Mountains and Men

Yesterday was an incredible day today. I woke up after sleeping in a bit late, went for a run, made coffee and started to watch a great movie on TV. Just as I was beginning to feel a little lonely, one of my favorite people called, to see if I was free.

He is sweet, he plays a guitar and has an amazing way about him - sounds sexy, right? Now the thing with him is that he is easy, non-committal and dangerously comfortable for someone I am skeptical to trust. BUT, all that said I feel amazing when I'm with him and deliriously happy. This has happened once before when I was much younger and it ended badly. What is it with me and men like this? Its just not a good idea, or is it?

Anyway, we decided to go to Dahlonega, a place I visited as a child, but for the coldest day yet this fall and that I knew Christmas decorations were up I felt like it would be the perfect place. It was wonderful. We went to the most adorable place called the Crescent Moon and had a late lunch and listened to some blue grass music. It was just peaceful and perfect. They also had 1554, one of my favorite brews from New Belgium Brewery.

We were on our way down the road that I thought was the way back to Atlanta when we hit gravel and a steep mountain grade. And of course I had to pee. We continue going up and up and wind through the trees. I squeal angrily with a deathgrip on his arm from my ridged and tense body (Tex isn't the best driver and is relentless when he knows you have to go.) We make it up the hill and get to the place he wanted to show me - a beautiful rock face that would be ideal to climb, thank goodness I didn't have the proper shoes. There were icicles and rolling mountain views. Every time I see a place like this I understand why men like being in the woods.

After hiking far away to relieve myself in private, I see him fumbling around in the back of the car. This I know is a bad sign. He pulls out a huge back with two guns. Yup, guns. So, I watch as he loads one up and misses every target. He blames it on the "scope" but I still laughed under my breath. Then he grabs the big one and takes a shot. The sound is deafening and as I look over he eyes are as big as saucers and is grinning from ear to ear. I laugh with a snort and know its time to hit the road again.

What is it with men, mountains and guns. If that is what they are interested in why do I even shower, put on makeup and buy adorable clothes? All wasted on a man really.

"Between the Racks"

Good morning all you ambitious shoppers! I can't believe some of you actually made it out this morning before the sun came up! It is so impressive that stores have convinced us that the "early bird gets the worm," and that the best deals are only found on the Friday morning after Thanksgiving. This year I really hope that they get into the black, because our economy needs a surge of spending. Well, that's always my excuse!

I also think that some of us view it as a tradition shared with our mothers and daughters. It is so fun to go out and have a game plan, team up to find the best deals and really come out with a win. It our version of football! (yes, I know its a stretch) And there is always a chance of being knocked out by a flying shoe or shoved into a rack of clothing. I believe that's a "sack."

Coach took me out of the game this year, I am riding the bench and doing minimal online shopping. So girls enjoy swiping your plastic today, finding great deals and gifts for you and your loved ones. I am so very proud of you and a little green with envy!

Thanksgiving of Don'ts

Well, it has been a while since my fingers have graced my keyboard for pleasure. Work has been crazy, life is fast and time isn't on my side. I feel like I'm chasing the Sun sometimes, and trying to get the most out of every minute that I breathe. Well, this morning its time to talk Thanks. I would like to bring a new light to this because typically it is what you are thankful for, but I am going to talk about what I am thankful that I don't have.

I am thankful that I don't have animals that I have to board or put off onto someone else while I travel to see family and friends. Hair all of Grandmother Frances pants would just piss her off and I don't want to hear the "Twelve Barks of Christmas" while I enjoy my turkey.

I am thankful that I don't have a boyfriend or husband so I can go where I want for Thanksgiving and not have to put up with artistic aunt Alice's decoupage ornaments or crazy cousin Chris's stories from his blackout the night before.

I am thankful that I don't have a family that hates each other. The worst is trying to do place cards at a table to avoid physical harm to others. Yes, I have been witness to this. Some of you may know with whom. Hahaha.

I am thankful that I don't live far away so I can just travel one hour down the road to hug my wonderful parents. (sometimes I am not so thankful for this - but since it is Thanksgiving, I am thankful.)

I am thankful that I don't have any money so I can't go shopping on Black Friday. Seriously people, Target at 4:00am? Has anyone ever heard of online shopping or therapy?

I am thankful that I don't have children. While I think they are the miracle of life and wonderful (and yes, I do want them one day) the last thing I want to do while I am pouring another glass of cider is to hear the baby crying. I mean, turkey puts us in a coma, we are watching football and napping, and now we have to be upstanding role models for our children? Please, I will pass.

I hope that everyone has a joyous and safe holiday. A few words of advice:

Only fry a turkey before you have had three drinks, its like getting a FUI "Frying Under the Influence" seriously, its dangerous.

Do not weight yourself the day after Thanksgiving. You may go into a deep depression that not even Tony Robbins can pull you out of.

Call everyone that you love, or like for that matter. Your friends and family are the bread and butter of life. Make sure they know that.

I love you all. XOXO