adventures of getting lost...

We have been super busy with getting our house painted, fixed and ready to put on the market next week...including moving boxes and extra furniture to our newly acquired storage unit. So, today we went shopping for some of the key elements Mikey is going to need in Iraq and in the midst of it we also got "lost" - Mikey says it was on purpose, but I didn't complain as it was fun to get out and about.

Here are some of the images we captured. I wanted to share them with everyone to see how Savannah is more than just historical beautiful buildings downtown. The first is of an old plantation (yippee, after living here for more than a year I finally got to see a plantation...fenced in and with that long driveway with trees full of Spanish moss!) Although we were sneaking in there just for a quick drive and photos and forgot to pay the entrance fee. Once we saw that sign we turned around - don't worry mom, we were honest people!

The rest of the photos are of the deep water access around the Isles of Hope. It was a beautiful 30 minute detour! Enjoy!!! Nothing is better than a nice cruise with a wonderful husband...except I could have used a Mountain Dew! (wink. wink.)

i've divorced our backyard

Okay, so I am sure you are all wondering what this picture is about...well, if you look close you will see my enemy and yes - this SNAKE is in our backyard! (look really closely into the middle of the picture, you can see his head) Here's the story:

As Mikey was showering I decided to take out the garbage. Which I've gotten completely comfortable doing while the daylight shines on the lawn. As I was approaching the fence I realized there is something that looks like a leaf. So, I approach this "leaf" and get less than 2 feet away and finally realize...ugh...ah...it's a snake! I dropped the garbage and ran inside yelling ew, ew, ew, ew, ew, ew, ah, ew, ew. (You get the idea) By the time I get in the door, slamming it shut while watching the ground to assure this snake did not follow me in the house. I went running upstairs to tell Mikey that he had to get out of the shower and get this snake out of our lawn. So, the great husband he is (all while laughing at me) gets out and grabs his robe. But, since I couldn't tell you if it is poisonous or not I told him he had to put his boots on. So, the stud grabs his army boots while wearing his robe and goes to the closet to grab the good ole' hockey stick. There he goes (again I slam the door behind him) - out to battle he is. The whole thing only lasted a minute, but to me it felt like forever. He chased the THREE foot black and green snake out of our lawn and under our fence.

He was a brave man! But no matter what I had the heebie-jeebies for the remainder of the day. And I vowed to Mikey that he will forever be in charge of taking out the garbage, doing all lawn work and grilling. It was great knowing you backyard...we had some great memories, but now I'm done with you! At least until I find this "Snake Away" that Mikey claims exists. Then maybe I'll consider dropping the divorce from our backyard, but until then the front door is the only one I will use, and with caution of course! I am convinced this snake is out to get me.

Wish my hubby luck on putting up with me and my snake fear...and here is my knight in shining armor!
Tata for now!

Annie

Tropical Storm Fay...

Yes, we are currently under "tropical storm warning" and a "flash flood watch" for the upcoming days. Our televisions have been stuck on the weather channel for the past few days. Just watching and waiting, wondering if Fay will change directions. It seems that it won't for now, which is good.

What it means for us? Well, it means we are still getting LOTS of rain and wind gusts up to 45 mph, which will probably result in flash floods and maybe some downed trees or power lines. However, the eye of the storm is not coming to us. Our beaches will have erosion as the tide is high at noon already and it is about 2 feet higher than normal. (Too bad, I really wanted to spend some quality time at the beach)

But, no worries everyone. I am prepared for the power to go out (totally stocked up on batteries) and I have our hurricane survival kit and a full tank of gas. I am 98% sure we will not have to evacuate, but just in case I am ready! Just wanted you to all know that we are okay and just getting as much inside house work done as possible. Us "northern folks" know how to make it through a few days without power and severe storms if need be...hey, we even have MRE's if we get desperate! Thanks hubby for bringing those home:-)

tata for now,

Annie

Sever...ugh, no...

Yes, today was the first day that I slipped up while on the phone.

I was just making a return work call when A's (hiding the individual's identity for her protection) voicemail picked up. I was obviously so into my rhythm of my message that when I was repeating my name after my call back number I did it...I slipped up...I knew my first name, but for the first time I started saying my maiden name. Ooops! I professionally just added my married name to the end so that I didn't sound like a confused blonde. (Which yes, I know I am!)

Just had to fess up! I'll be sure to update more on the progress around our house and married life. Let's just say I think we've seen each other 4 of the 9 weeks we've been married...ah, marital bliss - just kidding, I miss my hubby when he is gone.

Okay - rambling now, so tata for now!

Annie

The happy couple

I am waiting patiently for our photographer to send our CD of several images, but until then here is one picture I managed to steal from Lisa for everyone. What a happy day to remember!

tata for now...

annie

ah...childhood memories

As I go through my nightly routine of brushing my teeth, taking out my contacts and taking NyQuil to assure a good sleep with this cold I'm reminded of a childhood memory.

I was in grade school, the year that I was now being called four-eyes because of my lovely big tan glasses, the ones that when I smiled my cheeks pushed them off my nose, yes it was my dorky years with awkward teeth and strange hair. I remember one night seeing my dad take NyQuil in his downstairs bathroom. (I call it his because we never showered in there...rather the six others of the family all used the "family bathroom" upstairs - which dad later lectured me that I should always make sure me and my husband share a bathroom and closet...okay, getting off subject) Of course it peaked my curiosity, for what reason I'm not sure. So, as the little investigator that I was I waited patiently downstairs acting like nothing was going on...I was just checking out the photos framed in the hallway. (nothing odd about that, I'm sure dad thought I just was waiting to "go number 2" which many of us made a point to do only downstairs!) Once dad left the bathroom and I knew for sure he was upstairs I tiptoed quietly into his bathroom, jumped up on his sink to reach his cabinet and yep, there it was - second shelf from the bottom. A bottle of NyQuil - only half full of green liquid. At that point I knew it, I was shocked by it, I finally figured out that my dad was addicted to this green stuff they call NyQuil.

I remember the next day clearly - I walked onto the playground between classes and gathered my friends in a group to tell them this shocking news. I carefully, not too loudly, announced that I found out last night my dad had an addiction to NyQuil...and this stuff had alcohol in it (which I found out because I asked mom what was in it and she told me I couldn't take any because of the alcohol in it - sneaky, I know!) I don't remember more than a few friends gasping like it was the worst thing ever and then the rest of the gang just running away to go swing or play on the monkey bars. But to me, it was tough. I never did confront dad about it until I was around 17 years of age...by that point I had figured out that it was common practice to keep medicine in a cabinet called the "medicine cabinet" - we had some good chuckles over it and looking back it was just another "Annie moment."

tata for now...and remember, NyQuil isn't the enemy!

Annie

The Royal Treatment

I was treated with a nice surprise this morning. My husband has been flying a precise machine every night for a few nights now, and when he coomes home his wife is fast asleep and he is left to fend for himself at 3 a.m. On these mornings I carefully get out of bed trying not to wake him and do my usual routine. But this morning I awoke to a wonderful treat from my husband...a version of breakfast in bed that I'll take any day! What a sweetheart - thinking of how he can be good to me even while he is sleeping. I'm the lucky one...and breakfast was delicious! Thanks husband!

Annie

"rock of the marne ma'am"

Today has been a very productive day overall. I've gotten our wedding gifts put away and packed up the items it replaced. I also gave away SEVERAL pairs of shoes! And...it doesn't stop there, I also cleaned our entire place, except the master bedroom.

BUT, the highlight of the day was driving onto post at the guarded gate, it's the one that I was NEVER able to go through without being in Mikey's car. However; now I am officially part of the Army. As a wife I have stickers on my windshield that allow me to use THAT gate! Yippee. And, as I showed him my military ID he responded with "Rock of the Marne Ma'am." Wow, that's something they used to only say when Mikey was with me...I'm thinking at this point this is really cool. Then as I drive the speed limit (I don't need a ticket on my first day on post all alone...what would Mikey think!). I passed a MP (phew, passed that test) and found my way to the commissary. I made it - I can now get those great deals on pop without calling Mikey to make sure he gets there before coming home. It was official again! Instead of me rambling on and on I should just stop and say this - I finally felt ownership to being in the Army. I've been left off my leash and Mikey no longer has to hold my hand while on-post.

Phew, now to sit here and watch Lifetime - I need to make sure I catch up on Army Wives so I can really see what they mess up. Mikey always points it out and now the test is on for me...let's see how much knowledge I really have!

Tata for now everyone...thanks for joining!

annie

My first night alone as a wife

Here I am, alone as a wife. Not because Mikey left me, but his job called and he is on night shift at the tower. (Don't ask what he does because I don't even really understand yet! I'm just glad he is still around some of the time.) So let me tell you my adventures of today - I realize now that I'm a wife I am suffering from short-term memory loss! Here's why - I went to make some noodles for lunch (nothing left in the house) and I left the water boiling and forgot about it until the water was all gone. Mikey was the only reason our house or our pot didn't start on fire. Whew, he's got this husband thing down! Then, as I get done with work I start unpacking, to which I find a disaster from a lotion explosion in the front of one of the suitcases...okay, I should clean that. But instead I decide I'm exhausted and I want to watch a little television. Oops, I fall asleep!

When I awake it shows 8:00 on the clock. I panic and think I should jump in the shower for work...and for some reason I was thinking we had a guest that left and got lost so I grab my phone and start looking through my contacts. I seriously think I lost my mind. I couldn't figure out what was going on, if it was the morning or evening or what I was doing anymore. Finally I got myself together and figured out it was 8 PM and I should just keep working on unpacking, laundry, cleaning and grocery shopping. Out to my adventure of grocery shopping, which for the most part was uneventful. It took my nearly an hour though to get the necessities because I was randomly going all over the store. I just can't get my bearings tonight.

Next stop is home. I get the groceries put away, change a load of laundry and check email again. Doing well - except it hit me that at some point I should go and check on my noodles...yep, I did it again. Only this time I had put the noodles in the water and now they were frying to the bottom of the pan. Wow, I'm batting zero!!! No biggie, I'll just eat noodles that are overcooked enough a 6 month old could eat them. Gross, but I did what I needed. I figured if I went to cook something else I would FOR SURE start this place on fire. But now, as I sit in our backyard I think I've figured out it isn't me just being a bad wife, I'm blaming the full moon!

With that, I think I should go to bed - let's just hope I remember to shut off all things that could burn up and remember to set the alarm! I'd say that now that I just typed it I will for sure remember, but as this day is going it is proving different!

I'm off to bed - with my recent humidity shower from being outside I can only imagine how cute I'll look to Mikey when he gets home!

goodnight, dream sweet everyone.

Annie

...now what do I do as a Wife?

Well, we made it through the adventure of our wedding weekend and our week of "relaxation." It was all amazing to me, as I walked down the isle and stood in front of everyone at our reception I was overwhelmed by the love in the room. Everyone worries about your stress level, but no one can ever prepare you for the emotions of watching your husband gaze into your eyes with all his love and then to look out to a room of others with tears in their eyes and smiles on their faces...it is all so much to take in and truly touched my heart. We cherished every moment and several times Mikey and I asked each other if we could just put it all into slow motion or pause to absorb it all. I still think the entire weekend hasn't fully hit us yet. I know we didn't get to spend enough time or talk to everyone we wanted to, so let me thank you through this blog and tell you all how special you are.

And now we are back in Savannah, starting to figure out what the role of a wife and a husband is. We are just waiting for something to be SO different - which I'm sure we'll notice in the upcoming days. I suppose being in our own home and really realizing this is the start of "our family" will hit us and we'll transition into our new "roles" quickly. One thing Mikey's already noticed is that it is tougher for him to see me tired or upset because he just wants to make his wife happy - what a sweetie! Little does he know he's always wanted that and he's always done a great job at it.

Now that the planning is all done I'll try to update this more often...thanks again for all of your support. I look forward to the next time we meet up again!

All the love,

Annie

Two months and counting!

Well, today marks two months until Mikey and I say "I do." I sometimes wonder if he knows what he is getting himself into, but then I remember ignorance is bliss!

We are working every day on checking off things on our "to-do" list. I feel confident in everything thus far. And I'm still shocked that I'm not more stressed about all of this. Maybe that will hit me in the last 30 days! Only time will tell.

This week we will be sending out the invites and our website for our wedding should be live. The URL is www.severson-mclean.com. I'm pumped to see it live. Alissa has done an outstanding job on both the invites and the website. I know you will all enjoy it - it is the new wave of weddings. You will be instructed to RSVP online, you can see several pictures of us throughout our dating (to the point you might get sick of us before our wedding date and recall your RSVP) and you even get to have some fun reading about us as a couple, individually and both perspectives of how the engagement went! Lots of fun I'm telling you...be prepared!!!

If anyone has any last minute advice on songs or requests for songs at the dance just let me know. Leave a comment and I'll take it into consideration! Can't wait to see everyone...just a week and I'll be back. Unfortunately that also means that Mikey and I will not be seeing each other for 4 days before our wedding!

RaeAnn

Going green...but not for the enviornment!

Well, today is the start of the St. Patrick's adventure in Savannah! This place is crazy about this holiday - it is the South's version of We-Fest. I've been hearing bag pipes practicing all week in various parking lots, outside hotels and just on the sidewalk! There are maps online that show you where the porta potties are - what the rules are on making your "campsite" in the squares for the parade this morning - where the shuttles run so you can park 15 miles away from downtown (they close off the streets to vehicles...pedestrian downtown only this weekend) - and the rules of watching how much you drink...I'm told if you have more than two drinks in your hands while walking around you can get arrested for public intoxication (...do I hear a challenge coming from me on that one???)

So, with the businesses closing Mikey and I decided that we might as well put on some green and go and collect beads downtown. It is only appropriate as I was once told that I have a bit of Irish in me (who knows if that is true...my dad could tell me anything and I'd believe it) and since Mikey is very much Scottish. (Yes, he even has a kilt) So, to hold true to the name I will soon have, I will go downtown in green and "rival" with the Irish!

I will be sure to check back in on this site and let you know about all the wild and crazy stories...and I'll give you a count on how beads Mikey and I collect...I'm sure I'll win (unless he wears his kilt)!

...until next time

Annie

Introducing...Cosmo in a box!

Yes, you heard me correct...I am now introducing to all of my friends my latest "great buy." While browsing the shelves of our local liquor store I found what I never thought would be so much fun, but it has proven itself to be a blast!

It is Cosmopolitan in a box! Just open the spout and pour!!! Who knew that it would be so easy to have such a "fancy" drink. Wow, but to keep with the theme of Cosmo in a box I have made one rule. If you choose to partake in this wonderful development, you are ONLY allowed to drink it out of a regular 8 oz. glass. You heard me...no martini glasses - resist if you own them and go for the total "trashin'" style of an 8 oz 'milk' glass!

Enjoy everyone - and soon I will be home so we can have a Cosmo in a box fun night!

Annie

Surprise!!!

Surprise on so many levels...first - I am posting on this blog! wow, I know. Second...I am still alive and actually having a lot of fun planning the wedding. Third - and the real reason for this post - is to update you on how I have the perfect fiance. Tonight at 6:30 he is taking me away to a special night - he says it isn't "romantic," but I beg to differ. Anything that he does that is for my happiness is romantic, and we get to do this together!

Althought I don't know what our date is yet, I'm super excited! I'll be sure to write and fill you in on the surprise for tonight. I hope you are all staying warm and enjoying the love that surrounds you. Miss you all and HUGS all around!

Until next time...

Annie

Checking off the list...the wedding to do list!

Now that Mikey is finally home we are in full force of getting wedding things done. Every night we have a new task from our wedding "to do" list. Some nights you can tell neither of us want to put the energy into it, not because we don't want to get married more because we are just so exhausted! I guess I'll never understand how they expect brides to workout for 1 to 2 hours a day and then have enough energy after work to actually get wedding things done...wow!



We figured out last night we are about a third of the way through the checklist...let's hope that tonight we get one more major thing done! Time to write website copy!!!



Tata for now,



Annie