Wondering Where I Have Been?

Uuuhh...so it has been almost a month since my last post. I knew I wasn't very good at this blogging game, but seriously -- I need to kick it up a notch. So with my deepest apologies, I'll give you my updates:

1. That sweet Kate Spade Posy Vase? Epic fail...apparently there was a "problem" with my order and it "could not be filled" or something. Bummer. But they did give me a $20 credit, so I'll keep my eyes peeled for my next sweet deal.

2. I did get a new phone. Samsung Solstice. But no worries...same phone number. (errr...or maybe I shouldn't say that, so when people say "Why has MJ been MIA?" you will respond "Oh it must be because she got a new phone.")

3. The sunglasses? Yeah, I totally got some new Ray Bans. And I love them. Some people hate to spend $$$ on expensive sunglasses, but in my experience I usually take care of them and wear them for years. I mean, let's be honest. You wear them. On. Your. Face. -- like direct center of focus for all people...except creepy men.

4. I had a WONDERFUL birthday filled with lots of sweets and sweet friends! I attended a beautiful wedding. Had a rockin' time at a hole-in-the-wall Owensboro bar. And I saw Gary Allan at our hotel...I could have shared an elevator with him, but chicken over here took the stairs. Minus the hour long wait for a cab and Creepy Tim (who hasn't had a girlfriend for 15 years and is trying to learn to talk to women and doesn't drink and was beaten by his step-dad, etc etc and then offered us a ride home...) it was an overall fabulous weekend.

5. I have 667 unread items in my Google Reader....and thats after unsubscribing to a bunch of blogs last week. Because I haven't had time to read them.

6. I have been working mucho hours. Like I think I calculated 56 hours last week? And it's almost 7, and I'm still at the office (taking a mental break to blog) and I took a 15 minute lunch at my desk...so crank that up to 5 extra hours this week already and it's only Tuesday. I'm exhausted. But through it, I've realized that I LOVE my new job. Like seriously. I work with wonderful people. I get to interact with students every day. I get such a high level of satisfaction from what I do. I really am blessed to A. be employed and B. get to do something that I enjoy every day. On that same note, I would still really like a vacation day to clean, iron, grocery shop, regular shop, and do something fun and relaxing. I'm just saying. (Hopefully after K Week and getting my old position filled I'll return to semi-normal hours.) Someone asked me today what I like to do for fun and I went blank...so then they asked what the most exciting thing I did in the last week...scratch that, month....was and again, blank. I said, "I met Archie Manning! But it was at a work conference..." Apparently that doesn't count. Like really...my idea of fun now seems to equate to take-in Chinese and movies. Although I will be trying to factor in some more fun or working out or something...and blogging of course :)

That's all for now! Back to work so I can go home!
MJ

Need To Want Less

(This about sums it up. Someone should tape this to my forehead.)

So, I am guilty. I am in a buying mood lately, and today I caved and bought myself an "early birthday present." It's a Kate Spade "Camelia Avenue" Posy Vase....I saw one similar to these at Macy's (in clear glass) when I was hunting for a bridal shower gift and thought they were just adorable. (I believe Sarah and Southern Charm bought one for the bride-to-be!)

So when they popped up on the Rue La La boutique for $19.00 I just HAD to have it. I got the VERY LAST ONE! I think it will be perfect on the shelves above our credenza at the apartment or in my office. (You can click on the link above if you want to join Rue La La! It's where I also first saw my Invicta watch that the beau ended up getting me for Christmas.)

Last week I may or may not have ordered a new bathing suit -- but for $20.00 I couldn't resist. Just hope it fits. And yesterday Dad mentioned going to look at new phones this weekend! Yippee!

There are also a few pairs of Ray Bans that I have had my eyes on...I'm hoping maybe one comes my way for my birthday! In the meantime, I have been stalking them on eBay.

Found here.

Found here.

Welcome to the World!

Here is the newest addition to my extended family:

Introducing Daniel Jacob...

He is a precious little one, isn't he? He's my cousin's third son. He was actually born last week but I didn't have a picture until now!

I also loved this picture that my Aunt Joan (the proud grandma) took:

That's Danny's two big brothers and their Uncle Mike (my cousin). There is just something sweet about the balloon, the blue sky, and the St. Louis landmarks. Just had to share. Hope you all had a great start to the week!

Simply,
MJ

A little advice...

...on what NOT to do once you get engaged. An ex-boyfriend of mine (if you could call it that) from high school recently got engaged. We "dated" when I was a freshman...the sweet kind of romance where you talk on the phone for like an hour every night, hold hands as you walk in laps around the stands at the Friday night football games, and pass notes in the hallway between classes -- usually as I was on my way to and from Spanish class with Ms. Spiller. In fact, he asked me out in a note that was passed on my way to Spanish. (I probably still have almost every note in a box at home.) Those were two of the best months of my life (sigh) until I broke up with him because I heard he was flirting with Nora in gym class (the PMS probably didn't help). Sure enough to get back at me he starts dating her like 2 weeks later, and they ended up dating for like 2 years. I was heart broken (I thought) for like a month.

Anyway, he is now engaged to a girl he has been dating for like 5 years. (Guess I missed my chance...haha...). And recently he keeps posting lovey-dovey song lyrics as his Facebook status. Gag me with a spoon. Really dude. We know you are in love. Give it a break.

Some samples:
"I know a girl, she puts the color inside of my world..."

"She's my world..."

{Insert quote from fiance} "Congrats on the engagement to the most awesome girl to ever walk this earth!! Hahaha and to think, u made me this way :D"

"I'm living life right now, and it's what I'm going to do until it's over..."

"Simple little thing called Love..."

"A wonderful night on the town with my fiancé!!!"

{Insert quote from fiance} "My fiance!!!! OMGGGG I love u!!!"

And to think...I used to doodle his name all over my planner. With little hearts and our initials every where. And each "milestone" in our relationship marked on the pages. Like ALL over my planner. Well...at least until I started "dating" someone else. Ooohhh to be 14 again.

So just a little advice: When any of you get engaged, please, refrain from the sickening posts. I KNOW you will feel the need, but we will already know you are in love. And I'd prefer to not have to purchase the said spoon for gagging. Plus, you don't want to end up on some ex's blog post.

Simply,
MJ

The Summer Day

I'm taking a vacation day tomorrow, and with the holiday Monday that makes for a 4 day weekend. For no reason. I have absolutely no plans. And that's just the way I like it and want it. This poem kinda reminded me of why:

The Summer Day

By: Mary Oliver

Who made the world?
Who made the swan, and the black bear?
Who made the grasshopper?
This grasshopper, I mean-
the one who has flung herself out of the grass,
the one who is eating sugar out of my hand,
who is moving her jaws back and forth instead of up and down-
who is gazing around with her enormous and complicated eyes.
Now she lifts her pale forearms and thoroughly washes her face.
Now she snaps her wings open, and floats away.
I don't know exactly what a prayer is.
I do know how to pay attention, how to fall down
into the grass, how to kneel down in the grass,
how to be idle and blessed, how to stroll through the fields,
which is what I have been doing all day.
Tell me, what else should I have done?
Doesn't everything die at last, and too soon?
Tell me, what is it you plan to do
with your one wild and precious life?

You might be able to find me by the pool sipping on a margarita...

Have a fabulous Independence Day! And God bless our troops who still fight for our rights to work, to live freely, and to pray.

Simply,
MJ

Marketing Genius

Check out this ad for Huggies limited edition denim diapers:

Whoever did this commercial deserves a raise. Seriously. Genius...and hilarious. One of the roomies and I sat with our jaws dropped and started laughing hysterically. If I had a kid (knock on wood I don't and would like to keep it that way for a LONG while) I would totally go out and buy these. I mean really..."I've got chic in my pants"? "I poo in blue"? "The coolest you'll ever look pooping your pants"? Really. They really said it. All while making a baby look like a fashionable stud.

Props to JWT, the company who created this one.

Signed, Sealed, Delivered...

...I'm official! Beginning next week I'll be a program coordinator -- same place, new title! I'm very excited, but a little nervous because of the high expectations in place for this new position. But I just wanted to share my news. Promotion = pay raise, but I'll be moving to the other end of the hall, which is a bit of a bummer because I enjoy being around my current coworkers who are closer to my age. Instead I'll be next to the boss man.

So I hope you will all support me and throw lots of good ideas my way for new initiatives that I can start.

GO CATS!!!!