I am such a Scrooge on Monday's..

It's Monday.  Monday's suck.  And I haven't updated my blog in almost a week sooooo......here I go....

Did y'all have a good weekend?  Mine was nice.  Very low-key.  Aaron and I hung out in Griffin over the weekend spending time with my mom and dad.  I love visiting my parents on the weekends that Adam works because: 1) Aaron has lots more room to run around and play both inside and outside, and 2) I get a break from full-time mommy duty which is always nice.  Yesterday, I went and spent some time with one of my besties, Natalie, who is due to give birth anytime over the next few weeks.  Eeeekkk!  I'm so excited to meet her sweet baby boy!  It was heartwarming to see her and her sweet belly, and to know that in a very short time she's going to be holding that sweet bundle of love.  Very happy and excited for her and her hubby!

On a random note, whilst in Griffin this weekend my mom and I decided to do a little Christmas shopping in G-town (AKA hit up Marshalls).  After putting my whining toddler in a buggy (while he's wailing "I not wide in buggy, I wide in buggy car!!"  The "buggy car" he's referring to is indeed a buggy shaped like a car that he rides in when we shop at Publix.  This.is.my.life.) we proceeded to start shopping.  That's when I noticed a girl in high school....who used to terrorize me.  Literally.  She once chased me down the 400 hall at Griffin High.  I was wearing high-heeled loafers.  Don't hate, that was the style back back then.  She stalked me by phone, threatened me through messages delivered by her buddies, the works.  I'm not kidding, y'all.  I know some people reading this will know exactly who I'm talking about.  I was Lindsay Lohan in Mean Girls eating my lunch in the bathroom (except not really, I would just beg my teacher to let me eat my lunch in my 4th period class room) this girl harassed me so bad.  And you know why she hated me?  All because of a guy.  Now this guy, he was gorge back then.  And it was a full-on high school love affair for me.  Getting back to my story, I run into this girl while shopping.  And do you know, she wouldn't even look at me?!  Seriously.  Saw me walk in, put her face down, and wouldn't even make eye contact with me.  I gave her several chances- she wouldn't bite.  Now let me say, I don't hold grudges.  High school was a long, long time ago and I'm sure she doesn't even think about high school drama.  I don't either, until it's right in my face like it was this weekend.  I just wanted to smile at her.  That's all.  Let bygones be bygones.  She wouldn't make any sort of eye contact.  And she saw me.  Oh well.  I hope she's happy with her life.  And can I just say that it was so nice to run into this person who used to scare the s&*t out of me, and be able to look at her and think "I really don't care anymore."  I wish her the best.  I really do.

Anyway, a busy week awaits.  Another one of my besties is getting married Saturday and I'm so excited for her!!  It is truly a joyous, happy time for many of my friends. :)

I have some news.  Well actually, a new development in my life...................................

I GOT BANGS (again)!!


They're side bangs.  And, I loved them at first sight.  And I still do, surprisingly.  I'll try and post a pic of the infamous bangs.  Agh!  I heart them....again!  Our relationship is like JT and Jessica pre-wedding: they treat me bad but I can't stay away!  The saga continues.....

~LL

"I whip my hair back & forth!"

Happy Sunday, y'all!  Has everyone had a good weekend?  Our weekend has been fairly low-key and I have thoroughly enjoyed it.  My sweet hubby got home from work Thursday night, and we have literally been home-bodies ever since he walked in the door.  It seems that every weekend he's home, there's something going on every night: parties, get-together's, showers, etc.  I took my own advice, and said "No" to any invites that were extended our way, and with the exception of grilling out with his family last night, I have stayed true to my word.  Here's to hoping this new mantra will stick!

So, I have a question for the ladies (and you guys, too if you're interested); do you wash your hair in the morning, during the day, or at night?  The reason why I'm asking is because I am currently trying to switch up my hair-washing, drying, styling routine.  The reason(s) why I've decided to rock the hair boat so late in the game is because (1) Aaron has officially dropped his morning nap.  This has been an adjustment, I will not lie.  You see, I don't like change, and while we are now getting used to the fact that he's up from 7:30a to 12:30p, it has not been easy; and (2) Since I am officially going back to school, I don't know if the morning hair process can go on much further..considering the fact that I can barely drag my ass out of bed at 7a (I know, lazy, lazy girl) without having a cup of coffee as big as my head in my hands ASAP.  If y'all know me, you know I have a head full of hair.  I'm not bragging I promise; this hair will literally be the death of me one day.  Ohhh, the things I've done to this head....well, it's a shame.  For example:

Me & Adam @ my cousin's rehearsal dinner- July 2007.  Can you say hein??  This is what I called "Marilyn on top/Norma Jean on bottom."  As you can see, my hairstylist hated me.  Guess the 20% tip wasn't enough?  Needless to say, she was fired soon after.  Why do I look so happy, you ask?  Probably because I had drowned my sorrows in multiple glasses of Pinot Grigio. 

SSI/Laura's Bachelorette party 2006.  This is what I like to call "Bangs: Part 1."  You see, "the bangs" and I have had a very tumultuous relationship.  Sometimes my "cow-lick" would do right in order for my bangs to look decent, most of the time it wouldn't, as you can see in Exhibit B:

Last summer at my sister-in-law's wedding.  Uhhh, I can't even comment on this awfulness.  Obviously, "the bangs" really hated me then. 

OMG- this one's the worst: a short bob/bang combo- ahhhhhhh!!  The horror!!  Can you see, I look just like my puppy girl, Sophie May??  That should've been the first sign..... This photo was taken in May 2010 the day I had it done.  That was the last day it ever looked like good, I assure you.  I'm chalking this mistake up to postpartum hormones gone bad.  NEVER again!!

Okay so I have to admit something, y'all.  I got bangs....again.  Rut-roh!  I know, I know, it's horrible.  They sucker me in only to throw me out to the wolves!  I got bangs in June; yes, I'm in the process of growing them back out, but I've managed to not let them control me...for the most part anyway.  Hence:

Destin, July 2011.  "I am in control of the bangs." Repeat, "I am in control of the bangs."

So to get back to my original question, do you style your hair in the morning, during the day, or at night?  I decided that in order to better accommodate my new schedule, I would wash/dry my hair every other night and style in the morning.  So far, it's been working okay...I guess.  Do y'all know any tricks on having that fresh-washed look everyday without the inconvenience of washing your hair every day?  What about styling tips?  I need help, folks!  This mane is finally growing out, and it hasn't been easy.  I need some tips in order for it to keep growing, so it doesn't end up looking like this again:

Look, even my precious baby is horrified.  This was taken last Fall, FYI. Terrible.

That's all.  Have a good day of rest!  Loves!!

The art of saying N-O

I am a people pleaser.  Always have been.  I have tried to rectify this many times.  I've tried to be "the bitch" (that was laughable).  I've tried to be the girl that was carefree and couldn't be pinned down (that was a crock, too).  I am officially facing the fact that I like to make other people happy, and (horribly) I am also one of those girls that cares what people think.  I know I could be a lot worse, but seriously?  When did I start letting other people determine my happiness??  I am a smart, educated woman.  Why do I constantly feel the need to prove my worth, my friendship, my sanity just to make someone else happy?  Why am I always the "yes" girl?

What is the "yes" girl you ask?  It's the girl that says yes to everything.  "Will you buy this?  Yes, of course."  "Will you pay money (that you don't have) for this?  Yes, most definitely."  "Will you make yourself uncomfortable just to make me happy?  Oh my goodness, YES!!"  I'm so tired of being that girl.  From this moment on, that girl is gone.  Buh-bye.  I will no longer: spend money that I don't have on things that will make others happy and leave me (plainly put) broke; bend over backwards to please you if you won't do the same for me; commit myself to numerous obligations only to make myself exhausted and wondering where "my time" went; try like hell to keep friendships alive and well- doing all of the grunt work (i.e. driving, inviting, planning) only to get no reciprocation from these so-called friendships.  I am officially DONE.

And it's already starting to feel good...

Another trip down Brit-Brit lane

Sunday night was big.  Huge.  Wanna know why???!!  Brit-Brit came back to the A, and yours truly went for a visit.  Yep yep.  I've been blessed with fabulous friends, and my sweet Amy"nae" surprised me with tickets on my birthday.  How lucky am I??  It.was.phenomenal.  Here are some photos to document the big shebang:

Dinner & Cocktails at McCormick & Schmicks w/ Amy

This is how close our seats were to the stage.  Section 4; Row 4.  We're ballin' y'all!

So happy

Had to get my pic made in front of the stage..

Nikki Minaj opened up.  Love her & that Super Bass.

Awesome.

Then Brit-Brit appeared....

and it was wonderful!

Till next time, lover!

Well, hello there!

I'm attempting to rev up the ole' blog again.  Yes, I know I've said this before but I really mean it this time...I think.  I miss my blog, and frankly, my vocabulary is better when I'm writing daily.  Since my last post was in April (rut-roh), instead of writing what I've been up to over the past few months, I decided to make a photo collage of a few of the happenings over the last few months.  Voila!!

To sum it all up, I've: watched Aaron enjoy his first real Easter and discover his love for Peeps just like his mama; attended (and survived) my best friend's Bachelorette party and watched her walk down the aisle; went under the knife for some outpatient surgery that I'm still recovering from; turned 29; visited with family out of state, and finally visited the Gulf after three long years.  Among many other things, it's been a busy but wonderful summer so far.  I'm sad to see the end of summer drawing near, but excited to see what the fall has in store for me and my family....most definitely not excited about the A&P courses I will be taking over the next school year- nursing degree, here I come!

Artsy Fartsy

Just when I thought I was over it......

The obsession with One Tree Hill has began again.  I started watching OTH in 2003 when it first premiered, and I stopped watching OTH in late 2005; I had just started dating Adam, he lived in Macon, and I was in L.O.V.E.  I basically didn't have time for such trivial things like watching television when I could make-out with my cute boyfriend (bahaha).  Flash-forward to 2008; Soapnet is now airing OTH from the beginning, and I was finally catching up on the 3 years that I missed.  Once I caught up, I started watching OTH over at a friend's house every Monday night for a year because DirecTv didn't carry the CW channel (not without a fight I will add; I called and sent emails to the company to ask them to please add CW to their regular line-up of channels.  Incredibly dorky and unsuccessful.)  So, I gave up on OTH.  I figured it was just not meant to be for me and this show to continue on, and I forgot about lovely "Tree Hill, NC."  Imagine my surprise two weeks ago as I'm laying in the bed flipping through the guide, and lo and behold, there is the CW, now available for all DirecTv viewers.  I immediately set up our DVR to record all episodes of OTH, and added Season 7 to my Netflix que to catch up.  I started season seven last week, and now have only 8 more episodes to catch up on.  Can I just say, OTH has gotten so much better since Hilarie Burton and Chad Michael Murray (Peyton and Lucas) left the show?!  The newest actors are gorge (Robert Buckley, Austin Nichols, Jana Kramer, Shantel VanSanten), the story lines are actually good and not cheesy (well, I wouldn't go that far- let's just say they've improved), and I can't get over the flawless hair and makeup on Sophia Bush and Bethany Joy Galeotti.  Not to mention, all of their clothing!  Yep, the obsession is back and in full force.  Let the dramz begin!

RIP Rich Cronin

Yesterday my friend, Lauren, met Jennifer Aniston.  She had driven to Atlanta to audition for a role as Jennifer Aniston's stand-in in a movie titled "Wanderlust."  To make a long story short, Lauren went to the actual set where they were filming, and Jennifer Aniston said: "Hey, I'm Jen."  Lauren said that she was in such shock she could barely breathe, let alone speak.  She ended up introducing herself to Ms. Aniston, after having a private freak-out, and shook her hand.  Lauren swore that her hands tingled- haha!  After wards, she called me to recount the amazing moment; she didn't get the part, but we agreed that just meeting Jennifer Aniston was worth the drive to be turned down.  She said that she was still in such shock, and now knew there was such a thing as being "starstruck."  I said I totally agreed.  

Don't hate, but I had that same feeling when I saw the boy band, LFO, in NYC in July 2001.  If you don't remember LFO, you've got to remember the "Abercrombie & Fitch" song.  Remember now?  K, so I saw them in front of the Virgin Mega-store on Times Square.  I had taken the trip with my boyfriend at the time, and his mother.  We were driving to Canada (long story for another day), and stopped in New York for a long weekend since I had never been.  We were walking around the city, doing touristy stuff, and the Virgin store was our next stop.  I didn't see the boy band at first; my boyfriend's mom did.  She said, "Hayley, look at the front of the store.  I think they must be famous."  Sure enough, I turned around and there were Rich Cronin, Devin Lima, and Brad Fischetti of LFO (Lyte Funky Ones.....hehehehe).  They were in all their boy band glory; the fake tans, gelled man bangs, gold chains, and left and right ear piercings were way too much for me to handle.  I froze.  I was the first girl to spot them at that moment; I had the perfect opportunity to get an autograph, and possibly a hug and I literally froze.  I couldn't speak and I couldn't move. Even my boyfriend nudged me their way, but my feet were stuck to the cement.  Basically, I never got the courage, and a minute later LFO was bum-rushed by a wave of girls, and I was left behind.  How dorky am I??  Although, they were only "big" for a couple of months, I still cannot believe how starstruck I was.

Imagine how surprised I was to learn that Rich Cronin (the hot blond) died of leukemia today.  He was only 36.  Isn't that so sad? It's so weird that I was just talking about him, and that experience to Lauren yesterday, and I found out from her that he died today.  Life works in mysterious ways.......RIP Rich Cronin.

Anyhow, I thought I'd share my little brush with celebrity.  Although I'm sure I would have froze when meeting Jennifer Aniston, I would quickly get my act together to shake her hand and say "I can't stand that b*#ch, Angelina.  Team Aniston forever and always"  ;)

Nighty-night!

The weekend review

Adam and I returned home from our weekend trip to Dahlonega tired and hungover, but happy to have had such a great time.  The bride, Jessica, was absolutely stunning in her vintage wedding gown, and the groom, Christian, was the picture of a happy man.  Here's some pics:

Mr. and Mrs. Webster

Love this......

Cute idea!

We had a fantastic time.  The wine was flowing, the food was scrumptious,  and "Imma Be" was definitely played at least two times.  Doesn't get much better than that! ;)

Congrats Jessica and Christian!  

I'm still hungover..........