2011, here we go!

This is where I was when I rang in the new year. I definitely can't complain. We drove to North Carolina for the last weekend of the year and spent it with family. We spent our days walking on the beach and shopping, and our nights eating and playing cards. My grandparents celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary...crazy I know. But it gives me hope that that kind of love and commitement still exists in the world.

Anyway, I think 2010 was definitely a year of new beginnings for myself and my mom. I'm glad it's over, but also thankful that we made it through (for the most part) in one piece. I think 2011 will be a year to remember, I have a feeling there are many great things in store for me. And I can't wait to see what exactly they are! I hope everyone is excited about this new year as I am, and I hope it turns out great for everyone!!

Another year has come and gone...

Well, Wednesday is my 23rd birthday. I can remember when I was like 13 thinking that the age of 18 would be awesome and it was so far away. Lord, at that point 23 seemed old, and I'm not sure I ever thought I could make it past 18 let alone all the way to 23 lol. Anyway, I've been thinking a lot about this coming birthday and about how lucky I am. I have so much to be thankful for. Sure life hasn't been the easiest for me in the past year and a half, but it's made me a much stronger person. I know who I am and I'm totally comfortable and okay with that. I know what I want in life and I'm gonna try my hardest to achieve it. I have an amazing mother who has shown her true grace and strength in the past year. I'm in love with an amazing man named Steve, I couldn't have found anyone more perfectly suited for me in life. All in all, I'm happy. :) And in honor of my birthday I decided to do a little research on my astrological sign. I love this kind of stuff, that's probably why I have my sign in a sun tattooed on my shoulder. lol But I found this interesting and decided to share it.



Virgo is the sixth sign of the zodiac, to be exact, and that's the way Virgos like it: exacting. Those born under this sign are forever the butt of jokes for being so picky and critical (and they can be), but their 'attention to detail' is for a reason: to help others. Virgos, more than any other sign, were born to serve, and it gives them great joy. They are also tailor-made for the job, since they are industrious, methodical and efficient. The sense of duty borne by these folks is considerable, and it ensures that they will always work for the greater good.

Virgo is represented by the Virgin, although this association should not be taken literally. Rather, Virgos tend to take on some of the qualities of a Virgin, things like modesty and humanity. Some might consider them repressed, although Virgins would argue that it's a noble quality, as opposed to a negative one. Most of all, Virgos enjoy indulging their practical and logical side and poring over their projects to the nth degree. To say these folks are good at fact-finding almost understates the case, since Virgos revel in their exacting (some would argue pedantic) behavior and are a whiz with minutiae. Virgins are an asset in the workplace as they can be counted on to get things right the first time, every time -- and no detail will be overlooked. They are also balanced and fair in their assessments in keeping with the Mutable Quality assigned to this sign.

Virgo is ruled by Mercury, and as portrayed in ancient Roman mythology, Mercury wasn't one to sit still for long. This swift-footed god was a bundle of energy, both physically and mentally, and that pretty much sums up the Virgin's makeup. A Virgo's brain is in overdrive most of the time, which is why these folks get so much done. Those born under this sign are also able communicators and use their mental acuity to maximum advantage. All of this brainpower can make Virgos prone to skepticism, and can even lead to the kind of over-think that surely leads to overkill. Thankfully, though, Virgos are also a studious lot and can temper their worst impulses with a bit of careful analysis. Virgos enjoy studying a situation in great detail, whether it's a work project or a friendship. Virgins are truly interested in understanding things. The bane of many Virgos is the perfectionism that can get in the way of their usual clear thinking. 'I'm not a perfectionist; I'm discriminating!' a Virgo would say, happy in the knowledge that their taste is unparalleled. Along those lines, Virgos are also neat and clean, save for the occasional sloppy Virgin (they do exist). Virgins are also reliable and practical and oh-so-useful to have around.

The Element associated with Virgo is Earth, and in keeping with that, most Virgos are grounded, salt-of-the-earth types. The flash and dash can go to others, since Virgos would much rather be humble and easy-going. That said, Virgins do enjoy material possessions and are (dare we say?) picky about what they bring into their lives. Some might even go as far as calling them self-centered, but it's really more of a desire to surround themselves with what's right -- for them. This knack for discernment also serves Virgos well in business, where their decisions are usually dead-on. Those born under this sign are eminently sensible and use their critical eye well. While Virgos can be worrywarts, they do their best to temper these impulses. However, if this nervousness goes unchecked, it can lead to hypochondria, that ugly skeleton in the Virgo's closet. For that reason, Virgos are extremely health conscious, to the point of being storehouses of information on diet and hygiene. Many Virgos even choose a health or medical career so they won't miss a beat.

Working out is elemental for Virgo, if only so they know intellectually that they're helping themselves physically. See, the benefits of exercise are far more important to Virgo than the process itself. That's why Virgos are likely to time themselves on their runs and get in those 300 sit-ups every day. When it comes to the game of love, Virgos are able to loosen up somewhat and are devoted to their lovers, even if they can be a bit jealous. Soothing relief often comes in the way of earth tones, which is why Virgos like to be surrounded by shades of tan and a warm yellow.

The great strength of the Virgo-born is in their practicality, sharp mind and attention to detail. When merged with their willingness to serve, Virgos become essential helpmates. They can be picky -- so what?

Inspiration

Well, I've been neglecting blogging again. Steve looked at me tonight when I told him I'd been neglecting this and said "Sorry I haven't been inspiring you." Well that got me thinking about a quote I posted on my fb page the other night, inspired by him of course. ‎"We are all a little weird and life's a little weird, and when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall in mutual weirdness and call it love." This quote just fits Steve and I. We are both definitely.....unique, in our own ways. But we are absolutely perfect for each other. I realize I'm starting to sound sappy with my last few postes, but thats just where I'm at in life right now. :) And I'm happy there! I finally met someone that is pretty much the male version of me lol! We enjoy the same literature, movies, and we are both sarcastic in our humor. You would think being alike in so many ways would be a bad thing, but for us it works. We still have our differences, which we pick on each other for, but it just gives us more to talk about. Well, me more to talk about since I talk enough for the both of us most of the time. ;) But all in all we go together like peanut butter and jelly....well I don't really like jelly with my peanut butter so how about......peanut butter and chocolate! :) He's a great guy and I'm glad I finally found him.

To show just how much of a good guy he is, here is a pic of the flowers that showed up at work for me last friday, for no reason other than he wanted to send them. :)

True Blessings....Soulmates

Soulmate is defined as: one of two persons compatible with each other in disposition, point of view, or sensitivity. A related concept is that of the twin flame or twin soul – which is thought to be the ultimate soulmate, the one and only other half of one's soul, for which all souls are driven to find and join.
One story about soulmates, presented by Aristophanes in Plato's Symposium, is that humans originally consisted of four arms, four legs, and a single head made of two faces, but Zeus feared their power and split them all in half, condemning them to spend their lives searching for the other half to complete them.

I'm not sure how true the mythological version the story of soulmates is, but it's an interesting concept. I don't know if I ever really believed in the idea of soul mates, maybe because I had never met anyone that came close to that for me. However, I met someone recently that makes me think a little harder about the possibility that there is another person out there cut from the same theoretical cloth as you. I haven't known him very long in actuality, but it feels as if I've known him forever. It's strange how alike we are in so many ways. I've never met anyone else like him, or so much like me I guess. I'm interested to see how things work out for us. But I know that even if we don't work out, I'm blessed to have him in my life for however long he chooses to be here.

True blessings....Friends

If I ever have a rough day or week, I know one thing for certain, I can always find comfort with my best friend. Even when we are both having rough times and we just vent to each other I know that things will be better after I talk to her. So that's where I'm spending my Friday night, at my best friends mother-in-laws house! It's a chance to hang out with her and her husbands family, watch a good movie and catch up on some girl talk in the mean time. It's a time for me to unwind and just relax. It's awesome to have friends like this. A friend that knows you inside and out, that you can make a fool of yourself in front of then crack up laughing together. A friend you can call and sob uncontrollably to and she will just wait patiently until you have calmed down enough to actually form words. Lindsey is that friend for me. She's my best friend that I call for anything and everything. She experiences the good and bad times in my life and has remained a true friend through it all. And for that I love her unconditionally! Thank you Lindsey, for being my best friend. I'm truly blessed to have her in my life and definitely would be worse for the wear without her.

Timing

Do you ever wonder why certain things or people come into your life at specific times? Or why they come at that particular time? I always wonder how you can live near someone for your entire life and never meet them. It's interesting to think about, because I think I live in a really small town. Obviously it isn't as small as I think. Anyway, it's always fun to meet someone new, especially someone new that gives you butterflies. I love the possibilities that come along with something or someone new. I love the idea of not knowing what is going to happen next. It's fun not being able to predict everything, it's fun learning about someone new, it's just a fun experience overall. Hopefully this particular person that has recently entered my life will be someone that's around for a while. :) But we'll see how that goes, and I'll keep everyone updated on here in the meantime.

Innocence

Ok, so I've definitely been neglecting my blog again. Sorry, life just gets away from me sometimes. Anyway, I've been toying a lot with the idea of innocence and at what point in life we actually lose our innocence. Because you know as a littld kid you believe everyone can do no wrong and that your going to live in a house made of gummi bears someday and well, you know, all of those silly things little kids still believe are possible. But at what point do we cross over from believing the best in everyone, to believing the worst?
For me I think the 15th year of my existence is the year that I lost my innocence. Both in literal ways and metaphorical ways. It's the year my entire life changed, and for the most part, not for the better. That's the year I learned that Disney movies were misleading and there is no such thing as happily ever after. It's the year that my all american family fell apart and I knew things were never going to be the same.
Well, I knew from then on things were different. Even though my parents tried to work things out, it just all seemed fake in my eyes. I no longer believed in love or had any faith left in the institution of marriage. Well, this past year everything finally fell apart for good. And sometime soon my parents will finally be legally divorced.
Now, I hate the things that have happened, and I wish things could have happened differently. However, I look at my mom these days and I realize she is happier now than she has been in a very long time. And so am I.
So even though that was a rough year for me, and this past year has been even more rough, I realize that everything really does happen for a reason. Although, I do believe that Disney movies suck for filling young girls heads with unattainable ideas of love and "happily ever after".

Clarity

There are certain things in the world that give you a few moments of clarity. Things that put life into perspective for you and make you remember how lucky you are. One of those things for me is spending time with my best friend Lindsey. Just talking to her makes me feel better. She always knows how to make me feel better and is always very blunt when I need an opinion or advice. I love that about her! We were talking tonight about how we can go for a week or even longer without talking and yet we still remain close friends. And that's how its supposed to be. But we both know, even if we haven't talked for a while, that we are only a phone call or text away and we'll be there for each other no matter what. I am extremely thankful to have someone like her in my life and I'm grateful that she can give me some clarity in my hectic moments of life. :)

Moments...

Do you ever have moments where you almost hyper-ventilate because your thinking about the future, all of the responsibilities you have, and everything your supposed to do with your life...well I had one a little bit ago. Actually I had a major meltdown about some of those things a couple of days ago, I avoided that this time but it still stresses me out sometimes.

I'm trying to sort out my student loans (which just thinking about makes me cringe). I'm also in the process of car shopping. Which, by the way, I can't get a car loan until I get my student loans figured out...it's a frustrating circle.

Anyway, I'm realizing those moments are probably going to become more frequent now in the real world. Because now I don't have an excuse, I can't say well I'm still in school so I don't have to worry about that stuff yet. But I guess I knew I would be dealing with this stuff so it shouldn't be a surprise, but it still isn't fun.

Ah....the real world has begun to sink in.

I finally did it

Well, again I've neglected my blog for too long...so long that my best friend told me I had to get on here. lol But I've been gone for a great reason, I'll give you one guess...

That's right, I'm finally a college graduate!!

I never thought this day would actually come, yet here it is. I'm sitting with about 450 fellow graduates listening to someone drone on about something none of us are listening to because all we want to do is walk across that stage, take a few pictures and then get the heck outta there!

It's an amazing feeling to know that I am finally done with school unless I choose to go back (which I probably will). However, it's also a scary feeling that now I actually have to face life as a true adult. Life working full-time, no more loafing around at school wasting time. It's all business form here on out. That's scary as hell to me!

But I also realize, this is what I've been preparing for. This is why I went out an found a more suitable job that would be full-time after graduation. This is why I've been becoming more responsible with money and life in general. This is what the last 16 years of school has been preparing me for...whether that 16 years actually got the job done or not is now the question. But I realize that I can't stay in school, training for the real world and life, forever. That's not how it works. At some point I'm going to have to dip my toes in the water and test it out. Then I'll just have to take a few steps back, get a running start and take a flying leap into that ocean called life.

But in the mean time, I'm going to enjoy simply testing the waters and just seeing where things lead from there. I like where I am right now. I enjoy my job for now, I like where I'm living, and I have some of the greatest friends I could ever ask for, new and old.

So now begins a new adventure...one I'm totally new to. I've never not been in school, so we'll see how this real world stuff goes and just enjoy the ride.

It's been a while

Well, it's been a while since I last posted anything. And it's been a very busy while to say the least. I spent about a week in New Orleans for the International American Marketing Association conference. Which was educational and fun all rolled into one.

These are the bright, shiny faces of the people that went. We won 3 awards and 3rd place for a AMA Saves Lives video. So even though we are a fairly small school we still do well for ourselves.

I'm also busy studying for finals and preparing for graduation, which is under 2 weeks away! It's been kinda nice not to have to worry about finding a job anymore though, takes some of the pressure off. My grandparents are coming up the week before graduation which is awesome because I don't get to see them as much as I would like.

I guess I'm realizing that for the first time in over 16 years I won't be going to school...that's a little strange for me. I think I'll miss it. I'm one of those weird people that loved the excitement of going back to school in the fall. I loved shopping for school supplies, registering for classes and the suspense of wondering who was going to be in class with me. I love learning. So I think I'll miss my old friend called school. But maybe someday, sooner than I think, I'll meet up with my old friend again for another round.

Happy Easter!

Well it's already Easter folks! Can you believe it, this year is flying by!! It's a beautiful sunshiny day outside and I've spent it just hanging out with my momma! Love it! Hope everyone else has a wonderful day filled with love too! Oh and a little relaxation can't hurt either! Check out my project for the day!!

Now that's what I call a worthwhile project, and I definitely enjoyed it when I was finished!! :) Happy Easter everyone!

Beginnings

April 1st, the beginning of a new month! Also the beginning of a beautiful spring, the first day of the year the temperature is above 80 degrees. Beginning of a new exercise routine, thanks to the lovely weather I can start getting outside instead of doing indoor stuff! (It's much more motivating!!)

I started the day off by having breakfast with 2 of my best pals from high school, one of which is really prego!! We were only missing one of our group unfortunately! But she was there in spirit. :) This is an old school pick, but I love these girls still!!

I also started reading a new book today. My friend Lindsey, second from the right in the above pic, gave me a book a while back (sorry I haven't read it before now Linds!). It's called Warrior Chicks, well today I started reading it and I definitely know why she gave me this just from the first few pages! So that is my project for the near future, to read this book, work at making myself healthier and happier, and enjoy life for a while. Especially because I will be graduating in 5 short weeks officially! That's a little scary but also freaking AWESOME!! So here's to beginnings, however big or small they might be!

Love Stories

"Some love stories are short stories, but they are still love stories." I heard this statement on a television show a week or so ago and it has been on my mind ever since. You always hear about those epic, happily ever after love stories, but no one ever mentions those short love stories. Well I happen to think that sometimes those short stories are even more epic than the long ones. I have quite a few short stories, and every one of them has shaped me in some way, into the woman I am today. I have a few that have multiple chapters, but are still short. And one that is a couple separate stories in one book. That last one is the one I'm hoping could possibly turn out to be my epic love story. It's definitely a long time in the making and who knows how it will turn out, but I'm hoping for the best. I have yet to write the ending to that story and am just hoping it isn't as short as some of the others. So no matter whether your current story is short or long, always remember, it's still your love story!

Beautiful Day

Well first off this is the view I have been looking at this afternoon, while sitting in a lawn chair on our back patio, reading a book. It's so beautiful outside! A dazzling 72 degrees! Oh how I love living right on the river!

Secondly, my dog loves the view and the sunshine too!! And my toes enjoying seeing the sun as well, this is totally flip flop weather! (Or bare feet!!) Wish there was a beach near by! lol

And lastly, the one thing that can always make a bad day better and a great day wonderful, NEW shoes!! I hit up Fashion Bug earlier for a few more additions to my dress wardrobe for work, and couldn't pass up the deal on these flats! Too Cute!! So needless to say, this is an absolutely beautiful day!!!

Good idea/Bad idea. LOL

So have you ever had a night where you just let loose and drink way more than you should and just have fun?? Well if you haven't, I won't recommend it! I decided to do that with a friend last night. Now let me just say, I'm one of the most responsible 22 yr olds you will ever meet, I rarely ever do anything like that. When I do drink it's like one drink or a glass of wine with dinner and that's it. Well last night I figured I've been a little stressed lately, I'm on spring break, and I don't have to be at work til 1pm....so I'll have some fun. (At the time this was a good idea, this morning I realized not so much.) Yeah, I paid for it this morning. Woke up with a massive headache and hangover. It took me a very long time to actually feel like a human again, but I made it to work, had a decent day despite the rough start, and realized I am NEVER doing that again. (That's only like the second time in my life I've been really drunk, another example of the fact that I'm usually responsible.) But it was fun during! Lol It's definitely a St. Patty's Day I will remember.

P.S. The drinks in the pic are a lemon drop (drink not shot) which was mine, and an Irish Trashcan which was Jess's. lol

What now??

I've been thinking a lot lately about becoming an adult and what happens after college is over. It makes me look back to a time when I couldn't wait to be a high school student, Becca's that would make me cool. Then I had senior year to look forward to. Then it was on to college and the life where you can have fun and do whatever you want for a little while. I remember thinking it seems like it will take forever for high school graduation, then that flew by. I remember a few years ago thinking college graduation was so far away, now its less than two months down the road! (52 days to be exact!!)
But now, what comes after graduation?? I always thought graduation came, then a job, then settling down, marriage and a family...well I'm almost to the graduation part, already have a job...but I'm not even close to the settling down part. That's a little scary, because most of my friends are married and starting families of their own. I'm not ready to rush toward anything, but I also don't wanna be alone forever....I guess when I meet the right person, whether it be someone I've already met or someone I don't know yet, and the timing is right, I will know and I will be ready. Until then, I'm looking forward to settling into adult life, adjusting to more responsibility and just being myself . :)

P.S. Happy St. Patty's Day!!

Losing Myself in Another World....

This weekend I decided I wanted to get away from my life for a little while by joining the virtual world of movies for a few hours. Friday night I went to Columbus with my best friend and her husband to watch Alice in Wonderland in IMAX 3D! It was amazing! Of course, because it's Tim Burton, it was a little on the strange side. And it probably isn't a movie for children, but I LOVED it!

Johnny Depp was amazing, as well as the rest of the cast. But my favorites were probably the Tweedle Twins or the Crazy Rabbit that always threw things! LOL It's definitely a movie I would recommend and I would pay to see it again without a doubt. It let me join the world of Underland (aka Wonderland) and leave my troubles behind for a little while. The soundtrack, Almost Alice, is amazing too!!!

Then on Saturday, I decided to take myself to a movie. My mood on that day was a little more depressed and sappy, so I decided I wanted to see Dear John.

I knew it was a tear-jerker, and yes I cried a lot. But I loved it as well. It hit really close to home with me because the basis of being apart from someone you love and trying to deal with the time and distance. (I've cried every day since I talked to him last, and it's gonna be a really long, hard road for me.) But this movie gave me some form of hope. (not to mention another awesome soundtrack) I am a hopeless romantic at heart, even when I hate to admit it. But I really enjoyed the movie and being able to lose myself for just a couple more hours in someone else's story, even if it is fictional.

My Town

I took my dog for a walk this morning, about the time my town begins to wake up and start the day. It's still kinda quiet and peaceful, a great time to enjoy the fresh air and think. I realized while walking that as much as I complain about this place being too small or having nothing to do here....I love my town. It might be the kind of place where everyone else knows everything about your business and the best thing to do on a Saturday night is go to a movie, bowling or Courtside. lol But its where I grew up, and its home. No matter where else I go in life I know I could always come back here and settle down and it would be ok. (I'm not saying that's what I'm gonna do, but I know I can.)

I Just Wanna Drive...

The more I look at the picture on my blog, the more I just wanna get in the car and just drive. I just wanna take a road trip and get away from everything for a few days. I wanna drive along the coast with my widows down and smell the salt from the ocean. I wanna stop at some small cafe on the beach and enjoy the sound of the waves crashing on the shore. I wanna sit in the sand and watch the sunset and wonder at the immense body of water in front of me. This is one of the reasons I want to live somewhere near a beach someday. So I can do all of these things on some random Saturday in June if I want to. I can fell the sand in my toes and the sun on my face just thinking about it........