2011 in Review

This year has been one carazy year. Tons of fun stuff to reflect on, so lets take a trip down memory lane, shall we?

January - brought in the new year right.  Spent it with family and friends drinking, eating, dancing, singing.  It was perfection.  I find that over the years, going out and going crazy lost it’s appeal.  Staying in and bringing in 2011 at home felt right.

Went on photography adventure with my mom in downtown Birmingham

February – Mom and I with the help of my wonderful husband who drove us to Ohio and waited anywhere between 5-6 hours for us to get through all the lines where we met the Pioneer Woman and got her book signed.

I also started my new job as an HR manager.  SCARY!!!!!!!!!

March – Started making my own Ice Chai Latte’s – YUM!!!!!!!!!!!!

April – I talked about my favorite things

 

May – Mike and I celebrated our 1 year anniversary by keeping it low key.  We went out to lunch, saw a movie, had some ice cream and had dinner.  YAY!

My mom won tickets to the Oprah show’s very.last.show. no joke.  So we took the train down to Chicago and spent 3 days there sight seeing and having a wonderful time.

June – We got rained out in a big way.

July – Did some more with my photography, once again using Birmingham and Royal Oak as my muse

Treated myself to a lovely massage

Saw a Tiger Game with Mike and Family.

- Took our first pregnancy test and it came back positive!!!!

August – We celebrated a bunch of birthdays including

- My dad
- Mike
- My nephew

We also found out we were officially pregnant!!!!!!! Due in March!

September – Mike and I visited Washington DC and some friends.

October – Celebrated my birthday by visiting Saugatuck on the west side of the state with the Hubs.  We stayed at a very cute bed and breakfast, walked around the town, had a delicious lunch and bought a painting for our kitchen.  It was lovely!

 

November – Celebrated our 4th Thanksgiving with one another, Prepared for the holidays

Got a shellac manicure for the first time that lasted like 17 days.

 

December – Celebrated our 5th Christmas together, started putting the nursery together, paid off 2 credit cards (woot) Saved more money for baby fund, and ate a lot!

2011 was amazing.  No joke.  I am so grateful to God that he has blessed me and my family with goodness this year.  I traveled this year, I met new people, I tried new things, I failed at others, I saw a lot of movies, didn’t read nearly half as many books as I wanted, started a new job, found out we were pregnant, found out we were having a baby boy, kicked ass with our finances, and learned to love more and truly be grateful for all our blessing because life is good.  Looking forward to an amazing 2012

'Tis the Season

It's right around this time we all decide to give a little more than usual, try a little harder to be nice, remember to send cards to those we haven't bothered to pick up the phone just to chat in months. I do it too. The whole year I get wrapped up in me, my life, my problems... and once again the season comes around I am reminded that this season is much more than the gifts under the tree, the perfect decorations we set up in our home, the gingerbread candle we burn on our coffee tables. It's about Jesus, who was born on this day to live and die for us. It's about giving than receiving.

I wish I was better at applying these things year round - remembering and actively participating in my faith on a constant basis rather than a holiday basis, being nicer throughout the year to those around me whether or not I know them, to giving more than receiving, to not being selfish and remember that I am only human. I am imperfect. I get caught up in "making memories" and building traditions. And while those are magical things, I have to remember it's not everything. Sitting down and reflecting on all my blessings. I have so many. And remembering that not every aspect of my life is going to be perfect. Nor should I want it too. I am seriously blessed. Sometimes I get so overwhelmed with emotion thinking how God has blessed me. How am I so lucky?

We are doing an Adopt a Family at work. The family is going through hard times, hard times I hope I'll never have to endure. They have three small children and the parents want to be able to provide something to their children... I can't say I blame them. So I signed up to purchase a couple gifts for the children. They wrote out what they wanted (toys) and I went to Target to pick them up. I didn't think too much about it that day, just grabbed some stuff off the shelves, threw them in my cart and checked out. A couple days later, I brought them back out to wrap them and I just stared at the presents and almost started crying. I was able to do this for that family. Me. It's not like I am rolling around in the dough, yet I was able to provide those parents a couple gifts for their children to open on Christmas day. That's a blessing. That I was able to do that for that family. Now I am not looking for kudos on doing a nice deed, I am simply stating that at that moment in time I didn't realize how lucky I am to give this season.

I am going to make a conscience effort to do better not just this holiday season but year round because God has blessed me enough to where I can. Tis the season to do better to be better and to give!

Candy Cane Survey

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What is your favorite Christmas movie? - Oh geeze! I love so many! But I think Home Alone is up there and A Christmas Carole. But I love so many!

Favorite Christmas song? Josh Grobin's - Believe or Noel both are so good. Christmas Shoes gets me all emotional everytime I hear it.
Favorite Holiday Memory? Running around to the different grandparents houses when we were younger. Pure bliss.

What is your favorite cookie/treat to make? The classic Peanut Butter Kiss cookie. Total yums!

Have you ever made an igloo? Haha! I think we definitely tried!
Do you love Starbucks? Of course!

Favorite Christmas Decoration? Hmmm, I am a big fan of our mistletoe above our kitchen doorway into our hall.

Do you hang stockings? We sure do! But our little puppy is a big fan of barking at them and biting at it so they are tucked away till Christmas eve!

Where will you be spending Christmas this year? Mike and I both come from very big close families so we will of course be spending time with both.

Lists are my BFF

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I know I am not the only one with a crazy to-do list. This time of year sends everyone into a frantic spiral to whackytown. Heck, I just visited there the other day! It's not as fun as you thought. Anyway, with parties, traditions, cards, gifts, family, food... etc etc it's hard to keep it all straight. I always carry around with me a pad of paper to jot down a quick note and more importantly my TO-DO! In an effort to hold myself accountable I am going to share with you my To-do list that I need to accomplish in the next couple of weeks.

- Purchase Christmas stamps
- Finish writing Christmas cards and mail
- Finish editing photo shoot (sorry Jenn/Deuce!)
- Pick up toys for adopt a family for work and wrap them
- Go for 2nd Glucose test (wish me luck!)
- Pick up cookie ingredients for Pumpkin/Chocolate chip cookies and Pizelle's
-Finish Christmas shopping (only 9 more people to get!)
- Pick up wrapping paper
- Start wrapping gifts
- Clean out closest
- Clean out and wash car (oye!)
- Pick up gift/card for Aunt M coming into town
- Get oil change
- Get with Heather to give Bday gift/card
- Pick up birthday gift for a cousin's baby's 1st Bday party
- Pick up baby crib and (hopefully) put it together :)

Phew! That felt good to write out. In other news only 16 days left till im on a 10 day vacation (including weekends) Let me tell you, it will so nice to relax for the rest of the year after such a crazy but happy year. Tonight I plan on getting the house picked up and catching up on some laundry... it's never ending I tell you!

Hope everyone has a great Wednesday!

Marcel the Shell...

Where has she been all my life....

MARCEL THE SHELL WITH SHOES ON from Dean Fleischer-Camp on Vimeo.

Groovin'

I feel like the last couple of months I have just been existing going through the motions of each day. Rarely doing anything for me and feeling anxious a lot. But I feel like the last couple of weeks I am slowly but surely coming back to life. I don't know why, maybe it's just something I go through from time to time. I'll go through a period where I am more anti-social than usual, no desire to go out, not investing in hobbies I enjoy (reading, taking pictures, exploring, going to see movies by myself, trying a new recipe) and than suddenly I begin to snap out of it (slowly) and I feel more like myself again. I haven't posted many updates about the baby because... i'm afraid (and superstitious) always learly of the evil eye (aka those who secretly dont wish you well) but im getting over that too. Because let's face it, it's a glorious thing... the good days the bad days.

It's odd that I am snapping out of it now, when the weather is changing because it's right around this time when it's really dark at 4:30 PM, the weather is getting freezing and most people begin their hibernating. I'm not complaining, because really, my mood is directly reflected to the weather. When it's cold, rainy and gray most days so am I... cold, rainy on the inside and gray. Oh well. So here is a quick update on things...

• I got a lot of Christmas shopping done too which makes me so happy because I seriously get the crazies when things aren't orderly and on time. So I crossed off a bunch of names on this years list. Amen.
• I got a Shellac manicure on 11/12/2011 and my manicure is STILL in tact (NO CHIPS) here is a pic but done mind my chunky fingers. This is day 17 so you can how much they've grown over the past two and half weeks but I'll tell you I'm impressed!

• I recently hung some pictures from our wedding ( a year and a half later, whoops) I really like how it turned out!

• I've been reading the Steve Jobs Biography and I am loving it! It's taking me a while to read it since I pick it up before I go to bed and I only manage to read a couple pages before my eyes cant take it anymore. Who knew he was kind of an ass!
  
• I haven't picked up my camera in a long time. Like a really long time people. Probably since my mom and I took our class over the summer. But this weekend I am rectifying that by taking doing a family photo session for my sister in law/brother in law and nephew this weekend. Hopefully the weather is good!
• I saw The Muppets last weekend. Loved it! Jason Segal is a dream boat.
• I am 23 weeks and 2 days pregnant! Baby boy is a little over 11 inches long and weighs just over a pound ( about the size of a large Mango!) I feel him move all the time and it's the greatest feeling in the world knowing he is in there growing and moving and happy. I already love him so much and can't wait to meet him. 17 more weeks to go!
  
• We are moving slowly on his nursery but it's coming along. We have it painted (need to do some touchups) and have some things bought for him. Need to get moving because he'll be here before we know it!
• I am seeing Wicked for the 2nd time next week. This play is so amazing and am looking forward to seeing it again especially with the people going with me. Mom and aunts - girls night out!

Word up

I seriously love Pinterest. I especially love the collection of quotes i've been collecting, here are a couple of my favorite. Also, if you want to find me on Pinterest here I am I also have some invites to give so if you dont have a username, let me know and id be happy to send you one.

Source: timholtz.com via Mariabot on Pinterest

Source: a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net via Mariabot on Pinterest

Source: lylaandblu.com via Mariabot on Pinterest

Source: baileypowell.com via Mariabot on Pinterest

Source: society6.com via Mariabot on Pinterest

Source: thetieguy.tumblr.com via Mariabot on Pinterest

On Judgment

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I receive Gwyneth Paltrow GOOP newsletter and I am catching up on the one I received on Thursday. It was so perfect I had to share some interesting parts with you.

"Often times, when we occupy the space of 'I'm right and you're wrong' it keeps us from seeing our own responsibility in matters. When we judge others' foibles and personality traits, what does it really say about us? What can we do to identify and get rid of judgment in ourselves and in our lives?"

We condemn in others what we are afraid to see in ourselves.

Blame is the projection of guilt.

"Even as the game of judgment keeps society running smoothly, constantly dictating our likes and dislikes, our loves and hates, human beings are born to transcend. We can go beyond the setup of society, the ego and judgment itself. In that innate capacity for seeking the higher self, every hope and promise offered by the world's great spiritual teachers rests."

"When we judge others we often think that we are simply making an observation, and that this action or thought will not affect us. However this is not the case. When we judge others we are awakening and connecting ourselves to a force of judgment. It is like trying to throw mud at someone – we might or might not hit them but we are definitely tainted by the mud. And by acting in this way we don't necessarily affect the other person, but we most definitely draw the energy of judgment and lack into ourselves."

"In order to change and grow we need to be able to know what it is about ourselves that we need to transform. Yet if we are never completely capable of seeing our own faults, how will we change?"

"If we truly integrate this understanding into our lives, the next time we feel the urge to judge others we will instead look inward and find how we too possess the fault we see and forget about judging anyone. By acting in this way we protect ourselves from drawing the energy of judgment and lack into our lives. And most importantly, we gain a clear direction for own transformation and growth."

"Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves." -Carl Gustave Jung

Slowing Down....

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This weekend has been perfection! I really needed a long weekend to get things done yet slow down and enjoy being still. This weekend was a perfect combination of the two.

Thursday:

We woke up and got ready for the day, I had to drop off a couple bowls of cranberry's for my aunt's dinner that I was tasked to make even though our plans changed and we weren't going to be there for the actual dinner only dessert. So Mike and I packed up our dishes, luca's birthday present and Mimi. We dropped off the dishes at my parents had some quick lunch there and headed off to Mike's parents. We got there around 2ish. The house smelled wonderful and my mother in law had lots of yummy snacks to eat before dinner. There was so much food! We literally gorged ourselves. With tons of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, rolls, and more we were definitely in store for a food coma. Shortly after dinner we packed up and headed over to my Aunt and Uncles for dessert and my cousin Luca's birthday. We had dessert and hung out played games - it was wonderful. We got home around 10 and passed out. Even Mimi was pooped.

Friday:

We slept in and lounged in bed for most of the morning. I decided to be productive and cleaned up the house, I get anxious if the house is in shambles for too long. So I scrubbed the floors, vacuumed, dusted, folded laundry, and cleaned the counters. Afterwards, Mike and I decided to go see The Muppets movie with Jason Segel and Amy Adams and let me just tell you it was adorable! We loved it :) Afterwards we stopped by his parents for some leftovers and promptly came home to crash.

Saturday:

Slept in again...amazing. Had some more leftovers. Did some laundry. Then got ready to head over to my parents... Mike was having a game day at our house so I wanted to give them their space so I headed over to keep my Mom company since a.) she wasn't feeling well and b.) my dad went to the MI vs. OH game (we won!) so we watched a freaky ass movie called Melancholia about a planet that was supposed to collide with Earth. It was SO bizarre. I don't even know how to even explain the weirdness that was this movie. Just Google it and decide for yourself. We had more leftovers, made cookies and talked away most of the night.

Sunday:

We had brunch with my sister in law/brother in laws/nephew. Bagels/fruit/bacon/cinnamon rolls/ and juice. A la carte (very nice) afterwards Mike and I went grocery shopping... we needed it SO BAD, we literally had nothing. Afterwards, Jenn and I went up to Homegoods to peruse the aisles. I ended up picking up a new Christmas centerpiece for our table, and some Christmas cards. And here I am... lounging in my sweats in my living room which is by our beautiful Christmas tree. I plan on sitting here for the rest of the day catching up on blog reading and emails.

Tomorrow begins a new work week which I am not too excited about but am grateful that I have. Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend. Talk soon!

Happy Thanksgiving

Today is Thanksgiving! Today I plan on:

• Spending lots of time with family
• Eating so much food I have to be rolled out of the house
• Laying around
  
• Drinking cappuccinos
  
• Gorging on lots of pumpkin pie
• Eating lots of leftovers
• Watching football
• Laughing
• Praying
• Being Grateful

This is also a 4 day weekend for me. I plan on getting a lot accomplished:

• Catching up on all my stupid laundry
• De-cluttering my closet
• Cleaning/scrubbing down each room
• Touching up baby's room (paint)
• Seeing the Muppet's movie
• Dusting the heck out of my house
• Cleaning out my purse
• Starting our baby registry (or least start researching stuff)
• Cleaning out my car
• Getting an oil change
• Start Christmas shopping (mostly online)

Fourth Thanksgiving

I can't believe this will be our 4th Thanksgiving together! How so much as changed over the last couple years. We'd eat two dinners to make sure we spent time at both families, we'd take two cars, we'd be completely and utterly exhausted but it would be completely and utterly worth it.

This year we are trying things a little bit different. Instead of eating two dinners we are going to have dinner at one family and dessert at the other. Hopefully this will eliminate the feel of having to be rolled around.

Next year will be even more different. Not only are we going to have to lug around our sweet little puppy, Mimi. But we will have a sweet little baby boy too! Who by this time next year will be 8 months :) Wow!

I am looking forward to spending time with family, eating amazing food, gorging myself with dessert and cappuccinos, and laying around enjoying the sounds of our families.

Hope you all enjoy your holiday! Gobble Gobble!

Thankful Thursday

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We only have one more week before Thanksgiving and this makes me crazy happy. There are so many things I am thankful/grateful for, here is just to name a few:

• A good job that helps provide for me and my family and to live comfortably.
• A car that works and gets me from point A to point B.
• Plenty of food in our home to nourish us.
  
• My sweet baby boy who is growing inside me and for his little kicks and punches that are a constant reminder he is there and he is counting on me.
• My wonderful amazing husband who works hard everyday on himself and on our marriage to make it strong and united.
  
• My family who understands me and loves me for me no matter what. Who always have my back because that's what family do. They have each others back.
• My boobooloo puppy Mimi. I can't believe I love her as much as I do and can't believe that this little dog can bring us so much happiness and joy. Everyday I laugh because of her.

If you need a quick smile....

Enjoy

Found here

Life is Simple

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LOL!!!!!!

Laughter is contagious

Have you seen these Wanderlust Video's?? I might be the last. But I love them! It is basically videos from a guy named Rick Mereki where he visited 11 countries in 44 days and experienced and learned as much as he could. Amazing.

LEARN from Rick Mereki on Vimeo.

EAT from Rick Mereki on Vimeo.

Check out his Tumblr page

Happy Halloween!

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HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!!!!!!!
Will resume regularly schedule blogging shortly!

On finding out....

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I am 14 weeks and 3 days. In just a little over a month away we will be half way through the pregnancy and if that month is anything like the last couple months it is going to fly. I’ve debated on talking about the pregnancy on here simply because it’s something that is private. A special time in me and Michael’s life. A time that is so precious and beautiful that it sometimes brings me to tears. But there is something incredibly therapeutic about writing down your thoughts no matter how raw and messy they are and just allowing yourself to be vulnerable instead of holding it in and exploding once you can’t hold it all in anymore.

I also want this to be a place where family can go to read about our progress. How the little one is doing, how we are doing and how we are progressing with all the changes happening in our lives. So I'll begin with how we found our we were pregnant.

By the end of July, about a week before I should have started, I was feeling sick (not nauseous, just a tummy ache) for about a week and only at night. I would tell Mike, my tummy hurts and we would lay in bed together while he rubbed my belly to make it feel better. He would ask me what I ate for the day, maybe trying to connect the tummy ache with something I was eating. But we both kind of brushed it off as nothing. I was also experiencing some cramping which I tend to get before I am about to start too - pre-cramps. So I would carry some products in my purse just in case aunt flow arrived suddenly. I was about 4 days late when I told Mike I still hadn’t started, but shrugged it off because I was late last month. On July 28, 2011 I went out with my mom for a late dinner/movie. By then I was still late and was kind of getting curious/impatient. After dinner, I told my mom that I had to go get some gas so I would meet her at the theatre. But instead I ran up to the drug store and bought a test. I threw a stick in my purse and ran into the theatre. We bought our tickets and I mentioned I was going to use the restroom before we found our seats. I just had to get it done. I had to know. So there I was in a theatre bathroom holding up a positive pregnancy test, eyes wide open in disbelief. How was I going to go into that theatre and act “normal”? I don’t know how I did it - but I did.

After the movie I immediately headed home. I had to tell someone some interesting news. I came home and Mike came over to me and gave me a hug and kiss and asked how my evening was. I told him dinner was good, the movie was wonderful but that I had tell him something. I pulled out the test, handed it to him and said I took it on a whim and it came back positive. He put his hands on his head and sat on the kitchen floor. He had a smile while he did this but you could tell he was shocked beyond belief. He asked if I had another test and I said yes. He said take another one tomorrow morning. Which I did and that one came back positive as well. We took 5 tests total. All positive. I made an appointment with my OBGYN to get some blood work to confirm that we are indeed preggo. The next day, sure enough “You’re pregnant!” Those words rang in my head, You’re pregnant... baby.... inside you.... growing.... it’s real... seriously... life changed in that very second. It was no longer about me. Someone very small was counting on me. Things needed to change. I had to be better. And so our new lives began.... But first we had to let our parents know....

Fall Bucket List

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It's my favorite season yo! AND it shall soon be my birthday month. Less than three weeks away! Hooray! I love fall. The cool air, the sun shinning, the starbucks pumpkin spice latte's and salted caramel mochas, the scarves, the boots the feeling of closing out another year and making the last couple months speacial. I want to make sure I make time to really enjoy the season so I have come up with a couple fall bucket list items I want to accomplish this season. Here they are, in no particular order:

1.) Go apple picking
2.) Make Leaf Art
3.) Go on a hayride
4.) Make homemade caramel apples
5.) Go to a pumpkin patch and pick out some pumpkins
6.) Carve pumpkins and cook seeds
7.) Make fall cookies (Hello, chocolate chip pumpkin cookies)
8.) Make a pie....from scratch!

Hope you all are enjoying this fall weather - if you get it! Michigan had a beautiful weekend with lots of sunshine and crisp breezes! Have a great rest of the day!

A-Z: ME!!!!!!!!!

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A. Age: 25
B. Bed size: Queen - wish it were a King
C. Chore that you hate: Washing dishes. It's the worst!!!
D. Dogs: the sweetest little Yorkie - Mimi. We love her so
E. Essential start to your day: Shower.
F. Favorite color: Plum Purple
G. Gold or Silver: Both - Equally!
H. Height: 5'5"
I. Instruments you play: A little Piano
J. Job title: HR Manager
K. Kids: Our little Mimi and one in the oven!
L. Live: Metro-Detroit
M. Mother’s name: Marcella
N. Nicknames: No nicknames since H.S.
O. Overnight hospital stays: never - amen
P. Pet peeves: Cockiness, Overly Judgmental
Q. Quote from a movie: "It was really quite simple, and yet we humans, so much wiser and more sophisticated, have always had trouble figuring out what really counts and what does not. Sometimes it takes a dog with bad breath, worse manners, and pure intentions to help us see. Ask yourself, how many people in the world can truly make you feel rare, pure, and extraordinary?" - Marley and Me
R. Right or left handed: Right.
S. Siblings: Older Bro - Martin
T. Time you wake up: Around 6:15 AM ugh!
U. Underwear: Yes.
V. Vegetable you hate: Broccoli and Cauliflower - ew
W. What makes you run late: Laying around and not moving faster.
X. X-Rays you’ve had: teeth, ankles, right hand, chest, head
Y. Yummy food that you make: Chicken Enchiladas
Z. Zoo animal: Giraffe!

Lists

• I have some good days and some bad days with the pregnancy. Today is a bad day, but I am trying to not let it slow me down. I've been sick on and off the last 12 weeks - some days I get a reprieve (but end up freaking myself out that I dont feel much) and other days I am super sick. I bought two cases of vernors as that sounds like the only good thing I can keep down right now.
  
• I am realizing that I just cant do fried foods. Everytime I do, I pay for it in the morning.
• There are moments where I am super calm and super excited about this precious baby growing in me - and other times I am consumed with pure panic. But I try not to wallow in the stress and panic as I know everything will work itself out somehow.
  
• My sciatic nerve has been acting up. Ever since D.C. my left side- mainly my left leg has had shooting pain in it - mainly in one spot. So laying on my left side becomes difficult. Last night was a rough sleep night. But I picked up a big ass body pillow which I hope will help.
• I get annoyed with myself that I get so complainy and stressed at times about everything because this is something that I've always wanted and I know it will be worth it in the end when I get to hold this sweet baby in my arms.
  
• Because I have been feeling so bleh lately, I of course... you guessed it... let me house fall into shambles again. WTF?! So tonight, pending tiredness and sickiness I am going to get cleaning.
• Work has been busier than ever. Doing some traveling this week which I am not too excited about but - alas it has to get done. Trying to keep up starts to stress me out but it's not good to be stressing out so I am just shrugging and saying to myself - when you get it done you get it done.
  
• I am super excited about all my shows returning in the coming weeks!!! WOOOO!!!!!!!!

Back from Washington DC!!

Oh hey! What's up? Not too much over here. Can't believe we are already in the month of September and entering into one of my most favorite times of the year: Fall!!! Cider Mills, Pumpkin Spice Latte's, Leaves changing, SCARVES, crisp air, Halloween... it just doesn't get any better than that. I know we have a couple weeks till summer is "OFFICIALLY" over, but hey we can start lovin' up on our fall, can't we? I think we can. Plus, I would much rather leave this summer behind me (i'm not a big fan) I dont like the heat NOR the humidity, I don't like not having my shows, I don't like the constant GO GO GO (parties, graduations, bdays etc) sometimes it's good to chill... im a chill kind of person (well, most of the time)

Mike and I just got back from a fun vacation in Washington DC. We did a lot in the short 4 nights/5 days we were there but I still feel like we accomplished everything we wanted.

And on the last day we were able to get in for a last minute tour of The White House.  To be in there to walk those halls gave me chills.  Was it tiring? Yep.  Was it hotter than Hades? You bet! Was it a blasty blast? Uh huh!!!! Thanks to Matt and Lisa for having us

August...you creul beeotch

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August has been one of the most insane months this year. My work had three recruiting sessions this month which meant I was traveling every single week 2 hours away, interviewing, background checks, orientations, and more. We have a couple week reprieve then we are back on the road again. I am playing catch up with my e-mails, paperwork and trying to keep everything straight. We also had 5 birthday's and an anniversary to celebrate. But alas, I feel pretty content today.

My poor house is in shambles. My car needs an oil change, a good vacuum and a wash. My purse is in two different purses currently, I need to stock up the house, I need a new shower liner thing because mine is getting nasty, I need to clean a sink full of pots and pans, I need to catch up on laundry, and I need to pack for our vacation. We are also going to make time to see my brother and my sister in law when they come in Wednesday night. We are shooting for Thursday and Friday. So as you can see, my August has been absolutely chaotic right down to the very last days.

I also saw something very traumatic this month, it was the first time I ever had to call 911 and it was the 2nd worse thing i've seen in my life. It makes me thank God for my blessings and those who I keep close and cherish. It makes you realize that life is precious and we just dont know. We are playing out our lives, but let's be real - we have no control. None. We experience the things we do for a reason, we are placed in each others lives for a reason and God is protecting and watching over us at all times. I know this. I thank God for putting me in that place that day, regardless of how hard it was, so I could learn another very valuable lesson. Thank you God, thank you.

That was a lot to unload about this month... but since I haven't opened my laptop in ages and im barely hanging on with Twitter, I wanted to touch base and talk about this crazy ass month. I've never felt closer to God than I have this month... and I am happy for that. I hope you all have a splendid rest of the month, and I'll try to do another post before I leave for our vacation. Take care!

Pieces of Me: August 2011

I saw this posts over here and thought i'd give it a go

Pieces of Me – August 2011

I like:

Getting a good nights rest * feeling content * TV marathons on lazy afternoons * Ice Cream Sandwiches * a clean house * a clean car * my little Mimi * feeling inspired

I don’t like:

Having a dirty home and no desire to clean * feeling anxious * waiting * disorganization * having a plan * when my nail polish is chipped and I don't do anything about it

I want you to know:

I haven't stepped into my office in like a month, and I havent picked up my big mama camera... not too sure why

I’ve planned:

To go on a vacation soon, can't wait!

I want to say to someone:

Whhhaaaazzzzz uuuuppppppp

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Done my soul good

So far today has been a good day. It started with my contemplating going into work since I was feeling burnt out and under the weather. But alas, I sucked it up and went. Although I would have much rather stayed home and catch up on some R&R. Check out this cute video of my hyper dog. I love her.

So I went into work friends, and let me tell you I do not look the part. My hair is half ass, my clothes looks blah... whatever, I still made the effort and that counts for something right? Anyway I walked into my crazy messy office and promptly freaked out over not only my work TO-DO's but my personal TO-DO's. So I turned on the music, got out a notebook and wrote down everything (including projects) that I had to get done for work. Then I began to write down all my home TO-DO's including cleaning (well mostly cleaning) and I felt better. Getting it down on paper always helps. So I began to get things done off my work To-Do's.

Around 12:30 my stomach began to grumble so I headed over to Panera and got myself a Tomato and Mozzarella Panini. As I was walking too and from the building I thought to myself what an awesome day it was outside. The sun was out, it wasn't muggy and there was a crisp breeze blowing. So I did what I typically DO NOT DO! I ate lunch by myself.... outside! PEOPLE I just dont do this!!! But I did. It was just too nice of a day to bring my lunch back to the office and eat inside. And it was decadent.

So i'm just finishing up my lunch hour and i'll be getting back to my list. Have a HAPPY WEDNESDAY everyone!

Busy Bee

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The last week has been jammed packed with a very busy work schedule leaving me exhausted. It has also been filled with

+ Cousin's BDAY party. Jenna is 10 and Laurel is 8... where does the time go?!
+ Madmen Marathon (it's streaming on netflix)
+ Visiting family
+ Trying a new recipe with Mike (beer can chicken - delish)
+ Reading (My name is Memory)
+ TRYING to keep up with the house
+ Lazy Sunday's
+ Being thankful

How has your week been?

Ok, Monday…

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