Here Comes the Sun

Whoa

2011-06-28T20:02:00.000-05:00

I haven't blogged in a month. June has been crazy with work, school, and life in general. Please tune in for regularly scheduled blogging tomorrow. Promise*

Here's some eye candy to make up for it:

Source: greatfullday.blogspot.com via Samantha on Pinterest

Who doesn't love a turquoise, Kitchen Aid fabulousness kitchen?!?!

Home of the Brave.

2011-05-30T12:30:00.000-05:00

Happy Memorial Day!

{Every year the local VFW and Women's Auxiliary place flags on Veteran's graves in Midwestern Hometown's local cemetery. My grandparents did this for years.}

For most people this signals the beginning of summer filled with pool time, barbeque's, gatherings with family/friends, and enjoying a lovely bank holiday!

BUT

today is really about remembering those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for this country. My sincerest thanks to all the men & women fighting for our country. You are brave and selfless. Thank you. For a truly heartfelt and holiday-appropriate story go check out Sanctified Pearl's recount of her husband's homecoming.

And to my most favorite veteran of all time....Grandpa S - I miss you all the time. You taught me what it meant to be a true American. I love you.

"Freedom is not free."

Stay safe, kids! Don't do anything ~~stupid~~ I wouldn't do!

-S

so true.

2011-05-19T23:40:00.000-05:00

Every now and then I think we forget this little nugget of wisdom...

Also, my new obsession is Pinterest. Find me if you can (@SamanthaLee17) and if you want an invite, leave me a comment with your email in it. This is probably my favorite site EVER.

Wedding Recap Wednesday

2011-05-18T22:22:00.000-05:00

Here's a recap of my best friend's, RPD, wedding in April. I don't think I've ever felt so crazy, stressed out, irritated, and happy in my life.

Wedding #2 - April 2011

RPD & MC

{audra little photography}

My best friend from college, RPD, got married last month. It was held at a {supposedly} ~~haunted~~ historic hotel in a charming/quirky town just north of Southern College Town.

This is kind of a crazy story, brace yourself.

And feel free to have a drink after reading this – Lord knows I’ll need one!

Back Story: RPD and I met during sorority recruitment our freshman year of college. Apparently at Preference Night she was crying because of the story, at what ended being, our sorority told that night. I handed her a tissue and asked if she was okay. I don’t remember this at all but I’m told it happened. I just remember meeting her freshman year at the Pi Palace and not being a fan, initially. One year {and several vent sessions} later we were inseparable. We've seen each other through the GREAT, good, bad, horrible and really, really UGLY times. She is “my person” {Yeah, I definitely just threw a Grey’s reference out there.} Needless to say, I was/am very protective of her and extremely judgmental of any guy she dates. {And we’ve both dates some REAL winners. Oy!} Did I mention we know each other’s move before we even do it? It’s really freaky.

After a ~~very~~ whirlwind courtship, RPD and MC had decided to tie the knot. The date was April 22^nd which happened to be the last Friday that I was on the road for work. I was in Austin, TX that week which is 8 freaking hours away from Southern College Town. Joy. That meant that I had to leave the Austin College Fair and be on I-35 by 8:30PM on Thursday and drive to Dallas {which I did} by midnight {I had 10 minutes to spare. I texted my recruiter family letting them know I didn’t die/was kidnapped on the highway. Safety first!} I had to get up the next AM and leave Dallas by 9:00AM to be in Southern College Town by 2:15PM, drop off my rental car, grab all my crap for the wedding, and leave Southern College Town by 3:00PM to be in Quirky, Historic Town by 4:00PM for a 4:15PM hair appointment.

Yeah. I’m just tired reading that.

The wedding was supposed to be held outdoors in a beautiful gazebo connected to the hotel. The day had been pretty clear, but clouds were headed our way {it’s been torrential rain season around here. Ridiculous.} Because everything else was crazy that day, the sky opened up and we ended having the ceremony inside. No big deal. Just meant I didn’t have to freeze my butt off in a bridesmaid dress. Victory is mine! {Taking victories when I can get them. For real.} As we were walking down the “aisle” we realized that none of us had our flowers – the hotel people moved them to the other side of the room, so RPD’s cousin handed them to us as we were standing upfront. {1 point for L!}

After a very sweet and quick ceremony, we all proceeded to enjoy the reception. Yours truly hit up the “adult beverages” faster than you can say “adult beverages”. My assigned groomsman and I made fast friends {which proved to be WAY more interesting than I intended} which resulted in me sitting at his table with my fellow sorority sister. AP and I had no idea what we had gotten ourselves into that night.

There were 2 men at our table – 1 was “my” groomsman and the other was a hometown friend of the groom. Hometown Friend proceeded to hit on AP ALL NIGHT LONG, which wouldn’t have been a big deal if hadn’t been wearing a WEDDING RING. Oh, yeah, winner. Later on I found out that he is getting a divorce from his wife. Poor dude. Still, don’t hit on my sister if you are still wearing your wedding ring. Seriously?!?! {Plus, he was giving off MAJOR creeper vibe. No good.}

All the other men at the wedding were hometown friends and fellow military friends of the groom. Majority of them were/are married {clearly wearing wedding bands} but only 1 brought his wife of the 15, or so, that were there – WTH?! AP and I had to watch ourselves all night because we were getting hit on more than we should have – not going to lie, though, putting the married men in their place all night was PRICELESS. Gotta love being a smart @$$.

“My” groomsman and I hung out together a majority of the night. He was a nice guy and the amount of single guys at this shindig was rather limited. At one point in the night, we ended up on the balcony that can be accessed through RPD’s parent’s room with a few other guests. On that balcony you can see a HUGE statue of Jesus in Quirky, Historic Town. It’s pretty cool. I remember saying, “Is that Jesus?!?!” to “My” Groomsman. His response? “I sure hope not with all the ‘various’ things going through my head about you.”

Whoa.

Feel free to go get a drink. NOW.

After the shock wore off of that comment I had no idea how to act. {A first for me.} He continued to enjoy a few more “adult beverages” as the night continued on while I stopped and prepped for my drive back to Southern College Town. As the night was winding down we stepped out into the hallway and he asked me out. I told him that I would give him my number before I left and that if he still felt the same way in the AM then he could call and ask me out on a date. {FYI – He never called the next AM to see that I got home okay but not to ask me out for a real date. Shocker.}

I was ready to head home and call it a night around 1:30AM. AP was crashing at my place that night, so we caravaned out of Quirky, Historic Town. Lucky us, we drove right into a hailstorm before we even got out of town. True story – we parked our exhausted butts under an assisted living center awning. Once we were able to get back on the road I was never so excited to see the lights of Southern College Town in my life.

I think I slept till 10:00AM the next day. Too bad I couldn't enjoy my time home because I had to head to Midwestern Hometown for Wedding #3 of 2011….

If you made it to the end - Gold Star. I want the rest of my weddings to be uneventful and boring. Yeah, right.

Wedding Recap Wednesdays

2011-05-11T09:00:00.001-05:00

I've decided to start a ~~somewhat~~ weekly post on all the weddings I, have and, will be attending this year. This 20-Something Career Gal has had no less than 5 weddings a summer to attend since my college graduation in 2009 and this summer is no exception. This summer is breaking records - 10. I'll be honest, some crazy stuff has happened at some of these weddings and what's the point of this blog if I can't share them? Enjoy.

Wedding #1 – January 2011

Jess & Sam's Winter Wedding

{Google}

On a ~~ridiculously frigid~~ cold, clear January evening, I was to attend the nuptials of Jess & Sam in a neighboring suburb of Southern College Town. I had received a lovely STD {Save-The-Date for you non-wedding consumed bunch.} {NOT that kind of STD! Get your head out of the gutter!} and a gorgeous invitation for the festivities.

I had met Jess in college through a mutual friend, Linds. Being the wonderful friends that they are they picked me up one night after I had become upset at a ‘friend’s’ house party. I’m going to go out on a short limb and assume I was ~~upset about a boy~~ upset and worried about waking up late for class the next morning and needed a ride home. ~~Or not~~. We reconnected this past year through our ‘The Bachelor/Bachelorette’ Girl’s Night.

Like any good ~~and~~ ~~over invited~~ Southern 20-Something Career Girl, I piled all my invites for my friends' upcoming ‘Life ~~Ending~~ Changing Celebrations’ in a big stack and proceed to put them into my ~~Life Dictating Oracle~~ iPhone Calendar.

This would have been a genius idea if I would have, oh, I don’t know, READ the time on the flipping invitation correctly.

While the invitation clearly stated that that the ceremony would start at 5:00PM, I, for some God-forsaken reason, convinced myself that it started at 5:30PM. Awesome. Did I mention that the invitation was on my refrigerator for a few weeks and that I glanced at it approximately a 100x a day? No? Well, I did. Brilliant.

My butt jumped in the car around 4:30 and I thought to myself “Sweet, enough time to stop at the World of Wal and purchase a pair tights so I ~~don’t freeze my butt off~~ look cute and warm for the wedding and reception”. {Side Note: It was my first time to buy a pair of tights – EVER. I don’t mind winter and ‘Embrace the Paste’ was a frequent mantra in my life.}

I roll up to the church and think I have 2 minutes {literally} to spare and grab a seat in the back – Score. Then my mad observation skills kick in {cue MAJOR sarcasm} – wait, why is there no one running late like me and heading in at the last minute….and why are the BRIDESMAIDS ALL STANDING OUTSIDE WITH THE PHOTOGRAPHER?!?! Oh yeah. I showed up right as Jess & Sam were making their EXIT as Husband & Wife.

Fan-Flipping-Tastic.

Linds’ fiancé, John, saw me and we started chatting and I’m trying to play it ‘cool’ {which is NOT a word in my vocabulary} and he figured out that I was late to this little shindig. Of course, he busts out laughing and promises to keep my ‘secret’. {Thanks, John!}

I followed everyone to the reception, a majority none-the-wiser, but I kid you not, I felt like a complete idiot. Those that figured out my ~~massive~~ blunder thought it was hilarious and since they know me pretty well they found it even funnier as the night went on. ~~Jerks~~.

Despite my ridiculous gaffe, it ended being a fun night of eating, dancing, and catching up with some old college friends.

Here’s to Jess & Sam and a lifetime of happiness.

Wedding #2 involves one of my best friends from college, an 8-hour drive, and one 'interesting' groomsmen.

10 Things I Love

2011-05-10T19:11:00.002-05:00

Jenn at Dave and Jenn Holland tagged me in her recent "10 Things I Love" post. Jenn {and Dave} is/are great blogging and "IRL" friends to me. So blessed to have them in my life! There are some wonderfully awesome things going on in their life and blog. So excited to meet Jade later this year!

Here are 10 things I'm loving these days:

Being Home - after 3 weeks on the road ~~hotel hopping~~ recruiting America's future ~~Lord help us~~ in April it's nice to have some downtime. There is nothing like sleeping in your own bed ~~and not thinking about all the germs in your hotel room~~.
Sunshine! - Old Man Winter clearly overstayed his welcome and I'm so excited for weekends by the pool/on the lake, drinking 'adult beverages', and soaking up all the Vitamin D my ~~horribly pasty where the crap is my 50% Hispanic coloring~~ Nicole Kidman-esque skin needs. 'Embrace the Paste' is no longer my mantra.
Dresses - Warmer weather means summer dresses. I've been on quite the dress binge since travel season: Anthropologie, Lilly Pulitzer, The Loft, JCPenney...I also have a few on the 'want/need in the near future' list. I fear I may need an intervention by the end of the summer. Don't bother.
Fruit! - Summer fruit has hit the grocery stores! Winning! {Ugh, I just used a Charlie Sheen reference. Forgive me.} Travel season kicked my @$$. I ate out the whole time and now ~~see~~ feel my horrible eating choices. I'm all about the strawberries, apples, and oranges. Adios, travel weight!
NEW Running Shoes - My Aunt L {Shout to her! She reads my blog.} sent me a wonderful surprise - NEW ASIC running shoes. She is pretty flipping fantastic and has a ridiculously awesome memory - hence the running shoes I told her about a month ago. They will ~~hopefully~~ be put to good use this summer.
Vacation - I'm taking a few days off next week to recharge to batteries. Travel season was really fun, but pretty brutal on me this Spring and I'm taking a much needed break. A nice long weekend in Midwestern Hometown is what this girl needs a~~long with some 'adult beverages' with her Dad and Uncles.~~
MJM - Even though we aren't anything more than friends, I'm so excited to hopefully see this guy's face at the end of the month! We are heading to his hometown for our friend Lauren's wedding during Memorial Weekend. He will have completed his 1st year of Med School and I will have finished my 1st semester of Grad School. We will be celebrating.
Baseball Season - Anonymous State University is in the Top 25 and the weather is gorgeous. Plus, who doesn't enjoy ~~cute boys in tight pants~~ America's favorite past time!? Crazy people - that's who.
Party Planning - As much as a moan and groan to my 'IRL' friends about all the showers/parties/weddings I'm invited to, I'm super excited to plan my Best Friend's Bachelorette Party. Being the MOH, it's my duty to plan a fabulous ~~and wildly inappropriate~~ Bachelorette Party. Feel free to shout out any suggestions. Details will follow.
My Job - Believe me when I say this past school year has been quite the ~~pain in my @$$~~ roller coaster at Anonymous State University for me but today was one of those days where I actually enjoyed what I do. I spent the afternoon talking to 2nd graders in Southern College Town about our drivable mascot {yes, you read that correctly} and the importance of going to college. We ~~were bored and needed to get out of the office~~ think it's never to early to recruit future Anonymous State University students.

My turn to 'Blog Tag'. I'm ~~obligated~~ honored to 'Tag' the following:

Heather @ Live, Laugh, Love

Katie B. @ Tale of a GRITS

Garden State Prep

Katie @ A Preppy Girl's Guide to Cross Country Living

Lauren @ Welcome the Sunrise

S @ Incidental Justice

And whoever else wants to join in on the fun....

Get excited for my NEW Wednesday posts...

It's Official!

2011-05-09T21:00:00.000-05:00

Your's truly has a 4.0 grad school GPA! Holla!

It's a good feeling when all your hard work pay's off! Here's to hoping this summer semester (and the next 4 semesters after that) goes as well. Also, I'm thinking about doing a "20-Something Career Gal Watches Everyone Get Married" series of posts...could be hella entertaining.

The End is Near

2011-05-03T22:17:00.000-05:00

Only 1 poster presentation in my History and Philosophy of Higher Education class stands between me and the end of the semester.

Holla!

Here's to hoping I end up with an 'A' in both my classes...

I'm taking a week off to hang out in the Midwest with the family this month then I start summer school. Be jealous. 6 hours of graduate school jealousy.

Instagram/iPhone Pictures

2011-05-01T22:25:00.001-05:00

because I'm obsessed with my phone and the Instagram app.

{Early AM in the Hills of Austin}

{Hula Hoop Fountain at my new favorite Austin hang out - OPA!}

{Scenic View of Downtown Austin}

{Only in Texas... Sam Houston}

{Houston Traffic - WOOF.}

{Hotel UPGRADE! Platinum Status - I travel WAY too much.}

{My ride in Galveston.}

{"We got our toes in the water..."}

{Recruiter Outing - Spazmatics! They are so much fun!}

{Anonymous State University had an early release last Monday because of apocalyptic rains. Ridiculousness.}

{I live in a freaking rainforest, right now.}

This past month has been insane and life shows no signs of slowing down. I'm pretty stoked that I have some scheduled vacation time this month. Also, y'all know I usually come home with some pretty crazy travel stories but I don't have any from this Spring season. Sad, I know. No worries! I've been invited to 10 weddings this year {3 down, 7 to go} and I'll have plenty of adventures to report this summer. Get excited, kids. :-)

Perfect.

2011-04-11T21:21:00.000-05:00

Oh, Kids. That is the word that would describe this past weekend.

And it only fueled my obsession/need to move to Austin and live like the Austinites.

Let's take a trip down Instagram Lane....

{Becker Vineyards - Stonewall, TX}

{The ladies and I spent the day wine tasting and eating lunch in downtown Fredricksburg.}

{So lovely.}

{Amen - Torre de Pietra}

{Austin Tradition}

{I have to go every time I visit.}

{My Sunday study view.}

{Hey, if J and I have to study at least we get a great view.}

It's funny how Austin calms my soul just as much as Midwestern Hometown/State. Future residence? I think so.

Almost A Month

2011-04-08T21:23:00.000-05:00

So much good has happened this past week. {Which I needed after a hellacious past 3 weeks. True story.}

I had to schedule and attend 2 visits for/with Anonymous State University's Grand PooBa this past week. Needless to say, I was nervous {my job was on the line...}. After the visits, the Grand PooBa wrote me a personal email saying that I did a brilliant job, that he was impressed with me AND that he enjoyed our visits.

Score!

Did I mention he CC'd the Head Honcho in my office on the email? Oh, yeah. I'm a bad ass.

I forward it to my direct supervisor as an FYI/"I didn't screw up the Grand PooBa's visits!" and he told me the Head Honcho was singing my praises all the way home from a conference we all attended.

#Winning

Did I mention I'm in the middle of Spring Travel and spending the next 8 days in GLORIOUS Austin, TX AND that I dropped a dress size?!?!

{I want/NEED to move here, ASAP.}

Life is good and God is GREAT! {I'm visiting with kids and attending college fairs this week. Get excited.}

Running

2011-03-19T10:20:00.001-05:00

Earlier this year I joined a race training class through Anonymous State University's Recreation Center. We met twice a week from January to the 1st week of March, ending with the Freezing 4 Mile race on March 5th.

I used to run in college, around our ridiculously hilly campus, and when I moved home following graduation. I could easily put in 2-3 miles everyday because there was a great park/trail a few miles from my parents house. It was my release and I welcomed the runner's high.

Then I got a job that required me to travel 3 months out of 12.

There went my running.

And now I'm in 2 weddings this year, plus attending a bajillion more. This girl needs to get her @$$ in shape. ASAP.

When this "running thing" started, my goal was to (a) finish the race and NOT die and (b) do it under an hour.

Mission Accomplished: I'm still alive and I ran 4 miles in 53 minutes. {Not great, but not bad for a first timer.}

Today, I completed my very first 5K, Race for Independence 2011 for United Cerebral Palsy. My goal was to run 3.1 miles in 45 minutes. I had no idea what to expect from this course.

Mission Accomplished {again!}: 3.1 miles in 39 minutes - 6 minutes off my goal!

A lot has happened over the past 2 weeks and this morning's run was exactly what I needed to clear my head. There a lot of big decisions ahead of me and this clarity will {hopefully} help me make those decisions. Have great weekend, kids!

So Close Now

2011-03-17T20:35:00.000-05:00

Sometimes, all it takes is a 3 minutes and 39 second song to encompass all the emotions you are going through. The last 2 weeks have been pretty rough on me and today was the kicker. I've cried more than I care to admit. I feel very defeated. I'm at loss (and a little broken).

So Close Now
Eli Young Band
I've got the streets memorized
I see the faces embedded in my mind
I can't keep on fighting the urge go
I've got nothing in common with this town I've come to know
(So)

Chorus:
I am so close now to walking away
About to walk a path I've gotta take
I am packing up heading out
I can't sleep I'm dreaming way too loud
I'm so close now, so close now
to getting out

The same old lines, the same routine
Nothing changes and that's not good for me
I need a break. I need something new
I need to replace these old worn out broken shoes
(Cus)

I am so close now to walking away
About to walk a path I've gotta take
I am packing up heading out
I can't sleep I'm dreaming way too loud
I'm so close now, so close now
to getting out

I've got that truck all loaded down
I should've known how hard it'd be leave this town

I am....
So close now to walking away
About to walk a path I've gotta take
I am packing up heading out
I can't sleep I'm dreaming way too loud
I'm so close now, so close now
to getting out

I know everything happens for a reason. It's all apart of HIS plan, not mine. Unfortunately, it doesn't make it any easier to handle. I'm only human.

Whoa.

2011-03-15T10:00:00.000-05:00

It's been a whole month since I've posted.

Life has been a bit crazy. And that's putting it mildly.

Here is some quote love to help y'all get through the day.

Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T08:00:00.052-06:00

This 20-Something-VERY-Single-Career-Girl has a rather complicated relationship with the big V-Day. There have been plenty of years where I had no boy to celebrate with, thus ensued my loathe of the holiday (aka Single Awareness Day).

And then there were the years I actually had one someone to celebrate with...

aka The Disaster Years.

Those years that I actually had someone to celebrate the 'Day of Love' with things always went wrong: great dinner followed with my inevitable sickness from great dinner, boy having bronchitis and being contagious, boy forgetting about holiday, etc....

Last Valentine's Day wasn't too bad. No boy but getting together with my 2 best friends for brunch and a ridiculous amount of mimosas. Priceless. Having to wait and sober up after ridiculous amount of mimosas at said brunch. Hilarious. {Those 2 have now paired off (and one engaged). Lame.}

This year I'm spending Valentine's Day a little differently. In Anonymous State University's library. Jealous? Apparently being in Grad school requires a lot of reading and writing. Nobody warned me about this, either.

BUT

In honor of the 'Day of Love' I'm posting one of my favorite MB songs and some Glee {like you expected anything less}.

{This is my 'Pick-me-up-you-will-meet-someone-eventually-look-how-cute-Michael-Buble-is/Damn, he's engaged!' song. Enjoy!}

{I heart Glee. And the Warblers. And Darren Criss.}

Have a wonderfully love-filled day, kids!

Snow Day - Part Deux

2011-02-09T12:28:00.002-06:00

Snow Day #5.

I know. It's ridiculous.

I caught myself saying 'I live in the South - what the heck?!'.

In case you are all missing all the fun here are a few pictures I snapped this morning outside my front door.

In other news, let's talk about some of my recent obsessions. I'm bored, it's snowing outside and I'm avoiding homework like a champ.

Adele

"Rolling In The Deep"

Girlfriend has a FABULOUS voice and has shamelessly been on repeat the past few days.

kate spade
How adorable is Bryce Dallas Howard in their Spring campaign?!

Skinny Idiom Bangles

{I have 2. I'm open to more.}

Cobble Hill Leslie

{Unfortunately, my current budget can't accommodate this handbag infatuation. Obsessed.}

Journal iPad Cover

{If I have to work on my iPad it might as well have something cute to keep it in.}

The Help by Katheryn Stockett

{I just purchased this book this week after hearing SO many raving reviews. So. Excited.}

Instagram

{Y'all know my love for this fabulous iPhone app. I've hooked a few of my coworkers on it.}

If you are battling the Snowpocalypse of 2011, I hope you all are staying safe and warm. To everyone else - be jealous of our weather.

{Pictures should be fixed. Sorry!}

Snow Days

2011-02-02T12:58:00.000-06:00

Adults still get 'em but there just not as fun as when we were kids.

Anonymous State University was closed yesterday and today {and we had 1 already this semester}. In order to prepares for the Snow/Icepocalypse 2011, I headed to the dreaded Wal-Mart by my house after work.

Worst. Idea. EVER.

It took everything in me NOT to go off on someone. Seriously, people.

It stressed me out so much that I had a 'What the Hell!" kind of moment and bought:

Mint Oreos
Cheez-Its
Frito
Salsa
Hershey Kisses

Who am I?! If you know me, I don't EVER buy junk food. It grosses me out to have it in my house and I rather sacrifice calories on a really good real meal. {I did buy some semi-healthy breakfast foods: granola bars, Chex cereal, milk, etc.}

BUT

as soon as I heard that Anonymous State University was closed for Tuesday I headed back out to buy one last provision. The most important one, I might add.

Whew! I don't think I would have survived the past 2 nights without it!

I hope everyone is staying safe and warm! {FYI: I read that our administration is having a conference call at 3PM to determine if we are open tomorrow, or not. Our 3 big school districts are closed tomorrow, already. Jealous.}

SSB

2011-01-31T09:00:00.009-06:00

Secret Single Behavior.
Strange Single Behavior.

Thank You, Carrie Bradshaw/Sex and the City!

We all have 'em. The question is whether you'll 'fess up to them.

I've been thinking a lot about my SSBs lately.

I really want to make a list of the quirky little things I do {that don't seem quirky to me but Lord knows they are} because {hopefully} there will come a day when I will get married and can't do this crap around my currently-non-existent-future-husband {I'd bet he has a few of his own that are beyond disgusting}.

1) I'm a neat freak. I have a place for everything and a process for putting everything way. OCD, much? Yeah, I know. {Don't touch my linens. I will re-fold them if you do it wrong.}

2) I have a study chair. I will never part with said study chair.

3) I buy or download People magazine every week and wait till I'm settled into the middle of my couch to read the whole thing cover-to-cover, uninterrupted. I've done this since high school and this habit will never die.

4) I shamelessly eat Chef Boyardee like I'm 12 instead of 20-something. I'm convinced this is because my mother never bought it for us as children.

5) I always hang up my coat/jacket when I get home from work, first thing. Always. {Hello, OCD-ness!}

6) I shamelessly car dance and sing ALL THE TIME. I've had people jump out of there cars at a red light to ask me what I'm rocking out to. I've also had people yell at me 2 lanes over to, and I quote, "Sing it, girl!"

7) Every Sunday I read the NYTimes Wedding Section, Midwestern Hometown's Local Paper's Celebrations, Post Secret, and TFLN. {Not in that order.}

8) After I turn out the light in my room at night, I jump into my bed because I still think something is hiding under my bed. {Oh, yeah, I just put that one out there.}

9) PB&J is my crack. I will eat it for breakfast, lunch, AND dinner.{Is that even acceptable at 20-something years old?!}

10) I drink my coffee out of the same Starbucks mug every time. If I don't have the mug, I don't drink coffee. I've had the cup since college and freaked out when I thought I lost it at my parent's house over the holidays. Not. A. Good. Week.

I'm sure there are a ton more, but that's all I got right now. I'm totally putting my Freak Flag out to fly. Won't you join me?

But on the south side of Heaven

2011-01-30T22:32:00.002-06:00

"Won't You take me home/'Cause I've been broke down for so long/And Lord, it's getting cold" -Ryan Bingham, Southside of Heaven, Mescalito

I've been on a Ryan Bingham kick this weekend. In LOVE with the man's voice and songs. I talked about him and his Oscar-winning song last year.

I know I haven't blogged a whole lot lately. There are several reasons for this.

Part Uno: I want to blog about things that aren't bloggable (?) i.e. sensitive subject matters that I want to get off my heart but can't. Let me sum it up: I'm learning to speak like Jesus: simply and softly {and less, for that matter}. I like to talk. A lot. I'm learning to shut up and just listen. Some bad habits die hard.

Part Dos: I have all these great post ideas in my head, but I struggle to get them onto the screen. Anyone else have this issue? I think it's part laziness and part being uninspired to finish posts. I'm working on it.

Part Tres: I've been swamped with work papers/presentations, graduate school and killing trees. Yes, those are all my articles for the semester under my History/Philosophy book. Jealous? I'm caught up with the last 2 weeks reading and still have this weeks to go for Legal. Hello, Anonymous State University Library!

Here's a little #ATX love for ya! April can't get here fast enough!

I really love Instagram.

Post-Holiday Blues

2011-01-15T10:13:00.000-06:00

Has anybody else been having these?

I've been feeling kind of blah the past few days. I'm missing the family and Midwestern Hometown friends like CrAzY! Work has been really rough, too, for multiple reason. Yuck! Then I decided to attend my yoga class again for the first time in FOREVER on Wednesday {and had a meltdown on the phone with my Mom that night} and I haven't been able to move for the past 2 days. Athletic Karma for NOT going in such a long time. Ugh! I hate being such a 'Debbie Downer' but, hey, I'm human. I am allowed a pity party every once in awhile. Mama S is on her way here to hang out with me for the weekend - Yay! We both have 3-day weekends because of the MLK Jr. holiday. Sometimes even an independent, 20-something needs her Mom.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Current Obsession

2011-01-10T22:07:00.000-06:00

I'm loving my Instagram iPhone App. I discovered this through my friends and fellow bloggers. I feel so artsy.

Southern College Town in the Fall

Downtown Nashville {and B's unfinished Bachelorette Party Invite}

And because Southern College Town {and the rest of the South} is hoping for Snowmageddon 2011...

{Here's to hoping Anonymous Southern University gets a Snow Day tomorrow!}

January 10th

January 9th

Stay safe and warm kids!

Country Strong

2011-01-09T14:28:00.002-06:00

{Country Strong}

Saw this yesterday and LOVED it! As soon as I walked out of the theater I started downloading the soundtrack. {I couldn't wait. Sue me.} Garrett Hedlund is WONDERFUL ~~and SO SEXY~~. He could sing to me every night for the rest of my life and I'd be good. Despite Gweneth Paltrow's super-clean-organized-'I'm an expert on life' freak of a self, girl can play one heck of a trainwreck. Love her. So good. Can't wait for it to come out on on DVD.

My favorite song in the whole movie:

Country Strong Soundtrack

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

BCS

2011-01-04T16:27:00.000-06:00

Megs and I will be at our local Buffalo Wild Wings {my favorite game day spot when I can't be at the actual game} tonight cheering for Anonymous State University! It's our first BCS appearance and the whole school/state is so excited!

Here's to the end of the college football season! Can't wait till next fall!

It's Back!

2011-01-03T22:38:00.000-06:00

And I can't wait for all the drama to ensue! I spent tonight at L's watching the premiere. It's our Monday night tradition that will hopefully never end {even if we aren't watching it together we shamelessly text each other through out the whole show.}

Get excited!

This Year I Will

2011-01-02T20:46:00.000-06:00

Feel free to hold me accountable to this.

2011 - Can't believe I survived...

2011-01-01T17:33:00.002-06:00

Seriously. It's 2011. I can't believe I've survived, thus far. {And there were some REALLY close calls in college...}

I know you all 'need'/'want' {at least that's what I tell myself...} {and don't ruin my delusions. Please and thank you.} a life update...

I'm jumping on the 'Year in Review' blog post bandwagon {Like a lot of Texas Ranger fans when they went to the World Series...}.

January

Southern College Town was covered with a ridiculous amount of snow, which got me out of work for a few days. {Holla!} We started our weekly 'The Bachelor - Bachelorette'/Girl's Night and it quickly became my favorite night of the work week. I'm hoping we'll continue this fun night this season when Brad Womack starts his quest {again} for "love". Really, I go for the girls, our peanut gallery comments, and the ABC scripted drama.

February

Still traveling every weekend to Midwestern Home Town to help with Confirmation. This month included taking 60 high school kiddos on a retreat. I was totally immersed in my Faith and I think I got as much out of the retreat as the kids. AND Science Teacher Boy and I went to see the MOST FABULOUS COUNTRY STARS EVER. George Strait and Reba McEntire. Our lives = COMPLETE.

March

I spent the whole month counting down to the John Mayer concert in St. Louis with KSpence. My obsession with him and his music is ridiculous. And I don't care who knows it! {Clearly} I also met Dog the Bounty Hunter with PCF. Random, I know.

April

Spring Travel! I spent a majority of the month in Texas recruiting for Anonymous State University. I fell in even MORE love with Austin, TX. Plus, I started blogging about my crazy conversations from the road. And, unfortunately, they were ALL actual conversations.

May

My kiddos went through Confirmation {I'm pretty sure I had the best small group. And I'm extremely biased.} I spent a lot of time watching Anonymous State University baseball team's games {Hello! ~~Boys in tight athletic pants~~ We're pretty good!}. Plus, I went on my first vacation alone, and it was wonderful. Crazy, but wonderful.

June

Oh, June! I planned my 2nd John Mayer concert with B {Yeah, yeah, I need a 12-step program.}, planned Fall Travel AND joined the 21st century! Anonymous State University finally ordered us iPhones - I'm obsessed/in LOVE with this fantastic piece of technology. Thank you, Steve Jobs! Also, Glee had it's season finally this month. I bawled. Like, really bawled. I have no shame {apparently}.

July

Spent Independence Day at my Uncle T's lake house with my family, and continued to go several times this month {while beating my dad at our fishing contests}. It's exactly what I needed when things start to get a little crazy. The Midwest warms my soul. It was a pretty calm month. I was boring.

August

School was back in session and my planning for Fall Travel was in FULL SWING. I cleaned out my closet and {attempted} to do the same to my life. {So much for THAT!} If only it was as easy as cleaning out my closet. I also turned 23 this month. This year only reinforced my dislike of celebrating my birthday. BUT on the up swing, I was Equitably Adjusted. Go me! I also completed my graduate school application this month {2 months early}. Really go me!

September

Fall Travel, start of College Football, and John Mayer with B! To kick off my month, B and I went to see John Mayer in Midwestern Hometown {again, I know I need a 12-step program...} thanks to my parentals! What a great 23rd birthday present! This was also the start of my 8 week travel season. This month I spent 2 weeks in Austin and 2 weeks in Dallas. My LOVE for Austin is still strong and I have an actual tolerance/somewhat like for Dallas. I have a love/hate relationship with Dallas. Eh. Anonymous State University is having a GREAT football season! {Oh, yeah, work ordered us iPads. I was the cool kid on the road. Ha!}

October

Middle of Travel Season. Can we say burn out month? 2 weeks in Houston, 1 week break, and 1 week in San Antonio. In the midst of traveling, I didn't miss a single Anonymous State University home football game this month. This particular game was wrapped up in a text. I also came to really, really appreciate my recruiter family. I wouldn't survive on the road without them. {Seriously, have you read the conversations I have on the road?} And, yes, Anonymous State University's football is still kicking butt at this point. We're awesome.

November

Last part of travel season - East Texas. Reminds me of home, a little, and the conversations just get crazier, which I neglected to blog about.

Here's a few for you:

Student: "Are you single?"

Me: "Excuse me?!"

Student: "Do you have a boyfriend?"

Me: "Yes, he's in Med School. I'm sorry!"

{Side note, MJM and I had actually stopped seeing/talking/dating each other a few days before but, hey, I'm was totally going to use him as an excuse to get OUT of an awkward situation. He owed me.}

Text to AB: "Just got asked out by a senior {at a college fair}..."

AB: "Yeah...what did you say? When is the big date? I'm sure the Dairy Queen is real nice 'round hur!"

Me: "Haha. You are just jealous of my prom date. I'm already dreaming of a cotton candy pink dress."

Student: "Do y'all have hippotherapy?"

Me: {Staring at student, speechless.}

I went on a major iTunes kick {Thank, 6-hour drive!} and was able to go home and spend a week with my family for Thanksgiving. I didn't do crap. It was awesome.

December

Wow! The end of another year and the start of a crazy holiday season. This month was filled with parties, baking (which backfired in one area and got out of hand in another. Let's just say I had cakeballs EVERYWHERE. My coworkers weren't complaining though....}, and some wonderful surprises! I earned acceptance into Graduate School at Anonymous State University! I was so excited! And B got ENGAGED! If you've read the blog for awhile, you know that engagement and wedding season can drive me crazy {to say the least} but I am seriously SO EXCITED B and JC! They make each other better people and I love it! Plus, I'm the Maid of Honor - I have to be happy about it.

If you've read this whole damn post, give yourself a pat on the back because that's all you're going to get. Ha! I hope you all had a wonderful Holiday season and a FABULOUS New Year, Kids!

The Christmas Story

2010-12-20T21:34:00.001-06:00

If you have read this blog for awhile, {or know me IRL} you may that I'm a Pope-loving-Rosary-praying-Mass-attending Catholic. Needless to say, I'm a fan of the 'Big Man Upstairs'. Oh, sure, we've had our arguments, disagreements, and I've struggled as much as the next Catholic girl {who start much too late} {Yes, I just threw a Billy Joel reference into my Catholic/Christmas diatribe} with my Faith {I can be ridiculously stubborn at times}, but I always come back to the One who forgives ALL my craziness. {Thank the Lord for FORGIVENESS!} Literally, and figuratively.

Thanks to Katie B. and Kelly {and some procrastination at work} I saw this wonderful video. Even if you aren't religious, you have to admit this video is totally awesome! What better way to break down the 'Christmas Story' by introducing it to Social Networking/Media?!

I laughed so much during this my coworker thought I was crazy. And then I sent it to her.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
{And, yes, a real life update is coming soon. Prepare yourselves for some serious bullet points, kids.}

Sing A Song About My Life

2010-11-15T13:04:00.001-06:00

Thank you, George!

I've been on a iTunes kick lately {Thank you, 6-hour drive to East Texas!} and there have been a few songs that I listen to and think, "Holy Crap! That's me right now!" and then there are others that I think, "Oh, finally! A cheesy pop song that Glee has redeemed!" {I'm talking to you 'Teenage Dream'.}

I now give you Songs for My Life Right Now:

"A Little Bit Stronger"

Sara Evans

"But I'm telling myself I'll be OK/Even on my weakest day/I get a little bit stronger..."

"As She's Walkin' Away"

Zac Brown Band {feat. Alan Jackson}

"Now I'm fall'n in love as she's walking away/And my heart won't tell my mind to tell my mouth what it should say..."

"Every Girl Like Me"

Sugarland

"Because I, I, I am not perfect/But I, I, I, I know I'm worth it..."

"Little Miss"

Sugarland

"Little Miss brand new start/Little Miss do your part/Little Miss big ole heart beats wide open/She's ready now for love..."

"Teenage Dream" {Glee Cast Version}

Glee Cast

And because I love me some Gleed up showtunes...

"Happy Days are Here Again/Get Happy" {Glee Cast Version}

Glee Cast

So, I gotta know, what songs are "your life" right now? Plus, the iTunes kick hasn't ended...

Have a great day, kids!

Riffraff

2010-11-15T11:56:00.001-06:00

Because my friend Kirsten is AWESOME and I love her dearly...

And I want to win a $100 gift certificate to her fabulous store, Riffraff. Please go check out her awesomely eclectic, vintagey, fun, creative, all-around AWESOMELY FABULOUS store. She will love you for it. And I will too.

Today...

2010-11-04T09:40:00.000-05:00

I wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me. O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge. (Psalm 62:5-8)

My mom sent this verse in an email to me today and it really hit home. Travel season has really taken a toll on me emotionally, physically, and spiritually. I needed this. Thanks, Mom!

On a lighter note, I've been 'jamming' out to this:

Judge away, Kids!

Have a wonderful day!

Weekend is a Text

2010-10-24T19:46:00.000-05:00

Rain Delay? This is what happens when you allow W and his entourage to come up for a game. The heavens literally open up in protest. -Text from AB

{Courtesy of SJ's Twitter}

God, I love my recruiter friends. AND we won! Take that SEC Officials and Mother Nature!
AND despite the rain, I'm so glad I got to see W, and his friend, Z. We had so much fun! It had been a whole week since we'd seen each other. We were going through withdrawals. Ha!

I'm off for another week of travel to San Antonio in the morning. Have a GREAT week, kids!

Quotes from the Road

2010-10-22T21:54:00.004-05:00

Because let's be honest - the best part of my job is the questions and conversations I have with students and other recruiters.

I was checking into a HS College Fair and had a student helper escorting me inside the building...

Student Helper: "What school are you from?"

Me: "The University of 'Bordering STATE'."

Student Helper: "Where is that?"

Me: "It's located in Northwest Bordering STATE (giving her the benefit of the doubt)."Student Helper: "Is that in Texas?"

Me: (pause) "No, it's in 'Bordering State', Northeast of Texas."
Student Helper: "Oh...."

Winner.

Kid at my lunch visit: "You are too far away. I want to mooch off my mom as long as possible."

I can't tell if he's an idiot, or brilliant.

Recruiter dinner at El Tiempo, we were discussing Old Southern University's mascot change:
AB: "Hey, W, does Old Southern State even have black bears?!"
W: "Yup! 80 of them!"
Me: "How/WHY do you know that?!?!"

AB: "I don't try to perpetuate the stereotype of 'my people'."
Me: "Wait, I thought you were from Louisiana..."

Me: "Wait, how do my {college adventures} always end up being the topic of conversation?!"

Random Students: "Y'all got law/medical?"

W: "So, an angry Houstonian called my boss today. Apparently, I made 7 illegal lane changes and was driving at a dangerously high speed...."

Me (through text): "Where are you?"
W: "The Frito Lay factory. I think I'm lost..."
Me: "Great. The Houstonian is lost in Houston."

Me: "Don't judge my college fair pump up playlist!"

CL: "11 + 7 = 28. That's old."
AB: "No, it's 18."
CL: "No, it's not. 11+ 7 = 28."
{Pause}
CL: "Oh, crap. It's 18."
Me: "There's that Big 12 education!"

Have a great weekend! Here's to another Anonymous State University win tomorrow!

M.I.A.

2010-10-17T15:03:00.000-05:00

Where have the last 6 weeks gone?!?!

Oh, right, I spent them recruiting for Anonymous State University in Texas.

Lets do a very quick recap, shall we? {WARNING: LONG @$$ POST!}

Week 1: Austin

{I'm not very political, but the first sign made me laugh when driving downtown. Oh, Austin! I'm a fan of keeping you WeIrD.}

The week of torrential/hurricane rains. I'm pretty sure I floated down I-35 to get to my visits. I did get to spend some time with the family and hang with one of my cousins, Jules. Pretty relaxing travel week. Still wishing the rain wouldn't have ruined my Austin adventures. Apparently, someone rained on my parade. Lame. UPSIDE: I found my new favorite lunch spot, Walton's Fancy and Staple. Google to see who owns it. :-)

Week 2 & 3: Dallas

{Dallas in the early morning during one of my 6AM flights and a sunrise when I woke up early for one of my morning visits. Thanks, Dallas!}

Let me say that I was NOT looking forward to spending 2 weeks in the Big D. Dallas and I have a love/hate relationship with Dallas. LOVE the shopping/events, HATE the traffic. BUT I've grown to like the Big D. Who thought that would ever happen?! Sure as crap, NOT me. We had some great recruiter dinners. Basically, 10 of us rehashing visits/fairs, recalling college antics {somehow my memorable antics ended up being a topic of conversation}, and shutting down Maggiano's. Literally, they turned off the outside lights as soon as we hit the parking lot. LOVE my recruiter family. Tons of fun, great kids and LOTS of laughter.

Week 4: Austin, again.

{See why I want to MOVE here?!}

Ending my first full month on the road. I love Austin, but I think I was hitting a breaking point. {Even though, I navigated like a native. Ha!} I had some great visits, but I was just getting burned out. Luckily, I LOVE Austin and being in that city made me totally suppress a breakdown. I will move there someday soon. Mark. My. Words.

Week 5 & 6: Houston

Holy Crap! I don't think I've ever cursed a city as much as I did Houston. I was already on the verge of a travel breakdown {Did I also mention that I moved in the middle of all this travel? No? Well I did. Stressed OUT.} and being in this city did NOT help. The traffic stressed me out, I didn't feel all that productive during my visits. My recruiting event has some MAJOR bumps, so yours truly went into crisis mode {and thankfully it all worked out}. Houston: you and I have some MAJOR issues to work out before I visit again in the Spring. Still, some memorable dinners of laughters, stories {yes, MY college antics became a discussion topic, again. I'm not that exciting, people!} and visiting Melton's Velvet Pub. The name alone should indicate it's classiness.

This Weekend!

I spent a great weekend in Southern State Capital. My lovely friend from college, JT, who is now JC, got married. She looked GORGEOUS! Like ridiculously BEAUTIFUL! Ahh! So much fun. Had an impromptu sleepover with the lovely Ms. CPH. {Thanks, Hotel Rewards Points!} Then, spent all day Saturday with MJM watching ESPN and eating PB&J. {Anonymous State University lost. Stupid Conference refs! There were some MAJOR controversial and questionable calls. We're still in the Top 25, but barely. Ugh!} We did have an impromptu trip to the new Target. {Me to MJM: "We are so suburban!" MJM to Me: "I know."} Oh, how I really enjoy hanging out with that boy! Thanks for being a great friend, MJM! Now, my Sunday back in Southern College Town consists of laundry, blogging, grocery shopping, and enjoying my 1 week back at home.

It feels so good to be HOME!

Up Next: San Antonio and East Texas

Have a great week, kids!

E.R.C.

2010-09-22T00:29:00.000-05:00

Emotional Roller Coaster.

I swear I'm on some MAJOR emotional roller coaster full of HIGHS, lows, tWiStS, turns and Loop-Dee-Loops that I could rival

Cedar Point, Islands of Adventure, and Magic Kingdom

COMBINED.

Seriously. Ridiculous. I blame hormones.

Happy.

2010-09-20T14:44:00.000-05:00

I have had a rough 24-36 hours.

My head and heart were not on the same page and yours truly was a complete mess. I'm good with a decision that I've come to about a certain relationship (it has made me quite happy!) and my friends were not.

The phrases:
"He's a tool."
"You're going to get hurt."
"You can do so much better."
were hurled around at dinner one night. I understand they care about me, but if I'm happy with the arrangement and it works for us, why shouldn't they be happy for me?

I have come to the conclusion that I am in a good place with my life, and if others aren't going to support my decisions - not my problem.

It includes:

A WONDERFUL family
AWESOME, reliable girlfriends
A FANTASTIC guy friend that checks on me (He's awesome!)
A job I really love
A roof over my head
Food on my table
Bills that get paid
Gas in my car

And the most important thing of all:

A GOD that LOVES me despite my struggles and imperfections.

I'm happy with the way things are and nobody is going to 'Rain on My Parade'.

{Singing of Glee, who is excited for the season premiere tonight?!?!}

Today is THE Day!

2010-09-03T11:28:00.001-05:00

B and I are hanging out with this guy, tonight:

MJM: "Haven't you been to enough of those?"

My answer:" NO!"

This is only my 2nd JMayer concert this year. I'm behind and I intend to catch up.

SO.EXCITED. EEEEKKKKK!!!!!!

Question: What is/are your favorite John Mayer song(s)?

I'm going with Love Song for No One AND Good Love is On the Way (War of My Life is a close third). Enjoy the weekend!

Looking Forward...

2010-09-02T13:56:00.000-05:00

Here are a few, SMALL things going on this weekend:

I'm seeing this LOVELY man Friday night in Midwestern Hometown with B.

{Let's relive last Spring's slight obsession HERE.}

SO.EXCITED.

He makes my world go round in a non-stalkerish, creepy, overzealous fan kind-of-way.

It's HERE! I'm so excited for college football! Rumor has it that Anonymous State University is going to kick some major butt this season and we MIGHT even have our own Heisman Trophy candidate. We're only in the best conference. EVER. Don't even try to argue with me, either. You will lose.

Labor Day aka 3-Day Weekend - Enough said.

Come Monday afternoon I will be Somewhere Down in Texas, specifically Austin, TX!

Travel Season is HERE! WOO HOO!

You have no idea how excited I am to be traveling, meeting with students, eating stuffed avocados, enjoying salad bars, and spending time with the A-TEAM! 8 weeks of Texas-filled fun! Can't wait!

Finish the week strong and enjoy the weekend!

TGIF!

2010-08-27T12:54:00.001-05:00

Here's to a weekend of making decisions, packing, organizing, cleaning and getting prepared for 8 WEEKS OF TRAVEL!

Have a great weekend, y'all!

Equity Adjustment

2010-08-25T18:14:00.001-05:00

Equity: the monetary value of a property or business beyond any amounts owed on it in mortgages, claims, liens, etc. {Dictionary.com}

Adjustment: a correction or modification to reflect actual conditions {Merriam-Webster}

Today, I was equitably adjusted at work. {Sounds kinda dirty?!} Believe me, it was a good thing.

I kinda feel like this guy. I'm in such a good mood I don't even mind packing, right now.

Roller Coaster

2010-08-24T19:01:00.001-05:00

CI feel like life has been one big roller coaster lately.

Full of UPS {seeing family, hanging out with friends, planning travel, birthday surprises, new COACH bag}

and

Full of downs {seeing family, multiple trips to the dentist, running low on $$ because of said dentist trips, learning who aren't real friends}

SO to lighten things up 'round here:

You're welcome.

New Day

2010-08-18T20:10:00.001-05:00

I woke up to a new day.

And I felt like I could actually breathe and handle whatever life threw at me. Plus, it wasn't my birthday anymore so that made today EVEN better. {I wasn't kidding when I said I don't do birthdays.} I have a bad track records with birthdays. The actual day never goes according to plan but the day after is usually pretty calm. What a life?!

I'm 23 today

2010-08-17T15:50:00.000-05:00

and it has NOT been a good birthday. Plus, I've been quite the blogging slacker.

Lesley Gore (1965) is my girl, today.

Cleaning and Intimidated.

2010-08-04T21:31:00.000-05:00

I began cleaning out my closet last week in preparation for my Fall Travel Season. Here were the rules for the clothes and accessories to be kissed good-bye:

1) Hadn't been worn or used in 6 months or more
2) Ridiculously out of date/style
3) Showed real signs of wear and tear

And my closet ended up looking like a disaster area. It was oddly therapeutic. {And my over analyzing, OCD, organized-to-a-fault self felt a little lost.}

Then I got the 'Bright Idea' to Ebay my lovely items that weren't total losses or completely out of date.

Worst.
Idea.
Ever.

I've never been so overwhelmed and intimidated by a process in my life. Good Lord! My stomach is turning to knots as I type this. {Don't Judge.} For your entertainment, a list of questions circling through my head:

Wait - did I do that right?!
I'm charged for pictures?!
What if my item doesn't sell?
Will I have to re-list it? And if so, how the H-E-Double-Toothpicks will I do that?!
What if I sell my item and it doesn't meet a buyers expectations?
Will I be condemned to Ebay Inferno?
Will the 'Mean Girls' of Ebay give me bad seller ratings?

SEE?! Stressful and intimidating. Ugh. I sooner have my Mom, Plato's Closet, and Goodwill dig through my crap then be stressed out by EBAY, again.

One H-E-Double Toothpicks of a Week

2010-07-29T21:18:00.000-05:00

Holy Crap, Batman! I don't think I've ever had as rough as a week as this week (I'm sure I've had worse weeks, but nothing comes to mind. And who cares if I'm being ~~a lot~~ a bit overdramatic?! )

To sum it up:

Why does life have to be so hard, sometimes?! Ugh.

BUT {This post isn't ALL 'Debbie Downer'}

I had 3 really good things happen this week, but I can only post 1 for the time being:

STORY TIME: I was planning a camping trip with some of my good friends to celebrate the end of summer, my upcoming day of birth {which I'm against celebrating in the first place}, and it would give us an excuse to get together before I hit the road for Travel Season. Come to find out, only The Science Teacher was available the weekend of the trip, {Apparently, my other friends have lives. LAME} so I canceled the trip. I broke the news to TST earlier this week and my rough week had already started, so this cancellation didn't help matters. The poor guy actually listened to my frustration and let me throw myself a first class pity party. {Bitter - Party of 1!} At that point he was all about celebrating my day of birth {Can I repeat that I'm completely and utterly against celebrating?!?}. I told him to forget it and to not worry about it. End. Of. Discussion. {At least I thought it was over. It's my birthday, I can cry-uncelebrate-complain if I want too - right?}

WELL - what did I get today?

A lovely text message from TST asking if I could come to Midwestern Hometown the original weekend of the trip. I said that I guess I could - why? And I text quote "You just get here and leave the rest to me." Way to make a girl nervous. And shows your lack of listening skills.

Kids - The first weekend of August I will be an extremely nervous wreck.

Who knows what TST has up his sleeve?! {I may have to hurt him a ~~lot~~ little if he does anything embarrassing to me that weekend.} Wish me and him luck. {You may want to pray that I don't seriously hurt him.}

Now, I'm going to finish packing for my upcoming Mother/Daughter weekend up North {as in Indiana}. My mother is crazy and bought plane tickets to go celebrate my Abuela's birthday this weekend and is bringing me along. I did need to get out of town.....

Have a FAB weekend, Kids!

You and Me Goin' Fishin' in the Dark

2010-07-18T18:16:00.001-05:00

It has been 'once of those weeks' for the past 2 weeks. Ridiculous.

I have felt the NEED to chant "I love my job" over and over and over. And over.

And then I convinced my parents to go to the lake this weekend. Just what the doctor ordered.

We ate and drank, watched Hugh Grant and Sandra Bullock movies, and laughed a lot.

AND this 20-Something Career Gal OUT FISHED her Old Man! That's right ladies and gents, I out fished the Old Man in quality. His 1 Sand Bass, 1 Browner (?), and 2 Gar were NO match to my BEAUTIFUL 3 lb Blue Catfish.

Behold - What a beauty!

The student has surpassed the teacher.

I kid you not, I've been so stressed out and frustrated in the South that my soul felt better as soon as I crossed the state line into the Midwest. My soul is healed.

Have a wonderful week!

Crazy Day

2010-07-09T22:04:00.000-05:00

Oh, Sweet Jesus! I had a CRAZY day!

It consisted of ~~sweet talking/humoring~~ hosting 100 ~~200 anxious, crazy, overbearing helicopter parents~~ rising HS Seniors at Anonymous State University today for a summer recruitment event.

I walked and talked A LOT.

Then I proceeded to walk and talk SOME MORE. {I was convinced my feet were going to fall off, kick the crap out of me, and run a way with the fork and the spoon while jumping over the moon. Or something overly dramatic like that.}

Don't get me wrong, I love my job and Anonymous State University but I am worn out. I had a VERY LARGE glass of wine this evening. {And I'm not an alcoholic, I'm just Catholic. Amen.}

And then I volunteered to pick up MM at a wedding he's attending in town. I'm too damn nice and apparently crazy. Then take him to his damn car at 6AM tomorrow morning. I'm an idiot. Fo realz. I better get a REALLY good dinner out of this Fall. {Sidenote: MM is moving to Anonymous State Capital ~~to be an overachiever~~ to attend medical school. LAME. So I have to wait a few months for my AWESOME dinner that I deserve. And I do deserve it.}

In the mean time, these fabulous musicians have made my night:

{Yes, PLEASE, Adam Levine}

{King of Anything - AMAZING!}

{Who doesn't LOVE Jack Johnson?!}

Have a fantastic weekend! I'm off to Midwestern Hometown with one of Sorority Seesters to see another Sorority Seester for the day. LOVE me some random road trips.

A Conversation

2010-07-01T09:55:00.000-05:00

My Grandmother called on Tuesday to check-in with me and to inform me that she is the QUEEN of her assisted living residence. {She's been so busy since she moved in here a few years ago that she puts MY schedule to shame.}

She won the nursing home's annual pageant and is heading to a state competition. I love my Grandma.

I have deemed myself her official pageant coach.
Practice interview questions are welcomed.

She said she had to pick 1 of 3 possible questions to answer and her choice was: "If you could travel anywhere in the world, where and why?"

Her Answer: The Love Boat Cruise Ship with Gavin MacLeod.

I was cracking up, but she total had a legit point - You go, Grandma!

Other Hilarious Quotes from this Heartwarming Convo with my Grandma:

"Have you been watching The Bachelorette? What do you think of Ali? My favorite is Roberto."

"Did you hear about Jake & Viena's break-up?!"

Oh, Grandma - I love you! Thanks for being one of my best friends.

Red Letter Day

2010-06-24T18:08:00.000-05:00

Kids, I've had a FANTASTIC day.

It was so great I was Mary-Freakin'-Sunshine. It was infectious. Seriously - I think I may have scared some of my coworkers.

Happy Day Contributer Numero Uno:

Oh, yeah, I'm seeing this lovely man, again, in September 3rd!

It's my birthday present from my parents and this time I have FLOOR seats.

I. AM. SO. EXCITED.

Happy Day Contributer Numero Dos:

My boss FINALLY emailed out the Master Calendar for this Fall's College and Career Fairs.

Not terrible exciting for all of you but WAY exciting for me. I kid you not, my life was on hold till that calendar arrived. Sad, I know.

Happy Day Contributer Numero Tres:

My FABULOUS pledge sister, E, dropped by my office and had lunch with me today. I never see any of them since we've all graduated and have our own lives. LAME. But I was sure happy to have lunch with her today!

So, as you can see, Kids, it was a GREAT day. I love days like today. I hope you all had a great day too!

Happy Dad's Day!

2010-06-20T11:26:00.001-05:00

To My Dad:

Thank you for always providing, caring, and being there for me. You have been the best 'devil's advocate', you taught me how to properly fish, showed me how NOT to be afraid, and made me feel that I can do anything for and by myself. And thanks for instilling me the LOVE of the outdoors. I would be lost without you. Thank you for being my best friend and my Daddy. I love you.

"Men are rats, listen to me, they're fleas on rats, worse than that, they're amoebas on fleas on rats. I mean, they're too low for even the dogs to bite. The only man a girl can depend on is a daddy."

"Anyone can be a 'Father' but it takes a special kind of man to be a 'Daddy'. "

"Hard hearts get broken, but soft hearts bruise. Keep a soft heart." -Dad

Happy Father's Day!

Single

2010-06-18T16:55:00.001-05:00

After a night of yogurt, gossip, catching up and discussing our lives with a few of my favorite girls, I remember I had this quote tucked away:

I feel good about my life. I'm good with being single. AND I know that God will place the right man in my life when He is ready for me to be with him. Life is good today. And my girls are wonderful.

Hello, 21st Century!

2010-06-17T17:37:00.000-05:00

Yeah, I know. It's been awhile since I've blogged. Part slacker, part nothing exciting is going on

EXCEPT

for the arrival of this:

Apple iPhone - 16 GB - 3GS

Yes, I've joined the 21st century and I LOVE it. Thanks, Anonymous State University! Gotta love work phones. Any iPhone Apps I NEED to have? Any addicting games that I MUST become addicted to? Do tell. I NEED to know.

O.M.Glee

2010-06-08T16:25:00.000-05:00

As I download and listen to Glee: The Music, Journey to Regionals I can't help but be a little excited and sad at the same time that tonight is the Season Finale.

Seriously, I am in LOVE with this show. {It got picked up for a 3rd season and the 1st season is ending tonight. CRAZY.} And it's only television, people. I love the music, diversity, hilarious lines, and overall feeling I get from watching this show. I would even dare say that I get a bit I giddy. {Don't hold that over me. Giddiness doesn't happen that often for me.} Let's take a walk down Glee Memory Lane, and visit some memorable quotes:

Brittany: "Did you know dolphins are just gay sharks?"

Kurt: "I'm gay. She's black. We make culture." {**Favorite Quote YET!}

Sue (to Kurt and Mercedes): "How do you two not have a show on Bravo?"

Artie: We have to do what we've been dreading. Something more terrifying than Rachel's personality.

Rachel: I'm like Tinkerbell, Finn, I need applause to live!

Bryan Ryan (Neil Patrick Harris): "I was a featured soloist at King's Island in Doodledy Doo Musical Review... Nine years later, I woke up on a urine-stained mattress in the West Lima crack district. Then something amazing happened. I was introduced to Jesus. He was my Honduran social worker."

Tina: “So here’s what’s gonna happen; my dad, he’s the king of the vampires and Asian vampires are the most vicious of all the vampires. You’re gonna let me wear my lady [sic] clothes or my dad is going to fly into your bedroom and bite your face off. He’s really pissed. Is that what you want?”

Principal Figgins: “I don’t want that, I’m afraid.”
Tina: “Good. Now I’m glad we had this talk. Now I’ve got to go back to my coffin because the light is burning my eyes.”

Terri: I have this compulsive need to crush other people's dreams.
Finn: Yeah that's what Mr. Shu said.

Enjoy the season finale and let me know what you think!

In less than 20 hours...

2010-05-28T11:21:00.000-05:00

I will be on VACATION! My flight leave at 6:25AM {apparently I had a bout of CRAZY when I booked it} and I will be enjoying the following:

{Michigan City, IN}

{Lighthouse Place Premium Outlets}

{Lincoln Park Zoo}

{Navy Pier}

{John G. Shedd Aquarium}

{North Avenue Beach}

{Oh, yeah, 2 of my lovely college friends are getting hitched!}

I'm so excited for my trip and I NEED a vacation. It is much deserved! Have a happy Memorial Weekend!

And this is why I don't have cable...

2010-05-26T10:34:00.001-05:00

Oh Dear! Because I become addicted to too many shows!

I’m pretty sure I’m going to enjoy this season of ‘The Bachelorette’. I have a feeling that Ali and the guys are going to provide some MAJOR entertainment.

Here’s a rundown of some of the nights antics and guys {you can assume my peanut gallery comments will be sarcastic, snarky, and hilarious}:

• Craig M. from Canada aka “Creepy Canadian Craig” and “Ugly Tie Man” – Enough said.

• Derrick – Dear, there are just some things that you don’t admit on national television, like how you got the nickname ‘Shooter’ in college. You deserved to be rejected based on that story alone.

• Frank from Chicago – Definitely one of our front runners! He’s too cute with his glasses and his “I quit my lucrative job and moved to Paris to write screenplays” life story. Could get a little….overwhelming over time. Anxious to see how this one plays out.

• Hunter – Played the guitar and sang a funny song during the cocktail hour. I’m a little impressed. But his “Thank God!” moment when Ali gave him a rose? Really, Dude?! C’mon!

• Jason – Cute, cocky and time to go. I think this is the dude who back flipped off the limo, too….good thing he didn’t bust his head open and get rejected by Ali on the same night. Now THAT would have been bad.

• Jay – Oh, Jay! I was kind of getting a weird vibe from you. For the record, that’s NOT good.

• Jesse – Yes, I will date a Peculiar man.

• John M. – Jersey Shore called they seem to be missing a stand in. {Was that too harsh?}

• Jonathan – Cute and adorable, but I’m not so sure about this one. I have a feeling he may get on my nerves. And the other guys, too. Cute gift with the sun, though.

• Justin – I’m watching you. Other dudes can smell shady a mile away. And the Rated R shirt? Ed Hardy called he wants his tackiness back.

• Kasey – Hello, Jake 2.0! Could hurt/help his chances.

• Kirk – Making a scrapbook for someone you’ve never met is NEVER a good idea! Really surprised this guy got a rose. Hopefully there won’t be a scrapbooking challenge on this season because he might just put the other guys to shame.

• Kyle – He just couldn’t REEL her in….:-(

• Roberto or Robert-O – Love me some Latin men! Getting a girl to dance works EVERY TIME. Good job!

• Ty – Good ‘ol Southern boy. What else do you really need? Oh, right, for him to have NOT just gotten divorced.

• Tyler V. – Are you even old enough to be on this show?!

I can’t wait for the rest of this season! Let the crazy/embarrassing/hilarious/atrocious Bachelorette games begin!

AND

How AMAZINGLY FABULOUS was last night’s GLEE?!

"I love wearing champagne bubbles — I get to express a whole different side of myself. Because even though I'm painfully shy and obsessed with death, I'm a really effervescent person."

"And we have a jumper."

I can NOT get enough of this show! I love all the characters more and more each time I watch the show!

Hope you all have a wonderful day! Official vacation countdown: 3 days - Hello, Lake Michigan!

She's BACK!

2010-05-24T19:23:00.001-05:00

One of my favorite bachelorettes from last season's "The Bachelor: On the Wings of Love" is BACK and is this season's bachelorette. So EXCITED! I always liked Ali {and I think it was because of her yellow dress} and was so happy to see she was getting her own season.

To quote my lovely blog friend, Livin' Wide: Girl went and asked for 50 guys instead of only 25. Hell yeah. Damn you, crazy white folks on reality TV that have me addicted to you absurd antics!

Amen, sister, Amen. Now, off to watch it with my sisters. Stay tuned for my snarky, judgy, wudgy recap tomorrow. :-)

Advice

2010-05-20T18:41:00.000-05:00

Okay, kids, for the most part this blog is pretty ~~superficial~~ fun-filled with my random obsessions, travels, funny conversations, etc. but today I wanted to blog about something semi-serious.

I hesitated to blog about this but I was curious as to what you all think about this situation.....

It's Wedding Season, ~~ugh~~ YAY!

Don't get me wrong, I love my friends and I'm glad that they are in love, happy, riding off into the sunset, etc. but let's be honest, all these celebrations take a financial toll. And it sucks.

My friend, PG, got engaged in March and is planning a July wedding. {Yes, you read that correctly}. And she asked me to be a bridesmaid. To be honest, I was not expecting to be asked to be in her bridal party. I would have been completely content being a guest. I was very surprised.

{Backstory: This is PG's 2nd engagement. She was engaged previously to her high school/college sweetheart who broke off their engagement 4 months before their wedding in 2009. It was a bad deal. I was a bridesmaid in that wedding and had already purchased my dress for the wedding when it was canceled. I was out a $150, but it was nothing compared to what she went through, bless her heart. She never saw it coming. None of us did.}

She asked us girls to be her bridesmaids and sent us the link to the dress she wanted us to wear. It's around $150 {and then there's the shoes, transportation, lodging for the out of town wedding, etc} and your's truly just cannot afford it, right now, but I was going to try. Seriously, I have numerous celebrations to attend this summer, plus some bi-yearly bills to pay, etc.

I was very upfront with PG and told her:
"Just wanted to let you know that money is tight right now, and I was wondering if you could order my bridesmaid dress for me and I'll pay you half in June and half in July for it. If this is a problem, let me know and I'll figure something out."

She responded with:
"I totally understand the money thing! I talked to my mom about it, and I'm nearing my budget and I have zero income since I'm not subbing anymore {she's a teacher}. I would definitely love for you to be in the wedding, so if we can't figure out the dress situation maybe you can do something that doesn't involve buying the dress. Let me know what you think!"

I was a little hurt and offended by the response. I wasn't asking her to buy my dress and me not pay her back. I just needed some help in affording it. Payment plans are your friend. For real people.

After much discussion with family and friends {and some who offered to help me but I declined because it's NOT their responsibility} and financial review, I told her today that I am not able to afford the dress but would look forward to simply being a guest and celebrating the day with her and her fiancé. I haven't heard from her, at all.

Is there any type of protocol for this kind of situation? Am I being unreasonable, or what? Let me have it!

{Sidenote: I was able to wear PG's 1st bridesmaid dress in my junior high/high school best friend's wedding. She had no idea I had the dress and I had no idea that the dress was one of her colors till she sent me a picture of it. I like to call it a moment of divine intervention. Hallelujah!}

Obsessed.

2010-05-17T11:30:00.004-05:00

Seriously.

OBSESSED with Hanson's new single - Thinking 'Bout Somethin'.

{Don't judge.}

I grew up in the 90's and was a HUGE Hanson fan.
{And it didn't hurt that we're from the same hometown.}

I can't get enough of this song.

FACT: The video was shot in Midwestern Hometown's Downtown. And there were open casting calls for the video. It was on my calendar and I slept in, instead. Crap. There goes my shot at fame.

ENJOY!

Thinking 'Bout Somethin'

{You know you all are Hanson fans, too. Don't deny it.}

Rainy Day

2010-05-14T10:17:00.000-05:00

Current Radar image, here in Southern College Town:

Joy.

We've had some tornado warnings the past few days. Here was our response to the alerts:

Coworker 1: Um, we're under a tornado warning and we're just sitting here. Should we be concerned and take shelter?!

Me: I am slightly concerned.....(to Coworker 2) should we be concerned?

Coworker 2: No, just stand on the 2nd floor near some large window. You'll be fine.

Since when did I move back to the mid-West?! Good Lord! I moved out of Tornado Alley for a reason, people. (Okay, I didn't move from mid-Western hometown because of tornado's but this week has been ridiculously filled with tornado/sever thunderstorm warnings. I'm over it)

I'm ready for some of this:

instead of this:

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! Send good thoughts and prayers my way. The plan is to go camping tonight......Oh, dear.....we must be crazy....

Current Obsession

2010-05-13T16:12:00.001-05:00

Orange Mango

AH-MAZ-ING!

Pretty much the best thing to happen to Southern College Town since Slim Chickens (which is a WHOLE other blog post.)

EDIT: I went to this little slice of Heaven tonight with Jenn & Dave. Craving successfully subsided....for now.

Slacker or Un-Inspired?

2010-05-10T20:58:00.000-05:00

I've been in a bit of a funk, lately. Normally (and, yes, I'm implying that I'm normal), I usually I have a few posts up my sleeve or I find some random inspiration that I feel the need to post,

BUT

recently, nothing. nada. zilch.

I have not felt the desire, motivation, or inspiration to blog.

Ugh.

If you find any inspiration - send it my way. Okay, thanks.

In other news, I'm heading the Windy City for vacation at the end of this month.

Even though I've spent my fair share of time in Chi-Town, I've decided to take it easy and actually enjoy my vacation. Just call me a tourist and send me to Navy Pier!

OVERDUE Update

2010-04-29T20:35:00.000-05:00

Okay, kids!

I was 'Somewhere Down in Texas' (Thank you, George!) for 2 1/2 weeks for work.

I was in AWESOMELY FANTASTIC Austin, TX.
I heart Austin. Austin has my heart.

I will move here one day. Mark my words.

Then I was in Houston, TX.

Not a HUGE fan, but it's growing on me.

I'll visit anytime. For work.

Because I can't resist, here are a few quotes/questions I had over those 2 weeks:

Parent: "Do you offer in-state tuition for Texas citizens?"
Me: "Wow! You all take this whole seceding thing seriously?!"

Student: "What is this?"
Me: "Anonymous State University"
Student: ".....{blank stare}"
Me: "A four year college in Anonymous State....."
Student "Oh." {walks away}

Quotes Courtesy of the A-Team:

C: "I'm an NCB."

J: "The Hockey."

A: "I can be feisty!"

S: "Oh, I'm a fan of the watering can!"

I spent a lot of time recruiting for Anonymous State University meeting with students, counselors, and parents. I went to 4 fairs, 1 private and 3 national, plus I attended a conference for College Admissions Counseling. Nothing too exciting, a few good stories, and some great memories. I really had a hard time adjusting being back in Southern College Town. I really love being on the road, the freedom, and the friends {A-Team!}. It's hard being back in the 'daily grind' but Lord knows I love my job. Even with the GREAT, good, bad, and HORRIBLE. Though I do find myself saying, 'Bless {his/her} heart..." a lot more these days. God Bless tomorrow's youth. Here's to hoping they survive the next 4 years and that you all have a wonderful day! It's almost Friday!

GLEE

2010-04-27T10:34:00.001-05:00

It's Tuesday night and you know what that means....

Oh, Sweet Jesus! I absolutely LOVE this show! It's the best thing on TV since Will & Grace (RIP)! AND a sweater that Emma Pillsbury wore in one of the new episodes I totally have - Thanks, Target! I heard that participation in high school glee clubs is up since the airing of the show. Gotta love media influence on today's youth.

Earth Day

2010-04-22T09:10:00.000-05:00

Happy Earth Day!

Now go plant a tree. And enjoy the Great Outdoors. While reducing, reusing, and recycling.

{And, YES, I know I need to update ye old blog. I was traveling, cut a girl some slack.}

Spring Travel

2010-04-07T23:14:00.001-05:00

On Sunday, I began my Spring Travel for Anonymous State University. {aka I will be a blog slacker - don't judge}

33 visits in 2 1/2 weeks. Oy!

I am currently sitting in a hotel room in the ~~great~~ state of Texas. I'm not going to lie, I am not a fan of Texas BUT it's growing on me.....Thank goodness for staying in fun cities with great friends!

And Spring Travel would not be complete without the A-Team, Nick the Waiter, or Mark the cute 'Safari Guide'.

He is RISEN!

2010-04-04T23:16:00.000-05:00

John 11: 25 - 26
²⁵Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; ²⁶and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"

God is GREAT! I really tried this past Lenten season to truly understand Christ's sacrifice and really pray for guidance. Every time I used my Black Lenten Book, which consisted of daily readings of Christ's Passion and Lenten history, I would get so emotional and feel so grateful that He made the ultimate sacrifice for me. As a sinner, I am so thankful for having a loving and merciful God. During this Lenten season, I felt like I've constantly grown closer to Christ every day and I LOVE that feeling! {and I hope it continues.} I, also, try to thank God EVERY DAY for my many blessings. I hope you all had a blessed Easter!

Sick Day

2010-04-01T10:29:00.001-05:00

It seems that my exhaustion has caught up with me. ~~Damn it~~ Crap. I woke up with a headache, stiffness, congestion, etc. Fan-tas-tic. I, unfortunately, called in sick today. I hoping to show up at noon, but that is NOT happening. Here's to feeling better and being productive ALL DAY Friday.

exhausted.

2010-03-31T20:28:00.000-05:00

–verb (used with object)

to drain of strength or energy, wear out, or fatigue greatly, as a person: I have exhausted myself working. (via Dictionary.com)

And that is how I feel after organizing and executing a counselor recruitment event these past 3 days. And putting in a 16 hour work day. Peace out.

Perfect Weekend

2010-03-28T23:07:00.001-05:00

Oh.My.Goodness.

I had the PERFECT weekend.

I'm serious.

Friday:

with PCF {He is the BEST}.

Saturday:

with my Dad. :-)

Sunday:

Seriously, this was one of my BEST weekends in a LONG time. Thank God for ~~working in higher education~~ 3-day weekends! Well, it was nice while it lasted. Now onto crazy counselor events and Spring travel. Bring on the random, are-you-serious questions and comments!

Fashion Friday....

2010-03-28T22:40:00.000-05:00

posted on Sunday night (I may actually post this on a Friday. Eventually. I make no guarantees.)

Monday:

{Sweater: The Limited, Shirt: Forever 21, Pants: Ann Taylor, Watch: Target}

Tuesday:

{Shirt: Banana Republic, Pants: Ann Taylor, Pearls: My Mom}

Wednesday:

{Shirt: H&M, Sweater: Gap, Pants: Ann Taylor}

Thursday:

{Blazer: H&M, Shirt: Banana Republic, Jeans: Target, Watch: Target}

I am currently in a Fashion RUT. I'm so BORED with the 'stuff' in my closet. Oh, girl! I need HELP! Any suggestions for Spring?

I am a RUINED woman.

2010-03-25T18:12:00.000-05:00

Thanks, John Mayer. You have ruined any realistic expectations I have for men. {And it's all because of the guitar-playing-life-relating-lyric-writing-tall-dark-and-handsome qualities.}

I am OFFICIALLY ruined.

{View from our Suite of Downtown STL}

{STL Arch from Market St.}

{Michael Franti and Spearhead}

{Fun opening act!}

{Michael Franti ran all over the arena into the crowds}

{Say Hey (I love you)}

{Heartbreak Warfare (Swoon/Sigh/Squeal)}

{Hello, Current ~~Obsession~~ Desktop Picture}

{Hello, Lover}

{There goes the jacket....:-)}

{We're slow dancing in a burning room....}

{Little did I know that girl was an assassin too}

{He is an AMAZING guitar player. Seriously.}

{Here is what KSpence and I refer to as his 'awkward performance face'.}

{He does it EVERY time.....}

{(Reading Fan Signs) "Napalm? I don't even know what that word means."}

{The whole arena was cracking up. Hilarious!}

{Waiting on the world to change}

{I just found out there's no such thing as the real world/Just a lie you've got to rise above}

{It's been a long night in Austin, too....:-)}

{Gravity, stay the hell away from me...}

Seriously, one of the best nights I've had in a LONG time. Good music, great friends, and cool city. I'm happy. :-) {AND I would have included a video of the concert but you can hear me singing in the background and Lord knows NO ONE needs to be subjected to that.}

'Dog' is in the Air

2010-03-24T19:58:00.000-05:00

And that was to quote one of PCF's tweets from last night {~~we're~~ he's OBSESSED with his phone}. {and I am guilty of it, too.}

Life is NEVER boring with this kid.

We saw Duane 'Dog' Chapman the Bounty Hunter near Southern College Town.

{We stood in line for 3 and a half hours for this guy....}

{I only did it to humor PCF.}

{Oh the things you will do for good friends...}

{Some people standing in front of 'Dog's' bus while I was taking a picture.}

PCF owes me now. I hope you had a Wonderful Wednesday!

Weekend Wrap-Up

2010-03-22T17:32:00.001-05:00

O.M.G.

I had an AWESOME weekend! And in case you hadn't been ~~stalking~~ reading my blog during the past week, I went and saw John Mayer's Battle Studies Tour.

One Word: AMAZING.

My plan is to attend at least one of his concerts during every tour.
Ambitious? Yes. Crazy? Yes ~~Stalkerish? Wait, What?~~ Fun? Yes. All the Above? YES.
And I'm okay with a little ambitious/crazy/s~~talkerish~~/fun.

{Thank you, Upgraded Suite!}

My love for John Mayer and roadtrips with my friends knows no ~~boundaries~~ end. A full picture/video recap of the concert is to come, now worries. Because I know you all were.

Here Comes the Sun

Whoa

Home of the Brave.

so true.

Wedding Recap Wednesday

Wedding Recap Wednesdays

10 Things I Love

It's Official!

The End is Near

Instagram/iPhone Pictures

Perfect.

Almost A Month

Running

So Close Now

Whoa.

Valentine's Day!

Snow Day - Part Deux

Snow Days

SSB

But on the south side of Heaven

Post-Holiday Blues

Current Obsession

Country Strong

BCS

It's Back!

This Year I Will

2011 - Can't believe I survived...

The Christmas Story

Sing A Song About My Life

Riffraff

Today...

Weekend is a Text

Quotes from the Road

Student Helper: "What school are you from?"

Me: "The University of 'Bordering STATE'."

Student Helper: "Where is that?"

Me: "It's located in Northwest Bordering STATE (giving her the benefit of the doubt)."Student Helper: "Is that in Texas?"

Me: (pause) "No, it's in 'Bordering State', Northeast of Texas." Student Helper: "Oh...."

Winner.

Kid at my lunch visit: "You are too far away. I want to mooch off my mom as long as possible."

I can't tell if he's an idiot, or brilliant.

M.I.A.

E.R.C.

Happy.

Today is THE Day!

Looking Forward...

TGIF!

Equity Adjustment

Roller Coaster

New Day

I'm 23 today

Cleaning and Intimidated.

One H-E-Double Toothpicks of a Week

You and Me Goin' Fishin' in the Dark

Crazy Day

A Conversation

Red Letter Day

Happy Dad's Day!

Single

Hello, 21st Century!

O.M.Glee

In less than 20 hours...

And this is why I don't have cable...

She's BACK!

Advice

Obsessed.

Rainy Day

Current Obsession

Slacker or Un-Inspired?

OVERDUE Update

GLEE

Earth Day

Spring Travel

He is RISEN!

Sick Day

exhausted.

Perfect Weekend

Fashion Friday....

I am a RUINED woman.

'Dog' is in the Air

Me: (pause) "No, it's in 'Bordering State', Northeast of Texas."
Student Helper: "Oh...."