tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86842047319328774282024-03-13T15:05:01.103-07:00The Abundant Life"I have come so that they may have life and that they may have it more abundantly." John 10:10.Shelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00885771217727345384noreply@blogger.comBlogger72125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8684204731932877428.post-42589629372023761302013-01-29T19:40:00.001-08:002013-01-29T19:40:51.290-08:00Two-for-TuesdayI know, I know. When you see the pictures, if you know me, you will wonder who I am? Am I the same Shelby you talked to last week? I, myself, am a little surprised that this is my third food post/recipe, but I suppose I am working on my domesticity and becoming a little less Shelby/a little more Suzy Homemaker before June. (You're welcome, Andrew.) So without rambling further, the first is a recipe that I found off of Pinterest two weeks ago, and the second is the chicken that I made tonight.<br />
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These, my friends, are SKINNY Strawberry and Chocolate Chip Muffins. Although I do think these would have been better in "fat" form with the oil/butter that the true recipe called for, the skinny version, while slightly bland, is really <b>not </b><i>too </i>terrible. It was a pleasant surprise. I mean, how can any woman complain with the words chocolate, strawberry, and skinny all in the same idea/sentence? This girl is not complaining a bit. Just another tidbit- I actually think they tasted better the day after I made them.<br />
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If you click <a href="http://sallysbakingaddiction.com/2013/01/03/skinny-strawberry-chocolate-chip-muffins/">here</a>, you will find Sally's blog where the link from Pinterest took me and where I found the recipe/directions. Browse around on her site, (I just went back to get the link and saw cake batter chocolate chip cookies) I am sure you will find tons of good ideas! <br />
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I have tried to be healthier this year, so tonight I wanted to make dinner but wanted to keep it healthy. More than that, most recipes I found had a laundry list of ingredients that I did not want to ferociously hunt down in the grocery store. Therefore, I literally typed "5-ingredient recipes" into my search which led me to this find.<br />
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This is the actual chicken that I MADE. I think it looks pretty good if you'll allow me to toot my domestically-challenged horn for a minute. This recipe, which is actually a Weight Watchers recipe (I have no idea how the program/point system works so not sure if this is really a good one), only has four ingredients. To me, that is beautiful.<br />
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For this you need 16oz of chicken breasts, a 1.25oz packet of taco seasoning, 1cup salsa, and 1/4cup fat free sour cream.<br />
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Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. The directions said to use a sealed bag to shake the chicken in the taco seasoning, but I did not have the right-sized bag so I used a bowl to dip the chicken in the seasoning. Then you lay the breasts in your casserole dish/pan. You bake the chicken for 30 minutes. Five minutes before the chicken is done, you add the salsa on top of it. Add the sour cream before serving. That's it! So simple.<br />
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(I do recommend not using the entire seasoning though. My chicken were rather spicy!)<br />
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<b>Happy eating and Happy Tuesday!!</b></div>
Shelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00885771217727345384noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8684204731932877428.post-837052296357450452013-01-24T21:22:00.002-08:002013-01-24T21:22:11.356-08:00Thirsty Thursday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I apologize for my week-long absence. It has been rather busy the past week- moving back to Oxford, beginning my <strike>first </strike><b>last </b>semester at Ole Miss, and trying to adjust to the <i>gruesome </i>8:00am classes. (Have I mentioned I am <b>not </b>a morning person?) So, I thought it would be fun to have a Thirsty Thursday. Thanks to Pinterest and my latest compulsive purchase at Target, I was able to make this <b>heavenly </b>concoction yesterday. and I liked it so much that, naturally, I made it <i>again </i>today.<br />
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This, my friends, on the left would be my new, adorable single serve blender that I stumbled upon at Target for <b>$15</b>. (The best part about it is that the blending cup is a portable cup that you can take right off the blender and drink from.) On the right is the recipe (courtesy of Pinterest- you are redeeming yourself from my previous post) for the wonderful concoction nesteed inside of the blender. It is a <span style="font-size: large;"><b>SKINNY Peanut Butter & Banana Smoothie.</b></span> The even <b>bigger hooray</b> of this smoothie is that it has four ingredients- <b>FOUR</b>. When I began to look at smoothie recipes, many had so many ingredients, and quite frankly ingredients that I had <i>no </i>desire to taste (spinach, no thank you!). All you need to make this smoothie is:<br />
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<li><b>1 cup of skim milk (This is what I used, but any milk would work obviously)</b></li>
<li><b>1 tbsp of Peanut Butter (Reduced Fat is recommended in the "Skinny" recipe)</b></li>
<li><b>1 banana, sliced</b></li>
<li><b>1/2 cup of ice</b></li>
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<b>You add the four into the blender and blend until smooth. That's it! </b><br />
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If you are as much as a Peanut Butter/Banana lover as I am, then you are <b>sure </b>to love this and its easy making!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Happy <i>(almost)</i> weekend, friends!!</span></div>
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<br />Shelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00885771217727345384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8684204731932877428.post-82121415423940006222013-01-15T14:34:00.000-08:002013-01-15T14:45:07.169-08:00Tuesday Topics: 8 TV Shows<div style="text-align: center;">
I stumbled across a link-up/cute Tuesday theme for the blog and couldn't help but hitch myself to the bandwagon. In typical fashion, my acquaintance with the wagon was a little late, but as it has been said before, "better late than never", right? Right. So, before I give you my eight shows. Here's a rundown of Tuesday Topics.</div>
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<img alt="The Austin Family Diary" src="http://i1075.photobucket.com/albums/w421/TiffanyAustin922/Tuesdaytopicspng_zps04707824.png" title="The Austin Family Diary" /><br />
Now without further ado, let's get to the shows. These are in <b>no particular order</b> except for #1 which will always hold a <span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>very biased place in my heart. </b></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> 8. Homeland</span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">So, I guess I owe <span style="font-size: small;">fiance credit for this one<span style="font-size: small;"> considering the only time I <span style="font-size: small;">get to wat<span style="font-size: small;">ch it is when <span style="font-size: small;">I am in Houston! He<span style="font-size: small;">, fortunately, has this channel; I<span style="font-size: small;">, unfortunately<span style="font-size: small;">, at school do not. H<span style="font-size: small;">owev<span style="font-size: small;">er,<span style="font-size: small;"> absence makes the heart grow fonder<span style="font-size: small;">,<span style="font-size: small;"> so when I do get to watch these episodes, I love it. E<span style="font-size: small;">ven when I don't<span style="font-size: small;">, Andrew <span style="font-size: small;">has to give me the play-by-play of the<span style="font-size: small;"> episodes. I mean, did they, or did they not both just win Golden Globes?</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> <br />
<span style="font-size: large;">7. Modern Family</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I often try to pick a favorite character on this show, and it is</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">just about impossible. </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">From Gloria's voice alone to Phil's </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">complete obliviousness/</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">gooby </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">arroganc</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">e, they all make Wednesday nights much more </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">entertaining</span><span style="font-size: small;">.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> <br />
<span style="font-size: large;">6. The Bachelor</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">I<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> don't know if I would feel like the <span style="font-size: small;">dram<span style="font-size: small;">atic female that I am if I did not list this <span style="font-size: small;">show. Giv<span style="font-size: small;">en, I did b<span style="font-size: small;">oyco<span style="font-size: small;">tt it for a g<span style="font-size: small;">ood<span style="font-size: small;"> few seasons after Jason Mesnick dumped Melissa <span style="font-size: small;">on <span style="font-size: small;">national TV and then chose Molly<span style="font-size: small;">/that whole Courtney season I h<span style="font-size: small;">appil<span style="font-size: small;">y <span style="font-size: small;">neglected, but this is too m<span style="font-size: small;">u<span style="font-size: small;">ch of a hormonally-ragi<span style="font-size: small;">ng bad train wreck that you simply can't take your eyes off of. It is also a reminder that no matter <span style="font-size: small;">how <span style="font-size: small;">crazy I think I can be at times<span style="font-size: small;">, that my life is fairly normal compared to some of the women th<span style="font-size: small;">at grace this show<span style="font-size: small;"> with their <span style="font-size: small;">emotionally-unstable presences.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> <br />
<span style="font-size: large;">5. Criminal Minds</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">This has been a new addition to my shows lately<span style="font-size: small;"> as I ha<span style="font-size: small;">ve been home for the Christmas break. M<span style="font-size: small;">y aunt watches it which led me to watch it, and now I l<span style="font-size: small;">ove it. I a<span style="font-size: small;">ctual<span style="font-size: small;">ly think it<span style="font-size: small;">'s a love/hate relationship because I b<span style="font-size: small;">lame m<span style="font-size: small;">y lack of sleep some nights <span style="font-size: small;">on this show</span> <span style="font-size: small;">due to <span style="font-size: small;">my <span style="font-size: small;">analysis of every noise <span style="font-size: small;">and cre<span style="font-size: small;">a</span>k I hear.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> <br />
<span style="font-size: large;">4. Law and Order: SVU</span><br />
<img height="317" id="il_fi" src="http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BMjA3NDM2NjkyN15BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwOTQ3NTg1MQ@@._V1._SY317_.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="211" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">I still remember my older sister coming <span style="font-size: small;">home from college and buying th<span style="font-size: small;">is series on DVD. I instantly loved it. I mean how <span style="font-size: small;">could you not with Stabler <span style="font-size: small;">as <span style="font-size: small;">one of the main characters? Ice-T,<span style="font-size: small;"> you are much better as a<span style="font-size: small;">n agent.<span style="font-size: small;"> Coco is not <span style="font-size: small;">your best<span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: small;">role.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> <br />
<span style="font-size: large;">3. Gossip Girl</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Being locked out of my dorm room one nigh<span style="font-size: small;">t my fre<span style="font-size: small;">s<span style="font-size: small;">hman year <span style="font-size: small;">of college<span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: small;">led me <span style="font-size: small;">to a friend's room where this series was playing, and <span style="font-size: small;">it was love<span style="font-size: small;">-at-first-Chuck-Bass-and<span style="font-size: small;">-Blair<span style="font-size: small;">-saga sight. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> <br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2. One Tree Hill</span><br />
<img height="142" id="il_fi" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/9/9c/One_Tree_Hill_original_opening_credits.jpg/250px-One_Tree_Hill_original_opening_credits.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="250" /> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">As I mentioned earlier, I am late to get on the bandwagon with things, this <span style="font-size: small;">being one <span style="font-size: small;">of them. I ha<span style="font-size: small;">d always heard of this show in high school, but it w<span style="font-size: small;">asn<span style="font-size: small;">'<span style="font-size: small;">t until fiance got a Netfli<span style="font-size: small;">x account that I was diagnosed w<span style="font-size: small;">ith quite <span style="font-size: small;">an u<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">nhealthy</span> obsession with this show. <span style="font-size: small;">Embarrassing to<span style="font-size: small;"> say, I watched all nine seasons in less than a year<span style="font-size: small;"> and shed quite a few tears along the way. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>1. Boy Meets World</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span><img height="200" id="il_fi" src="http://blog.zap2it.com/frominsidethebox/disney-boy-meets-world-rider-danielle-ben-will.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="168" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">As much as I love the previous seven shows, I just don't know if they can possibly hold a candle to Fa-fa-Feeny, Cory, Topanga, Eric, Sean, and the rest of the crew.</span><br />
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What are your favorite shows? Happy Tuesday!!</div>
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Shelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00885771217727345384noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8684204731932877428.post-2720632008015592462013-01-14T15:53:00.001-08:002013-01-14T16:50:11.882-08:00Mishap Monday: Mississippi Manners I have decided to bring a theme to the Monday posts, which we are going to call....<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>.....Mishap Monda<span style="font-size: large;">y</span></b></span></div>
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and we are using this cute little guy as the theme picture <b>(courtesy of #whatshouldwecallme)</b> because let's face it, Mondays can have this effect on us, and the mishaps, that seem to <i>only find me</i> in the most awkward and unbelievable of ways, make me want to morph into the turtle guy above and hide beneath the bowl. So, let's get started, shall we?</div>
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What is this you may ask? <b>A shopping bag</b>? Why <b>yes</b>, yes it is.</div>
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But this is not your <i>ordinary </i>paper bag. This bag belongs to a rather cute boutique (you should check out their <b>Facebook </b>page- look at <i>that </i>viral marketing in the midst of my mishap.)</div>
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But that is not its unique characteristic that I am referring to. This <i>bag </i>alone caused </div>
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<b>complete and <i>utter </i></b></div>
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<b>public humiliation.</b></div>
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Dear Shopping Bag,</div>
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I do not think you understand what grave humiliation you put me through last Monday. I had just finished eating a grand lunch with one of my close friends and had climbed into my car when I noticed your <i><b>"absence</b></i>." You <b>instantly </b>sent me into a state of befuddlement because I <b><i>just knew</i></b> that I had carefully placed you in the floorboard before I left my house that morning so that I could return a shirt you loyally carried to the store after lunch. Being the <strike>slight </strike>dramatic that I am, <i>naturally </i>I called my mother in a panic, <b>insisting </b>that someone had broken into the car (<i>which was completely intact, with absolutely no sign of disturbance)</i> and stolen you from me. In the midst of this phone call, I noticed a man in a truck behind me waiting for my parking spot. Trying to be attentive to him but still frantically trying to locate you, I pulled my car back into the spot so he would understand I wasn't leaving. I even turned around, pointed to the phone, showed him my keys, and shook my head that I was not leaving. I thought I had relayed the message to the man behind me and had safely parked the car, so I returned to the phone call with my mother and kept searching the car for you. <b>I failed miserably with both of these attempts. </b>As I began to look for the bag again, I realized that the car, indeed, was not in park as it continued to <i><b>roll </b></i>towards the car in front of me. Once again, <b>naturally</b>, I went into the <i>second </i>panic attack on the phone with my mother that my car was rolling forwards, and I had no idea why. I then looked down to see that I had not placed the car completely in park. After securing this, I turned to see that the man was still waiting behind me after I had tried to communicate <b>multiple </b>times that I was not leaving. Keep in mind, although my writing makes this seem to span across an exasperating amount of time, this chaos all occurred within <b>approximately two minutes. </b>Noticing the man behind me, I hung up with my mother, and began to get out of the car to tell him I was not leaving and had to go back in the restaurant to see if I took you, the bag, inside. </div>
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Before I could even put one <i>toe </i>completely on the ground, the aforementioned man in his truck, began to scream at me in the middle of this public restaurant parking lot. He, in a completely disrespectful and inappropriate/barbaric manner, yelled at me, asking if I was leaving or not. I, in utter shock that a middle-aged man was publicly screaming at a twenty-year-old girl, tried to calmly explain to him that I had tried to tell him multiple times I was not leaving and was having to go into the restaurant because I misplaced a bag. Well, the man in truck made it completely, <b>crystal-clear</b> he had no concern over my lost item as he continued to scream at me about the <i>whole </i>line of cars that were waiting on me. As he continued to have his <b>Mr.Hyde</b> display, I turned my head to the side and took in the nonexistent line of cars (his being the only one) and other available parking spots in the lot. I turned back and tried to smile despite his continued barking as he pulled away. Might I add, his wife sat silently the whole time in the seat beside him, and let her husband scream at a young girl in a public parking lot. After this display of humiliation, Bag, I returned home after still not finding you. Do you want to know where you were, Bag? You were....</div>
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....<b>on the kitchen counter.</b></div>
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Where I left you that morning when I had to switch keys to take my dad's car instead of mine.</div>
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I suppose I should apologize for how <b>tightly </b>I clenched you into my hands and the utmost negative thoughts I sent your way when I found your hiding spot.</div>
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To offer an olive branch for the guerrilla warfare you caused earlier, when I <i>finally</i> returned you to your store after an hour delay and a Jerry Springer display under my belt, I pulled up to the store to see a 50% off sale sign in the window. I may have cracked a smile at you, a little bit. Although with great relief, I returned you to your proper place, I do commend you. You put up a rather large fight, so kudos to you, paper bag.</div>
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As for the man in the truck, I hope that you find your <b>Mississippi manners</b> sometime soon. Either way, thank you for your contribution to this blog post.</div>
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To the rest of you, I hope your Monday ran smoothly, and if not, learn to laugh and simply write it off as a Mishap Monday!</div>
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Shelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00885771217727345384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8684204731932877428.post-18237427555172786082013-01-11T00:02:00.003-08:002013-01-11T00:12:26.728-08:00That's the Way the Cookie Crumbles<div style="text-align: center;">
So, this is definitely a lesson I learned in life at a <b>very young</b> age, but I was <strike><b>ever-so-kindly</b></strike> reminded of it last month in the midst of the holiday festivities. I, <i><b>personally</b></i>, blame it on Pinterest. <b>Yes</b>, I agree that Pinterest is a wonderful time-filler and the ultimate procrastination tool. <b>Yes</b>, I agree that Pinterest is a great way to get DIY ideas and projects, twenty-minute work-out plans that you are not going to try at all but make you feel like you are at least motivating yourself, terribly fabulous baby clothes and outfits that your <strike>nonexistent </strike>child will absolutely own and strut, and ways to turn a simple object/household item into a Michelangelo wonder. However, for girls like me, it gives us false hope. It tells us we can be Elle Woods when in all reality we are <i>Vivian Kensington</i> just refilling the coffee. Yep, good old Pinterest jaded my life-lesson mindset that I obtained many years back and told me that I could create this pretty....</div>
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..... I should have known this was a disaster waiting to happen from the get-go. For starters, I was making this for our annual Christmas party. This is the same Christmas party that, two years ago, I took a <b>store-bought</b> caramel cake to(<i>cut me some slack, I was in a hurry and was a Sophomore in college: failed attempts at cooking weren't even attempted at this point)</i>. This aforementioned caramel cake, sat rather low in its container which limited the human eye to viewing only the brown icing and not taking in the dimensions of the cake itself, and was mistaken for a Mexican-layered bean dip. Yes,<b> in horror</b>, I watched as someone began to dip a Tortilla chip into what they thought was a dip, and I had neither the heart nor the dignity to tell them that it was, indeed, a cake. Therefore, I should have waved the white flag forevermore and never tried to cook anything for this annual party again. However, I thought I had progressed within two years and could tip-toe out on the Baker's limb and try to make my own creation, which is where the Pinterest paradox began. I saw this wonder and was determined that I could recreate it. Head held high, I went to the store, bought my supplies, and slaved away all afternnon (<i>literally</i>) to only offer up this to be burned as the next laughing-stock sacrifice...</div>
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Should I even mention that when my sister walked in the door and saw the leftovers sitting on the kitchen counter, her first words were,</div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>"Why are there Halloween cookies on the counter?"</b></span></div>
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(I am not kidding. A little piece of me died and sunk into the couch when I heard that.)</div>
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Apparently, my snowmen were skeletal. </div>
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All jest aside, I think this was a good reminder of the life lesson I mentioned earlier and a problem that I, and many other women, probably face on a daily basis. In so many facets of my life, I strive so hard to be the <b>best</b>- to be<i> the perfect snowman cookie</i>. It literally can be <b>all-consuming</b>. I want to be the <i>perfect student, the perfect friend, the perfect child, the perfect person who does my best at everything. </i>Recently, this has also started to trickle over into the realm of marriage with becoming a wife in less than six months. I feel as if I am bound to be a <b>Wonder Woman</b> wife who has the <i>perfectly decorated rooms, the immaculate home, the Paula Deen meal in the oven, all the while with a smile on my face and perfectly-kept hair. </i>Don't get me wrong. I think these are all great ambitions and goals, and I definitely want to be the best person I can be in life, succeed in my career, wholeheartedly love those around me, be the best wife because that's what my fiance deserves, <span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>but</b></span></div>
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Sometimes, that's just <b>not the way the cookie crumbles</b>. There are going to be days where our hard efforts and snowmen are going to be mistaken for skeletons. There are going to be days when we mess up and fall short of our pedestal perfections. There are going to be days when I let down the people I love. There are going to be mistakes that I make in careers. There are definitely going to be days when I walk into a messy apartment and send a nice-prepared meal through an inferno and back. However, I think we have to remember, as I learned long ago but seemed to forget, that this is what life is all about. Life is found in the mishaps, the mistakes, the learning processes, the blunders, the laughs over the burnt dinners (I hope), and the moments when the <b>best you can give is a mistaken Halloween cookie</b> (figuratively speaking of course, I am sure you are all much better at baking than me).</div>
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<b>Because, at the heart of it, life, love, and beauty are all found in the midst of all the imperfections.</b></div>
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and <i><b>That's</b> the Way the Cookie Crumbles.</i></div>
Shelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00885771217727345384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8684204731932877428.post-83817713586359709862013-01-05T22:42:00.000-08:002013-01-07T20:17:32.799-08:00Prodigal Son<h2 style="text-align: center;">
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Considering the fact that I haven't blogged in almost five months and the inescapable conclusion of another holiday season, I figured the little guy above was more than suitable. I have survived a horrible crash into a Writer's block that sealed my thoughts in plaster and stitched the loose ends of imagination and expression into complete captivity. To put it more simply, my mother said that I haven't blogged because I am "happy"- that I blogged the most when I was quite frankly, miserable. Maybe, there is truth to this theory because writing makes me happy, and it has served as a safe haven in times of need. Yet, I have missed my little escape and have inevitably returned to turn over a new leaf with the start of a new year. Be patient with me, there is much to update, but we'll get there in time. For now, I have to tell you, I haven't been a Modernday Lucy. I've been a Modernday Prodigal's Son.</div>
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I was frolicking in frivolity, spinning wildly, basking in the worldly blessings that I never deserved when my inheritance ran out.</div>
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It was the first week of December. I should have been studying for my upcoming finals, but I had just received my engagement pictures. Obviously, I threw priorities to the wind and dove into the pictures trying to pick my favorites. I picked up my phone, figured I would have a conference call with my mom over the extremely important task of choosing a favorite, and was blindsided when her tone wasn't as engaged as I presumed it to be a few minutes before. Then my pot of gold came tumbling down to the words</div>
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<b>Dad</b>.</div>
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Hospital.</div>
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Severe Pain.</div>
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<b>Uncertainty</b>.</div>
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I tried to process the words, but they didn't align in my mind. I wouldn't let them. My moment of frolicking in the sun was now replaced with howling winds and noise as my world began to spin. I pictured my dad, the man who gave me my quick-temper, my silly nature, gift of gab, and above all, appreciation for prayer. I saw his youthful brown eyes with all their sparkle as the light went out of mine. I saw him practicing dancing with me in our kitchen and heard the futile arguments he would present about why he should get to eat a second roll at lunch. Tears filled the corners of my eyes as I thought about him walking me down the aisle in six months. Winds of worry began to thrash against me as the words pain and uncertainty began to erode my foundation. My mom couldn't talk long, so I was alone in the chaos.</div>
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Immediately, I tried to call my fiancé. He didn't answer. Frenzy rising, I called a friend. Again, no answer. At the sound of my sister's voicemail, I began to lose hope. I couldn't find anyone to talk to. I was alone in the howling winds and cracking foundation. I was nineteen again, crying in a wheelchair, alone in a hospital room staring at brain monitors. I was back to a fall day holding a dear friend's hand not knowing what to say to an old man that had stolen my heart as I watched him die. I was afraid, helpless, unsure. One moment I had been carelessly dancing in my world of fortune and worldly riches- the next I was standing in rags in a desolate pasture. </div>
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Through the wind, I began to hear a soft voice. It was calling my name, asking me where I had been, asking why I was relying on others to make sense of the chaos, not judging me for frolicking in frivolity, but trying to show me the way back home. </div>
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I was the Prodigal Son standing ragged in a pasture, dirt on my face, tears in my clothes, scrapes on my knees from falling over my own traps, and even after depleting my worldly resources, my Father was still calling out to me, telling me to come home. He met with me in the middle of my emptiness and welcomed me. He would take my rags of worry and burdens and clothe me in comfort and assurance. He would forgive my dependence on the world and my own stubborn heart and allow me back into His chambers. He loved me despite my wandering. </div>
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As I laid in my bed that night, I began to be calmed as God touched my heart. I received a call a few hours later that my dad was fine. It would wind up being his gall bladder. Yet, I took away a bigger message that night. God was reminding me that I can't depend on the world. In a moment where it all began to shake around me, I couldn't reach anyone because only One was trying to guide me home. He watched as I chased after loose coins, and as they eluded me, He began to walk towards me in the pasture. He began calling my name over the wind as I tried to find my way home. He reminded me that I am a Prodigal Son who misplaces my riches at times and reminded me that only He can quiet the winds, guide me home, and holds and promises my true inheritance.</div>
Shelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00885771217727345384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8684204731932877428.post-81795480536777085132012-08-15T22:52:00.002-07:002012-08-15T22:52:25.265-07:00To the Boy in The Picture<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Looking at this picture, almost a year and a half later, I still smile like the <b>first </b>time I saw it. I can see myself riding in my mom's car two days before I went on a last-minute decision of a Spring Break trip facetiously declaring that the next guy I dated,<i> who better have one zealous personality</i>, would live far, far away. I can remember awkwardly running through the sand, Tara's floppy hat flying in the wind, just trying to find a bathroom, and suddenly turning around when I heard a boy's voice yell out behind me. I can see the stool at the kitchen bar where I sat later that night when the same green-eyed boy plopped down beside me and smiled. Mostly, I remember taking pictures with my friends that night, and due to a weird feeling in my stomach, I told the guy that I had only been talking to for a <i><b>mere </b></i>hour that we should take a picture.Well..</div>
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<b>The boy in the picture, as I constantly remind him, was my <u>sarcastic wish come true</u>. </b></div>
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(As I found out the night I met him, he had <b>quite</b>,<i> to say the very least</i>, <b>the personality</b>, and would be moving to Houston in August for his job.) </div>
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<b>The boy in the picture,</b> who just happened to stop by our beach house on March 14, 2011, for one afternoon with his friends on their way to Pensacola, <b>has completely changed my life.</b></div>
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Because, you see...</div>
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<b>The boy in the picture, is now my FIANCE.</b></div>
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Yes, I am <b>ENGAGED</b>, and I still smile at the thought of it even though it happened almost three weeks ago. The story is quite similar to the one above. I had just arrived at the beach (where we met) with my family when the boy in the picture drove in from Houston. He had been there for no more than ten minutes, when he asked me if I wanted to go and fly a kite. I, being the dramatic diva that I sometimes am, refused to go and tried to explain to his <b>thick skull</b> that we would be going to dinner soon. Yet, he was persistent, so I finally agreed to fly the kite. Due to the futile winds and broken kite, we soon surrendered and decided to walk down the beach instead. A few minutes into our walk, literally, out of nowhere, six to eight dolphins started jumping out of the water. I was mesmerized. I have <b>always </b>loved dolphins (I pretty much thought it was my duty as a child to grow up and help Flipper). I ran to the water's edge with excitement and watched, yelling for Andrew to come see. That's when I turned around to find him...</div>
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When I turned around, the first thing I saw was the <b>ring box.</b> Simultaneously, I started shaking, laughing until I <b><u>snorted </u></b>(does <i>ANY </i>girl <b>ever </b>think she's going to <u><b>snort </b></u>in her proposal) tearing up, and screaming at him/asking him what he was doing. He proceeded to say a lot of sweet things; most I don't remember because I was talking <i>just as much as he was</i>(only completely typical and fully expected) in the midst of my excitement/complete and utter shock. Then he got down on one knee, asked me to marry him, and made <b>July 28, 2012</b>, the <b>best </b>day of my life. We then ran back to the condo where I told my parents (who had known the <b>entire </b>summer), and minutes later, his family walked through the door. We spent the rest of the night and week celebrating at the place where it all began with the most <b>special </b>people surrounding us. It was a wonderful week and the absolutely perfect proposal. Did I mention that an <b><i>entire </i></b>restaurant serenaded us with "<b>Happy Marriage to You</b>"? That, my friends, is a <b>whole </b>different story for another day. </div>
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I think the best way to sum up my feelings are found in a moment of the proposal. Right after he proposed, Andrew stood up, pulled a Bible, with my <b><i>new </i></b>name, out of his pocket and read Proverbs 3:3-4 which in part states.</div>
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<b>"Let love and faithfulness never leave you; write it in the tablet of your heart."</b></div>
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To put it <b>simply, yet so accurately, </b>God knew the tablet of my heart when <b>He planned and then sent the boy in the picture into my life</b>. HIS love and faithfulness <u>never </u>left me, and He, alone, has overflowed my cup by blessing me with the fiance that I could have <i>never </i>imagined yet have <i>always </i>dreamt about. For that, I am forever humbled and eternally grateful.</div>
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<b>To the boy in the picture: </b>Words could <b>never </b>express how thankful I am for you. For the best friend that makes the most ordinary, extraordinary. For the irreplaceable laugh that brightens the darkest corners. For the Razorback fanatic who will cause me to hear SportsCenter in my sleep. For the hand that has held mine through prayers. For you coming into my life like a bull in a china shop and making every single broken dish worth it. For the past year and a half and all the ones to follow. Ultimately, for making me the <b>happiest and luckiest</b> girl in the world and for simply being the <b>tablet of my heart</b>. I love you.</div>
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Shelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00885771217727345384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8684204731932877428.post-16988007957642973842012-07-22T12:54:00.000-07:002012-07-22T13:00:47.672-07:00A Foggy PerspectiveAfter a two-month hiatus, I am back. I, A) Do not know where summer ran off to, but she and Time eloped and left me standing at the brink of a new season; B) apologize for my absence but C) in my defense have been taking summer school, training for a 5K, and trying to accumulate observational hours. Therefore my mind has been gallivanting elsewhere for the past few weeks. Back to my point.<br />
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<b>A Foggy Perspective</b>. Yes, this is where I found myself two weeks ago.(Quite frankly, I am surprised that I have not seen the Ark and my admirable leopards floating by outside of my window because I feel like Mississippi has gotten <u><b>nothing </b></u>but rain for the past two weeks.) I had just left the clinic where I was shadowing when the rain began. Being the <b><i>extremely </i></b>over-dramatic girl that I am, I began to get antsy and started giving pep talks to myself as I drove through the rain and blared the Phillips, Craig, and Dean even louder (not sure how this really helped my concentration). Yet, the rain only grew stronger, and within a few minutes, I literally could not see out of my windshield. At this point, I was putting on quite the show, panicking, <b>convinced </b>that I would ram into the back of a cement truck and be buried beneath tons of plaster, rock, and debris. I didn't understand why my windshield was so foggy and how the rain had gotten so bad in such a short span of time. I was convinced that the <b>situation was a lot worse than it really was </b>(which I would soon find out it was not). Then, the<b> oh-so-terribly-rusty light bulb</b> clicked:<b> "Turn on your DEFROST, Shelby."</b><br />
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If there had been a theme song for my life in that moment, it would have definitely been, <b>"I can see clearly now, the rain is gone."</b><br />
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Yep, sure enough, the defrost took care of the fog, and guess what? I could see. <b>(I felt only <i>slightly</i> moronic).</b><br />
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So what's my point besides pointing out the blatantly obvious that I have a <u>very </u>short circuit in my light bulb of common sense?<br />
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Lately, there have been so many things going on, nationally and locally, that can give us as humans, <b>and me as an individual</b>,<b> a foggy perspective</b>. Life is full of storms where our vision becomes foggy, and we can't see through the rain. We face storms where <b>we think the situation is a lot worse than it really is.</b> We convince ourselves that there is not going to be any slack in the downpours. Yet, as I read yesterday in <i>A Thousand Gifts</i>, "<b>Above the clouds, light never stops shining."</b> Putting it into my terms: Hidden in the fog, there is always a place of defrost.<br />
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In life, we can't see past the clouds or the fog because we can't see the whole picture and because we are humans. Because I am human and because I want to know the answers and comprehend everything, I have struggled before with accepting that some storms in life are not going to always make sense. Yet, as I struggle with this, I find peace in the reminder of this verse today.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: small;">"<sup class="versenum"> </sup>So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Cor. 4:18</span></b></div>
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This verse is <b><u>the </u></b>answer to the foggy perspectives in our lives. Through our human capacities and human eyes, we can only perceive the rain and the fog sometimes. We cannot see the light behind the clouds and we cannot see the clarity beyond the fog. We can only see what is in front of our eyes. In this sense, we are all helpless. However, there is a God who can see the light. He can see the clarity. He can see what we can't: <b>the unseen.</b> He can see the bigger picture that is working for His glory. He can see the eternity that is an ocean whereas the temporary is merely a drop. Therefore, we must have <b>faith in the unseen</b>. <b>Faith that there is light shining behind the clouds. Faith that there is a message to defrost in the fog. Faith that the situation is really not as it appears and that is is merely- a foggy perspective.</b></div>
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<br /></div>Shelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00885771217727345384noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8684204731932877428.post-1522786614421647742012-05-18T11:21:00.004-07:002012-05-18T11:21:55.986-07:00<div style="text-align: center;">
I have always wanted to hitch my wheels to the bandwagon of <span style="font-size: large;"><b>"Fill in the Blank Friday,</b></span>" and due to <a href="http://thelittlethingswedo.blogspot.com/">Lauren</a>'s cheerful version that I found, I thought today was a perfect day to start. Therefore, without further ado, let's begin shall we?</div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">1. <b>Something that is very near and dear to my heart is </b></span><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: #444444;"><u><b>people, helping them, and investing part of yourself into their lives</b></u></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="color: #444444;"><b>.</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">2. </span></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b> <u> </u></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Another day in this crazy, abundant life </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b> is good cause to celebrate</b></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b> .</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">3. </span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><b> The most fun I ever had were </b></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">moments of spontaneity or moments where I let myself be child-like again</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">4. </span></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>True friends are </b></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"> </span></span><u><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">the few people in your life who you have no boundaries with and allow you to be your truly unique self while also molding you into a better person along the way</span></span></span></span></u><u><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">.</span></span></span></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">5. </span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><b>Something that makes me terribly happy is </b></span></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><b> </b><u>hearing people's laughter (especially Allison, Andrew, and Tate's just to name a few extraordinarily entertaining laughs).</u></span><u><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> </span></span></span></b></u></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="color: #444444;">6. <b>A good way to spend a sunny day is </b></span><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">with sweet tea, a good book, and a beach chair at the ocean's edge. Hello, July! I am coming for you.</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="color: #444444;">7. </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b> My favorite celebratory food is</b><u> <span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">ice cream. Hands down</span></u><b style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">.</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Halfway through with this Maymester. (Another reason to celebrate). What about you? What are your Fill-in-the-Blanks?</span><span style="font-size: large;"><b> Happy Friday, friends!</b></span></span></div>
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</span>Shelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00885771217727345384noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8684204731932877428.post-41889577749862676942012-05-15T11:33:00.000-07:002012-05-15T11:33:01.971-07:00The Bachelorette Babbles<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
So, I saw this on <a href="http://morefrommeg.blogspot.com/">Meg</a>'s blog, and <b>of course</b>, I couldn't help but join in on the fun since the highlight of my day yesterday was the <b>pure </b>entertainment of the first episode of <i>The Bachelorette</i>. For all of you who are turning up your noses right now, cut me a <i><b>little </b></i>slack. I am in summer school and had been reading about human development all day. I needed some kind of release, even if it was soap-reality TV. Besides, who can resist watching Emily? She's absolutely beautiful. Back to the point, here are my opinions and impressions from last night's show.</div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;"> <span style="color: black;">First impressions and favorites:</span></span></b><br style="color: black;" />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><b>-Ryan:</b> <span style="font-size: small;">The guy is a former pro-football player. <i><b>Do I really need to continue?</b></i> Ok, ok, besides that, he is a Southern man (<i>woo hoo</i>).</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"> Not to mention, in his introductory video, he was playing with kids </span><i style="color: black;">WHILE </i><span style="color: black;">lifting a tire. Can we say </span><b style="color: black;">Superman</b><span style="color: black;">?</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">-<b>Charlie:</b> Almost reminded me of Channing Tatum in a way, so of course, I was immediately hooked. He's from Nashville which is also a plus. Finally, I found his demeanor <b>adorable</b>. From his joke about the </span>plates in his head to just his smile- I LOVED him.</div>
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<b>-<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">Arie</span>:</b> I thought he was so cute and loved his consideration of Emily's feelings. He is also a race-car driver which adds an adventurous edge in my book. <br style="color: black;" />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><b>-Jeff</b>: Although I thought he stepped straight out of the 80s or <i>The Breakfast Club</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">, you can't help but love someone who donates their company's profits to a charity. And behind all that crazy hair, the boy is <i>cute</i>.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span><b style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Moments that literally made me cringe:<span class="Apple-style-span"></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">-<b>BOBBLEHEAD</b>: I <u>literally </u>cringed at this. </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I would <u>never </u>want to see myself as a bobblehead figurine and do not find this the slightest bit romantic. Flowers, yes. Compliment, absolutely. A bobblehead doll that looks just like me and has absolutely no use: <b>N-O</b>.</span><br style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>-HELICOPTER</b>: I can handle Linzi coming in on the horse last season because that was something she was passoniate about/loved. However, I have a <i>huge </i>problem with Kalon making the set his own landing pad and his "Sorry, I'm late" comment. </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">You made no friends with that one, pal.</span><br style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><b style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">EGG:</b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Once again, I <b>cringed</b>. The only guy from my home state, and he brings an EGG. I am all for creativity and being unique, but an <i><b>EGG</b></i>? The metaphor was terrible too. I would never want to be compared to an over-sized egg that you are going to "guard and protect." I'm sorry, did the producers let Casey come back this season? </span><b style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Next stop: Egg tattoo.</b><br style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue',Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">-Songwriter:</b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> I really don't even remember his name, but I was so disturbed by his "song" in the introductory video. I am anxiously awaiting for the awkward moment where he breaks out into a musical number on a date. <i>Once again,</i> Casey is back on the show people. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue',Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Did you watch the show? Who were your favorites? </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue',Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Happy Tuesday!! </span></span></div>Shelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00885771217727345384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8684204731932877428.post-90765871533984406572012-05-04T11:49:00.002-07:002012-05-04T12:01:12.414-07:00T's in TGIF.Today, I figured I would have a spin-off of <b>TGIF</b>. As thankful as I am that today is Friday, (even though finals start Monday-eeek) quite a few things have happened this week that I am thankful for. So without further ado, let's begin my <b><span style="font-size: large;">T's in TGIF</span></b> list,<br />
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>T</b> for <b>NICE </b>cops</span>. <span style="font-size: small;">Yes, you heard me. I had <b>NEVER </b>been pulled over by a cop since I began driving almost six years ago (weird) until Tuesday night. I got a call from a friend who was having a bad night, so of course in Super Shelby fashion, I sped across campus. I had been in bed, so needless to say, my hair was <b>not </b>reveling in its glory days. As I was driving, I was not paying attention to what was behind me until.... the <b>BLUE </b>lights. Doesn't your heart always sink? Mine did. So, I pulled over to only realize <b><u>NO LICENSE. </u></b>Perfect. So with the biggest smile I could muster, I turned and saw the cop approach my window. He asked for my license, only for me to explain that<b> I did not have my license-my friend called me in a panic for all I knew she could be hurt (yes, I pulled that sympathy card)- that I left in a hurry and didn't even intend to be driving- I am so sorry I am only going a mile off campus- ramble.</b> When I was finished, I suppose the cop noticed how deranged I looked with my messy hair and ceaseless ramble and asked,</span><span style="font-size: large;"> "Mam, have you been drinking tonight?"</span><span style="font-size: small;"> I thought that my outfit, lack of make-up, and mangy mane did the job of explaining I was half asleep, but apparently not. I smiled and said no where he proceeded to ask if I had dead bodies in the car that he needed to know about (by this time, I picked up that he was kidding). Then to my miraculous surprise, he let me go <b>scot-free</b> when I had NO license. So major props to you, Mr. Policeman. Glad to see the meeting-quota-ticket-hungry force has not conquered everyone yet. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>T for Surprises.</b></span> <span style="font-size: small;">I love surprises, I really do. However, I have the nosy tendency to discover surprises by being snoopy (I was <i><b>that </b></i>kid who searched the house high and low for Christmas presents) or by finding the weakest link and badgering them until I got the desired information or by over-analyzing every possible situation. <b>Yet, boyfriend is smart, and boyfriend is wonderful</b>. While I thought he was sitting in his apartment in Texas watching a TV show, he was pulling onto campus in Mississippi. I got a call to go outside Wednesday night, and he was there. I literally was in <b>s-h-o-c-k. </b>He was in town for a recruiting event for work, so I got to hang out with him the past two days. It was just wonderful and just what I needed before finals started.</span></li>
<li><b><span style="font-size: large;">T for this past school-year. </span></b><span style="font-size: small;">As the clock struck 3:45pm yesterday, I put the finishing touches on Junior year. I had my last class of my third year of college. I am still trying to figure out where the past three years have gone. I feel like I could walk back into room 1015 and find a freshman girl sitting on a red rug with her nose in most likely a Biology book never knowing where the next few years would take her. Yet, this past year has been absolutely amazing. I would not trade it for anything. I have gotten to do so many great things over the past school year and have made so many unforgettable memories. Although I only have one year left in this magical place, I am so grateful for the experiences I have had thus far. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>T for YOU.</b> </span>Yes, <b>you</b>, whoever you are reading this! I am glad that you stopped by to read my rambles and daily thoughts and for experiencing this crazy life with me so-to-speak. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend, and that you too can find a few<b> T's in TGIF.</b></li>
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Happy Friday and <span style="font-size: large;"><b>May the 4th Be with You. <span style="font-size: small;">(Yep, it's National Star Wars Day, and although I am not a fan, who is going to miss out on that incredibly cheesy pun? Not me!)</span></b></span></div>
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<br /></div>Shelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00885771217727345384noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8684204731932877428.post-64495058478266773762012-04-30T18:50:00.003-07:002012-04-30T18:51:10.549-07:00Do You Know What Tomorrow Is?<span style="font-size: x-large;">In case you were wondering...tomorrow,</span><br />
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Ok, so a <strike><b>little </b></strike><span style="font-size: large;">cheesy</span>, I know, but if you were the <b>slightest </b>fan of NSYNC (and let's face it, most girls out there were/are) then you will appreciate this somewhat. I now have the song resounding in my head along with the visual of Justin, JC, Chris, Lance, and Joey breaking through the doll containers and running down the shelves in the music video. <b>CLEARLY</b>, I was a 90s child. I <i>even </i>have their lunch box, but enough of my fanatical rambling.</div>
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<b>HAVE A GREAT FIRST DAY OF MAY<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">!!</span></b></div>Shelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00885771217727345384noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8684204731932877428.post-62632029792619922802012-04-29T15:51:00.003-07:002012-04-29T15:51:22.581-07:00I know, I know. Awkward and Awesome twice in one week... <i><b>Who does that?</b></i> I do because my life is simply <span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>that awkward</b></u></span>, and you can <b>never </b>be too thankful for all the awesome things in your life:) Here we go!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>AWKWARD</b></span>:</div>
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<li><b>Tuesday, </b>I had to attend an initiation ceremony for Beta Gamma Sigma, an honor society for Business/Accountancy majors. I already find school-related ceremonies <b>painfully awkward:</b> from the business-related attire to the inevitable speech to walking across stages in front of large masses of strangers to finally maneuvering through rows of seats to get back to your own. You get what I am saying. So, here I am, in this already awkward situation, and our row is guided to the stage where yes, we have to walk out in front of the masses. As my name is read, I walk with prayers on repeat that I don't face plant (that happens frequently), and I safely make it to the table where I am <i><b>supposed </b></i>to receive my certificate and pin(awkward again). As I get to the table, the girl asks me my name; I respond, and guess what? <b>She couldn't find my certificate.... </b>She asks if we can talk after the ceremony. I smile and say sure. I turn around, face the nosy masses who are wondering <b>why this girl is the only incompetent initiate who doesn't get a certificate</b> and smile yet again and walk to my seat empty-handed. I was hoping that everyone was blinded by the eager-beaver mother in the back of the room snapping photos that no one notice my blunder. Nope, one of the staff crawls through the rows of seats to get to mine and asks me my name and promises to find my certificate. Let's just say the<b> Pony Express won't leave the watering trough,</b> and my certificate will be here in a few days. </li>
<li><b>Wednesday, </b>I had been sick for over a week now with sinuses/allergies, but things had begun to look up for the good old immune system <b>until Wednesday.</b> I had just found my seat in my MIS class (which only has thirty to forty people) when a coughing spell decides to take over my body. I naively thought it would surrender within a few seconds, but no the cough fought viciously. After I realized this, I got up from my seat and found the nearest water fountain. I waited until I thought the cough had ceased. I returned to my seat in class and resumed listening to the monotonous computer programming lecture. Within a minute and a half, it was <b>back with a vengeance.</b> I did not want to get up for a second time, so I tried as hard as I could not to cough. I can only imagine the excruciatingly awkward faces I was making in this process. Eventually, the cough won out; I was coughing so much that tears were in my eyes- <b>TEARS-</b> which made it more awkward in that people thought I was probably crying from my public humiliation. Therefore, I excused myself yet again. You're welcome for the entertainment, peers.</li>
<li><b>Thursday</b>, I had my management test. The room where this class is held is literally an inferno. It should just be referred to as the Boiler Room. <b>Irrelevant </b>to my story. Just me venting. Go with it. So, back to the test. As I am minding my own business, trying to make it through downsizing issues and MTBI personality traits, a pesky bug lands on my test. I try to shoo it off. It<b> dies on the front page of my test</b>. I <b>want to scream because I have half of a dead bug on my hand and the other half on my test</b>, but I am not sure that would fly with Teach. and the other 120-ish students in the class. Therefore, I have to bit my lip and finish through my test. <i><b>Why me? Why my test?</b></i></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>AWESOME:</b></span></div>
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<li><b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span>Double Decker</b> was this weekend. One of my favorite weekends of the year in this town and one of the <b>1000</b> reasons I <b>love </b>my secondary home. From the <b>"Big as Yo Head"</b> ice cream sandwiches to the tents of vendors showcasing their art, designs, food creations etc., to the red Double Decker buses voyaging through the town, to the music performances all weekend, and mostly the beauty of this quaint town makes it so memorable. </li>
<li>My sister came this weekend and I got to spend it with her. Much needed and thoroughly enjoyed.</li>
<li>Today's <b>beautiful </b>weather and a run at the park!</li>
<li>The green and white striped skirt and spring scarf I bought today!</li>
<li>One more week left of classes! <b>Woo hoo</b> (even though I will be in school all summer- just let me think it's still almost here for me!)</li>
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I hope you all had a <u>wonderful </u>weekend!! </div>Shelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00885771217727345384noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8684204731932877428.post-71055472623298239712012-04-26T14:50:00.001-07:002012-04-26T14:50:47.085-07:00Throwback Thursday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Ok</span>, so this picture is <b><span style="font-size: large;">MORTIFYING</span></b>, but I couldn't really help myself. I have never joined in on the fun of <span style="font-size: large;">Throwback Thursday</span>, but today was too <b>perfect </b>of an occasion not to. You see, <b>my best friend</b> (pictured at left) is now <b>OFFICIALLY </b>in <b>Nursing School</b>, and <b>I could not be more proud and more excited for her.</b> Therefore, I found this old picture (high school spring break trip-yikes), and found it to be <span style="font-size: large;"><b>100% accurate of how I feel today for my friend.</b></span> </div>
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<b>To this picture:</b> You are mortifying and a blatant reminder that I should not ever dance in <b>public, in pictures, or <i>anywhere at all</i> for that matter. </b></div>
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<b>To today: </b>Thank you for being a special day for my friend.</div>
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<b>To tonight:</b> Celebrations are in the forecast.</div>
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<b>To my friend:</b> I am so very excited for you. Although I am going to miss you <b>terribly </b>next year, I cannot wait to see this new chapter of your life unfold for you. You deserve this, and you are going to be absolutely wonderful. I am so proud of you. I love you!</div>Shelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00885771217727345384noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8684204731932877428.post-83735904553725455362012-04-25T18:35:00.002-07:002012-04-25T18:36:48.529-07:00Words of Wisdom Wednesday<div style="text-align: center;">
Unfortunately, I don't have much time to blog tonight because I have a ten-page story due and management test tomorrow, but when I saw this quote, I couldn't help myself. I found it on <a href="http://adam-n-brittany.blogspot.com/">Brittany</a>'s blog, and I knew I would have to put it on mine at some point. Also, major props to Skylar- she's from my hometown- on American Idol tonight (which is playing in the background of my study session- everyone needs background noise right?) </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Happy Wednesday!! </b>Come back tomorrow? Great, see you then!</span></div>Shelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00885771217727345384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8684204731932877428.post-70204290370972764022012-04-23T17:51:00.000-07:002012-04-23T18:01:23.635-07:00Awkward and Awesome (Houston-Style)<div style="text-align: center;">
So, here we go. As promised, I am back from Houston, and I have multiple awkward moments to share. In fact, there are so many that I had to choose which ones to share. I haven't figured out the reasoning yet, but Awkward has a crush on me and follows me like a shadow. Without further ado, </div>
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<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">AWKWARD:</span></b></i></div>
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<li>Let's start out with this guy. This is a<span style="font-size: large;"><b> foot-long</b></span> hot dog. This is the epitome of awkward. No, the ball park did not sell "regular" hot dogs. They only served foot-longs. Therefore, in the spirit of the baseball atmosphere, I ordered a foot-long hot dog. <b>Disclaimer:</b> <b>There is no non-awkward way to try to eat a foot-long hot dog.</b> So, at one point, I suppose I was really into the game and picked this bad boy up upside-down. You can guess the aftermath. Yellow <i>is</i> my favorite color, but mustard on white shorts was not my ideal style for the day.</li>
<li>People bring sunscreen to the pool. People bring towels to the pool. People bring <span style="font-size: large;"><b>l</b><b>ife-sized teddy bears to the pool.. </b><span style="font-size: small;">Yep. As we were sitting at the pool Saturday, a full-fledged adult felt the need to bring a five-foot teddy bear to the pool with him. <b>(I am still trying to figure this one out myself).</b></span></span></li>
<li>Sunday night we went to Raging Cajun which seemed to be a family-oriented restaurant but apparently was structured for giants. I get to the drink dispenser and make it beyond obvious I have never been to the restaurant before. I am a little over 5'6 and had to stand on my <b>tip-toes</b> to get my lemonade. Needless to say, I couldn't see the top of the glass, so as I go to pull my drink down, it billows over my cup and drenches my arm and legs.<b> So if you're keeping score at home</b>, we have mustard on the white shorts and pink lemonade on the rest of my body.</li>
<li>Friday morning I boarded the plane and began the infuriating task of trying to <b>"stow away my carry-on items."</b> Most of the time, this occurs flawlessly. <b>Not Friday.</b> No, my pink tote bag decided she was claustrophobic and didn't want to fit in the bin. So here I am pulling a <b>Ben Stiller</b> practically heaving myself against the bag trying to make it go into the overhead bin. Need I mention it was <b>before seven AM</b> and I provided everyone with a comical wake-up call. </li>
<li>When I got there Friday, Andrew had to work, so I was left to entertain myself without a car on a rainy day in Houston. I had to be at the airport at 4am, so I fell asleep pretty quickly. When I woke up, <i>Maury </i>was playing on the TV. I could not find the remote, so <b>yes</b>, I watched <b><i>Maury </i></b>episodes... <b>awkward all by <u>itself</u>. </b></li>
<li>Boyfriend, being the wonderful guy that he is, got me the flowers you are about to see in the Awesome section below. As I just mentioned, Friday was rainy, so when the sun came out Saturday, I was determined that these pretties needed sun. I set them out on the balcony, and they were happy as can be there. Well, Sunday came along, and when I went to check on them, they were <b>dead as a door knob.</b> All <b>twelve </b>of them. I <b>killed </b>my flowers. Every<u> last one of them</u>. (Sorry, Andrew.)</li>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>AWESOME:</b></i></span></div>
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<li>The beautiful flowers that were waiting upon my arrival! <b>(Also the ones that I fried :( </b></li>
<li>Watching the Astros win 12-0 and also seeing a grand slam. Baseball games<u> just can't be beat.</u><br />
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<li><b>CHUY'S. </b>Yes, I went. Are you surprised?</li>
<li>Dinner at the Spindle Top- it was on top of the Hyatt, and it
rotates around as you eat so you get the full view of the city. It was
so pretty! The food was wonderful too.<br />
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<li>Pretty days beside a pool. I <i><b>need </b></i>summer.</li>
<li>Getting to spend an<span style="font-size: large;"> awesome</span> weekend with one of my favorite people and loving every single <span style="font-size: large;">awkward </span>minute of it.</li>
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HAPPY MONDAY!!</div>
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</div>Shelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00885771217727345384noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8684204731932877428.post-32826873161636167062012-04-19T21:55:00.004-07:002012-04-20T12:31:48.237-07:00Leaving on a Jet Plane<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>PLEASE </b></span>tell me that when you read the title you <b>immediately </b>pictured Ben Affleck in <i>Armageddon </i>serenading Liv Tyler and spinning her around in a moment of pure<b> a-w-e</b>? If not, hopefully you at <i><b>least </b></i>know the song. If you can't recall <b>either</b>, I am <b>crashing-and-burning</b> here in my pop culture references. Back to the point. (Although, Ben Affleck <i>is</i> wonderful.)</div>
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In about <b>seven </b>hours (<i>who's really counting here?</i>) I am, indeed, leaving on a plane and heading to The Lone Star State to see <b>(drumroll, please.....)</b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nbAPYfjRRiw/T5DkR7V7VtI/AAAAAAAAASY/X1RYEw1pHZY/s1600/andrew1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nbAPYfjRRiw/T5DkR7V7VtI/AAAAAAAAASY/X1RYEw1pHZY/s400/andrew1.jpg" width="298" /></a><b> </b></div>
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<b>..........This guy<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">!</span></b></div>
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He would probably be embarrassed if he knew that I put this picture up, but we'll keep it our little secret, <i>ok</i>? <b>Great<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">!</span></b> Yep, that is what I put up with on a daily basis and have done so now for a little over a year<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">!</span> However, he's in Texas; I'm in Mississippi- so I don't get to help him uncross his eyes <i>every </i>day. Needless to say, I am rather excited about the weekend in Houston and hopefully can also have a visit with....</div>
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<b>.........This guy<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">!</span></b></div>
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To the human eye, that may look like your average queso, but ladies and gentlemen,<b> it simply is not. </b>It is Chuy's Queso <b>COMPUESTO</b>, and I have a serious <b>love affair</b> with this bowl of cheese, guacamole, and all sorts of heavenly goodness. Maybe it's just that Mississippi Mexican cuisine is not up-to-speed, but I absolutely love this dip. </div>
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So, I might be MIA for a few days, but I promise I will be back as soon as I can with one too many awkward stories to tell! Considering past trips to Houston have led to:</div>
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<li style="text-align: left;">Me falling on my hands and knees in a dress and heels in the middle of the streets of Houston in the middle of a torrential downpour right outside of the <b>huge </b>window display of the nice restaurant we had reservations for. Did I mention that a man on the street offered me his son's helmet?</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Literally running from a chimp at the zoo who was throwing things into the crowd.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Spilling a cup of water in my lap and on my dress at another nice restaurant (see Awkward and Awesome post below) right as the waiter came to take my order.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">(and that's just a few) </li>
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So stick around. Things <strike>could </strike><i>will </i>get embarrassing<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">!</span></div>
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<b>Have a <span style="font-size: large;">great </span>weekend<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">!</span> </b></div>
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<br /></div>Shelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00885771217727345384noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8684204731932877428.post-42930982682587734782012-04-18T11:49:00.002-07:002012-04-18T11:49:45.582-07:00She Loves Me, She Loves Me Not:<div style="text-align: center;">
So, I recently found <a href="http://michaelanoelledesigns.blogspot.com/">Michaela</a>'s blog and <b>loved </b>it, so I had to join in on the fun of her post today- <b>She Loves Me, She Loves Me Not. </b>Let's get started shall we?</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>SHE LOVES ME...</b></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>1. Days at the park:</b> </span>This week, I have been to the park three days, and it always makes my week so much better. Whether it's running/walking or finding amusement from the yoga boys(see post below), I always love the me-time I have while I am there. The scenery isn't too shabby either (sorry that I stole this picture from you Samantha!)</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">2. DIY- Door Headboards</span>: </b>Since I will be moving into my new house for next year within the next two months, I guess I am starting to dabble my toes in the waters of decor. I have always fully believed in "one man's garbage is another man's treasure" which rings true for this piece. Last summer, I randomly found a door and had no idea what I wanted to do with it (or what I could since I would be in a sorority house). But now that I am about to have my own space, I think that the door might come in handy quite nicely. Cross your fingers that I can make it look like the one above:)</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b> 3. CINDA B </b></span>I absolutely love this line of luggage/bags. I think they are fabulous. One of my dear sorority sisters has recently started up her own business- you can visit her facebook page <a href="http://www.facebook.com/StellaandCompany">HERE</a>- and she carries this wonderful line. Even better, if you spend just <b>$50</b> on Cinda B, you get one of these ADORABLE coffee sleeves for <b>FREE</b>. I don't even drink coffee, but those sleeves make me want to start. So cute!</div>
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<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">She Loves Me Not</span>...</b></u></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>1.BEING SICK: </b></span>The fact that I am having to take this medicine this week. I <b>hate </b>allergies/sinuses.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>2. FINALS</b></span> As happy as I am that summertime is soon approaching, I am dreading finals. No matter how easy the test can be, I am a champ at making them seem so much worse. I couldn't help but laugh at this cartoon though. My Eeyore attitude about them for sure.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">3. The Bachelorette</span></b>: Yes, I will admit it. I am ONE of those people who get vacuumed into the ridiculous drama of reality TV. Although I boycotted last season because of Courtney's crazy antics (not to mention several other girls who walked a thin line of mental/emotional stability) I am rather excited about watching Emily's season! <b>The downfall: </b>it doesn't start until mid-May.<br /><div style="text-align: center;">
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Happy Wednesday kiddos! We are halfway there :)</div>
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<br /></div>Shelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00885771217727345384noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8684204731932877428.post-48665408912234714622012-04-17T18:30:00.002-07:002012-04-17T18:30:24.816-07:00People-Watching<b>Dear People Watching,</b> thank you for always being downright amusing. Your performance is consistent and a guarantee, and I salute you for that. Yet, you never cease to amaze me with your variety. Let's review some of your work this week, shall we?<br />
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<b>To the worker at South Depot, </b>As much as I have always wanted to open my own restaurant (true fact), I am not applying for jobs in the food industry as of now. Therefore, when you hand me my change next time, you don't have to give me your glove as well. Yep, that really happened. Even more awkward was the whole "oops, you gave me your sweaty glove along with my seventy-five cents. Let's awkwardly pass it back across the cash register and not make eye contact while doing so."<br />
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<b>To the girl in my class today,</b> I thank you for assuming that I am responsible, organized, and all-knowing, but I am none of the above. As much as I wish I could have told you when your project was due, I barely write my own tasks in my own messy planner. I can't decide who was more confused- you for me not knowing your assignments or me for the bewilderment of the question.<br />
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<b>To the boy in my class today,</b> Thank you for the grandiose entertainment of sprinting out of the middle of a review in search of your stolen cell phone that you had been tracking on your computer the entire class. Not to mention, your return of defeat when you did not find Waldo in the midst of the crowd and your telephone. I only hope that your search is more successful tomorrow.<br />
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<b>To the girl with the umbrella walking across campus, </b>Evidently, we share a love for Mary Poppins and all of her glory. However, let's do try to leave the umbrella spinning and pivoting to Julie Andrews. You spinning around with your umbrella on the sidewalk today almost left me with a trip to the ER, and girlfriend, I have been there before with no intention of going back.<br />
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<b>To the boy at the park Sunday, </b>Thank you for the wild entertainment while walking. I thought that escaping the hungry pit-bull would be the pinnacle of my run, but oh boy, did you prove me wrong. Not only were you shirtless and doing yoga in the middle of a family park, you also felt the need to sit on your head at one point. (Major props for that, by the way.)<br />
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<b>To the rest of you, </b>I hope you have a wonderful week. Whoever said, "Stop and smell the roses," obviously never Sat to watch the trees send their characters out of the woodwork. It's much more entertaining:) ALMOST Wednesday!Shelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00885771217727345384noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8684204731932877428.post-43156919062616500092012-04-16T10:56:00.001-07:002012-04-16T12:02:32.648-07:00Monday Motivation<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Isn't this how we all feel about <a href="http://whatshouldwecallme.tumblr.com/post/20769041541/when-i-wake-up-and-realize-its-not-the-weekend-anymore">MONDAY</a>? Then again, it does make you smile:) I definitely did that this morning too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So, along with the cat theme, here is one more <i><b>oomph </b></i>to get your Monday going. (Please excuse the spelling of "ur" and "mai"- I promise that is not my grammatical creation.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So build up your "Rainbow Wall of Happiness" and have a great week!</span></div>Shelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00885771217727345384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8684204731932877428.post-19825357486370830222012-04-15T22:48:00.003-07:002012-04-16T12:02:12.600-07:00<b>Dear Today, April 16</b>: Thank you for being a special day and for marking the success of Boyfriend and I not killing one another over the past year :) <br />
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<b>Dear</b> <b>Semester: </b>Where did you go? You ran away along with Freshman and Sophomore year and are forcing me to embrace the fact that I am almost a Senior- not okay.<br />
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<b>Dear Sweet Lady at Church: </b>Thank you for singing Revelation Song. It's only one of my favorites and has a wonderful message to it.<br />
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<b>Dear Chelsie: </b>Congratulations on your engagement! I am so very excited for you and wish you all the best.<br />
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<b>Dear Derby Day:</b> You treated me so wrong. I can barely move a limb on my body... Speaking of...<br />
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<b>Dear Internal Fitness/Physique: </b>You are fired. You have fallen asleep on the job too many times. I need you to get back in gear and back in shape. Right now you are a blob.<br />
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<b>Dear Awkward Moment from the Weekend: </b>Thank you for teaching me that when stuck in the middle of a jam/dance session and college couples trying to "Bust-A-Move" the words "Excuse Me" are getting you absolutely nowhere and are only leaving you stranded in the cesspool of sweat and raging hormones. I would suggest hand sanitizer and whipping out your best dance number.<br />
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<b>Dear Thursday night: </b>Thank you for allowing me to wear this. Yep, if you <b>even </b>needed to ask, that would definitely be me in the center with the obnoxious shirt on. It was a themed birthday party, I promise.<br />
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<b>Dear Nicholas Sparks:</b> Thank you for releasing another fabulous book to the Cinema world this Friday. I am only hoping that they don't torture your stories as horribly as Miley did the Last time. (slight-pun intended).<br />
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<b>Dear Readers:</b> Happy Monday. I might just send a little mantra your way after I make it through this test!Shelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00885771217727345384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8684204731932877428.post-16616147385821730342012-04-13T12:13:00.002-07:002012-04-16T12:01:41.347-07:00<b>Dear </b><b>#WhatShouldWeCallMe,</b> thank you for this <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://whatshouldwecallme.tumblr.com/post/20022991417/when-my-favorite-food-is-on-the-menu">clip</a>.</span> It is a perfect example of what led me to my utter humiliaton today.<br />
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<b>Dear Newks worker,</b> Thank you for attempting to be patient with me while I ran around like a chicken with my head cut off and made a complete fool of myself in your presence.<br />
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<b>Dear Common Sense,</b> <i>WHERE ARE YOU? </i><br />
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<b>Dear Pimento Cheese Sandwich and Fire Roasted Tomato Soup,</b> Thank you for, at least, being worth the humiliation I unfortunately embraced to purchase you.<br />
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<b>Dear readers who are intrigued by my daily idiocies, </b>So if you haven't figured it out already, I ate lunch(soup and sandwich) at Newks today where I completely embarrassed myself because my "favorite thing" was on the menu (hence the #whatshouldwecall me clip). I love Newks tomato soup, so much that, embarrassingly enough, last night at a friend's birthday extravaganza, I was asking people what Newks Soup schedule was. Yep, I am that awkward and food-oriented. So, when Amanda and I arrived there today and I saw that the tomato soup was indeed on the menu, I was <b>elated.</b> I was in a state of euphoria as I ordered and did not calculate in my head that I had spent money last night and did not have much left in my wallet. Therefore, when it got to the total of my order, $10.30, I opened my wallet to realize that I only had 9.00. I hissed at Amanda, who was in the line beside me, but she didn't hear me and began to walk towards a table. I counted my money again. Nine dollars. Once more for stubborn me- NINE dollars. Simultaneously, I bit my lip, wanted to melt into the tile floor, put the nine dollars back into my wallet, gave the Newks worker the biggest smile I could manage, asked her to cancel my order, told her I would be back momentarily, and dismissed myself from the line of onlookers. I chased Amanda down, borrowed her card (you're a gem, Roomie), and returned to my scaffold of humiliation. As I approached the same worker (don't you love irony?) for the second time, I tried to smile and reorder only for her to tell me I left my keys at the register. By this time she thought I was a descendant of Mr. Bean/The Three Stooges. If you are wondering, I didn't let my pride stop me. I ordered that soup and sandwich and ate every last bite. <br />
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<b>Happy Friday, friends!</b></div>Shelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00885771217727345384noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8684204731932877428.post-8496588223910720912012-04-11T14:19:00.001-07:002012-04-16T12:01:06.245-07:00Written WednesdaysSo, as I have hit a gargantuan writing <strike>block </strike><b>barricade</b>, I have been stalking other blogs profusely and have found a neat idea behind a few blogs. <span style="font-size: large;"><b>Letters</b></span>. We all love letters right? I am all for the convenience of our technologically-advanced world of text messages, e-mails, phone calls, etc., but there is something <b>mysteriously romantic</b>, unifying,delicate, and downright genuine about the conglomeration of pen and paper and an envelope in a mailbox. Although not the first time on this blog (I wrote a letter to <span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://moderndayslucy.blogspot.com/2010/10/letter-to-me.html">myself </a></span>once before), I thought I would implement the "letter theme" again (even though these are not real letters seeing that they are being typed behind my computer screen and not written on my stationery that needs to be put to use more often). I can't think of two better people to write to than my parents. So without further ado, Let's give this a go, shall we?<br />
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<b>Dear <span style="font-size: large;">Frito </span>and </b><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Pasty</b> </span><b>(as my childhood friends so lovingly branded you years ago),</b><br />
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Words could <i><b>never </b></i>adequately describe how <b>thankful </b>I am for the two of you and all that you have so <b>selflessly </b>done for me the past twenty-one years. You are<b>,<span style="font-size: large;"> without a doubt, </span></b><span style="font-size: small;">the two <b>strongest</b> people I know.</span><b> </b>As I have journeyed through life and my spiritual walk, I have always heard about possessing a Servant's heart and lifestyle<b>,</b> tried to discover what this truly looked like, and have been blind to the fact that the definition of this attitude was right before my eyes and guided me on a daily basis. Your compassion for people and the daily sacrifices you make to help others never ceases to amaze me. Thank you for dealing with my dramatic monologues and daily phone calls of my "crazy ideas." Thank you for supporting me with my <b>second</b> major change at the end of my <b>Junior </b>year of college. Thank you for encouraging me to be the "<b>bigger </b>person" in life while also teaching me how to notice and appreciate the "<b>little </b>things" we miss/take for granted on a daily basis. Thank you for understanding that <b>silence is not one of my virtue</b>s and lending me your ears for two decades now. Thank you for setting the bar so high that I will never, ever reach it but will strive throughout life to get to the halfway mark. Mom, thank you for being the kindest, yet toughest, person I know. You really are not human. You are Wonder Woman in so many dimensions and never let the weight of the world keep you down. Thank you for being the resounding voice of reason in my life (even if I sometimes idiotically tune it out) and for giving me such an example of a God-fearing, beautiful woman. Dad, thank you for being the encourager in my life, sending me off to run the bases in search of my dreams, but always pointing me in the direction that leads home. Thank you for embedding the power of prayer into my life and for showing me true dedication to family and faith. Yet, thank you is an inadequate understatement to the two of you. You are one of the greatest blessings in my life, and I look forward to the lessons and years in the future. I love you.<br />
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-ShelbyShelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00885771217727345384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8684204731932877428.post-44139291865027426602012-04-09T17:35:00.001-07:002012-04-16T12:00:15.508-07:00<div style="text-align: center;">
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Ok, so I was feeling a little blog-friendly and decided to do two posts in one day. I haven't done this in a while so felt the need to update you on my life.</div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><b>AWKWARD:</b></span></i></div>
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<li>If you go to eat with me more than three times, you start to pick up on my tendency to spill/drop/knock over food/drink on myself and my clothes. This held very true in Houston. As I was eating at Brennan's (nicer restaurant that I mentioned a few posts ago), our waiter was approaching our table as I picked up my glass of water, and you betcha, water came over the brim like a volcano and all into my lap as the waiter took my order. I think I made a great impression.</li>
<li>In continuation of my dinner, <b>SHRIMP</b>. I have a definite love-hate relationship with this food. I love eating it but HATE peeling it. I should have taken this into consideration when I ordered Shrimp Chippewa at the restaurant, but of course, I didn't. So here I am after the waiter saw my cup turn into Mt. Helena, trying to politely peel my shrimp that are already submerged in grease, butter, and grits. Needless to say, a few shrimp tails were flying around my plate and table, and I had quite the look of flustered determination on my face for a good five minutes. </li>
<li>For Spring Break, I went with four of my friends to Santa Rosa Beach in Florida. I had just bought a new swim suit and was excited about wearing. So excited that, as I am laying out (it's halfway through the day to add to the kicks and giggles), Samantha says, <span style="font-size: small;"><b>"Shelby, you are wearing your top upside-down."</b></span> I tried to argue with her, but sure enough, I had worn the swim suit upside down for approximately four and a half hours. If that doesn't take some awkward talent, I don't know what does.</li>
<li>Also, on Spring Break, our cab driver one night told us scary/creepy stories and made himself out to sound like a possible serial killer. He then stops at a gas station...... and buys us all Krispy Kreme doughnuts...yep.</li>
<li>Last week, I walked to my first class with a cloudless blue-sky day. A mere hour later when I walked out of class, it was torrential downpours. I had no umbrella, no rain jacket, and ten minutes to get to my next class where I was being evaluated on my story. So, with all my graceless poise, I sprinted in the rain, through a silent building, laughing so hard that I was snorting (a-w-k-w-a-r-d), to finally reach my class looking like a deranged, wet zoo animal...I love the weather.</li>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><i><span style="font-size: large;">AWESOME:</span></i></b></div>
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<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Easter Break and getting to see family and my </span><span style="font-size: small;">friends from home</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">SNICKER EGGS. There is just something better about snickers when they are in holiday/abnormal shapes.</span><i><span style="font-size: large;"><b></b></span></i></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Bre</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">nnan's in Houston and Fish out of Water in Watercolor. </span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">The fact that I am almost a Senior in college and the Easter Bunny still comes to visit me.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Same Kind of Different As Me</i>- please do yourself a favor and read this book</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Spring scarves- I am slightly in love.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Houston weekend trip coming up next weekend!!</span></li>
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</div>Shelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00885771217727345384noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8684204731932877428.post-55882450204163569782012-04-09T17:06:00.001-07:002012-04-16T11:59:46.574-07:00March MadnessI know, I know- it's April now, but I was absent so much last month due to the crazy rush of things and Spring that I had to make up for it and what better name to call it than-<b> March Madness</b>. Here's a flashback to the past month and all of its glory.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spring Break in Santa Rosa</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Good Life!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<br />Shelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00885771217727345384noreply@blogger.com0