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Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Real talk.

I have a multitude of things I'm thinking today. I don't know why.

Here it goes.

1. School has started. and I'm already all over the place. I haven't even had to work this week. Its not like this week has been crazy busy either. I guess i'll just have to accept I'll always be this crazy, neurotic mess. My husband is a lucky man I tell you.

2. Three words. THE MINDY PROJECT. Why do I always do this to myself? I ALWAYS start an awesome show right after starting a new class. It happened last semester with Revenge. This is just a trend that I'm going to have to deal with in my life. BTW this show is amazing. I don't even know how I'm just NOW realizing this show exists.

3. SHARK WEEK. Ok so TMI.. this is an emotional week. My ovaries are kicking my ass, i've cried at least 10 times.

Over things like this... Just watch it. It's a great story about a friendship between goat and a donkey. After you watch it you'll know how ridiculous I've been.


4. Have you heard about the Crossfit war that is among us?! Oh geez. I'm all about fitness in any form as long as you're being safe. I don't know why people are getting so butt hurt ( I don't like this phrase BUT the shoe fits) about people disagreeing about fitness preferences. I don't really know a whole lot about Crossfit to judge, and am neither for or against, but for love, just work out people. Endorphins make people happy. If you are interested definitely google Erin Simmons/Crossfit and get her take on it and of course the million other people in the defense, I don't even have to post the link, it's so popular right now. 

5. This kid. I babysat him today for a friend of mine and I can't even tell you how much I love kids at this age. He can talk and tell me EXACTLY what he wants, theres no guessing. Which makes me think, how am I even going to conceive children before this age?! I'm dramatic this week folks, sorry. 
I have at least 1.5-2 years of getting more mentally mature and before my eggs start start exiting my body at rapid volumes. 

6. I've been struggling this week. Not just emotionally, but mentally. About 4 weeks ago for boot camp's 8-week challenge, we all took weights/measurements and BMI.  

I'm 5'8" at 163lbs, and BMI: 24.8.  I HATE NUMBERS. I don't weigh myself normally because I obsess about the stupid numbers. I judge how well i'm working out/eating by how my clothes fit, I honestly do this.

I had been eating right and working out since February and I was so surprised at the numbers at the weigh in and why they weren't going down! I wracked my brain trying figure out what I was doing wrong. 

This is where I messed up folks. 

I was worried about the numbers. THOSE DAMN NUMBERS. They don't define me, or make me a better person, or make me less attractive. I'm not overweight, close (by number standards) but not there completely. I'm taking more strides than I ever have in my lifetime to live healthier. Once I take the focus off the numbers, that's really when my healthier lifestyle can begin. I will do better to remember this and if you struggle with this because of the ugly picture society put in your head, then you should too. 

My moment of insecurity, but I'm embracing it today to work toward the better. 

I'm ending this note on #6. Totally random, but it's ok for today.

Monday, May 26, 2014

A day to remember.

Ronald Reagan said it best, " I don't have to tell you how fragile this precious gift of freedom is. Every time we hear, watch or read the news, we are reminded that liberty is a rare commodity in this world." How true this is.

Today is definitely one of those days that makes me so thankful we live in the country we do. It really is just more than an extra day off work and a weekend of BBQs. It hits even closer to home when your loved one isn't here. I can't tell you how proud I am of all of the men in these pictures.

Below are just a few of the many, many brave men that serve our country.






I pray each and every day everyone comes home safe, and for those who don't we will never forget your brave sacrifice to keep this country safe. For those we have lost, we raise a toast. 

Please don't forget to thank a service member, active or retired. 

Saturday, May 24, 2014

Let the beach do the talking

The past couple of days I needed a break. What better place to find yourself than the beach? This is one of my nursing school buds, Ashleigh. LOVE HER. She has been my rock through nursing school and is definitely my person. How fabulous is my hat? I got that at J.Crew a while back. I love floppy hats and finally got to wear one!


This is Isle of Palms. My favorite beach as i've said before. The waters were so clear the other day, I really felt like I was somewhere else. I feel lucky everyday to live somewhere with such beauty. 



Just doing some driving? Oh i'll soak up all the sights along the way. How cool. I love being able to see boats in the water as I drive by. 


The next day I went to Folly beach with my bestie, Olivia. Yes, this is a random bus on the side of the road, but it's totally the Folly beach vibe. 


Just look at those waters. It doesn't get any better than this. Folly beach is a beach that has a very different vibe from Charleston. It really is it's own little beach town. 


Loving time with a great friend. Sometimes all you need is the beach and your bestie to clear your mind. I just love her. Yes, I have accrued a million swim suits while living here, it's wonderful. 


Not a care in the world, life is good today.


My view. 



Of course, I'm eating all the time. I can't help it. I found this great froyo place that serves this flavor. My goodness, I could live to eat Nutella everyday.


We found a cute little place to eat called Snapper Jacks. Its a local restaurant/bar with super fresh fish and $2 mimosas. The Madrid soccer game was on, everyone is gearing up for the world cup! I have to say I don't watch soccer that much, but the world cup is exciting. 


One of my all time favorite seafood is RAW OYSTERS ON THE HALF SHELL. I could easily eat my weight in oysters. I know, I know they look like boogers, but if you are an oyster fan, the cocktail sauce is to die for. I'm a huge fan and would come back for these in a heartbeat.



Crab Cocktail was a hit as well. It had real crabmeat, cilantro, fire roasted corn, tomatoes, jalapeƱos and lots of good seasoning! You must get it! 


For my entree, I got shrimp tacos. They were good, however, I would get the fish and chips if I ever came here again. 

And this is totally off topic but for all those with braces... that actually floss. These things are freaking life saver. I only find them cheap at Walmart, but these were definitely a big part of my day. LOVE THEM. 


I definitely feel refreshed and am looking forward to starting school back on Tuesday! I still plan to spend a lot of time at the beach this summer and even more time with friends. 

I hope everyone is having a beautiful weekend!
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What are you up to this weekend?

Do you live near the beach? Mountains?!

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

I celebrate today.

Because it's one of the best days of the year!!! Happy Birthday to my better half. Today my hubs is 27 years young.

How lucky am I to have this guy around?! I mean he does have great taste in chips. 


And he has an impeccable love for cats. Even though he won't admit it. 


I'm so glad I found someone just as weird as I am to spend my life with. 

I hope and pray that this year is full of memories and love. I love you and can't wait to celebrate when you are home!

Happy Wednesday everyone! 




Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Can you believe this guy?

He is too cool. This is Cameron Dorn. He is doing burpees to raised $10,300 money for his hometown's cross country team (in South Carolina) and a school in Peru. He completed 10,105 burps in 24 hours breaking the world record! HOLY BURPEE. 

Watch this. 


OR you can read about it here

I'm always amazed how many great people there are in this world. People like this restore my faith in humanity, thank you. If this blog page ever gets to you, Cameron Dorn, I want you to know, you are awesome and you make everyone proud. 

On a side note, I hate burpees with an ever-loving passion. My wonderful boot camp trainer, Kindal decided we should strive to do burpees yesterday, that if this guy can do 10k in one day, then we should do some too. *** If you want to change your fitness life, check out Kindal's website. She is super knowledgable and can help you in whatever phase you are in. There are no incentives for me to spread the word, she's just awesome and is continuing to change my life week by week for the better. ***

After an hour of burpees, I wanted to die. However, I was able to do 145 burpees! Y'all thats huge. In February, I didn't even know what a burpee was, much less could do one. Each week I get stronger and continue to amaze myself at my progress. One day soon I'll post some pictures of before and afters! But for today, my arms are like jello and I will kill it tomorrow at boot camp!

Anywho, I hope you are staying awesome and continuing to rock out your week! 

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What's your favorite exercise?!
-currently any ab workout/yoga

Random: What kind of shoes do you wear to work out?

Saturday, May 17, 2014

Two years.

I just realized a couple days ago, I've now lived in Charleston for two years.

I can't even believe how time has flown. I hadn't started Nursing school yet, I was one semester away from graduating from Sam Houston State, and I had no idea how to be a wife. NO CLUE. We moved here four days after we got married. Our lives were a bit chaotic.

We traveled 29 hours from Texas to South Carolina.


With not one but TWO cats in the U-haul van. It was just as amazing as you thought it was. Lou kitty was on the other side, right smack in the middle of the bench seat. This was one of the only times they both decided to sleep. 


This is all I could think of on the ride here. Being on the beach and spending a great summer in the sun. 


This is Isle of Palms. My all time favorite beach in the Charleston area. I had never seen so much green in the summer in my life. By the time it was summer in Texas, everything was turning on the brownish side. I was definitely thankful for the change of scenery. 


Little did I know another place would fill up my heart much like Texas. Running/walking on this bridge is so much fun. Anyone that visits Charleston has to walk to bridge! 

The famous Ravenel bridge. 

While i'm still a Texas girl at heart, Charleston has a special place there too. I sometimes wonder where in the world we are going next. I know where every it is, it'll be an adventure! It has been a wonderful two years living here. 

Happy Saturday!! 


Friday, May 16, 2014

The rain couldn't stop us

Remember, how I posted the Fitz and the Tantrums song on my Five Finds Friday?!

Well I totally just saw them in concert last night and it was AWESOME. I couldn't believe the energy they have.

Let me back up just a bit...

First, we headed to Proof for drinks. My company was beyond fabulous. These two lovely ladies are Olivia and Alise. I'm lame and just got a glass of red wine. I really need to expand my drinking capacities. Just a side note, has anyone had boiled peanuts?! I've only seen them at gas stations here and around the south. Anyways, they served them here.. and I ate about half the bag.



Proof is tucked away on King St. in Charleston. It's so cute. If you are looking for a cute, quiet place to have a drink and actually hear what your company is saying, this is the place.


We headed on over to the Music farm, where the concert was, it was rainy and nasty outside. I'm pretty sure I was standing in a puddle. 


We always had time to take a sweet pic. Don't pay attention to all the red wine in my braces. It's a hazard that i'm willing to accept. 


Thanks Charleston humidity for the wonderful hair. 


We made it! 


It was a sold out show... Thanks Alise for those tickets (she's the one with the fabulous purple hair, i'm so jealous)




SO MUCH ENERGY.


They really put on a great concert. 



This guy. The one playing the flute. He also plays the sax. I couldn't believe the talent. My flutist heart was fluttering. It was amazing. Also, can we talk about the amazing place where got to be while the concert was happening?! The balcony. What a cool place. We got to see everything up close!


By the end of this concert, I was soaked. In my own sweat, but I didn't even care. I had a blast. 


Despite it being 11:30pm when the concert ended. We were ravenous. Those boiled peanuts only held me for so long... We found ourselves at The Rarebit, which is also super cute on King st. Are you seeing the correlations between all the places in Charleston? I hope so. This city is amazing. 

Breakfast at nearly midnight?! YES. I got this. Huevos Rancheros. It was so amazing. If you are ever at The Rarebit, get this. It does not disappoint. 


Love it. 




Fitz and the Tantrums were pretty awesome. They put on a great show. If you see they are coming to a place near you, GO. 

This night was epic and I loved hanging out with these girls despite this rainy day. I can't wait until our next shenanigans! Best part: the rain didn't stop us! 

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Favorite concert?! 

Band?

Do you go for any after-show eats?




Thursday, May 15, 2014

Pitter patter

on the window is what I hear today. Which is fine by me. There is something that I love about rain, the sound, the smell, it's so calming. I cannot wait until the day I have a porch where I can sit out and just enjoy the rain. But for today I'll enjoy it from my bed just fine with the cats of course!



Days like today I will veg out on Netflix and a possible Harry Potter marathon. I also love curling up and reading books. There's a strong possiblity i'll be making a dent in my book today.  


Mr. Lou Kitty loves days like today. 


Third floor life. 


I used to feel guilty on days like today, lying in bed all day, BUT as i've gotten older I have learned to appreciate them because they are very rare. Here's to soaking up time to myself before school starts again!

To everyone on the East coast: don't forget your umbrellas! 

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Do you enjoy rainy days?

What are some activities you do on rainy days?

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Soaking it up

I have only 10 days left of break until the summer session starts. Only 10 days. 

So I've been World Market-ing. I love World Market. It's one of those places that just has about everything you could ever want. 

I always try a new drink at the end of my World Market experience. They always have the craziest stuff. So naturally I needed to be cultured, and rightful so because this drink is so refreshing. 


These mugs. Yes, I could have gotten better more sophisticated mugs. BUT these spoke to me. I can't help it. Look how regal that ostrich looks. 


These really help on a 12 hour shift. Or at least that's what I tell myself! You can also get these at Trader Joes, another love of mine. 


This ostrich mug needed another debut, right next to some awesome tea, I haven't tried all of them, but the peach ginger tea is pretty good. 


I've also never told you about my love of Newk's. OH THIS PLACE. I usually get The Italian sandwich, but then I reviewed the nutrition facts. HOLY CRAP. It was easily 1100 calories. SO, this visit, I got the Black and Bleu salad... It was really good. I didn't get the bleu cheese dressing, but I did get the balsamic vinegrette on the side. When you get a salad here they like to put the salad dressing on for you, which can leave your salad swimming in dressing. Always best to get it on the side. 


This is a shrimp pizza. I don't know about you, but I have never eaten shrimp on a pizza. My friend got this, and she said it was amazing. I will take her word for it! It did smell really good. 


I finally finished The Mockingjay. OMG. I always feel like i'm apart of the book by the end, I just couldn't believe the ending. READ IT BEFORE THE MOVIE. You'll be so glad you did. I've also started a new book: The Book Thief. I'm really liking it. I'm about a 1/3 of the way in. It has a stranger narrated part of it, which I'm sure will tie in with the end of the book. 

I don't work again until Saturday and Sunday night, so I will be jam-packing this week with fun stuff to make the most of this break!!

Happy Hump Day!!! I'm such a sucker for the camels on hump day. 


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Where is your favorite go to place to go eat?!

Do you have a love for World Market?