Accomplishments of 2009

I am currently at work, working very hard actually, scanning a ton of pictures to earn my keep. But, during the scanning, which takes about 3 minutes per picture, I am bored with nothing to occupy my time. So, I have decided to make a list of mine (and some of Will's) accomplishments of 2009.

1. college graduate  Thank you very much! My GPA wasn't exactly what I wanted (no thanks to the close proximity of the beach and the constant urge to skip class), but it was higher than a 3.5, so who can complain? I graduated with two BAs in English with a Concentration in Creative Writing and the other in Historic Preservation and Community Planning. HP is my one true love. I can't wait to see where it takes me.

2.  married one hunk of a dream man   But, duh, you all already knew that.

3. parental/financial independence   Well, almost. My dad paid my car taxes this past fall, but in the spring, we're footing the bill. Yikes. Nothing is scarier than knowing that you have to make your own money to survive. And, nothing is a bigger reality than facing the fact that money makes the world turn.

4. moved to a new city   I know that Columbia isn't much of a city, but it is very new to me and took (and is still taking) quite a bit of adjustment. Take for instance, the hills that I have yet to trust, being a staunch Pee Dee swamplander, make for interesting driving situations. Also, the fact that this place that I now call home just isn't Charleston has been the hardest bullet to bite. I may never get over that city by the sea and I hope that I never do!

5. went somewhere that required a passport  And, it was for my honeymoon, which means that it was with that hunk of a dream man. And, it was also the Domincan Republic, which is just awesome!! Don't drink the water there, though. Trust me.

6. said goodbye to 21  That was a sad day. I still forget that I'm 22.

7.  started this here blog   That I have been committed to and have not abandoned. For my procrastinating self this blog has had a pretty good track record with me. I'm quite proud.

 8. WILL IS OFFICIALLY A MEDICAL STUDENT  I would like to shout that one from the rooftops. I couldn't be prouder of my hunk of a dream man.


Ok, I'm all out of accomplishments. What a short list. We will have to get started on next year's list this Friday. I'm going to make sure it is a good, long list.

Here's looking at you, kid, one year from now..

So, here are a few pictures sent to me from the Director of the Greenbrier Historical Society in Lewisburg, WV. They capture perfectly the Blizzard of '09, a record-setting snow the likes of which haven't been seen in that town since '95.

She lives 30 minutes outside of the city, where they received a whopping 30 inches!!!

Here are pictures of the downtown:

Downtown received a mere 18 inches. No biggie!!

The Fo-toes (Because I'm impatient)

The tree looked so happy with all of those presents under it!!!



Will got a vest, bathrobe, pajama pants, a travel mug and handkerchiefs from his wifey.



I got my super hot boots, a feather headband, an awesome necklace, great sweater and fish wellies that haven't come yet from the Hubs.


It was just the best Christmas ever.


And, what did the Panther get for Christmas?
A water bottle to squirt in her general direction when she's being naughty. Ha.

The Sweetest Christmas

So, Will and I successfully had our very first Christmas as a married couple. It went by so quickly. I can hardly believe that its over, and I'm a little sad, as usual, when all of the holiday fun is over. I think I understand now why some people start decorating the weekend before Thanksgiving. It just makes it last that much longer.

I look at our tree that is still a beautiful shade of evergreen--and, it is still just half-lit, but that's ok, I kind of like it that way now--and think that Christmas must still be a week away. But, its not. And now, all that I have to look forward to is the dismantling of all the Christmas magic and my $125 gift card to JCrew (YESSS!! Thanks Mare and TuTu).

I have quite a few pictures that I can't wait to share with all of you that will provide just a little more insight into the First Jackson Christmas. But, those will have to wait. Sometimes, I think that I use pictures as a shortcut to the story, when really I should be telling you the story with words, not pictures. I think that you are all smart enough to appreciate that. Still, I know the appeal of pictures and maybe the un-appeal of paragraph after paragraph of monotonous words. So, give me a day to organize myself and my camera.

I wish that I could say that Will and I started some full proof traditions this year, but I'm not really sure that we did. There were no stockings (because I couldn't find any that I liked, and the ones that I liked were too expensive and we are poor; very poor). There was no Christmas movie upon completion of the tree decorating, because we don't have a DVD player and money to rent the DVD. (Pathetic, right?) But, we did put on/hold/display all of the gifts that we had given each other and posed in front of the tree amidst the wrapping paper and boxes that contained said gifts and took some photos. Those photos (pronounced "fo-toes"; haltingly) are to come. I hope that they make you laugh.

Late night Christmas Eve with an opera choir belting out some tunes on our too big TV and Will and I knee deep in wrapping paper giving each other unexpected, surprising but much appreciated gifts was truly magical. That was the best night ever. Laughing and hugging and kissing after each gift was opened, shouting, "I would have never expected this in a million years!" Or, "Wow, babe, you did so good." "I did good? Really?" "You did great. Really." "I love you." "I love you more." "I love this!!"

It was wonderful. I want to relive it. And, hopefully I will each time I put on the black feathered headband or beaded necklace or fish-covered wellies or blue knit sweater that he gave me. The magic of Christmas is here to stay!

Christmas time is here...

Well, a lot has happened since my last post, almost a week ago. Will and I have attended 2 Christmas parties, been locked out of the cottage, exchanged early gifts and spent a ton of money (that we don't have--by the way--is that a problem?--yeah, it is). Oops.

Shall I bore you all with a detailed list of all that we have done, analyzing each episode of our life and what it will mean for our future and might mean for the future of generations to come?

Nah.

I'm sick of "update" postings. I know that you must be as well.

I think that instead I will expose Will and I for the procrastinators that we are. We still have to receive one present in the mail (fingers crossed that it comes before Christmas), get two others and make one!!!!!! Yikes. There aren't enough hours in the day. I have never been a person that Christmas just sneaks up on. I count down for this holiday beginning in September. But, I [and Will (especially)] cannot shake our lazy tail feathers long enough to complete our Christmas shopping list before Christmas Eve. I still haven't even wrapped one gift!

What is wrong with me?

I don't feel lazy. I must be in denial. And, Will is just as bad (if not worse than me)!

It is at times like these that I wish I was a little more like my mother. She's had presents wrapped and under the tree for weeks now. How does she do it!?

I need a life secretary.


PS-I can't wait to show you all the DIY Christmas present that Will and I will be making all tonight and tomorrow. Its awesome! I would tell you now, but I don't want to spoil it for the people who will be receiving it.

This is what I miss

GIRLS' NIGHT!


The one thing that Columbia has yet to offer me is girlfriends in order to have a proper girls' night! But, even if it did, I just don't think that it would be the same.

I never had as much fun as I did this particular night. We bar-hopped it up and in style, too! We were driven around the city in the back of a limo. Oh yeah! Margaret stole an apron from Blind Tiger, wore it as we danced at Trio and had everyone sign it (most were people that we didn't know), because she was going back to Kansas that next week. That was so so sad, but one of the funnest nights ever!

If I remember correctly, Elizabeth boogied her booty off and Lane wheeled and dealed our sweet ride around town.

It was just the best. I miss you girls so much!!!!

Love,
Bri

Browned to buttery perfection.

Aren't these Cornish hens beautiful?

They tasted pretty darn good, too.


So, Will and I are in the market for a new laptop. I know that I had a blog memorial service for my laptop a few months back, when it blue-screened that simple word of finality, "stop." Well, after a few days of rest, I tried the power button and it came back on. I soon figured out that the fan was unable to cool off the computer because we keep it on top of our faux-leather ottoman. So, it rarely blue screens anymore, but trying to keep this beast of a computer charged is even more of a challenge. And, frankly, I and Will are both very sick of it. So, we are anxiously awaiting our tax return and the chance to buy the best laptop out there. Yay!

What WV will look like..

This was Will being a wimp and curling up in the warmth of the truck's heater during the 40 degree Surfside Beach Christmas parade. I braved the cold temps the whole time!! Go me!


Well, at least this is what we will probably look like in WV

I have been talking to the Director of the Greenbrier Historical Society a lot lately :) and she keeps me updated on the temperature.

This past Friday, it was 15 degrees.

I can barely handle 45 degrees. Oh boy.

PICTURES

Here are many, many pictures. To you, from me with love.


First, we have the Christmas pictures.



This is the door ornament that I made.Total cost: $3


TREE TIME:

"You'll do, tree."

Going home...



The tree is still only half lit (don't judge!).


Christmas music on the laptop and a twinkling tree.

Sparkling wine with raspberry toast for such a great day!

And, now, for the super cool, totally awesome and beautiful handmade (by me!) silk flower brooch. Can you tell that I am proud of and excited about it!? You aren't ready for these model shots! Seriously, you aren't. They're pretty rough, but hilarious.





Total cost to make: $3

What do you think?
I'm making a belt next. And Mare is in store for a totally cool headband as soon as I find some good flowers and get inspired!




Goodnight all.

I swear

that I will post pictures of our Christmas-ized cottage tonight. I swear!!!


First, I have to run out to Big Lots to get more lights. Then, undecorate the bottom half of the tree. Remove the bad lights. String the good lights. And finally, redecorate the tree. Oh yeah, and I need to vacuum up all of the needles from the tree that the Panther has knocked down during her playtime.


I am also almost finished with my homemade silk flower broach. It is deep purple with a sparkly center! Its gorgeous. I will post a picture with me modeling it! (I know you can't wait for that! If any of you remember the disaster of my "modeling" attempts for wedding pictures, you should be wary of this novice model shoot that is coming your way.)


I hope that you are all enjoying the blog's festive makeover! I can't decide if I'm digging it yet or not. The background always comes out way bigger than it is supposed to, and I'm just not a computer genius (unfortunately). I bet Larry could fix it!


Will and I are heading to Surfside Beach this weekend with my parents and my lil bro (who is much bigger than me and just killed his first deer; yikes!). We are going to the Christmas parade on Saturday. I'm looking forward to this winter, beach weekend. I love the beach this time of year, because there are no tourists, just the locals. It offers a glimpse into a community that is so many times overrun by visitors, who oftentimes are loud, pretentious and disrespectful. I will be sure to take loads of pictures of Will doing all of the yard work that my dad has planned for him! Ha.


Now to totally switch topic and explore one of my daily day dreams: Where and in What Will and I Will Be Living in WV

This is what the This Old House website had to say about Lewisburg, WV:

Lewisburg, West Virginia

The Neighborhood
Outdoor enthusiasts, artists, and old-house buffs find common ground in Lewisburg. The Allegheny Mountain town boasts hundreds of historic homes, churches, and public buildings, all set in an outdoor paradise known for its fishing, hiking, and canoeing. This 200-plus-year-old community is featured in The 100 Best Small Art Towns in America and is home to the Greenbrier Valley Theatre and a Carnegie Hall—affiliated performing arts center.

The Houses
While some homes here date to the late 1700s, most were built in the early 19th century. Styles include hand-hewn log cabins, brick Federals, and Victorian-era cottages with plenty of gingerbread details.


I will go ahead and admit that I only picture us living in a house if: A) said house is 75 years+ old, B) that's it.

I would love to live here:




Preferably on the third floor. And, I mean the whole third floor. Will is semi-obsessed with the idea of living in a loft, and I am all for it. I think a building like this could offer us just as much as we could offer it. It would be painted in varying hues of blue and green with accents of white and burnt orange. You can take the girl from the coast but you can't take the coast from the girl!

This is a building somewhere in downtown Lewisburg. I hope and pray daily that I will walk into some awesome opportunities upon moving there. And, I secretly hope and dream and pray that it will be a sweet living situation like this. I bet the third floor of the above building is vacant and in desperate need of some TLC that I am more than willing to give it.

My most recent daydream:
I will get a great job with the historical society that will own a building like the above building. And, that they will offer me as part of my salary, free living space on the upper floors!!!!


IN MY DREAMS.

But, I can dream, right?

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree!

Well, our tree is decked almost to completion. Unfortunately, the very old strands of lights that I inherited from the parents did not shine this year. This means that currently only half of our tree is lit. (So, this in turn means that pictures will not be posted until it is shining and finished and perfect!) I am making the ubiquitous Wal-Mart run as soon as G-Riffin wakes up from his little snooze. On the list: Christmas lights, silk flowers (do they exist?? and where??) for a home-made art project and some white v-neck t's.

This will be our first adventure as nephew and aunt. I hope that it will be a great one! We shall see.

I am planning on making a silk flower broach and a ribbon belt with silk flower applique. I am not exactly sure how to do either of these things, but I think that I can figure it out. The only trouble seems to be finding silk flowers. I have looked at Wal-Mart already and Hobby Lobby with no success. I wasn't looking very hard though, which is not unusual. So, I'm going to try again!

I will be sure to post pictures of my success and failures (hopefully none). I've been feeling so creative lately, and writing, which usually works has not been my fix. So, off to artland I trek!

Long enough....

Well, I figured that it had been long enough since my last post. I don't know what came over me. 2 weeks ago, I had to practice extreme restraint to keep me from blogging multiple times a day. But lately, the last thing that I have wanted to do is blog.

Well, the silence is over. I'm here to blog. Read and beware.

I think that I will catch all of my faithful readers up on the goings-on of the Jackson household. This post could then turn out to be one of two things: 1) fascinatingly interesting and entertaining or 2) exceedingly boring and rambling and everything not good about a blog post.

I guess the only way to find out is to begin. So, hold your breath and scroll.

But, don't really hold your breath.

But, do scroll.

First thing's first: Thanksgiving.

Whirlwind is the best word to describe my second favorite holiday. I can hardly believe that it was just last week. It might have something to do with the enormous amount of stress I was under that has created this fog of memories. I knew that with marriage came the inevitable rock of my holiday world, but I had no idea what to expect.

Unfortunately, Will and I hadn't exactly finalized our plans. And, by finalized, I mean excelled (think: Microsoft Excel--the best organizational tool EVER) our day into 15 minute increments. I was panic-stricken that I might miss something. Well, I did miss something. I missed Thanksgiving dinner with my family. But, don't worry, we ate. We had a fabulous dinner at Will's mother's house with most of his family. It was just different. It wasn't what usually happened on Thanksgiving. It was weird. And, it hurt. A little bit. But, Will and I are slowly but surely beginning our own traditions. I am so excited about this new phenomenon, but there's still a little room for mourning the way things used to be and never will be again. And, I did mourn just a little bit, bursting into tears in the shower, before the big day even began. Will held me and comforted me, and although I spent the rest of the day a little sad, I still enjoyed our first Thanksgiving as a married couple.

I love you, Thanksgiving. I love you, tradition. I love you, my NEW HUGE FAMILY. And, I love that this is just the beginning of something so New and so BEAUTIFUL. Bring on the change.

Lucky you that I didn't submit you all to the habitual list of all of the things for which I am most thankful! Numero uno reason why I didn't post on Thanksgiving day. You can thank me later.


BOOTS.

My boots arrived. They are perfect. They are beautiful. I am in love with them.


Work.

Work is work is work is work is work. It keeps me busy and I am very thankful for all of the wonderful experience that I am gaining.


Christmas Decorations.

Now, for my most favorite holiday of all. This past Sunday, I put away my Fall decorations, which consist of a wreath of fall leaves (fake of course), 2 pumpkin figurines, 2 real pumpkins and two little hand towels with Jack-O-lanterns on them. I was so excited to put out my Christmas decorations, until I realized that I don't have any. Well, that's not exactly true. I have a good bit of tree decorations but sadly with no tree to put them on. However, the problem arose when I went to accessorize the cottage! The only things to put around the house were two red hand towels with snowmen on them. That's it!(I just can't make myself count the Christmas-themed tissue box in the bathroom as decor.)

Needless to say, I went decor shopping yesterday at, dun dah dun, Dollar General and Dollar Tree. I found so much cute stuff!!! I think that I am now in love with these two stores. What right did I have to be such a dollar snob? I am truly ashamed of myself. I will punctually take pictures of all of my new, cute decorations and post them for all to see. I also made my own big, red ribbon with huge Christmas balls on it to crown the front door. We will see how successful it is, and I might post a picture of it. It was my first attempt at bow-making, so be nice.

Will informed me the other day of what he wants as our Christmas tradition. Said tradition:

-decorate the tree
-oldies but goodies Christmas music in the background
-very large mug of hot chocolate in hand
-our favorite (at the moment) Christmas movie to be viewed upon completion of decorating

Sounds marvelous, babe. I can't wait to start traditioning with you!


Ok. I think that is all for now. I hate a blog post sans picture, but I will bombard you with shots of decor next time (actually, probably later on tonight). I feel my blog fever returning, so it shouldn't be too long for my next post!

Will,

I just wanted you to know that you define me.


Love,

Bri

Burn!

Will just made a huge bowl of cereal, his usual pre-bed snack. The Wal-Mart brand of Honey Bunches of Oats, filled to the brim of one of our deep bups (bowl/cup), with a generous dollop of honey on top. 2% milk touching the lip of the bup. Perfection in his eyes (and gut).

He brought his delicious creation to the couch. Took a seat next to me and settled into his cereal.

He took the first bite. Sat up really straight, sniffing the contents of the bup.

He stood up silently and went immediately to the kitchen, where he gagged.

I looked up from my blog-searching.

"What's wrong?" I asked in response to the gag and the look of pure disgust on his face.

"Bad milk," he said with turned-down mouth.




And, it is for moments like this that I am so glad I have this blog. I can't wait to read this years from now and relive this moment. I hope I never forget his face as he dumped that gigantic bup of cereal down the disposal. It was pure grief.


Priceless.

Safety

There is definitely some truth to the old adage that there is "safety in numbers." But, it is also true that there is safety in Panther.

This morning, as I prepared to take my shower, I noticed a rather large and extremely ugly bug with very long legs crouched in the corner between me and the shower.

Did I tear off a piece of toilet tissue, squash the intruder and flush?

Nope.

Did I get the broom and stab him with its bristles until he curled up in a ball and then sweep him into a bin and flush?

Nope.

Did I swat him with the bottom of my flipflop?

Nope.

Did I scream?

Maybe.

So, what did I do?

I put the Panther on his trail, which was short. Battle ensued and was over.

She won.

EVERYONE

And I mean EVERYONE and their brother, mother, sister, neighbor, co-worker, cousin-once-removed and ex-lover have a food blog. I don't get it.

Who died and made EVERYONE a foodie????

I love food. I love to cook food. I love to eat lots of food. I love different food. I love ethnic food. I just love food. Period.

But, I don't want to hear anything more about food! And, I definitely don't want to read another blog about it. Is there really nothing else to blog about?? I mean, come oooon.

Ok, I feel better now that is off my chest.

Look up. Yeah, I'm talking to you. Look to the top left of the browser window under the search bar. You might have to scroll up. It should be right above my title. Its in line with the Blogger "B".

Do you see the words "Next Blog-->"?

Click on them. I dare you.

You'll be at a food blog. Go ahead. Do it. You'll be at a food blog and then, when you click it again, it will take you to another one and repeat and repeat and repeat. The outcome is all the same! Because that is all that there is out there: FOOD BLOGS.

My new mission: Save us all from the foodie bloggers. I know I've had my fill.

Part II

So, I'm blogging for the second time today, because I am laid up on the couch with a very tall glass of ginger ale. This morning, my excuse for blogging was the presence of a plumber, come to fix our broken kitchen sink. My excuse this afternoon is that I just spent an hour and a half staring at microfilm (yet again) and almost threw up about three times. The final time was a close call, so I decided to pack up my things and call it a day. The librarian fussed at me for not taking dramamine.

Who knew that I would be so vulnerable to motion sickness thanks to antique newspapers?

Well, the librarian agreed that I was just a few too many shades of green and white and said I should go home and lay down. That sounded like a welcome relief at the time, but the drive back to my house left me shaky and sweaty. I nearly lost my breakfast then, as well.

I am feeling much better now. All I need to complete this health restoration is Will and he should be here soon.

As I was showering, post-first post of the day, I wanted to share some more mush and updates with you all.

I am still chugging along steadily at Historic Columbia. They just recently hired me as a weekend staffer. I will be giving tours of three of their seven historic houses and running the museum shop on any given weekend day. Come by and see me!

I have completed my research on the Lourie's building and am proud to say that the Mast General folks seemed quite impressed with my work. I can't wait for the store to open in 2011!

Will is still making all of the nurses fall in love with him at Providence. They are too good to him!

The Panther attempted to eat 3 really really mega hot peppers from Grandpa's garden while we were gone this weekend. Apparently, peppers don't bother her stomach like consumption of bits of her toys. Glad for that!

Oh, yeah. I have the most amazing and loving husband in the entire world. He got on ebay last night, looked up the boots that I wanted, found them for $30 cheaper and ordered them for me!!!!!!!!!! The best thing about being poor is being poor with Will Jackson. It makes selfless acts like that so much more special. To say that I almost cried is not an exaggeration. Here they are:





Now, for something I love...

I love rolling over to Will's empty bedside in the late morning (think 7:30am-ish, not Amish) and burying my face nose-first in the mattress just below his pillow, where I inhale deeply the smell of his piney-fresh and so clean, clean deodorant. I think that spot must be where he lays on his side with his arm under his pillow. That same arm extends under his pillow, bends at the elbow, where he then props it up on the headboard and sleeps hand in the air, waving to me and all of the sleep fairies all night long. Maybe its a bit gross to bury my nose in the spot that usually houses Will's armpit, but maybe not. Is there anything better or more comforting than such a tangible reminder of the one you love that is just a smell away?

Marriage, and Not Ours!

Wes and Jodi had a beautiful Friday night wedding in the gorgeous Belk Chapel on the Queens University campus in Charlotte. Late night weddings are definitely my favorite. They are so dressy and sophisticated and give a girl every excuse to get dolled up. Here is me all dolled up with my dance face on:



Notice that my ears are bear (because I lost those pinching clip-ons before the ceremony even began. And the ponytail, well that is just the most conducive hair-do for boogying. Isn't it a shame that this is the best picture to show you? Somehow, my simple goal of a full length picture of myself with hubby never happened. I blame the Grey Goose for that one. But, here's a full length of me, party hat and all:



Will looked amazing. I was crushing on him throughout the entire ceremony. This is how he looked:





One word: HOT.
Here are the lovely bride and groom (Photo Credit: Marco):



Jodi's dress was beautiful! Wes's face here made me cry (Photo Credit: Marco):



It was a great weekend full of friends, way too much food and fun! My abs got a serious workout. I haven't laughed that hard in a long time. This is who I laughed at the most:



That is Nate in the picture with me. He roomed with Wes and Will their freshman year. Stories about him have cracked me up for years. This was the first time that I really hung out with Nate. I never stopped laughing.

That's all the pictures for now. If I feel like it, I will put up a few more from the reception. I think I will have to put one up of the light up dance floor!

Cheers!

Tux Time

Tomorrow night, Will's best friend Wes will be marrying the love of his life, Jodi. Will and I are heading up to Charlotte this afternoon in a whirlwind. The rehearsal is at 5. YIKES! Will doesn't get off of work until 2:30. Its going to be go time as soon as TuTu relieves me from keeping the Griffster (who is, by the way, snoozing comfortably butt up in the air on the couch next to me).

I have to:

#1 steal Mary's wool coat (thanks Mare!!)
#2 take all of the random crap out of my car that has been there since last semester (note: I'm no longer a student)
#3 pack all of my varied wardrobe (this crazy weather means a heavy bag)
#4 get together sheets and pillows and blankets and the air mattress
#5 get the Panther's setup ready (2 bowls of water because she likes to play in the them and tip them over--can't have her thirsting to death! 3 bowls of food that she will barely touch but it makes me feel better; and finally, empty that dirty litterbox that she loves dirty, so it stays dirty)
#6 pack up the car
#7 shower
#8 blow dry hair (quite the process)
#9 get dressed (which is always a much longer process than it should be; ahhh... decisions!)
#10 wander around the house forgetting what I was just about to do (but really, I'm waiting impatiently for Will to get home)
#11 Will arrives
#12 give the Panther a kiss
#13 LEAVE
#14 get gas
#15 drop off the GRANT APP (canNOT forget to do this)
#16 run (and I mean run) into Target and get a bag and tissue paper and card for the b&g's gifts (which I secretly, but maybe not so secretly, want to keep for myself--in love with it! will disclose future contents of Target-bought bag at a future date, ie after they open it)
#17 hit the road, Jack!
#18 hopefully, arrive in Charlotte by 4:30 at the latest
#19 witness a rehearsal
#20 eat some nachos at Loopy's

And did I mention that none of this can even begin until TuTu gets here and I run out the door at 1????

Oh, and the best part about all of this (hence the title) -- WILL'S WEARING A TUX! WILL'S WEARING A TUX!!

I can't wait to see my hunk in a penguin suit.

To Laugh

Ok. So, I know that I've already blogged once today, but I'm bored and am currently laughing hysterically at old pictures. I thought I would share.

These pictures just make me laugh. I hope they at least make you smile!

(in no particular order)































I hope you laughed at least once!