Ari says:
This is it folks. My penultimate night in Nash-Vegas. Tomorrow will be my last day of visiting with friends, packing and getting ready for the big move. The movers (yes, we hired someone) are coming early Thursday morning and by that evening, I will be with Bart in The Big Easy. I've been in Nashville for over 5 years now, making this one of the longest stints I've ever lived in one place. I'm really excited about the move and very ready to be with Bart. He, of course, is already down there, having had to check in for his orders yesterday. He is paving the way and will actually get into our house tomorrow at some point. I'm sure he'll just be wiling away the time until Sherlock and I get down there. Right. Anyway, as I said, I've lived here for quite a while, but I'm having trouble coming up with legitimate reasons that I'm going to miss this place. So, in case you were wondering, here is my list of the top 5 things I will miss about Nashville:
5. Music at any time, day or night, whether you want it or not.
4. The ease of being in a location that everything you need is within 2 miles of where you live.
3. (Mostly) Friendly people and smiling faces. You gotta love the south. (Not that New Orleans isn't the south, but it's a bit different)
2. Being so close to Lexington. It has been great being able to get up there any time I want to see my fam, and Beth and Katie.
1. Friends. I have met some wonderful people, not the least of whom is Angela and I will miss her terribly, although I know that we're both "only a phone call away." Love you girl!
On the opposite end of this sappiness, here are the top 5 things that I am thrilled to be getting away from:
5. Music at any time, day or night, whether you want it or not.
4. Horrible, horrible, horrible, horrible, horrible drivers (they're really bad, folks).
3. Metrosexuals. There is something wrong when a man is prettier than me, even if we aren't together.
2. UT fans. Nutters.
1. Not being with Bart.
So, there you have it folks. The best and the worst of Nashville. This has been an amazing time in my life and I know that God put me here for many reasons (mainly to meet Angela and Bart, have some great time with Bradley, and to find out more about myself), but I also know that He has a plan and this move is just the next step. I'll be out of touch for a few days, but promise to post after the move, and hopefully will have some pictures of our new place to show you. Until then, much love to you all. Wish us luck!!
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Where to Begin?
Ari says:
Hello all! Yes, I am still alive and well. I know you're probably all wishing me ill will and all that, and I'm sure I deserve every bit of it. To be honest, so much has happened in the past couple weeks, that I don't really know where to start (hence the title). I guess I'll just dive right in. Bart and I are doing really well. When last I blogged, I told you we were heading to his parent's house in PA. We had a great trip up and a really nice visit with them. They are such wonderful people. We also enjoyed watching Penn State romp on Wisconsin. That was just good stuff. And, OMG, the colors of the trees up there were absolutely amazing. I thought several times of trying to catch the views with the camera on my phone, but knew that there was no way that justice could be done. I have to admit, that I haven't seen an aut
umnal change like that in a very long time, and it was a magnificent site to behold. Ok, enough sap. Anyway, we got home Sunday night and discovered a visitor in our midst. A stray, calico kitten was hanging around our apartment and decided that our porch was the place to be. She was way too skinny, covered in fleas, had a horrible cough and drainage from her eyes. In essence, she was totally pathetic, but entirely too cute to pass by. She purred her way into our hearts and the next day found us taking her to the vet to get checked out. During the week we talked a lot, fed and kept up with her, and finally decided to make her our own. We set ourselves up to take her back to the vet for the necessary procedures following our trip to Ft. Worth, and then to bring her home as the newest addition to our family. Thursday rolled around way too quickly and we were "on the road again" to Texas. Bart's great friend, Kristian (K-Dub), got married on Saturday, so we headed down early so as not to miss any of the festivities. We had a great surprise and were able to meet up with Mom and Bill in downtown Ft. Worth for a late dinner Thursday night. They were both in Dallas for business (separate trips, oddly enough) and so we took the opportunity to sneak in a visit. The rest of our time in TX was spent doing all the wedding stuff, but really spending some wonderful time with Dave (Contract) and his fantastic girlfriend Leigh Ann. They were marvelous hosts and we all had a great time together. The wedding was Saturday, and everything was just beautiful. Well done and a huge congratulations to Kristian and Kristine (I think they planned the name thing, don't you?)! The reception was a blast and I was lucky enough to meet some of Bart's buddies from way back, and put some faces with names. What a great group of friends my husband has! All too soon, though, we were back in the car and on our way home. Our thoughts quickly turned to our "Little Girl" as I had dubbed her (or "Princess" as Bart called her), and we set to picking out a name for her. We came up with a few ideas and were really excited to get home and bring her into our familial fold. Sadly, though, we have not seen hide nor hair of her since we've returned. I've kept food out in the hopes that she might wander back, but my real hope is that a good family is taking care of her and that she gets the love she needs. Our focus is fully on the move at this point. We spent yesterday getting rid of clutter, junk, and things we just needed to say goodbye to, and loaded it all in the truck, bound for Goodwill. We've got some more packing in our future and a lot of lugging things around, but I have a feeling we'll get it all taken care of. So, make sure to think of us and pity us a little bit as you work off your Halloween Hangover. We'll be shoving things into a truck. And last but certainly not least, to end this epistle on a really amazing note, a huge congratulations and welcome to the new babies in the world!! Tom and Sallie Namey are now the proud parents of their second child, Tommy. Mike (Porkchop) and Myra Davenport have welcomed their first child, little Miss Ireland. And my dear friends Mark and Jennie Ross now have their beautiful Katie Joy. Congratulations to everyone!!
Hello all! Yes, I am still alive and well. I know you're probably all wishing me ill will and all that, and I'm sure I deserve every bit of it. To be honest, so much has happened in the past couple weeks, that I don't really know where to start (hence the title). I guess I'll just dive right in. Bart and I are doing really well. When last I blogged, I told you we were heading to his parent's house in PA. We had a great trip up and a really nice visit with them. They are such wonderful people. We also enjoyed watching Penn State romp on Wisconsin. That was just good stuff. And, OMG, the colors of the trees up there were absolutely amazing. I thought several times of trying to catch the views with the camera on my phone, but knew that there was no way that justice could be done. I have to admit, that I haven't seen an aut
umnal change like that in a very long time, and it was a magnificent site to behold. Ok, enough sap. Anyway, we got home Sunday night and discovered a visitor in our midst. A stray, calico kitten was hanging around our apartment and decided that our porch was the place to be. She was way too skinny, covered in fleas, had a horrible cough and drainage from her eyes. In essence, she was totally pathetic, but entirely too cute to pass by. She purred her way into our hearts and the next day found us taking her to the vet to get checked out. During the week we talked a lot, fed and kept up with her, and finally decided to make her our own. We set ourselves up to take her back to the vet for the necessary procedures following our trip to Ft. Worth, and then to bring her home as the newest addition to our family. Thursday rolled around way too quickly and we were "on the road again" to Texas. Bart's great friend, Kristian (K-Dub), got married on Saturday, so we headed down early so as not to miss any of the festivities. We had a great surprise and were able to meet up with Mom and Bill in downtown Ft. Worth for a late dinner Thursday night. They were both in Dallas for business (separate trips, oddly enough) and so we took the opportunity to sneak in a visit. The rest of our time in TX was spent doing all the wedding stuff, but really spending some wonderful time with Dave (Contract) and his fantastic girlfriend Leigh Ann. They were marvelous hosts and we all had a great time together. The wedding was Saturday, and everything was just beautiful. Well done and a huge congratulations to Kristian and Kristine (I think they planned the name thing, don't you?)! The reception was a blast and I was lucky enough to meet some of Bart's buddies from way back, and put some faces with names. What a great group of friends my husband has! All too soon, though, we were back in the car and on our way home. Our thoughts quickly turned to our "Little Girl" as I had dubbed her (or "Princess" as Bart called her), and we set to picking out a name for her. We came up with a few ideas and were really excited to get home and bring her into our familial fold. Sadly, though, we have not seen hide nor hair of her since we've returned. I've kept food out in the hopes that she might wander back, but my real hope is that a good family is taking care of her and that she gets the love she needs. Our focus is fully on the move at this point. We spent yesterday getting rid of clutter, junk, and things we just needed to say goodbye to, and loaded it all in the truck, bound for Goodwill. We've got some more packing in our future and a lot of lugging things around, but I have a feeling we'll get it all taken care of. So, make sure to think of us and pity us a little bit as you work off your Halloween Hangover. We'll be shoving things into a truck. And last but certainly not least, to end this epistle on a really amazing note, a huge congratulations and welcome to the new babies in the world!! Tom and Sallie Namey are now the proud parents of their second child, Tommy. Mike (Porkchop) and Myra Davenport have welcomed their first child, little Miss Ireland. And my dear friends Mark and Jennie Ross now have their beautiful Katie Joy. Congratulations to everyone!!
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Bad Blogger
Ari says:
I know, I know. I've been a very bad blogger. I have only one excuse: Bart's home!!! In my defense, though, there really hasn't been too much to report, so I really was just saving you from some boring reads. Bart got home a week ago and we have really enjoyed having our time together. We've been running errands, eating out at places that Bart missed, hiking, but more than anything we've just been getting used to having each other around again. Tomorrow we are heading up to PA to see Bart's parents. We are actually going to be trading Bart's truck for their Lexus, so we'll see how that works out. Our hopes are for better gas mileage. Wish us luck. Next week will be a mad dash of packing and getting rid of junk and then we'll be getting back on the road. We're going to Ft. Worth, TX for a wedding of some friends, and hopefully a great visit with folks we haven't seen in a while. All in all, we've got plenty to keep us busy. We are officially moving the last weekend of this month and are just praying for a smooth transition into the new place. I'm very aware of all the things that can go wrong, but will try to be prepared for any eventuality. Ok, see?? I told you this was all very boring stuff. Anyway, hope you are all well. I'll get a good post up soon. Probably some mishap on our trip this weekend.
I know, I know. I've been a very bad blogger. I have only one excuse: Bart's home!!! In my defense, though, there really hasn't been too much to report, so I really was just saving you from some boring reads. Bart got home a week ago and we have really enjoyed having our time together. We've been running errands, eating out at places that Bart missed, hiking, but more than anything we've just been getting used to having each other around again. Tomorrow we are heading up to PA to see Bart's parents. We are actually going to be trading Bart's truck for their Lexus, so we'll see how that works out. Our hopes are for better gas mileage. Wish us luck. Next week will be a mad dash of packing and getting rid of junk and then we'll be getting back on the road. We're going to Ft. Worth, TX for a wedding of some friends, and hopefully a great visit with folks we haven't seen in a while. All in all, we've got plenty to keep us busy. We are officially moving the last weekend of this month and are just praying for a smooth transition into the new place. I'm very aware of all the things that can go wrong, but will try to be prepared for any eventuality. Ok, see?? I told you this was all very boring stuff. Anyway, hope you are all well. I'll get a good post up soon. Probably some mishap on our trip this weekend.
Friday, October 3, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
A Poorly Titled Bachelorette Party
Ari says:
I am reveling in this moment; not in a "Lafayette Revelers" kind of way (you have to be a true Lexentonian to know that term), but in an exhilarating kind of way. I'm sure I sound daft, but let me assure you that I am mostly sane. Right now, Bart is resting his tired eyes in Oklahoma City, a mere 10 hours away from our homestead. By this time tomorrow night he will have been home for a couple hours. This is only remarkable because he hasn't been home in 7 months, was gone for over 5 months last year, and in our scant 1+ year of marriage we have only, physically, lived together for about 2 and 1/2 months due to his orders and military obligations. Please understand that I do not harbor any ill will towards this circumstance, but am extremely excited that we are about to start a new chapter in our married life. We are embarking on an entire month of living together and a move to a new city. In light of my previous statements, allow me to say that it is about damn time that we get a chance to be husband and wife. We have so much looming on our horizon: new orders, a move to NOLA, new friends, children (not yet, so don't get any ideas), and so many other things (probably many of which as yet undiscovered). Above all, we get a chance to be a couple and this is what is most important to me. I couldn't be more thrilled to have him home. All this being said, I have become quite accustomed to having this apartment to myself (well, myself and Sherlock). In the time since Bart has been gone (both during and post-work days) I have found a routine and a place for myself and my distractions. In honor of this particularly grand night (seeing as I cannot sleep for excitement), I am allowing myself one last evening of relative "singledom": No boys allowed (except Sherlock, of course, who is happily playing with an ice-cube in the bathtub at the moment), greasy food accepted, and an imbibement or two at the ready. This is a night to say a fond farewell to a year of lessons and trials, and certainly one of personal growth. It certainly has been an adventure, but nothing compared to what is in store for us. Please wish us luck.
I am reveling in this moment; not in a "Lafayette Revelers" kind of way (you have to be a true Lexentonian to know that term), but in an exhilarating kind of way. I'm sure I sound daft, but let me assure you that I am mostly sane. Right now, Bart is resting his tired eyes in Oklahoma City, a mere 10 hours away from our homestead. By this time tomorrow night he will have been home for a couple hours. This is only remarkable because he hasn't been home in 7 months, was gone for over 5 months last year, and in our scant 1+ year of marriage we have only, physically, lived together for about 2 and 1/2 months due to his orders and military obligations. Please understand that I do not harbor any ill will towards this circumstance, but am extremely excited that we are about to start a new chapter in our married life. We are embarking on an entire month of living together and a move to a new city. In light of my previous statements, allow me to say that it is about damn time that we get a chance to be husband and wife. We have so much looming on our horizon: new orders, a move to NOLA, new friends, children (not yet, so don't get any ideas), and so many other things (probably many of which as yet undiscovered). Above all, we get a chance to be a couple and this is what is most important to me. I couldn't be more thrilled to have him home. All this being said, I have become quite accustomed to having this apartment to myself (well, myself and Sherlock). In the time since Bart has been gone (both during and post-work days) I have found a routine and a place for myself and my distractions. In honor of this particularly grand night (seeing as I cannot sleep for excitement), I am allowing myself one last evening of relative "singledom": No boys allowed (except Sherlock, of course, who is happily playing with an ice-cube in the bathtub at the moment), greasy food accepted, and an imbibement or two at the ready. This is a night to say a fond farewell to a year of lessons and trials, and certainly one of personal growth. It certainly has been an adventure, but nothing compared to what is in store for us. Please wish us luck.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
News Brief
Ari says:
Wow, who would have thought that life could be such a whirlwind when you're not working? This past week has been one of trials, emotions, errands and preparation. I'm not even sure where to start. On the good side of things, Bart is on his way home even as I type this. He left this morning and should be home early this week. It will certainly be a long drive for him, so I ask for your prayers for safety during his trip. We are both really excited that he's coming home (actually, all three of us are, as I've told Sherlock repeatedly that Daddy is coming soon), but know that we have a lot of packing and preparation for the move ahead of us. We signed our lease this week and will take possession of the house we're renting on November first. We certainly have our work cut out for us. In other news, Beth and Stephen came into town late last night and the three of us, along with Angela had an amazing time hanging out, catching up and just blowing off some steam. We stayed up entirely too late, but it was totally worth it. Thanks for visiting guys! I guess beyond all this, I don't have much to report. As I mentioned, this week has been very emotional. I find myself very contemplative and reflective at the moment. I have a couple very dear friends who are in highly difficult situations right now and I am unsure how to help them. It is hard for me, being a "fixer," to be helpless and standby as someone I love is in pain. All I can do is offer my love and support and let them know that I will always be there for them. However, there is a bright spot in all of this. I know that God can work miracles in any situation, and I know that He has a plan. Whether or not it is what we want, He will do what is right and best in all things. This is an amazing comfort to me to know that everything and all of us are in His hands. Or as Katie would say, "This too shall pass." On a really great note, yesterday was an amazing day of college football. Penn State and Kentucky both won their games and a few more undefeated teams fell to their opponents. How fun that football has started back up and that fall has arrived! I've noticed a few trees starting to change and know that this is going to be a gorgeous season in many different ways. It is certainly a time for change, not only in the weather, but in life as well. Although some of these changes may seem formidable, it is so very exciting to experience what is going on in our lives and all around us.
Wow, who would have thought that life could be such a whirlwind when you're not working? This past week has been one of trials, emotions, errands and preparation. I'm not even sure where to start. On the good side of things, Bart is on his way home even as I type this. He left this morning and should be home early this week. It will certainly be a long drive for him, so I ask for your prayers for safety during his trip. We are both really excited that he's coming home (actually, all three of us are, as I've told Sherlock repeatedly that Daddy is coming soon), but know that we have a lot of packing and preparation for the move ahead of us. We signed our lease this week and will take possession of the house we're renting on November first. We certainly have our work cut out for us. In other news, Beth and Stephen came into town late last night and the three of us, along with Angela had an amazing time hanging out, catching up and just blowing off some steam. We stayed up entirely too late, but it was totally worth it. Thanks for visiting guys! I guess beyond all this, I don't have much to report. As I mentioned, this week has been very emotional. I find myself very contemplative and reflective at the moment. I have a couple very dear friends who are in highly difficult situations right now and I am unsure how to help them. It is hard for me, being a "fixer," to be helpless and standby as someone I love is in pain. All I can do is offer my love and support and let them know that I will always be there for them. However, there is a bright spot in all of this. I know that God can work miracles in any situation, and I know that He has a plan. Whether or not it is what we want, He will do what is right and best in all things. This is an amazing comfort to me to know that everything and all of us are in His hands. Or as Katie would say, "This too shall pass." On a really great note, yesterday was an amazing day of college football. Penn State and Kentucky both won their games and a few more undefeated teams fell to their opponents. How fun that football has started back up and that fall has arrived! I've noticed a few trees starting to change and know that this is going to be a gorgeous season in many different ways. It is certainly a time for change, not only in the weather, but in life as well. Although some of these changes may seem formidable, it is so very exciting to experience what is going on in our lives and all around us.
Monday, September 22, 2008
It's Time For a Change
Ari says:
Hear ye! Hear ye! Come one and come all!! Experience one of the world's forgotten treasures! That's right, Ladies and Gentlemen, I'm talking about that most forgotten of pastimes. The ever extraordinary, the ultimately elusive, the amazingly escaping: personal time.
When was the last time you took a moment for yourself? In my last couple weeks of unemployment and pseudo-solitude, I have found that there was one person that I had readily forgotten. In all my phone calls, birthday cards and emails, I had been left behind. And do you know what I've found? In fear of sounding a bit conceited, I'm a fairly cool person to hang out with. I have allowed myself (and sometimes forced) not to pick up a phone or send an email. I truly have taken the time to remember who I am. In spite of all my faults (and trust me, there are plenty), I have realized that I am fairly witty, humorous, and enjoyable to be around. In fact, I'm not all that bad. I say this only because in recent conversations, I have noticed that my friends and family are not taking the same note of themselves. Now (bragging moment ensuing), I pride myself on those with whom I associate. I have some of the most amazing people in my life, which you already know. They are my lifeblood, my center, and I owe everything to them. Why, then, would they not take care of themselves? This is my question to each and every one of you. When you know you are truly and deeply loved, why wouldn't you take the opportunity to improve upon "you" simply for yourself? You know that there are those who love and support you. Why, on God's Green Earth, wouldn't you take a moment now and then (once a day or week) for yourself? To remember what is important to you, or the things which make you most happy? I only say this because I, in fact, was gone for a long time. I allowed myself to be swept up in something that wasn't nearly as important as I thought it was. Now I am able to see that I am not nearly as effective a wife, daughter or friend as I am than when I truly appreciate and love myself. True to form, though, my loving friends and family were there for me and allowed me to do what I needed to do. Yes, I have a bit of time on my hands, however, I am realizing that time is a precious commodity and must not be wasted on the frivolous. We must remind ourselves what we are working towards and whether or not it furthers our personal agenda (which isn't a bad thing). Do we spend enough time with those that matter or are we focused on getting an extra hour in at work? Do we get in 10 minutes extra at the gym or can we spend a few minutes on the phone with a loved one? What are your priorities? Do you want to change them? I challenge each and every one of you to take a moment for yourself. To find something that makes you happy, for however short an amount of time, if only to enjoy yourself and to find you in the process.
Hear ye! Hear ye! Come one and come all!! Experience one of the world's forgotten treasures! That's right, Ladies and Gentlemen, I'm talking about that most forgotten of pastimes. The ever extraordinary, the ultimately elusive, the amazingly escaping: personal time.
When was the last time you took a moment for yourself? In my last couple weeks of unemployment and pseudo-solitude, I have found that there was one person that I had readily forgotten. In all my phone calls, birthday cards and emails, I had been left behind. And do you know what I've found? In fear of sounding a bit conceited, I'm a fairly cool person to hang out with. I have allowed myself (and sometimes forced) not to pick up a phone or send an email. I truly have taken the time to remember who I am. In spite of all my faults (and trust me, there are plenty), I have realized that I am fairly witty, humorous, and enjoyable to be around. In fact, I'm not all that bad. I say this only because in recent conversations, I have noticed that my friends and family are not taking the same note of themselves. Now (bragging moment ensuing), I pride myself on those with whom I associate. I have some of the most amazing people in my life, which you already know. They are my lifeblood, my center, and I owe everything to them. Why, then, would they not take care of themselves? This is my question to each and every one of you. When you know you are truly and deeply loved, why wouldn't you take the opportunity to improve upon "you" simply for yourself? You know that there are those who love and support you. Why, on God's Green Earth, wouldn't you take a moment now and then (once a day or week) for yourself? To remember what is important to you, or the things which make you most happy? I only say this because I, in fact, was gone for a long time. I allowed myself to be swept up in something that wasn't nearly as important as I thought it was. Now I am able to see that I am not nearly as effective a wife, daughter or friend as I am than when I truly appreciate and love myself. True to form, though, my loving friends and family were there for me and allowed me to do what I needed to do. Yes, I have a bit of time on my hands, however, I am realizing that time is a precious commodity and must not be wasted on the frivolous. We must remind ourselves what we are working towards and whether or not it furthers our personal agenda (which isn't a bad thing). Do we spend enough time with those that matter or are we focused on getting an extra hour in at work? Do we get in 10 minutes extra at the gym or can we spend a few minutes on the phone with a loved one? What are your priorities? Do you want to change them? I challenge each and every one of you to take a moment for yourself. To find something that makes you happy, for however short an amount of time, if only to enjoy yourself and to find you in the process.
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