February: Resolution

My original 2013 Resolution post.

Hair - I haven't cut it since January. But OMG is it annoying the shit out of me. I can't wait to chop it off. I have been seeing Julianne Hough on every talk show and her haircut taunts me because it's so incredibly cute.

AND Erin was THIS close to talking me into cutting my hair. I'm so weak! I almost caved. ALMOST.

Read a New Book - I finished TWO books this month. Count them, TWO! I am so excited because I was able to reach a goal and also because they were both so enjoyable.

1. Withering Tights - I first fell in love with Louise Rennison's Georgia Nicholson back in high school. I still re-read the whole series from time to time. It's one of those book series that literally (I sound like Chris Traeger!) make you laugh out loud while reading. Anyway, Withering Tights is about Georgia's cousin, Tallulah. She is equally as entertaining. It's one of those super girly, easy read, AWESOME kind of books. Every time I read about Georgia and now Tallulah I am reminded how amazing and awful being a teenager was!

2. The Silver Linings Playbook - I'll admit that I didn't even know this was a book. AND the only reason I was interested in the movie was because I think Jennifer Lawrence is so fantastic. But after I read this I really wanted to get my hands on the book. I downloaded it on my Kindle the same day. It only took me a few days to finish it. I couldn't put it down and I'm still kind of sad that it's over.

Give back - I had a $50 gift certificate to Outback. Our meal didn't cost that much so we told the waiter to put the balance of the card toward Pat and Sam's check. They tried to argue with us but when they realized we were serious they were grateful. I was very happy to help. Since our meal was free and our server was awesome (he brought me all the bread I could eat and then some AND gave me a new salad after I told him the thousand island dressing tasted weird) I gave him a 58% tip. I had been waiting for a moment like this to come up and I'm so glad it did. I hope he was surprised because he really deserved it.

I also was able to donate to TWO other good causes this month. Super happy about that!

Go to Yoga - FAIL. Womp womp.

Write a handwritten letter - I didn't write any full letter but I sent all my girls Valentine's Day cards IN THE MAIL.

Save - Not really. =/ Still trying to recover from all the moving expenses (deposit on gas, new things for our move, yadda yadda).

Travel - Nope.

Outside - Ran in a park instead of the gym. Strolled around a  Etsy Shop/Food Truck event and even walked to a coffee shop and sat outside! Strolled around Park Ave. in 86 degree weather. I feel like that one deserves a medal.

Less - I think I've said this a million times before but I love moving because it allows you to really go through shit. You look at your stuff differently when you have to lug box after box to a new place.

I had several boxes of books. About 1/3 of them were  from my childhood. And although most of them filled me with happiness and wonderful memories, I decided to donate them. The truth is, Dustin and I don't plan on ever having kids and I thought it was kind of a waste to keep these really good books in boxes. They should be flipped through and enjoyed by kids because that's their purpose. Not to be shoved up on some shelf collecting dust. I ended up keep a handful of my absolute faves. The ones that were the most sentimental. But the rest were donated to great friends/book drop.

Once I sorted through the children books, I went through the rest. There were some that I enjoyed but didn't want to keep because I knew I'd never read them again. Those were donated. There were some I'd never even opened. Those were also donated. And then there were the books that I just could never get rid of. My whole Harry Potter collection is proudly on display (along with some other books of ours) in our living room. But then there were some classics (Catcher in the Rye, Animal Farm, To Kill a Mockingbird) that I just didn't want to part with. I have found a temporary home for them in our guest bedroom. I hope to buy floating shelves eventually for their permanent home.

I'm just happy that we now have less stuff and that all of those books will be enjoyed all over again by someone new.

Inspired by Fleur de Moi.

Podcast Police

I walked to an elliptical and set down my purse beside it. Then I stood there like an idiot for 5 minutes trying to untangle my headphones. I made a note in my head to watch one of those YouTube videos titled 'How to Keep Your Earphones Untangled'. As soon as I freed them I went straight to my Tom and Dan app. so I could listen to A Mediocre Time. Sometimes I elliptical to Britney Spears and other times I elliptical to T&D. I'm not one of those people who just LOVES working out. I love how I feel afterward. I love the benefits of working out but not the actual working out part. And to be honest, the whole time I'm there I'm usually thinking about what I'm going to eat after. Give me a break, I'm fucking human! But T&D (or Britney) always help the time go by a lot faster with all of their inappropriate awesomeness. As I listened to the latest podcast I was annoyed by all the weed talk. Ok, I get it, most of the people in the world do it but I'm not one of those people. Ok, I get it, people like to discuss it. But I find it just really boring. And stupid. And so unnecessary. But hey, that's just me. I know there aren't too many who agree with me. That's fine. I don't need to do what all of the 'cool' kids are doing. So after my work out I tweeted to @amediocretime...

When I got home, Dustin just laughed at me and said "Who do you think you are, the podcast police?".  HAHA. Yeah, well, whatever. I'm going to blame it on the endorphins. Or maybe it's because my painter's will soon be arriving. Eh, either way.

Ok, so we may not agree on the herb but T&D have proven once again just how cool they are. AND THEY EVEN CHECKED OUT THIS LITTLE BLOG OF MINE! Kind of awesome. Actually, totally awesome. Thanks guys for letting me give you a hard time. 

Check out their website and listen to their ridiculous yet entertaining podcast. 

Watch out for Officer Ashley! SNOOTS.

They do be friends

FRIDAY: I cussed and clawed my way through I-4 to make it home with enough time to get everything ready for our little get together. Lucky for me, once I actually made it home, I didn't really have to do much. Dustin had already cleaned up the house and made two dips (artichoke and spinach). I was so impressed and grateful. I thanked him A LOT. So all that was left to do is wait anxiously for our guests to arrive. I get so excited for shit like this that I start pacing the house. Then I'll add in peaking out the window just to prove how crazy I am.

Karly and Carole were first to arrive. I gave them a tour of the house and caught up on all the gossip. Then Jesenia and Alex showed up. I made sure to put their alcohol in the fridge for cool/safe keeping. I also did my best to help Jesenia with her dip. Last but certainly not least was Jennifer. We all had to run outside and flag her down because she had no idea where our house was. Even our new neighbors helped direct her over to our place. HA! Never a dull moment with this bunch. We were all happy that Kevin made a small appearance too.

We spent the night dipping, laughing, playing Sour Apples to Apples, cracking up, playing Catch Phrase, and we ended with Kinect. It was so fun giving Jennifer a hard time about all of her "wins". Pretty sure she cheated but that's just my theory. How can one person win every single game of the night? Exactly! Haha!

   

SATURDAY: I spent the morning running errands to the bank and picking photos up at CVS. I asked Dustin to hang up our canvas photo the minute I got home. It looks so good and really completes our art wall above our couch. So exciting!

Matt and Rachelle got here around noon all the way from PC. We showed them around the house and made fun of the last 20 minutes of Battleship. That movie is horrible but it makes for really funny commentary. We spent the rest of the afternoon enjoying lunch at the Cheesecake Factory and walking around Park Ave. Sam met up with us and just in time to watch a capoeira group busting moves. There were people of all ages and sizes performing. I had never seen anything like it. It's basically a mix of dance and martial arts. Pretty interesting! It was really warm out (86!) so we walked into a lot of shops just to cool down. Like PotteryBarn. There wasn't a lot going for PotteryBarn other than it's wonderful working A/C. Oh and they had a lot of porcelain bunny rabbits. So yeah. It was fun just strolling around with everyone. We just walked, talked, and people watched. We couldn't believe how many rich, douchie people were out but it's to be expected in that area of town. And then there was the girl who just about showed all of Park Ave. her vag while running across the street in the shortest dress ever. It was so hot we decided to make our way over to Jeremiah's for a nice cold gelati. Pat had just gotten off work and we were all happy he was able to join in on all the fun. Jeremiah's was swarming with people. I guess we weren't the only ones who needed a treat. We headed back to our house with brain freezes and gelati stained clothes. Then played a nice long round of Sour Apples to Apples. So much fun! SO MUCH.

It was starting to get late and Matt and Rachelle needed to head out soon but first we decided to all go out for dinner. We wanted Boston Market but they were so packed we quickly realized there was no where to sit. The whole dining area was full. So we were back to the drawing board in the parking lot. It took us forever to finally decide Panera was our Plan B. The six of us sat at a long table and enjoyed our sandwiches and soups. It kind of felt like we were in a school cafeteria but in a good way. I was having such a good time, I didn't want the night to end. But end it must, like every night. 

Dustin and Matt performed their own capoeira and it was pretty great. Sam got it on video too! Perfect ending to a fun filled day. 

Matt Says:

"We're just sitting on the corner like a bunch of whores!"

"It's like a mobile hot spot over here."

"They do be friends!"

"You huck finned them?"

SUNDAY: I watched 'Take this Waltz' on my Kindle while I ate breakfast. I really loved it. I loved the actors. I loved the characters they played and cheered on every single one of them. I loved the colors. I loved the story. It's the kind of movie that just sticks with you. And I've thought about it all day. 

Favorite quote: Life has a gap in it...it just does. You don't go crazy trying to fill it like some lunatic.

Dustin has been watching the weirdest things today. He watched the first half of the awful Battleship movie. He even watched part of that stupid Nascar race. And now, as I type this, he's watching the Red Carpet. So out of character for him. He must be really really bored. Thankfully the Pens have a game tonight! 

I got to FaceTime with Erin this afternoon and help her with some iTunes issues she was having. And we totes got it to work. Teamwork! Woo! Also, the photo below makes me smile because we all just look so happy. 

I'm off to fold laundry while watching the Oscars. Getting crazy over here!

Found

I love everything about this.
"Acknowledge your world and exist in it."

Awwww.

Dustin is obsessed with this website. It IS pretty cool.

Cute Valentine's Kids: One. Two.

Vote 'Harry Potter' for best book! Because DUH, it is.

This article really freaks me out.

Please donate and help a friend of a friend during this rough time.

This video is so shocking. =(

We need more reunion tours.

This Week In Photos

Stolen from Sam's Instagram. Just walking through a gas station. No big deal. //  I've been waiting so long to hang that banner. I just love it. After it had been up for a few days, Dustin sat in his man chair and looked at it and then back at me and said "Home is where YOU are." Exactly. // Dustin sent me that photo when he was at Staples. If you don't get it, PLEASE go watch the Office right this very second. // Evening traffic has never looked so pretty. // I noticed that Weldwood sticker while I was painting my dresser. Everything about it reminds me of 'Mad Men'. // Dustin and I had never had astronaut food before. We actually meant to buy some at the Orlando Science Center gift shop when we were there last summer but forgot. So when we saw it at Michael's, we just couldn't pass it up. It tasted like a cardboard ice cream sandwich. I promise it tastes better than it sounds.

Currently

Please don't read if you haven't watched the Season 3 finale of Downton Abbey yet. 

It's for your own good.

* * *

Angry about: My damn shows.

Girls - I know Girls has been getting so much praise over the past year and yeah it's good BUT this season hasn't really been living up to the hype. It's not terrible by any means but I feel like the show is just kind of all over the place. I hate the episodes that don't show all four of the girls. The episodes that only focus on Hannah drive me crazy. Hannah drives me crazy. I love Marnie but she really has been making some dumb choices. Booth is a level 10 creeper. Jessa is harsh but I feel like she's the most real. I like her honesty. But Shosh is most definitely my fave. She's just so naively adorable. And sincere. She barely gets any airtime. Ugh. Come on Lena, you're supposed to be some kind of genius. Here's to hoping the rest of the season doesn't suck.

The Walking Dead - The last episode was so slow. Yawn. Boring. I feel like since it's come back on TV the episodes are just filler until the inevitable showdown between The Governor and everyone at the prison. I want action and entertaining story lines in every episode, not just here and there.

Downton Abbey - OMG. I can't believe Dan Stevens aka Matthew Crawley CHOSE to leave Downton which forced the writers to kill him off. WHAT. THE. FUCK. What is Mary going to do? Now their son is fatherless! He was such a dreamboat and polite and good hearted and AHHH. It really pisses me off (if you can't tell) when actors choose to leave shows while they are at their peak. (Example: Steve Carrell on The Office) From my perspective it just seems dumb. I'd totally ride out the wave as long as I possible. But that's just me. Apparently Dan and I don't see eye to eye on that one.

Listening to: A Tattered Line of String by The Postal Service. I was so excited to hear they were coming out with music but today I found out they will be stopping in Orlando on their summer tour. I can't wait! Ashldfjhlk!

Discussing: Dustin and I were discussing The Postal Service tour on my lunch break today which sparked a conversation about who we'd still love to see play live. We've both been to so many shows but there are still some we'd like to check off. My list includes Taking Back Sunday, Brand New, Further Seems Forever (with Gleason not Carrabba), The Early November (Again!) Dustin's list also includes TBS and Brand New (again for him) but he'd really like to see The Foo Fighters too. Fingers crossed!

Looking forward to: This weekend! We are having a party Friday night for all of my ex-coworker-friends. Dustin is on artichoke dip duty and I'm on spinach dip duty. Maybe we will just break out into song and dance, 'Da Dip' style. Or maybe not. And then Matt and Rachelle are coming Saturday. I can't remember the last time the four of us have hung out. Sweet hangs are in our near future!

Thinking: As I'm driving about 20 MPH in traffic today after work, I see that I have a text. Oh look a text from Pat. It said "I'm driving next to you". So I immediately look around frantically to see where he is. I spot him a little further up, two lanes over. A few seconds later we are next to each other and we both give the other a friendly wave. I was so excited to see a friend out in "the wild" unexpectedly. I mean, Orlando isn't exactly a huge city but it's big enough where I never run into anyone I know, let alone people I am friends with (unless we've made plans to do so). I always get a kick out of it. Sounds dumb, but I do.

Youthful Coral

FRIDAY: I came home from work and started to organize more shit. It didn't take too long for me to just not care and instead pick up my Kindle and finish reading 'The Silver Linings Playbook'. I sat on the bed in our guest bedroom and finished it around midnight. I walked out into our living room sobbing. I was just so overwhelmed with emotion. I needed a hug from Dustin. He of course dropped everything to give me one but I'm sure he thought I was a little crazy. The book is so so good. Go read it! Now!

SATURDAY: I made it to the gym bright and early and in the cold no less! I relaxed around the house for a bit before waking up Dustin and getting ready to head on over to Erin's house. She has had a nightmare of a time trying to get her IKEA TV stand put together correctly, so Dustin offered to help. We arrived with tools in hand (and an egg - for brownies). Dustin messed around with the glass doors forever. I tried helping. I tried letting him do his thing. It was no use. The hinges were just not cooperating. In the end we ended up just putting in the shelves and leaving off the glass doors entirely. I think it looks even better without the doors. I still feel bad that Erin had to go through so much hell with the whole thing though. We sat around Erin's for a bit and talked about everything. We all gave our opinions about different things. We all shared our own personal stories about other things. It was just nice to sit and talk.

 

We decided to put our Outback gift card to use for dinner. Dustin tried texting Pat earlier in the day to see if he and Sam would want to join but we hadn't heard back from them. Then just as we were on our way back to our side of town he texted us back. We made plans to meet at 5:30. But Dustin and I had 45 min to kill so we stopped by Michaels, where I bought a wooden letter 'M' to hang on our wall. I also purchased some paint and astronaut food (because YOLO?). Then we went next door to Home Depot to buy coral color paint for my dresser. I literally walked over to the paint section, grabbed the four coral color samples and Dustin and I pointed to the same one. Easiest color decision ever! 

We then headed over to meet PNS for dinner. The wait was 30 minutes. Ugh. We had to stand squished next to strangers for most of our wait time. Pretty annoying but at least they had a server come around with samples. Sam suggested they bring everyone little glasses of coke with the samples since we were dying of thirst after eating them. We had a lovely dinner and a really nice server!

We asked them if they wanted to come back to our place to hang out. We ended up playing Buzz Word   but this time around Pat got to play in the flesh! It's crazy the difference a year can make. Real life > face time.  Although face time is awesome, just not the same. We cracked up the whole time. Jump squad!

Then I basically begged everyone to play Halo 3. Sam and I had a great time yelling like maniacs. Cussing at the screen. And of course throwing grenades. Dustin and Pat didn't really seem to have as much fun as us so we cut the game playing short. It's clear I can only play this game with Sam and Cody. I need to play it with someone who is just as crazy as I am about it otherwise it loses all of it's fun.

After PNS left I decided to paint the wooden 'M' I had bought earlier in the day. I had to paint about 6 coats for the red to really darken but it turned out amazing. And it was super cheap. Like under $5 cheap.

SUNDAY: I was Miss Productive. I was so happy to get so many things checked off my to-do list.

First I carried (with the help of Dustin) my dresser out to the back porch and sanded and painted it. I wish it were as easy as that sentence made it sound. Here in Florida, we haven't had a winter in a couple years. We have a handful of cold days and that's pretty much it. We don't even have 'Florida Winters' anymore. Kind of sad. It's been mid 70s-low 80s for awhile. But then everyone started to get crazy about this supposed cold snap we were about to have. Saturday night got down to 35. Yep, that's super duper cold for FL. And then Sunday the high was 54. HIGH being the key word there. I of course went out to paint this dresser around 10:30 when it was still in the 40s. Yes, I'm an idiot. But when I've got something in my head I'll be damned if I'm not going to get it done. So I wore TWO pairs of pants (sweat pants on the bottom and really tacky cupcake pajamas on top of that), two shirts (a Harry Potter long sleeve pajama top that is 10+ years old over a regular long sleeve shirt), booties, scarf and hat. Dustin and I both agreed I looked homeless. But I wasn't going to the Prom, I just needed to be warm enough to paint. And paint I did. The entire dresser started to really transform with each coat of "Youthful Coral". It took three coats and a separate touch up session and I was done. I left it out on the porch all day just to make sure it was nice and dry. I am still in shock with how it turned out. That dresser has lived at my grandparents house for 50 some odd years. I believe my mom told me it occupied her childhood room at some point. It didn't really look like much before but I knew it could be great. It had potential. I love the simplicity of it most. And now the new color brings it to life all over again. Same family, new home.

 

Dustin also helped me hang 95% of our pictures/art up. Actually he did all the hanging, I just directed where they should go. I'm waiting on one more piece and our little art collage above our couch will be complete. I'll take a picture when it's done. It came out so cool! Thank you Erin for the suggestion and Pinterest for the inspiration.

I was so excited to find a fairly cheap rug that fits under my desk. We have 'wood' floors now and I was worried that moving my chair in and out so often might scratch it all up. The rug started as a preventative measure but now I like it from a decorative side too. It kind of helps ground my little office area in our open living room.

This weekend has left me feeling so accomplished. What a great feeling! Our new place is really coming together.