Sunday Best: Glorified Loungewear

shirt: Old Navy, joggers: Smith's Market, sandals: Delias, heart sunglasses: American Eagle 

Oh, hey! A bunch of pictures of me wearing clothes! 

I'm really happy about the fact that joggers are so fashionable right now, because they are basically just glorified pajama pants. Except I can't wear my pajamas to work. I mean, maybe I could. After all, I'm on the radio. You can hear me but you can't see me. But still, I try to keep it semi profesh (that's totally a real word). This past week though, I really struggled when it came to getting myself ready. As many of you probably know due to your running noses and itchy eyes, it's allergy season. And the fun thing about allergy season is that I'm allergic to allergy medicine. Thanks body, you are hilarious. Also, I've been battling a sinus infection for the past two weeks. I even went to the doctor. The doctor! That's a big deal because I have a great phobia of doctors and hospitals. I avoid them at all costs. And I'm on an antibiotic. An antibiotic! I can't remember the last time I was on an antibiotic. Probably grade school? Maybe? Mom? 

So yeah, I don't want to be like, a Debbie Downer . . . but I've been kinda miserable. Especially because I despise being sick. I mean, who in their right mind likes being sick? I'm not good at resting. At all. So I've continued to go to work, do yard work, exercise (or attempt to) during this weird illness and by doing all these things, I think I've stopped myself from getting better sooner. Maybe one day I'll learn my lesson. 

I wore this outfit midweek. Nothing like my favorite floral joggers and a top knot to kick a sinus infection in the rear. Best of luck to all of you fighting off allergies. Take some extra Benadryl for me since I can't (okay, don't really take extra).

And a sidenote: I really do have a major case of wanderlust just as my shirt professes. Ever since getting back from Thailand, I just want to go on more exciting trips. One day I might get Thailand documented on the blog. One day . . . 

Sunday Best: Greasy & Fabulous

jacket: Gap, top: Adornit, pants: Head Over Heels, boots: Shoe Carnival, shades: F21, light bulb necklace: Sharing Shine

It's about to get real up in here. Hygiene is overrated. There, I said it. I mean, you don't want to be smelly and force your stank on all of society, but when it comes to washing hair . . . yeah, I rarely do that. I went a whole week not washing my hair and I'm more proud of that than I probably should be. 

You see, I got my hair colored. My hair doesn't hold color exceptionally well. So to avoid washing all my money down the drain (quite literally), I went as long as possible without touching that dreadful shampoo bottle. My worst hair days are also my clean hair days. Am I alone in this? 

Anyway, these photos were taken on Wednesday, which was like, Day 4 of my dirty hair. And you know what? I felt like a rock star. I felt like a rock star with my dirty hair, floral top, and orange pants. I guess I was trying to get that same feeling across in these photos with my cool-as-a-cucumber poses, but I really just ended up looking awkward. Story of my life. 

I also went to my sister's first track meet of the season in this outfit and it was so perfect. I love track & field a bunch. My sister did great, and I thoroughly enjoyed soaking up the sun rays.  

Well . . . that's all I have to say. Have a stellar week or something. 

Current Events

Current mood: Restless. It might be the change in the weather, and now I'm just wanting summer and to be outside always. It might be the fact that I know I'm going on vacation in a month. I don't know what exactly it is . . . but I'm feeling restless to the point of losing my mind.

Current project: Brian and I made a headboard for our bed over the weekend. Fine, Brian made the headboard and I told him what I wanted it to look like. That husband is mega talented. I love that I get to benefit from his skills. I'm so in love with our bedroom. I'm actually excited to make the bed and put laundry away nowadays because the room just looks so darn good when it's clean. It's crazy how putting forth a little effort on something can change your perspective. I kind of hated our bedroom before. Now, after a couple Saturdays of projects, it's my favorite room in our bungalow.

The headboard has lights behind it too. Here's a photo to show that off . . . but just know it's much cooler in person.

Currently craving: Chick-fil-A!! I wanted those nuggets and that Polynesian sauce very badly for lunch today. But I resisted and had a hard boiled egg instead. Still can't get those waffle fries and a Cherry Coke off my mind though. Why does all the good tasting food have to be so bad for you?

Currently reading: Flygirl by Sherri L Smith. I bought this book on a total whim. It was used (but still in stellar condition) and only cost $3. It's truly a treasure and one I'm glad to have on my bookshelf. I have an obsession with books set around WWII time. The story follows a black girl who passes for white so she can join the WASP organization. It's absolutely crazy to me that people were and still are treated differently because of skin color. This book has also made me extra grateful for the women who came before me who were brave enough to follow their dreams (in a time when it wasn't so popular for women to do so).

Currently watching: I don't watch much television. Yesterday I made the mistake of turning it on when I got home from work, only to discover a marathon of America's Next Top Model was on. I immediately got sucked in and watched three episodes. I cleaned my kitchen during commercial breaks so it aint all bad.

Current tunes: I've been on a late 90s/early 2000s kick. Third Eye Blind radio on Pandora has been my jam lately. Like the rest of the world, I'm also obsessed with Uptown Funk.

Currently looking forward to: Our big vacation to THAILAND!! I cannot wait to kiss an elephant. Not looking forward to that looooong flight though. Hopefully I'll get some reading and writing done.

Currently wearing: Combat boots, grey jeans, grey shirt, and a maroon button-up . . . complete with a baseball cap. I'm real classy casual today.

Currently eating: I've been eating yogurt with granola mixed in every morning like it's my job. Freaking delicious.

Currently loving: My new hair for spring, courtesy of my lovely cousin, Megan. She did such a rocking job. I'm obsessed. I'm also loving this spring weather. Going outside and hearing birds chirping makes my heart so happy. They've been eating out of our bird feeder like mad lately. It's fine, I'm just sort of a crazy bird woman.

Currently wanting: A bengal cat. Google them and you'll want one too.

Currently missing: My little bro. I'm ready for him to come home from his mission already. I know he's doing great and important work, but I'm just getting antsy to hug him, argue with him, and laugh with him again. It's going to be awesome having him in Logan with me this fall.

Currently avoiding: Cleaning my office. It's bad, guys.

Currently trying: To go to bed earlier (so I can get my butt out of bed earlier), to drink more water, and to communicate more with the Man Upstairs.

Lost Blossoms

Last week, our apple tree was clad in blossoms of pink and white. In just a matter of days, the petals tore free from the branches and were whisked away in the wind. Where dainty blossoms hung, there are now fresh leaves, green with life.

I've loved this first year of owning a home. With every change of the season, it feels like we've just moved in again. Everything feels, smells and looks new. 

I am a creature of change. At the end of each season, I find myself craving the next one. I change my hair every few months. I don't like being in the same place for too long. 

But the last few weeks, I've resented my friend, Change. I've just wanted to ask Change if he can slow down for me. Just for a minute.

My five year high school reunion is coming up. As I was fitting it into my calendar last night, I started thinking about all the people I love who I've lost touch with, and that's in only five years. I hate change for that reason. I hate that change sometimes forces people apart . . . tears them in different directions. 

I hate seeing my little sisters grow up. 

I hate seeing my parents get older. 

I hate seeing my grandparents get older. 

I hate seeing my friends move away. 

I hate that I can't eat a whole sleeve of Oreos anymore and still feel fine with myself after. 

That is a lot of hate flowing around, but I know it's just a moment of mourning and then it will flee. Even though change can be hard, there is a certain beauty in seeing time pass. There is a certain beauty in seeing people move on, in seeing people age and mature . . . but on certain days it's just more difficult to accept that beauty. 

I like this stage of life that I am in, and I'm just fearful that Change will play a joke on me and make it all disappear. 

A few nights ago, I finished the book "The Fault In Our Stars" while laying in bed, and I guess everything I'd been feeling just came crashing down on my shoulders. I quickly turned out the light before Brian could see I was crying. Then I clung my arms around his torso, because I just needed to feel his presence there beside me. He turned and asked me if I was crying. I whimpered a quiet yes. 

"Why are you crying?" 

"My book was just so sad." 

A moment of silence passed. 

"I don't want people to die."

"Who is going to die," Brian asked. 

"Everyone. We are all going to die."

And even though that was a very morbid ending to our night, I do know there is also a certain beauty in death. It's part of the journey. But just because it's beautiful and essential doesn't mean that I'm still not afraid of it. 

Now I'll end this slightly pathetic post with a quote from "The Fault In Our Stars".

"What a slut time is. She screws everybody." 

 

Sunday Best: Love Will Lead the Way

top: Kohl's, pants: Smith's, shoes: Bella Me, hat: gift, necklace: Full Circle Exchange 

This past week was filled with rainstorms. I love a good rainstorm. I love the smell. I love hearing the rhythm it makes as the drops pound against my metal roof. I love how cleansing it is. The grass and the trees seem to be given new life thanks to the moisture. Rain is rejuvenating. 

Love is kind of like rain. It's rejuvenating. It gives new life. It makes people whole. Love washes away hurt and insecurities. 

I want to love more. I want to do a better job at loving those who are hard to love. I want to be more present and act more fully for those who so openly and willingly love me. I'm learning more and more each day that love is where it's at. Love is what it's all about. 

Speaking of love, that amazing heart necklace I'm wearing was created with lots of it. Melody Ross, a talented artist who uses her art for good, has teamed up with Full Circle Exchange to create an amazing line of gifts. The heart pendant necklace was created by women in Peru and it is made of reclaimed metal. The necklace also came with a bar of  gourmet "Happy Chocolate" . . . with a name like that, you know it must be good. The box that these gifts came in was designed by beautiful Melody. Buy your own gift here or look for it at your nearest Walmart (I hate Walmart but for this I'm making a small exception). There are other pretty products too: mugs, scarves, aprons, cards, and a whole lot more.  

This post isn't even sponsored. I just think it's a rad cause and you'll love the products. Perfect gifts for Mother's Day! 

Read more about Full Circle Exchange here and spread the love.       

Truth Tuesday

• My new favorite thing is taking Munch for a walk after Brian and I get home from work. Too bad stubborn Luna won't walk on her come-with-me-kitty. Then we could be all be a happy, walking family. 

• I hate feelings of inadequacy. Hate it, hate it. I'm the worst at criticizing myself. It's probably my biggest thing in life I need to learn to overcome. 

• I have a hard time making friends. I'm bad at opening up to people. But once I make friends with someone, I can promise I'm fiercely loyal. Perhaps that's why I struggle with making friends . . . I take friendship pretty seriously. 

• I have all these beautiful flowers springing up in my yard and I'm just praying to God that I don't kill them all. 

• Sometimes I think it'd be a sweet life to just move around and live in a tent. But then I remember that I really love my house. I feel like my house is my friend, like it has this old, amazing soul. Is that weird? Probably. 

• One of my BIGGEST pet peeves is when people don't take you seriously. Now that I'm no longer a student and I'm trying to infiltrate (yes, infiltrate, it's that serious) myself into real adult life, I find it ridiculous how people treat me sometimes just because I'm young. Age is just a number. I mean, I know wisdom comes with age. But still, I've met some pretty irresponsible people in their 40s. 

• Today I interviewed the President of Winger's. I wish I could say it was because he was giving me a lifetime supply of sticky fingers. Really, it was because the Winger's in Logan closed down. I wrote a short article from his interview, posted it and sobbed big tears the whole time.

• I watched "Gravity" with my mom over the weekend and unlike the rest of the world, we thought it was really boring and I felt like the touching parts were forced. I still love Sandy B. I'm just being honest.

• I hate Tuesdays. I'm so glad this one is almost over.  

Sunday Best: SD Card Woes

top: Bella Me, skirt: Bella Me, tights: Target, heels: Kohl's

It was one of those times when I schmoozed my husband into taking outfit photos, only to find there was no SD card in my camera. Good thing our phones take decent pictures. 

Also, I can't get over this spring-like weather we are having in Utah during FEBRUARY. I hope it's not all a cruel trick. We went on a few walks and a short hike this weekend.

Oh, and some fun changes are happening at the Weller residence. Hopefully I can blog more about that this coming week. 

Peace and blessings. 

XO

Truth Tuesday

• I recently received a card in the mail from the post office. It stated they were holding a card for me that didn't have enough postage. I would have to come in and pay for my mail from unknown sender. Today I went in and paid $1.87 for a greasy envelope which contained a crushed up Oreo. It was from my brother. Don't tell him . . . but I didn't eat it. I smelled it just because I felt guilty. 

• I made homemade Oreos for our Opening Ceremonies party with our friends. While making them, I got the bright idea to make red, white and blue frosting. It's a little bit pathetic how proud I was of myself. 

• I'm sorry (actually, no I'm not), but people who post passive-aggressive statuses on Facebook are pathetic. We've all seen it. An upset person gets on Facebook and posts a status so that the person they are upset with will see it and feel bad. But the upset person didn't say any names or anything like that, so they don't have to own up to doing anything wrong. In my opinion, this is way worse than talking about someone behind their back. Seriously, instead of being a coward and hiding behind your Facebook profile, confront the person you are mad at to their face. Then you'll save all the rest of us from feeling awkward when we read your rage-filled status. 

• Okay, I really am sorry. You're not pathetic if you do that. You maybe just make poor Facebook decisions. Just think before you post, yeah? 

• I went to do the dishes a few days ago (there were dishes piled on dishes in the sink). I moved a plate to find a MASSIVE spider. I panicked. I'm totally comfortable with little spiders and try to avoid killing them. But when the thing is as big as my ear, that's sort of a problem. I called Brian so he could walk me through killing it. He told me to wash it down the sink and turn the disposal on. I put my phone on speaker and set it on the table. I told Brian to stay on the line while I committed the murder, just in case the spider attacked. I grabbed the sprayer and let the water gush out. The spider quickly dashed under a bowl. I screamed. I sprayed. I screamed. I sprayed. Water flew in all directions. I finally killed the beast. I was shaken up to say the least. Later when Brian got home, with a smile on his face, he guiltily told me he'd had his phone on speaker. Everyone at the office was listening to me. He's lucky I didn't do him in like I did with that spider. 

• I'm over the top dog-hungry right now and I think I'm cursed. Every time I park somewhere, the car next to me has a dog in the backseat. Not only that, but each and every time, I lock eyes with the dog and then I want it. I'm going to dognap someone's dog from their car soon if I don't get help. Brian and I were going to get a dog for Christmas but we put it off because we thought it would be better to wait until spring. Spring is coming, guys. Spring equals dog. 

• I'm thinking I'll start a new career in cat photography . . . 

But come on, don't tell me that's not the best thing you've seen all day. I love Luna.  

Lost with Friends

A couple Saturdays ago, I met up with some of my longtime friends. We were kind of attached at the hip in high school and have still stayed close. Granted, Shayla was my roommate after high school and we still hang out often, but I'm still proud of the fact that I've stayed so close with my high school chums. They were even bridesmaids at my wedding (tender). 

I love that we can go for months at a time without seeing each other or talking much but as soon as we meet up, it feels like we've never been apart. It's also great that so many different personalities can come together to form this thing called friendship. Shayla is the sweet one. Catherine is the funny one. Abbie is the happy-go-lucky one. I'm the quirky one. Friendship is wonderful. 

We set out on a hike which we expected to be only a couple miles long. Needless to say, we got very lost and ended up covering much more ground than we planned to. There were lots of comments like: Are we going the right way? and Which direction is the car? and That bee is huge! But it was a hoot and we all made it back to the car eventually, so that was good.

Four girls lost in the wilderness is a scary thought, but we didn't mind. We wandered around aimlessly and laughed about how ridiculous our situation was, all while reminiscing, eating Twizzler Pull 'N' Peels, playing Truth or Dare, and deciding how we would ration out our PB&J sandwiches if things went real sour and we ended up lost for days.  

Love you long time, girls. Let's get lost somewhere together again soon. Maybe next time at the lake or movie theater since Abbie aint a hiking fan. 

Truth Tuesday

• I have ombre hair nowadays (it's been like this for several weeks now and I'm just a terrible blogger). It was one of those things where I couldn't really believe I was doing it because there were very few ombres I saw on people that I liked. Not only that, but everyone was doing it. I guess it's kind of like that part in Mean Girls: "I saw Cady Heron wearing Army pants and flip flops, so I bought Army pants and flip flops." That's me and my ombre hair I guess. I really do like it a lot though.

• One of my favorite smells is freshly trimmed grass. I get to smell it quite often now that spring is fully upon us and summer is knocking at the door. Spring is filled with good smells. Blossoms, rain, and fresh cut grass. Ah, my heart. 

• I used the bathroom at work the other day and the toilet wouldn't flush. I had no idea what to do. I helplessly lifted the top off and tried pulling and twisting a few things as I hoped for the best. Nothing I did seemed to help. So I went to the nice secretary lady to tell her. Only she wasn't there. So what did I do? I went back to work and didn't tell a soul (until now). I let it be the next person's problem. I know, I am a terrible person. But I felt so embarrassed about approaching one of the men I work with and being all like, "Hey, since you've been training me all week could you also train me on how to work the toilet? I peed in there and it won't flush." Yeah, not awkward at all. All I can say is I'm going back to holding it and never using the bathroom at work again. 

• My wrists are sore from the half marathon I ran on Saturday. How is that possible? Why, I don't really know. My dad started teasing me and asked if I run on my hands now. I will assure you that I have not reached that level of insanity yet. I still stick to just my two legs. However, it was pouring rain the entire duration of the race and my hands got really cold around mile four. I think I may have clenched them for the majority of the race. Oops. I must admit though, I feel pretty hardcore that I ran in freezing rain. And of course the whole week before the race it was sunny and in the 80's every day. It's fine. I'm over it.  

• I wanted these sandals from Target oh so bad but bought a pair of wedges instead. Now I'm glad I did because I've seen these sandals every-freaking-where. Apparently a lot of people out there have good taste. They are cute, but I can't buy them now.

• I have the Great Gatsby soundtrack on repeat. Also, the movie is grand. So grand that I want to go see it a second time. This is serious stuff because I rarely rewatch movies. I've heard a lot of mixed reviews on the movie and here's my take on it: Loved it. Be prepared for your brain to be overstimulated. There is a lot to look at. At times the cinematography is a bit over the top, I'll admit. But for the most part, it's absolutely beautiful to watch. Also, the majority of the dialogue is taken straight from the book, which this girl really appreciates. Any thoughts on the movie from those who saw it?  

Always Aggies

Remember that one time when we graduated from Utah State University? That was a good day (which I was actually surprised about). I waited all day long for something to go terribly wrong. You see, high school graduation was a close disaster. I barely made it on time after my less than reliable van broke down and I couldn't get a hold of anyone to come and save me. I remember jetting in, out of breath with my cap sliding off my head. Whew, that was stressful.

USU graduation was low stress. It was a beautiful sunny day. My hair curled just how I wanted it to. And I was surrounded by all my favorite people. Win. Win. Win.

Brian also walked with me so we avoided going through two college ceremonies. Thank the heavens. I appreciate him so much for being supportive and willing to walk with my college so I could be with all my friends and news peeps. What a guy. I am happy he made me a True Aggie years ago while standing on that block "A" by the light of a full moon. And even more happy he made me his wife. Sometimes I wonder why in the world we got married so young. Are we crazy? Well yes, we are. But there isn't anyone in the world I'd rather be crazy with.

 So there you have it. We are USU alumni now. I'll be that obnoxious mother who one day buys my newborn Aggie apparel. I'll probably also play the "Scotsman" on loop next to my belly while the babe is in the wound. Settle down, now. I'm merely being sarcastic.

Now we have diplomas, grown-up jobs (okay, Brian already did), and graduation robes that we have no clue what to do with. I'm thinking Halloween costumes. Zombie graduates maybe? Brian is considering wearing his around the house as a bathrobe. Hey, the fabric is quite silky. He might be onto something.

Also, that subtle chunk of dark hair is blue. Yeah, I think I'm really cool. I have Aggie Blue hair. 

It Brings Me Joy When Animals Mate

I love living in an area where there are four distinct seasons. Some would moan and groan that we only have two seasons: a couple months of summer and then winter, winter, winter. But I say it's not so. Right now we are getting a taste of spring in our lovely valley. While I love it, I hate it at times too. I suppose there are pros and cons to everything, am I right?

Let's start with the cons of Spring:

CONS

-Mud. The snow is melting, the rain is falling, and this creates mud. And lots of it. Muddy shoes. Mud splatters on the backs of my jeans. Grrr, me don't like.

-Mother Nature is temperamental. One second it's freezing, the next it's warm, the next it's raining, the next the sun is shining, the next it's snowing. Talk about weather PMS.

-Staring inside the closet every morning, feeling lost. I don't know how to dress myself in the spring. With the weather being so unpredictable, it's a risky decision. If you wear a scarf and jacket, you run the risk of it being a warm day which will turn you into a sweat puddle. If you wear capris and sandals, you can bet your bottom dollar it's going to pour rain (or possibly even snow), causing you to be soaked and freeze your pastel covered butt off.

-School ending. While this can also be thought of as a pro, for me this year, it's feeling much more like a con. The end of a semester is always stressful with all the final tests and projects, but it's especially stressful when you know you're going to graduate and thus start "real life".

-Shaving. Warmer weather means less clothing. Which means I might bare my legs to the general public. Which means I must become good friends with my razor once again. There is something lovely about the winter months of never shaving, hiding that menacing leg hair under layers of clothing, and knowing your secret is safely hidden from onlookers. Boy, shaving my legs is a pain in my neck. But I am sure my husband would view the shaving thing as a pro (sorry, babe).

Now for the good stuff. The pros:

PROS 

-Sun. It's so refreshing to come out of the cave of indoors and into the sunlight once again. Showing my pale self to the outside world is relieving. There is nothing quite as sweet as sitting in the grass, under a tree, reading a good book.

-Spring clothes. Sandals. Skirts. Shorts. Dresses. Flats. Floral patterns. Pastels. Need I say more?

-Running outside. My oh my. I forgot what a nice feeling it is. I went five miles this evening and it amazes me how much easier it was than the cursed treadmill. I do not have the attention span for the treadmill. I get bored and anxious. Running outside is such a lifesaver. The fresh air works wonders and the scenery is always changing. The only downside of outside running is the bugs. I swallowed a few today. Yummy.

-Lawn mowers. One of my favorite smells is fresh cut grass. It's luscious.

-Track & Field. I am a track and field girl at heart. Spring weather always reminds me of track meets. It's a nostalgic feeling for me. I miss the rush of racing and competing so much sometimes. I cannot wait for my sisters to get in high school so I can go watch their track meets.

Now for probably the biggest pro of all. . .

-BABY ANIMALS. Oh, you don't like all caps? My bad. But seriously, my heart sings at the thought of spring because I know it means tiny, fluffy, cute things.

Last weekend, we braved a few spring cons (mud, crazy weather) for Baby Animal Days at the American West Heritage Center. It's an event I honestly look forward to every year. Usually Brian and I go alone, and I pick fights with all the children over who gets to hold the bunny or baby chick next. This year though, my maturity reached new levels. We went to the event with some of our good friends and they brought their three little kiddos along. So that's right, we had children in our company. I was a Baby Animal Days mentor, if you will, for these young ones. And I only fought over a bunny with the four year old one time. 

And even though the animals were wonderful, the best part of the day was probably when little Lillian asked me and Brian, "Are you two married?" After we answered yes she replied to us saying, "If you two are married, that means you need to have a baby." All in the spirit of spring and babies, I suppose.

Thanks, Stebbins family for letting us tag along. We love you guys!