An Empire State of Mind... and a New Blog!

It's time for the big news, bloggin' buds!


This week, my husband accepted a position as an Assistant Professor of Rhetoric and Composition at a college in upstate New York!  
The wait is finally over - but really, the wait wasn't that painstakingly long.  The fact is, we were pleasantly surprised with an early opportunity; to have all of this wrapped up before the New Year is a blessing and believe me, we are going to appreciate every single day with peace in our minds and hearts.  His teaching contract will not begin until fall 2011, so we will get to enjoy our little home in Athens, Ohio, for a few more months.  We couldn't be happier!


Hang on a minute. There's more.

You had to know it was coming!  I will write my last post for "A Day in the Life of a Grad Student's Wife" on December 31st.  January 1st will be the official launch date of my new blog, 'A Professor's Wife', and I hope you'll follow me there!  


http://www.aprofessorswife.com has proven to be a bit of a techie challenge, as I'm making the transition to a self-hosted Wordpress blog. I carefully weighed the pros and cons, and decided to take this challenging blogging road. I will install the Google Friend Connect widget so that you will be able to easily follow my new blog in Google Reader.  You'll also be able to subscribe via email, too - so if you're not a Google Reader user, it's totally cool. 


Of course, I can't completely delete all of my days of being a Grad Student's Wife, so I'm leaving this blog alone - it'll still be here after the 1st for your reading pleasure! You never know - you may feel the urge to revisit some of those Chocolate induced posts.


So basically, I'm still the same girl. With the same writing style, and the same personality.  But PRAISE the LORD, I'm completing the phase of being a Grad Student's Wife! It's been a long 7 years! (I had to celebrate some how!)


As always, thanks for reading my blog.  I will continue to post here up until the new year, so don't go anywhere just yet! 


Have a terrific weekend, all!  Go ahead and start planning your trips to Albany, NY!

'Now I've been happy lately, thinking about the good things to come
And I believe it could be, something good has begun.' - Cat Stevens

A change in the life of a Grad Student's Wife

Welcome, November!

 So, what are your plans for November? Enjoy the month, have fun planning holiday visits with the fam, and get ready for some chilly, long days and longer, darker evenings!

Hello from Louisville... I'm answering some Q's!

I'm in Louisville, Kentucky for the weekend, doing the conference thang with my husband.  Today, I'm taking a little time out to answer some questions that Miranda asked some of her fave bloggers this week.  When you're finished here, head over to check out her blog, Hangin' w/the Tucci's - I've known for Miranda for a few years, as both of us graduated from Marshall in '06 (so that automatically makes her awesome!)  She's also into blog designing, so if your home on the web needs a little facelift, be sure to check out her work!  And now... the questions:

1. What is your daily routine like? What time to you get up, go to bed, dinner routine, etc.
On a work day, I get up around 5:30 a.m. and hit the treadmill before I'm too awake to realize how horribly not fun it is.  I get ready for work, and spend quite a bit of time staring into my closet, trying to figure out how I can make my favorite ratty Gap jeans look "business casual".  I do this at least once per week, but never succeed and end up settling for some type of dress pants. Yuck. I arrive at work around 7:30 a.m., tune in to 93.3 WLZT Soft Rock Columbus online, or play my iPod on shuffle.  I perform my work duties all day - sometimes I'll head out for a bite around lunchtime (HELLO Quiznos Turkey Ranch & Swiss on whole wheat!), but most of the time I stay in and eat at the office.  When 3:30 rolls around, I run errands then head home, where I neaten things up a little, and cook a lil' something for my husband and I. He usually strolls through the door around the same time I do, so it works out.  We enjoy dinner while listening to ESPN's Jim Rome, PTI, and SportsCenter.  The remainder of my evening is spent reading, writing, doing laundry, watching some TV, chit-chatting, and cuddling with the cat. I always end the day by curling up in bed and reading myself to sleep with the TV on the lowest volume - usually i'll turn it on QVC or an old black and white movie. By 11:30 p.m., I'm snoozing peacefully!

2. What are things you do with your family for fun?
For fun, my husband and I love going out to eat and grabbing a good coffee afterward at least once per week.  We love going to the movies, going to college football games, catching an Ohio U Bobcat basketball or baseball game (depending on the season), and taking walks on campus.  Sometimes, we like a calm evening in - we totally still love going to the movie rental store, and we buy super sized-movie-boxed candy like we're little kids!  We love mini-3 day trips to new cities more than anything!

3. What are your FAVORITE holiday traditions?
Decorating! I celebrate my birthday (which is November 5th) by putting up my Christmas tree the first full weekend of November.  A little early, I know, but I'm always excited to get out my new Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments and methodically hang them on the tree!
I LOVE the day after Thanksgiving at my mom's house in West Virginia - dinner is at her house on Black Friday b/c I do dinner at my in-law's on bird day.  We usually get up bright and early and go Christmas shopping, have dinner at home later in the evening, then put up the Christmas tree while my step dad lazes around and watches college football - I love it!  Also, Christmas Eve at my in-laws' is great fun... too much food and too many people, but it's never boring and it's always one big crack-up of a good time.  I also love when my husband and I return to our home in Athens and have a little Christmas of our own on the 26th.

4. What do you do when you want to relax and have some "me time" ?
Chocolate, chick-flicks, reading, online shopping, and quiet time - that pretty much does it for me!

5. What is one of your favorite books you've read so far?
I absolutely loved Olive Kitteridge!  It was a pleasant surprise. "Hello Kitty Must Die" was a fun beach read, as well.  Also, Richard Russo's "That Old Cape Magic" was a super enjoyable book; I laughed non-stop while reading the last 50 pages.  Russo is a great fiction writer who can create seriously interesting yet normal characters. He's one of my favorites! 

6. What is your biggest guilty pleasure?
Hands down, Bath and Body Works.  It's a sick, sick thing I have going with that place and all of its' wonderful products...  I can't go in without spending way too much, and I always have B&BW stock-piled for holidays, birthdays, and "me" days. If i quit going, I would save a heck of a lot of money - probably enough to make a new car payment each month!

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend - I'll be back on Monday with a recap of my mini-trip to Louisville!

My First Miscellany Monday

I decided that participating in something I can barely spell was the best way to sum up my scrambling, it's-a-new-work-week kind of thoughts! 

I love my mom.  This weekend's visit with my mom has inspired me to write several "I-Love-My-Mom"-inspired posts, but today I will keep it short and sweet: I never have to worry about who I am when I'm around her - in her eyes, I'm a terrific person, a wonderful daughter, and that makes me smile. She knows me like no other, and I really appreciate the bond we have. She's never overbearing, never selfish, always caring, and always full of unconditional love.  She holds little expectations for me - just that I'm always happy and living a wonderful life. She has always trusted me, has a great confidence in me, and makes me feel like an independent woman. I love her!

My blogging buds are awesome! Seriously.  Thank you so much for leaving so many kind compliments on Friday's "Redhead" new 'do post - I didn't expect to receive that much super sweet feedback!  You all are so awesome! 

A new favorite hand cream. No surprise that it's Bath and Body Works: Shea Cashmere Hand Cream in Twilight Woods.  Amazing.  Not greasy, ultra healing, and ultra soothing.  (side note: I cannot believe my hands are already starting to dry and crack!) 

My husband is a super hero. Seriously.  His students submitted their first essay last Tuesday.  He had a goal to return the graded essays to his students in a week.  Our weekend visit to WV slowed the process down a bit, but when we returned to Ohio yesterday, he graded 40 papers.  40 papers with a typed, detailed summary of good points, areas that need worked on, and a final grade attached.  How many students get that kind of feedback?  Today, he's back into job marketing fun.  And FINALLY, schools from the deep south have started posting openings!  We've been waiting! :)

I finished 'Safe Haven'. This wasn't quite the Nicholas Sparks we all know and love - the romantic, sweet and sad novel took a back seat.  Safe Haven had it's romantic parts, but they were few and far between - he went for suspense with this one, and I absolutely loved it.  It reminded me of "The Guardian".  It was a nice change-up; not sure all readers will agree, but I was glad to see Sparks switch it up a little.

Today is Commercial-free Workday on Soft Rock 93.3 Columbus. Maybe I'm a total turd-head, but I love soft rock and pop, and this is my absolute favorite themed-radio station.  If you're a Journey/Bee Gees/Don Henley/Fleetwood Mac fan, tune in to: 93.3 WLZT for commercial free music from 9-5! (They play non-stop Christmas music starting in December! YEEEE!!!!)

I'm plotting and planning for my first Vlog. Any ideas?

I turn 27 in one month! It's already that time of year again... what should I ask for? 

Random thoughts buzzing through your head?  Blog them and link up at Carissa Graham's "Miscellany Monday"!

Have a super day and a great week, all!

What? Personal Responsibility?

My response to this quote goes something like this: "YEAH, but..."
... but I'm not the type of person that sweeps only in front of my own door.  I sweep in front of a lot of others' doors, too.  (Seriously, I stop and straighten up my neighbors' welcome mats in front of their apartment doors, which is so not my responsibility.) I assume responsibility for a lot of things that are none of my business - I can be quite the nag.  For some reason, I feel it necessary to assume personal responsibility for a lot of things because I feel something won't be done correctly  and the outcome may directly affect me (selfish much?) Aren't we all up in other's beeswax?  Every single one of us?  Is it preventable? Do we spend way more time assuming others' responsbilities than our own? Is it better to be nonchalant about our jobs, conversations with friends, and daily responsibilities as wives, mothers, sisters, and friends, rather than be all up in everyone's everything?  As I ponder these thoughts, I start to wonder what the heck personal responsibility really even is. Before I get in way over my head,  I think I'll revert back to what my initial - and simple - idea was when I first found out that I would be sharing my thoughts about personal responsbility as part of Susie K's Blog-Gang attempt to take over the blogosphere:

Today, you will be learning about a few personal traits and hang-ups of mine that are quite flawed, somewhat unreasonable, and maybe even a little surprising to my faithful readers.  That's right - Miss Chirpy Blogger has issues!  I'm hoping some of you can relate, rather than hate! :D

Personal Responsibility. I really suck at it sometimes.

When I'm having a bad day, occasionally i'll blame it on everyone and everything else except for myself - I have a way of twisting things around so that I'm the victim. Before I know it, a large chunk of time has been wasted on feeling all crazy, unhappy, and hostile. I'm aware that I perform this immature, unfair act - so why do I continue to do it?  I'm a girl... I'm PMS-ing... I have a short fuse, i'm a fiery redhead... pretty soon, my lame excuses run out.  When it comes down to the matter at hand, I need practice. Practice with personal responsbility.

Someone said something that was offensive and disrespectful.  And now, I am MAD!
Certain "types" of comments get under my skin.  I'm not real great at handling close-minded claims, bragging, hurtful teasing, or jealousy.  Instead of brushing off these types of comments that I know are silly and don't deserve an ounce of my energy, I go nuts.  Never to the person's face - always later. That's when I start thinking.  I think about past offensive comments of similar subject matter that have been made to me, similiar situations where I was forced to bite my tongue and nearly choked on it, the earlier days when the mean girl in high school said something that hurt my feelings.  Pretty soon, I'm wishing I could go back to 5th grade when my lockermate told me my lunchbox smelled funny (bologna does smell funny, but still), and scream at her.  (Do I have a mental problem? Maybe.)  Usually, I don't feel better until I tell my husband about the initial comment that caused me to blow up. His gentle reminder that "I borrow trouble" somewhat angers me, but after I take a "time out" and think for a little while, I realize he's right.  Then I'm cooled off. and totally over it. Until the next time. 
Why can't i assume personal responability and simply... not pay any attention to nasty folks and their silly sayings?  Why can't I be the bigger person and let go of the emotional hang ups I have?  I really don't know.  As I said before... I'm a girl, and I have PMS. haha. I know you're nodding your head because you've experience a similar situation/reaction.  You do this too, don't you?!

I straight-up rolled out of the wrong side of the bed this a.m.
Trudging to the bathroom in complete darkness, I already feel bad vibes.  I should take personal responsbility and turn the shower radio on to my favorite radio station, use my favorite citrusy shower gel, and try to get chirpy and happy. Instead, I bathe in silence, use my husband's bar soap, and wait... for something good to happen.  Using this technique, I could be waiting all day!  I typically try to see every day as special, but sometimes, I just settle for a "so-so" day - I'm sure others do it, too.  Every day needs to be a GREAT one! Except, I'm lacking in the personal responsibility department and for some reason can't seem to succeed at viewing every single day as a blessing.  I need to make it a special day - no one else is responsible for that.  I realize this after I've had my "so-so" day and am getting ready to go to sleep.

Someone I love is having a bad day, so I'm going to have a bad day, too. 
I do two things: 1) I assume responsibility for the other person's worries by trying to make everything better, when in reality, it might be best if i keep my distance - or at least, shut my mouth a little.  2) When doing this, I channel all the negative energy surrounding my loved one to myself as well - it's like i try to fight it FOR them, and in turn, I absorb it... but they're not any better, and I find myself feeling worse than I did on the day my little friend made fun of my bologna scented lunch box. 
I know we all do this, and it's only because we care- but why can't I stay strong for my dear friend of family member, and not let myself get down because they're down? It's hard to see someone struggle and go about your business like nothing's going on. 
If we simply adhere to sweeping our own doorsteps in situations like these, who's going to help us out if we need it? How much "help" is too much? Is it really even "help"?  (I believe so.) 

What does all of this mean? Should we simply stick to sweeping our own doorsteps only at work and in class? I'm not sure, but I wish someone would've stepped up and swept my doorstep when my lockermate made fun of my lunchbox.  I was too feeble and meepy to talk back to her then, and would've appreciated the help.  But maybe if she would've swept her own doorstep, my lunchbox wouldn't have been insulted!

Be sure to swing by Susie K's blog, MotherHoot, on Thursday for more takes on Personal Responsbility!

Let the Rain Sing you a Lullaby - L. Hughes

Yes, the rain can even make a college dorm cozy. Some of my most vivid rainy day memories are of the times I spent snuggled up in my freshman college dorm room studying.  I loved watching the rain fall over Marshall University's campus and the city of Huntington from the 13th floor of Twin Towers West - I could see the Ohio River stretching for miles and nearly all of downtown Huntington.  I could see everything.  And on those cool, drizzly days, after my early classes were finished, I would perch on my bed with the window blinds wide open, the lights turned down low, books in my lap, Matchbox Twenty playing in the background... and enjoy. 

I've sat/stood through many rainy football games, but two specific games have special "rainy" memories that I'll never forget.  My freshman-year roommate and I accompanied my then boyfriend (now husband) to a Marshall football game, hoping to see what this Byron Leftwich guy was all about (at the time, i had no idea that he would eventually be picked 7th in the 1st round of the NFL draft.) The precipitation started out a little damp and misty, but soon became a full-fledged downpour.  We, along with several other fans, decided to call it quits and leave the game early.  My roommate and I  swung by the cafeteria to get a late dinner - which, for some reason, was unusually calm and cozy.  We ate as other soaked football fanatic students trickled in, and enjoyed some girl time.  That's when I heard DJ Sammy's "Heaven" Candlelight mix - you know, the slow version - for the first time.

Last year, my husband and I remained faithful Ohio Bobcat fans and withstood the freezing rain and wind to see our team win a close game.  Most fans left, but those that stayed were in for a treat (Bobcats win!) I snuggled up to my husband, bundled up in cute mittens, earband, and a fleece scarf, but still so cold that I started saying goofy things to laugh in an attempt to stay warm and distract both of us. I suffered from total cold-induced delirium - and honestly, I wasn't miserable.  In fact, it was one of my favorite ballgames, ever.  How often do you get to cling to your husband for warmth during a close football game?

I remember the rainy Sundays when my mom would cook comforting country dinners for my brother and I when were were still young, living at home in WV. I was a teen, didn't have a care in the world, and loved curling up on the couch after stuffing myself with mom's homecooked yumminess. I often fell asleep with a Real World marathon on in the background.

A couple of years ago, my husband and I spent a rainy day in Pittsburgh with our aunt and uncle.  It was the first time I'd visited, so I sludged through the steel city in my trouser jeans, soaked up to my knees, to take tons of photos... and I actually had a great time. The rain toned down the typical hustle and bustle of the city, and I calmly enjoyed my little touristy adventure.  On this day, I heard Poker Face by Lady Gaga for the first time.

It was raining when:

*I ate Italian gelato for the first time (my 19th birthday, at Gino's in Huntington.)

*I celebrated my 20th birthday with friends at IHOP in Barboursville, WV

*My husband and I ran from the limo, across the parking lot to our reception site on our wedding night.

*I moved to Athens, Ohio.

*My husband told me he loved me for the first time.

I love to reflecting on those great times!  I'm thankful for this rainy day (even though I think I'm feeling a scratchy throat coming on), and I'm totally going to enjoy it.  Even though I have to work and have no window, I know what's going on out there, and I know what awaits me this evening - NO workout, heading straight home, making something hot and rich for dinner, and curling up with my book until DWTS comes on!

Last day for the B&B works giveaway! and super fast weekend round-up

I will be notifying the winner of my Bath & Body Works 'summer isn't over" goodie bag giveaway tomorrow, so make sure to enter by midnight! For details, read the official giveaway post.


I've had a super busy but awesome weekend!  I visited my fam and hung out in Huntington Friday evening thru Saturday Morning, for the Friends of Coal Bowl.  Marshall lost to WVU in OVERTIME!  It was a complete heartbreaker, and I totally whimpered and cried about it.  Aside from the WVU fans who sat at home and watched it on tv, then harassed me on Facebook when it was over, it was a great game - so great that the WV governor renewed the Friends of Coal Bowl contract for another 10 years!  It's going to take me a whole year to recover from that experience.  My husband still has a sore throat and no voice, two whole days later!

 

Saturday evening we hopped off our home on the hill, down to Peden Stadium and watched our Ohio Bobcats play the Toledo Rockets.  I was completely moved and teary-eyed when the Bobcat football players came running onto the field carrying an American flag before the game started.  September 11th has touched everyone in a personal, emotional, mental, or even physical way.  I must mention that I really enjoyed everyone's September 11th memorial posts this weekend - I didn't get time to comment on them, but I loved them all - especially the "where were you?" posts.  Great writing!

September 11th Memorial
Marshall University Campus

Today is a lazy NFL Sunday.  I just watched my Tom Brady with his flowing hair, and the rest of the awesome Pats team beat the Bengals!  I also ate an entire box of Great Value brand chocolate filled cupcakes and two mini sized Edy's ice creams (i'm super PMS-ing, ok?!?) I'm feelin' a little rough, I've watched way too much football, and now i'm ready to read, write a little, and perform my duties at the ironing board.  


I'm looking forward to the VMAs tonight!  I hope you all had a great weekend!

The Academic Job Market... it ain't like a trip to the supermarket!

And so...it begins.

Assistant Professors are needed starting in the 2011 academic year... at so many schools, in so many locations across the country.  My husband and I - well, we're caught in a whirlwind! 

I have so much confidence in him, and know that he will land a great job - he has done so many great things throughout the long process of graduate studies, and I know he will be an asset to a very lucky college or university. I know he can fit in anywhere, private or public, big or small, and I know he will continue to succeed.  Of course, as his wife, I'm obligated to be his biggest fan.

Options are starting to fly in from all geographic regions. When a new one is posted, we talk about it realistically- what it would be like to live in that location, how the job call suits his experience and research, what might be there for me as far as graduate school or a career is concerned... and then, we add it to "the list". The list of definitely's, maybe's, and last resorts.  Really, it's in our hands - at least, at first. All of the schools he sends an application to will be possibilities for us.

{via}

We have supportive families, but they have a limited understanding of how challenging this situation really is for us. Most people, with the exception of those who are already immersed in academia, don't thoroughly understand this experience (and it's effing crazy as a spouse, let me tell you!) The most important factor in this job market 'adventure' is that my husband acquires a job that will enable him to utilize all of the knowledge, experience, research goals, and ideas he's gained and developed over the past five years.  Being a professor doesn't stop at teaching - academia is a unique world, and I've learned just by being a bystander that it's competitive as heck.  Publications, Presentations -the two big P's.   In addition to a fantastic job opportunity, finding a place where we can have fun,  and really enjoy our lives is important.  Maybe we'll settle there, maybe we won't.  Maybe we'll raise children there, maybe it'll be somewhere else.  Where will I fit in? Where can I find a great job, too?  Yes, we miss our loved ones. But the road home isn't going to disappear. We want a life full of excitement, travel, new experiences, challenges, and goals (yeah, try saying that at the Thanksgiving dinner table in rural West Virginia. It goes over really well!)

At this point, it's entirely up to us - more so my husband, since he's the job seeker.  Together, we decide what could be best for us, he will complete the application process for each school.  But when I drop those applications off to the post master, mailed via priority mail, insured and with a tracking number, it's completely out of our hands.  We will wait... for the phone to ring.  Side note:  any predictions on how much money I'll spend on postage this year?

The next phase of the academic job market will occur later this fall. And you can best bet, I will be blogging about what i've playfully named "the waiting game" - so stay tuned!

Random Questions @ Friday Fives!

(Need I say more?)

Actually, yes - I do need to say more.  Because it's time for some random Q&A, by Beth McC!

Something you're OCD about:

Making sure the door is locked when I leave the apartment!  Before I walk away from my apartment, I check the knob several times.  I'm not at the point where I actually need to count how many times i attempt to twist the knob and check if it's secure, but I'm getting there! It really makes going somewhere a major pain in the arse - seriously, if i could get over this, I would be out the door and in my car at least 2 minutes faster.

Your favorite quote:

Grandpa Lou Holtz all the way! "Life is 10 percent what happens to you and 90 percent how you respond to it." I blogged about it here!

What is the farthest you've been from home?

I have yet to venture across the big blue sea, so Las Vegas it is!  I went on my honeymoon a few years ago. I was far from "home" physically, but I felt at home there - such an amazing place! No matter who you are, you feel like a rock star.  Amazing!

Do you do a real or fake Christmas tree?

Fake for now - and probably forever.  I have way too many ornaments to mess with trying to find a real tree with enough tips.  Several of my ornaments are extremely heavy.  Ornaments, ornaments, ornaments.  I am a Christmas nut!  As it gets closer to tissing the season, you will learn more about my Christmas decoration obsession! (Each year, I put my fake tree up the first weekend of November - a birthday present to myself!)

First blog you ever read?

Crazy Shenanigans!  Jennifer's blog was my inspiration, my reason for starting a life in blog land.  She and I both graduated from Marshall University in 2006 with degrees in criminal justice, so I knew her before well before I began blogging.  She kind of held my hand, told me it would be OK, and helped me set up the whole she-bang. 

Jmo blogs about her traveling adventures, good times with friends, movies and books, and the totally random crazy things that tend to occur in her life.  Be sure to visit Crazy Shenanigans as you leave! (And thanks, Jennifer!)

{Check it out!}

Visit Beth @ Just Me and My Life to play along with her weekly Friday 5's!

Have a great Friday, friends!

My favorite Lou Holtz Quote

"Life is 10% what happens to you and 
 90% how you respond to it."

-Lou Holtz

legendary NCAA football coach and

ESPN college football analyst

It was spring 2006.  I was just finishing up my undergraduate degree and my fiance (now husband) was completing the final requirements for his M.A.  We were preparing to graduate from Marshall University, get married in two short months, and start our lives together.  Early in the winter, he had thrown a hail mary and applied to a Ph.D. program at Ohio University.  After waiting a few months and hearing nothing, he hit the WV public school teaching job market, hoping to find a job as a junior high or high school english teacher at a decent school somewhere reasonably close to family.  Big dreams of becoming a doctor had nearly vanished.  And then...

the call came.

One minute, we're planning to settle for a life in our home state of West Virginia, close to family, where we could buy a home and start our own family immediately. The next... the possibility of more school, a hold on babies, another few years of renting, and a new state were knocking at our door.

The familiar vs. the unfamiliar.
The known vs. the unknown.
The easy vs. the challenging.


So, we jumped into the car -my husband was in the driver's seat, I held a printout of Mapquest directions - and we headed two hours north, up to Ohio University's campus in Athens, Ohio. We spent a rainy day on the road, a rainy day on campus, I ate my very first Turkey Ranch & Swiss sandwich from Quiznos, then I cried like a baby all the way home.  I hated Athens because it "wasn't like Huntington."  "OU's campus isn't like Marshall's campus."  Basically, I'd lived in WV my whole life, and was terrified to move somewhere else.

I spent three weeks fighting with myself.  My husband had a huge opportunity within his grasp, but all I could feel was fear of the unknown.  He was over the fear, ready to chase a dream, and I was holding him back. After three weeks of confusion and something that felt a little like heartbreak, I suddenly woke on a Sunday morning with a positive outlook and new attitude. "Let's go", I said.  "Let's go to Athens."


That is how I dealt with one of the most important occurences in our lives. When I think about what could have been had we not moved to Ohio, I shudder.  The last five years of my life have been so full, so fun, and so exciting.  Life definitely is 10% what happens, and 90% how you respond to it.  What would my life be like had I responded to what happened in spring 2006 differently?  What would my husband's life be like?  Would he be teaching 7th grade english but still be dreaming of becoming a scholar?  Or would he have let that dream go by now?   Would I be as brave, as goal-oriented as I am now? Or would I have settled for simplicity in the West Virginia mountains? Would we have traveled as much, explored as much, and experienced as much together living in WV as we have while living in Ohio? Judging by the person i was then, I think I would've continuously sold myself short and held back on living LIFE if we had stayed in our home state. Moving away has changed me.  I've learned that it's safer not to plan anything - what happens is going to happen.  As Lou says, life is mostly made up of how you handle the things that happen to you - and I completely believe that. 

Lou Holtz is an amazing motivational speaker, with great character and an impressive life story.  Even if college football is of no interest to you, Lou's story probably could be.  He's a very positive person, and I love listening to his commentary during ESPN college football games - he'll make you feel good about your team, even if they're getting pounded on the field! He also makes you feel good about life - good ol' Lou.  I love him like a grandpa! 

He's a quote machine, and his books are full of them.  My personal favorite is Lou's autobiography, "Wins, Losses, and Lessons" - such a great story, and truly motivating!  He's the best at inspiring others to face a challenge head-on, defy the odds, grab life and GO. I'll take Lou's advice over Oprahs any day (no offense, Oprah fans! I love her, too!)

I squealed with delight when Lou's Quote was one of Mama Kat's writing prompts this week. I seriously love him.  My grandpa!

Quotes from a Dove Chocolate

"walk with a light step and a lighter heart."

{via}


Walking with a light step and a light heart - it's a very difficult thing to do!  I try to be a carefree soul, but with the everyday stresses that life brings, it's impossibly hard sometimes.  I try to be grateful for the loves in my life, my health, my job, and my talents, and make sure to remind myself that "things could be worse".  I tend to take the challenging parts of life in stride, while the little things get me down the most!  I'm also horrible when it comes to holding grudges. I tend to forgive, but never forget.  I take silly little things personal, and easily block out those that would be offensive to most others.  


"Walking with a light step and a lighter heart" - definitely something to live by.  
Perfect advice from a perfect little foil wrapper, folded around a perfect little Dove Chocolate!


Hope everyone is having a great weekend!

The Weekend Review

This past weekend:

My mom and step-dad came to Athens for a little visit!

We did a little eating out, browsed the farmer's market, enjoyed some downtime just hanging around and chatting, and of course, mom and I hit up and tore up the B&B Works Sale! We had a great time, and this will probably be one of the last times they come to visit Athens, since we will be moving sometime next Spring.

I listed a couple of new items on Etsy!

 I feel like I'm getting better and better at this sign painting thing.  Taylor Swift inspired one, while the other just came straight from my creative little mind (and green is my favorite color.)

P.S. - I sold my first item! Hot Dog!!! It's so nice to know that others enjoy my creations - that's what makes it all worthwhile. (Thanks to the buyer - you're a wonderful little woman!)

I'm currently brainstorming for some ideas that aren't wooden signs, but would be a fun, nice addition to my shop.  I'm headed toward paper products, specifically stationary/greeting cards and chick friendly art prints.  Any suggestions?

Other Tidbits:

• I watched Dear John for the first time since seeing it in theaters - and this time, I teared up way more, almost as much as when I read the book. AND, I was ironing while watching! (maybe the ironing is why i cried so much...)  Am I the only one that is more saddened by Mr. Tyree's character (John's father) than the actual love story between John and Savannah?  Richard Jenkins did an amazing job as Mr. Tyree.
• My iPhone is doing exceptionally well.  Just thought I would update you on that.  I think i'm going to give it a name - after all, it's kinda like my new best friend!  I will happily take name suggestions.
• I'm enjoying every second of the cheerful, cute, and stylish "Shoe Addicts Anonymous" - and, considering I found it on the bargain shelf at Borders, I'm extremely satisfied :)  I think I want to try out some Sophie Kinsella... I know that when I do, I will never look back!  Which Sophie book should I read first?

I hope you had a great weekend, too!  Happy MONDAY (seriously!)

Simple Saturday

I love simple Saturdays .

Especially ones that start like this:

(a Marshall Bowl full of Chocolate Cheerios)

My mom and step-dad are in town; we're going to head out to OU's Campus for a little stroll, then to the Farmer's Market and lunch before they return to WV this afternoon. 

My husband and I are going to spend the remainder of the day by the pool, where I'll have my nose stuck in "Shoe Addicts Anonymous" for a little while - I might take some time to sketch a little bit, and maybe plot out my next blog. I also need to sort through all of the Goodies I bought at the B&B Works Semi-Annual Sale (mom and I went CRAZY in there this evening!) 

simple Saturdays . No trips, no chores, just a few "little things" that make the day perfect! I hope you all have a *simply* wonderful day!

Friday Free-write (No.6) and Music Video Flashback

Wow! Friday again already?!?  NICE!
I have quite a few random things on my mind:

The NBA Draft was pretty interesting last night - if you know me, you know I love me some SPORTS! Patrick Patterson (University of Kentucky), from Huntington WV, was drafted 14th overall by the Houston Rockets and will play alongside Yao Ming.  I watched both him and O.J. Mayo play for Huntington High in the WV State Basketball Championship a few years ago - it was their senior year, the Civic Center was sold out, and they played an amazing game.  Everyone in the building knew both of them would become NBA superstars.  It's so great to see that it's worked out for both WV boys!  Marshall University's Hassan Whiteside, one of the leading shot-blockers in the NCAA in 2009-10, was drafted in the 2nd round, 33rd overall, by the Sacremento Kings.  Whiteside is super young (19) and probably not as mature as he needs to be for the NBA right at this point, but he will get there - I'm sure his game will improve immensely with experience.  I traveled to Huntington and watched the Herd this past winter, and you could tell that Whiteside was a giant - but a little less mature than the older players. Anyhoo, I can't wait to follow both Patterson and Whiteside in the NBA next season - Anyone from WV or Marshall University is near and dear to my heart!

My Mommy and Step-dad are coming to visit today thru tomorrow!  We're doing the typical family visit things - dinner out, maybe some tasty dessert or a good coffee somewhere, trotting around Ohio U's campus, taking pictures, then hitting up the Farmer's Market tomorrow.  Mom and I are also heading to the big Bath and Body Works Semi-Annual Sale - i've been holding off for her visit! 

I finally joined the 21st century and got a new phone this week.  I chose the Iphone, because every other Apple product i have is totally awesome and hasn't failed me one time.  Seriously, folks - I'm overwhelmed!  I went from this (go ahead and giggle!):

to this:

Which is quite a JUMP!  I didn't have a transition phone - you know, to baby step my way from the most basic flip phone that weighs 14 pounds to one of the top smart phones on the market - so you can imagine my excitement (and current state of feeling overwhelmed!)  I feel like I have POWER with this thing - It's amazing! haha 

Finally, a note on Eminem's new album (which sort of goes hand in hand with my video flashback.) Recovery, which was released on Monday, is super serious and in my opinion, some of his best music. There is a track on Recovery that everyone is RAAAVING about - it is called "No Love", featuring Lil' Wayne - and contains a sample of an older Dance/techno song from the early 90's (I'm talkin' Dance mix USA)  that I'm betting most of Eminem's younger fans have never heard.  For those of you who've heard this particular song (school dances and John Garobedian's Open House Party in the early-mid 1990's), you should enjoy this trip back in time. For those youngins who are loving this song and are wondering "who came UP with that awesome hook?" I present to you, "What is Love" by Haddaway (Aka the "Night at the Roxbury" song.)  Break out your cotton stirrup leggings and slouchy socks, because Here. We. GO!:

Friday Five - Random Questions

Once again, I'm participating in Beth's Friday Five (I just l-u-v her themes!) and this week, she's asking 5 random questions, the sneaky little thing! 


1. If given the choice to skip work for a day, how would you spend the entire day?
I actually wouldn't sleep in - I would get up early, get my workout over with so i wouldn't feel guilty for the enormous amounts of chocolate I consume throughout the day. If my day off was a hot, sunny summer day, I would spend a couple of hours baking myself by the pool (with sunblock on, of course), swim around a little, then retreat to the cool apartment.  There, I would snuggle up in some of those cute cropped Victoria's Secret PINK sweats and a collegiate tee (I own 400 of every team), read a good book, nap a little, eat a little chocolate, cuddle with my kitty, and watch a good chick flick.  This is assuming my husband isn't home - if he is, all the same stuff, minus the chick flick - Maybe. 

2. If you could start fresh, which profession would you choose?
Funny how I'm pondering this very thing day in day out - I actually hate what I chose as a college major. I am proud of my degree because it took some seriously hard work to earn, but I wish that I could go back and study something I actually had a serious interest in and was good at: graphic design, print journalism, maybe an art education, or, oddly enough, a sociology major.  maybe eventually a sociology scholar. "Why did you choose your major if you hated it so much?", you ask?  Simple.  What I thought i wanted at 18 was not what i wanted at age 21, when it was too late to change my major. 

3. What is your favorite candy or candy bar?
m&ms - 'nuff said

4. Have you ever ordered anything from an infomercial or bought an "as seen on TV" item? Plenty of times - most recently, mom bought me the SHARK handheld steam cleaner as a Christmas present, which totally rocks.  I LOVE it, and love sharking all over the apartment.  The cat is a little scared of it, though :)

5. What's the movie you always cry at?
I graduated from Marshall University, can you guess?
WE ARE MARSHALL - guaranteed tear jerker, every single time I watch it. 

So there you have it - five random things about me. 

Hop on over to Beth's and have some of your own Friday Fun!