When I Went to Water Aerobics...

Well, here I am. I don't go in to work today until noon but instead of sleeping in like most normal people would, I let my coworker talk me in to a water aerobics class at 6:00 am. I went to a class once before, but it was a standing class in the shallow end and was not at 6:00 in the morning.

I love swimming. When I lived in Florida I took full advantage of the beautiful pool at our apartment complex. Unfortunately floating around and laying in the sun does not burn calories. The instructor of this class, I think her name was Satan, was determined to make us work.

We did laps, and kicking, and pushups on the wall. Then we did more laps, more pushups, and more laps with weights in our hands and no kicking. Then we climbed out of the water and sat on mats to do some ab work. As soon as I got out of the water I thought I was going to die. I seriously could not move. She walked up and down the rows shouting "OPPOSITE ELBOW, OPPOSITE KNEE..nice tattoo, by the way... Now MOVE!" Complimenting my tattoo did not make me hate her any less at that moment, believe me. We got back into the water and did laps with flippers and kick boards and finished with some stretches.

Now I'm sitting at home sipping on my green smoothie and resigning myself to the fact that I will not be able to lift up any kids at work today. Or raise my arms. Or sit on the floor with any hopes of getting up.

It is nice getting a workout done right away in the morning and I'm sure if I could move I would have a lot of energy. Happy weekend, everyone!
xo Steph

Writers Block and Rambling

How has is been so long since my last blog post? I'm in a funk, guys. Ever since I got back from that wedding, I've just been blue.

I spent one glorious day celebrating and catching up with my friends and family and then it was back to the land of don't-know-anyone and no-one-to-relate-to. I spent most of the trip back wishing I were one of those people who stayed near home and could just pop over to see my family and friends when I wanted to. I also ugly-cried over this song.

 

I blame lack of sleep and 16+ hours in the car.

It sucks still feeling like the 23 year old new kid. Where are all of the people my age? Why is it so hard to connect with anyone and make friends? 

My rant is over. In other news, I'm trying to cut out soda and today was day two without it. I also started crocheting a blanket on a whim. And now I need to go to bed.

xo Steph

It's Ok!

I wasn't going to do this linkup today. I haven't done it in a while. But because there are only a couple more Thursdays left before it's done for good, I had to join in again. 

   

It's ok....

-That I just got emotional watching the beginning of Mrs. Doubtfire, when Sally Field tells Robin Williams she wants a divorce. 

-That I enjoyed enough "Teacher Appreciation" treats and sweets this week to last me all year. 

-That my friend asked me to go to water aerobics at five freaking forty-five in the morning and I still haven't decided. Thanks to the previously mentioned deliciousness though, I don't have much choice.

-That I'm bored of the "Blog everyday in May" posts. Reading 24396798 people post about the same thing each day is a little excessive.

-That I have two baskets of clean laundry sitting in baskets unfolded. 

-And that I only did said laundry so that I had a pair of yoga pants to wear to work tomorrow. 

-That I have a few big decisions to make soon. 

-That I only have to work until noon tomorrow. That's more than ok, it's actually really awesome. 

Happy almost weekend

xo Steph

That Time I Did a Weekend Update on Wednesday

This past weekend was crazy, fast, exhausting, and a big ball of emotions.

Thursday morning I headed to Michigan with a friend for a wedding. After our 8 hour trip we rolled in (looking a hot mess) right on time for the rehearsal.

You can't really tell, but we are drinking Kool-aid bursts and eating Lunchables. Essentials for any road trip. Just like my $5 House of Blues sunglasses. 

Thursday night we all stayed at my parents' house (but didn't actually see my parents because we got back too late) and celebrated Tiff's last single night by watching Pitch Perfect and eating ice cream; just like the old days (except the movie was Mean Girls back then).

Speaking of the old days, this wedding was a wonderful reunion of friends. I am blessed to still be close with the friends I had in high school (and we all went to college together) even though we now live in all different parts of the country.

This is what happens every time we get together. Even 8 years later.

As soon as we all saw each other it was like no time had passed. We laughed until tears rolled down our faces. Then when we started talking about how things have changed and we cried all over again. Even after T&E took off for their honeymoon we stayed and sat on a picnic table outside of the church until ours was the last car in the parking lot.

The wedding was beautiful. Everything was so cute and pinterest-y, and the weather was perfect. And the next morning we were on the road back to real life. Leaving my family and friends behind was really hard, especially after such a short visit. Ang, I wish you could've been there too!

And now it's back to the grind; I have to go finish laundry so I have clean clothes to wear tomorrow. Peace out, girl scouts. 

xo Steph

My Thoughts on Things (Volume 2)

A few weeks back I posted a random collection of my thoughts here. Because I enjoyed writing it (and am suffering some writer's block) I am composing a second volume. Here's what's on my mind lately.

Babies. 
 Unless I directly involve you or strike up the conversation with you, my baby-making plans are not your business. I know you think you're taking an interest in my life. I know you like to make jokes about it. I can take it for the most part. But sometimes it's really intrusive and kind of rude.
 
When Justin and I start thinking about babies, the people who need to know will know. It would just be nice to not be bombarded with questions every time I choose water instead of an alcoholic beverage, or put on a few pounds, or get sick for Pete's sake. That's all. 

Movies. 
I'm not a fan of horror movies in general, but last night I saw a preview for this movie called The Purge. 

This is where I was going to put a picture from the trailer but it's too creepy. Sorry. 

The premise is apparently a town where for one night a year, the purge, all crime including murder is legal. The trailer follows one family who is trying to keep safe on this night. I am kind of appalled by this. Maybe I'm a bit sheltered, but the trailer made my stomach turn. This is not entertainment to me. 

Food. 
Sometimes it's really nice when Justin and I are on separate schedules and eat on our own. That sounds awful. I just mean that I like a few foods that he doesn't like and it's nice to be able to cook them sometimes. Fish and rice, specifically! 

Blogging. 
I wish I had more time to devote to my blog. I'm a little jealous of those bloggers who post every day and it makes me sad that it's been almost a week since I've posted last. I haven't gotten into a posting schedule yet. If anyone has any tips on this, I'd love to hear them. 

Those are my thoughts. I'm off to enjoy my weekend now. 
xo Steph  

Sunday Social 4/21

I've been skipping out on Sunday Social for the last few weeks. I guess I've been skipping out on my blog in general. When I sat down to catch up on my blog reading, my bloglovin' feed said I had 104 posts to read. That's intimidating and just a little bit sad. Anyway, I'm back to Sunday Social this week. 

1. What is your shopping weakness?

I'm really not much of a clothes/shoes/bags shopper. I'm too picky and cheap and usually talk myself out of buying stuff. My biggest weakness is beauty products; face washes, hair products, lotions and scrubs, and makeup. Target is my shop of choice for such things.

2. What is your food weakness?

French fries. Which are without a doubt the reason my bootay is in the shape that it's in. Oh man. When I was in college we would go to this place that had what they called "Super Fries"...The fries were seasoned with season salt and ranch seasoning and topped with cheese (The good shredded kind. Not the nasty cheese sauce), diced tomatoes, green onions, and bacon with ranch dipping sauce. Naughty and delicious. 

3. What is your go to movie to watch when nothing is on?

I prefer watching episodes of a tv show on dvd (in which case I choose Big Bang Theory or How I Met Your Mother) rather than a movie. But if I'm going to watch a movie I almost always pick Just Friends. 

{source}

4. What is your go to breakfast food?

I'm not much of a typical breakfast food person. I usually have a pb&j or cereal because it's quick and easy. 

5. Do you drink coffee? If so, how do you take it?

I do, but not terribly often. I guess how I drink it depends on the situation. If I'm drinking it at home I like using flavored syrup or creamer. My parents and most of my family drink it black so if I'm with them I usually do too. I admit to ordering expensive, sugar-filled  drinks at places like Starbucks. Usually I just opt for Diet Coke. 

Happy Sunday! PS--if you haven't read this post, check it out for some exciting news! :)

xo Steph

Our House Is a Very Very Very Fine House

Yes, you read that correctly: our house. Offer. Accepted. 

There was another showing and offer being made the morning after we wrote ours, but it still only took our realtor 24 hours to get back to us! The wait. was. torture. I couldn't concentrate on anything. After work we went for dinner with some of my coworkers and that's where we were when our realtor called. 

I've obviously been glued to Pinterest scouting out color palettes and home decor like:

This gray and yellow bedroom (also would be pretty for kitchen) {source}

And this beautifully organized laundry room {source}

 I am so excited to have a laundry room, guys. You have no idea. Granted it's in the cold and unfinished basement, but it will be mine. No more laundry card, no more $1.25 to wash clothes and another $1.25 to dry, no more small window of hours that I'm allowed to do laundry. I have big plans to spruce up this area. Big plans.

Like this red and brown bathroom {source}

 

You know what else I have big plans for? My (Ok, our...but we all know Justin isn't as excited about this as I am) private master bathroom. Dream. Come. True. Nice spacious shower stall, beautiful light fixtures, makeup counter. Oh. You want to take a shower? Your bathroom is downstairs. This one is mine.

Piano/Music room {source}

 It has been years since I've had a piano of my own. We had one in my house growing up but when I left for college my parents sold it. Of course I couldn't have one in my dorm room or apartment. Justin's parents have one that they are graciously bestowing upon us (no one there plays it and they have wanted to get rid of it for a while). I'm really excited about this, ok?

We just made our appointment with the home inspector. We're re-working our budget, because obviously things will be a little tighter now with a house payment and all of the things that go along with it. I'm actually really excited to start packing.
 I'm a big kid now.
xo Steph