tree.

I'm just so upset. We have not been successful in making our Christmas tree drink water.

We made sure the tree guy cut off the bottom and the low branches so that it would sit low in the water. We gave it plenty to drink, and then realized the water level wasn't lowering at all.

We mentioned this in passing at our Care Group and one of the older gentlemen (you have to say "older" and "gentlemen" together, because it makes using the word "old" a little more easy to hear, and you can never say a word like "gentleman" without explaining your suddenly fancy word choice) suggested pouring Sprite into the tree's water. Fortunately, since I had been sick the week before, we actually had Sprite in the apartment! That never happens. We usually have tea, Coke, Mountain Dew, and milk. But rarely all at the same time....

Anyway! So we added Sprite. And no change. I told one of my co-workers that we had gone crazy and were giving our tree carbonated sugar, and she had heard that regular ol’ straight sugar added to the water works best. So I added sugar. And no change. But by this time, the tree’s trunk was probably coated in stickiness, so who’s surprised it couldn’t drink?

We decided to try lowering the tree further into the water. But this wasn’t going to be easy- there were several branches in the way. Some of them were easily cut off with scissors, but there was this one mammoth sized branch that was hoping to make Tommy’s life a little harder. We aren’t rugged outdoorsmen, so we don’t have a saw or an ax (or axe- both are ok.) But! Tommy DOES have an electric drill. So he drilled off the branch. Don’t ask me how. There was probably a lot of saw-like action going on. And then he drilled in some holes on the side of the trunk so the current state of stickiness could be defied.

When Brian and Miranda came over for game night, he and Tommy lowered the tree so there was a full four inches or so under water. “Aha!” we thought, “This will work!”

Nope.

Last night, two ornaments fell off the tree while we watched the finale of Survivor. The branches of our poor thirsty Christmas tree have started drooping. Our dear tree can no longer hold little, tiny, almost weightless decorations! WOE.

It still looks pretty. It is still green and hasn’t dropped many little fir needle leaves. But it is just SO SAD to know that it is slowly dying- ok. I guess I mean it is slowly dying faster than it needs to.

This is why I have always, always wanted a tree that was dug up and has its roots and is put in a huge pot. One day, I will have a potted living Christmas tree. I know that the root system will need a good amount of room, so it will be less like a “pot” and more like a small rounded room. And it can sit outside when it isn’t Christmas time. When it is, we can roll it on a dolly (yes, I know the word “dolly”- you can’t move 18 times and not know the word “dolly”- although whoever named it was dumb) through our French doors straight into our living room. Ah, what a happy tree. Now we just have to get Tommy on board!

I feel like this could be a very good metaphor for our lives before and after Jesus. Before Him, we try to feed off of worldly sugar and its bubbly "goodness." You can so easily see this in your unsaved friends and co-workers. They depend on their jobs, their abilities, to make life for them. They have nothing to depend on but their own feeble and dying selves. They look alive but- They can't take in the sweet and everlasting water of True Life because they are not rooted in Christ.

Oh yeah. Learning from a Christmas tree :)

fun and games.

We had a date night. I love date nights. We went to Urban Flats- basically like fancy pizza. But their spinach dip is outa sight! And I get tomato soup with goat cheese- don't think it's gross! It is AMAZING.

And then we got a text from Jon and Kim- they had gotten free basketball tickets to the UF game. They were offered to them from a regular at the Starbucks where Kim works! Apparently he has had these tickets since the place was built. Not only that, but they were directly behind the UF players' bench! By the time we got home and turned on the tv, they were chattin' it up with their new friend and looking cool in 90% of the air time. Even the team doctor sat behind them, their seats were so good. So funny. We watched them awhile and took some pics of them so they could always look back on their awesome time.

(From now on, I will just say "Then" because I have no idea what days most of these events occured.)

Then we had a game night!! We invited Jon -n- Kim and Brian -n- Miranda. AND we got to play Cranium. We haven't played it in a really long time because Tommy doesn't really like it. In case you've never played Cranium (which everyone needs to do. a lot.) it is a game that can be rather embarrassing. If you're not acting out silent clues to your partner, you're drawing a picture without looking at it, or you're guessing at super tricky trivia questions. So since he can be on the shy side, Tommy would rather play cards or something- where you sit quietly figuring out strategies.

We really did have a good time. We got to see Brian pretend to skateboard- he did an awesome job, especially considering he was wheel-less and on carpet. We got to watch Kim and Tommy draw hints for the word "clothes line" without looking. We also saw me and Tommy lose after being WAY in the lead the whole time. Good grief. But we really did have a lot of fun.

After losing, we got to play Catch Phrase. Another wonderful game. But you know you're getting tired when Miranda's hint is "another name for white!" and Kim and I shout "BLACK!" at the same time. But somehow the boys won THAT one. So I lost twice. Great- I'm the weak link!!

Then we got to take pics with Jon and Kim! They wanted to have a funny picture to send as their Christmas card, and they wanted them all taken at the UF stadium. Can you believe it's open to the public, like all the time? Really exercise-y people run up and down the steps (sounds like a good way to fall and break all your bones to me) and that day there were people actually on the field. Jon and Kim wore Santa hats and I took several shots of them by a huge "Home of the Gators" sign. Then they decided to go on the field - got some action shots there - and then hang from the goal post! Got some awesome pics of them! When we went back outside, we asked this German tourist to take some pictures of all four of us by the nice statue of a Gator. Good times.

That night, we went to our pastor's basketball game. Tommy and I don't really get into basketball, and we only knew one player, so we weren't that entertained. But I humored myself by trying to take action shots since I was in a camera-y mood from earlier that day.

You can find all of these pictures and more on Facebook :)

we are nutty.

So Thanksgiving was the last post, huh? That means I need to catch you up on about 3 weeks. Hey! That's not too bad! I thought we were way way behind.

For those of you who don't know, I LOVE Christmas. As a Christian, how can celebrating THIS day not be your favorite?! The beginning of JOY on Earth! I'm getting tingly typing about it.

So right before we left, Tommy let me start taking out my Christmas decorations. This mainly involves finding more and more nutcrackers and more and more boxes of nutcrackers. I always forget I have a nutcracker stocking holder, nutcracker ornaments, a nutcracker snow globe and music box.... etc. I have no idea how I started collecting them. Ha. My mom collects angels, my aunt collects Santas, Oma (who you met in the last post) collects snowmen... I apparently chose the scariest thing to collect. Seriously, those eyes and teeth will freak you out when you're all alone and the light flickers on them.... -chomp chomp chomp-

No, I really do love them. And I think Tommy underestimated how many I actually own. Ah, the things you learn in the first year of marriage...

So of course, when we got back, I had to actually decorate and THEN we had to get our TREE!!! I wanted to get it that Monday. But Tommy made us WAIT.

So Saturday we were OFF. But we had to hurry, because that night we had our first Christmas party as a married, in Gainesville, with our new church, actually know people, couple.

We checked out a couple of places, bought a stand and strings of lights, and settled on one place to find out tree. Good grief, that is a difficult task. Because after you're there for two minutes, you see every flaw and misshapen detail of every tree. Every. Tree. We did finally find one, and it is gorgeous. Tommy got to do the lights, and then we both put on the ornaments. The awesome thing is that both of us have almost all of our childhood ornaments. Mom gives both my sister and I an ornament every year. And it seems like Tommy's grandparents did the same thing for him. So we have a wonderful assortment of 80s and 90s memorabilia, including a ballerina, a fishing Santa, a ship, and lots of hearts.

It's just so nice to show off our JOY.

So we made it to that party! I was going to make my famous baked beans, but since we had more important things to do, we took chips. It was a really fun time. We played awkward party games, and oddly enough they both were secret murderer types. We sat around a camp fire and made SMORES. YUM. And we sang Christmas carols. And prayed and shared what we were thankful for. It really did make us feel like we had a church family - which we should've remembered is all over the world!

It was a lovely beginning to a wonderful Christmas season.

and then we gave Thanks.

We knew that this year's season of celebration would be different. Since we're now married, we would both have to take part in each other's family traditions. And that also means having to give up some of our own.

We really went back and forth about Thanksgiving and Christmas plans. Tommy's sister, Kerri, who has been married almost to the day a year longer than us, was going to have her baby right around Thanksgiving. So we knew everyone wanted us there for that awesome-ness, and we wanted to be there, too! But my parents are in a little town in Arkansas, far from family and close friends, so we kind of wanted to make them feel loved, too! Oh, the pulls of the heart! (hehehe) But we honestly felt so blessed to have so many loved ones that we want to be so many places!

Unfortunately, my mom's mom, (Oma!!) had to have heart surgery. Being the dutiful daughter she is, mom went to help her heal quickly. But when she got there, she realized she wouldn't be able to leave to have Thanksgiving in Arkansas. Dad let us know that he felt like mom would be so sad if she didn't see any of her immediate family, so we (sister Madison, Tommy, and I) should all go up to be with her. Well, the three of us talked and all had the same idea. Tommy and I would go be with Dad, and Madi would go be with mom. Perfect! Kinda different, but still great!

Sunday before Thanksgiving, Kerri was induced and she and Allen got their baby-sweet baby Kaelyn! healthy and happy! And we got to Skype that afternoon with her and see everyone for a minute. Everyone seemed tired and overjoyed. We can't wait til we get to join in that- with Kaelyn! We are not in a rush to have kids, yet!

So Wednesday we got off work early and drove about seven hours. And then we stayed the night in a town halfway to El Dorado called Hattiesburg. We thought it would be an older hotel and crossed our fingers that it wouldn't be dumpy- but it was brand new! And really nice! Such a nice surprise.

Thursday- Thanksgiving Day!- we drove about six more hours all the way into the thriving and booming metropolis of El Dorado, Arkansas. We had planned to both wear our UNC sweatshirts just for dad (since it's his alma mater) but it was too warm! So we looked like bums in t-shirts. But he was still glad to see us! And, of course, so was Peaches, the crazy dog.

And then we got to work!!

I was doing the "sides." So I had sent dad a shopping list earlier in the week and had all my recipes ready. I made my mom's yams, Tommy's mom's corn casserole, my aunt's green bean casserole, SisterShubert rolls (cheating, yes, but they're so good you really have to) and mixed up some bananas and strawberries. Dad was in charge of the meat!! He was already cooking ham when we had arrived (Peaches was drooling uncontrollably)  and had also bought an indoor turkey fryer. Technically the ham was supposed to be back-up main course because none of us had ever fried a turkey, and the fryer was brand new!

Dad brought out the turkey. The NECK was included (barfed a little in my mouth) and then the innards fell out (more barf) and THEN Tommy had to cut off the extra skin that dangled from where the neck HAD been (no more barf left to barf).

During the cooking, we turned on Skype and got to see Mom, Madison, and Oma! They watched us cook and we all caught up on news. They also watched, along with Tommy and I, as Dad slowly lowered the turkey into the vat of boiling ... grease? Oil? Fat?

By the time everything was ready, we were really hungry and that makes everything taste even better!! I did NOT, however, enjoy seeing the inside ribs of the turkey. So I only had like... some of a leg. But I still counted the meal as a success, and it seemed like Tommy and Dad did, too!

I was kind of gross feeling from a head cold I was getting over and was getting a headache from the drive, so I went to bed around 8! Tommy and Dad ended up watching District 9 and bonded over sci-fi (which I like to pronounce as "see-fee") all hours of the night.

The next day, Tommy and I walked around downtown small town El Dorado. We stopped in the bakery and shared hot coco and a cinnamon roll- it was really, really cold! A surprise after the 80 degree weather the day before. We went in the little shops and took a few pictures, just strolled all bundled up. We met Dad for lunch at El Dorado Grill. I think it was mostly Mexican food, but I got chicken fingers and Dad got a hamburger, so you decide.

Also on Friday, we went to a play. "A Southern Christmas Carol" to be precise. It was... interesting. I thoroughly enjoyed it, but later we did make fun of certain singers, but only a little bit! The three of us are easily critical, but we were gracious and accepted the actors as they were. And really did have a good time, which was the whole point.

Saturday was also a full day. I also learned that my father has turned crazy. He asked if we wanted to go to the shooting range. To shoot. To shoot guns. And we went! We drove 45 minutes away to shoot. It was actually really amusing. Tommy and Dad both shot some kind of long gun and some kind of small black gun. I took a lot of pictures. And giggled while they set up little targets with what scraps of old stands they could find.

And then, for my enjoyment, we went to the Oil Museum!! See, El Dorado is an oil boom town. So we learned all about the gross awful crowded oil boom town that grew and grew. I thought it was pretty interesting. I think the men folk did too.... maybe.

And then. Sunday. We had to leave at like 7 in the morning. And drove 13 hours back to our little apartment in Gainesville. So far. But still good.

Whew. Done.

beautiful weekending.

In case you didn't know, I'm one of those late jumpers-on (I'm guessing it is pluarized like 'culs-de-sac' which I learned how to do from watching Gilmore Girls) the bandwagon for the Harry Potter craze. I started reading the books before we got married. And then I was hit with the appendectomy. So while I was layed up, I re-read all of them. Then we heard that the last movie was coming soon. Neither of us had seen many of them... I think Tommy hadn't seen any, and I had seen maybe two? So we of course had to catch up on that.

We slowly bought all 5 of the Harry Potter movies. I was surprised that they left lot of details out that were in the books, and completely changed some things!

I told Tommy Thursday night that we should go on a date. So on Friday Tommy wanted to grab Chic-Fil-A, which happened to be Pirate Night! We have no idea why. But there were pirates walking around giving out fake tatoos, and a treasure map and treasure digging pool, and Best Buy was there with a pirate video game. We had fun. And I got a picture with a pirate cow.

Chic-Fil-A sometimes makes my belly hurt. And I had unpacked like 30 or 40 boxes that day at work all by myself. So I was kind of hinting that I didn't care to go to a movie, which Tommy had mentioned. And he goes, "I've had my heart set on going to the movies all day!"

We get there at 7:30 and Tommy hands me a folded piece of paper- Harry Potter Tickets!!! Happy Rotter TIX!!! I jumped up and down and up and down and we jumped in line. What a wonderful surprise. The movie was so well done! They followed the book very closely and captured characters well and the crazy things that happen in a magical world- sigh. Good stuff.

Saturday we had to wake up SUPER dang early to take our dear friends, Jon and Kim, to the airport. Their flight left at 7 something so we were Godly friends and sacrificed our one day to sleep in and drove them out there. And then went back to bed. Later, Tommy took the car and bought some Christmas presents that I'm not supposed to know about while I kept sleeping ( = heaven!)

A few days ago, I was told by a co-worker that the Humane Society here in town has a whole room of cats that they let people play with all day. So, being the animal person I am, and since we can't have pets, (our apartment charges pet rent!) I decided we should go get our cuddly creatures fix. And it was true! We walked into a room of like 30 cats. Almost overwhelming. But they were all amazingly sweet and purring. There was a two or three year old girl visiting too, and they just let her sit by them and pat their heads- so patient! Tommy and I liked one particular cat the best- he was black and orange striped, suuuuuper fluffy and long haired (so much so that he looked fat, but was actually pretty tiny) and his face was mushed so it looked like he had run into a wall. He LOVED us. He liked to stand on my belly if I stopped petting him. Tommy named him Mufasa!

We had to leave so I wouldn't try and sneak Mufasa out with us. We headed to WalMart and started collecting things to make two Operation Christmas Child boxes! Our boxes are for 10-14 year olds, a boy and a girl. We got them flip flops, flashlights and batteries, a shirt each, and girly things and boy-y things. It was so exciting to buy little things and know they would be so appreciated. We also wrote them each a card and gave them our address. And! The card was from Unicef, which helps kids all over the world too, and had "Merry Christmas" written in six different languages! Perfect!

Tommy made us a healthy gormet dinner - grilled chicken on caesar salad, and we caught up on our tv shows- The Office, Big Bang Theory, Grey's Anatomy, etc. Again, perfect evening.

Sunday was simply awesome because Tommy's sister Kerri had her baby! Kaelyn Reece Painter was born sometime in the afternoon and we got to skype soon afterward with the happy new mama. Kerri looked great and baby was all rosy. Personally, I'm hoping she comes up with cool nicknames for us, because "Aunt Mallory" and "Uncle Tommy" both sound awful. Tommy agrees. We also spent the day delivering our boxes for Operation Christmas Child, gave 5 bucks to a homeless guy, and Tommy let me start getting Christmas decorations out!!! Quite a productive day.

We are now sad because we are realizing that we have to go to work tomorrow. BUT! Only 2 and a half days, then we're on the road to El Dorado, Arkansas!! Over and out.

catch you up.

I will try and let you know what all has been going on since the November 4th post.

But Tommy posted!!! YAY! We really did like that guy that pulled out. Kim and I wanted him to get picked first. How sad we are.

So after we drove all the way back, we were texted by Kim and Jon reminding us that Chipotle offers cheap burritos on Halloween if you dress up like a burrito! Where I come from and where they come from, if you put on aluminum foil, you wait in a line for an hour, and get a completely free meal. But in Gainesville, the burritos are actually 2 bucks and no one seems to know?? So they let us know that there was no line and they had foil for us. We got to eat and hang out with them, another married couple, and a group of the college kids we're getting close to. So nice, but we had a pumpkin to carve!

Yes, we waited until Halloween night to carve a Jack-o-latern. But we were just running around and being so busy and fun that we had put it off. We left the dinner party a little early and prepared to carve. And in the end, it looked AWESOME. Just for Tommy, we made a beautiful script A for Bama. Check out the facebook pics!

Then, (almost) the whole group from Chipotle came over to chill at our apartment! We sat around and chatted and listened to guitar playing.... so nice.

It has started feeling more homey here. We have had friends come over a lot to play games, and we've each gone to girls and guys nights where we get to really know our new friends. When we moved, we discussed wanting to get involved with college kids- God has just plopped this right in our laps! On top of that, we have felt more connected to our small group. Tommy and I have been sharing more about what God has been doing in our lives, and we have been appreciating hearing from others so much more now that we know them a little better.

We ALSO got to have a party night with a bunch of the young married couples. There was one couple who had been married 3 months, so we were second in line as newly weds. And of course, we had to play a version of the newly-wed game. We didn't do THAT badly! I think we just have changing ideas and opinions about things so answers aren't cut and dry for us yet. Which is a good thing :) Not that I'm trying to give us excuses.

But you know we were the coolest couple there.

(SOME) People are Awesome.

Hello blog world, this is Tommy. 

So Mallory has been encouraging (read harassing... just kidding!) me to write a post on our blog for all of our loyal followers to read.  I guess it's so that people will realize that I am not a creative writer...I don't know.  I usually feel like she has a much better way of communicating all our antics to you all than I do.  Anyway, enough about that.  Just know that this is my first post so it may or may not be that entertaining...

For those of you that don't know, I work at Shands at the University of Florida.  It is the academic medical center (or teaching hospital for those non-healthcare people out there) on the University of Florida's campus.  I am an administrative resident, which basically means I'm management in training.  My typical day is staring at my computer (usually at Excel), attending meetings, and trying to figure out what I will be doing at the end of this residency.  It ends June 2011, which is coming way faster than I expected that it would. 

One of the jobs that we just finished was recruitment for next year's residents.  It was an interesting/frustrating process.  We had to go through 60+ applications, narrow those down to 7 phone interviews, conduct preliminary interviews for 14 people, and come up with 6 people out of all that to bring to Shands for on-site interviews.  Needless to say, it dominated our day for several weeks.  I say "our" because there are two of me (administrative residents) at Shands.  The other version of me is named Jon.  We share an office and people basically treat us like the same person. 

We finally narrowed the group down to the people that we wanted to bring on-site and set up all the interviews, planned the few days that the candidates would be here, and prepared mentally for the event.  I got to drive a sweet 2011 minivan to chauffeur the candidates around in.  After that experience Mallory and I will NEVER have a minivan.  I don't know how people drive those things.  Anyway, back to my story.  So the candidates came and the interviewers selected their two favorites.  We made the offers and one accepted almost immediately.  The other ended up turning us down for another place.  That was fine, we had others to offer the job to.  So we made another offer and that person accepted.  All is great.  Jon and I then had to make the awkward "you didn't get the job.  sorry..." phone calls to the other candidates.  All of them took it extremely well.

Well today I get a call from the first candidate we made the offer to.  He has decided, for "personal reasons", not to take the job after all.  Great.  What the heck are we going to do now?  So I am sitting here feeling like people generally suck (excuse my "French".  Why do people say that??) when Jon tells me about an youtube video he saw.  It is entitled "PEOPLE ARE AWESOME".  It has restored my belief that people are awesome, but not all people (the guy that just called is one of the not awesome people).  Hence the title of this post:  (SOME) People are Awesome.  I leave you with the video that Jon told me about and hope that it will restore your belief that some people are awesome.  Not all though... Enjoy.

the end. (of october) (pt.1)

So we had a weekend off from the crazies. The problem was, we had been having so much fun traveling and celebrating, that I got the itch to leave town again.

My good friend had had a baby six weeks ago, and she was supposed to start work on Nov. 1st. So I asked Tommy if we could have another road trip to Savannah for the weekend of Halloween.

So off we went!!

We left Friday afternoon and drove the 3.5 hours up and arrived around 9. There's a super cool family there that my family practically grew up with. Before we were engaged, Tommy and I visited Savannah and we got to stay with them. So this time we got to stay there again, but in the same room. My brain was so confused. Ten years ago they finished building that house and we would visit and eat dinner and watch movies.... I never thought I'd stay there with my husband! We sat up for 2 hours talking to the mom. She and two of the kids (not kids... they're like 22 and 17...) played in our wedding! See- we're close.

The next day we slept in, which we so enjoyed. And then met one of my best friends and her husband for lunch at the FAMOUS Crab Shack. All I wanted was popcorn shrimp. ALL I wanted. And then I find out they don't serve any fried food. ANY. I was floored. That just does not happen in Savannah.... or on the coast... or in the south. I had blocked that bit from my memory from the only two times I had been. But the weather was gorgeous, we were literally sitting right on the water, and the company was super cool. And there were cats roaming around that I fed. See, the Crab Shack is almost completely open- you're basically sitting outdoors with a wooden floor- almost a shipwrecked/thrown-together feel. They have cats roaming around and a fenced-in area packed with alligators (I felt bad that they were bored....) and big exotic birds outside their gift shop. We thoroughly enjoyed it.

Then we got to go see another friend- the one with the baby!! Tommy got to meet a lot of her family members and I got to hold the baby. Just hold and rock and bounce. Ahhhh my woman hormones. He was like a little heat rock. I started getting sweaty, but it was so fun. I asked Tommy if he wanted to hold him, and he tried not to act too scared :) It was so great to see my friend too!! I got lots of hugs from her family, so Tommy got to see that other people like me too!

THEN we went to good ol' Spanky's! Another unique-to-Savannah restaurant where we chowed down on chicken fingers and spuds, and Tommy actually tried their honey dipping sauce TWICE (he hates honey) and didn't say he hated it!

We met another friend (actually, the one who played in the wedding!) and his girlfriend and took Tommy to the Sugar Shack- a tiny ice cream parlor on the little beach island of Tybee. We took our treat, all walked down the pier and back. And went home to sleep off all our fattening food.

And then it was Sunday. I decided not to take Tommy to my home church. I hate showing up when people are trying to worship and being like "heeeeyyyy I'm baaaack!" So we slept in again and then we HAD to eat at this quick Japanese place that me and my peeps LOVE. And - that couple that we went to Crab Shack with- their house is like 2 minutes from that restaurant, so we stopped in for a minute... but it was really to see their PUPPY DOGGIES.

And THEN we drove back to the Gainesville. And I will write about THAT night on another post. Til then!

we passed 'early twenties'.

I haven't talked about the best part of these past couple of weeks....

Our birthdays!!! Ok- so Disney was technically our big present, but now you get to hear about the days.

It's crazy having both of our days of birth in the same month. And the same year! So Tommy gets to be OLD for exactly 12 days. And then we are both not "old", just getting a little closer. :)

(AND we technically began dating on October 31st....Halloween brought us together. Must've been sugar highs or something. AND October 22nd is our 5 month-iversary. So. Lots to celebrate.)

But back to the important parts.

For Tommy's birthday, he got to wake up in a Disney resort! We then toured around downtown Disney and got to eat at T-Rex, which is like the Rainforest Cafe, but pre-historic. So instead of a rainstorm every half-hour, there is a meteor shower and the dinosaurs go crazy. He wouldn't let me tell them it was his birthday! I wish we could've had them sing.

So while we were driving back, I texted Kim and Jon and asked them to come to our apartment for a little celebration. I convinced him to head the driving range to hit a bunch of golf balls while I got prepared! I bought ballons, cake fixin's, party hats, and a bunch of candy. With cupcakes cooling, I took him out to 'Rolls and Bowls', this modern chinese place that Tommy loves. We just happened to be wearing Alabama colors :). When we got home, I had him go upstairs to our loft so I could get the place decked out. I replaced the food pictures in our "dining room" with three Alabama football magazines his mom had framed. Cupcakes, party hats, and balloons, all in Alabama colors, covered that corner of our apartment. Jon and Kim, in their Bama attire, came over for confetti cake and sprinkled icing, tape-the-tail-on-the-donkey, and Phase 10! He got a bag of candy and gum from me, and he was officially 26.

For mine, Tommy woke up at 5:30 in the morning, before I was up, and decorated for me! We had been using the air mattress in the loft because our mattress was killing my back. So somehow, without waking me up, he blew up a ton of 'happy birthday' balloons and hung a HUGE 'happy birthday' banner and a 'happy birthday' chandelier. So sweet! Then, I went to work... BLAH.

After work, Kim brought Jon and Tommy to my office, so they all got to see my little room where I try to be productive. Not impressive, but at least they cared!! Then Tommy and I went to the mall to buy shoes, thanks to a gift of money from the parents! And then he took me to Carrabbas. OH the GOODNESS. I love that place. The chicken bryan is to die for.

Then Tommy surprised me again by getting an ice cream cake from Haagen Dazs that said "Happy Birthday Mallory" (we laughed because it looked like a four-year-old boy wrote it. but that doesn't make it taste any worse!!!) and had a princess crown all ready for me. Jon and Kim came over and brought me a whole bag of cokes! And again, we played Phase 10. So fun.

26 = Pretty dang good.

a whole weekend of wedding.

So our happy weekend was over.

But that's ok, because another one was coming right up!

The Thursday after the Disney trip, we left work around noon and headed off to Prattville, Alabama. Tommy is friends with two guys from Prattville and one of them (Aaron) was getting married on the 9th! So Thursday was going to be our driving day, Friday was a golf tournament for the guys, and Saturday was a brunch and then a 6pm wedding.

The drive wasn't bad! I just bought a book for the trip- "Cleopatra's Daughter" - which Jon's sister pointed out sounds like one of those old lady romance novels with the Fabio wind-blown cover. But it wasn't!! The author researched this family a lot and did a great job of making Rome and its people come alive... Ah, books. So while I was driving, I got Tommy to read it to me :) Ha, poor thing! But I had mercy and he didn't have to read the entire seven hours. When we finally arrived, we met Aaron's entire family and wedding party at a local favorite Mexican restaurant- pretty good!!

Then Friday I got to sleep in LAAATE. So good. And I read a lot of my book. All while Tommy was out playing golf with the manly men, which was great for him because it hadn't played in a few months... but because of that he played badly! He gets frustrated and then it has a snow-ball effect of doing worse because you're frustrated! But it seemed like he still had fun being out in gorgeous weather and being with a bunch of guys. -manly men grunting noises-

Friday afternoon we drove the hour and a half more up to Birmingham- our old stomping ground! While Tommy was in grad school there, I would go visit him, so Birmingham is where most of our nice dinners and park visits and mall walks occured. After running an errand or two at the university, we met his family at the Cheesecake Factory! Mrs Lynda and Mr Randy treated us to a birthday meal and Kerri and Allen showed off the huge baby bump! She's almost here! We had a lot of fun- they even sang Happy Birthday to me! Even though it was still a week away.

The next morning, back in Prattville, we got to visit Aaron's family home for a brunch. Man, that food was AHmazing. There was this one thing- grits (ew normally, but not this time) mixed with egg and cream and gouda! OH goodness. And this weird cream cheese and cinnamon pastry. Also goodness. Tommy also got to meet his dream pet- an English bulldog. Winston. Such a sweetie. I guess I won't mind having one :)

Then we toured around the great city of Prattville! We saw Adam's house (one of Tommy's closest friends), looked around the downtown area, saw an old.... lumber house? Tin can factory? I don't remember what it was- but it was cool lookin'! And went to Target to get Aaron and Julie a happy wedding day card. You always have to hit up a Target.

And then we watched the Alabama football game. Which ended up being so awful that Tommy actually switched the channels and started ironing! He hates ironing! We kept an eye on the score while we got ready for the wedding, but it wasn't a happy time... When we finally were seated in the pews, Tommy watched on his phone as the time ran out and Bama lost. Poor Tommy. But at least then he wasn't distracted for the wedding! A positive result of a bad situation??

The wedding was super formal and we felt very fancy. And you could tell the bride was so happy! When we got to the reception, we were surprised because there was no band, no dancing area- we just figured it was a very subdued reception. Then, right before we were about to leave, we found out there was music and dancing upstairs! But by that time we were rather drained. It's exhausting making conversation with people you barely know or have never met before. So we headed out. After all, we had a seven hour drive ahead of us the next day. And I had already finished that book! Dagumit. Rookie book-reading-on-a-trip mistake!

But we were glad to go and have another weekend of fun. Lots of good socializing and good FOOD :)

dISney.

WELL I finally got to go to Disney. The magical land where dreams come true and sugar is expensive and shaped like cartoons and children seem to cry as much as they laugh.

And it was wonderful. (A Tommy quote, "It was the best.... it was smaller than I remembered.")

Poor Tommy got lost using the good ol GPS to pick me up from the hotel where our conference was. We drove a little ways until all the signs turned into mousey-ears and we got to pass under WELCOME to DISNEY WORLD. We checked in at our hotel, the Dolphin, and were asked if it was our honeymoon. We jumped onto a packed bus and were dropped off at the Magical Kingdom.


I was just so excited. I'm sure I was smiling a bunch because of the "Hello, Honeymooners!!" we got from the cast members on the little street quite a few times. And then! We see! The castle!! (*angels singing!!*) So exciting.


We decided to circle around and hit up things that were special to us. Tommy had us go up the Swiss Family Robinson treehouse and shoot with the old west guns. I got us on the Peter Pan ride and took us to watch Mike from Monsters Inc.


Then we went to Hollywood Studios just because we wanted to go on the Rockin' Roller Coaster and the Tower of Terror. I had great expectations for this Tower of Terror thing I've been hearing about. You see, I’ve been riding legit roller coasters since I was tall enough. And, thanks to Mrs. Bev and the reward trips for the puppet team every summer (shout out! woot woot) I have a pretty fair depth of experience on all rides crazy. So ‘falling’ types of rides for me began at Carowinds with the Drop Tower: Scream Zone (once known as "Drop Zone: Stunt Tower"), and Acrophobia at Six Flags and then finally Power Tower (featuring both the Space Shot and the Turbo Drop) at Cedar Point. And at Cedar Point, even the Top Thrill Dragster (at 420 feet going 120 mph from take-off, it’s the the tallest and fastest roller coaster in the world) and Wicked Twister (at 215 feet high and going 72 miles per hour, it is the highest/fastest inverted roller coaster in the world) both give you the falling sensation... So bouncing while on the Tower of Terror only convinced me that the REAL ride was just about to happen and we hadn't experienced everything yet. The doors fly open to a man in a ‘bell hop’ uniform telling me to unbuckle and get out. Psh. But now I can say I’ve been on that ride and that’s really what matters!


And then we went on the Rockin’ Roller Coaster. I really do think Tommy was most excited about this one. We both loved the guitar décor inside and out, and the tributes and music kept us entertained during the long-ish wait. (Side-note: ALMOST all of the rides had no line. We got spoiled walking straight onto rides. So to actually wait for any amount of time seemed long-ish.) The ride was really fun- lots of dips and twists that you couldn’t anticipate because you were completely in the dark indoors, and blacklit signs flying at your face. Thoroughly enjoyed that one. We then pull into the little hall where you wait for the people in front of you to get off. And waited and waited. Which wouldn’t have been bad except for the several super cool preteen cousins who all decided to be obnoxious as possible. And then. My dream. Came true.


Pause for background story:: As afore mentioned, I’m a roller coaster man. Wo-man. I’ve only closed my eyes once on a ride since my first one and only Lindsey Oliver knows which ride that was. I wasn’t scared, I was just worried my MIND would get scared and make me wet myself. Legit concern! ANYway. I have never gotten stuck on a ride. But, I’ve always wanted to get stuck on a ride. One time, we watched a whole car of riders hang on the up-ramp for an hour before the workers got them off. I SO wanted to be on there. It’s like..... a mix of being almost famous, needing to be rescued, having a little adventure, and being close to danger- it’s like the perfect storm of a good story. ::Resume present story


SO on the Rockin’ Roller Coaster, the announcer lady told us we had malfunctioned and we would have to be rescued!! YAY!!! So the little men came and unlocked our safety bars and we had to climb onto the rarely-used-by-visitors walkway. We got to see the whole coaster all twisting around itself in this room we never thought would be so small- it was so impressive! We had to stay on this green pathway so that we wouldn’t… break something? Get lost? And got to walk under, around, and thru the coaster's track. And we saw a random desk for some poor soul who has to sit in the dark and almost get run over everyday....? And now we know all their secrets!!


There are many little stories to tell but they all blend together- in my mind we seamlessly sang along with the muppets and road thru Munchkin Land and explored a haunted mansion and met Mike Wazowski and boated thru a pirate cave. It was just exciting being there- where everything is Disney and everything is FUN and jolly and sing-song-y.


To end the day, we road back to our hotel on a low-riding boat into the sunset. AHhhhh…magic.... We changed into nicer clothes and had an absolutely wonderful meal at…some restaurant? And fell asleep FAST. Ex-haust-ed.


It was a great birthday present. Great Great Great.

conferences.

So at Tommy's conference, he was traveling with Jon and their HR co-worker to his grad school alma mater. Basically, we was going to see a lot of people he would know. But, they did not know him. Why? Because of his crazy haircut! Getting double-takes from people you saw everyday a few years must have been weird.

Meanwhile, I was going to lectures I didn't need to hear. But I was also rooming with one of my co-workers that I didn't know at all. It was very interesting- we talked a ton. And she even brought up all kinds of religious topics. She brought up how her fiancé can't stand any type of sharing of beliefs, and she talked about how she knows there is something. But it was almost like.... I couldn't tell if she was just looking for things to talk about because things about church and prayer just kinda comes up sometimes when I talk, and she noticed. I hope that if she has any questions or something happens in her life, she now feels comfortable to talk to me about it. I actually encouraged her to seek out how religions differ, and that Christianity is not about "being good" and I hope she actually heard things I said. We'll see!!

Tommy and I both feel like our conferences went by in a blur. Hence, this is a short blog. But it is at least a little longer than the last one... that I wrote five minutes ago....

dos weekends.

On Thursday, Sept 30th, Tommy woke up at 4 am to go to Birmingham. I woke up at 6 to go to Orlando. He returned to Gainesville Friday night, and then drove to Orlando Saturday morning. Sunday we drove back to Gainesville. Thursday, October 7th, we left work at noon and drove to Prattville, Alabama. Friday the 8th we drove up to Birmingham and back to Prattville that same night. And then that Sunday, we drove back to Gainesville.

We is tired.

we ready.

This post is being written out of pure excitement and a little bit of dread, instead of the usual retelling of an experience.

So today is Wednesday. Tomorrow, Tommy has to leave our apartment by 4:40 to go pick up Jon, drive to their co-workers house, and fly to Birmingham. There, they will meet and interview potentials to take their places next year.

Then, around 12, me and a group of my co-workers are driving to Orlando to go to my first big girl conference. According to the last thing I heard, we're supposed to be 2 to a room. But if I'm counting correctly, I think there are 9 of us going. I'm probably gonna get stuck on a roll-away....in the hall.... But I'd rather do that than share a bed with someone I barely know!

And then Tommy and Jon get back to Gainesville on Friday night, and Tommy will then leave around 6:30 the next morning and come meet me in Orlando.

Then we will have FUN. The fun is what I'm excited about. Not the conferencing. In case there was any confusion on the part of the reader.

The FUN will take place in DISNEY....World? Land? I think it's World.

See, I don't know because I've never actually been. I went to the AREA with a friend last year because she had a few nights free stay- but we didn't go in a park. So I got a hint of the fun, and so I am MORE ready.

We're thinking we are going to go to the Magic Kingdom. Tommy keeps mentioning Cinderella's castle, and I don't really know why he's the one obsessing about the pretty princess palace. But whatever makes him happy... He thinks this will be the best place to get in all the fun actual Disney stuff rather than like Epcot or...whatever else there is.

So the next time you hear from me, I will be able to tell you about all the tremendous fun and the awkwardness before at our two conferences!!!

head, and shoulders, knees and toes.

So Monday was my first physical therapy experience. It was to fix those headaches I've been having, as sort of a first place to start. Especially since we know the tension and back pain trigger the head/neck aches. I call them headaches, but they're really the top of my neck failing painfully.

I was hoping they'd pop my back, make it feel wonderful, and say, "Fixed!"

Nope.

Apparently I stand incorrectly. It's not that I'm slumping, like my mom and Tommy like to tell me, it's that I jut my head forward. I'm basically like Little Foot. (If you don't know that reference, you sadden my heart.)

I filled out paperwork, answered a lot of questions, and we began. There was a lot of adjusting how I stood, a lot of small changes and discussing how they all felt. In the end, I was given a list of a few exercises to stretch out my neck and back muscles, but also little ways to correct that neck positioning. She even gave me little tips on how to sleep better, basically.

Next time, we're supposed to discuss my feet and knees and hips and... everything else which changes everything else...

We'll see how this goes.......

ballin'.

After getting to know us, you'll find out that Tommy will enjoy almost any football game. And I would rather go for a run. Which, if you're new to this blog, means that I really don't like football. I won't go into all of the reasons why, I will just tell you what our weekend was like.

So at CareGroup on Wednesday night, our new pastor invited everyone over to his house to watch the Florida/Kentucky game on Saturday. And I thought that would be fine because there would be food and other games. When he found out that Tommy is all for Alabama, he offered to let everyone come early for the 3:30 Bama/Arkansas game. So during this conversation, I'm mentally preparing to talk to the other girls the whole time and eat and kinda day dream off in la-la land...and reminding myself not to ask questions that make myself look like an unAmerican who has never watched football (even though we all know I'm forced to watch it all the time).

Then Friday, I get a text from Tommy: "Hey our boss offered us free tix to the florida game." Sweet. Awesome. Perfect.

So the mental preparation turns into - ok, Alabama game and then a Florida game where I'm stuck at the actual game.... so ready the people-watching and multiple-object-counting skills. Last time I was at a football game, I saw people spill food on themselves, a few people get hit with shakers, and really big guys intimidate skinny drunk ones who were losing and getting rowdy. No one else noticed these people. Sidenote: folks are ridiculous.

Tommy had a haircut before all this ballin' started. So at the haircut, Mallory is in charge of watching the iPhone and updating the Tommy on the Bama game that has started. By the time we get to the pastor's house, the Tide was losing. We watched for awhile, but then some kind of bad things were happening to the team so Tommy went outside where they were grilling because he was all upset. But I didn't want to get up. And there was a poor high schooler there watching the game all alone. So I stayed. And watched. Football. But at least I was cool indoors with no bugs and no Mallory trying to play cornhole and failing.

Then we went to the game. And our free tickets had got the hooooook up. We walk into an entirely indoor area with tvs and tables and couches and comfy chairs. AND free tea, lemonade, cookies, other food I didn't notice, nearly empty air conditioned bathrooms.... Rit-Z. And even though our seats were outside, they were on the very front row of a little balcony. And the weather wasn't steamy. So Kim and I enjoyed feeling richy while Tommy and Jon talked about the actual game.

So it wasn't that bad. And it was a nice free way to spend an evening! But I'm still excited for football to be done :)

our life in numbers.

I've figured out the best way to describe the past few weeks that my blog has been neglected.

13 days of work for Mallory.
14 days of work for Tommy.
1 debilitating migraine (M) followed by
1 doctor visit and
1 X-ray.
3 days of waiting for those results.
11 blisters from M's work shoes.
5 days of sicky cold for T.
2 new friends made at Panera.
3 visits to Chipotle by M.
5 Harry Potter movies watched by M and actually enjoyed (?) by T
3 Bible study groups.
7 season premieres watched.
1 more trip to the Chevy dealership.


Work really has been crazy. I wish I could tell you everything about it but I don't know what is supposed to be super private and what would be ok for you to hear...read. So basically I've been assessing a bunch of new centers, put together furniture, moved heavy things and even got to pet a snake yesterday at an exhibition for teachers.

So I have been getting headaches for awhile but since they aren't getting better we went to see a doctor. We've actually been sleeping on our air mattress in our living room because it is flatter than our mattress... which may be 11 years old. But just until I get all the way better. So we'll wait and see what's wrong with me when we get results from everything. And I'm going to physical therapy on Monday to try and help whatever it is.

Tommy has been having a great few weeks. He got a cold. Has had to sit through classes that he had last year. Has received bills from the appendectomy. Had to take the car to the dealership again to fix the lock. And then noticed it's been side-swiped by something, so there are scratches and scrapes down the front passenger side.... Whew. But he's still pluggin along!

Not much else to report. I hope the next one is more detailed....

fail blog?

Dear friends and loved ones,

I did not realize it had been so long since I had updated all of you on our exciting life. September fourth was so long ago! The past few weeks have gone by really fast looking back on them. But honestly, they felt painfully slow while we were living them. I guess I felt like not too much had happened. And WORK tends to ruin a good time....

But much HAS happened. And it isn't as horrible as I just made it sound! But. It is late. and I'm fading fast. I promise I will write tomorrow.... or Friday.... Definately before Monday...

I still love you all.

triPod. the frog.

We came home one afternoon to find a frog on our door. This usually happens at night. There are three or four bright green frogs who like to sit near our door light to eat the bugs that are blindly attracted to it. But a frog being on our black door in the bright Florida day was odd. He was in the highest corner right against the seal and when we slowly opened the door, we realized the arm closest to it was GONE and slightly STUCK to it. SO gross. I freaked out....calmly of course. I told Tommy we HAD to run to the store and get some take-care-of-froggy equipment to save him from his wound..... -er amputation.

After hitting up the Walmart and the Petsmart, we filled a small terarrium with dirt and bark and branches and water. We caught the frog pretty easily....since he was struggling anyway. We gave him a nice little bit of worms and water and sent him off to bed in our loft where it is a little warmer. And named him Tripod.

The next morning, he was a brighter green, where before he had been an almost grey. He hopped pretty easily when I opened the lid to give him some fresh water. And an improvement which was exciting and super gross was the dangly stuff where his arm had been had fallen off... and was stuck to one of the sides. (Heebee Jeebees shiver!!) But at least he could now learn to deal without it! He was asleep when I got home that afternoon, hiding under the branches, and we put him upstairs again for the night.

I got nervous that day about his food situation. I went during my lunch break and bought some dried crickets ( I couldn't bare to get live ones) and some pellets for amphibians. I texted Tommy and said if he hadn't eaten some by the time we got home, we would have to let him go so he could eat.

And by that afternoon, he hadn't eaten. So when the sun had set, we took his box out, opened the lid, and stuck it under the little tree we had been getting his little branches from. He then jumped on my arm. Being the smooth and calm person I am, I squealed and shook him off. A loving good-bye. I hope he survives.... And now we're stuck with 25 bucks worth of frog junk.

work is for old folks.

Well. Monday the 30th of August, I began the work. Working. It's such a big deal because this is my first 8-5, M-F job. AND I have my own office.

Here's the funny thing. I'm either the same age or younger than the girls that have the lower job. I'm officially a 'coordinator' and am realizing that I might need to prove that I deserve this. We aren't sure on my title yet. Something like Assessment and Quality Initiative Coordinator. I will just have to access my mature side........

I've visited several childcare providers and even helped completely overhaul one 2 year old room. That day, I put together a table and chairs and a huge metal mat holder. We also unwrapped boxes and boxes of toys and supplies and organized the room to meet the standards we are given. It kind of felt like a mission trip- you are giving people things they need without anything in return, but you have to be careful because it is their space, and they have a certain amount of emotional attachment and familiarity with the things that were there before. Although this was a mission trip feeling without the Jesus part- so missing the most important part! But at least those aspects of it made me feel comfortable and well prepared!

AND Kim decided to curse me. At our lunch a few days before work started, she prayed I would have opportunities to be a light. Just for some background, I can tend to be a recluse. I don't mind not hanging out with people and am perfectly happy chillin on my own. WELL. God heard Kim's prayer and honored it by making my office door the point of intersection between two main hallways. And THEN we reorganized my room and suddenly the door will not close. It is WIDE open all day long. Many people have stopped by already to share awkward and personal things with me. I just try to be encouraging. My heavenly father has decided to get my feet wet nice and quick. Yay for leaving that comfort zone!

I'm still trying to figure out why they need me. Everything I thought I'd be doing is already being done by at least one person. We'll see how this goes. And now I have to act old.

a monday.

We are both running out of contacts... for our eyes, that is. Actually, we still have a couple each, but we both needed newer perscriptions. We are both basically blind. Although we found out that Tommy's are a little worse than mine! HA! My sister and I decided our children will just be born without eyeballs, and just skip the whole losing-their-purpose experience we've had. For example, you know that big E? Yeah, that's not there anymore for Tommy, Madison, and I when they take away our contacts and glasses. Just, gone. It's a way to shame us and make us more humble... which is a good thing?

Anyway. We arrived at the doctor's office before it opened and were helped pretty quickly once we got inside. Eventually, we got out of the exam rooms but had to pick out glasses, which our insurance was helping us pay for. And of course, Mrs. Lady who Helps with Glasses decides to flirt with Tommy, and tell him he has great eyes and looks just like Tom Cruise and he's such a cutie he can pull off anything. BARF. Back off, old lady. And so after we took forever to find frames we liked, it took another forever of waiting for them to be ordered while having to chat with that same lady.

Three hours later, we got to have a sweet and quick lunch together, which we never get to do during the work week. After dropping him off at work, I had to go to the Chevrolet dealership. The remote to our car was broken. Both of us were so excited to finally have a remote to unlock our new car- both of our old cars had dead or lost remotes and we felt behind the times. So we HAD to get a new one, of course! But the dealership has to "program" it to your car. So, off I went!

When I pulled into the parking lot, I pulled in right behind the ice cream man! A big old ice cream truck, circa 1952. And yes, all the men in their ties and garage polos were jogging to get their treats. Hilarious. And such a good idea! If I had a business, I'd ask them to come for my employees... and me.

So then. I had to wait a long while- until it was time to pick up Tommy from work. It took an odd amount of time to program a remote. What all does that entail!? But at least I got to enjoy a vending machine coke and watching.... Cold Case? Is that what it's called? It was about an opera singing teenager from Russia who had found her 'voice' and then was murdered. It would've been sad, but she sang an opera part over a pitiful cover of 'Free Falling'. So bad. It made my face hurt. Just leave it to Tom or John. I would've rather had a cold case of coke. HA.

When I picked up Tommy, he said he hadn't needed to go in. Sigh. Coulda sat with me and been bored together instead of bored alone. To make up for his workless day, he unloaded the dishwasher and then cooked yummy burgers for dinner. I appreciated that kind of work!

week, end! thanks.

The weekend FINALLY came! Tommy had a slow work week but got to see an amazing mullet. The poor guy had a regular short haircut all the way around his head, but a circle in the middle back was long- past his shoulder blades. With it pulled back, it made a nice white circle of scalp show thru- it was the most exciting picture Tommy has ever texted to me.

He also surprised me with a flower delivery!! Addressed to Mallory Pipkin. I laughed really hard. He said, "bad habits are hard to break."

To kick off the weekend right, we made tacos, visited the mall for fifteen minutes, and then hit Jon and Kim's! There, we discovered the bonding that occurs over the popular game "Rock Band." I cannot play the stupid drums or the stupid guitar to save my life. Since there were four of us and only 3 ways to play, I spent a lot of the time being only the bass pedal of the drums. It's the hardest part, so I was helpful to whoever was the official drummer at the time.

We then played a game called Quelf. Have you ever heard of it?? We hadn't. It is literally the most random game you could play. It's almost like they were a little drunk or a little high when they started writing the rules and the different cards. It would take too long to explain on here, so here are examples to give you an idea of the craziness: Kim had to stick both thumbs in her mouth when it wasn't her turn, I had to hold a plunger "like a sword," Jon wrote and recited a poem while spinning with his head on his shoulder, and Tommy lost a round because he couldn't think of another one-syllable color. But we had fun. And I won!! And we stayed there until almost 1 in the morning. Which, for us old folks, is crazy late.

Saturday we thought we'd just take it easy. But then we decided to repay the favor to the Mollers and have them over. We were planning on using their small grill over here so we can have it close to the door, rather than hiking over to the public ones scattered around our apartment complex. But for some reason, either its size or poor charcoal, it just would not stay lit long enough for the rocks to get ashy. So after an intense game of "bags"/"corn hole" we decided to just bite the bullet and use the dirty public grills. Tommy and I had bbq chicken, and, because they're so healthy, Kim and Jon had turkey burgers (we liked to tease them. gross.) and we all pitched in for sides- baked beans, guacamole, queso dip, zucchini and squash- yum yum yum. We enjoyed the food. A lot.

Sunday we went to the church we've been trying AND then went to their newcomers lunch. We had a good time chatting with a couple of people we've already met and got to hear from the pastor about the heart of the church. We're still deciding on becoming members- we want to be serious about committing! Decisions, decisions....

But then the weekend was over. Not enough weekend.

his shoes weren't made for walkin.

Tommy is entering uncharted territory... he is striking out into the unknown... he is going where no man has gone before. Ok, these are all exaggerations, but he is starting something neither of us has done before. Our Gainesville pals, Kim and Jon, are super fitness-y. They think they are moderately workout minded, but compared to me and Tommy, they are like the goal people like us strive towards. So they are planning on running a marathon that is taking place in DisneyWorld. MY mindset is this: who in their right mind would go there to RUN?! And then we learn that my good childhood friend Lindsey has gotten into running and also wants to run at least the half-marathon that takes place at the same time. So Tommy was not as immune to this crazy-ness and has been inspired. He takes care of himself, used to play baseball, dive, and was a short-distance runner in high school, but has never seen himself as a long-distance person. I, personally, loathe running. I blame our middle school boot-camp-like P.E. classes.

Anyway! We went out and bought him super crazy running shoes. I picked them out because they looked the best, and they happened to also be Nike's best shoes they're advertising for. He also got this Nike sensor that you place inside your shoe. It actually is pretty impressive- it hooks up with his iPhone and laptop. It charts your runs, rewards you for goals met, and offers training that you can custom pick which come through your headphones during your workout. And for being a new long distance runner, he is impressing me. He can run like 5 miles pretty quickly without being exhausted or even too winded. But he does get amazingly soaked with sweat. Lovely.

The sad thing is, now 3 of the 4 of us here are runners. I am forever devoted to the elliptical and will never join this insanity. I will be the picture taker and cheerer on-er.

week, pt 2.

So, on Thursday, Kim decided she wanted to humble me a little bit.

Have you ever heard of Zumba? I think it's also sometimes spelled 'Zoomba' but we will use a 'u' here because it looks more... Lion King-ish.

Well, it's like Latin dance, mixed with hip hop, and some workout exercising moves thrown in. Basically, anything that will make you look like an uncoordinated fish out of water will be worked into the routine. And of course, when the leader at the front of the packed class says into her mic "remember, we don't care about what we look like!" you know you're about to make a fool of yourself. Since it was my first time doing anything at all with my body since the appendectomy, I did sweat a lot. But the booty popping and body rolling the leader asked for were not at all accomplished. I felt like my feet and hands weren't heavy enough to let me have control over what my limbs were doing. Things were flying everywhere. Picture.... a giraffe trying to shake ants off his feet. That's what everyone behind me had to watch. OH the embarrassment. I don't know if I have the self-esteem left over to go back.

And then that night, we met with a couple from a church we've been attending. Poor Tommy and Jon had a surprise meeting at 5:00, which made our Starbucks meeting more of a rushed dinner sitting outside with take-out...which was fun because when things got awkwardly quiet, which always happens with new people, you can take a few bites of your food. Or at least get interested in the leftovers. The two new people are about our age and the girl, Miranda, works where Tommy and Jon do! Brian works at an advertising company and has to learn about all kinds of crazy stuff. For instance, a company that "washes trucks" (like 18-wheelers) actually washes out the inside carriers of the trucks who ship food products like milk... and stuff? I don't think I've ever seen a truck carrying milk.... but I swear that was the example Brian gave us.

Friday....it must have been a very boring afternoon because neither one of us can remember what the heck we did.

Saturday, Tommy decided his hair needed to once again be cut. His first haircut here was the first that his mom didn't do. It was also the first haircut in ages that didn't leave a shaggy, rakish front that he could toss over. It was...shocking. But, he got used to styling it and made peace with a completely different look. This time, he decided to use a coupon we got in the mail to <> SuperCuts!! How excited was he when the person (male? female??) with a blue mohawk started triming his hair. And, now, it is very, very short. He was sad. I think he might've shed a tear or two, in private.

Sunday, we returned to the church we've been visiting. The sermon was great- the pastor is starting a series on Isaiah- that book is packed!! It was a wonderful reminder that God looks at the heart, not our repetition of the motion of worship- even the worship He mapped out! It is supposed to be an expression of love and devotion- and we so easily turn it into something different, something selfish. We also got a firm reminder that mature Christians need to feel conviction the most and lead the church in repentance- I loved the quote: "conviction of sin is the severe love of God over-ruling our compulsive dishonesty, our willful blindness, our favorite excuses."

Over and out.

week, pt 1.

This has just been the fullest week.

With the offer on Monday, I've had to do all that pre-work stuff which is oh so fun. I had to pee in a cup again - that makes the official count 4 times in three weeks. Gross.

I also went to the hospital clinic on Tuesday so they could check on my progress from the appendectomy. What a happy surprise I got when I pulled into the parking deck and there was my sweet Tommy to join me! He didn't want me to worry about figuring out where to go, so left his pushing-patients job (yeah, they're still doing that) to walk me in and get me all comfy in the waiting room. He could only stay for 20 minutes or so, but that time was greatly appreciated.

But THEN when he LEFT, it turned into awkward time at the clinic. This old guy, very Willie Nelson without the beard, decides to sit next to me, on a 3 foot long bench, and starts talking to me. I've tried to block this painful experience, but the few phrases I remember include: "what are you, eighteen?" and "the docs don't have anything to fix on you". And this is to a girl in a t-shirt and no make-up. What the heck would he have done to some poor girl who was actually looking nice that day?! Talk about HEEBEE JEEBEES.

And after the hour and a half wait, the nice doc told me I was healing nicely and I could go in all of six minutes. But at least I'm healed!

Then, to celebrate the job, Tommy and I decided to take our new friends to Carrabba's (YUM). It was so lovely. Normally, 'going out to eat' means like hitting up Chipotle or Zaxby's, so this was just heaven. I ate half of mine so I could enjoy it again the next day for lunch! Then we met up with Jon's brother and his co-worker who are in for their job, and we all went to YogaBerry- a local (?) yogurt place that uses all organic and fresh ingredients and has the best toppings. We just all sat outside enjoying our treats, talking about the best and worst pranks we've been a part of, enjoying the Florida breeze and each other. -Le Sigh- (I'll give you five bucks if you know what "le sigh" is from)

Wednesday, Jon and Kim had his brother and co-worker, and the two of us over to grill out on their little back patio! Jon and Tommy went out to get lighter fluid and the four of us left stuffed our faces with the homemade quacamole from Kim. And then we got to eat HUGE slabs of steak. And then we got to enjoy fresh banana bread with chocolate chips. Oh so good. With that dinner and the one at Carrabba's, I think we all gained 5 pounds just this week.

More on this week to come!!

PTL.

Well praise the Lord- Early Learning Coalition decided that I should join them!!

They called Monday to offer me the job. But, alas, no bells, whistles, horns, confetti... nothin'. Just a "we'd like to offer you the job and here's what all that entails....' But I was still jumping around full of the HAPPY. And they had said they'd let me know on the 27th, but offering on the 9th was much nicer and quite a surprise. Less waiting, more preparing time. ("I hate waiting." -movie quote for you to search)

Tommy's mom, Mrs. Lynda, asked me yesterday if I was excited.  Well, I AM excited to feel the benefits of two incomes. Not that we love money, and we aren't desperate (yet!), but it will just be nice to not have to constantly think about dumb money so much and so often. But am I excited about the job? Meh. We will see how it goes. I'm excited at the idea of it- helping those who help kids, using creativity, and being a real adult out in the world. So let's hope the actuality of it comes close to what I'm envisioning!

Whew.

unique week.

Wednesday, we helped Jon and Kim (our new and only friends!) move into their new place. We found out that the first complex they lived in (which they subleased for only two months) was the location of the first killing of the Gainesville Ripper back in 1990!! CREEPY. They knew which apartment is was and looked up all the details of who and how he killed....gruesome. We were all glad they had already planned to move out! Their new place should be less filled with roaches and more filled with... us. They are ready to be the hosts for game night!

When we walked out of their new apartment the first time, we met 2 surly young neighbors who said 'we hope yall don't mind our loud music too much, ha'. The second time, we met the 4 elevator installer neighbors who were all planning on going to management as a group to complain about the 'motorcycles' and the 'partying at 3 am in the parking lot.' So, we're all hoping that it's mostly exaggeration and the super cool kids will grow up and calm their partying down. We also got treated to Chic-Fil-A as a reward for helping them. I hope I did enough moving to earn it since my recently appendectomy-ed belly can't handle liftting more than 10 pounds! But Jon and Kim were both really grateful that Tommy could help lift the furniture instead of Kim... and we can feel all proud of ourselves for helping them.

The most important part of the day for ME was during the move when.... a kitty came over to see us!! I've been rejected a lot by cats lately.... I really do see them everywhere. And most of the time they like me a lot. We once had a white one follow us on a walk that took us at least a mile away.  But all the cats in Gainesville do not want to come anywhere near me. Until Wednesday! He was so pretty. But when he got up close, it was very obvious he'd had a few bad days. His long black and white fur was a little patchy on his face. And when I pet him I realized his bones were sticking out way too much to just be a healthy wild child. It was just heartbreaking. A few weeks ago, Tommy and I went to a vet to play with their pets who were up for adoption, and they told us that one of the dogs had been a rescue off the side of the road. So I decided that the next day, when that vet's office was open, I would take this friendly cat over there so he could get treated and get HAPPY!

So first thing on Thursday, I got alllllll prepared. After I dropped Tommy off, I covered all the seats in the car with our dark and cheap beach towels. I filled a cup with kitty food, and a cup of water. I prayed that God would let this little adventure go well! I definately didn't need a panicky cat to scratch my eye out or bite off an ear.

When I got to Jon and Kim's, I walked down the row they're on calling 'kiiittttyyy'.... but not loudly bc I didn't want to look like a crazy lady.... or, I guess, a REALLY crazy lady. I already looked pretty nutty, since I had a cup of cat food in one hand and my camera on the other shoulder. I walked back to my car and contemplated sitting on the sidewalk, then thought I should take some artsy nature pictures, and then the cat showed up! It was so nice to see him run towards me- how heartwarming. I let him eat out of the cup for a minute (you don't want him to be too full on his first car ride....) and he followed me over to the car. He didn't want to get in but likes being held so I just picked him up and plopped him in!

He got a little nervous at first. But, after living with a cat for a few years, I am very comfortable talking to cats for however long they need. So, I told him he was fine, cars are fun, he's pretty, and generally sounded like an idiot for the fifteen minute car ride to the vet's. About halfway there he decided to crawl onto my lap and rest his little chin on my forearm. SOBB. He really did stink, and I'm sure my car, my apartment, and myself now have fleas, but OH SO SAD.

When we got to the vet, I didn't want to just carry him in if they didn't want him or there were big dogs waiting to get their teeth filed down, so I called from the car. After a few minutes of discussing and filling out paperwork from the window, they took him in and said they would test him for leukemia and aids (in a cat?!) and then would see if he could be adopted. I called Friday and the test was negative and he is getting neutered today so he can have a happy home!! I'm so excited. And I'm really not crazy. I just want animals to enjoy themselves.

And all week, Tommy and Jon have had a special assignment. In their jobs, they were supposed to be meeting all the people who were in charge of things. So they've been having individual meetings with managers and coordinators and directors. But for the next two weeks, they are in "transportation". Basically, they are helping push patients from one department to another. Yesterday, some lady in one of the departments asked him why they were wasting two whole weeks in transportation. Tommy tried to explain they were learning how the whole hospital works because of this one experience. But she just went on and on about how it was a waste of time. And the poor girl who works in transportation was standing there, just listening how her job isn't interesting or worth learning. Awkward...

Also, on the job front! I had a second interview Tuesday which went fine, and then they asked me to come in today (Friday) to meet the other coordinators! That can't be a bad sign, right??

We are just having a full week of unique experiences.

it was my favorite appendix.

Monday dawned bright and early, as all Mondays do. They're always too bright and too early. And this particular Monday was even more rude and annoying because no one in our apartment had slept the night before. Tommy decided to drink Mountain Dew at our late dinner, a rare going-out experience as a Sunday treat. His night was spent rolling around, reading, and watching some late-night ESPN to pass the sleepless night. My night was spent trying to find a comfortable position with an aching belly. So we woke up very, very tired and unhappy.

I also had a job interview at 3:00 pm.

By noon we had texted both of our doctorly dads and everything embarrassing had been talked about. Doctors really like to talk about trips to the toilet. We had also exhausted Google and WebMD and everyone decided I should at least go to an urgent care place so people could press on my belly...basically.

So at 12:16 I called the scheduling lady at this job place and we moved the interview to the following day, Tuesday, same time etc.

By 2:00, I was on the way to the ED ('emergency department', no longer 'emergency room') from the urgent care place with nothing but a "there's nothing we can do for you here" and a piece of paper describing my symptoms to hand to people in case we didn't feel like explaining it for the fifth time.

After 4:00, we had been in the waiting room for two hours, I had peed into a cup twice, had described my symptoms 3 more times, and had watched a terribly upsetting CSI-type show on the waiting room television. When we were brought back to the actual room of emergency (?) we explained my symptoms a few more times and THEN the EVILness beGAN.

Did you know I have very small veins? Me neither. Apparently they "roll", which means no one can get a needle in them for the all-important IV's. So they busted one in the bend of my arm, which they realized since I was still yellow with pain (Tommy actually said "wow, you're really yellow") and they had to try again in my bony wrist. So mean. At least I had forgotten about the pain in my stomach.

The sad thing was, both of our phones were dying, we were both exhausted, and we were both starving and dehydrated. So it was all probably more dramatic in our heads.

I didn't cry at all. Except. When they had to do a dreaded CT scan. She told me the contrast dye stuff they would send through my IV would make me feel warm and tingly. NOPE. It was like... someone took a slow moving chainsaw to my left arm. She later told me the dye is a sticky substance, so Tommy thinks it was having to push its way through those veins that were giving everyone such a hard time earlier. I didn't cry until we got back to our little curtained-off cubicle and I did... the ugly cry. But only for about 45 seconds! Then we went back to playing the celebrity game. It was all we had to do since by this time it was past 8:00.

The decision was made. The appendix, the cutest little nothing in my body, had to be removed.

A lot of other small dramas happened.... I was left alone in a hall holding my own IV bag... Tommy left to get our things and THEN they wanted to go into surgery... I had to pee in a cup for a third time (I keep mentioning this because....well.... I am poorly skilled in this department of coordination), etc etc. But finally I made it into the operating room and Tommy made it into another waiting room.

They told us the actual surgery only takes 15-20 minutes. Poor Tommy was left alone and in the dark (figuratively speaking- no updates for him) for something like two whole hours!

I remember trying to move my right arm and my head, and people talking al around me, kind of loudly? The next thing I remember was trying to move my arm, asking a nurse why I couldn't, and she patted my head and said "you were thrashing when you came out of anesthesia." HA! How embarrassing. What a bad patient. Apparently, I apologized a lot. She said I was very nice. Praise the Lord. I remember asking where Tommy was, but I don't remember the answer. I remember them help me move into my room bed. They introduced the nurses to me but I didn't have my contacts in, so who knows what they looked like. Thrashing, blind, bad veins.... sweet.

Then Tommy and I hear "BRAWH!!". The nice nurse staff came in to tell us that we were neighbors to a crazy person. Literally. And they couldn't sedate him because he was under observation. So from 2:00 am to about 7:00 am, he would make this loud holler every thirty minutes. We liked to discuss what he looked like from the sound of his voice.

The funny thing was, every other half-hour (-rethinking timing-), or whatever, a team of 3 or 4 docs and/or their learning-excited residents would come in, pop on the lights, and press my belly and ask me questions. If you know what I'm like being half-asleep, you can only imagine the answers I gave them. I hope the new doctors learned from my belly.

This all finally stopped around 9:00 and we finally got a little bit of sleep. And I could eat! And the food was good! And Tommy drew a little cartoon! And my mom came!

These past two weeks: my sister got her tonsils removed, my mom's mom ("Oma") went into the hospital for her intestines and her husband (Harold, or "Papa Harold") had a hip replacement, my great-aunt had knee replacement, and then I had an appendectomy. So my mom left my tonsil-freed sister, and after she leaves here, she's off to help the old folks! Cray. Z. Ness.

When all of this started, I was just worried about the interview. It has been moved to this coming Monday.

just hire me.

Money is sneaky. It's so sneaky that people have to create little traps we call "budgets" and "savings accounts" just to keep it from floating off into space.

And because of money's character, I need to get a job. Tommy is providing so well for us, and then insurance and utilities and then rent just soaks up everything that we need even more so that we can eat and have clothing- you know, the little things.

So basically I've been applying to schools and other places all online. I have tried calling too after I send them in, but apparently they're supposed to call you. You are just supposed to wait... uncomfortably. It's been a gross process.

But! While we were in Alaska, someone left a message on my phone from the Early Learning Coalition, to which I had applied online with Craiglist (Craigslist is legit?!) and she wanted me to call her back. What?? Sweetness!!! So I did, and they asked me to come in for an interview that day!! Fortunately, my darling husband took me shopping a couple of weeks ago to get a fo' reals skirt suit that makes me look all grown up.

So I go in and get introduced to two ladies who told me immediately that I was over-qualified for the position I came in for (heart sinks. what a lame reason to not hire me.) BUT that they have another opening that I may be interested in (yay!!! I don't care what it is, just hire me!) and proceded to explain it to me. This second job would have me going to childcare and early childhood facilities and grading them on this scale and then creating a plan to help them fit the standards. Psh I can do that!!

So, I'm supposed to call on Monday and let them know what I've been thinking about it. They also gave me two books that belong to someone else, so I at least have to go back even if I'm just returning those!

I honestly don't think that I could do that for eighteen years or anything like that. They told me about 5 times that "we work with the poor" and I get very emotionally involved. And may not be able to handle seeing little baby kids in certain situations. But right now, I just want a job! Tommy's been very encouraging. He knows that this isn't a dream job. And he knows I'm trying! And he's proud of me :)

And if I get a job, I can buy more coke....

a la ska.

We just got back from our very first cruise ever.

We got a lot of "didn't you just go on a honeymoon??" But this trip was Tommy's dad's brainchild- conceived almost a year ago. This year is Tommy's dad's 50th birthday and Tommy's granddad's 80th. So what better way to celebrate the winter of your life (ha.) by going on a cruise to... Alaska!

My mom was very excited for us. She went to Alaska on a church-building mission trip when she was in college. I'm the only other one in the family who was getting to see this magical place she loved! Tommy and I were a little more...apprehensive? Because Tommy JUST started work three weeks ago, he had no vacation time. So this trip was going to be a week and a half of no pay. And then, since we get back at the beginning of July, we will have even less to pay our rent and utilities! And then- how bad does it look to leave three weeks after starting work for a week and a half?? That's half of how long he's been there! Fortunately, a lot of his coworkers are going on their summer trips, so we're hoping his time off will just blend in with everyone else's.

So to start the trip off right, we had to leave after work... at six in the afternoon.... for a nine hour drive. We both were hyped on caffeine, so we made it thru the three traffic jams and road construction and blinding rain. We pulled into Huntsville at 2:00, which is 3:00 AM on Florida time. But after the next day of two flights to Seattle, we could finally start our chillaxin.

You know what they say about cliché cruise entertainment? We got to experience that right away. We wanted to let you know that if Amy and the HALcats (HAL= Holland America Line) shows up at your party, leave. Even though we loved her awkward trance-like swaying, it didn't distract from the fact that she, in short, can't sing.

The whole trip seemed very surreal. The rocking of the ship made some people sick- people walked around with these medicine filled stickers stuck behind their ears- but it just made me sleepy. At least three of the days I feel like I only slept and ate. And each and every meal was appetizer, soup/salad, entrees, desert.... bread...coke... ugh. I gained five pounds!

The ports were actually really interesting. Even though it was cold and rainy and cloudy, to me really felt like we were on a little adventure. We spent one day riding on a tiny plane to the bottom of a glacier, eating fresh salmon in a hundred year old cabin. Another day, we visited a raptor recovery center where we were face to face with a huge eagle, watched legit Russian dancing, and saw a two hundred year old church. The most gorgeous day was spent on the water (the best way to spend a day) but they tried to ruin my happy day by taking us to see innocent crabs in traps. Oh the saddness!! And the little eyes saying "help"..... And then we went back and ate their bigger cousins!!

But honestly, it was nice to be with the family. I got to hang out with grandmother- who might actually really like me now! - and Tommy got to be manly with his brothers. And we haven't been able to spend time with the whole Middleton side since we've been married. So, at the risk of being cheesy, it was nice :)

So to sum up: we ate, saw glaciers, and felt warm fuzzies.

boyness.

Saturday became a day of boy activities.

We started out the day watching a bloopers sport show. They were actually pretty hilarious. Mascots smashing into walls, football stars running the wrong way, celebrities butchering 'Take Me Out to the Ballgame'...good times. The best part was that Tommy and I could actually enjoy something sporty together! Normally when golf and football are on, I kinda zone out, watch a tv show on a laptop, or even read a book. I used to try and be interested, asked questions to learn and tried to be excited when the right team scored. But I finally admitted that I couldn't give a flying rip. I'm just glad when Alabama wins for Tommy. But I don't care to see it play out unless something awesome or hilarious happens- hence greatly enjoying the top 100 crazy things show (I can't remember what it was actually called).

After finishing the show, we decided it was time to hit the gym. We couldn't spend ALL day on the couch. And we actually have a free full membership to the best gym in town. Our apartment complex is being built in phases. The first phase that we are living in now doesn't have a workout area- even though they managed to build a pool table room, a small theater, and an air-conditioned basketball court. But because of it, they pay for us to go to the Gainesville Health and Fitness place and it is awesome. They have hundreds of cardio machines, tons of classes, and the weight lifting track (-bum bum bummmm-). This weight lifting track offers personal trainers who check on you on a row of machines. The first time you go, they kinda give you a small lesson on each machine, adjust the settings, and tell you what it does and the proper form etc. Tommy had done it once before, so I knew what to expect and on this particular day, decided to try for the first time.

Then Mr. I'm Strong But Wear Glasses and Like Soccer Dude decides to help me on like the fifth machine. He tells me I'm doing the leg curl-y thing wrong. So I had to start over, which is fine... Then he decided he would keep checking on me instead of moving on like all the other trainers. On one machine, he made me stop with my arms pushing straight up and told me he would count to 10, and then would stop counting. On other machines, he keep telling me to do 3 more, after I had already had "momentary muscle failure"! After!! I walked out of there and couldn't move my arms. I couldn't lock the door behind me when we got home.  My fingers were quivering. Washing my hair = hardest thing I've ever done.

Then! To end the day, Tommy, our new friend Jon, and I decided to go to the University of Florida's baseball game against Miami. It was packed because it was the game to get to the championship. And it was 98 degrees. We were so gross- and after the pain of taking a shower, too! And the dumb announcer kept asking us to scoot closer together to let more people move in. I went to the bathroom and the women were toweling themselves off while they waited in line- it was like a sauna in there- a pee sauna. Fortunately, I've had 8 years of Mexico mission trip experience, so I wasn't cussing about it like the other ladies :) Classy.

Did you know a baseball game lasts three hours? THREE hours!! I people watched. I ahh-ed at a big man's roll of fat at the base of his head, I oo-ed at people's creative ways to wear blue and orange, and I ew-ed at men's sweaty shirts. I also texted some people, enjoyed the music between innings, and sometimes joined in conversations with Jon and Tommy. And because I wasn't cheering for them, UF won! So everyone was happy. Yay.

Silly boy things.

friendly.

I have to tell you how God is blessing us here!

When Tommy interviewed at the hospital here in Gainesville, he went completely relaxed. He was so relaxed because he never really wanted to come here in the first place. He didn't feel any pull when first meeting the representatives and, though he did not list as a choice, still was selected to interview with them. When they asked him to visit for an on-site interview, he filled out the required questionnaire the night before without much thought.

He didn't have much to say other than he met another interviewer that he really liked from Colorado.

We were so surprised when they offered Tommy the job soon after, and also offered for the kid from Colorado the other position! That day, after praying and calling all our families to pray, Tommy accepted!

So, here we are!

I asked Tommy about Jon, the guy from Colorado, he said he only knew that he was a nice and easy to talk to, and his favorite quotes on Facebook were all Bible verses. That was encouraging, but a lot of "Christians" like to quote things that haven't changed their lives... so we didn't get our hopes up!

So the second night in Gainesville (after our moving help had left!) we met Jon and his wife, Kim, for dinner. We had our food, sat down, and awkwardly looked around- and Jon offered to bless the food! It was like... ahhhhh we're all on the same page!! So good. We found out they had met at a Campus Crusade for Christ trip and are strong in their Walks. It was just so encouraging. We knew nothing about each other, but being adopted kids of the King, we were already family! -warm fuzzies-

The best part was that Tommy and I had talked about wanting to minister somehow to the college kids here in town. And Kim brought that up at dinner! The very first time we met, and she said everything we were thinking. We just have to be faithful to make it happen!

new man and new wife and new life.

WE are man and wife! The Middletons! We got married on May 22 and one of my mom's best friends said we were pronounced man and wife at exactly 2:41pm. It was wonderful.

Our honeymoon was amazing. We felt like we were celebrities or crazy wealthy people. I'm waiting for my computer charger and then I can put some pictures up...words just won't do the trip justice!

Moving to Gainesville, Florida has been almost as surreal as the wedding day. It feels like we're on some secret vacation and it will have to someday end. But it has been wonderful! I've been cooking dinner and nesting and job hunting... we'll see what happens with that!

We've been trying to get all our info changed. We went to the DMV on our first Friday here. Patiently, we stood in line for about 45 minutes to get into a room as big as a bedroom. When we reached the desk, after we had checked online what documents were required, the lady informs us that I have to have my social security card changed first.

So leaving this office, we went to the social security office (thank God for GPS!!) and were met with an over-weight sweaty security guard who told it us it was too busy and we might as well come back next week. Poor Tommy wasted 3 hours of his last weekday of freedom. So we don't know when Tommy will get his license or anything. But I went in on Tuesday to the social security office and got my name changed in 15 minutes!! I just can't get pulled over until the card is mailed and then go get a new license... Here's to being a woman and changing your name! Woot.

After our two moms left from helping us move and took their generous pockets with them, we had to go buy groceries. I went thru the recipes and wrote down what we needed, Tommy went thru the Publix website and found coupons. Neither of us have ever bought so many groceries. But we were so proud of ourselves!! We bought tons of Publix brand, we got 10 ravioli cans because there was a special, and we are now eating leftovers, too! We saved 50 bucks... which isn't bad because we spent 130 bucks.... since we had a fifty dollar visa card as a wedding gift. So, a savings of 50 from a 180 dollar tab wasn't bad.

We swore we wouldn't go back in Publix for weeks. But a few nights later I needed spaghetti noodles. We went to the dumpy-ish Walmart.... No noodles! We had to go back into dumb Publix for one stinking thing. Sigh.

We are surprisingly used to having one car. In case someone random is actually reading this, we traded our two cars that were threatening to blow up and bought one dependable car! So I get up at 6:40am every morning and drive Tommy to work. It's been nice. I feel like I'm helping him out in some way. Of course, the conversation from my side isn't very stimulating in the morning....but he probably doesn't notice- ha. And then I'm up and can get more done in the day!

I've been sending out feelers to schools, and I finally got a response! Gainesville Country Day School wants me to make an appointment to interview in a couple of weeks. Let's hope it goes well! If I get a job, then this doesn't have to be a marriage based on... ramen.

knot.

Well. I guess I cursed myself by saying we would probably have funny mishaps to share with our family and friends. My first (since we started this blog!) happened today.

Today is Sunday. This coming Friday, mom, my sister, and I are heading down to Birmingham to take bridal portraits- yay!

Since today is Sunday, Tommy and I and one of his friends were meeting at a Starbucks to carpool to church where we've been hearing a marriage sermon series. They were late and I was early (wow!) so I decided to get a muffin and eat it in the car while I waited. I noticed I dropped quite a few crumbs on my lap, and, not wanting the sugary grease to stain my skirt, hopped out to shake the crumbs off. Leaving the car door open, I bent down to brush off the crumbs, go to look down and SLAMMED my forehead onto the corner of the still open car door. I mean- hard. Got dizzy, my eyes welled up, I stumbled back into the car....and then I laughed really hard. Why? A. its hilarious. B. I hope someone else saw and it made their day, and C. I thought of this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AN5YbfFszlI

So now I do have a nice little KNOT right above my left eyebrow.