In My Last Days, we meet Zach Sobiech. At the age of 14, he was diagnosed with a rare form of terminal cancer; but rather than sitting around waiting to die, he got up and started living. This past Monday, at age 17, he passed away.

This mini-documentary is inspiring, uplifting, and it has stayed with me ever since I watched it. I promise, the 22 minutes will fly by, you’ll fall in love with Zach, and you will cry.

This second video is a TED Talk that I found via Clare. I adore Dr. Meg Jay’s message to my fellow 20-somethings out there. She claims that our 20s is our “defining decade” and that 30 is not the new 20. I love that her approach for this Talk comes from her experience as a mental health professional, and I feel inspired by her message to people my age: make use of your time. now.

Have you seen any great/happy/inspiring videos lately? If so, please link up! 

This weekend was totes fab totally fabulous. I sound like a broken record, but I honestly have some wonderful people in my life – and this weekend was spent with many of them!

On Friday, Jamie came over to celebrate Cory’s birthday by drinking copious amount of Malibu and pineapple juice.

Soon before we retired for the evening, Jamie brought up The Cicada Invasion. While my heart DID skip a beat, I chuckled with evil delight as I pulled out my newest weapon.

My jumbo bug zapper.

I fear you no more, cicada.

On Saturday, the birthday celebration continued with a cookout with some of our neighbor friends.

Unfortunately, the weather was mildly-gross, so most of the night was spent indoors. That said, we did take a few minutes to enjoy some drinks on our brand-spankin’-new deck.

Lastly, on Sunday my parents and my grandma came down to good ole’ Richmond for lunch. My grandma, Mare, had yet to see the new digs, so we figured it was about time.

And that was the weekend, folks! I hope yours was lovely as well! Have a fantastic Monday

Happy birthday to you!

Happy birthday to you!

Happy birthday, dear Cory!

Happy birthday to you!

I’ve been smitten with this guy since his tender age of 20! I can’t believe he turns 27 today! I know what you’re thinking: What’s like to be with such an old man?

Last night, Cory and I attended a developer meeting for our community. The first half an hour was great: the developer discussed the exciting future plans for our area and I thought, Wow I am so lucky to live this kind of life. I feel proud.

Then, the developer opened the floor for questions…and my mind was literally blown to smithereens.

This man was bombarded by angry adults, yelling and complaining passionately, waving their HOA documents (note: this was not an HOA meeting) and demanding answers.

How will we monitor how many guests people bring to the pool?!*

We really have to share the pool with the [CHILDREN'S] swim team four nights a week?*

My neighbor has had a camper outside of their house for months and the HOA has done NOTHING ABOUT IT!*

 There is a hole in the Earth next to my house – it wasn’t there when we closed – who’s going to fix this?* (To this, I thought: Are you there, God? Ann’s pissed.)

Can you please work on adding more equipment to the play ground? My three-year-old has nothing to do but chew mulch. I would bring her toys from home, but those are the toys she sees everyday.*

At this point, all my pride had dissipated and I felt embarrassed. I was embarrassed to be among a group of adults complaining with fiery passion about mulch and chair space at the pool.

I felt embarrassed that I spent over an hour of my time listening to this foolishness. This was an hour of time I could have volunteered to something substantial: hunger, homelessness, coaching, an animal shelter, etc.

This made me realize how truly, truly fortunate we (i.e. anyone who’s reading this on a computer/phone/iPad) are, how out of touch we are, and how unwilling we are to fix our own “problems.”

If someone upsets you, talk to them.

If you’ve reached a dead end, back track and find another way around.

If you’re yelling and no one is listening, soften your approach.

If the pool, your children’s toys, or the imperfections in your lawn are the biggest of your concerns, take a step back and refocus.

We’re privileged. And we shouldn’t take it for granted. 

*Actual comments made at the meeting

Hey, hey! Man, life has been ca-razy lately. I can’t complain, really. I’m transitioning into a new Big Kid role at work, and while exciting, when I come home at the end of the day, I’m beat.

So rather than bore you with the going-ons of my full time work schedule and ridiculously early bed time, I’m opting for a photo dump to explain my life lately.

I snicker every time I see this place.

I almost kicked this woman in the face 17 times. My feet are so ticklish! (and gross) 

While casually antiquing, I stumbled upon the most terrifying doll/highchair combo.

After a shitty day at work, I self-medicated consumed several skinny margaritas. 

(Lemon lime sparkling water, a bit of OJ, 2 tbsp lime juice, oh, and tequila.) 

Another daily reminder that we’ve moved to Southern Virginia. 

My AMAZING husband built his first deck. In 3 weeks. 

And he enjoys it

What’s been going on with YOU lately?!

• Since Monday, I have requested being called “Master Colleen” at all times. My dad is the only one on board, but I’ll take it.

Master Colleen, can you help me with this? As he lifts up his iPad.

Sure, Dad, I can help you log onto Facebook. You know, because I HAVE MY MASTER’S. 

• My brother, on the other hand, remains unimpressed – as documented in his response to the email my mom sent out the the whole fam damily.

• It’s common knowledge that I am actually a 45-year-old woman trapped in a 25-year-old’s body. How do I know? Last night I ordered a marg at dinner and the waitress asked to see my ID. My immediate response? You’re so kind. 

• My best friends know me so well. The above picture captures my excitement over the gifts Emily and Jamie showered me with. Vodka, Swedish Fish, Monster trail mix, and a new pandora charm – the main priorities in my life.
• I’m seriously contemplating becoming a hermit until mid-June, as the thought of the cicada invasion is giving me heart palpitations and PTSD flashbacks.

• BuzzFeed is my favorite website, and this article made me laugh out loud. Alone. In Starbucks.
• I’ve been sleeping so poorly lately that I’m considering chugging NyQuil before bed tonight just so I can pass out. Normal?

original

• How do you NOT eat this entire beg in one sitting?! I’m considering asking Cory to hide it from me.

• Last Friday, I had one three too many mojitos (no surprise there) and I ending up face-timing with my brother and his ahhhmazing girlfriend, Erin. Last night, in attempt to possibly stage an intervention (?), Brian texted me evidence of our chat. Like a, it’s almost the weekend – don’t be a fuck up again type message. I can handle that.

Note to self:

I should probably start modeling

• Happy Friday Eve, my friends!

It makes me gag that it’s been three years since I graduated college.

Over the past three years, I have been working full-time on my Master’s degree in Community Counseling. I refrained from talking about school in depth here on the blog, because, in my experience, grad school sucks the fun and joy out of life.

Dramatic? Maybe. Maybe not.

When we moved to Richmond for Cory’s job, the prospect of a 4 hour (round-trip) commute for the last year of grad school dampened my already sopping wet spirit. But you know what?

I did it.

The thing is, I can’t credit just myself. Without Cory, this wouldn’t be possible. He’s worked full time, listened to my meltdowns, and convinced me not to quit on more than one occasion.

My parents have let me stay with them after my night classes, fed me too much, and stayed up late listening to me vent about school and life.

My in-laws have been some of my biggest cheerleaders since day one. My mother-in-law would send me weekly count-down texts during this last semester, which I appreciate more than she knows. They also feed my husband on Monday nights. It must be a parent thing

My friends have motivated me, supported me, and cheered me on throughout this entire journey.

My professors from undergrad, with whom I still chat!, prepared me for this insane educational marathon.

So, really, we did it.

Yep, friends, I’m finally (finally, finally, FINALLY) Colleen Nichols, M.Ed.

I know it’s normally Totally Truthful Thursday, but you know what? I have a lot to be thankful for this week (read: always) – and clearly I’m a sucker for alliteration

• My husband, duh. He’s the best – seriously. He makes me laugh every single day, he’s smart as all get out, and he can pretty much do anything. I simply adore him.

Yes, he’s building our deck. No, he’s never built one before. Yes, he’s amazing.

• Genuine friendships - I’m so lucky to have a generous handful of people who I genuinely trust, laugh with, and can simply be myself around.

Only a lucky few can handle this much weird. 

• Our neighbors - OH MY GOD we have the best neighbors ever. More times that I can count, I’ve said to Cory, Seriously. How did we get this lucky?

aaaaaaaaaaa

Not to mention, our entire neighborhood is amazing. Example: I drive down the street waving to kids…and enjoy it. Who am I?

• My health - There’s not a day that passes when I don’t thank The Big Guy for my able body and mind.

• Being DONE with grad school this upcoming Monday.

• Contacts, tampons, and birth control - because they make my life better.
• Our DVR - How else would I watch shows that come on after 9 PM?
• Google Maps and GPS – For without those two inventions, I would most likely be a hermit.
• My jeans still fitting - because I’ve missed more workouts than I care to admit.
• For Sweet Frog not being within walking distance of my house - because then I would definitely have to omit the previous thankful statement.

• Tomorrow being Friday. Enough said.

*Tell me something you’re thankful for!

I’ll admit that I’m totally guilty of judging people that I don’t know. I’m not saying I’m vicious, but I am human.

That said, one place were I find myself refraining from judgement is at the gym. I know it takes guts to try something new, and I know it takes a hell of a lot of determination to simply get yourself there.

Also, I’m usually so focused on not making an ass out of myself that I don’t may much attention to other people.

So, this brings me to yesterdays Body Pump.

A woman had brought her 10(ish) year old daughter to the class. To top it off, the little girl was drinking, what I’m assuming to be, Starbucks coffee (it was in a Starbucks cup, and I eavesdropped overheard her mention it being coffee.)

Let’s be clear: I am highly aware that everyone parents differently; there isn’t one “right” or “wrong” way to parent. I also know that I do not have children yet. Although, when I see situations like this, I do think to myself, if I were a parent, what would I do? 

I’m not making the assumption that this woman is a bad mother. It just felt wrong to see a little girl at a weight lifting class, java in hand.

I am a huge advocate for healthy, active children, but in my mind active children are riding bikes, jumping rope, swimming, going on walks, etc.

In the past few weeks, I’ve had several mothers mention to me that their 4 – 6 year old daughters are already expressing signs of being self conscious about their bodies. This makes me wonder, is there a “right” or “wrong” way to talk to children about working out and being active? It it beneficial for little children attend fitness classes designed for adults?

I’d love, love, love to hear your opinion.

Sometimes, a few mood-boosting quotes are what I need to get me in gear for an awesome Monday (and in turn, an awesome week.)

I hope your day is fabulous, my friends!