Wednesday Confessional & New Job Update

Is that super annoying? I just want you to be as excited as I am...

Well hey there! Guess who's back, back again, Shady's back, tell a friend.  So I took a little break to focus on the new job, new routine, new challenges and now I am going to try and get back to regularly scheduled programing whenever possible. So just to make this easy on me I am going to spill it all here for you today confessional style. Because I feel like telling you guys errythang...

Guys... I LOVE LOVE LOVE my new job. Is it too soon for me to actually say that? Maybe. I mean it's only been a week but so far so very good. It is in the same industry but a different sector and a similar role but much more client facing. I am super psyched to be getting out of the office on a regular basis and going to cool places all over Atlanta. I am one of those oddballs that lives in the burbs but loves going into town for anything. The project I'm working on will require me to be down town a lot even though my office is close to where I live which is totally new for me. At my last job everyone came to us so this is a nice change. I got to check out the inner workings of the GDOT yesterday and see where traffic specialists watch walls of giant flat screen monitors live streaming video of every major thoroughfare in and around the city of Atlanta. It was very cool and I will be there a lot! My new role will also require me to work with a lot of first responders, aka men (ok and women) in uniform... law enforcement, firemen, paramedics, life flight pilots... did I mention that I love my new job?

Tomorrow marks the first of September and the beginning of my month of birth. You know what really blows about that? I get my first paycheck on the 9th, the day after my birthday. Womp. Womp. The good thing is that it's a Friday so perhaps I will have something fun to do that night with all dat money. Or maybe someone will take me out and spend money on me because, hey it's my birthday. Either way, celebrations are a comin because...

College football starts this weekend ya'll. I can not wait to watch my Noles beat up on Olay Miss Monday night. GO SEMINOLES!!!

Music Midtown is just about 2 short weeks away. I know I said this before but omg it's going to be epic. I mean look at the lineup:

And look where I'm staying... The Grand Hyatt in Buckhead because... it's my birthday month. So why not make it into a mini vacay. 

I seriously have a major girl crush on Rihanna. Did anyone see the MTV Music Awards performance the other night. Girlfriend is so freaking gorgeous I can't stand it. I don't actually watch the show but just the clips of the best performances the next day. She killed it.

So anyway I feel like I am settling in a little bit but mostly I am just happy and content that for now I can sit back and not worry about anything for a minute. I was somewhat nervous about this job, like it's too good to be true, it can't be happening. But it is happening! I feel, once again, you just can't ever try to force things, they happen the way they are supposed to.

Happy Wednesday Friends! 

Humpday Confessions

Wednesday Confessional & New Job Update

Wednesday, August 31, 2016

Is that super annoying? I just want you to be as excited as I am...

Well hey there! Guess who's back, back again, Shady's back, tell a friend.  So I took a little break to focus on the new job, new routine, new challenges and now I am going to try and get back to regularly scheduled programing whenever possible. So just to make this easy on me I am going to spill it all here for you today confessional style. Because I feel like telling you guys errythang...

Guys... I LOVE LOVE LOVE my new job. Is it too soon for me to actually say that? Maybe. I mean it's only been a week but so far so very good. It is in the same industry but a different sector and a similar role but much more client facing. I am super psyched to be getting out of the office on a regular basis and going to cool places all over Atlanta. I am one of those oddballs that lives in the burbs but loves going into town for anything. The project I'm working on will require me to be down town a lot even though my office is close to where I live which is totally new for me. At my last job everyone came to us so this is a nice change. I got to check out the inner workings of the GDOT yesterday and see where traffic specialists watch walls of giant flat screen monitors live streaming video of every major thoroughfare in and around the city of Atlanta. It was very cool and I will be there a lot! My new role will also require me to work with a lot of first responders, aka men (ok and women) in uniform... law enforcement, firemen, paramedics, life flight pilots... did I mention that I love my new job?

Tomorrow marks the first of September and the beginning of my month of birth. You know what really blows about that? I get my first paycheck on the 9th, the day after my birthday. Womp. Womp. The good thing is that it's a Friday so perhaps I will have something fun to do that night with all dat money. Or maybe someone will take me out and spend money on me because, hey it's my birthday. Either way, celebrations are a comin because...

College football starts this weekend ya'll. I can not wait to watch my Noles beat up on Olay Miss Monday night. GO SEMINOLES!!!

Music Midtown is just about 2 short weeks away. I know I said this before but omg it's going to be epic. I mean look at the lineup:

And look where I'm staying... The Grand Hyatt in Buckhead because... it's my birthday month. So why not make it into a mini vacay. 

I seriously have a major girl crush on Rihanna. Did anyone see the MTV Music Awards performance the other night. Girlfriend is so freaking gorgeous I can't stand it. I don't actually watch the show but just the clips of the best performances the next day. She killed it.

So anyway I feel like I am settling in a little bit but mostly I am just happy and content that for now I can sit back and not worry about anything for a minute. I was somewhat nervous about this job, like it's too good to be true, it can't be happening. But it is happening! I feel, once again, you just can't ever try to force things, they happen the way they are supposed to.

Happy Wednesday Friends! 

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I Have To Wear Pants Today

I have to wear pants today. And tomorrow, and the day after that, and the day after that. Except for a few interviews here and there over the last seven weeks but who's counting I have not worn pants for an entire day since July 1st! I wear that badge with honor as it is an ultimate life goal to be pantsless as often as possible. 

Anywho, in case you missed  it I am starting a new job today. I am nervous and excited and anticipating a very busy couple of weeks ahead. I don't always excel at change so I pray for smooth and easy transitions into this new role and company.  My oldest started her dual enrollment program this week too so we are all just in a tailspin over here. I have the fridge stocked, crockpot ready to go, schedules mapped out on who needs to be where and when. My planner is exploding with information! My outfits are at least planned in my head. Hoping to get to that before I go to sleep Monday night. I hope I can sleep.

I have been feeling a tad bittersweet about going back to work. Obviously I want and need to work but, every time I have been unemployed over the last several years I have really looked at it as an unplanned gift of precious time with my children. Having been a stay at home Mom first, then a working Mom, I can appreciate the joy of being there when they get off the bus every day. I love hearing about their days the minute it is fresh in their little minds. They are always, always the most excited to share in that moment over a snack and a drink. Advice to you future Moms out there! But, hopefully there will be some flex time in my future and I will get to enjoy that now and again!

I am also hoping to be here some but for obvious reasons I may not be. Last weekend I chose to spend my time out in the world with friends rather than in front of the computer preparing posts for this week. But then again, sometimes I find relaxation  in coming here and writing. So maybe I will, maybe I won't. I just wanted to throw it out there that I might appear to be MIA but most likely I will be snapping and instagramming away as that seems a little easier when I am super busy, so check me there... @crazywisewoman on both if ya miss me. 

Thanks to all of you for always being so supportive of my seemingly constant ups and downs! Looks like the roller coaster is on the way up again . Here's to hoping it will stay that way for awhile!

Cheers to new adventures!

Life Changes • New Job • Pants

I Have To Wear Pants Today

Tuesday, August 23, 2016

I have to wear pants today. And tomorrow, and the day after that, and the day after that. Except for a few interviews here and there over the last seven weeks but who's counting I have not worn pants for an entire day since July 1st! I wear that badge with honor as it is an ultimate life goal to be pantsless as often as possible. 

Anywho, in case you missed  it I am starting a new job today. I am nervous and excited and anticipating a very busy couple of weeks ahead. I don't always excel at change so I pray for smooth and easy transitions into this new role and company.  My oldest started her dual enrollment program this week too so we are all just in a tailspin over here. I have the fridge stocked, crockpot ready to go, schedules mapped out on who needs to be where and when. My planner is exploding with information! My outfits are at least planned in my head. Hoping to get to that before I go to sleep Monday night. I hope I can sleep.

I have been feeling a tad bittersweet about going back to work. Obviously I want and need to work but, every time I have been unemployed over the last several years I have really looked at it as an unplanned gift of precious time with my children. Having been a stay at home Mom first, then a working Mom, I can appreciate the joy of being there when they get off the bus every day. I love hearing about their days the minute it is fresh in their little minds. They are always, always the most excited to share in that moment over a snack and a drink. Advice to you future Moms out there! But, hopefully there will be some flex time in my future and I will get to enjoy that now and again!

I am also hoping to be here some but for obvious reasons I may not be. Last weekend I chose to spend my time out in the world with friends rather than in front of the computer preparing posts for this week. But then again, sometimes I find relaxation  in coming here and writing. So maybe I will, maybe I won't. I just wanted to throw it out there that I might appear to be MIA but most likely I will be snapping and instagramming away as that seems a little easier when I am super busy, so check me there... @crazywisewoman on both if ya miss me. 

Thanks to all of you for always being so supportive of my seemingly constant ups and downs! Looks like the roller coaster is on the way up again . Here's to hoping it will stay that way for awhile!

Cheers to new adventures!

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Oh Hey Friday Is Here

Yay... it's finally here. The Weekend is upon us once again. I'm doing a little faves roundup just because. I have jam packed weekend again kicking it off last night with a wine tasting, always an excellent idea. I am not sure what is on tap for tonight but tomorrow is Yacht Rock Revival at Piedmont Park in Atlanta so I will be enjoying something like this set to some 70's soft rock. Pray I don't sweat to death before Juice Newton plays Queen of Hearts!

SONG

Love the Chainsmokers. Love Halsey. Win win.

SKIN CARE

Ok so I have done the activated charcoal for whitening/brushing teeth and it does work. Has anyone tried activated charcoal as a face and or body cleanser? It is supposed to help with acne, psoriasis and eczema as well as just moisturize skin. I am plagued with dry skin year round so I am going to give this one a shot and see what the deal is. I guess it will force me to clean my shower at the same time huh...

CROCK POT MEAL

Every time I start a new job or change up the routine in some major way I haul out the crock pot and get busy. I don't want to have to think about what is for dinner when I get home at night until I get used to the new schedule. The last thing I want to hear at the end of the day is "what's for dinner". Answer: It's in the crock pot, eat it or make your own:) This is one I am going to be testing out next week... Easy Crock Pot Korean Beef... yum!  

FOOTBALL

Just 17 days kids until my Noles take the field against Ole Miss. The hype video is awesome. Is anyone else as excited about football season starting as I am? I literally can not wait!!! because also that means fall, pumpkin spice errythang, halloween, candy corn, boots and jeans. Yeah c'mon.

Linking up with those crazy farm gals Karli and Amy.

Friday Favorites • Oh Hey Friday

Oh Hey Friday Is Here

Friday, August 19, 2016

Yay... it's finally here. The Weekend is upon us once again. I'm doing a little faves roundup just because. I have jam packed weekend again kicking it off last night with a wine tasting, always an excellent idea. I am not sure what is on tap for tonight but tomorrow is Yacht Rock Revival at Piedmont Park in Atlanta so I will be enjoying something like this set to some 70's soft rock. Pray I don't sweat to death before Juice Newton plays Queen of Hearts!

SONG

Love the Chainsmokers. Love Halsey. Win win.

SKIN CARE

Ok so I have done the activated charcoal for whitening/brushing teeth and it does work. Has anyone tried activated charcoal as a face and or body cleanser? It is supposed to help with acne, psoriasis and eczema as well as just moisturize skin. I am plagued with dry skin year round so I am going to give this one a shot and see what the deal is. I guess it will force me to clean my shower at the same time huh...

CROCK POT MEAL

Every time I start a new job or change up the routine in some major way I haul out the crock pot and get busy. I don't want to have to think about what is for dinner when I get home at night until I get used to the new schedule. The last thing I want to hear at the end of the day is "what's for dinner". Answer: It's in the crock pot, eat it or make your own:) This is one I am going to be testing out next week... Easy Crock Pot Korean Beef... yum!  

FOOTBALL

Just 17 days kids until my Noles take the field against Ole Miss. The hype video is awesome. Is anyone else as excited about football season starting as I am? I literally can not wait!!! because also that means fall, pumpkin spice errythang, halloween, candy corn, boots and jeans. Yeah c'mon.

Linking up with those crazy farm gals Karli and Amy.

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Tips For Getting Through Hard Times

So it happens to everyone, we all go through tough times. I am not going to say I have had more than my share but let's just say I think I  have acquired expert status in getting through the hard stuff. Anxiety, job loss, divorce, loneliness... you name it, I and I am sure many of you as well, have gone through it. I read an article about coping recently and I didn't save it but it got me to thinking about what my best advice would be to anyone going through something difficult. Just a few short years ago I landed myself right in the hospital because I wasn't managing the stress very well and that is not fun. Shit can kill you and make you sick in other ways. So here are some of the things that have worked for me and I think will work for just about anyone going through hard times.


Don't Let Yourself Get Down - Take a minute now and then if you need to and cry in the shower, scream (when you are alone), binge on Netflix,  but don't let that be your thing all day erryday. Staying positive even if you have to fake it is critical.

Treat Yoself - It sometimes seems counterintuitive when things are hard. We tend to think now is not the time for fun, celebration or pleasure but it is so necessary. I used to feel guilty about doing things for myself or that people might be judging me if I appeared to be having fun or happy when obviously I was going through something really crappy. So what, you need to smile even when life is shit.

Remember Everything Changes - My Dad told me this years ago and it has become my most valuable life lesson. Remember that time in your life when things were amazing before they turned to shit? Yeah... they will be amazing again. And they might be shit again too. Just embrace it, can't change a damn thing about it. The only guarantee is that things will change.

Don't Be Alone When You Feel Lonely - I really don't mind being alone but it is not good 24/7 especially when times are tough. If no one is around go out and eat in a restaurant around other people once in awhile. If you feel too conspicuous at a table by yourself sit at the bar. I do this regularly even now. No one looks twice at a person sans companion at the bar. Have  a glass of wine an order a nice meal, you deserve it.

Focus On What Is In Your Control - When you are going through something difficult only certain things will be in your control. You can drive yourself nutty obsessing over things that you really can't do anything about so figure that shit out and methodically work on what you can. Make lists and check things off. If you're getting a divorce for example or going through a breakup forget about the fact that your ex cheated or is an alcoholic or is just a dickhead. You can't change it. Work on your list.

Maintain Your Routine - Get up, get dressed, put your face on, whatever it is that you do everyday don't change it up too much. Routine breeds comfort for most of us so do what you can to keep as much of your world status quo when turmoil is around you.

Sleep - I can't say this enough. You can't focus on truly fixing things or just dealing when you are staying up all night drinking wine and watching Teen Mom OG marathons. You'll be worth shit the entire next day, or so I've heard. Try to get in bed at a reasonable time and if sleep is tough to come by read a book, take a hot shower, create a fake Tinder profile for your ex and start swiping right. Sleep is essential.

Take Care of Yourself But Don't Beat Yourself Up If You Don't - We all know how important fitness and healthy eating is. Try your best to stay on track especially with getting exercise, that goes hand in hand with the sleep thing. Sometimes you just need a pizza or a pint of Ben & Jerry's on the couch with a spoon. It's OK.

I have failed at all of these things over the years numerous times. The upside of going through a lot of crazy crap in your life is that at some point you get used to it and you just say oh well... here we go again and it will all be whatever it will be and before you know it you are at the top of the rollercoaster again.
  

What's your go to coping mechanism?

Hard Times • Tips For Living

Tips For Getting Through Hard Times

Thursday, August 18, 2016

So it happens to everyone, we all go through tough times. I am not going to say I have had more than my share but let's just say I think I  have acquired expert status in getting through the hard stuff. Anxiety, job loss, divorce, loneliness... you name it, I and I am sure many of you as well, have gone through it. I read an article about coping recently and I didn't save it but it got me to thinking about what my best advice would be to anyone going through something difficult. Just a few short years ago I landed myself right in the hospital because I wasn't managing the stress very well and that is not fun. Shit can kill you and make you sick in other ways. So here are some of the things that have worked for me and I think will work for just about anyone going through hard times.


Don't Let Yourself Get Down - Take a minute now and then if you need to and cry in the shower, scream (when you are alone), binge on Netflix,  but don't let that be your thing all day erryday. Staying positive even if you have to fake it is critical.

Treat Yoself - It sometimes seems counterintuitive when things are hard. We tend to think now is not the time for fun, celebration or pleasure but it is so necessary. I used to feel guilty about doing things for myself or that people might be judging me if I appeared to be having fun or happy when obviously I was going through something really crappy. So what, you need to smile even when life is shit.

Remember Everything Changes - My Dad told me this years ago and it has become my most valuable life lesson. Remember that time in your life when things were amazing before they turned to shit? Yeah... they will be amazing again. And they might be shit again too. Just embrace it, can't change a damn thing about it. The only guarantee is that things will change.

Don't Be Alone When You Feel Lonely - I really don't mind being alone but it is not good 24/7 especially when times are tough. If no one is around go out and eat in a restaurant around other people once in awhile. If you feel too conspicuous at a table by yourself sit at the bar. I do this regularly even now. No one looks twice at a person sans companion at the bar. Have  a glass of wine an order a nice meal, you deserve it.

Focus On What Is In Your Control - When you are going through something difficult only certain things will be in your control. You can drive yourself nutty obsessing over things that you really can't do anything about so figure that shit out and methodically work on what you can. Make lists and check things off. If you're getting a divorce for example or going through a breakup forget about the fact that your ex cheated or is an alcoholic or is just a dickhead. You can't change it. Work on your list.

Maintain Your Routine - Get up, get dressed, put your face on, whatever it is that you do everyday don't change it up too much. Routine breeds comfort for most of us so do what you can to keep as much of your world status quo when turmoil is around you.

Sleep - I can't say this enough. You can't focus on truly fixing things or just dealing when you are staying up all night drinking wine and watching Teen Mom OG marathons. You'll be worth shit the entire next day, or so I've heard. Try to get in bed at a reasonable time and if sleep is tough to come by read a book, take a hot shower, create a fake Tinder profile for your ex and start swiping right. Sleep is essential.

Take Care of Yourself But Don't Beat Yourself Up If You Don't - We all know how important fitness and healthy eating is. Try your best to stay on track especially with getting exercise, that goes hand in hand with the sleep thing. Sometimes you just need a pizza or a pint of Ben & Jerry's on the couch with a spoon. It's OK.

I have failed at all of these things over the years numerous times. The upside of going through a lot of crazy crap in your life is that at some point you get used to it and you just say oh well... here we go again and it will all be whatever it will be and before you know it you are at the top of the rollercoaster again.
  

What's your go to coping mechanism?

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Weekend Celebrations and Big News

So I am writing this on Monday morning just because the last week really has been a blur of fun, good times and exciting stuff. First things first...

I GOT A JOB OFFER

I am always hesitant to say anything until my butt is actually in my seat in my new office but it looks like all remaining details will be worked out this week and my tentative start date is sometime next. Sigh.... can I breathe now? I am not sure but I think so! I am very excited, it's a wonderful opportunity with a very good firm!! And... it's permanent! No more contract work!!! Praise the Lord!

So my weekend shenanigans actually started on Thursday night with the Brad Paisley concert and he was awesome!! If you are a country fan you must go see him. He puts on a great show, we had so much fun even though it was about a thousand degrees and a million percent humidity. It was so gross I wore my hair up for the rest of the weekend because I just can't stand it touching me when it's like Hell hot out there. The best part was I bought the tickets through a Groupon months ago and they were $20 lawn seats. We got there early and they immediately upgraded us to Pavillion seats fo free!!! Oh yeah and we Uber-ed so we got dropped off at the door. I love Uber, if you need a free ride please use my code 8abui and enjoy!

My BFF's birthday was on Friday so the rest of the entire weekend was spent drinking wine, dinners out, brunch and maybe a few shots. Ugh... never a good idea. I did have the most amazing brunch on Sunday though... eggs, a pile of bacon, fried green tomatoes, bacon jam, toast and pimento cheese. Ahhhmazing! If you are local go check out Hop Alley, it's pretty awesome!

So I am all set to thoroughly enjoy my last week of vacay by getting lots of shit done because that brings me joy. That also includes some binge watching and book reading because unscheduled vacay also means treat yoself. I hope y'alls Mondays are off to a great start!

Cheers!

Linking up with Biana for Weekending!

Weekending

Weekend Celebrations and Big News

Monday, August 15, 2016

So I am writing this on Monday morning just because the last week really has been a blur of fun, good times and exciting stuff. First things first...

I GOT A JOB OFFER

I am always hesitant to say anything until my butt is actually in my seat in my new office but it looks like all remaining details will be worked out this week and my tentative start date is sometime next. Sigh.... can I breathe now? I am not sure but I think so! I am very excited, it's a wonderful opportunity with a very good firm!! And... it's permanent! No more contract work!!! Praise the Lord!

So my weekend shenanigans actually started on Thursday night with the Brad Paisley concert and he was awesome!! If you are a country fan you must go see him. He puts on a great show, we had so much fun even though it was about a thousand degrees and a million percent humidity. It was so gross I wore my hair up for the rest of the weekend because I just can't stand it touching me when it's like Hell hot out there. The best part was I bought the tickets through a Groupon months ago and they were $20 lawn seats. We got there early and they immediately upgraded us to Pavillion seats fo free!!! Oh yeah and we Uber-ed so we got dropped off at the door. I love Uber, if you need a free ride please use my code 8abui and enjoy!

My BFF's birthday was on Friday so the rest of the entire weekend was spent drinking wine, dinners out, brunch and maybe a few shots. Ugh... never a good idea. I did have the most amazing brunch on Sunday though... eggs, a pile of bacon, fried green tomatoes, bacon jam, toast and pimento cheese. Ahhhmazing! If you are local go check out Hop Alley, it's pretty awesome!

So I am all set to thoroughly enjoy my last week of vacay by getting lots of shit done because that brings me joy. That also includes some binge watching and book reading because unscheduled vacay also means treat yoself. I hope y'alls Mondays are off to a great start!

Cheers!

Linking up with Biana for Weekending!

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And Then It Was Tuesday.... I mean Wednesday

So I had every intention of posting a little bit this week and then I just didn't. I sort of feel like I am on vacation for real now that the kids are back in school. My house is quiet all day long, well except for music which is a constant for me. I guess I missed the confessions link up last week maybe but I feel like a little confesh sesh is the way to go today for me. So here goes nothing!

Do you ever watch the Olympics and think "what the hell am I doing with my life"? That pretty much sums up my weekend. Well, I mean I did do other things but I love  me some Summer Olympics and I totally binged on all things Rio. I have to say, don't hate me but the opening ceremonies... not my jam. My favorite part was Gisele stomping it to the death in that gold gown while The Girl From Ipanema played. You need to see all angles to appreciate it...

Don't get me wrong. Having been an athlete my whole life all of the stories of great athletic prowess and excellence were amazing and touching. But this moment just stole the show in my opinion. probably because I'm shallow and I want to be Gisele, but not married to Tom Brady... basically.  #icon

So in other news I had an interview last Friday. I don't want to project but, it was good. Really good. Dear God let this be the right one for me. I'm tired of job hunting already. If it's not I will not be devastated but I really, really got a good vibe. Fingers crossed.

Saturday my number one partner in crime and I checked out a new restaurant that I have been stalking on Instagram waiting for them to open all summer... Flatlands Bourboun & Bayou. A few drinks, lunch and a cute bartender later we were hooked. The downside for me is that inside it is super tiny and that makes my "get the hell away from me" approach to life a bit difficult. I don't want to hear your conversation or smell your food if your table is close to mine. So we remedied that by moving from said table to seats at the also miniscule bar. I am not a huge cajun fan but give me a good spicy bloody mary on Saturday afternoon and I'm done.

The bartender also hooked us up with a sample of the Foggy Swamp which normally comes in a bowl, several straws and steaming with dry ice. We got the smaller version but dayummmm... it was good!   They may have a few kinks to work out but I will go back. I had a blackened salmon salad which was a tiny bit overcooked for me but still delicious and super healthy! Obvs the alcohol is not Whole30 but this is modified remember?

I have ants. Every damn summer I get a few here and there around my kitchen sink and or dishwasher. So this year I have taken matters into my own hands and eradicated (I think) the little assholes. I got rid of my exterminator awhile back to save money so I have been using natural remedies for any pests I come across and guess what? They work. I tried the Borax/Sugar/Water method from this pin last night and within 24 hours I see no ants. It kind of freaked me out that the traps were full of them this morning, sorry no pics, but then they all left. Presumably to go back and poison all the other ants in their nest.  Seriously it took all I had in me not to kill them all but let them feast on the poison. I can't believe it really worked and cost less than $4.  #byefelicia

What you got goin on?

Humpday Confessions • Random Thoughts

And Then It Was Tuesday.... I mean Wednesday

Wednesday, August 10, 2016

So I had every intention of posting a little bit this week and then I just didn't. I sort of feel like I am on vacation for real now that the kids are back in school. My house is quiet all day long, well except for music which is a constant for me. I guess I missed the confessions link up last week maybe but I feel like a little confesh sesh is the way to go today for me. So here goes nothing!

Do you ever watch the Olympics and think "what the hell am I doing with my life"? That pretty much sums up my weekend. Well, I mean I did do other things but I love  me some Summer Olympics and I totally binged on all things Rio. I have to say, don't hate me but the opening ceremonies... not my jam. My favorite part was Gisele stomping it to the death in that gold gown while The Girl From Ipanema played. You need to see all angles to appreciate it...

Don't get me wrong. Having been an athlete my whole life all of the stories of great athletic prowess and excellence were amazing and touching. But this moment just stole the show in my opinion. probably because I'm shallow and I want to be Gisele, but not married to Tom Brady... basically.  #icon

So in other news I had an interview last Friday. I don't want to project but, it was good. Really good. Dear God let this be the right one for me. I'm tired of job hunting already. If it's not I will not be devastated but I really, really got a good vibe. Fingers crossed.

Saturday my number one partner in crime and I checked out a new restaurant that I have been stalking on Instagram waiting for them to open all summer... Flatlands Bourboun & Bayou. A few drinks, lunch and a cute bartender later we were hooked. The downside for me is that inside it is super tiny and that makes my "get the hell away from me" approach to life a bit difficult. I don't want to hear your conversation or smell your food if your table is close to mine. So we remedied that by moving from said table to seats at the also miniscule bar. I am not a huge cajun fan but give me a good spicy bloody mary on Saturday afternoon and I'm done.

The bartender also hooked us up with a sample of the Foggy Swamp which normally comes in a bowl, several straws and steaming with dry ice. We got the smaller version but dayummmm... it was good!   They may have a few kinks to work out but I will go back. I had a blackened salmon salad which was a tiny bit overcooked for me but still delicious and super healthy! Obvs the alcohol is not Whole30 but this is modified remember?

I have ants. Every damn summer I get a few here and there around my kitchen sink and or dishwasher. So this year I have taken matters into my own hands and eradicated (I think) the little assholes. I got rid of my exterminator awhile back to save money so I have been using natural remedies for any pests I come across and guess what? They work. I tried the Borax/Sugar/Water method from this pin last night and within 24 hours I see no ants. It kind of freaked me out that the traps were full of them this morning, sorry no pics, but then they all left. Presumably to go back and poison all the other ants in their nest.  Seriously it took all I had in me not to kill them all but let them feast on the poison. I can't believe it really worked and cost less than $4.  #byefelicia

What you got goin on?

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Oh Hey Friday Thangs...

Oh Hey...Well, we made it through the first day back to school . I have one in 5th grade at a new school (thank you new district lines) but with a teacher that we are over the moon about. She may have been teacher of the year last year. I have one brand new high school freshman boy who was happy to report he did not get beat up on the first day... not that he would but that was his take on the first day. And I have one high school senior who starts college on the 22nd in a dual enrollment program we have in GA called Move On When Ready. Yes, she is taking all college courses for college credit during her senior year at a local junior college. And working 2, yes 2 jobs. Where did she come from?

Anyway, I made it pretty successfully through a week of Whole30 for the most part eating almost perfectly. As I mentioned like a million times I think as much for me as for you, I am not treating this as a perfect Whole30 but more as a chance to reset to 90/10 or even 80/20 for the next 30 days since I have been about 50/50 all summer long. Aaaand I have the 10 pounds to show for it. Week one mission accomplished. I have been thinking and one of my favorite readers/bloggers pointed out, isn't the point really to make it a lifestyle anyway? Yes, I have done 2 Whole30's with great success. What I need to master is the lifestyle. Working on it!

Anyway here are 5 things I am currently digging:

SONG

I  am not a huge Miranda fan but I really love this song! The first little bit gives me goose bumps, and dayummm... she lookin good post Blake!

CAST IRON SKILLET THING

I have this really vintage cast iron skillet that I got for a wedding present a hundred years ago. I love cooking in it and especially baking in it. Since my new oven is in the house and should be installed literally any minute now I am really looking forward to making things like this Peach Upside Down Cake again. Peaches are the bomb right now because summer in GA. If you have never baked in a cast iron skillet you need to.

PARTY THING

This is the best way to entertain in the summer. Fruits, cheeses, savory meats, nuts, olives... who needs heavy appetizers? And all of these things are pretty easy to keep on hand and make pretty if anyone stops by unexpectedly. When I get my farm table in my kitchen I am definitely going to have someone make me a big long custom cutting board just like this!

FUN OLYMPIC THING

Are you guys ready for RIO and the Summer Olympics? I am ... here's a fun thing for us all to do tonight, if you're drinking that is. The good folks at Buy Me Brunch, my favorite T-Shirt and Tank Top source came up with this earlier in the week. Drink up!!

Go for the gold, if you think you can handle it. 
Bronze level: Drink 1 when you see...

• a country you don't know
• an athlete you do know (by name)
• "U.S.A.," "United States," "America," "Estados Unitos," or "Murica." 
• a funny hat
• Rio's dirty-ass bong water
• mention of the whole Zika virus thing
• doe-eyed children

Silver level: Drink 2 when you see...

• mention of the Russian doping scandal (awkward) 
• it getting real awkward with Russia in general
• the Queen Mum
• strobe lights, fog machines, or anything else you might find at a shitty 8th grade dance 
• matching sport coats!
• lederhosen

Gold level: Drink 3 when you see...

• people who can't dance start dancing!
• a hide-skinned drum, or some weird fucking instrument that you've never seen
• the Olympic flame licking the night’s sky in a blaze of glory
• somebody is full of hope or joy or hopeful joy 
• or joyous hopes 
• single tear streams down a grown man's cheek 
• looks like roids...
• definitely looks like roids…
• it's roids, right?

USA ...USA....USA...!

Linking up with Karli & Amy for...

Oh Hey Friday

Oh Hey Friday Thangs...

Friday, August 5, 2016

Oh Hey...Well, we made it through the first day back to school . I have one in 5th grade at a new school (thank you new district lines) but with a teacher that we are over the moon about. She may have been teacher of the year last year. I have one brand new high school freshman boy who was happy to report he did not get beat up on the first day... not that he would but that was his take on the first day. And I have one high school senior who starts college on the 22nd in a dual enrollment program we have in GA called Move On When Ready. Yes, she is taking all college courses for college credit during her senior year at a local junior college. And working 2, yes 2 jobs. Where did she come from?

Anyway, I made it pretty successfully through a week of Whole30 for the most part eating almost perfectly. As I mentioned like a million times I think as much for me as for you, I am not treating this as a perfect Whole30 but more as a chance to reset to 90/10 or even 80/20 for the next 30 days since I have been about 50/50 all summer long. Aaaand I have the 10 pounds to show for it. Week one mission accomplished. I have been thinking and one of my favorite readers/bloggers pointed out, isn't the point really to make it a lifestyle anyway? Yes, I have done 2 Whole30's with great success. What I need to master is the lifestyle. Working on it!

Anyway here are 5 things I am currently digging:

SONG

I  am not a huge Miranda fan but I really love this song! The first little bit gives me goose bumps, and dayummm... she lookin good post Blake!

CAST IRON SKILLET THING

I have this really vintage cast iron skillet that I got for a wedding present a hundred years ago. I love cooking in it and especially baking in it. Since my new oven is in the house and should be installed literally any minute now I am really looking forward to making things like this Peach Upside Down Cake again. Peaches are the bomb right now because summer in GA. If you have never baked in a cast iron skillet you need to.

PARTY THING

This is the best way to entertain in the summer. Fruits, cheeses, savory meats, nuts, olives... who needs heavy appetizers? And all of these things are pretty easy to keep on hand and make pretty if anyone stops by unexpectedly. When I get my farm table in my kitchen I am definitely going to have someone make me a big long custom cutting board just like this!

FUN OLYMPIC THING

Are you guys ready for RIO and the Summer Olympics? I am ... here's a fun thing for us all to do tonight, if you're drinking that is. The good folks at Buy Me Brunch, my favorite T-Shirt and Tank Top source came up with this earlier in the week. Drink up!!

Go for the gold, if you think you can handle it. 
Bronze level: Drink 1 when you see...

• a country you don't know
• an athlete you do know (by name)
• "U.S.A.," "United States," "America," "Estados Unitos," or "Murica." 
• a funny hat
• Rio's dirty-ass bong water
• mention of the whole Zika virus thing
• doe-eyed children

Silver level: Drink 2 when you see...

• mention of the Russian doping scandal (awkward) 
• it getting real awkward with Russia in general
• the Queen Mum
• strobe lights, fog machines, or anything else you might find at a shitty 8th grade dance 
• matching sport coats!
• lederhosen

Gold level: Drink 3 when you see...

• people who can't dance start dancing!
• a hide-skinned drum, or some weird fucking instrument that you've never seen
• the Olympic flame licking the night’s sky in a blaze of glory
• somebody is full of hope or joy or hopeful joy 
• or joyous hopes 
• single tear streams down a grown man's cheek 
• looks like roids...
• definitely looks like roids…
• it's roids, right?

USA ...USA....USA...!

Linking up with Karli & Amy for...

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Currently... August

Because coconut oil is currently my answer for everything. So here we are on this first Wednesday in August for another installment of Currently with Anne and this month Dana!

Goooooooooo....

HEARTING

The feeling I get when I have a plan. Doing another Whole30 for the next month has got me feeling a little calmer inside. Since life is always a bit out of control for me it seems I get immense pleasure and peace from taking the reins over at least one area and making it my bitch. Extreme structure, at least in this one vein, is my jam. It makes life so much easier when I have less options and choices to make. Or something like that.

WATCHING

Married At First Sight... again. The new season just started and this show just blows my mind. This whole concept just completely fascinates me and if I didn't have kids and I was younger I would totally do it. It is so incredibly hard to really know someone, why not let some experts vet your mate for 4 months prior to your marriage. I am certainly not any good at it.  If I ever do it please match me up with a bearded guy sporting a pizza tattoo on his bicep. Please. I can't wait to see what the one girl thinks when she finds out her husband lives in a bus.  

EXPLORING

The Atlanta Beltline & Ponce City Market Been meaning to get downtown to check this all out. The beltline goes all around the city and Ponce City Market is a gather, eat, shop spot at one of the points on the beltline. It is in the Original Sears & Roebuck building dating back to 1926.  Perfect timing since I need to stay out of the bars for a while, take a nice walk around a different part of town and shop. Unless of course they have bars there. Shoot.

CREATING

Recipes... One of my favorite instagrams @whole30 is having a challenge to find the next Whole30 Recipe star to be featured during the month of September. What a perfect time for me to showcase my cooking and food styling capabilities! I am not so sure I create actual recipes but this month I will try! More motivation to stay on track. Check it out at #nextwhole30star where my dinner last night is currently featured under top pins! BOOM

EATING

All the Summer things like BLT's on repeat because tomatoes are awesome right now! Next I am going to try them in endive cups like this.

Bye.

Currently

Currently... August

Wednesday, August 3, 2016

Because coconut oil is currently my answer for everything. So here we are on this first Wednesday in August for another installment of Currently with Anne and this month Dana!

Goooooooooo....

HEARTING

The feeling I get when I have a plan. Doing another Whole30 for the next month has got me feeling a little calmer inside. Since life is always a bit out of control for me it seems I get immense pleasure and peace from taking the reins over at least one area and making it my bitch. Extreme structure, at least in this one vein, is my jam. It makes life so much easier when I have less options and choices to make. Or something like that.

WATCHING

Married At First Sight... again. The new season just started and this show just blows my mind. This whole concept just completely fascinates me and if I didn't have kids and I was younger I would totally do it. It is so incredibly hard to really know someone, why not let some experts vet your mate for 4 months prior to your marriage. I am certainly not any good at it.  If I ever do it please match me up with a bearded guy sporting a pizza tattoo on his bicep. Please. I can't wait to see what the one girl thinks when she finds out her husband lives in a bus.  

EXPLORING

The Atlanta Beltline & Ponce City Market Been meaning to get downtown to check this all out. The beltline goes all around the city and Ponce City Market is a gather, eat, shop spot at one of the points on the beltline. It is in the Original Sears & Roebuck building dating back to 1926.  Perfect timing since I need to stay out of the bars for a while, take a nice walk around a different part of town and shop. Unless of course they have bars there. Shoot.

CREATING

Recipes... One of my favorite instagrams @whole30 is having a challenge to find the next Whole30 Recipe star to be featured during the month of September. What a perfect time for me to showcase my cooking and food styling capabilities! I am not so sure I create actual recipes but this month I will try! More motivation to stay on track. Check it out at #nextwhole30star where my dinner last night is currently featured under top pins! BOOM

EATING

All the Summer things like BLT's on repeat because tomatoes are awesome right now! Next I am going to try them in endive cups like this.

Bye.

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