Red Flags

I am NOT an expert on dating and relationships or better yet, how to make them work. I may have snagged my "Mr. Right" and so far things have been great, but I'm sure I just stumbled into that one! I also know that I used to be guilty of ignoring some tell tale signs that who I am dating is not right for me- or anyone else for that matter.

Thinking back to my dating experiences, I sometimes wish I had been a little bit stronger, stood up for myself more, and didn't put up with bad boy behavior. Especially knowing now what I didn't know back then- but hindsight is 20-20.

It's much easier to say that now. Now that I have found the person I'll share my life with, we are making a life together, and we are enjoying all that God gives us right now. I'm much more confident in myself now and know who I truly am. I would never put up with the amount of crap I did when I was younger.

So it bothers me when people ignore how their loved one is treating them. Controlling them. Manipulating them. Deceiving them. Disrespecting them. It especially hurts me when I love these people who are turning the blind eye. Who have so much going for them. Who are so wonderful they should be able to find the greatest guy ever. I, of course, want to take care of them and not let them get hurt. Sometimes I want to say, "Wake up!! Don't you see what he is doing?? Doesn't it make you mad? Do you think you deserve this? Do you think it will change when you get married because it WON'T!" But at the same time I don't want to push them away and have them dislike me because I don't like their significant other.

I also think so many times young women start to freak out after college and they aren't heading down the aisle. They all expected to be married by 25 and having kids by 27. They'll ignore almost anything just so they can stick to their schedule. They're so afraid to be alone that they allow someone else to treat them horribly.

Everyone has a plan of how they'd like their life to go. But just because we have a plan, doesn't make it His plan. God has a plan for everyone. But I also think God sends red flags, we just need to be a little more honest with ourselves about reading them.

Weekend in recap

I've been in a whirlwind since this past weekend. I've had lots going on and have been back and forth from town to town. Let me just start at the beginning.

Thursday- I left school at 3 and drove up (in the horrible rain) to Greenville to meet my mother-in-law and sister-in-law for dinner before Wicked. We went to Larkin's on the River, which was so yummy, and had Chilean Sea Bass and some good red wine. We had front row seats. We were so close I could spit on the actors. Before the lights went down I snapped a pic of the orchestra. I had NO IDEA how much I would ADORE Wicked. It was honestly one of the best plays I've ever seen. It was absolutely hilarious and I loved how it was a prequel to the Wizard of Oz. I've been singing some of the songs all week from it- Popular is my FAVORITE! I've got to get the soundtrack before I drive myself crazy.

Friday- I had breakfast with one of my favorite friends, Becca. We cheered together at Clemson and had such a great time venturing through life at that time together. We had lots of great memories and I love to get together with her and chat. Just this year, she began working nights at a hospital as a PA so we don't get to talk too often. It was so nice to spend some time with her!

After that, I got fitted for my SIL's bridesmaid dress. I didn't think I'd look good in it, but was pleasantly surprised. It is slightly mermaid and I figured that would NOT fit my body type.

Then I drove to Fountain Inn to have Brooke teach me the basics of sewing, see her new house- it's beautiful, and love on her dog, Gracie!!! We spent about 2 hours together. She taught me some much needed information to help me not look like an idiot the next day at my sewing class. Thanks Brooker!! I appreciate it! :-) It never matters how long we don't talk or see each other, whenever we get together I feel like we don't miss a beat.

From Brooke's house, I drove to Lexington to have dinner with a few girls I taught with at Pleasant Hill. Lauren, Debra Dele, Sara and I went to Wild Wings and enjoyed a girl's night out. I really enjoy being around these ladies!! It's always nonstop laughter and girl talk. AHHHHHHH how I miss getting to do this daily!! :-)

Saturday- Lauren and I got up early and had breakfast at Panera. I then drove to Mary Catherine's family's lake house for a sewing workshop Get Your Stitch On! MC was a very thoughtful and prepared teacher. I couldn't believe it was her first workshop ever! I had such a great time spending time with old and new friends. And I made some cute things!! I was majorly impressed with the other girl's clothes, as well! There are definitely going to be some adorable kids clothes from all that sewing. I think most the girls already had children...so I'm sewing these clothes for shower presents. :-)

This is my first project...not too bad, I suppose.

I got home Saturday to a grumpy husband- he had a moot court competition all weekend at school and hadn't eaten. Later that night, Connery, our cat, snuck outside and got in a fight. :-( He got a cut around his eye and hurt his right front shoulder. He hasn't been acting the same since. He sleeps ALL the time, limps around and has hardly eaten anything. So we've decided to take him to the vet tomorrow. He had to get a bath that night and will have a car ride tomorrow- his two least favorite things ever. Maybe this will teach him to STAY ON THE SCREENED IN PORCH!

Poor, pitiful thing.

Sunday night we had people over for the Super Bowl. Connery didn't come out to say hi, but that didn't stop the party! We had BBQ, Ribs and some HUGE oysters- yummy! The commercials weren't so great, but the game was. GO SAINTS!

What a great, long weekend for me. I enjoyed getting together with people I don't get to see too often anymore. Austin and I have another long weekend coming up. Keep us in your prayers as we travel and Austin goes to a few interviews! Have a fabulous week!

I'm so excited!

The one and only thing I requested for my birthday was a sewing machine. My wonderful husband bought me one! He told me when he got to the store he had full intentions of not buying a "beginning" machine. Intermediate is the way to go, I'll grow into it, is what he thought. Once in front of all the sewing machines, he changed his tune and bought me a Singer Simple.

I've been extremely intimidated by just the box. I've left it upstairs for the past week, contemplating how I was going to tackle this sewing thing. I've solicited advice from friends- Mary Catherine and Brooke. I have tons of friends that sew and I'd say have comparable intelligence to myself (at least I hope). So today I decided was the day. I was going to do something with this machine. I got in the car and headed to Hancock Fabrics. This is my first experience in a fabric store looking for fabric and not just ribbon- thank you 15 plus years of cheerleading. I get on the phone with Brooke and she explains to me how confused I probably am and to just get some straight pins and cheap fabric to play around with.Apparently I like paisley's.

I did what she said, bought some cute fabric, pins, AND bought some fabric scissors (I'll need these, right?) I've decided I'd love to make some curtains for the boring and plain kitchen I have. But I think I may have to tackle how to thread the bobbin first....this could be a long night.

Happy Birthday...to me!

Well, another birthday has come and gone. I'm one year closer (sigh) to the dreaded age of 30. Normally I love celebrating my birthday. I make it in to one week long (or longer) celebration. It helps when I continue to get birthday presents well into February and sometimes March. Some of my friends and family don't get to see me too often.

This birthday was no different. It began with a stop off in Greenville for lunch and drinks with Allyson, her fiance Matt, and Mike D. who flew in for the Duke game. We then drove the last 40 minutes to Clemson and hung out with Austin's parents for a little while. Then we all had dinner at Sardi's with Trey joining us. I wish I had gotten pictures of this, but of course, I forgot. There were so many people at Sardi's. And of course when the Watts' walk in, they know half the people there. I've learned the short two and a half years I've been a Watts that everyone knows who they are. But another GOOD thing is that they hardly ever have to wait to sit down anywhere. Our table was waiting on us.

After dinner, we drove to the game. As soon as we walked in to Littlejohn, I ran into 10 people I knew and hadn't expected to see there! It was such a nice surprise seeing everyone. Our seats were AMAZING. We were 5 rows up from the floor, just a little to the left of the Game Day crew. Austin had to have a pic in front of them.

Well the game was kind of disappointing, but what made my day was halftime. CJ Spiller is one of the most sincere and amazing athletes that Clemson has had in my opinion. The student body government gave him the honor of naming an award after him. I stood at the top of the stairs and shed a tear. Who knows if I'll see another caliber of athlete like CJ at Clemson in my lifetime.

On Sunday, (my real birthday) Austin gave me a sewing machine. I've been dropping subtle hints that I wanted one since Christmas. I'm very excited to begin learning how to do all that most of you guys reading this already do. I'm a smart girl. I'm sure I can figure this out. I may need some help though. When you see my name pop up on your caller ID please answer. :-)

Wednesday was the final day for celebrations. A few of my friends, my wonderful husband and I went to dinner at La Tabella. La Tabella is a new Italian, pasta and steak place on James Island. The owners are some of our friends. I LOVE their restaurant. Great food and great wine!

All in all a great birthday.I'm so blessed to have such wonderful people in my life to help me celebrate. This coming year will be bringing many changes to my family: graduations, new jobs, and moving houses just to name a few. While the chapter of our life may be closing in Charleston, I know the friendships we've made will last throughout our lifetime.

Global Warming, My Butt!

My intent for this post is not political, however I may venture (slightly) into some of my views- please forgive me!

I. Hate. Winter. Plain and simple. I always have, I always will. I don't know what it is, maybe all the clothes I have to pile on, constantly having to wear socks (I really despise socks- even though my feet are constantly freezing), having chapped lips and dry skin.

Something about this winter just seems different to me. Maybe it was when Christmas day was really freezing and rainy and I couldn't go play on my Big Wheels that Santa brought me. (J/k Austin always says he's going to get me one for Christmas.) Maybe it was the record low temps in Charleston and the **possibility** of snow in January. We never have any possibility, ever. I actually am having a hard time getting my car warm quick in the mornings- my Prius usually warms up nice and quick, but not this month. I think she's just not used to it.

With all this being said, I find it hard to believe that Global Warming really truly exists. I mean I believe it is important to take care of our planet. After all, it's the only one we've been given. Yes, it's not ours, it's our Father's and He's trusted it to us. Now, I think to an extent, we can affect what happens, but not to the extent we're being told.

But have we not studied in school about the ice ages? Wouldn't the earth need to warm up in order to melt all that ice? The earth has changed a great deal since it first came into being. The continents have moved, living things have come and gone, and the temperatures have CHANGED. I don't believe the dinosaurs caused that, do you?

In my world, I'd go into hibernation until spring. Hopefully my body would eat away all my fat and I'd come out all skinny and ready for swimsuit season- AHHHHH!

Too bad...until then I'll don my sweaters, scarfs, gloves, toboggan, and heavy coat that adds 15 lbs.

Mr. Austin

When I was in elementary school (years ago) I always loved the teachers that would tell us stories of what happened in their lives- those lives they lived when they left school- yes, teachers don't live at school. I remember those teachers who talked about their kids, their pets, their hobbies, and of course, their husbands. This is something that I strive to do for my kids- let them into my life, let them know who I am.


With all that being said, I talk about Austin and our cat, Connery, ALL the time. I tell them how Connery whines when he gets baths, he spits up fur balls up on our duvet cover, and loves to drink fresh water from the sinks. I tell them how Mr. Austin shares his ice cream with Connery, goes on walks with me, makes me dinner (on the few occasions that he actually cooks) and lets me put my cold feet on him when we get in bed at night. These may seem like stupid things to share with my kids, but these seemingly insignificant things are what I remember about my favorite teachers.


I also use Austin a lot of times as subject of what I like to call "Life Lessons with Mrs. Watts". I share little things he does as an example of things they should try to do too. It may be telling them how he will go out of his way to walk around the car and open the door for me because that's the gentlemanly thing to. It could be how he is friends with everyone (and I mean EVERYONE- we can't go anywhere without him knowing someone) and never excludes people no matter who they are.


Well, my class this year had never met Mr. Austin until today. Austin doesn't start back to school until next week and had a free day (well he should have gone into talk to a professor, but said making me happy was the priority) so he drove 40 minutes to Summerville to eat lunch and go to recess with us. He showed up an hour early...whoops! And as soon as he walked in the door, everyone knew who he was. I mean they've seen pictures on my computer and figured it had to be him- didn't take much inferring. Well, we still had some things to get done even though he had come to school like read and talk about or story of the week and write about it. Throughout the entire hour, Austin kept making all of us laugh, whether it was making fun of me or joking around with the kids. It was amazing watching him interact with my kids. He knew which ones to really pump up saying how great their work was or some other kind of compliment. He knew which one of my "star" students needed to be asked to see his work and then when he only saw one sentence said he was pretty disappointed because he really looked forward to reading what he had to say. HA! He did a question and answer...they asked his favorite animal, color, how we met, and why he loved me...so funny! He gave high-fives to anyone who answered a question correctly. He didn't just sit with one group at lunch (we have 3 round tables and he bounced around to each one talking to everyone). He played soccer at recess in the 38 degree weather. Most importantly, he hugged each kid when he left. AMAZING. They adored him, of course. As I dismissed my kids at the end of the day I heard them talking to each about how "Mr. Austin asked me about who I had a crush on", "Mr. Austin told me I'm the fastest kid in the class", "Mr. Austin scored a goal for my team", but the greatest quote was " Mrs. Watts, you have the most hilarious husband ever."







I totally agree. And he's wonderful!

The Silver Lining

As I was driving through the crazy traffic yesterday in and around Charleston, I was making a list in my head ( I do this constantly- in my head, on the little post it notes I have on my computer, all over my desk at school and in my kitchen) of all the things I needed to get done. My list is never-ending and always growing. And with my self-diagnosed ADD it sometimes makes it difficult to finish anything I start on my list because as soon as I start something, I remember I needed to do something else, hence the never-ending part.

Of course, I begin marking off the easy things on my list first: drop off the clothes I no longer wear to Goodwill, return the movies to Blockbuster, buy some cheap ornaments for a wreath that I'm going to make, etc. Leaving the more tedious and annoying things to do for later: clean the house, fold and put away laundry ( this is an entirely seperate job from cleaning the house. I can clean around laundry and leave it for days. As I sit hear blogging, I have clothes needing to be folded and put away before friends get here later this afternoon.), go to the grocery store, plan for my cooking extravaganza, worry about and do lesson plans for Monday (My school is being visited by Palmetto's Finest judges for an award, which means everything has to be perfect), and begin brainstorming and buying Christmas presents for friends and family members.

I become stressed and worried about getting everything done. I complain to myself about having too much to do and at that point I stop. All of these things I need to do I really should be thankful for. More often than I care to admit, I find myself complaining about these things that I'm blessed to have to do. I am thankful for my house that needs to be cleaned. It may be a pain in the butt to do, but I could be living in a car or in a shelter. I'm thankful I have the money to buy groceries and clothes. I may not have tons of it, but what I have gets the job done. I HAVE A JOB. So many people right can't say that. It may drive me crazy, but I have a job that, yes, I do love. It teaches me patience, the satisfaction of seeing the fruits of my labor, and how a parent can successfully raise a child. And finally, I'm lucky to have friends and family that I love, care for, and want to show them.

Lately, I've realized that I whine and complain about stupid, insignificant things. Things that in the grand scheme of things don't matter much. I recently had a friend whose mother passed away after a 2 year battle with cancer. She was such an amazing woman who did so much for her family, never complaining once. Her daughter, one of my best friends, has grown so much during this difficult time. She's become the one in the family everyone counts on. She took over the part her mother played- the rock of the family. When thinking about what she and her family are going through, my problems become small and unimportant. I've always had problems worrying about everything, trying to keep in perspective what is really important. This past week I've done a lot of self-reflection and decided to look at things in a different way. I'm lucky for the many blessings God has put in my life. I should be thankful for all of my "problems" and look for the silver lining in all of them- because there always is one.

I hope everyone has a very wonderful Thanksgiving- back to the kitchen for me, breaks over!!