engaged!

Last night was a magical, perfect evening, and now I'm engaged!

We went to the Melting Pot for dinner, which was fabulous and delicious, and then we headed downtown to the little ice skating rink they put up outside in the winter.  We were skating around, and he started asking me about my ideal proposal... the conversation went a little something like this:
  J- So what is your ideal proposal situation.. just us?  friends?  I know the jumbotron is out...
  Me- Yeh, definitely no jumbotron, but I don't know, I'd be happy with either...
  J- so, if I got down on one knee right now...
  Me- are you serious? really?  really?
And then he got down on one knee, told me he loved me and asked me to marry him, and of course I said YES!!!  There was some misting up, some hugging and kissing, and a REALLY gigantic smile on my face.  He told me to look over and I'd see his cousin taking pictures--I'm SO excited to see those!  After that, he said he had one more surprise for me, so we jumped in the car where I alternated between saying three things:
 1. We're engaged!!!
 2.  I'm so happy!!!
 3.  Where are we going?
As we were driving to the mystery destination, we called our parents, and his mom said, "Well, maybe you can stop by later tonight so we can see the ring and everything" and he said, "you know, we are actually driving by where you work, so we can stop in real quick and see you on our way to the surprise."  We walked in, and all my best friends, and our families were there!  They all suspected, but weren't for sure, until we walked in.  It was perfect to have our friends there to celebrate with us right then, and I couldn't be happier!!! 

Cookies, Cakes & Christmas Trees

The past week has been full of Christmas-y things, like decorating the Christmas tree at the boyfriends (this is pre-ornaments, I didn't get a good shot of it once it was fully decorated),

family events (one of mine, one of the boyfriends), and baking.  I made some mint chocolate chip cookies, and a mint chocolate chip cake--I guess it was the weekend for mint!  I found both on the ever so wonderful Pinterest and I was pleased with how they both turned out!  The original cookie recipe is here, but I altered it a little, making my own sugar cookie base, and making a few other tweaks, and I was very happy with how they turned out--I love mint, so having leftover cookies sitting in the kitchen has been dangerous!

Next up--Mint Chocolate Chip Cake!  I found the recipe here and I can't wait to have a reason to make this cake again!  I had a few challenges, starting with the grocery store--I looked at the recipe on my phone when I got there, and realized at that point that it was an Australian blog, and I wasn't so sure what a few of the ingredients were. Luckily, Google + smartphone saved me and I was able to decipher that bicarb soda is baking soda and caster sugar is really fine sugar that apparently, Harris Teeter doesn't sell, but luckily plain old white sugar worked perfectly.  The cake itself was a little saltier than I am used to, and I was quite nervous about it, but the super-sweet icing + cake with a hint of salt turned out to be a perfect combination!  I had a few issues with the cake trying to fall apart when I was putting it together, but I was able to make it work.

I got a little carried away with trying to decorate with Andes Mints, but I was quite pleased that the cake was a hit--I was really nervous about how it had turned out!  

I'm excited that I only have one more day of work before a week and a half off, and I only have one more Christmas present to purchase!  I'm quite ready for the break, and I'm excited for Christmas!!!

oh Christmas tree...

My little apartment doesn't lend itself to tons of Christmas decorating, but I did see this cute little tree in Target the other day, and thought it was the perfect size!  

And while this tree is perfect for my apartment and my life right now, I thoroughly enjoyed going with the boyfriend and his son to pick out a real tree for their house.  I much prefer real trees to artificial, and I'm looking forward to decorating the tree with them later this week!

Jingle Ball 2011

Thursday evening, the boyfriend and I got all dressed up and headed downtown to meet a few of our friends for the 18th Annual Jingle Ball.  This is the fourth year I've attended the event, and it is always a wonderful time.  It's held at Marbles Kid's Museum and your ticket to get in is bringing a toy to donate to Toys for Tots.  We got there about 30 minutes after the start time, and the line to get in was quite long, but luckily, it moved very quickly, and we were inside in no time.

We headed straight for the beer tent, where I was excited to find Sweetwater Blue (one of my favorites) on tap, and koozies scattered around on the tables.  I have quite the collection of koozies, but I can never resist adding another one!

A couple of our friends drove down from Wilmington for the event, and it was so much fun to see them, plus all of our Raleigh friends that were there.  I loved getting to see everyone all dressed up, and we had a great time chatting and drinking the night away.  The line for the food table was ridiculously long--we had friends that waited 45 minutes in line--but we had eaten before, so we skipped the line, and waited til towards the end to go through and sample a few things.  The food was delicious, but I was glad we didn't have to wait in line for it!  

We spent a little bit of time on the dance floor towards the end, and then headed out a few minutes early because my eyes were refusing to stay open.  It was a wonderful event, and one that I look forward to every year!  One of my favorite parts is seeing the wall of toys that have been collected at the end of the night.  It's so cool to see, and there are plenty more that didn't make it into this picture.

Can't wait for next years event!

traveling dreams...

Yesterday, I wore this pretty little necklace that I picked up a few years ago when my best friend and I spent a week backpacking through Europe.

Our stops included Germany, Prague (that's where the necklace is from), Paris, and London, and it was an incredible trip.  I started reminiscing yesterday, and I started wishing I had another trip to Europe planned... but since I don't, I'll have to make do with looking at pictures of this one, and start dreaming about the next!

We saw plenty of beautiful old buildings (in college i went on a month-long Cathedrals tour of Europe... amazing)!

Prague was beautiful, and so much fun.  I'd love to go back.

It was my second time visiting Paris, and I'd like to go back a million more.

We took a boat tour by night of the Siene and it was fabulous.  

Brighton Beach, about an hour outside of London, was an adorable town and I did quite a bit of shopping there.  

It was my first time in London--there were lots of amazing things, but the thing I remember most clearly is Harrod's (too bad I didn't get a picture there)!  If I lived in London, I would have to make at least weekly trips to Harrod's, because it was just that great.

We visited the Cabinet War Rooms to get a little bit of history while we were there, and I thought it was fascinating.

I think the hardest thing about taking amazing trips like this one is that then I always want to go back to the places I went, and I can't decide between returning or trying out somewhere new... 

crafty christmas

This weekend, I had the glorious luxury of having lots and lots of free time.  It's been a long, long time since I've had a (mostly) free weekend and it was so fabulous.  Sleeping in, getting the apartment clean, relaxing with the boyfriend, running errands, walking around the lake... all kinds of wonderfulness.  It was so, so, SO refreshing.  I was able to get a start on writing Christmas cards--I love snail mail and have so much beautiful stationary, but rarely have the time or energy to do it, so I was thrilled that I got a chance to sit down with my favorite pen and write away.

(seriously, these pens are amazing)

Not only did I get a chance to work on Christmas cards, I also had a chance to pull out my craft supplies and get the creativity flowing.  It's been awhile since I've had the time and energy to be crafty, and I've missed it.  I was able to get not one but TWO Christmas presents checked off the list, and they are now wrapped and sitting prettily in the corner under my lovely Lilly bike (because it's too pretty to leave outside, obviously, and takes up the only space I could possibly have a tree in my little apartment).  

For a friend who is a big State fan we have a "go pack" sign

(technology and I are fighting today--it won't let me rotate the picture)

and for my mother, who has quite the snowman collection, a little "let it snow" painting.

I have a few more blank canvases sitting around, and I'm hoping inspiration strikes again (hopefully when I have some free time) and I can make a few more of my Christmas presents this year!

Belford's Savannah

While staying at Hilton Head over Thanksgiving, we took a couple of trips down to Savannah, which was wonderful--Savannah and Charleston are two of my favorite cities to visit.  We had an amazing dinner with the fam at Belford's Savannah.  It is right in City Market, in a gorgeous old brick building, with amazing outdoor seating.  

  

It's in Savannah's Historic District, and you can read all about the history of the building on the menu (I love to reading things like that on the menu!)  It was Belford's Wholesale Food Company for quite some time in the early 1900s, and was an important part of Savannah.  The inside is just beautiful--I love old buildings.  

The food is was amazing.  I had the Shrimp & Grits (always a favorite of mine) which were a Southern Living award winner and they did not disappoint!  We also had Fried Green Tomatoes as an appetizer, and they were fabulous as well.  For dessert, we tried fried banana cheesecake, which was phenomenal.  All in all, it was a winning meal--great atmosphere, wonderful food.  I believe Belford's may become a necessary visit on all future trips to Savannah!

tour de franzia

Tailgate season is over now, but we had some great ones this year! For the State vs. Clemson game we did a Tour de Franzia. We had an abundance of boxed wine

plus the usual drinks--and we learned that wine + tailgates can be dangerous, but we still had a great time.  We had some great ideas for the Tour de Franzia, but didn't have time to put them all into action. However, we are hoping that next time we do it, we can maybe incorporate some bike races and bike jerseys.  I think it may become an annual tradition--we'll see what happens!

We were also celebrating a friends birthday so we had our usual cake when celebrating a birthday at a tailgate

Can't believe tailgating season is over, but just in time--now to get ready for Christmas!

  

t. g. i. f.

This week has dragged on so slowly, and I could not be more happy that it is Friday.  I am so excited for a weekend of doing nothing.  The boyfriend and I have grand plans to stay in and watch t.v. while we eat dinner on the couch--and I'm thrilled about it.  The only thing that would make it better is if

 t. g. i. f. was still on the air. 

Did anyone else look forward to that all week as a kid?  My neighbors and I would create our own little movie theater, get snacks ready, and settle down for a night of truly great t.v.

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I'm not going to lie--somewhere in my parents house the final episodes of Full House & Boy Meets World have been immortalized on a VHS tape, and every. single. time. I watched either one, I cried.  Especially Boy Meets World, with Mr. Feeney's final words to them.

My childhood, right there.  They just don't make t.v. like that anymore.

sneaking home for lunch

I had a meeting downtown this morning that ended right around lunchtime and I had to drive right by my apartment to get back to the office, so it was a great day to sneak home for lunch!  I've been eating awfully this fall, and in the past month or so, have painfully fallen off the work-out train, but now that football season (and therefore tailgates) is over, it is time to get back on track.  

I made a delicious avocado, tomato, mozzarella, and cucumber salad with a balsamic vinaigrette--and it was delicious!  This may become my new go-to!  

I'm glad I made it to the grocery store this week and stocked up on veggies--I feel like I hadn't been in months, and it is so nice to open the fridge and see it full of fruits and vegetables!

I guess now it's time to get back to work...

getting back into the swing of things...

The week after a holiday is always so hard.  The week of Thanksgiving was filled with all sorts of fun things--two great tailgates with two awesome NC State wins, a few fabulous days at Hilton Head, a 5th birthday party for the boyfriends son--and I loved having the whole week off.  However, going back to work yesterday was tough.  I feel like I need a vacation to recover from vacation.  Luckily, this weekend is mostly free of plans--I have to work a bit, but other than that, the boyfriend and I are planning to do absolutely nothing and we can't wait!

hilton head

Sunday morning, the boyfriend and I headed down to Hilton Head to meet my family for a few days of vacation.  We got down here Sunday evening, and so far it has been a great, and very relaxing trip.  This morning, the boyfriend and I rented bikes, and rode around and explored.  We spent some time laying on the beach, found a few shops to check out, and had a wonderful lunch at Stu's Surfside Subs & Suds.  They make their bread daily, and our subs were delicious.  I could only finish half, but it definitely hit the spot after a morning of bikes and beaches.

After lunch we headed over to Harbourtown with the family to do a little more shopping.  We went up in the lighthouse--lots of steps, but a gorgeous view from the top!  We also were able to see dolphins swimming only 50 yards or so from the shore.  I took lots of pictures--I can't wait to get them on the computer, so I can see if I got any good shots that I can zoom in on.

We had dinner at the Salty Dog Cafe, and my Margarita Salmon was delicous!  We also stocked up on Salty Dog t-shirts, and got the football edition (in long sleeves).  The dog in the football helmet is just too cute to pass up!

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We've also gotten a chance to enjoy the hot tub, and the simple pleasure of having a large selection of tv channels to flip through--neither the boyfriend or I has cable, so it's a treat to be somewhere with lots of tv options!

Tomorrow we are going to head over to Savannah for the afternoon after hopefully getting in a little more beach time & bike time, and maybe even a game of tennis in in the morning... I love vacation!



shoes, shoes, shoes

I'm usually not someone who lusts after shoes... I have my staples that get worn a lot (Jack Rogers, black riding boots, brown cowboy boots, Sperry's) and I'll buy shoes to match a dress or fun outfit, but I usually just think about shoes when I need a new staple in the rotation or I have a new dress I need shoes for.  However, I have recently added several pairs of J. Crew shoes to my wish list, and I'd love to add them to my closet.  Unfortuntely, they are out of my price range with Christmas shopping to do!

Cece patent bow ballet flats in bronzed clay- $138

(I'd like these in every color, please!)

Valentina Pumps in Dark Navy - $228

Booker Boots in Masala Chai - $298

Viv Pumps in Wild Mushroom - $298

Maybe one day...

girls night potluck

Earlier this week, I attended a Girls Night Potluck with some girls for work.  We were all supposed to bring our favorite thing or our signature dish, but I have millions of recipes pinned on Pinterest that I want to try, so I jumped on the opportunity to bake something new.  The boyfriend also needed a dessert for a work lunch this week, so I figured I'd just make a double batch. 

These chocolate peanut butter sqaures were my recipe of choice.  The recipe is from Once Upon a Chef and they were delicious!

They took longer than I anticipated, because in my small apartment life, I lack things like a food processor and a stand mixer.  I also bake over at the boyfriends a lot, so end up leaving things like mixing bowls in kitchens other than my own.  I had to get a little creative for a couple of reasons. 

1. I couldn't find the chocolate Nabisco cookies, so I used chocolate graham crackers instead. 

2. I attempted to use my blender in place of a food processor.  It worked, but it was a very slow process.

3.  I lacked sufficiently sized mixing bowls, which was a challenge.

However, they turned out DELICIOUS!  The only issue I had with them was that the bottom crust really didn't seem to set--if I do it again, I'll probably use more butter, and hope to have a KitchenAid to help!

The Rockettes!

On Tuesday night, the boyfriend and I headed to Durham to meet the family and go see the Rockettes perform the Radio City Christmas Spectacular at DPAC!

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My family went to the show at Radio City Music Hall in NYC when I was a junior in college, and we all loved, loved, loved it, so when I found out they were coming to the Triangle, I knew I needed to go!

While seeing the show at DPAC isn't quite the same experience as being at Radio City, I thoroughly enjoyed it, and am so glad that we went.  We had great seats, in the first level, and seeing a show at DPAC is always a good experience.  I have yet to be disappointed by anything I've seen there.  

The Rockettes were, of course, nothing short of amazing!  There were a few scenes I remember well from the NYC trip.  The Nutcracker scene is one...

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the double decker bus is another...

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and of course, the multiplying Santa's.  

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The Santa scene is the one I remember best from Radio City, and I remember really not being able to tell which were the actual Rockettes, and which were mirror images.  DPAC used a movie screen instead of mirrors, so it was a little easier to tell who was the real deal, but still a great scene. I thought the whole show was great, and even though it was 80 degrees outside (crazy North Carolina weather) the Nativity Scenes and Christmas carols definitely started to get me in the holiday spirit!  

I'm so glad I had the chance to see the Rockettes again--I think they are worth seeing over and over  and over again!  If you ever get the chance to see them, jump on it!

boston!

This past weekend, I headed up to Boston to visit my best friend who moved up there in May.  It came at the perfect time--with the stress of work and everything else, a weekend with my best friend was just what I needed.  I flew in on Friday night, and stayed until Monday morning and it was a fabulous, fabulous weekend!  The weather was amazing--Sunday was in the 60s, which was wonderful! 

We ate lots of delicious food, walked around quite a bit, did some shopping, and just generally had a blast.  I'm a huge fan of Newbury Street, and could spend days wandering through all of the shops.  We hit up a few other shopping spots too, and spent the majority of Saturday shopping.  I snagged a sweater I've had my eye on at J.Crew (sale!)

 as well as a cute red headband (can't find a picture), and this great dress from Anthropologie. 

I saw some other great things as well, but I had limited room in my carry-on. 

On Sunday night, we took a Haunted Boston ghost tour, which was AWESOME!  I think ghost tours are such a fun way to learn a little bit of history about the place you are visiting.  I've done them in Prague, Savannah, Charleston, and Beaufort, and I've enjoyed every one!  They don't tend to be that scary, but always have fascinating stories. 

Boston was great, and I can't wait to go back!  However, next time, I'm going to try not to book a 6am flight... that 4am wake up call was not my favorite!

daisies

The last week was a crazy, crazy one, and I am so glad it's over!  Work was nothing short of insane, finishing up our gigantic project, and the stress levels were high all around.  On Wednesday night, when my part of the project was completed, the boyfriend brought me these beautiful pink daisies (my favorite).  It was so thoughtful and I'm thankful to have such a wonderful man in my life :)

Now that the work craziness has momentarily subsided (I have a big event I'm in charge of the beginning of December, so that craziness is about to start) I'm taking a quick break, and am enjoying visiting my best friend in Boston for the weekend!  I flew in on Friday night, and am leaving early early Monday morning, but we've had a great weekend so far, and it has been just the break I needed!

Book Review - The Sweet By & By

Southern Fiction tends to be at the top of my list when it comes to favorite books, and when it happens to be set in North Carolina, I like it even more!

The Sweet By and By (Todd Johnson)

was a fabulous piece of Southern Fiction and I highly recommend it!  I laughed, I cried, it made me think, and it was one of those books that I pulled out of my purse to read every time I had even 3 seconds. 

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A lot of the story takes place in a retirement home, and a the theme that really stood out throughout the book was friendship.  It was a very unique book, that dealt with the process of aging in a sweet and sensitive way.  It really gave me a different perspective on the life of the elderly, and so thankful for those who have a heart and passion to work with them.  This book was one of the best and sweetest I've read in quite awhile!

playing hooky

Between still recovering from being sick last week, and an INSANE work week this week (working til 9 every night), I'm exhausted and it's only lunchtime on Wednesday!  I had some meetings this morning away from the office, and forgot something essential (my laptop) in my rush to get out the door this morning, so I came home for lunch (and to get the laptop!).

I'm sitting on the couch, with Friends on, for a fabulous few minutes that are totally legit (you have to eat lunch, right?) but feel totally like playing hooky to me!  I have a long, long to do list waiting for me at the office, but for right now, I am so content to be on the couch watching Friends and eating in my own little apartment.

Hopefully I can get myself back out of the door shortly--I'm more than ready for this week to be over, and have lots to look forward to as the powers-that-be decided to give us Friday off since we have been working in majorly excessive amounts to pull off our big project that wraps up tomorrow.  And not only do I get a free day off Friday, I was already taking Monday as a vacation day, because I'm going to BOSTON this weekend to visit my best friend, and my flight doesn't get in til Monday morning!  4 day weekend is just in sight--I just need to make it through the next day and a half!

A Shopping Spree

The JLR Shopping Spree was this weekend, and though I missed working my shift on Friday morning because I was still deemed contagious by the doctor, I luckily didn't have to miss shopping!  On Sunday afternoon, I headed to Spree, and as usual, I did not walk away disappointed!

I got two scarves that will be great for gamedays, and at only $8 each, I probably should have picked up a few more!  I also got a pair of brown leggings that are fleece lined--I'm hoping that means they are going to be both extra-comfortable and extra-warm.  I saw this long-sleeved Collared Greens t-shirt, and though I'd never heard of the brand before, I'm always on the lookout for good long-sleeved shirts, and this one caught my eye.  The fabric covered photo board from Laffodil Lane is great--I actually got one in the same pattern last year in a smaller size, and couldn't resist getting the bigger one to match!  I also picked up a Christmas present for the boyfriend, but since he reads this blog (hi baby!), I can't tell you what it is yet!

I am so glad I was able to make it to Spree this year--I look forward to it every year, and it is always a great event!!!

State vs UNC + Whalegate Tour

Saturday was the much anticipated State vs. UNC game.  It was a 12:30 game so we pulled into our parking spot around 7:45, armed with plenty of Bojangle's biscuits & a solid supply of mimosas.  As soon as we got the tailgate all set up, we went in search of the Vineyard Vines Whalegate Tour.

I was excited to finally see the patchwork suburban in real life! 

There was quite a line for the VV tent even at 8:30am!

We scored coozies, chapstick, sunglasses & stickers--definitely worth the hike over to the Student Lot!  It was a great start to the morning, and though the day started out a little too cold for me, it turned out to be a gorgeous day, a great tailgate, and a sweet Wolfpack Victory!  

belk's charity pre-sale

On Friday, I managed to get myself feeling well enough to hit the mall for a couple hours--Belk's was doing a pre-sale for the Saturday Charity Sale, meaning that everything was 20% off, plus my mom had a coupon for 20% off (no exclusions on both) totally up to 40% off everything!  Now that is a deal too good to pass up!  Though I wasn't in top shopping form, I still managed to get a couple of great things:

these pretty ballet flats

this great vineyard vines cardigan

Plus my mom picked up a couple of Christmas presents (she long ago discovered it is better to let me pick them out to be sure that I like them when it comes to clothes--I am quite picky!).  We got a long-sleeved vineyard vines shirt (I can't find a picture online) that is quickly becoming my go-to plain long-sleeved shirt style.  It's the V-neck simple tee, but it's gathered a little around the neck to make it a little nicer than completely plain!  I bought a pink one at the VV store in Charlotte a few weeks ago, so when I saw the white one in my size at Belk's, I grabbed it!  My mom also decided I needed a piece of carry-on luggage, so we picked up a piece of Samsonite that was an amazing deal--it started at $500, but we got it for around $160!  

We also went by the men's store to pick up some Christmas presents for the boyfriend and my dad... hope they like what we picked out! :)

sick!

After a crazy weekend and beginning of the week at work, my body finally decided to say STOP!!!  Tuesday night, my throat started to feel a little like it was on fire... but I had a big event at work on Wednesday night, so not going to work didn't seem like an option (though I was able to run home and take a nap for a bit).  Anyways, by the end of the night, I was pretty miserable, so I stayed home from work today.  I went to the doctor, and after getting my throat swabbed twice, and and it taking 4 tries to draw blood, both the strep and mono test came back negative... so I'm not quite sure what is going on, but they gave me some medicine, which has definitely helped a bit.  There are a couple of things I really need to get done at work, so this isn't the ideal time to get sick, but at the same time, having a day to sit on the couch and do nothing has been much needed.  The boyfriend was super sweet last night and took great care of me--after my work event he made me chicken noodle soup, and was just so wonderful.  Don't know what I'd do without him.

scout: the weekender

I picked this bag up about a month ago during a Junior League sale at one of my favorite stores...

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and it has quickly become one of my favorite purchases.  I use it as my work bag, and throw everything I could possibly need for the day in there--workout clothes, my lunch, my laptop, and a whole lot more.  It's just the right size, and also perfect for an overnight trip.  I really don't know what I did before I owned this bag.  I also am obsessed with navy and white stripes, and pink is my favorite color, so what a perfect pattern for the bag.  Love it, love it, LOVE IT! 

too early

I ran by the mall last week to look for a new pair of jeans, and when I saw them putting up Christmas decorations, I just couldn't believe it.  Not only is it nowhere near Christmas, we haven't even gotten through HALLOWEEN!  There are still two major(ish) holidays between now & Christmas, but already the wreaths and mistletoe and candles are going up.  Before we know it, there will be Christmas music on the radio, and that's just not okay.

It's not that I don't like Christmas--it's that mid-October is entirely too early to start decorating the mall for it.  Before we know it, the Christmas decorating is going to start so early that we'll have barely finished cleaning up from the year before!  The Christmas season isn't nearly as special if it encompasses 1/4 of the year--that takes away from all the fun of anticipating and getting excited when you first see Christmas decorations go up. 

I remember as a child, getting excited when the town would start to decorate--putting the wreaths up on the lightpoles and wrapping all kinds of things in garland.  It was exciting to see all of the Christmas things out, to see the Christmas tree stands start springing up, and to go pick out a tree.  On Friday, when I saw Christmas decorations in the mall, I cringed.  I don't want that to be my reaction to Christmas, but I also don't want Christmas to start in October! 

rant

This is a particularly stressful season at work, and I'm overwhelmed.  I feel like I'm doing more than I've ever done before, working harder, juggling more things, and since I've been doing this job for over a year now (my job changes a lot depending on the time of year), I'm able to do things at a higher quality, now that I've been through it all once.  I work over 8 hours most days, and 12 hour days are not uncommon.  I'm putting a lot into work, and I feel like I definitely miss out on other things because of it.  I work at a non-profit, so I'm definitely not bringing home the big bucks.  I like what I do, and I appreciate the chance I have to make a difference, so I'm not ready to give it up, but right now it is really hard.  We are in the middle of a project that is supposed to be volunteer-driven, and my volunteers are struggling.  We aren't making the progress we need to make, and it is reflecting poorly on me.  I left work at 7:30 tonight because I couldn't hold it together anymore, and needed to come home and have a good cry in the boyfriends arms.  I don't know what else to do to motivate the volunteers to get things done, and time is running out.  I want to go to grad school for something that is very closely related to what I'm currently doing, but when I was in college, I never in a million years thought I'd want to go back to school, so my grades were average, but not really grad school material.  I feel like I really need to succeed at one particular project I'm working on, because it will help with that grad school application, but that isn't the project that all eyes are on right now.  I'm trying to keep all the plates spinning, but I'm terrified that they are all going to come crashing down soon.  I can't wait until mid-December when things finally calm down some. 

Until then... I guess I'm just going to take deep breaths and hope that tomorrow is a better day!

road trip: charlottesville edition

This weekend, the boyfriend and I, along with some of our friends, jumped in the Suburban to head up to Charlottesville for the NC State-UVA Game.  We waited a little later than we should have to book a hotel, so we ended up staying about 30 minutes outside of Charlottesville, but we still had a blast! 

We found a free parking lot near the basketball arena, and were in good company with lots of other State fans!  The tailgate was a highlight of the day, as always.  We made quite a few new friends, and enjoyed ourselves immensely.  It was a gorgeous day for football, and a Wolfpack win only made it better!

This was my first away game experience, and I had a great time.  I'm looking forward to another one next year (though I'm hoping it doesn't fall on the same weekend as homecoming at my alma mater again... I was sad to miss that, but we bought these tickets months and months ago).

The hard thing about weekend trips is that you feel like you need another weekend to catch up on everything you didn't do while you were gone, plus unpacking and doing your laundry from the trip.  I'm really looking forward to a free weekend where I can get the apartment clean, get caught up on my personal to-do list, and then lay around and catch up on my books and magazines.  Unfortunately, I don't know that I have a free weekend until around Christmas! 

state fair!

the State Fair is in town!

I look forward to the fair every year and always enjoy going!  The boyfriend and I went the other night and, as always, it was a great time.  I entered a photo in the photo contest, so we went to check that out--no ribbons for me, but we had so much fun looking at all the entries, and it was exciting to see my picture hanging up!  

We, of course, ate lots of delicious food.  Some of the highlights were deep fried pecan pie (which the boyfriend described as "heaven on a stick"--and I'd have to agree!), NC State ice cream (mint chocolate chip, my favorite), biscuits (sausage for me, ham for him).  

I used to ride ALL the rides when I was younger--and the more twists, turns, and flips, the better--but I'm not so much of a ride person anymore.  I had to do some research in college on the rides at fairs & amusement parks, and that was enough to make me want to stay on the ground!  So instead of riding rides, we walked around, and did some people-watching, and tried to work on our photography skills.  Unfortunately, a lot of the exhibits were closed by the time we were there (those are my favorite part these days), but there's plenty to see just walking around.

I wish I was able to go again this year, but we're heading to Charlottesville tomorrow for the NCSU vs. UVA game, so it isn't in the cards for this year.  I guess it's time to start looking forward to next year!