#Gratitude Challenge: Today's Gratitude

The last week has been extremely hectic and emotionally draining, so I have not managed to blog at all -- though I have been overflowing with gratitude for the time I got to spend with friends, the love shared and the blessing of having them in my life.

Two of my best friends, husband and wife, moved to California yesterday. As I write, they are currently driving somewhere in the Midwest along their route. I am heartbroken that they're gone, but I am overjoyed for this next phase of their lives and the adventures ahead of them. Mostly, this whole experience has taught me a lot about gratitude and appreciating what you have while you have it. I spent every single moment I possibly could with them over their last four days here, and I cherish every single one of those moments. I know we'll have many more through video chats, texts, phone calls and visits.

Three things I'm grateful for TODAY:

1. That my dear friends who have become family to me are finally able to realize their dreams. Everything is falling perfectly into place for them, and it is nothing but the work of God.
2. I am blessed to have met them, known them and shared so much with them. I am so glad we're so close and such a big part of each other's lives.
3. That I have the resources and independence to be able to visit them in a few months. I am really excited for my trip west!

What are you grateful for today?

#scintilla13: More than a mentor

I have been so fortunate to have several mentors through my life, both professionally and personally. Today, however, I would like to focus on someone who has been both a personal and professional mentor, who has guided me and supported me over the last eight years, who I couldn't do without: O.

I actually inherited O, so to speak, from a friend and coworker who got me a job in O's department and introduced us. He immediately took me under his wing to help guide my career. Whenever we spoke, he asked how I was doing and what I was working on, and then he would offer me some advice or wisdom on how to be better.

As our relationship grew, we started meeting outside of work, and I realized that he was more than my professional mentor, he was becoming my friend. We started talking about life outside of work: family, relationships, dreams, feelings, hobbies, philosophy, perspective, internal struggle; and he offered his guidance in those areas as well.

Something that always struck me about O was how much he believed in me and how he had built this -- what I thought fictional -- future version of me in his mind. I knew he had a good read on me and knew me in the present, but he never focused on that. He always focused on who I was becoming. That was the theme of every single conversation. And he pushed me toward that, even though I fought him on it and I didn't think that was who I was destined to be.

I bet you can see where this is going. He was so right -- I hate admitting that, don't you? I have achieved everything he said I would. I have ended up exactly where he thought I would. He has always had my best interest at heart, and I trust that without hesitation. He is still focusing on who I am becoming, though I know he is so proud of who I am, and that makes me proud.

So, here is to O. I couldn't have done this without him, and I am so grateful for everything he has given me. There is so much love in this circle.

This post is part of the Scintilla Project. Today's prompt is: Write about someone who was a mentor for you.

#scintilla13: Forever changed

- Adlai E. Stevenson II

I first heard, or saw can't really remember, the above quote in high school. I thought it was nice, but a little cheesy back then. However, it stuck around, and I quickly grew to believe it. I find it incredibly true, especially in my own life. And, as painful as it can be at times, I try to stay open to the way people touch and change me. To me, this is the human experience; to me, this is how we truly live and love.

A chance meeting? Oh, I have had so many. I have a quarter of a lifetime of people coming into my life and staying with me -- physically or emotionally or both. 

Today, I am going to tell you about the one that is currently in my heart and mind, the one I cannot let go of. Almost seven years ago, I was in an interesting place in my life. I was finally falling in love with myself. I had let go of my ex-boyfriend, a process that took years, and I was living life on my own terms. I was happy and content for the first time in a long time. 

This coincided with my best friend's wedding, which was good because I was in a great place to be happy for her and support her. I planned her bachelorette party with enthusiasm, determined to give her the perfect night out with all of her girls.

We ended up in Newport, R.I., at a bar with live music -- the bride's favorite form of entertainment. As soon as we heard these guys play, we knew we had found our spot for the night and we were in for a good time. They were playing all of our favorite covers, and they were entertaining as anything. They treated us well, pulling the bride up on stage and giving her multiple shout-outs. I was thrilled.

During the band's break, I went up to one of the guys and told him I thought the band was great, and I thanked him for providing us with a fun night. We chatted for a bit -- the usual questions when you first meet someone. He bought me a drink, and he gave me his business card. He told me to give him a call.

Well, I knew better than to think anything of this encounter -- just another dude in a band. I filed away his card, and I started following the band's website, checking out a few more shows when they were in the area. Months went by, and I was at one of their shows talking to said guy again. He asked me why I never called him. Um... What? Apparently this was not just another dude in a band. Apparently this dude was looking for more.

I know what you're thinking, and it wasn't quite that. To make a long story short, I fell in love with the band and the members of the band. I followed them, stayed in touch, built personal relationships... especially with above-mentioned guy. 

It's a little tough for me to put into words what he has done for me at various points over the last six-plus years. He has inspired me, pushed me and encouraged me toward my goals and dreams. He has given me a safe space to be me and shine. He has listened to me and shared with me. He has made me laugh, and rarely, he has made me cry. He has lifted me up when I was down, and he has made me smile with just a thought. He has opened my mind and my heart, and through that, I believe I have become a better version of myself. I miss him when he's gone, and I feel complete joy when he's around.

I pushed him out of my life once, when I thought that was what was best for me. True, that time was crucial to my development, but I know that I am better when he's here. I can't define him or our relationship, but I know I will never been the same because of it. He keeps me in that space of being happy and content, of living on my own terms. He gives me that strength and courage. He stays with me, even when he's not here.

This post is part of the Scintilla Project. Today's prompt is: Write about a chance meeting that has stayed with you ever since.

#2013Countdown: How has 2012 been?

I decided to participate in a little end-of-the-year reflection journaling exercise in the hopes of revitalizing this space -- which I'm undecided about what I want to do with.

For now, I'll just jump right into it. How was my 2012? Well, the first and most powerful word that comes to mind to describe my year: growth. This has been a year of growing and discovery for me. I've been thrown in the deep end more times than I can count, and I've been forced to sink or swim. Thankfully, I seem to be pretty good at swimming in water over my head -- to continue the analogy.

I don't want to dig too deep or make this post too long, so let's just bullet some highlights, shall we?

• I skied on my first black diamond trails at the beginning of this year, conquering my fear and just going for it. It was exhilarating! 
• I launched my first solo marketing campaigns at work, and they went well. I loved being able to flex my creative muscles a little bit.
• Also at work, I planned my first customer event and managed our annual sales conference (with help from some gracious colleagues, of course). It was super stressful but super fun and rewarding. I went to Disney World! :)
• I reignited some lost friendships that have proven invaluable to me this year. They have loved me, supported me, reminded me of how passionate I am, taught me and lifted me up. I'm forever grateful.
• I was laid off. This was probably the biggest growth experience of the year for me. I had to rebuild my identity, figuring out who I am without my job. I had to create my own structure and keep myself positive. I had to figure out how I was going to survive (physically and emotionally), and I had to plot out my next steps in my career. It wasn't easy, but it was a priceless experience, and I totally view it in a positive light. I learned so much.
• I re-evaluated all of my relationships. Losing yourself in unemployment will do this. I learned who my real friends are. I learned who is an uplifting presence in my life and who brings me down. This is so important to do often.
• I ran my first half marathon! Ok, this is a contender for the biggest growth experience of the year. Keeping the positive spin, I was laid off the second week of my training plan, which gave me ample time to devote to training for this beast (and it was a beast). Running kept me sane when I wasn't working full-time. This was easily one of the biggest accomplishments of my life. I can't wait to do it again!
• I fell in love with myself. Yes, that sounds weird. Sure, it may seem narcissistic. Listen: it is crucial to your happiness. I learned this the hard way. The really hard way. The long, time-consuming (wasting), hard way. I happen to think I'm pretty swell. I know, trust, believe that I am exactly where I am supposed to be and who I am supposed to be at this precise moment in time. I have a pretty firm grasp on who I am, and I know what I need to do. I am proud of that. So, yes, in re-evaluating my relationships, I learned that the most important one is with myself. Call me selfish, I do not care.
• I got my heart broken. I'm not going to go into details as to how, who or what. That's not important to you. What's important is this is an opportunity to grow. Remember that.
• I started a new job! After four months of being unemployed, I am back in the workforce, and I couldn't be happier. Being thrust into a new professional setting always encourages growth, and I can't wait to see what this new opportunity brings. I am truly excited, and I think I am going to love what I do now.

Ok, that's it for me. Now it's your turn: How was your 2012? What did you learn this year?

#21DJC: I get by with a little help from my friends...

Oh ain't it the truth, and 'friends' is an all-inclusive term for me. I have friends in the traditional sense, but I also include my boyfriend and family as friends -- well, in some cases anyway.

Image credit: Google Images

Today's journal challenge topic is: Who do you enjoy spending time with?

The answer is a bit obvious here, folks, I enjoy spending time with people I consider friends. But, let's get more specific -- perhaps a top 10 list is in order... well, in no particular order.

10. My boyfriend. While I don't always enjoy time spent in the daily grind with each, I can say that I truly enjoy spending time with Jed. I love doing new and different things with him. He's the ultimate travel buddy. I love watching him discover the world, and I love that I can be myself, always, around him. I love the sound of our mutual laughter and conversation.

9. My dog, Morris. How can you not include your pet on this list? My dog just brings me simple joy. Whether I am playing with him, snuggling with him or just watching him sleep from across the room, he makes me smile. He reminds me that life doesn't have to be so complicated all the time.

8. Yelpers. Wow, what a fun, diverse, united, interesting group of people they are. I haven't met a Yelper yet that I didn't like, and I'm meeting new Yelp friends all the time (if you haven't jumped head first into your local Yelp community, get on it). This collective stretches me, challenges me and pulls me out of my comfort zone; it's incredible that a group of people with only a website and a city in common get along so well and become such fast friends.

7. My sister. Ok, so we have spent the better part of our lives as mortal enemies, but something shifted over the last five years or so, and now, sister time is fun time. Usually. There is an inexplicable sisterly bond that makes time spent together like time spent with your clone. We come from exactly the same place. We don't have to explain what we mean. Sometimes a look or an act says everything. We share enough in common to have fun together, but also have just the right amount of separate interests to keep the relationship interesting.

6. "The group." There's some overlap here, as "the group" consists of three couples: Jed and I, best friend and hubby, and JB and girlfriend. These are my closest friends in the world. We get together every other week (and have been for, like, eight years) to eat dinner and catch up on our lives. These are the people I call when I'm looking for something to do. These are the people I go on vacation with. They have all been there for me in their own way, and they always support me.

5. The band. When I want to dance, this is who I look for, and they are usually playing somewhere good. One of these guys is a close friend of mine, and I totally enjoy the one-on-one time we get to spend together because this is the person I talk to about dreams -- he's living his, and I think it's inspiring. They bring out a little bit of my alter ego, and it is always a good time.

4. My dad. Oh yes, I am a Daddy's Girl. I share several traits with my father, from physical to personality, and for that I'm proud. Dad and I can chat about everything from TV shows and cooking techniques to what I'm going to do with my life. He looks out for me, and he is the number one person I go to for practical advice.

3. Auntie. She's the cool aunt. The one without kids of her own that adopts her nieces and nephews. The one who got me into golfing and skiing. The one young enough to be my friend but old enough to have been my babysitter. We share books and weekend trips. She's always interested in talking about what I have been up to and where I have been.

2. Mom. For the simple reason that she is my mother and knows me like no one else -- even when I haven't even told her about everything. Mom just knows. When I am sad or confused or upset or scared or happy, she is the person I want to be around. I may not tell her what is causing what I'm feeling, but just her being there resolves almost anything. Mom is home.

1. My best friend. I never spend enough time with this girl. I have never grown tired of spending time with her in the 16 years I've known her; I've never needed a break. I love her to pieces. Whether we are out and about, sharing a meal, tanning on the beach, or just sitting on a couch, time spent together is always time enjoyed immensely. How she sees me is how I most love to see myself, and it is probably my truest self. She never judges, always listens. She cares. And, perhaps the best part of all is that it is entirely mutual.


There are several people that I definitely could have added to this list -- so if you're reading, and you weren't mentioned, it doesn't mean anything, I promise. It is interesting to note that in all of these relationships, during all of the times I have spent with these people, there is one thread that runs through. That thread is comfort. Nothing is forced or feigned in these relationships. Conversation comes easily and naturally, and when it doesn't come at all, that is perfectly fine. Through all of these relationships I can find myself.

And that is the mark of a true friend.

Worthwhile exercise: Who do you enjoy spending time with, and why?

The Fifth of May, Ole!



Photo credit: Dana Gallagher for Real Simple

Happy Cinco de Mayo! How are you celebrating? If you're celebrating, that is, and if you're not, why aren't you???

I will be heading out to a local Mexican restaurant with Jed, my bestie and her hubs tonight. It is a belated birthday celebration for Jed with them, since they were unable to make his actual birthday celebration. My mouth is already watering thinking about delicious Mexican goodies, and of course, margaritas! Hence today's reflection of the day... I'll certainly be enhancing my curves tonight with all that merry-making! Haha!

In honor of the day, mix up a few of these classic margarias, courtesy of Real Simple.

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup tequila
• 1/2 cup fresh lime juice (from 4-6 limes)
• 1/2 cup Triple Sec or Cointreau
• 1 lime, sliced
• kosher salt

Directions:

1. In a medium pitcher, combine the tequila, lime juice, Triple Sec/Cointreau and 1/2 cup water (or try ice in a blender for the frozen variety!)
2. Rub the rims of four glasses with a lime slice and dip in the kosher salt. Serve the margaritas in the prepared glasses over ice and garnish with the lime slices.

Serves 4.

#reverb10 - My First Community

December 7 Prompt: Community. Where have you discovered community, online or otherwise, in 2010? What community would you like to join, create or more deeply connect with in 2011?


I feel like I went back to the beginning this year in terms of community. I've discovered that my strongest, most dependable community is the first one I had -- the one I was born into: my family.

As kids grow up and become adolescents, many rebel against their families; they need space to build their own identities. I think this independence continues through the 20's. However, as "the younger generation" reaches their 30's, I think an identity has been formed, and that identity is realized in relation to... the relations. At least, this is what has happened with me.

Especially once I moved out of my parents' house for good, I find myself wanting to spend more time with Mom and Dad. I head to their house just for a visit, just to sit around the kitchen table with a cup of tea and catch up on the goings-on. I love spending time with my Nana. I look forward to family get togethers. I hang out with my aunt and sister more, and I wish I lived closer to all of my family so we could hang out.

I'm figuring out who I am, and I am figuring out that a huge part of who I am is where I came from; my family has shaped who I am today. They find it comical how much I resemble my mother, who has become one of my best friends.

In 2011, I want to focus on rebuilding my friendship community. I have been trying to make more time for friends lately, and I want to continue with that next year.

Between my family and my friends, I am blessed beyond belief to have such a strong, reliable, loving, accepting community.

Who is your community?

Lost, but never forgotten

It's time for another Wishful Wednesday, and I'm really loving this week's topic because it ties into something I was thinking intensely about yesterday morning on my way to work; you know, those times when something seemingly random triggers powerful memories. That was me yesterday.

If you want to participate, Kelsey posts the topic, the button and a McLinky on her site at The Seattle Smith's.

Something silly or a prized possession, 

what do you wish would show up tomorrow?

'I wish'... I hadn't lost a good friend!!

{Me in the Jeep, June 2005}

As they say, the water has washed under the bridge (or something like that) between this old friend of mine, but that doesn't mean that I don't miss him. The actions and circumstances surrounding the end of our friendship break my heart to this day, although I'm not sure I would do anything differently if I had it to do over again.

I only really knew him for a year, and we were only really close for six months, but he managed to touch my life and my heart in such a big way in that short time. I loved who I was with him. It had been a long time since I had felt so free. I was so real. Every day, every moment with him was a new adventure.

The memories I have of our friendship (and yes, that's all it was, nothing more, nothing less) are of some of the most fun, silliest, craziest, most random, most melt-my-heart memories I have. He had such a big heart and a true soul. He would cheer me up when I was down, and he would multiple my happiness when I was up.

I remember the dancing most -- to Enrique Iglesias' Hero in a pool hall while he sang to me and to Neil Diamond's Sweet Caroline in the bleachers of Fenway Park during a Red Sox game -- and the country music. He loved country music, and he totally got me into it, against my will. I love it to this day, because of him.

I remember dragging out asses out of bed early to go off-roading and all of the amazing people we met because of it. I remember him making fun of my golf swing but helping me develop it and even playing a course with me -- which never really happened because of a thunderstorm. I remember trying Alaskan king crab with him and arguing over whether it was better than lobster. And I remember taking care of him, both when he broke his foot and when he sliced open his leg playing softball, and helping him wire lights in his Jeep. Every memory, even as I'm typing them here, brings a smile to my face and a sparkle to my eyes.

It is because of him that I truly believe it is better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all. Like I said above, even though I've lost him, I wouldn't change a thing. I thank God for those six months I had with him because they were an amazing six months.

All contact has been cut since our falling out almost five years ago. I haven't talked to him, I haven't seen him, I haven't even stalked him on social media. The only glimpses I've had are seeing his Jeep parked on the side of the road years ago and hearing he's doing well from a mutual friend. I doubt he'll find or read this, but if he does, he'll know who he is, and I want him to know that I'm grateful he was in my life. I want him to know that I have nothing but good thoughts and wishes for him. I want him to know that I think back and smile, and I miss him.

Thankful Tuesday

Ok, so things might start getting a little travel-oriented around here because the excitement and anticipation is building for me...

• 
  
  I'm thankful that Jed and I, along with two other couples, are finally getting around to booking our fall cruise -- yup, on Carnival! It is going to be awesome! I love planning and booking travel, although it gets complicated when other people are involved.

• 
  
  I'm thankful for my new Gap purchases, which are going to be so perfect to pack for the trip.

• 
  
  I'm thankful for summer-like weather later this week; it's going to hit 80 degrees again!

{Image via USA Today}

Thankful Tuesday: People in my life

Happy Tuesday! At least, I hope it's happy from where you are sitting. If not, try to think of just one thing you are thankful for; I'm sharing three to help you get started.

I am thankful that this sentiment applies to my life and my relationship. I'm so grateful to have Jed in my life. We had a great weekend, and I think we are reaching a point where we are falling in love all over again. {Insert dreamy sigh here.} I've been hoping to get to this point for a while.

I am thankful for best friends. I have finished watching every episode of Sex and the City, and I watched the first movie Sunday night. I was jealous of the friendship between Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda until I realized that I have that friendship with my BFF, and I love her always.

I am thankful for my fans. LOL... Sounds so conceited, doesn't it? I don't mean that I am like Mr. Pattison with fans hanging all over me, but I found out recently that I have some really cool people standing in my corner, cheering me on. They are rooting for my success, and they are doing whatever they can to make sure that happens. It's actually a humbling realization, but one that makes me extremely happy and grateful.

All right, now it's your turn. Comment with just one thing you are thankful for this week. I guarantee it will make you feel good!


All images via wehearit.com.

Roses and Thorns

Whoa, 60 subscribers! I've noticed that 59 number has been sticking around for quite a while, and I like round numbers, so thank you to #60 for joining! Welcome! 

Now, some sad news... Kristen of K.Law: Inspired, where I got the inspiration for this post, has discontinued blogging at Inspired. *tear* I'm going to miss her insanely, but I'm continue the Friday tradition in her honor.

Roses to the girls' night out slated for Saturday night! I'm hitting up the city with the girlfriends of Jed's two former roommates. The six of us practically lived together for a year, so I miss these ladies like nothing else. I'm super excited to hang out with them!

Roses to this fabulously warm weather we've been having this week. Um, it hit 90 degrees on Wednesday!

Roses to In It to Gym It, courtesy of Miss LiLu. These ladies have been seriously motivating me to get my a$$ in gear!

Roses to some serious inspiration this week.

Roses to one of my longest-time friends having a baby boy on Easter Sunday! Congratulations to her and her husband.

Roses to figuring out the best birthday present for Jed.

Roses to not having to go grocery shopping this week.

Thorns to Dad being in the hospital.

Thorns to nasty commutes to work this week with mazes of traffic everywhere.

Thorns to being stuck in an office during the fabulously nice weather this week.

Thorns to not having plans tonight, even though I really wanted to and tried to make them.

Thorns to K.Law retiring the Inspired.

And, since I didn't post this last week, thorns to getting water in the basement last week. Yuck!

Happy Friday! Hope you all have a fun weekend.

Thankful Tuesday

Sticking with just my obligatory three things this week, but I'm giving you pictures!

via

It has been sunny and in the mid to upper 50's the past four days, and I'm enjoying it! I think I'm ready to put my skis away until next winter now; the thought of pulling on snow pants and ski boots isn't appealing to me anymore. I'm thankful for the arrival of sunshine and warmer temperatures and...

via

Dresses! I thought I was going to go crazy for Old Navy's sundown dress sale this week, but alas, most of these dresses make me look like I have a bun in the oven, including this gorgeous gown I was looking forward to wearing for summer dates and cookouts or my next cruise. I returned it and found a jersey-knit one in the same style that looks less preggo; it is navy blue with scattered orange blossoms from the knee down (I couldn't find a pic of it on the Web site). So, I'm thankful for my Old Navy find, along with the... FIVE... light-weight sweaters I got! 

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And I'm thankful for beer pong at Jed's old roommate's apartment Friday night. I haven't seen him or his girlfriend since September, and I have never met his new roomie, so it was great to hang out!

Saturday night, one of Jed's coworkers I haven't seen since his wedding three years ago came over for dinner (I made my first roast pork with this fabulous apple "slaw" and egg noodles!), and Sunday night we went out to dinner with our very preggo friend (that I've known since third grade) and her husband. I'm hoping I can see her one more time before the baby comes in exactly one month! I'm thankful for a weekend of catching up with friends!

IRL blogging friends!

via

I was so excited this past weekend to discover that two of my IRL friends from college are bloggers! Please check out their blogs when you get a chance. One is all about happy stories in the news media, and the other is all about the travel and tourism industry, specifically in Boston, MA.

So glad I found you in the blogosphere, Megs and Adam!

FMM: How embarrassing!

.{aefilkins}.

Okay, we're gonna get a little candid this week and share some of our most embarrassing moments.

So go ahead, spill it! Was it something you said? Something you did? Something your kids or pet did?

{If you're too chicken, share something embarrassing about someone else. Just don't name names!}

______________________

Today's topic is a tough one for me because, while I definitely experience those awkward moments, I rarely get truly embarrassed. This usually leads to more embarrassing moments for my friends and family!

However, there are times when my cheeks have flushed and I wished I was anywhere but there. I am able to look back and laugh at these times, however, and this is one of my (and my friends') favorites.

We went down to Newport, RI, for my BFF's bachelorette party. I was the MOH and planned the day and made dinner reservations, but I left the night open to whatever the bride wanted to do. We ended up at a bar, listening to a live band and dancing the night away.

The band was rocking, and they were really great about interacting with the crowd. There were a few bachelorette parties, and they organized a battle of the bachelorettes where the bride and her bridesmaids had to compete in different activities (cheering, dancing on the stage) to win.

Everyone was having a good time, and I was smitten with one of the band members. I took the opportunity to talk to him during a break, and he gave me his business card (this is a whole other story). When the band started playing again, he pulled me up on stage to dance.

I shook my thang for an entire song with the band. I hopped off the stage on cloud nine and continued my booty dance. I dropped low and hit the floor and... *rip*... *gasp*... the back seam of my pants split wide open. I was crouched on the floor in a crowded bar, and no one saw until my BFF looked down at my face. She knew right away what had happened (she had pulled a similar stunt earlier that year). I slowly stood up, clutching the back of my pants, and told her I was going to go back to the hotel. She responded that I was her best friend and MOH, and there was no way in hell I was going back to the hotel the night of her bachelorette party. I told her I needed to do something as I had no back to my pants, and I, unfortunately, was sporting a too-sexy-for-the-situation thong.

She gathered the girls and collected their bachelorette pins (to the like of "slut," "I slept with the groom," "virgin," etc.) and dragged me to the bathroom. I stood on the toilet, bare ass in my BFF's face, while she pinned my pants back together and draped her bachelorette sash around my hips.

Suitably put together for a party, I headed back out to the dance floor with my head held high and my butt in a corner and danced the rest of the night away.

It's Friday, let's party!

I am so glad it's Friday, and the weekend is here! After a week of being anti-social and hiding in the house (for the reason, read this post), I am going out tonight with these lovely people, who happen to be my best friends...

That is my BFF Ollie, her husband and Jed. We are heading to Good Times Pub, a local joint right down the street we've been meaning to try. Pub food, drinkie drinks and some live music. Couldn't ask for a better Friday night!

Now, for the rest of you, I have my five weekend picks...

Go out and buy...

... so you can join Carrie's book club. I'm hoping I can get my hands on it soon and start reading because I'd love to join in the first month! We all know Pride and Prejudice, a classic, but have you ever imagined it with zombies?!?! How fun!

Visit your local theater to see...

This movie, starring Jennifer Garner, is about a writer who lives in a world where lying doesn't exist. Until, that is, he discovers the little white lie and the huge elephant lie, and he starts... *gasp!*... lying! Sounds like it could be pretty funny, with a good moral attached.

Type...

.com into your browser (or click the image) to find yard sales in your neighborhood. How cool is this??? It uses Google maps and an online database to present you the bargain, outdoor outlets in your area! It's supposed to rain here this weekend, so I don't think I'll find too many, but you might have better luck in your neck of the woods.

Head to the mall...

... and find your Halloween costume. It's right around the corner, folks, and it will sneak up on you like a Jane Austen zombie before you know it! While some may be creative enough to come up with their own amazing costumes at home with mad DIY skills, I will be going to the Halloween store at the mall (or online). Jed and I are thinking of Fred and Wilma Flintstone -- we have two parties to go to Halloween night -- which is what I wanted to do last year. But, I also really like the Woody and Jesse costumes, which we could DIY with some store-bought accessories. {And it would give me a good excuse to run right out and buy my cowboy boots!}

Brave the basement/attic/back of the closet...

... and pull out your warm clothes for this cool weather we've been having! Sweaters, scarves, hats, boots... I need it all, and my cold-weather accessories are all at my parents' house still, along with my wool J.Crew coat! I'll be heading into our basement storage closet this weekend to pull out my winter clothes bins and turning them into summer clothes bins (minus the stuff I'm bringing to Palm Beach!).

Let me know what you're up to, and have a great weekend!!!

Howie and Ollie: The Epic

Allow me to tell you the story of two girls who came to be known as Howie and Ollie (aka me and my best friend). Ollie and I met in a twist of fate: we were both assigned to the same freshman year gym class, among other classes as we soon discovered. In said gym class, we were the only two high school girls who still had AA-size boobs (and we knew this because we had to change out of our uniforms and into gym clothes in the locker room before class). Hence, our first similarity was discovered. And we bonded over AA boobs.

Our friendship blossomed that year. In biology class, we made a cell out of cake at Ollie's house, giggling while trying to get the frosting just right. In English class where we would sign to each other across the classroom in order to keep in constant contact. She knew more people than I did since she went to school in the area, so she introduced me into her group of friends. And my identity was born. I had found my family away from home.

Over the years, we did high school girl things. Rolled in laughter on my parents' living room floor watching Charlie Chaplin videos for an English project. Crying over stupid boys who didn't realize what great women we would become (and neither did we). Drooled over pictures of Scott Wolf in teen magazines. Hung out at the movie theater and the mall with our huge group of friends because that's what kids did. She made fun of my frizzy hair (I got a line of her homemade Le Pouf Ease hair care for my birthday one year) and my innocence (another birthday brought a vandalized box of tampons warning of the dangers of ITMS -- I Touch Myself Syndrome). I admired her because she was smart and pretty and had a boyfriend first.

People say college is the best four years of your life because you really solidify your identity and figure yourself out, meet friends you'll have the rest of you life. But, for me, that was high school. They were the best four years of my life, spent with my best friend, who is still my best friend, and always will be. We laughed, we cried, we fought, we apologized, we gossiped and we worked hard to make it into the best colleges we could.

We parted ways four years later: she went to college in Connecticut, me in Boston. But there were phone calls and e-mails and IM messages and packages of silly trinkets and notes and bus rides to visit each other. She was my backbone when I didn't have one. She cheered me up when I was depressed. I made her laugh when she was stressed out over her tough program. I sobbed in a corner the night she almost broke up with the man she married six years later. The distance and lack of high school drama actually brought us closer, and that trend continued after college when neither of us really kept in touch with those friends we were supposed to have made for life over the last four years.

I can't possibly narrate all of the memories, and I'm sure I could go on and on, but I'll let the pictures finish the story. I don't have many from those precious high school years because we didn't have digital photography back then, but here's some and then what happened after then...

Senior prom: Howie and Ollie BFFs

Out last day of high school (Ollie and I are next to each other in the second row, second and third from the left). This was about half of our group, six of whom are still with their senior year sweethearts! And yes, we wore uniforms.

Leaving for our senior cruise on Boston Harbor.

Graduation day! A happy and sad time. Ollie is laying in the front, sneezing (she's known for sneezing up to 23 times consecutively). I am in the back, hugging Pooh-Bear and standing next to Jed!

Many years later... I'm the one in the glasses, she's the one with the cute smile.

St. Patrick's Day 2006: one of the few times I could get her into Boston (she hates cities and crowds).

Girls' South Beach trip, Memorial Day Weekend 2006 (her unofficial bachelorette party)

My 25th birthday pub crawl in Boston, June 2006: this is how we get down, notice the dollar bill in my hand. (Yes, I'm wearing a camo miniskirt, yes.)

Ollie's bachelorette party, July 2006: Ollie giving me a dirty look but being such a good sport playing the entire deck of bachelorette cards we got her. One instructed her to wear her bra over her shirt, and she did walk around the entire bar before going into the bathroom to put it back under her shirt.

Ollie's wedding, August 2006: This is one of my favorite pics of my BFF because it is so her. Drinking a Coke in the limo on the way to the church, leaning so she doesn't accidentally spill any on her dress (I couldn't fit my Tide pen in my tiny purse). That is her brother on the side.

Girls' PVD night out, November 2006: Ollie molesting me at a bus stop, me clinging to the bus sign for dear life.

Girls' Christmas in Boston 2006: We saw Stomp and had dinner in the North End. In front of the Christmas tree in Boston Common (L-R) Tee, Ollie, me (I made the Oofa face back then!)

In da club, May 2007: Ollie, Jed, me (rockin' the Kangol)

Bermuda, October 2008: Sexy, drinking, cigar-smoking ladies on the deck of the Swizzle Inn

Hello Charlie! You called? Howie and Ollie armed and ready.

After living at least a half hour apart for 14 years, Ollie (who isn't really Ollie anymore because her last name changed when she got married) lives a mere five minutes from my new house, just across the Mass/RI line. = ) Our dogs get together for play dates, our men are close friends, and we chat until the wee hours of the morning with a bottle of wine (or martinis) and the SATC DVDs at each other's houses.

A Mama Kat's Writer's Workshop Assignment: How did you meet your best friend?