A Day In The Life of Ang

Cross that off the bucket list

noreply@blogger.com (Angela) — Thu, 16 May 2013 08:00:00 +0000

May 3rd my final grades were posted and I officially passed and will graduate with a masters of science in management of nonprofits and associations. It doesn't feel like two years ago when I started on this journey.

It's been hard at times, juggling a full time job, school work, social life and marathon training, but I did it.

I am not quite finished, I am going one more year and getting an MBA too.

Currently life is in transition. I have moved two months ago and I am currently looking for a job in the nonprofit world and moving on from Nannying.

Luckily for me I live in a great area for non profits.

Big things and big changes are coming my way. While the uncertainty of it all makes me nervous, I am constantly reminded its not my timing or my plan, but God's and I need to trust in him during this time.

Stay tuned. :)

Happy Mother’s Day

noreply@blogger.com (Angela) — Mon, 13 May 2013 13:46:00 +0000

All mom wanted for her birthday was pictures of her kids, with Austin in his uniform. We didn’t get her that. We waited til Mother’s Day. (mainly because Austin was getting promoted and wanted his uniform updated before we took pics)

Luckily I know a great photographer, who gave me a sweet deal on a photo session. (Perks of dating said photographer)

Anyway – getting these pictures was not easy. It is awkward taking professional pictures with your adult sibling. Most poses are either very childish or engagement like.

Anyway – here are a few

Mom wanted this picture – she said “make angela play with your hat” Seriously? No mom.

I had just made a crazy face and Eric took my picture- this is me cracking up at it

Had to get the pup in there.

And a couple out takes

Haha – pretty much sums it up

My dad and Eric planned a photobomb!

Anyway – Happy Mother’s Day mom! Enjoy these – you won’t get anymore until someone gets married

To Boston, With Love

noreply@blogger.com (Angela) — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 21:04:00 +0000

I read about the explosions at the Boston Marathon as I was walking out the door from work.

I turned on the radio, and began listening to the news reports and the tears started flowing.

6 months ago I was running the Marine Corps Marathon. 6 months ago, my family and friends were running (some literally) around DC to see me along the way.

6 months ago I crossed the finish line and tears of joy streamed down my face.

I had trained for a long time for that moment, and while it didn’t go exactly as planned, I reached my goal. I can’t even put into words the joy and excitement I felt.

I cried the whole way home, I turned on the tv and laid in bed watching the news and cried.

I cried for those who died. I cried for those whose joy and excitement of reaching such a goal was diminished by such tragedy. I cried for those whose training brought them so close only to have to run for their lives the opposite way of the finish line, some coming so far as to see the finish. I cried for the friends and family who were supporting the runners and carrying them through those miles (Lord knows I would have been in much worse shape without them) I cried for those who will never be able to run again.

I was so sad all afternoon and evening. I kept thinking that could have been my mom, dad, brother, Eric, Lindsay, Ray, Kevin standing on the sidelines cheering me on. It could have been Aubrey, running a kick ass race. I kept thinking about the 8 year old who was probably cheering on a parent.

Today, I am still sad, but after hearing the stories of those who lost limbs and the traumatic event so many have experienced, my almost 6 month running hiatus is officially over. I love running, I miss running, and I am going to run for those who now can’t run. I won’t take for granted something as simple as a run to clear my head. I won’t sit back and let my passion for running fall to the wayside because I am too tired, have too much homework, need to apply to more jobs. I will run, and I will run multiple times a week again.

Many runner’s lives were forever changed in Boston. Mine was changed right here at home.

Pray for all those in Boston, the runners, the spectators, the volunteers, the medical and emergency staff. Pray they have peace. My run today is for them.

Hiking

noreply@blogger.com (Angela) — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 03:33:00 +0000

Eric and I have decided we were going to not waste beautiful spring days. Today we wanted to go hiking.

Aubrey and Richie joined us up at Cunningham Falls state park and we hiked 1.5 miles up to these crazy high rocks where according to the kids there when we got there "you could touch the sky"

I am pretty freaked out by heights but Eric was super sweet and patient helping me get up and down the rocks. I really am lucky to have him. He is so good to me.

It was super fun and I can't wait to go hiking again. Hopefully we can get bikes soon too and add that to our activities on the weekends

Eric turns 30

noreply@blogger.com (Angela) — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 14:51:00 +0000

I have always said I want to have Redskins season tickets one day. I also said I would go to every game through October – and then sell the rest because I HATE the cold.

I decided to sacrifice this for Eric’s birthday since December was mild and the game was at 1pm.

Until the week before the game, and they changed it to Sunday Night! HOLY COLD BATMAN! I didn't sign up for THIS!!!!

It was so cold, but it was amazing to see the Redskins beat the cowgirls and win the title!

Redskins themed birthday cupcakes

Birthday boy with his birthday present (the ~~redneck~~ mossy oak jersey)

Tailgating

We had a great time and it was the best way to celebrate his birthday! I think he was really happy!

Christmas 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Angela) — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 14:42:00 +0000

Christmas eve brought SNOW! Enough to cancel church. It was WEIRD and I wasn’t a fan. We also didn’t go to waffle house. The waffle house came to us VIA dad and me.

not the same

We opened presents on Christmas Eve – I got Eric redskins tickets –since they were playing the cowgirls on his 30th birthday, I splurged a little.

He got me a very pretty necklace

Christmas dad we did the grandparent shuffle – back and forth to everyone’s house.

Even though we didn’t go to church or waffle house, it was still a great Christmas!

1 Year

noreply@blogger.com (Angela) — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 16:26:00 +0000

**I am fully aware that I am painfully behind in my blogging – I have spent the past 2 months off of school, reading, watching the west wing and enjoying my weekends with my love – not blogging – then I moved and started school and life is NUTS. I will catch up soon – but this is important**

When I was planning where I would ring in the new year 2012 – I struggled a lot. I wanted to be with my college friends. But I didn’t want to start a new year off with the drama of the past – meaning I didn’t want to hang out with my ex. I was invited to the beach (in winter mind you) with my friend from high school and a bunch of their friends. I decided I should go there. I had nothing to lose. Someone even said “hey you might meet somebody” I am pretty sure I laughed and said yea right.

Well, YEA RIGHT….

I met some people, and a few days after the trip I get a Facebook friend request and then start chatting with Eric. After about a month of chatting, we hung out at a super bowl party and then decided since we didn’t have work on presidents day we would hang out. (I may or may not have taken the day off - because I didn't actually have the day off :-P)

We spent almost the whole day together, we walked around downtown for a few hours (literally walked over 2 miles) went to the movies and just hung out. I am pretty sure I spent the whole day laughing. I could already tell I really liked this guy.

It was pretty scary for me. I had been out of a 5 year relationship for about 8 months, and had gone on a few dates and talked to a few guys, but never felt anything. But I felt something with this one.

Spring came, and we continued to hang out and talk. There was never a formal hey will you be my girlfriend/boyfriend discussion – it just naturally progressed there. We decided on our first date as our anniversary.

This relationship felt different. I never realized how happy one person could make me. I could see it in my pictures, I could feel it in my heart. This man made me crazy happy.

Most mornings I get a text, wishing me good morning (I say most bc sometimes I beat him to it) and multiple times a day I get little butterflies in my tummy from something he says. We spent the summer going to concerts, the beach and ended with a little road trip to SC.

I have found someone who cares for me like I have always wanted. Someone who wants to call just to chat, even if we just finished texting. Someone who tells me I am beautiful. I have someone in my corner who gets as upset, or more upset when bad things happen to me. I have someone who truly loves me.

I have someone who makes me laugh, oh man do I ever laugh. I don’t think a day goes by where I don’t crack up. I love that he wants to go and do things, will go outside and play or go hang out with my friends, but is happy with the occasional night in too.

The way I feel now is so different from any relationship I have ever been in. I am head over heels (even tho I switched to flats ) crazy about this boy.
I hope it never goes away!

I love you Eric! Thanks for changing my life and showing me what true happiness and love is.

Thanksgiving 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Angela) — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 10:58:00 +0000

While there were 13 people there, I don’t think a single picture was taken

I cooked dinner again this year. I really enjoyed it last year, and I was happy to do it again this year and give my grandparents a break from years of hosting. I love cooking and really enjoy planning the menu and logistics of the meal. It isn’t until it is all over that I realize how tired I am!

I started Wed, night with the making of some of the casseroles and desserts ( I didn’t make pies, I had my uncle bring those)

My sous chef and I caused a little drama when we clogged the garbage disposal, but with the help of google, a new plunger and a handy dad we fixed it.

Thursday I got up early and started prepping the bird. Then got to cooking everything else.

It amazes me how calm and collected I was, until the last hour, when everything starts getting ready, and people start getting hungry. I got a little frazzled then, but managed to hang in there!

Dinner was great, and then everyone went to watch the Redskins beat the Cowboys. Highlight of my night.

Eric came to our family’s thanksgiving dinner, so Friday we got up and drove to Bethany beach to see his family who spent their thanksgiving out there.

We got in friday and it was really nice out so I made him take me to see the beach I just wish I wasn’t wearing a jacket.

Saturday we went to Rehoboth and did a little shopping and then out to a nice dinner with his parent’s and their friends. Then we drove to Ocean City to see the Winterfest of Lights.

We bundled up ( I wish we would have brought a blanket) and boarded one of the OC boardwalk trams, and went on a ride around a park that was decorated. It was awesome!

Us with the tree – you can see my necklace kinda

Seriously, the man can almost always get these shots on the first try (like the jason aldean concert pic) I guess that’s why he is the pro and I am not I will keep him

These next few are some of the 12 days of Christmas

cinderella

A little something for Eric

On the tram, before we went out to see the lights

We got some hot chocolate and some blinged out souvenirs (I got a blinking frosty the snowman necklace and a ring – haha I am 5, and my boyfriend took my desire for them seriously) and headed home.

Spent Saturday night, reading, doing homework and playing iPad games.

It was nice and relaxing. Which was good because I was exhausted from the cooking!

p.s the hat I am wearing got a lot of responses on FB – I won the hat from a blog give away, it came with a rose the same color as the hat. I contacted her to get a black hat and 3 different color roses. Now I pick my flower to match my outfit

I got it from Captiv Crochet

My Birthday.

noreply@blogger.com (Angela) — Fri, 30 Nov 2012 11:44:00 +0000

I love my birthday. I don’t usually make big plans for it, but I like the anticipation of it.
I count down from Oct 1. I declare daily to at least one person that it is almost my birthday! (typically only the bf or the parents get this torture)
My birthday is like new years for most people. A new chapter.
This year, I knew my birthday weekend would be LOW KEY. And by low key I mean running a marathon
My birthday week I had a special dinner with the Romleys on Wed. Thursday I went to the race expo with Lindsay then out for dinner. Friday I drove home, saw Eric for an hour before he had to go to work, and then got my nails done and met mom, dad and Austin at Uncle Julios for dinner.
I got some pretty amazing presents this year.
First, Eric impressed me by remembering me mentioning the first time he ever came to my house (in APRIL) that I wanted a place to hang my medals. I mentioned a runner girl holder. Somehow he remembered that (I don’t even remember telling him this) and got it for me. It was perfect! I can’t wait to hang it up and put all my medals on it!

Then mom surprised me with the biggest surprise yet.
I had saved most of my tee shirts from college. Free ones from basketball or football, ones from programs I participated it etc. I wanted a tee shirt quilt. But the only person I know who sews was just too busy to work on it. So they sat in the trash bag for years.
My mom had been secretly working with a sweet lady from church to make me my quilt.
She wrapped it up and gave it to me – it isn’t quite finished, but when it is I have big plans to curl up with it and a book. Such a special present!

Aubrey came to town on the 27th for the marathon. It was great to have her around on my birthday! First time in years that has happened too!
I had a great birthday! Spent it with the people I love most. Can’t beat that!
I am excited for 28. I have big plans. I ran a marathon. I will graduate with my first masters degree. Who knows what else.

26.2

noreply@blogger.com (Angela) — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 04:35:00 +0000

I still can’t believe it happened.

Did it go as I thought, nope not at all. But it was the best, most challenging things I have ever done.

So lets recap. First, Aubrey and I needed throw away clothes since the start would be cold. So we went to good will. But all the sweats were going to cost us about $15 bucks. So we decided to try Wal-Mart.

There we found adult cow footie pjs. Since the marathon was 3 days before Halloween, and we are dorks, we decided they would be our outfits!

We had spaghetti and hit the hay early. We had a 4:15am wake up call!

Metro at 5am, and a creeper in the background

He made it!

He wasn’t exactly excited

There we go!!

Waiting nervously

startline

Walking to the start!

And we were off!

Aubrey and I ran together the first 3ish miles, until I lost her on a hill and I stopped to potty! She ended up having an amazing race and kicked that marathon’s butt!

I felt great for the first 10 miles! I saw a friend around mile 9 and he ran with me a little way. Then I saw my crew around mile 10.

Isn’t mom cute?!

Then the Sh** hit the fan. My legs started cramping up. Like I’d be cruising along, happy and then all of a sudden almost fall over with cramps. Like massive charlie horses in my calves. So painful. I would limp along and stretch it out and then run again. This started around mile 11, and never stopped. I honestly wasn't sure I would cross the finish line!

At the half

This was at about mile 16. This was at a part of the course that is a small out and back, on the out part, I had a bad charlie horse as soon as I saw them. Dad and Eric ran over, dad rubbed my legs and Eric listened to me cry that I wouldn’t finish! They kissed me and sent me on my way!

This is how they spent their time waiting til the next spot to see me. Seriously, they were bored and tired and their feet hurt, but the few times I saw them were what kept me going.

The course was nice, I really enjoyed running along the mall and seeing all the monuments and the capital.

I caught up to them at mile 21, they went over the wrong bridge, giving them about a 2 mile walk to the finish. (I still had farther to go )

I knew Lindsay and Ray were waiting in Crystal City, but I wasn’t sure if they would still be there since I was over an hour past my projected time I told them I would be there. But they were! Seeing them was the added fuel I needed to finish.

At mile 24.5 this guy came up and handed me his flag and told me to run it past the Marines standing there to get them fired up. So I did, it got me fired up too! Good thing because mile 25 was EMPTY. Everyone was at the finish. It was a hard mile!

Soon I saw 26, and started up that last hill. I was so relieved to cross that finish line.

( I probably should buy this pic)

As I hobbled my way down the finishers chute, I started tearing up. I couldn’t believe I had done it. When the Marine put that medal around my neck I just started sobbing! It was the best feeling ever. Every single time someone told me congratulations, I would start crying and say thank you. I DID IT!!

I finished, in 6 hours and 15 mins. about an hour and 15 mins longer than I expected. Bummed about that, but so glad I did it!

Bestest and I with our medals!

Signs on the door when we got home!

Just a few of the signs mom made! She was a rockstar!

Monday, Aubrey and I got massages, and then I headed back to VA to try and beat Hurricane Sandy. Poor Aubrey was stranded at my parents house for 2 days without me because of her!

I am not sure anyone knows just how much it meant to me that they got up at 4(or earlier), took the metro in to the city, stood around for hours, walked miles and miles, just to cheer me on. I have said thank you a hundred times, but it doesn’t feel like enough.

Fall

noreply@blogger.com (Angela) — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 03:29:00 +0000

I am still not sure how it became fall so fast!

And of course I am blogging this about 2 months late so its WINTER already.

I wanted to go to the pumpkin patch and the carve pumpkins with Eric. So we scouted out a couple local ones and with the help of facebook decided on one in Middletown.

We skipped the hay ride and just walked to the pumpkin patch since it was a nice day. This was the best idea, because the hayride dropped everyone off at the opposite side of the field from us. There were so many nice pumpkins waiting for us to find them. It was hard to decide!

We got our pumpkins and then planned to carve them, but that got pushed back two weekends, until Oct 27th. Talk about cutting it close!

I swear I am not a distraction

We choose you (well Eric did)

Eric found his!

Hail to the Redskins! My pumpkin!

We miss hockey, something awful. Eric’s

I live off the George Washington Memorial Parkway, and it is one of my favorite drives in the fall. I remember looking at the leaves driving home on my birthday and thinking how amazing they were. Thank goodness I drank it all in because Hurricane Sandy came and made it much less pretty.

26.2

noreply@blogger.com (Angela) — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 17:17:00 +0000

DONE and DONE!

It is still a dream. I can't believe I did it!

Full recap to come, once I get pictures from my professional photographer :-D

28

noreply@blogger.com (Angela) — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 09:11:00 +0000

26 was a difficult year. When I turned 27 almost every card I got said something to the tune of 27 will be your best year yet.

I smiled, said thanks I hope so, but I didn’t really believe that would be possible.

But I hit 27 running. I focused on my running, and on school and kicked some major booty in both.

I ran a half marathon with my dad and PRed my half marathon time by 40 + mins. and I have spent the majority of my 27th year training my heart out for my marathon, which happens in two days!

I am a semester and a half away from my first masters degree. Something that seemed so far away and almost unattainable

I got a tattoo!

In my 27th year, I focused on the relationships that meant the most to me. I spent time with the people in my life that keep my head up when things got hard.

I went on a family vacation and made memories with them.

I had lots of fun adventures with my friends, camping, concerts, beach, weddings and trips.

I have learned to trust another person again. Trust that I won’t wake up tomorrow blind sided and heart broken.

Starting a new relationship was hard. I often felt crazy, terrified that I wouldn’t see the signs and end up hurt. I was afraid to let go and let it happen.

But slowly, I have learned to trust Eric and trust in our happiness (I may also ask him all the time if he is happy – probably should work on that )

The thing is , I always thought I was happy, but I see now, I wasn’t. Now that I am truly happy and in a relationship that is healthy, I see how miserable I was. My friends saw it, and if they had told me,I would have gotten mad. I had to live it for myself. I see it now.

I see it in pictures, I see it in my attitude and outlook. I am happy.

My 27th year WAS the best one yet. Life is good, I am doing well at the things that make me happy and I am truly very happy.

The exciting thing is, my 28th year will be the best year ever. Bring it 28! I am ready for you and the adventure you take me on!!

Thanks to all my Family and Friends for making 27 the best year ever. There is no way it would have been without you. FACT.

Fashion is Funny

noreply@blogger.com (Angela) — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 23:45:00 +0000

I don’t stress myself out keeping up with the latest fashions and trends, especially with my hair.

I have always done the long straight hair thing. Last October, I chopped a good 12-13 inches off and had a cute short (short for me, just touching my shoulders) hair cut. I kept it up for about 9 months. But I got tired of having to get a cut every 6 weeks, and having to spend extra time styling it.

I used to do full color, but I quit doing that about 2 years ago, and would occasionally do a highlight when I found a groupon.

My last highlight was February.

I haven’t felt like spending the time and money to do it. So I didn’t. Whatever, you can see some roots, but spending the summer out in the sun helped that a bit too.

Last week I took the girls to get haircuts and the girl cutting their hair asked if I had my hair colored. I said yes, a while ago.

She said it looked like I had ombre coloring done. I had no clue what she was talking about and I wasn’t even sure I understood her correctly, because she has a thick accent.

I came home and forgot about it, until I saw a pin on pinterest about ombre hair.

So I googled it.

Apparently my laziness has put me up with the fashion world! It is the trend now to have your hair dark at the roots and gradually get lighter. Who knew?!

Awesome, I will hold off on a highlight til it is no longer in fashion, until then, I am going to pretend this is on purpose!

p.s. it is really hard to take a picture of yourself trying to show hair color with a cell phone.

Charleston SC

noreply@blogger.com (Angela) — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 10:09:00 +0000

You may or may not know this, but my best friend lives in Charleston, SC.
I have been there once before, and I have read and talked to many people that have been there, and I was in love with it before I even went.
Eric has been working with the Washington Kastles, DC’s World Team Tennis team. He was asked to travel to SC and shoot the finals.
He was going to drive, and it was just a weekend, so I invited myself along.
Now, I want to live there FOR SURE!
It is so cute and I wish I had more time to explore.
Friday when we got in, we checked in and rested from the 8 hour drive ( ok – I didn’t need to rest, I slept in the car, but Eric drove all 8 hours like a champ- and I tried my best to annoy him in every way possible so that he knew what he was getting into )
Then we met Aubrey and went downtown for dinner.
We went to Hyman’s Seafood. I don’t like seafood, but I like steak, so while they chowed on Shrimp and Grits and Clams or something like that, I went to town on my steak.
One thing that excited me most was the boiled peanuts they brought to the table! Who needs a bread basket!

Also, our table was famous (as was every one there)
Saturday, Eric and I got up and went back downtown to explore in the daylight. We had breakfast at Toast. SO GOOD. Amazing grits. YUM.

All those pics I was trying to get us and the boats in the pic- and failed.

Eric doing Eric things

Aubrey and I did some shopping and laying on the beach while Eric worked.

Sunday, Aubrey gave me the grand tour of her life. Where she lived, where she lives now, then drove out to Isle of Palms. Adorable beach and I love it there.
So I am moving to SC ok. You can come visit me. Its an easy drive

Oh and let me toot the boyfriend's horn a little here --- He got his picture published!!! On USA Today Sports! So proud of him. :-D click to see

** I swear Aubrey was there – It is amazing how we used to take 5000 pics every time we were together EVERY SINGLE DAY, and now when we see each other every, NEVER we never take pics!**

More Country Music

noreply@blogger.com (Angela) — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 23:55:00 +0000

The end of summer came with two more concerts. We went to all but one at Jiffy Lube Live, and at all of those we had to endure rain.

But rain makes it fun Even though I was less than thrilled about rain at the Jason Aldean concert. I didn’t want to look like a drowned rat for my Meet and Greet.

But first, Brad Paisley

Waiting for the opener

It started raining right before Brad came on, so we hid from it, it got cold this time getting all wet, but the concert was great and we had a lot of fun.

My dad makes awesome friends. His friend Lee, is a promoter for Jason Aldean. She got us (Mom, Dad, Austin, Allie, Eric and me) tickets and meet and greet passes.

Luke Bryan was so cute, and a great performer and Jason’s show was amazing as well!

watching the side stage performers

Luke Bryan ( I am in love )

Waiting for Jason

HAHAHAHA DORK

Jason

I love this picture. My boyfriend takes good pics HAHA

Mom and Dad

Eric and Me (haha Eric is CHEESING)

Austin and Allie

We had a blast Thanks Lee!!

This summer was great having someone to go to country concerts with. Someone who had fun and enjoyed them makes all the difference.

It was a good summer. Now on to fall adventures.

Family Pics

noreply@blogger.com (Angela) — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 10:23:00 +0000

For Christmas Austin and I gave mom a photo session with a photographer for some family pictures.

I hate the ones we have now, they are outdated and I look BLAH in them, I wanted new ones.

So we found Brooke and she did a great job. The session was fun, I was worried it would be weird, or Austin wouldn’t smile, but Austin actually did the best out of everyone.

It was so fun.

Here are some favorites.

Atlantic City

noreply@blogger.com (Angela) — Sat, 08 Sep 2012 15:11:00 +0000

It is time for yet another bachelorette party!

This time it is my good friend Jill’s turn.

This time we went to Atlantic City!

We got up early on Saturday and made the 4 hour drive north. Got to the hotel around lunch and headed out to the beach bar for lunch, spent a few hours on the beach and then headed to our suit to get ready to go out.

We had plans for Mexican dinner and then visiting a few bars and casinos.

Her bridal party made the theme Jill’s Devilish Fling Before the Ring.

It was very unique and we had many complements on the creative theme, even if we never really got too devilish!

We ended the night in the casino, I had lost money earlier that day, but walked away a winner when it was all said and done! I love me some slots.

Pretty Jill and me!

Jill did my hair, and I am still slightly obsessed with it!!

Such a fun night with good friends, old and new

Summer of Country Music

noreply@blogger.com (Angela) — Wed, 05 Sep 2012 11:03:00 +0000

I love country music. Love it.

I decided that this summer, I would splurge a little and see some concerts I have wanted to see.

The line up was Deirks Bentley, Brantley Gilbert and Toby Keith, Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley and Jason Aldean (with hopefully a fall closer of Eric Church who is playing on my birthday!)

Deirks ended up not happening, which was a bummer, I saw Big and Rich instead, but I don’t really like them, so I just pretty much watched a baseball game and drank for an afternoon. Which is always fun too.

Brantley and Toby were awesome! I love Brantley, and I was bummed his set wasn’t too long, but he just announced a headlining tour, so hopefully he comes through this way so I can see a full show! I like pre 9-11 Toby, so I enjoyed some of his concert, but I really enjoyed being there with my friends.

Tailgating!

Brantley!!!

Jess our super patient preggo DD Love that girl

Love that she photobombed this pic too

It rained but no big deal

A month later was Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw! I love Kenny and this was my 4th time seeing him. The concert was amazing!!

Waiting for the concert to start. It was SO HOT and we were just roasting in the sun

TIM!

Boyfriend!

Kenny in a Skins helmet

This was an accident, a happy accident, but I didn’t mean to take a butt shot!

Looking good Tim

Kenny and Tim together

Meet Bubba/Ashley

noreply@blogger.com (Angela) — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 14:45:00 +0000

I moved in with the family I nanny for over a year ago. They don’t have pets, but decided this summer to join the foster pet program at the local shelter.

We were given Bubba. A 10 year old, 24 lb MALE cat.

But bubba didn’t respond to bubba, and when we asked, they said that his name was originally Ashley. That makes sense… and he totally responds to Ashley.

After spending 2 days in hiding, Ashley is deciding this place isn’t too bad, and wanders around the house.

Lately he as spent a lot of time in my room. Which I don’t mind one bit since I have wanted a cat for a while now.

My only issue with him is his determination to get UNDER the covers at 5am, or his attraction to sitting ON my laptop resulting in popped off keys (from his claws when I pulled him off) and somehow turning a setting on so that my computer makes a sound like an iPad when I type. FUN.

He is a sweet kitty, and is curled up next to me as I type this.

Hiding day 2

This was take by a 3 year old, so the quality is lacking, but you get a good idea of his size

Just hanging out

Face timing with Eric (Eric loves this cat, and if he wasn’t allergic, he would have adopted him by now)

How he sleeps at 5am

Helping with homework

Checking his Facebook?

He always attacks my hands when I type on the iPad

His favorite place to sit, on the laptop!

Life is good today

noreply@blogger.com (Angela) — Sun, 26 Aug 2012 14:29:00 +0000

A little over a year ago around now, I was in a rough place.

My life, everything I had planned for it, everything I thought it was going to be was flipped upside down and I had not much clue which way was up.

Lucky for me, that didn't last too long. My parents, friends and family rallied around me, and supported me through it. They listened when I needed to talk, they encouraged me when I needed it, they distracted me when that was needed too and they kept my eyes on the good things.

I didn't stay sad and lost long. I dove head first into school and running. I went home and spent time with my friends most weekends and I stayed focused on the good in my life.

As my heart healed, I began to see all of the positive things that were coming from such a negative experience for me. I was in a better place, and headed in a better direction.

Today, a year, a month and some days later, I sit here writing and can honestly say I am the happiest I have been in years. School is going well, I am 2 semesters away from my first degree. I am in the middle of Marine Corps Marathon training, and while it is SO HARD, I know I will be so proud when I finish that race. My family is good, happy and healthy and I am even dating someone, someone who makes me super happy.

Life is seriously good.

Eubanks Family Vacation 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Angela) — Fri, 24 Aug 2012 02:23:00 +0000

My family’s vacation track record was pretty crappy. Bad things always happen on family vacations.

Mom and dad said a while ago they weren’t taking us anymore.

That’s what they thought. Like I said before I hijacked their vacation!

So we loaded up EARLY on the 4th of July (SO LAME DAD) and headed out… but not before mom made all of the beds in the house, you know, so when the burglars come in, they don’t judge us for NEVER making our beds.

Seriously, we NEVER make our beds, except when we are leaving for 10 days!! Makes no sense to me, but whatever momma wants right?

The gps says 11 hours to GA so off we go.

Dad drove and mom and I slept in the back for the first part.

That’s mom under the blanket… hahaa

After a while, mom took over the driving, and I moved to the front to try and write a paper (only worked for a little before I got carsick)

and soon, a very iconic part of ym childhood came into view.

The GA peach butt

Growing up in GA and traveling to MD every year, this always meant we were getting close to home. Even as a 27 year old I got excited knowing we were almost to Jefferson.

We finally made it to GA and headed to our friend’s house, then over to Pott’s farm for some dinner. A little fun fact, one of my favorite artists these days is Brantley Gilbert (remember when I met him?) He grew up in my old home town, and was friends with the family who owns the farm and their sons. The farm makes it into a couple of his songs. It was pretty cool to drive around the place being mentioned in the songs.

Thursday we spent it with Daddy Brooks. Daddy Brooks was my adopted granddad when I lived in GA. I spent many a Sunday afternoon at his house beating him and his wife Inez in Uno.

We went to visit him and he had the most adorable kitten, named , Kitty. I played with Kitty, mom and dad played cards with Dorsey and Diane and Austin fished.

I was in love

Friday was a big day. The main reason we were in GA was so my mom could cash in her big Christmas present. A chance to drive a real NASCAR on a real NASCAR track. So at 4am Mom, Dad and I drove to Atlanta.

She did it! She went 138 mph! Totally bad ass and crazier than I would ever do! (working on getting the videos compiled into one – then I will post it)

Getting in

There she goes

After, yikes I look tired and in need of some makeup!

After that, it was my turn for an adventure.

I wanted to go to the GA aquarium, and the coca-cola factory.

The aquarium was awesome, but I think I like the Baltimore one better.

Massive manta rays

Whale shark

A little backstory: I lived in GA for 7 years, for 7 years I talked about going to the Coca-cola museum, for 7 years I didn’t get taken. Then when we visited, I mentioned it, but it never happened. My parents visited, alone, and went and I was so crazy mad! So I said WE ARE GOING! So we went. And it was cool, but we were getting tired, it was crowded, and just wasn’t living up to the hype I gave it.

The tasting room was cool, and kinda gross sometimes, you could taste sodas from all over the world. Some were good, others were down right nasty!!

The shining moment was in the tasting room, they had Barqs Red Cream Soda. I love this stuff, I used to drink it all the time in Mississippi when I visited my Aunt Nonnie and Great Grandmother Mary. I can’t find it now, I may have tasted, 3 or 4 full glasses

that is my dad’s hand btw

We were exhausted and headed back home. Saturday we had lunch with an old friend, and then got ready for a big dinner that Janice made for us and many people we really wanted to see this trip. It is so hard when you go back because you want to see so many people but there isn’t much time. This was a good compromise.

Austin spent a lot of time fishing at the pond behind the house we were staying at. The southern lifestyle works for him, he loves it and says he is going back there when he gets of the service.

Sunday we went to church, our old church, and then headed to Florida.

But not before Austin said goodbye to his best buddies Sassy and Sissy

I didn’t take many pics in Florida, but we spent all day Monday at the beach, Tuesday we went shopping and hung out around the house, and Wed, the boys and I loaded up and drove home. We left mom to stay with her friend Bonnie. Florida was great because we didn’t have to do anything, we just relaxed.

Austin with his new friend chuck

Birthdays, dads and a high jacked vacation

noreply@blogger.com (Angela) — Fri, 22 Jun 2012 03:12:00 +0000

This weekend we celebrated my Grandmother’s 80th birthday! I still don’t believe she is that old. She sure doesn’t act it! I wanted to throw a big party and invite her friends and our family, but she didn’t want that. So small family outing it was.

We went to a local BBQ place. I made her cake. She got some crazy gifts from my uncle, which was hilarious. All around a good time.

Ozzy really Uncle Mickey?

Father’s day was last weekend. We went to church, then down to both sets of grandparents to celebrate. We gave my dad an Orioles shirt and money towards O’s tickets. We have already planned the game we are going to! We had a big meal and then took naps and sat around annoying each other… and by annoying each other I mean Austin using my grandparent’s little claw thingy to annoy everyone else!

In other news: My parents swore off family vacations a while ago. They vacation without us children now. This year my mom informs me that they are driving to GA, spending a few days there, then driving to FL and spending a few days there then my dad is driving home and she is staying there.

Well, I decided I wanted to go too. So I worked it all out, got the time off, made sure my dad would drive back early enough for me to get to work on time and then invited my brother. I didn’t think he would be down to go , but his leave matches up perfectly, so he said yes.

So the Eubanks’ are going on a road trip, we haven’t actually done this in a few years, so maybe we have all matured and this will be painless….maybe. Dad changed the dates on me, so now we are leaving on the 4th of July… slightly more lame, but getting to go back to GA and see where I grew up, and see old friends will be worth missing fireworks with my friends this year.

I am sure there will be fun stories.

Sweet Summertime

noreply@blogger.com (Angela) — Sat, 19 May 2012 12:58:00 +0000

Well my summer this year has a theme. Country music and sun.

I plan to do a lot of running and spending time at the pool.

Some friends of mine are also renting a boat and spending the day on the water in a couple weeks.

I am hoping to get a trip to the beach in, even if it is just Ocean City.

The highlight though, has to be, the concerts.

This summer I am going to see some great names in country music and I couldn’t be more excited!

First up is Dierks Bentley. He is playing a free concert at the Washington Nationals stadium after the game. ( I guess in theory it isn’t free, since we have to pay for a ticket to the game, but we are getting cheapo ones since we are only interested in the music really.)

Then I was talked into seeing Toby Keith and Brantley Gilbert. Now I love Brantley, but I am not a Toby Keith fan really. I like his pre 9-11 music, but he just kind of gets on my nerves now. However, I love Brantley so I did as I was told and built a dang bridge and bought a ticket to the concert! I can’t wait to see BG again, and hopefully his set is a bit longer and he plays some of my favorites!

Then comes the highlight, Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw! Seeing either one of those guys alone would be fine with me, but TOGETHER?! Holy cow! I can’t wait!!!

Brad Paisley is another personal favorite of mine, and I haven’t seen him yet, but that changes this summer!

Most of these are lawn seats, which means you aren’t up close seeing them, but you can still hear them and the party is more fun on the lawn anyway!

I hope to be able to end the summer with a little Jason Aldean. My dad’s friend works for his tour and hopefully will be able to hook me up with a ticket. If not, I am sure dad and I will buy a lawn seat and head out anyway!

***all pictures are from google image search***

Happy Birthday Ladies

noreply@blogger.com (Angela) — Fri, 18 May 2012 00:47:00 +0000

My girlies turned 3 on April 28th.

Seems like just yesterday I started nannying for them and now they are 3!

They had a farm themed party, with pony rides and a petting zoo. I didn’t get to go, since I was home for a wedding, but I helped with the cake

Their mom made the cake and cupcakes and I decorated the cake into a barn while she worked on the cupcakes into sheep, chicks and piggies. I think it turned out great.

It was nice to get a little cake decorating in, its been a while!

(this pic stolen from their mom’s blog)

I love these little girls. They make me laugh every single day! The things they come up with are so funny. I love being a part of their life!