true life: I am bulldog.

One could say I am a die-hard Misissippi State fan. I grew up that way; it's in my blood. It is rare that I find such a fan in south mississippi, however. Being in Hattiesburg, surrounded by all these Golden Eagles, has not caused my love for all things bulldog to fade. In fact, I think it is safe to say that it solidified my love to a new level.

Perhaps not to the level of one Hattiesburg local, Mercedes-driving Bulldog.

Yesterday I went to the Corner Market to pick up a few items for dinner. (Side Note: Vegan Pizza Crust does NOT taste the same. Why am I so easily fooled?) I parked my car and walked on in to the store, not realizing the gold mine that was parked next to me.

When I finished my shopping, vegan pizza crust in tow, I made my way back to the car. It was then that I spotted the car tag:

Now, I am just as proud as the next bulldog of our winning season thus far. 3 and 1. We haven't done this since, oh, the mid-90's. But I am a little concerned that this local took it to the extremes. Will he change the tag after Saturday's game? Regardless if we win or lose, the numbers will change.

Perhaps I have missed the boat completely and MSU3nd1 totally means something else. I thought about it all night, but can not seem to come up with another answer. If this does represent the 3 wins and 1 loss that I am assuming it does, I really would like to meet the owner of this vehicle. I might have made a friend.

Speaking of a winning season; the bulldogs did, in fact, pull out another W. I am like a proud mother watching her child learn to ride a bike.

What Not To Wear

"Every year, when spring comes, my mind goes to one place and one place only, Ninjas." - Dwight K. Schrute

Just as ninjas enter the mind of Dwight at the dawn of a new season, so do clothes enters mine.

It is officially fall, ladies and gentlemen, and that can only mean one thing: a wardrobe change. Time to throw your white eyelet blouses and seersucker pants aside. The time has come for fall colors and cozy sweaters.

Being from Mississippi, I have always found it a challenge to dress appropriately for both fashion and logic. It may be 90 degrees in November. So while a wool coat by Milly in a precious mustard color might look great in theory, the heat might be telling me otherwise; thus resulting in a flip-flop/shorts fashion disaster. That is just one of the troubles I encounter during the fall fashion transformation.

I am convinced that if you are wealthy, there is no excuse for not being cute at all times. Superficial? Maybe. But we live in a material world, and I am a material girl. (only kidding)

After cleaning out my closet this past weekend, I noticed that I have an insanely amount of ugly clothes. Please, someone, nominate me for What Not To Wear. I really could use that shopping spree. In the meantime, however, I have been trying my best to look fashionable while staying on a budget.

So while doing a little research, I found the following places in which I will be able to add pieces to my fall wardrobe. Please, fashion divas, if you know of a fashion steal, enlighten me. We all have the right to be fabulous for less.



1) Vera Wang has a new colection exclusive for Kohl's. The Kohl's in Hattiesburg opens next month. If you are interested in accompanying me, let me know.

2) Todd Oldham Joins Old Navy. Don't take my word for this one, readers. I do appreciate Todd Oldham's clean and laid back look, but frankly, Old Navy has been less than appealing to me lately. Perhaps Todd can spruce it up a bit. He is now the creative director for this sales dropping chain. Good luck, Todd.

3) Sarah Jessica Parker's relatively new line: Bitten. Anything with SJP's name on it, I am willing to give it a shot. I have not tried anything from her line; trying to remember: would I buy it if it wasn't from her? But, anyway, I am not throwing it out the window before giving her a fair chance.

4) Ann Taylor Loft. classy clothes at a resonable price. Less expensive than Ann Taylor with the same great quality. Great work clothes.

5) Franchesca's. This store has adorable pieces for a tiny price! I bought a dress from here for $39.00 that I wore to my bridal luncheon back in June of '06. I wore it this past summer too...still looks new.

6) Target. Lest we forget about this budget shopper's dream. Everything you need under one roof. And with designers including, but not limited to, Alice Temperley and Issac Mizarahi joining the Target team, you can not go wrong. Cute clothes for a teeny price. Plus, while you are there you can pick up a vacuum cleaner, bag of potatoes, and a pack of diapers. Convenient shopping at it's best.

Those are a few of my bargain stores. Please, readers, as I mentioned before, enlighten me on your steals: fall is here and I am in need of a good chunky knit.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: DWIGHT APPEARS IN ONE WEEK.

It seems as though I have made a minor mistake...The Office does not premier until NEXT Thursday. Oops. My apologies for misleading my readers. Just something to look forward to, I suppose. This actually works out perfectly for my schedule, as I have plenty to do this afternoon: clean out my closet and finish reading my hospice handbook.

I am cleaning out my closet in order to take clothes to Emily's store, MINT. I have so much that either does not fit (Freshman 15? How about Marriage 15!) or is not so much my style anymore. So that will de-clutter my life. It will also prove to my husband that when I say I don't have anything to wear, I really mean it. I forsee a shopping trip in the near future.

As far as my hospice book: Did you change professions? you may ask. Nah, readers. I am a patient volunteer for a local hospice, Deaconess Hospice. I am so excited about this. My Dada, who passed away a year ago in November, was under the care of hospice nurses for years. Last November he was moved into a BEAUTIFUL Hospice Home in Tupelo, where he passed away peacefully a few days later. The hospice workers, nurses, volunteers, and help aids meant so much to my Dada and myfamily during those times. I wanted to give back somehow to them. So I added that desire to my LOVE for old people and decided to volunteer here in Hattiesburg. I adore old people. Really...LOVE THEM. I talk to them wherever we go. Trey and I were eating at a restaurant one night when I notice the cutest old couple a few tables down. Trey got up to go to the bathroom and when he got back, I was sitting at their table talking to them. Love it. Anyway - I just got my new patient this afternoon: Lucille. CAN NOT WAIT TO MEET HER. I have her files: 90 years old with alzheimer's. Love her. I requested an alzheimer's patient. So happy to have one. Sweet Lucile. Perhaps I shall write a poem about her later on.

Another reason why it works out for the best that I still have a week until The Office is because I need to pack. Trey and I are heading out after lunch tomorrow to God's country...the real O.C...Starkvegas...Wonderland...whatever you prefer to call it - STARKVILLE. I get to see my entire family (Henry included...duh.) and TONS of my friends! YAY! I adore reunions. And with the Bulldogs enjoying a winning season (2-1, which is more than SOME SCHOOLS can say) we are sure to have a grand ole' time.

Mama, get that key lime pie ready - I am coming home!

mid-week happenings

several things. Naturally, I will list for an easier read:

1. First things first: CONGRATS TO TREY! My cute husband was offered a new job yesterday at the university! Movin' on up, my man! He is now a big man on campus, so I am assuming bow-ties will be an almost daily occurance. Trey, I have ordered you a "world's best boss" coffee mug via the NBC website.
2. A bird poo-pooed on my arm today. True story. I almost threw up.

3. The Office premeires tomorrow night, which will make for a hard day at work. I am easily distracted and the escalated joy of watching Dwight K. Shrute in a matter of hours will make it even harder to stay focused. Wish me luck.

Christmas in the south

It is only September, yet I find myself thinking about Christmas. I love Christmas - family time, the lights, the meaning, the music, the traditions, decorations. A few things in particular: namely, Christmas cards, Christmas china, and buying a new Christmas wreath. I bought a book last weekend in "land-o-hell" (see previous post) that talked about the strange ways we southerners like to go to extremes when it comes to Christmas. "When you can't deep fry it, spray paint it gold". Interesting concept, no doubt.

Anyway, I have already begun the process of mentally preparing for my Christmas to-do lists. "But Heather, don't stress. 'Tis the season!" - you may be saying to yourself. No fret, readers: This does not stress me out. I long for the day when I can throw magnificent dinner parties for any and all occasions. I shall use matching serving pieces and only the best napkin rings. In the present, however, I shall focus my attention on things at hand: our Christmas card picture.

It is an unspoken rule, I suppose, that one should wait until they have children to send out such Christmas faux-pas'. I laugh at such a rule. What are the three of us going to wear? (You didn't think I would leave Sophie out, did you?) One faux-pas that I promise to avoid is the whole "What have the Skaggs' been doing this year?" letter/card combo. No offense, please, to those readers (which I can only hope is world-wide by now) who do these things. But for me, personally, I would rather post my life's happenings for all the world to see than type it out on Christmas-sy stationary highlighting our accomplishments and goals.

With that said, I do love a good Christmas photo-card. Props to The Butts, who sent out Christmas cards with a picture of them holding up Christmas messages. Job well done, Trish.Can't wait to see what Christmas 2K7 brings.

As I mention my thoughts of possible Christmas photo locations to my husband, his eyes began to light up.

"No need to plan to take a picture: I already have one I want to use." - says he.

At this point he walks over to the desk and pulls out the following picture:
Ladies and gentlemen, this is the picture my dear husband would like to use for our Christmas card. Trey often says that God put the two of us together because He has a sense of humor. I hate all things gun and camo. Bring me the diamonds and pearls.

I have been in camo twice in my lifetime - once for a sawp in college and once on a hunting trip with the husband, thus resulting in this infamous photo. I suppose I could have smiled, but orange is really not my color: didn't see too much to smile about. I do love Trey's big fat grin in this picture.

I really wanted Sophie in the christmas card. Maybe I can photoshop her in on Trey's left shoulder, perched as though about to pounce. I don't know. Your opinion is valued.

Interview with Heather

I know, I know. Two things like this in one day. Trace put this on her blog, then 'interviewed me'. So fun. Today has been a "got lots to do at work but don't feel like it because it's raining" day. Ever had one? Good.

On to the interview:

1) You are opening your own book store. What will you call it and what sort of theme will you have? Why should I go there instead of "bigger" book stores like Barnes and Noble?
It wouldn't have a name at first. Then people would refer to it as "the book store" or "the store that Heather likes". That would stick. I wouldn't have to advertise my book store:if you build it, they will come. There would be no theme, just 'realness'. People would come back to my store because I would get to know my customers, and they would know me. Have you ever seen "Beauty and The Beast"? You know in the beginning when Belle sings to the book store owner? He knows all the books she has read and what she should read. He gave Belle her favorite book - free of charge. "If you like it that much, it's yours". That would be my kind of store. I would bake cookies and serve coffee. It would be the queen of 'mom and pop / grassroots' book store. Then it would get so popular there would be a demand for me to open up more stores across the state...then nation...and finally world. I would refuse. I would remain mom and pop. (Side note: I know every word to that Belle song. Just ask)

2) If you could eat dinner with one "famous" dead person, who would it be and why?
C.S. Lewis. I can imagine our conversation would probably be one-sided; he would talk and I would listen. I also can imagine some of the words he would say would be over my head comepletely, in which case I would nod and smile politely while tilting my head from side to side. I am sure we would talk about things including, but not limited to: Lucy, Edmund, Shift, Puzzle, Susan, and Aslan. I am convinced he would love me. I would eat more than him, for he would be talking. If he was unable to attend my dinner, I would invite Joe DiMaggio. I would ask him: "Where have you gone Joe DiMaggio? A nation turns its lonely eyes to you." I would then remind him that my Dada struck him out. (on a curve ball)

3) You are given one wish. What would you wish for? Forget world peace, make is personal.
To never have to do laundry again. Simple, yes, but if I (or better yet, Trey) never had to do laundry we would have more time to do fun things. Oh, and I would wish for calories not to count.

4) If you were stranded on an island and could only bring 6 things, what 6 things would you bring and why?
1. TREY - he would keep me company. 2. SOPHIE - to keep me company when Trey gets on my nerves. Only kidding. 3. WATER - I am always thirsty and I'm assuming that the island is surrounded by salt H20, in which case I would be parched. 4. MY IPOD - we could dance and sing all day long. 5. MY CAMERA - I bet it's a pretty island. 6. MY CELL PHONE - to call for help.

5) Other than your two piece prom dress, do you have a favorite outfit from your past?
In my defense, I was not the only one wearing skank attire. It somehow seemed perfectly appropriate for a tropical themed prom. In hindsight (which is always 20/20) I understand that it was, at best, horrid. Moving on: my favorite outfit from my past would have to be the little blue dress that had my name smocked on it. My mom made it. I think I grew out of it when I was 3, but it was so darn cute.

Trace emailed me my 5 interview questions. If you want to be 'interviewed', just comment on this post with your email address and I will email you your 5 questions. So fun. Thanks, Trace! It made my afternoon FLY!

I have been tagged!

My friend, Trace, tagged me in her blog to share 10 things that make me happy. I am to write down my 10 things, then tag 5 more people to do the same. So many things make me happy, but I will try to narrow it down to 10!

So here I go! 10 things that make me happy:

1) My family. My WHOLE family. Enough can not be said about the wonderful family I have been blessed with. My husband is the best and my very best friend, my parents are amazing and such role models, my sisters are fabulous and the biggest blessing, my nephew is my little love, I have (and had) the most wonderful, strong grandparents, My cousins, aunts, uncles, in-laws... the list goes on and on...are all THE BEST! My family is the absolute best! I am so blessed!

2) My dog. Sophie is happy to see me no matter what kind of day I have had. She snuggles with me and makes me smile.

3) Christmas. Really any holiday, but Christmas especially. There is something magical about the whole season. I can't wait. Bring on the holly and mistletoe.

4) Lazy mornings. Drinking a good (carmel kiss, for example) cup of coffee while I am still in my PJ's...ahhh. I like to hold a big cup of coffee with both hands. If it is cold outside, this happiness doubles.

5) Finishing a good run. I love the feeling that you just pushed yourself a little harder. I love how your body feels when you shower after a good run. I had a pretty good one last night, so it is fresh on my mind.

6) Fall - something about the air, the leaves, the football games...I love it.

7) My friends. I have the greatest friends. I miss my 'old ones' but am enjoying making 'new ones'. There is something about laughing until you cry with girlfriends. And there is something about having long, meaningful conversations with true friends.

8) Camp. Just thinking about Tripp Lake makes me happy. I spent some summers in Maine working here. I still keep up with friends I made there. It is a magical, happy place. I want to go back one day. My cousin, Jake, who is a Jr. at State is thinking about going to work there next summer. THAT also makes me very happy.

9) Painting, writing, reading. Three into one. I love painting, I just wish I did it more often. It relaxes me and makes me feel creative. I love writing. I am better at expressing myself through written words than spoken. (although I do talk A LOT). And reading...I love getting lost in a book. I love to read. I have many books to get caught up on (I am working on it, Russ!!)

10) My faith. It is a constant in my life. It is personal and public all at the same time. I love knowing that I am not alone. It keeps me strong when I feel like quitting and brings me joy when I want to cry.

Now it's time to tag! YOUR TURN: Tricia, Jordan, Ashley, Adelia, Murphwood. (Laura and Amanda...you were tagged by Trace, but if you didn't get that memo: I tag you too!!)

SOPHIE - heroine exraordinare

This weekend was fabulous, for a number of reasons. Friday morning Trey called me at work and told me to pack my bags during lunch and be ready to leave right after work...we were leaving town. perfect. Work has been...ummm...work, so a relaxing weekend is just what we needed. We came home from work, loaded our bags and Sophie, and headed to Oxford, "Land-o-Hell". We were not really in Oxford, but at Camp Lake Stephens where our dear friend, Russell, works. It was just what we needed - relaxing woods, lake, good food, and fabulous conversation with an old friend.

Sat. morning we got up and went to Bottletree Bakery off the sqaure. For the record: I hate Ole Miss. It is a burning hatred deep inside of me that I just can not explain. Nothing you can say or do will change this loathing feeling. Having said that, Oxford does have some charm. This bakery is one of them. After that we headed to Square Books and Off Square Books where we all bought something we did not need. By this time, I had been in Ole Miss land for far too long - it was time to head back to camp.

Once we got back to Russell's house and cleansed ourselves of Rebel aroma, we decided kayaking on the lake sounded like the pefect afternoon. Not wanting to leave Sophie out of the fun, we loaded her up on the golf cart and the 4 of us headed to the lake for a little relaxation. Sophie has never been swimming, mind you, so I decided it would be best for her to sit in my lap while I kayaked. Sophie and I were the first in the lake. She was enjoying the sun hitting her face and the breeze going through her hair. Any nerves that I had about putting the pup on the kayak were erased: we were all having a good time.

Trey gets in his kayak, only to tip over completely and make a huge spash in the water. Russell and I laughed at him and continued on our way. Sophie, however, did not find this amusing. The thought of her daddy in what appeared to be danger, upset her. She FLEW into the lake (litterally, 4 limbs spread eagle to the water) and swam across the lake to her daddy. I screamed in fear; I did not know if she could swim. Once she made it to her daddy and made sure he was, afterall, alive and well, she decided to swim again. It was hilarious.

I am now thinking that Sophie, the designer Matli-poo should be classified under the sporting dogs. I only wish I had a camera to capture the heronie acts of Sophie. She slept for 15 hours straight after this. It's a tough job being a heroine dog.

Being in Oxford when Ole Miss loses + MSU winning + being with Russell = A perfect weekend.
GO DAWGS!

much ado about nothing.

It is a rare occasion when I blog from home, tonight being one of them, because I am a firm believer in leaving work (computer) at work. But alas, work made itself home tonight. It is close to 8:30 and I am just now finishing up a project.

Now I feel the need to unwind with a little blogging. I have a few things to talk about, none of which has any importance. So, if you are busy and you are stopping your work to read this, don't say I didn't warn you.

NFL started it's season tonight. I don't care. Un-American? Perhaps. Give me the Egg Bowl over the Super Bowl anyday. I just can not get into professional football, not unlike many Hattiesburg locals.

Exhibit A: As I was driving down Hardy street a very loud (literally. his speaker's were vibrating my car) vehicle passed me by. I got a glance of it...gold and black with big rims. I pulled up next to the car only to see that the car is painted in some sort of New Orleans Saints theme. Very well done, if I do say so myself. The saints logo on the hood, a football helmet on the trunk. Very creative. I only regret that I do not have a picture to share with my readership. I thought about pulling my camera out of my purse, rolling down the window and taking a quick shot of the masterpiece, but I feared my safety. I am now thinking about dressing the new car up in a bulldog theme. Feedback welcome.

Last night Trey and I went to dinner for his birthday celebration. Once inside the restaurant Trey announces that he is not hungry at all, due his larger birthday lunch that he ate on campus. I am hungry, so I immediately order a side salad as I look over the promising menu. Trey decides he, too, will start with a small salad. He eats two bites before giving his salad to me. At this point, after eating both of our salads, I decide that I am also too full to order food. After coming to the conclusion that it would be ok, rude...but ok, to ask for our ticket after only our side salads, we recieved the ticket. nothing. Only the one drink that Trey ordered. My water = nada. The 2 salads = zilch. We approached the waiter who announces to us that 'salads are complimentary now, we are just not advertising it." SCORE! I will be eating a free side salad once a week from now on. The grand total for Trey's birthday dinner: $6.50. We gave him a $10 tip. He made a killing from us that night.

While watching CSI the other night in silence with my Trey, he looked at me and said "Have you ever seen the VHS of me starring in my 5th grade play? It exists. I'll just leave you with that."

No, readership, I will leave you with that. Good night.

A Birthday Tale

today is a great day. Not because the work week is about half over either (although that doesn't hurt). No, today is the day-o-birth of my wonderful hubby, TREY!

cue story of Trey here:

Twenty-seven years ago today,
(labor day, no less)
A little baby boy was born
(A cute one, I must confess)

He was named Jean Thomas the third,
hence his calling: "Trey".
he was the first born to mother Peggy,
Whose life was forever brightened that day.

Hunting he did love,
church and guitar stores did he roam
And while he lived in LA for a while,
Gulfport was his home.

At 18 he moved to Hattiesburg
where he sought his political degree.
He dated a few cute girls,
but, honestly, none compared to me.

Fast-forward a few years-
a young man he did grow,
but it wasn't until 2003
that Heather did he know.

With his degree, he moved to ATL
Where he worked both day and night
But when a Mississippi girl started calling his name,
you could say "he saw the light"

He met me at a church retreat,
and the rest is history.
He longed to hold me tight,
and love me indefinately.

After a few years of dating,
and more than a few laughs,
He asked me to marry him-
I said 'yes'; I had no doubts.

Almost a year and four months later,
I love him more today.
His birthday comes just once a year,
but our fun is here to stay!

So, HAPPY 27th BIRTHDAY, TREY!
(You're getting kinda old)
I hope today's the best one yet,
Your love I will uphold!

Sophie would now like to write a note:

Dear Daddy,

Mama ordered my Halloween costume yesterday on the internet, so don't get mad when you see the bill online.

Happy Birthday. I love you big!

XOXO- Sophie

Labor Day bliss

Hello all. I hope you had a wonderful long weekend! We did, for sure. We were able to see Trey's parents and most of my family. (we missed you Laura!- only you were at the beach, so I don't feel sorry that you missed out on our fun.)

Sunday we drove to the cost to see his parents. The men had a golf game, so I visited with Mrs. Peggy and helped (watched) her cook. Then they fed us a DELICIOUS meal and dessert! Thanks! We had so much fun.

Then on Monday morning my mom, dad, and nana got up early in Starkville and drove to Meridian to pick up my Mamaw and headed to our house. Kristen, Rob and Henry met us here as well. Trey's birthday is tomorrow (Don't worry, birthday post to come) so we had lunch and birthday cake. Now, I know that I tend to say that Henry is the cutest of all, but it is no longer a joke. I have never in all my life been around a happier baby. He doesn't cry, fuss, bite, push, cuss...nothing. He is perfectly content in any situation thrown in his face. I love this kid.

Henry has always taken to Trey. Last time Trey had a beard and Henry LOVED playing with it. It tickled him, so he thought it was the funnest game. This time was no different. It was precious. Of course now Trey thinks that "Henry loves Uncle Trey more than Aunt Heather." Pa-lease. I will not hear of such nonesense. I am still his favorite. Trey played the guitar for him and he just danced and laughed!! It was too cute.

Please look at these pictures of the two of them playing! I don't know which one had more fun!

Some more pictures from the party: (Yes, most are of Henry)

Notice the picture of me and Sophie. We found her pouting under the table because Henry was getting all the attention. She BEGGED me not to bring one of those "things" home anytime soon.