Hall of Fame Weekend

Yes, hello.  I am still alive, thank you.  Things have been busy, but what else is new?  Everyone is busy.

I'll just jump right in and tell you about how Southern Illinois University's Athletic Director called me one morning in November to tell me I had been selected to be inducted into the 2015 SIU Hall of Fame Class.

After I stopped sweating and reattached my lower jaw to my face (because it fell on the floor, duh) - I almost asked him if 1) he was sure he called the right person and if 2) he was just sure of this decision in general.

I have to say, that when I answered the phone, my first thought was that the head coach was looking at retirement and the Athletic Director was going to ask me to consider applying for the job.  Why this even crossed my mind (and in what universe they would call me to discuss) is laughable - but that was the "most likely" reason I could come up with.  Ha.

After 100 "thank you's," I composed myself enough to accept the invitation to attend the Hall of Fame induction ceremony and events that would take place on campus in Mid-February.  

Looking back on my softball career at SIU, I suppose it was successful, but at the time, I was more concerned with working hard, winning games, leading my team, and making the most of my senior year.  The Hall of Fame and my career statistics were the farthest thing from my mind.  Now, almost seven years after my final at bat, thoughts of the Hall of Fame and my stats were in another galaxy.

February seemed like forever and ever away, but just like everything else - I blinked and it was time to fly.

Friday night was the reception dinner.  A totally humbling and overwhelming reception dinner.

During the pre-dinner reception, I got to do a couple interviews with a few of the local news outlets, and while those were totally nerve-wracking, they also sort of prepared me for the three to five minute speech I was expected to give during the dinner.  I hadn't prepared a speech, but had kept a classy note in my phone of talking points I wanted to hit.  I speak a lot in front of people for work, so I wasn't too worried about it.  The difference was that when speaking for work - I'm not talking about myself.

I was the third inductee introduced.  The first guy (a seriously impressive football player) was a man of few words, and the second guy (a seriously, seriously impressive basketball player and coach) was a man of many words.  The master of ceremonies introduced me, calling out my achievements, and as I walked up to the podium - my mind totally went blank.

I didn't know where to look and was fidgeting, and desperately trying to keep my voice from shaking.  The first thing I did was thank SIU for the honor, and congratulated the other inductees.  I can't really say for sure what I said after that because I'm pretty sure I blacked out.  Just kidding.  I know I talked about the support from my family, coaches, and teammates, and how my dad drove a serious work ethic into me, but I'm pretty confident I wrapped it up approximately 45 seconds after I opened my mouth.

Needless to say, I felt like a bumbling idiot as I sat my shaky ass back in my seat.  I missed half the talking points I had planned to hit on - most importantly that without SIU and SIU softball, there were people with me that night that wouldn't be there otherwise.  Ryan, Camden, and the baby girl kicking in my belly.  Looking back, maybe it's good that I missed that point because I probably would have lost what little composure remained and started crying.    

After everyone was introduced and gave their speeches, our plaques were unveiled.

And the night was over.  Thank gaaahd.

Saturday, after a delicious lunch at Quatro's, it was time for the men's basketball game against Evansville, where the 2015 Hall of Fame class would be introduced at half time.

The whole experience was humbling, overwhelming, surreal, and a true (true!) honor.  My parents and little sister were able to make the trip and I am so glad they did because while it was my accomplishments that were being celebrated -- I would have not achieved those accomplishments without their guidance, love, and support.  And not only was my family on-hand to support me, but because we were in Southern Illinois, Ryan's family got to be there too.

I was feeling all the loves, for sure.

I'll be back with more on our long-weekend getaway to the effing freezing Midwest.

Take Luck,

LP

2,303

2,303 miles.  That's how far I live from my best friend.

I remember how hard it was to leave family and friends when I left Washington to go to college in Illinois.  When I left Illinois to come back to Washington, I didn't really think how hard it would be to live so far away from the girls that became my family.

Knowing I was going to have a two hour layover in Detroit on my way home from Canada on Friday, I asked Tiff how far she lived from the airport and if it would be at all in the realm of feasible/worth it for her to drive there for a quick visit.  I knew it wasn't super far, but with a busy baby on her hands - I wasn't sure if it was close enough to make an hour visit worth the trip.

Because she's the greatest ever - she didn't even hesitate and responded with something that included, "hell yes," and "OMGGGGGGG!"  I shared her excitement.  The number of extra G's being totally necessary.

I tried not to get my hopes too high, knowing that there was a chance of my flight from Ottawa being delayed and potentially affecting my layover time.  Thankfully, it wasn't an issue and my flight landed almost 30 minutes early.

We met (her mom and Huck in tow), ordered delicious frozen lattes from The Coffee Bean, and began an hour long chit chat that I think both of us needed more than we could have ever realized.  We were hoping there was a Panera at the airport, but that would have been too perfect.

Our visit flew by (as I knew it would), and I was watching the clock so I could go back through security and get to my gate, but we made the most of the time we had.

This little meet up made my day, my week, and my month.  I got hugs, laughs, and kisses on those chubby Huck cheeks.

It's hard to be this far away from Tiff and my other college girlfriends, especially now that we're all starting families.  Getting to see them, even for super small bits of time, fills my heart tank so it can continue until the next visit.

A family trip to visit them in Michigan was already buzzing in my head, but now I really (really, really, really) can't wait for some things around here to get straightened out so we can set some dates.

I already can't wait.

Take Luck,

LP

STL Recap

Seeing as our trip back to St. Louis was over a month ago - I guess it's about time I recap.

I already talked about how well Camden did on the flights, so I'll get right into the trip itself.

We stayed at Ryan's sister's house since their place is already baby proof and has oodles of baby stuff at the ready.  No joke, Liam has more toys than any child I've ever seen.  Cara was bringing out Camden's age-appropriate toys left and right.

I was so excited for us to see Cara, Webb & Liam.  When we got to their house and Cara opened the door, I'm pretty sure (OK, I'm positive) that our excitement freaked Camden out.  He immediately clung to me and started to cry.  Complete with a lip quiver.  There was actually a lot of the clinging and lip quivering during the trip.  I think the little man got a little "over stimulated" at times.

We got lots of quality time with our favorite people.  Liam was a little unsure of his little cousin.  Well, I should say that Liam was OK with Camden (after a short warm-up period), as long as he wasn't playing with his toys or stealing Grandma and/or Mommy's attention.

 One thing I love about going back to the Midwest is that I almost always get to meet up with some girlfriends from college that still live in the area.  This visit was a little more special because I had one little man in tow.  Camden got to meet his Aunt Becky, Alex and his new friend Patrick, and Schmitty.

 We took the trip to attend the wedding of Ryan's cousin Jeremy and (his now wife!), Ashley.

The rehearsal and rehearsal dinner was set for Thursday night.  Cara, the baby boys and I drove down to the banquet hall where the dinner was being held, only to find two things.

1) Camden had a giant poop explosion while wearing his nice outfit.

2) The hall didn't have electricity or air conditioning.

As bad as I felt for Jeremy and Ashley that their special dinner was experiencing a hiccup, I have to be honest and say I felt worse for Cara and myself.  Two small kiddos who are already out of their element, are now hot.  Super.

The guys (my dad included) caught a Cardinal game on Friday while the Texas Rangers were in town.

My FIL, Dad, Jeremy (Groom), Ry, & Father of the Bride

  The wedding was Saturday in a beautiful church in Columbia.  Because the wedding was taking place in the middle of Liam's nap time, Webb stayed home with him, and Cara, Camden, and I ventured out to attend.

Cam w/Great G-pa Bob

I am not joking when I say that four minutes before the ceremony was to start, Camden had yet another giant poop explosion while wearing his other nice outfit.  This child has impeccable timing.

Cara and I literally ran into the bathroom and changed him.  Thankfully, the pants were salvaged from the poop and he spent the rest of the ceremony in a onesie and his cute little slacks.  The poor baby was hot in the stuffy church, but I told him it would be inappropriate to be naked in church.

The ceremony ends and I started hearing whispers that it was "raining" outside.  I wasn't worried, but excited at the idea that a "little rain" might cool things off.

Ba. Ha. Ha. Ha.  Apparently I've been away from the Midwest for too long.

This was me after running to the car with Camden and getting him strapped into his car seat.

Totally and utterly drenched even after Cara ran out and brought the car as close as she could.  I'm pretty sure I gave the other guests a pretty good show as my dress was clinging to my ass.  You're welcome.

Thankfully, we had plenty of time to go back home so I could dry my dress (and myself), and get Camden in some reception-worthy clothes.

This trip was special in a lot of ways, but the most special part was that it was the first time a majority of Ryan's family members were meeting Camden - including his three great grandparents!!

So happy with Great Grandma Midge

Camden w/Great G-ma Carol, Great Grandma Midge, and Great G-pa Bob

The awesomeness doesn't stop there.  I realized that because my parents also came to the wedding, all of Camden's grandparents were in the same place.  Who knows if this will ever happen again.

Grandma Pattie, Grandma Chris, Great G-ma Carol, and Great Grandma Midge

Grandpa Danny, Great G-pa Bob, and Grandpa Danny

I mentioned before that it took Liam some time to warm up to his baby cousin, and understandably so!  The last day of our stay, Cara and I were down on the floor with the boys when Liam looked like he was trying to tell us that he wanted to hold Camden.  I think my heart literally melted from the cuteness.

He held him for about six seconds and by then had had enough.

This trip was nuts.  It was our first time traveling with a small child, our first time trying to keep our routine/schedule away from home and in a different time zone, and we were busy trying to see a lot of people.  Looking back, I'm flooded with memories of the craziness.  But really, it was the best kind of crazy.

Can't wait to go back in November for Becky's wedding.

Take Luck,

LP

Tiffany & Joseph

One of my favorite things about softball (and growing up playing sports in general) is the many, many friendships that I have as a result.

Tiffany and I had played softball with or against each other forever.

She says she didn't like to pitch to me as a hitter.  But I will tell you that I hated (repeat, hated) facing her as a pitcher.  She was something else, folks.

We both had dreams of playing Division 1 softball, and our years of hard work paid off.  I went to SIU and she went on to Florida State.  Oddly (and fortunately) enough, we got to see each other almost every year during softball season.  SIU went down to play in a tournament at FSU twice in those four years, and other times we would just happen to be playing at the same pre-season tournament.

Here we are our freshman year.  Looking real good after the last game of the tournament.

  

Florida State University, 2005

After college we lost touch a bit (Tiffany stayed in Florida and I came back to Washington), but were friends on good old Facebook, so could keep up with each other.

Well, wouldn't you know that in June of 2012, Tiffany posted a little belly bump picture with a note that she was expecting Baby K on December 17th.  At the time, I hadn't shared our pregnancy news on social media yet but was ECSTATIC to see that our due dates were one day apart.  We started e-mailing and texting back and forth and it was so awesome to be able to talk with someone who was going through the exact things you were.  We talked about how we were feeling, baby registries, names... Everything.  Soon, we found out that we would both be expecting boys!  Wee!  Our pregnancies progressed, and due to measuring big, Tiffany and her husband decided to schedule a cesarean for Baby Joseph on December 11th (their anniversary!). 

On December 10th, when I started active labor, I remember (briefly) thinking, "Tiffany is having her c-section tomorrow morning.  Maybe we'll have our babies on the same day!"  And whattya know?  Camden James and Joseph Lenn were both born on December 11th.

******

In March, Tiffany and sweet Joseph flew to Washington to visit Tiffany's parents.  You know we had to get these babies (not to mention the mama's!) together for a little visit.

Here we are. Tiffany is holding Camden and I am holding Joseph.

I'm not sure the boys knew what to think of each other, but I'm confident they will be good friends some day!

 

The visit was so special.  Tiffany's parents were able to join and we all got to catch up.  Just like with our pregnancies, Tiffany and I got to talk about and compare Joseph and Camden's sleeping and eating habits, milestones, stories, and of course - Mamahood.

I am so grateful that we have gotten to go through this experience together.  If nothing else, I have someone who completely understands and sympathizes with how quickly these baby boys (and precious moments) are flying by.

Sending love from Washington to Florida!

Take Luck,

LP

Fill in the Blank Friday

Linking up with Lauren for Fill in the Blank Friday!

I have four (or so) hours to kill at the airport before my flight leaves, and I couldn't think of a better way to kill that time.

[1] The age I will be on my upcoming birthday is 27.  Goo!

[2] The best birthday present ever would be an all expenses paid trip to the Mediterranean.  A girl can dream, right?

[3] My favorite birthday to date was undetermined.  I can't even remember my birthday last year, let alone any others.  I'm sure they were all lovely.  Except my 19th... See below.

[4] Birthday's make me feel awkward.  I do not like being the center of attention and seriously dread being sung, "Happy Birthday."

[5] The worst birthday I ever had was my 19th birthday, my freshman year of college.  It was my first away from my family, still trying to adjust to college and being away from home.  It was just hard.  On the bright side, it was at 19 that I could legally get into the bars in Southern Illinois.  Ha!

[6] When I was born it capped off a 40+ hour labor for my Momma.  Poor, poor Momma.

[7] So far my favorite age has been 26. It's been a very exciting year for us!

Take Luck,

LP

The Best Compliment

The prompt for Day 15, the final day of Sar's 15 Day Challenge is: What's the best compliment you've ever received.

This answer has definitely evolved throughout my life.

Growing up - I always liked and appreciated being told that I was mature.  Today, I enjoy being recognized as someone who is hard working and who catches on fast to processes and concepts at work.

But the best compliment I've ever received was while I was playing softball in college.  Several times throughout my senior year, my teammate Wags' Dad told me, "I have so much fun watching you play."

I never asked why, or for any explanation - but it always made me feel good and was an affirmation that I was playing my hardest and best, and leaving it all out on the field.

Take Luck,

LP

   

15 Fun Facts

Day 1 of Sar's 15 Day Challenge!

Hmmm.  Fifteen fun facts about myself.  This should be interesting.

[1] When I first read this prompt, I immediately thought of the movie "Eurotrip" and the part when Cooper says to Jamie, "Here's a fun fact.  You made out with your sister, man!"  I have a wild tendency to make these sort of connections.  

[2] I like looking up movie trivia on IMBD.

[3] My feet are very ticklish.  This makes pedicures super fun.

[4] I am extremely noise sensitive.  I hate the sound of fingernails being cut/clipped or filed on an Emory board, forks scraping on a plate, and gum chomping/snapping.  Not only that, but once I hear a noise that irritates me - I cannot block it out or get it out of my head.  It just gets louder and louder.  I've considered seeking hypno-therapy for this issue.

[5] I have kept a planner since the 7th grade.

[6] I prefer to sleep with one leg outside of the covers.

[7] My little sister and I love to sing Broadway show tunes.  Once, when we were on the ferry (and apparently in our own little world) we were deep into a number from Mamma Mia when an older gentleman interrupted us and asked if we were auditioning for the play.  Embarrassing.

[8] I spend one hour every Sunday preparing Brock's food for the week.

[9] While playing softball in college - I played every position in the infield at one point or another.

[10] My favorite snack is tortilla chips, sour cream, and salsa.

[11]  I share a birthday with my nephew, Liam.

[12] Only recently did I finally catch the joke in Dumb & Dumber when the cop tells Harry and Lloyd to "pull over" and Harry responds, "No, it's a cardigan - but thanks for asking!"

[13]Sometimes I talk to our dogs like they are people.

[14] Two of my favorite shows are Dexter and Weeds.  Is it wrong that I love two shows that happen to be about a serial killer and drug dealer?

[15] If I could quit my job and become a professional photographer - I totally would.

Did you learn anything new about me that you didn't already know?

Take Luck,

LP

Baby Sister Graduates from UW

It's official.  My baby sister, Rachel is a college graduate.

Last Saturday was the big show.  The University of Washington's 2012 Commencement ceremony was being held at Century Link Stadium since Husky Football Stadium is undergoing renovations.

 

This renovation actually made it more convenient for us because all we had to do was walk-on the ferry, walk off, and hop down a few blocks to Century Link.

The ceremony was long.  And solidified my almost-definite decision to not walk in my Graduate School graduation next May.  UW was honoring all graduates from 2012 - including Doctoral/PhD students, Graduate students, and Undergraduates.

I think the longest part of the ceremony (at least for me) was waiting for the graduates to get to their seats.  Ryan and Spencer may disagree with me, as I think they found the whole thing semi-torturous.  They were promised beer afterwards so they just kept their eyes on the prize.

We were momentarily entertained by a woman sporting some wild (and I mean wild) hair.  Perhaps she was channeling her inner Katy Perry?

Rachel called Spencer when she got seated and was trying desperately to explain to him where she was.  It didn't work, but I got a kick out of listening to him continually asking, "Are you.....?" and describing various landmarks of the stadium.  Then my dear mother was waving proudly to the sea of graduates, making me think she saw Rachel, when really she didn't.

Thankfully, we finally spotted her when she was standing and walking toward the stage.

It's blurry but there she is on far left - waving to her fan club.

I have no idea how this happened but I managed to catch her pretty face on the big screen.  It was there for literally one second, and I just so happened to click my camera button at that particular moment.

We celebrated afterwards with dinner at Ivar's.

We are so proud of her.  Rachel graduated with a double major in Public Health and Medical Anthropology and only a few days after graduation - left on a week long Global Public Health Brigade trip to Honduras.  While there she will be working alongside families in a rural community to improve home infrastructures with the implementation of eco-stoves, latrines, water-storage units, and concrete floors, while also introducing basic public health education in efforts to decrease the contraction of a number of life threatening illnesses.

So, I'd say we have a reason to be proud of our little Rachy.  She's beautiful, smart, fun, talented, and kind.  I could go on and on about her qualities, but I won't.  'Cuz I would probably start to cry a little.

Congratulations, Rachel Marie.  We are all so proud of you and cannot wait to see what the future holds for you.

We love you!

Take Luck,

LP

Fill in the Blank Friday

Filling in some blanks with Lauren

[1] The best surprise ever would be Ryan planning an elaborate trip for us.  It wouldn't even have to be elaborate - even just a day trip would be fabulous.  This would never happen.

[2] Walking down the aisle to Ryan at our wedding is my most favorite memory.  So far.

[3] The hardest but most worthwhile thing I have ever done was moving 2,500 miles away from home/Washington to go to college at Southern Illinois and not knowing a soul.

[4] The best part of my day is right when I get home from work and I get to decide what's on the TV for a few short moments.

[5] Something I like that most people don't is Pauly Shore movies.

[6] Something I am willing to fight for is my marriage and my family.

[7] Something you might not know about me is I have never seen Star Wars.

Take Luck,

LP

Dear Monday

Linking up with Megan for Dear Monday!

Dear Monday, I was awake before the alarm because of my sweet husband.  That and the fact that I couldn't breathe out of my nose.  Let's hope Tuesday is a little different.

Dear Mother's Day at Point No Point, With five adults and five (yes, five) crazy puppies - I don't think the trip and experience was as relaxing as any of us had hoped.  Little Maggie was trying to dig herself to China, Sonny wanted to play in the water (but was intimidated by the kelp), Teddy was/is a monster biatch, Brock is a big frothy beast, and Dexter is just an old fart trying to show off for the ladies.  I will remember it forever.

Dear Work, I am very excited about the opportunities that lie ahead.  Change is good and I am embracing it.

Dear Albert Pujols, You will soon be in Seattle playing the Mariners.  If it begins to rain Monopoly money, all I have to say is - it was Ryan and I had nothing to do with it.

Dear NCAA Softball Selection Show, Just like during my first three years in college (unfortunately, not the fourth year) I tuned in last night to see how the NCAA Tournament bracket would look.  The amazing (and weird) part was that those old and familiar feelings of nervousness and anticipation were very much inside me.  Days like that, I miss the game very much.

Dear Hubs, This Mother's Day was just like the previous three - which meant you said to me, "I thought about getting you a Mothers Day present (from Brock and Sonny)... But I didn't."  You sure know how to make a lady feel special.  It's the thought that counts, right??

Take Luck,

LP

Warren Pierce

Apparently I have an alias: Warren Pierce.

I was returning a call from the doctor's office this morning and when the receptionist asked my name, I said it.  

Lauren Peters.

I expected her to say, "Hold on," or "One moment please," but something different happened entirely.  Either I had a momentary identity crisis and said Warren Pierce, or she heard Warren Pierce because her response was, "Warren Pierce?"

Uh. No?

I cleared my throat and clearly stated "Lor-ren Pee-terrs."

Thankfully, she got it right that time.  How embarrassing.

This isn't the first time I've (apparently) mumbled my name, either.  Every once in awhile (usually if I'm in a hurry and on the phone) I do not enunciate properly and it comes out sounding less than clear - and more like Warren than Lauren.

There was this one time when I said my name face-to-face with a customer service man at a Southern Illinois Mediacom.  Apparently that day I not only sounded like a Warren... But I looked like one too.  The dude was looking at me and still thought I said Warren.

And now, I can't even say Peters correctly?  I don't know what's wrong with me.  It's not like either of these names is phonetically challenging.  Right?  Right.

After this happens and I wonder why, I cannot help but go back to two stories from my childhood as a possible reason for the mumbling mess.

The first is when my parents (or any adult) would ask me my name and our conversation would go something like this:

Adult: What's your name?

Me: Woowen

Adult: Woowen?

Me: Nooo, not Woowen. Wooowen!

The second is that my favorite movie was An American Tale.  The villain in the movie is Warren T. Rat.  My favorite Uncle Dave started calling me Warren T. Rat for reasons that are unknown to me*.

*I've been told I was a tad precocious and slightly obnoxious but I like to think Warren T. Rat was a term of endearment.  But probably not.

Source

So considering all this information... Maybe I'm destined to be stuck with a Warren Pierce alias?

Geesh, I hope not.

Take Luck,

LP

Thursday Thoughts

I've been home sick this whole week, so it came as quite a shock when I realized today is Thursday.  Here are some Thursday Thoughts, hosted by my real life friend, Sar.

[1] Apparently my wish on Monday to have a spring break from work, came true.  I guess I should have been a bit more specific and included a disclosure that said it wouldn't be due to sickness or illness.  Today, my voice has finally returned but my cough is worse than ever.

[2] I tried to go to work yesterday.  As in, I went in.  But they sent my patooty home real quick.  I did not complain, and didn't need to be told twice.

[3] I lounged on the couch yesterday (after being sent home) and watched My Week With Marilyn.  I loved it and would definitely recommend it if you are looking for a movie to watch.

[4] Ryan came home from the gas station today with a Caramello in hand.  I hadn't had one since college, and it was incredibly delicious.

[5] I love Pauly Shore.  Not so much BioDome, but I could definitely watch Encino Man, Son In Law, and In the Army Now anytime.

Take Luck,

LP

Fill in the Blank Friday

Friday, here at last!  Time to fill in some blanks with Lauren!

[1] I started my blog because I enjoy writing, and it allows me to look back on our life and experience stories all over again.

[2] One thing I love seeing on other blogs is honesty in stories.  Life isn't always clean, pretty, and fields of daisies.  I like to read stories that are real.

[3] Something I love about blogging is being able to be me, say what I think and feel (no matter how drenched in sarcasm), and just put it all out there.  I also love that I can share stories about my funny Hubby that can be used for blackmail someday.

[4] A favorite blog post of mine is probably Hopeful from Sar's 15 day challenge, stuff my three-year old niece says , a look back at 2011, that time a bird flew into our house, and stuff my dad says.

[5] Something my friends in real life know about me what I've never before mentioned on my blog is I moved 2,500 miles away from home to play softball at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.  I know I've said that I went to school and played ball there, but I don't think I explicitly said how far away from home I moved. 

[6] My new favorite blogs to read are  Pregnant Chicken, Tiny Twig Goes Out on a Limb, and Bleubird Vintage.

[7] Some things I tend to avoid doing on my blogs are being overly negative, rambling, and complaining.  Sometimes that doesn't work out so well.

Happy weekend everyone!

Take Luck,

LP

Fill in the Blank Friday

Friday is here at last, here at last!!

Linking up with new mom, Lauren for Fill in the Blank Friday.

[1] My favorite place I've ever traveled to is St. Lucia.

[2] Anywhere in Europe is somewhere I would like to go someday.

[3] I pass the time on a plane (or bus, or car ride or train) by reading, listening to music, or sleeping.  I can sleep anywhere.

[4] My three must-haves when I travel are my itinerary, iPod, and Nook.

[5] My favorite travel companion is my Hubby, Ryan.

[6] The craziest thing that ever happened while traveling was when I was trying to fly home one Christmas from college.  My flight home to Seattle kept getting delayed and delayed due to weather, and ultimately cancelled.  I went to the ticket-counter-lady and was emotional/crying (works every time), it struck a Mommy-cord in her so she put me on a different flight.  However, this flight was horrible.  We landed safely in Seattle, but I do not know how.  It was the most turbulent and unbalanced landing ever.  I debated kissing the ground when I stepped in the terminal, but I was still trying to keep from peeing my pants.

[7] The most exotic food I've ever tried while traveling is chicken creole in St. Lucia.

Wishing everyone a great weekend!!

Take Luck,

LP

Dear Monday

Monday, already? Gah.

Here are some Dear Monday letters with Megan!

Dear Monday, Other than my wicked cramps, you weren't so bad.  We'll see how I feel about you once class starts tonight.  Bleh.

Dear Brock & Sonny, Watching you play with each other (like you are right now) makes me giggle and warms my heart.

Dear Friends, I got several random texts from you today and with each chirp of my phone, I was reminded of how lucky I am have gotten to spend time with you in college, playing the game we love, and growing relationships that are still strong. 

Dear Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close, You were without a doubt one of the strangest books I've ever read.  The story line was really interesting and hooked me, but the way you were written was hard to read, and sometimes hard to follow.  I persevered and conquer you!  I know the movie is going to be a tear. jerker.

Source

Dear Honey Bunches of Oats, I cannot tell you how proud I am of you for how hard you've been working.  You were dead asleep last night at 6:30, and it was precious.

Hope everyone has a fantastic week!

Take Luck,

LP