Sunday, November 16, 2008

My 25th Birthday!

I had a hard time knowing how to feel turning 25. I don't feel old enough to be 25....I used to think people my age were "so old". Now...I am one of them. But I did have a good couple days celebrating my birthday....and everyone told me it gets better after 25! I'm holding you all to that!!! We went out for an evening celebration with some friends (here Stacey and Kim) They are part of my "cohort 9" family at school.
I have to admit....we took this photo to capture the image of the rediculously discusting body-suit thong "problem" the woman in the back was having.....she later realized there was a draft in the room and pulled her pants up. Thank you! We got quite a kick out of it though!

Rachelle and I :) I love your brown hair now~way better than your blonde months! Rachelle's gift to me was this huge wine glass with diamond rings hand-painted onto it. Very me :) Nice job! It was great having everyone come out to celebrate with us. I love my friends!


Ahhh November 14th. My birthday....er the day before deer season. We went over to my Gma's house for birthday cake and some deer stories.....like every year. I was the only female present in a room of 10 guys. Can we say testosterone?



My dad took Justin and I out to lunch on my bday! We went to Blue Tractor. They gave me a free $10 gift certificate, a glass mug, and free dessert. The remains of our huge ice cream sandwich lay on the plate :) Mmmmm.




Every year in my family we pick a restaurant for our "birthday dinner". This year I picked Hanna. Delicious!! I enjoyed shrimp & grits :) I was so happy that Justin could share my day! He got my a very cute sweater this year....which i've already worn. It was a great birthday.





One last pic from lunch....in black & white :) A picture of my birthday cake is coming....






The First Snow!

We had our very first snow of the season a week ago- this was taken out in Kalkaska....they always get more snow than TC. I went into the woods with Dad and Justin to "prepare" their blinds for deer season.
I ended up just taking photos of the snow....this one turned out really well!

This is the road my family hunts on each year. "Brown Fire Lane" in Kalkaska.


The sun was shining through the trees- it was beautiful! We even saw a few deer jumping through the woods.



I was bundled up like a mashmallow! I think this is our first picture together since Justin moved back! I think they liked that I braved the trip into the woods with them. My dad just HAD to show us all the blinds they hunt out of :) I must admit...the snow got me a little excited for Christmas and the holidays!




Wednesday, November 5, 2008

What a week!

Justin is here!!!! I am definitly thrilled beyond anything. He got in Sunday night around 8pm after a VERY long drive from Montana. He stuffed that U-Haul to the max! We have a lot to unload still, but he's getting organized slowly but surely. Only sleeping about 4 hours total. I am so happy he made it safe and sound. Justin began his new job the very next day! Talk about huge transitions. Moving across country, and begining a new job all in 3 days. Nuts! He is loving the job thus far. He even began buying CD's on his first day for Independant Wealth Management's biggest client- $2.4 million to be exact! I think he will fit in nicely :) He is learning from the best guy's in the business. It's amazing what his potential could be. Justin has also been doing loads of homework (since he was offline for 2 days during the drive) to catch up with his online classes. He is in the midst of taking 2 exams this week and doing long hours of homework and quizzes. The boy works hard, that's for sure. I am just so glad our long-distance days are behind us :) It only gets better from here!

T'was the night before Justin's arrival.......Kim's Halloween party! As you can see, I was a Cosmopolitan this year. My friend Stacey from class...a pirate. The party was an absolute blast for us all. Lots of food, fun, and beverages :) It's fun to dress up even when you're too old to dress up. No cares for a night is needed every once in a while!

Kim...a tooth fairy! We enjoyed mingling and playing games at the party. Oh yeah....there was a football game on too. Psh- who cares!? :) It's always fun to see how creative people get with their costumes. Jesus, and a nun were there, along with many pirates, vampires, skeletons, joe the plumber, 80's style people, dorothy from Wizard of Oz, girl scouts, and construction workers! So fun!


C9! These are some of my favorite girls from our class "cohort 9" from school. Kim, Judy, Me, and Stacey. It's amazing to think I didn't know these girls over a year ago....I don't know what I would do without them! We are all very close. It was so much fun hanging with them for a night, outside of class! We got silly together of course, but it was a fun and safe night. We had a little slumber party!
On another note- today is the morning after the Presidential Election of 2008. WE DID IT! How amazing that we now have an African American president? It makes me feel very good knowing I voted for Barack Obama. I am confident our country will make a change for the better. The election has been creating so much stress in my life and those around me. It's relieving knowing it is over, and we can all move on. History was made today- and that is something we can all be grateful for. Time to celebrate!!
Lindsey and Rob are moved into their new flat in London! It is adorable, and at only 550sq ft. it should be! Lindsey is loving her new job at Childnet- she is seeing a lot of the country side while visiting schools all over. Rob has not found work yet, and is having some troubles adjusting to his new life in London- but i'm sure he will find his niche. They are seeing a lot of sights and finding their way around the city just in time for us to come visit in December!! We are all anxiously awaiting the trip :)
But for now....this is OBAMA NATION :)