Some People Probably Hate Me

Recently, I read Sarah's post about 32 Things I Hate More Than April 1st, and while I giggled at most of it. It got me to thinking. I know that her list was all in fun, but I see people saying they 'hate' so much stuff via social media, and since I do some of those things, they must hate me too. Do you ever feel that way?

Originally, I wanted to talk about this when I read 20 Things Your Friends Wish You Would Stop Posting On Facebook, but I wondered if I was the only one that disagreed with some of it. Let's use the following, for example:

"Holy announcement overload

Of course you can update your status when you get engaged, married or have a baby, but you don’t need to inundate your friends’ newsfeeds with photos of fabulous parties, quotes about love and anticipations about family life. There’s a fine line between sharing your good news and rubbing it in everyone’s face."

I have never once thought that someone on my Facebook, or a blogger for that matter, was trying to rub their fun life in my face. I just don't think like that. I think 'Wow...Look at so and so living it up, and embracing life!' or 'Congrats for whatever awesomeness is happening!' Maybe I'm naive, but I don't see where it's my place to read into what they are posting and why they are posting it, and it's DEFINITELY not my place to dictate what they are sharing. Who knows, maybe I'm an over-sharer...anyone reading who's an FB friend of mine...don't tell me, haha. I'd like to stay naive. Here are some things that I know I do, and I'm not a bit ashamed:

I take pictures of food.

I LOVE food. I love food I make, I love food from restaurants, I love seeing other pictures of food that people post. Yes, they should be pretty/appetizing pictures, but I'm all for them.

I love PDA (PG Rated of course)

I don't mind hashtags.

I don't ever want to have twenty per post or picture, but I think they are a neat-o idea. Especially on Instagram. I think it's fabulous I can find #fitness or #fashion inspiration so easily, and some hashtags are hilarious.

I like selfies.

Okay, so I actually don't post many selfies with just me in them, but I love sharing pictures of me with friends or family. I used to always be the one behind the camera and have years worth of pictures that are of travels or people I love, but I was never in them. I don't always want that to be the case. I love looking back at a picture that holds a special moment with myself and that person...like Lauren. Now that she's gone, I look at these #selfies, and it still connects me to her. Don't hate on people's selfies because you don't know what they mean to that person. Just not ten a day, people.

I post baby pictures of my nieces, so just imagine if I had my own kid...

I post fitness pictures, and have even checked in at the gym!

If I feel so inclined, I will pass on inspiration.

 I will never be the kind of person that shares 10 inspirational memes or quotes a day, but I won't judge others for doing it. I just hide them from my newsfeed.

And there are even things outside of social media:

"Same Side Sitting", as Miss Venus put it.

Will and I sit across from each other 8 out of 10 times, but sometimes I just want to snuggle next to him while we wait for our food. Holding hands across the table doesn't always cut it, and yes, we are those people that hold hands 98% of the time we are near each other. It's why we have great stress management.

I'm cheap.

Sure being frugal isn't cool, and no one wants to hear that they need to quit shopping and buying lattes, but I would rather be able to provide for our future {possible} children, know that we are taken care of for retirement, and have a fat savings account in the bank, than spend money on random stuff. I have had friends that practically get mad that I don't want to do something stupid with my money or buy their {insert multi-level marketing product here}. Not saying I won't buy something every now and then, but don't 'hate' me if I don't.
I'm not politically correct.

Along with telling you that you need to quit spending money on stupid stuff if you complain to me that you have no savings, I will tell you if you have a booger, I will answer any question honestly (but kindly) even if it's not what you want to hear, and I will flat out tell you that you are wrong if I must. However, I don't judge anyone and I take into account that everyone makes mistakes, which is why people keep excepting my honest opinion {I guess}. Politically correctness is the popular thing these days, but honesty is my policy.

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I hate things like child/pet abusers, pedophiles, and dirty politicians, and I don't think we should waste 'hate' on our friends for what they post on Facebook or their blog. Let's focus on celebrating the passions of others instead of bashing them. Mmmmkay? You may see a food picture as 'non-picture worthy', but the person posting it is sharing their passion with you. You don't want anyone to stifle your passions, so don't do it to them. Promote what you love instead of bashing what you hate, and treat others how you would like to be treated. It's as complicated and simple as that.

Sorry for the deep post, but let's remember I'm 'sexually deprived for your freedom' right now. Gotta get my 'frustration' out somewhere!

Ultimate Blogger Happy Hour!

I totally called it, and I should have put money on the Bronco's and Seahawks going to the Superbowl. Although, based on how the Seahawks played last night, it may not be much of a game. It's cool if Seahawks muster a win, because my cousin is a scout for them {hello bonus!}, but I won't mind if the Broncos spank'em either. It would be a great way to end our time here in Colorado! Onto the real reason we are here...

There are too many bloggers that I love to count, but two of my favorites are Erin from Living In Yellow  and Helene from Helene In Between, and this love has been solidified during the epic Blogger Happy Hour we had last Thursday. What a concept...ten potentially tipsy bloggers, thought provoking questions, tried and true answers, and lots of giggles.
Who wouldn't want to be a part of that?

Now, excuse my nervous face, and enjoy some highlights that stuck with me. I won't give away all the secrets because if Blog Happy Hour had a code, that would be a no-no, but I can document a few snippets and wet your appetite.

1. Allena asked, "What does one do to get out of a slump and beat writer's block?"

Consensus: Take a break, relax, read other blogs for inspiration, draw from experience like life's little moments, and if all else fails, visit Buzzfeed.
My two cents: I have a Test blog that holds hundreds of my saved drafts. Some hold just a title, perhaps a sentence, or if I'm lucky a whole raw post. However, bringing them to life is a whole 'nother topic.

2. Brianna asked, "What do bloggers expect and appreciate most out of sponsorship?"

Consensus: Most sponsors just appreciate getting an adequate amount for their money. Whether it be a $5 button or a $50 package, it just needs to balance. An interesting fact that I didn't know, is that sponsorships seem to be shifting from bloggers to businesses, so we all need to find ways to appeal to them, as well.
My two cents: Personally, when I {was doing} sponsorships, I shared bloggers stories that showed how 'Perception Is Everything', which made it more 'organic and natural' to my blog. Bloggers come to your blog to find you, so if you have your guests post on your regular topics or incorporate them into your posts like Kym does, it will feel more natural.

3. Eva asked, "Do you recommend participating in link ups? How do you actually get anything out of them when bloggers don't actually visit other blogs?"
Consensus: Even if others don't participate, you can visit blogs and initiate conversation. If they don't pick up what you are puttin' down, just move on. 

My two cents: I join them for inspiration, but mostly to support the blog hosting it. I do think that one time link ups with a specific topic gets you the most notice. Also, don't participate constantly or it will seem like you can't come up with your own content.

4.  I asked, "Is BlogHer really worth it?"

Consensus: No. BlogHer likes to be exclusive, so you miss out on other opportunities, and they have too much control. Try Adsense or other advertising ventures.
Helene, actually has BlogHer, and even she warned, "Your sidebar is prime real estate, and it takes away from that."

5.  Jessa How do you promote your posts and how much should you?
Consensus: Pimp that shit out. Every social media has a purpose, and yes, Pinterest is an awesome medium. Just try to have pin-worthy pictures to really utilize it. Erin, suggests creating hashtags to link back to yourself, and I heard that if you rename the photos, they will pop up more on Google.
Interesting fact: According to Kym, a Tweet only has a life span of 25 minutes, so don't feel bad about Tweeting throughout the day. Maybe just Tweet different aspects of the post.

6. Kym What are your feelings about giveaways?

Consensus: Giveaways can be annoying, and can be a hardship on your sponsors after paying good money to sponsor you already, but we all seem to agree that if they are spaced out and are an option and not a demand of sponsors, then they are worth it.

7. Michelle How do you make tutorials, how-to posts, and general information appealing?
Consensus: Use your voice and speak to your audience. niche blogs are a slower start, but over time they hit their mark. Think to yourself "What would make me interested?"

My two cents: Incorporate the how-to's or tutorials into a fun post. For example, I bet you didn't even realize that I included my DIY Fringe Boots Tutorial into the party recap to capture everyone's attention. Sneaky sneaky ;)

8. Paulina Is it worth posting to Buzzfeed? Is it worth the negative responses?
Consensus: Either you are going to post and it will go unnoticed, or if it makes to front page it will get a lot of hits, which will be good and bad. Could be good to add to your media page, but it isn't always worth the negativity.
Helene: We are all putting ourselves out there on a daily basis, as it is, and people are going to interpret things based on their own experience/knowledge. We must all be prepared for negativity, but that doesn't make it any less hard to handle.

Through this, I actually realized that I know more about blogging than I thought, but a wise blogger knows that there is ALWAYS more to learn. Plus, who doesn't want to have a girls night without even having to leave the comfort of your bed? I call that a win. Now I just wish I could do every blogger happy hour, because each one is going to have new bloggers, new questions, and new opinions. After taking five pages of notes, I realized that the amount of information and inspiration is just flippin' endless.

Thanks again Helene and Erin! Love y'all.

What'ya think? Obviously, I'm open to more advice on these topics!

No Two Snowflakes Are The Same

I planned on checking in on Monday, but there was no way that was going to happen...Then I planned on posting for Tuesday, until I I realized I was walking zombie. At this point, I've begun uploading/editing the trip pictures, but having over 200 is making this process extra hard. I guess the recap will be coming to you Friday? For now, I'll just say that it was everything I wanted it to be, and totally worth the loss of sleep.

Instead, let's talk about this crazy weather! Everyone said that this winter was going to be nuts, and boy are they right. It was 50's when I left and a snowy 8* when we got back. The following was taken Tuesday morning, and not a single filter was used. I actually took it very quickly while getting ready for work, and when I uploaded it to the computer last night, I realized how truly beautiful it was. Perhaps it will take your breath away too, or perhaps I'm too easily impressed. I'm okay either way.

If that doesn't impress you, maybe the next will. In case you haven't seen it on IG, I took this one morning while my truck warmed up. In three years, I had never seen the snowflakes stuck to the window like this, and now I have seen it twice. I feel like this is Colorado's way of saying goodbye to us. Don't burst my bubble.

I guess my point that has evolved today, is to always enjoy the simple things, and allow yourself to be wowed. Not everything revolves around social media, even though I totally took these and immediately thought 'I will blog about these'. In turn, if you don't have anything to blog about, you may need to get out there and actually experience life, ya know? For more awe and wonder, go scroll through this site. I totally spent an hour on it this morning, and already feel like a new person.

Hope your New Year is starting off well. However, if it's not, it's up to you to change it. Perception Is Everything, and only YOU can find your own happiness. Someone I met in Florida told me I speak in Haiku and inspirational quotes...I now realize he was completely accurate. It ain't easy being cheesy, unless you are me, apparently. Ciao!

Gift Swap And A Surprising Anouncement

I hope you all had a swell Christmas, and I'm SO happy that I get to share some of the loveliest blogger friends that played gift swap with me! Not only did we swap presents, but cards too, and the cards made my day every time I got one! Here are the three cards I've already gotten, and I have a gift on the way that I can't wait to get my hands on.

Jamie ||  P!nky ||  Rach

Although, I'm sorry to tell ya ladies...my favorite card was from Will.

For Oh, so many reasons.

Long story short, Will has pushed me to step away from what I know, and challenge myself to find what I really want to do job wise. But first, he wants me to take care of him during the strenuous schooling he will be doing, and how could I say no to that? I assume that SAHW will be my temporary position where I plan on blogging, writing, and possibly substitute teaching, and am just as scared as I am excited. I can't wait to see how this goes! Let's hope I don't change my mind, haha.

Now for the real stars today!!

Kelly

Rach

P!nky

Kristine

Megan

Meredith

Jessica

Brittany

Jamie ||  Caitlyn

If you need some new bloggy friends, I highly recommend these. Not only are they beautiful {inside and out}, they are sweet, fun, and loyal! I'm pretty sure we all need more loyal bloggy friends these days. Am I right, or am I right?

Now I have to go get ready for the most epic party of the year. One of my girlfriends is shipping off to Hawaii with her hubby, so we are throwing a 60's themed party at work. Yours truly will be decorating and mentally preparing myself for the shenanigans. Let's just hope that it's fun shenanigans and not drama. No drama fo'yo mama.

Anywho, I hope you all have a great weekend!!

I Missed My Blogiversary, But Perception Is Everything!

For the first time, this little ol' blog turned a year older, and I didn't shout it from the rafters. I can think of a few reasons that it wasn't as big of a deal to me this year, but I still don't have it in me to ignore the significance. This is still my happy place and my outlet, and I am still thankful.

Just a few things from the last three years
I've learned ca-razy things about the InterWeb, graphic design, and html.
I've made gaggles of blogger friends, and even met a few.
I have witnessed a blog friend's love grow and become wedded bliss.
YOU ALL kept me going through a deployment.
I have helped others through deployments, like Meg now.
I have won major giveaways. Thanks Living In Yellow ;)
I have watched many bloggers grow quickly. Some lost their thunder, but some like Helene just evolve and bring us mucho joy.
I think I have found my voice.

Now, here's the last bit of my two cents for good measure:

Dear Baby Bloggers,
I use the term baby bloggers loosely and with love, by the way. Do I think of my blog as a 'big blog'? Heck to the no, but when I was a new blogger, I most certainly would have. That's the thing, you think that when you get to the next ten followers, the next fifty, the next 100...you will have made it, but in actuality, does anyone ever really "make it"?

Blogging is constantly evolving, and although I'm not entirely sure that it is the blissful land of blog that it used to be, it can still be your happy place. I hope you feel the embrace of other bloggers, and know that some of us will ALWAYS be there for you. Just remember, blog for YOU, promote what you love instead of bashing what you hate, don't judge others for you don't know their struggle, and for gosh sakes make sure you aren't a no-reply commentor. Aaaaand turn your word verification off while you are at it too.
Peace, love, and two days 'til Santa!

I Shouldn't Complain, But I Am

I'm pretty sure Tuesdays are one of my favorite days of the week.

Monday is over, only three days left of the week post-Tuesday, and one might say it just rolls off the tongue. Although, I have decided that the WORST and most eratic driving is done on Tuesdays. {In case you didn't know}, I over-analyze the shnit out of everything, and even have an entire breakdown of the days of the week. Just don't run away! I won't bore you with my nonsensical-nonsense. Well, at least that nonsensical-nonsense.

The best thing about this particular Tuesday?

I get to have a dinner date with this handsome fella, even though he is on a 24 hour duty. Yep, he's working 24 hours with zero sleep, which means NONE of us can complain about an eight hour shift. Mmmmkay? Thankfully, he gets meal breaks, so we are going to grab a quick dinner to break up the monotony.

For those of you wondering why I've been off my blogging schedule no one's wondering other than Will, but humor me, it's because Will and I have had more time off together lately. Normally, I have at least one day a week that I can dedicate to blogging, but lately, I've had the pleasure of spending extra time with him. It makes me sad to have SO much to tell y'all, and not enough time to share it or catch up with nine million emails, but nothing comes between Will and I, and y'all know this.

I typed up a lot of other excuses, but I realized it sounded like just that...excuses. I'm not sorry that I have been busy, but I'm frustrated that I don't have the mental capacity for one of my greatest passions. It makes me realize that something's gotta give. I'm hoping that this next move will bring me a clean slate where I can have a less taxing work environment or no work environment teehee, and I can find the balance.

You know who else can't find the balance? Flippin' Colorado.

Personally, I think Will jinxed us. I said something about it being December, and he said it couldn't be because it isn't even cold. You got your wish, sucka. The rest of this week is just going to plain suck. December, we are friends-off until you get your weather in check.

To end this on a positive note, these are the things that keep me blogging:

+ YOU

+ The community support.

+ MilSpouse bloggers that are the best resources, and 'know' what I'm going through.

I don't know where we would be without all the advice and help we have gotten over the last few years. In the Military, everything is on a 'need to know' basis, and most of it is simply asking the right questions. I am very happy that I have had the 'right' bloggers to ask the 'right' questions.

+ Keeping in touch with friends even when we move.

+ Getting perspective from the blogs of working mom's and mom's in general. 

IDK how the eff you do it.

+ Having a space for the highs and the lows.

+ My creative outlet.

And surprisingly:

+ Will giving me crap every time I don't post.

What keeps you blogging even when the going gets rough? I feel like MANY bloggers are going through this these days, and I wonder why? Is more expected of us now than before? I've only been blogging for three years, but I sense a big change has happened.

Pictures Are Practically Currency In Blogging

I can't even explain to you how happy I am that I'm only working four days this week, and I am back to four days because I leave for Pensacola Saturday! Of course, I have nine million things to do before then including finding someone to take care of Weiser, but at least it will make the week fly by! Then next week will fly by while I'm home, and get me closer to having Will home. Win/win.

This weekend flew by too. Saturday morning we went to the Air Force/Army game, and it was SO fun. We had to get up super early, which was a bad idea since I had to close the store Saturday night, but still totally worth it.

Sunburned and starving, I made it to work on time, and pulled out my camera to show someone the Halloween pictures. I turned it on, and got some evil message telling me that I had to reformat my memory card or I would lose my photos. I obviously clicked 'okay' even though I knew I was probably going to lose them either way, and my biggest fear came true when 'There are no images to be viewed on this device' flashed in my face. Faaaack.

I was too tired to freak out, so I conversed with my friend Matt about the problem. He gave me the idea that I should try the SD card reader on my laptop. I did, which didn't magically unveil them like I had hoped, but I wasn't going to give up. I began googling my issue, and found the CardRecovery.com site! It allowed me to use a trial version to check and see if the files were even still on the card, and then once I had found the files, I purchased the software for $34.95!

Before you yell at me, I already had almost all of the low-res files saved on my laptop, so it wouldn't have been the end of the world, but I still wanted the option to save the 3,000 Raw files to my external hard drive. Plus, now I have the capability to recover anything, including stuff that has been deleted accidentally or intentionally from my camera, memory cards, phone, AND my flash drives.

 *Recover deleted photos from memory cards

* Recover lost photos and videos from memory cards

 *Recover photos from formatted memory cards

 *Recover photos from damaged, unreadable or defective memory cards

 *Recover pictures from removable storage including flash drives

* Recover images, video files from mobile phones

I'm not even getting compensated to tell you all of this. I just thought I should spread the word, because I know we ALL have problems like this. Pictures are practically currency in blogging, so none of us can afford to lose them. Am I right, or am I right?

Did anyone watch the Air Force/ Army game? The ESPNU camera was on us several times, so I'm curious as to whether we made it on TV ;)

I Could Kick Myself Right Now

There I was last night trying to be productive, and I completely deleted an entire published blog post. Comments, pageviews, and ALL. Boy do I feel dumb.

Ain't nothin' I could do about it, so I continued with going through my HUNDREDS of drafts. How do I have hundreds, you ask? I create a draft for any idea I have, and they range from key phrases to ready to publish. Some I plan to share soon, some are rough drafts, and some were written cathartic-ally and will probably never be blog appropriate.

Obviously, I will never make it through all the drafts since more ideas come to me daily, so I decided to combine ideas that don't have to stand on their own. Tid bits, if you will.

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Have you seen Mike & Molly?

It's a cute show, great cast, and I went to school with Katy Mixon's sister! Between watching her and dude from Major Dad, I'm hooked.


I couldn't believe that she was in it, and I had no clue!

I was going to blog about how I stay happy, but here is the abbreviated version.

+ I seldom drink. Yes drinking can be fun, but if you've ever been depressed after drinking, then you know how badly it effects your body and mind.

+ I try to live simply.

+ I try to make my hubby happy.

Happy wife = happy life? Yes, and happy hubs = lots of love.
+ I take Fish Oil and B Complex.

Read some great tips about your credit:
Four Moves That Can Lower Your Credit Score
Top Five Credit Myths

The Best App EVER!
It's called Heads Up, and it's a great game to play with friends anywhere. We played it on our downtime in Denver and I am now obsessed. It was inspired by Ellen Degeneres, so you know it's got to be awesome.

Find out how to Pin from Pinterest!
The Vintage Apple has a great tutorial. Thanks to all who shared this with me.

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Welp, that's enough for today.
But I do need to say thanks for all the sweet words yesterday ;)
Y'all made me feel like a superstar!

I'm Feeling Re-Inspired

Mal, Hallie, and Nikki have been having a motivational link up that I have partaken in, and this week we are getting extra inspirational by sharing what inspires us. I'm feeling all kinds'a inspired lately, so I went a bit farther.

Who:
Will is athletic by nature and a PT Stud {Physical Training}, and I hated losing time with him when he went to the gym on weekends. Post Deployment, I decided to jump right in and haven't looked back!
What:

The culprit was my slowing metablism.
Where:
I also think Colorado is inspiring, because the Altitude makes every day tasks harder. You will ALWAYS be out of breath after taking a few flights of stairs, but you see a difference in your body without even working out as it adjusts. If you add working out into the mix, it just makes it better.
When:
I'm working out six-seven days a week. I do take it easier two-three days a week, but I like to burn the extra calories everyday, and I ALWAYS want the high.
Why:

#1 Not having to feel guilty about what I eat (within moderation of course).
#2 Health and that feeling of being 'clean'.
#3 Sculpting my body to look how I never thought it could.

Example of #1: Blating with Sami this week! 

We went to  Benihana's for her first time, and we are going to Cheesecake tonight for dinner. Obviously = LOTS of motivation to work out.

You know what else inspires me?
This blog and YOU.

Recently, my posting went from five+ days a week to as low as one day, and y'all are still here. I lost some followers, but who needs puff followers anyways? I'm now getting into a more realistic habit of commenting that I hope will help me become more efficient and less stressed when I open my email to 300+ emails.

"Technology is a tool, not a learning outcome...we need to use it as a platform, creative outlet, free therapy. It's not the about numbers {unless you are or have a goal to make money} or a popularity contest."- Unknown

Maybe one day I will be a SAHW {SAHM's work harder than I do now, so props to ya}, and I will be able to put days on end into this blog, but until then...this is my haven and not my only obligation and/or job. I need to remind myself of that when I worry about whether to answer emails or go for a workout. My health, my husband, and my sanity come first, but you guys are next in my life line ;) This really is a learning process; a great way to learn multitasking and how to prioritize life. Don't ya think?

Just Call Me Mrs. Corporate Trainer.

I have a big smile on my face right now, and this is why:

+ My hubby is home.

I only worked three days this week.

+ The work week is almost done.

+ We had the best time frolicking at Water World.

+ I am now a Corporate Trainer for Restaurants of America, Inc.!

So what does that actually mean?

I am now part of a team that will travel the stores in Colorado to evaluate and retrain the Front of House staff. Our initial training is done in store where a person such as myself, walks trainees through every facet of becoming a Hooter's girl, but our company is taking it one step farther. It's basically a "No Hooter's Girl Left Behind" type thing. It's going to be a big commitment for the next couple months, but I'm due for a new challenge and it's pretty dang cool to be handpicked for the inaugural team.

I wanted to share more pictures from Wednesday, but Photobucket is telling me that I've reached my Bandwidth. If you want to see more, you can find them on Facebook. There you can see why having a waterproof camera is perfect for days like this.

Have any of you dealt with the Photobucket monthly Bandwidth limit? 

What are your tips and tricks?

Now it's time for a fun-filled weekend with my lover, and the first weekend of the Cleanse. Ten days of cleansing and exactly ten days until the Calendar shoot. WhoopWhoop!

A Good Week And FUN News!

It is truly amazing how many things you can accomplish when blogging doesn't take over every thought in your mind. Don't get me wrong, I kinda miss blogging, but I have been enjoying living life more. Does this mean I'm quitting? Hell NO. It just means that I am enjoying getting my sanity back.

I'm sure some of you are nodding your head "yes", as you understand the incredible pressure that one can have from juggling work, life, family, followers, and content, but I'm sure that some of you are all like, "You shouldn't complain. You decided to blog and gain followers, so now you should suck it up and do what you gotta do." I know, I know. I've said it myself. But guess what? IDGA-Flip. I do what I want ;)

First, I'd like to lighten the mood.

This is what happens when I don't like how people park:

A few other gems from the last week...

+ My picha' was featured on westword.com, not once but TWICE!

+ Will came to visit me at work! Totally made my day.

+ I tried Foam Rolling {as suggested by lovely bloggers} and love it so far.

+ I have had time for the kitchen, and totally had to make Cheeseburger pizza again. YUM.

Yep, made this Strawberry Pie too! I combined two recipes on my Pinterest to make it super easy and oh-so-flavorful. Seriously, my mouth is watering just looking at it.

* For Pre-made Crust, I recommend Immaculate Pie Crusts.

But the best news...

My manager walked up to us with Orange envelopes the other day and we KNEW that it meant we get to shoot for the 2014 International Hooters Calendar! It doesn't mean we are in, but just to shoot is an honor. I'm going to put my best bikini forward on July 1st and we shall see what happens!

For now, I'm taking this one day at a time until I can get back into the groove of blogging, or perhaps I will create a new groove. Someone once told me that I would get to a point where I couldn't reply to every comment or return every email, and I guess I am now realizing that as much as I'd like to...it's just not realistic. I vow to do what I can and continue to create new relationships, but not because I have to. Because I want to.

I hope you all have a fabulous week!

I Need Confession, But I'm Not Catholic

I confess...I knew that with all of your help, I would WIN the Bracket Babes Competition!

I confess...I want to live in a fancy house to decorate and be all bloggerific, but I like saving money more. Our "vintage" rental takes care of the two of us just fine. Plus, I don't think I'm as into decorating as Pinterest makes me think I am. True Story.

I confess...I left a bag of chicken thawing in the fridge and it got everywhere. And Will licked it. BLEH. Why he thought it smart to lick the outside of a can that had "something" on it is beyond me, but lesson learned...use a bowl. I blame it on being sick.

I confess...I enjoyed laying in bed all weekend. I thought I would be sad I missed the BBQ, but instead, I was absolutely loving the relaxation. It really was just what I needed.

I confess...that I eat these like they are going out of business:

Source: pepperidgefarm.com via Janna on Pinterest

I am completely obsessed with them and I don't even feel bad about it!

I confess...I am a little obsessed with my gym time lately. I need to find a happy medium. I don't want to get burnt out, or get to an unrealistic level. Once your body gets used to excessive exercise it doesn't want you to slack off. I want to have fun with it and not take it to the excessive level.

I confess...I haven't weighed or measured myself in over a month. I'm finding it much easier to just focus on pushing myself during work outs and choosing yummy, healthy food. I'm really beginning to think the scale is the WORST part of a healthy lifestyle. It's about how you feel, not what you weigh.

I confess...I'm for gay marriage. Love is love is love. I wouldn't want anyone to tell me who to love, so I'm not going to judge the choices of others. Last I checked, that was the big man upstairs job.

I confess...I fret over whether to post about controversial things on le blog, but I don't allow that to stop me. My happy place can include sharing and sticking up for what I believe in.

I confess...I don't know if it's against some rules to do one of these posts without knowing when the "link up" is or who hosts the link up. I just felt like confessing. Sorry, I'm not sorry.

I confess...I think blogger drama is just plain ridonkulous.
If you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all.
Don't judge others.
Don't be a snob.
Don't assume everyone else is a snob.
Don't be so insecure.
Don't be a hater.
Promote what you love, don't bash what you hate.

Find out more AWESOME blog advice on Kelly's blog.
A few things we all need to learn and remember!

Pot Pie Muffins

I pinned this recipe a while ago, and boy am I glad I did.

It was so EASY, comforting, and delish that I can't wait to make it again!

Preheat oven to 400.

Combine all ingredients except for your choice of dough.

Lightly grease muffin tin, and either divide Puff Pastry dough into each tin or follow directions on phyllo package for a nice, light, flaky alternative. A little more work, but totally worth it.

Spoon pie mixture into each cup.

Bake for about 15 minutes, just be sure to keep an eye out around 12 minutes.

Here is another version for anyone that eats "clean", and if you have extra filling, put it over toast or in a pita for more great alternatives.

My final thought for today, is that anyone near East Colorado needs to join the Denver Bloggers Facebook Page that Sami started. We all need to meet up, and I think this will be the best way to get everyone together! Shoot, you don't even have to live in Colorado. We will take visitors too ;)

Everyone have a GREAT weekend, and just remember to vote {and tell your friends}.

I'll Buy Your Votes ;)

Remember the Bracket Babes Competition from last week?

We have made it to the FINAL ROUND, and as such, now I REALLY need your help.

I'm up against my girlfriend Rachael, and not only is she a Calendar girl, but she knows a LOT of people. I'd like to think I have better supporters through all of the most awesome bloggers in the world, so help me out and prove me right!

As promised, I am even having a giveaway to sweeten the deal ;)
I bought this package of goodies recently, and I also bought one to give away!

Source: yestocarrots.com via Janna on Pinterest

The only mandatory entry is to VOTE, but I threw in some Twitter, Bloglovin', and asked some blogging questions that have been on my mind. I can't wait to hear your answers.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Now that we are back, the weekend was fun, but I am HAPPY to be home. I am ready to have a week WITHOUT a to-do list, and to make it as quickly as possible to Friday. Technically I'm going in today, but I'm just catching up on paperwork = no customers and my own time frame. Yay for a three day work week!

Thanks in advance for all your help, and let's win this thang!

I {almost} Died on Monday

...But not really.
I will spare you the gory details and just tell you that I sliced my thumb up. My boss was ready to send me to the hospital, but I thought it unnecessary. Why do we always do that? If someone else was bleeding all over the place, I would definitely tell them to go get it checked. When I do it- I wrap it up and watch the bandaging turn crimson.

I'm not sure if that was the cause, but I passed out at 8PM that night and slept for eleven hours straight. Normally I wouldn't care, but I didn't have a blog post scheduled for Tuesday and wanted to spend time with Will, since he had to spend Tuesday night sleeping out in the field. I think I need to reevaluate my time management if I can't even stay awake for that.

I spend foutry-nine hours/week sleeping, twenty-six hours/week at work, thirty-five+ hours/week blogging, and five+ hours/week working out.
**My hat is off to bloggers that work full time and/or have children. 
I don't know how you keep it all together, and look so fabulous while you do it!**

168-49-26-35-5=53

This leaves me with fifty-three hours for EVERYTHING else- cleaning, cooking, grocery shopping, "fun", and most importantly, Will. Granted I do the majority of this "stuff" while he is working and sleeping, but it is still leaving me overwhelmed. Instead of letting myself get burnt out, I would like to work on better time management. Unfortunately, the only thing I can cut back on is blogging, but I think that if I quit overextending myself I can tighten up this ship.

+ I will kick butt with March Madness {two weeks left to make my to-do list a to-done list}.
+ I will use some of the 100's of blog drafts that I have saved, instead of stressing about recapping immediately. So what if I haven't posted about the Military Ball yet? It can wait.
+ I will learn to say no to projects, giveaways, and link ups if I can't handle them.
+I will remember the advice that I read on another blog...
This blog is my letters to you, and your wonderful comments are your letters back to me. I need to remember that as long as I read every comment, answer any questions, and continue to grow relationships, I am doing okay.

Kait wrote some powerful words recently, that are now resonating in my head:

But I have come to a point of reckoning. Sometimes it's okay to just "be". Be grateful with what you have. Be happy for what you have done. Be excited for the potential that the future holds.

And for once, let your expectations do the waiting.

Today, I'm just going to be...
 Thankful that my husband is in training to better his career.
That I have a house to take care of.
That I have the skills to cook for my love.
That I have a job.

That I have discovered this obsession hobby of working out.

That I have so many wonderful bloggers as friends and companions.

That I have so many ideas popping out of my head that I can't keep up with what I want to blog about day to day. {No such thing as writer's block over here!}

So what are you all thankful for today?

A BLATE With KAIT...{lyn}

I would be b*tchin' about going to work on my day off yesterday, but since it was followed by a Starbucks date with Kaitlyn, it turned into a fabulous day!

Don't tell anyone, but I get more nervous for blates than the first date with my husband. Granted I didn't know that our first date was a date, but that's not the point. I mean, this girl is gorgeous and it comes off so effortlessly on her blog. Although, you'd think that I'd be a pro after seven other blates.

Will she like me?
Will she think that I am just how I come off on the blog?
Will I talk to much? Not enough?
Am I dressed Bloggerific enough?
Is my zit popping through the makeup?
{Yes, I did have a zit pop up, unfortunately}



Now...I think we are in "blog love".
It went from grabbing coffee at Starbucks to chatting it up for THREE hours. Our husbands were even checking on us, because they didn't expect us to hang out that long.

Between blogging, chatting about marriage, and the fact that we are Mil Spouses, the conversation was endless. I would give you details about what we talked about, but a) you'd have to be there and b) I'd have to kill you if I told you. One particular topic might be mentioned on Kaitlyn's blog on Friday, so I would make sure to check her out before then.

I am happy to say that I think we clicked pretty well, and I see more blates in the future. We are even hoping for a Colorado Blogger Meet up. It would be epic.
Sami, I hope you are reading ;)

And my final thought, you should wear pearls with your plaid like I did today. It's a Southern thang, but I think it needs to catch on. Keep it classy, everyone!!