Currently

Feeling: Stressed. Annoyed. Frustrated. I mean, this week has just been one thing after another. Every day we were hit with something else. I'm not even going to mention specifically what we're going through because all the people who are close to me already know. (A sincere thanks for all the venting you guys let me do.) But I will say that I can't wait until this ball of anxiety in my chest fades away. I can't wait to not be so tense or feel like I'm going to cry at the drop of a hat. I'm so glad it's the weekend because I need some serious rest and fun. And laughs. And probably some ice-cream.

Watching:

Dustin and I are giving Fear the Walking Dead a shot. There isn't anything else on on Sunday nights so why not, right? The first episode was definitely on the slow side. For me, the story isn't bad, and the actors are fine, but still I don't care about them (yet). I think the show has potential because it is being done by the same people who make the original but I also think it could flop in a big way. It's hard to make my mind up one way or another after only one episode so we'll give it a few more. I will say the main character "Nick" looks like a mix between Taylor Kitsch and Johnny Depp. It's all I could focus on when he was in a scene. 

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I Am Jazz - This show airs on TLC and is about a 14 year old transgender girl who lives in south Florida. I DVR'd every episode I could and was just amazed at how smart and strong this girl is. She is truly unapologetic about who she is and it's so refreshing to see someone so young be completely open about her identity. Another thing I noticed while watching the show is how supportive her parents and siblings are. I mean, they are all so awesome. There are parents of non-transgender teens that are no where near that supportive or close to their children. There's a lot of unnecessary/ridiculous "reality" TV out there but this show really seems to be for the good.

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So after Dustin and I finished re-watching all 7 seasons of Boy Meets World we were kind of depressed. Ok, not truly depressed but just bummed because we looked forward to snuggling in bed every night watching episode after episode. The summer is just an awful time for TV (except for Naked and Afraid XL! Ha!) so we don't usually watch much together unless it's a movie. So I suggested we start watching The Office again from the beginning. And a couple weeks later we're on season 5. Dustin and I LOVE this show - past, present, and future. I absolutely love ending the day in bed, with Dustin next to me, and Michael Scott on the screen acting like a complete idiot. I highly recommend re-watching this gem of a show or trying it for the first time if you never gave it a shot from the beginning. 

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Set in a parallel universe, Comet bounces back and forth over the course of an unlikely but perfectly paired couple's six year relationship. 

As I said above, I had a rough week. So one day after work I climbed into bed and found this on Netflix. I remembered seeing the trailer for it a few months back and had mentally made a note that I wanted to see it. And this week I did just that. It was smart and cute and funny and sad but real. I love a fluffy romcom where I know for a fact there is a happy ending but there's something about indie romance movies where you have no idea how things are going to end up. Those are the kind that just feel more realistic. The story was interesting. The way the movie bounces around was unique. But the visuals were truly mesmerizing. It was like being awake for a dream. I really enjoyed it from opening scene to closing scene. 

Listening to: Do You Feel It? by Chaos Chaos. So Dustin has been obsessed with the show Rick and Morty. And at the end of one of the episodes this song was used. He found the song on iTunes and told me to listen to it because he thought it was right up my alley. Yep, I love it. And so does Dustin. He and I have been singing it for weeks now.

 

Apple Music is currently giving everyone a 3 month free trial. Now I am not a fan of streaming unless it's Pandora and free. I refuse to pay to stream music. I just rather buy what I want and own it forever. However, since Apple Music is free (right now) I signed up so I could check it out. Overall I find it to be a good service if you're into that kind of thing. However, music streaming isn't 100% all the time because it uses the internet. So yeah, sometimes a song will just cut out if there is something wrong with the connection. Strike 1. After the free trial is over in October it will cost $10 per month. Strike 2. There really isn't a strike 3. I've enjoyed using it to find new music to buy which probably sounds weird. But it's given me a way to fully experience a song/album before deciding to buy it. So yeah, it's been pretty helpful. But I'll be canceling my membership as soon as the trial period is over. 

Reading: Made You Up by Francesca Zappia This is my 18th book of the year. I'm well on my way to beating 2014's number of 24 books. But it's about more than beating some record. I just really like to read. And since getting my Kindle a few years back I've been a reading machine. This book was getting a lot of buzz that I just couldn't ignore. So I am giving it a shot. It's about a senior in high school with schizophrenia which I think it's a pretty intriguing premise. So far so good!

What I Wore #30

So I've been hitting up the gym 4x a week since I've been back. I have no idea where the hell this motivation is coming from, I'm just going with it. A few weeks back I met up with Katie at Sophie and Trey to do a little afternoon shopping. The only thing I purchased were these ridiculous awesome pants. I had been eyeing them for awhile on their Instagram but their return policy is a little on the Forever 21 side (if you know what I mean) so I wanted to try them on before actually purchasing them. The minute I tried them on I felt bad ass which I believe is the feeling you want to have while working out. Yes they are comfortable. Yes they are cute. But you know the best part? POCKETS. They have THREE pockets - one on each leg (totally fits my iPhone) and a mini pocket at the waste. These pants have totally made me a pocket snob. I just don't think I could ever buy another pair of work out pants that don't have pockets. Totally reasonable. Every time I wear these Dustin compliments me. He says "You look like a ninja!" or "Those pants look really nice on you". So yeah, if you're looking for something awesome to sweat in these are for you.

Tank: Target

Workout Pants: Sophie & Trey

Sneaks: Amazon

Water bottle: Target

Dustin Says

I whistled for a cab and when it came near, the driver said we don't go to Weirton. We don't go near there.

Black and milds are bullshit. They are actually brown and pungent.

Me: Who did you used to draw when you were a kid?
Dustin: Batman, Ninja Turtles, and Rufio from Hook.
Me: Why Rufio?
Dustin: He had cool hair.

I don't even know what a split end is. I just hear it on the commercials.

I don't want to hear about whips, nae naes, or fleeks.

Better Than Most

Every single person has their strengths & talents. ALL OF US.  We all have some shit we can do better than most other people. I was thinking about this the other day and of course started to think about my own strengths. I came up with two automatically but then I couldn't think of anything else. I'm not trying to be humble at all because I know I have more than two but it was kind of hard to point them out. Why is it if someone asks what you dislike about yourself or what your flaws are we  just start listing them off automatically? It's so easy to say "Yeah, I don't like this, this, and this!". That's the last time I'm even mentioning the word "flaws" in this post. This one is all about the good.
Fuck the rest of it.

GIFT GIVER
Ok without sounding a little cocky, I'm just going to say I know how to give a gift. I'm not sure when this happened but as long as I can remember I've just been creative about my gift giving technique. The thing that a lot of people miss when looking for that perfect something is the fact that they won't be keeping whatever it is. You're shopping for someone else so it should go without saying that the whole gift is about another person. It's not at all what you like. If your friend is into let's say Harry Potter and you don't even know what the word "muggle" means then that's ok because your friend does and they would appreciate any and all Harry Potter related gifts. If your favorite color is purple and your friend's is pink you wouldn't get them the purple item because IT'S NOT ABOUT YOU. The next trick is research. I rarely find the perfect gift just wondering around a random store. Sure, sometimes it happens but a lot of times it's all about the internet. Hours and hours on the internet. My best and most simple trick is to listen. I know, crazy right?! When a friend says something in passing I take note. Sometimes mentally but often literally. I will jot down that book they've been wanting, or what lipstick color they need, or that they've always wanted moon shoes but never got them growing up in the notes section on my iPhone. Then come time for their birthday or Christmas or whatever I'm not scrambling to find something. I just refer to my notes. I've been told by almost everyone that I give good gifts. People trust me to go off the registry and on my own little path down Gift Giving Way. I truly appreciate that. It really makes me feel good that not only do they enjoy the gift itself BUT they noticed the effort I put into it. Now this is not to say every single gift has been a hit because that would be a straight up lie. But 9/10 I'm over here killing the gift game.

ORGANIZATION
I grew up in the most disorganized house in all of existence which is probably why I'm pretty damn good at keeping things organized. My mom was losing things left and right. She'd find an unused gift card that expired 5 years prior in a pile of clutter. Um no. That kind of thing drove/drives me insane. I'm not saying my house is never messy. It does get messy but it typically doesn't stay that way for very long. I like things in their place because when I need them tomorrow, or a week from now, or a year from now I won't have to waste time searching for them. I tag every single Flickr photo. I have a filing cabinet with labeled files for all of our important documents. My clothes (and Dustin's) are hung based on color/type. I write things on my hanging calendar. I type things in my phone calendar. All of our DVDs are alphabetical. Once I have no use for something I either throw it away, donate it, or sell it. Every drawer has a purpose. I can go on and on but really all of it makes life so much easier. I know some people just don't have the gene or the urge but I'm not one of those people.

CRAFTING
I like to create things. Whether it be as simple as a homemade card or as intricate as a quilt (which is my current crafty project). I don't really think it's necessarily a natural ability but more of a passion that's helped my skill level grow over time. Obviously the more you do things the better you become at them and its definitely been true for crafting. Also I'm one of the few adults who continue to use crayons, colored pencils, construction paper, hot glue guns, paint, glitter, etc. on a regular basis because not only do I like it but I'm good at it.

DOCUMENTER
I am one serious documentarian...of my own life. I take a lot of photos day to day but that number gets even crazier when around friends or while on vacation. Same goes for video. Everyone knows that if we're hanging out I will probably have a camera in your face like 75% of the time. You'll of course groan but then years down the road you'll say "I'm so glad you caught that memory." and it will all be worth it. Or at the very least you'll have a great #TBT to post. I also write words. Like the ones you're reading right now! I write them here or in my private LJ about experiences I've had, about moments in time I loved or hated or thought were funny. I like to be detailed about it so I can remember it all forever! Don't be surprised if I'm staring in a movie called "The Blog" which is just a re-make of The Notebook. Basically it will be about me as an elderly woman who can't remember her life when conicidentally my BFFs granddaughter finds my old digital posts and makes me reread them all. We both go on the adventure of retracing my mediocre life together in a witty yet heartwarming 2 hour indie movie that only the "artsy types" will get. It won't be a huge hit but a total cult classic. Ok sorry back to reality here. Not only do I document the shit out of everything but I organize it too - through this blog, Flickr, YouTube, and most recently I totally organized it all on my hard drive. I can find any memory ever now! Now if only I had my own pensieve like Dumbledore. I'll work on that...

HONORABLE MENTIONS
I can shuffle cards like a pro. I make a mean grilled cheese. I'm the fastest honker according to Dustin. Expert level sock roller and towel folder. Super quick typer. Always prepared. Baking. Roller blader. Hair-braider. Dance move maker.

Found

It turns out parenthood is worse than divorce and unemployment. Yikes.

Sex Education with John Oliver

Woman's Complaint Letter To A Maxi Pad Company

Dave DiCello's photos of Pittsburgh are incredible. Example 1. Example 2. Example 3.

21 Broad City Gifs

James Harrison doesn't play.

Harpist covers Taylor Swift's 'Style'.

How Long You Can Freeze Everything, In One Chart.

26 Times Creed Bratton Was The Best Character On The Office

I cannot wait for this Ryan Adams 1989 cover CD. It's real right? It better be!

THIS. Nailed it.

Literary lockers.

I cannot stand this man. NOPE.

It's A Girl!

So my friend Rachelle recently found out she's having a little girl. From the minute she told me she was pregnant way back in May, I knew it was a girl. Ok, I didn't know KNOW. But I had this feeling it would be a girl. I had the same feeling with both of Katie's pregnancies with Aubrie and Kierce. I'm 3/3 ya'll! So now I'm inspired by all things baby girl. In case you're new here, I do not plan on having kids of my own for about a bazillion reasons but I support my friends in their journey through parenthood. It's not for me but that doesn't mean I don't still get the urge to squeal over all things baby. But not poop. I will never understand why parents think their kid's poop is cute. It's not. It's just not. At all.

I've been talking to Rachelle about baby names for years now. But of course that topic has come up even more so since she's found out she and Matt are expecting. They haven't decided on a name yet but there are two that are in the running at the moment that I really love and am totally pulling for. I'm not going to mention them here in case they do end up going with them. But I am going to list my top 10 baby girl names (not including my most favorite which I will always keep close to my heart just because I don't really want to share the secret with anyone but Dustin). So here are some of my current faves:

Briar

Luna

Ripley

Nova

Harper

Sailor

Ember

Avery

Peyton

Paisley

I'm also a total sucker for boy names for girls (Ryan, James, Charlie, etc.) and names of cities/states (Dallas, Savannah, Alaska). Names are just so fun! I obviously love something more creative and out of the norm. That's what happens when your own name was the top baby name of the late 80s and early 90s.

Also, I love baby rooms. Is that weird when I don't have a baby? I mean, I just love the design of them. I've never ever been a fan of the themed rooms or rooms that are too matchy matchy. Your crib set doesn't have to match the wallpaper and the diaper bag, you know? Ha! But hey, that's just me! Also, the pink for girls and blue for boys is so boring. There's no reason to keep the design in such a limited box. I like a simple yet fun vibe.

 

 

 

one / two / three / four / five / six

I've been scouring the internet for all of the best baby girl things. There's just so much! I would post some of my favorites but I'm still knee deep in shopping and I don't want to give anything away. It's so hard to keep secrets but these kind are just so fun. I cannot wait. And I think the mall is calling my name...

What I Wore #29

So I recently took the plunge into the Birk waters. Yes, I am now the proud owner of my very first pair of Birkenstocks...or at least the Target version. One of my favorite bloggers (Danielle of Sometimes Sweet) wears hers all the time and every time she'd post a photo on Instagram my urge for Birks grew.

Example 1
Example 2
Example 3

So one day I happened to be in the shoe aisle at Target and I found these brown knockoffs on sale for $17. They were the only ones and just happened to be my size. It was basically destiny. So yeah, I'm super happy with my purchase. But I will admit that I've had to learn to walk in them. They certainly do not bend as much as flip flops. I'll get the hang of it!

I love this shirt because it's got some pattern and color but it's so muted and is perfect for just a casual day out on the town. And my high waisted cropped jeans are the love of my life.

Also, can we talk about how long my hair is getting?! I need a trim real bad but I'm going to keep on going even though I bitch about how annoying it is on the daily.

Shirt: Target

Jeans: Old Navy

Sandals: Target

The "New Year"

Everyone always gets so excited about the New Year because well, it's just that - new. Also it symbolizes fresh starts. I get that a number changing on the calendar is a big deal and should be treated as such. However, this time of year really screams "fresh" and "new" to me. Football is slowly making it's way back to our televisions, classes are almost in session, & the weather will start to dip gradually and then all at once (for the rest of the country anyway). There will be new menu items displayed in coffee shops and diners, everyone layering up, and more days off work. The days will be shorter but there will be so many holidays to celebrate. This is the time of year that really grabs me and shakes me awake where a more refreshed and excited version of myself is found.

Dustin and I were in Target the other day because, well, we never NEED a reason to be there. It's just one of those places that kind of draws you in at least once a week but sometimes more for no apparent reason. We had a couple things on our list that we needed and one of them was a lunchbox. The lunchbox I've had for the last couple years got ruined thanks to an unfortunate balsamic vinaigrette spill. We were in the lunchbox section that is near the fitness and sports stuff and all the lunch boxes sucked! SO BAD. But then we came across the 'Back to School' section with a variety of amazing lunchbox choices. Dustin and I found one that looked like and shaped like a cheeseburger. I was so close to actually getting it. Then Dustin tried on a JanSport backpack and modeled it down the aisle. I'm sure people thought we were weird since we were sans children. It just brought back so many memories of going shopping for school supplies. I mean, I was thrilled to get a new Five Star Notebook, new pens, mechanical pencils, and all the organizing tabs my heart can handle. That was like pre-Christmas for me. So being in that school section just really reaffirmed that a new school year was upon us. Of course this means nothing to me since I haven't been in school in like 10 years and have zero children BUT it's what it symbolizes. I remember that feeling of going into a new grade, thinking I was a little cooler just because I was a little older, and although the transition from year to year isn't as drastic these days I still get that feeling. Ok, maybe I'll never truly be cool but I feel like I've got life figured out just a tiny bit more this time around.

 

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I'm excited about this new year aka the fall and all it will bring. I've already got several events lined up and I'm looking forward to each and every one of them. And maybe I will go back and get that cheeseburger lunchbox. Life's just too short to not buy/do what you want even if it looks ridiculous to other people.

Dustin Says

Jimmy Fallon's finger looks like a cocoon.

I'm 30 and I just bought my own fart gun.

I can't stay mad at you because your breath is so fresh.

STDs are like his version of Pokemon. Gotta catch them all!

This Month In Photos

As you can see I've got my Taylor Swift outfit all ready to go! Halloween needs to hurry the hell up! // Can you spot him? I watched him harass some squirrels then climb that tree.



Welcome to the Space Jam // Katie had a lovely view from her hospital room.



The night before Katie's surgery I said to Dustin "Can you draw a uterus?" and after looking up a few on google, he came up with this masterpiece. Then I colored it in. I came up with the slogan. I just wanted something so ridiculous but appropriate to cheer Katie up. I believe it worked. She seemed to really like it. Also, I put together that sunflower arrangement. Sunflowers are so happy and I wanted to pretty up her hotel hospital room. Success!

What is that weird ball of hair in our front yard? Oh just Dustin's beard. No big deal. // I thought I was just so clever turning EASHL into my name. Hehe. 

It's been a week since I potted these succulents. So far so good. Fingers crossed.



Dustin driving me to work while my A/C got fixed. // Parked cars are for selfies. Duh!



I haven't mentioned it here but I haven't really been keeping it a secret either. I'm back to the gym. I know I know, just a few months ago I was writing about how much I hate the gym. And I do. I always will. But right now I have some weird motivation to go and to actually do something with my membership rather than complain. I accept my body 100% as it is right now. Me and my body are on good terms. However, I know there is a stronger, better version of it waiting to burst out.



This is the kind of weird shit I post on SnapChat. Ha! // This little letter from Aubrie just about melted my heart into a puddle. I mean, COME ON. It doesn't get sweeter than this. I'm so lucky to have her (and Kierce. AND KATIE!) in my life. You guys are very much appreciated.



Just spending a dreadfully hot day shopping with the best. 

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7/17/15
Do: Use ear buds in public when anything noise related is on your phone!
Don't: Play videos at max volume so the whole damn place can hear.

I hate that 95% of all comedian interviews are just lines from their standup. Like dude, just have a conversation.

7/19/15
I love Marvel movies but I have no interest in seeing Ant-Man even though I love Rudd. Who doesn't love Rudd? Lots of good reviews though...

7/20/15
Spilled water in my car and accidentally sat in it AND then moments later I was harassed by a wasp. Now my ass is wet and I'm traumatized.

7/21/15
I can't stop singing "The Sign" by Ace of Base. It randomly popped into my head and has taken over.

7/26/15
So the Lumberjack Games are bad ass and kind of sexy. I'm impressed.

"I like fancy clothes, fancy shoes, and fancy lipstick!" - Aub (age 8)

7/31/15
I won't believe Jon Snow is dead until the very last episode of the series. And even then I won't believe it.

8/1/15
To the guy who walked into Planet Fitness holding a McDonalds bag: I like your style.

8/2/15
It doesn't matter your gender or age, you should always be nice and hold the door open for someone behind you.

Kate Mara's pixie cut just might send me over the edge into the land of scissors...

8/3/15
I Just got an urge to do the YMCA under a disco ball while skating to 90s dance songs.

8/4/15
Spent my lunch crying over a very good/sad book. Totally normal for me.

Moved our couch into the garage and now I'm 6 hair ties and 1 clip richer. Score.

8/6/15
I am emotionally and physically exhausted from finishing my book (The Nightingale) last night. But worth it! Such a powerful story.

8/8/15
Trump is such an asshole. How can anyone like him let alone vote for him?!

Found

Wife Watches Her Husband's First MLB Hit

25 Times Taylor Swift Failed So Hard She Almost Won

Artist Reimagines Disney Characters As Real People

Talkin' Dirty

Hailee Steinfeld and Shawn Mendes

The "Real" Reason Your Name Is Always Misspelled At Starbucks

41 Hauntingly Beautiful Famous Last Words

Proof We Are All Blindly Liking Engagement Photos on Facebook. Um no. I would notice. I may be the only one, but I would totally notice.

These side by side photos are adorable.

Before We Go Trailer.

Hashtag Glasses Problems.

'How Florida Are You?' Quiz. Apparently I'm not very Florida. No surprise there.

This Harry Potter/Taylor Swift mash-up is the thing of my dreams.

Need a pep talk?

What I Wore: #28

I just realized how much of a lazy eye I have in the photo below. HA! Oh well. The thing about this outfit is that it's all cotton so it's stretchy aka comfy and light weight aka breathable. The skirt is the only new item. I scored it for under $10 at Old Navy about a month or so ago. It's super simple but nice enough that I don't look like an ogre walking around. The olive color really makes me dream of fall...

Shirt: Forever 21 (forever ago)

Skirt: Old Navy

Flats: Target