Hickory In The House

Get your run on!

2011-11-03T09:59:00.002-04:00

The OBX Half Marathon is just around the corner. Looking so forward to running this fun race for the first time with MM, Leigh Hodges, and B-rad. Should be a BLAST!!

Oh, and I've got some pimpin' new shoes to run in too... WHOOT!

When did you get so big, baby girl?

2011-09-20T15:09:00.002-04:00

Yep, that's her. The absolute love of our lives. And for real? She's two years old! When did that happen and how in the world did those last two years fly by so quickly?

Sometimes I look at her and I cannot believe that Michael and I are lucky enough to have such a smart, funny, and loving little girl. Most times I look at her and think "How in the HELL have I been successful at motherhood for the last two years???!!"

But we've done it, baby girl! You are two years old and you are wonderful, sweet, kind, so very smart and so much more than we ever dreamed or hoped for.

Happy Birthday, Finley Claire! Mommy and Daddy love you!

Where in the world have they been?

2011-08-09T13:47:00.002-04:00

Bueller? Bueller?

Anyone?? Bueller???

I'm back - and I'm seriously going to start posting again. Just wanted to see if anyone was still reading?

We've got a big birthday celebration coming up this weekend that includes Charleston, SC, Finley at Nana's, and Hootie and The Blowfish.

Stay tuned folks... it's gonna be AMAZING!!!

Tobacco Road Rivalry - Its not just for ballers anymore

2010-03-23T12:11:00.005-04:00

Everyone has heard all the ESPN analysts go on and on regarding the "Tobacco Road Rivalry" between all the triangle area colleges during basketball season. Well, this past weekend gave a whole new meaning to that rivalry...

A few months ago, Michael and I decided we would train for a half marathon together. We've each run one before, we had just never trained or run one together.

I ran one a couple years ago after training with my good friends, Heather and Ashely, and finished with a pretty respectable 2:35 - not bad for my first big distance run, and not bad considering it was the City of Oaks course from hell. After that race, I decided I was done. Done with the training runs EARLY on Saturday mornings, done with the crappy runs when it was either freezing cold or hotter than 40 hells outside, and done with the shin splints and sore feet. DONE I tell you! FINISHED! Checked that goal off the list!

Then along comes Mr. Martin. Who without really even training, ran the OBX half this fall and beat my time by about 5 minutes.

Oh hell to the no! I'm super competitive when it comes to exercising with Michael. I want to run farther than him, run faster than him, and overall just beat the snot out of him. (I think it's the whole girls vs. guys thing)

So we decided to train and run the Tobacco Road Half Marathon. Together. As a couple. And see who would win bragging rights this go round.

DAMMIT - He beat me. By 2 minutes and 58 seconds. So he's all, "Yeah, I beat you by 3 minutes" Oh no, mister, you beat me by 2 minutes and 58 seconds.

So, we'll let him have the win this time, but just know that I'm training harder, running faster, and next time, I've totally got the "W".

And I look way cuter in a foil pashmina (thanks Lis, for styling this shoot)...

Heres the speed racers drinking a well deserved beer after the run. That's Bentley on the right. He beat both the Martins by about 30 minutes - YOU GO BOY!!!

It's Cookie Time!

2010-01-18T09:08:00.003-05:00

Does anyone remember that movie from the late 80's, early 90's "Troop Beverly Hills" where Shelly Long is the girl scout leader to a group of spoiled little Tori Spellings and they are competing to be the best troop there is and they are in the middle of Rodeo Drive pimping girl scout cookies like it's their J-O-B??!! No?? Well, I swear, I think of that movie and the song they were singing everytime I hear that it's girl scout cookie time!!

ANYWAY - It's cookie time, and the girl scout cookie ordering process sure has changed since I was a girl scout. Did anyone else get a hangtag on their door over the weekend to place an order? WHAT? A freaking hangtag? With a contact number to call and place your order? What happened to wearing that sweet little girl scout outfit and walking door to door with that big order form and guilting your neighbors into buying boxes of cookies? DANG, I love me some gs cookies, but I refuse to call a random phone number for some random girl and give her the sale. I'll wait until I'm accosted by the little boogers out in the Harris Teeter parking lot!

This is what Christmas Looks Like!

2010-01-04T13:00:00.005-05:00

Christmas this year was a big flurry of activity!

My 'lil bro married an awesome girl the Tuesday before Christmas in a gorgeous ceremony all befitting of Holiday Wonder. Unfortunately, I didn't take a camera, and I was also on Grandparent patrol making sure that my Grandparents were seated in the right place and not talking at their normal level of sound to disrupt the ceremony, so I have no pics to post as of yet.

Here's one of the happy couple that was taken earlier this year. I'm soooooo excited to have a sister in law!!

We were in Hickory from Monday - Saturday, so we had some time to spend with good friends, some time to spend hanging with Nana and Papaw, and then Mr. Santa Claus paid a visit to Finley and Maggie on Christmas morning!

Even though Baby Fin is not quite 4 months old, I used that whole "First Christmas" motto to death! Big personalized stocking with tons of crap in there that she'll never use.... Loads of toys that she can't play with until she's walking or at a minimum balancing on 2 feet. I even baked Cookies for Santa and penned a note for the guy on behalf of Mags and Fin. (That will be something for the baby keepsake book) Michael thought I was half-cocked when I made him help me drag out all the toys and goodies late Christmas Eve night and set them up for a photo op so Fin can remember what she saw when she woke up her "First Christmas Morning"! Um, yeah, not even 4 months old.

So, without further delay - this is what Christmas looks like!

I think Doodlebug was pleased by the look on her face!
Wow- I can't wait for next year when she really knows whats up and can tear into those presents like theres no tomorrow!

Missing in Action?

2009-12-16T15:01:00.002-05:00

Where have the Martins been? Missing in Action you say?

We're here, but we've been just a tad busy with this new little baby that we brought home a couple of months ago. Miss Finley Claire Martin was born on Friday, Sept. 4th at 5:13 in the afternoon. Weighing in at a whopping 6 lbs and 4oz. (Not bad for arriving a month before her due date!)

All is well at the Martin house. Finley is getting settled in and has finally decided that she's pretty cool with sleeping through most of the night. Maggie loves Finley, and gives her all the doggy sugar she can handle. I can't wait to see the two of them grow up together - I envision lots of disasters throughout the house in the coming years. As for Michael and I, I don't know what we ever did without this precious little bundle. I'm sure whatever it was involved lots more sleeping, and alot less dirty diapers.

So anyway, now that we're in more of a routine, and since I'm being called out for my lack of blogging (thanks, Ms. Clark - I needed that) I promise to devote more time to Hickory in the House. Stay tuned for more adventures and lots of photos. I PROMISE!!!

Yep- We're still cooking that turkey!

2009-08-19T22:33:00.002-04:00

Little Baby Girl is enjoying her place in the spotlight and has pretty much decided that she's cool hanging out in her Momma's big belly for just a little while longer!

All her labwork and monitoring look ab/fab - and if her momma could do the same then we might get an opportunity to head home and try out this bedrest thing from our very own bed!

We're still in limbo - just waiting to get more info and more opinions throughout the week so we can get a game plan in process!

Thanks so much to all of you for your prayers and thoughts and positive energy. Michael and I had no idea how many GREAT friends we were blessed to have.

We're keeping our heads up, and we'll keep you all posted on everyones status via the blog or our daily updates.

Look at it on the bright side, if this little girl comes along early and all is well, she could make an appearance at a College Football Game sooner rather than later! Courtesy of an awesome gift, Baby Girl already has a pirate outfit to wear!!! I'd say she's ready to pull those Pirates through those first tough games!

Bebe today? Maybe they say!!!

2009-08-16T09:05:00.002-04:00

Hey guys,

For those of you following the crazy saga of childbirth, Michael and I are at the hospital. We were admitted on Friday afternoon because I'm showing some high blood pressure, low platelet count, and basic signs and symptoms of pre-eclampsia. Long story short, pre-eclampsia is a "momma" issue, not a baby issue, and the only remedy is to deliver the bambino just a tad early.

We've met with a high risk perinatal doctor, and baby girl is weighing in at just around 5 lbs. so they seem to think she's good to go if we deliver anytime over the next few days. Her heart beat is super super strong, and I've taken two rounds of steroid shots to make sure she's as completely developed as possible - and all the perinatal consults seem to think we're in great shape. We got to see a 4D photo of her, and she's cute as a button and looks just like her daddy!!! Poor child - we're gonna really need to work on that.

Right now, its strict bedrest - ummmm yeah, here at the hospital, which totally rocks, so they can constantly keep an eye on both of us. My b-day was yesterday, so we had a little party here in the Labor & Deivery Suite! Thanks so much Lisa, Stephen and Michael for the sweet b-day party that didn't get to happen! I promise to make it up to all ya'll!

We'll keep you all posted with updates via email and Hickory Holler!
Thanks so much for the prayers and positive energy!

It's ALL THINGS BEBE!!!!

2009-08-05T13:16:00.002-04:00

And I'm not talking Bebe like that store at the mall where I used to be able to fit my former self into some scandalous clothing for a night out on the town!
I'm talking "BEBE" as in "Baby Girl" as in the little one coming our way in just a few short weeks!!!

Things are starting to fall into place - Theres a big crib in what used to be a really cool guest room, there's a cradle in our room that Maggie thinks belongs just to her, there's a pack and play in our living room, and a PIMPED OUT stroller in our dining room!!

We had our first baby shower on Sunday, and in a matter of a couple short hours our house has been overrun by All Things Baby!

I'll post about the shower later this week - I unfortch didn't take my camera, so the picture taking was left up to the Nana to be - so I'll have to show her how to upload them when I'm in Hickory this weekend.

Can't wait to show you all the cool new stuff we got!

Summer TV - Ya'll Watching?

2009-07-13T10:47:00.002-04:00

Oooooh, I'm getting so excited about some summer TV right now. Big Brother Season 11 started last week, and with just two eps so far, it clearly looks like the drama is gonna be STELLAR this season. I love this reality show, because it is full of bobos, and I love the fact that it comes on 3 times a week! (That means I've always got some delicious trash in my DVR que to watch at any given time!)

So far, my faves are the hot guy from Chicago - Jeff. He's in the athlete clique and makes me a little weak in the knees! I also loved that he's not playing into the BS that the Head of Household Jessie is trying to rope him into. (Althought this could come back to bite him in the end)
I also like that little cute girl from Charlotte - Jordan. She's kinda in the background right now, but just seems to be an all around sweet girl that I think I'd be friends with.

We'll see how the season plays out. I may switch my faves up once the true colors start showing.

I'm also totally loving the Bachelorette right now. I had said after the last Bachelor with doofus Jason and his "most shocking reunion show revelation ever" that I was totally DUNZO with this show. But, who can resist watching 25 Hottie McHottersons every week with their shirts off chasing around this one lucky girl and professing their love!??!!

I'm rooting for Ed this season. I loved him from the beginning, was really, really devastated when he left and oh so happy when he returned! I think I'm gonna get a t-shirt and iron on some letters that say "Go Ed!" - I'm sure Michael would love that idea. He thinks both these shows are ridiculous!

Michael Martin for Man of the Year!!!

2009-05-27T15:03:00.002-04:00

A few months ago, Michael was approached by the Eastern NC Chapter of the Leukemia Lymphoma Society to take part in a fundraising competition for area business people. Each year, the LLS selects 6 men and 6 women to run for MAN/WOMAN of the YEAR. The idea is that these candidates will use their contacts in business and social outlets to raise funds for research and help for children fighting this horrible disease each day! Michael is running on behalf of a little girl name Haidyn Rhinehardt. Haidyn is 6 years old and just finished her last round of treatment last month!

Michael is working hard to make a difference by raising funds for this great foundation! If you are interested in "voting" for Michael by making a donation, please click on the link below and help raise vital funds for this great cause! Voting ends on Tuesday, June 2nd - so QUICK - VOTE for MICHAEL!!!

Help us save lives by casting your "vote" for Michael Martin as The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's 2009 Man of the Year by visiting www.lls.org/ncemwoy.

Thank you so much!

It's Fo Real, Ya'll - There's a Baby Martin on the Way!

2009-04-06T16:14:00.002-04:00

For those of you who haven't already heard our good news....(You must be living under a rock if you haven't - because I believe my mother and father took out full page ads in the News and Observer, The Hickory Daily Record, the Charlotte Observer, and are negotiating a small spread in People) Michael and I are officially going to be parents to a wee little Martin!

We are over the moon excited!! Little Martin will be here on October 1st, and we cannot wait for her/ him to get here!

Speaking of her/ him - I'm totally convinced its a girl and Michael is willing to bet the farm on boy. I don't know why, but this entire time I keep thinking girl. I dream about the baby being a girl - I keep referring to the baby as "she" and I keep jotting down really cute girl names. So many people have said that the momma just knows... and clearly - I think I've got this one nailed. We'll find out for sure on April 27th - so I'll keep ya'll posted.

So far- everything in the pregnancy is going GREAT! I feel fantastic, and Michael says I'm an absolute DREAM to live with. (I'm positive that he's not saying that to be sarcastic at all!)

I can promise you this - even though I'll be doing occasional blog posts about all things baby - it WILL NOT be the main focus of this blog. There are too many other funny things that happen to us on a daily basis for it to be a baby central blog. And anyway - if you want to know anything about babies - I'm totally the wrong person to ask. I have no clue what I'm doing, and the more books I read the more over-stimulated I get. I think I'm just gonna wing this one. You know what they say about ignorance being bliss!

Happy St. Patricks Day!

2009-03-17T09:53:00.002-04:00

Luck 'o the Irish to all of you! (Maggie's thinking she's not so lucky because her stupid momma dresses her up and makes her have photo shoots like this lame one all the time!)

Hope everyone has a GREAT St. Pat's! It's my FAVORITE holiday of the year, so everyone please drink a shot of Jameson's and drink a big fat green beer in honor of the most awesome holiday ever!! I mean really, what other holiday celebrates drunken debauchery quite like St. Pattys??!!!

Erin Go Braugh!

The Martins Been Busy, Ya'll!

2009-03-06T14:41:00.002-05:00

So sorry for my neglect of the Holler lately. We have been soooooo very busy. Busy with the new dog, busy with our chaotic lives, and oh yeah - busy with this mortgage business that we're in!

I don't know if you guys watch the news, but it's been a crazy couple of months for lenders, and we are so grateful to have interest rates hovering at an all time low - we've been doing tons of refi's, lots of purchase business, and my hubby has got me working like a DAWG - dawg! (I kinda feel like I'm back in the advertising business what with all the late nights and weekend work - only it's just like I'm working on a realllllllly lame account)

Speaking of the hubby... check out this spot on the local news. (You've gotta click on the link - I can't get the dang video to upload on Blogger cause it SUCKS!) We're actually thinking of going on a media tour. Please give me a call to set up speaking engagements - HAHAHAHAHA!!

http://www.news14.com/content/top_stories/605928/struggling-homeowners-may-find-relief-in-plan/Default.aspx?ap=1&Flash

Happy V-D!

2009-02-17T20:12:00.009-05:00

Yeah, That's Valentine's Day! Valentines was pretty laid back for us this year, but a great holiday nonetheless. I remember back a few years ago when Valentine's was like the biggest deal for Michael and me - we treated each other to weekend getaways, spa treatments, exceptional dinners at fancy restaurants, etc. BOY - how times have changed! Not that it's not a big deal, but I kinda feel like we treat each other to great things throughout the year, so there's not a huge focus on this one day anymore.

Oh, well, it was still a pretty awesome day. Especially since it fell on a Saturday, which meant we could wake up whenever we wanted (ahem, as late as Miss Maggie would let us sleep, that is... so, I think we were up around 7:30), go get our gym on, and pretty much stay in our workout clothes for the biggest part of the day!

The chef of the house fixed a special Valentine breakfast of heart shaped pancakes! Dude, I really, really, really love my husband. Who else makes heart shaped pancakes??!

Then I took off for the laundromat to wash all of our comforters and pillows. Now that, my friend, is a blog post all on its own. Have any of you been to a laundromat in the last decade? It is freaking BRUTAL! But anyway, that's for another post. I'm still trying to process the visual stimulation I was treated to while spending 2 hours at the local laundromat!

We had made plans to take Bryce to paint pottery on Saturday afternoon, so we picked him up and headed over to Clay Funk in Wake Forest. This has got to be one of the most fun activities for kids and adults! We had a blast! Here we are, working on our Masterpieces.

I think his parents took pity on our lame V-day plans and asked us to have dinner with them. I'm so glad they did, because Pat made an awesome, awesome dinner of snapper piccatta, pasta, and mixed veggies. It was a great dinner, and I'm serious when I say that it was better than what we would have gotten at any restaurant around town! He even made fresh pesto for the pasta! Mad props to you, Pat, mad, mad props!

Bryce was super pumped that we were there for dinner!

Dinner with the Polsons also meant that we got to spend time with Bryce and his baby sister, Trinity. (Yep- she's the one that I made wear the diaper backwards all day the last time I babysat.) She doesn't seem too traumatized by my lack of parenting skills - she still lets me hold her and bounce her all around!

It's really clear that Michael is her favorite. Babies absolutely love him! I'm not sure what it is, but babies love for him to hold them and it is absolutely precious!

We absolutely love these two little ones. If the Polsons ever wake up to find their babies missing, it'll be pretty clear that I've got them over at my house. Such cute, cute kids and soooo well behaved! I only hope that Michael and I can be that lucky one day!

Mags-a-Million has a Slumber Party!

2009-01-28T18:18:00.007-05:00

Michael and I are pretty cool parents, and we decided that even though Maggie had only been with us for a little less than a week, we would let her host her very first slumber party!

She invited her best friend Bailey, and showed how much she loved him by stealing his dog bed, taking all of his really cool toys and generally just annoying the total shizz right out of him.

Bailey was cool though, and took it all in stride. Especially when the grandparents came for a visit and spent all day and night making sure that each dog had equal playtoys, equal treat consumption, and round the clock belly rubs.

By Saturday night, Maggie had completely worn herself out. She and Bailey had been partying all day - and she passed out in her dog bed.

Bailey took this opportunity to capitalize on some one-on-one time with Nana Vickie - she's the main supplier of the chew toys and rawhide treats.

AND - did I mention that Maggie already has a boyfriend? Oh, yes. It's a long distance romance with Higgins - a boxer from Hickory. He is so sweet on Mags that he sent her a doggie bed and a stuffed animal for her to cuddle with! Dude - Higs is a total playa! He really knows how to work it with the ladies! Heres Maggie snuggling with her valentine gift in her sweet new bed!

Spoiled Rotten. Yes, she sure is!

Welcome Home, Maggie Belle Martin!

2009-01-20T09:52:00.006-05:00

Look at what we just brought home!

Maggie Belle Martin was born on December 1st and we just brought her home last night. She's a little wiggleworm, and we are spoiling her rotten as fast as we can.

She loves hanging out in her "redneck condo"

And she loves playing with Mary in the snow!

She even digs riding in Mary's sweet sled! Thanks for the ride, Mary!

Stay tuned for more cute pics! You know I'll be snapping pictures until I completely KILL this camera battery!

The Cutest Little Girls in the Whole Wide World!

2009-01-02T15:49:00.004-05:00

We are truly blessed with great friends who all have great kids - and sometimes, they even get brave enough to let us watch those kids!!

Here's some pictures of some of the cutest little girls in the whole wide world! I swear, their daddies better get ready, these girls are gonna be heartbreakers one day!

Here's Mary, she looks just like a little doll. We watched Mary one night while her parents went to the movies. I think she may have been a little traumatized by the fact that the Beaudog was barking his head off, I burned dinner, and the smoke alarm started going off and wouldn't stop for about 10 minutes. This child was probably soooo ready to get back to her own house!

The very next day, I babysat all day for Michael's goddaughter, Trinity. She is such a cutie pie, and I spent the first couple hours of the day walking her around the house and propping her up for pictures everywhere. She would just grin and laugh, but as soon as I snapped a picture, she would stop smiling and look at me like I was crazy. I love this little Christmas outfit!

The funniest part about me babysitting for her was that all day long, I had put her diaper on backwards. Her poor Mom had to pull me aside and let me know that the tabs go in the front, not in the back. I was so freaking embarrassed. Clearly, I have no business having a child of my own. I don't even know how to work a diaper!! I bet all day, that poor baby was like - "Dude! I'm so uncomfortable!!! Can you please get my drawers on right??!?"

Oh well, doesn't look like my lack of parenting skills kept her from snoozing the day away - look how SWEET!!!

And here's our newest little neighbor, Reese. So sweet, and she doesn't even mind if Michael holds her!

Absolutely PRECIOUS!! I can't wait for us to have a house full of our own!

Christmas in the 'Hood!

2008-12-14T10:41:00.014-05:00

Michael and I volunteered to be one of the host houses for our Neighborhood Progressive Christmas Party on Saturday, and it was AWESOME! It also gave us a really good excuse to get our house cleaned up and all our Christmas decorating done!

Here are some pics of the decorations! And let me disclaim this post by saying I did all this decorating myself. (I know, usually I'm a hawt mess, but I feel like it looked somewhat pretty! Not Pottery Barn or Metropolitan Home pretty, but pretty nonetheless!) Dang, Martha Stewart doesn't have anything on the Martins!

The outside view from the street... Sorry, this is really hard to see, and my camera is pretty crappy, and the picture taker is questionable as well.

The front door. That tree to the left is pissing me off because one strand of lights is burned out. Why does that always happen?

My grandmother had a nativity scene when I was little, and I used to love that thing. Michael's mom got us this one for Christmas a couple of years ago. I can never quite get the hang of how to position the playas so that it doesn't look like everyone is checking out the camel instead of baby Jesus.

I love this little piece of furniture. It belonged to my Mom and Dad way back in the day, and I think it even belonged to my grandparents before that. So anyway, it was in my parents basement, (those of you that have seen that basement know how scary that is...) and my mom had it refinished in this cool red color. I think it's my favorite piece of furniture in the house!

I think we did a really good job with the tree this year. No comment about the lack of presents under said tree...

Okay, heres my favorite part. I saw this picture in Southern Living Magazine where someone had pulled off a bunch of magnolia leaves and put them on their mantle with all different sizes of candles and I thought it was gorgeous! Bentley didn't think there was any way that I could pull this off with my hot mess decorating skills. I'm thinking it looks pretty good. PS- Thanks Michael for stealing all those leaves off our neighbors magnolia tree. I knew there was a good reason that I married you!

I think it came together pretty nicely, right?

Okay, so enough of that. Let's move on to the PARTY!

There were three host houses in the neighborhood, and then at the end of the night, everyone went to one house for dessert and champagne! The problem with this type of party is that if you've got a good first house, nobody wants to leave to go to the next house! I must say, I think we had a pretty fun first house!

Even Beaudog and Reese got in on the fun! Here's Beaudog telling Reese that he thinks its an awesome idea that shes using a dinner napkin for a blanket!

I must admit, Beaudog and Reese were at the late night party after the dessert party. You know how they like to roll.

So, that's the extent of our Christmas decorating and neighborhood party. I'm pretty pleased! But, now since I've put all this work into it, I'm wanting to host another party! Oh, well, next weekend is right around the corner!

Deck the Halls, Ya'll!

2008-12-01T16:15:00.003-05:00

Michael, Beaudog and I went Christmas Tree Shopping on Saturday, and I think we picked a perfect tree! (Beaudog is not as excited about the tree as he looks...he was really checking out all the other doggies at the tree lot.) Stay tuned for more posts and pics as we get the house decorated - we're in a mad dash because we're hosting our neighborhood Christmas Party at the house in a couple of weeks!

All My Single Ladies!!!

2008-11-24T19:48:00.008-05:00

Okay, so we're not really single, but we are ladies, and we love a good girls night out on the town!
So Saturday night; Leigh, Lisa and I ventured out on the scene while Michael hosted a poker game for the boys. We had such a fun, fun, fun time!

We started out with some cocktails, makeup, and hairstyling at the house - clearly, we thought we were going to the prom. (Old married ladies don't get out much) While we were getting ready, we had a dance party featuring Sasha Fierce, thus the title of this post. Watch out ya'll... we are so learning those moves and we will be breaking them out at the next event we are all at. If you're not familiar - I urge you to check Beyonce and her badness out via this link.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mVEGfH4s5g

We started out the evening at The Rockford. Dang, I always forget about that place, and every time I go, it is always soooooo good! And soooooo cheap for such good eats! I had the grilled pimento cheese sammie with mashed potatoes as my side item. Highly recommended to all of you next time you're there.

The pretty ladies at dinner!

The pretty ladies at The Hibernian. This is where a little bit of Sasha Fierce comes out in all of us and we are starting the rally cry for "All The Single Ladies"

Here we are drinking down some red bulls and throwing up our gang sign. Some may call this a different sign, we're just idiots and that's the only sign we all knew. Shocker. HAHAHA!

Our honorary "Single Lady" - Brad! Where is Leigh-bo? Oop! There she is!

I love how excited Brad looks to be hanging with us. Maybe that's why he wouldn't let us come back to his house for late night! Whats up with that, Brad!? I think he had clearly had enough of those red-bull drinking "single ladies"...

A Trendy New Look for Hickory Holler?

2008-11-13T12:27:00.002-05:00

So, I was bored with the way the blog was looking. It was kinda sad and didn't have much Pizazz (insert jazz hands here)

Any thoughts or feedback on the new look? I'm digging it....

Blue Monday...

2008-11-10T21:09:00.003-05:00

Why so blue? Cause my dang husband is in VEGAS, and I'm in Raleigh!! Yes, I know he's there for work, but still! What kind of "business trip" is a 7 day trip to Las Vegas?

Watch out, Vegas... cause next year Mr. Martin's "assistant" is going too!

Welcome to the 'hood, Reese!

2008-10-31T18:17:00.002-04:00

She's finally here! Reese Harmon Beltrone arrived yesterday at 5:23 weighing in at 7lbs and 13oz!

Michael and I went over to Rex to visit the happy family during lunch today. She is the sweetest little thing, and I'm not believeing such a big baby was hanging out in tiny Stephanie's belly!

The parents are totally in love with their new little bundle and we are soooo excited for them!

Congrats, Beltrones! And Congrats Reese - at a little over 25 hours old, you are officially the youngest baby to ever be featured on the "hickory holler"! I can't wait for you to get a little older so you can walk up the street to hang out with Aunt T and Uncle Michael! (We'll make sure we've got plenty of junk food and sodas that we won't tell your parents about!)

Facebook Junkie?

2008-10-30T11:10:00.003-04:00

So when everyone was talking about the merits of "social networking" sites, such as Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, etc. I kept saying, "No, Not for me... I'm a blogger" (whatever). Well, after much prodding and being told that all the cool kids are on Facebook, I relented and got myself a Facebook page.

DANG! I'm so addicted! And so is Michael!! We can't stay off that thing! I've re-connected with some people I haven't seen since my last brownie scout meeting at the Hildebran United Methodist Church in 1979! Michael somehow found his first "crush" from his elementary school days (I must say, I'm a much better catch), and we've both been able to catch up to some peeps we haven't seen since moving away from Hickory!

My only concern is that we're so up on the facebook, we're glued to our laptops from the minute we walk in the house until it's time to go to bed every night! This has to stop or the only way we're ever going to talk to each other is through writing on each others Facebook page! WRONG!

Any advice on ground rules? Say, only 1 hour of facebook a day - between the hours of 7-8pm? Only Facebook every other day and then limit the time spent? What's a Facebook Junkie to do???

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY BENTLEYS!!

2008-10-23T12:43:00.004-04:00

Mad Shout Outs and Props to our good friends, Lisa and Stephen Bentley! Today is their 4th Anniversary!

We love you guys and hope you have an AWESOME Anniversary! WHOOT WHOOT!

Wasting Away in Margaritaville!

2008-10-21T17:38:00.007-04:00

Well maybe not Margaritaville, but I'd say Puerto Vallarta was pretty darn close!

We were down there for Michael's Presidents Club Awards Trip, and it was freaking awesome! Lots of great food, lots of lounging by the pool, meeting some awesome co-workers from around the country and lots and lots of tropical beverages and mixed in for good measure.

We stayed at the Grand Velas resort in Nuevo Vallarta (I guess its a 'burb of PV?) and let me tell you, I've never been to a nicer resort. Absolutely GORGEOUS! I'll let the pics speak for themselves. And as for Presidents Club?? Oh yeah, that made for a pretty good incentive to work our tails off to get back there next year!

The view from our balcony

A differnt view from our balcony, this is one of the outdoor cafes where they served some of the best food I've ever tasted! It's right next door to the pool, and for real, when you asked Lorenzo to bring you a BLT, some cheese quesadillas, even a spicy tuna roll... they fixed it right up and he would bring it right over to your pool chair! The view from said pool chair...

My husband Top Gunning it with some of the boys from WR Starkey. Okay, maybe Top Gun is a stretch (Michael's knees are still scabbed up from the beach volleyball experience)

Buenos Dios, Grand Velas - we will definitely be BACK!

Adios Amigos!

2008-10-15T23:17:00.004-04:00

Miguel and I leave bright and early tomorrow for our little "Mexican Getaway". (I like to call him Miguel instead of Michael in the spirit of all things South of the Border.)

Stay tuned... I'm sure I'll have plenty of pics and funny stories to report when we get back.

LATER!

Baby Fiesta - Ole'!

2008-10-11T16:26:00.004-04:00

With Jon & Stephanie's baby girl due in about 3 weeks, last weekend, several of us hosted a Mexican themed baby shower for the Beltrones down at the Murray house!

They are huge fans of Mexican food, so we decided the theme should be a Mexican Fiesta to welcome the arrival of the new little Senorita! We had awesome tacos, burritos, nachos and all the Margaritas anyone could wish for! Here's the "momma to be" checking out the selection. Doesn't the spread look nice on the Murray's new dining room table?

A great time was had by all, and Steph & Jon gave all us hostesses some of those really cool vintage aprons as hostess gifts! Here are all the girls looking like they know their way around the kitchen. So, Baby Beltrone will be here before you know it, and we can't wait to welcome another sweet baby girl to the neighborhood! Congrats Jon & Steph, we can't wait to meet her!

GEEZ!!

2008-10-10T15:52:00.002-04:00

Dang ya'll, I know I owe you a post or two. It's been a busy week, and I've got lots to blog about.

We co-hosted a great baby shower for our good friends Jon & Steph last weekend, and I haven't even had time to take a second glance at the pics to get them posted. The shower was great fun, and the gifts were awesome, so I'll catch ya'll up to that soon.

My fam is also coming to town tonight from the big city of Hickory, so I've been busy cleaning and grocery shopping to get ready for their arrival. I don't think they would be too excited to just munch on wheat thins and hummus which is about all I had in the refrig.

Michael and I are also getting ready for a little vacay to Mexico next week, so I totally need to be doing some laundry and packing some bags!

I promise promise promise to post tomorrow.

Saturday - The Good and The Bad

2008-09-28T21:47:00.007-04:00

Let's get the bad out of the way first - What has happened to my Pirates? Another dismal performance on Saturday as we got it handed to us by a top-notch Houston team. I guess what Skip Holtz says is right... When you're up on top, everyone is gunning for you.

Boys - I need ya'll to pull it together and pull it together quick! Get your mental game on and let's rally! I want to head to Memphis on New Years for the Liberty Bowl! You can do it! ARRRGGHHH!

Heres the good! but kinda sad, but really good!

One of the coolest chicks I know is packing up her game and headin' out west - GO MELANIE!

Melanie and I worked together at Micromass Communications and from the day she started work there, it was never a dull moment! That girl is mad funny, super creative (she even came up with a pseudo-sorority for the lame-o account we all worked on) and one of the most amazing peeps I know.

Mel had a little "going away" party at the Blue Martini on Saturday night so everyone could get together to give her a proper farewell before she and "Pearl" (her SUV) hit the road this week for the drive to Denver.

Some of the posse from MMC - Karen, Melanie, Ashely, me and Emily

Melanie, I'm gonna miss you like crazy. All your funny stories, your crazy ringtones, your mad skillz at Flip Cup & Catch Phrase, and your sick love for Tarheel basketball. Get your ass out there and have a blast. I expect you to know some Denver Broncos by the time Michael and I come out there to visit this winter. Love you, sis!

HOLLER!!

Pirate Ship Runs Ashore - We'll be back out to sea soon!

2008-09-23T17:12:00.004-04:00

Disappointed? You better believe it! Crushed? Yep, you've got it! Did I see it coming? I hate to say it, but I kinda did.

The NC State vs. ECU rivalry is HUGE. So huge, that it makes no difference that the Wolfpack is the worst team in the ACC this season, and it makes no difference that ECU was looking amazing the first three games of the season and had a chance to really make a big impact and get a chance at a BCS bowl game during the Holidays! This game is about heart, and the team that wants it most is the team that wins!

Bottom Line- The Wolfpack brought it on Saturday. They were ready for us and had something to prove. They looked great, and I hope that this win inspires them to do great things with the rest of their season.

I also hope that the Wolfpack win inspires the Pirates to get right back out there this Saturday against Houston and earn that place in the Top 25.

You better believe we'll be there, and I'll be wearing that purple like its my JOB!! Pinkney - you're still our man!

I'm not afraid to blog about the loss on Saturday

2008-09-22T10:35:00.002-04:00

As embarrassed and disappointed as I am, I refuse to sweep our devastating loss to the Wolfpack under the rug. I will be blogging later today - so stay tuned!

Finally! New O2 Fitness Opens

2008-09-10T13:49:00.004-04:00

After a much anticipated wait, the new O2 Fitness at I-540 and Falls of Neuse is complete!! It opened at 5:30 this morning, and was PACKED!

The facility is absolutely gorgeous. So much so, that I really wanted to stay longer and work out a little more... okay, that's a total lie, but it really is MAD GORGEOUS in there!

Check out this massive cardio space! Lisa and I told Denis they need to hang some prints on the wall or something. I'm sure he's taking our design advice to heart. I bet he got right on the phone and ordered something to go up there.

And here's another thing that I thought was so crafty. It's like a wall of inspiration right when you walk in. My favorite quote on there..."Love Doesn't Need Handles" BOOYAH!! That'll make you think twice before stopping at Dunkin Doughnuts on your way to work! HA!

So anyway, if you aren't a member of a gym, take some time to go check out O2. It really is the bomb.com, and they are offering all kinds of sign up specials right now. If you do sign up, ask for Denis and make sure I get the credit. I'm all about trying to refer some peeps so I can score a new gym bag, yo!!

WE SHUT THAT SHIZZ DOWN!!

2008-09-08T15:15:00.018-04:00

Wow!!! What a weekend for college football! With the threat of Hurricane Hanna still bearing down on Eastern NC, we packed the ponchos and got ready to weather the storm of Pat White and the WVU Mountaineers Saturday at the ECU/ WVU game in Greenville.

Dag, ya'll - the Pirates look GOOD!!! I mean, we look #14 in the rankings GOOD!!

Allycen and Ashley, Mark and Ramsey came up from Wilmington to get the party started, and even though the tailgate fields didn't open until 3 hours prior to game time, we still got our pre-game on!

Ashley and Allycen, in all their WVU get-up.

Michael and Ash debate the goodness of Crown vs. a cold beer on a hot Saturday.

I know I've talked about how BRUTAL the WVU fans are, they're not very polite to visiting teams that come to Morgantown, and you're lucky to escape that place with your life, not to mention your furniture (they like to burn things, ya see...) Well, the Pirate Nation was much more receptive to the WVU fans and we were glad to see they braved the weather to come out to watch the Pirates shut down their Heisman hopeful.

Terry Holland asked that Pirate fans be receptive and open their tailgates to Mountaineer peeps and not ask them to "Walk the Plank". Okay, whatever... you know the Martin's always have an open door policy, and here's two of the greatest Mountain Men I've ever met! They were super cool, and tailgated with us before and after the game. (PS - He's been growing that beard for about 6 years - I asked him.)

Okay, so everyone knew the game was on ESPN, right? Well, did ya'll know ESPN travels by pimped out bus?? Oh, they sure do...

And if you ask nicely enough, the bus driver will let you get on said bus and will take your picture on the pimped out leather sofa.

Then, he will ask you nicely to get off the pimped out bus with the pimped out leather sofa before he calls "SECURITY!"

Okay- so the game was a blast and the Pirates beat down the Mountaineers - final score 24 - 3.

Downtown Greenville - the afterparty!!! WHOOT WHOOT!!

Ash & Allycen, ya'll kick a$$, and we love ya'll to pieces! Had a blast with ya'll and can't wait to do it again.

Michael and I will be taking a much deserved weekend off from football this weekend. ECU takes on Tulane Saturday in New Orleans. I'll be watching on TV, but chilling from the big city of HKY. Shoo, I'm glad. The last two weekends have done this old lady in! This girl needs some rest!

GO PIRATES!!!! ARRRRRGGGGHHHH!!!

2008-09-03T14:58:00.019-04:00

Good Lord, ya'll! So sorry for the delay in posting! It's been a long week recovering from the Pirates victory over the Hokies last weekend!

We've made it a tradition to celebrate the start of college football with a road trip with the Bentleys to watch the ECU/VT matchup! This is turning out to be a GREAT rivalry for ECU and Virginia Tech - the fans are all super excited and it's probably the best show of good sportsmanship that you'll see all season. I've never been to another game where the fans are so nice to one another and all the heckling and hollering is in such good nature! (I'm sure this won't be the case this weekend when the WV Mountaineers bring the redneck to GREENVILLE)

Last year, the game was played in Blacksburg, VA, and this year it moved to a neutral site - Bank of America stadium in Charlotte! It was a packed house and weather couldn't have been nicer!!

We met up with Lisa's dad and uncle, our friend Dave, my brother and his friend Jeremy, and some of Lisa's friends from VT, and Stephen's friend Jesse. Awesome tailgate, but shooooo - all that Orange and Maroon made me nervous!! Here's something cool though - the VT fans have this tradition of a drinking game to that ACDC song "Thunder" - okay, so try this at your next tailgate, house party, or wedding reception. Play the song as loud as possible, (preferably out of the speaker box set up in the back of a big truck) and each time the word "Thunder" is said, you take a drink. No shizz, it'll get you through 2 beers in one song! I LOVE THAT! I think it's my new favorite drinking game!

Here's Lisa & her Dad & Uncle

My brother giving his "Coaches Corner" Synopsis to anyone who would listen Toasting with "Hokie D" Tonya & Michael - look for this shot on our Christmas card this year.

"Tonya in the middle, where she at? In the middle"

Jeffery & Tonya posing for Vickie's new desk portrait of her "babies" - You know what they say about taking the kids out of Burke County, but you can't take the Burke County out of the kids. Stephen and Jesse before the madness starts - trust me, it starts to get really, really ugly once the game starts and the mini bottles make a guest appearance! It's all fun and games with the canned beer right now.
Okay- so tailgating over - the game starts and it was AWESOME!!!
Here's Baby and T-Dawg getting greasy at HALFTIME! I love that you can get a box of Bojangles Chicken at halftime! (Our trainer would love that too... that we're not only consuming hundreds of empty calories in beer, but also noshing on fried chicken - AHHHH YEAH!)

There was so much excitement in that stadium, and everyone was on their feet. The Pirates looked awesome, and the final score was 27-22!!

And even though the troops are starting to look like this, we know it's time to rally.

So, after the game, we headed back to the hotel to freshen up and take it back out downtown - cause yeah, that's how we roll...

The Bentley's and a Bucket o' Beer!Not sure how the night goes from here.....

To here???

What a GREAT weekend! Thanks to the Bentley's for getting our 2nd annual "Kick-Ass Kick-Off" started right! We love ya'll and can't wait for next year!
We're heading to Greenville tomorrow morning to meet up with Ally & Ash, Bill and Allyson and get right up in the middle of Hurricane Hanna! The Pirates take on the Mountaineers at 4:30 and it's another sell-out ballgame. Come on, Pirates.... let's pull out another W!!!

I think his tractor's sexy!!

2008-08-28T16:29:00.006-04:00

I really do! Kenny was in town on Friday and Saturday night, so of course the Martin's were out tailgating when the gates opened at 3:00 on Saturday!

Leigh and Josh came down to go with us, and they were definitely ready to blow off some steam! They had just finished a triathlon that morning!! You call that dedicated? I call that crackhead!! Just kidding Leigh and Josh - we're mad proud of ya'll and are so glad you came to party with Chesney!

Here's a shot of us with Kenny (well, as close as we could get to Kenny) He's so cute, even if he is smaller than a Corona!

What's that you say? A Kenny Chesney short bus?!

And like I always say... If you have no funnel, make funnel out of what you have! Those pink flamingos aren't just for yard decoration any longer!

What an awesome concert! I definitely think he's one of the best concerts we see every year, and even if you aren't into country music, its a super fun time!

Can't wait for next year, Kenny!

WHO ARE THESE PEOPLE???

2008-08-28T15:59:00.006-04:00

Well, clearly, they are Tonya and Lisa's new best friends. Isn't this a great shot for the Christmas Card??

Seriously? Lisa and I celebrated my b-day Friday night with a trip downtown, some new best friends, a long cab ride home, and an egg sammie. Here's how it all went down...

Friday afternoon, Bentley picked me up for our "Tinis and Toes" appointment at Primp Salon Bar What a cool joint! It's a full service salon, totally funky, and a full service bar to boot! We had a great time getting our pedi's on, and having a few drinks to get the afternoon off to a good start! I even got my toes painted purple for the upcoming PIRATE football season! Check out the ladies of luxury...

From there, we decided to hit Raleigh's newest hotspot - SOLAS
Believe the hype folks - it IS all it's cracked up to be! We seriously thought we were in Miami instead of some rooftop on Glenwood! The peeps are hot, and the drinks are yummy. So yummy in fact, that we somehow forgot to order any dinner. See below. It always starts with the wine, but then it moves to shots and then ends with random folks that you ask to be in group pictures with you??!!!?! by the way, those folks were really cool and we can't wait to see them again.

Lisa - posing as a "Hot Cougar"
WHEEEW! I love the white wine!

There should be some rule against saying, "Come on, just one more shot..." after the fifth time!

We somehow managed to stagger out of the place after we had been there through a waitstaff changeover and were conviced that Kenny Chesney really wasn't showing up that night. (See, Bentley overheard one of the guys with the fancy earpieces saying he had room for 3 more for Chesney - now, that translation is a little questionable being that we didn't even know our names, much less Kenny Chesney's)

This nice cabbie took us all the way up to Lisa and Stephen's house, dropped us off and was nice enough to even call the next morning to let us know we left Lisa's cell phone in his cab! Stephen put Baby to bed and made the b-day girl a nice egg sandwich to cap the night off! Hats off to you Stephen for putting up with the likes of us! I owe you one!!

A MAD SHOUT OUT to Lisa and Stephen Bentley for making my b-day so freaking awesome! I love you guys and can't wait to party up with ya'll in Charlotte this weekend for ECU/ VT!

Guess Who's Here???

2008-08-22T11:55:00.003-04:00

My boyfriend. And we have a double date tomorrow night with Leigh and Josh. Michael has volunteered to drive us.

Stay tuned for details on our wedding plans.

THE HILLS - Season Premier TONIGHT!!

2008-08-18T17:57:00.003-04:00

Two posts in one day? You better believe it!

Don't forget that THE HILLS new season starts tonight at 10 on MTV. (I think there's a premiere party that starts at 8, but that's probably just some lame stuff that MTV is doing that is a bunch of silly beotches drinking fake cosmos at some flashy LA club - damn, wish I could snag a ticket to get into that!!)

Check out the new season trailer here:

http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?id=1591256&id=1591256

Birthday, Vacay, and Hootie - YAY!

2008-08-18T11:53:00.013-04:00

VACAY - PART I - SUNSET BEACH, NC

In celebration of turning a year older, Michael and I had a fun filled week of "Working Vacation" last week. And seriously, we did work. We went down to Sunset Beach, NC to dog-sit for Michael's mom, Michael called on some accounts in Brunswick County, and I worked and sat my fat self on the beach most afternoons! What a GREAT time!

Ashley and Allycen came down from Wilmington one night to celebrate and we had a really yummy Mexican dinner.

Las Palmeras just so happened to have live entertainment, and contrary to these pics, we WERE NOT the entertainment!

The guys at the restaurant kept calling us Pancetas and dying laughing. What might you ask is a Panceta? We were a little nervous that it wasn't a flattering adjective, and well, I looked it up on the online Spanish dictionary and it loosely translates to bacon. Allycen, I'm not thinking they thought we were as funny as we thought we were. Pancheta my a$*.

Okay, so after the revelry at Las Palmeras, we checked out another Brunswick County Staple. Nesbitts Jackass Saloon. We had been there before with Stephen and Lisa, and Michael bought tank tops for Lisa and me that say "It's all about the a*$!" So we knew we had to take Allycen and Ashley there.

BEER - YUM!

Nothing like a Mason Jar of Budweiser for your b-day! Seriously, they serve beer out of frosty mugs, er.. jars! I'm so thinking that Brunswick County could give Burke County a run for its money in the Redneck category.

Thanks Ally and Ash for coming down! It's always so awesome to see you guys and get some great laughs in!

Can't wait for Sept. 6 when ECU takes on WVU - We'll see ya'll in G-VEGAS!

VACAY - PART II - CHARLESTON!!

We wrapped up the last couple of days of vacay by heading down to Charleston with Leigh and Josh! Leigh had gotten us tickets to see Hootie and the Blowfish - and yes, Hootie was as much fun as they always were! We were all surprised at the young following they've got! I thought it would be lots of 30-somethings that still think they are 20-somethings like us, but NO! Tons and tons of college age kids there! It almost brought a tear to my eye!

With the upcoming release of his solo CD - Darius is totally rocking the country vibe and was sporting his cowboy hat and cowboy boots! Check out his new video here. http://new.music.yahoo.com/videos/DariusRucker/Dont-Think-I-Dont-Think-About-It--184510648

Nice work, Hootie - You guys still know how to bring it! WE HAD A BLAST!!

After waking up to a hangover on Saturday, we tried to run it off and rally for Saturday night. the boys golfed and Leigh and I checked out all the local boutiques and some of the stores we had no business setting foot in. Case in point - GUCCI. Michael told me that I could get a nice purse for my b-day. Michael - you are a lucky man to be married to such a sensible girl.

Even though I covet this bad boy, I put it right back down on the shelf. Whoa, nellie. $1600 for a purse? That's crazy talk! I'll continue to rock my Target special!

So, after buying nothing, we went back to the hotel and got ready for dinner. We went to an awesome restaurant named COAST. Charleston is freaking awesome, and has the restaurant scene to prove it! http://www.coastbarandgrill.com/

Thanks Leigh and Josh for such a GREAT, GREAT weekend! Can't wait to see ya'll next week for Kenny Chesney!

WHOOT WHOOT!!

TAG - I'm it!

2008-08-15T10:28:00.004-04:00

Just got tagged by my 'lil Sis Mel to play a fun game of TAG! So here it goes - some random BS about me that you may or may not know! - Ashely, Heather, Mr. Brad? I better see a post from ya'll too

1. My uncle once: borrowed money from my mom because he really needed it, and then proceeded to use said funds to buy some very special commemorative Elivs Presley drinking glasses. Seriously, that's Burke County, and not even I could make that up!

2. Never in my life: will I go scuba diving - snorkeling yes, scuba no, scares the bejeezus out of me.

3. When I was five: I totally learned how to turn cartwheels fom my dad. I get lots of talents from Jerry. Cartwheels and beer chugging being the top two.

4. High school was: the bomb. Does it get any better than glam rock, spiral perms, and T-top camaros?

5. I will never forget: all the fun girls trips that me and my beeches go on!

6. Once I met: Joe Simpson (Jessica and Ashley's dad) on the street in NYC. Whoa, my brush with fame is outstanding!

7. There’s this girl I know: that is going with me to see HOOTIE AND THE BLOWFISH tonight! Leigh-Bo! WHOOT WHOOT

8. Once, at a bar: I traded shirts with this guy because I could not pass up the opportunity to rock a t-shirt from the "Shelby Livermush Festival - Gettin' Piggy With It"

9. By noon, I’m usually: STARVING!

10. Last night: I watched the US Swimmers kick some serious butt in the Olympics!

11. If only I had: longer legs. I hate being a shortie.

12. Next time I go to church: will be next weekend.

13. What worries me most: losing the Beaudog.

14. When I turn my head left I see: The Intracoastal Waterway - we're at my mother-in-laws house on a working vacay!

15. When I turn my head right I see: a printer and fax machine. I said working vacay - remember?

16. You know I’m lying when: I start laughing at my own crazy story!

17. What I miss most about the Eighties is: permed hair and mullets. That was some awesome stuff.

18. If I were a character in Shakespeare I’d be: Just your run of the mill wench.

19. By this time next year: Hopefully we'll have a JR Jr. running around!

20. A better name for me would be: Kourtney - with a "K" mind you.

21. I have a hard time understanding: the mortgage business. Good thing I've got a good teacher.

22. If I ever go back to school, I’ll: be an esthetician. Did I even spell that right? Anyway, I'll do facials and botox and keep all my friends safe from the progression of time.

23. You know I like you if: I hang out with you.

24. If I ever won an award, the first person I would thank would be: my husband. He kicks ass.

25. Take my advice, never: dare me to do anything. Seriously, I will totally do it.

26. My ideal breakfast is: French toast and bacon!

27. A song I love but do not have is: "Sexy Can I..." - It makes me want to slide down a pole... oh, never mind. I wouldn't even attempt to get on a pole...

28. If you visit my hometown, I suggest you: go to the Angus on Friday night and brown bag with my daddy. Hildebran Kool Aid.

29. Why won’t people: be nice?

30. If you spend a night at my house: Michael will cook up something yummy and there will be plenty of cocktails and flip cup!

31. I’d stop my wedding for: um, already married, and Brad Pitt never did show up!

32. The world could do without: mean people. I'm with all you ladies on that one.

33. I’d rather lick the belly of a cockroach than: What is this question about? That's so gross!

34. My favourite blonde(s) is/are: Leigh Hodges Hayes & Marian Sherrill

35. Paper clips are more useful than: no paper clips.

36. If I do anything well it’s: project manage - seriously, I rock that shizz.

37. And by the way: It's my b-day and Momma is going to see Hootie and the Blowfish tonight so I can feel like I'm still in college! WHOOT WHOOT!!

It's GREAT to be a Mountaineer!

2008-08-08T11:26:00.002-04:00

Who is ASU? Who is ASU?

Take a look at this video - that's who ASU is!! If this doesn't get you pumped for football season, I don't know what will.

http://www.nascarmediagroup.com/clients/app_state/trailer/app_state_trailer.wmv

ASU takes on the defending National Champion LSU Tigers on opening game day, August 30 at 5pm. GO MOUNTAINEERS!!!

The Russell's Bundle of Joy

2008-08-06T16:51:00.004-04:00

Congratulations to Jenny and Rob Russell on the arrival of Laney Jameson Russell last Monday! Miss Laney weighed in at 7lbs and 10oz and is the sweetest little baby in the world! Parents are super excited and siblings Stogie and Stella are as happy as little doggies can be!

Welcome Laney! At just over 1 week old, you are already a star on the www at "Hickory Holler!" Dang, you're gonna be the coolest kid ever!

The Hickory Nuts

2008-08-05T15:12:00.009-04:00

Michael and I went to Hickory over the weekend to visit my parents and we had a blast!!

Friday night we went to a fish fry over at some friends of my parents. These events are always so much fun because they start out with some awesome food, good cold beer and seeing some family friends. As the night rolls on, the beer gives way to Hildebran Kool-Aid (aka Jim Beam and Sundrop), the bluegrass music starts cranking, and the storytelling starts. When I say storytelling, I mean pull out your boots - cause the BS starts getting DEEP!!

Here are two of the best story tellers to ever come out of Burke County...You always want a Jerry or a Tonya at your party to keep it rolling!!!

On Saturday, we went to a wedding at Lake Norman. Some good friends of our family hosted a beautiful wedding for their daughter on "The Lady of the Lake" What a cool idea! You board a dinner cruise at 6:30, cruise around Lake Norman, the wedding gets started around 7:00 and then it's followed by dinner, drinks, dancing and then the boat brings you back around 10:30!

The bride was beautiful, her family is a hoot, and Vickie shook her groove thang! WHOOT WHOOT!!!

Here's the happy couple, Erin & Kenny! Congratulations!

I can only imagine what Jerry is laughing about in this shot...

In the famous words of Flo-Rida, we hit the flo and got low, low, low

Thanks to the Wilsons & Teagues for inviting us to share in their special day - we had a BLAST!!

Gym Etiquette 101

2008-07-27T20:22:00.003-04:00

In the spirit of having some new running shoes, I decided to take my booty to the gym today to have a little cardio session. Here's my beef...

WHO can seriously get a workout in when you are gabbing on your cell phone for 55 minutes? WHO can seriously get a workout in when the person on the elliptical machine next to you has been on their cell phone for 55 minutes????

Seriously? I've rarely been so pissed in the gym. (I mean I get pissed on a weekly basis at some of the random BS my trainer makes me do, but this took me to a whole new level of pissed off!) There I am, just randomly getting my jog on, and this chick jumps on the elliptical machine beside me and proceeds to go through her entire phone list and call everyone she knows. The conversations range from describing the loser she is dating to her "good friend's" infertility issues!! Oh my gosh! I'm sure they would remain "good friends" once this girl found out that everyone at O2 Fitness at Falls Village knew how many viable eggs she had to harvest this month!!! So, does she stop at the first 20 minute call? NO! Does she stop at the next 30 minute call?? NO!!! Does she continue talking on her cell phone after she's run everyone out of the cardio area and she walks to the locker room??? NO!!!! This beeotch is still talking!!!

I finally had enough and left - you know what? I bet she's still talking!!!

Here's my first installment of GYM ETIQUETTE 101 - Feel free to get your cardio on - but get off the effing phone first!!! GEEZ!!!

I'll be up in the gym, working on my fitness...

2008-07-23T11:44:00.005-04:00

Super duper excited about the new running shoes I ordered. Check them out, the Asics Gel Nimbus 10. I totally copied my gym buddy, Bentley - she's got them in blue, I ordered them in purple. I can already feel my butt getting smaller from all the running I'll be doing in these kicks!

Ladies, for all your fitness outfitting needs - check out http://www.seejanerun.com/

First time shoppers get 20% off any online order, and shipping is free on orders over $100!

HOLY BATMAN!!!

2008-07-21T20:48:00.000-04:00

I don't have a huge tolerance for BS, and I've never really been into comics, so my general overview of The Dark Knight is that I got really bored watching some dude run around in an effing bat costume.

But, I will give the caped crusader this.... Christian Bale, aka Bruce Wayne, aka Batman is HOT!! I'd like to have him come fight some crime over in my 'hood! WHOOT WHOOT!!

Beaudog and the Bentleys

2008-07-20T13:28:00.000-04:00

Everyone knows the Beaudog, right? Cute little smiling lowrider of a doggie that is the superstar of all our Christmas cards and most of our parties.

Well, last week, the Beaudog had to have a tiny bit of surgery on his eye, and while he was under, they determined that most of his teeth had seen better days and needed to come out. So, if you can imagine BD's grill being even more shot up than usual...then yeah, you're getting the picture.

He's doing great, and only had to wear the lampshade for a week - but I couldn't let a photo op like this pass by.

He is so over that cone on his head and so over his momma snapping pics of this horrendous vet visit! No worries, Beaudog, that smile is still AWESOME - even without your "toofs"!

After all of our shennanigans on Friday night, we attempted to turn it down a notch for Saturday evenings activities and act our age. We met the Bentleys for dinner with Lisa's parents, who were in town from Suffolk, VA. The boys had played golf all day on Saturday and had a BLAST. Van and Sandra are so much fun and Lisa is a lucky girl to have such coolios for parents! HOLLER - Sandra and Van! We'll see ya'll on Labor Day weekend when the ECU Pirates take on the VT Hokies!

That's it for this post... we're heading to the movies to take in "The Dark Knight" - Can't Wait! Be ready for a full review of the movie tomorrow, and of course a play by play of BB10 that comes on at 9 tonight! Reality TV ROCKS!!

Bright Lights - Big City

2008-07-19T13:19:00.000-04:00

Okay, so the older we get, the more we tend to stay in on Friday nights and hang out on the couch. Once in a while, we do get the hankering to act like we are back in our twenties and go out in the Bright Lights and Big City of "Raleighwood" - HOLLER!

So, with us no longer knowing where the "cool kids" hang out, we called our man about town, Brad, to give us the deets on where it's at. See below - this is why we really should stay in....

Starting out with dinner at "The Cameron"

Then, we headed to Fosters - this used to be our hotspot when we first moved to Raleigh about 7 years ago. It closed down, reopened as a swanky restaurant, closed again, and now it's back to being the college hangout it was years ago. Unfortch, we're no longer college age... check out the senior citizens.

Then, we headed to The Landmark - where it starts to get ugly....

And then for even later night.....YUMMMMMMMMMM!

Nothing like a hotdog/ corndog/ chicken tender combo right before going to bed to cap off a night out on the town!

Whew!! Tonight will definitely be a night in!