Resolutions: 2013

My original 2013 resolution post. 

January

February

March

April

May

June

July
August
September
October
November
December

HAIR 

I made it to the end of May with the whole growing out business.

MONTHLY

• Read a new book - I read 16 NEW books and re-read 3 (HP) books for a total of NINETEEN books this year. I surpassed my one per month goal and could not be happier about it especially considering I only ready maybe a book or two in 2012. 
• Give or help out in some way - I helped out 20 times over the past year. It ranged from donating to organizations (monetary and/or clothing/house goods) to leaving a big tip for a really good waiter to giving a stranger a gift card.
• Bake a new recipe - I only baked a couple new recipes. Womp womp. 
• Go to yoga - I went 7 times which only comes out to once a month for about half the year. 
• Write a handwritten letter. - There was only one month in the whole year that I did not write a handwritten letter. Score!

ACCESSORIZE

I've been really good about wearing more necklaces but I still never think to change up my earrings. 

SAVE

I wasn't able to save nearly as much as I had wanted but I did save something so I'm happy.

TRAVEL

I made it out of state once (Savannah, GA) this past year. Other than that we stayed around the central FL area visiting Palm Coast, Gainesville, Siesta Key, & Titusville. 

OUTSIDE

I didn't do all that great with this one but I feel like I definitely made an effort.

LESS

I got rid of a lot of shit this past year and feel so much better because of it. Less truly is more.

* ** *

My only resolutions this year are to continue to read and save. I'd also like to open an etsy shop. Other than that, I'll let the year take me where it will.

I have deactivated my Facebook. I'm hoping it's permanent but I may need to get it back when and if I am able to open an etsy shop. 

Also, the future of my blog is kind of up in the air. Dustin is urging me to keep up with it but I'm really not so sure I want to share so much any more. I haven't made a decision one way or another. 

Resolutions: December

Read a new book: Divergent by Veronica Roth - I've been meaning to read this book for 6 months or so now but for whatever reason just now got around to the series. I really liked the story and the whole atmosphere of dystopian Chicago was very intriguing. As a whole, I loved the book. The only thing I really had a problem with was the writing. It was very simply written and although sometimes it's nice not to have to think too much about what words/sentences mean, I wish it had been a little more thought-provoking. I didn't get to use that cool highlight feature on my Kindle once for a quote I wanted to remember because nothing stood out.  Tris will undoubtedly be the new Katniss which I'm totally cool with. At least we got rid of Bella, right!?

Summary from Amazon:

In Beatrice Prior’s dystopian Chicago world, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is—she can’t have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.

I also re-read Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban to Dustin.

Give or help out in some way:  I donated to Wikipedia after I saw one of their banners. I love Wikipedia more than pretty much anything on the internet. The minute I want to know something or refresh my brain on a specific subject, I go right to Wikipedia and learn so much. I love knowledge and I love learning about things I'm interested in - anytime I want. If they receive enough donations per year they are able to keep the site ad-free so I feel like my money has definitely gone to a good place. 

There were two middle school aged kids playing instruments outside the grocery store a few weeks ago. They were hoping to raise money for their band. I made sure to get cash back when I checked out so I could drop it in. 

Dustin and I filled up a box full of clothes and glassware and donated it to the Viatnam Veteran's Association. 

Bake a new recipe: Nope. Just haven't been in the mood. Oh well. 

Go to yoga: Yep. Once. The last time I'll go with Erin. WAHHH.

Write a handwritten letter: I didn't actually hand write it this month but yes, I typed one up. 

Travel: Dustin and I found ourselves in Titusville yet again and we were just recently in Gainesville for a day. 

Save: Ha! In December? Nope.

Outside: A little

Year In Review

January
Job switcheroo. I quit my beloved FHHI for a new opportunity at the beginning of the year. It's been a wild challenging ride ever since.

I said goodbye to a huge chunk of my childhood in the form of my grandparent's house.

Dustin and I went to our first Solar Bears game.

Erin's birthday dinner at The Cheesecake Factory.

February
Moving on up. Only weeks after I started my new job, Dustin and I moved into our current residence. It's almost a year later and we are still loving it. We hope to be here for awhile.

Dustin and I had the loveliest of Valentine's Days.

We had a housewarming party with my old work peeps and then enjoyed even more friend hangs. I remember that being a super fun weekend.

March
Dustin and I celebrated EIGHT years together in Tampa at The Florida Aquarium. And here's a cute little story about how we got our start.

Erin and I attended our first Big Bang Bazaar of the year and it rocked!

We all had a blast at Jesenia's Bridal Shower.

April
Jesenia and I saw Taylor Swift (and Ed Sheeran) in concert for the first time and then almost died while driving through the ghetto.

Erin, Sam and I participated in our first ever 5K Color Run and it was even more awesome than I had imagined it.

We celebrated Dustin's birthday in style at Dave and Busters and then Erin and I saw Andrew McMahon at The Beachum downtown.

Sam roped me into a hair challenge that was pretty cool.

May
I helped our friend Nicole all the way in Ohio with a project for one of her students. I had the best time with Flat Savannah.

Erin and I beached it up at Flagler.

Big haircut. I chopped off my long hair after growing it for almost 2 years.  It was exciting and pretty damn therapeutic.

June
My birthday was the shit. Dustin and I spent the weekend in Siesta Key and it was a dream.

July
Erin came over and we rocked the socks off Independence Day.

We met up with Matt & Rachelle at Dixie Crossroads in Titusville and then on a whim drove down to Cocoa.

I finally got some family photos taken of Dustin, Cody and I.

Lindsey had the cutest baby shower of all time.

August
I got to have the honor of marrying Nicole and Jimmie! And the same weekend, Erin and I went canoeing - alone.

We said goodbye to Aunt Roda.

Erin and I had a sleepover. ON A SCHOOL NIGHT!

September
Dustin and I boarded the Titanic.

Erin and I saw F.U.N. and Tegan and Sara in concert for the first time. Party!

I put myself out there in a big way when I wrote my Childfree post.

October
Sam and I attended our 10 year high school reunion.

That one time I thought I was concussed.

We had a kick-ass Halloween Party.

November
Erin and I spent a weekend in Savannah, GA.

Dustin and I had the best time at the Paramore show.

We said goodbye to Grandpa Joe.

And spent Thanksgiving at home - just the two of us.

December
We took another trip to Dixie Crossroads - this time with Erin.

Erin, Tim and I spent a day at Disney.

Dustin and I spent Christmas in Gainesville.

*  **  *

What a weird year. It was both wonderful and awful in equal parts. But such is life. I think the one thing that stands out the most for me is all the losses. Between Dustin and I, we had three relatives die in a matter of months. And several friends of ours have also had to deal with the passing of loved ones this year. Not only that, but I lost people in other ways too. Some I chose to cut out of my life. Some I just drifted away from. And then there is of course the loss in the form of distance. None of them were easy but life goes on and we all must move forward regardless.

I honestly don't know what 2014 will hold for me; for us. I usually have some idea, some kind of picture in my mind of how I want things to be when a new year is approaching but not this time. I'm hoping for lots of good change. I'm hoping for a bit more control in my life. I am making decisions that I hope better me in the future. There's not a lot I want in the new year. I just want to feel happiness again. I want to feel wanted and loved again. I want to find peace in a lot of aspects of my life. It sounds simple enough but I know it's a lot more complicated than that. 

I know we all hype up new years but it really does feel like a clean slate; a fresh start and I am going to treat it as such. 2014 will be the year that I take care of myself first. I care way too deeply about people when I need to put myself first some of the time especially when 99% of those people don't give a shit about me. It sounds so ridiculously emo of me to say but those are the facts. It is what it is.

I do know FOR SURE that parts of this upcoming year are going to rule so hard. I mean, Dustin and I have already bought tickets to Pittsburgh. And then the new London/Diagon Alley will be opening at Universal. So that's already TWO things to look forward to. And I'm a huge believer in always having something to look forward to even if it's something as small as a lunch date with a friend or as extravagant as a trip across the country. I like counting down to the fun stuff. I like that anticipation because it makes all the shitty stuff that pops up out of no where a little more bearable. 

So goodbye 2013! I'm hoping 2014 really kicks the shit out of you. In the best way. For all of us.

photo

A Little 2013 Survey

Looking back on 2013

• 1:What did you do in 2013 that you’d never done before?
• I went to Savannah. I saw Taylor Swift & Paramore for the first time live. I participated in a 5K Color Run. Saw Disney's Spectacle of Lights. And the list goes on...
• 2:Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
• I kept most of them. I'm most proud of myself for reading so many books!
• 3:Did anyone close to you give birth?
• Nope!
• 4:Did anyone close to you die?
• We had three relatives die. =/
• 5:What countries did you visit?
• Other than the U.S.A where I live? None. 
• 6:What would you like to have in 2014 that you lacked in 2013?
• I can't say on the inter web but I'm thinking it as I type this…
• 7:What dates from 2013 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
• 3/17/13, 6/14/13, 11/2/13
• 8:What was your biggest achievement of the year?
• All the books I was able to read. So awesome!
• 9:What was your biggest failure?
• Not keeping up with a gym membership.
• 10:Did you suffer illness or injury?
• Other than really minor stuff, not at all.
• 11:What was the best thing you bought?
• A table for my sewing machine.
• 12:Whose behaviour merited celebration?
• Dustin of course. 
• 13:Whose behaviour made you appalled?
• I plead the fifth.
• 14:Where did most of your money go?
• Concerts and vacations!
• 15:What did you get really, really, really excited about?
• Going to Savannah with Erin.
• 16:What song will always remind you of 2013?
• We Can't Stop, We Won't Stop by Miley Cyrus -- HA!
• 17:Compared to this time last year, are you: (a) happier or sadder? (b) thinner or fatter? (c) richer or poorer?
• (a) sadder
• (b) fatter
• (c) about the same
• 18:What do you wish you’d done more of?
• Spend time with certain people.
• 19:What do you wish you’d done less of?
• Mope around like an emo 16 year old. 
• 20:How did you spend Christmas?
• In Gainesville with family.
• 21:Did you fall in love in 2013?
• Many times. With the same person.
• 22:What was your favourite TV program?
• Favorite NEW TO ME show was definitely Sherlock.
• 23:Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
• Hate? Not really. Dislike & just done with? You betcha!
• 24:What was the best book you read?
• The Fault In Our Stars by John Green
• 25:What was your greatest musical discovery?
• Lorde!
• 26:What did you want and get?
• A new video camera and new regular camera! Ahh! So much technology.
• 27:What did you want and not get?
• Amazon Prime. 
• 28:What was your favourite film of this year?
• I can't pick JUST one. About Time, Catching Fire, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, Gravity, Despicable Me 2, Monsters University...
• 29:What one thing made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
• Being in close proximity to Erin on a day to day basis.
• 30:How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2013?
• I think I've really become more structured and classy (when I want to be) but I'm still totally fine with a band shirt, jeans and flip flops. I'm learning to buy stuff that flatters my body type and not just go for what's cheapest.
• 31:What kept you sane?
• DVR. iTunes. LiveJournal. Dustin. Erin.
• 32:Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
• Jennifer Lawrence & Kate Middleton
• 33:What political issue stirred you the most?
• The Boston Marathon Bombing was horrible. It really shook me up. 
• 34:Who did you miss?
• Sam
• 35:Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2013.
• To not get close to anyone because they all suck. KIDDING. Kind of. Truthfully, I guess it's just acceptance that people aren't always going to do things I like. I'm still not perfect in this but I feel like I'm slowly improving. 
• 36:Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
• You're the only friend I need
• Sharing beds like little kids
• We'll laugh until our ribs get tough
• But that would never be enough

Christmas Madness

DNA CHRISTMAS
Dustin and I never procrastinate when it comes to Christmas shopping. We normally have everything ready to go around mid December - sometimes even earlier. There isn't anyone more impatient than Dustin when it comes to opening presents. The minute I put a wrapped present under the tree, he walks over to it and inspects it. Then he brings it to me and asks "When can I open this?" in which I normally respond "Not yet!", and then he sadly places the package back under the tree. This happens daily until he gets to tear into them. Over the years, we've started a "tradition" of opening our presents for one another early. One present each on this day, two more a week later, the rest a few days after that. We have already opened all of our presents weeks before Christmas day. We are both totally ok with that. The cool thing about being an adult and starting your own family is getting to do what you want. We take pride in the gifts we pick out for one another. We love watching each others reactions. So really it doesn't matter if we open presents on December 5th or December 25th because either way, we're together.

Speaking of gifts, I got a lot of cool things from Dustin. I'm wearing most of them in the photo below. I got a new onesie "big baby", galaxy scarf, and raincoat. But my favorite of all presents is by far the new Canon camera he got me. It is a dream! My old beat up Canon just doesn't compare but it's nice that I'll have a back up.

Dustin got some pretty cool things too. I gave him some books, a helicopter (that he has been flying all around our house), a couple Xbox One games, and other various items.

Dustin's family sent us a huge box of Steelers stuff. As you can see in the photo below, I am all set! All I need is for them to not suck so bad. Ha!

It was a great Maff Christmas. I feel like I say it all the time but I really do appreciate all that we have and all that we were able to give. In the end, it's just stuff, and we sure don't need any of it to be happy but it's still fun and we're going to enjoy all of it.

CHRISTMAS EVE

My brother and his girlfriend came over and hung out with us for a little while. I was so happy they were able to squeeze us in because they had a lot of Christmas stops to make. I was reminded of myself at his age and how thin I used to spread myself going from one family to another to another. It can be exhausting so I was really appreciative for the time we had together.

Later that day we FINALLY watched Despicable Me 2 which is a fantastic follow up to the first. It's not Christmas-y at all but again…we do what we want!

CHRISTMAS DAY
Dustin and I had planned out our Christmas months in advance. We would spend it just the two of us. We'd eat a nice meal and go see The Secret Life of Walter Mitty in theaters. A nice simple day.

As I'm starting to figure out, life doesn't always go as planned.
And I'm learning that sometimes that's ok.

My mom's side of my family always celebrates Christmas at my Aunt and Uncle's house in Gainesville. This has happened since I was in middle school - maybe even before that. Some years Dustin and I go, others we don't. It just kind of depends on what day Christmas falls on, how many days we get off from work, and our personal preference that particular year. We hadn't planned on going this year but then we were all together for my grandpa's funeral last month and everyone stressed how much they would like us there. They didn't really have to twist our arm about it but it was nice to know our presence made a difference. So that was that, Christmas in Gainesville.

Dustin and I got to my Aunt and Uncle's house around 10AM Christmas day with a box full of presents. We sat in the quiet of their kitchen as my aunt squeezed oranges to make the best fresh orange juice ever. We snacked on various breakfast breads and talked. My mom had come in the previous night and was upstairs showering and getting ready. Huckleberry hid but Holly greeted us with hot breath just begging to be petted. Around 11AM Hayley came over (with quiches in hand) and my mom came downstairs. Grey and Katie arrived not too long after that. We all had mimosas (yep, even me! but I only drank a quarter of it) in hand and headed to the living room for the gift exchange. It was nice and low key. We all took our time. It was a stark contrast from Christmas 10 years ago when we all woke up at 7AM and tore into the presents at lightning speed. Oh time, you are funny.

Then we all enjoyed our new stuff while my aunt worked on Christmas brunch. We spent some time outside too. It was gorgeous out. Finally we had a cold Christmas. I mean, it wasn't snowing or anything but at least we go to wear sweatshirts! After awhile we all set down to eat quiche, ham, biscuits, & broccoli. It was a lovely little Christmas. I really enjoyed hanging out with everyone and I always love being in Gainesville. I really need to go up there more often.

   

This video makes me so happy. I know I've left out a few people but it's because I either forgot to video them, they live a million miles away or I haven't seen them yet. 

Dustin Says

Donkeys were the original hover-round.

I'm just a lone popcorn on the ceiling of life.

As we're standing inside Bath & Body Works:
This is what hell smells like.

Everyone is a bitch in their own way.

Trevor

 

one / two

Sunday night as Dustin and I were about to go to sleep, we heard a noise outside. Dustin went to check it out and came back with nothing to report. Doors were locked. He didn't see anything outside.

So we went to sleep.

12:00 AM
Dustin: Did you hear that?!
Me: Yeah, what was it?

Dustin jumped out of bed and looked out the windows. Nothing.

1:30 AM
Me: Dustin. Dustin. DUSTIN!
Dustin: What…
Me: I heard something again.

Neither of us checked it out. We fell back to sleep.

5:30 AM
I turned off my alarm and walked practically blind into the bathroom to take a shower as I do every week day morning. I turned the shower on and stood there barely awake waiting for it to get to a comfortable temperature. Then I spotted it. Except, I didn't exactly know what IT was. No glasses = practically blind, remember? I just saw a brownish blob on the floor by the toilet. So I ran to get my glasses from my nightstand and when I came back I saw the biggest damn frog/toad situation. Forget coffee, just be greeted by a toad to suddenly get the blood flowing and become instantly wide awake. I wasn't afraid of the toad but I was certainly puzzled. Now it would have been a different story if there were a rat or spider or something. I would have ran out of my house screaming. Frogs and toads don't scare me. I've picked them up countless of times for fun as a kid and to get them out of our house as an adult. But this one was HUGE. Like the size of a fist. So I woke Dustin up and whispered in his ear "I think I found what kept waking us up all night". He awoke and said "What?!" and that's when I pointed from our bed to the toad in the bathroom. The toad that we've affectionately named Trevor (10 points to Gryffindor to anyone who "gets it") was still in the same spot on our bathroom floor just looking at us as if to say "Good morning, guys." I'm not sure if waking Dustin was the best move. He of course doesn't get up for work for another 45 min. and after an already shitty night of sleep he was not in a good mood. Rightfully so. I jumped up and grabbed a bucket, a broom, and a dustpan to help him slay Trevor. **SPOILER ALERT**: No toads were harmed in the making of this horrible Monday morning. Dustin swept him with the broom into the bucket, then covered the bucket with a dustpan. Then he opened our front door and hurled him into the front yard. Dustin crawled grumpily back in bed. I was finally able to take a shower. All was well.

We still can't explain how he got inside. We checked the bathroom for holes and found nothing. I swear I heard the noises from outside our bedroom window but they were shut and locked. Dustin is convinced he somehow hopped through the front door without us knowing and was jumping against the cabinets in the bathroom which would explain us waking up every few hours from the noise. I guess we'll never know. But I do KNOW we heard nothing last night and slept like babies. Speaking of, the 'night of the toad' was confirmation we couldn't do the whole baby thing. We enjoy sleep way too much for all that jazz.

Found

What's your mental age? I got 39.

Repurposed phone booths. I want one in the middle of our living room.

The 25 Best Moments For Women In 2013. 

Whoa, Lisa Frank. This whole article kind of ruins my memories of how much I loved Lisa Frank. But only for a second and then I think back to that brightly colored koala bear stationary and I'm happy again.

Friday Night Lights: Where are they now?

Sweet dad and daughter photos. So moving.

John Mayer's 'Who You Love' feat. Katy Perry. Although I think the song is a bit boring, the video is pretty dang cute. And even though I like John's music but think he's a douche, he seems different with Katy.

Map of the Weirdest Sex Laws in the US

A Street Cat Named Bob

A holiday message from the Penguins. So good!

J-Law's best moments of 2013.

The best article I've read on the whole Duck Dynasty shit.

1990 JCPenney Christmas catalog is the best/worst thing ever.

What's left to say off-line?

Currently

Reading: Insurgent by Veronica Roth - It's the second book in the Divergent trilogy. I finished Divergent in less than a week and immediately downloaded this one. I've been on a weird dystopian society kick this year but they are all so good and I'm intrigued. Mark my words…Divergent will be the next  'The Hunger Games' because they are very similar; seemingly weak female teenager turns badass and tries to defeat a corrupt government. But also not so much alike that people will be bored. I'm really loving it all so much and I can't wait to see the movie when it comes out in March. Trailer.

Feeling: Depressed. Sad. Angry. Occasionally happy. Abandoned. Confused. Alone. Exhausted. Hardened. Everything. I'm feeling everything. I know I won't always feel this hopeless. I know it will pass. I know I'll look back on this time as some kind of life lesson. But right now, nothing makes sense. I just can't make sense of anything. But it's ok. I'm not trying to stop it all. I take all these emotions as they come. In doing so, I hope that I'll come out of this stronger and wiser. Maybe I will, maybe I won't. But I know it won't always feel like this. It won't always be like this.

Thankful: On a related note, I could not be more thankful to have Dustin as my husband. He makes me laugh when I'm in the middle of crying. He let's me vent to him. He's the one person I can count on for anything at any time. He's my best friend.  He calls me randomly during the work day just to talk. He jumps up from his chair and runs to hug me when I walk in the door. He'll remind me of one of our silly inside jokes. It helps. He's there when I feel everyone else is gone or leaving. Like Penny was for Desmond, Dustin's my constant.

Listening to: A farewell mix I made for Erin that is THREE CDs long. I started it back in October and it just kind of kept accumilating. I'd put my iTunes on shuffle or be listening to Pandora at work when a song would come on and I'd get tears in my eyes because it reminded me of us and this situation we're in. I know mixed tapes CDs are so 2000 but it's kind of therapeutic to me to compile how I'm feeling in the form of a bunch of songs. Music is my religion. Music just helps me feel better especially when the lyrics are so relatable.

I've also been listening to 'Perfume' by Britney Spears. I wasn't a fan of her 'Work Bitch' song but totally loving her second single.

Looking forward to: This weekend! It's going to be pretty low key which I'm thrilled about. Dustin and I plan on watching The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug and picking up some last minute Christmas stuff. I'm sure the stores will be out of control. Fingers crossed I don't punch someone. I'm also excited about having two days off for Christmas which means we're heading to Gainesville to spend the day with my mom's side of the fam. And then the following weekend Dustin and I both have 5 days off together! In a row! Hallelujah! There's no greater feeling than not having to go to work.

Disney Day

FRIDAY: I left work and sat in traffic for 45 minutes. It was miserable. I had to run a few errands (bank, Target) and after a long day, I was just done. When I finally got home, Dustin and I were right back out the door to do some serious grocery shopping. We had been putting it off for a week and I can't stand eating out multiple times in a row so we sucked it up and spent our Friday evening picking out food. Once we got home, we turned on the Pens game while we put everything away. During the last intermission, we went back out, this time to Jeremiah's for gelati. It wasn't a necessity but we both had FREE small item coupons (from entering their Halloween Costume Contest) and they were about to expire. I don't like to let something free just go to waste. So, we both got cafe latte/vanilla soft serve gelati and sat in my car in their parking lot to eat it. Dustin was even able to prop up his phone on my dash and we watched the rest of the game. It was like being at a very small drive-in.

SATURDAY: I woke up super early and was able to get a lot of laundry and cleaning done which I was excited about since I was going to be gone for the remainder of the day. The minute I left, I realized my right eye was infected. It had been bothering me all morning but I didn't think much of it. Low and behold it was all kinds of red and irritated. And then while getting gas, I spilled gasoline all over my hand. AHH! Thankfully, my bad luck ended there.

I swung by Erin's and picked up her and Tim and we were off to Disney. This was another thing Erin had on her list of things to do before she leaves. Her friend, Tim, works at Disney and was able to get us both in for FREE! We had plans to originally go to Magic Kingdom but unfortunately Saturday was one of it's black out days. Bummer! So we went to Epcot instead.

We got there just before 1PM. Erin couldn't remember the last time she had been so it was almost like watching her experience it for the first time. We went on Spaceship Earth first and walked right on. No wait at all! We cracked up at the end where they put your face on this little cartoon - much like the Elf Yourself. We went to try sodas from different countries. I always love doing it even though some of them are seriously disgusting. After that, we made our way around the lake while visiting each country. We enjoyed a boat ride, tried on giant sombreros, and Erin got a margarita while in Mexico. We got fast pass tickets for the ride in Norway but we never made it back in time. We tried to get an egg roll in China but there was a 10 minute wait so we moved on to America where we all got pretzels. We took photos in red telephone booths and with Minnie Mouse herself while in the United Kingdom. Then we all headed over to Test Track. I've been on it before but I wasn't feeling it this time around, so I waited in line with Erin and Tim and once they got on the ride I went around to the waiting area. After that, we went to The Land. We wanted to go on Soarin' which is personally one of my faves but it was a 60 minute wait so we decided to move on to MGM Hollywood Studios since it was already 5:30PM.The problem was that we were so excited to get into Epcot that none of us thought to look at which section we were parked in. We knew the general area but that was about it. We walked in and out of aisles looking for a needle in a haystack. During this search, we found an empty wheelchair that was just begging for a passenger. Erin got in first and I pushed her hard, running in between orange cones. Then it was my turn. It felt good to sit down and be wheeled around. We finally found my car and headed to the other park.

The minute we parked at Hollywood Studios it started to sprinkle. Groan. We all tried to look at the radar on the weather apps on our phone but service was shitty. I called Dustin and asked him to check the radar from home and he said there was nothing near where we were so we thought it would pass pretty quickly. The second after I hung up with him it started to POUR. We sat in my car to wait it out. Once it had gone back to only a sprinkle we decided to brave it with one umbrella and two ponchos shoved in my purse. I don't mind rain ever EXCEPT when I'm at a damn theme park or have plans doing something outside. This time we made sure to not only look at the section we were parked in BUT I also took a photo of it just in case. We waited a million years for the tram. It was crowded. We got to the gate. More crowds. UGH. Our plan was to go look at The Osborne Lights first and then do a couple rides and then leave. Well, things did not go as planned. On our way to the lights it started pouring AGAIN. We ran under an over hang. Tim used the umbrella and Erin and I put on the Steelers ponchos. I had purchased them for Dustin and I last October before we went to see a Steelers game. It was a cold cold game but it never did rain so they've been in my glove compartment ever since. They sure came in handy! We decided to change the plans and go ahead and wait in line for Star Tours to get out of the rain. What a fun ride! I mean, I totally screamed like I was being chased by a chainsaw the entire time but still fun. Erin and Tim got a good chuckle over it. Thankfully, once we left the rain had stopped. On our way to the lights, Tim and Erin were talking about the Osborne family and I seriously thought it was Ozzy's family. They laughed so hard over that that Tim messed up his knee while walking. Once we made it to the lights, the crowds were awful! The lights were beautiful though. It reminded me of being in Las Vegas. We all kept getting hit in the ankle from an over eager mother pushing a stroller. We tried to get away but the crowds were so awful that it was quite difficult to maneuver away from her. I hated all of the people. It was the absolute worst. I felt so cramped and panicky the whole time. Erin had wanted to go on Rock-N-Rollercoaster but we were all so annoyed with the crowd and just plain exhausted from the day we decided to just leave.

 

On our way home, we stopped at this Italian restaurant. We all hobbled in the restaurant with a different ailment each. Erin's little toe had a blister, the bottom of my heal had a blister, and Tim was still limping from his knee injury. We got a Chicago style pizza to share. It took them forever to make but it was so delicious that it was worth it.

We got back to Erin's and said goodbye to Tim. And more importantly thanked him for such a fun day.

I went into Erin's for a little bit so we could exchange Christmas presents. She opened Charlie's present first. I got him a dog version of an "ugly christmas sweater" and also a Santa outfit because DUH. She immediately put the Santa coat on him with the hood and everything. He didn't care at all. And when she put him back on the ground he just laid there at our feet. (Side Note: Cash (our dog nephew) also received a sweater this holiday season and Dustin's mom said that he's been wearing it for four days straight. When Miranda went to take it off him, he growled. HA!)



Then Erin opened her presents. I got her a dream book (the exact one that I have and love), a very sentimental print of Texas and Florida (she totally started sobbing over this!), and a couple other little things. I know the holidays shouldn't be ALL about gifts but I absolutely love watching someone open a present that I spent time picking out because I knew they would like it. I love the gasps of excitement and the OMGs and even the tears (when they are happy).

 

Etsy Shop

Then she gave me my presents. She got me a Scentsy (my first one!), some really cute socks with a fox wearing glasses, and an "A" necklace. I told her the necklace reminds me of a modern version of Carrie Bradshaw's precious "Carrie" necklace. So awesome!

I got home late and basically stumbled in the door holding all of my stuff; Disney memorabilia (Erin and I got matching magnets and then I also bought two postcards from 'France'. One is a baguette and the other is a Monet print), leftover pizza, and my presents from Erin. I changed into pajamas, had Dustin drop my infected eye, and I was out like a light.

SUNDAY: I made sure to NOT set my alarm clock. I wanted to wake up naturally which meant I slept until 8:20 - but it's better than nothing. I spent the day looking at our Disney photos, reading, napping, and watching Bonnie and Clyde (mini series that just aired on A&E). And then I spent hours reading everything I could about the B&C facts and about all the other people involved (like Blanche and Buck Barrow). It's such a fascinating story.