Friday

It's Friday, Friday...

Just two quick things while I scurry around. 

Did I mention we're moving to San Jose?

So, we have to go house hunting today. 

RDU -> SFO

Favorite Giveaway:

Definitely my Julep giveaway. 

It ends TOMORROW. 

Get You Some

You can also just click HERE: and use the code MAVEN INTRO. 

2 (or 3) new colors, for a PENNY. 

Favorite Pup:

Poor little ShivaShiva. 

I'm sorry you're all sick and stuff. 

and kinda hairless on your face. 

we'll get you back to normal, soon. 

promise. <3

What happened??

Did you ever have a rough, 

but manageable day,

that seemed to transform into a small demon of sickness?

I'm talking bed-ridden, 

terrible, horrible, no good, very bad,

 sniffling, sneezing, coughing, achy, stuffy head, fever, 

can't-rest-and-won't-have-a-good-morning 

sickness?

  

For some reason, I did.

No chance at a sick day either.

Daddy always says

'We shall endeavor to persevere'

Til tomorrow, loves 

Chili Fest!

On Saturday morning, when we woke up, the rain was pouring. 

Typical, for us, since we were supposed to head to a festival that day. 

Festivals always mean storms, or tornadoes, or freak lightening.

But then, the sun peaked out, so we jumped in the car and drove away

Sunshine on my shoulders..

We went to the Peppers Chili Festival at Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary. 

VIP style, baybay

Straight in the gate, Mike got loaded up with chili and beer...

Ok...maybe I did as well.

It was the first year they held this event, but the turnout (and the chili) was really good.

They also had a VIP tent set up where you could sample a variety of cheeses. 

To see which one went better with your favorite beer.

Everything was going great. 

Until, I heard of some super hot hotsauce. 

I love me some spice. 

So, I signed the waiver, and tasted the sauce. 

Yup, you read that right. I SIGNED A WAIVER. 

In all fairness, I blame my mother. 

She taught me to embrace challenges and never be afraid, she forgot to mention the "DONT SIGN WAIVERS TO EAT FOOD." So, it's her fault.

This is what unfolded next.

Start at the top left, and work your way down the left side, then do the right side and I'll guide you along. 

I signed the waiver. I thought it was marketing. 

He gave me a droplet, on a piece of chip and told me to eat the whole thing. 

"OK!" *chomp*

THEN THE PAIN STARTED. 

Oh my gosh, it hurt. The pain you see in my eyes in those photos is all too real. 

I guzzled water. 

I even started holding water in my mouth just to smooth my tounge. 

It didn't help. 

My nose started running, I started crying. 

Some nice girls in the bathroom tried to figure out why I was so upset, 

and all I could croak out was 

"hot...sauce"

Mike remembered that someone was selling milk cartons, so off we went. 

Best $1 ever. E.V.E.R.

As soon as I started to drink it, I felt better. So, as I sat down to try to heal, I saw a guy walk up with a milk carton and the look of death on his face.

"Hot Sauce?" I asked  "Hot Sauce." he replied.

So, we cheers-ed to surviving and not being the worst ones. (He had one friend who left after eating it, and another who spent the rest of the time throwing up)

AND DONT YOU KNOW, that my ever kind, loving, amazingly sweet boyfriend videotaped my pain. 

For your viewing pleasure, obviously.

  

I randomly saw my new friend throughout the rest of the day and I tried to encourage him that it got better. 

It really did. Though, my taste buds died temporarily. 

So he told me what beer tasted the least like water, and I told him what chili tasted the least like tofu, 

and at the end of the day, we both were no worse for wear.

Neither was Mike who had a blast watching it while cheerily munching chili, 

so we spent the rest of our afternoon relaxing in the sun

<3

On our way our, we also got to pick up our VIP souvenirs. A sweet chili mug to go with our already sweet lanyard and glass :)

See ya next year Chili Fest...but without the hot sauce. 

I ain't signin' no mo' waivers.

Wha?

Did you know? 

That I did things these last few weeks? 

All I know, is that I was S.I.C.K.

and suddenly, photos of happenings appeared on my phone. 

See?

One Thursday, Mike & I went with our friends to Total Wine in North Hills. 

Yeah, Total Wine. 

They have wine classes, and at these classes they let you try 10 different types of wines, in multiple price points all from different regions (Generally, each night has a theme, and they do it once a month)

This particular month was California. 

We learned about a movie "Bottle Shock" that is apparently a must-see, and tried a variety of new wines. Mike and I really want to head up Cali wine country to sample all the different vinyards. 

"On the list!" he says, so I will assume that it'll happen...eventually..

The class is also taught by an NCSU History professor, so its REALLY interesting..

This is the photo that best sums up the night. 

Lots of color & wine. 

Apparently, 

we also went to another Cirque Du Soleil show. 

"Michael Jackson"

From what I remember, it was really cool. 

"Love" is still my favorite, but this is definitely worth seeing, if you love the prince of Pop. 

the stage

my glasses  &  Mike's dinner...

We also started watching Oi and Olive as they run around the house. 

They both get really upset when Mike is in his office and will not come out to play. 

I guess the MBA is affecting the whole house..

Spring has sprung! Actually, it sprung last week and this week it's just

 raining and storming us to death. 

We also went out to Sushi..

(oh come on, are you shocked? 

This happens 23 times a week,

 minimum)

sooooooo goooooooooooood

 I also have, apparently, spent a great deal of time playing 

"Draw Something" 

with Mike. 

I think it's safe to say that even though neither of us are budding artists, 

we must "get" each other..

or else, we'd never understand what the other was trying to draw...

do YOU see shovel?

What have *YOU* been up to the last couple days?

Sick Day Kit

from polyvore

This is how I've been since Friday, curled up on the couch with a really nasty bug. I just cant seem to shake it, no matter how much orange juice or water I chug, dayquil or sinus buster I pop, it just wont shake. I become a very sad little child when I get sick. I want my mommy, and a stuffed animal, but Mike has been doing a really good job of making sure I eat and drink enough. I'm 100% determined to be better by tomorrow. We'll see.

I have spent a fair amount of time gathering things that make me smile

kate spade fancies by teeller featuring hardware jewelry

 For example: all these gorgeous goodies from Kate Spade. The frog prince clutch,  and Cake for breakfast tote are absolutely fabulous. Im also totally digging that magazine clutch.

vestique dreams by teeller on polyvore.com

I spent tons of time perusing Vestique.com to try to find something cute for Katie's birthday. Hopefully I'll feel up to checking the actual store out this weekend. I'm still unsure of a red head in a fuchsia top.

I've also started thinking about the things that I'm thankful for. Really, those are the things that are more important than glitter shoes or green necklaces.
 I'm grateful for a job that allows me sick time to take when needed and that gives me health insurance, so that if i DO need to see a doctor, it's a possibility.
I'm grateful for a daddy who makes me giggle when talking about squirrels and  "sissy blows"
I'm thankful for a mama that has the ability to make me feel better from 200 miles away with remedies and helpful hints
I'm thankful for a boyfriend who brings home OJ, dinners, and kleenexes, medicines and snuggles that make it better.
I'm grateful for a house to sleep in, a computer to spend random time on, and the comforts that all of these things offer.


I'm lucky. I know that. I'm just a lucky girl with a cold.
Send healthy vibes my way ok?