An apology to my dear husband

Why is it that the things that we hold most dearly in our hearts are the things that we hold most loosely in our hands? Wouldn't you think we would have learned this lesson by now? You know, to hold on tight and never take anything or anyone for granted?

I think back to yesterday. I was all in a tizzy because I had an appointment to meet with the CPA. I hurriedly dropped my husband off at the airport for his week long trip, gave him a rushed kiss goodbye and an "I love you" he could barely understand, and off I went to the appointment. As I drove there, a million "to do's" ran through my mind. Never once did I think that in the blink of an eye, that rushed kiss could be the last time my lips ever touch my husband's lips. Or that mumbled "I love you" might be the last thing I ever get to say to him.

But, the thought crossed my mind last night . . . and I was sad. And ashamed. Because anyone who knows me knows that losing my husband would be the most devastating thing in the world to me. In fact, it's hard for my little brain to comprehend how I could function and keep living my life without him. I know that my Lord Jesus Christ would somehow carry me through . . . but it just seems impossible. I guess what I'm saying is the goodbye I gave him yesterday (and I ashamed to say several other times) was/is not at all representative of my love for him. And it should be. That kiss should be a kiss that carries him through the whole week and makes him look forward to coming home. And that I love you should ring so clear that it echoes in his heart and mind until he's back with us again.

Hubby, I love you very much and so appreciate all that you do for me and our family. I'm sorry for not giving you the attention that you deserve. I look forward to the day when I can wrap my arms around you again. Ok, if my parents or my in-laws and reading this, close your eyes ---- XXXOOO (I mean, who wants your parents or his to see you kiss right?)

Hard lesson learned!

Ok, so this is what happens when Hubby comes home after three weeks of being away.



Look closely - that's the lining hanging out the end of the legs of the pants. What you see is my favorite Ann Taylor trousers (no, I did not pay $168 for them -- they were on sale!). They are dry clean only. Well, Hubby, seeing as he's been gone for the last three weeks, was unaware that the laundry basket held all laundry - even my dry clean items. So, in his attempt to "help out", he washed my trousers (sniff! sniff!)

His response, "I don't think it's such a good idea to put the dry clean items in the laundry basket!"

My response, "Well I never thought you'd actually wash them!"

To my pants: I will miss you dearly. You were one of 3 pairs of pants that actually fit me. You were elegant, sophisticated and brought out the best in me. I'll never forget you. Rest in peace my friend. (sniff! sniff!)

Who's been sleeping in my bed?

Yes, he's still alive after two weeks . . . can you believe it? And Hubby got a kick out of doing this to me!

Funky Friday

Ok, it's Friday and I've been up for the past two nights coughing up a lung. No seriously, I think I lost one last! So, in the spirit of colds and viral infections, I've titled my post accordingly. Back away from your monitor . . . this stuff may be contagious!

Anyway . . . enough talk about mucus and coughing and infections (cough! cough!)

In a moment of sheer impulse, I scheduled myself an appointment at the hair salon last night. I'm a hair stylists dream come true. Here's my hair philosophy:

"It's just hair! It'll grow back!"

So, I went in to see my trustee hair stylist, who, might I add, I have been seeing for at least 3 years. And in all those years, there have been several, ok alot, of times that I have walked away from her chair thinking, "Hmm . . . not exactly the look I was going for, but it will do, I guess." Then, I go home and make a few minor adjustments and voila . . . better!

Well, I had this revalation last night that I needed a change. I needed something shorter. A little sassy. A little sexy. A little . . . well, just different. So, I showed my stylist a couple of pictures I had snipped from a magazine and gave her permission to work her magic. She was a little afraid at first. She asked me what prompted this need for change. (I mean, she needed to be sure that this was not a hormone induced request. You know--one of those days when you hate your hair, you hate your clothes, you hate everything! And then the next day you're fine, right?) So, I assured her that this was a well thought out decision (not!) and I would be perfectly fine with whatever she did to my hair.

Two hours later . . . Y'all! I look like a boy! No seriously, I do! I climbed out of that chair trying so hard not to show disappointment or cry 'cause remember, I said I'd be fine! But I really just wanted to pay my bill as fast as possible and get the heck outta there!

So, on the drive home, I thought to myself, What have I done? Ok, ok, is it really that bad? (Looking in the mirror) Yikes, it is, it is! And I've got family coming into town this weekend. Great! Just great! I look like I've been scalped. Oh, what will hubby say about this? I was just supposed to be going in for a trim and here I come out looking like one of his guy friends!

So, I get home, walk through the door and shout, in the general direction of my husband, "It's short, really short! I'm sorry and I don't like it!"

Hubby turns around, looks at me and says the words every woman with a bad haircut wants to hear, "It looks great babe!" Huh? Whahhhh? Can you say that again? Really? You think so? Well, maybe it's not that bad?

So, I know, I know, you want pictures people. Well, I'll be getting those posted today. It's just, I can't post one until I wash it today and style it myself. #1, I've got serious bedhead right now, and #2, It's just too early to be taking pictures of myself.

So, stay tuned and I'll get those pictures up as soon as I can.

Oh and hubby, thanks for knowing the right thing to say! XXOOO

Happy Birthday Babe!

In honor of my Hubby's birthday, I've made a list of "41 Things I Like About My Hubby":

1. He's soooooo handsome
2. He likes motorcycles
3. He's an awesome pilot
4. He has a personal relationship with Jesus Christ
5. He's very hard working
6. He's the efficiency manager of our home - he knows the best, most energy efficient, quickest way to do everything!
7. He has a military background which totally explains #6
8. He's way intelligent
9. He keeps himself in tip top shape
10. He's a great father
11. A great balance of discipline and fun
12. He thinks a map is a necessity on road trips. If we don't have one, we'll hear about not having one for the entire trip!
13. He loves his morning coffee
14. He would love to live on a farm
15. But we don't
16. We actually only have about 1/4 of acre, if that, at our current residence!
17. He's well traveled -- (cue song) "I've been everywhere man, I've been everywhere!"
18. He's a great friend.
19. He still keeps in touch with most of his high school friends
20. He is smart with our finances
21. He loves to crank up his old tapes and dance with Maddy1
22. Not sure if he just likes the music loud or if all those years of flying have deafened him
23. He's obsessed with his hair or lack thereof (sorry babe, but it's true!)
24. I tell him I can't see it disappearing
25. He thinks I'm lying
26. But I'm not --- I think he's HOT!
27. And I think he'd still look hot without any hair
28. He's just that good looking!
29. I love his wit
30. But I'd never tell him that
31. Well, I guess I just did
32. He's a control freak married to a control freak
33. Makes for an interesting household!
34. He really wants to be more romantic
35. He says he's just not made to think that way
36. I think he is romantic . . . sometimes
37. He really is a wonderful husband
38. Loving and caring and thoughtful
39. He does laundry and household chores!
40. He's quite meticulous. A place for everything, everything in it's place!
41. He's mine!

I love you, Hubby! Thank you for all that you do for me and for our family! I hope that you enjoy this day!
XXXXX OOOOOOOO!

How I met my Prince Charming - Part IV

This is the last (sigh!) post in in a four part series. If you haven't read the previous posts and would like to, please click here, here and here.

It’s funny, when you’re dating in mid life, it’s completely different from dating in your teens. There are rules. Did you know this? Yes, many, many rules. Like, for example, to avoid seeming too eager, you should wait atleast 24 hours after the conclusion of the date before instigating any communication with said person on the date. Crazy, huh! I had several friends coaching me on common dating practices . . . interpreting Prince Charming’s every move. Seriously, it became exhausting. Why couldn’t we just do the note like in elementary school? Do you like me, check yes or no!

Another rule . . . he has up to two weeks to make some sort of contact with me. So, for two weeks, you sit around waiting wondering why it is taking him two weeks to contact you. And, if it takes him two weeks to make contact, is this indicative of how a relationship with him might be – only dating every two weeks or when he decides to contact me? Or, is he so not interested that he’s out looking and dating other women during those two weeks and then he forgets what I’m like, so he calls and asks me out on a date for a reminder? (Yes, I know, I have an overactive imagination!)

So, I’m guessing you’ve figured out (since y’all know that I’m currently married to Prince Charming) that he did call -- one day shy of two week deadline. Whew! Sure am glad ‘cause we just couldn’t date had he contacted me on week 2 day 1. Gimme a break! We dated a year before we took the plunge and tied the knot. We, like all couples, had some good and bad times, but we weathered the storms (literally) and came out stronger in the end. In September 2004, Hurricane Ivan decided to make landfall here in the Panhandle of Florida. The devastation we experienced was none like we had ever seen before. This event was such a turning point in our relationship. Prince Charming’s home was all but destroyed. It was a hard time for us both and we learned to lean on each other. I firmly believe that I was in love with him far before he was willing to open his heart to me. I think it was during this tough time that he realized I was the “real thing!” I was determined to be there by his side whether it was in a friend capacity or as more. From my first prayer, I submitted this relationship to Christ and he far surpassed my wants and my needs. My Prince Charming is a wonderful God fearing, Jesus loving man. Each day that we are together, we are learning more . . . about marriage, about each other, about parenting. I continually pray that we will learn how better to love each other and accept each other. We’ve come along way since that blind date in 2004.

To my Prince Charming, thank you for choosing me. And thank you for accepting me . . . the quirky me, the cranky me, the me that doesn’t always make sense. I do love you so much and am so proud of the husband, father, son, brother, friend that you are to us all.

How I met my Prince Charming - Part III

This is the third post in a series. To catch up, read here first and then here.

So, I'm sitting there, trying to answer his questions when I realize that I'm slurring a bit. I wondered, does he notice? I began to get that feeling of am I really opening my eyes as big as it feels? I'm wondering just how dilated are my pupils (you know, Sudafed does that!) And then thoughts run through my head . . . Should I explain myself? Should I tell him I'm hyped up on Sudafed and wine? And how I tried to avoid this date, but Robin MADE me come! Nnnaaahhh! It can't be that bad, right?

So, we ordered our food. He ordered an appetizer of raw oysters on the half shell (eewww!) and I ordered sushi rolls. And then he proceeded to ask me if I liked raw oysters. Under my breath . . . disgusting! How can anybody eat that stuff. It's slimy, gooey, kind of snot feeling . . . so I answer him with all honesty (ok, not all) and say that I occassionally have one or two (NEVER!NEVER!NEVER!). And here is why lying is not such a good thing . . . he slapped one of those oyster thingys on a cracker, topped it with tobasco sauce and handed it to me. Huh? What? I'm supposed to eat this thing? Eeeww! Eeeew! Eeeeww!!!! So, I collect myself - trying hard not to gag, and just decided to swallow that thing whole. Oh my gosh -- I almost barfed (barfed --- I love that word. Remember middle school!)

I'm not sure why I bothered to order sushi rolls. I was completely self conscious about my skills with chop sticks, so I really didn't eat much. What a waste of good sushi!

So, after about an hour or so, Robin and I excused ourselves to the bathroom for a little girl talk -- ya know - the mid date update! So, I commenced to telling her that I was wwwwaaaayyyy impressed. I asked her if she noticed the slurs and she said she did not. I looked at myself in the mirror and surprise - pupils were not as dilated as I thought! Whew! So, it looked as if everything was going well. So, with a big thumbs up, we returned to our seats at the table. We began a little small talk and mere moments later, Robin stands up with her husband and says something like . . . we need to get home, have early morning something 'er other, calling it a night. So, I stand up to gather my things, thinking this is the end of the date when all of the sudden Prince Charming chimes in and said that he completely understands and then he looked at me and said that he would very much like for me to stay and we could sit and talk for a while -- get to know each other. And also that he had been speaking with one of his friends who just happened to be to be at the local pizza joint and he was hoping that we could go over there and meet him. Wow! He's in love! He wants to marry me! I knew it!! Ok, so maybe I'm being a bit dramatic over here! But, I did take his comments as a good sign that things were going well. So, the boring part . . . we sat and talked . . . blah, blah, blah . . . skip this part . . . and then went to the pizza joint. We joined his friend, Phil and talked some more . . . blah! blah! blah! And then we made the preverbial mistake of bringing up politics and religion. Definite date killer, right? Well, Prince Charming's friend is a little (just a touch) more liberal than me (considering I'm not liberal at all -extremely conservative in case you're wondering. I know! Who would have thunk it!). I'm never quite sure of his actual stance on certain issues because he likes to play the "devil's advocate". Well, apparently, he chose this night to do the same. So, after I completely ripped his friend a new one on several issues such as abortion and gay marriage, I excused myself to the restroom.

Standing there, I thought well, you might as well call this date over. I was too passionate in the discussion and I've completely freaked him out. Man, why can't I control my tongue. Oh yes, we'll blame it on the Sudafed and wine (which, in all honesty, has probably worn off by now)

So, I returned to the two stunned guys at the table (actually, they didn't looked stuneed at all) and in short order, Prince Charming decided that it was getting late and he needed to get me back to my car. Oh no! The dreaded end of the date awkward moment . . . do we shake hands? do we hug? what about a small kiss on the cheek? is he going to lean in for a real kiss? and if he does, what do I do?

We drove back to my car in mostly ackward silence. He got out of the truck and came around and opened my door (what a gentleman!). I stepped away from the vehicle, he shut the door and then he began the good night speech. It went something like this . . .

Prince Charming: "Well, I had a great time. I'm so glad Robin introduced us. Maybe I could get your number and we could do this again sometime."

Me: "Absolutely. Here, I'll write my number down."

Prince Charming: "My schedule is pretty busy for the next couple of weeks. I've got training in Atlanta and a lot going on. So, I'm not sure I'll be in town. But, when I get back, I'll give you a call. Does that sound ok?"

Me: (does that sound ok . . .trying not to show a disappointed face because it really sounds as if he's giving me some kind of line . . . yeah, sure, you're gonna call --- NOT!) "Oh yes, that sounds fine!"

So, we hug, wish each other a good night and part ways.

Oh man, I can still feel that feeling I had when I climbed into my car. What a night of emotions! I went from not wanting to meet this guy, to thinking he was absolutely too good to be true, to thinking that I was a catch and he really thought this date was going well, to I'll probably never see him again. So, I did what any single Christian girl would do . . . I prayed.

Dear Lord, thank you so much for sending this guy into my life. Thank you for restoring my faith in your power and your plan. Lord, I'm not sure why this happened but, if it be your will, please let me see this rockin' gorgeous guy again (what? you don't think the Lord has a sense of humor?)Amen. Ok, maybe that wasn't the exact prayer - but it went something like that.
Tune in tomorrow for . . . Will he call? and Dating advice from friends.

To my friend and fellow blogger Megan at Fried Okra, thanks for reading and commenting. I really would have like to have told a more exciting story. If other readers want to know what I'm talking about, go to the comments section on "How I Met My Prince Charming Part II" and read her comment -- she's hilarious! Oh, and pop over to her blog if you get a chance.

How I met my Prince Charming - Part II

This post is the second in a series. To read the first post, click here.

So, the date was set. For two whole weeks, the anxiety of meeting some strange guy I'd never seen, much less spoken to, almost got the best of me.

The day of the date finally arrived. I was nervous, anxious, scared and to top it all off, feeling as if I was coming down with a sinus infection. So, I took myself a good 'ole helping of Sudafed and layed down nap. When I woke up from my nap, I was still feeling a little drowsy (Sudafed always does that to me.) I was tired, irritable, stuffy and thinking that I really wanted to cancel this date. So, I called Robin and asked if maybe I could cancel. I mean, after all, I didn't know this guy! It's not like I'm really standing up a friend or something. But, she responded with,

"Absolutely not! You get yourself up! You get dressed! And you get over to the restaurant! We'll be there when you get there. Oh, and Summer, I will come and get you if you don't show up!"

So, I thought about it. . . how bad can the date be? how long can this take? I'll just take another dose of Sudafed and hopefully I can cut out of the date early.

I got dressed and ready to go. I was wearing a black slinky shirt (I love black slinky things -- shirts, skirts, dresses, whatever!)with beige colored slacks (does anyone still call pants slacks?) and of course, some little strappy black sandals.

I arrived at the restaurant and sat down with my friends. He had not arrived yet, so Robin and I began to talk. I told her how nervous I was and how it had been so long since I had been on a real date. She suggested that I order a glass of wine to calm my nerves. So, I agreed and ordered a glass of Chardonnay (my fav!). I sipped, we talked. He called and said he would be arriving at the restaurant in about 5 minutes. My nervousness spiked. My heart began to race and it felt like my stomach was doing flip flops. I no longer sipped the wine, but decided to chug it (not very lady like, I know!) all the while forgetting that I had taken a dose of Sudafed just a couple of hours prior.

Sitting, nervously awaiting, I kept watching stranger after stranger enter the resturant.

Me: "Is that him?"

Robin: "No. Stop looking out there, he'll be here in a minute."

Her minute and his five felt like an eternity. Finally, she said,

Robin: "Don't look now, but he's walking through the door."

As he approached our table, I looked up and saw (no lie) the most handsome man I had ever seen. I literally thought that I was going to fall right off my seat. I could barely mutter my name--I was completely in awe of this fine specimen that stood there in front of me. As he greeted me and then the others at the table, I wondered if noticed my jaw dropping stare. I wanted to stop looking, but I couldn't. I began to think back to the picture in the email that Robin sent . . . was this guy in that picture? Surely not! I can't remember anyone in the picture looking that good! As I drifted back to reality, everyone at the table was engaged in a conversation. What were they talking about? I didn't have a clue. I was still in shock. He looked my way and began to speak to me. He asked me a question and it was, at about this point, I began to feel the effects of my Sudafed and wine mixture . . .


Come back tomorrow! You will not want to miss it!

How I met my Prince Charming

Well, with the encouragement of other bloggers (mostly Fried Okra), I've decided to tell y'all how I met my sweet husband.

It was December 2003. I was living it up at the Christmas party hosted by my employer. I was dressed in my fanciest, slinkiest little black dress. My coworker, Brenda, and I had decided that we would attend the party as each other's date. We were both sick of the whole dating scene and just wanted a night of fun! I absolutely HATED going on dates. And when I say HATED, I mean loathed! To me,dating was awkward . . .uncomfortable . . . stressful . . . you know what I'm talking about! So, she and I arrived at the party and had our picture taken together. We danced, we ate, we had a glass of wine . . . or two . . . maybe even three. It was so much fun. We talked with coworkers and friends and laughed at each other's stories. We made our rounds from table to table until we settled down at a pub table with my friend, Robin, her husband and two other coworkers. I absolutely adore Robin. To me, she seemed to "have it all together!" She's in her mid 40's (I think) but lived like she was in her 20's. She's hip, cute and fun! It's impossible to be around her and her husband without having a great time.

I sat down next to Robin and began to speak about life in general . . . how's life? how's work? you seeing anyone? why not? So, I began telling her how much I hated to date. This is how our conversation went:

Robin: "Are you seeing anyone?"

Me: "No. I hate dating!"

Robin: "You hate dating?"

Me: "Yes . . . I HHHAAATTTTEEE dating!"

Robin: "Well, I know someone that you need to meet. He's great . . ."

Me: cutting her off before she finishes "Absolutely not! No blind dates for me! Didn't you hear me, I hate dating!"

Robin: "But this guy is different. He has a lot of the same interests that you have, he's handsome and he's available. You want me to set you up?"

Me: "You do it and you die!"

Robin: "Well, how are you ever going to find someone if you don't date?"

Me: "Mr. Right will find me . . . trust me, he'll find me."

Next month, about the same time we had a similar conversation:

Robin: "Hey, you remember that guy I mentioned a month ago . . . well, he'll be back in town this month. How 'bout I set you guys up for dinner!"

Me: "Absolutely not! I told you before, I'm not interested!"

Robin: "He's a great guy - you REALLY need to meet him."

Me: "I'm sure he's a nice guy, but I'm not interested."

And again, the next month, approximately the same time (did I mention that she's very persistent):

Robin: "Hey, you remember that guy I keep mentioning that you need to meet -- well, he is in town and looking at purchasing a motorcycle. You like motorcycles, don't you? Perfect, huh? I'll set you two up for dinner and you can talk about motorcycles. And as an added bonus, I'm sending you a picture. There are five guys in the picture and he's one of them." (I think she said this all in one breath as to not give me time to cut her off again!)

Me: "Ok, wait a minute! Let me look at this picture. Ok, so which guy is he?"

Robin: "I'm not telling you! You'll just have to show up and find out. So are we on?"

Me: "Ok, if I agree to do this it will be on my terms. Rule #1: It's a group date with you and your husband. Rule #2: At no time will I be left alone with this guy. Rule #3: You must never ask me to do this blind date thing again!"

So, she agreed and set me up for this blind date.

Scenes from tomorrow's episode : Meeting Prince Charming for the first time, Sudafed and wine do not mix, What kind of impression did he make?