Its almost June??

I can’t believe it’s almost June. Where did the year go? Oh yes, it went into my store. I was finally able to open Sadie Mac’s. It’s been my life since about January. It was a less than slow process. I wish I had blogged more or kept great notes about it. I’m sure there are some parts that won’t leave my memory. There are some moments that I would rather lose before the end of the year. It’s all a learning experience and a time to grow.

The process to get my certificate of occupancy felt like a long journey. Even once I had it in my hand, I kept thinking that someone would come take it back. Even now I look at it as it hangs on the wall. It’s just a small, thin piece of paper, but it symbolizes so much.



I started this adventure back in the fall. I decided to sell some jewelry during the holidays. I love jewelry and it gave me an excuse to have an open house. I enjoyed it so much that I started thinking about it more and more. I’ve always wanted a store front. I just couldn’t let it leave my mind. I knew I needed to find a job and use the college degree that I worked so hard for just 3 years ago. Nothing fit right when it came to a job. I kept thinking of ideas but they didn’t work for me. I decided to look into a store.

My friend, Stephanie, called me on a Wednesday to let me know that she saw some retail space in the McDonough Square. I had looked a few times but it was either too large or not a good location. I decided to just walk through the square. I walked up to Clay Plaza. I had always been fascinated with the building. It has rich history and you can feel it when you enter the building.

The Clay Plaza was originally a movie theater. It was built by the Clay family. My husband’s grandmother would play in it as a child. She was best friends with Mr. Clay’s daughter. I had heard stories of the building but had never been in. I got a tour of the building that day. I met my mom and we went to look at the space. I was trying to keep costs low so I went to look at the smaller spaces. When I walked into my space though, I just knew it was it! It had a street/sidewalk entrance and two levels of floor. It was much more than I wanted to spend, but I knew it was perfect.

We started praying about this space and if it was something I needed to do. Everyone was very skeptical about it. I heard more than once that it was a “huge undertaking, not the right time, or a list of things about the economy.” I heard them, but I knew what I needed to do. I started the process of opening the business.

I knew if I didn’t do it now then I would always make an excuse. There would be a reason or an excuse as to why that I should wait. I decided that I’ve got this one shot and I had better take it.

I started with a blank page much like the one I started to write this. I took a little bit of information here and there. I gathered my thoughts and now I have a full page. I got my LLC to start the process. It was a long journey of certificates of occupancy, business licenses, slammed doors, rude people, happy moments, scary moments, and more emotions than I ever dreamed could happen.



I had many roadblocks or things that would stop most people. I had moments that I thought maybe I was insane. I had other moments that will stay with me. The moment of holding that certificate of occupancy and knowing everything was coming together. The thrill I felt when I unlocked my store for the first time or when I saw my sign in place. I can’t forget the moment that I saw my first inventory shipment sitting at the front door. I’ve never taken so many pictures of cardboard boxes! There have been moments when I’ve been talked to like I’m dirt. There are actually men (that have managed to live) out there that still believe women are beneath them. I’ve had two men talk to me like I was a child or someone they could intimidate. I’ve been mad but then I’ve been empowered. It’s a strange emotion that takes over you when you are pushed against a wall.



I’ve worked hard for this. I sit here and look around. I don’t just see pretty displays. I see the display that my dad nailed his finger while helping me put it up. I see constant reminders that my husband loves me very much. He supports me in all that I do. I see things that he’s done in the shop to help me. I see my Granddad’s watering can that waters my flowers everyday. I see the step that my nephew is forbidden to climb each time he comes. I see the displays that my mom stayed many hours helping me arrange. I see the computer program that my friend, Tim, has spent many hours working and building for me. I see the tea cart that was in my Mimi and Granddaddy’s house. I see a logo that my cousin, Richard designed for me. I see inventory that friends like Stephanie helped me order for the past several months. I feel strong as I think of MANY friends that have encouraged me and prayed for me for the last several months. My heart smiles when I think about my aunts, uncles, grandparents, and family that have been supporting me along the way. I see the many things that God put into place and has allowed me to have all this!




I have my rollercoaster moments when I start thinking that I’m crazy! Then I stop and realize that not many people have all those moments! No one can take them away from me. These experiences were hard and some were easy. I hope I can use them to help the next person that wanders in to see retail space. I hope the moments that were hard can be a constant reminder that it took all I had but at least I had it to give.

"for such a time as this"

If ignorance is bliss then I know a lot of happy people. I think ignorance comes from not knowing, understanding, or not wanting to accept. Sometimes ignorant people frustrate me. Those ignorant people are the ones that speak lies but tell them as truth. They also speak on things that they know nothing about most of the time.

Case in point….Certain people commented on the fact that I am adopted. I don’t understand that. It's no attack on anyone. It’s just my life. I love the fact that I’m adopted. We have always celebrated it. In fact, we celebrate my Adoption Day every year. November 11th is a holiday in our household. My parents have always celebrated it and still do. My husband celebrates it with me now too. We treat it like a second birthday. I’ve always known I was adopted. I think it’s special. It means to me that God knew I needed something else and so he chose to move me.


People get the image of me in rags singing as I mop floors. It’s nothing like that. I was not little orphan Annie. I have the red hair and curls but that’s the extent of it. I had an incubator for nine months and then I went to be with my real parents. I have no ill feelings toward anyone. I have no issues that come from being adopted (as someone has stated). I hope my biological parents are happy and have a good life. I certainly got an incredible life. I don’t wish to know them. I’m not upset or angry. They just aren’t part of my life. My parents always told me the story of Esther and her life. In Esther 4:14b, it says “And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?” Esther was adopted for a purpose (for such a time as this). No one knew why she had the life she was given until she was able to save her people.


I am very happy with my family. They are crazy and sometimes difficult. I never have to wonder if I'm adopted though. I know I am. I am polar opposite from the three of them. They are all alike, but I’ve learned to be ok with that. I have different opinions, but then in some ways I’m just like them. I look nothing like them, but I was raised by them. I am short, fair skinned and redheaded. I’ve always had to stay clear of the sun and they like to bake. They are tall and dark. They love the outdoors and I would prefer to be inside because of my skin. I have food allergies and none of them do. It's funny though. I’ve had people all my life to tell me that I have the same mannerisms as my mom. My Grandmother Weezie and I are kindred spirits. I love to cook like my Grandmother Mimi always did. I love Braves baseball much like ALL four of my Grandparents did. I believe that boiled peanuts are a major food group much like most of my family.


People have asked me if it bothers me that I don’t look like any of my family. It doesn’t. The funniest thing happened to me when my husband’s Grandmother was having surgery. I would go with her to different appointments. They would always immediately say oh she must be your Granddaughter. More than once they immediately said to me and my husband’s aunt that we must be related. I guess God does have a sense of humor!


People that question where I come from are ignorant. People that speak truth as lies are wrong. People that have problems with me being adopted, well, they have a problem with God’s plan. I certainly don’t question it. Anyone can be born to just a regular family. It's boring to me :) It takes someone special to be born to a family and then be moved by God for a greater plan or for “such a time as this.”

New adventures and dreams coming true for 2010.....

I was determined to keep up my blog, but I have already failed. It’s been a crazy year already. Jeremy and I celebrated our one year anniversary in February. We took a relaxing trip to Savannah. We had lots of fun and food. I thoroughly enjoyed eating at Lady and Sons (Paula Deen’s restaurant) and Tapas by Anna. During our trip, we toured the Juliette Gordon Low home. We mostly walked around and ate. It was probably the best combination because I’ve never eaten so much in my life. We stayed at the Inn at Ellis Square. The suite we had was gorgeous and the hotel itself was great. I think we will visit again in the future.

I still believe that 2010 is my year. I am still claiming that. I’ve wanted my own business for a long time. You can ask my parents or my husband. I’ve always wanted a store on the square. I would drive through and point out to Jeremy that I wanted certain storefronts. He would always laugh and say “find something to put there and we will see what happens.” I think he was trying to suppress that in me, but that just made my mind spin faster. He always supports me in whatever I do and trust me I can come up with some crazy ideas. I started back before Christmas looking at my options. There were some amazing things that were put into place for me. I thought there was no way I could find space on the square. I just kept praying and looking. A friend of mine told me about some retail space she saw in the square. I went thinking that I wouldn’t find anything or if I did that it would be way too expensive. I decided to go with an open mind (keep in mind this was January of this year). I met with the landlord and immediately fell in love with the space. Its more than I wanted to pay, but as soon as I walked in I just knew. It helped a little bit too that its haunted :-)

I am happy to say that I will be opening my own boutique in the McDonough Square. We are set to open in May. It is called Sadie Mac’s. Yes, Sadie is my cat and Mac is my dog. I did leave Javy out, but he didn’t really fit in the mix. Maybe I will start another company someday. It is really neat how everything fell into place. It started with me joking about having a store front to actually setting an open date. No part of it has been easy! I was immediately hit by the city. Have you ever dealt with the city of McDonough? It isn’t pleasant! They hit me with a notice to comply on this old building. I’m learning that some of the men that work for the city don’t think women can think for themselves. I didn’t say all of them, but some. I will leave it at that  I will keep pressing forward until I get my CO and I am open.
I’ve ordered lots of inventory already! I’ve ordered baby items, candle accessories, home décor items, gift items, art work, vases, lamps, tea pots, tea accessories, travel mugs, several designs and styles of pitchers, serving pieces, trays, decorative plates for birthdays and wedding, and several style platters. I will also have my own tea line. I’m working on picking out those flavors to order the tea tins. I will also be ordering collegiate items.

Have you heard of the hidden cupcake? We will have them at Sadie Mac’s. It’s such a great idea for birthdays and special occasions. I can’t wait for people to be introduced to it.

I’ve been somewhat delayed even more in the process over the last two weeks. It hasn’t been the city or anything like that. I’ve been sick!! Yes, I started with severe bronchitis and I’m still sick. I’ve had lots of medication and even a trip to the hospital. I’m ready to be well. I was told over the weekend that I might have a respiratory condition that wasn’t properly diagnosed. Just another bump in the road, but I move forward….

Goodbye, January...Come on, February...

Wow. January is almost over? Where did it go? Have I been so consumed with my new plans that I missed the month?

I think that 2010 is my year. I just have a feeling. Don’t know fully what that means yet. I have some ideas and plans. I’m not trying to be secretive, but I’m still working on the details. I have goals that I want for the year, but also for my life. Last year was a year of new beginnings. I got married, moved into a new house, quit my job, and just had to take a break for a while. I discovered a deeper love of cooking. I’ve always enjoyed baking or cooking, but I really developed a passion for it. I don’t just stare at a recipe and then try to make it like the picture. I’ve learned to try new things and not to just look for the “easy” or “quick” recipes. I have taken the time to spend hours in the kitchen for dinner. It’s the best tired feeling! I am revived and renewed. I am ready to go full steam ahead.

I’m seeing life through new lenses…literally. I purchased new glasses this month. I’ve been wearing glasses since I was four so it wasn’t a new concept. Having the right prescription was a new concept though. I saw things that I hadn’t noticed before which was a blessing and a curse. I noticed the dirt in the corners of my kitchen. I spent several hours with a vacuum and all the attachments. I have also been able to see small road signs, fine print on medicine bottles, and scores on the television. Again, all things that I haven’t noticed in a while.

I’ve decided that before I turn thirty that I want to write a novel. I’ve already started one. I’m one of those crazy people that start writing and get consumed with it. I write until my hands can’t type anymore. I go back later, read it, and then spend the rest of my time completely deleting everything I typed!! Its crazy, I know. I’ve been told. I just feel that what I write says something about me. This would be my first shot at a novel and I want it to be perfect. I’ve wanted this since I was probably 12 years old. Why haven’t I done it? Is it fear? Is it time? Is it boredom? These are questions that even I don’t know the answers. I’ve just decided that each year that ticks by is another year that I did not do it. Yes, I’ve set my goal for thirty years old, but what if I did it earlier? What if thirty looms closer and I push it back? I had first said that I would do it by the end of college. Well, I graduated college almost three years ago. I didn’t make that goal. I’ve decided that I am not setting myself up for failure. I have a little over three years to complete my goal. I only have myself to blame and is that where the fear comes in?

January has been a fast and happy month! Our family welcomed the arrival of Marshall and Amanda’s sweet baby girl, Hartley Caroline Moore, on January 27, 2010. She is healthy and weighed 6 pounds and 10 oz. This is their first baby and the entire family is extremely excited to meet her. I think we are going to have to rent a facility for family reunions now. My dad having four sisters is what makes this a big family. It makes me want to have kids (in the future, not tomorrow) like Brothers & Sisters without all the drama!

I received the autograph of my favorite baseball player of all time! Javier Lopez!! My dog is even named after him.



I’m getting ready to celebrate my ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY next week. I can’t even believe that we made it a year….haha. just kidding. I can’t even believe that it has been a year. I am married to the most wonderful man in the world. I know that everyone says that, but its true. He is caring and thoughtful. He puts my needs above his own. He goes out of his way to make sure that I am happy and taken care of all the time. He has a calm personality and I never have to guess where he stands on things. I am so blessed beyond what I deserve with him. We are taking a trip for our anniversary. I can’t wait!


Goodbye, January….Come on, February…

Reflecting on 2009...

We are fifteen days into the new year and I’m just sitting down to write this. Looking back over 2009, I think I lived about five years into one. I started January 2009 by finishing planning my wedding. It was a stressful month. I did my best to balance my job, wedding planning, friends, and family.

I got married to the man of my dreams on February 7, 2009. We had a beautiful wedding and honeymoon. My family went above and beyond to be helpful. Some people were not happy about us getting married. It didn’t stop us. We had my family. Jeremy’s Grandmother, Aunt Sherry, and Alan were precious to us. They helped in any and every way they could! God truly blessed us with all of their help.

We came home from our honeymoon and reality set in. I got extremely ill. I had severe bronchitis. We didn’t even have a box unpacked or a thermometer to speak of. I was very sick for several weeks. During this time, I was in charge of the yearbook at the school I was teaching. I somehow was able to finish the yearbook and get well. I was also in charge of a Winter Banquet. Luckily I had a sweet friend that stepped up to help. I thought the worst was over, but little did I know what was coming.

March came and with it brought the death of my Grandfather. He was one of the greatest men that ever lived. I felt he was tied with my other Grandfather. He had been sick off and on, but it was his time to be with Jesus. I have no doubt where either of my Grandfathers is right now, but it still hurt to lose them.

I got through the spring. I realized that God was telling me that it was time to resign from my job. It was hard but I did walk away.

June came and I realized that I had survived. I went from not breathing to having too much time to breathe. Several great things happened in the summer, my friend, Jennifer was married in June. My first nephew, Jacob was born in July. I turned 26 in August. I discovered that I loved cooking more than just for dinner.

We took a few vacation trips during the fall. Then just as death had come in March, it came again in October. It took my Aunt Nancy just as it had taken my Grandfather. It was sudden. She had just recently been diagnosed with cancer. She lost her battle. She fought hard. My mom’s family had a tough year.

As most people know our family situation isn’t ideal. We decided that when we got married that it would never factor into “us”. We spent our first Thanksgiving going to see my husband’s aunt, Sherry, her friend, Alan, and his Grandmother Hayes. We had a fabulous holiday together. We left from there and went to see my family. It was a long day but a great day. Right after Thanksgiving, Grandmother (Jeremy’s) had spinal surgery. She is doing really well now. She is tough and still has a long way to go. It was a great opportunity. We’ve been able to do a lot for her and its helped us bond with her. No one can take from the moments when I sat with her at her doctor’s appointments or cleaning her house. I’ve learned so much about her and her life. I hate that she had to have surgery, but I have loved our precious moments together.

Our first Christmas together was perfect! We woke up and exchanged presents together. We left after that to spend Christmas with my family. We went to see Grandmother Hayes soon after that. We ended the day with seeing my Grandmother in Toccoa. It was the most perfect Christmas! There was no family drama because we were able to leave the problems out of it. My only regret was that we didn’t get to see Aunt Sherry. We did see her right after Christmas though so I think that still counts! Jeremy turned 28 in December.

When I talked through my 2009 I think wow that’s a lot. There were some happy moments and those of tears! The point is that we made it through together. We’ve encountered every obstacle you can think of in the past four years. We’ve overcome though!! Even with all the up and down moments, we still had a really great year. Everyone kept telling us that it would be a very hard first year. They said we would make it to the end and wonder how we did. I have never doubted us. We decided a long time ago that we were going to make US work. I never had to question how we were going to get through any tough moment. Notice that not one of the big events included any hardships that we couldn’t recover from, any finance situations, any problems with us, or anything that made us doubt our decision. We look at January 2010 and say that was it? This is what everyone was warning us about? We were so steadfast. Before we married, we had talked about everything. There were no surprises whether it be getting to know each other or financial.We even had a plan on who would take out the trash :-) Other things were going on around us, but we never moved.

I feel like there are so many things that did happen in 2009. I'm not saying that death or other hardships didnt mean anything. They were tough moments that are still hurtful but we didnt feel like the walls were caving in. We took each moment and through prayer and seeking, we found our answer. I think there were hard decisions and situations that prepared us for 2010. This is going to be the year of changes, new adventures, and its going to stretch us more than we ever have been. I’m overwhelmed with excitement as we start year two of our journey….

New Beginnings...

This has certainly been a year of new beginnings. I was married this year, moved, and quit my job. This was all in a period of six months. I am typically not one for change. I normally hate it. I think the last few years have prepared me for 2009. It certainly hasn't been a bad year, just different.

The title of my blog describes my life. I have two dogs. Javy, a large Golden Retriever, and Mac, a miniature dachshund. I also have a calico cat, Sadie. These animals are probably too spoiled, but I choose to ignore that. Mac is the only one that lives with me for now. Isn't it funny how picky animals can be? Mac can't get along with Sadie so they are separate until Mac is older. Sadie doesn't really get along with any animal or human. Javy isn't a problem other than his size. I don't have a fence right now to house him. Our neighborhood is very strict on putting them up as well. Sadie and Javy live with my parents until everything is settled. I'm sure you've noticed that both of my dogs are named after my favorite baseball players, Javy Lopez and Brian McCann. Braves baseball can sometimes be consuming.

My other half is my husband, Jeremy. As you can see he isnt the dogs or cat in the title. He is an Assistant District Attorney and my favorite prosecutor :-). We've been together now over three and a half years. He is wonderful!

As for me...I am a graduate of Clayton State University. At 26 years old, I am reinventing myself. I know that sounds crazy, but I figure I have plenty of time. I have worked as an educator for the past few years. I loved and still love teaching. It was time to move on though. Life has a way of doing that. I had these awesome students that probably taught me more than I taught them. Each had their own personalities and ideas. Their uniqueness was incredible to witness. I honestly didn't think at 26, I would be here. I am not complaining by any means. I love my life. It just isn't what I expected and I'm learning to be surprised.

In my own mind, I thought at 26 I would be married and having kids. I didn't think I would still be living in the same area I grew up in. I had no idea who I would marry obviously. I am lucky that I was blessed with a husband that is more than I deserve. As each friend or family members has a baby, I begin to push my idea of kids further into the future. Over the past 3 weeks of watching my sister recover from my nephew's birth, I begin to wonder how many years this will set me back.

I don't fit the mold. I never have and now I'm thankful for that. I love to write. In fact, I'm working on my own novel. Most people don't know that about me. I dont talk about it. I just talk with the keys. I guess maybe one day it will come up in conversation. So far...it hasn't. Jeremy knows about it and encourages me to work on it.

I love crime shows. It really is a sickness. I've loved them from the time I was little. Inspector Gadget, Dragnet, Matlock, Law and Order, Law and Order:SVU, Women's Murder Club, Diagnosis Murder, and NCIS..just to name a few...I also read Nancy Drew from the time I could read. I think my parents even read them to me before I could read myself. It is ironic that I ended up marrying a prosecutor. I knew it had to be that, a cop, or an investigator. Crime scene tape does not scare me.

I have never blogged before so we will see how this goes.

Let the blogging adventure begin...