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August 31, 2012

ConfessFridayLetters: Le Beau Edition


Today's confessions and letters are a teeny bit different.

Today, I'm dedicating my letters and my confessions
to my honey, C!

I try not to get too schmoopy on here, but every now and then,
I get in a mushy mood.

Enjoy or click the red X.

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

Dearest C, bestest boyfriend of all time,

I really love your eyes and could get lost in them all day.

Your five fingered shoes...yeah not so much.

I don't know how you manage to look like a rock star in your Under Armour everyday wear and look so dashing dressed up in a suit.


You are the sweetest thing ever when you watch my girlie/Disney movies with me. Thank you for not forcing me to watch any of your scary rough/tough movies.

Remember our trip to Luray?!?! Yeah, let's do that again soon.

Even though I crack on your Paleo style diet, I enjoy and am jealous of how trim it has made you.

I do NOT enjoy the idea of you joining CrossFit...don't become one of those crazies.

Your cooking is brilliant and I am thrilled you enjoy cooking as much as I do.

Before you, I rarely, if ever watched baseball. Now, it's on a lot and I actually enjoy the game [sometimes].

I am 2034830284 kinds of excited for our cruise in November. CAN.NOT.WAIT.

Sometimes I forget to give you credit for the small things you do for me. Sorry sweetie, I promise I am getting better at recognizing your actions.

I am so glad you don't just sleep with a comforter anymore,
sheets = important.

I love that you are a LEGIT ALL*STAR Athlete. Proud girlfriend over here.

You are a good cuddle-bug.

And kisser ;)!

When you laugh, I laugh because you sound so happy.

I am proud of how you 100% stick to your word and honor agreements.

I am also proud of how hard you work at your job. I know it isn't easy, but "you a hustler baby, I just want you to know ;)"!

I appreciate you hanging out with my family all the time. Knowing that you are just as close to your family makes my heart smile. I need a 'Family man' in my life.

Having you by my side on the kickball field is amazing. I heart my teammate.
 

You have taught me to slow my roll and just chill, which is a nice change from my MACH 3 crazy personality.

Thanks for not making fun of all my pink.

Thanks for putting up with me, loving me, caring for me
and CHOOSING ME!

You are alllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll mine  < 3

August 30, 2012

Inspire Me: Healthy - Top Tunes

Hey kids, today we're linking up again for:

My ankle is still all jacked up, but instead of wallowing, I'm
gonna keep on keeping on.

I've done some workouts this week, but nothing to brag about.
I'm still eating clean so yay.
Since I can't really 'hold myself acocuntable' with my injury,
I thought I'd switch it up here today.

Source: rockmyrun.com via Liz on Pinterest


Everyone knows the KEY to a KICKA$$ workout is KICKA$$ MUSIC.

I used to have THE MOST CURRENT tracks on my play lists in college.
Seriously, I would monitor all of the hippest radio stations out of Florida and NY for the new fly tracks. It was fun having all the new music first, but it was time consuming so once I graduated I just listened to the radio like everyone else.
Hence, why my current workout list has many many old songs.

My gym play list is SUPER long, but I wanted to highlight
some of my TOP faves.

Behold...PINKY'S WORKOUT MIX

[something about this song just gets me going. Reminds me to workout the summer body too]

[awesome hill or interval pump up song]

Jason Aldean: Johnny Cash
[cruising while running jam]

Korn: Word Up
[awesome for a 'pickupthepace' song]

[great song to start a run to, keeps me from going out too fast]

Nelly: Na-Na-Na-Na
[this song makes me feel gangster when I'm lifting/running]

Ashley Simpson: Outta My Head
[Perfect for Tabata training, or quick interval sets]

Justin Bieber: Boyfriend
[This song keeps me steady when running but love it for abs too]

Usher: Scream
[I love everything about this song. GREAT for any workout]

[This video is hot! Her body is my inspiration when working out. White suit = Want]

Ester Dean: Drop It Low
[drop it drop it low giiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiirl]

[big throwback to college, great cardio song]

Joe & Mystical: Stutter Remix
[change of pace or lifting sequence song]

Katy Perry: E.T
[slow hills or slow climb beat]

[NUMBER 1 go to when I need an energy burst!]

Ludacris: Get Back
[lifting FAV, makes me feel rough and tough]

Hotel Room: Pitbull
[My go to for the start of a quick run, great for a fast pace sprint]

[love this song when I run/lift angry, slow beat, but words ROCK]
[weezy effin' baby makes this song, but like swaggin' when runnin']
Xzibit: Get Your Walk On
[feel like a bad @$$ when I lift or run to this song]

As you can see [or hear] my main course sounds are rap/pop/r&b
with a lil bit of country and rock flavor. 

Most country and rock songs don't do it for me when working out,
I have to have something with a beat.

What are your favorite pump up songs?
Do you only listen to ONE type of genre?

August 29, 2012

7 years ago and TODAY

7 years ago today, Hurricane Katrina made landfall.

Katrina DEVASTATED the Gulf Coast and left massive damage in her wake.

People chose to stay to ride out the storm, levees broke, flooding happened, people died, people lost everything, roads were destroyed, history was lost, and help came late.

I remember vividly watching the destruction of Katrina, on CNN at my first job. I was 3 months out of college temping and struggling to keep it together as I watched the wrath of the storm batter NOLA, MISSISSIPPI, and TEXAS.

I can still feel the knots in my stomach, the tears in my eyes and the overwhelming feeling of
"I MUST DO SOMETHING TO HELP"!

That feeling stuck with me day, after day, as I read about the destruction,
death, fear, hurt, and sadness. I remember telling my best friend L,
"I don't know how, but I will go down there and help"!

Little did I know, God was stirring my heart for good.

2 weeks after the storm, my mother told me my church was sending a
team down to Gulfport, Mississippi to help those affected by the hurricane.
I immediately signed up and started to prepare.

Luckily, my temp job was ending and I was living at home so I could take
the week off. The $500 was a tough pill to swallow because I was making peanuts
and didn't have another job lined up.
But, I knew this was something I HAD to do.

Our team arrived in Gulfport the 2nd week of October.
That's barely a month after the storm hit.

Another church committed to sending teams in EVERYWEEK until the end of the year. Including Thanksgiving and Christmas time. God is so GOOD!

I could write a novel about my experience in Gulfport, but I don't have the time, and frankly don't want to break down in tears right now.

I was blessed enough to be able to do mission work four different times in Gulfport and once in New Orleans. Each trip was amazing in itself and I have so many fond memories.

But, nothing will EVER top my first trip.

I remember:
The curfews, tping doors, the bus girls, amazing food, gaining weight, tears, smiles, stories, being in charge as the youngest volunteer, playing games, making friends, my college pastor, God's love everywhere, tiling, singing, dancing, walmart trips, getting lost because of no street signs, SONIC, sparkle shoe laces, government passes to go past the tracks, I-90, the broken road, the oil, the 6 blocks of NOTHING where homes used to stand, trailer park city, LOVE, HOPE, REBIRTH!

I cried driving to the church from the airport.

IT WAS DEVASTATING!

There are no words to describe the destruction I saw.

I cried after talking to people because of their HOPE!

I cried when people thanked me for helping.
Humanity truly is GOOD at the heart.

Here are a few pictures I found from my first trip.




I wish I had more pictures. I'll have to look on my old computer.

There is still SO MUCH to be done after Katrina.
Supporting communities rebuilding after the hurricane has become my cause.
We haven't forgotten you Katrina victims, we are still here!

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

As I write this, stupid hurricane isaac is making landfall in the SAME path
Katrina took 7 years ago.

MY.HEART.HURTS!

People have already rebuilt once, they don't deserve to rebuild so soon.

But, I'm ready to help!
God is good and will protect them.
I HAVE FAITH in Him!

My work boots are ready though!

Please, take a moment to pray, send thoughts or good vibes to those who are and will be affect by the weather. I know every good thought and prayer will be heard.

August 28, 2012

Too little money in the bank

{Like too much booty in the pants ;)}

Remember when I told you I gave my credit card
a work out last week?!?!!
[Darn being a girl and needing comfort buys!]

Well, I thought I would share my fun purchases,
because I looooooove em!
******************************************
My Red Dress Boutique loot!!!

Most of the items are summery [yeahduh], but I did *try* to buy
some pieces that can transition into fall
with a blazer or cardigan.

[via]
[via]
[via]
[via]

[via]
Red Dress Boutique is so fabulous. If you remember, I've posted about my LURVE for them before. I will admit they aren't the cheapest boutique, but I fall in LOVE every time I click on their site. Hmmm, maybe I should block myself before I lose all my money?!!?!?!?!?

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

If you like Lilly on facebook, you'll know they
started their "Summer Sale" last Tuesday
and what an absolute FAIL their online services was.
Their website CRASH a hour into the sale,
and it took them till 6pm to fix it.

Now, personally, I was in no way upset or devastated, but if you read
the comments on their facebook site
you would have thought Lilly clothes were
FOOD
to some people.

WOW!

Anyway, I cheated and went to an affiliate site and was able to buy a few fun things, again extending summer for myself.
I'm not ashamed to admit that the only way I'm buying Lilly is onsale.
Her clothes are pretty, her prices redonk!

My Lilly via In the Pink loot!

[via]


[via]

Sadly, I received an email yesterday from In the Pink telling me they overestimated their inventory and I would no longer be received the two items below. At first, I was extremely peeved, but then realized I didn't need them and since I wasn't charged no hassle of a refund. 
[via]


[via]
All of these will be PERFECTION when I'm cruising in November!

Don't hate! ;)

I'm hoping they all fit though, sometimes Lilly runs a little big on me.

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

What do you think?!!?! A little over board right?!!?
Oh well, I'm trying to keep the summer vibe here
AS LONG AS POSSIBLE!

Do you have any fun new fashion purchases?

August 27, 2012

Currently



Reading The Hunt for Read October by Tom Clancy. SO GOOD! Daddy B has all the Tom Clancy novels, which I have read in the past 5 years. I love military fiction.

Trying to save money.

Anticipating all of my fun trips in the future. Boston, VA BEACH, Vegas, NOLA, Cozumel.

Buying too too many clothes, shoes and accessories.

Lusting [still] over a LV Speedy! I want I want I want.

Enjoying the summer warmth. Seriously trying to squeeze every ounce of warmth I can because I hate the cold.

Cursing the arrival of fall.

Listening to old school rap.

Annoyed with political ads. ALL OF THEM! I already know who I'm voting for, like most of America does. Seriously, party lines are soooooooooo drastic right now, nothing you put on tv will change someones mind. STOP IT!!!

Watching Rookie Blue and loving it all. I love lead actress Andy, she was awesome in Stick It.

Wishing I knew where I will be in 15 years.
Devouring Food Should Take Good Sweet Potato tortilla chips. CAN'T STOP!!!!

Waking up 5 days a week at 5:30am to workout.

Hating my ankle injury.

Wanting more sleep.

Hoping the workouts are worth it.

Feeling restless with life. I don't know what change I need to make,
but I feel it in the wind.

August 24, 2012

Confession Fridays


1) I confess I went 3, yes 3, days in a row without washing my hair last week. Le hair is a hot mess, and I've been wearing it up a lot. Before you judge, remember, I always shower, I just don't wash my hair.

2) Le roots are inches long, yikes!

3) I QCed African Cats at work yesterday, and y'all I almost bawled....at work. Someone needs to get it together.

4) This ankle issue is really getting the best of me. It hasn't even been a week and I feel defeated. I was kicking so much tail working out and eating healthy and NOW I can't workout. Even though it's only been 4 days, I can tell a difference and it blows.

5) Has anyone else noticed the lack of blogging going around the interwebs?!?!? Am I missing out on the NEW cool web trend?!?!

6) Obviously no video, I didn't have time, but y'all I love doing em. Even if no one watches them, I guess I just like to talk.

7) I sent a nastygram to a certain store yesterday, after they emailed me letting me know the clothing I bought from them was out of stock. Exquuueese me?!?!? I've already paid for the merchandise so you best give me my refund ASAP. If this isn't fixed lickedysplit, there will be some major backlash.

8) I like the word lickedyspilt.

Happy Friday to all!



Dear Fall: Stay Away! Dear Summer: Don't Go! Dear Ankle: Heal Faster!
xoxo Pinky

August 23, 2012

Inspire Me Healthy: Link Up


Another week
another chance to be held accountable
another chance to ROCK IT OUT....

But despite a great attitude and
motivation, life happens
and instead of rocking it out,

I'm ROCKING this:

Yup a good old sprained ankle.

Can you say DEAD SEKSI!?!?!?

Sadly, I sprained my ankle playing soccer on Sunday and as of today
the bad boy is still swollen
and cankley.
EWWWWWWWWWWWWW

Of course right?!!?

Right as I'm really back on track working out
this happens!
UGH!

Monday was a complete wash because my ankle was really bothering me,
I couldn't walk without a hitch in my giddyup.

Seriously, I was all hobble and wobble and honestly,
that ISH hurt.

But don't worry,
I'm not gonna let this injury beat me.

I've had many many soccer related injuries
in my career, and it sucks they never
get any easier.

Time to get real here chicks.
See, I had this post written on Tuesday, yep Tuesday.
And it detailed how this ankle sprain wasn't
going to get the best of me.

I was still gonna work out this week,
arms and abs tues - friday
and maybe a lil gym bike action too.

Yeah, guess what,
that ain't happening.

Sometimes an injury derails you and you decide
to cook homemade marinara with your free time.
And sometimes you get a cupcake with your boyfriend
as a reward for sitting in an ice bucket for 30 minutes.
Sometimes, a week off is needed, so I'm taking it.

Despite being injured I have to say I'm an incredibly blessed lady.
I posted on Facebook
about my injury and asked for cankle prevention advice
[HOMIE DO PLAY THAT]
and received amazing advice.

My high school trainer even posted a regimen for me to follow,
so here's HOPING that cankle ish stays
far far away from my adorably skinny ankles.

It better, because well, ice buckets are NO JOKE!
waaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhh so cold! :(
I hope EVERYONE else had a great week working out
and reached their goals.

Honestly, admitting to y'all that I didn't do anything
since Sunday is making me cringe, because,
I COULD have done more.
I only did one abs/arms circuit on Tuesday,
and I'm okay with that.

But you best believe it's on like Donkey Kong next week
(per my health cooperating of course).

Good Luck EVERYONE

ps.com: While I wasn't able to really workout,
I gave my credit card a double workout this week.
WHAT!?!?! I was pouting and need some comfort buys :)
Thank you Lilly and Red Dress Boutique!

August 21, 2012

F%$*)$ Fall

Dear all you hussies rejoicing about the change in weather,

SCREW YOU! I hate it! Not cool!

Love, Pinky.


**********************************************
Seriously, if I see one more post about
cardigans
boots
fall
tights
pumpkins
fall
longsleeves
sweaters
fall

I think I'm gonna SCREAM!!!!!!!!
**********************************************
Ok ok ok, before you defriend/stop following me,
let me explain.

Numero UNO:
I hate being cold.
Seriously, I am incredibly cold natured, because of poor circulation.
[thank you grand-daddy Iggy]

I'm the girl in the office that is always freezing,
no matter what time of year.

The one people say "it's not that cold" to
and then when I place my ICE COLD hands
on their hands,
they shiver and say
"HOLY BEEP you are freezing"!

Yeah, I know!

And you know what fall brings???
WINTER!
SNOW!
COLD!
COLD!
COLD!

NO NO NO!!!

***************************************
Numero Dos:
My summer wardrobe is 234823048 times better
than my fall/winter wardrobe.

Booty shorts and tank tops, YES!
Summer dresses and flips, YEPPERS!
Slizzy skirt and a tube top, not anymore, but back in the day!

I love throwing on shorts and a cute tee
and working out in tanks and shorts.

Getting dressed in the summer is SO MUCH EASIER,
and much more flattering for me.

I get so sad when I have to switch out my summer wear
for my winter clothes.
There may be a serious temper tantrum involved too.

PISHPOSH for all the cold weather crap.
Gimme the heat, humidity, warmth of summer.
ALL DAY ANY DAY!

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

Numero Tres:
Fall might bring football (huzzah) and early in the season cookouts,
but once mid-sept to October hits,
peace out fun summer bbqs.

Unless you wanna bbq while wearing a parka.
Yeah, no thanks.

When it gets cold, outdoor activities stop
and it's all about the indoor fun and games
[out of the gutter peeps]

I love being able to just go outside and walk around in the summer.
Or, not having to fight the biting cold when I venture to the outside world.

Once fall hits, hibernation starts
and I stay that way till late spring.

Soooooooooooooooooo there you have it.

Once fall comes around and I'm DEAD in the middle,
[not by my choice, of course]
I must admit, I do enjoy many things about the fall season.

However, peeps, it's still AUGUST!

I'll enjoy your fall boards come October.

Until then, SUUUUUUUUUUUUUUMMMER TIME
and the livin's easy!



{so are we still friends? I hope so! love you miss you mean it}

August 20, 2012

I Believe...

[source]

I believe...I would have been a fabulous back up dancer for Britney Spears

I believe... to be early is to be on time and to be on time is to be late.

I believe... reality television is trashy, but for some reason I can't turn away.

I believe...there can never be too much pink.

I believe... a lady should be greeted and said goodbye to with kisses from her beau.

I believe... in soft, romantic candlelight.



I believe...to err is human, to forgive divine.

I believe... you can never watch your favorite movie too many times.

I believe... smores should be their own food group.

I believe... my laziness kept me from achieving many dreams.

I believe... I could eat Italian food everyday.
[source]


I believe... true friends will be there when it counts the most.

I believe... the sparklier the better.

I believe... technology has made us dumber.

I believe... you can never go wrong with diamonds.

I believe... in keeping relationship issues behind closed doors.
I believe... a white lie is okay when trying to spare  feelings.

I believe... in LOVE.

I believe... in tears.

I believe... I spend too much time on my computer.
 
I believe... women and men should be equal on the athletic field.
 
I believe... boyfriend sweatshirts are warmer than girl sweatshirts.
[source]
I believe... in warm summer nights

I believe... in over indulgence...in moderation of course.

I believe... my generation will be remembered as lazy and narcissistic.

I believe...we could learn a lot from the 'Greatest Generation'.

I believe the 40s had the most beautiful clothes.
I believe... God gave us the most precious gift of Jesus Christ, his Son.
[source]

***************what do you BELIEVE******************

August 17, 2012

Confession Friday Linkup

Hey hey hey, it's FRIDAY
and it's
WHAT'S HAPPENIN'!

You haven't complained
so here's another video.

Enjoy!


August 16, 2012

Inspire Me Healthy: Link up

Hello ladies, today is Thursday and that means,
I'm linking up with Kristen and Raven for
All In My Twenties
WOOOOHOOOO!!!!!!

Seriously y'all this has become my FAVORITE link up ever!
[sorry confession fridays/friday's letters]

I LOVE having a place where I can hold myself accountable
and cheer on others trying to accomplish their goals!

YOU GOT IT LADIES!!!

Sadly, I missed week #2's linkup but I'm HERE for week #3!

Last week I was on vacation, which made me nervous. See, we eat healthy at the lake, however we are ALWAYS SNACKING, which is a major downfall of mine. I've REALLY tried hard to eliminate my snacking, and have focused on eating a bunch of smaller portions throughout the day. And when I snack at work, it's always something healthy, ie almonds, fruit, protein shake.

Well, snacking 100% exists at the lake and it is no bueno. We're talking Coke [notpop], Pringles, dip, homemade cookies and brownies, chips, salsa, Goldfish, non homemade cookies, the WORKS. The water is down a pretty big hill, so we always bring a ton of snacks to the dock to last us until lunch time. And by lunchtime I mean 3pm.

That's another thing, our eating schedule is SO lax. It ain't no thang to be sitting down to dinner at 9pm with the family. Even though dinner is super healthy and delicious, eating so late is SOOOOO bad for your body. But, we eat late because lunch is late, it's a vicious cycle I tell ya.

However, I am happy to say that for the most part I kept my snacking in check. Even though food was everywhere I was able to not feed the snack monster for 4 of the 5 days. Anytime I wanted to snack, I jumped in the water or jumped on the ski boat to drive/ski. And to be honest, since I've been eating healthy 2 weeks prior, a lot of the processed crap didn't look very good.

You know what did look good??? ALCOHOL!

Yep, what calories I didn't eat I probably drank. See, I'm what you call a liquor snob, high maintenance drinker, or as a few friends put it a liquor b*&ch.

I don't drink beer. I hate it. Tastes and smells disgust to the ing.
My lack of enjoying beer 100% saved me from gaining the freshman 15 fo sho.
[that and being college athelte plus really good genes] 

I love wine and liquor but those are pretty high maintenance at the lake. So, this year I drank wine coolers. Yeah, kicking it high school on y'all. We picked up a few six packs throughout the week and yours truly probably kicked at least half of them. Oooooops. I will say that drinking made it easier not to eat becuse the bubbles made me feel full. Still, I ingested way too much processed sugar, le sigh.

Luckily, my two sisters are uber fit and like to workout too, so we were able to get some workouts in during the week. One day we went to the gym, another day we went on a run. I was also able to swim some open water laps 3 of the days as well. And you best believe I'm taking the hill walking as a workout. I'll have to find a picture, the grade is insane in the membrane.

All in all I am pretty flippin' happy about my progress over my vacation. I could have completely fallen off the wagon but I didn't. I may have drank more calories than normal, but I really tried to limit the crappy food intake.

My glory moment of the week came from lil Babyspice. I mentioned something about feeling fatty or not making any progress while lounging on the dock and she said, "No you aren't Pinky. I can really see a difference in your upper arms and around your ribs. You're getting the Dorito shape again!!!

Ummmmm HELLS TO THE YEAH!

Finally progress! Never felt SO GOOD!

I even asked C yesterday if he could see a difference from the past 6+ weeks and his first answer was
"What won't get me in trouble"
 HAH! Too cute.

Once I promised him nothing would get him in trouble,
{unless he called me fat, then I'd beat the sh*t outta him}he also told me he could see a difference in my upper body,
SO YAY AGAIN!

Ok, I just realize how flippin' long this post was,
so if you've made it to here
THANKS!

I can't wait to see every one's progress,
I know y'all are rocking it out!

Each of you can do it,
I'm 100% cheering y'all on!

August 15, 2012

25 things about me




************THEN*****************&***************NOW***********

A few days ago, I was perusing my Facebook account [loseralert] and came across one of my old notes. Do y'all remember that craze where everyone posted 25 random things about themselves on Facebook?!? If you think about it, those notes were 'blogging' before blogging was cool.

Anyway, I thought the notes would be fun to post along with an update
regarding my life in 2012.

**********************************
1.I was feeling left out reading everyone’s notes so I decided to write my own. Don’t really think they will be as interesting as others, but want to see if I can write 25.
This isn't really a point, but back then I couldn't think of 25. This blog has helped me find my inner 'look at me' so 25 now really wouldn't be too hard.

2. I absolutely ADORE the color P!nk and will accept any gift that is p!nk with a smile. People often just give me gifts because they are p!nk and I think it so sweet they think of me.
Obviously this has changed. SIKE!!! Haha, I still adore pink, DUH!

3. Consequently, my nickname at my office is P!nky. Nothing like having grown men and women, some twice my age yelling “P!nky” down the hallway.
Now I can add all of you bloggy peeps into my Pinky nickname friends!

4. People have told me I am the best person to give gifts too because I am so appreciative. My excitement is never fake; I appreciate any gift people give me because that means they thought of me for whatever reason. Just try giving me a jar of dirt…I will love it!
Hasn't changed a bit. A coworker brought me pink pens from a trip and I was floored. If you take the time to think of me, I will take the time to be truly grateful.

5. My friends affectionately call my family “The Brady Bunch” and it is a title I wear proudly.
Hasn't changed, hope it NEVER does!

6. I am very proud of my Christian (Methodist) upbringing and truly believe Jesus Christ is my Savior and that I would be nothing without Him.
I am still Methodist and I stand by my faith. However, my relationship with God and Jesus has become stagnant and that saddens me. I am 100% to blame because I do not make time for God as I should. I am disappointed in myself.

7. However, just because I feel this way does not mean I discriminate or judge people who do not have the same views as me. I enjoy getting into discussions about different faiths and points of view. But, if you start attacking me, I will not back down.
I won't back down if someone is rude, but I have become more open to other peoples views. I still 100% believe Christ is the correct way to eternal life and my God is THE God. However, I can appreciate other people feeling the same way about their religion.

8. Many people believe I am naïve in my view of the world but that is not the case. I just choose to believe people are good until they prove me wrong. And yes, that does mean I get hurt, but I am willing to take that risk.
Sadly, I have found myself more cynical as the years have past. I don't always give people the benefit of the doubt and make quick judgements solely based on superficial things. I hold grudges longer now, because I have been burned so many times. I am much more guarded and less patient with people as humans.

9. I do not take that risk so brazenly when it comes to romantic relationships. I am very guarded about letting guys into my life, something that I like and something that I loathe.
This has never changed, it took C a long time to fully get my heart, but he has broken down all my walls. I must admit it was a lot easier than I thought it would be, but I guess that's what happens when the RIGHT person comes along.

10. I go through periods of being super materialistic/high maintenance in my appearance. (Always being dressed to the nines not matter what the occasion, even just running to the store.) And then there are periods where I barely wear any makeup and don’t even dress up for church. I enjoy the mish-mash balance of it all. MishMash is right! I love shopping at Target, but am dying to own a Louis Vuitton Speedy. I'll use CVS makeup, but also splurge on 23408340 hair products. I have learned so much from blogs in the past 2 years, regarding beauty and my regimen is a little bit longer now. Can't say I'm upset though ;)

11. Since I was a young girl, I always thought that I would get married and have a family of my own. That really would be my biggest accomplishment.
Having a family and *hopefully* being a SAHM are my two main goals in life.

12. Lately though, there has been this small feeling that maybe that isn’t the case for me and I might settle for being a fabulous aunt or even just a foster parent.
I wrote this after a really involved relationship/breakup and right now I believe I WILL be a wifey and a mommy. However, the responsibility of it all scares the heebeejeebees out of me more than I ever thought it would.

13. I believe a hug and a smile can cure everything…if only for a few seconds. Still do.

14. I don’t just think the glass is half full. I see it as being half full of your favorite drink, with someone passing the pitcher to fill’er-up. (I really don’t understand pessimism)
Optimism is still my focus, but as mentioned before I dip into the pessimism glass every now and then.

15. I can and will dance to anything, just dare me.
Ha, this will NEVER CHANGE!

16. Say what you want about the Spice Girls, they got one thing right…GIRL POWER!
ALWAYS...girls rule and boys DROOL!

17. If I could, I would love to get the Longwood Soccer CVAC ’02-03 crew together for one more game and party. Being on the team changed every year, and I loved it, but the season we won CVAC was one of the best times for Longwood Women’s Soccer.
Even though there was some drama with our soccer team every year, I LOVED pretty much everything about my sophomore year. We won the championship, the whole team was tight and not split into 'classes', everyone was in amazing shape and we all LOVED being soccer girls. GETBIGWOOD!

18. I find it strange how quickly life has passed by and I am almost a full 4 years graduated from college.
Today I am 7, yes 7, years removed from college. OHMIWORD, where does the time go?

19. I have two best girlfriends who I FULLY believe will be my best friends forever and I consider myself so lucky to have them both in my life.
There have been some ups and downs, but both relationships have blossomed and grown as we have aged. I am truly a blessed girl.

20. I still stay in touch with two of my three college freshman year roommates and I think we will always stay in touch to some extent. I miss those girls!
We all still stay in touch, but now it's probably once or twice a year I chat with either girl. I still miss them both terribly.

21. 3 random things I want to be: A go-go dancer at a club, a Tokyo Drift girl, a back-up dancer to some pop artist. (All things that require really fun clothing!)
Never got the chance to achieve any of these, and yes, they are STILL in the back of my mind if I ever flip the INSANE switch in my head.

22. I am so very proud of my two younger sisters, they are both so talented. I feel very lucky to have them in my life and love being their cheerleader.
Words CANNOT describe how PROUD I am of all my two younger sissys have accomplished. Back then, they were both just star college athletes and I was proud. Now, one has her masters teaching the future generations and the other has her JD from law school and will be passing the bar soon. They are both gonna change the world in some way, I just know it. 

23. Telling me I look young for my age is NOT a compliment yet. I know everyone says I will love this when I am older, but guess what…I’m not older!
Weeeeeeelll, every now and then being mistaken for a high school, when I'm almost 30 can be a bit of a compliment. But, 95% of the time I HATE hearing I 'look soooo young'.

24. I would not be where I am today without my loving and amazing parents. My Mama has the biggest heart in the world and my Daddy is the best man in the world hands down. I seriously size up guys to my Daddy…sorry boys. And I credit my Mama for giving me the loving, caring and giving nature I have towards my friends.
I highly doubt this will EVER EVER EVER CHANGE! As I grow older, I am more and more appreciative of ALL my parents do/did for me. I know everyone says it, but BEST PARENTS EVER!

25. Doing all of my mission trips changed my life a little bit each time. Volunteering in Gulfport, MS after Hurricane Katrina was an incredibly hard experience all 4 of the times I went down there. But watching the town slowly heal, and having been a part of it was one of the most gratifying ones as well. Volunteering in Brazil was the most amazing experience of God’s love in our world and I hope to be able to go back and work with those wonderful children again.
Mission trips will always be near and dear to my heart. Gulfport and Brazil were two of the most amazing experiences and ones that I truly cherish to this day. Sadly, I haven't been on one in 2 years. Some due to conflicts of work and personal life, but some of it is due to the fact I haven't made time for any. I'm so busy traveling for kickball and vacations that I don't have 'TIME' to take off from work. I need to be more proactive in getting involved with missions close to home.

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Well there you have it. Some things have changed, but overall I think the core is the same. I can't tell you how fun it was to read my old thoughts. Do you have any old lists you can compare your current life to?