Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Going Off the Grid



You've probably guessed already, but I'm going off the grid this week...I'm spending the week at my grandparents' house in West Virginia.  So I'm putting aside the wireless and enjoying this winter wonderland.  See you next week when I'm back in Washington, and Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Friday, November 22, 2013

Overload



This most definitely needs to be my new mantra.  Although I don't bask in the "importance" of being busy, it seems that this is my excuse more and more for not doing what I need/want/love to do.  Visiting with family and friends, spending more time on creative endeavors, etc...being "busy" is a great excuse not to get to these things, right?  The thing is, everyone is busy, and yes, some have more crunched days than others.  But rather than using this as an excuse, I need to recognize the blessings of my job and commitments, keep moving, and schedule my time wisely so that I can live a much fuller life.

That said, I have been a horrible blogger this week, but finally, the work week is over for me, and in a few short hours, I will be on a week-long Thanksgiving vacation.  So needed, and I cannot wait to sit back, relax and catch with my family (and focus on rethinking my "busy" way of life).  On the top of my list is to catch up on some reading, and the first thing will be flipping through this enormous collaboration of holiday gift guide from bloggers way more notable than me.  (Check out my friend Lindsay's suggestions on pages 158-159!)  This 214-pager literally has gift suggestions for everyone under the sun, and I have already started to find a few things to add to my wish list as well.

Enjoy the weekend, and if you are traveling, be safe and sound!

Monday, November 18, 2013

Weekend Wrap-Up



Yes, it is a bit early for Christmas decorations.  Typically, I put mine up a few days after Thanksgiving, but I unexpectedly had the time this weekend and since this was pretty much the only chance to put up my trees until mid-December, I dove right in.  Whew, tree decorating is long, hard work, but I couldn't be happier with the additions I've made this year.  I'd still like to work on some garland for my "mantle" and one more wreath, but they will have to wait.  Busy, busy, busy girl the next few weeks.  The holidays can't get here fast enough!  This time of year just makes me so happy, so I don't really mind getting a two week head-start this year.

My Santa Tree!

My Razorback Tree! Go Hogs!

Friday, November 15, 2013

Sneak Peak, Part 2



Finally, my second rug came in!  I cannot believe how perfectly they match up and fit together...it looks like one large rug, right?  I will not begin to vent my frustration with rugsusa.com, who might possibly have to worst communication of any company I have ever dealt with, but their prices are such a steal, I guess I got what I paid for!  Anyways, it's all over and done with and I am now one happy girl.  Looks like I'll be spending the majority of my weekend putting back together my house--and maybe even starting to put up my Christmas trees too!  I know, I know...way too early for that.  But since it's been so cold outside (and I got some super cute ornaments while at home), I just can't resist!

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Weekend Wrap-Up

My bestie Jeb is married!  So happy for this man!
I'm a bit behind this week, but I promise, I have a good excuse!  I traveled home to Arkansas this weekend for my best guy friend's wedding, and it couldn't have been a better weekend!  The wedding was incredibly fun, a gorgeous bride and groom, and I got to catch up with some of my besties and friends I haven't seen for a very long time.  Couldn't have been a better wedding weekend, and I have to be honest, I am sad to be back in Washington.  Below are a few more photos with my hot date (my sister Marissa) and some of my great girlfriends.  Only 5 more weeks until I'm back and Arkansas, and I am counting down the days until I'm home again!




Friday, November 8, 2013

Daddy's Little Girl



Seven years ago today, my dad passed away from prostate cancer.  He was diagnosed over three years earlier with Stage 4 prostate cancer, and by the time he even knew he had it, it had already metastasized to his bones.  Yet, he fought on for over three years, and I won't lie, the last week of his life was excruciating.  I was alone with him in the hospital the last moments of his consciousness, gasping for breathe, before he slipped into a coma.  The last words he said, he spoke to me.

It always felt appropriate to be that way.  I'm his first born, and was always daddy's little girl.  But the reason, in my mind, that it had to be that way is because I always felt that I needed to be the strong one.  I had to be the one to write his obituary, and to say his eulogy, and to support my mom and sisters as best I could right after he passed.  And I needed to be the one to shield them from the horror of our last night together.

I wish that I can say that with each year, it gets easier, but that would be a lie.  The first few years I was living in a complete fog.  I don't even remember large parts of those years.  I know that my friends and family were really worried about me, and I truly appreciate you all so much that stuck with me through this long haul.  Now, the fog has mostly lifted, but I still miss him every single day.  Especially around this time of year.  But now, whenever the grief starts to become overwhelming, I try to think about my dad's strength, his determination, and his amazing will to never give up fighting.

And I think of the good things.  His ridiculously corny dad sense of humor.  His love of Three Dog Night and Elton John.  His terrible dance moves (my dad was the original fist pumper).  His infectious smile.  His love of sports and coaching.  Dad came from humble and unstable beginnings, and knew if he wanted to get out, he had to work hard and dream big.  And he did.  Dad gave me his ability to make a friend, his confidence (to a fault), his determination, his love of helping others, his leadership, and his big brown eyes.  All of those things in me, and so much more of who I am, came from my dad.  I am so lucky to have had him for a dad, and I am so sorry that I was not a better daughter at times.  But dad taught me to keep on moving, no matter what, and I only hope that the rest of my life can be a reflection of yours.  I know that I'm not the same person that I was when he was here with us still, but I know that he is still with me, watching over all I do.  Love and miss him, always.

I would love to know, what are your favorite memories of him?  Something that always reminds you of dad.

Thursday, November 7, 2013

Movember





As many of you know, tomorrow marks 7 years that my dad passed away from complications of prostate cancer.  Since then, I have tried to be an advocate for prostate cancer awareness, raising money for ZERO: The Project to End Prostate Cancer, and participating each year in their Father's Day run.  There is one event, however, that I cannot participate in: Movember.

The Movember Foundation is an organization committed to raising awareness and support for men's health issues, primarily prostate and testicular cancer.  They are best known for the month of November, when men around the country put down their razors in an effort to raise money for the campaign.  They may not rise to the epicness of those Boston Red Sox beards by the end of the month, but it's fun to see how much (or little) the mustaches of men participating grow.

This year, my friend Keith is raising money for the event, and if you're feeling generous, you can make a donation here:  http://us.movember.com/mospace/6996909

I would like to thank all of the men (and their sweet mustaches) who participate in this event each year.  The awareness that has grown (literally) from this event is amazing, as is the patience of the ladies in their lives for putting up with the scruff!  Personally, I like a man with a little scruff on his face...just saying!


Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Black is the New Black



Black--my signature color.  In my opinion, there is nothing more chic, confident, bad-ass (and not to mention slimming) than a beautiful woman in black from head to toe.  Don't get me wrong, I love me some color, but you've got to be in the mood to be bold or cheerful or girly--whatever you want to be for the day.  But black needs no explanation.  Black is strong and black is powerful.  Need more proof?  Well, here you go...









Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Treat the World Better...



I'm thinking it is just going to be one of those weeks that I'm just going to have to put my head down, and power through any way I can.  We've all been there, and sometimes when I get to this point, the best thing for me is to just breathe and find good things to reflect upon.  When I saw this quote today, it put things in perfect perspective.  Just another reminder that things in this world are so much bigger than you, no matter how mad or sad or bad things are.  It takes a lot of strength to turn your feelings around and project back something better.  But this week, that will be my focus.  Sometimes strength is all you have to get to where you need to be.

Friday, November 1, 2013

A Little Sunshine on a Dreary Day

Politico photo

Just a few things that have put a smile on my face and a pep in my step lately...

Going to see this incredibly talented man once again in a little over a week! Obsessed. 

Um, how amazing is this resort in San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua?  And the price...pennies.  Booking my room asap.

I have watched this skit now at least a dozen times...still cracks me up!

This post featuring Giorgio Armani PrivĂ© collections running from 2005 to present day...ah-mazing!  To wear one of those gowns...a girl can dream!

Sometimes, it's the little things...

Post-Halloween Post



Happy Halloween plus one!  It's my second favorite holiday--how could you not love one where you get to play dress up and eat candy?  Thanks for all the comments on my previous "What to be for Halloween" post.  Although I loved them all, I decided to go in a different route this year and loved my results--Miss Piggy!

Since I was coming from work to my friend's party and to hand out candy, this was an easy choice.  I just put on the wig, nose, and ears and added the boa, gloves and jewelry to what I was already wearing for work.  The kids LOVED my costume and so did I!  And if you're taking kids trick-or-treating in DC next year, let me tell you--East Capitol Street is the place to be.  I probably handed out 1,000 pieces of candy!

So fun, great costumes, good friends and a hostess with the mostess...what more could a girl want?  Hope you all had a wonderful Halloween as well!