335/366

Friday was full of meetings,
including fun new technology and products for pets.


Of course I attended.
{some, not all}
I carry the title of Marketing Director for Invisible Fence of the Tennessee Valley.
I've never actually taken a Marketing course, but I help out where I can.

My personal favorite presentation of the day was the one delivered by my father.
Totally objective.

That evening we attended a large dinner and a 70's themed disco party followed
where a lot of socializing went on,
several introductions,
many questions and answers,
even some dancing.

Yet somehow this is the only picture I chose to take.

334/366

This morning I channeled Matt's schedule and set my alarm for 3:45 am for an early flight to Orlando.
I may add that Matt has awoke at the same time, 3:45 am, for the entire duration that I have been stateside.
Poor boy.

Bella was not feeling the early morning wake up call.

Can you find her?


We told the girls goodbye and made our way to the airport on a dark, cold for Tennessee morning.

Our Orlando bound crew included my parents, Uncle Troy, and Gib.
The majority of the crew had an agenda to attend the Invisible Fence Annual Dealer Meeting.
I was just tagging along.

After checking in and checking out one of the largest hotels I've ever stayed in,
{the hallways were cavernous...
I'm certain there were several other conventions going on, 
yet the hotel was large enough that I didn't even notice}
we attended a dinner,
I discovered cucumber vodka,
and we kicked off the start to a very busy weekend.

333/366

Happiness is a warm puppy

-Charles M. Schulz-

332/366

When I left Chicago it was 20 degrees.
Fahrenheit.
I hated hugging the girls bye, but the frost in the air motivated me to move on.

My mom met me at the airport {dejavu}
and whisked me off to meet the family
at one of my favorite local restaurants
for my fave salad
{ahi tuna...yum.}

But the most perfect ending to the day was being greeted by this furry bundle of holiday cheer.

331/366

I spent a wonderful day shopping downtown with a friend, Megan,
taking in all the sights and sounds of the holidays in the city.

Misty met us for an excellent dinner
and I spent the rest of the evening breathing in the last few moments of
conversation,
laughter,
and in-your-face friendship.

Happy, Lucky, Blessed, Delighted, Loved...
doesn't even begin to describe how I felt during the weekend of celebration.

Thank You
xo

330/336

thirty hurty.

that's what I thought when I woke up in the morning.

honestly, I didn't take a picture of the 330th day of the year.
{although technically I am certain some of those birthday pics qualified}

I did get to hang out with this big boy

and Matt and Kath on a couch
allllll day,
watching all sorts of DVR'ed shows I miss
and ordering in food.

thirty hurty.

329/366

The "About Me" section of this little blog is in need of an update.
I am no longer a twenty-something and neither is my husband.
Welcome to 30!
{word is it's the new twenty}

My 30th birthday started off waking up in-between my two besties, a 30 year old slumber party, and spotting these festive balloons.


After a delicious homemade breakfast and coffee, Kathleen and I headed out to do some shopping.
I was on a mission.

See, I love shoes.
I am not quite sure when my love for this specific accessory began, but it has grown through the years.
To welcome me into a new level of adulthood, my very thoughtful husband decided I needed a pair of classic shoes, Christian Louboutin, with their signature red lacquered soles.
I died and went to 30 year old shoe heaven.
The only unfortunate thing was that after catching my breath, I couldn't get the shoes on my feet.
Not even a little bit.
And you know I tried.
So Saturday, Kath and I headed to Saks with a mission, to be women who shop for Christian Louboutin shoes.
Honestly, in the end, I was happy they didn't fit, because getting to walk around Saks trying on several different pairs of shoes was a gift in itself.

After trying on a few different styles, I decided to stick with the style that Matt picked out and got them ordered in the correct size. Unfortunately Saks didn't have them in stock, so I wasn't able to wear them that evening.
In hindsight, that was probably a good thing.
I don't know if that was the best time for their debut.


The birthday evening began with cocktails, including Wild Hibiscus Flowers in our champagne.


For dinner we headed to a new restaurant in the area, Bistro Dre.

We enjoyed a lovely chef's tasting meal that left people discussing their favorite dishes for hours {and days} after.

A local drinking establishment was next on our agenda, where an evening of shots, stories, hugs, and celebration ensued.
I'll let the pictures tell the story.

Time and tide wait for no man, but time always stands still for a woman of thirty. 

- Robert Frost -

328/366

It was an early morning flight to Chicago made all the better with a Starbucks experience.

I landed just in time for an afternoon cocktail and catch-up session with the girls.  We had plans for some dinner and drinks to celebrate a reunion and our Leena Ballerina's slightly belated 29th birthday.  Before we could head out to dinner we had to wait for one more friend...
or so I thought.
That friend ended up being my brother,
who drove in from Knoxville to spend the big weekend with his sister and her cute friends.

There was surprise, proven with a scream.

A fabulous night concluded with some pretty mean burgers, some craft beers, and a shot of Jameo*.

*this 30 year old has decided she prefers jameo on the rocks... 
for sure.
definitely.

327/366

We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures. ~Thornton Wilder~

I have so very much to be thankful for this year...
A loving family I was able to share the holiday with.
Amazing friends who continue to create special memories with me each year.
A special dog who is healthy and loved.
The most incredible husband. I am so blessed to have him by my side, sharing this adventure together.

Happy Thanksgiving!

326/366

"I sustain myself with the love of family"

- Maya Angelou 

325/366

I am loving the perfect mix of fall and Christmas that is in the air right now.
Knoxville greeted me with some outstanding weather so sweaters, scarves, and light coats are perfect.
The leaves are still on the trees.

Yet we are close enough to Christmas that it isn't insane to peruse the aisles or pick out a tree.

Today I helped my mother pick out a tree.

While in the Christmas aisles, I spotted a female sock monkey cheerleader that sings Jingle Bells as she cheers and shakes her pom-poms.
Immediately I knew that my dog had to have it.
She lives for these type of toys.
Even though they are not technically dog toys.

We named her Monica.

324/366

Today I...

... went to class at Barre3, where I shaked and quaked for a straight hour.  I rewarded myself with a new pair of toe sox.  They are Mary Jane style.  I couldn't pass up the name either.


... had Panera for lunch.


... spent the afternoon with my sister and caught an matinee.


... loved me some Bella.


... celebrated three November birthdays

We began with cocktails at a speakeasy at the Oliver Hotel, the Peter Kern Library.  Upon entering the hotel you ask the front desk if the library is open.  They walk you over to a wall and a sliding door opens to reveal a hidden bar.

The menus were hidden inside an old World Book Encyclopedia.



Our evening ended with dinner at a cafe downtown known for its Southern Comfort food with a twist.  I had shrimp and goat cheese grits.
Ohmygaw.

It's evenings like this when the south has my heart.