Home is...

ou know, I think about this concept a lot.

Growing up, home was my family of 6. Mom & Dad, 2 sisters, and a brother. It was church, the newspaper, and coffee cakes on Sunday morning. It was family dinners and family vacations. It was Dad's family for Christmas Eve and Mom's family for Christmas day. It was home school, private school, and public school. It was 13 different houses in 18 years. Atlanta, Marietta, Valdosta, Marietta, and Powder Springs. But most of all, home was feeling loved. I have always felt loved by my family.

In 1999 I graduated from high school and moved to Athens to go to the University of Georgia. This was the first time I experienced "home" away from home. Early on in college my friends and I would refer to "home" (Athens), and "home home" (the place where your parents lived). This helped to clarify the difference in "going home" during conversations.
I always felt at home in Athens. Still do. I learned to be myself there. I learned what my passions and desires for life were there. I belonged there. I fell in love with Destin there. And....I developed an unhealthy passion for college football. On a cool fall day, when the battle hymn of the republic plays from the southwest corner....I have never felt more at home.

On May 31st, 2003, Destin and I were married. Since that time, for me home has been with Destin. During our first year of marriage we learned what home meant. Home was... blending two families, buying a house, having a job, paying our own bills with our own money, and having someone to curl up next to every night. Home was safe. Home with Destin is where I learned that I could be myself (however crazy that may be) and still be loved just the same (and maybe just a little bit more).

So for me, HOME is with Destin. What does that look like?

Home is....anytime I'm at the beach.

Home is....serving on the mission field in Bangladesh (or Jamaica, or Africa....)

Home is....traveling half way around the world and back...picking up my baby sister in Atlanta and flying to be with my family (so that we could all be together to see the Grand Canyon...because that opportunity would never arise again) and hiking the Grand Canyon with e. coli... only to find out 3 months later that you are moving to the Grand Canyon state.

Home is....graduating from medical school (Destin) and having your whole family there to celebrate with you. *This is our brothers spelling out GAY as Destin walked across the stage at graduation. I mean, can you get any more love and respect than that?

Home is....packing all of your  belongings in a Penske truck and traveling 2100 miles across the country to move to a state where you know NO ONE. Only to find out once you get there that you will have friends that feel like instant family because you share the love of Christ.

I use the term "home" very loosely in my everyday language. Home is wherever I am. That doesn't mean that I don't LOVE my loft where I live...or feel at home with my family in their Kennesaw home or Destin's family in their Powder Springs home. I do. But I also feel at home when I visit my sister in Malibu. Then her home is my home. And I feel at home when we travel to Amelia Island for the GA vs FL football game. Then the condo where we stay is home. And home will be wherever we move next year for Destin's fellowship.

Home is wherever we are right at this moment.

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Jamie's friend, Elizabeth, had the idea to do a "blog carnival" and got a group of friends together to write about HOME today. Check out her blog here, along with other posts (at the bottom) by others on what home means to them.

maybe the next, next year

We go to Amelia Island for the Georgia vs. Florida football game.
We go to have fun.

And we do. We have fun.

But then at some point we decide that we will go to the game. We go and we sweat. And sweat. And sweat some more.

And we cheer. And cheer. And cheer some more.

All in hopes that one day, one sweet day, we will leave the game looking like this.

However.

Everyone knows that we always...

ALWAYS

leave the game looking like this.

I hate those gators.

Here's to the next, next year.

OBAMACARE

OP TEN INDICATORS THAT YOUR EMPLOYER HAS CHANGED TO OBAMACARE:

(10) Your annual breast exam is done at Hooters.

(9) Directions to your doctor's office include "Take a left when you
enter the trailer park."

(8) The tongue depressors taste faintly of Fudgesicles.

(7) The only proctologist in the plan is "Gus" from Roto-Rooter.

(6) The only item listed under Preventive Care Coverage is "an apple a
day.."

(5) Your primary care physician is wearing the pants you gave to
Goodwill last month.

(4) "The patient is responsible for 200% of out-of-network charges," is
not a typographical error.

(3) The only expense covered 100% is "embalming."

(2) Your Prozac comes in different colors with little M's on them.
 
AND THE NUMBER ONE SIGN YOU'VE JOINED OBAMACARE:

(1) You ask for Viagra and they give you a Popsicle stick and Duct Tape.

Bam!

I am an Emergency Nurse Practitioner (NP)...and I love it.
Turns out...it's a pretty good gig. According to CNN Money, it's one of....

Being a NP comes in at 4th for best jobs in America!

Don't worry...Destin did fine picking a career too...but I beat him on this one...

He came in a 19th...better luck next time!

Flu Rap

Let me preface this with the fact that I realize that I have reached a whole new level of nerdery by thinking that a flu rap is cool. :)

The US Department of Health and Human Services had a cool idea to create a contest for an innovative public service message to prevent spread of H1N1. The physician winner used the intersection of infection control and rap music to create a contemporary message for the high risk, target audience, teens and young adults.



Here are Dr. Clarke's lyrics to the "H1N1 Rap." His minute-long video beat more than 240 entries in a Dept. of Health and Human Services contest that called for public service announcements about how to prevent the spread of influenza.

H1N1, Swine Flu infection,
For intervention, I bring prevention,
Dr. Clarke here I come, to make your head numb!
Health Hop, lesson one, to stop the bedlam.
If you think you're infected, seek attention,
If you have it stay at home, so you don't spread none,
Use tissues when you sneeze, 'cause you could spread some,
'Cause coughed-up germs is where it spreads from!
I'm recommending, washing hands for protection,
Front and back, real thorough, while you count 20 seconds.
Hand sanitizer, I advise you, get it, why?
It makes germs die, when you rub and let it dry.
Don't touch your eyes, your mouth, your nose, your face,
That's how you get infected so you'd better play it safe!
Long-term outcome, we'll see the end come,
Never sick again from the H1N1!

**UPDATE** Return to Glory

They WON the tournament! 3 years in a row! (And actually 5 out of the last 6.) Wow...here are some photos of the game time action from Destin's mom and Tyson's (Destin's brother) girlfriend. Wish I could have been there.

It's really all about the trophy. Now...who's  gonna be lucky enough to get to keep that? Destin....it will NOT fit in your suitcase!

Return to Glory

Ok...that might be an overstatement. But...you'd think after THIS....there wouldn't be anymore of this....

But you would be wrong (...and you wouldn't know Destin very well.) He's back in action. Playing QB on the repaired Achilles. :) And doing just fine. His team (of mostly college students, including our brothers) is 2 for 2 today.
Go hubby!

29 3.0

I promise. This is the final birthday post. :) But I did forewarn you that my birthday lasted much longer than one day. ;) The final celebration took place on Sunday...it was a rainy day on the outside...but my heart was full of sunshine on the inside. (Because almost ALL of my family was with me to celebrate.) 

The next morning she had a delicious pumpkin chocolate chip muffin top waiting for me when I woke up! Yummy-o! (It did not take away the pain from the loss the night before...but it sure did help.)

That night was the PARTY!!!! Our families (and friends) came from all over to be together and to celebrate!! My mom even had a cookie cake with a pumpkin on it! I LOVE cookie cake. :)

This photo of my "nephew" Weston is just too awesome not to post. I have no idea what kind of face that it...but it is hilarious. Sorry Weston!

Here are some hanging out photos from the party.

Amy and Mark live on the other side of the country from our parents...but they were there via Google Chat. I seriously don't know where my life would be without Google. Savannah is checking out the action...

All in all 29 is not so bad. I celebrated. I had a good time. I was with my friends and family. And like always....I turned it into a week long celebration. :)

Just wait until I turn 30......

29 2.0

I told you. It never ends after just one day. :)

Mom made me some pumpkin shaped cookies....sorry, they didn't last for the picture.

Then my dad, Amber, and I were off for a little tailgating fun in Athens before the Georgia vs. LSU game. :) There is nothing better than being in Athens on game day and feeling the energy of the crowds.

But the highlight of my day was that I got to be on the field and get a picture with Uga VII. :) Yay!!!

Unfortunately the DAWGS did not get the memo that they were supposed to win. :( Oh well. I'm still celebrating......

29

Turns out that turning 29 isn't so bad. :)
I had an amazing day. I don't know if I had 29 envisioned as it's turned out, but I couldn't imagine it any better than it is. Sadly, this is the first birthday that Destin has not been with me, since my suprise 16th party. But, that's part of living the dream. :) And we ARE living it. Wow....13 years. We were not dating 13 years ago, but he was at my surprise party nonetheless. (Hosted by my awesome cousin Jenn.)
Today I few into Atlanta and met up with my dad. We grabbed breakfast at the OK Cafe and it was delicious. Then I spent the rest of the day with my mom and baby sister. Here is what 29 looked like for me.... (There must be a birthday outfit...I mean seriously!)

I told my mom that I kind of wanted to have some fall-ish pumpkins around for my birthday. (I also might have mentioned a pumpkin theme...) Well she outdid herself. The house and the pumpkin theme were amazing! Over the top!!!

Then in the afternoon I took off with my baby sister, Amber, for some coffee and a pedicure.

(No...I did not spend all day taking pictures of myself...I was just trying to help Destin live the moments with me.)

Next up I got to open my present from Amber. :) She is so sweet and thoughtful.

Finally we ended the evening with a wonderful dinner with my parents, Amber, and my grandparents. My mom made some delicious pasta, Amber made a wonderful Caesar salad, and Grandmother kept with the theme and had Pumpkin Roll for dessert!

I even received some beautiful flowers from a secret admirer (wink wink!) that could not be with me on my special day.

I could not ask for anything more! :)

But let's be honest people....if you know me....you know that I celebrate my birthday for more than one day. :) The best is yet to come....

The girls are back in town

My wonderful mother and best friend/sister came to visit. :) Nothing could make me happier. (*Destin on the other hand felt slightly over run by the girls, but he's a good sport!)
First up...some baking adventures. Here I am around midnight starting the process of making Red Velvet Cake Balls. **Notice there are only two pictures. We forgot to keep taking pictures after that. Let's just put it this way...I needed my Aunt Sharon or Cousin Emmy there to help me out.

  Next up-- We picked up Amy from the airport and headed for a yummy breakfast. About mid-way through breakfast this giant tree limb attack her. I mean...fell straight out of the tree onto her. She screamed. Then we all laughed.

Here she wants you to appreciate how TRULY large the branch is. Appreciate...NOW.
Then we were off for some shopping, riding around, and hanging out.


There is always time for fro yo when you visit the desert. :) Yummy!

We run on...

COFFEE!!!
Every morning, whether it's 5:20am or 7:30am our little coffee pot kicks on and starts brewing. It’s to the point that we actually fear going to work without coffee, fearing that it may affect our performance, which a) we're pretty sure meets criteria for dependence and/or addiction and b) is probably similar language to how other people (rock stars, actors, investment bankers) talk about things like cocaine. “It’s totally harmless, helps me start my day, and I need it; it really does help!” Otherwise, around noon we are no longer functioning human beings.

Juuuust enough caffeine. (Courtesy of Wikipedia.)

According to Yerkes-Dodson's law there is a bell-shaped curve where you plot arousal and performance. Of course, having a bell curve means that we’re bound to overdose at some point, leading the shaky-jittery shoot-I’m-drinking-this-on-an-empty-stomach mode.
Cheers!


P.S. On that note....

Starbuck's Taste Challenege

From Oct. 2 - 5, Starbucks invites customers to join the Starbucks VIA (Remember I "reviewed" this in the spring) Ready Brew Taste Challenge at their favorite U.S. Starbucks location.Participants can taste Colombia Starbucks VIA next to fresh-brewed Pike Place Roast and challenge themselves to guess which one is Starbucks VIA.

Starbucks VIA Taste Challenge participants will receive coupon for a complimentary Tall brewed coffee on their next visit as well as an offer for $1 off a Starbucks VIA Ready Brew purchase.

Read the article HERE but call ahead to your local Starbuck's to make sure they're participating.

**THANKS Good Deal Gal!

Touch 'em All

(that is a baseball reference for those not feeling sports inclined)
We headed back south a few weekends ago for a variety of events.
First up...a baby shower for my friend Marie! ***new blogger

Here are the hostesses of the shower, me, Carrie, Marie (mom-to-be), Amanda, Leslie, and Loren. While this was my first baby shower to hostess...I think it was the best party ever. Not only did we color-coordinate, we planned this shower from 5 cities in 3 different states!

Next up...MHS c/o 1999 High School Reunion.

While we graduated with around 800 classmates...turns out only about 50-60 of them were brave enough to show up for the ten year reunion. (I don't think that the ATL flood helped much...) Anyhow...I was NO class president back in the day...but maybe I've come up with a 15 year reunion plan...stay tuned '99!

The rest of the weekend was spent navigating the floods, hanging out with family, and meeting my newest "nephew". (My cousin Jenn's son.) Here are some fun photos of us hanging out.
Brother and hubby sleeping on a Sunday afternoon...

A good time was had by all. :) Now back to the desert....

part of the journey...

So Sean and Erin have been traveling cross-country and finally arrived here in the desert with us! We had grand plans to raft down the river today...but we had rain! In the desert! :-(
They brought us a lovely gift from Cafe Du Monde in New Orleans.

I must say...this brings back found memories of my childhood. My dad traveled for his job when I was growing up and he would always bring back fun treats for us from the places he traveled. (Or at least peanuts from the Delta plane.) One of the treats we always had in our pantry was Beignets. So when I received the gift today it made me so happy on the inside.
Now, that being said...I do not ever remember making Beignets during my childhood. I only remember the box in the pantry. However, my roommate Carrie and I did have an adventure during college making them....ahhhh, those were the days. :) That might have been the time that we set the apartment and the front porch on fire, oooops!

I LOVE Beignets. So many fun memories!

Who knew a thesaurs could be so fun?

In an effort to be more "wordy" cool like Jaime...I wanted to share this website: http://www.visualthesaurus.com/

This is a website we learned about in an innovation class that I am taking. :) You have to pay for the website to be able to use it all of the time. (Why? I don't know.) But you get 3 FREE trial words. The trial words are worth it. It's fun! I chose: "Nurse"

"Desert"

and "vision"...I included the sidebar on this one so you can see the types of words it includes.

Have fun!!! And Happy Labor Day!

It's over.

RECAP (From 11/2008): Let's just say that we were done a "little wrong" by our accountant last year....that being said, we are having to re-file our taxes for last year and owe a pretty significant amount. My sister has appropriately named this issue "Financial Crisis of '08." It doesn't change the situation, but at least we can laugh about it a little! :) This all started last year...but now....

 

 

Take that IRS. Our FINAL check. The Financial Crisis of '08 is OVER. (You have no idea how happy we are!)