Peace out 2012, bring it on 2013.

Yep.  It's the seemingly obligatory yearly recap.  I really could care less.  2012 was a good one (especially in reflection of 2011 which can still go fuck itself).

January was a little boring.  I made the commitment to live healthy and eat pescatarian, and those commitments lasted throughout the year.

1. February brought continued love for Tasty Beverage where we decided to spend Valentine's Day.

2.  My job took a turn for the worse when we returned after winter break.  Work days & work friends were the only thing that got me through it.

3.  In February, D was able to get us tickets to see Portlandia live in Durham!

4.  In March, an anniversary trip to Max Patch & Asheville, NC was amazing (minus the seriously scary mountain roads).

5.  D helped me get a bike!  I did a lot of exploring the Raleigh Greenway for a few months.

6.  In late March & April, D and I made a spring break trip to Virginia & DC.  I also committed to being happier despite frustrations at my job.  That commitment was likely the only thing that kept me sane throughout the remainder of the school year.

7.  April brought the building of our chicken coop!

8.  I finally brought home our new babies!  Remembering them as little chicks is the best.  I had a great time raising them.

9.  In May we got to see Wicked!

1.  Late May took us to Georgia for celebrating a good friend's return to the states & D's birthday.

2.  June!  The epic California road trip we took started in San Francisco.  

3.  California wineries.

4.  My first time meeting some blogger friends in San Diego!  I can't wait to see these ladies on the east coast next time!

5.  July took me on a trip to Austin, TX...by myself!  Thanks to D, it was a great place to get out of my comfort zone and be solo.

6.  August brought a month filled with awesomeness for my birthday.  It was probably one of my best birthdays yet.  D took me to Busch Gardens.

7.  In July (with the help and encouragement of D) I was given opportunity to start a new job that I adore.  In September we got a new group of kiddies.  This new job was probably the best thing to happen to me this year.  It has literally changed my life & certainly my happiness level.

8.  In October, I ran my second half marathon!

9.  Mexico in December!

Looking back through pictures made it so hard to pick out highlights.  I've told D a million times how good 2012 has been to us.  D and I are comfortable and happy.  I have to continually count myself lucky that his job has been so good to him & that he is so good to me.  Life isn't about the material things, but I feel extremely lucky to be in the position to enjoy those things.  I feel so lucky to have been offered the job I have now.  It's a great place with great people.  I love my kiddies.  More than anything, there has not yet been one day that I have dreaded going to this job.  I'm really lucky. 

In a way it's scary that 2012 has been so good to me, good to us.  I just keep my fingers crossed that 2013 is at least as good as 2012.  

It's a list.

Well it's that time.  Everyone is making lists/goals for the summer.  Work officially ended yesterday for me, so I'm feeling like I'm ready to make the commitment.  I sort of tried this last summer, dedicating myself to doing a few decorating/DIY projects.  Want to know how many of those projects I completed?  None.  I'm taking a different route this year.

I'm basing my list on my 101 in 1001 list.  My list needs some serious attention. In a sense I've started to feel a little defeated since there are certain items that just can't be accomplished.  In reality, that's no reason to give up!  I like a short list (to ensure, or closer to ensuring, success):

1.  Decorate ONE wall in my house :: Refererence #60 - Purchase a piece of art for our home

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I'm thinking Instagram photo wall of some sort.  There's tons of other Instagram decor ideas out there though.  I'm planning to compile mine and D's insta-photos and go from there.  Even if it doesn't end up being insta-inspired, I'll count this as completed if I decorate just one wall.


2.  Volunteer :: Reference #38 - volunteer somewhere.


Since I work with kids on a regular basis, I wanted to take a step back from that.  

I want to do something where I get to be around precious little animals instead!  I've had my eye on volunteering at Safe Haven and just have not taken the plunge.  It's about time I take the focus off me, me, me.

3.  California :: Reference #67 - Visit 3 of the 1000 Places to go Before You Die  

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I'm pretty sure our California road trip is going to check off a few of the "places to see" on the list.  We'll be hitting up the Pacific Coast Highway, Monterey Peninsula, Coronado, and wine country which are all included on the list.  

4.  Find a signature summer mixed drink :: Reference #90 - Learn to make a new mixed drink

[Strawberries + white wine]

This Strawberry Reisling Slushie sounds right down my alley, but I'm thinking something involving fruit and tequila!  (And if I get really lazy, I can always count my sangria as my summer drink!)

And that's that my friends!  Four goals (which I guess technically doesn't characterize this as a "bucket list"), two of  which involve no real effort.  I am planning to read, spend lots of time at the beach/pool, and keep working on my fitness!

How are you spending your summer days?

New blog design = first giveaway!

It's a bit of a hectic week at school: 11 (and a half) student days left and state testing is this week.  State testing and all that follows (um, five hours of "remediation" per test not passed) with my particular population of students is extremely difficult.  Please excuse my absence this week.  While I'm away, enjoy this wonderful news:

If you've clicked out of your Google Reader recently, you may have noticed my amazing new blog redesign.  I have D to thank for making this happen and our friend, Les, to thank for making it work!  I didn't give Les much to work with (because honestly I didn't have a real "vision" in mind), but the redesign is so much better than I could have ever imagined!

In honor of the redesign and my recent over 100 followers on Google Friend Connect, I'm definitely feeling the blog love!  I wanted to give you all something back in the form of a giveaway.  Some of my favorite giveaways are those that involve a blogger's favorite things!  Unfortunately, I can not give away a kick ass trip or delicious craft beer.  Don't worry, I'm making it worth your while!

NAIL POLISH!

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Pretty nail polish is fitting based how nail polish saved me from nail biting on my love of pretty things.  Honestly, Revlon is my favorite nail polish.  I find it lasts just as long (and usually longer than Essie) and at a better price.  You can pick out the color of your choice or I'll surprise you :)

THE BOOK THIEF!!

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A book would be fitting since I love to read.  I just read this book last week (and even at 500+ pages, I finished it in about a week) and fell in love.  It is so beautifully written and unique.  It's set during the Holocaust, and I have a strange fascination with that era anyhow.  It's now in my top five.

COFFEE MUG!!

A mug would be fitting since it wouldn't be a Skinny Jeans & Chai Latte giveaway without a coffee related item.  Remember when I featured this beaut?  I just adore this mug...and may end up ordering one for myself too :)

TARGET or iTUNES GIFTCARD!!

A gift card would be fitting since I can't buy you beer (without checking ID's) or find you super cool wine glasses and bottle openers, so I'll let you buy them (or some music) for yourself.  I definitely adore Target as a girl on a budget.  I'll be offering a $10 gift card to Target or iTunes if the bullseye just isn't your thing.

And that's that!  I hope you all enjoy the selection...I know I would ;)

Giveaway will be open for two weeks, ending on June 6!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wanderlust averted...temporarily.

D and I had thrown around the idea of a "big" trip on my next fall break in October 2012.  Unfortunately, those two weeks quickly booked up for D.  Luckily for me, we decided to do a "big" trip in June.

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California it is!  As much as I adore international travel, a lengthy California trip has been on my list for a bit.  For the price us east coasters have to pay to fly over to the west, I knew we had to make the trip worth it.  No sense in staying in one place with all the great spots decorating the coast of Cali.

[On the docket!]

We're renting a car and exploring the coast and best cities in California.  While we're still ironing out the details, but these are the basics of what our trip may look like.

Source: fleetstreetscandal.com via TripAdvisor on Pinterest

First stop - San Francisco!  I'm really hoping to be able to meet up with Claire and Claire during our few days in San Fran!  From here we'll rent our car and journey to wine country.  We may get to check out the Sierra Nevada brewery up in Chico, then head down to south.

Source: google.com via Cassie on Pinterest

[Santa Barbara]

We're not too sure where we'll stop in between San Francisco and San Diego.  It's approximately six hours from San Francisco to Santa Barbara (and probably longer if we're leaving out of wine country areas), so we're debating that option.  Santa Cruz is on the way, so maybe we'll stop in there as well?

Source: Uploaded by user via Sarah on Pinterest

[Santa Cruz]

We'll head from Santa Barbara (where I might even get to run into Punky!) or other coastal destination to San Diego.  It's possible we'll make a brief stop in Los Angeles, but neither D nor myself have a huge desire to visit.  Plus we're flying out of LAX at the end of our trip.  I'm hoping that somewhere between San Diego and Los Angeles that we can meet up with Carrie at The Corner in Huntington Beach.

Source: google.com via Emily on Pinterest

[San Diego]

Then there is San Diego.  D hasn't been there before so it is going to be all about exploration.  Since I'm sure we'll be hitting up lots of cool restaurants and bars, I'm hoping to grab at least one drink with Olivia, Ashley, Tammy, and maybe even Robin!  

We're jetting out June 18th, and I'm counting down the days.  It's the perfect way for me to kick off my short summer!  I'm really lucky I get to take this west coast road trip with D!

Meet my chickies!

As if you didn't already know that I am obsessed with my chickens, I have to introduce you to my new babies.  I should also point out that our main goal of having chickens is for fresh eggs!  D and I eat eggs like crazy, and we definitely want fresh eggs.  Will we have to have 400 dozen eggs (at least) to balance the cost of coop building and chicken raising?  Sure.  Is it worth it?  I think so.  I have to admit (although D may disagree with me), the joy of raising baby chicks makes it all worth it.  I seriously love these little babies and can not stop watching them.

[A little too scared to be outside]

I pre-ordered my little babes thinking that our coop would be done.  Our chicks are from a local farm in Raleigh called Sumner-Byrd Farm.  They're only about 25 minutes outside of Raleigh and totally worth it.  The owners have fabulous customer service and are so very nice.

While D and I unofficially agreed on four chickens, I came home with five.  The farm's website advertises "pullets."  Even after some research, I couldn't get a clear understanding of what a pullet meant.  My order was put in for three Ameraucana chickens and possibly a fourth based on availability.

[Five little chickies]

I was all alone when I picked up the chicks, and I had little idea what in the hell to do.  Luckily I hit up the hardware store for a feeder and waterer as well as some pine chips.  After a failed and scary attempt to keep my babies outside for a bit (they just huddled in a corner in the shade), I decided it was time to keep them inside.  I set them up in an extra large dog crate with the pine chips and a large work lamp with a 40 watt bulb.  The first few nights I was petrified I would do something wrong that might kill them.  Luckily, all five are thriving.

[Spot three in this picture]

This main girl is our Brahma.  This breed is particularly pretty, and I just couldn't resist her.  She is not at all affectionate, but I'm working on it.  This girl will probably be a tan-brown color and will lay brown eggs for us.  She has feathers on her feet which is particularly endearing.  

[Lady Bojangle]

This is is one of the only ones with a name.  D loves the SNL skit where the dog is named Mr. Bojangles.  Lady Bojangle here is a silkie and a bit of a bitch (we can only hope she grows up to be like this one).  She sort of rules the roost in that the others follow or hide underneath her.  Lady Bojangle despises being held and will do anything to escape your grips.  She's a beautiful little bitch so far. 

[All three Ameraucanas can be see here if you look hard.]

This little girl was the first I named.  Her name is Lula.  She's the chocolate-colored Ameraucana.  Lula was originally the most loving and affectionate.  At times, she would even run over to my hand when I stuck it in the crate.  I can get her to fall asleep and stay in my hand for quite a bit.  Lula is the "runt" out of the others but also probably the bravest.  

This Ameraucana girl is quickly becoming my favorite.  I don't have a name for her yet (help?!).  She is the best at falling asleep and staying in my hand for extending periods of time.  She just loves the affection.  I want to just carry her around with me!  Our other Ameraucana looks almost exactly the same except the stripe on her head/body is a bit lighter.  

And those are my babies.  D and I have to brainstorm some more names.  It's been extremely fun raising "pullets" and I can't wait until they can graduate from the dog crate (although I definitely don't want them to get bigger yet!).

It's a wrap, no it's a coop.

All this talk about chickens and you may have thought I was joking.  Well my twitter and instagram feeds do not lie.  This happened.

 [Materials purchased.]

These ran (including some tools D needed) us about $350.  That was a bit more than I expected.  If you're interested in a coop but don't want to build it yourself or pay that, Tractor Supply Store has pre-built coops for sale.

 [We've got a sturdy base]

 [The feeder will hang underneath the coop itself to protect it from most rain and weather]

 [That's a gate to the left that will allow us to walk right in for refilling food and water]

[A view of the inside]

I didn't get to be present for the building process, but I know D and Les worked their asses off on this!  After a full day's work, the coop still wasn't complete.

That plywood "door" opens down for easy access to grabbing the eggs out as necessary.  The entrance (seen above) is on the opposite side of the coop (which will be fenced in with chicken wire).  The coop is in a mostly shaded area but has plenty of access to the sun as well.

The plywood wasn't treated, so the coop had to be painted.  I happily took on that task while D was out of town last weekend.

 [This is what the color was supposed to look like]

 [Somehow it turned out a bit more purple]

In the sun, the shade of paint takes on a bit more of a gray hue which doesn't photograph well in the shade where I was.  The paint supplies ended up costing close to $40, but it should not have.  D specifically said, "Don't get a gallon."  See that paint above?  #fail  Even with a second coat and painting the remainder of boards, you don't need a gallon.

 [Spent my Saturday doing a little tri training at the gym, then painting...with beer of course]

And there she is!  I'm so proud of D's hard work (and Les'!).  For me, it was really fun painting, drinking, and listening to music.  We still have to finish the coop and run by putting up the chicken wire and attaching the feeder.  The ramp needs to be added for the chickens to get in as well as the nesting (or roosting?) box for eggs.  We'll have chicken wire over the top of the run to protect the chickens from predators.  We plan to let them free range in our yard most of the time, but they'll stay in the run when we travel.  

While the total cost of building and painting the coop is close to $400, it's been a fun experience!  You know I've got the baby chicks, so I'll update on what breeds I chose soon.

Late weekend updates.

You guys, this week has been busy.  We did have a pretty kick-ass weekend, which was the perfect way to end my spring break (41 days, 41 days of school left). (Oh, and you can totally see these in "real time" if you follow me on Instagram!)

 [This guy overwhelming my work space]

 [Trying to perfect the sock bun...not sure it will ever happen]

 [Layers, boots, and a messy room]

 [Beer, beer, and beer.  Think extreme...beer in tequila barrels.  Holy hangover]

 [I started my mini-happiness project early]

 [A million cuddles with my favorite]

 [Amazing bike ride to Tasty Beverage for beer, cheese and crackers.  Guarantee I'll be doing this shit weekly.]

After such an amazing end of the week/weekend, I had to find a mantra for the week.  

To be honest, the beginning of the first day back to school was awful.  I almost broke down in tears.  It ended up being ok though.  I did start my day with yoga and really tried to focus on the positive.  I ended my day by winning something (I NEVER win) and coming home to our chicken coop!  More to come on the coop later!

Here's to a quick hump day and speedy Friday so we can start our weekend!

Self- portraits, etc.

I mentioned that I was headed down to Athens on Saturday.  I've been here just hanging out.  I figured I'd do a little photo dump to show what we've been up to the past couple of days.

 [Lots of screen porch time.]

 [I have big dreams of one day having a swing on my own screened-in porch]

 [The pups are loving the change of scenery]

 [Yeah, we did a little nail painting]

 [A little craft beer drinking]

 [Self-portraits drawn by me and MGK, but the rest are all her.  She's a way better artist than I'll ever be]

 [MPK's first time making french toast]

[Monday was spent eating at my fav Mexican restaurant (sans margaritas...what the hell?!) and swimming]

Thrilling times around these parts my friends; be jealous.