the house. Ramona's family had come down from Utah, Kansas & Tennessee.
We had some wonderful cooks in the house & the meals were great. Marcus & I of course made time to head to Peg Leg Pete's... twice. :o) Rob, Regina & the girls stayed as well & we had some great times swimming, playing cards, ping pong, just relaxing. It really was a great time. I did somehow manage to NOT blister my face, shoulders & chest, but somehow DID blister my legs... very bizarre. It usually is a trial to get a good tan on my legs but for some reason Sunday's beach time gave me the red of a lobster. lol Today though it is a deep dark brown so I am happy - even though it was painful to get to this point.
We so wanted to stay and play in the sand for longer but our Nutter was in Camden & we missed him. So we headed to mom & dad's to get our baby & get home. Marcus developed a summer cold after the trip & we are still fighting through it - he also has given me the sniffles... darn him.

Oh & by the way.... TWILIGHT won 5 of their 6 nominated awards at the MTV movie awards on Sunday. But the MOST important part was the sneak peek of NEW MOON! If you are interested, scroll down a good ways and you will see the video player. Enjoy.