OMG I can't get over how long it has been since my last post on December 1 and how much has happened. Quick run-down. Christmas! Christmas was awesome and I was spoiled rotten! I had to work at Pier 1 on Christmas Eve and the day after but I was actually looking forward to that. Since Judd and I started dating we have been struggling college students to paycheck to paycheck just out of college financial status. We haven't been able to do a nice Christmas for one another so this year, with good paying jobs, we made it our mission to have a kick butt Christmas for everyone! We got awesome gifts for all our nieces and nephews, great gifts for my parents, and great gifts for each other. He totally did an awesome job on my gifts too which made me over the moon happy! Here's what I got: 2 track suits from Victoria Secret, a gift card to VS, an electric wine bottle opener, a family sized George Foreman grill, a gorgeous red Kate Spade purse, a custom made hula hoop, and little things. He did amazing! I got him a Playstation 3 with the Move, a certificate to go to get his concealed weapons permit, a blu-ray movie, socks, shirts, a funny cheeseburger salt and pepper shaker, and candy. We both were so happy and had a wonderful day opening presents with my parents.
Judd's gift wrapping skills
My purse!
Then I went to my niece and nephews and exchanged presents and watched the last Harry Potter movie in 3D with the family. Then it was back to work and fighting a cold so that I could spend New Years Eve out with my best friend Bebo (Bobby) that's his nickname I gave him in college who was leaving for Army bootcamp on Jan. 3. We went to Macdinton's, an Irish bar in downtown St. Pete. We talked, had some drinks, I kissed my lovely boyfriend Judd when it turned midnight and we all shared a bottle of champagne. It was a great night!
People let me tell you bout my best friend - this is Bebo
Happy New Year!!!
But then it happened. After all the good, there had to be bad. On January 4 at about 9:30a.m. I found out that my grandfather, Dr. Warren B. Nation went to heaven. I was devastated. I had written in a previous post about how I had just gone to see him in Tallahassee. We knew it would happen, just wasn't sure when. I took a couple days off of work and made the trip to Tallahassee where the service would be held. It was beautiful and my dad, who spoke, did a fantastic job. He told family stories, told about things he admired in him, how he was such a wonderful man, and how much he'll be missed. My aunt read a poem she had written and told a story, which made us all smile.
For you, Gaga (what we called him)
This is his obituary. He was a great man. After, my aunt had a fabulous party at her house. It was fully catered with a bartender. When I go out, that's what I want people to do, celebrate. I also got a chance to hang out with my third cousins with whom I am very close. We are an interesting family. We are very large, but extremely close.
Amanda and me
Cindy Clawford, Amanda's cat - she is awesome!
I had to come home and wasn't able to make it to the burial in Winston-Salem, but I heard it too was amazing with full military honors. So like everything in life, you have your ups and you have your downs. I had a great holiday season with family and friends, but I lost a piece of my family. On a new note though we found out today my sister-in-law is having a baby boy so the cycle of life continues. That is why it is so important to Live and Love and that is what I intend to do this new year in 2012! ~ E
