Well, How About That?!

Have you ever been to a surprise wedding?  No?  I hadn't either.  Until this past Saturday.



Steven and I went to a going away party for our friends Christer and CiCi.  They are moving back to Sweden after living here for seven years.  Saturday was a day long shindig where we were instructed to come dressed as our favorite Swedes.  This is the reason for Steven's dye job.  (see previous post!) 

Traffic was horrible on Saturday.  Our hosts live out at Isle of Palms which is the beach area of Charleston.  Everyone and their brother was heading to the beach for the holiday weekend.    The weather was lovely, and many people were gathered to celebrate the Swedes.

As the party started, we were all gabbing and watching the European Championship Soccer game.  Man United was in the final, and thus Steven was beside himself!  It was a normal party with friends, food and plenty of icy cold beverages.  After the game,we all were in for a gigantic surprise!!

The groom found the bride and convinced her to go outside to the deck of the three story house.  His premise for getting her outside was the old, "I've got to show you something" routine.  Once outside, he got down on one knee and proposed.  The bride was shocked and overjoyed.  At that point, the groom tells her that they are getting married right there and then.  He had asked a friend to become a notary, and here in South Carolina, a notary can officiate a wedding.

The friend/notary, owner of the house and their wives then witness the wedding.   No one down below knows what is taking place on the third story deck.  Music is playing, folks are laughing, and upstairs, a man and woman are marrying with beers in their hands.  A few wedding pix were taken and then the couple is introduced to the party below.  Groom had been planning this for months, bride had just over ten minutes to digest all this.  The rest of the party became a celebration of the newly married couple and the beautiful Swedes.  It was surreal.  The bride was shocked. The party goers were shocked.  People that didn't even know the couple were shocked.  This just doesn't happen every day folks. 

And, who was this couple?  Why, if you haven't guessed by now---Steven and I tied the really surprising knot this weekend.  

And yes.  I'm still in shock.   Thanks for the blog fodder,  husband.

Crazy Weekend

I have so much to report, but I'm just going to have to do it in snippets.

Let's start with this:

My  Friday evening was spent playing beauty parlor.  With myself, you ask?   No.  With Taylor?  Nah.  I got to play with this head of hair.

 See, we were attending a going away party for our favorite Swedish couple, Christer and Cici.  The theme of the party was to come dressed as your favorite Swede.  So, Steven decided to dress up as his favorite Swede, Christer.  In order to do that, he had to have blonde hair.  Thus, the beauty parlor.

Two applications later, this was the final product:

You tell me, does he look Swedish?

Friday Funnies

Let me just tell you how my day started.

I was in my bathtub, enjoying some bubbles, and I looked over at my toilet and it was so disgusting.  Seriously, it's probably as dirty as it has ever been.  So, as soon as I 'm out of that tub, I clean my toilets.  This was at 7:30 in the morning.  That is too early to clean a toilet. But, LAWD, it was time.

Then, I go to Dunkin Donuts to buy donuts for my office. Yeah, donut bribes go far in my world.  I'm feeling cocky and sassy as I also buy an iced coffee for our receptionist.  How nice I am!  How giving of me!  So what if this means I'm going to be late to the office.

I'm eating my bagel from DD and my phone rings.  It seems someone broke into our office building overnight.  Sigh.  I'm not there to handle it.  Yes, I have two dozen donuts, but still....

Nothing was taken, and no damage was done, other than the big plate glass window.  I guess one of the homeless folks just wanted to get inside for some reason.  We had the nicest police officer help us out (no, he didn't eat a donut) and Steven was kind enough to get the window boarded up so no other passersby would be temped to pop in for a sit.

I also dyed Steven's hair this evening.  Long story, and that's a whole blog in itself.  But, suffice it to say that I have no desire to be a hair stylist on a permanent basis.

Weird day, and it all started with my dirty toilet.

Oh, don't you love these M&M's?  My dear friend, Kristen, sent them to me.  They're  almost too cute to eat.  ALMOST.

And, was this wine not made with me in mind, or what??!!!

Mid Week Mute

O M G

OMG.  Guess where I went tonight?  Oh, you'll never guess.  I went to the mall!   OMG.


I say OMG, because I loathe the mall. 


I will avoid the mall at all costs.  Literally and figuratively.


I will order on line, go to Target, go without, or send Taylor at Christmas time if really necessary.

Mall, dear Mall, how do I loathe you?  Let me count the ways.

Claire's.  Frederick's of Hollywood.  The obligatory bad restaurant at the front of the mall. The Food Court.  The store:  5-7-9.  (I honestly don't know if they have that anymore, but still.  I could never shop there!)  Hollister.  Kiosks.  Men in their early 20's playing with remote control cars or helicopters.  The massage guy.  (there's one in every mall)  Bath and Body and the pressure to buy three so you can get two free.

Shopper's Back.  That LONG hallway that leads to the mall restrooms. The bed stores.  "Things Remembered."  Sears.  The smokers hanging out at the front of the mall.  That big nasty trash can/ash can thing that you have to pass to go inside.  How about that one creepy end of the mall that just seems darker and scarier than the others?

Packs of teenagers.  (I believe the malls belong to them, and I'm okay with that.  Let the kids have this place!!)  The crying baby.  Workers hanging outside the stores waiting for shoppers.  Oh Bath and Body Bubble Bath!  Take me away!!

To top off this experience, I didn't find what I needed.  Go figure. It's back to Amazon.Com for this gal! 

Things That Go Good Together

Pizza and Beer.

Red wine and a nice filet.

Jeans and Boots.

Shorts and flip flops.

Flip flops and the beach.

Rainy Sundays and naps.

Chips and Salsa.

Facebook and Friday nights.

Corn on the cob and fresh sliced tomatoes.  (both with lots of salt and pepper!)

Me and Steven.

Black and White.

Days at the Beach and Nice Refreshing Showers.

Memorial Day Weekend and Pool Parties.

Cheese and Wine.

Cheese and Crackers.

Cheese and anything.

Movies and Popcorn.

Bacon and Eggs.

You and Me.  :-)

This is the Song

Please enjoy my new favorite song.  It make me want to boogie.

It's the Little Things

I tend to focus on the negative more often than I should... 

It was great to have a day where it seemed that all the little things went "right."

I woke up on time this morning, did my normal TV watching routine before rising, and fell back asleep.  I was out of bed eight minutes late, but still made it to work at my usual time.  I was ahead at this point and it just kept getting better!

Obviously, there was no traffic on the way to work, so that made for the on time arrival.  (well, on time for me!)

I adjusted my desk chair to the perfect height, and it stayed that way.

It was payday. 

Everyone was giggling at work, and I was reminded why I continue to go there day after day.

Steven and I went to lunch, just the two of us, and on the way, I heard one of my new favorite songs.  I would tell you what it is, but you know I can't remember the name of it.  But, hearing it made me happy. 

The weather was absolutely perfect, 80 and sunny and no humidity.  Add a gentle breeze to it, and voila!  Perfect weather.

I'm now home and enjoying a quiet evening watching crap TV. (Real Housewives)

Me and the Triple Meat Totinos Frozen Pizza had a love affair that lasted about ten minutes.

I'm hearing the coo of a dove in my backyard.

The weekend is ahead of me and looking GOOD.

And finally, I'm ending my day with a free flowing blog, and checking in with all my cyber friends.

It was a good  day.  Let's hope tomorrow is even better!

Mid Week Mute

Hey Hey

Memories of the Missouri trip, scattered with loads of photos...


Three words:  WET, RAINY and COLD.  Not the best baseball watching weather.  Guess who bought a new Mizzou blanket in May?



Tigers won 2 of 3.  Guess who missed the second win?


I ate my way across the country.  Jack in the Box Tacos, Steak 'n Shake Frisco Melt, Shakespeare's Pizza, two HUGE breakfasts, beef tenderloin cooked to perfection, a DQ dip cone, Parmesan Risotto, Salsiccia Sausage.   OINK.   Guess who needed that 24 Hour Prevacid?

I ate all that, but didn't have a hot dog at the ball games.  Go figure.  It was the one thing I missed!  Guess who is kicking herself now?

This is what a baseball coach's facial expression is for most of the baseball season:

We went to a winery in Hermann.  Our tour guide had Tourette's.  Do you know how hard it is for five very immature adults to keep from giggling in that situation?  Guess who had to not make eye contact with anyone in order to keep a straight face?

Sheryl Crow was speaking at the MU commencement, and thus was staying at our hotel.  I was lucky enough to see her live and in person, standing in our lobby.    She's teeny tiny and simply lovely.  I tried to sneak a picture of her with my phone, but wound up with two pictures of my fingers.  Guess who is NOT cool under pressure?

For some strange reason, my oldest bro thought this was the weekend to throw up some gang signs.  Guess who's the dork in the family.  (just kidding Jeff.)  (Well, not really)

In just three days, I saw both brothers, their wives, their kids, my grandmother, my besties and their kids.  Heaven! Guess who was happy about that!!

I also reunited with my friend from junior high school.  She and I hadn't seen each other in close to 35 years. Guess who was feeling pretty O L D?

1600 miles round trip, plus another 220 back and forth to Columbia from St. Louis.  Guess who doesn't want to get in a car any time soon?

End of the Road Trip

I miss blogging.

However, I'm still on the road.  I will see you sooner than later blogland!  

Mid Week Mute

Tortoise This

Did you ever notice that some days seem to have a theme to them? 

Today's theme in my life was that everyone was moving in S L O W  M O T I O N.  I'm talking snail's pace.  Tortoise and the Hare slow.  Slow and steady.  REAL slow and steady.

It started with me waking up slowly.  I then realized I had forgotten some papers that I needed to take to our Columbia office.  (thanks Steven for going to get it for me!)

Driving to Columbia was slow.   Sure, I was driving at a fast clip, but it seemed to take forever and ever. 

Our computers at work were slow.

On the way home, ALL other cars were going slow.  All the slowpokes were driving in the fast lane today.  I am not a tailgater, but sure was tempted to today.  I got stuck behind big trucks, people talking on cell phones (can't wait for THAT to be outlawed!) and oversize loads.

I decided to stop and buy new pj's today and, you guessed it, I was in the slow line.  I was behind the woman who was buying items AND paying her credit card bill.  By check.  I was also behind the woman who just knew she had a coupon somewhere in her purse.  I finally was able to complete my transaction and got stuck behind her, AGAIN, as we exited the store.  Step.  Step. Step.  SLOW steps.  Puuuuuussssh open the door so slowly.

I know I live in the South, and our pace is slower, but this was getting ridiculous. I truly understand that patience is a virtue, but I am only human!!  And, I am all about stopping and smelling the roses, but can we move a little quicker to get TO the rose garden?

So, finally back at home, and what happens?  The night is flying by!  No fair, I say!   Ach!

Rosie

Here's to the best appetizer maker I ever knew. I could really go for some of your garlic dip today.

Thanks for everything Mom.  I miss you every day.

Bowl Me Over

I am not athletically inclined. 
 


Oh, I know all sports. I love all sports.   I understand all sports.  I know what to do, where to do it, what makes what happen, and all the rules.  But, I can't make my body obey my brain.  This was quite the hindrance when growing up in a family where athletics were the only thing that mattered. 

 

Over the years, I've dabbled with softball.  Again, I can hit the ball, but never quite far enough to get on base.  Steven's mother summed it up perfectly, I'm always one step away from being safe. Or, if I hit it just a bit further, I'd be safe every time.  I did, however, play on a team that won ZERO games in the regular season, but went on the play the Losers Bracket Tournament, and we won that tournament.  I guess you could say we were the best of the worst?

As you know, Steven and his friends play soccer/football.  (depending on where you call home)  At their post game pow-wows (translation:  beer at the bar), they started yammering about all of us going bowling.  This idea has been bantered about for months and we've finally had our initial match of the  Hampton Park Moes Triangle Steven Mccabe.com (thanks Darragh) bowling league. 

We will bowl the first Tuesday of every month, whoever can make it.  It's a low stress -  high beer drinking kind of thing.  Two person teams; man and woman.  Highest combined score wins.  We eat loads of fried food and drink that bowling alley beer.  (My friend Larry says it's laced with opium, why else would it affect us the way it does?)  And, I must point out, bowling alley food is really good.  Seriously!

Now granted, we've only made it through session one.  But, I am proud to tell you that this non athletic dorky kinda band camp flute playing gal was on the winning team!  (We actually won two of three games)  I think bowling is the great equalizer.  This old gal managed to stay competitive with the young bucks. 

Of course, I had  shin splints and a sore neck the next day.  Hey wait, that's what happens to athletes, right?