Halfsies

{credit}

Congratulations!

We've all made it to the half-way point of 2012.

Whether you've been flying high in 2012 or you've made it by the skin of your teeth, nevertheless, we've made it.

I took a few minutes this morning to think about my New Year's resolutions. Had I made any progress? Or started at all?

Here's a quick re-cap...

1) Speaking of half's, run a 1/2 marathon.... this is still a no. Sigh. I want to. A wonky foot put me out of comission for awhile, and I'm just getting (s-l-o-w-l-y) back in the swing of things. Maybe a Fall 1/2 is in store for me?

2) Keep blogging... check. Blogging is/has been just another creative outlet for me, and I'm humbled by the e-friends I have made. Thanks for all of your funny anecdotes and encouragement.

3) Finish my quilt. Jeez, why on Earth is this one so hard? I came to a total halt with it AND sewing in general. I am determined to knock it out this year.

4) Save money.. a continual check. I'm actually kind of proud of myself. All those days rolling my eyes and eating tuna fish and trail mix for lunch have paid off.

5) Branch out of school therapy... this has been a yes and no.  Have I branched out of school therapy.. um, technically yes. Branching out into an unexpected, fun retail position.. not quite the same kind of therapy. I'm hoping in a few months I can push up my sleeves and find more medical waters.

6) Work on me... Jeez, that looks super corny typed out. But you know what I mean.... I think. Reflecting back towards the beginning of the year, I'm suprised at the number of new things I'm trying. Taking a "just for fun" part time job, challenging my faith in a healthy, positive way, pushing myself during uncomfortable moments- all things I would've been too scared or too uncomfortable to attempt. I'm learning it's ok to be both practical and risky. To not have it all exactly mapped out. Because I might miss some real gems along the way. Now, I feel different. Better. And I'm thankful.

How about you? Still sticking with yours?





inVESTment

Eureka!

It's coming back in style.. 

My 4th grade self rejoices!

{via}

 Have you guys noticed the denim vest trend? Or is it even a trend, yet?

I spotted a few out and about the other day, but did I want to pay full price for one?
Actually pay for an Old Navy or Gap or J. Crew vest?

Nah.

Instead, lightbulb going off,  I marched myself to my local Goodwill, finding this beauty..

Plain, ordinary jean jacket, right?

After a thorough, double-hot water wash and dry, I was ready for surgery.

Snip, snip went the sleeves..

..and PRESTO- instant vest.

Way cuter than a full jean jacket on these hot days! And at 2.99, not a bad investment. Pun intended.

Breakfast with the Fishes

My sweet dad.

Being "pretty much retired" has some real digs.

Since I apparently know my way around the fishies..(ahem, cough, cough).. last week he shyly invited me to go fishing with him.

And without any hesitation, I graciously accepted an early morning date.
"Now you know, honey, we'll have to get up early. Will that be too hard? I don't want to mess up your schedule."

No, dad, it will be perfect.
Cricket bait, snakeskins, turtles and jig poles.
For the record, we caught 4 fish and a stick. He, the fish and I, the stick.

Awkward- Awesome Thursday

Awkward:

- My "spiciness" level. Stay with me here. A few years ago I could totally handle me some spice. Mexican foods, grill rubs, and exotic tastes didn't bother me a bit. Not so much as a flicker of pain. Now it seems that tomatoes from a jar give me an extreme lash of heat on my tongue. Sorry mild salsa, I miss you, too.

-The rest of the summer. I wish I could tell you more. I can't. The rest of the summer will be painfully awkward. It makes me want to close my eyes and let out one HUGE belly breath. No, I'm not pregnant.

- My Birchbox subscription keeps getting weirder and weirder. I know I signed up for new, funky items, but bizzare samples are what I'm getting. You might be done soon, Birchbox.


Awesome:

- Have you seen that little book, Awkward Family Photos ? It's been on the shelf for a few months. Basically, a mass collection of... well, awkward family photos. Without fail, I have to re-read it a few times when I pop into a book store. I'm the one laughing and crying like a hyena in the corner.

- New Music Thursday! New Music Thursday! AWOL Nation's new CD is great. As is old/new favorites Coldplay and Ray LaMontagne. How did I not love them this much a few years ago? Perfect, I tell you. 

- Just recently picked up Maybelline's SuperStay 10HR. LipStain. Whoa Nelly, I am loving it! Good subtle color, like you've just had a popsicle. Without the stickiness or calories.



-  I'll give you just a teensy hint about my latest DIY. So quick and so chic! More about it later!





I Think I'll Go For a Walk Outside, the Summer Sun Is Calling My Name..

For the first time since HIGH SCHOOL, I've had the luxury of having the summer off.

No work and no responsibilities.

 No lie, it's kinda been nice.

To help fill up my expanse of time, I've treated myself to some long runs and walks.

 The perfect opportunity to clear my head and unplug for a bit. And to jam out to the Bon Jovi Pandora station.

Here are just a few snippets of the fun..

...and 5 extra bonus points if you can tell me what movie my title is from..

 

 

 

To: You

I just saw you.

And though I know you'll never read this, never find this, won't even blink twice, I had to tell you.
I've tried to share, but it still doesn't really come out exactly the way I want it to.

It's beyond cliche, and yes, possibly a tinge over-dramatic. Well, way over-dramatic.

It's exactly the way I wish I didn't feel.

But I DO feel this way.
I know you like them, too.

 I had to tell you.

To: You

Come up to meet you
Tell you I'm sorry
You don't know how lovely you are
I had to find you
Tell you I need you
Tell you I set you apart

Tell me your secrets
And ask me your questions
Oh let's go back to the start
Running in circles; coming up tails
Heads on a silence apart

Nobody said it was easy
It's such a shame for us to part
Nobody said it was easy
No one ever said it would be this hard
Oh take me back to the start

I was just guessing at numbers and figures
Pulling your puzzles apart
Questions of science; science and progress
Do not speak as loud as my heart

Tell me you love me
Come back and haunt me
Oh and I rush to the start
Running in circles, chasing our tails
Coming back as we are

Nobody said it was easy
Oh it's such a shame for us to part
Nobody said it was easy
No one ever said it would be so hard
I'm going back to the start

The Thing About A Girl's Trip...

There's a lot to be said about a girl's weekend. It's not just a time to get away, but a time to celebrate. Celebrate with some sillies and some real "boo-hoo's". Cherishing the truly odd and the awesome. Finding out new things about each other, and in a quiet moment, more about yourself. A time not to be judged or snickered about, but a time to get your head on a little straighter. As you can see, I've thankfully come home with my head screwed on a bit tighter. And come home with the ability to catch a rainbow trout.

I hope you have a core group of friends- a group that will love you unconditionally. A group so sweet, so crazy, so.. so nuts, they leave you humbly thankful.

This is my group.

And I'm lucky.