Button Time!

My weekend was awesome.  Why?  Because I didn't do anything.  I needed a weekend of nothing.  I read an entire book on Saturday and loved every second of it.  I posted a little about it over here, so go check it out!  I also had some yummy orange herbal tea with milk and honey.  I am in love with hot tea, and really want to have a tea party.

I have some big news, well big to me :)  Amazing Amy over at My La La Land made me a button!  Go ahead, get yourself one, because you know you want to.  Thanks Amy, you rock!

Do you have a button??? I am looking to change to a three column layout and add to my button collection.  Leave me a comment to let me know and I will proudly display my favorite blogger pals' buttons!

Hope you all have a rocking weekend!

Trying something new...

So the staining weekend wasn't a success.  But, not because I am lame and couldn't do it, we had yucky weather with ridiculously high humidity which is not optimal staining and painting conditions.  We did, however get a dresser and four chairs (for the dining room) stripped and sanded down.  I also took a can of blue spray paint to some black and brown sconces I bought at the Salvation Army for 3 bucks and I am pretty pumped about the outcome.  No pictures yet, but I will post some soon. 

Even though we didn't get everything done this weekend that we were hoping to, I still have a great feeling about it.  You know why?  Because now I know I can do it.  I was terrified of totally messing it all up and my projects being a total fail, almost to the point where I didn't want to try it at all.  But I did, and now I know I can do it.  How silly are we sometimes that we talk ourselves out of accomplishing something because we are afraid?  What does it hurt to try?  Nothing. We might feel a little lame at first, but we shouldn't because if you don't give something a shot, you may never know how awesome you are at it.

So I say, go out there and try something new.  You could be missing out on something amazing :)

M.I.A.

Hi... my name is Lauren.  Many of you may have forgotten all about me because I have been super lame lately and neglected the internet.  And as sad as it may be, I will be neglecting for a bit longer.  Work and school are out of control and I'm a smidge behind in one of my classes, so I have GOT to get my shiz together.  Which sadly means, a little more time away from the ole bloggy blog.  For those of you that miss me way too much (NOT! I miss y'all way more, just saying), you can always email me and we can have a little chit chat between meetings and papers and work :)

I promise not to disappoint once I am all caught up with work and school.  John's parents are coming over this weekend to have a furniture refinish/stain party, so hopefully I will have some goodies to share!

I miss you big time!!  Don't forget about me while I'm gone!

One of those days...

Ever have one of those days when nothing is quite right?  It's not necessarily bad, more like a constant state of blah.  Yeah, well that would be today for me.  Everything is just kinda lame today.  I'm just not feeling it.

Sometimes I let my anxiety take over.... and worry about everything.  Even the really stupid things.  I hate being a worrier.  And the part that gets me is that I really don't have anything to worry about.  I'm healthy, my family is healthy, my boyfriend rocks, I have a great job, no debt and the list goes on.  I am a very fortunate person, yet I still worry about things.  Silly, stupid little things that ultimately don't make a bit of difference in the grand scheme of things. 

Like I said, it's just one of those days.  Let's hope tomorrow will be better...

Answers to Your Questions Part One

Sorry if this is long....

amanda leeann asked...

what is your & john's story?

Back story.  I graduated from college in May 2007 and moved back home after my dad had a cancer scare.  I got a temporary job working for a DoD contractor in Panama City.  John was currently working there, I met him at my interview and then didn't see him again for almost 2 months.  He travels pretty regularly for work, so it is normal for him to be gone that long.  So at first, I really didn't know who he was.  I knew he worked in my office, but he is an engineer and I am not, so we didn't work a lot together.  We just started hanging out, going to lunch together getting drinks together after work and all that good stuff.  I was in a relationship when we met and during that time he never was more than a friend.  I had a really rough break up and he was there for me through it, as a friend.  My temporary job then turned into a permanent position, which was awesome!  That's when I realized how awesome he is and we eventually started dating. We tried to keep it on the hush hush at first, because who wants to get involved in an office relationship that gets bad and everyone knows your business?  Not this girl.  But everything turned out great, and our coworkers seemed to be ok with it all, so no drama there.  John recently got a new job, same industry doing the same work just no longer a contractor, so we aren't in the same office anymore.  I still see him almost every day during work hours, and it's great.  Is that good enough for a story?

Internet BFF Alex asked:

Favorite book?

I will probably have to go with the Twilight series.  Those were the first books I read that I felt passionately about, sorry if that sounds lame.  I've always enjoyed reading, but those books helped me embrace my nerdines a little more and be more open about loving to read.  Now, other than that I also love The Hunger Games and Catching Fire, I am a sucker for a good Nicholas Sparks book, Carl Hiassen is hilarious (and very inappropriate, just going to throw that out there) and an occassional John Grisham book.

Peeta or Edward? You HAVE to choose one.

Not an easy question to answer, but I would pick Peeta.  And he could make me bread and I will love him even with his bum leg.  I love Edward big time, he makes my heart pitter patter, but the whole weird babies thing creeps me out.  I am leaving Edward for you m'dear.

Will you teach me the cupid shuffle?

Duh, do you even have to ask that?

#dirrrtymagic....It always needs to be said...

sar-uh asked....

What is your most favorite thing to do in the whole world?

That is a tough one!  Probably traveling.  I love going and seeing new places, meeting new people, trying different things.  I am always ready to travel!

If you were a jelly bean, what flavor would you be and why?

I would be one of the Harry Potter Jelly Belly Bertie Bott's flavors because it never gets old giving someone a sicknast jelly bean like vomit flavor and seeing their reaction.

Is that Boston your dog?

Why yes, she is.  Her name is Millie and she is one of the major loves of my life.  I am one of those people who is obsessed with their dog.  We talk, I tell her she is a diva, she snuggles with me, she loves to play fetch and is always excited to see me.  I heart my Millie big time!

Kellie asked....

What's your guilty pleasure?

I would have to say trashy tv shows.  I love watching General Hospital.  That and Snickers Ice Cream bars, oh my they are so yummy.

Where do you want to go more than anything?

I want to go to Italy.  See the beautiful churches, the architecture, eat amazing food.  And most importantly, ride in a gondola.  I want to take a gondola ride at sunset through Venice with a bottle of wine and I want the gondolier to sing.  I am cheesy, I know, but that sounds absolutely perfect to me!

Is the job you have right now what you want to be doing in life?

I have ALWAYS pictured myself as a stay at home mom.  However, as I get a little older and have my first big girl job, I am not so sure anymore.  I can honestly say I love my job and I love the company I work for.  They are putting me through graduate school and it is hard for me to justify putting so much into a career then just leaving it.  I can definitely see myself working for this company for a long time.  Not really doing what I'm doing now, but I like my line of work.

That's all for now, there is more to come....

Answers to Your Questions Part Two

More questions and answers for my loves. The spacing and font is lame and I have not the patience to try to fix it, my b.


Amber asked...

Are you originally from Florida?

Why yes I am. I was born in Panam City, moved to Pensacola for college and am now back to my hometown. I absolutely love Florida and can't imagine living anywhere else. Would I move if necessary? Sure. But this is and always will be home to me.

Vanessa asked...

Favorite Starbucks drink?

White Chocolate Mocha, mmmm. Sometimes I get frisky and add some peppermint. I recommend giving it a shot!

If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?

Europe. Specifically Italy. But I also really want to go to France, England, Ireland and Spain. So I could go for a month or two and just see it all :)

Dream Job?

Stay at home mom or director of an awesome non profit organization or event planner.


Shelby Lou asked....

what color is your toothbrush?

Purple and white spinbrush, it rocks!

do you turn the water on before you get in the shower or after?

Definitely before. I despise cold showers. I am totally ok staying in a shower long enough for the hot water to run out.

if you had a billion dollars what would you do with it?

I would first make sure that my family would be taken care of financially. I would also make sure to donate to awesome charities and cancer research. Ooo and do some crazy travelling. Then I would build my dream house on the bay and love my life. Actually, I would probably be one of those stingy rich people that barely spends their money because they don't want it to be gone, haha.

whats your number one thing you want to do before you die?

I want to have a family. Get married, have some babies and all that good stuff.
Mar asked...

What's your favorite song/band/album?

I honestly don't think I can answer this.... I love music big time. And I love all kinds of music. I don't think I can pick a favorite. Lamest answer ever, I know. The Ataris were my favorite band in highschool, San Dimas Highschool Football Rules is awesome :)

What's the one thing you'll always have in your fridge. Like, always?

I always have Simply Orange orange juice without pulp. Pulp is disgusting. And orange juice is the shiz.

If you could be someone else for a day, who would you choose?

Maybe Kate Middleton, Prince William's girlfriend. I used to have the biggest crush on him, so a day with Prince William and tea time with the Queen of England sounds like it could be fun! If not her, probably Millie. I would love to see the world how she does, and I am obsessed with my dog.

Liz asked....

What is the most embarrassing song on your ipod?

Actually I don't have an ipod.... Yes I am serious. I happen to be one of the 15 people in the world that has a zune. All of the songs on there, in my opinion, are fun and I am weird and wouldn't be embarrassed of them, but it would probably be awkward if one of my Veggie Tales songs came on whilst the wrong person was listening.

How did you start blogging?

I had been wanting to start a blog for quite some time. I knew some people that blog about their family and had found some blogs about Twilight and other fun stuff and it seemed like something I would like to do. I just never thought I had anything to say that was worth reading. One day I just decided to do it, because it would be for me and it was ok if no one else wanted to read it. I never imagined I would meet the awesome people that I have and I am so glad I did!

Sam asked....

How do you feel about John's republicanism? ;-)

I feel fine about it. Mostly because I too am a republican. Actually, I founded a College Republicans club my freshman year of college and was president. It makes me laugh thinking about how into all of it I was, and how much going away to college can change your political views. I am not nearly as conservative as I used to be, but liberal isn't exactly a word used to describe me either.

What is your inner most desire?

To be a great mom. I have an awesome mother and two amazing grandmothers, I just hope I can do the same.

Favorite actor and actress?

Favorite actor is Eric Bana, because I get all hot and bothered every time I see him. My favorite actress is Rachel McAdams, she is awesome!

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I really wanted to be a writer. I used to write stories all the time and make them into books. My third grade teacher helped me laminate and bind together one of my "books." I had a very vivid imagination haha.


I had sooo much fun doing this! I hope everyone learned something fun or different about me that you didn't already know. Thanks for your questions!!

Questions anyone??

Hi 27 followers and anyone else who may be stopping by!  I love you all!  No lie, I am pumped that this many people actually read my blog (ok, well maybe not read it, but at least follow it).  So to encourage some of you lurkers out there to stop by and say hello and let me know you are there, I am doing a question post. So many of my favorite bloggers have done these lately and I love them.  So do it, ask me anything.  I will do my best to answer your questions and hopefully not be lame.

Ask away...

2010 so far...

My oh my... what a busy week this has been for me!  If it's any indication of how 2010 will be I will have a very productive year!  I will clue you in on some things going on in my life as of late....

Operation: Clean Up My Life

When I say that I mean the actual organizing and decluttering of my house and eventually my car.  I started right after Christmas, and silly me, I thought I would be done by New Year's.... NOT.  Oh well.  I am taking my time and really happy with the results thus far.  We have taken a truckload full of goodies to Goodwill and thrown out a bunch of crap that I forgot I even had.  Crossing my fingers that I will keep it going and not give up.  And I'm doing it right, you know?  I'm doing it right this time, to hopefully make it easier to maintain.

Thrifting Extraordinaire

Ok, so maybe not extraordinaire material yet, but I'm working on it.  Whilst cleaning up my life, I also have the drive to redecorate.  However, redecorating on the scale that I want to would be pricey (and I am being good with my money for a change), so I've decided to try the thrifting route.  I bought a chair for 5 dollas at Goodwill, some spray paint (hey, don't knock spray paint, it can work), some awesome fabric at JoAnn's for 2 buckaroos, and some upholstery tacks.  If I can pull this off, I will have a fab chair for about 15 bones.  (How many different words did I just use for money, srsly).  Said fab chair will go perfectly with my future awesome vanity that I plan to have one day. I also bought some paint stripper, some furniture stain and some new bright and shiny knobs to repurpose a dresser.  These are my first two projects that I want to try, however must wait because it is 30 degrees in Florida and too cold to paint and stain furniture outside.  *Sigh* Needless to say, I have some big plans in the decorating department, it just might take a while.  No worries, there will be pictures and follow up posts!

Too Cool For School

Some of you may or may not know that I'm pursuing my Masters of Public Administration.  I have 4 classes down and 8 to go.  Let's just say graduate classes are a ridiculous amount work, but I am sure that it will be worth it.  This week classes started back up and I have been crazy busy trying to stay on top of things (twss). It is greatly impacting my twitter and blog time and my leisurely reading.  I am needing some hot book boys in my life....

On top of all of that I also have work.  Work is always busy the first of the year. I like being busy at work so I'm not complaining about that.  So basically what I'm trying to say, is that I haven't forgotten my internet buds.  I am just getting all my ducks in a row so everything will be smooth sailing further down the road.  I apologize if I haven't commented or read my usual blogs, but I will get around to it all soon!

So...how has your 2010 been so far?

BBL Giveaway!

Hello lovelies!  A quick post to let you know about a giveaway!  Busy Bee Lauren just opened her shoppe and is selling some amazing handmade headbands, they are fabulous, no lie.  And to celebrate she is doing a giveaway of the super cute Zoe headband.

Go check out her blog and enter! 

Why hello 2010!

So here it is, a new year. I think I've just decided my resolution is to be awesome this year, is that lame?  I couldn't think of anything else.  I mean, there are about a million things I want to do with my life, but I'm not sure they are meant to happen this year.  So if I end up doing some of those things it will just be an added bonus, right?

So every New Year's Eve from now on, I will have a new party to attend.  A birthday party that is.  Yesterday we celebrated my nephew's 1st birthday!  They year before that I was in the hospital with my family awaiting his arrival.  What a great way to start a new year, celebrating the life of a sweet little guy.

Yes, this picture is awkward, but I love his expression.  He loves his Aunt Lauren :)

Who needs birthday cake when there are animal crackers? Srsly.

John and I went to a party last night at a friend's house.  There was a shrimp boil and live music and we had a really great time.  It's awesome to bring in a new year with great friends.  As per the usual as of late, I only have one picture.  And I look awkward, but I LOVED my outfit.

Here's to an awesome 2010 for everyone!  Who knows, it could be the most epic year we have seen!