winner!

Man oh man the weather is not looking too pleasant this week. Rain, rain, and more rain. Puts me in such a crummy mood. But we do have the winner of my giveaway!

 Congratulations Chelsea! Please send me your address at california.born.blog@gmail.com so I can mail you your goodies!

oh blogger!

Wow, what a Blogger meltdown we have had on our hands today. For those of you who commented on my previous post, looks like your words have gone into the abyss somewhere, but I wanted to revisit the idea of what we know for sure. The whole idea reminds me a lot of a philosophy class I took in college. There are certain things that we accept to be true just because we are told them, but we have no concrete evidence that they are actually the truth. My mom claims she is my mom, but I don't know if she actually gave birth to me. {Not that I sit around pondering that fact, you all saw the picture of us in my Mother's Day post, there's no denying that I am her child.} So is it a cop out if I say that the one thing I know for sure is that nothing is for sure? Here are a few things that I am sure of this Friday afternoon... at least I think I am sure of them...

• I am sure that I will not be spending any more money on getting my car washed after knowing that birds will poop on it immediately after. Any one else with red cars feel like a bulls eye for bird droppings?
• I am sure that this will be a fun weekend, and I will have my camera on hand for once.
• I am sure that I stopped in at the mall during my lunch break and got some cute shorts on sale from Anthro. I am also sure that they don't quite fit yet, but I am going to get back to work on that.
• I am sure that after I bought said ill fitting shorts, I ordered the quintessential mall Chinese meal. You know what I am talking about. That is only ever a good idea in theory, not in practice.
• I am sure that the silence in my office is deafening today and that in 10 more minutes I am bolting for the door.
• I am 100% sure that I am missing college something serious today. This time last year I was on my way to SC for the best week ever with my some of my favorite people before graduation.

senior week 2010. oh to be tan.

what i know for sure.

Anyone who knows me in real life knows my serious love for Oprah. I think she is an exceptional human being. I was so upset when I found out that she was ending her show. Immediately when I found out that I could get two years of DVR service for free upon setting up my cable, I thought how great that I wouldn't have to miss a single episode of her 25th and final season. If my count is correct we are nearing single digits of remaining shows and I am already getting a little worked up over the pending lack of Oprah in my life. Daytime television just won't be the same. Especially now with the cancellation of the afternoon soap operas, what is anyone supposed to watch from 1pm-4pm? Oprah isn't afraid to tackle the hard questions and topics. She takes a lot of criticism and though I've never met her I would have to guess that she takes it all in stride. 

Why the fangirl shout out to my favorite television mogul? I was watching her interview the President and First Lady last week, and as she often does with her guests she asked the two of them what they know for sure, and that got me thinking. What is it that I know for sure? Is there ANYTHING I know for sure? How do you know what is and isn't? While I ponder this a bit, I wanted to ask you all what it is that you know for sure? I am curious to find out!

Don't forget to enter the giveaway on the previous post!

few of my favorite things GIVEAWAY!

Hello lovelies. Happy Monday to us and happy 200th post to me! Wow. Thank you for sticking with me and this little blog through the ups and downs. I never would have imagined the support I would receive from a group of people I may never meet. I don't think you really understand the power of blogging unless you engage in it yourself, so I just wanted to say a little thank you and have a fun giveaway. The first one was such a success and I hope this one will be as well.

One lucky winner will win the following... 

1. Calypso St. Barth for Target beach bag. It is getting to that time of year when we are planning our beach getaways. This bag is so adorable, I want to keep it for myself! It is huge and can easily carry a towel, sunscreen, and your favorite beach book.


2. Two packs of adorable note cards. I am guilty of not sending enough snail mail, but with these cute cards, there is no excuse not to slip a little note in the mail to your favorite people.


3. Burt's Bees Head to Toe kit. Burt's is such a great brand. I always have my Burt's lip balm on hand. This kit has great creams and lotions to keep your skin in check through the warm weather months!

To enter: 

First, you MUST both become a follower or let me know you are already a follower by commenting on THIS post.

For two extra entries, post about this giveaway on your blog and leave a link here in another comment. 

You have until midnight on Monday May 16th to enter!

Good luck everyone!!

love you momma.

My mom sent me a card this week, strange yes since it is Mother's Day after all not Kid's Day, but the card said how I am her daughter but also her friend. I don't think there is a more perfect card in existence for the two of us. She also asked me if I cried upon reading it, which she tries to do to me on purpose quite often.

Happy Mother's Day Mom, to the person who knows everything about me and knows me the best of anyone, better than I know myself a lot of the time. 

{This is post #199, you know what that means is coming next... 
A GIVEAWAY!}

you may not want to read this.

From the wedding on Friday to the President's announcement on Sunday night, I would say that these were quite a monumental few days around the globe. Something that is really starting to bother me is the backlash that the President is receiving. I usually don't want to get political, but I might have to. Regardless of your leanings to the right or the left, this is a huge victory for AMERICA as a whole in the fight against extreme terrorism. It is disheartening to see so many people saying that the President had no role in this, all of the credit belongs to the military. You've got to be kidding me? Whether you voted for him or not, he is the Commander in Chief. Since when does that mean he is merely a figure head? This victory happened under his administration, and while no he was not the one who invaded the compound in Pakistan, to completely discredit him is ignorant.

fairy tale.

I did it. Although I set my DVR last night, I set my alarm for 5am and woke up before the sun to watch the wedding of two complete strangers. I wasn't alone because there were billions of people watching as well. I thought it was perfect. I thought she was perfect.

 

 via

My favorite moments were the small details. When Kate arrive to the alter and William told her she looked beautiful and then he said to her father that they were just expecting a small family gathering. Those few seconds brought it back from the grand worldwide stage that the wedding is on to simply a father giving his daughter's hand to the man she loves. I also loved it when they sat in the carriage and Kate asked William if he was happy. The Bishop reminded all of us that "every wedding is a royal wedding". I am sure that those of you who are married can attest to the princess feeling of your own special day. 

To everyone saying that we should focus on what is going on in the US and not worry about the wedding, it is possible to care about more than one thing. Just because I tuned in to watch the ceremony does not mean that my heart is not breaking for those in the South who have had everything destroyed by the tornadoes or that I am not concerned with what our government is doing and what is going to be happening with the 2012 election. But when we have Donald Trump parading around like he is and saying that our President did not have the qualifications to attend an Ivy League college or demanding his birth certificate be shown, forgive me for wanting to take a few hours and get caught up in something other than the problems we have at home.

i got sunshine.

{I love that song and My Girl is one of my favorite movies of all time.}

Cue the angels singing, hallelujah Spring is here! 

via

Thanks to those of you who offered some comforting words on yesterday's most uncomfortable post. A special thanks to MCW, I have come to really appreciate the much needed perspective she provides me. The truth of the matter is that these are my years, my selfish years as I have dubbed them, and I am going to live them. There may be some bumps in the road or detours along the way, but they are just adding to my story.

Another confession: Remember the date I had mentioned a few weeks ago? There had been incessant texting on his part for about two weeks. I could have set my watch to him. It was definitely a bit of overkill. Well, I didn't mention it after the fact because the truth is, HE STOOD ME UP! I thought I was in a bad romantic comedy or a dream but it happened and after many mascara tears that night I have lived to tell about it. It really made no sense to me, it still doesn't but that's his issue not mine. I think it's safe to say I dodged a crazy bullet with that one. He had sent me a text Thursday night saying he would see me the next day and that he was looking forward to it and then NOTHING. Haven't heard a word from him since, not that I expected to. I blamed myself and tried to figure out what I had done, which is a habit I need to break, but I know I am not the first or the last person to get stood up. In summation, dating in this day and age is really tough. I am beginning to wonder if being an old cat lady would be easier and preserve even a shred of my sanity. Joke... obviously an over dramatic blanket statement, my specialty. And let's be real, I hate cats.


P.S. Who is going to the NYC Blogger Meetup on Sunday?! 

limbo.

Defined as any status where a person or project is held up, and nothing can be done until another action happens. I do believe that best describes my current state of being. Everything seems so up in the air and untied down and I am not at all sure of the direction that I will be headed in. Normally, I would be panic stricken. Not to say that I am not concerned and trying to figure out what my next move is going to be, but at this present moment, no decisions can be made. Everything is contingent upon something else. Allow me to explain...

Remember that big test that I was studying for and stressing out over? Confession: I didn't take it. I chickened out and didn't want to sit in front of a screen for 3 hours and fail the test. I wasn't getting passing scores on my pretests and I just felt pigeon holed into this very specific test for this very specific career. Is it wrong of me at 22 to just want a job and not a career? Career has such permanent undertones to me and it FREAKED me out. Not a total loss {other than the monetary loss of the test fee} because if I decide to stay in the field I am in now, I can take a different, more relevant series of exams. Therein lies the problem, I don't love what I am doing right now. Granted I feel like the office environment is playing a large part in my feelings towards my actual work, but like I've said before I want to do something that means something to me and I'm almost certain that pension plans ain't it. Professionally, I feel that I need to stay at this job until after our busy season which puts me at the end of October. Fine by me, that is a little over a year, a good chunk of time to put on a resume. The problem of my living situation comes into play because my lease is up in September, I want to move into Manhattan, I don't want to renew for a year out in the suburbs, but I cant afford to move in by myself, who could I live with? Could I get a 6 month lease and then get a new job and new apartment sometime in February or March? My brain just keeps working out all the different possible scenarios. I am considering drawing a flow chart, I think that would summarize this craziness the best. I know nothing needs to be decided today, and I can't really start applying for jobs now when the earliest I could start would be November. If you follow any of this at all, thank you. If not, it is fine because I don't really understand it myself.

i sort of love this. trying to move forward but feeling stalled and slow moving.

In other, less emo kid news, it is going to be 78 degrees today! If you have been reading for any length of time you know that I am not a fan of cold weather. My Jack Rogers have finally made their debut today. Yay for open toed shoes! Hope it is warm where you are as well. Thanks for finally getting here Spring, it has been long overdue. 

image.

that's the way it is.

thoughts on a friday aka some things i've come to know in the past 7 days.

• no matter what it is: pizza, toast, or cake it will always fall butter/cheese/icing side down.

• regardless of the entire row of empty treadmills behind or in front of me, someone will always pick the one directly to my left/right.

• your sports team is more likely to win if you are not watching.

• boys are strange. very strange.

• the forrest gump soundtrack is the best of all time. i challenge anyone to prove me wrong. it cannot be done.

• hairdressers will ask you if you want to keep your length. regardless of your answer you leave that place with at least an inch less hair than you came in with.

• hitting the snooze button five times will always make you late. 

• even if you're late there is always time for a dunkin donuts iced coffee.

• just when you think spring might finally show up to the party, here comes an overnight freeze warning.

• regardless of the week you had, waking up and knowing it is friday is the greatest.

image.

somewhere out there.

Apparently there are 169 or more of you reading this right now, which still blows my mind that anyone wants to read about little old me. If you are in fact reading this, I invite you to come out from behind your Google reader and leave a comment. Introduce yourself, where are you from, what do you do for fun. And if you are reading about me, I want to read about you too so if I am not already doing so, leave a link to your blog!

In other news, I am really itching for some warm weather. It is 44 degrees out right now and the sky is so grey. I feel like I am continuously complaining about the weather and for that I apologize but it is such a struggle. Please come out sunshine from wherever it is that you are being held captive. I am currently loving all the pre-made outfits Anthropologie is featuring. It really takes some of the guess work out of putting different pieces together when they have already done it for you, dontcha think? 

 

images via

Have a great Wednesday! xox

raining on tuesday.

*Title sung to the tune of Raining on Sunday by the gorgeous Keith Urban*

I am back today to report my feelings on William & Kate! I personally felt like it was too much crammed into two hours. The beginning was great and then suddenly there are 10 minutes left and they scrambled to fit in the proposal and it was over. I guess I never realized that they were living together in a flat before they were dating and then lived together in a cottage their last year of college. I am not in the least bit old fashioned but I can't imagine that the Queen approved of this living situation? He is the future King after all. In other television news, Gossip Girl was back last night. I haven't been much of a fan lately, but I think last night's episode was a good turn of events. That cousin of Serena's is going to cause some trouble. And why doesn't Vanessa just leave everyone alone? And finally, Glee is back tonight! Yay Yay Yay!!!

I am currently on a hunt... I want a cute pair of slouchy boyfriend cut denim shorts. Have any of you tried this look? I don't want them to look too baggy and unkempt, but I feel like they could be very flattering if the fit is right. In my book, shorts that are too short and tight are just not okay.

really like these from Gap.

or these from Lands' End Canvas. 

I will probably swing by the Gap sometime these week and try on the first pair. Second order of business after these shorts is a pair of white jeans. Can I pull them off? Most likely no, but I am willing to give it a valiant effort.

 Any new/new to you Spring/Summer trends you are looking to try?

monday again?

Another Monday is here... how did that happen so quickly? I think we could all really benefit from a three day weekend every weekend. I am way exhausted this morning. Two days of fun, and one day of recuperation. Sound good? Who can I talk to in order to make this happen?

Let's just say that I drank and ate my way through this weekend, and my tummy is not pleased. Friday night I went out to watch the Caps game, and almost got myself in trouble with some Rangers fans. Whoops. But we won, and then sadly lost on Sunday but we are still up 2-1 in the series. We need to win here on Wednesday and then win game 5 back in DC. Woohoo! I just love hockey and I love to see the Caps win! Saturday evening the weather turned TERRIBLE. It was pretty much monsooning outside. Weather aside, M and I trekked into Manhattan like crazy people. We stepped outside of Grand Central and within 5 seconds were completely drenched. The night was fun despite the weather. Sunday morning we went to brunch, sat outside in the sunshine which was perfect. I woke up this morning in disbelief that it was Monday but unfortunately the weekend was over.

The day has finally come.... tonight at 9pm.... set your DVRs or grab your popcorn....

The Lifetime movie of all Lifetime movies.. William and Kate!

Will you be watching? Are you looking forward to the wedding of the century?! I think they did a pretty good job with the casting of these two. I hope it does not disappoint.

these are my confessions.

via

i confess... that i cut my gym workout in half last night in order to make it to the nail salon before it closed.

i confess... that this act was completely justified due to the fact that me toes were in dire need of a pedicure.

i confess... that i still need to go to the grocery store and my apartment is a disaster. i have different piles scattered throughout the whole place. 

i confess... that it is going to be a struggle to be productive today. this week has been killer.

i confess... that there is kashi cereal all over the floor under my desk because i don't eat cereal in a bowl with milk like normal people do and sometimes it flies out of my hand.

i confess... that this is post #191 and there will be a GIVEAWAY at post #200.

i confess... that i love these shoes, although i think they are a little strange from this angle.

i confess... that in six weeks i will be in a bathing suit. woof. gotta hit the gym hard. must not repeat confession #1.

i confess... that the Caps better whoop up on the Rangers tonight!

 

Happy weekend everyone! What are your plans? Get outside, enjoy the weather {if it is nice where you are, its going to be rainy here}, unwind, be selfish. 

It's your weekend after all!

oh hey.

Hello everyone. Hope your weeks are winding down on a positive note. The days really got ahead of me, and nothing seemed really post worthy this week. The Cherry Blossom Parade was a definite let down. I know that a lot of things were up in the air with the pending government shutdown so I would think that some of the groups decided not to make the trip. We were seated near the most annoying announcers, but my mom and I were cracking up the whole time. The weather was frigid as well and I wore flats so my feet were slightly numb once we left. The things we do to be fashionable. This little trip did remind me how much I love DC. Who knows what is in store for me in the future but part of me feels strongly about calling it home some day.

After the parade we headed to Chinatown to none other than one of my favorite restaurants ever, Matchbox! Any of you DC dwellers that have not been are totally missing out. They also have restaurants on Capitol Hill, in Rockville, MD and Palm Springs, CA but I have only been to the original.

 the decor is so modern, and the building is only 15 feet wide but it seems so huge inside!

It is delicious! Mom and I split the trio appetizer of two scallops, two crabcakes, and two sliders. Amazeballs. They are known for their pizzas. My two favorite are the chicken pesto and the Q special. Can't say enough good things about this restaurant. And now I am starving. 

My Capitals pulled out a win last night. Yessss! On to game two tomorrow night. The only good thing about them playing the Rangers is that the game is televised up here. Do I dare rock my Ove*chkin shirt out tomorrow night? Probably not. New York sports fans are not the nicest.

I am using my powers to predict some grocery shopping in my near future....

 

I guess a girl cannot live on wine and water alone. Not pictured are the frozen chicken and broccoli in the freezer, aka the only form of sustenance in my apartment.

Whoops. 

Friday, Friday!

Unless you have been residing under a large boulder, you know what the title of this post is in reference to. I only made it through Rebecca*Black's musical train wreck once, and that was just barely. I guess when you've got a dream, a mom with $2,000 and some whacked out producer that thinks you can sing, anything is possible. Regardless, TGIF in a serious way. This week as a whole seemed to go by quickly but the days just drug on and on. I am coming up on a semi big work deadline at the end of the month, so there is a little bit of added pressure. I am still fighting off this nasty cough, it has been over a month. Not sure how my lungs are clear, as the doctor claimed, when I literally almost keeled over and died when I was working out with my trainer last night. Anyone have some spare lungs lying around? This girl could use them.

After work I am heading down to DC for the weekend. Mom, Dad, and I are going to the Cherry*Blossom Parade on Saturday. Despite the pending government shutdown, the parade will still take place. 

I especially love DC at this time of year. It is so beautiful and so many people are coming from all over for this parade. I remember when I was 5 and we lived in Japan we went to a big parade and celebration for the cherry blossoms. There is a chance of rain tomorrow, but I am really hoping it holds off. Sunday is my mom's birthday so after the parade we are going to head to Georgetown for some shopping, and probably a late birthday lunch. The woman is the hardest person on the planet to shop for, so I think a day with me will suffice as her present? ;)

What are your plans for the weekend? Do tell!

wordless.

images: 1.2.3.4.5.6

here comes the sun.

Slightly muggy in my office today, but I am okay with it because that means it is finally warming up outside. The weather this weekend was great. Thank you Mother Nature for finally delivering. How did you all spend your first April weekend? 

Saturday I headed into the city to meet MCW of Saving the Best for Last... for brunch. I won't echo her sentiments, but she hit the nail right on the head. I really enjoyed meeting her and am thankful that she wasn't turned off by my chattiness. We braved the crowds as everyone must have been coming out of hibernation and stopped in at J.Crew. The rainy day ballet flats are just genius, and I am wearing mine today. I definitely recommend them! From there, I met up with my girl friends from college, we had an intense power hour, and then headed out. The night is a bit of a blur but I know it ended with a snack wrap or two from McDonald's. Ouch. Sunday L, M, and I went to the Yankees game! They lost but it was such a pretty day out. I only wore a cardigan and the sun was nice and warm which means an exponentially happier me. The amount of beer I drank in 24 hours is astounding to me even days later. Whoops.

Since I never ever take my camera out I had to wait for friends to put up pictures from my weekend in College Town, PA. This one is my favorite/the only one I don't look a fool in. 

sorority sisters and me

ETA: the flats can be found here! I purchased a pair in the olive green color.

forget you.

Well, that one was a total bust, back to the drawing board. Guys are really masters of trickery, make you think they are one thing and then turn out to be something completely different.

Good thing I have a jam-packed weekend ahead of me!

 

catch you all back here on Monday! Enjoy yourselves.

image.

april?

 some pink&green for your thursday!

Tomorrow is April Fool's Day! Where in the world did March go? I have always wanted to pull off a great April Fool's prank but never have. No time to plan one now, maybe next year? Funky Cold Medina just came on my iPod. This day might actually be better than the crap weather we are experiencing outside, but let's not get ahead of ourselves. THERE IS SNOW PREDICTED FOR TONIGHT AND TOMORROW. Really? What is thisss? I'm dying. My toes need to breathe people, I need to wear some cute sundresses and work on my tan. This is outrageous. 

In other news, date was postponed due to a wrecked car, on his part not mine. So that will be taking place on Friday instead. I am nervous because there goes my "I have to go home and get up early for work tomorrow" line, but I am trying to go into it positively. If it weren't already obvious by the over thinking going on about this, dating is not something that I do. I also realize after yesterday's post that no girl actually wants to be neglected. That's just my always-been-single-uber-independent voice coming out. Must work on taming that a little bit.

Anybody catch American Idol last night? Elton John night, what could be better? Casey Abrams for the win! I am curious as to what is wrong with the collective American audience that he almost got voted off last week. He is absolutely amazing and I will buy his CD the instant it comes out. I was BBM-ing my friend M about how much we love him and how much we hope someone sings Your Song and then the powers that be delivered. He will be on repeat all day today.

images: 1.2

what's the update?

According to Urban Dictionary, the term What's Up was "possibly derived from 'what's the update'. It is extremely overused, almost exclusively by America's youth." Interesante, I think. And definitely overused. We already know the answer to the question since more often than not, nothing is up. But I am going to ask anyways, so what are you all up to on this Wednesday? Here's what is up in my world!

• Dinner date tonight with one of the guys I met a couple weeks ago. I will give you all a recap tomorrow, good or bad. He is texting me way too much. Doesn't he realize I am one of those weird girls that wants to be borderline neglected and have to wonder if he's even into me at all? Leave a little bit to the imagination dudeeee.

 

via 

• So looking forward to the musical episode of Grey's Anatomy tomorrow night. At first I thought it might be a bit of a disaster but after the previews it is looking like they might pull it off. Does anyone else still watch this show?

• Saw a preview for the Lifetime movie about Prince William and Kate. I'm intrigued, and who doesn't love a good Lifetime flick?

 

• Love love loving country music. Not that I don't love it year round but there is just something so exciting about the weather starting to warm up and listening to some twangy tunes. Looking forward to some fun concerts this summer as well!

 

via 

• Dreams are such a strange thing. Ever have one of those dreams that you wake up and you can't tell if it is a dream or a memory? And then you talk to the person in the dream and they haven't got the faintest idea what you are talking about? Bizarre.

• I have really fun brunch plans this weekend! Can't wait to be back in the city after my long, long absence and to finally put a face to this blog friend. Can you guess who? Hmmm??

• There is a poisonous Egyptian cobra missing from the Bronx Zoo. Um, terrifying? I think so. Someone did make a Twitter for the snake and it's pretty humorous.

• I am going to be hosting my second giveaway either later this week or early next week! Yay yay!

• Blogger is being a real pain. Formatting this post has been a nightmare. Boooo.

Happy Wednesday girlfriends!

busy bees.

Wow, you have all been quite the busy little bloggers. 3 days and I have over 200 posts in my Reader! I am all caught up and it looks like everyone has been enjoying yourselves. I think I can speak for all of us in the northeast when I say we are anxiously awaiting the arrival of Spring. It is almost April {how did that happen?} but I think Mother Nature might be a tad confused because the temps are are still pretty low. What a great weekend I had reliving the college life. I of course have no photos of my own to share, why do I even own a camera I never remember to use it. It was so good to see all of the girls in my sorority and meet the new pledge class. I love that even though they joined after I graduated, you immediately know you have something in common. Lots of fun.

Thank you to those of you who left encouraging comments on Friday's post. I don't know why I always feel like I have to have the answers to the tough questions right this instant. I think I have a hard time accepting the unknown or the uncertain. I know that I have so much time ahead of me for risks, chances, and missteps and that is life. That is the way things go.

A big thank you to Ashton and sSe for awarding me the Stylish Blogger Award! Much appreciated girls.

 Seven fun facts about me...

1. I love cheese way too much and whenever I go to the grocery store I have to buy different styles of cheese. String cheese, cheese cubes, slices of cheese, blocks of cheese, they all serve different purposes.

2. I love accessories! Scarves, sunglasses, purses, love it all. You can never have too many and a lot of times the accessories really make the outfit.

3. I thought I was pretty well traveled until I created my map of states I have been to.

clearly I've got some more ground to cover! I didn't count states that I have only been to their airport or driven through and I have been to Europe and I lived in Asia so I am not a complete east coast homebody. 

4. I have a serious love of the Mighty Ducks movies. Hands down, greatest sports trilogy ever created. It is almost comical how much these movies come up in casual conversation for me. 

 

5. I am such a pushover for the sales people. I swear they see me walk past their kiosks and they know they can get to buy whatever silly unnecessary thing they are selling.

6. I have never had an actual pet. Hermit crabs and hamsters are as far as we got in my family. I am the oldest of three so for a few years I had my brother and sister convinced that we had a dog and a cat before they were born, but that was definitely not true.

7. As much as I am enjoying New York, I really think my heart belongs to the south. My parents are going to retire in North Carolina and I don't want to be too far away from them so I could really see myself settling somewhere in the Carolinas or Atlanta the end of my twenties, but that is still pretty far off. And if there is one thing I have learned while up here, nothing beats a nice southern gentleman!

I tag anyone who hasn't gotten this award already!

hmm...

Hello everyone, currently trying to work through some big things. I am feeling pretty overwhelmed I think just with life in general and the concept of being an adult. It is really a lot to take in and process! I thought I had figured the brunt of this stuff out during the summer and fall but I think some of my insecurities are rearing their ugly heads again. I have a bad habit of getting an idea and running with it before thinking things through, weighing pros and cons, and I feel like that might have been what I did when I decided that this specific career path was the right one for me. I don't want to feel trapped, and in sitting here preparing for this test I started to feel pressured and stuck. I don't have all the answers, I couldn't possibly know all that I need to know at this stage in my life. I just know that at the end of the day, I want a job or a career {that word is so frightening to me, it sounds so permanent and limiting} in something that I love, something that makes a difference in my life and hopefully in the life of others, and I don't think I have quite found that yet. I realize that I am lucky to even have a job right now, but if I am being true and honest with myself I'm not sold on this being the right road for me to walk down. "Follow your bliss and the universe will open doors for you where there were only walls.” I really need to remember this one.

My apologies for the sour note.
Enjoy your weekends everyone, do something fun! What are your plans?

checkin in, checkin in.

Chugging along, Friday is fast approaching. I apologize for my test stress taking over around here. I have decided that I am going to do my very best and if I have to take it again so be it. I can't perform beyond myself, as I was reminded by a good friend. I need my life back as well so IF I have to take another stab at this I am going to need a little bit of a breather first. 

I feel like I have lost my face on this blog a bit. Granted I haven't been seeing much beyond my confines of my apartment and my office, but I just wanted to re-check in with everyone, especially new followers. What better way to do this than with a little alphabetical questionnaire?

{an old photo but I am desperately missing warm weather and tan skin!}

A-Age: 22 {and a half, I am a full supporter of half birthdays!}

B-Bed size: Full, however I am desperately feeling the need to upgrade to a queen.

C-Chore you hate: Doing the dishes. I have discussed this before. I still hate it. I will continue to hate it. How did anyone live before dishwashers?
How am I even alive since I don't have one?

D-Dogs: I have never had a dog. Does that make strange? I think it might.

E-Essential start to your day: The snooze button is immediately hit.

F-Favorite Color{s}: Pink and navy blue.

G-Gold or Silver: Silver although I want to incorporate some gold into the mix this season!

H-Height: 5'5

I-Instruments you play: I played piano in elementary and middle school.
I always wanted to play the violin though.

J-Job title: Pension Plan Administrator

K-Kids: I have none. Sometimes I worry about my lack of a maternal bone. 

When does that usually start growing?

L-Live: A little bit north of NYC

M-My mom's name: B

N-Nickname: Chelle, Chelley, and others that only make sense to a certain group of people.

O-Overnight hospital stay: Meningitis when I was nine years old. Scary stuff.

P-Pet Peeve: Do not get me started. People with a lack of public bathroom etiquette.

Q-Quote from a movie: "You think you can win on talent alone? Gentlemen, you don't have enough talent to win on talent alone." - Miracle, such a great movie and I love me some hockey!

R-Right/Lefty: Righty

S-Sibling:Younger sister A and younger brother G

{we were the cutest!}

T-Time you wake up: 7:30 - 7:45 am

U-Underwear: Hanky Pankys! It is a serious obsession.

V-Veggies you dislike: Asparagus.

W-What makes you run late: My bed is just too cozy and warm I don't want to wake up. And setting my alarm for PM instead of AM. Whoops.

X-Xrays you've had: Teeth, stomach

Y-Yummy food you make: Chicken stir fry, it is ALWAYS what's for dinner because it is so easy and one of the few things I can make.

Z-Zoo animal: Polar bears! I am so sad about Knut!

spring? oh wait.

Woke up to snow this morning. This must be a joke. It was really ugly, heavy, rain snow too. No bueno, no bueno at all.

How was everyone's weekend? You know my routine by now. My test is so close, I am starting to freak out a little bit. But freaking out won't help anything. And it is just a test. A very important, expensive test to keep paying for, but just a test after all. I have more practice problems and exams to do this week and then hopefully I will be all set Friday morning.

 

via

Maybe chanting this will help?

So my school ended up getting stomped in the tournament. It wasn't for lack of fan support though, I will tell you that. My parents and so many of my friends were at the game and it just goes to show you how much everyone stands behind our school. I can't even imagine having gone to a different university.

After the game, my friend M and I headed over one of the bars near my apartment for some St. Patrick's Day celebrating. I felt like such a goober because I changed out of my green clothes after work. Whoops. Ended up exchanging numbers with two different guys {I never do this}, and am now engaged in the classic 'getting to know you' texting match. It is really exhausting. And I still stand behind my earlier claim that texting has really ruined dating for all of us. It is so easy to hide behind that little phone screen. You can go back and edit what you are saying as opposed to an actual breathing conversation. One seems more interested than the other, although they both initiated the texting so we shall see if anything comes of these two prospectives. Can't worry about any of this until AFTER test day.

Please send me lots of good test taking vibes! I can sure use them!

madness!

Happy hump day ladies! Goodness am I feeling out of whack. Getting up for work has been the biggest struggle. It's like I have never waken up before in my life. I fully move to abolish daylight savings time. Weren't they consider doing that anyways?

 

So what's up with me? Studying. No surprise there. I cannot tell you how glad I will be when this is all over. 8 days of review and practice exams and hopefully it will all pay off. I promise a sweet giveaway coming down the pipe as a thank you for listening to my whining about all of this.

*Where is the sun? I talked that groundhog up so much but I have been severely let down by him. The temperatures aren't too bad but I am really craving some sunlight. And a tan, I could pass for Casper's sister right now.

 

*I finally watched Love and Other Drugs this weekend. I am absolutely in love with Jake and Anne together. I didn't realize how nude she was going to be in this film and all I could think was how far she has come from Princess Diaries. Love those movies. Loved the wardrobe of Jake's character as well. Pretty much the ideal style of a man in my eyes.

 

*MARCH MADNESS!!! My alma mater is back in the NCAA tournament this year after a four year absense {of course the four years I attended the school}. My parents are going to the game tomorrow and I am completely jealous. We have a reputation of being a bracket buster and they are predicting the same for us again this year! Woohoo! Rocking orange on St. Paddy's day? Of course!

*This skirt is the reason why the denim jacket saga came to be. I want to wear this outfit next weekend when I go back to PA. I am thinking it's pretty day drinking appropriate. Thoughts?

 

*I was talking to a friend last night who told me he hadn't seen his parents or sister in 3 years. My jaw hit the floor. I realize that there is no normal when it comes to family dynamics but I was really sad for him. I know how my family is and I could never imagine not seeing them for that long!

*Considering buying a Groupon type deal to get my teeth cleaned? Is that weird? My office doesn't provide dental insurance and it is a pretty good deal for an exam, cleaning, and X-rays.

*I am still so sad for Japan. They are saying in the news that this recovery effort is going to be even more expensive and daunting than Hurricane Katrina. I know you can't really quantify loss and devastation, but it just goes to show how huge this disaster is.

What's up with you all on this Wednesday? Please share!

a love intervention.

A less then cerebral post today. 
We all need a bit of reality TV in our lives, now don't we?

I know there are some Bachelor fans out there..come out, come out wherever you are! Wow.. what a reality television whirlwind we endured last night. I wish I could explain to you why I watch this show. There really is no logical reason behind it. It is truly a mystery of great proportions. Here are my thoughts on the outcome...

I think they are pretty much doomed. Never before have we seen an ATFR special quite like that. It's like they were dragging their poor little fledgling relationship through the mud ALREADY and saying LOOK, it worked for them {3 out of 25 or so? not the best odds}. I feel like Brad chose Emi*ly to really drive home what he has been selling all season, that he is a changed man and that he is done being alone. I think he knew that Chan*tel would be fun and would love him, but that he could walk away if need be. No child involved, no heartbreaking past. I think he just wanted the challenge. But then again what do I know? It honestly doesn't even seem like Em*ily even likes him really, much less love him. Or perhaps, this was their most genius move ever, to bring these two on after their proposal as rocky as can be so that no one has any sort of hope that they will last and then shock everyone. But I think that is highly unlikely. 

Bring on season 2 of the Bachelor Pad. Gotta love roses AND money!

saving?

I do not like Daylight Savings Time one bit. Whether the clocks are going forward or backward I always get messed up. This morning was no exception. I set my alarm, woke up, turned it off and went back to sleep because my body refused to accept the time change. Whoops. 

How did you all spend your weekend? Mine was pretty quiet. Studying as per usual. Only two more weeks and I can have my life back. I am just about done with the actual lessons and then it is just review and practice problems and sample exams until I can do this stuff in my sleep. I am starting to worry if I am going to be able to remember all of the material. I used to be a great test taker and then college happened and I developed awful test anxiety. My mind just goes blank. Any suggestions on how to cope with this are more than welcomed!

I managed to do a little shopping this weekend as well and scored some pretty great things. 

 Dolce Vita for Target wedges.. obsessed is an understatement. 

I have a hunch that I am going to be living in these for the spring and summer.

 

Love this cardigan, I actually am wearing it today over a black tank.

Can never have too many cardigans!

I also picked up some household items, some new workout pants, and a really cute dress from H&M that I will never be able to find a picture of. When are we going to be able to shop their store online? I have a few internet purchases arriving this week as well, including a new denim jacket. Of course after I am sure the old one will show up as soon as the new one arrives. That is just how the universe works.

Hope your loss of an hour didn't affect you too much, Happy Monday!

friday.

It is Friday, cue the smiles! I so wish that I was headed somewhere warm for the week, but alas those days are behind me. I am especially bleeding blue and orange today as my alma mater is in our league championships. I may or may not be leaving work a pinch early to make it home for the tip off.

My heart is sad today for those affected by the devastation in Japan. My dad was stationed there when I was younger and we lived there for 3 years, both out in town and on the military base. I don't remember too much in detail but my mom and I have often talked about visiting again now my siblings and I are older. It is hard to believe how many natural disasters there have been in what feels like such a short period of time. I also realize how ridiculous that sentence sounds because I have NO idea what these people are going through nor can I even begin to imagine their hardships. If you feel so inclined to help with the relief you can do so here.

Have a great weekend everyone, and keep all those struggling in your thoughts.

gray day.

Is it gray or grey? I have honestly never known. I always spell weird wrong on the first try too. But, I digress. The weather is less than desirably today. All is okay though because it sort of matches my current disposition,
and my sweater.

 via

7 seconds. A 7 second voice mail this morning is all that it took for me to second guess everything that I have been doing these past few months. Every breakthrough I have made, every time I decided that I was done letting myself care about people who didn't care about me. 7 seconds of a drunk dial, might I add. Just further proving that I haven't been considered once in a sober thought since October. Now you want to know how I am? I tried to go back to the blog archives and see if I had talked about this particular situation before because I know in real life it has been discussed, picked apart, and over analyzed ad nauseam. I don't really have the emotional strength to give you a full run down {then why did I bring it up? I don't know}. I just know that back in August I was deeply hurt by him, and it wasn't the first time. How can you consider someone a friend and move hours and hours away without so much as a minute of your time? I think what I had to realize is that I know I would never disregard my friends in such a way, but maybe for HIM he doesn't feel like he did anything wrong. I spoke my piece, and my feelings went unacknowledged. I don't think I have anything to say at this point, and a message of "Just called to see how you were doing" is not going to patch things up.