A Couple Days of Busy, A Couple Days of Lazy

Well, this year's Valentine's Day will certainly be one to remember. Not because I was showered in love tokens, although I hope someday this may be the case, but a close family friend passed away on Thursday morning. His wife had called me on Tuesday night wanting to get in touch with my parents because she felt it wouldn't be long before he passed. So, my mom and dad went to go see him on Wednesday. I didn't go because I knew I probably wouldn't want to see him in his deteroiating condition. I didn't realize it had gone on so long, when he was first diagnosed with a brain tumor 15 years ago. He was just 54 when he died. I admire his courage and determination to fight for so long. Apparently, just before Christmas, he had surgery to remove another tumor that was growing on the outside of his head. The medication they gave him then caused him to have a stroke. He had gone blind and almost deaf. Mike was a strong gentleman, and I know our family will deeply miss him. I tear up just writing this. Our families had known each other since I was probably six or seven years old, so quite a while! We were a perfect fit, they had a son just one year younger than me. The families shared numerous interests. We knew them through racing. Mike was an accomplished engine builder and of course would call on Dad for carburetors to complete the package. We were always at each other's house every Sunday, we took family vacations, went to races together, spent holidays with each other. We drifted apart over the last several years, mainly, I suppose, because of Mike's health. He was visiting doctors every week, traveling to Duke, where he eventually donated his body, and even trips outside the state. I was fortunate enough to last see Mike on my Mom & Dad's 40th Anniversary Party this past July. He was in a great mood and I will remember him this way. RIP Mike Jackson, I will miss you! Here's a pic of my parents with Mike and his wife Veda at their Anniversary Party.

Friday night, I met Sheri and Brandon for dinner at the Lone Star then back to their house to watch the first NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race of the year. It killed me not being in Daytona, but hopefully soon, I can get back to the track. It was a wild race. Sheri's husband, Doug, is crew chief for the No. 15 of Marc Mitchell and teammate to Kyle "Rowdy" Busch. I used to work for this team and will continue to pull for them, since I have many friends there and as long as Kyle is driving. That boy is a wheelman! Great job Rowdy on finishing second! Saturday, my parents and I rode over to Cherryville to visit with Veda for a while. She was doing well and having lots of visitors and food brought over. Mike and Veda's son, Camden, lives just up the road so we rode up there and checked out his house that he is remodeling and all the horses and cows he has. His dog was also in labor so we looked in on her. She looked so sad and helpless. I had made arrangements to go to the movies with my girlfriend Jamie, so we left Cherryville about 4:00 to head back home.

I met Jamie at Birkdale to go see Definitely, Maybe with Ryan Reynolds. It was pretty good and a heartwarming movie. Afterwards, Jamie and I headed over to Smokin' Guns to see Sunny Ledfurd. JR and Jay were there and Amanda and John showed up later too. Usual good crowd but as always, crowded. JR left before SL even started. We stayed there til about 1 a.m. then met back up with JR at NV. They play good music there but I just wish it wasn't so "dark." Still, JR goes because he can dance although he really wasn't on Sat. night.

Sunday, I had to get up early to prepare for my sister's baby shower. I was in charge of getting the balloons. Ok, so I over estimated or rather, underestimated the size of my car. I had 18 regular balloons and three huge mylar balloons in the shape of a monkey, elephant and lion all JAM packed into my car. It took me 10 minutes to try to get them all in there. I couldn't see a thing except what was in front or to the left of me. I was hoping I wouldn't pass a cop or run someone off the road because I couldn't see. Thankfully, I only had to get over into the right lane once. Baby shower went very well. It was mainly family and close friends, but a good size crowd. Jessica and Michael will have a very well-dressed daughter. I can't wait until Elizabeth Grace "graces" us with her presence. That should be around the first of April.

Monday, I got up and went shopping for a dress to wear to Mike's memorial service. Kohl's was having hella good deals. OMG, all their clearance was already marked down plus an additional 40% off of that, then by using my Kohl's card, I received another 20% off. I got a lot of stuff for $18! I also had a $35 gift card...what a great deal! Love that place...I'm thinking of going back there to work. I worked there for 3 and 1/2 years and since I need a job, I thought I might go back there.

After shopping, I came home, cleaned up and waited for mom and dad to come pick me up to go back to Cherryville for Mike's service. Mike was well-loved and admired by a lot of people. There were over 200 people there to pay their respects and honor Mike. After the service, there was food. Mike's wish was for it to be more of a party than a funeral so we celebrated. After most people left, the close friends went back to their house and hung out. Mom and I went with Veda to see the puppies that were born on Sunday. They were so cute and tiny. She had 12 puppies, quite the litter! They were born to a golden lab and fathered by a chocolate lab. There were eight goldens and four blacks, no chocolates! Too funny. We stayed there til about 9:45, quite a long day.

Since then, I've just been hanging out at the house being lazy. Oh, take that back. Tuesday, I went bowling with Kristen, Rocketman, J-Money and Lori. That was fun. Afterwards, the girls went to the Rusty Rudder. I hadn't been there in so long. I had a few people say they had missed seeing me out. I've just been lazy and trying to money-saving too. It was good to see them.

I have my first Silpada Group meeting on Saturday morning. That should be exciting and also get to view the new pieces that just came out on Sunday. Saturday night, I'm supposed to go to Chris Trausch's surprise party at Kabuto. Then who knows after that...we shall see. I haven't seen Carrie in a while and she went to New Orleans last weekend with her cousin and friends. Becky's in Phoenix right now. What is up with these people taking trips!? I want to go somewhere!!!

Happy Valentine's Day...Or Is It?

That's right...I hate Valentine's Day, but read the fine print! I'm sure the only reason is because I'm single and have no special person in my life to celebrate Valentine's Day, the holiday of love. Maybe someday that special person will come into my life and I'll be more welcoming of this special holiday. Until then, I hate it...lol!

I am, however, for the special people in my life that do love me...my friends and family. I'm extremely grateful for them and the messages I received wishing me a "Happy Valentine's Day."

I thought Carrie and I had plans to be each other's Valentine and go to dinner tonight, but guess we never made those firm and she was unable to go. I called my parents thinking they may want to take me to dinner, but by the time they called they were already on their way to celebrate on their own at McCabe's in Kannapolis. Then I called Sheri hoping she could join me since I knew she was spouse-less with Doug being in Daytona, but she said she would have to be home by 7 so she could watch NCTS qualifying on tv. That gave us about 45 minutes and we live 20 mins. from each other...no good, but we made plans to have dinner and watch the race together tomorrow night. I decided to treat myself to junk food for Valentine's Day then...so I called into Chili's and ordered the Triple Play and the Bloomin' Onion...yum yum! Ha ha...I didn't eat it all, don't worry!

I just got done watching Truck qualifying on SPEED. It's hard to believe the racing season has already started. And it's seriously killing me not being in Daytona, the first time in the last 7 years. I miss it already...I know I keep thinking if racing is what I want to do for a career, but I have to honestly say, if I'm not involved it hurts. Racing is all I know and I'd like to continue to stay involved...just a matter of finding something. Someone please help!

My other best friend Amy, that lives in Dallas, is celebrating her 30th birthday next month. Carrie and I had discussed going to Dallas for her birthday and possibly surprise her, as she did with my 30th, but Amy e-mailed me this week saying she would be traveling to New Orleans for an interview at a school. I thought that would be perfect to head there, seeing as I've never been to New Orleans and it would be fun. So, Carrie is going there this weekend, ironically, so hopefully she'll be able to get the lay of the land and we can do some research on it. I mentioned it to Sheri the other night and I think she may join us too. It would be so much fun...We can get wild and crazy with this group. I have to find a way for this trip (air & hotel) to be as cheap as possible, seeing as I have no job still and there would probably be a lot of $ spent on alcohol...lol. The jewelry biz will hopefully kick in within a couple weeks! Any other suggestions?

Well, that let me get my mind off having a lonely Valentine's Day for a little bit. Happy Valentine's Day to all you others! Hope you were all surrounded by the love of family and friends today!

Weekend Update

Well, the weekend had its share of ups and downs. I went to Carrie's (Carebear as Becky refers to her as) Friday night. Nothing like starting the weekend with some OTB (On The Border). Stopped there first to pick up our dinner and TWO Bowls of Queso! It was so funny upon arrival in Funroe, I walked in the door and she had the coffee table set with napkins, silverware and our beverages waiting. She was READY to dig in! We watched TV then a couple movies.

We watched "The Last Kiss" with Zach Braff, Rachel Bilson and Casey Affleck. It was a little weird and slightly confusing. It just kind of left you at "Huh?" Ha ha...

Afterwards, we watched "We Are Marshall." An excellent movie! OMG, it's so tragic but heartwarming to see how this school found the courage to move on and honor their fallen teammates. Definitely a tear jerker.

Then I headed home and had to wake up early to drive up to Elkin on Saturday morning. It's only about an hour drive up there. My "sister's" grandmother had passed away and they were having the services. Granny,84, was well-loved in the community and church and had a lot of family. The visitation service was non-stop from 10:30-1:00. The funeral was at 2 at the little country church they went to. There were probably only 20 pews in the whole church. There were several people standing on the sides and even outside. We cried, laughed, rejoiced and celebrated the life of Granny. We know she's in a much better place and is also rejoicing. After services, we ate and then headed back to Papa and Granny's house. Papa had been in the hospital for the last week after falling down and breaking his hip. He's kinda been out of it and they haven't told him about Granny yet. They want to give him reason to live and not give up. We went to see him afterwards and just hung out for a while.

I headed home because I had to get back to throwdown with Chase for his 21st birthday. I figured since I had planned it, I should be there. I felt a little awkward at first since I didn't know any of his friends, family, teammates, etc., but as soon as I got introduced to them, they welcomed me into the group and we had a fun time. We left Smokin' Guns around 12:30 and headed back to Chase's house. Stayed there until 3:30 after drinking, playing games and dancing...funny!
Sunday was quite the lazy day. I woke up way too early but fell back asleep on the couch until 2:15...ha ha! Thought I was going to stay home all night but ended up going to the Kinser house to see Dirt's brother who was leaving this morning so it was my last opportunity. I haven't seen him since he moved back to Cali...love that Hank! He's so fun. Also, it had been a week since I had seen Kash. Love that boy. Amazing how quickly a child can grow in just a week. We also watched Kraig's race on the computer. He finished 12th, fairly good since the last two nights he hadn't done so well.

Nothing really on the agenda for this week except for probably Valentine's Day dinner with my forever, it seems, Valentine's date...Carebear! Someday, maybe we'll have our own Valentines, but until then...we're each others!

My New Venture

Who thought one could get so excited over jewelry?! But when it's beautiful sterling silver jewelry that will also bring one money too, how can you not?! So, I am now officially a Silpada Designs Representative. I'm excited to start this new venture, but a little apprehensive too. I tried the Pampered Chef thing a few years back, but it never really took off. I think mainly because I'm not big on the whole presentation portion of a party. With Silpada though, there is no presentation or spiel to pitch, I simply lay out the jewelry and let the guests look, try on and admire...then hopefully, purchase!!

I had never heard of this jewelry or type of party before until my best friend Carrie had one a couple months ago. The consultant, Angie, who is now my sponsor, is so funny and I know we're going to have a good time doing this together. She's very helpful and has taken me under her wing and will be very supportive.

After Carrie's party, I decided to have my own. I had mine last Wednesday and thanks to some very good friends and my mom, I was able to acquire $515 of FREE jewelry based on the purchases of others. What an awesome feeling! Then came the point where I got the itch to maybe start selling this stuff, knowing for not having to do a whole lot for the party, Angie made $415 in cash for my party. I mean, who wouldn't want that kind of money for a couple hours a night?! So, encouraged by Carrie and Angie, I decided what the heck!? I don't have another job right now and maybe if I can rope a few friends into having parties then build off that, this could be a real moneymaker!

I just received my Starter Kit this morning and I basically greeted the UPS man at the door...LOL. I was so excited to get my jewelry that I had ordered, as well as check out all the materials and information that I would need to know to make my new business successful.

I'm looking forward to this new venture and I hope you all are too and will help me make it successful! Check out my personal Silpada website to contact me or browse the online catalog.

www.mysilpada.com/jennifer.blake1

First Post

So, here I am posting my first blog on blogspot. Soley because Becky made me do it. That is what she had said. She'll get that. I used to post a blog on Myspace but was so slack in posting them, I quit and deleted them all sooooooooooo I told Becky she would be the only one reading this, but we shall see. I might send it out should it be a good blog posting...ha ha!

I don't even know what you're supposed to blog about....Here was my day. I woke up to the sound of damn barking dogs two houses down from me. I swear I wanted to strangle them. It was my first day to sleep in this week and they woke me up around 8ish. I want to take some muzzles over and leave them on the front porch. They bark all the damn time....stupid dogs!

Ate a piece of leftover beer bread from Rachelle's "Surprise Party." Played on the computer all day, talked to Becky online, talked to Carrie on the phone, received my Silpada jewelry which made me soooooooooooooo happy, ate lunch (shrimp, yummy!), took a nippity nap, got up, talked to Becky more online, talked to Carrie more on the phone, took a shower, talked to B-Team on the phone, went to dinner, came home, talked to Carrie on the phone and now Becky, while watching tv, ate some Chocolate ice cream and thinking of bed soon! This blogging stuff is exhausting....

Tomorrow, I know I NEED to go to the gym. I'll get my other Silpada order and my starter kit in, then dinner with Carebear...that's about all.

Ok, Becky....you FOOL, get off my back about blogging! :)

Love you, mean it!