Share Some Blogger Love

This week brought some wonderful posts and I was super hard to just pick a few to share with you. But here are my top favs that have stuck with me all week long. 

1. Becoming Adorrable - Why I Won't Say "Yes" More
I will say "yes" to this post. Becca hits the nail right on the head about those darned HuffPost articles demanded all our responses be "yes".

2. Our Nashville Life - Why I Love Taylor Swift Even More Now (and it's not because of her awesome video)
Huge Taylor Swift fan. HUGE. #don'tjudgeme

3. Notes From a Newlywed - Life Updates & a Giveaway
Because sometimes life takes over all of our time and that's perfectly fine. And there are some awesome prizes in that giveaway too!

4. Awash with Wonder - All the Unresolved Things
This is some real honesty about wanting to seem like you have your shit together in a blog post and ending each one on a high note, when in reality you don't really have a clue what you're doing in life.

5. The Rambling Llama - I Could Really Use a Wish Right Now
This post made me tear up a bit. I mean who doesn't want to think that their loved ones who have passed live amongst the stars?

What posts really stuck with you this week??

Linking up with

Spoiled

I am spoiled. But not in the sense that I have diamonds dripping off of me or fancy cars or am able to get Starbucks coffee every day. I prefer silver jewelry and wear only the minimum, I have a 2010 Nissan Versa that I adore, and I'm only allowed to get Starbucks maybe once a week on school days.

What I am spoiled with are the little things in my everyday life. I am so lucky to have an amazing family and to have finally met and married an equally amazing man. I have never wanted for anything and I usually get my way when it comes to what I want. And usually what I want are simple things.

Food
If I don't feel like cooking, Hubs will take me out (this happened last night). I usually get to choose the restaurant and have final say on what I make for dinner.

My mommy makes me whatever foods I want when I visit.

When I was in high school I had braces, so I couldn't eat a few things like corn on the cob. So when we did have that for dinner, my dad always cut the corn off the cob for me so I would eat it. Still does to this day when we eat together.

Home
Mom also gives me first dibs on her home decor when she's decided to change things up, or just doesn't want them anymore. And when I lived in Georgia, I don't think I ever really had to buy paper towels, toilet paper, toothpaste, and body wash because I just raided her stockpile whenever I visited.

My husband puts most of the laundry away because he knows I hate doing it and if it were left up to me, we'd live out of laundry baskets instead of dressers and closets. I never have to change the cat box or take the trash out either.

I have been given free reign when it comes to re-decorating our house (within a budget of course).

Car
Hubs washes my car for me. He also makes sure my tires are properly aired up and that my oil is changed on time.

And if we had a garage (and when we get one) mine will be the one that gets to sleep in there at night (if it's only a one car garage).

During long road trips, Hubs lets me listen to my music more than half the time.

Other
During the long distance portion of our relationship Philip always came to Georgia. The first time I had ever been to Missouri was when I decided to move here.

We changed sleeping sides of the bed because it makes me more comfortable.

I always get to push the cart when we're shopping.


I am truly blessed and very grateful to that the people in my life Love me this much. And I Love them right back and do my best to reciprocate all their kind actions. I just hope and wish that everyone could be this spoiled, all day, every day.

How do the people in your life spoil you?

Linking up with

If you had to choose...

It's been so serious here lately, I thought I would break it up and do a fun post! I saw these "Would you rather" questions on The Rambling Llama a while back, and they looked really fun.

...Watch, Star Wars, or Star Trek?

Star Wars all the way.

...Read on a Kindle or paperback book?
Kindle or iPad. It's so nice that that little device can hold all my books and keeps track of where I left off for me.

...Go to a play or musical?
Musical!! I love musicals.

...Go to the theater or a movie?
Meh movie.

...Hike or bike?
Hike. Biking hurts my butt.

...Wear jeans or chinos?
Jeans.

...Have a Margarita or Pina Colada?
Margarita baby.

...Drink a glass of Guinness or Fat Tire?
neither... How about a XX Amber or Strongbow?

...Crash with friends or stay in a hotel?
Sleepoverrrr!

...Visit Europe or Mexico?
Europe. So much history.

...Vacation in Hawaii or Alaska, and why?
Alaska. mountains > beaches

...Go skiing or snowshoeing?
um I'm pretty sure I'd suck at any snow related activity.

...Travel by plane, train, or automobile?
depends on where I'm going, but most definitely NOT train though.

...Enjoy a houseboat or speed boat?
House boat. All the comforts of home floating on the water.

...Go climbing or zip lining?
Zip lining sounds like so much fun!

...Go to a comedy club or dance club?
Probably comedy. Have you seen me dance?

...Have a night out or evening in?
Nights out are nice, but so are evenings in.

...Watch TV or read a book?
Book for sure.

...Go canoeing or waterskiing?
canoeing.

...Camp in an RV or stay in a tent?
RV! A real bathroom please!

...Use Facebook or Twitter?
Twitter. So much more interaction there.

...Choose a free trip or money?
Money!

...Win the lottery or find your perfect job?
I'm gonna take the easy way out this time and go with lottery.

...Swim in a pool or the ocean?
Pool. No danger of sharks or jellyfish there.

...Watch sports or play sports?
Watch.

...Play dodgeball or kickball?
I'll watch you play :)


Which would you pick?

Mean Girls

source

I know you probably clicked this post thinking it would be about one of our favorite movies, it isn't, but it kinda relates to the movie.

My classes for the early fall session started on Monday evening and I was super excited because three weeks without adult interaction (other than Hubs) was getting to me. My first class, like last session, is my Psych course. I was hoping to see at least one person I knew from the previous session, but that was not the case. So, like any normal human, I started trying to make conversation with my classmates. As the room filled, we all chatted casually, but when I tried to talk to the two girls sitting at the table in front of me it was like I was back in high school again. For the sake of this post, lets call them MG1 and MG2.

Instead of politely responding to my comment to them on what the class was talking about as a whole, I got evil eyes. You know, the why-are-you-even-looking-at-me-much-less-speaking-to-me death stare. I don't care if they don't like me, but how do they know they don't like me if they can't even speak to me? My mom said that maybe they heard how well I did in my previous Psych class and are jealous and/or mad that I'll be a favorite. I told her that was unlikely as I had only been there one session, and none of the people in my previous class were psych majors like all the ones in this class.

Ever the optimistic, I hoped for a fresh start on Wednesday. I got there early, as per the usual, and started finishing up the last few terms to define. Soon after, MG1 entered the room. I looked up from my notebook and again, I was getting that go-eat-sh*t-and-die stare from her. What did I do to deserve such look of hatred from someone I don't even know? MG1 put her books on the table and walked back out. A few minutes later MG2 came strolling in. Same look. Dropped her books and joined MG1 wherever she went.

Well, Amanda, maybe it's just how you are interpreting their behavior. 

NO. It's not. I'm not the only one who is getting these awful looks and the rude behavior. The one friend I did make in that class (who is also in my History class afterwards) is getting the same looks and vibe from them. And another lady I chatted with after class wednesday said the same thing, but shrugged it off as it's just how they are and they don't know any different. And you know what. She's right. I shouldn't let two women who don't even know me to get to me and make me feel bad about myself. I know who I am and what I'm capable of, and if they don't want me as a friend, perhaps they don't deserve me as a friend.

Have you dealt with a mean girl after high school?

Wishing & Hoping & Thinking & Praying

I'm keeping this post short and sweet today, as I have to do a lot of reading before class tonight.

Classes began for me on Monday evening. I'm taking another Psych class and my last history class. Being that I normally wouldn't take evening classes, I was worried I wouldn't know anyone in them. But two people from my Psych class and two people from my history class last session are in my history class this session! I know zero people in my Psych class though. Whomp whomp. And I already don't like a couple of the people in that class. #rudetalkers

I'm linking up for the first time (I don't know what took me so long!) with Anne from Love the Here and Now for Wednesday Wishes. My wish for this session is, of course, to pass both my classes, and to really become friends with a few of the people I meet at school.

What are you wishing for?

Check your "Other" Inbox

I was totally going to re-cap my birthday weekend for you, but it was kinda boring and uneventful after my date day with Hubs on Friday. And then something happened that kinda has taken over my thoughts for the time being. Ok, I'll start from the beginning.

I had to run to the store this morning for cereal and on the drive there, something on the radio caught my attention. If you have a Facebook account, you need to do this. Facebook automatically filters your messages. So there are TWO inboxes. People were calling in saying they discovered siblings they didn't know about, death threats, information on cheating partners, etc just from checking that "other" inbox. Of course, as soon as I got home, I checked mine. There were only two messages. One was legit spam, thanks Facebook, and the other from someone that could totally change my life.

I responded to this message sent to me back in June, and I hope to receive some sort of response in the next few days.

I hate that I can't reveal any details or information to you all just yet. It's sort of a big secret, and it's not really even my secret to share. But I will tell you how to check this "other" inbox on Facebook.

Please note that you can only do this on your laptop or desktop computer, it doesn't give an option on the phone or tablet apps. Ok, here we go.

Step 1: On you computer, log-in to Facebook (duh)

Step 2: Click the "messages" tab on the left side bar.

Step 3: Click the "other" tab at the top of the page and voila! You're "other" messages on Facebook.

So do this right now!! You never know what you may find in there!

P.S. If you want to share what you found in your "Other" inbox, please do in the comments!!

Spreading Some Blogger Love

Linking up with All The Joys for Blogger Love: Friday Favorites

This week has had more of a serious reflective feel to it. And sometimes that's ok. I've only got one funny post to share with you this week, but I relate to it just as strongly as I do the others.

1. Arkansassy - Robin Williams, The Act of Suicide, and The Vilification of Mental Illness
I think Ty hits the nail on the head with this post. Seriously, I cried.

2. Ember Grey. - Things I've Caught Myself Saying (Since Working From Home)
All of these, in some form or other, have escaped my lips. And I'm not even sorry.

3. The Best of Intentions - Words That Mean Something
Because all words have a meaning, and those meanings should not be taken lightly.

4. Awash with Wonder - Independent Woman: Feminism, Love, and Money
I love Shannon's writing. And identify with her in so many ways. This post this week I am feeling more than ever, as I am going through a similar situation myself. Granted, not quite as drastic as hers.

5. The Messmers, Party of Two - My St. Louis
Another tragedy this week happening very close to home for me, and even closer for Casey and Eric. I share all of her concerns about future generations. Every. Single. One.

Please stop by these ladies' blogs and let their words speak to your heart as they have mine. Perhaps you'll make some revelations of your own.

Have a wonderful weekend!

P.S. Today is my birthday and despite all of my personal struggles leading up to this day, I am happy and content with my life and where it has taken me. I've done rather well for myself and am in a wonderful place, even if it isn't where I thought I'd be when I was 17. So Happy Birthday to me!

It's My Birthday & I'll Freak Out If I Want To

My 21st birthday tiara!

I don't feel like writing a clever introduction for this post, so I'm just gonna get right to it.

I'm not dealing well with this whole birthday/getting older thing happening to me tomorrow. 

Being almost thirty is really getting to me. And not because of the number itself really. It's more about where I thought I'd be in my life and where I actually am. You see, when I was 17 I had great plans for my life, and I am not even close to where I thought (and wanted) to be. I imagined myself graduated college and starting a fantastic career at 21-22, married by 23, baby by 25, and perhaps another by 27. It's amazing how one's dreams and goals change in just ten years. 

Then life punched me in the face a few times and my dreams and goals had to adjust. I ended up leaving college after one year, because money. I moved out on my own at 19 and worked my ass off (with no car) just to prove I could make it without help (and I did! Told ya so, Mom!). Almost married the wrong guy at 23, and then had to start all over again. Finally, after a few more bad relationships (one was particularly toxic and still affects me to this day), I met Philip (in person) at 26 and my dream of getting married seemed reachable again. But like I said in this post, my feelings about children have changed drastically. 

As I'm getting older, I'm also having to accept that everyone else in my life is getting older too. It's really hard for me to think about my mom being "old," and my grandparents... I just can't. What do you mean we can't do cartwheels together in the back yard anymore?? Then there are my siblings. The youngest, E, is a senior in high school. A SENIOR. In my head E is still 7 years old and will only eat hot dogs, sugary cereal, and PBJ sandwiches. And there's my best friend Melissa. Her son, Zander, started pre-k this week! I was at that hospital for almost 24 hours reminding Melissa to breathe and to help bring that baby into this world (#proudAunt). I was one of the first people to see his tiny red face, to count his tiny fingers and toes, and to hold his tiny body in a bundle of blankets. Why can't they stay babies forever?? I'm not even going to go into the happenings of my grade school "friends" on Facebook that have made me feel behind/old.

I feel like everyone is getting older/growing up, and I'm just sitting here still feeling like I'm 17 years old with no idea how to really do this thing called life.

Please don't get me wrong. I Love my husband, and I Love our life together. I wouldn't change a thing about my life because it brought me to where I am today. I'm just feeling a bit sad as I reflect on the dreams of that naive 17 year old girl, and comparing those to the harsh realizations about life I've learned as I am entering the late edition of my twenties.

Saying Goodbye to Robin Williams

Robin Williams ::: picture source

It doesn't feel right to publish the post I had planned for today.

Yesterday a great man died. I know there are many speculations on how and why he died, but to me, it doesn't matter. It won't bring him back, it won't take away the depression he was experiencing. My heart goes out to his family and friends during this painful time.

I think The President said it best:


Robin Williams was an airman, a doctor, a genie, a nanny, a president, a professor, a bangarang Peter Pan, and everything in between. But he was one of a kind. He arrived in our lives as an alien -- but he ended up touching every element of the human spirit. He made us laugh. He made us cry. He gave his immeasurable talent freely and generously to those who needed it most -- from our troops stationed abroad to the marginalized on our own streets.

Source

Rest peacefully Robin. You will be so very missed. 

Blogger Love

linking up with All the Joys

I'm going to try something different today for the Friday Favorites Blogger Love link-up. I'm going to share the awesome bloggers I FOUND through this link up as well as a few that I already read.

Blogging Soulmates by By Emily at Family Finta

Ok, I found this post via Meagan at All the Joys and immediately signed up because I am always looking for new bloggy friends. I have found a few friends through blogging, but Emily is making it even easier for you. All you have to do is fill out her form and she'll match you up with your Blogging Soulmate by August 21. Sounds fun right?? I am excited to see who she pairs me with.

How to Convince Your Husband you NEED a Puppy by Chelsea at The girl who loved to write

I found Chelsea via Amanda at Notes from a Newlywed. I have been trying and trying to convince Hubs we NEED a doggy and now I have some ammunition!! I've already tried it out today and he said we could talk more about it when he gets home from work tonight. I think I'm getting there folks!

When Your Spouse Changes Dreams Because of You by Chelsea at The New Wifestyle

I also found this via Amanda at Notes from a Newlywed. She listed some really great posts this week. This post is a huge deal in a lot relationships. The sacrifices and changes we make for our spouses mean a lot, and say a lot about a person.

Life isn't always Blogworthy by Kate at The Florkens

Seriously, it isn't. And sometimes we just need to vent without judgement or sympathy/pity comments.

Blogging 101: Creating a Watermark for Your Photos by Anne at Love the Here and Now

This is so important!! I want everyone to learn how to do this and then actually do it!!



What posts did you LOVE this week?

I May Choose to NOT Reproduce

Over the past few years my feelings about children have changed. If you had asked me in 2009 if I was going to have them and how many did I want, I would have told you "Absolutely!" and "two". Fast forward to 2011, and my feelings started to wane, and have continued to do so to this day.

First, I have to say that after a huge breakup in 2012 I never thought I was going to get married EVER, much less have any kids. (that totally changed when I met Philip, the marriage part, not the kids part)

Second, I was a nanny for about a year in 2009 (plus I am the oldest of seven), so I have a pretty good idea about what goes into being a parent. I'm not saying I know it all, I'm just saying I have an idea.

Third, I'm selfish and lazy. I like my alone time. I like my house being tidy and clean. I like being able to just walk out the door and go somewhere. I like sleeping. I want all of my husband's attention when he's home. I like having money to spend on things for myself or Hubs (or the cats and Bear if I'm being totally honest).

... a child changes everything.

Hubs and I are still working on us, continuing to build on that solid foundation of our relationship so our marriage castle will stand the test of time. And I don't want to do anything to mess that up, and that includes having a baby.

And then there are all of the questions:

What if I'm not a good parent?

Will I get frustrated and angry to easily?

How will childrearing affect my anxiety and depression?

How will we afford a child?

What if the stress of childrearing strains my marriage?

Will the cats accidentally suffocate a baby?

What will we have to give up?

How do we know when/if we're really ready? 

Will I even be able to conceive?

Hubs and I have had a few conversations about having a baby, but nothing super serious yet. We agreed that IF we decide to reproduce, we will only have ONE child. I'm not sure I could handle more. We agreed that discipline will be split as equally as possible. We agreed that our child will not watch snarky Disney Channel TV shows. We agreed that our child will be well-behaved or face consequences. The only things we don't agree on from our conversations so far is our preferred gender. I would want a girl and he wants a boy.

It will be a few years before we really start thinking seriously about having a child. And every time the subject comes up in conversation (because we all know it does), I get the "You're not getting any younger," comment. Yes, I know I'm almost 30. In face, I'll be 28 next friday. Yes, I know it's harder to conceive after 30. Yes, I know how old I might be when a possible child of mine starts college. But wouldn't you rather me wait until I know for sure my husband and I are ready in every possible way to raise a child, than to just pop one out all willy nilly because you think it's time?

So it may or may not happen for us. But you know what? I am determined to be happy either way.

Grateful Heart Monday

Linking up with Ember Grey for #GratefulHeart Monday

I know I say this almost every week, but I cannot say it enough. I so grateful for my husband. He does so much for me, for us. He works so hard and so much to make us a comfortable life, a comfortable future. All the while supporting me and my dreams, do anything and everything to ensure my happiness.

Sorry for the gushy crap today. And I don't mean to make my life sound so amazing and perfect, because it's not. Sometimes I forget to be grateful. When he huffs and puffs if I ask him to help me cook dinner. When I've had a bad day. When he turns the volume up too loud while playing the PS4 while I try to study. When he leaves his dirty socks on the couch. When he gets frustrated too easily at a task. When I get frustrated at a task. It's these time when I need to stop and take a breath and remember that these little things do not make a bad life, only a bad moment.

Philip is an amazing man and he deserves the best. I don't think I always succeed, but I try every day to make sure he knows how much I appreciate and love him.


What are you grateful for?

Share the Love + The Accent Challenge

It's Friday chickadees! Friday means the weekend is here and I get to share with you some of my favorite posts I've read this week.

Let's start with:

1. Kate from The Florkens - Don't Try So Hard
This link up is amazing. It's so hard to get caught up in covering up our flaws, but sometimes we need to wipe the makeup off and love ourselves the way we are.

2. Kay from The Best of Intentions - Six Months
Turning 25 is kind of a big deal and some of us handle it better than others. Kay is handling it about like I did (check out my comment).

3. Anne From Love the Here and Now - 5 Things I Need to Survive
This list. 100% agree. It may be a bit shallow, but you know you need these things too!

4. Taylor from The Daily Tay - LinkedIn Suggests You Congratulate Taylor
Why shouldn't we get a pat on the back for our everyday victories??

5. Meighan from The Meighan Project - Lessons Learned
A little lesson in dealing with "haters" from your real life. (She has disabled comments on this post, but I still feel like it needs to be read.)

**************************************************************

Today is also The Accent Challenge. Kay did this last Friday and it looked super fun so Allie made it an official link-up. I am lucky to have some editing software, but this is the first video I've ever made and edited of myself. #n00b

A few things before you watch it:
1. I have the voice of a 10 year old girl.
2. I talk with my hands, but you can't see them *sad face*
3. For some reason I am sucking my teeth a lot making that weird "tch" sound. I have no idea what that's about.

If you are having trouble viewing the video click here. 

Funny story. While watching the part when I talk about my southern accent being heavier when I'm upset, Hubs laughs and says "That is why I can never take you seriously!" Thanks hunny. But ya know, at least it's an indicator of my distress.

And I will leave you with this song to start your weekend. It's got a great message and it's catchy. I hope it gets stuck in your head like it's been stuck in mine.

And if you like that, check out some behind the scenes footage from the video shoot here.

Have a wonderful weekend!!

Linking up with