Friday, August 24, 2012
Things Don't Always Make Sense... Now
I am sure most everyone reading this blog post is aware of the struggle I have faced over the last couple of weeks with losing my job. It was something that completely took me by surprise and left me trying to catch my breath. I had worked for my former company for the past six year since graduating college. When I started I was the forth employee, including the owners of the company. During this time not only did the company grow but I felt we had all become like family. I have spent more time with my former bosses/co-workers than with anyone else. So needless to say things have been rough for me. I admit I might be a bit more sensitive than some people and took this personally even though I know it was due to the declining economy and our slow industry.
I have asked God the "Why me?" question numerous times. I just don't understand. But here is the good news, I don't have to understand. I just need to rest in Him, seek first His guidance and He will take care of the rest. I know he has a plan for me through this and that alone brings a huge smile to my face. Jeremiah 29:11 says, "I know the plans that I have for you, declares the LORD. They are plans for peace and not disaster, plans to give you a future filled with hope. (God' Words Translation). This verse has been the anthem of my life during other phases in the past, times when I have felt even more confused and knocked off balance. I have already felt God's hands working in me and His peace in this and that is incredible! John 14:27 says, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (NIV) Only He can give the soothing comfort and purest hope.
Have I found a new job? No, not yet. I do not want just another job. Brian is so supportive and agrees that I should use this time to search for a job that I will enjoy. I want to invest my time and my energy into an organization that speaks to me, that has meaning and a purpose to me personally. Honestly, I don't know what that will look like but I am hopeful I will find it, that doors will be opened for me and that with God's help I will be directed to it.
I want to thank all of you who have been so supportive of me through this journey so far. Your kind words of encouragement has been so uplifting and truly inspiring. XOXO
Sunday, July 15, 2012
THE ROYAL, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Paradise, per dictionary.com is defined as a place of extreme beauty, delight, or happiness. This is how I would describe our recent trip to Mexico with our friends Shaun and Lauren Dodson. We stayed 6 days, 5 glorious nights at THE ROYAL Playa del Carmen.
This was our room for the first half of our stay- we upgraded for the last two nights. It is so odd for us to sleep in a big bed and without a dog snuggling up on our pillows.
We arrived in time for a lunch and immediately headed to the beach.
Dinner the first night was at Asianas. It featured several different Sushi, Chinese, Thai, and Japaneses meals so it was easy to please everyone.
This guy was apparently celebrating his bachelor party and his buddies had he dressed up like this. A part of me doubts their story but it was super funny seeing this kid on the beach.
The resort has 8 different restaurants and we also had access to all the dining options in its sister resort located right next to it. The biggest decision we had to make each day was where to go to dinner.
Each day basically look the same- breakfast (I was spoiled with yummy omelettes most days), a stop by the Coffee Bar, and then the beach/pool until it was time for dinner.
Two morning I did attend a Pilates Reformer class that was offered in the gym. If you are not familar with this class, The Pilates Reformer is the most well known piece of Pilates equipment. It is a bed like frame with moveable carriage where a person sits or reclines and does his or her stretching, is an excellent way of exercising without hurting the joints while strengthening muscles. (source)
I absolutely loved them! If anyone know of any classes offered in the Atlanta area, please let me know.
This was our room the last two nights. It had a living room, dining area, bedroom, huge bathroom with a steam shower, hot tube, and amazing closet.
With our upgrade we were giving cabanas on the beach. I was able to pop under when I got too hot and needed to cool down and Brian was able to still be right beside me.
The night we went to dinner at Chef's Plate was my favorite. This restaurant changes its menu every night f the week and is an eight course meal- I seriously thought they were never going to stop bring out the food.
I tried to take pictures of each course but I missed one or two.
It was truly an amazing vacation! I would highly recommend THE Royal if anyone is looking to go on a trip.
This was our room for the first half of our stay- we upgraded for the last two nights. It is so odd for us to sleep in a big bed and without a dog snuggling up on our pillows.
We arrived in time for a lunch and immediately headed to the beach.
Dinner the first night was at Asianas. It featured several different Sushi, Chinese, Thai, and Japaneses meals so it was easy to please everyone.
This guy was apparently celebrating his bachelor party and his buddies had he dressed up like this. A part of me doubts their story but it was super funny seeing this kid on the beach.
The resort has 8 different restaurants and we also had access to all the dining options in its sister resort located right next to it. The biggest decision we had to make each day was where to go to dinner.
Each day basically look the same- breakfast (I was spoiled with yummy omelettes most days), a stop by the Coffee Bar, and then the beach/pool until it was time for dinner.
Two morning I did attend a Pilates Reformer class that was offered in the gym. If you are not familar with this class, The Pilates Reformer is the most well known piece of Pilates equipment. It is a bed like frame with moveable carriage where a person sits or reclines and does his or her stretching, is an excellent way of exercising without hurting the joints while strengthening muscles. (source)
I absolutely loved them! If anyone know of any classes offered in the Atlanta area, please let me know.
This was our room the last two nights. It had a living room, dining area, bedroom, huge bathroom with a steam shower, hot tube, and amazing closet.
With our upgrade we were giving cabanas on the beach. I was able to pop under when I got too hot and needed to cool down and Brian was able to still be right beside me.
The night we went to dinner at Chef's Plate was my favorite. This restaurant changes its menu every night f the week and is an eight course meal- I seriously thought they were never going to stop bring out the food.
I tried to take pictures of each course but I missed one or two.
It was truly an amazing vacation! I would highly recommend THE Royal if anyone is looking to go on a trip.
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
A Blue Ridge 4th of July
This weekend Brian and I along with Hollie and Wesley, Lauren and Ryals, Georgia and Teddy, went to Lake Blue Ridge to jump start our 4th of July celebration with the Mullers at their beautiful lake house in Blue Ridge. We actually had the privilege to go last year at this time as well. Our time was spent tubing, water surfing, knee-boarding, and tanning of course before riding up to the marina to watch the fireworks show. It was wonderfully relaxing in every way. I did not take many pictures but here is a snapshot of the highlights.
Sunset Cruise
Fireworks!!
The boys had a photo shoot jumping off the dock and me snapping their picture. The picture of Brian holding his nose is an inside joke with some of his buddies on his fantasy baseball league. Wesley must have been taking cheering lessons from
We had a wonderful time and are so thankful to the Mullers for hosting us. We will be spending part 2 of the 4th of July on Lake Lanier with the Griffins.
Sunset Cruise
Fireworks!!
The boys had a photo shoot jumping off the dock and me snapping their picture. The picture of Brian holding his nose is an inside joke with some of his buddies on his fantasy baseball league. Wesley must have been taking cheering lessons from
We had a wonderful time and are so thankful to the Mullers for hosting us. We will be spending part 2 of the 4th of July on Lake Lanier with the Griffins.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Lady Antebellum. Own the Night Concert
Back in March for my birthday, Brian gave me tickets to the Lady A concert. It was such a wonderful gift because I got so excited to receive it then and I have been looking forward to it . And now as of last Friday, it felt like it was my birthday all over again! A gift that kept on giving.
Brian told me we had really good seats but I was not prepared to walk all the way down the stairs, onto the floor and then past the gate to the floor directly in-front of the stage.
Touring with Lady A on their "Own the Night Tour" was Darius Rucker and Thompson Square. When we arrived Thompson Square had already performed. If you are not familiar with this husband wife duo, they sing the song "Are You Going To Kiss Me or Not". We could hear Darius Rucker, aka "Hootie" as we were entering the arena and were excited to make it to our seats. But as I mentioned above there were not seats, we were in a standing room only area in front of the stage.
Darius played several Hootie songs like "Let Her Cry," "Only Want to be with You," and "Hold My Hand" as well as "Purple Rain," and "Family Tradition". He was just having a good time and you could easily tell.
Once Darius finished up, a group of people were allowed inside the Inner Circle - small area that was surround by the stage- for the Lady Antebellum concert. This was fine with us as it allowed us to get even closed to the stage. Can you believe how close we were??
Lead Singer and background Vocal- Hillary Scott. I knew she got married earlier this year but did not realize she married the drummer. So cute!
Lead Singer and Background Vocals - Charles Kelley. I did not mind pretending he was singing directly to me. (Sorry honey- but you are much cuter). Charles and Dave are both UGA grads - Go Dawgs!
Dave Haywood, who sings background, plays guitar and piano. Fun Fact: our friend Meg Quinn grew up with him and they have even sang together in the past. She could definitely fill in for Hillary Scott should she ever need to.
They put on an amazing concert! I told Brian that now I had been spoiled by getting so close this time I will not want to go to another concert and not be stage-front. He set the stage mighty high- bad joke ;-)
Brian told me we had really good seats but I was not prepared to walk all the way down the stairs, onto the floor and then past the gate to the floor directly in-front of the stage.
Touring with Lady A on their "Own the Night Tour" was Darius Rucker and Thompson Square. When we arrived Thompson Square had already performed. If you are not familiar with this husband wife duo, they sing the song "Are You Going To Kiss Me or Not". We could hear Darius Rucker, aka "Hootie" as we were entering the arena and were excited to make it to our seats. But as I mentioned above there were not seats, we were in a standing room only area in front of the stage.
Darius played several Hootie songs like "Let Her Cry," "Only Want to be with You," and "Hold My Hand" as well as "Purple Rain," and "Family Tradition". He was just having a good time and you could easily tell.
Once Darius finished up, a group of people were allowed inside the Inner Circle - small area that was surround by the stage- for the Lady Antebellum concert. This was fine with us as it allowed us to get even closed to the stage. Can you believe how close we were??
Lead Singer and background Vocal- Hillary Scott. I knew she got married earlier this year but did not realize she married the drummer. So cute!
Lead Singer and Background Vocals - Charles Kelley. I did not mind pretending he was singing directly to me. (Sorry honey- but you are much cuter). Charles and Dave are both UGA grads - Go Dawgs!
Dave Haywood, who sings background, plays guitar and piano. Fun Fact: our friend Meg Quinn grew up with him and they have even sang together in the past. She could definitely fill in for Hillary Scott should she ever need to.
They put on an amazing concert! I told Brian that now I had been spoiled by getting so close this time I will not want to go to another concert and not be stage-front. He set the stage mighty high- bad joke ;-)
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Three Years Ago Day
Three Years ago today was the biggest and best day of my life, to date. June 20th 2009 was the day I became Mrs Brian Edmond Wages and I have never been so happy. Thinking about this day right now brings an overwhelming feeling of love and emotion. There was a huge smile plastered all over my face the entire day.
Here is what that day looked like...
8:00 AM : My day started early. All of my bestest friends in the whole wide world- my bridesmaids- and I had appointments to get our hair and/or make-up done at a precious salon in Macon. We sipped coffee and chatted while we all got "made-up"
11:00 AM : With our hair and make up complete, we were off to Idle Hour Country Club, the reception site, to check out the wonderful work my lovely Southern Grits had done with the decorations and flowers. I was beyond thrilled!
12:00 PM : Time to Get Dressed!
1:30 PM : Brian and I decided to see each other before the ceremony. I knew I would be pretty emotional that day and needed to see him. Brian was waiting at the bottom of the long curved staircase with his back to me. Little did we know, we had quite the entourage of my bridesmaids overlooking the balcony at us.
3:00 PM : We took a few pictures at the Country Club before heading via The Macon Trolly to Washington Park for more pictures at 3:00PM. It just so happened to be the hottest day of the year, reaching 103 degrees. We were all so hot but the pictures to me were well worth it, the groomsmen likely disagree.
4:30 PM : We needed to be at the church to have more pictures taken before the ceremony. It was really cold in here and was a lovely relief from the heat. We were also able to knock out some family pictures now so that we would not have to take very many post ceremony. I did not want to keep all our guest waiting a long time for us to arrive.
5:30 PM : Time for the Ceremony.
This picture of Holley looking back at time is priceless. Confession, I was not nervous one bit leading up to the ceremony. The music was playing, everyone was lined up and for some reason my mom looked back at me, calmly smiled and asked if I was breaking. I noticed I was not and started getting worked up, having a hard time catching my breath and about to cry. Thankfully my mom swung around, grabbed me by the hands and calmed me down quiet quickly. Still to this day I do not know what came over me. I think it all hit me for the very first time. This was the day I had dreamed about since a little girl.
Matt made a funny comment right when the doors were opened, and as soon as I saw Brian I was fine, better than fine actually.
We Are Married!!!
6:30 PM : After the ceremony wrapped up, we were off to party and dance at the reception.
Our first dance was "Into the Mystic" by Van Morrison.
Brian dance with his mom to "What a Wonderful World"
7:30 PM : Cake Cutting Time! The wedding cake was an amazing buttercream with raspberry filling. Instead of the traditional Chocolate Grooms Cake, we served precious Tuxedo cookies instead.
Reunion was our band. They were actually one of the first things we booked when planning our wedding. Everyone had a blast dancing. Mr Greg, the lead singer is the sweetest man and a long time family friend. His wife Linda is actually one of the ladies who did all the decorations and flowers. She is incredibly talented.
9:45 PM : The Garter and Bouquet toss. I love it when the single men and women really get into this. I was so nervous about Brian getting my garter and accidentally lifting my dress a bit too high.
My lovely ladies were elbowing each other for more room.
Jamie caught it!! It goes to show throwing some bows does pay off. Truth be told, Gary -Jamie's now husband- whispered to me to throw it near Jamie.
10:30 PM : This was our departure time. The favors were small jars of peach preserves. We had all the guest blow bubbles during our exit. I thought they were lovely!
Off to our Honeymoon- Dominican Republic, Punta Cana Beach.
I want to do it all again!!! It was the best day of my life and I am so thankful each and every day that God has so richly blessed me with my husband. Love you honey! Cheers to the next 53 years!
Here is what that day looked like...
8:00 AM : My day started early. All of my bestest friends in the whole wide world- my bridesmaids- and I had appointments to get our hair and/or make-up done at a precious salon in Macon. We sipped coffee and chatted while we all got "made-up"
11:00 AM : With our hair and make up complete, we were off to Idle Hour Country Club, the reception site, to check out the wonderful work my lovely Southern Grits had done with the decorations and flowers. I was beyond thrilled!
12:00 PM : Time to Get Dressed!
1:30 PM : Brian and I decided to see each other before the ceremony. I knew I would be pretty emotional that day and needed to see him. Brian was waiting at the bottom of the long curved staircase with his back to me. Little did we know, we had quite the entourage of my bridesmaids overlooking the balcony at us.
3:00 PM : We took a few pictures at the Country Club before heading via The Macon Trolly to Washington Park for more pictures at 3:00PM. It just so happened to be the hottest day of the year, reaching 103 degrees. We were all so hot but the pictures to me were well worth it, the groomsmen likely disagree.
4:30 PM : We needed to be at the church to have more pictures taken before the ceremony. It was really cold in here and was a lovely relief from the heat. We were also able to knock out some family pictures now so that we would not have to take very many post ceremony. I did not want to keep all our guest waiting a long time for us to arrive.
5:30 PM : Time for the Ceremony.
This picture of Holley looking back at time is priceless. Confession, I was not nervous one bit leading up to the ceremony. The music was playing, everyone was lined up and for some reason my mom looked back at me, calmly smiled and asked if I was breaking. I noticed I was not and started getting worked up, having a hard time catching my breath and about to cry. Thankfully my mom swung around, grabbed me by the hands and calmed me down quiet quickly. Still to this day I do not know what came over me. I think it all hit me for the very first time. This was the day I had dreamed about since a little girl.
Matt made a funny comment right when the doors were opened, and as soon as I saw Brian I was fine, better than fine actually.
We Are Married!!!
6:30 PM : After the ceremony wrapped up, we were off to party and dance at the reception.
Our first dance was "Into the Mystic" by Van Morrison.
Brian dance with his mom to "What a Wonderful World"
7:30 PM : Cake Cutting Time! The wedding cake was an amazing buttercream with raspberry filling. Instead of the traditional Chocolate Grooms Cake, we served precious Tuxedo cookies instead.
Reunion was our band. They were actually one of the first things we booked when planning our wedding. Everyone had a blast dancing. Mr Greg, the lead singer is the sweetest man and a long time family friend. His wife Linda is actually one of the ladies who did all the decorations and flowers. She is incredibly talented.
9:45 PM : The Garter and Bouquet toss. I love it when the single men and women really get into this. I was so nervous about Brian getting my garter and accidentally lifting my dress a bit too high.
My lovely ladies were elbowing each other for more room.
Jamie caught it!! It goes to show throwing some bows does pay off. Truth be told, Gary -Jamie's now husband- whispered to me to throw it near Jamie.
10:30 PM : This was our departure time. The favors were small jars of peach preserves. We had all the guest blow bubbles during our exit. I thought they were lovely!
Off to our Honeymoon- Dominican Republic, Punta Cana Beach.
I want to do it all again!!! It was the best day of my life and I am so thankful each and every day that God has so richly blessed me with my husband. Love you honey! Cheers to the next 53 years!
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