Roaring 30's Birthday Bash

Last night one of my dearest friends, Crazy Amy, had a themed birthday party "Roaring 30's" to be exact. She totally dressed the part as did quite a few. Digging in my closet only got me to the 50's with a high-waisted pencil skirt, fun blouse, fishnet pantyhose and heels...but I should get points for at least dressing up. The crowd consisted mostly of those that work with Amy but a few friends from church came as well. Here are some pictures from the evening(thanks to Patrick for capturing the night in film):

Birthday Girl - Crazy Amy

Katie, Amy and I all dressed up and roaring to party

Amy's friend Sims hosted the party at her home, poolside and it was a perfect night.

Birthday Party Group Picture

Not my ideal "vacay"

I guess this vacation was just another example of why it's good to not build up big expectations when planning a vacation that correlates with weather cooperation. I arrived in Pensacola on Friday and saw a beautiful sunset and that was pretty much all I saw of the sunshine (with the exception of a few cloudy covered sunrays on Tuesday). We had planned to spend pool time on Saturday but we had to change plans because it was completely overcast. Sunday was more of the same and then I headed to Panama City Beach just in time to arrive for Tropical Storm Anna. Monday was such a rainy day so I took full advantage and worked all day (at least I had this option so I could save my vacation days). Tuesday I woke up to sunshine so I took advantage and went for a run only to watch the cloud cover move off of the beach and then the sun was gone, yet again. I did actually take the day off on Tuesday and enjoyed some quiet time by the pool and read a book. Probably the most relaxing day of my trip! But with the weather forecast not looking promising, I decided to call it and headed back to Pensacola to work my way back to Nashville. I realized when i was driving away from PCB that I didn't get one picture of the beach so I pulled to the side of the road outside of Seaside, FL and snapped these photos. Another storm was coming in but it made these pictures look perfect.

I love how this picture is like the perfect beach-made aisle that leads you to the ocean...gorgeous

I guess there are always blessings in disguise like the fact that I was able to attend Seven22 (midweek service at my sister's church) and was incredibly blessed and refreshed by worship and the teaching. And I also got to spend some time catching up with Pensacola friends. I actually spent the entire day on Wednesday working in FL (how did I get sooo much work that needed to be done?!?) and then headed back to Nashville. It was a long drive and I got back later than I had hoped, but it saved me having to take time off and it was such a productive day. It all worked out for the best in the end!

Studio Time

Saturday afternoon, Amy and I drove out to the little town of Berrydale (and I mean little country town) to Bryan's Uncle & Aunts home because they have a shed turned studio out back and I got the opportunity to actually record a song. The whole recording process is something that's been in the top 10 of my "bucket" list and it was quite an experience. I was a bundle of emotions....excited, nervous, anxious, happy, frightened, delighted....I pretty much covered them all. It was such a fun experience and though I'll spare you having to suffer through listening to the finished product (you are always your worst critic, I know) and let you see some fun pictures instead:

Bryan was getting me all set up to sing (notice my frightened look)

I might not sound great but I have always loved to sing.

Once you are in a small confined space for a while....things get a little whacky.

Bryan worked his sound magic and made me sound so much better.
Mission Accomplished!

The Crab Trap

Here are pictures we took after eating at The Crab Trap. I puffy heart fresh FL seafood.

The restaurant was right next to Pensacola Bay.

Bryan and Amy = Bramy

It was a fun evening hanging out with Bramy :)

Vacay Time

Finally...I have survived the insane work schedule of this summer and am heading to the sunshine state for some much needed R&R.  I did a little bit of work stuff before heading out of town yesterday and made the drive to Pensacola to spend the weekend with my sister, Amy.  I arrived just in time to enjoy some fresh seafood.  We ate dinner at The Crab Trap in downtown Pensacola. It's a new place right down on Pensacola Bay and we had a great table with a beautiful picture window view of the bay.  I enjoyed a piece of grilled Amberjack, Corn on the Cob and Steamed Potatoes.  We took some pictures outside as the sun was setting but I haven't uploaded them yet (I'll post them later).  We came back to the house were Amy is house-sitting and killed a little time until meeting up with her roomie, Erin to see "The Time Traveler's Wife".  I read the book two summers ago and really didn't enjoy it for the simple fact that it was so hard to follow.  The movie itself was much better and thankfully, not as emotionally draining as I had expected!

Tomorrow's plan is to sleep in a little, go to the gym and workout (glad I'll be able to get in a run) and then lounge poolside after.  In the evening, we are going to drive out to Jay and spend some time with Bryan in his studio.  I am so excited about getting the opportunity to actually sing/record in a studio.  This is something that is on my "bucket list".  As much as I have always loved music and singing, I have always longed for the chance to record in a studio.  I'm sure it will be an experience to blog about! Sunday will be church and hopefully meet up with some friends and then I'm driving over to Panama City Beach to meet up with my aunt Tammy and cousin Tiffany.  This is our annual "girls" trip and we have a condo for the week.  So excited that I can hardly stand it.

YEAH FOR VACAY!