weekend fun

Friday I loaded up and headed to my beloved Florence for a few days. Friday night I got to spend with my friends Shelley and Britney. I'm so thankful for my involvement in Panhellenic in college because it brought these two wonderful girls into my life. They are such a fun time. We went to eat at Buffalo Wild Wings and talked and laughed and talked and laughed. So. much. fun.

Before I headed in for the night Shelley and I made a trip to Target and I went on a little Sonic date with Kaitlin when she got done babysitting for the night. 

Shelley having a little America fun in Target.

Saturday morning Melanie and I were lazy and got sucked into a Say Yes to the Dress marathon. It's so easy to do. ha! When I finally pried myself off the couch to go get ready, I headed downtown to meet my friends Amy and Lauren and Lauren's precious baby girl Bella Claire for lunch at Rosie's. Before I headed into Rosie's I stopped in Cherry Tree Lane to see my friend and owner of the beautiful store Kathryn. Kathryn is always fun to catch up with, she's quite sassy and as always Rosie's was super yummy. It was so good to see Amy and Lauren too. Lots to discuss and catch up on!

Ahh I love me some Rosie's

Cherry Tree Lane. So, So pretty!

Saturday evening Kaitlin and I headed to Double Springs, AL for the wedding of our sorority sister Brittany! I always enjoy a car ride with Kaitlin so much laughter and fun. The wedding was so beautiful and Brittany looked gorgeous. I had so much fun celebrating their nuptials and catching up with all my ADPi's. It was definitely a fun time, especially on the dance floor and at the photo booth. And yes, I do have an injury from the bouquet toss. There was literally blood. One girl was serious about this stuff and I suffered the consequences. ha! 

Photo Booth fun!

After the wedding fun, Kaitlin and I made a date with a few to meet up back in Florence for some Cosmic Bowling at the Lauderdale Lanes. I initiated this. Secret { I LOVE BOWLING} I don't know why, but I do.  And Cosmic bowling is even better! 

I required everyone to pose before their first bowl! 

We finished up bowling about midnight and of course we were in need of some nourishment. So in true college fashion we headed over to the Waffle House. 

So greasy, but oh SOOOOO yummy! 

Sunday, I spent the day with the awesome MELANIE { who was also my hostess for the weekend} We went to lunch at my downtown Florence favorite, Ricatoni's. I couldn't come to town without indulging in the amazing cheese ravioli and a side salad and of course lots of bread! New joke "you know you've been out of college for a while when you don't know ANY of the waiters at Ricatonis!" 

Heaven on a PLATE! 

After lunch Melanie and I did some riding around and just enjoying the beautiful day. We also made a trip to Miami Ice. The perfect treat for a hot day!

Ahh they are so yummy. {yes, all I did was eat this weekend!} 

After our snow cones we went to see ROCK OF AGES! All through college Melanie and I had a tradition of going to the movies on Sunday afternoons. We were excited to recreate this tradition this weekend. Oh, and ROCK OF AGES was so good. Not much of a plot, but the music is worth it! I love 80s power ballads. I really want the soundtrack! 

Getting ready to ROCK out! 

Such a wonderful weekend! I love coming back and visiting this place! 

Oh, so pretty!

What did you do over the weekend?

travelin' travelin' travelin'

Today was just FANTASTIC.

Pretty Tennessee

I woke up in Knoxville, got my shower, actually used my blow dryer & straightener, put make up on and got in my car for the last leg of my trip home. I decided that a trip across the street for some Chick-fil-A chicken mini's were JUST what I needed before I started the long drive. {fantastic decision on my part} I then headed through more of BEAUTIFUL Tennessee. It seriously is the prettiest state. I especially loved my trek through Chatty-Town. I got to enjoy some fun conversations with friends along the way, and then realized I would be passing RIGHT through Florence around the lunch hour. Well I just HAD to stop. I hadn't seen my beloved little-town-on-the-river since OCTOBER. I immediately got my phone out and made the necessary phone calls to gather a group together. I was so pumped when I arrived into town and was greeted with a favorite DISH lunch with some of my favorite people. Kaitlin & Savannah my closest sorority sisters and truth tellers were BOTH available along with my "college weekly DISH dining partner & Panhellenic BFF" Rebecca. It was so much fun. It was just constant conversation and laughter and story time. Seriously...exactly what this girl needed. I mean nothing is as fun as catching up with girls you spent the most intense, fun, embarrassing, & crazy years of your life. Since Rebecca and I SERIOUSLY used to eat at DISH on at least a weekly basis I thought I had tried everything on the menu multiple times, but it was fun to see that they had added some things. I went with a new item, the pimento blt wrap with potato salad and a sweet tea. FANTASTIC selection. So yummy! And in name of tradition I had to have a carrot cake cupcake. It's only proper procedure when dining at DISH.

Savannah, Kaitlin & Rebecca and a DELICIOUS cupcake! 

After DISH, Rebecca and Savannah joined me in a trip over to UNA to the Student Engagement Office to check in with Director of Greek Life, DeAnte {Daddy D- a name with a fun history & also that he detests} and the Greek Grad Assistant {and one of my favorite people}, Brittany. We assumed our usual positions in DeAnte's office after hugs and hellos. Things fell right back into place as we got caught up on all the latest UNA happenings and Greek drama. It was so fun to see them and have even MORE laughs and memories. I even got ANOTHER Greek t-shirt out of my visit {I know...like after undergrad there is room for any more}. I finally got back on the road to Tupelo after prying myself away from my beloved UNA. It was so nice to be back on the Natchez Trace. I love, love that drive. It's so peaceful & perfect for windows down/music blasting.

Back yard playing with Clyde

I finally got home and was greeted by my lovely parents {I think they were PRETTY happy to see me} along with our newest Clayton, Clyde. He is a precious thing. Very rambunctious and feisty, but oh so cute. I was also greeted by Lizzy, Amos, Pepper & Addie Sue. It's quite a welcoming committee when you arrive at 1092...almost as many as Downton Abbey. I unloaded the majority of my stuff and caught up with my mom while my dad finished mowing the grass, then we set down to a delicious shrimp and pasta and salad my mom prepared. Best thing about being home: K's cooking. Tomorrow dad's running in the Corinth Coke 10K so we will be up bright and early to go cheer him on. So glad to be back in the 'Sip for a while.

Pretty flowers mom has planted

grape drank

This beautiful warm, spring weather has me longing for that feeling of freedom and summer that college used to bring. Now, in the real world, where warm weather just means...warm weather and in DC tourists galore I'm missing those days of heading off to work at camp or the excitement of a new internship and a new city, or the fun of working part time and spending my freedom dining on Rosie's patio and late nights at OTR  in my favorite city on the river.

Another thing I miss hanging out with my friend Melanie Harris! She is an awesome middle school math teacher who, although only two years older than me, became a true confident while she was my adviser during my term as SGA 2nd Vice President in college. I've been thinking of Melanie a lot lately because she is just a girl that loves to have fun and be around LOTS of people. The best thing about Melanie's house is that there is ALWAYS "purple drank" in the fridge which most people know as grape Kool-Aid. While at the grocery store a few days ago, I kept thinking about how much I was loving the warm weather and I wanted fruits and salads to fill my cart. I also wanted some "grape drank." I purchased a fun turquoise plastic pitcher and FINALLY found the Kool-Aid and loaded up on packets of grape. 

Every time I go to get that pitcher out of the fridge I think of Mel's house and summer time movie dates, late night chat sessions, and SUPER random group hangouts. You can always count on Mel to bring an interesting crowd together. So pour up some Kool-Aid and enjoy the sunshine. It's that time of year!

Mrs. McNu{gge}tt

I love when I get to chat with this little nugget. Leah Beth just has a way of lifting your spirits. She's a fantastic listener no matter what strife you are going through and she just geninuly cares about everyone she speaks with. I always get my biggest uplifts and building up talks from her. She really makes you believe in yourself when you have lost it a little a long the way.
We've been meaning to schedule a phone catch up for the past few weeks and we finally got to do it tonight! LB is the best friend a person could have, and she has tons...{we're talking about high school & college homecoming queen and sorority president} She hates when we bring up that stuff. She's proud of her accomplishments, but she doesn't like people to fuss over her. That's the best part about her, she's just so down to earth and up for whatever in life.

The little nugget is getting MARRIED in July! I know it will be the best wedding in the world. She's one of those people that will bring all kinds of UNA circles together. I can't wait to be a part of her special day! She will be the most beautiful and precious bride, a little McNugget if you will. ha! I love you dear Leah and I look forward to many, many more convos to in the future...and work gchats as well!

Kaitlin & Joseph Wedding Weekend

October 14 I headed back to Florence to celebrate WEDDING WEEKEND with my college-bestie-sorority sister Kaitlin and her groom Joseph! I was so honored when Kaitlin asked me to be a bridesmaid over a year ago and I couldn't wait to celebrate with her! Before I left I had to go by the doctor and get a shot and some medicine because I wasn't going to let a little sickness get in the way of my fun weekend. I arrived in Florence and went to visit with my friend Britney who works in Student Engagement at UNA as the grad assistant for greek life.I love our short little catch ups when I come to town, but I wish they could be longer. After I ran an errand with her I drove over to Kaitlin's house in Florence to get ready for the rehearsal/rehearsal dinner. 
The wedding was at First United Methodist downtown Florence. The little old lady who was the wedding director at the church soon became my favorite person. She was quite feisty and quite funny. Later on I found out she was an ADPi sister from Auburn, which made our friendship grow even more and she introduced me to some more sisters in their 70s. There is nothing I love more than meeting new sisters, especially ones that are little old ladies!
After we finished the rehearsal, we were on to the dinner where the food was FANTASTIC! Kaitlin gave me my bridesmaid gift, which was a cute over night bag that was white with black polka dots and a "J" monogrammed in pink on the front. PERFECT for wedding weekend!

Rehearsal Dinner

After the speeches and the toasts we were off to Russellville for a Bridesmaids slumber party with the bride at Kaitlin's mothers house. We all quickly changed in to our pjs and sat around and talked for an hour or so. We then ate some junk food and watched the movie Bridesmaids, which was perfect for the festivities. We all finally went to bed. The next morning Royce, Kaitlin's stepdad, made us pancakes for breakfast. They were FABULOUS. I then headed to Florence to Savannah's apartment to get my hair fixed for the big day {we know I can't do girl stuff}
We all met at the church for pictures at 1130 and then the day flew from there. I was happy to be a part of such a special day. Kaitlin looked beautiful and I am so happy she found Joseph. Perfect day.

Getting ready in the bridal room

pretty pretty!

with the BRIDE

Maid of Honor Traci!

The reception was at Montogomery Place in Sheffield. All I can say is-a mashed potato bar is ALWAYS the way to go-

with some of my favorite ADPi's at the reception

Oh, and I definitely caught the bouquet at the reception--Got to keep your eye on the prize girls!

district visiting

Sunday October 2nd, after church I drove down to Jackson to stay with my Granny for the night.  The next morning my Aunt Angie drove me to the airport for my early morning flight to Washington DC.  I had some informational interviews with potential jobs and an interview for a potential paid internship. I was very excited about these possible opportunities as well as spending a few days in the district with my UNA friend Christa!
Christa graciously let me stay with her for three nights/four days I was in town and we had a GREAT time.

Monday night we went to a film screening at the Newseum that was presented by the University of Mississippi. They presented a film profiling two of the cases from the Mississippi Innocence Project. Basically the project uses DNA evidence to overturn wrongful convictions in cases that were decided before DNA evidence was used. Through a documentary we heard the stories of two men who together had served 30 years in prison for seperate crimes that neither committed. One of the men was on death row and one was serving life in prison. Through DNA technology they were found innocent a decade after they were convicted. It's very interesting and one of the men who had been wrongfully convicted was in the audience. Please check out their website. Super fascinating. They had a panel who discussed the film before and after the documentary that included Judge Harry Edwards, American University’s Washington College of Law Professor Angela Davis, Producers: Joe York and Tucker Carrington, and John Grisham.
After the program they had a reception in the foyer of the museum.  Christa and I mingled around and met some really awesome and fun people.  We were just making friends all over the place. It was really funny.

Tuesday night we went to eat at a place called Matchbox with Christa's boyfriend MV. They had amazing pizza and it was a really cute atmosphere. I spent the day Wednesday exploring the Newseum. It's one of the only museums that you have to pay for in DC, but it is well worth it! I had never been before {except for the reception on Monday}and I was excited to spend the day exploring all. by. myself! I love museums and this one was six stories of mass media and news. Pretty much like a Dr. Mac/Dr. Martin class threwup in it {which means I LOVED it} Your ticket is valid for two days because there is just so much stuff to see. I was there from 10am till 3:30pm. I would definitely recommend if you're a museum buff like myself!
After I left the museum I just walked around for a while. It was such a beautiful day.

view of Pennsylvania Ave from 6th floor balcony of Newseum

Famous headlines...Sometimes the race to be first, makes you wrong

From Political Cartoon exhibit. Thought this one was funny!

Tim Russert's 2000 Election dry erase board

Funny gift shop t-shirt

 Wednesday night Christa and I went to this cute mexican place on Captiol Hill. It was outdoor seating and it was such a nice night out. We drove around for a while before we ate and it was cool to see all the cute neighborhoods. 

favorite coffee/favorite newspaper

I was so glad that on Thursday before I left I got to meet Christa and our fellow UNA PR/PoliSci friend Will Hodges for lunch. He just recently moved to DC after finishing grad school at Alabama. He and Christa actually worked across the street from each other and didn't even know it! We had a great UNA/life catch up over some Japanese cuisine. I had some time before I had to head back to the apartment to pack so I stopped for a cupcake and coffee from Crumbs bakery after I left lunch. It was amazinggg! Then I decided to walk around the National Portrait Gallery for a little while. I love art museums.  They are so peaceful and calming to me. I like the quiet.

I finally packed up and hit the metro for the ride to the airport. I hung out at the airport for a while and finally boarded the plane back to Jackson. I stayed in Jackson Thursday and Friday night. My granny hosted one of her Domino parties with people from church in Clinton. We had spaghetti and played til the late hours in the night. I finally arrived home on Saturday and my parents left to go to Oxford for a wedding, I used that time to catch up on my DVR and be lazy. It was a long but eventful week!

im back!

I've been quite the neglecter of my blog this month so I'll start from where I last left off:

I traveled to Russellville for my dear friend Kaitlin's monogram shower. It was so much fun! She got some super cute presents and we played some really fun games. I won the "who knows Kailtin Best game" {maid of honor did not participate-thank goodness} and Malinda and I together won the toilet paper wedding dress contest. We owned the competition {per the usual} Pictures from my phone {not the best quality!}

The bride & I

Excited to begin living the "C" life!

Malinda & I with Katrina {mother of the bride} modeling our 1st place winning toilet paper wedding dress creation!

My mug I won

It was such a FUN night, topped off with fantastic news that my favorite Malinda got a new job in Birmingham with the American Cancer Society! I'm so proud of her and I love her dearly! I know she will be FANTASTIC in this new position!

hittin' the road...again

First of all I'm loving my new face wash. It's Clean & Clear Morning Burst-Skin Brightening Facial Cleanser. It's WONDERFUL. I've always been a Neutregena customer in the past, but I randomly picked this up on a trip to Walgreens this week and I love it!

It really wakes you up and has a great fruity smell {I usually hate things that have strong smell, but this one is so nice!}.

Today I am spending the day packing and getting ready to head to DC on Monday, but first tonight I'm heading to Russelville for a monogram shower for my college bestie/sorority sister Kaitlin. I'm definitely excited to see some friends and ohh and ahh over all her new presents with C's on them!

Kaitlin and I before Step Show our last semester together at UNA!

After church tomorrow I'm heading down to Jackson. I'm going to spend the night with my granny and then my Aunt Angie is graciously taking me to the airport bright and early Monday morning so I can head to DC til Thursday! I will be sure to blog about my trip once I return. Super excited to be staying with this lovely friend

Christa-always catching up on the news

Just a travelin', travelin'
-J

boom, boom

I've blogged about reuniting with my "besties" from college this weekend for the concert, but what I haven't blogged about is seeing all my SISTAs this weekend as well! Saturday is ADPi Alum Recruitment Preview Day. It's where all the alums of Zeta Eta get to go and see what the chapter has planned for Recruitment this year. If you read my blog you know I was very much involved sorority wise during college so I am SUPER excited to be back with my fellow members of the First & Finest. I feel like I just went through recruitment myself. Sorority life definitely teaches you a lot and I don't think my college experience would have been as enriching without it. Definitely some of my BEST memories.

I'm especially excited to reunite with my fellow Alums! I know we will have hours and hours of reminiscing and laughter once we are all together. So many inside jokes and thoughts of past recruitment's, sorority events, homecoming activities, executive board meetings...and on and on! Oh the things we have experienced. In the words of Kaitlin Rhudy and myself  "YOU DON'T EVEN KNOW!"

 

 

 toga birthday party

A personal favorite

 

White Water Rafting!

Midnight-My 21st Birthday, Great thing about college and ADPi-Birthdays were a BIG celebration!

Family

Bid Day 2010-Coming Home!

My favorite picture EVER!

On the second floor of Appleby West I will always be known as JClay and Rihanna {my awesome singing abilities during recruitment..winkwink}, a lover of the DC {double cheese, diet coke, and our nation's capital}, source of all university information & gossip, obsessive of Octavia {she had the best handwriting}, and the one who always fell off the couch!

Can't wait for our reunion! 

"Boom, Boom I wanna go ADPi don't YOU!"