Category Archives: Family

Apr12

Missing John Prine

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This week we lost John Prine to COVID-19. Most of the people who attended our wedding 58147_1584758455057_4483357_n1remember that In Spite of Ourselves by John Prine was our wedding song. I lost count on how many people have sent us text and video when this song randomly played and how it reminds them of us. There were tributes from the late night show hosts honoring this legend this week, who my husband and I are sad to admit that we actually don’t know most of John’s songs. We’ve been listening to him more this week.

But, this death is sad to me in more ways than one. I’ve thought about whether if he just died for any other reason like heart disease or cancer if it still would hit me as hard. But, the truth is we heard our wedding song at a hole-in-the-wall bar with my dad on Father’s Day back in 2009. When my husband and I heard it playing on the juke box, we knew it was ours. And, I remember my dad giggling over the silly lyrics because it was just a  funny joke to him (and he LOVED silly, dirty jokes). Dad approved when I told him it was our wedding song. John dying is like dad dying all over again.

So today, on Easter Sunday, as I sit and listen to a John Prine station on Pandora, cooking a roast, and enjoying the beautiful sunshine and cool wind blowing through our windows, I know dad would’ve enjoyed this day visiting with family, talking about his newest grandson just born on Friday, and enjoying a good day. We miss you dad!

Here’s a video of John Prine on Austin City Limits in October 2018. It’s a fitting tribute to him.

#johnprine #inspiteofourselves #covid19 #dad

Nov24

Helllooooooo, World!!!

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Oh my goodness I think it’s been 17 months since my last post and I’m ready to start writing again!!

In the last year my husband and I have met a niece, a couple of second cousins, had two graduations, thought we were going to move, didn’t move, moved apart (we’re still married), went to Panama, Key West, planned for a trip to Africa, and dealt with a ton of little things along the way. Now? I’m on a board for a tap dancing company and invested in a salon…and this is just to keep me busy. I’m not sure what’s next and I’m looking forward to it. With the hubby going away for two months for school I’m looking to get into new things. Post me back if you have any recommendations.

I’m watching the AMAs and Rhianna just accepted the first ever Icon Award at the age of 25. I’m not sure what qualifies her above others to receive this award but people across this globe definitely know her for several reasons. At nearly 36 , I’m all for becoming an Icon, at least within my group of friends and family. (And, I want to go to Barbados to meet Rhianna’s family.)

So, if you didn’t notice the message in this post, Bring It On, World! Let’s get this party started and let’s see what we (you and me) can do.

Until next post…

Oct6

How important are gifts?

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Tuesday I bought two presents for Christmas.  I know, it’s early.  It was one of those deals that don’t come around all the time so I leapt at the chance to get it.  That evening I told Jacob that I bought some presents already and while he tried to guess what it was, I told him that I didn’t want him spending very much on me this year like he did last year.  He asked me if I even remembered what he got me last year.  (He knows I have a memory loss issue.)

“Yes, the ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ poster, the black diamond ring I wanted from Jared’s, and cash.”

So, then he was trying to remember what I got him.  “Binoculars!” 

This got us started on what other presents we had given each other and neither of us can remember what we gave/received from each other for our birthdays last year.  I know he gave me flowers, cupcakes, and a present but can’t remember what the present was.  I can’t remember what I got him for his birthday either.  But, even he can’t remember what the gifts were.  Why is this?  Is it part of my memory loss or is it really necessary to spend money on each other when the reason we don’t remember it is because we don’t appreciate it?

I worked with a friend who said she and her husband don’t exchange Christmas gifts and they put all their money towards the kids.  Well, I get that, but don’t you need to show some thought towards your spouse, or significant other.  At least give a card??  I don’t think I could ever not give a gift for Jacob.    Well that was until our anniversary came around and I got us two pictures to hang up and he bought me a super nice watch.  Still need to look into that one. 

Anywho, just wanted to share that thought on if presents were really important if we already show that we love each other and we’re the only things we need in life.  And that goes for family and friends, too.

Sep26

Time flies when you’re…married.

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Sunday was our 1-year anniversary.  Yay us!  It doesn’t seem like a year has passed but a lot of things have happened – all good for the both of us.  The only problem is my memory!  First, we picked up the wedding cakes that we froze and saved to eat again on our anniversary.  My mom thought we could all (family) share it but I asked that just Jacob and I share in that moment.  We had both the turtle head and the top of my cake.  My cake was HEAVY!!  So, we got home, had our evening, went to bed, and NEVER ATE THE CAKE!  Tonight, Jacob is out so another night is going to pass without eating the cake.  I heard it was good luck to eat the cake on your anniversary.  Is it bad luck to eat it after?  Should we just throw it away or is that worse?  Who cares?!  Why do I worry about these things.

The second thing is this little piece of lingerie I’ve had for a year!  I bought a groupon to ‘Underwear’ to buy something for my wedding night.  I completely forgot about it until after the freaking wedding.  Ding dong me!  A month later, on the last day the coupon was good, I rushed to the store and picked out a cotton chemise.  I thought that I would take it to Costa Rica in January for our delayed honeymoon.  Well, I forgot it.  What I mean is, I didn’t even remember I had it until 3 weeks after we got back from our trip.  The whole time I knew I was forgetting something but couldn’t think of what it was.

Save it for Valentine’s Day?  Nope…forgot.  Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day?  Nope.  Saving it for our anniversary.  Did I remember?  No. (Insert Pacman fails sound here) So, I’m not going to worry about it.  Gonna save it for a random day for just because.  And, even though Jacob will read this, he won’t remember either and it will be our fun surprise.  Sorry, no pictures for that day!!

Need to pick up some Ginko for my memory, but I’ll probably forget to do that, too.

Sep23

Pecan Street Festival!

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Another festival is among us in Austin and if you’ve never been to Pecan Street Festival, you need to start going!  Pecan Street Festival is held twice a year (Spring and Fall) down on 6th Street, previously known as Pecan Street.  The festival is lined with local artists, food stands, and entertainment for kids and adults. Many of the bars are open so you can sit in a cool area and have a beer.  Most of us attend in the Fall to get Christmas gifts for family and friends and in the Spring to pick up Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and graduation gifts. 

For me, this is a time to get together with a group of friends to hang out, catch up on what’s going on, and enjoy time with kids and pets, too.  Jason Carrier and his crew always provides an excellent venue for us at Chuggin’ Monkey to meet up and drink and people watch.  I’m so excited for it this year and can’t wait to include new people (Jacob, Jason W., and Harper) and new friends (Shauna) to the tradition. 

If you need more information you can find it here http://www.oldpecanstreetfestival.com/home/. 

Hope to see you all down there!!

Spring Festival 2011

Sep10

Dogs before kids?

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This morning Jacob and I went to see our friends’ toddler play soccer.  I was amazed at how many four year old girls, with their cute pig tails and bows and fashionable jerseys, were there.  The game starts and the coaches and parents tell their little soccer players what to do.  “Get the ball, go get it!   Good girl!”  Another ball drops and the kids go sprinting towards it to see who gets there first.  “Good girl!  Go get that ball!”  A girl makes a goal!  “Alright!  Good job!  Now bring the ball here!”  A whistle blows after ten minutes of play time.  “Halftime!  Let’s get treats!!”  The girls run to the bench to get their oranges and peaches…you know, to avoid cramps.  After just fifteen minutes of watching this, I tell our friends that the coaches and parents talk to the kids like dogs.  I mean really!  After raising our two dogs to fetch and play with their toys, I could teach a four year old how to play soccer.

We got home from the soccer fields and I gave the dogs a bath, let them outside to play frisbee, gave them treats, and now they’re napping.  See!  Easy as pie.

The moral of this story: every couple should raise a dog or two before raising kids.

 

Thanks to Lisa and Jason Ruley for inviting us to share in their memories.

Go Team!