What a week...

It's only Wednesday afternoon as I'm writing this and we've had quite an interesting week. 
We found out Sunday that CJ's friend, Joel, passed away the Saturday night before.  We went to his funeral today.  I only met him once, but it was certainly memorable.  After being at the funeral today, I got the impression that he had that impact on a lot of people.  CJ worked with him for many years and would often come home with a funny story about him.  If I wanted a quick laugh, I knew I could ask CJ what's been going on with Joel and I'd get one.  I think it's safe to say that the world lost quite an attribute.  Right now I'm praying that his two children are ok, as well as the rest of the family. 
My dad has been in and out of the ER since Monday morning.  I was there with him this morning for almost three hours.  He will have more tests ran tomorrow and hopefully soon we'll have some clarity followed by some answers as to what the problem is. 
I think that it's times like these that we should treasure our own health and our own families.  Relish the sweet, simple things.  We should be so grateful that we can hug our loved ones or that we can call a friend.  I don't know why, but I've always been one to never take anything for granted.  I feel confident in my relationships.  I know for a fact that everyone in my life knows just how special they are so that if something happened five minutes from now I would have no regrets.  Still, times like these make you think not twice, but three times.
I'm done blogging for now...CJ is sitting beside me on the couch so I'm going to put this computer down and go snuggle up next to him with the fur babies.  Despite the hard times, life is good.

Fall Favorites!

Because Fall is my most favorite time of the year, I thought I would do a post about the reasons why...

October 3rd is my birthday!  Unlike most people, mine is a month long celebration that I encourage all of my family to take part in.  I recently asked my mom to start dropping reminders to family.  I love getting birthday cards in the mail and being able to say, "but it's my birthday!"  CJ and my mom always make it really special for me as well.  They spoil me - and I love it!

I love the pumpkin spice latte at Starbucks.  It's the season in a cup.  Nonfat milk and no whip cream, of course! 

The colors of fall are so beautiful.  Our living room is a constant reminder of that and I really enjoy the space. We have a large window that allows us to feel like we're in a tree house and when the season changes, it's absolutely gorgeous.

Although I care nothing about football, I do enjoy the get togethers and food that this time of year produces.  I will spend hours on the internet looking for new ideas and recipes for game day!  Ahhh...CJ's chili is calling my name!



I also love Halloween and Thanksgiving. 

While CJ and I never do anything for Halloween, I really love watching scary movies and eating candy that will later prohibit me from fitting in my jeans. 

Thanksgiving is such a nice time of year.  We always spend the actual day with CJ's family (tons of food...and wine!) and go to visit my family in Mississippi the next day.  I really enjoy going back to MS, which happens twice a year.  I'm thankful that CJ always goes and makes the most of it. 

After eating an abnormal amount for those two days, the Iron Bowl is on the Saturday after - so just when you think that you can't eat any more, our friends along with us have made some delicious dips and appetizers to munch on for the game.  This is the point where you thank the person who created stretch in fabric. 

I guess that's it for now...I'm still running.  Hopefully I'll reap the benefits of that soon.  We had a relaxing weekend - spent all day last Saturday watching football with the animals.  We're excited about going to a friend's house this Saturday night to watch the Auburn game.  I'm also excited to finally make the beer bread that CJ's sweet sister bought me.  I hope everyone enjoys it as much as CJ and I do!  CJ is laughing now because I squeezed in another comment about food.  Ha! 

Happy Fall, ya'll!

It's Almost Fall!

It's been a while since I've posted...oopsie!  Labor Day weekend was nice and relaxing.  It was also the first weekend for football.  We had a few people over to watch the games and relaxed the rest of the time.  Bill got fixed recently.  He had a problem urinating on random things in the house.  I am not confident using the word "had," as I'm scared it will jinx me and I'll find a soaked towel later.  CJ said he would take his life or his manhood.  We chose the latter of the two.  Last weekend we spent time at CJ's sister's house for the Alabama game and had a great time.  So far, no plans for this weekend and I honestly hope it stays that way! 
The weather has cooled off recently and humidity is becoming a thing of the past.  I loathe summer down here.  I do not understand why people enjoy the hot, humid days of summer.  The up coming months are my most favorite.  I love the weather, holidays, chili, soups...CJ will laugh when he reads this at the fact that I related food into the description of my favorite time of year!  Food is never far from my mind!  I've already put up our Fall wreath and it is taking everything inside of me not to set up my cute pumpkins inside and other fun fall decor.  Love, love, love it!
I began running again yesterday for the first time in months.  I managed two miles, walking up our large hill each time.  When I don't dread it, running can be such a stress reliever.  I hope this isn't a stint and that I'll make it last this time.  I believe in myself - I have to - I need to fit into my jeans this year!
Other than the daily grind, nothing in particular has been going on.  I'm craving a margarita and a date night with my man Friday.  I'm also looking forward to an after dinner walk in the cool air with him this week.  Cross your fingers that AU wins this weekend.  CJ is an angry man when they lose.  I'll be crossing everything I can!