The Story of Coke

Want to know a little bit more about Seth and me? Well, it’s your lucky day! Rumor has it that some of my readers want to know the story behind Coke in a glass bottle. So, because I am in-love with writing this blog, I will be glad to tell you the story.

So, grab a Coke, and enjoy.

You know how some couples have “a song” that “describes their relationship so much”? Well, this is not Seth and me. At all. In fact, I have joked before and said that “our song” is “Not Meant to Be” by Theory of a Deadman. (“It’s like one step forward, and two steps back… no matter what I do you’re always mad...”) Before you start gasping and wondering how I can be so mean, I am only joking.Obviously. But instead of a song, Seth and I consider Coke in a glass bottle to be our “thing” (whatever a “thing” may be). Why? I wish I knew exactly. It just kind of evolved after a series of events.

Oh… and it was due to a song. Go figure.

If you know and love Seth like we all do, then you know that he is a country music fan. Like the knee slappin’, teeth pickin’, yee-hawin’ kind of music. Am I a fan? Not so much. To be honest, I cringe when I hear it. However, being Seth’s girlfriend (fiancé… I guess),I hear this kind of music by default. A couple of years ago, Seth’s favorite songs was “Welcome to the Farm”by Luke Bryan. One of the lines in that song includes: “How’d like that Coke from a green glass bottle?... It’s colder than that plastic stuff.” 

Well, Seth and I would always playfully argue about thisline. I would say that Coke in a glass bottle is NOT a country thing; instead it’s more of a 1950s thing. I mean, how often do you see country people walking around with a glass bottle? They use the plastic Coke bottles to spit their dip in—duh. Well, Seth and I would go back and forth on this one particular line in the song. Because of the controversy, Coke in a glass bottle because some sort of an inside joke between the two of us.

Then the joke proceeded from a thought to a reality.

Seth was the first to initiate the Cokes into our relationship. He sees a six pack of those glass bottles at the store and buys them for me as a “joke”. From that moment on, we have glass bottle Cokes often. Like I said, it’s our “thing”. We went from having a coke as a “treat” to spending summers drinking them on the back of a tailgate. We would even ride the 4-wheeler down to Perry’s Store (may it R.I.P.) to get a drink. When we came to Athens for school, we discovered the joys of a Sam’s Club card. With this, we would buy glass bottle Cokes by the bulk. We would even expand our Coke repertoire to include the Mexican Cokes, which their bottle was a little cooler than ours.

However, there are certain “rules” you must follow if youdrink a Coke with Seth and Elizabeth:

First, you MUST save the bottle top. We have a collection going of all the Coke tops we have had

together. He has a (huge) Mason jar containing these bottle tops that we will keep adding to. You may be asking, “what do you plan on doing with these tops?” I don’t know. It just looks cool.

Second, you MUST NOT open your own Coke. If you are drinking with a partner, you should always have him open it for you, and you open his. There is no reason behind this. It’s just a rule.

Third, you MUST get the special addition Cokes that they have out during the different seasons. For instance, this past Christmas, they had a really cool glass bottle design. And did we buy a 6-pack? Why yes, we did.

Well, that’s the story of Coke. And we owe it all to Luke Bryan. 

The Men of December 15

I would like everyone to take note of the sweet fiance (still sounding strange) that I have. He was willing to write a little bio about each of his groomsmen. So, the next time that you see him, please give him a big hug of gratitude. However, I will go ahead and say that I am not responsible for what is said below! But I do think the world of each of these "men." I consider them to be friends/family of my own, and I am thrilled beyond measure to have them beside US on December 15th. Now, I turn my blog over to Seth.... temporarily. 

Seth: When Elizabeth asked me to write a bio of all of my groomsmen, surprisingly, I was excited. Each one of these guys mean the world to me, so it was easy to say something nice about them. Like Liz said, picking the wedding party has been very challenging. I wish I could have ten more guys, but we need an audience at the wedding too! 

Jesse Peavy

        I could not imagine anybody being my Best Man other than my dad. My dad is a caring man whodefinitely has a heart for kids. He is constantly playing with children and attempting to mimic Donald Duck. I have learned everything I know about hunting from my dad. We have spent countless hours in the woods chasing down whitetaildeer, in a peanut field trying to reach our limit of doves, or listening for a longbeard’s gobble in planted pines. I have learned much more than justmeaningless hunting tactics from my dad though. He is always willing to help methrough my difficult times in life. I am so thankful and extremely blessed tohave my dad stand at the altar with me in December.

Paul Turner

        I don’t evenknow where to begin with Paul! Paul crossed the Ocmulgee River to live inCochran when we were 11 years old. He just happened to move right down the road from me. From that time on, I was so excited to wake up on Saturday mornings toride my bike to the Turner’s house. Paul and I played many football games andshot many bottle rockets off in his yard. Paul has proved to be a great friendwho I can always call if I need someone to talk to. Paul currently lives inAthens and is attending Gainesville State College in Watkinsville, Ga.

Stephen Tyus

        Friend orFamily? Well… it’s complicated. Come December 15^th he will be both. Stephen is a 4^th year Agricultural Engineering student, just like me, so Ihave to spend a lot of time with him. Although I knew Stephen before his comingto UGA, it has been a blessing to get to become friends with him. Everyone whomeets Stephen knows that he is a joy to be around. I talk to him nearly everyday on the phone with topics ranging from Steel Building Design to in depththeology. Stephen will graduate from UGA in December 2012.

Tyler Allen

        My motheralways worried when I went to the Allen’s house as a youngster. From ridinganything with a motor to catching mediocre largemouth bass, I have done it allwith Tyler. For some reason, every time that I have broken a bone, Tyler hasbeen present.  We met at age 5 at FBC ofCochran’s playschool and have been great friends ever since. I know that I canalways count on Tyler to have my back through the thick and thin. Tyler and Ihave been roommates for the past two years. Tyler is currently a senior at UGAstudying Forestry. He will graduate in May 2012.

Clay Oliver

        When I got thecall to come to the principal’s office in 6^th grade, I could notimagine what I had done wrong. I never thought that a tall skinny boy would besitting awaiting my arrival. That is the day that I made a great new friendnamed Clay Oliver. When my family moved to the country, I soon learned everyinch of the dirt roads between mine and Clay’s house. I always loved going toClay’s house because only God knew what the boys were going to do. Fromshooting a goose with my Ruger 10/22, to being head to toe covered in mud, Ihave enjoyed all my time with Clay. He is a great friend that I know I can callif I ever need a bowl off of the top shelf. Clay and I have been roommates inAthens for the past two years. Clay is studying Biological Science and willgraduate in May 2012.

Philip Peavy

        As one canguess by the last name, Philip is a cousin of mine. Although he is a yearyounger than me, I have known him practically my whole life. Literally. I sawPhilip at the occasional family events, but I also got more opportunities tohang out with him when we both came to UGA. Philip knows almost everyone on campusand never meets a stranger. He seems to be involved in 20 different things atonce and is very busy! After much contemplation, he decided to major in MiddleGrades Education and will graduate next May. It’s good to have another Peavywith me on December 15.

Jim Loughridge

        I met Jim whenhe signed up for my small group Bible study last year. I knew that Jim would bea trustworthy friend from the beginning. Gemini (Jim and I) have served as CAESAmbassadors together, and has fit right in with the “boys of Cochran.” In fact,he has lived with us this past year, and we have gotten into more mischief thatever! From building/shooting a 9 foot potato gun, to camping in sub-freezingtemperatures, Jim is a lot of fun to be around. I am very blessed to have gottento know Jim and look forward to him being with me in December. He is from Chatsworth,GA and attends UGA, double majoring in Agribusiness and Poultry Science.

Blake Duck

        Blake and I arevery, very, very, much alike. I met Blake just a year ago in one of my classes,but I feel like I have known him 10. Blake is an Agricultural Engineeringstudent just like Stephen and me. According to one of our professors, we are“The Three Stooges”. I have spent many hours with Blake in DriftmierEngineering Center, but our friendship is not confined to Driftmier. I eatlunch with Blake more than I do with Elizabeth and have even shot a few duckswith him by his home in Jackson County. Blake is a great friend that I amblessed to have standing beside me in December. Blake will graduate from UGAin December 2012. 

The Women of December 15

Welcome to one of the hardest, yet most exciting, wedding decisions that I have made so far: picking the people who I want to be beside me on December 15. I have decided to pick 8 of my closest family and friends, although I could have easily, easily, picked 28!! The following girls mean the world to me. Each has her own separate place in my heart and is someone who I can't imagine being without on my wedding day. I have already asked each of these girls, and they all accept the challenge. I'm glad that have 10 months of planning to do with these special people!

Seth is currently in the process of asking his groomsmen, so be on the lookout for a post regarding the "men"  who will be accompanying him. Hopefully, with much convincing, he will write a short bio about his groomsmen too.... we will see. But for now, here are my bridesmaids! 

Emily Tyus

        I can’t think of a more appropriate title for Emily than “Maid of Honor.” Although she is a couple of years younger than me, I aspire to be like her one day. It’s not often that you have a sister who takes brownies to the nursing home and homemade dog treats by the humane society.  Talk about “outshining” someone! But, I’m one of the lucky ones to have a sister like that. I am so thankful to have her! Emily is currently a senior in high school and will be attending UGA in the fall. I cannot wait to have her up here with me as I finish planning this party, or better known as, my wedding.

Lindsay Peavy

        I consider Lindsay to be my 2^nd sister. If you read mine and Seth’s story, then you know that Lindsay has been a part of my life for a long time now! And I guess neither one of us is going anywhere now. Lindsay is one the best friends that I have. She is so considerate of others and is one of the nicest people you will meet. I am so lucky to have her as a friend AND a sister (in-law). Lindsay is finishing up her 2^nd year at UGA, and will attend the medical college in Athens next year for nursing school. By the way, she is the one who planned my awesome surprise engagement party! So, I am looking forward to see what kind of ideas she has for the wedding!

Meredith Bryant

        We go back. Way back. From having matching lunchboxes in elementary school, Meredith and I haven’t been far from each other’s side. I consider her my life-consultant as she has the best advice and is the best listener I know. I am lucky enough to have lived with her for 2 years now. There is nothing better in the world than living with your best friend because who else can you eat Reese Eggs and share a vanilla Coke? Meredith is at UGA majoring in Middle Grades Education. She will finish up her degree within the next year. In case you are wondering, she has another secret talent of floral design. So I will go ahead and attribute the attractiveness of my wedding flowers to her.

Rachel Rye

        I consider Rachel and I to be the same person. We both have strict Type A personalities, which causes us to get along extremely well. I met Rachel a couple years ago as we were enrolled in the same class. Lucky for me, she was majoring in the same thing I was. Little did we know that we would be spending every waking moment together over the course of the next 2 years (thanks to our major). Rachel is such a funny person whom I love to be around. She is so easy to talk to, and because of this, she has become one of my best friends. Rachel is graduating in May, right beside me. She is also engaged and will be getting married in June. It makes my heart happy that we will be there for each other on our wedding days.

Shelby McLeod

        It’s not often that you have a cousin who is Miss University of Georgia. But since when am I normal and have boring family members? Shelby has a personality that can’t help but grab your attention when she walks in a room. I consider her to be one of the prettiest, stylish, and most musically talented people I know. Yes, I feel pretty special to be related to her. If you have ever been around Shelby for more than a minute, then you know that she is absolutely hysterical. When I need a good laugh or an uplifting friend, Shelby will never disappoint! This is her 3^rd year at UGA, and I love how we have gotten to see each other more since we have both been in college. I am so glad she agreed to stand beside me on my wedding day.

Rebecca McCorkle

        Friend or family? Rebecca is technically Seth’s cousin, but I consider her to be a friend of mine first! She is such a great person to talk to about life. She is an extremely good listener, and she has always made me feel so good! Rebecca is so funny, and I have found that time flies when we get together to talk. I am so lucky that Seth’s family has been so welcoming and friendly to me. She is about to finish up her first year in the Veterinary Technician program in Athens. Since she is special to both Seth and me, I am going to have a hard time deciding whether to label her as “Cousin of the Groom” or “Friend of the Bride.”

Amanda Allen

        There aren’t many people that you were friends with in high school that you still talk to in college. I guess I can consider myself lucky then. Amanda and I have grown a friendship together since freshmen year as we were Dazzlers together. There is something about being on a dance-line four years that unites people. Luckily, Amanda decided to come to UGA, starting this past year. It has been an absolute blast living so close to her and having weekly supper dates! If you ever need a good friend, you can count on Amanda. She is a junior at UGA majoring in Child and Family Development. Once again, I am thankful to have so many friends, especially Amanda, with me on December 15.

Holly Long

        I am so blessed to be close to several of my friends from high school; Holly being yet another.  We spent a lot of time together in high school, especially since we were both Dazzlers. Holly is such a good friend, whose sense of style I admire so much! I love hanging out with her, which is good since I see her almost every day! This is her first year in Athens, and it has done nothing but strengthen our relationship. As with all of my bridesmaids, I consider her to be one of my closest friends, whom I could not imagine being without on my wedding day. She attends UGA and is majoring in Psychology. I am looking forward to having her stylish opinion throughout this wedding process. I can’t be any more thankful for the blessing of good friends.

The 50 Yard Line

There comes a point in most girls' lives when they envision a man, kneeling in front of them, with a beautiful diamond just waiting to be worn. For some, this day comes a couple of months or years after a first date with "the one." For others, it doesn't occur until 6 years down the road. Well, I happen to fall into the latter-- the 6 years+ category. But looking back, I'm glad it wasn't a day sooner (or a day later)! I earnestly believe that the long dating years Seth and I had, will do nothing but strengthen our marriage and life together. But before I get to the life planning part of marriage, I guess people are interested in the juicy details of the proposal.

Here goes...

On Sunday, January 29, Seth and I were having a seemingly normal day in Athens. I met him earlier in the morning and went to church. The service was focused on the importance of remaining in a constant state of prayer. How appropriate, considering the life changing decisions that were on the horizon. Anyway, for lunch, the two of us went and grabbed a hearty, healthy, and delicious meal at none other than, Zaxby's. Normal. Predictable. Shortly after lunch, I met up with my good friend, Rachel, to accompany her to the Georgia Bridal Show at the Classic Center.

Foreshadowing at its best.

Being a normal, hopeless romantic, I dove in head first at the bridal show. I went in wide-eyed and overwhelmed at all of the options, ideas, decorations, cakes, flowers, dresses, and invitations that were on display. But of course, this trip wasn't for me. Not yet anyway. After walking around to the different vendors and taste-testing several different kinds of cake, we left the Classic Center and headed back home. Little did I know, I would never make it back to my apartment with the title of "girlfriend" that I have become accustom to. On the way "back home," Rachel made the decision to take her mom by Menchies to get some frozen yogurt. To quote my dear friend, "Elizabeth, do you mind? It will only take a second." Well of course I would never object to frozen yogurt, so I agreed. As we were "missing our turn" and "turning around in Chick-Fil-A's parking lot," I saw Seth's sister, Lindsay, getting out of her car and heading our way.

If you are confused with what's happening, welcome to my world.

Sweet little Lindsay told this (false) story about how her sorority was doing this challenge to do something special for someone who has had a rough week. And trust me, after a week like mine, I was a great candidate for this "challenge." After being blindfolded by her scarf, I was taken on a 10 minute drive to an unknown place. Once parked, I was carefully led across a long stretch of asphalt; then onto some grass, thinking I was now in a field of some sort. Little did I know, I was: a football field. I was then instructed by Lindsay to "turn this way" or "no that way" and "just a little bit more." She left my side only to have my blindfold removed by Seth. As if I didn't need a bigger hint, I was 99% sure I knew what was going to be happening in the next few minutes.

What better place to open your eyes than in Sanford Stadium.

Yep. It was Seth and me standing on the 50 yard line, between the hedges. He told this sweet story about why this place was special to the two of us. To be honest, I was so surprised, that I'm not sure I remember what exactly was said. But regardless, this led him to the decision that it was an appropriate place to ask "Will you marry me?" If you are reading this, then you know that my answer was a resounding, yes. I only got a few minutes to soak in my new Tacori solitaire surrounded by a weave-like design of smaller diamonds that all came together to form my perfect ring. I was soon whisked away to UGA's Georgia Center where my family and friends were waiting to offer their congratulations. It was so special to have people there to celebrate (and talk me through) what just happened. We all enjoyed some food and Seth's and my favorite, Coke in a glass bottle. It was such a special day, that it will take a lot to top it. Even a wedding-- but I am up for the challenge!

He did good. 6 years was well worth the wait!