My Spirits are Being Lifted

I'm feeling in better spirits today and hope that I stay on the UP and UP!

It has helped that I have gotten my butt back into the gym after a 2 or 3-week hiatus.

So, not like me.

I was just feeling TERRIBLE.

Other things lifting my spirits?

Receiving this book in the mail from my cousin.

I can't wait to read.

Sick or what?

Brad is DISGUSTED.

He loathes the K's.

Thinks they are a bunch of hookers and Kris is their pimp.

It's kinda true.

Doesn't stop me from reading though!

 Other things that have helped.

Getting to wear my new pearls to work!

I LOVE THEM!

Designed by Holly Davidge, I was lucky enough to win them from The Starnes Family giveaway.

Check out Holly's work by clicking here.

 Also making me happy right now?

Our pooch.

It's finally turned off cool here in the Carolinas so I tuck Buddy into bed at night so he can stay warm.

I'm a nerd and have been doing this for years.

He seems to LOVE it!

And, last but not least.

This made me happy when I got it out of our mailbox.

Buddy received a holiday card from his friend Cali Bear in San Francisco.

Cute or what?

What is lifting your spirits these days?

Trying To Get My Holiday Spirit On!

I'm not going to lie.

I'm in a funk and I'm trying to get out of it.

We've been through a lot in the past few weeks and while we had a great time down in Louisiana coming home and back to reality kinda sucked.

I'm up part of the day and down the other half.

I'm TIRED of it.

I AM trying my best to use the art of positive thinking to help me enjoy the holidays to the fullest though!

But, it's not easy!

When we first got home from Thanksgiving I dreaded decorating our house.

You have no idea.

That.is.not.like.me

I love the holidays.

Instead...

I wanted to curl up in the bed, sleep, watch TV and be alone.

But, I used mind over matter and got my ass up and into the closets to pull out our decorations.

I thought it would make me feel better.

So, I decorated.

Here's our tree.

Not sure why it always looks crooked.

 I decorated our mantle, dining and other areas too but that's for another post.

Everything got done!

Our house is Christmasfied!

Then, we went and met my in-laws and got The Buddy back.

When we got there my MIL had a big bucket of holiday cheer and items for us including this cutie.

I just adore it.

I opted out of putting it on the tree and instead have it on display with an ornament hanger for everyone to see.

But, while everything is decorated and I'm booking our weekends up with holiday fun I'm still not truly in the holiday spirit.

Maybe cool weather would help?

I'm not sure.

I just wish somehow that Santa would send some holiday cheer early!

Until then, I'll continue to look to my art of positive thinking as hard as it is!!

Tailgating for LSU vs. Arkansas

Our Thanksgiving trip down to South Louisiana was topped off with a visit to the LSU campus on Friday just in time to tailgate for the Arkansas game!

No, we didn't have tickets or want to pay $400 a piece for some, so we enjoyed all the fanfare that IS tailgating in and around Tiger Stadium then watched at a bar with friends.

This was Brad's first visit to Baton Rouge and the LSU Campus.

After a walk through campus and by the lakes we arrived around the famous clock tower.

Where we had our picture taken in front of the Christmas tree.

Sorry, about the finger in the photo.

My college friend Gina and her husband were awesome and hosted of us for the day and night.

The tailgate?
Perfect!

And, I got to see a lot of people I had not seen since college.

They had everything you could ask for.
Open bar.

Gumbo.

Jambalaya, boudin, mini pies.
Everything and anything.

After 4-years it was nice to be back in Baton Rouge for Thanksgiving and on the LSU campus.

Great to hear the sounds from the Golden Band from Tigerland too!

I love college football.

Oh, almost forgot.

Our niece Hannah stopped by the tailgate to say hi.

I can't believe how grown-up she is.

Seventeen now.

As I mentioned, we didn't have tickets to the game but we ventured over to one of the old school establishments I use to frequent as a student.
The Chimes.

It sits right outside the gates of campus.

And, of course!

The best part of the whole day was that the Tigers won!

UNDEFEATED!!

While Brad was dressed up as an LSU fan while in Baton Rouge, as most of you know he's a Virginia Tech Hokie and they WON this weekend too!

#1 and #5 BABY!

Good Times in our house!

Turkey Day on the Bayou

We're back from Louisiana and I have a ton of pictures but not a ton of energy to make a real 'organized' post.

So, here goes my best effort.

I'll highlight our time with my brother and his girlfriend on the Tickfaw River where they hosted our family for the holiday.

We arrived Wednesday evening and our first stop was for some authentic Louisiana cuisine.

We started with an order of "Jacked Up Oysters"

Charbroiled oysters with bacon, jack cheese and jalapenos.

Not good for you but good tasting!

 Hush puppies.

 More oysters..

 Crawfish etoufee.

Washed down with an Abita Beer.

Andy Gator, to be exact.

 The next morning we woke up to the lovely view from their back deck.

 The entire community is unique.

Right on the river.

 Nothing like starting your Turkey Day with a pontoon ride with weather in the 70's.

 Me, my Mom and my two nieces - Holly and Hannah.

So great to see them since it doesn't happen that often.

 Both nieces contributed to the meal by making pies!

 With their Dad, my brother.

 Everything was just perfect including a Cajun seasoned turkey cooked on the grill.

 Not the entire crew but a good attempt.

Missing are my brother, nephew and his girlfriend.

 If you're new here you'll soon realize we like to take lots of pictures when we get together.

 You wouldn't be in S. Louisiana without a few fleur de lis!

 Back to the food.

My brother's girlfriend, Tiffani outdid herself with two types of stuffing.

This one made with eggs that was delish!

 And, this rice stuffing that I need to make for our next big family meal!

YUM!

 We washed it down with two types of wine I picked up on my recent visit to Williamsburg.

 Nephew Preston.

 We capped our day off with a sunset cruise on the water.

 Tiffani with the cutest.beagle/dachsund.ever!

Bella is her name and oh my goodness I could eat her up!!

I'm not sure Buddy would appreciate though!

 Such a great Thanksgiving.

Different than years past but that was the best part.

 Thanks to my parents and Wes and Tiffani for making it all happen!!

It was nice to have someone else cook and just take it all in!

How was your Thanksgiving?!