Let them eat cake

And it is cake we shall eat.

Cheerio all. Ah, the most anticipated wedding of the year is upon us. The bride will wear a gown that sparkles like the groom's eyes as she walks toward him through a shower of flashbulbs and rose petals. No, I'm not talking about the Royal Wedding of Kate and William. I'm talking about the joining of Luke and Kendra in holy matrimony. Holy cow! While I will surely watch the royal wedding at some point, this weekend is solely for my cousins.

We are beyond excited that Kendra will be joining the clan for good! She really is something. Beautiful as she is kind, she has killer style to boot! Luke, you are one lucky bloke. I'm super stoked. If you have been following this complilation of my curious thoughts, then you know the whole family is quite jazzed. We have all worked out our ensembles and are set to take to the shores of the west coast. We shall stand witness to their love in and elegant seaside ceremony, then we'll boot, scoot, and boogie all night long. I'm anxiously anticipating posting a photo of Jeremy doing the "Cupid Shuffle."

Luke and Kendra:I give you this shout out to you into cyberspace. May you always look at each other the love in your eyes today, and may you only fight over which movie to rent.

On a side bar, I am encouraged that this couple is far more concerned with what their marriage will be like than what the bridesmaids bouquet will look like. I think too often couples want a wedding instead of a marriage, and I'm just happy that with Luke and Kendra that is not the case.

A fond fare thee well, until I shall post again!

Dolce far Niente

It is sweet to do nothing.

Tonight I am feeling overwhelmed. I feel like I'm on the brink of so many things, and I really just want to run back and crawl under the old quilt on my bed. I know this feeling will pass, it's just that it is here now. I/we, Jeremy and I, have a lot of things coming up in our lives. Applications to Nurse prac school, opening for business, finishing the shop, finishing buying tools for said shop, buying a new computer if I get in school, building a closet so we can have all our clothes clean at the same time. Right now we don't have enough space in the closet we share and our dressers to hold all our clothes if they are all clean at once. Don't worry this never, I mean never, happens. Then there is the house. Fixing the septic line, fixing the propane tank, picking up scrap metal, broken glass, and random crap from the yard. Re-doing the laundry/mudroom, putting in another shower/master bath, re-carpeting the bedroom, painting the guest room, taking down flowered wall paper circa 1952. Fixing the sloping deck, leveling the yard, planting grass. Fixing windows and doors so dirt doesn't constantly blow in. You get the idea.

Sorry to anyone reading my whiny rant, I just needed to vent this. I just feel the weight of the world tonight. Also, possibly I may just be a little burnt out at work. I swear if one more patient says "that is too much ice in my ice water," I may just jump out the window!! (yes, this has actually been said to me more than once.)Or I will make up a Dr's order neccesitating a rectal tube insertion, since no one can seem to reach around to wipe their own arse. I'm sick and tired of patients and patients' family looking at me like "ok when is the grown-up nurse coming in." Maybe I should get a mom hair cut for credibility sake. Nah, I'm too vain.

All of this to say how much I am looking forward to a day- scratch that- group of days, where all I have to do is nothing. How sweet it will be. On that day I imagine something like this:

This cabin holds a cozy fireplace, snuggly blankets, a stocked fridge and pantry, a stack of books/DVD's, My two loves, and NO CLOCK or Internet or emails or cell phones.

On these most dreamed of days we will sleep in, take walks, have talks, eat whenever we want and revel in dolce far niente. Ah, until then...

things that make me happy

It seems to me that everytime Jeremy goes out of town I start to feel a little sorry for myself. Poor me. Wah wah. So I decided to post about things that turn the corners of my mouth up and puts those character giving lines around my eyes, otherwise known as smiling :)

-When Jeremy kisses my forehead in the middle of church
-the way dogs paw at thier faces in the wind
-milk glass vases with fresh spring flowers
-Mason jars filled with your favorite drink
-cuddling
-hopping in bed and having your love wrap his arms around you
-walks on dirt roads with God
-the excitement of new love
-trying a new recipie that tastes good like oven baked coconut shrimp
-leaving on a trip
-the look on a groom's face the first time he sees his bride
-black and white photographs
-driving with the windows down blaring Alabama or Garth Brooks
-cowboy boots
-the fact that Jeremy still calls me his beautiful bride, or pretty girl, or my love just as long as it's not "my plump sugarplum"
-campfires
-clear nights so you can see the stars
-cozy blankets
-Louie L'amour
-big shade trees
-the "pounce"
-parties decorated with twinkle lights
-phone chats with Mom
-having a bench in the mudroom
-dreaming about the future
-cinnamon baked apples
-celebrity magazines
-antique lanterns
-all white beds
-staying up late playing board games with my cousins and brothers and sisters
-sitting in the living room at Christmas just staring at the decorated tree and thinking of family

I think this shall do for now. Mostly because I feel you are getting bored reading my list, and also because I need to refill the propofol drip for my intubated patient.

Expecto Patronum!

I love Harry Potter, and Jeremy, and Harry Potter. This Friday was a particularly good Friday for me because I not only had the night off, made coconut shrimp, and played with my pup; but part 1 of the final HP movie came out on DVD for our viewing pleasure! Holla! So I said thank you Easter Bunny for giving me this wonderful present as I was grocery shopping. We sat snuggled up on the couch with the pup and enjoyed this cinematic masterpiece (well I will call it that.) It. was. lovely. I can't wait for the final chapter to be released this summer. I may name my next dog Dobby. Well maybe not, Jeremy already vetoed that one. I do wish sometimes that I had magical powers, but I don't want to be labeled a witch. I would use them to do dishes, laundry, vaccuming, my hair, dog bathing, cooking, flying on thestrals, playing jokes, enlarging my house, and saving the world from Voldemort. Although it would be kind of exhausting hiding my powers from Muggles. Until then I will just pretend and maybe get Jeremy to take me to Harry Potter world in Florida. Or have a Harry Potter Halloween party.

Wedding worries

So if you don't know, the entire Hill/McCamey clan is headed to California in a few weeks to take part in Luke and Kendra's wedding. We are all very excited, especially my mom and Aunt Frances. You can imagine the dilema on what to wear to this shin-dig, and the countless shopping trips the mama's have been on to look great, which no doubt they will (they always do.)Any way Uncle Wayne and I had a little funny at their expense, mocking their fretting over the perfect frock. Here you go, enjoy!


Hello Katy,

We are excited about getting to go to California and that you and Jeremy will be attending. I have been fretting about which belt to wear so that it will match my shoes. Each shoe is a shade of black but one reflects sunlight more and even more shocking is one shoe might be shiner that the other. Although my right shoe gets a little more workout than the left one.

Picking out a shirt and tie has been horrific. You can't imagine the combinations of white, cream or ivory shirts that are available. Should I wear cream colors if the groom wears ivory or should we both be the same? It is really wearing on my soul as to which one will be the choicest. Really I like the white shirt but then what color tie should be worn? Will the tie clash with my shoe strings since my pant legs might not cover them totally? I was appalled that the black buttons on my vest might contrast with the shine on my shoes but I can solve that with a little sun tan lotion on each button. I don't think anyone will notice. What do you think?

What type hair color should I wear? Should I try some of that stuff that darkens your hair slightly or just be normal. You know I don't want to look too old nor should my hair do clash with the bride's father's hair. He is taller and has darker hair. All these decisions are just mind boggling and are just where my hair use to be.

How should I smell? Being on the Pacific Coast I was thinking a soft salty smell would go well. Something from off the ocean like Old Spice but what if the aroma clashed with the bride's flowers? Perfumes smashing into cologne could develop into a disturbance. The flower on my lapel might wilt if too much fragrance should dominate its DNA structure. Having a wilty lapel flower could dampen the entire wedding scene. What do you suggest? And what if the wind blows in from the north instead of off the Pacific waters? It is no telling what I will smell like then. I am beginning to have worries about what Red Wood tree pollen would do to my Old Spice toilette. I will just take a bottle of English Leather in case the north wind blows toward us.

How long before the wedding should I shave? West Coast guys like the "evening shadow look" to make them look debonair but I think I am beyond that stage of life. Shaving just before the wedding could leave some cut marks that would need to be tidied up. Probably using a good after shave cream could solve that problem, but too shinny a face could clash with my shoes if the sunlight hits them both at the same time. Perhaps I could go back to the store that had the dull looking, non shinny black shoes and purchase them just in case we have an extra sunshiny wedding day. That is a good idea.

Just wanted to bounce some idea off your thinking cap. Wedding can be tough on an old guy. Selecting all the right stuff can be stressful. Thanks for listening. Uncle Wayne


Hey Unc,

We are so excited aswell, especially since we are able to spend an extra day after the nuptiuals! Now on to more pressing business. I would like inform you that I am here to erase your wardrobe worries. I will address each issue in the order previously addressed in the above email.

Shoes: I suggest wearing the shiner shoe on the foot that gets less of a workout for one day before the wedding so they will both have equal sheen. (the extra wear will reduce the extra shine, thus equal matte finish)

Belt: I suggest going with a flat black. No one wants to call attention to their midsection with a flashy patent leather belt.

Shirt: This is a biggie! Since you are in fact the father of the groom, I suggest wearing the same color shirt so you will not clash when standing next to each other in the post ceremony pictures. Tie color choice can be a dicey subject, but I will rescue from a sleepless night and suggest a classic black. Simple, elegant, and very James Bond. It seems that you have already averted the too dull vest button problem with the genius ideas of a dab of sun tan lotion to reflect the sun's rays and Kendra's beaming smile. Well done grasshopper.

Hair: I believe you will be stunning wearing your natural hair color. This is the same choice I am making for Jeremy and myself. Au naturale is in! In addition I have heard West Coast fashionistas are loving the "silver fox" look.

Scent: I must say I'm impressed that you even thought to think of your wedding day scent. Most men overlook this all too important aspect. Smell is just as important a wedding attendant as the minister performing the ceremony! I like the Old spice toilette, it is a classic; however for this day I really would encourage you to branch out and do something special. A beach wedding, such as we are attending, will have a very clean breezy scent scheme. To blend in and not overpower or clash this constellation of salt breeze and roses I suggest bathing in Donkey's milk soap, moisturizing with Donkey's milk lotion, and topping off with just a splash of Nautica after-shave. These aromas will assuredly melt in to a scent symphony sure to brighten Frances's dazzling eyes!

Shave: Not for fret for I have just the trade secret for too shiny face! If you ideed want that clean shaven look, I can dust a translucent powder on the freshly shaven areas that will inhibit excessive shine, yet allow your natural glow to be seen. Don't worry about it being cakey or any loose powder getting on your lapel, I will keep a touch up compact and catch all bandana for in between takes of pictures.

I sure hope these tips will put your mind to rest! Remember the best accessory is your smile, so be sure to wear it proudly (and floss ;) Also, if all else fails remember California is liberal and going nude is perfectly acceptable. Just wear your cowboy boots so everyone will know where you come from!

Love ya,
Katy


Katy,
Thanks for the help. I will put in my cowboy boots. as a back up. I don't know which pair will match my physique best. May have to go for a stroll on the beach to get a public opinion. Uncle Wayne.

Sorry Mom and Aunt Frances, but this was too funny. I love you! I know you both will look beautiful and perfectly dressed! However incase you decide to throw caution to the wind I suggest these beauties:

I know Mr. Mcgreagor would be proud!

I'm leavin on a jet plane...

Shout out to the late great John Denver, who I used to hate, but consequently have grown to love. Side note- My mom's wedding song was "Annie's song" by Mr. Denver. This was revealed to me while watching the segment of "The Wedding Planner" when the couple is trying to pick their wedding song from a compliation CD and this comes on. Immediatley repulsed I exclaim "Eww how could anyone choose that!" when quietly my mom replied "me". Then we argued whether she was kidding or not. She wasn't. I felt bad. She still goads me about it to this day. Ah I digress...

Jeremy and I are about to embark on what will hence forth be known as Summer's Travels. We will begin by flying to sunny California to witness the numptiuals of my cousin and his beautiful Kendra. From there we will take a brief respite and move on to: Angie's lake weekend bachelorette party in Dallas, Justin's graduation from P.A. school in San Antonio, Angie's wedding in Denton, a trip to Colorado with the Hills for Katy, a fising trip to the gulf for Jeremy, a shooting competition in New Mexico, family reunion at the farm, trip to work on guns for the class in Arkansas, and finally a Colorado trip with the Reids to top off the summer. Whew I'm tired just typing all this! Don't worry we won't be doing all this in consecutive weekends there are a few breaks, and all these events span from the last week in April to mid August. It will be so fun! I'm sure these adventures will inspire some intresting blog posts because the past few have been pretty boring. It's ok I know they were boring, but ah well. Oh yea I'm pretty sure there are a few more shooting comps but I can't remember when/where they are. Ask Jer.

In other random news:
The AC is fixed!!!! It was only out for about a week and a half, so really not that big a deal. Especially since I get cold at 72 degrees, I rather enjoyed it ;)

The propane leak is fixed! Or at least that's what the repair man who smelled like a cigarette smoking nutra rat said. I had to light candles because he made the room offensive to my nostrils. I'm skeptical as to whether he actually fixed the propane. All I saw him do was asfix a pressure gage to "test" it and smooth a little caulk-like substance around the seal. We shall see...

Bowdrie has a new crate...that Jeremy and I can both fit into (well most of us) The pup however, would not come in even when I was all the way in. He has since taken a couple naps in it with out much hesitation, hopefully he will grow to love his "den".

One of the patients on the floor has "flowers." I sure hope I don't get any at my house.

We are starting Crazy Love by Francis Chen for our small group Bible study. I'm pretty pumped. I believe it will have a large impact on us, and I'm excited to see how God changes and molds us as we embark on this adventure.

Well and the farmer says in Babe, "That'll do pig. That'll do."

We gonna party like it's 1981

Yea I know the title doesn't rhyme, cry about it. So in June we are going to help Jeremy's parents celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary! Naturally a good excuse to plan a fabulous shindig. Lately at work, in downtime, I have been scouring wedding and party planning blogs to find inspiration because I'm terribly lacking in creative ideas. I want to do a kind of country/bbq/natural elegance kind of theme with a splash of their wedding throwback. Jeremy's aunt actually still has leftover fabric from Diane's bridesmaid dresses that we can use in decorating!! How awesome is that?!! So for tables I'm thinking white tablecloths (because the church will let me borrow them for free), with a yellow fabric puddle as the base for the centerpiece. Centerpiece will be mason jar lanterns and vases (varying sizes), tied with raffia bows. Flowers will be wedding throwback. Diane had yellow and white daisies. Insert inspiration pic here:

Other ideas include having guests take a pic and writing a note to be compiled into a photo album instead of an ordinary guestbook. In lieu of gifts we will have a "giving tree" to help support Jeff and Diane's (and our) favoirte mission effort, the school in India. That area will look something like this...well I hope anyway.

There is a really great fireplace in the center of the room that I would like to decorate with a big moss covered R and some more mason jar lanterns and probably a few twinkle lights. I mean a party isn't a party without twinkle lights, and we happen to have a couple million leftover from our wedding ;)

Lastly I don't know if our budget will allow a full meal courtesy of Rudy's or if we will just do the classic dessert and drinks thing, but I just had to post this super fantastic table set-up

I really hope this event turns out well and that they enjoy themselves. I will post pics if it turns out cute...ah we will see.

i won, i won!!

So today was an unusual day at 3725 Hawk Rd. The house was q.u.i.e.t. Jeremy took Bowdrie out for the day to go to Home depot and the shooting range, so I was left all by my lonesome. I'll admit it was kinda nice to just have some quiet time, but by around 4:30 I was ready for some noise. I have already gotten used to a lively pup running me around most of the day, and when he is allowed to play by himself( for approximatly 30 seconds because he is a garbage disposal) I've gotten used to his yips and the soft thud of paws scrambling around. I know in your mind you are thinking "ugh another one bites the dust. Someone who thinks their puppy is a human child." Well I am. Sue me. I just have to say one more thing and then I will move on, but it is quite amazing to see something grow and develop before your eyes.

Other big news of the day...I won!!! What did I win? Well I'll tell ya. Apparently I have won a shopping spree. The president of the B.W.C (Best Wives Club) called me while I was at work tonight to tell me of my grand prize, and I couln't be more excited. -Side note- my husband is the president, board of commisioners, and all the members of this club, but anyway it is still awesome. He just thought I needed a little spoiling. How great is he!! So I'm scoping out the best deals and will carefully spend my winnings on my next day off. Oh descisions...

Teaser/Spoiler alert: I will be posting some before and after pics soon of the house and work we have done thus far, or Phase 1 as we affectionately call it. I know you are waiting on baited breath ;)

In EVERYTHING Give Thanks

So sometimes I find myself wishing I had this or could do that or was more like this...etc, you get the point. I find myself not content with what I DO have. Disclaimer: I'm not saying we shouldn't strive for our dreams or work for things we would like to have and do, I'm just saying take a minute and say "thanks God for overflowing my cup!" This week I am especially reminded of the importance of being grateful and counting our blessings. Disclaimer # 2: I'm the world's worst about written thank you's. I can't tell you how many are half written or cards I have bought and not mailed. I know, I know I'm telling you to be thankful, but should be shining that mirror right back at myself. This week I was feeling in the "have nots" category and was venting to my ever patient and understanding husband about when our proverbial ship was going to come in when he gently reminded me that it already has. Well, humbled by his quiet reassurance and kind redirection, I began to dwell on how awesome my life really is. I have a warm home to sleep at. I have hot water to shower in. I have enough money to pay for electricity and food, even the occasional Redbox DVD rental. I have a steady job with no fear of losing it. We have two cars that take us very reliably, most of the time, from A to B. We have leisure time. We have freedom. We have a family that loves us unconditionally. We have each other to love. I could go on and on and on and on and on... again you get the point. I really have nothing to complain about. I know to some of you this next point will sound cliche, and to some it will resound deep in your soul. So here goes. The next time you feel like I did this week, think about widows in India who live on less than $1 a day. Think of the children in Ghana who have never smiled in their entire lives because from the time they could walk they have been enslaved. Think of the thousands of children that are taken from their homes by CPS, and the reasons this happens. Think of these things and rejoice in our Lord for setting us free. Thank him for your blessings. Thank him for your stupid problems like textured over wood paneling with popcorn yellow paint; because I can think of a crap-ton of people who would pee their pants to own these kind of walls. In light of this I will just light a candle to make the walls have a warm glow and say "thanks God." and maybe plant some flowers around the dug up septic line, since we didn't have to buy fertilizer ;)

P.S. If you are feeling really blessed and want to give back check out India's child, Widows In Need, and Mercy Project and see what you can do to help.

P.S.S The last thing I wanted from this post was to sound preachy. Mostly I just wrote it to give myself a little wake up call and to stop being such a little whiny butt.

my forever boyfriend

As I think about how to tell you about my husband, Jeremy, I'm baffeled at the right configuration of words to paint the picture of how he makes me feel. It is more than simply saying "he makes me feel safe, loved, happy, ..." Its like the anticipation of right before opening presents on Christmas morning, the adrenaline rush of the drop of your stomach on a roller coaster, the familiarity of your favorite snuggle-on-the-couch blanket, the quiet content and sastifaction after a Thanksgiving meal. Still typing these word pictures I feel I haven't begun to break the surface. If you don't know this guy, well I'm sorry you really should, and if you do then as they say in New Zealand "good on ya mate." I guess really I'm writing this because I just want to give a big shout out to my favorite person in this world. I'm ever impressed by the things he says, the dreams he has, the gestures he makes. I mean really who goes from classical, semi-pro trumpet player to pistolsmith extrordinaire?! I love that he has transformed the ugliest house on the planet into the most charming farm house in the county. Well... is transforming, still working on it (more on that in a future post). I love that he never raises his voice even when I have done something colossaly stupid. I love that we are still "honeymooning"! I love that he makes me laugh and comes up with things like tacky Christmas trolls.  So here's to you love. Thanks for growing out the worst mustache just to complete your costume, digging up our poo to fix the septic line, training the pup, and making me melt each time you walk in the door. You are the one I want to wake up with, go to bed with, and do everything in between with.

Here he is last Christmas helping Camille, our little cousin, dominate the ultimate transformer battle with My Little Pony leading the charge and Littlest pet shop Kitty launching "poison cupcakes" to take down her brother's army.

Here we are at my family's tacky Christmas gift exchange. We brought a 1 1/2 foot tall troll figurine.

Again in Colorado as we re-enact Edward and Bella's forest adventure. He is probably going to kill me for posting this pic. Ah, I'm sure he will forgive me, c'mon it's pretty funny. Just look at that sexy, smoldering gaze.

When two became one. Beautiful.

unsure

im not sure if this thing is working or not

Maiden voyage

So it is pretty slow here at work tonight, as Grace and I contemplate how to make this the greatest blog ever, naturally we chose the Eclipse background. This is my first blog post ever, and I imagine it will be quite ridiculous. Oh, shout out to my home-girl Taylor Arrington for coercing me into joining the world wide web of blog. Ok that's it for the intro, not my strong suit I guess.

In breaking news from the Reid house-hold our German Shepherd puppy, Bowdrie, hasn't had any accidents in the house in the last two days. As I type this, I wonder who the crap really cares about the urinary and bowel functions of my dog! Alas I shall push on. On a side note I will tell you how we came upon the name for our dog. I realize that Bowdrie is an odd sounding name. Everytime I tell someone they udoubtedly say"...huh, what did you say, Boudreaux?" No, I correct them, Bowdrie like from Louie L'amour. Background-so growing up my family listened to short story dramatizations of the great western classic authour Louie L'amour on long car trips to Colorado. Our all time favorite character was called "Bowdrie, Chick Bowdrie- Texas Ranger." In short he is a bad-ass. Come to find out Jeremy, my husband, loves Louie as well only he actually read the books and had never listened to them (ah I love my AR reader). I showed him the light. So after a long debate over names ranging from Darth Vader to Gandalf to Frank, we settled on Bowdrie. I know, I know it's kinda strange, but it makes me smile everytime and makes me think of my dad a little. I think he would be proud of me and happy in the life I am leading, at least I hope so. Plus he totally would love my pup! Me thinks this shall do for now, mainly because I have to go draw blood and bathe my other patient now...oh the joys of being a RN.