Where Silence Has Sound

New Blog

2010-03-02T15:00:00.000-05:00

You can find our new blog here. Make sure you add it as this one is now considered extinct.

Starting Over New

2010-02-24T11:59:00.001-05:00

There are alot of changes happening right now in my life. This blog has been a reflection of me over the years. Now that I'm moving 15 hours away, getting married, and seeking so many new experiences I'm at a standstill. I can't figure out if I want to keep this blog, make it private, delete it, etc. I know that I'm ready to begin this "new" life and I'm really wanting to let go of the past. I'm wanting to start a blog for "us" and all the future holds. With us being so far away, a blog will definitely be a must so others can keep tabls on us instead of having to send out so many emails.

So, with a new blog coming in the next few days and the fact I'm wanting to forget about the past. I think I'm leaning towards just deleting this one. When I think of doing that I feel a sense of relief. Everything feels clean and I feel I can take a deep breath and move forward. I may just keep it private to view in the future. My new blog will be up shortly and to all of those reading, I will email you the details!

So, this is my goodbye to "Where Silence Has Sound". The new chapter begins!

Office Depot #2095. Please Get Customer Service Skills!!!!

2010-02-20T19:08:00.000-05:00

I seriously wonder how some people can work in Customer Service and deal with the public in an affective way that benefits both the customer and company. How about if I just stop myself right there. Obviously I've had a shitty day dealing with the customer service team at Office Depot #2095 in Somerset, Kentucky. They obviously need training. Shall we proceed to my complaint?

Ok, Sheldon and I were shopping at the Office Depot in London, Kentucky as we were needing some supplies. I saw that the Microsoft D6000 keyboard/mouse was on sale for $39.99 marked down from $79.99. I've been wanting a new keyboard/mouse combo because when I'm at home I just put my laptop on a docking station so I can use my flatscreen monitor. Of course, the London location was out. They said the Somerset location had two in stock. While in store we called the Somerset location and they confirmed, took down my name, and said they would hold until the end of the day. Ok, so we proceed to drive to that location whitch is 45 minutes away. Got over there and went up to the desk and spoke with Meghan. That was a mistake. Let's just say to make a long story short, the two they had in stock were apparently a mistake (or so she says). She never apologized or anything that I drove almost an hour as she was supposed to hold one back. When she pulled them up from inventory there were zero. My thinking is that when I talked to her, she never actually pulled it off of the shelf, because when I came up to mention why I was there she had this weird look on her face. She then proceeded to say that I could order online. I told her I was not paying shipping as I drove that far. I wanted her to order and ship to my home, and somehow she could NOT comprehend this easy task. I walked out upset as her customer service skills (did I mention that she even walked away to tell some guy she will text him later) were so horrendous! I seriously about pulled my hair out. We then went back to the London store to order and the wonderful manager, John was much more than helpful! He actually took the Microsoft D5000 which was the same regular price, but on sale for $64.99 and marked it down to the $34.99. So he gave us a better one with an additional $26.00 off. We were very happy with his professionalism! I will never ever go back to the Somerset location. This unprofessional customer service associate (Meghan) really needs to learn how to work with customers. Actually, she shouldn't even be working with customers. It was just that bad.

Ahh..so I vented. Now off to watch the CATS beat the Commodores and to cook some supper.

Busy as a Bee!

2010-02-19T11:10:00.001-05:00

Seems as if the past few weeks have moved by so fast. I seriously have so much to do that I don't know where to even begin. Trying to blog and plan relocation to a different state has been tough. I've slacked off and can't wait to make blogging more of a regimen, but seems as of right now that any updates I can fit in will have to suffice. Here is an update for the past week.

We have a Texas home!!! We found a two bedroom/two bath apartment in Lewisville, Texas. We decided upon this particular apartment due to specials, location, and the fact that we do not want to buy or build a home right now as we will still have property in Kentucky. Lewisville is about 18 miles North of downtown Dallas. It has around 100k people and the town seems to fit us perfectly. Originally when we traveled to TX in December we said "this is the town" for us. After looking at many homes and condo's in the North Dallas area we drifted back to the Lewisville area. The area has tons of shopping plus a huge mall. I'm very excited to be going to Texas!!!!

A photo of (Old Town) Lewisville, TX. The feel of a small town in the Dallas Metroplex.

Saturday 2/13/10 I was continuing to have pains near the right kidney area. I went to the ER and we sat there a total of almost seven hours and still have no clue. They done a cat scan and found that I do have a cyst on my right ovary, and the RN thought maybe the cysts burst causing the pain. The appendix and gallbladder were also on the list, but things seem to be pretty normal there. I had about four doses of Morphine through the IV and then two other stronger medications. Let's just say that I began feeling pretty good on my way home. The pain has came and gone, so other than that I'm knocking on wood hoping that the cyst was the culprit.

I was feeling better and Sunday was our first Valentine's Day together. I'm definitely not a fan of this day. I just think it's wrong for people to celebrate love only "one" day out of the year. Couples should be acting like this everyday of the year with the emotions, kindness, and spoken love towards one another. I don't get how some couples "make it look good" on one day. Do it the other 364 days per year if you really love the other person. Anywho, Sheldon made me a homemade card and it was awesome. Definitely much better than Hallmark. We had an awesome day and drove through the mountains of Eastern Kentucky since this will be the last time we will probably have the opportunity to do so. Here are a few photos from that day:

Breaks Interstate Park KY/VA

My love.

The baby doggie travels with us.

Going over Pine Mountain heading towards Harlan.

Yours truly!

Nothing much as been happening this week. Just planning alot of the move and such. Countdown is officially on!!!

7 days until we leave for our trip to our place in Texas. On this trip we are picking up the keys, moving some boxes in, and dropping off Tibby in the garage.
30 days until our wedding!!!!!!!!!
36 days until we officially become Texans!! Ok, so Sheldon is already a Texan. However he needs to get his roots wet again.

Since Sheldon decided to make a trip to the office today, I will be heading to Corbin to spend the afternoon with my long time best (girl) friend, Deb. I've known her since I worked at HSBC in 2002 and she has been the only female that will come through for me and pretty much the only one I trust. Hopefully will get some photos up later.

'Til next time!!

A very exhausting day!!!

2010-02-06T19:46:00.000-05:00

Today has been quite the exhausting day. Sheldon and I got up at 5am as he had drill in Frankfort and he had to be there by 8am. I usually go with him as I really don't have anything to do, plus I love being with him. So...I then drove to Louisville and went shopping. Got back to Frankfort around 230pm and since he was still at drill I decided to go to Lexington.

In Lexington I had to drop my wedding gown off to get it steamed, pressed, cleaned, etc. Afterwards I picked him up at the Lexington Army site, even though he is in the Air Force. He has some technical training there. We went over to Zales and I then took in my wedding bands to get re-sized. We also purchased his wedding band while we were there.

While in Lexington we decided we wanted Italian so we headed over to Belle Notte's. He was still in his uniform and the food was amazing. There was this couple sitting next to us and they left. While we were waiting for our check their waiter dropped off a card to Sheldon with writing on it. Inside was a $25 gift certificate and a note that stated "Thank you for your service to our great nation. Steven & Gina, US Army Retired". We looked at one another and was in awe that complete strangers done that, and was just that giving. As we left out our waitress and a few others said something to the affect of the same thing. It was really touching and made me so proud of my baby and definitely of those in the military who are much more deserving. Guess it's our time to "give back" now.

Tonight we are in the hotel in Frankfort and staying in. We decided to stay in and cuddle (ok, he's asleep at 745pm, but I'm gonna wake him) and watch some Cops and America's Most Wanted. Ahh...how good it feels to be relaxing for a change. Only other thing to do tonight is call his parents and thank them for my birthday card and gift:)

Happy Saturday everyone!!!

Today...

2010-01-31T08:23:00.001-05:00

....was a good day. Ok, this is Sunday morning. Yesterday was a GREAT day. Details to follow..........................:p

Timeline.....

2010-01-27T20:27:00.002-05:00

I'm still saying that 2010 is going to be the most event changing year of my life. It's only January 27th and it's been so great and life changing already! I guess I can break it down as to why I think it will be life changing and explain.

While in Fort Worth, Texas Sheldon proposed at Riscky's after we left Billy Bob's. The next day we went to The Galleria in Dallas to make it more official with a ring as he didn't know my size. While at Zales we searched through about ten rings ranging in price up to 11k. I found THE perfect one!!! We both said "that's it" after looking at this one. It's a bridal set and I couldn't be more in love with a piece of jewlelry, and I'm NOT a jewelry person. Yep...this is the one!!! It's MY rock:)

We have set a date of March 21, 2010 as our day to become husband and wife. We have chosen to do a small intimate ceremony about 60 miles East of Nashville in a restored 1889 farmhouse. His parents and sister will be in attendance. Afterwards we are driving to the mountains for 4 nights in a beautiful secluded cabin. I can't wait!! Here is where it will go down.

When we get back from the honeymoon we will have exactly four days then we pick up the rental truck for our move to Texas. Wow. There is way too much to do between now and then. Reminds me..we have to clean around here so we can put this home up for sale with a realtor. Two home payments at one time is going to suck.

More things to talk about and I will do that soon. Right now I need to just relax...I'm seriously about to conk out.

Life in the fast lane...

2010-01-27T20:13:00.001-05:00

I wanted to write a post about my current relationship as it will tie in to the next post and many others. Most of you know that I got engaged and we are getting married soon. Some people may think this is fast as no one really knew I was dating Sheldon, etc. While my divorce from Clint was final on December 4th, we were separated over a year before. It just took awhile to get everything finalized. I've known Sheldon for longer than many may think I have. I have to say that we met and hit it off immediately. I do not think this is fast as I know in my heart that he is the one for me. He is definitely the love I have been looking for (and should have held out for). He has proved to me that he loves me and it feels so good to be attracted to someone physically, emotionally, and every single way I can think of! I have loved before, but have never been "in" love until now. I can't explain in words how happy I am ..finally. Guess I'll just have to let it show through my actions! I'm ready to let the journey begin!!

"Pokey" the Pilot.

2010-01-27T14:09:00.001-05:00

Our 2010 Honda Pilot EX-L. Before the ventvisors.

Wonder why...

2010-01-14T14:22:00.001-05:00

I'm feeling blah and kinda down. Today is one of those days. I should be up doing something, but the laundry is a going and there is nothing much I could be doing, but there is. Make sense? I'm kinda down because I have thoughts going through my head. Just related to everyday life. I'm very happy right now. However I'm stubborn and being unemployed has put a damper on my happiness. I hate having to depend on Sheldon. I feel it's so unfair of me. Of course when we get to Texas and I find a full time job everything will be better with me. Other than that I feel down because of my weight. I need to lose about 30 pounds. Hmm...guess it's not going to just fall off like before. Back to the grind on that one.

In updated news, we have set a date for the wedding and have booked the honeymoon. I'm holding off on announcing the date for now. Only because there have been back and forth emails with the coordinator and I want to make sure the date is mine before it's being announced. I did get my dress while in Louisville this past weekend and I love it. While trying it all several strangers told me it fits like a glove and it's absolutely perfect for me. Hence..I brought it home.

Looks like Texas is on track. Will be moving towards the end of March. Sheldon gets to keep his Lead Developer job and work from home full time. I can't wait 'til I get a full time job again and stop mooching off of the poor boy! Hmm..maybe he feels sorry for me! Speaking of the move, I"m trying to figure out the best way to move...rent a Uhaul or Budget truck and tow the Tibby?

I sold my car this past week. Yay! We have been shopping and are looking at a 2010 Honda CRV-EX-L. The cost is up there but hopefully we can get a good deal and great financing.

Where do I start?

2010-01-13T10:30:00.000-05:00

The past few weeks have been rushed. The day after Christmas we left for Dallas and it was a fun trip. We went down there to mainly look around and make sure we wanted to move to the area. Sheldon is from there so that is a plus. We had the best time down in Dallas. We have decided to move to the area on or before April 1st!!!! I have to say I absolutely LOVE it in Texas. The area is so clean, architecture is gorgeous, and people are much more friendlier than those in Kentucky. With other notes I'm just going to do a bullet form of what has happened in the past two weeks.

While in Ft. Worth we went to the Ft. Worth stockywards and to Billy Bob's. Afterwards we went to Risckey's and Sheldon popped the question!!! Yep, I'm engaged. Wedding date has been set and it will be small and intimate. Just us two and his family. I have a place, but I'm waiting for the coordinator to get back to me until I make the final announcement. It's a great venue!!!

I'm very busy and have to get back to Ebaying for a few, however pics are up at..
http://www.shelnat.shutterfly.com/

:)

The stars at night are big and bright...

2009-12-26T11:23:00.000-05:00

....deep in the heart of Texas! Off we go! Yay! Our future home:)

Dallas...here we come!!!!!

Yummy!

2009-12-24T18:28:00.001-05:00

Here are a few more recent dishes that I cooked this week.

Mexicana night at home.

Deviled eggs.

Green bean casserole.

Christmas ham.

Wow..that soon?

2009-12-23T10:56:00.002-05:00

Looks like a change of plans have occurred. If you know me too well, then you know I change my mind all of the time. Since we have so much time right now we decided to travel to Texas this Saturday for about a week instead of going during Spring Break in March. We decided this in a few mintues last night and have already made reservations. I'm really excited to do a road trip to see lots of places I've not gotten the chance to see yet. I'm hoping to get up into the Ozarks as well.

I may have mentioned to a few of you that Sheldon is from Dallas. Well there is a really high chance of us moving to the Dallas area soon so we are also taking this opportunity to look at some of the 'burbs and towns that would fit us.

Hello Dallas! My future home??

Finally narrowed down??

2009-12-22T15:58:00.001-05:00

So after flip-flopping back and forth I think that we have decided on some of the upcoming trips for 2010. So in a easy detailed list:

January/February 2010: To be determined.
March 2010: Road trip to Dallas/Ft. Worth. Dallas is Sheldon's hometown.
May 2010: Fly out and spend one day in Las Vegas and get rental and visit Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico.
July 2010: Weekend trip up for discussion.
August/ September 2010: Road trip through Northern USA and visit Glacier National Park.
October-December 2010: To be determined.

Memories

2009-12-21T15:43:00.001-05:00

Today I decided that I wanted to go to Corbin to go to Books-a-Million. I've been looking online for some recipe books and decided to go look around. I ended up getting Just the Two of Us by Betty Crocker. I've learned it's so hard to cook for just two people with tons of leftovers. I can't wait to try some of these new dishes. I also went to Lowe's to exchange some of the white wood blinds for the bedrooms.

Afterwards I decided to go up to mom's grave. Since I was driving right by it, I thought I'd go up and pay some respect since it's been a while. It was cold and snowy and all of the flowers were gone, of course.

It definitely was good today to get out of the house. I drove around Corbin and remembered all of the memories. Went by several of the houses I grew up in and couldn't believe how they look now. It's funny how life can change so much from the past ..to the present.

Bowtie alfredo and PERFECT soup!

2009-12-20T21:08:00.001-05:00

Since I'm getting into cooking more and being more domesticated (I know!!) I thought I'd start trying some new recipes at home. I've been wanting to a recipe for Zuppa Toscana Soup from The Olive Garden. I LOVE this soup so we decided to fix it tonight and WOW. I have to say this is dead on for the actual Olive Garden soup.

Ingredients

1 lb Italian sausage (I like mild sausage)
2 large russet baking potatoes, sliced in half,and then in 1/4 inch slices
1 large onion, chopped
1/2 can oscar meyer bacon bit
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups kale or swiss chard, chopped
2 cans chicken broth
1 quart water
1 cup heavy whipping cream

Directions

Cook sausage in a 300°F oven for approximately 30 minutes.
Drain sausages on paper towels and cut into slices.
Place onions, potatoes, chicken broth, water, garlic in pot, and cook on medium heat until potatoes are done.
Add sausage and bacon.
Salt and pepper to taste.
Simmer for another 10 minutes.
Turn to low heat.
Add kale and cream.
Heat through and serve.

I also decided to fix some chicken (bowtie) alfredo. It was very restaurant-ish, and the cracked black pepper made it spicy!

Cincinnati roadtrip!

2009-12-20T20:26:00.004-05:00

Yesterday we decided to go to Cincinnati so we could take go shopping (IKEA) and a few other places. Have to say we had lots of fun. Was planning on going ice skating at Fountain Square, but it was really crowded. Instead we opted for bowling in Florence. Of course, I won all games.

Getting ready to leave for a day trip to Ohio.

Shopping at IKEA

At Fountain Square in Cincinnati.

Skating at Fountain Square.

Bowling in Florence.

Downtown Cincinnati.

Yay! We're getting snow!

2009-12-18T17:37:00.001-05:00

So we are supposed to get up to 8 inches in the next day. I hope so!!! Although tomorrow we will be driving North. Hopefully the roads will be better up that way.

A few pics I just took:

Outside the front of our condo.

Looking out the back door.

Yay! It's beginning to come down!

Snow is pretty!

It's Beginning to Look Alot Like Christmas

2009-12-17T13:53:00.002-05:00

I'm usually not in the Christmas mood. Maybe it's the fact that growing up I never had the chance to celebrate Christmas. My parents were not the perfect parents, by any means, and due to many things surrounding my environment, holidays were never celebrated. I've always been anti-holiday because I've lost all of my family and it just never really feels right when celebrating with others. I've always appreciated the love I've received around the holidays, but there has always been a black hole there. Yes, there have been a few celebrations of Christmas with ex in-laws that were great. However, I always went home feeling dark on the inside. That still happens, however it's getting better......

So, Christmas 2009 is the beginning of a new tradition. I'm going to celebrate the fact that I'm starting over in life. I've met the most wonderful person who is very special to me. We are both at a point in which we both want the same things out of life and I'm so excited to begin the holiday tradition with him. I finally feel that I'm in the perfect place and I'm very excited about the future. I'm going to begin celebrating the holidays from now on according to the way we like it and the way that we perceive it. Thankfully, we both agree on most things! I have a few pics from several weeks ago of our first tree we put up. Of course we did not want a big tree. We are just starting out and decided to get something very small for now. If you have seen the living room then you know we could've put up a 20ft tree with plenty of room to spare. Instead..we opted for the itty bitty cute 4ft tree!!! PERFECT for us! Here are a few pics that I thought I'd post before I delete from the camera. Ok, off to do some online shopping!

"Our First Christmas" ornament.

Our little tree!!!

His (UofL) and her (Chicago Cubs) ornaments.

Teehee. It's so adorable. Oh..this is before we put additional ornaments on it.

"Merry Christmas, Christian!"

2009-12-14T15:21:00.001-05:00

I have to say that yesterday was a great day. Upon leaving Louisville Sheldon and I went to Oxmoor Mall shopping and I was so happy that they had the Angel Tree there. The Angel Tree is where you pick up a name for a boy or girl and get the less priviledged items on their wish list. I usually do this every year and completely go overboard. However, since I moved from Lexington back to small town U.S.A. I've not checked into anything here. In fact, I've not seen anything here but Salvation Army stuff. Anywho, Sheldon and I grabbed the bag for Christian. Christian is an 8 year old boy that we sponosored from the Angel Tree for this Christmas. I picked out the clothes and Sheldon picked out the toy for him. I have to say that it really made my day and made me feel so good to help out someone who needs it.

Seriously....

2009-12-11T15:07:00.001-05:00

...they need to be stopped! Who? I'm talking about the Duggar's . Yes, the couple that now has 19 kids! Looks like Michelle Duggar just had her 19th child via an emergency c-section. With over three months early maybe this is a sign that she needs to STOP! I mean I understand the fact of having a family. I guess my opinion is that each child needs to have the same amount of love, guidance, and support equal to their sibilings. I do not see how that can happen when there are 19 kids running around. How do you make time for each and every one of them? Is it fair that the Duggar's have the kids to take care of one another? What about home schooling them (which is fine), but not allowing them to interact with kids outside of their church?

If the family loves kids so much and claim they are such a gift from God then why not just adopt so many of the poor, homeless, unloved kids that are out there today just praying for a family to love them? Unless they are stopped (um hello hysterectomy!!) then Michelle is going to be pregnant again before little Josie gets out of NICU!

Bummed!

2009-12-11T12:28:00.001-05:00

I have to say that I'm feeling a little down today. Everything in life is excellent except for one little bitty thing. I CAN'T FIND A PART TIME JOB TO SAVE MY LIFE! I need a part time job b/c of school being full time in January. I expected to have a few problems in finding this in London, Kentucky of all places, but seriously...I've been unemployed for almost three months and nothing has presented itself to me except full time positions. Of course every job I apply for that is part time, well, I'm simply overqualified for. Hell, even the full time ones around this area..I seem to be overqualified for. Once they look at my previous experience and salary it's simply no use. Now what?

Happy Hump Day!

2009-12-09T15:02:00.000-05:00

Geez. It's seriously windy today here! I mean insane!! Sitting here looking at travel websites and books trying to get an idea of what we are exactly doing for our May/June vacation. While we have decided to go West, there are just so many things that we want to see....so many of the National Parks. However, knowing that we are going in late May, many of the roads in the higher elevations may not be open. We are deciding if we want to drive out from Kentucky or fly into a Frontier Airline destination such as Denver, Salt Lake City, or Vegas and then rent a car. Is is so much more expensive to rent a car in Denver rather than Vegas or SLC. I think that Sheldon and I will talk it over and figure something out within the next few weeks so we can go ahead and book what we need to.

Sheldon and I often wonder how we can get jobs as travel reporters through The Travel Channel. I mean seriously, I could even do the reporting and he can do lots of IT stuff on-site. How hard would that be??? I really need a travel blog so I can put up a donation link for us and everyone in America who can't travel can donate a buck and we can travel for everyone! Sounds like the perfect solution to me:) I mean we already go somewhere every weekend...road trip, parks, museums..it's always somewhere and something!

So, upcoming stuff in our household?

December 11, 12, 13th we will be in Louisville as Sheldon has drills that weekend. I'm thinking of staying in the hotel with Zoey all of Saturday (since it will be cold) and wait for him to get back to the room. I think Saturday night that we are going out with April and Dave at 4th Street to grab a bite. If not there, then maybe up the street at the Old Spaghetti Factory. I think after dinner they are going out to a piano bar while we will make our way back to the hotel or get into some mischief somewhere. However, it will definitely have to be an early night for us.
December 19th we are going to Cincinnati for a daily getaway. I plan to take Sheldon a few places while we take some pictures. We plan on going to my favorite coffeehouse to get a cappuccino, which is a great start to the day. While I lived in Lexington, I hit up this coffeehouse almost weekly as I was in the area quite a bit. I truly miss it! There is just something nostalgic about it. The rest of the day is planned out with trips to parks, overlooks, ice skating in the outdoor rink, and dinner in Newport.
CHRISTMAS! As for Christmas looks like we will be taking that weekend and stay at home celebrating and just relaxing. HOWEVER, on December 27, 28, 29, and 30th we will be in the mountains in Asheville, NC. We will be just relaxing alot and also going up to the ski resort.
As for New Year's Eve...I think we may just stay at home and watch the shiny ball drop!

Since I'm multitasking I guess I better get back to doing all of the household domesticated stuff.

Another One Bites the Dust

2009-12-05T11:20:00.000-05:00

So I'm sitting here on a Saturday morning determined to crawl back into bed and sleep with Zoey. I'm very, very tired. We got our first dusting of snow this morning and I can't wait for a much bigger snow. I'm ready to roll around in it and play!

In other news, yesterday was my divorce hearing in the judge's chambers in Lexington. We got to Lexington right on time at 9am and the whole process took about fifteen minutes. So going back to where it all began, I'm a "Mills" again. I hate changing my name. It is so time consuming.

Ahh...Ok..off to bed.

It's Thursday!

2009-12-03T14:38:00.000-05:00

Another week almost gone as I get into the weekend and may try and look for something to do Friday night and Saturday. I think I'm in need to get out of the house. Sitting here all day gets old. I was offered a full time job, but knowing school starts next month and I'm full with classes I knew that I would be in over my head if I proceeded with it. I've decided that I just want a part time job so I can focus more on classes and hurry up and knock my degree out of the way! Funny how there are no part time jobs in this semi-podunk town.

Tomorrow is my court date in Lexington. Should be "D" day. "D" as in divorce. Here, I'm basically been separated over a year and I'm so ready to end this marriage. I think it's the one thing that is halting my current life and just to get this over with will be such a great emotional release. I look back and yes, it's sad to lose another part of my life, however it was definitely a good decision I made. I've always done for everyone else and pretended to be happy and content. I now need to focus on me and I need to be happy for a change. I'm the type of person who thinks of everyone else and in return I just put my wants and needs to the side. I just ask myself "When will I be taken care of?" I've never had the opportunity for someone to help me. Not that I would ever ask for it, but it would be nice to have someone there who helps me and would like to see me succeed in life at many different things. As of right now I have a person that does all of that and more. This is the one time in my life that I'm content and very much in love with such a wonderful, caring person. I'm very lucky.

Thanksgiving was good. Sheldon and I went to his hometown and I got to meet his family and Birdie. They all got to meet my Zoey. Overall, it was a great trip. I didn't eat too much which is great, plus on a good note I've lost about 5-6 pounds. For Christmas we are going to Asheville, NC and staying for three nights. Will be lots of fun going to the Biltmore, tubing, hiking, and going into the mountains. I adore the mountains. Just a great feeling of peace that comes over me. Plus, it's awesome that we both are into traveling and photography so we have lots of fun together. It's just great knowing that anything will go b/c we share alot of the same interests. Speaking of traveling, Sheldon has to take two weeks of vacay before June so we have decided to do a two week vacation to the Western US. We are wanting to hit Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, Yellowstone National Park, Glacier National Park, etc. Probably end up in Los Angeles and fly back. A mini cross country road trip. I'm looking up stuff and everything will be booked by mid-March. Yay!!!

Zoey needs to go out. 'Til next time!

Chicago: Part 2

2009-12-03T13:31:00.003-05:00

Our Saturday and Sunday in Chicago was a bit more relaxing. Sheldon woke up on Saturday morning sick. He was coughing up a lung and had flu like symptoms. We eventually got up and left the hotel around 11am and headed over to Chinatown. There we ate lunch and walked around for a bit. Lunch was freakin' HUGE!!!! It was enough to feed an army..and supercheap at that! After that we took the train up to the next stop and visited the Shedd Aquarium. I have to say. I was pretty disappointed with this. Luckily Sheldon didn't have to pay the $30 admission as he got in free with his military i.d. The only exciting thing that I saw was the Beluga whales. I have to say the Newport Aquarium near Cincinnati is so much better. You couldn't even see the penguins at the Shedd because they are holding them in captivity in the dark. Boo. I love penguins. Next, we went to Michigan Avenue trying to get a train stop back to the hotel. At this point we were very tired from walking all day and his sickness made for a tiresome night. We got stuck in the Light Festival. This is where they begin decorating for Christmas. It was a madhouse that I will never want to experience. We were just trying to get through the crowd and I got angry when some 20 year old with like three kids decided to uproot her stroller (with child in it) over my feet hitting my leg and I was like "excuse me". Well Miss Thang decided to give me the "Oh no you didn't" look. I could hear her going off on me like four stores back. I guess that you can't teach manners to just anyone. We finally got out of the 800,000 plus crowd (per WGN) and headed back to the hotel and ordered take-out.

Sunday was the day to get on the road and head back to Kentucky. We made it up North to Schaumburg, IL and went shopping (Didn't find the Cubs jacket I wanted) so we decided just to eat and get on the road. We ate at this AWESOME place, Portillo's. I'm just saying OMFG!!!! They had the BEST. EVER. crinkle cut fries! WOW! Hands down..I LOVE THIS PLACE. I really think Sheldon and I should open up a franchise in Kentucky!!!! Definitely recommend it!! We finally got to Kentucky around 1am after we made all sorts of stops along the way. Luckily, I had the video of Sheldon singing and dancing in the car to "Low" to help occupy me. All I can say is..Thank God that we will never see the people in the next car ever again!!!

A few photos from our Saturday in Chicago:

Chinatown.

Waiting for the train.

Chicago.

Lake Michigan.

Posing.

Piggyback ride. Piggyback ride. Teehee!!

I think the froggy is stuck.

Waiting for the train.

Chicago background.

Chicago: Part 1

2009-12-03T12:45:00.002-05:00

I've been super busy lately. I ran across some notes and thought that I need to go ahead and make a post about our Chicago trip a few weeks ago. Yep, I'm behind. I also need to blog about some other things so I'll try to make some of this short and sweet.

Thursday 11/19/09

Sheldon and I got up and left Nashville around 11am ready to make the 7 hour drive up to Chicago. We got to Chicago around 9pm and checked into our hotel. This is the second time that I stayed at the Aloft and I like it because it's cheap and very modern. Somewhat like the Hotel Indigo's that are located in major cities. That night we were gonna head downtown, but we were exhausted so we just stayed in and chilled.

Friday 11/20/09

We woke up around 8am and got ready to proceed to downtown Chicago. We walked over to the "EL" and took the train into town. We first went to the Willis (formerly Sears) tower and got amazing views of the city and Lake Michigan. We also went out on the new ledge that they built. After that we walked around downtown Chicago and went to Millennium Park and walked along the shores of Lake Michigan and the Chicago Yacht Club. It was COLD, however I did have a very hot dude to cuddle up to:) We made it along to Navy Pier and rode the well known ferris wheel. Later that evening, upon dusk, we went to the Hancock Tower to get nighttime views of the city. I have to say..this was so lovely! The cold weather really set the mood for cuddling and having a hot cocoa or latte. We got the warm up drinks on top of the Hancock at this little cafe overlooking the city. LOVED IT!!! After this we went to Wrigleyville to get some of the sights and headed back on the train to the hotel. Here are some photos from our Friday in Chicago:

From the Sears Tower.

On the Sears Ledge. I took a pic of this pic with my BlackBerry.

Looking down!!

The "bean" at Millennium Park.

View from the Hancock Building at night. (Courtesy of Sheldon)

Lavazza Cafe..top of Hancock Building.

Sheldon in front of Trump Tower and Chicago River.

In front of the Chicago River.

Christmas tree at Hancock Building.

Nashville 11/19/2009

2009-11-25T17:01:00.002-05:00

Here is a recap of what we did in Nashville on Wednesday 11/18/2009. I'm in a hurry and lazy today so this will be in bullet form!

Arrived in Nashville around Noon and made our way to the COuntry Music Hall of Fame. Here we also done the tour at the Legendary RCA STudio B. After this we walked around Broadway and Second Avenue and then went to the Parthenon replica. After this we ate supper at Olive Garden and checked into the hotel.
We then got ready and headed downtown for the main reason...SPRINGSTEEN ON TOUR!!!! We got to the Sommet Center and it was super crowded. The show itself was amazing!! Here, Bruce is 60 and crowdsurfed!!!!! I wish I was down there for that!! I have to admit I've been to MANY concerts. This was probably the most amazing I've been to.
After the show we hung out downtown at The Second Fiddle and Coyote Ugly. Back to hotel to get some zzz's before the drive to Chicago the next day.

Here are some photos of our Nashville trip. To see more go to our photosite here!

Goofing off before we hit the road to Chi-town!

Country Music Hall of Fame.

Sheldon and Natalie.

Random shot at Studio B.

Goofing off as usual!

SHeldon looking good!

Getting ready to go see SPringsteen!!

Beyond Exhaustion!

2009-11-25T16:28:00.001-05:00

I'm truly beyond exhaustion! There is no doubt about that. The Nashville and Chicago trips were great, just very much packed with so many things that getting back home wore us out. We are still wore out. I recently uploaded pictures and such and will try to post a few on here. I've still not uploaded the photos to Shutterfly, however they are on my Facebook. Hopefully by Monday I will have the Chicago pics uploaded and can share them with everyone.

Monday I start a new job (full time). I wanted a part time job since I'll be going to school full time in January but right now I'll take what I can get. Plus I need to get out of the house. It will be weird working on Saturday's but it will be ok and I can get through it. Only thing I will miss is being at home with Sheldon.

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving!! Happy Gobble Gobble day! We will be leaving and taking Zoey to head up to Radcliff (Ft. Knox area) to see Sheldon's family. That should be fun. First time I will be meeting his parents and his sister. Hmm...a little nervous! Only because I'm naturally shy and quiet.

Think I'll go and try to upload some pictures and begin writing a little about the Nashville and Chicago trips.

Update: New Photography Site....

2009-11-16T16:03:00.001-05:00

Just wanted to let everyone know that we have a new photography site to store and share all of our photos. Click on the link HERE! The site is password protected as I don't want just everyone seeing the photos. For the password email me at natnicmills@gmail.com ......

Photography, Shopping, and More Photography!

2009-11-16T14:36:00.001-05:00

Today is Monday and I'm very tired. No clue why. Think it's because I just ate lunch and I now need a quick nap. I may end up taking one here shortly. Then again probably not. I really can't sleep during the day.

This weekend was a great weekend overall, minus some of my moodiness! I think I've just been certain feeling inside that has nothing to do with anyone in particular...just me. I get in these quiet spells sometimes just thinking and staring off into space. After a few minutes I usually come back down to Earth. I've experienced some of that today, but it does go away for a while. Think I just need reassured about things going on in my life and I'll be okay.

The weather this weekend was absolutely beautiful! We are talking sunny and bright, temperature around 70 degrees! Not the average November weather. Sheldon and I decided to get out and make the most of it. Saturday morning we left for Danville to meet up with April and to attend the photography workshop at Aperture Studios. The focus was on Portraits in the Studio. It was pretty interesting and informative, however I'm not a "people" shooting person when I take pics. Yes, I love to take lots of random tidbit pics of Sheldon and I or whomever I'm hanging out with, just for email and Facebook mostly. However, when it comes to shooting with the DSLR I prefer to shoot scenic, landscape, and architectural photos. That is simply where my creative eye is. Absolutely love it and it is my niche. We left around 1pm or so and drove on into Lexington where we did some shopping and where we went to church. I've attended Quest several times before I moved back to London and I really like it. It's a church where you "come as you are" and it feels good to know that no one forces their beliefs on you. This is the first time Sheldon and I have attended church together and it felt good. I really enjoyed it. Here in London it will be hard to find that type of non-denomination church that can compare to Quest. However until we do I think we will watch the sermons online and when we are in the area definitely attended the services. Later that night we ate Indian food at Tandoor in Andover and then headed home.

We woke up on Sunday and cleaned around the house and got some of the mess thrown away. Trust me there is still a lot to do!!! It will come in time! We decided to go to Cumberland Falls (the Niagra of the South) and take some photos before it got dark. Here are some photos from that....

Sheldon taking photos of Cumberland Falls:

A photo of us...

Sheldon before entering the park.

Cumberland Falls

Posing with my new camera bag. I swear the polka dots are enhancing my butt! It's not that big! It's flat!!!!

Posing in front of the Falls. Where did the sunset go?

At the bottom of the Falls.

Smile for the camera!!

Today is flying by for a Monday. Tonight we are going to go eat at Golden Corral since it's Military Appreciation Monday, which seems to be the same as Veteran's Day. Sheldon gets a free meal so that means I don't have to cook tonight:) Pretty good because the fridge is getting pretty bare. Think I'll go grocery shopping once we get back at the end of the week. Just a little over 1.5 more days and we will be on the road to Nashville to see Springsteen (I'M SO EXCITED) and then off to Chicago for a mini-vacation. I'm sure it will be the best getaway since Colorado in August!

Insecurity

2009-11-16T13:52:00.002-05:00

Sometimes you feel
So insecure
Nothing is what it seems
It's all one big blur

Everyone you get close to
Is somehow pushed away
And you start to question
Every single word you say

Everyone is around you
But it feels like your alone
It's a crazy feeling
Unlike any one you have ever known

People try to help out
But there's nothing they can do
It's deeper than that
It's something inside of you

Everyone has their problems
It's just how you work though
Some you need help with
Some you wish you never knew

This poem was written by Matt Banks

Friday Update

2009-11-06T13:10:00.000-05:00

Yay!!! Today is Friday!! Wait. There really isn't much difference in my Monday's and Friday's anymore. I can't say TGIF like I used to when I was waiting for 5pm when I worked at Ashland, Inc. I'm still very happy that I resigned and that I moved away from Lexington. It's given me peace moving back to a small town. Now I know I won't be here forever. I have goals and aspirations. Hopefully my future relocation will be somewhere in Tennessee. Since being back in London I've not really taken full advantage of going job search crazy. Right now I'm looking for a part time job since school starts in January. Plus I do not want to get called into a new job knowing that in less than two weeks I'll need to be off because of trips to Nashville to see The Boss and then to Chicago. The Chicago trip is a 3 night/4 day getaway for Sheldon and myself since we both love to travel. I'm super excited because Nashville and Chicago are two of my favorite places.

I'm excited to start school in January. I'm coming in as a transfer student and will automatically hit my core classes for my major (Computer Programming). Should be exciting and interesting to learn new things. Plus it should be somewhat easy considering the bf is a Computer Programmer! I'm sure he will love to help me out..teehee!!!!

So plans for today are to drop Zoey off at the vet for boarding and then tonight we are going to the movies with Daniel and his wife. Tomorrow morning we have to wake up super early as we have to be in Frankfort at 8am because this is the weekend Sheldon has drill (he's in the Air Force). I'll drop him off then head to Lexington to go shopping. Around 4pm'ish we will check into the hotel and then probably go out for a bit. I know that we need to look at some new laptops for me and we will do that sometime this weekend. We will then be coming back Sunday pm. Next week should be pretty slow, but I will be keeping busy at home cleaning. I know next Saturday April, Sheldon, and myself are attending a session with the photography group and we will be shooting in the studio for about 5 hours. That should be fun..even though I hate photographing people, I'm sure I'll learn lots.

'Til next time!!!!

Shew! I'm tired!

2009-11-02T10:39:00.002-05:00

So here we are..another Monday! After this post I think I'm going to head back to bed. I hear Zoey snoring and it's sounding oh so good.

Looks like I have to go laptop shopping ASAP! Last week mine broke and I called State Farm and they mailed me out a check on Friday to cover it. I'm thinking of getting a Lenovo because I'm on Sheldon's right now and I really love it. It's more of the "office" type and not all fancy and shiny. The keys feel so much better on it! Sheldon has drill this weekend so we may look around Lexington in the evenings to see what I can find. If not, he can just order me one online with the specs.

Friday I went to Lexington to get my hair done and I had to meet Clint for court at 130pm. The Judge could not hear our case as there is some things wrong with it and I spole to the law clerk and come to find out my case may be rejected. This means we will have to hire an attorney to finish our papers. Who knows. Hopefully I will hear from the law clerk today with what I need to do.

Saturday was Halloween and I really didnt feel like going out and doing anything so I mainly sat at home. Sheldon has been in NYC for seven nights and I've been relaxing doing much of nothing. Yesterday I did clean out the upstairs closet and unpacked my clothes. I worked my ass off yesterday!!! Sheldon got home around 7pm and it was so good to have him here. Zoey really missed him.

Now...off I go. I have to register for classes with school, look up information for our Chicago and Nashville trips, and just go back to bed!!!

I hate NYC!

2009-10-27T17:00:00.000-04:00

I'm hating NYC b/c my Sheldie is there and he should be with me:) Ok, I'm over it....kinda. Ok, it's only Tuesday and he's not back until late Sunday:) GRRRRRRR! Love you baby!!!

On the flipside I'm sitting here watching People's Court and Zoey chasing her tail. Wow, my life is just so exciting. How do I deal??????

Hurry Home Sheldie!!!!!

2009-10-26T13:49:00.002-04:00

The past several months have brought me many changes. As most of you know I filed for divorce and my court date is Friday the 30th in Lexington. I moved back to London in order to get away from some of the bad things in the Lexington area. During this time I was dating Sheldon and he offered for me to move in so I would have someone to help me during this time and when school starts in January. I've never been given the opportunity to attend school full time and focus on my future. He offered to give me that opportunity. Sheldon and I have since became exclusive to one another. It feels really good to have someone to come home to me and to get back out there and have fun. It's good to have a best friend who has the same interests in traveling, photography, architecture, etc. In November we are seeing Springsteen in Nashville then heading to Chicago the next day for a getaway. Right now Sheldon is in NYC with two friends and he will not be back until late Sunday. I'm going through some things right now and I'm needing him. I can't wait until he gets back. I'm missing him and I love him!

Saturday I went to Lexington with Debbie for a day of shopping. Spent too much money on Sheldon (because I like too) however he takes care of me and doesn't make me pay expenses so it all works out. My bberry went dead on Saturday so I got the new one today and have to redownload everything. Boo. Ok, now to go take a nap as Zoey is sitting here asleep and it's looking so good. 'Til next time.

Sheldon and myself watching Reno 911 and chilling before he heads off to NYC for a week.

Hanging with Zoey.

Zoey and her step-daddy!

Directions on how to ....

2009-08-26T05:22:00.002-04:00

...kill a cricket at 5:22am.

First notice the huge jumping cricket as dog barks and starts jumping herself.
Find a shoe and stand about 6 feet away.
Try to throw said shoe on cricket hoping to suffocate it.
Realize that I missed the cricket. Get another shoe.
Prepare for backup. Bring out aerosol can of Big Sexy Root Pump for hair.
Remain six feet away and start spraying the bastard.
Boom! One more jump and cricket has croaked.
Pick little bastard up with toilet paper and flush.

Ah. Yep, that's one way to do it!

Another Weekend Gone By.

2009-08-23T19:06:00.005-04:00

It's been a blur of a weekend. I'm sitting here boiling water for pasta and I'm tired. I have a sore throat and have no clue as to why. Friday April came to Lexington to hang out with Bret. Met up with her at the hotel Friday night and then Sheldon arrived. Ok, Sheldon is like one of my bestest friends right now. I can talk to him about anything and we laugh way too much and Saturday was pretty much a waste as I laid in bed all day, with the exception of going to get some Chinese takeout. Today Sheldon and I met up with April to eat lunch at Johnny' Carinos. After that we went to Half Priced Books where I got some reading material and then we went to Goodwill. Needless to say this is a short post. I don't feel like talking or writing right now.

April and I at Johnny Carino's.

I'm Backkkkkkkk!

2009-08-05T13:42:00.003-04:00

As most of you know I've been away from bloggerland for far too long. Mainly due to my divorce from Clint. We have been separated for almost nine months. Wow...has it been that long? I will be keeping this blog private and just wanted to put something here for now. I will re-do my templates and make it all snazzy once I have a few minutes (tomorrow night). So you will be getting emails from me inviting you in. However, if you have a blog please comment and give me your link so I can follow and keep in touch with all of you!

Natalie