Mingle Monday...and meet Busy

I'm linking up again with Meg to Mingle on Monday. 

Normally, I just ramble about whatever, but today I wanted to post about Meg's question...."Are you a dog person or a cat person"

Personally, I think not liking animals (dogs in particular) is a character flaw.

Cue:  Meet my Busy girl.

Busy is my year and a half old black lab.  She's the product of a beautiful black lab Gracie and an unknown father (she's my bastard child).  She has costed me more than a semester of college (or a year!) when she broke her hip at 9.5 months.  But she is so worth it.  

My parents (and I) also have an 11 year old chocolate lab named Coley.  He is literally the SWEETEST dog in the history of dogs.

Snuggling with Coley B.

Being sassy and giving me a high five.

The king, our Coley B

Giving the side eye

Sunday Social

Hello my friends, I have just gotten back from the Ole Miss baseball game where I froze my hiney off.  I literally still can't feel my legs. 

I'm linking up again with Ashley & Neely for another Sunday Social...

1. What is your favorite thing about spring?

I love all the arts festivals and concerts in Oxford.  I also love going to baseball games.  Can you tell I love sports?

 

2. What is your favorite kind of flower to grow or receive?

I'm really not a flower girl.  I do love some hydrangeas in any color.  I really want my parents to plant one in our backyard.

3. What is your favorite nail polish color?

I always pick off polish and can't paint my own nails.  I always joke that I missed that girl trait. But I love anything OPI or Butter.  OPI I am a sucker for Cajun Shrimp in the Summer and Lincoln Park After Dark in the fall/winter

4. What is your favorite outdoor activity?

I LOVE going on my parents "party barge" boat.  Also I love to eat crawfish (is that an outdoor activity). Also any type of yard game!

5. Do you have any fun spring plans? Details! :)

Sadly, no.  I am going home for Easter for my dear guy friends wedding.  I'll be going to a lot of weddings (hello 27!).  In May I'm going to Lawrence, KS to see my cousin play baseball!

  

Pit & Peak Friday!

I'm linking up again this week with Allie & Brin (who is a Blissdom this weekend).  I'm quite jealous of you Brin, and hopefully I can go next year...maybe if I actually make it public knowledge that I have a blog..HA!

The Rules for those you are DYING TO KNOW!

Pit - Bad Peak - Good Link up *This is So Easy!   {Pit} Unexpectedly finding out a friend died of cancer. Really sucks (to put it nicely) A long LONG week at work! Uncertainty with my job next year (hooray federal grants). Allergies--hello spring
{Peak} The Rebels are playing today (hoping they can win today) Dinner last night with my Oxford Family @ Rice & Spice It's a home baseball weekend with the Rebels and we are celebrating my dear friend Michael's birthday! My dear friend from home is planning her wedding in New Orleans! Hooray, what a fun surprise when she texted me about it. 

Link up and comment on my post.  Would love to hear about everyone's week!

Mingle Monday & relying on some faith.

Today, I'm linking up with Meg for another Mingle Monday.

I'm normally a happy, go with the flow, humorous person.  But today, after learning of the death of a former co-worker.  I'm leaning hard on faith.

John 14:1-4 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.”

Let's Go Dancing

Yesterday, while sitting at BWW with our tailgating group watching the Rebels play Vanderbilt, I looked at Jessica and at the same time, we were like...so if the Rebels win, we are going to Nashville tomorrow.  So after a few more beers and confirmation from our friends, I bought 7 Tickets to see the Rebs play Florida for the SEC Championship.

Ran into my sweet Emmy while getting tickets...can you believe she's 22 weeks pregnant?

My sweet daddy is so excited for this baby as Emmy is one of his favorite people.

Ran into our head football coach.  Love Coach Freeze

Coach Freeze telling my mama the cookies he likes the best.

When we FINALLY took the lead for the first time ever.

The Rebs are SEC Champions. I've never been able to say that in all my years being a fan!

My best Rebel friend--always a good time with this friend!

 I still and on Cloud 9 about the Rebels winning.  Jessica and I drove home together and I kept reading her tweets and laughing about all the crazy things that people were saying.  Even though we may not go far in the Tournament, it's nice to finally going to the BIG DANCE.  And to say #WAOM in a positive way.  

Hotty Toddy!

Social Sunday...

I'm back with a Sunday Social with Ashley and Neely

I just got back from Nashville where the Rebels won the SEC Championship.  I'll be posting about that tonight--I am EXHAUSTED!!!

1. What is your favorite thing to do on a rainy day?

I love to Sleep---or watch TV in bed. I know that is crazy, but there is really nothing better than a good rain nap!

2. What is your favorite thing to do on a summer weekend?

Summer Concerts and going on my parents boat on Sardis lake. I pretty much think we are the Redneck Riviera.  

3. What is your favorite spring activity?

Ole Miss Baseball games...sitting in Left Field having a nice drink or cheering in my seats.

4. What is your favorite way to spend a winter day?

In Chicago, I loved to go sledding growing up. Mississippi has mild winters, but they are still cold.  I love to make a big pot of soup and just be cozy inside.

 

5. What is your favorite season and why?

Fall--Football season in the Grove.  Just recently named one of the 50 places to see in the US. 

 

6. What is the best birthday you ever had?

Birthdays were always a really big deal in my family.  My 21st was awesome. I spent it with my friends and celebrated at midnight at the casino.  

 

Pit & Peak & Puppy Saturday

I'm back with Pit and Peak via Allie & Brin again this week!

{Pit}

• Having to work during Spring Break. No students are here, therefore there isn't much for me to do.
• Traveling for work two of those days.

• A lousy migraine on Wednesday Night that had me feeling miserable.

{Peak}

• Working from Oxford 2 days this week.
• Renting out my condo for 3 weeks to a family relocating to Oxford.
• Babysitting sweet puppy Zoe yesterday and today.
• The Rebels winning last night---yay Hotty Toddy Rebs
• Getting a lot of necessary shopping done for upcoming weddings, birthdays, engagements, Thank You presents (and staying pretty much under budget).
• Joining the doTerra Team. I'm kinda granola in the fact that I like natural aids and homeopathic remedies, so when my friend Kristen told me about it, I jumped at the chance to get some.  Joining the team means that I get get at wholesale. I'm not really into the whole "selling" concept, but if anyone is interested, please let me know and I'd be happy to help you!

Seriously, how cute is Zoe?  She is so funny!

Viva Las Vegas

In February, we finally took our long awaited trip to Vegas with our dearest Mississippi friends.  Rachel and I met freshman year, and have been close friends ever since.  We even lived together in the summer before our senior year at the condo.

Our families also became good friends and my dad and Rachel's youngest sister, Robin (aka Baby) also share a birthday.  So on Baby's 21st birthday, she and my dad decided they were going to go to Vegas in 2 years for my dad's 70th birthday.  We really never thought it would happen, but alas, after many crazy travel plans and their middle sister Renee's flight being canceled and moved to Saturday, we ALL made it. 

We spent 4 days, laughing, eating and walking around. The highlight was seeing Jersey Boys.  I also won about $100 throughout the weekend. Sunday, RockStar, my parents and I all went to the Grand Canyon.  This has been on my bucket list and I was so happy to experience it.  It also made me aware that I may have fear of heights!

Baby and I at New York New York

Baby, Rach and I at Red Rock Canyons.

Jersey Boys

The whole crew

After our fun Vegas trip, we decided that next trip we are going to the beach!

Keeping Austin Weird

When I heard my friend Angela was having her Bachelorette Party in Austin, I jumped at the chance to visit a city I had never been.  I have always wanted to visit.  Even better, it was a chance to see my friend Jimmy from HS and his lovely wife, Clare.  Also, I got to introduce them to my cousin Taylor and hang out with him as well.

Angela and I out on the first night!

I got in late Friday Night and met everyone out as they were finishing dinner.  We ended up at a fun little bar (that had like pacman games around for people to enjoy).  I kept begging for someone to get food truck food with me after we left the bars, but no one would :-(

The fried chicken eggs benedict

Saturday, we were treated to a beautiful spa day at VIVA Day Spa.  It was wonderful and next time I'm in Austin, I want to take full advantage of getting a massage (I got a pedicure instead).  Before, we had an awesome lunch at Haddington's.  I highly recommend if you are ever in town.  The Terrytown cocktail is awesome, and the cheese plate was worth it x two (as seen when we got another one).

Cheers to Angela and a relaxing day!

I was then able to sneak away and have a beer with my cousin and catch up on life with him. Normally when we are together, it's always for a big event (sporting event, family wedding etc), so rarely do I ever just get to sit down and enjoy the visit.  Being with "my people" has been so wonderful lately. I'm so proud of him and his fun (yet eventful life) in Austin.

Loving on the Good JuJu Panda.

That night, we also found the "Good JuJu Panda" who wanders Austin giving good luck.  Being an AOII, the panda is our mascot and Angela and I took about 10000 pictures with GJP.  Unfortunately, later that night someone ripped GJP's head off and he was destroyed. We were really upset about this, but glad we got to have some Good JuJu before his demise.

Brunch with my Cousin

Jimmy & Clare

Pippa the pup!

Since I took a night flight out, I was able to sneak brunch with my friends and cousin.  This place was seriously amazing.  Bouldin Creek Cafe.  It's vegetarian, but I promise, anyone can find something they'll like here!  After I said goodbye to everyone, I wandered up South Congress, bought some Kendra Scott earrings and just enjoyed the local life.  I could seriously see myself moving to Austin, and I'm already planning a trip back, including when Jessica goes for a conference in May!

It's always scary to go to a Bachelorette with a group that you don't really know.  These girls are awesome and i can't wait to see them in less than a month!

Sunday Social....I'm Back!

I'm back to link up with Ashley & Neely for another Sunday Social.  

I have fallen off the blogging wagon and I've really missed it. I find myself writing blog posts in my head, but by the time I get home, I'm just so exhausted.

1. What is one movie you are terrified to watch?

I hate anything scary. I don't do it.  And I also stay away from "end of the world", "it could happen type movies". Nope, I don't even go there.

2. What is one TV show you have always wanted to get into but haven't yet?

I want to watch Girls, Big Bang Theory, and Pretty Little Liars.  I didn't even get into Biggest Loser this season and normally I'm addicted.

3. What is one daring activity on your bucket list?

Oh tons, skydiving and flying to Australia.  Both freak me out a little, but I still want to do it!

4. Would you ever travel alone?

I travel alone for work a lot.  I really don't mind it. I don't mind doing airports by myself. Traveling in airports with my parents stress me out a little.

5. What activities do you like to do alone?    

Watch TV & craft.  I also shop a lot by myself, but should probably have a friend to talk me out of ridiculous purchases.

Pits & Peaks!

I'm so excited to be back and linking up with Allie & Brin for Pits and Peaks.

- Pit = The low part

- Peak = The high part

-Follow your hosts

- Grab a button

-Look around and find some new friends.

{Pit}

-Coming home from Vegas :-(  

-One of my members from my service organization leaving for a new job

-Chaperoning the sorority date party (more for the lack of sleep that night)

{Peaks}

-Winning $100 in Vegas!

-Seeing Jersey Boys (I'm obsessed)

-Going to Jackson tonight for Christopher Robbins 30th birthday crawfish boil!

-Ummm Hello---it's College Baseball opening day! I'm cheering for the Rebs as usual but will keep a close eye on the KU Jayhawks for the Center Fielder who is my cousin. 

I'm happy to be back in the blog swing of things!

Valentine Swap

I was so excited to participate in Meg's Valentine's swap.  Since there was an odd number....Nancy sent something to me, while I sent things to Stephanie!  Nancy is awesome.  She is a breast cancer survivor and generally just kicks ass (I'm allowed to swear on my blog...booyah!).  I was so excited to get my package when I got home last night!!  We were able to get to know each other through a few little comments about ourselves.

Nancy sent the greatest little gifts.  I really needed this little pick me up.  Who doesn't love getting something in the mail.

Fuzzy socks, Swedish Fish, lotions, gummy bears.  AND a present for my precious BUSY!!!

Can you tell the Sassy Sister loved her treat? She was so tired from being at the vet that she just fell asleep in the chair with her new toy!

I absolutely LOVE blog swaps and can't wait till I'm blog savvy enough to host one of my own--I'm thinking an animal swap?  Any interest?  Send treats to other bloggers pups

Book swap with Ashlea!

I was so excited to be paired up with Ashlea for the book swap with Kimberly.  I LOVE to read, but lately haven't been reading as much as I want.  It's on my list of 101 in 1001 (to read a book using every letter of the alphabet).  After emailing back and forth, I knew Ashlea and I were going to make great partners.  She has the cutest girls and is planning her wedding now. 

I had originally planned to read the book while I was out on leave, but I'm so glad I saved it for my plane trip to Vegas (more on that later).  I must've looked like an idiot because I boo-hooed through the entire thing.  If you are looking for a good fast read...I highly recommend anything by Kristin Hannah.  I even sent Ashlea a Kristin Hannah book (Firefly Lane).

Love, War, Life, Death!

The beautiful view on the way to Vegas!

Farewell Big Bad Pop Up

My parents and I ventured to the last Big Bad Pop Ups from City Grocery. I'm so sad to see it go and hope they will continue in some sort of fashion in the future!

The great menu!

I started with the Gumbo..it was great!

Mom got the Johnny's snack

My Midnight Snack-----it was great!

 

 

 

 

Dad's catfish that Matty made!

Mingle Monday

Hey Everyone,

Linking up again with Meg for Mingle Monday!  Hello to any new followers that come my way.  

A little recap of me---I'm a twenty-something former Chicago Suburbanite, that came to college in Mississippi and never left!  I work for my beloved Alma Mater (Ole Miss--HOTTY TODDY).  You can find me blogging random events of Mississippi such as football games, basketball games and eating out!  I also am obsessed with my lab puppy Busy. Also, I seem to be on the wedding circuit these days. 

Basically you can say, Illinois raised me, Mississippi made me. 

Pits & Peaks Links up TGIF

I'm linking up for the fourth week of Pit(s) & Peak(s) with Allie & Brin.

What is this again?  A little a la Kardashian.

Pit- Lowest part of the week

Peak- Highest Part of the week

Link up and meet new people

{Pits}

-sitting at home again on "medical leave"

-The Rebs losing big time on ESPN to Kentucky

{Peaks}

-sleeping in everyday (there are a lot of good things about this medical leave)

-Going to Big Bad Pop Ups for week 4

-Working on our Superbowl party fun

-I made some really good Beet Hummus

-I made a lot of Progress on the Race that I'm in charge of.

-Paying off a little of some of my crazy medical bills. I have a good job, good insurance and WHY do I still have crazy med bills?

 

Mingle Monday

I'm linking up again with Meg for another Mingle Monday. Her blog is super cute!

I'm on day 6 of bed rest/house arrest.  As much as I've loved the down time and snuggle time with Busy and Coley B. I'm ready to get back in the swing of things!  I am going back to my part time job tonight, but that's only 2 hours.

I'm currently accepting book & movie suggestions!

Sunday Social

Greetings from my "I'm going crazy, I can't sit still, I'm feeling good, but not great" bed on this Social Sunday.  I'm once again linking up with Ashley & Neely.

1. What is your ideal way to relax?

-Oh a nice HOT bath, with a beer or a glass of wine while I watch some trashy TV show (I tend to run to my parents house and do this as their bathroom boasts a TV in it--thank you previous ownsers)

 

2. Where is your favorite place to be?

-Oxford, MS (thankfully I live here).  A close second and third are Target and Nordstrom.  

3. Who do you consider your biggest role model?

-Definitely my mother, she is amazing.

4. What does your life look like in 3 years?

-Oh lord. I hope I have a job that I LOVE and maybe a husband, or at least a boyfriend (I can hope right?).  I wouldn't mind being in Oxford, but also maybe a bigger city!

5. If you could go back and change one decision, what would it be?

-Leave my comfort zone my freshman year and make friends and not listen to what others thought of the "Yankee" girl.

6. What is your biggest accomplishment in life so far?

-Running in 2 half marathons and graduating with my Master's Degree.

Big Bad Pop Ups Week 2

I decided I was well enough to go to the second week of Big Bad Pop Ups in Oxford this week.  It was a big mistake as I am SO tired today.  This week featured guest chefs from Hog & Hominy in Memphis, TN. My dear Grad School Friend, Mary Elizabeth was in town from Charleston for a funeral so she joined my parent and I, along with sweet Caroline!

The menu

Caroline and her corn dog!

Me & Mary Elizabeth

My sweet  mom and dad

the lamb gnocchi

the roasted carrots

oyster stew

the parsnips, i didn't care for them

the poutine (so great!)

the canoli!

Den & Caroline had happy plates

I'm hoping next week will be better! It wasn't terrible, by any means, but last week was just incredible!