Trying to Swing

I'm just going to be honest (if you're an avid follower you know I'm ALWAYS honest) but it has been really hard adjusting to 2012 and everything it has brought so far, which has actually been a lot for it only being March 2nd.

I was doing so well not stressing as much and not sweating the small stuff; my two new jobs were fun and commitment free which left me feeling amazing but ever since my Grandma had life-threatening surgery February 1st, nothing has been the same. I've really had to step up and be extra responsible with helping out my family and juggling my own schedule. Then just as I was excited for everything to get back to normal, life threw another wrench into my mix.

I can't believe it's already been over a week since my Grammy passed, honestly where does time go? And although I feel like I'm doing pretty well and see the blessing and peace that her passing has brought her and our family, it's still so hard to believe.

So, again, I've apologized for my absences so much throughout February so I'm just going to stop apologizing and let my life take its' course until it gets back on track. I've been having a lot more anxiety than normal but am hoping this will pass as my life settles back into a manageable routine and living at home and having a puppy all feels "normal".

So, just a little FYI about what's going on over at this side of the computer. I'm hoping for a relaxing weekend filled with running errands (to me this is relaxing and "normal") and lots of time to spend with new B. Rouche.

Have a blessed weekend!

Love&Luck

Weekly Round-Up

I definitely need to start doing weekly recaps. Ever since I quit my "normal" job life has been easy breezy and very "unscheduled" which is really nice for me for a change. HOWEVER, with my irregular schedule between two jobs and everything going on in my family life recently, things are getting a little blurry.

Okay, first things first. I'm making a little move back home to live with Pops. He's a little lonely and let's get serious, I am too. I'll also be able to help take care of my grandmother once she gets home from her hospital stay which would help everyone out (Ma is a CPA so this isn't the ideal time for her to take off work).

Both of these things explains my absence from said blog lately, I'M SORRY! Things are just a little busy so once I get back on schedule I will be back to blogging like a maniac.

I'm also reading a new book, something light-hearted and love-y which is exactly what I need around Valentine's Day and this chilly MN weather. That being said, I will need to write a review on it and The Hunger Game series very soon. Like I said, so much to do!

I would also still like to blog in depth day by day or week by week my trip to France. Believe it or not, I haven't even finished uploading my photos to Facebook; has anyone else tried the new photo system? It sucks. Period. And takes FOREVER. Who has time?

Moving on. It's time for a little bit of celebrity gossip.

Photos of Beyonce & Jay-Z's child have finally gone viral. If you haven't seen them, here they are. I actually like the name Ivy. Blue? Not so much. Whatevs, isn't my kid.

Photos via http://helloblueivycarter.tumblr.com/

PS. How in the hell did B get back in such bootylicious shape so quickly? I'm starting to believe all these fake bump rumors. Maybe she loved her bod so much they went with a surrogate. Hey, her bod is fab, not sure if I blame her. See bod here:

B post baby B

Really what's up with this?

A teeny tiny more gossip (seriously I'm sorry but since I'm aiming to not buy gossip mags I feel the need to report to everyone else what I see on People). 

It's official, Katy Perry and Russell Brand are officially divorced. I'm still really upset about this! What is my problem? I'm a hopeless romantic that's what's my problem. Bah, oh well. Wonder who she'll date next/end up marrying? At least they had dignity and didn't draw out the proceedings with arguments about money and property.

Oh yeah, I 'spose it was Super Bowl Sunday last weekend. Not going to lie, I wasn't paying much attention to the game but WAS paying attention to who was there. For instance, JSimps. She is lookin' a babe I tell ya. Although her boobs are much when shown, her face looks amazeballs since she's been pregnant; I for one can't wait to see what that baby looks like. 

You glow Glen Coco

Next, I have such a HUGE surprise to announce in 2 weeks but I won't share until then. It doesn't have much to do with the blog but a lot to do with me. I'm very excited, to say the least. Stay tuned to find out!

Are you addicted to Pinterest yet? If you are, follow my boards here. Don't be surprised if I whore the crap out of your boards, I'm hooked to Pinterest and the inspiration and ideas it provides!

Last night I made Ashley from Inspired by a Love Story's recipe for shrimp fried rice here, it was a huge success and so easy! I encourage you to try it, you will love it!

Yum! Dad about died

I'm beyond obsessed with these free printables from Cupcakes and Cashmere's post pre Vday. How adorable? I must get. Why can't I come up with these great ideas on my own?

Also, have you checked out Veronika's blog yet? I have become obsessed with checking her blog regularly because she's a savvy shopper with great taste and just plain adorable! I feel like if I were slightly taller and model like and brunette, we could be twinsters in an alternate universe. She's beautiful, loves sales, keeps her style classic and simply while always adding a twist or pop of color, and shows pictures of her pup once in a while. Sounds like perfection to me. If you haven't, check her out, I know you'll love her blog. PS. the next time I get my hair cut you can guarantee I will walk out of the salon with her exact cut, love it!

Hey girl hey! photo via  V's blog

Next, check out girlfriend Sigourney's recipe for a cake cocktail. Seriously?!! I wouldn't bat an eyelash if I could drink my dessert AND get drunk! This cocktail sounds delicious, perhaps it would be perfect for an all girls Vday night celebration?! By the way, she primarily blogs about fashion and cocktails so if you need unique or new ideas beverages, check her out!

Is it embarrassing that for the last few paragraphs I had to multiple tab what I wanted to write about so I wouldn't forget?? When I find goodies I just love to share them with you so if it makes me nerdy, so be it. 

Can you believe it's Valentine's Day this week? Seriously where has the time gone? I feel so unprepared for this time of year but thankfully I don't need to have anything planned via M is in France. A nice Skype date over wine will suffice for both of us this year. 

Okay, I THINK that's it, for now. I'm turning back to my raspberry vino and Law & Order: SVU for the rest of the evening. Loving this Friday snuggled in bed!

Stay cozy and have a great weekend!

Love&Luck

The World is Changing but Our Love Stays the Same

Although I'm still in my ripe early 20's, M is slowly but surely creeping closer and closer to 30 (good thing he doesn't read my blog regularly because his feelings would be hurt).

While I was visiting over the holidays a handful of his buddies got engaged which is very exciting but it got to the point where M said, "I'm going to have to post a facebook status telling everyone to stop getting engaged because my girlfriend is getting pissed" hahaha. Which is funny because as every girl knows, when you've been dating for 4 years, you kind of start to get "the itch" especially when a ton of other couples begin getting engaged.

This part I can deal with because I know that good things come to those who wait and our time will come when it's supposed to and we're both ready.

However, what I am really unprepared for is M's friends who are already married and beginning to have babies. I am beyond excited for them, don't get me wrong, but it feels a little like I'm behind on the "typical human schedule".

Why do we always compare ourselves and our lives to everyone else's? Why can't we be satisfied and happy and live without feeling the pressure of what everyone else is doing? So as a branch off of my new lifestyle, I am proud to say that I feel happy and secure right where I am with M. Happy with my girlfriend title and even more grateful for all the experiences I get to share with M in this beautiful time of our lives where we're young and have the ability to be stupid and make rash decisions and pack up our lives within a few hours and move to a different state or country.

Anyone else ever feel the pressure? It's annoying isn't? It makes you think you're unsatisfied with your life when you're really not. Frustrating. But it is also just as easy to push those thoughts aside and be thankful for all that you have, because one day it will be your turn exactly when you want it.

For Those Like Me

Some of you trusty readers may be in a pickle like me. And by "pickle like me" I mean, you may not be sure what you want out of life, what you're looking for, what will satisfy you right now at this point. I found this article on CNN this evening and thought maybe it could help you if you're looking for the road to some answers.

Now of course this article didn't immediately make me feel better about the "unknown" of my current situation but it sure as hell made things easier for me to map out lists of what I wanted, which directions I wanted to go, etc. I hope it can do the same for you.

Isn't it silly how creating lists makes you feel so much better? Maybe it's just the Type A in me that I've been trying to suppress lately but lists make me feel light and happy. Oh the simple pleasures in life.

On a similar but different note, I had told my mother I had quit my job the day I did it, when everything was still new and scary. For being the logical and responsible person that she is, she took it quite well. So thanks mom, for not chewing me a new ass for quitting my job without a back-up plan. I'm not sure about you, but I place my mother's opinion at the very top of my list so although I knew I was doing something she wouldn't agree with, I had to do it for me but still wanted her support, so again, thanks mom!

She also said something else to me after she heard I got a serving job, something along the lines of "I'm sure you'll be much happier than I was [in my 20's]"; this really meant a lot to me because she spent her 20's raising me, working A TON to save money, working and building on her marriage, and establishing herself in so many ways in order to provide me (and my future siblings) a comfortable and stable life.

It really bums me out that she had to grow up so fast, but I'm incredibly thankful that she is supporting me in this time of chaos and unknown and I hope she gets a little pleasure in living through my experiences and photos. After all, I wouldn't have half the opportunities without her hard work and perseverance...again, I just can't thank my mom enough for everything she's done, you're a real peach Maja!

Okay, it's Sunday which is my day to head to the grocery store and pick up some goodies for this week. Fellow blogger Pudgy to Paleo has me thinking a lot about what I put into my body so I'm going to try and stay away from wheat this week (after I make latkes today, terrible I know!). I'll let you know how it goes and post any good recipes I find.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Love&Luck

Friday the 13th

Since I was born on April 13th, the number 13 has always been my favorite number and doesn't scare me in the least when it falls on a Friday. In fact, I normally embrace it.

Today is no different, I had orientation for my new job (I will be hosting at a pub until about March then I will be training to serve) and I found out I will be working 5 days next week and making more than I expected (woohoo! not like I could complain since I'm grateful I already have a new job).

I also got a call for an interview at a retail store (to not be named yet, if ever) next Monday, so things are looking up and my anxiety is slowing decreasing as life seems to be falling into place. Woofta, crazy how the stars align and things fall together when you turn the world upside down.

Also, I've been looking at plane tickets to head to Vegas in March for one of my very good friend's bachelorette parties. I'm really excited that I'll have the opportunity to go and am so happy to be able to be a part of S's big (pre)day!

I hope you all have a BLESSED Friday the 13th!

Love&Luck

Procrastination

Well, I have been dreading writing this week. I am officially back in the states, and unlike previous hopes, wishes, and dreams, M and I decided staying until the season ended in France was not the best choice right now. I will admit, it was more of his responsibility and maturity that got me on that plane but the worst part of not staying was that I knew he was right. This year's plan was for both of us to maximize our savings (which is hard to do when we're together since we like to travel and spoil each other) and staying in France without a guarantee of a job was not a smart decision.

So here I am, back in Minnesota, reluctantly. Ever since being back I feel even more at a loss for direction in my life. I strongly feel that I cannot go back to my old job and perform one more meaningless day of selling copiers. I have been interviewing with a new company since before I left for France but haven't made a commitment yet; I am really struggling because I know I would flourish and thrive with this company and I would enjoy the opportunity they have to offer but it really wouldn't be fair when M and I have already decided that I would without a doubt be going with him next season, wherever that may be. So it wouldn't be fair to the company or myself to invest that time when I know beforehand that it would be a short-lived career. Then again, I have to do what I have to do, right? I've been struggling with whether to take the offer (if provided it) with this new company or do I do something like bar tend and serve until the next season? Gah, I am at such a tug of war with myself over what to do next. I feel like I need a life coach.

With that being said, I am still making every effort to live in the moment which means I'm trying to not think so much about our plans for the next season but to do what I need to do for myself...RIGHT NOW. I'm still trying to decipher what I need to do in my life right now so stay tuned as I try to figure out the next steps that will satisfy my needs as of current.