So long, farewell

Today is my last day at my current job. It is bittersweet. But I so much look forward to starting a new job at RARE. Monday is the big day. Whatever shall I wear?

Anyway, adios, USM. You've taken this bulldog in with open arms. And for that, I will be eternally grateful.

This week, since most of my work has been either completed or delegated, I have had little to do between the hours of 8 and 5 (sans the piles of paperwork that is involved in quitting a state job). The extra time on my hand thus resulted in me thinking about things I have not often pondered.

Thought 1: I need a hobby. My dear husband has many of these. Namely, golf and hunting. These are his two loves. They are relaxing for him, exercise for him and fun for him. While I am still trying to understand the adoration for sitting in the cold with the hopes of seeing an animal, I grew up with a daddy who golfed all the time - I know it is a passion.

My point is this - I want to have something that I look forward to doing on the weekends or my days off. I enjoy painting, but I want something where I can get outside or get some exercise and meet new people. I am up for a challenge

So I have come up with a few options:

1) Tennis. I am not a tennis player, but feel fairly confident that I could pick it up if given the opportunity. I am thinking about going to buy a raquet and tennis skirt and giving it a shot. My friend Olivia is on a league here in the 'burg. Only she is on the highest league there is. She was state campion in highschool. Take that, Serena. I wouldn't be able to play with her even if she was on my level - she is moving to Nashville this week. Bye bye, sweet Olivia. Tennis is probably my best idea for a new hobby. Plus, I hear it is a stellar workout for the gluteus maximus. Rock on.

(not me, but let's be honest: there is a striking similarity)

2) Roller Derby. Good news: according to the local news, Hattiesburg now is the home of a brand spanking new roller derby league. True story. I can only imagine that people that sign up to be a part of such an elite group. But nonetheless, it is a hobby and is one I will consider. until they make me wear spandex. Or roller skates. Other than that, I am up for whatever.

3) Smocking / monograming. I realize the physical aspect of this hobby is slim to none, but I imagine if I learn such a skill, money will follow. People, like my sister who dresses their child in nothing but smockings and/or monogramed clothing, would pay me the big bucks to dress their children. I don't know. My fear is that I will buy an expenisve machine, then quit halfway through a shirt for Henry, resulting in a shirt I will make him wear that says simply "Hen". I suppose it's a thought, though. I will keep it in mind.

So there you have it. My top 3 choices for a new hobby. Suggestions, comments and recomendations welcome.

I realize I have not given updates / pictures of last weekend. That was not intentional. I do apologize. Nan sent me a nasty message pointing out my lack of blogging this week. Demanding? Perhaps. But it makes me feel wanted. The weekend was fabulous. Our days in Starkville were spent watching Henry's every move, commenting on all he did. My Nana (Sassy Nana) bought him a kiddie-pool, so for an hour straight my whole family sat in lawn chairs surrounding his pool, watching Henry splash. Naked. Cute thing. I kid you not, this kid is a genious. He cleans up his mess, tells you exactly what he wants/needs, does not cry, and knows everyone (even my parent's neighbors) by name. Prodigy? Possibly. At not quiet 17 months, I would like to think so.

Pictures to come. Laura and my mama took the good ones. But they are at the beach, so I must wait. Poor them. Soaking up rays on the white sandy beaches as I slave away at my computer. Bitter much? Yes.

summer lovin' had me a blast

So it's not like I get off for summer or anything, but just the thought that summer is here brings me a sense of revival and refreshment. But let me set something straight for the record: there is nothing worse than the summer Mississippi heat in August. When I was little, I loved this swimming weather, but now that I must wear work clothes throughout the dead heat of summer, I can think of nothing worse. I love to sweat, mind you. But only when sweating is planned. Working out, for example. When I am in clothes, dressed for the day and walking to a meeting, the last thing I want to do is sweat.

Whether I asked for it or not, summer heat has hit the deep south. Two days ago as I was driving down the wretched Hardy Street, I noticed the temperature reading on the ever-so-disgusting KFC sign: 102 degrees. And it is not techincally summer yet.

But I live in Mississippi, my beloved state, so I digress.

In college, during the summers, I worked in Maine at the most wonderful place in the world: TLC. "The Promise Land", it is called. And rightfully so. My cousin, Jake, whom I love and adore, is there right now. Jealousy abounds. Point is this: weather in Maine during the summer is simply the best. Some morning and nights in July I needed a sweatshirt - JULY! SWEATSHIRT! It was all foreign to me. The girls that went to TLC were completely amazed and intrigued that I was from Mississippi. It was as if I had told them I was from outer space. My first summer there I was asked many questions: "Do you wear shoes?" "Have electricity?" "Have you ever heard of Couture?" Once we got through the basics of Mississippi and that, yes, indeed, I own a car, have internet, a cell phone, even an IPOD, the summers spent there were quiet enjoyable. In fact, it's safe to say, it was love. I miss it almost daily. Especially this time of year.

But alas, I am an adult now and must do adult things - like work 12 months a year.

However, in honor of the summer aproaching, and Laura being through with school, I have compiled a list of things I actually am looking forward to this summer:

1) Reading "Chasing Harry Winston" by Lauren Weisberger. I don't care if you judge me for reading this stuff - I think she is a riot and love all things she publishes.

2) Drinking Abita Seasonal. It's strawberry flavored and just so refreshing. A bit of bad news, however. I went to order one the other day and was given the horid news that they, whomever 'they' might be, stopped brewing the summery ale. It was all gone. While this hurt my heart to hear, the man behind the counter said he had one more and wasn't going to charge me. That made up for it. If you are out there reading this, you Abita people, please, for the sake of summer, make some more of that strawberry goodness.

3) Going to Camp Lake Stephens to visit my friend, Russell. He is one of the directors there. If you recall, faithful readers, Trey and I attended a dance there over New Year's. Last summer we spent a few nights there. I helped out with the convenience store, but was told my help was needed no more after I royally screwed up the money situation. Never was one for numbers.

4) Our anniversary is June 3. Year number 2. Should be fun. Last year we went to a Damien Rice concert in Memphis. This year we are keeping it low key. Gas is $4.00/gallen for crying out loud. Trey likes to keep things old school and follows the traditional gifts for anniversaries. This year it really works out in my favor: Cotton. I sent him a wish list of clothes via email. He has yet to bring that email up. I was only trying to make gift shopping easier. Always thinking of others.

(Damien Rice, my other love)

5) Amy's wedding. In just 2 short weeks my first Hattiesburg friend, Amy, is getting hitched. Going to be a fun weekend. The bridesmaids luncheon is at a fab restaurant, and you know I love to eat. She is going to be a beautiful bride.


That about covers it. It goes without saying that I am super excited about starting my new job, which happens June 2nd. I will keep you updated. It also goes without saying that I never turn down a good key lime pie in the summer.

Tonight I am heading to Starkville to see the fam. Kristen, Rob and Henry are coming too. I love that little man. We are staying until Monday morning, when we are then heading to the coast for a Memorial Day cook-out with Trey's fam. Good thing we both have fun families.

I now leave you with a product I recently discovered: TAZO Diet Giant Peach Green Tea. I typically shy away from drinks with more than 3 adjectives, but this one is just so divine. And with 0 calories, it is sure to become a summer favorite.

Happy Birthday to my Mommy!!

Today is my mom's birthday.

OH HAPPY DAY!

I could try and try a million words and none would ever come close to explaining my love and adoration for this woman. I can only pray and hope that when the day comes when I become a mommy that I am the kind of mother she is. I am so blessed.
I hope you have a wonderful birthday, mama! Can't wait to see you tomorrow!

I LOVE YOU TONS!

cute little mama

little bird gets engaged

I have a friend. I mean, I have many friends, but this story is about one of them:
Little Bird.

Her legal name is Kate. Katherine Kennedy Northrop, to be exact. But we affectionatly call her Little Bird. I know no reason why we do this other than she is very tiny, like a little bird.

Friday night she and my good friend, Toby, got engaged. It could not have been more perfect! Toby is a State Representative, and told Kate Friday afternoon that their Friday evening date plans must be cancelled - he had been called into special session and had to report to Jackson. Kate called me furious at the Mississippi legislature. It was just hilarious. I was very proud of myself for playing it cool and agreeing that being called to Jackson on a short notice was just wrong.

Toby had other plans, of course. None of which included special session. He had very creatively and precisly mapped out a scavenger hunt for his soon-to-be-bride. Trey and I were at stop number 4. I was told by Trey to not open my mouth - that I would give away everything. Looking back, he was probably right. But as it turns out, Kate got suscipous when she saw me because I, according to her "was dressed up and looked nice". Awesome. So apparently I normally look like chopped liver.

Anyway, at the last stop, Toby was there. I am sure sweet things were said. Then after the proposal, he took her to the Boom Boom Room, a bar downtown, where all their friends were there ready to help celebrate! It was so fun.

Some of the girls. Kinds dark, but I like the colors.

Toby and Kate celebrating their engagement

Some of the girls holding up little bird. Not sure why.

I am so happy for them and can not wait for October! LOVE YOU, KATE and TOBY! (but really more love to Kate) I think now would be the perfect time to start a blog. I am just saying.

CONGRATS soon to be MR. and MRS. BARKER!

Hello, new job. I am Heather.

I got a new job.

I was told about a way cool job about a month ago. Was told to send my resume in. So I did. They called on my birthday (cinco de mayo, if you recall) and asked to come in for an interview. So I did. I walked into the building, located downtown, and thought I had stepped in to New York City. It was love at first sight. So I interviewed for about an hour and a half. they called me a week later, while I was on a work retreat, no less, and offered me the position.

I start 2 weeks from today. June 2nd. I can't wait.

It was hard telling the people I now work with that I am leaving. they have all been so great to me through the years. I have learned a lot and gained tons of experience, but I now leave the university and head to RARE Design.

I get to wear trendy cool clothes. I must go shopping. I sent my mom my 'shopping bag' via email, but she conveniently could not open it. Whatev. I shall try it again. I already cleaned my closet of boring "business-casual" attire and invested in 2 new pairs of good jeans. That's a start, I guess. I have no tops. My mom recommended going topless, but I say it's too early in the relationship. Maybe by Christmas.
I kid.

No, really, I am so excited (and a wee-bit nervous) about taking on this new role. It should be exciting and rewarding and I simply can not wait.

So now I just have to wrap up some things here and I am off to the next chapter in my life: RARE Design. By all means, check out the website. Please look under 'what' at the client list. This is going to be fun.

Z = Zellweger, Renee

Someone told me the other day, a stranger, mind you, that I looked just like an actress.

SCORE! I was pumped. Overly enthused to see which Hollywood icon I resembled, I eagerly waited for the name of my twin.

Without much hesitation, the stranger announced I looked identical to Renee Zellweger.

Huh.

She is gorgeous and pratically a rail and I would not at all mind being her twin, but readers, we look nothing alike. This statement has the same validation as someone telling me I resemble Beyonce or Donald Trump. There is just no truth.

I was a little disapointed that I did not find the similarity between me, the Mississippi girl, and Renee, the Hollywood princess, but decided to look on the bright side: I, in the eyes and mind of a seemingly blind stranger, looked famous. It was enough to make me smile. What I didn't bother asking was if I looked like her in Bridget Jones Diary weight, or after. Details, readers, details.

Post - Bridget Jones
Mid - Bridget Jones

PS - HAPPY late MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL MOTHERS! I was able to see my wonderful mother yesterday. I am so blessed to have such strong women in my life. My mom, as you all know, is my favorite person. Hope all mothers out there felt loved!

Y = "You" quiz

I have been tagged by Jade to answer questions all about me.
Jade and I were Diamond Girls for the MSU baseball team back in the day.

maybe i should - stop worrying so much and stop caring what other people think of me

i love the smell of - clean laundry, clean-smelling candles, Vera Wang perfume

people would say that i’m -kinda crazy, quirky, hopefully kind

i don’t understand why - people are mean and rude, I can't seem to become a morning person, gas is so expensive, and why people still drive gas guzzling vehicles even thought gas is so high!

when i wake up in the morning - i tell Trey I am sleeping for 10 more minutes. NOT a morning person. Never have been.

i lost my willpower to - always eat what I should. I love mexican too much.

life is - short, stressful, hard and fun all at the same time

I get annoyed when I - talk to someone and they don't look at me, have to deal with snooty people, get angry for no good reason, have a new outfit and no where to go ...and vice-versa!

parties are not a good time to - talk about work

dogs are - my favorite!! I hope I always have a dog. Sophie is my favorite.

cats are- dull. I don't know a cat that has the personality of my dog. I swear she talks. kittens are cute, I guess. My eyes itch if I touch cats, so I try to stay away.

tomorrow - is Friday!! Laura will be here!

i have low tolerance for - power trips, negativity, snobs, inconsiderate people, ignorance, and close-minded people

i’m totally terrified of - ROBBERS! Ever since the break-in, I have been totally freaked. it's really kind of sad.

i wonder why I thought my life would be - carefree. growing up my life was pretty much carefree, I never knew true pain. I thought life would always be that way. But then I got out of my 'bubble' and into the 'real world'...

I always knew I would - regret not studying abroad in college, stay in Mississippi (like Jade) even though I wanted to move to NYC for a while in college. Family is way too important to me - I want to stay close to them. Plus i love Mississippi.

never in my life have i - been pulled over by a cop, broken a bone, been in a car wreak. (knock on wood on all three!!)

high school was - so fun. I know that is not what everyone says, but I had a blast

when i’m nervous- my neck gets red and blochy. It also does this when I am upset.

one time at a family gathering - I probably did something stupid

take my advice- have fun! life is way too short.

making my bed - Let's be honest, only happens during the week if I wake up on time or if Trey does it. Mama, I know you are dissapointed. But I make it up on the weekends!

i'm almost always - daydreaming. Really. I think it is a problem. I daydream ( I prefer the word "thinking") about everything - the future, my to-do list, work, retirement

i’m addicted to - diet coke (namely Cherry Coke Zero)

i want someone to - tell Hilary Clinton the time has come to drop out.

X = X-CITING news!

A blessing - A baby!

No, not our kid. I bet some of you thought that was a picture of my belly - it's not.

Our dear friends, Nan and Jeremy are having a baby! Jeremy and Trey have been best friends since college and nan is his wonderful wife. I love it when Trey's friends marry/date girls that I love. Nan and I became instant friends. They used to live in Luarel, about 30 miles north of Hatitesburg, but have since moved to Orlando. I miss them so much and miss our weekly dinner parties. Nan could cook a mean dessert.

Nan and Jeremy got married about a month before Trey and I did, so Nan and I talked a lot about planning weddings during that time, etc...

We also made a pact that since we got married close to each other, we would also have babies close to each other - that way they could be BFF's for life.

Sorry, Nan, for breaking that pact.

I am SO happy for you guys. What a blessing from God! I can't wait to meet HER! Yes, her. Nan is only 9 weeks, but already have I dreams that it is a girl. So I think that pretty much seals the deal - They are having a girl. Name her Heather, perhaps?

Congrats, again, to our friends, The Knights! We love you!

W = Workin' for the weekend

I am so ready for this weekend. I have spring fever, with no end in sight. I am super jealous of those getting a break this summer, (teacher, like Laura, per say) but am not jealous of what they endour during the school year.

Speaking of Laura, this weekend is going to be fabulous. She is coming to see me! Not only that but, Kristen may be coming too on Saturday. Just fabulous.

I can't wait.

In the meantime, I am just waiting. Waiting for the weekend.

hurry, Laura! Sophie is ready to play with Max.

Last weekend was fabulous, also. Trey and I went to the coast to visit his parents. There was birthday cake, but not just any birthday cake...a very special one! Peggy (trey's mom) knows I love strawberry cake - it's my absolute favorie. Well, when she went to the store to get strawberry cake mix, they were out! So she improvised - she made strawberry cake with real strawberry's and real cream cheese. It was delish!! Just precious. They also gave us their extra washer and dryer, which is so fabulous. If you are a faithful reader, you know our washing machine died a few weeks back. So instead of buying a new one to use for less than a year, they gave us one! THANKS SO MUCH! I have fabulous in-laws.

Anyway, hurry up and get here Friday. I love weekends.

V = Very fabulous friends!

I have such great friends and family!!! And nothing proves that more than on a day like today! I had so many wonderful phone calls, random text messages and facebook messages, birthday cakes at work, cookies from a dear friend, cards in the mail, even an Anthropolgy gift card from an old best friend! It was fabulous and I really appreciate it all. I have been so blessed to have such a wonderful group of friends...and you all know how much I love my family! They are the best!

Don't believe me? Read here!!

HAPPY CINCO DE MAYO!

U = united airlines

My nana, whom I talked about a lot for several reasons, but the main one being that she wears metalic pants and paints her glasses with finger nail polish to match her clothes, flew on a airplane for the first time today.

(nana, in her her metalic pants)

She and my parents flew to Orlando for a family wedding. Am I there...noooooooooooooo. Boo. But that is not the point of this post. The point is, the airline company made this one little old lady's day. I shall never call her a little old lady again, however. Do you know her? She is far from a little old lady. A spunky adult, yes, fragile ederly woman? negative.

This trip has been planed for months. And months ago did Nana start planning. When I was packing for my trip to Colorado and Las Vegas (in March) she, too, was packing for her trip (in May) Yes, she has been packed for this long weekend for over 2 months. Each time I talk to her on the phone (which is basically daily) she talks about flying and has many questions.

"should I pack nabs?" "Should I pack coca-cola?" "How many purses should I pack?"

She is just hilarious. I am dying to know what she wore for the flight. Clothes are very important to her. When Kristen got married in 2003, Nana was flustered by how many parties and showers there were for her attend. Not that she would tire out, oh no, she was worried about what to wear. It worried her so much that after the wedding, so ordered several dresses for future weddings and showers, 'just in case'. Hilarious.

So I talked to my mom a minute ago and they landed in Orlando. I asked if Nana had fun. the answer: a blast. She wants to do it again. I am thinking a New York girl's trip is on the horizon. Me + Laura + Kristen + Mama + Nana in New York. This needs to happen.

I hope I am spunky when I am 82 years old.