Valentine’s Day 2008

I’m not one to get too excited about Valentine’s Day. After all, it’s just a consumer-driven holiday. But this year, for whatever reason, I was so excited about it. I think it was just the fact that it was one night that Tyler and I would definitely have together, just the two of us. We’ve been so busy and going in different directions lately that sometimes we only see each other before bed.

We decided to do something we wouldn’t normally do and go to a really fancy restaurant in town. We chose Madeleine’s Fusion Restuarant upon the suggestion of one of our friends who really, really loves the chic eatery in downtown Evansville. I made reservations for us about a month in advance so I wouldn’t forget and be too late to get a table. The more the night neared, the more excited I got. Their web site said there would be a fixed menu with certain items to choose from for an appetizer, second course appetizer, main dish, and dessert. The price was $90 a couple, but since we weren’t buying each other gifts and the food was supposed to be out of this world, we were okay with that.

We get there and we get one of the front tables by the window. Normally, I don’t like to be on display for everyone who passes by the restaurant, but it was okay because I was pretty proud to let everyone see I was with Tyler, who I have to say, is quite a catch. Yes, I am a very lucky girl.

We waited quite a while for the server to take our drink orders. He took about 10 minutes to dress the table behind us, but we were patient. The waiter then goes over the menu for us, although we can read. It was quite humorous and obvious that he didn’t know too much about the items on the menu, which I thought was probably understandable considering the menu changes weekly. We decide on the scallops for the first appetizer and the lobster bisque for the second. Then Tyler ordered the halibut for his main course and I got the Chicken Madeleine (chicken with artichokes and a sauce). All in all, we waited 45 minutes before we got our first appetizer. We were a little annoyed that the table behind us, which got there at least 15 minutes after we did, was served before we were. We think that it was because they ordered wine (think bigger tip). Nonetheless, the scallops were the best part of the meal. They came with a medley of different sweet potatoes that were melt-in-your-mouth good. I would never have thought to put the two items together. The lobster bisque was okay, but didn’t have a whole lot of taste to it. The temperature was perfect; not too hot, not too cool. Neither of us ended up finishing our bowl.

When the main course arrived, we each tried the other’s food. Tyler’s halibut had a really good flavor, almost woody since I’m assuming it was cooked on a wood plank and I think I detected a bit of honey, too. My chicken was good, but way too salty and peppery, which is one them that reoccured with many of their dishes. I like pepper, but I also prefer other flavors to be present. The vegetables that came with both meals were very, very yummy and different from anything I’d ever had before. I really don’t know what it was, but I may be doing some research so I can cook some at home.  We didn’t finish our main dishes, partly because we were getting full and also because we were awaiting the dessert. It was heart-shaped shortcakes with strawberry, sauce, and whipped cream. It was good, but the shortcake was not as fluffy as I would have liked and I would have liked more strawberries, as well.

All in all, the dinner was good, but not worth what we paid for it. I’m definitely glad we tried it because I had been hearing really good things about it. Maybe if we didn’t have to choose from a fixed menu, it would be different, though.

I have to say that the best part was the company. Tyler and I were able to talk about things and just relax. It was so nice to be with him and laugh and just have a good time. We don’t get to do enough of any of those. After our dinner, we topped off our romantic night with a trip to Walmart. I know it doesn’t sound like much, but we have fun just browsing. We looked at tv’s (we’re finally considering getting cable and Internet, and we’ll probably put one in the bedroom) and cell phones (we’re either switching providers or getting new phones). I love how Tyler laughs and smiles when he sees new technology that he just HAS to have. His eyes light up. And you should have seen him when he found that Sprint carries a slim phone almost the size of the old one that he used to really love. He’s so cute!

When we got home, we exchanged our cards. It’s funny how similar our cards were. He gets kudos, though, for finding one that played music. When you open it, it plays “My Girl.” I always look forward to reading what he writes, though, even moreso than what the card actually says.

It all goes to show that it’s the little things in life that impress me. You can fine-dine me and buy me nice things, but it’s the things that come from the heart that mean the most.

 

Public Speaking = Public Humiliation

Yesterday was one of the most, if not the most, embarassing days of my life. I had to speak at our local bar assocation’s Young Lawyers’ Bootcamp at the end of the day. I’ve known about it for a while and had prepared accordingly. What I was going to talk about wasn’t groundbreaking information, although electronic case filing procedures are quite important. But an hour before I was supposed to speak to them, it was determined that the technology I was relying on to demonstrate some key things to these young attorneys was not going to work how I needed it to.

So, with about 10 minutes to go before the attorneys arrived, I realized I would have to scale back my presentation. Shouldn’t be too difficult, I thought to myself: I know this stuff inside and out; I deal with it everyday; I train attorneys and their staff pretty consistently.

Both of our judges give their talk, then it’s my turn. I stand up in front of the group and it’s as if the wind has been knocked out of me. I can’t breathe, I stumble over my words, I start shaking, I can’t think. It was a mess. A total mess. And even though I felt like I was going to pass out right there on the spot, I also felt bad for the attorneys who had to sit there, a captive audience, and act like what I was saying was making sense. How horrible for them! After I was done, I put my tail between my legs, walked over to my chair and sat there through the rest of the presentations, mentally kicking myself over and over again.

After the entire thing was over, I slunk into a deep depression. Luckily, we only had five minutes of work left. I finished up for the day and gladly left work not long after 5 p.m. to go to my first Basic Photography class. All I wanted to do was run home to Tyler and have him give me a big hug, because that always makes me feel better, but instead, all I could do was call him. As I tell him what happened, I instantly start crying.

And after that, although I was experiencing some major sadness about how my workday ended, I remembered yet again why I love being married to Tyler. He is the most comforting, helpful person I know. He reassured me that it wasn’t as bad as I thought and that no one would even remember it, and furthermore, no one probably even noticed it. He tried his hardest to make me feel better, and as I ended the conversation with him, I felt good enough to go to my class.

Class was enough to get my mind off of the day’s events, but once I got home, I was back into my state of depression and worry over it all. Once again, Tyler was to the rescue. Good heavens, I love that man. He came up behind me, put his arms around my wasit and kissed my cheek as tears rolled down them. Once again, he tried to reason with me that everything would be okay and that I am a good communicator and it was due to having things go wrong right before I was supposed to speak. I put on a smile and tried to believe what he said.

But the tears weren’t over for the night. We were laying in bed talking and once again, the scene in front of the attorneys played through my mind. Once more, here came the tears, and once more, Tyler does his best to reassure me that everything would be okay. He comforted me the best he could and calmed me down enough that I could fall asleep. I woke up this morning feeling like it was all a bad dream, but sadly, it wasn’t. I’d give anything to do it over again.

I learned from this that I’m not the best public speaker in the world. By far. And I actually think I would do better if I didn’t follow a list of notes. I think that throws me off more than if I just do it by memory, by heart. (Any pointers for public speaking from anyone who’s actually good at it?)

But I also learned that I have the best husband in the world. He has this way of making me feel so much better even when I feel like the whole world is crumbling around me. Just knowing that I have his big hug and comforting words to come home to after I mess things up like I did gives me the courage I need to lift my head up, put one foot in front of the other and keep on carryin’ on.

 

My New Year’s Resolutions – A Day Late

Taking inspiration from the people in my Courier & Press story, I’ve decided to make some resolutions of my own.

1) Be more green. While I already have a fuel-efficient vehicle (I absolutely love my trusty Toyota Corolla S), use energy-saving light bulbs, wash clothes in cold water and reuse bottles for our water, I really believe there is more I can do to help the environment. I’m no tree hugger, but if I can do even a little bit to save our earth, why not? Therefore, I resolve to try to save all of our cans to help with the Habitat for Humanity can collection (they recycle the cans AND get money for it…killing two birds with one stone!). I also plan on taking my own bags when I go grocery shopping. Any other suggestions?

2) Exercise at least 30 minutes a day. So far so good. Even with the frigid cold weather we just got, I was able to find a workout yesterday to do inside (thanks, Billy Blanks Tae Bo Cardio DVD). I also just got a resistance band from Target for $2.50, so even if I can’t get out to run, I can at least do crunches, push ups and some resistance training. Tonight, I’m hitting the treadmill downstairs at work.

3) Eat fewer sweets. I believe this was a resolution last year, and I did pretty good until Thanksgiving time and on. Even last night, I had 3 chocolate chip cookies after dinner. Not because I was hungry, but because they looked good. I need to learn to pay more attention to how I feel before I take a bite…am I really hungry, or is my brain tricking me?

4) Learn how to use a digital SLR camera and become really, really good at it. I’m taking two classes at Ivy Tech starting Jan. 14, so that will be the first step. This will require a lot of practice and patience on my part, but I’m really excited about it. I already stalk several blogs for daily inspiration. After I tackle the basics, I plan on doing a maternity shoot with my sister in law and eventually would like to take on a wedding.

5) Get to work earlier. While I technically don’t have to be at work until 9, it does look better if I would get there by 8. So, I’m going to work on getting out of bed when my alarm actually goes off and getting out the door no later than 7:30. This may require packing lunch and ironing clothes the night before, but I can handle that.

6) Focus more on my marriage. Some issues I have to deal with are trust, communication and time management. I’d really like to make more quality time for us doing FUN stuff instead of the daily “work” that comes with being married and owning a home.

These are my main goals, and I think each one is definitely attainable.

 

Highs and Lows of 2007 and a Fast-Forward to 2008

Highs:

1) Finishing the Evansville Half Marathon without passing out. As many of you know, I wasn’t that lucky in 2006. And considering how hot the weather was in October this year, this is definitely something to be proud of.

2) Tyler’s band, BorrowedTime, got off to a good start. They played a handful of local shows and one in Columbus, Indiana. Tyler, BJ, and Cassie are the core members and they’ve had some turnover throughout the year. As of now, it’s Tyler on drums, BJ on vocals and lead guitar, Cassie on vocals and accoustic guitar, Logan on the saxophone, and Daniel (aka Dandy) on bass.

3) I really grew spiritually. Much of this is thanks to a little book called Captivating but mostly to some really awesome, authentic Christians in my life. I’m even unofficially getting the youth group at our new church, Sojourn Newburgh, off to a start. I’m very excited about what the future for this church holds.

4) Tyler and I celebrated our second anniversary with a trip to St. Pete Beach, Florida. We had some rough times in our first two years, but we made it through. And we’re stronger than ever. It was a great trip, but we found out we’re kind of boring when we don’t vacation with at least one other couple.

5) We found out Tyler’s sister is pregnant (I can’t WAIT to be an aunt!). It’s a girl and her name is Elizabeth and she’ll be here in April! We were totally shocked by this because Adam and Kyla swore they’d never have kids. In fact, when Tyler’s parents tell people they’re going to be grandparents, everyone assumes it’s Tyler and I who are expecting.

6) I earned some extra income by writing/photographing for the Courier & Press and also by doing some copy editing. There were some really fun stories that I was pretty proud of and that allowed me to be creative. It was a lot of work at times, but I was glad to earn the extra money so I could buy Tyler an iPod Touch for Christmas.

7) I went on Accutane for my acne. It sucked that I had to do it, and there were times that I hated the medicine with a passion (dry skin, always thirsty, blurred vision, fatigue), but I’ve been off of it for about 3 weeks now, and my face is clearer than it’s ever been. I’m praying that my face stays clear, because it was a lot of effort and it was NOT cheap.

8) I got to go home for Christmas. I hadn’t been up north since May so the trip was long overdue. It was great to see my family (although I only got to see my mom’s side) and share in a tradition that was such a huge part of my childhood. There was nothing like Christmas at the Jones’.

Lows:

1) Tyler’s papaw had a decline in health, thanks to Parkinson’s and Alzheimers. He is now in a nursing home, where we don’t get to see him too often because of his eating and sleeping schedule. I would love nothing more than for him to have a complete turnaround and get better. It saddens me to see a man once so full of life ravaged by these horrible diseases.

2) My allergies were horrible this year. I had to take several days off to take care of them and to basically sleep them off. I’ve been on Allegra for over a year and it still didn’t help. I’ll soon be going on allergy shots soon, which I’m not too thrilled about.

3) I was really sick for about three weeks. In fact, today is the first day that I actually feel better than 90%. This not only made me cranky at home, but also really made me miss a lot of work and get off of my running routine. It was a nasty virus that I just couldn’t shake.

4) I have lost touch with a lot of friends I hold very dear. Life is busy, plain and simple. But that’s no excuse to forget about friends who have made you who you are.

5) We didn’t have any measurable amount of snow. My poor Tyler’s only wish was to have snow to go out and play in. Every time we’d have snow in the forecast, he’d wake up in the morning and check outside, only to be disappointed. It would be great to have a big snow so we could go out and throw snowballs at each other and also so Lola could try to eat all the snow in sight. Seriously, she has her tongue out the entire time just licking at the snow. It’s pretty cute.

Up for 2008:

1) I start classes at Ivy Tech in January. I’ll be going back so I can learn the basics of photography and hopefully build up a clientele so I can have a business. It would be great to be able to stay at home when I’m a mom (one day).

2) Borrowed Time will record a demo in Nashville in January. They will spend an entire weekend as well as the following Monday recording about 5 songs. (I’ll spend much of my time taking pictures and scrapbooking with Rachel.) The band hopes to make it in the lineup for some summer festivals. It would be Tyler’s dream come true.

3) I’ll be running the 500 Festival Mini Marathon (the biggest half marathon and 8th-largest road race in America) in Indy with my college friend Jaimie. She currently lives in DC where she is a law student, but she’ll be coming back to practice law and live in Indy a couple weeks before the race. I’m really looking forward to connecting with her and catching up on things. 

4) We’ll be going to Hawaii for our vacation. A woman I work with is graciously letting us stay in the home she owns on Oahu - for free. I’ve already purchased all the plane tickets and booked our hotel for while we are in Maui for one night. We’ll be going with BJ and Rachel, so it should be a lot of fun.

5) I’ll be doing less work on the side so I can focus on family and friends. This means turning down some stories, but it will be worth it. I haven’t had a chance to breathe lately.

6) Sojourn Newburgh will launch at the beginning of the year. New year, new location, and a lot of faith in what God is doing we hope will equal helping to change the lives of people in the area. We could certainly use prayer, but if you’d like to give, you can do so online at www.thesojourn.org. I’m going to be trying to find interesting ways to decorate the youth room, so if you have ideas, let me know. Right now, I’m thinking chalkboard paint on the walls.

I may add some more later as they come to me, so check back.

 

It’s the little things…

…about this handsome guy that make me love him so much. He’s had me on cloud 9 for a while just for being him. I’m so friggin’ lucky to be married to him. Just a few of the things I love about him:

• His sense of humor – see picture above. He’s always doing something cute and/or funny to keep me laughing. There’s nothing better than bonding over something that is funny.

• How he’s worked so hard to keep our marriage going. There are times when it got rough, but he never quit and never let me, either.

• His passion for drumming. He may make some pretty cute/funny faces when he’s on stage, but it makes me happy to see him enjoying something that much. God truly has blessed him with a talent and he’s pursuing it with everything he’s got. I’d really love to see him make a profession out of it like he wants. We’re praying about it.

• How he’s not afraid to do housework. I came home yesterday to find him doing the dishes. And he hates doing dishes. It makes me happy that he knows it’s not just my job to keep up the housework; it’s truly a team effort. Not many wives can say that.

• How he’s completely anal about keeping his car clean. Sometimes it can be annoying that he washes his car once a week in the summer, but it shows he works hard to keep things in good shape. If he cares that much about his car, just think how much he cares about me. Okay, maybe it’s not a good comparison. Moving on…

• How he loves our dog. He used to hate dogs, and Lola has certainly won him over with her cuteness. He plays with her, talks to her like she’s a kid, and takes her on walks. Pink leash and all. Now that’s a manly man!

• When we go to bed and lose track of time just talking and laughing. Like last night when we were talking and he finally checks the time and it’s been 45 minutes. And even though we’re both exhausted, we don’t care. Because it’s some of the best quality time we get to spend together.

• The way he looks in his suits when I see him in the morning before work. Nothing better than a business man – my business man – in a suit. Hot!

• How he helps me through the tough times in life. He’s always giving good opinions and definitely balances my spontaneity. He keeps me grounded and sane. And when words can’t make things better, all he has to do is wrap his arms around me and I instantly feel better.

• How he has a heart for God. We’re both learning to rely more on God’s strength and learning more and more what it means to give grace. Knowing that he prays for me and us everyday…I feel so loved!

Tonight, we get to see Larry the Cable Guy at Roberts Stadium. More quality time laughing with my man…can’t wait!