Happy (almost) Birthday to ME

Let me tell you why I have such an amazing husband.

This weekend, while Trey was doing what he does best, I did what I do best.... For those of you who know us, you probably already know what those two things are. For Trey, it means a few trips to Home Depot and building something. For me, it means shopping.

So while Trey was working extremely hard on a project building new stairs for a client, making some extra money for our family, I was out spending it! Now I have to say that I think “spending” tends to come in waves. At least it does for me. I can go a very good while not really spending leisure money. Of course, there’s always groceries and necessities, but I’m talking about the extras. That being said, I also have to point out that when I shop for things like clothes, shoes, etc., I can get quite a bit for half the cost of one of Trey’s leisure spends. (He’ll be the first to admit that he tends to go for the big ticket items – it’s just in his nature – he doesn’t know how to do things small!) Well, I have to admit that lately my shopping has been a bit of a too regular habit. In my defense (and much to my pleasure), a great deal of it has been more of necessity and not so much want. As I’ve been working towards losing the weight that I gained in the last year, I’ve found a need for new clothes. And luckily, there have been some great deals to be had out there. But just as Trey knows only big ticket items, I seem to only know big quantity. And so back to my point that, at least for me, spending and shopping seems to go in waves and I’ve been on a pretty big wave this last month.

So all weekend, Trey was working. And today, among errands, April and I found our way to the mall. We’ve both been “needing” (and by needing I mean wanting) a good new handbag. Well of course, we found just what we were looking for. After much debating (and I am talking MUCH debating), we both decided to make the purchase. Immediately (before we were even out of the parking lot), we were discussing, debating, and deciding. Not with much luck either. As soon as one of would talk the other or ourself into taking it back, we’d starting talking the other or ourself into keeping it. We both went back and forth at least 6 times. Once we got home, we put all of our stuff in our new bags and looked at them again… still can’t decide. So I’ve now decided to talk to Trey about it and see what he thinks, but by the time he calls that he’s on his way home (all done with his job!), I’ve pretty much decided that I need to take it back. So Trey is telling me about his project, and the money he made, and I said – Good, because I was bad! He warily asks me what I mean by bad. I told him about the handbag, and that I shouldn’t have spent the money and I think I’m going to take it back. And his response – Happy Birthday Baby – you’re keeping the handbag!

So to my wonderful husband, who knows me so well, thank you… For your heart of gold, your unconditional love, and for letting me pick out my own birthday present (even though we both know I’d already gotten my birthday present)!!

Happy Anniversary

Last week was a very special occasion... on Thursday Trey and I celebrated our 3rd anniversary. Wow - I can't believe it's been 3 years already. Time really does fly by. We celebrated in our usual fashion. Good Food and Good Company. We went for a really nice dinner (and it was DELICIOUS!!) and spent our time just talking and enjoying each other's company.

It amazes me how much has happened in 3 years, and how the place we are at in our lives is just how I pictured and also not at the same time. We've been through a great deal together and more and more, I am so grateful to have such a supportive, wonderful, loving husband. To think, this time 3 years ago I never would have foreseen the past year of medical saga I've gone through. And although I NEVER would have doubted Trey would be there every step of the way, I don't think I ever imagined the way in which he'd be there for me. He seems to find just the right balance of creating dependence and independence. I know I can lean on him and he'll be there, and I know he'll do anything for me. But at the same time, I can be my own person and find my own strength too.

There are so many things I love about Trey... One of the things that is best about him is how diverse it is. I realize that may sound really silly, but bear with me. The thing about Trey is that he stays interesting. I think this is because he is an expert at covering all sides.

I love the way he takes on projects with such zest and eagerness. And yet it's also what wears me out since I have to hear every detail of every project even though most of what he is saying makes no sense and has no meaning for me.

I love his complete meticulousness. (I know this needs no elaboration since you know Trey too!) He is the only other person in this world who keeps a closet the way I do. He measures everything to the exact right spot, and when he does something it is to perfection. Sometimes this means it takes longer than I'd like, but he always gets it done right! I love the way everything has a place with him. I just wish that the place wasn't sitting on the floor in the middle of the room or on the counter out in the open! But marriage is about compromise, right?!

And I even love the way he teases me (though sometimes I wish he'd move on!!).

I love the way he regards "my" family as his own (as I do "his" is mine!). I love the wonderful father he is to Madelyn. I love the amount of respect he has for those who earn it. He doesn't give his respect easily, but once he does, you know it is meaningful.

And Trey can make me laugh like no one else can. Sometime I'm laughing because he's funny, and sometimes I'm laughing at him because he thinks he's funny. But regardless, we laugh. And that is so important.

So 3 years later, I'm reminded how lucky I am. I'm married to the person that is as perfect for me as can be. He understands me, and tolerates me, and loves me unconditionally. And what more could I ask for?!

Trick or Treat

Halloween has once again come and gone. But this year was really exciting because Madelyn was in Dallas for trick or treating. So, we got her a little early on Friday in an effort to get home at a decent time, scarf down sandwiches for dinner, and get into costume.

She was the most beautiful SPIDERWITCH I've ever seen. We got her costume a while ago. And last week, I called her to determine what kind of make-up and accessories I needed to get. So I asked her, do you want to be a "pretty" spiderwitch, or a "scary" spiderwitch, and she said - "what do you think I should be"? So we discussed her options and what we could do for each, and she decided... "I want to be a pretty spiderwitch because that would be more delightful"!!! I'm telling you - she just cracks me up.

So I bought some bold blue eye shadow, and we curled her hair. Jennifer sent some fabulous long spider web designed fingernails, so we glued fake nails on her. Yes - I said that right... glued. They came with nail glue (no more of those little sticky tabs that never worked when I was a kid). Well, Madelyn ROCKED her costume. She looked really great!

So, we set out for trick or treating. It wasn't an easy task. First, April's camera batteries kept dying, so back in the house we went for more (you know we have to get some good pictures!). Then, we got a few houses down, and Trey said - oops, I should have brought my flashlight, so back to the house we went. But finally, we set down our street ready to get some candy. As we walked, we became increasingly disappointed. For every house that was "open", there was 4 - 5 houses that didn't have their lights on. There weren't very many people out. I guess our neighborhood just doesn't have a ton of kids. All in all, we spent about an hour or so trick or treating (and walked about 1 1/2 miles - makes up a little for the candy!). But the good thing is that Madelyn could have cared less... she got tons of candy and really had a great time! And there were a few houses that people really got into it so that was fun.

While we were out, we left a bowl of candy on the porch for trick or treaters - fully expecting that the first group to come by would clean us out. When we got home, the bowl was still practically full!! We were shocked.

So now that we were home, it was time to wash off all that makeup and get ready for bed - we were all exhausted. Silly me, I thought surely Madelyn's nails would be low impact glue since they are for kids. Well, it wasn't. We couldn't get her nails off!!! And let me tell you - she was completely helpless with them. Things like getting undressed, brushing her teeth, going potty - all needed help!!! It was really funny. So the next day, we got acetone nail polish remover, and Madelyn went to "Daddy's Nail Salon", where she soaked her fingers and Trey nudged each nail off. HILARIOUS!! (Then, of course, we had to go to the "real" nail salon to get mani's and pedi's.) But before Saturday when Trey got her nails off, April managed to capture this moment...

Here's a few others... Check out the great pumpkin that Trey carved for Madelyn.

Planner of the Year

Last week had a very exciting event for me. Mom’s surgery was scheduled for Thursday, so I told everyone at work that I would be off on Thursday and Friday to go be with her. Several hours later, I get a notice for a planning meeting from our Exec VP – Mandatory. Oh great, I thought. So I talked to my boss, who tried to get it moved to another day with no success. So I talked to mom, who had already said Allan would take her and we worked out a plan – I’d leave immediately after my meeting and be in Houston by the afternoon. I hated not being there for her actual surgery, but I thought – this will work fine. So now Thursday rolls around, and in the morning we had our company annual merchant recognition awards, to be followed by my meeting (or so I thought). I had all of my materials ready for the meeting - stayed late the night before, (missing my step class), to be sure I was organized and ready so I could jet out right after. We headed down for the merchant awards… First was the “star awards” – recognizing those offices that achieved their spring season and annual plans. Next up was Assistant Buyers of the Year – one from each division. WOOHOO – Alex was awarded… so well deserved!! Next up came “risk takers” awards – several winners from across the company. Then came the announcement of the Merchandise Planner of the year…

Here is the script given by our Exec VP of Planning:
This award was established to recognize the merchandise planner who fosters a dynamic business partnership with the merchants, the stores and the vendors. It’s their job to balance inventory and sales…and to maintain profit and stock plan objectives.

The Planner of the Year is versatile with tremendous resolve. She is always in command of the countless circumstances in her division that demand her immediate attention. She spends most of her time analyzing the business to determine what is needed to drive sales. She challenges her team everyday to consider business-maximizing opportunities.

Her constant and consistent communication with the stores has earned her respect at all levels. From Merchandise Mangers to DSA’s to sales staff she is admired and considered a valued member of the team.

She is actively involved in many company committee task forces and test pilots. Additionally, she spends significant time training each new Executive Development class on projections and planning theory. That’s no small achievement!

Please join me in congratulating 2008’s Planner of the Year, Sarah Gourley, Senior Merchandise Planner, St. John! Congratulations Sarah!


I was completely shocked, surprised, and honored to receive this amazing award!! And, the $500 cash, free parking for 1 year, and gorgeous Steuben crystal are a huge bonus as well!





So as you can probably now imagine, I didn’t have a mandatory meeting this morning, but my entire team, and family, had been conniving on a way to make sure I was there! I still smile when I think about how lucky I am to work with such amazing people to recongnize me in such a huge way.

It's been a while...

Well, it’s been a very long time since I posted – I know. Things have been crazy busy in the last few weeks.

Let’s see… lots of excitement going on.

First of all, to those that may have not known (though I think most of you do), my mom had gallbladder surgery a week ago. She is doing GREAT! Her surgery was Thursday, Oct 16. I went Thursday afternoon to Houston after a “meeting” (I’ll get to that) at work. I was in Houston by late afternoon and spent the weekend with her, trying to take care of her (but you know how stubborn and self sufficient she can be so that wasn’t an easy task!). She was very sore, moving slowly, etc., but in true Carol fashion, she was up and moving and doing really well. By Friday morning, we were at Best Buy (we both got TV’s for our kitchens – more on that later), Walmart where she could drive the cart, and our usual shopping, and running around. You know we just can’t stay in the house for very long. We went to Bed Bath and Beyond and got her a very cool new coffee pot (I want one!). And on Saturday, Allan, Megan, Mia, and Aurelia came over for lunch and to spend the day. We went to Target for more running around (and cart driving for mom), and Megan and I made dinner for everyone. We had a really great time just hanging out. But then Sunday came oh so fast, and it was time for me to head home, unpack from the weekend, and repack for a week in California. So, most importantly here is that mom is doing really well – she went back to work this past Wednesday and eased back into full days. She’s still tired and sore from her surgery, but recovering as she should and will hopefully be feeling better than ever very soon!!!

I’m very excited to now be the proud owner of a flatscreen TV in my kitchen!! When we first moved into the house and had the cable come out to install outlets and cable wiring, I said it was crazy and there is no need for a TV in the kitchen. Boy, was I wrong. When mom said she was getting one in hers, I started to think even more about it. The thing is… I spend A LOT of time in the kitchen, and if you know the layout of our house, there is no access to TV anywhere near. It will be really nice to be able to watch my evening shows or a movie (the TV has a built in DVD player – I know… over the top, but nowadays it’s pretty standard!). The cable people came out on Monday while I was in California, and Trey already has it hung. I’m so excited – I can’t wait to get home and cook!!!

The Pumpkin Patch

This past weekend, we took Madelyn to a Pumpkin Patch. I had never been, and when April suggested it, I was so excited! Turns out, Trey had never been either, and he was excited too. So Sunday morning, after we went to step class, we came home, showered, ate lunch, and got ready to head out. I have to say, the anticipation was killing me! But before we went, I was sure to put on lots of sunblock, and take an umbrella to stay out of the sun.

So we went to the Owen's Pumpkin Patch in Richardson. It's only about 10 minutes from our house. We got a "deal" on our admission because one of April's friends from school works for Owen's and was working there. Woohoo - we love a good deal.

They had tons of pumpkins set up (great pictures), and rows of pumpkins for you to chose from. We did a hay ride, Madelyn fed goats, etc. Madelyn and Trey picked a HUGE pumpkin to carve for Halloween. All in all, we had a really great time and I glad we went. BUT, I will say, that I'm not good for the next 20 + years! It's just not something I feel the need to do every year.

We did get some good pics...

SECURITY

A word with so many meanings. And especially these days, it’s not so much about feeling a sense of security, but a lack of. I try to follow all of the things going on in the market and with our economy, but to be honest, I just can’t. First of all, I find it very difficult to understand. And quite frankly, I’m just not willing to put in the time and effort to understand it all. And second, I just can’t chose to follow it all. I could make myself crazy trying to analyze, and get completely frustrated with it all, but what good would it really do. As my mom’s favorite saying goes – it is what it is. So I figure no sense in getting too caught up in it all.

So, dictionary.com gives the following definitions (remember when we used to reference good ole, heavy, hard cover Websters!):

1. freedom from danger, risk, etc.; safety.
2. freedom from care, anxiety, or doubt; well-founded confidence.
3. something that secures or makes safe; protection; defense.
4. freedom from financial cares or from want:
5. precautions taken to guard against crime, attack, sabotage, espionage, etc
6. a department or organization responsible for protection or safety
7. protection or precautions taken against escape; custody
8. an assurance; guarantee.
9. Law. a. something given or deposited as surety for the fulfillment of a promise or an obligation, the payment of a debt, etc.
b. one who becomes surety for another.
10. an evidence of debt or of property, as a bond or a certificate of stock.

So instead of focusing on the lack of security we are all feeling from the current economic situation, I’ll focus on a different kind of security.I have a strong sense of security in my family. There is a tremendous, unexplainable feeling that comes with the security of unconditional love. The kind of love a parent has for a child, or a husband or wife for their spouse. There is a great sense of security that comes with being a part of people’s lives, through thick and thin, and knowing that you will always be there for them, and them for you. There is a strong sense of security in loyalty, commitment, and love – all things that I am so grateful to have being surrounded by amazing family and friends.