It's been a while and I think I am going to give this blogging thing a try. I originally started this blog for the sole purpose of sharing our wedding story with no intentions of continuing on. I'm not sure why. Perhaps because most of the blogs I read are written by moms who document their lives and those of their children. I love reading these. I don't have little ones, so perhaps don't know if I have anything of interest to share. Also, I am not sure how much I want the world to know about my life and I don't want to drag my friends and family into this public blogosphere, but know that inevitably, they are who I will write about. However, all fears and worries and reservations aside, I'd like to keep this up. I like writing. I like connecting with people. And I like documenting my thoughts - it helps me workshop through stuff that is going on.

I would like to write about this first year of marriage, as Mr. Mc and I just celebrated our anniversary. I'll do that soon, but wanted to first jot down something fresh on my mind. It's random and likely of little or no interest to anyone who may be reading this, but the dream I had last night is haunting me today. John Mayer was the center of said dream, and it was, unfortunately, completely G-rated. He first showed up as a toll-booth operator in Birmingham, Alabama. I don't think they have toll-roads in B'ham, but never-the-less, there he was, taking my $9 (the charge was $6 but I tipped him $3 - I guess just for being handsome and terribly talented). He gave me a knowing glance as he took my cash as if to say "don't tell - but yes - it is me." Then, as I am sitting in my office in Birmingham (I must have been traveling for work), I look out my 20th-or-so floor window to see Mr. Mayer, outside on one of those treacherous cart-thingees washing my window. He gives me the same knowing glance (if this had been a movie instead of a dream, you might see a little twinkle effect in his eye) and went about his washing. And that was pretty much it. I am not quite sure how to analyze this very vivid dream, but it was quite interesting. This dream, plus cold-like symptoms, kept me up off and on all night long. It was not easy getting up this morning - actually, it was damn near impossible. I felt like I'd been hit by the holiday food, booze and Monday blues truck. I seemed so removed from work after the long weekend of family and friends and doing absolutely nothing in my spare time. I suppose I could get use to that, but I'd likely get bored. And very, very fat.

I just love this picture. I borrowed it from a blog that just makes me so happy! The blogger snapped this photo and put it under things that make her happy: "seeing a couple that grew old together and still not wanting to be apart."
I wish this kind of love for all of us! How special.

The Days are Long but the Years are Short

I invite you to view this one-minute movie.
http://www.theyearsareshort.com/
Although I don't have a little one to take to school each day, I still get this. There are times I feel like I am moving through life, tackling task after task, and not really living it. This was a great reminder for me to live each moment - taking nothing for granted.

The movie was created by Gretchen Rubin, author of the blog (and the book of the same title), The Happiness Project. I started reading her blog as part of a work project and got hooked. Recently, I have seen several people severely affected by the the toll that life in general takes. Stress really does damage our physical beings - perhaps more then we know. Just as I try to take great care of my body by eating well, brushing & flossing, exercising, etc. - I know that I should put just as much effort into the betterment of my soul.
Remember to enjoy the days, friends - even when they are long.

A Picture is Worth ... Well, It's Priceless!

Ryan and I had the good fortune of having an amazing wedding photography team. And they were a TEAM! Four of them captured every wonderful moment of our most favorite day ever!
I have lots to talk about from that special day, and promise to do that soon. But until then, here is a sneak peak at our wedding photos! Just scroll to the middle of the page to see the McKee photos.
http://allisonrodgers.typepad.com/blog/

Introducing the Newest Member of the McKee clan

Clancy Hasselhoff "The Hoff" McKee

Clancy (KLAN-see): An ancient Irish name meaning "red warri0r".

Hasselhoff (HASS-uhl-hoff): Starred in the 80s hit "Knight Rider". Also has a promising musical career in Asia. Also gets hammered and devours cheeseburger. Our "Hoff" is a big fan of vodka, beer, and we are sure if we allowed it, cheeseburgers.

Hoff has already done a lot of living in his short nine weeks of life. He, along with his two sisters, was rescued by a family of good Samaritans from a ditch near a highway two Sundays ago. We have no idea how long these little warriors had been out there all on their own, but I am sure they had an excellent adventure. As you can see, he is clearly exhausted.Hoff’s two sisters found excellent homes, and I’d like to think he did too. He came to live with us last Saturday. We did not want a puppy, and it was understood that Hoff’s foster family would gladly take the cuddly pupster back if for some reason he did not like our home (aka – if we could not handle a puppy). But the moment I laid my eyes on the little guy, I knew he was ours to keep.


He is challenging for sure. As Ryan puts it, “pee just falls out of him”. He also has very smelly poop and I am going to have to get used to cleaning it from the yard. He howls at night at random times in the crate or if we leave him outside … or if we love the room – our vet says it is because he gets lonely. So, the last week has been full of sleepless nights, dozens of loads of laundry to clean up “pee” towels, chasing him down with a bottle of carpet cleaner behind him, stepping in the dog poop that is spread all across the yard, separating him and Lola when he invades her space … and more … but, he is worth it.


Yes, Lola is not his biggest fan, but we have no doubt, she will warm up to him soon. His charm is undeniable.


Right now, he lets you love him and hug him like a little baby and will fall asleep right in your arms!

He does not wiggle and try to get away – he loves to be loved and I LOVE! However, if you plan to come by and snuggle with the little fuzz-ball, you’d best do it now. We are not sure of his exact “breed mix”, but we are quite sure he is mostly Mastiff. That’s right, he is gonna be a big one!!!!! Look, he’s already the size of a four month old baby (who is the size of a six month old,.by the way).

Aunt Alexis and Hoff have playtime with Charles Madison (look at that doll-baby!) and his dad, Clark.

We love him! Please come by and hold him and rock him while you can. And don’t pay attention if the house smells like pee, Lola tries to go home with you, and me and Ryan take advantage of your visit to go take a nap/clean the house/shower – all the things that are tough to do with a new puppy around. If Hoff has taught us anything so far, it is that we are not totally ready to be parents of a newborn. He is training us to do that now.