A New Dawn...A New Day

That blog title really has nothing to do with my blog because well, I don't really have much to say! Everything has been pretty mundane and boring and repetitive lately, so I don't have much at all to talk about! I mean, there is lots of stuff brewing behind the scenes right now, I just can't blog about them just quite yet.....hopefully soon though!

So, I am still on the hunt for a new book to start reading, I am finishing up a couple of little books that I got in the bargain bin at Books a Million a few months ago, but I am gonna need something quickly! I did get a few suggestions from Jennifer and Elizabeth, which I am anxious to look into!

Your job for the weekend: Make sure I am staying on task! Ha, just kidding you don't really have to do that! But I have so much to do around the house this weekend! It all revolves around clothes! I have WAY TOO MANY! I am also in the process of getting rid of some, packing some up and putting the rest away! Here's to hoping I can stay busy this weekend and get what I need to get done. Fingers crossed! Now, I just wish that the weekend was starting tonight at 5, but we have Friday to get through and then we are home free! Hope you all have a wonderful Thursday night and are looking forward to Friday as much as I am. By the way...who's genius idea was it to have a 5-day work week and a 2-day weekend? They are crazy whoever they are and they obviously didn't have my job or the piles of clothes I have staring me in the face either! Happy Thursday! Don't forget to go see Teresa at Blooming on Bainbridge for her PINK Giveaway.

A Few Random Things

Yesterday, the new Lady Antebellum CD came out called Need You Now! It is absolutely wonderful! I thought it was going to be really hard to top their first CD, and I still can't decide which one I like better but this one is Great! I highly recommend you getting it! And Target has it on sale right now for like $8.98 or something like that, so you really can't beat it!

Right now I am in a reading mood. When I get home from work, I am usually so exhausted, I am lucky if I have the energy to so The Shred and eat dinner, and if I have anything left after that, I usually want to just chill out and relax and read a book! I recently read The Help, which was GREAT! And now I have some others that I am reading, but they aren't really a relax type book, they are more of a focus and pay attention to me type book. So, any suggestions you may have would be greatly appreciated!

Is anyone else's week DRAGGING by? I guess I am just so looking forward to the arrival of February that this week is mocking me by staying around as long as it can. If you are bored, you can pop on over and see Terea at Blooming on Bainbridge (her button is on my sidebar) and see her 10 days of PINK Giveaway!

We are supposed to get some "winter weather" in Alabama this weekend! We'll see if that really happens this time! Although part of me says that if it is gonna be so cold, then it needs to do something that is going to force me to have to stay home and not be out in it! That may actually be kinda nice! If only I had a great book (or two), then it would be ideal!

Happy Wednesday! Let's hope Friday hurries on up! I am ready to bid adieu to this week!

MIA

I know I have been so sketchy lately, being MIA a little bit. Okay, a lot bit, but who is keeping track! Life seems like it has just gotten so busy since Christmas and isn't going to slow down for a little while I don't think! Ask me in a few months! ;) I have lots of things in the works and so much going on that keeps me so so busy! I am definitely ready for things to slow down just a little. There isn't much going on to write about just yet. We had some beautiful weather last week that was so enjoyable, but the COLD has returned and will likely be here for a bit. Boo. Is it Spring yet? I can feel it getting close, but it seriously needs to hurry up!

I am still doing the Shred and am loving it! I really do feel better when I do it and I can feel myself toning up! I am going to be going to the beach soon (doubt it will be warm enough to be in a bathing suit, but just in case) so I wanna feel like I have done a little good before then! February is going to be such a busy month by the way! I can't believe that it is already here, well almost! This weekend marks the end of duck season in Arkansas, which means no more trips to AR for E! I also have my BFF's engagement party, a John Mayer/Michael Franti concert, and then a much anticipated relaxing trip to the beach for E's birthday! It should be fun!

Hope all is well with everyone and life isn't getting you down. I promise I will try to be around these parts a little more nowadays! I am reading your blogs, I just don't always get to comment! But I am going to try harder to be more visible. It is Tuesday, so have a GREAT week!

A whole lot of nothing!

Well, ladies and gentlemen, Tuesday is upon us again. Unlike most of you, I did not have yesterday off. In fact, I got to work early and stayed late yesterday! But, at least I got Monday out of the way. I am ready for the weekend already though! I get to go to Huntsville and see my family (that I haven't really seen since Christmas) and I get to see E, which I haven't seen in almost 2 weeks by the time Sunday gets here!! My mom and I have some fun things planned for Saturday, so it should be a good weekend! It gives me something to look forward to at least!! So, the Bachelor. Everytime I have watched the show this season, I end up laughing outloud at the craziness that these girls bring on! I mean I won't go into detail for those of you who don't care, or who are tired of talking/hearing about it, but my goodness these people are the craziest I have ever seen! I think if I had friends who acted like some of those girls, they wouldn't be my friends for long! But oh well, if that is how they want the world to see them, better them than me! I hope you all have a wonderful week! The weather is teasing us this week and is great! It may even get up to almost 70 later in the week! I am sure this won't last, but it will be fun while it does! Enjoy your week!

Pink Party at Bainbridge!

Teresa is hosting a Pink Party complete with giveaways and all things pink! And guess what? You are invited! Hop on over and check it out! You won't be disappointed! Don't forget to tell her I sent you!

Lazy Sunday

It is Sunday and it had been rainy and dreary here all weekend. I got some necessary errands done yesterday and even started going through all of my clothes. I ironed,and got rid of so many things that I don't really need anymore. Now, I am watching Julie and Julia and contemplating what to do with my day. I'm thinking of finishing the clothes, cleaning a little and maybe going into work for a bit to get a head start on tomorrow. Hope you all have a wonderful rest of the weekend. And if you have tomorrow off, I am so jealous. Enjoy it for me.

FRIDAY!!!

Can I just say that I am SO excited that Friday is finally upon us! I can't wait! Hopefully I have another relaxing weekend in order. It is supposed to be rainy here all weekend, but I really don't mind. I do know one thing that I am going to do and that is go through all of my clothes, a perfect project for a rainy day! It is time for some Spring cleaning! I bet over half of my clothes are too big and wasting room in my closet! My wardrobe is in serious need of an update and I am going to work on that slowly but surely! I am going to clean out my closet and then donate my clothes! If I haven't worn it in a while, I am getting rid of it too! No need of hanging on to things that I really don't need!! It will make my life so much more simple! I am actually looking forward to it! So, here's to a great weekend! I am so jealous of those of you who have a three day weekend! I defintely don't! (E does and he is spending it in Arkansas duck hunting!) But enjoy it if you do and think of me at work on Monday! ;) Happy Friday and have a great weekend!!

Follower

Well, normally in life I pride myself on being a leader and not really following what others do. Well, last night I became a follower. I began the SHRED! I guess, since it is all about working out and getting fit and trim and healthy, then it is ok. I started off last year with a fitness bootcamp that kicked my butt (but I am SO glad I did it) and this year, I am continuing what I started last year and instead doing it on my own. After I did The Shred last night, I realized a lot of the moves in this video were things we did in bootcamp, so I know it will work! The difference is that I am inside in my house and not outside in the freezing cold temperatures and rain and sleet. I also have my dog at my feet thinking we are playing a game. It is pretty funny. But, I made it through the 20 minute workout and I am glad I did it. I am excited to see where I am after 30 days! I have a couple of other videos that I am excited to try as well, I have to mix it up or I will get bored very fast! I am ready for it to not be dark when I wake up and when I come home so I can start running again! I miss it, but since I don't live in the best city to be running by myself in the first place, I don't really think it is a good idea when it is dark! So, here is to the Shred! I'm hoping I get the same results as bootcamp! I am a little sore today, so that is a good thing, right? We will see. One more day of this week! Get excited!

Complete Randomness

Well, today I am full of a bunch of random thoughts that I thought I would share so that you all may benefit from. Or maybe not. But you may just be looking for a break from whatever you are doing and need something to read anyway. So...here it goes.

1. I told you that E and I got new phones this weekend. Yeah, the HTC Eris from Verizon. Well, I was attached to my Blackberry and I must admit I was a bit skeptical about giving it up and switching, but I absolutely love my new phone! It is great! And lots of fun! And a lot cuter than my Blackberry.

2. The weather. (OK, so this is more about an effect of the weather than the weather itself.) Here in the South, as some of you know, it doesn't get cold very often. I mean kinda cold, but nothing that wearing a fleece jacket won't fix. I mean, last year I bought I really cute winter white pea coat and I wore it maybe 2 whole times and those were once in Chicago in February where I froze to death! And another time in Nashville, where I think I just wore it to fit in with the Christmas decorations at The Opryland Hotel. Anyway, it is usually always pleasant and we usually have about 200% humidity. Which, for me, makes for great skin. Well, now that it is cold, that humidity is sucked out of the air when I have to turn on a portable heater and my gas heat all while bundled up in sweatpants and my Snuggie! Long story short, It makes my skin SO dry! I hate it! Anyway, I went to Sephora and told the ladies there my problem and they pointed me to Philosophy's Hope in a Jar and Hope in a tube for Eyes and I must say, after only about three days of using it, my skin is AMAZING!! No more dry skin on my eyes and it even brightened them by lightening the dark circles. Even E noticed a difference!!

3. I can't watch the Biggest Loser and not eat. I have no idea why. The show makes me want to work out and is great motivation, but I don't think I have watched an episode yet when I haven't been snacking on something! Why is that?!

4. If you are looking for a great book (and I haven't even finished the whole thing yet, but I still think it is amazing), you should check out "The Help" by Katherine Stockett. She is a fellow graduate of The University of Alabama and this is her first book. I must say, I am usually not a fan of books that are set in the South using Southern dialect. It is usually way off and very annoying. However, it isn't used all the way through the book and she does a great job with it when it is. I am ALMOST finished, but I can already say that I LOVE this book and I would recommend it.

5. I am going now because I am getting very hungry and it isn't even lunch time yet. I need some distractions!

P.S. - Hello to all of my new readers, and my old ones alike! Thanks for stopping by everyday and I love hearing your comments! Hope you all have a great rest of the week!

Just What I Needed

As I mentioned on Friday, I was looking forward to a low-key, relaxing weekend, and that is exactly what I got! E was still in town from when he came down to watch the National Championship game. Friday night, we warmed up left overs from the game, and they were SO yummy!! Then since 8 pm was WAY TOO EARLY to call it a night, we did what all twenty-somethings do...visit Starbucks and drive around in order to keep from falling asleep. I mean, isn't that what you do? It worked because, well, we were driving! Saturday, Scout had a vet appointment and then E and I decided we needed to get out of the house. (He had cabin fever because he had been inside since Thursday). So we went all around town and just had a grand time. We got new phones, the HTC Eris (they were BOGO at Verizon) and spent all Saturday evening like nerds playing with our new phones. Sad, I know. But you only wish you had a phone that made fart noises on command. Sunday was a relaxing day, and then E packed up and headed back to Huntsville in order to get there before all of the roads froze over again! I mean seriously, I live in the South! It isn't supposed to snow and linger! It is supposed to snow and then go away! February should bring Spring temperatures! It is crazy I tell you! Oh well.....Anyway, so a bone to pick with The University of Alabama....since I am best at letters, I think I will address the situation that way.

Dear University of Alabama Athletic Department,
First of all, congratulations on winning the university's 13th National Championship title. As an alum, I know the sweetness of the victory. I know you are very proud of the crystal ball that you brought home from Pasadena. I understand that it has been a decade plus some years since that trophy has resided in Tuscaloosa and you want to show it off, but did you have to show it off at Walmart? I mean did you not think about what you were doing when you chose this venue for displaying the new hardware? Don't get me wrong, I am glad you are allowing your fans (even though some are new and jumping on the bandwagon in light of the win) to experience the greatness of the crystal football, but I am sure you could have found a classier place to show it off. If you had to choose a superstore, why didn't you choose Target? I mean, at least it is a step-up and a tad classier than WALMART! Remember the state stigma that accompanies Alabama? Have you heard of the term redneck? You are doing nothing to disprove such thoughts from those who have never visited Alabama the Beautiful. We (well, most of us) aren't like that at all! So, people who made this decision, please think before you act next time. This isn't helping our case, and I know you are classier than that!

Roll Tide anyway,
A concerned Alum and resident of the great state of Alabama

Mark that as a W!

A few things before the weekend:

1. Alabama brought home their 13th National Championship title last night! Roll Tide!
2. Mine and E's menu was delicious!
3. I am SO ready for the cold weather to go away! I don't like cold that makes your face hurt!
4. I am looking forward to a relaxing, do-nothing type of weekend! It's too cold to do much of anything!
5. Did I mention Alabama won the game last night? ;)

Hope you all have a great weekend! Stay warm and toasty!!

Roll Tide!

Today is an exciting day to be an Alabama Alum/fan/resident! Alabama plays in the College Super Bowl known as the BCS National Championship! I am SO excited! Also, it is REALLY cold here and is snowing/supposed to snow! These two things have the potential to make for a GREAT day! I CANNOT wait to get off work and go home and gear up for the game! E is in town and on our menu is: Crab cakes, Portabella fries with curry ketchup and potato skins (from Pioneer Woman Cooks). I can't tell you how excited I am! I hope you all have a great evening, I will be glued to my tv, probably pacing around the living room, raising my blood pressure and trying not to have a heartattack (or give the neighbors a reason to call the cops because of all of the yelling). Today has the potential to be a great day in Bama. Bring it on snow and bring home number 13 Tide!

Looking back.....

I realize that it is the sixth day into the new year, but I am still so excited that 2010 is upon us. But this morning, I was reading blogs and I came across a post by Justine and she recapped the last DECADE of her life, since you know, we started a new one and all. So, I thought this would be a good idea. I have to keep my mind on something other than Football! (There is a BIG GAME tomorrow involving my Tide playing Texas for our 13th National Championship title).....Anyway....here it goes:

2000
1. I began my sophomore year in high school and was 15.
2. My parents were divorced.
3. I ran for an SGA office in high school and was elected.

2001
1. I turned 16 in August and got my first car in October.
2. I was a junior in high school.
3. I was going to go to Auburn because that is where my brother went to school.
4. My step-dad's father passed away around my birthday.
5. I started my first job at a daycare.
6. My dad remarried in the fall.

2002
1. I began my senior year at 17.
2. I was involved in EVERYTHING I could be at school.
3. I visited The University of Alabama in October and decided I couldn't go anywhere else.
4. I wrecked my first car in July and had a memorable story of hitting a car full of strippers.

2003
1. I graduated high school and.
2. I had an internship at a local television station.
3. I started college and pledged a sorority, Alpha Delta Pi.
4. I met my very best friend, Jennifer.
5. My mom remarried in March.
6. I went on a trip to Washington, DC with government team and decided I wanted to work in politics.
7. I went to New York, and got my tonsils out.
8. I got my first tattoo.

2004
1. I began my sophomore year in college.
2. I had an internship with my step dad.
3. I had my second wreck on I-65 in Birmingham.
4. I moved into the sorority house and out of my dorm after Christmas.

2005
1. I interned in Washington, DC on Capitol Hill.
2. I began my junior year at Alabama.
3. I got my second tattoo.
4. Hurricane Katrina happened the day after my birthday.

2006
1. I got Scout.
2. I started my Senior year at Alabama.
3. I went to Cancun, Mexico for the first time.
4. I moved into my first apartment.
5. Had surgery on my foot and was in a cast for the start of school.

2007
1. I graduated from Alabama.
2. I started my first job in Montgomery, AL.
3. I went to Cancun, Mexico for the second time.

2008
1. I bought my first car.
2. I learned that I was going to work on the 2008 Presidential campaign team.
3. President Obama was elected.
4. Visited Chicago. And froze.

2009
1. Met E., which changed everything.
2. Travelled a lot on the weekends.
3. Ran my first 5k.
4. Had Bell's Palsy in June.

The past decade has gone by SO fast, everything almost runs together! I am so glad a new year and a fresh start is upon us! I PROMISE (well, kind of) this is the last time I will talk about the new year. I need to mention my thoughts on The Bachelor (although I may save this for a few more weeks) as well as The Biggest Loser, which I must say, made me cry last night!! Hope you all have a great DECADE! In the mean time, ROLL TIDE ROLL!

Welcome to 2010!

I can't believe the holidays have already come and gone and we are now back to our regular schedules! I can't say I really had a relaxing holiday, but it was fun nonetheless! For New Years, E and I went to New Orleans! I must say it was nothing short of crazy being there with not only all of the people celebrating New Year's but also being there with every Florida fan and Cincinnati Bearcat fan! It was crazy, but so great being an Alabama fan! Not only did we have lots of fun, but we ate some of the best food ever! It was great! Our favorite day was Saturday, we went to the New Orleans School of Cooking and learned how to make Gumbo, Jambalaya, Bread Pudding and Pralines! It was SO good! Then, we went to Oak Alley Plantation and saw the house and enjoyed a Mint Julep! I don't even know how many times we visited Cafe du Monde! We enjoyed some great music, and met some interesting people. We even went on a ghost tour and saw a little bit about the haunted side of the French Quarter. We ended the trip with a huge Jazz Brunch at the Court of Two Sisters! It was a great time! And great memories! Now, we are back to reality and looking ahead to a great 2010! Hopefully that starts with a win on Thursday when Alabama plays Texas at the BCS National Championship! Anyway, off to try to remember what it is like to be at work! Hope you all enjoyed the holidays!
Here's to a happy, healthy 2010!

The Oaks lining Oak Alley from the top porch of the house.

Enjoying a Mint Julep by the Oaks.


E and I in from of the Plantation House and the canopy of Oaks.

Bonne anne!!

Happy New Year!! As you read this, I am in NEW Orleans, LA to ring in the NEW year with E! As I have said in the past, I am excited to see what all 2010 will bring! In a few short days, Alabama plays in the BCS National Championship game! That is a great way to start the new year! Some of my New Years resolutions for 2010 are to cook more, eat healthier, work out everyday to tone up, and run a half marathon! I think this year will be a great one! I hope you all had a wonderful New Year's Eve celebration, and I will see you all in 2010! Laissez les bon temps roulez!!!