Confession Session

Source: pinksecrets.com via Sassy on Pinterest

Leslie isn't having a Confession Session today, but I need one.

1] I'm eating Red Robin for lunch today. Take that healthy lunch kick, boooyah!

2] I enjoy writing recaps for 2.5 seconds. Sure, I love looking back at pictures, but lawd almighty trying to remember everything is hard. I'm also trying something new with pictures and it's frustrating as all get out. Hopefully it will all come together.

3] Yesterday I wrote about not being a judging Judy and by the afternoon I had judged, ranted and said some rude things. UGH! It's so hard to be good, but Santa I'm TRYYYYYYYYYYING!

4] Anyone else out there ever FREAKED themselves out being home alone?!? This girl right here was CONVINCED that last night someone was going to break into her apartment. She checked the windows 5 times throughout the night. Yeah, when did she become THAT big of a deal?!!?

5] I'm really not a fan of writing in the third person, I sound so silly!

6] DESPITE wanting to have a low key New Years, I already have been talked into a pretty ragey party with kickerball friends. Should be an amazing time, but I KNOW I'll be one of the first to leave. #oldpeopleproblems

7] I don't have much Christmas shopping done, but I'm not stressing....is that bad?

8] I'm still bitter about being sick. I missed helping the homeless with my sisters Thursday morning, something I was looking forward to doing [minus the 430am wakeup]. Working Hypothermia is always a great eye opener to those who have so little and yet are kind a polite. Crossing fingers I can help out tomorrow morning.

9] I'm wishing for SNOW! Shhhhh don't hate me!

Thoughts on a Thursday

Happy Thursday....here are my thoughts!

1] Being sick is no bueno. Earth shaking right!?!?! Yesterday I was laid up with a fever and stuffy head, but luckily no other flu symptoms. Rest and fluids were my best friends and today I'm back. Our bodies are astounding aren't they? I'm so thankful I have a healthy one 95% of the time.

2] I'm so stinkin' happy Melissa Rycroft won Dancing with the Stars Allstars. She became one of my girl crushes her first season [after Jason dumped her on National tv, ouch]. Not only was she a DCC [holla] she is an adorable girl that people can relate to and seemingly befriend. Congrats to her and Tony!

3] My tree is up and the apartment is decorated. It may not be Pinterest worthy, but I love it all the same.

4] I know I've said this before, but holy crap people all around me are either getting engaged or getting pregnant. OHMIWORD there must be something in the water!

5] So, don't hate me, but I really don't get the whole Elf on a Shelf thing. I mean, maybe I would if I had kids, but honestly it just seems like a ripoff of Disney's Prep and Landing [which I love love]. Am I missing something?!!?

6] I need to be nicer to people. I've become way too much of a judging Judy and that needs to stop. I heard a great sermon last Sunday and some of the points really stuck with me. I'm hopeful I can practice what was preached.

7] C is out of town right now visiting his NEW lil nephew [eeek eeek eeek] and I can't wait to see cute pictures. Hopefully, he remembers, but you know....BOYS!

8] My name is Pinky and I'm a recap horribleholic. But, I promise some will be up next week.

And of course your weekly funny....

Source: themetapicture.com via Alex on Pinterest

War Talk, Family Style

Anyone who reads my blog knows how I feel about our military and their families.

I was brought up in a PROUD military family, that spaned two generations.

Both of my parent's fathers served in the military

and all of my father's brothers have served.

My father retired as a Ltc Col and now is an Army Civilian.

I'm military proud and an ARMY strong supporter

through and through.

My dad's father, GPJ retired as an Army Colonel

and flew a medivac both in

the Korean War

and Vietnam.

I've always wanted to hear stories from GPJ

regarding his time serving over seas.

But, like many service men and women of his era

he chooses to NOT talk about his time
fighting in the war.

Last night was an amazingly rare and raw sharing moment
between me, GPJ and my daddy.

I walked into the conversation late,
but immediately realized the importance
of the stories and
of the moment.

Honestly, while GPJ was reminiscing
I felt like I was in the presence of a baby deer.
I tried to be so still and quiet
so I didn't ruin the moment.

He shared some very interesting, funny,
heart warming, and saddening stories.
I was able to ask a few questions
and my dad was able to record
them on his iPhone.

All too soon, the moment was over
as he went to get ready for dinner.

But, that moment in time
will be with me for the rest of my life.

It will be the moment I tell my children about.

It is something that will warm my heart
when anyone mentions veterans.

 I want to share his stories,
but he is a very private man
and even though he doesn't know about this blog,
I want to respect his privacy.

Thank you GPJ for being such an amazing 
helicopter pilot
father
grandfather
veteran
and example of a man!

I LOVE YOU!

Yup, He's All Mine!!!

Louis that is.

Yes, you read and saw correctly.....

That is a Louis Vuitton and yes he is mine!

Saturday after Thanksgiving the two sissys drove to Tyson's II
with me and I FINALLY purchased

the Louis Vuitton Speedy 30!

I was uber nervous when I walked into the store,
because I'm not the NORMAL LV clientele.
I can't just pick out a bag without looking at the price
or purchase multiple on a whim.

But, my fears were laid to rest quickly by an extremely
friendly and warm LV rep.

The rep was very knowledgeable
and shared a ton of LV facts
while I was thinking and deciding
on my Louis.

I thought I knew what I wanted when I walked in,
but all of a sudden,
when it was time to pull the trigger,
I balked.

Not totally, but there was a moment of
OH EM GOSH
THIS IS A LOT OF MONEY
do I really need this bag?!?!

Thankfully, my sissys were able to remind me
HOW BADLY I've wanted this bag,
and that I've saved a long time
for this moment.

BOOM, decision made.

Having the two of them there was so special,
there's NOTHING like having
sisters as your best friends.

After a year plus of lusting, saving and some kickball championship winnings,
I'm so excited to call this Louis Vuitton Speedy my own!

I'm a big kid now :)

I hope you and your's had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

My family recap will be up tomorrow!

Happy Cyber Monday!

Mach Zero to Mach Five Zillion

The past 48 hours have been insane.

I've gone from not doing anything

to doing everything.

Basically I've gone from

Calm

to

Crazy

[source]

Want to light your hair on fire without matches?

Leave work for 6 days straight right before a holiday.

Trust me, it works! ;)

Oooooooooooooooor,

try having your dad's side of the family

come into town for a SURPISE

birthday for his mom

Thanksgiving week!

WOOHOO! YAY! FUN!

And, ohemgosh I gotta get everything ready?!

In two days!?!?

Normally I'd spend a week getting my apartment

ready for my aunt and uncle

to use instead of a hotel.

But, now, I only have 1 more day!

EEEEEEEEEEEEP!

Sooooo not enough time for a hospitality perfectionist!

However, I'm not complaining.

I love my family and am super excited to see everyone.

Normally our family Thanksgiving is just

immediate family with a bf or two.

So, having everyone around is super fantastic!

C is even going to be in town this year

[so stinkin' excited]

which  makes it extra special.

Since I was away in paradise last week

[swoon]

the fact Thanksgiving is THURSDAY

has me baffled.

Wasn't it just summa summa summa time?!?

I digress.

Sorry, this post is all over the place.

You know what else is all over the place?

MY BRAIN!

This morning has been nutzo.

I spilled my blueberries

Left my coffee [went to grab it]

Was late to the gym for morning workout with C

Packed the most random lunch

[tuna and 5 types of fruit]

Almost forgot my purse

and the kicker

FORGOT to pack a regular BRA in my gym bag.

Thank HEAVEN for 3 layers and itty bittys today.

THANK HEAVEN!

Yep, I'm a mess.

But I'm a happy mess!

I hope y'all have a wonderful Thanksgiving week.

I'll probably pop in on Thursday to be thankful,

but otherwise I'll catch y'all next week!

Muah!

Back in Town...

...and wearing a frown! :(

I wish I could say it's great to be home,

but it's soooooooooooo not!

12 days of vacation was amazing,

and 5 spend being pampered on a cruise

was incredible.

I really don't want to be back in the real world.
I don't want to be on accesible via phone or internet.

NOT

AT

ALL!

WAH!

WAH!

WAH!

Since I only got into town yesterday
and have a mountain to get to get done at work,
recaps will have to wait.
They are all good, I promise :)

******Can I get a WOOOHOO for all my fabulous guest posts?!!?
Those ladies ROCKED my socks and I am
100% thrilled they agreed to post while I was away.
THANKS LADIES!!!!*********

Now, enjoy my iphone pics.
[No cell service on the ship, so pics stop once we left port.
No cell phone or internet = best.thing.ever]

Guest Post: Messy Dirty Hair

HAPPY stinkin' Friday.

Well, I'm sure y'all are rejoicing, but this lil girl is pouting.

Friday means my vacation is ALMOST over, #wah!

Anyhoo, today my girl Kelly is visiting.

Kelly is responsible for helping embrace my inner Messy Hair.

Because of her, I've gone 3 days without washing my hair,
what what!

Read on and embrace the MESS kids!

******************************

Well hello there pinky readers! I'm Kelly & I blog over at Messy.Dirty.Hair.. While the pinkster is gone I'm here to fill in for the day! But don't worry your pretty little faces she'll be back soon. But in the mean time I just wanted to talk about life real quick. It moves fast. Too fast....& sometimes we are all so wrapped up in our own lives that we don't ever stop to actually enjoy life. 

via

Life is hard, really hard. We just keep going & never stop. With all the constant interaction we have at our finger tips its no wonder we all get so wrapped up in the hustle & bustle of life. Personally I annoy the hell outta myself when I am actually relaxing & I check my phone & then literally 5 minutes later I check it again. And for what? It's not like something drastic has changed in those 5 minutes.  I need to realize it's okay to disconnect. It's okay to take a moment out of my everyday just for me. 

via

So I challenge you to all take some time this week for yourself. Put down your phones. Get off the computer.  Get disconnected. Don't worry it will all be there when you get back. Do something for you. Take a break from your hectic life & just enjoy being alive. 

via

Thank you so much Pinky for having me & I hope to see you all around The Mess! 

Guest Post: The Illegal Blonde

Boy do I have a treat for y'all today.

Miss Lynn is guest posting and she is just fantastic.

Girlfriend is an ex-beauty queen and now a lawyer.
SO FABULOUS RIGHT!?!?

I love reading her blog because she keeps it real
and funny at the same time.

************************************

Hello loves, Today you get to hang out with me, the Illegal Blonde! While my girl P!nky is off sailing the seas, drink in hand working on her tan, I'm taking over (well just for today). If you don't know me, here's the 411:

I'm a blonde, ex-beauty queen, who went to law school and now practices civil litigation at a mid-size firm in Texas. I blog about life in the law, being married, and tons of other stuff in between. Today, I'm going to tell you about one of my favs vacations (ya know since its cold, er trying to get cold in Texas, and we all wish we were sailing with P!nky).

So, two summers ago I was studying my brains out for the bar exam. Believe me, when I mean I lost my mind, I did. So, post bar was time for a little vacay! Hubs and I headed to St. John. Helps when his boss has a house there... but needless to say, we needed this trip!



House we stayed in





Tortola in the background





Donkeys were everywhere... I mean it side of the road,in the your backyard...



We sunned, drank, ate and well just plain relaxed. St. John is a small island part of the US Virgin Islands. It's only about 20 miles big, but winding roads and oh did I mention they drive on the wrong side there? yeah, that caused quite the driving escapade. Each day we went to a different beach, some were touristy and others were, well secluded, and rustic, for lack of a better word. St. John has no airports so you have to take a ferry over from St Thomas. But, ladies, if you want something where you can get drunk and bring nothing but your bikini, this is the place for you!

Hurry back P!nky, we miss you!

Guest Post: My Life My Way

Happy Hump day!

Today I'm off on a fun excursion
and y'all are in for a tasty treat.

Nikki is one of my MUST read blogs.

She's a fitness instructor and hilarious to boot.

Make sure you visit her side of the interwebs!

*******************************************

Hey friends!

I am Nikki and I blog over at My Life My Way.

Stop by and say hello! 

Our friend P!nky asked me to guest post for her and I was so happy to help her out!

So as most of you know the NYC/NJ area got slammed and got slammed hard by Queen Bee Hurricane Sandy. You can read about what I had to deal with damage wise HERE and HERE.

I do not want to dwell on that today so today I want to share with you a quick and easy recipe that you can whip up for lunch or dinner. It happens to be one of my favorite go to meals too!

So one of my favorite things as an Italian is pasta with ricotta cheese.
Who doesn't like that right?

I call this....

WAIT FOR IT

Pasta with Ricotta Ham and Peas.

Original right? I know!

So what you will need?

Pasta *I used whole wheat penne

Ricotta Cheese to taste *I used part skim

Ham *I used ham steaks diced up but you can use any kind of ham you want!

Peas *I used frozen but you can also used canned just drain them!

Salt & Pepper to taste

What you do...

Boil your pasta - I only made enough pasta for me because I was eating alone.

While the pasta is cooking if you are using ham steak dice it up. If you are using frozen peas like I was throw those bad boys in the microwave and get them heated up!

Put the peas and the ham in a bowl and wait for the pasta to finish cooking

When the pasta is done put it in the bowl with the peas and ham and add in some ricotta. I use about a tablespoon for one serving.

Mix it all up add your salt and pepper to taste and enjoy!

Quick easy and yummy!

You're welcome!
If you make it lemme know how you like it!

Thank P!nky for letting me post for you today! 

Guest Post: Busy Bee

Today's guest is from the far away land of Minnie ;)!
Minnesota for you non Minnie peeps!

Kristin is absolutely precious.

If all is well, right now she will have
her first born in her arms.
[Hope you cooperated baby nugget]

I love her wit and girl takes some awesome pictures.

Go check her out!

***************************************
Hello Pink Persistence enthusiasts! 

My name is Kristin and I live at a fun little blog called Busy Bee which is all about me and my new little family. 

You see, I was married on November 5th 2011 and by the time you are reading this I SHOULD have a brand new baby girl (due November 8th). We also have a 4 year old fur child name Bailey who is the teeny little cutie face in the above photo. 

I "met" the adorable and hilarious Pinky through blogging quite some time ago, and while I think she is pretty great we vastly disagree on something very important.....our favorite color.

If you've read even ONE of Pinky's posts you know that homegirl is OBSESSED with the color pink...her name is frickin' PINKY for crying out loud. 

Me on the other hand....I am NOT a fan of color. I get critized for it all the time and I've tried to incorporate color into my life, and while I've been getting better and making some strides, I am always, always, always going to gravitate towards black, white & gray.

Exhibit A:
My Wedding

Every last detail of my wedding was either black or white...the tables, the flowers, the cake, the wedding party, the shoes, the favors, the invites....EVERY.THING.

Exhibit B.
My Wardrobe.

Pretty sure I can count the number of colored clothing items on one hand.

Exhibit C:
My blog.

I swear, my blog is really fun...despite the lack of color!

Exhibit D:
My Nursery. 

No, you're not going blind, there is yellow in the baby's room! Yellow is pretty much the one color I can handle...and I felt like a terrible mother passing on my color-phobia to my baby, so splashes of yellow is about all I could muster.

Exhibit E:
My whip.

I bought this pretty little lady in August (needed a mom car people). Her name is Harlow, and SURPRISE, she's black and white.

OK, I think you get the picture.

The only pink item I own is these sweatpants:

Granted, they are my favorite sweatpants!
Somehow, Pinky still likes me enough to let me take over her blog for a day! What a gem!

I hope all of you will be as sweet as Pinky and embrace me (and my blog) despite my lack of colorfulness.

Guest Post: Handling With Grace

Hello friends and happy Monday to y'all!

Today I have the lovely Jamie entertaining you.

She is a hilarious and gorgeous mama to 1
[and another one soon]
who tells it like it is.

I love her blog and I'm sure you will love her too!

*********************************************

Since Pinky is on vacation, she asked me to keep you guys company today.  While she is out partying on vacation, what makes more sense than for me to dream about my perfect get away?! Let me just tell you, with a two year old daughter and a son on the way, a vacation seems not only absolutely needed right now but absolutely a million years away.  If I could design the perfect vacation right now, it would be here

Greece

A bit of history and a lot of beach.

When I am on vacay, I like to plan them like this- 40% activities (tours, history) and 60% play time (drinking, tanning, shopping, eating).  I engage in a whole lot of this...

Unfortunately, because this is currently happening,

a real vacation is on hold for a while.  So the rest of you who aren't currently knocked up, I hope you are planning fantastic vacations right now and actually GO ON THEM and then come tell me about it! I hope to see you girls over at my blog, Handling With Grace!

I confess....Things get Better

Hello and happy Friday friends.

First, thank you SO MUCH for the sweet thoughts for my sister. She's making it work and I know she appreciates all the prayers and happy thoughts.

Now, since I didn't get to confess much yesterday,

HAPPY CONFESSION FRIDAY!

I confess... I threw a major temper tantrum in the car on Thursday. #roadrage

I confess... This round of packing was probably my best, even though my head was all over the place. I really hope I haven't forgotten anything important.

I confess... Wednesday night while packing was the first EXCITED moment I've had about vacation in the past 2 weeks. Life has been going at a mach 2394083204 pace and I can finally just now see the light at the end of the tunnel.

I confess... I'm 2034802384 kinds of excited for warm weather while it's cold back home. #sorryImnotsorry

I confess... Your comments and words on *THIS* post made me feel better. Glad I'm not the only girl who feels weight problems. #muahtoyouall

I confess... This post is #hashtag heavy.....#ooops!

I confess... I right now I'm probably eating a beignet, jambalaya or drinking a hurricane! HELLO NOLA!

Source: madeinneworleans.org via Renee on Pinterest

Have a fabulous weekend and week. You're gonna love my guest posters!

I confess...Life sometimes SUCKS!

Can I get an amen?!?!?

My life is great and I am so blessed.

But, gosh DARN IT, if some days just make ya wanna scream.

If you couldn't tell, yesterday was not the best of days.

Today's post was supposed to be fun, cute, cheeky

and of course an ode to my over packing nature.

But, then scrambling at work happened.

And the one hour commute happened.

Then the super long choir practice happened.

I had plans to dance and drink it out before packing,

but then I got THE phone call.

BabySpice: "Sis, someone broke into Sportyspice's car and stole her purse!"

WAIT.............WHAT!?!?!

Yes, some asshole smashed her driver side window and stole her purse.

Did I mention she was parked in the front of our CHURCH!?!?

Poor bear already had someone break into her apartment

this summer and

now THIS!?!?!

I was already home so couldn't help out

and I felt so helpless.

CUE TEARS!

I don't know why bad things happen

to good people.

I hate that they do.

Especially when my family is affected.

Luckily, my family is awesome and tight knit

so we will figure everything out.

She'll use her passport this weekend

when she joins me in NOLA

and we will figure out money.

Sometimes life is hard

and it sucks a big one,

but then we dust ourselves off

and keep moving forward.

Karma's gonna get that SOB!

So, if you get a chance,

say a prayer of peace and calming for

sweet Sportyspice.

Thank you friends!

What's Weight Got to Do With It!?

Yep, that dreaded SIX letter word.

Weight.

It just SOUNDS heavy and horrible.

That *one* number that can

define happiness

for women.

How many of you have stepped on the scale,

and literally

held your breath,

while waiting for the numbers

to appear.

Source: google.com via RMW on Pinterest

I know I do

every

single

time

I step on a scale.

Before you read on, I'm gonna give it to you straight...

Right now I weigh 115-118 and to me

that is too much.

If that number offends you,

or

if you are pissed I feel this way,

please just click the red X to the right.

I 100% understand that I am petite

and my weight is not very much

for an almost 30 year old.

However, I could and should be around the
110-112ish zone
and much more toned than I am currently.

I'm squishy in places I shouldn't be,
and many of my pants are snug in the
stomach and booty area.

When I say too tight I mean
the leaving lines in my skin
kind of too tight.
And no, this isn't just something
that happened recently.

This has been going on for a few years.
Pretty much as soon as I turned 25
my body changed :(!
[that and my shin injury preventing
my normal running program]

I was warned, but I didn't believe
because I was always the girl that could eat
WHATEVER she wanted
and never gain weight.

I used to be able to fit into size 00-0 pants.
And when I say used to, I don't mean in college,
 I mean 3ish years ago.

Now, some 2s and even certain styles of 4s
are too tight.
SO.NOT.OK!

Sure, I understand as we women get older,
our body changes,
gravity happens
and metabolism slows done.

But really?!!? I can't lose
3-5 pounds
and keep them off?!?!

Source: media-cache3.pinterest.com via Tyrone on Pinterest

I've been running and going to the gym for "maintenance"

for the past 6 years.

Well, that's really helped me.

[sense the sarcasm]

I tried giving up certain foods

and I never drank soda

unless there is alchol mixed in the glass.

Again, that's really helped me!

So, I'm trying something new.

I'm being restrictive

and seriously watching

what kind of food enters my mouth.

I told C I wanted to try Paleo again,

because my way of

moderation

hasn't changed my body ONE BIT!

And so far, I've stuck to it for the most part.

There were two days my will power

majorly SUCKED

which uber ticked me off.

But, unlike last time,

I haven't gotten the 'carb flu'

thank goodness.

We've measured biceps,

butt,

chest,

quads,

stomach,

and logged everything into a spreadsheet.

I'm sure I sound nuts!

But, my self esteem BLOWS right now

and this seems to be the only

route to fixing it.

I have a picture of myself

my junior year of college

that I'm using as an unrealistic goal.

Well, unrealistic to the friends

and family that has seen

the picture.

For the record,

my family, boyfriend, friends and acquaintances

have told me I'm ridiculous

and don't need to stress

like I'm stressing.

But, now I'm the girl who can't lose weight.

Many of my friends just stop using salt

run 1 more time a week

give up sugar snacks

do three more sets of abs

change from yoga to pilates

and POOF

weight/bloat GONE!

Not me!

I went 2 weeks without adding salt to anything!

I gave up carbs and sugar!

I switched up my workouts 2304830 times.

NADA

ZIP

ZILCH!

Well that's changing now

and I hope results happen.

I don't want to hate my body

like I do now.

And I don't want to continue

to hate certain foods,

because I know that's not healthy.

Am I taking care to eat enough for sustenance and health?

ABSOLUTELY!

Have I been analyzing everything on my plate?

Yep!

Should I allow myself to indulge more than I have been?

Probably.

But, if I want to reach my goal

I have to take the hard road.

Wanna see my goal?

Source: dietadvices.com via Dana on Pinterest

Unrealistic again?!?!? Probably.

But, staying in 'matinatnece mode' has done

jack $h*t

so now

it's time to

GO BIG

or GO HOME!