What Really Matters.......

It has been awhile since Tiff has updated her blog so I am taking it upon myself to write about something that
has truly touched Tiffany and myself.  While browsing the Internet a few weeks back I came across a story that was heartbreaking as well as heart warming.  I think it hit close to home with us because we could relate so much with this story that I had come across.  I will spare you the details however in short it is basically about a couple, Jimmy & Jamie Moore, who were married June 11th 2011 (same day as our wedding) and are having to dealwith a life changing situation.  There are several similarities with this couple and with Tiff and myself, almost a frightening amount. We were both married on June 11th, 2011, both from South Carolina, both have had a recent and a major challenge dealing with a spinal cord injury, both have spent time at Shepherd Center in Atlanta (Spinal Cord Rehabilitation Hospital), and both on the same hospital floor while at Shepherd Center which in turn we shared the same nurses, doctors, etc.  We were at Shepherd from August 2010 to late September 2010 and Jimmy started there in August 2011 and they are currently still there.  Jimmy was in a severe car accident in the upstate of South Carolina this year while working for a local news station in Greenville, SC.  During the accident Jimmy suffered a spinal cord injury which forced Jimmy to undergo several operations in the hospital and to spend time at the Shepherd Center for rehab.  In reading Jimmy's story that I just happened to come across it made me think a little. I found myself almost obsessed with their story and what they are having to endure.  I sat there that night reading every journal update on their caring bridge website (http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/jimmymoore1)
and often times going back and re-reading the updates and breaking down.  This couple had just begun their life journey together and now they are having to deal with a terrible hand that they were dealt.  I found myself almost feeling guilty for "thinking" I had problems and complaints about what was going on in my life and our littleday to day troubles like getting up going to work, sitting in traffic, having to work so much, etc.  It made me think our little day to day troubles are nothing, they are little mis-haps that we should not worry about and shouldnot spend time complaining about because there are people out there that are really dealing with bad situations and having to go through a hell of alot more than you and me.  It made me think how much time we all waist worrying about things that are so un-important. "How am I going to get all this work done?", "When will I be able to get myself a new car?", "when am I going to get that big raise at work?", "How am I going to be able to afford the new I Phone so I fit in with my friends?" All of this is not important and all of this we all spend time worrying about and complaining and trying to "achieve" a certain status in society.  I almost get mad just thinking about this and that I have been apart of the same culture that thought this way for so long.  It is sad that a situation like Jimmy's had to slap me in the face to get me to realize all of this is so un-important and really does not matter. What really matters is helping people that are going through real challenges and are having to deal with real problems.  Most of you like myself have a pretty easy life and when it comes down to it really don't have huge obstacles in our life that we have to deal with, we are very fortunate.  We should be happy about this and not complaining and troubled over day to day non-sense that really does not matter.  I know after reading Jimmy & Jamie's story I have found myself wanting to help more people who are really in need and wanting to encourage people who really have obstacles to over-come.  I encourage you to visit Jimmy's sites and read his story about what they are having to go through and the challenges that Jimmy and Jamie have to endure.  It really is a life changing not only for them but also for me, no longer will I worry about those deadlines at work, about trying to have that nice car because we need to fit in with friends, neighbors, etc., and about all of that non-sense.  I am more encouraged to help people who are really in need and help people who really have challenges to endure.

Another observation that struck me when reading Jimmy's story is how luck Jimmy and myself are to have a loving wife who never wavered when faced with adversity.  Solid as a rock.


http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/jimmymoore1


http://www.facebook.com/#!/jimmymoorefund

Wheeling in New Directions!

Yesterday we attended the WIND (Wheeling in New Directions) conference that is sponsored by the South Carolina Spinal Cord Injury Association ( http://www.scspinalcord.org/ ) in Columbia.  We enjoyed seeing some of our friends from Shepherd Center Rehabilitation Hospital there as well!  The absolute highlight of our day was having the chance to meet Cody Unser!  She is the founder of the Cody Unser First Step Foundation ( http://www.cufsf.org/ )  Like Michael, she was diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis and paralyzed at the age of 12.  She has truly been an inspiration to us over the past year.  We have continuously followed her foundation and her progress.  She is basically TM's advocate who is truly motivated to find a cure.  Cody has spent countless hours on capital hill lobbying for funding to keep TM in the forefront.  She and Michael talked about racing as well (she is the daughter of Al Unser, Jr.)!  We had a great day, and really enjoyed the inspirational speakers! 



Michael and Cody



Gamecock Football

We kicked off the South Carolina Gamecock football season with a party at our house yesterday!  Some of our closest friends came to celebrate the season...Adam & Laura, Melissa & Travis, Chad & Kaitlin, and Crystal!  We began the party with a cookout that consisted of grilled chicken, hot dogs, brats, beans, pasta salad, macaroni & cheese, ranch dip, chips & salsa, and the famous buffalo chicken dip!  After much anxiety during the first quarter, we began playing Catch Phrase during commercials and half-time!  Needless to say, the women (ONCE AGAIN!) beat the men...hands down!  Thank goodness Carolina decided to play the rest of the game, and we won!  This time last year, we were watching football from the hospital room and preparring for our journey to the Shepherd Center in Atlanta...it is crazy thinking back to those days.  We have come so far as a couple, and we are so fortunate to have the opportunity to host gatherings at our house with some of our dearest friends!  We can't wait for the next one!!! 

BTW Did Clemson play yesterday?  Who cares!!!!!!!



Crystal & Tiff



Chad, Kaitlyn, & Crystal



Adam & Laura




Travis & Melissa





Michael & Tiff



Home Sweet Home!

We finally made it home last night around 10:00pm.  It seemed as if it took so much longer to get home than it did to get there.  We are both exhausted and looking forward to some rest and relaxation.  We had a blast and we are looking forward to visiting the Big Apple again sometime.  You hear alot of talk about how rude the people are and how different it is to the South.  From our experience this is not 100% true.  Overall the people were very nice however there is always a few you run into that are rude and obnoxious.  Rude....No, in a hurry....YES!  These people act as if there is something on fire.  They walk extremely fast, drive extremely fast, talk fast, and completely ignore traffic laws.  If you step out into the street you best be ready to dodge cars.  You also hear alot about how dirty NYC is.  It is just like every other city, some parts of the city are clean and pretty and there are other parts that are down right disgusting.  China Town is one of those disgusting places.  If you have been there before you know exactly what I am talking about.  China Town is a very busy part of NYC and has some very dedicated "salesmen" there.  It is very interesting to see these people work, they are at it all day long.  "You want Coach?, You want Rolex?, How about Versace?, come with me down this alley."  Scary place.  This was an amazing trip for us and we definitely recommend everyone should visit there at least once in their lifetime. Would I go back? Yes.  Would I live there?  Never!!

The craziness of Times Square

NYC skyline at sunset.

Our Last Full Day in the Big City!

Well...today was our last full day in NYC!  We woke up REALLY early...5:15 I believe...to go stand outside at the Today Show.  We took our sign that we made that said "Newlyweds from South Carolina...Michael and Tiffany Nicholson!"  When we got there, we were taken to the front row/behind the scenes.  Several security guards from the show came over and talked to us, and even gave us a copy of the actual script for today's show.  We were able to tell exactly what was going to happen minute by minute, and this allowed us to be ready for the live camera shots.  Ann Curry came over and introduced herself and took a picture with us.  We were told that Jim Carrey wasn't going to come outside, but then he did!  He was nice enough to take a picture with us also!  I believe several people from home saw us, and said that we were on tv a couple of times!  We are so excited to get home and see ourselves on tv!  After the show, we went on a NYC sightseeing bus tour of the downtown area.  We saw Ground Zero, the Empire State building, Wall Street, and Chinatown.  I must say that Chinatown was an experience...any of you that have been there know exactly what I mean!  Needless to say...we did some "shopping" in Chinatown...one of the things I told Michael we HAD to save money for!!!!  We also went through SoHo which is the area that the Kardashians have their store Dash, but we didn't see the actual store.  The tour continued down 5th Avenue and Central Park before it dropped us back at our hotel.  After our bus tour, we were so exhausted that we came back to nap for a while before going to dinner.  We ate dinner at the famous Famiglia Pizzeria...the "Official Pizza of The New York Yankees!"  Of course...Michael ate spaghetti...I think he was having withdrawals.  We are coming home tomorrow, but before we leave...we have a concert to attend!  The security guards at the Today Show invited us back tomorrow morning to see Kenny Chesney's concert...AND...they are going to put us right beside the stage!!!!!  Look for us in the morning...we will have our sign again! 


Our sign at the Today Show



Ann Curry from the Today Show

Jim Carrey



Wall Street in the Financial  Distirct



Rockafeller Plaza

Just a Typical Day in NYC!

Well, our third day in NYC was very exciting.  We started off the morning at Live with Regis & Kelly show.  Very exciting experience as to how the show operates and the "behind the scenes" action.  The set is much smaller in person and alot goes into making the show work, espically when it is live.  Ryan Reynolds and Larry the Cable Guy were on the show.  We were seated in the first row so we got to chit chat with Regis during commercial breaks and even got a picture with him.   According to friends back home we were shown on TV a few times.  After Live we made our way down to Fifth Ave. to do a little shopping, or look around rather.  This is where all of the expensive and exclusive stores are located.  From Tiffany's, Macy's, Luis Vuitton, Rolex, etc.  Needless to say we did not purchase anything however it was a good experience just to walk around in those stores.  After Fifth Ave. we got a quick bite to eat and headed down  to the Hudson River to take a sunset cruise of the NY coastline and the Statue of Liberty.  This was very cool to see every part of the town's coastline.  The boat took us by the Statue of Liberty so we were able to get some good photos of her as well as the NY skyline lite up.  After all of this we are dead tired and called it a night.  We were up today at 5:30am to catch the Today Show with Matt Lauer.  We will blog more about the Today show and our 4th day in NYC later.

Regis & I

Larry the Cable Guy

Behind the scenes of Live!

Shopping at Tiffany & Co,

Statue Of Liberty

NYC skyline from our cruise

Our First Full Day in NYC!

Today was our first full day in the big city!  We started out our day with breakfast at the hotel, and then we took a stroll down Broadway.  We were fascinated by all of the buildings and views!  While we were waiting to go into the Late Show with David Letterman, we stopped and had lunch at Ellen's Stardust Diner.  We got to sit outside and "people watch" while we ate.  Then we headed to the Late Show at the Ed Sullivan Theatre.  You wouldn't believe the line of people waiting to get in there!  We were moved to the front of the line since we were on "Lisa's Gold List" from when I won the tickets, so we got to see first hand the Spiderman stunt show that was being recorded for the show!  We were also the first ones to be seated inside the theater.  It was amazing to be inside the theater and see all of the people and technology that makes the show!  David Letterman was exactly the same in person as he is on television.  The guests were Ryan Reynolds, the cast of "Anything Goes," and a chef from NY.  We enjoyed listening to Paul Shaffer and the CBS Orchestra during commercial breaks too.  The episode will be shown tonight at 11:30pm  It started raining right before dinner, so we went across the street  from the hotel and had pizza from the Famous Amadeus Pizza!  We will be up early in the morning to go to Live with Regis and Kelly!  Show will be of course live so check us out at 9am.



Famous Late Show Sign



Lunch at Ellen's Stardust Diner in Times Square

Spider Man on fire!! Taped for a portin of tonights Late Show.

On Broadway

What are these people thinking with these water ski's for shoes?!  New Yorkers.......and they say this is the mecca of fashion,,,,,,??

Waiting to go in.

The Nicholson's Take New York!! (sort of)

Well we have arrived in the Big Apple!  I have many impressions of my very first day in NYC.  Choatic, crazy, busy, dirty, hectic, breath taking just to name a few.  We have always heard how busy NYC is however words cannot explain rush hour in Times Square.  We literally sat back in awe.  Bicycles flying by at 30 mph weaving in and out of traffic, taxis completely ignoring walking lanes and speed limits, pedestrians playing dodge ball with taxis, people walking as if they are in a walking race.  It really has not all set in yet......This place is nuts!!!  We arrived a little after 6pm and have basically been people watching since.  We could literally set up shop on the sidewalk and just watch the crazies all day long.  You name a nationality and its here.  We finally took a break from people watching in Times Square to grab a bite to eat at Gossip Irish Pub & Grill.  Really good 3 cheese ravioli with spicy grilled shrimp.  Tomorrow we will be at The Late Show with David Letterman at 3pm for tomorrow nights show.  Who knows?....you might catch us on TV!

Almost there!

View out of our window

Complete Chaos!

In Times Square

It's Official!!

Well, in case you have not heard the good news......I am now Mrs. Nicholson.  Michael & I were married yesterday at 6pm in my home town of Woodruff, South Carolina.  Everything went great and it was nothing short of beautiful.  We could not be more blessed to have such great family and friends to share this day with.  Every person at the wedding has supported us in some form or fashion during our relationship.  As you know our relationship has been tested in the past few months however we are stronger now than we have ever been.  We truly appreciate all of our family and friends and all they have done for us.   Tomorrow morning we are off to NYC for our honeymoon. We have quite a bit planned to keep us busy.  Tuesday afternoon we will be attending the David Letterman show, Wednesday morning we will be at Live with Regis & Kelly, and Thursday we are planning on attending the Today Show with Matt Lauer.  Any advice or suggestions......?   We are very excited and we will keep our blog updated as much as possible.

"Love is what you've been through with somebody."
James Thurber

On the dance floor!

The Bride

My beautiful bridesmaids

Tiff's First Deer Hunt

Absouletly not!  Those were the two words that came out of my mouth when Michael asked me to go deer hunting with him last month.  I had never been deer hunting in my life, and I wasnt going now....or so I thought!  Michael had been several times over the past few months but did not see anything big enough to shoot.  He thought I might be the "lucky charm" he was hoping for.  I had several things running through my mind.  What would I wear? Could I talk? Could I bring my phone? How long did I have to sit still? I was not sure about all of this.  I finally agreed after much discussion and hesitation.  We packed up one afternoon and made off to McBee, SC.  Michael's step-dad was nice enough to set up several ground blinds so it would be easy for Michael to get in and out of.  We arrived at one of the blinds that afternoon about 3:30pm.  Not long after we arrived, sure enough, several does stepped out.  After watching them eat corn, I was amazed!  We silently watched them for about thirty minutes.  I took out the camera and began filming my first hunting experience.  Finally, Michael reached for the gun, and I began to get nervous!  As he whispered to me which one he was going to shoot, I whispered back "got it."  I did a really good job of filming until he pulled the trigger and I about messed my pants!  Needless to say, the video ended up really shaky when he fired!  He shot a doe that weighed about 130 pounds, so that he could feed us!  If I do say so myself, I did a fantastic job being quiet and still.  I was shocked to realize that I actually enjoyed myself during this hunting trip!  I look forward to going back with him soon...who knows...maybe one day I will shoot one myself!


My first deer hunt!



Engagement Party / Christmas Shower

On December 4, 2010, our dear friend Lynsay Shumpert was nice enough to throw us an engagement party with "Christmas flair."  We had been engaged for 6 months but never had a formal party to celebrate it.  Lynsay thought it would be perfect to celebrate our big news and incorporate Christmas at the same time.  Both of our families and our entire wedding party enjoyed celebrating with us at our home.  As it turns out, this was the same day that the Gamecocks were playing in the SEC Championship so to say it would be a party would be an understatement.  The Gamecocks did not do so well however the party was a blast.  We started around 4:00pm and did not run everyone off until about 1:00am.  We began the party right before kickoff with food and drinks for everyone!  Toward the end of the football game, we opened our Christmas shower gifts with everyone surrounding us.  Lynsay and Crystal gave beautiful toasts to celebrate our love for one another.  We don't think there was a dry eye in the house!  After opening our gifts, we mingled with everyone and shared stories of our relationship - from the day we met until now.  Everyone that attended our party is very special to us, and have been right by our sides from the very first day.  We truly appreciated spending this time with family and friends! 

Friends & Family

Dinner Spread

Danielle (Sister of the Bride & Maid of Honor) with the Bride and Groom

The Beginning

We are excited to begin sharring our new life with friends and family.  As you all know, we are planning our most memorable day yet - our wedding day on June 11, 2011!  We look forward to sharing other news in our lives such as events, updates on the wedding, book reviews, health, and family.  We will be updating our blog on a regular basis to share our experiences with you.  Thanks for following us on this amazing journey!