Unicorn Happiness

Happy Sunday. 

Joplin

What a week. Last Sunday, as we were about to sit down to dinner with Jordan's family, cell phones started buzzing and the news of the Joplin tornado emerged. Panic ensued as both Jordan's grandmother and uncle live in this small Missouri town. Luckily, within the hour, both were accounted for, albeit shaken. My brother in law put together this incredible map view of the tornado's path, and just how close it came to Nana's house. She was lucky only to have trees down and windows blown out, since much of the area around her is demolished.

James Spann tweeted yesterday that that this tornado season was officially over. God, i hope so. 

Perspective

J sent this to me a few days ago, but I have purposely delayed reading it because I know Lars Anderson is a great sports writer, and i've heard he put heart and soul into this article for Sports Illustrated, I just wasn't prepared for that perspective.  However, this morning, I found the time. If you have ten minutes by yourself, I would read it. My eyes welled up in no time because he was able to so descriptively capture the human aspects of the storms by recreating the day through the eyes of Bama student athletes. Around this time of year, I start getting really hungry for some Alabama football, and now is no different. This upcoming season is going to bring a fresh breath of life into a much drained and malnourished Tuscaloosa. Roll Tide.

Nikki & John

Husband is currently obsessed with this website. So, I get daily emails pertaining to something he has found from this site. Mostly pictures of dogs and cats being goofy, or people falling off things. The newest gem is another website called Nikki & John. They are a married couple that constantly play pranks on each other, and video tape it. I have no idea how this relationship works, but somehow it does. And, its hilarious. We spent an hour last night laughing our asses off to some of their shenanigans. Enjoy.

Southern Issues

Jess, Im worried about you down there with all those men.... #keepitrealgirl

Pure Barre

I haven't taken a dance class since I gave it up for soccer in first grade. However, I was invited to a "ballet" class this past Saturday as part of Pure Barre's free class in the park series. If you haven't heard of this yet, it's a new workout fad in Birmingham, and maybe elsewhere, I dont know. Basically, it is isometric focused workout that is usually done in a studio with a ballet bar. In the park, we had to improvise, but it was still no joke of a workout. The abs stuff was hard because I lack strength in that area, but the rest of it wasnt so bad. I was sore as hell for the next two days, but I can see how it would really tone someone if they did it weekly.

I got these from the pure barre website. I am in these photos, but i look ridiculous, so feel free to find me if you wish. I might try this class again in their gym, just to see what a real class is like. Overall, I'd rather go for a run.

Perfection

She did this "Born this Way" and "You and I" combo in Atlanta, and it was one of the most amazing things I have ever seen live. She treats us again here on Oprah last week. I might begin starting my days with this. I also might have a small obsession problem. Either way, your welcome.

AND, she'll be on American Idol tonight. I'll be completely unproductive and in front of the TV tonight if anyone needs me.

A party fit for a dog

Last weekend, my sister Taylor and I threw our labs a smashing one year old birthday party (i know, I need a more robust social life, but this will do) All their favorite furry friends were invited, and thus we got to see many of our buds as well. My sister seriously Martha Stewarted by house up with a homemade Happy Bday banner, and individual goody bags with a thank you note from Riley and Mac. In honor of the occasion, we cooked up some corn dogs, and threw together as many dips as we could. I'll let the pics speak for themselves. It was hilarious.

 Homemade doggie bday cake. 1 part wet food, 1 part dry food. 

 sweet mia bee

hey sam

wanting bday cake

 BOB!

 my sweet ones

 sweet friends brought the pups some toys

 Stampede! watch out emily!

momma's girl

 Birthday girl Riley

this one is too precious 

the birthday kids

thanks for coming! 

Gus + Lula

About a year ago, as I was getting into couponing, I started following several blogs that gave me insight into the world of saving money. Most focused on the practical tips of coupon clipping and deal finding, but I found one that got me hooked in a different way. I started following Gus + Lula because the author had very cute home decorating ideas, and found the most amazing stuff at yard sales. I soon realized her story was more than making your home look like pottery barn on a budget. She was in the process of trying to adopt two children from Africa. So, i started checking in weekly to see her progress with adoption, and to view updates on her adorable nursery. For the past few months now they have actually been in Ethiopia to bring their babies home, and it is a very touching story. I figured us Alabamians need a good story right about now. Enjoy.

April Fury

As all of you know, the outcome of these storms are simply devastating. Im constantly overwhelmed by not just the magnitude of the storm itself, but also the outpouring of generosity from quite literally, everyone. Friday, I called a client of mine who lived and coached football in Pleasant Grove for thirty years. He has since moved out of the community, but I wanted to touch base and make sure he was ok, mentally. Without much emotion, he told me many stories of friends and neighbors who are just gone. Despite his personal loss, he had already done so much to help. Knowing it would be an emotional journey, he spent 3 hours trying to get a generator to his buddy, and finally succeded. Amoungst the chaos of the situation, he was surprisingly calm. This must come from past hardship (much PG was devestated by an F5 in 98), but also an incredible belief that everything will eventually be ok. That with neighbor helping neighbor, we will survive. Quite harrowing.

Admist the fury, I got a call on Friday that was a first for me in my profession. A client's husband had passed. My first thought went to the tornado, but he actually died of natural causes, although he was relatively young. Still, that feeling of pain that I was feeling for Alabama's victims became intensified and suddenly quite personal. Im close enough with this client to know that he was her everything. No children, just each other (and one bad ass german shepard). So, receiving that call was quite difficult. Sunday rolled around and I headed to the wake. Although I know this family on a business level, suddently, everthing became personal. The hug from her made me cry immediately. She led me to his casket and remained completely steadfast and unemotional as I was losing it. I asked her how she was holding up so well, considering. She said she fully believed he had been telling her it was time in his own ways for the past three weeks, so she was prepared. Wow. I selfishly wanted to bottle her strength and save it for later.

I composed myself and listened as his best friend gave his eulogy. It was quite simply the most beautiful and heartfelt thing I have ever heard. He was a biker and a painter, and his friend so eloquently described his spirit and his personality. I felt like I knew him more than I really had by the end. I can only hope someone would do something so brave for me one day.

I can say for certain that this has been one of the most challenging weeks for our state and community on record. But, hopefully we can find a fraction of my client's bravery and continue to soldier on.