Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Musical Interlude...

So here's a little song I'm particularly feeling at the moment. So... drum roll pleaseeeee...here's "Fine Line" by Little Big Town. I might start doing this more often. By the way... absolutely love Little Big Town. Saw them in concert. Amazing. Check out some of their other songs liiiike "Good As Gone," "Boondocks," "A Little More You," and "Bring it on Home." I assure you, you will enjoy them.

A wise man once said...

I recently came across a quote by Dali Lama which I absolutely loved. I had planned to use it as a quote of the day but after some investigation, I found an extension of the quote which I must share. I know it may be a little dated but I feel like it speaks such great advice.

Dali Lama's words for the year 2000
1. Take into account that great love and great achievements involve
great risk.

2. When you lose, don't lose the lesson.

3. Follow the three R’s: Respect for self, respect for others,
responsibility for all your actions.

4. Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful
stroke of luck.

5. Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.

6. Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.

7. When you realize you've made a mistake,
take immediate steps to correct it.

8. Spend some time alone every day.

9. Open your arms to change, but don't let go of your values.

10. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.

11. Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think
back, you'll be able enjoy it a second time.

12. A loving atmosphere in your home
is the foundation for your life.

13. In disagreements with loved ones,
deal only with the current situation.
Don't bring up the past.

14. Share your knowledge. It's a way to achieve immortality.

15. Be gentle with the earth.

16. Once a year, go someplace you've never been before.

17. Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love
for each other exceeds your need for each other.

18. Judge your success by what you had to give up
in order to get it.

19. Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon.

I think if everyone lived their lives according to these words, we'd all be happier and little better off. (p.s. the original quote I found and loved was #1)



Monday, November 16, 2009

Monday, November 9, 2009

Quote of the Day

"What I need is someone who will make me do what I can."
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

A beautiful beginning...

My dearest Sarah... my best, best friend in the whole world... the one who's been by my side since, oh, I don't know, birth is getting married to her high school sweetheart, Danny next June. Needless to say, I'm elated! And was so excited when they asked me to take engagement pictures of them. Here are a few of the beautiful and effortlessly in love couple!

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By the way, did I mention they're high school sweethearts? Yup! They're just 22 and they've been dating for 8 years! Since freshman year of high school. Amazing. Isn't that every girl's dream at some point? To marry they're high school sweetheart... it was mine at least. It's like a fairy tale :) I love them both dearly and I'm soooo happy for them! Can't wait for the big day. (And yes, I'm in the wedding party!!)

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Quote of the Day

"For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone."-Audrey Hepburn

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Movie Nighttt

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So I've gone to the movies a lot lately... well twice in the past couple weeks but that's a lot for me. Anyways... I saw Law Abiding Citizen last night. Another friggin awesome movie! Very intense. A little gruesome. Lots of action. One of those movies you have to pay attention in... like we were trying to figure it out the whole time and we were totally wrong in the end lol but who likes a predictable movie?? Go see it! K? K.

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Halloweenie!

How was your Halloween weekend?? Mine was fan-freaking-tastic! I had a little shindig at my house :) Here are some snapshots from the festivities!
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My wonderful jack-o-lanterns!
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a pirate, bat woman & a biker chick
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some of my spooky decorations
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some of the boys
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Little Red Riding Hood & myself
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most of the ladies!

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Quote of the Day

"Life is a series of choices; a big combination of moments... little ones that add up to big ones, that create who you are."
-Will Schuster (Glee)

Monday, October 26, 2009

Nostalgic

If I've learned anything in my life so far it is that change is constant and inevitable. Sometimes change is hard, sometimes it's desired. But no matter what, it's part of life and we all must deal with it. And because of change, we have lots of things to look forward to and lots to miss....
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Here are some things I am currently missing (both short term & long term...)

1. my tan
2. high school Homecoming week
3. playing softball & field hockey
4. my summer clothes
5. Sara & Danny 0:-)
6. not worrying about money or the future
7. not worrying about what I look like
8. TGIF friday night sitcoms with Sarah
9. ridiculous games we made up and could play for days on end
10. my car (currently in the shop)
11. having rules to break
12. my Pop-Pop's old boat
13. how inseparable my old group of friends were
14. the excitement of waking up to snow on the ground
15. trick or treating
16. when cell phones were just... phones
17. innocence and naivety

photo copyright me! :)

Friday, October 23, 2009

Quote of the Day

"Never compromise yourself. You're all you've got."-Janis Joplin

Thursday, October 22, 2009

I Believe in....

Sometimes I feel like everyone gets so caught up in the day-to-day, hustle bustle life... what's next on their to-do list, the next place they have to be, that they forget to slow down and just believe in something... so here's a few things

I believe in... :)

...my Lucy dog's excitement when I come home (& her sad face when I'm leaving)

...the theory that laughter is the best medicine for anything

...holding each other as tightly and as closely as possible

...getting your groove on

...being overdressed

...long kisses

...singing along to your favorite songs (no matter how horrible your singing voice is)

...un-awkward, completely comfortable silences

"...the sand beneath my toes" (sorry, had to! because it's true.)

...YOU! :)

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Now Open for Business!

Just opened up a little etsy.com shop for my photography!
I'd love it if ya'll would check me out!
*More images coming in the next few days*

You can also go to my Facebook page & become a fan, if ya'd like!
Thanks much! :)

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Paranormal Activity

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Sooo I saw the movie Paranormal Activity last night. Easily the best horror flick I've ever seen. It get's 2 thumbs up from me. I highly recommend it to all you horror film lovers out there. I personally LOVE TV shows like Ghost Hunters... this movie reminded me a lot of the show. Except it takes the concept to a whole new, terrifying level. You must see it! Be prepared to sleep with a light or the TV on though.... just a friendly warning :)

Quote of the Day

because we could all use a little inspiration every now & then...
"Sometimes the expected simply pales in comparison to the unexpected. You gotta wonder why we cling to our expectations, because the expected is just what keeps us steady; standing still. The unexpected is what changes our lives."-Grey's Anatomy

It's been a while....

So terribly sorry about my absence recently. I've been feverishly searching for a job... with little to no success so far. I'd been feeling a bit down on myself about it and just wasn't in the mood to blog. But, no worries! I'm back, and more confident and determind as ever. Now I just have to get back into my routine. :)

Since my little break from the blog world, one of my best friends in the entire world decided to start a blog of her own. Shannon is a tiny fire ball of energy who has recently decided to jet off to the west coast to follow her dreams. She's always been a Cali girl at heart and I'm so proud of her for taking such a big risk! That said, I'm going to miss her terribly. Hopefully her daily posts on her blog Beach Bum's Diaries will help me still feel connected to her despite the fact that she's hundreds of miles away :) love you shanny!

Check it out, pleasssse!
P.S. Here's a few of my fave pics of Shanny & I! As you can see, we're always laughing...
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don't worry, she doesn't wear this shirt by choice. it's her work uniform lol
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on her 21st!
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Tuesday, October 6, 2009

A few of my favortie things...

...this week, of course.
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1. breakfast for dinner
2. halloween decorations
3. running into old acquantances
4. that rewarding feeling you get after a good work out
5. giving my pup a new toy
6. the sky... the clouds & the sun are so beautiful this time of year
7. fortune cookies
8. socks
9. people watching
10. gushers

photo copyright me! :)

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Quote of the Day

"Happiness often sneaks in through a door
you didn't know you left open."
-John Barrymore

Where the Wild Things Are

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Ok so, I, as a 22-year-old adult, am super excited for this movie to come out. I remember reading Where the Wild Things Are as a kid. That being said, am I the only one who things that this movie is going to be totally terrifying for children?? When I was young, I was scared to death of ET, Edward Scissorhands, etc. I feel like this movie is going to be like that for many kids. I mean, yes, the movie is based off of a child's imagination but I'm not sure an actual child viewing the movie is going to comprehend that. I think all they're going to see are giant furry monsters. Just saying...

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Quote of the Day

"After a while, you just want to be with
the one who makes you laugh."
-Mr. Big (Sex in the City)

I'm back!!

So sorry for my absence for the past week... I needed a little break. But during my time away I had the most amazing day at a concert we call Sunday in the Country - a full day of country music!! Some of you may think this sounds like torture but to all of you who have been to country concerts, you know the truth. Here are some pics from that fantastic day!
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sold out crowd!
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me & em!
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cowboy boots <3
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me, danielle, & our fave twins
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a little craziness
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everyone lean back!
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when our man, darius rucker, came on stage!

p.s. it's been quite cold around these parts the past few days & I do not like it one bit! Ugh. Come back summer!!

Monday, September 21, 2009

Sunflowers <3

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Someone in my little town decided to give everyone a little added joy at the start of this fall... with acres and acres of sunflowers! This is just one tiny field of them. There's about 6 all over my town. There are sunflowers EVERYWHERE! How can you not look at them and be totally happy? I don't think it's possible. They are starting to "frown" a bit though, which means they will soon be leaving us. So I had to snap a few pics to make them last :) enjoy!

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Quote of the Day

"Why try to fit in when you were born to stand out?"-How to Deal

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

VMA best & worst

After flipping through pics from the red carpet Sunday night at the VMAs, I've picked a few of my faves and not-so-faves of the evening...

First of all, Lady Gaga has officially lost her damn mind...
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Phantom of the Opera?? This was prob her most normal outfit of the night.... as scary as that is.
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Some may call this creative and artistic, maybe even metaphorical. I call it creepy.
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I'm wondering how she navigated herself on stage with red lace over her face.... this again reminds me of blood. Which is creepy... again.
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What does one call this? Is it a nest? Are you a bird, Lady Gaga?

Whew... she's exhausting. To me, there's a difference between being edgy and fashion-forward and completely insane. Ms. Gaga has totally crossed that line.

And on that note... here's some more horrible ensembles (in my opinion).
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Kanye, I still hate you. And you look like a tool with that bottle of liqueur in your hand. And as for your girl... what the hell is that?? I guess Amber Rose wanted to know what it's like to be a snake? Ugh.
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Stephanie Pratt, you look like a 14-year-old girl dressing in her mom's clothes. Please eat a sandwich.
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GASP! Pink and Shakira wore the same dress! To the same event! And neither look too happy about it. Ok, let's play that game... who wore it best?? I'm leaning Shakira.
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Oh Katy Perry, you look like a figure skater who's missing her skates. I love the top half, but maybe if it were an actual dress...
Luckily you're hot enough to pull this off. Touche.
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Jolene, I love you show Nitrus Circus but the VMAs are not the prom... just saying.

And my very few faves...
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Ms. Chung, fab as always.
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Amerie with a simple, tastful, flattering number. That color is perf on you.
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This black & white wrap mini is oh-so-pretty on your silhouette, LC. And your hair is so chic... very Taylor Swift ;)
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Gorgeous, Nelly. Just gorgeous. As usual.
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You know you love her, xoxo. Yes Leighton, yes I do. I'm a little undecided on those shoes, though. They're fab, but do they give her kankles??
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Tory Burch, you are just so cute.

Annnd that's all folks! :)

Quote of the Day

"One good thing about music - when it hits you,
you feel no pain."
-Bob Marley

Monday, September 14, 2009

The Diss of the Century

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OMG.
No you didn't, Kanye. Not even cool.

If any of you have been hiding under a rock and haven't heard or seen what Kanye West did to poor Taylor Swift last night at the VMAs here's a quick recap...
Taylor won the VMA for Best Female Video of the Year and was on stage accepting her award and giving her thanks when Kanye came up, took the mic from her, and said "Oh sorry Taylor, I'm happy for you & I'ma let you finish but I just wanted to say that Beyonce had the best video of all time!"

Now, honestly, I could say a lot of very, very angry words about this but I'll keep it short and sweet.

Kanye,
You are a selfish, cocky SOB. You ARE NOT God, as you may think. And although you may also think that your opinion matters to the entire world, you are sadly mistaken. Taylor Swift is the shit. And even though you're obviously jealous of her early, young success (since you failed miserably as a young man), that was just about the rudest, most disrespectful display of actions I've ever seen, and Taylor is about the last person who deserves that. I will never again purchase your music.

Taylor,
You go girl!!! You are an amazingly talented, humble, successful, beautiful, intelligent young lady & you handled yourself with such grace, it makes me proud! You're awesome.

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(Later in the show, Beyonce won the VMA for Best Video of the Year - ironic Kanye. Should have just kept your mouth shut ass hole. When Beyonce accepted her award, she called Taylor back on the stage to have her moment.)

Beyonce,
I have tons of respect for you for what you did. You obviously didn't agree with Kanye's actions. I've never really been a huge fan of yours but now I kinda like you. You def did the right thing.

I've heard rumors that it was a set up, but I don't think it is. They all looked so shocked. Any opinions?

Sunday, September 13, 2009

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Danny Lee Gruzs
May 9, 1987 - September 13, 2008


Today marks the one year anniversary of my dear friend Danny's death. Over the past 10-ish years I've lost several young friends and acquaintances to completely different tragic incidences. Danny and my friend Sara, who died when we were just 13, were the two who were closest to me. While today is incredibly painful, I have to remember the good times I had with Danny and understand that fate had it's hand in his life. I have always been a strong believer in fate... in fact, my tattoo on my foot reads "fate always wins." I think it's my personal justification for so many young deaths in my life.

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He was a natural goof ball. He alway had a silly grin on his face and always had something up his sleeve. I can still hear his dumb little laugh, which always made me laugh, too. When he walked across the stage at our high school graduation he threw up his hands and yelled "stay classy North Harford!" Just one example of Danny's silly, charismatic personality. I feel so blessed to have known him and have him in my life for as long as I did. And now he's in a better place where he can watch over all of us. Keep gruzsin' Danny. Miss you everyday.

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To all of you who ever consider driving after drinking, let Danny's story be a lesson to you. It's never worth your, or someone else's life.

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This is a poem which always seems to comfort me...

Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.

I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awaken in the mornings hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight,
I am the soft stars that shine at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there, I did not die.

~Author unknown