And we aren't too bad on the eyes either!
...Thus, the name!
(wink, wink!) :-)
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Hot Totties...
Going on four years ago, one of my best friends, Rachel called me.
The conversation went something like this:
R: Hey! I’m thinking about starting an investment club and I want you to be the Vice President!
E* - What???? Ummmm, I don’t know?
R: I promise it will be fun! “FUN” is going to be part of the FIRST BY LAW!
E* - By laws? What are you talking about?
R: Basically, I want to start up a club for professional women who want to learn more about the stock market. And since, I don’t know anythingggg about the stock market and because you have your Series 7, you have to be my Vice President.
E* - I don’t know that I want to be in an investment club, Rach. I’m trying to get out of this business – I’m not really enjoying it.
R: I know, but the difference would be that we would have FUN with our girlfriends, drink wine, and learn a “little bit” about the stock market! Totally different from work!!! Did I mention the part about wine?
E* - Hummm, I’ll give it some thought??? ( Wondering what in the world I was about to get myself involved in??)
4 years later and maxed out at 22 members, I’m so glad that Rachel talked me into being the VP of this club!!!! I have so many friendships that I otherwise wouldn’t have because of her decision to start an INVESTMENT CLUB of all things??
These women are AMAZING!!!
These are some of the occupations of the women in our group and in no particular order:
Professional Writer for O Magazine, Self, Simple Magazine, etc.
(1) Branch Manager & (1) Sales Manager of a local bank
CPA / Auditor for the AICPA
Attorney
Partner/ Pilates Instructor of a local Pilates Business
Partner/ Director of Business Development of local Accounting Buisness
3 – physicians (YES THREE!! – this is not a typo)
Meterologist
Weight Loss Consultant for Jenny Craig
Interior Designer & Sales Executive of local Office Environments Business
Real Estate Agent
Engineer
Mortgage Lender
Researcher for the North Carolina State Legislature & Graduate Student for Business Administration
Computer Programmer for IBM
These girls are not only smart - they are thoughtful, caring, FUNNY and such a blessing to be around! Only God himself could have orchestrated this group! We'd do anything for one another - its like an extended family.
I’ve heard that you are supposed to surround yourself with people smarter than you – and let me tell ya, it’s a true GIFT to be among these girls!
I can’t wait to be around the Hot Totties tonight to kick off 2009!
Let’s hope that the market picks back up b/c before the market completely tanked, we’d done relatively well in our investing!
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
History in the making...
Yesterday, central North Carolina got snowed in! At our house, we got somewhere between 5-6 inches of snow. And when we get just 1 inch here the schools are usually closed THE DAY BEFORE!! :-)
When I was a kid, I LOVED snow days. But yesterday I realized that I love them EVEN MORE as an adult!! Being able to wear PJ’s all day with my hubby, take pictures of the snow, and just enjoy a relaxing “non-work” day is just what the Dr. ordered before our tax season hours begin in 1.5 weeks!
And the added bonus was being able to watch the whole inaguration! Regardless of who you voted for on Nov. 11th, you have to admit that seeing Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream come true before your very eyes was and IS pretty amazing. Gender, race, & political parties aside, being able to see that history unfold yesterday was a true gift and a day I’ll never forget.
Even if you didn’t vote for President Barack Obama, we are called on by God to pray for our leaders – its biblical people! Take the time to pray for wisdom, discernment, and peace for this 44th President of the United States of America. He has a veryyy rough and long road ahead of him, and WE, as a nation, need his guidance to be directed and led with God’s infinite wisdom!
When I was a kid, I LOVED snow days. But yesterday I realized that I love them EVEN MORE as an adult!! Being able to wear PJ’s all day with my hubby, take pictures of the snow, and just enjoy a relaxing “non-work” day is just what the Dr. ordered before our tax season hours begin in 1.5 weeks!
And the added bonus was being able to watch the whole inaguration! Regardless of who you voted for on Nov. 11th, you have to admit that seeing Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream come true before your very eyes was and IS pretty amazing. Gender, race, & political parties aside, being able to see that history unfold yesterday was a true gift and a day I’ll never forget.
Even if you didn’t vote for President Barack Obama, we are called on by God to pray for our leaders – its biblical people! Take the time to pray for wisdom, discernment, and peace for this 44th President of the United States of America. He has a veryyy rough and long road ahead of him, and WE, as a nation, need his guidance to be directed and led with God’s infinite wisdom!
Monday, January 19, 2009
I'd like to give a shout out to.... PEACE!
Peace.
It’s a WONDERFUL thing!
I’m trying really hard to learn more about it and partake of its presence more often. Lately, I’ve been left feeling anxious, stressed, and mostly overwhelmed. There isn’t one reason, but several – and none of which I want to discuss today.
What I do want to emphasize today is God’s PEACE. I’ve been praying for it, expectingly waiting for it, and over the last few days… I’ve been experiencing it.
It’s the most amazing feeling -- To be calm, present, AND content! I feel like a new person.
I’ve found that when I’m feeling anxious, stressed and overwhelmed my mind is in constant turmoil – its running a mile a minute! I’m constantly thinking about how my “inbox” is so full and that my “to do list” barely has 2 things scratched off, and that really, those 2 things that I just scratched off don’t’ really matter now b/c I just thought of 3 MORE THINGS that need to be added to the list!!! It’s a vicious cycle. Its exhausting and physically and emotionally draining.
Since January 1st, I’ve been praying for God’s peace… And I’ve reached out to my life group about joining me in prayer about it… and last week, I had a MAJOR breakthrough!
I have PEACE, people! PEACE I SAY!!!
Oh, how beautiful it is to feel like everything IS going to work out in the end! It is working out, it will continue to work out... all in God’s timing! And while I’ve never been a real patient person, I’m trying to really focus on this gift of peace today – b/c I know that if I take my eyes off of Him for even a second, those feelings of anxiety, stress, and never ending overwhelming-“ness” will creep right back in…
So today, I'm giving a shout out to my dear friend, PEACE!
Give Peace A Chance… its TOTALLY worth it! :-)
It’s a WONDERFUL thing!
I’m trying really hard to learn more about it and partake of its presence more often. Lately, I’ve been left feeling anxious, stressed, and mostly overwhelmed. There isn’t one reason, but several – and none of which I want to discuss today.
What I do want to emphasize today is God’s PEACE. I’ve been praying for it, expectingly waiting for it, and over the last few days… I’ve been experiencing it.
It’s the most amazing feeling -- To be calm, present, AND content! I feel like a new person.
I’ve found that when I’m feeling anxious, stressed and overwhelmed my mind is in constant turmoil – its running a mile a minute! I’m constantly thinking about how my “inbox” is so full and that my “to do list” barely has 2 things scratched off, and that really, those 2 things that I just scratched off don’t’ really matter now b/c I just thought of 3 MORE THINGS that need to be added to the list!!! It’s a vicious cycle. Its exhausting and physically and emotionally draining.
Since January 1st, I’ve been praying for God’s peace… And I’ve reached out to my life group about joining me in prayer about it… and last week, I had a MAJOR breakthrough!
I have PEACE, people! PEACE I SAY!!!
Oh, how beautiful it is to feel like everything IS going to work out in the end! It is working out, it will continue to work out... all in God’s timing! And while I’ve never been a real patient person, I’m trying to really focus on this gift of peace today – b/c I know that if I take my eyes off of Him for even a second, those feelings of anxiety, stress, and never ending overwhelming-“ness” will creep right back in…
So today, I'm giving a shout out to my dear friend, PEACE!
Give Peace A Chance… its TOTALLY worth it! :-)
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Teachings from the "unlovely" kind...
I believe that God places “unlovely” people in our lives to teach us about our own hearts. By “unlovely”, I mean those people who cause us the feelings of injustice, abuse, strife, impatience, & at times, jealously. Now I know that’s a very HUGE blanket statement, but read on for what I’m trying to say…
I’ve run across a few “unlovely” people in my life and I’ve noticed that there is a pattern with my "handling" of them. One of my resolutions this year is to recognize my own patterns…
And…
Well…
Today, God revealed one of them to me: There is a certain “kind” of person that drives me crazy….
By Crazy, I mean, like "INSANELY MAD", crazy… which leads to “Angry C.R.A.Z.Y.” (and that AIN’T purrrdy friends… it. just. ainttttt. Purdy!)
These “unlovely” people are generally consumed with jealously, woe-is-me-syndrome, &/0r a sense of entitlement – (usually all wrapped together with an ugly barf-green bow! YUCK!)
The pattern I was talking about is this: Every few years, this kind of person “finds” me. The more I’ve prayed about it, the more I’ve realized that it has tons to do with my very own heart – and not targeted at “the” person “causing” the ugly C.R.A.Z.Y. E* to rear her un-sweetly blonde head…
The PATTERN: Bottomline... I give that kind of person way to much power in my life. I let their behavior and attitudes consume me. I find myself thinking about the person over and over and OVER again… This morning driving to work I realized that their was a war going on in my mind about this one person? It was THEN that God revealed to me this nasty pattern.
Abruptly and immediately I started praying for “the” person. Thus, leading me to focus on my own heart. I’m a sinner, people. A. SIN. NERRRR.
Yet, I know that ultimately, God has a wonderful plan for my life!! And by letting certain strong personalities and “unlovelys” cause me anger, frustration, or dispair, I’m finding that it keeps ME (not THEM) from accomplishing the will of God in my own life….
So, for what its worth, that’s my very round about way of saying….
All you strong willed and “unlovely” personalities out there – BEWARE! There’s a new sheriff in town and she’s going to PRAY WITHOUT CEASING about any injustice, abuse, strife, impatience or jealousy you might TRY to throw this way! BRACE YOURSELVES!
…Stepping off soap box.
I’ve run across a few “unlovely” people in my life and I’ve noticed that there is a pattern with my "handling" of them. One of my resolutions this year is to recognize my own patterns…
And…
Well…
Today, God revealed one of them to me: There is a certain “kind” of person that drives me crazy….
By Crazy, I mean, like "INSANELY MAD", crazy… which leads to “Angry C.R.A.Z.Y.” (and that AIN’T purrrdy friends… it. just. ainttttt. Purdy!)
These “unlovely” people are generally consumed with jealously, woe-is-me-syndrome, &/0r a sense of entitlement – (usually all wrapped together with an ugly barf-green bow! YUCK!)
The pattern I was talking about is this: Every few years, this kind of person “finds” me. The more I’ve prayed about it, the more I’ve realized that it has tons to do with my very own heart – and not targeted at “the” person “causing” the ugly C.R.A.Z.Y. E* to rear her un-sweetly blonde head…
The PATTERN: Bottomline... I give that kind of person way to much power in my life. I let their behavior and attitudes consume me. I find myself thinking about the person over and over and OVER again… This morning driving to work I realized that their was a war going on in my mind about this one person? It was THEN that God revealed to me this nasty pattern.
Abruptly and immediately I started praying for “the” person. Thus, leading me to focus on my own heart. I’m a sinner, people. A. SIN. NERRRR.
Yet, I know that ultimately, God has a wonderful plan for my life!! And by letting certain strong personalities and “unlovelys” cause me anger, frustration, or dispair, I’m finding that it keeps ME (not THEM) from accomplishing the will of God in my own life….
So, for what its worth, that’s my very round about way of saying….
All you strong willed and “unlovely” personalities out there – BEWARE! There’s a new sheriff in town and she’s going to PRAY WITHOUT CEASING about any injustice, abuse, strife, impatience or jealousy you might TRY to throw this way! BRACE YOURSELVES!
…Stepping off soap box.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Was that... a... A COMPLIMENT???...
Tonight after successfully cleaning his plate, Mack asked for a milkshake for his dessert.
I was cleaning up the dishes so John offered to make it. Which I really appreciated...
Almost to the bottom of the glass & sucking with all of his might on the straw, I asked him:
Me: Mack, how was it?
Mack: Well, it was good, but I have to admit - (looking over at John) - No offense, but its not as good as yours!
Me: What??? What did you say???
Mack: I SAID NO OFFENSE BUT ITS NOT AS GOOD AS THE ONES YOU MAKE!!!
John: THAT AIN'T RIGHTTTTTT!
I was in TOTAL shock? I really couldn't believe what he said!
Ladies and Gentlemen, I just ONE UP'D THIS KIDS FATHER!! Which NEVER happens...
I consider this a TOTAL SUCCESS that was COMPLETELYYYY UNSOLICITED!!
Of everything that I actually am good at, the kid thinks that my milkshakes are BETTER than his fathers - apparently I scoop out the ice cream better or something???!
Regardless, its MONUMENTAL... and I'll TAKE IT! I might even make an iron on shirt and wear it with PRIDE that clearly states:
BEST MILKSHAKE MAKER!
I was cleaning up the dishes so John offered to make it. Which I really appreciated...
Almost to the bottom of the glass & sucking with all of his might on the straw, I asked him:
Me: Mack, how was it?
Mack: Well, it was good, but I have to admit - (looking over at John) - No offense, but its not as good as yours!
Me: What??? What did you say???
Mack: I SAID NO OFFENSE BUT ITS NOT AS GOOD AS THE ONES YOU MAKE!!!
John: THAT AIN'T RIGHTTTTTT!
I was in TOTAL shock? I really couldn't believe what he said!
Ladies and Gentlemen, I just ONE UP'D THIS KIDS FATHER!! Which NEVER happens...
I consider this a TOTAL SUCCESS that was COMPLETELYYYY UNSOLICITED!!
Of everything that I actually am good at, the kid thinks that my milkshakes are BETTER than his fathers - apparently I scoop out the ice cream better or something???!
Regardless, its MONUMENTAL... and I'll TAKE IT! I might even make an iron on shirt and wear it with PRIDE that clearly states:
BEST MILKSHAKE MAKER!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Was it a SECRET CODE????
In December, we took the kids to visit with my family in Virginia.
My sister, Michelle did a lot of research and planning for our visit. She made a reservation for us to have breakfast with Santa on Sat. morning and she organized a lunch for everyone from my Dad's family. It was a lot of work and much appreciated...
On Saturday morning, the kids woke up wondering about what the day would bring. Breakfast with Santa at 9:30am was just what the Dr. ordered - we were starving!
Let me lay out the scene for ya...
This diner in Mathews holds about 50 people MAX. As we walk in the door, everyone & their brother speaks to me, wants to know how I've been, what I'm up to, and who these people are with me... This is all preceded by the up and down "look" that happens EVERY TIME - to all FOUR of us??? Weird?
Picture the old sitcom Cheers but without the beer or the bar... instead its a diner and everyone DOES INDEED KNOW YOUR NAME, and your parents, and your grandparents, and the good / bad things you've done in your life. Its loud, its colorful, its country, and its... Home.
When John goes to Mathews he always feels overwhelmed! Poor guy can't keep up with all the names and the stories and the so and so's cousins brother scenarios?! But, I'll give it to him, he always nods his head and pretends that whatever so and so's cousins' brother is saying is the most wonderful thing he's ever heard...
Anyway, back to the breakfast.
So after the BIG entry into the diner. We sit down and in comes Santa. Molly leans in and pulls my arm to come closer to her and she whispers the following into my ear:
Molly: E, do I HAVE to sit on his lap?
Me: You don't have to sit on his lap, but I really would like for you to stand by his shoulder while Mack sits on his lap so I can get a good picture of the two of you.
Molly: Ok, GOOD! I'll stand next to him but I'm not sitting on his lap. I mean reallyyy, sitting on a strangers lap is really creepy!
Me: Well, I guess your right in a way!?? (I'm looking at her in amazement, AND honestly, in agreement... I mean THINK ABOUT IT people? Santa can be a little creepy???)
Molly: (again, pulling me down so she can whisper in my ear) I mean COME ONNNNN, I'm old enough to know how this thing WORKS ANYWAY????
Me: (Deer in headlights!)
She dropped it, I dropped it and honestly I have no idea if that was the "CODE" or not... but I didn't bring it up the rest of Christmas and neither did she. So, I guess we'll just have to ride it out and see how next year goes?
My sister, Michelle did a lot of research and planning for our visit. She made a reservation for us to have breakfast with Santa on Sat. morning and she organized a lunch for everyone from my Dad's family. It was a lot of work and much appreciated...
On Saturday morning, the kids woke up wondering about what the day would bring. Breakfast with Santa at 9:30am was just what the Dr. ordered - we were starving!
Let me lay out the scene for ya...
This diner in Mathews holds about 50 people MAX. As we walk in the door, everyone & their brother speaks to me, wants to know how I've been, what I'm up to, and who these people are with me... This is all preceded by the up and down "look" that happens EVERY TIME - to all FOUR of us??? Weird?
Picture the old sitcom Cheers but without the beer or the bar... instead its a diner and everyone DOES INDEED KNOW YOUR NAME, and your parents, and your grandparents, and the good / bad things you've done in your life. Its loud, its colorful, its country, and its... Home.
When John goes to Mathews he always feels overwhelmed! Poor guy can't keep up with all the names and the stories and the so and so's cousins brother scenarios?! But, I'll give it to him, he always nods his head and pretends that whatever so and so's cousins' brother is saying is the most wonderful thing he's ever heard...
Anyway, back to the breakfast.
So after the BIG entry into the diner. We sit down and in comes Santa. Molly leans in and pulls my arm to come closer to her and she whispers the following into my ear:
Molly: E, do I HAVE to sit on his lap?
Me: You don't have to sit on his lap, but I really would like for you to stand by his shoulder while Mack sits on his lap so I can get a good picture of the two of you.
Molly: Ok, GOOD! I'll stand next to him but I'm not sitting on his lap. I mean reallyyy, sitting on a strangers lap is really creepy!
Me: Well, I guess your right in a way!?? (I'm looking at her in amazement, AND honestly, in agreement... I mean THINK ABOUT IT people? Santa can be a little creepy???)
Molly: (again, pulling me down so she can whisper in my ear) I mean COME ONNNNN, I'm old enough to know how this thing WORKS ANYWAY????
Me: (Deer in headlights!)
She dropped it, I dropped it and honestly I have no idea if that was the "CODE" or not... but I didn't bring it up the rest of Christmas and neither did she. So, I guess we'll just have to ride it out and see how next year goes?
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