NASCAR!

Another September, another chance at Nascar tickets.  And why, why would we not take this chance?!

This year, we went to both the Friday night Nationwide race and the Saturday Sprint Cup Race.

One of Joey's fraternity brothers from George Mason was racing on Friday and the fraternity was actually sponsoring his car.  How freaking cool is that?!

He made the big time!

Gorgeous sunset w/paratrooper

View of the race track

Whee!

Saturday was the Sprint Cup race and Joey, A Love and I headed down to the track nice and early so we could have a few beverages before meandering around the trailers and trying to win free things such as hats, free samples of 5 Hour Energy, and cups.  Joey played a game where you throw a ball and try to knock things over and he got kicked out because he almost broke it...

We took pictures IN Clint Bowyer's car, which A Love was thrilled about, and bought Chik Fil A sandwiches to bring in with us.  One of the most awesome things about Nascar races (besides it being a redneck good time) is that you can bring your own food and drinks (yes, alcoholic ones) into the stadium with you.

Dale Jr. My hero <3

We had absolutely GORGEOUS weather.  The race was unfortunately, not too exciting. And by that I mean there weren't too many wrecks... near the end, the three of us decided to head back to the camp site where we Joey built a fire and we partied well into the evening.

Happy NASCAR Everyone!

Til next time, 

~SG

Corinne's Bachelorette

For Labor Day weekend this year, I traveled to Atlantic City, NJ to celebrate with my sister-in-law-to-be.  

We had a completely awesome trip.  We stayed at The Chelsea Hotel. The room was spacious, the pool had a DJ and waitresses, and you could walk right out onto the beach and grab free chairs/umbrellas if you got there early enough.  

We spent our first day at the pool and on the beach before a delicious dinner at The Melting Pot and a night out on the town at Bally's Wild Wild West (Yeehaw!).  The next day was more beach time and some fun and games and another night out on the town at Providence Nightclub at The Tropicana.

Corinne's Fiance (my brother) was also in Atlantic City that weekend for his buddy's bachelor party, so I made sure we steered clear of them all weekend.  We ran into them ONCE, and I freaked out until they assured me that Alex was not with them, however he was safe and sound off gambling (by himself) in another casino...

In all, we had a great weekend and we were sad when it was time to go home.

Best part?? My sister came all the way from Florida to party with us!!!!!!!!!! (see below).

Unfortunately, we accidentally left her in the club.

I can't believe the Bachelorette Party has come and gone! That means we are really starting to get close to this wedding!  

Can't wait for 1/4/14.

~SG

My Thoughts/a PSA

I don't like emotions.

If you know me, this makes perfect sense as I refuse to watch movies where I'm going to be afraid, sad, or the dog dies.  

On September 11th this year, I didn't say anything on social media.  Not because I didn't feel anything, just because I didn't know what to say.

If you've been following my blog/facebook/life for the past several years, you may know that I'm a Navy contractor and that I worked at the Navy Yard for a long time and that my husband also works there.  

If you followed the news this week you'll know that something awful happened there.  

I don't really know what to say. I'm thankful that it wasn't our building, my colleagues are all safe and accounted for, and I'm super extra thankful that Joey didn't drop me off at HQ on Monday and then head to the Navy Yard as planned because we would have had to call someone for a ride back to Woodbridge at 8pm when they lifted the lockdown.

When crazy things are happening in the news, please remember that everything you hear in the media is not true.  While everyone wants to get information out as quickly as possible, try not to post something on Facebook/Twitter unless you know it to be true or at least multiple media outlets are reporting it.  The worst thing to do is spread rumors that aren't facts.  I saw several posts about shots fired at the White House and Bolling AFB... they were simply not true.  Why would you cause even more hysteria if it's not necessary?

Perhaps it's the Comm major in me, but I think it's important to leave emotions out of communication during these situations.  Tell people the facts and give them guidance but leave your feelings at home and be sure you are reporting accurate information.

We are going to move forward.  

Let's remember to pay attention to our surroundings and give all our loved ones an extra squeeze.

~SG

Jen and Corey

Ohhhh my goodness.

Life has been cray cray.

It's moving faster than ever and we're booked solid for the next 2+ months!  From weddings to a visit home, a book club meeting (with an author!) and getting a certificate for work, I hardly have any time to sit down on the weekends!  I'm also trying to get back into running, which is another story for another time (...on another blog.)

Today's update is about the wedding of Jen and Corey, two friends from college.

Corey was in our wedding as one of Joey's Groomsmen: 

I love an excuse to share our wedding pictures... 

They have been close ever since their Kappa Sigma days at Mason.  Jen is the sweetest and most genuine person.  We are so happy for them!  

All the Kappa Sigs with the newlyweds!

It was a really REALLY fun wedding.  The ceremony was sweet.  The reception was a blast! We got to see all of Joey's crew from college, many of whom we haven't seen in ages. 

I hardly took any pictures, but here are the few that I DID take.  Jen looked like a princess. Corey looked fantastic.  Everyone had a wonderful time.  Congrats to the bride and groom! 

Mr. and Mrs.!

First dance, from afar.

Aaaaaaand one rando pic in the bar afterwards with my BFF Dan.