A latte in my new mug is a perfect companion for a slice of this delectable treat

What was your biggest lesson last year?

Sometimes I get so caught up in what it is I want that I tend to a) forget who knows best and b) celebrate the smaller things. Thank goodness I have people in my life who ground me and put me in my place when I need it.

I've been quiet, but ummm yeah - I am now a permanent employee at my company. And although it is not the position I may want, it is something and for that I am grateful. So who am I to complain. And with this job I was able to purchase my first BRAND NEW car.

Isn't she pretty?!

This past weekend, I went shopping with my mom and she totally talked me into getting this new purse - I guess this can be considered my celebratory gift to myself. 

Let's just say the Captain was rather quiet while I attempted to keep my celebrating to a minimum after our first defensive touchdown with 14:06 left in the 1st Quarter - it was rather hard considering all the garbage him & my brother were talking all week about our defense (which I am STILL concerned about) all week - but that defense sure did score on those boys. Ok, ok...I will shut up now because we still have a long season ahead of us with injuries & suspensions. Needless to say I am fired up for football season!

and with the blink of an eye, the unofficial end of summer is here and it brings with it the summer like temps and humidity. It also takes away my summer hours, which means I am now back to 40 hour work weeks with no day off in sight until October. Yikes!

This summer was definitely a whirlwind filled with some special moments to say the least. Oh the memories.

Mine was a moment I will always cherish...the vivid memory hit me last week (again - like I don't constantly replay it in my head...over and over and over again) while on the phone with Andriece driving home from work...she nonchalantly asks what's a kiss??? My first reaction was to laugh because ummmm...I think she was attempting to fool me and herself since we happen to share the same ideology when it comes to kissing someone. A kiss is the most intimate way I express myself to a partner - the transference of energy and passion and other emotions I tend to keep bottled up. A kiss has the potential to be everything.

And the person I shared those stolen moments with on that perfect Friday night in June - thank you. Siempre estaras en mi corazon.

What was your favorite memory this summer?

Ahhhh...the Tuesday after we spring forward. I am literally dragging, it finally caught up with me. I guess I should learn how to turn off my tv & put my phone down at night no matter how much of a crap storm the Bachelor finale is and go to bed early for a change.

Relaxation is my theme for the week - all of the boys are away, the house is cleaned, and laundry is done. I doubt my mother or I will even think about cooking - it is great coming  home to the house STILL clean, no dishes in the sink, and not having to worry about anything besides what wine should we have and what to wear to work the next day. And to top it off it will be almost 70 degrees today and we both have hair appointments after work. I cannot wait to get in that chair.
As I chug my coffee, I am reminded of how grateful I am to be surrounded by such amazing people who always offer encouragement. Maya almost made me cry when I received this card in the mail last night and it reminded me to have faith and keep pushing forward. It is definitely the little things that matter most. Thank you My!

With the winter we are experiencing, I must say the temperature this am is feeling rather spring like - I even decided to wear a leather jacket & scarf - I know, I know pushing the limits but it is going up to 41 after all.

Ahhhh - today is the first day of lent - I thought long and hard about what to sacrifice this year. While adjusting to my new schedule, coffee definitely was not an option. Then I got to thinking - aren't there some character traits I want to correct.

So here goes: I am going to attempt to not be as judgmental and to show more compassion. I am going to give up cursing - and every time I slip, a dollar will be added to my swear jar. I am also going to be more positive and not complain - I want to show a grateful attitude at all times because everything happens for a reason after all - even my coffee spilling this am all over my sweater & the jeep. These are things I want to continue to work on way past April 20. Wish me luck.

The verdict is still out on whether I will also give up candy and raspberry gingerale - although that will help me with my diet for Disney and getting into a bathing suit in less than 2 months. I will decide by the end of day - but I am leaning more towards NAH.

I also plan on journaling more to focus on plans for a productive 2014 and beyond. Time to get focused on all of my heart's desires.

Are you observing lent this year? What will you sacrifice or work on for a better you?

Imagine going on the tour of your new work digs and you walk quickly through the cafeteria. Then you turn left and your supervisor stops while nonchalantly mentioning "there's Starbucks, it is open all day, and it's discounted" - and NO she wasn't pointing across the street - it was IN my building...not even a 90 second walk from my cube. I am now working in heaven I tell you. There is no other way to describe it. I must say today was a good day and I am excited to see where this will go.

I surrender. You have totally taken me out of my element - I now travel in storms, battling the messy roads just to get to work. Not sure how much more I can take of your snow, ice, and frigid temps. And let's not forget you knocking my power out.

You sure are pretty to look at it...until I have to drive in it

fancy meeting you. And hello readers - it has been awhile, too long if you ask me.

I cannot believe we are at the beginning of a new year already - 2013 flew by - my biggest lesson was to focus on my health and listen to my body. At times I tend to keep pushing, just to get things done and I ignore the warning signs. I am sure this is why my mother and I have been battling an upper respiratory infection for going on 6 weeks. It's been brutal, it definitely sidelined us. Thankful we are finally on the upswing of things and hopefully we will rid our bodies of this in the coming week.

2013 accomplishments? House remodeled - only minor touches needed. Let go of some grudges - worked on forgiveness. Went to a broadway show.  Landed a permanent part time position. Finally made cheesesteak egg rolls correctly on New Year's Eve. And I embraced the art of saying no. As for reading - 67 books was the final tally. And writing - I lost focus on it during the fall, but I am here now and I am pulling out my journals. I am determined to create.

And of course I had to put together my 2014 vision board - Drea came over today and we tackled putting together our desires for this year. I swear this is the most quiet a room has been with us both focused so intently on pulling our visions together. I am pleased with the final outcome and I cannot wait to start working toward's my heart's desire.

Pink. Polka Dots. And a Pumpkin Frap.

Color swatches, furniture shopping, and design have taken oveR my life. Why you may ask...well it started with my bedroom furniture - I am literally bursting out of my dresser space. And when you get new furniture you might as well paint, get carpet, and update the rest of the house too, right?!

I think I have finally narrowed down the layout and colors of my room - I just need to play with paint and see if I reallyyyyyyyyyy like the colors before the painters are scheduled to begin work. I also need to pick a bedroom set. AND stick with it. Along with a comfy chaise for my new reading corner. See where this is going?!

All of these additions have resulted in me implementing a budget - I have NOT been to Starbucks in almost 2 weeks. But do not fret - I discovered how to make frappuccinos at home. AND I even make them low cal, so that's a win win for my waist line too.

I look at my calendar and it is the first of August already. This summer has practically flown by - I haven't taken any trips, but nonetheless I have remained busy. Between family time, work, job searching, reading, tv, movies, and somewhat of a social life - I have not had the luxury of one entire weekend of relaxing. I suppose that is ok - BUT I cannot believe I have yet to get in a pool or go to a beach. Now THAT is unacceptable.

Oh! And have I mentioned how AMAZING Cirque du Soleil's Totem show was when we went?! More of their shows are on my to do list. Maybe in Vegas.

It's my 2 year blogiversary. The time has definitely flown by - it does not feel like 2 years since I started.


I reflected on what I was doing last year this time by reading this  and I find it quite ironic that I am currently wearing my Temple shorts (again), I had pizza for dinner (are you surprised), AND we had a family movie night. How crazy is it I was doing, eating, and wearing the same thing this time last year except for the fact I was watching movies by myself instead of with my fam?! And season 2 of Newsroom premieres tonight.

Yet this year I have a heavy heart. My heart aches for the family of a dead teenager. My heart breaks for the reality of the world we live in, our justice system & for the children who are subjected to it. My anger is fueled by the threatening of woman's rights being stripped again. What do we do to  implement the change we desperately need to see? My first step is prayer because He is the final judge.