I'm Packing

No, I did not buy a gun, and I am not carrying any sort of weapon. I realized today that I have a case of over packing. I left yesterday at 4:00 to stay with in Des Moines for one night, and guess how many bags I brought. Four. And a purse. Completely unnecessary.

Now let me justify this absurdity. Of course I need a bag with clothes, hair supplies, and shoes (yes, that’s plural). It’s just so hard to know what I will feel like wearing tomorrow. I hate planning that out; therefore, I over pack in hopes that one option will look good to me.

I also brought a bag with my book, laptop, and planner. I don’t know why I think I have to bring “activities” to fill up my time when I go places, but really, you just never know. I have already used my laptop (right now) and read my book. So, there.

My gym bag. I always have this on hand. I never know if I will have to opportunity to run or workout, and in this case, I was able to hit up the gym after breakfast. A quick and dirty workout, but it’s better than nothing, right?

My last bag was packed with good intentions, but is still sitting in my car. I had a change of clothes for last night, but I just wasn’t feeling it once I arrived last night. There is a comforting feeling knowing that it is there if I needed it.

Even when I go home for the night I tend to over pack, which is silly because my sister pretty much has anything I would ever need. I just hate forgetting something and feeling unprepared; however, I don’t think it’s necessary to bring four t-shirts and six pairs of socks for two days. I guess I’m always prepared to share :-) 

My Lip Gloss is Poppin'

It always happens. I go out with a couple of girlfriends; one girl puts on lip gloss and it’s a chain reaction. “Can I borrow some of that?” There is something magical about the shimmers and various colors of lip gloss.

The other day I reached into my purse to grab a sheer-colored lip gloss; however, each time I pulled out a tube of lip gloss it was the wrong shade. I realized that I had five different colors in one purse alone. Whoa… maybe a little bit unnecessary?

I just can’t help myself. I. Love. Lip gloss.

I thought I would share some of my favorite lip accessories:

Clinique Full Potential Lips Plump and Shine. This stuff is legit. It is a little bit on the sticky side, but it really makes your lips pop; they plump out as soon as this touches your lips.

Clinique Long Last Glosswear. This is by fair my favorite lip gloss. There are so many great shades, and they all seem to be just perfect. My favorite is Air Kiss.

Victoria’s Secret Beauty Rush Lip Gloss. These my not have the same quality as Clinique; however, they are tons of shades and textures. I have so many different colors floating around in all of my purses, bags, and totes. Maybe I have a problem?

Bath and Body Works Sheer Lip Gloss. You can really get a good bang for your buck with these puppies. They also have organic and SPF options. These lean a little bit more toward lip protection and not just plumping and showing off.

Blistex. The best of the best. I cannot get enough of this stuff. It is the best chapstick, and I’m not afraid to say it. While lip gloss is more fun, there is nothing worse than having chapped lips. When in doubt, Blistex baby.

Pucker up people… it’s going to be a good day. 

Sports Movie Buff

Last night I rented the movie Moneyball with one of my friends. It is based on a true story of the 2002 Oakland Athletics season. The story is also documented in Michael Lewis's book Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game. Brad Pitt's character is very intriguing. I also loved the way that his character and Jonah Hill's character played off one another. Overall, I would highly recommend this movie to everyone - it's even family friendly :-)

I realized as I drove home that I really like sports movies. Many of them are based on true stories that give me goosebumps.

Case in point: Rudy. No one thought that Rudy could make the Norte Dame football team, let alone actually play. I can't help but smile from ear to ear when the crowd chants, "Rudy. Rudy. Rudy."

Over Christmas break years ago, my family went to Miracle. I loved every minute of it. The movie is based on the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team as they work to defeat the seemingly unstoppable Russian squad. Knowing this is a part of history makes the story that much sweeter.

The Blind Side. I love Sandra Bullock, and she is awesome in this film. This movie is based on the story of Michael Oher, who is taken in by an amazing family, the Touhys. The gave him a home and a second chance. Michael Oher overcame and worked his way to the NFL. It's definitely a feel-good flick.

My favorite movie in the whole entire world: Little Giants. The best way to describe its glory is to leave you with epic quotes from the movie.

"Spike's in hell. Spike's in pee-wee hell."

"Why do you do this to me fellas? I cut your nails, wash you, put gloves on you when you're cold..."

"How'd I do coach?"
"I don't know son. I don't have a sundial."

"That's right, Spike. The Icebox is gonna defrost you!"

"My mom says the pads you gave me weren't enough."

Strength

Incredible

Haitian parents make hard decision to give child up for adoption after earthquake

As I prepare to visit Haiti at the end of February, I have become more and more interested in the country, its hardships, and stories of triumph. It is all truly incredible.

Welcome to Dreamland

I had some pretty good talks with my mom this weekend. We traveled to my sister's basketball game on Friday night and were able to squeeze in some laughs and tears along the way. 

My mom invited me to consider my dreamland. What would I be doing if I didn't have any limits? What would my life be like if I had my way? We also talked about dream school. What elements, actions, and ideas does it take to achieve this dreams? More importantly, what is stopping us?

I am going to spend some time in the thoughts room coming up with my dreamland. Then, I'm going to find a way to make my life richer. What is your dreamland?

Wear Your Colors

I just got home from a Iowa Women's basketball game with some girlfriends. It was very refreshing to spend time with people that make me feel comfortable and loved... just what friends are for. Apparently 2012 means spending quite a bit of time cheering on the Panther and Hawkeye basketball teams... sounds good to me! Here are a times over the years that I have sported my colors!

Introducing TC, the best mascot on the planet 

Jake's Jungle

Iowa tailgating with my big brother

My favorite Bulldog cheerleader

Ashley and I at the game today :-)

Our crew... don't worry, we got on the big screen

Looks like I need to start taking more pictures wearing purple and gold! Go Panthers!!