Bye Bye 2008

It seems that every year there is good and bad, happy and sad, new and familiar events. I am thankful for each moment since with each different event I learn a little more about myself and my ability to deal with situations. Thank you for being my friend and family! We love you and miss you! Good bye 2008 and Hello 2009!

Predictions came true!!!!

Survivor Gabon's Winner is BOB! If you remember back in September, some of my blog included a small prediction for the winner. I figured that if Charlie made it the full 39 days that he would win, Charlie did not make it, thank goodness! My other prediction was that if I had to pick I would pick Bob to win. My actual statement was: "I want Bob the Physics teacher to WIN!"
And I cannot believe it, but he did!!! It was a crazy season, good vs bad vs lies vs judges. To be honest I haven't even watched the last episode or the finally. Sunday was a Christmas Play that Krista and Jonathan were in, and I had promised them that I would go. I figured I could just watch the finale online (like today). However the only thing online so far (hopefully not forever) is the 3 minute clip of Jeff announcing the winner. I'll the play by play tomorrow at work from Jen! And if I can borrow someone's VHS player I could watch it because Jen recorded it on VHS. Maybe I should just volunteer to babysit for her so I can watch the finale at her house. lol

It's a bunch foggy today. You can't see the condos on the beach or the stoplight 30 feet away. Maybe this is Winter.

A Snowman at the Beach

From left: Me, Josh (the boss & snowman), Krista & Jennifer.

I couldn't help but share!!! Here is my work's Christmas Card. Us, the bankers at the beach. They say when everyone is interviewed at the Bank they make sure they "fit" in with the kooky misfits at the beach. I fit in quite nicely....so they say! Anyways since we are not "stuffy" individuals we decided to send out a fun card. So I brought in my camera and photoshop and Krista started the editing at her lunch, then I helped finish the editing at my lunch. We didn't care if it wasn't perfect, we just cared that it was fun. And I think we accomplished that.
Merry Christmas

Warm Wishes

I just wanted to hop on here and send everyone a Warm Wish from the Ferguson's! Just remember that even though this time of year is full of 'gettogethers' and shopping and all the rush to just sit back and enjoy those that you love.

Wish List

When was the last time you took a few minutes and just focused on yourself and created a Christmas Wish List?!?! Well here goes. Even in the past years I have never given much thought into my list. But this year I'm really going to create a list that will be awesome. Full of "stuff" that I will actually use! Todd and I are trying to live simpler but it's Christmas time and my family has asked for a list. I have to say it was fun searching for items that I would truly enjoy.

--even if you are not going to buy me something, I took great pride in writing fun little notes out beside each item....seriously you are surfing the web with nothing to do, so you might as well read and laugh!----

WARNING WARNING WARNING WARNING WARNING


Wish List created while listening to the NEW Britney Spears CD! And yes, I am dancing in my chair! lol...maybe I should add Dance Lessons to my wish list! lol but seriously this CD is {cough} great {cough}!


We were able to get a Free Espresso Machine from Todd's Gap Reward points (for being an awesome employee!). Now we just need some Espresso beans!!!
When I am asked what my favorite Christmas present as a kid was I always refer back to my Roller Blades! My childhood neighbor friend also wanted roller blades and we both received them for Christmas that year. I still see her crawling to our house because she couldn't stand on them. I rolled on out to her and asked why she was crawling! A born roller derby girl! What out world, I'm wishing for them again!
This time I should use a helmet!! And if the roller blades are not a gift, I will still need the helmet for my bike! I'm hoping to be riding my bike a lot this summer...well year round really!
(yes, I am still dancing...but now I'm trying to sing along...what a site, just ask Todd)
Time to turn my Miracle Blades in...and gets some grown up Calphalon knives. Shane and Rachael got me a couple of these knives last year and now I'm hooked and want the entire set! lol

Kenneth Cole New York Pink Dial Automatic Watch (style #KC4640)
I don't wear a watch. Every watch I have ever had either gets lost or broke or the battery dies and I don't get it changed before I lose it. Either way this would be my first and last really nice watch and the best part is it doesn't require a battery! Which is "green" of me, right! Maybe the only thing "green" about this watch is the price tag. lol Hey I said it was a WISH list didn't I!!! But isn't this watch schweeeeeeettt!

It sure it cold down here in Florida and another coat, especially this one from AE, would warm me up just fine! As bad as I love this coat, I don't need it. Plus I like to rub it in that it's still fairly warm down here while my "northern" readers are enduring some snow flurries! Maybe this AE coat should be for you!
(I wish I knew these words to Brit's new songs; I would sound a lot better...um not really, right sis?)

A Magazine Subscription. Clean Eating Mag, it's pretty with lots of good exercise and eating habits. If anything an encouragement to get off my tush and make a healthy meal and do a little exercise!

I'm a coffee junkie! So any cute, funny, or just wacko coffee mug would be a great gift! This one cracks me up.

Ok now that I have given you some ideas or maybe even some laughs I'm going to call my Wish List complete.

My creations

Just ask Todd, my picture folders on both computers are full to the brim. Actually I could use some photography therapy and just take a day and fill my flash card again. The following pictures are ones I took in Branson, MO. After looking at the pictures I wondered what else I could do with them, so I added Bible verses and quotes. I enjoyed every minute of picking out what picture to go with what verse. To use black and white or to go with the natural colors or to use both.
I hope you enjoy my creations. Maybe just maybe going back through all my old photos will encourage me to GOYA and produce some more.

-Job 8:7

-Jim Ryan

-Psalm 92:4

Have a great week! Don't forget to leave a comment so I know you visited! lol

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!! It's Turkey Day!! Today is my favorite Holiday....I think....I love most holidays so I don't really know which one is my favorite. But maybe today is my favorite Meal during the holidays! That would be true! And after Todd and Paige's first Thanksgiving by our lonesome, we will see if it feels like Thanksgiving or not. Ok, here's the low down or down low or the scoop poop. We don't get to see family today, but we do get to spend each minute with each other. Which means no work, low stress, no miles, our own home cooked meal, loungin' around relaxing day!


Now for the meal! My work gave me a 13 pound turkey!!! That means we get to have turkey for Thanksgiving! Ummm that means, I have to learn how to cook roast bake a turkey for Thanksgiving.....AHHH. After quizzing all the customers that came into the bank yesterday, I think I know what to do...or at least I took the easiest route from a foreign guy who says he used to be a chef somewhere. We have a turkey and a method and Todd was in charge of getting the insides out as I stood by holding out the trash bag! yuck. Needless to say I am not making Ben's wonderful Giblet Gravy. But I will miss all of Dad Ferguson's WOW meat and side dishes! He knows how to put on a great Thanksgiving FEAST! We will miss the celebration and love and laughter.


My friend and ex-coworker in crime Sally, and her family were visiting her dad in Alabama and decided to drive a couple hours and meet me! How exciting! It was so great to see her and her hubby and her daughter! We had a nice lunch, saw some alligators and then walked on the beach. We disturbed some birds and at times I felt like we were in the movie "birds" and I was a little scared...for a second at least. It was really great to see her and hug her neck. It kinda makes me feel like we are not that far away, just a few miles, a few hours away from our Family and friends.


We miss everyone and hope that you have a great Thanksgiving! Don't forget to relax and enjoy each minute! Gotsta go check on my turkey! Happy eating!

tonight

A day like today and a night like tonight. It's almost routine.
Work was a lot of fun today. We were not very busy at the bank but at the same time we stayed busy....talking. (Wednesday's are defiantly not a "bank" day for the world) And God knows I love to just sit around and BS with everyone, learn about their lives, their dreams, and add my own little comments like, "that's what she said" or "oh, really".
After work I got home and immediately put on some "workout" clothes and finally finally did some exercise. I felt really good, but really out of shape. 45 seconds is a long time when you are doing mountain climbers.
Todd headed in to work around 7 this morning. He is still not home....it's 9:10. The last time I spoke with him it was 3:30. I'm pretty sure he has the flu so working a full day is not what the Dr ordered. But you know Todd, if he has something to do, he will. If he thinks the store needs him he will be there. It's retails busy time, therefore Todd's busy time, and my time home alone. I stay busy...working on photobook layouts, and watching tv, cleaning the house, laundry, etc. But it's not the same as chilling with my main squeeze. I understand, I do, but that doesn't mean I can't worry about his health.
Well Todd just called and we are headed out with some people to have some starbucks or something. Chow!!! life is good again!

Oscar my comfort

Am I too old to have a blanket as my comfort? Given to me by my beautiful sister, Crystal, and named by my St Louie friend, Becky U, my warm comfy green blanket is my security, my home, my Oscar. When I am sick or cold or need to cuddle my Oscar is there for me! Thanks sis for giving me Oscar, it's my reminder of HOME!
I know I'm a dork...and proud of it!

Tis

Tis the time for my Christmas fever to start!! Oh my goodness.
Yesterday, Todd and I were finally able to spend an entire day together (with very little "work" interruptions). So we got up and Todd brewed the coffee and I made an outstanding healthy breakfast entree (eggs, green peppers, turkey, gouda). Then we "decided" what to do with the rest of our day...are you kidding me we never decide anything we just fly by the seat of our pants and just GO!
We drove around town, had some BBQ lunch, then walked around Pier Park (outside "mall" similar to the Landing, but better!). I just love strolling around looking at all the little shops to see what's new. My Tis the season mood showed up because a little bit of Christmas was displayed in some of the stores. I just love this time of year. My heart gets all warm with craving for pumpkin, and stuffing, and Dad Ferguson's pumpkin cranberry bread, and family hugs! With a joyfull heart we were ready to hit the beach and walk along the shore.
Our walk on the beach was just lovely, we have our own little spot about 5 minutes away from our house that we love to go to. It's past all the big condos and before all the beach homes, a little piece of "empty" beach for us to enjoy (we passed maybe 10 people). Our goal as usually while we walk along the beach is to just enjoy the sights & sounds, be thankful for our love, find some seashells, and take some pictures.
This time I really really wanted to capture our Christmas Card picture. I took my little tripod and didn't tell Todd what the pictures were for, he's so used to me now, he didn't think anything about it. But let me tell you my Todd and I make a great team, he listens to me! We did it...we captured the perfect Christmas Card shot!!! Todd said I was glowing...Ok maybe I was a little excited. Seriously, even with all the settings set and the vision in my head, how often does a timer picture work out the way you want it to? kuddos to Team Ferg. I hope everyone really enjoys our card this year!

It doesn't feel like November

A new resturant opened in PC called the Shrimp Boat. It's a huge resturant and now one of the Fergs top 5 resturants in PC. The other 4 resturants are yet to be discovered! They have it all, fresh seafood, fresh sushi, and the best steaks around. Needless to say when you come to visit us we might just HAVE to make a night out and eat at the Shrimp Boat. So good! We had our first double date in PC there! On of my coworkers, Krista and her fiance Jonathan, joined us for dinner! It's hard to find people as dorky and spontaneous as Todd and me but by the good graces of God, He gave us Krista and Jonathan! Friends for a lifetime or until we move again. lol


This November is not familiar to us Fergs. Last week we thought Autumn in Florida had arrived. Each morning and evening the temperature was in the fifties. A simple jacket or light sweater worked great because once the sun hit the air was warmer. We were so excited to smell the clean Autumn air and feel the crisp breeze. We dug around for our long sleeve shirts! But then something happened. The clean crisp air was replaced by a warm breeze and a hot afternoon. That's right 77 degrees in November! What in the world kind of place is this anyways? Although I have to admit I miss the changing colors of the leaves, and the crackel under your feet when you walk on the fallen leaves. I miss the bon fires at the cabin with a perfectly roasted marshmellow (and I have mastered that craft!!). Of course I miss my family and friends the most. But you know what they say or what I have trained Todd to do...when Paige is feeling homesick or a little bummed out, a quick walk on the beach and all is well!!

Breakfast in Bed

Well actually just Breakfast homemade style by my hubby!!!! Todd has been creating me a simple breakfast full of deliciousness! Fried Egg English Muffin with Smoked Gouda Cheese!!! OH So GOOD! Thanks for breakfast Todd!
It's amazing how much time you actually have to spare when you don't go into work until 9. I love my new schedule. Now if I can just "find" the time to do some pilates before I shower....but that would mean I would have to be awake.

One busy weekend

After a short trip to Missouri I came back with loads of pictures to sort through.

First Trina and Matt tied the knot. Trina was a great bride, stress free at least after a smoke, and Matt, well he was a nervous wreck. But after the wedding it was crazy how Matt couldn't stop smiling! It was a beautiful day to get married and I'm blessed to be able to share in their special day.



A trip "home" isn't complete without a photos of Logan. It was Elizabeth's lucky day because Rance actually stayed in from the woods to join his family in a the photos! I'm so proud of my brother. He was such a trooper with a big smile on his face. Logan was a mess, he has become quite a little character with the biggest grin that makes his eyes close. So funny. Elizabeth was beautiful as ever. Even though she was really sick earlier that week she was on the go all day. She was my "assistant" at the wedding. Her job was to keep me sane and to be my "brain" when I had a brain fart. Elizabeth is defiantly someone you want around during a wedding, she is full of tiny pieces of important information!!


I was able to stop in to see Dana and Teresa for a little Maternity photo time before dinner in Springfield. It was super fun to see Teresa with her little boy growing inside her tummy! Their extra bedroom is full of baby stuff just waiting for Caden to join the world. I must say that Dana is going through the nesting stage! Much love to you both...three!!


For dinner I was able to spend time and BBQ with My sister, Haley, Clarke, Dad Ferguson, my Mom, Maxine, Dana and Teresa. It was such a treat to enjoy everyone and hear about all their new adventures in life. For those that didn't know I was in "town" sorry dude. I knew the trip was going to be short (1 night and 1 full day). I was lucky to just be able to get to Springfield let alone spend some time with everyone there, without me passing out from exhaustion.

Ice Cream

I found a new love for Fast Food Ice Cream. Ok only when the fast food joint is Chick-fil-A!!! It's soooo good, tastes like Homemade Ice Cream! So in case you haven't had the chance to have a soft serve from my new favorite Fast Food place, go and get it! You will be hooked. And I didn't think anything could compare to Andy's...but it's going to be a close race!

Answers to your anonymous questions

Picture of the day. Palm tree leaves! I live here!! As far as the picture of the day everyday...not happening. We rarely have time to get online let alone take pictures sometimes. Todd has been working open to close the last few days, and I have been sitting at home missing him...lol...and being a house wife.

Now for the answers to "anonymous'" questions....whoever you are!

Q) What do you call a guy in the water with no arms and no legs?
A) Bob

Q) Why is grass green?
A) Chlorophyll

Q) How many WPM can you type?
A) Last I timed my typing skilz it was less than 3 mistakes at 62WPM. Don't know if I could do that now.

:)

living in paradise

This last week was full of crazy fun adventures. My Mom, Dad, Aunt Donna, and Uncle Jerry came to PCB to have a little vacation and to see us Fergusons! I have to say after a week of visiting the Presidential Suite on the top 25th floor, it's hard to go home to our little 2 bedroom townhome. We were able to spend every evening with the family, enjoying conversations over dinner and of course a house full of laughs. It was good to have some family around to hug and love on.
Sunset from the 25th floor. After Ike there is still not much of a beach to lounge on....of course from the top floor you see more ocean than sand.

So this is what you call Interior Design meet beach condo! nice

Wow we are on what floor...oh yeah the top floor....I found it!

This would be a touch of Thunder Beach. The town was flooded with motorcycles of all kinds. Luckily for my family, they came into town as the "thunder" was exiting!

i know i know i'm sorry

-Sorry dudes! It's been a while. and to top it off i'm not putting a picture on here....now that is a blog foul.
-So I just finished my first week training to be a bank teller. Crazy right. Everyone is just so nice and fun; nothing like I would of ever imagined at a bank.
-My parents are coming down next week! And they are also bringing my Aunt Donna and Uncle Jerry to PCB too! This will be such an awesome and relaxing time for all of them. Plus it will give me some fun "love" time with my family! I just miss hugging familiar necks sometimes....most of the time!
-We have fallen into the pit of cleaning the house one day and then on the go go go for the next few days and the dishes and the laundry and the dirt just piles up again. So I get to do a big clean sweep before the rents get here on Sunday! ahhh
-Todd has once again managed to work everyday for the past 2 weeks or more. He is such a hard worker and dedicated. I'm ready for him just to sit it down and play some golf or something less stressful.
-the other sad part about this week...I haven't even picked up my camera! Now that is just unacceptable behavior! I promise I am going to go out Saturday and be a photography freak at Thunder Beach! If you don't know what Thunder Beach is, you will have to check back to my blog in a few days to see all it's glory!
-Survivor started!!! yeah. This year I"m gonna do something I've never done. I'm going to pick my winner...now this is someone I think will play all the way to the end. Not that I love this player or am a huge fan, but I think after the first 2 episodes of watching that Charlie from NY will take home that $$. But by the time the 39 days are over, I'm going to be sick of watching his hands and fingers move around like a little fairy. On the other hand, I want Bob the Physics teacher to WIN! So far he is my favorite! Oh and just one more thing about this year...the underwear boys....stop it...I don't want to see it...Put IT Away!
-signing off. bye my loyal blog readers!

Travis Montgomery

Today is my Picture of the Day day....but I'm going to actually blog instead.

My cousin, Travis Montgomery has a passion for music and the Lord. Travis has produced a demo and you can check it out on his myspace page:
http://www.myspace.com/travismontgomerymusic
Travis and I took a few minutes before I headed down to Florida to capture a few shots for his up and coming adventure. He is truly talented with a good heart. I hope you all take a second to check out his music. He writes his own lyrics, plays guitars, drums, and who knows what else. All I know is that he composed/produced his demo by himself and to me that sings TALENT.
Good Luck Trav!

picture of the day - home

This is our home...well at least one wall of it. Actually it really sums up our house. Bamboo floors, stair case with not so cool railing, and an opening to our bedroom . And my new Hawaii collage I just finished! Oh and the most important part of the room....the computer area! Where all this amazing computer-blog-picture stuff happens. Enjoy my picture for the day!!!!

Fall in Florida

Fall is here...well at least the date says it's fall time, with Football on tv, and with the day starting off with 40 degree weather (in Cabool). It's fall. The only part of fall I see so far in Florida is dead palm tree leaves underneath...is that fall....or is that just dead leaves that need to leave...lol


I must say I love fall. The colors, the smells, the jackets, the warm apple cider at open houses! This is going to be quite an adjustment for me. Last year we racked up leaves for Logan to play in and for me to capture with my camera! It was so much fun, as you can see from the collage below. Florida in the Fall....what is that going to be like??

Pickens Plan

View my page on PickensPlan

Picture from today

Along with getting in shape Todd and I are also going to be posting a picture for the day sort of thing. Since I posted today, he will post tomorrow...however we will still post our usual blogs also. Don't forget to check back to see what the picture might be tomorrow!!


This Eucalyptus bush is found outside our front gates to our new place. It smells so good! I have never seen an eucalyptus bush before now; I have only seen eucalyptus in arangements that Mom has made.

lots of waves

As Hurricane Ike rolls into Texas, the strength of the winds still reach us in Panama City Beach. The winds are strong (can u say wind-blown hair everyday!), the waves are huge, the sandy beaches are left with no room to play in the sand. Just when you think you are in a save place on the sandy beach you are struck by a wave rolling um rolllliinnnngggggg onto shore. Just check out my jeans...I thought I was safe....Guess not...the water rolled up to my knees.


From the 17th floor of the Harshman's condo you can really see the strength of the waves. That's right strong waves with great friends! Adam, Angela, and Braden are in our town this week. We have been able to hang with them a few days and last night we enjoyed the sunset, good conversation, pizza, and a movie. We were so excited to find out that they were actually vacationing in our town so seeing them was a must....and it has been so much fun. Thanks for coming to see us!

I LIVE HERE

I thought it was very interesting the other day when Todd and I took a drive along the bay and all the trees were covered with Spanish Moss. How gorgeous! Just look at the difference of the Missouri Trees and the Florida Trees. Not that all the trees in Florida look like this or vice versa, but it was a 'Paige observation'.

Of course Florida is covered with Palm Trees!!! My favorite tree ever! They just make me happy. Like this sidewalk along the bay. So cute and fun. I am still pinching myself because "I Live Here!!!"

And for the picture of the year....that could of been. See the birds in the upper left corner....how cool if they were actually in the picture...oops....I was busy focusing on the sun to notice the birds. Then later this same day, Todd and I were busy playing our new favorite beach game, Paddle ball, two flocks of geese flew over our heads in a perfect arrow form. But too lazy to go grab my camera....because once again....I LIVE HERE!!

Home Sweet Beach

Walk outside your front door smelling the ocean air! Keep walking for about 5 minutes and you will see the waves crashing on the shore! Walking hand in hand with your feet in the sand!


The truth behind our new home is that we LOVE it!! We have been able to walk on the beach everyday! And our goal is to continue to walk on the beach everyday! Boy oh boy does your feet and calves begin to ache, but it is soooo worth it!

While at the beach you might as well go visit other beaches! Right? We headed to Destin to shop a little and walk on the beach at the bay. At the bay we found huge hermit crabs! I'm talking HUGE! Forget the little free ones you get at the stores; go grab your own big one! Check them out!


Yep there are real creatures in these shells! Are we allowed to kill the crab so we can keep the shell?
Todd just loves it here! And let me just tell you that living without this crazy man is not a fun thing to do! So Toddy Dearest NEVER again will you leave me! I miss your face too much! OK maybe it's the way you always make me laugh at the dumbest things!

We live in Panama City Beach only a 2 minute drive to the beach! When you live blocks from the beach a few things are different in your daily routine. Like when you come back from the beach you need to wash off the sand....well we have a shower outside our door to do that! And a towel! Plus I have started the no shoes in the house rule and I follow it, but my husband, well he's a slow learner.