Tough Decisions

Everyday we make a million and one decisions. What to wear. What to eat. Where to eat. All in all, these itty bitty decisions typically don't make or break life. They don't alter the universe and, for the most part, they don't really impact anyone but you. I don't think wearing the grey pants instead of the brown ones broke any international agreements or brought anything to a screeching halt!

But, throughout life, we are faced with tough decisions. Some tough, yet exciting--to go to college or not. To move to a new city or stick it out where you are. Some that are just plain lose/lose--to stay in a broken relationship or move on (especially if there are kiddos involved). To cut someone off because of something they did or said. There are no good decisions when it comes to the really tough stuff.  Someone, somewhere is going to be hurt. Someone, somewhere is going to be cheering you on and supporting your every effort and move. Someone, somewhere will write you off. It is impossible to please everyone.

I'm not good at making decisions. I don't even have an opinion about what restaurant to go to until someone else decides first. Then, I have something to say. I struggle with nail polish choices when I go to paint my toenails. I go back and forth on what to wear and, can't for the life of me decide what to buy people as gifts. My husband hates that I resort to a good ole fashioned gift card.

I'm good at coming up with the options. Lots of options. Plan A, B, C and D. And I'm good at the execution. But the deciding. Picking something unknown and committing to it wholeheartedly is a struggle mainly because I don't believe in regrets.

I'm the blind-faith type that knows there is something more powerful than me at work--be it God, the universe, karma, whatever. I feel that every thing I do, each important decision I make, leads me to where I am ultimately supposed to be. Even the not-so-good choices carry a meaning and a purpose.

I have a friend who thinks it's all bullsh*t. That I, along with anyone else who believes as I do, believe these things--purpose, fate, destiny--to simply make myself feel better, to cope. So, at the end of any given sh*tty day, I can tell myself that all the struggles and imperfections are worth it because they will lead me to something greater. She can call "bullsh*t" on it, but to me, it is fact.

I have stood behind every important decision I have made in my life. In hindsight, it may not have been even the best of the worst, but it is mine and it has brought me here to this day, to this moment. So that in the most amazing days of my life, I remind myself that all the crap, the bad decisions, the bad days have led me to the good, most amazing and blessed life that I am privileged to live.

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Dog's Best Friend

I am a dog lover. Although I do not have a dog of my own, I claim my mom's dog as mine and love her dearly.


Our last two family dogs have been from the humane society, so I have a soft spot for dogs that have had a, shall we say, colorful past. This story about Tanner, a blind Golden Retriever, is so sweet that I had to share it. You never know who is going to be your best friend.


Hope you enjoy.

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/blind-pooch-gets-guide-dog.html

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Take a Kid to Work - WHAT?

Take your child to work day… The one day a year, small humans feel so special that they get to skip a day of school and head to work with their parent.

Now, when I was little, it was JUST take your daughter to work day, but has since become take your child to work.

My mom was a teacher – so in a sense I was STILL going to school (just not my school). And I knew what a teacher did at their job – I was surrounded all day by a teacher. But it was different, and it made me feel “cool.”

I got to write on the chalkboard, check papers, have lunch in the teacher’s lounge, play with the bunny in the science class, AND I got to do all the work that my mom assigned to the kids (I wanted to prove I was smarter than them and could get the highest grade). Yes, I was an over-achiever and a perfectionist even as a 8 year old.

I’m not sure I ever got out of it what the actual goal of “Take Your Child to Work Day” is, which is apparently a program that goes beyond the average “shadow” an adult and shows them the value of their education, helping them discover the power and possibilities associated with a balanced work and family life, and providing them an opportunity to share how they envision the future and begin steps toward their end goals in a hands-on and interactive environment is key to their achieving success.

I knew my mom had to deal with bratty children, I knew she came home covered in chalk dust, I knew once she got home she made dinner and then sat and graded papers. I knew this. It didn’t inspire me to be a teacher.  I wanted to be an astronaut. (Those lucky kids probably got to use a weightlessness simulator when they went to work with their parents.)

Which makes me think – what would be some of the best jobs to go to work with your parent to, how about the worst?

Best:

• Disney Characters
• Zoo Keeper
• Chef/Baker
• Rob Dyrdek (because he has the best jobs in the world)

Worst

• Garbage Man
• Restaurant Dishwasher
• Farmer
• Pedicurist
• Undertaker

What did your parents do? Did you like going to work with them?

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The Smelly Things in Life

Just the other morning I made waffles for breakfast. I love waffles, especially with syrup that doesn't stay in the refridgerator (you people know who you are that put something like this in there! Crazy). But the thing that gets me the most is how my hands smell after I touch the waffle. Ever notice it? Mind you, I am not making these waffles from scratch, they are Eggos, but they just leave a lasting odor on my hands! I notice it seriously every time I make them. I can wash my hands with my super scented soap and the odor is still there!

This also happens with onions, pickles and American cheese (another odd one I've heard), but what is it that causes these odors to stay on my hands forever!? A mystery that I have yet to Google but it got me thinking about the other smelly things in life.

Are there certain scents that remind you specifically of a time, a place or a special moment? I know all girls can probably remember their high school sweethearts cologne scent because it was special, but what about guys? Do you remember those kinds of scents?

The scent of the ocean always makes me think of my wedding now, but even before then, it brought happy thoughts. It is my favorite vacation spot! The scent of Old Spice makes me think of my dad, and my grandma always bought my mom Jean Nate which makes me think of the both of them. Funny thing is, my mom didn't even like that smell but used it anyways since my grandma would constantly buy it for her. Needless to say, she won't ever tell someone she doesn't like something (although I never told my grandma she always bought me the wrong kind of chocolate covered cherries...I just accepted them and fed them to my dad, hehe!)

So what are some scents that are triggers for you? I know we all have them, but are they quite as obvious as the waffle stench that gets stuck on my hands? Let me know if you have this same issue too so I don't feel so alone!

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One Woman's Trash is Another Woman's Treasure

Old clothes don’t need to die, as long as they are still in style that is! They can find a new life with a proud new owner. Fashion swap parties are a fun, free and fantastic way to refresh your wardrobe. Fashion swap parties are the next best thing to shopping; you score a new wardrobe by shopping your friends' closets – for free! 

A swap party is a chance to pick up new-to-you items and get rid of stuff you don't want - those pants you waited too long to return, that impulse purchase, the skanky party clothes from college that you just can’t bring yourself to donating. 

Gather your girlfriends and swap clothes and accessories you're sure you'll never wear again. Have everyone bring dip or finger food, drink some wine and trade away!

Planning and hosting a swap party is easy!

1. Invite girlfriends two weeks prior to party to give time to get items together. Use this simple explanation, “Bring clothes, shoes and accessories that are clean and in good condition but that we no longer want.”
2. Get together the items you want to donate, launder where necessary.

Day Before or Day Of

3. Pick up little snacks, veggies, dips and refreshments.
4. Tidy house, I included my bedroom for access to full length closet mirrors.
5. If you have a significant other, kick him out of the house! 

Tips: 

1. Have everyone organize the clothes by laying them out throughout a room. Separate based on the type of item, i.e. sweaters, tank tops, purses, shoes, etc.
2. Once everything is set up, everyone can shop as if you are at a regular store! The difference is that you don’t have to pay. 
3. Make sure attendees bring only items that they're ready to part with.

After the party, the host can donate the leftover clothing to charities such as Goodwill and the Salvation Army, or check with your churches, local hospitals, and women's shelters to see if they have clothing-donation programs. 

Let us know when you host your swap party and if you have any new tips or ideas, please share! Happy shopping! 

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Was I Even on Vacation?

When most people say they are going on vacation that usually means rest, relaxation, fun and quality time with family and friends.  That’s at least what I expected when I decided to visit my grandparents, with my parents, in New Bern, NC.  But vacation wasn’t exactly what I got.

I consider myself to be pretty lucky as I am fortunate enough to be in my thirties and still have my gram and pap on my mom’s side still alive and kicking.  The only time I really get to spend time with them is when they come up here twice a year.  In fact, I think the last time I was down there was about six years ago.  So when my parent’s told me that they were going down for eight days over spring break, I figured I should really make the effort and go with them. 

Picture it…

My mom, dad, their 60lb dog and me all traveling 9 hours in a car together to visit my 85 year old grandparent’s in their retirement town!  Not to mention the fact that my parent’s waited until the last minute to tell me that “oh by the way, you (meaning me) and dad are going to be re-doing gram’s kitchen.”  WHAT?! 

My parent’s picked me up at 3 a.m. on Friday morning.  That actually worked out quite well for me.  I worked at the bar all day on Thursday and decided to stay a little late and have a few cocktails.  By the time they picked me up, I had a nice little buzz going for me and I crawled in the back seat and passed out for 7.5 hours.  When we arrived, grammy and pap were super excited to see us.  The rest of the day, we just sat around and chatted and got a good old-fashioned Domino’s game going.   Then it was time for bed….I’m a 6’ tall woman and they have me sleeping in a twin-sized bed with a mattress that is literally over 50 years old.  It was my mother’s bed when she was a girl.  The next day I woke up and dad immediately had me working on the kitchen.  Removing all the doors and hardware and taking everything out to the garage where he began to sand everything down.  The next day, we moved into the kitchen and sanded everything down in there.  The day after that, we primed everything and the following day, we painted everything.  Then I had the fun task of scrubbing all of the hardware and repainting those.  Finally, we got a day off where we went to the beach and did lots of antiquing (I love antiquing so this was a good day).  Oh and keep in mind too, that I had 7 trade shows happening coast-to-coast during this “weeks’ vacation” so I was constantly having to check email and take phone calls to help people out.  Then the highlight to my days came each night when I had the pleasure of taking my family’s money during Domino’s (this was awesome).  We then gathered in the family room to watch about an hour of TV - on mute -  (pap doesn’t like the noise) and then off to my bed that was way too small with its 50 year old mattress for little to no sleep.  Good times right?  I was literally counting the seconds until we left for home.

Don’t get me wrong, I adore my grandparent’s and parent’s and I like hanging out with them and playing Domino’s but spending eight days with them on no sleep while re-doing their kitchen and taking care of stuff for my “big girl” job…that was no vacation.  It was kind of like hell.  JK!  I am glad to be back though. I missed my hubby and my normal, busy routine.

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Thank You For Being a Friend

I went to this great, local function last night. Mojo and mojitos at Mojo Running and Multisport in Mars. A reason to get gals together who like to work out. But these woman are nuts. Crazy in shape. Two-a-days. Swim, bike, run, yoga. I think I'm in shape until I see these women. But it's what they do. It's what interests them, so it rules them. What they do, who they hang out with. Some have kids, some are younger, some are older, but it doesn't matter. They are different, yet this one thing connects them and, for a while, they are the same.

I'm attending an autism seminar today. All of the people in attendance will be there for one reason--they know, love, teach or in someway interact with someone on the autism spectrum. Some will be short, some fat, some married, some not. It won't matter. This one thing, this one event will gather people who may not typically interact because they share a common interest. There will be chit-chat and camaraderie and someone will leave having made a new contact and, most likely, a new friend and ally!

Be it a common cause or interest, church, neighbors or co-workers, we all have groups of friends that, were it not for our circumstances or individual interests, we would never have met them, hung out with them or befriended them.

It's pretty dynamic and interesting. Some of my nearest and dearest were just friends of friends, or I met them in a waiting room (there's actually a group of us!) or our kids go to school together or I work with them or workout with them.

Regardless, it's amazing. Different friends with different experiences all leading to one place for at least a little bit of time.

Whether it is a circumstantial friendship or a long-lasting one, it changes us and moves us forward. We don't give much thought to how we met or where we end up. We are so damn busy taking the journey. Sometimes, it is nice to look around and acknowledge your travel mates--whether they are there for the duration or just until the next stop.

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For the Fun of It

This weekend is the weekend of my race I talked about in a much early post. I was planning on working my way up to a 5k using Couch Potato to 5k...but that didn't happen. Frankly, I got busy and the race wasn't a big enough priority for me to put that ahead of other things I needed to get done. But such is life. I am still planning on participating, but it will be as a walker and not a runner.

I am okay with that though. I never had the intention of going out there to break my own personal best record, which wouldn't be very difficult seeing as I walked the majority of the 5k last year. I am doing this for fun.

I know when I pick up my registration information on Saturday I will be among avid runners who have been training for months and months for the half-marathon or the full marathon. I applaud them, but have no desire to be in their shoes.

My brother has been working hard to train for the half marathon and it will be fun to watch him and our friends cross the finish line. So I am excited about that part of it. But since I have no expectations of the event, I will only be able to exceed them! So I will be up early Sunday morning to have fun and enjoy the atmosphere. Who cares about the running part!!

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Beep! Beep!

I’m on the hunt. I’m on the hunt for a new car. It’s time. In fact, yesterday, on my way into work, my muffler guard just completely fell off. Rusted right away. I found out you don’t really NEED this part of your car, and it serves as a barrier to your actual muffler, but needless to say, if THAT fell off, what is next?

My car has been good to me. Purchased new when I headed off to college in 2003, I quickly packed on the miles driving back and forth to school in Ohio, adding in a side trip here and there to WVU, Canada, Ocean City and even Kentucky.

Small but efficient. And I’m OK with that. It’s good on gas, reliable in the snow and gets me from point A to point B. This isn’t to say that we haven’t had a few rough spots here and there… in fact, the spring after I got this car, I was rear-ended at a turnpike tool booth on my way back to school. Three days later, I was side-swiped by my college roomie’s Jeep. I should have known then that my little black Ford ZX2 might have a rough life.

To add to our “mishap toll” I have had 3 new bumpers in the past two years from accidents on Route 28 on my way home from work, I have had my tires replaced from running over a 2x4 full of nails, a couple battery changes in the parking lot of my work, and a tow home once. And last fall, I backed out of my garage and completely jacked my front bumper off my house. Add in a few “mysterious dings” and you have my car!

But it’s all OK – she’s still running! Clearly, as you can see in the above two paragraphs, I might not be the best car owner, but I try. My car acts as my tack trunk , filled with bridles, bits, riding boots, helmets, chaps; as my closet, with sweatshirts, jackets, extra socks and gloves; and even as my filing cabinet, with important papers and car-related documents.

I’m OK with the fact she isn’t spotless, and has more dog/horse hair than any car should. And I’m OK with the fact that I need to vacuum out the mud and hay on a regular basis. I’m OK with this. I don’t deserve a nice car – I could never drive a Lexus or my dream Porsche and treat it the way I treat my little black car. My next vehicle needs to be able to multi-task like this one does. It’s my barn-mobile, my ride to work, my errand runner.

Almost ten years and close to 120,000 miles later, I think it’s time to hang up the keys on the little black car. The scary thing is, this will be the first car I’ve bought on my own, and will be entirely my responsibility and my choice. I suppose it’s just another part of growing up – like the new house, wedding, etc.

I’m nervous about this. It’s a big decision and possibly a large chunk of money. I would love this new car to be able to wear all the hats of the little black car, but I now also have to think about kid friendly (ahh!) because my car isn’t kind to putting a car seat in and out at the moment. It has to be good on gas AND have room for my little Chasers. I would prefer a small SUV. It needs to be cute – not a box! Leather seats to more easily clean the dog/horse hair

Oh the stressors of car buying – why couldn’t you wait until AFTER the wedding?!?

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Where You Can Buy The Coolest Accessories

Believe it or not, I have found the best accessories at Payless. Yes, the shoe store. It was all by chance one day that as I was walking by the store in the mall I spotted the jewelry rack. Now, don't get me wrong, I am sure Payless has fine shoes, but I buy my "fun" shoes from Gabes (yup...my favorite "fun" heels were $1.00 and I love them and constantly get compliments on them!) and my other shoes from stores like Dick's Sporting Goods. So whenever I took a glance into the front of Payless and saw the jewelry, I just had to check it out. Who would even think a shoe store would have this rack anyways??

What was nice that day was it was BOGO 1/2 off on everything in the store, not just shoes. So whatever jewelry I picked I would also get the BOGO deal. So I searched the rack, very nicely displayed and easy to select. I chose two necklaces. Once was a white necklace and the other was black and white. I don't even think I paid $10.00 total for them.

Would you believe that EVERY time I wear one of these necklaces I get a compliment on them? They are just chunky necklaces like most of my favorites, but they seem to go with a lot of outfits. The best part is that they can really dress up and down outfit.

So tonight, when I had 10 minutes to kill before my hair appointment, I stopped into Payless since I saw they had BOGO 1/2 off on jewelry. I bought two new necklaces, total of $17, and I will start to pay attention to see if I get compliments on them like my others. I'll let you know in future posts!

No one ever believes me that I get the best accessories from Payless, but I really do. The next time you are there, just check out their accessories rack. Have an open mind and buy something that you feel can really dress up a down outfit.

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You Can't Fix Stupid

I am by no means saying that I am brilliant. Most days, I teeter somewhere in the gray area between smart-enough-to-get-by and pretty-damn-dumb. I blame it on my insane schedule and my self-diagnosed ADHD.

I try to surround myself with people who are smarter than me. Those who read constantly, can hold meaningful conversations on current events, have read all the best sellers and classics, who can easily figure out the tip on a restaurant bill or the depreciation of a piece of property. And, of course, know mad stuff about sports (a topic I truly know nothing about and don't pine for enlightenment). Some with degrees, some without, but all worldly and brilliant in their own right. My husband is a testament to the type of renaissance person I speak of. He is smart-two engineering degrees. He is talented-he can paint and draw. He is handy-I'm pretty sure he could fix anything around the house or on my car, kinda like Michelangelo meets MacGyver. And, he's cute. But that's just gravy.

With all of that being said, we all have "duh" moments. The, "oops, I forgot to take the gas pump out of the gas tank and started to drive away." Or the, "oh, no, I've accidentally super-glued my fingers together while trying to fix the FILL IN THE BLANK." How about the, "crap, I forget that person's name/birthday/anniversary/something really freakin' important that I should totally remember." Better yet, the "I can kill the hornets by spraying their nest with a garden hose." By the way, these are all completely random examples and have never happened or been done by me. Right hand to God (fingers crossed).

However, there are still just dumb people. I realized this tonight while shredding documents with my son-don't ask, current obsession. His, not mine. On the shredder there are warnings, one of them is a graphic depicting someone attempting to cut their hair with said shredder. Seriously?

We see these "you've got to be kidding me?" kind of warnings everyday. I just wonder, are people trying to cover their asses or are we really that dumb?

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Blah

Blah is really how I have been feeling lately. Blah at home, blah at work, just blah.


I have been busy, which I think is contributing to this blah feeling. I have been so busy that I haven't been able to do what I want to do, which sometimes is absolutely nothing. But this weekend, I have no plans and I am looking forward to it so much. I just have to get through the rest of the week, which is more busyness.


I have to clean tonight because I am having people from my church over tomorrow night. Even if people weren't coming over, my to-do list is still looming over me. If I want to take advantage of doing nothing this weekend, I need to cross some of those things off of the list. Of course, there are two more days left of the work week. And busyness is there as well. But only 16 hours left of the week. I think I might be able to make it through.


So I will muddle through the next couple of days toward the weekend, and look forward to leisurely drinking my coffee on Saturday morning.

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Fashion is made to become unfashionable

After all this “what not to wear” talk, I think it’s time we take a look into clothing items we cannot live without. We all have our favorite pair of jeans, that stretched out t-shirt from high school, the most comfy sweat pants in the world, the worn-out/worn-in flip flops that BETTER make it through another summer. We all have our favorite items, our favorite brands, our go-to outfit for the weekend. Here are a few of my favorite items that are essential to my wardrobe:

1. Lucky Brand jeans – they are my favorite brand and fit me best. No crack-showing here! They are adorable, long-lasting and comfortable. I cannot live without them. I have a bazillion pairs, but not one that I like more than the others.
2. My North Face fleece – I wear this jacket year-round. I have it in multiple colors too. It’s versatile, warm, and the perfect thing to throw on as you are running out the door.
3. Old Navy flip flops – these colorful, rubber, $5 flops are a must-have for summer (and into the spring and fall too when you can keep wearing them). So many colors to choose from, you can dress them up, dress them down and wear them until they break. AND at $5, you can afford to buy yourself a fresh pair every year!
4. My UGGS – truthfully, I wish it was appropriate to wear them all the time… even with dress pants at work. They regulate my foot temp, are ideal for throwing on at the last minute, and like the Old Navy flip flops, come in so many colors! Anyone who owns UGGS knows how much you love them.
5. Long length, v-neck t-shirts – these are my FAVORITE. I wear them all the time. They have to be long. I hate pulling on and stretching out t-shirts when you feel like they are a “little too short.” Victoria’s Secret carries them, you can even find them at Target, Old Navy and even your local TJMAXX. Winter or summer, they are perfect to layer with and go with everything – including my Lucky Brand jeans.
6. Pearl earrings – EVERY girl must own a pair of pearl earrings. Real or fake (boys, buy your ladies some REAL ones), they are the perfect addition to any outfit you are wearing. They look nice, and give the right amount of “I’m trying, while not really trying.”
7. My Lucky Brand purse – I think we might be starting to see a trend here. I’m a brand loyalist. I really do enjoy their purses. They are real leather, affordable and last a long time. My favorite purse I’ve had close to three years, and I carry it nearly every day. It’s still in great shape – and I’m not easy on purses.
8. My Pepper’s sunglasses – My favorites are my lime green aviators. If you know me, you know my glasses.
9. Tanks – beaters, camis, racer-backs, it doesn’t matter. Tank tops in various colors, shapes and textures should be a staple in every girl’s wardrobe. Again, I prefer mine longer to avoid the accidental belly showing from shirt creepage. But they have many uses… worn alone, worn as a layer under a t-shirt or jacket, worn as a cover up, etc.
10. My baseball hat – Since I was in high school I have owned this white Aeropostale hat. It’s simple, and most importantly, made for a girl’s head. I wear hats a decent amount. They are the perfect go-to when you are having a bad hair day, have a sweet pimple on your forehead you are looking to cover up, or if you are like me, get terrible helmet hair after riding a couple horses. I’m not saying this look should be worn EVERY day, but a cute baseball hat is a nice way to change up your look every now and then.

What we can all take in from our past couple blog posts is that everyone has their own unique style. Many of you reading this may HATE hats, and that is ok… we are all entitled to our opinions. And what works for you may not work for everyone else. That is the cool thing about society today, people are much more accepting of wardrobe choices and we are all encouraged to “embrace our individuality.” However – NO ONE should ever wear socks with heels/wedges ;)

Fashion is architecture: it is a matter of proportions - Coco Chanel

Remember that, ladies :)

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By Request: Things Women Shouldn't [Ever] Wear

We had great feedback on our personal Facebook pages about Friday's blog and were asked to do the female version (by a male reader!) So I am going to oblige and do a list of 5 things women shouldn't ever wear. Mind you, I am saying women because little girls might be able to get away with some of these things (although doubtful). The list could probably go on and on and could branch out in many sections including ridiculous ways to wear your hair (get rid of the scrunchies), things to not put on your body (glitter) and if you are going to wear those shoes, at least go to a strip club and get some tips (heels that are 10 times too high and too glittery). Please feel free to add a comment about the things you don't think women should wear in the comments section. I would really like to hear what else you see around town!

1. Tiny Short Shorts: As soon as the sun comes out in the spring, you know you are bound to see these come out of the closet. And it is embarrassing when you are walking around and the hoochie in front of you had both of her ass cheeks hanging out of her shorts that are about impossible to even wear underwear underneath. Put some clothes on!

2. Pants with words on the butt: You know what pants I am talking about, and if you have to wear pants that say it on the butt, then it probably isn't true. Sure, they might be really comfy, but don't wear them out in public. It is the same as the ratty t-shirt of your boyfriends that you love to wear around the house on a Sunday...you do not dare wear it outside!

3. Leggings under shorts: I don't know who decided this was cute but it freaks me out. First off, leggings can only go with certain outfits and your dress or shirt must be long enough to cover your butt because in my opinion, no one's butt looks good in leggings. But then to put a pair of shorts over them??!! Come on!

4. Tube tops: These come out at the same time as the short shorts. And there is no doubt in my mind that women wear them together (and typically they are just busting out all over the place anyways). Throw the tube tops away and buy a REAL shirt. They are not attractive on anyone, whether you have a great body or not.

5. Overalls: They might be great for painting, or bailing hay, but don't wear these out in public. The little child look is not cute, especially if your hair is also in pigtails (which is another thing grown women shouldn't wear). Just wear jeans...jeans that actually fit and aren't too tight or too loose.

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Things Men Shouldn’t [Ever] Wear

Ever hear the phrase, “the clothes don’t make the man”? This may be true but there are some men who get this totally wrong. I don’t expect a guy to be a GQ centerfold, however, it doesn’t hurt to use clothing to highlight your attractiveness. A woman can definitely help a man dress, for those who don’t listen or don’t have that sort of help, some end up wearing useless, ugly garments and accessories that should be banned, locked up and torched. Some guys even wear what is listed below as if they are the latest fashion trend - so sad. Poor guys can be fashion disasters without even realizing.

Here we go. Men, do not, I repeat DO NOT wear…

Denim shirts – At work we have a closet full of promotional materials as well as logoed shirts, etc. you get the idea. Anyway, I opened the one closet and out poured light wash denim shirts. You all know exactly what I am talking about. Why might I ask do men think that this is a good look? It is not the 80’s anymore. My favorite is when guys wear button up jean shirts and jean pants; it is like a jean onesie for an adult. Please, do not wear button up denim shirts and especially no cutoff-sleeve jean jackets. It is not a good look.

Track suits/jogging suits: You know who should be wearing jogging suits? People who are jogging – even then it is questionable. When I see these, it screams grandma/grandpa or the Sopranos.

Hawaiian Shirts: I have not seen a single man who looks good in one of these. Usually I picture a man wearing one of these who has a bit of a beer gut and one of the buttons is usually about to bust. These are the perfect shirts for a luau, BBQ party or a weekend getaway to the beach, ONLY if you are about 55+ and living on an exotic island with lots of sand and palm trees. If you are any younger and do not live on an exotic, sandy beach, I advise you to light it with your tiki torch.

Saggy pants: I cannot stand this “look”. I do not want to see anyone’s underwear with their entire ass sticking out. It is even worse when you see someone’s boxers, basketball shorts, etc. and then their saggy jeans with a belt on. Clearly the belt is not helping. Don’t take this the wrong way, I don’t want a guy to have tight skinny jeans either, there needs to be a happy medium, find jeans that are the perfect fit where you don’t necessarily need a belt to hold them up.

Turtlenecks: The only man who could sport a turtle neck is Steve Jobs. Is it too harsh to say that turtle necks tend to give off the super creep vibe? There is a reason that turtle necks haven’t made a comeback, there is no way any designer can make these look good and fashionable. Don’t even think about it.

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Looking For A Good Time?

I sure am! To piggyback off of Katie's post from yesterday, I need more time. Everything lately has become routine, necessary and downright boring!

Don't get me wrong, I'm crazy busy. Stupid busy. And I'm not sure what I can scrape off my plate. And though I love being busy - thrive on it really - it has gotten out of control. I am forgetting to do things...important things. And the things I actually remember to do, I rush through to get done to move onto the next. Even my workouts have become another item on the to-do list instead of a chance to escape my insane reality.

I live and die by my to-do list. I love to cross things off as I get them done, but lately the the list is out of control. It has taken on a life of its own. And I fully expect it to slide out of the drawer and walk out the door pissed off that I'm not doing anything about its agenda items! Though, this would give me free time!

Laundry. Yardwork ('tis the season). Easter. Birthdays. Dinner. Dishes. Shopping (even this has become a chore...and I'm a chick who LOVES to shop). Cleaning. Kids. Husband. Dogs. Work. Work. Work!

I need a vacation, but that isn't going to happen anytime soon. I need a way to interject fun into my everyday. I'm usually good at this. Finding the silver lining. Taking a step back and a deep breath. But I'm overwhelmed, overworked and overstressed! And I'm too tired at the end of any given day to do my nails, call a friend, go out for a drink.

So I've decided to extend my to do list and schedule time to chill. Five minutes here to send a quick email to a friend. Ten minutes there to go throw the ball to the dog in the yard and enjoy the sunshine. Staying up a bit later to read for a few minutes--not related to work or children or housework.

Wish me luck! I'm either gonna find a way to chill or I'm gonna go crazy.

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Why Aren't The Weekends 5 Days Long?

Today was my first day back to work after a long weekend. My mom and I surprised my brother by showing up for his surprise 30th birthday party in Wisconsin. There was a lot of anticipation for the surprise by me, my mom and my brother's girlfriend, Katie. But we were able to pull it off without him knowing.

My brother is so hard to surprise. He usually can pick up a gift, shake it and guess correctly what it is. It is really annoying. :) But the look on his face definitely convinced me that he had no clue. That is the best feeling.

Since my mom and I live far away from Wisconsin, we don't get to peek into his life very often. We just hear names, but don't know faces. I was able to visit my brother more often when I lived in Illinois, but since I have moved to Pennsylvania, I have not been back up there.

We also met Katie's family for the first time. They couldn't have been more welcoming. Her mom greeted us with hugs when we walked into the restaurant before my brother's arrived for his party. It was such a nice feeling.

It is hard to see such a great weekend come to end, but now only 3 more days until the next one!

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Tick Tock, Tick Tock

Funny how things work out sometimes, and how sometimes - before you know it - the day has slipped away. Welp, that's what happened to me yesterday. I dropped the ball. It was my day to blog, and I just never had five whole minutes to myself to do so. I know I have talked about this time and time before – the concept that as you get older, the days get shorter, the years fly by… and it’s true! Maybe for me, it is the fact this this year is jammed-packed with exciting/life changing events.

Priorities and time management. I’m struggling. This is usually an area in which I have always done well. I did the most important things first and the least important things last. Why now is this so hard? Is everything THAT important that I can’t prioritize?

Work isn’t slowing down, wedding plans are mounting, house projects are never-ending. The nice weather is here, so that means more riding, training for this marathon relay and getting exterior house work done.

There are only so many hours in the day, and clearly not enough for my liking (namely on weekends). I am in desperate need of some “me time.” Really, all I want is a Sunday to lie in my pajamas and catch up on American Idol and maybe paint my nails. Is that too much to ask? Apparently.

I need more time to do all of my fun wedding crafts. I need more time to clean the house and organize our basement. I need more time to plant flowers outside our landscape-lacking home.

I need more time. But how can I do this? How do all of you other working wives and/or bachelorettes do this? Heck, how do any of our male readers do this?

Truthfully, life is so jammed-packed that I asked Nick to take the lead baking the Cinnamon Toast Crunch cupcakes last Friday night for our friend’s going-away party. Now, he did an awesome job (minus the icing I had to re-make), but the cupcakes were the sh*t, none the less. But Nick shouldn’t have to turn into Betty Crocker because I’m pressed for time. I’m lucky he is capable enough to help me out quite often, but I STILL need more hours in the day. (PS – these were AMAZING, and IF you have TIME, you should make them)

Sadly, we won’t even have time to visit our new niece until mid-April. This makes me sad. But just look at this face – we need to meet her!

So much to do, so little time.

4 months until the wedding! 33 days until the marathon! 5 days until Easter!

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