…love Jillian

Today Hubs and I (well mostly Hubs) finished going through all the stuff he brought over before we closed on his house.  I assured him there would be no more ‘cuuuuudling’ going down until the rest of the garage was clean so he was super excited to get it done today….

           He had boxes and boxes of pictures from college, NCA superstaff (how we met), and well, other girlfriends.  I was very happy to find several pics of us from back in the day (aka the 90’s.)  Can you say skinny?  We also happened to come across this pic: 

 (NCA Staff circa 1998)

           We found 3 pieces right away; the fouth we found after several minutes and lots of giggling….according to Hubs there are only a couple suspects—one of which I don’t think I know and the other, well, about a year ago I made him remove her tattoo… 

I know it’s kind of immature* to say nanananana….so I will say this instead: 

Dear Hubs Old Girlfriend,

I win. 

Lots of Love,

Mrs. Carter

*Small Disclaimer: I’m not normally such a meanie pants but this was just too good!  Also, I ran this post by Hubs BEFORE I posted it and he encouraged it….so how could I not?

No Comments | In: Boys, Cuuuuuudling, How much I love my Husband, Marriage | | #

Over the weekend we went to Hermann, MO and enjoyed the wineries.  We did 4 different tastings and Hubs got a little silly.  IT was so much fun!  Our bed and breakfast was super cute and the lady who owned it was so sweet and prepared a super delicious breakfast!  Oh, and let’s not forget the massages.  We met tons of cool people and ate lots of good food.  Hermann is the perfect getaway for a quick vacation.  We left Friday and came back Sunday morning…leaving America’s Birthday for our families. 

            We started at Hubs’ parent’s house.  We ate Brats, beans, and delicious rhubarb dessert.  Then we headed to my parents for roast, potatoes, and gravy!  So much good food!  After dinner, we had a Wiggans family Yahtzee tournament and the Yahtzees were definitely flowing…we had a great time sitting on the deck, playing with the new puppy, and watching fireworks.  (I didn’t really enjoy the fireworks but my family did and I think they got a couple good laughs watching me jump every five minutes.)  

            The weeknd was full of everything Hubs and I love.  Traveling, family, and food….last 4 days have been really fun but a little rough on Operation 20lbs.  So, I’m kind of excited to get back into the regular weekday schedule that starts with a killer workout at Fusion Fitness.  The Fusion workouts kick my butt every morning and while I’ve only been going for a few weeks I can already tell a difference and I’m getting very addicted.  It’s amazing how a little exercise coupled with smaller portions can make such a difference.  Unfortunately, I think Hubs might be picking up my slack since everytime we eat I put whatever I don’t want on his plate…and he eats it.  I’m afraid Hubs is gonna need a few extra workouts just to compensate for the extra bites he’s eating off my plate.  The good news:  I’m no longer eating Hubs bite for bite….yay!

No Comments | In: Eating, How much I love my Husband, I miss my metabolism, Marriage, We Like To Go Places | | #

This weekend Hubs and I went out for a mean night on the town—we had to celebrate the sale of the Belton house!  I feel like I have been nagging him about that house for an entire year–we are both ecstatic that it’s finally gone. 

                So, in celebration we went out for a nice dinner and then “out” out.  We haven’t been out out in a long time…it turned into quite an interesting night.  I met tons of Hubs’ old friends (my favorite thing about meeting those particular ‘old’ friend is that when I asked how they knew him they would all started talking about the ‘old days’ which sort of made me giggle because if they know Hubs from the ‘old days’ then I know him for the ‘old old days’…the days BEFORE Kabal, before Jacqui, before Belton—you know, the days when the only thing in our wardrobes were cheerleading tshirts (regardless of the school they promoted) and the thought of wearing a sports bra in public wasn’t scary at all–oh, and I still wore ribbons in my hair no matter where we were going.)  I know it sounds silly but when they asked how long we’ve known each other and I said 12 or 13 years they were all shocked as though they thought we had met and married last week.…that feeling might have been brought on  by a conversation that started, “wow, you guys got married quick!  I suppose that’s how he likes to do it!”  And then I hit him with the “we’ve known each other for 12 years,” and somehow in his mind the “quick marriage” turned all legit and he congratulated us defeatedly.   I did meet a lot of cool people too and hopefully we can incorporate more of Hubs’ friends into our lives becuase really, we hang out with my people mostly–unless we’re racing…

              Anyway, now we are ready to find a house for US.  No more his place and my place but a new place we can turn into a home together!  And one day we will look back and say, “Do you remember the ‘old days’ of living in that townhome in Blue Springs?”

No Comments | In: Good Buddies, Marriage, Our Home | | #

            This year has been a world wind of change for Hubs and I….well, mostly Hubs, my life is really the same with a few amazing additions—Hubs and Tyson.  Oh, and a new little niece or nephew on the way but that really has nothing to do with this post about Hubs and I. 

            The only things that have really changed in my life since Hubs:  not being able to sleep in the middle of the bed, my last name, and dad started ringing the doorbell instead of just coming on in (which by the way, I still think is stupid.) 

            Hubs on the other hand has turned his entire world upside-down—something I hadn’t really thought about until this week…

            We are dangerously close to closing on his house so we posted several things to sell on Craigslist insisting that everyone MUST  pick up by Tuesday night.  And then, we posted a “FREE Moving Sale” for Wednesday to encourage people to come and take the remaining stuff so we wouldn’t have to pay the “junk” people to haul it all off.  After the ‘sale’ I think he felt a little violated; which I totally understand as I feel unsettled and a little violated when HUBS moves anything in the house (or garage for that matter.)  And yes, I know it’s a little bit of a double standard considering every time he brings something over I say, “where are going to put that!?” in my most annoyed wife voice but I can’t imagine how hard it must have been to watch strangers rummage though the treasures of his life.  Anyway, he was clearly  down in the dumps a couple nights this week and I got to thinking about all the things in his life that have changed since we moved in together and how I would feel if the tables were turned (Keep in mind, I don’t even like it when HUBS moves my phone charger from one plug in to the next–nevermind STRANGERS rummaging in my stuff (albeit unwanted stuff, but still, MY STUFF.  Yes, I need therapy.) 

          I suppose in all relationships there is a time to purge old relationship stuff, ie. pictures, clothes, keepsakes ect. and make room for the new.  But our union has caused a series of events that has basically transformed his world from what is was a year and a half  year ago. 

           It started immediately, with the prompt removal of a tattoo (seriously, seeing an old girlfriend’s name tattooed on my husband (well, boyfriend at the time) for the rest of my life?  No, thank you!), to selling his motorcycle to help pay for our (perfect) wedding, to trading his truck (and getting rid of those old personalized plates of his x-wife—bonus) for a new truck we bought together, and finally, the cherry on the top of the sundae, selling his house and finally getting to enjoy the spoils of a two income household! 

            I can’t imagine how I would feel if I had to sell my car, house, and most of my belonging to move into a home that requires me park outside in the snow during the winter and crawl into a car as hot as the Sahara Desert in the summer.  But Hubs hasn’t complained once.  He’s gone above and beyond to make sure I feel comfortable and secure in our life and love and I don’t think I tell him enough–I do notice, I have noticed, and I appreciate all he’s done to ensure I feel like the only women in his life (aside from his mother, of course :)

           So, after the aforementioned items are done (closing on his house being the final task at hand) we will be free to enjoy our happy, healthy, and fart filled lives together without anymore ‘previous relationship’ red tape.  Because really, nothing spoils a party quicker than having to confer with an x-wife on issues that have nothing to do with her….

          Jokes aside?  When you put all the red tape and nail biting (waiting for signatures) up against not being with Hubs at all—there is no comparison.  I would put up with a lifetime of red tape and drama if it meant I could spend the rest of my life lying in bed, giggling, laughing, and sleeping in a pile with Hubs and Maggie and Tyson.  I’m still trying to figure out how I got so lucky…

No Comments | In: Being an adult is lame, Boys, How much I love my Husband, Marriage, Our Home, Puppies | | #

         Something happened last night on my bike ride with Hubs.  We were riding with the TriKC group; everyone was very nice and polite but I was obviously out of my league.  And, normally, when I’m out of my league I just make jokes and laugh to distract people from focusing on my lack of skills….but last night, none of that worked. 

          Last night, I felt like the annoying little sister to Hubs and his friends.  I could tell he wanted to keep up with everyone but I of course went slow and held everyone up….well, not everyone, but definitely Hubs.  There’s something about going up a super steep hill (barely able to push to pedal down, breathing heavy, and going about 1 mile an hour) while someone is staring at you that makes you feel crappy.  I feel like I’ve made improvements in the running and biking categories but surrounded by a bunch of superstars all I wanted to do was leave.  I wanted to get as far away from everyone (including Hubs) and cry.  I know, can you say, dramatic much? 

         At some point Hubs must have noticed my obvious misery and said:

Actual:   If you don’t want to do anymore races I won’t make you.

Girly Dramatic Translation:  You’re right, you do totally suck at this triathlon stuff aaaaaand if you don’t want to do anymore races –I wouldn’t blame you.

        When we got back from the ride we were supposed to run as well but as soon as Hubs noticed I was upset he threw in the towel and said we didn’t have to—which just reinforced my feelings of annoying little sister and I started crying.  I have no idea what was wrong with me.  Hubs, per usual, was amazing–assuring me that I wasn’t annoying and he loved me a  million times more than biking OR running and that he never meant to hurt my feelings (which is one of the things I love about him.)  On the drive home he was doing everything in his power to make me feel better but I just felt wretched the rest of the evening and was so relieved when I finally crawled in bed.

         It’s no secret my love/hate relationship with triathlon-ing (yeah, I know that’s not an actual word) has been a little bittersweet.  While I love how awesome I feel AFTER a good workout I don’t normally enjoy the triathlon workouts themselves—especially if I’m doing it alone (or with a group of superstars).  Last summer Hubs and I were both new and happy to finish and our workouts were pretty in line but now that he’s progressing so much faster than I am I’m not quite sure where that leaves me….

        Get it?  Leaves me?  As in the back of the back of pack?  (yeah, I’m clever )

1 Comment | In: Biking, Marriage, Triathlons/Racing | | #

Today I did my first ever duathlon.  It was suppose to be the first triathlon of the season but it was so cold and rainy they changed it to a duathlon.  Yay—I was thrilled!  The thought of crawling into that freezing cold water to doggie paddle for 400 meter sounded like the most miserable morning of my life so I was happy to run the extra 2 miles required by the impromptu duathlon…. It was a 2 mile run (instead of swimming), followed by an 11.5 mile bike, and finally a 3 mile run.  I did ok.  I got through it and based on the stringent training plan—barely any workouts coupled with Corner Café cinnamon rolls and blue berry muffins slathered in butter (Thank. You. Hubs.) I’d say placing 60 out of 70 women was pretty darn good.  I’m totally satisfied with my results.   Hubs placed 102 out of 152 so he was happy as well.







As of now, I’m sitting on the couch—sore.  Everyone please keep your fingers crossed that I’ll be able to move tomorrow.

1 Comment | In: Biking, Marriage, Triathlons/Racing, Workout | | #

I had a conversation with my boss Wednesday that went like this:

Boss:  Hey Jill.  I need you to work a Yarco event tomorrow.  Basically, you’ll man the booth and try generating some new business.    

Me:  Yarco? 

Boss:  Yeah Yarco.  You’ve heard of them right?

Me (In my head):  Um, yeah, uhhhhh Yarco has like a million properties here in KC and I actually try to stay away from them since my husband’s x-wife is in HR over there.  Maybe you should ask someone else.

Me (Actually):  Sure I would love too!

So, yesterday, I get dressed, give myself a pep talk (about how awesome I am, what else?) and head to work.  11:00 rolls around; I grab Roxie, a load of talking pens, and head over to the Argosy hoping x-wife was treated like some sort of ugly step-child and was forced to stay in the office.  No such luck.  I walk in, there she is, sitting at the Yarco welcome table and it only took her about 2.4 seconds to register who had just walked in.  I smiled a half smile and found our table—a mere 12 ft away!  I wasn’t quite sure how the day was going to go considering our table was facing the her table and her table was facing ours (and avoidance is usually my go to.)  So with avoidane out, what are you suppose to do in that situation?  What is proper etiquette?  Are you supposed to talk? 

Hi!  It’s so nice to officially meet you.  I don’t know if you remember, we tried out at KU together but I ultimately decided KU wasn’t for me and moved to South Florida instead.  If you hear of anyone needing flooring please pass my info along; here’s my card.  Oh yeah, my last name is Carter.  Sorry bout that–Hubs and I got married in January.  I’ve been wanting to thank you for whatever happened between you two because now I get to spend the rest of my life with him.   Anyway, let your properties know we have excellent prices and next day service.  Good to see you!

Or not talk?  Completely ignore what was happening?   I basically did nothing.  I gave her an acknowledgement when I walked in, she gave me a wave when I left and the time in-between was peppered with half smiles.   When you really think about it, she’s never done anything to me so why should I even care.  She did me the ultimate favor—suuuuure, life with Hubs (and Tyson) has created a fart/poop cloud around me that might never dissipate but that’s a small price to pay for the happiness that I feel in my life now.  In her defense, she’s had more than one occasion to show her distain for his new life but she’s always proved more than accommodating and polite. 

And really, who wants to create an unnecessarily awkward situation?  The likelihood of us crossing paths again is fairly high.  We were both cheerleaders, we both work in multi-family, we have the same taste in music (and men), and who knows, in another life we might have been friends…..

So next time I will say hello. 

Another reason I hate being an adult…..

No Comments | In: Being an adult is lame, How much I love my Husband, Marriage, Work | | #

This weekend was super fun!  Hubs came back from his long, long, long, long, long, long, trip to San Fran!  I can’t believe how much I missed him.  It was sooo lonely without him to torment all week.  On Saturday we went out to Heritage Park and rode our bikes on Sunday’s triathlon path.  It hard to believe triathlon season is starting all ready.  I feel confident…except for the doggie paddling swim.  But in all honesty, 500 meters doesn’t seem nearly as long as it did last year.  I tried out my clips for the very first time and it turned out fine.  They take a little getting used to but no scratches or bruises so far!  Then we went to the bike store, Mochi-Yo, crate/barrel, flower nursery, and grocery store.  We topped the day off with sushi and good friends.  Hubs and Cory watched the UFC fights.  Lisa and I played DJ Hero (what else?)

Sunday we got up and cooked Mother’s Day breakfast for Mom, Dad, Juls, and Bret!  I’m not sure what it is about cooking meals at my house, it never goes as smoothly as when we cook the same meals at mom and dad’s….we made the biggest grease mess I’ve ever seen but everything turned out pretty delicious!  Then we went for a family bike ride; we went out 2.5 miles however, I think mom would have been happy going out 2 because she was pretty pooped when we got back.  I love it when the whole family does things together… 

The worlds best brother-in-law isn’t pictured below but that in no way, shape, or form means we don’t love him…someone had to take the picture :) 

Afterward bike riding we headed over to Mom/Dad’s for Mother’s Day steaks.  And we followed that dinner up with Brats at Hubs’ parents.  I ate every meal as though it was my last and my tummy sure hurt last night!

1 Comment | In: Biking, Family, How much I love my Husband, Marriage | | #

I can’t believe I’m going to post about this so if I work for you OR you are Hubs’ mother…STOP READING NOW!

Saturday night Hubs and I loaded up a couple pillows, blankets, sour patch kids, a bottle of wine, a bag of Tostitos, and headed to the Drive -In.  Yeah, the Drive-in.  We saw Date Night and Bounty Hunter–both cute romantic comedies (Hubs picked) and we experienced the movies the way every dad secretly hopes and prays his daughter never experiences—from the back of a Rav-4.  Sour Patch kid in one hand; bottle of wine in the other…..

I think Hubs forgives me for the “heart to heart” we had earlier in the weekend….

No Comments | In: Cuuuuuudling, How much I love my Husband, Marriage | | #

So, every now and again I’m totally reminded why I love Hubs.  Sure he farts and snores and has a tendency to “megabytes working” but on our honeymoon/Coachella trip I fell in love with him all over again.  For soooooo many reasons!  These are just a few:

1. The resort where we stayed was full of ducks.  We happened to meet and feed two ducks in particular…we’ll call them Vivien, her friends call her Viv (Don’t judge us!) and Duke.  They were obviously married and this other duck, Wally (yeah, we name the ducks, what of it?) was trying to get over to Viv; presumably to try and swoon her away from Duke.  But Duke wasn’t having any of it; he was chasing Wally off every time he came close.  It was fairly exciting.  When Team Blackout SW Chapter arrived, we told them all about the Viv/Duke/Wally saga and they totally tried to make fun of us but Hubs made it sound like the coolest thing in the world—It wasn’t that long ago Hubs would have thought ducks were totally lame too but Hubs LOVED the ducks as much as I did—although I speculate he might try to deny it….
2. Hubs has always been great about leaving places when I’m ready to go—as JV said in his Best Man speech “when one of them says it’s time to go…we go!”   After several hours of catching up with Team Blackout I was kinda getting sleepy…you know, it must have been like 11 o’clock J  so Hubs looks over at me and we have some sort of conversation with our eyes about bed time.  He totally made a huge production of a yawn to announce we’re going to bed.  It was awesome and I didn’t have to be ‘the wife’ that ruined all the fun.  And then he farted…
3. The first couple days of our honeymoon we spent tons of time at the pool and I got a little pink.  So, when it was time for Coachella I was sooo scared I was gonna be burnt and the rest of the festival would be a tortuous exercise proving I could still hang in the sun even after burnt. But Hubs took charge and kept me slathered in sunscreen every 30 minutes or so…and I didn’t get burnt at all.  Now, weather he was concerned about my sun exposure or was just happy to rub me down every few minutes I’ll never know but he didn’t complain when I asked for the SPF Chapstick out of his backpack 45x in 4 hours like I did during this post about him asking for stuff out of my purse.
4. When we were on our cruise back in October we totally drank one afternoon and booze coupled with rocking boat was a bad combination for me so I totally whined and made Hubs missed the ONE dj he was pumped to see on the cruise..Bad Boy Bill.   I told him he could go but instead he stayed and cuddled me all night without one word of complaint (not even when “Horton Hears a Who” started over for the 3^rd time.)  Well, during our little catch up when  TB (Team Blackout) one of them started talking about his girlfriend; he spent 30 minutes talking about how lame she was and about how many shows he missed and he wished he hadn’t taken her on the cruise at all!  It made me feel so good because while I know Hubs was definitely disappointed we missed Bad Boy Bill he would NEVER say anything like that about me….it made me feel very loved and lucky to have him in my life. 
5. If I ask Hubs which is more important cute or comfortable.  He will always say comfortable.  I think it’s because he knows I’m secretly asking if it’s ok to be comfortable instead of cute–then when I’m all dressed comfy he’ll tell me I look cute everytime.

Hubs, I totally love you….even when I’m sick and crabby and miserable and have snot dripping out of my nose you are the one I want to be with, aren’t you lucky!

No Comments | In: Coachella 2010, Good Buddies, How much I love my Husband, Marriage, Music | | #