June 30, 2009
* Starting to close down my family’s business. My mom does not want to do it any more. Would prefer to take her money and do something else
* Picking a new career
* Work, work, work
* The pool
* Looking for a job
* Picking and moving to a new city
* Going Out
* Getting over a total pathological liar, douchebag
* Directing day laborers where to put the material because the installer did not show
* Dealing with crazy people
* Buying hot rollers
* Going up, down and around Stone Mountain on Sunday mornings WAY EARLY
* Having the most fun I have had in years
And I can not tell you how good it was to be told that I did not seem bitter, I look better than ever and that they could see the love in my eyes.
Because it is true. I believe in true love still.
June 11, 2009
My friend made me write down 21 positives about myself today. She made me due this because I have had a not great day and her friend did this to her when she broke off her engagement a few years ago. Some of these she wrote down because I just could not think up enough.
Some of these are totally superficial and some are serious.
Here we go.
1. I can cook.
2. I am resilient.
3. I am creative.
4. Great at crisis management.
5. Good communicator.
6. I am a loyal friend.
7. I throw GREAT parties.
8. I am funny.
9. I have a great laugh.
10. I am TOTALLY HOT! (She wrote that one.)
11. I give back to society.
12. I have beautiful eyes.
13. I am great kisser.
14. I have options.
15. I see things through.
16. I am intelligent.
17. I am socially capable.
18. I am healthy.
19. I have good hair.
20. I am adventurous.
21. I have good taste. (clothes, art, food, locatios, music, furniture, friends, books.)
J. felt I should go ahead and put the list up online and carry it around with me. She said it will help get me over “being a broken record.” I can see that. Gotta push forward.
I have some ideas and am hatching new plans. I guess, this is where this blog is going. You are getting to watch someone restart their life. No weddings, no babies.
Just press restart.
June 8, 2009
There is another huge change happening in my life. Really puts a dead stop on things. Not really sure what to make of it. I just know that it is another curve ball. One of many.
It is very hard to express how I feel about all of this. Especially on a blog that was only supposed to be FUN.
Thinking I need to reassess what I want out of life.
Now there will be no one asking anything of me. No over commitment. No whining. It will all be over.
And I am ok with that.
But here I am starting over again.
At 31.
I went to see my Dad at the cemetary last week. To “make sure it was all ok”. It seems like it is. I think he would say I am doing the right thing.
But it is weird and hard and unbelievable all at the same time.
My Dad used to say “Leslie, make sure you live a life less ordinary. Don’t pick normal.” I guess, for the most part I have.
I am scared because my puzzle keeps having more pieces to put together.
But I guess the quote is true about life is 80% showing up. That is all I can do in the end.
I want to curse, but I quit. 
June 2, 2009
I like to think of myself as a nice Southern Girl. I have all the qualities. Or at least that is what they tell me. Except for one thing…, the trucker/sailor/dirty mouth that I have had for years. I like to think to myself on many occasions “What would Jackie do?” She has always been my favorite. And between you and me, I HIGHLY doubt Jackie O. ever let loose the stream of expletives that comes out of my mouth on a minute to minute to basis. This is not your basic “D**n It.” This is as crass, dirty and foul as you can imagine.
Well, something over the weekend happened where this language was really to much. Yes, I was nervous. And it gets worse when I am nervous. But was it necessary? No.
So today I made a pact with my friend to stop cursing. She is seeing someone new who does not curse. He also has a child. And they are headed down engagement road. The cursing needs to go.
My work is not an excuse anymore. I need to clean up my act and my mouth and be the Lady I know most people think I am. Until they hear my mouth.
The mission is on. No more cursing.
And just to tell you how hard it is. It is worse than quitting caffeine.
This is just one of many negative things I am trying to rid my life off.
Wish me luck.
May 29, 2009
Earlier this month I went up to Nashville for the Steeplechase. I stayed with BFF’s family off of Old Hickory Blvd. which made access very easy. We actually walked down the center of the street between the cars to get there.
We found it absolutely hilarious how all the girls had still shown up in white, Lilly P., or sandals. We showed up Steeplechase appropriate, but in minidresses (no muddy butts from flying mud) and Hunter wellies. Those came in handy. Especially when everyone else was walking into the disgusting port-o-potties in barefeet and we were, oh, NOT CATCHING DISEASES.
I do think it is a sign of age and to much partying when you think far enough in advance to bring your own toilet paper. I was not a girl scout in my former life either.
After the Steeplechase I played a game of “Please deliver my pizza/Just sneak by the police not allowing access/I am starving” with Papa John’s. I eventually won that battle.
ME
MUD
BFF and ME
May 28, 2009
* I turned 31.
* I moved to Inman Park.
* Ed is gone.
* Totally wondering what to do in business because of the economy.
* Contemplating going back to school. Again.
* I am dating new people.
* Decided to look someone up on Facebook and turns out they are friends with a blogger I know in real life. GREAT! (insert sarcasm).
* I look hot. I look hotter than I ever did in my 20s. And feel hotter too. Funny how that works.
* Gone back to church.
* Love my new patio furniture.
* Great times at Iroquois Steeplechase in Nashville and Sandestin with friends.
* Started Dave Ramsey to fix my youthful indiscretions.
* Eventually I will post pictures on this blog again.
* Tried to go skydiving and got rained out.
* My lawyer is great.
* You should follow me on Twitter. That is where the good stuff happens. At least currently.
* Looking forward to Transformers 2 and GI Joe. I know, totally geeky.
* Sweet Tea Vodka tried to replace Gin and lost.
May 4, 2009
Here are all the Polyvore contest entries. All are completely fabulous. I would wear them all.
Please vote for your favorite.
Remember the winner gets their choice of a Lilly Pulitzer candle or a years magazine subscription.
Edited to Add: Voting ends on Friday.
MRS. NEWLYWED
CHIC RUNNER
I PICK PRETTY
THE PREPPY PRINCESS
BEAUFORT BELLE
PREP E GIRL
April 29, 2009
As I was leaving the elevator stairwell of Piedmont Hospital this morning I crossed the street to the deck and happened upon a white Prius. It took just a second to realize it was not mine. The dog inside gave it away.
I walked around it and saw another white Prius and walked over to it. It was in the same area of where I had parked the night before and was not paying much attention. But then quickly realized it was not the mine. The trashed inside and the Obama sticker gave that away.
Exasperated I turned around and looked down the row of cars. There was my white Prius. The one with UF Gator head on the back.
And off I zoomed.
April 28, 2009
The following recipe I used at the couple’s shower S. and I thru for C. last weekend in Nashville.
It is a recipe from Ina Garten (Barefoot Contessa) on her latest Cocktail Party show.
I have to say it was a massive hit. The first thing gone for sure. I doubled the recipe and probably could have made one or two more and they would have been eaten too.
A couple of things.
1. I substituted swiss cheese instead of gruyere. I think gruyere is overpriced and don’t care for it that much either. Swiss was perfect.
2. The cooking time was under half of what Ina said it would be. I had to watch these like a hawk.
3. I don’t eat pork but did taste. They were delish.
4. I think a turkey and pesto combo would be good too.
Ingredients
1 package (2 sheets) frozen puff pastry, defrosted (recommended: Pepperidge Farm)
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1/4 pound black forest ham, sliced
1/2 pound Swiss Gruyere cheese, sliced
1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water, for egg wash
Directions
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Place a piece of parchment paper on a sheet pan.
Lay 1 sheet of puff pastry on a floured board and carefully roll it out to 10 by 12 inches. Place it on a sheet pan and brush the center with the mustard, leaving a 1-inch border around the edge. Place a layer first of ham and then cheese, also leaving a 1-inch border. Brush the border with the egg wash.
Place the second sheet of puff pastry on the floured board and roll it out to 10 by 12inches. Place the second sheet on top of the filled pastry, lining up the edges. Cut the edges straight with a small, sharp knife and press together lightly. Brush the top with egg wash and cut a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until puffed and golden brown. Allow to cool for a few minutes and serve hot or warm.
April 23, 2009
The other day I was looking around at different sites that included mostly fashion bloggers. By fashion bloggers, I mean people who take pictures of themselves every day and post them on their blog. I think it was thru Glamour I found a group of posts showing what people thought was a good first date outfit. Personally, I found them to all be hideous and that any guy who went out on a date with these girls should run away.
Since I got to spend quality time in Piedmont Hospital sitting and waiting yesterday I had a lot of time to think. I thought it might be fun to have a little contest here. So, here we go.
Your mission is:
1. Make a polyvore group of what you think a great first date outfit is.
2. The person you need to have in mind is slender, fair skinned, 5′8, dark hair and blue eyes.
3. The colors yellow and orange will not be accepted. (Orange will be accepted if combined with pink.)
4. Head to toe of any chain store will not be accepted.
5. A head to toe Lilly outfit will not be accepted.
6. Please be creative and combine different accessories and price points.
7. Send me your code when you are complete so I can post it.
8. And if you post about on the contest on you blog your votes count more. (Somehow. I haven’t figure out yet.)
I would really like to see some creativity and something interesting.
And yes, my blog, my rules.
PRIZE:
Your choice a Lilly Pulitzer candle or a years subscription to the monthly magazine of your choice. (Not any of the weekly tabloids.)
I will put up a voting poll so readers can vote.
I am excited about this!
EDITED TO ADD: Deadline is Friday, May 1.
EDITED TO ADD2: Date is anywhere you want. But try to think Spring in the South.
