faye'sbook

Hump Day

2013-06-19T07:33:00.000-05:00

My last two blog posts were a week apart and were both about the dumbest (and possibly my favorite) show on television. I promise I have other things going on in my life. Here are a few of those things...most of which will be getting their own post soon.

Today is the last day of my Advocare 10 Day Cleanse.

Boys girl talk more than girls girl talk.

I'm going to a wedding and a baby shower this weekend. Not for the same person.

Also, this weekend - a long awaited girls night. I say "girls" night even though I'll likely be the only one there without a boy.

Happy Hump Day!

Bachelorette: Week 4

2013-06-18T09:01:00.000-05:00

LA dates are over as the group heads to their first stop on their "journey" to find love...Atlantic City.

Brad gets a one on one where they ride amusement rides on the Boardwalk and have awkward dinner conversation and then walk up to the very top of a light house so Desiree can be out of breath when she tells him that he's not getting a rose.

For the group date... Brooks, Bryden, Zack K, Kasey, Drew, Juan Pablo, Zak W, Mikey, Ben, Michael, and Chris compete in the Bachelor's Mr. America Pageant. This was the cheesiest thing ever but I totally loved it (even if some of the guys considered stripping an appropriate talent). Somehow, Kasey won the pageant, but Zak W got the rose.

Then there's a one on one with James. The pair fly over Sandy destruction with the Red Cross. Then, they meet a couple that survived the storm and give them their date to celebrate their anniversary. It was a lovely ~~staged~~ feel good story. Over dinner, James admitted that he cheated on his girlfriend when he was a freshman in college and Des says it worries her. That was like ten years ago, girl. And if I could have it my way, the relationships you have your freshman year of college wouldn't count anyway. It must not bother her too much, though, because he is given a rose as they join the cute couple to dance the night away to the tunes of the artist formerly known as Hootie.

At the cocktail party, Bryden seems doubtful about the process and his connection with Desiree. He considers sending himself home, but she asks him to stay. The editors do a great job of making it look like he had a long hesitation before accepting her rose at the rose ceremony, so props to them. If he does decide to leave, he can come on down to Oxford, MS and hang out with me.

After all the roses are given out, there's a lone man standing. I didn't even know who he was (it was Zack K) so it's a good thing that he's going home.

Still in the running are: Ben, Brooks, Bryden, Chris, Drew, James, Juan Pablo, Kasey, Michael, Mikey, and Zak W.

My favorites are:

Brooks. He's kinda perfect for me.

Drew. Why has he been hiding that body under all his cute jackets and sweaters?

Bryden. I just want to hug him. And kiss him, too.

Zak W. I don't know why I like him, but I do.

I've decided I do not like Ben anymore.

Who do you like? Who do you not like? Who do you think will end up with Des?

The Bachelorette: Weeks 2 & 3

2013-06-11T08:00:00.000-05:00

Last Week, Desiree went on three dates. First, she had a one on one with Brooks where they got dressed in wedding attire and hiked to the Hollywood sign then had dinner on a closed bridge and attended a private concert in the middle of nowhere. Then, she made a rap video with Soulja Boy and Dan, Juan Pablo, Kasey, Zack K, Will, Brian, Drew, James, Mikey, Zak W, Nick, Michael, Brandon, and Ben. Lastly, she took a road trip with Bryden that ended with the season's first hot tub dip. Brad, Chris, and Robert didn't get dates.

Brooks and Bryden both got roses on their one on one dates. Ben got the group date rose. All the guys hate Ben. But I like him. I also like Brian, Brooks, Bryden, Zak W, Drew, and Robert.

Robert

But Des doesn't like Robert, because she sends him home. Along with Nick M and Will. So, left competing for roses in week three are: Ben, Brad, Brandon, Brian, Brooks, Bryden, Chris, Dan, Drew, James, Juan Pablo, Kasey, Michael G, Mikey, Zack K, & Zak W.

Now, for week three. Again, we have three dates. This time, 2 group dates and a one on one. First, there was the intense dodgeball group date with Chris, Brian, Drew, Michael, Brooks, Brad, Mikey, Brandon, Zack K, and Ben. They were split into teams but that doesn't matter because they all got to attend the after party. Well, except Brooks because he was in the ER with a broken finger. He made it back for the end of the party, but Chris ended up with the rose.

Then we go back to the house where Kasey is waiting to be picked up for his one on one. When Chris Harrison walks in, you know there's trouble. Plus, they've been showing the "girlfriend" on commercials for weeks. I just knew it was gonna be Brian. I kinda love him because he reminds me of Nick Miller.

I honestly think the girl was a little crazy and just wanted to be on camera. I wouldn't have sent him home. (That's also a good reason why I'll never be The Bachelorette.)

Kasey's one on one was the first adventure date of the season. They danced on the side of a building. And then they almost got blown off the building when a storm rolled through during dinner. Basically, the date sucked as bad as Kasey does - but he still got a rose. Meh.

The last group date was for Dan, James, Juan Pablo, Bryden, and Zak W. They trained with Hollywood stunt men but only learned how to shoot a fake gun and dodge punches. But they looked good while they were doing it. Juan Pablo won the competition but not the rose. It went to James.

Desiree canceled the cocktail party and replaced it with an afternoon pool party. Can we do this every week?

Do the guys have to get dressed for the rose ceremony or can Des pin the roses to their swim suits? #bachelorette
— Faye Walter (@wfayew) June 11, 2013

During the rose ceremony, Desiree sent Brandon and Dan home. Dan was hot and I never noticed. Brandon was a goober that I never liked. He also dropped the L bomb during week 3. No sir. That's saved for at least week 5. Come on now.

My five favorites are Bryden, Drew, Ben, Zak W, and Brooks. Also left in the running for Des are Brad, Chris, James, Juan Pablo, Kasey, Michael, Mikey, and Zack K.

Who do you think Des should end up with? Better yet, who do you think I should end up with?

Jump Start

2013-06-10T07:26:00.000-05:00

I started the year hoping to lose at least 1 pound a month. By April, I upped that number to 3. By June 1, I had lost 7. Today, it's 8. Now that I'm (slowly but) steadily losing pounds, I want more. So, to jump start the process - I'm doing the Advocare 10 day cleanse.

Now, this isn't one of those crazy liquid only diets. You eat real food. Healthy, unprocessed food - no fried food, no refined or white flour/rice, no sugar, no dairy...and no alcohol. So I'll be eating a healthy diet and taking herbal supplements.

I've said before that I don't have a goal weight, only a goal feeling. Well, that's only partially true. While I do have a goal feeling -- I also have a goal weight in mind. And I'm 20 pounds away from it. Once I reach it, I have a little reward for myself. And then I'll probably set a new goal weight.

I started the cleanse this morning. So far, so good...but it's only Day 1. Wish me luck! (Seriously. I'm praying this isn't one of those cleanses that makes you shit your pants for 10 days straight.)

I'll be linking up with Raven afterward to discuss my experience/results.

Chicken Spaghetti

2013-06-07T09:23:00.000-05:00

I think it was over a month ago that I promised y'all my chicken spaghetti recipe, so here it is.

I have gotten more compliments on this dish than anything else I make (other than my guac). I never ate chicken spaghetti as a kid. Actually, the first time I ate it was when I made it. But damn, it was good. Now I make it at least once a month. Here's how.

What you'll need.

Chicken - I prefer organic. Use a whole chicken or a cut up fryer.

Dry Spaghetti - 3 cups. I use thin spaghetti.

2 Cream of Soups - I use 1 can chicken and 1 can onion.

Grated cheddar cheese - 3 cups. I use sharp.

Bell Pepper - One. Green. Diced.

Onion - About half. White. Diced.

Pimentos - 4oz. Diced. Drained.

Seasoned Salt - 1 teaspoon.

Cayenne Pepper - 1/4 teaspoon.

Salt & Pepper - because, always.

Cook the chicken. (Bring to a boil for a couple mins, then turn to med-low for 30-40 mins.) That 30-40 minutes is a good time to chop your bell pepper and onion and grate your cheese (if you don't buy pre-grated). Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot (save the broth!) and let it cool. Once cool, stark picking. You'll need about 2 1/2 cups of chicken. I use a pretty even mixture of light and dark meat.

Remove about 1 1/2 cups of the broth and set aside.

Break your spaghetti into pieces (3 cups). Then cook it in the remaining chicken broth. Drain.

Mix together in a bowl: chicken, spaghetti, soups, bell pepper, onion, pimentos, 2 cups of the cheese, seasoned salt, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Add chicken broth until the mixture is nice and moist, but not runny. I use 1 cup.

Taste to check the seasonings. Add more of what you like. Refrain from eating the entire bowl. (I have trouble with this.)

Pour into a baking dish, top with the remaining 1 cup of cheese, and bake at 350 for about 35 minutes.

I usually put everything together the night before I plan to eat it. I leave it in the fridge over night and just pop it in the oven when it's time to eat. Or, well, 35 minutes before it's time to eat. This gives all the ingredients a good chance to mix together and get extra yummy.

And that's it! Now, I can't take too much credit for this recipe, as it was modified from the great Pioneer Woman and is still pretty close to hers. I just use different soups and more bell pepper and onion. Try it her way or try it my way...just as long as you try it. It's delicious!

Planning

2013-06-04T08:15:00.000-05:00

I'm a planner. A list maker. A checker offer. On a small scale, at least. I don't have an overall plan for my life and where I want to go in the next few years, but I have my dinners for the week planned out every Sunday.

I swear by the Erin Condren Life Planner. Which is why I just shelled out a large chunk of change this morning for my next one. My events are color coded and stickered and underlined and circled. My to do list is written out and ready to be checked off. My goals are there for me to see every day. It's perfect for someone like me (OCD).

This year, you can customize a sheet of stickers. This is what I chose.

What does this say about me?

1. I love sports. Obviously.

2. I go to a lot of concerts. These will likely run out.

3. Out of 60 stickers, for an entire year, I only chose 3 dates. I guess I don't have a great outlook on my love life for the next year.

4. I don't know why I put so many weddings because almost all my friends are married.

5. When I ran out of ideas, I went with meeting because I have those all the time. (I'm an important person, you know.)

I work in technology and I cannot stand to have a to do list or calendar on my phone. It has to be on paper or I don't feel accomplished. Anyone else use paper planners?

June

2013-06-01T07:53:00.000-05:00

I can't believe it's already June! My May goals went relatively well. I didn't spend a single dime on credit. I didn't reach my goal of posting on FTC weekly, but I do have a lot of posts ready to publish soon. I got up early most days. There wasn't a day that I went to work with wet hair. Now, working out. You know I didn't accomplish this one. I did get outdoors more...but it was to sit on my back porch, not to work out. I only lost 2 pounds, but guess what... I lost 2 pounds. So I'm down 7 for the year.

June goals.

1. Finish Leadership project

2. Declutter

3. Personal goal

4. Another personal goal

5. Lose 3 pounds

I'm in a community Leadership program. Our project has to be finished by July 31. I'd much rather finish it in June so that we don't have to worry about a thing in July. I'm the project manager, so I'm gonna try to make this happen.

I got rid of half my closet earlier this year, but I still have so many clothes and shoes and things that I never wear or use. They'll all be going to Goodwill.

I have a personal goal that I'd like to set for myself. And that's all I'm gonna say about this one.

I also have another personal goal that I am not at liberty to discuss. Just research for now, though.

Three more pounds. Let's do it.

*Bonus goal: learn to braid my own hair. One Friday, my sister braided my hair. I didn't take it out until Monday because I knew I wouldn't be able to redo it.

How are your 2013 goals holding up?

January - February - March - April - May

The Bachelorette: Before & After Episode 1

2013-05-30T15:22:00.000-05:00

I didn't even realize The Bachelorette had started until a few people I follow on Twitter began live tweeting the first episode. I hadn't even looked up the guys' pics and bios and picked out my favorites yet! From the live tweets, it seems we have a lot of d-bags this season. Those are the most fun to write about, so here goes.

Before I began Episode 1, I read everyone's bios. I'm only interested in five of the 25 guys based on that. Hopefully they won't disappoint. Brooks, Drew, Jonathan, Michael G, & maybe Larry.

Let's find out...

1. I couldn't be the Bachelorette because I hate giving hugs.
2. Hashtag guy.
3. Most of the guys are cuter than their bio pics. (Robert) Some, not. (Michael G)
4. Fantasy suite guy.
5. Shirtless guy.
6. Is James related to Ames?
7. Magic guy.
8. Armor guy.
9. Motorcycle guy.
10. Homemade suit guy.
11. Poem guy.
12. The guy with the kid.
13. The roses.

*Desiree said she loves camping and road trips. Didn't she used to live in a tent/car? Awkward.

The guy with the kid got the first rose. (His name is Ben.) Shirtless guy became pantsless guy. And also got a rose. (I don't know his name.) Other people got roses. I think Larry blew it with Des, but I'll give him a shot. Fantasy suite guy (Jonathan) blew it with me and Des, so we sent him home.

Eliminated Night 1: Diogo, Jonathan, Larry, Micah, Mike R, Nick R

Still in the running: Ben, Brad, Brandon, Brian, Brooks, Bryden, Chris, Dan, Drew, James, Juan Pablo, Kasey, Michael G, Mikey, Nick M, Robert, Will, Zack K, Zak W

After night 1, who would you take to the fantasy suite?

Tuesday Tidbits

2013-05-28T08:46:00.000-05:00

This Tuesday definitely feels like a Monday, but I keep telling myself that it's basically almost Friday -- so I hope that's gonna get me through the week.

Weekend Roundup

+ Friday night, I went to the bar with some friends. I witnessed a "grown" man act like a child, met my favorite Rebel baseball player, and got to catch up with a lot of old friends.

+ Saturday, I laid out by the pool and then laid on the couch and watched two movies. Office Space and Snow White and the Huntsman. Both decent, but I probably wouldn't watch them again.

+ Sunday, I barely moved from the couch. I watched three movies. Hall Pass, Boys Don't Cry, and Prometheus. I had seen Boys Don't Cry when I was younger and remembered bits and pieces. Obviously I didn't really grasp the whole concept of the movie as a child, but now I do. And it's a good one. Hall Pass and Prometheus on the other hand? Hated them.

+ Monday I went to a family cookout (not my family) and was one of 6 adults. There were 10 kids between the ages of 4 and 16. It was an experience, that's for sure. But I had a good time with good people and good food.

Week Forecast

+ I'm hoping my sister will finally finish rereading The Great Gatsby so we can see the movie this week.

+ I have to give a presentation to a group of students about our online meeting tools...on Saturday. I might show up in my swimsuit and coverup.

+ New monthly goals on Saturday!

+ I'll be going to my second ever baby shower this weekend. So ready for baby Luke to get here!

How was your weekend? What do you have planned for the upcoming week?

Back to Reality

2013-05-24T08:09:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday, guys! This week has been a major adjustment...getting back to reality after 3 days of watching concerts on the beach. I definitely have a Hangout Hangover. If it was possible, I'd just stay there forever.

Is anyone hiring a professional music festival goer?
— Faye Walter (@wfayew) May 21, 2013

I'll be recapping the concerts I saw (emphasizing my five favorites: Macklemore, The Shins, The Wild Feathers, Ra Ra Riot, and The Yeah Yeah Yeahs) on From the Crowd next week. That's the place for music. This is the place for shenanigans. So here are a few highlights from my trip.

I ran into a sliding glass door.

My shoes broke the first day and I had to walk around barefoot.

I got my face painted like this.

I caught the water bottle Macklemore threw into the crowd and held onto it for dear life.

It is now in my office.

It was a great long weekend. And now that I've recovered, it's time for another.

Hangout

2013-05-16T06:38:00.001-05:00

I'm taking a break from Jenni's Blog Every Day in May Challenge because today's prompt is...

Something difficult about your "lot in life" and how you're working to overcome it.

Since I am currently headed to the beach, I have decided not to complain about my lot in life. It just doesn't seem fair. But don't worry -- I'll be back Tuesday.

If you're hanging out...come find me. I'll be posted up at the Boom Boom tent from the moment I arrive until I see Macklemore.

A Day in the Life of Faye

2013-05-15T08:32:00.000-05:00

6am - 7:30am

Wake up, feed dogs, shower, discover Milo has been bad, love on Mosby, get ready, leave for work.

8:00am - 10:00am

Arrive at work, catch up on things I should have done Monday, work on checking off my to do list (all while adding more things to it).

11:00am - 12:00pm

There will likely be some kind of meeting, usually via Adobe Connect.

1:00pm - 2:00pm

Lunch break at home with the pups.

3:00pm - 5:00pm

Check Facebook & read blogs because I'm probably done with work for the day.

6:00pm

Whip up some dinner (usually for one), eat, clean.

7:00pm - 9:00pm

Alone time with DVR or a book (and the pups).

9:30pm

Bedtime. Because I'm an old lady.

And that is my regular day. Maybe I should have detailed a day that includes happy hour drinks instead. Those are more fun.

Happy

2013-05-14T08:38:00.000-05:00

Prompt 14: Ten things that make you really happy.

An afternoon snack of sunflower seeds and a Mt. Dew

Emptying my DVR

Clean sheets on a Sunday night

Good laughs with friends (or strangers)

The first time we sing Joy to the World in church at Christmastime

Puppy cuddles

Quiet time alone

Painted nails

Being engrossed in a good book

Checking off the last item of my to-do list

10 Words

2013-05-13T10:40:00.001-05:00

Prompt 11: Sell yourself in 10 words or less.

honest / caring / witty / organized / reliable

authentic / logical / intuitive / determined / fun

I don't get embarrassed.

2013-05-10T08:17:00.000-05:00

Day 10: Most embarrassing moment (s). Spill.

I guess I have some embarrassing moments from my youth. The time I thought I was picked for the Quiet Game and got up in front of the class only to realize I had not actually been picked. The time in middle school that I slipped on the wet grass in my cheer uniform, sans bloomers. The numerous times I dropped my lunch tray in the cafeteria. But those don't really stand out to me as my "most embarrassing moments".

Since my youth, I've done many things that embarrassed my friends. Usually after a few drinks. The time I danced on the poles on the MARTA in Atlanta. The time I got lost because I was following a kitten trying to feed it goldfish crackers. The many times I've fallen down in public places. But those didn't embarrass me...because I didn't remember them the next day.

After much thought, I have decided that I just don't get embarrassed. I've done many a foolish thing, but my skin is just too thick for it to bother me.

One exception: the first time Chris Lambton called me and I stuttered like a fool. (Read that story here.)

Advice

2013-05-08T07:43:00.001-05:00

Day 8: A piece of advice you have for others. Anything at all.

Figure out who you are. And be that person.

Change happens. Change can be good. Actually, it should be more of an evolution than a change, really. You are going to evolve over time. You're going to figure out how to be a better you...but you should still be you. Never let anyone change who you are. And don't change yourself to fit your surroundings. If anything, change your surroundings to fit you.

Sometimes, this isn't easy. Sometimes the easier thing to do is to change for the benefit of others. But if you're not you...you're not going to be happy.

"I'd rather be hated for who I am than loved for who I am not." - my main man, Kurt Cobain.

Head Full of Doubt/Road Full of Promise by The Avett Brothers on Grooveshark

Stagnancy

2013-05-07T08:21:00.000-05:00

Day 7: The thing(s) you're most afraid of.

The thing of which I'm most afraid is also where I take refuge from other, even lesser, fears. Stagnancy.

Comfort. I'm comfortable where I am. I work in a college town. My college town. Thirty minutes from where I grew up. I have a routine. I have a good job. I have good friends. But it's all very stagnant.

I'm scared to move. Scared to look for a new job, to make new friends. Scared to be away from my routines, my traditions. I don't want to miss Thanksgiving with my family and I don't want to leave my friends...and I don't want to miss an Ole Miss football season.

But even more than all that, I'm scared to be stuck. Scared to be here forever, with no room to grow. No new people to meet, no new experiences to discover. No new traditions and new routines.

I need to stop taking refuge in the one thing that scares me most.

Uncomfortable

2013-05-03T08:32:00.001-05:00

Day 3 prompt: Things that make you uncomfortable.

Fortunately for me, I thrive in awkward situations. So not that many things make me uncomfortable. However, there are a few.

Compliments. I take them well. I say thank you. But then I always feel like you're supposed to respond to a compliment with a compliment. And sometimes that gets awkward. "You look pretty today." So do you, sir. What? I also sometimes respond with "you too" when people tell me Happy Birthday.

Opening gifts. I don't show emotions. So I get uber uncomfortable when opening gifts in front of people. If I love it or if I hate it, my face will look the same. I don't want you to think I hate it, even if I do hate it...so I just try to avoid the situation altogether.

PDA. Not only do I not like to participate in PDA, if I'm with friends and they are publicly displaying their affection, I get very uncomfortable. Am I supposed to walk away and give them their not so private privacy? Do I just stare at the ground and twiddle my thumbs until they're finished? Uncomfortable.

Leftovers. They just make me very uncomfortable.

What makes you uncomfortable?

"Uncomfortable" word count: 8

Expert?

2013-05-02T20:01:00.000-05:00

Day 2 Prompt: Educate us on something you know alot about or are good at. Take any approach you'd like (serious and educational or funny and sarcastic).

Today's prompt threw me for a loop. Am I an expert on anything? I'm good at my job, but I'm no expert. I'm definitely not a relationship expert. I love music, but as I've admitted, I really know nothing about it. Now, I am an expert on all things Kurt Cobain. But I could go on and on and on about him, and I just don't have time for that.

So I'll just focus on what I was an expert on today.

How to be hungover all day without letting your superiors know.

1. Wear glasses. This is the most important thing, because no matter how good you may feel, your eyes will give you away. If you don't wear contacts or glasses and your job doesn't permit you to wear sunglasses all day...get some faux lenses and put them on. Your bloodshot eyes aren't as noticeable through the lenses.

2. Dress comfortably. Today, I was to dress "business casual". I wore a cotton shift dress. Not exactly what I would call business casual, but I dressed it up with jewelry and cute shoes. You gotta make it work.

3. Drink lots of water. Or you will die.

And that's how I made it through today! What are you teaching us?

May

2013-05-01T09:25:00.001-05:00

April was actually quite successful! I read The Great Gatsby on the plane home from my Dallas trip. I also started reading Winesburg, Ohio which was assigned to me in a college English course and somehow I never even opened it. I did very well about not eating meat. I ate a hamburger early in the month on accident (I seriously forgot), had a small piece of steak because my friends were grilling and I couldn't turn it down, and I ate one serving of lasagna because it's my favorite food. I still consider that a win. I also succeeded in the no soda goal. I don't even miss it. Now, the 30 Day Shred. Oh, Jillian. I completed the Shred on April 1 and then I didn't do it again. But, I did succeed in my weight loss goal, as I lost 3 pounds. That's 5 so far this year.

peonies by Sarah Tucker

1. No credit spending

2. Post once a week on FTC

3. Get up early

4. Work out 3x week (including 1 outdoor activity)

5. Lose 3 pounds

Bonus! Blog every day in May challenge

May would be a hard month for me to cut out spending altogether. (I plan to do that one month soon, though.) However, I vow to not spend ANY on credit.

I finally started the music blog I had been dreaming about...and then only posted once. My initial goal was to post every Monday. That will happen during May. The Strokes' Comedown Machine album review and a Mikky Ekko artist review will be included.

I leave my house for work at 7:50 every morning. But sometimes, I don't get out of bed until 7:30. I usually begin my workday with wet hair and no makeup. Even though I have my own office and am the first to arrive, I want to actually wake up and get ready before I leave the house. Maybe I'll even eat breakfast. Since I have to be at work at 7:30 every day in May...this one is going to be tough.

I don't know about the 30 Day Shred, but I will try my hardest to work out at least three times a week. And most importantly, one of those 3 routines will be held outdoors. Whether I'm walking the dog, playing tennis, doing yoga in the park, or walking from stage to stage in the sand at the Hangout Fest...I need to get outdoors.

Three pounds. I can do it.

Jenni from Story of My Life posted this blogging challenge (along with prompts!) and I am so excited to join in. Starting now.

Do you still remember what your 2013 goals were? How are they holding up?

Story of My Life in One Paragraph

My dad was from New York, my mom from Texas. I was born in Michigan and raised in Mississippi. (All of those will be apparent when I finally get around to posting that accent vlog.) My father passed away when I was young, so my older sister and I were raised in a single parent household. This, along with other things, caused me to "grow up" at a young age. I wouldn't have it any other way. Because of what I've been through, I am who I am. And that is a strong, independent, caring, and honest young woman. My first love in life was music, even though I don't play an instrument or sing. It always got me through the hard times. I'm still waiting to find the other love of my life. However, I am in no rush because I have the best family, friends, and dog child around. (But, I mean...if you know someone...) I work at the University where I went to college. I am active in the community in that I support my local bartenders. I know how to have a good time and I know how to give good advice. My friends love and hate me for both of those. The beginning chapters of this, the story of my life, have been hard, fun, and telling. I can only imagine what the next chapters will bring.

The Dating Diaries: Vol 6

2013-04-30T08:18:00.001-05:00

Closure

Disclaimer: This is not a dating story, so there will be slightly less drama than my last few DD posts. This is just my thoughts on relationships from the past. Well, the end to those relationships.

I don't believe you get closure from the person you were dating. It comes from within. It comes from time. It comes from friends. It comes from God. Anywhere but that person.

I've ended relationships that left someone asking why. I've been left asking the same question. Why? Why even ask? You will never be satisfied with the answer. And it won't help you move on. Was there something you could have done differently? Maybe, but you didn't do it. And now it's too late. Was the timing just off? Possibly, but do you really want to wait around until the timing is "on"? No. Will it ever be? Probably not. Was the other person just a jerk? Very likely. And who wants to date a jerk anyway?

I don't need closure. When something is done, it's done. And that's enough for me. I don't need to hash it out or have a conversation about what went wrong or what wasn't there. Something went wrong and something wasn't there. You don't have to explain your side to me and I don't want to explain my side to you. It is what it is.

Over.

Anyone else feel this way?

Stories From my Weekend

2013-04-29T08:38:00.001-05:00

The time we spent $100 at a gas station

Thursday night, my roommate's friend called her upset. She wanted to come over and get her mind off things and asked us to pick up some Bud Light Straw-ber-ita. (Because what problems aren't solved on a back porch with friends and alcohol? I know all mine are.) We searched the shelves of the gas station for straw-ber-itas. After a long search (and deciding to also pick up a case of normal beer), we found it. On the bottom shelf sat the case of Straw-ber-ita 24oz cans. 15 Straw-ber-ita 24oz cans. Upon picking it up, I thought, "I wonder if these are sold individually and they just haven't opened this case yet?" But we took it to the counter anyway. The attendant giggled as he asked what we were planning for the night. He then opened the case, took out one of the 24oz cans, scanned it, and typed "x15". The register displayed "60.00". And that was before he scanned the $20 case of beer. Regardless of our mistake, we had a good night. And now we have 13 24oz cans of Bud Light Straw-ber-itas on hand.

The time my ex cock-blocked me

I saw my ex-fling at the bar two nights in a row. Both nights, he spotted me from across the bar and made a bee-line for me. He chatted for far too long, told me I looked good, and hugged me a little too tight. I understand remaining cordial and even possibly being friends one day, but we called it quits less than a week ago. There's no need for that much attention. When he walked away, I turned to my friend and asked, "why did he just stand here for so long? That was painfully awkward." Her response? "He must be cock-blocking you." Totally.

The time we ran through a lightening storm

Saturday night, upon leaving the bar, it began POURING rain and lightening. Because it was Double Decker this weekend, the Square was completely blocked off, so our cab was picking us up about 2 blocks away. We ran through the rain, saw huge lightening bolts, and ended up getting in the cab soaking wet. This was not helped by the time I twisted my ankle at the baseball game earlier that day.

The time I met the cutest little baby

I don't spend all my time drinking and falling down, I promise. Sunday, I whipped up some chicken spaghetti to take to my friends who are new parents. (Recipe coming soon.) Baby Cole is the cutest (and youngest, at 5 days old) baby I have ever seen. I did not hold him because you all know that babies scare me and I've only ever held one and I almost had a panic attack. (Well, you know that now, anyway.)

How was your weekend? Do you have any stories to tell?

Why I Blog

2013-04-26T10:41:00.000-05:00

Today, I'll be using "Friday's Letters" to explain Why I blog.

For myself. Writing is my outlet. Whether I'm writing something serious or something silly...or even just doodling song lyrics. Writing has always been my go-to when I need to think through deep feelings. When I finally had one too many post it notes lyings around, I decided to digitize my thoughts and started this blog. For my friends. My blog isn't one of those where nobody that I know in real life knows about it (though sometimes I wish it was). I share funny, sad, and sweet stories that my friends love to read. We're all scattered over the globe now (from the MS coast to NYC to Dallas to San Diego) so face to face interaction doesn't get to happen all that often. For my mom. Just to embarrass her. For the community. Blogging brings together so many people from across the world! I have made great friendships through blogging. And even those bloggers with whom I don't have a personal friendship, I feel like I do because I read about their life daily. And lastly, for the link ups. Like these three I'm joining today.

Jimmy Iovine Ft. Ab-Soul by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis on Grooveshark This is my jam. And yes I know all the words.

Worn One Time

2013-04-25T08:45:00.000-05:00

Ladies & Gentlemen...(well, mommies & expectant mommies & people who plan to be mommies in the future...or daddies, y'all too) I present to you...

My friend (and first time mom) Trinity has put together this great place for you to recycle (re-sell!) all of those precious monogrammed clothes that your baby no longer wears. It's good for the Earth, for your pocketbook, for closet space...and for little boys & girls out there who have the same name or initials as your little one.

Not to rain on the parade of your babe's unique name, but I'm sure there's another
little Lily or Aiden or Metta World Peace out there who can wear those duds!

Check out WornOneTime!

Website - Facebook - Twitter

Happenings

2013-04-24T08:58:00.002-05:00

I have so many good posts floating around in my head and it would be a real shame if I just let them spill out without proper care. So, this morning. You get gibberish. (Because I missed you and wanted to post something.)

+I had a great time on vacation in Dallas. I bought this.

+I reread The Great Gatsby. It gets better every time. I cannot wait for the movie.

+I don't listen to country music, but this song is hilarious and awesome.

+I gave a second chance to someone who didn't even deserve the first. I'm sure we all know how that turned out.

(Go ahead, say it. You told me so.)

+These guys are my current obsession. I can't get enough.

+My April goals aren't a complete failure so far. I'm ready to set some more for May!

Now, what's going on with you?