I am thankful

I have a confession to make to you. I have been hiding something from you out of pure confusion. It has come to pass that I have become June Cleaver.

(via)

I clean. I knit. I give jewelry parties. I even cook now. All with a smile on my face. I have no idea what is going on. The cooking thing is the biggest mystery of them all. I am cooking and/or baking all the time. And people are eating the food. And they are enjoying the food! It is absolutely insane. Jeremy would call it a miracle I'm sure. He gets this silly little grin every time we talk about this change that has taken place. It's almost as if in our house he's transported back to the 1950s and he's loving it. Makes me want to puke.

And it's just so odd. Even the cookies I think I completely mess up turn out to taste wonderful. I just don't get it.

Well, with all this new baking and cooking I have come across the need for more kitchen appliances. In particular, my eyes have been set on a KitchenAid Stand Mixer.

For over a two months, I begged Jeremy daily for one. I kid you not. I would bring it up in the morning before I cooked. I'd call while I was cooking. I'd especially mention it as he ate whatever it was that I had made.

We have researched, calculated how long it would take us to save up to buy one, thought about what we could live without... And all pointed to my dreams because clearly that would be the only place I could actually use one in this decade.

Then, Mr. UPS knocks on my door with this on his rolly thing.

I seriously lost my mind for about an hour. I couldn't take my eyes off of it. And I distinctly remember hearing angels singing the Hallelujah chorus.

You see, over the summer my Grandparents came to visit. And apparently while they were here, they took a look around and noticed I didn't have one of these and I needed one. It was a total God thing.

Two days before this amazing delivery, my Grandparents had called Jeremy and I to let us know that our Christmas gift was coming early so that we could use it over the holidays. I was extremely curious, but never in my wildest dreams would I have thought that this is what we would have gotten. It was beyond the perfect gift.

Isn't it gorgeous???

That night I decided that it must be used. My first item to make in it was a Halloween version of my Mexican Hot Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Soo good! And the KitchenAid was ah-mazing. It totally changes my entire cooking experience for the better. I have also made 3 batches pumpkin bread, a batch sugar cookies and chocolate chip cookies, and another batch of just the regular Mexican Hot Chocolate Chip cookies. It is phenomenal.

I am so thankful for my Grandparents and their thoughtfulness. To think that they had this planned since the summer and that I have been begging Jeremy for one since the summer without them knowing is just beyond concept.

Now, please excuse me while I go stare at it and try to think of the perfect name for it. Any suggestions??

How I met a star

It was this past Friday. The day was sunny and hot: typical for a summer day in the South.

We had already been to Sublime donuts and IKEA and eaten lunch at California Pizza. Our next stop was the reason for the trip.

I needed turquoise for our living room and Z Gallerie had it in bundles.

We had been in the store for about 10 minutes when I saw her. Immediately, my heart started to pound and I whispered to my sister... "that's the star of Vampire Diaries."

 (via Inside TV)

You see, the show is filmed in Atlanta. My brother and I follow the whole cast on Twitter so that we can know where they are filming and hanging out. We knew that eventually we could meet one or all of the cast members. Plus, we have a huge desire to be extras on the set. (I am a born star, you know, just waiting to be found.)

But I had no clue I'd be meeting her on Friday at Z Gallerie. It was a fluke, a gift from God, a moment I will not forget.

As my heart pounded and my hands got sweaty, I decided to approach her.

"Nina!"

"Hi."

"Hi. I know this is probably totally not what I am supposed to do, but I just couldn't help it. I am such a huge fan of yours and your show. My husband and I just love it. It's seriously the only teeny-bop show we watch. We seriously love it."

"Aw. Thank you. That's sweet. Is this your son??"

"Yes. Bradley."

And I kid you not my son waved at Nina Dobrev. His first wave was to a star. He really knows how to pull out all the stops.

After a little more chit chat that I cannot remember for the life of me, I asked for a picture. Unfortunately, I was turned down. But my sister was a witness that this did indeed happen and, therefore, I am okay.

I also would be way more offended if one of the guys on the show turned me down... I mean, they are hot in a totally edible way.

(via CW)

Which leads me to Jeremy's comment when I told him my exciting news: "Is she as hot in person as she is on the show?"

And, guys, she is.

For all the ladies, she was buying sheets: 7 sets to be exact. They were a dark grey with a slight brown/purple tint.

She was nice, but not bubbly. I'm sure I caught her completely off guard. I just couldn't miss the opportunity to speak to her.

Now in writing this post, I do realize a couple of things.

1. This show is watched my mainly the tweens and teens. Jeremy and I have come to terms with this and are okay.

2. Most these fans literally scream and freak when the cast make an appearance. I know that I stepped onto that line on Friday. I am also okay with this.

3. Had she been one of the guys from the show, I probably would have ran over that line and then taken it to another level. Let's be glad my encounter was slightly mellow and I was not arrested in front of my 8 month old.

4. My brother happened to mention to me while I was making him awesomely jealous that she is in fact 22. So I freaked out over someone who is 5 years younger than me.

5. You should also know that we have the season premiere on our calendar: Thursday, September 15 at 8 pm on the CW. 

No worries. I have scheduled an appointment with my shrink. I am also researching casting companies, because I now must be an extra on their set.

A few of my favorite things

One thing I've thoroughly enjoyed from other bloggers is seeing the products they love, especially from the moms. I've gotten many products just from their recommendation so I thought I'd pass along the products that I couldn't live without right now.

1. Dwinguler Eco-Friendly playmat

I love, love, love this playmat. It's soft, flexible, waterproof, slip resistant, super easy to clean, and "green". I can leave Bradley on this mat and not have to worry about him falling and hurting himself which has been key lately since all he wants to do is stand. It also is so soft that it protects his boney knees as he crawls on it. Plus, he loves the bright colors and pictures. Parker thinks it's really comfortable too.

2. Shark Steam Mop

This product is awesome. We have all hard wood floors in our house and so sanitizing/keeping them clean with a little baby was a must especially as he got more mobile. This product does just that! I plug it in, let the steam get working, and then I get working on the floors. It's quick, easy, and does it's job well. I probably use it about every other time I vacuum and honestly have no complaints.

3. Go Crib

This travel crib is awesome. We love it. It's easy to pack up, light weight, outdoor friendly, and will grow with Bradley. Already he can crawl in and out of it through the side door. How much fun is this going to be when he gets older and we can use it as a fort???

4. Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Learning Puppy

This is Bradley's favorite toy right now.  It talks to him, sings to him, and teaches him. Bradley talks back, sings back, and laughs. It's really fun to watch him interact with this toy and I think Jeremy and I have just as much fun with it as he does.

5. Munchkin Fresh Food Freezer Cups

These cups are great for anyone making their own baby food. They hold 2 oz. of fresh made baby food and can be frozen, microwaved, and washed in the dishwasher. They are made of silicone so you can pop out the frozen food easily if needed. Plus they are easy to toss into a diaper bag if eating out. I really couldn't live without these.

6. Instagram

This app is my favorite. It's an easy way to take, edit and share beautiful shots. I'm addicted it. I especially love following other people and getting a glimpse into their life and seeing their wonderful photos.


So those are a few of my favorite things right now. What are some of yours? I'd love to hear!

What are YOU doing tonight??

Cause I know what I am doing.

I'll be in my pajamas watching CMT's Next Superstar.

Wanna know why??

Well, you see. I happen to know one of the finalists.

Yup, Steven Clawson is making it BIG.

He's got one of those stories everyone loves. A boy with huge dreams who grew up in a small town in South Georgia;  a minister for a father and the sweetest mother who happens to be a teacher plus three brothers. He has a beautiful wife who's unending support encourages him onward. And to top it off: a daughter on the way. I mean, really, what's not to love??

Oh. And let's not forget the voice or the super-talented songwriting skills he possesses. (Just head over to iTunes and take a listen for yourself. You won't regret it.)

I cannot tell you just how excited and proud I am of him.

But, to be honest, I'm not surprised. He's had stardom written all over him since we were kids.

So, again, I ask. What are YOU doing tonight?

Cause I'm going to be watching CMT at 9/8c with my phone ready to vote!!

And I totally think you should do the same.

In the meantime, how about stopping over at Facebook to "like" his fan page? (www.facebook.com/stevenclawsonmusic). 

Then, get ready to vote!

You'll be able to vote until June 10th via text or www.cmtnextsuperstar.com just in case you can't watch it tonight. And no worries... I'll be sure to update you on the full instructions after tonight's episode.

Thanks in advance for your support!

A Hippo Kiss

We all know my love for hippos.

They are cute, large, and in charge. Just my kind of animal.

It seriously is a dream of mine to touch one. Or even to have my picture with them. Or even to see one's face at a zoo.

You see, on mine and Jeremy's honeymoon our first stop was the San Diego Zoo. I was so excited because I was going to see a hippo up close. I was a kid in the candy store.

We arrived at the zoo when they opened and immediately I got sick. I was insistent that we continue onward. How often would we really get to the San Diego Zoo?? And I was determined to see my hippo.

Honestly, this is how I spent most of the day.

 

It wasn't ideal, but the zoo is HUGE.  We would walk to one exhibit and then stop for a while. I'd puke. We'd move on. It was a great way to start a honeymoon. Jeremy is only so lucky.

We finally made it to THE Hippo. By that point, I could barely walk. I had already been asked by a security guard if I needed any help. And Jeremy had begged me to go back to the hotel to sleep. 

I responded that I didn't come all the way out to California to the San Diego Zoo to miss out on what may be my only chance at seeing a hippo. 

So you can only imagine how I felt when this was all I got to see of the hippo.

Yes, its rear-end and its poop. I sat right in front of it for over 30 minutes waiting... begging... praying... and not once did it turn around. Not once. All it did in that time was poop. I was heartbroken. You'd think this would hurt my love for the hippo since it betrayed me. But somehow we have survived. And my dream to see a hippo face-to-face lives on.

But that story really doesn't have anything to do with this post other than to further share with you my love for this dear creature.

This post is about Bradley.

Have you ever seen a hippo kiss?

Isn't it precious?? How could you not love hippos?? How could you not want one for Christmas??

Well, Bradley has decided that he loves hippos too. He loves them so much that he likes to imitate them by giving us hippo kisses.

Every time we go in for a kiss, Bradley opens wide to kiss us back. And there really is nothing better than a hippo kiss from one's baby.

My recent purchases

I can honestly say that along with Month 2 in the Land of Motherhood came the loss of all the adrenaline that kept me going during the first month. I am officially exhausted. The lack of a full 8 hours of sleep each night is starting to weigh on me, as well as the constant need to be available to my son. So how do I cope?

Well, I made two great purchases this past week.

One was Maybelline's cover stick to hide the circles under my eyes that are getting larger and larger each day.

One should note that when one's face is washed at night a certain husband may comment, "Wow. You look tired!" This of course makes you want to say horrible things to this man who can sleep through anything. This list includes a whimpering baby, a crying baby, a screaming baby, a baby who is kicking him in the face, and all movement associated with a wife who gets in and out of the bed multiple times during the night. Yes, he gets his eight hours of sleep and still has the nerve to tell me, "I'm tired too." But no worries- there's no resentment there.

My second purchase was a 24-pack of Diet Pepsi. 24-pack because it was on sale. Diet Pepsi because we wanted something other than Coke Zero or Diet Dr. Pepper.

This purchase was obviously to help keep me awake. To give me that energy burst necessary to function during the early morning.

Yet, not much has changed since the days when Bradley was in my belly. He still likes to torture me. The thought of me suffering makes him smile and sometimes even laugh.

Case in point: Bradley loves to poop on me. He smiles and laughs each and every time. You see, he waits for the exact moment his diaper comes off to go into action. I'm helpless. And he knows it.

Well, my little man's philosophy of tormenting me just went to another level. One that directly effects my second great purchase.

Apparently, while we survived on caffeine for the ten months he was in me now that he's out in the world, it does not sit well on his little stomach.

So I have two options: 1. cut out the caffeine or 2. have Bradley scream at my boob everytime he eats. And I'll just be frank with you a child who screams at your boobs really doesn't do much for self-esteem.

And so I officially said good-bye to caffeine yesterday. No more cokes, coffee, or chocolate... for one year. I can't even imagine. The worst part is that I seriously thought surviving this year was the easiest New Year's Resolution yet. However, without caffeine to keep me going strong it seems like an eternity away- an extremely tired eternity away.

The best thing to happen all year

Well, minus Bradley...

Have I mentioned on here that we are having a BOY?! I don't think I have. And we are! Bradley Garrett Johnson. He's long, growing faster than "normal", and a kicker. Oh, and he hates the pool. But I think he's starting to like me. I sing to him and feed him. He's beginning to understand just how important I am to his little life. Finally...

Oh, and then there's the house. That was big too.

But trust me. My most recent purchase is a close number three.

I should also warn you that the pictures below are not the best quality. I apologize. The minute Mr. UPS showed up at my doorstep my camera died, I cried, weighed my options, and grabbed my iPhone. The package was going to explode if I didn't open it right away. (Actually, I would have exploded with excitement and anticipation. Then, Jeremy would have had to clean up the mess. It would have been a hassle. I was saving him the trouble really.)

Parker was excited too. I took a picture, but my iPhone deleted it. You'll have to trust me. He knew what was coming. I'd let him in on the little secret to be fair.

The box "it" came in. And I really should tell you that while looking around for baby decor for Bradley's room, I have come across some really cool stores. One is CB2. It's super modern and fun. Probably mine and Jeremy's number one decor store right now. And this is the store where I found this wonderful, wonderful purchase.

Confession: I almost wet myself when I got to this point.

Ready??

Can you stand it??

Any guesses??

Dun Dun Dun!!!!

Yes, my greatest purchase this year was this beautiful leather hippo!!

He really is fabulous. And he will look perfect with my housewarming gift! (Which must be lost in the mail...) 

But other than just being stinkin' cute and awesome, this hippo was handmade and is numbered! How cool is that? He's number 2490 out of 9999. I feel like a regular art collector. He came with a tag and everything! oh! And he has a name! Seriously, this purchase got better and better every second.

Yes, Budy and Bradley will be very happy together. I seriously may move into their room. I really don't think either will mind. Parker can join us. Jeremy should go find that missing housewarming gift, then maybe he can join us.

Confession #2: Budy came to work with me today. I couldn't bear the thought of separation. Plus, he deserves to be shown off.

My Favorite Beauty Products

In my last post, I mentioned my favorite face lotion by Estee Lauder and I got to thinking. Why stop there? I'm no expert, but I do have products that I use religiously and really love, many of which I received through tips from other friends. So in the nature of sharing, here are my top five beauty products that keep me looking oh so young ;-).

1. Sparkling Clean Purifying Mud Cleanser: Since my skin decided to become oily in last 5 months, this face wash has been amazing. It has kept my skin in check. Plus, I love the way it smells. I definitely think adding the toner has helped too!

2. Urban Decay's Eden Eyeshadow Primer Potion: This one I got from my friend Kristi. Her make-up is always flawless and we are often hanging out at night after work where naturally make-up just doesn't seem to survive. But hers always looks so great. I figured she was just on top of her game and would redo her make-up before we met. Then, she let me in on her little secret. This stuff! You put it on over your lotion before putting on any of your eye make-up. Then, you apply your eye make-up and go about your day. Your eye make-up WILL NOT MOVE! It's crazy! My eye shadow looks the same at 6 p.m. as it did when I apply it at 7 a.m. It's truly amazing.

3. Cream Blush under Powder Blush: This is a secret I picked up online after Kristi revealed hers to me. Once I got my eye shadow to stay put, I figured there had to be a way to make my blush stay put too. So I did some googling and, let me tell you, it's soo simple! First, put on cream based blush after you moisturize. Follow with your powder blush on top of the cream blush. And, lastly, put on your foundation (which mine is also powder based). Somehow the cream makes the powder blush not sweep off during the day. I'm not really sure all the science behind this method, but it works!

4. J Beverly Hills ADD BODY Volumizing Shampoo: I came across this shampoo by accident. Actually, I think it was God. You see, I won a huge basket with tons of beauty products at an event last year. This was one of the products. I didn't think much of it until I started using it. For some reason, at the oh so young age of 26, my hair decided it was going to change. It was going to become more oily. Then, it decided to turn into a wavey mess when the pregnancy hit. This shampoo, like the face wash, has put my hair back in it's proper place. The grease is at a far distance, the wave is being treated with some of their other styling products, and I look like a normal person rather than a form of Carrot Top. Thank you, gift basket!

5. Exercise: Ok. So this isn't really a beauty product, but it definitely is a priority for me in my beauty regime. Why? Well, for one it makes me feel better and when I feel better, I look better. Two, it helps me sleep. I am a horrible sleeper. I fall asleep slowly, wake up constantly, and usually end up dragging myself out of bed in the morning from exhaustion. But if I am in the routine of working out daily, I notice a huge difference. And third, and probably if I were honest the most important reason, is that it gives me cute calves, a firm butt, and tightish abs. And really, ladies, who doesn't want that? So what am I doing right now to stay fit? Prenatal yoga, lunges/squats, arm weights, kegel exercises and a lot of walking. I mean, seriously, I've got to get ready to push a watermelon out of me and I'm determined to do it faster than any other woman. ;-)

Now, it's your turn! I'm curious: what beauty products do you rely on??

The Ramblings of a Crazy Person

Before you ask, no, I do not have pictures of our house yet to post. There's a simple explanation for this too. I'm suffering from what the medical profession would like to call cephaloneuronal disseminata due to an infection of the uterus. Or in layman terms, I'm a hormonal pregnant woman and if you dare to mess with me, you just might lose a body part. Of course, I say this with a smile- crazy people usually smile a lot.

I have come to find that women like to trick other women into believing that being pregnant is a blissful time. Don't believe them. The truth is that shortly after a woman's body is taken over by "the child", craziness sets in...

My first crazy moment happened at the Estee Lauder counter at Dillard's. Since becoming pregnant, my face started to look more like a teenage boy's than a glowing pregnant woman's. I was mortified. I tried every true and proven over-the-counter product. Nothing. The pimples and grease kept coming! So out of complete desperation, I went to visit the Estee Lauder woman. Why her? Well, I absolutely LOVE their face lotion.

Santa always puts fun samples of make-up products in my stocking at Christmas. This was one of them and I haven't stopped using it since then. So when nothing else worked, I ran to the poor woman behind the counter at Dillard's.

Woman: What can I help you with?

Me (spoken calmly, in a normal voice): Well, you see... I have a problem. (sniffling) I'm pregnant. (crying) and my face is just a pimply mess. (hyperventilating) I just don't know what to do. Nothing works. I've tried it all. I just want the pimples to stop. I haven't had pimples since high school. Not like this.

Woman (trying to smile): Oh.. well congratulations....

She, then, starts to show me wonderful products that actually did work to get rid of the pimples. As for the craziness, well...

The next instance happened at our apartment. One minute I was watching T.V. and the next minute I was crying uncontrollably.

Jeremy: What's wrong?

Me: I'm going to be a horrible mom!!

Jeremy: Why would you say that?

Me: I'm selfish and needy. Are you going to love me more than the baby?? (Yes, apparently, I am also jealous.)

Jeremy: Yes, I'll love you more.  And you'll be wonderful Mom.

Me: But how do you know??

Jeremy: Well, look how you take care of Parker.

Me: I don't think I fed him today. I barely walk him. And I like dogs. I don't like kids!

Jeremy: You'll like yours.

Me: Promise??

Jeremy: Yes, I promise.

I'm sure he's right about this...

Then, over the Fourth Holiday:

Me: (taking a bite of my mom's barbecue beans)

One of my siblings: Jessica, are you crying?

Me: (trying to not appear to be crying, but obviously crying): It's just soo good! I mean, we haven't eaten this since we were little kids. You know, before Mom gave up cooking. It's sooo good! I missed it!!

Mom: (getting up) OH! I was going to heat up those potatoes I made yesterday for Ryan!

Me: (realizing this was another dish long put aside long ago let a few more tears fall...)

And while I'd like to think those crazy moments were the high points... sadly, they have become more frequent and more focused upon a single target... Jeremy.

Now, before I go into the horrible details of living with a crazy person, just know that I love my husband more than anything. He is absolutely the most amazing man. He is caring, attentive, and completely unselfish. Seriously, he makes me sick. He's so nice all the time. And with my crazy spouts, he grins and bears it like no other person would. He's a true saint.

In saying all that, he is the absolute last person I want to be around right now. He walks into the room and immediately the hairs on my neck stand up. Then, he opens his mouth and my head starts to spin. Fire comes to my throat and I get ready to attack. Why? Hormones.

Jeremy: How are you feeling?

Me: How do you think I'm feeling?

Jeremy: I'm hoping better.

Me: Well, I'm not. I feel exactly the same as I did yesterday, and the day before, and the day before... starting with the time that your sperm chose to make my egg its home..

Jeremy: I'm sorry.

Me: Yes, you should be sorry.

--------

Me: What are you doing?

Jeremy: I was going to sit beside you.

Me: I don't think so.

Jeremy: Why not?

Me: There's another couch over there.

Jeremy: But I thought I could sit with you.

Me: Well, you thought wrong. I'm sitting here. Oh, and while you are up, could I please have something to drink?

-------

Me: I have to go pee. (Two seconds later) JEREMY!!!! HELP!!!!

Jeremy: (yelling) JESSICA? WHAT IS IT?

Me: JEREMY, COME!! HELP!! I NEED YOU!!

Jeremy: (entering the bathroom where I am being held hostage by two things: me peeing and the largest cockroach I have ever seen) WHAT?!

Me: COCKROACH!! GET IT!!

Jeremy: (clearly aggravated and mad that I am still yelling) CALM DOWN! I WILL GET IT!!

Cockroach flies towards me. I, in turn, shriek really loud unable to move.

Jeremy: (really mad) Stop yelling!!! I will get it!! (takes off shoe)


Cockroach lands on our hand towel. And yes, I am still on the toilet.

Me: (now, crying) HURRY!! GET IT!!!

Jeremy: STOP YELLING!

Jeremy kills the cockroach only for it to stick to his shoe, then fall off of it and land only inches from my feet. I, of course, yell again.

Jeremy: (as he throws his sandal across the room) I SAID STOP YELLING!

Me: (hysterically crying.. you know, the kind where you can't catch your breath because you are crying so hard) I know, it's just a roach, but I thought it was going to eat me!!

Jeremy: (now, being able to step back and see how ridiculous the whole scenario is, laughs) It's ok. You just freak me out when you yell like that. The roach is dead. All is ok.

Needless to say the bug guy is coming today to spray our house. I also wouldn't be surprised if a shrink decides to join us for dinner. I'm not sure how much longer Jeremy can take living with this crazy person before he himself needs a Valium or decides to sneak one in my drink...

I only needed one item

Last week, I decided to go to the grocery store. At work, we've switched to a 4-day, 10-hour work week, which meant I needed to get snacks to make it through the entire day. Snack of choice: Macaroni and Cheese.

Yes, that's all I needed. Mac and Cheese. I went into the grocery store and went straight to my snack. Then, I noticed the rice packs right beside it. Mmmm. I like rice. It heats in the microwave AND it's healthy... much healthier than the mac and cheese. I grabbed two. (I left the mac and cheese in the basket... I mean, that is what I went for.)

As I was exiting the aisle, I noticed buy one get one free popcorn. Popcorn makes a great low-calorie snack. I grabbed two boxes.

Then, on the next aisle, I saw buy one get one free chips. A new barbecue chip. And then plain ruffles with dip. Great snack!

Before I knew it I was passing the bakery where the donuts were on sale. Having to be at work so early, I need something quick to grab on my way out. Donuts would be perfect.

Then, a thought crossed my mind. It's hot outside and there have been a lot of commercials for ice cream cones. I think I should get a pack. As I was walking to get the pack, I noticed blueberry waffles in the freezer section. I hadn't had eggos in forever. I definitely needed some. So I got that and my ice cream cones.

Then, I quickly exited the store before the genius who stock each shelf tricked me into buying one more item.

When I arrived at our apartment, I quickly told Jeremy not to judge and that apparently I went shopping while I was a little too hungry.

He decided that this week he'd do the shopping. Do you think he'll notice the items I added to list while he wasn't looking? I mean, it really didn't take long for me to go through my ice cream cones...

How to be cool

I know that as an adult I should be okay with who I am as a person and should no longer be as concerned as to who likes me and doesn't.. but seriously, who doen't want to be cool? It has been a long dream of mine. A couple of months ago I was fortunate to buy a Brogen's T-shirt. Apparently all the cool kids have one and instantaneously my cool points jumped up.

How could I not look cool in this shirt??

But then I hit the holy grail of coolness thanks to the college girls in my Bible Study. I owe them a huge debt of gratitude for making my dreams come true. (Seriously, thank you!) And since I am such a nice person (yes, Ryan, Megan, and Rebekah... I am nice), I am going to pass on this secret to you. For I have a dream. A dream where all people are given an equal opportunity to be cool without regard to clumsiness, extra-curricular activities, or style. A dream that I hold dear and one I hope to see come true in my lifetime...

Here is how you can be cool:

First, grab your cutest scarf.

Fold it in half longways and then short ways. Wrap it around the back of your neck leaving the loop open.

Take one of the ends and put it through the loop.

No need to pull tight and choke yourself. You do want to be alive for the coolness, right??

Grab the second end now... It's about to get tricky.

Loop it through the hole the opposite way as the other. You have to go around the loop and enter through the back. Don't worry. You are doing great!

Tighten it, but not too tight.

And this is what your scarf will look like when you are done.

Now, quickly, find a mirror and check out just how cool you have become!! Who would've thought coolness was this easy??

Wednesdays

By Wednesday of each week I am exhausted. I've already worked two days, had one class, prepared for the other class to take place on Thursday, had a Junior League meeting, and prepared for S Group. My brain power is diminishing. I am forgetful about things like paying the rent or feeding the dog. I have knots in my back that push against my nerve endings causing sharp pains in my head. And if I can't work out (which in a week like this week is the case) I turn to food for comfort. My go to is a cold coke and chocolate.

 But thankfully Fox knew this. They knew that on Wednesdays of each week I need something to look forward to. I need something to give me a push into Thursday and Friday with a cheery attitude. I need Glee.

Yes, my Wednesdays revolve around Glee. I block out that hour for nothing else. I prepare in the morning by situating the couch cushions just right. I lay out my p.j.'s so I can run in the house, change, and wait. Wait for the joy that is about to come from my T.V.

For the past two weeks, I have followed this routine... and I am positive you have heard the yells at 9 p.m. coming from homes much like mine around the United States. Why? Because the World Series took its place.

*GASP*

I know. Can you believe it? First, why is Fox hosting the World Series? And second, is it really any mystery as to who is going to win anymore? Seriously?? The Yankees win it again.. for the gazillionth year. Yay... It's a little ridiculous to use all that T.V. space for the inevitable... especially when there are people who plan their Wednesdays around a show airing on that station!


But not today. I went online and tonight Glee is back!! My cushions are arranged. My p.j.'s are out. And I will be singing show tunes all day.

And to celebrate, I am off to the vending machine. Happy Hump Day!

Things that make me go "aw yay!"

Oprah has her "favorite things" list. I have my "aw yay!" list.

Number 5 on my list is my onion goggles.

They prevent tears when cutting onions! It is so awesome. I could cut onions all day long!

Number 4 on my list is Vampire Diaries.

I know this isn't a thing, but it does make me go aw yay! I am addicted. The show reminds me of Dark Shadows. It's way cool. Check it out for real. Thursdays at 8 p.m.

Number 3 on my aw yay! list is my new purse hook!

It is seriously cool. No more does my purse have to sit on the nasty floor. I don't have to put it in my lap. No worries about someone stealing it. It is the best invention ever!

Number 2 and 1 (because it is just that great) is my NEW CAR!!!

For the past two months, Jeremy and I have been a one car family. My car decided that it had lived long enough. And it died on Highway 247. It was a sad day at our home. For the past two months, we have managed. We traded off the best we could, but to be honest with me in grad school, I got the car the most. I felt so bad. But no more!! We now have two cars!! And mine is great!!

It's a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. With remote start, OnStar, tons of compartments and storage, and, of course, the new car smell!! It is wonderful!

Even Parker likes it!

It came with XM radio too.

 AW YAY!!!!!!