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

Olive's 15 Minutes

Our dog Olive recently received her 15 minutes of fame and I couldn't be more proud of the "Good Dog of the Week". I just love her so much!

Full article: http://gardenandgun.com/blog/meet-olive-garden-and-gun-good-dog-of-the-week

While I Wait

Over the past few weeks I have been given pills, syrups, shots, IV’s – you name it. I’ve received more mail (not the good kind) and more phone calls from administrative reps than one needs.  

My phone was supposed to ring yesterday and provide me with one of two evils. Either it’s back to the drawing board or the cause of my medical “unknown” has been discovered. It didn’t ring. I’m still waiting. It’s either going to be to make a small, but significant lifestyle change or back under anesthesia I’ll go for another procedure to yet again….figure it out. To think, all this stemmed from a dentist appointment. One small comment turned into multiple appointments, a specialist, and a procedure gone wrong – possibly leading to the answer. I’m still waiting for the phone to ring.

I have discovered one truth though – I have some ridiculously nice friends who have offered, and provided me some much needed rides to and from doctors and hospital rooms. Some of these meds have been no joke, so of course, like any kid dying to become a viral sensation I have allowed snapchats and/or video footage. Unfortunately, my 15 minutes hasn’t arrived yet, because all I chose to talk about was my blood pressure coming out of anesthesia. Lame - Especially because I don’t know the first thing about any of that.

 

Not knowing what I may have to change in the coming weeks, I have continued to partake in what may be terrible decisions for my body - Drinking for 5+ hours while floating down a river, a wedding weekend involving “all you can have” food and spirits, a few weeknight outings just because, and a big engagement celebration that I wouldn’t have missed. To add to that, I plan to kick off football season the right way this week. After all, I’m still waiting for the phone call. 

GO TIGERS!

PULL!

I grew up on the eastern shore of Maryland. Surrounded by fields, farms, and the water, my dad was always going hunting for geese and ducks. The first time (and only time) I was asked to go I blew it for the whole group. We set up the decoys, sat in the duck blind and waited...and waited...and waited. When I finally heard a distant "quack" I quietly (or so I thought) said, "they're here". With that, they flew away. The patience of my father quickly left, and so did we. 

Flash forward 20 years to a friends hunting land where I was given a shotgun to shoot at some clay's. After about 15-20 rounds of getting "close" I nicked one. With excitement, I asked to go again. A few shots later and I hit one dead on. With eagerness to actually be good at it, I asked for a few more shells and few a more minutes of patience. The boys obliged and even added encouragement. A few more guests arrived to the party and maybe it was the added pressure or just pure beginners luck, but I suddenly hit not one, not two, not three, but FOUR in a row. Amazed with myself, I quit while I was ahead and moved on to hand guns shortly after. I was starting to think I found a new hobby. With direction coming from all different, well... directions, I was able to get a few good shots in and found a gun I'd actually trust having as an owner.

I don't think hitting 4 clay's in 20+ rounds calls me a "pro", but I certainly felt like I was on to something and would love to go do it again. 

Old Bae

28 years ago, at roughly 9:30am, my mother was blessed with her third daughter. That golden ray of sunshine right there is me. She thought it would be her last, so she referred to me as her angel and always dressed me in white. Though 2 years later the twinkle of her eye, William James Hennessey IV, arrived. That's neither here nor there. Soon she would realize that "angel" was of a different breed. Calling constantly, giving every detail to every story, and showing pictures to supplement all of the above. I am more a bug in her ear than anything else.

When I turned 25 I remember calling her on my birthday and was almost having somewhat of a quarter-life crisis. 

Do you remember the game MASH that you played as a kid? It was a fortune telling game for your future. In middle school when I played MASH and was asked for an age for certain life events, my choices were typically 22, 23, 24....maybe 23, 24, 25. 


So when speaking to my mother at 25 and having what appeared to be nothing accomplished, you can imagine the dismay. I had just left a relationship, I was moving for the 1 millionth time, was in a fun job but made beans for a living (so to speak), was driving a car not attached to my name, etc., etc. I was quickly reminded that I played MASH in a spiral notebook accompanied by a mechanical pencil, while sitting on a yellow bus, with a Walkman attached to my Limited Too bell-bottom jeans. At least we have made progress in a few categories.

At 28 I can't help but think about that conversation had a few years ago and where things have gone/what's "crossed off the list". With hundreds, probably thousands, of pictures attached to the years on Facebook it's easy to take a glance. 26 was good, 27 was better, and I am hoping this year will be the best. Just looking ahead at the next few months there are some pretty cool things around the corner. 

When discussing my upcoming birthday with a friend, he made reference to us both being Libras. I have never put much thought into my zodiac sign, but then he shared this with me (taken from here):

*****

These people are rarely lazy.  It is pretty unusual for them to express anger, but when they do it is usually a storm. They nailed that last one. 

They are extremely positive and decisive in all their thoughts and actions. Good natured and loving, they enjoy talking to people Probably too much, I know my short stories are long, yet can also be very attentive listeners. 

They are often very psychic, have curious presentiments, and yet so strongly endowed are they with the desire to reason out everything, that their love of exact proof* usually overwhelms their psychic powers. *This was my "AhHa" moment. I get it now. I was born that way. 

LIBRA is the zodiac sign of Partnership. These people's energies are focused on melding and combining with others; they are at their best in personal relationships. Born under the sign of the Scales, they strive for balance and harmony and are happiest when their environment is ordered and serene. Fact: I have always found, for me, it is easier to offer forgiveness then to ask for it.

More:http://www.gotohoroscope.com/libra-meanings.html

*****

Kinda scary close on all fronts, the good and the bad. What's even more interesting is looking at other people and the traits aligned with their sign. I guess it's that curiosity that got the best of me, but most of the descriptions were spot on. Take a look for yourself.

I plan to spend 28 with those that care, judge me not, look to laugh, and are open to anything. Happy Birthday to me...and the rest of you Libra betches.

Loving these kids for putting together a fun night of celebrating. xoxo

Free Fallin'

7 years ago almost to the day, I jumped out of a perfectly good airplane at 14,000 feet. It feels about that time to do it again. The first time was spontaneous and the experience was shared with some of the most chill, genuine friends I've had the pleasure of partying with. It was 2007 and was one of the most glorious summers I spent in the Outer Banks. The music choice for the video...ehh...a little questionable. But, I guess legit to have. If you haven't gone, give it a go. Hell ask me to go with you, at least you know I'll document everything. 

I always thought the pull back of the parachute would bother me - definitely unlike anything you're expecting. Your feet just swing underneath you. It's amazingly gentle. The flight up was the "worst" part, if there was one. Just when I thought I was at the top and ready to jump, the guy literally was just opening the door to get some "fresh air". I had another 7,000 feet to climb. It was a really hot day, but we were told the air up there would be freezing. It was. Signing a death waiver was also interesting. My mother literally made the 4 of us kids take a group picture before I left. If she really thought I wasn't coming back, is that all she really needed - one last picture? Sounds familiar. I turn into her more everyday. I went, I came back alive, and ready to do it again. It's time. 

"We should go skydiving tomorrow"..."Ok sure lets go". It was that easy.

Bombs away....

Being in college + drinking beer everyday + eating junk all summer somewhat
explains this face.....throw rapid speeds and blasts of air to the face
and I'd say I've explained my looks here. Cool shot none the less.#TBT

Pull The Trigger

I have been wanting to go shoot guns for a while. Growing up, I had the privilege of being around a lot of farm land where my father would hunt ducks and geese. The Eastern Shore of Maryland didn't shy away from it's gun use, but for me it was always a shotgun. Hand guns were never in my realm. When I lived alone almost 2 years ago, I thought about getting my CWP and making a purchase, but had never used one. Even my experience with a shot gun is a distant memory. It seemed a little far fetched and I was clueless... after today, I see the light. After several months of trying to nail down a time to go, plus with the assistance of someone who actually knows what they're doing, I headed to the Palmetto State Armory. 

A little shy on the lane at first, I quickly warmed up and went for the double tap. I was told that I did very well for a first timer and that my accuracy was great enough to pass the test, should I choose to do that. My tiny little hands wrapped around a Glock 19, which apparently is thee gun for me. I got to hold something a little smaller (I think a Glock 27?), but was told the kickback may be a little too much. Maybe I'll try that next time. There will definitely be a next time.

#TriggerTuesday

#RoundsonRoundsonRounds

10 Years and 9 Hours

I used to drive back to Maryland all the time coming to and from Clemson. It has been several years since I've made the trek. This past weekend I had the opportunity again. Wonderful.

It was well worth the drive, however, I'm not jumping at the chance to get back in the car. It was my 10 year high school reunion, and guess who was in charge?! Me. As Senior Class President I guess you get stuck in that roll. With help from my past prom date, we pulled off a great night.....from what I can remember. Red Eye's Dock Bar is notorious for a good time, cheap drinks, and a heavy pour. Well, that, and their bikini contests. Gosh, what a shame we missed out on that one.

With 9 hours ahead of me and a lack of activity on the blog over the past few month, me and my non-makeup, hungover self decided to try a video message...vlogging if you will.

perhaps the next video (will there be a next?) will have better preparation.... my homies:

Groundhog Day

Have you ever felt like your life was similar to the movie Groundhog Day? Maybe not as a whole, but at least a part? Recently I made that connection and came to the realization that a huge part of my life was on repeat. The '93 classic stars Bill Murray - or rather a character named Phil. He would go through the same thing again, and again, but each time tried to play his situation out differently. Their would be small differences to his repeating day, however, the same end result would occur. Phil finally realized that instead of going through the motions, he would take it with stride and improve upon himself and those around him. The changes were so positive that eventually, Phil broke the loop and moved on to the following day - never reliving the same Groundhog Day again.

I have found myself on repeat in multiple areas of my life. Sure we get up everyday, go to work, eat lunch, come home, have a routine, go to bed, and do it all over again, but that's not always what we need to change. Recently, my Groundhog Day was altered. The loop...broken. Just like the movie, Phil kissed Rita and everybody moved on. Though this time, I wasn't Rita. I was removed from the loop. Finding change difficult at first, I thought about it and well, maybe just like the movie, I'd take each day and try to fix something. I'd try to change it up for a different outcome. I'd get back in the swing of things. Literally. 

Always a hobby, just in the background, I've come back to golf, tennis, and found a new love like for running. I've been stuck going through the motions. I had a routine and I liked it. Though you can't figure out if there is a better way, or better plan, if you don't give up the old and go for the new. Phil broke the loop and what you are only led to believe at the end of the movie is that he goes back to visit that little town in Pennsylvania every year. If my memory serves me correctly, Phil ends up suggesting he will move there one day, but of course starting simply with a rental. We'll never know his choice, but there's a big difference between life's rentals and the ones you settle down in.

I've never been one for change. I get attached too easily and have a memory for everything. It actually blows my mind to think about the places I have lived and the friends I have made, because change is all over the place when I look at the big picture. I can remember, however, hating each transition, but moving on once the loop was broken. Never by me, sometimes simply by time, but always with a push. I've been thankful for each time (looking back of course) and from that, try to find the best in every situation. Even since February 2nd, I've reconnected with old friends and relationships, and have been reminded of the person I always try to be. 

Just remember tomorrow can be February 3rd, a new day. Get rid of something that's not at 100%, even if it hurts. Or try to be thankful it got rid of you. If you miss it, you can try to find it again. If you don't, you'll have your Rita... a new beginning and a new routine. And if nothing else, it's nice to know it's not 1993. There is Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, the Cloud, etc. etc.... nothing really dies, it just stays behind.

Cash Only

Will and I took a trip down to Atlanta over Memorial Day weekend. The main reason for the trip was to see Dave Matthews Band on Saturday night, but we managed to hit up a few other spots during our brief stay. We drove down Saturday morning and grabbed lunch at Henri's {So we are clear, it is not "Henry's", as I made the mistake several times, it is pronounced "ahn-hrees"}. Located in Buckhead, Henri's turns out delicious sandwiches and has a bakery that will make you want to come back for seconds. The almond macaroon I ate was like a piece of angel food-cake with every bite. I followed that with a peanut butter chocolate chip cookie....and another few bites of an oatmeal cookie, then off to the mall we went. A pair of shoes for me and a shirt for him later, we headed to the hotel. In true Buckhead fashion, we passed several Rolls-Royce, a Lamborghini, and few other "rides" parked out front possibly for show. Our stay was very nice. With the amphitheater being a drive away, in a "bad part of town", and Will owning a brand new car, we decided to take a cab. Drinking a few tallboys at the concert wasn't going to help the equation either. The gentleman at valet whistled for a cab and in came Tony. A delightful, opinionated, southern man, set in his ways and very verbose about the way of the cab world and the streets of Atlanta. "Cash only", he would say. After brief discussion we put our faith in Tony that he was going to drive us to the concert (DMB was amazing BTW), we'd pay him up front for our return, and then hope he actually showed up to get us. And he did. Will and Tony quickly became BFF's. We were in good hands. I wouldn't repeat half the conversations we had with him - like I said, very set in his ways and passionate about his community - but here's a little taste:

The next morning we got up and went to the World of Coke. We saw a 4-D show (Disney you're calling my name, I can hear you), sat on the original American Idol couch, tried the taste of products from around the world (Taiwan Sprite being my leading favorite), and saw some pretty neat stuff. I had never been to the Olympic Park before either, so being so close, we walked over to that, too. Will's family has bricks with their names on them located in the park purchased during the ATL Olympics in 96', so went to find those. Pretty cool, and located just feet away from one of the statues where you can still see a nail mark from the bombing. Crazy stuff. I still will never get over the Olympics being so close and never going. Had I been a smarter middle schooler to realize the distance between Atlanta and my hometown of Centreville, MD, I assure  you I would have been there. Looking back at how "American" and obsessed with the flag her kids are, I am sure my mother wishes we went. I am determined to make it to one set of games.

Hungry, per usual for me, we went to The Varsity. I had passed it a million times going to see my sister, but never stopped in to hear "What'll ya have!?". So. Freakin. Good. A competitive rival to my favorites, Cheeseburger House (located in Greenville) and the always there-for-you Fuddruckers.  With full belly's and a great weekend behind us we headed North back to Greenville.

Hooky Humpday

I remember the days of middle school asking, no - begging, my father to allow me to "play hooky" from school for the upcoming day. Rarely succeeding, but remembering oh so well that feeling when he said "fine". I had that feeling again this week when I asked my career parent - my manager - if I could take the day due to some heavy overtime I had put in recently. It was kind of her idea anyway so it was a non-issue, but when I got the "yes" you can probably imagine my excitement knowing I'd sleep in with no alarm. 

That day was today. I woke up at 9am. Lets talk about #postgradproblems, shall we. It's so sad to me that I was ecstatic to see that I slept until 9am. I got up to use the bathroom, climbed back into bed, because surely I could use more sleep, and then thought, "No, you have so much to do". I was so excited to be off that I almost didn't want to waste it....sleeping? I had off and needed off because I had life to take care of. I assured myself I'd fit in a nap somewhere later in the day. There were more important things on the list first....and some not so important things. It depends on how you prioritize. We may differ in opinion. My first stop:

 A Perfect 10. Call ahead for Julia.  You won't be disappointed ladies - 3 coats. Every time. Same for pedi's. When I called in from bed to see if Julia was working there was some confusion in dialog (as you can imagine). I mentioned I was in no rush, which apparently was taken as a huge rush. My 9:30 phone call soon became a 10am appointment. Regardless a nice set of hands was a great start to my day. I also got a nice laugh out of being told I had "tiny nail like Lauren" (my roommate and advocate of Julia's) and then she later confirmed what I have been told by so many friends -  "Lacey you have small hand". A common observation and 100% accurate statement. 

After I got my nails done, I met Johnny - a sweet gentleman and kind soul at O'Reilly's Auto Parts willing to help out a helpless, young girl who curled her hair and "dressed the part" of someone clearly clueless about cars. Did you know that only one light bulb controls both the brake light and blinker on a Jeep? Now you do. Mine was fried. Literally. The light bulb was black. I had a nice little laugh when Johnny took it out of the socket. That sweet man gave me an extra bulb just in case the left one goes out. Let's be honest. If you know my experience with Dora, or any of my past Volvo's, we see this one coming. Somebody knock-on-wood for me.

Naming rights are still out on the Patriot. Suggestions are welcomed. You should really see him/her shine. I'll tell you what, those folks at Greenville Car Wash know what they're doing. However, I looked Giarmo right in the eyes when I pulled up and said, "Give me the best you got". He looked back at me and said with his fancy accent, "Pina Colada?". I died a little inside. Hell no, I don't want my car to smell like Pina Colada, or Mint, or God help me New Car, because the last time I got New Car scent I received a whole lot of smelly comments from the peanut gallery who rode in my vehicle. I went with, "Actually let's go with no scent, Giarmo". 

On to the next task. Paying more dreaded medical bills. Don't worry I'm not dying, but it's last year all over again. I honestly don't understand the point of a deductible. I always try to remain calm with customer service staff on phone calls because I think they have the worst job. Think about it. In any industry, specifically cable companies, they only speak with people that, from the moment they answer the phone, hate them. So I try to be nice and understand that it's the company and their policies that I hate, not the person on the other line. If nothing else, try and take that away from this message today. I promise you there is no other lesson, anyway. 

I decided if I was giving out money today, I might as well give some to everyone. I had one gift card still burning a hole in my wallet from Christmas and a few Angel Rewards cards to my personal danger zone - so off to the mall I went. Yes, I went to the food court. 2 times in 2 weeks. That has to be some time of redneck record.  But I'm talking about my other danger zone, Victoria's Secret.

I went in with my purpose and the damage was done. Vickie. You win again. You send me $10 off this, Free pantie that, and yet I leave with a bag that could house a large cat.

And Forever 21, you are a 27,000 square foot store, yet you only let me take 6 items at a time into the dressing room? In what world does that make any sense? Especially in a store where I could be a small, medium, or a large, because your clothes are so inconsistent. That means I have to take in 2 of everything. I'm not mad because I'll never pay more than $22.50 for anything you sell, but it's a lot of back and forth. Touché. You got me. 13 items in. 4 items out. I get it now, it's a numbers game.

There's been some conversation among some groups that I may be moving. I can neither confirm nor deny these allegations. I will comment, however, that I went to check out a beautiful bedroom suite today, thanks to Fickle Greenville, and have decided to make the purchase. Now I'm just in the market for a strapping young lad to help me pick it up and place it in storage until it is ready to find its final home.

Last on the docket was Bowling League. I've suffered a slight injury which hurt our game. I'm not gonna say I ruined the night for us, because I most definitely was not the only one bringing us down, but tonight was not my night to say the least. The good thing is Team "I Can't Believe It's Not Gutter" is great at losing, so it really has become natural to us. Much like the modern day tee-ball team, we all get a turn, we're all out there for fun, and you get a high five from your teammates even if you suck. The added bonus in this case - buckets/pitchers of beer. 

I've been saying for a while now that I've wanted to play hooky and go to Carowinds, and I still really want to do that, but with placing "fun" aside, today was one of the most productive and efficient days. Much needed. The only thing missing was a few swings of the golf club and a few rubs of the shoulders. If only there were more hours in the day. #postgradproblems

The Old Shoe

Have you ever had a pair of shoes that you love so much you just can't bare to get rid of them? They have been around the block a time or two, maybe even held a dear spot in your closet for several years, and time after time your Spring cleaning can't dare to let them go. I've had those shoes, and I recently gave mine away. 

Much like mine, your pair may bring out the best....and worst....in you. They still look good - wearable, broken in - yet you know deep inside the miles you've put in and effort to keep them together. On the outside, and to the next owner, the look may be in style, the "soul" still in tact, but you see the rough edges and have dealt with the embarrassing feeling of gluing that (literal) sole back together #wedges. It's never the best feeling, but you like the way they look on you, so you mend the shoe back to health, thus keeping the long term relationship going for a few more months. 

An old pair of shoes are reliable. Good to you. Dependable. Safe. They're typically comfortable. They are, in essence, your favorite. You know they're a good fit, but eventually those straps may fade, they seem to get worn - possibly stretch allowing excess space, and you might start looking for a replacement. If you don't, your shoes will let you know it's time by giving up. You are reluctant on what you want next - the same pair? Something different? My mother has kept a pair of yellow Nike tennis shoes for as long as I can remember. So long, I think she owns 2 pairs because there is no way these gems still exist. I give her a hard time of being a "pack rat", though when it comes to a relationship with an old shoe - I get it. It's hard to let go. You want to toss them aside, yet the memory and existence of that dear beloved footwear will reign on. I still laugh at the stories of those "ugly" yellow shoes. They're practically family. Being a Hennessey and pure product of my mother, Carol, I struggled with releasing my old shoes. Who knows, maybe one day I will find a similar pair or will come full circle and they'll make their way back into my closest. Regardless, we've all got an old shoe or two that needs a good evaluation, possibly a refresh, or maybe just a good stroll around town. #theperfectfit

Back in the Habit

One post so far in 2014. I'd say I've been a little absent on Hennessey Hits. This is my attempt to get back in the game. I've taken a hiatus before, and followed up with a recap, so to keep in trend I'll do the same again. 

Where have I been? Well, for starters on Instagram. I've been posted up at Lhennessey2. Life reached it's peak for Jill and me when +Tajh Boyd and Sammy Watkins hit us with a "Like". Some of us Clemson alum gathered to play a little Web (the greatest competitive drinking game known to man) and we stopped for a photo opp to celebrate the Orange Bowl win. A few minutes later our night was made. Not gonna lie, we thought we were pretty cool. It was that or the fact that I thought I could pull off faux leather leggings.

I then made a trip to the ATL. I'm already crazy Aunt Lacey to one big personality, but this past January my sister gave birth to a sweet baby boy named Cooper.  If these faces don't melt your heart, I don't know what will. Sawyer's 3rd birthday is just around the corner so putting myself in her tiny little shoes, I got her a what every young girl would want....a Barbie Cruise Liner. Now I know how parents feel on Christmas morning.

I opened the box and NOTHING was assembled. Crazy Aunt Lacey got to put all the fake window stickers on every window, all the fake place mat stickers on every table, each flag sticker on each plastic flag string, etc, etc. Figuring out the bunk bed situation was an extra bonus. Barbie and Ken are still sleeping separate. Good to know. 

Ryan, Kens' BFF?, doesn't like to wear a shirt according to Sawyer. She made me very aware he does not like clothes. Good luck to all her future boyfriends. Ryan hits the gym.

Snowpocalypse came a few days later. The Greenville school system shut down for almost a full week and work was out for 2 whole days. My jeep, unable to move for 24 hours, proved that Dora the Explorer wasn't as bad as I made her out to be - may she rest in peace. Though I was stuck, I was with a great group of guys who took to the hills. My first good sledding experience in a few years and to be honest, this Maryland girl was totally unprepared. I had to borrow boots, wore cloth gloves, weather resistant pants, and with my own good graces, purchased a new North Face this past Fall. I will say though, I survived just fine. 

Luckily the snow and ice melted in time for Friday - Valentine's Day. I was treated to Rick Erwin's and a meal I can't stop thinking about!

So, so, SO good. Ordering was very strategic. We wanted everything. There was a pretty sweet 4 course deal for the holiday so we went with that, and then went off the menu for more. Calamari and the biggest shrimp cocktail for starters. He followed with a caesar salad, while of course I had to eat some of the bread. Surf and Turf sat across from me, allowing me to try lobster for the first time (delicious), and I (no shocker) got the crabcakes - large plate (again, no surprise). We topped it off with the chocolate torte and washed it all down with a yummy bottle of Sass Pinot Noir. Drool! I want to eat this again and again. I mean no lie the shrimp were the biggest I've seen and those crabcakes, omg those crabcakes, no filler. Amazing. Such a treat. I loved it. And aren't my flowers pretty? A little Martha Stewart trick......poor some Sprite into your vase and your flowers will bloom larger than life and stick around longer than expected. Not sure where I learned that, but along with consuming this crisp, refreshing beverage on a weekly basis, I always make sure to add it to an arrangement. It won't disappoint. 

Lastly - of all times I can't believe I haven't posted during the Olympics! Sochi 2014 peeps, and we are on it! I hope you are tuning in. Next time I'll share my thoughts on naked ice skating. It's a doozy. God Bless America.

Ice Ice Baby

Thursday I got a nice reminder that I've been living in the south for 10 years, and well....that I'm a far cry from a hip middle-schooler. Those were the days though. I was a tiny string bean strutting my stuff around the rubber floors of the Talbot County Ice Rink in Maryland. Wearing my ugly, rented, tan figure skates and decked out in what I'm sure was Abercrombie & Fitch or something of the era, I was always ready to take the ice. A large carpool system set up by all the mom's made it easy for us to have some "wild" Friday nights back in the day. I kissed TGIF programming goodbye and said hello to cheese fries, hot chocolate, and cross your fingers....the Backstreet Boys playing over the loud speakers. I killed it on those skates. So much that my mother, Carol, purchased me a pair of white figure skates for Christmas one year. I'm sure she saw that the Olympics were no where in my plans, so hitting a deal at Sam's Club one week was perfect. Skates for all 3 of us Hennessey girls. Growing up in Maryland, it would get quite cold in the winters. Our neighborhood ponds would even freeze. My father would test the ice to make sure it was safe and boom - backyard ice rink for this girl. I was a natural. 

Fast forward 15 years and you enter a conversation with Will and I about heading to Ice On Main here in Greenville. I honestly thought it'd be like riding a bike. I'd throw on the ice hockey skates (which is one hell of an upgrade from the tan rental gems I had to use), get used to the ice and watch Will's shaky legs go to work. This would only be the second time he would have been skating in his lifetime. With this vision I talked a big game. Reminding him frequently that I have been doing this for years.

Well, we got to Ice On Main last Thursday and I have never felt so unsure of the quality of my ankles. We were those people that held the side railing walls for what was probably two full laps. Children of all ages whipping by us, including one little punk that truly needed a haircut, decked out in Tom Brady garbage. We get it, you're from the north AND you can skate. Good for you. A couple laps in and we got used to the ice. Got used to it, didn't say I was comfortable. I don't know if you are just fearless as a child or maybe just weigh next to nothing so it is actually easier, but all I could envision was slamming my face or the back of my head hard to the ice. Watching from across the rink, Will almost ate face trying to correct himself. Hysterical. Swearing our ankles would be swollen the next day, we would tend to take one lap at a time. Will challenged me to time trials, in which I was the obvious loser. His :23 second lap really set the bar. My speed was that of a quick turtle, at best. No exaggeration, the below video probably shows my legit best lap of the night. Terrible.

Luckily, Thursday was a sponsored night at the ice rink and our tickets were of no charge. I think its safe to say you won't be seeing me in Sochi. #USA

The October Smorgasbord

 I've been all over the place this October, and with that I have been stuffing my face. Between my birthday, a wedding, and Fall for Greenville - I can't seem to get enough. Other than hitting the gym, what better way to celebrate my caloric intake then to offer you a smorgasbord of meaningless memories and perhaps a look at my menu lately. So grab a brownie, cupcake, entire pizza, and/or diet coke (yes, diet) and hop in line for the Hennessey Hits buffet.

On the morning of my birthday, I arrived at work and to my surprise, sitting on my desk, was a tower of cookies, a pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks, a breakfast bagel from Sully's Steamers, and a large ice-cold coke in a Styrofoam cup - these people I call co-workers really know me. It's either awesome or embarrassing. Then taken to lunch, I enjoyed a crab cake and a helping of triple layer chocolate mouse cake. As if there was room, for dinner I topped the day off with macaroni, green bean casserole, Texas toast, a side salad with ranch and a few Bud Lights. Oh yea - then friends brought out an Oreo cake. Of course I ate a slice. 

27 - the year for eat, drink, and be....married? Not me, but the big "I Do" for many friends. 2 of which were Becca and Wes. The wedding was anything but boring and again, amazing food! To Charleston, SC I went and enjoyed literally one of, if not, the best rehearsal dinners I've been a part of. The speeches were absolutely hilarious and I wasn't shying away from the impressive open bar and choice Italian cuisine. Well done Martino clan. Well done.

Back in 2011 I wrote about Annie. That's her pictured with the gentleman to the right. Her...not me. Freakishly she looks just like me! Click here to read the quick background story on Annie and how I found my doppelganger. I received a phone call to meet Annie this past weekend. Of course I obliged. I was so curious. It was hysterical. She was hysterical. If I look anything like Annie when I am older, I'll take it. We met at Red Bowl. Yummm. I left there and went to Fall for Greenville. I have shared my thoughts about #FFG for several years. This year will be no different. 

So excited I even neglected to head to Clemson for the BC game. Instead I went with eating crab cakes on crab cakes on crab cakes, a slice of pizza (or 2 or 3), birthday cake gelato (a few times....hey, it's birthday month), enjoyed a few beers and of course bites of other unbelievably mouth watering favorites from downtown Greenville. Before departing for the final time Will and I stopped by the Gravitron - a carnival ride that spins continuously, sending its passengers round and round so the force actually holds you to the walls keeping you still. Science. It'll blow your mind. Anyway, we were watching on Sunday afternoon....the 'church crowd' had just hit the streets. One daring lady in her late 30's/early 40's decided the Gravitron was the perfect place to spend 7 tickets. In her kitten heals, bright red dress, and what looked to be a wig secured tightly, she showed a face nothing short of terror with each loop around. With yelps of "stop"...."stop"...."stop", laughter ensued. I couldn't help myself. As the ride came to a stop the other passengers let her off first. Like a wiggly, baby deer, and with an "Awww Lawd" she grasped the railings tightly and then went straight to the arms of a gentleman waiting. Sure she was going to puke, we waited a few moments before leaving. Why do we do that? Why do people laugh at the demise of others? So funny. "Stop" "Stop" "Aww lawwd" - hysterical. You should have seen her.

Next up, the biggest and best game of the year so far. Clemson vs. Florida State. Home game this Saturday under the lights in Death Valley. We stopped by the Alumni tent where my friend Bubba was gearing up for the weekend. He asked we pose with the Tiger - content knowing ESPN GameDay is coming back twice in one season or maybe just happy and full with crab cakes, we agreed. Go Tigers!

With a party bus leaving Greenville in the morning, 9 hours of tailgating, and a ticket into the game, Friday can't come fast enough. 

Only half way through October and so much good stuff. Next stop - Halloween.

Loose Change

Back in my glory days at Clemson University I spent many a night at one of the local watering holes, Loose Change. Like Cheers, everybody knows your name and if you spent more than $20 by the end of the night, you were doing something wrong. How they stay in business is beyond me. Homegirl here is not complaining. Quality beers for $1.50 and you can order 2 shots split 10 ways and everyone still gets a full one - in fact they are the size of a small beverage. If there was one place they saved money, it was on air-conditioning. Holy hell it would get humid in there. And for some reason the "place to be" was in the long, skinny hallway leading back to the bathrooms. You tigers born in the 90's have no idea what I'm talking about. Privileged with new renovations to 'Loose', the kids raging in DT Clemson these days are spoiled with a large open bar and...wait for it... air conditioning!! AND 3 bathrooms. Little punks. That was unheard of! Bowling a few frames on a giant video game was popular (better still be there), as well as the touchscreen Spot the Difference game fully equipped with nudey pics. To help us struggling college students, looking to get a good buzz and a possible fraternity/sorority function date, cool down they hooked us up with a giant industrial fan located in the corner of the bar. One night (or several) the back of the bar turned into an epic photo shoot. Nothing like a good blast of air to the hair to pump up a glamour shot. The most unbelievable picture of my roommate at the time, Jillian, surfaced to facebook, profile pictures, and still haunts her to this day. I'd post but her professional career is far beyond mine. Her picture is safe with me. Last night another past roommate of mine, Taylor, and I were discussing how ecstatic and eager we are for next weekends home opener against UGA. Moments later we started to reminisce. With great coincidence I happened to be standing next to another industrial fan (I hang out in some great places, let me tell you). As you can imagine I took the moment and ran with it. There are several of these gems. This one making the cut to be featured on Instagram. Got to love social media. Jillian had given more of a zoolander-esque face, but I think we can all agree....I nailed it. 

Loose Change is calling my name, as well as Todaro's, Lot 1, Death Valley, 356, Blue Heron... Ugh, I could go on forever. Amazeballs. #GoTigers