Friend Makin' Monday : BFFs

Good morning, Poodles! Even though I'm not quite among the living after a long holiday weekend I'm still going to attempt some Friend Makin'.

The Friend Makin' this week is being hosted by Kelli at Outside My Kitchen Window. Head on over to her place to get the instructions and to link up if you feel like joining the fun. Kelli's task for this FMM is this:

Tell us about your BFF. How did you meet? Was it BFFs at first sight? How long have you been friends? What makes him/her your BFF? What is it about this person that makes him/her so special to you?

Now then, just because I'm a rule-breaker free spirit I'm going to bend this a little bit. I don't know that I can choose just one "BFF" in my life. God has blessed me with many amazing friends, and they all mean something a little different to me. So I'm going to spin this my own direction and introduce y'all to some of the most fantastic folks ever!

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My best long-term-been-there-through-thick-and-thin-knows-all-about-me-but-still-somehow-loves-me friend:

Jodi

Jo and I are BFFs that also just happen to be cousins. She is my partner in crime, but always manages to keep me out of trouble. Obviously, we go way back and our relationship shows it. She's incredibly intelligent, driven, motivated, and funny. Plus, she'll own your face in a game of basketball. Her drive and determination have always inspired me, and that determination (paired with God's grace) has gotten her into vet school working towards her dream career. I couldn't make a BFF list w/o Mugget.

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My best 12-year-long-give-it-to-me-straight-you're-going-to-hear-this-whether-you-like-it-or-not friend:

Jason

Jay and I have been friends since my sophomore year of high school and somehow our BFF-dom has just stuck through the years. He is one of those few people that are honest with me even when it's probably not very fun. He knows how I'll react to situations, he knows what I'm thinking, he knows what I'm about to say, and because he knows all of this he helps keep me in check. He's an amazing man of God and his self-discipline is part of what inspired me to train for my up-coming 5K. God has brought him a long way and I'm honored to have been part of that journey with him!

• • • • •

My best compassionate-thoughtful-selfless-hilarious-sisters-separated-at-birth-cut-from-the-same-cloth-running-buddy friend:

Rachel

Although we haven't been friends quite as long as some of my other BFFs, Rach and I just "get" each other. We have similar pasts, we want similar futures, we find the same things funny, and we share about 1,478 inside jokes. I'm sure people that know us think we're attached at the hip sometimes. She is one of the sweetest and most thoughtful people I know. She loves her family immensely, and is truly a beautiful creation in Christ. She is truly a treasure that some man is going to be lucky to find someday. Our late-night tailgating sessions have done a lot for our relationship! :)

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My best motivational-straightforward-bubbly-direct-blunt-inspirational-smokin'-hot-bride-to-be friend:

Becky

We share a birthday and always joke that we're twins...born 2 years apart. We share the same bossy strong personality, and we would rather be dancing than doing almost anything else. Becky is such a motivator for me through all the 5K fun. It's been an honor and a privileged to be Becky's Maid of Honor and to help her plan her wedding. I'm so happy for her future with Nathan...even if it means him taking her 8+ hours away from The Foursome. I know God has big plans for her and I can't wait to see her grow and blend into her new role as Nathan's wife!

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My best world-traveling-globe-trotting-fabulously-cultured-intelligent-Godly-hilarious-words-of-wisdom-giving-domestic-diva friend:

Jenn

Jenn and I have grown closer over the past 6 months or so, and it's truly been a pleasure. She and I share the same love for cooking and all things domestic. She is one of the best cooks I know! She is intelligent, successful, motivated, self-sufficient, and beautiful! She puts her relationship with God first and always inspires me to do the same! I feel like I'm a more well-rounded person for knowing Jenn. I look forward to her emails every morning!

• • • • •

Finally...

My best known-them-since-birth-put-them-through-hell-yet-they-love-me-the-same-always-in-my-corner-always-my-prayer-warriors-sound-advice-giving friends:

Tim, my Dad; Julie, my Mom; and Adam, my brother.

Being able to say that I count my family as some of my best friends has been a long time coming. We're a lot alike, and although that works to our advantage now, it hasn't always been that way. They have loved me fiercely since the day that I was born...even when it probably wasn't easy to feel that way. The fact that God has given us a second chance at a close relationship is a huge blessing in my life. I trust them completely, and I can't think of better advice-givers. I know that no matter what life brings me or where it takes me they will support me and pray for me.

• • • • •

Thanks so much for stopping by! I would love to hear about who you hold near and dear! If you're not taking part in the Friend Makin' Monday fun then tell me, who is your BFF(s)? What makes them special? I'd love to hear about it!

Happy FMM,

Wisdom Teeth Chronicles : Day 2

Welcome to Friday afternoon, Poodles! Hope this finds you doing well and counting down the minutes until you begin your amazing weekend plans!

Day two of "Operation No More Wisdom Teeth" has gone fairly well. After surviving my first night of sleeping with cheeks the size of cantaloupes, I rewarded myself with a cup of lukewarm coffee. Yum, right? Normally I'm not a girl that drinks her coffee any way but hot and black...but it's that whole "no hot liquids until Saturday" thing. Details, details. Breakfast was yet another pudding cup. Joy and rapture. At this point, I would kill for a cheeseburger...even one from McDonalds. *shudder*

This afternoon Mom, in her infinite wisdom, told me she thought I should get out among the living. I went with her to several nurseries in town shopping for Grandma's Mother's Day present. We had a great time perusing the aisles, but by nursery #3, my mouth was throbbing!! Overdo it? Me? Never!

Stopped off at Sonic on the way home for my lunch (read: another Peanut Butter-Fudge Milkshake) and here we are. I took Percocet #2 about 30 minutes ago (does that make this my first Percocet-fuelled blogging adventure?) and I'm ready for nap.

I can't be overdoing it because in less than 3 hours Twin and Rachel will be blessing me with their presence. They're coming over to make fun of my chipmunk cheeks keep me company. We're all three looking forward to an evening filled with chick flicks, milkshakes, and pain-killers! :)

Until next time...enjoy your Friday afternoons! Anyone have anything exciting planned for the weekend? I'm living vicariously through you all right now!

Hugs & snorgles,

From 1576.3 to 1!

My brain is bleeding. My brain is bleeding from looking at 1576.3 digital scrapbook kits so Krystyn over at Krizzy Designs can get started on GM's make-over.

Even though I have brain bleed, I've been able to make a decision. I've gone from 47 "possible contenders" to 7 "finalists" to 2 "I can't-decide-they're-both-so-perfect" options.

After much looking, thought, comparisons, and list-makings...I decided to email my most blunt and straightforward friend to get her opinion. So, with that...Twin has essentially chosen the kit for GM's make-over.

All she had to say was:

"I like the ______ one best. The other is naturey, but this one is country fun. I think it suits you best."

Be prepared for hay bales, chickens, combines, bandanna material, and horseshoes.

KIDDING!

Or am I?

5K Friday : Week 1

Wait a stinkin' minute here! Another post!? From GM!? On the weekend!?

Why did I not know about scheduled posts before right now? ♥♥♥ them!

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Now then, I realize that the title of today's post is "5K Friday" and today is not Friday. I promise, in the future 5KF will actually show up on Friday...but darn it, I'm playing with my scheduler...you'll manage somehow!

Since I momentarily lost my mind and decided to start training for a 5K, I figured I should keep myself accountable and post about the training. I would love your feedback, encouragement, ideas, etc. as they come up.

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This week was week #1! The schedule looked a little like this:

5 minutes: Brisk walk warm-up (3.5mph)
90 seconds: Run (6.0mph)
2 minutes: Walk (4.0mph)

Repeat run/walk combination for 20 minutes, finish with a slower-paced walk as a cool down.

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Obviously, this wasn't too bad. I've been doing my own version of interval training before 5KF started, so I wasn't dying. Next week (Monday) I'll bump up a little, and that's when the rubber meets the road.

Can't wait to get this bad boy started! I've talked Twin and Rach into training with me, and our first 5K is July 4th!

Ready or not, here we come.






haha! I can't believe I'm listening to "Back That Thing Up." Gotta love Pandora!
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Listening to: Juvenile - Back That Thing Up

Puggles, 409, and Taffeta Seas

Happy Saturday morning to you, Poodles! (Are you shocked to see a post from me on a Saturday!? Well, surprise! It's all part of the joys that are "scheduled posts!")

Right now it's 11 o'clock Saturday morning (CST.) I'm off drowning in a sea of taffeta with Twin (aka: shopping for THE Maid of Honor dress!), but the GM Show must go on!

Today's unexpected post is to send you all in search of new blogs to read!! Kaitlin over at Life of a Busy Wife has a great giveaway going on! Head on over, check out her blog, add your name into the drawing (OR add my name into the drawing...whatever floats your boat!) and have a look around. Seriously, anyone that likes Puggles and 409 is my kind of woman!

Stay tuned for the results of "What The Heck" on Monday morning. It's entirely possible I'll still take entries until then....so go on, take a guess and be a guest poster on GM.

Snorgles all around!
L-Dubb





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Listening to: Mariah Carey - Emotions

Don't Get Your Knickers in a Twist

Twin is getting impatient. Apparently she is on her lunch break and has nothing to read because I haven't posted yet today. So.....here I am. This one is just for you, Becky dear.

With that, I'll leave you with an adorable shot of Twin cutting a rug.....

And a promise that once I'm back from my own lunch, I'll be posting about some good old-fashioned juicy stuff....

What, exactly, the status of my love life is.

How's that for a cliffhanger?

Saturday Shenanigans

When the FF gets together things like this happen.

Sometimes things like this happen.

And once in awhile, it's not uncommon for things like this to happen.

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I just wanted to make you all aware because The Foxy Foursome rides again this Saturday!

Board up your windows!

...Secure all valuables!

.....Women and children off first!

.......It's going to be a bumpy ride!

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Have I ever mentioned I seriously love these women!? Stay tuned for more pictures and a recap of the shenanigans after the weekend.


Oh, and if you know us in real life...stay close to a phone...we might be using our "one phone call" to ask a favor.

The Foxy Foursome

Warning! The post you are about to read may contain themes not suitable for all audiences. Themes may include, but are not limited to: mush, sap, sentimentality, and/or gushing. Should you decide to continue reading you are doing so at your own risk.

• • • • •

Time and time again people claim to have "the best friends in the world." Those people are wrong. I have met "the best friends in the world" and they belong to me...or maybe I belong to them.

Please allow me to introduce you to some of the hottest women on the planet...The Foxy Foursome!

I have learned in my years as a woman that we have many different types of friends, and those friends fill the many different types of needs we may have. Some of my friends are my opposite, and that works for us. But these girls, The Foursome, we could've been sisters! When we met, it just clicked. We had come from similar backgrounds, we had been through some of the same struggles, we just "got" each other.

Each one of us, no matter how similar we are, brings something completely different to the group.

Sarah Jane (Monkey) has a heart of gold. She is one of the most selfless, compassionate women I know. She is fiercely protective of her friends and family. She can just as easily sit down and have a heart-to-heart with my Mom as she can get down on the dance floor at Margarita's. (Don't let that sweet smile fool you...girl has some serious moves.) Monkey has overcome more in her 26 years than some women overcome in lifetime.

Rachel is as funny as she is beautiful. Her dry sense of humor catches people by surprise, but it's also one thing that draws people to her. She and I have walked very similar roads, and because of that we have a very close bond. She is dependable, trustworthy, thoughtful, and generous. She is always one of the first people to welcome a visitor to Pathways and to invite them to sit with her at dinner. I look forward to our Wednesday night solve-the-world's-problems coffee dates more than I let on. I can see God growing Rachel by leaps and bounds...He's got huge things planned for her. I can't wait to share an obscene amount of Pupusas, inside jokes, and memories with her in El Salvador!

Becky is my twin. We share a birthday. We share the same (slightly bossy) personality. We share an affection for taking out our frustrations on an elliptical trainer. She keeps me accountable, she keeps me motivated, and she keeps me laughing. We became fast friends planning our birthday party last year, and I believe we'll be friends for a lifetime (if we live through planning her wedding!) Becky is a woman who will always tell you what she's thinking, but she'll do it in a way that doesn't offend you...it inspires you. She's intelligent, she's beautiful, she's ornery, and she chair-dances to the annoying music they play before a movie. I'm not sure how I'll manage when she moves to Houston in September. My only consolation is that I'm pretty sure Nathan realizes just how amazing she is and how lucky he is that we're letting her go!

Putting faces with the names! (L to R) Rachel, Becky, me, and Sarah Jane

For a girl, who once had a seriously lacking social circle, to have not one but 3 best friends is nothing short of a miracle. God has blessed me with these women that support me, love me, challenge me, yell at me, motivate me, pray for me, and get into trouble with me. I pray for each of them daily...sometimes more often than that. I believe we will see each other through engagements, marriages, children, moves, job changes, and grandchildren.

"However rare true love may be, it is less so than true friendship."
~ La Rochefoucauld

To my Foursome: Thank you for coming into my life at exactly the right moment. Thank you for being obedient to what God wants you to do, and for inspiring me to grow closer to Him. I count you all as some of the most precious blessings God has given me. I can't wait for all of the seasons of life we'll share together. I love each of you a ton!

*mwah*

ps: You didn't really think I could write a post about the Foursome and leave the Estrogenfest picture out, did you? You're welcome!! ;)