Next Level Disney Vacay

I've been part of the Eikenberg Vacation Club since '92 - but this trip to Disney World just went to the next level. #dom #rundisney #takemeback

Next Level Family Vacay

We Win

Until next year Death Valley...

#MCM

If you're on any type of social media you have probably seen a member of the youth use #MCM.

Urban Dictionary classifies #MCM as a short term to say MAN CRUSH MONDAY while posting a picture of a good looking guy, saying he's your crush for the current Monday. They go on to say that it brightens up Monday's for all the youth around the globe! A hefty statement that one. "Brightening youth around the GLOBE". Really? Where some #MCM's have gotten a chuckle out of me (Examples: Instagrams that of TheFatJewish, Betches, and GirlWithNoJob), most get the continuous scroll - the modern day digital eye roll. Sorry betch, no "likes" here. It seems, according to the UD definition and my lack of #MCM enthusiasm, that I'm officially old. At the ripe age of 28 I have never used a #MCM. Perhaps your #MCM is my #TBT. Now there's a thought. And God knows I love a good #TBT.  Whether it's from a year ago or the early 90's, I'll post it.

It appears that I post everything on social media. An Instagram also connected to Twitter. Twitter connected to a blog post. A blog post linking to my Facebook. Facebook linking to my LinkedIn. And a Snapchat because I would never post it on LinkedIn. You can literally keep in touch with me without literally keeping in touch with me. It's amazing, terrible, and my fault all at the same time. Amazing, because lets be honest, you don't want to keep in touch with everyone. Terrible, because people actually believe they know what you're up to, and my fault because I can't stop sharing. 

I post almost everything. You will not see me label my current #ManCrushMonday on Instagram or on any of the above sites. You also won't know how it felt to finish my half marathon. You may know I did one, but you won't know the details in all my glory. You won't hear about the hilarious thing that happened to me today, or who came home in our Uber the other night. Those gems only come up in conversation. Such as my #MCM. Look at that kids. The old lady used it again! What if we all posted our #TBT of an old #MCM? #BreakTheInternet is trending. Go ahead ladies, throw that on there. I'm sure your ex-boyfriend would love a tagged photo and I'm sure you'd get plenty of likes, and double the views. Everyone loves a good visual disaster these days. Guys don't feel left out, Wednesdays are just around the corner. Show your love with a hashtag this season! Give her the #WCW she's been waiting for. 

Me? I'd prefer a kiss. They can never go wrong with a kiss. With hearts on the eyes and man crushes on the mind... happy Monday! Smooches.

Oh John

I got a call from my sister Lindsay this morning. 

"I know how much you love John Harbaugh so I had to call you". My immediate reaction, "Oh no, what happened?!", "No, he's fine....". Our discussion continued and led me here.

The important part of a chest bump, John, is to make sure the other person knows you're coming. Lindsay said the video is making its rounds up in Baltimore - Charm City as they call it, and the place she calls home. In the hunk-of-a-man's defense, John Harbaugh is known to do some legit workouts of his own. And oh, p.s. I love him.

At age 50 John was running 8, 300 yard sprints, after 3 hour long practices. 1 year later he still partakes. Members of the security team don't even run with him anymore, because he is just too fast. One bad chest bump, Lindsay, does not distract from the athleticism my dear John shows. Harbaugh even takes on the Ravens own conditioning test....and passes. Read the full article from The Caw, by Ryan Mink, here - a true highlight of his skills from the winning Super Bowl season.

With his good looks comes a sense of humor. Harbaugh cued the video during a film session after the win over the Dolphins. The Baltimore Sun quoted wide receiver Torrey Smith saying "I think it's one of the funniest things I have ever seen in my entire life". What a stud.

With the 1pm game against the Packers this Sunday, let's hope everyone is a little more prepared for sideline celebrations.

The Bathroom Wolfpack

This post is mainly for the ladies. Gentlemen, you've witnessed the madness, but living the experience is something entirely different and truly... special. I am talking about the case of the bathroom wolfpack. 

Let's start a few hours earlier (before the wolfpack starts to assemble). Ladies you're in the bathroom of your home getting ready. Checking your phone as the group texts are flying. 

"Where are we going?" - - "What are y'all wearing?" - - "Ugh I have nothing to wear!" - - "OMG he better be there" - - "Girl you look great in that, def wear that" - - "Have you talked to anyone? - - "I'm gonna kill it tonight" - - "I just wanna dance" - - "OMG I'm so hungover, I sooo need to rally" - - "What time are we going?" - - "I've already had a few glasses of wine, I am feeling goood"

It's all really captivating and important stuff. Once you figure out where your guy friends are going, and inevitably where you will end up because lets face it - you have no say anyway, you head downtown and decide what lot is best for leaving your car over night. Or maybe just the best place for the least chance of getting towed; whatever suits your fancy. You order a few drinks, girl chat, check out the inventory, then suddenly somebody says it... "I have to go to the bathroom does anyone have to go?". The first round, its early. The wolfpack has only just arrived and they are getting settled at the bar. The chance of having to go alone is high to very high. Time passes, and then....it happens again, only this time..... "Ugh I TOTALLY broke the seal, do you want to go the bathroom?". YES. Now - -I personally can go alone. Call me an independent woman, or someone who just wants to go and get back to the party, but I am one of the few. Walk into any bar after 11pm, head towards the women's restroom, and there you will find several bathroom wolfpacks waiting. There are multiple "breeds", if you will.

#1 - The Lone Wolf

This is me the majority of the time. Like I said. Get in, get out, and try to understand the situation. When you got to go, you got to go. And remember there are, almost always, others waiting behind you. She's visually patient waiting in line, but tapping her foot in her head. Wait too long...and she could turn into "The Wolf".

#2 - The Wolf

Straight up, this girl is pissed. She feels entitled to be at the front of the line and can't believe that the girl(s) that just walked into the bathroom haven't come out yet. 1 minute of waiting, is 10 in her mind. She's in your ear like an annoying mosquito on a summer night, "Did you knock?" -- "How many girls are in there?" - - "God, what is taking them so long" - - "HELLLOOOO we are waiting!!". 

#3 - The Twin Wolves

BFF's for life. This pair isn't going anywhere without one another. That includes the bathroom. This is a hit or miss. Sometimes the wait outside the door is short. My guess, only one had to go and the other was there for moral support. The miss - homegirl had a meltdown and can't believe Johnny Tightpants up by the DJ won't dance with her. Move it along ladies, that's what tables are for at bars.

#4 - The Wolfpack

The 'we travel in packs, get over it' group of females. Going in 6 at a time, they are thankful for the handicap standard size, one stall room. They can all fit, fix each others hair, give a few high fives on how awesome the night is, take a few instagram pics/snapchats, possibly use the restroom, and forget there's a party on the other side of the door. Lets face it. The party is in the bathroom at this point. The Wolfpack loves its. Leaving you commonly here a "hahahhahaha whatever, did you hear her bang on the door like 5 times, what a b****", or there's the "we were really quick y'all". 

#5 - The Possibly Dead Wolf

You think....Is someone even in there? Is the door jammed? What the hell is taking her so long? This is the girl that possibly passed out while using the commode. Or, wait for it, nope - just needed a quiet place to make a phone call. Thanks. The 20 of us in line appreciate it. 



Glad she's alive, you're next. I've seen it all. Last night this girl, a wolf if you will, came up to me after I had been waiting a few minutes and instantly started complaining. After being second in line for 30 seconds she resorted to the male restroom. A fine choice for her, I assume. To my fellow wolfpacks - Be patient. Be quick. Get in. Get out. 

A Room With My Favorite Things...

Coley and Evan

...My friends. Great food. An open bar. A dance floor. Music. And bonus points for a tambourine. 

The "My Wedding Workout" tab hasn't seen any action since October, and with the 2013 season already started, I thought why not give a sneak peak at this years calendar. I last spoke of Coley and Evan's wedding, in Season Highlights. Wrapping up my 'season' with one beautiful ceremony, an even better reception, and a band that I can't live without - Az Izz. I remembered these gentlemen from my glory days at the Sigma Chi Fraternity house in Clemson, in what was sure to always be a party that didn't disappoint. However unlike those parties, this day, October 20th, 2012, the men arrived in tuxedos to impress, moves to make you smile, and an array of songs that had me on the dance floor from the moment I was 'allowed' to be. It was a perfect weekend.  To kick-off 2013 Andreana and RJ tied-the-knot in Palmetto Bluff. Another beautiful weekend, surrounded by friends and dancing. Lots and lots of dancing...obviously

my favorite thing to do at a wedding, besides make best friends with the lead vocals, which comes natural anyway :) Another great thing about all these weddings is seeing some of my most favorite people. I was in Kaci (pictured on the right - the less tan of the two women who are not me) and Paul's wedding not too long ago, and it's just fun to see out of town friends all the time. Nonny (Andreana's alias) and RJ's wedding was perfect in every way. One way though that sticks out the most - - after the typical send off at the end of the reception, we were invited not back inside the reception tent but to the "after party" in the Inn. More open bars, a DJ, dance floor, and new reception. Amazing. Dance heaven. There were sides to some of my friends I've never seen before - for example - apparently the newest and latest dance moves are push-ups...in a dress...in the middle of a dance circle (8th grade sytle). Impressive? It was. 

So like I said, the season is heating up. Many to come, and unfortunately a few on the same day. I love weddings. I think they are a blast, +1 or not, and I think it's so sweet of people to include me in their special day. Here are the fun nuptials to come for 2013....and from what I've heard, there are a few more lingering. Secrets, Secrets!

Blake & Sally, Beth & Micah, Nat & Kathleen 

Rebecca & Branford, Jessica & Jonathan, Paige & John, Wes & Becca

I Mustache You a Question...

...are you ready for Mustache March, gentlemen?

Last year I posted about this glorious time when our friend David rallies the gentlemen of Greenville together to raise money for a good cause, all while engaging in a once trendy, now hilarious facial hair display - the mustache. David has been traveling out of the country for a few months with no official return date, so imagine my excitement when my facebook account alerted me of the invite to the "3rd Annual Darty Stache Bash", thus securing his return, as well as marking another historic milestone in day party ridiculousness on Swanson Court. As I started reading, I couldn't help but laugh at the rules and this years awards. Though March officially starts Friday, facial hair of any variety is allowed until March 15th, after which point only a mustache is allowed. David defined a mustache as an island of hair that is at least 1cm (root to root) from the nearest body of facial hair. As we saw in last years competition, the possibilities are endless with your design. The invite also encourages all ladies to please come bare witness to what fine men our community will represent at the Darty (Day Party) on the 30th - the finale of Mustache March. 

This Years New Award Categories (per the invite):

Best of Show
The name basically sums it up. This award is reserved for the most spectacular specimen produced over the course of the month. This is utterly subjective to the judge's personal opinion, no matter how revealing that may be.

Most Disturbing
When you look at this mustache, goosebumps will appear in places you didn't know you had follicles. If you saw a layman on the street with this mustache, you'd warn other peoples children about this man.

Most Fitting
Sometimes the stars align and a man becomes something... more, with a mustache. This award is given to the mustache that makes a man greater than the sum of his otherwise wholly inadequate parts.

Dirtlip Award
The little follicles that couldn't. The recipient of this award can only take solace in the fact that this is all for charity.

Besides raging for a day and possibly laughing at our friends for the majority of the month, the main goal of it all is to raise money for charity. All the fine faces that show up to Davids at the end of the month donate at least $20 to have a good time and this year portions of the proceeds will help provide fresh produce to needy children of our community with Project Host Soup Kitchen. Ellen Hines Smith Girl's Home will also be included in this years donations (www.spgirlshome.com), as well as The Children Shelter of the Upstate (www.childrenshelterupstate.org). So you see, it's all in legitimate good fun. Looking forward to see what some of these guys come up with.... and possibly with what they don't. 

This Is What Jolly Looks Like



The pub crawl was a success. Naturally I got just a little carried away, and a little too into the spirit of the party, but all for a good cause - Meals on Wheels. I woke up the next morning, worked off what I could from the night before, grabbed some lunch with a friend to discuss the nights happenings, then sat my butt on the couch to be utterly disappointed by my lover from afar, John Harbaugh. Him and the boys (the Ravens) let me down in the battle of the beltway against the Redskins. Being from Maryland, this is like the USC vs Clemson discussion down here in South Carolina.....and to a field goal....in overtime (losing 31-28). One day later and Cam Cameron gets the boot.  But enough about football, back to the holiday spirit. This weekend is an off weekend for 'theme' parties, if you will, but is sure to still be a good time. Lots of people coming into town for some weddings, some college friends finishing grad school classes and returning home (to Greenville that is), and well it is after all another weekend. Still time to choose to be naughty or nice for Santa! The weekend after that, some friends are throwing a party (another annual fiesta) at our friend Davids house. Davids parties never disappoint. This year, the money raised in donations are all going to Nick Collins, so I'm sticking around and not heading back to VA until Sunday. They'll have 3 live bands, and are just asking for a $20 donation which will cover food, drinks, and entertainment for the night. Pretty sweet deal. Throw in another festive outfit, and I'll be ready to go! Speaking of which....ladies, how do we feel about these new trendy leather leggings out there, yay or nay? I'm feeling frisky.

The boys throwing the party....they love to get creative with their invites.

And speaking of Christmas, I can't wait to see this ham in just a few weeks. My niece Sawyer is such a riot. This is some of the most aggressive eating I have ever seen (esp. around the 45 second mark). I can't wait to see her in person. So funny....wait a couple seconds and enjoy!

Naughty or Nice?

The holiday season is upon on us and its time to reflect, have you been naughty or nice? Can't decide? Well, its Friday, so you can always use the weekend to make your choice.

Every year in Greenville there is an Annual Santa Pub Crawl, this years being the 6th year, that hits the bars of downtown. This Saturday is the lucky night and you have a chance to be both. The event always benefits a local charity so you have a chance to give and receive. This year you donate $20 to Meals on Wheels (which represents 4 hot meals for someone in need), and in return receive great holiday specials at our local favorites:

5:30 - 7:00 Liberty Tap Room - Happy Hour Prices
7:00 - 8:30 Mac's Speedshop - $2 Bud/Bud Lt bottles, $4 LIT's
8:30 - 10:00 On The Roxx - $2 Bud Lt bottles, $3 House Vodka
10:00 - 11:00 Chicora Alley - $2 Domestic bottles, $3 House Vodka
11:00 - Until Ford's - No cover and skip the line to get in

Dressing up in some sort of Christmas themed costume is always encouraged and I like to think required. Normally I try to go the creative route, or just end up wearing lots of red and green, but this year I will be sporting more of a sassy Mrs. Claus look. Think the movie 'Mean Girls'  - Christmas talent show dance scene - but with sleeves....it is cold out after all. Like I said, very sassy. I'm sure I'll think I'm something else after those $4 LIIT's. Takes me back to Spring Break in Key West - - if you can make it there, go to Rick's - - they know how to make 'em.

On another note, this past week my friend Jill and I went to our old stompin grounds in Clemson and met Wiz Khalifa. On the way there I was on the phone with a work friend making sure some stuff was taken care of when we were told to forgo our seats when we got there, find him, and he'd give us some VIP passes to give us run of the place (very nice considering we had never met face-to-face as he works out of L.A). We didn't really need it, as we were happy as clams to be back in Clemson in the first place, but what the hell, right ;)

So we get down to the floor and Juicy J, previously known from Three 6 Mafia and one of the opening acts, invites some ladies to join him up on stage......I pause for maybe a few brief, brief moments, look at Jill and ask her politely to hold my drink. Of course she knew my plan, so she obliged. It wasn't but moments later that I was on stage with about 25 other brave/stupid souls shakin' our rumps. My derriere has been known to be jokingly 'an extension of my lower back', as in I have little to nothing back there. Like, at all. I'm working on it. Back at Bootcamp and all. God just chose to bless me in other areas. Anyway, what I thought was going to be one song on stage, turned in to 4. Jill and I had a great time. We hung out everywhere and had a blast - - backstage, the sound board, the floor. We were shown an awesome time thanks to two very nice record reps! Fun show; catch it if you can.

Ready for the weekend.....which to be, naughty or nice?

Fisher and Collins

FISHSTRONG: The absence of fear in the face of insurmountable odds.

Click here to read - SWANSBORO RESIDENT RECEIVES SURPRISE GRADUATION CEREMONY - a great article about Jeff and his much deserved day.

If you read my blog regularly you know that Jeff Fisher (the pictured graduate) is a fraternity pledge brother of my brothers (pictured far left) that is currently battling a reoccurring brain tumor. Read the above article to get a better idea of Jeff's unbelievable story and to hear about the great weekend surprise he got over Thanksgiving. For those that don't know, Jeff has been on the fight of his life the past 2+ years with cancer and just 3 weeks ago was diagnosed yet again. I've never seen someone with such a positive outlook and such a strength to kick somethings ass like Jeff. It's amazing. Starting yesterday Jeff will receive 5 radiation treatments, along with 26 rounds of chemo through an IV, everyday, every 2 weeks at Duke, for 2 months. This kind of stuff weakens the immune system  so his visitors will be limited. Jeff has beat his brain tumor time and time again, and it's been with strong support from himself, friends, and family. You never know when you ask for someone to "Say a prayer" what they go and do next, but in this case, I ask again.....and follow that with a HUGE

THANK YOU!!!!

Look at our Nick Collins!! Check him out!

Back on August 10th I was asking you to cross your fingers, say a prayer, wear your pajamas backwards, whatever it took. We needed a miracle, and we got one. Time and time again.

http://hennesseyhits.blogspot.com/2012/08/nick-collins-miracle.html

Then, at the beginning of October Nick's story touched a whole bigger family, the Clemson family, and who knows just how many people have had him under their wing.

http://hennesseyhits.blogspot.com/2012/10/clemson-nick-collins.html

Nick's Dad posted a new Caring Bridge post today and it seems that his recovery is moving right along. No more infection, 1 more surgery, some recovery, and then off to rehab! Nick is ridiculous. I love it!!  http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/nickcollins

I couldn't be more impressed with these two guys. Keep the thoughts and prayers coming.

And of course, if some Angel from heaven is reading this and thinking about how much they hate how much just even 1 co-pay and prescription can cost, then starts to add up in their head what the Collins and Fisher families are enduring, please feel free to contact me to help in any way you may be able.

Happy Holidays!!



Season Highlights



Coley and I love the Biebs



I did it. I caught the bouquet. For the first time, my midget height mixed with front row excitement, and I did it. It was mine. The odds were most likely in my favor since I've been to several weddings and never came remotely close. There seems to be such significance to catching the bouquet, too- something like, you are next in line to get married? Or something like that. Now of course, looking back I felt bad taking that experience away from the girls around me or who all have serious boyfriends, or well....a boyfriend at all, but at this wedding, Carolyn the bride, pretty much threw it right towards me. You can probably tell by my facial expression, that even I was shocked! Nay, thrilled! Especially if you saw the photo shoot Andrew and I (my friend who caught the garter) took on the dance floor. We thought we were on "So You Think You can Dance", or some other reality show battling it out. How embarrassing.....or not. We killed it...right. I am sure this was the first and last catch of the "season", wedding season that is. I have one more wedding on the fridge for this year and it's approaching quickly. My dear friends Coley and Evan. On October 20th they will tie the knot and will formally be known as Mr. and Mrs. Gault. Looking forward to next years weddings already, too! Nothing makes me happier than fun friends celebrating together. Especially when there is music and dancing involved. Which apparently when joined together leads me to stick out in a crowd. My friends Lauren and Meredith had the same photographer and as I'm dancing at Mers wedding, Lauren informed me that the photographer came up to her and said, "Is that the same girl from your wedding?". I guess I'm a real entertainer. I asked Lauren if I needed to tone it down a notch, and she said no. And I believe her. I guess when this body hears music, I just can't be tamed (Don't worry people my moves are conservative). Can't wait for nuptials and receptions to follow! Here's what I missed from this years.... Meredith & Andrew, Taylor & David, and Allison & Frankie's. What. A blast!

Don't Eat Food Shaped Like...

I went to the mall today to find a few things that I "needed" and striking out on all them led to me eating lunch in the Food Court. I went to Sbarro's, got a slice of cheese pizza, a breakstick, and a medium drink, a #1 if you will. A typical food court meal. Because it was pizza, when asked "for here or to go", I said "for here". I sat down at a table facing the rest of the food court for some good people watching and instead, experienced something new, awkward, and most definitely creepy.....turns out, I was the one being 'watched'. Taking my second bite of my breadstick, I look up, and to my surprise the gentlemen weirdo across from me was taking my picture with his iPhone. I wanted to give the guy the benefit of the doubt, but when the flash went off and he chuckled, I knew exactly what he was doing. Lets just say, I didn't eat another bite of that breadstick (I found this picture online, very similar to my meal so you could really get a feel of what these breadsticks looked like. Use your imagination). I was about to get up and switch tables when two ladies sat down at the opposite end of my 6 person table. I didn't want them to think it was because of them so I stayed and made awkward eye contact with Sir Creeps-A-Lot multiple times throughout my meal. I did what I know best, and tweeted about my situation.

Within moments I got several responses, assuming from my #whatdoido question. One being from my friend Nat, who proposed the idea of taking a picture of him in return. So....awkwardly....I did. I thought about posting the picture on here. Then I thought, no that's terrible. Turns out Nat was kidding....only I found that out after I actually took the picture when he said I was just as bad. Which then made me feel like the creep. That is until someone at work told me I was probably now on the Internet somewhere (Creeper: 2, Me: 1). Great. After telling my tale to another friend, she replied with "Wait, is the awkward, creepy part that you were eating at the food court in the mall or that he took the picture". So now I'm the weirdo?! Wonderful.

Moral of the story. Don't eat breadsticks in public, specifically the mall food court.

It's Finally Here

Football. What ultimately brought me to Clemson. It was 2003, Clemson was playing FSU at home, and I was a senior in high school tailgating with fraternity boys and jamming to Outkasts 2 hit records from Speakerboxxx/The Love Below ("Hey Ya" and "The Way You Move") at all the parties. Mix in free beer and gin buckets, and you have the perfect storm for making an overwhelming college decision seem like a cakewalk. Not to mention that I wore so much Clemson gear during my senior year of high school that if I didn’t get in and head south, it would have been highly embarrassing. Anyway, as history will tell you, the tigers won the Bowden Bowl and as you can imagine the students were thrilled. As was this high schooler who fell in love with a town….and several upper classmen :)

Flash forward a few years, tailgates, boys, and digital cameras later and you’ve got the start of another football season. Last week the CU tigers took on Auburn in the season opener down in Atlanta. My bank account being as pathetic as it has been lately encouraged me to stay behind with a group of friends. I have serious FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) so it was difficult to see and hear about those heading to the ‘dirty A’ but my stay in Greenville was not to be discounted. Par for the course, I “lost” my digital camera on the first game. What started out as a calm, mature viewing party in the penthouse/rooftop of a building downtown, soon turned into me consuming the large amount of BL’s I brought - - which I referred too earlier in the night as “plenty”. Not plenty. Gone. So I headed back to my college roots and went for the offered Coors Lights my good friends knew I once had a passion for. Cadence counts and a win later, we moved onto flip cup, which turned in to a dance off, which turned into a dance party. Once it was ‘time’ we moved onto our beloved Chicora. After that blur we headed home….safely I’d like to note.

Anyway, I’d like to think we all know that feeling of when you wake up and are like “holy hell, that was a good night”. Well those who know me know that I take far too many pictures. I don’t know if it’s because I’m like my mother and document everything, or if it’s just turned into convenience to piece together a night like Saturday, but when I went to look at ‘what happened’ and my camera and other contents were missing from my purse, I couldn’t help but think ‘well, I guess it really is football season’. I got in my car and headed to Chicora. When I walked in the bartender just started laughing at me. I said “Obviously judging by my looks I was here last night”. I told him what I was looking for and of course nowhere to be found. I left my information, took any part of my dignity I could find, and went on my way. After tracking down the keys to the building I dominated, I went up, and of course, just where I imagined, there was my camera.  Sitting in the middle of our dance floor……and just like I predicted……awesome video footage of the dance party, and the night’s events.

Not even one home game down and I already had a shambly game day. Success. For the ones coming up though, the event planner in me has come out yet again. For safe rides to and from Greenville to Clemson, my friend Jill and I have orchestrated a shuttle bus ride for 20+ each game day. It will be filled game by game, but just knowing I don’t have to worry about driving or parking in Clemson opens a lot of doors for “gameday success”……scary almost. I briefed the owner of the bus company that “this type of crowd still wants to be in college” before asking if coolers and other tailgating paraphernalia were allowed on. He’s met me several times before when I have gotten these buses for wedding receptions in the area, so he interrupted me and told me “Lacey, not to worry, I know your crowd”. I followed with, “I don’t know what that means, but I’m glad we’re on the same page” and laughed it off as every awkward response deserves. Better safe than sorry. On all fronts I guess.

I love the fall and am so glad its finally here. September is going to be filled with football weekends. Followed with October - - throwing in my birthday and a mountain weekend, plus Halloween. Then onto November with more games, a concert,  and my favorite holiday. Bring it on Clemson. I’m ready for you.

Rub Me Down

There is nothing better than a good back rub, am I right? Well maybe a poster of cats giving each other back rubs, but to me it's a close second. Regardless of when and where, or what mood you've caught me in, if someone starts rubbing my shoulders or scratching my head and/or playing with my hair, I will immediately be entranced and stop whatever I am doing. A solid back rub goes a long way. I for one, would like to toot my own horn and say that I think I give great back rubs. Maybe its because I know what I like...and I believe in 'do unto others as you would like them to do to you'. Or maybe its because I have been told I am great at it. Either way, please rub my shoulders. I used to be lucky enough to get a professional massage every so often. Dear God was I spoiled. Now I have gone months without one. I want one...I need one....and I've started to justify "needing" one in so many ways. Back when I lived in the Outer Banks for a few summers, living with 10 other people and waiting tables to make living/spending cash, we traded back rubs like currency.  A group of lazy, college aged, girls and guys, who thought they were slaves to the service industry, and willing to trade giving a back rub for measly tasks and errands. For example, "Lacey I will give you a 10 minute back rub if you take this $10 bill of mine and go get me beer from the c-store". Done. Another example "Kevin, if you give me a 15 minute back rub I will do 1-2 loads of your laundry". Even, "Lacey, for the rest of your Mac n' Cheese I will rub your shoulders for 5 minutes". You get the idea. We were really living on the edge. There were always the roommates who never 'made good' on their end, and of course the ones that were just TERRIBLE at giving a massage. Obvious kinks to any trade, however overall it was quite the internal system. From everything I have learned both giving and receiving in the back rubbing world, never, and I mean never fall victim to the "lets make a circle" person....that person is normally the worst at giving back rubs. Plus, it's always a crap shoot because its completely hit or miss upon who you get to sit in front of. Awful. These kids are idiots. Complete amateurs. Except for maybe little Johnny there...he at least has the "right" idea. What...a player. I encourage you all to give and take back rubs as often as you can. Bring the currency back. It's stronger than the dollar.

Nick Collins, a Miracle

Watch out for August....apparently it flies by. I have been terrible at this blog thing the past few weeks. More weddings, an actual family vacation, and lots of driving. My first week back to work has been stressful to say the least. 100+ emails in a matter of days and I guess my car couldn't take the traveling because Dora the Explorer has decided to rain on my parade and crap out on me. Repairs currently underway and more to come. Cross your fingers for a swift recovery. My problems could be much worse, and so could yours. Please take the time to learn about my amazing friend Nick, and what you may be able to do to help. Nick Collins, was recently in a terrible car accident with 2 other friends of mine (all Clemson grads). Nick has been in the ICU at MUSC for over a week now and could really use your support. Please feel free to follow Nick's miracle recovery in exchange for positive thoughts and prayers. He is a fighter and doing an amazing job, but has a long way to go. Nick has experienced multiple serious injuries, surgeries, and a recent amputation. An amazing musician and friend, Nick has an amazing heart and would jump at the chance to help a friend. If you feel you would want to deserve the same, there are several ways you can help. First with Prayer. If you would like to offset medical costs - - fundraisers and websites, as well as ways to keep up with Nick have been put in place- - CaringBridge.com being one of them. Thank you for your continued support, and continue to pray for our friends recovery. More about Nick and how to help here - -  http://www.nacwins.com/

Nick being a miracle - -CLICK HERE FOR THE STORY



CLICK HERE to follow Nick's recovery on Caring Bridge

Click HERE to donate money to help is family with medical costs

Nick and his band, Fowlers Mustache....check them out!

USA! USA! USA!

30 days until the Olympics and if you're anything like me (A proud American) then you have been watching the Olympic Trials on NBC. They are amazing, and I have a confession. I tear up almost every time someone qualifies, and I have already begun to yell at the television during the swimming trials. I am sure they are tears of happiness, because sometimes chills come with them, but I think it's also a little bit of jealousy. You best believe that if I went to the Olympics as a competitor I, immidiately following the games, would get those Olympic rings tattood on my body. What an accomplishment. The Olympics, and really all things red, white, and blue excite me. Nothing makes me happier than a loud U-S-A chant started randomly in the middle of a bar (or grocery store....still waiting for that to happen - - here's hopeing 2012 could be my year). With the 4th of July right around the corner (my favorite holiday of them all, even before Christmas and Thanksgiving) I'm starting to think about plans. It's important to not build up the holiday like New Year's normally is. But this year I have my eyes set on Beer Olympics for my day off. Only the switch-up....you have to be America. Everyone. No excuses. If I don't see a bald eagle, or some stars and stripes I could be majorly dissapointed in my friends. I'll even settle for some NASCAR gear.....maybe. I love America though....and the Olympics. My family is no different. Theme parties seem to pop up randomly at our family beach vacations, and 2 years ago we decided one afternoon to meet back at the beach for family Olympics. It's amazing what you can find at a tourist shop like WINGS. I, of course, had my sights set on being USA. All agreed to it.

But what I am really excited about is London and watching the hotness of Ryan Lochte. Ladies (and gents I would even imagine), you know what I am talking about. This good looking, tan ab'd fella, is one swift swimmer and one reason to cheer on the grand 'ol flag and the U.S. of A. Beating Michael Phelps in recent trial events, I hope he brings home a gold

medal or two. Phelps has said this is his last set of Olympic games and I think going into them with already 14 career medals is a good start. I think Ryan should just get a medal on how striking his physique is. Just saying. Anybody else see a little Channing Tatum in him? Gorgeous. Another exciting event to watch (my opinion of course) is diving. 2 brothers were in the trials together recently, 1 made it, 1 didn't. Thousandths of a point seperated 1 from going to London and the other staying at home hoping for another chance in 4 years. See where the tears can come from? Amazing. I wouldn't say I'm "swimming" in the dough, but every year I donate $20 to the
US Olympic Committee. If you love America as much as I do, I would highly recommend you doing the same. They hook you up with USA paraphanalia, and you're helping them out. I recently received a bad ass USA Olympic ring jacket. Not pictured on the left - - that was a gem I found in WINGS. The jacket they sent me was navy blue, with a classy upper left chest embroidered logo of the Olympic rings with USA above it - both in white. I have also recieved a giant Team USA flag, and a car sticker in a smaller version, to name a few. Best donation I have ever made. Hit 'em up. Follow the games. And please, feel free to start a U-S-A chant whenever and wherever you can. Extra points for grocery stores.