Reality versus Reality

Without fail, this happens to me all the time. Just when I think I am in a good spot and I have it all figured out, something comes along to remind me that my reality is not that of real reality. I know that my little mind is on constant overload, and I really would be serving a better purpose to the world by being some type of detective as my deductive reasoning and puzzle piece thoughts constantly flow about non-criminal situations. I just can't help but get upset each time this happens though.

Dear Lord, please grant me the patience and understanding needed to get through this somewhat stressful time. Help me to overcome my fears and have faith in your plan for me. Please allow my mind to rest and my anxiety to ease up. Thank you for all of my blessings, both past and present. Amen.

A (non) Haunting Surprise

Anyone who knows me knows that I hate clutter, crammed spaces, and non-organization. So everyone will be shocked to know that I have NOT had a mental breakdown over the state of my small apartment that is being lived in by 2.


Please see the pics below for evidence.


many suitcases lined in a row on the bedroom floor

if you look closely, you can see the tie rack
on the right and the suits on the left

more boxes, suitcases, and shoes

Aside from maintaining my cool, I have even managed to put out a few Halloween decorations despite the lack of room around the house. These are courtesy of our moms and their craftiness.

Nadine's Pillow

hand towels courtesy of mi madre

pumpkin candle from my mommy

two little scarecrows (aka Ryan & I)

my very cozy pumpkin socks

A Yee Haw Kind of Wedding

Jessi & Andy met in Chicago 2 year ago. I knew he was the one for her. I could tell it in how she spoke about him. In all the time I’ve known her (which is my entire life), I’d never seen her get nervous. He made her nervous, in a good way.

I was fortunate enough to witness the commitment and vows they made in front of family and friends on Sunday afternoon. Another love affair of two people who truly make one another better people.

The lovely bride rode in on a thorough bred horse and was accompanied down the aisle by her baby brother. The groomsmen wore cowboy boots with their chocolate brown tuxedos. And as they pronounced them husband and wife, the two yelled “yee haw!”

I also enjoyed being able to spend time with the family. The Evans' have been an extension of my own family (more like cousins than friends) so all of the Collins' came out to support this new union.




Congratulations to Mr. & Mrs. Andy Alexander!

Introducing Mr. & Mrs. Davis Bond

I’ve attended many weddings in my lifetime. Some as the invitee and some as the invitee’s date. Many of my acquaintances have watched their nearest and dearest marry, but it was something I had yet to experience until this weekend. In many ways, it was a somewhat surreal experience. We had been to Nola for JL’s bachelorette party, but aside from the large amount of penis-phinalia and risqué lingerie gifts, it seemed much like our other girls’ trips.

Even upon arriving in Fulton, KY after a swift stop at the Nashville airport to pick up Ryan, reality still hadn’t fully set in. The bridal luncheon was a lovely affair with champagne, down-home southern cooking, and delicious cakes mixed with a game of catch up on how everyone’s travels had gone.

As we ventured to the rehearsal, it all began to feel somewhat real. We played nice with the wedding planners, practiced walking down the aisle, and posed nicely for photo ops. The rehearsal dinner at the newly designed Keg was a perfect mix of sentiment and comedy among the speeches with flowing wine and more southern comfort dishes. We finished out the night with an “after party” at the maison de Campbell where we all got a little wild.

Saturday morning came too early as we showered and headed to the beauty shop. Shape, Rattle, and Roll is something straight out of the movie Steel Magnolias. With four beauticians armed with curling irons, mounds of bobby pins, and endless bottles of hairspray, we spent the entire afternoon getting beautified. We dined on baby square chicken salad sandwiches, marinated asparagus, fresh fruit, mini éclairs, and bite sized brownies. We sipped on ice cold wine, bottle after bottle (just a little something to take the edge off, right JL?!)

After everyone had their hair and make-up geared up, we hurried to the church for photos. Within an hour or so, it was go time. Jennylynn looked stunning, a true southern beauty. Davis was grinning from ear to ear when he saw his bride walking down the aisle. The readings were fitting for the two, and the soloist was amazing. In true fashion, JL couldn’t even wait for the reverend to say “you may now kiss the bride.” She simply grabbed him by the neck with her two hands and leaned in. Classic.

As the two drove off in an old throwback automobile, we dashed to the reception with our shuttle driver blaring the latest techno and rap. The backyard was lit with beautiful candles and tea lights hung and strung every which way. The flowers were gorgeous and plentiful. We munched on chicken and steak skewers, sautéed veggies, warm crab casserole, and lots of yummy chocolate desserts. Linda (JL’s mom) surprised her with an armadillo cake as a tribute to the movie, red velvet and all. We consumed too much wine and champagne. We listened to our favorite Beale Street band and boogied on the dance floor until the wee hours of the night.

What a fabulous weekend with my best friends and our significant others!

Congratulations to Mr. & Mrs. Davis Bond!

Lemon-Pepper Chicken & Feta Pitzas

With my recent cooking spree in high gear, I decided to try my hand at being the "make dinner from scratch chef" Tuesday night. I've gotten pretty good at figuring out how to combine various ingredients to spice up a simple spinach salad, but I needed an entree to accompany my green creation. Since we were heading out of town for 6 days, we had a few grocery items that would expire before our return home. So with a few suggestions and a little direction from Ryan, I made mini-pizzas. Lemon-Pepper Chicken & Feta Pitzas to be exact. The process was quite simple and time efficient, and most importantly, I had free reign to do as I pleased sans a recipe!

Ingredients:
3 to 4 chicken strips
lemon pepper seasoning
pasta sauce
feta cheese chunks
whole wheat pitas

Directions:
1. preheat oven on 350 degrees
2. season chicken strips with lemon pepper
3. place chicken strips in foil lined baking dish
4. bake for 20 to 25 minutes
5. place pitas on cookie sheet
6. coat pitas with pasta sauce
7. sprinkle feta cheese on top of pasta sauce
8. put chicken strips on top of pasta sauce
9. bake on 400 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes

And viola...