Marry Barry

One year ago today I was in Alabama at my sister's wedding (post here and here).

One year ago today my sister married her childhood crush and they started their Happily Ever After.

Happy Anniversary, Mr & Mrs Barry!

Bittersweet

My heart is breaking today. No one died, but I feel like a piece of me is missing.

A big day for the family, my niece who is actually my cousin but since my cousin is like my sister her babies are my niece and nephew... confused?

I saw the baby girl come into the world and was amazed. Not being a mom, seeing the process was magical. A little messy but magical nevertheless.

As I was saying about the broken heart; I missed my sister today. Coming home tonight after the excitement of the day something was missing. And it hit me, she is missing. Obvious? Yes. But I didn't have a chance to really think about it until right now.

I wish you were here Cath. I wish that seeing you was a small drive away and not days worth of driving. I wish you could have been in the room as the baby girl made her entrance. I wish this week was different on so many levels. I wish my big sister was here.

Bittersweet describes today.



PS - Baby photos coming... :)

6 months and counting...

6 months ago today my sister left California.

She's been back once for a short visit, very short, and we saw her for her wedding in July, but it's still hard not having her around.

Just last weekend, I laid in bed and pouted for a little bit because the house was so quiet. Sometimes I like it, but then there are those moments when I wish they lived closer.

Email excerpt from today:

....today, the 23rd, is exactly 6 months from the day I left California. I can't believe how the time has flown, yet how much has happened along the way... I just thought I'd remind you that half a year ago Paul and I were headed out the door to a new and exciting adventure! So far, it's been the ride of our life!!!!

6 months can sometimes seem like forever...

Deb

Happy Birthday, Catherine

I was born 7 1/2 years after her. She is my only true-blooded sister. My best friend and one of the dearest people to me.

How sweet right? Okay so the truth is we fight like cats and dogs. Seriously. Which makes me appreciate her even more. We are very different in most ways and the same in others. She is out-going and enthusiastic, always the chatter bug and friends with everyone while I'm not that out-going and usually keep to myself since, well, I don't like people that much. lol

My sister, Catherine, as you know, moved to Mississippi to marry her childhood crush and is now living happily ever after in a whole other world that is completely beyond me. A world made up of her and her husband. I've never see her so happy...

I was thinking back to her last birthday and never in a million years would have thought that 2000 miles would be separating us only a year later.

::

Cath,

I wish I was there to celebrate with you, but you'll be here with me in 48 hours! I hope you have the best birthday yet and all your dreams continue to come true!

Love, love and more love!
Deb

Good Changes

I've got good news to share! But first... here is the back story.

I've been wringing my hands with decisons concerning my job for... well... 2 years. I am a total chicken when it comes to asking for things from my boss. I just never know how he will react. I will be with this company for five years come November.

When I first started working with this family owned business, I was hired after my sister recommended me for the position of receptionist/clerk. I was twenty-one and very wet behind the ears. Not sure how to do much of anything in the office world since I had only worked for myself previously, owning a small business when I was nineteen. I thought I was a pretty good boss and didn't demand too much of myself. ;)

In the office, it was just me and my sister and the husband and wife boss team with a couple guys that were in and out. We had tons of benefits that come with small business; good relationships with our employers and we got to spend time together. Okay, so that wasn't always the best part since having your baby sister underfoot all the time was not easy and for me, having the big sister overhead all the time was not a thrill. But, we really enjoyed those days when we would eat lunch together in my sister's office and chat about nothing of importance.

As the months went on, the business began booming and we hired a receptionist. Things picked up more and more and now we have four girls in office besides me and several guys in and out of the office. All over the course of 4 1/2 years. Seriously, only due to the blessings of God. I am 100% sure of it.

Our office is split into three departments. My boss' handle one each and I handle the other. My department is 50% of the business and it's overflowing with work right now. God? I think so.

Anyway, I finally got up the nerve to discuss a much needed raise, and it was granted. Come to find out, my boss was already working on getting me one... God was already on the move while I was fretting over it.

Good changes!!!

Southern Wedding - Part Two

My sister and I are very close; it's been a big adjustment not having her around all the time. Even talking on the phone is different since it's always the important things that have to be talked about and not just the basic day to day things. The couple of days I had with her were rushed and full of wedding stress. I didn't expect to have my sister back for a couple of days, I really did expect all conversation to be "wedding talk", as it should be. But deep down I wished for my sister back, the one that would listen to all the things that were bothering me and put it all in perspective. The one that would laugh with me and carrying on as only sisters can do. Sometimes changes in life are no fun. This being one of them for me.

Day of the wedding, we had lunch at a little Shrimp Shack with our Pastor and his family. Tons of fried food! So yummy... but you can only take so much! I could hear Weight Watchers calling my name after every bite.

(Fried pickles and a fried shrimp poboy)

After lunch we rushed to the house to get ready. NINE people with one bathroom. Bad news. Lots of arguing about who's going to get in next. Wasn't pretty.

I drove the bridesmaids and my aunt and nephew to the wedding site... we were already about 30 minutes late and I couldn't get into the parking lot and passed the location and drove about 3 miles with all screaming, "Turn here!" "I can't turn!" "Hurry!!!" "Make sure we don't get there before Cath!!"

Oh boy.

As we got ready to walk down the "aisle", things got harry again. By the time I scowled my way down, kicking sand as I went, all I could think of was, why did I wear shoes? and this dress is making me look pregnant...

It was all forgotten, almost, as my sister walked down... then the tears came. This was really it... she was getting married.

My incredible Pastor and his wife.

Dad smiling, mom crying

The wedding party... the bridesmaids didn't get the "sunglasses" memo

My big sis and I

My nephew Cristian... miserable and ready to "Goo hoooome"

Mr. & Mrs.
After being friends as kids, and having a secret crush on each other, 20 years later they found each other on Face*book and here they are...

After the reception, which I don't have any good pictures of since I was running around buying more cups in a hectic tourist town, my Pastor took us to Lamberts, "home of the thrown rolls". What an experience, I loved it!

We got caught in a rain storm. I'd never seen rain like this. It looked like rain from all over the world was being dumped out on this one area. I felt like a kid again and wanted to run and jump in the puddles. My first warm rain experience.



Here is my sister-in-law, soaked through. Lamberts is such a fun restaurant. I remember seeing it on Food* Network* and wishing I could visit. Wish came true and it is just as good as they described. Hot rolls being tossed around and so much food you don't know what to eat first!


I ordered the famous chicken fried steak... and got a whole cow! ha-ha
I barely made a dent in this thing... but it was so very good.
If I could bring the Southern food here, I'd be one happy camper... of course if they included a free visit to the plastic surgeon for some liposuction, that would help too! Who can eat like this every day?

My sister and her new husband are on their honeymoon in Costa Rica! Starting a new life together...

This Southern wedding was a good experience and best of all, family time. I love them and spending time with them is not something I dread, it's something I look forward to!

Southern Wedding - Part one

Coming back from the South has made me appreciate my California. I love my state. I love the west. There's absolutely nothing wrong with the south, but the lifestyle is so different and the weather... don't get me started on the weather. I have California in my blood and I admit I'm spoiled by our weather and our mountains, beaches and deserts. The people may be not as "southern sweet" but I still love it. I'm sure a Southerner would say they the same about their South! :)

Getting to Alabama was an ordeal. I mentioned before that I hate flying... this was the worst! We flew on a red-eye from LA to Houston on Monday night (Tuesday morning) and while in the air we were in the middle of a lightning storm. Me and lightning... no good. I am scared of the one in maybe a year storm we get here. I'd never seen lightning like this... and I had to be in a plane. Oh vey. Thankfully, it wasn't nearly as bad as I thought and we landed.

Stepping out of the plane the noise was overwhelming... rain. Serious rain. Again, in California we get rain, lots of rain, but I'd never seen anything like it. All flights were delayed and there was no where to sit after we trudged our way through the most confusing airport. By the time we were allowed on the plain I was hungry, tired and grouchy.

We settled in and were told that we'd be there for about 20 or so minutes since the storm needed to lessen before we could take off. Fine with me since I was already nervous as it was. TWO and a HALF hours later we got in a line of 22 planes to take off. OVER TWO HOURS. I was so ready to get in the air and landed. I didn't care how bad the storm was at this point.
Once we were above the clouds it was beautiful and clear... who knew.

We landed in Gulfport, MS and drove to Orange Beach, AL where we had a beach cottage waiting for us. At this point I had only slept approx 2 hrs on the plane. Tired, hungry and grouchy.
I was so excited to see my sister! After 6 weeks! We quickly changed and went on our way to the rehearsal. We didn't actually have a rehearsal since some people were late and we were all hungry. We headed to a restaurant that overlooked the bay, Colbalt. Good food and beautiful views!

Top - Orange Beach, AL

Bottom - view from the penthouse deck

We went back to our cottage where all our family was staying and put together the last minute things such as favors, hair accessories, dress fittings... by the time I got to bed I'd been up for 32 hrs on 2 hrs of sleep. Okay, so I am twenty-six but I felt like I was sixty!

L to R - Cousin Eileen, Bride to be, Me, sis-n-law Sonia
We woke up early the next morning and went to setup at the penthouse where the reception would be held. I had several arrangements to be made for lunch and last minute details. Also dealing with a stressed Bride among other things about did me in. I prayed and prayed and prayed. You may think that I was overreacting from lack of sleep, but so much was going on I just needed my Jesus and I needed Him now! But all I seemed to get was silence.

I was sitting in Wal-mart waiting for my sister to get her eyebrows done, yes Wal-mart. Another something I'd never seen before. Sitting, waiting, and feeling overwhelmed. I didn't even want to discuss it with the man up stairs. I just fretted until I was panicked... next thing I knew a big burly man stood in front of me and smiled, "Everything is going to be all right, Okay?" he smiled and walked out of the store... not waiting for a word from me. Did that just happen? So He was listening. I felt so much better! :)

In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.
Psalms 18:6

Part 2 to come...

Fabulous Friday and Then Some...

Fabulous Summer TV Shows!

If you want to join, click the above button and leave a comment.

I haven't been following very many TV shows recently, just don't have the time. But I did start watching...

Little People*, Just Married* on TLC*

I love the interaction between the two and the fact that she's a doctor! Just blows my mind.

Wipeout* on ABC*
This show aired on Tuesday nights last summer, our Weight* Watcher* meeting night. All of us that did Weight Watchers would gather around and watch this and just die laughing. It was a good distraction from snacking and what not.

The Baby Borrowers* on NBC*

I thought this was going to be a corny show, teens trying to be parents... It turned out to be very interesting. Some teens made it, some didn't. Goes to show you that teens now days aren't always fit to be parents.

Jon* & Kate Plus* 8 on TLC*

I will always love this show. No matter the mess that is surrounding it. I even own it on DVD! Yes, I do. I told someone that last night and they laughed and said, "Are you serious?". I would DVR it every Monday at 6PM. Come home from work, get some dinner together and watch it. This show was my Monday evening relaxer. I hope they work things out...

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My sister's bridal shower was May 15th, the theme was Costa Rican since this is where she is going on her honeymoon. The bridesmaids and our church ladies joined in the efforts and let me just say it got wild. But so much fun!

I got her this... of course the full picture wouldn't be on here... ;)



The following night we had a girls night. Just the Bride and Bridesmaids. We went to the Spaghetti Factory in Newport since we are all on a budget with having to pay for the party the night before AND our tickets to the wedding. The food was delish and I didn't take pictures with my good camera, so nothing to show for it if you don't count the extra pound hanging around my behind.

We went back home and had another spread. Another spread. My cousin made virgin margaritas since most of us don't drink. So yummy!
All in all it was a crazyfun night with some wild stunts and extra crazy gifts for the bride-to-be.

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Memorial weekend was a busy one. Emotional and tiring, but Memorial Day turned out to be oh so nice! We went to our local fair for some good food, BBQ'd shish kabobs and corn and swam. The day had to be the most perfect weather of the year.

I did take one little thing to bed with me that night...

This is me and my sunburn. Darn thing.

Just Topics!

Happy Belated Memorial Day! I love Memorial Day and Labor Day. For some reason I look forward to having a Monday off... maybe I need a new job? Oh boy.

Life
My sister left on Saturday. Boohoo. I felt like my world fell apart on Saturday night. It snuck up on me and I wasn't prepared for the gut wrenching feelings of seeing her room empty and her things gone. All my life she's been there; being eight years older, she is like a second mom and my dearest friend, but now everything has changed. I'm sure it's for the better... just waiting for the "better" to reveal itself, which , of course, I know it will. But, today I am doing better. Much better.

Church
On Sunday we had our first service in our new building! If you've followed my blog for a while you'll remember that this has been a long journey... but it's over! Our building is in the heart of Southern California and it's an empty shell that is be worked on practically every minute of every day. So exciting to see it unfold.

Money
I am having my first yard sale this weekend. Very first. I have to buy a plane ticket for my sister's wedding. An expensive plane ticket. So, I am gathering everything for my first yard sale... hopefully it goes well because if it doesn't I may be hitchhiking my way across America.

Books
I am itching to read a good book! I'm even going so far as thinking, thinking, of reading a friends copy of the teeny bob book - Twi*light. Yep. I said it and I may just do it. I want to see what all the fuss is about. How can teens be so swept away with a love story that even mom's are gushing about?

Reality
You all know that I am a huge fan of the Goss*elins... I was so upset to hear the junk that's been said the past few months. I know it's TV and media, and I know I don't know them from Adam, but I really do enjoy, or enjoyed, watching this show. I loved the kids and the interaction between Ka*te, Jo*n and the kids. But it looks like it's all over. I am sad and wondering if I'll bother watching the rest of the season. Looks like it's going to be a tabloid mess.

Pictures
Last but not least, my camera is bulging with pictures that need to be uploaded. I have so many pictures to share from my weekend, bridal shower, and a new puppy (not mine)! So be on the lookout.

Showers and Farms

Is this weekend really Mother's Day weekend? It came way to fast. I haven't prepared anything for my mom or the mothers in my life. I feel like time is slipping by so fast. Wouldn't it be nice to have a pause button on the clock of life. Maybe 5 uses out of a lifetime. I'd use one this year, for sure. I'm trying to think of an inexpensive gift for the Mom... any ideas?

::

I bought and printed my sister's Bridal Shower invitations last week. They cost too much but I couldn't pass them by. There's this store by the Newport bay that sells fine invitations for you to print or have printed. I chose the "have printed" since I don't pick my money off trees, which is what they must think the amount they charge.

Here is what I sent out.

The night after the shower will be the "Girls Night Out". Just the bride and bridesmaids. I am looking forward to this... Since it's just family (My sister, cousin, sister-in-law and unofficial someday-t0-be sister-in-law) we can get pretty crazy. Girls will be girls...

::

Among all the parties, are house is in a little bit of a disarray with my sister moving. She is selling things she's held onto for 30 some-odd years and packing her stuff up. One good thing... I get to keep clothes she can't fit into her suitcases. ;)

A little over two weeks and she'll be gone.

I've made plans for after she leaves to keep me pretty busy until the wedding in July.. hopefully they will work as a distraction...

::

I have an addiction. Seriously. It consist of farming. Pigs. Cows. Trees. Seeds. And other farmers. Oh boy.

I don't normally play games online, I would rather be reading or watching a movie, but this one has pulled me in. It's called Farm Town and can be found on Facebook. It's completely addicting.

You know your addicted when you experience the following...
#1 You wake up at night talking in your sleep about fields around you ready to harvest ( and no... this wasn't a spiritual dream lol).
#2 You're singing and worshiping in church, on the platform mind you, thinking about God and then you're reminded that you need to hire farmers to harvest your fields tomorrow... oh my.

Do you see why it's a problem?

My name is Deb and I'm a faux farmer.

Mississippi Here I ... Came

On The Way

Me and planes don't go to well together. Especially little planes. As I held back calling out "Jesus" and gripped the seat in front of me, I had a chance to look out the window and see flat land and lots of trees. We were not in Orange County anymore.

We had to travel from Jackson, MS to a little town called Columbia. Blink and you may miss it. Cute and quaint... okay that wasn't my initial reaction. I saw all the horrific things and didn't see any of the good until a few days later. I told my sister that she would have to come visit me because I sure wasn't coming back. lol but I changed my mind and now, if I must, I will visit from time to time.

The Proposal
The first night there, my sister's boyfriend planned a dinner for her and us at this little place that looked like a sandwich shop. The menu's on the wall had fried everything, but the tables were set with rose petals and candles. We, my mom and I, watched from a distance as this happened...

My sisters fiance is the production manager at the local newspaper, so he had a full color page for his proposal.

We had fried green tomatoes for the first time, fried calamari fresh from New Orleans, garden salad and the best shrimp scampi ever. It was perfectly cooked and seasoned. We finished dinner with Chocolate mousse and strawberries soaked in Grand Marnier. Divine. That's all I have to say. Divine.

Wedding Errands

On Saturday morning we woke up at 4:30, 2:30 CA time, and drove to Pensacola, FL. We had to be there for a morning appointment at the caterer. We had appointments one right after the other at the florist and bakery. We then headed to Orange Beach, AL to see where my sister is getting married and the house we will be staying in the week of the wedding.

This is the beach we are staying on. The sand is incredible, fine and white.

I took a few pictures of my sister and her fiance Paul, we called them engagement pictures but it really was a few shots here and there.

The ride home never ended... it seemed as if these Southern roads could go on and on... that wore me out along with the fact that I'd only gotten 7 hours of sleep in the last two days.

The B&B

My sister's fiance was kind enough to get us a room at the local B&B. We had the whole upper floor to ourselves and each morning the B&B host would make us breakfast in the formal dining room. This picture kind of reminds me of Green Gables.

Bottle trees are a Columbia staple. You drive down the street and see one of these in almost every yard. My mom wanted to put one together at our house and I told her it's best to leave these in Columbia. =)

My Favorite Part

I think the best thing about this trip were the fried pickles. I do not like pickles at all. I give them away or just throw them out, but these were mouth watering goodness. I have been craving them since and have no where to get them.

Sunday Go a' Meetin'

We visited my sister's new church on Sunday morning, one the most beautiful churches I've seen, Woodlawn. Afterwards we were invited to a luncheon for Cath and Paul at a co-worker of Paul's. The house was on tons of land, green and lush. Made me want to pick it up and take it back home with me... don't know where I'd put it, maybe on a cement building... that's pretty much taking up all our land here.

We spent the last two days looking around town and resting since we completely wore ourselves out.

I was so glad to hit land in Orange County... there really is no place like home.