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Welcome to Your Thirties

19 Sep

I’ve been a bit MIA since I turned 30. No, I haven’t turned into a hermit crab or decided to buck technology in my new age. Instead, I’ve been actually LIVING life, with little time to write about life. And I’ll take that tradeoff any day!

But I had the most amazing birthday of my entire life. I could get choked up just thinking about it. I have never felt so loved in my life … that people would care about me that much to do so much for me on my birthday blows me away. And I’ll forever look back on my birthday with such fond memories for as long as I live.

So, let’s count down the top 10 highlights of my birthday weekend.

No. 1: Holy F Brad Paisley … PoppaNut took me to the Brad Paisley/Blake Shelton concert, which was completely amazing. Half way through the show, PoppaNut took the concert to a whole new level by handing me backstage passes! Holy cow, I almost peed myself. I don’t know if was the gin and tonics or just pure excitement but I got a massive case of hiccups … and I couldn’t stop screaming! And then I got super emotional, listening to that wonderful country music and knowing how much PoppaNut loved me to do that for me … I shed a few tears over it. And the meet-and-greet was amazing. Brad Paisley actually loved PoppaNut’s Captain Awesome shirt, and who could blame him. It does rock!

No. 2: Jagermeister and Pigtails … Yeah, I’m 30 and I drink Jager and I wear pigtails. Get over it. I happen to like both very much and I’m not stopping just because I turned 30. And I was proud of both when I was tailgating at the concert. Maybe I’ll feel differently at 40, but I would place a bet on that.

No. 3: My Pink Palace … Pulling up to the Hyatt on Clearwater Beach was so exciting! PoppaNut had reserved us a room for the weekend, and I was dying for some lunch by the pool. PoppaNut and I spent our wedding night at the pink hotel. I had dreamt as a child that I lived in a pink house with diamonds, built by my dad. Every time we stay at the pink hotel, PoppaNut tells me it is because he wants all my dreams to come true. I have to say that they have.

No. 4: Surprise Party … I have never been thrown a surprise party in my life, and I couldn’t believe I was seeing all of my friends and family in the cabanas at the Hyatt pool. It was so shocking to me! My Aunt Debbie had made these awesome centerpieces (blue balls!) and there was a beach-themed cake. Old and new friends mingled together. I laughed and smiled so much my cheeks hurt. I’ll never forget that day.

No. 5: Family Photo … My brother hates to take photos! And he reminds me every time he stands next to me for a photo. So, it is a miracle that this photo was taken and actually turned out pretty good. It was nice to have the Tam family all together. It doesn’t happen as often as I would like … and it was very touching!

No. 6: Sunset … Who can resist sunset at the beach? PoppaNut loves to capture the sunset in his photos, and I love watching it too. This one, I spent with Kenzie, looking up and down the beach. PoppaNut got a great photo of it.

No. 7: The Presents … I really made out with all the amazing gifts for my birthday! Thank you all so much. I can’t wait to put every one to use. Here are two gifts that PoppaNut gave me: a tablet and a LV purse! Hell, I’ll turn 30 every year if it is gonna be like this! It was a designer kind of birthday!

No. 8: Pool Time … My actual birthday was spent at the pool, just PoppaNut and I.  I got some great sun, I read my eReader and just relaxed. It didn’t take long until my skin was fried, but we had so much fun. I love that relaxation and cool breeze. I want to go back right now just thinking about it.

No. 9: Island Way … PoppaNut and I got all dressed up and headed to Island Way Grill in our grownup car for dinner. I got sushi, which was amazing! Get the firecracker roll if you every go there. I also got a little dessert for my birthday. It was so yummy!

No. 10: Martini Time … Things start to get a little fuzzy around this highlight, but it is still a highlight to me! Martinis and tequila shots … now that is the way to ring in 30 if you ask me!

And that’s life in a nutshell … grabbing 30 by the balls and never letting go!

MommaNut

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Remembering September 11

9 Sep

Because my birthday is on September 11, 9/11 has a special meaning for me. I have what can be called “a different take” on the events of September 11 just because how that date relates to my life. So, two days before 9/11, I want to pay my respects to those who lost their lives on that day. It was a horrible day in our nation’s history, and there is not a 9/11 that goes by that I don’t think about that day in a different way since the attacks.

When the attacks happened, I was waking up for class in Bloomington, Indiana. My roommate was from New York and she woke me up with her crys. She had had her senior prom in the top of one of the towers. I was working at the IDS (Indiana Daily Student newspaper) at the time, and I had to call Bloomington students affected by the tragedy and get their story. One girl sobbed to me on the phone as she talked about her dad dying in the tower. That was the day I turned 20 years old.

When I turned 21, it was the first anniversary of 9/11 … and not a single person felt like going out. I did get my roommate to go with me for a drink, but the world was lost in the significance of the day. It was that birthday that I decided I wasn’t going to mourn on 9/11. I wouldn’t go to church or cry or watch the news coverage. I was going to enjoy life; I was going to celebrate my birthday every 9/11 going forward with as much energy and excitement as I could. If I didn’t, wouldn’t the terrorists be winning in some way?

And so, that is what I have vowed to do moving forward. And each time I hit a milestone birthday, 9/11 hits a milestone as well. In two days, when I turn 30, 9/11 will be remembering the ten years that have passed since the attacks happened. I’m reflecting on the significance this morning so that I can completely enjoy the day as my birthday when it comes. I know it is a hard day for many people … and it is hard for me as well … but September 11 is going to be my big 3-0 and I’m going to celebrate it to the hills. My hubby has something amazing planned … starting tonight with us heading to a country concert.

I don’t know what else is in store for my birthday, but I know having my hubby by my side will make it amazing in every way.

And that’s life in a nutshell … remembering the past doesn’t mean you can’t REALLY enjoy the present! September 11 has taught me that.

P.S. Let the birthday celebration begin!

MommaNut

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Sanibel Island: Labor Day Weekend

6 Sep

PoppaNut gave me the surprise of a lifetime this weekend. He simply said, “Pack a bag.” And that’s exactly what I did. When we loaded up the new Jeep on Sunday morning, I had no idea where our final destination would be.

We drove down 275 to 75 … and I started thinking we might be headed to my parents’ home. But as we passed exit 170, I knew that wasn’t it.

About three hours after we left our home, we arrived at the Sundial Resort on Sanibel Island. I immediately assume we are checking in and can’t wait to get to the front desk to secure our reservation. But PoppaNut is sorta dragging behind, texting on his phone. I have no idea what is going on and he is acting so strange. What’s going on?

Melissa and Matt

As we wonder around looking for Building K, I still can’t figure out what is going on. Are we meeting people here? Are we lost? And then, PoppaNut swings me around and I see two very familiar faces: Melissa and Matt from Kentucky, my very close friends from college.

My eyes saw them but my brain couldn’t figure out what the heck they were doing in Sanibel. PoppaNut said my face was priceless … I was completely shocked. I ran up to them and gave them great big hugs! Gosh, I can’t even tell you how great it was to see them. And PoppaNut had arranged it all. He saw that Melissa and Matt were coming down to Florida and arranged the meet-up. Did I pick a keeper or what?

Melissa and MommaNut

As this group of four headed down to the beach, my brain was still trying to figure out what had just happened. We sipped all-natural cocktails while we laid in the sun … Melissa and I catching up on every detail of our lives … and something suprises me. No matter how much time passes between the time I see Melissa, we always pick up as if we haven’t missed a beat. We are instantly catching up and laughing and enjoying the sunny day on the beach.

That night, we head to dinner at a beautiful seaside restaurant called Gramma Dot’s. After a quick drink at a nearby bar, we head back to the pool for a dip, more laughter and way too much tequila. Matt, or JT as some people called him, made us smoked-salmon dip and caprese salad … the most gourmet drunk food I have ever had. And we did tequila shoots with hot sauce and orange slices (it will change your life).

MommaNut and PoppaNut

When it was time to say goodbye, I couldn’t help but cry. I had the best time in the world, and it was amazing to see Matt and Melissa again. And it was so sweet of PoppaNut to arrange this special surprise for me. He said, “I wanted you to be able to see your friends … you never get to see them and I know you miss them.” I could cry again just thinking about it.

And that’s life in a nutshell … getting to see your old friends again can make you feel brand new again. Thank you, hubby! I love you so much.

MommaNut

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Birthday Wishes

19 Aug

Today, three very important people are celebrating their birthdays, and I want to take a moment to appreciate each of them.

My Grandpa Densmore is celebrating his birthday at the Dainty Maid Bake Shop in South Bend, Indiana right now. He is picking up his cake, heading out to lunch and then dinner with my grandma. If you have every had anything from this bake shop, you know how insanely good it is! I hope you have a great fishing trip and a wonderful birthday, Grandpa.

Grandpa Densmore, Grandma Densmore, MommaNut and Poppanut

Next, my niece Jordan is celebrating her birthday. She doesn’t live nearby, but PoppaNut and I will be thinking about her today and wishing her the most special birthday ever. We had a great time when Jordan came to visit us and we all headed out on an Orlando-family vacation. Jordan was also so sweet to Peanut and Cashew and I can tell they miss her! Happy birthday, Jordan. We love you!

Kayla, Christopher and Jordan

Last, but not least, I’m thinking of my Grandma Tam today. She passed away while I was in middle school, but I think about her often. Today would have been her birthday. I like to think I got my writing skills from her, as she also published a book (even though it was on sewing quilts and I haven’t touched a sewing machine in my life). I wish she was still here with us and I hope she knows how much I love her. Happy birthday, Grandma. I hope I made you proud.

And that’s life in a nutshell … remembering your family and friends on their birthdays is a wonderful way to show them how much you care.

MommaNut

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My Way Fitness 24/7

16 Aug

PoppaNut is officially a gym owner! That’s right … PoppaNut took over Anytime Fitness and started a new gym called My Way Fitness 24/7, and I can’t tell you how proud I am of him.

When PoppaNut and I first started dating, he talked about owning his own gym. It had always been a dream of his, and it’s amazing watching that dream come true!

Our friend, Brad, designed the logo, a big group of us spent a Saturday painting and it officially opened as My Way Fitness on August 12, 2011.

I’ve started designing the website … it still needs some work but you can see it at www.mywayfitness24-7.com. If you have a testimonial you would like me to add to the website, just shoot me a comment and I’ll send you my email address. Here are some photos so you can see what the new gym looks like!

And that’s life in a nutshell … seeing your best friend get everything in life he always wanted is unforgettable!

MommaNut

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Happy Birthday, Miss Madison

5 Aug

Last weekend, PoppaNut and I headed to New Port Richey for Miss Madison’s first birthday! Wow, how the time flies. It seems like just yesterday that PoppaNut and I were living with Miss Madison’s Mom and Dad (Ashley and Randy), who were not parents at the time.

Ashley and I had moved in together when she relocated from Indiana. We had a two-bedroom place in Tampa, and we had no idea how much our lives were about to change in one year. PoppaNut proposed to me in the living room of that very apartment, and Ashley and Randy started dating while we were there as well.

I used to laugh and say apartment changed everyone’s lives. You either got married, found out you were preggos or broke up. Yes, there were several breakups that happened in that apartment, with Ashley and I listening from the balcony as a few couples we know fought in the parking lot. It was quite a time! Luckily, Ashley and I had better luck with me getting engaged and Ashley starting a family with Randy with the arrival of Miss Madison.

So, celebrating Madison’s first birthday makes me celebrate how far I’ve come in my own life as well since Madison came along. It was so great to get everyone together, and see Madison enjoy her very first slice of cake.

It was also good to see Uncle Greg, Aunt Debbie, Bryan, Ashley, Randy and my brother Davie. I hope you enjoy the photos I took while we were there too. We love you, Miss Madison!

 

And that’s life in a nutshell … celebrating a milestone as a family is the perfect way to spend a Sunday.

MommaNut

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Godparents

2 Aug

PoppaNut and I had our good friends, Brooke and Brad, over on Friday night. They are expecting their first baby, a little girl named Lily, in November. In fact, I went to Brooke’s baby shower the weekend before.

Brad, Brooke, MommaNut, PoppaNut (The Night We Got Engaged)

It’s been so fun watching them get their home ready for little Lily. The spare bedroom that used to hold Brooke’s extensive Beetles collection is now outfitted with pink and green decor. With the room ready, we are just waiting for Lily to arrive.

PoppaNut was actually very good friends with Brooke and Brad before I ever came along. When I first met them, they couldn’t have been nicer. They welcomed me with open arms, and we have all been close since. And now we will be even closer now that Lily has asked PoppaNut and I to be her godparents! When Brooke and Brad came over, they gave us this note … and it made me cry like a little baby!

No one has ever asked me to be a godparent, so I was so touched by this note. I’m even more excited to meet the next Cole family member now.

And that’s life in a nutshell … friends really can turn into your family after all.

MommaNut

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Wine for Dinner

29 Jul

So, I recently posed a question on Facebook: Is it wrong to have wine for dinner? And you wouldn’t believe how many responses I got! It was so hysterical that I had to write about it to you.

First, I don’t think there is anything wrong with a glass or two of wine during the week. I work hard, and I like to come home and relax. So, last night, that is just what PoppaNut and I did. We opened up a beautiful bottle of red, sat on the couch and talked about our days. What a nice way to end the week!

And it seemed like my friends and family agreed! Here are the responses I received:

  • Lisa Hoyt, who I used to work with at Tampa Bay Illustrated, said: Never, darling! Have an extra glass for me!
  • Jack, my brother-in-law, said: Sometimes a liquid dinner is a necessity. Enjoy!
  • Ashley McDonald, or Ashley Byszewski as my family knows her (who is expecting her first baby soon!), said: Absolutely not! Have an extra one for me please!
  • Kelly Meyer, a good friend (I used to work with her mom at the magazine too), said: Grapes are a food!
  • My dear aunt Sherry said: No, go for it …
  • My good friend Jen Whalen from IU said: I consider it your fruit intake for the day
  • Susan Barnes, a writer in the Tampa Bay area that I have met a few times, said: Uh, no …
  • And my aunt Deb, another fun Irish woman who married into the Orlando family, said: For dinner or with your dinner?? Lol, have some pretzels with it at least!

So, that either tell me wine for dinner is just fine … or all my friends and family are nuts!

And that’s life in a nutshell … follow your own rules and have fun, with or without a glass of wine!

MommaNut

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Flower Power

22 Jul

I don’t care what anyone says. Flowers have power! They have the power to say “I’m sorry,” “I’m thinking of you” and “I love you.” But my favorite flowers … and the ones I think have the most power … are the “just because” flowers. Those flowers instantly light up my day.

And it just so happens that I got those “Just Because” flowers today from PoppaNut. Delivered to my work, the flowers arrived just after lunch. I got a note to come to the front desk for a package. Well, I had ordered something off eBay (more to come on that later), and I thought it was that. What a beautiful surprise to see these flowers waiting for me instead … with the most beautiful note in the whole world.

PoppaNut has always sent me flowers for no reason at all (This is where I insert my biggest thanks in the whole world to PoppaNut’s mom and sisters for raising the most wonderful man in the whole world!). It’s the sweetest thing in the whole world, and I know he doesn’t do it to be recognized or anything like that. He does it just to make me smile, to remind me that after nearly three years together, he still loves me more than anything in the world. And what could be better than that. I can’t think of a single thing.

And that’s life in a nutshell … remind the one you love that you love them and why! I love you, PoppaNut.

MommaNut

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American “Doggy” Idol

22 Jul

I’m a huge country-music fan. And no, it is not just about your dog dying, losing your job and what not. There are some really great songs if you guys would give it a chance. I think I may have even converted PoppaNut into a country lover, thanks to Zac Brown Band and their amazing song, “Toes.”

I’ve listened to country music all my life. I remember sitting under the dining-room table as a child, listening to my parents playing Euchre with the sweet sounds of Randy Travis and John Prime in the background. So, you can only imagine my excitement when I learned I could pass on my love of country music to my two nuts: Peanut and Cashew.

Yes, you heard right! The Loews Hotel in Nashville allows you to have your pup cut a CD in a professional recording session. Could Peanut be the next Dolly “Paw” Parton and Cashew the next Darius “Ruff” Rucker. We could have two furry stars on our hands, and we don’t even know it yet.

The hotel offers a limo shuttle (of course the dogs have to arrive to the studio in style to show the other dogs how they roll). Once situated in the studio, your pup will work with a voice coach, and howl along with a musician or bark to their favorite karaoke tune. I wonder what selections they have: “Who Let the Dogs Out” or another song by BowWow? With it being in Nashville, I have to hope some country makes the list.

I’m seeing an American “Doggy” Idol coming on …

And that’s life in a nutshell … you learn about something new every day, and most of the time, it gives me a giggle. This one certainly did.

MommaNut

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