Journal Day #2: Music

We all have songs that really mean something to us. Often just hearing it can take us right back to that place and we are able to re-experience the memory associated with the song. Sometimes good, sometimes bad, but either way music has the ability to really draw things out of us and evoke deep emotion. Choose a song that has a particular meaning to you. Tell the story of the memory associated with the song, sharing as much detail as you can. Take us there; let us experience it with you. via Sometimes Sweet

Just like the prompt last week I'm having trouble choosing just ONE song. I was raised on music. It's my friend. It's my religion. It's EVERYTHING to me. Everything.

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I stood there with my apron on, feet aching, but happy. We all kept eyeing each other. Then we'd glance at the clock. And back to each other until finally it was 9PM and time to lock the door. We all immediately changed the way we wore our aprons (tied around our waist not around our necks), took our hats off and got busy cleaning up for the night. I was almost always scheduled for the '4pm - Close' shift and I loved it. There were so many great nights spent with co-workers friends. And there's one song that always brings me back to those moments. Every time I hear it I'm transported to my sixteen year old self cleaning up/having the time of my life. New Found Glory's My Friends Over You was our jam during the summer of 2002. I remember someone bringing in their CD and popping it into a tiny boom box. We'd turn it up loud and sing together while we emptied trashcans and mopped floors. We all grew up, got different jobs, and after we graduated high school we just went our separate ways. But every time that song comes on I think of them. I think of that time in my life. And I smile to myself.

* * *

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Before vinyl was "made cool" by hipsters, I was a kid in the 90s flipping through my mom's old collection that had always lived at my grandparent's house. They had a record player front and center in their living room. It was right next to the TV. On top of their cassette player. Two big speakers in both corners of the room. I loved placing the needle gently on whichever song I was interested in hearing. It was a whole experience. Clicking on a song in my iTunes library will never compare. I played a lot of songs from a lot of different albums but the one that stands out is Please Pardon Me (You Remind Me Of A Friend) by Chaka Khan & Rufus. I played it on a loop. I loved it so much that I even figured out how to record the album version to a cassette tape so I was able to listen to it in my room. I would later download the digital version because I always have to have it close. When I hear that song I always think back to a time where I was discovering so many different kinds of artists for the first time - most of them popular long before I was even born. 

* * *

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It was 2005 and Dustin and I were still new. Our relationship still fresh. Butterflies and all. Every weekend I would come to visit him we would go on little adventures around his small town. He'd always drive because he obviously knew where he was going and I had already driven 70 miles to him. At the time he drove a 1996 red Ford Thunderbird. It was huge and oh so comfortable. He'd drive me all over Palm Coast blasting a variety of music (Kanye, Journey, Straylight Run) but I remember Thrice's Image of the Invisible the most. He wouldn't listen to anything else while we were in his car but Vheissu. Image of the Invisible was always what got the most play. I didn't mind and even quickly learned the words (and fell in love with Thrice at the same time) and together we'd scream/sing while cruising down the long, dark, empty roads. And we wouldn't dare stop when we entered the L-Section neighborhood with all it's new construction homes that all look exactly the same. We didn't care that it was 1am. We had a song to sing. And sing it we did. And every time the line we all were lost now we are found, no one can stop us or slow us down came on we would both just look at each other and sing that much harder. We just knew. We could feel it. It was us against the world and we wouldn't have it any other way. 

Enough

I've been doing something lately that no one should ever ever do. Like ever. (I hope you read that last part in Taylor Swift's voice because I sure did.)

Compare myself to other people.

Except I'm not really comparing myself to other people but more so my blog against other blogs. I keep up with a variety of blogs. From lifestyle (my fave!) to fashion blogs to home decor. And most of these blogs I've been following for years. As of late, I'll read something and be so impressed with how a particular post was worded. The sarcasm and wit and just enough personal detail to make me feel like I'm this person's friend. The way the story unfolded is something I know I'll never be able to accomplish. Or I'll be enjoying some time on a blog and focus on how beautiful the layout and design is. I'll be mesmerized by the simplicity and cleanness of it all. It's so easy to get caught up in thinking that someone or something is better than you. It's so easy for the questions to start swirling in your head.

Why don't my photos look that good?
Why aren't my words articulated that well?
Why aren't my ideas that creative?

Why, why, why...
Blah, blah, blah...

It's so silly to compare but we all do it. I'm not even comparing in a jealous kind of way. It's 100% admiration. I'm just so impressed with these ladies (just realized I don't follow any dudes). No, I don't want to be JUST like them. No no no. I hate copycats. But they do inspire me to try harder, dig deeper and keep growing as a blogger - in every aspect. They make me want to push myself.

So no more comparing my blog to others. There's no point. It doesn't need to fit the mold of a more well known blogger or any for that matter. It's just fine the way it is. It's exciting to read and to share such personal stories. And it's so nice that we all have something different to offer. We all bring something unique to the blogging world just by being ourselves and doing what we enjoy.

High five!

Weekend Highlights

I meant to post this last night but I was in bed early with a migraine. 


Solo Yoga
I had it in my head for most of the week that I was going to go to yoga on Saturday morning. No excuses! I have been going on and off for years but almost always with a buddy next to me in downward facing dog - 98% of the time that buddy was Erin. I have been by myself before but this time was just different. It was a rainy morning. The kind of mornings that are perfect for staying in bed and reading or snuggling. But I got up anyway. I wasn't about to talk myself out of going because of rain. Or because I was going alone. Or for any other stupid reason. And after eating some breakfast and putting on my stretchiest of yoga pants I actually did have enough time to read a little before heading out. I got there a little early so I sat on the bench outside in my raincoat watching the cars go by, the sounds of tires splashing in puddles filling my ears. I thought about playing around on my phone but decided I rather look up. I said a few hellos to others waiting for the class to begin but mostly I sat in silence just observing my surroundings. Once inside, I didn't go to my our normal spot but instead chose one right in the middle of the class. Old habits die hard but this one was pretty easy to break. It was a really great, hard class. I needed to rest a lot but thankfully the instructors encourage child pose. I've never minded doing things alone - eating out, shopping, watching a movie, working out - all fine by me. Being (half) only child has made me probably enjoy being alone more than most people. So going to class alone was fine. It actually helped me focus more on the task at hand. I also pushed myself more than I normally do. However, during the middle of the class a horrid smell filled my nose and all I could think was "Dammit, someone farted!". Now THAT was certainly a moment I would have enjoyed having a friend next to me to exchange scrunched up noses and a good laugh. Minus the unfortunate gas, it was a productive morning, in more ways than one.

Fancy Pants
I went with Dustin to Men's Wearhouse so he could get fitted for his groomsmen suit. I was surprised by how busy it was but luckily we didn't have to wait long. One of the employees asked Dustin some questions, took his measurements and had him try on the world's shiniest shoe. He went ahead and paid and then we'll pick it up when we get to Pittsburgh. I was surprised it was such an easy process. For our own wedding, the guys just wore black dress shirts, khaki pants and purple ties, so we didn't really know what to expect with getting a rental. He'll be in a full on jacket, vest, tie, and the world's shiniest shoes. I've got to say that I'm really looking forward to seeing him all fancy. I don't think he's ever even seen himself that fancy before. I feel extra pressure to match (or at least not clash) with what he'll be wearing. He's going to look like a stud and I certainly don't want to look like a dud. Ha! I already bought shoes that should fit right in with their mint color scheme. I just needed a dress. I looked in the mall and even tried on a couple things but they all left me feeling ehhh. So I went home and searched online for hours. I was a tad obsessive about it. Trying to find the right color dress to match minty/sage shoes under $50 with good reviews was hard work. I finally went with a vintage style black dress from ModCloth. It is simple yet classy, with thick fabric (it will probably be cold still), what seems like a flattering fit and it was in my budget (plus free shipping/returns). I'm really anxious for it to arrive so I can make sure it fits. I love/hate buying things online because you just never know. ModCloth customer service is top notch so even if it ends up not working out I can return it and figure something else out. Fingers crossed!

 

 
Entertainment
I watched two movies over the weekend. Dustin and I watched Ender's Game together and we both loved it. I wanted to read the book first but just never got around to it. Oh well. It was just such an interesting story/concept. It would have been nice to compare the book and the movie but I'm just going to assume that since the movie was so great the book was probably better. I also finally watched The Butler. This one I was a little disappointed by but I can't exactly put my finger on why. Maybe it was because I learned that almost everything about the real butler and the movie butler was different. I hate when movies are "inspired by true events" but hardly anything is true. I also would have liked more scenes at The White House and more scenes with the various presidents. That was the whole reason I wanted to watch the movie in the first place - to see the behind the scenes of that world. I feel like it focused too much on other characters when I was mostly interested in what it was actually like to be a butler in The White House.

Found

Ben Affleck and Matt Damon Take Shots At Each Other In The Name Of Charity

Ellen Page gives a beautiful speech. Get it girl!

10 Things To Avoid When You're Feeling Sad

Confessions of a Reluctant Father

The Choice to be Child Free

18 Best Things About Being In Your Late Twenties

For Anyone Who Has Lost a Parent or Will Lose a Parent

90s Female Rockers

Guardians of the Galaxy

What would you do if you saw a freezing child?

The Evolution of Hip Hop Dancing

This is cute. And check out HMS in the background. GOOD MEMORIES!

Let's hear it for naps!

St. Patrick's Day + Pens = Awesome. Dustin and I both have clover/Pens shirts. I think we need some new ones.

Ew! with Jimmy Fallon, Will Ferrell, and Michelle Obama.

Will Ferrell figure skates to the Downton Abbey theme.

BFFs

'Let It Go' Cover

Embracing Potholes

This Week In Photos

Xbox One chatting via our TV. So cool!

Dustin and that creepy mask!

We're in a relationship. It's pretty serious.

I had a dream that I was lost in a parking lot and all the cars looked the same.

I'm so ready for my next level of evolution.

Journal Day #1: Crossroads

Everyone has a time in their life they view as a crossroad. Sometimes you can see it as it's happening, and you're able to choose one way or another. Other times you may not realize you're there until you look back, and see what a turning point it really was. This week, write about a time you view as a marker in your life; a distinct place where things changed, for better or worse. via SometimesSweet

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The word "crossroad" always reminds me of that Britney Spears movie and of course Bone Thugs N Harmony because I'm a 90s kid and that stuff just sticks. I've already gone off topic and I'm only one sentence in. Not a great start. The truth is I've been thinking about this topic all week. I had trouble pin pointing one crossroad to share. A flurry of images and memories flooded my mind that the task seemed kind of overwhelming.

Sure I could write about the people I've chosen to say goodbye to for one reason or another. I could write about all the job related decisions I've made. Or choosing where to live. Or quitting college. The thing is the last 10 years have felt like one giant crossroad with varying subject matter. While I'm stressing over one life changing decision another one pops up and demands my attention. Maybe that's what it means to be in your twenties. Or maybe that's just what it means to be a human being.

I'm so ready for a time (a long long stretch of time) where the most important decision I have to make is which flavor YumYum Cupcake to eat. I feel like I need a crossroad break. I'm an over thinker to begin with so when I've got something important on my plate it really stresses me out. I pick it apart in my brain like it's some kind of animal being dissected in a biology class. And quite frankly, it's exhausting.

I prefer a simple, even borderline boring life. I'm just not really built for major life changes although I know it's just part of the package. It's something I have to deal with one day at a time. One crossroad at a time. Because once the decision is made and I've decided which road to take, I feel a million times better. There's nothing like the relief and pride that comes after making a tough choice. And a cupcake sure doesn't hurt either.

Currently

Watching: The olympics! DUH. Who isn't watching the olympics? Snowboarding was amazing.  Hockey is obviously awesome. So much so that I woke Dustin up at 7:30AM Saturday morning so we could watch USA vs. Russia. It's weird and fun to watch all of our Pens scattered on different teams playing against one another. Speed skating is ehh. It's hard to even take curling seriously. It seems like a game you would play drunk at a frat house. Ice skating has been entertaining to say the least. I used to LOVE it as a kid but it seems a bit cheesy now that I'm an adult. I still give all those skaters credit for those crazy tricks.

Dustin and I binge watched the first four episodes of True Detective over the weekend. It's so good! But then again, I can't think of an HBO show that I've given a try and not liked. It's definitely not your run of the mill detective/crime show. I like that they don't wrap up the story at the end of each episode. It just feels like a long movie. It's dark and suspenseful but not scary which I'm thankful for. I do not do scary/horror/jump out of your skin shit.

Speaking of HBO shows, I've got to mention how much I loved the latest GIRLS episode where they went to a beach house. I felt like I could relate to so much but especially Marnie and her expectations for things, people, and events.

ONE / TWO / THREE

I have recently received two free iTunes gift cards thanks to Humana Vitality. And yes, I downloaded some music but I've also been renting movies - the ones I know Dustin isn't interested in watching with me.  Last week I watched Don Jon one week night. Joseph Gordon-Levitt and ScarJo! I mean, COME ON. It was a little too Jersey Shore for me at first but as the story moves along the characters change and become much more likable. Also, I totally didn't see that ending coming but really happy with it. I also finally got to watch Austenland on Sunday (starring my girl Keri Russell). It was so cute with just the right amount of cheese ball. And again, I didn't see that ending coming! What is wrong with me?!

Listening to: Completely Not Me by Jenny Lewis. This is the song I was anxiously waiting to hit iTunes on the GIRLS Vol. 2 Soundtrack. And it has. And I've been loving it.

*SPOILER WARNING FOR ANYONE READING THE DIVERGENT SERIES*

Reading: I finished Allegiant over the weekend. A major character died which is probably why so many people hated the third book but when this character died I didn't really feel anything. I still feel bad about not feeling more emotional about it. I loved the character in the first book but as the series went on I started to less and less. Overall I was happy with the entire series though. However I will say, not since Harry Potter have I read a series that gets BETTER with each book. It's a bummer! 

Now I've moved on to A Really Awesome Mess by Trish Cook because it was suggested to me on my Kindle. I'm already 33% done so clearly I'm hating it - HA. There has already been a Harry Potter reference so needless to say it's awesome.

Excited about: Some really good Target finds. I bought a new pair of flats and a shirt today for $20 TOTAL. That's including tax and since I used my RedCard I got free shipping. I'm still ecstatic! I love shopping like all girls but I don't splurge very often. I feel like a lot of stuff is over priced and so I wait for it to go on sale and snatch it up or I wait too long and it disappears. But it's just so nice when it works out in my favor like today! Woo!

Thinking about: Names. A friend of mine recently changed her last name because she's a married woman now but she also opted to change her middle name while she was at it. I think this is such a cool thing to do. I'm pretty attached to my middle name but if I weren't I would have totally considered doing the same thing. Now, I have no idea what I would have gone with but I love the idea of picking something that you feel suits you better than whatever name your parents gave you when you were only minutes old. I remember playing a "game" in summer camp  when I was 12 where we went around the room telling each girl the name we thought she looked like. All I remember is someone thought I looked like a Claire which made me immediately roll my eyes. CLAIRE?!

Dustin Says

 

 Harry Potter/Hedwig reenactment - November 2010.

The curiosity rover has more personality than most humans.

I could survive solely on your love and crazy bread.

I think we could be the next ice dancing champions.

Dustin's thoughts on heavy makeup - especially blush:
I don't get why girls put a red line down their face. It looks stupid.

Here's a throwback 'Dustin says'. Little Dustin is just as funny as present Dustin.
Thanks to Miranda for bringing this up last weekend. It's had me laughing for days.
Santa: What do you want for Christmas?
Dustin: I'd like a wheelchair and a credit card - just like my grandma.

Heart Eyes For Days

THURSDAY:

It was the fall of 1996. My mom dropped me off at the movies in her 1980ish Toyota Corrolla station wagon. I hated that car. I spent most of my teen years laying down in the back seat just so no one would see me riding around town in it. I was meeting up with a few of my girlfriends. We had just started 6th grade but we had known each other most of our lives having gone to the same elementary school. None of them of course gave a shit about my mom's car but as soon as I hopped out of it I still gave my mom a look that said "ok, you can go now!" - and she did once she spotted the rest of the girls. We met at the Colonial Promenade which back in the 90s was a popular movie theater. It still exists today but it's been turned into a dollar theater. I can't remember if this was my first no adult/friends only movie but it's the one that sticks out most in my mind. Me and the rest of the girls skipped right up to the glass window and bought tickets to see Romeo + Juliet. I have no idea who suggested this movie but I am forever grateful they did. I was fascinated by it all. The violence, the costume party, the music, the romance, and the sadness had my full attention for two hours. It was that movie that made me forget all about my childhood crush, JTT. I was all JTT who when I was introduced to Leonardo DiCaprio. I think all of us girls at the time were drooling over him, writing our first names followed by DiCaprio down in our Five Star Trapper Keepers. I just really loved that version of Romeo + Juliet. I watch it every time I see it on TV. I was and still am obsessed with the soundtrack. So when I saw that it was going to be shown February 13th for Winter Park's monthly series Popcorn Flicks I was ecstatic. I texted the screenshot to Dustin one work day back in January. He was in!

We checked the five day forecast and it showed that our movie night was going to be cold. It was actually the only day/night of the week that was going to be cold. Just our luck. So the night before we put blankets and sheets in my trunk. We also got gloves, hats, and our heaviest of jackets ready to go. When I got home from work it was 61 degrees. It wasn't bad at all but all but the stuff was already in my trunk so I just left it. Dustin decided to wear a lighter sweatshirt and SHORTS which I thought was kind of ridiculous but to each his own. I wore a lighter sweater too but I still brought my puffy jacket aka the jacket I bought in Pittsburgh to wear to the 40 degree Steelers game. We grabbed a quick dinner and off we went. We got there about 20 minutes before the movie started. We set up right near the front with our sheet, comforter, beach chair, and Dustin even brought a pillow. There were still about 15 minutes left until the movie started and I had to pee so I left Dustin to guard our area and walked a block to Panera to empty my bladder and buy some drinks. At this point it was in the 50s and we both still opted for cold drinks (lemonade for him, bottle of water for me). The movie started and was just as magical as it always is but even more so because I was with Dustin outside in the middle of a park. I sat in the chair with a snuggie on and he laid down at my feet wrapped in the comforter. We were cozy for awhile and then the temperature dropped to the 40s. I noticed so many other couples in light jackets and super thin blankets struggling to keep warm. Shit, Dustin and I were some of the most prepared for the cold and we were struggling to keep warm, especially when the wind blew. But I was too focused on the movie to really care. The most annoying thing about the whole experience were the trains that kept coming through. Someone would pause the movie each time they did but there were at least 5+ trains. That damn Sunrail is already pissing me off. We didn't let it ruin the night and with each paused train moment we rearranged ourselves and wrapped our blankets more tightly around ourselves. There was only 30 or so minutes left in the movie when I realized I needed to pee - AGAIN. I have the bladder of an 80 year old woman. It's not fun. I told Dustin I was thinking of walking back down to Panera but he said I wasn't going alone in the dark unless he went with me which would mean packing up early. I certainly didn't want to skip out on the ending. Then I noticed a girl walk in front of us up to the from and then step into the porta-potty. Dustin suggested I used that and I gave him a "eww" face and told him I'd hold it. Except I really couldn't hold it and apparently neither could most of the girls there because as soon as one girl left another girl walked up. I decided to be one of those girls because I just couldn't hold it any longer. The porta potty was completely dark except for the moonlight that peaked through a very small window at the top. I sucked it up, hovered, and pissed for what felt liked an eternity. I got to see the end of the movie and all was well. As we walked back to my car our bones hurt, our noses were pink and our fingers numb from the cold. We saw the temperature read on a bank sign - 46 degrees. I get that we weren't sitting in snow or anything but 46 degrees is fucking cold. It's cold in northern states and it's especially cold in Florida. It's even more cold when you're out in it for 3 hours. But we had the best time even with the cold weather. Even with the train interruptions. There was no where else I would have rather been on that cold Thursday night than with Dustin shivering while watching one of the greatest love stories of all time. 

Dustin preparing for the cold the night before. // Sipping on lemonade.

Cozy. // Montague & Capulet. // Layers upon layers.

'

Full moon hangs over the park. // The pool scene is one of my faves.

FRIDAY:

Before I left for work, I left a card and bag of Reeses cups on Dustin's chair so he would be sure to see them when he woke up. I went to work in a good mood, mostly because it just so happened to be my early day which means I got to leave at 1pm. The day went by pretty fast and before I knew it I was hauling ass home to pick up Dustin.

We had lunch at Five Guys because CHEESEBURGERS. Then we went to see 'That Awkward Moment'. It would have been a movie I would have asked Erin to see with me but she's not here anymore so Dustin offered to take me. He's kind of awesome like that. I really enjoyed it. It reminded me of a male version of Sex in the City. I mean sure it was predictable but who cares. It had some pretty laugh out old moments mixed with different romantic relationships. And plus Zac Efron was naked a lot so you can't go wrong there.

Side Note about the movie: I've heard the phrase "the key to Gramercy Park" in various pop culture - always thinking it was an expression of some kind. I had no idea that it is an actual private park in NY for the snobs that live in the area. And you need an actual key to get into it! You really do learn something new every day.

I had to pee after the movie was over. Surprise surprise. I came out of the restroom expecting to see Dustin waiting for me but I didn't see him anywhere. I looked to the left, to the right, no Dustin. I assumed he went to the restroom too so I was just going to wait. Then I heard someone say "Ashley!" so I looked around and I still didn't see him. I was so confused. I almost thought I was going crazy until finally Dustin revealed himself. He was in the cardboard Muppet poster (see photo below) and blended right in. He was there the whole time and I hadn't even noticed. I looked right at him several times! WHAT THE HELL. He was cracking up. I was cracking up. Everyone in the theater hallway thought we were nuts. We literally laughed all the way to the car.

After the movie, we went to Target. We recently got our tax return back and agreed to use $100 for household items we needed and put the rest into savings. So with our $100 we bought a really nice new frying pan (for Dustin since he cooks 99.9% of all of our food) and a cordless handheld Shark mini vacuum (for me because I always leave crumbs everywhere). We still had $30 leftover.

On our way home, we stopped by The Food Truck Bazaar for some Yum Yum Cupcakes. We were still too full from lunch to buy any real food. I hadn't had my favorite cupcakes in months! MONTHS! We left with 3 Dom Berrignon's and 1 Peanut Butter Chocolate. YUM is right.

When I got home I checked the mail as I do every day and it was quite possibly one of the greatest mail days ever. Four v-day cards! I tried to tear into them the minute I walked back in the house but Dustin made me put them down and lead me to the living room. He said, "These are for you" pointing to tulips, a card and my fave candy. I immediately read his card and started crying. He wrote the most beautiful things that will forever be for my eyes only.

Me: Thank you so much! This is all so nice!
Dustin: Did you really think I didn't get you anything?
Me: You paid for lunch and the movie and I thought that was plenty!

And then I opened my other cards. Two from my mom, one from Sam, and one from Erin (with earrings included). In that moment, I felt really loved.

My Valentine's Day was one of the best I've ever had. Love is a great thing.

I wore my heart on my feet, neck and sleeve.



Delicious donuts at work. // A cute sign I drove by.



I bought this card for Dustin on Etsy. He loved it even more than I thought he would. // Waiting for our favorite Food Truck to open. They are the only cupcakes in Orlando as far as I'm concerned.

So many awesome cards. It's so funny how much someone's personality is reflected by which card they choose to give you. 

Dustin and I have been eating much healthier lately but you can't NOT eat sweets on v-day.

My favorite flowers. My favorite color.

Sneaky little shit.

Found

I'm so excited that Journal Day is back! I can't wait to participate.

Top 5 De-Friendable Worthy Status Updates

Dustin and I watch the Westminster Dog Show every year. So many cool and crazy looking dogs!

And speaking of cool dogs, American Skier Gus Kenworthy is bringing home pups all the way from Sochi!

Canadian coach helps fallen Russian

Celebrities Read Mean Tweets

Shia LaBeouf has either lost his mind or is just being a super artsy hipster. You decide.

I really loved this post by JenLovesKev about putting her husband first. 

Walter White's Facebook video.

This is one cool principal! And he's even wearing a Pens jersey!

I'm loving these photos! What a beautiful family and home.

These 100 year old BFFs who have been friends for 94 years are hilarious!

A hoodie/onesie?! Give me 5.

Friday Night Lights meets Parenthood = MY DREAMS COMING TRUE!

What Works For Us

I love reading blog posts about what works for other families - whether it be about their marriage, the way they raise their kids (yeah, still interesting to a person who doesn't have or want kids), what they eat, or just their daily routines. I find it interesting to learn about similar and especially different lifestyles. So with that being said, I thought it would be fun to share what works for Dustin and I - in our relationship. This is in no way "advice". I am no expert on relationships! I just know what works in my own. And since the holiday of love is quickly approaching I thought it was somewhat appropriate. 

Need to know
Dustin and I have never gone into detail about each others exes. EVER. I know that's a pretty hot topic when you first start dating someone but we just kind of brushed over it real quick and moved on. We both know we have obviously been with other people in the past but it's in the past so why even go there? I think it just brings up insecurities, unnecessary comparisons, and awkward tension. Sure, it's human nature to be curious but it's not need to know information so let it be. Our belief is to focus on the person your with not the person they used to be with. 

His and Hers
In the (almost) 9 years that we've been together we have never had a joint bank account, not even after we got married. He has his. I have mine. He pays his bills. I pay mine. And when it comes to stuff like rent, we split it right down the middle and send our landlord two checks in the mail. We even split groceries. So if our total is $100, we tell the cashier we'd like to put it on two separate cards, and then he pays $50 and I pay $50. We do dates the same way - one of us will pay for a movie and the other will pay for dinner. We don't track it down to the penny or anything crazy but we try and keep it as fair as possible. I hate the idea of one person paying for more than the other. I know very few couples these days have separate bank accounts but it has always worked for us and I can honestly say we have NEVER fought over our finances.

Communication
For the first year and a half that we were together, we only saw each other on weekends. Long distance is kind of the worst but a lot of positives did come from that experience and communication is one of them. We're never afraid to have those tough conversations that are necessary for a healthy relationship. I'm so thankful that I have someone who isn't afraid of talking about all my damn feelings. Because let's be real, I have a lot of fucking feelings. Not only that but we like to stay in contact all day. We'll send each other a silly inside joke or funny video via text. It really helps us break up the work day and stay connected at the same time!

Fight Right 
We argue like any other couple, although 99% of the time it's about really trivial things like who peed on the toilet seat or who forgot to take out the recycling. We just don't have big issues which I'm thankful for. But yeah, we have disagreements because that's real life. However, when we do argue we don't resort to name calling, shouting, or bringing up the D word (divorce). Yeah, one of us might go in the other room and watch Felicity to cool off but that's as crazy as it gets. There's no reason to be mean just because you're angry for 5 minutes. 

Zip It
We are not those people who tell our friends/family every detail of our relationship. If we have an argument, I don't call my BFF to discuss. I like to keep certain things private - good and bad. Some things are only meant to be known and discussed between the two people involved. I don't need 10 other opinions in my head. No thanks!

Non-traditional Traditions
I think one of the most fun things in a relationship is having some traditions that you have created together. Yes, it's fun to recreate things you did growing up but it's nice to spice it up with something new. It's one of the coolest things about being an adult - getting to do what you want! For example, on Valentine's day we have always kept it simple. We like to cook a nice meal at home, watch a movie, and eat chocolate. Nothing crazy. For our anniversary, we never buy each other gifts but instead decide together on something new to experience (Past Anniversaries included: Blue Man Group, Science Center, The Florida Aquarium, Cirque de Soleil) and go to a nice dinner out. And every year around Christmas we like to pick out one new ornament for our tree and we work together to come up with our Christmas card theme. We even have the simple tradition (or maybe it's more of a rule) that Sundays are for doing nothing. Neither of us leave the house or make plans on Sundays. It's pajamas, football, movie watching, and straight up getting our lazy on before a new hectic work week.

Same Page 
I personally think it's important to be on the same page about the "big stuff". We obviously aren't going to agree on everything since we're two separate people but when it comes to major issues we are always on the same page. We both have similar outlooks when it comes to religion, politics, family planning, sports teams, etc. I'm not saying a relationship can't work if you butt heads on these topics but it wouldn't work for me/us. It's nice to have your partner in life agree on heavy topics because otherwise it could create a lot of friction.

Interesting Interests 
Dustin and I have lots of similar interests but we also like to do our own thing. I feel like it's important to have something for yourself - whatever it may be. I of course love being married but our relationship does not define either of us. We are together but we are also individuals. For us, the main thing is maintaining a balance between the two. If I'm on my computer blogging or off crafting then he'll be watching hockey or playing on xBox and then at some point one of us will initiate doing something together. We love being around each other but that doesn't mean we have to be stuck like glue all of the time. 

Hysterical Laughter 
Shit happens in life that just plain sucks but laughing always helps. Dustin is the king of making me laugh when shit hits the fan. I'll be crying or ranting and he'll just bust out with something so hilarious and usually inappropriate that I'm forced to crack up. I've taken his lead on this over the years and have started to return the favor whenever possible. 

Cards Never Go Out Of Style

Today is February 10th which means Valentine's Day is only DAYS away. WHAT?! Since when? This year is just zooming on by. But there is still time to send out cards to loved ones. And no, I'm not just talking about your lovuuhh - but buy/make one for them too.

I have always felt that Valentine's Day is just a nice little reminder that pops up every February 14th for you to tell the important people in your life how much you love them.  And you can never go wrong with a card. And you can really never go wrong with a super cute, unique, more fun, less Hallmark-y card. That's my opinion anyway.


Here are my faves via Etsy:

 

BSpired

This card is made from WOOD! If you've seen my iPhone case you know how I feel about things made out of wood. Cue Joey Gladstone and Mr. Woodchuck.

 

 GeorgiePearlDesigns

 

 SouthernPestPrints

JulieAnnArt

ArthursPlaidPants

SomebodyLovedShop

Last year's (digital) card post. 

Found

Watch this guy draw photorealistic every day objects.

Bobbi Gibb

15 Reasons Cousins Make The Best Friends

Insta-Bullshit

Try "Not Having Kids!"

FDA launches anti-smoking campaign aimed at teens. AND CVS plans to end tobacco sales by October. RIGHT ON!

What kind of couple is the happiest? Gay couples without kids followed by heterosexual childless couples. I see a trend...

9 Other Things J.K. Rowling Got Wrong. I only really agree/feel strongly about numbers 2, 4, & 5.

The final Divergent trailer! Read the book, then check out what looks to be a fantastic movie.

Watch Bill Nye debate Ken Ham. Dustin and I sat on the couch watching from his laptop. #TeamBillNye

I love Taylor and Allison.

Shaun White is cold.

A Galentine's Day Gift Guide

Raw photos of celebrities by Chuck Close.

10 Types of Friends You Shouldn't Feel Bad Dumping

Journalists live tweet Sochi.

An honest Facebook movie.

Tweet Tweet

12/11/13
90s alternative songs are just so damn relatable. I need my AIM profile to write some lyrics in.

12/12/13
Less is more when it comes to home decor, make-up and posting deets on social media.

12/13/13
I don't have one Beyoncé song in my iTunes library. I mean, she seems nice enough but I just think her music is overrated.

That awkward moment right before you sneeze and everyone looks at you like you've lost your mind. THAT just happened.

My face is on fire. It feels like a combination of a hot flash, sunburn, and sitting too close to a dragon.

12/15/13
Dustin and I just recreated the Jack and Rose flying scene with the help of Assassins Creed IV Black Flag.

12/18/13
Our heater is broke so I'm walking around in a snuggie trying to warm up with my hair dryer.

12/21/13
When I hear a kid say "excuse me" I just want to high five their parents.

12/27/13
I accidentally swallowed a tic tac within seconds of putting it in my mouth this morning. I haven't been the same since.

1/1/14
You couldn't pay me enough to go to the Winter Classic in Detroit. It looks miserable!! Brrrr!

1/2/14
I just typed the date as 1/4/13. My brain is mush after 5 days off.

1/3/14
Perks of cold weather: great hair and fun scarves!!

1/7/14
I still prefer a cold drink to a hot one EVEN on days it's 30 degrees outside. Like today. I'm drinking ice cold water like a weirdo.

A vulture just pecked at my window at work and made me jump and hit my knee on my desk. Tuesday is going really smooth, you guys!

New pet peeve alert: when you say "thank you" and the person responds with "yep". It seems kind of rude but maybe I'm too sensitive.

1/9/14
Is it weird to put a fictional character's birthday on your calendar? Because that's exactly what I'm doing. Happy Birthday Snape!

To the guy cruising around with his camaro top down in the rain: UM?! #hipster #realman

1/10/14
Dustin just called with extreme excitement to tell me that a Red Robin is being built in Sanford. We are so pumped!

I'm never not in the mood to listen to @3eb

1/11/14
The best thunderstorm is happening right now and it's about the only thing going right tonight.

1/14/14
I'm typically not a fan of long hair on guys but hot damn does Jared Leto pull it off. And Letang. And Sawyer. Well shit, maybe I am a fan.

I don't like being called "mama" EVER but especially since I'm not one. But really A.C. Slater ruined the term for me years ago.

Cannot wait until the new GIRLS soundtrack comes out next month. I NEED that Jenny Lewis song.

We got real crunchy tonight and tried quinoa. Wasn't terrible. Wasn't great. Ended up eating cream of wheat and eggs instead.

Is there a http://match.com  for friends? I'm 100% serious. Straight up 'I Love You, Man' style.

1/16/14
Totally agree with Jess (New Girl) that "basketball doesn't have any fun parts and men should never wear tank tops".

1/20/14
Shaggy is playing on the radio at work. Torture. Why is 95% of radio music so horrible?!

1/21/14
I know one isn't supposed to cry over spilled milk, but what about spilled listerine on my shirt?

Today my outfit is inspired by Julia ( @ERIKAjaneC ) of @nbcparenthood - collared shirt under a light sweater with my hair pulled back.

1/22/14
Every time the KB Homes commercial comes on my pandora station I think they are saying Katie Holmes.

1/23/14
Diagon Alley is going to be so bad ass!! Ahhhh!! And now I can't concentrate on anything else today.

1/24/14
I'm so anxious to get out of work! I have important things to do like play SIMS 3, read HP, sew my heart out, and watch my DVR.

1/27/14
Dean Thomas is on Sherlock!!

1/28/14
The January birthdays are out of control. Three friends today! And I think around 10 fam/friends total this month. Crazy!

I wish I knew how to make gifs because I would go crazy making Felicity ones and probably annoy everyone who follows me on Tumblr.

1/29/14
After hearing about all these crazy weather stories, I am even more thankful to be living in FL.

Rainy days and 'The Postal Service' were made for each other.

So bummed that I can't participate in Color Me Rad this year.

I just bought shoes so pretty that I might buy them their own Valentines Day card.

1/31/14
This whole Batman vs. Superman movie is such a joke. Definitely have no desire to see it in the theater - if at all.

2/2/14
I just had Dustin pick up what appeared to be a dead bug in our closet. It was actually a piece of lint. Time to make an eye appt.

2/3/14
I downloaded and deleted flappy bird all within 3 minutes.

2/4/14
I was having so much fun talking to Dustin this morning that I missed my exit. Oops!

Every time I hear Eve 6's Inside Out I feel like I'm back in 8th grade. Kind of fun.

I just dialed a company's # that was one digit off from my childhood landline #. Oh the memories of scribbling that down for friends.

Currently

Reading: Allegient by Veronica Roth - This is the third and final book in the Divergent series. I read a lot of reviews  before even starting it which was dumb but curiosity gets us all once in awhile. I didn't read any spoilers but the majority of the people did not like the way it ended. I'm 48% done and so far so good. (Now that I have my Kindle I always talk in percentages rather than page numbers. Weird.) I like that they have finally gone to the outside of the fence. I also like that there hasn't been any kind of love triangle! That's unheard of in the YA novel scene! The pace has been good and I'm anxious to see how it all wraps up. 

Dustin and I are still enjoying re-reading all seven Harry Potter books together. We're on 'The Order of the Phoenix' right now. We just started the I-must-not-tell-lies chapter. That damn Professor Umbridge still pisses me off after all these years. 

And speaking of Harry Potter that leads me to...

Annoyed by: this whole J.K. Rowling interview where she said that "Harry and Hermione would have made a better match." I'm not annoyed or angry with Rowling over what she said but more so how most of the fans reacted to it. She's the author and I feel like she can say whatever she wants about her work even if she has changed her mind about something. She's human people. Calm down. 

That being said, I see where she's coming from. I feel like Harry and Hermione would have been the likely pairing had someone else written the books. But I still think she made the right decision with Ron and Hermione. It's been clear from the beginning that there was just something between them and I'm glad that something turned into a full on relationship/marriage.  I like that they bicker and are complete opposites. It keeps them both on their toes. Harry and Hermione are too much alike to have any passionate relationship. 

The real problem is Harry and Ginny. I like Ginny and all but as a character she was really underdeveloped and kind of boring. She obviously has liked Harry from the beginning but it's hard to believe that Harry ever liked her more than a friend. I feel like that pairing was lazy.

But my opinions and even J.K. Rowling's "regrets" do not change anything. The books are finished and amazing. Sure we can nitpick them all day but I've always felt very satisfied about how things played out. 

Listening to: Lauren Aquilina! I had never even heard of her before last weekend. I just so happened to be wondering around iTunes when it suggested I listen to her. I did and now I'm hooked. I seriously have had her on a constant loop. Dustin even complimented her voice/songs but I'm sure he's sick of me blasting it around the house at this point. 

via

Here are a few of my favorite lyrics from the songs I've had on repeat:

Lilo (I actually had to look up what a "Lilo" was since I was pretty certain she wasn't referring to the Disney character. Apparently, the British use the term to refer to a float. Like for pools and what not. Interesting!)
Do I annoy you? Do I offend you with my words?
Do I bore you? Am I the worst thing you've ever heard?
Leave your mark, your black and blue bruises
Blood red scars, you were the one to choose this
We won't ever be

So push me on a lilo out to sea
Watch me float away never to be seen again

King
You've got it all,
You lost your mind in the sound,
There's so much more,
you can reclaim your crown.
You're in control
Rid of the monsters inside your head,
Put all your faults to bed
You can be King.

There's method in my madness,
There's no logic to your sadness
You don't gain a single thing from misery,
Take it from me.

Fools (I realize this song is about friends who develop romantic feelings for one another BUT the first part really struck a different chord for me.)
Those hardest to love need it most
I watched our bodies turn to ghosts
Such good friends, it has to end
it always does
That's the way life is

Watching: A new year means so many shows are back! I've been loving Downton Abbey as usual EVEN without Matthew which is surprising. I was so ready to hate it now that he is gone.  I think they've done a really good job showing Mary's grief and I'm enjoying all of her suitors but especially Lord Gillingham. Although, I hate that the babies are never around anyone but the damn nanny! It's so strange to me. It's like they aren't even part of their family.

Another Masterpiece Classic is back - SHERLOCK! Well, actually the season just started and already ended since each one is only three episodes long. I have read so many negative reviews of this past season which I don't get at all. I feel like this latest season is just as good as the previous ones. It's seriously one of my all time favorite shows. It's so smart, witty, and there are just enough twists to keep it interesting. I'm so sad it's over!  

I almost stopped watching GIRLS last season because it was just awful. I feel like the story lines and writing and the whole thing were just off. But this season I feel like they are back on track. Fingers crossed it keeps my attention.

That being said, I've stopped watching Hart of Dixie. It's been boring me to tears this season. I'm sad because I really loved it for the first two seasons. It just seems to me that every show on the CW is turning to shit these days. I think it was this time last year that I gave up on The Vampire Diaries too.