I do the Monster Mash

Halloween is just around the corner. Time is ticking away and I haven't a clue what my costume should be. I mean, I'm literally drawing a blank. I'm usually pretty prepared...

One year I was Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz. Given this isn't the most original idea, but I was on a "college student's budget" and this costume was borrowed for FREE.

"There's no place like home."

I was among at least nine other "Dorothy's" that night, but I felt like I was the most classy one by far. Which gives me the opportunity to say this: Halloween is not an excuse to dress like a slut!! Girls, be original not slutty... it's just absurd. thanks.

Okay- enough of my soap box- back to what matters- Costumes.

Then one year my office had a Halloween Shindig and I dressed as Pretty Woman, you know at the start of the movie when she's first meets Richard Gere and she's wearing that red blazer, blonde wig, and thigh high boots... Yep- that was me.

This is the only picture I have as pretty woman. It makes me mad that I don't have a better one because I had her down to the bag she was toting to the jewelry she wore. (I realize that the wig does nothing for me and I think I must have thought that's how Julia Robert's would have smiled)

I didn't really think about Pretty Woman being semi-inappropriate for work place event until I overheard my boss while on the phone say, "Well, we had some pretty interesting costumes this year. We had a farmer, Little Orphan Annie, and even a hooker... Yeah a hooker. Can you believe that?" When he got off of the phone I politely let him know that I preferred being refereed to as Pretty Woman... not a hooker!!

Then we have last year's costume, which in my opinion takes the cake. Ryan and I dressed up as Earl Hickey and his ex-wife, Joy, from the NBC show, My Name is Earl.

"Shut up, dummy!"

It was big hit. [however it was tough for me to embrace ryan while he was rocking a 'stache] At the Halloween party we went to everyone loved it.

So, what should I be this year? I can't decide. The only thing I really want is for Ryan and I to be is Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers. How great is that? We could even hit up a karaoke bar and live out my dream to sing the duet, Islands in the Stream [one day ryan will sing this with me- he will]

Who knows... I guess we'll have to make a decision by this time next week...

Number One Answer!!

I don’t really watch game shows on a regular basis, but if I’m ever scanning the channels looking for a something to occupy my time and happen to come across Family Feud- I have to watch it.

Why, you may ask yourself…

Well, it’s because I want to be on that show. I always have. I have it all planned out. Team Toland would consist of Mom, Dad, Justin (my brother), Ryan, and me. I would totally be the team captain!

When I’m watching it, I like to pretend I’m on the show... I guess aloud and clap while shouting “GOOD ANSWER, GOOD ANSWER”- basically just getting ready for the audition the Toland Family is sure to have.

In doing a bit of research for this post I decided to check out Family Feud’s website. Needless to say, I came across a phone number that one can call to set up an audition time. As it turns out, the show is in the “off season” at this time but auditions will resume in April 2010. I also found out that each team member has to be “blood related, legally adopted, or legally married,” which is when I realized that we couldn’t go on Family Feud until Ryan and I are legally married. Now you know why Ryan and I are getting married… it’s all a scam to get my dream team on Family Feud.

I left a message for “The Family Feud Team” to email me and let me know when they will be holding auditions in my area… hopefully we’ll know something by March 2010.

Justin- I realize that Wheel of Fortune is more up your alley, but you need to be practicing. I'll need you to be able to bring your A-game. I don’t want to have to replace you with Nelda… although that would make some pretty good television… hmmmm…

The Infamous Fish Camp

Several of Ryan's friends have been working on a project. As it turns out Ryan and I getting married will cramp the guys' style in that I will be at Ryan's every night, because that's what married people do- they live together. I am all for having folks over to hang out... I love it even, but maybe not for Sunday night football, Monday night football, random Tuesday get together, etc...

So the guys had to come up with an option other than Ryan's house so that in the future they will have a plan B, if you will. Hence, the Fish Camp. Turn out Kyle's  parents own a farm and luck would have it on that farm they  had a building/shed that could be fixed up. So with Jackson as the General Contractor the boys began the project.

Side note: This farm is the location that I won the Camp Fire Fishing Rodeo back in '94... so technically this is my old stomping grounds, but that's beside the point.

This is what the building looked like before the renovation began:

It's pretty much a wreck.

But Jackson took the lead and step by step the Fish Camp came together.

They put in bunk beds on both sides so that the guys can stay there after a long day of fishing or when they have an early call during hunting season.Personally, I think they just like to have sleep overs, but that's just me talking...

This past Saturday they had the "Grand Opening" of the Fish Camp, which included watching football, grilling out, the guys playing horse shoes... and good times being had by all.

(that's Jackson with his hands behind his head... and Kyle is to his right)

The Ole Fish Camp got the best of Ryan... He tried to say his head was hurting and maybe it was, but...

Overall, I was really impressed by the quick turn around of the Fish Camp. I'm looking forward to more gatherings there (when ladies are welcome, that is). I think these two were proud of themselves as well...

Maggie May

Ryan and I had a great weekend (even though Auburn didn't fare so well).

I was responsible for Maggie this weekend. My aunt's Weinie Dog/Yorkie, commonly referred to as a "Dorkie." Sounds funny, huh?

Maggie is just a puppy and I was glad to take care of her for the weekend. My camera battery was dead so the only pictures I got were on my camera phone... so forgive me.

Meet Maggie:

This is how we spent Sunday... resting and watching more football.

We had a fun weekend and quite frankly I think Maggie loved spending time with Ryan and I. She goes home to her real mama today... :(

Open House Party

My sweet friend Brittany and her hubby recently purchased a home. And it's so cute...

This is exciting news and called for a House Warming Party. So Brittany and George kindly invited us up to Birmingham this past weekend to watch the Auburn/Tennessee football game, grill, and break in the new place. To which we gladly accepted!

Brittany's hubby had taken the time to set up a projector in the back yard for us to watch the game and tossed  a few wings on the grill. All was seemingly normal. Just your typical "football get-together."

As half time approached everyone had gotten a little more comfortable. This group was mingling with that group and everyone was having fun. Once half time was in full swing the party moved inside, as that's where the food was located.

One thing lead to another and the house warming/football party turned into an Open House Dance Party.

Turns out, this stool....

...equals "the crazy dance stool".

Somehow, someway, someone decided that we should take turns dancing in the center of the kitchen on said stool. Random, I know!

Madness ensued...

Thank you Brittany and George for hosting us this past weekend. I can honestly say that I don't have one "normal" picture from the get together, but I think it's safe to say we all had a good time!!