MBA Reunion weekend in Siesta Key!!

Kristen and Suzie chillin by the pool The girls by the water

Boys playing volleyball
Ben, Julie, Jim, and Suzie in the pool
Ben and Kristen at Margarita Happy Hour
This is what you get when you ask the boys to pose for a cute pic!
Matt, Rusty and Jim doing the Taheel "Blues Brothers Dance"

So this past weekend Ben and I headed to Sarasota with Jim, Julie, Rusty, Suzie, and Matt! It was so much fun...drinking, relaxing by the pool, playing Bocce Ball (which I have unearthed a hidden talent in), and laughing til it hurt!

I landed at the airport around 2pm on Thursday and Ben picked me up. My flight was delayed which meant that Ben could just swing by baggage claim on the way to the house. He drove down from Atlanta that morning and the timing worked out perfect! We all stayed at Jim's parents' beach house which was absolutely perfect, with beautiful sunset views!!!

Thursday night we just decided to stay in and catch up! We ordered pizza and played poker and foosball!

Friday we hung out by the pool while the boys played volleyball, and then took an afternoon trip to the beach!

Starting around 5ish we had our very own margarita happy hour and then headed to El Adobe for some yum Mexican. Ben had a memory there (from one of his previous trips) of the world's best queso dip...so having dinner there was a "Must"!

I have to say that I was unimpressed with this "amazing queso dip" ...but the boys seemed to love it and the fajitas were so good!

After dinner they brought out fried ice cream for Rusty's bday!

Then we headed home and partied until the wee hours of the morning....I think I remember going to bed around 3:30pm.

Saturday included more pool time and a trip to Hooters...Ben and Jim's mouths were on FIRE and their lips were swollen from the 911 wing sauce, so we made them compete in an Angelina Jolie competition...we also gave out Dundies (Office fans will know) for favorite memories of the weekend.

Sunday it was up early to drive back home!

My Favorite memories of the weekend

1. Ben preaching about "crazy pillows"

2. Jim, Matt, and Rusty dancing to the Blues Brothers

3. Beach time with Suzie, me and Julie (this time we didn't get sun poisoning..yay)

4. Hooters wings and football

5. Bocce Ball...the world's greatest sport!

Love Me Some Savannah!!!

Me and the Paula Deen cutout!! Looks like she's there with me doesn't it?
Some of my coworkers and I outside of the Pirate House restaurant...we are saying Arrrgggg
(notice the to go cups...love the "no open container" law)


So after Ben dropped me off at the airport on Sunday, I hopped on flight to Savannah for my company's quarterly Divisional Meeting!
We had so much fun! I love going to work meetings because everyone is at one place at the same time and it's not "all" business...my VP always makes time for play too!

Sunday night some of my coworkers and I went to One-Eyed Lizzy's on the Riverfront to watch Football.
Monday we spent most of the day in meetings, but spent the afternoon volunteering at the local shelter! Very happy that we were able to help out the Savannah City Mission!
Monday night was our "crazy fun" night in downtown Savannah! We had a blast hitting up Wild Wings and The Bar Bar!!! (yes, that's two bars and not a typo..haha)


Tuesday night was a recovery night, but Wednesday we did a ghost tour around Savannah, then went to Paula Deen's restaurant for dinner! The restaurant is called The Lady and Sons...and it was HEAVEN!!!
http://www.ladyandsons.com/

We had the buffet so my dinner consisted of Peppered Steak, Mashed potatoes, Mac and Cheese, Collard Greens (I do NOT like Collards but these were out of this world), Vegetable Casserole, and the best biscuit ever made! For dessert I had to try the Banana pudding. But although PD does make a good Banana Pudding, my Mom's is still the best!


After dinner we got "to go cups" (there is no open container law in Savannah...how great is that) and walked to the riverfront. There we hit up a couple of other bars! My favorite bar was one (and I can't remember the name of it) that had $1 ship shots. Everytime a ship went down the river you got a shot for a dollar. HOLLER for that!
To top it off... the guy that was playing onstage invited me to come up and sing with him. I belted "Sweet Home Alabama" in front of all of my coworkers...and my VP took pictures. hahahaha!

I had a such a good time in Savannah and I cannot wait to go back with Ben and maybe a group of friends! I know he's going to love it....can anyone say St. Patty's weekend????

Thursday morning I got up bright and early to catch a flight to Sarasota! Ben and I had a long planned MBA Reunion weekend with some of our closest friends...and I couldn't wait to get there!

Stick it in, Stick it in, Stick it in!!!

Chris and Toni...thanks for letting us crash with you!!!

Ben at the Tailgate with Chesare and Sylvia!!
Sylvia, Kristen, and Chesare...or the Hookers as we like to call ourselves!
Kristen and Ben Self portrait!!!
GAME TIME!!!!

We're BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

SOOOOoooo much has been going on over the past week and a half!!!

I'll simply have to start at the beginning of our road trip and work my way forward...

Friday September 19th, Ben and I headed to Chapel Hill for the UNC vs. VA Tech football game.

Now you all know that Ben and I are DIE HARD Tarheel basketball fans!!

However, when it comes to football our loyalty lies with the Hokies and the Gamecocks.

Needless to say, we were sporting our Orange and Maroon on Saturday!

Friday night we arrived in Chapel Hill and headed to Chris and Toni's apartment.

Chris and Toni Ann went to VT with Ben, and Chris is in his first year of MBA school at UNC.

We stayed at their apartment in Meadowmont for the weekend. Ben and I used to live in the Alta Springs apartment complex across the street from Meadowmont, so staying with Chris and Toni was almost like being back at our old home! It brought back a lot of great memories for us!

Friday night the group headed to Tyler's in Carrboro for dinner, and then to the West End Wine bar on Franklin St.

Saturday, we were up bright and early for tailgating. We stopped for breakfast at Breadman's (so DELICIOUS!!) and then went straight to the business school tailgate at Kenan- Flagler. There I met up with my coworkers Chesare and Sylvia. It was a blast!!!

After the game, We headed to Town Hall Grille for dinner and then we came home and CRASHED!!!

But the best news??? The HOKIES WON!!!!!!!!!!!!! It was a very exciting game!

Sunday Ben and I got up super early to drive back to ATL. Ben dropped me off at the airport and I hopped on a plane to Savannah for work....

Dinner with the Girls and a Kball Win!

Wednesday night I headed over to Amanda's place for dinner and wine.
Kim, Amanda, and I had a great time catching up and just hanging out! Thanks for having us over Amanda!!!
Amanda made an AMAZING stuffed Pork Tendorloin. I just got the recipe from her yesterday and am planning on trying it on Ben soon!
I will be happy to pass along the recipe to anyone that is interested!

Last night Ben and I headed to Hammond Park for our second game of the season. Our team, "Why Stop at Third" has become a strong force in our League! We kicked some serious butt last night, defeating "Schwetty Balls" 7-5!!! Go TEAM!!!!!!!!!!!

Anyways, Ben and I are on an official ROAD TRIP for the next week so there will be a blogging break for awhile.
We are headed to Chapel Hill today for the UNC vs. VA Tech game on Saturday.
Sunday, I'm off to Savannah for work!
Thursday I fly from Savannah to Sarasota where Ben and I will be hanging out with the MBA Crew for the weekend!!!
I cannot wait to see Julie, Jim, Matt, Suzie, and Rusty!!!!

We'll post about all our crazy adventures when we get back!!!

Oh and PS- ARRRrrrrrrrrrr Maties!!!
HAPPY TALK LIKE A PIRATE DAY!!!! Otherwise known as the BEST DAY EVER!!!
Thanks for the heads up Jackie D!!!

Congrats all Around!!!!

Jray and Christie....pic from their blog..so cute!

Walt and Christy from our lake weekend...sorry it's the only pic I had with you both... hahaha!
Tina and Jeff at our wedding

Rusty and Kristin at our wedding
Suzie and Matt at our wedding
Laura and Jim at Caryn's wedding
Christine and Rommie at our wedding
Donna and Shaun in central park on Rienna's wedding weekend

So many Congratulations to send around to all of our friends, that I thought I would make a post all about it!!!

Baby Congratulations:

Christy and Walt Kruger - Just found out last night when Ben was in Chapel Hill that Walt and Christy are expecting Baby No. 2. They find out today if it's a boy or a girl!

Laura and Jim Beglis - They are expecting Baby No. 2 within a couple of weeks!

Donna and Shaun Spivey - Expecting a beautiful Baby Boy in December

Matt and Suzie Rheault- Suzie is 3 months along with TWINS!!!

Rusty and Kristin Hodgson- Rusty and Kristin are expecting a boy in January

Melanie and Jared Barichivich- our next door neighbors are expecting a baby in November...just in time for Thanksgiving!

Engagement Congratulations:

Yosh and Silvia - our fellow DC to Atlanta Transplants just got engaged! congrats!!!

Christine and Rommie - Never gave them a blog engagement shout out. They are planning on tying the knot in May of 2009

Tina and Jeff - also will be tying the knot on Memorial Day of 2009. YAY!!!

Jonathan and Christie - Tying the knot in June of 2009 in Tennessee!!!

Another Wild Wedding Weekend

Bike rally at Dulles...still don't know how we got caught in the middle of it!

Ben trying to steal a piece of wedding cake
Ben doing the Hokie Pokie with the rest of the VT grads
Kevin, Jen, and Ben
Ryan, Kevin and Ben
Me and my two boys...Ben and Ryan

This weekend Ben and I packed our bags and headed off to DC for Kevin and Jen's wedding.

Did I mention that this is my 9th trip to DC this year and Ben's 6th...when Ben and I head up for Thanksgiving with Ben's family, that will be an even 10 trips for me this year. Can you believe it? I should have bought a time share!

Kevin and Jen are good friends of Ben's from back in his Virginia Tech days!!! Ben roomed with Kevin his senior year, and he lived on the same floor as Jen his freshman year. Kevin and Jen met at Virgina Tech and have been together since. Ben and I are very happy for them and were honored to be there for the celebration! Check out all the pics above!

Ben and I arrived on Friday night and were picked up by Ryan and Kayte. We then headed out to Murphy's in Old Town Alexandria where we met up with my good friend Christina. We ended up staying out pretty late and running Ryan's bar tab through the roof! Thanks Ryan!

Saturday we were up early (well if you call 10am early) and then headed over to Tyson's Corner to have lunch with my girl Jackie D and her hubby Todd.

After lunch, we changed at the hotel and then headed to the wedding. It was a beautiful ceremony. The reception was held at the Westwood Country Club. It was so much fun. Ben, Ryan, and I danced the night away!!!

Sunday we were up early again (this time at 9am haha) and headed to the airport for our 12:30pm flight. But just as we were about to enter the airport, traffic was stopped by police to let a bike rally through. It was the craziest thing...about a million bikes drove the loop around the airport. Very interesting that we were caught right in the middle of it.

Anyways, Ben and I got to the airport and even sacrificed ourselves to a later flight. Ours was overbooked. We each got a $200 voucher for Delta air, and an upgrade to first class for the ride home. It worked out perfect for us because we got to watch the Redskins game.

Very fun weekend indeed!!!

Book Club and Car Boo Boos

So, last night was my first official Book club meeting. Steph M. had the idea to get one started with our group of friends. We had a really good time and I am really excited to read the first book (my pick by the way...woohoo go me!!)

The book is called "Belong to Me".

I hope it's good!!!

http://www.harpercollins.com/books/9780061240270/Belong_to_Me/index.aspx

But on a more unfortunate note....as I was leaving Steph's house last night my car scraped the utility pole that's next to her driveway...I had some pretty rough damage to my car. Luckily I was fine and Steph's utility pole was fine. My car goes to the repair shop today (Holler at Geico for being the best insurance company around) and should be good as new in no time!

However, the hubby was none to pleased to see the damage....

PS - Please limit your "Kristen is a horrible driver" bashing as much as possible in the comment section. Thanks ;)

Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives!!!

This post sums up our fun weekend in Atlanta, and is honor of one my most fave shows on the Food Network!!!

Friday night Ben and I headed over to the Starlight Drive-In in Downtown Atlanta. It's an authentic 1960's drive in, where you can tailgate before the movie starts... But instead of staying in our cars to listen to the movie on the radio, Colin and Will hooked up their big speakers to the car so that we could all sit outside in lounge chairs to watch the show! We got there around 7:30 and met up with Kim, Will, Colin, Kirby and Amanda.

I brought a TON of leftovers from our Thursday night football bash, and Colin warmed up our pizza on his portable grill! It was a great night and we watched the 9pm showing of Traitor (new movie with Don Cheadle). I fell asleep during the movie (happens when you've had too much wine and pizza), but Ben said that I hadn't missed much. Apparently, not a good flick!

Saturday I headed to the gym and then to my next door neighbor Melanie's baby shower. She's due in November and they are keeping the sex of the baby a surprise.

As soon as I got home, Ben and I went to a new Indian place down the street for dinner. We had a great dinner and will DEF be hitting up India Chef again soon http://www.indiachefatlanta.com/. After dinner it was off to El Azteca to meet up with Grace and John and Amanda for margaritas. Around 9pm the group moved to our kickball sponsor bar (and great dive bar) Charlie Mopps for our Kball End of Season Party.

Sunday, Ben and I met up with Steph and Pat for an amazing Brunch at the Peachtree Diner. Ben and I can walk there from our house and it's such great food!

Steph and I then hit up Filene's basement and laid out by the pool.

Last night, I studied for class and Ben made us an amazing dinner.

Hope everyone had a great weekend too!!!

Why do my teams always stink???

Last night Ben and I hosted a gathering at our house to celebrate the beginning of football season! The Sullivan house is definitely a "football house" and we've both been getting excited for the 2008 season opener for about a month! It was a great time celebrating with about 15 of our friends...

But WHY...and I must repeat this..WHY...do I get so excited about every football season only to be left broken hearted in the end???

The Sullivan teams are the Carolina Gamecocks, VA Tech Hokies, and the Washington Redskins.

Three teams that happen to SUCK this year!

Last week VA Tech got beat down by ECU, and Ben was devastated.

I, on the other hand, was Ecstatic last week when the Gamecocks defeated NC State.

I thought..FINALLY, this could be our season!

Boy was I wrong! Last night's defeat against Vandy was the final nail in the coffin to yet ANOTHER Gamecock losing season...

And I won't even begin to discuss how bad the Skins played last night!!! I'll save you all the pain...

But who knows...it's just the beginning of the season. Maybe there will be a turn around????

I guess it's the "question mark" that makes Football so much fun to watch!

A Day of Firsts!!!

Yesterday happened to be a day of firsts in the Sullivan house....

Tuesday marked my first day "back in school"!

After a lot of thought about my career goals, I have decided to sit for my PHR (Professional in Human Resources) certification in December. I definitely work best in a group study atmosphere, so I've enrolled in a prep course at Kennesaw State University. I'm very excited about it, but yesterday's class was definitely an eye opener! I have 6 books to get through in 10 weeks...AHHHH!!! Everyone please feel free to encourage me along the way. I think I'm going to need it!

Now, don't laugh at my other "first"...but it was so delicious I thought it deserved a shout out!

Yesterday, also marked the first day I've cooked a complete meal in my crock pot! I've made some great side dishes and appetizers in the past, but never an entire meal.

Last night I made chicken and sausage jumbalaya in my slow cooker! Ben LOVED it!!!

Send me an email or comment if you want the recipe. It was simple and easy...all you do is throw the ingredients in the pot in the morning and when you get home from work it's ready to eat. I'll definitely be taking advantage of my crock pot more often!!!

More Pics from the Wedding!

Caryn walking down the aisle
Kera and Todd
Caryn dancing the night away!!
Kristen and Caryn
Borden, Kristen and Kera!!

Mr. and Mrs. Banchek!!!

Picture of Washington National Harbor...we went here with Ben's parents on Monday
Kristen, Caryn (the beautiful bride), and MOH Erin
Kristen and Ben at the rehearsal dinner
Caryn and Brett embracing during the ceremony...SO happy for them!!!
Kristen, Kera and Christina Breaking it down!!!

This weekend, I was honored to be a part of Caryn and Brett's wedding! Ben and I arrived in DC Saturday at 1:30pm...Erin picked us up at the airport and we headed to the rehearsal at the synagogue. After the rehearsal we dropped our bags off at the Presidential Suite and then went to the rehearsal dinner! It was a great time...good food, good speeches, and an awesome slide show!

Sunday morning was spent getting all of our hair and make up done!

The bridesmaids got dressed at the hotel and then we headed to the synagogue to get Caryn ready!

As soon as the bride and Mother of the Bride were ready, we took bridal party photos. The Ketubah signing was at 4 and the wedding took place at 4:30pm. After the wedding, there was a cocktail hour and then the reception began. Everything went off with out a hitch! Caryn looked gorgeous, I cried like a baby during the ceremony, and to top it off....the food and drinks were amazing!!

Oh and can we discuss the band....I danced my butt off!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Monday morning we met everyone for Brunch at the hotel and said our goodbyes! Caryn and Brett are headed to Australia for a 3 week honeymoon....I know they will have a BLAST!!!

After brunch, Ben's parents picked us up and we headed to the Washington National Harbor for lunch. It's a brand new harbor and it's beautiful. We walked around a bit, grabbed a bite to eat and then headed to the airport!

A great time and wonderful wedding this weekend!!!

NC for Teambuilding

Got to see my Boss Suzanne

Hang out with my best friend Johanna
And get some drinks with my awesome coworkers Chesare and Sylvia!

Last week was a blur of crazy traveling!!! But it was so much fun!

Wednesday night I flew into Raleigh/Durham for a work event! I always love going to North Carolina because it brings back great memories of when Ben and I lived there!

As soon as I landed I headed over to Johanna and Steve's house. We had dinner and got to catch up! For any readers out there that don't know...Johanna is my best friend of 12+ years and was my Matron of Honor at my wedding...see pic above!

Thursday I spent the whole day with my Recruiting Department from work. We did a lot of team building activities and then went to the Cheesecake Factory for dinner...YUM!

After dinner I was able to catch the Gamecocks whip some butt against NC State! We really did a great job!!! Let's just all pray that our momentum continues throught the season...GO COCKS!!!

Friday night I flew back to Atlanta, just in time to pack my bags for our Saturday trip to DC!