kaleidoscope

halloween and las vegas

2009-11-21T19:05:00.012-06:00

The UT Health Sciences Center hosts an annual Halloween Party. This years, and the last several, have been at The New Daisy Theater in downtown Memphis. Vik and I thought we were going to be out of town and unable to attend but plans changed at the last minute. So, we had to pull a costume together at the last minute. We decided Vik would be Gold and I would be the Digger. We headed to Michael's for gold glitter, gold [matte and glitter] spray paint, cardboard, ribbon and anything else we thought would make us gold and a digger. Dad let me wear is coveralls and Steven P happened to leave his MLGW hat at the downtown condo so I threw it on at the last minute. We had lots of fun at the party knowing it's the Class of 2010's last med school Halloween party. I can't believe med school is almost over!

At the beginning of November, Dad, Keely and I headed west to Las Vegas! We went for Dad's business, good food, perfect weather, old friends, Cirque, penny slots, roulette,black jack, shopping, and good 'ole daddy-daughter time. Dad struggled to let his [adult] daughters loose in Vegas...last time we were all there together I was 16 years old and not allowed to find trouble.

Why didn't Mom go? She got to stay home and watch her grand-dogs.

Other current happenings...Residency interviews! Vik began traveling around the south and the east in early November to interview at various residency programs. He will continue to interview until his 'rank list' is due January 7th. Just 54 days until he finds out!!

recently

2009-10-26T14:44:00.015-05:00

I paid off my car! Whew, I'm so glad it's over. Obviously I was excited to get the title in the mail!

Now what do I want to drive next?! Yeah right...I'll be driving the green box for several more years! I gave her a good scrubbin' the other day and she's just like new again.

Koozy didn't place in the races this year. Actually, she did quite terrible! Last year she placed second in her heat and got to take a ribbon home. Oh well, it will still fun!

Check out the "Grannies" with their weenies!

In September, I went back down to visit Vik Tampa. One of his college roommates, and his wife, also came down and we enjoyed catching up. Picture to the right is Clearwater Beach.

My birthday was at the beginning of October. All I wanted was Mexican and Margaritas for dinner and then a night out downtown. It's been so long since everybody was in town and got to hang out so the night was so fun!!

welcome 70s high/50s low

2009-10-01T16:43:00.007-05:00

Welcome Fall [picture from Franklin, TN]!! I love this time of year. There are just so many wonderful things: Cooler Weather, Changing Leaves, Football, Sweatshirts, Uggs, Sitting Around the Fire, New TV Series, Leggings and so much more. My favorite part is the cooler weather. We are going camping at the end of October. I'm really looking forward to it because we used to go camping all the time; this will be our first time in about 10 years and it will be the first with Vik. I can't wait to see what Dad cooks up with his kerosene grill and cast iron skillet.

wedding

2009-09-21T12:25:00.007-05:00

Whew! All things said, all things true...about wedding planning that is. Stress, Joy, Anger, Thrill, Rush, Happy, etc. You never fully understand until you are the one who is making the calls, scheduling the meetings, tasting the foods, visiting the venues, scanning the albums, etc. The colors, the papers, the fonts, the dresses, the jewelry, the flavors, the flowers, the ribbons, the chairs, the linens, etc. Why is there always an etcetera in wedding planning?! Don't get me wrong, I love every aspect of it! Ok, maybe not the guest lists and the details noone can agree on. Whenever I start getting irritated I stop and remember that I'm planning MY wedding and what is more awesome than that?! Sometimes I really do feel like the cartoon to the left. Fortunately, I know what I want. Every shop, boutique or store that I'm in the sales person says, "Well, you certainly know what you want and don't want." I haven't quite figured out if I should take it as a compliment or take offense. Overall, I am having an amazing time throughout all of it!!

Here are a few notable items:

We have our website up and running: http://www.karaandvikram.com/
Reception will be at Memphis Botanic Gardens
Flowers will be by L & J Productions
Ladies' wedding attire will come from All About Weddings
Photography will be done by Skip Baumhower and Sara Beth Raab
Videography will be done by Russ T
Cake and Catering are still in the works
Registries are complete
Coordinating/Planning will be done by Amy T and Lori H
Bridal Party is almost complete
Save-the-Dates to arrive soon

We have 271 days until we are married and I still cannot believe it's actually happening! Things are flowing so well and it really feels like another step in our lives together. I have really missed Vik while he's been in Tampa and can't wait for him to be home! We are anxious and excited for the next 8 months!

tampa

2009-09-10T17:04:00.005-05:00

Labor Day weekend I went to visit Vik in Tampa. Vik is in Tampa for the month of September completing an away rotation in ophthalmology. We enjoyed touring the city that could be a potential home for us one day, if his residency takes him there.

My first evening we had dinner at Jackson's Bistro. Jackson's is located in downtown and is waterfront (which in Tampa means at the marina/port...not beachside). We enjoyed the weather on their patio and ate until we almost burst. For appetizers we had Duck Quesadillas and their Volcano Sushi Roll; for main course Vik had seafood but I can't remember which one and I had the Grilled Chicken on Focaccia Toast Sandwich; we had mojitios and JWB for drinks and then we topped it off with seriously the best chocolate cake ever! We practically had to be rolled to the car .

Saturday we headed to Clearwater Beach and St. Petersburg. I have to say we were pretty disappointed at what these beach towns offered. I guess we are just used to the gulf and Destin area. We did eat lunch at Central Avenue Oyster Bar in St. Petersburg which was a nice place for a cold drink and light lunch. We didn't spend much time down there and headed back to Tampa to go shopping. We went to International Plaza, which is where I had previously stayed for work meetings. Before we pulled into the parking lot I spotted Crate & Barrel and was able to convince Vik that we needed to go in and register for wedding gifts. We had a blast! Then we headed into the main mall which was huge! We window-shopped, Vik bought a new wallet, I found new perfume, registered at Williams-Sonoma, played with iPhone cases, and more. It was exhausting. Our dinner reservations were not until 9pm at the Columbian, in Ybor City. Ybor City is a historic Cuban part of town. The Columbian serves Spanish foods and has Flamenco Dance shows. The restaurant is over 52,000 square feet but it's so intimate because there are multiple dining rooms. Again, mojitos and JWB completed our night.

Sunday we had brunch at The Cheesecake Factory, back at International Plaza...I know it's a chain but I love it so much and he's only been there once before. There's nothing bad on that 20-page menu and it always fills you up. Then we headed about 45 minutes out of town to the Prime Outlets in Ellenton where we shopped some more. Boy am I glad Vik loves to shop too!!

After getting back into town we stopped at Chili's for queso, Happy Hour and football but couldn't believe it when they were actually showing the Memphis vs. Ole Miss game! We ended our night with a movie on the laptop and ate leftovers.

I was so sad to leave on Monday night but didn't have a choice. I am really looking forward to travelling with Vik in the future. We both love to travel to all kinds of places.

Couple Survey

2009-09-03T13:28:00.003-05:00

1. When is your "engagement" anniversary? June 21, 2009
2. When is your "marriage" anniversary? Will be June 19, 2010
3. How long have you known your spouse? 18 years
4. How long did you date/court before you were engaged? It will be 11 years
5. Where did you meet your spouse for the first time? Mutual friends in elementary school
6. What is your spouse's full name? Vikram Tejinder-Singh Saini
7. Do you have any children? No
8. How many - boys/girls?
9. Do you have any house pets? Of course! Koozy, the mini-dach
10. Do you own a house or rent? I rent, he owns...separate for 9 more months
11. Do you live in the country or town/city? In town, no other option we hope
12. What is one of your favorite activities together? Being with friends, Hanging out at our parents', watching movies, travelling
13. Do you have a favorite vacation spot? We both love the Caribbean
14. When did you first kiss? October 1999, I think
15. What church do you attend? I attend Highland
16. Did you get married in a church? We are getting married in the Botanic Gardens
17. What town is your current address at? Memphis
18. Do you work or stay at home? I work, he's in his last 8 months of medical school
19. Where did you go on your honeymoon? We haven't decided yet
20. What was the funniest gift you gave when dating? He gave me chewable gas-x one year
21. How long have you been together? 10 years
22. How long did you know each other before you started dating? 8 years
23. Who asked who out? Wasn't anything official...we were in high school so we just "hung out" and then all of a sudden we were a couple
24. How old are each of you? We're both 26
25. Where do you each work or go to school? I'm in home health, He's at UT Memphis
26. Which situation is the hardest on you as a couple? Medical School for sure
27. Did you go to the same school? Elementary and High School, Yes; College, No
28. Are you from the same home town? Yes
29. Who is smarter? He is
30. Who is more sensitive? Definitely me
31. Where do you eat out most as a couple? Westy's, Mexican
32. Where is the furthest you two have traveled together as a couple? Italy
33. Who has the craziest exes? No exes for us
34. Who has the worst temper? He does
35. Who does the cooking? Both of us
36. Who is more social? He is more outgoing but I like the social scene
37. Who is the neat-freak? We are pretty much the same
38. Who is more stubborn? Both of us
39. Who hogs the bed? Separate for 9 more months
40. Who wakes up earlier? He does
41. Where was your first date? The Summer Drive-In probably counts
42. Do you get flowers often? Valentine's Day
43. How do you spend the holidays? With all of our families
44. Who is more jealous? Neither of us is a jealous person
45. How long did it take to get serious? A couple of years, so during college
46. Who eats more? We eat the same, he's just healthier
47. Who does the laundry? Separate for 9 more months
48. Who’s better with the computer? Both of us are computer geeks
49. Where do you see the two of you in ten years? With a couple/few kids and super busy

limerick to koozy

2009-09-01T13:52:00.010-05:00

Koozy is my red, dapple mini-dachshund and she is the best wiener dog ever! At only about one-and-a-half-feet long, half-a-foot high and averaging nine pounds she makes quite the impression.

Koozy loves to fetch, loves to go (anywhere!), loves to sit in laps, loves to chew on panties, loves to lick people, loves to play hide-and-seek with her cousin. Koozy hates to be alone, hates to miss her dinner, hates to be away from her cousin, hates not to sleep in bed with someone.

Koozy will be racing in Running of the Weenies on September 12. She finished second in her heat last year but we're hoping for first this year! There are ten heats with ten wiener dogs in each. So about one hundred dachshunds, and their biggest fans, get out in the Memphis heat and race their little hearts out. (We can talk later about the breeds people bring claiming to be dachschunds...).

Last night she said "Bama, eat my dust!" Woah, watch out

dear alice

2009-09-01T11:18:00.014-05:00

This past weekend I was in Nasvhille for a dear friend, Alice's, Bachelorette festivities. Her sister, Kayla, planned a full weekend of good times..."toy" party, lingerie shower at Arrington Vineyards, shopping at the mecca of all TJ Maxx stores, eating powdered doughnuts on the Dam Bar and karaoke at the Wild Beaver, dancing at Cadillac Ranch, and "mosh-pitting" to country music at The Stage.

Kayla went all out with the food. She made some yummy and "provocative" cookies and cakes, packed three picnic baskets full of goodies for the winery, fruit tea, dips and of course it wouldn't be complete without Muddy's, on the table too.

Alice and Ryan are getting married September 19 in Decherd, Tennessee. It will be a sweet affair and I can't wait to see all those girls again!

my look

2009-08-28T10:33:00.002-05:00

If you're reading my previous posts...they might be 'out of shape' because I recently changed templates and things got distorted...

journey to the SAINIs

2009-08-28T10:03:00.010-05:00

The title signifies my journey from a Watson to a Saini. I have felt part of the Saini family for several years now but it will be official on the eve of June, 19, 2010. This October will mark Vikram and my Tenth Anniversary (dating).

My Sweet Man and Me, at a wedding two year's ago

We celebrated our Engagement over the weekend at quite a soire'e, hosted by our parents. It was a special evening because so many of our family and friends have never met. We don't have pictures yet but they will come soon!

Our wedding festivities will take place June 17, 18 and 19, 2010. The two of us, along with family and friends, will take part in two traditional Indian ceremonies and a traditional American ceremony. The Indian ceremonies will most likley be held at Vikram's parents' home. The American ceremony and combined reception location is Memphis Botanic Gardens.

We are finalizing our Wedding Website that will host all necessary information regarding dates, ceremonies, accomodations, registries, photos, etc. The webpage is http://www.karandvikram.com/ and we hope to have it up and running in the next coupld of days.

yeah yeah yeah

2009-08-10T10:01:00.004-05:00

So about that list I was going to blog about...too bad. Here's a quick run down:

- We got ENGAGED June 21.
- I went to Gulf Shores.
- We've been to a couple of weddings.
- We've been to Pickwick.
- We visitied family and friends in Atlanta.
- Vik's application for residency is in process.
- I've spents many, many hours poolside.

It's been a grand summer! I can't believe it's Augsut 10th! Our parents are hosting an Engagment Party for us at the end of August which will round out our Summer of 2009. Vik will head to Tampa, FL for an ophthalmology rotation, all of September and then Jackson, MS for another rotation in October.

I'll dedicate another blog to Wedding Plans.

lots to come

2009-05-19T10:20:00.004-05:00

Easter
Mother's Day
Beale Street Music Fest
BBQ Fest
Gulf Shores

reflections

2009-05-19T10:07:00.003-05:00

I just caught myself in a daze. I was just staring at traffic on Poplar Avenue and was completely lost in thought. When I caught myself I immediately thought "what am I thinking about?!"

I literally was thinking...I am a blessed and fortunate girl.

I move from day to day without thinking of how great my life is. I have a great job. I have the best boyfriend. I have wonderful parents and family. I have the cutest puppy. I have a fabulous condo. I could go on for pages. Why do we take things for granted? Why do sad or bad things have to happen before we realize how great our life alread is? I really have nothing to complain about in my life and that is something to reflect on.

spring at last

2009-04-14T15:24:00.001-05:00

I love Spring. Life seems to hit the refresh button as soon as the weather gets all sunnier and warmer.

As we continue to mourne the loss of our beloved Coach Cal, we are inspired by the refreshed and new, Coach Pastner (and the handsome fella that he is).

In other exciting news:

We recently attended Caduceus Ball (UT Memphis Medical School Prom, if you will). We enjoyed dinner at the new Midtown restaurant, Iris. The ball was in the Grand Ballroom at the Peabody Hotel. We were only in attendance for the dance portion of the evening. It is a last celebration to honor fourth year medical students, before they all begin their residencies.

Vik and me at the Peabody Hotel

A recent trip to Nashville for work and play. I spent five days with my best friend. We shopped, we ate, we walked, we cleaned, we jammed on Guitar Hero, we cooked, we talked and we just had fun! She hosted a Spring Birthdays Celebration at her new home.

Kayla (the host), Leslie Ann (the designer and friend) and me

Vikram's dad's birthday was at the end of March and he treated us all to dinner at the Madison Hotel's Grill 83.

Vikram and me on the Madison Rooftop

Menopause the Musical! What a fun way to spend some times with just the girls! Six of us girls went to the Silly Goose before the show for Mimosas and Bloody Marys. After the show we had a late lunch at Pearl's Oyster House. Then we continued to enjoy the beautiful spring day at Silky O' Sullivan's on Beale Street.

Mom, Keely and me at Silky's

Our trip to Aruba was most enjoyable! We enjoyed delicious meals, soaked up some Caribbean sun, spent priceless moments together, and truly enjoyed our Spring Break.

Lunch at The Paddock

At the California Lighthouse

Dinner at Mango's

Sunset Dinner on the Beach

Dinner at Gianni's

how sad it is

2009-03-31T15:04:00.000-05:00

The most awful thing has happened! Memphis Tigers' Head Coach John Calipari has accepted Head Coach of the Kentucky Wildcats!

We all know it's the dream of a lifetime for a college basketball coach to coach at Kentucky but it also deeply saddens us. Calipari has been head coach at Memphis for nine years (has four years left in contract) and he's had an amazing run but we aren't ready for it to end so abruptly. We know he will make the decision that is best for him and his family. We just hope the Tiger players will not make any hasty decisions to leave the program also. I am loyal to my Tigers and I will continue to wear my blue and be at those ball games.

Boy it's going to be hard! We are unsure who our new coach will be...speculation about Pearl, Anderson, Pitino, and others. Either way, it will probably be a long road but we are going to bounce back and show the nation what kind of city we are and how much we love our Memphis Tigers!

march madness!!!

2009-03-19T08:36:00.001-05:00

Basketball is my favorite college sport!! Today is the first day of the NCAA Tournament and Memphis plays at 11:25 this morning! We rigged up our training TV with a "Paper-Clip Antenna" and we will be able to see and hear the game!

And how about Coach Cal being name Sports Illustrated National Coach of the Year!!

T-I-G-E-R-S...GGGOOO TIGERS!!

sixteen days

2009-03-18T17:16:00.000-05:00

Just sixteen days until we are in Aruba! I cannot wait! These past few months have been stressfull, mostly with a change in jobs. Vacation with Vik's family is full of sleeping, eating, reading, exercising and playing. I will relish the Caribbean sun, the sparkling pools, the fruity drinks (with rum), my Twilight books, the shopping, the food, and of course quality time with my honey. OOHHHH, I'm excited!

Marriott's Aruba Surf Club

Audit was over last Friday. The Team Lead's word to us were, "I expect you all to do very well." Whew! What a relief! Being in a managment position and going through audit is totally different, for obvious reasons. I've been the director for nearly four months and I am proud of what we have come from and where we are going.

lazy weekend

2009-03-03T11:01:00.000-06:00

I headed downtown for a weekend with the boyfriend and the brother-in-law and his girlfriend and our two puppies. We went to eat Mexican and then to the Bardog Tavern on Friday night...very cool and hip 2-story tavern that's on Monroe so it's close to Vik's condo. Saturday we went to the Memphis game and left the FedEx Forum to discover it was sleeting. Next thing we know there's 10 inches of snow on the ground! It was so beautiful. The weather was a great excuse to watch about 5 movies and order Westy's delivery!

(Sorry for the screen interference)

This is looking West from the Claridge House. Usually you would be able to see St. Jude and the Clark Tower.

(Sorry for the screen again)

This is looking North from the Claridge House.

i almost forgot

2009-02-24T09:25:00.000-06:00

I forgot to tell you that I lost 9 inches and 10 pounds in one month!! My clothes fit better, I'm fitting into clothes that I couldn't!

spring is around the corner

2009-02-24T08:17:00.002-06:00

That means audit season at work, for me. Our annual state audit is March 9 - 13. The auditors will be here the entire week from 8:00am - 4:30pm and they are some highly enthusiastic folks, let me tell you! The entire office immediately becomes drab and delusional, at the same time.
This is my first audit as a director and I'm feeling the pressure. There has been so much to do and there is still so much to do. I'm at the burnt out phase of my stress level. Panic better kick back in within the next day or so because I've got lots of papers to sign and file...whatever happened to assistants that file paperwork for the boss ;)
Oh, I didn't mention that my National Director could pop-in, unannounced, at any moment for our Internal Audit. The joy level keeps rising.
We do have tickets the Legally Blonde, The Musical on the eve of my audit week so that will be a delightful stress reliever. After the dreadful week we're going to Menopause, The Musical. Then at the end of March is my Nana's Birthday weekend in Nashville (it's also one of my good friend's birthday weekend in Nashville so I'll be splitting my time). And the next thing I know...I'll be on the beach in Aruba at the beginning of April. Chaos is not abundant in my life which I am very grateful for but audit season brings it on in a rush!

On to other life happenings. Vik is wrapping up his Surgery Rotation at Baptist East this week. He has really enjoyed this rotation and is seriously considering a Surgery Sub-Specialty: urology, cardiology, endocrinology, etc. His first choice is opthalmology. He has done research in opthalmology and really enjoys it.
We are praying for any guidance and in any direction. He only has 14 months of medical school left and then he will begin a residency somewhere. Their last year of school is "cake" (that's what he's told). But it's also extremely stressful because they are applying to all types of programs, hopefully getting several interviews and waiting for "Match Day." The specialties that he's looking into will "match" in January 2010, all other programs he is considering "match" in March 2010. There are a lot of exciting steps to take in the next year!

Sorry for the rambling. Here are a couple of pictures I've snapped on my iPhone recently.

This is Hazyl. Keely put a pair of panties on her as punishment for acting ugly during dinner time. Can you see the desperation in her face?! She's a funny dog!

Isn't that rainbow awesome!!?? That was about 10am on what had been a very stormy day. One of my co-workers was in my office and then all of the sudden the rain stopped, the sun started peaking through and we could see 3 rainbows (you can see 2 in the picture).

aaahhh

2009-02-02T12:24:00.000-06:00

IT'S ONE OF THOSE DAYS AND I WANT TO SCREAM!!! Work can be super frustrating and really bring me down and today it's doing a great job at it! It seems like everything people say to me is the wrong thing and I just have a bad attitude. It's obvious that I'm rarely in a bad mood b/c people keep asking me what's wrong. I don't want to talk about it, I just want to work...OK??!!
Maybe I need to get my Diet Coke in for they day...

unofficial resolution

2009-01-30T09:23:00.000-06:00

I didn't make any resolutions this year. I never really do. But in Montana I realized how out of shape I am. We are members at this rinky-dink "country club" in southeast Memphis. There's a lady there who does personal training to members. So I signed up the week I got back from vacation and she kicked my butt!! I was puking before we realized she had worked my core for an hour! I hadn't eaten much all day and she didn't ask what I had eaten therefore I had completely depleted myself. But I felt incredible! I worked out 7 days straight with her before I headed to Tampa, where I only worked out 1 day. So I missed 6 days with her but I got back on track yesterday and will continue working out with her on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. I can already do 15 sit-ups!! Not crunches...SIT-UPS!! Now, it ain't easy but I can feel results already. We measured and weighed at the beginning and we'll do it again at the end of my first month so I'll keep you posted.

This machine kicks my butt on incline 13!!

it's been a while

2009-01-30T08:35:00.001-06:00

Lots has been going on around here. I've been all the way out to Montana and all the down to Tampa since I last blogged.

Family vacation took us to Whitefish, MT the 7th - the 13th. It's been about 7 years since I've skiied and it showed! My feet had horrible problems so I didn't spend but an hour with my ski boots on. I still enjoyed myself by relaxing, shuttling the fam around the resort, eating and watching the skiers.

Koozy wanted to go...she pouted all night :(

View from the summit...I didn't take this picture
Downtown Whitefish
Keely at the Summit

80's Night along with Casino Night. Th

Work took me to Tampa the 22nd - the 25th. It was a fabulous time! I flew in about 7 hours before the rest of my team from across the state so I had some chill time. I took advantage of the state of the art work-out facility, took a long hot shower, laid down for a 3 hour nap, and got ready for dinner at Pelagia (Italian Trattoria in the hotel). We stayed in the Renaissance Tampa Hotel International Plaza. It was amazing! The entire hotel was Italian themed and was so beautiful. Our corporate even planner did an amazing job. The meeting was for Southeast Region which includes Tennesse, Florida, Alabama, South Carolina and North Carolina (maybe more). There were around 300 managers involved. Of course we had meetings for several hours each day, had to give presentations and had roommates we didn't know but it was so much fun! I learned a lot about Maxim Healthcare that I didn't know...we are a Billion Dollar Company; the SE Region provides healthcare for over 4,000 individuals; the SE Region is the top region in the compnay for sales; and so much more! I have a new found faith in Maxim and am so proud to be part of it.

This is some of the girls from TN

All of the Clinical Directors went on a boat cruise around Clearwater Beach while the Accounts Managers played golf

Last night, my division at The Cheesecake Factory. My partner is on the left, Lori

vandy wins!!!

2009-01-06T09:25:00.001-06:00

Vanderbilt won their first bowl game in over 50 years! They played in the Music City Bowl in Nashville on December 31st against Boston College. Because it may be a once in a lifetime opportunity we never considered not attending. Before the official schedules came out Vandy was projected to play in Memphis at the Liberty Bowl, which we where thrilled about. Then they announced Vandy would play in Nashville and we were equally excited. What a great opportunity...first bowl game in 20 something years, in your home town, on a holiday!

Vik enjoyed seeing old friends and fraternity brothers. If I had a nickel for every time someone said, "Y'all aren't married yet??!!" I'd be rich!! We got to hang out with my girlfriends also and had NYE dinner with his college roommate and his wife. It was such a fun few days!

happy new year

2009-01-06T09:06:00.000-06:00

I can't believe another year has gone by. Let's see what I come up with in a review of 2008:

Promoted into an administrative role (after just 3 months); Didn't like admin so I moved into another clinical role (after 8 months of HR and payroll crap); Promoted to Clinical Program Director after 5 months). I've been with the company since September 2007 and I'm happy and settled.
Keely and I moved into a condo together. We love living in East Memphis and our little family with 2 puppies.
Vik started on clinical rotations throughout Memphis. Still undecided about a career path but it will come.
Trips to: Charleston (with Vik and another couple from med school); St. Kitts (with Vik's family but without Vik); Dallas (for Vik's college friends' wedding); Jackson, Miss (Vik's cousin's wedding); St. Thomas (with Vik's family); and multiple trips to Nashville and Pickwick Dam for various events.
Koozy turned one year old...slowly seeing signs of maturing.
Vik and I turned 26, don't feel any different. We also celebrated 9 years together!

It was a great year! No huge changes but lots of fun and good times.

I hope you had a fabulous 2008 and I wish you an even more fabulous 2009!!

blah

2008-12-29T12:04:00.000-06:00

The week after Christmas is so depressing: all of the decorations come down, the holiday music stops playing, the streets are crowded again, and the spirit of just hanging out disappears. The feelings go from hyper straight to blah. I mentioned that we have my dad's family tree this coming weekend but my mother took all of the decorations down!! My sister and I can't believe it! My dad's family will be extremely upset when there isn't even a tree to put the presents under. We will make do I guess.

For us, the holidays include movies. We go to the theater and we watch them at home. This year we watched Valkyrie (good history), Stranger Than Fiction (definitely strange), The Dark Knight (good flick but would have been better in the theater), Step Brothers (really funny), and Gone Baby Gone (depressing).

We also helped mom clean our old bedrooms and the attic. When we moved out in April, we left a mess! All of my scrapbooks, pictures, keepsakes ("love" letters, high school memorabilia, etc) was still sitting around. Mom had had enough. We went through things separating them into treasure, trash and goodwill. I ask myself hundreds of times, "Why did I ever keep this?!" I saved every flower (dried, obviously) that Vik gave me...in a plastic bag! Whew, it stank! So, I threw those away because there really is no point. I also got rid of clothes and shoes that I'll never wear again (even if I can fit in them eventually). It really is a shame that "I never have anything to wear." I have bookoodles of things to wear but I can find something wrong with 98% of them. I'm going to work on that...

Two day work week for me! I love the vacation and holiday but I also get out of the routine and I look forward to getting back to the norm. I hope y'all have a Happy New Year and stay safe!

wonderful christmas

2008-12-26T08:57:00.001-06:00

We have had a wonderful Christmas, so far! Every year we are blessed with four Christmases...First, is my dad's family tree on Christmas Eve in Memphis; Second, is the tree with mom, dad, sister and Vik; Third is my mom's family tree where we spend the weekend in Pickwick Dam, Tenn.; and Fourth is mom's extended family in Tupelo, Miss. where we eat and play Dirty Santa. But this year, so far we have only had the tree at my parent's house. Dad's family opted to have the tree on January 3 so we have another week before we celebrate with them. Mom's parents have both had medical issues involving surgery in the past month so we've decided not to burden them unitl they are well (probably February).

Mom and Dad's Christmas Eve Dinner!

Koozy and Hazyl playing while we open gifts

Vik modeling his new robe :)

As usual, mom and dad went above and beyond with gifts! My big (and unexpected) toy was a Wii! Do you understand the endless hours of fun this small, white rectangle has!!?? I got the Sports Pack so we played Tennis, Bowling, Baseball, Boxing and Golf for hours! I can't wait to get to the store and buy more accessories and games (if you find a store with Wii Fit in stock...let me know)!

Vik gave me an awesome Garmin GPS, equipped with Bluetooth so I can use it as a hands-free device for my cell phone, while I'm driving! It's perfect! Kinda funny though...I drive a Honda Element and the dash is super far away so instead of placing it in the normal location, I had to suction it to the driver's side window, just so I can reach it! But it works great!

I hope all of you had a Christmas just as wonderful!! We are heading to Nashville next week, for the Music City Bowl on New Year's Eve. GO DORES!

i'm not older than vik anymore

2008-12-24T14:01:00.000-06:00

Vik's birthday was yesterday! He turned 26 years old. I'm 2 months older than him and he gets to call me an old lady until he catches up. He doesn't really get into birthday celebrations...he's crazy! We had lunch at Lenny's and yesterday evening we had dinner, gifts, drinks and cupcakes at his parents. Celebrating birthdays this close to Christmas can be difficult. First it costs more money and second the birthday boy might "get lost in the mix". But we did our best to make it special. Sadly...no pictures.

why not

2008-12-24T13:30:00.001-06:00

Instead of living vicariously through others lives I guess I could write about my own. For those of you reading, it may seem as though you are looking through a kaleidoscope...the many, wonderful "colors" of my life intertwining.