have i told you i'm doing a research paper?

I've been so used to blogging almost daily that the fact that I've not blogged in the past two days almost seems sacrilegious. I didn't start this blog as a daily journal, though that is what it has become more or less, I started it to keep people back home informed about what was going on in our daily lives out here on the East side of the country. Oh well, things evolve. As for the past few days, honestly? I've been working so hard on this research paper. I've got my first draft due in six days and it is one big jumbled mess attempting to be coherent thoughts on the elections, Vietnam, and politics. It is not pretty right now. It'll get there though. I know it. As for those pictures up there, I was going to go take them outside but who am I kidding? I didn't go outside today. I am a hermit. With only John, Lyndon, and Richard to keep me company. You know how when your life is so focused on one thing and that's all you can think about so that's all you can talk about? Yep, these three presidents and the war in Vietnam are number one topic of conversation for me right now -- don't you wish we could go get coffee and I could just talk your ear off? Ya, me too. I'd be thrilling I'm sure. As for the Presidents, they're alright. I'm starting to pick favorites but really attempting to not let that infiltrate my writing. Anyway, UPS dropped that shirt off yesterday, F21, and I am in love with it. The pattern and the cut. I was just excited, so I thought I would share the one thing that isn't related to this paper. 

p.s. this is what all the books in my life look like right now. Different colors for different presidents. JFK is the pink tabs because he's pretty. 

big green socks.

Well, apparently mother nature thought all us folk out here in Wilmington, NC had been just too spoiled this early on in the spring season, so, after two weeks of 70-80 degree glorious days we were *ahem* blessed with rain today. Unfortunately, nobody gave me the memo that dear mother sent out. So I wore flats to class this morning, like most every other day, and by the time I was walking out of the building it was raining cold rain. My poor feet/shoes. It was not pretty. Luckily my Marine husband has lots of classy green, wool socks which I quickly pulled onto my numb feet. I also made myself some hot chocolate. Which, lets face it, tastes way better on cold, blustery days. 

reason #427 why YOU should come to Wilmington

We have fabulous pizza. So if you're ever in the area "and you must be in the area because this isn't a very powerful station" *points if you can name that movie*, you should make sure to hit up mellow mushroom. Make sure you invite us to go with you though, I mean, I did give you the tip, it's just nice. But seriously, mouth-watering good pizza and they use "spring water dough," I'm pretty sure that's code for "the dough is freakin awesome." We went there on a date last night. Oh yes. 

And if you're lucky, you might get to sit next to a giant mushroom like we did. 

blaze

True confessions: I took these pictures. by myself. outside. this morning.
 Tri-pod and everything. 
Oh boy. It took all of my guts. I was a little nervous people might see me and think I was narcissistic, or worse, weird. But, then I realized I don't know anyone in my apartment complex and unless they are really forward people and would come up to me to tell me just how odd they thought I was, I think I am safe from any judgement on their part -- at least to my face. Behind my back, who knows what they could be saying, "Did you see that girl taking pictures of herself behind KMart? Crazy." 
Yep, we have a fabulous view of KMart's butt from our balcony. 
Prime real estate. Jealous?
Alright, back to the point of why I took a picture of my outfit, since I am not a consistent fashion blogger. I finally wore this blazer. I bought it at Target for $15 back in December and wore it that night out with Dan's family, felt pretty sexy. But ever since then I have not been able for the life of me to figure out how to style it on my body. I've seen the same exact blazer on a few other lovelies and I just chalked it up to my short, curvy body that doesn't seem to appreciate the concept of a straight line. But today. Today I decided to pair it with some leggings and an oversized shirt dress (that I'm pretty sure I could wear into the eighth month of a pregnancy) and I really liked it. So, here I am sharing, because I am a sharer -- I share. 

Oh! and I think I'm getting better at the blogger-bun, up-do thing. This probably has less to do with any actual improvement on my part and more to do with the inevitable lengthening of my hair that I have been patiently waiting for these past few months, but I'll take it. And someday, someday, I will be able to do this, so chic. 

taking care of business

This is my life right now. 

I have a deadline for a first draft of my paper due in about a week and a half and so far I have about 2 paragraphs -- I need 20 pages. A little behind is an understatement. I think I just got so caught up in the research aspect that I didn't realize my time was running short. 

Oh, and that oversized chair you see behind me? Yesterday I decided I wanted that chair out of the office and into the living room -- probably should've waited until Dan got home to help, my back surely would've appreciated it. But see, I have a bit of a complex. I grew up in a house with all girls; I have three sisters. My dad always needed help carrying the heavy things around the house or putting things up in the closet for storage and who do you think got enlisted to help? The softball playing, muscular-armed daughter. That would be me. I was nicknamed "the boy" in the family. Talk about psychological issues, if Dan catches me trying on his clothes one more time I think he might leave me -- just kidding, I don't do that. But seriously, people think I'm much weaker than I am. So, yesterday I got to work moving the big chair into the living room and it took about 15 minutes just to situate it out the door of the office -- all that and now it just looks kinda awkward in the living room. Dan got home; he looked at it, looked at me and I raised my hands and said, "I don't want to talk about it."

I think we'll leave it right where it is for now. 


Alright, I have to get back to work now. That twenty page paper won't write itself. Stop distracting me!


p.s. I got that cropped sweater from Guess as a gift from my sister-in-law. I love it! So cute and comfy, perfect for a sunny, breezy day like today. 

signed sealed delivered

On my walk back home from school this morning this awesome hippie looking guy drove by with Stevie Wonder's "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" playing full blast and I definitely started singing along with a big smile on my face which was totally cool until the car drove far enough away that the real music was no longer heard and I was just a crazy person walking down the street singing Stevie Wonder like I was in a musical. I should've thrown in a box step, just for kicks. 

Enjoy :)

counting my blessing

I've received A's on the last three essays I've turned in. This is attributed to many factors (including the fact that I seem to attract English major friends who edit my work before I turn it in) but I think the main reason I've succeeded as well as I have this semester is due to Daniel. Don't get me wrong, I am taking credit for my hard work. I put in so many hours reading all the books that are assigned and drafting and redrafting the papers I am writing, I take copious amounts of notes -- I put in a lot of effort. For the first time in my college career I am able to fully focus on being a student. For the past three plus years that I have been attending school I have been working multiple jobs, volunteering, and just being the type-A, multi-tasker that I am. Since moving to Wilmington I have been frustrated by the fact that I don't have a job. Dan works. I don't. Except for that month I worked at F21. But, whenever I complain about not working and contributing towards our financial needs Dan softly shakes his head, takes my hand and tells me it's alright. He reminds me that I am a student and right now that's our number one priority for me. That by doing my best and working hard I'm securing an amazing future for us. He is always ready and willing to drive over to the coffee shop on the weekends and hunker down for hours on end while I research, read, and study. He is constantly encouraging me and challenging me to do better. He is my partner and he is doing this with me. So babe, this entry is for you -- you inspire me daily. I love you. 

whatcha readin?

Daniel and I were at Barnes & Noble* after church today studying, as per usual, and on my way back from the ladies room I stumbled upon this little section. Now, far be it from me to ever judge what anyone is reading, because I honestly don't care what you're reading I'm just glad that you're reading but, wow, I didn't realize there was a whole genre now. Jumping on that Twilight money train, eh? But seriously there are tons. I'm pretty impressed at the growth of the teen novel industry, it seemed like only the choices I had as a kid were Babysitters Club, Boxcar Children, and Sweet Valley High. Oh, and my moms awesome collection of original Nancy Drew books.

*shortly after I took this picture I was informed that there was no photography allowed and could I please delete the photograph. So, while he stood there I deleted the photo on the screen -- he walked away satisfied and I walked away with the other four photos I had snapped. I am such a rebel.

tennis and twinkies

Today we played tennis and I ate twinkies. Judge me if you must but I haven't had a twinkie in years, probably close to a decade, and well, it was an impulse buy at the Target checkout and it just looked good. So, I bought it. Dan made the obligatory "ew, that's gross" observation to which I responded "get up off me" because I am a gangsta. A gangsta who eats twinkies. And plays tennis. From the ghetto.   

stay

Staycation: (n); a vacation taken within a short distance of one's home.

I think Wilmington is growing on me. Although, I do think I was lied to. We went to the ocean today, the first time I've ever seen the Atlantic Ocean, and the water was not warm. Everyone told me how warm the water on the east coast is, yada, yada, yada. Well, they did not speak truth. But it's okay, the dunes here are pretty and we found our way to an awesome tiki bar. After the beach we went to the batting cages to hit a few -- yep, I'm as good as I ever was (batting about a .100 = not very good). I like that we didn't have to go far to feel like we are exploring new places and seeing new things. It helps that we live in a beach town where thousands of people come every summer for vacation. Wanna visit? We have a fabulous futon waiting just for you.

saint pat

It would seem that my spring break really started today. Daniel took some leave in order to hang out with me on my break and we had a blast. We started by going to breakfast at this little diner tucked into a residential area. After breakfast we went for a hike on a trail at Poplar Grove, an old plantation in Wilmington -- super beautiful. Dan made corn-beef and cabbage for dinner and we drank some Guinness in honor of good ole saint patrick. And what saint patty's day could be complete without a trip to the bar? $1 Irish Red Ale? I'll have two.

give it to me straight

All of this needs to be in our apartment. Now.

Spring break rocks.

We were driving to the book store after church on Sunday and I saw these antique-y furniture shops and I was so excited I almost made Dan stop right then! But then I realized that I had all this week to go explore. There were two shops and the first one I went to the lady was so nice and the selection was amazing and I just loved it. Who doesn't need a mosaic jester in their home? Don't act like you're not impressed. But I was on a mission. 

I have done absolutely no decorating in our bedroom:

This could be attributed to laziness or a serious lack of fundulation. Judging by the unmade bed, I'm gonna bet on the former. Either way, I decided we need a headboard, or something like it. I was going to make one but the whole project was going to run me about $400 dollars so that will be a project for the future me who has money to burn and a garage with a power saw. I decided to go for a more eclectic look and found some amazing shutters and windows and huge frames and doors and well, I just can't decide what to do. I'm taking the mister with me this week because I want to get his artistic opinion as well as the okay to spend what could be seen as enough money to necessitate the approval of both spouses -- at least in our starving-student little world. So guys, do me a solid and give me your honest opinion -- do you see any options that you love?

the grand tour.

I really love my campus. When we first got here and walked around the campus my first thought was "holy crap, it's humid" and my second thought was "preeetty campus." I'm sure it's not that unusual that the buildings on a college campus are made of brick but for some reason it just seems so East Coast to me and I've decided that the East Coast has cornered the market on brick buildings (I try to convince myself that we live on the East Coast and not the South -- it's not working). Since it's spring break and the campus is practically empty, I took the opportunity to take some pictures without 1) looking like a tourist, and 2) having random other students walking through my pictures. Also, I really only frequent about 1/3 of my campus because the History department's building is right next to the library which are pretty much the only two buildings I ever walk into -- there is a whole section of this school that I have never seen. Maybe someday I'll meander over to that portion but until then, this is the view I see everyday: 

This clock is my favorite landmark on campus.

Morton Hall is the building for the History/English departments -- most of my time on campus is spent here or at the library.

And today, the first day of my Spring Break, I was at the library bright and early studying up on the Nixon elections -- bound periodicals from yesteryear are pretty awesome and they smell cool. Not that I was sniffing them. 

lets get personal.

And... I hemmed these jeans myself. Woah, I am becoming quite the seamstress. Also, that vest, it's purple, but in this picture it looks black, and I didn't want you to be misinformed. 

I had my only midterm this morning and rocked it -- woot! One more class and I'm officially on Spring Break. 

But, can I ask you a personal question? 

Do/did you wear sweats to school? 

Personally, I hate the trend. And I say trend even though it's been going on for the better part of at least two decades. Here are my thoughts, it's my personal belief that education is a privilege and that it should be treated with respect. My education is my job and I would never show up to any job wearing pajama pants. Don't get me wrong, I'm all about being comfortable -- that's why I hardly, if ever, wear heels to school. I'm not even saying that one needs to be dressed up -- jeans are sufficient. I think if I became a professor I would make this a requirement in my syllabus: "Don't come to class late, the door will be locked. No cell phones out during class. Come to class prepared, this includes: reading materials scheduled for class discussion, pens and paper for note taking, and wearing clothing that leads me to believe you are serious about your education and are not here for a story before naptime (read: no pajamas)." 

I don't know what it is, I just keep seeing girls in their sweat pants and it's not even a fashion judgement -- because it's not fashion, it's sweats.

 I just wish school looked more like this (minus the anti-semitism):

And that was my little rant for the day. Hope you still like me. :)

i love college

I think I was scared to start researching for my paper. Probably because I didn't have the Thin Mint Ice Cream, which is amazing, by the way. And, no one should study without sustenance.  I've made some great headway and feel relatively confident that I can accomplish this. Which is good because the withdrawal deadline is long gone. I told Dan the other day that I can feel myself getting smarter. I love that I get to read all the books for my classes -- who knew that reading the assigned materials has a direct affect on your grade? Anyway, if you have any questions on the correlation between US presidential elections and the beginning, expansion, and end of the Vietnam War, I'm your girl. But you should probably wait a month to ask -- I've only just started my research. 

p.s. this picture reminded me of that State Farm commercial where the three girls are stranded and say "Like a good neighbor State Farm is there..."

"With a hot guy..."

"Who's also sensitive" 

And the guy on the car is holding a cat (because cats bring out the sensitivity in the male sex). Have you seen it? I mean, it's not an All State Mayhem commercial but it made me smirk the first time I saw it. Anyway, Dan could be a sensitive guy with a cat. This picture proves it.