The bad, the ugly, and the good.

The BAD:  this morning.  Where do I even begin??  Fail #1:  Finally stepped on the scale.  I gained 4+ pounds from my post-Europe weight.  FML.  I'm pissed, although I shouldn't be.  I haven't been trying to eat healthy or even work out.  That number should get me motivated.  It does explain why I hate all of my clothes and feel so gross lately.  I just haven't been taking care of myself.  That's not a good thing.  In typical New Years fashion, I am vowing to eat healthy and work out.  My goal is to work out 5 days a week.  I know that's hefty (considering the working out has plummeted to a meager one day on a good week), but I feel like if I say 4 then I'll settle at 4.  I'm just so mad at myself for just giving up and not caring enough about myself (and more about food) to stay on the healthy bandwagon.  I mean before this looming 4 pounds I would have liked to lose another 10 before Aruba at the beginning of March.  Geez...it'll take me 2 months to even lose the 4 pounds.  It's time to start caring more about myself and getting back to feeling good.

Fail #2:  I slept with my contacts in last night.  I'm not going to lie...I'm bad about doing it.  Call it laziness?  I hate getting cuddled up in bed and watching tv wearing my glasses; therefore I keep the contacts in.  After I'm cuddled up, often I am too lazy and comfy to get out of bed and take them out.  Ok...back to the story.  My left contact is bothering me when I wake up.  I take it out a couple times and sort of inspect it.  It doesn't have hair on it or seem to have a tear.  It isn't terribly bothering me.  I can still see.  It isn't making my eye water or turn all red.  It's bothering enough though.  On a third inspection...I notice a minute tear on the edge of the contact.  So I figure I'll throw it away and get another one.  At our other house, I had a bag of a few boxes of contacted in the bathroom cabinet.  After moving, I had a couple of ideas where this bag may have gone.  Well...fml, of course I couldn't find it.  On a normal day, I would just roll with wearing my glasses and all would be cool.  But today is not a normal day.  Today is the day I have to drive to downtown Atlanta.  Today is the day of the Lady Gaga concert that I MUST be able to see adequately.  Ok...so I'm going to get into some TMI here and everyone is probably going to be grossed/weirded out by what is to follow.  So there are a few things running through my head...leave work early and get an appointment to get some more contacts!  Well...I have no money.  I kept debating that one...but I just did not want to deal with that and literally have no money to afford that today.  Second thought...find the other contact and deal with it.  Picture this:  me digging through my trashcan to find this contact with the small tear.  That's what I had to go with.  To make the situation at least sound better, I did not immediately put the contact back in my eye (ew).  I wore my glasses to work and will put in my contacts (after they've been sanitizing in contact solution all day).  This fail put me in a terrible mood.  And I still don't know where those dang contacts are!

The UGLY:  Before the scale and the contact situation, I was promptly awakened to Marlee gagging at the door.  The dogs don't throw up too often...but when they do it always happens in the early morning.  I hear it, bolt out of bed, and run the dog to the door.  As I was bolting up on this particular morning, Bailey (the cat) scratched the hell out of my arm.  This is no way to start my morning.

The GOOD:  Just to end on a positive note! Lady Gaga concert tonight with KD!  Yayyyyyyyyy!  And I guess I am proud of myself for going to work out yesterday.  I didn't run this morning, but I vow to go tomorrow.  And I'll post lots of pictures from the Gaga show!

Merry Christmas non-traditional style.

After my family did a Mexican style Christmas eve dinner and D's family did a traditional Christmas eve dinner, on Christmas Day D and I did a non traditional dinner.  Since both of our families live in town, we took in on our own accord to do a traditional Christmas night dinner together.  Our "tradition" is to open our gifts and stockings on Christmas morning (after we moved in together) and then hit up our fam's houses usually for brunch or something.  Then we come back and make a dinner with a ham or turkey, mac and cheese, etc. etc.  This year we went a little non traditional and did a steak dinner!  Yum.  D is the best cook.  We're/I'm currently contemplating an agreement that he cooks and I clean after we get married ;)  Anyway...pics of the delish meal coming together..

Steaks marinating...D is the marinade man ;)

 

Green beans

 

Mashed potatoes...probably the most fattening mashed potatoes ever...with cream (at least it was light?), cheese, and LOTS of butter

 

The cook

 

Yes, not the best health proportions.  But hey, it's the holidays!

And after eating that, plus all the candy I got in stocking, I desperately need to go to the gym.  I'm getting pretty motivated with the impending honeymoon and looking good in the wedding dress and a swim suit.  Gym...here I come!!

.

Merry Christmas Mexican style.

So this year, we're missing out on my fam's Xmas eve dinner to do Xmas
eve w D's fam. My family has gotten out of the traditional Christmas
dinner within the past few years though. They're doing a Mexican
style dinner. So I sent some delicious chicken empanadas with them
for dinner!

Book Review: Half the Sky.

Half the Sky is the book we read a couple of months ago for our book club.   Now, I'm not very eloquent when just writing off the top of my head (and I just don't have time to do the formal research on the book that you all deserve).  But here is the blurb off their website:

Half the Sky lays out an agenda for the world's women and three major abuses: sex trafficking and forced prostitution; gender-based violence including honor killings and mass rape; maternal mortality, which needlessly claims one woman a minute. We know there are many worthy causes competing for attention in the world. We focus on this one because this kind of oppression feels transcendent – and so does the opportunity. Outsiders can truly make a difference.

The book is an amazing and necessary read for women I think.  The stories really touch you.  I know the book has been featured on multiple talk and TV shows (Oprah and the Colbert Report to name a couple).  I could only dream of ever being able to travel to foreign countries speaking to women about human rights.  The book really touched me, aside from the fact that it brings light to the gross inequities that exist in the world, but there are also multiple stories about girls/women from Cambodia.  One of my sisters is adopted from Cambodia, so the country holds a special place in my heart.  I'm passing the book on to my mom this month.  I hope it opens minds and gives people an understanding of actions that most of us are ignorant/unaware of.  I'm a big fan of nonfiction myself.  We had awesome discussions about the book at book club.  I think it still ranks as some people's favorite book thus far.  Please read it.  Definitely recommended.  

2009 in review.

Hmmm...I don't know what to think about 2009 so far.

Negatives (to get them over and end on a positive note):  It's been marked with major celebrity deaths.  I still have my same job which, let's just say, I don't love.  We're still living in Athens.  I lost weight at the beginning of the year but didn't continue throughout the end (semi-positive at least I've mostly maintained and not gained it all back).  The official job search began and it sucks, sucks, sucks.  Family drama has presented itself.

Positives (yay!):  We moved to a smaller, more quaint and appropriately sized house.  We went to Europe for a month (and I was graciously granted paid leave for the majority)!  We got engaged!  News that we will officially be moving in 2010.  Friends still nearby in Athens.  Book club.

Now some "Best Of's"...only because I am lame and trying to make my blog a little more exciting ;)

Best Movie:

Ok...not going to lie...I had to google a list of movies that came out in 2009.  I have a terrible memory and can not for the life of me remember which movies came out when.  But...google did not have very good and comprehensive lists of 2009 movies either.  Anyhow, off the top of my head I decided on

D and I saw this in the dollar theater.  I won't lie...I felt uncomfortable and stressed for a large portion of the movie.  But it was also hilarious.  Even when I think back on it, I laugh.  Plus, I love Ed Helms.  Hilarious.

Best TV Series:

This came down to two different types.  D and I have become obsessed with Netflix this year.  So via Netflix, my best "old" TV series is...

  

I'm obsessed.  It is amazing!  We're almost through Season 5, and Season 6 premieres in early February.  Love it.

Best "current" TV series is, no question...

Must see TV on Thursdays is amazing.  The Office has always ranked high on my list.  Parks and Recreation has moved up on my list.  At this point, nothing surpasses 30 Rock for me.  I'm not even an Alec Baldwin fan.  There is not a single episode when I die laughing.  Definitely best current TV series.

Best Music:

Only one person comes to mind...LADY GAGA.

She is epic and wonderful.  Her music is catchy and stays in my head.  I mean even D has broke out singing p-p-p-p poker face, p-p poker face.  I have purchased The Fame and The Fame Monster.  Yes, she is out there.  Yes, some people hate her.  But, I admire her.  She exudes self-confidence.  Love her or hate her...she's infamous.  Ps. dying over the hello kitty dress.  

Best Vacation:

I imagine this goes without saying but....obv. EUROPE!  There are so many awesome pics I want to post from the trip, but for now, I'm narrowing it down to one per city.  We took only backpacks (and one carry on) and jumped between cities for a month.  I die when I look back through the pictures...I want to live in Europe so bad.

Prage - D and I with the Charles Bridge as the back drop.

 The first pic is just of us in a bar/restaurant around Munich.  The second is from my favorite meal of the trip.  It was at the beer garden at the Augustiner brewery.  I would die to go back.

Third stop...Cinque Terre, Italy.  Also the location of our engagement on June 22, 2009.  Check out this post for the full story and more pics on my favorite place in the world.

 Interlaken, Switzerland

Obv in Paris :)

Brugge, Belgium...one of our fav places.

Brussels, Belgium

Dusseldorf, Germany

And last but not least, Amsterdam

Trip of a lifetime.

Best Purchase:

With all of our saving for Europe, I didn't make that many purchases.  I was hoping to put a pair of fabulous shoes or a durable signature piece of clothing on the list.  I can't think of one that sticks out.  So my most notable purchase was...

 

My iPhone!  Yay!  Life changer :) 

For now, those are all the Best Of's I can think about...I'll edit if I can think of more.  Check for upcoming posts about...what I'm looking forward to in 2010 & goals/resolutions for 2010.  Bring it on 2010!

Most Surprising Celeb Moment:

 

The Chris Brown/Rihanna domestic violence drama.  This was shocking.  A lot of crazy shocking celeb moments happened throughout the year (including most recent, Brittany Murphy's death).  I think this was shocking for me because it is just something completely unexpected.  I think Rihanna definitely gave, and still gives, off an independent, strong woman kind of vibe.  And Chris Brown!  I thought he gave off an "innocent, young" vibe.  I was shocked that he could do that.  But it just goes to show that these things can happen to anyone...no matter what one's personality is like or how "strong" one may be percieved as being.

I'll end you with a few other notables from 2009:

Georgia blizzard of 2009:

March 2009...We got a couple of days off work!  I can't remember how many inches of snow, but the second picture is the morning after.  It was crazy!

Less than a week after the blizzard...our backpacking trip to Panther Creek:

This was my first backpacking experience.  I fell twice and twisted/sprained once on the way in and again on the way out.  My ankle was swollen for like a week after.  Fun experience, but I think some of the heights may have scarred me for life.

Friends get married...October 2009:

 Soon to be newlyweds at the rehearsal dinner

Me and D at the rehearsal...more pics from the actual wedding can be found from this earlier post.  At first I thought this was our only wedding of 2009.  Then I remembered D was in his friend Donny's wedding in May right before we left for Europe.  I guess I didn't take any pictures from that.

Feliz Navidad.

Baby Harper aka Mrs. Claus

And Santa Bailey

Thank goodness for the holidays for a cheer-me-up.  I had a rough day on Friday.  I had anticipated posting but instead I just wanted to wallow in my own misery for a bit.  Last week was just a super stressful and rough week.  I have had so much going on with work and in my personal life.  I don't even really want to get into all the logistics of my stress.  But it's been tough.  I'm still on the job hunt.  That's putting a major stress on my life.  Sigh.  That's just not something I can think about right now.  I am putting that on hold for the holidays.  And work is just really getting to me recently.  What I would give to have a two week holiday like the school systems...ugh.

This weekend we had our annual beer dinner with some of the Terrapin peeps in Atlanta.  Each couple has to come up with a dish and pair it properly with a beer.  It also ended up being much more of a stress than I would have preferred.  It went really well though!  The food was delicious.  The beer pairings were delicious.  I'll post pictures and info on that later.  The problem was that I had another bronchitis spell.  It got to the point where I couldn't breathe.  It certainly made the dinner less enjoyable. 

Anyway, I know this is a weak update.  I'm in the middle of watching Kendra: Here Comes Baby on E!  Come on...my guilty pleasure is reality tv.  Not going to lie though...I'm still grossed out by much pregnancy related info (the belly...the water breaking?!...etc).  Ooo and next is the Kardashians.  Omg.  In love with the Kardashian family.  Promise to update later this week!

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

Ahhhhh...December weekends.  Stores packed to the brim....endless traffic...lights on lamposts...free shipping on all the websites.  I kid, I kid.  I LOVE December.  I've been looking forward to cooler weather.  I love the lights, having a Christmas tree, and all the decorations.  I also have a LOVE for buying Christmas cards.  They're so cute!  I can't deny them.  I couldn't find any images online, but we found some cute "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" cards and some adorable ones from Borders.

We've had a very lazy, yet accomplished weekend!  Before this weekend, I had not started any Christmas shopping.  On Saturday, D and I braved Target.  It really wasn't that bad.  I scored some items for my siblings.  Check for gifts on all three sibs.  Still want to add another item for my brother.  Scored some items for D's family...well namely his/our niece.  Got some necessities for the house....purchased more Christmas cards ;)  Luckily I'm just chipping in money on gifts for my mom and dad.  After a long day of shopping, D made some dinner and we continued season 5 of Lost (thanks to Netflix!).

Today, we also slept in and D made breakfast (same as yesterday...I adore him on the weekends).  Then we sat around most of the day being lazy.  I did practically finish my Christmas shopping online.  I got everything I wanted for D online (and as usual spent way more money than I intended).  After both of us spending a lot of time on the computer, we finally got up and went out to eat some Mexican.  D says he's going to start eating healthy tomorrow.  I say every weekday that I am going to start (again) going to the gym in the mornings.  Maybe we'll motivate each other?  Then after Mexican we went to see the new "A Christmas Carol" in 3D.  Now let me tell you, it is rated PG but should totally be rated PG-13.  It was good and probably very true to the actual Charles Dickens' story.  I think it would be creepy and scary for children though.  Even with a parent, I would not want my sisters (ages 10 and 7) to see it.  The graphics were really great though.  Anyhow, score for a lazy weekend with my guy :)

I got it!

That's right...my elopement dress came a day early! It's so pretty! I
love all the little details in it. It's very close to my Vera Wang
dream dress. Of course it's too long...nothing a little altering
can't fix. But...I need to get my ass to the gym. Don't get me
wrong...the dress fits perfect, but I want to tone up. I want to tone
my arms and belly (and who doesn't want to look better in a bikini
anyway). I hope this will be my motivator. Someone said to me, if
you can't get into shape for this one time in your life, then you
probably never will. I guess what I'm struggling with a little bit
the idea that 3 months is not really enough time to make a difference
(at my weight). I need to though. Even if it isn't a visible
difference, it can't hurt to feel better about myself! I have to do
it!!! Think about the dress. Think about the dress. Hopefully it'll
pull me out of the bed in the morning.
We also registered this weekend. I'll have to post on that later.
It's a process! We registered at Target and at honeyfund.com (it's an
awesome site that allows people to contribute to activities we do on
our honeymoon...elopement/pre-honeymoon in our case). And picking out
save the dates on Wed!
Sent from my iPhone

I adore ellen and portia.

But I especially love Portia in this interview from the view:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mo01icF3jJU

She could not have said it any better.  I'm beyond frustrated by the fact that Americans continually make gay rights an issue of religion and other bullshit.  People used to make segregation a religious issue too.  It's completely unfair and prejudicial.  And I am not sure that I have ever seen a cuter couple than Ellen and Portia.  Plus I adore Ellen's show and Arrested Development :)

Even more officialness!

Note sure if officialness is a word.  Spell check didn't point it out though.  Anyway...

WE HAVE A DATE!

March 27 :)  That's our party date.  So weird that it's getting closer and way more official.  Omg.  I am actually getting married.  So crazy.  I'm also feeling a little weird that I am talking about wedding/party planning so much.  It's just so not me...I'm working on our wedding website.  sigh.  I didn't want to.  I'm pretty anti-weddingwebsite.  Since we are doing save the date/invite combo mailings, it's easier to just have people RSVP on a website.  Plus, I suppose it is a way to allow people to feel a little more involved in the process of things even though we aren't having a ceremony.  I'm not too nervous about getting everything done.  I'm more nervous about figuring out how to pay for everything.  It'll work out.  Just cross your fingers that mine and D's cars sustain for at least six more months.

On the job news front, there really is no news.  I have gotten a couple calls from principals at schools in North Carolina.  Nothing has worked out thus far though.  Two of the school systems really weren't in areas where D wants to live in NC.  I got a call from the Washington DC version of DFCS.  I cringe at the thought.  I haven't called her back yet...but I need to so I keep all options open.  We bailed on the trip to Philly this weekend for my Teaching Fellows interview.  It just wasn't a realistic option financially right now.  I'm hoping to be able to reschedule soon.  It's going to be REALLY tough to schedule/afford any out-of-town interviews while trying to pay for the wedding celebrations as well.  I did find out that before I can be hired in Philly (on my own without a Teaching Fellows program behind me) as a special ed teacher doing alternative certification, I have to be enrolled in a college teaching program.  I can't do that unless I find a job and know I'm moving there.  Keep your fingers crossed for me to find a job soon!

I've been sick for like a month now.  It's super frustrating because I NEVER get sick.  Maybe it's stress and not taking care of myself (eating terribly and not working out).  Although it's hard to adequately take care of myself when I can't stop coughing and can't breathe.  Speaking of...time for me to head to the bedroom and try to breathe long enough to get to sleep.

Baffled.

Ok.  I'm not going to lie...I have no clue what to give D this year for Christmas.  We're going slack on the gifts since we're saving up for the wedding/elopement.  I was thinking on spending around $50 and then doing stocking stuffers.  We always do stockings :)  Previous years:  Besides our very first Christmas together, 3 Christmases ago, I sort of got him a Wii.  By sort of I mean that its what I really wanted to get him but they were so out everywhere.  Then I got him a special Wii gift card to WalMart (cringe).  He ended up finally getting a Wii in like Feb. or something.  Anyway...the idea that year was a Wii.  Next year, I got him a camera he wanted.  Last year, I got him a GPS.  Even if I was going to spend more money, what would I get?  I've outdone myself (at least in the reasonable $200 range).  I have one idea that is $30...which again I don't want to put on here just in case he reads this.  But I'm not sure if he would really want this to be his main gift.  I have another idea for around $40 that I know he would like...but I'm thinking it's something we could probably put on our wedding registry.  I'm at a loss this year.  I'm going to try and get a little more direction from D. 

On a happy holidays note...we put up our Christmas tree on Sunday.  It's sort of small and pitiful...but we love it nonetheless.  And the cats haven't knocked it over yet (knock on wood).  And notice our new stockings...we purchased those super cheap from Target after Christmas last year :)

It's official.

So after the generosity of D's parents, we officially have an elopement plan!  We're going to ARUBA March 6 through March 13 of next year!  I'm thrilled!  I just can't wait to start planning things.  I've already picked out a dress for only $250!!  I won't post that here just in case D looks.  I've been in touch with some photographers in Aruba and going over to my parents to start hashing out some details tonight.  We haven't picked a date for the party yet, but it'll probably be March 21 or March 27.

Orders of Business:

-Dress:  DONE, $250 (which my parents are so graciously purchasing)
-Save the Dates/Invites
-Aruba wedding details
   -Photog
   - Flowers
   - Etc.
-Photography for party
-Food for the party
-Decor for the party
   -Centerpieces
   - Tablecloths
   - Eatingware (plates, napkins, forks, etc.)
-Music for the party
-Party locale:  DONE; Free @ the brewery
-Beer/wine/cocktail

I'm sure there is PLENTY more I am leaving out.  I'll post some more stuff later with my ideas and such :)

I couldn't back out on my promise.

I told you guys (yes, my whopping 4 readers) that I would update today
re: family stories from the thanksgiving week in west Virginia. I'm
not going to go into all the dets of my week right now, but I have a
note about babies.

So I can't remember if I mentioned earlier that I spent a lot of time
around a 6-month and a 9-month old babies this week. D's cousin and
wife have a cutie little 9-month old baby boy. D's brother and wife
have a cutie little 6-month old baby girl. On a positive note, D was
so good with the babies. I never get to see him around babies and
when I do, he's usually awkward and doesn't pay them much attention.
In my opinion, he was completely different on this trip. He was so
good and playful with the babies. He wasn't awkward and weird. I was
proud; and feel a little more confident in his "dad" abilities if we
ever decide to have kids.

On the interesting note...both sets of parents were complete opposites
in my opinion. One set is the set that have been trying to have a
baby for a couple of years and probably more financially ready for
kids. The other couple is young, newlywed, and got pregnant on
accident. The parenting was obvious. The later couple seemed
stressed and almost uncomfortable the entire time. The previous
seemed happy and just wanted to be around their baby 24/7. The later
couple said "I'm just ready for her to be older." granted she did
mention how she knows she's supposed to love this age and time. My
point with all this being...I completely understand and support the
significance of both partners BEING READY to have a baby. We are no
where near ready (nor should we have to be considering I'm only 24 and
where not even newlyweds yet!)...emotionally or financially. And
yeah, yeah...they say you'll never feel completely financially ready
(aside from the fact that we both admit we're just too lazy and
selfish right now), but come on. Obviously we'd be better off with
some exta money in our savings and reliable cars closer to paid off.
Case-in-point...we are no where near ready. Again, let me
clarify...we are not and have not ever been considering children any
time soon. This just validates my ideals so I can defend myself
against KD and CAP when they mention that innate desire to birth a
child ;) But the babies were cute. It was a valuable experience at
least for me to see D in a child-friendly situation. Although...I
haven't changed. I was babied-out after the first night....

Sent from my iPhone

Escape.

Surprisingly, it's been a little escape getting away to west Virginia
for the week. I haven't been stressing about money, jobs and moving.
I have been thinking alot about our impending elopement and party.
I'm ready to get back and really start planning the party (as scary as
the money aspect of that is). Which, on a side note...how ridic is it
that the AVERAGE cost of a wedding is like $23k. Come on. I know
girls dream about their wedding day and all...but don't they dream of
having a house and travelling too?! And how do families dish out
money like that? Although, I would still take having no school loans
over a wedding any day. People don't realize how amazing it is to
have parents with the financial ability to pay for college, cars,
weddings, etc. All of these financial strains certainly make money a
lot tighter for D and I beginning our married life together. And
although he is doing something he loves (and I hope to be very soon),
we don't get paid enough for what we do. Anyway...enough on that
tangent! It has been nice to not really stress about things. We've
had most of our meals cooked for us (yay for not eating out and
spending more money!) and I haven't had to spend my free time job
searching. Of course we've had the occassional "we're moving soon"
convo which reminds me of my impending job search and obligation...but
thank goodness for the break of writing cover letters and mailing
resumes (with very little luck). Tomorrow it's almost back to the
real world. I have to start reading my articles for my philadelphia
teaching fellows interview (next Saturday) and figuring out how in the
hell I'm going to be able to afford that. To be honest, the real
world does kind of suck. Especially if you're looking for jobs,
living paycheck to paycheck, and working in this economy. Granted, I
don't miss juggling school and work...which will prob be happening to
me again in the near future.

Anyway...I plan to update tomorrow on our ride back to GA about some
of the interesting family and baby stories from the weekend.

Sent from my iPhone

Cheese factor.

Ok...be prepared for the typical cheesy "I'm thankful for..."
posting. I just figure I need something to bring me back to reality.
Those of you who are around me on a semi-regular basis know that I
often let what feels like a million tiny bad things overwhelm the few
big great things in my life. I used to say that I was
optimistic...but who am I kidding? I'm a combo, I think. I am
pessimistic but I do find it very easy to point out positive aspects
when i want to. So in honor of my pessimism and Thanksgiving, I'm
listing some aspects of my life that I'm grateful for:

1. My friends, family, and fiance: I'm so grateful for KD and CAP.
KD is my partner in judgement and laziness. She allows me to
continually be a Debbie Downer and keeps me company via gchat at
work. And she adores Lady Gaga...I think we were seperated at birth.
CAP is the most unique and wonderful friend. She continually
encourages me and reminds me of the positive in myself and others. I
love her stories and the way she texts me when she sees something I
write on facebook. I'm grateful for my supportive family and the
opportunity to live so close to them for so long. Amazingly grateful
for D, who is one of the biggest parts of my life. I'm grateful for
the ideals we share and the beer he brings home :). I'm really
thankful that our only committments together are pets and we have the
freedom to move, travel, and grow older together.

2. My health and well-being: I am happy that the first time I went
to the doctor in like 3 years was a couple weeks ago. I am thankful
that I have health insurance to pay for birth control (even though it
feels ridic expensive) and prescriptions. I'm thankful I have the
ability to be active (and need to utilize that more). I'm thankful
that my well-being is continually being lifted, after the end of a
draining work day, by my pets whom I love and adore.

Ok...seriously I want to continue this but I have to get back to fam
time! And iPhone blogging takes longer. Happy thanksgiving!

Sent from my iPhone

I heart the holidays.

I know, I know. I've been so out of touch lately. I had a couple
blogs I started but just keep forgetting to finish them. D and I are
on our way to West Virginia now to spend Thanksgiving with D's
grandparents. I've never been to WV, so I'm pretty excited! I'm
grateful for D taking his truck and driving the 6 hours there and
back. D grew up in WV so he'll take me around to see all the sights
of his childhood. It is funny because, despite the fact that we've
lived together for over 2 years now, we'll have to sleep in seperate
rooms. Gotta love the old school, religious grandparents :)
I LOVE the holiday season. The changing colors of the leaves,
wreathes on the lamp posts, yummy foods, twinkly lights, everything!
There is just something so warm and comforting about the holidays.
Plus the additional time away from work is awesome. I'm still
completely clueless about what we're doing for Xmas gifts this
year...especially since I have to somehow budget in a trip to Philly
next weekend.
On a super exciting note, D and I found out that his parents are so
graciously giving us a week at one of their time share locales (Aruba?
Bahamas? Hawaii?) for our elopement! Yay! It's not the all-inclusive
idea that we originally had, buts it's a million times better than our
Hilton Head idea (which is really all we could afford). So onward
with eloping in February and partying in march! Which also reminds
me...I need to get serious about working out so I can shed some pounds
to look hot for our elopement ;)
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Weekend Update.

Eh...not too much going on this week.  I've been on call (which entails be keeping the oncall pager from Wed-Tues and being oncall for any child emergencies or other ridiculous things that the police decide to page us over for all hours of each night).  It's been stressful and frustrating actually.  I guess I can't really complain (who am I kidding, I totally can) considering I have typically had fairly easy on call weeks and it's practically only two weeks per year.  On the positive side, it got me out of tailgating ALL DAY and going to a football game tonight.  Don't get me wrong...it sounds like I hate it.  I am just happy to have a break, a relaxing weekend for the first time in what feels like a month.

Yesterday, D and I ate at Big City Bread Cafe for dinner.  It was really delish.  They have some awesome specials...but on our budget we opted for the lower priced sandwiches and a burger.  D loved the burger, and I got an awesome chicken sandwich.  For an app we had some delish mac and cheese.  We definitely plan to go back and split the 14oz pork chop!  Then we cam back and watched a movie.  I've been feeling sick though, so I bailed on D early :(

Today, D's been out tailgating and whatnot.  I've been RELAXING!  I'm still feeling a little sick...at least I woke up being able to breathe.  I still am suffering from a stuffy nose, cough, etc.  I slept in (until Bailey woke me up scratching at the door...grrrrr).  I ate some cinnamon buns D bought for breakfast (yum).  Watched a Law and Order.  Ate a mexican lunch with KayD.  Caught up on some dvr shows with KayD.  Now blogging and watching more L&O.  I'm sure I'll get some fast food later (just to pack on the pounds since I still haven't been working out...grrr...working out is another subject for another day).  I plan to do the same thing tomorrow except hanging out with D a little more. 

As for moving and the job search...I'm currently in the process of applying to some teaching programs.  I'm interviewing in December for Philadelphia Teaching Fellows, in January for Prince George County Teaching Fellows, and TBD for Baltimore Teaching Residency.  I'm considering AmeriCorps as well.  If anyone up north knows about any other teaching programs, non-profits orgs, etc. let me know!  D is being so supportive and flexible with moving locales.  I'm lucky to have him really :)  I suppose I need to start working on cover letters also.  THE HARDCORE JOB SEARCH BEGINS!

PS.  So freaking excited about LADY GAGA in December!

Fail.

Monumental disappointment and fail. It's the worst feeling. I've
been waiting to hear back about this program/job that I applied for.
The whole process was really long and stressful. Following my
interview, I had to wait like 3 weeks for a decision. Now I had been
trying to mentally prepare myself for NOT getting in the program. I
felt ready and had made tentative back up plans for not getting in
it. It didn't prepare me at all. After finding out yesterday that
indeed I did not get accepted, I lost it. There were so many mixed
emotions going on in my head...disappointment, frutration, stress,
etc. There are so many frsutrating aspects of finding out I wasn't
successful. First, I was frustrated with myself for allowing myself to
react that way. Next, massive frustration due to all of the energy and
stress I put in to the whole application process. Next, I'm annoyed
that I am right back to square one. D and I are no closer to figuring
out where we'll move or what I'll be doing next year. And I have to
go back through more application processes. And also there's the
frustration that comes with failure. D tried to tell me if wasn't a
failure....but it's certainly not a success.

After crying and being a mess last night, I woke up this morning and
literally thought it was a dream. I kept thinking I would get a "just
kidding, we rethought it and think you're a PERFECT fit for our
program" email. Yeah...not happening. I instead have the terrible
email they sent denying me. I intended to sit around and wallow in my
misery all day...instead I get the pleasure of being oncall for work.
Awesome. Currently sitting in the high school counselors' office for a
half hour waiting on a student. FML. I apologize for the depressing
post...although I think I deserve one. One day, I hope to have an end
in sight. An end to this draining job. An end to my time in Athens.

On a positive note, D has been supportive. I'm sure it's hard with the
pessimistic attitude I have going on right now. I appreciate him being
there for me though.

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TGIF!

I'm actually pretty pleased with how my week has ended...minus still feeling slightly overwhelmed with all D has planned this weekend.  First, I had a short work day due to all the overtime I've done throughout the week.  After coming in at 10, I had some excellent, exciting news regarding one of my cases (the one closest to my heart at that).  The news does involve me working more overtime and working on a Sunday...but TOTALLY AND COMPLETELY worth it.  I hope it all works out the way we all want...  Next, I found out the court hearing that I have spent all week preparing for (since this is a case that I am just handling while the other worker is on maternity leave) got continued.  For those unfamiliar with the world of public social services/foster care, it means the court hearing will not happen, I will not have to testify, and my stress preparing was unnecessary.  Although on the positive side, 1) I don't have to go to court and 2) I've better familiarized myself with that case.*  I'm just happy I don't have to deal with that.  Then, I got to leave work early and just chill for a bit.  I'm still tying up some loose ends of work stuff...but at least I'm home!

Now let's see...first things first...HALLOWEEN!  Now I'm not the biggest Halloween fan.  I feel stupid if I don't have something unique and fun.  My past experiences have shaped this idea.  Let me back track to mine and D's previous Halloween experiences:

• Year 1:  D and I are in Valdosta visiting.  We go down with no Halloween ideas and no costume stuff to even use.  Away from home you are forced to buy something.  We go to Wal-Mart (**shudder**) the day of Halloween.  Ok, every one knows shopping on the day of Halloween is terrible.  There's nothing good left.  D ends up getting this weird hat with a rat on top.  This is what I came out with:

 

Btw...one of the most disgusting pictures.  Why did I even wear the short sleeve shirt??  Why not a tank top?  It was a kids costume.  I thought it was cute at first, but by the end of the night I felt ridiculous and stupid.

D's costume.  Wow.

• Year 2:  Again, D and I go out shopping the day of Halloween.  I can not find anything decent that I would not feel like an idiot wearing.  We leave with nothing and I decide not to do Halloween (it is on a week night that year anyway).  D just finds some clothes in his closet and throws something on (sorry, couldn't find a picture of that, but trust me you're not missing anything).
• Year 3:  FINALLY we plan ahead!  I searched forever to figure out what to do.  Finally we decided on the Pac Man/Ghost gig.  It definitely made a world of difference being in a "cool" costume that people liked.  I loved it and I hope we re-use these:

• Year 4:  After asking D all month (and even sending along ideas), I never could get a solid idea from him.  So I decided to go forward with my idea for a solo costume.  I figured he could do whatever he wanted.  So Friday before Halloween, we go out to buy some basic supplies for my costume and look for something for D.  He thought about doing Peter Griffin from Family Guy or The Dude from the Big Lebowski.  So we checked out some places and couldn't find any solid clothes for D.  Then we hit up the Halloween store which we stayed at forever going back and forth between costumes for D.  Then we spent all day Saturday buying the rest of the supplies for my costume.  Final product:

D in all his glory

Hot air balloon and D after his costume fizzled.

I must say...it ended up being a fun night.  Not even kidding though...next year we are doing easy, bought out of the bag costumes.  Mine looks simple but it ended up being stressful and taking a while to put it all together.  And people were obsessed with D's costume, which he picked out the day before.  I also ended up with a massive hangover the next day.  I was literally in bed until 4pm.  It was bad.  So after a long post...I'm going to leave it at that and try to enjoy my busy weekend!

**Disclaimer:  For those that don't know, I work as a case manager/social worker with children in foster care, their birth parents, their foster parents, their adoptive parents, testify in court on behalf of all these aspects as well as dealing with anything else that involves all parties.  Try managing all of these parties for 15 children.  It's been a learning experience to say the least...**

All in due time.

I've been delaying posting so that I could post something quality. I
have just been swamped. All kinds of stress..work, moving, jobs,
stuff to do every single night of the week, work, money, work, etc. I
promise a quality post w Halloween pics (which sort of ended up being
a drama in itself), moving/job search updates (well that will probably
be next week), life news. I've got some elopement ideas that I want
to throw out also. I'm still in limbo about a lot of stuff but I owe
some good posts. Soon...

And ps. How freaking ridiculous that Christmas is less than a month
away? Freaking out.

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Epic Fail.

I am the worst of the worst.  All my blabbing about being in a funk and wanting to get back on track.  How about...I FINALLY went grocery shopping and got healthy fruits and veggies and my regular eggs and such.  Do you think I worked out this morning?  Nope.  Take a guess what my excuse was this time...I woke up around 3:45a and could not get back to sleep for probably close to 2 hours.  That's actually a valid excuse in my opinion...but fuck.  I could have freaking gotten up at 7.  It actually probably would have put me in a better mood during the day.  Even with all my healthy food I bought, I induldged in my homemade lasagna (that's right, homemade), and cheez-its, and beer, and a spoon of peanut butter.  Ughhhhhhhhhhh.  I'm so mad at myself.  Something has to change.  Seriously.  Where the hell did my motivation and dedication go?  My running/gym buddy can't do mornings with me this week, and with my job, it's impossible for me to go to the gym at a decent hour in the evenings this week.  I'm frustrated with myself for not making time and not making my health and fitness a priority.  How can I flip that switch in my brain again??  Ask me if I am working out!! 

EXCITEMENT of the moment.

I know this is old news, but.....


LADY GAGA ANNOUNCES HER MONSTER BALL TOUR!!!!!!!!!!! 


In love!  K and I completely plan on going.  She hits Atlanta on 12/28.  I can not wait.  It's going to be fabulous!  Anxiously awaiting Atl tix to go one sale.  Not going to lie, I was super excited to see her and Kanye together.   Here's in hopes that her solo tour will be even more fabulous since all attention can be devoted to GaGa.

Love.

Let's Break It Down.

The weekend has been eventful.  I went to a birthday party for my adorable sister, MGK, who turned 7!

MGK at Christmas 2008.

 

MGK, June 2009

Since my camera is broken, I wasn't able to take any pictures of MGK at her birthday this year.  I can probably gank some from my mom after she posts them.  Rest assured, she took PLENTY of pictures.  So we had a combo birthday party for MGK and an ex-aunt whom my mom has reconnected with.  We ate some kick-ass nachos, which were probably the higlight of the evening for me (big surprise it was food?!). 

Saturday we had some friends over and grilled out.  We ate racks of lamb, baked potatoes, cous cous salad, and Terrapin/Left Hand Depth Charge floats.  Yum!  We also played three rounds of Clue.  I forgot how much I miss playing board and card games.  D won two rounds, and yes, I won one round!  BAM!  I can be good at games ;)  Today, we are about to head out to serve Terrapin at some wine festival.  I am hoping to also knock out some grocery shopping afterwards so we can have some freaking healthy food in this house again!

Ok...so I've had some major life changes on my mind.  Recently I've been talking about big changes in my life.  Pretty much everyone, including my current bosses, know that I am searching for another job.  One main reason for this being that D and I are going to be moving soon with his job.  Since I haven't found my passion to be in the work of public social services, I am attempting to pursue teaching.  I really think that teaching is where my heart is.  I want to work with kids to be successful in education.  I am working on some things to try and get a job opportunity in teaching, but there is no guarentee.  D and I have been talking recently about looking for jobs and such.  I attempt explaining to him that I think it will be quite difficult for me to find a job in teaching or even public social services.  Blame the economy, I know.  I mean at my current job, we've been in a hiring freeze for as long as I can remember.  I try to explain to D that it will most likely be quite difficult for me to find a job because there are no jobs out there now.  D says, "there's always jobs.  There's the service industry."  I say that I have no experience in the service industry and people with experience will always get the job over me.  D says, "I could probably get you a job at _____________ in Raleigh."  I obviously have mixed feelings about this.  1) I am grateful that D would help me in getting a job, but 2) I do not want to move to NC to work at another job that I dislike.  The conversation continues as we drive to Kroger.  We pass a person sitting on the side of the road, holding a sign to advertise for the local Halloween store.  D says, "See you could always get a job doing that."  Wow.  No words.  I would go back to school (and inevitably raise my school loan debt) before I would take a job sitting on the side of the street holding a sign.  This whole conversation actually increased my job search though.  I have started putting out applications and feelers for different stuff to get into.  I'm nervous though.  I'm nervous that the potential stuff I am working on will fall through and I will be back to square one.  I am nervous that nothing will work out, that I will be stuck in the south with another job I hate.  I am nervous that I will never be able to pursue/achieve my dream of teaching without incurring endless amounts of more school loans (no one wants to know how much I already have...and keep in mind this was to achieve degrees that I no longer want to utilize).  I guess all I can do it keep trying.  Put in applications and work towards what I really want to do.  It is also way more difficult to apply and interview for jobs when you live out of state.  Sigh.  The thought of it all is stressful and overwhelming.  One thing I do know: I definitely want to move and I definitely want to move with D.  I have to be confident that things will work out for the best (or at least the way they are supposed to).  At least I have D to embark on whatever kind of journey/adventure is in store for us.  I am happy that he has a job he loves.  If nothing else, I know how important it is to do something you love.  It definitely affects quality of life when you don't enjoy the job you work.  Patience is a virtue, right? 

Best Gossip Girl Ever.

Sorry I've been a little out of touch.  I have had a pretty stressful weekend/week.  But D took me out to a Mexican dinner and made it all better.  It's over and I am going to focus on some other stuff in the meantime.  In REAL IMPORTANT news....watching Monday night's episode of Gossip Girl.  First order of business:  dying over this dress Serena wore:

Beautiful.

And in reality of items I could NEVER own (because I could NEVER afford):

It's Alexander Wang, Slinky Vicose Long Sleeve Goddess Dress
$590 at tobi.com

In other Gossip Girl news, dying over Chuck Bass' kiss with a guy.  It was short, but so sweet ;)  Oh but the episode has so many twists and turns.  Hating on Vanessa because she dates Ed Westwick in real life.  I will swoon over him foreverrrrrrrr ;)  I wish I could be a guest star on Gossip Girl just to wear the amazing and beautiful clothes.  

 

At least tomorrow is Thursday.  One day closer to the weekend.  D and I have a lot of big decisions coming up and honestly, I am just ready for answers.  So much is up in the air.  I need answers.  I'm ready to move.  Update more later :)

 

Pictures courtesy of Iheartthat.com

Weekend Update.

 D and I from Halloween last year; Pac Man and Ghost.  

It's the weekend again.  D is out of town in Virginia Beach and I am stuck here in rainy Athens.  I can't complain though.  I had the opportunity to go...but I already had a furlough and holiday from work last week and I would have had to take off Friday and Monday to go to VA.  I also have to take off Wednesday.  I figured we didn't need to deal with finding someone to watch the dogs again.  Anyway...babbling aside, I didn't go.  I've been finding ways to keep myself busy though (even with my limited budget).  Last night, I went to eat at Clocked downtown with CH, whom I went to high school.  We had a really good time catching up and chatting about how people from high school had changed.  It was a nice change of pace to hang out with someone I haven't seen in a while.  On a ranting note, I am so over trying to hang out with people who don't even try.  Please don't tell me that you want to get together if you are not going to exert the effort to actually set up a time.  Anyway, we had a good time.  It was nice to get out of the house for the night.  Ps. I had the hummus sammie at Clocked.  It was pretty yummy!

Let's see today I am hanging out with KayD (my running buddy...although we haven't gotten to run recently because it has been raining like a mofo in Athens).  She got tivo (which I maintain is one of the best inventions EVER), and we're going to watch Melrose Place :)  I can't say that show is anywhere near being good, but it certainly makes us laugh.  Then tomorrow, I'm going shopping with K for her halloween costume, and then ordering pizza with K and CAP.  Busy weekend!  I'm working on project all the while too.  I bought supplies for my project from Michael's yesterday.  My bill came out to a whopping $27, and I think I may have to go back for more supplies.  Yay for weekends!

So I have a few topics that I've been thinking about more in depth:

WEIGHT: Ugh...don't even get me started (although technically I started this).  I haven't weighed myself in weeks because I'm scared.  D and I have been eating absolutely terribly since we really haven't had any good food in the house.  And we really haven't had the money to do substantial grocery shopping.  I am waiting on my travel check from work and plan to do some shopping after that comes.  I have been eating the worst of the worst...fast food, Mexican, ugh all of my weaknesses.  I have got to get out of my funk!  I need some major motivation.  I haven't been going to the gym...which I've been dishing out $32/month.  I haven't been doing anything.  I need to get back into my healthy mindset.  I'm not sure what switched in my brain to make me want to be lazy again.  I mean I have an elopement dress to get smaller for!  And I want a sexy beach body for the elopement itself ;)  Send motivation my way! 

HALLOWEEN: D and I have been trying to figure out what to be this year.  I don't really have the money to do something super creative (ie. Pac Man and Ghost last year) or to buy something.  Hmmm...where does that leave me?  Creative costumes on a dime?  Personally, I'm not the biggest fan of Halloween.  That's why I made it my mission last year to think of something creative for D and myself.  It actually did make me enjoy Halloween because our costumes were awesome, unique, and super cute.  We can't think of anything this year.  Halloween is also on a Saturday, which means we are obligated to do something.  Ideas?  I may do some research today...

MOVING:   So...D talked to a couple of people at Terrapin and we found out that they are pretty flexible as to where we can move next year.  Yeah!  Sort of our three options:

• North Carolina:  Pros: Closer to home, cheaper cost of living/ability to save more money?, warmer; Cons: Still stuck in the south, closer to home, possibly the lack of opportunity to move farther away at another time (I don't want to be stuck in the south for another 5+ years and not have the ability to branch out and experience living in different areas of the US.)
• DC area (DC/Virginia/Maryland):  Pros:  Middle of the road...not too far from home but not super close, possibility of more job opportunities for me, variety of living options (city, rural, suburban); Cons: cost of living, colder
• Philly/NJ:  Pros: City living, not in the south, possibility of more job opportunities, closer to other amazing cities and places (NY, Canada, etc.), variety of areas to live; Cons: cold, long way from home & Athens for D (could be build up our sky miles?!), cost of living, cold

So...who knows.  D is leaning towards NC...maybe because of the distance and the cold.  I'm leaning toward the more northern places.  My thoughts are that there are more opportunities up north for me finding a job (in teaching or social work), and I'm so ready to branch out from the south.  I am afraid if we move to NC, we won't get another opportunity for a while to make another move.  D does say that he can see some pros of living up north.  I have great dreams of exploring and living in new and different places with my soon-to-be husband :)  Of course, we'll have the opportunity to explore a new city together wherever we move.  That's exciting.  I'm exciting to have a variety of choices.  I'm also lucky to have a fiance who is supportive and willing to move for me.  I'm lucky that Terrapin is being flexible with us.  Now, I can only hope that I can have some real job options and opportunities.  Ultimately, I'll be happy wherever we go because I get to embark on a new adventure with D.   Hopefully, we'll have some real answers soon.  We really need to take time to explore the Philly and DC areas.

Ps. There is no Law and Order marathon on today...so I'm watching my faithful standby...BEVERLY HILLS 90210 :)  Love it.

On the coast of Italy.

Engagement story time!  Just for S, I'm posting my engagement story.  Although I'm sure some others (yes, I'm talking about the large group of 3 people that actually probably read this?) care.  So....here goes the long, really in-depth version:

**Side note:  D and I HAD NOT talked about getting married.  I typically went on long rants about how I hate marriage.  D even mentioned that I had said before that I didn't want to get married.  Prior to our trip to Europe, I kid you not at least two people asked me if I thought we would get engaged in Europe.  I bawked at the comment and said no way.  I also noted that even if we were considering engagement, D has been saving up for this trip with all his money and he couldn't afford a ring.  Now, this in no way meant I was actually opposed to getting engaged.  I love D and of course want to spend the rest of my life travelling and being together.  So....needless to say I was NOT expecting an engagement.**

Sooooo on we go off to Europe for a month.  Fast foward to Cinque Terre, Italy.  The most beautiful, fabulous place on Earth.

For the record, pictures do not do Cinque Terre justice.  Anyhow, we arrive and we are hanging out taking in the sights.  We get to our perfect little apartment that we rented with a great view in the city of Cornigilia.  

The inside of our apartment and the view from our window.

So we get settled in and immediately get ready to explore the city.  For those of you who don't know, Cinque Terre is made up of five little towns.  We stayed in the smallest, Cornigilia.  I actually loved it the most because it was the most quaint.  It was less touristy.  The towns are on the coast of Italy by the Mediterranean Sea.  They used to be only accessible by stairs and foot.  Now the area has grown in popularity and tourism (although still not overwhelmed with tourists).  They now have some cars owned by the locals.  Each city has a train that runs between.  Beautiful.  Go there.  When we got there I immediately told D I wanted to live there.  Anyway...back to the story.  So we were trying to figure out which of the trails to check out first.  We were about a week or so along in the trip and didn't really have much clean clothes at this point, so we decided on the easiest trail.  And I'll note, there was no pressure from D as to which trail to pick...nothing.  We had explored Cornigilia a little bit before we went to catch the train.  D made me run back into the apartment before walking down to catch the bus (to take us to the train station).  I will admit, I started wondering...why is he rumaging around in the room and wasting time.  I didn't think much of it though.  We made ourselves down to wait for the bus.

  D and I exploring in Cornigilia.  I actually really love this picture.

D & I waiting at the bus stop.  Little did I know there was a ring in that pocket :)

So when we are waiting to catch the train to Riomaggiore (where the trail starts), it starts to get really overcast and began raining.  It was really quick lived and we didn't care that much.  We caught the train to Riomaggiore and the rain conveniently followed us there.  But instead of just rain...it turned into hail!  So we are trying to stay covered and exploring a little bit.  Finally the rain/hail somewhat subsides and we decide to brave the trail.  How convenient, the trail is called Via dell'Amore, the Walk of Love.

Seriously, I don't  think it was intentional.  It just happened that that was the easiest trail.  D and I get on the trail.  I'm wet and cold and it starts hailing again.  The trail is beautiful though.

D tried to get me to go down this set of steps.  Not happening.  I'm afraid of heights, wearing wet Chacos sandals and a long dress...not prepared to go down slippery stone steps.  Finally we get to this little inlet area of rock on the trail.

So there are some people walking by and I get them to take a picture of us in front of the inlet unexpectedly.  I am trying to rush D to get under the covered area because I am cold and it's drizzling.  He says, "let's just stay here for a little bit and take it all in."  So I give in.  Then he starts talking about how it's been a great four years together.  That's where it all gets blurry.  The next thing I know...I am accepting a ring and in utter shock!

Utter shock/excitement can be observed on this ridiculous picture of myself.

Seriously, D did the best job EVER picking out my ring.  Pictures can't do it justice either.  It's simple but complicated.  It's antique-y looking, which is what I wanted.  He literally picked it out completely alone (because remember we hadn't talked marriage and I hadn't given ring sample pictures).  It is perfect.  It even has a matching wedding band.  I adore it.  I told him about a month ago that I still find myself admiring it.

Ok...to make it even more perfect.  The engagement happened on June 22.  He had bought the ring in December!  He had been keeping the secret since December.  He also carried the ring to Europe.  I walked around giddy the rest of the day.  I told him he didn't even get down on one knee...he did.  My haze made me forget.  He waited until most people were off the trail and thought the rain would be good for clearing people out.  He said he did this becuase he knew I wouldn't want a lot of people around (wow, he knows me too well).  He totally asked my parents before we left (even though I couldn't have cared less if he did that).  He just planned so well but also made everything so casual.  He said he was either going to propose in Cinque Terre or Interlaken in the Swiss Alps.  Well he chose on the coast of the Mediterranean and it could not have been more perfect.  I loved writing this post because I love reliving that moment.