Christmas 2009

Well Christmas is over and 2010 is almost here. I should be sad, but I got some great loot from Santa and I'm actually ready for 2010. Santa Jeremy was very good to me this year. Check out all of these presents! (No, they weren't all mine!)



Jeremy managed - once again - to completely surprise me with my presents. One of the biggies was new bikes! From the day we moved into Southwood I said that I wanted bikes. There are so many trails out here that are great for cruising on a bike. Plus, I have been told there are some great trails around Tallahassee. I have no personal knowledge of these since I haven't owned a bike since I was in elementary school. But I have it on good authority that the St. Marks Trail is a fun one. So we will eventually have to work our way up to biking it. But right now, I ride for 10 minutes and my butt is killing me. I guess I need to condition my butt to enjoy sitting on an itty-bitty bicycle seat. Anyone know any exercises that will help? ;-)

Jeremy did a great job picking out my bike too. I love the color and design he picked for me! Unfortunately, I don't have any photos, but I will try to take some and post them later. And at some point this weekend we have to go pick out our helmets. I know I'm going to look like a complete dork, but safety over fashion right? Unless you're Carrie Bradshaw of course.

Jeremy also came through with my Shootsac! I LOVE it! And he found the pattern I really wanted: Classic Fling. I didn't have much confidence - I hate to say it - because when I went to the Shootsac website prior to Christmas I didn't see either of my favorite patterns. I was devastated. But I should know to never doubt Jeremy. He found the one I wanted on another website and purchased it. So surprise number two!

And the best surprise of all? Well, it was actually from the parents, but Jeremy had a hand in it. My own MacBook Pro!!!!!!! Oh yes, pigs are flying. I never in a million years expected to get this laptop! But it is AMAZING!!!! I feel like such a cool kid now. I think there may have been dual motivations for the laptop - I think my father-in-law was ready to get his Dell laptop back that I had absconded with awhile back. But, whatever the reason, I'll take it!

Oh, I almost forgot my Christmas Eve present from Jeremy. FOOTIE PAJAMAS!!! Now, compared to bikes, or a shootsac, or a laptop, I'm sure footie pajamas don't sound like much. But the pajamas were one of my favorite presents. They are AWESOME! So comfy AND practical - they do a great job of keeping my feet warm. I honestly don't care if it looks like I've reverted back to being a toddler. I love my footie pajamas!

And to top it all off, my wonderful husband woke up extra early on Christmas Eve and went to Publix to find me a cooked turkey! There was just a small lack of communication when it came to food prep for the holidays. I just automatically assumed we were having turkey for Christmas dinner at Jeremy's parent's house. But, I guess steak is their tradition for Christmas - which is what I was planning on cooking for Christmas Eve dinner. So I was devastated thinking that there was no way for us to have turkey considering it was late on the 23rd. But Jeremy went online, did some research, made some calls, and found me a turkey. A big, wonderful turkey! So my mom and I spent the 24th cooking the rest of the sides and we had a traditional Thanksgiving dinner for Christmas Eve. It was wonderful. But not nearly as wonderful as Jeremy for going out and finding me my turkey. I couldn't ask for a better husband!

So Christmas was all it should be - family, yummy food, fun presents, and lots of happiness. It really was a Christmas miracle - no one got on each others nerves!! And I think part of that had to do with this little one: Lucky.



Yes, my parents went out and bought a puppy two weeks before Christmas. But that little dog brought joy to us all. We were all a little worried about how Kai and Sequoia would handle having a new baby in the house. But they were amazingly great with the puppy and although Lucky was a little intimidated by Kai he still tried to play with her. Mom and dad have a handful with Lucky, but he sure is worth it. So I will close with some photos of the cutie!





One of the three dogs:



Lucky sitting for a treat:

The Night Before Christmas

Here is a different spin on the famous poem "The Night Before Christmas." It is written in legalese, so some of you may not find it amusing and may even wonder if I've lost my mind. But after three years of law school and another four years practicing, I (and most of my attorney-friends I'm sure) find it downright hilarious . . . as well as frightening. Yes, this is how lawyers really speak. Scary, isn't it? Well here we go. And if nothing else, you can have a good laugh at my expense!

The Night Before Christmas in Legalese

Whereas, on or about the night prior to Christmas, there did occur at a certain improved piece of real property (hereinafter "the House") a general lack of stirring by all creatures therein, including, but not limited to a mouse.

A variety of foot apparel, e.g., stocking, socks, etc., had been affixed by and around the chimney in said House in the hope and/or belief that St. Nick a/k/a/ St. Nicholas a/k/a/ Santa Claus (hereinafter "Claus") would arrive at sometime thereafter. The minor residents, i.e. the children, of the aforementioned House were located in their individual beds and were engaged in nocturnal hallucinations, i.e. dreams, wherein vision of confectionery treats, including, but not limited to, candies, nuts and/or sugar plums, did dance, cavort and otherwise appear in said dreams.

Whereupon the party of the first part (sometimes hereinafter referred to as ("I"), being the joint-owner in fee simple of the House with the party of the second part (hereinafter "Mamma"), and said Mamma had retired for a sustained period of sleep. (At such time, the parties were clad in various forms of headgear, e.g., kerchief and cap.

Suddenly, and without prior notice or warning, there did occur upon the unimproved real property adjacent and appurtenant to said House, i.e., the lawn, a certain disruption of unknown nature, cause and/or circumstance. The party of the first part did immediately rush to a window in the House to investigate the cause of such disturbance.

At that time, the party of the first part did observe, with some degree of wonder and/or disbelief, a miniature sleigh (hereinafter "the Vehicle") being pulled and/or drawn very rapidly through the air by approximately eight (8) reindeer. The driver of the Vehicle appeared to be and in fact was, the previously referenced Claus.

Said Claus was providing specific direction, instruction and guidance to the approximately eight (8) reindeer and specifically identified the animal co-conspirators by name: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen (hereinafter "the Deer"). (Upon information and belief, it is further asserted that an additional co- conspirator named "Rudolph" may have been involved.)

The party of the first part witnessed Claus, the Vehicle and the Deer intentionally and willfully trespass upon the roofs of several residences located adjacent to and in the vicinity of the House, and noted that the Vehicle was heavily laden with packages, toys and other items of unknown origin or nature. Suddenly, without prior invitation or permission, either express or implied, the Vehicle arrived at theHouse, and Claus entered said House via the chimney.

Said Claus was clad in a red fur suit, which was partially covered with residue from the chimney, and he carried a large sack containing a portion of the aforementioned packages, toys, and other unknown items. He was smoking what appeared to be tobacco in a small pipe in blatant violation of local ordinances and health regulations.

Claus did not speak, but immediately began to fill the stocking of the minor children, which hung adjacent to the chimney, with toys and other small gifts. (Said items did not, however, constitute "gifts" to said minor pursuant to the applicable provisions of the U.S. Tax Code.)

Upon completion of such task, Claus touched the side of his nose and flew, rose and/or ascended up the chimney of the House to the roof where the Vehicle and Deer waited and/or served as "lookouts." Claus immediately departed for an unknown destination.

However, prior to the departure of the Vehicle, Deer and Claus from said House, the party of the first part did hear Claus state and/or exclaim: "Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!" Or words to that effect.

-- Author unknown

Cars, Cars, Cars

I have been such a slacker lately. But with so many things going on in my life right, blogging has sort of been put on the back burner. And for that, I'm sorry. I don't have too much to report right now. But my car is in the shop - AGAIN. It's time number 5 I believe since September. It's getting a little ridiculous. But, I would rather get some of these issues fixed while the thing is still under warranty! It all started off with a window problem. My windows go down about a half an inch when you open the car door (due to the convertible top). But then it happened that they wouldn't go back up when the door was shut. That's how this mess all began. And then there is the tiny irritation of the steering wheel radio control not working properly. Each time I would take the car in, they would "fix" it. But once I got it home, I realize it wasn't actually fixed. But through all of these visits to the shop, I have gotten to "test drive" quite a few VWs. I guess that's helpful. I mean, if I'm in the market for a new car, I can knock three off my list of ones to test drive.

Let's see. The first car they loaned me was a beauty. It was the Tiguan. And they gave me the LOADED Tiguan - even better! I absolutely loved this little SUV. It drove great! We had test driven the Touareg at one point and were devastated to realize we didn't like it. It was just so heavy of an SUV. It didn't have much pick up. It was very disappointing. Because if we were going to replace Jeremy's 4Runner, we really thought the Touareg would be a logical choice - then we'd be a VW family. ;-) Anyway, the Touareg is off the list. So after our unfortunate experience with the Touareg, I was skeptical about driving the Tiguan. But I was pleasantly surprised by it. It drove great - not too heavy, but you also didn't feel like you would fly off the road with a small gust of wind. In all honesty, the Tiguan is probably about the same size (and in fact, looks very similar) to the Honda CRV. But I LOVED the Tiguan's sunroof - the whole roof of the car almost was a window. It is so amazing!

So fast forward a few weeks and my car is in the shop again. They tell me they are going to give me a loaner car and I got all excited - thinking I'd get to drive the Tiguan again. Wrong. No such luck. This time I get a base model Passat. I know. I have become a car snob. But come on! No Serius Radio?!? How am I to live???? I was very distraught. Plus, the breaks squeaked really loud. So I didn't get as excited about this loaner. But it was still nice that they offered me a car rather than making me get a rental like the people in the building before them (ahem, BMW).

(BTW, I don't recall this being what the Passat they gave me looked like. It didn't feel so . . . ergonomical. Hmmm....)

Now for the third time, I have been given a loaner car. And this time they were bringing the car to me, rather than me having to drive out to them. FINALLY! I was told via email that I was getting the Tiguan again. I barely slept last night because I was happy (ok, that's an exaggeration, but you get my point). So imagine my disappointment when they show up and it's not the Tiguan, but another Passat. :-( However, this time it is the Passat Wagon. WTF?!? You want to put me in a station wagon????? But then I took a deep breath, and realized "wow, this thing looks nice!" And it is! I just hope that I get to keep it over night so I can properly drive it. I'm in utter shock. Me. Liking a station wagon. Wow. But it's pretty nice. And at least this time they gave me a top of the line one, rather than base-model. Yes, I'm a snob. I've already acknowledged that. Deal with it.

So through all of this I have gotten to test drive three different VW models. I think I may be a VW expert. But through it all, I still love my little baby. She's the best. And I hope they send her back to me all patched up.

Sorry you had to sit through a post about cars. I promise I'm not being paid by VW! But this is what is on my mind today. That's all I got.

The Annual Christmas List Dilemma

Well, it's that time of year again. The holidays. I love them, but they always catch me completely off guard. So over the year, I find myself saying "I really want X" or "I wish someone would buy me Y." Yet, I always seem to forget to actually add these things to a running list that I can then pull out around the holidays (or my birthday or Valentine's Day or our anniversary . . . well you get the point). So without fail, it always comes time to send out my Christmas list - and I can never think of anything to put on it! It's so frustrating. Especially because I know there are things I want. But my mind decides to have a bout of amnesia when it's time to actually come up with the list. So then I try to run around last minute thinking of things to put on the list - some of it is stuff I don't actually care about, but I HAVE to have something on the list. And it's always hard to balance out my price ranges. Usually I have no problem thinking of expensive items. What can I say? I have expensive taste. But when it comes to less-expensive things - you know, the things I'm actually more likely to get - well, my mind draws a blank. This is a yearly routine and you would think I would have learned by now. But, as always, I have received the yearly email from the relatives asking for my Christmas list. And as always, I am lost.

However, there is one definite thing I know I want - and that I actually have a snowball's chance of getting since it isn't overly expensive. It is a Shootsac. This is a wonderful creation by photographer Jessica Claire. She really is a genius. Not only is the Shootsac functional, but it is stylish as well. It could even pass as a large purse/shoulder bag, when you aren't carrying your lenses. This is a definite must-have on every photographer's list. And I want one!

Just look how handy they are!

And you know what would make me extremely happy? If I could also get a great Shootsac cover! They make your Shootsac so much more personal! Unfortunately, one of my favorite covers seems to have been discontinued. This makes me VERY sad. On the bright side, it does help me choose which one I want. Since I was torn between two and now one has mysteriously disappeared, I am down to one that I truly love. BUT, there's even better news. The Shootsacs and the Shootsac covers are on sale! That's right - so the early bird can save if they want to go ahead and buy this for me NOW! And because of the truly awesome sale, you can get me TWO Shootsac covers for the price of ONE. How amazing is that?!? I'm so excited. I will post photos of the covers I am currently intersted in . . . you know. Just in case.

Classic Fling is my top choice now since the other one was discontinued:

And Classic Stylin' is also quite nice. And with the sale, it is only $15!!!

Anyway, I just thought I'd throw this out there. Just in case anyone is reading this blog. And is interested in helping a girl out. Did I mention it's on sale . . . ?

Lednice Castle

So to continue our Europe adventure story . . . We left Prague early in the morning to drive to Vienna. On the border of the Czech Republic, right before we crossed into Austria, we stopped at a little village called Lednice. There wasn't much there except Lednice Castle. Lednice Castle belonged to the Liechtenstein family and was their summer hunting house. Yes, you heard that correctly, the summer hunting house. Must be nice. The castle is surrounded by gardens designed in the "English Garden" style.

Before we left Prague, we went to the local grocery store and bought some cheese and bread and fruit. We also bought a bottle of wine. So when we stopped at Lednice Castle everyone took their food and picked different spots in the garden and set up little picnics. It took us a little time to find the perfect spot - mainly because we were looking for the bathroom and it just so happened that on that specific day every single public restroom was closed. There were some very unhappy - and nervous - people on the tour: me included! Because when I have to go, I HAVE TO GO! Luckily our tour guide was a smooth talker and talked the little hotel next to Lednice Castle into letting our tour group use their restrooms. But we finally got to enjoy our picnic right next to the huge greenhouse. It was very peaceful.

And then we all hit the hotel bathrooms again and were on our way to Vienna.

The "gate" going into the castle grounds.

Lednice Castle (it was under construction).

Lednice Castle was abandoned for so long that it was going into ruins. They are finally trying to reconstruct it.

Lednice Castle and the greenhouse.

The greenhouse.

The castle had a lot of gargoles on it.

The grounds were beautiful!

The English style gardens


All of the flowers were in bloom.

What's the Skinny?

I am so excited about my new purchase I can't stand it. And, no, it's not camera equipment! (shocker I know!). The other day I decided to stroll through Kohl's with a pocket full of coupons, hoping I'd find some loot. And I did! Granted, not as much as I was hoping, but I was still very happy. I bought a few advanced Christmas presents and some bowls for the kitchen and a few drape options for the guest room. But the purchase I was most excited about was my skinny jeans! Yes, you heard correctly. I bought skinny jeans. I couldn't believe it either. I mean, me, in skinny jeans? It's like an oxymoron! Before you say I'm being too hard on myself let me explain. I know that I have curves. What can I say, I'm a curvy girl. And that's not a bad thing. My hips create the illusion that my waist is tinier - and I'm a big fan of that.

But being the curvy girl that I am, I never believed I could pull off a pair of skinny jeans. I usually see them on thin, stick-figured girls (they look more like little boys) and of course they look good on them. And it's not all in my head either - I have actually tried on a pair of skinny jeans before and OMG - they were horrible. A complete disaster. It looked like someone had shoved a pear into a condom. It just wasn't pretty. Ok, so I don't really have the "pear" shape - my legs are tiny. But I do have hips, so when you put something tiny on them and then there is nothing to flair at the bottom to balance them out . . . well I'm sure you can picture it (if you are brave).

But then I had some inspiration. We went to Tampa awhile back for our good friend Jen's 30th birthday. Now Jen is ALWAYS stylish and I've always envied her clothes. So when she came out ready to go out for her birthday, she looked adorable as always. And what did she have on? Skinny jeans! Now the reason this was inpirational to me was because Jen is built similar to myself (except she is in better shape!) - she's got some curves and hips as well. And the jeans looked AMAZING on her! Where did she get them? Ann Taylor Loft. I should have known. It's only my favorite store on Earth - my mecca you could call it. I truly believe I need to take a pilgramage there at least once a month. Unfortunately, Jeremy forbids that - seeing as we would be broke.

So fast forward to the other day. I'm in Kohl's and see some skinny jeans on the rack. And what really made me stop to look is that they are Vera Wang skinny jeans (ok, Simply Vera if I have to be 100% accurate). And I have always wanted to own something Vera! (I do need to give a shout-out to my good friend Laura for buying me my Vera toasting glasses for my wedding - that was my first thing Vera. But I want clothing as well . . . ) So I figured "what the hell? I'll just try them on." And I was pleasantly surprised. They were sort of cute. I put them on. Turned a little in the mirror. Took them off and tried on a few other things. Then put them back on again. This happened a few times. And each time I put them on, I liked them a little more. But what pushed me over the edge to take the plunge was the price. They were 30% off and I had an additional 15% coupon! I just couldn't pass this deal up. So I grabbed them and didn't let myself think twice about it.

The next day I decided to try them on. I rolled them up a tad so they looked like cute capris and then threw on flip-flops and my Alabama jersey and I was sporting it, if I do say so myself. I haven't worn them rolled down yet, but that time will come. I am especially looking forward to wearing them with my UGGs. Finally! A pair of jeans I can wear inside the UGGS without them all bunching up! I still feel a little self-conscious about my hips, but as long as I pair them with a long top, I'm A-OK! *sigh* I'm in love. Oh, so this means if you ever see me in them, and they actually look horroble, please do NOT tell me and let me just continue to be delusional. Thanks!

Prague - 2 of 2

Welcome to America! Oh wait, it's not America, it's just Americanized!




We did a city tour at night with our tour group. We went to a local pub as part of our night tour and this guy came in and played his accordian for us.

Here is the city and Prague Castle by night. Sorry for the clarity of these photos, but I didn't have a tripod.

This is Prague's version of the Eiffel Tower. We were told by our tour guide that Mr. Eiffel was from the Czech Republic (ok, obviously it wasn't just the Czech Republic at that time) and they recreated it in Prague. And the Czech people like to say that their Eiffel Tower is taller than the original - due to the huge hill it is on!

While walking the Charles Bridge, we walked by these street performers.

One night we decided we didn't want to go out to eat and went to the local market across the street from our hotel. The market was completely Czech - nothing, absolutely nothing, was in English. It was a great experience - especially trying to find some cheese! So this is what we got - the local beer (Pilsner Urquell) as well as Budweiser, some cheese (I have no clue what one was and the other was some brie), fruit (apple and grapes), some sausage, and bread. Then we had a little picnic in our room. It was great!

There is a huge metronome (yes it really moves) up on the hill here. See the red pole-like thing? That's it.

Some more of Prague's beautiful bridges and the Vltava River.

The towers on Charles Bridge, Prague's most defining landmark. Until the 19th Century, Charles Bridge was the only bridge to cross the river. There is a statute on the bridge depciting John of Nepomuk - a saint. He was a 14th Century priest to whom the queen told her secrets. When he refused to tell the queen's secrets to the king, Father John was killed and thrown off Charles Bridge. Devout pilgrams touch an engraved plaque to make a wish come true (yes, I touched it!!!!!) There are now other statues on the bridge as well, dating from the late 1600's to early 1700's. However, most are replicas and the originals are in museums.

There were a lot of street vendors on the bridge as well - it reminded me of the French Quarter! The bridge is currently under reconstruction and it gets really crowded during the day because they have one portion of the bridge closed down. So we didn't cross the bridge during the day, but went back at night.

St. Mary the Victorious holds Prague's most precious treasure: The Baby Jesus (aka, the Infant of Prague). The Infant has become famous for worship and miracle tales in Prague and Spanish-speaking countries. South Americans come on pilgrimage to Prague just to see the Baby Jesus.

(yes that's the Baby Jesus in the case)

Church of St. Nicholas (built 1703-1760).

Someone having a little fun with the pedestrian walking sign. There was so much graffiti in Prague, but this was actually funny and unique.

Walking to Prague Castle (up on the hill).

The Na Valech Gardens within Prague Castle. It was so beautiful - a maze of greenery. And there were peacocks roaming around inside!

The Grotto - also in the gardens.

On our last night in Prague we went to Klub Architektu, which was recommended to us by Erin's (Jeremy's sister-in-law) parents (who used to live in Prague). It was also recommended by Rick Steves' guide book. It was in a medieval cellar - we almost couldn't find it because it was off the street in a courtyard-like place and then you had to walk down . . . a lot. Oh and it didn't help that the maps in Prague SUCK! None of them were right - some streets just weren't listed. It was weird. But it was well worth it! We had some original Czech food and it was delicious - the best goulash Jeremy had the whole trip . . . and he ate a lot of goulash!

That's all folks. Next up . . . Vienna!