Blogtember Day 11: Memories. . .

Tuesday, September 17, 2013



A memory you would love to relive. 

Sorry I missed the end of last week guys. Thursday was just crazy busy and Friday Jose and I got to spend the day together. Needless to say blogging took a backseat but I am back and going to catch back up with the blogtember challenge. My excuse for Monday is that I worked and night shift just takes it out of you. 

Photo courtesy of Indie Danielle Jones
I have a memory like a steel trap sometimes (If it is an important memory.) I can not remember where I put my keys to save my life but I can remember random things that took place years ago. Anyway on to today's challenge. 

I would love to relive my wedding day. Even though I was stressed and the weather didn't quite cooperate like I wanted, I would love to go back to that perfect day. It was such a rush to be standing in front of close family and friends professing to love and cherish Jose for the rest of our lives. And even though I love him more everyday of our marriage and we have grown stronger as a couple nothing will beat the way he looked at me when I started walking down the isle. Pure bliss. 

What memory would you love to relive? Do you have a steel trap of memories or do they fly in and out of you head in an instant? 

September 11, 2001: "A date which will live in infamy. . ."

Wednesday, September 11, 2013


So I had a completely different post written for today. It was the blogtember post about my favorite online shops but I just couldn't publish it. I don't know why because I am sure there are people who would rather read a post about shopping than a post about where I was on this horrific day 12 years ago. However as I read other blogs and facebook posts about where people were I just could not hit publish. My hear just wasn't in it. So here I am about to tell you where this little South Carolina girl was on September 11, 2001. 

I was not in New York City. I was in my sophomore typing class in a small South Carolina high school. I just remember a teacher coming in and telling my teacher that she needed to turn on the TV. No more information than that just turn it on. What we saw will forever be burned in my mind. We saw the smoldering first plane protruding from the first tower and shortly after we actually saw the second plane hit.  We were all in a state of shock. Most of us had never been above the mason Dixon line but to know that this was happening in the US was just too much to take. 

We all walked to our next classes in a state of shock. The halls were filled with anger, hurt, and fear. All I could think was that my mom had friends and old coworkers in New Jersey and New York.  I wonder if they are okay. Then the towers fell and shock turned into crying and outrage. 

Once the shock wore off people who were old enough and those who were not started talking of joining up. They were angry and wanted to do what they could to restore our American dream. I think this might have been the scariest thought of all. Seeing people that I cared about thinking of going off to war was just too much for me. (For those that don't know me I am selfish and I want to keep my friends and family close). Also I did not want to believe that we would be going to war. I do not remember desert storm and therefore had never lived through a war. 

Anyway I know this post might seem trivial to some. I was not in New York on the day it happened. Not even anywhere close but it still effected me. It is a day, like FDR said of Pearl Harbor, that will live on in infamy for me. I will always remember where I was and how I felt. I will also remember the pride I felt to be an American and the need to help that our community fulfilled by donated anything and everything they could. 

I know no amount of words will bring back the lives lost that day, but to those that lost family and friends please know that we all mourn with you and they will never be forgotten. 

Blogtember Day6: As the World Turns. . .

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Describe a distinct moment when your life took a turn.


Wow. I think this one might be the hardest one yet. I feel like my life has taken so many different turns and it is hard to nail down one in particular.

I guess I will tell you about the time I completely switched career paths in my senior year in college. So I sort of had a freak out moment in my senior year and decided that the career path I was on wasn't the one for me. Mind you this was over Christmas break of said year that I had this amazing epiphany. I was lucky in the fact that this did not deter graduation (had I stayed on the same track I would have graduated a semester late).

Anyway as you can guess my mother thought I was crazy and she was probably right. Had I just finished the track I was on I would be completely free and clear of student loan payments. But hey you live and learn right. I can honestly say I am happier now than I would have been in my original career path so I guess it was the right decision for me.

What about you? Have you ever done anything like that? What about a time when your life took a turn? Was it for the better? Or worse? I would love to hear about it. 

Blogtember Day 5: ISFJ

Monday, September 9, 2013

Take this short personality test and respond to your results. (at the end, find the detailed profile of your personality account - click "click to view" under "You" and "self awareness and personal growth." You can even google your type and find more info on it!)


So how many of you are wondering what ISFJ stands for? I know I was when I got my results. Well it stands for Introverted, Sensing, Feeling, and Judging and since google can explain it much better than I can here is what an ISFJ is: 

The Nurturer

"As an ISFJ, your primary mode of living is focused internally, where you takes things in via your five senses in a literal, concrete fashion. Your secondary mode is external, where you deal with things according to how you feel about them, or how they fit into your personal value system.
ISFJs live in a world that is concrete and kind. They are truly warm and kind-hearted, and want to believe the best of people. They value harmony and cooperation, and are likely to be very sensitive to other people's feelings. People value the ISFJ for their consideration and awareness, and their ability to bring out the best in others by their firm desire to believe the best.
ISFJs have a rich inner world that is not usually obvious to observers. They constantly take in information about people and situations that is personally important to them, and store it away. This tremendous store of information is usually startlingly accurate, because the ISFJ has an exceptional memory about things that are important to their value systems. It would not be uncommon for the ISFJ to remember a particular facial expression or conversation in precise detail years after the event occurred, if the situation made an impression on the ISFJ.
ISFJs have a very clear idea of the way things should be, which they strive to attain. They value security and kindness, and respect traditions and laws. They tend to believe that existing systems are there because they work. Therefore, they're not likely to buy into doing things in a new way, unless they're shown in a concrete way why its better than the established method.
ISFJs learn best by doing, rather than by reading about something in a book, or applying theory. For this reason, they are not likely to be found in fields which require a lot of conceptual analysis or theory. They value practical application. Traditional methods of higher education, which require a lot of theorizing and abstraction, are likely to be a chore for the ISFJ. The ISFJ learns a task best by being shown its practical application. Once the task is learned, and its practical importance is understood, the ISFJ will faithfully and tirelessly carry through the task to completion. The ISFJ is extremely dependable.
The ISFJ has an extremely well-developed sense of space, function, and aesthetic appeal. For that reason, they're likely to have beautifully furnished, functional homes. They make extremely good interior decorators. This special ability, combined with their sensitivity to other's feelings and desires, makes them very likely to be great gift-givers - finding the right gift which will be truly appreciated by the recipient.
More so than other types, ISFJs are extremely aware of their own internal feelings, as well as other people's feelings. They do not usually express their own feelings, keeping things inside. If they are negative feelings, they may build up inside the ISFJ until they turn into firm judgments against individuals which are difficult to unseed, once set. Many ISFJs learn to express themselves, and find outlets for their powerful emotions.
Just as the ISFJ is not likely to express their feelings, they are also not likely to let on that they know how others are feeling. However, they will speak up when they feel another individual really needs help, and in such cases they can truly help others become aware of their feelings.
The ISFJ feels a strong sense of responsibility and duty. They take their responsibilities very seriously, and can be counted on to follow through. For this reason, people naturally tend to rely on them. The ISFJ has a difficult time saying "no" when asked to do something, and may become over-burdened. In such cases, the ISFJ does not usually express their difficulties to others, because they intensely dislike conflict, and because they tend to place other people's needs over their own. The ISFJ needs to learn to identify, value, and express their own needs, if they wish to avoid becoming over-worked and taken for granted.
ISFJs need positive feedback from others. In the absence of positive feedback, or in the face of criticism, the ISFJ gets discouraged, and may even become depressed. When down on themselves or under great stress, the ISFJ begins to imagine all of the things that might go critically wrong in their life. They have strong feelings of inadequacy, and become convinced that "everything is all wrong", or "I can't do anything right".
The ISFJ is warm, generous, and dependable. They have many special gifts to offer, in their sensitivity to others, and their strong ability to keep things running smoothly. They need to remember to not be overly critical of themselves, and to give themselves some of the warmth and love which they freely dispense to others." Source

I know that is a lot to read but  if you made it through all of it then you now pretty much know me. I was floored at how accurate this test was. I seriously encourage you guys to take it and see what your results bring. If you are like me it will be eerie how accurate they are. 

Have you ever taken a personality test? Was it correct? or did you think it was a load of crap? I would love to hear about it and would love for you guys to share your results from this personality test. 



Blogtember Day 4: Fraidy Cat

Friday, September 6, 2013

A story about a time you were very afraid.

Hmm. Which way to go with this post. . . I could tell you about the haunted house experience or I could be more personal. Which shall it be. How about both? 

If you cannot tell I am terrified in this picture. (I was considering punching him if he got any closer)

So first the haunted house story. Jose was shocked and appalled that I had never been to a haunted house by the time we met (I was 22 years old). Even though I told him the stories of how Halloween masks terrify me and not just like oh wow that was scary but a OMFG why were these implements of torture created. You see my uncles used to love terrifying me at Halloween as a child and to say I am scarred for life might be the understatement of the century. Anyway back to the haunted house. Jose convinced me that all would be fine and I believed him. After all there were small children going through this thing and laughing at the end. I was also assured that there were escape points in each room should I need to leave. Well to say I am a wuss pretty much sums it up. Small children were laughing at me. Jose had claw marks in his arms for weeks but I can proudly say I did not use any of the aforementioned exits. However at the end of this maze of torture the "king" (it was castle themed) tried to stop me before exiting and I promptly dropped the f-bomb and ran out of there. So that was my first and I would love to say last haunted house experience. (Jose talked me into doing another one a couple years later but that was seriously my last! You hear that hubby of mine!

Now onto the more personal story. Pay attention now kids this one comes with a PSA (public service announcement for those to young to remember these on TV). So one of the scariest days of my life is when my mom wrecked her motorcycle and I was there to witness it. Now I would love to tell you that she was wearing a helmet but alas none of us were. So she is so very lucky because her injuries were minor compared to what I have seen working in the hospital. I was so afraid on the drive to the hospital (she had to be airlifted and I could not ride with her). All I could think is that I am too young to lose my mother and she still has so much life to live. I stayed by her side in the ER and rejoiced when she did not have any brain injuries. Her only injuries were to her ankle, teeth, and some serious road rash. I can never be thankful enough that my mother was spared the fate I see so much in our ER. Now for your public service announcement: 

WEAR A HELMET WHEN RIDING A MOTORCYCLE!
It just might save your life.

I'll come back down off my high horse now and wish you all a fantastic weekend. Come back next week for more blogtember happiness. What was the scariest moment/s in your life? Are you afraid of Halloween masks too or is this just my unnatural fear? 


Blogtember Day 3: Unsolicited Advice

Thursday, September 5, 2013

Pass on some useful advice or information that you learned and always remembered. 


I personally love this saying and try to live by it daily. However I am usually a scaredy cat when it comes to new things so I constantly have to remind myself that I should try it. Take blogging for instance. I was so hesitant to start this and put my thoughts out there that I almost didn't do it. But boy am I glad I did. I love connecting with people and have really found that I enjoy writing. (Even if my family and super close friends are the only readers.)

What quote or saying do you live by? Is it your mantra on a daily basis or just something you generally try to remember? 

Wardrobe Wednesday: Manly Edition

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

So I know I have managed to wait super late on Wednesday afternoon to get this post up. However for those of you who read this I am super excited to have Jose being this weeks guest of honor on Wardrobe Wednesday.

You all know my love of thrifting but Jose has recently found his thrifting bug as well. His only complaint is usually the lack of men's attire during these outings. Well for those of you out there thinking its almost impossible to find good men's clothing at thrift stores I give you exhibit A:



Jacket: $4.99 Goodwill
Shirt: $2.99 Goodwill
Pants: $0.99 Community Thrift
Shoes: $1.99 Community Thrift

Total Outfit Cost: $10.96

Not bad right for a business casual sort of ensemble. I hope this post helps you realize how awesome thrifting can be. 

Do you have a hard time finding men's clothing while thrifting? If not what are your secrets? Are there things that have turned you off from thrifting? If so what are they? 

Blogtember Day 2: I'm Leaving. . . Never to Come Back Again. . . Just Kidding




If you could take three months off from your current life and do anything. What would you do? 

Wow this one is difficult. Three months to do whatever sounds like heaven. I think since autumn is coming up I would move somewhere like this: 
Source

live in a house like this: 


Source

Celebrate Halloween like this: 

Source

read through a library of books:

Source

Sew everything
Source

Garden

and of course take my handsome hubby with me to enjoy three months of just us time. Honestly I could go anywhere and do anything so long as it meant time with him. If you can't tell by this post I am sort of in love with autumn and since we hardly ever get that here in Charleston, SC I would spend my three months enjoying it in New England. 

Blogtember Day 1: Lets Get Personal

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Describe what or where you come from. The people, the places, and/or the factors that make up who you are. 

I am Southern. I think this pretty much sums me up. I am not the racist bigot that southerners sometimes get accused of. I am more the sweet tea, bless your heart, and let me bring you food when happy or sad occasions occur. I cling to my southern roots even though year by year I feel my resolve to remain this way waxing and waining. I will always idealize my grandparents and their way of life. I will name my children family names (No matter how pretentious or odd they sound).  I will always say ma'am and sir. Its just how I was raised. I love fishing, swimming in the creek, and small country churches. Getting lost down a dirt road is an honored past time. Even though I am not a huge football fan I will tailgate with the best of them and I will always cheer on my high school Alma mater (Go Rebels!). 

So I am from a smallish town in South Carolina that most people not from this state would have never heard of. I think I sometimes idealize my childhood home as this quaint small town. When really it was never that small (not compared to where Jose is from anyway).  I think my hometown during my childhood was still trying to hang on to its last remaining bits of smallness. Everyone went to one of three churches, my mom and I had the same schooling experience, and Sundays were still meant for dinner at Granny's house. 

I think this mentality really shaped me as a person. Change is hard for me and I imagine this stems from people I knew growing up being so reluctant to expand and grow this town we called home. Of course change comes whether we like it or not and my hometown streets are barely recognizable now. I think this is a good thing because there is a new generation of memories being made and of children growing up who will one day look back on their hometown (hopefully with pride).  However visits to my mom's are filled with more and more reminiscing of the restaurants, buildings, and stores long gone. 

I am a child of divorced parents. My wonderful mother for all intensive purposes raised me and I think she did a damn good job. Was my childhood perfect, no, but it was filled happy memories. And really I think the bad memories start to fade in adulthood. We just idealize what once was and let go of the bad. I have been lucky enough to have strong female influences in my life (whether they knew their strength or not.) My mother, my aunt, and my grandmother all shaped me into the woman, wife, and friend that I am today. 

They are going to kill me for this picture I am sure but this my mom and aunt a few year ago.


My best friends and I met in first grade. My bestest friend of all time and I "met" in high school. I use quotes because we attended school together from first grade on but did not officially meet until high school. We then went to college together and failed miserably at living together. However she is one of my greatest friends and has been there through it all. I wouldn't trade anything for her. 


So that's me. I hope this gives you more insight into the person behind the Martha Stewart wanna be. And since most of you reading this knew me growing up well I hope I didn't bore you too much. Who or what has shaped you into the grown person you are today? Was it where you grew up? People you encountered? I would love to hear about it. 


Happy Labor Day!

Monday, September 2, 2013


Happy Labor Day all! I hope you are enjoying it. I will be at the hospital working so please try to keep your drunken stupidity to a minimum. (ain't no body got time for that. . . )

I thought I would share the rest of our road trip pics today since I did not get around to that last Thursday. So without being wordy here is the remainder of our road trip: 






























































































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