Foreseeable Change

Ahh, life. It loves to just move around like the wind and change constantly. We have some things going on that are going to be for the better for us, I believe. I'll be updating but we are going out of town next week, so this will be the last post for a bit.

Unless, we pick up a laptop this week. We both have desktops (P is a Mac geek, I'm the lowly PC) but we really need a computer for traveling, etc. P had his heart set on a Mac, but really, I'd probably be the main user of it and? I really only use a computer for Word, Itunes and the internet. And maybe powerpoint. I don't need a lot of "stuff" with it. And cheaper (ish) laptop recommendations? I'm hoping we do something about that soon.

Also, I'm contemplating going private. Not for awhile but I am thinking about it. And I was trying to incorporate a background on my blog (I NEED a new look), how do you do that?


Other than that, I've been drinking too much wine at night and realized when I saw a box of Swiss Cake Rolls in the cabinet, that I'm ready to cut back and monitor my food better. Onward to moderation!

Oh, and we went out last Friday just to celebrate in general (and we never went out on St. Patrick's day b/c we were sick/tired/it was a Monday). We hit up a pub that P has been excited to try. Well, long gone are the days of alcohol tolerance! After a few pints (of what I can't remember), some fried food and a whiskey/coke - I was done. And slightly hungover the next day, when I made the decision to eat a cheesesteak for lunch. Uggghhh. I felt disgusting. HOW in the world did I survive my college years?? Seriously.

Speaking of the past, I just finished this book of short essays from authors about their relationship to Judy Blume's books. Talk about defining my childhood/awkwardhood in middle school. It is so funny and if you read any Judy Blume, you can relate to these authors.



Real Housewives of NYC? love it. Bethenney is out of control, she needs to take a chill pill. I like her honesty but seriously calm down. I was laughing my arse off about her take on Simon's comment, "No, you are Ferrari!" Hahahahah. Ramona is still annoying and I think I'm liking Luann more now - I love her home decor. Very clean and modern.

That's it for now. Have a great week. I know I'll be back with better and more informative posts later!! Wish me luck, if ya don't mind!!

Here we are...!

Back and I feel like it has been forever. There's so much going on that alas, I will again resort to a list. I feel like my life truly ebbs - sometimes things are slow, not much going on with plenty of time to relax and then BAM! We are super busy and I feel like I have a million things to do. I love being busy though!

We are making plans for the near future (not children, yet!) about where we want to live and what we want to do and be passionate about - it's exciting and scary. I'll keep you updated with details.

1. Passed my final master's exam - FINALLY!!!!!!! I could be bitter about my committee but I'm not and I'm THISCLOSE to finishing this darn degree. I felt really good when all my friends and family called to tell me how proud they were. I even came home to a nice bottle of champagne and roses from my darling - how sweet!

2. Being that I was gone, the Mr. subsided on beer and corndogs!! And I'm thinking Ralph got quite a few potato chip scraps. He had fun but I think they both missed me. Back to integrating vegetables into meals and being home. I missed them!

3. Still addicted to Ebay, I have a few purchases coming, I'll let you know. LOVING my Longchamp Le Pliage. Love it! I love that you can clean it off, so it becomes a daily bag that is useful and can be thrown around.

4. I may have a position at a boutique that sells Lilly and I am beyond excited! The temptation though? Is overwhelming, especially for someone on a budget. Which, by the way, the Lilly selection of pajamas/loungewear are way too cute. And pink and green. However, Hurray for tax rebates and paying off credit cards - right??


5. 2 things I'm looking for: Black, comfortable shoes - not heels but not necessarily flats but chic (well that's a helpful description, eh?) and a good jewelry box - one that will last and hold everything. Any suggestions?

6. To sum up, busy with work, the future plans, getting our taxes straight (I attempted to do our taxes, just don't - makes life a mess!) and general life business.

Ode To Pink

My outfit today:
Pink RL sweatshirt with green horse (of course!)
Pink argyle socks
New pink Land's End loafers (If you haven't gotten pair - do so quickly, they really are comfortable!)
Pink LLBean tote bag.


Ummm, I think I'm in the mood for spring :)

In all my haste, I've forgotten that Easter is this weekend - Maybe we will go out for brunch and I'll try to get together an Easter basket (?). As I've been "working/studying" from home, (as in, I'm trying not to do errands/clean during the day so I can get my stuff done), makes me realize how much I do around the house... My dear husband tells me all the time, "I'll do anything, just tell me what you want done." Wellll, just look around, if the sink is loaded up with dirty dishes, clean em! I'll admit, sometimes I get completely aggravated if he offers to clean something and doesn't do it immediately (like I would) and other times, I just choose to ignore. Another thing I've noticed, if I'm haven't (somewhat) mapped out meals for the week and cooked throughout, we eat out/bad. It's either fend for yourself leftovers and sandwiches or running out to get a bite. Hmm. We got a wedding/engagement present in the mail yesterday - it is a gorgeous hand-painted salad bowl from this place. I LOVE it, I serve salads often with dinner and this is a great addition for those dinners. Looks great just sitting out too.

Oh and how did the combo "giving up for Lent" - not being a couch potato/Couchto5K" work out? Well, better than I thought. Last time I did interval running, I didn't enjoy it as much because I was constantly keeping track of time. Now, I enjoy running distance (to this street and back, for example.) I'm not being strict about tracking myself, but I'd say I'm running about 1.5 miles/3times a week. Certainly better than what I was doing 6 weeks ago! And I feel good doing it. Now, I want to step it up and increase distance. There is a 5k at the end of May that I'd really like to try, so we'll see!

Happy Easter!

Long time

Or at least it feels like it! I've been busy with guests and studying/finishing up my thesis like a madwoman!

Therefore, its a bullet day and I'll probably be scarce for the next week or so.

1. Great weekend with the in-laws, it is nice to have one on one time with them and we just relaxed, went to a car museum (Imagine old Great Gatsby type cars - neat and P is a car buff, so he was happy), had some excellent sushi, Indian and went to this Indy spot, St. Elmo's, a very cool, old school steak place. (Whew, I just read my run-on sentence!). Good weekend, we didn't get all of our errands done, so the beginning of this week was hectic. However, we had a TON of leftovers, so I'm not cooking all week - just reheating!

2. I'm officially addicted to Ebay - the past few weeks I've been finding everything I want on there. I just found P some Mountain Khakis and won them for a great price. I also won myself a Longchamp Le Pliage (Whee!) for my birthday! However, I went back and forth on size, and the small was just not what I needed for day to day, I think a medium would be better for me running around. I'm not sure what I will do with the small one I ordered, it's cute - candy apple green and would look adorable with a pink monogram. Really, I'm not sure how I'd justify buying 2 Longchamps for my b-day...! Actually, if any of you are interested in a small Le Pliage (great condition) let me know.

3. A high school friend (and still really close to my good friends) passed away this weekend. He was my age and just an all around nice guy. Really, I don't think anyone ever said anything negative about him. It is devastating for my group of friends and just incredibly sad. The gloomy, rainy weather just enhances my sadness.

4. My favorite snack these days? Simple - a small tortilla toasted with a handful of low-fat shredded mozzarella....Yummm. I also indulged and bought the Edy's Girl Scout Samoas ice cream. Decadent and made my stomach hurt! I hate that b/c I think I'll be wasting a tub of goodness but proves my ongoing thoughts that I'm partially lactose intolerant.

5. Now that spring is upon us, I'm excited because we are going to sit down and map out our summer plans (visits, vacations etc!). I can't tell you how much I want to get to the beach!!!! I miss the warmth...I do!

6. P and I had a great conversation and found ourselves on the "same page". We are happy where we are now, and the opportunities we have. However, our heart isn't here in Indiana (no, offense! We love, but not our home) and so we have goals for where and when we want to settle down. I'm a goal oriented/list person, so I need this structure. Call me crazy and I know life changes, but I love being married to a person who has the same visions for the future!!

7. I'm a nosy neighbor. Period. When I'm 65, I'll be a realllll nosy neighbor, you probably won't to live near me. Our office has a window overlooking the back alley of our neighborhood. Let's just say I know what goes on here.

8. Weekend plans: Study, go to the movies (Horton Hears a Who, The Bank Job) and find an ottoman. Downloading more Bluegrass. Love bluegrass music, perhaps because I grew up with it and have a better appreciation, and combined with Itunes Essentials (Contemporary Bluegrass is great) makes it easy for me to check it all out.

That's it, have a good week/weekend!

Spring for my Soul

(wikipediacommons.com)

Ahhh, I never realize how much my soul is quenched by warmer breezes, sunshine and budding flowers!! We've had a few warm days here and I'm loving it. I'm more motivated to get outside and enjoy it! I know this isn't going to last forever (Hey, they ARE calling snow/rain/slush this weekend) but I'm throughly soaking it up while its here. I also just love Easter and of the pastel colors it brings.


About this time of year, I begin listening to Bob Marley and dreaming of beach, sun, skirts and everything summer. I always think about the summers I lived in Charleston driving around with the windows down, sunroof open "jamming" to Bob Marley. Or the days when we would play hookey, go out on a boat, cruise around all day drinking beer and sunning. Oh, how do I miss those days?!?!

Speaking of Spring, nothing like having your in-laws come and visit to begin the cleaning (or for us, finish unpacking). I'm looking forward to having guests, though, I think we will have a fun weekend!

Denim & Television

Sometimes I just don't pay enough attention to little things - like how many stores now have different "fits" of jeans. Honestly, because some of the stores have so many fits/lengths/types of pant, I find it overwhelming. And, I do the typical thing that Oprah and Stacey London tell us not to do - which is give up when trying on pants. I go for one style, hate it and leave the store disappointed.

Now...I'm paying attention. I've tried "curvy" style from one company and I hated them, from Banana Republic ? LOVE. I mean, I am THE definition of curvy, bigger (ahem) bottom, hips and thighs and smaller waist. I need the roomier fit and the smaller waist. Today I ran by Old Navy (MAN, do I wish I was going on Spring Break?? Tons of fun, cute things for the beach) and really studied the types. "Sweetheart" - I HEART YOU! So comfy and flattering. Also, the label reads something like less of a bootcut, which is perfect. Since I'm short, I usually end up with too much material around the ankle and calf. Did I mention they were Short, so the length will be perfect for flats and sandals. Taking a little time to pay attention, not get overwhelmed and find Exactly what I needed. Good times!

Television = I'm officially addicted to Real Housewives (first, Orange County, now NYC). I don't usually do the episode recap thing, but I HAVE to here. Oh. MY.

By the way, I would love love love to see a Real Housewives, Carolina edition -would that not be a riot??

I forced my husband to watch the first few minutes of the NYC episode because I told him he really needed to see it. And I"m probably going to be talking about it way too much, so now he can have a reference. ;) And he doesn't really tolerate reality tv in general, especially ones about people professing their money/lifestyle. I was hysterical, his comments were great. He was like, "They are so tacky!"

Moving on:
First of all, I love all the schmooozing and parties and invitations they are all living. Hey, I'm in my twenties and that wears me out! What's wrong with a good night of TV and pizza?

I think Ramona, the blond, with the 12 year old is completely out of control. She just seems to be insecure and yes, annoying. I think it's hilarious that her 12 year old chides her on her outfits. She definitely reminds me of high school. She obviously likes to schmooze and pit people against each other. Of course, this makes for great "drama"....and her attitude during the tennis match?? Hello, middle school? Wow. Which then makes me think of Ramona, the redhead, with her daughter Allison. I can't say I agree with sending a teenager to detox to lose weight, it doesn't seem like a good life lesson to be learning. Plus, the loss of weight sounded too quick. Anyway, I like Allison though, she seems like an observer. Plus, it seems like Ramona really cares about what her daughter wants - which is always a good thing. The whole new husband relationship is weird though, he has a really hard time relating. I loved her during the tennis game though! "Don't piss me off!"

Which leads me to LuAnn...the COUNTESS. I have mixed feelings about her. On one hand, she seems to be more focused on her family, yet, I see and hear things from her that are mean. Especially the preview where she chides Bethenny in the car about introducing her as the "Countess". Hmmm, not so sure about that one. However, I really like her style, especially the scarf/Ray-bans combo - super preppy! We shall see about her. Bethenny, I remember from Martha Stuart apprentice. I admire her drive and I'm curious to see more about her.

And then there's Alex and her husband Simon. Interesting. He loves buying her (in my opinion) some pretty tacky clothes. I agree that fashion is a form of art but that doesn't mean you have to buy it all!! I shuddered when they talked about how much they spent. I'd like to hear the French au pair's opinion, more than anyone. I loved the scene where they were eating lunch at St. Barts and he compared to beauty of the sea to her. Gag me with a spoon!

Overall, I love it. The drama and the tacky - bring it on Real Housewives!!

Back!!

Whew, I've had a busy week or so and have neglected ye old Blogland! I've got some things going on (i.e. a thesis/exam to finish) so I'll be busy for the next few weeks but hopefully will be checking in here.

Recap: We got to fly down and visit our families because P had some work things to do (and I needed to check back with my old profs for meetings and such - hence, the work crunch!). It was soooooooo great to be back in the South. Mainly, because the weather was gorgeous! The first weekend in March and it was sunny and warm. The first day we got there, we literally just sat outside in the sun, soaking up the rays and hiking around my grandparents property. It was a perfect day just chilling with the family (and observing the escapade of my parent's dog getting loose and chasing the cows on the farm next door...always an adventure!) It really made me miss family and I was sad when we left, but at the same time, invigorated for our new life!

We met up with P's parents for a sushi dinner in celebration of my birthday (which was Sunday, the 9th) By the way...when do birthdays start sneaking up on you??? Because this year it surely did catch me by surprise. Great dinner, I received fabulous presents, including a Lilly polo, pink and green place mats and a J.Crew bangle. We spent the rest of the weekend visiting with friends, drinking wine and going out to eat. It was just what the doctor ordered! We also saw Juno - loved it! Ellen Page (I think that's her name) was, I thought, a perfect depiction of a teenager - somewhat innocent and goofy yet, aware of the world. I always know it was a good movie when P and I have a good lengthy conversation about it on the way home from the theater.

Other than that, he spent time doing his work thing and I was running around going to meetings and fitting in what I could while I was there. One thing I realized - why I never had the short sassy bob? Because Carolina humidity DOES NOT permit it! My hair was out of control, big time and without my stash of products - I was defeated.

REmind me to tell you about the actions of a close relative and making plans. Arghh, story for another day.

We were exhausted when we got back and felt gross from our many fast-food meals/dinners out. We just finished out the week trying to catch up on sleep and healthy food. Then, we realized it was my birthday weekend. But, of course, since we had somehow avoided a flu all winter - it hit us on Friday. The weekend ended up being a Ny-quil and napping variety, but it was nice to lay around! We hit up my favorite French cafe for Sunday brunch...yummmmmmmm. I could live there. The very best latte and cinnamon toast. Indulgence. I also ordered a few things as gifts. I'll try to find pics later but I'm really excited about these little preppy (and inexpensive) nuggets from Lands End:

Comfort Loafers in Pink (ok, I tried to copy the pic, but I wasn't able) Anyhoo, they are pink and fabulous. I wanted the green and/or navy but already out! and Ps. LE is having free shipping until the end of the week! Great deal.

AND! my dear P made me Ghiradelli Birthday Brownies. Cute, because the man doesn't bake (truth be told I was the one who ended up checking up on them) but I believe I will make that a new tradition. Brownies do NOT last long in my presence. In fact, when he left for work this morning, he asked me to save him one. I'll try :)

Oh, and Ralph was A-Ok when I picked him up from the kennel, they said he was just fine but he was super-excited to be home and ran laps/sniffed everything and then collapsed on his bed for a long nap!

P's job has been suppppperrr stressful lately (I mean, every job is stressful!) - I won't go into details but we are having the conversations about where we want to settle and what makes us happy. (And it ain't $, that's for sure!). Just conversations. I think there is a reason everything happens (or doesn't) and we are are on the same page about our future and values. We aren't doing anything, but just talking. I'm the type of person who would have regretted making a move somewhere different while we were young, but sometimes things just don't happen as planned! (I know that's vague but it's where my head is right now!)

More later!