Christmas Time

Holy cow it's only 25° outside!!!!! I'm sitting here in the florida room with the heat blasting. We still have our christmas tree up (it's fake) and all the other christmas decorations. I'm going to hate it when my mom takes them all down, because it will make our house look so bare. Drake is laying at my feet. He wakes me up every morning (and it's so annoying) but laying infront of my bedroom door and scratching/crying until I open it up for him. Then he'll take a flying leap onto my bed and move around so by that point I can never go back to sleep.



Drake, my family and I had a pretty good christmas this year! Once again the holiday came and went wayyy too fast as it does every year. I'm always doing last minute christmas shopping and I can never believe it's already the end of the year.

Christmas Eve I went to the 11 oclock service with one of my childhood friends, Shannon. Usually the 11 oclock service is still crowded, but this year there weren't that many people there. I just love going to the 11 service because it's peaceful, we light candles at the end and sing Holy Night and by the time I get home and go to sleep it's time for SANTA! I can tell I'm getting old this year (and I'm not a kid anymore) because I wasn't as excited about Christmas as I use to be. Don't get me wrong, I was excited about giving gifts to my parents and seeing their expressions when they opened everything but that wonderment and excitement about Santa and the magic of Christmas isn't there anymore =( I miss it. I want it back.

The first thing we did was open our stockings! Each year my mom puts out a stocking for my dad and I buttttttttttttt my dad and I ALWAYS forget to fill a stocking for my mom! So she's never had hers filled. Well this year I finally remembered to buy her stocking stuffers and when I went to fill her stocking it wasn't there! She said it was old and she threw it away since she's not use to having a stocking filled!? Sooooo I had to make due and put her stocking gifts in a paper bag and tell her this was meant for her stocking. She was so excited!
Drake was even MORE excited because I had gone to PetSmart and filled his doggie stocking with LOTS of goodies! He got some bones and a new monkey toy that has been his favorite since he was a puppy. I think he could smell his bone for a week in my bedroom so by Christmas morning he was trying to tear his stocking down.

This year I got a lot of clothes that I desperately needed. I had gone shopping at the outlets in Williamsburg (my favorite place to shop) before my birthday so the clothes I didn't get for my birthday my mom wrapped up for Christmas. I got 2 purses, lots of money and giftcards, shoes, and basically a lifetime supply of Polo Romance perfume. It's my favorite! I've normally just had one bottle ( which is still expensive! ) and since I'm running low my mom bought me this whole box set so I'm going to be smelling good for maybe the next 2 years! My one gift that I really enjoyed because I needed was a new Northface jacket! I've been using the same 2 for the last 3 years. This one my dad picked out and it's an interesting color. It's a salmon and dark brown (the denali style) so I'm excited to wear it because I've never seen anyone wearing that color!

My dad's big gift this year with the Kindle my mom and I got him. If you haven't heard of the Kindle before it's an amazing gift for anyone who loves to read. My dad reads A LOT and so we ordered it from Amazon.com and it's basically an electronic book. You can download any book almost instantaneously and it does all kinds stuff. It makes your print really big, has a dictionary and all this other cool stuff. My dad's been using it since Christmas day. He already downloaded some new Stephen King book that's out --that's supposedly 1400 pages or something crazy like that! And then he got clothes and giftcards. Ohhhhhhhhhhh but his favorite gift that I made him was a huge picture collage of Drake. He kept staring at it and holding it up all day showing everyone. Out of all his expensive gifts that was his favorite. It was cute.

I got my mom a big Vera Bradley bag this year and other little things. She lovvvvvvved it. She's never had anything Vera Bradley so she was definitely not expecting it.

Well we spent the day with my grandparents (My grandpa and I posed for a picture in our SNUGGIES with santa hats on... I'll have to post that on facebook soon) and we had a good lunch. I drank lots of wine and then was ready for bed by 5 oclock.

Christmas 2009 was a success! Now I'm ready to ring in the New Year with Fred. He's having a toga party at his house sooo I spent all day yesterday running around getting the perfect toga accessories. Look for pictures in the New YEAR!

PS. I don't know if I posted this but I've been working my butt off in my paralegal classes (i'm finally going to be done in the spring) but my grades for this past semester were 4 A's and a B! I was so excited. I even got an A on my 30 chapter exam!! WHOO HOO!!!

SNOW

This past weekend 2 feet of snow was dropped on the lovely city of Arlington, Virginia. It was beautiful and I couldn't believe my eyes we were actually getting that much snow! Luckily, I left Richmond bound for Arlington early Friday morning so I did not get stuck in the snow storm with my car. However, I was snowed in until Monday morning --- and even then I had to get the boys to help shovel me out. I was so nervous my Volkswagon Beatle would not make it up the steep hill in their neighborhood. I kept telling Fred I was scared that Daisy (my car's name) was going to slide back down the hill when I was driving up it.

Still, the snow was beautiful! Friday and Saturday night I was snowwwed in with my amazing boyfriend. Even though we were getting stir crazy we had a lot of fun watching movies, drinking beer, and enjoying each other's company with friends. Fred and I also did Christmas this weekend since I won't see him again until next Wednesday.

I got Fred an Ipod Touch ---he loved it! His Ipod was stolen our senior year at Bridgewater so he was pretty excited to have a new one. Plus, it made me feel so good inside to see his face light up with joy. The minute after he opened it he played with it all night long.

And Fred got me a giftcard to Victoria Secret's (he hattttttttes that store, so I'm pretty shocked he managed to stand in line in order to get me a gift card). Why does Fred hate VS? Well, because when he was younger his older sister would drag him in there all the time and it scarred him for LIFE. Plus he always points out bras or fancy lingerie in there and asks, "Why don't you ever wear that?" and I look at him and tell him that the bra he's pointing at is about $50 and I don't have 50bucks to spend on ONE bra (I usually get all my bra's on discount from Marshall's and Target ... who the hell pays $50 dollars for a bra?!?!) SO yeah, Fred got me a $50 giftcard so now I don't have an excuse as to why I can't buy one fancy bra.
Fred's second gift was a pair of gorgeous matching earrings and necklace from ZALES. The stone is my birthstone (blue) and little diamonds around it. It's very pretty!! It's one of the nicest pieces of jewelry I own. It will look great with a nice dress or with any suits I may be wearing at the law firm... one day.

SO this weekend was a success! Even though I got snowed in and missed the a9/b9 tacky sweater party we were supposed to have in Fredricksburg. I really wish I could have seen all my girlfriends (because I really do need a girls weekend) but spending time with my boyfriend who I hadn't seen in a MONTH was a plus.

I hope everyone had as enjoyable of a weekend as I did!

DISASTER!

Ontop of being stressed out from school and tired from staying up til midnight studying .... the most worst thing possible happened tonight at the Hall residence.

My parents were gone and I was left alone with Drake (my 11month old springer spaniel) for about 4 hours this evening. He curled up next to me in my bed and slept while I was studying Torts. He slept the entire time and was such a good boy UNTIL I needed to jump in the bath (because I really wanted to shave my legs). Even though Drake can be mischevous he's usually pretty good. I thought I had closed my bedroom door all the way (but I guess not). I wasn't in the bath for more than 10min - when I opened the bathroom door Drake was laying there, looking up at me, with BLUE PERMANENT MARKER ALL OVER HIS MOUTH AND PAWS. My stomach dropped. As I stood there with a just a towel wrapped around me I could smell permanet marker everywhere.

I thought to myself please... god I hope the marker is not stained anywhere else.

I took a few steps down the hall and to my horror Drake had BLUE permanent marker spots all over MY MOM'S NEW CARPET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It was like a scene from a horror movie where blood stains have dripped everywhere. Ofcourse the biggest stain from the market was right in the middle of the new carpet.

I didn't know what to do! I turned around and noticed the blue marker all over Drake's paws and legs. Running around my house half naked I push Drake outside and start crying as I dial my parents cellphone to break the news. My mom handled the situation okay even though I know she's devastated. My dad won't talk to me. We JUST had this new carpet and furniture put in the living room. I don't know what to do?!

I looked on the internet and it says hairspray & rubbing alcohol will do the trick. I'm not so sure. Our carpet is a beige and the ink is set in. I hope it comes out. My mom and I are going to try and keep dabbing it for the next few days. It's terrible. My parents were silent the rest of the evening. You can't even watch tv in the living room without your eyes going directly to the permanet marker stains.

If anyone has any suggestions as to how to get this stain out... PLEASSSSSSSSE HELP!

I'm 24 now....

A lot has happened within the last few days.

I turned 24,

and I've been running around doing birthday shopping with grandma, birthday dinner with friends and inbetween all of that studying for my exams next week.

My birthday turned out WONDERFUL. Even though I wasn't as excited about my birthday as I use to be when I was a little kid.

I'm terrible about putting pictures on here, but I will soon (maybe after the Secret Santa party I'm going to next weekend)

BUT here are some of the wonderful things I got for my birthday:

Fred got me a this Northface rain jacket I've been wanting. The weather here has been terrible these last 2months, we've had NOTHING but rain and I don't own a rain jacket. I've been using my Bridgwater umbrella (ella) everywhere I go.

My UNCLE Fred and his family got me a pair of diamond hoop earrings from Kay jewelers. I was really surpised when I opened the box, I wasn't expecting that much from them! The earrings are lovely and they called to tell me that they decided to "splurge" this year since I've been workin hard to finish my paralegal certificate.

Awhile back my mom and I went shopping down at the outlets in Williamsburg (my favorite) and I picked out some clothes so I got that from her

I received some other giftcards and money from co-workers and other family

But my MOST favorite gift was my great-grandmother's engagement ring!

My grandma is still wearing the wedding band that goes with it, but since my mom doesn't wear a lot of rings (because she works at the hospital and is always washing her hands and can't have a lot) she decided to pass it down to me! She had the ring sized and cleaned and it's beautiful! I love it. I just don't know what finger to wear it. I usually just wear two rings. One that Fred gave me last year for my birthday and my college ring. So the only finger I have available to put it on is my ring finger (but people say that's bad luck) so I guess I'm going to have to alternate between wearing the diamond ring and my college ring on the same finger

Altogether, I had a great birthday! I can't believe another YEAR has flown by. THIS MEANS this time next year I have to be moved out of my house. I can't be 25 and still living at home. People would think I was a freak! Plus Fred won't come visit me in Richmond until I have my own place that he can crash at anyways.

Well I'm off to work and I'm not looking forward to these next few days. I have so much studying to do and it's stressing me out. I've maintained an A in all of my courses thus far so hopefully I'll do okay, but I just get nervous when my tests are cumulative and one of them is 30 CHAPTERS long! Pray for me.

The upside of next week though is that I get to see FRED on Friday!!! I haven't seen him in a lonnnnnnnng time and I miss him A LOT. Then on Saturday, I am going to see a few of my girlfriends from Bridgewater for a Tacky Sweater Christmas Party at Erin's new townhouse in Fredricksburg! So, as much as I hate that exams are coming up, I wish they would be over so next week would get here faster!

Until then, I hope certain someone's have enjoyed reading my blog. I'm terrible at updating this thing. I promise pictures will come in the future! I'm just not savy enough to figure out how to do that on here like my friend Denise.

BATTLE STUDIES

If you didn't already know, I absolutely love John Mayer. The first time I saw John Mayer perform was when Iwas in 8th grade here in Richmond. I've been hooked ever since. I remember tickets for the show were maybe $10. Now they're a whopping $74! (I should know, I just bought tickets to see him not ONCE but TWICE this coming February and March).

Recently his fourth album came out; Battle Studies.

I love it. It's very similar to Heavier Things - his second album.

It's soothing, quiet, intimate and this is the first record he's recorded in his home studio. He produced the album with his drummer Steve Jordan.

I love everything about his music. He writes all of his own music. I am able to relate to each and every one of his songs and his voice is amazing. Plus he's pretty cute..actually, he's the sexiest guy in the world. (needless to say, my boyfriend hates him)

If you haven't heard any of his albums, I would recommend buying all of them; Room For Squares, Heavier Things, Continuum, and now Battle Studies.

Here's what I'm listening to right now:

http://www.johnmayer.com/blog/permalink/5368

the song is called EDGE OF DESIRE. it's a live, solo version that he recorded in his apartment and it's one of my favorites.

I'm laying here in the dark with nothing on but the 2 christmas candles glowing in my window and I am at peace. John Mayer does that to me.

THINGS THAT KEEP ME UP AT NIGHT

I've been laying in bed for the last two hours, feeling restless. I don't know if it's the excitement of decorating the Christmas tree with mom today or the first sounds of Christmas music on the radio, but I'm anxious and wanting/needed to be somwhere--i just don't know. somewhere else maybe?

So here is a list of things that keep me up at night....

worrying where I am going to be in 10 years

will i have a full time job next year

thinking about friends i haven't seen in awhile

television

good books (I'm reading Time Traveler's Wife right now and I can't put it down)

waiting for Fred to say "I love you ,goodnite"

money

if am living my life right... up to my potential

trying to get that Jennifer Aniston body

hoping and praying I will finally meet John Mayer

why isn't my bed as comfortable as Fred's

polar bears -- they're going endangered and they're my favorite animal in the entire world

a lasting love

family

a clear complexion

i want to travel the world, but where do i really wanna go?

wishing it was summer

THANKFUL

I'm thankful for....

my family & friends

a safe and happy home

fred

drake

good books

john mayer

stormy nights

healthy living

the holidays

sweet tea

AND

my bed

BED

It's a Saturday night and I'm curled up in bed reading a book. I just started reading John Grisham's book KING OF TORTS and I'm loving it. Good thing my dad has a whole book shelf of John. Drake is curled up next to me and I'm content. I love nights like these.

I also got frontrow row seats today for John Mayer's concert in DC & Charlottesville.

And next weekend I'm spending time with the boyfriend. It will be relaxing considering I've been living day to day by deadlines for projects and tests to study for.I hope in the end it's all worth it.

Goodnight blog.

UPDATE*

I'm terrible at updating this blog, so since it's a rainy, gloomy day outside this will be a good time to do it.

Since the last time I wrote Denise and Stuart got hitched! They were married on October 24th and the ceremony was beautiful. No surprise that Denise look stunning in her wedding dress, and both her and Stuart's faces glowed with how much they truly love one another all night. Her wedding pictures turned out fantastic. Our friend Jessica was the wedding photographer and I will for sure be booking her in the future for my big day.

It was nice to get together with all the girls from Bridgwater over the past month for the bridal shower, bachlorette party and wedding. It really makes me miss college and being so close to everyone. I'm turning 24 December 9th. I can't believe it. I feel like this year has flown by. I'm not even one bit excited about Christmas because I have been so busy with school. HOWEVER after this semester I will be done and can relax!!!!! Still, I gotta study my butt off over christmas break for my exit exam I'm taking January 4th. This exam is really important, because I have to pass it in order to receive my Paralegal Certificate. I am so ready to be done with school and to find a job. I hate that everyone still makes fun of me because I'm still in school or don't technically have a real job. But I know I'll be probably be workin for the next 40 years of my life so better enjoy living at home, and not working while I can.

Fred also just moved to Arlington. It's a lot closer to his work and he's living with 3 of friends; Pat, Daniel, and Nate. All the guys have grown up together and Fred seems to be enjoying being out of his parents house. I just HAAAAATTTTTTE the traffic in DC. Don't get me wrong, I love visiting Fred up there, the bars, and the atmosphere but I just hate the traffic. Fred says I have to get use to it because that's where he's gonna be the rest of his life. I dunno. I guess living in DC will be fun one day... IF I can take the metro and find a nice paying job up there. I'm sure some of my bestfriends will hate that I'm living Richmond, but I've never wanted to stay here forever. We'll see.... Fred and I have only been together for 2 years so I still got plenty of time to decide my future.

So yeah. Again, I'm spending my weekend working on school stuff. I'm tryin to get a project done this weekend that's due after Thanksgiving. I don't think I'm even going to have time to celebrate my birthday this year! I'm going to see Fred next weekend, and then after that who knows when I'll see him. Unless he surprises me for my birthday.

The only thing I'm really looking forward to is this semester being OVER and for me to pass my exit exam. I'm also poor. Sooo I don't know how i'm going to manage getting Christmas gifts this year. OH WELL.

BRAD PAISLEY

Last week I was caller number 9 and won a pair of Brad Paisley tickets. I was so excited, like jumping up and down excited because I had been calling into the radio station all week in hopes of winning the tickets. I've been lucky enough to have seen Brad Paisley the fall of 07 and this past summer at Nissan Pavillion. So when I won the tickets I was really looking forward to seeing him tomorrow night October 22, until I found out the show was in BALTIMORE.

I called Fred to tell him I won the tickets and that we HAD to go to the show(because my seats are probably amazing). I could tell in his voice he was happy that I won but also realizing that Thursday is a week nite and he has work the next morning at 5AM. I thought everything would work out perfect since I was planning on driving to Fred's this coming Friday for the wedding. That is until I mapquested Baltimore from Fred's house. Mapquest says it would take 1hour and 33 minutes to arrive at 1st Mariner Arena where he's playing. But that doesn't include traffic. I've always hated D.C. traffic, but I hated it more after talking to Fred on the phone. He said the earliest he would maybe be able to get off work is around 5 and then we would probably sit in traffic til 630 just getting out of DC and then half to drive another hour and thirty minutes to Baltimore. The show starts at 7:30. By the time we got there and saw Brad who would probably come on stage around 9 - we would have been in the car longer than at the show. Plus we would have to drive back that nite. UGH

I know you're thinking, well go with someone else and not Fred. I would if I could, but I have to pick up my tickets at the radio station in D.C. The DJ was scared to mail them to me because they "might" get lost and hadn't used the Will Call at this Arena so wanted me to come pick them up. So eitherway I'm screwed. It's pointless for me to drive around in D.C. traffic by myself, most likely get lost and then have to navigate my way to Baltimore.

Oh well. I was really looking forward to tomorrow, but least I've had the opportunity to see him in concert. He's so talented and so hott. Not as hott as John Mayer though, but for a country artist he's my favorite. I think Fred knows I'm mad because he didn't take off work and I wanted to go to the show WITH HIM. Plus I'm PMSing this week so that doesn't help. I can only pray that I get this LUCKY again and win amazing front row seats for JOHN MAYER off the radio.

Dear Blog

Dear Blog,

I'm sorry I haven't written to you lately. I'm also sorry to the people who may even read my blog. I've just been so busy with school, work, and things on the weekend that I always put off writing!

Right now it's a cold, rainy October Friday night. Again, I'm curled up in my bed studying and looking forward to Dateline coming on at 9. When I'm not working or visiting my boyfriend on the weekends, I secretly love watching Dateline, 20/20, or other murder-mystery shows.

I'm really excited about tomorrow because it's HOMECOMING! However, I am NOT excited about the rainy weather we're supposed to have all weekend. Oh well, I guess I'd rather it rain this weekend instead of next weekend for my friend's wedding. She's having an outside wedding at a vineyard in Charlottesville, and I hope the weather holds out for her! Speaking of which, I still haven't found the perfect dress to wear for the wedding! I am in desperate need of a new fall/winter wardrobe! I wish Clinton and Stacy from WHAT NOT TO WEAR would break down my door one day and give me a $3,000 credit card to go shopping with. I don't want to wear black to the wedding, so I want something colorful but appropriate. I've narrowed it down to 2 purple dresses, so by the end of this weekend I need to make up my mind and go buy one!

Exciting news...Fred(my boyfriend) just bought a house! Well not technically bought, but is RENTING a house in Arlington. Him and 2 of his friends are moving in sometime the beginning of November 1st. I'm so happy for him because he'll be much closer to his work, and living with his bestfriends, but I'm not happy because that means fighting DC TRAFFIC everytime I visit! Oh well, he says "it's better for us" since he's near his job and one day I'll move up there and hopefully find a good lawfirm to work at in DC.

Well Blog, I've got to get back to studying. I'm getting all my work done this weekend so I can devote all my time and energy to Denise and Stu's wedding next weekend!

FRIDAY

It's Friday and I'm about to go into work until 10 o'clock tonight. I am not looking forward to it at all. Most Friday's I wake up, pack my bags, and drive straight to Fred's house for the weekend, but not today. I have work & schoolwork that needs to be done and he has family coming in from Florida. This weekend I'll probably stay in and maybe go shopping with my mom. I'm still searching for the *perfect* dress to wear to Denise's wedding in a month. I've also realized that I'm turning into a homebody. When I'm not going to see Fred, I prefer to stay in, watch Dateline or study for whatever Paralegal test I have coming up. It's a good thing and a bad thing, because I know I'm missing out on fun. But deep down I just hate having to drive somewhere and worry about drinking and then having to stay the nite. I hattttte staying the nite at someone's place if my house is only 15min away. I just like curling up in my own bed.

However last weekend was a great excuse to get out. It was Fred's birthday and Denise's bridal shower weekend. I left Richmond early on Friday to celebrate Fred's birthday a day early with him. We went out to dinner and watched a movie in bed. The next day I made the voyage to Charlottesville, Virginia. I use to pass through Charlottesville all the time going to Bridgewater, but I hadn't been up there in awhile. I had forgotten how BEAUTIFUL Charlottesville really is. Plus, it was an extra treat coming up 29. When I drive to Charlottesville from Richmond it's a straight shot up 64 with no scenery, no nothing. Just 2 straight lanes of highway. But coming from Manassas, my GPS took me on Route 29 for an hour and a half through the most beautiful mountain scenery. The weather was nice too which made for a fun drive! I'll admit I was a little nervous driving by myself on the backroad because I still don't trust my GPS. But I made it to Emily's house just fine!

I had such a fun time seeing all my friends from Bridgewater and I'm really glad I stayed the night on Saturday. Typical me, I was planning on driving back to Richmond after the shower and curling up in my OWN bed, but after 5min of seeing everyone I knew I didn't want to leave. Everyone had a great time catching up, listening to music, and taking silly pictures. I can't wait to see everyone again NEXT weekend for the Bachlorette Party.

Well, I guess I better go get ready for work....hopefully 10 o'clock will come fast!

DREAMING

"And I don't need another kind of green to know that I'm on the right side with you........"

it's times like these

when i'm laying in bed on a typical sunday night

listening to john mayer

and missing my better half

i wish i could pick up the phone right now and call him

but he is in a deep deep slumber

unlike me, he has to wake up at 5AM tomorrow for work

yes, work on labor day

i guess i'll have to wait for his usual morning call

until then

a good book and pandora will have to do

So long Summer

I can hardly believe tomorrow is going to be SEPTEMBER! This summer has flown by and I'm already starting my 2nd year in the paralegal program here in Richmond. While I'm excited to be finishing up my classes so I can land my dream job one day, I can't believe how old i'm getting! I've been out of college for 2 years years. I miss it so much. While visiting Fred this past weekend we drove by the George Mason University campus. Students were moving in this weekend and parents were everywhere helping their kids haul everything into the dorms. Driving by it made me miss Bridgewater SO much. It just blows my mind how fast the time goes by. However, even though summer is winding down I'm looking forward to the FALL! My friend Denise is getting married soon so there will be bridal showers and the bachlorette party and ofcourse BRIDGEWATER HOMECOMING! I can't wait. I've missed my friends a lot.

Above is my favorite picture from last year's Homecoming. I can't wait to see everyone again on October 17th!

REDSKINS

So this past weekend I went to visit Fred. On Friday we had "couples" night with some friends. Fred and the guys were really excited because they all got Redskins Season tickets so that's all the boys were talking about. While us girls were shaking our heads like "Omg we're never going to see our bf's until football season is over!! They pulled up the redskins game schedule and start September 13th-January 1st Fred will be in another zone. And when I say zone, this means Fred will not be able to talk on the phone if they are on TV and he will be leaving bright and early Sunday mornings to get a good parking spot to tailgate. Last year he took me to a redskin's game and I had a blast so maybe this year I'll get to see them again! However, Fred and 5 of his friends have redskins season tickets so I'm sure a GIRL going is out of the question!

As for Saturday we were supposed to go to the DMB concert but ofcourse at the last minute everyone changed their mind. I WANTED TO GO TO THE DMB concert but because Fred's friends all have the mega tickets they've seen him too many times. Even though I was bummed out (because I really would love to see him live) we ended up having a great evening. First we we went out to dinner with Fred's parents and then met up with our friend Daniel. Daniel practically lives in a mansion and has the coolest downstairs/basement/bar area ever. Usually I don't drink liqour but for some reason that Grey Goose was looking very tastey to me. Overall this weekend was HOT and it went by too fast. Last night Fred and I went to see FUNNY PEOPLE and it was ok. It wasn't as funny as the previews and the ending is dragged out wayyy too long, but we did see some great previews! This weekend my mom and I are going to see the TIME TRAVELER'S WIFE. I can't wait! I love sappy chick flick movies like that. I'm probably going to cry and then when it comes out on dvd FORCE fred to watch it (just like I forced him to watch the NOTEBOOK!)

Now I'm going to relax and enjoy the AC since it's 100 degrees outside! I think I'll do some early bday shopping for fred online!

TOMORROW

Tomorrow I get to see my favorite person in the whole wide world.... Fred! Each week I count down the days til it's Friday and I can fly home from work, put on something pretty and drive to see HIM. I love spending time with him and I'm always sad when the weekend is up and I have to return home without him. This weekend we're seeing DMB and probably having a lazy relaxing Sunday together. He is the best.

FEELS LIKE HOME

Most weekends when I'm not at home, you can find me at my second home - The Duquette's. With an hour and twenty minutes seperating us, I usually make it a long weekend when I drive up to see Fred. I usually leave early around noon on Friday's and don't return home til Monday mornings. There's something about soaking up as much time as I can with him when I visit. Most Fridays we go out for dinner & drinks with his parents and their friends or have our "date night" before hitting the town. Most people would probably think going out for dinner and drinks with his parents annnd parents friends would be boring. BUT, both Fred's parents are smart and fun to be around. His dad is a jack and coke guy while his mom is a wine drinker. His parents just recently celebreated their 37th wedding anniversary and they're still madly in love with one another. That's what I want.




His family has been great and I see where Fred gets his personality and looks from. Fred and his family are Florida natives. They moved here when Fred was in middle school. So I've only met one cousin and his older sister Val, who lives in Florida. I'm hoping I'll be able to make a trip down to Florida with Fred and meet the rest of his family one day...and maybe catch some rays on the pretty Miami beach.

This past weekend with the Duquette's was particularly fun, because they took me golfing. Fred and his dad are big golfers. His dad is always watching the golf channel, and when the weather is nice he's always on the links. Besides the golf class I took at Bridgewater, I have no experience whatsoever. Even though Fred's taken me to the driving range a couple of times....I was not prepared for the 18 holes we played Saturday morning. His dad had set a tee-time for 10:04 AM Saturday morning. I dressed in my preppy golf gear and was ready to impress everyone with my Tiger Woods skills, but that turned out not to be the case. After I could barely hit the ball on the first hole, I could tell Fred was getting mad. I forgot how competitive Fred is when it comes to sports, games, or ANYTHING. After the first 10min Fred had me so flustered and worked up I didn't even want to play anymore. I'd rather hear him laughing with me or telling me, "keep trying babe." But then finally ...I started to be able to hit the ball and he lightened up. After that the rest of the day was smooth sailing. I had a blast spending the day golfing with Fred and his parents. I love trying something new, and doing something active like that with my boyfriend. After 4 hours of golf (who knew it took 4 hours to play 18 holes) we swung by GLORY DAYS for some wings and beer. Perfect ending to the perfect day.

The rest of the weekend was followed by dinner with his parents, a lazy day on Sunday, cleaning his car, dinner date, and snuggling. I couldn't have asked for anything better. I'm glad I got to try something new with Fred and his family.

BUTTERFLIES

Well the butterflies are gone. I had my job interview this morning at 930. I think everything went well and I'm hoping for a call back for the second interview. The only reason I can think of that they wouldn't hire me is because there's one day during the week where I would have to leave work an hour early for class. Hopefully they will be able to work around it...but whoa whoa whoa, I'm thinking way to ahead. They have to call me back first and I have to dazzle them with legal knowledge and skills. I just wish my classes were done with. My friend Denise said to me yesterday that I should enjoy being job-less. Yes, it may have its perks; you can sleep in, stay up late, go on vacation but on the other hand you're BROKE and feel WORTHLESS. Luckily I still have Ukrops on occassions but that can't last forever.

My long-term goal is to finish my classes by next Spring and land a full time job. After that I would love to start acting like a grown-up and maybe moving into my own place. Ideally, I would love to move closer to Fred. Even though the drive from Richmond isn't too bad, it's still too far for us to see each other as much as we'd like. I've grown up in Mechanicsville and I love it, but I would also love to step out of my bubble and be on my own. I know most of my friends would say that I could never live on my own because my parents have spoiled me. They're right. My parents have spoiled me, but I can learn these things. I'm lucky enough to where I don't have to pay any bills, my mom cooks dinner every night and since I'm poor my parents loan me gas and spending money if I'm going somewhere. I hate it. I want to be able to make money on my own and show everyone that I can DO IT! More importantly, I want to show Fred that I be successful and bring in some dough. He can't be the breadwinner in this relationship forever.

Until then, I'll keep studying hard in my classes and continuing the job search. I know I'll find something soon. I just don't want to have to wait. I wish I could fast forward my life. My dream is to land a great career and live happily ever after with Fred. I hope it comes true...one day.

JOB

So tomorrow morning I have a job interview. I'm terrified. I've applied to so many places on Craigslist, I was shocked when I had a message on my answering machine yesterday saying ALLEN,ALLEN,ALLEN & ALLEN wanted to interview me. They have an opening for a receptionist position...and I desperately want and need the job. I want the job because it would get me one step closer into working in a law setting & I NEED the job because I'm broke. I won't be finished my paralegal classes til next summer and until then it'll be impossible for me to find any paralegal work. Hopefully if I get this job, I will have the chance to show them my skills and let them see how qualified I am. I mean I'm a college graduate. I need a big girl job. All of my friends are working and getting promotions. Including my boyfriend. Fred is working 40+ hours a week and I'm sitting at home doing nothing. I don't want him and everyone else to think I'm worthless. I just want a job.

Because I am so nervous, I have made a list of reasons why they should hire me;
I'm a hardworker, diligient, focused, I work hard to get the job done, I can multi-task and I always put the client first. I have some other things written down, but hopefully if I study my sheet I won't screw up and stutter tomorrow morning when I'm on the spot. I'm also studying the Allen & Allen website now. WISH ME LUCK!

Gina

Just got off the phone with Gina. I love catching up on life with her over the phone. Everytime I talk to any of my friends from Bridgewater, I realize how much I miss them. I really do regret not attending any of the "get togethers" A9 and B9 has had without me. I hungout with Kara last weekend and it brought back so many good times we shared at school. It will be nice to see everyone at Denise's wedding in the fall.

The weather's been rainy all week, but the weather forecast is showing abundant sunshine for Saturday -- yes, another reason for me to layout!! Mom says I need to start using suntan lotion instead of oil. She's right...I don't want to look old and leathery.

It's late and I wish Fred didn't go to bed so early. I enjoy talking to him before I go to sleep.

Goodnite blog.

GOALS

Now that it's summer....there's no reason I shouldn't have Jennifer Aniston's body by the end of it. Aimee and I have been walking during the week, I take Drake on a walk, and my mom and I have signed up for a body sculpting class. I need to get in shape. I'm getting lazy. Aimee thinks I watch too much tv - but I don't.

Goals for the SUMMER

1. going to the gym or doing some type of physical activity every day so that I can look like THAT -->

2. staying on top of my HW for my summer class (supposedly there's a lot to do in this class)

3. finding a job

4. doing my makeup like Charmony does on "What Not To Wear"

5. mastering the LC braid

6. spending as much time as I can with my friends and boyfriend

Back Home

After spending a long weekend at Fred's, it feels so good to be home. I was Fred's date for his PREMIUM work event. With a limit of 4 drinks at the event, after 4 Miller Lites I was already tipsy. I guess that's what I get for not going out and drinking as much as I use to at Bridgewater. It was fun though, Fred has a great job and hopefully he stays with this company for awhile. Fred and I went to Olive Garden this weekend and his mom took me to get a manicure/pedicure. I've never had one before and it felt amaaaaaazing. I can't believe she invited me to go. His family is great.

UGHHH I'm ready to get my career started. I'm crossing my fingers that after I graduate next Spring, I'll find a good paralegal job asap. I wouldn't mind finding a job closer to Fred's house - but we'll see. I want to be living on my own, or living near him. Oh well, our relationship has been great so far. He's everything I could ever want in my life. I'm a lucky girl.

Well dinners ready....I need to eat and go to bed. I'm going to miss sleeping alone tonight.

LOVE OF MY LIFE

start of summer

Summer 2009 is finally here. I can't believe it's been exactly one year since I've graduated. It seems like the time keeps flying by faster and faster. My life as a college grad has consisted of MORE SCHOOL. Even though I graduated with degrees in French and Political Science, I still had no idea which direction I wanted to go in with my life. I couldn't believe so many of my friends were graduating and getting married, entering into grad school, or already had their job lined up. I love my paralegal classes I've been taking. Hopefully I'll be done in the spring of 2010. For now, I can kick back and relax for the summer (well sorta) I'm taking 2 classes. But still, Fred's here. I'm happy where I am in my life right now. I have great friends, a great boyfriend and a great family including our new addition - Drake. So I guess this blog is going to give me something to do over the summer. It'll be a window into my world.