7-9-10 ~ ~ ~ ~ Happy Birthday To Me!!! =)

Friday July 9, 2010

Aloha! ~ Happy 30th Birthday Athena! ~ Aloha!

Birthday Babe!! ;-)

Today is the BIG day! I turn thirty (30) today and it is the end of my “Thirty days to the Big 30” Blog writing project.

This has turned out to be a really good project for me. I feel like I have accomplished something pretty cool, even though I didn’t do it exactly like I wanted (writing every day)… I still feel pretty good about the outcome.



I only worked half a day today because I had so much to do before my party this evening.


When I got to work, it had been decorated by my coworkers and friends, CJ, Pam and MaryJo with Palm Trees, Balloons that read “30 …the party continues,” streamers with a big “30” hanging from them, a luau girl with a lei on my door, a pineapple cup, purple shades, purple lei and a big “30” sign for everyone to sign. I loved it and that made my morning! =) Thank y’all!!! =-)

After work, I had to go decorate the Idlewild Party House for my Luau. Mom and I worked together decorating and had fun with that. The Idlewild Party House is a really neat place right off JFK in North Little Rock. It can be rented from the NLR Parks & Rec. office. I really liked that location!




Then I had to run home change clothes and get some more stuff for the party. My sweet sister Ashley and her boyfriend Brian were kind enough to pick up my boyfriend for me, since they were all in the Benton area. My sis is so good to me! She even picked up some last minute items and helped so much when she got there. Come to think of it, Sister Pam also helped with the party! =)




After the Luau, where I had lots of good friends, yummy food and a great time, we cleaned up and those of us who wanted a drink, drove on over to Smokey’s Pub.


At Smokey's Pub, CJ had a table set aside and ready for us.  I drank two absolutely yummy shots of cinnamon liquor!!! I haven’t had that in FOREVER! It was soo good! Eric was with me the whole time and it was wonderful.

Eric surprised me with a kiss as CJ was about to take our picture... I love this! =)

Cheers!! CJ and Marky Mark (hand only pictured) shooting Fireball, while I enjoy HotDamn!

Having Ashley, my mom, Eric and all of my other friends and family there to celebrate with me made my birthday absolutely perfect. Thank you all so much for being a special part of my birthday! Your love and friendship means the world to me. I know some of you couldn’t make it to my party, but still sent your love and best wishes and that means the world to me also. You were missed.




I had a slide show playing during the party of “My Life in Review” with pictures of me growing up. That was fun and my blog from the 8th has a mini version of that slide show. Mom had set up a couple of guessing games, where you had to guess the number of jelly beans in one jar and the number of purple M&M’s in another jar. Our guests had a good time with those games. The winners were both people who have known me since I was a very young girl. One since I was about five (5) the other since I was about eight (8) or nine (9)… Awww…

Me, Pam, Jim, and Ms. Pat. *Jim was one of the game winners.

Me, Pastor Charles and his wife Sister MaryLou. *Sister MaryLous was the other game winner.

I also had a memorial set up for my Daddy and the other family and friends that I have lost over the last several years. I displayed something I had written with a picture of Daddy and a mini Buddha statue, because Daddy’s nickname was “Lil Buddha” and a lit candle that my dear cousin Laura provided me with. That was on the end of the table with the games. At the other end of that table was a beautiful birthday letter that mom had written to me. I thought it was so special and beautiful that it had to be displayed.

Memorial

Memorial, Games, Poster to Sign, and Letter from Mom

I hope everyone enjoyed themselves as much as I enjoyed having them at my party!

I have been blessed with amazing parents, a loving family, and the best friends ever! I received numerous (approximately 75) wishes for a Happy Birthday on my Facebook… II am truly grateful for all of those wishes and tried to respond to each one individually!

Best Birthday EVER!

Best Family EVER!

Best Friends EVER!

Best Boyfriend EVER!!!

I am so blessed! God is So Good All of the Time! All of the Time God Is Good!

My Awesome Mom and Me!

Me & My Sister Ashley

Me & My Sweetie Eric

Me & Lil Sis Candace (CandyKid)

Me & Sista Kim

Me & David

Me & CJ

I'm bummed that I don't have a pic of me and Pam to go right here... She was doing most of the picture taking for me and then she left without me snagging her for a photo op... =(

I also missed getting a pic in front of the "aloha" sign with CJ cause she had to jett out to get to Smokey's and get our table ready.

I also missed getting a pic with the Varty Clan...  I'm glad they were there and bummed that there is no photo of all us together! =) / =(

Me, Ashley, Brian, Gretchen, and Daddy Larry.

Me and My Sweetie filling up the punch bowl.

I am dancing the Hula...

Me & Jr... He was being silly!

A picture of Pam talking to Eric, with Brian and Me in the background... At least I have proof Pam was there! =)

Jamie & Jade...  Sadly this photo is missing Maigan, Doug and Payden, but I'm glad I've got part of the Varty Clan! =)

I made a wish blowing out the candles on my beautiful cake!  Thanks mom! =)

Wonder Gal!

"Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" was the song of choice!  My boyfriend is so sweet - he said I didn't suck! 
I know I can't sing!!  It's okay!!  We had FUN!! =)

Aloha and Mahalo.  Thank you so much to everyone once again for making my birthday so special and memorable!  I think I am going to LOVE my thirties!! It's not so bad afterall!!  And things are already off to a WONDERFUL start!!

Thirty Year Review...

Thursday July 8, 2010




Happy Anniversary to my Mom and Dad…


Today would be their Wedding Anniversary. I know mom misses Daddy as much as I do if not more. Let me just go ahead and say, THAT’S A LOT OF MISSING!!!



Today was another a busy day for me. Lot’s to do to prepare for tomorrow. The best part of today was getting to have dinner with friends though. Jamie, Doug and the kids had Eric and me over for dinner tonight. Yay! I am so glad that it worked out that Eric and I didn’t have to wait from Monday to Friday to see each other. I like that we got to see each other on Wed, tonite and then we’ll see each other tomorrow! =)

This entry is going to be a brief “Thirty Year Review.”

I was born in 1980 with coal black hair during one of the hottest summers on record here in Arkansas.

I grew up with two very loving parents who made sure I had everything I needed and many of the things I wanted, without letting me become a spoiled brat!

I lost my coal black hair, and was briefly a blond, followed at last my dark brown hair…

Great friends have become family and family has remained steadfast!

Some loves started early and have continued well into my adulthood…

I am excited for tomorrow!  It will be a great day!

My Sweetheart loves the Lord! =)

Wednesday July 7, 2010


I am writing this late of course… The week of my birthday was more hectic than I anticipated, especially with the wonderful addition of my new sweetheart and sadly, my Blog writing got pushed even farther to the back… Therefore my memory of this week has begun to fade to the point, where this will probably be another very short entry and just hit the memorable highlights…

Work was okay today.

Eric and I talked this morning. He misses me as much as I miss him. He wanted to go to a concert, but I told him I had Bible Study to attend and asked him to accompany me. He seemed interested, but was unsure of the time schedule. He texted me later to ask if he could go with me… I told him of course!!! =)

He met me at my house and drove us to Bible Study and we had dinner with the group then we had Bible Study. We have started a new study, so it was perfect timing. He said he enjoyed Bible Study with us. I know I enjoyed it. I love that I have found someone who enjoys not only spending time with me, but also enjoys spending time learning about the Lord and studying the Word of God! I am so excited!

Today ended up being a great day! I am excited for the rest of the week and my birthday! It’s gonna be great!

Back to work...

Tuesday July 6, 2010


Happy Tuesday!

Only four more days left…

My how time has flown!? It just seems to go by quicker and quicker.

Eric and I text and talk regularly now and he is so sweet. He makes me happy.

I have been so busy that I haven’t had time to go work out. =(
I have had too many other things going on.  I have been working, preparing for my party (nailing down a location, food, etc…) and talking to Eric. =)

I miss Eric. I have to wait ‘till Friday to see him again and that just seems too far away. Funny huh, to miss someone that I just met… But I want to spend more time with him and get to know him better.

Met the Parents...

Monday July 5, 2010


Happy Observed Fourth of July! Yay for Observed Holidays! My office was closed today!! =)

I was able to hang around the house and be lazy and comfortable and wash & dry a load of laundry! Wahoo!

I was supposed to take Jadelyn to the movies, but she cancelled so that she could wait on her little brother… Can I get an “aww?” I thought it was really sweet and adult of her to wait for her brother to come home. He wants to see the same movie and would be upset that we went without him, so she made the decision to wait. I am so proud of her.

But, that left me all dressed and nowhere to do, so guess what? Eric saved the day, he called and asked if I would like to have dinner with him and his parents. I said he yes… His response?? “Okay, I will come pick you up!” What?! Yep, that’s right, he came and picked me up, opened the door of the truck and everything. When he picked me up, he met mom at the house and she seemed to like him. She really like that he was picking me up for a date and that he opened the truck door for me.

At dinner, I met his parents and an aunt. His family is great, almost as great as he is. ;-) We enjoyed a great dinner cooked by his mom and aunt. It was all very tasty! They are so sweet; they even sent pound cake home to my mom! =) We also enjoyed nice conversation.

We held hands in the truck all the way to and from dinner. It was so sweet. After we got to my house, we just sat in his truck for awhile listening to music and talking. Then he gave me a very sweet and innocent goodnight kiss before I walked in the door. This was another fantastic evening.

He is such an amazing guy!

Happy Independence Day!!

Sunday July 4, 2010

Hi ya’ll!!! Happy Fourth of July!!

I went to church this morning after being woken up by a super sweet text from Eric! =)

Eric asked me to go with him to see the Fireworks in Benton and I agreed. I look forward to it.

After church, mom and I had lunch and rested for a while.

My car wouldn’t start when I left church or when I got ready to leave the house to meet Eric. I had to have my battery jump started. Being the sweetheart he is, when I told Eric about it he offered to change my battery out for me. So, we went to Autozone, I bought the battery and he put it in for me. My car is starting just fine now! =) See, I told you he was sweet!

We went to his friend Cayce’s house and had dinner with him and his girlfriend Alicia. They are an adorable couple and great people! I had a blast hanging out with them and of course with Eric! They also cooked some YUMMY food. Fried fish, fried taters, hush puppies, and grillin beans!! Yummy!

After the yummy dinner we went across the street and set up our chairs and watched the Fireworks. They were so beautiful. And (laugh if you must) but I got “tinglies” when Eric reached over and took my hand during the Fireworks.

After the Fireworks we went inside, where Eric and I curled up on the couch for the last half of “The Proposal.” I love that movie!

Again, we texted each other all the way home and I liked it! ;-)

Once again, Happy Fourth of July!!!  I hope you each had a fun and safe Holiday!  Mine was Simply Sparkling!  ;-)

 

Blind Date...

Saturday July 3, 2010


Wow!


So, I had a busy day. This morning was all about the at home chores.

Then my mom and I and JR did some location scouting for my birthday next Friday. We made a couple of stops to on the way home, including taking care of a Best Buy issue.

I talked to my friend who wanted to set me up on the blind date last weekend (the one that I couldn’t go on, because I had a headache and was nauseas). We rescheduled the blind date for today, since she is out of the hospital and feeling a little better.

So, I got home from errand running, and got a few more things taken care of, and then got ready…

I showed up at Jamie's house, a little late – darn rain slowed me waay down… When I got there and got out of the car, I was almost instantly drenched and therefore kinda not as cute as when I left the house… Oh well… I went into the house, where Jadelyn got me a towel and I dried off a bit and met Eric. We had dinner while watching Footloose, then played some UNO… A game I haven’t played in years, but had SO much fun playing.

Eric and I exchanged numbers and departed Jamie’s house around 11ish… Eric and I texted each other all the way to our respective homes. He is so super sweet!!

I am so glad that I went tonight.

Hmmm… Massage!!!

Friday July 2, 2010


Today was a good day – for the most part. Some stressful moments and some infuriating ones, but overall, it’s Friday and God is in control – so it’s gonna be okay.

I got off a little early because of the Holiday weekend! Thank you!!! =)

Then took care of a couple of things, then off to my rescheduled and eagerly anticipated massage. It was sooo worth the wait!!!

I was told that I need to not carry such a heavy purse to relieve some of the strain on my neck and shoulders. Apparently my right shoulder area was much tighter than my left. I always carry my purse on my right side. Who knew?!

Anyway, the massage was WONDERFUL and much needed. I felt so much better afterwards. I then walked for 40 minutes and hit the sauna for a bit. It was so nice. I felt better just being in the gym than I had all week. I hadn’t been to the gym much at all. =(

After that on home, to see what had to be done next. The sad part it is, since I am once again a few days late in writing this entry, I don’t remember what that was. LOL. I am soo pitiful!!

Yes, I realize I didn't mention Eclipse in this entry, but these bottles were TOO good not to share!! ;-)

July!! Already???

Thursday July 1, 2010



Where to start?

I came back to work today. I am one tired puppy. It’s all good though. I am still riding high on the excitement of getting to spend time with my sister on her birthday and on getting to see Eclipse… TWICE!

Today was a good day, but now that it is officially July, there are ONLY 9 DAYS LEFT!!! What?!

Wow – time is flying by.

I am still having my headaches and was supposed to get an upper back massage today that I was hoping would help with that, but was so busy at work, I didn’t even have a chance to eat lunch until 3:30 pm, so I completely forgot to go to my massage appointment at 12:45… =-( Luckily the gentleman was very understanding and rescheduled my appointment for tomorrow after work. Yay!

Eclipse!!! Eclipse!! Eclipse!

Wednesday June 30, 2010



Eclipse! Eclipse! Eclipse!


Well, I must say this was a FANTASTIC movie!! I absolutely loved it!! Better, I think than the first two!


As you can see from my previous entry, I am Team Fur! Go Jacob, or as Cheryl says… Go Team Sharkboy!! =) Really though, I am also Team Fang/Edward. Jacob has the body and Edward has the heart!


Happy Birthday Ashley!!!
I hope you had a fabulous birthday! I truly enjoyed getting to spend part of your birthday with you! I love you sis!!


The drive from Memphis back home was a good one. Mom drove part of the way, while I napped, then I drove the rest of the way. Once back home, I was able to rest for a bit, before going to the 7pm showing of Eclipse with MaryJo (Auntie M)…


Yes, I have already seen it twice! It is that good!!! I want to see it again!! Auntie M and I really enjoyed the movie. She and I also saw Twilight Saga: New Moon together. It has become tradition. And what a fun tradition it is – one that I hope to keep for both parts of Breaking Dawn! Yeah that’s right for all you Twi-hards reading this, the word is that due to the length of Breaking Dawn and not wanting to compromise the integrity of the book, it will be made into two films as they have done the final Harry Potter novel! =( I’m sad about it. I don’t want to have to wait for the six to eight months between films to have my conclusion. Oh well, such is life!


Anyway, another outstanding day on my journey to “The Big 30…” I’m lovin’ it!