Feb Photos

Can you believe it is already the last day of JANUARY?!?
Can you believe it is like 60 degrees outside? 
Jeeze...me neither.

I hope everyone had a happy first month of the new year, mine was pretty darn good.  But moving forward, I  have decided I am going to participate in the Feb. Photo Challenge.  I am going to take a picture everyday in Feb and post them here!  So stay tuned! 


Via



blogs.

{{WORDY POST AHEAD!}}

I read a lot of blogs.  It is how I get through my day at work that happens to be filled with hours of mindless tasks and calls - so I read blogs in the mean time.

My favorite blogs to read are; Rockstar Diaries, Summer Wind, Kelly's Korner, Kappa Prep, A Day In The Life, College Prep, and Elefantitas Alegres My Life....just not on the road I expected (below) 
Just to name a few.  My Google Reader is over loaded with blogs to read everyday.

So today on my daily blog check I stumbled upon this and I totally agree with her.  Reading blogs can really make one feel bad....especially some of the above, while I love reading their blogs I do not have a closet full of designer brands.  I don't wear Lilly.  My parent's do not have a lake house or a yacht.  I do not play piano or eat fancy foods.  That is why for a while I was trying to blog about what I do eat and what I do wear.  One can still look fabulous while wearing Old Navy, Target, Kohl's, etc...  It's not all about a dress that costs $950 and you will probably only wear it once (even though I really really really wish it were).  I don't go out every night or weekend for that matter and if I do go out and nice dinner at Chili's or O'Charley's is good for me.  I don't take very good picturesor many pictures and I don't really have rockin' play lists on my iPhone/pod. I hate to proof read therefore my posts are always filled with typo's. I do not have a million girlfriends and we don't take girl vacations to NYC or the Hampton's.  I am not nearly as religious as some of these ladies, nor do I do as much charity work.
BUT this is my blog and this is my life.  The thing that I love most about this blog is that it's mine.  It's my place to write little thoughts and experiences. I love my life and I wouldn't trade it for a whole heck of a lot.
What I am is lucky.  I live with the most amazing guy in the whole world.  Our romance is no fairy tale, but it's our romance.  We sit on the couch, avoid chores, get in stupid fights and tickle fights. 

I just wanted to say that. I agree with Karen, this blog is not supposed to bring anyone down or make them feel inadequate.  Hell not many people even read this.  More or less it's just my place to get away for a minute.  I work with guys, I live with guy and don't have many girl friends.  So it's nice to read these blogs and feel like these women are my friends....and girls always compare themselves to their friends.  But this year, it's my resolution to stop.  I am who I am and that is that.
So read Karen's words if you are interested.

by Karen Russell

I don't follow a whole lot of blogs because:
1. Reading blogs is a huge time-killer.
2. Sometimes blogs make me feel like crap.
But today, I got on the computer with the intent of checking one blog, but then I found a link to another blog that looked interesting and that lead me to a link of yet another blog and next thing I knew, three hours of my life was gone, just like that.
And I know better than to look at blogs that make me feel like crap, but that didn't stop me today. Today, I was all about reading the blogs blogged by bloggers who apparently live in pastel worlds with nothing but golden, hazy backlighting, where they serve every meal outdoors on tables adorned with fresh flowers and with chandeliers hanging from trees - all prepared by moms/bloggers whose hair falls in an array of effortless-looking curls, whose waists are small enough to be accentuated with cute belts worn over the top of quirky, but perfectly-matched blouses and sweaters - all finished off with a pair of funky, colorful heels.
And they probably even look like ladies when they walk in them.
And they probably own the best shops on Etsy.
And they probably even crochet coffee-cozies to slip over the top of their Starbucks cups.
And I was totally wallowing in jealousy as I realized it was 6:00 p.m. and that I was still in my pajamas (That way I don't have to change again before bedtime.) and that my kids still hadn't eaten dinner.
So in defeat, I loaded up my kids and took them to McDonalds, all the while guilting myself because I knew that they/the bloggers weren't sitting in the drive-through of McDonalds in their pajamas.
No, I pictured them wearing flowy, floral skirts, chasing her kids around the backyard while setting the dinner table with the sun filtering through the trees - and their husbands capturing all of it on film.
And when one of my kids complained because they wanted a 10 piece McNugget instead of a six piece McNugget, my response included a swear-word.
I'll bet they/the bloggers never swear.
They probably don't even raise their voice.

And then I locked myself in my office to gain some perspective while my kids sat downstairs eating dinner (McDonald's) by themselves.

Resolutions and other little musings...

So this year, much like every other year, I have set a couple resolutions.  Except this time around I plan to stick to them and work at them everyday.

1. Stop hitting the snooze button.

Does any one else have a terrible habit of this? I used to hit snooze three, four, five times a morning....just get up already!  It has been two weeks and I have only hit it once, but I felt bad so I got up before the alarm went off again.  Now I must admit, I am not hopping out of bed when the alarm sounds.  I turn the TV on watch The Today show for twenty minutes.  It is something I like to do for myself....so this resolution is for me. To get a little  time in with my friends Matt and Ann.

2. Drink less coffee and more tea.

I used to think I hated tea.  I had only given it a couple of chances in the past and never cared for it.  But I tried some delicious flavored hot tea and I am hooked!  When I was drinking coffee every morning I was adding so much creamer that I should have just poured myself a mug of calories and sugar.  But now I still get my caffeine fix (though it is less) and something warm to drink in the morning; but without all the calories and sugar and more health benefits. My favorites are green and black tea. This one is delicious, so is this one and this one.  I have actually gone two weeks (maybe longer) with out coffee and I am feeling good.

3. Workout.

I think everyone has this on their resolution list.  But I am already a gym member, have been for a long time now.  I am pretty much just flushing money down the toilet by only using it to tan a couple times a week.  And since Jeff has been working nights I have free time in the evening to get my workout in.  I have a goal weight and for the first time in a long time...I plan to reach it!
4.  Save!
I also have said this one every year, but now more than ever this one is important.  With Jeff and I living together and starting our lives I need to stop spending my money and dumb things and save for more important things. 
5. Be happy.
If you want to be happy, be.  This is my mantra and I really really really  try to follow it, but sometimes it's hard.  I need to stop comparing myself, my hair, my outfits and bank accounts to others.  I live with my fantastic boyfriend, I have food in the kitchen and clothes in my closet and plenty of shoes on my floor.  I have a job and a roof over my head and a car that gets me around.  I need to spend a little more time being thankful and grateful for what I have and less time lusting over the items I don't have.

Cheers 2012....it's only been 13 days...but I have a feeling this is going to be a marvelous year.

2011

((Better late than never right?  2012 post coming up next!))

Wow - another year has come to an end.  2011 is a year that I will never forget, so much has happened and changed and I have been so blessed this year. 
The two biggest milestones are;
1. College Graduation!
I was so lucky to have attended such a great private school.  My education and life lessons learned in school will always be so valuable to me. {Even though this month I start to pay back my student loans...not so fun.} And I am beyond excited that I am a college graduate. Sometimes when I am just thinking, walking into work or buying groceries it pops into my head --I AM A COLLEGE GRADUATE!-- It is really exciting to think about.  Even though college was not the best, I didn't walk away with a million friends or a gazillion memories; I did meet Jeff there, get my degree and a fresh outlook on life.

2. Moving away and in with Jeff.
Moving out of my parents house and into college housing was one thing.  Moving into an apartment in a new city with a boy (A BOY?)....that was a whole different ball game, friends.  But it's a ballgame I am so happy to be playing in.  Living with Jeff has been so fun and wonderful.  He makes me so happy and every day he continues to impress me and make me smile.  When he washes the dishes, makes me a fire in our fire place, cooks dinner, or picks up our movie rentals for the night...living with Jeff has been incredible.
We also celebrated our one year anniversary. love

The rest of the year consisted of lots and lots of sporting events... Colts vs. Packers pre-season game, UK vs. NC bball game, Louisville Vs. Vandy bball, Big 10 Football Championship game, Colts vs. Pathers game, Butler Vs. Purdue bball, IU Vs. Notre Dame bball, Pacers Vs. Bulls  pre-season game and every Butler home football game.  And even a crazy weekend in Indy last March when the bulldogs were in the final four! Whew so many sports! But had a blast, really enjoyed every second of these awesome games!

The year also included a couple of concerts; Rascal Flatts w/ Luke Bryan - I don't care much for Rascal Flatts but you say the name Luke Bryan and I'm there! Tim McGraw with the gorgeous Luke Bryan again and The Band Perry -- where we got to meet them after the show!  This was my first time ever meeting a celebrity and boy was I pumped! We also saw Girl Talk DJ at a club in champaign.  I love Girl Talk - but I think I will stick to listening to his mixes in the bathroom while getting ready - this show so out of control.  A bunch of crazy college kids high on all sorts of stuff, it was a billion degrees in the show and packed shoulder to shoulder - I almost got into a fight with some dumb tramp!



This is what the whole GT show was like.  Crazy madnesss




At the girl talk show

 

With the band perry























I am now looking forward to all the blessings and excitement that 2012 will bring...I have a feeling it's going to be a wonderful year.

Here is to health, happiness and wealth.



Battle of the weekends

Last weekend vs. This weekend

Last weekend was a great and much needed long weekend spent with family and friends.  I am so thankful to have the greatest family and to date a guy that also has a great family.  It makes holidays that much better.  Here is look back at last weekend/thanksgiving

Wednesday was my birthday so when we arrived in Chicago Jeff's family had a delicious tort cake for me! I have never had a tort cake before and I must say this is life changing!
I am bummed though because after two days in Chicago, I didn't take another picture!  We went out for my birthday night and for the big night before celebration and that was a blast, but like usual I did't snap a single picture!  And again of course, I didn't take any pictures of my Thanksgiving feast!  Ugh!
Friday we hit the open road again and headed to my home to see my family and celebrate my birthday once again, what girl doesn't love that? The first thing we did, open presents!

EEPS!! I was so excited to open this beautiful package.  A gorgeous new purse.
 Coach = love

Then we went for drinks with my family and some friends. I of course love to be with my favorite boys,  My brother and Jeff!

And Sunday marked the last day of my golden birthday celebration...Jeff got me tickets to the Colts vs. Panthers game!!!  Being a huge Indy fan I was super pumped, but also being a North Carolina baby and a Cam Newton fan I was double pumped!  It was a great game, the Colts were so close to winning but unfortunately they continue on their Suck for Luck campaign.

Now for this weekend.....another great weekend coming our way.

We are headed to Louisville for the Louisville vs. Vanderbilt game
Then going to Lexington for the UK vs. NC game!!!
It's a shame NC had to lose a game or else we would be seeing the #1 and #2 teams in the country.
And then.....back to Indy for the Big 10 Championship game!
So go Louisville, TAR HEELS and Wisconsin!!!
It's going to be a crazy and long weekend, but also one of the best ones yet.
3 games in two different states, three different cities and tipoff/kickoff all withing 24 hours. I will be consuming a lot of coffee and maybe even more beer.
Wish us luck, oh and please pray for our bank accounts!
 This weekend is not coming cheap.


Cheers, love and NCAA ball games.

Weekend recap

Jeff and I had a great weekend, doing things we both really enjoy.
Saturday was a perfectly mild day so we headed about an hour south to a big national park.  We walked around and enjoyed nature and did a little fishing - Jeff even surprised me with my own fishing pole!
And I got to break in my new boots (an early birthday present to myself!)
After hanging out in the woods all day we ventured to Bloomington to see an IU basketball game.  It was a great time....and a great way to spend my last Saturday as a 22 year old!

So handsome!  

I was lucky enough to get the only catch of the day...a nice branch.
Is is not completely gorgeous out there?  For being mid-November we had a perfect day....but no fish were biting, not even a nibble all day!  We have already agreed to go back in the Spring when everything is coming back to life and then earlier in the fall to see the leaves changing color.

Then we watched IU kick some Savannah State butt!  Not the best seats in the house but we could see all the action we needed too!

Now I am watching some Happy Feet on TV and getting pumped up for my Birthday tomorrow! WoooHooo - If you know me at all you know that I love my birthday and I am doubly excited because tomorrow is my golden birthday; 23 on the 23rd!   So that means that today is my golden day; 22 for the last time on the 22nd!  Yeah I may be be crazy, but I like it! So Jeff and I headed to The Cracker Barrel for a delicious dinner....and the best part, no dishes to clean up after!

So Ciao for now - next time I'll be 23!!!  :)

OOTD!

Today was cold and rainy all day...so I threw on one of my favorite cozy sweaters and put my hair in a pony tail and called it a day.  Of course I wore dress pants to work, but I went to visit my Grandpa and run some errands after work, so jeans it was!

Jeans - Van Heusen
Sweater - The Gap
Shoes - Sperry

What did you wear today?  :)
Happy Tuesday friends.