Why Hubby hearts Swoozie's

Our 2-year anniversary was last Monday and Hubby, being the ever so thoughtful Hubby that he is gave me a gift that I've been asking about for a while.... (oh, and he's a good listener) A stationery embosser, with our new name and most recently our new address.

When I opened my gift, I found an embosser and a nice note from the employee at Swoozie's explaining that my actual embosser was late - that they were sorry, but it would arrive shortly. Apparently, Hubby and strong-armed the employee, telling her that he couldn't show up gift less on his anniversary, so the employee wrapped up the store model & included a hand written note. A nice touch.

The embosser arrived on Friday, so Hubby stopped by and picked it up. Excited to try it out, I immediately found some scrap paper and began embossing... to find out that while our name was right, they also had our last name listed as our street address. Hmmmm.

Needless to say, Hubby paid another visit to Swoozie's on Saturday - again, more apologizing, and they said the new one (with the right address) should arrive next week. Let's hope. I will say with all of the mix-ups, they have been extremely apologetic and accommodating... I'm just glad it's not the week that I'm mailing out Christmas cards! This is what it will look like!

Two years ago...

Two years ago, I was running around like a chicken with my head cut off taking vases to the florist, pictures to the reception, picking up friends from the airport, stressing about Martha Stewart sugar cookie favors flopping at the last minute, and writing large checks for a big party that was going to be thrown in a couple days.

Two years ago, I was remembering everything as my last time as a single girl - my last meeting, last day at work before the wedding, last grocery store visit, last workout at the gym, last drink with the girls...

Two years ago, I was standing in our church the night of the rehearsal dinner, nervous and realizing that this was about to really happen. We were surrounded by friends and family, I was holding a bouquet made of ribbons, and I really couldn't believe that the day that I had waited so long for was finally almost here.

Two years ago, I ate barbecue and the famous Starmount pie, drank wine and laughed at the toasts (and roasts) from friends, kissed my fiancee for the last time, said goodnight and went inside my apartment.

Two years ago, I drank Dom Perignon with rollers in my hair while people fretted over my hair and makeup.

Two years ago, I enjoyed a perfect Indian summer day in November and walked down the aisle to the one man who "really got me" and I knew that he would be the one that I could count on, the one who would be my rock, the one who would be there for me.

Two years ago, I danced, laughed, ate cake, cried, hugged and smiled.


Two years ago, I tried not to embarrass myself by "slipping into something a little more comfortable."

Two years ago, all I could think about was getting on a plane to Antigua to relax with my husband.

I love you, C. Happy 2nd Anniversary!




Photo by Kellie Kano

a "blue" surprise

I had to stop by the old house last week to water plants, make sure that we didn't have any mail, and I noticed a small box on our porch. I checked the return address and it was from Hubby's company, so I figured that it was more crap for him to file away.

I brought the box back home and didn't really think about it for a couple of days. Hubby was at a conference in New Orleans last week, so I finally thought to mention it to him toward the end of the week. "Oh, it may be your bracelet" he said. "What?!" Now I can't get this package off my mind and couldn't open it soon enough.

For part of a sales competition, Hubby was able to choose a prize for all of his hard work. There were sunglasses, pens, cameras, tools, and a few items that came wrapped in a specific shade of blue.

Now, before you get in my business about why Hubby is giving me his present, since it was his sales competition... let's just say that I do believe I have married one of the kindest men that I have ever known. With that being said, I would just like to think that he enjoys making me happy. Thank you, Hubby. Did I mention, he was at a conference the week after we moved? And he got to see this band?

And now...

Day of Susan

I didn't know this until later, but Hubby had determined that yesterday was the "Day of Susan". I ran a few errands in the morning and arrived at the spa to find out that I was having the "mack daddy" facial, followed by an hour massage. The facial lasted 1 1/2 hours and was amazing. It included neck, shoulder, hand, and leg massages, plus all of the facial massage, exfoliation, masks, etc. They used this collagen booster apparatus, so I left feeling great to cross the hall for my massage. I didn't realize how much stress I must have been carrying in my back and shoulders. Lots of knots, but the masseuse did a great job to work those out. I left feeling refreshed, albeit slightly greasy. After my second shower of the day, we had a good evening and met up with friends for a few cocktails, then called it an early evening. Ahhh.

Organization is my friend

Can I tell you how nice it was to come home from Boot Camp this morning, open the door, and smell the coffee brewing? Hubby went to swim this morning, but was thoughtful to feed the dogs and start the coffee. I poured a cup and sat down at the computer to finally organize my emails. I filed or deleted a zillion and only have 21 email in my inbox. It's quiet in the house and all I can hear are a few birds chirping and Zeus, snoring every so slightly. Now, all I have to do is shower, take my car to have the oil changed, and then I'm off to my mystery spa appointment. I'm also planning to reorganize and declutter my bathroom closet that currently looks like an explosion took place in Sephora, Target and Walgreen's, and the remnants landed in the closet!

Embracing the whale

Ever since my visit to Redix in Wilmington, I've been eyeballing the Vineyard Vines D-ring belts. When I was at the store, they didn't have my size in the right pattern, so I payed a visit to the website and scored on their sale area. I picked up a pink and blue sea turtles belt and a pair of pink chinos. What else can a girl want?

And, hubby gave me a very sweet surprise today...I've been working 6 days a week for the last 5 weeks, so needless to say, I'm a bit worn out so I decided to take Friday off. I arrived back at work after lunch today and found a beautiful arrangement of white and green hydrangeas, with pale white roses, from my Hubby, designed by my favorite florist in town. Just beautiful. And, on the card, an invitation to be at my favorite spa tomorrow at 11am. He won't tell me what I'm having done - just to show up at 11am. Sweet, very sweet.

Return to college days

Thursday was D-Day around our household. Hubby's company has recently gone through a merger and they cut 40% of the sales force, which could potentially include him. They were told they would receive calls after 12 noon and I'm happy to report that he received his call at 11:57 to tell him that he was keeping his job. Whoo-hoo! Needless to say, we were both relieved, but Hubby decided that he should celebrate this news with a couple of his friends.

Several of his friends work out of their homes, so there is great flexibility in their schedules. About 9 hours of drinking/Golden Tee/Pool playing later, I found them in a somewhat coherent stupor. One friend had almost gotten into a fight, so the dutiful wife (me) packed them into my little A4 and carted them home. I did feel like it was 1993 and I was caring for somebody after the pre and post parties from a frat party!

Valentine's Day continued

Hubby and I celebrated our Valentine's Day tonight with a yummy chicken pot pie from a local gourmet deli. Heat and eat, baby. Along with chocolate covered strawberries for me and red velvet cake for him. Plus, my laptop came along to our dinner. Grumble, grumble. I have been working on a proposal for work and I needed to try to get a jump start for hopefully finalizing it tomorrow.

Hubby was very thoughtful and bought me two sweet gifts, both from Swoozie's. Since our store opened in the fall, I think he has bought nearly every gift for me there, which is great. First, a new coffee mug with a personalized "Rise and Shine" message from my Hubby. And, a new red leather address book. Love it. I've been looking for months & haven't found the right size, texture,etc. I can't find a photo online, but it's great! Plus, a sweet card, which is always tops in my book!

Oh, went to my Dr. - I'm sure he thinks I'm stalking because I've been there so much with the same issues. Lungs are clear, no infections so Mucinex for me. It actually seems to have helped, even though I am creeped out by their ads. Luckily, no mucus-monsters on their packaging! Thanks for the get well wishes... hopefully, I'm on the mend!

V-Day

I do love Valentine's Day, or actually what it represents. Do I think that there is a lot of unnecessary pressure put on every man and woman out there and a whole lot of bad gifts, candy and stuffed hearts that can be given as gifts without any thought? Sure.

So, Hubby and I were discussing V-Day this morning. We couldn't get reservations at any of our favorite restaurants, but it's not like we typically just don't go to those restaurants any other night of the week. So, we decided that we'll either order in or cook dinner at home, which I enjoy. Then, we have been going to a Bikram yoga class on Monday and Wednesday nights and the question was... should we go on Valentine's Day? I guess in theory, it sounds sort of sexy - heated room, sweaty bodies, flexible poses, but in reality, we are both sweating like pigs, red faced and tired. Not sure if it would be an appropriate prelude to a fun, "romantic" evening at home!

It's funny... the older I get and the longer I have been married, the acts of "love" come in so many different shapes. I saw one of these acts of love last night. I had settled into bed when I realized that I had forgotten to apply chap stick. Weird obsession, but it's just one of those things... like my nightly hand lotion ritual. Comfy and tired, I asked Hubby to get my chap stick for me, so I could stay happily nestled under the down comforter. He did this without complaint, then waited for me to apply so he could place back into my purse. Awww, ain't love grand?

Wedding tasks... one year later

This weekend, I finally took our "guest book" from our wedding to have framed. Yes, it's been over and year and should have been done by now! Instead of a traditional guest book, we had our guests sign on a document that included a passage read at our wedding, our names and dates. It's about an 11 x 14 in size. It was nice, because this is something that we will be able to see every day & remember all the nice folks who attended our special day. I wish I had a good photo to show it, but I will include one when it's finished at the framers.

Other wedding duties included opening a set of sheets that we received as a wedding gift. I washed and dried them & made the bed. I told my hubby that they seemed really big and didn't fit like our others. Later, while in bed, I couldn't fall sleep and at the same time, wondering if leaving the ceiling fan on during the day will cause a fire, I looked over & realized that I had turned the sheet the wrong way when I made the bed. DUH. So, I got up, since I was still awake and remade the bed! Hubby didn't like the way they felt and swears that the thread count on the others that we use are higher. I noticed that he didn't have any trouble falling asleep!