faye'sbook

Welcome to Dumpsville.

2012-01-27T15:28:00.000-06:00

Have you ever had a bad dream about someone and it made you angry with them in real life? Has a dream ever made you angry at yourself?

This morning, I woke up heartbroken from a strange dream. I was at home* anxiously awaiting a phone call from my boyfriend (boyfriend in my dream was my ex boyfriend) as he was coming home from a long trip in Hawaii and I hadn't talked to him since he left*.

He texted me letting me know that he was home safely but would have to wait to call me later. I was upset. I went to my sister and told her that he wasn't going to call me until later and it hurt my feelings because I missed him.

A smirk developed on her face** and she told me that he had sent her a text message and asked if he should break up with me over the phone or wait until he could do it in person.

A few minutes later, he called. I knew what he was calling to say. He told me he wanted to break up and that he'd never felt more right about a decision in his life. I asked him if he had been thinking of it before or if it was a new development (i.e., did he meet some Hawaiian girl). His response was, "I realized it the second I was away from you***."

I cried. Then I went into the next room to talk to my friends about it. Because it's a dream, it was possible for them to all magically appear in my living room as soon as I hung up the phone.

I was telling them the breakup story and they all stopped listening****. I ran to my room crying. And then I woke up.

*Signs I didn't notice in the dream. Why was I not picking up my boyfriend from the airport? And why had I not talked to him the whole time he was gone?

**My sister always smirks when she tells me bad news. I don't know if it's because she's half-smiling to make the news sound less bad, or if she gets some twisted satisfaction from delivering bad news.

***Harsh!

****Rude!!

What the hell does that dream mean? I've been super stressed out this week and have needed a good cry, so maybe I wanted to get it out in a dream since my eyes don't really leak much in real life. Or. Maybe, just maybe. It was the Universe getting me back for breaking up with him. Or, well, how I broke up with him.

Now, I would never send a breakup text message like Lindzi from the Bachelor supposedly received...

Welcome to Dumpsville, population: you!

But I did maybe kinda officially break up with my last boyfriend via text. What? I know, rude. But it wasn't really that bad. We were on a "break"* and when I realized it wasn't going to get better, I sent him something like "I just can't do this anymore". Then a phone conversation and in person conversation happened, too. But it was initiated via text. After a year and a half of dating.

But I didn't send him to Dumpsville. I sent him to the chapel. Cause less than 2 years later, he got married.

*Breaks never work. Breaks are stupid. You either want to be with someone or you don't.

Anyway, this dream has had me in a funk all day. Luckily, it's Friday...I'm leaving work an hour early, and I'm going out tonight.

Happy weekend!!

NOT Okay, Cupid.

2012-01-25T09:33:00.000-06:00

About a year ago, an old roommate (dude) of mine signed up for online dating with OK Cupid. He met a girl. It didn't work out. But still, he told me I should sign up. Reluctantly, I did. I never planned on meeting someone...

And I didn't. Because I don't respond to creepy ass messages from strangers on the internet. However, it is fun to check my junk mail (where the messages go) every now and then to laugh at the things guys must think girls want to hear.

A few recent examples:

Are you a 4th grader? No cause 4th graders can spell "you're".

Umm.. No thanks.

Well, would you consider giving me free pedicures?

Get away from me.

I've also seen multiple people I went to high school with, someone I know who is MARRIED, I've gotten way too many messages that start with the words "hey there [insert one of the following:] beautiful, gorgeous, pretty, and lovely", and, worst of all...someone with the username "exconwithtats" messaged me...

Is your name Faye?

Uh oh. No. No it's not.

Now, I'm not knocking online dating for everyone. The commercials tell me that 1 in 5 relationships now begin online and I say -- that's great. But I want to be one of the other 4.

Okay, now I'm off to go Facebook stalk boys I think are cute cause that's totally not the same thing.

Ben looks awkward on a horse.

2012-01-24T09:45:00.000-06:00

Ben brought the ~~ladies~~ girls to Park City, Utah to see if they're outdoorsy. Are we sure he's outdoorsy? He looked rather clumsy on the horse to me.

I thought it was Kacie B. that would be sent home before the rose ceremony. Because they didn't show clips of her from the cocktail party. But then I thought maybe they're just doing that to trick us. I hate those previews.

Rachel got a one on one date. She wasn't one of my first 4 favorites (least hated) but I think I might like her. She seems real. And like a lot of real people, her first date with Ben was awkward. Lots of crickets and small talk. But she told him she has a hard time opening up, so she got a rose.

Jamie, Casey S, Blakeley, Lindzi, Samantha, Nicki, Kacie B, and Courtney went fly fishing for the group date.

Nicki's interviews bother me.

Courtney is the Bachelorette devil.

I bet the producers caught that fish for her.

Ben's flip flops are awful.

I think I like Casey S. too.

Op, it was Samantha leaving.

Why was she Courtney Stoddening her lips?

Courtney's spiel was just to get the rose.

And it worked.

Jennifer got the other one on one date. She also wasn't one of my first 4 favorites (least hated) but I think I like her, too. For their date, they repelled into a crater. There were lots more cheesy comparisons of extreme sports and relationships. They took the plunge and dove into the unexpected and shit like that. So, there's always a date with rain. And they always try to make it sexy. The Bachelor producers are a lot like Hunger Games gamemakers. I bet they make it rain. I saw good conversation during this date. Which (along with being a good kisser) is probably why she got a rose. And then they went to a Clay Walker concert where the blonde girl in the front row next to them kept making weird faces and trying to get on camera. So romantic.

My observations during the cocktail party:

Jamie's outfit choices just keep getting worse.

Emily tried to tell Ben how awful Courtney is and he didn't like it.

Casey S = Lisa M // Courtney = Michelle Money

"Me? Mean? What an idiot. I'm a nice person, don't fuck with me."

Exactly, Courtney. You just made her point.

I hope Ben called Emily after this episode and apologized.

I hope Emily called her friends after this episode and said, "Oh my gosh do I really do that weird thing with my mouth all the time?"

Only one goes home and it's Monica. Though they tried to make us sweat by waiting to give Emily the last rose. Silly producers.

Next week they're going to Puerto Rico. Courtney was just there. Cause she's sooo cool. Bleh. Barf.

Bye.

I can't believe I'm still watching this show and writing about it. I love to make myself miserable. It's so bad. And so good at being bad. I hate it. And I hate that I love it.

Miscellaneous Monday

2012-01-23T11:29:00.000-06:00

I usually write posts at night and schedule them to post while I'm at work. Or that's what I tell my boss, anyway. But today, I'm writing from work. Because we aren't doing anything. Because our network to the other campuses is down. No network to other campuses = no connection to other campuses = no distance learning courses. Though I have been fielding lots of calls and basically telling everyone we're shit out of luck, I don't have much else to do right now.

Except get miscellaneous with you.

[Quality Time]

My mom drove to Oxford yesterday. We ate lunch at my favorite place, walked around the Square a bit, and then hung out on the couch for the rest of the day. With Mosby, of course.

Mos loves his grandma

[Championship Sunday]

If you didn't watch the football games yesterday, we can't be friends. Okay, I guess we can be friends...and I won't bother you with conversation about football as long as you don't bother me with conversation about the Real Housewives.

But come on. Both games decided by field goals. I love close games. And I loved the outcome of both. Pats and Giants. I can't wait for a rematch of 2007. With a different outcome*, I hope.

*In 2007, I sat at a Superbowl party in Oxford, MS...right down the road from Manning Way...and cheered against our beloved Rebel. I cheered for the Pats. And we lost. And I left. Embarrassed. This year, I'll be cheering against Eli again. But luckily, I'll still be cheering for a beloved Rebel.

Autographed jersey

[Stormy Weather]

I'm not a fan of stormy weather, but it doesn't bother me much either. We had thunderstorms and tornado watches all around last night, but I slept like a baby. Mosby, however, did not.

He wanted to cuddle

[Australian Open]

We're down to the Quarter Finals of the Aus Open and I have yet to blog about it. What is wrong with me? I've been watching as much as I can, but Australia and the US are in very different time zones, so it's rather difficult. I did watch Federer smash Aussie Tomic Saturday night and I got to see Hewitt make a run at Djokovic this morning. I was hoping Hewitt could pull off the upset, but Djokovic is just too good.

However, I think I'm calling upsets on 3 of the 4 QF matches. I'm going with Ferrer over Djokovic, Nishikori over Murray (I hate Murray), and Berdych over Nadal (I really hate Nadal). Federer will take out Del Potro. You'll see.

It's not weird that I do this, right?

[Instagram]

I always forget I have Instagram. And one of my 2012 goals was to take more pictures. So I'm joining the crowd. I'll be participating in #FEBphotoaday. Follow me @wfayew to see the goodies. (Not those goodies.)

Happy Monday, guys!

Signs

2012-01-20T09:48:00.000-06:00

No, not the crop circle/alien/foil hat/"There's a monster outside my room can I have a glass of water" movie.

Signs from the Universe.

Do you believe in signs? I have seen them all around me lately.

I had a rough night Tuesday. As I was driving home from a very pointless 2 hour solo road trip, I broke down crying. I was scanning the radio looking for a good station but eventually just gave up and stopped on a song I didn't like because I just wanted to cry. Then, that random station played two back to back Nirvana songs.

I think it was the Universe telling me it's all gonna be okay.

After that experience that made me rethink a lot of things in my life, I went to get sushi with my sister. My fortune cookie said "It's the right time to make new friends."

I think it was the Universe telling me I need new friends.

I had a conversation with an old friend and I was telling her that I think I need a change in my life. Obviously I won't be moving anytime soon because I'm in a lease and I live with a couple of my best friends, but something needs to change. The very next day I was presented with the possibility of a new opportunity.

I think it was the Universe telling me that change is possible.

Last night, I went to the Young Professionals gathering. I was only going to stay for a little while, but I ended up staying longer than expected. I had good conversations with friends, met new people, and made plans with girls that I don't often hang out with (though I wish I did).

I think it was the Universe telling me that those "new friends" I need are easy to find. And the Universe also told me about half off wine on Wednesdays at 208.

What has the Universe been telling you lately?

Are you listening?

Romantic Comedy Daydreams

2012-01-18T09:56:00.000-06:00

I've always had an active imagination. I guess that's why I've always loved to write.

But maybe my imagination is a little too active. Any time I'm not seriously focusing on a task (something at work, watching television, shaving my legs...) I am daydreaming.

And let me tell you...my daydreams are detailed. And completely unrealistic. I've been the star of many a romantic comedy (with a great stylist and an unlimited budget) in my mind.

There was the one where we met at a wedding and instantly fell in love. The one where we locked eyes at a concert and instantly fell in love. The one where we bumped into each other at a sporting event and instantly fell in love.

Most of the time, my costar is Ben Affleck. Sometimes it's someone I don't know. Sometimes it's someone I do know. But it's usually Ben Affleck.

Basically, my daydreams have spoiled me. I want an epic first meeting with my future love. That ain't gonna happen. I'll probably meet him at a bar and then throw up on his shoes (I mean at church during communion, Mom). Cheesy love-at-first-sight romance only happens in the movies. So I should probably stop daydreaming.

Or become a screenwriter.

Tuesday Tidbits

2012-01-17T09:00:00.000-06:00

[1]

I had a very productive off day yesterday. My roommate's sweet boyfriend surprised her by grocery shopping and doing dishes while we were at the movies Sunday night, so my day began with rearranging all of the groceries and dishes into their proper places. After that, I went grocery shopping for myself. I spent about $200 on a ton of food. Lots of veggies, the makings for about 4 dinner meals, lunches, snacks, even breakfast foods. After unloading everything, I went to McDonald's for dinner. It happens.

[2]

The Bachelor. What a crazy show it was last night, right? Actually, I haven't watched it yet. I didn't watch any TV last night (aside from some Australian Open tennis) because I was busy being productive. But from what I've gathered by your tweets... someone went on an outrageous date (surprised?), Shawntel from Brad's seasons joined the girls in competition*, I'm sure there were tears, and girls got sent home.** I have a feeling my 4 favorites (least hated) are still my 4 favorites (least hated) unless they got sent home.

*If you go on the show once, basically it means you have access to anyone who has ever been on the show. I have a few guys from past seasons that I'd like to access.

**Who got sent home?

I also haven't seen PLL, HIMYM, or 2 Broke Girls. The DVR is calling my name.

[3]

I began a deep clean of my bedroom last night. It needed it. I've already gathered a box of "donate" items that includes an old iHome that I never use, a backpack, a few purses and clutches, and 6 scarves that I have owned for years but never worn. I don't think they're items that are worth it to sell/ship, so they're going to Goodwill. My closet, on the other hand, has many sell-worthy items that will probably be making an appearance on the blog soon. Get your wallets ready, ladies.

[4]

My birthday is 3 weeks (and 1 day) away. This year, I'm asking for money. Money money money money...MONEY! I have to be frugal in 2012 so that I can spend big bucks on big things instead of lots of little bucks on lots of little things. Usually, the items on my Christmas list that I didn't get become my birthday list...but I got almost everything this year (and the things I didn't get are sold out). My birthday present to myself for the past two years has been tickets to the Memphis Tennis tournament to see Andy Roddick's first round match. Sadly, I won't be going this year. I'm going to add that money into my "vacation" fund...because I'm going on roughly 7 trips this year.

I'm really not sure how I'll be celebrating. Crazy, I know. I usually make a huge spectacle out of my birthday and it lasts a whole month. But who cares about 24? It seems like a lame year. I better have a cake though, that's all I'm sayin'.

If you want to send me birthday happies, I love cards. And candy. And anything else you might want to send. My mailbox will be awaiting.

[5]

A beloved Ole Miss player will be wearing a Super Bowl ring on February 5th no matter what teams wins. (I'm cheering for Green-Ellis if you didn't know.)

How is your Tuesday? Who got sent home on the Bachelor? What's this about a new cute boy on PLL? Do you need my address? And who are you rooting for to win the Super Bowl?

Would You Rather?

2012-01-16T08:39:00.000-06:00

I'm lying on my couch because I don't have to go to work today. (One of the many reasons MLK's dream was pretty damn awesome.) But, guys...I still have a case of the Mondays. Mosby woke me up at 5:30 wanting to go out. He then went out and came in approximately 38290 times and now that I can't go back to sleep, he's passed out on the couch with me. What a loser.

Thankfully Rachel is here to keep me company. And by that, I mean we're texting each other from rooms that are 10 feet apart. We're cool like that.

Rachel posted a Would You Rather blog post today and since I can't get back to sleep, I figured I'd play along. Thankfully the question "Would you rather get to sleep in or have a cute puppy?" isn't on there. Y'all might be ashamed of my answer.

Here we go.

Would you rather be given $5,000, no questions asked or lose 20 lbs with the guarantee of never gaining it back?

Shit. I'd have to pick the money at this point. I need a new car. But I have two beach trips in April. And 20 lbs? No, I think I'd have to pick the money.

Would you rather be poor and work in a job you absolutely love or be rich and work in a job you hate going to?

Shallow much? I'd rather be rich. I can do the things I love while I'm not at work. I guess maybe it depends on just how poor you actually mean. Begging for food/starving children/cardboard box house...I'll take the job I hate.

Would you rather have your flight delayed 8 hours or lose your luggage, only finding it after your trip is over?

Gotta have my luggage. Guess my trip is starting about 8 hours late. No big deal.

Would you rather go without Internet or a car for a month?

Not that I'm addicted to the Internet, but I'd pick a car. Oxford is bike friendly (ha, like I would bike to work) and has public transportation, I have great friends with cars, and I've become friends with the cabby who always takes me home from the bar. I'd be set.

Would you rather be a member of the cast of Friends or Sex and the City?

I was a big fan of friends when I was younger, and I just recently started watching Sex and the City. I really want to say neither, but I guess I'll go with Sex and the City.

Would you rather date someone 20 years older or 10 years younger?

I'd rather date someone 20 years older than 5 years younger. I've always dated older guys (though I've never gotten above an 8 year difference). I don't think I could handle babysitting.

Would you rather always have to say anything that comes to your mind or never be able to speak?

I already say anything/everything that comes to my mind. If not with my words, than with my facial expressions. But usually with my words.

Would you rather marry Kris Humphries or Scott Disick?

Give me Kris. I don't keep up with the Kardashians, but I watched the first half of the wedding (not so) special and I've caught parts of episodes here and there. I just have a thing for Kris. I think he's real. He's sarcastic and funny (and everyone seems to see that as him being mean to Kim). I won't get into how I think he really thought the marriage would last and she knew it wouldn't before it started, so I'll just say...I'd pick Kris. And he's so tall.

Would you rather be banned from Facebook or Blogger?

Oh, Facebook...of course. I'd rather read your anecdotes than see that so and so is breaking up with so and so and so and so changed her picture to a sonogram and so and so's feelings can only be described by a paragraph long song lyric.

Would you rather skip Christmas or your birthday?

My birthday of course. Aside from the real reason we celebrate Christmas...it brings everyone together. And I'd much rather have that. Plus, I get more presents on Christmas than I do on my birthday. Duh.

So...what would you rather?

Feel Good Friday

2012-01-13T09:00:00.000-06:00

The past two weeks have just flown by for me. 2012 needs to slow its roll. To help me savor all the small details of the week, here's a roundup.

[1]

I was disappointed in the outcome of the National Championship game Monday night. For about 5 seconds. And then I remembered that I hate Bama and LSU. Hotty Toddy.

[2]

I hate the phrase LOL but was uber excited when my football crush tweeted it to me.

[3]

I didn't miss any of my P90X workouts this week and I feel fantastic. Though I did cut one short when my band (for pullups) popped off my door and hit me in the chest. Ouch.

[4]

I almost went on a semi-spontaneous trip to Atlanta for an interview (not work related) this weekend but then I remembered that I have to work tomorrow morning. Plus side: I won't have to pay for all that gas. Oh and I'll be racking up quite a few overtime hours.

[5]

I'm wearing all black and grey today for Friday the 13th. Actually, black and grey are my primary colors and I just realized it's Friday the 13th.

[6]

My awesome bff Rachel is off work tonight, so I think we'll be going out for drinks. I haven't been out yet in 2012. Shocking.

[7]

Oh and we might go see Beauty and the Beast before we hit the bar. I'm not a huge fan of 3D, but Beauty and the Beast is not only my favorite Disney movie...it's my favorite movie of all time. I mean, come on...it has the hottest prince. Tall, skinny, long hair.

[8]

I have still only shaved my legs once in 2012. Perk of being single or reason why I'm single?

[9]

I moved a work meeting from Sunday the 23rd to Saturday the 22nd so I don't miss the AFC Championship game. I even offered adult beverages as leverage for the attendees to agree to have it on Saturday. Don't tell HR.

[10]

I saw this video the other day and it gave me chills...his words say a lot, but His words say it all.

*I do not disagree with religion. I am a fan (and member) of organized religion. But Jesus being present in you is far more important than you being present in a church.

Happy Friday y'all.

Speaking of "y'all". Rachel and I have been planning to do an accent vlog for months. It's happening soon.

Why I Almost Quit

2012-01-12T08:30:00.000-06:00

I mentioned on Friday that I almost stopped blogging in 2012. And I did. It wasn't something I had really been thinking about but one day (while on vacation) I thought to myself, "I'm going to stop blogging". In all honesty, I think I said it aloud to myself. Because I do that sometimes. But that's not the point.

I decided to stay and limited it to (as seen in my 12 in 2012 post) "I will only blog when I actually have something to say".

I've said before...I'm not a professional writer because I like to write. And when I'm told to do something, I simply do not want to do it. I don't want to feel like blogging is a job. I don't have sponsors and I've turned down ads and product reviews. That's not what this is for me. It's not a job for me.

So, I don't want to write a post every day. I don't want to write phony or cheesy posts just so there is one. I don't want to click "publish" if it's not something I really feel like saying.

And while I absolutely adore the people I communicate with through blogging and I value every email and comment (and wish you'd send even more)...I don't do this for you. I do it for me. And that's exactly why you should like me. And ultimately, that's why I decided to stay.

I hope you continue to stick around. Cause I kinda like you, too.

12 in 2012

2012-01-11T09:00:00.000-06:00

Now that we're well into the second week of 2012 and I'm still on track with all of my resolutions, I can share them with you.

Resolutions. Goals. Life changes. Whatever you want to call em, they're here.

I saw a few people (like Miss Merrymaker) do a 12 in 2012 list. Then I noticed my Erin Condren planner has 12 lines in the goals section for January. Quite serendipitous.

So, here are 12 things I would like to accomplish in 2012.

[1]

Because those are the best posts, aren't they?

[2]

Day 0 was last Monday. Day 90 is April 1. And then I have 2 beach trips in April. Perfect timing.

[3]

I will be selling/giving away loads of clothes. Anyone need dresses? Most still have tags.

[4]

Seriously. I'm like an old woman with osteoporosis. Maybe I just need to start drinking milk?

[5]

Time to brush up on my development skills and look for new jobs. A starter job shouldn't last more than 2 years right? I have until August.

[6]

This must happen. Soon. And new = new to me.

[7]

I just read 3 in 3 days. I think I can handle 24 in 12 months. Recommendations are welcomed.

[8]

And stick to them.

[9]

Maybe this one on Valentine's Day.

[10]

I've been bouncing around. I'm ready to stick to one and get involved.

[11]

With friends. Of friends. Of things. Everything.

[12]

About real things. I'm blunt and I say what's on my mind but I rarely say what's in my heart.

Some other random resolutions that didn't make it into my planner but are still on the list:

-No taking the elevator at work*. (It's two floors.)
-No returning to old flames/crushes/hookups (with one exception).
-Send more snail mail to friends. (Give me your address if you want on this list.)
-Limit restaurant eating. (This goes along with P90X and budgeting.)

Are you still sticking to your resolutions? What goals do you have this year?

*This, surprisingly (or not), is the hardest one to follow. But I'm doing it.

The Next Bachelorette...

2012-01-10T09:49:00.000-06:00

Unfortunately, it won't be me. But I read in Life & Style (Britney was on the cover so I had to buy it) that it's basically a done deal for Emily Maynard to be the next Bachelorette. Thank the Bachelor gods (Chris Harrison) that it won't be one of the crazies from this season. They're much more fit for Bachelor Pad.

Now, I'm not doing recaps this season...but if I was, I would say something like this...

All 18 of the girls traveled to Ben's hometown of Sonoma for dates.

Kacie B. got the first one on one. They strolled through the town, he showed her how to play piano and she showed him how to twirl a baton. She's a little cheesy but their date was super cute. And yes, Ben, everyone needs to see the South. They kinda look perfect together. And the date seemed like just a normal first date. Well, until they went to a private theater to watch baby videos of each other. Kinda creepy. But I won't say I didn't tear up seeing Ben watch his dad on screen.

She got a rose.

Group date: Brittney, Rachel, Jennifer, Blakeley, Emily, Jenna, Shawn, Monica, Samantha, Jamie, Nicki, Jaclyn. "Come play with me."

Kids were playwrights. They made the girls audition by doing silly things like act like a weasel. Blakeley totally looked like a hooker. The girls that wouldn't be goofy were disappointing to me, the kids, and Ben. After they were given their parts (and costumes) they performed the play at the Community Theatre. It was super cute. Especially when Ben got semi-nude. Boy's been working out.

At the cocktail party...Blakeley is just too much for me. And all the other girls. I forget who called her "Blakeley fakeley" but I like it. In true Bachelor fashion, Blakeley got the rose because nobody wanted her to get it. Also, there are some really awful tattoos that rival Vienna's dolphin.

Courtney also got a one on one. Or a two on one, because Ben's dog joined them. They went to the woods for a picnic. Ben said that he knows career wise what he wants to do for the rest of his life and feels Courtney is the same way. She's a 28 year old model. I don't think she'll be doing that for the rest of her life. Sorry. And if she says "winning" one more time...(I'm stopping myself from saying something about punching her in the face and ending her modeling career because that's rude). When telling Ben about her dating history, this is what I heard:

"I've dated actors and photographers, I'm so hot and cool and picky and something about underwear in a bed and I just haven't found the one."

I will admit, she was cute on the date. But she's a total bitch at the house. Typical. Also typical? She got the rose.

The rose ceremony is always the most dramatic event. dun dun dunnnn. I decided not to include all of the mean things I had to say about people's outfits, so this will be short.

Blakeley is a bitch. Jenna makes no sense. So much crazy drama. This really seems more like Bachelor Pad. Bachelorette Pad?

After the rose ceremony, Shawn and Jenna are sent packin'. Jenna says she's in shock. Really? I'm in shock that she stayed until the second episode.

16 girls remain.

(My 4 favorites from last week are still at the top of my list. I use "favorites" loosely. Really, I just mean...they don't seem as crazy as the others. Yet.)

Next week, they will be traveling to San Francisco. But I'm not recapping this season so it doesn't really matter, right?

All images (except for me) courtesy of ABC and all that jazz.

Miscellaneous Monday

2012-01-08T21:03:00.000-06:00

I had the most boring, lazy, perfect weekend. I only left the house once, never put on makeup, and slept a whole lot. Now it's back to work. Hopefully this week will go by as fast as last week did. Let's get it started with some miscellany tidbits.

[Criminal Minds]

So, we all know I'm a tad bit obsessed with Criminal Minds, right? I've seen every episode multiple times. Last night I was watching a marathon and got so excited because my favorite episode was on.

The unsub (unidentified subject, or, bad guy) kidnaps father/daughter pairs. He also kidnaps homeless men. He then makes the father fight the homeless men in an empty pool. Loser dies. Not the best storyline for the show. But it's my favorite because it's the hottest unsub.

[Tebow]

Before the CM marathon, I watched the Broncos v Steelers game. No matter where you stand on the Tebow issue, it was a great game. With an amazing ending. The Broncos won with a touchdown pass from Tebow on the first play of overtime.

But the real issue here isn't football at all, is it? (Yes, it is. But nobody will let it be.) The people that hate on Tebow for being a Christian really bother me. The people that hate on people for hating on Tebow for being a Christian bother me even more. I saw a Facebook thread after the game where someone said that Tebow deserved the win more because Roethlisberger is a rapist and Tebow is a Christian.

I'm a Christian and I have way more respect for non-Christians than I do for hypocritical Christians. Now, can we let this be about football again? Cause we all know Tebow is gonna get beat next week anyway.

[Mosby]

Mr. Mosby turned 5 months old Saturday. And he still only weighs 25 lbs. I'll be rather disappointed if he doesn't grow into his big paws.

But he's handsome so I guess I'll keep him anyway.

[BCS Championship]

Sorry Bachelor Ben, I'll be watching football tonight. SEC vs SEC. Of course, we're the best conference in the nation. And I'll be rooting for LSU. Let's Geaux Tigers. (Bama is right there with State on my "most hated SEC teams" list.)

Do the Brad Wing.

[Mellow]

To go along with the crazy fog outside, I'm listening to a very somber/mellow/awesome playlist today. It includes this beauty.

How is your Monday?

Coming this week: My 2012 goals & and explanation of why I almost quit blogging.

Confessional

2012-01-06T10:19:00.000-06:00

I'm not catholic so I don't get to publicly confess very often. Here goes.

So far in 2012, the latest I've stayed up has been 11:30. This is shaping up to be my favorite year.

I've only shaved my legs once in 2012. It's winter. Get off my back. And my legs.

I skipped Tuesday's P90X workout. But I was sick and I'm making it up on Sunday. Doesn't count.

I've only worn makeup to work one day this week. And that's one more than usual.

I almost decided to quit blogging in 2012. More on that later.

What do you have to confess? Link up here.

January: The Month of Diet & Exercise

2012-01-05T09:00:00.000-06:00

I'm not much of a dieter. I like to work out (P90X please) but I also like to sleep in. And I like ice cream. And chips. I don't know that much about health and fitness, really.

It's January, so diets and workouts are all around us. TV commercials, conversations, blogs, the veggie drawer in my fridge...

Everyone talks about their goal weight. I don't have one. I have a goal feeling. How I feel is way more important than any number on a scale.

Plus, in my late teens, I looked like this...

That's probably somebody's goal weight. Not mine. I'm not that person anymore. That person = a cheerleader who gave away her food every day at the lunch table. Anorexic? No. Picky? Yes. I only ate on days when we had chicken strips, pizza, or John Wayne Casserole (I'm from a podunk town in Mississippi in case you forgot).

Plus, when I gained a few (or more) pounds in college...I got boobs! I'd never had them before. And I'd like to keep them.

So I'm just gonna stick with my P90X, try not to eat Mexican food more than once a week, and maybe consider cutting down on meat and upping my veggie intake.

Nothin' crazy.

Are you getting healthy this year (or month)?

Faye's Final Rose

2012-01-03T11:04:00.000-06:00

You all know what was on TV last night (the Bachelor), so you know what to expect from me. Another installment of Faye's Final Rose.

I've actually never called it that before.

And I'll never call it that again. Because I'm not doing it. WHAT? I know, right? But it's 2012. And I'm over it.

Probably more than ²/₃ of my followers (you guys) showed up on my doorstep (blogstep) because of this show. But that's not why you decided to come in and stay, right?

So, no more Bachelor posts from me.

I was thisclose (really close) to submitting my application this year. Based on the low caliber of ladies in the house -- I have a feeling I would have been picked. Unless they were going for that type.

They had all the usuals. The sob story, the single mom, the divorcee, the model...and plenty of crazy bitches. Like, really crazy bitches.

I was unimpressed with the girls (and even more...their dresses).

Top notch craziness. Tears. Lesbians? Cussing. Jenna's cry face looks like Courtney Stodden's regular face. Horses. Nose rings. Self tanner. Tattoos. Bleached hair. Awkwardness. Roses. Exit Interviews.

Keeping Monica and Jenna was a total producer move. And there are only 4 girls that I don't absolutely hate. Wanna guess who they are?

I did mention that I'm not doing Bachelor recaps, right?

Whatever. Did you watch? What do you think about this season?

Twenty Twelve

2012-01-01T20:19:00.000-06:00

It's been a while. My last day at work was December 15, 2011 and my last post on faye'sbook was December 21, 2011. 2011! That was last year!

It was refreshing...unplugging. Or unblogging, really. Cause I still tweeted and got my Facebook updates. But I'm back and I'm happy.

Reflecting and looking back, 2011 was my least favorite of all of the (23) years I've been alive. It wasn't bad, per se. It was just blah. There were no big events (other than shaking Chris Cornell's hand), there were no changes (except adopting a puppy), I didn't really meet anyone new or do anything special. It was rather boring. And I didn't like it.

So here's to 2012. This is my year. Isn't it cheesy and stupid when people say that? Maybe 2012 Faye will be cheesy and stupid. I have resolutions and goals to accomplish, but I'll discuss that later. I'm gonna give myself a week to keep them before I share them with you.

I've decided I like Sex and the City and a Coldplay song. 2012 Faye is different already.

Happy New Year!

Christmas Vacation

2011-12-21T15:04:00.000-06:00

No, not like the movie...cause I've never seen it.

Done judging me? Good.

I've been gone from the blogsphere (writing, not reading) for almost a week!

Thursday was my last day at work. Friday, Morgan and I flew to Minneapolis (with a layover in Chicago where our bag got lost) for a brief weekend visit with her boyfriend, B. We went to the Saints v Vikings game and then to a bar to watch the Patriots beat the Broncos. Sorry Tebow. And we got to visit with our cousin (who we haven't seen in years).

cousin, Mike

After a long layover in Dallas (where I was tempted to skip my flight and stay), we made it home on Monday. Since then, I haven't left the couch for more than an hour at a time. Except to go to bed.

Last night, Morgan, Rach, and I exchanged gifts. Love them. (The girls. And the gifts.)

Tomorrow, I'll be headed to my mom's for a few days. And this is where I say goodbye to you all. Because she has AOL dial up. And I can't even try to mess with that.

Have a very merry Christmas!

Christmas Bonus

2011-12-15T10:23:00.001-06:00

Do people really get Christmas bonuses at their jobs? They do? Well, I don't. And I'm jealous. I'd love to have an extra wad of cash around the holidays so that I can spend it on ~~myself~~ all of my friends and family.

Buuuut. I think I may get something better.

Vacation.

Today is my last day at work until January 2nd. That's 11 week days, people. 11 days of paid vacation. I'd pick that over a bonus any day.

Tomorrow, sister and I are headed to Minnesota to see her boyfriend, B, for the weekend. Anyone have a parka I can borrow? It's so cold up there.

I'll be going to my first NFL game on Sunday. I have to apologize to all my favorites...BenJarvus, Tom Brady, Gronkowski, Danny Woodhead, Wilfork, Zoltan Mesko (I really just love his name)...

Zoltan!

My first NFL game and I won't be watching my favorites. Instead, I'll be watching the Saints beat up on the Vikings. B, being from New Orleans, is a die-hard Saints fan. Morgan is a bandwagoner. I could care less.

But I like football, so I'll watch what I can get.

We're also going to the Mall of America (uh oh).

I was born in Michigan but have adapted to the Mississippi weather -- any tips on how to stay warm up there? Except thermal underwear. That's what everyone suggests and I just...no. I can't do it.

Are you going on vacation this Christmas?

Christmas Cards

2011-12-14T09:59:00.001-06:00

It's December 14th. 11 Days until Christmas.

And we still haven't taken a Walter Family Christmas card picture.

We usually have our cards picked out in November. And they're usually pictures from an Ole Miss football game...but that's not happening this year. Sorry Rebs.

2006

2009

If we don't have time to take another picture, here are a few recent ones of us.
Help me pick?

Merry Christmas! Love, Boobs.

Merry Christmas! Love, Faye the giant

Merry Christmas! Love, squinty eyes and sunglasses

Merry Christmas! Love, ...this one's actually not that bad.

We just need to get dressed up for five minutes tonight and snap some pics.

Have your Christmas cards been sent?

Christmas Nostalgia

2011-12-13T10:30:00.000-06:00

Christmastime makes me nostalgic. It's like the Ghost of Christmas Past is all up in my face. I've been dreaming of the days of old, back when I wasn't a grownup. I miss those days. (Don't we all?)

When we were younger, we spent a lot of Christmases with family in Dallas. My favorite thing about the trips... the time spent with family? the food? the gifts?

No.

The radio. Dallas has the best radio stations.

As kids, my sister and I would come equipped with our tape player/radios and blank cassettes to record The Edge radio all.day.long. Thanks to iHeartRadio, I'm listening to it right now.

I also almost miss a few of my ex boyfriends. Damn you, nostalgia.

Christmas Quiz

2011-12-12T10:00:00.000-06:00

Christmas is right around the corner. Only 13 days away. I finally started my shopping...but I'm not finished. Man, I need to get on it.

We sang Joy to the World at church yesterday morning. That song is what signifies Christmas for me. Now I am really in the Christmas spirit.

So, naturally, it's time to do the Christmas Quiz. (Stolen from Kai.)

1. Egg nog or hot chocolate? For Christmas, I have to say egg nog. I drink hot chocolate year round, but egg nog really feels like Christmas.

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just set them under the tree? Santa presents are not wrapped. He's way too busy for that!

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? White. So classy.

4. Do you hang mistletoe? Not usually, but we're having a party Thursday night and there will be lots of mistletoe...and hopefully cute, single boys.

5. When do you put your decorations up? Decorations go up the day after Thanksgiving and come down on New Years.

6. What is your favorite holiday dish? My mom's cheese log. (I have a thing for appetizers.) Cream cheese, jalapenos, onion, and mom's other secret ingredients all wrapped up in Velveeta...served with Triscuits. Yums.

7. Favorite holiday memory as a child? Watch out, I'm getting sentimental. The Christmas after my father passed away, we found a "letter from Heaven" under the tree.

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? I don't really remember when I figured it out, because I kept it a secret so he didn't stop coming. I told my mom and sister I knew Santa wasn't real around Easter, because I let it slip that I knew the Easter bunny wasn't real either. But thankfully, they never stopped coming.

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? A gift? We open them all! This is one tradition that I will always have -- sorry future husband, it's already decided. Gifts from family are opened on Christmas Eve after church (while watching It's a Wonderful Life). Why? Because you have to make room under the tree for the gifts from Santa. Duh.

10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree? I have yet to have my own Christmas tree. This year, Rachel decorated our Oxford tree with red and green balls and bows. Our tree growing up was adorned with white lights, red bells, homemade and sentimental ornaments, and sometimes candycanes...but we'd usually eat them all before Christmas.

11. Snow! Love it or dread it? I love the snow...as long as I'm looking at it from inside the warm house. (I was born in Michigan and had a few Christmases there. I loved to sled. But there isn't enough snow in Mississippi to sled on...so it doesn't count.)

12. Can you ice skate? Confession: I've never been ice skating.

13. Do you remember your favorite gift? I was super excited when I got my first iPod because I was angsty and it meant I could listen to music in my ears all day and not have to listen to my mom and sister. Truth. (Sorry guys.)

14. What's the most important thing about the holidays for you? Celebrating with family -- not Santa or cookies or presents -- the birth of Jesus Christ. Yup.

15. What is your favorite holiday dessert? I love pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving, but we don't usually have one for Christmas. I'm not a dessert person. I like Mom's cheese log.

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? The church service on Christmas Eve that we go to every year. It's the same songs, the same message, and it never gets old. When we hold the candles and sing Silent Night...I get chills every time.

17. What tops your tree? Growing up, it was an angel and then a bird. Rachel put a lovely bow atop our Oxford Christmas tree.

18. Which do you prefer: giving or receiving? I knew I had grown up last year when I realized giving was more fun. Buuut that was just last year. My first 22 years, it was all about receiving.

19. Candy canes: yuck or yum? Yum. Until you want to save them for later and wrap it back in the plastic and it's all slimy and gets stuck. That's yuck.

20. Favorite Christmas show? Show? Movie? It's a Wonderful Life and Miracle on 34th Street (THE ORIGINAL) are my favorites.

21. Saddest Christmas song? Christmas Shoes. Tears every time.

22. What is your favorite Christmas song? Mary Did You Know. (Or Merry Christmas Baby -- the Hanson version, of course.)

Are you ready for Christmas?

10 Things + Confessional

2011-12-09T08:39:00.001-06:00

What better way to end the week than with little roundup?

(And a countdown to drinks tonight.)

[1]

After spending the past 4 days shut off to the world while reading The Hunger Games, I am depressed and confused. What a heavy book series. I'm glad I read it, but it was tough.

Oxford has a local bookstore called Square Books. There's also Off Square Books and Square Books Junior. I don't know who calls the shots, but whoever decided this series should be housed at Square Books Jr. should be fired. Definitely not for kids.

[2]

I finally started Christmas shopping (online, of course). And nearly finished in one day. I only have a few people to buy for this year (i.e., no boyfriend) so it hasn't been bad.

I had a harder time coming up with my list of things that I want this year. I'm a giver.

[3]

Currently in Oxford, it is 34°. Today's high is 52°. I'm not really a fan of the cold. I like boots and scarves but come on? 34°?

Next weekend, I will be here. Kill me.

[4]

My mom sent me a picture of her decorated Christmas tree earlier this week. It used to have all of our homemade ornaments and family memories hanging from it. Since my sister and I have been out of the house for 7 and 5 years, respectively, she decorates it differently.

It makes me sad.

[5]

I need a new car. Badly. My air doesn't work. Which means, not only do I not have heat in this 34° weather, I also don't have defrost. It's scary. Thankfully, my sister works nights and gets home right before I have to leave for work, so I have been driving her car. She's the best.

But it still bothers me that I have to scoot the seat back, flip up the mirror, and change the radio from a station that plays this to one that plays this. I need a new car.

[6]

I lied again about starting P90X. But I just got so wrapped up in those books that I didn't have time for anything else.

It starts (for reals) this Monday.

[7]

I hosted our work Christmas party on Sunday and made potato soup. It was a hit. Thankfully I tripled the recipe, so I could eat leftovers this week. I ate potato soup for about 7 meals, lunch and dinner. It was fabulous.

The recipe:

Boil 4 cups peeled and cubed potatoes and 1/4 cup chopped onion in 4 cups chicken broth. (Along with 1/2 tsp seasoned salt, 1/4 tsp pepper, & 1/4 teaspoon red pepper.) When tender, mash up some of the potatoes to thicken. (I usually scoop out a cup or two of cubes, mash what is left, and pour the unmashed cubes back in.) Lastly, add 1 8oz package of cream cheese. Simmer and stir until cheese is melted. It's phenomenal.

[8]

I want to go on a trip for NYE. Just down to the coast and just for 4 or 5 days. But, I can't (or don't want to) take Mosby with me.

Should I feel bad about pawning him off on my mom so soon?

[9]

Brad surprised me with a super awesome gift for Christmas. When he told me he got it for me, it literally brought tears to my eyes. And I'm not a cryer.

I don't think anyone can top this gift, but feel free to try!

[10]

Because a few of these were confessions, not only am I linking up with E Tells Tales for 10 Little Things, I'm also linking up with A Blonde Ambition for Confessional Friday!

Happy weekend, y'all.

I Got That Feeling

2011-12-05T16:26:00.000-06:00

I've been searching for a book to take me away. To give me the feeling of being in another world, surrounded by the characters. And boy, did I find it.

I remember before I read Twilight, thinking how stupid it was. It was back in the day when Facebook bumper stickers were all the rage. (Hey, can we bring those back?) I thought to myself, "If I see ONE more bumper sticker about wanting to be bitten by this Edward Cullen freak I am going to deactivate my Facebook." I didn't see one more. I saw 3287937298 more. So I did what any reasonable person would do...I went straight to the bookstore to see what he was all about.

I don't care who makes fun of me for what I am about to say...but the Twilight series is great. I love it. The books and the movies. The whole experience. I read the books lightening fast. I've been to the midnight showing of every movie. I'm almost dreading the final movie release because then what will I look forward to?

Oh, I know.

The Hunger Games.

After going through the same thought process (sans bumper stickers), I finally picked up the book. Before I saw the trailer for the movie, I had no idea what it was about. Something about hunger and a bird and archery. Lame.

After I saw the trailer, I was a little more intrigued. By page 23, I was in tears and could not stop reading. I finished the book this morning. (I went to sleep after finishing Part I and had the weirdest dreams.) I'm picking up book 2 on my way home from work. I was going to stop and get it on my way back from lunch but I knew I wouldn't get any work (or this post) done if I had it in front of me.

Is there going to be a pick Team Gale v Team Peeta thing happening?

If so, I'm Team Gale. For now. I think.

I have no idea what the next books have in store for me, but I can't wait to find out.

Confessional

2011-12-02T08:31:00.001-06:00

It's time for a few confessions, guys.

1. Yesterday, I wore leggings-as-pants. By choice. After Nike shorts, leggings-as-pants are sorority girls' best invention. You know it's true.

2. I have yet to start Christmas shopping, but I've been buying for myself like crazy. Oops!

3. I have forgotten that I have a new puppy multiple times. Like, when he goes outside. Until he barks at the door, sometimes I forget he exists. Let's hope that doesn't happen when I have kids one day.

4. I will be listening to Britney Spears all day today in honor of her 30th birthday. And I'm not even embarrassed to confess that one.

5. I sent my mom a picture of the boy I have a crush on (to remind her of what I want for Christmas) and she responded with, "OMG! Are you with him???" To which I had to reply, "Oh, no. I got that from Facebook." Creep!

6. Back in October when I vowed to start P90X again...I didn't. But 2 of my DVDs were missing. I finally got them back and I am starting on Monday. For real this time.

7. I keep a running list of future bridesmaids in my head (even though I'm not in a relationship). It has gotten a lot shorter through the years and it makes me realize that the most important friendships will last forever.

What are you confessing today?

(Link up here.)