You know you're getting old when...

You're home from a concert at 11:20, your legs hurt from standing the whole time, your ears are ringing and your stone-cold sober (of course, pregnancy had a lot to do with this one).  B and I went and saw Liz Phair, who looks exactly the same as when we were in high school and puts on one good show.

There were several surprising things from the night.  One being the number of guys, who were not only there, but who knew more lyrics than I did.  It was bizarre. Of course, when a female sings a lot about sex, then I guess I can see the attraction to attend a show.  You just don't walk into a predominantly female oriented music show expecting to see guys without girlfriends who drug them there or who aren't there looking to pick up girls.  These guys were just mesmerized by Liz, other girls didn't even seem to exist to them.  The second surprising thing was how fun people watching is, especially the drunk people, when you haven't had a drop of alcohol.  I mean, I don't get falling down drunk when I go out, but a couple of beers and I'm usually feeling pretty good.  It was a lot of fun just watching everyone else tonight.  People are quite entertaining.

Tomorrow is my first 10a-10p.  I'm sure I'll be tired, but I hope I get used to it quickly.  You may not hear from me for a the next few days.  I work the next three in a row.  Let's just say that I'm really looking forward to Thursday.

Oh yeah, we went all the way to Cookeville to look at a chair we saw on Craigslist and we got it!  So, I can mark the rocker off my list.  Word!  It's an Ikea Lilliberg chair.  It was my second choice in rocker/gliders.  I mean, the exact chair.  I had seen it on a blog in a nursery and had liked it.  What do you think?

We have THE name

Well, after much discussion..um, not really, considering that this was Aaron's choice from the beginning..we are 99.9% sure of our little baby girl's name.  I was the one that hesitated.  I didn't want to make the wrong decision and I like quite a few girl's names, so, of course, the what-if-we-don't-have-another-girl thought went through my head.  All those other names would be lost.

We can't wait to introduce you all to:

Nola Gray

As most of you know, Nola, is my first name, as well as, my great-grandmother's name. She was amazing. It was important for me to pass along her name. Aaron has told me since before we were talking about having kids that if we had a baby girl, then we would name her Nola.

Gray is a name I saw somewhere a few years ago. It was a little boy's name, but I have it on both my girl and boy name lists.

If you love it, great! If not, then don't tell us. We don't want to hear it. And, you better believe, if we have another girl, her name will be Sylvie. That, I am also 99.9% sure about.

My boys

I almost forgot to mention a cute story my mom told me.  She watched my two nephews, Hayden, who is 8, and Brice, who is 4, over the weekend.  She told me she was busy cooking dinner and the boys were playing in the "play" room, which is filled with toys for when the nephews come over to her house.

Suddenly, she said they both appeared in the kitchen with concerned looks on their faces and they proceeded to tell her how she needed to buy some girl toys for Nay's (my) baby or she wouldn't have anything to play with because there were only boys toys in the play room. She proceeded to tell them that she knew and she had planned on buying some toys for her.  Hayden then said, "Well, you better do it now because you don't have a lot of time."  With that, the turned around and went back to playing.

I wish I could have been a fly on the wall in that room when they started to have that conversation before they came to tell my mom.  My nephews are the most amazing little humans.  I'm lucky they are in my life.  My heart is filled to the brim with love for them.

Brice, my mom, Logan, and Hayden

(This is from our beach house from last summer's vacation.  I need to take some new pics of the boys)

 

Winter is for hibernation

I've been hibernating.  Mostly, my time has involved reading magazines, watching television, spending hours on the internet and doing the occasional cleaning.  It's been so nice.  Every time I think of something to blog about it's at an inopportune time, then I forget exactly what I was going to write.  My brain doesn't quit multi-task like it did before I was pregnant.  Now, it's more like, "What was I thinking about?  Hmm, don't know.  Moving on."  I'm just rollin' with it.

I've spent much of today searching Craigslist, looking at decorating magazines, and watching decorating shows.  The nursery and finishing home projects are all I can think about as time is ticking down. Clothing is on the back burner, for obvious reasons now.  I usually get stuck in either thinking and obsessing over clothing or the home.  Never do I cross them at the same time.  Of course, I couldn't afford to do that anyway.

I found a rocker that I think I can make work on Craigslist.  Unfortunately, when I called someone was on their way to look at it.  Isn't that always how it goes with Craigslist!?  I found an Ikea rocker that I had seen and bookmarked on a blog.  It's only $75, but as I'm anxiously awaiting their reply, I'm sure it's gone, since it was a few days ago when it was posted.  We shall see.

My new schedule starts next week.  I'm officially on the two 10a-10p and one 1p-1a.  That is so much better than my current schedule.  If I haven't talked to you about it, then let me tell you that they were way nicer to me than my other two partners.  It's crazy, but I don't have to work any Fridays or Saturdays in February.  I was pleasantly surprised.  I work the first two Sundays, but I can handle that.  I'm actually loving that! 

Anyway, must hit the shower.  Yes, it's 3:00.  Judging is wrong people.  Aaron and I have our first daycare appointment tonight at 5:30.  It makes me sad thinking about dropping my baby girl off with a stranger, but I know it must be done.  This daycare is an in home daycare.  It's actually off the street across the street from our house, so we don't have far to go.  I am anxiously awaiting it.  It would work out so perfectly, if it's clean (you know how I am with clean), nice, and inviting. 

Okay, so I poked my head in.  Don't stop reading.  I'm here.  I've got loads of things to write about it.  I just need to pull myself out of my cave.

All about myself

• I may have said, "That's what she said," when someone said, "That's the wrong hole," at work.  I seriously stood there like, "Did I just say that out loud?  No, maybe I didn't."  Christy, one of the other nurses, was the only one that heard me.  She gave me a high-five.  We both laughed.  My face turned about five shades of red.  I'm not sure some of the peeps at work are ready for all that.  How could I not pass up that opportunity though?  It was the perfect setup.  Sometimes I forget that I'm not at home or with my friends and people that get things like that.
• Aaron picked up a side job this weekend, so I'm stuck at home on my weekend off by myself.  Granted, I could go out and do something.  I think I'm going to do a little antique shopping tomorrow.  I have been on the computer all day.  I should be taking down our Christmas decorations, but I'm enjoying the light of the Christmas tree for one more day.  I think, more importantly, I should go shower.
• So, the shift changes at work are happening!  I don't know where I'm going to fall because of I'm third in line.  It looks like Larry, who works 10a-10p is moving up to 7a-7p, because Betty is retiring.  Gaynell, another nurse who worked 10a-10p, got let go, so ideally there would have been two 10a-10p shifts for me and Colby, my 1p-1a partner to take, but, unfortunately, they are rearranging everything.  It looks like there will be two 10a-10p, which one is already filled, and a shift that works 10a-10p two days a week and 1p-1a one day week.  If Colby doesn't take the 10a-10p, then I think it's mine, but I don't know why he wouldn't take it.  I've been praying so hard for this to happen and picturing it so much.  I am shocked that everything happened so quickly.  It's like my prayers were answered.  I'll let you guys know where I fall when it's all said and done.  I'm hoping we find out soon.  I think they'll have to make the decision before the end of the January work schedule.  I hope I get a great shift that eases my mind a little about returning after maternity leave.
• Speaking of jobs, the perfect job for me came open.  It's a Research RN position that performs tests and collects data on Oncology patients.  I would kill for this job.  Of course, being pregnant, is not exactly a good time to apply for a job, plus I really do love my job, but this would be normal hours, but that also means 5 days a week, so that's a downfall.  I don't think I should apply, but it's like a slap in the face watching it slip through my fingers.  It's crazy how I get Career Builder emails for nursing jobs, but I haven't looked at them in months and months and the one time I do at the very top job is this one.  I swear, there are very odd things that happen to me.
• I'm having lunch with at least three friends this week.  That's pretty sweet.  I plan on talking to B about lunch this week, so I can finally give her her Christmas gifts.  Thanks a lot, West Elm!  Also, I'm having lunch at Christy's house, so we can go over some baby things, and then catching coffee or lunch with Angie one day to catch up on life and nursing things.  Good times.  Should be a really good week.  I work Monday and Tuesday and then the weekend.  Boo to the weekend part.
• I have a couple of showers in the works.  Thanks to super awesome friends and my aunt.  I'm super excited about that!  I need all that I can get.  Baby things are expensive!  I should have some dates worked out soon. 

All things Nola

I know you are all dying to see what nursery plans I have up my sleeves.  Probably not, but you're going to look at it anyway.  Also, here is the collection of things that we've accumulated, so far.  Looks like little Nola won't be totally unclothed.  She'll be a little fashionista and she has no idea yet.  I'm trying to find sleepers and onesies that aren't in pink, but it's hard, peeps.  Girls can wear other colors.  I hardly ever wore pink when I was growing up.  You know, this is going to backfire on me and she's only going to love pink.  That's okay, I'll love her regardless, of course!

* The bag on the left is the purse that my mom got me for Christmas.  She is absolutely right that it can be used as a diaper bag.  It has so many pockets and compartments.  Plus, I can wear it crossways too.  The backpack in the middle is what I bought Aaron for Christmas.  It's actually a snowboarder's backpack, which means, it too has lots of pockets and compartments inside.  I'm sure this is one that we'll take to the daycare because he'll be picking her up.  The one on the right is the bag I bought months ago before I even found out I was pregnant because I thought it would make a perfect diaper bag.  It has tons of pockets and compartments too.  The funny thing is that both the bag my mom bought and the bag I bought are Franco Sarto bags.  If you like pockets and compartments, get one of these purses.  They will not disappoint.

*Most of these are bigger clothes, passed down from Miss Ava.  I absolutely love the fifth piece, which is a dress I picked up at Old Navy like two or three years ago.  It just so happens to be a 0-3 months, is red, white and blue, has matching bloomers and will make the perfect July 4th outfit.  That is, if we do anything on July 4th and I don't have to work.  Nola will be rocking it in the summer, regardless.

* Aaron and I picked up this little suit the other night at Old Navy.  She now has this and a winter coat for next winter.  Thanks Old Navy for clearancing winter items so quickly!

* Odds and ends.  Most of these I have picked up over the last few years when I have seen them on clearance.  Some are more hand-me-downs from Ava. 

*  Books, books and more books.  The books on the right were a childhood set that my brother, sister and I grew up with.  I was so happy to get them back.  My sister had them and did not take care of them.  They were in my mom's garage and were filthy!  I did my best to clean them up. 

*  The gift from Aaron's aunt and uncle.  I love this book!

So, I'm planning another collage in the baby's nursery.  This one will go over the baby bed.  It will feature some artwork that I've picked up, family pictures in bright and different sized frames, colorful cloth pieces in sewing rings (I have no idea what they are called!), and a picture in the center that is tall and vertical with hand painted stenciled letters that read:  "Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."  One of the best quotes from Dr. Seuss' book Oh, The Places You Will Go. I have to make this one, unless someone wants to make it for me. :)  There will also be a letter N somewhere.  It's going to be perfect.  Then, I'll quite collaging everything.    

*  Two picture frames that will go into the collage.

* Artwork that I've bought from The Black Apple on Etsy that will be framed and added to the collage.  I love her art!  I've had that top picture for a year or two.  It's called Sylvie.  Sylvie is in the running for our middle name.  I've been in love with that name forever and if we weren't calling the baby Nola, we would be calling her Sylvie.  The picture on the bottom left says, "There's more to life than books, you know but not much more."  The little girl is sitting on a stack books.  The last picture doesn't need explaining.  I mean, who wouldn't want to take a midnight ride on winged-feathered friend to deliver a love note.

*The fabric in the sewing ring thingys.  I'll use various sizes.  I find it funny that this room as a letter N and also has a painted Jenny Lind crib, which is what I want to do.  I even like the idea of yellow, if I don't go with red.

Now, I'm going to start looking around and picking up things here and there.  I can't wait to pick up some headbands with flowers, little hats and other cutesy Etsy items.  I'll have to do this slowly, since Aaron will slap the checkbook shut on me.  Of course, when he saw the little bear suit at Old Navy, he said, "That's really cute.  Let's get it."  He's coming over to my side thanks to this little baby girl!

I also have been getting some ideas from blogs, including great places to purchase baby items.  Here are some that I'm loving right now.

Under the Sycamore.  I love this blog.  If you don't follow it, you should.  Ashley Ann is super creative, has a house I would die for, and has four kids, including a baby girl that gives me baby styling ideas.  She is also an amazing photographer.

The Miller Family.  I have very similiar decorating, musical, and fashion tastes as Sharstin.  She also dresses her children exactly like I picture how my .  She throws some hell-ah good kid's parties too.  She also just had a baby girl, Nora!

Bleubird Vintage.  It seems like everyone and their mother follow this blog, so you may already.  I don't think a family can get more beautiful than this one.  I love their quirky style, plus Miss James has excellent tastes.  I've been turned on to many a sites from this blog.  She looked fantastic while pregnant too.  So, I got some good maternity ideas.  She also had a baby girl, Gemma (I adore this name too!), recently.  Looks like baby girls are taking over the world! 

Sometimes Sweet.  Danielle is an inspiration to stay fit while pregnant.  She just recently had a baby boy.  I like her style a lot too.  In fact, I think I started following it more as a fashion blog.  She also showcased some great maternity style too.  It's nice to follow first time parents as they are trying to figure it all out too.  Plus, she does Tattoo Tuesdays, which as turned me on to other great blogs and some great tattoo ideas, not that I would ever copy someone's tattoos. 

The Rockstar Diaries.  I started following this blog long before Naomi announced she was pregnant.  Her style is perfection.  What can I say, I'm drawn to vintage things and styles.  She is also quite gorgeous.  I may have a slight girl crush on her.  They also had the cutest prenancy announcement ever!

Young House Love.  This one is all about design.  They have renovated, not one, but are working on their second home.  They also are young parents and have had excellent tips and posts about things, like cloth diapers, which I think I'm going to use.  They inspire me to get to work on my own house!

Goals for 2011

I can't believe that it's already that time again.  Did the past year go quickly for anyone else?  Geez.  I haven't thought long and hard about these.  They are just things that I know I need to make happen or things that I know I need to work on.  I think I did an okay job with last year's list, but I'm hoping to do better this year.  How can I not?  It's 2011!  When are we going to be flying around in cars, wasn't that soon?

Goal #1: Exercise at least two times a week.  I'm starting out small because three just seems like too much of a commitment, especially with the job I have.  This also includes getting back into shape after the baby and as quickly as I can too.  My mom said within three months she was back in her normal clothes after she had me and I say that is a good goal to have too.  Maybe I'll do a 5k too.  I really, really want to do one.  I realize I can't really exercise during the 6 weeks after the baby, so this excludes that time, but I'll make up for it afterwards!

Goal #2: Read at least 12 books this year. I think I can do this one.  It's just one book a month.  That is very doable.  I'm already about half way through the Baby Bargains book I got. 

Goal #3: Work on punctuality. You know that Aaron and I have an extreme problem with this, more so him than me.  I mean, 10 minutes is a whole lot better than 20-30 that he usually makes us.  Actually, they both are a problem.  With a baby looming the future, I am terrified that we are going to be hours late now.  Aaron agrees that this must be worked on.  I went to the dentist and meet a friend for lunch on Monday and I was early to both, but don't ask about my doctor's appointment because I may have been 14 mins late.  Whoops!  You win some and you lose some.  By the end of this year, I will be better at this.

Goal #4: Have regular date nights. My marriage is too important to me to just be consumed with all things baby.  We will still have date nights because I love them and that's part of why Aaron and I still feel kind of like newlyweds.  It keeps things fresh and exciting.  I love one on one time with him.  We each deserve each other's undivided attention on a regular basis.  Every couple needs that.  Now, if I could just get his iPhone out of his hands. :)

Goal #5: Keep up with blogging or writing. I'm keeping this one on the list.  I like keeping up the blog and want to include a baby book/journal too.  I think it's important for a child to know when they had milestones.  I know, when they have kids they may want to know when they accomplished things to compare with their own kids.  As for instance, I was 6 pounds 1 ounce.  Please baby Nola follow suit!

Goal #6: Take a vacation more than once. I'm keeping this one on the list too.  We're already planning to head down to see Aaron's parents while I'm on maternity leave and with me being on maternity leave for the whole summer, I think two trips are definitely doable, even with a newborn in tow.

Goal #7: Be the best parent I can be and to accept when things don't go perfectly.  The lack of sleep in my future scares the bejeezeus out of me.  Seriously.  I love sleep and I get so darn cranky, if I don't get enough.  I will not let this keep me from doing my best at the whole parenting thing.  I realize things aren't always going to go as planned and, as I planner, I'm going to work on just letting it go as long as no one's in harm's way and the baby's happy, who cares if the plan doesn't work out.  I'm sure this one will be hard for me at first.

Goal #8: Freeze at least 10 meals before the baby arrives.  That's right, momma O and daddy O have got to eat.  I know, I'm not going to feel like cooking, so my goal is to freeze several meals for us.  Maybe even lunch size portions for myself, so I eat with ease while I'm taking care of the baby.

Goal #9: Finish all the unfinished projects in the house and start on the new ones (the nursery, new carpet, fence and kitchen remodel).  Things have gone too far for too long on some things.  I somehow need to convince Aaron that he needs to work on his procrastination this year.  That would help me out with this one!

Goal #10: Live more in the moment.   Yes, this one will be hard too, but I know, I'm constantly thinking about the future and plans and what's going to happen.  I'm so worried about going to work after the baby is born.  That won't be until like September!  See, I have a problem.  New things have opened up at work.  Everyone please keep your fingers crossed that I get the time slot I need for me, Aaron, and the baby.  Now, back to in the moment, (do you see what happened there?) with the baby, I plan on trying to just be with the baby and not have my mind wondering.  It'll be easier, since I won't be working at that time.  I think we're all too busy thinking and worrying and we let things pass us by.  This year, I plan on letting very little slip away from me.

Goal #11:  Work on the outside of our house.  I know, I'll be huge in the Spring, but we really neglected out plants and the outside of our house last year.  We need a little curb appeal in our lives.  I plan on getting my pregnant self out there with Mr. O to plant and get things done.    We bought new paint for our shutters and still haven't done it, which technically falls under goal #9.  Maybe we can get that done too.

Looks like more than last year, but I can handle it!  If I think of anything else, I'll too the list, but I think this will keep me quite busy.

Labor Playlist

I started making my labor playlist.  Here's the songs that I've found so far.  I still want to add something by Ray LaMontagne, Mumford & Sons, and The Weepies.  I have plenty of time to change my mind on songs too.  What do you think?

http://www.mixpod.com/playlist/74425969

The Soko song is totally mine and Aaron's song.  I love it!  So is the Meiko one for that matter! 

Happy things, the December version

When is December not filled with happy things?  After all, it is the most wonderful time of the year!  Here's all the smile inducing things that December held for me.

.  finding out we're having a baby girl  .

.  having all the nieces and nephews love their Christmas gifts  .

.  Christmas Eve with my one true love  .

.  watching White Christmas  .

.  having a white Christmas  .

.  getting more gifts than anyone could ever ask for  .

.  Baby O receiving her first gift, a bottle and some baby powder from my mom  .

.  Christmas shopping with my mom  .

.  giving to those in need  .

.  rocking a puzzle working competition for a prize Mr. O really wanted  .

.  getting Mr. O the Xbox  .

.  Fundue with B & D  .

.  having a great evening with Aaron's family  .

.  getting teased at work for not looking pregnant  .

.  having coworkers that are just as excited as I am that I'm expecting  .

.  reading by light of the Christmas tree  .

.  celebrating our 10 year dating anniversary (Yes, we've been together a decade!)  .

.  lunch with Esther  .

.  listening to none stop Christmas music  .

.  sleepover visits with my beautiful sister-in-law and niece  .

.  snow dates out with the husband when the roads are empty  .

.  your mom just said, "balls."  .

.  feeling little Nola move  .

.  making it safely home from work on snow covered roads  .

.  the return of my energy  .

.  playing zombie games on Playstation 3 only to have them attack me and me cover my head and just run in circles.  Aaron thought it was ridiculous.  Video games are stressful   .

.  making it to midnight on New Year's Eve, so that I could wish everyone happy new year before making a mad dash for the bathroom.  Good times  .

.  Scrabble games with Mr. O  .

.  whole grain blueberry muffins  .

.  scrumptious apple pie that I made from scratch  .

I'm sure there was more, but that's all that I can think of.  It was an amazing month!



2010 goals revisited

Goal #1: Run at least one 5K with my husband. I almost completely failed this one, but I did start running.  I actually was running/jogging better than I ever have.  By the end, I could almost run the entire two mile loop in my neighborhood without having to stop for a minute and walk.  My neighborhood has major hills, so I was very proud of that.  I quit running in July because of the heat.  The last time I went was at 7:30pm and I came home absolutely drenched in sweat and feeling as if I was going to throw up or pass out.  I decided to wait until it started cooling down some and low and behold, I got pregnant in September.  My doctor did say it was fine if I was jogging before I could do it now.  Over the last month or two, I've finally gotten my energy back.  I know, I've got to start doing something soon.  More on that goal, later.

Goal #2: Read at least 25 books this year. Failed.  I think I read 5 or 6 books.  How sad is that?  I seriously, have a hard time reading after nursing school. Thanks a lot for that, TSU!  I'm going to lower this goal a bit for the new year.

Goal #3: Be a more healthy me. Check!  This one came easily.  I gave up sodas for a long time.  I just recently started drinking them again.  I didn't have my first one for around 6 months.  That's pretty good.  We eat tons of organic things now.  In fact, with the switches I made last January, I lost 5 pounds, like instantly.  That was craziness.  I feel really good too.

Goal #4: Expand our recycling. Yep, check!  We did it.  We've now have been recycling everything for most of 2010.  It's easy.  In fact, we just recently cancelled our trash pickup because they were only having to get it once a month because our trash can was never full.  You know, you're making a difference when you see how much of what use can be recycled.  Everyone should have this goal.  It would have such a huge impact on the world.

Goal #5: Keep up with blogging or writing.  I definitely did this, even though some months were less than other months, especially when I was exhausted at the beginning of the pregnancy.

Goal #6: Take a vacation more than once. Word!  We did it.  We went to Gatlinburg with B & D over Halloween weekend and spent five days in Tybee Island, GA with my family.  They both were fantastic trips! 

Goal #7: See my family more. Yep, we did see them more.  Of course, over the holiday time we didn't see them as much, but everyone was so busy.  Throughout the year, we saw them plenty.

Goal #8: To not be so hard on myself. I'd like to pat myself on the back for this one.  Just about every time that the negative voice would creep into my head, I'd say, "Shut up!"  I'd also throw in a few expletives, but I'll spare y'all from that.

Goal #9: To give more to others. I wasn't too sure how to accomplish this one.  I mean, I think I give to others, especially with my job.  I'll have to come up with a clear cut plan to really feel like I've accomplished this one.

It's a new day, it's a new dawn

It's amazing how good you feel after you've been sick.  I don't feel 100%, but compared to yesterday or Friday night, I could run marathons today. 

I'm pretty sure that I let you guys all know that we are having a baby GIRL.  Super excited because girls are definitely fun to shop for.  After my doctor's appointment on Thursday, I went shopping to use my Christmas money and Target gift cards.  I came home with a bunch of loot!  I do not have any Christmas money or gift cards left, besides the movie gift card.

Baby Nola Loot

I know, I'll get tons of clothes probably, so that's why I stuck to 6 month and older clothes.  That hippo would be the baby's first Christmas gift for next year.  See, I'm on top of things.  You parents should all go to Target, not only are half their toys on clearance, but so are all their baby clothes/toddler clothes.  The only thing I got as far as clothes though, was the pink striped shirt with the grey leggings.  Why does everything in the Target baby section have to be pink for little girls!?  Seriously.  Thank you, Old Navy for believing that little girls can wear other colors.

Baby Momma Loot

Some of this is maternity and some of this is just regular clothes, but up a size.  Old Navy had almost all of their maternity clothes on sale.  I got the white shirt above for $16, instead of $30, and that purple dress for $12.  I figured, come summer, I can fit into it and it'll be nice and cool. 

I also got a white BeBand, so that I can still wear my jeans a little longer and some more Hanes cotton underwear.  Aaron says it's like being married to 10 year old.  My purchases would also include two bras, but sadly, I did not try them on in the store and they were both too small.  I am terrified of what my boobs will become after this.  I'm already in a D people.  Seriously.  I'm thinking, based on the sizes I selected, that I must be a 36D, since the 34D and 36C are too small *hangs head in shame*. 

I think I'm all set as far as clothes for a while.  Granted, I got all plain things, but I can wear some of my regular clothes for awhile, so they can spice it up. 

Welcome, 2011!

Well, I spent my New Year's Eve with a stomach bug.  It was not fun.  I at least made it to midnight before the worst of it kicked in.  I had to call into work today, which I hated, but I was miserable and had a fever.  I finally got out of bed around 3:30 and showered.  Right now, Mr. O has headed out to pick me up some soup.  Love him. 

Now it was a crappy New Year's Eve, but all I kept thinking was at least I know the new year will be better than this.  See, always positive.  I hope you all had a wonderful evening and rang in the new year with the ones you love.  2011 will be the best year yet, I just know it.

I wish you all a new year gleaming with laughter and glistening with adventure.  I know, Mr. O and I will have a year filled with both.

Goodbye 2010

Dear 2010,

You were pretty spectacular to me.  I can hardly remember a bad thing occurring at all.  You brought to me a job that I love at a time that I really needed it, a continued, if not stronger, love with my husband, an amazing trip to the beach with my family, and the baby girl that I've been dreaming about for so long. 

I don't know how 2011 will top you, but I'm positive it will try.  Thanks for the love, the laughter, and happiness.  You completely rocked my world.

Renee