Something New with a View

As I have mentioned a few times before, I am in the middle of transitioning to a new role at work. This is my first week being in my new location, getting closer to some other people in the office, and seeing the sites of daily CVG.

When my co-workers learned that I was moving across the street, their response was, "Where are you going to go?" There isn't much room in our Creative Team office as it is, so the question was, where would I go? I am right next to the door as you walk in, but I am kind of hidden behind this plant, so if you don't know I am there, it is quite a surprise when you walk in. That also makes me like the office admin since I am the first person you see. So I have my cozy little corner with the window behind me and the couch meeting area in front of me. I am working on adjusting to my space issue because I went from my nice organized cube to my new desk without drawers. I will have a file cabinet soon, but it is a true test to my organization without having all of the compartments I'm used to.

The first few days have been an adjustment. Getting used to seeing people coming in and out of the office all throughout the day along with the commotion outside will take some time. Also, I have to be conscious of keeping my rolling chair stable. If I pick up my feet or adjust my weight any, I start rolling towards the window (which makes me chuckle to myself). Also, there are 7 of us in this office and only 1 bathroom...let's just say that gives me a LOT of anxiety because I drink a lot of water throughout the day- they probably think I have bladder issues. (How did I ever survive the community bathrooms in the sorority house?)

There are so many positives about this move. I really like the people on this team that I am now a part of. It is nice to belong to a group again :) All of the temptations are gone (a lot of people bring treats, including me, but they are in the kitchen on the way to the bathroom...and remember how many trips I make? Makes the self control difficult). And I have daily entertainment.

Today a couple natives were arguing outside the bar next door. Since I am learning to ignore it, I was trying to not pay attention, but one of my co-workers was about to go outside. I suggested he wait a bit since they were in the middle of their dispute. We were trying to decide if it was a serious fight and if we needed to call the "bum police". I didn't think it was serious but as we opened the door we hear, "I don't stab I shoot." That was it, we called the police and within minutes we had 4 cops out there breaking it up. This is after a drunk was sitting on the steps in front of our door last night and the same co-worker kindly asked him to leave since we are trying to run a business. The drunk not-so-kindly replied, "Talking like that is what will get you stabbed." WHAT?! I wasn't there to see this, thank goodness, and my co-worker handled the situation.

Point of the story is that I will be out of that office at 5 o'clock on the dot before things get too crazy (even though I am not sure the time of day matters to those people). Luckily, they are all pretty protective of me over there, and we all look out for each other, so no need to worry!

I am sure these stories will continue, so I will share my entertainment with you!

Hello Sunshine

I know all 4 of my readers have been missing me this past week. Let's just say that it was one of THOSE weeks. You know, the kind where you go to work early, stay late and still have work to do when you get home? And while you are at work people are asking you to go in 20 different directions? Yea, that's the kind. (Good thing I had already scheduled some posts to be published :))



It did make me realize something, I need to add stress management to my goals for this month! Because I was so busy with work, I wasn't as good at the whole working on staying in touch thing as I would have liked to be. This goal may take precedent over that this month. Last week, I could literally feel the stress building up in me to the point where it was even effecting my body and I was sick in the middle of the week. That can't be good...I know I need to let things roll off a bit, so I am going to work on chilling out and not worrying so much. Then when I do get stressed, doing something productive rather than some of my rather unhealthy choices which will remain unmentioned (even thought I have yet to touch a sweet or bread product in 2.5 weeks).



So for a little update:

Last week I officially started my new role at work. I have a new seat in our office where the creative team is. And I have a wonderful view of the street which will warrant many interesting blog posts to come. For example, today the strip club across the street was a little late opening, so the strippers were waiting outside until someone unlocked the door- this was before lunch. And this afternoon some man sat right in front of our door - where the window reveals my feet - and was complaining that he couldn't go into the bar next door. I have been warned about what I will see now, and this was just my preview.



I painted my bathroom this weekend! It is a beautiful yellow. (Pictures to come soon I promise.) I think I need to take a break from decorating for a while, especially since I will be doing some outlet shopping soon!



I also have everything ordered for big bros wedding! Got my dress and shoes. I had to send in my measurements since it is getting ordered in another city, and apparently I don't know how to measure myself. My waist measurement was 4 sizes bigger than my other measurements...that would make me rather unproportional. All is fixed and I found some really cute shoes to wear! While I was out shoe shopping, I did have luck with some other good finds!

Congrats to DanceBlue which looked like they had another great year! I really did miss that this weekend. Even though it was at times painful and I wasn't sure I could make it, that was one of the most rewarding and fun things I have ever done. It is like spending 24 hours straight with all of your friends!



While I was working last night, I saw the end of the Oscars and I must say I am thrilled that Sandra won! That was a tough group but considering that was my favorite movie of the year, I had my fingers crossed for her.



Thank goodness we have had a glimpse of spring the past few days! I cant wait for it to officially be here. (Except for the rain because my hair doesn't know what to do in that situation.) Please let it stay!



Well hopefully I will have a bit more time to talk about my life this week (if I have something worth talking about).



PS I did receive William-Sonoma wedding gift registry information in the mail last week. If you know anyone who is really in the market.....

Just Dance

In honor of my favorite dance marathon being this weekend, I have been doing some dancing of my own lately!

My parents got me the Just Dance game for the Wii and it is SO MUCH FUN! You work up a great sweat and feel like a fool doing it by yourself, but you will definitely enjoy it! Right now my favorite one is 'Womanizer' but I haven't made it through all of them yet. I think when I get to Spice Girls I will surely enjoy it. It is like having your own dance party whenever you want!

I am sure going to miss doing Jazzercise at 5 am this Saturday, but maybe I will get up and play my new game in to feel like I am getting that great workout!

Happy National Peanut Butter Lovers' Day!

Who knew today was another day worth celebrating??? And as most of you know, this day was meant for me because I LOVE peanut butter. In honor of the day, I thought I would share some fun facts.

And check out those cute peanut butter mice! A fun treat I will have to learn how to make!

Peanut Butter originated in Canada? Who knew? Then, Mr. Kellogg (the cereal guy) secured the first US patent for the process to create the yummy spread.


As an American staple, peanut butter can be found in at least 75% of households.


Peanut butter is a good source of protein and fiber, and has the good kind of cholesterol to help fight cardiovascular disease. And when you get gum stuck in your hair, you can use peanut butter to get it out!


Buyer beware: almond butter is not peanut butter! I had heard that almond butter was a healthy alternative so I bought some. When I opened the jar, it was liquidy and not that delicious thick substance. The taste is ok but I do prefer peanut butter. And I have recently learned something: natural peanut butter should be stored in the frig to maintain its consistency. That was the issue when I opened my jar of almond butter. Solution found! Now I am not as disgusted by it.


You can get it in a variety of ways: crunchy, creamy, or low fat. I prefer low fat creamy. There is just something about the consistency that I like better. (Consistency is kind of a big thing for me.)


I think peanut butter goes with practically anything - although I am not brave to try in on everything. Here are some of my favorite peanut butter combos (even though I am perfectly fine with eating it plain):

• PB & J - I am pretty sure I could live off this happily.







• PB and apples
  
• PB Banana
  
• PB and chocolate - Actually it is good in almost any dessert. Too bad I gave up sweets or I would be making pb bars tonight to celebrate! I highly recommend the Reece's Eggs that come out for Easter. They are best frozen!



• PB and celery


• PB toast - A great way to start off the day or an afternoon pick-me-up!




• Fluffer-nutter - I just learned about this sandwich last year and it is quite tasty!


• PB and crackers or pretzels - If you want a little extra salt.


• PB cookies - Again, too bad I gave up sweets.

Well I hope you all got your fix of peanut butter today! And remember 'Choosy Moms Choose Jif'.

In like a Lion...

Time for my March goals! (I think I want to come up with a better word than goal so if you have any suggestions, they are welcome.)

My calendar for this month is pretty booked- I actually have plans 3 out of the 4 weekends! With this busy schedule, I decided that I should make my additional ambitions a little smaller and manageable this month. So I decided that I just want to continue the progress I made on last month's work and be sure to keep up with my chores. Also, I think this is a good time to just work on my relationships, especially with those that are far away. I want to make a better effort of staying in touch with my friends and at being a better friends to those near and far.

I am looking forward to a good month! Spring will be coming so there are many things to look forward to!

Success!

Being the end of the month, I wanted to review the progress that I made on the goals I set. I must say, I am pretty proud of myself.

• Get back on track with working out. I have gotten a better routine this month and have even found the motivation to work out before work!
• 
  Paint my bathroom. OK haven't done this one yet, but I am going to do it next weekend! So at least it's planned.
• 
  Finish some books. I finished one and working on another! My list of what I want to read is growing though...
• 
  Catch up on my scrapbooking. I have one more page to finish and I am done with my book for senior year! Then I can start this year's...
• 
  Reorganize my closets and cabinets. Check! My pantry looks amazing :) LOVE alphabetized spices!
• 
  Make a trip to Lexington. Just came back from such a fun weekend of spending time with some of my best friends. I love these girls so much and I hate that I don't get to see them as much as I used to. We went to a fun dinner and then hit the town like we used to (literally, and then woke up this morning saying how out of practice we are!) I wish it could have been a longer trip!

Well for the most part, I did everything I wanted to this month! I really like this new method of organizing my life...now for a new set of goals for next month.

The Prayer List

Last night I got to play hostess while my mom and her friends (who happen to be my old cheerleading coaches and moms of cheerleading friends growing up) brought me dinner and came to see my new place. In other words: more housewarming gifts! I enjoyed the conversation, but it was also nice to just sit and watch them carry about like they would do on any other monthly dinner.

I can definitely say over the past few months I have grown up a lot because I never realized how many difficult things people go through. I always knew they were there, but they seem to be happening more often, and I credit my observation of that to being an ‘adult’. While they were talking about some real world adult things that I like to pretend never happen, Mrs. P (old coach) told us about her prayer list. She makes a short list each month or week or whatever of what she needs to pray about. And she has seen it work!

I thought this concept was so interesting. I know as I get ready to say my prayers before I go to bed, I get overwhelmed because there are so many things I want to include: my family, friends, health, soldiers overseas, my coworker who was just diagnosed with cancer, finding my way through life, the people in Haiti, just to name a few. I think it is helpful to pick just a few to concentrate on for a period of time and then move on to the others. I am definitely going to try this!

Real Simple, Real Silly

With all of the wedding buzz going around these days with big bro's wedding coming up and having many of my friends planning weddings, I was inspired to pick up a wedding magazine at the store the other day. Now, before you go thinking, "You're rushing things a bit, Southern Charm. When was the last time you went on a date?" remember that it is my dream to be a wedding planner, so I am looking at things from that perspective, not my own wedding (yet).

As I was looking through my new mag, I saw that I got a free year subscription of Real Simple for purchasing this mag. I cannot begin to explain how excited I was, because my aunt had previously gotten me a subscription to Real Simple and I just loved it! I was so sad when my subscription ended and I was feeling a little too cheap to buy it for myself. Immediately, I filled out the post card and put it in the mail.

Well, this past week I received a catalog of wedding invitations in the mail. I thought it was a little strange to get that, but I don't discriminate against mail that is not a bill or meant for someone else. Then Saturday, I went to get the mail again and I had a single post card. It read:

"Dear Ms. Southern Charm,
Congratulations on your upcoming nuptials!...You are going to love your year subscription to Real Simple Weddings..."

First of all, I thought I was getting Real Simple, not Real Simple Weddings. Secondly, I am not getting married!!!! So I guess I can look forward to a year of getting fun wedding things in the mail for my fake upcoming wedding. I am actually really excited about it because I love reading about weddings and seeing what the latest trends are. I just felt rather silly because I was expecting another mag in the mail. Just call me The Wedding Planner :)

The First Valentine :)

Just as I thought it was going to be the end of another ordinary Valentine's Day, I got a very sweet phone call.

'A' called me from the land where it is forever warm and the first thing he says to me is "I came to a realization today that you are going to be my first Valentine, and my Valentine from now on because you will always be there- you are always going to be my best friend."

Although I was already having a pretty good day, that put the icing on the cake! Of course that started to be too much of a sentimental moment for us so we had to talk about some embarrassing stories from the past.

Thanks for making my day, A, and for being my Valentine! (I am expecting flowers :))

My Favorite Things:Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day! Be sure to share your love with those you care about :) Some people think it is depressing to be single on Valentine's Day, but the optimist in me says you don't need that someone special to make this holiday fun!

It's a great excuse to watch rom-coms! I can't wait to see Valentine's Day.

In elementary school, I LOVED the Valentine's Day Party. Remember when we decorated shoe boxes and dropped Valentine's into our classmates' boxes (and it was a REALLY big deal if you had a crush on someone)? The silly things I remember from those years...And you know my box was always decorated to a tee :)

You are practically expected to indulge in lots of chocolate! Who wouldn't like that? Valentine's cookies are a highlight as well.

My favorite Valentine's Day gift I received was this huge stuffed monkey my parents got me when I was in the 3rd grade. I used to sleep on it like a pillow...for some reason I was going through a monkey phase.

My favorite recent tradition was our sorority's Valentine's Date Party- Pick a Mister for your Sister. It was always so much fun to go not knowing (or knowing) who your date was going to be. I loved getting to pick dates for my friends and to see who they picked for me!

I hope that everyone has a wonderful day, and that you get to spend it with those you love! Happy Valentine's Day!

BUNKO!!!

Last night, my mom asked me to sub in her Bunko group. She was hosting and one of the ladies couldnt make it.

You wouldn't think that hanging out with 11 other women all 20-40+ years older than me would be a blast, but it was! I had so much fun and learned a lot from these women. From sharing recipes to listening to them talk about married lives, I was just amazed by them all.

My mother is a wonderful party planner and hostess (wonder where I get it :) ) and she had every little detail perfect! Since it is close to Valentine's day, we had a pj party. Everyone was to wear their pjs- so comf comf! So you have to have pizza at a pj party, so we had pepperoni pinwheels...my personal fav...along with all of the other appetizers and snacks. Next is popcorn, so each table had homemade caramel corn. And a pj party would not be complete without tons of chocolate! We had chocolate martinis, tons of M&Ms, and this chocolate/strawberry lemon tart dessert.

It was also one lady's birthday and since she decided to spend it playing Bunko, they all made sure to celebrate. She had a special birthday martini glass and when they brought out her Blizzard birthday cake (YUM), I think I saw tears fill her eyes. It was so thoughtful!

It was so nice to see this group of women, my mom's friends, having a wonderful time. We had the music TV channel on, and at one point, they had it turned up and were all dancing in the family room! I am not sure if it made me so happy because I saw my mom with her friends, which I never got to see much growing up since it was always me with my friends, or if it reminded me of all the times I spent with my friends knowing that no matter how old we get we will always act the same as we do now. Last night I was reminded that we can always be young at heart. Even though our lives take us in different directions, we get married, have kids, we always have each other and the special bond that women share.

Just Keep Spinning...

Since I am working on getting back on a workout sched. this month, I am trying to get back into spinning (thanks to the motivation from T-Bird). Tonight our instructor was INTENSE! He told us so much information and was telling us these advanced spinner things to do. He said he was going to correct our form if we weren't doing it right- which would have been so embarrassing because I was in the front row! He kept looking at my feet, but luckily never came over...whew!

I am now one of those really into it people who has a heart rate monitor (thanks Dad), which has been really helpful. I found that I used to push myself way too hard so I wasn't getting the best benefit from the class. Now I feel like I am getting a better workout.

Let's see if I can keep it up this week. I just tell myself to just keep spinning....(think of Dory from Finding Nemo).

PS MORE snow is supposed to come tonight. Have I mentioned that I am SICK of this? I don't think I can take much more....

Hope everyone is having a great start to the week!

Monday Already???

The weekends seem to be getting shorter. I cant believe it is time to start another work week. I didn't even do much this weekend and I feel like I haven't recovered from last week!

I did help my mom decorate valentine's day cookies for the nursing home (good deed of the day) and helped her get ready for a get-together she is having this week. I did spend a lot of time relaxing after that being lazy, but I don't necessarily feel ready for another crazy week. Of course I blame the snow/cold (miserable) weather for my lack of motivation in all areas of my life (no social life, letting things slack around the house, the extra effort it takes to go to work every day, etc).

So with that, I am now mentally preparing myself for this next week. May it be as productive as it can be!

I'ma a Diva

For those of you who didn’t know me in high school, this may come as a shock to you. All of my friends considered me a soccer mom in training, which is pretty realistic considering my mother is like the ultimate mom. They said that I would be the one who would always have my kids’ friends over with snacks and treats after school, be the PTA mom, field trip chaperone, etc… I was perceived as being this future domestic diva and at one point, I thought I could live up to all the hype. My best friend and I wanted to be just like our moms- they were both stay-at-home moms who worked so hard to make sure their kids had everything they needed. And once they finished all their chores around the house- fun projects, shopping trips, social groups, and lunches were always on the calendar. Well once I college hit, that all changed! My friend is now married and well on her way to living our dream, and I feel off the wagon.

I had never been too talented in the kitchen, nor did I enjoy it except for baking. I also became so career focused and ambitious that I lost sight of anything other than pushing myself to be the best. I began to think that I was going to be the ultimate career woman where being successful was all I needed- husband would be nice if it would ever happen, not so sure I even wanted kids. (9 months of being pregnant sounded so uncomfortable and miserable to me) I mean, so many women choose that path these days. Then I realized I was turning into Miranda, when deep down I am truly Charlotte.

I am not sure if it is the fact that the working world is not what I expected it to be, or that I am finally seeing what is important in life, but I am now back to my original dreams of raising a family and running a household. (So I guess being House Manager was a sign right girls?) I think it has always been my dream, it was just hidden by everything else I wanted to do in college. And I have figured out how I could even incorporate a part-time career as well. So since I have much more time to myself these days, I am becoming so domestic! I am (slowly) learning my way around the kitchen and not just the microwave. I am actually enjoying cooking- which has never been the case before. I used to HATE the grocery store, but as I learn my way around, it is not so bad. I LOVE the new Kroger Marketplace by my house and Costco is amazing. Laundry, ironing, and cleaning, all have to be done, but I am looking for ways to make it fun and not just a (dreaded) chore. I have painted and even learned to Spackle a wall! I am always open for entertaining guests- I like to keep an open invitation policy where my friends can come over any time (as long as it is clean). Just say when! Also, I have been spending a lot more time with my mom which has shown me how special a mother really is. Now all that is left is working on that whole dating/husband thing...I think I need to have a little more training before I can get married, so I am in no rush there!

I guess all of these changes I have been going through the past 8 months have changed me. Usually we notice we have changed long after the fact, but I actually feel it happening, and so many more changes are yet to come. For now I will just focus on the future and work on my skills around the house! Ill keep you updated on my progress!

Starting the Day Off Right

“When God puts a dream in your heart, when he brings opportunities across your path, step out boldly in faith, expect the best, move forward with confidence knowing that you are well able to do what God wants you to do.”

For the longest time, I have wanted to get a daily devotional book to start (or end) each day. Well this year was my year! I finally bought a book to start off my day right. The first thing I do when I get in the office is read the devotion while my computer starts up. (How about that for multi-tasking?) It has been such a great way to start out my day, especially ones that I am not so keen on going to work (like today). I wish I was journaling while I do this because I am sure these thoughts will apply to my life differently next year. Maybe that can be a goal soon.

That quote was from today’s devotion and I just really liked it. Hopefully it inspires you as well!

You let me down, Phil...

6 more weeks of winter?!?!?! UGH!!!

February started off great until that news...I am well on my way to accomplishing those goals :) I have worked out both days, even though the gym is still crazy! I have finished one book, as you saw in the previous post and have another to start.

I am ready and waiting for warmer weather to come. At least the sun has been shining the past couple of days and when I go to work, it is not pitch black out (which is nice since I work next to a 3rd-shift bar and a strip club and there are always randoms out at all hours).

Let's just hope for no more snow and wish spring to come soon!

A Good Read: The Shack

I just finished the book, The Shack. I have been working on reading it since Christmas...and finally made time to sit down and finish it. (One thing to mark off the list and it is not even February yet!)

I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to visualize what it could be like to literally spend a weekend in God's presence. Now this was someone else's interpretation of what it could be like, but the words are moving. What I liked most about it was that there were so many good phrases that really resonated with me- so many things that made a lot of sense the way they were written.

There are two things that I am taking away from this book:
1) Everything happens for a reason- and this is God's plan. But even when we can't imagine why certain things are happening to us, we need to have that faith, don't blame anyone, especially God, and forgive immediately. Trust God.

2) He is always with us, no matter how alone we may feel. Enough said.

It is an inspiring book and the words leave you wanting more!

I LOVE Coupons

One of the best perks of buying a house is that you get some random stuff in the mail! This past week, I got letter and coupons from both Pottery Barn and West Elm.





I have no doubt I will be able to find something fun! I just need to take some time to see what I need.....any ideas???

Thank Goodness It's almost February!

I don't know about you, but I am ready for February! We are getting closer to warmer weather :) They say that January is the most depressing month of the year, and I couldn't agree more. No wonder no one can keep a New Year's Resolution- the odds are definitely against you! So for all of you who are looking back over the past month, thinking, "Maybe next year...", don't give up just yet! As Henry Moore says, "I think in terms of the day's resolutions, not the year's."

So even if I haven't been reaching any goals set for myself, I am going to start over. This coming month, I have a list of things that I would like to do:

• Get back on track with working out. All those resolutioners should be giving up about now, so I have one less excuse not to go to the gym. Now getting past the cold weather is another story....
• Paint my bathroom. This one is already kind of started- I have the paint already!
• Finish some books. I have plenty that I want to read, I just need to do it.
• Catch up on my scrapbooking. I am still on last year! My friend over at Simply MJ has inspired me to get back to being crafty :)
• Reorganize my closets and cabinets.
• Make a trip to Lexington

Ok, so that may be a little ambitious considering this is a short month, and with work picking up I find that I have less time to spend on things because I feel so tired and lazy when I get home. But I do think that by making little steps like this, I will see how they transfer into long-term results :)

Well, I am happy that I have specific things to look forward to! And I hope you can look forward to more posts now too! I encourage you to make a little To-Do for this month as well, and remember that you can start over every day :)

And yay for the end of this month! I am ready for my new beginning.

Did ya miss me???

So it is a good thing I didn't resolve to be a better blogger this year, because clearly I need some help in this area. I guess I will update you on some things going on in my life, but honestly, the reason I haven't written is because I don't think I have had that many interesting things to talk about.

Work has been crazy these past few weeks. I have had a lot of experience trying new things, but it is not anything I think I want to do with my life. Last week I got some good news that I will be managing our huge service event we are holding for our clients this spring! I am not sure if my definition of "managing" is the same as the rest of the company, but at least I am finally involved in the one thing I have wanted to do since I started this job. I will get to work with the foundation created by the coach of the local NFL team so I am so excited to meet them and hopefully get more involved in that fund. This week marks my six-month "anniversary"- I cant believe it. I have to go to lunch with my career lead tomorrow to discuss the past six months and whats next. Yikes!

Besides work, I haven't really done much that much. I have been spending a lot of time with my parents, and surprisingly I haven't minded at all. I really love spending time with them. They are my best friends and I am so thankful to have them. This weekend, my dad called to see if I needed anything hung around my place and before you know it, we are painting my kitchen and entry (pictures to come soon). It was so spontaneous of me but I am glad to have that done! It makes it more homey and welcoming here.

I have also gotten to know my neighbor. I have enjoyed hanging out with her the few times we have! She has a little Gabby too, so I should have known we would have been friends with our great taste in dogs :)

Most of you reading this know that I have a slight obsession with weddings. so I thought it would be a good idea to get a bridal workout routine for big bros wedding. Well today was day 1 and when I left work it was snowing like crazy so I decided not to go to the gym. Ha any excuse to not go :) Oh well tomorrow is a new day! I think painting wore me out...


See, nothing too exciting to update you on, but at least you know I am still alive! I will try to do better but I am not making any promises.