Hoppity Hop

Easter was an incredibly eggs-hilirating whirlwind! My church had worship experiences Friday, Saturday and all day Sunday, so I worked around the clock, but I am so thankful that I was able to experience it. We saw over 19,000 attend our church in a single weekend, and even more staggering, more than 2,200 salvations. I am awe-struck by God's mighty power. He is risen indeed, y'all!

I was also able to schedule some time in with the family and fella, and between Sunday worship experiences we were able to stop by for a tasty meal that Little whipped up. I had yesterday off and spend the day being productive. Thursday marks the first day of a 90 Day Weight Loss Challenge we're doing as a staff. We're paired as teams, and the win team pair each receives a 5-day trip for two to Aruba. I have my game face on, and I spent yesterday cooking and freezing meals for my partner and I. I can't wait to post pictures throughout the process. Our plan is foolproof, and I'm about to get my best bod on!

Rod Iron Revamp

Daddy and Little were kind enough to pass down a sweet little set of patio furniture to me the other week. It was white, rusted and in need of some love, but a quality set with lots of potential. During my Friday afternoon off I was able to give it just the attention it needed. I'm still planning to recover the seats, but I think this minor facelift gives it new life. I purchased a grill and The Fella and I have already had so much fun breaking it in. In fact, tonight's menu features rosemary pork chops, zucchini and corn and black bean quinoa. I can't wait to have a patio party with my turquoise table and pink and glittery chair (yes, they are covered in glitter). Good thing I now have a personal chef to help plan the menu!

BEFORE:

DURING:

AFTER:

Twenty One

My sweet sis turned 21 on Sunday... unbelievable. Since I wasn't able to attend her epic throw down, I opted to travel to Chapel Hill on Friday to grab some lunch and time with her. Although it was a short visit I was thrilled to squeeze in some wonderful sisterly bonding. I just love this little girl so much. We grabbed a quick pictorial, and despite describing it as "not our best," it's a sweet memory of a lovely day.

He Gets Me

While deciding whether to watch Devil Wears Prada or The Hulk:

Me: You do NOT want to see me get angry.

Fella: What is that? Like the other side of glitter?

While tasting each other's TCBY creations. Note: he is a chef and apparently has a much more refined palate than I do...

Me: Isn't it delicious?

Fella: No. It tastes like a Care Bear. Seriously, it's like a My Little Pony threw up in here. It's perfect for you.

Those Three Little Words

There comes a point in most boy-girl (and heck, some boy-boy and girl-girl) relationships, where the epic phrase, "I love you" is uttered. I may or may not be speaking from recent experience, but here are things that will most assuredly ruin the sentimental and romantic mood in that first moment of golden, spoken affection.

1. When it's whispered, reply, "Huh?"

2. When it's whispered, reply, "What'd you say?"

3. When it's whispered, ignore it.

4. When it's spoken audibly, reply, "Huh?"

5. When it's spoken audibly, reply, "What'd you say?"

6. When it's spoken audibly, stare blankly at the speaker, blinking rapidly.

7. When it's whispered or spoken audibly, laugh.

8. When it's whispered or spoken audibly, reply, "Yeah right."

9. When it's whispered or spoken audibly, reply, "Gee, thanks."

10. When it's whispered or spoken audibly, reply, "Are you just saying that?"

11. When it's whispered or spoken audibly, reply, "I love Zaxby's."

12. When it's whispered or spoken audibly, start crying.

Fat Fingers. Flat Tires

Doors are weapons. Don't let anyone convince you otherwise. On Monday night my poor right index and middle fingers fell victim to a heavy door being swung open as they reached to grab the handle on the otherwise. The collision let my poor digits bruised, battered, and the size of a 300 lb. man's.

I arrived home that evening to find the sweet fella waiting to tend to my injury with Rice Krispy Treats and Diet Dr. Pepper (he knows the way to my heart, I tell ya). When I stepped out of my car to give him a hug we both heard a steady and distinct hissing sound coming from behind me. Sure enough my car's front tire was slowly pancaking.

Never fear, of course, for the strapping lad expertly and deftly switched out that flat for a shiny, new one - not a new flat... a brand new tire. Quite an eventful night to be sure, but it's never ever dull around these parts.

Zoo Sunday

When you work for a church it's pretty rare that your weekends are free, but this past weekend I was blessed with an open Sunday. I worked our worship experiences on Saturday night but was able to sleep in and enjoy my Sunday. Typically I arise at 4:30 each Sunday morning to be at my campus by 5:15, so waking up after the sun was a welcome change.

I wasn't really sure how I would cope with the empty hours. I was afraid that by lunchtime I'd be rocking in a corner from the lack of activity. Instead, the sweet fella decided to take his Sunday off too, and we spent a glorious day of togetherness.

We both slept in, and he headed my way for a breakfast/brunch of chocolate chip pancakes, strawberries, cheesy eggs and my attempt at making coffee. I loathe coffee, the fella loves it, so I decided to try my hand at brewing a pot. What came out was pure sludge, but he claimed it was exactly how he likes it and drank it anyway - stray grounds and all.

After a leisurely meal, we headed about an hour and a half south and spent the afternoon at the Riverbanks Zoo. I have been dying to go to the zoo forever, and this trip was perfection. The weather was warm and a bit overcast, and we spent several hours wandering from exhibit to exhibit. I really couldn't have imagined a better trip. The time in the car was filled with singing, laughter and conversation, and really added an extra layer of enjoyment to the day. He forgot his camera, and mine was officially dead, so we purchased a disposable one (I can't wait to get those shots back) and snapped a few on my phone. I wish we had better mementos of the field trip, but these will have to do. If you follow me on Twitter, you probably rethought that decision as I tweeted picture after picture of #zoosunday.




When we rolled back into Charlotte, we got spruced up (again, no pictures... le sigh) and went to an exquisite dinner at Ruth's Chris. Starting with sweet chili calamari, petite filet for me, ribeye for him and shared sweet potato casserole and sauteed mushrooms, luscious and perfection are really the only words to describe the meal.

I feel so blessed that someone would go so out of the way to make me feel pampered and appreciated, and the fella managed just that. I'm beyond excited about where this relationship is headed. I've gotta good one.

As Good As It Gets

Y'all. My job? Wow. The things I get to do are just mind boggling. Please sock me in the face if I ever complain. Last night our worship team had a live recording for their upcoming worship CD and DVD. To say that it shook the house would be an extreme understatement. I just kept looking around and pinching myself that I get paid to produce these types of events. If you need a little musical inspiration or encouragement, please hop on iTunes and check them out as soon as possible.

Party Pooper

Someone is attacking me with crap.

Seriously.

Someone is continually leaving me gifts of feces. I can't seem to understand why I've been blessed with such presents of friendship, but quite frankly, it's worn out its (non existent) welcome.

It started with bags of crap (Crapbags) and as of this morning has evolved into poo. on. my. door. unbagged. smeared. disgrossting. I just seriously don't understand why this is happening or who's doing it, but I'm about to catch that joker brown handed and make him/her pay. Dearly. Crappily.

Accidentally In Like

So it seems that I have unintentionally narrowed my list of suitors from three until roughly one. And I also don't feel exceedingly alarmed at this result. Here's what I'd been working with.

The Pilot - sweet, handsome, generous guy. Potentially homo- or a-sexual. We've been spending time together since Thanksgiving, and he's yet to so much as hold my hand (although one night after a margarita or two, I guess he was feeling frisky and planted a big ole smooch on my cheek). He flies a lot, so he isn't in town often but asks me on great dates whenever he is. However, I think he will land safely (har har) in the friends zone.
The Chemist - funny, witty, tall, cute, albeit geeky chemistry professor with a penchant for velcro orthotics. I've enjoyed my time with him, but clearly the velcro has repelled former paramours, and he is overly enthusiastic for some lovin'. Purely the opposite of the Pilot, as it so happens, and also a major turn off for this girl. He's being shelved for now.
The Chef - I don't even really like that classification for him, but since everyone else is being categorized by occupation, that's what it will be for now. This fella has emerged from the pack as a reluctant front runner. When we first started fraternizing, I expressed bluntly that I had no desire to be interested in him. He'd dated several girls from church, and I didn't want to be another underline in his Bible, so to speak. He respected that, and thusly we began spending time together. And then more time together. And then he started winning out when I had multiple offers for dates. So without meaning to - in fact, actually meaning to do the complete opposite - I've fallen in like with The Chef. Funny, sarcastic, smart, driven, and kind, it appears that he's won out.