Very Merry Christmas

I had a very merry Christmas this year, if not illustrated well enough by taking jello shots with my 85 year old grandmother. I had a great holiday with my family...and a WHITE Christmas at that! Mom woke up the day after Christmas really sick though...she is still in bed today, so let's hope that clears up soon!

Hope Santa was good to you all!

Meg

Yet another...

..."Overheard" of the day.

P: "I hope you don't mind if I eat my lunch in here."
MJ: "No, that's fine. Catering should be here any minute. I wish they'd hurry up so I could stop worrying."
P: "Yeah, and there is a student or a homeless person here, too."

What?!?!?!?! A student or a homeless person....Are they that hard to distinguish?

Winter Wonderland

Well, the world outside is coated in snow, slush, and ice. It's beautiful to look at on the trees...walking and driving is not quite so pleasant (although I did enjoy the 2 extra hours of sleep due to the delay!). Perks of working in higher ed -- I still get snow delays.

I think I'm going to start a new little feature, just as the opportunity presents itself. I love when people say odd things or put their foot in their mouth....I'm not sure what to name this feature, though. Maybe I'll just call them "Overheard."

Overheard: "I'm so glad this job has afforded you the ability to buy a new car." One - Rude. Two - She would have bought it anyway. Three - She got paid more at her old job. Four - Rude.

Overheard: "Your computer must just be slow today because it's so cold outside!" One - It's probably the server. Two - It's not like the computer is outside?

Overheard (this isn't a direct quote because I was not at the table, but close enough): "How is everything with your tummy tuck going?"
(The question was directed to a lady who definitely had gastric bypass or another similar form of weightloss surgery several months ago.)

Simpy,
MJ

Inspiration

A few things that I've gotten inspiration from this week:

This quote that I came across reading another blog (I wish I had written it down or could give credit to someone.)

For the most part I have felt very in control of my own life the past few weeks. But this quote helps me justify that feeling, I guess. Not that I need justification!

This article about Tory Burch on Forbes.com. She was named #88 on Forbes' World's 100 Most Powerful Women list. Considering she started her brand just 6 years ago, I think that is absolutely amazing. She designs beautiful, classic pieces and built a business from the ground up in such a short amount of time. And on top of that, is still a wife and mother. I just thought it was interesting to read.

And these lovely ladies are always inspiring -- whether it be in life, love, or laughter:

I can't tell you how much we laughed that night (or what about), but I wish it happened more often.

What inspires you?

Simply,
MJ

Can you believe it?

It's been one year since I started this blog! Dec. 1, 2009 was my very first post. Crazy, huh?

So, happy 1 year blogging anniversary.

As a reward, I have officially ordered my black booties....we'll see how I feel about them once they arrive!!!

End of November...

....means it's almost Christmas. Which means I'm obsessing over things that I want to put on my wish list. I'm almost currently enamored with a few of the following:

1. This Thanksgiving prayer (which is appropriate any other time of year):

O Lord, we thank Thee for this food,
For every blessing, every good.
For earthly sustenance and love
Bestowed on us from heaven above.
Be present at our table, Lord.
Be here and everywhere adored.
Thy children bless and grant that we
May feast in paradise with Thee.

2. Homemade treats -- think buckeyes, bourbon balls, oreo truffles, chocolate covered pretzels and homemade chocolate turtles. I may have to incorporate these into my Secret Santa gifts at work!

3. Kentucky basketball. Enough said.

4. EmersonMade. They have darling flower pins, clutches, etc. on their website. I say "darling," because I cannot think of another word to describe them. Take the clutch below for example. Dainty, darling, fun.

Image from here.

I think a shift dress with a brown leather belt accented with one of those flowers or clutches would be cute and classy. The ring pillows are also really sweet. A little expensive, but precious!

5. Black ankle booties. I will own some by the end of winter (hopefully). Any advice on picking a good pair? Taller? Shorter? Leather? Suede? I want to be able to wear them with dress pants if its cold or with tights and a dress. Just not sure the most 'fashionable' yet practical direction to go.

What are you all obsessing over?

Simply,
MJ

Where Have I Been?

I don't know where time goes anymore! I can't believe it is NOVEMBER. Yikes. I'll do a quick life update here if I can.

This happened to my best friend from back home:

She tried to call and text me the day of Homecoming, when I was of course working (trying to get the 82-hour work week over with!). I threatened her within an inch of a life if she was playing a trick on me. But she was very serious -- I cried (multiple times), but they were happy tears! Her fiance is a great guy, and she has said basically since the moment she met him that she knew she would marry him. I made a quick trip home the weekend after to see her and catch up. It was a great break for a few days.

Friday, my mom took a fall during her Zumba class and now looks like this:

Broken wrist (right hand), a day at the hospital getting it checked out, surgery, and a brace. I think she feels pretty helpless right now. Dad has been putting in her earrings for her and cooking dinner. I guess this means I'm in charge of Thanksgiving dinner now?!?!

Add in an early October wedding, Race for the Cure, football games with friends, plus work and my classes, and I have had my hands full! Lately I have really felt good about myself as a confident, independent person. I can do what I want, when I want. I have just been trying to dedicate more time to me (eating right, working out, spending time with family and friends) and to the people important to me. I put so much effort into work and my classes sometimes that I have just been exhausted and not putting enough energy into myself. I'm working on it...

Simply,

MJ