5 Years Ago

Five years doesn't seem that long ago.  The year 2005 held some unexpected surprises for me.  The beginning of that year, I starting running because I hit the heaviest weight of 180.  From January to April, I had lost 20 pounds.  That May, my then new-found friend, Shannon, moved to Missouri.  We hung out almost all the time when she lived here.  I remember playing lots and lots of volleyball...and knitting a lot too.  We created friendships at Smiley's Coffeehouse, including my now-husband, Eric.  We always had a good time.  But like I said, she moved. 
It was that summer where I would occasionally see Eric and I would always want him to open up to me more....just as friends.  He would call me late at night just to talk because he couldn't sleep or some excuse like that.  That July, I expressed my feelings to Eric (very forward, I know).  Even though he shot me down, I never let it affect my friendship with him.  He was/is a great guy to hang out with and fun to be around.  We ended up calling each other more frequently and hanging out more often throughout the month of August.  Then, I think it hit him like a ton of bricks....he finally told me that he had a crush on me on Labor Day (September 5th). 
September happened way too fast for me that I may not have the timing right.  (I'm looking at that year's calendar right now.)  September 10th - 13th, I was in Nashville for my work's tradeshow.  I remember talking to Eric on the phone during every break I could get.  When I got back, he left a gift for me by my front door....socks.  Don't ask me why because I seriously forget the reason behind that.  But I remember the feeling I had when I saw him for the first time.  I was elated and on cloud nine.  On the 15th or 16th, I remember having dinner with my dad and my stepmom, Connie.  I brought Eric along and they got to meet him for the first time.  My dad gave him a hard time like he would with any of my friends.  And Eric was nervous as all get out!  Then the 17th was our very first date.  Eric's plan was to take me to Maggiano's in Tampa but the wait was 2 1/2 hours and he also didn't expect the price to be THAT high.  So we opted for the Cheesecake Factory.  I don't know why but I had a disposable camera with me and I had our waiter take our picture.  That picture is framed and in our house.
Then tragedy happened in September.  I got a call really late on the 24th that Connie was in a severe car accident; to the point that it ignited a fire.  She was rushed to Tampa General because they have the best burn unit.  Long story short, Connie passed 5 days later, the 29th.  Writing this, I know it came about abruptly but I'd rather not focus on her passing.  I have very fond and memorable moments of our time together and that's what I'll hold onto.  While she was in the hospital for those 5 long days, I never saw her.  My dad kinda didn't want me to because he wanted me to remember her alive, vibrant and beautiful and I respected his wishes. 

I mainly brought Eric into this story because he was someone I could lean on during that time.  He probably didn't know what to say but the fact that he was always there meant a lot to me.  So five years ago, I lost someone very close to me.  But as you can see, God was preparing a lifetime friend to help me cope. 

Praise the Lord!            

Fantasy Update

Well, since last week, I actually ended up in 4th place.  In Week 3, I'm head to head with our league's 3rd place player.  All of her players played yesterday and I still have 3 to play tonight, including my quarterback Aaron Rodgers.  I am behind by 41.49 points and the projected sum of points I should get is 32.36.  That means I need at least 9.14 extra points from one if not all 3 players tonight.  Can we say nerve racking?! 

I don't think I've ever analyzed something so much before in all my life!  Stats mean nothing when going week to week.  My sister-in-law can attest that her best players have been doing absolutely awful in the times they should be doing their best.  One of my friends said this NFL - No Friggin Logic.  Ain't that the truth! 

So...if I win, I'll be in 3rd place.  If I lose, I'll still be in 4th.  Go Aaron Rodgers, Jermichael Finley and Robbie Gould!  Make your fantasy owner proud!!!

Weekend Recap

As I'm sitting here, watching the Jets game with my husband, I'm trying to think of what we did this weekend.  Friday night....I forget.  Saturday....Eric did yard work while Gavin and I lounged around the house.  Sunday....we went to church then watched football all day while Gavin went to the beach with Aunt Heather and cousin Dylan.  So even though our weekend was uneventful, I'm remembering certain funny things that happened. 

Like I said before, Eric did yard work on Saturday.  He was trimming our bushes when he went a little trim-happy.  One bush has one side missing leaves!  HAHA!  The other funny thing about Eric's yard work is that he didn't clean up after himself.  NO JOKE!  Our yard and our walkway is covered with branches, leaves, trash bags, and cables.  I know for a fact that our neighbors are saying, "What the heck?!"  I'm looking forward to that day where our yard doesn't look like trailer trash.  Maybe I should help him one of these days. 

Gavin has been making me laugh for days now.  He's starting to shrug his shoulders when I ask him where something is.  "Where?" he'll say.  He amazes me by the way he reacts to the things I say.  If I say, "Nite, nite," he'll go to the chair where I rock him (as you've seen on video).  If I say, "Let's go get changed," he'll go to the changing table and wait for me to pick him up.  If I say, "Are you hungry?" he'll run to his high chair and will try to climb it.  The list could go on and on of his actions by what I say.  This morning, I almost died laughing.  I was in the shower and Gavin was running around the house (no worries, Eric was watching him).  Well, Gavin was talking to me while I was taking a shower. So, I peeked me head out and I saw my underwear hanging around his neck and he was just smiling and laughing!  I yelled, "ERIC!  DID YOU DO THAT?!"  Then Eric came in and started laughing and said, "No!"  That made me laugh even more!  It looked like Gavin was trying to put my underwear on like a shirt. 

And for my last funny moment....a few days ago, we figured out that we have workout videos On Demand on our tv.  We made an agreement that we would do an ab workout every other day (starting today).  So Eric picked the video and we started....I think I got more of an ab workout laughing at my husband than actually following the exercises.  I think within the first minute he started complaining!  I wish I could've gotten us on video because it was bad.  We got through the first day though but I'm not sure how long this agreement will last. 

Hope you had a great weekend and made funny memories as we did!    

Mini-E

If you haven't seen Gavin's "Wow" video, you need to.  The very first nano-second, Gavin made a facial expression that reminded me of a picture I took of Eric 4 years ago.  I searched and searched through my files for that old picture but couldn't find it.  Then I remembered that I used that picture in photobooks I created for his parents back in 2006.  I asked Shutterfly.com how I could get it back in my files and they responded with easy, step-by-step instructions.  So here it is....My E and my Mini-E.

Secret Obsession

For those of you that truly know me, you'll know that I'm a little obsessed with Superman.  In a fictitous world, there's a savior that brings hope to their world.  He fights crime and evil to make that world a better place.  To this day, I still think the creators of Superman are Christians.  When I think of Superman, I always think of Jesus and how He came to this earth as a human to "save" it.  So, even though I'm a little obsessed with Superman, I'm extremely blessed to have my own personal Savior. :)

On that note, Smallville will be premiering their final season this Friday night.  Ten seasons of how Clark Kent became Superman...wow.  Six years ago, I started collecting this series on dvd.  I think I stopped at Season 6 because I couldn't afford it anymore.  I had to watch the rest of them through Netflix because I either didn't have cable or a dvr to record the episodes.  I felt out of the loop for awhile.  But I just finished Season 9 last night.  So I'm all caught up and ready for the Final Season. :(

Eric has been very understanding about my tv programs and he tries to get into them like I do but he really doesn't like them.  There are a few shows besides Smallville that I have to watch alone:  Glee, Parenthood, Hellcats, Chuck.  So if you watch any of these shows and would like to talk about them, I'm open for discussion! :)

Updated Media

Welcome to our blog, Frank! :)

Getting ready for Nite-nite



Warning:  Loud wind sounds on video.

Here, Gavin learned a new word, "WOW!"  And with great concentration, he'll have a good arm....

My Newfound Gardener

Ever since we bought the house, we've been worried that our neighbors are anxiously wondering when we're going to fix up our lawn.  I'll be honest, it's a little trashy.  Eric pulled out the bushes near the front window awhile ago and he just left the debris to be taken by the wind.  Then we have an ugly, big-rooted, lifeless tree in the middle of our yard that needs to be pulled out as well.  We never mow our lawn when our neighbors do so our yards are out of sync.  And to top it all off, I think we have wasp nests in our intact bushes. 

I think it was a few weeks ago, Eric started to grow a green thumb.  The ideas kept spinning round and round in his head.  Then finally, this past weekend, the idea went into full swing!  He bought some vine growing plants that he put near our garage and around our lamp post.  And get this, they have color!  He definitely not done but we're taking it weekend by weekend.  We had family over last night and one of the first things Eric said was, "Did you see my flowers?!"  He doesn't read my blogs so I'm giving you a heads up.  If/when you come over, ask about the flowers!  :)

Like I said, we had family over last night to celebrate my dad's birthday.  Beforehand, we all went to the beach.  I, personally, haven't taken Gavin to the beach since June but he has gone with my dad a few times.  Well, Gavin just cracked me up!  He was running all over the place; chasing seagulls, running in the water, visiting sunbather strangers, digging with his toys and all of this without rest.  Watching him was exhausting.  When we got home, we could tell he was tired but he was fighting it.  He definitely loves the attention when we have visitors.  I'll post pictures and videos soon. 

Have a great week!

P.S.  My fantasy football team DESTROYED my opponent by 45 points!  I think that moves me from 5th to 3rd....but I won't find out officially until tonight. 

My Bubble

Lately, I've been catching up with the news (local, world, sports, entertainment) on the internet.  I'll tell you what....I hate the news!  I remember why I don't watch it on tv.  The stories that are published make me sick to my stomach.  It's always about children getting killed, political controversies, injured athletes and arrested drug-abused celebrities.  I'm sure there's good news somewhere in the world. 

I know where....right in my own little bubble.  After reading all the horror that is happening, I'm determined to create good news on a daily basis.  Yesterday's good news was that Eric got his new work schedule with Stages Productions!  AND Gavin slept so peacefully and has been going down without a fight!  AND I finished a workout video that I haven't been able to complete....ever! 

See, we are surrounded by good news in this world.  We just gotta find it ourselves if the media wants to focus on the negative.  The good always outweighs the bad! :)

Did I Leave The House?

As I'm thinking about this past weekend, I'm asking myself, "Did I even leave the house?!"  I did but I didn't go far and didn't stay out for very long.

Friday night, we had our friends, the Kalils, over for dinner.  We figured we needed to spend time with them before their baby girl arrives and no time would be allotted to us! :)  We had fun chatting, laughing and airing out our marriages' dirty laundry.  It's nice to know that other couples share our fun, blissful transitions as well. :)   

Saturday involved a well executed accomplishment of cleaning out the garage!  I WISH I had taken before and after pictures.  I keep walking out there to see the improvement and I just smile with joy.  We definitely worked as a team in the middle of the hot, disgusting day with many breaks and a lot of trash we encountered.  It's hard to believe we held onto certain "crap" that just collected dust in storage.  That day, I think we left to go to the Seminole Rec and then to the grocery store (all within a 1 mile radius). 

Sunday, we stayed home ALL day.  Eric left twice to go to Home Depot and then again to the grocery store.  I wasn't feeling well (I'm ok now) and I didn't want to go anywhere or do anything.  So I stayed in my pj's all day.  I think those kinda days are allowed at least once a year.  We ended up watching football ALL DAY LONG!  And guess what, my fantasy team sucked!  My big name players let me down BIG time.  All I can do is just take the loss and hope for a win next week. 

Here are some pictures and a video of our laziness....

I told you we were lazy.

That Little Stinker

If I misspell something or use incorrect grammar in this blog, I have a reason.  I'm exhausted.  Last night was awful as has this whole week.  I'd like to blame it on Gavin's teeth that are coming in but it's not entirely true.  It would help if I went to bed early KNOWING that I would have to get up in the middle of the night.  But no, I stay up late with my beloved DVR.  Ain't life grand when you can record tv? 

Last night, however, was the first game of the NFL season.  And we HAD to watch the whole thing.  Eric was fighting to stay awake while I was getting frustrated that my kicker wasn't kicking as much as I had hoped.  But the tv watching didn't stop when the game did.  Eric went to bed and I continued to watch a show I recorded the night before.  Did I mention that it was an hour long?  Thank goodness for the fast forward button!  Needless to say, I didn't plop in bed until 12:30-1:00.

An hour and a half later, Gavin's gums decide to throb with pain.  So I'm back up with Oragel in hand, baby in arms and just rockin' away.  That took about 20 minutes and he went down quietly.  So where does that put us?  Around 3:00?  Ok....then Gavin actually wakes up for good around 5:00.  MEANING, I only had about 3 1/2, maybe 3 hours of sleep.  We watched the Disney Channel as I laid on the couch and Gavin sitting up answering, "No" to all of Mickey's questions.  How can you say "No" to Mickey?!

Eric wakes up at 7:00 and gets ready for work.  I get Gavin ready for Ms. Shirley's.  Then at 7:30 they both leave without a fuss.  On their way to Ms. Shirley's I get this picture through text.....

"He's asleep."

   
That little stinker....

Videos

New Word

Gavin learned a new word this weekend.  "Up."  He loves climbing and crawling on our new couch but when he knows he can't quite get up by himself, he says, "Up," while holding up his arms.  He also loves to be held.  He'll run over and hug my legs then will look up and say, "Up," while once again holding up his arms.  I'm trying to teach him the word, "Yes," because the answer to EVERY question is "No" and with such attitude too.  Wonder where he gets it from?

Labor Day Weekend was less stressful than previous weekends.  Friday night was me watching Camp Rock 2.  Yes, I realize that I am not in middle school but I must say that the music and choreography was quite impressive.  It was such a hit that it distracted Eric from schoolwork....my bad.  Saturday morning, Eric went straight to work and completed his schoolwork without distraction.  Gavin and I took a nice long walk and just got to hang out together.  Then the three of us attended a baby shower for our friends, the Kalil's.  Saturday night, I was invited to a Girls' Night Out (which was actually in) and I had a great time.  I only knew one person but her friends were incredible that I hope I can make them my own friends. :)  It was nice to stay out past my curfew too! 

Sunday morning, we attended church and Gavin acts like he owns the place.  He walks around during worship and I try to catch him so as to not be a distraction but I sometimes fail.  Afterwards, I took Gavin to Largo Central Park while Eric worked on more schoolwork.  LCP has a huge open field and Gavin just ran around and around.  Then he heard a little "Choo Choo" noise.  Apparently, every first weekend of the month, they run a small train set around a portion of the park.  We didn't go on it but Gavin would wave at the people passing by and they would wave back with "Aws".  It was quite cute. 

Monday....we didn't do much.  We tried to look for more area rugs but Target didn't have the greatest selection.  But we did get a few more things for the house.  Then we ate dinner at Mema's house and had the BEST PORK EVER!!!  Gavin literally stuffed his face with all the food we gave him.  You'd think we didn't feed him at all!  Anyhow, that was our weekend.....

Key to Cleaning

Last night, while Eric was at school and Gavin was in bed, I cleaned! I tried to clean the tile floors and I organized all of our books on our shelf. I tried to remove everything off the dining table and I got rid of the boxes just lying around. Then I figured it out....the key to cleaning is to dump EVERYTHING in the garage! No one will go out there and it stores all the junk we haven't used in years! I LOVE garages! Just kidding....sorta. I did put all the boxes of junk out there as well as Gavin's baby-baby items and Dylan's hand-me-down clothes. We have a broken futon and a broken dishwasher we need to throw away as well as our old mattress to sell. As you'll see in a moment, we have bare walls which will be remedied once Eric gets the nails out of his car. We're also missing a desk between the two columns of books. Eric's coworker is giving us her cherry wood desk but since she's out of town we're not sure when we'll get it. Alright, here are the pictures....

Cutest Smile Ever!