MIA.

Just letting you guys know really quick before I head out to Gadsden that I'm still here. I was sick Friday and needed a break from the computer. My eyes have been killing me. Oh...and I worked today at BR. Did I mention already that I forgot how retail is torture to feet? My feet are pretty much dead. I did however buy a shelf and put it all together by myself this morning though. I also ran a LOT of errands and did a load of laundry. Yes, this is my official excuse of missing blogging because I don't count this as an actual post...yet, it technically is one. Oh darn...I'm rambling again.

Ok.

Have a great rest of the weekend! I will be back Monday, for sure.

Sappy.

This is a picture Z took from when he went with Carini to a garage to go pick her car up. [Thinking of you, Carini!] Remember when I used to refer to Z as "sweet cupcake", like...ALL THE TIME? Well, I still tag him on my blogs as "sweet cupcake", but it was so sweet of him to take this picture and then show me. He made my heart melt a bit. <3 The saying is so true though, whether you call your adorable boyfriend one or if you eat a yummy one, a cupcake or more so, cupcake(s)...always make folks happy. I don't have a sweet tooth. Really, I'd choose salty foods over sweet foods any day. That's just because my taste buds can't handle too much sweetness or I get sick. A cupcake or possibly two are just the perfect amount of sweetness for me.

I hope you get a kick out of the next picture. We sure did, that's why I just had to post it! 

For real, for real. Z and my hair can get pretty crazy, as you can tell. We were getting ready for the day when Z randomly wanted to take a picture of our crazy hair because he found it silly[adorable...but he didn't want to admit that, I'm sure haha]. I realized as soon as I saw both of us in the mirror, how much I love this guy. He still thinks I'm beautiful when my hair looks like THAT and I definitely love how much personality his hair just exudes. And, with the so true statement that I plastered onto the picture....love + crazy hair = awesomeness. Well, that should only be the case if you're not in public. Haha.

ONE MORE THING!

Tonight is the very LAST NIGHT to join in on my giveaway for a $25 gift card to Urban Outfitters. Go here, or be square. Your choice. :)

This will be all for today. I have a lot of cleaning, laundry, and other stuff to do after work.

Check it.

[Myself & Taz showing our true selves in Claire's]

Good morning folks. Let me just vent a little bit by saying that I am EXHAUSTED! I need to prioritize my sleeping schedule, like for reals. I work at 7am, sometimes go to work at BR until 10ish, then I go to sleep at usually 12am. This is NOT good. Everyday, I always feel like I have so much to do....but when I realize this, the day's already over. Do you ever feel like that? Sometimes, I wish I had a personal secretary to keep me on track. I need to fix this ASAP. You know, I used to be big on planners. I don't exactly know why I stopped using planners for the last year or two. Oh, never mind...I remember. I stopped using them because I felt like they were a jinx. If ever I wrote a goal/task down, it felt like an obstacle to accomplish...so there went my procrastination taking over. I realized though that it wasn't the planner that was a jinx. It's me!

With that confession, I'm going back to the planner. And you know what? I'm not buying one. I'm going to make one! This is also a great DIY and artsy fartsy plan. I'm getting excited now! I have a lot of items to check off and by sitting here, typing away at this won't help me anywhere. It feels great to blabber on here though just so I can clear my mind, but I need to get to work. I have been feeling extremely scattered brain lately and it's not for me. I am all about a clear and developed outline. I'm going to start here, so that I can easily reference back here.

• Follow a sleep schedule.
• Organize your apartment WOMAN!
• Call regarding transcript ASAP.
• Set a blogging schedule.
• Do laundry!
• Clothes....enough said.
• ZUMBA.
• And other items that may be too personal to share with the whole wide world.

What are some of your rituals or ways to stay on task?

Nancia & Jigga [PICTURE HEAVY]

Here's how it went down on Jane and Nancy's birthday celebration night. It was such a blast to hang out with all of my girls and just dance/sing the night away. I love my ladies and no one can replace them. They're also one of the biggest reasons why I miss SC so much. Althought my feet were aching and throbbing by the end of the night, it was worth it. Every time! All the pictures are scattered from Taz, Jane, Judy, and Connie's pictures. Yep, I'm a picture theif. I hope you enjoy the pictures because they're priceless!

Happy 11

We spent our anniversary in SC for the first time.

It was amazing.

Can you believe it will be a year SOON?

I can't.

Wow.

I am so in love with you Z!

Bundled.

If you're not working today, because of Presidents' Day....I am jealous of you! Oh yeah...and Happy Presidents' Day. As you all know, I went to SC this past weekend for my sister and Aunt's birthdays. Z tagged along too and pretty much met my whole family for the first time! There will definitely be a whole post dedicated to those subjects. This one is going to be pretty jumpy.

Here is a picture of when I was reading to Jude bug. He's so young and already loves to read books! He loooooves helping with turning the pages too. It amazes me how fast babies grow! When we got to SC around almost 11, Jane allowed us keep him up...just for our[MY] own selfish reasons to see him. Being around all of my family this weekend and the babies just made my heart feel so loved.

Oh yes. This is what busy does to me. I forget things. Just like how I forgot my current giveaway. Soooooo.....

Thanks so much for your new friendship Irene! I will be emailing you shortly.

There is ONE MORE WINNER left. The last day to enter my giveaway is 02/24/2011.

I have to do SO much catching up. Here in the blog world and the real world. I have my new schedule for BR....so looks like I'll be super busy soon. I really hope that I can keep up with blogging. For real.

On another note. A funny one. Here is Z and baby Jude. This isn't really how he held him the whole time, but this picture is PRICELESS. Z is going to kill me! Hahahahaahhaa.

So again guys, I will definitely get to posting about everything later. And....everything is A LOT! Please bare with me during this busy time.

Lastly, here is a big "HELLO!!!!" to my awesome Uncle for being an avid reader of my blog! You are awesome! :)

I knew I had to.

This is probably going to be a long one. Enough to fill your whole weekend.

I need to be able to get through this work day! At 3:30, hopefully on the D-O-T, Z and I will be headed to South Carolina! I have to pack during my lunch and be ready to leave once I clock out. Why do I always feel like I have SO MUCH to do right before having to leave somewhere or start something? I'm not a fantastic planner apparently. Wait, I take that back. I am a planner. I plan things, lists, and ideas ALL of the time...but there is a flaw. My plans are always jumping from one place to another. If I have an idea and then I get another one after, the first one is placed on the back burner and this eventually causes confusion, chaos, or worst of all....nothing. On the other hand, Z is an amazing planner. I swear he's got his planning system down to a tee[T?]. For as long as I've known and been jealous of Z and his ways, his plans seem to be safely secured in his top notch memory bank. He always follows through. Don't you think that a man that can keep his word is incredibly attractive? I do. So much that I pay Z with kisses when he keeps his word or just because he has such a cute face!

  

This is us fishing earlier this week, right before I headed out to BR for my first day[which I don't really consider watching training movies for 3 hours as an actual day of work]. The weather was incredibly perfect. I was so jealous that Z and Carini were able to just enjoy it, while I had to go back into work. Oh, the story of my life!

Ok, onto another subject...I have been debating about going back into the office to work. I know....most people would PAY to work from home but trust me, it's not for everyone. I have been working from home since February of 2010. I truly have enjoyed working from home. I love being able to roll out of bed and start work. Working in my pajamas is one of my favorite things! Saving gas money is another BIG plus. Now of course, these are some great perks, but to be quite honest....I miss being in the office. This past week, I was working in the office for a few days and I remembered how much I loved being able to see my coworkers. I miss seeing sweet faces, talking about work during breaks, saying daily "Hello's", and really though...just seeing my co workers. I've been working there for almost 4 years this year, so I have developed a lot of relationships with the folks I work with. Not seeing them is like not seeing my family for a year and it can suck at times. So, I love the perks of being at home, but I miss my peeps. My boss and I discussed this yesterday and I have the rest of this week to think about it. What would you do?

So, about school. I believe it was at the end of January that I paid my high school 5 buckaroos to mail UAB my transcript. Can you believe that they STILL have not received it? I've been so busy that I haven't even had the time to realize this or call the school to work something out. UAB was kind enough to remind me via email. I will be in SC this weekend, so I wonder if the school is open on Saturdays? Hmmmmm...? NAH. I doubt it. I'll probably have to call them on Monday during my lunch break. Consider. This. Noted.

Other work at Banana Republic: Last night was my actual first night of being on the floor and you know, the typical retail things to do. I was working in the Men's department with a new coworker friend. We'll call him M. By meeting M, I found out that a lot of folks working for BR are part timers and have real full time jobs. That's awesome, because now I know I'm not the only one! M is a Youth Minister at a local church which is great because Z and I have been looking for a church for him. I would like to try it out for myself once too, just to see how it's like. So, first "working" night at BR was great. Met a new friend, found a possible church, and only down is that my feet were KILLING ME. Just because they're flats does NOT mean that you can stand in them for hours at a time. I forgot how bad my feet used to hurt working in retail. Those mats that you can stand on don't work either. Need to invest in some good looking pain preventive shoes ASAP.

Yeah...those flats right there[Target]? They were pain bearing on my heels and toes. Ouch is the only word I can think of to sum it up. Sure they're cute and all, but I'd rather wear Z's extremely comfortable shoes to the right to save my pain sanity.

So, I've mentioned work and school. Oh yes! The current. Did I mention how READY I am to be in SC this weekend? I'm so excited that Z is coming with me. My mom and sisters met Z via Skype[Thanks Skype!] over Christmas while I was in SC and my dad hasn't met Z yet, but he's heard a good plenty about him. I'm sure it's about that time for the rest of my family, especially my pops to meet Z. Have I also mentioned how anxious and nervous Z is? He's too cute about it too, but I am so glad that he's willing to travel all the way to SC to meet my family. It means the absolute world to me. He has already asked me to prep him so he would generally know what to expect or who to meet. See? Didn't I tell you he was a planner. Haha. I love him so much.

Lastly, do you remember my first Dear body letter? I have another letter brewing right now. I will post it later after the weekend!

Phew! If you made it through this whole post, I applaud you. Here is also a virtual high five and thumbs up for you too. Wishing you all near and far an absolutely beautiful Friday!

Brows are flying.

Hi. It's incredible how busy life can get or change within one or two weeks. I realized how much I appreciate sleeping in the moment that I woke on my first 6am morning. It might never happen again. Oh gosh...this scares me! Although, waking up earlier means I get off work earlier and I am able to get some sun time in.

I don't have much time to share today. I have so many things on my mind and so many things to do. I will probably be gone from blogger world this weekend and possibly tomorrow. I'll be going to South Carolina for my sister and aunt's birthdays. Z is tagging along too and will be meeting my family for the very first time. Y'all please think of him for me. Haha. I hope my family is gentle with him, but I know they'll love him as much as I do.

To keep you company for the day, here are some lovelies and ideas that have kept my brows interested[Can you do The Rock eyebrow? I can, kinda.]. Alas, explaining my crazy title.

[+/+]

I love how these chunky scarves are tied like chubby bows. How adorable! Just perfect and light enough for the ending days of winter. They would probably be great for a night out to the movies for Spring too....especially the honey mustard colored one.

[+/+]

These vintage rings are absolutely GORGEOUS. Such a great going out accessory. Instead of a large cocktail ring, which I don't mind those at all, this vintage ring would place a classic and timeless twist on the night. If you'd rather wear a statement necklace than a large ring, this ring would be quiet enough to pair along, but unique enough to show your personality too.

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Speaking of jewelry, check out this beautiful and creative way to hang/organize all of your necklaces? Don't you just love it? I do! I am now in search of large old picture frames so I can do this. It'd be great for necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and probably even ties for him!

I will attempt to update tomorrow. So much going on right now. Oh....by the way, last night we had breakfast for dinner. It was the BOMB! Everyone should try it...and I don't mean go to Waffle House or the 24 hr IHOP. :)

TP, anyone?

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Do you remember the tutorial I did with toilet paper rolls/cardboard rolls? I came across this beautiful artwork and just had to share! I wish my hands were steady enough to make something as gorgeous and detailed as this. These would be so fun for a craft day. I wonder how well this method would work for a shadow box too? Maybe make a 3D silouette out of something, instead of a small cardboard roll and hang it up in my living room somewhere. Hmmmm...we will see!

Anything inspiring that you found while web surfing these days? What am I talking about?!? There are ENDLESS sources of inspiration on the internet, especially on the blog world. Just for that, I love you internet/blog world and maybe...just maybe, I'm ok with the fact that staring into the computer too much has caused me to wear glasses. This may not make sense, but even though physically my eyesight is worse....because of this great community, my eyes have seen clearer than ever.

Oh right...and I'll have the Saturday wine and cheese party pictures up in a later post!

Happy Hump Day!

Our first Valentine's Day.

Yesterday, Z and I spent our very first Valentine's Day together. He is truly the first person that I have ever celebrated this holiday with and I'm so thankful that it was with him. Here is how our night went in pictures.

No, I didn't write on my wall...that was all in paper! I made the hearts with little hearts in attempt to make the heart look like it was fluttering....because my heart flutters for him. I also made us a little poufy chandelier for fun. :)

Z cooking dinner! We've decided that we'll take turns cooking for each other on V Day. He took it upon himself to cook this year....how sweet! :)

This is strawberry feta salad. OOOOMMMMMGGGGG guys! You have to try this because it is incredibly delicious. The BEST salad that I've ever had - seriously.

Z knows how much I love love love love avocados! I'm not sure if that's why he chose this as an appetizer, but it's avocado stuffed with cucumbers, shrimp, crab, and other goodness. YUM.

Our dinner[Z's plate]. Steak, mashed potatoes, that delicious salad, stuffed avocados, some chocolate dipped strawberries, and wine. Such an amazing meal. I think I'm still full because I haven't ate anything today yet!

The card I got Z [you can tell that I like to compare us to owls...] and a collector's item of Sherlock Holmes movies because Z loves Sherlock Holmes. I really do hope he likes them as much as he says he will.

I'm not much of a flower girl, but Z got me my absolute FAVORITE flower! An orchid....oh, such a beautiful one. I seriously only remember telling him once about flowers that I liked. It makes my heart pitter patter, knowing that he remembered. <3

Z apparently pays a lot of attention and I love this about him. I mentioned how I loved Beauty & the Beast and how much I missed seeing it. I don't think I've seen the movie in YEARS! Well, lookie here...he got me the movie! And yes, we watched it after our dinner. Such a treat!

Yes.......he totally kicked my butt AGAIN on the gift giving department. He put these pictures of us in a frame...and I love it soooo much! I've been meaning to put pictures up of us in frames, but I never get the chance to. It melts my heart that he took the initiative to do this for me. I love this guy SO MUCH.

This Valentine's Day was such an amazing memory made. I can not wait for more V Days with Z and all of the other non holiday days in between! I couldn't think of anyone else who I would love to make this memory with. Truly, honestly, spectacularyly the best VDAY ever.

Dear Z,

You have my heart. Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow. I love you.