opportunity knocked so we opened the door

As I recently mentioned (HERE), there are a lot of changes coming in the Novess household. The first of which happens this week. On November 18th, I had my last day at Goodby, Silverstein and Partners and thus begin my new job at Team Detroit tomorrow. I am so happy for my time spent at GSP, but I knew it just wasn't the long-term job for me. It is a FABULOUS agency filled with AMAZING people. I was sad, very sad, to say goodbye. But I'm hoping this new gig at Team Detroit brings a little more structure and process. I'm not nervous...this is the third new job I've started in a year and a half. However, I am not looking forward to being the new girl. Again. Here's to hoping everyone is nice ;)

Meanwhile, Ryan is enjoying his last month of freedom before he starts his new job in January. He will spend the whole month of Jan. in Florida for training. Let's just say I am trying not to be green with envy! I am very happy for him, though. This is a great opportunity for him and us.

So, more later this week on my new job. Now it's time to get motivated. I need to head to the SOS office to officially change my last name (finally) and then go shopping. Can't start a new job in the same ol clothes I already have!

so thankful

Thankful that on this day one year ago, my best friend asked me to marry him.

Thankful that eight months after that, we were able to be surrounded by all those nearest and dearest to us while we said "I Do". 

Thankful to spend every Thanksgiving with my in-laws, who are really much, much more than that.

Thankful that next week, I get to embark upon a new adventure at another ad agency, and in January, Ryan begins his journey with a new company. So, so incredibly blessed to have amazing career opportunities during this time. 

Thankful for my girlfriends, who are family.

Thankful for my nieces and nephew- they make me smile. 

Thankful for my doggies, the goofiest two boxers around. They constantly make me laugh. 

Thankful for this beautiful, sunny day. In November, in Michigan, you can't ask for more.

Thankful for the blessings we receive. Daily. All the time. Never taken for granted. 

Happy Thanksgiving   :)

taking off my blinders...or trying to, anyway

Coming into my marriage, I (foolishly) thought I pretty much knew Ryan like the back of my hand. Sure, there would be certain experiences...new jobs, new homes, babies, ups & downs...that would cause us to love, laugh, fight, learn and explore. But I thought the basics were down. However, this past week, I was proven wrong.

When faced with things that are tremendously sad, I put my blinders on. I ignore the circumstance and act like it just doesn't exist. I remember when my Grandma was sick, and ultimately living her last few months, people would ask me how she was doing. I'd shrug and say "she's fine", and never elaborate. I just didn't want to think about it. It was so much easier for me to pretend she was ok.

Enter Tuesday night. I knew Ryan spent some time occasionally volunteering at at local dog rescue. I also know this is something he is passionate about (the time he brought home a third boxer while we were living in Memphis is a whole other post!). He wants to, needs to, help these poor doggies in need. To most, it comes as no secret that Ryan and I love our dogs as if they were people. So when I think of all the dogs out there wandering the streets, cold and hungry, or who have a home but are mistreated, my heart literally aches. But not Ryan. Whereas I turn my head to things that make me uncomfortable or things that make me want to burst into tears, I realized these are things Ryan faces head on. But what I didn't know is how strong his desire is to actually make a difference. By taking my blinders off, we really talked, for the first time, about his experiences and I learned the extent of how much he gives. This man volunteers at a rescue, donates food, and as of recent, wanders the streets of metro Detroit looking for specific dogs that need to be saved before they are captured and taken to the Humane Society and euthanized.

Last night, we attended a fundraiser put on by Better Life Canine Center, the rescue group where Ryan volunteers. I met so many amazing people who give their time, energy, money and heart to dogs in need. More importantly, I came to see that by stripping the blinders, I can actually help in my own way. It's likely that I won't be out there on the front lines like Ryan, but what I can do is be more understanding and supportive of his drive to want to make a difference. Because these dogs on the streets, who are malnourished, mistreated and hungry, need him.

I"m so proud to call this man my husband, and couldn't be more thankful now more than ever to realize how blessed I truly am.

save the earth, plant a tree

A few weeks ago, the Hubs and I went out to my dad's to collect some random trees that have sprouted throughout his property with the intent to move them over to the in-laws. These trees have been growing for a couple of years and Farmer E just didn't have the heart to pull them, but with 10 acres of woods, certainly doesn't need them. My fabulous in-laws live on 10 acres as well, but their property doesn't have quite the same tree content. So this weekend, we headed to Manchester (big surprise) to get the trees in the ground. The poor babies were living in buckets in the city, and with winter knocking on our door, I knew they needed to get in the ground. Luck was on our side, as the weather this past Saturday was 60 degrees and sunny.

I love the country. Can't wait to ditch my city life and raise some babies where they can run!

 cutie nephew Wes pitched in

 the doggies just love the country, too

wide open spaces- they are in HEAVEN 

It amazes me in 20 years, I will look at these trees and remember the day we planted them. I will watch them grow and flourish. They will, one day, provide shade for our kids and dogs to play beneath on hot summer days. And during Fall, will dot the landscape with beautiful colors. Grow babies, grow!

A huge thanks to the Hubs who did all the work while I mostly played.

;)

moving on

I am a statistic. Like it or not, I fall into that one-in-four-women category. Earlier this year, Ryan and I suffered the horrible loss a miscarriage brings to a couple. It was a sad, emotional time, but true to fashion and practicing what I constantly preach, in the months following I reminded myself that things happen for a reason. As it turns out, I was right. Our miscarriage was God's way of working out a bad pregnancy and a way to bring Ryan and I together like nothing we had yet to experience. But it doesn't take the sting away nor make the hurt any less severe.

So as I sat in the doctor's office many months ago, I was warned. One more milestone to hit. "It's going to be a tough one and a sad one, so be prepared." He was referring to what would have been my Due Date: November 10, 2011. The naive side of me actually thought (hoped) the day would pass without any recognition. Time heals all wounds, right? Well, no such chance.

I've been feeling a little sad this week and, well...alone. Which is silly. I have Ryan, and my closest friends have already reached out to me. However, what I don't have is a baby bump. Or a newborn to hold and nuzzle. Or a nursery awaiting it's newest arrival. Instead I am left with an ache deep in my heart while we try, try again. And the irony that something can come so easily when you least expect it. I know I will get pregnant again and it will be a perfectly normal, healthy pregnancy. I'll give Ryan a beautiful child and I'll become a mommy. But for now, I'm going to give myself this day to be sad, and maybe a little lonely. I will mourn what didn't become, think about what should have been and welcome the grief rather than shoving it to the side.

Then I will move on.

And concentrate on all the blessings 2012 will bring our way.

on my babies before the baby

I've been told, on more than one occasion and by more than one person, that family pets oftentimes fall to the wayside once children enter the picture. If you know me, then it is no secret my two dogs are, well, my babies. Kaia and Boomer are true members of our family. Ryan and I love them to pieces and spoil them rotten. They go everywhere we go, sleep in our room and sit with us on the couch. They are my constant shadow, and when they are not at home but I am, the house is too quiet and too still. I firmly believe those who do not agree a dog is your best friend simply never had one. 

So I promise when the time comes and I am feeling overwhelmed as a new mom, and I'm lacking sleep, and I have no idea what I'm doing, and struggling with finding my way on how to do it all, I will look back and remember that they captured my heart first. These two goofs are our constant companions. Our guard dogs. And loyal beyond belief. So I will try to return all this when a baby comes along and my priorities get shifted elsewhere. 

~

All I need to know, I learned from my dogs:

• Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
• Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
• When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
• When it's in your best interest, practice obedience.
• Let others know when they've invaded your territory.
• Take naps and stretch before rising.
• Run, romp and play daily.
• Eat with gusto and enthusiasm.
• Be loyal.
• Never pretend to be something you're not.
• If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
• When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.
• Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
• Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
• On hot days, drink lots of water and lay under a shady tree.
• When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
• No matter how often you're scolded, don't buy into the guilt thing and pout...run right back and make friends.
• Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.

          

  

addicted...

...to my crock pot. What a glorious invention.