About two months ago, I put on my calendar that Lance and I would go get our marriage license on Thursday, November 11th. I put it on my agenda book that I carry around with me and my calendar on my email. It was set in stone.
Last night, Lance and I decided to go test drive the Toyota Highlander that we had been looking at. We were able to get a salesperson and we took a joy ride - after the guy had to make a copy of both of drivers licenses. I got mine back.
This morning, we wake up super early to make it to the Probate Court at 8:00 a.m. when the doors open. We were all ready to go when I asked Lance "You got your license, right?"...half joking, half being serious. Um.....Lance did not have his license. The creepy salesmen didn't give it back to him!!
Alas, we decided to try to get the marriage license with what we had. Lance at least had his passport and several other forms of ID. So, we make the journey to the Columbia Country Probate Court.
We get there, and the parking lot is unusually empty. But in my mind, I thought "It is 7:58 a.m.". No..................
It's Veteran's Day and the government offices are not open.
Of course this would happen to us. Just like an episode of Bridezilla. Though, instead of getting angry, I just tripped over a sprinkler sticking out of the ground.
Oh yes, this marriage was meant to be :-) Without bumps in the road, the ride would just not be as fun!
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Thursday, November 4, 2010
uh oh
Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.4
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Look! Gypsies!
Ok, I admit it – I am freak of nature. I’ve always been obsessed with things that I don’t think normal people even ever think about. For instance, I like watching documentaries on cults because the whole idea of someone being able to control a large group of people like that amazes me. Not that I would ever join a cult, or be a cult leader, but I’m just fascinated by it. Also, another example, I got hooked on Sisters Wives – the series about the Polygamist family. Lance was like “Do you want to live that that? Is that why you watch this?” No, Lance, you can’t have another wife.
So, on this same note, I am completely mesmerized, fascinated, obsessed, whatever you want to call it with the Gypsies that live in North Augusta. Let me back up for a minute.
When Lance and I first started looking into moving to Augusta, Lance told me about these so-called Gypsies. He told me all these stories about how the men go off to other cities and rip people off, about how the women walk around in sweat suits with pearls and tons and tons of makeup and hairspray for their teased hair, driving their expensive cars, and their children who look like pageant contestants 24/7. He also told me about their neighborhood where they live where they build these huge houses and put trailers in the back to live in while the demons are leaving their brand new home.
Of course, I didn’t believe Lance.
Until….
We were at Five Guys Burgers and Fries. In comes a whole crowd of women who fit the above description. My jaw dropped and all I could do was stare.
Lance was telling the truth!
To take it a step further, I decided that I wanted to see their neighborhood. We took the 15 minute trip up I-20 to North Augusta, and pulled into their neighborhood. EVERY mansion had a trailer behind it. All the house had large statues of Mary and very gaudy window treatments. It was absolutely stunning to see this.
I later told my coworkers that I drove through their neighborhood, and they told me to never do that again because I would be shot. Regardless of their warning, I’ve driven back through the neighborhood on several other occasions…it’s the thrill man!!!!!!!
Since the first glimpse of the Gypsies, I have learned a lot more about them through word of mouth and my own firsthand experience:
• They “keep it in the family” so unfortunately some of the offspring that you see have deformities and/or are mentally handicapped
• They love Red Lobster, Hobby Lobby, the mall, especially Macy’s, the movies, & sushi. In fact, we go to Miyabi’s every Friday night for Sushi and to get my Gypsy fix. Essentially, the Gypsies are every where that I seem to go when I am out and about. It was meant to be.
• They are not good tippers and of course they always pay with cash.
• They speak their own language, which from what I can tell is just a fast version of English.
• The men are rarely ever with the women. I guess they are too busy scamming people.
• The children seem to be happy, despite the fact that they must be miserable under all the makeup and hairspray. One evening I was at the movies waiting on Lance who standing in line for drinks & popcorn, and 10+ Gypsy children ran out the side door. Apparently they were having a birthday. Every single one of them looked like this except for most are blonde:
I have been politically incorrect thus far. The Gypsies are really known as the “Irish Travelers” and they refer to us as the “Country Folk”. You can’t really find out anything concrete about them on the internet, and you for sure can’t find any pictures of the women. I do however have this one picture of the back of a Gypsy’s head taken at Miyabi’s.
Lance is so good to me – he’s considerate of my fascination with them and always lets me sit so I can stare at them. What a good man.
I want to be brave enough to talk to one or at least get a snapshot of one for my own memories. If I ever do get a chance to do these things, I just might write a book.
Gypsies!!!!
So, on this same note, I am completely mesmerized, fascinated, obsessed, whatever you want to call it with the Gypsies that live in North Augusta. Let me back up for a minute.
When Lance and I first started looking into moving to Augusta, Lance told me about these so-called Gypsies. He told me all these stories about how the men go off to other cities and rip people off, about how the women walk around in sweat suits with pearls and tons and tons of makeup and hairspray for their teased hair, driving their expensive cars, and their children who look like pageant contestants 24/7. He also told me about their neighborhood where they live where they build these huge houses and put trailers in the back to live in while the demons are leaving their brand new home.
Of course, I didn’t believe Lance.
Until….
We were at Five Guys Burgers and Fries. In comes a whole crowd of women who fit the above description. My jaw dropped and all I could do was stare.
Lance was telling the truth!
To take it a step further, I decided that I wanted to see their neighborhood. We took the 15 minute trip up I-20 to North Augusta, and pulled into their neighborhood. EVERY mansion had a trailer behind it. All the house had large statues of Mary and very gaudy window treatments. It was absolutely stunning to see this.
I later told my coworkers that I drove through their neighborhood, and they told me to never do that again because I would be shot. Regardless of their warning, I’ve driven back through the neighborhood on several other occasions…it’s the thrill man!!!!!!!
Since the first glimpse of the Gypsies, I have learned a lot more about them through word of mouth and my own firsthand experience:
• They “keep it in the family” so unfortunately some of the offspring that you see have deformities and/or are mentally handicapped
• They love Red Lobster, Hobby Lobby, the mall, especially Macy’s, the movies, & sushi. In fact, we go to Miyabi’s every Friday night for Sushi and to get my Gypsy fix. Essentially, the Gypsies are every where that I seem to go when I am out and about. It was meant to be.
• They are not good tippers and of course they always pay with cash.
• They speak their own language, which from what I can tell is just a fast version of English.
• The men are rarely ever with the women. I guess they are too busy scamming people.
• The children seem to be happy, despite the fact that they must be miserable under all the makeup and hairspray. One evening I was at the movies waiting on Lance who standing in line for drinks & popcorn, and 10+ Gypsy children ran out the side door. Apparently they were having a birthday. Every single one of them looked like this except for most are blonde:
I have been politically incorrect thus far. The Gypsies are really known as the “Irish Travelers” and they refer to us as the “Country Folk”. You can’t really find out anything concrete about them on the internet, and you for sure can’t find any pictures of the women. I do however have this one picture of the back of a Gypsy’s head taken at Miyabi’s.
Lance is so good to me – he’s considerate of my fascination with them and always lets me sit so I can stare at them. What a good man.
I want to be brave enough to talk to one or at least get a snapshot of one for my own memories. If I ever do get a chance to do these things, I just might write a book.
Gypsies!!!!
Yes, this deserves a blog post
Our power bill for the past month was only $68.02!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Considering that we initially budgeted an estimated $200/month on electricity, I think we are doing extremely well!!!!!!! Woot woot!!!!!!!!!!!! Extra money in our pocket!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
10-Cent Taco!
10-Cent Taco Tuesday The Augusta Chronicle
On Tuesday, Oct. 12, Barberitos will offer 10 cent tacos with the purchase of a drink in celebration of Barberitos' 10-year anniversary.
The promotion is only available in Barberitos restaurants on Oct. 12 and is limited to one skinny (ground beef, chicken or veggie) taco per customer with the purchase of a drink. Additional tacos will be charged regular price.
For more information, visit www.barberitos.com.
On Tuesday, Oct. 12, Barberitos will offer 10 cent tacos with the purchase of a drink in celebration of Barberitos' 10-year anniversary.
The promotion is only available in Barberitos restaurants on Oct. 12 and is limited to one skinny (ground beef, chicken or veggie) taco per customer with the purchase of a drink. Additional tacos will be charged regular price.
For more information, visit www.barberitos.com.
Anna Kate Hartley
Anna Kate was born yesterday at 1:35 p.m. She was a perfect 8 lbs. 2 oz. measuring 20 inches in length. She is absolutely beautiful and I can't wait to watch her grow.
Anna Kate is technically Lance's second cousin (and mine as well once I'm officially a Cramer) but Lance has requested to be called Uncle Lance (which makes me Aunt Callie!). We asked Kandice, the mother and first cousin to Lance, if that was acceptable and she gave us the approval!
Seeing Anna Kate being brought into this world definately gave me baby fever. I need to slow that roll and focus on other things for a little while.
Anna Kate is technically Lance's second cousin (and mine as well once I'm officially a Cramer) but Lance has requested to be called Uncle Lance (which makes me Aunt Callie!). We asked Kandice, the mother and first cousin to Lance, if that was acceptable and she gave us the approval!
Seeing Anna Kate being brought into this world definately gave me baby fever. I need to slow that roll and focus on other things for a little while.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
After shot...now gone
Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.0
Friday, October 1, 2010
Hair do, I do
This is what I am going to give my hair dresser to give her ideas for my hairdo. Do you think she'll have some good ideas to work from? Maybe too many! Which one is your favorite?
Sunday, September 26, 2010
It's pumpkin time
Since I am homeowner now, I feel that I am required to keep a pretty wreath and/or decoration on my front door. So far, my collection consists of a pretty summer wreath and now this beautiful fall basket thing. We've already designated a spot in the attic to keep these pretty items so that I can pull them out with every change of the season.
Add on the festive colored mums in our festive flower pots, and wah-la - a beautiful Fall door. Now I just need to get a pumpkin!!!
Monday, September 20, 2010
Friday, September 17, 2010
Bird house!
My beautiful and talented friend Lisa Brown provided me with inspiration the other day. Actually here's the chain of events: Lisa posts a picture of a birdhouse she painted on Facebook, I comment on the photo, Lance sees my comment on Lisa's photo and suggests that I paint a birdhouse, I paint a birdhouse.
Here is the finished product!
I used to do arts & crafts stuff all the time...and then I grew up, got a Master's degree and started a career in Accounting. Yayyyyy, adult life rocks! But for real, once this whole wedding thing is over and before I move on to making babies, I hope to rekindle my artsy side.
Here is the finished product!
I used to do arts & crafts stuff all the time...and then I grew up, got a Master's degree and started a career in Accounting. Yayyyyy, adult life rocks! But for real, once this whole wedding thing is over and before I move on to making babies, I hope to rekindle my artsy side.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Monday, September 6, 2010
Nail Envy
In an effort to "use" my own nails for the wedding, I bought OPI Nail Envy to strengthen my nails. I've been trying to grow them out, but every time my nails get long and pretty they start to break.
I'm not sure how long it will take, or if it will even work, but here is the before picture (and a nice shot of the bling bling) with the first coat of Nail Envy:
Hopefully there will be an "after" shot for this story!!
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Engagement Photos
As promised, here are some more engagement photos. Seeing these photos makes me so anxious for our wedding day!
Thanks to Shelia Godfrey for the photos!
Thanks to Shelia Godfrey for the photos!
i love, love loooove these, but i want to crop out our feet.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Wedding planning update
Yet again, I have failed in blogging duties. I guess I get wrapped up in reading everyone else's blog, that I forget to write in my own. Every morning before I begin "working" I have a daily ritual. I check Southern Savers, Saving Your Cents, and my friend's blog Married Filing Joint. Every morning. My friend Kathryn is a great blogger and I aspire to be like her one day. Maybe after all of this wedding planning fun is all over with, I can focus on the blog.
The wedding to-do list is slowly becoming shorter. I've ordered invitations, twice. The original invitations say 4:30 p.m. and the new ones will say 5:00 p.m. This was not due to an error on the print shop's behalf. It was due to my crazy, yet wonderful, Mimi who convinced me to change it to 4:30 to begin with and then decided we should have stayed with 5:00. The only good part about this is that I will have 150 seals to put on the peanut brittle wedding favor bags. Trying to think positive here.
I did some research on the marriage license, and I found out some great news!! If we can provide documentation on our marriage counseling, we will only have to pay $16 compared to the normal rate of $58. I feel sort of guilty trying to get a deal on our marriage license, but hey, you gotta cut costs some way.
So invitations, wedding favors, guest book (oh I love it!), DJ, wedding music, flowers, dresses, tuxes..all that is taken care of. Oh, and the honeymoon! Lance and Callie will be leaving on Sunday, November 21 for a 7 day Caribbean cruise. Very excited about this!!
Our engagement photos turned out better than expected. I will get the entire DVD of pictures tonight, and I can't wait to see the rest. I will post the ones that I love the most on my next post. But for now, here is my favorite thus far...
Oh, and I'm looking for ideas on my hair. I have this idea of getting a messy up do sort of to the side so that my pretty pretty flower will stick right in. But for now, this is the best idea that I can find.
Ok, that's it for now. More wedding planning to happen this weekend so I'll be sure to post again soon!!
The wedding to-do list is slowly becoming shorter. I've ordered invitations, twice. The original invitations say 4:30 p.m. and the new ones will say 5:00 p.m. This was not due to an error on the print shop's behalf. It was due to my crazy, yet wonderful, Mimi who convinced me to change it to 4:30 to begin with and then decided we should have stayed with 5:00. The only good part about this is that I will have 150 seals to put on the peanut brittle wedding favor bags. Trying to think positive here.
I did some research on the marriage license, and I found out some great news!! If we can provide documentation on our marriage counseling, we will only have to pay $16 compared to the normal rate of $58. I feel sort of guilty trying to get a deal on our marriage license, but hey, you gotta cut costs some way.
So invitations, wedding favors, guest book (oh I love it!), DJ, wedding music, flowers, dresses, tuxes..all that is taken care of. Oh, and the honeymoon! Lance and Callie will be leaving on Sunday, November 21 for a 7 day Caribbean cruise. Very excited about this!!
Our engagement photos turned out better than expected. I will get the entire DVD of pictures tonight, and I can't wait to see the rest. I will post the ones that I love the most on my next post. But for now, here is my favorite thus far...
Oh, and I'm looking for ideas on my hair. I have this idea of getting a messy up do sort of to the side so that my pretty pretty flower will stick right in. But for now, this is the best idea that I can find.
Ok, that's it for now. More wedding planning to happen this weekend so I'll be sure to post again soon!!
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Oh Sookie.
I'm a die hard True Blood fan. So die hard that I won't pay to get HBO...ha! But for real, I do love True Blood and I've always been mesmerized by Snoop Dogg. Combine the two and you get the following!
Friday, May 21, 2010
I'm getting old?
Ok, so I forgot my recap last week. But I have lots this week:
-Grey's was so intense last night. Maybe even a little too intense.
-I just looked at the photos page for my friends on Facebook, and the majority of all of the pictures included cute little dogs and/or babies. Does this mean I am getting old?
-Augustans don't know how to drive in the rain. FYI.
-Wedding invitations are more expensive than I thought.
-Oh, recap on moving companies. Compain via phone calls and emails and you will get your way! Woo hoo! I saved $400 by complaining!!!
That's it for now.
-Grey's was so intense last night. Maybe even a little too intense.
-I just looked at the photos page for my friends on Facebook, and the majority of all of the pictures included cute little dogs and/or babies. Does this mean I am getting old?
-Augustans don't know how to drive in the rain. FYI.
-Wedding invitations are more expensive than I thought.
-Oh, recap on moving companies. Compain via phone calls and emails and you will get your way! Woo hoo! I saved $400 by complaining!!!
That's it for now.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Moving company
I know I was supposed to recap at the end of the week, but I decided that I needed to provide some useful info.
Word of advice: Moving companies are good to use. They make the whole moving process seem like a piece of cake (or key lime pie in my book). But understand what your total moving cost will be PRIOR to the move. It will save you a headache in the end.
You’re welcome.
Word of advice: Moving companies are good to use. They make the whole moving process seem like a piece of cake (or key lime pie in my book). But understand what your total moving cost will be PRIOR to the move. It will save you a headache in the end.
You’re welcome.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Living (and loving) life!
So much to blog about, so little time. I’m going to recap 5 things that have happened in the past 2 weeks. Then from here out, my goal of this blog will be to recap at least one thing a week. I can do this, right?
1. Lance and I closed on our house on April 23, 2010. Yay! Homeowners! Along with the closing of our house, the brand new Wal-Mart down the street from us has received approximately $1k from our checking accounts. Best Buy, Lowes, Home Depot, Sam’s Club are some of the other vendors who have received our money as well.
2. I discovered a new recipe for Red Potato Salad. Instead of mayonnaise, you use ranch dressing. I randomly found the recipe online and now only have a print out of it. If you want it, ask me! I love to share recipes!
3. I decided on our china to be included on our bridal registry. I had originally picked out a very unique, fun design (in brown of course) but I have now decided on a less formal, more traditional design. Here’s the link to the set for your viewing pleasure - http://www.lenox.com/cat/index.cfm?fuseaction=prod&pid=24716&kf=55
4. Still on the wedding theme, thanks to my good friend Kathryn, we have decided to look into booking a honeymoon in Punta Cana located in the Dominican Republic. Kathryn also settled my nerves when she told me that she did not book her honeymoon until about 2 months before the wedding. No worries here! (Just as a side note, it is Lance’s responsibility to book the honeymoon and thus far we have made no progress...boo…but now I am OK with it!)
5. Okay, I said I would recap on 5 things but really there is just so much to share. So if I had to narrow it down, I would say the last thing that I want to recap on is that I am living life again. For the past 3 years, while so many things did happen (fell in love, passed the CPA exam, gained 20 lbs), I have forgotten to live life. And now I am! Yay!
That is it for now. I can’t wait to recap on this week!
1. Lance and I closed on our house on April 23, 2010. Yay! Homeowners! Along with the closing of our house, the brand new Wal-Mart down the street from us has received approximately $1k from our checking accounts. Best Buy, Lowes, Home Depot, Sam’s Club are some of the other vendors who have received our money as well.
2. I discovered a new recipe for Red Potato Salad. Instead of mayonnaise, you use ranch dressing. I randomly found the recipe online and now only have a print out of it. If you want it, ask me! I love to share recipes!
3. I decided on our china to be included on our bridal registry. I had originally picked out a very unique, fun design (in brown of course) but I have now decided on a less formal, more traditional design. Here’s the link to the set for your viewing pleasure - http://www.lenox.com/cat/index.cfm?fuseaction=prod&pid=24716&kf=55
4. Still on the wedding theme, thanks to my good friend Kathryn, we have decided to look into booking a honeymoon in Punta Cana located in the Dominican Republic. Kathryn also settled my nerves when she told me that she did not book her honeymoon until about 2 months before the wedding. No worries here! (Just as a side note, it is Lance’s responsibility to book the honeymoon and thus far we have made no progress...boo…but now I am OK with it!)
5. Okay, I said I would recap on 5 things but really there is just so much to share. So if I had to narrow it down, I would say the last thing that I want to recap on is that I am living life again. For the past 3 years, while so many things did happen (fell in love, passed the CPA exam, gained 20 lbs), I have forgotten to live life. And now I am! Yay!
That is it for now. I can’t wait to recap on this week!
Friday, April 23, 2010
Closing day!
April 23, 2010...the day we sign our life away to a mortgage payment. Wait, wait, wait...April 23, 2010, the day Lance and I become homeowners!! Trying to think positive, even though the mortgage debt scares the heck out me :-(
Monday, April 19, 2010
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Wine for breakfast
This weekend Lance and I joined my dad and stepmom for a weekend getaway in Ellijay, Georgia (North Georgia mountains). We both took off work Friday so that we could enjoy the long weekend.
For those of you who do not know, I am a BBQ fan. I'm obsessed, I realize. But I just love, love, l-o-v-e BBQ. We've even thought about becoming officially certified to be judges at BBQ festivals...this is next on our "to do before we die" list. On our way up Friday, we stopped and joined Daddy & Mrs. Beth at Poole's BBQ. This place is sooooooooo good! The pig "cemetery" on the hill in the back is a little creepy, but all in good fun.
Friday afternoon we drove up to Dahlonega and ended up at a wine tasting at a boutique store on the square. I fell in love with something else on this trip...Southern Blush wine made by the folks at The Georgia Winery in Ringgold, GA. The Concord was also a very good one :-) Good enough to have for breakfast Saturday morning
The remainder of the trip was spent relaxing and enjoying the company with one another. I think I even convinced everyone of the enjoyment of playing Mexican Train!
I'm trying to post pictures...hopefully those will be up soon!
For those of you who do not know, I am a BBQ fan. I'm obsessed, I realize. But I just love, love, l-o-v-e BBQ. We've even thought about becoming officially certified to be judges at BBQ festivals...this is next on our "to do before we die" list. On our way up Friday, we stopped and joined Daddy & Mrs. Beth at Poole's BBQ. This place is sooooooooo good! The pig "cemetery" on the hill in the back is a little creepy, but all in good fun.
Friday afternoon we drove up to Dahlonega and ended up at a wine tasting at a boutique store on the square. I fell in love with something else on this trip...Southern Blush wine made by the folks at The Georgia Winery in Ringgold, GA. The Concord was also a very good one :-) Good enough to have for breakfast Saturday morning
The remainder of the trip was spent relaxing and enjoying the company with one another. I think I even convinced everyone of the enjoyment of playing Mexican Train!
I'm trying to post pictures...hopefully those will be up soon!
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Callie & Lance
So, I'm going to start blogging again! This time, it will be all about Callie & Lance. We're getting married on November 20, 2010! Lots of blogging to come!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
