BMHS 10 Year Reunion

From the viewpoint of the arm candy. Since I did not attend my 10 year high school reunion, for many reasons, I still had the pleasure of being an honorary graduate of Bishop McGuinness High School Class of 1998. Of the 79 graduates, over 25 attended the reunion at Foothills Brewery in Winston-Salem. According to Lynsey, no one had changed that much, I can't really speak to that since I had never met any of them before, and I never knew one person could have had so many best friends. Although, whenever you date the prom queen, there are some high expectations to live up to. Particularly, Colleen, Jen, and Jess who stayed at her house with their better halves. And thank goodness for the better halves, because if not for them it would have been a lonely night at the bar watching football. But thanks to Keith, Jason, and Sean, we had a blast by watching the games, meeting all the jilted ex-boyfriends, and convincing the crowd of our whimsical occupations. I know it was a good chance for the girls to get together with many of their high school friends, and a good chance for the guys to bond over football and exaggerated high school stories of our own.

From the viewpoint of the actual BMHS graduate. When I was first contacted about helping to organize our 10 year reunion, I never thought it would come to fruition. But, I am glad it did as it was a great seeing to hang out with my three best friends, Colleen, Jen and Jess. The four of us, along with their men, packed into my house for the weekend. We had a great time catching up with each other and it allowed for our boys to get to know each other a little better. The boys were able to keep each other company at Foothills, while we made the rounds and said our "hellos, how are you" to everyone in attendance. All in all, it was a great night and I can't wait to see how everyone has changed at the next reunion, in five years.

Getting ready

Jennifer Ryu Goodale

The Fabulous Four

The Newly Engaged Couple

The men and Jess

The menu

BMHS Graduates

The three stooges

My bestest

BMHS Class of '98 - It was hard to fit us all in one pic.

Carrie Underwood Concert

With too many tickets and not enough butts to fill them, we ventured to the LJVM to see Little Big Town and Carrie Underwood in concert. So we did what anyone else would have done, scalp them. Thanks to the fellas that bought them, because they paid for our parking and dinner that night. Little Big Town opened and put on a great show to a nearly sold out crowd. However, the headliner of the evening was Carrie Underwood. I didn't realize that Lynsey knew all her songs by heart but was impressed when she sang right along with her on every one. Both of us were a little disappointed when Carrie chose a 7 year old girl to come on stage and help sing "American Girl." Lynsey was distraught at not being chosen, but soon got over it. So to make up for it, she just sang louder than everyone else in the whole arena. So look out for Lynsey on American Idol 2009.

Little Big Town

During Intermission

Countdown to Carrie

BBQ Birthday at the Cabin

For my papaw Petree's 85th birthday, we decided to have a BBQ party at my parents log cabin in the mountains. And when you have a party.. you must have invitations! So I went to work on making invitations that set the tone for the party. We invited my parents, my brother and his girlfriend, Aunt Grace and Uncle Vaughn and of course, the guests of honor, Nan and Papaw Petree. We had Mr. BBQ in Winston cater the event and boy, it was yummy! Nan made homemade banana pudding for dessert and I made cupcakes for Papaws birthday "cake". We were able to bring "the boys" along for the trip and they did so well. We were able to take Deacon off his leash and let him run around outside. He was in heaven! Overall, we had a lot of fun and it was wonderful to spend time with my family.

The big 28!

You only turn 28 once, and we are always looking for a reason to have a party, so what better reason than a birthday. Lynsey has been nagging me about being an old man for a while now, even though I am only 4 months older than her, and now we are on equal ground. Apparently, when you turn 28, you get an entire weekend to celebrate. Starting with the Wake-Clemson game that lasted past midnight, we were able to experience the full day. On the night of the tenth, we enjoyed a meal on the house courtesy of Outback steakhouse and Lynsey's high school friend that is now a chef. She actually won two free tickets after leaving a comment on Niki's blog. Check it out I am not going to complain because it was a good meal and free. We wrapped up the weekend with a family dinner at Cities, where we all had our fill and were able to shower Lynsey with gifts and all the attention that she deserves. After all, you are only 28 for a year and we started it off in fine fashion..

The flowers I gave her

Outback on the Farm tickets

Zach & Lynsey at Cities

Us at Cities

Zach & Taylor at Cities

The 4 of us at Cities

Wake vs. Clemson Game

All eyes were on Winston-Salem on Thursday, October 9th. No, it was not because of the Dixie Classic Fair. #18 ranked Wake Forest was taking on rival Clemson with a national television audience watching. To add to the excitement, the university was promoting the unveiling of a new bronze statue in front of the stadium as well as a student "Black-out" section to unify the crowd. In the end Wake pulled out a close win, and we enjoyed the excitement of the game, despite the loud fella behind us who coaches from the stands. Here are some pics to show off the night.

Lots and Lots of Updates

We promise we haven't forgotten about the blog. We promise to update it ASAP! We have been so busy we can barely think straight. Stay tuned for Lynsey's birthday weekend, Doggie Dorm, Carrie Underwood concert, Wake games, Lynsey's 10 year high school reunion and much more.

Goin' to the Chapel....

My bestest, Colleen, is engaged!!!! She called me Friday night to tell me the news! Brian and I couldn't be more happy for Keith and Colleen! They are coming to Winston this weekend and we can't wait to catch up with them and of course, see her ring! They are a perfect match for each other and I can't wait to help Colleen with the wedding planning process. Congratulations Colleen and Keith! We love you both!

One Flaw

I have the best friends in the world! They have a magical way of knowing when I need a pick me up, when I need to be set straight and when I just need something that reminds me we are all beautiful - in our own special way. One of my dearest friends, Dawn, sent this to me today. To all the women out there, I hope you like it as much as I did. If nothing else, remember how truly special you are to all those around you. You make the world a better place.

Warning: It's rather long, but completely worth it.

By the time the Lord made woman, He was into his sixth day of working overtime.An angel appeared and said,"Why are you spending so much time on this one?"And the Lord answered, "Have you seen my spec sheet on her?She has to be completely washable, but not plastic,have over 200 movable parts, all replaceable and able to run on diet coke and leftovers,have a lap that can hold four children at one time,have a kiss that can cure anything from a scraped knee to a broken heart--and she will do everything with only two hands." The angel was astounded at the requirements."Only two hands!? No way!And that's just on the standard mo del? That's too much work for one day.Wait until tomorrow to finish.""But I won't, " the Lord protested."I am so close to finishing this creation that is so close to my own heart.She already heals herself when she is sick AND can work 18-hour days."The angel moved closer and touched the woman."But you have made her so soft, Lord.""She is soft," the Lord agreed,"but I have also made her tough.You have no idea what she can endure or accomplish.""Will she be able to think?", asked the angel.The Lord replied,"Not only will she be able to think,she will be able to reason and negotiate."The angel then noticed something,and reaching out, touched the woman's cheek."Oops, it looks like you have a leak in this model.I told you that you were trying to put too much into this one.""That's not a leak,"the Lord corrected,"that's a tear!""What's the tear for?" the angel asked.The Lord said, "The tear is her way of expressing her joy,her sorrow, her pain, her disappointment, her love,her loneliness, her grief and her pride."The angel was impressed."You are a genius, Lord.You thought of everything!Woman is truly amazing."And she is!

Women have strengths that amaze men.They bear hardships and they carry burdens,but they hold happiness,love and joy.They smile when they want to scream.They sing when they want to cry.They cry when they are happy and laugh when they are nervous.They fight for what they believe in.They stand up to injustice.They don't take "no" for an answer when they believe there is a better solution.They go without so their family can have.They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.They love unconditionally.They cry when their children excel and cheer when their friends get awards.They are happy when they hear about a birth or a wedding.Their hearts break when a friend dies.They grieve at the loss of a family member,yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left.They know that a hug and a kiss can heal a broken heart.Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you to show how much they care about you.The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning.They bring joy, hope and love.They have compassion and ideals.They give moral support to their family and friends.Women have vital things to say and everything to give.

HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE TINY FLAW IN WOMEN, IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.

Mr. and Mrs. Slaughter

Image credit: Kelly Shaw Sullivan

Chris and Lindsey were married Sunday at Childress Vineyards in Lexington, NC. Congratulations Chris and Lindsey! We are sorry we weren't able to attend. We wish you nothing but happiness, love and a bright future as husband and wife.

Image credit: Kelly Shaw Sullivan

It's a GIRL!!! - For the Head Family!

Carrie (my cousin) and Jason just found out today they are having a GIRL!!! Addison is going to be a wonderful big sister to her new sister! Congrats Jason and Carrie!

Prayer Requests

Please keep Jennifer, Jessica and Julie in your thoughts and prayers as they are dealing with the loss of their mother. These girls are like sisters to me. We have been best friends for almost 14 years. I miss you, Mrs. Ryu. You will always be my "second mom" and I'll always be the "third twin".

Jennifer and Jessica

Please keep Taylor, my brother girlfriend and a dear friend of mine, in your thoughts and prayers. Last night we learned that Taylor's father had been admitted to the ER for stroke-like symptoms. I am happy to report that he is doing better but please continue to keep them in your prayers.

Taylor

Cookies!

Who doesn't love cookies? Well now is your chance to win some! It's simple. Just head over to A Dozen Eggs! and answer the six questions in their Super Spectacular Halloween Trivia Giveaway!! and you will be entered to win 3 small tins from their Halloween collection.

I told you it was simple. Now, go enter and keep your fingers crossed that your name is drawn!

P.S. I've heard these cookies are to die for!

BELIEVE

Remember this post? My friend, Becky, had her turn in front of the camera. And let me tell you... the pictures are stunning! They completely capture who she is... an amazing and beautiful women on the inside and out. I've been anxiously awaiting Amy to post Becky's pictures and today they were posted! SO excited. Check them out for yourself. Becky rockin' it!

Hungry?

Hungry and can't decide what to fix? Head over to Annie's Eats! All her recipes sound yummy and she even has pictures to go along with them. Hello... genius! Can't wait to get in the kitchen and start

I believe this will be the first one I try... Blueberry Crumb Bars.

Jerry!

Ready for this weeks Biggest Loser recap? Holy batman... it was an emotional one. Last night's episode almost brought tears to my eyes. As you know, I am rooting for the yellow team. Jerry (the dad) isn't in the greatest of health. In fact, he was the most unhealthy contestant to ever be on the show. He was plagued by a pulled hamstring this week. Coleen, being a warrior, powered on and continued to carry the team. Jerry's right leg was so swollen, he could barely move it. In the end... when they need to lose 8+lbs to stay in the game... the scale was against them. Coleen lost 7 and Jerry gained 2. Like Brian said " Give that man a diuretic and he would be down 10 lbs". Poor Jerry! In a twist, both players were not eliminated. The team had to choose one team member to send home. Jerry was sent packing. I'll miss Papa Jerry.

The brown team should have been sent packing! I hope they are the next to go. I wanted to reach through the TV and slap that smirk off Vicky's face when Jerry and Coleen fell below the yellow line. Brady has to remind her all the time about her manners - how sad. I refuse to accept the fact that they are southerns. Makes all of us look bad. I'll be pulling against them the rest of the season.

Papa Jerry has lost 40 lbs since leaving the show! He looks amazing. And I know Coleen is so very proud of him. Keep it up, Jerry! We are rooting for you.

Papa Jerry - Before BL