the ruby Turtle hippie times

Babs, it's time for you to go.

2012-02-11T06:47:00.018-05:00

The past week everyone has been a buzz about Mimi Alford aka the Monica Lewinsky of the JFK administration. If you've read my blog for any amount of time, you know that I am a huge admirer of JFK and also an avid student of that period in history. I received a ton of text messages and phone calls from people back home telling me about her interview with Meredith Viera.

I remember reading about her in Robert Lepak's "An Unfinished Life: John F. Kennedy 1917-1963." I also remember reading about several other women that JFK slept with throughout the years. I remember her releasing her press release and reading a small blurb about it in the NY Times and then she basically disappeared. I don't agree with the many affairs JFK had, including this one, by any means. Never have and never will.

So I of course tuned in Wednesday night to see what she had to say. I wanted to see if she seemed genuine or if this was just someone trying to cash in. I thought that for the content of the book and the vivid details that are in there, Meredith conducted the interview quite gracefully. She was respectful of the position that Mimi was coming from and never once treated this woman like she was trash.

Then during a break from class yesterday morning, I saw twitter exploding with tweet after tweet about how the ladies from the View blasted Ms. Alford for writing this book all these years later. I immediately knew that it was most likely Barbara Walters who was doing the blasting.

I have been saying for years that I do not like Barbara Walters. While I respect that she is a major contributor to raising the glass ceiling, she is one of the rudest people I've ever seen on television. I am not going to pretend to know what it was like for her to fight to get to where she is today, but I think she is forgetting her own story because she too had affairs and in fact, ( GASP! SHOCK! THE HORROR!!) wrote a book about it and made a lot of money from it as well.

So I want to know where she gets off treating this woman like she is the scum of the earth. At this point, everyone knows that JFK is a prime example of the Great Man Theory-in short, great men have great flaws-and his flaw was his philandering ways. This is not something that is new. The difference between JFK and Bill Clinton is the breakdown in the media and distrust in government that happened during the Nixon administration.

I am just flat out appalled by this interview and by Barbara Walters. It is absolutely obvious that Walters was pissed more about the fact that she didn't get the big interview and Meredith Viera did then about the fact that Mimi Alford wrote this book.

Barbara Walters has sat down with Angelina Jolie before and never once did she ask her such calculating questions as to why she broke up Jennifer Anniston and Brad Pitt's marriage. I mean if she's gonna drag one mistress through the mud, at least be consistent with her treatment.

That to me is why it is obvious that Barbara Walters was rude, impolite, crude, distasteful, tacky, and classless in this interview. Bottom line, Babs was pissed because she didn't get the interview.

Gee, I wonder why.

By the way, I thought Ms. Alford handled herself very well.

What do y'all think about this? (I'm kinda afraid to ask to be honest.)

That's all I've got this morning. Just thought I'd throw in a little politics to help live up to my tagline up a little. You know gotta be consistent.

Happy Saturday!
P.S. Yes, I ordered this book.

I'm about to burst from all the warm fuzzies going on around here.

2012-02-10T11:42:00.000-05:00

I have officially lost 10.2 pounds.
I love the cranberry and aqua glass found in this article.Makes me think of my Grannie's house.
Just got an email (while in class) that my husband got a promotion at his job after being there only 2 and a half months!! YAY B!!!!!
I have shaved off almost five minutes on my mile time.
I'm going for a mani/pedi today with my best pals from school. I LOVE this group of girls.
The Academy Awards are two weeks away!

What is giving you the warm fuzzies?

Happy Friday y'all!!

Open Letters

2012-02-09T22:42:00.000-05:00

Dear God,

So far you've blessed us with wonderful friends here in Michigan. It will be super hard to leave them when we come back to Oklahoma. However, I've got one tiny thing to ask of you on the friends front. When we move back to Oklahoma, I'd like to find some friends that have some balance. People who love Jesus, but also know how to have fun and let loose once in awhile. I don't want to have to be afraid to be us. I know I've asked a lot already in this department, but I know you're faithful.

Love,

Sam

Dear Nike/Coach/Vera Bradley,

I really love seeing all the shoes, purses and gear in your emails you send me, but aren't y'all tired yet? I get an email a day from one of y'all at least.

Just wondering,

Sam

Rude people,

I want to know how you got to where you are that you're just that cranky to the world on a regular basis. It has got to be exhausting.

Sam

Dear Husband,

I love you and the way you love me. It makes me all kinds of sappy,

Love your sappy, mushy gushy loving wife,

Samantha

Dear Samantha,
Yes, you're writing to yourself. Yes it's awkward and all kinds of weird when someone writes in third person, but deal. At some point, when you start shedding some weight and your clothes will start to fit well again, and then you'll need new clothes....please don't be lame and buy just a bunch more sweats. Try to be at least a little bit trendy. You'll be glad you did.

Love,

Happy Thursday!

Wednesday is "Precedence" Day.

2012-02-08T14:31:00.000-05:00

Precedence: priority, first concern

Last month, I wrote about my resolutions for the year. And so far? I've done well with working on getting skinny-ish (I'm done 9 pounds say what!) and I've done well on writing what I want.

And since I'm feeling tangent-y (not a word, but just go with it okay!) I want to point out that some of you may have noticed that I'm not the sweetest or my usual self during January. I really do struggle with the SAD and since I think constantly about what my kids will see when they read this thing someday. I just want them to know that mommy was human too! While no one has had a normal winter this year, I still have struggled with what we've had. If I had this resolution to be real last year, it would have been far worse, I promise you. Last winter was a struggle.

And a tangent to a tangent, writing what I want doesn't mean I lambast my family members that make me crazy because they can't read my blog. That's not who I am and never will be. I have that kind of family trust me, I just think it tacky and classless to give one side of the story to a biased audience.

Now where was I? Oh yes...resolutions. The one I've sucked on the most? Communicating with my family.

Since starting this post I've talked to both of my parents today. But I haven't done that as often as I would have liked to so far this year.

Another part of my family that I've neglected? My Heavenly Father.

We made it to church for the first time in 2012 just this past Sunday.

There was maybe one weekend where we might have had somewhat of an excuse that I would consider acceptable for not going.

So I consider it absolutely pathetic that we just now made it to church.

I plan to do something about it too.

How is your progress going on your resolutions? What do you need to change or tweak?

Happy Wednesday.

Life above the Mason-Dixon Line...

2012-02-06T21:00:00.000-05:00

This is an intro of sorts for all the new readers out there! (Hey y'all by the way! I'm so glad you're here.)

This is also an update for the old readers too because it's about our life in Michigan.

The short back story is that we're here because I'm currently a law student up here. We, however, are from Oklahoma aka BELOW the Mason-Dixon Line.

When we moved here SEVENTEEN MONTHS AGO I said that I'd keep y'all updated on what life is like up here for us as outsiders. I did a few posts and then that was kinda it.

I'm fairly certain I've mentioned it more than that, but not devoted a whole post to it recently.

The Pros about Michigan:

Our Church Family-I cannot say this enough and I'll say it for the rest of my life. I LOVE LOVE LOVE our church. Part of the main focus of the church is the growth of the members of the church and let me tell you, people are always coming in because of this. Plus, one of the hugest testaments the church has about how faithful God is, is through the people of the church. Seriously, I love our church and I will miss it greatly when we go back to Oklahoma.
Our Friends-Before Brandon and I came to Michigan, one of our prayers was that we would meet good friends while here. God came through big time on this prayer. He has blessed us with so many wonderful people not only from church but from school as well.
Beautiful Spring and Summer-I am a huge fan of the warm months of the year specifically May to September because of all the sunshine! In Oklahoma, we're used to hot weather with lots of humidity. This was not necessarily something we experienced this past summer. It was so wonderful that the grass remained green all summer long. The average temperature was mid-80s, so even if I was running in that last summer, it wasn't awful. Plus it is absolutely beautiful to watch.

The Cons about Michigan:

Traffic-Everyone here drives like it is a green at Nascar day. ~~I'm not saying I can't hang with the best of them as far as speed is concerned~~...I am not sure what book driver students learned from, but I don't think it was anything that was issued by the state. Because if it was, they would follow the rules of the road. They cut people off like it's their job. Seriously. I will not miss this part.
Lack of Common Courtesy-Southern Hospitality is a very real thing and it is confirmed to me every time we interact with people in stores. No one holds doors. People hardly say "please," "thank you," "yes/no ma'am/sir," or "pardon/excuse me" and it really irritates the crap out of me. When someone does, I am taken off guard because it really is that rare.
Sonic is 40 minutes away-This is technically a con and a pro. I miss Sonic a ton. It's a treat if we get to go over there. At the same time, it's a really good thing because, it would be a serious power struggle if there was one close by for my diet.

To end on a positive note, we really do love it here and in fact, the winter is very cold and they usually get a lot of snow, but we love it. Seriously, if family was closer, we'd probably stay.

Happy Monday!

Just keep swimming.

2012-02-02T23:56:00.000-05:00

These are things I think are cool. I also am on the hunt for a few things too.

Have you seen this video? Dude is a former Sooner.
Pais was in her usual state of nap coma when this came on TV. She immediately did a search of the house because she couldn't figure out where all those dogs were.
I'd like to find some shirts that cover my booty so I can wear leggings without wearing a baggy t-shirt and a hoodie and going for the "workout" look. I do that enough as is. They need to be reasonably priced because I am cheap and I am working out and planning on being out of these clothes soon.
This is my last plug I swear. Not that it's been effective...but please post a vlog about your hair. I'd totally appreciate it. The link is here.
Also, this is not related, but I was struggling with working out today. Once I got started I was fine. My point? I'm sure there are people who are trying to make a change in their life right now that could use a little extra encouragement every once in awhile. (This is not a shameless attempt for y'all to encourage me. I'm serious. Encourage people you know because Lord knows the awful attitudes on Biggest Loser are not helping things right now.)
Puxtatawney Phil did whatever it takes for us to have six more weeks of winter. I am seriously hoping that it includes the sunshine we've been experiencing lately.

Hope this finds y'all well. Since I didn't wish it yesterday, I'm wishing it today. Happy February and Happy Groundhog Day!

Wednesday is "Grimy" Day.

2012-02-01T15:38:00.000-05:00

Grimy: dirty, scuzzy

I'm still working out 5-6 times a week. This is the beginning of my 4th week at it. And I've decided a few things about working out when you've got a lot of weight to lose.

Bellybutton sweat is not attractive.
Neither is butt sweat.
There is also another kind of sweat that is nasty and shall remain nameless, but I think you know what I'm talking about...
As women, we should encourage one another no matter what on this weight loss deal.
Even though, I am a super sweaty after a run, I somehow feel clean. I think it's toxins leaving my body.
A good pair of tennis shoes makes a world of difference.
Hearing girls that are a size 2 say they're fat stings. I know it is a thought they have about themselves, but honestly, I feel indirectly judged every time. It makes it super hard for me to do #4.
Falling asleep in your workout clothes is one of the most disgusting feelings in the world.
The first urge I have after every workout is to blow my nose so I can breathe. I almost feel like a new person when I've done it.
Putting up your goals in front of you will motivate you every time.

What are some gross and grimy things you experience when working out?

Happy Wednesday!

My Ugly Truth.

2012-01-31T12:39:00.002-05:00

For the majority of my life, I've been everyone else's cheerleader. I encourage those in hard situations. I push friends and family who are struggling with school to push on and promise them over and over that it will be worth it all in the end. (And education is worth it!) I'm not trying to toot my own horn. This is of my own doing.

Because I'm a cheerleader/motivational supporter/ big sister (literally and figuratively), I don't often receive the same treatment back. It's part of the job. I like taking care of others and encouraging them to do their very best.

But there is a downside to this: Often times, the big sister doesn't necessarily get even close to what she puts out there. It is draining to say the least. Sometimes, I don't feel like I can have problems. In fact, for the most part, I put up a good front to people when something is wrong simply because I don't think they'll care. I also take on their problems as well. I'm always trying to solve the next issue. I know how ridiculous and stupid this all sounds by the way. I know people care because when I finally let my guard down and cry, they are the first ones there to help me out.

But it is HARD for me to get to that point. I am as Type-A as a person can get. If my planner or phone gets lost, I feel as if part of my very soul has been cast off unvoluntarily and I cannot function.

The other downside to all of this is that I am a huge worry-wart. I mean, I could be a case study for how ridiculously high my level of worrying can reach.

I worry about whether I've locked the doors.
I worry about whether I turned off the flat iron.
I worry if I put Pais up.
I worry if I got my books, my phone charger, computer charger, planner, phone, and water bottle all stashed in my book bag.
I worry about the house burning down.
I worry that someone will break into the house while we're gone.
I worry that my computer will crash and I'll lose all of my lecture notes.
I worry about the Scentsy plug-ins getting turned off.
I worry about the fan on the elliptical getting turned off too.

And that is just the tip of the iceburg. That's not even covering emotional worry.

I worry about my relationship with Brandon.
I worry about my relationship with God.
I worry about my relationship with our families.
I worry about my families relationships with their own families.
I worry about my friends.
I worry that I've said the wrong thing.
I worry about financial stability.
I worry about law school.

Then there's the future.

I worry about moving back to Oklahoma.
I worry about taking the bar.
I worry about passing the bar.
I worry about the financial burden of paying off our student loans.
I worry about being able to have children easily. I worry about my family's health.

I just flat out worry.

I know that everything will work out and I should just breathe. But knowing and doing are two very different things.

I also know that I should be praying about my worry too. I do, but I pray about all the stupid crap I have just listed. My entire prayer life should not consist of petitioning God to keep these things from happening or not happening.

My relationship with Christ should be more than that.

Oh sure, I am thankful for the opportunities that we have and what it has brought to us.

But I still am sorely lacking in the adoration department in my prayers. (ACTS-Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication)

I know I'm not the only person with this problem and I definitely know I won't be the last. I come from a long line of worriers.

I just need some relief from my irrational, incessant worrying before it does me in big time.

THAT is my ugly truth.

If you have this problem or have had this problem, how did you seek God's face for his help on the matter. Did He heal you?

Happy Tuesday.

Sonic and getting my craft on going hand in hand apparently.

2012-01-30T18:51:00.000-05:00

On Saturday, we woke up and decided we needed a taste of Oklahoma and so we drove 35 minutes for Sonic.

(Did you know Sonic originated in Shawnee, Oklahoma? Brad Pitt and Sonic are their claim to fame. Think about that one for a minute.)

Then we went to see "One for the Money." The fans of this book series per the crowd at this theater save me, are old women. I'm talkin' blue hair and everything.

Obviously I was the juvenile in attendance with my rainbow icee.

We came home and I got my craft on.

I first, put the print-out that is circling the blogosphere/twitter world right now.

We watched Moneyball that night. Good film btw.

And then I made this little ditty for our guest bathroom. I recently moved my stuff in there because we get ready at the same time in the mornings and it's just easier for me to use the other bathroom. We have it, so someone should use it. I have navy and canary yellow going on in there right now. I needed another color so I added in the pink.


The chevron took FOR. EV. ER.

So that was my weekend. How was yours?

Happy Monday!

A vlog about my hair? Psssshh I would NEVER!

2012-01-26T15:21:00.000-05:00

Except really, I have every time I've vlogged here.

What can I say? I have a relationship with my hair.

Notes about this Vlog (because there always are some! And plus, I'm just trying to hold tradition, since I know y'all won't know what to do with yourself if I don't....or maybe I just feel more comfortable if I put them here.):

Video #1

The words coming out of my mouth doesn't match the sound.
I had this grand idea of doing a Hair Questionnaire Vlog right as I hit the publish button, so you get to watch me ramble in this video.

As I previously mentioned, I thought it would be fun for all of us to make a vlog about what our hair routine is. I always like to see what products everyone uses and also what the routine is for y'all too. I'm all about dropping money on my hair so it will amazing. Here are the questions...

What is your daily routine?
What do you do weekly?
What do you monthly?
What are your favorite products and why?

Video #2

HELLO DOUBLE CHIN!!! (Reason #4,274 why I'm losing weight.) Next time I record a vlog I will be lower than my computer.
I have an obsession with Mint Scented Shampoos.
I shower all 7 days of the week, but only shampoo 3-5. Just want to clarify, so y'all don't think I'm stinky/weird.
Did y'all know I wear glasses? Well I do.
I have big lips...like Angelina Jolie size lips.
In this video for some reason, I sound like a Valley Girl mixed with my Oklahoma Twang. I blame it on the fact that I'm talking about my hair.
I need to get some color. Seriously, I am so pale.

So here's the link-up! I hope everyone joins and plays along! I think this will be lots of fun.

Happy Thursday!!

Wednesday is "Vexatious" Day.

2012-01-25T22:38:00.000-05:00

Vexatious: aggravating, annoying, irritating.

When I was in junior high, I had the same Honors English teacher for 8th and 9th grade. She wore red glasses and always called us by "Miss So and So" or "Mr. So-and-So", never by our first names. If she called us by our first names, it was followed by our middle names.

She went back and forth between teacher, boss, and mom. She was always in control, no matter the role.

She was this tiny little thing with long hair that she always wore in a low ponytail with curls at the end. On my way to school, I always saw her running with her hair in a braid with pink foam curlers at the end.

She challenged us in all areas. She encouraged us to live more, to read more, to take chances more, and to know more vocabulary.

She always expected the very best from us and nothing less.

It was downright infuriating and irritating at times.

Hence, today's word. (I had it on one of her vocab tests at one point.)

She's not dead or anything, I just was thinking about her during my runs today and I ran a little harder because of it.

Her passion for kids, including me, is part of why I am where I am today. That is her impact. If you asked me which teachers were my favorites from my junior/senior high school years, she's one of three easily.

What or who pushes you or drives you when you work out/in school/in life?

Happy Wednesday!

Because ranting about the "F" word is always entertaining....

2012-01-24T13:09:00.002-05:00

No, I'm not talking about the "F dash dash dash" word. (Name that movie reference for ten cool points!)

I'm talking about the other dirty F word: Facebook.

When Facebook was released, it was made available only to persons in college/alumni.

Life was grand and glorious.

And then the powers that be decided to open the floodgates and allow anyone over the age of 13 to have an account.

Social media as we know it, in my opinion, went to hell in a handbasket.

No longer could you post about non-issues without John the Loser from your hometown or a family member that you're obligated to be friends with because otherwise it would look bad making some asinine comment that paid no attention whatsoever to your status.

Because then every decent and grammatically correct Facebook user is faced with the dilemma ....

Do we....

pull a passive aggressive -some might consider this choosing your battles wisely- and delete said asinine comment and act as if it didn't happen??

OR
respond to said comment and remind them kindly of what your status said and then politely disagree with them and subject yourself to "Facebook drama" for GASP! not having the same opinion as that specific person???

I wish I could say that I ~~pull a passive aggressive~~ choose my battles wisely and just delete it or keep my mouth shut.

Let's be honest, when have I ever kept my mouth shut about or just ignored stupidity?

I am always the person that reminds them of what my status says and then disagrees with the person.

And here's why: I think that everyone is entitled to their opinion. No matter what. Differences of opinion is why people came to this country in the first place. I further think that even though you may not agree with a person, and in fact may hate the other person's opinion, hell you might even think it's downright stupid, you still have to respect that person's opinion. Because they arrived at it for their own reasons, just like I arrive at mine.

In the case of stupid people on Facebook, I always want to make sure they know where I'm coming from even though I've given a detailed status that borders on ridiculous to the point that it should be so clear where I stand and am coming from, that they get it the first time. When it's clear they are in fact, stupid and don't pay attention, I usually respond.

BUT SERIOUSLY, FOR THE LOVE, WHY CAN'T THE PERSON READ THE STATUS AND PAY ATTENTION PUHLEEZE?????

I mean how hard is it???

This is why Twitter will beat Facebook EVERY STINKIN' TIME.

And THAT is end of my rant about the "F" word for today. I'll be stepping off my soapbox now.

Happy (emphasis on the word "happy") Tuesday.

A Weekend in Review

2012-01-23T17:17:00.001-05:00

My weekends start on Thursdays this semester. I had quite a weekend that put me off schedule, but I got it all under control on Sunday.

Thursday

After class, I met up with a pal of mine for lunch and then we hit up Ulta and the local mall. I found a new phone case and some of the Muppets OPI collection on sale. (I'm a huge buy stuff on sale only type of girl.) After work, B came over and set up the internet for my pal and her roomie's new apartment. We stayed late and as a result, I missed my workout that day.

Friday

Woke up with some snow on the ground and off to help my pal with her car because it wouldn't start. We ran around finding a new battery. Afterwards, I went home because I had to get in a decent workout. I did TWO days worth of Couch to 5k because I really am serious about losing weight this year. I was disgusting afterwards. I then hopped into the shower and picked up our room after I got out of the shower. (Side note: Isn't it amazing what making your bed will do for your bedroom?? Maybe I should do this more often.) I thought we were going out for a date that night, but B wasn't really into it when he got home so I finished getting ready. We met up with some pals for dinner and when we went out it was snowing pretty good. I took B home and then had a girls night in. It was good to hang out and talk with each other.

Saturday

Went and got a shellac manicure, then went grocery shopping. After grocery shopping, we went out with some friends from school on a double date to our favorite MExican restaurant. It was wonderful. Seriously, I think I found my new favorite meal from there...too bad it will have to be considered a cheat meal.

Sunday

All of the fun I was having during the week caught up with me and I was exhausted.We missed church and I was feeling out of whack because I didn't get done what I normally do. So after a meeting at the school on Sunday, I headed home and cleaned the house, got caught up on my shows and made a late lunch of grilled chicken salad that was amazing! We then worked on laundry and got caught up on our shows. I read part of "One for the Money" for a bit before bed.

Monday

Today, I woke up and worked on finishing "One for the Money", ate lunch at home with B, then I started and finished my reading for tomorrow's class, and now I'm finishing up some shows and writing this post before I work out today.

What can I say? I am lame and boring. But sometimes, being lame and boring is a good thing.

Happy Monday!

Wednesday is "Sagacious" Day.

2012-01-18T22:12:00.001-05:00

Sagacious: profound, deep

I wish I had something sagacious -like that big word??? We law folks are obsessed with words-to say today on my blog. Instead, all I can think about is the fact that I need to find my Spanx and finish my reading before tomorrow morning.

Yes, I have Spanx.

Yes, I still have homework to do at 10pm the night before class. I promise my family is not shocked in the slightest. I have a history of procrastination.

I also am thinking about how proud I am for losing 4 pounds this week, but I still have a ways to go. I could legitimately be on the Biggest Loser. I would be one of the lighter ones. I would be a serious threat though because if I had time to do nothing but lose weight, I wouldn't waste it.

Speaking of Biggest Loser, I have a lot of shows from this week that I need to watch. Okay, I really don't need to watch them, but I like watching them all the same.

In other news, I am ready for winter to take a big ol' hike. I know that there are some winter lovers out there, but I am just not one of them. Honestly, living in Florida probably wouldn't be awful for me. (I know all about humidity and I think I could handle it in the summer time.)

Let's see what else is new?? Oh yeah, I got my hair cut which I mentioned on Monday. I was totally going to do a vlog about it too! Well, at least I know what my material for later this week will be!!

Now before I'm up any later than I already should be for tomorrow, I'm getting off here. I've gotta look pretty for my vlog tomorrow you know!! Oh and for school too! ;)

Happy Wednesday!

Monday Mumblings...

2012-01-16T18:50:00.000-05:00

In 2011, I mumbled a lot on Mondays. It was a thing and people got used to it.
In 2012, I'm not sure how much I'll mumble.

I think I may be the worst dog mommy ever. Pais and I were working on clipping her nails. We were doing pretty good too and then I clipped too close. It was bad. Blood was shed. Tears were shed (mine not hers) and I called B to come help me out. She's fine now, but I'm fairly certain that if there ever was a chance of a dog owning a pony, Paisley has as good a shot as anyone, I'm feeling that awful.
The Golden Globes were so-so last night. I think The Help was robbed on several accounts. Of course, I haven't seen War Horse or The Iron Lady yet so I may not be the best judge of character at this point.
One of my favorite episodes of Gilmore girls is when Lane and Zac get married.
I want to get a shellac manicure soon.
It seems like there is a strong possibility that people are going to visit this year.
I have the first Victoria Beckham haircut as of last Friday. You know the one that made inverted bobs famous again? Yes that one. I think I'm going to vlog about it later this week. I still want to go blonde again.
Speaking of hair, I wear a doo-rag when I work out. Is that ghetto or biker chick of me?
Getting mail is fun.

Happy Monday!

A Love of Film...

2012-01-15T22:53:00.000-05:00

I don't remember the first movie I ever saw, but I do know that one of my very first memories as a child was watching a movie with my daddy in his chair.

With my Grannie passing last Spring, I find myself thinking of my time left with my dad and mom more and more each day. I know that sounds a bit morbid, but it's true.

Anyway, I have seen thousands upon thousands of movies literally because of my dad's love of motion pictures. Until I was 14 we didn't have cable and so we watched a lot of movies growing up.

And I am so thankful to my dad for that. I hope that I have the chance to and do my kids justice the way he did us.

Love you daddio. Just wanted you to know that.

Favorites on a Friday...

2012-01-13T20:37:00.000-05:00

These are my favorites this Friday...

the My Fitness Pal app
grocery shopping with my husband
the Duchess of Cambridge-Catherine is just so exquisite
checking things off of my to-do list
my nails are finally starting to grow out again
watching Gilmore girls before bed
mail that is on its way to my house

What are some things that are your favorite this Friday?

Shake Yer Groove Thang: What No One Really Says About Workout Tunes

2012-01-12T15:36:00.001-05:00

As far as the blog world and the Twitter world knows, I've always had a weight issue. But there was a time in college, where I was skinny-ish.

Now you may be sitting there dumbfounded, saying, "Self, how was Samantha so skinny-ish?"

Well, I tell you. I ran, ate right, and had good work-out music.

(Side Note: I should tell you that I will probably never be skinny because 1) I like food too much, 2) I was a softball player so it's hard for my body to shrink down when it was trained for over half my life to be a certain build and 3) I think my healthy weight isn't the same as what the traditional weight is for my height- see #2 about playing softball as the reason for why I'm this way.)

Anyway. This blog is about the type of music I think women are likely to listen to when they work out. Or at least why I listen to what I what I listen. (LANDS. Did that make a lick of sense?)

I get into trouble all the time when writing for school. My professors are constantly telling me that when I keep it concise, I make sense. They don't understand that I'm from the South and I've never met a stranger (like my momma) and I'm a story teller (like my daddy).

WHAT AM I TRYING TO SAY??

Oh yeah, I like to talk. A. LOT.

Today specifically, I'm telling you how tunes land on my running playlist. (I swear I'm getting to the point.)

Sam's Theories on What Constitutes Good Running Music:

Music That Makes you Feel Good-This really should be quite straight forward. There is just some music that makes a person feel good. But where this post is gonna get a little randy, is right here, (Family --including my future children--stop reading now!!)-because I am going to be so bold to say that one of the times in our lives that we feel best about ourselves is when we're well...doing what adults do when they are married and have a license to do. And sometimes, during that experience, there might be some music playing to help set the mood. Each person has their preference. Sometimes it is fast paced. If so, you should add it. You'll remember how you felt and part of my weight loss goal is also to include feeler hot about myself. I know my husband says that I am, but I still want to believe that I am. One way that I can believe this is by taking care of my body and being proud of it in the process and when I hear this music it will remind me of my goal.

Personal Examples: Shake Your Groove Thing by Peaches & Herb, Got To Give It Up by Marvin Gaye, Do You Wanna Touch Me by Glee Cast feat. Gweneth Paltrow, Sexy and I Know It, by LMFAO.
Angry/Frustration Music: This also should be obvious. For me, another goal of working out some days is to get a release from the frustrations/worries/stress of the day. Sometimes, you just need a good beat to help you work out that much harder.

Personal Examples: I Hate Myself for Loving You by Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, Only Prettier by Miranda Lambert, Piece of Me by Britney Spears, and Rip Her to Shreds by Blondie
Music Played on the radio on a day when you're having an especially good day-Typically this happens for me when I'm having a good hair day. Yes, you're free to roll your eyes. What can I say? I am a person who appreciates the small things and a good hair day is one of my favorite small things! Sometimes, I'm really fortunate to have a good hair day align with a nice day out too and when God is really gracious and blesses me with a good song on the radio too, it makes it downright spectacular. Having those on there can turn a frown upside down some days.

Personal Examples: Catch A Wave by The Beach Boys, Whip My Hair by Willow, Moves Like Mick Jagger by Adam Levine, Stacy's Mom by Fountains of Wayne, Brown Eyed Girl by Van Morrison, Pocketful of Sunshine by Natasha Bedingfield, Carrie Ann by The Hollies, She's Not There by The Zombies, and Bad Romance by Lady Gaga.
Music that Motivates You-This should be obvious as well. I like music that pumps me up and reminds me why it will all be worth it to work out.

Personal Examples: Firework by Katy Perry, Fight for Your Right by The Beastie Boys, Hit Me with Your Best Shot by Pat Benatar, Soak Up The Sun by Sheryl Crow, and Lose Yourself by Eminem.
Music with a Good Beat-This is also obvious, but still worth mentioning because it will make up the bulk of your list.

Personal Examples: This is where Britney Spears, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, P!nk, and Beyonce do the hard work for me.

Now tell me, what are some of your favorite tunes that encourage you up while you work out or run?

Happy Thursday!

Wednesday is "Tenderhearted" Day.

2012-01-11T14:00:00.000-05:00

Tenderhearted: soft-hearted; sympathetic

Do you ever go over a hard conversation you've had with a good friend a thousand times in your head after having it?

No? I'm the only ~~crazy~~ person who analyzes a conversation over and over and over and over and over and over and over again, stopping to do homework, blog, exercise, make hair appointments, grocery shopping. Except really, I don't stop analyzing everything because it's still running in the back of my mind what all was said and the never-ending and evil cycle begins again.

And yet at the same time, if someone asked me if I would do it all over again, I would not hesitate for a moment because I said everything I wanted to say.

When I am a friend to someone, they get me and my whole heart, but when I put myself out there, I still am my worst critic and am so afraid I've done something wrong, even when I know in my heart of hearts, that I didn't say anything that I wouldn't have said if they asked me.

I let myself be vulnerable which is really hard and I don't regret it in the slightest. But at the same time, I don't want to hurt anyone.

I think it's part of my spiritual gift of discernment, I observe and read people well so easily, but at the same time, I am a huge people pleaser.

(Side note: I am the oldest child and am a major combo of my parents. Example: Dad is the discern-er/worry-wart, Mom is the people pleaser/tender-hearted.)

DOES ANY OF THIS JIBBERISH MAKE SENSE?????

I guess what I'm trying to say is that I'm extremely tender-hearted and sometimes it just kicks me in the pants.

How about you? Do you struggle with this issue? (SOMEONE PLEASE FOR THE LOVE SAY YES SO I FEEL NORMAL. PLEASE.)

Happy Wednesday!
P.S. Thanks for all the tips yesterday! Keep them coming!!

Today is the day.

2012-01-10T20:55:00.000-05:00

Today is the day I started working out and taking care of myself. I need to lose 70 pounds this year.

I know that is a high goal, but I have got to start taking care of myself. I started running this last summer and then it teetered off this past fall.

Now I'm back at it and I am not willing to give up this go-round. I want to look hot for my husband. I know that might be an uncomfortable thing to hear. It is certainly hard to say.

But I want to look hot for my husband.

AND I am not willing to give up at this point. I want to wear the cute clothes.

So give me your tips, whatever they are. Let's hear them!

Happy Tuesday!

Motivation.

2012-01-07T22:57:00.000-05:00

There's the short term kind...


...and the long-term/leave the boys in the dust kind.

Either way, both are working their magic on me tonight.

On Being a Total Worry-Wart...

2012-01-05T18:47:00.000-05:00

I was so proud of myself last night because I finished my reading at 11:15, then drafted out my schedule for the week and was in bed by midnight.

AND THEN...I could NOT go to sleep to save my life.(By the way, this must be the week of the "AND THEN.."

It was one of those nights where my anxiety just gets the best of me.

I worried about anything and everything.

I worried about noises I heard while I tried to sleep.
I worried about making sure I understood the cases I had to know for today's class.
I worried about paying bills.
I worried about my dad. (Ever since my Grannie died, I've been suddenly consumed with when he will pass away.)
I worried about the end of the world.
I worried about the locks on the doors being locked.
I worried about making the right impression.

I just worried.

I also worried if God would be disappointed in me for doubting Him about all of the above things.

The next thing I knew it was 1:30AM.

I have no idea when I passed out from the exhaustion of worrying about it all.

I woke up in a foul mood too.

It was a long day to say the least.

I just wanted to write this down and put it somewhere to help it get it out of my system.

Happy Thursday.

Wednesday is "Routine" Day.

2012-01-04T20:22:00.000-05:00

Routine:

a customary or regular course of procedure.
commonplace tasks, chores, or duties as must be done regularly or at specified intervals; typical or everyday activity: the routine of an office.

So, remember yesterday when I blogged about being super tired because my routine was all kinds of out of whack because I'd been reading The Hunger Game trilogy?

Yeah, well.

Because I am ~~stupid~~ hooked I stayed up again until 3 AM last night reading Mockingjay again.

When my alarm went off this morning, I have never wanted to throw my precious iPhone so bad in my entire life.

I barely kept my eyelids open during class. I'm talking I needed toothpicks for my eyes it was so bad.

And what does one do after daydreaming about a nap during class the whole time?

Read the rest of Mockingjay of course! Because that makes total sense right?????????????

RIGHT????

Then I ate a small lunch and passed out FOR THREE AND A HALF HOURS.

What am I trying to say in this second mess of a post this week?

I need a schedule people. I crave a good routine. And staying up all hours of the night and then getting up early the next morning, does not a good routine make.

So I'm working on a good routine now for this semester since it slightly alters each semester.

Because I need routine.

And now that I've said routine 3,672 times in this post, I'll close to go wrap up homework.

Happy Wednesday.

Intentions and the like...

2012-01-03T23:51:00.048-05:00

So on Monday I had a plan to read for class, blog, read the remainder of Catching Fire, organize my last binder and I was even going to work on planning some posts for this week.

And then, I sat down to read Catching Fire and well, the next thing I knew I was up until 1AM last night doing homework. Then because I'd finished Catching Fire and maybe rewarded myself by reading a chapter of Mockingjay in between chunks of reading for class, I continued to read Mockingjay some more. The next thing I knew it was 3AM.

The best laid plans...

Then today, I needed a nap bad after class. Class by the way was interesting and I think I'm really going to like my professor. After lunch, I took a nap, then got up and made some mashed potatoes and salad for dinner. Some friends offered to bring over steaks. And since we're not ones who are inclined to say no to a good ribeye, we said yes. They were delicious. When I asked what they wanted, one told me that whatever I made was sure to be wonderful.

They were. (TOOT. TOOT.)

What can I say? I'M KIND OF A BIG DEAL.

AND THEN, we watched the Michigan/Virginia Tech game for a bit while I organized my binder for tomorrow's class and finished reading the material.

So here I am completely behind on blogs, homework done and almost finished with Mockingjay (BTW-Team Peeta) and I will most likely be in need of another nap after class tomorrow.

I have to finish the Hunger Games series now because I won't have time for them later in the semester. Plus, they're really easy reads. I have lots of thoughts on them and maybe I'll put them on this old blog.

But I doubt it.

I also want to read "One for the Money" by Janet Evanovich before the movie comes out at the end of the month. My interest was peaked highly by the trailers produced for both series. What does that say about me that it took a movie trailer to send me over the edge to finally read a book after two years of debate?

ARE YOU NOT JUST ABSOLUTELY RIVETED AT THIS POINT??????

Anyway.

This post is supposed to be my intentions for the week. So yeah, basically I planned to write some decent blog posts, get my homework done at a reasonable hour and read The Hunger Games series on the side.

But we all know that the road to hell is paved with good intentions...

You can just call me a bus driver because what I intended and what happened are two very different things.

In short, I read almost the entire series and then decided I should do some homework. I got it done, but had to lose some precious beauty sleep in the process.

The result of which, is this little gem of a post you may (or may not!) have just finished reading.

Happy Tuesday!

The post where I resolve to take care of myself.

2012-01-01T14:20:00.000-05:00

I have found in my time in law school, that if I want something to stick or resonate with me, I have to write it down so I won't forget it.

So I'm writing down my resolutions this year because I want these to stick. (And also, because this summer is my husband's 10 year high school reunion and the next summer is mine. Yes, I'm going to look better than the girls and guy who made high school a living hell for me.)

See? I mean business.

To further prove I mean business, these bad boys are on their way to me.

What are your New Year's resolutions? Happy New Year to y'all!