Thursday, February 28, 2013

Thursday Thoughts

I had my first ever casino experience last night! I only played the penny slots, but let me tell you- I can see how people get addicted to gambling. It's like playing video games with the chance to get rich. I managed to end get up about $30 dollars at one point, and the money went to charity, so it was an OK night in my book.


Sometimes I wish I lived in a city where I took the train to work. It would be the perfect time to check emails and write. I supposed I could just get up earlier and do that now, but my bed is just so much more comfy...

Do you ever just feel like a bad person? Ugh. I love my fiance more than life, but sometimes, I still struggle with adjusting to an "our" way of doing things, instead of getting to do everything MY way.

My boss is letting me borrow the book "Winter's Bone", and I can't wait to read it this weekend! I am a huge Jennifer Lawrence fan, but I am waiting to see the movie until I read the book. Isn't the book always better?

Here is the camera I'm currently coveting.


Any feedback or reviews anyone has on this little beauty is most welcomed!

Today my sister Brooke turns THIRTEEN! This may seem young to most, but to me- it seems ancient. I remember the day she was born, and I'm pretty sure she'll always be five years old in my book. Our other sister Paige is fourteen, and starting HIGH SCHOOL next year. I still can't wrap my mind around that one either.

Girl has more sass and personality at thirteen than should ever be allowed. Happy Birthday Brookes!





I think that may be all for now. Happy Thursday. Happy pay day for me. Happy one day till the weekend!


Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Our Story, Engagement Prequel Part Deux



You can read part one, here :) Now, where was I?

To celebrate my return to the 513, I went to a little tavern in our neighborhood with a friend.

Now I had been frequenting this particular establishment for years and years, and always thought to myself, “I can’t believe I’ve never met anyone here”. The place is crawling with bachelors. I’m talking at least 5-10 men for every female in attendance. That thought came and went as it always did, as Ash and I settled at our usual bar stools to chat with her boyfriend who bar-tended there.



A little fact about me- I have height radar. Any human being 6’00'' or taller stands out to me like a sore thumb. Girls, because I am always on the hunt for a friend I can look at in the eye, and guys, because I was always on the hunt for a date I could look in the eye. Are you also a giant? Want to commiserate with me? Talk about how horribly awesome it is? Seriously, send me an email. I could go on for days. Anyhow- that’s when I first noticed him. Will, standing at a table talking to another guy, laughing and smiling and just looking like I wanted to talk to him.

“Why can’t I date guys like that?”

That was honestly my first thought. I could tell by the way he was dressed that he had a “real job” and had just come from work. He was taller than me, had a gorgeous smile, and was obviously enjoying his life and just exuding happiness and personality.

“Oh well.”

Fast-forward a few shots in, and Mr. Personality is sitting next to me, chatting me up about who knows what. I’d learned that Will was a regular there, and was a new friend of Ash and her bf. I could tell he was flirting with me, but I didn’t really expect anything to come of it. Remember the ratio? It’s not like there were a ton of girls to choose from.



An hour or so later, Ash decided she wasn’t feeling well, but suggested I stay and hang out with Will and his friend. She assured me she’d come get me if I needed, and her BF would be there to look out for me. I later found out when I’d gone to the restroom, Will had concocted this plan to get some alone time with me. He’s a sneaky one :)

I agreed and spent the next few hours telling stories and laughing with my two new friends. We shut down the bar, and decided to go to the late night sushi place next door. The three of us may have had one too many cocktails, and ended up realizing we were in no shape to be in a sushi restaurant. We decided to take the sushi to go and finish it at Will’s place across the street.

At this point, my senses started to kick in. "What the heck are you doing? It’s who knows what time, and you’re going back to a strangers house!? BIG NO NO BRITTANY". I’m a dare devil, what can I say. I also was a quick sprint home if things started to get weird. I don’t recommend these behaviors, but hey, I’m a risk taker. Or an idiot. The jury is still out.



Luckily, I survived. All fears were squashed when shortly after arriving to his place, Will got sick (presumably from binge eating sushi) right in front of me. The poor guy was so embarrassed. He ran inside to clean himself up shouting out to me “Don’t leave! Please, I’ll be right back!”

The whole this was a hilarious really. And luckily, he turned out not to be a murderer.

The next day, I had  NO idea what to think. Will had had me write down my number on a table tent at the bar, so I had no idea if he even still had my number. I knew where he lived of course, but I didn’t want it to come to that. Basically, I had low expectations. I didn’t want to set myself up for failure. I’d had a realllly fun time though, so I was hoping maybe he’d surprise me. And surprise me he did.

That next day, Will asked if he could take me to breakfast. It was a little strange since we'd just met, and I didn't have liquid courage on my side. But something about it was just right.

Will took me home after breakfast, then just a few hours later we were together again for dinner and another night out.



I don't really remember our plans the consecutive days, but they went something like go to work, meet up, hang out, repeat. We've been inseparable since, really. It took about 2 weeks for him to ask me to be his girlfriend, and just another week after that for him to tell me he loved me. I was a little scared at first, and it seemed quick to my head, but my heart knew better. There was no pressure involved in the situation. It was clear to both of us we were going to be together, and we didn't feel the need to wait.

I want to conclude this part of our story with a little tangent that I feel very strongly about.

Every. Relationship. Is. Different.

I really believe that every couple is ready for different stages at different points. I've dated guys for months and months and never said the "L" word. I've dated guys for two months I thought I could never live without. I know people who were together for years before they became serious that are now happily married, and some who had children within months of meeting, and are just as happy. This is our story, and though a bit "fast" and shocking for some people, it has been perfect for us.

Part three found here.

Monday, February 25, 2013

A Pretty Fabulous Weekend

Happy last Monday in February! It’s a bit chili around here but the sun is shining, I got away with wearing just a light jacket all weekend, and it’s daylight when I drive to work. You know what that means- Spring is on its way. And I for one, could not be happier. But let us get to the weekend.





Friday was spent the same way my Fridays are always spent. Relaxing, watching bad TV, and spending time with Will, Holly and Sadie.



Saturday was busy to say the least. I was up waaay too early because my high-maintenance dog likes to smack me awake around dawn, get petted a few times, then go back to sleep. She’s kind of a diva. Since I was already wide awake, I did some blog reading, coffee drinking, and cleaning.




Saturday afternoon I met a friend at the mall to shop for honeymoon gear! We are going to St. Lucia and her and her hubby will be going to Italy, so we had a lot of ground to cover.

I needed a few bathing suits and a dress or two. I was able to find a few things…



 Saturday evening went to Funny Bone with another couple. My best friend started dating one of Will's good friends last year around this time, and I get giddy every time I think about it. It's so nice that I have another excuse to see her, and it's great having one of my besties around even when we're with Will's group of friends.

I'd never been to a comedy club before, and I actually had a great time!

Sunday we prepped our little casa for it's open house, and went to a few ourselves. I ranted on about that yesterday. Read about me falling madly in love with the house of my dreams here. Remember, send prayers and positive thoughts my way!

That's all for now. The work day is calling. Only 4 more days till the weekend!

Sunday, February 24, 2013

The Cardinal Rule...

I broke it.

I'm no real estate expert. But I watch a lot of HGTV, and I've moved a bunch of times, and I'm pretty sure the #1 rule is...

Do NOT fall in love with a house, until you sell the one you already own.

Especially when your house has been on the market for three months and you've yet to receive one. single. offer.



The problem with that rule, is the internet. It is oh so easy to browse the hundreds of for sale homes in the area with the tap of a few keys. It's also easy to download realtor.com's app and obsesses over it. I have been doing both of those things for months, but it really hasn't gotten me into any trouble. Yes, there have been homes I've liked, that were beautiful, that we could afford- but nothing so stellar that my heart was broken when it sold. Until now.

While open houses are going on at our place, we like to attend others. I wasn't able to make it out of town for my sweet friend's shower today, so instead we did decided to continue the tradition and look at a few places. And today, it happened.

I found it. The one. Actually, three of them.

I have wanted new construction from day one. I waver daily on many of my "must haves", but in reality, I've known that's what is best for us. I just truthfully didn't think we could afford new construction that was up to my standards, in an area I'd actually want to be in. Until now.

By the grace of God I stumbled upon this listing the day it was posted. The pictures were nothing short of absolutely gorgeous. We're talking over sized windows, tons of natural light, rich hardwoods, an over sized lot, all my favorite finishes, an office with French doors, two walk in closets in the master. I could gush forever. It was like I'd designed the house myself. After a little more research I realized that the two homes next door to it were also still for sale. And one of them was having an open house!

Can we say jackpot?!

Naturally I dragged Will there, assuming he'd do his usual bit- nod every now and then, make a comment here or there when he sees something especially good or bad. Show no emotion. That kind of thing. But today, to my shock and amazement, he actually got excited about the houses. Three tours, and lot of discussion later, here I am at home, planning in my head which of them is best for us.

The ranch with the walk out basement? The move in ready place I originally fell in love with? The still under construction model that would allow us to choose all our finishes? How will I decorate it?

Wayfair. Love.

Did I mention our house is still for sale?

So yes, I broke it. The cardinal rule. My heart is still full of hope though, because there are THREE possibilities. Even better, the street still has a few empty lots we can get our paws on if the sale of our current home takes a few more months. I am so refreshed and encouraged after this day, I could burst.

Extra prayers will be said that timing is on our side. That's what most things in life come down to isn't it? Timing. And prayers. And positive thinking. If everyone who reads this can please shoot me a prayer, positive thought, and/or cross their fingers for me, maybe we can make this happen ;)

Happy Sunday!!!!


Saturday, February 23, 2013

That time I did an awesome blog chat.

I love to write.

Journaling. Writing stories. Poems. Words. Whatever. I've always had (sometimes still have) dreams of living in a loft in Paris or New England or somewhere a little more beautiful than the O-H. I'd spend my mornings drinking coffee and my evenings drinking wine, and just write and write and write. Basically the same thing I do now, just without going to work.

Cue blogging.

I've had this blog for about a year, but just in the past month or two have I really been taking it seriously. Really wanted to make my blog into a representation of my whole self. Something other people can enjoy and learn from. The question is, how exactly do you do that? There are so many approaches one can take when starting a blog, which one is right for me?

But I've realized- that is the beauty of blogging. If you write what you feel, you can't really mess it up, can you?

I came to that little gem of a realization two nights ago, during the most exciting 90 minutes of my little bloggy career.

 This was right before the best picture EVER. If you participate in this q&a somewhere down the road, do NOT forget to request to see Erin's cell wallpaper.

I was lucky enough to participate in Erin's first blogging q&a session. Erin blogs over at Living in Yellow, and our co-host was Jenni from Story of my Life. I am pretttyyy sure every blogger who has been around for more than 10 seconds has heard of these ladies. If you're not familiar, I suggest you make it happen.

Erin is absolutely hilarious and Jenni is the most refreshing blog I think I've ever come across.

The other participants included a pretty impressive line up in my book:

Casey. Allie. Talie. Courtne. Lisa. Jen. Alli.

I wasn't quite sure what to expect going in, but within 30 seconds our chat was already better than I'd expected.

So many good questions were asked. Everyone was super supportive. Knowing these lady's voices and personalities will make it much more fun to read their blogs in the future.

My biggest takeaways?

Be you.

This advice has served me well in all other areas of life, so no surprise it's the advice the veteran bloggers had to give. Whether you're worried about others perceptions of your blog, how to find your voice, when it's the right time to make your blog a business- just be you.

Secondly, connect. Get to know other bloggers. You can have a million followers, sponsor a thousand blogs, but if no one is reading your posts on a regular basis, is there really a point to all the exposure? I sometimes have to pick and choose which blogs I read. If there are 50 I love, and I have 20 free minutes, something's gotta give. Developing a personal connection through comments, emails, social media, whatever- that will make people read your blog over someone else's.

Thanks again ladies for all the kind inspiring words, and I can't want to see where everyone's blogs go in the future!


Friday, February 22, 2013

Balancing Act


I wouldn't say defeated completely. Yet. And I definitely wouldn't call what I am underneath a "mess". But I'm underneath something.

I'm a firm believer in being grateful for all things, no matter how big or small. I was one of those people that read "Eat Pray Love" and swooned. I'd like to skip the divorce thank you but I totally and completely get where she was coming from. The whole "eternal balance of the good and the beautiful" thing SPOKE to me. 

Like I happen to loath winters. Absolutely despise being cold. But the high I get on that first true warm spring day? It makes me almost grateful that winter comes around and reminds me of how wonderful the other three seasons are.

I try to stay positive under all circumstances. This is one of my favorite quotes.


There is nothing worse than being around someone that is always bitching and moaning about this or that. Now I can gripe with the best of them, but it is something I try to be concious of. I then ask myself "Why are you so upset? Does this really matter?". Usually, the answer is a big fat resounding NO.

But. I'm overwhelmed.

Let me tell you, this wedding planning-selling a house-buying a house-having a relationship-maintaining friendships-spending time with family-full time job-fiance busy at work and finishing his MBA-having two dogs thing is not. a. joke.

All of these things are blessings, but the older I get, the more life becomes a balancing act. I have a feeling it will only get worse from here. Luckily, I think I'm up for the challenge.

 A few things I have actually been able to accomplish this week...

Eat a little healthier. Chobani is delish! I also discovered I do not hate salad. That is a huge win in my book.




Take slightly better care of my skin and get a hair cut.



Have a bloggy Q&A with some amazing ladies! Which I plan on posting more about at a later date.



Aaannd that's about it.

Happy InstaFriday! Here's to keeping my sanity during another crazy weekend full of appointments, errands and a mini road trip.



Thursday, February 21, 2013

Creepy or Awesome? Blog Friends.

I'm really OBSESSED with the channel Investigation Discovery. I just love a good murder/stalking/betrayal story.


Anyway, I love it. But it also makes me super paranoid, which is why I find it pretty ironic that I post a bunch of crap about my life online for anyone and everyone to read. At least if someone does come take me, there will be clues all over the internet, right?

The reason I post all of this is because a- I don't think I'm interesting enough to stalk and b- I want those that are reading to really get to know me.

Confession: I want to make friends through this blog.

Would I write it even if no one read it? Absolutely.

Do I hope that more than seven people read, and more importantly, connect with my writing? Of course.

Do I have real life friends? Yes, I promise. Here's proof.

They're pretty great.

But back to the blog friends thing. Is this weird? Am I a creep? I know other bloggers make friends online that end up being real life friends, and I always wonder to myself when I read those stories "How did they know that person wasn't a murderer? Was it awkward?"

I am the type of girl that can talk to and get along with just about anyone. I can be overwhelming to some people. I'm sure they think something like "Why is this girl sharing all of this information?". Strangers in line, on a plane, whatever. I like to chat.

My constant need to spew content has gotten me in trouble many a time (I pray to GOD no one ever finds my MySpace or Xanga accounts. Did you people have Xanga?). It has also made me a lot of friends.

The Maid of Honor in my wedding actually spend the first six months of our friendship trying to avoid me. She is super shy. I'm not.

Picture of a picture. Me and my MOH TEN years ago.

Anyway, I have never been afraid to put myself out there, so why start now?

I certianly do not have all the time in the world. I have to admit though, some of the sweet emails and comments I've gotten so far about my blog and my posts have really touched my heart. It's amazing the power that lies in words and a kind email. Thank you for everyone that has encouraged me to get this space going. I can't wait to see what other sweet people this little blog leads me to :)


Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Our Story, Engagement Prequel

I have written and deleted this post quite a few times. I struggle to put my finger on when the story of Will and I truly starts.

Of course there is the first time we saw each other, which I remember vividly.

There's also a set of circumstances that led up to that meeting, and another huge set of circumstances that led up even to that.

We are not one of those "we met in High School" or "we were friends for ages before we dated" couples.

Will and I met shortly after I turned 23. He was 26 and a half.

We were saying I love you a few weeks in. I moved in about three months later. We were engaged three months after that. I do NOT normally condone this type of behavior, but we will get to that.

I suppose it all really started when I made the decision to move to Cincinnati. You can read more about that time in my life here.

I am originally from Dayton, Ohio. To go to any legitimate sporting events or parties or malls or zoos, you had two options. Drive the hour north to Columbus, or the hour South to Cincinnati. For whatever reason, I'd always chosen to head north. Cincinnati seemed "lesser-than" compared to C-Bus to me before I actually moved here.

That was a huge misconception, but I will go into that another time.


I was spending 50% of my time on campus and the other 50% up in the burbs where I worked the 3 years I attended UC. During that time, Will was just a few miles away. That we know of, we never crossed paths.

Making matters even more interesting, my senior year I moved away from campus and rented an apartment exactly one mile away from Will's home (where we live now). I lived there for a year, and still, we never crossed paths.

Probably because he was busy dating too many awful girls and I too many losers. You have to kiss a lot of frogs, right?

When I was a few months out from graduation, I began to get a little depressed. I felt lost.

I was a billion dollars in debt. I'd just been dumped by a guy who was lucky I ever even dated him (I am not cocky, he was just that bad). The most sour part of all, I had NO job prospects.

I wanted desperately to move away. To start over. But I was scared, poor, and all my friends had moved back to out home town.

On a whim I sub-leased my 2 bedroom apartment (which I LOVED), put most everything I owned in storage, and moved in with my Dad back in Dayton.

I had no job there so I spent most of my time applying for jobs, driving south for work, and spending time with old friends in Dayton. It was a good couple of months. I went as far as leasing an apartment with a friend back home. I was ready to leave Cincy behind.

As usual, God had other plans for me. A few weeks after I signed that lease, as I was headed to the airport to take a mini vaca to Nashville with my best friend, I got a job offer in Cincinnati.



My last vacation as a single girl. Ever. And the only 2 pics I can find of that amazing weekend.

I soon moved back to my old stomping grounds. On my first night out back in town, my friend Ashley and I went to the bar to celebrate my return. About seven minutes in to our mission to have a crazy night, I met Will.



Is it Friday yet? Time for some randomness!


Linking up with Shanna.

Happy Random Wednesday!

I'm always surprised how when Wednesday rolls around, it feels like it should be Thursday. This week is no different, but at least we're half way to the weekend!

This will be a better Hump Day than most, because I have a ton to look forward to.

Tomorrow night we are going to a registry event at Pottery Barn.


This bench. Love.


Obsessed with these hammered-ish metal vases

I have only registered online so far and can't wait to see what goodies they have in-store.

After that I will be rushing A) to pick up some wine and B) straight up to my office for some bloggy q&a and I am pumped to say the least.

No clue when we're doing Fri and Sat, but it's the weekend, so does it really matter?

Sunday I'll be picking up Amanda (one of my bridesmaids) then heading 3 hours north to attend my sweet friend Maddie's baby shower. Maddie, Amanda and I were inseperable when we all attended Tiffin together. With us all living in different cities now its been FOREVER since we were together, and I can't wait to share such a special day with them.


Our last day on campus together. I am sure they will love me for posting this ;) I have no shame I suppose.


How could you not love these faces?


Moving on.

Goal of the Day:

Sit up straight.

I have the posture of a Gargoyle.

Goal of the Year:

Wear all the clothes I buy instead of just leggings, black pants, sweats and sweaters.

I wore a dress today. And my favorite boots. Normally I opt for sleeping longer as opposed to dressing somewhat cute, but my clothes were getting lonely. There is something about being dressed up that just puts a pep in my step.

My final random- I got a haircut.

And it didn't suck.

I tried out a new salon, and I think I'm in love.

I'd post a picture, but my iPhone won't charge. If ATT does not fix this on my lunch break, there may be a breakdown in my future...

Monday, February 18, 2013

Funny Facts, Childhood Edition


My excited face. I've been practicing it for my Bridal Shower.
One.

Ghostwriter. I just knew it was real, and I was going to be on that show. Still disappointed about that one...

Two.

I was sure if you turned off the TV, the show will pause.

I never could understand why it was always at a different spot when I turned the TV back on.

I'm pretty sure I invented DVR without even knowing it.

Four.

I also invented the idea of folding down the corner of your page to save your spot in a book.

I've been doing this since I was about 5 years old, and seeing as their was no Internet at the time, clearly I came up with it on my own.

Five. 

I was kind of a nerd. I got really bad nose bleeds, and my dad would always take the vent off my heater and put a pot of water on the vent.

A makeshift humidifier of sorts.

He'd always tell me to make sure I put the vent back in the morning.

I never did.

Then one sad, sad day- my kitten fell. in. the. vent.

Luckily, my Grandma was German.


Puffy hair don't care. I also invented the side pony tail.

Note: My Omi's all red on red. She pulled it off so well. My Sketchers, bangs, and floods. 1999 was not kind to me.
Why is that lucky you ask?

Because the only thing you're allowed to do as a child when your Grandma is German, is learn to speak German, and learn to crochet.

So I crocheted a quick pot holder, tied it to a string, and dropped it down the vent.

The kitten grasped on, and I pulled it all the way up. It survived and lived a nice happy life.

I couldn't make this up if I tried.


Life was so simple when my biggest problems were cats in vents and frizzy hair.

Maybe not. Those are huge problems.

Here's to being grown up, and not delusional...

Most of the time ;)

Sunday, February 17, 2013

Another week, another update.


It's that time again.

I think this may just be one of the better weekends I've had lately.

Probably because I wasn't running around like a mad woman.

As usual, I can't remember off the top of my head what we did Friday.

Fridays to me are mostly for relaxing, thanking God I have a job that doesn't require me to work weekends anymore, and laying around with Will.

Saturday Morning I had my first fitting! It went well and got me even more excited to wear my dress.

After my fitting I went and had lunch with Will's parents while he was in class.

They are the sweetest people in the world. I got lucky in the in-law department.

After all that excitement I came home and suffered through the rest of our invites. Seriously putting those things together was the most tedious and mind numbing activity I've participated in in a LONG time. Thankfully, they are now COMPLETE :)

We kept it pretty calm again on Saturday night, which is unusual for us. I'm usually the one begging people to go out and party, but with all that we have going on, I needed a weekend off from hangovers.

This morning I got up bright and early to head to Target. I haven't been there in a while, and my wallet paid for it.

I went in for a candle and came out with a few candles, some new notebooks and pens, a ton of food. The Target in our area recently started offering groceries and it was fab only having to make one stop.

I feel like I spend WAY too much on groceries considering we're a family of two, but I am way to lazy to coupon or plan my cooking around sales. Maybe one day...


I highly recommend this bad boy. Smells like heaven. And will make people I love you :)

As usual, Holly was no help.


This is what the rest of my day will look like. Coffee and relaxing with some cooking, laundry, and cleaning mixed in.


While I was finishing up the dreaded invites I watched the documentary Craig's List Joe, found on Hulu here.

I'd heard of it before, but never watched. It got me pretty damn emotional.

I want to write a longer post about this some other time, but it really hit home with me.

It's about a guy that lives solely off of donations and what is offered to him by strangers via Craig's List for 30 days.

It's so touching and remarkable how even with all of the hate and horror in the world, at the end of the day, most people are just good.

Everyone has a story, and most people's story involves some sort of perseverance, overcoming obstacles, or just trying to be better.

I wish they'd show more of that on the news and less of who is shooting who. We get it, people are dying. Also something I could go on forever about so I suppose I'll just leave it at that.

One of the main reasons I got into blogging is because I deeply believe what I just said. Everyone has a story. Most people's can teach you something.

Here's to the blog world and all of the touching, educational, and hilarious stories I get to read because of this phenomenon.

Happy Sunday people!

Friday, February 15, 2013

TGIF

 
Confessing today with Leslie and Insta-sharing with Jeanette.

Happy Friday people!

I confess….

That I may have partied a little too hard last night at our Valentine’s Day din-din. I’m not one to turn down a second bottle of wine, but I’m pretty sure I will be paying for that decision for the rest of the day. Here’s to next years V Day being on a weekend!

That I am ignoring every area of my life besides the wedding. My inner dialogue lately goes a little something like this:

“I can’t wait to have my dress fitted. I wonder when my earrings will be in? Flowers. Hair. Will the bar line be too long? Have I scheduled all my appointments? Our DJ better play the right songs. Thank God we got the videographer. I wonder if I have new emails…”

Hopefully I survive the next 11 weeks without dropping the ball.

That I am SO OVER this operation recovery. I needed my wisdom teeth out, I get it. But the weirdness going on is drivin me INSANE.

I didn’t have any issues, so I guess I should be happy. BUT, I still cant eat without getting food stuck in my gums. TMI? Sorry, but when you love to eat as much as I do, it’s a huge issue. Hopefully only a few more days before I am back to my full diet.
Here are a few shots of what’s been going on in my world this week.


So I just realized I like Greek Salad. Great discovery. Also, have you ever had Mushroom Truffle Butter? If not, I suggest you get some. TO. DIE. FOR.






Hope everyone has a great weekend!
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