Meet Charlotte

Monday evening I was outside seeing if we had a bell pepper I could pick to make in a stir fry - we didn't have one quite big enough. My husband started knocking on the window above our little garden.  I thought he was being annoying so I ignored him a little while - when I looked up he pointed above my head - a HUGE spider.  This my friends is Charlotte the spider and her web. She spins her web at night over our little garden - Also a note - I am loving my new camera - I promise I did not get that up close and personal with Charlotte... and if anyone can tell me what type of species she/It is that would be great! 

and finally - Charlotte's feast last night: (gross, but awesome photo) 

Let's see if she is back tonight! 

"There's an app for that. It's called compassion''

'Tis that time of year again! The time where my nagging skills come out and I ask you all to spend (at least) $10 on lung cancer research in support of my Free to Breathe Raleigh team - Nothin' Fancy  - In memory of my dad, Don Gill.

Why this cause?!
I was a college sophomore at North Carolina State University.  I loved school, I was active on campus and I was embracing college life.  Then the train hit, my dad had not been feeling well and the doctors did a basic chest x-ray and found a 14cm in-operable mass on his lung—lung cancer. The day they told me is one of the worst days of my life.  My daddy, the strongest man I knew, had lung cancer and they only gave him 8 months to a year.  My world was turned upside down.  He fought hard but passed away only 3 short months after diagnosis.  I knew I had to make a difference, not only for lung cancer patients like my father, but for their daughters. So they have their fathers there to see them graduate college, walk them down the aisle at their wedding or be a grandfather to their children.  No one deserves lung cancer and no one deserves to lose a parent from lung cancer. 


That is why you can join me in making a difference for all those affected by lung cancer in coming out or supporting the Free to Breathe 5K Run/Walk & Rally on November 5 at North Hills in Raleigh.  My goal is to raise $1,000.  Won't you consider donating $10, $20 or even more? 


My team page: Nothin' Fancy 
___ 
**PS This article came out recently and it is excellent - thought I would share. Really puts an interesting perspective on things. 


The Last Refrigerator by Rob Densen
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rob-densen/the-last-refrigerator_b_941286.html?ref=fb&src=sp

My Best Friend's Wedding!

What a year!  My best friend is also getting married this year! (Hello Ashley!) 
I don't think it hit me until yesterday at a shower in Fayetteville (photos soon) that she is actually getting married.  When did we grow up?  We have been friends since 1st or 2nd grade - we have been through all of life's big events together and I am so excited for her wedding!  We hosted a couple's shower/cookout for her at our place last weekend and it was a lot of fun - although I think their new puppy, Lilly, stole the show! So darn cute!   
The Bride & Groom and Lilly

Most of the girls:
 
Lilly Helping with Cornhole

Ashley and her Sister In Law, Helen

and her Brother too! 



Can't wait for September 17!  :)

NYC 2011

 A little late in updating but I had a GREAT time in NYC with my friends!  The adventure home was a little ... crazy but overall we had a great time!  It was nice to not have a real plan and just explore the city and do what we want!  A few highlights! 
Getting to see Oiane and Ludi!

Birthday Dinner with Katie, Ludi & Oine at Haveli in East Village! YUM!



CUPCAKES at Magnolia Bakery with Brandon and Ludi! 





Top of the Rock! - View of the Empire State Building! I got a good chance to play with my new camera - but here is one of my favorites! 

New York, here I come!

Happy Birthday to me!  I seriously have the best husband ever!  We realized a few weeks ago we couldn't afford our mini vaca to the big apple.  SO he is 'letting' me go by myself Wednesday and Thursday. I wish he could go but we just couldn't afford two plane tickets, hotel for a few nights, baseball games, food etc.  SO my friend Katie is putting me up on her couch! (THANKS KATIE!)   I am going to see my good friend Ludi!  Ludi and I were exchange students when we were in high school and have remained close friends! She is from France but currently lives in Italy via Reunion Island. I can't believe we have known each other for over 10 years! She is in NY for a Beach Tennis Tournament! I need to brush up on my French!


I don't have a photo of the first time I went because I don't have them digitally! 
Let's see, I went in 2001, She came in 03 (don't know where those photos are either right at the moment).  
So here are a few photos of us over the years
Ludi and Baptiste came 05! -- Photo of me, Ludi, Baptiste and my cousin Amber.

Amber, Chad, Ludi, momma, Baptiste @ the beach in 05:

She came to NYC for NYE with a friend in 07: 



In 2008, I went to Reunion  to visit her! 



Two pictures here because that place is paradise!



Can't wait for our next adventure together! New York City 2011! 

I.Hate.Lung.Cancer.

What a week this has been!  Busy to say the least.  On Monday I went to visit a good friend Renee, one of our organizations lung cancer survivors. I remember the first time I met her, barely any hair but her eyes and smile lit up the room. She always looked so good!  She became active with the NC Lung Cancer Partnership and a part of our close knit circle.  She walked in the Free to Breathe Raleigh and was a great inspiration. Unfortunately her cancer returned around Christmas but boy talk about a fighter. I have gone to see her regularly but I learned this morning she lost her battle with lung cancer last night. I am so glad I went on Monday. 
Renee with other Survivors leading the pack, she is the one with the red gloves. 





Unfortunately stories like this are far too common. My heart is heavy this morning but I am so glad to have had Renee in my life. She is a special lady.  Thank you Renee for touching my heart and being an inspiration.  You were a fighter and I appreciate your friendship. Love you! 
Tomma, Renee, Me and Amy with Santa Bob at Christmas! 

Kahlua's Photo Shoot

I have a new toy! I have been wanting a DSLR camera for quite a while.  My point and shoot is okay but it doesn't zoom far and the quality is just ok.  I wanted something to take better photos as we travel, eventually have kids etc and I wanted one with 'real' video capabilities. Not to mention for my work at the Partnership we needed someone with a nicer camera because there is always an occasion to take a photo! So being on a 'budget' we got the Cannon Rebel T2i.  It's a good 'beginner' DSLR camera and does real HD video which will be great for Focused Videography.  We decided to use the money we got from our recent wedding booking deposits to purchase the camera.  


Now learning how to use it.. .
Here are a few photos of Kahlua dog -- my first 'good' photos. 

My favorite:

Sad puppy: 

a little cross-eyed but i think it's cute (i think i had the flash on on this one) 

Thanks to my beautiful model!