Slowing Down

I guess it's the nature of summer. Weddings, showers, cookouts, birthday parties... it's a busy time of year. But we're finally slowing down. We took a trip to Cincy over the weekend to go to my sorority sister's wedding. I had a little too much of a good time (if you know what I mean) but I managed to make it through Sunday and still do a little sightseeing. We went to Newport (KY) on the Levee and visited the aquarium. The whole area is super cool. Shops, restaurants, dudes on stilts making balloon animals for kids, it was awesome. We ate at Johnny Rockets which is very busy diner but they drop everything and do a little dance when "Respect" by Aretha Franklin comes on the jukebox. We had the best strawberry milkshakes there.

Bug's having trouble again. I took him to the vet and got him some more medicine. It looks like he overdid himself during our cookout and aggravated his back legs. The good news is that the meds worked while he was taking them, so I can just get his prescription refilled now instead of taking him into the vet every time his condition acts up. I was also told by a co-worker that baby aspirin is okay to give dogs for their joints. I asked the vet about that, and he said yes, but it's more a short term solution. And to not give him baby aspirin AND the meds. It's more in between times when I'm out of the pills. I also picked up some soft dog treats and a munchee stick at Pet Food Center.

What's ahead? I hope a little rest and fun at home. This weekend, there's a gun show in Boonville that Pmo will probably attend. We're also planning to take some friends to Owensboro for a yummy dinner at Shogun. After that, our schedule is pretty much clear for awhile. We're thinking about taking some mini-trips before the summer is over like going to Garden of the Gods, canoeing, and hiking some trails in Perry County. I'm thankful it's been so mild and I hope it stays that way.

Wedding Wrapup

We had our reception over the weekend at our house in Newburgh. Our family and friends enjoyed chicken and potatoes prepared and cooked on the grill by my parents. They worked their butts off, they always do. I don't know what I would do without them. The weather turned out just perfect. In fact, it was pretty cool all morning. I wasn't sure if we'd even see the sun, but it eventually came out. We had some yard games for the kids and a lot of good conversation and catching up. Even though I was busy, I had a good time and it reminded me of the parties we used to have at home. I hope we can do it again. Next time, I want to play volleyball!

Pmo's mom and stepdad stayed with us all weekend, so we've been entertaining them and showing them around town. We're starting to get back to normal and my to-do list is no longer consumed by wedding tasks. Now it's all about trip planning, finding a dentist, getting a haircut, and other tedious things. This weekend, we travel to Cincy for my sorority sister's wedding. I haven't seen many of those girls in a long time, so it should be fun. Then I think we'll relax for awhile and really settle into married life. I'm so glad we already have a house and a routine. There's really no adjustment period, besides me getting used to my new name. In fact, we've been in our house almost a year already. We'll celebrate that anniversary in just a few weeks.

I feel like making a New Year's resolution in July. I really need to get into shape, lose some weight, and figure out a hairstyle. I thought I could learn to live with the extra pounds I've acquired but I just hate when I look at pictures and see my bulges. I know I could look better but it's going to take a lot of discipline and willpower. More exercise, less food. It's a pretty simple concept. Hopefully, I can find an activity I enjoy and stick with it. And the food, well, that's probably the most difficult part. Saying no when I want so bad to say yes!

Bits of Gratitude

To Mom for the music. She got me started on 8 tracks of Blondie, Elvis, and more. And she's still rockin'.

To Dad for the endurance. He always told me, "it will be here before you know it" when it came to getting my driver's license, going to college, and my 21st birthday.

To Joni for the innocence. We've come a long way but we'll always remember where we came from.

To Sunni for the laughter. It's infectious and it makes me smile. Plus her jokes are soooooo funny.

To Holly for the variety. If it wasn't for her, I would have never known the likes of The Hush Sound, This Providence, or We are the Fury.

To Rachel for the rowdiness. Wild nights at Lamasco. Cool nights by the fire pit. Lots of beer in between.

To Ann for the wisdom. She once told me, "when your happiness means something to you, you'll know what to do." And she was right.

To Perry for the adventure. Several trips are behind us, but we have many more to go. And lots of fun in between.

(1820)

Land of the Free

My 4th of July was good, though it started out pretty dismal with all the rain. We were invited to a cookout earlier in the week, and by the time we got there, the rain had stopped but it was still bleak outside. So we ate inside and went out later to watch our host set off fireworks. On Sunday, we met Pmo's dad at the Super Flea Market, then had lunch at the State Street Tavern in Newburgh. Yummy. Later, we took the dogs out to the levee for a walk, and eventually headed to the riverfront for fireworks. It was an awesome show. I also had a bratwurst and a root beer float.

Many adventures lie ahead for me in the next few days. It's pay week so that means taking care of bills and grocery shopping. Plus our little "reception" is coming up so I've got to get with Mom on details of what we have and what we need. I need to get a local dentist because I am due for my bi-annual teeth cleaning and am no longer required to make the trip to Madisonville. I can get to work on my name changes now that I have my new social security card in my hot little hands. The BMV is calling my name. We're still waiting on the official wedding album and hoping it comes this week. I need to do some yard work that I've been avoiding for awhile. I should order new checks and address labels. Buy stamps. Send out announcements to newspapers about our wedding. Keep looking for cabins for our Gatlinburg getaway this fall. Figure out what the hell to do with my hair. The list goes on and on and I hope to knock a few of those off this week.

(1770)