The Saturday Six

What I'm reading. I'm still readying Phillip Carlo's The Butcher. I haven't even gotten near the middle of the book. I'm still in the process of learning the characters. Phillip Carlo does an excellent job describing each character's history and documenting the process of how they got to be who they are/were.
   I'm also reading The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson. A sweet coworker of mine purchased it for me after being richly blessed by its message. I'm looking forward to learning how to become a circle warrior! I've been highlighting lines of the book that have called out to me. There seems to be more highlighted passages than plain text. Looks like a good sign to me!!

What I'm eating. I should really document how much I'm eating rather than what. This week has been OUT OF CONTROL when it comes to portion control. If this week had to have a culinary theme, it'd definitely be indulgence. Reese eggs, Cinnabon rolls, steak, souped-up mashed potatoes, etc.

What products I'm using. I've been using Oboshi's ElastiLash until my Latisse comes in. Previously, I mentioned that I had a massive gap in the lashes on my left eye. That was roughly about two or three weeks ago. I'm happy to say that the gap has been filled in thanks to doubling up on my doses. While I don't think it's up to Latisse's standards; this little guy packs a punch!!!

What I'm listening to. I have great respect for Kacey Musgraves as an artist. I think she is a phenomenal songwriter. I find myself hoping the next song coming on the radio is her "Merry Go Round" song. I love it! I instantly fell in love with Merranda Lambert's song "Mama's Broken Heart". Come to find out, Kasey wrote that and gave it to Merranda as a wedding gift. If I was a betting woman, I'd bet ol' Kacey is going to be around for a minute!

What I'm looking forward to. I'm looking forward to squeezing into my senior prom dress next weekend. I am not going to go into the details of what a nightmare it was back in the day to track down and purchase that dress, but let's just say it was a bit extreme. BUT it was most definitely worth it because that thing is a BEAUT!! And I'm definitely getting my money out of it since this is the second time in my adult life I've pulled it out of the closet.

Wish I had a picture to show y'all, but I'll definitely take some next week!

What quote I'm loving.

So true, Buddha!

Friday's Letters 02.22.13

Dear Reese Peanut Butter Eggs,
  Dang, you're good! Hard to believe it's been a whole year since you were mine.

Dear Todd,
  You are a miracle worker. High and low-lights, side bangs, layers, OH MY! Feeling sassy with this new do!

Dear New Tires,
  Listen carefully: I am going to need you to LAST. You cost a small fortune and I am over spending money on you. Let's get pretty attached so you can stay a while.

Dear New Driver's License,
  I HATE you! I've always taken pride in the fact that I can produce a pretty decent DL picture. Thanks for ruining that streak. Guess I'm going to have to swallow my own medicine and tell myself what I tell others--it's just a tiny picture that no one but you really cares about.

Old, decent photo

New, haggard picture

The Saturday Six

What I'm reading. I'm making it a priority to sit down this week and actually start The Butcher by Phillip Carlo. This book offers the first-ever look at the life and crimes of Tommy "Karate" Pitera who had an estimated 60 kills before being caught. Phillip Carlo has several books that chronicle the mad acts of mafia men and the heroic investigators who brought them down such as Richard Ramirez and Richard Kuklinshi. Carlo's books are quite morbid, going into detail of the kills, but they're fascinating to a reader whose mind just doesn't work that way. That's my disclaimer for letting you folks know I'm not trying to get tips on how to "off" someone.

What I'm eating. I've been eating a tremendous amount of cauliflower this week. (Wish I had something more exciting to offer.) I'm so glad I decided to have an open mind and try cauliflower last year. Before, I only saw it offered up with ranch on a veggie tray. Now, I get a little creative with it--cheesy cauliflower in the place of mac n cheese, cauliflower with sixteen cloves of garlic [no typo, SIXTEEN], and cauliflower soup. 

What products I'm using. I bought a facial primer from Ulta this week. I've noticed that, by the time I get home from work, my makeup is still present but not in the areas it was applied. After doing research and identifying the top primers, I copped out and went with Revlon--mainly due to the fact that I was ready to get out of there and I just happened to be on that aisle. I still haven't used it, but I'll report back later and see if it does the job.

What I'm listening to. I've been jamming out to Senses Fail on my way to work this week. (Okay, for a couple of weeks now since my car is messy and I don't know the exact location of my CD case.) I love that the singer mainly talks/yells throughout the song. He doesn't have what you would call a great singing voice, but the lyrics and instrumentals make up for it. 

What I'm looking forward to. I'm definitely looking forward to getting my hair cut and colored next week. The grays cannot be denied since the last time they had a little paint on them was November. I have been embracing it and telling myself it makes my hair look shiny. Pretty sure I'm the only one that's buying that line. On a less-vain note, I'm looking forward to the rest of my weekend. It's my brother-in-law's birthday and we're pretty much celebrating it this entire weekend starting with this afternoon and ending with a family cookout tomorrow. With that being said, I need to go shopping for a gift immediately after I finish blogging. 

What quote I'm loving.

I think Jr. had the right idea! Now if we can just get everyone on board this train of thought...

Hope everyone has a great weekend! I hear Alabama is anticipating snow.

Friday's Letters 02.15.13

Dear Pure Barre,

 Five classes in and I'm still just as hooked as I was the first day I visited. Can't wait to start seeing the changes that are promised! I certainly can feel a change!!

Dear 27,

  You are not treating me as good as....well, let's say 22. I gave my best attempt at being a rock star and wound up paying for it the rest of the weekend. Think tonight is going to be a quiet night in....

Dear Gummy Vitamins,

  Why are you so much easier to remember to take than regular vitamins? Because you're delightful.

Dear Kids Hopped Up On Valentine's Sugar,

   You definitely gave me a run for my  money. Quite honestly, I thought about "running" several times throughout the day, but I'm glad y'all had a good Valentine's Day. 

Dear Troy,

  I cannot wait to celebrate your birthday this weekend! I'm so glad you're a part of our family!

Dear Monsoon that Plagued Alabama this week,

  Glad you're gone! I'll admit it was nice to throw my hair in a pony tail everyday, but rain gets old. Fast.

Dear Tires,

  I'm going to need you to stop wearing out so quickly. Every 6 months I have to buy a new one, and now I've been told I need a whole new set. There goes $500 I really, really, really didn't need/want to spend.

Dear Legislature,

  How 'bout you give us some breaks. Literally. 

Sincerely,

 Exhausted/Worn out/Stressed/Needs a vacation/Had it up to here Teacher.

Dear Patience,

  Come back. I need you.

Valentine's Day 2013

  In the last couple of years, I went from despising Valentine's Day [read here for the reasoning behind these feelings] to embracing it. It's pretty fun if you get into it--especially if you're a teacher. Admittedly, this year's Day of Love was pretty uneventful, but it was still a good time.

Who was your Valentine this year? A whole bunch of 7th graders.

What is your favorite Valentine's memory? I would say the best Valentine's Day was last year. Me and my friend, Torey, met up for dinner and he surprised me with lots of Valentine's goodies. It was a lot of fun!

Favorite love song? Pretty much anything from Chicago. "If You Leave Me Now", "Hard for me to Say I'm Sorry", "You're the Inspiration", and the list goes on and on.

Which candy heart are you? This one says it all.

Favorite romantic comedy? Classic!

Movie that you think paints a realistic view on relationships? Probably "He's Just Not That Into You". It's got pretty much every type of romantic relationship in it.

Single or in a relationship? Single!

Sexiest Man Alive? James Franco, hands down.

Sexiest Woman alive? Halle!!!

I'd love to receive a bouquet of.... tulips! Red, yellow, and purple, please!\

Best type of chocolate on Valentine's Day? Oh, now this is a tough one. I'd probably go with Dove milk chocolates.

Favorite quote or poem about love?

Annabel Lee

It was many and many a year ago,

In a kingdom by the sea,

That a maiden there lived whom you may know

By the name of ANNABEL LEE;

And this maiden she lived with no other thought

Than to love and be loved by me.

I was a child and she was a child,

In this kingdom by the sea;

But we loved with a love that was more than love-

I and my Annabel Lee;

With a love that the winged seraphs of heaven

Coveted her and me.

And this was the reason that, long ago,

In this kingdom by the sea,

A wind blew out of a cloud, chilling

My beautiful Annabel Lee;

So that her highborn kinsman came

And bore her away from me,

To shut her up in a sepulchre

In this kingdom by the sea.

The angels, not half so happy in heaven,

Went envying her and me-

Yes!- that was the reason (as all men know,

In this kingdom by the sea)

That the wind came out of the cloud by night,

Chilling and killing my Annabel Lee.

But our love it was stronger by far than the love

Of those who were older than we-

Of many far wiser than we-

And neither the angels in heaven above,

Nor the demons down under the sea,

Can ever dissever my soul from the soul

Of the beautiful Annabel Lee.

For the moon never beams without bringing me dreams

Of the beautiful Annabel Lee;

And the stars never rise but I feel the bright eyes

Of the beautiful Annabel Lee;

And so, all the night-tide, I lie down by the side

Of my darling- my darling- my life and my bride,

In the sepulchre there by the sea,

In her tomb by the sounding sea. 

Edgar Allan Poe

Twenties

  A friend of mine turned 20 yesterday. It got me to thinking about my twenties and how they've treated me. Your twenties are such a cool experience--that decade of your life when, at the beginning of it, you realize you don't have it all figured it out and (hopefully) by the end of it, you do.
  I feel like, as teenagers, we think we know it all. We know where we're going to college and what we want out of life. We think we know who we are when, really, we're just  the person our parents and limited life experiences have molded us to be. We were so wrong. No one can fully prepare you for the next ten years to come.
  Typically when you turn 20, you  know "what you're going to be when you grow up" because you've spent the last two years in school working towards that goal. You have your old safety net of back-home high school friends as well as your new-found college friends. You've been living on your own for two years and you're discovering you who are and who you want to be.
  Then in your early to mid-twenties, you are hurled into the adult world. You're a career (wo)man now. If you're anything like me, that's going to be an adjustment. I am a pretty responsible person, but going from having bills paid for me to budgeting rent, utilities, & insurance threw me off my game. I was a penny-pincher for fear I wouldn't have enough money to live on since I only got paid once a month. Then there's the career. It takes a while to see yourself as an adult. There I was, 23 and a teacher. Hundreds of sets of parents entrusted their most valuable possessions to me. Me!!! Admittedly,there were days when I'd look over at the room full of children working quietly on their worksheet and I'd realize that I was the authority figure in the room. Those kids would look to me in the event of an emergency. It was at that point I'd go into a mental mini-panic attack and want to run out of the room. I'm glad to say that stopped after my first year.
   Once you've adjusted to the adult world and you're in your mid to late-twenties, you start to go through another evaluation process. You start to ask yourself: Am I in the place I want to be? Am I in the place I should be? Is what I'm currently doing what I want to do for the rest of my life? Is what I thought I wanted what I actually want? You start thinking about even more grown up decisions like buying house and life insurance.
  Your twenties are so serious yet so fun! You are coming into your own and making a life for yourself. So for those of you that are in your early twenties, get excited! The best is yet to come.
 

Friday's Letter 02.08.13

Dear Jergens Natural Glow Lotions,

  Thank you so much for shading over that white pastiness I've been rocking the last few months. I tried to keep up a "nobody's tan in the winter" attitude, but pictures don't lie. I was a ghost. But, thanks to you, I have a natural glow.

Dear Missing Lashes,

   Come back!!!! I know it's my fault that you're gone, what with my annoying nightly habit of twisting you and all, but you are greatly missed. I am sporting a LARGE gap between my inner and outer lashes and it's  100% noticeable. I didn't want to do this, but I'm about to sic some Latisse on you. I've done it before; I'll do it again.

Dear Olay Advanced Pro-X Cleaning System,

  Good job exfoliating my skin! I was a bit hesitant of you since you were only 30 bucks whereas your competitor, Clarisonic, was $119, but you are a hard little worker. Highly recommended product!

Dear Genghis Grill of Montgomery,

  Good gosh, you're good! You were even worth the hour and a half wait. Soooo wish we had one in Auburn--or Notasulga. (Yeah right!)

Dear Pure Barre,

   I tried to stay away from you; I really did. From everything I've heard you are amazing and addictive and expensive. But I had to do it; I had to try you. And WHOA!!!! Everything I've heard about you was true. I'm addicted after one visit! I just hope you  live up to the other thing people say about you: you transform bodies in record-breaking time. We shall see!

Dear Mama,

  Happy birthday week to you!! I loved spending time with you and hope you enjoy your movie tickets. I'm so grateful to have a beautiful, loving, supportive mother like you!!

Dear Last Weekend,

   I hope this upcoming weekend is as much fun as you were. Thanks for showing me a good time with great friends.

Dear The Walking Dead,

   OH.MY.GOSH. I've waited for you for so long, and on Sunday, the wait is over. You better be epic.

Images (in order) were obtained from: 1. https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&site=&tbm=isch&source=hp&biw=1366&bih=673&q=jergens+natural+glow&oq=jergens+na&gs_l=img.1.0.0l7j0i24l3.487.1431.0.3329.10.7.0.3.3.0.171.617.5j2.7.0...0.0...1ac.1.2.img.KiQTEcFUNnw&safe=active#imgrc=Qj2OOWv0pOoCGM%3A%3B2mMGp4NOzyWRrM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fs.shld.net%252Fis%252Fimage%252FSears%252F01323058000_20120119080136971%253Fhei%253D315%2526wid%253D315%2526op_sharpen%253D1%2526resMode%253Dsharp%2526op_usm%253D0.9%252C0.5%252C0%252C0%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.kmart.com%252Fjergens-natural-glow-daily-facial-moisturizer-fair-to%252Fp-015W030004130001P%3B315%3B315  2.  https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&site=&tbm=isch&source=hp&biw=1366&bih=673&q=latisse&oq=latisse&gs_l=img.3..0l10.2559.3188.0.3405.7.7.0.0.0.0.146.777.2j5.7.0...0.0...1ac.1.2.img.GTHOBvB-uKE&safe=active#imgrc=f_ti_06uTesfQM%3A%3B-j0v6xMDAR_GyM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.allergan.com%252Fassets%252Fimages%252FUS%252Fproducts%252Flatisse_logo.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.allergan.com%252Fproducts%252Fmedical_aesthetics%252Flatisse.htm%3B218%3B291  3. https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&site=&tbm=isch&source=hp&biw=1366&bih=673&q=latisse&oq=latisse&gs_l=img.3..0l10.2559.3188.0.3405.7.7.0.0.0.0.146.777.2j5.7.0...0.0...1ac.1.2.img.GTHOBvB-uKE&safe=active#imgrc=f_ti_06uTesfQM%3A%3B-j0v6xMDAR_GyM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.allergan.com%252Fassets%252Fimages%252FUS%252Fproducts%252Flatisse_logo.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.allergan.com%252Fproducts%252Fmedical_aesthetics%252Flatisse.htm%3B218%3B291  4.  https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&site=&tbm=isch&source=hp&biw=1366&bih=673&q=pro+x+advanced+cleansing+system&oq=pro+x+ad&gs_l=img.1.0.0i24l3.382407.384972.0.387325.12.10.2.0.0.0.136.1052.3j7.10.0...0.0...1ac.1.2.img.ay9zohgSrYc&safe=active#imgrc=C0tC03m3wdXw-M%3A%3BRqvfgRYvuWg3bM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fmakingitlovely.com%252Fwp-content%252Fuploads%252F2011%252F02%252FOlayProX.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fmakingitlovely.com%252F2011%252F02%252F23%252Folay-pro-x-advanced-cleansing-system%252F%3B500%3B500  5. https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&site=&tbm=isch&source=hp&biw=1366&bih=673&q=pro+x+advanced+cleansing+system&oq=pro+x+ad&gs_l=img.1.0.0i24l3.382407.384972.0.387325.12.10.2.0.0.0.136.1052.3j7.10.0...0.0...1ac.1.2.img.ay9zohgSrYc&safe=active#hl=en&safe=active&tbo=d&tbm=isch&spell=1&q=genghis+grill&sa=X&ei=BCwVUaSqB4Xc8wSvxIDQBA&ved=0CE8QvwUoAA&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.r_qf.&bvm=bv.42080656,d.eWU&fp=99005561a90e5551&biw=1241&bih=611&imgrc=KeaTbq9IBCAQ4M%3A%3BroKC6intyHfM8M%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.franchisegenius.com%252Flogos%252F588%252Fghengis%252520grill%2525201.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.franchisegenius.com%252FGenghis-Grill-Franchise%3B325%3B216  6.  https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&site=&tbm=isch&source=hp&biw=1366&bih=673&q=pro+x+advanced+cleansing+system&oq=pro+x+ad&gs_l=img.1.0.0i24l3.382407.384972.0.387325.12.10.2.0.0.0.136.1052.3j7.10.0...0.0...1ac.1.2.img.ay9zohgSrYc&safe=active#hl=en&safe=active&tbo=d&tbm=isch&sa=1&q=pure+barre&oq=pure+barre&gs_l=img.3..0j0i24l9.18270.19943.5.20080.11.10.0.1.1.0.122.790.6j4.10.0...0.0...1c.1.2.img.rdlSpd3XU-k&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.r_qf.&bvm=bv.42080656,d.eWU&fp=99005561a90e5551&biw=1241&bih=611&imgrc=7V0ia5vs1saDHM%3A%3B4mw-7jVKxnUuvM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fcollwrites.com%252Fwp-content%252Fuploads%252F2012%252F09%252Fpurebarre-threepics.jpeg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fcollwrites.com%252F2012%252F09%252F21%252Flets-talk-about-pure-barre%252F%3B550%3B357  7. my camera  8.  https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&site=&tbm=isch&source=hp&biw=1366&bih=673&q=pro+x+advanced+cleansing+system&oq=pro+x+ad&gs_l=img.1.0.0i24l3.382407.384972.0.387325.12.10.2.0.0.0.136.1052.3j7.10.0...0.0...1ac.1.2.img.ay9zohgSrYc&safe=active#hl=en&safe=active&tbo=d&tbm=isch&sa=1&q=walking+dead+sunday&oq=walking+dead+sunday&gs_l=img.3..0i24l10.9637.9637.9.9854.1.1.0.0.0.0.44.44.1.1.0...0.0...1c.1.2.img.HMICvu1cVwU&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.r_qf.&bvm=bv.42080656,d.eWU&fp=99005561a90e5551&biw=1241&bih=611&imgrc=yfx_uyE5tbYjyM%3A%3B1bixqOXCJbClYM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fblog.newsok.com%252Ftelevision%252Ffiles%252F2013%252F02%252FThe-Walking-Dead-An-Eye-for-An-Eye-532x787.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fblog.newsok.com%252Ftelevision%252F2013%252F02%252F06%252Fthe-walking-dead-returns-feb-10-join-newsok-after-show-chat%252F%3B532%3B787

Friday's Letters 02.01.13

Dear Crazy Weather,

  What's up with you?? One day it's 75 degrees and the next my winter coat isn't doing enough to keep me warm. How about we just stick to 75 degrees?? I'm down with that. My spring flowers have even started coming up.

Dear Jillian Michaels,

  I keep putting you off because I know you're going to bring the pain. I say let's bring it on today (Thursday)! Somebody's gotta whip me into shape, and I'd rather you do it than Shawn T.

Dear Wanda from 180 Wellness Spa,

  You have MAGIC hands. I just wish we had more than an hour to spend together. If anyone ever wants to buy me a gift--book me a massage. I will love you forever + 1 day.

Dear Amy,

  Thank you so much for my new book, The Circle Maker!! I cannot wait to read it and get started with my prayer circles!

Dear Melatonin,

  Wow! I just love, love, LOVE you! You bring such blissful, restful nights of sleep. :) :)

Dear Bonefish Grill,
  Come to Auburn, please! Although you're completely worth the 40-minute drive, it'd be nice to have you a hop, skip, and a jump away.