2009 Comes to an End

Can you believe its New Years Eve, already? 2009 seems to have flown by with the blink of an eye. There have been so many events and milestones over the past 365 days it would be hard to try and re-cap. Lucky for us, I've somehow managed to keep this blog alive for the majority of it, so browsing through the archives will take care of any reminiscing that needs to be done.

I would, however, like to reflect on the month of December. What a crazy and glorious month! Between getting engaged to the love of my life and best friend and all the family visits and gatherings for Christmas, I barely had time to breathe. But, it is the best kind of stress because it's filled with loving people who mean the world to me. We even got one of the biggest snow storms I can remember this December! Nothing is better than a white Christmas (even if it does melt away entirely by the 26th).

I am looking forward to the New Year. It's always refreshing to start over and set goals for yourself. Most people, myself included, have a hard time sticking to their New Year Resolutions, but not this year. This year I'm going to push myself to keep with my resolution, simply because I never have before and you've got to start somewhere, right?

They give me hope

Now that Point Breeze Palaver is decked out and ready for winter, there is something I want the blogging world to know:

One of the best things about living in Colton's Point is most certainly my neighbors. They give me hope that America is not all bad, and are living proof that there are genuinely GOOD people left in the world. Now this could be because they are an older couple and are from a different era than most folks today, but regardless they posses the qualities that everyone should strive and wish to have.

You may be wondering what brought on this sudden surge of affection for my sweet neighbors. The fact that I was greeted with a smiling face and friendly wave as I crossed the yard on my way in yesterday is just the beginning. About an hour later I answered the front door, only to find my neighbors standing there with a bouquet of flowers and a tray of Oysters Rockefeller (on the half shell and all)! "I heard that a congratulations is in order," she said with a sly grin on her face as she handed me the cheery red, white and yellow boquet. "You both like Oysters, right? 15 minutes at 375 and 2 minutes in the broiler and your done," he instructed me as he handed me a full tray.

They had heard about our engagement (or possibly saw the act) and wanted to wish us the best and congratulate us. If we had more people in this world who were like these two in the way of caring, thoughtfulness and hospitality, maybe, just maybe it would be a better place. Maybe the human race itself wouldn't be so bitter and thinking the world owes them something 24-7.

There aren't many people left out there like my beautiful neighbors, and to be lucky enough to live next door to them makes us two very blessed souls.

Let it Snow!

I love snow, even though here in Southern Maryland we don't tend to see too much of it. Today, however, our luck has changed! A certified 'blizzard' has hit the east coast and for once we are seeing its effects. We typically see a mix of snow and rain leaving a slippery, dangerous mess that is gone after 2 days. But this...this is REAL SNOW. Beautiful big flakes of crisp white snow.

Playing in the snow, sledding, making snow angles, you name it, I did it and this year I hoped wouldn't be any different. So how majorly disappointed was I when I found out I have 'Sinusitis' yesterday...Basically I have a sinus infection, but this one is unusually annoying and debilitating for me. So no playing in the snow this weekend. (Although I did make it out for about 5 minutes to try and clean my car off) At least we've gotten so much though it looks like it's going to stick around for a while. Dare I even say we might have a white Christmas? I can only pray, because nothing is more perfect than a White Christmas with the ones you love.

Speaking of ones you love, I saw something I didn't love today. I guess he was out enjoying the snow too...Either that or was terrified and freezing! Regardless, as Bubba and I were braving the storm to make it to our local country store for seudafed, candy and tissues, I saw quite the sight...One of our stinky little friends making his way up the road in the small grooves from the other trucks with 4-wheel drive that had been out already. I couldn't believe it! Well, I could, considering the Point has had a faint smell of SKUNK for the past few months, I'm thinking they are plotting to take over here shortly. And there he went, scurrying up the road...I was just crossing my fingers he didn't get scared and spray us or our house...how miserable would it be to have to smell skunk all day while being snowed in?! At least I can't breathe out of my nose and am having a hard time smelling anything at all...

Hill Family Photos

So I want to tell you about a new friend of mine, Melissa Barrick! She is a co-worker and also an expert photographer. She started up her own business (MB Photography) and takes a lot of beautiful pictures.

In fact, we were lucky enough to be the subjects of one of her photoshoots. You see, back in June when Bubba's nephew, Jakey, turned 1 year-old we gave his parents a gift certificate for a 2 hour shoot with Melissa. Well life moves quickly and before we knew it, December was here and still no pictures. So Sarah (Jake's mom and my future sister-in-law) set up a date with Melissa and decided she wanted the whole Hill clan in the photos, not just she, her husband Adam and little Jake.

So we all bundled up and headed to Greenwell State Park for our photoshoot. I personally was a little nervous about the photos since technically I wasn't a real part of the Hill family, but little did I know, just a week later I'd be engaged and the soon-to-be Mrs. Mindy Hill!

So anyway, back to my point, check out a "sneak peek" of the Hill Family Photo's on Melissa's Website. And if you're looking for a photographer, give Melissa a call or an email because she is a true professional and has a natural talent for photography!

The Story

So here it is, the story of our engagement. Or should I say, the story of the day he proposed? Either way, here it is...

I am a Communications Liaison, which entails me writing and publishing newsletters, coordinating events, fundraisers, parties and doing pretty much every other task people can think of that A) They don't want to do, and B) Involves communicating to the masses. Our biggest work function/event? The annual "Holiday Party" held every year around Christmas. To me this is a big deal because this is the one chance my company has to give back to its employees and I would like it to a memorable event that they thoroughly enjoy. Needless to say, around this time of year I'm fairly stressed out. Not awful stress, I enjoy planning parties, but it still takes its toll on you.

It's Friday, December 11, 2009 - the date of the big holiday party. Also the date that Bubba and I have designated as our "Anniversary". We never officially said, 'this is official', we just kind of happened and we knew it was around the 11th, so there you have it. 2 years of dating joy...and I say that in all seriousness. There has not been a moment with Bubba that I haven't been happy. He is truly a diamond in the rough and really knows how to make me laugh.

Back to the story...So we're at the holiday party, and as the one in charge of planning I have to stay around to make sure all the drunks leave and that the caterer and DJ make it out ok, which also means Bubba has to stick around as well. He was a little antsy, but we finally made it out around 11:45pm or so.

We make it home (Lexington Park to Colton's Point isn't exactly a quick ride) and I'm exhausted. I hadn't been sleeping well all week, and with the music that had been blasting my head was pounding. So I instantly change into my pajama's in one fell swoop and head to the bathroom to wash my face. All the while Bubba yells, "Crap! I left my phone in the car". I noticed it took a while for him to come back in and I was just hoping he hadn't slipped and hit his head or something ( I always think the worst). So he comes back in and has a bottle of champagne on ice, a vase of roses, candles and 2 glasses...My heart dropped and I thought I knew what was coming. But he read my face and said, 'No no, you did a great job tonight on the party and I thought we'd celebrate!' So I'm sitting on the couch (in my PJ's) and brimming with excitement he tells me that he has an early "Christmas Thing" to show me, and that I needed to put my coat on. 'Is anyone going to see me? I am already in my pajamas. Do I need real shoes?' He told me he didn't think anyone would see me, but he wasn't sure...So I throw on a sweatshirt AND a coat, socks and slippers and he guides me outside.

Go stand by the fence and look at the house, I want to show you something. YES! He put more lights up on the house and we won't look so ghetto!! Ready Mindy? Here it goes...

And then nothing, I felt awful! How does it look? he yelled. I had to answer, Aww babe I think you blew a fuse or something, nothing happened! Well, that is because you're looking the wrong way...and he turns me around to our pier completely lit up in white lights...and then the shaking set in. I knew what was happening. We walked out to the end of the pier and had the most beautiful moment I could imagine!

And that is the story of our engagement! Simple and sweet, and every bit as romantic as I'd hoped it would be. Bubba is truly the love of my life, and I can't imagine spending it with anyone else. I know it's mushy, but come on, if you're lucky you only get engaged the right way once!

I'm a pretty lucky girl:

The Big Apple

December is going to be pretty jam packed for me this year and it's already started out with a BANG! And a good BANG at that. The 3rd - 5th, three generations traveled up the East Coast to the great city that is New York. Marci, my grandmother, Nan, my mom and myself boarded a train at BWI and made our way to Penn Station, where our journey began.

This is not my first time traveling to New York, in fact, I've done just about every winter "touristy" attraction possible. I've been to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and watched the ball drop in Time Square on New Years. It's just something about New York in December that keeps me coming back for more. Maybe it's the lights, or possibly the unbelievably creative window displays donning every store window. Perhaps it's the scarves and peacoats that line the streets, or just the simple excitement and joy that exudes off of every person you pass.

This trip we explored the town, watched the AMAZING Radio City Music Hall Rockettes, ate a superb dinner at The View on the 47th floor that slowly rotates to give you a view of the entire city, bargained on Canal Street, remembered at the site of the World Trade Center, and did some shopping in the beautiful Bryant Park which was filled with unique vendors.

Overall I love New York and will always continue to go back and visit!

It's that time of year...

Maybe I'm feeling mushy because it's the first day of December and I know that the Christmas season is in full swing, but I really am thankful today. I know what you're thinking, "Thanksgiving was last week, you're a little late..." It's true though, I'm really feeling blessed with the people I have in my life at the moment. I'm lucky to have some outstanding friends, both near and far, who are genuine and truly caring people. People who have been my friend through thick and thin and are each unique and special to me.

I'm glad to say that all of my friends are so very different from one another, but yet all have one common characteristic. They are good friends. What is a good friend? Someone who will text you just to say, "Hey, I'm stalking your life online and am crying because I miss being in SMC-we need to get together" or someone who can play phone tag with me for WEEKS before we actually get to catch up and not care because she knows I suck with phones, or someone I can randomly text about drunken nights/parties that were years ago, and still laugh when she reads the text because she knows exactly what I'm talking about, someone who I can call after not having seen or spoken to them in a few months due to our distance and busy schedules, but be able to pick right back up where we left off, someone who can send me forwards that make me laugh EVERY time and complain that she missed "National Ginger Day" last week or finally someone who can tolerate playing rock band with me and listen to me cheer and perform like we're a real band or something...

To all my friends, thank you so much for being there for me, I love you all very much!!

McDaniels

Coming to a town near you...McDaniels! The newest bar in town.

And it even has it's own theme song that you won't be able to resist.

So our night out to the Green Door resulted in us realizing that we want to have our own bar where you don't have to think, you can come to drink AND we don't care if you stink! And it's all in honor of our friend Dan (shown blushing at the end of the video). As soon as we figure out how we're all going to pull our money to start this bar it's going to be St. Mary's County's newest hot spot...Ok, probably not, but Friday night we sure thought it was a good idea!

Video: Starring Adam, Bubba & Dan. Producer-Bee

This is why...

...I have such a hard time going to work every morning!

Hello, November! As I was walking to my car this morning, I was blessed to see this beautiful sunrise. This is the one true factor that makes it so incredibly difficult for me to go to work in the mornings. It's hard not to go back inside and change back into my "comfy-clothes" and curl up on the front porch with a nice hot cup of coffee. In fact it kills me to drive away with that staring back at me in the rear-view mirror.

Living in Colton's Point grows on me more and more as the days go by. It's hard for me to imagine living anywhere else, even though eventually I know it's bound to happen. (Unless of course we want to rent our entire lives...which we don't) But for the time being I think we're going to take in the beauty and comfort the Point has to offer and enjoy every second of it!!

Negligent Blogger

I must apologize to those few fans I have who actually come to my blog to cure their boredom for a least a few short minutes. I have not been posting quite as frequently as I would like, due to outside factors...strike that...it's just one outside factor-LIFE!! Once October hit I knew things would start speeding up with things like party planning at work, the time change, Halloween, upcoming holidays, shopping, etc. Things start to get hectic around this time of the year, and 2009 is certainly no exception. To be honest this entire year has pretty much been a racing blurr...but that's life, right? No sense in complaining, things could be much worse!

So Bubba and I technically had our first Halloween "together" this year. And by together I mean out on our own, being able to decorate our house, carve pumpkins and give out candy-even if we only got about 10 trick-or-treaters. That's better than none! Anyway-we had our first Halloween and I think it was a success...we dressed up as Peggy and Al Bundy from Married With Children!

Another thing that I've been thinking about lately is my career path. It's a tough pill to swallow every month as I am paying my student loans and realize that I am probably only putting about 25% of that specific education to use. Before I graduated I knew that if I moved home, my odds of actually having a career in advertising or public relations was pretty slim to none, but that was a risk I was willing to take in order to be close to my family and the one place I truly love, St. Mary's County. But now, like I said, it can be hard to deal with, but that's just something I'll have to get over. In fact, I've never been more ready or willing to try and pursue something non-traditional in my life when it comes to my career. I was telling my mom just the other day that I am good at "stuff", how do I make a business or career out of "stuff"? And just what do I mean by stuff? I love organizing, simplifying, decorating, cleaning, making things look pretty, anything classic, planning themes for parties etc. That is my "stuff", so how do I make that happen? Your guess is as good as mine (and much appreciated!;) Since I was young I knew I wanted to be a stay at home mom some day, and as I get older, I've realized that it's hard for families to only have one bread winner and that for a mom to contribute, but still spend the ample, quality time she desires with her children, her own business or work from home business would be the best way. I'm just planning ahead here people :)

So I must mention another thing that is coming up very quickly that I am so overly excited for, I'm almost embarrassed to admit it...New Moon - the movie comes out on November 20th and I've already got my tickets! I'm still in the process of reading the final book from the saga (Breaking Dawn) but absolutely LOVED New Moon and am so excited to see the movie version...I've even developed a small crush on the under-aged Taylor Lautner (Jacob Black) in addition to the beauty that is Edward Cullen (Robert Pattison). I mean look at them, who could resist?

The Indestructible Cat

This is Max, quite possibly the laziest cat you will ever meet. His top priorities have always been eating and sleeping. Max is beginning to show his age. You see I received Max as a birthday present from my friend Jess back in 1995 I believe, making Max a ripe young 14 years old. When you hear people say cats have 9 lives, they aren't kidding...at least not for Max. This cat has been to battle with other local animals, seen the wrong end of my sisters Honda Civic tires, and has mysteriously disappeared several times, only to return with fresh injuries (the last of which nearly did him in). Needless to say, I think Max may be down to his last few lives. But that's ok, now that his hearing is pretty much gone, vision is extremely blurry and his motivation to "frolic" is at an all time low. He is still the cat that my family loves whether they like to admit it or not. When he is meowing at the top of his lungs at 4:00 in the morning or begging you to feed him non-stop all day long we may have a tendency to say, "JEEEZ MAX, WHAT DO YOU WANT?!?!" but deep down, we all know our lives would not be the same without sweet little Max!

What's going on?

Ok, so I try to keep most of my blog posts happy, positive and upbeat. No one likes to dwell on the negative, but I want to talk about something that has been weighing extremely heavy on my heart lately.

I'll never forget that Wednesday evening my dad pulled up to my house and didn't get out of the truck. Lucky for him I had seen him coming down the road, so I ran out of the house to say hello. I'd gone home sick from work that day, so I'd been lounging around all day and had a sudden burst of energy. Greeting him with my normal, "What's happening Jeb!" his typical carefree grin wasn't all there as he answered, "well, Adam's missing..."

The back story: Adam's mother, Brenda, and my dad have the same father, making them half brother and sister. They never really grew up together, despite their close ages and location, and this is something that my dad and our family truly regret.

Adam's missing? Where'd he go? I haven't seen him in years, would I even recognize him? These were all the thoughts running through my head. Feeling like I needed to do something to help I buckled in next to my dad and drove around the 7th District looking for Adam and his Black S-10. We never found Adam, but the next day the police did. Adam is no longer with us, after an intentional auto accident. Adam took his own life at only 18 years young. The next week was absolutely heart-breaking to witness. I've never seen my dad so down in the dumps, let alone Brenda and her family. I imagine losing a child is like having part of your own soul ripped out of you, but I'm sure those who have experienced this will tell me it's much worse. Those next few days felt like I was outside of my body just watching the sadness and despair that swept over so many people who knew Adam.

Back to the point of my blog: I want to know when all of this tragedy is going to end. This afternoon, another young teen took his own life in the 7th District. Just over a year ago, a teenage friend of the family took his own life too, again in the 7th District. Are we tainted? What is the deal? I know we aren't the only people to experience this kind of thing, but it's just a bit unsettling. Children today, and yes I still consider teenagers children since in the scheme of things they are still very young, need to talk more. At Adam's funeral, Dr. Morales told all of us in attendance that we need to talk. Why bottle things up inside? Find someone to talk to, I'm begging you! No matter how bad it seems, you have to remember that you are still young and that life goes on. It doesn't stop, it doesn't pause, it doesn't linger...it keeps moving.

Rest In Peace Adam Palmer Burch~You will be missed by so many.

A Toast...

Considering I have a sister who dreams of eloping in Vegas, I have a feeling I won't get the opportunity to give a speech or toast at a wedding. So here's my chance, via my blog:

This past weekend, my best friend got married. So let's raise our (imaginary) glasses and honor Amanda & Charlie!

Amanda and I have known each other pretty much our entire lives; Our mothers played softball together and our dads worked together. Then we continued our friendship into high school where we became nearly inseparable. (Some even accusing us of being attached at the hip) Amanda has always been my strength and my backbone when I wasn't able to speak up for myself. I am not sure where I'd be today without her.

I knew Charlie was the "one" for Amanda when he told me he would travel all across the country with her as long as she was happy and they could be together. I also knew it was meant to be when Amanda called to tell me about the new guy she met and that he was named Charlie. You see, Amanda had a tendency to refer to people as "Charlie" regardless of what their name really was. For example: Amanda: "Oh you know, that guy...I think his name is Charlie." Mindy: "No, Amanda, his name is Mike." Amanda: "Oh, well, whatever, you know what I mean." So now that Amanda has found her REAL Charlie, I know it's meant to be.

I have no doubt that Amanda and Charlie are going to have a life full of many fond and loving moments as they truly complete and compliment each other perfectly. I love you both will all of my heart and wish you all the happiness in the world. Congratulations to two of the best friends a girl could ask for!

It's Official: We're Grown-Ups

Happy Birthday, Ty-Ty!!

Ok, so today is the day...the Morris children are all officially adults. A sad day indeed, but also an exciting one! Today my little, baby brother is turning 21-years-old. I have always been a little over-protective of Tyler (I actually made him a map for his first day of high school of all the fastest routes to get to his classes, terrified he'd get lost or not know where he was going). Anyway, now that he is 21 will I finally stop worrying about him and accept that he can handle things on his own? Probably not, but I have been able to chill out a little bit lately, as I've started to notice that he is growing up, and is a pretty damn good guy. Not only is he one of the most personable people I know (he can talk to anyone, about anything), but he is so smart, smarter than he gives himself credit for. Not many young people know all their stuff about politics and the world, they might say they do, but they don't, not like Tyler anyway. He is the one person I know who is not afraid to voice his opinions and not care what others think of him for it. And that goes beyond politics, he truly is his own person and is ok with that. And because of this I have more respect for him than he'll ever know.

Happy Birthday, Lil Brah! I love you :)

Old Time Summer...or Fall...

(Idea board/what represents an Old Time Summer)

"Old Time Summer" is what my favorite little brother likes to call the time he spends running around the 7th district hanging out on the water, fishing, tubing, maybe even drinking a little...My description, as he will surely tell you, doesn't quite do it justice. However, I'll do my best: It's the feeling you get cruising around the back roads with your windows down and music up; the distinct smell of the "rivah"; the sensation that runs through your body when you look outside and realize the sun is shining, the wind is gently blowing and you just KNOW you're day is going to be filled with smiles, laughter and good friends...OTS.

To me, this past weekend is a pretty great example of an OTS, except it was more like an "Old Time Fall". The first weekend in October is always one of my favorites for two reasons: The Sotterley Wine Festival and the Blessing of the Fleet. The WineFest is somewhat of a tradition for my mom, sister and I, attending every year and drinking our fill of the sweetest wines from each vendor. We then head down to Colton's Point for what I consider the celebration of everything 7th district: The Blessing of the Fleet. With a blessing of the boats, more delicious food than you can imagine (even fried Oreos), bands, magician, craft vendors, artists and boat rides to St. Clements Island, this festival represents what many people down our way hold near and dear to their hearts; Tradition and Heritage. This year was even better than all the years past, since I live only three houses down from the museum, where it's held. The best part? Getting to enjoy the spectacular fireworks display from my front yard with dear friends and family.

(It should be called butterfly island, not St. Clement's Island!)

Summer Close Out

We are in the second day of October, and it's official: Summer is gone. And I am totally ok with that. Fall has a lot to offer and the past few months have treated me well. There were trips, parties, weddings, softball, concerts, the beach and even more parties. Summer 2009 will surely by one to remember.

Up Next: My baby brother is turning 21, my best friends is getting married, holiday functions and my glorious trip to NYC (more about that later!). Many memories to be made, and good times to be had.

A stroll down summer 2009 memory lane:

Good Morning!

Another beautiful morning in Colton's Point!

I hope everyone has a wonderful Tuesday :)

"The Routine"

As a kid, the hot summer months could sometimes hold you hostage in the house with the AC. Days such as these left you with only a few options, depending on your household (and age): Anything involving dress up, video games, make believe or music. If you had parents like mine, video games were pretty much out of the question, and dress up and make believe could only last so long before boredom set in; Leaving us with music, sweet, sweet music!

The early days consisted of cassette tapes and the few radio stations we could actually pick up, then we gradually progressed to CD's. But what didn't change? The Routines.

Practicing until we had every move down pat, we'd have our routines perfected just in time to bombard our parents as they walked through the door from work. Our routines changed based on music selection and mood, not to mention skill level.

Growing up I thought we were the only ones with "Routines", but recently I have been enlightened. It all started when I saw 'The Routine' episode of FRIENDS. Brother and sister duo, Ross and Monica, busted out their routine below. At the time, it was the funniest thing I'd ever seen, but it made me realize, maybe we weren't the only family creating and performing these crazy "Routines".

And then it happened. So quickly and naturally. Last weekend, my darling boyfriend and his sister jumped onstage at Howl at the Moon in Baltimore (to understand why this was such an easy task, visit http://www.howlatthemoon.com/) and performed what I believe was a routine. While he claims he was just following her lead, it was too well rehearsed and smooth for me to buy it. There were some underlying roots of routines past radiating off the stage. I wasn't able to capture it on video, however I was able to snap a few pictures.

I'm determined to believe every family has some sort of routine up their sleeves for special moments like this, and if they don't they should!

Slowing Down...

2009 has pretty much been a whirl wind for me. My weekends are consistently filled with plans and schedules and between work, softball and laundry (you'd be amazed at the amounts of clothes that accumulate at our house) during the week, I sometimes feel as if my life will never slow down. And looking at my calendar, I've decided it won't be anytime soon, so I'm just going to make time to relax and enjoy the simple things in life.

For example, this past weekend was packed with family, parties and softball, but I was able to slip outside for a few minutes Saturday morning and take in the scenery. In all honesty I attempted to go for a run only to find myself incredibly winded and decided to WALK around the Point and take some pictures instead!

I was surprised there weren't many people out and about, but it did allow for some lovely uninterrupted photos.

My Apologies

I've been trapped in another world for the past few days, and in all honesty I don't want to come back to face reality. Escaping to Forks to follow the characters of the Twilight saga has completely engrossed me. COMPLETELY. Now I understand why basically the entire country is so obsessed with the books and movie(s). Even though I've just finished Twilight on Monday and begun reading New Moon yesterday, I cannot get my mind off of it. Stephanie Meyer has such an easy yet exhilarating flow to her writing it's nearly impossible NOT to fall in love with the characters. I can't wait to finish the next three books, I am glad I finally decided to jump on the bandwagon. Ok, don't lie, how can you resist loving the books when this is the Edward you are envisioning as he breaks the mold-no demolishes the mold-of the perfect man, or in his case vampire?

On another note, I was more than thrilled to spend Saturday morning with the one and only Jacob Smith! His precious little smile certainly lights up the room. It was a nice morning at the point to say the least. I love getting to spend time with Bubba's family.