caitmo.blogspot.com

2012-02-15T13:37:00.002-06:00

It sucks to feel like such an asshole. This week has been quite the adjustment. Went from a month of not having him around, to having him staying with me. And of course I couldn't help but screw it all up. I'm finding myself wondering how I'm ever supposed to live with someone when my loner tendencies are flaring up after four days. Of course, I think the answer to that is to not live with anyone

mini-rant

2012-02-09T14:16:00.002-06:00

Google is around to make it entirely too impossible to look up the answer to anything. Yet, how is it that people can manage to be too lazy to Google something, and instead ask a question via a tweet or a Facebook status? If anyone's going to answer you, they're just going to Google it anyway, most likely. Do you really need to broadcast to everyone that you have a question in the first place and

2012-02-07T22:29:00.003-06:00

Since finding out today that Jack's Mannequin - at least in name - may be retired by the end of this year, I've found myself in a real funk. It's not surprising that I got bummed out reading the article, but it was slightly surprising how I felt deflated for an hour or so this afternoon. It was brought on when a song off their latest album started playing on my iPod, and I could feel my heart

2012-02-06T09:00:00.002-06:00

This past week and weekend is something I'm glad to be past. While there were fun times involved, I couldn't shake this scattered, manic state the whole time. I finished the work week feeling like I got nothing accomplished, and spent most of the week feeling like my brain was moving in 20 different directions at once. Focusing was pretty much impossible. The weekend involved about 5 headaches,

dedication

2012-01-30T14:09:00.002-06:00

I have had my Blackberry for a year this week, and with that came the downloading of frivolous social networking apps. I've been using Foursquare pretty much since I got my phone.When I checked in at the gym yesterday afternoon, I noticed it said I had checked in 98 times. First I was excited that I've gone so many times, then I realized that I've gone that many times in just one year. Since I

2012-01-20T14:22:00.002-06:00

It's easy to think this situation isn't so tough - then I remember he's been gone for less than two weeks. It's easy to think I've got this and I can make it until he comes back - then I remember that's not for another 28 days. It's easy to savor the phone calls and Skype nights - until I realize just how fiercely it makes me miss him being around in person.So far, it's been manageable. I've been

free speech?

2012-01-18T10:04:00.002-06:00

It's been interesting to see just how many people are being vocal against the SOPA/PIPA bills due to today's big blackout. I've signed the petition, I've shared the petition on my Twitter, and I've blacked out my Tumblr.And I can't stop thinking about the potential ramifications of these bills passing. I understand the point is to curb online piracy. That would be fine - if you could determine a

more resolutions

2012-01-16T09:45:00.002-06:00

Because January 16 is not too late to be adding new year's resolutions.One evening last week I was having a conversation with the guy and I ended up making a joke about how I was too chicken to actually attack anyone if I ever needed to, and realized how pathetic that makes me sound. I got the idea then that I want to take self-defense classes this year and learn how to kick some ass. I have not

2012-01-12T20:24:00.003-06:00

I feel that a lot of times, when girls go through breakups, they come out the other side, reinventing themselves in a sense. A part of shedding the past and going forward, different. When I was ending a 4 1/2 year relationship almost 2 years ago, I cut my hair in a style I'd never had before. And got a tattoo (even though it wasn't directly related to the breakup, it was a part of that summer.) I

2012-01-05T12:27:00.003-06:00

As much as I already miss being up North and being with friends and wish the trip could've lasted longer, I'm glad to be back. I slept so well in my bed, I don't have to wear a jacket and I don't have to wear skinny jeans and boots.Though now I have to face my mess of an apartment. It currently looks frozen in a Christmas daze and I'm all about moving forward.

content.

2012-01-04T21:40:00.003-06:00

With only a couple little setbacks, this past week has been pretty amazing. I have finally been to New York and it was just as epic as I thought it would be. New Year's Eve was nothing short of an adventure - one that involves a club in a hotel, too much open-bar vodka, a massive cut/bruise that still isn't healed caused by someone else's high heel, walking barefoot back to our hotel, and wearing

2011-12-28T23:15:00.003-06:00

I went to my normal Pilates class at the gym tonight knowing my favorite instructor would be teaching. When she walked in, I told her I had a mission for her: I'm leaving for New York Friday morning for NYE and I'm wearing a tight sequin dress...she needed to kill my abs. After she said she would do it if I would take her with me, we got on with class. And she killed my abs.After class I told her

2012

2011-12-28T10:52:00.003-06:00

I looked back at the resolutions I made for myself for 2011. Oh, how I’ve failed.1. Save money. Fail. But in all honesty, my cost of living skyrocketed this year when I moved out completely on my own. I have worked on cutting out the optional expenses in order to save where I can though. Technically I've saved myself from being even more broke.2. Take care of the one last part of Year of the

2011-12-27T09:33:00.003-06:00

I wasn’t expecting much from this Christmas. I spent most of the month of December trying to find the spirit in me, and failing for the most part. Sure, there was time spent shopping, decorating, watching holiday movies and sitting by my cute little tree, but I just never fully felt it. And I couldn’t fully forget last year, and how it felt like the tide had changed in me.But I ended up having a

2011-12-20T14:35:00.003-06:00

He invited me to go with him to a wedding, even though we're not together. We slow-danced outside, and I could feel my emotions swirling around inside of me. We sat at a table and talked, and I tried not to, but I brought something up about the way things ended. Then he told me about another girl present at the wedding, who messaged him on Facebook saying she wanted to invite him to the wedding

2011-12-18T13:41:00.002-06:00

I have to get my shit together. As much as I get bored at home, I need to stop going out. Twice this week I have gotten too drunk for my own good. I can't obsess over last night, even though I worry about having made the person I care about mad at me.Once the holidays are over (and I've gone through the alcohol in my apartment), I am giving up drinking. I'm aware that this makes me sound like an

2011-12-12T10:50:00.004-06:00

It's funny how I transitioned from someone who lives a mile away and spending the night at least three times a week to getting closer to someone who lives in another time zone and spending every night alone. Even though I don't take it for granted, I'm fully realizing the greatness of simply being physically next to someone. Thinking optimistically (and impatiently), at least I'll get what I want

2011-12-10T12:48:00.005-06:00

I wrote something last Monday that makes me laugh now when I read it. Something about putting the mess of Thanksgiving week behind me and focusing on personal growth. While I've worked on getting stronger and moving on, I'm not really sure how much personal growth I've done. I was talking to a friend last night about the qualities I don't like in myself. While I am always quietly working on those

2011-12-09T08:39:00.003-06:00

Six years ago tonight, I kissed a man I would end up dating for the next 4 1/2 years.This day last year weighed heavily on my mind. I'm glad that today it won't be the same.

2011-12-06T14:05:00.002-06:00

Earlier this afternoon, I set my iPod to play my Top 25 Most Played playlist. I'm about halfway through it, and thought to myself that I would probably end up playing it through to the end of the work day. It works for me; these ARE my most favorite songs anyway.And then I said to myself, "It's kind of not fair to the other 7,450 songs on my iPod to play these on repeat exclusively. Oh my God,

2011-12-05T09:52:00.004-06:00

Although a little apprehensive, I feel HAPPY. I have officially booked a flight to New York for New Year's Eve. In just less than a month, I will be in a brand new city, with two good friends and their friends, whom I'll be getting to know. By most accounts, this is insane. Buying a plane ticket to the north in the winter, taking four days of vacation, spending two days at a friend's house in

2011-12-02T15:40:00.002-06:00

I'm not really even sure what's happening anymore, but I think that's the beauty of this situation. I have to somewhat let go of feeling like I need to be in control. Life clearly has ideas for me, and I need to go with it. It's strange to go from such a dark week to one where I find myself smiling. I'm not magically okay, but life is giving me signs that I should smile. I really never thought I

2015

2011-12-01T09:44:00.002-06:00

progress.

2011-11-30T15:16:00.003-06:00

I have managed to fall asleep and stay asleep without sleeping pills the past two nights. Three cheers for not becoming addicted to store brand sleeping pills.I listened to a few Christmas songs last night before watching part of Christmas Vacation.I don't think I've actually cried in four or five days.

2011-11-29T20:34:00.003-06:00

You'll be fine. You'll bounce back. You'll move on. You'll have time to do everything you want to do. You will like being single. You'll find the right man for you.I've heard a combination of all these things from different people over the past week, and I was in no mood to hear them. I needed to be sad and upset. Because I can't just recover from the rug being pulled out from under me like it

2011-11-26T17:36:00.002-06:00

I always at least try to attend Mass for the Advent and Easter seasons, and this week I felt it especially important to go. A little help in the inner peace department never really hurts. I hope that in time I can find strength, peace and happiness in myself. And the ability to find my holiday spirit.I've felt a little more like myself today. I managed to go out last night with some friends, and

2011-11-25T18:47:00.002-06:00

Black Friday + no work + no plans + loneliness + envy of Amy and Dan's new camera = Caitlin bought a new camera.I'm just not sorry that I bought a $300 camera for $150. It's new and shiny and megapixely and gave me a reason to get my sorry ass back out of bed this afternoon to go take pictures at the park.Last night I went to a friend's house and got to join in on their nighttime bike ride.

2011-11-24T18:03:00.002-06:00

It's just another day. A day where, at 6pm, I still feel terribly hungover. Last night was something I very much needed. Bang Bang Shrimp, all the drinks in the world, friends I'm so grateful to have, dancing, staying out until 2:30, genuine smiling.I'm not close to my parents where I tell them everything that happens in my life. But I am so grateful for the fact that I could just email my mom,

2011-11-23T16:49:00.003-06:00

The closer Thanksgiving gets, the less I find myself holding it together. I've already told my mom I'd rather not talk about it, but that doesn't stop everyone else from bringing it up in some way.I can't find it in me to be in the spirit, but either way, I'll be at my parents' house tomorrow with a cauliflower recipe I found on Epicurious two weeks ago, avoiding the subject and snacking on the

2011-11-22T20:57:00.003-06:00

I suppose today is going to be what the manic days feel like. Feeling slightly better, but still wanting to keel over at the thought of spending the night alone again. Strong enough to have not cried yet today. And I felt physically strong enough to make it to the gym tonight. With the assistance of my cardio playlist, it was a very productive evening. Treadmill, abs, weights. It's not that I

2011-11-21T14:04:00.003-06:00

An email conversation is better than nothing. Didn't exactly get him to open up the way I needed him to, but I at least gave him my side of everything.And in a way, I knew that I needed to deactivate Facebook for awhile, to prepare myself for when he changed his status. Which he did, and didn't hide. And it seems like everyone was quick to vilify me for "unfriending them." I have a great

2011-11-20T12:05:00.002-06:00

So empty inside, yet feeling like a million weighted pieces. The one thing I wanted and the one thing I cared about the most is no longer mine. I supposedly didn't do anything wrong, but I wasn't making him happy anymore. Such a blow to someone already always struggling with feelings of self-worth. I saw the potential more than I ever did with anyone else, but he didn't. I sometimes wonder if

what is it really?

2011-11-16T19:49:00.001-06:00

I've had the question "Is someone else responsible for your happiness?" posed to me lately. It was asked in conjunction with "Are you responsible for your own happiness?"I answered that I believe it's a mix of the two, then discussion set in, where one person voiced the opinion "I cannot make you happy." They explained it from a viewpoint of every person only being able to make themselves happy,

2011-11-15T22:13:00.000-06:00

Crank it up to 1080p, cook your dinner, then sit back and watch Jack's Mannequin perform Casting Lines.

casting lines

2011-11-13T21:12:00.002-06:00

It's been a whirlwind of a week. Out of town for three and a half days, watching my boyfriend take part in both a wedding and a christening. Filling in the gaps of those events were a little shopping, a lot of drinking and a lot of visiting with people. It got crazy at times, and I wasn't always in a tip-top mood, but I enjoyed the hell out of this weekend. Sometimes what kept me going was simply

mondays

2011-11-07T21:27:00.004-06:00

Even with not doing much over the weekend, I felt myself feeling lethargic for most of it. And somehow, last night it turned into feeling sick and barely awake. So of course, I didn't go into today on too high a note. After mixing in some work issues that still frustrate me to no end, I was starting to struggle to make it to 5pm.But physically, I started feeling better, and I started to think

yip yipperee

2011-11-04T08:43:00.002-05:00

Screw the complaining.Things making me smile today:It's a beautiful fall Friday and I am wearing my boots for the second time (or third...but they were all up north, so really first time down south) this season. I'm also wearing my very comfortable <3 Boston thermal shirt that I bought in the airport on the way home, along with my new airplane necklace that I'm in lust with.I'm actually not

2011-11-02T11:16:00.002-05:00

Got a chance to speak my mind. Not hopeful that anything will change for the better, but at least I can say I said something.In other news, my lovely mom has hired me to help clean their house to prepare for Christmas decorations and festivities. I already love to clean and organize, so making a little extra money by doing it will help. And there's the whole visiting my parents at the same time

reset

2011-10-31T13:28:00.002-05:00

Today feels like the beginning of something. I'm still where I am, but the boy has moved on to better things. With the hellacious times at work seemingly behind us now, it feels like it's time to start fresh. Since I don't seem to be going anywhere for right now, I feel like I need to put myself back into place and make the most of it.It's almost scary that it seems to be the same feeling they're

2011-10-24T16:16:00.002-05:00

I've recently seen just how much time and distance can be put between two good friends.One engagement party Saturday evening brought together three friends who've known each other since preschool. One is the bride-to-be, one is the matron-of-honor and one is me. One little comment about how the matron of honor had never been drunk with me resonated in my head the rest of the weekend. No, it's

true love

2011-10-20T22:58:00.002-05:00

I have become obsessed with one thing recently. Unlike many of my interests, which tend to exist in my imagination and not get carried out, I've kept to this one.I love my Crock Pot.But seriously. $30. Brand name. Good size. I've had it for four weeks now and I've made three recipes. I've checked out slow cooker cookbooks. Good Lord, I've Googled slow cooker recipes.I just can't help it. I never

2011-10-19T10:14:00.003-05:00

I hate how much an unanswered message irks me. I guess it's part of my need for acknowledgement.But really, it just makes me feel like I'm not respected enough to be granted a reply, when I'm asking for one.I know part of it this time is just me being moody and hormonal, and part of it is the combination of everything at the same time, but I'm failing at telling myself to calm down. And so I sit,

facing the fact

2011-10-18T20:24:00.003-05:00

I bought a pumpkin for my desk on the first day of fall. Less than a month later, it was rotted to the point of having an open wound.I understand what it means.I threw it away and have no intentions of replacing it with any other living thing, or any other festive thing.It's a desk. Nothing more, nothing less. And I will now keep it that way. Sorry, desk Christmas decorations. You're coming home

2011-10-14T08:45:00.003-05:00

I'm beyond all the excuses I was telling myself about buckling down and doing something about the path I'm on. I'm not confident about where I stand on anything, except for knowing that I can't keep going down this road.I was all about doing something and trying to take control of my future, but in this current state, I just want to withdraw from everything and hide out.

2011-09-28T19:45:00.002-05:00

I should not have to argue for time over the weekend to do laundry and pack for a vacation.I should not have to ask an expected time range, to be met with "I really don't know."My vacations should not always be preceded by all hell breaking loose. Oh, but it seems that it's the standard.It should not be the standard. These conditions should not be the standard. These hours should not be the

falling

2011-09-27T22:01:00.001-05:00

I'm tired of pretending I can afford to live by myself. I am so over this. I have got to figure something out.

autumn

2011-09-21T21:12:00.002-05:00

It's only slightly cooler now than it was last month, and by that I mean the high is only 89 and the humidity is a bit lower. There was one autumn teaser week following the tropical storm earlier this month. But even though that's gone, I still feel the strongest urge to experience autumn right now. Between the hope of imminent better weather and the "Things I Love About Fall" blog I've been

shifting

2011-09-14T21:41:00.002-05:00

I found my bracelet. I'm getting back to my gym class routine. I'm actually spending time in my apartment. Hell, I cleaned my apartment. I washed my sheets. I had friends over this week and we had great girl time. I've made some sort of progress on my potential new online project. I have no set plans for this weekend and I have no trip out of town this weekend. I'm less neurotic about my

trust

2011-09-12T22:54:00.006-05:00

Five months ago - two days before I found out I had to move - I bought a bracelet with a charm that says Trust Your Journey. When I got it, I didn't realize how soon I would come to rely on the message.I lost the bracelet sometime during my move four months ago, but didn't realize it until maybe two months ago. One day it just dawned on me that I hadn't worn this bracelet in awhile, when I had

away

2011-09-12T14:12:00.003-05:00

Three trips to New Orleans in less than a month. One more coming up in two weeks. Boston two weeks after that.The more I'm not home on the weekends, the less this city feels like home.Listening to live Andrew McMahon songs today is taking me completely out of myself. I'm physically here, but my mind is in the audience of a concert.I need to make something happen. THIS feeling cannot last. No

2011-09-06T22:47:00.002-05:00

Feeling highly inadequate tonight. Always making something a bigger deal than it probably is, and tonight was no exception. Spending the evening in my childhood bedroom instead of manning up and attempting to rid my apartment of fruit flies. Letting my insecurities get the best of me. Times like these I wish I were better than I am. More of an adult. More confident. More able to not be a neurotic

do something

2011-08-30T22:16:00.003-05:00

One thing I don't like about myself is how little I visit my parents. They only live a few miles away, but I know I should see them, or at least call them, more often than I do. I know my mom loves that I don't have a washer and dryer and I do my laundry at their place most of the time. It's been two weeks since my last laundry trip, and with an upcoming getaway, I needed to go tonight. And after

end in sight?

2011-08-25T21:25:00.002-05:00

Every day is one day closer to the deadline. Every day is full of more madness than the one before. Every day pushes our patience beyond limits. It's the final haul. We have to finish. Before it finishes us. It can't be like this forever. Outside of those walls, things are rosy. Each weekend has great moments and fun times. Evenings are spent unwinding, exercising, drinking (undoing the

plan of attack

2011-08-07T17:03:00.005-05:00

Given my love of both grocery shopping and eating healthy, it's not a surprise that I can manage to spend an exorbitant amount of money shopping for one person. I get inspired and a little overzealous when shopping, and I always end up having to throw away food I didn't get around to eating before it went bad. It's very difficult to seriously shop for one and not face waste, especially when it

pleasant

2011-07-27T21:11:00.003-05:00

Feeling content really isn't that bad. I'm happy with the way the recent days have been going. A project that didn't feel like an audition for Boiling Point, a boy who continues to make me happy, friends who are fun to hang out with, and the feeling of getting back to myself. All of these things I've been trying to focus on this summer, and I feel like I am finally back to that point. Not

shout it out

2011-07-26T11:54:00.000-05:00

I spent almost 25 years thinking I would never be a girl with a tattoo.It's already been one entire year since I became a girl with a tattoo.Happy anniversary, little man and your megaphone.

a departure

2011-07-25T19:39:00.002-05:00

It's an odd feeling. One of pride. One of wanting to high-five after completing a project instead of simply breathing a sigh of relief. It doesn't happen very often after these types of projects, but after a week of working, it happened. Completed, sent off 45 minutes early, and with all sanity intact.But in the end, I hope the work truly pays off and proves that the system could stand to change.

live

2011-07-11T21:26:00.003-05:00

I feel like all I've talked about lately are my upcoming concerts. And in a way, that's the most important thing I've got going for me right now. It's been a summer. Thankfully, it hasn't been much like last summer, but it's still been taxing. Wednesday is my first full day off work this year (Tuesday will be more like a 1/2-3/4 day off, thanks to being a 'team player'.) Today was just one of

the dreaded 'staycation' word

2011-07-05T22:51:00.003-05:00

I'm a fairly good practicer of the rainy day mentality. Save this in case I need it, hold on to that cause I want to have a safety net, etc. A few months ago, Amy and I started planning my next trip to Boston and first trip to Canada around Labor Day weekend, and accordingly I mapped out the rest of my vacation days for the year (which ends for me on September 30.)It's kind of a good thing we

adulthood

2011-06-28T15:00:00.002-05:00

There was once a time I dreamed of being financially independent.Now that I am, I just live in a world of panic attacks and a mess of Google calendars and spreadsheets.

old school ways

2011-06-27T23:12:00.002-05:00

I'm no stranger to writing online for three people to see. One TeenOpenDiary, one Blurty, two GreatestJournals, and a Xanga, not including MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, this blog, and Tumblr.But I went back to the roots a few weeks ago. I found a mostly blank notebook, and I sat down and wrote in it. And I realized I really miss actually journaling. Sometimes it just feels amazing to write what

healthy

2011-06-22T22:02:00.002-05:00

Although I already don't eat meat, I decided recently to kick my healthy eating up another notch.I've made the resolution to make the majority of my food whole. Less processed food.I've been eating bananas for breakfast, and I cut down on chips in the afternoon. I hit up my beloved grocery store tonight to stock up, and I got a bunch of fresh vegetables. When I passed the dip section, I decided

padre

2011-06-19T15:22:00.000-05:00

I am my father's daughter.I am forever grateful to the man who's been in my life the longest, the man who raised me in a united front with my mother, the man who made sure I had a good life, the man who bought me things I needed (and just wanted), the man who raised me on a good music foundation, and the man who continues to make sure I can stand on my own two feet.

act your age

2011-06-14T12:45:00.002-05:00

This weekend I realized something a little scary. I should maybe have gotten one of those emergency button necklaces for my birthday instead of money for a bicycle. Living alone can be a bit of a setback when you pull a genius move like falling on your ass in your bathroom. I'm glad I was fine and not too hurt to BBM Amy and tell her I almost died on my bathroom floor. (Joking. I'm not even

2011-06-13T10:45:00.002-05:00

All I know is I really wanted to be more than this. But this weekend, I've found myself being that girl. Solo and lonely.It's a change from the normal, but it's not helping that I think I'm going to need to get used to it and fast.I need a way out of my own thoughts. Tomorrow evening cannot come soon enough.

back to reality

2011-06-07T11:41:00.002-05:00

I really managed to embrace the term 'birthday weekend' this year. I guess it's one way of making up for having a birthday fall on a Monday and being only my second (out of four birthdays at this job) birthday that falls on a work day.Even with people who said they were going to take part in some of the things I had planned and then didn't, I had an amazing weekend. Still got to hang out with

26

2011-06-06T09:50:00.000-05:00

and it's ONLY june 1

2011-05-31T19:19:00.001-05:00

I'll now be looking up plane tickets to and apartments in the Arctic Circle, thanks.

what it's all about

2011-05-26T22:52:00.000-05:00

That drunk text.That go-with-the-flow Tuesday evening.The way I still get butterflies.The nights we are absolutely silly and don’t hold back.The inside jokes.How often he says I’m beautiful.How often I thank him for being awesome or good to me, and how often he replies with, “You deserve it.”The road trips.The new adventures.The way we fit together.The feeling of him next to me in bed.His

l-o-v-e

2011-05-25T20:48:00.002-05:00

It's not like I live in a small town with one corner mart. This is a fairly large city with tons of grocery stores. And yet, last week, a new one opened that pretty much everyone has been dying for.It's one of my favorite grocery stores, solely from the amount of local produce and variety of organic and vegetarian foods. And my new apartment happens to be around the corner from it. Tonight, I

hauling

2011-05-16T12:27:00.002-05:00

With the exception of a kick drum, couch, chair, end table and coffee table, everything I own is in the 653 square feet I now call mine. Four days of moving, countless bruise and cuts, wine-influenced calls to tech support, multiple trips to Lowe's and Target, and enough sweat to fill a swimming pool.It was rough, but it got done, with many thanks and much appreciation to my parents, brother and

come hell or high water

2011-05-13T13:24:00.000-05:00

It’s the big elephant in the room these days. The coming floodwaters. As if Louisiana needed another disaster to worry about. Hurricanes, oil spills, historic waters. At least only one of those was man-made. And sure, this is what nature does. Always has and always will. Global warming adds to the extremes we’re starting to face, but large floods cyclically happen. This time, it happens to be us

the week

2011-05-09T11:24:00.003-05:00

4amgarage salepick up craigslist coffee tablelowe'snapfriends and drinksmother's daycleaningpackingcelebrate two-year anniversary of first jack's mannequin concertcoxzumbacleaningpackingget keyspanic about moneymovingwinemovingmoving without breaking everythingmovingarrangingdecoratingwatering plantssetting up new bird feedersleepIn the 'like a boss' mentality. Let's get this DONE.

irony

2011-05-08T19:07:00.003-05:00

I simply don't know how it took me until last night to realize I had my first and only Hanson meet and greet on the three year anniversary of the release of The Walk, my favorite album by them. July 24 is that much more special now. Yet, "I got my Walk tattoo three years and two days after the CD was released" just doesn't have the same ring.

not that extreme...yet

2011-05-04T22:43:00.002-05:00

I'm getting down to the final few days before my move, and appropriately I'm starting to panic. About time, about money, about safety. It's going to be a long two weeks, but I know I can handle it, and I know if I make it there's a trip to the beach in store.I've been trying a few ways to save money, including trying to curb my addiction to the Amazon MP3 store, eating out less, and being more

a mission

2011-05-01T22:50:00.003-05:00

I close out this weekend in almost the same position I began it in. Lying in bed, glued to the TV. Except, Friday morning it was for a fairytale wedding, and tonight it's for the news that the mission we set out on almost ten years ago was accomplished.I barely even know what to think, and I doubt it will fully sink in until tomorrow, but it's right there in capital letters on my screen. Bin

historic

2011-04-29T15:43:00.003-05:00

I am not ashamed to say I watched the Royal Wedding this morning. I did have to compromise with myself, knowing that this weekend is full of Festival International activities (aka, sun, food and booze). And honestly, I hadn't been counting the days, minutes or hours until the wedding, nor watching any of the pregaming going on all week. I decided last night I would actually like to watch the

not worth saving

2011-04-27T20:14:00.000-05:00

I really thought I’d enjoy Extreme Couponing. But I’ve been watching my first episode for 10 minutes and I agree with everyone calling these people crazy. One woman has stockpiles of diapers for the kids she doesn’t even have? Another actually said she can’t pass up antacid deals even if she doesn’t have antacid? It’s hoarding, it’s greedy, it’s probably keeping people who need these things from

a day to embrace the earth

2011-04-22T20:20:00.002-05:00

I'm kind of glad Earth Day fell on a day I was off from work. It was nice to spend an environmentally conscious day outside a room where there are 14 million watts of light beaming down for 9 hours a day.Kicked off the morning with free coffee at Starbucks by using my reusable mug. I must say, it took me 3 hours to finish that coffee and it was hot to the last drop. Props to my Klean Kanteen. The

thoughts while packing

2011-04-22T20:12:00.002-05:00

I think I get entirely too much satisfaction out of spackling. I suspect it's due to the fact that this is my first time in my life spackling. The only part I don't like about it is having to take down the artwork everywhere, and then I have to live with bare walls for another two and a half weeks.I didn't expect to find so many Midol tablets and bobby pins while spending the day cleaning. Now

circle of life

2011-04-17T22:53:00.003-05:00

The next step is almost complete. One phone call soon should make it official. Feeling relieved to have accomplished the most important part of this transition in four days (like a boss), and now feeling ready to do some shopping and decorating.My favorite part is that I'll be in a place where my dad lived on his own and where my mom and dad lived right after getting married.My dining room table?

next steps

2011-04-13T21:38:00.003-05:00

With only a hint of a warning, my life is changing again. Time to start collecting boxes. After the initial freakout (with work stress more than adding to it), I set my mind to it. I know I can do it. I just didn't want to under these circumstances. But it's time to do what I do best. Set calendars, make lists, online shop on lunch hour.I'm following the logical step. On my own, leaving behind

one day, version three

2011-04-06T12:39:00.003-05:00

And so, my third year participating in One Day Without Shoes has come to a close. As in years past, I spent the day at work barefoot (with my TOMS in my drawer just in case), wore some type of One Day gear and took some pictures to post for later.But how much was that really a sacrifice? I often spend time in my office barefoot, usually when the heels just aren't working for me anymore. The floor

-

2011-04-04T23:33:00.001-05:00

Just like clockwork, the nostalgia hit me tonight. I've come a long, long way in seven years.

a theory

2011-04-04T20:37:00.002-05:00

When you're at a zoo, watching monkeys do their thing and swing on ropes, and you hear someone ponder "If we came from monkeys, then why they still got monkeys?" then you know evolution isn't over.In other zoo news, my tiny heart grew three sizes watching the baby and parent orangutan interact. It's already adorable that they both looked like old men, but when the baby orangutan gave the parent a

fried

2011-04-01T18:01:00.002-05:00

On Friday morning, March 12, 2010, my life changed in a very unfortunate way. I had bangs at the time, and an old flat iron. The fates aligned, and my bangs went crispy fried. Every last one of them, root to tip.It was a very bad day after that, and the days that followed saw deep conditioning and lots of bobby pins, and the months that followed saw lots of over-conditioning and strategic

ray of sunshine

2011-03-31T20:34:00.004-05:00

We all know I'm generally not the most positive person. Mainly an introvert, kind of a loner, lacking an ability to hide my stress.But I want to be friendlier. To be the person with a smile on her face. I hate seeing when friends are down, and I like to find silly ways to cheer them up. I have great friends who pick me up when I'm feeling down, and I want to make sure I'm returning the favor. I'm

i'll be barefoot, what about you?

2011-03-30T14:05:00.003-05:00

uneasy

2011-03-16T23:07:00.002-05:00

Something doesn't feel right.Is something actually off?Am I overthinking?Is it just stress?Ready to shake it off or figure it out.

helping out

2011-03-11T13:51:00.003-06:00

Please take a moment and text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10 to the Japan earthquake relief, or visit the Red Cross website to see how else you can help.And take a few moments today to remember how fragile life is. Above all the petty drama and celebrity gossip, there are terrible things happening around the world that no one can prevent. Nature doesn't revolve around us. My heart goes out to

omt

2011-03-10T21:10:00.002-06:00

So. Lenten sacrifice day 2 update. FAILED MISERABLY. Working in the place I do, most of my daily conversation involves curse words and holy names in vain. Like, almost all.All day I would catch myself mid-slip, and finally I decided I needed to settle on a replacement word. That is how Amy came to suggest that I replace God or Jesus with Taylor. Logical. After deciding Oh my Taylor had a ring to

made it.

2011-03-09T22:10:00.004-06:00

Found some secret reserve of energy and made it through the last day and a half of Mardi Gras. Dare I say it was the best time I had all weekend. Bars, Greek food, parades, parties, (totally awkward ex moments), a little bit of sleep, more parades, drinks, friends, beads, and a couch crash at 6:30pm.Lots of ups and downs, but they were really thanks to the crazy internal workings of my brain, but

hey hey mardi gras!

2011-03-07T11:38:00.003-06:00

Mardi Gras is here again, and I'm already worn out. Three days of bars, booze and lack of sleep. Not even sure if I'll make it to the big day tomorrow, especially if it's going to storm as forecasted. Fine with me. Sitting at work adds to the feeling of exhaustion. Sitting at work listening to the bar thump music downstairs adds to the reminder that I am working on Lundi Gras on the parade

friday!!!

2011-03-04T13:42:00.005-06:00

Brushing off the typical work ridiculousness and focusing on the fact that I am wearing this today.It's Mardi Gras time. :)

under renovation

2011-03-03T22:24:00.004-06:00

There's a bar downtown that recently got gutted and renovated, and is opening tonight as a new establishment. It's a bar where I spent many nights when I was younger, watching local bands and becoming the music junkie I am today. It was always one of my favorites, and was a place where I met many friends. And was the place where I first kissed a boy over five years ago.It had changed names about

spring cleaning

2011-03-03T12:46:00.004-06:00

The other day, a friend of mine posted a status on Facebook that said he was not put on earth to hate everything like everyone else.I knew it wasn't directed towards me specifically, but it made me think about how I really am too whiny about too many things. Because it's easy to whine, face it. But I want to try to be more positive and be a more pleasant person to be around.So, new goal slash

hippy hippy shake

2011-02-22T22:12:00.002-06:00

I took dance lessons for 10 years. Or rather, tap and jazz lessons for 10 years, ballet for nine. (And tumbling for one.) Went to three dance conventions and performed in the Nutcracker one year.Which is all fine and dandy, but I finished those lessons eight years ago. (And no, I am not ready for it to be the same amount of time I've been out as the same time I was in.)And Zumba last night threw

sunday night thoughts

2011-02-20T21:13:00.004-06:00

why did it take me so long to call on a production company for a personal favor? right now is the first of many regular viewings of road to albertane on dvd.why has it been at least 75 degrees every day this past week? it's still friggin february, and i'm not ready to give up my favorite weather. and i really don't want to have to turn on the air conditioner.although i don't really feel it, i

10 vs 11

2011-02-16T18:32:00.003-06:00

This time last year I was heading into a dark, hot, dirty club to see one of my favorite bands live. Part of today was filled with reliving the memories of that night and that insanely hilarious road trip with a really good friend. Nothing short of uploading those 7 YouTube videos last night, wearing a Jack's Mannequin shirt to work, and listening to Jack's Mannequin for all eight hours of today

2011-02-15T21:24:00.001-06:00

Constantly moving has to catch up with you eventually. This weekend calls for some serious nothingness...if my body doesn't take it sooner.Long days, weekend work, interstates, Valentine celebrating (even though that was fun), more long days. I didn't realize how thin I was wearing.