Thursday thoughts: Life, fun, sun, unicorns and moms.

Do you people ever feel like you don’t have time to live your life? Today this is what my thought process was in the car:

- Okay, I don’t have time to stop for an Americano. Annoying. Crap, I forgot to grab my lunch. Too bad I over slept… again! Boo. But really, who needs to wash their hair?
- It is so pretty out!!! Look at the river. I love Portland. All I want to do after work is walk outside.
- After work I need to go to Costco to buy laundry detergent and towels. Then I need to go to Freddie’s and get some food. I should also swing by Sephora… I guess that one can wait… but I want to get there before the weekend hits.
- Too bad I didn’t get home until late last night. I really needed to fold clothes and vacuum. Cheer tryouts > chores. So whatevs. New squad new year! It is crazio how fast these years go.
- Maybe if I get home by 8 tonight I can do a little cleaning.
- I guess I won’t be going on a walk in the beautiful weather after all…
- Oooooh and there is a new Parks and Rec! Nice.

Yes people, that was my morning thought process. Pretty much verbatim of what went through my head. I love this phase in my life. It is awesome! I am only responsible for myself. I have a job and I have commitments etc. But in general, I am only answering to myself. Yet somehow, the hours in the day run out so fast! Do the rest of you ever feel like you are losing your mind?

And while we are thinking about this, in honor of Mother’s Day, let’s please take note of how we consider our lives busy… now think about our mothers out there who managed children, households, jobs, personal lives and somehow found time to nurture their marriages and get to the gym at least twice a week. Are you serious!? Moms, you deserve more than flowers on Mother's Day. You deserve a trophy made out of solid gold, a mini unicorn, a puppy that stays a puppy forever (yet acts like a trained dog) and an endless supply of chocolate truffle cake.

My mom is the freaking best EVER! She is loving, awesome, fun, funny, understanding etc. And I know it wasn’t a cakewalk to raise my sister and me. She deserves all of the aforementioned items. But I think she would prefer lemon bars over chocolate truffle cake.

We think we are hilarious (even when other people don't). Like mother like daughters! 

Give your mom a big hug and kiss this weekend. She had to deal with you… and you were probably a devil child.

I know this post took a weird turn from being about busy schedules to how awesome our moms are… but that is just how my mind is running today.

Time for another cup of coffee! Okay okay. I’ll have decaf.

Heartbreakers and broken hearts.

Breakups totally suck. From temporary ones like Cory and Topanga, to perma ones like Brad and Jen, breakups are just no good.

I have been in discussions with many of my people as of late that revolve around the breakup. Ahh the breakup. We have all had them, we have all supported a friend through one and we all despise them. Having not been in a relationship or breakup in a few years, I get to look at this as an outsider. So just accept my perspective for now.

You can be terribly broken and devastated from the ending of a relationship. Right? Well, here is the piece that baffles me… somehow it is always worth it to take a risk the next time a potential relationship is on the horizon. Does the good of a new relationship always trump the bad of a previous? Or is it the hope that this new one won’t end? (ie. marriage) And just because you are married doesn’t mean the relationship is all unicorns and rainbows. Every relationship has its own unique set of challenges. Yet somehow we are always willing to jump in feet first and take the plunge into the complicated depths of love, or like, or lust (depending on who you are).

Does a “single” status really just mean that someone is willing to get hurt again? And no, I am not talking about Facebook… you socially networked weirdos.

Please remember that this is all theory and I personally do not have a lot to go on. Just bear with me through these thoughts.

As the people in my life have been through breakups over the years, each breakup was completely different from the next. I am going to exclude myself… yet I of course find it completely kosher to discuss the personal lives of my friends… duh.





From the many different breakups in our lives we have learned this: When there is bad blood between exes, the consoling is easy because you tell the dumpee that they are better off. When there is still communication between the exes you tread lightly because you never know how they are feeling on any given day. When things just end, they just end and you comfort your friend as they deal with the heartbreak. But in complicated matters of the heart, new scenarios arise. Why? Because no two relationships are the same and therefore no two breakups are the same. You can learn from your past, but when it comes to breakups, chances are each circumstance is a whole new ball game. As humans who are wired to learn from our experiences, this is incredibly frustrating.

I so wish there was a standard. A cookie-cutter break-up if you will. If this existed, we would all know how to deal and we would all know how to best support our friends when they have a turn in the gloomy land of the breakup.

That is all I have to contribute today. I hope you are all enjoying the sunshine! Assuming you live in PDX.

Peace Out.

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A Boyfriend identity crisis.

I bet you thought this was going to be about my personal life. WRONG! It is about Justin Bieber.

I’m not sure if you have watched the Bieb’s new video for Boyfriend. I watched it with my super awesome co-worker/ fav friend Nicole, and we liked it! Duh. It is no Brit Brit, but still fab. We then launched into an important discussion regarding señior Bieber. He is obviously on the track to prove that he isn’t a kid anymore. I have a feeling the videos will gradually get steamier, thus not to alarm audiences. Of course I have at least one qualm about the video. Have you met me? Well, some of you probably haven’t… whatevs.

Okay here we go. In the video everyone is dressed in funky cute/ hipster chic. Clearly it is warm out because the sun is shining and girls are rocking tanks etc. THEN you look at J. Biebs. He is wearing dark jeans, gold high-tops and leather. Not to discount his blingy jewelry. Check out the bracelet… Ha! Pimpin’ Biebs. Straight pimpin’. My question is this, if it is hot out why are you wearing leather? Also, you have quite different style than your “friends” in this video. In my experience friend groups tend to dress similar to each other. Especially at the age of 18.

That is my Bieber related two cents. Hope you enjoy!

* UPDATE: I was just alerted by my lovely friend Marina (see her comment below) to watch *NSync's video for Girlfriend. Please note the similarities. We all know that the Biebs is turning into his own version of JT. Just "say hello to falsetto."

Sorry… I'm an Aries.

Last week I was watching Say Yes to the Dress with some peeps and we were taken aback by a random bridezilla who made the most ludicrous statement. Please take note that people say crap like this all the time.

How it went down:
Me: I would want Sarah or Keisha to be my consultant.
Lauren: Anyone but Claudia. She is new and totally sucks.
Marina: Fo sho! Totally sucks.
Libby: She didn’t even ask the price point!

Clearly we are versed and highly concerned about the happenings of Say Yes to the Dress.

Okay, back to the point of this post. The aforementioned bride who was being featured on the show said (during her interview), “I can’t make up my mind, what do they expect? I’m a Libra!” …or something similar. What!? Who says crap like that?

Then we got into a discussion about how illogical it is when people blame character flaws on their astrological sign. It has been a running joke ever since.

A recent text convo I had with Marina:
Me:  They expect me to work? Not gonna happen. I can't help it, I'm an Aries!
Marina:  They're weirded out that I'm a bitch? I can't help it. I'm a scorpio.
Me:  Seriously.

Obviously we are kidding, but still. It has become my favorite joke/excuse for EVERYTHING! “Libby, I cannot throw away the wet paper towel that I left on the counter. It goes against the very core of my being! Are you not aware that I am an Aries!?” Bahaha! Okay, you get the point.

"You expect me to walk? I'm an Aries. Carry me." 

I have no idea what characteristics actually go along with astrological signs. I just think it is hysterical that people use them as an excuse.

Disclaimer: I know that some people truly believe in astrological signs. This is not an attack on you, just a personal opinion.

Snow on March 22nd? This is absurd.

Okay folks, it is March 22nd and it snowed last night. I don’t know about you, but I am ready to take my wool sweaters to the dry cleaner and pack them away for the season. Come on spring!!! Where are you!? Am I ever going to feel like it is appropriate to wear my new coral chinos?  Or am I going to be stuck in a land where the day’s low temperature lingers around 33 degrees?

I am absolutely ready for the sun. I just got my hair done (shout out to Micah!) for the spring and there are some majorly bright blonde highlights kickin’ it in my do right now. This weather is not conducive to the longing I have to style said hair, nor does it seem right with my newly blonde/ sunny weather hair color. Stupid snow/ rain/ cold. I don’t have a good photo of my new hair to show you. But Micah is a color genius and “we” (in quotes because all I did was drink a glass of red wine… haha) did bright blonde in the front with super subtle ombré that has just a bit of brighter blonde at the ends. I have short hair and get nervous that full out ombré on my lob (long-bob) would look cray.  I promise to show you a picture eventually. Just so you know, it is like she can read her client’s minds. So if you are in the market for a new hairdresser send me an email and I will pass on her info.

Well, I didn’t think I had enough to say to write a post… apparently I always have something to say! Let us also reflect on the fact that my sister and B-in-Law (B stands for Brandon and brother) are in Palm Springs. It is just plain rude. She keeps posting sunny weather photos simply to make the rest of us jealous.

Proof of the rudeness:

Well, that is all my pretties! I hope you have great Thursdays. Try to stay warm this spring. I have lost all hope that the temperature will ever be above 55 degrees.

Bucket Lists...

I think I have a cynical view on bucket lists. I understand the idea of bucket lists, I just need to throw this thought out there…

It seems to me that most people claim things to their bucket list after they have decided to do them.

Person 1:
“I am going parasailing next month. BUCKET LIST!”
Me:
“Cool. Good for you!”
Internal thought: That is strange, I have never heard (insert name) mention this before. Parasailing is super random. Maybe if he/she had said skydiving… but even that. 

I have decided that people wait until they have accomplished something big, or are about to, and then say things like: “Heck yeah! I can check that off my bucket list!”

I find human nature fascinating. I guess we just like to feel a sense of accomplishment.

My bucket list now contains:
- Traveling abroad
- Starting a blog
- Working for a non-profit
- Coaching a state champion cheerleading squad

Pretty cool right!? If I ever do anything noteworthy, I will join the rest of America by adding it to my list of things to-do before kicking the bucket. You know, so I can brag about it!

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Longing for Linfield on a sunny Thursday.

Today is a gorgeous sunny Thursday. Days like this desperately make me miss college. I think of the community at little Linfield College and how everyone would be spending this day outside. Whether it is walking to O’Rileys, riding bikes, doing homework in one of the quads etc. I also picture gaggles of guys playing Frisbee golf until campo makes them stop and those other guys, who walk around barefoot (as a protest?... not sure why really), doing slack line between the trees outside Jane Failing Hall.

Wildstock '09

Also, it is a Thursday! Say you are done with class for the day by 2:00. You hang out outside until 4:30, go home, watch an episode of Full House on ABC Family and nap for an hour, get ready and then head to Roof Top for some rowdy Thursday night antics. No biggie that it is a Thursday, you only have one class on Friday and it isn't until 11:00.

Don’t get me wrong. I love my life now. I love my community, my neighborhood and exploring everything Portland has to offer. Sometimes I simply miss college. Not just campus, but the people. It wouldn’t be the same to go back now. Not unless everyone who was in school with me went back too. I need my friends to happen to walk by on their way home and decide to read magazines in the sun with me. There is nothing like the friendships you make in college. You live together, you eat together, you learn together and you can’t help but love each other. They are your family and campus is the backdrop of many good memories.

I guess this post is just about nostalgia. I still see my Linfield family often (I live with the same roommate for heavens sake), but today I wish we were lollygagging around Linfield’s campus with Union Block blended Chai lattes and tabloid magazines.

Outside the Mass Comm building

At the end of it all

Ooh that smell. Can't you smell that smell?

That title is supposed to pay homage to a Lynyrd Skynyrd song. Have you ever listened to the words of that song? It is all about drugs...Whatever. In honor of full disclosure, I will admit that the real reason I know this song is because Lo sings it in her car during Laguna Beach (season 1). Embarrassing for me... but I guess embarrassing admission is sort of the theme of this post.

Back to the real post:
I love my perfume. I smelled many different perfumes on many different shopping trips. I took the badgering of the sales ladies, I asked for samples etc. Then I took the plunge. I purchased Versace Bright Crystal. I had just finished off my previous perfume (Chanel Chance. The green one... I don’t remember the specifics of it). I LOVE my current perfume. I wear it often, but not everyday.

Lately I have been getting some compliments on how I smell. Unfortunately, it has been happening on days that I am not wearing my perfume. I initially thought, "oh, my natural sent must be intoxicating!!!" Hahaha! (I automatically think of that Friends episode where Pheobe and Monica’s old friend comes back all fake British and braggy. Anyone?)

After some figuring... Turns out it is my shampoo. I recently switched shampoo for the winter months. You have probably figured where I am going with this... It is dandruff shampoo!

Maybe it is just me, but I find it embarrassing to admit that I am dealing with a dry scalp during these wicked winter months. I even contemplated not writing about it. But I have decided that it doesn’t matter. Why not be real about it?

But really, what am I supposed to say to these people? "Thank you! It is my Head and Shoulders 2in1."

Rather than sparking attention with the fragrance I fawned over and am proud to have selected, I instead get mentions of the sent from my drug store shampoo.

Isn't that just life?!

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Fitting in, standing out… or somewhere in-between?

I am having a bit of a struggle to find my blogging identity. Most of the blogs I follow seem to bridge the gap between lifestyle and fashion. I really love fashion! But alas, I am not a fashion blogger. Mostly because I am an outfit repeater, and when would I take pictures? I race out the door everyday… while desperately in need of caffeine.

I guess I am sort of a lifestyle blogger. Most of my posts aren’t necessarily about my lifestyle, but more about random life events or what I am thinking about when I sit with my computer. I wonder if it is hurting me that I don’t really fit in. Should I try and fit in the blogger box? How does everyone find time to put together new outfits, decorate, take beautiful pictures, try tons of new recipes etc.? I just live and attempt to function. Then I write about it. I think I just described a lifestyle blog... I guess this is a lifestyle blog! Haha!

I am also trying to find my blog identity without becoming too self-centered. But really, isn’t a blog the most self-centered thing of all? Writing about yourself and assuming someone will find you interesting enough to read it?

Anyway, that is just my random thought today. I am trying to focus on the bigger picture in things. I need to remember why I started blogging in the first place and keep that at the forefront of my mind. Who cares what other people think? I find that blogging is a blast! And I want to keep doing it.

Does it really matter what people might say behind my back? No. Because it is behind my back! I won’t even know about it. Isn’t that the beauty of life? Plus, I have plenty of people who will say whatever they think to my face.

In a social experiment, I asked a few of my closest friends to send me a picture that they think describes me… this is what was presented:

I need to stop worrying so much about having a blog niche and start worrying about why these photos describe me!

Massage misgivings.

I have a dilemma.

I am in the market for a good massage. I have a recommendation from a friend for a spa type scenario, but I am also in need of some real muscle relief. In my experience it is usually one or the other.

This is my battle. I want a real, trigger point, muscle releasing, sports type massage. BUT I want to get said massage from a frou frou spa. The Enya playing, fountain having, essential oil toting type of spa. I want a truly effective massage, but I also want the fluffy robe!

I have not found a place that does this. I have gone to a spa and gotten a “deep tissue” massage before… it didn't hurt, therefore it didn’t work. Basically I spent my money on the ambiance. I have also gone to awesome massage therapists who know what they are doing. They do amazing work, I feel like a new person etc. But they don’t stop talking, it is too clinical and I don’t get that melty relaxing experience.

I am currently in the market to rejuvenate my life with some relaxation. Honestly, who has the kind of time to have spa days anyway? Do I allot and entire Saturday afternoon? Or do I need to take a mental health day?

I am going to quit my complaining and make an appointment. We'll see how it goes!

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Profound thought of the day.

Yesterday the message on my tea bag (Yogi Green Tea to be exact) said, “The only tool you need is kindness.”

My initial thought was “what a sweet sentiment!” My second thought… “Kindness sure isn't going to help me hang that mirror above my couch that has been sitting there for three weeks. Hmm. I will need to use a hammer for that one.”

The moral of the story is this:
Kindness is a great tool to have. You should use it on a daily basis. BUT if you are going to do any projects around the house you might need a tool kit as well.

January: The month of the fake dieter.

Last week every annoying girl in America vowed that “the diet starts tomorrow.” Well, I am one of those annoying girls. No, it wasn't a resolution. This plan has been in the works for a while.

Basically, I am on the dieter bandwagon for the kick-off of the New Year. It has been one week and I am already totally over it, but my reasoning my surprise you. The crazy part is that I am not that bothered by the healthy eating. I enjoy trying new recipes and stuff! I don't care as much about what I am eating, just as long as I'm not hungry. It is simply the idea of dieting that has sent me into a slight downward spiral of self loathing… just for being someone “on a diet.”

I think the reason I feel this way is because I refuse to be the girl who goes out with her friends and says no to everything because she is on a diet. I am going to live my normal life and just try and make better choices. A vodka soda instead of a pint of beer etc. Yes, my example of a better choice was about alcohol… get off my back. Maybe this will also encourage me to try some new dishes at my standard restaurants. I usually go for the greasy fatty option. Hopefully now I will go for the fresh (yet still delicious) choice. I’ll try a seasonal veggie scramble and nix the Benedicts!

Stay tuned to see me cheat every time I go to brunch! Everyone deserves one cheat day right?

PS. So far I have lost zero lbs. Also, I will never be writing about this again. And I definitely won't be giving you updates. Gross.

Boys to Men

Boyz II Men, A B C, B B D

Here is a little bit of my perspective on the shortage of men, as well as some insight from Ms. Mindy Kaling.

Excerpt from Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns)

“Men know what they want. Men make concrete plans. Men own alarm clocks. Men sleep on a mattress that isn’t on the floor. Men tip generously. Men buy new shampoo instead of adding water to a nearly empty bottle of shampoo. Men go to the dentist. Men make reservations. Men go in for the kiss without giving you some long preamble about how they’re thinking of kissing you. Men know what they want.

Boys are adorable. Boys trail off their sentences in an appealing way. Boys get haircuts from their roommate/friend, who “totally knows how to cut hair.” Boys can pack their whole life in a duffel bag and move to Brooklyn if they need to. Boys have “gigs.” Boys are broke. And when they do have money, they spend it on a trip to Colorado to see a music festival.”- MK

Yes Mindy. I agree. It is the boys who simply do not know what they want, and if they do, they still aren’t able to articulate it. AND we always fall for them! What is that?!

So where are all of the men? They are on the way! They just haven’t grown up yet.

What spurred this thought? Well, Marina and I were driving home from Seattle and had both noticed that one of our good friends ordered an Americano at breakfast. I know this seems minuscule and not a big deal, but it seemed grown up! Yes, many of us commonly order an Americano at Starbucks, but he didn’t even like the taste of coffee when we were in college. It is kind of refreshing to see people you love and have known forever start changing from being boys to being men. Even if it is a gradual process and we see it in little stupid ways like a coffee order, I swear these guys are starting to take ownership over their lives in real ways too. I love it!

So don’t stress ladies. There will be a plethora of men before long. We just need to wait a little bit longer and give them time to get there!

I was just going to post the audio link to this… but then I watched the video. It is too hilarious not to post! Those outfits! Bahaha

Can you hear me now? YES!

Today I went to get my oil changed, and while I was in the waiting room a middle-aged lady walked in. I was sitting there with my coffee in the pleasant waiting room reading my book with 5-7 of my nearest and dearest automobile appointment friends. Promptly after this lady sat down her phone rang. I knew we were in for it when her ringtone was a shockingly loud default tone that began with “Ver-I-Zon Wi-Er-less” and was followed by annoyingly swooping beeps and tones. She took FOREVER to answer and when she finally did she was shouting into her phone. Not just talking loudly, but shouting. I am not sure if she was on the phone with someone in a far away land, or if she really doesn’t trust cell phones yet.

It is easy for me to zone people out. I have been self-diagnosed with selective hearing. It is both a gift and a curse. Mostly a gift. Although, people in my life might disagree with that. So… gift for me… super annoying for others, since I am unintentionally ignoring them for long chunks of time.

I honestly just zoned this lady out. Then people kept glancing at my side of the room. I was thinking “did I laugh out loud at my book? Do I have a booger?” Then I realized they were all shooting dirty looks at Shouty McLouderson in the corner. Pretty hilarious. I then chose to listen for a moment. You guys, she is looking for a place to rent. She has a cat. Her son has a new girlfriend. Hmmm, I wonder if her son’s new girlfriend will go to this new cat friendly place for Christmas?

This lady was seriously on the phone for 45 minutes. After she hung up there was clear relief in the room. I am sure she didn’t notice, but how could you not notice an entire group mumbling thanks to the heavens simultaneously? It was quite hilarious. I felt like I had just observed a social experiment.

This is my citation to the cell phone lady

Anyway, the book I was reading had a section about how God hears our prayers and why we doubt the power of prayer. It was lovely and eloquently put. Unfortunately for the author, my instant sarcastic thought was, “How can God hear me when this lady is around. She is drowning me out with all her yelling!” I know that God hears me, and that I should never underestimate the power of prayer. Although, He probably doesn't appreciate my snarky comments… Who knows, maybe He thinks I am hilarious!! I’ll get back to you on that one.

Mishmash moments

So here is a mishmash of moments that I neglected to blog about. Maybe this will be a series?... Only time will tell. 

The Mish:

I forgot to follow up about the cell phone case. Well, it arrived and it is ADORABLE! Not the most protective or sturdy of cases. But it is really cute. It does make me wonder though… My last cell phone case was broken in three different places and an entire chunk was missing from the side. Say I didn’t have the case... Does this mean that my phone would have been cracked in three places? With a chunk missing!? Hmmm. That is a thought to ponder. Well, I hope things go okay with this new adorbs case. I will just be extra careful.

The Mash:

I am sort of a brunette! Not really. But I did color my hair a much darker shade than my usual dirty blonde with lightish highlights. It is now a lovely brown color. I quite like it. If we are being honest... I really love it! I just feel kind of lame declaring love for my new hair color. Plus my bangs are a nice length of grown out. Things are really working for me in the land of the hair do.

Note: New phone case and brown hair. Also, this was Treat Yo Self day. Vino was necessary! 

The Moments:

Marina was birthed 25 years ago. To celebrate our favvy c-section baby we dressed up! Here are some of my favorite shots of the evening:

Marina is the elderly woman in the tan dress.

This one is my favorite! 

I hope you all have good short work weeks! 

Truth #5: God will take me places I could never imagine.

Today I took the day off and it is just amazing. I decided it was a less extravagant "treat yo self" day.

Tom Haverford has taught me so many important things! Haha! No but seriously. Other than the fact that Parks and Rec is hilar and that today won’t include the purchase of any fine leather goods… I am taking a mental health day and it feels great! Some of the highlights so far have been 1) a salted caramel mocha from Starbucks and 2) some much needed morning reading time.

My friend Cameron and I are reading a book by Susanna Foth Aughtmon. It is called My Bangs Look Good & Other Lies I Tell Myself: The Tired Supergirl’s Search for Truth. You are probably thinking that this book sounds cray-zay. BUT it is wonderful. The author is downright HIGHlarious. I am constantly giggling while reading about ways to grow in my relationship with God. This is a rare find and I highly recommend it.

Her book is separated by short chapters. Each chapter is about a different lie and throughout the chapter she dispels the lie with truth! For example, I was on Lie 5: God will ask me to do things I don’t want to do. While I was reading I had to stop abruptly and share. I am sure we are all aware of what it means to trust God. Easier said than done… am I right!? Well, the way Susanna puts it inspired me to write this post.

One of my fears in following Christ is the idea that I will turn into my worst nightmare. The un-relatable “religious woman.” You know what I’m talking about right? The type who is not in touch with reality anymore (think Michelle Duggar). Well, Susanna pin points that perfectly as she continues on with some Bible truth to back it up. Not only that, but she is an awesome knowledgeable Christian woman, who also happens to be keepin’ it real.

The lie that I keep believing goes something like this: “Did you know that if you follow God, you will become the most boring, overly spiritual person in the universe? None of your friends will come to your birthday party. You will be that boring.” (Pg. 52) How ridiculous is that!? BUT it is seriously an issue I have. (Not so much the birthday part, but isn’t she a hilarious writer?) The question is this, why is my silly fear holding me back from trusting God? Probably because we only ever want to trust God’s will on our own terms. Yes friends, we all have personal agendas… and as a “planner”/ type A person; I am one of the worst offenders.

Susanna puts it like this:
“We will absolutely do his will, as long as it doesn’t involve public speaking or socially awkward situations. We are perfectly willing to follow God to the ends of the earth, as long as they have a salon specializing in therapeutic massage and a year’s supply of People magazine there. You know, as long as we can stay comfortable.” (Pg. 52) This is what gets us. This is where evil comes in and takes advantage of our fears and the lies.

In Mark 1:16-18 Simon and Andrew just up and leave their job! Jesus says “follow me” and they do! It is their job to fish. It is their living and they just leave. You hear that verse and it seems so simple, but somehow it becomes complicated. Can you imagine just walking away from something as huge as your livelihood? Well, people do it. People hear God calling them to something else and they obey. It shouldn’t be that big of a concept, but somehow it is.

Here is the truth: God promises that he will never leave us. He also promises that we will be changed forever. I know that the minute I step out and trust God is the same minute that I will be overcome with comfort and joy. So what is holding me back? Truth #5: God will take me places I could never imagine. That is what happens when we trust and follow. God gives us more and takes us to amazing places that we can’t even comprehend.

Well, that is my long drawn out thought of the day. I really recommend this book. It is enjoyable and sparks some great thought processes. On a completely opposite note, I also recommend that you watch Parks and Rec.

Have a fabulous Tuesday!

Ps. I know I cited everything incorrectly… MLA APA? Crap. How many years has it been since I graduated?

You’ve got mail… Not!

I am currently having snail mail issues. Or maybe it is apartment building issues… who knows.

My iPhone case has been broken for a while. Broken to the point of scratching my ear when I talk on the phone. Especially in the car when I am trying to hide the phone behind my hair. (Super sketch… I know. Don’t judge, my blue tooth is perpetually dead). I super-glued the case in three places, which extended its life for a couple months… but it has fallen apart again. There is a large chunk missing from the top right hand corner.

Clearly in need of a new case, I was stoked when Olga posted about these adorbs ones from soceity6!I ordered this one:

Cute new iPhone outfit! 

Cute right?! I think so too. Unfortunately, I have not received it. It was apparently shipped on 11/3 and has already arrived…

These are my current options:

Option one: Wait and see if it shows up at my door because someone else in my building got it in their mailbox. Unfortunately this is a common problem in our building. Apparently, USPS struggles with all of the mailboxes in one place like that. Our neighbor (literally one unit number different) has the same first name as my roommate. We frequently get her mail. Probably annoying for her, because we don’t check our mail that often and sometimes we have her Netflix envelopes… oops. For the past couple of weeks I have been checking the mail like a mad woman! The mail man probably thinks something is wrong.

Option two: Contact USPS and Soceity 6. I already emailed Soceity 6 when I was annoyed that it wasn’t here. Then I later checked my tracking number (probably did that in the wrong order) and it was apparently here! Lies! Now I need to contact USPS. But what would they really do? “Uh, we delivered it”… the end? What if I was a liar? What can they possibly do for me? I guess I will call anyway. But obvs not today… Veterans Day.

I could just take off the broken case in the mean time. I just really don’t want to take that risk and damage my phone while it is exposed to the elements like that. I guess I will just wait for the new one (even if it means re-ordering).

Thanks for talking me through this one guys. Haha! 

Daydream of Rainbows, Butterflies and a Music Box.

Those are all Mariah Carey album names. Why? Because I am SO into my Mariah Carey Pandora station! (Not holiday. Not yet.) Do me a favor and just test out the station. I swear you will love it! I take that back. You will only love it if you like awesome 90s R&B. If you can confidently say that you fit into this category then go for it.  

You may be asking yourself this: “Laura, why don’t you listen to Spotify or Grooveshark or something else cooler than Pandora? Quit living in 2007!”

Well, my answer to this is as follows:

I don’t want to put in the playlist making effort! Also, I don’t want my Facebook friends on Spotify to creep on my music and judge me for busting out the occasional song by ‘Nsync for a little middle school throwback. It is easier to admit these things in the controlled environment of my blog. I also think it is annoying that Spotify (via Facebook) tells people what you are listening to. No Facebook, I don’t care that Sabrina Jorcutt (names have been changed to protect privacy) is listening to Nicki Minaj. I mean good call with the Nicki, but really Facebook?

Moral of the story is this: Listen to Mariah Carey radio and don’t hate on me for listening to Pandora.

Currently Playing: Boys II Men, End of the Road

Happy Halloween to all!! Have fun-filled weekends. 

Goals are important.

Get ready for another super lame post. I am just not motivated this week. I promise to do better soon. 

Well, as we all know, goals are very important. I make my cheerleaders set goals at every practice. I think we should all have daily goals, even if it is as lame as being a friendly driver. I try not to get too goal oriented when it comes to the big picture. I don't want to step out in front of God's plan. The second we do that he throws us for a loop anyway. All I can do is try to serve and give and set mini goals that will hopefully do some sort of good.

Now it is time to be shallow. I have a new funny little goal. And by goal... I really mean wish. I would like to find a PDX restaurant or bar that has an insane cheese plate and a Moscow mule on their happy hour menu. Yes, I know this is silly. I also know that this would only be benefiting me... sometimes we are selfish. Get over it. I am aware that these items don’t really go together and that there are restaurants that offer both. BUT am looking specifically for a HH. From now on I will need to look for a comment card at all of the establishments that carry these delectable offerings. 

Peace out!

No Mom! It isn't cool to get hot lunch this year.

Can we please reminisce on what it meant to be ready for the first day of school? I mean, please. I know you had your first day outfits picked out weeks in advance too. The anticipation of the first day of school was intense! What classes are you in, who is in said classes? Very important. But not as important as the collage for the front of your three ring binder! You know… the one with the plastic covering on the front. My gurl Libby did a post about backpacks a while ago. And it was oh so true. The little details were game changers when it came to the first day of school.

You go in after 3 months of fun. You don’t have any homework yet, you are still tan and you are excited to see everyone. Plus, you are super confident in your awesome fall outfit (that it is still too hot out to be wearing).

Mom: “You can’t wear that sweater. It is going to be 80 degrees tomorrow.”

Me: “But the stripes on this sweater go perfectly with my overalls, doc marten sandals and butterfly clips!”

That is clearly an exaggeration. But you get the idea. It wasn’t just the excitement of the first day. New school supplies were the best. You would have them all organized perfectly. Your pencil pouch filled with #2s and gel roll pens. Everything smelled like pencil shavings and new spiral notebooks. I’m not sure if you guys will know what I am talking about, but I swear school supplies had a specific smell. Next week I will probably be thrown out of Office Max for walking around and smelling school supplies. I can see it now.

I am glad to be beyond that phase in life. I wouldn’t dare write a post about the excitement of moving back on to my college campus each year. Mostly because I would for sure start crying uncontrollably. You know, due to really missing college and still being in denial about this so-called adulthood.

Take a moment to curl your bangs, listen to the first 'Nsync album and put some butterfly clips in your hair. You owe it to 13 year old you.