Day Date

Shonn and I have both been so busy that we joke it's like we're dating againg - we only see each other on weekends.  An example of our hectic lifestyle was the week leading up to Christmas break (deep breath)... On Monday night, I supervised a game; Tuesday, Shonn had a game; Wednesday, I supervised; Thursday, his team played; and Friday, I chaperoned a dance.  And so it goes.  We've found it surprising that I'm doing less this year, but because it's in a different school system, our schedules don't align as much as they did previously.  Even though we both coached last year, we were traveling to the same games, on the same nights, on the same bus... You get the picture.

So, we're back to dating!  Unfortunately, we don't have the energy we had the first time around, so we've started day-dating.  It's so fun.  We'll plan a full day of activities and end the day at home.  This week we took a day-date to St. Louis and did a little shopping/returning at the Mills outlet mall.  (We've found that the Mills is one of the only places we can shop together and remain a happily dating married couple - the Cabela's there is large enough to buy me plenty of shopping time in the stores I like.  )

This is the only picture Shonn would let me take (funny how he isn't as "Sure, babe, whatever you want..." as he was when we first dated...) It was really cute, when we took this picture there was a little boy (probably 18 months old) across from us who noticed the flash and yelled, "CHEESE!"  It was hilarious because Shonn got so embarrassed.  

I love the car time, too, because we get a chance to really talk...or play Would You Rather.

If you have any great day-date destination ideas, let me know.

Jenn Sighting!

Do you have one of those friends you can miss for months, but then when you see each other, it's like you pick up right where you left off?  I love that!  Jenn is one of those friends.  She and I became really good friends at Eastern (ahh, the years of mid-day napping, backless shirts, unnatural oompa-loompa tans in January, and Ikes...) and have been close ever since.  Jenn was my guardian angel when I moved back from Cincinnati with nothing except a really great wardrobe and a convertible whose window wouldn't go down.  She let me park next to her BMW in her really nice condo, gave me an amazing place to stay and an unconditional listening ear, and was just a really great friend when I needed one.

Anway, life gets in the way, but when we get a chance to get together, it's always so fun.  We met for dinner in Decatur (her work region changed-yay!) and didn't stop talking from 5:00 to 10:00, except when sipping wine or occasionally pausing to eat.

Unfortunately, I didn't take a picture, so here's an oldie-but-goodie of Jenn (left) with one of my other besties, Maria.  (Her blog, BRAMFAM, is listed to the left.)

Annnnnnd, I've begun reminiscing, so here's an Ike's pic with an Alpha Gam reference.  (Don't know who Sara Wils--- is, but 10 years ago, that would have been us.  Classy.)

New Tradition

This year, Shonn and I decided to start a new Christmas Eve tradition.  This decision was actually accidental, resulting from two factors: 1) We hadn't eaten prior to Christmas Eve church service, and 2) We have decided not to eat out as much this year.  Sooo...what's a couple to do when there is no crockpot full of deliciousness awaiting their return?  From this question our new tradition was created. (Isn't there a saying about necessity being the mother of all invention?)  We decided to head to the grocery store and buy seafood to prepare and eat at home.  Fun!  We both love seafood and on vacations or at restaurants, we order it often, but we rarely make shrimp, crab legs, or lobster at home.  Shonn does cook fish really well, but we were ready for something more exotic and festive. 

County Market was closed, and although inconvenient for us, I was glad for them, so we went to Walmart.  (I know what you're thinking: You're going to get something "exotic and festive" at Walmart? Our options were limited, people. 7:30 on Christmas Eve.)  As we walked in the doors, for the first time EVER, I heard the words, "Walmart will close in thirty minutes..."  Whaaat?  It actually closes?  (Thought in the style of Santa on the M & M commercial - They ARE real!)

Anyway, we bought crab legs, pasta supplies, and more champagne than necessary.  Here are some pictures of us preparing our meal. 

We had a great night, made a huge mess, and ate way too much.  Sounds like a wonderful tradition to me!

30...and counting.

I turned 30 waaay back in March.  I specified no surprises. (I need to plan my outfit, hair, and accessories for these things, so surprises are typically out) It was a lovely evening with Shonn, Mom, and Dad.  And cake.