early 20s v. late 20s

Ha, possibly the funniest/most relatable thing I've read in months.

Life in your early 20s v. life in your late 20s (pros and cons!)

Hilarious, if you are in your twenties like me, and can't make it to the late movie or get a tummy ache if you eat too much junk food or need to sit down after one glass of wine at dinner, you can relate.  But late 20s has some perks -- a little more confidence, some maturity, etc.

Faithful

2012 has been one of the hardest and best years of my life, all at once...so I am both sad and happy to see it go.  I started dating Dave (technically we met in 2011) and am now planning to spend all my days withs him.  Clearly I've had prayers answered and times of waiting end.  The Lord is faithful and His mercies are new every morning.

My sweet NYE date!

I've also had loss and trials and have witnessed a lot of pain around me for those I love (and myself) including loss, death and divorce.  As our preacher said on Christmas Eve night, Christmas is really about the hope that comes from the birth of One who came to EVENTUALLY make all sad things untrue.  I think many of my family and friends felt that hope in a unique but hard way this year.

As a whole, 2012 was pretty good and pretty unique in my life.  Usually, being the black and white thinker that I am, I rate a year (or anything really) as good or bad- and this was both REALLY good and REALLY hard all at once!  God showed me His provision, His graciousness and His goodness, but He also let me (and my family) walk through some tough times, faithfully holding our hands and sustaining us.

So, if I could sum up 2012 in one word, it would be: Faithful. Faithful to answer prayers and provide.  Faithful to walk us through tough times.  Faithful to love us through good and bad.

Weekend

Hey Y'all!! I promise I am finish my 31 things series next week (really, raise your hand if you are suprised that it took me more than a month to finish that?? No hands? I thought so. Life gets busy !!)  Until then, here's a few weekend notes:

Tonight we are having a girls night and I am excited. I feel like this fall has been crazy for everyone -- people are busy with work, with familiy obligations, with personal struggles, with boyfriends, husbands, etc etc...oh, and football...I see a lot of my friends less during football season due to the fact that we "go our separate ways" on Saturdays :)  So yay for sushi, wine and chatting!

Tomorrow I have training for my HOLIDAY job I mentioned....I am working at The Everyday Gourmet, a cooking/china store here in Jackson that also does bridal registries.  I am excited to do something fun, work hard and make a little extra Christmas cash.

Afterwards, Dave and I are cooking Chili and flipping between 3 games (Ole Miss v. Vandy, Auburn v. Georgia, and MSU v. LSU)  Why did our 3 schools have to play at around the same time?  This fall has been super busy and I have attended far less games than I normally do, but curling up in sweats on a cold night (well maybe cold night since its Mississippi!) with Chilli sounds wonderful.  And, strangely enough, I haven't missed my usual obsession with football that much.  I've had good and bad distractions which has reminded me its just football....although don't get me wrong, I can't wait to be obsessed (to a lesser degree) next year again !!

Also, who gets excited about having a little free time to tidy up and do laundry? THIS GIRL. That, plus Dave and I have free coupons for Zaxbys (love their salads!!) so clearly, as you can all see I have BIG plans for the wkd!! Work, laundry, tv, zaxbys!!

We are starting to pull out our Christmas decorations this weekend at the Peachtree House.  My roomies and I throw a big Christmas party the first weekend of December.  I realized that if we don't start pulling out a little each wkd, we will be stressing out the week before.  So, yes, we are those people-- with decorations out early - but its for a good reason!!

That being said, where do you find cheap christmas decorations? Where is the best place to get a cheap articifial prelit tree? (our roomie took ours to DC) and what are some good Christmas crafts? (deep in me is a desire to be crafty, I'm not but I try!)


And finally, here's a little something to make you smile this friday :)

10 Year Reunion

This weekend was my 10 year HS reunion. Crazy that I'm that old right? I like to think that I don't look 28 -- haha but some days I do :(

Dave was a sweetie to go with me.  I enjoyed showing him off, and I'm glad he saw where I went to high school (even if it was only for 2 years)

I had mixed feelings about my HS reunion.  I moved in the middle of high school and spent only 2 years at BHS.  I certainly wasn't an outcast and had friends, but I always felt like I wasn't "one of them" because they had grown up together.  It would have been better if we had moved before high school started.  Also, I didn't know everyone in my class... at the point I moved, I was in AP and Honors classes so I knew the kids in those classes only (and a few others)  I did meet others through debate, soccer, school plays, etc.

Anyways, no one was mean to me or anything but I don't feel a strong connection to my high school.  I have one really close friend I still keep in touch with, but she is not in my class.   My other friends and I meet up over the holidays most years.  However, I don't live far away...so it seemed like I had no excuse not to go.

And you know what? I am really glad I went.  As I said, I don't dislike my classmates and I wish I knew them better.  I had a great time seeing some people (although we had a small turnout-- I'd guess probably 30-40 came to atleast one event --out of our class of 180ish, but I hear your 10 year reunion is usually small)  I was happy to see that many people were doing well with jobs, family, etc. I don't see myself as a Brookhaven girl because I spent most of my life growing up in Jackson, but I probably would have liked being a brookhaven gal.  Sometimes life just works out the way it does.  I moved in high school, it happens.

Dave and I only went to the friday events because we were heading to Oxford on Saturday so I missed the family picnic and a little get together with just my friends.

BHS puts on a really great homecoming show where the students doe dance and music numbers from each year -42, 52, 62, 72, 82, 92, 02, 12.  We then went to the ballgame and a party at my friend's house.

Dave and I before the BHS homecoming show

Some of my class outside the school

 throwing the two (yep, cheesy)

at the ballgame

at the party at Marcee's house

My class and our dates/spouses

My class (as I said, not a huge turnout)

I enjoyed seeing everyone.  I also enjoy not being 18.  Everyone seemed more sure of themselves and less into 'trying to impress' .  As I said, I didn't have an awful HS experience, but moving was tough.  I love my life now.  I love my friends, my boyfriend, my family, being out of school, my church, etc.  And I was really happy to see that everyone else is happier too.  We looked good with a few more years on us :)  I love being 28.

Weekend Update...

Weekends are simultaneously more busy and less busy this fall.  It's hard to explain. I spend less time travelling for football but that leads to more commitments at home. I have never watched so little football in my life, but I have had weddings, parties, obligations, long runs, etc.  I usually get one football game in a weekend, maybe 2.  This weekend I saw bits and pieces of several games and that was it.  I hope this trend doesn't last forever, but for now, its good....so here is a glimpse at a busy weekend.

Friday I was lazy. Dave and I cooked in and talked to my roomies and watched tv...then I went to bed early because friday morning I had to get up at 5 am for the longest run of my life.

 I made Crescent Pizza Rolls for dinner with carrott sticks (not heathy, but Dave liked them and I had to carb up for my long run)  Plus I used the low fat crescent rolls and 2 percent cheese so they weren't horrible for you, just not great.  NOTE: if you buy turkey pepporoni, it would be even better for you.

1 can refrigerated crescent rolls
20-40 slices pepperoni
4 pieces of mozzarella string cheese, cut in half
garlic powder
pizza sauce

Preheat oven to 375.  Spread the crescents out in triangles on the greased cookie sheet. Sprinkle with garlic powder then place pepporoni and half a stick of mozz cheese in the middle and roll up.  Bake for 12-15 minutes.  Serve with pizza sauce (or I served with marinara/pasta sauce) 

SIDENOTE: who knows the difference between pizza sauce and marinara sauce? I thought they were the same thing until I saw separate jars at the store last week.

Saturday I ran 22 miles...or actually maybe 21.5 (I'll explain my uncertainty with my distance in a moment...) It was the longest run I have ever done and I survived....even after falling and skinning my knee a bit and my hand a lot on mile 2 (Yes, I am a clutz, but to my credit, it was dark when we started and I could not see, I should invest in one of those running headlamps but then when it gets bright 30 min later, I have to lug it around the rest of the run!! So for now Im just risking injury...sure that seems practical!)

SECOND SIDENOTE: is there anything more painful than skinning your hand? It hurts like H E double hockey sticks!! And our palms seem to have thick skin, so maybe it just hurts so much because we use our hands so we keep touching it and causing it to sting again?? sorry, a very ADD filled monday (but really if you have the answers to my question, fill me in!)

I have discussed before how I dislike when people brag online about their workouts. This mainly refers to facebook updates about how you did X excerises and ran x miles on a daily basis, usually accompanied by a second fb post about how you ate eggwhites and a protein shake and spinach or something crazy like that.  So, maybe I break my own rule when I post that I ran 22 miles, but I don't find it annoying when people tell me about races,etc, just their daily reminders that they are in fact better than everyone else because they got up at 430 to work out and eat negative calories, etc.  PLUS, I just explained that I am a klutz so the fact that I made it 22 miles is no small miracle. I am hoping I can also make it 26 miles in November! :) However, if you are annoyed that I posted about my workout and quit reading my blog, I won't be mad.  I understand!!

Anyways, the reason I am uncertain about my exact milage (somewhere between 21 and 22) is because I took a wrong turn (on a loop, yes I know, my directional sense is stellar too)  I couldn't see the person in front of me anymore because of a turn and I kept going a mile out of the ways. By the time I realized and turned around, I cut my route short.  Based on my math skills (which I think are more stellar than my ability to run without falling or getting lost), I ran somewhere between 21 and 22 miles.  I think closer to 22, but who knows?

I celebrated my mini accomplishment Saturday Night by eating steaks with some of Dave's cousins who live in town (and his grandmother) and  meeting a childhood friend and her husband for drinks (in town from Florida).  But, first, I spent time Saturday afternoon spoiling my favorite boy (Jack, not Dave).  Marley and I planned on taking Jack to a huge park (you know, one of those parks that looks like a castle or something...) but it started raining, so instead of doing something healthy, I bought everyone ice cream at Sal & Mookies.

Here is Jack eating his....

I do like tying my memory into ice cream and other goodies.  I think it helps insure that he thinks I'm a fun aunt :)  So maybe we are all spoiling him a bit, but I am sure Marley will pay me back by spoiling my kiddos one day.

Third Sidenote: I do spoil Jack with food and gifts and plan to keep doing that, but I don't let him get away with misbehaving. It's important to reinforce what my sister is teaching him.  I digress...

Sundaywe focused on Missions in church. Our Missions conference is in late February (I think) so this was a half year update.  I then spent the afternoon working and cooking ahead for the week.  So expect more recipes to come...  Dave came over for dinner, but quickly had to go back to the studio because he has a group master plan due today.  Bless his heart, he was up all night and stopped by my house after picking up coffee this morning as I was leaving for work.  I am not envious at all, I usually hated group projects. Too many cooks do indeed spoil the broth, or the master plan.

However, the most exciting part of my weekend is that I am learning to coupon.  I bought groceries for the next two weeks (minus all the produce I need because you cant buy that much at once, it goes bad!) and saved 25 dollars.  Its not as much as other people, but I just started researching coupons this week. I was quite proud of myself! Such a domestic goddess! :)

Anyways, I rarely do one of these weekend updates, but I had nothing planned for today and wanted to share my exciting news of couponing and running.  If you made it to this point of my post, congrats!  I promise more FUN posts to come, including a "cheap date" post.

Sundays

I love Sundays. I used to not really like them (despite being the Lords day). I taught Sunday school and worked with the youth group on Sunday nights. Then I was dating an out of town boy so I was driving every weekend or spending it with him (before he left and I headed to youth group). On top of my busyness, I also had to tell Dave goodbye for the week.

Now, Dave lives here. And my youth group small group girls have graduated and gone to college. And although I am sure I will one day help with youth group or children's ministry again, it's nice to have my Sundays back.

This Sunday, Dave and I went to early church then fixed an early lunch and talked to my roomies. He went to the studio to work and I enjoyed our pseudo fall weather with a walk and talk with a dear friend. I also cleaned my room, went to the grocery store, cooked dinner, read a magazine, moved a piece of furniture and did laundry. I felt so productive and so relaxed!!

I think I understand why the Lord commands us to rest on the Sabbath-- to take time to enjoy solitude or family time, enjoy his day, cook a good meal ... I know some people would disagree with folding laundry or cooking a meal, but I think that what he intends us to do is rest- not be overly social, overly committed, and overly stressed. Folding laundry while watching tv and cooking a yummy meal was relaxing to me. Starting the week off having leisurely tidied up made me feel less stressed.

I now love Sundays. I love enjoying church and not overcommitting. I love ending the weekend with Dave on Sunday evenings. I love Sunday naps and movies and reading. I love leisurely fall walks and cooking a yummy meal. I even hope to start doing more of my chores ahead of time so I can just have a quick tidy up Sunday.

When saying goodbye on Sundays, Dave and I used to whine about how Sunday evenings were our least favorite time of the week-- but now these afternoon/evenings are some of my favorite!!

And I even burned a fall candle.... :)

What's your favorite way to relax on Sunday afternoon or evening???

The landmass between New Orleans and Mobile

Earlier this week, the weather channel offended Mississippians by referring to our state as the landmass between NOLA and Mobile... Which has somewhat seriously/somewhat lightheartedly turned into movement here in Mississippi.  I think that the weather channel heard us because they now say MISSISSIPPI every other word.  Its all in good fun -- and a little bit of mockery.

In all seriousness, Mississippi often gets igored during national disasters. We got hit by Katrina 7 years ago and NOLA suffered a flood (due to their own mismanagement of levees AND building their city in a bowl)  Both were tragic, but only one was an actual hurricaine.  However Mississippi begin working to rebuild while many (not all) NOLA residents whined about the federal government to tv crews.  I love my state, I'm proud of it. 

Here is something my friend Russell Latino posted that has picked up statewide attention.... (by the way, when he refers to that piece of heaven near batesville, he is speaking about Oxford, home of Ole Miss)

"The "land mass between New Orleans and Mobile" has a rich and complicated history. It gave birth to the Blues & Rock-n-Roll. Maybe you've heard of Elvis, B.B. King, Howlin' Wolf, Muddy Waters or Robert Johnson. The "land mass between New Orleans and Mobile" inspired and cultivated the likes of Faulkner, Welty, Ambrose, Percy, Foote & Grisham. Of course, you needn't pick up a book, because this la...

nd mass is full of great storytellers who need only a porch & a glass of sweet tea. The fields and gyms of the "land mass between New Orleans and Mobile" have produced thousands of world class athletes, though we are partial to the pigskin having trained arguably the greatest quarterback (Favre), running back (Payton) and receiver (Rice) to ever play the game. Our Coast is marked by sugar sand beaches and comes with a bounty of fresh seafood. Our fertile Delta has fed and clothed people the world over. And, if you ask me, there is a little spot east of Batesville that is God's country. Let me be clear, though, we are not perfect. There is dark blight in our past. There is still division to be conquered, but there is also unity on many grounds. You see, the people from the "land mass between New Orleans and Mobile" are a proud bunch. We're intensely loyal, hard working and resilient. We are people of faith who'd give the shirts off our backs to help a friend in need, which may explain, despite low wages, why we give a greater percentage of our income to charity than any other state. We still know the value of a firm handshake and looking a person in the eyes. Oh, and weather channel, the "land mass between New Orleans and Mobile" is called Mississippi. Maybe you forgot since after Katrina made landfall on our shores, we rolled up our sleeves and went to work instead of heading for a camera to complain about what the federal government wasn't doing for us."

                                                   instead of our "Mississippi" magazine...

This is from the Clarion Ledger's political Cartoon Artist, Marshall Ramsey......

A little about the landmass betwee NOLA and Mobile....

Yep, thats where it is!

Gotta love ecards...

Facebook Rules.

I am going to post on missions soon, I promise. My internet has been out at home so any post I do is quick and done at work (where blogger won't seem to let me upload pictures)  We now have our internet set up, so look for a couple good posts coming up :)

Today, I am honoring a request from Kayla to create some facebook ettiquite rules since I did a brief post a couple years ago...And keep in mind that I have broken some of these myself! And, I am sure everyones fb rules would be different BUT THESE ARE THE RULES I WOULD SUGGEST.

1.  Passive Aggressive statuses.  Just don't do them. Usually you post a status like this because everyone will know who you are referring to (even without saying a name).  Or, at very least, the person you are referring to will no.  You are old enough to just address this problem in person or over the phone.  No need to publically (although you claim, not so publically) call them out.  This method backfires and reflects worse on you than it does on them!  Also passive aggressive moves like this don't actually make the other person sorry, just annoyed.

2. I love my BF/My husband is amazing posts.  I'll give a little grace here.  The occassional "look at the flowers hubby brought home" or "I love my fiance so much! One week til we are married" posts are fine.  But, you all know what I am talking about...some people want to tell you how in love they are every day. It's annoying and actually makes me question how legit your relationship is if you feel the constant need to announce your feelings publically.  Are you trying to convince me of your commitment and love? or are you trying to convince your significant other and possibly yourself?

3.  Workout statuses/food statues.  I'll admit, I occasionally do this one. (guilty)  If I run a half marathon or something, I'll post about it. But, I certainly don't tell everyone about my daily workouts and diet habits.  My sister and I get so cracked up about this.

4. The "inspirational" status.  I love when people put a good quote that encourages me.  I may even like it or comment, but when you write a status thats all philosophical (yet not really) and is your own words, I just laugh usually.  I suppose this could be done well if you are elequent, but I've only seen it done in a way that you could tell the person thought they were being deep but no one else felt the same.

5. EXCESSIVE Wedding statuses.  I'll give some grace here.  A countdown the month before your wedding, a few exciting updates like "mailed the invites!" etc, are fun.  But, I have friends who update you with every vender they book and have counted down for 18 months.  It's a little ridiculous. MODERATION is key folks.

6. Centimeters Dialated.  There is absolutely NO REASON to post this on facebook.  You can text your friends your birthing progress, but on facebook, all you have to say is "at the hospital, making progress, baby should be here soon."  I know birth is natural, but its like mamma to bes forget that they are talking about their lady parts.  It's just a little too detailed for 1200 friends to see.

7. Wedding picture profile pics.  I love seeing peoples wedding pics on facebook...but there's a timeline. Did you get married 7 years ago, gain 30 pounds and have 2 kids? Thats not what you look like anymore. Post a wedding pic for your anniversary, etc, but all the time is unncessary.

8. What do I do about my kids diarrhea? statues.    Sometimes, young moms ask very personal things about their children in facebook statuses....I'm sure other people ask personal things in statuses too, I just usually only notice the moms because its almost always about poop or booty rashes. Totally a question that young moms probably need to ask. Therefore, text your friends, send an email, but discussion on facebook, not necessary.

9. Ask me whats wrong statuses.  Y'all know what I am talking about....someone posts a status saying "life sucks, I just can't trust anyone."  This is inviting the question: what's wrong? are you ok?  The response is either annoyance that you asked and being informed that its private info for a select few OR its spilling their guts in a followup comment.

10. Angry Rants.  Sometimes people just rant.  They aren't passive aggresive about it or secretive so you will ask whats wrong, they just put it out there.  Not only will you possibly regret this when you calm down, if its about children or divorce (this is often where I see these rants occuring), as a lawyer, I will tell you things written on the internet that can be printed certainly won't help your case (although they won't always hurt it)

11.  Posting every single story about your child.  I LOVE children stories. If its funny, I will likely comment and laugh really hard at my desk. BUT if you tell me everytime your child drinks milk, I will roll my eyes.  Sometimes kids are HILARIOUS. Sometimes they just are doing normal things which MAY be adorable to you, but normal to the rest of us.

12.  Telling me how many days/weeks/seconds you've been married.  This is cute when you say "1 month of marriage" or "6 months of marriage' or "2 years of marriage" but when you tell me you've been married for 17 weeks or 27 months or 14 months 2 weeks 3 days, you're being a little over the top.

13. Negative Nancy statuses.  Everyone has a "whew, this has been a hard week, glad its over" post...but when everything in your life sucks and you tell me constantly, I start to believe that the only thing that sucks is your attitude.

14. POINTLESS statuses.  You went to Kroger? really. congrats.

15. Overly detailed statues.  You went to Kroger, played Tennis, watched a movie, cleaned your room and ironed your clothes?? congrats again.  (I know I've been guilty of this oops)

16. SPOILERS.  Don't tell me who won the female gymnastics all around meet at the Olympics. Please.

Bits and Pieces

Saw this on facebook, admit it, you can relate sometimes, can't you??? I am a runner, I have great friends, I read scripture and meditate, but sometimes I just want to sit down and have a glass of wine....

BUT I think it's more the "sitting down and relaxing" part that I need than the wine :)   Sometimes, you just need a break. So this ecard made me smile :)

I am going to a rock concert with Dave.  Now for those of you who don't know me well, I wear Navy Blue as a staple, I love J Crew, Anthro, Ann Taylor, Lilly, Tory Burch, Judith March, etc.  I love tailored clothing.  All that to say, I am about as preppy as they come, so being a rocker chick for the evening will be like wearing a costume.  I'm considering dressing up, we shall see.  Atleast jeans and a black top and maybe nails like these (I've always wanted to try, surprisingly enough....)  Anyone ever tried edgy nails before? Or has anyone worn edgy clothes and want to suggest something (not buying anything new though..)

I am currently in a crafty mood. I'm not crafty at all -- but I am a good follower, so I can do something that isn't that hard to do if I have a leader or instructions, anyone have some good craft ideas?  I like making fabric wreaths, so I may make an auburn one for football season. With orange and Blue Fabric....

Any other crafting suggestings from my snazzy friends?

Finally, I am hosting a Stella and Dot Party.  Its adorable jewelry.  For my friends in Jackson, please come! Its August 9th at my house.  For people who can't come but may want to shop, you can do so HERE on Megan's profile. Just click on my name.

411 (EDITED)

I edited this because I accidently left the last question off.  complete now!

My sister l did this and I thought I would too...

1. How long have you been blogging? And what got you started on blogging? Has your blog changed?


I started blogging 5 years ago when I backpacked europe to update my family and friends on my travels.  I then started blogging again a few years ago but didn't start doing it seriously until recently.  I realized with an abundance of mommy blogs, we needed some more singles blogs so thats why I started blogging!


2. Did you go to college? If so where, and what did you study?


I went to Auburn and loved it!! I was in the honors college and majored in political science with a minor in  philosophy.  I wrote my honors thesis on US public policy on outsourcing.  I then went to law school at Ole Miss.


3. Where have you travelled?


All over the United States, France, Spain, Italy, Vatican City, Austria, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Poland, Czech Republic, Belize, Canada, Mexico, Malawi, Zambia.


4. If you won the lottery, what would be the first thing you would buy?


A law school education....and by that, I mean, I'd pay off my student loans.


5. What are your 3 biggest pet peeves?


(1) when people tell you how many cm dilated they are on their facebook status.
(2) people who are from other places, live in Mississippi, talk openly about how they hate it --- and wonder why they don't have any friends?
(3) one-upping 


6. What is your favorite movie?


The South of Music and Princess Bride.....but I also am currently in love with the 4 part BBC recent series Emma.


7. What is your drink of choice; wine, beer, or liquor. Or Water, Soda, Tea?


White wine or some liquors.
Soda - Diet Dr Pepper


8. What is something you enjoy to do when you have me time?


TV.  Occasionally a good book, but I read a lot so when I have a spare hour or two, i like to veg out and watch a tv show or movie.


9. If you could have a $10,000 shopping spree to one store, which store would it be?


hmmm...probably somewhere like Saks where I could buy some David Yurman, Tory Burch and a LV purse!


10. Share with us an embarrassing moment of your past? Or present.


Umm, probably recently, when I was doing my workout video in my shirt only and the plumber walked in me (as recently shared in midweek confessions)


11. What day would you love to relive again?


January 10, 2011 --Auburn National Championship.  hands down the best day of my life.


12. If your life was turned into a movie... what actor would play you?


Hmmm, Zooey Deschanel or Rachel McAdams.


13. What are the jobs you had in high school/college/the early years?


High school -Kibbles Deli, babysitting
College- Auburn bookstore, Kanakuk Kamps, Ann Taylor loft, babysitting, congressional intern
Law School- Policy intern (Heritage Foundation), secretary for a retired lawyer/oil man, babysitting
right after school -- lawyer of course


14. Show us a picture from high school or college.

*New York City 2006, right after college graduation

15. If you could travel anywhere in the world, all expenses paid, where would you go?


probably China, South Africa or somewhere super exotic like Tahiti :)


16. Show us the most current picture of you or you and your family.

*from a recent family photo shoot through Blackbird Photography

17. Where do you see your life 5 years from now?


I see my self as 33 :) of course! Married, most of student loans paid off, working part time, with 1-2 kids (here's hoping!)  Obviously a lot of these things - namely kids and husband aren't circumstances I control but that is where I *HOPE* to see myself in 5 years

Things I liked on FB today

When I get to heaven I’m gonna go find Job

I want to ask a few hard questions, I want to know what he knows

About what it is he wanted and what he got instead
How to be broken and faithful. -Sara Groves

 



Recovery Weekend

Ever have one of those weeks where you could do nothing right? where it felt like it was you v. the world?
That's me, this week...It seems everyone wanted to fight with me....and although, I won't deny that I had a part in these disagreements, it seemed everywhere I turned was another person irritated...This is part of why I haven't posted a lot, because well, I had nothing too encouraging to say....

and I stubbed my toe and lost part of my toe nail (don't worry, no pics!)

But, I have calmed down somewhat... I am looking forward to some space --  a weekend of dealing with no one.  I might see friends on friday night but I hope that saturday is running, cleaning, movies, and sleeping.  Sometimes you need a people break, and honestly, they might need a break from me too.


So here is how I plan to recover from this week:

1. I am making one exception of my "need space" rule to see this cutie tonight.... Mid week, sometimes one or the other of us will  make the drive and spend the night in the other person's towns (separate bedrooms folks, don't worry.... ) If I ever needed a hug and some lazy time watching tv, its tonight! Oh and did I mention that we will both be in the same city in a month, but who's counting??? (me! I am!)

2.  I also got lunchtime kisses from this little boy ...

Jack is a great little kisser but you have to share your food. 

OK so for the recovery plan that does not include boys, here goes....

3. 15-16 mile run --- actually, I am NOT looking forward to a long run in July MS heat, BUT I feel I will get some aggression out and burn some calories...plus y'all all know my favorite part of the run is eating what I want for the rest of the day  :)

4.  SUSHI, MAYBE PIZZA or MEXICAN and a BIG BREAKFAST this wkd

5. WINE ...or skinny girl margs...

6. TV

7. BOOKS

8. organizing

9. no plans.  really, someone hold me to this. 

10. getting some artwork framed....i've had artwork in my room for months without framing. I must get it done this wkd!

RIP Nora Ephron

This week, movie screenwriter Nora Ephron passed away. If you are a female, this is a sad day for you. Nora Ephron wrote two of the best chick flicks of our time (When Harry Met Sally and You've Got Mail)....I mean truly entertaining girls movies, not just the cheesy "boy and girl meet, overcome some obstacle and fall in love" movie with no humor, depth, etc.

I love a movie that lets you escape. I love happy movies....but I don't necessarilly love dumb movies.  She managed to give us a few GOOD movies that were entertaining, well written and light hearted.

Some of her best quotes.....

"Look, Annie... I love you. But let's leave that out of this. I don't want to be someone that you're settling for. I don't want to be someone that anyone settles for. Marriage is hard enough without bringing such low expectations into it, isn't it?" -- Walter (Sleepless in Seattle)

"You are the butter to my bread, you are the breath to my life." -- Paul Child to Julia (Julie and Julia)

“And then the dreams break into a million tiny pieces. The dream dies. Which leaves you with a choice: you can settle for reality, or you can go off, like a fool, and dream another dream.”  (Heartburn)

“Well, it was a million tiny little things that, when you added them all up, they meant we were supposed to be together... and I knew it. I knew it the very first time I touched her. It was like coming home... only to no home I'd ever known... I was just taking her hand to help her out of a car and I knew. It was like... magic."

(Sleepless in Seattle)

“Well, I'm gonna get out of bed every morning... breathe in and out all day long. Then, after a while I won't have to remind myself to get out of bed every morning and breathe in and out... and, then after a while, I won't have to think about how I had it great and perfect for a while. (Sleepless in Seattle)

People are always saying that change is a good thing. But all they're really saying is that something you didn't want to happen at all... has happened. - Kathleen Kelly (You've Got Mail)

When you read a book as a child, it becomes a part of your identity in a way that no other reading in your whole life does. - Kathleen Kelly (You've Got Mail)


The BEST quote....

“I love that you get cold when it's 71 degrees out. I love that it takes you an hour and a half to order a sandwich. I love that you get a little crinkle above your nose when you're looking at me like I'm nuts. I love that after I spend the day with you, I can still smell your perfume on my clothes. And I love that you are the last person I want to talk to before I go to sleep at night. And it's not because I'm lonely, and it's not because it's New Year's Eve. I came here tonight because when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.” — Billy Crystal to Meg Ryan in “When Harry Met Sally”

(Come on, ladies, who wouldn't want your man to notice all the little things about you - the silly things, the inconsequential things, the daily aspects of your life -- and make these things seem special and unique?  And you know you notice those small things in your husband, boyfriend, crush, etc!!)

Tagged

I have been awful at blogging. Life is very busy right now - wasn't it supposed to slow down after Christmas??? I was tagged by my sister .... in a questions game... weeks ago.....and I thought I would play along and get back to serious blogging soon.


1. Saved by the Bell v. Family Matters. Which one is better? Why?

Is this even a real question Marley? Clearly its saved by the bell. Marley and I were heartbroken when Zach and Kelly broke up at the prom. We had the Michael Bolton cassette tape (yes I just said that in a public forum) and played the song they broke up to nightly before bed....

" I could hardly believe it, when I heard the news today, I had to come and get it straight from you.....They said you were leaving, someone swept your heart away, from the look upon your face, I see its true...."  20 years later I still know the words. Embarressing.

2. What is your favorite gift you have ever been given?

Either my trip to New York City at Christmastime for my 16th birthday. (It had been a rough year and the trip was not only a gift, but a little extra TLC from my parents, plus it was a surprise!) OR my National Championship game tickets last Christmas.

My love language is very much "quality time" so gifts that involve someone I love doing something with me are my favorite.

3. If you could have one talent, what would it be?

I wish I was more artistic - in some way-- a dancer, a painter, a musician. I truly appreciate artistic people, and have many creative talented friends and even a couple family members (uncles, brother in law) but I, myself, am not very talented in that area.  I used to sing and play the piano, and was pretty good at the piano so I may take lessons again. I think even though I am a black and white thinker, a little art in my life might be good!

4. What song reminds you of your teen years?

Strawberry Wine by Deanna Carter.  I loved this song in Jr High and they played it every dance and I always hoped I danced to it.  Mamma K tried to convince me that when she sang about the "loss of her innocence", she was really talking about her first kiss.  Nice Try Mom. Even at 14, I knew better.

5. If you could take a vacation to anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Next on my list is Istanbul and Budapest.  But I also really want to go to Greece, China and Isreal as well.

I've been to Paris but I am dying to go back with my husband one day. Generically cheesy or not, it is a romantic fun city that I would like to experiance again but with someone else.  Also, it is one of my alltime fav cities!!

6. You have a friday night at home to yourself, what do you do?

Is it boring if I say TV, maybe chick flicks, order sushi or pizza and maybe wash my clothes? Well boring or not, thats the truth.

7. If you could choose to be born in another culture, which one would it be and why?

Possibly Jewish Culture at the time of Jesus. Although I would not have the knowledge to know how important what I was witnessing was. If not, I would love to be born in France. I love the culture and the language and the food.

8. What is the worst advice you have ever been given?

Hmm, I don't know. Can I get back to you on this one?

Actually, I think the worst advice was less advice and more just opinions in dating...when people tell you how long it will take to get over someone or how you will meet the right guy or how much compatibility is needed verses chemistry or what the non negotiables are.  Sometimes this is helpful and sometimes its just what worked for them.  If you met and married in less than a year, you seem to think thats right. If it took you a long time dating to know, you think slow and steady is right.  None of this is bad advice, but it all must be taken with a grain of salt...because everyone's lives are different.

9. Whose story from the Bible do you most connect with and why?

Most definitely Ruth's.  Single, having been through trials (although hers were WAY harder than mine), in a man's world, trying to trust the Lord and having faith he would provide.  Different times, different circumstances (clearly mine are easier), different levels of vulnerability, but same Faithful God working today as He did then.

10. What is your favorite Hymn?

I love so so so many Hymns, but I think one of my all time favorites is Be Thou my vision. So good. Of course, ask me tomorrow and I will tell you an entirely different hymn!

11. If money were not object, who would you like to give a gift to? What gift?

I'd probably give each of my family members something.... and maybe start a college fund for jack (an AUBURN college fund.... jk!)

I am supposed to tag someone to answer some questions but I think I will skip that part.

Decapitated groom?

This picture makes my day -- and when I tell you the story, it will make your day too. Despite the broken groom, this story tells how loving my baby brother is.

I got this bride and groom and a church (for the Christmas Village) the year I got engaged.  The next year, when things had ended, my mom chose not to pull the bride and groom out. When I asked about it, she said that we would pull it out again the next year...that we all needed it to stay put up that year. So the church was put out, but not the happy couple.

However, the next year, my mom looked for the couple to put it out and couldn't find it. and we could not find it the next year. We thought it was misplaced-- until this thanksgiving when a picture was texted to me in Vermont -- of a headless groom.

Apparently, sometime between the "year off" and the couple making their re-entry into our Christmas village, my brother found it and expressed some stored up anger towards the poor ceramic groom.  He then hid the decapitated groom and his bride and we finally found it.

Its a few years later, and we all found it so funny that he didn't get in trouble. Yes he destroyed a holiday decoration, but he did it in defense of his sister? So can you really be angry?  In fact, I hope we keep this couple even when we buy a new one....because its so funny and so sweet, all at the same time.

January, come quickly

I LOVE football season and I LOVE Christmas, but to be honest, I am actually happy to see both come to an end.  Life is too busy during those seasons.  And usually I hate January and February, AND I may kick myself for saying this in a few weeks when I am bored, but I can't WAIT for January to get here.

Besides a trip to New Orleans for my birthday, the month is fairly event-free. I love the idea of relaxing and getting things done for the next couple months.  I am also excited for movie nights and drinks at Fennians and dinners with friends not travelling, parties and football games. We all need a break :)

January/February goals:
1. organize closet and throw stuff out!
2. Make a fabric headboard and buy a bedframe. (My bedframe broke during moving so I literally sleep on mattresses....)
3. Pick out fabric to have new bedding made.
4. Start running again (I am going to train for another half marathon)
5. get my prints framed for my bedroom
6. organize bathroom
7. Paint a chevron rug

lazy things to do:
1. movie marathons
2. go to the movie theater
3. sleeping in on saturdays
4. wine nights with friends
5. crafts

I have one more fun filled weekend in Dallas for New Years Eve then a lovely month of doing hardly anything. Can't wait!

what are you most looking forward to in the lazy winter months? Projects? Free time? getting life back in order?

Cookies

Looking for a good cookie recipe!!!!
Something other than basic chocolate chip BUT lets be honest, I'm no martha stewart (although a pretty good baker) SO something somewhat easy....

what are your favorite cookie and fall treat (pumpkin bars, etc. recipes?? I'd LOVE some new ones.

Southern Girl's Fall Bucket List

My sister tagged a list on pinterest of the southern girl's fall bucket list. I loved it and decided to make my own (although obviously some of mine are the same or similar to the items listed on the list she found)

my FALL bucket list:

• attend a football game and tailgate at an SEC school



• have a football game date



• make some type of pumpkin treat - pumpkin muffins, pumpkin bread, pumpkin pie



• wear boots with skinny jeans



• learn to tie a scarf atleast 3 different ways



• carve a pumpkin



• snuggle on the couch while watching a scary movie for halloween



• make some type of fall wreath or decoration



• find the perfect saturday game day outfit in your school's colors!



• stock up on fun pairs of tights



• make some type of hot drink with an "adult beverage" added



• pick out the perfect dish to make for your family or friends thanksgiving



• find a tasteful yet attractive halloween costume



• plan a girls night on a chilly evening -- cookies, cocoa, fireplace and chickflicks



• spend a morning in your pjs and blanket on the couch with a good book



• take a picture in leaves



• complain about your "red" nose



• find an adorable hat!



• hot chocolate with marshmellows!



• cook a good chili for friends or a boyfriend.



• enjoy the few perfect weather nights on the porch with wine and friends before it gets cold



• if you are in Jackson, attend Mistletoe Marketplace AND the preview party



• bonfire and smores



• enjoy starbucks holiday treats



• buy a fall candle to make your mississippi home smell like fall despite the fact that its still 85 degrees today :)

What about you?? Whats on your Fall Bucket list/ to do list?

Someone please make me this....

article

You should all read this article about my former classmate