Whew!

What a whirlwind last week was! And putting off most of my grad work did not add to week either...oops. It all got done though. It was a busy, but fun week. Mondays are always crazy...just because its Monday. Tuesday Amanda and Hal came in for the Jimmy Buffet concert. It was a little different seeing him in February and in an inside venue, but all 4 of us had a great time and officially ready for warm weather!

I took Wednesday off to recover and get some grad work done. It was well worth it, but totally threw my week off. When I got back to work, things were just as busy as when I left. I had class Thursday night, Friday night, and all day Saturday. Needless to say, Saturday night I was pooped. It was definitely a couch and movie night for me.

On a side note:

My mom found these adorable tin flowers and picked them up for me. They are the inspiration for my backyard spruce-up this spring. I cannot wait to get a nice table and chairs for outside and enjoy the spring and summer. These will be perfect to hang on the fence!

I sure would say this is a sad backyard...and definitely in need of some TLC. Since the inside of my house is done, onto the backyard.

Contact Lens Abuse

I just need to complain about the awful eye doctor I went to see at the Walmart today. She needs to take a class in what I guess you would call "bedside manner." I know I don't take care of my contacts or eyes like I should, but it has worked for me this long, so I just keep on with my routine. Needless to say I don't need a lecture, because I know how I should take care of my eyes, just choose not to at times.

I was overdue for an appointment and out of contacts so I finally made an appointment. I'll save you all the minor details and skip to the main point. She must have told me 14 times in the 20 minutes I was in there that if I don't take the contacts out every night and change them every 2 weeks that I could have permanent blindness. Because of my "contact lens abuse" and leaving in them for more than 48 hours, I could lose my vision. By no means, do I want to be blind, but did she have to repeat it over and over- I don't think so. She also told me in a very rude tone, that I had "make up swimming in my eyes." Really, swimming? Come on now.... Finally, she proceeded to tell me (still rather rudely) that no one would prescribe new contacts if I had an infection (which she check for)....and by the way no infection. What I wanted to tell her was my eyes are probably dry and swollen because I might have partaken in a few beverages at Jimmy Buffet last night, not because of my eye abuse.

I don't doubt the information she provided me with was false, I just don't appreciate how rude and ugly she was to me. She said she would see me in a year....I don't think so, I'll find someone else to see.

A Steal

Hot Diggity Dog, I found something on sale...on clearance!
This picture just doesn't do this purse justice, but its way cute....and seeing as I seem to never like the clearance items, I was super excited get it marked way down. Sure maybe its a winter bag, but a girl can always use a black bag, right?

It's a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

What a fabulous weekend so far! First, the weather went from cold and dreary, to warm and bright! It's amazing how a shift in weather can put everyone in a better mood instantly. I hope this means old man winter is on his way out the door...

The bubster was in town for the Tennessee/Carolina basketball game. Friday night the family went out to dinner and as mom and dad went home to go to bed, Brooks and I went out for a few drinks. It was a fun time catching up and visiting, especially since its rare when we get to hang out. And being the nice sister I am, I even came bearing gifts....or cupcakes that is. They were a hit!

Today, we went to the basketball game, wearing our orange and white proudly. Brooks got us good seats and I think Mom, Dad, and I were nervous to what the outcome of the game might be. I am proud to report that Tennessee pulled out a win in the end...it was close for a bit, but Tennessee came out to win in the second half.

Brooks and I before the game.

The bubster hard at work.

And there is still one more day left of this fabulous weekend! Next Saturday is the big OUTLIVE game in Knoxville. If you remember, I posted earlier about this fundraising campaign that started with my brother's idea. Help support cancer research...visit the OUTLIVE website and get your shirt today!

Good Times!

I got a fabulous surprise on Monday! My wonderful friend, Jacqueline, was flying into Columbia and passing through on her way to Aiken for work and wanted to get together for dinner. I'm so glad she called and we were able to meet up! We had a yummy dinner at the Bistro in Lexington before she got back on the road. It was so great to catch up...you see I don't get to see her much because she lives above the Mason-Dixon line (and I have been a horrible friend and not been up there to visit her the last five years). Now if we can just get her back down south....

I forgot to take a picture at dinner...oops. But here we are at Jacq's rehearsal dinner.

We are working hard to get a girl's getaway together with these fabulous ladies...hope it works out :)

Thank you Grad School!

The tax man (aka Dad) just reported that I will be getting a nice sum of money back for my taxes....thanks to grad school and a hefty loan I have to pay back. But for right now I am enjoying the thought of that check, and putting it into savings. Yes, you heard me right, for once I am going to try to be financially responsible.

Things are looking up already :)

I'm still here....

Not that I am actually thinking anybody is wondering where I have been...but I will let you know anyway since I am feeling the need to vent. Since February has begun, I feel like I have been out of touch with the my normal routine for several reasons as of late...

1. Work has been crazy....one thing after another, again, out of my normal routine that bleeds into my personal life. Hoping things will return to normal very soon....that is if there is a normal being a teacher.

2. Grad School...on top of all the work craziness. The motivation is lacking to be productive in this endeavor, therefore creating stress and worry on my part.

3.Signing up for another Grad Class through my district...what was I thinking? While I really wanted to take it and it is not that much work, it still is time on Thursday after school until 7.

4. Multiple other commitments I have made at work....this is the overachiever in me shining through.

5. My computer is a piece! I think my years of not updating and taking care of it as I should have caught up. This is another motivational piece of getting grad work done that is holding me back. Thank goodness for my school laptop.

5. The weather...it just puts me in a yucky mood. I'm tired of the cold and winter. And on top of that it snowed yesterday. 7 inches on my patio table, yes, in South Carolina. While it is very pretty, I'm so over this. Bring on Spring!

So, I am not exactly Polly Positive, but I am going to really start trying to use my time more wisely (this is when a list comes in handy, and I love a list!) and getting my self back on track.

While I was catching up on all my blogs this morning, I saw this on Kelly's Korner and it made me smile, and okay maybe tear up a little. I normally don't talk or write about church or religion, and keep it very personal, but I thought this was great. And I also really liked the back of Kelly's cardboard testimony :) The front is not totally me, but the back is a great reminder.

Dear Mr. Groundhog,

Dear Mr. Groundhog,

I beg you! Please do not see your shadow tomorrow and bring on Spring. I've had my few months of Winter weather, and am over it now. Spring is much needed here in South Carolina. I'm tired of the cold, and although I do love my winter white coat and boots, I'd rather not pull them out anymore. All of my cute spring attire is jumping out of the the closet to be worn. Your cooperation will be greatly appreciated.