Life of a Recent Grad

Happy Birthday to Me!

2012-02-09T06:33:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I turned the big 2-5! I am so blessed to have such loving friends and family. My birthday celebration, which has lasted a few days, has been so much fun!

I kicked off my birthday week with dinner on Saturday with a bunch of my close friends. We went to Tap in midtown and had a delicious dinner. My new friends, Stephen and Ali, gave me two beautiful scarves. And my friend, Tara, gave me a dazzling necklace. Everyone was in great spirits despite the rainy weather.

We ended dinner and walked across the street to Shout, where we had a drink, learned "the wobble", and met up with a few more people. Before long, we left Shout and endured the drizzle to end up at CosmoLava, getting a little lost along the way. We danced the night away and I had a fabulous time!

Sunday was a lazy day. My good friends, Sarah and Robert, hosted a Super Bowl party that night which was a lot of fun. I didn't really care about the game so much but I really enjoyed getting to see my friends again.

Monday, I went to my first bible study at my new church, Sardis United Methodist. I truly enjoyed the company of the women in the group and they are all incredibly supportive even though I was new. I look forward to growing in my faith along with this wonderful group.

On Tuesday, I met Ali at Hot Yoga. She did such a great job for it being her first time and even said she would come back and try it again, which is more than I did my first time. I have a love-hate relationship with hot yoga. When I do well, I love it and get a great sense of peace and accomplishment. But when I don't prepare enough and feel the overwhelming effects of the heat,

which is about 3 out of 5 times, I dislike it and debate ever going back. This Tuesday, I felt great.

Wednesday was my birthday day! Chaise, my friend and co-worker, brought in homemade chocolate chocolate cupcakes and a bunch of us went out to lunch to celebrate. The people that I work with really make my job a happy place to be. Everyone was coming over and wishing me happy birthday. After work, I met my boyfriend, sister, b-i-l, and nephew for dinner at the Cheesecake Factory. Alan brought me a beautiful bouquet of birthday flowers. The whole day was filled with happiness and I feel so blessed to have such wonderful friends and family who went out of their way to make me feel loved.

25 is going to be a great year!

Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

2011-12-12T11:31:00.000-08:00

I am having so much fun decorating my new home for Christmas. I have a real Fraiser Fir in my living room and my tiny aqua tree from years past. All the little hand-me-down decorations make it feel so warm and cozy.

I'm a Homeowner!!

2011-11-08T07:04:00.000-08:00

HGTV makes it look so simple. You find three houses you like, you pick one, and by the end of commercial break it's yours. The actual home buying process is a little bit longer, a little bit more complicated, and a lot more emotionally draining.

In my path to home-ownership, I looked at a ton of places, varying from nice and out of my budget to just creepy, small, and unlivable. I put in offers on three different properties. Negotiated on prices. Got emotionally invested, heart-broken, super-excited and finally just relieved to have the keys. It is a process that I do not want to do for at least another 5 to 7 years.

But after all that, I finally have a place of my own. Somewhere that I can paint and hang my pictures without thinking what the landlord will care about it. I don't have to save big bags or boxes for the day my rent is up and I have to move. I can just settle and make it my home.

I have some big plans for my new place. I owe a huge thank you to my most amazing parents for helping me out this whole time and for giving up their weekend to help me paint and get everything set up before I move in. My aunt Cin surprised me on Saturday with paint brush in hand and even came back on Sunday to help pick up furniture. She is awesome!! My bf also pitched in bringing his box of tools and even went on a much needed caffeine run for us all. Greyson decided he wanted to help paint the wall with his face and then watched conveniently from my lap. It was a very busy weekend and a great way to kick-off my new adventure of being a homeowner.

My (potential) First Place!

2011-10-11T07:47:00.000-07:00

Renting in Atlanta can be very expensive. So much so that when I worked out the numbers, I found that buying a place would actually be saving me money every month (not to mention build my equity and get me out of the rental rut).

I am super lucky to have my mom as my real estate agent. She and I have been looking all around my preferred areas of town trying to find my perfect first place. And we found it!!

After putting in offers on two other places that both didn't work out, I was about ready to throw in the towel and renew my lease with my current condo. My mom called me at work and said she found one that just came on the market and we need to go look at it on my lunch break.

Here is the tour:

(Front)

(Living Room)

(Dining Room)

(Kitchen)

(Guest Room)

(Master Bedroom)

The place is a two bedroom, two and a half bath townhouse/condo in my favorite area of town. It is a great blank slate that I am really looking forward to putting my design stamp on. I am currently under contract!! And scheduled to close in early November.

Mini Vacation

2011-08-08T17:22:00.001-07:00

This past weekend, the BF and I went on a mini vacation up to Helen, Ga. We've both been so busy lately and it was nice to get away and just hang out, even if it was just for one night.

I left work on Friday and dropped the pup off at his pup-girlfriend's house and Alan picked me up straight from his work. We got up to Helen right around 7:30, which was nice to not have to find our way in the dark. Although it wasn't as mountainous as I was expecting North Georgia to be, the roads were definitely windy.

We stayed at a place called Bernie's. It is a quaint restaurant/B&B in a very old house. It has a lovely back porch looking onto a huge backyard/field. It is the kind of place where the proprietor wears all the hats: host, chef, etc. All the staff were very pleasant and helpful.

Arriving right around dinner time, we were hoping to eat at Bernie's restaurant but unfortunately it was completely full. So, we went to the Nacoochee Grill and had a wonderful dinner of duck tacos, shrimp and grits, and chipotle bbq. I also enjoyed a glass of the house wine, grown right around the corner at Habersham Vineyards. We ended the meal sharing dessert, a cheesecake filled chocolate mousse cake which put both of us into a food coma as soon as we got back to the B&B.

It was so nice to sleep in and wake up to the smell of bacon. After a delish breakfast of eggs, bacon, and blueberry waffles, we packed up and headed to Alpine Helen. We wasted a few hours walking around the kitschy little village waiting for the wineries to open up and ended up at a never-ending antique mall. The rooms were completely filled and the old house seemed to just keep going. The whole time we were looking around, we could hear the blue grass band on the front porch of the coffee house next door. It was very fitting.

After antiquing we ventured to a few different wineries, my favorite being Yonah Mountain Vineyards. The owners are a sweet couple from Atlanta who are living their dream of owning a vineyard. They really knew their stuff and kindly invited us to the wine festival coming up.

Alan indulged me and stopped at an organic soap store on our way out to town. We were lucky that the soaps we picked out actually smell nice because the store itself smelled so strongly that we really couldn't tell the difference between the soaps or the candles or the incense.

It was such a quick mini vacation, but I really had such a great time. The rest of the weekend was packed full, it was easy to appreciate the slow lifestyle of North Georgia even for just one night. Nice to visit once in awhile... but I do enjoy the busyness of the city and my normal life. More on the rest of the weekend later...

Best Date EVER!!!

2011-07-05T06:59:00.000-07:00

My BF and I have been dating for just about one and a half years. I know that some couples get into a bit of a dating rut when they've been together for awhile and that everything can become routine. Dinner, Movies, Repeat. Alan, however, constantly makes me feel all the butterflies that I felt when we first started dating. He brings me flowers for no reason, he always opens the door for me, and he does hundreds of little things every day that make me feel like a princess.

This past weekend, he totally out did himself. At the beginning of the week, he told me that we were going to go on a date for Saturday but he wouldn't tell me what we were going to do. Anticipation built all week as he dropped hints and told me I had to wear jeans and closed toed shoes (which I gave a little bit of a stink about since it has been 1000 degrees outside) and I wondered what on earth we could be doing.

Saturday evening came, he picked me up and off we headed to dinner. We jointly picked a fusion Indian restaurant that happened to be right around the corner from our intended destination. After dinner, we got in the car and I was all nerves. I kept trying to guess where we could be going and Alan simply poo-pooed my every guess with a huge smile on his face.

We ended up parked outside a house... just a house. Nothing special about it. No markings, no signs. I quizzically looked at Alan. Maybe he got the address wrong. He simply smiled at me and we walked up to the door. Walking in the front door, I was immediately surrounded by a rainbow of colors. Vibrant blues, reds, greens and yellows were on the walls, ceiling, desk. It was all pieces of brightly colored glass.

We were at a glass forming studio!

The instructor greeted us and brought us to the back of the house where there was a huge shed and workshop area. He had a platter of cheeses and grapes laid out for us and my favorite beer (which Alan had called ahead and requested). I was beyond excited. Alan called me a kid in a candy store.

Our instructor went over the basics and showed us what we would be creating. It was really really hot out there and I was nervous about getting burnt or dropping the glass. He helped us both through the process of forming, heating, forming, and reheating the glass. We each made a flower and a paper weight.

It was by far the best date I have ever been on.

Me, heating the glass so it is malleable.

Me and the instructor, designing the glass flower.

Alan, picking out the colors to melt into his glass piece.

Alan and the instructor, creating his glass flower.

Alan's Flower

Alan's Paperweight

My Paperweight

My Flower

Summer Dinner Party

2011-07-05T06:45:00.000-07:00

Last week, I had the urge to throw a dinner party. I ~~never~~ rarely entertain in my little condo, but the weather has been nice lately so I thought I would invite a few friends over so we could just relax and hang out. I live on the ground floor right off a courtyard that happens to have a grill which is very convenient. It was a relaxed evening with great food (if I do say so myself) and good company.

BF and Greyson waiting for the rest of the guests to arrive.

Chips and salsa, my staple appetizer.

Honey Chicken Kabobs, deeelish!

Grilled Corn on the Cobb with Old Bay.

When all (4) of my guests arrived, I got so excited to entertain and host that I completely forgot to take anymore pictures. Next time I throw a dinner party, I'll try to take more pictures than just of the food.

Whirlwind of a Weekend

2011-06-24T06:43:00.000-07:00

Friday seemed like a normal day. Better than normal, actually. I had almost all my projects done at work. A bunch of people from the office and I went out to lunch together. The weather was nice. It was all adding up to a nice, relaxing weekend ahead. Sometimes when things are just going so right, there is something waiting just around the corner to throw you off.

I didn't know that Friday morning, my mom went to the emergency room to find out that the crampy feelings she had been having was actually a tennis ball sized tumor pressing on her colon. I got the phone call from my sister at 3:00. She could barely get the words out, "Have you talked to mom? She is in the hospital."

A brief conversation with my boss, and I was out the door heading to the hospital faster than the tears started to fall from my cheeks.

Hospital. My mom. What is going on?!?!

I got to the emergency room and found the little room my parents were in. My mom calmly explained that she sat down with the doctor after getting scanned and he held her hand as he said "We found a mass. You need surgery." A mass. Just another four letter word.

They kept my mom in the hospital over the weekend. She had surgery on Monday. Surgery doesn't seem like the appropriate word. It was almost six hours long. It felt like a lifetime. I was able to visit the hospital in the morning before she went in. My mom is the strongest, toughest, most amazing person I will ever know. She was so calm and so brave. My dad, sister, and I were able to follow her right up to the doors of the surgery wing. We said our goodbyes and we all parted ways. I asked my sister as we were walking up the stairs to leave the hospital, "how long do you think it will take the two of us to burst into tears when we leave here." She answered, "immediately."

I was a zombie at work trying so hard to stay focused on each project. It was the end of day and I still hadn't heard from my dad that she was out of surgery yet. I went home, changed, and headed back to the hospital. As I was driving up, my dad met with the doctor. "Everything went well and she is in recovery."

We were waiting for her in her room when the nurses wheeled in her with a warning that she was still very groggy and she was not allowed to get up. The first words out of my mom's mouth were "Can I play tennis?" We all smiled. Yes, tennis is definitely in your future.

My mom was a star. Each day passed with stunning progress. The haziness went away and she walked and talked and had visitors. We're planning on bringing her home soon, tonight or this weekend. As nice as the hospital is, I will be so happy that she can rest in her own bed with non-scratchy sheets.

Who knows what is to come in the future. Radiation? More surgeries? I'm not allowing myself to dwell on that. What is most important is healing. Emotionally as well as physically. This whole heart-wrenching weekend has brought my family so much closer together. We leaned on each other for strength. And the strongest is by far my mom. "Tough as nails," the doctor said with admiration in his voice. My mom can do anything.

Before surgery the nurse said something I will never forget. "Crossing your fingers only gives your hands cramps. Prayer works." God is great. We've gotten through some pretty difficult times and there may be tough times ahead, but I have faith that He will give my family the strength to get through anything as He has in the past.

Meeting Baby Nathan

2011-06-16T18:18:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, I finally got to meet my new nephew, Nathan. My mom, sister, nephew Carter, and I decided to tag along on my dad's business trip down to Orlando. We stayed at a great hotel that overlooked Epcot and the Magic Kingdom.
On Sunday, Kristin, Ryan and baby Nathan met us at the hotel. He is so little!! I am so used to seeing my first nephew Carter who is a little over a year old that it really surprised me how small Nathan is. He is such a good baby. He slept most of the evening at the hotel and I held him for the first time.

My mom and I took a drive to Vero Beach on Monday. We looked at six houses and grabbed lunch at a cute little diner by the beach and then picked up some shells for Carter. Kristin cooked the whole family a delicious meal of shrimp and grits for dinner.

It was a great trip, but not nearly long enough. I miss getting to see my big sister and it breaks my heart that they all live so far away. We'll get to see each other over the next few months and I can't wait to see little Nathan grow. I am so blessed to have two adorable nephews.

Doggy Play Land

2011-06-08T11:35:00.000-07:00

My parents left for a trip out of town and I offered to watch their three dogs. That makes four dogs in my tiny condo. My mom dropped them off and not five minutes after they arrived, someone peed on three of the four rugs I own. So I rolled up the main rug, stuffed it in my little closet, and created doggy play land.

I have heard the expression "herding cats" before, and that is what I felt like when my mom and I took all four pups outside in my complex. Two of them won't walk on a leash, one of them likes to wonder, and one of them has the never-ending energy of a toddler.

Other than the chaos of herding them all into the condo, I don't see it being any trouble watching these three relatively lethargic pups. I am looking forward to leaving them behind with the other dog-sitter and meeting up with my parents in Florida this weekend. I get to meet my tiny baby nephew Nathan!!

Exploring Brookhaven

2011-06-08T11:08:00.000-07:00

Most people know that Buckhead is a posh part of Atlanta with great shopping and dining. Right next to the fabulous Buckhead, is Brookhaven, a much smaller but growing neighborhood. One of my favorite things to do is explore this little area of town that is right around the corner from where I live.

My parents made the ~45 minute drive down to take me out to dinner (and drop off their dogs, but thats another story). We went to a restaurant off Dresden Drive called Verde. I highly recommend the house margarita.

My parents are trying to sell the lake house that I grew up in during the summers of my childhood and while at dinner, they kept talking about the vacation and eventually retirement house they would like to buy after the lake house sells. I happened to inherit my mother's real estate gene and love house hunting. Which I do via my computer all the time. I tried to convince them to buy a condo in Brookhaven that I would rent from them, but thus far my suggestion has not sparked their interest. Oh well, it never hurts to try.

I love this little area of town and plan to stay here for quite awhile, especially if they keep building cute little strips of restaurants and shopping like on Dresden Drive.

1.23.11

2011-01-24T15:10:00.000-08:00

My boyfriend and I went on our first date a year ago. It happened kind of as an accident. We were out to dinner with a big group of our friends and two of them mentioned that they were going to the High Museum afterward. We both happen to enjoy art very much and decided to tag along. It was one of those miserable January nights that was cold and misty. But, it was such a fun night. We walked through the galleries and discussed the different pieces we saw. After, we went to my favorite cafe for dessert. It was such a fun and spontaneous night. (Our first official date was almost a month after, which was also one of the most fun nights).

Fast forward to this weekend...

In celebration of our first date, Alan planned a whole weekend of surprises. On Saturday afternoon, we went to lunch at the Flying Biscuit in Midtown. Then, we went to the Atlanta Center for Puppetry Arts and saw a musical. After the musical we walked around the museum (which could be a little creepy at times, especially the room filled with marionettes). For dinner, we went to the Vortex, a local burger restaurant. We ended the night at an improv comedy show. I loved it! They pulled people out of the audience and asked for suggestions. It was a fantastic end to the night.

Surprise of all surprises, Alan bought us ticket for Sunday to see the Blue Man Group at the Fox Theatre. Probably one of the top shows I have seen there. They interacted with the audience and ended the show with a kind of rave with lights and giant glowing beach balls bouncing around in the audience.

This past weekend was so much fun. Thank you so much to Alan for all his planning and surprises <3

New Year = New Chapter

2010-12-27T07:57:00.000-08:00

The past two months have been quite an adventure! Here is a recap-

After working in Savannah as an intern for 6 months and missing my family and friends, I decided it was time to move back to the big city. So just like before, I applied to what seemed like hundreds of jobs. God must have decided that two years of waiting for a real job was enough for me and I ended up getting an offer from a commercial real estate company for a marketing associate and graphic design position!! (This totally reinforces that all things happen for a reason: the internship in real estate although moved me away from my home for a while was one of the major reasons I ended up getting my new job. Thank you Lord!)

The next few weeks went by in a whirlwind... I put my apartment up for rent so I could break my lease, my mom went on a hunt for a new condo for me that would be close to work (no small feat, I am not an easy customer to please), and I started packing up all the things I accumulated in the six months of living in Savannah. Oh, and did I mention this was all going on around planning and preparing for Thanksgiving?

The weekend after Thanksgiving, my parents and sister and BIL and nephew all came to Savannah and helped me pack up the U-Haul and head out of town on what could have been the rainiest day in Georgia. Many MANY thanks to all of them!!!

The next day, still in the rain, I finally saw the condo that I agreed to lease sight-unseen. My mom did the most amazing job! It is by far the nicest place I could imagine living (close to work, close to family and friends, with green space for baby Grey... oh, and with a closet to drool over).

I'm moved in, I started my new job, and we just celebrated Christmas! What a busy time I've had! Last year my New Years resolution was to get a real job... it may have taken the whole year, but I did it! I can not say Thank You enough to everyone that has helped me over this past year! I could not have done it without you! It is hard to believe that last year at this time I was working retail, living at home and now I am starting a whole new chapter of my life! Oh, how things can change...

Haunted Pub Crawl

2010-10-20T15:32:00.000-07:00

For Alan's birthday, I sign us up for a haunted pub crawl. Living in Savannah, one of the most haunted cities in America, I thought it would be a festive way to celebrate his October birthday. Our friends Daniel and Diana joined us.

We went to dinner at Bonna Bella Yacht Club. It is a very relaxed restaurant/bar that is directly on the marsh. The weather was fantastic for a night out.

We met the group of haunted pub crawlers at a bar on River Street. Jenna, our tour guide, was dressed in period garb and regaled us with creepy ghost stories while we walked from bar to bar.

It was such a fun night! HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALAN!!

Pumpkin Carving

2010-10-18T15:18:00.000-07:00

This weekend, my boyfriend came to visit for his birthday (more on that later) and we decided to enjoy the fall weather and get a pumpkin to carve. We found a great little farm with a few furry friends hanging out.

After picking out the best one in the bunch we brought it back to my apartment to carve.

Someone was very insistent on getting his portrait on the pumpkin. Can you guess who?

Gold!!

2010-09-23T10:20:00.000-07:00

I few weekends ago, while I was at my friends' wedding, the bf and I took advantage of being in Dahlonega and went panning for gold. We found a quite a few gem stones and even some little flecks of gold. We also went down and explored a real mine with our tour guide Miner Mike and saw a dirty brown cotton ball, also known as a bat.

Are you ready for some Football?!

2010-09-12T06:29:00.000-07:00

Sweat, bugs and... did I mention sweat? It must be time for Flag Football!!
My team is called Whiskey Women and it is my first season playing with them. My friend, Lisa, introduced me to our little team of 10 girls who are all really nice. We had such a great time! A few broken nails aside, no one got hurt even though we played the biggest, baddest team for our first game (their super-sized quarter back ended up falling on me when we made an interception and scored a touchdown; however, the refs said it didn't count because apparently they thought that by her laying on top of me, there was unnecessary roughness on the defense's side. Umm... Hello?!?! She was on top of ME. ). Needless to say, we did not win but I am pretty sure we had the most fun. I look forward to our next game in a week!

S & R

2010-09-09T08:41:00.000-07:00

This weekend I celebrated two of my very best friends' wedding. I met Sarah and Robert when I was a freshman in college. They immediately became like big brother and sister to me (well, of course! since Sarah and I are sorority sisters). After dating for almost 8 years, Robert finally popped the question.

The wedding took place at Wolf Mountain Vineyards in Dahlonega, Georgia. We couldn't have asked for better weather. I don't think I saw a single cloud the whole weekend.

(The Ceremony Venue)

(The Bridesmaids on Rehearsal Day)

(The Bridesmaids all dressed up)

(Sarah getting ready to walk down the aisle)

(Sarah and Robert saying their vows)

(Mr and Mrs Buckley)

Don't worry, More pictures to follow :-)

Wonderful Weekend

2010-08-01T18:28:00.000-07:00

This weekend, my boyfriend Alan came to visit. His friends Daniel and Diana just moved down to Savannah (yay! more new friends!!) so we decided to have a cookout Saturday night and spend some time at the beach on Sunday.

Alan and I having brunch before meeting Daniel and Diana.

Diana, Daniel and Alan swimming

Alan got stung by a jellyfish about 15 minutes after getting to the beach.

The boys playing bocci against our neighboring beach-bathers.

Diana and I watching the boys play bocci.

The boys posing even though they got their butts kicked.

Diana and Daniel, my new Savannah friends.

Me and Alan

A Weekend in Atlanta

2010-07-26T17:22:00.000-07:00

Since moving to Savannah, this is the first weekend I've been back home in two whole months. It was about time! After making the ridiculously long (4 hours?!?!) drive with Greyson in the passenger seat, I made it home on Friday evening. My parents and I had such a nice relaxing evening and Greyson loved exploring Hattie and Poppie's house.

Saturday, I helped put together food for a surprise bridal shower that some of my friends were throwing for one of my best friends. Her wedding is in September (Labor Day weekend) and I am one of the bridesmaids. It was such a fun party and the bride-to-be was completely surprised; which is pretty difficult to do in this group of friends.

Me and the Bride-to-be

Some of the Zetas at the Shower

Saturday night, we celebrated my friend Amit's return from the army. He is on leave for the next month. A big group of us went to dinner and drinks after at the pub around the corner. It was such a great time hanging out with everyone and it really made me miss home and all my friends.

Sunday was family day. My parents, sister, nephew and I went to church and lunch and then my mom and I went shopping. In the evening, everyone came over to my parents house for family dinner. My boyfriend, Alan, came too and played a vicious game of scrabble with my parents (I was winning after my 90 point score for "Geyser") and then cards after dinner. I really love hanging out with my family and value the dinner and game nights we spend together.

It was such a wonderful weekend at home! Now I'm back in Sav and waiting for the work week to begin but hopefully I'll get to visit again soon.

Greyson fell asleep as soon as we got back. He had such a great time in Atlanta.

Another Internship... kind of

2010-07-01T07:20:00.000-07:00

I moved down to Savannah for an internship with a real estate company. It is an indefinite internship... so basically, I am an employee with all the work and responsibility but without the pay or benefits. Although I would have preferred an actual titled job, I am really grateful to have found this position (my big sister really was the one to find it for me).

I work in the small marketing office of The Landings Company, a real estate company on Skidaway Island. I am one of eight staff members in the office, the rest of the building is filled with desks and cubicles for agents. My typical day, when I get to work, consists of checking morning email, finishing up projects from the previous days, starting new projects, maintaining the website, driving home for lunch to let my puppy out, coming back to repeat everything I do in the morning, emailing out my finished projects to my boss to get approved, thinking of more projects to do, and going home. My projects range from creating banner ads for websites, editing The Landings' website, designing newspaper real estate ads. Basically, if it needs designing, I am the girl to do it.

I really enjoy my job. Although I am technically an intern, I am given the same consideration as everyone else and have almost full creative license with my designs. I enjoy working with everyone in the office. Hopefully this internship will become a full-time position in the future.

Needing some family time...

2010-06-21T09:58:00.000-07:00

I recently relocated to Savannah, leaving my family and friends back in Atlanta. Luckily, my best friend has lived here her whole life and has taken it upon herself to introduce me to a few (four) people and show me around town. Savannah is a lovely city; its by the beach and intracoastal waterway, its historic, its friendly. As wonderful as Savannah seems on paper, it can not make up for not having my friends and family. This week I've been really homesick. Atlanta has been my home since I was three. I have high school and college friends there. I have family there (including my new nephew, who is the sweetest baby ever!). Georgia's charming coastal city is quickly losing its charm for me.

On the upside of things, I have a little baby puppy, named Greyson. I got him a few weeks ago and he is wonderful. I also have my amazing condo that I love (pictures to come). I have my job (THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!). And I do have a (really small) circle of friends here. I know that my homesickness is jading me a bit to the fabulousness that is Savannah and hopefully in time I will feel more comfortable here.

In perfect time for me to get over my homesickness, I am lucky to get to see my family this week coming up. My cousin is getting married in Rhode Island. I will see my parents, sisters, BILs, nephew, and extended family. Yay!

Greyson loves to play

2010-06-10T17:02:00.000-07:00

Cupcakes

2009-11-11T11:03:00.000-08:00

I just got a new recipe book...

There are more than 60 diverse recipes, including salted caramel cupcakes, peanut butter and jelly cupcakes, and of course classic yellow cupcakes with chocolate buttercream.

Today I decided to try out the recipe for Triple Chocolate Cupcakes (milk chocolate cake filled with dark chocolate glaze and white chocolate frosting). Pictures to follow!!

Day One

2009-10-06T10:09:00.000-07:00

Today, I started my hunt for a job. (ok, technically its day two) Long story short... After working the past three months at a marketing company, learning the ins and outs of the design world, my boss told me that he couldn't offer me a position after all.
My heart broke a little bit, but I held it together. So here I am, sitting at home in front of my computer, googling every advertising/marketing/design company in Atlanta, praying that I will be lucky enough to find a job.
I used to go to lunch with my good friend, Steph, and we would see these people in the middle of the day taking long lunches and just hanging out. We always wondered what they did that allowed them such free time and we wished we, too, could enjoy a free afternoon. Now I understand, they were probably unemployed and they were probably looking at us wishing they could trade places too.
Instead of getting up and going to work for 8 hours, then going to my (paying) retail job for 4 more hours, coming home and crashing, I now have all this free time. I get up, go to jazzercise, come home and shower (I refuse to sit in my jammies all day), and then... go job hunting. But frankly, one can only do so much hunting at a time before becoming depressed, so I find little things around the house to distract me from my current jobless state. I made chocolate chip cookies, I blog, I contemplate taking wall paper down from my bedroom. And slowly the day passes by.

So here I am... single, unemployed, and living at home. And although some would read this and think, "YIKES, how depressing!" I realize that I am blessed to have family that is super supportive, blessed that I have amazing friends to hang out with, and blessed with a positive attitude that things will turn around. My life isn't exactly where I want it to be right now, but I can still enjoy the ride that takes me there.

So cheers to my life and the adventure that is to come.

The two most feared words in the english language... JURY DUTY

2009-09-15T05:10:00.000-07:00

There must be five hundred seats in here. Five hundred seats half filled with sleepy-eyed, mumbling people. People that were picked this morning to serve their civic duty and drive into the city at the crack of dawn to wait. Wait to be told to go home or wait to get picked to be a juror.

This is my first time having jury duty. First time to serve, fourth time to get summoned. I've avoided such a thing in the past with full-time student status. I'm not as annoyed as some might be. I am thinking of this as an adventure.

The adventure began this morning at 5:15am when I heard a horrible screeching noise. I slammed my radio until it went off and then I fell back asleep only to be awakened moments later by my phone alarm going off. My brain waged a war with the rest of my body, thinking "15 more minutes isn't going to make you more rested... just get up now before you spend the next hour hitting snooze" (like I do every other morning). By 6:15am I was ready to go, only to hear my dad just getting up and getting in the shower (its not fair that men only need a few minutes to get ready in the morning and I take an hour). We left the house right at 6:30am and headed toward the city.

My dad is SUPER awesome for driving me to jury duty this morning! He deserves a metal. Especially because I got us a bit lost. Apparently the exits are not the same coming in from different directions. Oops. After a few wrong turns and a few crossed lanes, we made it to our exit and finally to the building I was to be in for the rest of the day. Dad dropped me off and there I was in the big city all alone... 45 minutes early... slightly intimidated. I walked over to a hole-in-the-wall diner and ordered breakfast and then headed inside to check-in.

Then, panic! They took my camera! I forgot I had it in my bag and when I went through security, they put it in a bag and wrote my phone number on it. You can have a camera phone or a computer with a camera in it but if you have just a plain old camera, they have to take it away... nice.

So here I am , sitting in the Jury Assembly room about to watch a fascinating movie about why this is so important. I have to say, the people watching is pretty interesting. I'll keep you updated on whats going on.

Surprise!!!

2009-08-07T08:16:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to my sister and brother-in-law!!

Lovin' Life

2009-07-16T18:52:00.000-07:00

So after about two weeks at my internship, the votes are in... I have the coolest job ever. Ok, maybe its not the coolest ever but for me at this time of my life, it is perfect. I work with three guys at a marketing company. The creative director and owner are both very experienced in the design field and have taken it upon themselves to take me under their wings. As an intern, I would expect boring office work but they have already had me work on multiple design projects. Projects that are being sent out to clients! I am learning so much and building up my portfolio so when it comes to find a permanent job I will be ready!

First Day on the Job

2009-07-07T16:56:00.000-07:00

Today was my first day at my internship! I woke up bright and early at 6:30 to get in a morning workout and get ready for my big day. I ended up getting to work in no time at all and even before the others arrived. After the guys came in, we got right to work. I learned how to use Word Press and edited a website for most of the day. Later, I was put in charge of designing a logo for one of the newer clients.

Tomorrow I have my first client meeting!! So far so good!

I also got a call from the Gap today too. I am interviewing with them this weekend. I decided that having an unpaid internship is great for experience but not so good on a wallet. Hopefully I can earn some money so I will be less of a burden on my parents and put some away in savings.

Wardrobe fit for a Grad Girl

2009-07-02T12:27:00.000-07:00

Dazzling Dots Shift Dress
From J.Crew
was $210; now $150

Petite Pleat Waist Button Front Shirt

from Ann Taylor Loft

Was: $39.50
Now: $14.99

Below the Knee High Waist Cotton Pencil Skirt
From Express
was $59.50; now $39.99

Patti the Pug

2009-06-28T12:04:00.000-07:00

Patti is one cute little girl. She plays with everybody and when it is time to nap she can really nap.....she loves to observe what is going on....she is a very smart little girl.

If you would like to meet Patti, please contact her foster mom, Barbie at email: barbieyonce@aol.com or call her at 706-955-3992

Design World, here I come!

2009-06-27T15:28:00.000-07:00

On Friday, I went for an interview with Zero-G Creative, a small business marketing/design company located in Atlanta. This four person team creates websites, logos, business cards, branding- you name it, they do it- specifically for small to mid-sized businesses.

I am starting after the 4th of July as their new intern!! It is a great opportunity for me to learn the business in a very hands on way. I am super excited to finalize the details this coming week.

Stop Motion Animation

2009-06-22T08:35:00.000-07:00

My second project for Digital class was to create a stop motion animation. I tried to attach the video but the file is too big. Follow this link:

The Great Fight Scene

to see my newest project and let me know what you think.

My Design Style

2009-06-19T14:41:00.000-07:00

I went to HGTV.com to take the Design Style Quiz. My result is...

Mediterranean-Inspired

Vibrant, yet tranquil. Rustic textures and soothing colors echo the sea and sky. An ornate space inspired by nature. Tuscan and Mediterranean stylings.

Maybe this will give me some inspiration to make-over my bedroom when I move home.

Oh My Goodness!

2009-06-17T09:58:00.000-07:00

Do you have any idea how frustrating it is when you have some awesome, amazing news and NO ONE will answer their phones!?!?!?! I finally, after thousands (ok, not really thousands but it seemed like an awful lot) of applications, got a call back that did not include the phrase, "we are unable to match your qualifications at this time" or, "your background is not a match for the specific requirements for this position."

Although I am beyond excited, I am trying to stay calm until things become a little more solid. As my dad says, Hope is not a strategy.

But until people start returning their frantic voicemail messages, I will bask in the glow of possibility.

Paid Web Design Internship

2009-06-12T15:13:00.000-07:00

Job Summary: The Bradford Group is seeking a full-time Web design intern in its E-commerce Creative Department. This internship requires that you work closely with various senior-level Web designers on a wide variety of projects to support marketing and corporate initiatives. An ideal candidate will possess a background in HTML and CSS in addition to strong design skills with an emphasis on typography. Responsibilities: Support senior-level designers in creative tasks Utilize design skills in the creation of projects ranging from promotional graphics to Web site design Execute Web site designs using HTML and CSS Build HTML & CSS within website Site updates and maintenance Miscellaneous design projects
Required Skills:
Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design, Web Design or Interactive Media or pursuing is required Excellent design skills with emphasis on typography Proficient in Mac OS, HTML, CSS, Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator Ability to meet deadlines and work with changing priorities Flash skills a plus Possesses enthusiasm, creativity, and curiosity To apply: see http://career.staffingsoft.com/site008/asp/JobSeekerResults.asp?button=Search

This Bites!

2009-06-10T14:38:00.000-07:00

I went to volunteer at the animal shelter earlier this week. The trail that they have to walk the dogs on goes right by a small creek which apparently breeds mosquitoes. I ended up with the worst bug bites I have ever had in my life. I counted 21 bug bites on one shoulder alone!

Animation using Photoshop

2009-06-09T11:46:00.000-07:00

This is my completed first project for Digital III.

A New Start

2009-06-07T14:31:00.000-07:00

I thought I should give my blog a lovely face lift to go along with the fact that my life is changing. Soon, I will no longer be a college student. I will be a young professional looking for a job in the graphic design field (which is something I've been doing for the past few months actually). I hope you like the new look!

One Year Ago

2009-06-05T19:48:00.001-07:00

One year ago, I spent the summer in Italy.

Tuscany

Venice

Rome

Amalfi Coast

Pisa

Florence

Rome

This summer... I am spending six hours a day, four days a week taking class.

Rain, Rain, Go Away

2009-05-24T15:06:00.000-07:00

My family may have picked the rainiest weekend EVER to go to Hilton Head Island for a vacation. I have been bouncing around from Daytona to Savannah to Hilton Head for the past week and the weather has not improved in the slightest (with exception to Daytona, which was very sunny and causing me to get a horrible sunburn).

Sunny Daytona Beach

A Glimpse of Blue Sky in Hilton Head followed by another rainstorm

Thank goodness for a good book, the movie theatre and Starbucks internet.

Soul Mate Puppy

2009-05-12T19:10:00.000-07:00

Hannah is a baby Chinese Crested Pup who was born on MY BIRTHDAY. According to her ad: Hannah is a sweet heart. She is just waiting for a good home to adopt her. She is great with all the other pups and cats!!She is such a good loving baby. She will cuddle when you are sitting with her and then you get in the floor and roll a ball and she is so comical chasing it.

Graduation

2009-05-11T18:00:00.000-07:00

As I left my last class for the spring of 2009, I happened to walk past the tennis courts and I heard music playing. The song I heard was the theme song for my high school graduation. It almost brought a tear to my eyes. The past four years at Georgia College and State University have been some of the best memories of my life. I have made life long friends and learned so much, not only in the class room but out in the world. Here are some of my college memories...

I started college as a chemistry major and then went through pre-pharmacy, liberal studies, museum studies, and finally settled on Digital Media in the Art Department.
I had a mix of great roommates and not so great roommates.
I pledged a sorority and held a position on executive board.
My first roommate, who I will always like the most, took me to my first college party and introduced me to the boy who kissed me for the first time.
I went to Italy and had the most amazing time of my life.
I failed and succeeded.
I ate Ramen for the first time... and loved it!
I played flag football and learned to play softball.
I rescued a puppy and found him a good home.
I found a family of friends called the Mansion.
I dyed my hair pink, orange, and green.
I got my first apartment.
I learned that living with 13 girls is not as bad as I thought.
I learned that cockroaches come out on the sidewalk at night and it is impossible to avoid them all.
I learned that the best work gets done in the middle of the night in a freezing cold art room with a tall white chocolate mocha and some fun music playing.
I learned the best way to avoid a hangover is macaroni and cheese and not to mix wine and beer.
I learned that no matter now much you ask her to clean up, or post a chore list, or put up a trash schedule, a bad roommate will not clean up after herself.
Living in the dorms was awesome and Sanford boys will always be crazy.
Sometimes you just need to cry.
You have to learn a lot of unnecessary information (like a mganga uses a fly whisk) in order to get to the interesting and worthwhile information (like good friends stick with you even when you are a jerk, or if there is cake it is going to be in someone's face sooner or later, or all great artists know their art history).

I walked across the stage and took my (empty) diploma case and felt a huge wave of relief. I had the time of my life in college, and, although its not quite over ( I have 3 more summer classes), I feel like I am starting a new and exciting chapter in my life and I look forward to the years to come. I want to thank my family and friends for sticking with me through everything, without them, especially my parents, college just would not have been the same.

Ding Dong the Wicked Witch is dead!!!

2009-05-10T17:57:00.000-07:00

Ding Dong the Witch is dead! Which old Witch, the wicked witch!!!

My roommate for the past year has finally moved out!! I found out from one of the people that live in my apartment building that she had earned the nickname of "the Troll" due to her rotten demeanor and yelling/threatening our neighbors. Clearly she was just a joy to live with. She has moved out and, of course, left a huge mess to clean up (her rotting old food is still in the fridge... yuck!!). Never will I ever live with a random roommate ever again because I don't want to end up with a Witch (with a capital B) like her.

She's gone where the goblins go,
Below - below - below. Yo-ho, let's open up and sing and ring the bells out.
Ding Dong' the merry-oh, sing it high, sing it low.
Let them know
The Wicked TROLL is dead!

Sweet Lil Things

2009-05-05T12:21:00.000-07:00

My name's Hannah. I'm a Blue Pomeranian. I was born January 5, 2009. I'm a little girl. I weighed 3 1/2 lbs on April 21, 2009. I'm also a bossy little girl, who loves to play with other dogs, and is enjoying bossing my little brother. I am current on my vaccinations and will spayed 5/5. If you're looking for a little girl with alot of spunk then I'm the girl for you. Please fill out an online application at Alcovypet.com

My name is Kylie. I'm a cream colored Pomeranian. I was born January 4, 2009. I'm little, I only weighed 4 pounds on April 5. I love to play with other puppies, dogs and toys. I'm sweet, smart and energetic. I've been spayed, dewormed and I'm up to date on my vaccines. I'm looking for my forever home.

My name's Montana. I'm a blue Pomeranian. I was born Januray 5, 2009. I only weighed 4 1/2 pounds on April 24. I have a little white hair on my chest and the tips of my feet. I'm a sweet, smart boy. I like to play with other dogs and toys. You can see my little sister, Hannah, on this same web site. She's a little bossy, but I still love her. If interested in Montana please fill out an online application at Alcovypet.com

Four Years of ZTA

2009-04-29T11:24:00.000-07:00

Magic in the Moonlight: Crown Ball Formal

2009-04-19T19:44:00.000-07:00

Zeta had the annual Crown Ball Formal at SoChi Gallery in downtown Macon. Unfortunately, most of my friends decided not to go this year (I think a lack of dates had something to do with it). It wasn't quite as fun as other dances, but don't I look cute?!

Do Good to De-Stress

2009-04-16T16:27:00.000-07:00

I've heard that people who have dogs suffer from less stress than those without one. Well, this week has been the most stressful week I have had in a very long time. Since I do not have a dog at my apartment, I decided to do volunteer work at the local animal rescue shelter. Today I spent two hours hanging around with the sweetest pups. I took them all out for a walk, one at a time of course, and enjoyed their carefree nature. Each pup clearly had their own personality. There is a lovely trail in the back of the shelter that runs parallel to a river. Its very peaceful and the perfect de-stresser for my hectic week. I know the pups appreciated the attention, and the workers at the shelter always appreciate the extra help. After such an awful week of research papers, a failed career fair, and frustrating work issues, I already feel better just from two hours with those pups. I highly recommend doggy-therapy to anyone who is suffering from stress. Meet some of the delightful little darlings:

Layla, an 8 week old female austrailian sheperd mix. She is a sweet little ball of fluff with penchant for chomping on anything that moves. She also happens to think she is a great dane.

Iris, a 12 week old female Collie mix. Such a little spit fire! And with beautiful markings too! Iris is jumpy little girl who loves exploring nature.

Peanut is a beagle mix about 5 months old. Her sister, Bagel, was adopted and now poor Peanut is left alone at the shelter. She is very cuddly, even on the walk we went on she would snuggle up to me every time I bent down to her.

The one that made the biggest impression on me is named Sugar. For some reason she is not listed on the shelter's website, she might be too new. Sugar is an older pup, probably between 2 and 4 years old. She looks a bit like a Collie mix of some kind. At first when we went for a walk she was bouncy and excited. She walked on the lease really well. The second time I took her out she acted like a perfect lady and was completelt calm.

If you are in the market for a pup, I highly recommend any of the sweet babies found at ARF. They all have great personalities and could use a forever home. Check out the website for a listing of the rest of the adoptables at ARF.

Career Fair for ALL majors???

2009-04-15T18:07:00.000-07:00

My school participated in a career fair this past Tuesday. I decided that since I am a senior and about to graduate, I should check it out. I went online to check out the over 100 companies that were going to be represented at this fair. Since my school was advertising this as a place for ALL majors, I thought it would be prefect. I made a list of companies that I was interested in talking. Amazingly enough, some of them even had design positions open. I felt prepared and I looked great in my new suit.

I drove 2 hours to Atlanta just to find out that every company I talked to wanted sales people and engineers. Even the companies that had design positions open, the representatives either knew nothing about it or just didn't want to talk about those positions. It was the biggest waste of time and worse than that, it was the biggest discouragement.

Next time I see a career fair for all majors, I'll be sure to let my business and engineering major friends know about it.

Great Give Away!!

2009-04-05T10:28:00.000-07:00

Bridal Buzz from WedEventDesign
and Tales of a Golf Gal
are having a contest to see who has the most loyal followers!
Follow one site and get 1 entry
Follow both sites and get 2 entries
Post about the contest on your blog and get 3 more entries!

the giveaway prize is from
Crate and Barrel
the Cabo Glassware Pitcher and 4 Stemless Drink Glasses

Go to CountryClubLivin.blogspot.com for more info!!

Viva Las Vegas!!

2009-03-24T09:40:00.001-07:00

My spring break this year happened to co-inside with my dad's business trip to Las Vegas. My mom and I decided to fly out and meet him out there for the weekend. When we landed in Vegas, my mom and I thought it was funny that they had slot machines in the airport, so we decided to play a dollar. Not five minutes had we been in Vegas and my mom won! Ok, well she won $1.25, but still! I thought it was cool.
We went to the hotel, which was about five minutes from the airport, met up with my dad, toured the hotel and casino, and spent the rest of the day lounging by the enormous expanse of pool area. Then we showered up and got ready for dinner at Circo, a restaurant inside the Bellagio.

The next day, we had breakfast at Cafe Bellagio and watched as the line to get in steadily got longer and wrapped around the indoor garden.

By the way, the Bellagio hotel was AAmazing inside. It had Chihuly glass in the lobby, an indoor garden that smelled wonderful, a pool area that went on forever, and outside were the fountains that went off every night. (did I tell you our room window looked down on the fountains? we had a private show every night!) We spent the day walking around and shopping at Caesar's Palace and the Fashion Show Mall because the weather was not cooperating and became windy and cool. In the evening, we walked over to the Venetian, that has a indoor area mimicking Saint Mark's Square, and had dinner at Cannalettos.
Day three was cold and windy again. We went back to the Fashion Show Mall for a little bit and then came back to the hotel to get ready for the spa. Since the weather was just no good, we decided to spend some time relaxing inside in the spa. It was lovely! After the spa, we walked over, in the gail like winds, to the Palazzo to see a show, the Jersey Boys. It was great!! After the show, we went back to Cannalettos and had dessert.

The Last half-day that we had in Vegas was full of packing, shopping, realizing the guy at GAP didn't remove our security tags, leaving the hotel, asking sales people if they could remove our tags, and catching our flight back home. Oh, did I mention I rode first class back?
It was quite possibly the coolest spring break I have ever had. Although we didn't win big in Vegas, we did leave with a sure thing... Shoes! Thank you to my parents for such a great time!!

A New Love

2009-03-18T09:27:00.000-07:00

So sweet little Leia is adopted!! I'm happy that she found her forever home. But meet Frankie!! A 7.5 pound, 3 months old, Chihuahua/Yorkie mix. He is the only one in his pack of four that looks like a Yorkie.

Ava

Joey

Dino

A Girl Obsessed

2009-03-16T18:09:00.000-07:00

In case you did not know, I am a girl obsessed. Ever since I can remember I have been a dog lover. Cuddly, loyal, and oh so cute, I am dog obsessed. On my 10th birthday, my mom surprised me by taking me to the pet store to look for a pup. We had a dog at the time, Teddy, but I wanted to get him a friend. We brought home Maddy that day. A sweet little Maltese, my puppy. A few years later, after Teddy passed away, we wanted to get Maddy a friend (losing Ted made her lonely). Thats when Sharkey came home with us. A chubby brown and white Chihuahua with the sweetest personality ever. About a year after that, Bailey, a tan colored Chihuahua, was adopted after my sister realized she could not handle having a pup at that moment in her life. So, for many years I have lived amoung these little animals, loving every minute of it.

I moved away from home to go to college about three and a half years ago. Living away from my furry friends is tough. Its odd not having to watch my feet to make sure I'm not going to step on a tail or a paw. No one barks when someone comes to the door. Its definitely different and kind of lonely. Which is why I am on the constant look out for my potenial future puppy. I love looking at the local rescue websites as well as petfinder just to see whats out there. I want to adopt almost every pup I see. I came upon this adorable little papillon/chihuahua mix named Leia. Although I am not at a place in my life to get a dog (so says my mom), if I could go get Leia tomorrow, I probably would. Don't worry Mom, I'm not going to... but its a nice dream I have.

on the hunt... for a job

2009-03-14T06:25:00.000-07:00

I have been in school for 17 years! 17 years of homework and studying and tests. Its hard to believe that in a few months I will be graduating from college. No more school. (unless I go to grad school) Facing the end of my school days, I am looking at the very sad job market on the hunt for the start of my career.

With the economy being how it is right now, looking for a job is a little intimidating. I have searched every job site imaginable, Monster, HotJobs, CareerBuilder, as well as a bunch of really random sites. After sending my resume out to over 25 job openings, I have two firsts. 1.) My first rejection email (for a management position with a very large company) and 2.) My first positive feed back email (from another very large company for a web design position)!!!!!! Although I don't want to get my hopes up with this, I am very excited to hear something positive.

So, please, cross your fingers because I am calling them on Monday!

Please pray...

2009-03-09T20:26:00.000-07:00

Please pray for Brooks. My sweet boyfriend is having surgery tomorrow. Over the weekend, he got in a dirt bike accident and fractured his tibia. He has to get a pin put in his leg. I know he is really nervous but he is doing his best to look strong. I pray that his surgery goes well and that he recovers as soon as he can. I love him so much and I want him to get better.

UPDATE: Brooks got back from the hospital last night. Everything went fine. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers!

Bridal Buzz

2009-03-03T11:37:00.000-08:00

Check out the hottest, most creative wedding blog on the block!! Bridal Buzz has great tips and ideas that will inspire you or your wedding planner to create an amazing day for you and your fiance! And if you are looking for an event planner, the queen bee herself would love to offer her services! Check it out at www.wedeventdesign.blogspot.com or www.wedeventdesign.com

Right now Bridal Buzz is holding a "Get it out there" Give-Away! All you have to do is go check out her website and enter to win two sets of monogrammed note cards! If you win, you get to pick the cards and the monogram! So click the link above and enter in the contest! Good luck!!

Snow Day

2009-03-02T13:23:00.001-08:00

To welcome the first day of March, mother nature decided to go from short-sleeved shirt weather to snowing overnight. From what I've heard, Milledgeville has not seen snow in almost ten years!! Unfortunately, it did not stick. But it was a wonderful sight to see!

Honey Chicken Stir fry

2009-02-27T09:27:00.001-08:00

I will try any recipe once, but this one I will use over and over again!! Sooo delicious and really quick and easy!

Honey Chicken Stir Fry

INGREDIENTS

* 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch pieces
* 1 garlic clove, minced
* 3 teaspoons olive oil, divided
* 3 tablespoons honey
* 2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
* 1/8 teaspoon salt
* 1/8 teaspoon pepper
* 1 (16 ounce) package frozen broccoli stir-fry vegetable blend
* 2 teaspoons cornstarch
* 1 tablespoon cold water
* Hot cooked rice

DIRECTIONS

1. In a large nonstick skillet or wok, stir-fry chicken and garlic in 2 teaspoons oil. Add the honey, soy sauce, salt and pepper. Cook and stir until chicken is lightly browned and juices run clear. Remove and keep warm.
2. In the same pan, stir-fry the vegetables in remaining oil for 4-5 minutes or until heated through. Return chicken to the pan; mix well. Combine cornstarch and cold water until smooth; stir into chicken mixture. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 1 minute or until thickened. Serve over rice.

Alex Needs...

2009-02-26T08:19:00.000-08:00

I took my name and googled "Alex needs" and wrote down the first ten posts that came up in the search as per my sisters idea. Here it is, Alex needs...
1. More than just a rat trap for this vermin
2. Your help
3. Full Backing
4. Anger Management to curb her violent ways
5. A lynching mob
6. A Professional profile on LinkedIn
7. Therapy
8. Your prayers
9. A Home
10. A podium finish to stay in the hunt

Overall, I would say this was a little more accurate for my sister than for me. I don't have rats, I don't really need help at the moment, I have a job so I don't need backing, I hope I don't need anger management or a lynching mob, I have a profile on LinkedIn, I don't need therapy, I would love your prayers, I have a home, and I am not in "the hunt" for anything. Sorry Kel, this one is not quite right.

Greek Week Recap

2009-02-23T13:03:00.000-08:00

The past week has been so busy that its nice to take some time and review. Greek week and Homecoming have taken over my life and this weekend was the grand finale. Although my sorority did not do so well in the rankings, we played really well and kept our spirits up the whole week.

Zeta Day was also this weekend. It is when all the Zeta chapters in Georgia get together and review the past year. They give out awards and its a great time to visit with sisters that we don't get to see every day. My chapter did really well and went home with a bunch of new awards. Right after Zeta day, we all left to go to the homecoming basketball game. Unfortunately, both women and men's team lost, but they were very close.

Feeling Spring-y

2009-02-22T16:28:00.000-08:00

I decided to reflect my spring-y mood by changing my blog look. A big thank you to my sister for helping me with this project!! Thanks Kel!!

No Good, Very Bad Day

2009-02-16T16:25:00.000-08:00

I should of just stayed in bed today...
1) The bookstore was not opened

I woke up this morning extra early so that I could run over to the bookstore to pick up a booklet for my art history test. When I got up, I had quite the headache, a tickle in my throat, and a very achy body, but I got ready and headed out the door. The plan was to get my booklet and come back and review for the test one last time. I couldn't find parking for the bookstore except for three blocks away. I parked and scurried over there only to yank on the doors and have them no even budge. I pulled again... nothing. I peered in the window, it said opens at 8am. I checked my watch. I was clearly 9:07am. I started banging on the doors. Maybe they forgot to unlock them. Nothing. I looked at my watch, 9:10am. If I was going to get to my test ontime, I needed to go back to my house and get my bookbag. I left the evil bookstore praying that the one on campus was opened.

2) They decided to paint the road

By the time I got back to my apartment, picked up my bookbag, and drove across campus, I knew the only way I was going to get a close spot to my building would be to park by work. It sounded like a good idea at the time. I bypassed the more popular main road parking spots and headed straight to my road... only to find that orange cones lined both sides. My eyes went wide with fear as I realized that dispite the road being repaved over two months ago, they chose today to repaint the lines. I drove through, desparate for a spot so I could run by the bookstore and pick my test booklet. I found one... four blocks away from campus.

3) I had to sit in the breezy seat

After walking with a marathon runner's pace to the bookstore and finally getting my booklet (61 cents for eight pages of normal notebook paper stapled inside a piece of blue paper), I made it to class. Being test day, everyone who normally sleeps in was actually there. This meant lack of prime seating. The only seats left were either in the nosebleed section, or the breezy seat. The breezy seat, for those who are not enrolled in a class that inhabits a probably 100 year old building, is the desk that sits next to the door with no insullation around in, that leads to outside, but is never used due to the odd placement. The one day I forget my coat, I get the breezy seat.

4) Test from Hell

My teacher clearly designed this test to crush the spirit of any non-art history major. And the email that I thought I understood from her describing what would be on there, clearly was not understood.

5) Should have been a sick-day

I drove home after my test and was feeling even worse than this morning. I was achier, my nose was a faucet, and my throat felt like it was closing in. I barely had time to rest when I had to go back to campus and go to work.

6) Oh Work

I got to work wanting it to be one of those normal mondays where the office was slower than slow. But of course with it being smack in the middle of greek week and homecoming closing in, the office was a flurry of activity. The register was broken, so selling homecoming concert tickets took twice as long. And all of a sudden the copier/fax machine decided it was necassary to eat every paper put in it. When I emptied it, it was still screaming "paper jam" but there was no paper in it. The only nice thing that happened was that my boss looked over at me and sai "You look worse. Are you feeling worse? I think you should go home." So, thankfully I left.

I walked the seven million blocks to my car and drove home.

7) "It looks viral but we're not sure what it is"

My sweet boyfriend came by and took me to the campus infermary. I finally got called into the back after waiting about half an hour. She went over my symptoms and decided that a flu test was necessary. DID YOU KNOW that to do a flu test they shove a huge cotton swab up your nose alllllllll the way?!?! It hurt soooo bad!!! And then I did a strep test for good measure. Both came back negative and the place was out of medicine. The doctor told me that whatever I have looks viral but shes not sure what it is and that if I still feel bad in 7 to 10 days to come back. If I don't feel better in 7 days, I'm going to a reall doctor.

So, that is it. The end of my no good very bad day. I am not leaving my house until this day is done with.

AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!

2009-02-13T18:54:00.000-08:00

AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
HHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Greek Week has started. Enough said.

Happy Birthday to Me!!

2009-02-13T08:46:00.000-08:00

This past weekend, I celebrated my 22nd birthday!

Here is the recap...

Friday, after work, I drove out to the lake to meet my family and the pups. Kel and Linc came up on Saturday. To celebrate my birthday, we all went out to dinner. Since the weather has been unseasonably beautiful for February, we went to dinner by boat. It was so wonderful!

Dinner was so much fun. The ambiance was just beautiful. We sat next to a roaring fireplace with the sun setting over the lake in the background. After dinner, we took the boat back home and had cake.

Sunday morning I opened my birthday presents outside on the deck. After packing up, we all headed out to the new movie theater. The girls saw He's just not that in to you, and the boys saw Push. After the movie, I said my goodbyes and left to go back to school.

On Monday, Brooks and I celebrated my birthday with him cooking me dinner. He made a very yummy sugared chicken with grilled apples and we picnic-ed while watching the gift he got me, Madagascar 2!!

I had such a wonderful and elongated birthday weekend!! Twenty two is looking like a very good year so far!

Di Passagio

2009-01-28T09:49:00.001-08:00

Over the summer, I went to Italy. It was the most amazing time of my life!! I met some wonderful people and made life-long friendships. My friend, James, documented our trip and created a film called Di Passagio. It is about passing through life and making discoveries about oneself. Last night, James came to Milledgeville and had the world premier of the film. It was AWESOME! But it also made me very nostalgic. I got teary-eyed remembering the time I had in another country. Italy is beautiful. For about 6 weeks, I lived and studied in this historical country. I would love to go back. Di Passagio is showing at the Macon Film Festival this February.

Happy First Day of School!!

2009-01-12T14:56:00.000-08:00

Today I started my last spring semester at college. All this spring I am taking 18 hours worth of classes. Today I had Northern Baroque Art. My teacher is VERY passionate about the subject and I think will make things pretty interesting. Tomorrow I have the rest of my in-class classes: Renaissance to Modern World Art History, African Art and Islam, and Public Art and Media Culture. This semester is going to be very busy but I am looking forward to it!!

On another note... as an update to the South Beach Diet diary, I have lost 2 inches off my waist! So to celebrate this, here is a right-out-of-the-book South Diet recipe:

Savory Chicken Saute...
Ingredients:
2 tbsp olive oil
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut in halves
1 large onion cut in slices
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp chopped rosemary leaves
1/2 cup fat-free chicken broth
salt and pepper

Directions:
Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat. Saute chicken for about 4 minutes, then turn them over and add onions. Cover and cook for 3 more minutes. Add garlic, rosemary, and broth. Cover and cook for about 5 more minutes or until onion is tender-crisp. Season with Salt and pepper.

Its Sunny in South Beach

2009-01-06T09:17:00.000-08:00

Day 6 of being on the South Beach diet and...

I've lost 4 pounds!!!

I have been working out every day and eating according to the very strict rules of the first two weeks for my diet and its paying off! I am pretty excited about it. Although eating only meat and vegetables with very little other ingredients seems boring, my mom and I have come up with some very delicious recipes that do not taste like diet food at all. My favorite was from dinner last night. Here is the super easy recipe for those who want to eat like a South Beacher:

Rouladins:

Ingredients

Thin Sliced Round Steak (1 to 2 pkg)
1 pkg of Bacon
1/2 an onion
1 Can of Beef Broth
pepper to taste

Directions

Slice the onion.
Take 1 slice of steak and top with 2 slices of bacon and 1/2 of a slice of onion.
Roll steak up and secure with toothpick.
Continue until all steak is used.
On stove, brown rolls of steak in 1 tbsp oil in large fry pan.
Add any extra onion.
When steak is brown, pour beef broth in, as well as half a can of water.
Cover and Let simmer.
Simmer for 1 hour, occasionally rotating and turning rolls.

No carbs? No thank you!

2009-01-02T15:11:00.000-08:00

South Beach is a hot vacation spot in Florida... it also happens to be a very popular diet trend that I am newly trying out. There is nothing like coming home and facing the mirrors on my family's faces reflecting that my last semesters at school have not been kind to my weight. Quite the wake up call. So, with promotions of being easy to follow and quick to work, I decided it was time that Alex went to South Beach.

As most know, the South Beach Diet is VERY low on carbs and sugar. Carbs and sugar happen to be the staple in my diet. Give me a bowl of mashed potatoes or ice cream any day! Thankfully, in the book I am reading, I get a nice, neat list of good foods and foods to avoid. My new diet with consist of sugar-free jello and a whole lot of eggs.

I must say, the first day of this diet nearly killed me. My body is so used to having carbs to burn through that when I did not eat any, I got light headed and sick to my stomach. Thankfully, day two is proving to be much much easier.

I am also trying this new thing called ex-er-cise. I have discovered Fit tv. As of now, I am not a fan of MaDonna's hip hop routine or Namaste Yoga but good old Gilad can always be counted on for an easy to follow aerobics routine.

My parents have both decided that they want to lose a few too. As my mom says "I am just trying to lose muffins." My dad is giving up beer and ice cream and is trying to start up a walking routine. Living at home for the moment is good because I have a lot of encouragement from them. When I go back to school, I know it will be harder, but I have the support of my boyfriend, who although loves me the way I am, said that in support of my diet decision, he would even try to get healthier himself.

So here it goes... lets lose those muffins!!

Goodbye 2008

2008-12-31T09:03:00.000-08:00

It is the last day of 2008 and I wanted to review all the things that have happened this year...

I turned 21.
I started taking Italian.
I ended my junior year.
My best friend graduated college.
I moved out of the Sorority house.
I went to Italy for five weeks.
I came back from Italy and went straight to Cape Cod for Kristin's Bachelorette party.
I celebrated the Fourth of July with my family.
I moved into my first real apartment.
I went through my last formal recruitment.
I started my senior year.
I went to Hilton Head and celebrated Kristin and Ryan's Wedding.
I voted for the first time ever.
I rescued a dog.
I celebrated Thanksgiving with my family.
I celebrated my 1st anniversary with Brooks.
I celebrated Christmas with my family.

And today, I am celebrating New Years Eve with my family.

It has been a busy year. A lot of firsts and a lot of lasts. It was a very good year in my opinion. I hope 2009 is even better. Thank you to my friends and family for creating such great memories in 2008. May you all have a happy, healthy, prosperous new year :-)

Ruffles

2008-11-23T09:28:00.000-08:00

Friday evening, Brooks and I were driving and saw a dog running up and down the side of the road. It was six o'clock at night and already very cold. We pulled the car over and the pup ran right over. He was so friendly and cute. He had a collar on that was embroidered with the name Ruffles, but no other identification. The poor thing was wimpering and probably very cold. We tried going to the houses surrounding where we found him but no one was home. So... I decided to take him home for the night. He was very well behaved in the car. I got him food and a leash at the food store. When I got him home, he was very hungry and dehydrated. I gave him a bath and his mood seemed to pick right up. Ruffles and I hung out until bed time. He slept on a blanket next to my bed. He was so well trained that he didn't even have an accident in the middle of the night. The next day, Brooks and I made Found posters to hang up around where we found him. Unfortunately since my apartment complex charges a ridiculous fee for keeping animals, Ruffles couldn't stay with me much longer. Brooks called his aunt and thankfully she agreed to keep him until we could find his owners. Ruffles was such a sweet dog. Even though he only spent a night with me, I got very attached. I know he is safe and taken care of now. I am happy that a could find him a nice home.

My Apartment

2008-11-17T20:33:00.000-08:00

I love my first apartment!! I live very close to campus with two other girls, Catherine and Lauren. We each have our own rooms and we share a living area and kitchen. I was so happy to decorate my bedroom in my favorite colors, brown and aqua. I wanted it to be very calm since being a senior in college can be kind of stressful. Living in this quiet apartment is a long way off from living in the hectic sorority house my past two years at school. I had a lot more space to play with rearranging my room at the house but my restlessness has kicked in already and my bedroom has already been rearranged from this picture.

Up to Date

2008-10-28T08:27:00.000-07:00

My life as of right now... I am a senior art major at GCSU with a minor in French. I am applying to the Fine Art Concentration and will probably graduate in December 2009. Classes are going really well. I just registered for the spring and am excited because I will be taking Digital IV, Painting, Public Art, Art History, French, and Senior Project. Finally, no more core classes!! I walk to class almost everyday, although the cold weather is making it a little less pleasant. I live with two roommates, Cat and Lauren, in an adorably decorated apartment a few blocks away from campus.

Cat is my sorority sister in Zeta Tau Alpha. We just initiated girls this past weekend. My Zeta family added two great girls; making it: Me, my little Ashley, her little Ashlee, her littles Maggie and Victoria. I am a great-grand-big :-)

I also just recently had another member added to my real family. My sister Kristin married a great guy named Ryan. I now have two big brothers, Lincoln and Ryan. I had so much fun at the wedding and I didn't want to leave my family after it was all over.

My boyfriend Brooks came to the wedding too. He is an art major as well, thats how we met. We've been together for almost 11 months.

I work in the Student Center at school. I either work as an office assistant or the game room attendant. I like my job, its really easy. Its on campus and very close to my apartment. And the people I work with are really friendly too.

And that is pretty much what has been going on recently.

Keeping up with the rest of you

2008-10-28T07:24:00.001-07:00

Ok, So I now have a blog. I'm not really sure how this whole thing works but I guess I will figure it out.