She said 'I think I'll go to Boston...' Part 1

The last two days have been a whirl-wind of emotion.....

Let me give you the back story before I word vomit every crazy thought that is consuming my mind right  now.

I can't say that I've been unhappy at my current place of employment, but as of lately, I was very dissatisfied with my opportunity for growth. In addition, there was the "let's move in" this summer discussion. As always, I got way ahead of myself and thought When I have babies at home, I don't really want to spend 2 hours of my day on the road, do I? No..no, I don't. So, it came down to commuting or finding a different job. I found myself entirely stressed out about the whole prospect and ultimately decided I had too much invested to leave my current job and I would commute. After all, lots of people commuted and imaginary babies can't sway my decision, right? Right. So, that was that. I was done stressing about work.

And then I attended a baby shower for a friend of mine on the 15th of January. In casual conversation we discussed work and she mentioned her company was hiring. I laughed and asked if I could work from home. She eagerly said yes. I don't know what possessed me to actually look at their job board, but I did. Thursday night, I perused the career section. Maine had nothing of interest as I have no {zero.zilch.} interest in paying claims. {My January stint in the CCC this month drove that point home.} So, I thought it wouldn't hurt to look in Mass. I ran across a job that fit the bill. Internal thought process: apply and see what happens.  you don't need the job. you have a lot invested. you have nothing to lose. So, I applied. I woke up Friday morning to a personal email. {Yes, personal. Not one of those HR generated auto-reply emails.} They were interested in speaking with me the following Tuesday. {I am not entirely sure why I was so surprised. After all, I had a near perfect background for the job. Never-the-less, I was surprised.} So, I mentioned to my friend that I happened to apply. You know that saying that it is all about who you know? Boy, do I believe in that. My friend happened to know the account manager in the office and fired off a generously nice email. Monday, I received an email indicating that it was short notice but inquiring on whether I could go to Boston for an in-person interview. I panicked. It was becoming all too real. {Luckily for me, the boy was going to be home to be my personal chauffeur because I knew nervous me wouldn't be able to rationally handle driving into the city, parking, AND being on time without having a major anxiety attack} I was so focused on my in-person interview that I completely disregarded the "Tuesday Phone Interview." {Interject key fact here: I found out that lady 'interviewing' me was the hiring manager} Tuesday rolls around and I'm in the middle of a phone interview that I'm so.not.prepared for. I answer the best I can and tell her that I wasn't as prepared as I should have been because I was so focused on the in person interview. She's easy to talk to. Fast forward to the last question of the interview: "Describe your closet." I already like her.

Thursday rolls around. I'll spare you the details of the awful mood I was in. We're talking awful. My confidence level was tetering. I felt fat. You know all those irrational thoughts girls have when they're nervous. {Oh wait. I'm probably the only person that resorts to degrading herself when she's nervous} Anywho. It wasn't good. Not sure if I've mentioned before how ridiculously awesome the boy is, but he is. He did that thing he always does. He read my mind. One look at me and he said "Your mind is already made up, isn't it?" Exhale. "Yeah, it is." So, we agreed that I'd go. I'd give them my best and that was I all I could do. He calmed me down. He got me in the car. {I tortured him with every girl empowerment song I could find on my ipod during the drive in....okay, it wasn't total torture....he was a great sport}


Walking through the Prudential building felt different than the times before. As I listened to my heels click, I became very self aware of my interview attire, the way I was carrying my binder and the way my hand felt in his. I felt different. I questioned whether I really belonged there. Would a little girl from Maine blend into this big city? He assured me I would. I was just starting to believe him until Prudential Tower fiasco. Let's just say,  I am not accustomed to ushered elevators. I do the security thing, find my way to the right "row" of elevators and make my way to the 14th floor. I take a right out of the elevator and find the door on the left as described. I march right up to it and attempt to open. Yes, attempt. Because guess what? The damn door is locked. Yup. Just as described in my email. Step 1: Can she follow directions? Fail. I take a deep breath, step back around the corner, gather myself, and ring the door bell. Interview lasts somewhere between 13-15 minutes. No behavioral interview questions. No 'give me an example of a time when you...' No grilling. Nothing like that. They introduce me to everyone in the office and hiring manager says she'll be in contact the end of the following week, possibly beginning of the next week.

I go down the elevator and I think to myself, not only was that the easiest interview I've ever had, but I could do this...I could be a city girl...Couldn't I?

It'll shake you, damn near break you...

I was sitting on the floor in my bedroom last night working diligently on a birthday gift when "Staying's Worse Than Leaving" by Sunny Sweeney came on Pandora. I stopped dead in my tracks.

....god knows we tried, everything we could do. You can keep your pride and blame me if you need to. Even though this freedom feels a lot like treason, I know that staying's worse than leaving. It's gotta get better, it can't get worse.  I  hope it's a blessing, not a curse. I don't care who passes judgement on my reasons...

Tomorrow marks 6 months since my separation and 3 months and 3 days since my divorce.{If you know me, you know I'm a counter}  I met a friend for dinner Friday night who has also been through a divorce. Her story is heartbreaking. She is amazingly strong for the situation she had/has to endure. She still smiles as though she's never been hurt. She is living proof that perseverance goes a long, long way.  The conversation elicited a few different emotions in me. Initially, I felt guilty.  I had such a 'clean' story. I had no drama, no single event. He didn't lie. He didn't cheat. And then I felt a slight surge of relief, for no matter what circumstance lead to the divorce, there are similar conclusions. Life as you'd known it was over and would never be the same. You feel like the time spent nurturing that relationship was time, you'll never get back. You feel like your life during that time, for the most part, was a lie. You spend so much of your time as a wife, conforming to your husband's life, catering to his needs, spending time with his friends, and without even realizing it you realize when it is all said and done, you've lost a lot of yourself. We discussed the "custody of friends" and how in the end, you don't need the "lip service". Then, we talked about moving on.

I cannot remember when I realized that this situation didn't break me. It was a pretty powerful thought.  My life did not fall apart {though, my bank account would tell you otherwise at times} I never felt like I would not be able to go on. When I cried, it wasn't about him and I. It was about me. I wondered how I would start over again. I wondered about my reputation. I wondered how people would react. For a brief moment, I remember thinking, if I just went back, I wouldn't have to endure the difficulty. I wouldn't have to meet people's eyes. I wouldn't have to offer an explanation. But, I knew deep down, that if it weren't that very moment, I would have still found myself in the same situation. Only at that time, it could have been much more complicated.  It became a lot easier to process once I realized that as a whole, my friends just want to see me happy. {And happy, I am.} There are still times, I wonder how I thought that kind of love would last a lifetime. There are times I am angry that I gave myself to someone in that aspect. I feel guilty for the money his parents spent. {Speaking of his parents, I harbor a lot of anger that they never reached out to me. I had spent 4 years being their 2nd daughter.} I am sad that he/they have to endure the stigma of the situation. {One positive aspect of not having a family, I have no one to answer to} As of lately, I am warming up to the idea that this was a life lesson I had to endure to get to where I am now. {Sounds kind of cliche, I know} While I haven't  changed personality-wise, I know that I have a drastically different thought process at almost 29, than I did at 24. I have grown up a lot. I know what I want. I know, now, that I don't have to sacrifice the things I want to be happy. I know that it is okay to be myself. I know what I deserve. I know that I am good enough. I know that I am worth the fight. I know that I can make someone happy. I know that it is possible to carry on a conversation about topics other than the weather. I know that going to the grocery store together can be fun. I know that compromise works both ways. I know that an affinity for children is much more important to me than I had originally realized. I know now, that you can see your future with someone, that it is not something that develops over time.

My life has drastically changed. For. The. Better.

So, while I know that there are people out there thinking, 'gee, she moved on rather quickly' {and a host of other thoughts, I'm sure} I have concluded that moving on, is all I can do. It serves no purpose to keep harboring over the past. Life is happening now.

Ten Day Challenge – Day Ten {1 Picture}

One picture.

At the moment this picture was taken, I had no way of knowing that my life as I knew it would never be the same. I was a month and a half separated. I was a month and ten days from being divorced. I was hardly paying attention when a group of guys swarmed our table and sat down on either side of myself and the other 5 girls at the table. {I say swarmed because it all happened so fast.} And then he spoke. He had an alluring southern accent. So, I looked up. Well, wouldn't you know, southern boy was also quite attractive. I half-heartedly paid attention to the conversation at the table, all the while, turning down his friend's incessant requests to buy me a drink. In my head, I was contemplating how much longer we would have to sit here. I had just had a rather unpleasant run in with mutual friends and the last thing I wanted was more drama in my life. But, he made for good eye candy and I caught wind that he had a motorcycle {Bonus!}. Then, I made a snide remark about marriage. (Forgive me, please. I was more than a little bitter) He responded by raising his eyes a little and asking if I was divorced?** I said, "not yet" and he turned back and resumed conversation with his friend. I took a deep breath and whispered, "there goes that" to my friend. The feeling that I never wanted to date flooded over me. Not only do I have a helluva family story, I would now have to reveal that I had been married before. No, Thank You.  I was sure I'd rather stay single for the rest of my life than to ever have to explain any of that. I took another deep breath and put it out of my head, besides I was getting the impression he was interested in the beautiful blonde sitting across from me. She was lucky and I told her so.

I spent a good portion of my night joking with my girlfriends that before the night was over, I was going to kiss this boy. {The cosmo that I  ordered despite not liking, like was setting in} It was an action completely out of my character but I didn't care. After all, it isn't like I would ever see him again, right? 

The rest of the night was pretty uneventful up until the point we run into the group again. {Insert details here that my roommate had gotten his name and number before leaving Gritty's} He buys another round of drinks (yes, I said another). We're all talking, laughing, dancing.  I casually suggest he ask my roommate out because she's single. I think to myself, she's pretty, she's educated, she's not going through a divorce.... And he says {don't quote me because I don't remember the exact words but something to the effect of...} 'I've been trying to talk to you all night.'I think to myself, you have?!'

We dance. We laugh. I kiss him. I swear in that moment, the entire world stops.{ And no, it wasn't the alcohol.} Before I know it, the night is over. His friends are yelling to him that he needs to go and I'm ready to go home because I'm too old for staying out until 1am. He asks for my number. I tell him he doesn't want it. He asks again. I tell him he won't call. He asks again. Eventually, I give in. If someone's going to be that persistent, fine, take the number, add it to your collection. I say something along the lines of:  nice to meet you, thank you for the drinks, oh by the way, I'm not sure if you quite heard me earlier but I'm going through a divorce, and I don't expect you to call.

He called. I answered. He asked me to dinner. I froze. I didn't know if that's something I could even do. I discussed with Sara. We agree, it's just dinner. There's no harm in dinner. I spend 4 hours prepping. {I mean, I didn't spend that entire time getting ready, but damn, I was nervous.} I go to dinner. We eat. We talk. I mean really talk. Six hours worth of conversation.{I'm not exaggerating, either} I know as the date concludes, I am forever changed.

Sorry, I couldn't pick just one.

 too far-fetched to believe, too obvious to ignore

I will spend the rest of my life thanking Helen and Sara.



**{He'll tell you now that he doesn't remember asking me that, but Helen is my witness}

Ten Day Challenge – Day Nine {2 Songs}

 1. Asphalt Cowboy-Jason Aldean

I know you'll never believe that I cried when he first had me listen to this song. {I know, unheard of, right?} Now, I listen to it at least once, if not a million times when he's gone...and it is also his ring tone.

I'll brag just a little, because he does actually have pictures of me in his truck

...

2. Bulletproof-Steel Magnolia

Thank you Pandora for introducing me into this little gem yesterday. It is now my weekly song obsession.

"This fragile little girl has a new suit of armor"

One more day of this challenge. As the end approaches, I become increasingly worried about whether or not I'll have things to write that will be not only worth blogging about but worth reading. Time shall tell, I suppose. The challenge has been thought provoking, that's for sure.

Ten Day Challenge – Day Eight {3 Films}

Phew. This is thought provoking. I know I mentioned that I don't tend to read books twice. Well, I also don't tend to watch movies more than once. I like psychological thrillers and unfortunately, once the plot is revealed I have a hard time re-watching because it is never as good as it was the first time. Fortunately for me as of lately, I have a pretty horrible memory, so if I wait just long enough, I can re-watch the movie because I've forgotten....

1) The Notebook. I know, just like every other girl in America, right? I am a romantic. Have I mentioned that? This movie is true love at its finest. It is one of those movies that some would say distorts the reality of love in real life. I only say this because I believe it to be impossible to watch this movie and not wish on every star and every 11:11 to find a love like Allie and Noah. It doesn't matter how many times I've seen this movie, I still cry uncontrollably.

2) The Rock. Yup. Nicolas Cage (before he turned creepy) and Sean Connery. You simply can't go wrong. My love for this movie was intensified when I saw Alcatraz from the Golden Gate Bridge.

3){Picking just 3 is very very very difficult. There are so many good movies}  It has to be a tie between Boondock Saints and A Few Good Men. I don't know if I can choose. {Damn Gemini personality...it is always getting in the way. And I fear Day 9 and 10 are about to get really difficult} Boondock Saints is just kick @$$. You can't deny that. A Few Good Men. Tom Cruise was phenomenal. Jack Nicholson is always phenomenal and well, I could have done without Demi Moore.

{Disclaimer: Yes, I realize none of these listed are psychological thrillers}

Ten Day Challenge – Day Seven {4 Books}

1. ANY and I mean ANY of the Kay Scarpetta series by Patricia Cornwell. Kay is a forensic medical examiner. The series follows her life and different crimes. {Criminal psychology is one of the few things in this world that completely fascinates me} I started reading them in high school and ten years later, I'm STILL reading them. In fact, Red Mist is waiting for me but I need to finish A Million Little Pieces first. {Yes, Helen, I'm STILL not finished that book} I have never been the type to want something the day it comes out except when it comes to her books. Though I must admit I don't own the entire series. I keep telling myself one day I'm going to make a list and figure out which ones I don't have so that I can complete my collection. Though here's another secret I typically never read a book twice....except for the next book.

2. He's Just Not That Into You---Honestly, I think every  girl should read this at least twice. {I just sauntered to the bookshelf to realize that I must have lent the book to someone and never got it back because it should be a duplicate on the bookshelf and it isn't....ugh} The first time you read it to read it. You'll laugh and you'll say, "no..that's not my situation." The second time you read it, you'll take your time and you'll have that moment of clarity that either he's just not that into you OR he really is that into you. But be a bit cautious,  the last time I read this book, I let my best friend talk me into agreeing to a date with a guy that wouldn't stop asking me out and then I married him and we all know that fairy tale ending didn't turn out so well.... Perhaps, I should stick to only reading a book once

3. Tuesdays with Morrie---By Mitch Albom (Heck anything that I've read by him has been amazing)

4. A Million Little Pieces--- By James Frey. Let me throw this right out there:  I DON'T CARE that it isn't completely true. His writing is so phenomenal and vivid. I've never read anything like this before. {I regret to say I haven't finished it yet, but I will....just as soon as I start spending less time on my computer and more time reading}

This post leads me to one of the many New Year's 2012 resolutions I made: read more. I feel like that is totally attainable.

Ten Day Challenge – Day Six {5 Foods}

1. Pumpkin Bread---THE summer break up of 2007. It was the only thing I would eat for 2 weeks straight, I swear. {well...that and vodka. How I lost 20lbs, I have NO idea}

2. Mushrooms----LOVE THEM on my pizza, in my omelets, in my spaghetti sauce, in my salads, in my chop-suey, with steak, on the grill with onions, red potatoes butter, salt, pepper and...

3. Garlic---It goes in almost every single thing I cook...well garlic salt more specifically. Some people are obsessed with ranch dressing on everything. Me? I am garlic salt fiend.

4. Butternut Squash Ravioli---a fall MUST HAVE

5. Lasagna----It is one of the few good memories I have of my mother. She made the most delicious lasagna. It is my Christmas Eve staple and the dish I'm most proud of when I make it. Home-made sauce complete with hamburg, pepperoni, sausage, green pepper, onions, and mushrooms {of course}. Then comes the cheese: ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, Monterrey and provolone. Mmmmm Mmmmm Mmmmm.

Ten Day Challenge – Day Five {6 Places}

1. Nashville, Tennessee

Why? Because it was the first place I went on a plane. June of 2004. Country Music Festival with KL. One of the best times I have had in my life. {Oh and obviously I fell head over heels in love with cowboys...who knew that would come to fruition?}

2. Orlando, Florida

Why? Because I landed myself an all expenses paid trip through work. It was an unbelievable experience. Not only was it a fantastic confernce, we got rock star treatment which included but  not limited to: no lines, behind the scenes stories, and unbelievable food (Mickey Mouse Pancakes were delicious). Oh and I cried when I saw the castle...

3. Negril, Jamaica

Why? Despite being my honeymoon destination, it was the first time I had ever left the country and I fell in love with white sand and sunsets.  It was also the first time I experienced poverty. It was incredibly eye opening.

4. Mt Katahdin, Maine

Why? Because after arriving at 9pm in 4 inch heels, AME and I set up our tent in the dark and hiked the following morning despite the Park Rangers raising their eyebrows at us and asking us if we were sure we were going to hike. It was so liberating. Someday, I would like to do it again.

5. Boston, Massachusetts

Why? I.Just.Love.It.

6. Paris, France

Why? Growing up, I was convinced I would get married under the Eiffel Tower...and then I realized there's a river...so that ruined that. But, being the romantic I am, of course I want to see the City of Love {Though, I've heard it's dirty and not nearly as pretty as they make it out to be in pictures, movies and books.}


I did not expect this post to be as difficult as it was. I thought I would struggle to come up with 6 places. Now, that I'm at a point where travel is now an option, I want to see everything I can. In no particular order: New York City, Grand Canyon, the Hollywood sign, Hoover Dam, Las Vegas, sun set on the west coast, a beach in Florida, Niagra Falls, the mountains out west, cornfields, and a lonely cactus in the middle of the desert...

Ten Day Challenge – Day Four {7 Wants}

This is a rather inconvenient post given that it is after Christmas. But here goes....

1. A HOUSE

No, I don't really want a castle...

I really just want a simple little house with a white picket fence

2.  GMC Terrain

I never get obsessed with vehicles. I've been obsessed with this since they first ran the commercials on tv.  It's beautiful, isn't it?

3.  Coach 

Sigh, I reallllly want to change my purses with the seasons. Isn't she gorgeous?

4. Hot Red Dress

 Now, I realize that I couldn't do nearly the justice Adriana Lima does to this dress, but I love it. Though typically when I love something online, it looks HORRIBLE on. But a girl can dream...

5. A complete bedroom set. 

I can't even post a picture because I haven't the slightest idea how I'd choose...I went to Jordan's Furniture for the first time a week or so ago. Ah-Mazing. 

6. Oh, speaking of Jordan's...

This isn't the exact one but it was similar and I was/am in love. 

7.

It's late. I'm tired. And all I really want is for my boyfriend to be home and laying next to me in bed... MmmHmm go ahead, tell me how pa-thetic I am...

Ten Day Challenge – Day Three {8 Fears}

It is not failure itself that holds you back; it is the fear of failure that paralyzes you. 

1. FAILURE

Absolutely.Positively.Without.A.Doubt. TERRIFIED to fail. {Hence my perfectionist personality}

2. Rejection and/or not being Enough

Story of my life. I hate it. In fact, the latter half made me physically ill for four years. When you're deemed not good enough for your own family, you grow to fear not being good enough for anyone else.

3. Water

When I was young my mother hit a drop off and nearly drowned with me on her back. I have a horrible memory but this is something I can close my eyes and see vividly. A few years later, I was playfully shoved off a 12 foot diving board into 10 feet of water. I hit my diaphram and stopped breathing. Oh AND I'm a terrible swimmer.

4. Heights

I never thought I would be one to say this. I grew up obsessed with roller coasters and thrill rides. BUT, the older I get, the more scared I become. It seems the more I try to conquer my fears with heights, something worse comes out of it. IE I agree to go ziplining and I ended up hanging myself from a platform....by my ponytail....it wasn't a good experience.

5. Being chased and not being able to get away

Kinda random, I know. I have recurrent dreams that involve someone chasing me and I can never escape. Each time, my legs just cease to move. It scares the hell out of me that I would freeze in a situation like that. 

6. Public Speaking

There's not a moment where I don't kick myself for not taking a public speaking class in college because man, I could really use it. It doesn't matter how confident I am on a subject, the minute I get in front of a crowd, I start shaking and stumbling over my words. Oh and sweating. A. Lot. 

7. Being a terrible mother

This should probably go with #1 But.... When you're in my position, you can only pray that you do everything the 'right' way, so you can make up for the awful childhood you had but there's this tiny spot in my mind that says 'what you if you end up just like her?'

8. Rodents

I just don't like small creatures scurrying about. I will scream. I will climb up on whatever I can to avoid them. Yeah. I am that girl.

To be honest, this was tough. I mean, I know can be a pretty big baby but it was difficult to come up with 8 concrete things I fear.  What fears do you have?

Ten Day Challenge – Day Two {9 Loves}

1. My Friends.
I'm not going to name you one by one, because let's be real here, there is no possible way I could narrow it down to just nine. I would not be where I am now if it weren't for the amazing people that surround me. {And he is included in this because he is without a doubt my best friend. He knows me better than I know myself}

 

“When I find myself fading, I close my eyes and realize my friends are my energy”

 

 

2.  Peppermint Mocha Lattes from Starbucks & Peppermint Mocha Creamer by CoffeeMate

I probably keep CoffeeMate in business. Seriously. I'm obsessed. The good news is, I recently weaned myself from sugar AND coffee creamer. 

3. Children

Under the age of 5. They just melt my heart. One of my favorite sounds is a child laughing. I love watching them discover new things. I love watching them interact with their parents, there's something so amazing about they way they smile at them.

4. Fitness Magazines

Women's Health, Fitness, Runner's World. I.Can't.Get.Enough.

Sidenote: I also cannot throw magazines away. I just can't bring myself to do it.

5. My Iphone.

I would probably go as far as saying I probably couldn't live without it. Immediate panic sets in when I misplace it. It literally serves as my lifeline. {And yes, I know how that sounds. I'm perfectly okay with it.}

6. Running

Okay, maybe not all the time, but most of the time. It is the first thing I have felt I have physically succeeded at. It enabled me to lose 20 lbs 4 years ago and go from a size *deep breath* 14 to a 4. I am a competitive person but I am more competitive against myself than others. Running is one of those things that allows to you compete against others if you want to but for the most part you're just striving to break your own records. 

7. Quotes/Song Lyrics

Let's face it, music speaks when words fail

8. Elephants

It started in high school. Someone asked me what my favorite animal was and I responded that I didn't have one. They responded that, that was unacceptable. I wish I could tell you what happened next, but I honestly don't remember. I just remember Eustacia came into the picture. Eustacia was my first elephant. The collection grew from there. You know how people catch on that you like something and then they go totally overboard with getting you elephant themed things? Yeah, that happened. I have a plastic tote of elephants that I have no idea what I will do with but think that someday they'll end up in a nursery. 

9. Victoria's Secret Shine Serum

Smells.So.Good.

Ten Day Challenge – Day One {10 Secrets}

Okay, so I have decided that I am going to give this another go round...I can't lie, the more I read Helen's blog, the more it made me want to blog again, so here goes...

1) I check facebook compulsively. I mean, I think morning and night are completely acceptable, {Wait, did I mention EVERY morning and EVERY night? } but sometimes I hit the facebook app on my phone and I don't even realize it. It's bad. I know. 

2) I went to 9 different schools growing up, which is why I'm so adament that when I settle down and have a family, I refuse to change my children's school. {Also, why I'm so in love with Facebook, because it enables me to keep in contact with the many amazing people I met along the way}

3) I'm scared to get another pet. Pets and I don't seem to work out too well. Ex #1 and #2 both ended up with OUR dogs. I met a sweet little pitbull the other night and it literally made my heart hurt. I miss Maximus so much {but I know he's happy}

4) I sleep with my boyfriend's t-shirt at night. It's kinda weird, right?  There is something about the familiar smell, I swear it helps me sleep better. 

5) I care WAY too much about what other people think. It is something that I am ardently working on.

6) Above all else: I.Just.Want.To.Be.A.Mother. {I'm sure you got that from my previous blog, so maybe it isn't really a secret} A quick head count has me at 9. 9 of my friends are currently pregnant. Irrationally, I have myself convinced that I'll be the last of everyone to have children. {You did take a mental note that I used the word 'irrationally' right?}  Now, I know that's not true. I know there's a time and place for everything. I know that my time will come. BUT. It doesn't ease the longing. 

7) When I like a song, I listen to it on repeat for days on end. I am always amazed when I happen to look at the number of plays on Itunes. {IE: Luke Bryan's 'I don't want this night to end'-81 plays. 81...really? Next in line is 54...}

8) Some people are salty. Some people are sweet. Me, I'm sweet. I cannot say no to sweets in any form. It usually isn't a huge issue until the holiday season hits. I can say no to dessert at a restaurant. I can check out at the grocery store without buying a candy bar. I can usually go into Dunkin Donuts without ordering at least 1 donut hole. I can't say no when someone brings me cookies. I can't say no when sweets are readily in front of me. I spend the majority of Jan Feb and March whining that I gained too much weight during the holidays and will spend the majority of winter and spring trying to work it all off. This happens to me every year. And every year I say, I won't do this again. I'll have them in moderation. Psh. I haven't succeeded yet. {Which means you lucky readers can prepare for the ' oh.my.gawd. I need to go to the gym for 8 bajillion hours blogs}

9) While we're on the subject of food. I'm obsessed with anything and everything pumpkin. Pumpkin Bread. Pumpkin Pie. Pumpkin lattes. Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies. Pumpkin Cheesecake. Pumpkin Muffins...You get the drift, right? {I fear I'm starting to sound like Bubba Gump talkin' 'bout shrimp}

10) Last but not least. I'm madly in love with other people's wedding photos. I can literally lose hours of my life scrolling through other people's big day. I chalk it up to the romantic in me. I believe in love. And luckily for me, I have some very talented photographer friends. { Here's a shout out to Patty, Stacie, and Dan }