Recent pictures from Aiken

Before going out to Malia's for our Christmas dinner date.

Another a bit closer up.

"No Russ, it's going in our house."

I like to think my mom over-does it on the Christmas tree. Each year it gets bigger and bigger and fatter and fatter. Don't think I'm a scrooge, but a HUGE tree is A LOT OF WORK which I am called upon to help string the lights, decorate, water, take down, unstring lights, and help Daddy get it out at the end of the season. I love Christmas! It is my favorite time of year. I just think a short FAT tree would be just as good! If any of you have seen the Griswald Family Christmas, you can understand the title of this post.

Here are 2 pictures taken with my Blackberry (pardon the quality).

We are on the homestretch now for Christmas!

View from upstairs.

PRESENTS!

There's a first for everything...

My very first time.

I get chosen for the jury panel.

I was there from 9-5 today.

And I have to go back tomorrow....

Need I say more?

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

The tree is up & decorated and the outside has lights and a wreath. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! I'll have pictures up soon. Mom added hydrangeas to the tree this year. They are almost a white/cream color. They look gorgeous with the lights behind them. I have put some presents under the tree... they're all Brian's. I need to finish up and get Mom, Daddy, & Taylor all something. It's getting late and I'm a bit depressed about the SEC Championship game. I don't even want to begin to talk about it. Have a great night! xoxo

Year of the Chicken...

Well folks, it has been quite some time since I have been on here to blog. Don't think that I ignore my blog. I get on daily to read all of yours' but fail to write my own...? Oops!

I hope everyone's Thanksgiving was wonderful. Mine was spent like the last 22 years: at my Grandmomma's surrounded by all of my family eating DELICIOUS food! After Thanksgiving dinner, my parents left for NC to get our Christmas tree (a tradition as well). I was left to take care of the dogs and watch over kid sister. Easy peasy.

The highlight of my weekend was watching my Gamecocks hold the Clemson Tigers to one, and only one, touchdown the whole night on Saturday. WOOHOO! This is a HUGE state rivalry that has been going on since the 1880's. Long time!! The final score was 29-7. Next week we travel to Atlanta to play Auburn (again, ugh!) at the Georgia Dome for the SEC championship. They beat us earlier this year. They are a big second half team so we will see how we play! We have to come out there ready to play with our heads on our shoulders. (I should have been a coach, really.)

Tomorrow starts another long week at the office. I got a raise and a bonus this year. (Side note: I've only been there a little over 4 months. I'm VERY proud of myself.) I'm ready for Christmas. It is my most favorite time of the year. I love Christmas trees and giving and food and everything that entails Christmastime.

I hope y'all had a great Thanksgiving. I will try to do better about blogging. My apologies.

xoxo,

H

Life Recap

I haven't really posted much lately. I figured my little peck of readers might enjoy reading what's going on in my life these days.

First and foremost.... how about them Gamecocks?! In case you didn't know, my Carolina Gamecocks rolled right over the #1 ranked. Alabama Tide. I ventured to Columbia this past weekend to be with Brian for his birthday (It was the 6th, but we celebrated this weekend.). I luckily got a ticket to the game. We tailgated on Saturday of course, making our usual 'rounds to see all of our friends. We headed into the game and that was it! I've never seen Williams Brice so loud or so packed. It was something I had never witnessed in all of my 4 years at Carolina. Of course we were sitting in the student section; it's one of the best ways to experience a Carolina ball game. We cheered and screamed and danced our hearts out to a 35-21 win over 'Bama. Gamecock nation couldn't have been more proud! And not to mention, we are now ranked #10 overall & #1 in the SEC East. Excuse me for bragging a little bit, but I am one proud girl! Not to mention that Florida lost and so did Clemson. I don't like either one. But that's neither here nor there.

Sunday I trekked back to Charleston to make in time for a cookout at my boss' house. My whole department and the 2 deputy office managers were there. We ate and talked and had a good time. I was tired after such a long weekend so I headed home to crash afterwards.

Tomorrow marks my 3 months with MSC! YAHOOOOO! Tomorrow also marks the start of my. very. own. health insurance. Yes, I am EXCITED about HEALTH INSURANCE. I've always been covered under my mom; however having my own makes it so much cooler in my eyes. I'm growing up...errr...uhh?! It has its goods and bads.

Anyways, I will be headed out to Wild Dunes for the weekend to stay with Brian and his family this weekend. They always make a trip to the beach around Brian's birthday because he loves to fish and shrimp and now really is the perfect time. I'm excited. I'm an outdoors girl and love fishing. I get a bit competitive with Brian. Oops! :)

I hope y'all had a wonderful weekend and good start to the week.

P.S. Please pray for my friend. She goes to find out the sex of her baby a week from today. We are so very excited for her and her hubby and the bundle of joy that God has decided to bless them with. She is the first of our friends to be pregnant, and I couldn't be more tickled!

F.A.L.L.

Fall is here! Thank goodness. The temperature here has dropped dramatically. The mornings are cooler and the afternoons in the low 70's. That's what I'm talking about! Today I actually broke out my fall boots, tights, and cute lightweight scarf to wear to work. It was so nice. When I think of fall I think of many of my favorite things.

1. Pumpkins

2. Changing leaves

3. Scarves

4. Fall clothes (duh!)

5. Oyster roasts

6. Fires

7. Duck boots

8. Football season [SEC all the way ;)]

9. Dark nail polishes (...think plum, garnet, brown, etc)

10. Chili & cornbread

11. Boots

What are some of y'alls favorite Fall things?

Forever a Gamecock...

Forever in our Hearts

Rest In Peace Kenny McKinley

1-30-87 ~ 9-20-10

USC vs GA

Me and Brian

Andrew, Me and Brian tailgating... in between mimosas!

We had a 12 o'clock game which I am not used to.

Mimosas were a necessity!

Our boys kickin' butt!

I didn't take many pictures because it was hotter than 7 hells.

And not to mention I wasn't looking my best in all that humidity!

But it was a great day & night.

We play the Furman Palladins this weekend, and of course I will be in attendance.

Go Cocks!

The only day I'm happy that it is Monday...

Happy Labor Day!!

Hope y'all had a fabulous LONG weekend.

If the stands are swayin'...

THE GAMECOCKS ARE PLAYIN'!!!

23rd Birthday Weekend

This weekend was my 23rd birthday. I turned 23 on Saturday. Brian came in town on Friday and picked me up from work and took me to lunch. The past week at work had been brutal. We were so busy, and it was just time I got away from work for at least a little bit. I came home from work to find a sweet card, flowers, and my favorite, Hershey Kisses. Brian had taken me to The Zac Brown concert the weekend before so that counted as part of my birthday. We relaxed Friday night. Saturday we hit the beach. It was great. One of my best girlfriends came with us as well. That night a group of 8 of us all went to dinner at Coast in downtown Charleston and then hit a couple spots for drinks afterwards. It was just how I wanted it. It was fun yet low key. I wore the cutest dress by Annabelle LaRoque (Check out her blog here!) It was pink (of course!) with a sweet heart neckline with ruffles at the top. I LOVED it. Annabelle is up and coming.... and FAST. She makes skirts, tops, dress, bridesmaids' dresses, bow ties.... she is amazing. She is based in Columbia, SC and is well known! Y'all check her out! I will leave you with a couple pictures. I apologize for one of them being dark. I don't know what was going on with my camera.

My wonderful cake!

After dinner with my best girlfriends (Left: Alison, Me, Katherine, and Rachel)

And of course with my honey! :)

Give me strength...

People irritate the fool out of me!

END OF STORY.

Friday! Friday! Friday!

I am so excited that tomorrow is FRIDAY! I am headed back to Columbia this weekend to see Brian. On Saturday, we are going to Charlotte to meet up with our friends Dana & Patrick to go to the Zack Brown Band concert and stay there for the night! I am SO excited. This week has been a bit slow. And next weekend is my BIRTHDAY! I am looking forward to it because 1. all my friends are going to get together and all of us are going to dinner downtown at my favorite restaurant, Coast, and then we are headed out on King St. and 2. because I got a new dress especially for my birthday! And I love it!! :) I will fill you guys in on Monday with pictures and stories about this weekend. Everyone have a wonderful Friday and weekend.
xoxo

October 1, 2010

On our October 1, 2010 at 7:30 I will be seeing this man (my heart be still)!! Brian, if you are reading this, I love you more honey but Jason Aldean is somethin' else. I love (love is really an understatement) country music, and Jason Aldean is very high on my list of favorites. I cannot wait.

And here is my favorite song by him these days... and no this has nothing to do with any of my past relationships. I just love this song.

Jason Aldean   More CMT Music   More CMT Music Videos

1 year anniversary.

This weekend Brian and I celebrated our 1 year anniversary! (Note: our actual anniversary is Monday the 26th. But clearly we can't celebrate tomorrow as we both work and live in different cities.) What a year it has been. It has been one of the best and most fun years of my entire life. Brian sent me flowers to work on Friday. They are just gorgeous! I love them so much. Brian knows that I am big on mixed flowers and he always does a wonderful job picking out flowers for me. Friday night after I got off work, we met up with my new coworkers and had happy hour and then went to dinner with some of our friends. Saturday we went to the beach, just him and me. It was super fun and we got to talk about all kinds of stuff. We are serious and ready to take the next step but have decided it's best to wait until he's out of school with a job. Saturday night we went to an awesome dinner at Red Drum Gastropub. AMAZING FOOD! We did the works: bottle of wine, dinner, and dessert! Afterwards we walked the beach and laughed and enjoyed the quiet time we had. I actually got my anniversary present early from him a couple weeks ago because I had picked it out and well he just couldn't say no. :) Even though, I told him to wait. HEHE! Here is my ring...it is a green amethyst. The way it is set it almost looks clear. It has a hint of green. I LOVE IT! Needless to say, the weekend was fabulous. He is so good to me and I love him very much! I hope y'alls weekend was great too. Have a happy Monday! xoxo

Here is a picture of us right before we left for dinner Saturday night. I completely forgot to include it.

It's Monday again, folks.

Why oh why do the weekends pass like they do? Way too fast I tell you. On Friday I completed my first full week at my big girl job! WOOHOO!! I am looking forward to my first paycheck. I have an idea of what it may be, but I don't really know until I see it in my bank account which won't be the 30th. That's about the only thing I hate about starting a new job...pay schedules. Oh well, c'est la vie. The weekend was wonderful. All I did was relax with Brian in Aiken. He is so wonderful to me. I couldn't ask for a better boyfriend. :) (LOVE YOU BOO!) He reads sometimes to see what I write. Today wasn't bad. Mondays are Mondays. My boss really put it into perspective today... Monday is a clean slate. How is that bad? You make the start for your week good or bad on Monday. It's up to you. Most people dread Mondays because they are coming off their weekend high...if the week went Sunday Friday...people would hate Fridays. It's just the day after Sunday. So make your Monday the best it can be. I mean you are one day closer to the next weekend. ;) Brian will be in Charleston this weekend. Our one year anniversary is a week from today! HOLY MOLY! What a wonderful, challenging year it has been! Today after work I had a great catch up session with a girlfriend who is becoming very dear to me. We were friends in college just not that close. We are getting closer and it's very refreshing. We share the same ideals and morals and we both just love to laugh together. Not to mention that her husband and my boyfriend have a bromance! They are both characters, and to see them in action just makes me laugh so hard! Love you D&P! Alright off to take a quick shower!! Bachelorette is coming on!

Hair.

Okay, so a couple weeks ago I had HAD IT with my hair. Color, length, EVERYTHING. That day I was determined to get seen and get my mane taken care of. I had started going to Stella Nova and had only gone once before. I really liked the way the girl cut my hair my first time seeing her. Well of course she wasn't available that day for a cut and color so I went with the next available girl! MISTAKE! She was cute and had great style. However, I HATE how short my hair is and the way the cut looks (dull). The picture I gave her (which I don't even have the patience to look up at the moment) was easy. It was a front on head shot look--Sandra Bullock was looking straight into the camera and you could see the way the hair was exactly cut and the way it fell around the face. It had layers and was texturized. Her ends even looked razored which is something I love. It gives your hair an edgy look. Y'all, I have a BOB! A BOB! I got bangs so that helps a little...but really. I'm almost 23, and I have a bob. It looks great on some people don't get me wrong. But if you know me, then you know I have a ROUND face with full cheeks. A bob only adds to the fullness of face. Are you picking up what I'm laying down here? My face looks fatter than it is! UGH! The only thing I can do to my hair that I'm satisfied with is to straighten it. Stick straight hair. I tease the roots a bit to give it some height but other than that...s-t-r-a-i-g-h-t. I hate using a hot iron on my hair because my hair is so breakage prone, and I do love BODY! I guess I will just have to wait until my hair starts growing out. It even feels super thin...thinner than it already is. I don't like that. To put it short and sweet: I hate my hair and wish I never CUT it but simply TRIMMED it. Alas, it will grow back. I just need the patience to wait on it to grow back. This too shall pass as my mom always says. Anyways, I had to vent. I've just been totally hating it. Blah. What are y'alls hair disasters??

Real World...I thought I'd never make it!

Today was my first day on the job. It was a TON of information to take in... so much that my head is hurting. Don't get me wrong. I'm not complaining. It was very interesting; just a ton of information to take in and process. I really liked it. I'm ready to get back and learn more tomorrow. Throughout the day I wasn't constantly looking at the clock hoping it was lunch time. I was busy whether it was watching others input and learning the system or studying my terms given to me first thing this morning. MSC is the second largest container shipping business in the world. Impressive huh? I think it is. :) Here is a little info on my company if you are so inclined. Hope y'all had a great Monday.

xoxo

Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!

I HAVE FOUND A JOB!!

I start my new job at Mediterranean Shipping Company tomorrow at 8AM sharp. I will be working in the exporting department, and I am so excited. The Lord has answered my prayers and put me where he wants me to be. Today I did a little shopping for some "business" clothes. You know, black skirt and crisp white button down. However, it is short sleeve!! It is hotter than blue blazes these days. I have always liked this look. I think it gives off a professional clean, crisp look. And I love looking the part. ;) I will update y'all on how the first day went. I'm excited and NERVOUS!

Brian came into town this weekend, and it was WONDERFUL! Our one year anniversary is on the 26th and he and I had been talking about our presents to each other. Needless to say we are not good at waiting to give gifts to each other. I gave him a Flip UltraHD video camera. He was ecstatic. I received a gorgeous green amethyst ring set in white gold! I love it. He is always so wonderful to me. We still will celebrate our anniversary with dinner...with our early gifts. I will post pictures of my ring as soon as I take pictures with camera. The phone pictures are too grainy.

Hope y'all had an awesome weekend. xoxo

I'm alive.

Sorry I have been sporadic lately. I don't want to bore y'all with minute boring details of my life. Anyways, as most of you know, Carolina won the College World Series. As a Carolina girl, I'm so proud as are all the other Carolina fans in this world. Anyways moving on to a more hot topic at hand in my life.

I have realized that there is a time in everyone's life that you have to move on... move on from the crazy immaturity that follows you out of high school. I had a long time friend who you could have considered my best friend. Things have just really changed. I've found that there are bigger and more important things to focus on in life than getting drunk and hooking up with whatever comes your way. I feel like this friend has focused her life on this. I'm just not following along like that. I have a serious boyfriend and am avidly looking to "start" my life. I have gotten closer to friends who share the same values as I do. And to be honest, it's totally refreshing.

This friend and I have parted ways. The way she has handled herself in recent events is just really... crazy if you will. I have tried talking to her before about the way she handles herself in certain situations but I just feel she is stubborn and it goes in one ear and out the other. I honestly can't live my life hearing all the drama that comes along with her. I just can't do it. I have talked with friends and explained the situation(s) and they all say the same thing: It's time to move on from her. I can go throughout the day and not worry about the situation. I think this truly says something. It's not bothering me. I'm okay with out all this crap. And that's a good thing.

Have y'all ever been in a situation like this? How did you handle it? I am just to the point where we have nothing in common anymore. And it isn't all of a sudden that this is happening. It has been ongoing for several months. I just feel that it's time to get on with my life in ALL areas. Am I wrong? What are y'alls thoughts?

I hope y'all had a wonderful 4th of July. I spent my time out on the boat all day with one of my best girlfriends. Too much fun!! Have a wonderful rest of the week.

xoxo,
H

College World Series

I am an AVID Carolina fan. I graduated from Carolina and my blood runs garnet through and through. I love Gamecock football. I love Gamecock basketball. I love Gamecock baseball. This is the first time our Gamecock boys have made it to the championship series of the CWS! I am so proud of them for making it thus far. And right now, we are in the first game, top of the 9th Carolina leading 7-0 against UCLA! In order to be the CWS Champion you must win best 2 out of 3 games. Ladies and gentleman, I think we have one in the bag!! And we can thank all our players but one stands out... our pitcher #27 Blake Cooper!! I am a Gamecock fan... a true SEC girl!! What are your alma maters? Are you crazy about your alma mater's sports? Which ones are your favorite?

**And we won the game, 7-1! We play tomorrow night at 7:30. Way to go boys!!!

Nails!

So I have always had the WORST habit of biting my nails. Ever since I can remember, I have always chewed my nails. And I commonly referred to my nails as "nubs." Horrible. But, I have eased up on my nail biting and am trying HARD to completely nip it in the bud. They are longer and a lot nicer looking. So I have them painted to match my toes. During the summer I like pinks-- light or dark. I am currently rocking OPI's Paint My Moji-Toes.

What are y'all wearing these days? What other brands do you wear?

Thursday where are you??

This Thursday I will be traveling to Boone, NC with these people: minus Lauren because she is out on the West Coast visiting family and also another couple, Megan and JP. I am super excited!! I can hardly stand it. This will be mine and B's first vacation together. I know it's going to be a crazy laughter and memory filled weekend. I can't wait to do all the touristy things like Grandfather Mountain and The Daniel Boone Inn! WooHoo! What are y'all doing this weekend?

H-U-M-I-D!

It is only June, and we are already getting heat advisories here in SC! YIKES! I'm seriously scared to see what late July and August have to bring. I am feeling for those who do not have air conditioning or who work outside. It is either best to stay inside or keep yourself hydrated! And the HUMIDITY! You can hardly breathe the air is so thick with moisture. Hope y'all are staying cool on this VERY HOT Monday!!

I love him.

I love him.

Oh hey there blog!

So I have been M.I.A. lately. I apologize for the lack of details about my life. So I had the interview with MUSC for a position on the transplant unit. I never got a call back for a second interview/peer interview. Ugh. I thought I would have got it last week but much to my dismay my phone never rang. When I got the call about the first interview I didn't psych myself up like I had for past interviews just because I didn't want to get disappointed if it fell through. It helped. I took it with stride. Or maybe I'm just getting used to not getting a job? Who knows. Anyways, this past weekend I spent it with Brian in Aiken. We had a wonderful time with his friends hanging around the pool and having a few beverages. And let us not forget the wonderful food his parents prepared. They are always so gracious. Brian treated me to date night one night so it was nice to just get away and be only with him for a little bit. I like my alone time with my boo. :)

This weekend Brian makes the trek to Charleston, FINALLY. I feel like he hasn't been down here in ages. Our good friends/newlyweds The Hamiltons and their family will be down here at Sullivan's! We are looking forward to spending time with them and sharing many laughs and memories together. All of our other friends will be out there as well. It's going to be another good time for all of us. I'm really looking forward to it as is Brian. Here is a picture of Brian and I at one of my favorite places in Aiken, The Holly House/ The Polo Bar. Have a great week y'all! xoxo

A Little Prayer

I have a job interview at MUSC tomorrow morning at 11. If y'all would say a little prayer for me tomorrow morning it would be great. I am very nervous because I want to make the best impression and totally take this job! I am confident but just nervous as anyone would be going into an interview. So just say a little prayer for me tomorrow if y'all remember. Hope y'all had a great Monday! xoxo

Ooo Baby Baby!

This past weekend Brian and I went to Rock Hill for a party with all our friends. It was so cute. Balloons and cute little party favors everywhere in their super cute newlywed house! Anyways, all of us were sitting around in the living room just talking. And all of a sudden, my friend/hostess of the party says "Patrick and I have an annoucement." Let me tell you. You could have heard a pin drop in the room. Dana goes on to say "We are going to have an addition in 8 months!" Y'all, I have never been so excited. I cried in fits of excitement and happiness!! All the girls were squealing and already planning! I am so excited for D&P. They were the first of our friends to get married and the first to have a BABY! I can't wait for Baby Hamilton to get here. Once we know the sex of the baby I can promise you that he/she are going to have the CUTEST clothes! I am so excited for them I can't even stand it!! It is another major step in their lives and everyone is eager to experience everything with them and meet and be a part of this PRECIOUS baby's life. Here is a picture of all the girls after we found out. SO EXCITED!!! LOVE YOU D&P!!!!!

Guilty Pleasure!

MTV will be replaying The Jersey Shore Season 1 every Thursday. It is totally my guilty pleasure. Brian and I quote all the ridiculousness from this show. And not to mention there will be a SEASON 2!!! I am beyond thrilled/excited. It's total trash TV but who cares? I didn't think there were really people like that until I saw the show. I love it. And if you don't, you are missing out. ;)

Weekend Revelry and a Horrible Monday!

Quite a weekend I had. It started Thursday. Thirsty Thursday to be exact. A few of my friends and I went to the Riverdogs game. And every Thursday is "Thirsty Thursday" with $1.00 (hold your breath) Busch Lights. Yuck I know. But it's a dollar! Back to my freshman days of cheap keg beer at the Kappa Sig house. What was I thinking?Anyways, it was fun.

Friday afternoon I got a call about a job and had an interview set up for this Wednesday. How exciting right? Just wait for it. That night I went out with a different group of girls, and we had a blast. We did dinner at this new place called Amen Street. It was GREAT. And ladies, the wait staff is quite good looking. ;) After dinner we headed to Market Street and bar hopped a little bit. It was fun and well deserved. The girls are a fun group.

Saturday night was 80's Night!! Ladies, I absolutely adore 80's music and the band was awesome. They knew everything! I was with the same group of girls and their boyfriends/husbands. Even with the boys, it was fun. They helped to keep the creepers away from us. It sucked Brian couldn't be there with me because he would have had a great time dancing and singing. It ended up being a late night. Sunday I laid low and relaxed. I had been running on full blast all weekend.

This morning I got a call from the lady who was going to interview me for the position at MUSC. She called to cancel my interview because she had failed to look at my resume and see that I didn't have all the requirements. Aren't you supposed to look at that stuff before you even schedule an interview? Talk about heartbreak. It took all that was in me not to burst into tears while she told me that she had to take back the offer of an interview. Mom and I had even gone out and she bought me all this interview clothes. I have never felt more guilty for her buying that stuff for me and then not have an interview. I cried briefly after I got off the phone with the lady... and then Brian called after I emailed him at work. All I said was hello and he said "I'm so sorry babe!" and I just couldn't hold it in. I bawled and bawled. I was just very disappointed with the way things happened and why they did. I understand I didn't have the requirements, but I felt it was wrong for her not to even look over everything before making the decision to call me and offer the opportunity at an interview. Oh well. Life goes on, right? It's hard to see that sometimes.

On a better note, this Friday I'm traveling up to Columbia for a date night with Brian. It is much needed. I haven't seen him in 2 weeks which isn't that long for some people, but it feels like a long time for me. I am so ready for us to start things for us you know? I'm ready for him to hurry up and finish his last year and for us to get things really rolling in OUR direction. Saturday we have a summer kickoff party in Rock Hill with our friends. I know it's going to be a lot of fun. And hopefully, it will help me get out of this horrible funk I've been in lately.

Anyways, I hope you all had a better Monday than I did and a great weekend.

xoxo

Dog Park Etiquette

For those of you who have dogs and have a brain stem and USE IT, then you can relate to me.

Today I took the pups to the dog park in my neighborhood. It was mine and theirs first time to a dog park let alone the one in my neighborhood. Anyways, it's really nice: plenty of shade trees, benches, trashcans, a shovel for poop, and tennis balls galore floating the in the pond. I've always been weary of other dogs. You know how they can be...one wrong sniff and there is gnashing of teeth. Anyways, we were the only ones there and they were having a BALL (no pun intended). I think they ran around the pond at FULL speed 50 times. And then they were in the pond. Swimming and swimming and swimming. Another lady showed up with her dog, a weimaraner... off leash. To be specific, NO leash period which is one of the rules on the sign before you enter. You must have one leash for every dog that you bring. So my two see the lady and dog and take off to greet them. When I say they are harmless, they are HARMLESS. They wouldn't hurt a fly. All Lily and Legend were doing were sniffing. I ran up behind them and apologized because they were soaking wet and the lady looked to be in her best dress at the dog park that happens to have a LARGE pond in the middle... Her dog didn't give off a great vibe so I was corralling my two to head back to the other side of the pond but they were way too excited to meet someone new. The lady proceeds to say (mind you her voice is shaking and she sounds SCARED to death) "Oh, I can't have other dogs around me or pet them. He gets aggressive." I'm thinking to myself "HOLD UP! Your dog is aggressive?" Greeattt. My two were busy sniffing the lady and "Remi" looks as if he is about to lunge and grab onto Lily's neck. I grabbed Lily and pulled her away from the lady. Legend, poor Legend. He is goofy but thinks he is macho sometimes. I hear gnashing of teeth and growling and immediately turn around....Legend is humping the dog, Remi. I immediately grabbed Legend and he is whining and scared to death of this dog. I think it's really a male dominance thing and that's why he started humping the other dog. I apologized and grabbed my two and we left. And Legend is neutered btw. He still has the urge I guess and was filled with P&V. The lady walked off and started talking on her cell phone.

Let me ask you something. Now I know it was wrong on Legend's part to hump the dog, but I immediately grabbed him and reprimanded him. But, I'm sorry. The lady informed me her dog was 2 and was aggressive and protective of her when other dogs were around. Um HELLO!? WHY ARE YOU AT THE DOG PARK???? There is even a rule that says "If your dog is the least bit aggressive, please do not use the park." I think that's only common sense. And if you still wanted to use the dog park, then use it when there isn't others there. Am I wrong?

I was just apologetic to the woman. But after getting in the car and driving off, I started FUMING and started thinking about all the things I should have said to her...something along the lines of "You need to call Caesar Milan." Not mean enough but just a jab to the side. Anyways, I have been fuming over this since I got home. I apologize for spelling or grammar errors. This was written fuming and in a hurry! I do plan on re-visiting the park... just not when those people are there.

[Side note: I never went to the dog park because I was afraid of other aggressive dogs and a dog fight. Thank you Remi and owner without a brain stem for making my fear come true on my first visit to the dog park.]

Here are a few pictures that I took before we were so rudely interrupted. They are not great quality because all I had was my phone. Enjoy!

Off they go! Legend leading and Lily following.

Here's Lily swimming. She was huffing and puffing. She's not quite used to all that swimming. ;) She IS a princess.

And Legend with one of the MANY tennis balls!

How do I...

Okay blog friends, I have tried and tried to figure out how to have stuff on either side of my blog posts? Like the "About Me" on on side and the blogs I follow on the other? CAN Y'ALL HELP ME? I've tried changing the layout.....but I still don't get it. All help is appreciated!!

RUE LA LA

A big thank you to Southern Belle JM for posting about Rue La La. I HAD NO IDEA ABOUT IT! What a great site!! I will definitely be using this site. I have an expensive taste (what girl doesn't?) and this site offers the expensive stuff at discounted prices! OH YEAH! If y'all haven't checked it out, DO!

Happy hump day y'all!

BATHING SUIT SEASON IS HERE!

Do y'all know GloZell? If you don't let me introduce you. She has TONS of videos on YouTube. She can't be employed if she has this much time on her hands to make these mini videos. Anyways, if this isn't hope for you ladies out there working out hard for summer and bathing suit season then I don't know what is! I LOVE GloZell. Hope y'all find this as humerous as I do! PEACE AND BLESSINGS!

Struggling.

Lately, I have been struggling with the fact that I still am NOT employed and other underlying problems in my life. It is very hard to be optimistic when the most important things in life are dragging you down. I have applied to countless jobs. I honestly can't remember the actual number. This has been going on since January... JANUARY! I know some people don't find a job for over a year. But I am the person who is 1. impatient 2. bored 3. BROKE! and 4. Ready to move on with my BIG GIRL life (as so many put it.) A lot of people have said, "don't rush it." Listen folks. Nothing antagonizes me more than to be 22 years old and living at home with Mom and Dad and little bratty sister [She's a junior in high school and think she is the bee's knees-- talk about A-T-T-I-T-U-D-E!] and not having an income. I want to be on my own; an independent woman if you will.

I know that God does things in His time. My problem is my understanding that and my patience. I know the Lord gives you what you can handle. And I am trying to handle it to the best of my ability. It is just very hard when the majority of your friends have JOBS!

So friends, I ask if you will please pray for me and my patience and my full understanding that things are done on His schedule and are done what's best for me.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6

"Spring Reading"

So I'm not much of a reader. I hated when I was made to read; so when I DO read it's usually something I can't put down. Today I just started "Staying True" by Jenny Sanford.



It is so good so far. This book is definitely empowering just even in the prologue! I will keep y'all updated as I read. So far... SOOO good in a sense of a very successful woman who left her Wall Street job to follow and stand by a man who would ultimately let her down in the most enormous way possible & yet she didn't fall down in depression but stood up in honor and character to support her 4 boys! Now, back to reading!!

Encouragement

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not hurt you. Plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11

Weekend Recap

This weekend I ventured to Columbia to visit Brian. Lord knows he's come to Charleston a lot the past few weeks. I actually took a long weekend and left Thursday (his Friday morning class got cancelled! :) )Thursday night we laid around and cooked dinner... I made homemade garlic mashed potatoes. It's the one thing I know by heart that was taught to me by my Grammy. Of course we had more than that, but those are quite trivial details in the grand scheme of things. Anyways, Friday night was our "date night" and we went to my old waitressing joint, Pawley's Front Porch! It is basically a beer and burger joint, but it's not your average burger. I had the Wadmalaw... It is an angus burger with fried dill pickle chips, cheddar cheese, and my favorite, BBQ sauce. There is NO need for ketchup for this burger. The BBQ sauce does the work itself. After dinner we headed to the Carolina baseball game against Ole Miss! It was my first game for the season, and Brian's first Carolina baseball game period. We had a really good time, and the people next to us were fun and entertaining. This is their second season in this ball park. It is absolutely gorgeous as you can see. (Sorry it's so big!)


(Side note: Carolina won 2 out of 3 games this weekend against Ole Miss. And we are #1 in the SEC East!! Go COCKS!!!)

The rest of the weekend we were pretty much lazy and relaxed. We did meet up with our friends, Rachel & Nick, downtown in 5 Points. Any of you who know what 5 Points is are probably thinking "OH MY GOSH! You went there??? We were all reliving our college days except Brian who still has another year left. It was definitely a fun weekend and a great getaway. I however am STILL searching for a job. I check statuses of current applications every. single. day. And I look for more jobs. People, it's down right frustrating and sometimes makes me want to spit nails. I don't want just any job... I want a BIG GIRL job... y'all know what I'm talking about. So I am trying my very hardest to be patient which isn't very easy for me. I ask that those of you who read my blog say a little extra prayer for me at night in my search for employment. I pray too, but there is POWER in prayer for sure!! I leave y'all with a picture from the weekend of Brian & me. Hope y'all had a FAB one!

xoxo

I'm here to pump...you up!

The weekend felt really long to me. Since when are weekends ever "long"? They are never long enough... anyways, Friday was spent in Myrtle Beach shopping. My all time favorite store Anthropologie is located in Myrtle Beach at the Market Common. I picked up a few items. All of which I should take pictures of and post for y'all. Just a little splash of color to what seems to me as a DRAB closet... (Is anyone else drawn to black as much as I am?? I have told myself I'm not allowed to buy black...for now.) Saturday, my mom and I took our rescue Lab, BG, to the Pet Fest of Charleston. We have had her a little over a year now with the help of Lowcountry Lab Rescue. Sunday was sloooow. Just how I like it. Anyways, on to what has drawn me to title this post after Arnold... just a funny picture...



Today, my best friend and I went to Body Pump class at the gym in my neighborhood. HOLY MACKEREL! Have y'all ever been to Body Pump? It's intense. I only put 10lbs on my bar bell...to be on the safe side. The class is a solid hour of using your arms with the weight of your choosing. Needless to say, all the deadlifts and chest presses and every other crazy thing you can do with that bar bell...left my arms, chest, and trapezius muscles (the muscles that help move your shoulder blades) were shaking, quivering, spazzing...you name it. Washing my hair tonight was a task as my arms hurt to even hold them up. Yikes. If I don't post for a couple days, it's because my arms are DEAD! I really felt good about the workout though! It was a great workout for arms and abs! Perfect for the fast approaching summer season. TONE! TONE! TONE!

Anyways, hope this finds you after a good Monday. Please keep my friend and her family in your prayers tonight and the rest of this week as her grandmother passed from Alzheimer's today...only a week after my best friend was married. A very tough road for this family! Thanks y'all!

xoxo

Custom Dresses!

Ladies, I just wanted to pass on a fellow blogger to you and also amazing designer/seamstress, Annabelle LaRoque. She is from Columbia, SC and has her own boutique. You can find her on Facebook and here and here. Her dresses, skirts, shirts, EVERYTHING are simply amazing and have that wonderful Southern elegance and sass! Check her out! Here are just a few of her one of a kind pieces.

10 Things About Yours Truly

So I figure that I never formally let y'all know about me. I have been blogging for a little bit now and have never really let you guys in on my quirks, personality, likes, dislikes, etc. Y'all get the jist. So I figured I'd jot down 10 things that I think are interesting about myself. Here goes nothin'.

1. I was born and bred in Charleston, SC. I love it here, and if I ever leave, it's completely against my will.

2. I have a horrible obsession with honey mustard. Anyone who knows me knows that I require honey mustard with EVERYTHING. I have been known to dip my "late night" cheeseburger into honey mustard.

3. I have a strong love & passion for animals. Ask my friends. I pick up stray dogs on the side of the road and get them back to their owners. My love is a blessing & a curse in disguise. Animals bring me lots of joy, and a curse at the same time that I myself cannot save every single animal in distress that I see.

4. I never "played" sports. I rode horses throughout middle and high school.

5. I am an 2009 ALUM hailing from the University of South Carolina!! Go Cocks!

6. I'm totally impatient and do not like waiting. That's why I'm ALWAYS early for meetings, appointments, dates, etc because I don't like people to have to wait on me. Common courtesy. I get this from my Dad.

7. I have a boyfriend: Brian. He is my best friend & literally knows everything about me.

8. I love country music. My dad always listened to country music in the truck when he would take me to elementary school in the mornings. My iPod is 99% country. :)

9. I drive a 2005 Chevy Tahoe. She is navy blue & she goes by "Blue Beauty."

10. Finally, my all time favorite candy is Hershey Kisses... you should see my Easter Basket.

I hope that y'all might find these little random factoids about me interesting. What's interesting about y'all? I'd love to read and get to know you each a bit better! And follow me, please! I really am trying to be a better blogger. I just don't want to be mundane and write about every single detail of my daily life. No one likes mundane. I am trying to be exciting and cover the broad spectrum: myself, entertainment, news, etc. And on that note, I'm off to bed!

xoxo

Is it out there?

I am still job hunting like crazy. And if I don't find a paying job soon I might just LOSE IT! That's it. There's nothing left to say. Can you feel my feelings of annoyance??

Too much botox?

Do any of you think that Vicki from The Real Housewives of the OC has had too much botox injected around her mouth? When I watch her talk it's almost as if the right side of her mouth is paralyzed? Does anyone else see that? Maybe it's just me, but it bugs the living daily lights out of me!

Happy Hippo... as a pet!

I received this from Brian's mom, and I thought I would share it with all of you.

It is too cute!

xoxo

Brian

Can I just brag? Just for a minute? Just for a couple paragraphs? I think I have the best boyfriend in the entire world. Brian has been everything and more to me ever since we met. He understands me completely and accepts me the way I am no matter what. This weekend I ventured to Columbia, as promised, to visit him. His one and only Friday class got cancelled so I drove up Thursday afternoon for an extra long weekend. Thursday, he cooked lasagna and garlic bread (it is my favorite) with some Robert Mondavi Pinot Noir! YUM! We just relaxed and watched movies. A wonderful night none the less. Friday we relaxed some more. Is it evident that we just LOVE to relax? Who cares? We went out for a little while that night and had a blast. Just the two of us. Later that night, I started feeling bad on top of my cough that I had had for 2 weeks already. I got all upset because it was something that scared me and I didn't want to happen again. Yes. I cried. And of course, Brian was there for me, wiping my tears & holding me until I stopped crying. And of course I started feeling bad on Saturday night again. So what did I do? I cried some more on the couch with my plate of left-overs sitting in my lap. Am I a mess? Totally. But thank goodness for Brian. He is always there. Always willing to listen. We decided that it was best to stay in on Saturday night and not head to a friend's. I crashed later that night and slept like a baby. And then this morning we went to church together for the first time. Yes, the first time in almost 8 months together. I know what you are thinking. Why haven't you been going to church all along? Well, to be honest, I don't know. He goes to Mass when he is home in Aiken. And I have been wanting to get back into the routine of going to church each Sunday. We went to a small Catholic church in Columbia. It was nice. I am a Baptist. I know NOTHING about Catholicism. But, I took it in stride and enjoyed our first time together at church. I'm hoping each time we are together that we will be sure to go to church on Sundays. As of right now, I'm feeling much better than earlier this weekend. Thank you Lord. I'm thinking about calling my Dr. this week just to be on the safe side. Call me a hypochondriac... I'm not taking my chances.

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend and that they start their weeks out on the right foot.

xoxo

Mole Killer(s)

This morning I woke up to go down and check on the dogs as I always do downstairs. But this morning was a bit different. The dogs were outside, like normal after they get fed in the mornings, and were sunning themselves in the grass. But what catches my eye but a trench. Yes, a trench. I called my dad to make sure that he hadn't been digging in the backyard this morning and he said no. So who else could it be that dug the 12ft+ long trench in our backyard, but my very own Lily and Legend. Lily has this incredible smelling sense and picks up ANYTHING under the ground...so that's what they were after... a mole. Can I blame them? No! That's what dogs do and I have not a doubt in my mind that they were talking to themselves saying, "Hurry! We got to get this yard terrorist! Mom would want us to get him." Little did they know. Bless their hearts! I leave you with a picture of one of the culprits--his sister chose not to pose for the camera.

Slow Dancing in a Burning Room

It's not a silly little moment,
It's not the storm before the calm.
This is the deep and dying breath of
This love that we've been working on.

Can't seem to hold you like I want to
So I can feel you in my arms.
Nobody's gonna come and save you,
We pulled too many false alarms.

We're going down,
And you can see it too.
We're going down,
And you know that we're doomed.
My dear,
We're slow dancing in a burning room.

I was the one you always dreamed of,
You were the one I tried to draw.
How dare you say it's nothing to me?
Baby, you're the only light I ever saw.

I'll make the most of all the sadness,
You'll be a bitch because you can.
You try to hit me just to hurt me
So you leave me feeling dirty
Because you can't understand.

We're going down,
And you can see it too.
We're going down,
And you know that we're doomed.
My dear,
We're slow dancing in a burning room.

Go cry about it - why don't you?
Go cry about it - why don't you?
Go cry about it - why don't you?

My dear, we're slow dancing in a burning room,
Burning room,
Burning room,
Burning room,
Burning room.

Don't you think we oughta know by now?
Don't you think we shoulda learned somehow?
Don't you think we oughta know by now?
Don't you think we shoulda learned somehow?
Don't you think we oughta know by now?
Don't you think we shoulda learned somehow?
Don't you think we shoulda learned somehow?
Don't you think we shoulda learned somehow?
Don't you think we shoulda learned somehow?
Don't you think we shoulda learned somehow?

I wish money grew on trees.

I wish money grew on trees... seriously. I am STILL waiting to get my second interview with RSFH. I contacted the lady via email, and she informed me that she was still finishing up with the FIRST ROUND of interviews. Let me inform you: I interviewed over 2 weeks ago. By the end of this week, it will be 3 weeks. Hopefully I will have a date and time for my second interview for NEXT week. I do NOT like waiting. Just go ahead and hire me. Geez! And since I have nothing to do, I sit at home and think about shopping. I need to shop. It's bad. I have this horrible horrible urge to go spend money that I do NOT have. However, I do have bills that need to be paid. "Growing up" isn't the greatest I will be the first to tell you. Looking for a job and waiting and hoping to get hired is AWFUL! We should just magically be handed our dream job the day after we graduate college. Right? Why not? Then it would work for everyone. Everyone would be happy. But this isn't a perfect world, and things do not happen that way much to my dismay. Oh well. I'll keep praying, hoping, crossing my fingers & toes that I hurry up and get this job. In the mean time, I'll window shop online and dream of all the cute clothes I might could have if I had a job & an income. Give me strength Lord, give me strength. Here are a couple cute things I have found recently.

Anthropologie of course...

And cute boots from Old Navy. I have wanted a pair like this for a while. BUT, I'm resisting the urge and watching my money. Every penny counts these days... especially when you don't have a J-O-B.

I think I forgot I had a blog...

Well, it has been some time since I have last wrote. I have been busy graduating and moving back home. That's what this economy will do to you. But fortunately for me... I have had an interview with Roper working as an Emergency Tech. I have a second interview with them this week. Cross your fingers for me. I am in desperate need of a job. I also plan on going BACK to school for Respiratory Therapy. I think this field is exciting and has a lot of room for moving up and educational growth.

This past weekend Brian and I spent 3 days in Rock Hill, SC for our dear friends Dana and Patrick's wedding! And what a wedding it was!! We had many laughs, HAPPY tears, and memories that will FOREVER be cherished. Dana is my first friend to get married, and I couldn't be more excited for her. It has been a long time coming for these two... since freshmen in highschool. A true all american couple. We had quite a time at the reception. Everyone danced and danced and danced. I mean to tell ya... we came to get down and that is exactly what we did. I couldn't have asked for a better weekend.

This week I'm hoping to hear for sure about this job. I am so anxious to start working. I get so bored around the house just sitting... there is only so many errands I can run and so much cleaning I can take. I need something constant (J-O-B) to keep me occupied. And is it bad I wish I was still in school... wishing I had an assignment to read and complete; notecards to make and study.... wow! What has gotten into me??

Shall I talk about my boy?? I don't say much about him on here, but I will be the first one to declare to the world that he is my better half and my best friend. He knows things about me that NO ONE else knows. He is the most kind and loving man I have ever met... besides Daddy of course! He brightens my day like no other and keeps me laughing constantly. He was a WONDERFUL date this past weekend for the wedding. He's quite the dancer. ;) I'm sure you all are gagging and sticking your finger in your mouth like little kids do when they even think about the idea of kissing and loving on one another. It makes me think of the Little Rascals.

Have a wonderful and blessed week. I'll be back in a timely manner, folks!

xoxo
*H