Whirlwind.

The past week...month...actually, year, has been a whirlwind. But seriously, where did December go? December has also brought random stresses. Like getting used to a different schedule (yes, I am the worlds worst when it comes to not liking the unexpected.) Also, new job=no Christmas vacation. This will be the quickest Christmas ever and it is actually very depressing. But on the up side - we have an awesome New Year's trip to Memphis planned and I'm so excited about that.

But in more news - Chris' grand-daddy passed away on Monday. He lived 85 wonderful years, but death is never an easy thing for those of us still on Earth. It's hard to see a grown man (Chris) cry and it's even harder when you're not able to go home with him and support him when he needs you most because of your new job and once again, no leave available. But I did what I had to do. I did manage to make it to the visitation and see his family. It was a short visit and it made for a long Thursday but it was totally worth it. Especially after what he did for me in March when Poppi died.

Now, in exciting news: Christmas is exactly ONE week away. YAY!!!!! Andddddd on top of that, tonight is date night. Apparently there are some surprises involved because I've been instructed to call when I leave work. It's been awhile since date night due to the busy whirlwind that November and December have been. But I guess there's a lesson in this - savor the time you do have. Sometimes I get caught up so much in how much chaos is in our lives that I forget to just live in the moment and enjoy the time I get with Chris that's uninterrupted. I guess that's human nature to an extent, but I want to enjoy what time I have with him...even if it's only one weekend in the whirlwind of December.

Goodbye and Hello

Today is the last day at the WCHD. Tomorrow is the first day at the NCHD. Wow. Nothing like taking some time off.

I am filled with all sorts of emotion. Part of me is so excited to begin a new chapter of life. And another part of me is scared of the unknown. Will I make new friends? Will I be able to live up to their expectations? Did I make the right decision?

I have to trust that I did make the right decision. To be honest, the fact that I can sleep until 6:30am (I'm usually almost to work at this point) and actually eat breakfast somewhere besides my desk at work is worth all the nervousness in the world. Tonight I can stay up until 10pm if I want and know that I won't feel awful in the morning. I can actually go to the gym when normal people do. To be honest, I'm excited.

In other news - this past Friday I said "Hello" to Christmas tree season. Officially marks the beginning of the holidays. I'm sad I don't have a house to have my own tree to decorate, but it's heartwarming to see all the families that stop by to get their Watson Christmas Tree (only the best). This Friday I'll head back to Lumberton for some more tree-action - I'm sad to be missing the ECU game but don't you worry, I'll have a mimosa in hand come game time and I'll be rockin' the purple and gold. (They've all been warned). In fact, us missing this game makes me smile, because I know that Chris is dedicated to his family and that he's needed to help at the Christmas tree lot. So - I'm going to be there to support him and have fun with the Watson's. Hey - Christmas only happens once - and I've seen MANY football games this year...

So...get in the Christmas spirit and GOOOOOOOO PIRATESSSS!!!!!!!

Give Thanks.

I honestly can't believe Turkey Week is here. It seems like just yesterday I was eating delicious food and laughing with family and experiencing my first year on the Watson Christmas Tree lot. But another year has gone by and once again, I have so much to be thankful for. I think too many times we get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season and forget to go back to basics.

So what am I thankful for? Lots.
- My faith. I'm not the best at attending church these days, but I know that the Lord is responsible for all the blessings that are in my life.
- My family. They're always there for me. Oh, and they make me laugh no matter what.
- Chris. He's been a constant source of love and I don't know where I'd be without him (not in Rocky Mount, that's for sure - justttt kidding).
- Coffee. No, it's not vital for my survival. But goodness me, I sure love that cup of joe in the morning.
- Facebook. Call me crazy, but it's the only way to stay in touch with my crazy brothers.
- Date nights. They keep me sane.

That's just a start. What are you thankful for this year?

More than just the leaves are changing...

Where do I start? Well, I'll just tell you - I got a new job. I start December 1st. I officially resigned from my current job today, meaning my last day will be November 30th. I never was one to allow myself much of a transition. I'm going to be working in Nash County - hello, 7 minute commute, goodbye, 50 minute commute. Needless to say, no job is perfect. But this is a step in the right direction....so from the beginning....

I saw the posting, I ignored it. I ran across it again and decided that I was dumb not to apply. Currently I'm spending upwards of 8 hours a week driving to and from work. Ridiculous. So I applied. I got an interview and within 8 hours they were calling to see if they could check my references. That meant, I had to make my boss aware that I had applied and interviewed for another job. I was scared, nervous and excited. And I survived. Then a week later, yesterday, I was offered the job. Needless to say, I took it.

I'm closing one door of my life but I'm hoping many more will open. It's a time for change. And I like it.


(and if you're wondering...this is not another STD/sex ed position - I'm going to be working to promote breast cancer awareness/outreach - all funded by the Komen Foundation)

lovin' my bod

If you know me, you know that I love "national days." In fact, if you really know me, you know that I sometimes send texts to let you know what the current "national day" is. Consider this your text.

It's National Love Your Body Day. And to make things even better, it's "No Fat-Talk Week." Go to YouTube and search...there's a great video that Tri Delt has put on the web.

But back to the holiday. I know for a fact that I spend way too much time thinking about what I'd change about my body if I could. I'd have a different stomach (Jennifter Aniston's, please), more toned arms (Kelly Ripa's, thank you very much) and a better butt (Jessica Biel's would work)... But why? My body is wonderful the way it is. In fact, it's better now than it ever has been. In fact, my body is probably one that some women envy. But I constantly tear myself down and judge every aspect of my body that isn't perfect. NEWS FLASH!!! No one, I repeat, no one, has a perfect body. Even Carrie Underwood has flaws (even though her legs are amazing...okay, that wasn't necessary).

What's crazy is that I talk to middle school and high schools kids every day about self-esteem and body image and yet sometimes I forget that I'm guilty of tearing down my own self-esteem. Like I tell my students, you are your biggest critic. You put yourself down more than anyone else. So STOP. Pull out a sheet of paper and make a list (I love lists, refer to blog #1). Make a list of everything you LOVE about yourself. Include physical aspects and personality traits that you just adore about yourself. I'll start.

1. I love my calves. They're big...but boy do they look good in heels.
2. My laugh. It's loud and it may annoy you, but I love it. Laughter cures a lot.
3. Lush eye lashes. I get compliments all the time. They are great. Especially with a lot of mascara.
4. My arms. I'm starting to see definition that I've never seen before and they are beautiful.

Just because you can name things you love about yourself doesn't mean that you are self-centered or "stuck on yourself." In fact, it means you're confident in who you are. You're comfortable in your skin. So your challenge from now on is to make every day "National Love Your Body Day" and to celebrate the body you have...because guess what? It's the only one you have.

i'm going home.

The past month sure has flown by. Weekend updates (since I do nothing exciting Monday-Thursday)...there have been some ECU games (not all wins unfortunately), there was a weekend in Hatteras full of pig and fun and then this past weekend we stayed around town...I had to work Saturday (boooooo) and then a spent some time in Urgent Care for some random allergic reaction that would have laughed in the face of Benedryl. Needless to say, it was an itchy weekend full of welps all over my body. If you'd like pictures, please ask me to text you the glorious pics of my neck, back and stomach.

But moving right along....Chris has been traveling a lot lately (boooooo, again) but it's his job....he's been everywhere from Seattle to Houston to Columbia and everywhere else in between the East and West coast. Him traveling makes the weeks go by super slow, but it makes the weekends especially enjoyable because I know I need to cherish the time we do get to spend together.

And moving on again....HOMECOMING is this weekend!!!! I'm so excited to get to see people that I don't get to see very often. Unfortunately, most of the "A-team" can't make it this year (booooooooo) but I do get to see Ms. Katherine!!!! YAYAYAYAYAY!!!!! So I'm hoping that ECU will pull out a win so that my dear sweet boyfriend will want to celebrate at the bars after the game....we've become old folk and don't normally make it out after games. I promise to provide plenty of pictures of tailgating, game time and post game.

I know, this blog was nothing special, but I just wanted to catch you up to speed...I promise to blog more...and in less than a month.

Self Diagnosis.

Don't get me wrong. I love my life. In fact, I'm so blessed that I can't believe I'm writing this post, but I have to. Something has just seemed "off" these past few months. It's as if I'm wishing away my life and feeling that Monday-Thursday are horrible, no-good, very bad days. I've diagnosed myself. Quarter Life Crisis. I saw the following on another site and it hit me me like a brick...I'm not feeling sorry for myself, I'm going through a stage in life that will (hopefully) pass soon.

Some of the symptoms of a Quarter Life Crisis:
(I've colored the ones that pertain to me in purple and I've made peanut gallery comments in green for your enjoyment)

• feeling “not good enough” because one can’t find a job that is at one’s academic/intellectual level - I have my Masters.
• frustration with the working world, and finding a suitable job or career - and I commute 100 miles every single day. Oh, and did I mention that I get up at 5am every morning.
• confusion of identity
• insecurity regarding the near future - this goes back to the whole "job" thing...and the fact that I'm a nomad who lives out of her car.
• insecurity concerning long-term plans, life goals - I know where I want to be...it's just a matter of getting there.
• insecurity regarding present accomplishments re-evaluation of close interpersonal relationships
• lack of friendships or romantic relationships, sexual frustration, and involuntary celibacy disappointment with one’s job - my sexual life is perfectly fine, thank you very much. However, I wish my friends were closer and/or I wish I could live in the same town I work in so that I could make new friends.
• tendency to hold stronger opinions - I've always done this...nothing new there.
• boredom with social interactions - kind of, my life is so very boring Monday through Thursday.
• financially-rooted stress (overwhelming college loans, unanticipated high cost of living, etc.) loneliness, depression and suicide
• desire to have children
• a sense that everyone is, somehow, doing better than you - I know, I know...the grass is always greener on the other side...but it still has to be mowed.
• frustration with societal ills

So there you have it. My quarter-life crisis. I'm just hoping I can get over this before my mid-life crisis....

Bleeding Purple

PURPLE...GOLD....


Last Saturday was the beginning of the purple haze that consumes my life in the Fall. To be honest, when I was a student at ECU, I went to a few games, but by no means did I ever go to all home games except one. My obsession with the Pirates is new-found. I believe my obsession began when I found Chris (again). Another honest part of this - I'm still not obsessed with football - I'm obsessed with how excited and pumped up Chris is about football season. His excitement is contagious and I now find myself talking about the upcoming game on the Monday before and I find myself planning my purple and/or gold outfit that I'll be rocking at the next game. So if you don't want to become obsessed with the "pirate life," stay far away from Chris. I swear to you, he lives and breathes Pirate football. Looking up YouTube videos of "Purple Haze" and highlights of games is like porn to him. Thankfully, last weekend, we pulled through with a win against ASU, but boy was it close. Too close. Because you see, my dear sweet boyfriend get very upset if we lose. And by very upset, I mean he wants to leave the stadium immediately, not talk to a soul and go home and sulk. That does not make for a happy Emily. I'm the kind where I'm bummed we didn't win, but I still want to go out and have a good time....it's not like the world's over, right?

This weekend we go up against some more Mountain Men...except these are tougher. On Saturday we play WVU on their turf. I'm hoping my Pirates have been figuring out what went wrong last Saturday during the 2nd half because I really don't want to have a grumpy man on my hands....This weekend we'll be watching the game in Raleigh (that's the plan as of this posting) and I hope to see some more purple and gold out and about. Gooooooo Pirates!!!!

We are the Pirates of ECU, HEY!!!!!!

up for a challenge?

September is here!!! For all of you wondering, my birthday was wonderful. In fact, I was rather spoiled. The weekend in Hatteras didn't go as planned - but it turned out better than ever. We were supposed to fish in a tourny, but unfortunately, Danny ruined the chances of me catching a sail for my birthday...maybe that will be a belated birthday present. Friday morning Bobby, Chris and I went out on the boat for a little adventure, but adventure was short lived due to some rough water, dark clouds and the Coast Guard - so we decided to bring the boat out of the water. But hey, at least I got an hour on the water. That afternoon we enjoyed some simple sandwiches and then "practiced tailgating" outside in the sun. It was glorious. That was followed up by a scrumptious dinner at Dinky's - somewhere I had never been.
Bobby had decided that we were going to celebrate my birthday all weekend, so he made me brunch the next day - French toast. It was awesome. And the mimosa that was presented to me was even better. At this point, Chris insisted that I open my first (yes, there were MORE than one) present. YAY!!! New Jack Rogers!!!!! Just what a needed - Chris is good at catching hints. Our friend Staci had come Friday night after work, and all day Saturday we played Bocce ball and corn hole outside. I caught some rays and a nice buzz. That night - we had dinner at Breakwater. Now I'm torn between which I like better, Breakwater or Dinky's.

Anywho - my other presents were my own set of Tervis Tumblers (Chris claims EVERYONE needs their own set) and my last gift - was the start to our "New Years/Bowl Game" fund. Basically - we're going to start saving up so that come December/January we can do something really fun to celebrate Chris' birthday, New Years and (hopefully) a bowl game. My birthday celebration came to end Monday with some delicious kabobs Chris threw on the grill. Thanks to everyone who made my 26th birthday one to remember. I even got candles in half a watermelon.

Moving on...Now I can look forward to football season. It's officially game week and I'm sooooo excited for Saturday. Chris and I have our outfits picked out and it's going to be a purple-kind of Saturday!!!!! Gooooooo Pirates!!!!!

I have a challenge for myself (and for all of you who want to join): http://www.twohundredsitups.com/test.html
Tomorrow morning I'm going to do the test...and then hopefully my September 30th, I will be able to successfully complete 200 sit ups. You up for the challenge?!?!

Cheers to 26!

In one week I will cross the mid-twenties mark. In a week I will turn the big 2-6. I have a list that I've been working on for a while now of 40 things I want to do before I'm 40. I guess I don't dream big because I don't have 40 (yet). But there are a few things on that list that I want to cross off in the next year. I am blogging about it because this is my way of holding myself accountable. So before I turn 27 (eek) I want to...

1. Learn to shag. This was a New Year's resolution this year. This is also supposed to be my reward from Chris since I stopped biting my nails (woot woot)...Hopefully with his crazy travel schedule we'll find time to take a professional lesson or two. And if not, I may have to rent a boyfriend for classes.

2. Go to a new winery. This stemmed off my desire to go to Sonoma Wine Country in CA, which won't be happening this year. Going to Duplin Winery was one of my favorite trips last year. It was one of the best Saturday's I've ever had and I'd like to have another one of those before I'm 27.

3. Go to Ocracoke. I've been blessed the last 2 summers to have the opportunity to go to Hatteras more than my fair-share of times. I've heard so many people talk about Ocracoke and how much fun you can have biking the island and enjoying the small-town atmosphere. We're going to Hatteras in October and I'm crossing my fingers I can convince Chris we need to go down one day early so that I can experience Ocracoke for myself.

4. Last but not least, I want to laugh every day. I want to learn to not take everything for granted and to enjoy the moment I'm in, not worry about the future. I am so incredibly blessed and I want to remember this every day.

So hold me to these things. I promise I'll keep you update. Cheers to 26!!!!

live.laugh.love.(and eat.)

The wedding of the summer is over...I only have 2 more weekends left before I start rockin' purple and gold most Saturdays...and hurricanes are all over the news. This means one thing, summer is coming to an end. That means, before long, I'll be packing away my sundresses and there won't be anymore watermelon to be savored. Sad day. But let me give you a recap of what you've missed this past month...
- Maggie and Brad's wedding was amazing!!! She was the most gorgeous bride and I had the best date e-v-e-r. That weekend is one that I will cherish forever. I love going back and looking at the pictures and I can't wait to see what the professional photographer captured on film.
- I love my brothers. I had the chance to spend the weekend at OIB recently with my brothers and their girlfriends (who are both ZTA's - random) and with Kat (I love your face, too) without Chris. It was a nice change of pace to do what I wanted, when I wanted, with whom I wanted. I secretly wish I could start going to USC for something so that I can see them weekly!!!! But something I'm uber excited about - Taylor and Courtney (Taylor's girlfriend who is amazing and I want her wardrobe) will be at the ECU vs UNC football game in Chapel Hill and I am THRILLED about this. Now I just have to force Taylor to rock some purple...that shouldn't be too hard.
- Last weekend was another wedding weekend for a fraternity brother of Chris, Goose (that's his last night). We went to Raleigh on Saturday morning and had so much fun from the time we parked the car all the way until we left Raleigh on Sunday afternoon. Sometimes I wish I lived in Raleigh....so much to do. I highly suggest a place called Nofo's for brunch/lunch if you're every near their location in Raleigh. It's in an old Piggly Wiggly at Fivepoints and it was delicious. Just make sure to go after 12pm on a Sunday so that you can sip on a mimosa. The compliment of the night (summer) was when one of Chris' buds told me that he had never seen Chris or me look better since he's known us. That made me smile....

So summer's coming to an end...

But it also means that another season is about to begin and there's more fun to be held...

The next two weekends have the potential to be beach weekends - I'm going to try my hardest to catch a sail fish. My birthday is in a week and a half (26!!!! YIKES). And Pirate football starts in less than a month...my life seems to just fly by as I live for the weekends but I'm enjoying every moment of it (at least Thursday, 6pm until Sunday). live.laugh.love.

Oh - I also have this new obsession with food blogs. I'm thinking of sort of working my way towards that. I'm (Chris and I) are always making delicious meals and I thought this may be a way to share some recipes....So look forward to that. Who knows, maybe I'll change this page name to live.laugh.love.(and eat.)

One Month and Counting...

She's getting married. It finally hit me this past weekend while we were in Ocean Isle for the bachelorette bash. My little baby sister is tying the knot. And you know what, I couldn't be happier for her. This weekend was just what I needed in a lot of ways. Not only do I not get to see Maggie as much as I wish I could, but usually there are boys around and we don't get to have good-ole girl time that I sometimes crave. Maggie is going to be a beautiful bride. She's already a beautiful person, inside and out. She's a beautiful sister, daughter, fiance and teacher. Maggie truly is one of the most wonderful people in the world. She has a heart of gold and wears it on her sleeve. But she can be one tough cookie. I don't tell her how amazing she is enough....but she is.

It's weird to think that she'll have a new last name and she'll actually be living with her boyfriend, wait, make that husband. Eeeek. But it's her perfect life. Her and Brad are perfect together. After dating 8 years, they've figured out that no one else will make them happier than one another. Yes, it's weird that she's getting married...but it's not weird that she's marrying Brad. In fact, it'd be even weirder if they weren't getting married.

In one month, I'll be packing my bags and heading to Charlotte for a long weekend. I'm going to go ahead and admit that there will be tears but I can assure you that there will be far more laughs. I can't wait to see her walk down the aisle in a white (and might I add, GORGEOUS) dress. I can't wait to hear her say "I do" to her best friend. Lastly, I can't wait to stand next to her and support this next adventure in life.

Maggie, I love you.

deep blue sea.

I haven't posted in awhile (probably because I put my entire life on facebook) but that's me reeling in a dolphin. The thrill of being the one to bring a fish like that to the boat is something that wouldn't have interested me two years ago. Yet these days, my weekends consist of Hatteras, suntan lotion and sea sickness. That's right, that nauseous feeling that sucks. Last year I did not get sea sick once - and I went out in the double digits. This year, I've gone twice so far and so far I've gotten sea sick twice. So I'm on a new mission. I must find a cure for this. It is not okay. I will continue to go out 2o-plus miles but there's no way I can continue to feel sick and be forced to lay inside the boat for 6-plus hours. No way. Suggestions? Thoughts?

Also - if you've never seen a marlin in real life, it's unreal. They are one of the most amazing fish to me. Their eyes are HUGE and they are HUGE. I'm truly blessed to be able to go out into the deep blue sea and witness it first hand. I hope to never take it for granted. Also, if you ever get the chance to go - GO. Even if you're afraid of getting sea sick...GO.

So if you're wondering where I've been on the weekends for the past month and where I'll be the next couple months on the weekends, I'll be in Hatteras Heaven.

Spring has Sprung.

Oh, how I love Spring time! This year, we kicked it off just right - Pig Skin Spring Football weekend at ECU. It was a long weekend, but a great weekend. For some reason, I never went to a Spring football game until my 7th year at ECU and that was last year (Chris likes to take credit for me going). But I'm telling you what, this year was even more fun than last year. It was literally 2 non-stop days of fun. Chris decided this year he was going to go all out and enter in the BBQ cook off. So after months of talking about the BBQ recipe and making t-shirts, the Bowl Bound BBQers were ready to cook a pig. Friday morning, Chris and the rest of the cooking squad loaded up the bus to head to Greenville. I was told to "stand by" my phone just in case they needed me to bring a truck - they weren't real sure if the bus was going to be allowed. Oh but it was. And we got the best spot ever. I thought I was going to be having a nice quiet evening Friday night with a couple of girlfriends, but at 3pm, my plans changed and the drinking began. Needless to say, the next 10 hours were pure fun. Hanging out with the team next to us and enjoying the company of good friends. At 9pm, the Parade of Pigs started. And by Parade of Pigs, I mean they came by with a truck, you grabbed your pig and began the cook off. Watching Chris carry the pig on this back was one of the funniest things ever. And did I mention the fireworks, yes, fireworks. It really was a huge event and I'm sad I missed it for so many years. At 1am, everyone but the cookers were kicked out of the stadium and the gates were locked. I'm not complaining - I needed my sleep.

My alarm went off at 6:30am - not fun. But I had to pump myself up. Lee Ann and I headed out to the stadium at about 8am to see the judging. Champagne was popped at 8:30 and The Bowl Bowl BBQers got 21st out of 52. This may not seem like something brag about, but let me tell you - some of these cookers are professionals. Their sole purpose in life is to compete in competitions and this was our first one. Now onto GAME TIME. It was a perfect spring day - got to wear my new yellow sundress (thanks, Kennan) and cheer on the Pirates. The Pirates won (haha) so we were all happy. Then came Chico's patio. The most fun of the weekend, if I have to say so myself. We set up shop in the corner and literally stayed there all night. It was glorious. Margaritas have never tasted so good - maybe because they were top top shelf or maybe I was just thirsty. Chris' lack of sleeping at all on Friday led to going home a little earlier than the rest of the game but once again, I'm not complaining. All I know is spring has sprung so bring on the warm weather!!!

The one downfall, last weekend was such a tease...football season is still 5 months away....ARGGGGHHHHHHH!!!!!!!

it's that time.

There is one, and only one, reason why I like college basketball. And that is because I can make it into a competition with brackets!!! This all started in middle school when a teacher said we could fill out the brackets and the winner got extra credit. I was all over that like white on rice...I love extra credit. Well, low and behold, the girl that never cared before about college basketball won...and got extra credit. This year, I'm hoping I win and get a) a bottle of wine from Karen and b) dinner at On the Square with Chris. Yep - I have two competitors this year.

My line up:

Louisville vs. Memphis and Pittsburgh vs. UNC in the Final Four

And then the National Championship...Louisville vs. UNC...and I'm praying that UNC goes down....

I've never been to Louisville....never cared for Louisville....but come April 6th, if they make it, I'll be the biggest fan out there.

The Secret of Life

Yesterday while driving home from work, I heard a song I had never heard on one of my usual country stations - "The Secret of Life." While listening to the lyrics I was inspired to think of what the secrets to my life are...

The secret of life...

...is a perfect cup of coffee.
...is soaking up sun with a great book.
...is cooking dinner with the one I love.
...is Pirate football.
...is a phone call from a far away best friend.
...is hearing "I love you."
...is a glass of wine and laughter.
...is a lazy Sunday in bed.
...is knowing that money doesn't buy you happiness.
...is a reunion with my favorites.
...is warm banana bread.
...is decorating the Christmas tree.
...is cooking out on a summer night with a cold beer and friends.

BFF

Ever since I was 4, I've had a "best friend." They changed from grade-to-grade in elementary school, though Nicole and Lisa remained constant. Lisa was my BFF again in middle school and throughout high school. Once I entered into college, they changed based on who I lived with and to be honest, they sometimes changed weekly.

Now my best friends are few and far between. Natalie is someone I'll call a best friend forever. Even though I haven't seen her in over a year, I know she'd be here in a heart beat if I needed her. My precious sister Maggie...she's been a best friend for life. We have a rough patches, but that's because we have a love like none other - a sisterly love. Katherine, Kennan and Lauren - people I talk to on a weekly basis. People I hope to never lose touch with. Then there are other girls...Amy and MG (and there are others). They make me a better person. In fact, I would consider all my close friends "best friends." As I've gotten older, I've chosen to have less "acquaintances" and more "best friends." A handful of people that will be there for me through thick and thin.

I'm not sure what sparked this entry, but today at the gym, I suddenly started to wonder, "what is a best friend?" My best friends have changed since I was 4. Change isn't necessarily a bad thing, but what makes a person become your "best friend." When do they lose that title and when has a person earned that title forever?

I looked up the word "best friend" and even tried "bestfriend," and it's not in the Webster Dictionary. But I didn't stop there...I then tried "BF" - that means "bold face." Okay, so Webster hasn't caught up to the lingo these days. I guess I'll move onto google.com and see what they come up with. The first definition that came up was "the one friend who is closest to you."

So now you're telling me I have to choose one. One friend. One best friend. Today, if I had to choose one, I'd choose a male. Something I would have never done before. I'd choose Chris. He makes me a better person. And yes, sometimes he drives me up the wall and makes me want to scream, but he also makes me smile when nothing in the world seems fair. He makes me laugh even if I don't want to laugh. The past year has literally been the best year of my life and he is deserves most of this credit. I only hope he'll be my best friend for the next 70 years.

Side note: Girls - you are all dear to my heart....this entry is not meant to make our friendships seem less than what they are...cross my heart!!!

Bucket List

The Bucket List

Place X by all the things you've done.

(X) Gone on a blind date - and it didn't work.
(X) Skipped school - does college count?
( ) Watched someone die
( ) Been to Canada
(X) Been to Mexico
(X) Been to Florida
(X) Gone skinny dipping - what happens in key west, stays in key west.
( ) Been to Hawaii
(X) Been on a plane
(X) Been lost - daily.
(X) Danced on a bar - oh my.
(X) Gone to Washington, DC
(X) Swam in the ocean
(X) Cried yourself to sleep
(X) Played cops and robbers
(X) Recently colored with crayons
(X) Sang Karaoke - not a pretty sight
(X) Paid for a meal with coins only - bahahahahaahaha - rolls of dimes
( ) Been to the top of the St. Louis Arch
(X) Done something you told yourself you wouldn't
(X) Made prank phone calls
( ) Been down Bourbon Street in New Orleans
(X) Laughed until some kind of beverage came out of your nose & elsewhere
(X) Caught a snowflake on your tongue
(X) Danced in the rain
( ) Kissed in the surf on a beach - hmmm, i want that.
(X) Made love in a place you could get caught by someone else
(X) Written a letter to Santa Claus
(X) Been kissed under the mistletoe
(X) Watched the sunrise with someone
(X) Blown bubbles
(X) Gone ice-skating
( ) Gone to the movies alone
(X) Been deep sea fishing
( ) Driven across the United States alone
( ) Been in a hot air balloon
( ) Been sky diving
( ) Gone snowmobiling
( ) Made a snow angel while you were naked
( ) Lived in more than one country
(X) Laid outside at night and admired the stars while listening to the crickets
(X) Seen a falling star and made a wish
( ) Enjoyed the beauty of Ole Faithful Geyser
(X) Seen the Statue of Liberty - make that, climbed the statue of liberty.
( ) Gone to the top of Seattle Space Needle
(X) Been on a cruise
(X) Traveled by train - nightmare.
( ) Traveled by motorcycle
(X) Been horseback riding
( ) Ridden on a San Francisco Trolley
(X) Been to Disneyworld
(X) Truly believe in the power of prayer
(X) Been in a rain forest
(X) Seen whales in the ocean
( ) Been to Niagara Falls
( ) Ridden on an elephant
(X) Swam with dolphins

And, just so you know, "The Bucket List" is an awesome movie...that's why I filled this out.

"gag" day

It's here again. That holiday that only exists because of Hallmark cards and 1-800-Flowers. In the past, I've hidden from this day like it's the Plague. What single lady wants to think about how single she is while all her friends are out being swept off their feet by their Prince Charming's? The answer is "none." In college, I referred to this day as "Gag" Day. I only liked "Gag" day because we usually had a Valentine's grab-a-date and it gave me an excuse to buy a new dress. This year, things are a little different.

Despite the fact that I have a boyfriend, I will be spending "Gag" day with a few single ladies in Raleigh. Am I upset about Chris being in New Orleans? Not at all. In fact, it gives me an excuse to drink too much wine and gossip way too much with a few friends I rarely see and get a mani/pedi that is funded by my guy.

Even though I have someone, Valentine's day isn't an important holiday to me. I'd rather have someone surprise me on a random day, say March 8th with a card and a flower. That's when it means more. Guys feel like their expected to do something on February 14th and who wants a gift to be given to them that's not being given with love?

And I'll let you know how my "single ladies" weekend goes...as for you Chris, enjoy New Orleans!!!!

turtlenecks, coffee and fireplaces

I'm fairly certain that the weather in NC is bipolar. Especially in Eastern North Carolina. One day it's 70 degrees the next day it's snowing and I'm getting a phone call at 5:45am to tell me that work is delayed. Yes, that just happened.

There is a purpose to this blog - I'm going to force myself to find reasons to like Winter because right now, I don't...I don't like Winter at all. This morning I woke up at 5am, as usual, and knowing that snow was in the forecast, I looked outside...nothing. Nothing to make me think work would be delayed. But alas, my phone rings at 5:45 as I'm making my bed and about to pour my coffee and hit the road. Work is delayed until 10am. I can't go back to bed...so I sit and drink an entire pot of coffee while watching my Oprah DVDs because I didn't want to wake my roommates. One hour later I was buzzed. Caffeine buzzed. So I made another pot, poured another cup and hit the road. This time to go to the gym....Now I'm sitting at work and am realizing how much I hate winter. I hate it because it does things to mess up my schedule...yes, I'm type A. I like to know where I'm going and I don't like things to change...I'm working on this.

So here's the positive part of this blog (well, besides the fact that I got in a great workout):

Reasons I like Winter....
1. turtlenecks, I'd wear one everyday from November to February if possible.
2. coffee. I don't sweat when drinking it during the winter.
3. fireplaces. I love to have a nice fire burning in the winter. It just makes me smile.
4. chili (or soup). These two foods just aren't the same during the summer.
5. Christmas. I love Christmas more than anything. I love Christmas music, I love Christmas cards, I love Christmas. the end.
6. (still thinking....)

There you have it, 5, and only 5, reasons to like winter.

25 Things You Didn't (or Do) Know About Me

So I've seen this posting on Facebook before and usually ignore the urge to do it. However, when my brother, Taylor, wrote his 25, I said to myself, "Self - if Taylor can do it, you can do it." So here it is...my first blog entry and 25 Things you Didn't (or Do) Know About Me.

1. I used to be obsessed with George Clooney...meaning I cut out every article I found and even had books on him...he's dead to me now.
2. I didn't drink beer until I was in graduate school and now, it's my drink of choice at times.
3. My little sister's middle name is one that she got because of me. I choose it because it was my best friend's name.
4. I'm living in a place that I used to laugh about...Rocky Mount.
5. I hate when people squeeze toothpaste from the center.
6. Flamingos are my fav animal. But only because I tell myself they eat shrimp all day.
7. I love cycle classes and I'm currently going through withdrawals.
8. Me and my siblings are all separated by at least 2 hours...and that makes me sad.
9. I NEED a cup of coffee in the morning to be nice.
10. I hate mayonaise. It makes me want to vomit.
11. But I love love love chicken salad that is usually made with mayonaise. (the fruit, nut and honey chicken salad at harris teeter is TO DIE for...seriously.)
12. I love everything about cooking and secretly wish I could be a cook on the Food Network.
13. Brad Pitt is not hot. And he never will be.
14. I had a retainer before I had braces...thank you, Mom and Dad for my glorious pre-braces set of teeth.
15. I used to want the biggest wedding ever...now I want a small, quaint wedding and a reception of a lifetime.
16. Mexican food is my favorite. I could probably eat Qdoba everyday for the rest of my life. Unfortunately (or fortunately), there's not one near me.
17. I haven't had a sugery soda since I graduated high school. And don't plan on it either.
18. I wish I had my teaching license - I might make that reality in the next year.
19. I never arrive on time. I'm always early. Always.
20. Going on random day trips with Chris is probably the best thing ever. Tobacco Museums...Duplin Winery...World's Largest Frying Pan...and that's only the past 2 weekends...
21. I have a plant in my office named Shucks. He's all ears.
22. I would love to be on Wheel of Fortune one day.
23. I'm obsessed with going to Greece one day.
24. If there's one thing I want to do before I die, it's to milk a cow.
25. If it wasn't for the risk of skin cancer, I'd tan every day for the rest of my life.

Since writing this list yesterday, I came up with one more that must be added, so...
26. The grocery store is my personal Heaven. When I'm grocery shopping I'm one of the happiest girls alive.

What are your 25?