Gift Guide Part 1: Kozy Kitchen Finds
Creating a Checklist of Thanks
In the days to come, many of us will be spending time with friends and family and eating far more than our bellies can handle.
By definition, the impending holiday is a time to reflect on the things in life we value the most. But how many of us actually sit down and think, I mean really think, about what we’re most thankful for during this time of year? The hustle and bustle of the season can often cause a distraction and lead us astray from focusing on what Thanksgiving is all about.
Even if you do have enough internal discipline to keep your mind focused on the most precious points of gratitude, do you take any action to express your appreciation? Do you simply think, or do you “do?”
This Thanksgiving, I encourage you to take the extra step. Instead of just acknowledging what you’re thankful for, turn those feelings into action by giving back in a way related to whatever it is you hold dear. Begin by jotting down your List of Thanks. Similar to prepping for exams back in the college days, transferring these pieces of gratitude from your mind to the paper will force you to dig deep and put genuine thought behind your selections, rather than just rattling off generic terms about the dinner table. Then, think about how you can physically show your appreciation for each item on the list.
Here are some ideas to help get you started:
If you’re thankful for your friends and family:
Hug them. Tell them. Make sure they know how much they’re loved. Capture the moment in a photo. Any day could be our last, or the last time we ever see the ones we love, so don’t take any moment for granted.
If you’re thankful for your health and the health of your loved ones:
Remember those that aren’t so lucky. Choose a health-related non-profit, such as Susan G. Komen or ALS Association, and make a donation. Alternatively, make a commitment to participate in an organized walk or run during the next year. Volunteer at a children’s hospital (check the website of your local hospital).
- Join the walk to end Alzheimer’s: http://act.alz.org/site/PageServer?pagename=walk_homepage
- Give an individuals with physical, intellectual and developmental disabilities the experience the exhilaration of running in a race by providing them an adaptive stroller and a team of runners to support them: https://www.facebook.com/InclusiveRacing/info/?tab=page_info
If you’re thankful for those who keep our country safe:
The sad reality is that many of the men and women who defend our country won’t get to spend the holidays with their families. Explore ways to give back to them this holiday season, demonstrating your gratitude for the sacrifices they make. Though it won’t make up for not being home to open presents or experience the joy of watching their loved ones doing the same, even the slightest bit of joy could help morale. There are several organizations that send Christmas cards to the troops or stores that allow you to purchase candy bars for them at the register.
- Mail heroes a holiday greeting card through American Red Cross’ Holiday Mail for Heroes: http://www.redcross.org/support/get-involved/holiday-mail-for-heroes
- Adopt a warrior family: http://ableforces.org/highlights/2014/10/14/adopt-a-warrior-family-for-christmas.html
- Sponsor a Christmas Box for soldiers on deployment or sponsor a wreath for a Veteran’s grave: http://www.operationcarepackages.org/Christmas/SendSantaToTheTroops.html
If you’re thankful for the feast you’re about to devour:
Be sure to think about those that don’t know where their next meal will come from. Volunteer at a soup kitchen. Deliver meals to the poor or elderly. Participate in a food drive.
- Deliver Meals on Wheels: http://www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/
- Find your local food bank: http://www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank/?referrer=https://www.google.com/
If you’re thankful for your pets:
First, give them a little love. Then, look for ways to help out the animals that aren’t fortunate enough to have a loving home. Volunteer at a dog shelter or make a donation to your local SPCA. Think about adoption. Or, for something more temporary, check our Dogs on Deployment, an organization that places dogs in foster homes while their owners are serving our country.
- Foster a pet through Dogs on Deployment: https://www.facebook.com/DogsonDeployment/
- Donate time or money: aspca.org
If you’re thankful for your job:
Pay gratitude to the people that helped to get you there. Send your first hiring (or favorite) manager or mentor a note thanking them for the early lessons they taught you. Repay the help you received by offering advice to college students or young professionals. Become a mentor. Tutor students from a local high school.
If you’re thankful for being free from financial burden:
Share what you have with those who don’t have as much. Adopt an angel through Project Angel Tree where you buy gifts for children in poverty or with parents in prison. Collect items for Toys for Tots. Reach out to a local retirement home and ask if they’re accepting donations for residents. Consider giving items or a monetary donation to victims of the South Carolina floods; last week we met with the LISC who said many families are just getting back into their homes finally learning what they lost after the flood devastation. Donations are still desperately needed.
If you’re thankful for your children:
Remember the children that don’t have loving, safe homes like yours. Volunteer at your local children’s home. Give donations to a women’s shelter – often the only safe haven for women and children in dangerous situations. Seek out organizations that provide support for foster children like Mercy for America’s Children, a North-Carolina based non-profit organization advocating on behalf of children awaiting adoption in the US Foster Care System.
Friendships: the ones that last a lifetime, are the rare kind.
I remember spending hours perusing quotes as a teenager, hoping to find one that I spoke to me on some deep level that I could add to the then modern day version of a blog, my AIM profile. Quotes about life, love and everything in between filled the small one-pager, amidst a multitude of random colors, font combos, squiggly asterisks and numerical word substitutions (insert:~*babii CC: 2 cute 2 be 4got10*~).
Back then, one of those quotes, “It’s not where you are but who you’re with that matters,” would have been followed up by initials of my closest friends, some of whom I am still fortunate enough to have in my life. Unbeknownst to my teenaged, pimple-faced self, those words would still hold true, all these years later.
I recently had the privilege to stand by my best friend’s side as she married the love of her life. The past two years since their engagement have been leading up to the memorable day but as I boarded that plane for the trip back south, a wave of emotion, twenty years in the making, hit me harder than the open bar.
True friendships, the ones that last a lifetime, are the rare kind. I am so grateful for the relationships I’ve had since my early days, as well as for the ones built along the way. Although not one to cry, I absolutely lost it sitting in the airport as I prepared to venture back South of the Dixie. Spending a series of days with friends, family, and those that feel like family momentarily tricked me into thinking I missed the place I called home for the majority of my life. The memories and bonds made in that town have always been, and will always be, with me wherever I am. But while the scenery still looks (somewhat) familiar, and the experiences feel the same, everything is so different. People have moved away, and lives have moved on, but this one weekend, with everyone back together, reminded me of the life and people that helped turn me into the person I am today. I don’t miss “home,” I miss the feeling of content felt during the days in that place: the same as I experienced in the days of carefully crafted AIM away messages.
Life changes rapidly and we experience different milestones at varying times. However, it’s those milestones that always bring us back together with our closest, far away friends. Though easy to get caught in the tide, trips back to proverbial house that built me have a way of grounding me and reminding me of how fortunate I am – for the friends, family and experiences I’ve had, or maintained, throughout this journey through life. And for that, I will be forever grateful – for the memories and the moments. And for those I’m with, physically or in spirt, no matter where they may be.
Bridal Brigade: Showering our Bride with Love
All the planning, crafting and 57 lb suitcase carrying paid off during my best friend’s bridal shower. The party turned out better than we could have ever expected.
We hosted the shower at a local restaurant. It was a private setting and the staff was super to attentive to us the entire time – through set-up, during the event, and after it was over. The layout was ideal, too.
Decor
Instead of spending money on decorations that would simply be tossed out after the event, or buying a gift from the registry, I decided to work/shop with a dual purpose in mind: make or purchase items that Diana could use for the wedding or in her future home. Luckily, their house colors will be the same as the wedding colors! We were also able to reuse a good chunk of the decor we bought for the bachelorette party.
For the “What do you love most about our bride?” activity, we asked the groom to share five things he loves most about his bride-to-be (written on the black hearts). Then each bridesmaid, along with the mother-of-the-bride and future mother-in-law, wrote one thing they love most about her. Blank cards were available for guests to share their thoughts as well.
Each guest was asked to share a bit of love advice for the soon-to-be newlywed couple. Then, each week during the first year of their marriage, Matt and Di will be tasked with opening up one heart, reading the advice, and making it a point to abide by whatever that particular message guides them to do.
The bottom of the gift table was lined with pictures of Di’s early years (and boy were there some gems in the collection!).
One of the bridesmaid put together this incredible wedding dress cupcake compilation. Looks like something a culinary professional designed (with a heavy price tag). She did such an amazing job on it.
Some of the bridesmaids put together these awesome centerpieces as well. The faux flowers were laid on a bed of diamonds and illuminated by a changing color light.
We brought back props from the bachelorette and set-up a photo booth that was put to good use. The frame was a fun addition, but also something the couple will be able to use in their new home.
Games
We kicked the party off with an ice breaker. Each guest was handed a card with a name on it – 1/2 of a famous couple. They were tasked with finding their soulmate. Of course, Matt and Diana cards were included!
While everyone was eating, we played a round of bridal trivia. Tables were broken up into teams of five and everyone had to compete in the categories of wedding songs, wedding movies and general wedding knowledge. Ironically enough, it came down to a tie between the Mother-of-the-Bride and the future Mother-in-Law. They had to duke it out over tie breaker Q’s about their son and daughter. In the end, the MIL team brought home the prize.
Next up was the “Nearly Wed” game. In advance of the party, we asked Matt to answer a few questions and then Diana had to guess his responses. For each one wrong, the poor girl with lock jaw had to put another stick of bubble gum in her mouth (I’m a horrible friend). Luckily she knows him pretty well after 10+ years! We gave guests a copy of the questions so that they could play along, too.
The ladies also played a bridal scratch off and two lucky winners got to bring home a prize. While the bride-to-be opened up gifts, guests had to follow along and mark off items from the gift registry Diana received that matched up to their cards. The first two winners scored a Bath & Body Works candle. Gift bows were handled off to one of Di’s ridiculously talented friends, who created this masterpiece (the groom even got in on the action):
It was absolutely amazing day celebrating an even more amazing person. Can’t wait until we get to stand by this girl’s side!
Lessons from a Lap Dog
Our greatest influencers in life can take on many forms. Perhaps it’s the teacher or coach who made an impact on you at a young age or a close friend who helped you 
find the right path when it was so much easier to take the wrong. Those are the expected, but as is often the case, sometimes it’s the unexpected that can have the most profound effect on who we are as individuals. Observe your four-legged friend long enough and you can learn many of life’s important lessons.
- Be fiercely loyal – Perhaps the strongest of all traits, our canine companions show us the value in providing unwavering support and dedication to those we care for most.
- Love unconditionally – Along the same lines, if we only demonstrated a percentage of the admiration and affection our dogs display toward us, our love would deepen and our relationships would strengthen.
- Protect what you love – My Wheaten Terrier is only 32 pounds but anytime a bigger, tougher breed (Pit Bulls, Dobermans, you name it we’ve been there) comes near, he’ll do all he can to defend me. That’s the approach we need to take with all we hold dear; honor what/who you love and do whatever you must to always keep that person or thing safe.
- Forgive and forget – We’ve all been there with our pups. They do something wrong, run away and cower, only to greet you two minutes later as if the discrepancy never happened. Just like our dogs, people make mistakes and we must find it in ourselves to let the negative feelings go.
- Enjoy the simple things in life – To my dog, taking a walk is akin to waking up on Christmas morning. It’s amazing how something so simple can mean so much and it’s a lesson we should take to heart. Take time to notice the small things that make you smile and work them into your day whenever you get the chance.
Shop ‘til you don’t drop a lotta cash
All season long, retailers slash their prices until it seems like things just can’t get any better. Then, the holiday shopping frenzy ceases and guess what? That sweater you got the killer deal on just two weeks ago is now adorned with a clearance sticker boasting a fraction of the cost.
Welcome to the wonderful (and a times, woeful) winter deals. ‘Tis the season of deep discounts and semi-annual sales. Stores are trying to rid themselves of cold-weather attire and remnants of jollier times to make room for shipments of all things bright, light and pastel. But before you rush to treat yourself to the items Santa forgot to bring, keep these dos and don’ts in mind:
Don’t be fooled by the red sticker. Yes, it’s true that stores will do a complete overhaul of their merchandise post-holiday, but as the saying goes, the best things come to those who wait. The deals will get better and better. I’ve found the best time to buy winter apparel is mid-February; stores are so anxious to be out with the old and in with the new that they cut prices so steep it will make you sick that you even considered purchasing the same thing at full price just a few weeks ago. The traditional big box retailers will offer discounts, on discounts, on discounts: 50% off then take an additional 50%! The downside to holding off until February is that a lot of the good stuff goes early so if there’s something now that you must have, you may not want to wait around.
Do stock up on holiday décor. When we close-in on the holiday, retailers begin to mark down the items that make our homes and spirits a bit more cheerful – lights, ornaments, stuffed snowmen and the works. However, come Dec. 26, they turn into the Grinch and do whatever they can to push these items off the shelves. While the pickens may be slim at this point, it’s still a great time to purchase holiday decorations now and put them away for next year. Just yesterday, I picked up these adorable ornaments for 90% off at Walgreens; some for only 10 cents!
Don’t over indulge. Trust me, I know how tempting it is to take advantage of good deals. But keep in mind, just because you can…doesn’t mean you should. If you’re planning to shop, go with an agenda. Before you leave, take an (honest) inventory of what you do and don’t need and just like you do for groceries, make a list – it will keep you focused and more accountable. This approach has helped me when I try to trick myself into believing I NEED to add another winter coat to the collection of 53 I already have (not to mention, I live in the South).
Do shop around. You’re going to find some great deals this time of year at the big retailers but the question is, are they the best? If you’ve got the time, shop around. I’m a huge proponent of all things discount store: Ross, Marshalls, T.J. Maxx. The reason why? I’ve seen the big guys promote the same items for full MSRP that the discount stores have at a fraction of the cost more times than I can say. Just this week, I came across this Jessica Simpson dress at Dillard’s for $70 (freshly marked down from $130). The next day (yes, I went shopping at the same place two days in a row), when the store was touting a huge 50% discount on clearance, it was just $35! That same dress? I bought it at Ross for $19.99. The discount stores compete with one another as well. I purchased a Christmas party dress for $29.99 at Ross and found the same exact one at T.J. Maxx for $39.99 (BTW, saw the SAME dress at Nordstrom for $158)! This process may take a while, but I like to think about it as searching for gold. When you find THAT deal, you’re golden!
And this, my friends, is why I will never give up shopping as a new year resolution.
Five ways to wind down before getting wound up
The dreaded transition from vacation mode to work mode is upon the many of us that were fortune
enough to have ample time off this holiday season. For me, it’s not the piles of paper waiting on my desk that are most upsetting; it’s the fact that I’ll actually have to wake up before 9:00 a.m., won’t be able to consider my Christmas jammies as suitable workplace attire and will forgot all the valuable pop culture knowledge I’ve accumulated this week through endless movie & TV binges. Yes, the shock of days gone lazy to days gone crazy will be difficult to manage but as the sun finally sets on another holiday season, I hope these tips will ease you back in and ensure the transition does not hit you like the frigid waters of the Ice Bucket Challenge.
Visit your happy place – maybe for you, this means getting lost in a book, catching up on episodes of Friends you’ve already seen 20 times before or going beast mode at the gym. Whatever it is for you, make it happen this weekend because before you know it, setting time aside for this activity won’t be so easy.
Take a walk, alone – One of the best things about the holiday season is the opportunity to visit with friends and family. On the flip side of that coin, with all the activities and running around from here to there, it can be hard to find time for ourselves. Schedule in a 30-minute walk over the weekend to regroup, relax and catch up with the one that knows you best – yourself.
Meal planning 101: Keep it simple, stupid – On the evening before you return to work, don’t stress yourself out about putting a complex meal on the table. Check out Martha Stewart’s 15-minute mealsuggestions or turn to my new best friend, the Crockpot. Gather your ingredients today, throw them in the pot tomorrow morning and wallah, you’ve got yourself a no stress, no mess meal! All Recipes.com offers a full spread of simple and delicious slow cooker meals.
Pack & Plan – Over the weekend, collect and organize everything you’ll need to return to work so you don’t run around Monday morning frantically searching for a lost file or whatever it might be. If you’re taking lunch to the office, get a head start by making and packing it Sunday evening.
The end of the holiday season often brings with it a feeling of sadness – it means 11 months void of jolly holiday music, the comforting glow of festive lights and party after party with those we cherish most. The good news is, life goes on and new memories are ready for the making. Instead of basking in sorrow over the year past, map out your plans for 2015! Purchase a planner (TJMaxx has some absolutely adorable planners embellished with encouraging slogans) and jot down all of the exciting things you already have scheduled for the year (weddings, birthdays, trips, etc). If you don’t have anything fun planned, then go ahead, pencil something in and stick with it. It could be as simple and random as a Wednesday evening date night on April 15.
Unplug – This is perhaps the hardest thing to do but at the same time, it’s also the most important. In the final hours before you fall asleep, only to be woken by the sounding alarm clock, take a break from the outside world – this means no reading your email (unless it’s an absolute must), no checking the latest Facebook statuses, no PJ, duckface snapchats – nothing. I promise, you’ll be able to catch up on everything you missed Monday morning.
Start the new year refreshed, relaxed and ready to go!
No New You
I’ve never believed in the statement, “New year, new you.” People become too fixated on ushering in the New Year with a reinvention of themselves; an effort that often plummets like the ball over Times Square. I see the new year not as an opportunity to re-create one’s life, but rather to build upon their current strengths and take an honest assessment of their weaknesses to identify areas for improvement. A “New year, better you” approach.
It’s hard to be honest with ourselves about the things in life we just don’t have a strong enough grasp on. In a world of oversharing, our Facebook feeds are filled with the successes and achievements of others. People are quick to post the moments they are proud of – from engagements, to pregnancies to promotions; providing a platform for us to share in the joys of our friends and family. However, it’s not too often that we share the things we are not so proud of – losing a job, refusing to give money to a homeless person on the street or going into debt. But the fact is, we all have areas of weakness and the new year presents a fresh opportunity to evaluate where we go right and where we go wrong. The positive changes we make now set the stage for a feeling of fulfillment on December 31, 2015.
As I look to the future, there are several areas of life I know I need to get in order but again, a flip of the calendar does not mean everything must change all at once. I’m proud of my achievements and the life I live but I also understand that making small improvements now will light the way for the road ahead. These are the areas I choose to focus on for 2015:
- Commit to fit – I know, I know. Sounds like I’m contradicting myself – new year, new body! But that’s not what I’m going for here. I exercise fairly regularly but feel no guilt if a skip a week (or month). As a women in my (errr..late) twenties, 30 minutes of activity a day is necessary and it’s inexcusable to not make it happen. It’s not about looking better, it’s about being better in the long-term. What 30-minute exercise routines do you find effective?
- Know what you’re putting in your mouth – Remember when you were a child and you’d put some foreign object in your mouth, only to be scolded by your parents? As adults, we don’t have anyone looking after us to make sure we’re only putting healthy things into our bodies. There are so many studies emerging about the damaging effects of over-processed or hormone-injected foods and for me personally, it’s time to become educated on what should and shouldn’t be part of the meal plan.
- Focus on finances – I’ll be the first to admit that I have a serious shopping problem. While I never pay full retail, I fool myself into thinking that I save money through bargain shopping when in reality, I end up buying more than I would have at full price. I was never good at math, so maybe that’s in part to blame, but I know that managing my finances is one area I must improve upon to safeguard my future. This year, I am committed to understanding my finances, budgeting (ew) and investing in the opportunities that lie ahead.
- Make time to make memories – It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life and forget to stop and smell the roses, as cliché as it sounds. I am making it a point to set aside more time with those that I love and when possible, taking adventures with them because the sad truth is that one day, memories may be all we have left.
- #PIFProject – Philanthropic stories are abound during the holidays; people are acutely aware of the season of giving. But as the holidays pass, as do the frantic donations of time and money. To pay it forward in 2015, I will hold myself accountable to complete a minimum of one charitable act a week. It bothers me to even write that I must set aside time to do this; it should be something we as humane individuals inherently do, but the truth of the matter is time and life get in the way. Not this year.
What aspirations do you have to become a better you in 2015?
My Mom’s 45th Wedding Anniversary
This Saturday marks my parents’ 45th wedding anniversary. As a child, I didn’t 
need to try to connect a battery’s positive side to a negative to learn that opposites truly do attract. It was clear early on that the unique, and far differentiating qualities each parent brought to this partnership were like diagonal spokes in a wheel that would keep a marriage spinning for a lifetime.
The older I get, the more I value the relationship my parents share. Like lyrics to the Maroon 5 song, they’ve taught me that it’s not always rainbows and butterflies, it’s compromise. It’s knowing the mistakes you’ve made will never clout your partner’s true feelings toward you. It’s about give and take; you’re not always going to approve of every move your partner makes but you must realize you’ll do things they’re not crazy about too. At the end of the day, you’ve got to remember, you’re both taking you’re first and only shot at this life. You’ve got to learn together and grow together and above all else, you’ve got to laugh together.
There’s something very special going on this week. Do you know what it is?
Dad: Is it something on TV? Me: No. Dad: One of those super moons again? Me: No. Dad: Oh! Of course! How could I forget? Gamecock football! Me: No.
Mom (looks at the calendar): Ohhh, I know! It’s the 23rd of August!
Me: Dad, you know what the 23rd of August is?
Dad: Yes, I think it’s someone’s anniversary.
Me: Whose anniversary is it?
Dad: Your mom’s.
What will you do for mom on your anniversary?
Dad: The 23rd is Saturday right?
Me: Yep, it is.
Dad: Perfect. Then I’ll watch football with her. Maybe go out on a boat ride.
Me: But those are your favorite things to do, not hers.
Dad: It’s about time she learns to do the things I like. I can even catch her a fish and cook it.
Me: She doesn’t eat fish.
What was the best surprise you’ve ever given her for your anniversary?
Dad: That’s easy; I bought her a boat.
Mom: Yeah, a boat that I didn’t want AND had to pay for! How’d I get so lucky?
What’s the best gift you’ve ever given him/her?
Mom: I always buy him his clothes because if I don’t, oh Heaven help us! He’d be a sight for sore eyes.
Dad: Another easy one. Me.
What’s the sweetest thing he’s/she’s ever given you?
Mom: You and your brother.
Dad: Fudge.
Mom: That’s all you can think of?
Dad: What’s sweeter than fudge?
What’s the meanest thing she’s ever done to you?
Dad: Brought kids into the house.
What’s his/her best quality?
Mom: Well, he used to be nice.
Me: It’s not really a past tense question.
Mom: Sorry, it’s all I got. As time runs on, his qualities run out.
Dad: How much time do I have to make up an answer?
Me: You don’t get to make up an answer.
Dad: Oh. Then I guess I’d say her voice.
Mom: Normally you say you don’t want to hear my voice so that’s really sweet.
Dad: Thanks. Looks like I’m off the hook to say anything nice for a long time.
What advice would you have for a young couple on their wedding day?
Mom: Remember you are two separate people; but you are still one couple. Each person should be able to do their own thing, yet come back together. It’s not about doing everything together; it’s about enjoying the minutes you do spend together. You should be independent but still be a couple. That’s the only way I’ve kept my sanity all these years because Lord knows I need a break from that man!
Dad: Don’t do it.
How He Met My Mother: Reflecting on 43 Years of Love, Life and Laughter
This week my parents will celebrate thei
r 43rd wedding anniversary. Anyone that has ever met them can tell you they’re the epitome of polar opposites, but somehow they’ve managed to make it work and build a life together. My mother is a woman of many (many, many) words and although my father does not speak much, when he does, his statements are packed with wit and entertainment. It’s no secret that marriage is challenging – so I thought I’d share my parents’ love story and relationship insight as an example to those seeking a lifetime of happiness:
Q: In one sentence, describe how you met.
A – Mom: He approached me and said, “Did you call me?” I said, “No I didn’t call you and I would never call you.” Then he proceeded to say, “Well I hear you’re a kindergarten teacher and I bet you need a lot of books for your classroom. Just so happens that I work in the publishing industry and sell children’s books.” I went to his apartment to look at the books and 8 months later we moved the books into our apartment. (She can’t sum up anything in just one sentence.)
A – Dad: I worked in the publishing business, so I just went up and “booked” a date with her.
Q: What was your first impression of him/her?
A – Mom: Oh, he thought he was something else. Cocky is the best word I can use to describe my first impression. He had this fancy little pipe sticking out of his pocket and thought he was higher than mighty.
A – Dad: I have no idea. She was pretty, but she wasn’t very smart because she didn’t want to talk to me.
Q: How did you know he/she was the one you were going to marry?
A – Mom: I had no choice. He scared everyone else I was dating away by threatening to throw them off the third story balcony of my apartment. (Then she launches into a 10-minute example of when this really did happen, ending with “I should have married that guy instead.”)
A – Dad: She told me I had to.
Q: What’s your sweetest, fondest memory of him/her? (Now for this one, I thought maybe, just maybe, they would finally show their romantic side and share a sentimental moment).
A – Mom: When he ran after the moped. Me: Were you going too fast on the moped and he was running after it trying to rescue you? Mom: Oh no. He forgot to turn the moped off so it just kept going all on its own and he was running around in circles trying to catch it. Then he ripped his pants!
A – Dad: Oh, the time I took a picture of Baby Carol because it reminded me of her. Me: Who was Baby Carol? Dad: An elephant at a zoo in California. (At the time this picture was taken, my mom weighed a whopping 90 lbs.)
Q: OK – those responses weren’t exactly what I was looking for. Maybe this question will help you show some emotion. When do you love him/her the most?
A – Mom: Hmm. This question is really tough. I’m not sure I have an answer to this question. If I do, I’m going to need more time to think about it. Can I make it up? (You have to make this up, mom?)
A – Dad: When she’s asleep and can’t talk.
Q: What keeps you together after all these years?
A – Mom: He smiles that smile every day. But then again, he doesn’t do much else after that.
A – Dad: That’s because I’m a survivalist, Carol. I only need to do the bare minimum to survive.
Q: Reflecting on your 43 years together, what advice do you have for young couples who are just starting to embark on their journey together?
A – Mom: If he doesn’t help in the kitchen, then don’t marry him.
A – Dad: First of all, don’t have kids who will grow up to write stupid things about you on Facebook. Secondly, in a marriage, a man must always remember to let his wife have the last words in an argument. Let her say she’s sorry.
And there you have it – 43 years of pure wedding bliss, proving that marriage takes patience and compromise and that true love is not attainable without a sense of humor.
Phileo Life & Love 