Confession Fridays

These are my::confeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeesions::

I confess: I was the Birthday Fairy at C's apartment. He had to be out of town the day before his birthday, so I decided to play college kid and decorate. What do you think? BTW, thank you all for the sweet birthday wishes, he was tickled when I told him about your comments!

Takes you back to college huh?

Only 3 cupcakes, so he wouldn't get mad at me :)

I confess: The whole Manti Te'o story is one of the weirdest sports stories out there. I'm pretty sure his and Tiger's story are the top two in my book. A fake dead girlfriend......what!?!?!?!

I confess: I still have cruise/vacation posts scheduled for next week. But only two. Then I promise back to your regularly scheduled programing. ;)

I confess: I wish I was counting down to Cancun next week, like I was last year.

I confess: Inauguration day is Monday and I'm already ready for the next administration.

I confess: The amount of microwave popcorn I've eaten after lunch this week is borderline outrageous.

Anyone else eat their popcorn with M&M's [darkchocolate]?
NO!?!? Y'all are missing out!

I confess: I'm super excited about my trip to Nashville next week. First step...

I confess: I'm also super excited about my gun safety class this Sunday. Soon to be #NRAmember over here!
 
I confess: This is my NEW life motto!

Source: thefabweb.com via Erica on Pinterest

Happy Friday Kids!

Ain't NO Bday Like MY MAN's BDAY

Cause my man's birthday don't stoooooooooooooop!

Yes, that's right, today is my lovah-lovahs Birfday!

Last year I dedicated a picture post in honor of his birth,

but this year I figured I'd write 32 reasons 

why I love him and why I'm glad 

he's ALLLLLLLLLLL MINE!

With pictures too, of course.

Of course!

 So without further adieu,

An Ode de Le Beau....

How do I love thee?

Let me count the ways...

1] I love your beautiful and MANLY eyes! I could get lost in them forever.

2] I love that you allow me to steal borrow all of your warm sweats and long sleeved shirts. Boyfriend clothes are SO MUCH more comfortable than my own.

3] I love how much you care about your family and how you work to stay in touch, even though you are the SOLE member not back in Ohio.

4] I love that you work out with me in the mornings, despite our workout styles being different.

5] I live for your 'that a girl' comments when doing said workouts.

6] I love how passionate you are about your college and your college baseball team.

7] I love that you were one of THE all-stars in college. Kinda wish I dated you back then ;)!

8] I also love how humble and non-big headed you are about your talent. Even though you were a legit all-star in college and are constantly given accolades in kickball, you never brag.

9] I love that you don't let me win when we compete.

10] I love your competitive streak.

11] I love the fact you now use sheets when you sleep.

12] I love how much you research things before you buy/form an opinion.

13] I love the way you look in baseball pants.

14] I love the pride you take in being the best at what you do.

15] I love your cooking skills. We have so much fun in the kitchen!

16] Even though you made me say 'I LOVE YOU' first, I smile inside every time I hear you say those three special words back to me.

17] I love that you buy me pink shoes, just because.

18] I love how well you get along with my family.

19] I love that you put up with my silly tantrums [and call me out when needed]!

20] I love all of our fun trips and memories. We've gone so many places and I can't wait to add to the list.

21] Have I mentioned how incredibly seksi and attractive I think you are?! Raaaaar!

22] I love how amazing you are with children.

23] I love your style. No matter what you wear [minus vibrams and THAT HAT] you = stud!

24] I love how you spoil me, even though I claim to not be spoiled :)!

25] When you tweet me back, I get as excited as a school girl with a crush, thanks for that!

26] I love that you are choosing to change small things for me.

27] I love your hugs, kisses and hand holding skills.

28] When you reach and place your hand on my leg while we are watching TV on the couch, just to connect, you make my heart swoon.

29] I love that you are 100% MAN!

30] I love how you challenge me to be a better person in life.

31] I love that you LOVE ME!

32] I am so thankful you are in my life and will be mine forever.

Happy happy happiest of birthdays honeybearlovahlovahbaby!

 xoxo, ME!

Day Three: Excursion Cozumel, Mexico

If I had to pick a favorite day on our cruise,

the Cozumel Excursion would be the day.

We were up brights and early for breakfast,

because we had to debark the ship earlier than yesterday.

There was another cruise ship docking about 30 minutes after we docked,

and we were not allowed to be on the slip.

Something about keeping us safe from flying ropes ;)!

Watching the ship dock was really cool.

I find it so amazing how easily cruise ships can dock.

 Since we were part of the first group off the ship,

 we had some extra time to mill around.

We chose to do a zip linking and snorkeling excursion

and I was 12 kinds of excited. C had never been snorkeling before

and I was super excited to share the experience with him.

I had snorkeled in the Caribbean before and loved it.

Wouldn't you know, the wind and waves were not cooperating and the guide told us there was a 75% possibility we wouldn't be able to snorkel.

 Initially I was super upset because that was the part of the activity

 I was really looking forward to.

After being told our options, we chose to 'wait it out and cross our fingers'

the wind would cooperate.

Even though I knew the day would be fun without snorkeling,

I was really hoping everything would work out for us.

The park was a short cab ride from port and it was fun driving

 through downtown Cozumel.

The sun had decided to come out and play

and that was fabulous. It had been kind of grey

throughout the trip, so I welcomed the sun with a big smile!

Once we arrived at the park, we were told the wind had changed

and that unless something crazy happened,

 we would be able to snorkel!

 Huuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuraaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!

Our guide gave us a quick tutorial on zip linking and rock climbing rules

 and what to expect in the adventure park.

We only had two other couples in the group,

so there was a lot of time to go through all the obstacles.

We were able to repel down a 60 foot wall and zip line

 back and forth from different columns.

I LOVED IT!!!

I'm a huge fan of rock climbing and zip lining

and this park was so fantastically awesome.

C thoughroughly enjoyed himself too.

 Except for the part where we raced

and I kicked his TUSH climbing a wall.

THANK YOU THANK YOU, I'm a rockstar rock climber!

The guides were so much fun!

 They would egg us on and say

we had to scream/yell when we zip lined [sp?]

or they wouldn't let us come down.

I'm not trying to brag, but I was definitely the favorite of the group.

What can I say, it comes with being a rock star.;)

The adventure park was the morning activity

and after two hours it as time to go snorkeling.

There still was a decent wind, so they changed our entrance from

jumping off a platform to walking into the water via the beach.

 I was lucky enough to jump in before

 they decided to change the entrance point,

so I was able to experience both, woohoo.

One of the couples decided against snorkeling

so we had three guides for the fours of us.

It was awesome having a one-on-one relationship with the guides,

 because they were able to give us extra attention.

I was trying to reach out and touch a fish while snorkeling and

one of the guides released a handful of food near me.

All of a sudden I was surrounded by fish trying to eat the food.

 IT WAS INCREDIBLE!

I was able to reach out and pet a bunch of them and 

I felt like I was in a move with all of them so close.

The guide thought my reaction was so funny,

 he put another handful into the water and it became a frenzy.

Thank goodness they weren't piranhas right?!

C was off doing his own thing, diving down trying to touch the bottom.

We had a really fun time pointing out different fish to each other

and seeing who could stay under water longer.

If you ever have a chance to go snorkeling DO IT!

Seeing the world God created under water is breathtakingly magical.

I was amazed by the beauty housed under the sea.

There were so many types of fish and coral everywhere,

just a whole world we never see.

I had a moment of pure joy and reverence while snorkeling,

because it's amazing that God created such a beautiful world for us to enjoy.

I wish I had bought an underwater camera for pictures, but

oh well, next time right?

We had a blast snorkeling, but man was is it tiring.

We were famished once everything was over,

so even though we were told we could snorkel more,

we decided to sit and eat lunch.

While waiting for our food, we realized that C's watch was broken

so I had to ask a table near us for the time.

The two couples were older Americans

and one of them actually lived in Cozumel,

while the other couple was just visiting.

They were super friendly and funny.

I am convinced that one the husband of the one couple was an

ex-ops or military, CIA guy that chose to live outside of

America to be 'off the radar'.

Call me crazy, but he just had that air about him.

Lunch was delicious and I indulged in a few margaritas which were wonderful.

That may have been what led to the photo shoot on the wall ;)!

Once we were stuffed with guacamole, quesadillas

 and fajitas we made our way back to the ship.

Again, we were early, so we grabbed a bench

 in the 21 and over pool section.

Not only was this area KID FREE [yaynoyelling],

it was on the back of the ship,

so made for some gorgeous pictures.

In all honesty though, I'm not sure what is worse

 21 and over drunk adults or screaming yelling children.

We heard some very interesting and STUPID 

conversations from intoxicated people.  

We stayed on the back deck watching the

GOURGESOUS SUNSET

while reading/sleeping and enjoying more drinks.

Too soon, it was time to get ready for dinner.

Honestly, all we seemed to do on this cruise

was nap, go on excursions and eat.

There was food available 24/7 and man did we take advantage.

C decided to enjoy the frog legs at dinner

and I just looked on in disgust. EW!

The cruise ship put on a fun band night that evening,

so we stayed outside and listened to the band

and watched the drunkies dance. Twas so much fun!

We stayed up pretty late since we had a day at sea the next day.

Cozumel is gorgeous and I would highly suggest

 visiting the park if you are in the area!

And, if you ever do a cruise,

DO AN EXCURSION,

you won't regret it!

Linking up here today!

Day Two: Excursion in Progreso, Mexico

Our first excursion port was Progreso, Mexico.

 Progreso is basically directly south of New Orleans,

which made for easy cruising.

We booked all of our excursions when we booked our trip,

so we were able to get both of our first choices.

Our Progreso excursions consisted of biking and cenote snorkeling.

We had both visited a cenote before back in Cancun,

 and decided biking would be something fun and active as well.

The group convened with our guide, who was absolutely fantastic.

There was about an hour+ drive to our bike location,

but our guide kept us entertained the entire ride.

I'm kind of a history nut, so learning anything about other cultures

 and their past history is RIGHT up my alley.

 I wish I had a better memory, because we learned some very cool facts.

Once at the 'bike shop' we were given bikes and helmets

and then we were on our way.

Ummmm, yeah, I'm not a biker, haha!

I'm an athlete that can bike,

but I don't really think it will EVER become my thing.

C on the other hand, is a major bike enthusiast

and loved every minute of biking.

 The excursion consisted of biking to two different cenotes

and then an authentic Mayan lunch.

About a mile or so down one road, our guide pulled off to the side

and we realized we had arrives at the first cenote.

 [Play video #1]

This cenote was not as big as I imagined, but it was very very beautiful.

The water was a gorgeous blue color

and the greenery everywhere enhanced the natural view.

Before we were 'allowed' to swim in the cenote,

a Mayan Shaman performed a blessing for the group.

Mayan lore believes that evil spirits can rest in cenotes

so people must be blessed before swimming.

The Shaman gave us lessons on different herbs

 and chanted different blessings.

 And, if you tipped him he gave you an EXTRA blessing,

which I found kind of interesting.

But, tourism is how these people make a living,

so I guess I really can't blame him.

Once we were blessed we were able to jump into

the cenote and swim around.

Carnival required everyone swimming to wear a life vest,

which was pretty lame-sauce.

I guess, better safe than sorry right?

The water was pretty chilly, but we got used to it quickly.

There were lil fish everywhere and if you remained still enough

they would come up and nibble on your toes or hands.

We saw some big fish near the bottom and I kept my distance ;)!

We stayed at the first cenote for about a half an hour or so

and then it was on to our next destination.

 [Play video #2]

 The next cenote was about a mile away and

this one was much darker and alil creepier too.

As you can see in the video

there were a ton of stalactites hanging down.

The water was much cooler in the second cenote

because of the lack of sunshine.

Only a few people in the group, including myself

actually swam in this cenote.

I enjoyed swimming around,

although the darkness slightly creeped me out.

 I stayed where I could see, wuss I know.

We all were pretty hungry after all of the activity,

 and were very ready for lunch.

We were served authentic Mayan foods and man were they delicious.

Simple, and very different, but so amazing.

Everyone was pretty tired after the fun day,

so the ride back in the van was pretty quiet.

I know both C and I grabbed a quick cat nap

before we arrived back to port.

Neither one of us wanted to even CHANCE being late to the ship,

so we did very quick souvenir shopping and then reboarded the ship.

We used the downtime to read and nap before dinner.

After dinner, one of the clubs was having a 'country night'

so we HAD to go check it out.

They played some old school country and there were a few couples

 that really knew how to line dance.

 We chose to stay at the bar and watch, instead of joining in the fun.

I didn't want to show them up ;)!

 We stayed for a couple of drinks and then headed back to bed.

We had to get up even earlier the next morning for COZUMEL!

[Play Video 3]

Weekend Update

Another weekend come and gone,

another Monday wishing I was still in bed,

sleeping.

Can I get an Amen?!?

Anywhoodle, this weekend was lots of fun
and kind of packed.

Just how I like em.

As mentioned before my best friend T
drove down to hang out on Saturday night.

I spend the early morning working
then commenced cleaning
before the farmer's market.

C and I went shopping
cooked breakfast
and then since it was sooooo
beautiful outside,
we actually went for
a RUN!

WOW, talk about out of shape!
I can crank out pullups like
no other, but my cardio,
HORRIBLE!

 It felt SO NICE to be outside
though, so I'm glad we
acutally went out and ran.

However, my shoes are dead
and I totally felt my shins. :(
I bought some killer new kicks
to fix the problem,
CHECK EM OUT!

[via]

Don't they just scream, MEEEEEEE!!!!????

I spent the rest of the afternoon
doing laundry

and cleaning, then

MY BEST FRIEND WAS HERE!

We immediately exchanged Christmas gifts,

and I loved hers.

We buy each other an ornament every year,

but this year she had a wreath mad for me

and I LOVE LOVE IT!

Soooooo FYI, I was a really bad blogger

and didn't take ANY pictures.

Super bummer, I know.

A bunch of friends came out with us

for dinner

and then we headed to Crumbs
for cupcakes.

SO GOOD!

Once we were back at my place

everyone had drinks

while watching the football game

and Miss America. ;)

We decided to head out to a bar,
but that ended being a bummer.

There were way to many people

and it was way too loud.

Next time, we'll just stay in

and hang out fo sho!
[WOW, I sound SO OLD!]

Sunday was church

and then manicure time
with Miss JennJenn.

This was the first time I attempted gel nails

and I'm pretty happy with how they came out.

NO CHIPS = MUY BUENO!

It was really strange though,

many nail techs had comments on the color

I used.

I couldn't tell if they LIKED it

or there was something wrong with it.

We'll go with liked it :)!

This weekend was the first time I played

indoor soccer all season.

Wouldn't you know we had 2 games?!

We won both which was awesome.

I didn't score any goals, but I had

a heck of a defensive game.

I'm extremely sore right now,

but it feels good!

On the way home my baby girl

SASSY hit a special milestone:

MY she's growing up SO FAST!!!! ;)

All in all a fun weekend,

how was yours?!?!

LINK.IT.UP!

Take a moment today to remember the victims

of Newtown.

Today marks one month since

the horrible massacre.

Confession Fridays in Da HOUSE!

Source: daisyhead-maisyhead.tumblr.com via Pinky on Pinterest

Confession Fridays are back....woooooohoooooo!

Let's get our confessions on mmmkkkkaaaaay?!?!

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

1] Sometimes I wish I wasn't so health conscious with my food. I know my body thanks me for choosing to eat VERY few processed foods and for buying organic when possible, however sometimes it's just too much work. I miss the guilt-free and ignorant days when bubble pizza, Doritos&Oreos, or Toaster Strudels were acceptable dinner options.

2] I haven't had a morning workout since before Christmas. I've done a few at home workouts with my new TurboFire program but have been really lazy waking up in the mornings. I need to get back into morning workout action ASAP!

3] My name is Pinky and I'm a "song on repeat-aholic"! Every time I find a fun song I play it over and over and over again. Sucks to be the person in the car with me ;)!

4] Am I the ONLY one who doesn't understand the bean bag crazy all over Pinterest?!!? I keep seeing 23493024802384 different versions of bean bag chairs from multiple people and I just don't get it? Why are these back in style all of a sudden?

5] My girl crush on Kaley Cuoco has been reignited by my new love of the Big Bang Theory. I've watched some of her interviews on Youtube and I've decided she needs to become my new best friend.

6] Speaking of best friends, T, one of my college best buds is coming to visit this weekend. And my, how the times have changed. When T used to come into town we'd plan a crazy going out night, filled with drinks, dancing and super high heels. Now, we're going to dinner and then either having a few drinks at a sit down bar or back at my place. This almost thirty thing is such a downer ;)!

7] The friendships I've created from blogging just baffle me sometimes. But, in a good way. Its amazing how a "SUCK IT UP" tweet from a Texas lawyer/ex-pageant queen or a #spicy comment from a pink and puppy loving Minnie lady can  make my day. Seriously, the friendships my teeny lil blog has brought me are so fantastic.

8] I'm still recapping my trip from November. #worldsworstrecapbloggerever!

Happy Friday loves!

Day One: Cruising at Sea

Our first day at sea was exactly what the doctor ordered.

We woke up late and enjoyed a delicious seated breakfast

in the grand dining room.

While the service was good, there were not

as many selections as we expected

so we decided from then on out to try the breakfast buffet.

The plan was to eat breakfast and then lay on the deck

to read and get some sun.

Well, the weather didn't quite work out for sunning unfortunately,

but we made the most of it.

We walked around, read our Kindle's drank some drinks and just chilled.

Earlier in the day I had seen something about an art auction

which offered free champagne,

and immediately thought "champagne and pictures, I'm in".

I draaaaaaaaaaaagged C along with me promising we could leave

 once I was done drinking.

Well, wouldn't you know, after about 15 minutes I was soooo ready to leave

and Mr. C was totally into auction.

An hour and five paintings later we were finally leaving.

Yup, C bought 5 Andrew Chen paintings that are absolutely breathtaking.

I'll try and attach a picture later this week.

Have I mentioned the 2304830 opportunities to take

a nap when on a cruise?!?!

BEST.THING.EVER!

Our second night's dinner was formal attire so

after our nap it was time to get ready.

Y'all, when I say formal, I mean formal.

There were so many floor length gowns,

men in tuxes or their military uniforms

and pretty much every other kind

of formal attire you could imagine.

Carnival also provides free photo shoot opportunities

throughout the ship.

They had different backdrops every day,

depending on each day's theme.

 For formal night, there were pianos to pose with, prom-esque backdrops

and they used their main staircase, a la Titanic.

The photo shoots were free and then the next day

they had proofs you could view and then decided

whether or not to purchase them.

C was quite taken with the photos shoots,

so we participated in pretty much

every single one on formal night.

Y'ALL, I don't know HOW I'm going to do engagement or wedding pictures.

 I get a SERIOUSLY case of the giggles trying to be all romantic

or googly eyed in pictures.

C was a pro, but I couldn't STOP laughing, Lawd have mercy.

I wish I had pictures to share, but they were uber expensive and

of course we weren't allowed to take a picture of a picture, wah!

 Dinner that night was very upscale and delicious,

including lobster, steak and foi gras.

 I was so full I almost didn't have room for the amazing lava cake dessert,

but I don't worry, I found room! ;)

 Once dinner was over, we walked around on deck,

grabbed a couple drinks at the piano bar

 and then called it a night.

We had to be up early for our excursion in

Progreso, Mexico the next morning.

Enjoy our day one slide show!

Tomorrow, Progreso Mexico Excursion recap!