Monday Musings

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**My Friend RCM sent this to me and it is hysterical--as long as you grew up reading the Baby-Sitter's Club--then it's hysterical--I hope it adds some laughter to your Monday--it sure did to mine: http://thehairpin.com/2011/01/the-baby-sitters-club-where-are-they-now

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**What is your favorite easter candy?  I've been craving rice krispie treats lately or angel food cake (I sure hope my mom is reading this post)...and they both just sound so springy and delicious and healthy, definitely, healthy :D

**I saw a lisense plate while I was on my way to church yesterday "Be Nice" was what it said--and what a wonderfully simple reminder for me to do just that.  I have no problem with the "Be Happy" or "Be Positive" but sometimes just being nice to that person (and there are quite a few) who drives me crazy, to the person ringing me up at the gas station (surprisingly they weren't the one who drastically increased gas prices...grrrr), or even to myself

**I've been listening to a hugely ecclectic mix of music lately--but this song is one I could (and I do) listen to over and over again :) I hope you all have something wonderful planned for this week--I'll be studying quite a bit--but I have a few fun things that I'm going to make time for! 

If you haven't followed my blog--you should (all you do is click follow in the right sidebar)!!! And to those of you who have, thank you so much, it really does warm my heart!  Thanks for reading.

Friday Faves

T.G.I.F.!!!  This week has flown by.  I can't believe that it's APRIL, or that I have about a month of school left, and the best part...it's the weekend.  Or as R.Kelly would say in his song Ignition "It's the freakin' weekend baby, I'm gonna have me some fun." (Yes, I just quoted R.Kelly).  Here are a few of my faves from this week:

*Extra Dessert Delights-Mint Chocolate Chip-When I chew gum it is some type of mint--spearmint, winterfresh, peppermint...you get the picture.  I'm opposed to fruity gum because it loses flavor so stinkin' fast, and I don't do cinnamon gum because it makes my tongue bumpy...  So to say I was reluctant to try this gum was an understatement, but now that I've tried it--I LOVE it.  Who would think that a Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream gum would actually be delicious, have a lasting flavor, and be 5 calories a stick?! (I'll admit the Key Lime was really good too--but it dissolved when I went running while chewing some, which was kinda gross).  If you haven't tried the dessert delights by Extra--go out and get some!

Skype:  I installed skype awhile ago...and haven't really appreciated it/used it til this past week.  I am a total skype junkie now.  I really don't have a whole lot to say about skype other than it is a wonderful way to see someone you want to see but can't...  For me it's better than a phone call because I say things that I think are funny but without my expression they're not...so skype helps me be funny (no, really)... and it's free :) 

Benefit Eye Bright:   Twice a year, around the last month of school my eyes get bags under them, look like slits most of the time, and for lack of a better comparison--it looks like I had a really fun night before--when in reality I was studying, and sleeping fitfully because of stress and dreams about finals.  Since I'm not a famous rapper, I can't pull of the sunglasses indoors look...but thanks to benefit's eye bright I don't need to.  This little pencil which I apply like eyeliner on my bottom lid--and then in the corners of my top lid--actually brighten my eyes, and make them appear like they're open, and sparkling...all when they're not!  I got mine at sephora, but you can get yours right here :)

Stepmill:  I don't know why this is one of my faves--as my current relationship with it is one of love/hate.  I can't stand using this machine, but I'm a glutton for punishment, I actually am sore the next day, and it's great to actually suffer through a workout...so I do it.  Plus, it's nice to change up my workout from running--even though I have a half marathon (with my sister-in-law) in about 23 days (not that I'm counting)...  If you haven't ever tried this--do it.  You'll hate your life while using it, but it's such a great workout, that by your next cardio session--you'll be back on it :)

Tenth Avenue North--"By Your Side": To say that I'm extremely hard on myself and a perfectionist would be an understatement.  The times in my life where things don't go as planned, the things I can't control, or things that just hurt--are for me, like they are for everyone--Painful.  A couple years ago, I was going through a rough spot, when my mom sent me this song--letting me know the lyrics were true of God--and true of her and my dad.  It wasn't what I wanted to hear at the time, but it was what I needed to hear.  Lately, I feel as if this song has become even more applicable in certain situations...and it is such a comfort to hear the song, and listen to the lyrics--and know that I have someone on my side.  (They don't have a music video made, and this is just a random compilation of pictures--that I've never fully watched--nonetheless enjoy!).

Thanks for Reading...Have a Wonderful Weekend!

xo

Thursday Inspiration

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor, catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."

Mark Twain

Mr. Wrong...Issue #12

My first Mr. Wrong was the boy I married...in 2nd Grade.  It was love at first glance, as our desks were across from each other--and it was really cool to pass notes...so we passed a lot of notes.  One of those notes was asking me if I liked him (the check yes or no kind) and I checked yes...and so marked the beginning of our whirlwind love affair.  We sat by each other at lunch.  We sat next to each other during DEAR (Drop Everything And Read) time.  Oh, and we played Chase on the playground.  It was 2nd Grade Bliss. 

About 3 or 4 days into our relationship, he brought me a ring (like the kind you buy at the supermarket for 50 cents) and asked if I would marry him...via the 'yes, no, maybe' note.  (To my lovely gentlemen readers out there, even though I said yes to this proposal--I wouldn't try the 50 cent ring route).  I said yes.  I was ecstatic...as were my classmates.  We had something to break up the boredom of meal worms, weather forecasting, and creative writing.  A real live wedding.

IntimateWeddings.Com

One of my friends was our minister, one of his friends was the ring bearer, we made invitations, and both of us dressed up (yep suit and dress) for the day we got married under the oak tree on the playground.  I should have known our union was doomed when he tried to kiss me (with the you may now kiss the bride part) and I dropped my dandelion bouquet, screamed, and sprinted.

We thankfully made up with a hug...and then...not even a half hour later he wanted kids.  eg. adopting classmates as our kids.  To say I was not okay with this on so many levels was an understatement--so I said I'd think about it...which at that time, and still today means "oh heck no."  So the next day, I retained prestigious legal counsel (myself) and drew up my first legal document--divorce papers...and had him served right before lunch.

It was a messy divorce--thankfully no custody battles, or property battles.  Unfortunately, I wasn't able to obtain a TRO (Temporary Restraining Order)...and still had to sit across from him for the remainder of the quarter.  He would still write me notes, asking about remarriage, alimony (no, really), and if I wanted him to walk home with me...  Luckily we got a transfer student in the middle of the last quarter--and she became the (new) apple of his eye. 

So, friends, that was my first (of many) Mr. Wrongs.  2nd Grade Wedded Bliss Gone bad...

Thanks for Reading,

Emily

Sometimes...

I'll write letters to people I know I'll never give them to...  For some reason actually writing (not typing) and through that expressing my feelings, emotions, and thoughts give me such a peace about whatever situation I'm going through. 

Monday Musings

*It's windy today (like 25-40mph gusts).  I stopped to get gas on the way to class--and I swear my hair looked like a beehive after standing outside--waiting for my car to fill up.  Not gonna lie, I worked that look for about 2 seconds...until I heard that little voice in my head that sounded suspiciously like my mom "you're not going to keep your hair like that...are you?"  So, mama, if you're reading this--my hair is side-parted and straight :)

*Finals are in 3 weeks. Yes, 3 weeks.  I think I'm officially to the point of 'hot mess'/'stress ball'/'ohmygosh' mode.  On the positive side after the two weeks of finals--I can become a fun person again...and I'll never have to be a 1L again--instead I'll just have 2 years of law school left.  On the negative side 2 weeks of finals, the final is our only grade for each class...no pressure or stress at all.

* I'm really really really happy about something.  But I'm not ready to blog about it yet. But I just wanted to tell you that I'm really really really happy about something.

* I'm pondering buying a bike.  A used one, because I don't know if I'll love it enough to justify spending a kajillion dollars on a new one.  I looked at it yesterday, and it was really sweet.  I think I asked all the right questions (this part of being a grown up really freaks me out), and I didn't buy it on the spot (even though I wanted to).  It's a 'Specialized' Mountain bike, new tires, shimiano components, and it's a really pretty blue.  If/When I buy it, I'll post picttures :)

Happy Monday Friends and Thanks for Reading

xo
Emily

Five Faves

Happy Friday Friends!  I'm not sure if you've seen the weekend forecast yet--but the sun and slightly warmer weather have put a huge smile on my face!!!   Here are my five latest and greatest that I've enjoyed this week--I hope that you've already enjoyed one--or maybe will be able to enjoy some of them after reading today!   As always--Thanks for reading :) xo Emily

1. Mumford and Sons "Sigh No More"--I first heard of Mumford and Sons** with their hit song "Little Lion Boy," and then a few weeks later when they won a Grammy for "Best New Artist" beating out the likes of Gaga, Bieber, etc.  My friend Doug bought their CD--and was nice enough to let me borrow it--I don't want to give it back (I'm going to though).  The music is indescribable, I have rocked out to some of the songs, and the lyrics on each song are so beautiful.  This is a must hear, must buy, must download--or a must find Doug (who is a very handsome and eligible law student) and borrow it :)
**The link to their website lets you hear a lot of their songs on the album**



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 2. Dylan's Candy Bar Lip Saver--This is probably the most delicious lip stuff ever.  Along with that after using it my lips are soft, moisturized and slightly shiny.  Since I tend to forget to put my lipgloss in my purse--this has become my go to--and I love it. I'm currently using (and almost out of) Chocolate Cupcake...and the next one I'm trying --Strawberry licorice!  I bought this at Sephora, but you should head on over to Dylan's Website--it is adorable!

3. Panera's Thai Chopped Chicken Salad--To use love to describe my feelings for this salad might be slightly extreme, but it's close.  This has become one of my favorite treats at panera...  It's made with roasted edamame, red peppers, carrots, cilantro, cashews, wanton strips and tossed in a thai chili vinaigrette, topped with chicken and drizzled with peanut sauce.  The BEST part--it is HUGE and for the big salad it is only 390 calories--the half size only has 200.  Oh, and it's less than 8 dollars.  All the ingredients for a winning salad (pardon the terrible pun that I found extremely amusing).



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4.  Clif Bars--these have become one of my favorites for a quick fix meal paired with a piece of fruit--or something that I keep in my purse or backpack and snack on all day.  I tried the "carrot cake" flavor and the carrot pieces (yes, really) freaked me out.  I then tried the "chocolate brownie" which was my lil mama's favorite for awhile--very chocolaty, and good, but almost too sweet for a meal.  I finally discovered "maple nut" which I was hoping would taste like maple brown sugar oatmeal--guess what?! it tastes BETTER!  I believe these are pretty inexpensive (99 cents)--and are sold at hy-vee, wal-mart, trader joes, etc. I tend to purchase mine from Whole Foods!  (If you've had clif bars--are there any that you absolutely love or hate?!)



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5. Sonic Low-Cal Diet Lime Limeade--I'm not sure if Sonic is a Midwest thing--or if it's all over...but for the $1.09 route 44 diet lime limeade (with 'easy' ice and extra limes) I get once or twice a week--is amazing--and lasts forever.  Luckily, sonic is pretty close to campus, and when I got lost in my neighborhood the other day, I stumbled upon a sonic a hop, skip and a jump away from my house (insert me jumping up and down). With this statement,  I know I may sounds like a bit of a weird--but Sonic's ice is probably the most amazing ice ever.  Actually this drink is the best ever, it's 15 calories, super refreshing and it lasts me all day.  I feel like this is a weird thing to be one of my favorite things for this week--but I absolutely love my sonic 'treat' time! 

What are your favorite things from this past week!?  I love the feedback that I've gotten on my Friday Five Faves--are there any areas you want me to focus on for the next few weeks?

Enjoy The Weekend :)

PS--I talked about my obsession with Red Mango last week--and today, Dan Kim (the FOUNDER of Red Mango) has THIS picture of me and my friend Laurel on his facebook wall!  (We're considering dropping out of law school to make a movie based on our love for red mango, or for autographs--because people will recognize us all over now)!!!