Anyone there?

I'm absolutely sure I have NO readers left...I mean it's been like a MONTH since I last posted! What's funny is that prior to the summer starting, I thought I would be bored out of my mind and be able to post everyday. Boy was I wrong! After sitting in front of a computer all day, I just can't bring myself to do it when I get home. However, I was told to leave today after lunch because both the 'bosses' were gone, so there was no need to be there. Yay! So I figure that since I was given a 5 hour reprieve from the computer screen, I could update now :)

Work is still going well, the gym is still happening pretty much everyday, and vacation is coming up in, I believe, 43 days. We have changed our plans from Cozumel - with the drug lords taking over, we decided not to get shot - but now we're going to Aruba. I know, I know, but it is actually a really safe place despite all the news about it. Plus also, I'm going to be lying on a beach at a resort. That's it! Can't wait!!

Otherwise, nothing new. However, as I type this, I'm listening to CNN talk about Michael Jackson. I'm shocked, but then again I shouldn't be. He wasn't the model of health, but it's so sad. I wasn't around when Elvis died, but I guess this is what it was like. I've listened to his music all day and at some points I actually got chills. My favorite song was "Bad". I remember riding around with my Mom singing it when I was like 5. While his appearance at times actually gave me nightmares, and I'm not trying to be rude, I loved his music. What a loss. So sad.

Getting back in the swing of things...

Hello Summer 2009!

So far my summer has been Super! I'll let you read about the Kenny Chesney concert over at Classy's blog, cause she does a better job with her reviews than I ever could, but I will say that he was awesome (as usual) and we had a fantastic time! Oh and can we talk about how his boats name is "Island Girl" - proof that we're meant for each other :)

Now that the concert is over, it's time for my summer internship. I moved into "Vol country" this past Saturday. The room I'm renting is really nice and the roommates aren't bad either. Today was my first day and it went surprisingly well. I think that I'm going to learn quite a bit and the other interns are really nice, so that always helps! While I'm slightly overwhelmed because the work is already starting to tower over my desk, I'd much rather be too busy than have nothing to do - it makes the time go by faster!

This weekend is wedding weekend...again. I'm excited though because Classy will be home and while the wedding is probably going to be lame, the after party is going to be nice :)

Here's to being one day closer to Friday!!

Miss Me?

It has been FOREVER and three days since I updated! I have been popping in periodically to check up on everyone, but I know I've missed so much!

My last exam was Monday afternoon - it was number 6 - and it was a killer. By that point I was so exhausted that I just couldn't form sentences, but nonetheless, it's over and.....

I'm a 3L!!

This time next year I'll be graduating from law school. I can't believe it's that close! Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to wish my life away or anything, but it would be nice to finally get a pay check :)

Anyway, not sure how the grades are going to go - I've gotten some back that are way better than expected (like an A- on the super hard first one) but after that I've been disappointed. I feel like I killed myself for 4 weeks preparing and it didn't pay off, and that is the most frustrating part. However, I don't think my GPA is going to drop any, so I'll chalk this one up in the in win column.

I spent yesterday shopping, shopping and more shopping! I treated myself to lunch at one of my favorite local restaurants (they have the best chicken salad). It was so nice to just sit, relax, and read a magazine. The purpose of this super duper shopping trip was two fold: I need something to wear out after a wedding next weekend, but more importantly was to find something to wear to the KENNY CHESNEY concert tomorrow night!!!

Yes, that's right in just a few short hours Classy will be here and we'll be seeing Mr. Hotstuff himself! I'm soooooo excited! So. Excited. If you've never seen him in concert - GO! Seriously, go!!

Hope you all are having a good week so far!! I know I am!!

Thank you for being a friend....

The news of Bea Arthur's death has really hit me hard. I realize this is completely ridiculous since I didn't know her, or hadn't seen her in anything other than the Golden Girls, but I'm so upset over this. When Estelle Getty passed away, I was sort of prepared because I knew she was sick and had been for some time. However, I had no idea Bea had cancer, therefore it was a complete shock.

Growing up, my Mom and I would watch the Golden Girls every morning on Lifetime while were getting ready. We've seen every episode at least 5 times; in fact we find ourselves quoting parts of the show when we find ourselves in similar situations. (We do the same thing for Designing Women...another fav. that will just crush me when Dixie Carter passes).

I realize this is just a part of life, but it's just so sad when people that you've watched for years are no longer there. Sorry for the depressing post. So I'll leave you with one of my favorite GG quotes:

Blanche: Dorothy, this is crazy! Since when do you care how you look?

Dorothy: I think it started when I came down from the bell tower and had my hump fixed!

Study Break!

You'd think as long as I've been gone, I would have take at least one exam by now, but no - the first one is on Thursday (Anti-Trust) - how exciting. But for now, it's Saturday morning and I decided that I wanted to take a break and update.

In the last post I mentioned that I had gone to Sunday school at my new church. Now remember I tend to be shy until you get to know me, so jumping into a situation like this on my own was a bit much. However, a few people had called and invited me, so it wasn't like I walked in off the street or anything. So I took the leap into the 20-29 y/0 singles class.

I hate being "the visitor," but everyone was super nice. Yes, I got the same questions over and over, (are you new to the city?, Oh, law school, that must be hard?) but overall it was okay. The class was bigger than I expected - 40 people - and that was considered a small day. Again, I'm okay with that...better opportunity to blend in until I feel more comfortable.

The lesson was really great too and since we're all singles, the teacher was able to make jokes about it and we all thought it was funny cause we're all in the small boat ( does that make sense)? Anyway, after class they all sit together in church and then go out to lunch. Now the Island Girl from 3 years ago would have declined the invite to lunch, taken her incredibly overwhelmed self home and spent the rest of the day recovering from the stress of meeting so many new people at one time. However, the new and improved Island Girl, decided to go and make an effort, and I'm really glad I did.

Anyway, I wasn't there last week because I spent Easter with my family, but I'm going back tomorrow - and I'm actually excited about it!

Now for the funny part of this story.

Outside of school, I know like 3 people in this city - my hair stylist, the lady at the rental office of my apartment, and this guy at the bank. The guy at the bank hasn't been there in awhile so I figured he got a new job. This upset me because he always flirted with me through the drive-thru or during the off times I actually went inside. He was cute so I'd flirt back, but he moved on and going to the bank wasn't as much fun. Fast forward to the day described above....

As I was mingling before class, this girl started telling me that she and her boyfriend has been coming to this church for about 4 months and they really liked it, yada, yada. Then she says, "Let me introduce you to my boyfriend!" (Can we see where this is going?)

So there is Mister Bankman. Now picture Matthew McConaughey turning around and seeing Jennifer Lopez in The Wedding Planner at the ballroom dancing class. Can you see the expressions? Well that's what happened.

After the initial surprise, he said, "You look familiar. You used to come through X, right? You have the VW convertible?" Okay, I'm used to be recognized for my car, but when I was telling this story to my Dad later, he was like, "Don't let him fool you, he may remember the car, but he was more interested in the person driving." - gotta love my Daddy :)

Nonetheless it was funny and it was nice to actually learn his name, even if there was a girlfriend present - oh my life!

Hope you all have a fantastic weekend!! Catch up with you sometime next week!

Same Stuff, Different Day...

I'm being a terrible blogger right now and for that I'm sorry! We're in the home stretch of this semester and I have one more exam this semester than I did last semester, agh!

Rest assure that nothing new is going on here besides the ACM awards which Classy gave a description of and I whole heartedly agree 100% and that I branched out and tried Sunday School at my church on Sunday to try and get more involved, but that deserves its own post. So stay tuned!

I say all that to say, sorry I'm not commenting/posting like I should! I'll be back to normal in a few weeks though!

Just When I thought All Hope Was Lost!

I had pretty much reserved myself to the fact I wasn't going to see the ocean this summer; between my internship and weddings, it just wasn't going to happen. Then my Daddy called...

wait for it...

wait for it....

WE'RE GOING TO COZUMEL!!!!

My Mom is turning 50 in August and, being the only child, she wants me to tag along to whatever happens in terms of a celebration. Lucky me. She doesn't want a party, she doesn't want a big deal made of her, so my Dad is going to surprise her with a trip (so if you meet her - don't say anything). She's going to go crazy not knowing exactly where we're going but she'll love it once we get there! Now if I can just keep myself sane until August 9th, I'll be good!

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly!

The Good

Strawberries! My favorite grocery store - Publix - has had their strawberries on sale for the past like month and I'm so excited about it. Now some have been better than others, but for the most part they are really good. I seriously pick up three quarts each time I go (they're 3 for $5) so my refrigerator is looking like a strawberry field. (Do they grow in fields?) Anyway, my favorite summer meal is spinach salad with fresh strawberries, so I've been in summer mode for some time now :)

The Bad

I guess the bad could also been seen as good, but not when I'm in the middle of it. When I was home for spring break, I noticed that my Mom had purchased Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred, so I decided to give it a try. The first day I did level one, it was semi-difficult, but I just didn't feel like I got a great workout, so I decided to try level two the next day. I'm pretty sure Jillian telepathically heard me say her workout wasn't hard, cause level two kicked my butt! Now I've done the Biggest Loser DVD's before, but this was a whole new level of hard. I wanted to kill her or myself, I'm not sure. I literally had sweat running down my face, in my eyes, and my muscles were shaking. I've done it almost everyday since and while I can tell it is getting a little easier, I'm no where ready for level 3. Before I hit play, I pace the floor in my apartment to gear myself up to do the workout. What's crazy is that she's not really there! If I want to quit, I can! But there is just something about her that makes you feel like if you quit you're a loser and the world will end! Agh!

The Ugly

Ok, so I don't really have anything for ugly, but I will ask if any of you have heard the song, "Don't Trust Me" by 3OH!3? I hadn't heard it until this weekend, but I had to look up the lyrics online just to be sure that I heard it right. The end of the song actually says,

"Shush Girl, Shut your lips, do the Helen Keller and talk with your hips"

Maybe it's just me, but that just seems so wrong! Anyway, Happy Monday!

Brunswick, Georgia? Anyone? Anyone?

I swear I wake up in a different world everyday! Maybe it's because I need something to get my mind off the last post, or maybe it's because I want to see as many places as I can, but I've been looking at places with job openings for the job I want after graduation and they are all over the place! I can't decide where to go!




My current love is Brunswick, Georgia. I've never been there, and until last week, wasn't even aware that it existed, but now I'm in love with it...via pictures :) So I ask you, my bloggy friends, are any of you from there? Ever visited? Heard anything about it?


I must say that working near the beach is a HUGE plus and would do me a world of good!!

Careful What You Wish For...

I've been a bad blogger. I've had Internet since last Thursday, but I just haven't felt like writing. Sorry. Please forgive me.

I had planned to tell you about my Spring Break; how I went horseback riding (my mom's horse almost walked her off a cliff), went on a Hummer tour (island girl doesn't normally do mud), ate terribly but only gained 5 ounces (score) and how I was very productive on the job hunt. But that all seems so uninteresting now.

As I'm sure Classy is sick of hearing, I went on a date Friday night with a guy from college. While I've kinda known he was interested, I wasn't AT ALL expecting to see him over break, but when he asked if I was free and he was willing to drive the two hours to see me, I agreed. Long story short - Dinner and a movie followed by coffee. Over coffee he told me that he liked me, a lot and that of all the girls he has gone on dates with over the past year, none of them compare to me. He said that his biggest regret in life is that he didn't date me in college and that he still gets mad at himself about it. Now I'm not used to these kinds of feelings from guys, I'm just not...I'm usually the one pouring my heart out. He told me that his timing was terrible and that he didn't want to limit me or make my decision any harder in terms of where to move, but of all the places he knew I was looking at, he could move there and be happy. Quoi?

Anyway, I explained that I had no idea where I was going to be or what I was going to be doing in a year, and that it is going to be a hard enough decision trying to stay close to my friends and family, much less throw someone else's life on top of it. We agreed to "see where we are in a year" and go from there. Here's the problem: I can't stop thinking about the whole thing. I've cried off and on for three days now. I feel like an idiot, but I just can't help it. Even though he promised that our friendship wouldn't change, his normal text messages and emails have pretty much stopped. I don't think he realized how much I counted on talking to him.

Next problem: he isn't the most motivated person I know. My Dad values hard work. See the problem. Now keep in mind that Daddy has never met him, but knows about him and in true Daddy-with-an-only-daughter fashion, doesn't think he's good enough. So now I'm not sure how I feel about boy - I'm worried my parents opinion has influenced me so much that I've put my feelings behind me. Do you remember the Faith Hill song, "Someone Else's Dream"? Well this portion sums up my current situation to a T:

She was daddy's little girl

Momma's little angel

Teacher's pet, pageant queen

She said "All my life I've been pleasin' everyone but me...

Yep, that's about covers it! So now I'm not sure if I just want to be in a relationship or if I want to be in a relationship with him. If he lived closer, this would be easier, but the 6 hour distance thing makes it hard...very hard. Needless to say, God and I have had some very long talks over the past few days! I guess this is what happens when you think you've got a handle on your life plan :)

Have I Mentioned....

that Spring Break starts in 2 hours and 45 minutes!!!!

I'm more than a little bit excited! I'm not doing anything super exciting, I'm not going anywhere warm (on the contrary, I'm going home where it is supposed to be cold...boo), but it is still a break. I haven't been home since Christmas and I'm more than ready to spend some time with the family. We are going to spend a few days in our cabin, so I won't be around much, or at all, until next Wednesday, so don't let anything exciting happen without me :)

On a completely unrelated note, have I mentioned that Kelly Clarkson has taken up residence in my head? 'Cause she has and she's been there for about a week now. Okay, I'll admit that I extended her stay by hitting repeat on Youtube several times, but still she's vacationing in my brain at the moment.

Things are getting ready to get CrAzY in Island Girl land! First, exams start in about a month and I'm beginning to hit the panic button on studying. I'm trying to hold off until at least after break so that I can actually enjoy my next to last spring break ever, but I'll probably crack and study some at some point. Second, the job I want after I graduate (in a year) has already starting accepting applications from my graduating class - come on people, it's over a year away - so this means it's "real world" time. I'm excited but also very nervous! I'm trying to decide the areas of the country I want to apply to; these jobs are so competitive that you go where ever you get an offer. Currently, the furthest away I'm looking is Texas, but that's a long shot. These jobs only last a year or two, and I can handle anything for that long, right? Anyway, it should be an interesting couple of months around here!

*There's a lot of random stuff in this post, but when I'm excited, it happens!!!*

A Wealth of (unused) Information

Friday, as I was leaving campus, I was walking behind a guy from my class. He was walking incredibly slow and playing with his iPhone. I, being a fast walker, really wanted to go around him, but he was taking up the whole hallway. So I had to slow down as not to knock him over until we got to the door leading to the parking lot, when I could make a break for it and get around him. He was well aware I was behind him and knowing this guy, I'm not surprised that he was completely oblivious to everything going on around him. When we go to door he opens it just far enough for him to get through and then let it shut in my face. Seriously?! Where is the chivalry?

This is one of my pet peeves - I mean how hard is it to hold the door open for someone? Especially when they are right behind you! So I was thinking about this and how he was going to be making his way into my blog soon, but how completely unaware he was about this. This lead me to this thought:

Men could learn so much about how to act, dress, behave in general if they knew about this blog community!

I mean women are not that complicated! If a man would just stumble upon this wealth of information he would learn so much and be such a better man/boyfriend/husband/whatever! There are so many great blogs out there that recount these "not real" moments from their days and if men, and not just men, rude people in general, were to happen into this world, they could learn so much!

So, Mr. slow walking-phone talking-door slamming jerk ---- hold the door next time, please.

p.s. I love that it's 6 o'clock here and it's still bright out!

Um, have you seen this!?

I'm sitting in class waiting on my professor to get here (I'm not happy because he is always late) but it did give me some time to catch up on my internet surfing and look what I found:

Glamour Magazine Turns 70!

What does this mean for you!? You can get a years subscription for the same price they sold it for in 1939 - $1.50! That's right - a year's subscription for one dollar and fifty cents!

Just wanted to pass this along before I forgot!

How Cute & It's PINK!!

I love surprises! Love, love, love them! So today was extra fun because I got two! TWO!

First, The Other K Wick at Chasing Dreams gave me a super cute award! Thank you so much; I really appreciate it! I found her blog recently through OSB and have really enjoyed reading her so far! So check her out! *Isn't this award pretty :)

Okay, so I'm passing the award to:

LyndsAU @ All Things Fluffy...Fashionable...& Fabulous

Classy @ Dancing Backwards in High Heels

NJDecorator @ A Devonshire Design

The second surprise came when I opened my mailbox. Since I get my bills online, I don't get a whole lot of mail that isn't junk, so I have low expectations when I go to get the mail - even though it is one of my favorite things to do during the day. But today, there was a bag from Victoria Secret in there!! At first I was really confused because I knew I hadn't ordered anything from them in a while, so I called my Mom to see if she had sent me anything - No. Next thought - Aunt - No. At this point I'm convinced that VS charged me for merely looking at swimsuits last week, then I opened it and looked at the invoice. It was from a friend of mine from college - completely random :) She thought/knew that I was going through a rough patch with the nutritionist nightmare and the middle of the semester blahs, and wanted to pick me up! So she ordered me a this shirt from the PINK! Collegiate Collection! I was so shocked; it really made me smile, especially since she is in the middle of planning her wedding and doesn't have time to do much else!

Preppy 101 has highlighted several of her girlfriends recently and I love reading about them, because it reminds me of mine too! I get in these funks where I think that I need people more than they need me - like Carrie Underwood says, "Don't forget to remember me." Needy, probably, but I can't help it. But then gestures, even small things, like messages and cards, and all that goes away! My friends are so important to me and it's so not fair that I don't live close to them anymore - but hopefully I will again soon! I think I'm to that point where I need to go home and be around people who love me - Luckily Spring Break starts next Friday!!!

Come on weather, work with me!!

I woke up this morning to 3 inches worth of snow...3 inches...in Alabama! Not real! Island girl doesn't like snow or cold, so I really wasn't happy when I looked out my window. However, as the morning wore on and 3 inches turned into 4 and then 5, I began thinking that maybe, just maybe I wouldn't have to go into work tomorrow morning, so the snow began to be my friend. Until...

the sun came and the snow melted...all of it...in about 15 minutes!

We're talking completely gone - the only evidence of our "winter storm" are the little patches that remain on the rooftops of the houses that don't face the sun and the 8 snowmen that line the road leading out of the apartment complex. Oh how I hate snow! So basically I didn't get to go to church, because they cancel church services and I don't get out of work tomorrow either!

This is the second time that it has snowed since I've lived here. The first time was last March and it was on a Saturday. This time is a Sunday - neither of these days help me get out of anything! Why couldn't the snow cloud drop a couple inches on say, Tuesday or Thursday? Is that too much to ask?!

Because of the snow and my crazy thinking at it would stick around (no pun intended) I decided that I wouldn't be able to get to campus to go to the gym, so I got up this morning and pulled out my Biggest Loser Cardio Max DVD. I hadn't done it in like a year, so I was thinking, "Oh I've gotten much stronger since then, I'm sure I can do the whole thing now". Stupid. Me. Oh I did the whole thing, but I can feel it, which is a good thing, but geezzz! However, Bob Harper telling me I'm doing a good job and that he could "see me," made the whole experience worth it!

An Introduction through a Tag!

Xazmin at This is the Life tagged me in a picture tag! Since my blog is anonymous I had to tweak this alittle so that I didn't get myself into the picture, but I think the album I chose works well! Okay here are the rules:

1. Go to your Picture Folder on your computer or wherever you store your pictures. 2. Go to the 6th Folder and then pick the 6th Picture. 3. Post it on your bloggy and tell the story that goes with the picture. 4. Tag 5 other glorious peoples to do the same thing and leave a comment on their bloggy tellin’ about it

This is a picture of my baby the day after I got her! Belle is 4 months old in this picture and weighed about 4 pounds. She's a shih tzu and full of life! Almost a year later, she looks nothing like this...at all. Now she is about 16 pounds, though not really fat, just really long - bigger than most shih tzu's. Anyway, that's my picture!

Okay, so I'm going to tag some of the new blogs that have started following me or that I've started following:

Mich from Who is Mich?

The Other K Wich at Chasing Dreams

Lauren at (Mis) Adventures in Theatre

Lucky in Love

Freck at It's Five O'Clock Somewhere

If any of you have done this, don't want to, etc. that's fine! Just wanted to pass the fun along!

Huh? Did I miss something?

I took two things away from the Oscars and both of them can be summed up with that phrase.

First, I was watching E! for my red carpet coverage. I wasn't happy that the first person that came down the carpet was Miley Cyrus. I mean why is she there anyway? But I digress. While she was being interviewed, she was asked about her new movie, Hannah Montana: The Movie. She's excited about it, blah, blah. As the interview wrapped up, she was told to enjoy herself and have fun, and maybe we can see you here next year. Then she says something to the effect of...wait for it...she hoped that she could get nominated for her movie because it's really good and shows a different side of her, and she was completely serious. Which leads me to:

Huh? Did I miss something?

Does she really think that the Hannah Montana Movie is in the same league as the movies nominated for best picture!? Does she think that she is the same caliber actress as Kate Winslet and all the great ones that came before her? The day the Hannah Montana Movie gets nominated for best picture is the day I throw out my DVD player and never go to the theater again :)

Second: I feel like I missed something with Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt. I don't care one bit about them. I don't. I don't care if they are ever in another movie again. However, I think I'm in the minority because when they stepped out of their limo, Giuliana Rancic actually screamed! The co-host of the show actually screamed! Which lead me to ask:

Huh? Did I miss something?

Is she not the woman who broke up a marriage? Is he not the one that left my girl Jennifer while filming a movie? I don't know, maybe it's just me, but WHY IS THAT OKAY!?

So there you have it, my take on the Oscar's! On the fashion side, I thought Kate Winslet looked gorgeous and I actually liked Jessica Biel's dress. Okay, back to the Bachelor!

Better late than never!

I've been tagged several times over the past week and I'm just now getting around to posting them! So sorry for the delay, now lets see!


First, Meika at Meika Musings tagged me in a Valentine's Day meme! However, I don't have anyone to write it about, but I'll save the format for next year and hope that I can fill it in then :)

Second, Preppy 101 from All Things Southern and Preppy tagged me in the Bag Tag!


The tag is this:

1. Post a picture of the bag purse handbag pocketbook {whatever you call it!} that you are carrying! Now, don't you even think about going back there to your closet and getting that cute little clutch that you carried before you had children or the last time you went out ;-) I want to see the purse that you carried today!

2. Tell us how much it cost!


3. Tag some other girls!




Okay here it is:


I got this for Christmas last year but I picked it out myself because I needed a cute red bag. If I remember correctly it cost about $90, but I'm not sure. I think I might switch it up tomorrow and carry something more spring-y because it's supposed to be sunny and warm :)

Third, Akilah at Execumamas, I hear ya! This is our space! gave me a very sweet award! She super sweet and has the cutest daughters! Check her out!


Finally, Lucky in Love tagged me to list 10 of my favorite things!! Okay, here goes (in no particular order):

#10 - Extra Sugar Free Gum in the Sweet Watermelon flavor! The other flavors are good too, but the watermelon is by far my favorite! I chew so much of this that my jaws hurt some days - this is when I realize I need to stop :)




#9 - Disney! But if I need to narrow it down more - Belle from Beauty and the Beast! Disney is by far one of my favorite places on earth and with their cruise line, I now can combined my two favorite places, the ocean and Disney, into one fantastic vacation! Now Beauty and the Beast - I have seen this movie a gazillion times but every time Belle comes down the stairs in her yellow dress I get super giddy and cry - without fail :) I'm completely convinced that I'm going to know that my Mr. Right is my Mr. Right by the fact he suggests we have a date night where we watch this without me having to beg him to.

#8 - My friends! Growing up I never really had close friends, you know the ones you develop life long bonds with, but when I got to college I did. I can count on one hand my closest friends and that's the way I like it. Quality, not quantity. I can't show you a picture of them because 3/4 of them don't even know this blog exists and they can't ever because they've made their way into it every now and again, but you all know Classy and if you don't, you should - so go there!



#7 - Alabama Football! If you have been following me for any length of time you know that I'm obsessed. I love when I'm with a group of people and they just assume because I'm a girl I don't know anything about football and then I join in a hold my own - it's a great feeling :) There is nothing better than an a Saturday in the Fall with family and friends, good BBQ and an Alabama game.

#6 - Yellow Box Flip Flops: I used to be strictly an Old Navy flip flop girl. I would wear a pair until the heel wore through and I could feel gravel and pavement - not kidding. However, then I discovered Yellow Box and they hooked me. They are so comfortable and they have so many cute colors. I have my eye on a new pair for this season and I feel like I can't hold out much longer.



#5 - The Ocean: There really isn't one particular place I like to view the ocean from, but if I had to pick just one, it would be Castaway Cay - Disney's private island. I've been there twice and both times I grabbed a hammock on the adult beach and fallen asleep to the sound of the waves - there is no better moment than that. When I'm tired of studying and just ready to give up, I think about how much I want to own a beach house and money needed to do that, and push through.


#4 - Bible/devotional: I just recently picked up Cheri Fuller's book, One Year Book of Praying Through the Bible. I'm so excited about this book! Not only have the read the whole Bible by the end of it, each devotional seems to be taylor made to fit my need that day. I'm guessing that either God knew I was going to stumble upon this book and made it to fit me, or everyone struggles with these issues; either way - it's a good feeling.


#3 - Starbucks Skinny Cinnamon Dolce Latte with 2 splenda and a little extra Cinnamon on top. It tastes like a liquid Cinnamon bun. Try it!

#2 - Country music: I love, love, love country music! I can relate to so many of the lyrics and I love to sing along. My favorites are Kenny Chesney, Sugarland, Carrie Underwood, Lady A and Jake Owen :0)

#1 - My family. I come from a very small family. I mean I'm an only child, but I also only have one first cousin, so even my extended family is relatively small until you go about three layers. However, I like this. My Mom is like my best friend - we talk several times a day and I'm a complete Daddy's girl - every guy I meet has to measure up to my Daddy - I'm still looking, so far no one has come close. I was blessed to know three of my Great-Grandparents and one for 13 years. He continues to be one of the bravest, unselfish and modest men I've ever met. My grandparents spoil me, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't enjoy it. We're small, but we're loved and I'm scared of getting smaller because each person is such an important piece of my life puzzle.


Shew! Just so you know I've been working on this post for three days! I'm just so tired that I'm not tagging anyone, but please play along with the favorite things tag - it's fun! Thanks again to everyone for the tags!

Okay, I'm just going to lay it all out there...

As my current Facebook status says, "Island Girl is Frustrated!"

It's not really a "bad mood" frustrated or an "the world is driving me crazy" frustrated, but more of an "I just want to bang my head against the wall" frustrated. Why you might ask? Well that's where it gets tough.

I went to meet with a nutritionist today. This is the second one I've had an appointment with - the first one cancelled on me. I had this appointment scheduled for a week. A week to hype myself for her to help. A week to think she was going to have some "magic" answer for the problems I've been having in the weight loss department. I was wrong.

Let me back up. Growing up I was over weight. All through high school and college, I was over weight. However, to date I've lost 51 pounds. I eat a healthy diet. I exercise 5 days a week. However the scales have been stuck for pretty much 6 months. So I decided to see someone to figure out the problem since I've been having other warning signs from my body that something is "off".

Long story short - she confirmed what I already knew, that I'm not eating enough. While this seems like a simple issue to fix, it's not that easy. I've gotten to the point that eating more actually scares me. I'm so scared of going back to where I was, that I can't enjoy going out to eat anymore. Even though I know that I need more calories a day, the thought of eating more makes me nervous.

The reason this breakthrough about loving myself was such a huge deal was because even though I know that I look different, I still look in the mirror and see the girl that graduated from college. I've quit seeing what's really there. When my parents came to visit two weeks ago, they expressed concern over the fact that I continue to see myself as "heavy." Even before they said anything, I knew this was an issue - a body image issue - and one that isn't new to me.

So when I met with the nutritionist today I was wanting help - someone to tell me what I needed to do to get better. She was not that someone. She told me that I needed to eat more, but that overall my diet was great and that she didn't see anyway to improve it. However, when I told her that was having issues seeing reality, she made me feel like an idiot - the last thing I needed since I already feel crazy.

She told me that by the time women get to be my age they have come to terms with reality and know that they can't have the bodies of the women in magazines. I, too, know this. She said that when women get to be my age they "don't really have body image issues anymore." Well, I'm sorry but in my opinion that's crap! While it might not be as prominent in my age bracket, it is still there. So, she made me feel even more crazy than I already feel. She also told me that if I don't get a handle on this now, I'm going to gain all my weight back - wow. thanks - but that's not going to happen. I can guarantee that!

Anyway, since she was of very little help, I'm now looking into a personal trainer to get to the workout aspect of the equation. Sorry to have dumped all of this on you all (those of you who made it to the end), but this is something that has been consuming my every thought for weeks and since I don't "know" must of you, I feel free from judgment, cause the two people that actually know me don't judge :) I really like keeping my blog light and happy, so I promise to get back to that tomorrow!

Nick Lachey 2012?

Yesterday while on the treadmill I decided to watch the news; you know, learn something while working out. Well what I learned was that Nick Lachey is thinking about running for political office - this is news, I mean did Congress not just pass a HUGE stimulus package - but I digress. He said that, "he's always been interested in politics; it's something I've been thinking about for awhile." He didn't specify what he wanted to run for, but it's out there. I tried to find an article about it, but apparently they don't have enough writers to cover all the "news" going on in the world.

Alright now, for the better part of 12 years, I've been "interested" in politics. I've volunteered for my party, I was a political science major, I'm in law school trying to get a degree so that I can apply that to politics in some form. I mean if we're going to get technical, I've been voting since I was old enough to pull the lever for my Mom in the voting booth - I love politics and have for quite sometime! However, despite all the "in's" I'm trying to make into the world of politics, the ability to break into "that world" is hard, and even once you do, you'll be putting postage on letters for a good three years before anything remotely exciting happens. Little did I know that all I needed to be qualified to hold office was a brief career with a music group that uses temperature as a name and have a successful, yet dizzy spouse to get a show on MTV for me.

To think I've wasted so much time on this whole school thing! Puh, what was I thinking :)

Turning Point?

As you might remember I didn't have New Year's Resolutions per se, I just wanted to be happier and more content with myself, and gosh darn it I kept that positivity for a good three weeks before I started getting bogged down with school, workouts, finding a church, etc. Then all the frustration started again and the well intentioned positivity began to leave.

But that ends today!

Today I tried a new church, and while I wish I could tell you that I really liked it and plan on going back, I can't. It really wasn't my style: very big, broadcasts to several "campuses", etc. However, the message this morning was on Love. Plain and simple. Love. Love for yourself, love for others, love for the Lord. Love, Love, Love! He said that we can't move forward until we get rid of all the "pollution" that surrounds our hearts - Bitterness, Self-Centeredness, and Worldly Distractions. Only after we get rid of those can we love with our whole hearts.

Somewhere between the last song and the benediction it hit me:

How can I fully love if I don't love myself first!

It seems so simple, but so hard to grasp - especially since I'm very quick to point out my flaws but very slow to acknowledge my positives. I have to start believing what the title of my blog says, I'm "not perfect, but worth it!" This isn't going to happen overnight, but it's something I want to work towards. As I left the church today, I was re energized! While I didn't feel like God found me during the service he definitely found me in the parking lot!

It's amazing how much better the day goes when take on a new attitude - and it didn't hurt that it was 72 degrees here today :) I decided to take my workout outside today and run at a nearby park. The park has two mapped out courses: a 5k and an 8k, and since I was feeling so good about myself, I decided to take on the 8k, since I've never done one before. So today was the "Island Girl First Annual 8k race for...um...well...fill in the blank". It was beautiful. While I'm not much of an "outdoors" person past, you know, the beach, this course went back through the woods and curved near a lake, and was just beautiful! I ran the entire thing and only stopped once - to tie my shoe :) Woohoo!

So now, here I sit. On my porch watching the sun set and feeling content for the first time in a long time :)

I spent my evening with Rebecca Bloomwood!

Okay, not really, but I wish I could, you know if she were a real person!

After many recommendations that Confessions of a Shopaholic would be a better movie to see alone than He Just Not That Into You, I decided on Confessions for my Friday afternoon treat!

Now, I have no problem going to movies by myself because the people I've met here and I have very different taste in movies, so I'd rather just go by myself than hear them complain! However, I don't normally laugh out loud when I'm alone because I feel like that draws attention to me and sometimes I just like to go unnoticed. In this movie though, it was impossible to keep quite! I laughed so hard at certain points that I had tears!

I think that it was so funny because I could see glimpses of myself in her. I don't have credit cards - well one, but it is strictly for emergencies - so I don't have her problems, but I totally would if I had that many pieces of "magical plastic".

Anyway, I highly recommend this movie! I'll admit I was skeptical when I heard about it, but it really delivered!

I'm a magnet...

for odd people at the gym!

Tonight's encounter was the complete opposite of Mr. Muscles. This girl, well, I'm still trying to process her. The gym on campus gets busy at certain times - those times when classes are just letting out, lunch, etc. My typical Tuesday time is around 3 after my last class. It's always busy and chances are you'll be waiting for a treadmill.


I lucked out today and didn't have to wait. So there I am running my heart out, sweating like a man, and I notice this girl throw her stuff down on the treadmill next to me. She proceeds to place her notes for class up on the ledge along with her phone, and then jumped up there herself. Okay, point one - she's wearing jeans. I'm thinking to myself, "what kinda work out is she going to do in jeans!!"


And she's off...sort of. She increases her speed to 2.0. 2.0 Now I'm not saying that's bad, because I realize that for some people that's all they can do, so I'm not trying to be offensive, but really she was barely moving. Please keep in mind that there are people waiting to use the machines!!! I was stunned. How can people be that oblivious.


I deduced that she was there because there was a guy working out that she was staring at, but it wasn't reciprocated. I feel like someone should tell her that if he had noticed her, he would have been wondering what that girl was doing on the treadmill in jeans.


I'm really glad that I wasn't one of the people waiting, because I might have had to step in and ask her nicely to get off.


Not real.

What if...

I'm a thinker; an analyzer; an over analyzer.

and I hate it.

As much as I try to just go with the flow, I can't. I take a situation and I over think it - I drive myself crazy. I play the "what if" game.

"What if I do X?"

"But what if Y happens?"

"Well if I do that, then Z couldn't happen!"

see what I mean - drives me CrAzY!

There are a couple of things going on in my world at the moment that are falling into the over thinking category. These will probably make their way into my posts in the coming weeks, but it suffices to say that they are causing me quite a bit of anxiety.

I love the phrase, "Let go and let God." I'm trying to live by that motto, but sometimes it's hard you know?

Letter to Mr. Muscles

Dear Big Armed Gym Guy,

I’m not sure you remember me, even though you probably should, but I was on the elliptical machine next to you yesterday. The reason I think that you should remember me is because you were clearly interested in studying my screen to see how many miles I'd traveled and how fast I was going. Now, while I enjoy competition, I feel that it was not warranted at that time. Just because you can go at 8.5 miles per hour does not mean that I have to do the same. If this is your way of showing off, it really wasn't working. However, I am flattered that you care what I think.

I'm sorry if you misconstrued my looking in your general direction as mutual interest in your elliptical stats, but I was actually looking past you to see if the treadmills were free so that I could go ahead and get my run in. I’ll concede, however, that your arms are very large and beautiful, but if I’m being honest, I’ve seen better – don’t feel bad though, I’m still not convinced he was human. :)

Now I’m not going to take up anymore of your time because I’m sure you have to go lift something, but just know that not everyone comes to the gym to compete with others, some of us really are there to workout/get healthy/etc.

Thanks for you time,
Island Girl

and on a related note...

Dear Gym Manager,

I understand that the temperature outside is in the low 40's, but the gym is not the place for heat. It is incredibly hard to run when there is zero air circulating and you feel like you're traveling through the Sahara. So if you wouldn't mind, please go over to the knob on the wall and give it a huge twist to the left.

Thanks,
Island Girl

Touchdown Titans!

Okay, maybe not so much, considering the Tennessee Titans didn't make it to the Superbowl despite an outstanding start to the season, but a girl can dream right. However, since the Titans aren't there, and my 2nd and 3rd favorite teams also choked in the playoffs, I've had a time deciding who to pull for.

My original inclination was to pull for the Steelers because I love defense, and the Steelers have a great one. But then I thought, I also like to pull for the underdog, which in this case, would be the Cardinals. So how do I break this tie?

I go to what's most important - who has the most Alabama players on the team? In this case it would be the Steelers because they have three ex-Alabama players. However, Tim Castille, also a tide player, is on the Cardinals and that coupled with the underdog status, makes me lean towards the Cardinals!

All that being said, I don't know who to pull for, but I think it's going to be the Cardinals. But even more exciting than the Superbowl is that I'm going to get Moe's as my game meal! It's been far too long since I've had a really good, really bad for you meal and I'm so excited!


Happy Superbowl! Go Cardinals!

As if I didn't know already...

that it was getting close to my time of the month by the unjustified weight gain and uncontrollable mood swings, my body decided to give me another not so subtle clue...right in the middle of Target.

Yesterdays bright and cheery mood left with the sunshine and was replaced by the cold and rainy day that is my Wednesday. Just as everything yesterday seemed to go right, everything today seemed to go wrong - you get the picture.

So I'm in Target picking up a few things and decided to look and see if the new flavor of Yoplait Light yogurt I've been looking for was there. It's not supposed to be out until February, but I've been looking for it since I heard the news that they were coming out with the Cinnamon Roll variety about three weeks ago. I check every time I go in, but they never have it, so I wasn't really expecting it today, however I was wrong. There on the shelf was my Cinnamon Roll.* I swear it was like it was radiating light and birds started singing. So what do my screwed up hormones decide to make me do?

CRY

My body decided that yogurt was worth crying over. Seriously. I'm standing in the middle of Target, holding a carton of yogurt, crying. I'm sure I looked absolutely ridiculous.

Oh the joys of being woman :)

*In case you were wondering, it's very good!

All you need is a little Spring!

It's no secret that when the weather turns colder so does my mood. I hate winter and the day my flip flops have to go back into the closet is a bad day in my world. However, day it is

Gorgeous.Gorgeous.Gorgeous.

here today! I'm not trying to brag or rub this in any of my readers faces who are currently dealing with ice and snow, but I really needed this today!

I'm sure it's all in my head, but since the weather is so pretty everything else in my day is going well also! I got called on in my hardest class today and instead of drilling me into the ground like he does everyone else, he asked me one question and that was it; leaving me to breath again!

I was going to go run outside today cause it is just so gosh darn beautiful, but I've decided that to keep my new shoes looking, well new, I'm going to stay in and treadmill it instead.

I'm going to live this up while I can because tomorrow's forecast - rainy/snowy with a high of 35 :(

Hope you all are having a wonderful Tuesday no matter the weather!

Where did the weekend go? It seems like just a few hours ago I was celebrating a free Friday afternoon! A free Friday afternoon where it was warm enough to drive with the top down I might add. Guh, I'm so ready for spring!

Thank you all for your suggestions on my last post. Sorry to be Debbie Downer, but I was just facing a weekend with nothing to do and no one to do it with, and it got to me. I'll definitely be trying out some of those tips!

As far as my weekend went, I didn't realize how much college football consumes my Saturday's in the fall - not that I'm complaining - but really a whole Saturday with no football! What's a girl to do?! Well this girl went to see Gran Torino. What an excellent movie!!! If you haven't seen it, go! I cried at the end, but again, nothing new :)

But now it's Monday...again. Dragging myself out of bed this morning wasn't as bad as I thought because a case that I had been working on at my internship got a conviction last week, so I knew everyone would be in a great mood today, and I was right! Now when I say I worked on it, I was one piece of a 8,464 puzzle, but I like to think that it was my part that put the jury over the top :)

And finally, for those of you who don't receive the Hungry Girl emails (cough*you should *cough) I'm passing along another free sample, Quaker Rice Cakes! Go here and request yours. You get to chose between two favors - the Mini's: Chocolate Drizzle or the regular Cheddar Cheese. I've had the Cheddar and they're amazing - They taste just like cheese puffs. Since I've had those, I went with the chocolate ones. Enjoy!

All Dressed Up and No Where to Go...

Okay Bloggy friends, I need advice. As much as I like to think I have things in control, sometimes you just need some help, ya know?

I've lived here for almost a year and half, and I don't know anyone! I mean I have my classmates, but after spending all week in class and doing homework, the last thing I want to do is spend more time with them, because all they talk about is law and jobs, blah, blah. I don't know what to do.

I've tried church after church after church since I've been here because I grew up in church and really wanted to find a church home here, sadly, however, most of them are so big, that they aren't welcoming at all - I'm just a number and I hate that. I found one church I liked, went for three MONTHS and the Pastor always called me the wrong name, the name of another girl who started visiting around the same time I did. Needless to say after months of being called "Jenny" you being to think you don't really matter.

So I ask you: Where do you meet people? Where do you go? Am I missing a huge portion of the population somewhere?

This predicament is nothing new - clearly I've been here for awhile, however after spending a great weekend last weekend with my closest friends (and some new friends, that I now believe I'd rather spend time with than some of my old friends), coming back here and having nothing to do except read can wear on you.

Anyway, all comments welcome! With that being said, I'm going shopping :) Hope you're enjoying your Saturday!

Follow Up!

I thought I'd give you all a follow up this mornings rant, because I always like to know the rest of the story and I thought you might too.

I called the ticket outlet, and let me also say that this city only allows you to get tickets through one company and it's not Ticketmaster, so there is like a monopoly on concert tickets there. That aside, I call and get put on hold because "all operators are with other customers" and that while my "call is very important to them, they answer calls in the order they were received." Okay, fine - I'll wait. While I'm waiting they play, what I assume was supposed to be soothing music to keep the agitated guest happy, but really was just irritating ocean waves, and while I love the sound of the ocean, not when it is full of static and very, very loud!

After about 10 minutes on hold, a woman comes on the line and wants to help me. I tell her I want a refund for my Eagles tickets for the concert that was supposedly last night.

"Sure, that's not a problem!" * all the while she's trying to be up beat and perky, but I was in no mood for upbeat and perky, so in this case it was not helping the situation

After giving me the address and trying to make jokes while doing it, again not in the mood, I ask, "Exactly how was anyone supposed to know that the concert was moved up a day? I mean, was it advertised anywhere?"

This is where Little Mary Sunshine went away and Little Ms. Cupcake came out. *cupcake is my alternate word for B*tch, just fyi.

She informed me that it was broadcast on a local television several times and that it was also in the local paper. Well that's all well and good except, I'M NOT LOCAL, which I also shared with her. I told her that I was in Alabama and had no way of knowing what was going on with her local paper and that she is very lucky that I hadn't driven all the way from Alabama to attend the concert that didn't happen. To which she responds, "well I'm very sorry that you don't read the Sentinel, but it was made clear to people that there was a change."

When I asked what people from out of state were supposed to do, she told me that she personally had called several people that had purchased tickets out of state. Really, I'm still waiting. I told her that not only did she have my phone number, she also had my email and home addresses, and that I was not contacted in any of those ways.

This goes on for sometime and then, and here is when I lost it BIG time. Before I hung she says, and get this, "When you send the tickets back make sure they have the January 21st date on them, or we can't take them back." Apparently, the tickets that were sold later had the correct date. This comment just put me in a new place and I told her that "if the tickets had said the 20th my parents would HAVE BEEN THERE and we would not be having this conversation right now!!" GRRR!!!

I know I say this quite a bit, but I don't fight with people, I don't like confrontation and I really hate yelling at people doing their jobs, however she was not doing her job and her smartalic attitude just got to me! I don't deal with disappointment well and those tickets were what I was most excited about this past Christmas, so she got the brunt of my frustration, however, I'm sure she got calls much worse than mine all day long. Anyway, after I return the tickets, I get a refund, so I guess if it has to end with no concert, at least I get my money back.

I've calmed down now. I went for a long run before lunch and afterwards it was so warm I was able to wear flip flops!! There is nothing quite like a pair of brown and white polka dotted Yellow Box flip flops to turn the day around.

I Guess They Just Felt Like It!

Sorry for a Thursday morning rant, but I'm so mad that before I get on the phone with "the man" I need to release some of this anger.

If you'll remember back a few posts ago, I was way excited about giving my Dad Eagles tickets for Christmas - favorite band, never seen them in person - all that jazz. Fast forward to Christmas - He loved them! He was so surprised and I was happy knowing that I had made him that way.

Okay, where does this go badly you ask?

Yesterday was the day of the concert. My parents left early so they could go to dinner first, you know have a nice evening. They get to the arena and the sign on the door says, "The Eagles concert originally scheduled for today, was moved up to yesterday. For refunds please call..."

MOVED UP!

No one knew it was moved up. I believe the sign went on to say that they tried to get a hold of all ticket holders, but I'm still waiting on that phone call. They also had my email address and my home address. It's 2009, there are ways to get a hold of me people!

When my Mom called to tell me, I cried (shock) and then got really mad! My Dad assured me that it was the thought that counted and that he would rather me get a refund and let us do something as a family over my Spring Break. He's great, but really, who moves a concert up without making it like a huge deal!

This isn't my first rodeo. While I've never had a concert postponed on me, the artist has had to that on occasion and he/she always makes the headline on their website, it's advertised on the radio, etc. I checked their website - no mention of the change. No mention! I guess I was supposed to have ESP with them or something.

Anyway, I'm waiting for them to open so I can get my refund and tell them my thoughts on their very private change of plans! Grrr....

Tuesday is Monday?

I'm back from a fabulous three day weekend! As a result of MLK day and having Monday classes off, the powers that be decided Monday classes should meet on Tuesday, so that we don't behind a day on Monday classes, so we skip Tuesday classes all together and go straight to Wednesday. Confused yet? As a result of this screwed up concept, I'm having a terrible time keeping my week straight.

I'm slightly embarrassed to say that I'm just now feeling recovered from the weekends events. If you remember I went to spend time with the wonderful Classy. We, as usual, had a wonderful time, and I'm happy to report that we still have "it" - whatever that may be. I'll just direct you to her for a full recap, but it suffices to say that we're pretty much amazing! In all we were able to score at least four rounds of drinks (on the house) for our party, an order of mini corn dogs (for the b-day girl), and a couple of beers to keep the boys happy while we shamelessly flirted with the bartender. I'm pretty sure if we had asked for them to give us ownership of the bar, they would have. We're the perfect example of what happens when you only get out once every few months :) As Classy's Mr. Perfect so wisely put it the next morning: "You have to know you're limits even when the drinks are free." So wise, so wise. Nonetheless, I'm trying to decide when my schedule permits me visit again; hopefully sometime soon!


However, like all good times they have to come to an end and now I'm back to the class, gym, class, routine again. Having gone running shoe shopping with Classy, I decided it was time to retire the current pair - they lived a good life - and purchase some new ones. I went to a local store that finds the perfect shoe for your foot, depending on whether you over or under pronate. I apparently, over pronate slightly, so they recommended New Balance 859's.

I.Love.Them.

I didn't realize how much I loved them until I went to the gym. I didn't even realize I was running - I felt like I was floating on air, as odd as that sounds. I didn't know a pair of shoes should make that big of a difference. I ran further today than I have in a long time! Again, I love these shoes!

Alright, time for my weekly addiction - the Biggest Loser!

"Cause the good ones all got wedding rings..."

And the young ones are just too dumb..."

Oh so true, so true, Miranda Lambert! I was reminded of her song, Guilty in Here, today while in class or should I say before class.

It's my practice to get to class early so that I can set my laptop up, get my notes ready and try to get the internet browsing done before class starts. Today was no different and the guy who sits next to me seems to have the same practice. I've had a majority of my classes in law school with him so we're normally friendly with each other. But today we just talked about everything! We have so much in common! This, also, is not new. I seem to have more guy friends than girls, but the whole experience reminded me of this Miranda Lambert song. Because, as it were, Mr. Chatty is married and recently had a daughter - she's way cute, btw!

Now don't take any of this the wrong way. I wasn't flirting with him, I was just way excited to have someone to talk to about stuff I actually like! I'm not attracted to him or going to try and wreak his happy life - that's not my style, but I couldn't help but think of these lyrics and giggle, because it really does seems like the all the good ones are married, and per experience the young ones are in fact, "too dumb"! It's a cute song, so you should listen!

Anyway, on to more important topics! My last class was cancelled for tonight because the professor is sick - best wishes to him, but I now get to watch Grissom's final episode on CSI! Then even better than that, I'm leaving for Nashville tomorrow to spend the weekend with Classy!!! I'm not sure there is anything I can say to express my level of excitement! :)

Against My Better Judgement...

...I began reading Marley and Me over Christmas Break. I'd heard good things, the movie was coming out and I'm the type that really likes to read the book before seeing the movie, even though the movie is never as good. So last night, I sat down and read the last 6 chapters...again against my better judgment.

I'm not going to go into detail about the book, but I will say that I was crying so hard that I was hyperventalating and really think that I was close to passing out because I couldn't catch my breath. I really didn't think that I would be affected this way. I know that I cry about everything, so I shouldn't have been surprised but I was.

I think that I was most affected because I've seen both ends of the spectrum - I have a puppy but my family had a dog for 16 years that had to be put to sleep about 2 years ago. Sugar, my first pet, was a humane society pet that had been serverly abused and was very close to being put to sleep when my Dad went and picked her out. She wasn't much to look at - her teeth were rotten from the malnutrience she experienced as a puppy with her first family, she was terrified of thunderstorms because they had left her on the side of the road in a crate for several weeks before someone took her to the pound, she was scared of kids (one of the reasons she wasn't as close to me as she was my mother) and by the end of her life, she was blind and deaf. Nonetheless, she was ours. My first pet.

I was away at college in the middle of mid-terms when she had to be put down. My parents decided that it was better for me to not know until after I came home for Spring Break. I didn't get to say goodbye. That was one reason I had such a hard time with this book -I had to live what my parents went through, and that I hadn't understood until now.

Losing a pet is so hard. They truely do become part of the family. My Mom still hasn't fully gotten over the loss of Sugar, and I realized last night that I hadn't either. However, it also had a more uplifting message for me too. As frustrated as I get with my new puppy, Belle, I realize now that while all these puppy antics are hard, one day she won't be a puppy anymore and I'll miss these days - what I'd imagine having a growing child is like.

If you haven't read, read it, but have a box of Kleenex with you :)

"These are a few of my favorite things..."

It's been slow going this week - still trying to get in the "groove" with classes and workouts, but I'm getting there. On to more important things! Having clicked around, I've noticed that many people are, like me, getting back into or starting the healthy eating, so I feel I'd be doing you all a disservice if I didn't share my new favorite finds!

First, Hungry Girl! I love her! I look forward to her e-mails everyday! So when I received her new cookbook for Christmas, I was beyond excited! She is amazing at giving substitute recipes for some of the most unhealthy foods out there. For example, her idea for fettuccine 'girlfredo' is life changing!! I mean it's only 81 calories! 81! That's crazy!! You use Laughing Cow Light Cheese - these are good as a snack too! Anyway, through her, I've found the rest of my favorite finds!
Next, Tofu Shirataki noodles. Now don't let the name scare you - it did me at first - but these are great! I'm a huge fan of pasta, but had given up on eating it because it was so bad for you, but not anymore!! You can have the entire bag, plenty for one person, for only 40 calories. I'll admit not everyone will like them - they are more chewy than normal noodles - but for the calories it saves, it not that bad. I would recommend these three recipes - one, two, three. They are hard to find - I get mine at Whole Foods, but you can also look at any health food store!

Third, Butternut Squash :) I am, or I guess, was a picky eater. The thought of eating squash made me a little sick, but I thought I'll give it a try because Hungry Girl promised it tasted like sweet potatoes, and she was right! She warns that her recipe for Fries will become addictive and that you'll want to eat them everyday, and there again she was right. They taste so much like french fries, minus the oil and grease :) It also makes wonderful mashed "potatoes" and "Sweet Potato" Casserole!
Fourth, Silk Soy milk. I typically don't like milk. Growing up we kept either skim or 1% milk in the refrigerator. However, I always thought it was too thin. Soy milk (vanilla flavor) is thicker and taste similar to a vanilla milkshake. Yum!

Finally, Fiber One Cereal! This is great as, well cereal, but it is also great for "frying" chicken, shrimp, or fish, or for use in pies, etc. Trust me - try this!

Anyway, that's my two cents! Seriously pick up this book! It also has whole chapters devoted to cocktails, chocolate, soups, salads, and more - so it's definitely worth the money!

Back at it...

Back to Alabama yesterday. Back to class today. Back to the gym this afternoon.

I’m ready!

I spent the drive home yesterday mentally preparing for the new semester, something I think I failed to do last semester, and it showed. Yet despite the slow going of last semester, I got the best grades I’ve had so far in law school, including 3 A’s - not bragging, just really, really excited! So I think the momentum is in my favor as this semester starts.

I’ve never been one to make New Year’s Resolutions; mainly because New Year’s has always seemed kinda sad to me - one year gone that we’ll never get back - but this year was different. Though my New Year’s plans left something to be desired, a couple of random phone calls, text messages, and the fact that I fell down the stairs on New Years Day, left me thinking that 2009 was going to be an interesting year and that I should make the best of it.

Therefore, I’m resolving to live, laugh and love more than ever before. I like to keep my resolutions somewhat vague so that I don’t disappoint myself if I don’t actually follow through with them. It’s time for me to start really living my life and quit worrying about what my college friends are doing with theirs. I mean, just because my newly married college roommate is talking about having children already, does not mean that I have a time line to live up to. Last night when I got home I took down all the wedding invitations and save the date cards off my refrigerator and filled it with pictures of my family and friends, the letters I received about job offers and other positive images. It’s a small thing but it really made me feel better!

Yes, this is going to be a wonderful year - I can feel it!!

I do have to make one very specific resolution though. I found out over break that I’m going to be in a wedding in July as a reader. Translation: Still up in front of all the guest, but in a dress that I bought myself. Therefore, I am going to finally get my butt in gear- literally - and lose the last 15-20 pounds I’ve been trying to get rid of for the last few months. More on that in another post. So not only do I want to lost the weight, I want to find the perfect dress. Why is this so important? Well, Mr. Second Chance is a groomsman. Now don’t get me wrong, I don’t want Mr. Second Chance to turn into Mr. Third Chance, but I would like for me to be reading and him to be thinking, “D@#@! I missed out!” This is not my motivation (I’m doing this for me) but it would be the nice little reward at the end of the road ;)

As much as I hate to share this...

The Ladies over at SITS are giving away, are you ready for this, a Keurig Platinum Brewing System!!
I have had my eye on one of these for awhile now and am so excited about his giveaway! Not only do you get the coffee pot, but you also get 50 cups to go with it! It's easy to enter, just follow the link above and leave a comment!!