In Real Life:

So Jenni over at Absent Minded just revealed something to the blogging masses... She is coming to visit me next weekend! Yay! She'll be flying (not driving Max) to Atlanta on Thursday and staying until Sunday. I know that these four days are just going to fly by though...


Although there has been talk of us possibly making the trek to New Orleans for Mardi Gras with some friends of mine, I have a huge itinerary of places to see, eat, and drink during her visit if we opt to stay in Atlanta! It is going to be great to show her the city that I have been falling in love with over the past few months, and I cannot wait to hang out with such a lovely, caring, and outgoing gal!


It is kind of strange that we have never actually met considering how involved we are in each other's lives already... There is nothing that happens in my life that this girl doesn't hear about! I can't even begin to tell you how ecstatic I am to sit down over drinks and finally have all of these conversations face-to-face! It is going to be grand!



By the way, can we please make your famous Oreo Balls while you're here, Jenni??

Always A Bridesmaid:

This has been a long time in the making, yet I still started screaming out of joy as a drove down I-75 after having just received a picture messaged from my best friend in the entire world of her gorgeous engagement ring! That's right, she is betrothed!

I couldn't be happier for her and have already been assisting in the planning process. Currently I am working on securing a location for the ceremony and subsequent reception. She is finishing up her Master's degree this semester as well as trying to buy a home in the coming months, so she is most definitely going to be needing all of the help that she can get!



Since I work at J. Crew, we'll all be receiving my employee discount on our bridesmaid dresses as well! Hooray! I truly cannot wait to see her marry such a wonderful man, and be a part of their big day!

A Better Night's Sleep:

A friend told me about an iPhone app that monitors your sleeping cycles and wakes you up at the most opportune time in order to allow for you to feel more rested... I am never one to jump at the idea of paying for an app, but I just couldn't resist at a mere $0.99. The app is called Sleep Cycle and it is awesome! Here is what my chart looked like from last night:



I also like the fact that it averages how much sleep you're getting each night. A handy little reference tool! And as for feeling more rested... I totally do! It has been way easier for me to wake up the past couple of mornings, which is a true accomplishment for someone like me who has never been able to wake up on time.

Anyways, if you have an iPhone, I would definitely recommend it! Oh, and I'll be sharing my sleep cycles from time to time via Twitter if you'd like to see some a glimpse of the ridiculous hours at which I typically go to sleep!

It's About Time:

Look at what came in the mail today for little old me!



I was squealing and jumping up and down when I saw that red and black tube holding my diploma... It is nice to finally put my beautiful diploma frame to use. Having this makes me feel extra motivated to pursue an actual career since I am a legit alumni now! Woot woot!

Oh yeah, and Goooo Dawgs!

Winter Vacation:

Plane tickets have been booked for a fun family weekend of skiing and undoubtedly lots of white russians for next month!



Although I saw most of my family when they came down for my graduation, it still seems like an eternity since I have spent time with them given the hectic nature of that graduation weekend. I am thrilled to hang out and hit the slopes! (Although it has been five years since I have been skiing, so I have no delusions of mogul jumping or double black diamonds. Not in the least.)

A Wish Granted:

Remember this birthday request of mine from the summertime? (Of course not, which is why I provided the link in order to refresh your memory...)

Well the daddy to my wonderful pup, Lily, got me precisely that for Christmas! I literally squealed with joy, jumped up and down, and gave him a big hug I was so surprised!



Doesn't it look so pretty against my pale pink walls?! I love love love it. Truly.

Retail Regret:

I am in need some reader feedback of the fashion variety...

When I originally saw this darling poof-ball of a feather headband at work I was ga-ga for it! My co-workers where incredibly less enthused, but swore up and down that they adored it on me... So I purchased it. I have attempted to wear it once but ended up leaving it behind in the car before I went out in public. I'm not sure why I am so hesitant, but I'd love to hear your opinion!





So what do you think? Should I go with my original fashion intuition and rock the feathers?

So This is the New Year:

I am spending the holiday in this year, and seeing as it is mere minutes til 2010 I figured that instead of coming up with abstract resolutions that have unquantifiable results or explicit ones that will be forgotten come springtime, I should lay out some of the milestones that I have experienced over the past year instead...

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-I graduated from the University of Georgia.
-After five years, I finally started going to therapy and have loved it.
-I overcame an earth-shattering break-up.
-I spent a month living in paradise.
-I've watched my nephew grow into an adorable toddler.

I have some big plans for 2010... Here's to another wonderful year of improving, learning, and, most importantly, growing!

(Curious as to what was going on precisely a year from today? See here.)

Anti-Advice:

I recently heard what could very well be the absolute worst advice I have ever heard in regards to selecting one's life partner...

"You are always supposed to marry someone who loves you more than you love them... That way you can control them. It gets you through the hard times."

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I will not be sharing who bestowed this little gem onto me, but know that I couldn't possibly disagree any more with this sentiment. I would rather be alone. I want our love to be equal... I want our love to be over the moon... I want our love to be real, not based upon dominance and power. This only helped to reaffirm my convictions that I really want a partnership in my marriage one day...

(Even though that day is very, very far away from here and now... And believe me, I am more than okay with that notion.)

Confirmation:

This image from The Satorialist settles it...



Distressed denim and a pair of oxfords are on my short list of necessary items to add to my wardrobe.

Christmas Wish List:

Here is thing that I definitely wouldn't mind having old Saint Nick leave underneath my tree in a few weeks...

The Anna Sheffield Arrow Two Finger Ring that I've been coveting for months:


Yeah, I want it. Badly.

Companionship of the Female Variety:

It is amazing the immediate sense of camaraderie that occurs between single women... Here we are watching our friends, enemies, and ex-lovers get married one by one as we float in and out of the dating scene with little to look forward to but a potential spinster status in the coming years.

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Okay, we completely realize that we are still young, beautiful, and fully capable of finding a wonderful man to spend our days with... But in the meantime, we've got our independence and our single gal pals to share the experience with! As far as I am concerned, that's alright by me!