Wednesday, May 04, 2011

Happy Birthday, Mama!


Happy Birthday to my brilliant and beautiful mother! Mama, I love you and am so very proud of you. I thank God for you each and every day. I truly feel that I was blessed with the best mother in the world. Never could I attempt to repay you for all you have done for me. I wish all good things for you, today and every day. Happy Birthday, and Happy (early) Mother's Day!

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posted by Anisa @ 12:09 PM | 0 comments


Sunday, March 27, 2011

3rd Trimester and Bert's 35th

Saturday, I officially entered the 3rd trimester at 28 weeks. It poured most of the day, but we had time for a few photos while the gorgeous azaleas are still in full bloom. My parents even dropped by for a visit on their way home from Baltimore. My mother looks wonderful, and I am thrilled for how much she has improved. Thank you all for your prayers.


And Saturday night, we celebrated Bert's 35th birthday! His birthday was actually Tuesday, and I decided that this year, he would have a proper birthday party before the little guy arrives.

The theme of the party was "Bert's Favorite Things" and we grilled chicken tenders, had several different kinds of chips and candy, Caesar salad, red velvet cake, Harry Connick Jr. on the radio and a giant Transformers balloon in the living room. Such a fun event, and we felt so blessed to have a house full to share in the occasion.

Such a fun weekend.

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posted by Anisa @ 10:50 PM | 1 comments


Monday, October 11, 2010

10.10.10

Olivia is one! Pictured above with my sister, Sara.


I love being Aunt Nisa! Olivia's dad, Tim, is in the background.


So nice to visit with my parents!


My main men - Daddy and Bert.


Bert and I traveled a couple of hours away yesterday afternoon for my niece, Olivia's, 1st birthday party! Sara thought of EVERYTHING! The party was a fall/princess theme with pink and orange. It was just beautiful. Sara made the most delicious soup, faux pigs-in-a-blanket (beef smokies), trail mix, spinach dip and pumpkin cake with cream cheese icing. She had caramel apples for everyone to take home too.

It was so much fun just being with family and celebrating!

And as a side note, there was much more hair drama after my last post. I ended up having to get 2 more inches chopped to make it look like a decent haircut. Two inches in the back that is (to get rid of my pseudo mullet). Three haircuts and five inches later, I will never let anyone besides Page (the best hairdresser ever) touch my hair. Sheesh. Thank goodness she fixed it.

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posted by Anisa @ 12:52 PM | 5 comments


Thursday, July 01, 2010

Happy Birthday, Sara!

Happy Birthday to my baby sister! Even thought she is 27 years old today, in my heart, she will always be 6 years old playing Barbie Swimming Pool with me.

Last night, Bert and I laughed for a good 15 minutes about one of Sara's original poems from elementary school. Here's our favorite part:

Blue, orange - what's the difference?
I think colors need a reference.

I love this.

Circa 1984...I love this picture of us.


I love you, Sara, and hope that you have a wonderful day! I will always be your big sister and I will always look out for you. Happy, happy birthday.


And us today...with her precious baby girl.

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posted by Anisa @ 2:17 PM | 2 comments


Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Happy 30th Birthday To ME!

So, here it is - I am officially 30, and according to friends, officially "legit"! I have had a wonderful birthday so far. Friday night, we went out with friends for pizza followed by 80's music and dancing downtown. It was wonderful! And then Sunday, I was able to celebrate with my parents, sister Sara, her hubby and my precious niece Olivia. We were also able to celebrate Father's Day (I love you, Daddy) and Sara's birthday. And today I have been greeted with gardenias from my assistant, more birthday cards and tons of messages of Facebook.

I feel loved.

When I think back from the decade spanning 20-29, I marvel at all the changes in my life. I earned bachelor's and master's degrees, got married and moved forth in my career. There were so many changes in my life. I am happy with the person I am today. It's one of the best birthday gifts I could have ever given myself: self-confidence. Not to mention I'm back down to my high school weight! How glad I am to be 30 rather than 20! :)

I am blessed. I am so grateful for my friends and family who have supported, loved and encouraged me. I would not be where I am today without the people in my life.

Special thanks to my mama...after all, she is the one who did all the work 30 years ago!

And below is a vintage throwback to my 2nd birthday:

Dear Two-Year Old Anisa,

Be proud of who you are and where you come from. Life will have its ups and downs, but you just keep moving forward. You will find love and happiness in your life. Thank God for all He gives you. Love deeply. Remember that family comes first. Be happy.

Love,
Thirty-Year Old Anisa

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posted by Anisa @ 10:03 AM | 3 comments


Monday, June 14, 2010

Two Tickets to Paradise

I'm going to Mexico!!!

That's right, folks, to celebrate my big 3-0, our 6th wedding anniversary and life in general, we are going to Playa Mujeres, Mexico. I.cannot.wait. I haven't been out of the country since I was 7 for my uncle's wedding in India, so this trip is long overdue. I got a grown-up passport and everything.

After searching the internet for MANY hours and talking to friends, we finally decided on our desired destination, a fabulous adults-only all-inclusive. In July, we will pack our bags for the Excellence Playa Mujeres.

I mean, look at it:


We shall swim, read, relax, eat and take a day trip to Chichen Itza to see the Mayan ruins - one of the new Seven Wonders of the World.


But, alas, with all this planning came one dreaded task: bathing suit shopping. I ordered a bunch from Newport News and J Crew, but not one fit right. Boo. And I have lost 12 pounds on Weight Watchers (!), so I want to not only feel fabulous, but look it too.

My latest purchase will be shipped tomorrow. I ordered the suit below in teal. Wish me luck!


Can't wait until Mexico. Or my birthday party Friday night. Or my birthday lunch with my parents Sunday. Or my actual birthday Tuesday. Or going to the lake for July 4th. Lots of fun things coming up...here's to 30!

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posted by Anisa @ 3:50 PM | 4 comments


Thursday, March 25, 2010

My Man Is 34


I have definitely been slacking on blogging! I have not been slacking at work, but I have been slacking at blogging, exercise and all those things that are oh-so-important! :)

Work is insane...I am sitting here waiting on a meeting to start that will last until 9pm. But, hey, I have a job - and I do enjoy it (all except for the ultra-long days!).

So what else is going on with me? Well, we celebrated Bert's 34th birthday March 22. We had friends over to watch March Madness during the weekend, and then on his actual birthday, we took a little day trip to Madison, GA - voted best small town in America. The town is SO CUTE. It was spared by Sherman's Army during the Civil War because of a Congressman from there that was on the side of the Union. So, the town is super cute and you can really imagine it way-back-when, but not in a cheesy way. We shopped, ate and spend the most wonderful day together. I swear I love that man more than I ever thought...and each year I love him that much more.

OK, you can all stop gagging now. :)

Seriously, though, life is good and I will try to do better. I miss the early days of blogging when I had time to WRITE and not just update. I'd like to get back to that. But, alas, I have a grown-up job, so I shall do the best I can.

One last thing - check out my friend Jennifer at JennySue Makeup. I love her makeup blog...lots of fun. Enjoy!

And breathe.

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posted by Anisa @ 6:04 PM | 1 comments


Monday, June 22, 2009

The Big 2-9


This is a close-up of the stunning flowers I received this morning from Mama and Daddy. What a great birthday already! And I enjoyed talking to my Daddy yesterday for Father's Day as well...love him so.

The weekend was all I could hope for - "Jersey Boys" was so much fun, and the Sundial a.k.a. Revolving Restaurant was delicious and provided an amazing 360 view of the Atlanta skyline. I have received gifts, cards, calls, texts and Facebook messages - each meaning so much to me. Also today, my assistant gave me the sweetest card and some stationery I really wanted. She and Bert had been in cahoots! :)

And tonight, I can't wait to open my surprises from Bert. And later, we'll eat Italian with friends.

I am loved. I am blessed. Welcome, 29. Just please don't go by too fast!

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posted by Anisa @ 11:55 AM | 2 comments


Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Birthday Buildup


On Monday, June 22, I shall celebrate the last birthday in my 20s. That is such a crazy thought. Right now, I am in the giddy pre-birthday phase because I am so looking forward to this weekend. That's right - Bert and I are going to see "Jersey Boys" at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta on Saturday night. I can't wait! I have high hopes because I really like the music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons...I think it'll be a lot of fun. And pre-dinner, we're going to the Sundial Restaurant, a.k.a. what my little cousin and I used to call the Revolving Restaurant. I am excited to enjoy a fabulous meal high above the Atlanta skyline.

And, well, I've seen a few boxes on our front steps, so I have a feeling I'll be getting some birthday loot Monday as well. This is already shaping up to be a mighty fine birthday.

I'm trying to savor all the moments of anticipation, like deciding what to wear (check!). I know it'll be lots of fun, but I also have learned in my nearly 29 years to enjoy each moment as it comes, as planning and preparing for something fun is as much a part of the experience as the actual event. And I don't want to miss a minute of it.

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posted by Anisa @ 11:23 AM | 1 comments


Monday, March 24, 2008

Bert's Birthday Weekend

It was Bert's birthday on Saturday and we had a fun weekend together! I hosted a Happy Hour for him on Friday evening and we spent a fun day together Saturday. That night, we went to one of our favorite places -- Dave and Buster's! Some pics are below...


Bert makes fun of the un-manliness of Petit Fours, but is not ashamed at his love for them. I ordered a bunch for the Happy Hour. Big success!


Fun times with good friends! See Bert's good friend Bobby in the background really inspecting all the tiny layers in a Petit Four.


At Dave and Buster's! We love this place.


Bert won tons of tokens and got me some fabulous Hello Kitty earrings.

I love you, Bert! I look forward to celebrating many more of life's special occasions with you!

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posted by Anisa @ 10:35 AM | 4 comments


Friday, June 22, 2007

Happy Birthday to Me!




I sang karaoke for the first time in my life Wednesday night. It was on my life to-do list, and so today I can be a 27 year old who has sang karaoke. Two of my co-workers and close friends (Kathleen and Misha) are both leaving today. We went out to celebrate our friendship...oh how I will miss them!

Today is a good day. I have a lot of love in my life. I am blessed with family and friends that are such positive influences and make me a better person each and every day.

Here's to a fantastic year!

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posted by Anisa @ 9:24 AM | 6 comments


Friday, May 04, 2007

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday to the best Mama in the world. Love you so.

On this day, 40-some odd years ago (I would never tell her age :)), a giant 16-pound baby was born to a tiny little Indian woman in a small village halfway around the world. That giant baby would grow up to be a brilliant professor and fabulous mother. And she would barely gain 100 poounds over the course of her life.

That would be you, beautiful Mama. I wish you only good things on your birthday, this year and always.

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posted by Anisa @ 9:57 AM | 6 comments