Surgery...Yuck!

For all of you "worriers" out there: this was nothing life-threatening...just necessary. Here I am pre-op with Luke...smiling like this is a fun day! Shortly after this, the IV and drugs were administered and I was out. That had to be the deepest sleep I've had in years! It felt like I was only asleep for a couple of seconds, but it had actually been about 2 hours during the surgery! I was groggy and/or asleep the rest of the day and night and slept about 19 hours (with the exception of Luke waking me up to take my meds and eat a little of something). Glad it's over, and ready to get back to normal life again.

Oaks' Wag-o-ween!

As the Resident Activities Directors for the Oaks, we had an event called "Wag-0-ween" where people dressed up their pets and themselves and enjoyed a cookout, pictures and treats! We had a lot of fun and it was a great opportunity to meet a lot of the residents.

Luke and I dressed up like Publisher's Clearing House. He was the Prize Patrol and his nametag read "Ed Mc Mahon, Jr." and I was the Grand Prize Winner! Of course, I had to dress like those people who come to the door dressed in their robe and curlers because it was complete surprise! I never expected to win! Lucy opted for ladybug costume because she was too embarrassed to be a part the Publisher's Clearing House get up.

Here are some of the costumes that we saw that night:

Jeni's Wedding

I was honored to stand as the matron-of-honor at the wedding of my best friend from college, Jeni Bell (now Jeni Santana!). Every meticulous detail of Jeni's wedding was planned with her flawless, classic taste. Everything was so beautiful, but nothing was more beautiful than the glowing bride! It was so great to see my old friend marry her love.

Staying Connected...Any Suggestions?

I had lunch with my sweet friend, Kristy, today (I didn't have any other pictures, but this is just a picture of our Sunday School class at church. Kristy is seated in yellow at the front.). It was so much fun getting to see her and catch up! She's really good about trying to stay in touch with people. Everytime she comes into town, she visits her old friends.

I have got to be the world's worst person at staying in touch. My life is full, but not nearly as busy as others' lives. Even though I probably have time to do it, I still can't seem to make myself send the card, make the phone call, or go on that visit that I've been intending to do. I realize I need to make a deliberate effort to reach out more...to be more intentional with staying connected to people who have impacted my life.

I am trying to think of simple, special, and creative ways to stay connected with out-of-state loved ones (and Facebook doesn't count with me...I want something more personal). To those of you who read my blog (or should I say "to the person"? Ha!): if you have any suggestions or have some things that work for you, I'd love to know what they are!

Go Razorbacks!!

47-19!! WOOOOOO PIG SOOIE!!! Let me tell you: the Brewer home was a rowdy place on Saturday night...lots of shouting, hollering and fight song singing! Our dog, Lucy, thought we were absolutely crazy...she didn't know what was going on. Ha!!

Luke's Deacon Ordination

Luke's deacon ordination was this morning at church. Pastor Brooks Cail challenged the new deacons to guard their hearts and minds by spending daily time with the Lord, remember that this is a calling of service and also added that they should not only minister to others, but not forget to minister to their family first. He then asked current and former deacons, as well as friends to surround us and pray over us. It was a very special time!

Charleston

Luke and I went to Charleston, South Carolina, this week for a work trip. However, we had a little fun on the side. Charleston has a lot of historic southern charm. We went to art galleries, antique stores, walked along the battery and enjoyed some fantastic restaurants. We went to one of our favorites, California Dreaming, and stayed at our favorite inn, the Andrew Pinckney Inn. Here's Luke making a goofy face with his salad. California Dreaming has the BEST salads and sweet rolls!! This is why you go, not for the entrees, but for what comes before the entrees. The rest of the food is good, but this part is fantastic! I could make a whole meal off of just this.

At the corner of Meeting Street and the park at the Battery. This was voted the most romantic B&B on the eastern seaboard. I think we heard a tour guide walk by and say they run close to $500 a night!! I would have loved to sneak a peek at the inside.

the walk along the battery

Isn't this the strangest graffiti?

Here I am being a dork and pretending this is the door to the Secret Garden. Did anyone else ever read that book as a kid?

Me with my best friend in the whole world!

We wanted to go to Poogan's Porch, a place that has such yummy breakfast and brunch food, but it was closed. Poogan was the dog of the owner and is buried out front of the restaurant. Poogan's Headstone

I was so disppointed that I couldn't eat there, but it turned out to be a good thing because we stumbled across a fantastic place a couple of doors down called Queens Restaurant. It looks like it's not going to be very great from the outside, but you walk through the bar area and then find yourself in the prettiest outdoor courtyard at the back. They had wonderful service and delicious food!

The courtyard at Queens Restaurant...how beautiful!

My DELICIOUS stew

Enjoying my yummy sweet tea!

The gazebo at Queens Restaurant