Raise a Glass to the College Grads

Back in May, we went back to Chapel Hill to see my cousin, Phillip David, graduate from UNC. Y'all know I love my alma mater, so give me an excuse to spend a whole weekend there? Bring it.

I have the best memories of the night before my graduation. In one of those events titled Things I Never Thought My Parents Would Do, I convinced them to join me and every other graduate at He's Not Here, one of my favorite Chapel Hill bars at the time. My Uncle Todd and Aunt Betsy came too and I was so happy to share that piece of my undergrad experience with them.

So, the night before Phil's graduation, I was ridiculously antsy to hit up Franklin Street. Chattanooga doesn't have the same night scene that Chapel Hill does and I was bound and determined to take advantage of it while we were there. Allie, Phil, his girlfriend CJ, and Megan (his sister,yet another AMAZING cousin) were game and so out we went.

I call this next series of photos, "It's Been Twelve Years Since I Graduated and Once A Year I Will Act Like I'm Still Twenty-Something While Having The Advantage of The Confidence of My Thirties."

 Oh, the Blue Cup. A dear, dear friend during my last two years of college. 

 And then we moved on to champagne. It seemed like the only logical thing to do.

 Proud alumni! (L-R) Class of 2008, Class of 2000, Class of 2012

A shining jewel in the middle of Franklin Street - Top of the Hill. 

Where I spent many a birthday night, had the best E-Ranch New Year's Eve ever, watched the men's basketball team bring home the 2005 national championship and did many embarrassing things the night of my bachelorette party. 

Top O and I? We're close.

It took Allie all of about 30 seconds to talk a random frat guy into letting her try on his sports coat. She was completely in awe of all the preppiness of Chapel Hill.

 We get crazy on the dance floor. It's scary.

 Everybody loves Dean. 

You know what else I love? Telling some lame drunk dude who was hitting on us to go away. Oh, yes I did. And it was awesome and I felt none of the guilt I would have in my twenties.

Being in my thirties freaking rocks. 

My 30's are turning out to be my favorite

It's my birthday and I'll blog about it two months later if I want to. That's how the song goes, right? I am still all sorts of jazzed about Christmas, but since I still haven't decorated our tree or house and am seriously stressing out my husband by my lack of motivation and therefore have no pictures to show for it this birthday was extra special I couldn't let it go by without a blog post of its own. Settle in, y'all, this is going to be a long one (and if you just muttered "That's what she said," WE ARE SO BEST FRIENDS).

To start things off, Allie surprised me with a sisters trip to Atlanta and tickets to see Sugarland and Sara Bareilles in concert. Hooray! After making a quick stop at the outlets in Calhoun to pick up my birthday present from Jason (dreamy tall brown boots, thanks hon!), I met Allie at Ikea. This seemed as good a place as any to start the early birthday weekend considering that I had never stepped foot in this much talked about ohsotrendy spot. 

We headed upstairs to the restaurant first so I could try their famous Swedish meatballs. Can I tell you a secret? Lean in....real close now....they're just meatballs. Tres anticlimactic.

Armed with a map and the free measuring tape, we headed off into the vast realms of prefabricated glory. 

I managed to find the couch of my dreams (hello, Hovas couch, you lovely thing you) but as we neared the end of the top floor, my head was swimming. I made it about halfway through the bottom floor when I finally turned to Allie and said, "I don't care how cute or affordable this stuff is, I'm on sensory overload and I WANT OUT." So we booked it to the exit only for me to realize that I'd forgotten to look at a kitchen table, as I'd promised my NYC bestie, Robyn, that I would do. So, back to the top floor went we.

After a fruitless search in the table section, I was ready to turn around and go against the grain of the Ikea-imposed one direction maze and get the heck outta Dodge. My military rule-following sister would have none of it and so we walked through the entire top floor. Again. Have I mentioned I was already on sensory overload and my new anti-anxiety meds had yet to kick in? GOOD TIMES.

We'd gotten to the middle of the stairs leading to the bottom floor when I started looking for a quick exit out. The conversation between me and Allie went something like this:

Allie: There isn't a quick exit. We have to walk through the bottom floor again 

Leslie: WHAT DO YOU MEAN THERE'S NO QUICK EXIT! THAT'S RIDICULOUS! THEY HAVE TO HAVE ONE!

Allie: Well, they don't. They want you to have to walk through again so you buy more stuff.

Leslie: NO WAY. NO. WAY. I AM NOT WALKING THROUGH THIS ENTIRE FLOOR AGAIN

{Sidenote: I may have actually stamped my foot at this point. I am nothing if not completely mature when under extreme duress.}

Allie: Well, get over it, Lu, because that's what we're going to have to do. 

{Another sidenote: There was much rolling of eyes at this point.}

Leslie: UUUUGGGGGGHHHH!

Annnnnnnnd, scene.

At this point, the angels smiled upon us and I looked to the right and saw a shortcut exit right next to their childcare center. Hallelujer. Crisis averted, we headed back to the hotel and then over to Phillips Arena for the show. It was, of course, awesome.

This was actually the very last show of their Incredible Machine Tour and so there a few pranks that night (see here and here), but one of the coolest parts of the show was a surprise that a local radio station put together. The last few months of tour took a tragic turn when Sugarland's stage collapsed in Indiana killing some of their  fans and crew members. To give them some encouragement and show support for the band, the radio station gave everyone a sign with some relevant lyrics from their song "Little Miss" and asked us to keep them hidden until that song was performed.

It was pretty cool to see all those signs go up at once.

The obligatory mid-concert shot, of course.

Sugarland always manages to work in cover songs so you never really know what's coming. All you Young Life folks, make sure you listen at 1:11 where Allie and I pay homage to our Mount Tabor YL roots.



Our weekend in Atlanta was pretty fantastic. Allie has a strong record of giving me amazing experiences for my birthday gifts and this one was right up there. Thanks, seestur!

Next up was a fabulous pseudo-slumber party hosted by Christine and Sarah. Hooray for girly time!
The birthday cake? Oh, they nailed it. Well done, friends, well done.

Hand crafted touches were everywhere...

I requested a menu of breakfast for dinner, one of my favorites. And you know what beverage goes perfectly with breakfast?

M'more mimosas, please!

Homemade quiches, Pioneer Woman's cinnamon rolls and fresh fruit seemed to make everyone happy.

And this?

This photo is a tangible answer to a prayer I have prayed for three years. It's missing a few more beautiful faces, but the women here have loved me, cried with me, walked with me, prayed for me, we've laughed together, crafted together, worshiped together and they've allowed me to step into their lives in a way that is such a rich blessing it brings tears to my eyes every time I look at this. They help make Chattanooga home and I am beyond grateful for them all.

Other highlights from the actual birthday...

This hilarious note from my mom explaining why she signed my card with her first name instead of "Marmee". Lordamercy, I love that woman.

Cupcakes from my work study students. Aged to perfection? I'll take it.

A birthday gift from my new friend Renee and a new favorite snack- Dark Chocolate Peanut M&Ms.

DIVINE.

And best of all? Coming home to the love of my life, a decorated living room and a delicious home cooked meal.

My cup runneth over.

Pride

The Airman's Creed

I am an American Airman.

I am a Warrior.

I have answered my nation's call.

I am an American Airman.

My mission is to fly, fight, and win.

I am faithful to a proud heritage,

a tradition of honor,

and a legacy of valor.

I am an American Airman,

Guardian of freedom and justice,

My nation's sword and shield,

Its sentry and avenger.

I defend my country with my life.

I am an American Airman:

Wingman, Leader, Warrior.

I will never leave an Airman behind.

I will never falter,

and I will not fail.

Today, my sister, Second Lieutenant Alison C. Unger, will graduate from Air Battle Manager school. See those bright shiny wings pinned on her uniform? She has earned them with strength, pride, intelligence, dedication and honor. I am more proud of her than words could ever say. She is one of the strongest and truest people I know. I am honored to call her sister, but even more, my best friend.

Jason and I can't be there in Florida today to see her graduate, hear her speak to her class and the other guests, or see those wings pinned oh so proudly to her uniform. But I can imagine it and oh, if ever there was a person there in spirit, it's me! I love you so much, sweet sister of mine. You have my utmost respect and admiration for the way you have persevered in this career, this calling. And just like every other big milestone in your life, today I'm the weepy big sister beaming with pride, telling everyone who will listen about what you have accomplished. Congratulations!

Weddings and Marathons and Tornadoes...Oh My!

When I was a little girl, whenever we would go to Durham to visit Grandmother and Grandaddy I would make a beeline for a coffee table book that resided in their front living room. Once the book was in my hot little hands, I would carefully perch myself on the bizarrely patterned grey couch, it's synthetic material itchy against my lanky limbs. The book with which I was completely enamored?

Oh yes, the eight year old version of me wasn't old enough to remember the wedding itself, but I could tell you about every detail from the hours I spent poring over the pages of this book. Now that I think about it, I have no idea how this book made it into my grandparents' house. Aunties, do you have the answer? However it got there, I. Was. Hooked. Forget Disney princesses, I wanted to be like Princess Di. Actually, I wanted to be one of her bridesmaids. Specifically, Sarah Armstrong, the one on the right.

Oh, the puffed sleeves! The sash! The lace! Getting to help arrange Princess Diana's train! It was all so magical to me. Thus began my fascination with Princess Di, one that extended into my twenties until the day she passed away. I wasn't old enough to watch her ill-fated wedding, but I skipped my college classes to watch her funeral.

And now her oldest is getting married. Wills. Sweet, charming, inherited his dad's hairline but his mother's love for philanthropy Wills. So you better believe I've made plans to watch tomorrow's Royal Wedding! I've downloaded the official wedding program, complete with a never released portrait of the couple.

I'm oohing and ahhing over the first looks into Westminster Abbey.

Seriously, those trees are swoon-worthy. So magical and a wonderfully unique floral choice. And here's the bride the day before her wedding.

Gorgeous. Happy. Glowing. And oh my word, I wish my hair would grow faster because I want it to look just like that!

Wedding coverage starts ridiculously early, but I plan to be watching and probably tearing up just a bit as these two take on the journey of marriage. Mawaige...that dweam wifin a dweam....

Sorry. Wrong Princess Bride.

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After the wedding, I'll pack my bags and hit the road for Nashville! My little sister turns thirty next week and in true Allie style (and a bit of a sister tradition), we're running a marathon.

Well.

Allie's running the marathon and, due to some training issues, I'll be power walking the half-marathon. And we'll probably finish around the same time. I'd be embarrassed for myself, however I've decided it's not worth it. But did you hear me, internets?

MY SISTER IS TURNING THIRTY!!!

Just wanted to make sure we were all clear on that.

Anything with Allie is guaranteed to be fun, so I'm sure I'll have lots of hijinks to report post-race weekend.

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In case you haven't turned on the news, Chattanooga was hit hard by storm after storm after storm yesterday. As severe thunderstorms/tornadoes go, it was hit and miss for the different areas of our city. Our neighborhood, thankfully, is pretty clear and the biggest inconvenience we've had to deal with is that we've been without power since yesterday morning. 

However, that is absolutely nothing when I look at the widespread damage and growing number of casualties cities like Tuscaloosa and Birmingham have incurred. It is heartbreaking. All you have to do is google the cities' names to find the pictures and videos that will leave you breathless. Please pray for the thousands of families in the southern states who have been devastated by this string of storms. Help as you feel led and are able. 

I'm so grateful for our community of friends and how we've been able to help each other in big and small ways since yesterday. I'm grateful for fun and pithy things like a royal wedding to momentarily lighten the mood. I'm grateful for an amazing sister to celebrate and a healthy body to move.

I'm grateful.

Catching Up

If you've been reading this blog for the last year, GOD BLESS YOU. I realize just how inconsistent I've been in writing but I think that maybe, just maybe, the blogging mojo is making a comeback. Back in December, I had every intention of the Joy project being what brought me back to my little spot of the internet that I love so much. Then there was a...detour. A speed bump. A road diverged.

And I had to take the one I have never traveled by.

Lordamercy, do I ever hope it makes all the difference.

Two days before Christmas, I resigned from my teaching position. It wasn't something I had anticipated doing, but sometimes life throws you a curveball and you have to stick the landing while you make the jump shot and roll with the punches or else you'll never sink the putt. Or something like that. Anyhow, I'm very proud of the work I did in that classroom and so grateful for the support I have continued to receive from so many of the parents, kids and teachers there. I'm not sure what comes next. It's been difficult emotionally having to process this new place. I have an amazing husband and support system {y'all included!} and I'm anxious to see what will end up filling this next chapter of my story.

In the meantime, let's get back to the joy, shall we? Brace yourself, my friends, there's a lot of pictures in this post. Let's start back where I left off, the trip down to Florida for Christmas with Mom and Allie...

Knox is the best traveler. Without fail, about fifteen minutes into any road trip he settles into a nap. His sweet freckled nose tucked into that fraggle of a tail? {16} Bliss.

It was McDonald's coffee {17}, BUT IT WAS COFFEE.

I don't remember who introduced me to the joy that is dipping a salty fry into a sweet Frosty {18}, but I can't eat one without doing so. Viva la Frosty!

It was a looooong trip down to Allie's new place near Palm Beach. Did you know Florida is really flat? Very. Nothing too terribly interesting to look at until you finally get close to the coast. Anytime I'm heading to a beach, I savor that first glimpse of the water {19}. A golden sunset over a glimmering gulf is always soothing.

I know the Carhartt overalls + my husband has already been mentioned {5}, but who says joys can't be repeated? {Let me say for the record, I asked him to pose this way {20}. But, seriously. Love. This. Man.}

My love of the magic of dusk and twilight is well documented {take a peek here and here}. So imagine my joy at a dusk shot through with purples and pinks and oranges {21}. Throw in a palm tree and you have the perfect recipe for peace.

Me, my Marmee and my Allie. {22} We have the same smile, we know each other backwards and forwards and we never get tired of making each other laugh {or laughing at each other}. 

It wasn't until I reached into Allie's pantry and realized that were no mini marshmallows that I knew the childlike joy of putting giant marshmallows {23} into my hot chocolate on Christmas morning.

Joy looks like weaving my love's Christmas morning traditions {24} into mine. 

And joy looks like my sister whipping out these lovelies {25} for a new Christmas morning tradition. Mi-more mimosas, please!

We missed the first big snow in Chatt while we were down in Florida. It was surreal to leave sunny and balmy Florida and drive back into a winter wonderland. But look! More freckles! {26} Only made of snow!

Jason and I got all gussied up and headed to one of our favorite spots in Chatt, The Terminal {27}, for a New Year's Eve dinner. I don't think I'll ever get tired of sitting across from my husband, enjoying really good local food and some spectacular brews.

He's slept in this position {28} since he was a wee pup and it never gets old. Never.

This dog. Eight inches of snow. Romping. {29}

Chattanooga was covered in one more big snow which actually kept us housebound for a week. Thank goodness I had stocked up for the quintessential snow day meal {30}. {Yes, that's a Muppets glass, the kind they used to sell at Pizza Hut back in the day. If you run across more of these, will you buy them for me? Pay you back, thanks!}

My dear friend and sister of my heart, Carlye {she's the one in the fantastic skirt and sassy boots}, is pursuing her joy and it is a thrill to watch her live out her calling as an artist {31}. Joy is contagious and joy was palpable as I watched her host her first art show reception down in Birmingham. She was amazing and I am inspired just watching her.

One of my {unspoken until now} New Year's resolutions was to read more, at least one novel a month. I felt like I was indulging the twelve year old bookworm in me {32} as I cozied up at a coffee shop and finished this fantastic book. If you have reading suggestions for me, I'd love to hear them!

This sculpture makes me giddy {33}. It reminds me of Jackie O and all things feminine.

There is joy in big hair {right, Amy Beth?} and there is joy getting all prettified for a night on the town {34}. I love being a girl.

Have you seen these? Fruit Loops in Cheerio form {35}. So, essentially healthy Fruit Loops. Awesome.

We're not really big on making a deal out of Valentine's Day. This year we opted for dinner at home {Jason cooked. SWOON.} and a quiet evening on the couch. Repurposing a Christmas ornament {made by the one and only Robin Plemmons} for our Valentine's Day decorations {36}? Ooh la la and lovey dovey.

So, there we are. Caught up. Onward....