Thursday, August 7, 2008

Blogger Meetings and the Florida Trip

Here's some overdue business that I've been wanting to take care of...first of all, I'd like to show the sweet gifts Annie from My Life as Annie gave me when we met almost 2 weeks go in OKC. See the little red purse Christmas ornament? How cute is that? And the BELIEVE cross! I love it. Thank you so much, Annie. These are wonderful gifts (and so nicely packaged, too!!). I'll always think of you when I see them (which will be often as I'm hanging the cross in the living room and I generally put up my Christmas tree no later than November 1st. LOL). Remember I told you that I'd gotten to meet Kat from Just a Beach Kat when I went to Florida? Here's a picture of us together down at Dewey Destin's Seafood.
I've got to tell you guys, Kat is every bit as nice in person as she is on her blog. I can't say enough good things about her! She's beautiful, she's sweet natured, she's kind-hearted, she's funny...I felt like a country rube next to her. lol (I even stepped on her toe when we first met - how's that for giving a good first impression??). After having met both Annie and Kat in person, I'm kind of torn about meeting any other bloggers in real life. Don't get me wrong, it was fun and interesting and I thoroughly enjoyed both of them. But I'm going to have to require just a little bit more imperfection in my blogging buddies from here on out, okay? These two are just such all around good people - it was hard not to feel every single one of my social shortcomings after meeting them. (Note to self: You may want to sign up for that refresher course down at the local Charm School if you intend to keep meeting new people. LOL) Anyway, to Annie and Kat - thank you both for taking the time to meet with me. I certainly appreciate that! Oh, and check out the shell that Kat gave me:
It has The Lord's Prayer printed on it. I adore this. I've put it on the shelf in our living room next to the angel Randey brought me back from Italy years ago.
After my lunch with Kat, I visited mine and Randey's grandson's grave site. It's such a peaceful place. This was my first time going alone, though. I was kind of surprised at how poorly I handled this particular visit. I guess it's just easier when I'm with other people. I cleaned the grass off that was growing over the edges of his marker and straightened up the toys we've all left him over these past 2 and 3/4 years. I wish I'd thought to bring some new flowers for the flower pot his mommy had made him. I left him a picture of his sisters, though. They're wearing their super hero costumes - Maddy was dressed as Bat Girl and Kara was dressed as Spidergirl. I barely made it back out on the road when I had to call Randey for a little moral support. I think I'll be sure to have someone with me the next time I go there. I need someone to talk to during the visit. Otherwise, it's just too sad.
Here's a picture of a car we saw on our way to Florida. Randey thought it was cool so he had me take a couple of pictures. (I almost didn't want to do it. Didn't want to give Nick, Kaleb and/or Jacob any ideas!).

And here's a sign from a pest control company down in Florida. I had forgotten about this company, although I did use them once or twice when we lived there. Their slogan always makes me pause. I can't decide if it's creepy or just funny:
Here's a picture of Maddy Moose with Grandpa in front of Cracker Barrel. They love to play checkers together. I swear, Maddy loves Randey best because he truly is a great grandpa to her. I love watching them together.
Here's me holding Randey's brother's newest granddaughter. Little Brooklynn was born the week we were there. She's such a tiny little thing. Weighed in at 6 pounds 4 ounces. I love little newborns. Holding Brooklynn made me crazy thinking about holding Kara. I've missed so much of Kara's life already.
(Hey, but check out my gray hair in the picture. I'm about halfway there to having all my old colored hair grow out. Woo-hoo!)
And here' a picture of THE finest steak in the world. The peppercorn New York Strip steak from McGuire's Irish Pub. My gosh, how I love these steaks. I had two of them. One in Pensacola with my sister, her husband, my niece, her boyfriend and Randey. And then another one in Destin with Susan (my BFF) and her husbandTerry, and Randey. I did so good with them, too. I only ate about a quarter of each one, which was plenty. No morning-after guilt over failed Weight Watchers moments for me! lol Well...I did partake in 2 Raspberry Wheat beers on both nights, which wasn't too smart. But what can I say. I love McGuire's Raspberry Wheat beer. They were worth the guilt!
And finally, here's a picture of my niece, Megen and her boyfriend, Taron. They were sharing a "Wake" from McGuire's. I'm not sure what it has in it, but suffice it to say, it's potent. They both look like they're totally toasted. Which they were. I'm sure they'll thank me for posting this. LOL
Don't forget, the Brenda Photo Challenge, hosted by Sharon @ Funky Fairy Frolics is August 9th. The theme is PLAY! So get your playing photos up and going! I'll be out of town again, but I hope to come check out everyone's pictures Monday, when I return!

11 comments:

  1. Hi Kari,

    I love this new thing on blogger that tells me when everyone writes a new post. Anyway, it looks like you had a fun time and we will meet someday, I hope........It must be so hard to visit Connor's grave but just looking at it shows how much he is loved. That steak looks so good, I've never been there. Glad you had fun.

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  2. It looks like y'all had a good time and that's sure a purdy young lady that Randy's playing checkers with.

    (((hugs)))

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  3. Note to self: Don't get toasted when Kari's around unless you want the whole world to know!!!!!!!

    Love all the pics.

    Thanks for sharing your trip.

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  4. I've met one blogging friend in person and I so enjoyed the experience, I can't wait to do it again:-) How wonderful that you got to meet two of them...I'm sure your social skills are just fine, you're much too hard on yourself. Hmmmm, you really stepped on her toe, though, eh? lol Sounds like something I would do because I get so shy and nervous and end up doing something stupid. lol

    I know how hard it is for you to visit your grandson's grave...I go through the same thing every time I visit my son's grave. It's been 29 years but the hurting and wishing he was alive never ceases.

    Wow, a Batman car...how cool is that? Wonder if the driver was wearing a cape as well??? hehe

    Get your Killingsworth...I think that's hilarious! lol I love how some people think up of such catchy ads!

    Little Brooklynn is so adorable...I can't wait to hold my own grandbaby:-) xoxo

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  5. You stepped on my toe? Really? I didn't even notice since I was so excited to finally meet you! It was so much fun...except the time flew by so fast! Next time....and there will be a next time...we must allow more time. Promise?!

    Hugs!
    Kat

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  6. Now you listen here Missy. Like Kat jjust said, there is NOTHING wrong with you! Nope. You ar beautiful and so special but I am SO envious that you and Kat met! I would have so loved to be there too!!
    You start saving up (like I am!) becasue I am bound and determoned that there will be a NYC Bloggy weekend in 2009. We can shoot for Fall but it HAS to happen.

    But, you can always come to Ohio you know...I will take you antiquin' and, so you will feel better, I will step on your toe! I am a total klutz and fatter than you so you NEVER have to worry about me right??

    I think you are perfect the way you are.

    I am still envious tho'.
    You two met!!!!

    Love,
    Sue

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  7. You can come to Atlanta and step on my toes anytime you want! In fact, I'll probably step on yours - or worse. Graceful I'm not.

    Brooklynn is such a sweet little girl. I love them when they're that age - they can't talk back yet!

    On another subject - I walked 30 minutes last night!

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  8. Look at YOU girlie! You look GREAT! I am so proud of you! Isn't it the best feeling when you can pretty much stay on plan even when you are on vacation? GO Kari!

    I am so glad that you had fun in Florida! I know there were some rough spots, but overall it appears like you really enjoyed yourself.

    How fun, that you got to meet two blogging buddies! And I am SURE that you had them rolling with your awesome sense of humor. I SERIOUSLY doubt you have anything to worry about.

    The Batman car is COOL! My son would absolutely LOVE it. I am not going to show him your pictures though! LOL! Because, like you said about your boys, I don't want to give him any ideas.

    Have lots of fun in Florida again!

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  9. Wonderful post, Kari! I love the photo of you and Kat. I would love to meet you sometime!

    Pat

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  10. For the most part I was sad after reading your post, seeing Conner's grave always does that. Plus Maddy already looks different to me, which makes me sad too. And seeing you hold little Brooklyn, well, it made me sad that we will NEVER have a pic of you and Kara at that age. She's a cute little baby. So now that I have DEPRESSED you... I am glad you had a good visit. You do look like you have lost weight in that pic with Kat. I laughed that you stepped on her toe. Too funny. That steak made me hungry. I never get to go there when I visit :( The pic of Megen and Taron was hilarious. Taron looks like he's so HIGH! LOL I love the batman car. I knew a guy that came in the credit union that had a car similar to that, wonder if it was his redone. He was a crazy dude.

    Before I go, it's funny that you felt upset about going to Conner's site alone. Last time I was there, I kept wishing I was alone. I wanted that time with him without others around. I felt kind of forced to keep it together. Before I left Florida (the 1st time) I went by there by myself and it was such a release for me. But I totally understand how a visit there can do you in. It's hard and probably always will be. Hope to talk to you soon.

    love ya! Jodie

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  11. Kari, Looks like you have been as busy as me. Im very happy you got to spend time with the girls. I can't imagine how hard it is for a baby to be born and you not be able to get to it.
    we don't here from Rian alot ,but so far he seems to be okay.I understand about you and Nick. We have to deal in our own way,but honey I know it isn't good to hold it all in. This time has been hard. I could military support and have a therapist .they set me up in our town for free. She is a great Christian lay and I could have stayed on her ouch for weeks.Between Rian and Kaytlynn I am about a nut case and no one can understand unless they have been in our shoes.
    I see you came by and didn't meet me=( maybe next time. Don't worry about meeting me.. since Rian left I have gained alot of wait and have to make myself get out and face the world.
    Im here if you need a shoulder.
    Love, Brenda

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