Sweet Summertime...

I just haven't had time to blog, and looks like a lot of people are that way because a lot of the blogs I read haven't been updated. I hope everyone is on vacation and that's why they aren't posting. I will catch up on my posting with a list:

1. A and I have been roomates (again, this is take 2) for almost two weeks and it has been F.U.N. I mean Freaking Unbelievable Nonsense. Put the two of us together and we are like a party on wheels. I thought I loved living by myself, but now I'm so happy with her here!

2. Having A has been bad for my workout plan. I have been to the gym exactly twice and it's almost two weeks she's been living back in our town now. I have got to get back on track.

3. In 15 days I'll be on vacation to beautiful Myrtle Beach. In 19 days I'll be turing 25.

4. A revealed to me that she has never seen "Baywatch". I was surprised because first, after you've been BFFs for as long as we have I thought I knew everything about her, and secondly who hasn't seen "Baywatch"? I love "Baywatch", and a few years ago someone gave me a few seasons on DVD for my birthday so I had to bust them out. I grew up watching "Baywatch" and I don't think I will ever get sick of it. CJ is my favorite, but I like Jill too, because the actress that played Jill is Shawn Weatherly, former Miss South Carolina USA and Miss USA.

5. I have been on three job interviews and am continuing to look for something. So far, I haven't heard anything back from any of my three interviews. The interview for the job that I really feel like would be a good fit for me was just this morning, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed and praying that something good turns up.

6. I have pretty much decided against nursing school for the time being, although hopefully one day will be a better time. I feel like I just finished school (even though it's been 2 years since I graduated from USC), and right now I'm just having fun working and dating. If not nursing school, I might start a masters program in something that I could do slowly, night classes and such, because I'm just not prepared for the long hours (clinicals) and college student lifestyle (broke) that nursing school requires. We will see, hopefully soon I'll get good news about the job situation!

XOXOX
Gamecock Queen

RIP Michael, Farah...

What an awful way to start my day. This morning I was driving to work, through the part of town called Five Points, and I saw a beautiful little kitten in the street. It looked scared to death, so I pulled my car into the Food Lion parking lot as fast as I could, parked, got out, and started to the road to get the kitten. Right then, a car stopped because they had hit the kitten! It was so sad (and the car only stopped and looked before driving away, they didn't get out or try to help me or anything) the kitten couldn't walk because it's back leg had been hit and it was meowing and trying to get closer to me. A homeless man came and stood with me in the middle of traffic. I had to pick up this poor kitten out of the road. A beautiful blonde girl was in the Food Lion parking lot and came over to help. She gave me and this poor little kitten a ride to the vet, which is just down the street. The little cat acted like it wanted attention even though it was in such bad shape. When I got to the vet they said they could try to save the kitten, but that the prognosis wasn't good, and that it would be expensive. They said the kitten's lungs were probably damaged because it was having a hard time breathing. I had the kitten put down because that seemed best after being run over. I wish that the car hadn't hit the kitten (or at least had just been nice enough to stop) because I could have gotten my boss to take him and find him a home. My boss is the kitten rescuer extrordinaire, which is one of the reasons I look up to him so much. So, not the best way to begin my work day.

I can't believe Michael Jackson died. I LOVE early Michael, the Thriller album is the best. Wasn't "Man in the Mirror" (another favorite of mine) the song from Free Willie? I remember when I was that movie I thought it was the best thing I'd ever seen. I thought the kid in it was really cute. Wonder what ever happened to that actor?
I feel like Farrah Fawcett's death isn't getting much media coverage because of Michael Jackson (and Gov. Sanford, yes, I'm still dialed into the gossip - sorry). She makes a red bathing suit look good. I've always liked red bathing suits, they are a classic. My Mom almost named me Farrah and chose Tara for my middle name. I like Farrah and her other choice, Brooke, a lot more than what she named me, but nothing I can do about it now! LOL She let her loser ex husband, my biological father, pick my name, so go figure. What a great smile she had, and such beautiful teeth. It might be weird, but I am a teeth person. I always look at people's teeth.

Last night after the photos (I think they were really good) and Mexcian food, A and I got sucked into "I'm 16 and Pregnant". Everyone says that show makes teen pregnancy look fun and criticizes the show, but I like it. I don't know why I watch it, but I don't think it makes teen pregnancy look fun. I like kids, but that does not look fun to me! And I can't stand the guys on there. The baby's dad is always some annoying dirt neck from the sticks and never wants to do their part to take care of the baby. I guess that shouldn't be surprising since these are teenagers after all, but the mom always steps up. After "16 and Pregnant" we wanted to stay up all night and watch MTV because they were going to be playing old MJ music videos all night, but we couldn't last another second.

I hope everyone has a great weekend! I have another interview on Tuesday!
XOXOX
Gamecock Queen

Interviews, The Governor's Dirty Laundry, & More...

First let me say that I am so grateful, God is good, I have had two interviews today and have one scheduled for next week as well. I was so frustrated for so long because it seemed like I couldn't even get an interview! I have also been getting all my ducks in a row for nursing school, when and if that is the direction I decided to go.

Do you remember that song by Don Henley "Dirty Laundry"? Everyone loves dirty laundry and the recent scandal with our governor is no exception. I am not one to follow the news much, but I'm tuned into this one. I know it isn't exactly a good attitude to be so dialed into gossip, but I can't help myself on this one.

Yesterday as soon as Sanford began his press conference I knew just from his mannerisms and body language he was about to confess to being unfaithful to his wife. I was watching with a room of people and I called it as soon as the conference began. I have some, err prior experience shall we say, with dishonest men so I could spot what was going to be confessed from a mile away.

I feel bad for his wife, because when I was cheated on (by a boyfriend I had been with for five years) I really took it personally. I thought that it was a reflection on me and I felt awful about myself. It took me a long time to put it behind me and a long time before I could date again. This brings me to some observations:

-when men cheat it seems like they always cheat with someone who is average looking. Nothing special. Sometimes someone less attractive than their spouse or signifigant other. When X cheated on me I thought the girl was going to be gorgeous, a supermodel, a 10. Not the case. She was short, plump, and average looking in every way. About the only thing "attractive" about her was that she was 19 to my old age of 24. Why do we always think the woman will look like Gisele and why is she always completely ordinary?

-When men cheat they make the stupidest mistakes and get caught. You would think they would learn to be more careful. For example, taking a state vehicle to the airport and being MIA for days when you are the governor. Did he think that he wasn't going to get found out?

-Why do politicans think that they aren't going to get found out? Haven't enough scandals happened that they could look around and think, "Geez, I really want to cheat on my wife, but so many of us get found out, I think I'll wait until I get out of office". They always get found out!

I'm not trying to make light out of what is really a sad situation. I realize this is a private matter and a sad situation. I just get sick of men sometimes.

I'm about to leave for the day. Tonight I'm modeling for a photography portfolio so I'm excited about that and will have pictures to share soon. After that Lil' A and I are going to eat {because I haven't eaten today in preparation for tonight and because I was nervous about my interviews and I can't eat when I'm nervous} and then we are devouring The State, our newspaper, which printed emails between Sanford and The Other Woman.

XOXOX
Gamecock Queen

Dishes I love...

Today I'm posting some dishes that I've loved for a few years now. They are Versace and the pattern is called Hot Flowers. They are a little wild, but I think they're fun. One day I'll have them.




I do school stuff tonight (in case I decide I can swing nursing school - still not crazy about moving back home) and I have a job interview Thursday (but I don't think it's enough $ so I'm really going for the experience only). I'm trying not to get stressed, but it's hard keeping myself under control. I'm a worrier. I wish I wasn't. I just keep reminding myself that God has a plan and that God's timing is always perfect timing.

XOXO
Gamecock Queen

Watermelon....

the watermelon weekend was so much fun! I won the beauty catagory for my age division. I didn't win watermelon wear. I'm still really tired from all the fun (it was crazy hot and I think I got dehydrated b/c I forgot to drink or eat on Saturday) and I have stuff to do at work, so I'll just post some pictures.

Camp...

Camp Kemo was awesome! Those are the sweetest children in the world and I had so much fun. Camp Kemo is very well run with medical personnel on standby, police, and tons of organized activities. I am beat today. My eyes are watering at my desk and feel like sandpaper. I'm in OK shape and all my muscles are sore today from all of the activities we did.

My group went to dancing (we learned a dance from High School Musical), chariot races, quiet time (I wouldn't have made it all day without it), lunch (Sonic), a belly flop contest, woodworking (we made bread boxes), and canoeing (my partner almost tipped us over).

All the children were so sweet and affectionate, but there was one in particular that was just too precious. He had Down Syndrome and came and sat in my lap a few times. He was wearing frog galoshes.

I didn't take any pictures so I don't have any for the post. When I did Queen for a Day we couldn't take any photos so I figured the same rule applied. Plus, that's weird to put pictures of people's kids on the internet, I guess.

Next year I want to go back and stay all week as a counselor. When I was a kid and went to church camp I hated it and thought "roughing it" was awful. I think now I would be OK with being at camp. Camp Kemo had cabins with a bathroom and shower so it isn't too rustic.

Tomorrow The Frashelys (Me {Fran} and my partner in crime {Ashley} together are Frashley...get it?) are beach bound! We are going to the Watermelon Festival Pageant on Saturday morning and to the beach the rest of the time. We're going to go out in Beaufort, which is a really cute town, as well so I'm looking forward to it all!!

XOXOX
Gamecock Queen

VBS Time...

There are several churches in my neighborhood and it seems like all of them are having VBS right now. I went to Vacation Bible School for many summers growing up. My Mom even has a picture of me that I'll have to find where I'm with a group of children and I'm wearing a crown for no reason at all.

I was on the phone with my friend Joe in Baltimore this weekend and we were talking about VBS. I remembered that one year a ventriloquist came to do entertainment and that it scared me really bad. Joe said he has also been to a VBS where a ventriloquist performed. That is so creepy!

To this day I don't like ventriloquist. I really don't care for dolls at all, much less doll's that people talk for. Ever since I've saw the horror movie Dolls as small child I've hated all dolls. Dolls give me the willies and I always think of that part in Bride of Chuckie where the doll bites the little girl's fingers. Barbie, on the other hand, I love.

I'm not a fan of clowns either ever since I saw IT.

The worst talking doll ever is Howdy Doody. He looks just like he came out of a horror movie. My grandparents lived in California for many years before they moved to where they live now, which is San Angelo TX. I when visited them they lived in Rancho Santa Fe, which is a suburb of San Diego. They lived in the same neighborhood as those Hale Bop Comet people in the 90s. They also lived next to Margarite Henry, who wrote my favorite books when I was a child. She wrote Misty of Chincoteague and other books about horses. Before my time they lived closer to Hollywood and saw a lot of celebrities. They used to see Desi Arnez, who was an alcoholic, walking along the beach at night drunk. I don't know if you could call this a celebrity, but they used to live next to Howdy Doody. Horrors!

Has anyone else been to a Vacation Bible School where a ventriloquist made an appearance? And is it just me or are those things creepy?

XOXO
Gamecock Queen

Friday Photos

First today's outfit. Outfit posts were inspired by Maegan's Totally Gratuitous Outfit Posts and man would I love to shop her closet! I love this dress because it's so feminine.

Dress: H&M
Shoes: 9 West a few years ago
Bag: Hype, from a TJMaxx about 5 years ago
Earrings: Cache
Amythest Cocktail Ring: yes, it's real. From my Great Aunt for my 21st birthday. Her husband gave it to her in the 1960s or 70s and I admired it and it showed up as a surprise birthday gift. It's my favorite piece of jewlry ever (see upclose below).

And for the rest of photo Friday, the animals. Trinket says to make a joke of recent events in the world of blogging, she wants everyone to know that she's not a real baby. She acts like one and thinks she is one, but in all reality she is a chihuahua. However, when I was about 14 I was holding my Mom's chihuahua outside of a store and a woman came up to me and said "Oh my goodness, I thought that was a premature baby until I got up close!"



Have a great weekend.
XOXO
Gamecock Queen

You Asked For It: The Fitness Post

I have had one of my blogger friends request a post on my diet and exercise activities when I'm preparing for a pageant. I'm flattered! I'm just going to be truthful here about what I really do, so it may not be the most nutrionally sound advice. I'm not a personal trainer or a nutritionist, so this is just what I do. I'll begin with exercise.

Exercise
I do a lot of weight training and only a little bit of cardio. I think a little cardio goes a long way. I will do about 20 minutes on the tradmill (usually running, but if I don't feel like it sometimes I'll just walk instead), stationary bike, or eliptical machine to begin with. This will get your heart rate going and get your body warmed up. After that I do about 40+ minutes of weight training. I like free weights more than machines. I use 3, 5, and 8 pound weights. You don't want to use too much weight and get too bulky. This consists of the upright row, pushups, bicep curls, overhead press (triceps), the tricep pushup, scapular retractions, and external rotations.

I workout about 3X a week, but if it's getting down to pageant time I try to do everyday.

This is an external rotation, only I use free weights.


Tricep Press: keep elbows in next to your ears and don't let them flop outwards.

I also use a 9 lb body bar. I use this for dead lifts. Since I have started doing backbends and deadlifts my back has gotten a lot stronger. Keep your back absolutely flat when doing a deadlift. You should feel this in the top of your hamstrings just under the glute area.

For lower body I do a lot of single leg lunges and squats. They are not fun but there is nothing as effective. For the sake of muscle confusion I alternate between super slow low squats and fast squats where I don't go as low. I also do squats squeezing a small (6 lbs) medicine ball between my knees. This makes sure you are using proper form and uses more muscles. Remember in a squat your knees should never go past your toes. You can also use the body bar on your shoulders for added weight when doing squats and lunges. For lower legs I do calf raises with my weights rested on my shoulders. I do them with toes forward, toes inward, and toes out (first position in ballet) to work the entire calf muscle.

For abs I use the big exercise ball for crunches. I also do the reverse crunch where you lay on your back raising your legs up and down. I do planks and side planks as well.

You can do 3 sets of 12 of most of these or just go until the muscle is burnt out.


Food
To begin with I cut out all drinks except for water (lots of it) and green tea. I don't put any sugar in my green tea, and because it tastes bad, I just pour it down my throat like taking a shot. I do drink juice in the morning, but not throughout the day because it's sugary. When I had a personal trainer he would not allow any soda, not even diet, and don't ask me how it works, but it helps. He did recommend prune juice (can't remember why) but I could never stomach it. I never ever skip breakfast. I usually have orange juice (I like Purely Simple Valencia OJ and all the sugar is almost like having coffee) and cereal. I get Special K cereal and not kid sugar cereal. I don't eat after 7 PM (another rule I stole from my old trainer). If I get hungry or miss dinner and it's after 7, too bad. I eat Progresso 100 calorie soups like they are going out of style when I diet. Anything portion controlled is a good idea. I try to go easy on pasta and cut out all junk food. I love Italian food and eating out in general so I try to avoid both when I diet. It's so much easier to diet when you can eat at home. When you do eat out, stay out of the bread basket. - I have a hard time with this. Moe's Little Moo Moo on the kids menu is only something like 400 calories so that is a good option if you have to eat out. Moe's Personal Trianer Mexican salad is good too. I don't have a big sweet tooth so it's easy to cut out all desserts and candy. If I have to have something I eat a mini candy bar, such as a Snickers. I make my sandwiches on wheat bread and bring lunch instead of going out for lunch. For snacks, I like whole wheat gold fish, sliced tomatoes (I grow my own), string cheese sticks (these are filling), and popcorn. I probably don't eat as much fruits and vegetables as I should. Every once in awhile you have to cheat and get a cheeseburger or something you love. This will rev up your metabolism so it isn't bad to cheat sometimes.

DVDs I like
I like Shape magazines Bikini Bootcamp DVDs for using at home. Sometimes you just want to come straight home after work and not have to make a stop at the gym.
The Girls Next Door workout video is decent (my dogs like to watch this for some reason).
Elements Ballet Conditioning DVD is a good one.
I also walk Trinket almost everyday so that's a little bit of extra exercise I'm getting. Trinket demands her walk and walks really fast to have 4 inch legs! I try to walk uphill when I can to get extra work on my hamstring and glute area.

Past Miss USA Tara Conner. She has one of the best swimsuit bodies I have ever seen.
One last tip: try to get extra sleep because then you won't be as hungry throughout the day and will have more energy to exercise.

Hope this was helpful!
XOXO
Gamecock Queen

My Guilty Pleasure & a Recipe

I'm loving the Real Housewives of New Jersey. I think it's the best Real Housewives yet. Trinket even loves it. Trinket watches TV, I kid you not. To be as tiny as she is, Trinket is really smart. When Real Housewives of New Jersey is on she can't take her eyes off the TV.
My favorite housewife by far is Dina. I think she's so cute and her hair always looks so good. I love how she's always talking about keeping house and when I see her cook I always wish I could have some b/c I just know it's delicious. Keeping house is one of my #1 priorities. I'm bad almost to the point I've wondered if I have OCD or something. I have to change mys sheets and do laundry every Sunday or the order of the universe will be upset.
I like Caroline because she dosen't take any crap from anyone and Jackie because she is so sweet. Danielle drives me nuts. I wish she would leave the show, of course, then it wouldn't be as interesting. Their homes are all gorgeous. I for one don't need a huge house, but right now I live in an old house and I can't wait for the day when I can live in a newer home. I don't require a lot in square footage, but there are a few things (I'm a details person) that I would love to have.
I would love:
-granite counter tops
-all stainless steel kitchen appliances
-a garden bathtub and separate glass door shower
-more bathroom space
-a walk-in closet
I'll keep my hardwood floors. I love them and they are easy to clean. I've lived in an apartment with wall-to-wall carpeting before and I'm not a fan.

I don't cook much, unless I have company. However, once Ashley moves in we're going to start cooking dinner once a week. In the spirit of Real Housewives, I will leave you all with one of my favorite recipes. It's easy and delicious.

Italian Chicken Pasta Toss

6 oz. of uncooked bowtie pasta
2-3 plump tomatoes diced
1 small onion OR onion salt to your tasting...(I used the onion salt)
2 medium zucchinis sliced ( I love them..so I add a lot more!)
1 small bell pepper (i didn't use this...we don't care for them)
1/2 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch strips
2 teaspoons of olive oil tasting
1 teaspoon of Basil/Oregano mixed
1 teaspoon of salt
1/4 cup of grated fresh parmesan cheese (OR...the cheese that you can just pour over...that's what we used :)

1. Cook pasta according to package directions, drain and keep warm
2. Meanwhile, dice tomatoes, slice zucchini, cut bell pepper into strips and chicken crosswise into 1-inch strips.
3. Heat olive oil in stir fry skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Put chicken into skillet and then put garlic flakes over chicken (To your tasting). Stir fry 5 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink. Reduce heat to medium.
4. Add onion, zucchini, bell peppers, basil/oregano, and salt....Stir fry 2 minutes.
5. Add tomatoes. Heat 1-2 minutes, stirring gently until heated through.
6. Stir in warm pasta. Liberally sprinkle parmesan cheese over pasta.
Voila!

XOXO
Gamecock Queen

Goodbye Stress...

I'm saying goodbye to stress. Not because I've found a job (research grant I work on is ending in Sept.), or made a 100% decision about school. I'm just making the choice to STOP. God has a plan for me and I know that with 100% certainty.

This weekend when I wrote the post about moving into the barn (I really think of it more as what people call a "mother-in-law house", but maybe that's just me not wanting to say I might live in a BARN LOL) I was so stressed I couldn't sit still. I called my Mom and she pointed out to me that being this worried, when I've been working like crazy to apply for jobs and doing a FAFSA and all that jazz to get ready for school, is almost like an insult to God. It's almost like saying I think I can do better than Him.

So for the meantime, I've decided that unless a stellar job opportunity comes along and I pray about it and really feel that is where God wants me to be, I'm going to nursing school. I'm now enrolled and have only attend a meeting called Updates on Nursing (not sure what that is, they didn't have it when I was there for school), meet with my advisor (same one as before :-D), and register for classes. Classes begin August 24th.

The idea of a career in nursing really excites me. The idea of not working a desk job anymore really excites me. The idea of being in something hands on instead of administration and research is exciting.

Even though it's frustrating to have already spent years and dollars getting a bachelors, only to decide to be a nurse and start over, I'm getting used to the idea. After all, I have 30 or 40 years left to work so I may as well be doing something I like.

So in the meantime I'm going to keep getting my ducks in a row for school, keep applying for jobs, and kiss stress goodbye.

Oh, and look forward to the beach. I'm going to Beaufort, SC (which if you have ever seen Full Metal Jacket they are at boot camp at Parris Island in Beaufort although it wasn't filed there, it was filmed in San Diego) in June and then Myrtle Beach, SC in July.
XOXOX
Gamecock Queen

Outbreak....

For those of you that have pets, I'm sure you are familair with the battle against fleas. For me, it starts at this time of year (beginning of summer) every year. I couldn't hate it more! I love my pets and having pets {although Morgan is very energetic and a handful, maybe I'll do a post all about that later. People have asked me before why I don't find her a new home, but I think that a pet is a lifetime commitment. I mean, if I can't commit to raising this dog what would I do with a problem child?} but I hate having fleas! I was on about the 4th week of Advantage when I left for Atlanta. Even though Advantage only works for 3 or 4 weeks, I was in a hurry with lots of errands to run before leaving town, and I was hoping I could just stretch it and wait until I got back. Not so! I came home to fleas. Yikes! I have been miserable, feeling discusting, and counting down the minutes until 8:00 this morning so I could go to the vet and get some relief.
I'm so ashamed to even write this on my blog. I am a clean freak and hate dirt, much less bugs in the house.

For those of you that don't know this, as I didn't, if you wash your pet's bedding and anything else (your bedding, area rugs etc. ) in the washer and dry it on high heat in the dryer the heat of the dryer kills the flea eggs. Today I'm going home for lunch to treat everyone with Advantage and then I'm washing everything in my house. Luckily, I have hardwood floors and not carpeting so I think I can nip this in the bud and not have infestation. All weekend I felt like the fleas were biting me. I'm promising myself I'm going to be more vigilent in my war against fleas for the rest of the summer.

Hope all of you are having a good and flea free Monday!
XOXOX
Gamecock Queen

Still....

weighing my options. Some backgrond - when I first started college way back in 2002 I was going to tech for nursing (Registered Nurse). I completed almost all the classes for what is called the lower division (I only lack Anatomy and Physiology I & II) and was accepted to the upper division (which is clinicals). I was young and scared and didn't know what was going on, running like a chicken with my head off, so instead of beginning clinicals I came to USC. First I wanted to be a social worker, but I didn't want to stay and get a masters, so I switched to Biology, it was really demanding (note: I'm not this lazy anymore) because I again felt I wanted to do something medical, and then finally just called it a day and finished with a BS in Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management in '07. I just wanted to finish and be done. It was an easy degree and I had A LOT of fun during this time. Careers and working were about the farthest thing from my mind.

I ended up getting a permanent job for a research project in the School of Public Health at USC. I worked there during my time as a student at USC as their office assistant. I do their administration and some other stuff now. I love the people I work with, but I don't want to work a desk job forever. This job ends in September anyways.

Now that I am looking for a job and not having much success, I'm heavily considering nurisng again. I wish I had just done that in the first place! Clinicals are very demanding and time consuming and if you work, you can only work part time. There is no way I could stay here in my house and maintain this lifestyle. I was really balking at the idea of moving home, because I've been on my own for so long and am used to having my independence. Yesterday I made a stop at my grandparents on my way back from Atlanta and they said that I could live in their barn so I would still have some independence and feeling of being on my own. Now I know you are thinking "a barn?!" Yes, me, a former pageant queen, living in a barn! The part I (and Trinket of course) would be living in is nice: electricity (I'm not sure if they get cable out there or not, but I could probably get it out there), window unit for AC, carpet, insulation, and so forth. I could make a little studio apartment with what is now my living room and bedroom. The dining room and kitchen I would store. There is not a kitchen or laundry in the barn so I would do all that at their house or my Mom's house. I have a refrigerator I could take and have snacks and drinks in the barn with me. These aren't actual photos, but just so you get the idea. The barn I would be living in is white.

I have an appointment on June 23 to go to tech and get more information. Now they have where you can apply for competitive admission to clinicals and it is done on a point basis. If you already have a bachelors you get 10 extra points so hopefully I could start in the spring or fall of 2010.

I'm still looking for a job and haven't made up my mind yet about what I want to do. If I do nursing school, by the time I'll finish, put that together with my BS and I'll have been in school long enough to be a doctor!

I'm cleaning like crazy for Ashley to move in on the 13th and I'm really excited about it!

Enjoy the rest of the weekend :-D I'm hoping the sun will come out so I can go to the pool. Oh yeah, that's another thing I'd miss if I go back to school....
XOXO
Gamecock Queen

Flashback Friday

I'm the one sitting in the turquoise hoodie.
Below: I'm the tallest girl, and in the middle of the picture.

This is high school. OH my Goodness...those were the days. Living at home, having Mom do my laundry, spending TONS of time with my friends...and this time every year (first week of June that is) we would head to SENIOR WEEK at warm, sunny Myrtle Beach. Oh to be there now, instead of in a hotel in Atlanta for work (although it's been fun, more on that later). My Mom went with us every year until we were about 17, then we went on our own for the next few years. Abercrombie and Fitch clothes were my favorite clothes and I don't like most of their clothes now. A lot of them still live at my Mom's house and I use them for stuff like cutting grass and playing with the horses when I visit. I just don't see the point of clothes you buy that are already torn up! Now my style is Victoria's Secret clothes, and sometimes Arden B or Cache. However, I only shop at Cache or Arden B if they have sent me a really good coupon or are having a big sale. They are just too pricey!

But enough about the good old days...there is a lot to look forward to in June and July:
Saturday June 13: My best friend Ashley becomes my roommate (again)!!
Wednesday June 17: Camp Kemo
Saturday June 20: Watermelon Pageant in Hampton SC and Ashley and I go to the beach in Beaufort SC
July 4th - self explanatory :-D
July 14-18 Myrtle Beach!
July 19 - I turn 25

Hope you all have a great weekend. I'm leaving Atlanta tomorrow and it will be so nice to be home in my own house for a change!

XOXOX
Gamecock Queen

Weekend Wedding Photos...

I don't have much new to report, especially since I'm in Atlanta for work and that entails a lot of working (and a little shopping), so I will post a few pics from the wedding I went to last weeked. This wedding was one of the best weddings I have been to EVER. As far as weddings go - I have been in some, been to a lot, and seen it all from working in sales in a Hilton property. I've seen the good, the bad, and the ugly. I have a TON of ideas for when I get married (sidenote one of my friends is setting me up with a guy as soon as I get back to town - more later). This bride is one of the sweetest people you will ever meet. She is a few years older than me and like me, has been on her own for several years and has everything she needs for a house already. Since she already has everything, she asked guests to bring canned goods for her favorite local food bank (where she volunteers!). I thought it was so sweet. The ceremony was really sweet and I don't think there was a woman there that didn't tear up.


This couple met at The Islander where I worked as a waitress for many years. If you are ever in little podunk Pendleton South Carolina, you've got to go. Their food is amazing.

Me with my Mom. It was hot as blue blazes until the sun went down...

XOXO
Gamecock Queen

Reunited and it feels so good...

A few weeks ago I did a post about my one of my BFFs, Ashley, interviewing for a position in my town. Good news - she got it and is moving back!! Better news: she will be staying with me, maybe permanently. Trinket loves to have her Auntie Ashley over so she will love this. We are both so excited. When we lived together in undergrad we had so much fun. She will be moving in within two weeks. We are going to see what happens with her romantic situation, my job situation, and so forth and then decide if we want this to be a permanent arrangement. I've been alone for awhile and I will be honest, I'm pretty attached to living alone. However, I'm thinking living with Ashley will be an easier transition from those weird few months that I had a renter in the fall because Ashley and I have lived together before, we are best friends, and the renter I had for awhile in the fall wasn't the best.

God knew what he was doing when he put me and Ashley together in a pysch class at tech all those many years ago, because we are the best of friends! Please say a prayer that I will get a new job because now I really want to stay where I am.

XOXOX
Gamecock Queen

Monday in Atlanta....

I'm in Atlanta for work and I'm reading the new ELLE I got in the mail. Megan Fox is on the cover. WOW, she is so beautiful! I'm not usually a hug fan of tattoos, but I really like her Marilyn Monroe tatt. I would never in a million years get a tattoo, but if I did I think I would get one like hers. My room at my Mom's house (which she hasn't changed much except to store some of her clothes in it) is still exactly like it was in high school, with Marilyn Monroe posters framed and hung on the walls. Megan Fox dosen't seem like a very girly girl. She seems kind of wild, like a young Angelina. My two favorite celebrities are Angelina Jolie and Jessica Simpson. I would love to spend a day with Jessica Simpson. She likes to eat bad food like I do! I love her hair too.
A few weeks ago I was in my peak shape. I was feeling pretty good - and then I got busy and got lazy! I looked in the mirror today and I'm thinking where did my muscle tone go? It's MIA! I have got to hit the hotel gym while I'm here and then get back on track at home.
I ordered this to help me get back on track. The Dirty Dancing Official Workout DVD. I will do a review of it once I get a chance to try it out. I used to take dance and Dirty Dancing is my favorite movie so I'm really looking forward to this.
Nobody puts Baby in a corner!
XOXO
Gamecock Queen