Don't Try, Just Do

I've said before that I work best under pressure. I would rather study 12-hours-per-day for 4 straight days and then be completely finished than spread it out over two weeks and leisurely complete the work. Sure, it's not necessarily the most stress-free option, but over many years of schooling it has proven to provide the most optimal results.

While in my typical morning routine (wherein I post-pone everything to read blogs, check email and scroll through Facebook while sipping on coffee that was inevitably delivered to my bed) I read an article that made me sit up.

Read it. It's pretty short. I'll wait.

Even though my procrastinate-and-push-through mentality has always worked in the past, I have recently been trying to procrastinate less. Yet, here I am, 5 days away from the end of finals, setting myself up for the same routine I have done many times before. Trying is not working.

I need to stop trying to study for that exam. I need to stop trying to get through one more case, or one more paragraph, or one more outline. I need to stop making excuses. I need to just DO it.

Like the author said, it's time to remove the word "TRY" from our vocabulary.

It's worthless. It's time-filler. Much like the word "wait." (I added that.)

It simply provides us with an excuse to not get off our butts and get things done.

So, as soon as I hit publish, I will jump out of bed, get dressed, and do my work!

My Christmas List

As promised, here is my Christmas list this year. It's a little long and ranges from silly, little stocking-stuffers to gifts of granduer. It's Christmas after all, the season for fun and dreams!

And giving to your blogger friends! {wink wink}

Click to enlarge any photos...

Books, Movies & CD's

Black Swan

The Kings Speech

The 4-hour Body - Timothy Ferriss

The Time of Our Lives - Tom Brokaw

The Help - Kathryn Stockett

The Perfectly Imperfect Home - Deborah Needleman

Michael Buble - Christmas

Clothing & Accessories

Leopard Chain Wrap Watch - Windsor

Beige Snowflake Earmuffs - Topshop

Plaid Top Leather Gloves - Merona c/o Target

OPI Touring Collection - c/o Amazon

Crossing Paths Clutch - Le Mode Accessories

Fushia Chiffon Trim Tee - Old Navy

Green Hunter Rain Boots - c/o Zappos

Things & Stuff

Whiskey Stones - Uncommon Goods

Flokati Rug - IKEA

Fresh Balsam Three-wick Candle - B&BWorks

Supreme Court Hot/Cold Mug - Uncommon Goods

Presto Cool-touch Griddle - Target

BYO Lunch Tote - c/o Amazon

Big Ticket Items

Amazon Kindle Touch 3G

Flip Ultra Video Camera

Under $10 Items

Glitter Cell Phone Clutch - Forever 21

"Hydra" Lip Gloss Wand - Sephora

C.O. Bigelow Pink Mint Lip Gloss - c/o B&BWorks

Sheer Dot Ankle Socks - Old Navy

December

We are now almost 5 days into the month of December and I am still reeling from all the stuff I didn't get done in November. Nonetheless, the world keeps spinning and somehow the days keep ticking off the calendar. Finals start this week and go through the 14th. Al gets into town on the 17th and we start Christmas festivities with his family immediately. I am done Christmas shopping, so I should be able to focus on my school work without too much distraction. Tomorrow, I'm going to share with you my Christmas wishlist. What a better way to start a Monday than pining over my favorite new obsessions?

In the meantime, enjoy a group of great guys that I've known for quite a few years. They are currently on their cross-country Christmas tour and, of course, looking for ways to pass the time. In this video, they rap about one of the greatest places on earth: Minnesota.

Common Courtesy

First off, I am sorry I've been m.i.a. recently. I am caught up in the perfect storm of finals, holiday prep and other Christmas fun. I am also sorry that my first post back after my absence has to be so negative. Alas, it is.

I ventured to Caribou Coffee today for their $2 drink special (and to do homework so I could take the night off for a Christmas party.) I knew it would be busy because of the deal, but I figured most people would be getting coffee and heading back out to shop or whatever.

When I got there, it was pretty busy. I set my stuff at one of the small tables because the larger study tables were all in use. It's important to note that the larger study tables are the only ones with outlets to plug in computers, so there really isn't an alternative for laptop users. There are, however, many other tables for people just hanging out and enjoying their coffee. On top of that, there are signs posted that say to limit your time and share space with others.

Anyway, I order my coffee hoping that one of the tables will open up shortly. After a few minutes, I notice one pair start to throw away garbage and put their stuff away. Around that time, an elderly woman walked by with her coffee. Naturally, I offered her my chair. I told her that I was happy to give her my seat and I was just waiting for one of the outlet tables to open up.

The pair of ladies heard me, looked at me with smiles and proceeded back into their conversation. I was left standing near them, with my two bags and jacket in hand. Stunned. TWENTY MINUTES later, they were still sitting there, talking about someone's kid and PTA or some such. Finally, a small table in the corner opened up and I was able to access an outlet.

Perhaps they were not done and in fact it just appeared as though they were. And perhaps they didn't hear exactly what I said to the other lady, but still. To me, it's a pretty clear unwritten rule that if there are other seats open, and a laptop user comes in, you either offer to switch, or try to speed up your conversation. It just seems like common courtesy.

Just like I offered my seat to the elderly lady, they should have had the awareness to offer me their table. Especially, since there were many other tables open that worked for their needs and none that worked for mine.

Am I totally crazy here?

Happy Thanksgiving!

I just wanted to stop in and wish ya'll a Happy Thanksgiving!

I am thankful for my husband who continues to sacrifice for his country and our family which keeps him away from me for yet another holiday.

I am thankful for my great friend Jess, for inviting my husband to her Thanksgiving table today. That really means a lot to me (and to him.)

I am thankful for my family, here in Minnesota, who make the holidays overwhelmingly amazing every single year and don't mind the fact that my biggest holiday skill is wine-selection.
I am thankful for my friends who keep me busy with holiday parties and other festivities so I never feel alone.

And, finally, I am thankful for you, my readers (and friends) who give me reason to express myself each and every day.

Thank you! For everything!

~~~~000~~~~000~~~~000~~~~000~~~~

I won't be officially celebrating with my family until Sunday, so today is just another relaxing day for me - complete with the Macy's Parade and other great TV.

Speaking of which, tell me that someone else find this hilarious:

I seriously can not wait to watch this tonight. I mean, it's a bunch of science-y rednecks using high-tech machines to toss pumpkins! It simply has to be hilarious.

Loosen your belt loops and have an extra slice of pie for me. I love you all!

But It's Worth It

Al is the most amazing man I know. He is selfless, hard-working, strong and has a beautiful soul. He's also smokin' hot! But at times, he tests my patience. He is stubborn and fiercely independent and never asks for help. He can be closed-off and quiet. And when you're 1400 miles apart, that can be grueling.

Sometimes I need a reminder that all the struggles, the work, the fights, the tears have a purpose. They make me stronger. They make us stronger. They make every second of our life together count for something. Each tear and every moment of frustration is minute compared to the moments of happiness. In those moments I am safe. I am loved. And I know that the rest of my life will be shared with the most amazing man I've ever met.

I have never, ever had a more difficult challenge. But, in the end, it is so worth it.

"Worth It" Francesca Battistelli

Love's not a feeling

Love's not convenient

But I know love will change your life

Love takes sacrifice

Love cuts like a knife

Sometimes love will make you cry

Love's not easy

But it's worth it

Love is a hunger

But love won't leave you empty

See it's the language of the heart

Love can steal your pride

But love won't let you hide

It takes everything you've got

Love's not easy

But it's worth it

(Chorus)

What you gonna do when the bottom falls out

And you're left with nothing

But your fear and your doubt to hold to

Who will hold you

Where you gonna run to

When it's all on the line

And you're looking for someone to save your life

To save your life

Love can hear you

Love can heal you

If you let it inside

Oh, remember now

Love's not easy

But it's worth it

Everyone Else Is...I am Not.

Pregnant.

Remember when I told you I had the fever? And we tried when I was in Texas?

Well, that's it. Round #1 was a failure.

I took a test. It was negative. Two days later, I got my period.

Now, I have no business complaining about this on our first try. I know many wonderful couples struggling to conceive who have tried much, much longer. Plus, who gets pregnant on their first try anyway (other than that girl in high-school...)

But it still seems like everyone is pregnant. Everywhere.

It surprised me how sad I was when I only saw one little line.

I had no idea how much I really wanted to be pregnant.

Alas, I am not. And we have to wait until December to try again.

But try we will, because I really, really want to see that second pink line.

The Lamp

Remember how I told you about the awesome skills my husband has? Well, here is the lamp he built out of a wine bottle, an old string of Christmas lights and some wiring he found in the dumpster. Oh, and he used his bare hands. Sexy, huh?

I suggested he try some different designs with the glass etching and I started collecting wine bottles in different colors. Hopefully, we can turn this idea of his into something we can give as gifts and/or decorate our home with. But for the first go at it, I think it's pretty spectacular!

Stuffed Croissants

I had some girlfriends over on Friday night and made these.

Source: quick-dish.tablespoon.com via Melissa on Pinterest

The original recipe is here, but I made a few modifications.

For one, I only made the broccoli and cheese version because some of my guests were vegetarians and those seemed quicker than the black bean version.

Second, I made two options: 1) broccoli, mushroom and pepper jack cheese and 2) broccoli and mozzerella cheese. They were both delicious.

I used a steam-bag for the broccoli and cooked them part-way before cutting them up and putting them into the croissants.

Finally, I found it difficult to wrap the dough as you would a normal croissant - at least without skimping on the stuffing contents. So, instead, I just wrapped them like croissants and folded up the edges a bit so I could put more yumminess inside them!

Bake them per the instructions on the Pillsbury can and you're good to go!

Veterans Day

I was going to write-out a long list of all the soldiers and veterans in my life to acknowledge their service and thank them for it. When I started the list, however, I realized how long it really was.
I am so blessed to have so many wonderful men and women in my life who have served or are currently serving our country.

Thank you, all of you, for your service.

Happy Veteran's Day!