Wake up in the morning feeling like...Usher?

So, let me explain... no, I am not that big of a Kei$ha fan but this morning I woke up with Usher's "OMG" in my head. Not really sure why, perhaps I was thinking about my weekend...

Let me start by wishing everyone a happy belated 4th of July. While the 4th has never been my favorite holiday I should recognize here my love of America which I demonstrated at a young age by performing "God Bless America" and "Proud to Be An American" over and over again for well, anyone who would listen. I wish there was not video evidence of this but unfortunately there are several performances that Joann keeps close to her on family video. So, for that reason I must say I have a place in my heart for the 4th of July.

This weekend was great. It started Thursday night when a group of us went to Captain Bill's to support some UNCW folks on their volleyball team. We hit around a bit and I remembered why I played field hockey in college. We are trying to put a team together for the fall so I have a few months to get better. If only that Katelyn Grant was closer...she was an all-star in her day :)

Friday, after work I hit up the Keys Pool where my friend Pat was hanging out (he is the 74 year old man I friended a few weeks ago along with his wife, Jo Ann). They are from Long Island, NY so we talk about Italian food and he reminds me of my Grandfather. I have adopted them as my grandparents and they are having me over for dinner tomorrow night, apparently they've gotten me a surprise. I am so excited to see what it is. Dinner is at 5:30, I feel bad I'm making them eat late ;)

Later Friday I was able to meet up with the one and only Jermisha Dotson who was in town celebrating her birthday. This is where the Usher song comes into play, it was easily played three times while we were out at the bar and I believe it has become the anthem of the weekend...

Saturday was spent working out, running errands and some pool time. That night I had sushi (mmmm...) downtown with some friends and headed out downtown for another fun night :) The next morning I was up early to get things together for a beach day. Ironically, we weren't the only people who wanted to be at the beach of the 4th of July, who would have thought? Parking was an adventure, I will take Katie's version of the story (which I have taken from her blog... b/c she really is the one who experienced the worst part of it)

Here's the short story: Stefanie had found a spot where a car's meter was going to run out at noon (it was11:30 am at that point) and so I was waiting in the car to take the spot when the people returned while Stef walked some stuff down to the beach. Next thing I know, the family is coming back to their car, but a different woman is with them and waving her husband to come take the spot. I try to calmly explain that I've been waiting for that spot. To which the woman tells me "sorry, but he said I could have his spot" and then continues to stand in front of the car so I can't pull into the spot while her husband pulls into it. I was livid to say the least! So, then Stef and I took turns waiting in the car for another spot. It was my turn and there was a couple coming back to their car so I was excited. Next thing I know, someone else is coming over that way to take the spot. So, I calmly (or not so much) get out of the car and go to the man who is getting ready to get in his car and back out of the spot. I politely ask if he would mind backing out in a way in which I could then pull into the spot and block the other car. He tells me, "sure thing, sweetheart." I get back in the car, and pull into the spot while watching the woman in the other car get angry. Thank God she didn't slash the tires. - Katie K

After that drama, we still had a great time at the beach with friends, food and fireworks (what more could a person want?)

Today was a great day off...took a long walk with KTK as she is training for the Breast Cancer 3 day walk (sponsor her!), shopping, pedicure and pool time! Also, I got to watch Adrienne kick Corey's (another new friend here) butt in tennis. We finished up by watching the Bachelorette... (mmm Chris L I love you!)

So overall, a great little 4th of July weekend. Wilmington is shaping up to be a great place to live and I can not believe I have already crossed my 1 month mark of working here. Below is a picture of the ACE executive board at our retreat a few weeks ago. They are fantastic and it has been great getting to know them so far!

Of course I have to throw some shout outs to the following people:

Jen Stollery - starting her big girl job this week! Good luck momma :)
Joe Peltzar - moving into his new place this week
All of my new Wilmington friends... many of who have started to follow the blog... you all are great :)
Diane Moody - happy belated birthday :)
Carolyn Fawcett- a big week for you sister, turning 27 and getting married HOLLA!

Thats all for now... much love!

Stefanie Jo