Things I Love Thursday ♥

1. Have you met Maddie the Coonhound? She is so adorable, is a rescue dog, has a book all about her, and  is now going on a tour! She'll instantly put a smile on your face.

2. Eating Christmas themed gobstoppers in June! Lots of flavors in assorted winter holiday colors. Yum!

3. This post on why it's okay to be unpopular is so uplifting and inspiring. A good reminder to always be true to yourself.

4. Going through a blogger's block? I know we've all been there, so this post is excellent to read to get back into the swing of blogging!

5. Write with Shakespeare, Edgar Allen Poe, and Emily Dickinson thanks to Google!!

6. Even though it's not homemade like I like it, flan is still amazing even if it's in small processed packages.

7. The weather has been muggy because of rain, but I love the summer thunderstorms that lull me to sleep.

8. Almost done with the 9th season of Bridezillas. I am seriously obsessed with this show! Thank you, Netflix!

9. A ton of my friends from college are getting amazing dream jobs, and while it makes me feel old, I could not be more proud of my talented group of friends and all their accomplishments!

10. We're already half-way through June, but that just brings us closer to the 4th of July!!

Currently [1]

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Reading: The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. It's taken me about two weeks to get half-way done (embarrassing, I know) but I am so obsessed with it. I read about two chapters a night and have wonderful dreams of this Le Cirque des Rêves, which is so vivid with Morgenstern's prose and imagery. I'm far from done with this book, but I highly recommend it.

Listening: 1994 by Jason Aldean. I listen to this song every day on the way to work and for some reason it always pumps me up. Mix in some random country songs from the local radio station and I'm ready to tackle my day!

Smelling: Nothing, actually! Apartment has not been cleaned so there is no lemon freshness wafting in the air.

Watching: Bridezillas on Netflix. They just posted Season 9 and it's one of my favorite guilty pleasure shows. These ladies are so crazy but so addicting.

Eating: Strawberries! Just picked some up from the store and I snack on them like they're going out of style. Makes my miss my mini strawberry plants from last summer, though. ):

Needing: Nothing. Which is a damn good feeling!

Wishing: That I could go camping by the lake soon. I know I don't seem like a "nature" girl, but the weather has been so lovely and I'm craving the wilderness for some reason. Call me crazy, but I would love to go on a camping adventure right now.

Thinking: Events from the past week that have put me in an emotional tailspin. Several co-workers have been through some horrible situations, and a gentleman who works for me recently got diagnosed with cancer. It's a lot to deal with and I'm trying to not let it affect me in front of everyone. It just makes me so sad and wish I could help everyone out, but sometimes there is really nothing you can do. Just be there for someone and let time help heal.

Loving: Sundays off in the warm June weather. These days off are very welcomed. ;)

What are you enjoying currently?

I LIVE... kinda

Hey y'all! Long time no see, right? Let's just say this is the end of my mini-hiatus! Hopefully for a veryyyyy long time.

Let me tell you -- life has been wild. Not the fun wild, either.

I have mainly been working. A ton. Which is not fun at all. In fact, it makes me angry.

Working 7 days a week, sometimes 13 hours a day is not fun. It's been rough with many hours of lost sleep and many days of a dirty apartment. Let alone I had to give up blogging for a bit, just to get some other things done. Slowly but surely I am trying to fit in things that I love. Work cannot take over my life and I've finally realized that. I'm trying to get my ducks in a row... blog more, look into ag-vocacy avenues (which I'll tell y'all more about later!), and trying to study for vet school. You know, doing more things for me.

For the most part, I'm going to try to update this regularly. No long absences. More fun posts of different things I love. Maybe a new layout? Either way, I will try to be around more often. Maybe it starts off as updating once a week, but I'll be here. (:

I've missed you guys, and I can't wait to get back into blogging!!

mini hiatus

Sorry I haven't been around much, life has kind of gotten in the way of things!! I'll be working 7 days a week for 10 hours a day until about April 22nd. So, that sadly means not a lot of time for things outside of work and mindless things like sleep and movie watching. I miss all of you, and hopefully I'll be back full-time in late April! Keep being awesome, lovelies.

NEED FEEDBACK*

Alright y'all, I've been thinking about making a post like this for quite some time, I just never truly knew how to word it.

As everyone can see, my blog has been seriously lacking in many things, such as buttons and pictures of me and just overall quality updates. I blame this on work sucking all energy and creativity out of me, even though I'm not at all creative at work. 

What I'm going to do is ask for feedback and give a kind of "call for assistance"...

What would *you* like to see on this blog???

I'm not very good at cooking or fashion, but I can try to learn and let y'all see.

I love make-up, but do not buy copious amounts of it.

I'm trying to lose weight but slightly failing at it.

I'm trying to decorate my apartment, but finding time in short amounts.

I love English and Science, but I don't think people want free & random lessons...

I love painting, reading, puppies, and hockey.

I've been throwing the idea of a new blog around too, something that centers on more concrete ideas and topics. That's still a ways away, though. 

If there's anything you want to see more on here or posts that you particularly love, let me know!! I want to make this an enjoyable experience for everyone that comes here! If you want themed days or anything else, just let me know!

Once I get that set up, design and add-ons will come later. Promise!

Here's a puppy for motivation to comment {haha}

Thanks in advance for your input!

weekend update: work hard, play hard

Last week, my absence was due to working 11+ hours a day and feeling like doing nothing until about 9pm when I go to bed. My life is boring, I know.

Saturday night I ended up going to a small birthday party for a woman that works the swing shift, and we had a ton of fun. Luckily, the tequila did not get the best of me even after 3 shots and a few mixed drinks. Seems like my old age has given me an iron liver.

Y'all, work has been kicking my tail! I've been putting in long hours and leaving with sore feet. Stress has given me a type of cold/allergy thing, so now I'm trying to fight that off with copious amounts of tea. Send some good vibes that I don't get sick this week!!!!

Also, my toilet keeps running and ruining my water temperature and wasting water. I'm about thissssss close to bashing it in with a hammer. Any toilet-savvy ladies out there that want to help me?!

Oh, and a rock left a lovely gift to me in the form of a crack in my windshield. ACK!!!!

How was your weekend?

Sunday Social, week 34

1. What is your ideal way to relax?

Let's see... sweatpants, movies, and some food {ice cream preferable}

2. Where is your favorite place to be?

Besides my bed, probably my parent's house.

3. Who do you consider your biggest role model?

I have many role models, but I'm going to cheat here and say both of my parents. My dad grew up as 1 of 10 kids, helped support his family, and worked hard to get to where he is. My mom grew up as the middle of 7 kids, paid her own way through college, and worked hard to get to where she is. They are both inspirational and wonderful to me! ♥

4. What does your life look like in 3 years?

Hopefully super successful in many outlets {hobbies, work, friends, family, life} and hopefully with a wonderful man by my side to share it all with.

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5. If you could go back and change one decision, what would it be?

Oh man, I really dislike questions like these! Honestly... probably my attitude through high school. I was stuck in this "I'm fat, ugly, have no talents, life sucks, I suck, everybody sucks" attitude. While it didn't take over my life, it probably would've been easier to deal with things if I didn't have that mindset through a crucial part of growing up.

6. What is your biggest accomplishment in life so far?

Getting a job right out of college and seriously kicking ass at it! And while some days it kicks my ass too, I'm enjoying the time I have to learn and grow in my business. I'm hoping what I accomplish now will help me climb the corporate ladder. :)

Hope y'all have a lovely Sunday!

Weekend Update: middle of a 12-day work week

This weekend was a mix for me. I had work all this weekend. Friday I worked until 5:30, Saturday I had a meeting at 7:30am, then Sunday I had training at work around 2:00pm. Yep, a working lady never quits!

But the best thing is -- PITTSBURGH PENGUINS WIN!!!!

Can I just say that I am completely and totally obsessed with Netflix? I never had it until I got my xbox and then I got a free month trial. I have never watched so many movies in my life and I love it!!!!

I did end up getting away from work and movies to go buy some decor! Two of these crosses were on sale at Hobby Lobby. Also, I finally traded in my old Sperry's for a great new pair! I forgot how very comfortable new shoes feel. (:

This means: living room is almost done being decorated! I'm excited to show y'all the finished product!

What did you do this weekend?

Sunday Social: All the 3's

Sunday Social time! Haven't done one of these in a while. ;)

1. Top 3 favorite kinds of food
Pizza, ice cream, and cheese

2. First 3 things you do in the morning
Put contacts in, brush teeth, wash face

3. Last 3 things you do at night
Brush teeth, pour myself some water, read a book

just finished!!

4. 3 TV shows you NEVER miss
Once Upon a Time, New Girl, Nashville

5. 3 places you want to visit
Japan, Israel, Ireland

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6. 3 people you can always count on
Best friend Stefanie, my Big Hollie & my parents! (cheated because that's technically 2 people hahaaaa) :)

Hope you're having a lovely Sunday!

fun friday links!

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Thank goodness, this week is over! Time to share some fun links!

- Like dogs? Let's look at 40 great dog gifs.

- Ballerinas in the city. Simply beautiful.

- Just lost the word you were thinking of? Here, have some help.

- This man imparts some wisdom on how to not blow your marriage.

- Learn how to laugh on the internet in different languages!

Have a great weekend. :)

Things I Love Thursday: renovations!

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1. HOCKEY IS HERE!!!! I am so excited to see my Boys of Winter play Saturday against the Flyers. Seeing Crosby, Malkin, Neal, Fleury, and everybody else out on the ice is going to be amazing. I've been waiting for this since October!!!!

2. After a stressful work week (which got extended into Saturday with extensive meetings...) online shopping can cure the headache the workplace can give me. I'm already getting my list ready, just need to wait till my paycheck comes in Thursday!

3. My mom wore one of the two necklaces I got her for Christmas and she told me that she got tons of compliments from people at work! Do I have good taste, or do I have good taste... {hint: I have good taste.}

4. I'm truly blessed to be surrounded by wonderful people. I thank God every day for their constant support and loving personalities. :)

5. Crazy weather: snow in the morning and 50 by the time I get off work. HOLLA!

6. I'm going to try to stage a huge overhaul of this blog in the upcoming year. Between all the new, crazy things, keeping this blog up-to-date just fell by the wayside. I'm going to try and get a design I love, get a steady theme going, and start showing my true self. I don't know where this will take me but I hope some of y'all like it and stay for the ride!

What are you loving this Thursday?

Resolutions: Week 2

I'm serious about these 2013 resolutions, guys -- I'm going to keep myself accountable and use this blog in the process! What other way to keep track on how good (or bad) you're doing on promises?

Bravery has been a big thing for me. People think I'm brave because I move all the time, took hard classes, went out with people I barely knew, and travel bunches. But let me tell you, that is not bravery to me. That's only bravery on the surface. To me, people who are brave let people in, let others get to know them personally, and don't reject love.

These are all things I'm prone to do.

I think the real kicker this past week -- what made me truly realize what I've been doing to myself -- was when I lost out on a great chance with a nice guy. The only person I have to blame for this is myself. He chose someone else. I know it's because I couldn't open myself up and take the risk. I couldn't stand being vulnerable.

My church gave me a little blue book the beginning of December, meant to give you food for thought throughout the Christmas season. The last sentence on Friday stopped me:

Sometimes I have to allow others to love me, without demanding that they fully understand me.

As long as I remind myself to be brave enough to be vulnerable, I'm hoping to make progress. The first step is admitting your problem, right?

How do you define bravery?

Weekend Update: homesick

After a 10 hour drive from Kentucky back to southwest Arkansas, I decided to not do anything for my weekend!

Sure, I went grocery shopping and cleaned around the house a bit, but other than that I was lazy. I got a Netflix subscription and watch all the past seasons of Portlandia. I ate apples with cheddar cheese. I finished typing and organizing my work notes. I tried to not get blown away Saturday with the tornado watch in my area.

This recent trip was so fun -- me and 9 other guys drove 11 hours (we got lost) to Kentucky for a work project. We hung out and got to know each other and shared stories. It's great to hear about everyone and their life experiences.

It was tough coming back to my empty apartment. It hit me how homesick I can get -- not for Arkansas, but for my family up in Pennsylvania. Part of me wished so badly that I was driving back from Kentucky to Pennsylvania, I would sleep in my old bed, and hang out with my family again. It's a hard feeling to deal with sometimes.

And while I love traveling, I'm glad to be back in my apartment. :)

Plus, my brother sent me a couple pictures of my cat so life didn't seem so bad after seeing Ginger's little face.

How was your weekend?

Weekend Update: First of 2013!!

My weekend was super low-key: night in Friday, dinner and movie night with friends Saturday, then cleaning and packing on Sunday. Work-wise I've been super busy, so any time to unwind on the weekend is exactly what I'll do!

Also, I finally set up my XBOX that I got for Christmas. I got it primarily to work out with (yay for Kinect!) and to try and cut down on my cable/movie/hulu cost. We'll see how that works out, because saving money would be a huge plus for me!

Tried the demo run of Zumba Core Fitness the other day and it is AWESOME. I had debated on buying an XBOX just to work out with but again, the idea of cost came in -- spend some money on a system that I can watch movies on, play games on, work out with, and enjoy or spend $30 and more a month for a gym. XBOX won out on this one.

Hopefully I'll be able to post some review some work out Kinect games once I try them out. I'm pumped to work out on the new games!

Do you have an XBOX to work out with? Do you like it?

learning new things: chess

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One of the goals I set for myself for the year is to learn something new. There are so many new hobbies I want to try -- knitting, sewing, bowling (shhh, I'm the worst player ever), mountain biking, and chess. Since the weather is so cold right now and I'm pretty cheap, I decided that chess would be my first learning experience.

Have you ever felt like all the people that know how to play chess are smart? I always have, and I've always wanted to be in an exclusive club like that. I mean, they have intense tournaments, which is pretty cool because both kids and adults play. Better yet, some kids beat the adults. Man, how kickass would it be to school someone in chess? CHECKMATE, BRO!

I feel like I'm making the learning process more difficult than it should be. Tactics like skewers (what?), openings like Caro-Kann Defence (oh no), and Forsyth Notations (mmmm, math). I am pretty damned determined to learn this, though. Hell, they have a chessKIDS academy for children. I'm 22, this crap should be easy, right?!

Well, this is going to be an interesting game to learn.

Next up: learn astrophysics (HAHA NOT)

Do you know how to play chess? Love it or hate it?

Things I Love Thursday

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1. Turnpike Troubadours. Yep, I'm on a big Red Dirt kick right now! Even if that kind of music isn't your cup of tea, please give them a listen! They are so addictive and I love singing along to their songs on the way to work!

2. Rocking and rolling at work! I know this might seem stupid, but I just love when everything comes together on a work day! I work with a ton of people, which might get frustrating at times, but I love the feeling of solving a tough problem with a great group.

3. Being 'in like' with someone. Even though nothing may come out of it, I'm enjoying a mini crush. I'm perfectly fine with us being friends, but it's been so long since I've had this giddy feeling in my chest when someone talks to me. What a lovely feeling! ♥

4. Mimosas. I cannot stop drinking them and I never want to! I might just start buying champagne more often...

5. Pay day today! Need I say more?! ;)

What are you loving this Thursday?

Hello, 2013!

Sorry it took me so long to update this, I've been busy watching re-runs of the Rose Parade, watching my Oklahoma State Cowboys beat Purdue, and drinking mimosas. ;) I love lazy holidays!

I'm so looking forward to this year. I have so many plans for myself and I just want to become better than I was last year.

First up, I want to better myself physically. Change my eating habits, become more fit, get my health in check. I'm ready to change myself for the better on the outside!

With those resolutions comes the ones for my inner self and mind... gain more confidence and become more brave. I tend to not believe in myself, shut people out, become meek and timid in certain situations. Since getting my first "big kid" job and going through some experiences, I've realized that I just cannot be that person anymore. I have way too much to offer than to let things pass me by! I'm hoping to use this year to explore myself and become more comfortable in my skin.

I'm so ready to get this party started! First stop... work trip next week to Kentucky!!!!

Hope y'all have a wonderful New Year's, too!!!!

Enough about me... what are some of your New Year's resolutions?!