Obsession With My Obsessions

I realized this morning that I have an obsession with obsessions. When I decide I like something, it’s game over. Whether it’s a new style or a new brand of M&Ms, once I love it, I’ve gotta have it.

Latest obsessions:

English muffins. It’s not even funny how many of these suckers I can put down in a week. I just love them to death! They are the perfect size. You can make them sweet by adding jam, or savory with some butter and turkey. What’s not to love?

Sixlets. Dare I say this is my new favorite candy? I don’t think M&Ms will ever leave that category, but these little nuggets just melt in my mouth. Fun fact: they are also gluten free.

Dawson’s Creek. After purchasing the entire series, I don’t need to say much more beyond the fact that this has taken up most of my Sunday afternoons. I’m starting to get a little crush on Pacey Witter.

Rihanna ft. Drake “Take Care.” This past weekend, my friend introduced me to this song. It’s been on my radar ever since. The catchy beat makes me bounce in my seat as I sing along in the car. Good stuff.

Who’s to say what my next obsession will be? Perhaps it will be a little more healthful that chocolate; however, let’s get real. Chocolate is my life.

Someone Special

Today is my little sister's 18th birthday! She has grown into a beautiful young woman right before my eyes. I remember the day she was born, and then parading her around my 2nd grade class. She was a gorgeous baby with a mouth on her, which is not much different from today :-)

I try to remember back to my 18th birthday. I know it is just another day, but there is a sense of responsibility that goes along with this title. Growing up is about learning to make more independent decisions. Without a doubt, Sarah is an independent thinker. She has a incredibly creative mind and is not afraid to share her ideas and thoughts. I am proud to be her sister for many reasons, but here are a few that stick out:

1. Unrevealed sensitivity. Sarah is one tough cookie. As her sister, I am very close to her, so I have seen a side of her that she does not reveal to just anyone. I have seen her break down and talk about emotions and feelings. When she opens up to me, she is much more than a sister; she is a best friend. It's incredible how much she has grown up.

2. Laugher. Sarah has a contagious sense of humor, and she makes me laugh. People underestimate the importance of being goofy every once in a while. Sarah allows me to be silly, and I love that.

3. Witt and charm. There is something magnetic about Sarah. This charm that she holds is hard to find, and I get a sense of it each day.

4. Caring. Sarah believes in me; she loves and cares about me and everyone she comes in contact with. This genuine trait is something to be proud of.

Happy birthday to my legal little sister! She will forever be my someone special. Love you, Sarah Ann!

Bust Out The Flannels

It never fails. After a long night of work, my co-workers and I sit, count out our money, and talk about how sore and tired we are. It gets to be a little extreme, which is why I love it so much. It’s also fun to mix in stories about crazy customers or strange run-ins with the regulars. Ahh… the life of a server.

The other night, we started fantasizing about the moment our heads could hit the pillow. As we discussed our nightly routines, someone mentioned how excited he was about his flannel sheets. Of course, a few of us had to giggle. Do people really still put flannel sheets on their beds? I remember my mom changing my sheets as the weather grew colder. There was nothing better than nestling in to a warm bed.  

I currently have the best sheets in the world. They are organic, bamboo sheets from Target. I have been wanting to replace them, but I know nothing will compare to these pistachio colored ones that stretch across my double bed. As soon as sink into these sheets, I am able to get my dream on.

Even though my co-worker made flannel sheets seem overwhelmingly appealing, I don’t think they will be a purchase I will make any time soon. I’m sticking to my comfy bamboo babies. 

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

It’s time to put away your turkeys and cornucopias, and bust out your sparkly garland and evergreen trees. That’s right, it is officially the most wonderful time of the year. The hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping and holiday meals is upon us. So much for rest and relaxation.

As the weather begins to turn colder and the lights are being hung, I’m reminded once again how annoying Christmas music really is. I am not trying to be a Scrooge, but it is really necessary to be hearing “Jingle Bell Rock” when I shop from new jeans at the Buckle? I don’t care if it is a ‘rap version,’ I am just not quite ready for these beats. I really don’t mind a little “Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays” by ‘N Sync; however, I could really go without the high-pitched Chipmunk going on about what they want for Christmas.

I guess it’s time for me to make copy some music the stack of blank CDs, because radio music is limited. The day after Thanksgiving, too many stations decide to change all of their music to Christmas jingles. I need some variety! If this is truly the most wonderful time, couldn’t these stations cater to everyone’s needs? Perhaps they should play Christmas music sporadically throughout the year, so they don’t feel the need to jam it all into one month. I’m going crazy already.

My most wonderful time of the year: driving in silence and steering clear of the mall all in hopes of avoiding Mariah Carey singing “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.”

Those Three Things

Recently, a motivational speaker came to deliver a message to the students. He was a former girls basketball coach at the collegiate level, making it easy to relate to his stories pertaining to sports. Team building and self-motivating is important to everyone.

The three things that stuck out to me in his speech were:

1. Attitude. We hear this time and time again; however, are we really listening to what that means. There are quotes upon quotes about having a “good attitude.” Parents, teacher, mentors all preach about the importance of attitude. When it comes down to it, we are in control of how we approach a situation, how we act towards other, and how we react to each moment. It really is all about our attitude; we are able to make each day what we want it to be.

2. Work Ethic. Boy does this get underestimated. It’s so easy to take the easy way out. There are very few people that are truly dedicated to having good work ethic.

3. Passion. This is a hefty one. It is easy to think that a young person is unable to seek passion; however, the speaker was very adamant about clearing this up. We should never underestimate young people. They are clever, insightful, smart people. Their passions are just as important as anyone’s.

Overall, I was pleased with what I heard. It’s always encouraging to listen to a speaker that believes in the words he is saying. Lastly, he mentioned that everyone should be his or her own hero. We have the power to make decisions that lead us to be our very own hero. And with those three things, we are able to change. 

Ringing in My Ears

Another successful Thanksgiving. After a long (but good) day with my family, I nestled into bed around 10:30 last night. It didn't take me longer than 2 minutes to drift into sleep. This morning, as I turned on The Today Show and opened up my MacBook, I realized that I had a slight ringing in my ears. That would be strange; however, this is what my Thanksgiving consisted of:

Kids. A whole slug of 'em. They were all excited to see each other, so the screaming was a bit unbearable at times. I appreciate how much the cousins love being together. It was overwhelming, but fun to watch everyone enjoy one another.

Loud men. I understand that dudes think they need to discuss football all day and night; however, why must they be so loud? And who really cares? Every man has an opinion about football players, plays, teams... and they need it heard, no matter how loud their voices may be.

Wii Just Dance. If you want a reason to feel like an idiot without rhythm, turn on that Wii. I was in my aunt's basement, sweating from shaking my "thang" to Britney Spears and Nelly Furtado. And, might I add, the kids love this too.

Being around a large group of people can be overwhelming. It is also a great way to spend Thanksgiving. Each year I leave feeling a sense of renewal. It's always good to feel connected to my family, even if that means getting roughed up in our annual backyard football game. While my ears are still ringing, my heart is very happy :-)

Turkey Time

It’s that time of year again. Time to shovel turkey ‘n taters into our mouths. Time for backyard football games. Time for board games and Wii dance-offs. Yes, my friends, it’s Thanksgiving.

I really do love this time of year. It’s a great chance to see family and hear about how everyone is doing. I love the overabundance of noise and people; the laughter and smiles that fill the room.

Until we get crabby. It’s bound to happen. The festivities get to be too much for the little kiddos, which means bring on the tears and screaming matches. People get tired from being stuffed with buns and pies (nice visual, huh?). Pretty soon I want to through the buzzer from the Taboo game at my sister’s head. The nice part is, we are able to silently ride home; we are all too tired to discuss anything of importance.

All in all, this holiday is about remember what we are thankful for.

...teaching. I love waking up excited for the day, and knowing that each day will bring about new challenges and triumphs. It is such a humbling career, and I am thankful to be a part of it.

Happy Turkey Time!!