My fiancee comes from a family of 8.  They have all had children, so there are 9 grandkids, 3 adopted(my three and his brother's fiancee;s daughter), and another one on the way.

Coming from a family where it was just me and my sister.  It is an interesting turn of events, lol.  I just went through and added all their birthday's to my Palm.  Even knowing the numbers, it was quite a task.

So, I think I decided that I would just go out and buy that variety pack of Cards, and write them up and then as the Birthday's come around, I can just slip a gift card, in there and mail them out.

Lord knows this year, I don't need to have to remember any more than.. the every day stuff and wedding stuff.

I must admit that I love the comradry that they all have though.  When you go down there, you don't need tv, or anything to do, because they are all entertaining in and of themselves..

Against everything I know to be sane, I went a my son would call it "Super Grocery Shopping", with Jai in tow.  My grocery store trips with Jai lately, has been less than amusing.  It normally starts with our ride to the grocery store. 

Mom:  Jai we are going to the store and Mommy needs you to sit in the cart like a good little girl, ok.

Jai:  Okay

When we get to the store,  I proceed to put her in the shopping cart, while she struggles to get it.  I ask her if we need to go in the bathroom, she yells NO!!.

After a struggle she is normally in the cart, even if she is wimpering. 

When we get inside:

Jai:  Mommy, I want to walk.

Mom:  No Jai, you need to stay in the card

Jai:  NOOO on the top of her lungs with a lot of flailing about like a fish out of water

Meanwhile... I try to shop and pretend, that I do not want to crawl out of my skin, because I am soo super embarrased.  This would be around the time, a mom with a perfectly well behaved child, drives by my cart, and throws me a disgusted "Get that little beast, under control look." 

By this time I have had enough, and just want to get the heck out of there..  So the shopping trip gets cut short..

All that to say this time, I had a pen and pad in my bag, I gave her those items, and what to do you know perfect angel on the shopping trip.  So much so that one of those aforementioned Mommys said to me, she is soo well behaved.

To which I smirked, and said "Thank you..."

Things I love:

Sunny days that are not too hot.

Walking outside with the wind in my hair

Logging my exercise and nutrition on Sparkpeople

Black Pepper Chicken from Panda Express

Journaling

Working on my Wedding Registry

That fresh from the hairdresser feeling

My baby girl's mischevious smile

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My son's love of reading

Things I hate:

Arguments that stem from lack of communication

The fact that I can't control the world

Holding Patterns - Hate to Wait!!

Rainy days --- I love rainy nights.. (smile)

Driving to the Airport - [Have to take my parent's there tommorow morning]

Driving in downtown Atlanta

When my car is a mess

The way Jai eats pasta, with her whole face, and her hair.

Weak nails[because of the insulin]

To Steal from IrishLuckyLass**

Things I am looking forward to:

My Orlando Trip....

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I am not sure that anything could top my Engagement Ring.  But, I told my honey that I didn't expect a gift for my birthday, since I just got my ring and we are going to Orlando to vacation in two weeks.  My only request, was that he spoil me rotten all weekend.  And, he did. 

We just enjoyed our alone time.  Friday night we went to Olive Garden, where I had my Favorite Stuffed Chicken Marsala, I think that is one of Olive Garden's best dishes.  But, strictly my opinion, I am trying to stay clear of all the pasta, even though I know that is good too, just trying to make better food choices.

Then Friday night we went to see Tyler Perry's "Meet the Browns", finally.  Check out the Trailer:

http://www.apple.com/trailers/lions_gate/meetthebrowns/high.html  It was a very good movie, but it really struck home for me, on the struggles of a single mom.  I cried through a good part of the movie, and for at least a half an hour after.  Poor Anwar, when I finally got words, I explained to him about some of the struggles I went through.  And, he said well at least you don't have to worry about any of that anymore.  That statement made me feel so warm and safe.

Then we went to Copelands, this is our 3rd visit there, and I love their food.  Check out the restaurant.  http://www.copelandsatlanta.com  They are known for their desserts as well as their Louisiana style cuisine, but I resisted and did not get any cheese cake(smile).

Sunday, which was my Actual Birthday, we spent the day in relaxing.  He made me both breakfast and dinner...

I couldn't ask for anything more... Even though I think I was a little apprehensive as I tend to be around bdays, I am glad to have survived another year, and with the ones I love...

I can't put my finger on it, but for some reason this morning, I am feeling especially blue.  I could have easily turned over in my bed, and stayed asleep this morning.  For some reason last night, I felt especially tired.  Maybe its all that exercise wearing me out, not enough rest days, or the fact that its almost that time of month, ugh!!.  This morning, I struggled through my first walk of the day, felt like my legs wanted to just give out.  I pushed through it though. 

I am only in the office until 11:30am today, and then I am off to the hairdresser, to start my birthday weekend.  I am just not feeling especially "Birthday-ish". I don't think I am too depressed about turning 32, after all what the heck can I do about it.  Except to try to look and be my best for 32.  I just feel drained... Or maybe I am just coming down off the Engagement High...

So.. anyway,just speculating out loud.  I am regretting cutting my hair now, because I want it to be all grown back my wedding day.  So I am just hoping and praying, its been so many years since I cut my hair I dont know what to expect.  A girlfriend of mine told me about a product called Sulfat 8, that is supposed to regrow you hair rather quickly, so I think I might try it.

Anyway enough AM ramblings from me.

I know it probably seems like I am always watching the clock at work, and its because I normally am.  When I am busy, I am busy, but when it slow.. its slow.  And, we are coming to the end of our fiscal year here.

The only thing keeping me sane is that my boss is allowing me to get out there in the sun and walk.  I got in 30 minutes of walking so far today.  I have a ton of wedding planning things I want to do.  But, until my meeting on May 3rd, I am kind of in a holding pattern uck!!  I hate those.

But, I feel pretty confident in the fact that everything will come together.  I am hoping that everything goes off without a hitch, and then I can sign all 4 contracts on May 3rd.  I am also super excited about going to visit my sister in the "O'.  We are pretty close, even if we get on each other's nerves some times.  So we are both hoping that the guys really get to hit it off.  J(her husband), is very outgoing and a big people person, where Anwar is very laid back and quiet.  It is a lot harder to pull him out of his shell.  My mom always comments on the fact that he is soo very quiet and he will answer you but, he is difficult to draw into conversation.  You would never think that if you looked at my call logs, from my cell phone or work.  We talk maybe 20 times a day.  Its crazy but I love it.  I love that he loves to talk to me as much as I love talking to him.

I had been in relationships before where I would call my sig other .. and it seemed like I was bothering them, even if they had nothing better to do.  I wouldn't say that I am Mrs. Chatterly or anything.  But, I do like to talk about any and every thing that is on my mind.

Its funny because I think the start of my VOX site was probably right around the time that I realized that I didn't really need to be talking to my ex, and I needed to get out and start over.  So in a nutshell my honey, and VOX really do keep me sane..

Ok so this turned into a lot of ramblings.. but my friends there you have it.

Arby's owner to buy Wendy's for $2.4 billion

April 24, 2008 11:23 AM ET

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Wendy's International Inc has agreed to be bought by Triarc Cos Inc , the investment arm of billionaire investor Nelson Peltz, in a deal valued at about $2.4 billion that would bring Triarc's Arby's restaurant chain and Wendy's under one umbrella.

The No. 3 hamburger chain put itself up for sale last June, under pressure from Peltz, who now controls nearly 10 percent of Wendy's shares and has clamored for better results as the chain was losing share to rivals like McDonald's Corp , Burger King and CKE Restaurants Carl's Jr.

Triarc will change its corporate name to include "Wendy's," but Arby's and Wendy's would operate as autonomous units headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, and Dublin, Ohio, respectively, both companies said.

"I can see how Wendy's is more valuable in the hands of Triarc," Morningstar restaurant analyst John Owens said. "There can be some significant cost savings here."

Under the terms of the deal, Wendy's shareholders would receive 4.25 Class A Triarc shares for each Wendy's share they own, the companies said on Thursday.

Triarc shares closed at $6.30 on Wednesday, which would assign a value of $26.78 to Wendy's shares, a 5.7 percent premium to their closing price of $25.32 on Wednesday. Wendy's had 88.3 million shares outstanding.

The change in ownership marks a new chapter for the company, which was started in 1969 by former pitchman Dave Thomas, named for his daughter and was responsible for one of the most famous series of television commercials ever for a food company that asked "Where's the beef?"

NEW STRUCTURE

Roland Smith, Triarc's chief executive, will continue in that role for the combined company and will also become CEO of the Wendy's brand.

The new company expects to expand, primarily focused on breakfast meals, global expansion for both brands, and growth through future acquisitions and new unit development.

"Working together with the Wendy's team, we expect to improve margins significantly at Wendy's company-owned stores," Smith said.

The deal, subject to regulatory approvals, is expected to close in the second half of 2008.

Under the terms of the deal, Wendy's shareholders would receive 4.25 Class A Triarc shares for each Wendy's share they own, the companies said on Thursday.

Triarc shares closed at $6.30 on Wednesday, which would assign a value of $26.78 to Wendy's shares, a 5.7 percent premium to their closing price of $25.32 on Wednesday. Wendy's had 88.3 million shares outstanding.

Investment bank JPMorgan Chase advised Wendy's on the transaction.

WENDY'S PROFIT DROPS

Wendy's posted first-quarter income from continuing operations of $4.1 million, or 5 cents per share, compared with $14.5 million, or 15 cents, in the year-earlier period.

The results included pretax expenses of $6.7 million related to the special committee that was weighing the sale and $200,000 of pretax restructuring charges.

Sales at company-owned stores open at least 15 months fell 1.6 percent in the first quarter, while sales at restaurants owned by franchisees were down 0.1 percent.

"We are not satisfied with first-quarter results. We know we must do better and we are focused on driving sales and performance in future quarters," said Kerrii Anderson, Wendy's current chief executive.

The company launched a new advertising campaign and introduced out new hamburgers and sandwich wraps, but it continues to lag rivals McDonald's and Burger King, which have seen results boosted by international sales.

(Reporting by Lisa Baertlein and Jui Chakravorty, editing by Patrick Fitzgibbons and Derek Caney)

Copyright 2008 Reuters

Except it aint Monday lol.  All things considered nothing much going on last night.  I did some emotional eating last night, that I am regretting today.  But, I have already been out on my first walk of the morning and plan one more before lunch.  And, if I can swing it one this afternoon.  On top of all that... I do plan to work out hard today.  Since I skipped yesterday.

Things are progressing well with my wedding plans.  I am not feeling overwhelmed and I think that planning it a year out, really gives me the opportunity to be self reliant and take care of things myself, as well as, not feeling overwhelmed.  Feeling overwhelmed is never a good feeling for me.. NEVER..  It normally causes me to spiral... to a place where I am either ANGRY.. or just IRRATIONAL...

I am feeling pretty confident that we will be able to stay on budget for this wedding.  Especially because there are a lot of things that I can do on my own, which I can take off of the wedding budget.  Such as my centerpieces, Invitations, Programs, etc.  I know the design I want now, I just have to recreate it, and then have it printed, which I am hoping will save me some money.  But, I am not sure.  So which ever way is more cost effective is of course the way that I will go.

I am still hoping to convince my sweetie to keep it small and intimate just because I think the less people who are having the more we can spend on making it an event to remember.But that is the event planner, in me coming out, obviously.

The next month or so we will be so busy.

May 3 - Meeting with Venue, Caterer, Florist, Baker in AL

May 10 - Neices Bday Party in AL

May 15 - 19 - Our Couples Vacation in Orlando, FL

May 23 - Future Bro in Laws Graduation and Pary

May 30 - Sweeties Move Date...

*** Of course, we need to do all this traveling, just as gas is about to hit $4 a gallon.. ***

I am a HUGE FAN of both Desperate Housewives, and Brothers and Sisters love those shows.  And, I don't know if its all the anticipation after them being gone for so Long with the Writers Strike, or what.  But, I was really not impressed by last week and or this weeks episode of Desperate Housewives, and then I was thorougly disappointed with this weeks Episode of Brothers and Sisters. 

Brothers and Sisters didn't lack the usual mayhem that I have grown to love but I just really thought Nora would have moved with her new love interest.  I thought it was really selfish that the kids needed her soo much that her having a life seemed like it just was not an option for them, or for her.  Oh well, JMO. 

What do you all think?

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I am sure every women thinks her engagement ring is Perfect!!  But, I know mine is lol.  I am soo super excited!! So I just thought I would share my joy with all of you!!

*** I am adding this second picture with a disclaimer.  Since I started taking insulin my nails are paper thin, so I really cant do anything to them, because they bend so easily.  So apologize for not being able to get a manicure.. just know.  But, when I can I will repost a better pic.

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