Rainy Days

Apologies for my lack of posting -- I have been so busy with work and school lately! I feel like I am on auto-pilot, just cruising through without stopping until May 9. If I can just make it to May 9. The beautiful spring days make it a little better, when the sun is out and shining. But the rainy days make it tough (and make me tired!). And here is what I have to look forward to this week:

(Image via weather.com)

Promising, eh? Maybe I wouldn't dread it quite so much if I had a cute rainy day outfit like this:

(Image via)

In the meantime, I'll just keep on trucking through (and maybe do a little online shopping for a happy skirt to wear on a dreary day).

I'll leave you all with a few of my favorite rainy day quotes that I've come across lately!

“If you want the rainbow you’ve got to put up with the rain.” – Dolly Parton

"Anyone who says sunshine brings
happiness has never danced in the rain."
~author unknown

No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow. ~Proverb

Morning Routine

And now...for your most recent "Overheard":

"I just blow and go every morning."

(What she really meant was blow dry.)

It made me chuckle. Hope it did the same for you!



Simply, MJ

Just call me Auntie...

I have a new nephew! A new puppy nephew that is.

Meet Jack....

Isn't he precious? My brother and his girlfriend picked him up Saturday. He's a 7 m.o. black lab/terrier/something else...he's still pretty little and is very timid. It was hysterical to watch him jump off the couch and flop on the ground. I already warned big brother that I'd be borrowing this little guy!

Happiness is....puppies!

Simply,
MJ

Oldies but Goodies

I had the privilege of spending last evening with my oldest and one of my dearest friends last night. This girl has literally been through everything with me -- we always said we were like sisters. And then in college we literally became sorority sisters (at different schools, though).

This was probably like my sixth birthday?

Our birthdays were 8 days apart,
so here we are celebrating our 18th birthdays by having a root beer :)

And a pic from this weekend! Hard to believe how much we've grown up!

It makes me happy to have such great and loyal friends in my life.

Simply,
MJ

Serenity Prayer

For some reason the words of this prayer stood out to me today. It's one I've known for a while, but it kept popping into my head. Thought it could serve as a reminder to us all.

Serenity Prayer

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next. Amen.

Hope you all hare having a great week. Remember to live one day at a time.

Simply,

MJ

Scene from the Weekend

I have a few excerpts from the weekend for you this time around:

Friday (at nail salon):

(Nail technician discovers I have ticklish feet.)

Guy: You have a beautiful smile. (By the way, he is Asian, but I don't know how to type in an Asian accent, so use your imagination.

MJ: Thank you.

Guy: You married?

MJ: No.

Guy: Boyfriend?

MJ: No.

Guy: You single? Why? Too busy?

MJ: Yeah I work too much.

Guy: You not need work so much. You need find love.

Thank you. Actually working on that. Haha.

Here is why I was getting my nails done -- Caduceus Ball (aka Doctors Prom or Med School Formal). A friend asked me to go with a friend, so I said why not! Plus, I got a second wear out of my NYE dress. Bonus. Not to mention I just had a really good time and met some fun new people.

Saturday, watching basketball game and clip for the golf thing comes up. (There is a player named Vijay something.):

MJ: Vijay. Haha. Va-jay-jay. Haha. (Mature, I know.)

(Kendall and Jeremy laugh.)

Jeremy: Actually, it's the opposite. They call him a dick.

(All laugh.)

Jeremy: Seriously though, because he is so cocky. No pun intended.

(Continue laughing for a long period of time. Mature. But for some reason it was hilarious in the moment.)

And that's all for now, folks.

Simply,

MJ

One of those days...

Today was another one of those 8 a.m. - 11 p.m. type of days that I like to work. But it was also just one of those days...it started off pretty normal, with the exception of the largest snowflakes I have ever seen. They looked like feathers coming down. Giant feather snowflakes. But then a series of occurrences have led me to just write this off as "one of those days."

- I hear around 11 a.m. that ESPN may come to my event and shoot some video feed. Unconfirmed. I get slightly nervous and start promoting. Realize my broadcast e-mail from Friday was never sent. Frantically mend the situation.

- Confirm around 3:30 or so that ESPN will be sending someone over at 7:45 p.m. Start blowing up the social media feeds. Proceed to get extremely nervous. (It has also been well documented that I can in fact make myself physically sick when nervous/anxious - luckily not one of those days.)

- Go to pick up cookies at Kroger around 6:20 p.m. Snow falls onto the car seat resulting in large wet spot on my left cheek (you know which one I'm talkin' about).

- Unexpectedly run into ex for the first time (while looking like a wet dog from said giant feather snowflakes with a wet spot on my rear). Get flustered. Act super awkward. Run into him again near check out. Again, act awkward. Walk in front of his car in parking lot as he is leaving. Do an awkward wave. Not sure what words I actually said to him in store. Forget how to get to Cane's (which is my next stop.)

- Get back to event right at 7 p.m. as event is supposed to start. There are already people at every table. Realize I need more tables. Get students to set them up.

- Broke a nail. (Update: As of 2-8-11 I have broken 3 nails this week.)

- May or may not have made a fool out of myself on ESPN.

- Wrap up event and attend women's basketball game. All goes well, except for a close loss.

- Walk back to car after women's basketball. In process, wipe out on aforementioned giant feather snowflakes. On the street corner. In front of everyone. While I was standing still. At a "Do Not Walk." Longest. Red light. Ever.

- Get hollered at by a person three cars back wanting to know if I'm okay. Says it looked like that hurt. People around me chuckle. Coworkers chuckle. Longest. Red light. Ever.

- Take out trash from event. One bag leaks and leaves a trail through the basement, puddles in the elevator, and outside elevator. Gross. Clean up mess.

- Get home to confirm that both my knee and my pride are busted.

Sooo...all little things. But when you put one on top of another, it just makes for one of those days. I didn't read my horoscope this morning, but I'm sure it said something like, "Today is a 3. Stay home for your own safety and dignity."

Oh well. On to the next one.

Simply,

MJ

This and That

I don't have much to say, just random thoughts. So here goes:

1. I want to go sledding. Basically my entire extended family got slammed by this "historic" winter storm. St. Louis, Kansas City, St. Charles, Jeff City, Quincy, Peoria, Chicago, etc. And for some reason, instead of being like "I'm so glad we didn't get 19 inches!" my thoughts are, "Dang, I really wish I had gone sledding this winter." Maybe I'll still get my chance?

2. On the same note, I am ready for spring. Sunshine. Dresses. Keeneland. Flowers. Enough said.

3. I came across this baby shower on Copy Cat Chic and think it is darling. It isn't "baby" themed, but more horse themed, so it could work for a variety of events. Maybe it has to do with my above stated desire for Keeneland or love of Kentucky.

4. This engagement shoot on Style Me Pretty is so unique. I love the vintage look it has and the "travel" theme. Beautiful work by Stephanie Fay Photography.

5. I also have been in a "crafty" mood and wish I had time to find/complete a project. Any suggestions?

That's all for now! Thanks for putting up with my babbling :)

Simply,
MJ

Simply Loving....

Um...yes please. Swoon.

Price tag: $138 -- no, thank you. But I loooovvveee it. Seersucker...perfect for spring and summer...with jeans, white chinos, white linen skirt, or any color shorts. And in blue and white, it's perfect for my office (we are casual enough for something like that).

Also think this belt is simple, clean, utilitarian....

All from EmersonMade. Check out their adorable flower clutches, too. (I think I've blogged about them before.) After seeing her creations, I secretly want to try to learn how to make fabric flowers. (Well, guess that secret is out.)

I saw Country Strong last weekend and love some of the songs from the soundtrack. Check the one out below called "Timing is Everything."

Maybe I just think his voice is attractive :) But the songs "Chances Are" and "Give In To Me" are also good if you like the one above. (Guess I should mention I've been in a sort of mellow mood this week?)

What have you all been loving lately?

Simply,

MJ

Feelin' It...

(Image from wit + delight)

This quote is so true. Lately I've had the feeling that something exciting is going to happen soon. I don't know when or where, but I imagine it will be when I least expect it. In the meantime, I'm just waiting in anticipation....

Simply,

MJ

Practice Makes Perfect

I've been short on "Overheards" lately, but today you get a doozie.

1: "I heard from R****. She's going to have a girl!"
(some other non-essential conversation here about babies)
2: "Well here's what I see happening. We just had L*****, then it's going to be R****, and then it's going to be you, then back to B****."
1: "Oooh I think B**** might beat me."
2: "I don't know...If you're husband were here I would tease him and tell him he needed to start to practice, but you're never available for practice!"

I didn't hear anything said after this because I was in a fit of silent laughter. The works: red face, tears in my eyes, shaking hysterically. How does one respond to that?

Simply,
MJ

Thoughts for the Day

I think I'm having blogger's block this week, but we'll just go with it....

Shout out to Southern Charm and MIML! I think I took this picture and said "I need a picture for my blog!" In an effort to follow-through, there it is. Plus I just think it is cute of the three of us.

Thought for the day: Have you ever noticed how a single, genuine compliment can make your whole day better? Whether you be on the giving or receiving end of it? Sometimes I think we forget that other people need our vote of confidence, too. I guess that goes along with the random acts of kindness I sometimes babble about -- but try to give someone a compliment this week!

Next thought for the day: Ever noticed how you can say just one thing and your best friends can tell you immediately exactly what you are feeling, why you are feeling that way, and that it's okay? (And then follow through with ranting if need be.) No judgement. No explanation necessary. I really appreciate these friendships in my life :)

Happy Hump Day! Only 2 more work days before the weekend!

Simply,
MJ

Simply Loving....

This big braid with a side pony...

(Image from here)

This Tiffany's ad...

This bible verse....

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 9

But he said to me,

“My grace is sufficient for you,

for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

And the short work week ahead!

I'm having anxiety tonight...not quite sure why...but I haven't felt this anxious in a long time. Hoping it sorts itself out soon! Does anyone else ever get anxiety? How do you get rid of it? It takes me hours to calm down...I've done 2 loads of laundry, ironed every pair of dress pants I own, cleaned up the kitchen, straightened up my room, uploaded pictures to Facebook...anything to keep myself busy and distracted. Does anyone have tips or is it just me that ever gets this way?

Valentine's Day Down South

So Wednesday night I had my eyebrows done, which I desperately needed. My lady, Ashley, has just been waxing out of her house since she went on maternity leave. So I arrived 5 minutes early, knocked, and was greeted by her husband who joked, "Have a seat in our lobby," while motioning to the living room. The room off to the side where her table and supplies are was closed off -- which is secretly a signal for "I'm doing either a bikini or Brazilian right now." After a few minutes Ashley came out, followed a minute later by her client. The client was the definition of cougar or in a mid-life crisis. I could tell by her face she was a little older, but she had on fitted clothes, high-heeled knee-high boots, topped off by platinum blonde hair. The following conversation ensued:

Ashley: (pulling out planner) So how many weeks do we usually go?
Cougar: Usually 4 or 5 weeks.
A: (flipping) Well...4 weeks...that Monday is Valentine's Day. Did you want to come in before that?
(Husband and I exchange knowing glances and kind of snicker.)
C: .....(pausing)...... Nah, after 26 years it all looks the same in the dark.

Amen, sister.

I was about to die trying not to laugh. I couldn't believe she would say that in front of complete strangers -- Ashley, her husband, her 4 year old daughter, mom (or MIL?), and me. One of those, 'Did she really just say that?!?!' moments. It made my day.

(In case you were wondering, she went with Wednesday after V Day.)

Simply,
MJ

Maybe it's just me...

....but NO thank you.


I'm sorry, they may be comfortable, but is that look flattering on anyone? I, for one, look short enough as it is without someone making it look as if I have stubs for legs and a stretched out torso. (It looks a bit like a distorted mirror in a funhouse, don't you agree?) I think I'll pass on this trend.

Simply,
MJ

2011!

I love friends. I love New Years Eve. I love engagement parties. I love new beginnings. I love beautiful dresses -- and the moment when you find one you love so much that you HAVE to have it. (You know, when you think you want glittery, sequined dress that you'll probably never wear again, and then you find a pink/peach gauzy one that you are already planning your next occasion to put on...). I love gold, glittery, razzle-dazzle, Ke$ha pumps. I love bows. And diamond rings on my friends' left hands. Mad Men marathons and cranberry mojitos that will "change you life." And how we always rock the dance floor.

I dislike broken glass. Enough said.

I dislike New Year's Resolutions because I can never keep them. Although in general I want to work on typical goals -- work out more, spend more time with friends and family, stress less, spend more time on me. My one "resolution" is to begin contributing to my 401K.

I dislike insomnia. I have had so much trouble sleeping the past month or two. I don't know what my deal is - anxiety? Not sure. All I know is that I go back to work tomorrow, and I'm already feeling overwhelmed. I. Must. Get. Sleep.

I also dislike goodbyes -- it's so hard to leave home after the holidays, and always makes me a little sad when friends and I have to part ways. I know it's more of a "see you later," but I treasure the moments we get to spend together!

P.S. The engaged BFF from home has picked a beautiful wedding dress out, and narrowed down the selection for bridesmaid dresses! Not to mention our darling engagement party (complete with champagne toast) for my roomie!