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Life on Self Lane

It's my new blog.

This one has kind of run its course and has no real niche.

I apologize to my followers for moving around (I hate when others do this to me), but I genuinely hope you will check out my new blog.

Still Here...

I'm not dead, I promise.

But, we have had some major life changes happening all at the same time.

1st: I graduated.


2nd: We moved into our new house. This was J's grandparents' house, built 1951-1953. It needed a lot of work (some work is still happening), but was great structurally. We are so blessed to be able to live here and be so close to his family. Because of ongoing projects, the only pictures J took (so far) are detail pics. More pics to come of course.







3rd: I got a job! And health insurance! Yaayyyy!

"In the face of all this chaos"

I know I suck at blogging. In an effort to suck less I'm updating.

But I always feel that I have nothing to say.

So... for now an update is about all you really get:
1. Graduation. It's coming in a mere 67 days, 15 hours, and 47 minutes.
2. A week after graduation J & I are moving to his side of town. And I'm super excited. Lately I've been "scheming" (<-- J's term, I prefer "planning" or "organizing") about moving and decorating on a non-existant budget.
3. Losing weight: It's happening... but at a slow pace. I'm back down to 248 (which is where I was before Christmas break). :)
4. My friends, B&E, are engaged. It's just so exciting!
5. I'm about to embark on a new journey of the job hunting variety. I plan to use the month of March to research job openings and companies... in April I will fill out applications etc. I don't want to start too early since I won't be able to even begin working until after May 7. But, really... how early is too early? Are there any job hunting strategies to keep in mind? I've never really looked for a "grown-up" job before...

And. This:

Lately, I've really noticed just how lucky I am to be married to such a wonderful guy. Sometimes I get all weepy about what a great man my husband is. And I'm so glad God made hime such a big part of my life. This song is pretty accurate for our life I think. Love you, J!

O.k. mush is over.

Test

Heard this song today. And it really "spoke to me" to use a terrible cliche. But it's true. Sometimes I get so bogged down with all the hectic details of my life that I forget to really count my blessings.

So, despite all of my daily "tests" I've decided to add another New Year's Resolution (it's not too late is it?) to truly appreciate all the good things God has provided.

She's kind of a big deal

Hey guys. If you don't watch the Rachael Ray Show you've really missed out. Lucky for you I have a special clip to share here!


If you don't know that person, you must be very sad. That's MY COUSIN!! She's pretty amazing, right? Well, she always has been. But she's even more amazing than usual because 1. she introduced me and J to the Carb Lovers' Diet. (Which we love) 2. She's pretty brave to go on national television in her BIKINI!

That's all I have to update right now.

Lists

Sometimes lists are just easier:

1. In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer. (Albert Camus) Laura wrote about her inspirations today. The quote stuck out to me. It's just what I needed to see/hear/read.

2. Our church is starting a New Testament Challenge next Sunday. This is pretty exciting. I've never really read the Bible. To be honest, I don't know how to go about it. This is perfect timing. The whole church is focusing on this challenge. I think this will really help e grow in my faith. And we joined a small group! We have a hard time being social, but we are making ourselves go out and fellowship and (hopefully) make some more friends.

3. This semester looks like it's going to be awesome. Except for my stupid chemistry class I have a bunch of filler classes to take, so I opted to do just that. I'm going to learn to sew, brush up on my French, research American 20th Century Diplomacy, and (possibly the best one) intern in the University's Archives!

4. J's brother and his family left last Friday. They moved to Guatemala to be missionaries. We are so happy for them to be able to do what they've been preparing for so long to do, but we are already missing them. Four years is a long time! Check out their blog if you want to learn more about their ministry.

5. Golden Globes. Beautiful people + Ricky Gervais. Nuff said. Eva Longoria, sofia Vergara, and Mila Kunis looked awesome! I loved Emma Stone too, but what happened to her hair? I don't love it blonde.




source

Excuse Me

Pardon the interuption of (relatively) consistent posts.

School and work started this week and I'm really trying to get back into the swing of things for my last semester ever!


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Thanks for bearing with me. Maybe I can start blogging again soon.

2011 Resolutions

I love to make New Years' Resolutions almost as much as I love not keeping them.
So to keep myself accountable... Here are my resolutions for 2011.

1. Spiritual Health - read the Bible more, focus on my journey with God
2. Physical Health - continue Carb Lovers to reach my goal range (165-185 lbs)
3. Financial Health - pay off at least 2 debts this year (maybe 3)oh yeah and GET A JOB when I graduate in May.

There are some other goals I have, but these are the main ones. These are resolutions, the other things (like move, get a job, cross off some items from the 101 list, spend more time with family etc) are more like goals. Which somehow seem different to me.

I'd like to have a monthly update on the progress of these resolutions.


What are your 2011 resolutions if you make them? How do you old yourself accountable?

2010 Review

In the spirit of New Years' I want to take moment to reflect on the 2010. It was full of trials, but it also contained a lot of wonderful things.

January: J lost his job January 1, 2010. It was very scary since we weren't at all financially secure...

February: J began working at Fotowerks for a few hours each week. I got a second job (and a place to live after our lease ends in April).

March: J (finally) started working at Best Buy. They sure did take their time putting him to work.

April: We moved! I had to quit my first job to maintain some kind of balance in my life.

May: Some of my BFFs graduated.

June: J and I celebrated our first anniversary! Our niece was born.

July: I got the opportunity to be a part of South City Theater's "All I Really Need to Know I learned in Kindergarten" which was a wonderful experience.

August: Beach vacation with J's family! J & I begin the Carb Lovers Diet 8/30.

September: We paid off one credit card! It's hard to believe that less than one year after J lost his job we were paying off debt! It just goes to show how much God provides.

October: J had his birthday week. I spent the weekend in Chickamauga/Chattanooga with my class.

November: We celebrated Thanksgiving with our families. I got my acceptance letter to graduate school.

December: I finished the semester with a 4.0. J and I are enjoying spending time with our families while we can.

It's Alive

It=me in this case.
I didn't mean to disappear for the last 2 weeks, but between finishing the semester/working/studying for finals/Christmas shopping and partying... well you get the picture.

But the semester is over. I am (not so) patiently waiting for my last grade to be posted. The 30 for 30 was completed a few weeks ago. I promise I followed the rules (mostly) but I really dropped the ball on snapping pictures everyday. The challenge was definitely a fun and very rewarding experience!

Speaking of fun and rewarding... the best part about the holidays (to me) is getting to spend time with family, amiright? My dad's family is en route to Alabama today! I can't wait to see them... In fact I spent most of the day counting down the hours til they get here. (actually I spent most of the day catching up reading all of the 200+ blog posts I missed when I dropped off the face of the earth.)
Last weekend I took a break from studying and J and I visited his sister and her hubs (who is kicking my butt in words with friends) and their son. We had such a great time!


Our brother in law is a pilot. He took us on a plane ride. In a Cessna (I think).



It was my first time in a little plane. And I've only flown once before. And I'm kind of terrified of heights. Poor brother-in-law... He only took me up for like 10 minutes. But at least I can say I did this once in a lifetime sort of thing!


So, then brother-in-law took J up for about an hour. The wives got to wait at the airport. My sister-in-law is gorgeous, yes?


And when we went back to their house, J played with our nephew. Aren't they cute?


And this has nothing to do with last weekend. But J is so cute with our nephews and niece. It's pictures like this that make the baby fever spike... He's gonna be an awesome dad one day.

J took all the pictures. He's pretty talented.

Surprises (or Day 22)

Tuesday was History Day at my college.




And it was pretty much awesome.



The students in my Senior Seminar in History Class got an opportunity to diplay posters in the library regarding the topic of their Senior Seminar Paper (wow... that seems like a really long awkward sentence). During the History Day event, the library's lobby was full of professors and students walking from display to display talking to (or grilling) each of us about our research topic...

My 22nd (!!!) outfit and my display on Nazi Propaganda Films.

I never thought I'd make it this far in the 30 for 30 challenge. Ususally when something gets difficult or boring I give up on it and move on to the next interesting thing...

I also never thought I'd see the day when I presented my paper... and I'm certainly surprised that the paper is on WWII. I always thought it would be on something regarding Civil Rights or Vietnam or LBJ.

But I have surprised myself. And the best part of the whole thing is my grade - A!

(p.s. my boobs look huge in this sweater. I'm gonna wear it more often.)

Yoo-Hoooooo (or Days 13-20)

Hello there. I'm back. After an impromptu week-long break from blogging (and reading blogs... I've spent all afternoon catching up), I'm here to say that I'm still alive.

Would you believe me if I told you I spent the past week dressing in the 30 for 30 clothes?Well, you kinda have to since most of the outfits never got photographed...

Thanksgiving was awesome! J and I ate and spent time with our families. My favorite things!

Here are the outfits that made it onto the camera (and by camera, I mean phone...)
Outfit # 13. 11/21.

Outfit # 18. 11/26.

Outfit #20. 11/28. Cowboy Boots!

We had a freak warm spell over Thanksgiving break... none of the outfits were particularly inspired. But whatevs.

I have nothing to say today, so it's back to watching mindless television for the rest of the evening... That's how I celebrate breaks from school...

Productivity (Days 11 & 12)

skinny jeans, blue sweater, gold flats. worn to work and the bookstore.

ps. there's a necklace. finally wearing accessories!

skinny jeans, purple cami, black low-cut blouse (waaayyy too low cut, thus the cami), black flats. worn to work and grocery shopping.

This has been a crazy hectic week for me. I turned in my Senior Seminar paper, had a big geology test, turned in a project, and had a presentation. Now that the week is over I feel like the semester is over too. I can finally rest and relax and watch movies and read for fun and go shopping etc etc. But then I remember that the classes that have been on the backburner for um... the entire semester! So, because of the awesome Thanksgiving break planned (full of all the stuff I mentioned earlier), I am racing to get all 8 (!!!) assignments/projects/papers finished. 4 down. 4 to go. Going to be productive now!

Cheater Cheater Pumpkin Eater (or Day 9 & 10)

2 outifts in one day counts, right? It does in my book. So without further ado... Outfits 9 and 10:Skinnies, Turtleneck, Pola Dot Cardi, Black Flats

Worn for running errands on a semi-off day (thanks Brett for working for me today!).

turtleneck, jean skirt, purple tights, black boots
worn for our Christmas card pictures
Did you see that? A Haircut! It feels so good to actually have "style" for the first time in a long time.

In other news, Josh and I got our Christmas card pictures taken today (one of the perks of being married to a photographer). The cards are going to be pretty cute if I say so myself. Here are a few that didn't quite make the cut, but are too good to keep hidden away forever. A million thanks go out to Terry Bruno at Fotowerks. You are such a wonderful friend. We truly appreciate you putting aside time to do this for us!

(isn't he a hottie?)

Weigh-in Wednesday (and Day 9)

Today is weigh in Wenesday:

247 lbs.
Finally! I've broken past the -20 lb mark.
My body seems to lose weight inconsistently. I'll lose 3 lbs in a week and then spend the next 2-3 weeks losing nothing. Weird. But, as long as something comes off eventually I'm happy.



The Carblovers Facebook Page had a reminder for this Weigh-in Wednesday. Remember to take measurements. They are also a sign of progress.
I always forget about measurements. But, seeing those numbers should reinforce good habits. So, I'll take measurements everytime I lose 25 lbs. Don't want to get bored with measurements that barely change every week, but also want to keep it consistent.

Today is also Day 9:

black headband, green shirt, khaki skirt, black tights, cowboy boots

This is me keeping my promise and wearing my cowboy boots. I feel a little less self-conscious about them today (maybe because they blend with the tights). Last summer, this skirt was too small. It's a little snug now, but I can button it up. Hooray! While getting dressed this morning I thought this looked good, but now I'm thinking this outfit is a little boring and could use some accessories.

What accessories would you pair with this?

Stagnant (or Day 8)

Skinny jeans, gray cami, argyle cardigan, black flats
Originally, the cardigan was buttoned up. I felt very 50's schoolgirl. But you know... with jeans and tattoos. It was pretty cool.
Also, apparently I need to check my makeup before I take these pictures... I look a little dead in this picture.

On a not clothes related note, lately I just feel like I'm going through the motions. Like we're working our butts off to get out of debt, lose weight, and graduate (well, I'm trying to graduate). And it's just not happening...
(although, I did turn in my senior seminar paper today! Woo Hoo!)

I just need a change of pace. Something to get me out of my funk. Good thing Thanksgiving is coming up. I'll get some time to recharge.

Do you ever feel like that? Like you're just treading water and not making any headway on the things you'd most like to accomplish? How do you deal with it?

Weekender (Days 6 & 7)

Saturday:Jean skirt, black sweater, cowboy boots.

Worn to the grocery store. Not my favorite outfit. The best part about the outfit is the cowboy boots, and I just felt really self-conscious in them. I'm trying to make an effort to wear things I don't wear all the time. This is probably the second time these cowboy boots have been worn in over a year... And they're really cute! My problem with the boots lies in my insecurities, not in the boots themselves. To combat that, I am pledging to wear these boots at least 2 more times in this challenge. Overall, I feel this outfit is uninspired, though. Good thing it was only for a trip to Wal-Mart. (p.s. my photographer went to work before I got home from the grocery store, so we have another mirror shot...)

Sunday:Purple Dress, Blazer, Black Flats.

Worn to church for our niece's baby dedication. I like this. A lot. Despite the fact that the skirt was a liiiiitttle short (ok it was a lot short) for me and the blazer hit at a weird spot on this dress. Also, the belt is pretty awesome. Mostly because this dress is getting too big for me. I would've never put this outfit together if not for this challenge.

See that coffee cup? It's my dad's. It's from the Birmingham News. They get it. Do you? The internet is cool and all, but there's just something about opening up a newspaper. Plus, the Birmingham News employs lots of people (like my awesome dad) that the internet does not. As soon as we get a real address we'll get a subscription to the Birmingham News. I'm so looking forward to it. Sure, the internet is free, but somethings are worth paying for.

Have you found a new outfit you love that you wouldn't have tried before the 30 for 30 challenge?
Do you prefer a newspaper to the internet? Why or why not?

Friday Confessions (or Day 5)

Confession: I am a planner. A list-maker. A worrier. It's just what I do. So, it shouldn't surprise you that I already have a list of 30 different outfits comprised of these 30 pieces.

Confession 2: I suck at sticking to my plans. This outfit was not on my list for today. Originally, there was going to be a sweater dress, tights, and boots... you know things that people would normally wear in November. But, since we're having crazy warm weather (hello highs in the upper 70's) right now, I opted for some layers that can accomodate the changing weather through the day. Also, the skinny jeans are back for round 4. I just couldn't make myself shave my legs this morning.

Confession 3: This might be my favorite outfit ever. I love the jewel tones. And not having to worry about accessorizing.

Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (or Day 4)

Apparently, today is a day for country song quotes. What can I say? Some of them are so patriotic... And patriotism is what it's all about today folks.




I don't know if you know this, but I'm an American history major (read: nerd). So, for people like me Veterans Day is a double whammy of awesome.


You see, Veterans Day was chosen on this particular day because it marks the end of WWI . It was originally called Armistice Day. But, armistice means "peace" and WWI was supposed to be the war to end all wars... but then WWII happened (obviously WWI didn't end all wars). So, in 1954, Congress chose to change this holiday to Veterans Day to honor the country's veterans.


Veterans Day was always pretty cool... I mean who doesn't love an extra day off work/school? And everyone loves sales! But I never had a real appreciation for it until recently. In high school, I studied female volunteers in the Vietnam War and began to understand that Veterans Day is about more than a vacation from school or going shopping. Then, I met the hubs. He is a veteran. His father is a veteran. They have shown me that veterans aren't a faceless mass (I don't think I knew any veterans until them) but real people. They are real people who have sacrificed so much for me to have the freedoms that I usually take for granted.
I will never be able to express my grattitude in the right way. Veterans should be thanked and honored more than this one day in November, but today is a great reminder to say thanks for all they have done.





So, thanks to any and all veterans (though I doubt vets read this blog) and also to any wives and families of veterans. And a big heartfelt thank you to active military. You are not unnoticed.





So, here is my subtle (or not-so-subtle) nod to all the veterans and active military:

skinny jeans, red t-shirt, white grandpa sweater, black boots.

I felt a little ridiculous as the day went on... it's hot here in Alabama! The boots are a little unnecessary this afternoon.

Food Hangover (and Day 3)

Last night I went to a friend's house to bake banana bread and cookies and brownies (oh my!) for a bake sale at school today.

I taste tested way too much. So, my weigh-in Wednesday results were not as good as I wanted.

11/10: 250lbs. I lost nothing. Trying to remind myself that there is a small victory in here that I didn't gain any weight this week.

Uggh. I have a food hangover. I feel bloated and sluggish... And kinda disappointed in myself.

And now onto clothes:

Skinny jeans, purple cami, polka dot cardigan, bronze flats.

I love this combination of items. Usually, though, I wear a darker cami under this particular cardigan. So, here's to taking chances on clothing choices...

It's only day 3, and I'm already starting to feel nervous about this 30 for 30 challenge. Gonna have to start getting creative!

Have you noticed that you're already stepping out of your comfort zone this early on in the 30 for 30 challenge?