Top Eight Posts of 2011 {and my Top Three}

According to my blogger stats, these were the top eight posts in 2011 {based on page views & comments.}

8. A Letter to My Sister

1/3/11

63 pageviews and 5 comments

7. A Brilliant New Packing Strategy: Guest Post by Annoyed Army Wife

5/9/11

139 pageviews and 6 comments

6. My BIG Announcement

4/26/11

8 comments

5. And the Army Strikes Again

1/14/11

144 pageviews and 8 comments

4. The Fever: TMI Alert

8/22/11

10 comments

3. Community

2/24/11

16 comments

2. I'm Getting Married...

1/6/11

16 comments

1. All Dressed Up: Graduation Dress Options

5/25/11

64 pageviews and 17 comments

I have added my top three favorite posts of 2011 {based on my own prerogative.}

3. Law School Unplugged

9/20/11

2. Making the Hard Choices

6/14/11

1. Wedding Weekend

2/1/11

I'm away for the weekend (again) enjoying time with Al and ringing in the new year.

Happy New Year, friends!

Christmas Card Book

I saw this pin awhile back. The concept is so ridiculously simple, I probably didn't need to pin it. But as we all know, if you don't pin it, you will certainly never actually do it.

Today, while I was de-Christmasfying my place, I decided to make a book out of my Christmas cards instead of just throwing them all away. After all, I love looking at those lovely faces all year round. I also figured it would be a great way to archive each year as my friends and family change and grow!

I have pictures and the steps themselves are pretty self-explanatory. I used some Christmas string instead of metal rings, but either options allows you to add to the book if you receive some of those straggling cards over the next week or so.

Christmas Wishlist Review

In the aftermath of Christmas, I am overwhelmed by how great it has been. I was so spoiled by my family and have been relishing all my time with Al. {I am also in complete denial that I start J-term in less than a week.}

I got a couple of the things I really wanted from my Christmas gift wishlist.

1. Cream earmuffs

2. Whiskey Rocks

3. BYO Lunch Tote

4. C.O. Bigelow Mint Lipgloss (x3)

I have some Visa giftcards burning a hole in my pocket and I will probably pick up one or two of the other items on that list when I get the chance. In the meantime, I am getting things tidied up around here so we can head out the farm for Al's last weekend.

Oh, I'm in denial that Al's leaving too...

Brown

I have a few minutes to check in before my day starts, so I thought I would say hi. We have been busy since Al got into town on Saturday, although most of it has been relaxing. We spent time out at the farm with my in-laws and had our Christmas celebration with them. We played cards, enjoyed delicious food and drinks and just got to have fun together. I think Al really needed some family time and I was more than happy to get away for a few days.

We spent the day yesterday packing my Grandparents house and moving it to their new condo. My entire life, they have owned a house on a lake in Northern Minnesota and when the lived in Germany, they would come back and spend the summer in the home. In 1994, my Grandfather retired and they moved here permanently, settling into that lake home. They are now getting older and just don't need a big house all to themselves, so they took the opportunity to buy a condo closer to the cities (and closer to my mother and aunt.) Last week they received an offer and immediately made plans to pack-up and move their entire home. It went very well, but made for a very long day.

My sister gets into town today and we're running some last-minute errands before hunkering down for the holiday weekend. Having Al here has been a great time and I am simply relishing our time together and trying not to think about how short it's going be. My mom is simply loving his company and even put him to work on an electrical project yesterday. It will be all-Christmas-all-the-time the rest of the weekend, so I will likely not be back to blog until early next week.

Now, if only we could get some snow. It is Christmas after all. Christmas needs to be white.

The Christmas Quiz

We're returning for our time away today, but have so much to do before our dinner party tonight. I likely will not be able to blog until sometime tomorrow.

Until then, please enjoy The Christmas Quiz

(stolen from the lovely Chambanachik)

Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate?

Both! Separate, combined, I don't care. I love it all!

Colored lights on tree/house or white?

White. I think it's classy, simple, serene. I've always liked the idea of a big, gorgeous tree in the main room of the house and another "fun tree" in the basement living room for the kids to decorate with whatever they want.

Do you hang mistletoe?

I never have. That might be a great tradition to start once Al and I are finally celebrating Christmas in a home together.

When do you put your decorations up?

Traditionally, we do it Thanksgiving weekend, but in the past few years it has been a little later. In my own home, it will likely be part of Thanksgiving weekend.

What is your favorite holiday dish?

Portafina Jello. It's made with raspberry jello, cranberry sauce, pineapple and port wine. It has a yummy cream cheese frosting. My grandmother always made it growing up and after a few years she would make an extra batch just for me. When everyone is eating pie, I am having seconds or thirds of Portafina. When I turned 21, she passed the family recipe along to me and I have been in charge of bringing it ever since then.

Favorite Holiday memory as a child?

After Christmas Eve service, we would curl up on the couch with egg nog and cookies. We would read How the Grinch Stole Christmas and the Christmas story from the Bible. It was so simple, but one of my favorite memories to this day.

When and how did you learn the truth about Santa?

I don't exactly recall. At some point, I heard my parents milling about filling stockings and such. What I do remember is that I felt a special responsibility to make sure my sister never found out!

Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?

Always. Since my parents are divorced, we always spend Christmas Eve with my dad and Christmas day with mom and family. When I have my own children, I would allow them to open one gift - a gift for the family to share (like a new game or a movie we can watch together) and we would spend C.E. celebrating that way.

How do you decorate your Christmas tree?

See above.

We always had store-bought fake trees. They were fun and did the job, but they were never as special as the big, real tree at Grandma's house. That will be a certainty when I grow up.

Snow! Love it or dread it?

I'm from Minnesota, when means aside from driving through a blizzard in traffic, I love a good snow. I think it is such an integral part of my entire life, that I could not imagine Christmas without snow.

What is your favorite holiday dessert?

Besides Portafina? (see above.) I don't eat cake or pie much at all, but I like cookies and chocolate. I would say my favorite dessert would be lefse.

What is your favorite holiday tradition?

Too many to count: Christmas Eve-eve driving around to look at Christmas lights; Christmas Eve candlelight service at church; the sledding hill behind Grandma's house...

Candy Canes: Yuck or Yum?

Take it or leave it. They're fun, but I wouldn't miss them.

Favorite Christmas movie?

Little Women. It's not really a Christmas movie, but it's close.

Saddest Christmas song?

Can a Christmas song even be sad?

I guess I would say "Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer." ha!

What is your favorite Christmas song?

There is no way I narrow that down to one song. My top five were reviewed over the last 5 days. A bonus: (a more modern one)

"All I Want for Christmas is You" - Mariah Carey

Favorite Christmas Tune #5

This song is great because it's a fantastic showcase of so much amazing talent.
I listen to orchestras (and especially TSO) when I am studying or need some calming, uplifting and energizing music. This one is by far my favorite compilation.

There are rumors that the guitar parts are done by Metallica, but that has never been confirmed officially. Either way, they take a beautiful song and rock it out - which is why it has my vote!

Favorite Christmas Tune #4

This song is a great reminder, amidst all the presents and food and fun, what the reason, the real reason we celebrate the season. This song also has a special place in my heart because as a child, my mother would save up each year so we could go to the Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith Christmas show. We didn't have a lot of money, so it was the one special thing we did. Always together, enjoying beautiful music in honor of this blessed time of year.

Favorite Christmas Tune #3

In keeping with the classic Christmas songs (and Rat-Pack singers) I bring you the beloved Dean Martin and my favorite duet of all time. In Minnesota, this time of year, it's always cold outside!

Favorite Christmas Tune #2

I tend to love the classics, with both songs and the artists themselves. This one in particular is on repeat in my Christmas playlist. C'mon, it's Mr. Blue-Eyes himself, crooning away. For me. On Christmas. I couldn't be happier!

Favorite Christmas Tune #1

Al arrives today. Wheeee!

I will be joining his family this morning for breakfast and some shopping. Then I will run over to get him from the airport before we head off to the Waterpark of America for the night. It's a great way for all the kids to get together and have a great time and the adults can drink, play cards and be together. We'll do gifts and food and celebrate Christmas together that night. We will be spending the next few days at the farm with his family, so I will not only be out of internet range, but enjoying my time with him. (I'm ovulating...he he.)

Until I return on Tuesday, please enjoy my top 5 favorite Christmas songs of all time.

Today, with my husband returning to me, it is only fitting I would start with this one.

Pistachio Cranberry Christmas Cookies

I just made these...and they are delicious!

Source: the-girl-who-ate-everything.com via Mel on Pinterest

Click on the picture to find the recipe...

For the next few days, I will be m.i.a. Al gets into town tomorrow and we're headed out of town to celebrate with his family. I've lined up some fun posts in my absence.

Have a great weekend!

Christmas Card

I sent out my Christmas cards this week, so most of them will be arriving in the next day or so, if they haven't already. I wanted to share my Christmas letter with you because even though I don't have the time or money to send every single one of my readers a Christmas card, I really do appreciate you!

{click to enlarge}

Merry Christmas and God Bless!

I Won!

Last night, after a long day of studying, I opened my email to find this:

I won!

I won day 8 of Chambanachik's Christmas Giveaway.

The prize: a handmade clutch and earrings from Ines @ The Few, The Proud, The Wife

Check out the prize here.

I am so elated. If you haven't visited Chambanachik's Giveaways yet, please do. There is still time to enter the last few days. She is generously opening her blog and her heart to a lot of people by doing this giveaway and I am so blessed to be a lucky winner!

Please check her out! And have a great Tuesday (I know I will!)

Around Pinterest

Alas, I can't stay away too long.

Let me rephrase, I can't focus on studying too long.

So, I'm going to share my favorite recent pins from the life-sucking sweetness that is Pinterest.

Source: 9gag.com via Mel on Pinterest

And there are so few...

Source: pinterest.com via Mel on Pinterest

A lazy susan for shoes. Heaven in a closet.

Source: thatgirlinpearls.com via Mel on Pinterest

A masculine, yet home-y office space. A few more plants and some extra lighting and this could be my office.

Source: ispy-diy.blogspot.com via Mel on Pinterest

DIY glitter heels. I almost want a pair of heels to wear out so I can try this!

And the best for last...

Source: insidebrucrewlife.blogspot.com via Mel on Pinterest

Eggnog Latte Cupcakes - Holiday perfection!

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!

He Can Do That Too

{I have had an extremely long week and am headed to bed early tonight, however I wanted to stop in and share something with you first.}

I have a pretty stellar husband. He's good-looking, incredibly smart and downright hilarious. He is a loyal friend, a good leader and an expert shot.

And he can pretty much do anything.

Last week, he sent me a text-message with a photo of his dinner. At first I thought nothing of it until he informed me that it was chicken dumpling soup. With dumplings he made. From scratch.

Then today he sends me a photo of a lamp. It's not just any lamp. It is a lamp that he built from an empty wine bottle and a small string of Christmas lights we had in storage. He even found some old lamp parts in the dumpster and wired it up with a few minor tweaks. Finally, he etched a design in the glass that illuminates when turned on.

Total cost = FREE

(Don't worry, I'll share pictures soon.)

I'm telling ya, I got a keeper with this one!

Andes Mint Cookies

After Jaci posted about some cookie options she was thinking of baking for their cookie exchange (of which I am unable to attend - sad face) I mentioned my favorite Andes Mint cookies that I've made in past years.

I had an event at school this weekend, which provided the perfect opportunity to make them and thought I would share with all of you. I used this recipe, although it is not the exact recipe I typically use. That one is in a book. With my husband. In Texas. The good news: I've had both versions and while I notice a slight difference in the two, they are both delicious! Instead of walking you through the steps I took, I'll let you read the recipe for yourself and simply look at my drool-worthy photos to inspire you to rush out and try them yourself.

Enjoy!

Crash Your Party

Have you heard of Karmin? They rock my socks. Pure talent.

They started out doing covers of Top 40 songs and frankly, some of them are better than the originals. After they gained popularity with their cover albums, they started introducing their own music. Those songs are fantastic too! Finally, their personalities are just incredible!

Do you want more reasons why they're amazing?

She has a great sense of style

And great hair

They are recently engaged

She can rap

He can play many different instruments

They are clearly mad about each other

And total humble:

Here is their new song - "Crash Your Party"

And my other favorite original song - "Carbon Copy"

Also, if you're looking for some great reading material for this beautiful fall day, check out my girl JG and her post today. I really could NOT have said it better myself.

Happy Thursday, ya'll!

Halloween Thriller

Happy Halloween!

Pressure

{**This was supposed to post yesterday, but Blogger was giving me fits...Hopefully, it won't throw off my blogging for the rest of the weekend.**}

Of course, I took no pictures of my time in Texas. It's mostly because I spent most of the time curled up on the couch with Al doing absolutely nothing. We did make some delicious meals (like broccoli & chicken casserole and Jiffy pumpkin cheesecake bars) and watched football and the World Series games, but really we just sat around. I didn't even wear the heels I brought for a "special occasion."

Honestly, though, I wouldn't trade the weekend I had for one million special occasions. It was easily one of the best weekends I've had - and we spent it sitting on the couch. Or in bed.

It is no secret that one of our "plans" for the weekend was baby-making. I don't really think details are necessary (or lady-like,) but I can tell you that we did our part as much as we could. It might happen, it might not. We'll have to wait and see.

(Do you buy into my nonchalance? I am trying to carry on with my life and not think about the possibility of being pregnant. It may sound silly, but I'm afraid to want it too much. I'm afraid that I will put too much pressure on myself or my body to produce results and even though stress won't necessarily harm my chances, it certainly can't help.)

In the meantime, we are both taking small steps (or big ones, depending on how you look at it) towards being healthier people. You may recall that we are were both smokers. Him, moreso than me. I decided to quit cold-turkey when I went off birth control back in August. We knew it would be much harder for him to quit, so I gave him his space to quit in terms that worked for him. He told me that if I left him alone, he would be smoke-free by the time I visited in October.

And he was. I am so proud of him. He has been smoking most of his life and was up to smoking half a pack each day. When I was there this weekend, he didn't even have a pack in his possession. Although, he did have a cigarette when I was there, he has made so much progress without a patch, or gum or any other quitting aid. His next step will be to go to the doctor and get something to help him quit 100%.

The fact that he worked so hard at quitting, during a time where he is under extreme stress at work, makes me so proud. I know how hard it was for me, and I'm sure it was exponentially harder for him. I can only attribute his effort to how much he wants to be a father.

Talk about pressure...

Catch Up

Why does it always feel as though I need a vacation from my vacation? It could have to do with the fact that I usually travel over a weekend, which means one full day of a four-day weekend is spent on a plane, in an airport or packing, driving and running around. Add to the mix the whirlwind of a weekend spent with Al (who I haven't seen in over a month) and it makes for a tired girl.

Of course, I would do it every weekend if I could. It gets harder every time to leave, especially when I return to the grind of school work, classrooms and my tiny upstairs bedroom in my parent's home. I keep reminding myself that it's all worth it in the end. I do it for him. I do it for myself (and my career.) Mostly, I do it for us and our future together. It is worth it.

But it still sucks.

I'm working on a pretty cool post about a panel I went to today regarding the Marriage Amendment many states are putting on their dockets in the 2012 election. I will also do a recap of the weekend more in depth (although I have very few pictures to provide.)

I will say, however, that I loved seeing Jess and Jaci again and, of course, spending some quality time with Al.

I am blessed to have good friends and family who love me - it sure makes this whole thing a lot easier.

Texas

As you read this, I am flying at 30,000 ft. on my way to visit my husband in Texas. I am on fall break from school and have an entire 5-day-weekend to enjoy! Jess and Jaci are picking me up at the airport to have "girl-time" before Al gets off work for the day. I will have to study for a bit on Friday while Al is working, but otherwise it will be all fun and games (and baby-making, hopefully!)

I will try to take LOTS of pictures (of the fun and games - not the other stuff...) and update you when I return. In the meantime, enjoy Lee Brice's new song "Woman Like You."

Neglectful

I have been a bad-blogger. I'm not even sure I have a valid excuse.

Sure, I've been busy. But I've still managed to update my fashion blog.

Yes, I am trudging through the day-to-day and nothing exciting is going on.

But that hasn't stopped me before.

What's changed?

Probably nothing, but I've just been uninspired to blog. I hope that will change soon - I really miss you guys. Really. Really.

In the meantime, I am going to make it up to you with one of my favorite songs from the 80's. See just how much I miss you - I'm pulling out the best of the best!

John Cougar Mellencamp - "Jack and Diane"

Enjoy!

Frantically Writing

I'm sorry that I've disappeared. I am currently elbow-deep in writing an appellate brief and, well, blogging just isn't going to happen. In the meantime, enjoy one of my favorite study songs and get outside and enjoy the Saturday evening that I am unfortunately unable to enjoy!

Fall Goals: Revisited in October

Since October rolled around this weekend, I figured it was time to re-visit my fall goals and see how I am doing...

1. Spend Wisely & Maintain Budget

Al and I have a monthly and long-term budget, including a savings plan. Beyond that, our individual spending is up to us to use how we wish. In addition to maintaining our budget goals as a couple, I want to spend more wisely on my own. I have put myself on a clothes/accessories spending budget, which I track here.

I am doing just fine. I broke my clothing budget this week. It's not much, since it was such a low budget to begin with, but it is against my goals, so I figured I should come clean. As far as the other financial stuff goes, I am doing very well. I am sticking to my savings plan, and spending less. Ultimately, I foresee no problem sticking to our plan and having a hefty savings in the bank when spring rolls around!

2. Complete my long-paper

I will be tracking the progress of my long-paper requirement. Sure, this is school related, but since I am required to monitor my own practice and it is the only non-class requirement I have left for graduation, I want to insure I am on top of it. I hear so many horror stories from graduating students who struggled to push out their paper in the last couple months and I refuse to do that. Final draft = Due December.

I have made absolutely ZERO progress on this goal. {{hangs head in shame}}

3. Visit Al at least once before Christmas

I am sort of "cheating" on this since I have already booked a ticket to visit over my fall break in October. I created this goal list, however, before I did so and I still think it counts. Plus, don't all the experts say that the best way to be motivated to complete a to-do list is include something you can check off right away?!?

Trip scheduled for October over fall break. I'm giddy with excitement!

4. Complete at least 3 sewing projects

I really, really want to get better at sewing, and this means forcing myself to sit down and do it.I want to complete at least 3 sewing projects, but they can consist of mending or altering something I already own or making something from scratch. More likely the former, but I've got to start somewhere.

None started. None in the works.

5. Blog less, but with more purpose

I hope I've already started myself on the path to accomplish this. I want the days that I take time to write something outside of the scheduled memes to be purposeful and worth-wile. Less negative attitude and more fulfilling writing so I can keep a positive and productive outlook.

I have done a great job of this! I am sticking to my planned memes and only blogging extra for healing, venting or purposeful reasons. I am really pleased will how well I've stuck to this!

6. Lose 15 lbs.

It's crazy to me that I spent the entire summer in Texas sitting on my butt and did not work outat all! Sure, I was regularly active as far as being outside and walking and such, but nothing that produces weight loss, muscle gain, or over all health increase. This is simply not acceptable for me. Here it is, in black and white - I will lose 15 lbs. by Christmas.

Oh dear...I have not been making any progress on this. I have maintained my current weight, which really just means I'm not eating excessively terrible things. I want to bike more and just get outside whenever I can - that's not going to cut 15 lbs., but it's a jumping off point.

7. Join a fitness class

To tie in to the above goal, I want to join a fitness class. It is unlikely that I will pay to join a gym while I'm staying at my parents (we have a home-gym) but I do want to do a yoga or spin class and finally a boxing class. Any combination of the above would be great, but actively going to a class once-per-week is my realistic goal.

I printed a guest pass to a gym near my house, where my BFF goes. I am hoping to visit a yoga class on Friday and go from there.

8. Maintain a healthy life

Again, this is related to the above two goals, but also to our timeline for baby-making. I want to be eating healthy, getting enough sleep and taking my vitamins. I know these things sound so simple, but it is really easy to neglect some of the basic life necessities when you're as busy as I am. This includes no smoking (4 weeks smoke free!) and staying away from pop (which I've also all-but given up.) Coffee will remain a significant part of my diet, but if that's my worst habit, I can accept that!

I am still smoke-free! I am still taking my multi-vitamin and eating (mostly) better. I am not getting enough sleep, but that has only been a recent occurrence. I am shifting my sleep schedule a bit and a few late nights threw me completely out of whack. I should be back on track very soon!

9. Attend church once per month

I am a little embarrassed to even put this on here, because it's something I should do without "scheduling" it, but it's so easy to brush aside when I'd rather sleep in on Sunday morning. Along with taking care of my mind and body, I have to take care of my soul too!

I have not been doing this and that is unacceptable. I am currently committing myself to church this Sunday - no excuses!

10. Be active in my relationships

This means making the people I love a priority. Specifically, checking my bad days at the door when I am talking to Al or my mom. I also want to have monthly friend-dates with my faves and a monthly date with my momma. I want to make sure I stay active in my sisters' lives also.

I think I am doing well with this. I am actively keeping people in my life, even if it's only for a quick lunch. I am trying to be thoughtful even if I can't physically be in someone's life. I am working on giving people my complete attention when I am with them or talking to them. I hope my friends and family are seeing this effort and my love for them!