Friday (Observed)

I have a three day weekend coming up....so that technically makes tomorrow FRIDAY (observed)! 

   

No complaints here!

And the weather is supposed to be B-E-A-utiful! {Tangent: When is it appropriate to begin wearing a skirt without tights?! Lots of women in the office are already doing it, but I feel like it's still too early!}

I'm hoping to have a productive Friday with some errands, a dreaded free trip to the dentist {hooray for sweet benefits}, and {hopefully} doing lunch with a friend.

Friday night I'm going to spend the night at this girl's parent's house...gotta love some home cookin'

Saturday I'll be heading back home for Keeneland, spending time with friends, and Easter with the fam ~ dying to see my leetle brother and live vicariously through his spring break stories. 

And to have dinner with my momma! Hoping the Easter Bunny {am I too old for this silly bunny?} will bring me some Cadburry Eggs. Or possibly Mr. Hoppity will understand that I'm getting older and more mature, and now like new lipgloss in my Easter basket instead of coloring books...

Can't wait!

P.S. Please excuse the use of very old pictures in an attempt to make this "fluffy" post somewhat entertaining! I really need to get out more...thus have more to take photos of...thus fueling my beloved scrapbooking hobby...and providing for a more "lively" blog...but I will stop there with my rambling for your sake.

Good Vibes & Random Quotes

Once you go through something you think will kill you and it doesn’t, every day is like a present.
~Elissa B. Terris 

Others all around us are going through such awful things - illness, death, abuse, and the list goes on. In the grand scheme of things, I am a truly lucky girl.

In that context, I feel so selfish and silly to admit that it took me a long time and possibly a bout of minor depression to get to this place. But I am a happy, thankful person as of lately. Each day I am choosing joy. If nothing else, I hope to bring a smile to another person's face each day.  

 Life is what we make it, always has been, always will be.
~Grandma Moses

Life is in fact what you make it, and I am trying to be more proactive in making choices that will bring me happiness and wonderful memories ~ partly because living alone has put me more in touch with what makes me feel accomplished and satisfied.

I have gotten a better balance in my life between work and personal time. I've done some successful apartment shopping {more on that later}. I have so many unbelievable friends {despite them not all being here in the city}. I have a loving family. I am proud of my independence and all that I have learned in the previous months. And I have learned to laugh at myself during not so proud moments ~ truly a gift at times!

To find in ourselves what makes life worth living is risky business, for it means that once we know, we must seek it.
~Marsha Sinetar

Although I am still uncertain about many things, I have learned so much and am becoming much more comfortable with my new life. I have a better appreciation for the relationships in my life {old and new} and the wonderful memories and experiences I have been so lucky to have. I am beyond blessed. And thank you to each of you reading for being a major contributor to my overflowing joy!

The Fat Girl Fall

Today it was raining really hard on my way in to work. I hate the rain.

The lobby was therefore very wet {and apparently very slippery}. 

I made a grand entrance by sliding across the tile face first. 

Even the security guard {who normally does not even return my polite "goodmornings"} came to tell me I should go see the nurse.

The worst part is I was walking with a guy on my team. Totally have to see him everyday.

Although my knee is severely bruised, I didn't spill my latte. Totally saved the precious cargo ~ thereby making this a "Fat Girl Fall."

So graceful. So terribly embarrassing. And quite painful.

Forgive me Wildcat, for I have sinned.

For UK fans everywhere, last night was a BIG game. Also a BIG disappointment. 

Please forgive me for accepting an invitation to dinner with a boy on this same evening. I did request we go to a restaurant with many TVs. And that our table be directly in front of one. Perhaps I was being a major pain in the rear little bit difficult.

This year's basketball team was just so lovable. So fun to watch. Although they didn't play like they wanted to win last night, I truly believe they are the best team this year.

However, hearing "I think you are adorable" after shedding a couple of tears on a first date helped ease the pain of the loss a bit {though I still can't believe we lost}.

Although the wildcats didn't score enough points to win, the boy scored several points in my book ~ he was successful in making me laugh, made me feel really comfortable, very attractive, and it didn't hurt that he opened the car door for me every time I got in. :)

Apartment Advice

I got a notice yesterday that my lease is almost up. Got really stressed out. And now it's decision time.

 

To renew or not to renew, that is the question.

Who knew this would even be a debate a year ago when I was living it up in the sorority house with 45(!!!) roommates!? I *gasp* am actually enjoying the independence of living on my own. My how times have changed...

 

I thought it best to make a list of pros and cons, and possibly get some advice from others.

To stay:

• Ok, to start, there is the obvious little fact that I am a complete neat freak. Slightly obsessive compulsive. Possibly a little difficult to live with. No big deal.
• I thoroughly enjoy lounging around in the comfort of my own apartment in my "nightie" without fear of offending any roommates.
• I have settled into a good routine ~ this is the only time in my life where it's all about ME, right?
• I LOVE the location of my place ~ close to the grocery, target, restaurants, shopping, surrounded by "youngins" {who I wish wanted to talk to me a bit more}, in a safe neighborhood {I may or may not be a total wimp}, less than a 10 minute drive to work...thank you again to my BFF's family for helping me find this little gem :)
• The thought of moving all of my belongings {couch, bed, washer/dryer, etc} gives me a major panic attack sounds inconvenient.
• Living in an apartment complex offers many perks...think free maintenance, pool in the summertime, parking garage, etc, etc

To move:

• It is lonely coming home to an empty place on Friday nights...and waking up alone on the weekends...a roommate may be nice...{but I'm not completely sold on this yet...}.
• I could save money at another location.
• I would probably eat healthier if I lived with someone and we could cook good meals together...cooking for one is HARD! Not to mention I can't get motivation beyond throwing together a salad or heating a baked potato.
• I wish I had a patio to enjoy nice spring/summer weather. And a little more space would be nice.

I can't decide! Any thoughts or words of wisdom!?



P.S. Congrats to KB on passing her second CPA exam!! You're halfway there! :)

Packed House

Ok, off topic but I need to get something off my chest. What is Miley doing on Idol!? She is 17. She isn't even old enough to vote. And she is on here to give advice to each contestant? I like a little "Party in the USA" as much as the next girl, but I am a little shocked she is the "icon" they've brought on this week...shouldn't she earn some credibility first...maybe reach her 21st birthday...I'm just sayin'...

And now...speaking of Party in the USA...let's talk about this past weekend.

Three of my best friends {since high school ~ surprising how long ago that was, time flies!} came up to visit me. The apartment is definitely not made to house this many people, but I LOVE constantly being surrounded by friends. We made it work and had a blast {thank you girls, for being so flexible with your sleeping arrangements}!

 Notice the skinny jeans I'm wearing...what a good "investment" :)

On Friday night we went to dinner with Cincinnati friends and then out for a while. I never go out anymore, and it was so much fun to dance the night away like old times! Thank goodness we found a bar with rap music. I was worried the night was taking a turn for the worst when my friends explicitly stated they wanted to "twirk it" and we were listening to a live band play OAR songs on repeat. 

But, alas, we found a bar that offered rap music galore {as well as the occasional stripper pole ~ why are they so common in the bars in this town!?}

Ha! Look how uncomfortable I look in my cardigan. The cardigan collector strikes again. Note to self: Cardigans should not be worn in the bar. While attempting to get jiggy with it. And heaven forbid while hoping to have some sex appeal.

Saturday was spent relaxing, shopping, and celebrating a UK win. A gracious friend from HS and his wife invited us over for pizza and the game. What a great game and what a great couple. Thanks again for having all of us!

It is always bitter-sweet when my weekend guests leave. I am left feeling so lucky to have such amazing friends, yet so sad that I don't get to spend time with them more often. For this reason, I choose to believe the old saying that "distance makes the heart grow fonder."

Refuse to Lose

I have more to come about this unbelievable weekend that is coming to an end...but I believe it is important to first pay tribute to the CATS after an amazing game last night {Kansas - not so lucky - WOW!}. 

 

Image & Recap here from NCAA website

We had a high school reunion of sorts last night and I got to enjoy watching the UK Game with three of the largest fans {Mags, AJ, and B} in all of the Big Blue Nation. I know I'm not on their level and I don't claim to be, but they have opened my eyes to the following items.

I completely adore this year's team. If you haven't read this touching story about what a fun-loving group of boys this is, you must check it out.

The "Freshman Quartet" are the sweetest group of friends {and pretty good at playing ball ;) }. The close relationship between Bledsoe, Cousins and Wall tugs at my heartstrings. There is nothing like feeling so comfortable with each other and getting along together so well on and off the court. What a college experience. You must watch this video ~ I'm obsessed with their "swagger."

For me, the final heartthrob on the team is Mr. Krebs ~ UK Senior who doesn't get much play time, but whose positive attitude and lightheartedness are loved by all. His final 3 point shot {to blow Wake Forest out of the water by 30 points} brought happy tears to my eyes. He sounds very thankful to be a part of the tradition that is Kentucky Basketball, and he brings humor to the bench. Check out this hilarious impression of his teammates {you MUST wait until 1:04 of this clip ~ you'll die laughing. I did. About 12 times already}. Who knew this quiet student in my business classes had such humor!?

Don't even get me started on our coach. Cal is so eloquent with his words. Completely on top of his game. Love him.

 

Image from old Sports Illustrated article here.

GO CATS! Continue to Refuse to Lose!

Cardi Hardy

Do NOT let me buy one more cardigan!

Current Cardi Count: 29

And this does not include "sweaters" of a similar fashion excluding the buttons. Nor does it include light jackets {also used for layering}.

This obsession is officially OOC. 

Please contact the fashion police with the next offense.

Spring's Simple Pleasures

Today I am completely indulging in the fact that:

The days nights seem much longer. I've done laundry, gone to the grocery, eaten dinner, and watched some DVR and it is STILL light outside. Can't beat that.

While I enjoy the coziness of winter and the beauty of a fresh layer of snow, I realize all do not share this same opinion. Now others are finally coming out of hibernation!

My sunglasses now have a purpose in life. 

Ice Cream is officially in season.

Diet Coke has a certain refreshing, crispness about it that is intensified when sipped in the car with the windows down and sunroof open.

Happy Hours will begin to occur more frequently.

Patio seating is now available at a restaurant near you.

{Green Beer} Cheers to Spring's Arrival!

Random Ramblings

• It was brought to my attention this weekend that I suffer from a tragic disease of sorts. An undeniable, unrelenting sweet tooth.  I believe it's hereditary {from my Mom's side of the family}, but seriously how on earth do I cure it!? I cannot resist sweets, especially around all this delicious Easter candy {in particular ~ Cadberry Cream Eggs and Starburst Jelly Beans}, frozen yogurt, and Girl Scout Cookies. Yummmm-yum!

 

{Image Here} 

• Also on the topic of food, I know this is gross, but my apartment smells like vegetables constantly {funny because I know I eat more chocolate than I do veggies}. Does anyone have any tips on how to make my disposal stop smelling funny?! Suggestions seriously needed.
• Tomorrow is St. Patty's day ~ I'm guessing it's unacceptable to pinch the Prez if he forgets to wear green ;)

{Image of the Chicago River on St. Patrick's Day found on Wikipedia. How cool is this?!}

• I'm getting very annoyed with my DVR lately. Although I have series of shows set to record {eh-em, Desperate Housewives I love you}, it is not working and I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong. Have any of you had this issue? It literally has an "X" through the show recording and won't give me any other options.
• Since I can't watch DVR, I've been forced to watch part of American Idol tonight. How do you all feel about Ellen as a judge this season? I haven't watched this season much because the show just doesn't do it for me like it used to, but I do adore Ellen.
• Have you filled out your NCAA bracket? Obvi, I'm betting UK all the way!

Go cats!

• I finally broke down and invested in my first pair of skinny straight leg jeans and I cannot get enough of them. They are the most comfortable pair of jeans I own now and I feel so stylish. How did I not come across these things sooner!?

 

{Citizens of Humanity "Amber" found online here.}

• Last week I was invited to a "game night" with some friends in the area. I haven't laughed as hard as I did that night in a very, very long time. It was hilarious and all week I have been wishing I could go again, but it is hosted every other Thursday night so I will have to wait. Although I completely embarrassed myself by failing to describe "Larry Bird" and "Shawn White," I would definitely feel comfortable showing my face in front of these people again because they were the most welcoming, accepting group of people I've met in the city.
• And finally, I am looking forward to hopefully seeing my BFF while she is home this week and spending a weekend with some beloved high school friends. So cool that we are all such good friends despite the very different paths our lives our leading us in at the moment. 

 

Dixie Land Delight

The past several days, I spent a wonderful long weekend {SB oh10, if you will} in Gatlinburg with some of my best friends.  

{Thanks to Southern Charm for kindly opening her lake house for us!}

I came home with loads of outlet goodies (and therefore much less money), but nada one photo...double oops!

Our THREE day weekend can basically be summed up by:

Driving, driving, driving.

Eating, Eating, {and more} Eating.

Basketball {Win!}, Basketball {Win!}, Basketball {Win!}.

Shopping, Shopping, Shopping.

Girl talk, Gossip, Giggling.

And in true tourist fashion, we spent a night at the Dixie Stampede in Dollywood!

{Image from here.}

Yes, folks....we ate an entire 3 course meal with our paws while watching random farm animals run in circles. And it was very entertaining. 

Now back to the grind...Daylight savings sure makes for a difficult start to the work week! Shew I was tired today!

Scariest Thing about Living Alone

I used to think it was falling asleep {I swear I can sometimes hear people messing with my deadbolt}. Or showering {think rapist ripping back the curtain and you're left there completely exposed}.

But, alas. The scariest thing to do when living alone is to vacuum. 

{Image found Here.}

The boogie man comes out when the vacuum is on. Especially when it's dark outside. And no one can hear you scream for help.

I hate how loud they are. 

But I survived another round of it tonight. I'm alive to vacuum another day. 

And now I'm getting in the shower. At night. Wish me luck.

Cherry-licious

A little birdie told me a new Starbucks drink hits the streets tomorrow.

Now introducing:

the Dark Cherry Mocha

I already have a date set with the coworkers for a coffee break at 3. Sounds ahhh-mazing!

 In other breaking news: I dropped my electric bill in the mail without a stamp today. Wonder what will happen next.

{image from here}

Random Ramblings

I don't have anything exciting or important enough to deserve an entire post, so instead here are some random thoughts currently on my mind:

• I am excited that I have nearly influenced four friends to start blogging. Probably not completely my doing, but still...I'm excited and I love reading them.
• Speaking of reading...I want to start reading for pleasure again. Really, I want to find hobbies in general. I need something I look forward to and really enjoy doing. {Besides watching TV....oops on the next bullet...}
• I am ashamed to admit I'm pumped about watching Kate Gosselin on Dancing with the Stars...I've never watched this show before, but she has piqued my interest.
• It is extremely cheap of me, but I have been sleeping bundled in a sweatshirt {or my "sleep sweater"...for those who are familiar with that ratty thing ;) } and socks instead of turning on the heat in my apartment.
• The gym has been easier to go to now that I am not working 5329487 hours a day AND that there is a cute trainer that comes to talk to me each time I go...although I feel like he's totally judging my workouts. Maybe if I increase the flirting I'll get some free training tips.
• I'm already stressing out about my spring wardrobe. That season confuses the heck out of me...probably because it's confused. The weather can never decide if it wants to be warm, cool, rainy or not. Do you all have the same issue?
• I've been here about 8 months and still have less than 5 friends in the area. Sad. Therefore, I'm thinking about joining Junior League {after being inspired by a particular friend}, and I'm trying to think of other ways to meet new people. Dad suggested bowling league...probably because both groups have the word "league" in the title. I'm terrible at bowling.
• I am dying to get dressed up and go on a date. Probably not in my foreseeable future. Wah wahh...
• It seems I have a lot of money on the line if I can recreate my curly bob 'do...I haven't given up and I'll definitely keep you updated. I have your bets in writing, afterall ;)

I think that's all I will bore you with today. Now I'm going to catch up on some DVR. Hope everyone is having a great week....tomorrow is the halfway mark already! yayyy.