These lovely women where our hosts and did an extraordinary job in making the brunch absolutely wonderful!
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Ain't no party like an old school party.
Lawd 'a mercy, we were showered with all kinds of kitchen gadgets, bathroom accessories and household items. Chase and I spent Saturday morning reveling in the gifts and generosity of my teachers from elementary school and other teachers who bear witness to the strong-headed child I was K-5. And bless them all, they showed up to the brunch and even brought presents! Good thing my mom worked at my elementary school and has kept in touch with these lovely ladies for all these years. So they've been able to also bear witness to the "fine young lady" I've become. ;-)
These lovely women where our hosts and did an extraordinary job in making the brunch absolutely wonderful!
These lovely women where our hosts and did an extraordinary job in making the brunch absolutely wonderful!
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Awesome Love from Awesome Ladies
This past Saturday, the ladies of our church got together and threw Chase and me a wedding shower! It was crazy awesome! We loved everything. I know people probably think I'm lying, but it's the truth. Everyone got us such cool stuff, we were like "woo-hoo! We've got to get married more often!" Of course, Chase's favorite gift that we received was the motion sensored trash can. He was so excited about it, he opened it up and tried it out as soon as we got home.
The shower hostess made each of the tables resemble one of the countries I've been to. And the theme was "Leigh Ann traveled the world to find the world in Chase" or something equally romantic and sappy. It was all really neat. One of the bonuses for Chase was that she made a table for Virginia! And it's theme was that "Virginia is for lovers".
So, all said and done, Chase and I made out like bandits. Our church family did us up right and then some! We are incredibly blessed.
Chase and I are also really excited that we were able to knock out ALL the thank-you notes today! It was really important to me that it didn't pile up. I don't do well under stress, so I avoided all of that by writing all the thank-yous the next day. :-)
The shower hostess made each of the tables resemble one of the countries I've been to. And the theme was "Leigh Ann traveled the world to find the world in Chase" or something equally romantic and sappy. It was all really neat. One of the bonuses for Chase was that she made a table for Virginia! And it's theme was that "Virginia is for lovers".So, all said and done, Chase and I made out like bandits. Our church family did us up right and then some! We are incredibly blessed.
Chase and I are also really excited that we were able to knock out ALL the thank-you notes today! It was really important to me that it didn't pile up. I don't do well under stress, so I avoided all of that by writing all the thank-yous the next day. :-)
Crop Walk 2009
Chase and I are proud to report that we were able to raise $370 and 175 pounds of food for the Crop Walk this year. Combined with what our church raised, we got to $976.
Chase made flyers for the Communications department at FSU and flyers for our neighborhood. We mistakenly placed the flyers for the neighborhood inside the mailboxes. At the time, we didn't realize that it was a federal crime. But now we know and were pretty embarrassed that it wasn't obvious from the start that it would be illegal to deliver your own mail without paying the postal service. That's like an "America's stupidest criminals" type of action. Thankfully, no one turned us in or arrested us.
Despite our faux pas, we were able to collect quite a bit of food for local food banks and money for international efforts. Then we participated in a three mile hunger walk. I was under the impression that it was one mile. I got suckered into a three mile walk. But our group found a short cut and cut it down a little. We're horrible little philanthropists. ;-)
Chase made flyers for the Communications department at FSU and flyers for our neighborhood. We mistakenly placed the flyers for the neighborhood inside the mailboxes. At the time, we didn't realize that it was a federal crime. But now we know and were pretty embarrassed that it wasn't obvious from the start that it would be illegal to deliver your own mail without paying the postal service. That's like an "America's stupidest criminals" type of action. Thankfully, no one turned us in or arrested us.
Despite our faux pas, we were able to collect quite a bit of food for local food banks and money for international efforts. Then we participated in a three mile hunger walk. I was under the impression that it was one mile. I got suckered into a three mile walk. But our group found a short cut and cut it down a little. We're horrible little philanthropists. ;-)
Sunday, November 1, 2009
365 Days of Leigh Ann & Chase
Awwwww. Tonight we celebrated our First Anniversary Date. Which means, last November 1st, we went on our first date! So many firsts! Yay!
We went to dinner and a movie on that fateful first night. And so every November 1st, we will go out to dinner and a movie to celebrate the first date night. This year was a step up from last year in that we didn't go to the food court for dinner. Hallelujah! We chose to get a bison burger from Ted's instead. Hallelujah! That sucker was goooood.
For the movie, we saw 500 Days of Summer. And it was cute. That's why this post is titled 365 days of LA + CP. Precious, right? I know.
And plus, Chase made me a present! It was so cute. He asks me "do you need anything from Walmart?" And I said that I couldn't think of anything. So then I ask what it is he's picking up. And he said "I can't tell ya". And I ask why? Then he tells me it is to get my present. And I go, oh.... do I really want it? (unless it's food or electronics, I don't think I want a present from Walmart). And he says, don't worry, I'm picking up the pieces to make your present. And then I go, oh..... do I really want it? (hahahaha!) By now, I'm teasing of course. But then Chase reassures me and says that it is both practical and handmade and something I'd probably never seen before. And that once I had it, I'd wonder how I had ever lived before it's creation. I smiled and said "that sounds just like you".
And ladies and gentlemen, it is indeed wonderful. Chase made me an earring rack to hang my earrings from. And I was so impressed, I thought he bought a kit and put it together.
You can see I have a few holes there... and I just wanted to let you know that there are plenty of opportunities to fill it. I got my birthday, Christmas and our wedding coming up! ;-P
We went to dinner and a movie on that fateful first night. And so every November 1st, we will go out to dinner and a movie to celebrate the first date night. This year was a step up from last year in that we didn't go to the food court for dinner. Hallelujah! We chose to get a bison burger from Ted's instead. Hallelujah! That sucker was goooood.
For the movie, we saw 500 Days of Summer. And it was cute. That's why this post is titled 365 days of LA + CP. Precious, right? I know.
And plus, Chase made me a present! It was so cute. He asks me "do you need anything from Walmart?" And I said that I couldn't think of anything. So then I ask what it is he's picking up. And he said "I can't tell ya". And I ask why? Then he tells me it is to get my present. And I go, oh.... do I really want it? (unless it's food or electronics, I don't think I want a present from Walmart). And he says, don't worry, I'm picking up the pieces to make your present. And then I go, oh..... do I really want it? (hahahaha!) By now, I'm teasing of course. But then Chase reassures me and says that it is both practical and handmade and something I'd probably never seen before. And that once I had it, I'd wonder how I had ever lived before it's creation. I smiled and said "that sounds just like you".
And ladies and gentlemen, it is indeed wonderful. Chase made me an earring rack to hang my earrings from. And I was so impressed, I thought he bought a kit and put it together.
You can see I have a few holes there... and I just wanted to let you know that there are plenty of opportunities to fill it. I got my birthday, Christmas and our wedding coming up! ;-P
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Ring Ring, Ring Ring
Chase was a busy man today. After supplying and dining with me for lunch, Chase went to the jeweler who did my engagement ring, and is having our wedding bands created. They should be pretty cool. You know us, a plain ole band just isn't fun enough. We had to spice it up some how.
I like the fact that my engagement ring is a remodeled version of a ring of Ruth's. And our wedding bands will be made from my parent's rings as well as Charlie's wedding ring and another ring of Ruth's. Ruth did have an engagement and wedding ring set, but my mom wears those. Which I find interesting because neither my dad or my mom have ever worn their wedding bands. Well, when they were first married, sure. But dad's work made it dangerous to wear rings, and when water got under mom's ring, it was so wide that it stayed under there and messed with her skin.
Therefore leaving them ringless for many a year. Then my mother's godmother - Ruth - passed away and left her earthly possessions to my mother. So she inherited a lovely wedding ring set that she wears everyday now. And she inherited a gaudy diamond ring that we were able to transform into my engagement ring. And we were able to create Chase and my wedding rings out of their wedding bands.
It's a wonderful cycle of recycling that I vastly approve of. I morn the loss of my parent's $25 gold bands (they still have the receipt), but it'll be sweet to know that Chase and I will wear them everyday for the rest of our lives. This transformed gold will be so delighted to get out and see the light of day after decades in a jewelry box. Really, I'm just trying to do a good thing for the gold.
I like the fact that my engagement ring is a remodeled version of a ring of Ruth's. And our wedding bands will be made from my parent's rings as well as Charlie's wedding ring and another ring of Ruth's. Ruth did have an engagement and wedding ring set, but my mom wears those. Which I find interesting because neither my dad or my mom have ever worn their wedding bands. Well, when they were first married, sure. But dad's work made it dangerous to wear rings, and when water got under mom's ring, it was so wide that it stayed under there and messed with her skin.
Therefore leaving them ringless for many a year. Then my mother's godmother - Ruth - passed away and left her earthly possessions to my mother. So she inherited a lovely wedding ring set that she wears everyday now. And she inherited a gaudy diamond ring that we were able to transform into my engagement ring. And we were able to create Chase and my wedding rings out of their wedding bands.
It's a wonderful cycle of recycling that I vastly approve of. I morn the loss of my parent's $25 gold bands (they still have the receipt), but it'll be sweet to know that Chase and I will wear them everyday for the rest of our lives. This transformed gold will be so delighted to get out and see the light of day after decades in a jewelry box. Really, I'm just trying to do a good thing for the gold.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
St. George Island
Our camping excursions are cursed! Every time we go camping, it rains. Well, both times. We've only been twice. But it's rained both times! We come home soggy and happy for a warm bed. Chase and I decided that we need to plan these things better and pick a weekend and a destination that was not expecting rain. But then.... what would be the fun in that?! ;-)
About the only positive outcome of the rain was the fact it kept the mosquitoes away. Of course, it also kept us away from spending time outdoors. Although, we did spend a few hours at a pavilion on the beach. But since it's all open to the elements and it was storming, we got wet anyway from the horizontal rain. We had to hold down the cards we were playing with so they wouldn't blow away. The Chinese checkers set started pooling water in the dimples where the marbles go. It was almost pathetic and sad. But when you're sitting across from the most handsome red headed man... these pesky little distractions like sitting through a monsoon tend to fade away.
But I enjoyed camping at St. George. I haven't been there in ages. I mean, that used to be THE spot for Tallahasseeans to spend time at the beach. But since we have the awesomest hook-up at Indian Pass, that's where we go now. I think next time Chase and I get the urge to go camping, we'll hit up Cape San Blas. Maybe closer to fall when it cools down and the mosquitoes aren't so bad. That's another place I haven't been in AGES.
When Chase and I take excursions of this nature, we like to pick up a Christmas ornament to remember our travels. We have one from St. Augustine and St. George Island. Apparently we only visit holy sites. ;-}
About the only positive outcome of the rain was the fact it kept the mosquitoes away. Of course, it also kept us away from spending time outdoors. Although, we did spend a few hours at a pavilion on the beach. But since it's all open to the elements and it was storming, we got wet anyway from the horizontal rain. We had to hold down the cards we were playing with so they wouldn't blow away. The Chinese checkers set started pooling water in the dimples where the marbles go. It was almost pathetic and sad. But when you're sitting across from the most handsome red headed man... these pesky little distractions like sitting through a monsoon tend to fade away.
But I enjoyed camping at St. George. I haven't been there in ages. I mean, that used to be THE spot for Tallahasseeans to spend time at the beach. But since we have the awesomest hook-up at Indian Pass, that's where we go now. I think next time Chase and I get the urge to go camping, we'll hit up Cape San Blas. Maybe closer to fall when it cools down and the mosquitoes aren't so bad. That's another place I haven't been in AGES.
When Chase and I take excursions of this nature, we like to pick up a Christmas ornament to remember our travels. We have one from St. Augustine and St. George Island. Apparently we only visit holy sites. ;-}
Our very first official wedding gift! WOOT!
So, Chase and I are very excited about our very first registry gift! It came in the mail about a week ago and by the size of the package, you'd have thought we were getting the entire china set. ;-) We were thrilled to get two of the (newer) style square plates in the Lenox solitaire pattern.
When my mother married my dad in 1970, she registered for Lenox solitaire. She has since inherited and bought a few more china patterns! The woman is crazy about dishes. I didn't see a need to register for a pattern (where one plate costs $50 or more!) when she could give me one of her sets (which I'd get when she kicks the bucket anyway). That may sound cruel, but I tend to view these things in the practical sense.
Practical observation #1: She has literally four sets of fine china.
Practical observation #2: She prefers to use a different set of china to entertain and rarely uses solitaire these days.
Practical observation #3: I'm going to get it in the end.
Conclusion: Bless the bride with the set and let her register for the stuff they've added to the collection in the last 39 years. For example, the new square "accent" plates.
End result: Everyone's happy and now mom has more room in a china cabinet to display more dishes.
Seriously guys, she has three china cabinets. It's time to lighten the load.
When my mother married my dad in 1970, she registered for Lenox solitaire. She has since inherited and bought a few more china patterns! The woman is crazy about dishes. I didn't see a need to register for a pattern (where one plate costs $50 or more!) when she could give me one of her sets (which I'd get when she kicks the bucket anyway). That may sound cruel, but I tend to view these things in the practical sense.
Practical observation #1: She has literally four sets of fine china.
Practical observation #2: She prefers to use a different set of china to entertain and rarely uses solitaire these days.
Practical observation #3: I'm going to get it in the end.
Conclusion: Bless the bride with the set and let her register for the stuff they've added to the collection in the last 39 years. For example, the new square "accent" plates.
End result: Everyone's happy and now mom has more room in a china cabinet to display more dishes.
Seriously guys, she has three china cabinets. It's time to lighten the load.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Making things happen.... sorta
Well, we're getting things done for the wedding. Got us a jazzy DJ. Chase is currently scouring the internet for an ultra-fabulous-one-of-a-kind tuxedo. And I am supposed to be cleaning the house and doing my laundry.
The laundry part is getting done... but there's not much cleaning I can do with my bottom in a chair and my fingers on a keyboard. I am cleaning the dust off my keyboard, though. And that is important. Just maybe not right now. My boss is FOREVER riding my case about "time management" and my lack thereof.
Back to wedding stuff, my mother and I are going to talk to a lady about some flowers today. And hopefully check off another item on the "to do" list. Then tonight Chase, my mom and I are going out to Havana for some cake eating and decision making on that. Then there would be TWO items checked off the "to do" list! That would be OUTSTANDING. Once we get the heavy hitters out of the way, we can focus on the details... like invitations and decorations and other mind-numbing stuff.
And don't get me going on the chore of collecting addresses. It's heinous. You know what I need? I need minions. Minions to carry out my biddings. Then this whole wedding planning stuff would move on a whole lot smoother. I wonder where I can collect some minions? Maybe someone is done with theirs for the time being and would like to share and help a poor girl out. I wonder if I can advertise for some minions on Craigslist? Apparently, stranger things are on there already.
Hmmmm.... I'm also thinking about late December when all the family starts arriving at the steps of ole Yorktown Drive. Where are we going to put everybody? I might have told our German exchange student from 2002 that she could spend Christmas with us and stay for the wedding. I mean, I'd be delighted to have her, I just don't know where she's going to sleep! There will be Chad, Mel, Patrick, Alison, the people who already live here, Julia, four bridesmaids, four groomsmen, possibly another exchange student we've hosted... and there's just no telling who will show up on the doorstep. It doesn't help that I invite everyone I meet. It's a tendency of the Keens to be inclusive rather than exclusive. Which is great if you live in a motel and have a place for everyone.
We'll just have to see what happens....
The laundry part is getting done... but there's not much cleaning I can do with my bottom in a chair and my fingers on a keyboard. I am cleaning the dust off my keyboard, though. And that is important. Just maybe not right now. My boss is FOREVER riding my case about "time management" and my lack thereof.
Back to wedding stuff, my mother and I are going to talk to a lady about some flowers today. And hopefully check off another item on the "to do" list. Then tonight Chase, my mom and I are going out to Havana for some cake eating and decision making on that. Then there would be TWO items checked off the "to do" list! That would be OUTSTANDING. Once we get the heavy hitters out of the way, we can focus on the details... like invitations and decorations and other mind-numbing stuff.
And don't get me going on the chore of collecting addresses. It's heinous. You know what I need? I need minions. Minions to carry out my biddings. Then this whole wedding planning stuff would move on a whole lot smoother. I wonder where I can collect some minions? Maybe someone is done with theirs for the time being and would like to share and help a poor girl out. I wonder if I can advertise for some minions on Craigslist? Apparently, stranger things are on there already.
Hmmmm.... I'm also thinking about late December when all the family starts arriving at the steps of ole Yorktown Drive. Where are we going to put everybody? I might have told our German exchange student from 2002 that she could spend Christmas with us and stay for the wedding. I mean, I'd be delighted to have her, I just don't know where she's going to sleep! There will be Chad, Mel, Patrick, Alison, the people who already live here, Julia, four bridesmaids, four groomsmen, possibly another exchange student we've hosted... and there's just no telling who will show up on the doorstep. It doesn't help that I invite everyone I meet. It's a tendency of the Keens to be inclusive rather than exclusive. Which is great if you live in a motel and have a place for everyone.
We'll just have to see what happens....
Monday, August 24, 2009
Last semester for Chase!
The wedding website is finished and online! Chase has done an amazing job with it and then he let me come in during the 11th hour to plaster some pictures on it and gush over how amazing it is. What can I say? The man's a champ.
And I hope he enjoyed his break between summer and fall semesters because he is back in class today. Well, all of Tallahassee seems to be back in school. And I scored the day off! WOOT! So I'm just lazing around the house, playing with the dogs, reading the paper, watching tv, cruising the internet, putting off doing anything remotely productive (like take a shower or fold my laundry or even do some yoga). I feel like this is what it was like for Chase to be off for two weeks... Truth be told, we did go camping and he was productive... but there were days...
And so, the final semester commences. When he finishes these classes, he's graduating, getting married and (we all desperately hope) gets a job. Now, I have no qualms whatsoever about his ability to get work.... I have reservations about the ability of companies to hire right now. Everyone I talk to is pessimistic about the economy and therefore the job hunt. But I think we have an ace in the hole. We can relocate. So we're not concerned about HAVING to find a job in Tallahassee. Or Florida for that matter. And I think that helps. Of course, if we have to relocate, then I'll be on the job hunt again as well. But maybe I'll have better luck the second go around.
Well, despite my lack of inclination to be productive today, I will have to feed myself some time today... which will tear me away from this computer that is getting hotter and hotter and burning my legs. Maybe one day, when Chase gets a job, then we can afford to buy a desk. And I won't have to burn my legs. ;-)
And I hope he enjoyed his break between summer and fall semesters because he is back in class today. Well, all of Tallahassee seems to be back in school. And I scored the day off! WOOT! So I'm just lazing around the house, playing with the dogs, reading the paper, watching tv, cruising the internet, putting off doing anything remotely productive (like take a shower or fold my laundry or even do some yoga). I feel like this is what it was like for Chase to be off for two weeks... Truth be told, we did go camping and he was productive... but there were days...
And so, the final semester commences. When he finishes these classes, he's graduating, getting married and (we all desperately hope) gets a job. Now, I have no qualms whatsoever about his ability to get work.... I have reservations about the ability of companies to hire right now. Everyone I talk to is pessimistic about the economy and therefore the job hunt. But I think we have an ace in the hole. We can relocate. So we're not concerned about HAVING to find a job in Tallahassee. Or Florida for that matter. And I think that helps. Of course, if we have to relocate, then I'll be on the job hunt again as well. But maybe I'll have better luck the second go around.
Well, despite my lack of inclination to be productive today, I will have to feed myself some time today... which will tear me away from this computer that is getting hotter and hotter and burning my legs. Maybe one day, when Chase gets a job, then we can afford to buy a desk. And I won't have to burn my legs. ;-)
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Online Guestbook
If you would like to congratulate, wish us well, give advice, or just leave a message in regards to our upcoming wedding on January 2, 2010, leave us a message as a comment to this blog page, which will serve as our online guestbook. Many thanks.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Frozen Casseroles
Leigh Ann usually has Sundays off (and so do I) and decided that free time on Sunday would be a good time to make and freeze some casseroles so we would have some easy dinners (and leftovers for lunches) for the following couple weeks.
She hit the internet and found frozen casserole recipes. Which I think is pretty funny (and ironic), since whenever I have cooked for Leigh Ann, she poked fun at me for using internet recipes. The first two recipes she picked were Wild Rice Turkey Bake and Ham-Stuffed Manicotti.
We went to Wal-Mart late one night and got the ingredients. When we got back, she probably spent two and half hours (maybe even longer) fixing four casseroles. That's a lot of work for something you're not going to eat right away. We did eat one the next night however ... and it was terrific. And it was terrific for the next couple days. Turns out you get a lot of servings out of a single casserole. That's just fine with me since it was really good.
I'm really looking forward to trying the Ham Manicotti tonight. I love that Leigh Ann is so smart and clever. We both felt like we've been eating out too much, but both of us have had less time recently to invest in cooking meals. She found a great way to prepare some meals when we did have time and eat them later when we don't have time. Just one more reason why I love her sooooooooo much.
She hit the internet and found frozen casserole recipes. Which I think is pretty funny (and ironic), since whenever I have cooked for Leigh Ann, she poked fun at me for using internet recipes. The first two recipes she picked were Wild Rice Turkey Bake and Ham-Stuffed Manicotti.
We went to Wal-Mart late one night and got the ingredients. When we got back, she probably spent two and half hours (maybe even longer) fixing four casseroles. That's a lot of work for something you're not going to eat right away. We did eat one the next night however ... and it was terrific. And it was terrific for the next couple days. Turns out you get a lot of servings out of a single casserole. That's just fine with me since it was really good.
I'm really looking forward to trying the Ham Manicotti tonight. I love that Leigh Ann is so smart and clever. We both felt like we've been eating out too much, but both of us have had less time recently to invest in cooking meals. She found a great way to prepare some meals when we did have time and eat them later when we don't have time. Just one more reason why I love her sooooooooo much.
Date 8
Date: August 5, 2009Place: The Tennessee Street Strip.
Activity: "Be adventurous. Challenge your taste buds. Try new restaurants together."
Bonus: We were only planning to try one new restaurant, Pitaria, and then go to TCBY afterward. Turns out there was a frozen yogurt place right beside Pitaria, so we got to try two new restaurants in one evening. WOOHOO!!!
Extra Bonus: I answered Leigh Ann's "calling you out" challenge in her last post.
Best Bonus: We celebrated the end of my summer classes. A couple weeks off will be so nice.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
I'm calling you out, Chase Porter
So.... one date a week, huh? Well, it's been ages and we haven't had a date. So Chase Porter, take me out on a date.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Date 7
Date: July 21, 2009
Place: The boudoir.
Activity: "Read this book together"
Bonus: We've already done a lot of them before we even knew they were in the book.
Yet another Bonus: So now we get to do them again!
Double Feature Bonus: And take a picture of it.
Date 6
Date: July 17, 2009Activity: "Play mind games with each other... like backgammon, chess, checkers, Chinese checkers or Trivial Pursuit"
Place: Jones' living room. ... um... thanks guys.
Bonus: I won.
Another Bonus: I cheated.
Real Big Bonus: So did Chase. (after I made him cheat. So I guess I cheated for him...)
Date 5
Date: July 14, 2009
Place: Keen family back yard and Koi Pond
Activity: "Blow bubbles....anytime.....anywhere."
Bonus: discovered that bubbles bounce on water. COOLEST THING EVER
Not really a Bonus: Leigh Ann choked on a mouth full of bubble making liquid. Those pipes don't work.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Date 4
Date: July 13, 2009
Place: The Dollar Tree near the Tallahassee Mall
Activity: Cheap Presents (and Cheap Pizza)
Description: We each had $5 and 10 minutes to buy 5 presents for each other.
Leigh Ann bought for Chase:
1 - Pack of 2 Giant Glowsticks (for some night-time raving)
2 - Bottle of Handsoap (since I've run out at my apartment ... quite practical)
3 - Set of 3 Pinwheels (should be great on a breezy summer day)
4 - Pack of 100 Water Balloons (which will be used in another Little Black Book date)
5 - Set of 2 Hippo Plates (to be used later for a picnic)
Chase bought for Leigh Ann:
1 - Set of Earphones (bought for her iPod ... she's been needing a new set for awhile now)
2 - Blue Microfiber Headband (to keep hair out of her face while she's washing it)
3 - Bubble-Blowing Set (to be used on another Black Book date)
4 - Pack of 100 Water Balloons (seems that we had the same idea ... is it a "date" if you're throwing things at each other? ... we shall see)
5 - Bag of Frosted Animal Crackers (for dessert after dinner ... too bad I like them more than her ... or is it?)
Bonus: We ate cheap pizza (Little Caesar's) before exchanging our cheap presents. We were in and out of Little Caesar's in about 3 minutes ... gotta be the fastest food you can get so cheap.
Extra Bonus: We both made the ten minute time limit.
Unexpected Bonus: 200 water balloons total ... it's gonna be awesome!!!
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
One Heck of a Summer
One and half summer classes down and one and half to go. I'm taking three classes total this summer so that I can graduate with a master's degree in December. The plan was always to graduate a semester early, even before I met Leigh Ann. My original reason was so I could get on with my life as soon as possible, especially entering the workforce. I have a better reason now however ... so that I can get married as soon as possible.
So now the plan is graduate in December, get married January 2, and start my life with Leigh Ann after that. I need to get a job lined up for the post-January-2 time period, which will also give direction to where Leigh Ann and I end up after were married. I need to start looking soon to allow time for networking, sending resumes, and scheduling interviews. Apparently there's also a recession going on right now too, which might affect how long it takes for me to get a job. I'm hoping that flexibility on where we want to live will help expand my opportunities.
In the meantime however, I've been dealing with some crazy class schedules. Just recently finished up a public relations course. Halfway done with an advanced project management course. Just started my capstone "marketing communication management" course as well. These two courses will finish up in mid-August. Although the class time only takes up about nine hours of my week, the class work takes up even more - studying, writing papers, creating presentations, etc. All of this class work is in addition to the graduate assistantship and part-time work as well.
All this work means spending less time with my favorite person in the whole world - Leigh Ann. It has however revealed to me the depth of her patience and understanding. She understands that the class work is necessary and is patient with the fact that my schedule is crazy now, but should open up in the fall semester when I'm taking elective courses only, allowing me to spend more time with her.
Even when I'm working though, it's nice to have her around. Just knowing that's she's in the next room makes me happy. When I need a study break, she's there for a kiss and encouragement. She makes class work so much more bearable. It's all about her presence, which I've learned to appreciate even more with such a full schedule.
So, I guess the point is that I love Leigh Ann and I love having her around ... even when I can't give her my direct time and attention. Just knowing she's there makes the work ... and life ... so much better.
So now the plan is graduate in December, get married January 2, and start my life with Leigh Ann after that. I need to get a job lined up for the post-January-2 time period, which will also give direction to where Leigh Ann and I end up after were married. I need to start looking soon to allow time for networking, sending resumes, and scheduling interviews. Apparently there's also a recession going on right now too, which might affect how long it takes for me to get a job. I'm hoping that flexibility on where we want to live will help expand my opportunities.
In the meantime however, I've been dealing with some crazy class schedules. Just recently finished up a public relations course. Halfway done with an advanced project management course. Just started my capstone "marketing communication management" course as well. These two courses will finish up in mid-August. Although the class time only takes up about nine hours of my week, the class work takes up even more - studying, writing papers, creating presentations, etc. All of this class work is in addition to the graduate assistantship and part-time work as well.
All this work means spending less time with my favorite person in the whole world - Leigh Ann. It has however revealed to me the depth of her patience and understanding. She understands that the class work is necessary and is patient with the fact that my schedule is crazy now, but should open up in the fall semester when I'm taking elective courses only, allowing me to spend more time with her.
Even when I'm working though, it's nice to have her around. Just knowing that's she's in the next room makes me happy. When I need a study break, she's there for a kiss and encouragement. She makes class work so much more bearable. It's all about her presence, which I've learned to appreciate even more with such a full schedule.
So, I guess the point is that I love Leigh Ann and I love having her around ... even when I can't give her my direct time and attention. Just knowing she's there makes the work ... and life ... so much better.
Date 3
Date: July 7, 2009
Place: Living room at the Keen residence
Activity: Cozy, indoor picnic on a rainy day
Bonus: Mike Tyson the Dyson supervised.
Extra Bonus: We did the crossword puzzle together after lunch.
Ultra Bonus: Merlot goes great with pizza.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Date 2
Date: July 4, 2009Place: Woodruff's back yard, on a blanket, surrounded by family and friends
Activity: "oooh and aaah at the Fourth of July fireworks....and at each other, for that matter"
Bonus: Both aims of the activity were completed satisfactorily.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
We got a Dyson, ya'll!!
So, Chase and I wanted a Dyson. I don't know if you've noticed, but they're not giving those away.... so we registered for one on our wedding registry. You know, in case like, ten families wanted to go in together to get us something.
Well, I mentioned to my boss one day that we'd registered for this expensive item that we weren't going to get, but here's hoping. A few days later, she drops by and says that there are two Dysons at the Goodwill on Capital Circle. They'll be half price on Wednesday. That was like, six days away.
I forget all about it till I'm at the barn, on the Wednesday and I see them! At half price! It's like, the end of the day and they're still there! Holy cow! I want one. Soooooo bad. But what kind of condition is it in? Does it even run? If I buy it, I can't bring it back. So it'd better be PRISTINE. I call Chase and tell him to get his buns over here and we'd better take a look at them. We start getting into the box and quickly realize that it has NEVER been opened much less used. We plug it in anyway and it works perfectly.
So we buy two of them.
Ha!
One for us and one for Chase's parents. Who are going to be sooooo pleased. We brought it in my parent's house tonight and took it for a test spin and it picked up soooo much stuff. I am beyond stoked. Beyond excited.
Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce you to the fifth member of the Porter-Keen clan: Mike Tyson the Dyson! It's a beast of a vacuum cleaner.
I haven't been this excited about an inanimate object since I bought a pair of leopard print heals for $12. Besides food, I wonder what was the last thing was I bought at full price?
Well, I mentioned to my boss one day that we'd registered for this expensive item that we weren't going to get, but here's hoping. A few days later, she drops by and says that there are two Dysons at the Goodwill on Capital Circle. They'll be half price on Wednesday. That was like, six days away.
I forget all about it till I'm at the barn, on the Wednesday and I see them! At half price! It's like, the end of the day and they're still there! Holy cow! I want one. Soooooo bad. But what kind of condition is it in? Does it even run? If I buy it, I can't bring it back. So it'd better be PRISTINE. I call Chase and tell him to get his buns over here and we'd better take a look at them. We start getting into the box and quickly realize that it has NEVER been opened much less used. We plug it in anyway and it works perfectly.
So we buy two of them.
Ha!
One for us and one for Chase's parents. Who are going to be sooooo pleased. We brought it in my parent's house tonight and took it for a test spin and it picked up soooo much stuff. I am beyond stoked. Beyond excited.
Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce you to the fifth member of the Porter-Keen clan: Mike Tyson the Dyson! It's a beast of a vacuum cleaner.
I haven't been this excited about an inanimate object since I bought a pair of leopard print heals for $12. Besides food, I wonder what was the last thing was I bought at full price?
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Date 1
Date: Saturday, June 20, 2009
Place: Indian Pass, Florida
Activity: Build a Sandcastle.
Bonus: Chase did not get sun burnt.
Extra Bonus: Chase's phone has a great camera on it.
Place: Indian Pass, Florida
Activity: Build a Sandcastle.
Bonus: Chase did not get sun burnt.
Extra Bonus: Chase's phone has a great camera on it.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Every Week, a new Date
I bought a book at the bookstore called 'the little black book of date ideas' or something like it. I thought it was clever and had fun, out of the box (and inside the box) ideas of things to do together. This book was purchased because I felt bad that all the ideas of things to do together always came from Chase.
"let's do something tonight" - Leigh Ann
"well, what do you want to do?" - Chase
"um..... I dunno, something fun." - Leigh Ann
"wanna go bowling?" - Chase
"no" -LA
"wanna go see a movie?" -Chase
"we did that two days ago" -LA
"wanna play trivial pursuit? blockus? cards? banana grams? scrabble?" -Chase
"noooooooo..... something different" -LA
So I thought that by getting this book of awesome ideas, I was helping Chase offer up ideas for me to shoot down later. Genius, right?! I'm such a great contributor.
Anyway, so I had this wonderful brainstorm and convinced Chase that this was the best idea since matching black socks with black shoes and brown socks with brown shoes. My idea was to pick an activity from the date book and do one of them a week. Then take a picture commemorating the activity and blog it with details. Well, actually the blogging part was Chase's idea. Whenever it involves electricity and digital-ness, it's probably Chase's idea. My idea was to print one picture and make an album of all these different dates till we went through the entire book. I tend to write things down, Chase tends to type things up.
So this is the master plan, the genius concept that will take the world by storm and we'll probably forget all about by next Wednesday. But here's hopin'. Keep watching for the very first installment.
"let's do something tonight" - Leigh Ann
"well, what do you want to do?" - Chase
"um..... I dunno, something fun." - Leigh Ann
"wanna go bowling?" - Chase
"no" -LA
"wanna go see a movie?" -Chase
"we did that two days ago" -LA
"wanna play trivial pursuit? blockus? cards? banana grams? scrabble?" -Chase
"noooooooo..... something different" -LA
So I thought that by getting this book of awesome ideas, I was helping Chase offer up ideas for me to shoot down later. Genius, right?! I'm such a great contributor.
Anyway, so I had this wonderful brainstorm and convinced Chase that this was the best idea since matching black socks with black shoes and brown socks with brown shoes. My idea was to pick an activity from the date book and do one of them a week. Then take a picture commemorating the activity and blog it with details. Well, actually the blogging part was Chase's idea. Whenever it involves electricity and digital-ness, it's probably Chase's idea. My idea was to print one picture and make an album of all these different dates till we went through the entire book. I tend to write things down, Chase tends to type things up.
So this is the master plan, the genius concept that will take the world by storm and we'll probably forget all about by next Wednesday. But here's hopin'. Keep watching for the very first installment.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
And we're blogging together
So I love my Leigh Ann with all that I am .... and I've got a brand new vehicle to tell everybody about it. Hope you enjoy the ride.
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