tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50963652167977442852024-03-21T02:04:51.646-07:00The Cure for Writer's BlockAlysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02921782882643553714noreply@blogger.comBlogger199125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096365216797744285.post-88194308517926953912012-08-20T08:33:00.001-07:002012-08-20T09:35:01.881-07:00The stormI've been MIA this past week or so, not by choice, but by sheer exhaustion. I've debated whether or not to talk about this because I personally don't enjoy reading a string of negative tweets or blog posts or whatever, especially from one person. I never want to be the person that constantly complains. So I'm going to talk about it once, get it out, and move on. If there's anything I've learned in the past few years of blogging, it's that sometimes the love of strangers can be uplifting in ways I've never imagined. And for selfish reasons, I think just writing this will be therapeutic for me.<br />
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Both my family and NTP's are in the middle of a storm, and we could really use your prayers.<br />
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About three months ago we discovered that my first cousin has Stage 4 cancer. He's 26 years old. Now, three months later, we still don't know what kind of cancer he has. Sadly, our faith in the medical community is quickly sinking, as is his health. My mom and aunt drove him up to Boston this past week to see a specialist associated with Harvard. He was still unable to give a diagnosis, but put him on an aggressive treatment to see how he responds, and then go from there. On their way back to Macon, I met them in Commerce to pick up my mom. Y'all, my cousin (who was always overweight) was thinner than I am and obviously in a lot of pain. But throughout it all, his faith in God is uplifting not only him, but the rest of us that love him.<br />
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On top of that, my grandmother (my only remaining grandparent) has been in a nursing home for nine years because of a stroke that paralyzed the left side of her body. When I took my mom to LaGrange Sunday morning we stopped by the nursing home and for the first time, my grandmother didn't know who I was. She also called my mom by another name. As you can imagine, my mom was already physically and emotionally exhausted from the trip to Boston and I think that broke her in a sense.<br />
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NTP's family could also use your prayers. I don't feel right discussing it, so I simply ask for your thoughts and prayers.<br />
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I think we could all stand to be a little more thankful for the little things every day. I know I could. Now when I find myself grumbling over something small, I've started realizing just how trivial it is. I'm healthier than many, have the most incredible support system, and have a God who will be with me ALWAYS, through every storm, and a Savior that died so that my cousin, my grandmother, and all of us will have everlasting life. If that's not comforting, I don't know what is.<br />
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Thanks for your patience and understanding and I really hope this didn't ruin anyone's morning. That was not definitely my intention.<br />
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A friend sent me this verse this morning, and I'll leave you with this uplifting bit of truth.<br />
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"I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me." - Psalm 16:8Alysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02921782882643553714noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096365216797744285.post-26123305699009375422012-08-02T11:15:00.001-07:002012-08-02T11:15:25.818-07:00Random Acts of Kindness"By this all men will know you are my disciples, if you love one another." - John 13:35<br />
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Simple.<br />
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I think a lot of times we forget, myself included, that as Christ followers this is what we're called to do above all others.<br />
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Last week in our Bible study we challenged each other to work on having a loving and generous heart and thought a great way to do that would be by performing a random act of kindness during the week. I was so excited about doing this that it took me forever to fall asleep that night because I kept thinking of what I was going to do.<br />
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So the following morning I went to Starbucks (which is very out of the norm for me since I'm on a pretty tight budget) and pulled up to the drive-thru window to pay for my latte. I told the nice young man at the window that I'd also like to pay for the person behind me. Just seeing his face when I said that made it completely worth it (especially since the person behind me had a $12 order). While I was paying he asked if I liked Starbucks' regular coffee. I said yes and he handed me a large, on the house.<br />
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I was so blessed and humbled by the experience that I've been thinking about it all week. And what would you know, today I stumble across a blog post from an inspiring mom who performed 38 random acts of kindness for her 38th birthday. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;"><a href="http://mixmingleglow.com/blog/?p=1358">Robyn's post can be found here.</a> </span>I read through all 38 awesome acts of kindness as well as the ones in the comments section. This post was published over a year ago and I can only imagine all the wonderful kind things that were inspired by it since then.<br />
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And it inspired me to do more.<br />
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I am so excited to do 24 random acts of kindness with friends and family in February for my birthday, but I can't wait that long to get started. So during my lunch break I began a list of things I want to do. Starting NOW!<br />
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I'd love to hear any ideas y'all might have! I'll make sure to document them as I go so y'all can share in the awesomeness! And let me know your ROAK and the results. I really can't wait to hear them. :)<br />
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1. (My favorite) Leave gift cards inside my favorite books at Barnes & Noble with a note that says, "I enjoyed this book so much and hope it brings you all the adventure, happiness, and joy it has brought me. Much love, a fellow bookworm."<br />
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2. Tip an exceptional waiter or waitress 100% and leave a grateful note on the receipt.<br />
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3. Pay for a military family's meal at a restaurant.<br />
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4. Drop off donuts and a thank you note to the police and fire stations.<br />
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5. Buy a toy for a pup at Petsmart.<br />
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6. Buy a cupcake for <u>someone else</u> on my birthday.<br />
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7. Pay for someone's groceries.<br />
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8. Work with the church to find a family in need and anonymously buy or prepare them a Christmas <strike>meal</strike> feast.<br />
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9. Feed some parking meters.<br />
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10. Tape some change to a vending machine.<br />
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11. Take flowers and a note to the hospital thanking doctors and nurses for all they do.<br />
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12. Buy a milkshake for someone behind me in the Chick-fil-A drive-thru. (What a yummy summer treat!)<br />
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13. Leave a candy bar and thank you note in the mailbox for the mailman.<br />
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14. Offer to help an elderly person load groceries into their car.<br />
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15. Write thank you notes to soldiers overseas.<br />
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16. Compliment a stranger.<br />
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That's about as far as I've gotten so far. And I think it's a great start, but I'm also praying that God presents me with opportunities to share random acts of kindness. And I have a feeling those truly random moments will be the most incredible. :)Alysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02921782882643553714noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096365216797744285.post-49076753037149286252012-07-30T06:24:00.001-07:002012-07-30T06:24:23.621-07:00Weekend RecapMy mom came to town Saturday morning and we had a GREAT girls' weekend together. We started with manis, of course, and I got what I like to call my Barbie manicure. Barbie would totes sport bright pink nails and sparkles, right!?<br />
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After manis we got some delicious Philly cheesesteaks at Galla's and then headed to the mall for some shopping. Mom was on the hunt for a khaki skirt and I was on the hunt for NARS Schiap lipstick. Neither one of us was successful. :( Sephora was all out of Schiap, but I did get to see a sample and decide if I really want it. I do. :)<br />
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After shopping we spent the rest of the evening snuggling with Mason and watching the Olympics before heading to Yogli Mogli for some froyo (a Hart girls tradition).<br />
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Sunday morning was full of awesome worship and a great message at Buckhead Church, followed by a delicious lunch at the new Tin Lizzy's in Dunwoody.<br />
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Mom had to head back to LaGrange shortly after lunch to take care of some stuff on the farm, so I had a very relaxing afternoon snuggling with the pup, watching the Olympics, and enjoying this nice adult beverage. Perfect for a hot July afternoon. :)<br />
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Hope everyone had a great weekend! </div>
<br />Alysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02921782882643553714noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096365216797744285.post-50980052649227242872012-07-26T06:53:00.002-07:002012-07-26T06:53:25.758-07:00{Outfit Post} Vintage BlueThis is yesterday's OOTD. A vintage blue breezy belted dress and nude platform wedges, which I found at Payless, believe it or not!<br />
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And here's a close-up and better look at the dress's actual color. I especially love the print. It's little apostrophes! I am such a nerd...<br />
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I think I mentioned last week that I'm in charge of renovating and redecorating our entire corporate office. It's been much more of an undertaking that I anticipated. So as cute and comfy as those wedges are, I do NOT, I repeat, do NOT suggest wearing them shopping. After running all over Atlanta yesterday afternoon hunting for tile, paint, baskets, wall hanging, frames, etc., I now have no less than three Mickey Mouse bandaids on my feet from the blisters. Beauty is pain, right? </div>
<br />Alysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02921782882643553714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096365216797744285.post-77488280080463112842012-07-24T07:12:00.000-07:002012-07-24T07:12:07.117-07:00Makeup Makeup Makeup!I admittedly am not exactly a makeup aficionado. I may or may not beg my bestie and/or her sister to make me pretty all the time, because let's face it, I'm not the best at sculpting the "perfect eye". But with some practice I've managed to at least not elicit weird looks in Publix.<br />
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But today I need some face and lip product recommendations from y'all. My face regimen mainly consists of moisturizer and powder. I've been using MAC's Mineralize Skinfinish Natural pressed powder and I REALLY like it. It's light, perfect for hot southern summers, but still has good coverage.<br />
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So I've got the powder covered, but with fall quickly approaching I think I'd like to try some foundation for a more polished office look. I was thinking about trying MAC's Studio Fix SPF 15 foundation, but if y'all have any better recommendations please let me know! I'm completely lost here folks.<br />
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Next month marks the beginning of my first semester of graduate school, Junior League duties, college football, and let's not forget about weekly bible study meetings and that full time job. I'm already seeing small dark bags under my eyes so I can only imagine what they're going to look like come August or September. So with that in mind, I think it's time to invest in some concealer. Again, I was looking at this creamy concealer from MAC, but am kind of afraid it will look too cakey. Have y'all tried it or do you know of something better??</div>
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And then last, but not least, I'm ready for some bright pink (almost neon) lips! I keep seeing these colors everywhere and I'm now on the hunt for the perfect shade. What a fun way to glam up any look right!? Trying to choose between these three right now, but I think NARS Schiap is in the lead. :)</div>
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Let me know what your favorite products are! Pretty please!? </div>
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<br />Alysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02921782882643553714noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096365216797744285.post-43425906922939120072012-07-23T07:04:00.000-07:002012-07-23T07:04:05.666-07:00Weekend RecapWhew! I'm currently sitting at my desk with a big cup of coffee recovering from such a busy weekend. Caffeine, what would I do without you?<br />
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Friday night NTP and I had supper with some good friends of ours at Kaleidoscope in Brookhaven. My meal consisted of fried catfish, shrimp, collards, baked mac n cheese, and white cheddar cheese grits. Ummm, yeah. Needless to say, there are no pictures because that was the LAST thing on my mind as I inhaled a meal I hope they serve in heaven.<br />
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Saturday morning started with some relaxing reading and coffee time before it was off to the farm in LaGrange.<br />
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It was a really gloomy morning so the parents said to just come for a visit - it wouldn't be a work trip. Woohoo! Don't get me wrong... I love working on the farm, but on a mid-July day in Georgia? No thanks. We did discuss the upcoming planting season, what would go where, when to start, who to hire for help, etc. so we did get a little bit done. And my parents got to see sweet Mason, who they adore. Mason really likes playing with my dad. It's hilarious. This is after a rambunctious play session full of jumping and howling (by Mason, not my dad).<br />
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Sunday morning NTP and I headed back to Atlanta, dropped Mason off at his grooming appointment, and headed to Dekalb for our first trip to the Dekalb Farmer's Market. OH MY GOSH it was AMAZING! I'd heard it was awesome, but whoa. It was HUGE for one thing, and they had fruits and veggies I'd never even heard of! I stocked up on a week's worth of fresh (and I mean FRESH) produce and bread for $9. NINE DOLLARS.</div>
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Now this post wouldn't be complete if I didn't add a photo of Mason with his new hair cut. Let's just say I don't think he likes it very much based on this facial expression. :) Bless his little heart.</div>
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<br />Alysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02921782882643553714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096365216797744285.post-89113736439334926502012-07-20T10:30:00.003-07:002012-07-20T10:30:41.284-07:00Weekend ReadingTGIF. For real.<br />
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This weekend is jam packed with fun stuff. Tonight NTP and I are meeting another couple for dinner at a fun restaurant here in Atlanta, tomorrow morning my apartment complex is having a big garage sale and I'm hoping to sell some clothes I don't wear anymore, then we're headed to the farm in LaGrange to do some work and see my parents, then Sunday it's back to ATL for Mason's grooming appointment and a much-anticipated trip to the Dekalb Farmer's Market. Whew!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFLRpvstyCM69MU8yredoAMyGi8m3gFPzWwKI89tWcOtM8vKvW1e9czykyBr0SemO62o8XPYnIQEbjZOJVOpShNjMY6ubk9IrIjV75R3SSHau4UMYVb143MumbRpz-ojnd1Z_yBTi2j0U/s1600/twain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFLRpvstyCM69MU8yredoAMyGi8m3gFPzWwKI89tWcOtM8vKvW1e9czykyBr0SemO62o8XPYnIQEbjZOJVOpShNjMY6ubk9IrIjV75R3SSHau4UMYVb143MumbRpz-ojnd1Z_yBTi2j0U/s320/twain.jpg" width="214" /></a>But during the down time (if there is any) I'll be reading "Mark Twain: A Life" by Ron Powers. I got this biography for Christmas a couple years ago (or one year ago? I can't remember) and just hadn't gotten around to reading it. So last week when I finished Rules of Civility and found myself novel-less and no room in the budget to go stock up on more, I decided I'd learn a little bit more about one of my favorite authors. And let me tell you this book is no joke! I'm a nerd, so I actually kind of enjoy reading biographies, but this has to be the most interesting I've read. It's written in such a way that it actually feels more like a story than just a chain of events. It probably helps that Mr. Samuel Clemens led a really interesting life, but still, I'm really enjoying this biography.<br />
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Do y'all have any good book recommendations? I'll probably be back in Barnes & Noble scouring the racks again in a couple weeks and would love some suggestions. :)Alysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02921782882643553714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096365216797744285.post-90930360917334362562012-07-19T08:10:00.000-07:002012-07-19T08:10:02.707-07:00Meet my garden!I know I mentioned an outfit post today, but yesterday I was a hot mess running around at work and then hustling to Brookhaven in miserable traffic for bible study, so needless to say it didn't get done. And this morning Nick's new Xterra wouldn't start. So that's where we're at right now. Instead, I thought it would be fun to share my little garden with y'all!<br />
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When I was apartment hunting about this time last year, one of the major selling points for the apartment I chose was it's adorable little garden area. Read: Little plot of dirt, and large-ish patio area surrounded but a lattice fence and gate. When I first moved in, the aforementioned little plot of dirt was covered, and I mean COVERED, with stones. Not just normal rocks, but those little colored beads that you'd see in a diner's table vases with a faux flower stuck in em. We raked and dumped about two buckets of those bead/rock things before we found the Georgia clay.<br />
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I loooove to garden and play outside and reap the fruits of my labors, if you will. So in the past year that little plot of dirt and my L-shaped patio area have turned into my little happy place. Growing in the garden is...<br />
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- Foxglove<br />
- Gardenias<br />
- Coleus<br />
- Purple Coneflowers<br />
- Blackberries<br />
- Jasmine<br />
- Dahlias<br />
- Lilies<br />
- Hydrangeas<br />
- Mint<br />
- Basil<br />
- Rosemary<br />
- Cowhorn Peppers<br />
- Banana Peppers<br />
- Jalapenos<br />
- & a few flowers that I don't know the name to. Whoops.<br />
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Next year I plan to grow some tomatoes, sweet potatoes and okra, among others.<br />
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Above is my little plot of dirt. And below are some close-ups of all my favorite things in the garden.<br />
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Now I just need a couple Adirondack chairs and a cold adult beverage to make this even more perfect. (Right now I'm using folding camping chairs. Whatever works, right!?)</div>
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Hope y'all are having a wonderful Thursday! We're so close to Friday!</div>
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<br /></div>Alysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02921782882643553714noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096365216797744285.post-4908178089956727812012-07-18T08:40:00.000-07:002012-07-18T12:25:53.246-07:00Summer Bucket ListGooood morning y'all! I originally planned to do an outfit post today on office-appropriate attire that will keep you from completely melting in this Georgia heat. But that will have to wait for tomorrow since my morning has been spent picking paint colors for our entire corporate office, kitchen, bathrooms, production center, etc. Soooo let's throw up a little prayer that I at least make half of all these employees happy with my choices. I do NOT want to go down in the company history books as the girl that picked the awful paint colors.<br />
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ANYWHO.<br />
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I figured I'd share with y'all my summer bucket list instead. I wrote it onto this handy dandy chalkboard project I undertook a couple weeks ago (and still need to hang on the wall). I've added a few things since, so here's the full list. And if any of you Southeastern ladies have any other awesome ideas please let me know! And keep in mind homegirl is on a budget.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ4FloSbehNWYBWHnNkU_ZEvFQzYPHyvatQc5SFzVa2VGfzAI8sBXQ4dwnCKk9e7jSkE4foSiKyDbFpAjeB7ZTxMGwLeQviQQwPxfgyUQ5SLQUD29YomrvB9dN5ztXVpdEqSqRRkgJuEA/s1600/blogsummerbucketlist.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ4FloSbehNWYBWHnNkU_ZEvFQzYPHyvatQc5SFzVa2VGfzAI8sBXQ4dwnCKk9e7jSkE4foSiKyDbFpAjeB7ZTxMGwLeQviQQwPxfgyUQ5SLQUD29YomrvB9dN5ztXVpdEqSqRRkgJuEA/s320/blogsummerbucketlist.jpg" width="320" /></a>1. Atlanta Botanical Garden (Check! Went to Cocktails in the Garden a couple weeks ago, sponsored by Lilly Pulitzer, and actually won the raffle they were doing! Goodies included an insulated cooler, murfee scarf, necklace, men's tie, ID wristlet, and gift card!)<br />
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2. Shoot the Hooch (AKA tubing down the Chattahoochee River with some adult beverages)<br />
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3. Dekalb Farmer's Market (This is on the agenda for this weekend! I'll make sure to take some pics!)<br />
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4. World of Coca-Cola (Still surprised I've lived here for a year and haven't done this yet. I LOVE Co-Cola!)<br />
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5. Hike Stone Mountain (Again, surprised I have yet to do this.)<br />
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6. Movie on the Green<br />
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7. White water rafting on the Ocoee (I LOOOOVE white water rafting on the Ocoee. Love it. But no, really. I love it. )<br />
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8. Atlanta Food Truck Park (Check! Went with my Bible study girls a few weeks ago and we had such a blast.)<br />
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9. Amicalola Falls<br />
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10. Lake Lanier (Check! Nick, Mason, and I went for the 4th of July.)<br />
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There are also a good number of restaurants on this list that I've been meaning to try, but seeing as I'm practically on a spending freeze and eat grits and biscuits for dinner every night, I'm not going to include them here.<br />
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What are y'all hoping to do this summer?!Alysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02921782882643553714noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096365216797744285.post-3586387184828971252012-07-17T07:05:00.001-07:002012-07-17T10:40:23.398-07:00Back at itOk y'all. It's been five months since I last posted. FIVE! Tee-totally unacceptable. Especially since one of my New Year's Resolutions was to blog regularly. (But we all know how resolutions go...)<br />
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Anyway, I'm back at it. And this time I should actually be able to stick with it.
So here's some quick updates...<br />
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1. In just a couple weeks I will have lived in the awesome, fabulous, gorgeous, super fun town of Atlanta for a whole year. I think that's cause for celebration.<br />
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2. Work is great. Enjoying my job and the people I work with.<br />
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3. Joined the Junior League! Whoop whoop!<br />
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4. Was accepted to FSU's (GO NOLES!) online MBA program and classes start in just over a month. EEK! I'm super excited because I'm a total nerd and actually really enjoy school.<br />
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5. Puppypants (AKA Mason) is doing great! He's all grown up now (cue sadz face) and he brings SOOOO much joy to my life. I'll have to video tape his "salsa dance" sometime. He gets so excited to see people that he wags his whole backside and it looks remarkably similar to something from Dancing with the Stars.<br />
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7. Joined a Bible Study back in January and receive daily blessings from the amazing girls I've met and grown with in the past few months.<br />
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That's about all I can think of right now. I plan to catch up on all of your blogs ASAP and hope all is well with everyone! So for the sake of actually posting something of interest to people, I thought I'd start with a book review (seeing as I'm a bonafide bookworm).
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The lovely <a href="http://www.planacourtingly.com/"> CBK </a> suggested I read Rules of Civility by Amor Towles. The story is set in 1930's New York City and follows the stylish, exciting, and whirlwind events that are set in motion after two friends fortuitously meet a wealthy man on New Year's Eve in a side street jazz bar. I absolutely loved this novel and thought Towles' writing style was perfectly in line with the era he was writing about. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to lose themselves in the glamour of NYC and experience the determination of the human spirit in Depression Era America. Run, don't walk, to your closest bookstore. You won't be disappointed!
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Are y'all reading anything great right now? Let me know!Alysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02921782882643553714noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096365216797744285.post-17554953506688112162012-02-02T05:40:00.001-08:002012-02-02T05:47:31.162-08:00My View<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5p-T4XwCT7wO7oAs1yFPxjxWci3q6EihgzZmx-RrsjeIgydeA-hTr9Omjr9q75JONpvpAO6j7lTiFjPXTxoDLa45hAijs87w8nwVsC-hY9CRJcrvHve20kHFo1tmonHr1kNsRQ-k052w/s1600/photo.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5p-T4XwCT7wO7oAs1yFPxjxWci3q6EihgzZmx-RrsjeIgydeA-hTr9Omjr9q75JONpvpAO6j7lTiFjPXTxoDLa45hAijs87w8nwVsC-hY9CRJcrvHve20kHFo1tmonHr1kNsRQ-k052w/s320/photo.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704533884199389810" /></a><br /><br /><center>February Photo Challenge Day 1 - My View Today (and every Monday through Friday</center><br /><br /><center>Ok so let's pretend that I posted this yesterday when I was supposed to... This is my lovely little cubicle. I'm working on making it a little more homey. Maybe I'll add a little desk lamp or fresh flowers when I can afford them. Stay tuned later in the day for another post on today's photo (words)!</center>Alysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02921782882643553714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096365216797744285.post-52304312457392118512012-01-31T13:08:00.000-08:002012-01-31T13:19:28.564-08:00February Photo Challenge<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp177YB7iW8POtvGVD0PLvLsb8H04O-w_7TQIXnpwQ2wyauLv2wUMd_00mkHFWMaxBo81ugYHlml1RmeLInJLbQPSj8-GY_AToKiZaGumdhGz1ULr4ElnpDBdX0lvTeM5AdkLS1ezU9UU/s1600/b686df344c4d11e180c9123138016265_7.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp177YB7iW8POtvGVD0PLvLsb8H04O-w_7TQIXnpwQ2wyauLv2wUMd_00mkHFWMaxBo81ugYHlml1RmeLInJLbQPSj8-GY_AToKiZaGumdhGz1ULr4ElnpDBdX0lvTeM5AdkLS1ezU9UU/s320/b686df344c4d11e180c9123138016265_7.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703908827576453714" /></a>Yes, I realize it's not quite February yet (ALMOST!), but it's my favorite month so I'm already super excited. In the next few weeks I have a whirlwind of exciting things happening. My very first hair coloring experience is happening this weekend and I'm a mixture of nervous and super excited to try something new. But not drastic. Not ready for that yet. Next weekend my momma is coming to visit and we have all kinds of fun things planned, including a trip to Scott Antique Market and Momma/Daughter mani/pedis! And then the NEXT weekend is my 23rd BIRTHDAY! <a href="http://www.eatyourcakeandhaveittoo.blogspot.com/">The bestie</a> and her hubby are coming up for a fun weekend of Atlanta shenanigans and then relaxing quality time in Blue Ridge at their family cabin. I could not be more excited!<br /><br />But back to the title of this post. To hold me accountable for posting more regularly, I've decided to join in on this February Photo Challenge that I see a lot of you lovely ladies will be doing. And it just so works out that on my birthday the photo is of a drink. :) Champagne anyone?? <br /><br />Can't wait to see what some of your photos are!Alysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02921782882643553714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096365216797744285.post-49837146986148807282012-01-03T10:51:00.000-08:002012-01-03T11:03:44.871-08:00Introducing: Puppy Love<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVHSAg4AlJg4WcB6KVp11b8xlXLjsswr1oGDtAE3W3SH8XANX93pkorkxO1Drse0624nt0hyphenhyphenSFc0u_vL1OrMszumo-Tyy3643KAy9Hzd90EeDPdPjYraADiJVniZlgiqB-Z2BuJu-AZyQ/s1600/mason4.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVHSAg4AlJg4WcB6KVp11b8xlXLjsswr1oGDtAE3W3SH8XANX93pkorkxO1Drse0624nt0hyphenhyphenSFc0u_vL1OrMszumo-Tyy3643KAy9Hzd90EeDPdPjYraADiJVniZlgiqB-Z2BuJu-AZyQ/s320/mason4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693480643016989474" /></a>Hey y'all! I know, I know. I suck at blogging regularly. It's one of my New Year's Resolutions to be better about it, though, so hang in there with me! Things have been INCREDIBLY busy. NTP got a job, lost the job (agency lost some big clients and had to make cutbacks - last one in, first one out kind of thing so keep him in your prayers please!), had a great Thanksgiving with the family in LaGrange, planned and threw an awesome, if I do say so myself, office Christmas party (for 200 guests), managed to make it home for Christmas after a wreck on the way to the airport (bummer, I know), and survived the remaining days of 2011 with... wait for it... a PUPPY!!!! <br /><br />Yep, that sweet little face you see is my new little man, Mason. We named him Mason Rhett because it kind of looks like he has a dark mustache, just like Mr. Butler. :) He's a sable cockapoo, half cocker spaniel half poodle, and we love him. The bestie would tell you that I have my pulling out my hair moments because he's definitely a handful (thanks for listening to all my whining Ky), but the sweet cuddly moments make all the peeing on my carpet and biting my brand new J.Crew sweater worth it. <br /><br />Here's some more photos of the little nugget. Bear with me, they're iPhone photos so they're not the best quality ever, and we don't have very many because we're too busy trying to keep him from eating everything in sight. But more to come, I promise! And if any of you have any awesome training tips we'd be more than happy to hear them! The potty training is going pretty well. It's the biting that we're struggling with right now. And when we say "NO!" he seems to think we mean "Oh that was so fun, keep jumping at momma's face and biting her hair!" Sooo yeah. Help please. <br /><br />Hope everyone is doing well and that your New Years' Resolutions stick! <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI4XTvS_1-8Vm2AeVxm6ts1r5xWTwoxMd39lQPRCL5-_05VS3TxfvKfY_kJzN8gERbrGxrLY4y_jzgEdVFsBRFLSGDBAy6UJQCqFa_iHNN41OMUXyqXg_DqBuJwp-MoriTlYDXAQZ7c3M/s1600/mason.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 378px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI4XTvS_1-8Vm2AeVxm6ts1r5xWTwoxMd39lQPRCL5-_05VS3TxfvKfY_kJzN8gERbrGxrLY4y_jzgEdVFsBRFLSGDBAy6UJQCqFa_iHNN41OMUXyqXg_DqBuJwp-MoriTlYDXAQZ7c3M/s400/mason.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693483372361698786" /></a>Alysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02921782882643553714noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096365216797744285.post-59848410791748595802011-11-01T13:57:00.000-07:002011-11-01T14:15:35.759-07:00War Eagle WeekendSo this past weekend I had an awesome girls' weekend with my momma. She's an Auburn alum and I've been a lifelong fan (although I do bleed garnet and gold) so we thought it would be fun to go to a game together. Turns out her old roommate from AU has season tickets (the good kind with free food) so we got some great seats. Here's a few of my favorite pics from the game. Check out that Auburn sunset! <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX-j4oeVy9zvR-9W3yxTfU6tDHzS2VFWVHdXKWD7S-vqjeTrthkEN4-LQq1zA84uG3BTjAcXIaPukooj6tUjI5vzrzEbB4xFLZKgq7ZVkAKZmIOBOvSWwrFDD72pJiWt6mbp3nAdRNY34/s1600/forblog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 362px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX-j4oeVy9zvR-9W3yxTfU6tDHzS2VFWVHdXKWD7S-vqjeTrthkEN4-LQq1zA84uG3BTjAcXIaPukooj6tUjI5vzrzEbB4xFLZKgq7ZVkAKZmIOBOvSWwrFDD72pJiWt6mbp3nAdRNY34/s400/forblog.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670135068643625298" /></a><br /><br />And the night was made even better by a great win for the Tigers (and FSU). We stayed at my grandparents' house in LaGrange on the farm and I got to eat at some of my favorite LaGrange comfort food, see my grandma at the nursing home, and get a ride around the farm with my daddy. The leaves were all bright oranges, yellows, and reds and it was just so gorgeous. Now I'm looking forward to heading back for Thanksgiving and doing some target practice. :) <br /><br />Hope everyone had a great weekend and are almost halfway through a great week!Alysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02921782882643553714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096365216797744285.post-44714194753087685502011-10-25T09:53:00.000-07:002011-10-25T10:05:26.492-07:00Good News & Good FriendsIt's been busy, busy, busy as usual, but I'm so happy to update y'all on a few things. First off, NICK GOT THE JOB HE WANTED! Champagne for everyone! Well, we had champagne. Y'all can celebrate as you see fit. Second, I got the results back from my last girly doctor's visit and everything is back to normal! Double yay! Third, saw another doctor yesterday about some ridges I have on my fingernails and she thinks I just have a simple circulatory problem (no autoimmune diseases - but she's doing another blood test just in case it's something hereditary - momma has the ridges too) and that I just need to keep my hands warm! She turned the AC wayyy down in my examining room and sure enough the tips of my fingers turned blue. I never noticed it before, but I HAVE noticed my hands are always cold. Now we know why. So she told me to stop stressing (I think I've heard that before...) and lay off the coffee. Ummm... we'll think about that one. So anyway, GOD IS GOOD! <br /><br />Now on to my fabulous weekend with my two besties, <a href="http://eatyourcakeandhaveittoo.blogspot.com/">Ky</a> and <a href="http://planacourtingly.blogspot.com/">CBK</a>. We had a BLAST going to the FSU vs. Maryland game, watching FSU kick butt, then going shopping and out for margaritas, obvs. Here's a breakdown of the weekend. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipCHvl12qsa2W5YA2LDv52uzbKesq-UsQqbaGOqSdsw8sNwl-vFA8teZ78Kz7v5DRWb66biVi7G5Q-oGZor9xrbYZ5N9MU328iUrrqiUULIQf0iyKxD06IqagN4gAA9l1VNFWE5PT-qDc/s1600/nolegirls.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 164px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipCHvl12qsa2W5YA2LDv52uzbKesq-UsQqbaGOqSdsw8sNwl-vFA8teZ78Kz7v5DRWb66biVi7G5Q-oGZor9xrbYZ5N9MU328iUrrqiUULIQf0iyKxD06IqagN4gAA9l1VNFWE5PT-qDc/s400/nolegirls.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667476977728506786" /></a><br /><br />Hope everyone else had a fabulous weekend as well! I'm trying to catch up on all of your posts! Be patient with me! <br /><br />Love, hugs, good news and good friends...Alysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02921782882643553714noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096365216797744285.post-79725793732554725472011-10-17T10:24:00.001-07:002011-10-17T12:25:14.648-07:00WDE Weekend<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRtZVhdEqShgAKQ2munotFR88r_XPyhPYMw_ZBbwFlZEAVLDfuD3A-x9wyfANUeSRgbtBSqReMtwO93xlEy0bm2-qzvTYEw3tef-ctQBz91dLU3baHm_Rw58FAkXslW3wOxp8W-6Nl__s/s1600/au.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRtZVhdEqShgAKQ2munotFR88r_XPyhPYMw_ZBbwFlZEAVLDfuD3A-x9wyfANUeSRgbtBSqReMtwO93xlEy0bm2-qzvTYEw3tef-ctQBz91dLU3baHm_Rw58FAkXslW3wOxp8W-6Nl__s/s320/au.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664543043713703202" /></a>Back when NTP and I decided to move back to the South from California I resolved to go to as many FSU and Auburn games as possible. So far this season we've been to two FSU games (headed back to Tally again this weekend!) and went to the Auburn vs. UF game this past weekend. We obviously had to meet up with a few of our favorite twitter friends and indulge in some amazing tailgate food! <br /><br />The weather was perfect, the tailgate was right across the street from Samford Hall, the food was AMAZING (_grits pulled pork sammies are off the chain!), and Auburn won! War eagle! Now I just have to recover from last week so I can get ready for girls' weekend with my two besties in Thomasville/Tallahassee this weekend!<br /><br />Anyway, here's a few of my favorite photos from the weekend. :) Please excuse our boys. They're out of control. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaR5rrCrJ6VjtEA8x4MwOlWGCn3HIosGePcBNG0dny5IpGroBjwogdlK0MWDHL_311Tv_5-xjVuCEauyO_X1OklDvJc7ICJ_37XhuJvslmQrtB7Z_pIhGRbViJh-oUrqNvodl6vk63gLY/s1600/blogau.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 216px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaR5rrCrJ6VjtEA8x4MwOlWGCn3HIosGePcBNG0dny5IpGroBjwogdlK0MWDHL_311Tv_5-xjVuCEauyO_X1OklDvJc7ICJ_37XhuJvslmQrtB7Z_pIhGRbViJh-oUrqNvodl6vk63gLY/s400/blogau.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664543554353137650" /></a><br /><br />Love, hugs, and WDE!Alysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02921782882643553714noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096365216797744285.post-14739514513147987002011-09-06T09:42:00.000-07:002011-09-06T10:00:58.538-07:00GA Official<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlwCukfUZBv3IkJESdnKaG4bTH1O9uz4aB4UWdrGn2XvaNFHdiAeBPgkimZMvoRS-YfZtqsMQu8SXcw2l2zXUhX80AEw3s7dpzRFa124u-q1iRe5Mcs9KVYq6v30wMXWBmAHZAxnU0NCo/s1600/sign-georgia.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 224px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlwCukfUZBv3IkJESdnKaG4bTH1O9uz4aB4UWdrGn2XvaNFHdiAeBPgkimZMvoRS-YfZtqsMQu8SXcw2l2zXUhX80AEw3s7dpzRFa124u-q1iRe5Mcs9KVYq6v30wMXWBmAHZAxnU0NCo/s320/sign-georgia.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649292682573166658" /></a>Sorry I haven't posted in over a month (Ahh!), but I've been super busy with my wonderful new job (woohoo!), moving into my fantastic apartment in Sandy Springs, and becoming an official resident of Atlanta, Georgia!! I'm so incredibly thrilled with how everything is falling into place for me. I truly feel God has led me right where I need to be and I'm so thankful. Now we're just hoping that NTP finds the perfect job very soon. Your prayers would be greatly appreciated!<br /><br />I promise to catch up on all of your blog posts ASAP. I've missed y'all! <br /><br />Love, hugs, and new beginnings...Alysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02921782882643553714noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096365216797744285.post-56957818499526002292011-07-18T08:37:00.001-07:002011-07-18T08:57:59.402-07:00A Porch's Story<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWa4J2DmiYhP948lwwuXhh654ml-Ql7u0OVPNLQZjHqlKNZD18w-2N_o8dtSPhi7OApUXWpu0EIei9Wt5N9b5Cc1C75A5GCLO_hCfanhjia7up7RSdpms6UsjcrVHupf89DhpZ5a0NxEE/s1600/mamacooley%2527shouse.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWa4J2DmiYhP948lwwuXhh654ml-Ql7u0OVPNLQZjHqlKNZD18w-2N_o8dtSPhi7OApUXWpu0EIei9Wt5N9b5Cc1C75A5GCLO_hCfanhjia7up7RSdpms6UsjcrVHupf89DhpZ5a0NxEE/s400/mamacooley%2527shouse.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630721483821670946" /></a>For those that don't know this, we have a large farm here in West Georgia. About 700 acres of hay, cattle, a granite quarry, a small kitchen garden, and about 22 rental properties. So as you can imagine, there's no lack of things to do. I don't weigh enough to operate the tractor to bale hay so lately I've been working on the rental houses. One of which was my great-grandparent's house, built in 1900 by my Great Grandpa, fondly referred to as Daddy Cooley (James Brinkley Cooley). And like any 111 year old house it has its issues. A few cracks in the doors (all original) and unfortunately the last renters didn't treat it as well as it deserved. Let's just say I gagged when I walked in for the first time. (Think non-pottytrained animals and pests.) <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTFidHGDgaMeanB6jO7YE-kV9gcPrEcIg8014IH-p-ClpyL-svASYnMYblWq4qgLeRM7YltXVgeTw_v8g6LPYdsPmZZtlY7NIPb4X47TxlF7p5uZNxUeUeVVYQg8-mRgFhnJYyBt8xFNA/s1600/mamacooley%2527sporch.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTFidHGDgaMeanB6jO7YE-kV9gcPrEcIg8014IH-p-ClpyL-svASYnMYblWq4qgLeRM7YltXVgeTw_v8g6LPYdsPmZZtlY7NIPb4X47TxlF7p5uZNxUeUeVVYQg8-mRgFhnJYyBt8xFNA/s400/mamacooley%2527sporch.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630721799524632834" /></a>Anyway, I've been put in charge of turning the house around and getting it ready to rent again. And wouldn't ya know it, we already have renters ready to move in August first! So between replacing the floors, cleaning, and completely renovating the porch, I'm a busy girl. The porch has been my favorite and most time-consuming because porches just hold so much meaning. So much happens on a Southern porch. It's simply a part of life here and this porch has always been special to me. It has seen many births, deaths, marriages, parties, cookouts, and even served as a bedroom for Daddy Cooley before AC found its way to LaGrange. Yep, he slept on the porch. It served as a place to shell butterbeans, shuck corn, tell exaggerated stories, pull pranks, and watch the sun set while rocking in a handmade rocking chair. It's where Mama Cooley rang the bronze dinner bell her momma used and where the "kid table", made of plywood on top of sawhorses sat every Sunday. My grandmother was born in this house and my grandfather proposed to her on the steps of this porch that's seen it all. It still has it's original wood and banisters and I've seen so many pictures of my mom as a little girl sitting on the steps grinning and holding a different animal in each picture. Oh, and the clothesline out back is still the same one that my momma's pony ran under and knocked her off with when she was about 8. So needless to say, I love this porch and I love this house. And I hope I do it justice.Alysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02921782882643553714noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096365216797744285.post-39334955150306281182011-07-12T12:13:00.000-07:002011-07-12T12:27:23.142-07:00Bridal Shower! (As Promised!)<center>Look at me on top of things! I've been running around like a crazy person getting things ready for the meeting with the recruiter tomorrow and I just received another e-mail seconds ago informing me that a recruiter is also reviewing my resume for a position at Emory! Sweet! I plan on staying in GA for about two weeks so I don't have to drive back and forth over and over. So if any of you lovely ladies are in LaGrange, HOLLA! Momma and I also plan on making a trip over to her alma mater, Auburn, (WAR EAGLE!) for the day sometime while we're up there. I'll be sure to post pics from Toomer's. :) But without further ado, here are some of my favorite pics from the bridal shower we hosted last weekend! I literally made all the decorations, favors, and a majority of the food. It was a blast. I should totes do it for a living. Who wants a party planner!? Ok I'm done rambling. Enjoy! (P.S. Not posting a ton of pics of the guests because I don't really know many of them. Respecting some privacy.)</center><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs0JGQwu_-qmh-6FIJPz4TeygsZ_-hB19TABuvVJysbd1Qp2ML8QxkOMas8RFlpwfF4se5WKT0IdKtMWxddcCa64C5p0woy7HxJZosCudfykQlgqZeYi6ZR905sDK-hipAgqRuVb5kNZ4/s1600/Jenn%2527s+Bridal+Brunch.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 330px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs0JGQwu_-qmh-6FIJPz4TeygsZ_-hB19TABuvVJysbd1Qp2ML8QxkOMas8RFlpwfF4se5WKT0IdKtMWxddcCa64C5p0woy7HxJZosCudfykQlgqZeYi6ZR905sDK-hipAgqRuVb5kNZ4/s400/Jenn%2527s+Bridal+Brunch.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628547370450119650" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpfM_AInnnI-zjoGfxZsWmftQJdakcNDRxsSuIVhmkMPJX76873EhwQ0RoP5uqueuS5tgM0syvGa6-gKeZt9ckYircY8IM4E2mtLUIG4Wc-ekuM8rwGPN-V77xTaMRTyOVXU5W5pw8iNk/s1600/blog15.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpfM_AInnnI-zjoGfxZsWmftQJdakcNDRxsSuIVhmkMPJX76873EhwQ0RoP5uqueuS5tgM0syvGa6-gKeZt9ckYircY8IM4E2mtLUIG4Wc-ekuM8rwGPN-V77xTaMRTyOVXU5W5pw8iNk/s400/blog15.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628547687113663762" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzq7EfzacoSVWHgA9D2PokZUk6zqOG2fTqO9CD_7pjTplOpd5S2OER4biBzUJ5pkyn59mcAuTLTcbhPBGlCIoSATFMqey99pf3GTnRh3FIS-m38F_LRNpUaCezG8eMYX_Pan_jC4zxU-s/s1600/blog16.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzq7EfzacoSVWHgA9D2PokZUk6zqOG2fTqO9CD_7pjTplOpd5S2OER4biBzUJ5pkyn59mcAuTLTcbhPBGlCIoSATFMqey99pf3GTnRh3FIS-m38F_LRNpUaCezG8eMYX_Pan_jC4zxU-s/s400/blog16.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628548012005227490" /></a><br /><br /><center>The lovely bride with her sister and mother.</center><br /><br /><center>Hope y'all are having a wonderful week so far! I'll try my best to keep y'all posted on interview/job updates. I have a feeling something is going to come up very soon! Feeling oddly calm... but I'll take it!</center>Alysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02921782882643553714noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096365216797744285.post-24468677857348669432011-07-11T16:10:00.000-07:002011-07-11T16:24:34.900-07:00It Just Don't Slow Down!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3EEacQqhejDVYngLe5ktzKwNed-gZ97QXgbYOaF_DngKCMbA2Egg770SaMynfi3qOHhhS386zqUuXOBm_6PI_AyN98DtMUV94vfffD59BCDeoMYa_8p2Qht60AsHjFmfdPM0jQOeyRmw/s1600/keep-calm-and-carry-on_3628.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 207px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3EEacQqhejDVYngLe5ktzKwNed-gZ97QXgbYOaF_DngKCMbA2Egg770SaMynfi3qOHhhS386zqUuXOBm_6PI_AyN98DtMUV94vfffD59BCDeoMYa_8p2Qht60AsHjFmfdPM0jQOeyRmw/s320/keep-calm-and-carry-on_3628.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628239654948337474" /></a>Wow. I suck. I don't know how all you lovely ladies lead such awesome and exciting lives AND still have time to blog every day. It blows my mind. Obvs I don't have those kinds of time management skills. Anywhooooo...<br /><br />Things have been, ohhhh just a wee bit crazy. Not too long after I posted the last post I sent my resume to my bestie's father, who then sent it to an old co-worked in Atlanta, who then sent it to his company's marketing director, who then sent it to a recruiter. Whew. Anyway, the recruiter called and we had a great phone interview. Half an hour later, she asked me to come in the next day for a face-to-face interview with both her and then the marketing director of this GINORMOUS international company. Umm, yes. Of course I'll be there. Nevermind that means waking up at 4 am to drive 8+ hours back up to Georgia to be there in time. I totally did it. Me and my giant coffees. Long story short, not sure it went so well, but who knows. Like my mom said, if anyone doubted how much I want a good job, they don't doubt it anymore. After the interview I then drove 2 and a half hours to LaGrange to spend the night at my grandparent's house and then headed back to Florida the next day. On a holiday weekend. You can only imagine the traffic. But again, it was an experience and I'm better for it. <br /><br />Since then, my mom and I managed to throw a BOMB-A** bridal shower for a girl I grew up with. Pictures to come ASAP because for real, not to toot my own horn, but toot toot! Not only that, but today I was asked to make the bride's veil. As in take her mother's old veil, sew on new lace, and attach it to a comb. No pressure or anything.<br /><br />But the fun don't stop there folks! Guess who got ANOTHER call from a recruiter today!? That'd be me! That's right I'm heading back up to Georgia after my post op in Gainesville Wednesday and meet with the recruiter Thursday afternoon to discuss a marketing position with a manufacturing company in Kennesaw. Should be interesting. Fingers crossed! <br /><br />And that's about it for now. I promise to put the bridal shower pictures up as soon as I can - hopefully tomorrow. So stay tuned for some eye-candy! <br /><br />Hope all of you lovely ladies are doing well!Alysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02921782882643553714noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096365216797744285.post-69085365987985344832011-06-27T07:20:00.001-07:002011-06-27T07:28:14.343-07:00To Do List<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVQSnp1hQZ-01o00a6XvLE-JPvhpeVWf4RpiAyDDvq4Xg7esiJlOmnZcl6WYnfrnNXCxf0YYitKFDYBL-JBRyhnhZvnRllAHrqD4GrPApsDtf8mKOS_XLf8z1zCHjLAb23OqpspvKrlhg/s1600/to_do.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 309px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVQSnp1hQZ-01o00a6XvLE-JPvhpeVWf4RpiAyDDvq4Xg7esiJlOmnZcl6WYnfrnNXCxf0YYitKFDYBL-JBRyhnhZvnRllAHrqD4GrPApsDtf8mKOS_XLf8z1zCHjLAb23OqpspvKrlhg/s320/to_do.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622906253169950002" /></a><br /><br /><center>Okay, so things are FINALLY starting to settle down a little. My ear surgery went well, thank goodness and recovery has been soooo much better than the last one. We're all very thankful for that. I spent a week in Georgia at my grandparents' house doing work for the farm (not manual labor, just paying the bills, taxes, collecting checks from renters, stuff like that), but now I'm back in Florida and have the house to myself so I can crack down on my to do list. <br /><br />1. Find a job. <br /><br />2. Finally finish unpacking so I can stop living out of boxes.<br /><br />3. Find a job. <br /><br />4. Get majorly crafty to prepare for an upcoming bridal shower Momma and I are throwing.<br /><br />5. Find a job. <br /><br />6. Wash my car.<br /><br />7. Find a job. <br /><br />Yeah that pretty much covers it. Hope y'all have a wonderful Monday! (I'm sure that's possible, right?)<br /><br />P.S. If anyone knows of any jobs in the Atlanta area please help a sister out! E-mail me! alyson.m.hart@gmail.com Thanks lovelies :)</center>Alysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02921782882643553714noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096365216797744285.post-32888118595310362762011-06-14T05:09:00.001-07:002011-06-14T05:25:12.289-07:00I'm Alive... Barely.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUE9D6pM5M3BXIgw6Iiz08W800PMzCM9KCXUd7F_rpytzE3-xPAfCsEsJVo7J22Z4rl5LY3ew4qOwaZg8cms3HJMA4SObRHBlGFGwL-S8DDdgACtBllDzlzoT_g7PhKHsPcZK6_vB-mTg/s1600/exhausted3.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUE9D6pM5M3BXIgw6Iiz08W800PMzCM9KCXUd7F_rpytzE3-xPAfCsEsJVo7J22Z4rl5LY3ew4qOwaZg8cms3HJMA4SObRHBlGFGwL-S8DDdgACtBllDzlzoT_g7PhKHsPcZK6_vB-mTg/s400/exhausted3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618046616964098370" /></a>This is exactly how I feel right now. I'm exhausted! Since I've been MIA for the past few weeks, let me catch y'all up. <br /><br />I shipped all my stuff home and flew to Orlando on a red-eye flight on which the man behind me proceeded to kick my chair the ENTIRE four and a half hours. I tried to lean my chair back, he'd push it up. Needless to say, I didn't get any sleep. Oh, and I lost my earplanes in the middle of the flight, so decent was super fun on my poor ear. <br /><br />After I landed I was reunited with my mom and dad (tears from mom and me) and we headed to Tiny Town, Florida. Not 10 minutes into the drive my dad was hounding me about graduate school and the first argument began. Sweet, right? But we survived and made it home, where I immediately went to sleep for... 30 minutes. Long day of errands and then I headed off to Orlando with the bestie for her Bachelorette Partyyyy! We had soooo much fun, even though the minivan (that's right, kickin' it in the minivan!) we all squeezed into got towed during dinner and when we called the police dept. to find which towing company took it they didn't have on record anyone towing it, so then we thought it was stolen and they sent a cop out to stay with us until we found something out, and one of my ex boyfriend's (who is the sister of the bride's good friend) came and picked us up to ferry us back home. Awkward and hilarious at the same time. <br /><br />Then after that it was off to Blue Ridge, GA for the wedding which was stunning and super fun. I have an amazingly gorgeous best friend and that's all there is too it. Sorry I don't have any pictures up. I was so busy running around setting things up that I never had much time to take some.<br /><br />Then it was back to Florida for a multitude of doctor's appointments. One of which almost stopped my heart completely. I think I posted a little vague somethin'-somethin' about some "girl" issues I've been having. Well on my last pap, it came back abnormal and they've detected what looks like precancerous cells on my cervix. I'm 22. I FREAKED. Went to the Dr. the next day and she said this isn't anything to get too worried about yet. It's treatable and cervical cancer takes decades to form. So, with God's help and y'all's prayers I should be just fine. It was immensely terrifying at the time though. And speaking of health, I go in for my THIRD ear surgery this Friday. We drive over to Gainesville Thursday for my pre-op and then surgery is Friday morning. Bleh. Hopefully this one will go much better than the last one though. <br /><br />And to cheer myself up over all of this I had a garage sale this past weekend to get rid of all my old stuff. AKA clothes from middle school, old boyfriend's clothes, old stalker's weird presents, etc. I made a pretty penny and now I'm going shopping. Which actually means I'll just be keeping my friend company while she shops since I'm unemployed and all. But hey, it's all good! <br /><br />And if you made it this far, bless you. I promise to not be such a Debbie-Downer anymore. I really am feeling much better and am just ready to be past this speed-bump in my life. MOVING FORWARD!Alysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02921782882643553714noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096365216797744285.post-55062970025482175102011-05-18T10:38:00.000-07:002011-05-18T10:58:31.223-07:00The Big Move... back.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6m_LWcW4srDZliUMIdhzPLiWbFGG9vO7ilzkHCQwrLA4NpqLxbwbppZ22JYUJ5C-TLH2OSX6eQjYv0AWAd-KTfSeMnJ2TjycDHb_pzczMhjzd8jAU_jRj6NzAjHRFx3FMBc5xsf0lx6s/s1600/moving.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 294px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6m_LWcW4srDZliUMIdhzPLiWbFGG9vO7ilzkHCQwrLA4NpqLxbwbppZ22JYUJ5C-TLH2OSX6eQjYv0AWAd-KTfSeMnJ2TjycDHb_pzczMhjzd8jAU_jRj6NzAjHRFx3FMBc5xsf0lx6s/s400/moving.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608112138285173346" /></a> Sorry again for not posting as often as I should. Things have been pretty crazy. I'll start where I left off and try to keep it as short as possible...<br /><br />1. I sold my wonderful car. And cried like a baby. I listed her on Craigslist (sketch) and within minutes my phone was ringing off the hook. I convinced NTP to do all the talking just so they didn't get any girl-all-alone creepy ideas. Long story short, we ended up selling her to the first people that came to look at her. They made an offer right on the spot and I took it. I made more money than I expected to, so that was good, but I was still so sad to see her go. It was time though. <br /><br />2. I've been on a packing rampage. Since I just sold my car I'm obviously not driving across the country back to the Southeast. Soooo I've been slowly shipping stuff home for the past month. But now it's crunch time. Unfortunately, I'm not a very smart packer because I keep packing/shipping things I end up needing later. Side note: you should have seen me trying to help NTP carry a giant heavy box down the stairs in my heels. He was laughing so hard he almost dropped the box. Twice. <br /><br />3. My emotions are all over the place. One minute I can't wait to go home and hug my parents and the next minute I'm clinging to NTP like I'll never see him again (we'll only be apart for 2 months - but it still sucks). I'm ready to finish this job, but at the same time I hate the thought of going back on the job hunt. Plus it was really nice that NTP and I got to work together. However, we've had a lot of problems with work that will be nice to be rid of. Also, I'm so sad that I JUST made a wonderful friend, Amy over at <a href="http://sweethomeamy.com/">Sweet Home Amy</a>, through Twitter and now I'm moving away from her! I'm REALLY going to miss our Taco Tuesday margaritas at Cabo Cantina! So like I said, a lot of mixed emotions... however I do have one thing to look forward to...<br /><br />4. MY BEST FRIEND'S WEDDING! The lovely <a href="http://eatyourcakeandhaveittoo.blogspot.com/">Miss Kyla</a> is getting married to her handsome high school sweetheart whom I adore. I board a plane in LA Friday night and I arrive in Orlando Saturday morning, just in time to scarf down some Dunkin' Donuts (oh how I've missed it!), get a much needed hair cut, scarf down on Sonny's and some sweet tea (this goes without explanation), and then prepare for Bachelorette Party festivities! It's going to be a blast and I can't wait to be reunited with some of my favorite girls! Then after a couple days of staring at my momma (I miss her something awful) I'll be making the trek up to Georgia with the always awesome and adorable <a href="http://planacourtingly.blogspot.com/">CBK</a> for the wedding! I'm so glad I'll have a bunch of exciting things to take my mind off of the tumult of my life. <br /><br />Things will work out. They have to. Besides, God has it all figured out already anyway. :)Alysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02921782882643553714noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096365216797744285.post-71840241841319503662011-05-06T10:30:00.000-07:002011-05-06T10:40:57.868-07:00Old Faithful<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb8G9_5YWVq3bJc1OOKhuEnWdix1SNVneLeqSG5l09rbq6271M8CoPHDx9yGIrg5DF1pXWQaveUt7GeiJFHzBqbhS3W0g3MGlLwZPbmtWV0YVrJMy7hevFqVD17ogg4wpq0Y9rlOtH5Ao/s1600/volvo2.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb8G9_5YWVq3bJc1OOKhuEnWdix1SNVneLeqSG5l09rbq6271M8CoPHDx9yGIrg5DF1pXWQaveUt7GeiJFHzBqbhS3W0g3MGlLwZPbmtWV0YVrJMy7hevFqVD17ogg4wpq0Y9rlOtH5Ao/s400/volvo2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603657354923444690" /></a>I've officially listed Old Faithful for sale on craigslist. :( Sad day. I've already had one phone call, but I completely chickened out that I wouldn't know any answers to their questions that by the time I shoved the phone in NTP's hand to answer we missed the call and they didn't leave a message. Lame. <br /><br />I have two weeks before I leave California to sell her and if I don't (or I get offered under $1500, then I'm giving her to charity so someone that really needs her can enjoy her as much as I have.<br /><br />I've been completely emotional about selling my sweet car. We've been through so much together, ya know!? I got her from my mom when I was 16 and we've been together ever since. We made it through high school and endless trips to the beach, through a rear-end collision on a bridge one rainy night after the bestie's birthday celebration in Orlando (with only a scratch on the back bumper! Hello super safe Volvo!), we went to college together and enjoyed driving through tree covered canopy roads in Tallahassee, and then we drove across the country together to California! She's a trooper and I love her dearly. <br /><br />I'm going to cry buckets when I sell her/give her to charity, but it's time. Time to move on to a new chapter in my life. I'm trying to think of moving back to the Southeast as a fresh start and not a step back. It's time for a new car, in a new city, in a new state, to make new memories in for the next 13 years. <br /><br />I love you Old Faithful. I hope your next owner loves you as much as I have.Alysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02921782882643553714noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5096365216797744285.post-37135351694302478872011-05-05T10:45:00.000-07:002011-05-05T10:58:06.806-07:00Keep Calm and Carry On<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwyqbmCbwZGs3ZzOT9WdYxL3tT5IfB0p8ATwyFQcJK6pJloZzM1DxxOTr9A0l4IybJXt2euUWbAmoG3PlXy01jvElcDDT7LvclY3EaJBEz-y6hSsAXz4wxo7BqHwWkBTkd-riOUWjDBiE/s1600/keep-calm-and-carry-on_3628.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 259px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwyqbmCbwZGs3ZzOT9WdYxL3tT5IfB0p8ATwyFQcJK6pJloZzM1DxxOTr9A0l4IybJXt2euUWbAmoG3PlXy01jvElcDDT7LvclY3EaJBEz-y6hSsAXz4wxo7BqHwWkBTkd-riOUWjDBiE/s400/keep-calm-and-carry-on_3628.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603289857321415906" /></a>It's no secret that things have been rough over the past year. From moving across the country, 6 months without a job, eventually getting a job where I'm constantly frustrated and cry in the car at least once a week, deciding to go back to school and then realizing I can't for at least another year or two, and now moving back to the southeast and practically starting over. I'm having abnormal girl problems (I won't go into detail, but we'll just say I feel like I'm drying up), that have had me constantly concerned for about 5 months now. My dad, a nutritionist and prior professor of anatomy and health, has told me over and over that what's happening is natural and he doesn't think anything is wrong. I've seen a doctor who says I'm fine, but I'm getting a second opinion when I get home just to make sure. Who knows, maybe it's just the BC the last doc put me on. I want to have kids someday and this kind of thing really scares me. I also have to have another ear surgery in the middle of June. I'm not as concerned about it as I was the last time because I at least know what to expect. It's going to hurt, and it will be rough, but it could be worse. <br /><br />Basically, I'm struggling to put all my faith in God. I know he has a plan and I know he won't give me anything I can't handle. In my heart I know that completely. But my head won't stop worrying. A year of constant stress is probably what's causing half the health problems in the first place! I'm physically and emotionally exhausted and I'm so so so ready for things to work out and fall into place. <br /><br />But there's only one thing to do. Take a deep breath, say a prayer, and carry on.Alysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02921782882643553714noreply@blogger.com1