Monday, August 25, 2014

Bullet Your Day

While browsing pinterest and the world wide web, I found multiple sites with blog post idea. freckleditalian.com posted a 30 day blog challenge where I saw the idea to bullet your entire day. Instantly, I of course thought that it was genius. So, I decided to do it…realize that 97.6% of this is complete and total sarcasm. Carry on.

August 13th, 2014

0600-Jake Owen "Beachin'"blaring in my ear. Hit snooze.

0608-8 minutes is just enough time to doze off again...

0616-Jake Owen is now my worst enemy.

0624-How many more times can I hit snooze and still look presentable? I do the math.

0656-Outta bed before 7? That'll do.

0704-Turn on shower, turn on music.

0708-Next, next, next...this song is my jam.

0712-Get in shower, adjust temp. Rehash last night's conversations.

0720-"...and I ain't even drinkinnn"...Tyler Farr was slightly more attractive in person.

0728-Shower getting cold. That's my cue. Why is it so hot in here?!?! Can't breathe.

0733-Time for makeup. Blend, blend, blend.

0740-Nice try on the eyeliner, Krista. A 5 year old can draw straighter lines than you.

0745-Turn on blow dryer. So. Much. Hair.

0754-Plug in curling iron.

0805-Dry enough. Laugh about thinking I have enough time to curl my hair.

0810-Get dressed. Ponytail it is.

0818-Pull out of the drive. Yep. Late again...

0826-Guy rides my bumper. I slow down. Jerk.

0840-Pull in at work. Fashionably late. Sorry, Erin.

0844-Clock in. Get questioned about my life decisions.

0847-Warn Ada of my blog post and bulleting my entire day. Sabrina asks if I washed my hair this morning...Looks that bad, eh?

0854-Explain my blog post to Sabrina. Hear Janet thinking it's a bad idea from the other room.

0907-Ada breaks coffee pot. Coffee everywhere. Sabrina hurts herself trying to help.

0909-"Ain't nothing worse than when your Bunn is leaking..." Kevin makes a funny.

0913-Still kicking myself for not knowing that GAD=generalized anxiety disorder. I blame it on no coffee.

0919-Scroll through Facebook as I am on hold...what the heck is "pregnancy brain"? Sounds like something I'd rather not deal with.

0923-Gail is wayyy too excited to see the mail man.

0937-90's country music on Pandora.

1009-Finally make coffee. Cricket in office. PJ asked who invited Jiminy. Lame.

1112-Finally get a chance to sit down at my desk. Question other people's life decisions.

1116-Sabrina asks if I can eat today. Weigh myself. Salad it is.

1127-Booty talk.

1139-Reba duet. On point!

1210-Fred's for lunch. Salad and fried mushrooms. I'm all about canceling things out.

1218-Comment made about "ONLY $46/hr". Puh-lease. Don't get me started on what other people ONLY make. *eye roll*

1243-Dish out a quarter for a sweet gum ball thanks to my kickin' breath. Cherry. Score.

1303-Pee break and back to work.

1348-Contemplate the people that I don't care for. Wonder if they feel the same about me...probably.

1400-Discuss workflow. Are you clinical? I didn't think so. Shut it.

1525-Pity party was over at 0900.

1543-Making grocery list in my head. Soy milk or skim milk?

1635-Receive call from sister wanting to know if I want to go with the family to Chili's for watermelon lemonade - it's an hour and a half drive. Need to stop on my way home and get groceries. Deal is made. I'm in.

1645-Last patient gone. Watching the clock tick away.

1648-Listening to my least favorite person in the office yak on the cell phone. So productive.

1653-Wonder how greasy my skin would be if I put this super rich hand cream on my dry, peeling body?

1658-Clock out. Blowing this Popsicle stand.

1701-Forgot cell phone charger in office. Go back into office. Wasting precious time.

1719-Christina makes suggestions on dinner options at Chili’s. Officially starving.
1728-Finally home. Can't decide what to wear.

1748-3 shirts. Check. Makeup touch-up. Check. Switch bags. Check.

1753-H-town bound.

1814-Business talk. I like what I hear...

1822-it's national Left-Handers Day?! Gotta Instagram this information...

1832-Started the F-bomb count upon entering the car. We are currently sitting at 12...all Keith.

1835-Just realized that I don't like that guy's voice who sings in Rascal Flatts.

1838-Carrie Underwood's voice...Carrie Underwood's hair...Carrie Underwood's legs...how is anyone that perfect?! #wcw

1842-Ello dahling? I wish I had an British accent...I really want to learn Spanish...

1917-Arrived at Chili's. Buzzer in hand.

1930-Take ours seats. Helloooo buddy waiter. *wink wink*

1932-Order pretty much the entire appetizer menu. Goodbye diet.

1937-Waiter spills water and lemonade on my foot.

2018-Monterey chicken demolished. Can't. Breathe.

2034-On the road again.

2041-Discussing healthy foods via text. Healthy chocolate chip cookies? I'd like to know what those taste like...couldn't eat anything else right now if I wanted to.

2055-Learned the definition of "peter-dippin'"

2111-Apparently a 50-something TV producer thinks Korina's "ass would look good in motion". Interesting...

2116-F-bomb count currently 29

2118-Scroll Facebook...who's Steely Dan?

2119-Kreig wonders why Tracey Lawrence is still alive and thinks his music is from the 60's...wow.

2120-Mom plays Tracey Lawrence. Kreig: "this is why everyone used to hate country music."

2125-Kreig: "what is this?!" Mom: "your song!" Kreig: "this isn't my song! It sounds like the speakers are crying!" And time marches onnn...

2138-Mom thinks Garth is going to have an epic comeback. He's a legend. Need. Tickets.

2151-Random van about took us out. Our driver just watched and didn't try to avoid the situation. Get me home now, please.

2159-Made it home alive. Time to change, blog, and sleep. Fin.

Well that was fun! Didn’t realize how many random thoughts cross my brain throughout the day until I started trying to keep track of them. I really am still wondering who Steely Dan is! Have a fantastic Thursday! xo

Follow-up Friday

As most of you know, I had held a giveaway when my blog hit 1,000 views. (Which isn’t like a million, but I was excited lol) I thought about doing something a little more interactive than just giving someone something and that be the end of it. Where’s the fun in that? I’m too “out there” to be okay with that. So I am going to use this post to follow-up and let everyone know what went down and here is what I came up with…

I decided to do a random drawing from everyone who commented on any of my blog posts with their e-mail address. The person that was picked would be given $100 of my hard-earned cash. Now here was the catch…$50 was theirs to keep and do with it whatever they wanted. The other $50 they had to donate to a charity of their choice and then e-mail me and let me know which charity they chose and why. The winner was Chaise Hall, and the charity he chose was one of my absolute favorites. I remember raising quite a bit of money for this foundation when I was younger and had multiple t-shirts from all of the different times that I donated. I think that this organization is absolutely amazing and now being a nurse, I have an even bigger place in my heart for this one. Here is the response I received…

I think picking St. Jude was an amazing choice for multiple reasons. I agree that it is hard to see such a disease affect someone so young and so vulnerable and who has not had the chance to experience so many of the things that we have been able to that we take for granted. Any little bit helps with organizations like these and the little bit that we can spare here and there adds up. So if nothing else, I hope this inspires someone else to donate or volunteer their time to help out someone in need. What are some of the organizations that you feel strongly about, or that you have donated to? Some that I can think of off the top of my head that I’ve donated to personally is St. Jude, Susan G. Komen, Inspiredgifts.org, ROWW.org, etc. and multiple local charities. I in no way think that the world and all of it’s problems can be solved overnight - but I do believe, that with as many people as there are in the world, if everyone just did something small - it would make all the difference in the world. No matter how bad you think that you have it, someone always has it worse and those people could always use a hand..whether you know them or not. That is just part of being humane. I love to hear other people’s takes on different organizations or whether they have ever donated and why or why not, so please feel free to comment or e-mail me or text me or whatever works for you!

I will also throw out there that I have noticed that I’m creeping up on 2,000 views and will be doing another giveaway when I hit let’s say…2005. Because that’s how I roll. What I am going to do this time, I am not sure. Maybe I will just give away a product of some sort, or maybe I will just do another somewhat interactive one like this one again…I would like to know everyone’s thoughts on this! I will keep you posted.

Hope everyone has a safe, relaxing and fun-filled weekend! xo

Moving Monday

Ok, so I kinda ditched the “Movie Monday” theme for this week…Sorry if that disappointed anyone (insert sarcasm here). But I kinda needed a place to go over some pros and cons, along with some possible input from whoever has some wisdom that they would like to pass my way. (Thanks in advance) This topic is one that is not hot off the press, it has been a major discussion amongst my family and I’ve struggled with this idea for a solid year now. At least. It started brewing when I was studying up on nursing at Rio Grande last year and hasn’t really went away. The topic is: taking the plunge solo and moving south. How far south has also been up for debate. There are many factors to how far away I go…Let’s review those, shall we?

Nashville,TN - family and friends already there, only 6 hours away. Weekend trips home are completely do-able. Country. Music. 100 points right there.
Jacksonville, FL - sweet set-up with a Doctor who is a family friend, but 10 hours away. There is however an airport close and 10 hours isn’t killer, but still sucks to drive that far alone very often. Anddd BEACHES - Always a huge plus.
Beverly Hills, FL - Parents just bought a house here, 14 hours away from home. No rent so it’ll get me on my feet with toes in the sand quick. Airports, Orlando, and Clearwater all about 90 minutes away. Did I mention no rent?

All of those options sound great, right? So what’s missing? Mi familia, all of my amazing friends that I absolutely love, and this one stupid boy that just doesn’t get it…

To move away, I would be giving up my awesome M-F office job, weekends off, ect. to hop to the bottom of the totem pole and work midnights at a hospital (most likely-gag). I’ve been there and I wouldn’t say that I particularly loved it. LOVED all of my co-workers and that was what kept me sane most nights. I would be giving up spending so much time with my family. I would be giving up time with my friends (old and new). I would be giving up things I’ve kinda waited to happen for about 4 years-give or take - slightly depressing. But on the other hand, to move away would mean gaining new experiences. I would make new friends and meet new people (which I love doing). I would find my own way and be truly independent and COMPLETELY on my own...No safety nets.

If I were to move, it’s not like I can’t ever come back. But who’s to say that I would ever want to? There’s so much more to experience out there outside of southern Ohio, but this is my home. This is where I grew up, and this is what I know. This is where I’m comfortable. I’m in no way saying that I would hate myself forever if I never moved away, I could stay here forever and be content. I could be very happy depending on the circumstances…And when you can truly picture your life 10 years from now, 20 years from now, and you can see 2 different paths and not sure which one to choose-it makes it hard. Hard to be 100% sure that you are making the right decision for yourself AND know for a fact that you are going to be happy with that decision.

I am, and never EVER will be, the type of girl to allow any guy to be the reason that I don’t pursue something that I want to do - such as this situation. NEVER. My decisions have always been my own and solely based on myself and what is best for me. Truthfully, that’s slightly selfish of me. For me to take no one else’s feelings into consideration regarding my actions (my family, friends, and otherwise) would make me a slight jackass. I do, truthfully, want to know others views on this...I want to know whether you believe that I would be making a huge mistake, or if you think I should jump head first. If someone I cared A LOT about was talking about moving away, my first response would be “No, you’re not.” Because I’m slightly selfish…but if that’s how someone felt I would want to know.

As of right now, my decision is to stay put. I have however applied for my nursing license in TN recently. The idea of moving is never completely out of the question but there are some things that I want to see how they play out before making any life-changing decisions. The original plan was to move late summer, which may or may not end up happening. My life has been so all over the place that it’s hard to tell what will happen in a couple months, let alone tomorrow. So if any of you have been like my friend Jodi, and recently up and moved to Georgia (so proud of her by the way) I would like to hear about the pros and cons that you have. Or if you are considering it like I am, what your struggles are with the situation. And if you just plain think I’m crazy, I’ll accept that too ;)

Hope everyone survived yet another Monday and has now realized that they’ve conquered that BEAST and it’s only up from here the rest of the week! Is it Friday yet? xo

Tacky Tuesday (again)

This past week or so has been a whirlwind of events that I truthfully cannot process at this point in time and it has honestly been pretty friggin’ exhausting. With that being said, I am going to try to quit with my slacking business and get back to keeping up with this blog…I will admit that it is sometimes tough work to come up with a blog post some days because I tend to draw blanks, and most days I just feel like sleeping instead. Naps are AWESOME. Sorry not sorry.

I feel like with this past week being the way it has been, I have learned (yet again) some pretty important lessons. And since this is Tacky Tuesday, and it doesn’t necessarily have to make perfect sense, I’m gonna share with you some very important (and not so important) life lessons.

“First Thought Wrong” - give yourself some time to think things through before you react. Trust me on this one…
Renting is a waste of money. However, sometimes the money is worth the freedom.
You don’t have to have everything figured out by the time you graduate high school.
If you’re going to drink, try to drink equal amounts water. Horrible hangovers are no fun.
If you want to dress up, do it. You don’t need an excuse to get out of the t-shirt and sweatpants funk.
You can never outgrow Disney movies. Or at least I know I never will…I’m still a very small child at heart.
Once a cheater, always a cheater.
Set your cruise and go the speed limit. It’s not worth the hassle of the tickets and insurance.
A long nap can can make any situation better 99.9% of the time.
Your family will always be your family. You can’t get rid of them, sorry…Don’t put strain on the people you love regardless of the situation.
While we’re taking about family…tell them you love them as often as you can.
Authentic mexican restaurants make the best margaritas - even if you don’t like mexican food.
Everyone you meet is not going to want to be your friend, or even like you. And that’s okay. You don’t particularly like everyone you meet do you?
Take time to spend with little kids, especially if you have none of your own. It’s good practice and makes you learn to not be so awkward around these little munchkins.
An ex is an ex for a reason. There is always a reason why it didn’t work, and it’s hard to see the bad after time apart and all you want to remember is the good. Those things didn’t magically fix themselves without working on them. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that they will either.
Maxi dresses are possibly even better than yoga pants. Comfy and you’re not even wearing pants. #winning
Never change your beliefs or opinions or even morals for someone else. They’re important too, stick to them.
Learn about what’s going on around you. And no, I don’t mean the latest gossip and who’s getting married or who's cheating on who. Watch the news, read the paper. Don’t be so oblivious.
Sometimes a good cry will make you feel sooo much better. Especially if you're not a big crier to begin with. Let it out. You won’t regret it. Promise.
Use sunscreen and moisturize your skin. This is the only skin that you get. Take good care of it
Don’t develop feelings for one of your friends. Just don’t. 99.9% of the time it doesn’t end well. It’s just not worth it.
After a break-up: if he truly cares about you he will call. There is however, no timeline on this rule...And no guarantee of making amends, but closure is always good for both parties involved.
Don’t be judgmental. Just don’t. It’s not your place. You wouldn’t want someone judging you for the choices you make in life, now would you?
Nice guys finish last is BS. I could go on about this for days…Nice guys do not finish last, nice guys end up with the girls that they have things in common with. Nice guys do not have much in common with the blonde with big boobs who only loves herself and is mean, right? Right. I rest my case.
If there is something in life that you REALLY want to do. Do it. Who cares how long it will take. The time is going to pass anyway, and then 10 years from now you are going to regret not doing it 10 years ago.
Give back. Volunteer. Help out someone who is truly in need. No one is going to think LESS of you for doing something nice for someone else.
If you like someone, tell them. If you think someone is pretty, tell them. If you like the shade of lipstick someone is wearing, or you absolutely love their shirt, tell them. What’s wrong with a compliment? It’s become such a rare thing now-a-days that people are becoming unsure of how to respond…ridiculous.
Treat others the way that you want to be treated. Just don’t forget that not everyone thinks this way, so don’t expect the same in return. Just do what’s right.
Learn to forgive.
You will fail more than once in your life. It will not be the end of the world.
Everything really does happen for a reason. Even if you don’t know what that reason may be (or if you hate that saying like I do)
Classy never goes out of style.
Capture as many moments on camera as you possibly can. You will regret not taking as many pictures later on.
Love yourself first. Figure out who you are and know your self-worth. Until you can do this whole heartedly, it’s going to be hard for anyone else to know how to love you.
Don’t try to pinch pennies and buy cheap trash bags or toilet paper. You WILL regret this.
Don’t be so hard on yourself. No one is perfect, so stop comparing yourself and your situation to everyone else. If everyone was exactly the same and on the same timeline, the world would be an extremely boring place.
You can’t always trust the people you want to. Sucks, I know.
If you rent, get renters insurance.
Choose to be optimistic and cut back on the complaining and nagging. It feels better.
Never say something is “ok” if it’s not. If you have a problem with something, speak up. Don’t hold it in because eventually all of that is going to come out and when it does, it’s never pretty.
Be yourself. Not a watered-down version of someone else.

So, there you have it. A few lessons that I have learned recently and not so recently. I’m sure most can relate with or have already learned these lessons themselves. What are some lessons that you felt like that you had to learn the hard way? Or lessons that you have had preached to you by your parents that later on you realized was very, very true? I swapped some settings around so ANYONE can comment on these blogs, and you can even remain anonymous if that’s how you roll. I’m interested in hearing any lessons that I may have not listed and maybe I can learn something from someone else :)

Random Thought Thursday

With my sister’s 21st birthday creeping up on me in less than a week (and I still have no clue what to buy her) the topic of conversation has been milestones that you hit with age.

16 - you get your driver’s license
18 - you’re finally “legal” and considered an adult, although no one is really an “adult” at this age
21 - legal drinking age
25 - made it to a quarter of a century (this may not be a milestone for most, but it was for me)
30 - every woman freaks out when it comes time to turn the big 3-0, I guess it’s because you’re no longer in your 20’s and you’re slowly losing your youth? haha I still haven’t quite figured this one out.
40, 50, 60, 70, 80 and so on…

Sooo since I have already graced some of these milestones with my presence, (some with grace, some without) I figured that I would do some research since I’m creeping up on 30 and see if there was some kind of list of where I am “supposed” to be by that time. On huffpost.com there is a list reprinted from Glamour magazine titled:

30 Things Every Woman Should Have and Should Know by the Time She's 30

Here it is…

By 30, you should have:

One old boyfriend you can imagine going back to and one who reminds you of how far you’ve come. 1/2 - only because I don’t believe in going backward in relationships. For the most part...
A decent piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in your family. Check
Something perfect to wear if the employer or man of your dreams wants to see you in an hour. Check
A purse, a suitcase and an umbrella you’re not ashamed to be seen carrying. 2/3
A youth you’re content to move beyond. Check
A past juicy enough that you’re looking forward to retelling it in your old age. Check, check, and check.
The realization that you are actually going to have an old age—and some money set aside to help fund it. Negative. Still learning how to budget my money...
An e-mail address, a voice mailbox and a bank account—all of which nobody has access to but you. Check
A résumé that is not even the slightest bit padded. Check
One friend who always makes you laugh and one who lets you cry. Check - so thankful for these people!!
A set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill and a black lace bra. Hmmm…of course, just the bra.
Something ridiculously expensive that you bought for yourself, just because you deserve it. Check
The belief that you deserve it. ???...
A skin-care regimen, an exercise routine and a plan for dealing with those few other facets of life that don’t get better after 30. 2/3
A solid start on a satisfying career, a satisfying relationship and all those other facets of life that do get better. Check and check.

By 30, you should know:

How to fall in love without losing yourself. Check - took quite a while to learn how to do this
How you feel about having kids. Check
How to quit a job, break up with a man and confront a friend without ruining the friendship. Nope. Needs major work. I SUCK at confrontation...
When to try harder and when to walk away. Nope. Usually just cut my losses and walk away.
How to kiss in a way that communicates perfectly what you would and wouldn’t like to happen next. Check
The names of: the secretary of state, your great-grandmother and the best tailor in town. Definitely know the name of my great-grandmothers, but not into politics, and pretty sure there’s not even a “real” tailor around here...
How to live alone, even if you don’t like to. Check - learned it. Loved it.
How to take control of your own birthday. Check.
That you can’t change the length of your calves, the width of your hips or the nature of your parents. Check - recently accepted the last on this list.
That your childhood may not have been perfect, but it’s over. Check - mine was pretty awesome.
What you would and wouldn’t do for money or love. Check - no matter how much money he has.
That nobody gets away with smoking, drinking, doing drugs or not flossing for very long. Check.
Who you can trust, who you can’t and why you shouldn’t take it personally. Check
Not to apologize for something that isn’t your fault. Negative. Don’t think I’ll ever learn this.
Why they say life begins at 30. Learning…..

I guess like 19/30 isn’t too bad? And yes, I understand that this list is completely aimed at the female population…It did come from Glamour magazine, so that’s a given right there. But, some of the things on this list I feel like I’ll never reach regardless of my age. And I really don’t feel like it’s going to make me a more “rounded” person if I have and know these particular things by the time I’m 30. So, my thought process right now is: Why do we create these lists and “guidelines” to what we are supposed to have or know or be able to do by a certain age? Everyone is different and is on their own path going at their own speed. Just like the one “Why they say life begins at 30”…What if you decide to get married and have children after graduating college at 22 and you feel that is when your life “begins”. Would you be wrong? Maybe, maybe not. I just feel like everyone should do things at their own pace, in their own time. Do what makes them happy and don’t try to live by so many standards or lists.

***Update on the giveaway*** Winner has been notified, and instructions delivered. Once everything is wrapped up with that, I will post more info about what exactly is happening :)

Oh, and tomorrow is FRIDAY! This week has been insane sooo (insert happy dance here)

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Sooo…Mexico was fun

I’m just going to start this post off by saying whoaaaa…I haven’t blogged in almost a month. Sorryyyy! This past month has been pretty crazy, pretty busy, and I’ve been pretty lazy. Whoops!!

First thing I want to cover is the giveaway mentioned in the past couple posts. It was an Urban Decay Naked 3 palette that went to a random winner for the blog surpassing 2,000 page views. The winner was Krissy, who is also a fellow blogger and one of my dearest friends since we were 5! You can read her inspirational weight-loss/craft blog at Sneakers and Sequins :) I can’t wait to see what all different looks she comes up with while using this eyeshadow palette. It’s definitely one of my favorites! :)

I also would like to share with you some pictures from our amazing family vacation to Mexico. We actually just got back last Sunday, and I was going to post a couple blog posts from the resort but the wi-fi there was not the best so I opted to wait until I was back home. The entire experience was sooo much fun, and Mexico was just as beautiful as I remembered. Authentic Mexican food, Tulum Beach and the Mayan ruins, snorkeling, and or course - endless tequila! This vacation definitely gave me the travel bug (again) so I’ve been thinking about the next place I would like to cross off my bucket list :)

Beach at the resort

Pool at the resort

Mayan Ruins

Tulum Beach

On a completely different note, (but kinda not) vacation is a killer on diets and will make you gain weight in a hurry! Because of this mishap, and the fact that it’s just time for me to stop eating crap 24/7, I decided to join the meal replacement shake world and try out Visalus. I’m sure this will also provide for some interesting stories as I try to whip my butt back into shape! Any thoughts on Visalus in particular? Tried it? Love it? Hate it? Let me know!

I have tried to become a little more organized with my thoughts/blog/life in general, so I have most of my blog posts planned out this month. They are of course - subject to change, but at least they will keep me on some sort of track. I will be adding more make-up tricks/tips/ect, music, and fashion to this blog because these are things that I love. If I can’t talk about things that I love, then what’s the point?! :)

Soooo…since I have been watching my bank account slowly dwindle away from my current iTunes binge, I just wanted to let you all in on a little secret that you might have not heard of before….. Sam Hunt. If you have not heard his music, listen here for free. He is slowly but surely becoming one of my favorites, and it’s not because of his good looks. Okay, that could be a factor haha His brand new EP-X2c was released today and is on iTunes for like 4 bucks and some change. That’s less than a baconator meal at Wendy’s! You know what to do people…

Hope everyone had a great Tuesday and see ya’ll back here tomorrow for a somewhat late post. I’m going to attempt to bullet my entire day. Wish me luck! :)