2K12

I'd like to write you a glorified and glamified Christmas letter- but those absolutely undo me.  I could tell you that this year has been the most blissful 365 days of my life thus far.  That everyday I wake up and look like a million bucks and that I walk on streets of gold.  I would be lying.  I saw no streets made of gold this year and I am pretty sure I've only awoken to feeling like a crisp twenty dollar bill. We are in a recession people.  So here goes.  Just a lil recap.  I'm probs going to be a little off- chronologically..

I am not totally positive what all happened in the early parts of 2012, because I am aging fast and the memory is slipping a bit..  I do remember that Betty Bridesmaid made an appearance in Biz's wedding and it was quite possibly one of the best nights of my life.  I had bruises up and down my arm from the tambourine.  That is always a sign of a fun time. 

I went on the Women's Retreat and I'm sure something great happened, but I'm still a little foggy.  The spring is when my whole time to buy a house/build some credit sucker punched me in the gut.  Seriously some of the worst times ever, but I did learn something from it.  I learned that there are some things that I have absolutely no control over and I just have to wait.  (2 things I can't stand)  I also learned that even when you try and do everything right- it does not always flow according to my plan.  If you spoke to me any time from April to September- forgive me.  I was most likely in a very bad mood.  In May, I had one of the best conversations of my entire life.  Sitting at the T. Senf's having late night chats I got challenged & inspired to go on my Wild West road trip.  Which was life changing.  Seriously.  It was INCREDIBLE.  To drive across the country has been one of my biggest life goals and I am so glad that I got to actually do it. 

Taking a fly to the nose was much better with the Tetons in view..

It was worth it:)

Cruising around Montana with these two was priceless.



Sadly, I had to return back to the real world.  My lovely office nook was unfortunately awaiting my return.  I am still playing catch up...  Oops. 

 

I feel like a lot has happened this fall/winter.  I turned 27.  More friends got married and some had lil ninos.  It just so happens that one of my best friends had her first baby and it's safe to say that we are all in love. Just call me auntie sass.



In September, I got to have fun surfing with these people

I loved having Thanksgiving with my lil familia

I feel like this year has been especially cool in the ol friend department.  It has been fun getting to see some of my dearest friends.  I thought that since a good bit of my friends moved away that I wouldn't see them as much, but I feel like staying in touch hasn't been as bad as I thought it would be.  It's good to know that relationships don't have to change with the addresses.  I have also been pretty lucky to still be living in the Girl Palace with some pretty cool peeps.

(Wimmy is missing in this one so we pretended she was the tree:)

 

Got to get my wedding on with the rents

I got to become godmother of mini Clark Griswold



Just last night I was reunited with 3 of my favorite people.  These three ladies are pretty cool and I miss seeing them a whole lot, but they are still as funny as ever.



I have also absolutely loved getting to hang with these people below.  And their families.  Love them all.  YOLO. I wish I had a pic of the whole group, but alas I do not. 

Mudding with moms and a lil dog- cross that off of the bucket list..

 

Got to ride a rickshaw with these lil nuggets



On another note this fall- I realized that I have an inner redneck.  One of the highlights of my year has been waking up at the crack of dawn, heading to the Dupre house and rolling south to Edisto to sit in a blind with some of my favorite people.

Got to see beautiful places like this

Okay, I will stop with the pictures.  I think 2012 was probably the hardest year I have had yet.  I don't necessarily mean hard in a bad way, but I feel like I learned a whole lot.  Growing up is harder than I ever thought it would be.  I realized that I really don't like change and will do almost anything to avoid it.  I also learned that I don't always 100% trust the Lord in some departments. 

 

All that being said, I hereby declare that this year is going to be different.  Different attitude, different outlook.  I am going to be more intentional with my time.  I am going to be more intentional with relationships.  I am going to simplify where things are more complicated than I like.  I have some things that I am going to do business with.  I am going to make every effort to do more things that I really want to do.  Going to try and get outside of the ol comfort zone now and again.  I am going to actually attempt some of the things that I know I am being called to do.  I want to spend more time doing the things that I love.  With people that I love.  I am going spend a whole heck of a lot more time with the Lord.  I have a lot of ground to cover. I'm not going to waste my time (and sleep) worrying about things that I have absolutely no control over.  (I'm saying all of this so you can keep me accountable...)  I have a feeling that 2013 is going to bring some transition and some change so I am hoping to embrace it rather than flee. 

 

Here is the absolute best thing that happened this year- Rob got a double lung transplant!  Our boy has 2 new lungs and I could not be more excited.  Seriously- he has given me a whole new outlook on a lot of things and he has also taught me a lot of things that he is unaware of.  The Lord can do some pretty miraculous things!  I so wish I was in Pittsburgh right now watching Duck Dynasty with this guy:)



So here's a big fat good bye to 2012.  And a warm welcome to 2013.  Make good choices my friends.

Stay Classy.

Go time.

This is hands down my favorite time of the year.  I wish it could be Christmas all of the time.  Seriously.  I didn't realize I was a bit of a shop a holic until this year.  I am still not done with my retail adventures.  I love Christmas decorations, twinkle lights, red cups at Starbucks, Christmas trees and people that LOVE it as much as I do.  I think I like Christmas so much due to the fact that I have a lot of kid friends.  It makes you a little more jolly and excited.  I love Christmas Adam, Christmas Eve, Christmas day and everything after.  I love visiting people on Christmas.  This year, the holidays have FLOWN by way too fast.  So I am going to extend the season.   So get ready.  Tis the season:)

 

 

PS: I have no shame and want this as my tree topper... 

Yes.  It is the sorting hat from Hogwarts.  Team Gryffindor!

Big News

Big news.  Awesome news.  This little blond nugget head pictured above (he is much older now, but he was pretty much the cutest/blondest tween ever...) has been added to the transplant list.  You heard right.  Rob is on the list for a double lung transplant.  I don't even know what to say.  Incredible.  Thank you so much for praying and please continue to do so.  Yall are awesome.  This is the best Christmas ever:) 

Why people need birth control.

35 good reasons right here...

http://www.ivillage.com/awkward-pregnancy-photos-whats-not-wrong-photo/6-b-364755

Throwbacks

It's been a long week.  I'm too tired to write about all of my personal dramas, but I happened upon a few of these and have been laughing...  And it just so happens to be throw back thursday...

People of Whole Foods

I'm anticipating that I'm going to get in trouble for this posting, but it's been a long time a comin. First, let me throw in my typical disclaimer: friends that live shop at Whole Foods, take no offense.  I envy you and your shopping tastes.  This is just coming from my perspective, which is often skewed.  Fret not.

Okay.  In the past 4 months, I have spent more time at the Whole Foods than most civilians.  Not due to shopping for my groceries.  My beloved small group meets there on Friday mornings.  We usually post up anywhere from 8-1130, give or take a few hours.  Depending on the situation..  So I sneak in a lot of people watching while there.  And here begins my story.

Sometimes Every time I go to Whole Foods, I get a little anxious.  It's kind of like looking for a seat in the cafeteria in the 7th grade.  You just have to act like you know what the heck you are doing and remain perfectly calm, cool and collected.  At Whole Foods, I sometimes feel like I do not necessarily fit the WF mold, therefore; I get a little insecure.  The salad bar for example.  I do not necessarily know what every single item is on that bar.  But, there are always yoga moms riding my tail so I have to act like it ain't my first rodeo.  It's quite stressful at rush hour and one must circle several hundred times before completing a delectable salad.  Plus, I like to sample the goods before buying and I always seem to get the stank eye for that.  Come on.  Just a few weeks ago I decided to go out on a limb and try a brussel sprout.  100% TERRIBLE decision.  For one split second I wished that I would die on the spot rather than swallow that thing.  I have never had such self control.  I wanted to spit that circle of death all the way to the produce section.  But, no.  I slowly chewed it and got it down.  Sick.  Scared for life.  That also happened when I tried terryaki tofu.  I regret that one....  Not sure where that one landed...  If you didn't know- they serve breakfast also.  It is sooooo good.  Actually, one part is sooooo good.  The bacon.  They have the best bacon in the whole entire world.  But, I almost can't enjoy the bacon because I feel guilty eating bacon at WF. So to reconcile my guilt I go and throw a few pieces of lettuce over my eggs...

The trash situation.  There are like 75 different holes for you to dispose of your trash.  Too many options.  I feel like sometimes I am solving a logic problem when it comes to my trash.  Glass, plastic, compost, regular trash, special trash.  Ugh.  I am indecisive.  Help a girl out.

The dress code.  Alright, this one is probably the one that gets me the most.  Before I even get to the front door, my insecurities peak.  Exercise moms everywhere.  (I am all for exercise moms just so we are clear).  It takes all I've got to roll from the bed, to the car and then sleep drive to WF.  These people must have exercised through the night or something.  They have already been there and done that.  And they still look good.  I exercise and I look like a homeless vagabond roaming the streets.  They are rolling up to grocery shop in really cute little yoga pants and nice t shirts.  If I sported that-  forget it, I can't even go there.  These people even look cool in hats.  So while in that place, I feel a little guilt.  Friday morning and I didn't exercise guilt.  It's a terrible version.  As I am making my lovely breakfast, Yoga mom goes by and then I have to add more lettuce.  And less bacon. Ugh.  Maybe if I wear my exercise clothes I will feel better?  There is this woman there on Friday mornings.  She usually sits in a booth behind us.  We make terrible eye contact every time.  Pretty sure she doesn't like me. ( I am aware that I am being dramatic, but just let it happen) She is usually in black.  She is always on her Ipad and reading (something like "organic and you" or what not) while I am sucking down my coffee and hot breakfast while laughing way too loudly with my people.  Nope.  She don't play.  I admit it- I'm scared of her.  Then there are the 50-65 ish year old women who are dressed all trendy like 20 year olds.  Today- I saw too much old lady leg.  Not okay.  I'm alright with the cool fashionista stuff, but if you drive a Buick and are claiming your senior discount- less upper thy please.  I mean no disrespect.

I felt much more comfortable visiting the Whole Foods while I was driving white lightening.  More WF ish.  Today I was driving Old Glory.  Bit of a bigger carbon foot print.  I parked just a hair 10 feet past my white line and was getting the stank eye.  Prolly not for being past the white line.  Probably for my large carbon foot print and all 500 of the republican stickers Herb has put on the car.  I'm definitely not in the in crowd of the Whole Foods.

I will say this- my all time favorite cashier does work there.  So its not all a wash for me.

here ends the post...

It's all good

Not so much.  Or maybe not today.  Alright, I have a grab bag of things to talk about, but for the sake of the general public, I will only expound on a few.  I have had a bad 2nd half of the day so this is being written in anger; therefore, read at your own discretion please.  Do not be offended.

1) Facebook.   At huddle we have been learning about vulnerability.  Which means getting real.  Not acting a certain way with one group and then changing to be another way with another group.  When people ask you how you are doing, you tell the truth. Bottom line.  I like to think that most of the time I am real.  Vulnerable.  What you see it was you get.  (At least I hope that's how I roll. Correct me if I am wrong.  Actually- I wouldn't mess with me today.  You could wind up with some injuries or a stank eye.)  Here is the problem.  People spend way too much time on Facebook, comparing themselves to other people.  It's easy to think everyone has the best time ever if they are mobile uploading cool pics and writing ridiculously perfect statuses.  I'm all for putting whatever one wants to put on their profile, but people can get caught in the Facebook trap.  Not everyone is living the dream all of the time.  Life is messy.  Crud happens.  But, it's okay.  Because everyone has to deal..  They just may never say it.  Also, Facebook relations are not real time.  Yes, its fun to connect with people, but it's not anywhere near face to face.  Just today someone told me that I looked like I was having a ball based on some hunting mobile uploads and sunset pics.  Well, yes I went hunting last Saturday, but to be honest, this Wednesday has not been all rainbows and butterfiles.  I could mobile upload a picture of my broken down Volvo and the bill to fix it, but the Volvo is at the shop (its second home).  And who wants to see that any who?  However I could upload a pic of a beautiful sunset and you would never know that I was ready to light my car on fire.  I am saying all of this not to bash FB ( I have one), but it's easy to portray something that isn't necessarily the real deal.  Or to believe that you are missing out on something.  I mean, my status today would most likely be : "Well today I spilt iced coffee down my skirt, fell up someones garage steps, got a $4,300 note of strong suggestions for my Volvo and I'm not bitter at all.  Happy Wednesday to me."  To me, Facebook is like a year round, 24 hour Christmas card.

Which leads me to #2.

2) The Christmas Card.  I have a love hate relation with the cards.  Don't get me wrong-Some are flat out adorable and I like to see how everyone is looking.  Some are RIDICULOUS.  It's actually the letters that accompany the card that get me.  (Now, some I really do love)  They can be very informative.  Some, not so much.  It's like a novel about just how awesomely amazing one's family/husband/kids/pets are.  Talk about tooting the old horn here.  Glory story bonanza.  I mean, from the looks of the letters- Everyone is living the dream.  Perfectness.  All of the time.  Sometimes, I just can't handle it.  I'm very proud that little Johnny can now chew solid foods.  And wow, Betty Sue can color inside the lines.  And husband Bob is amazing in every way.  He even cooks.  You couldn't be more blessed.  Mom of the year is in the bag.  Sorry if you are getting offended.. I am just venting.  Please keep sending me the cards.  I like them.  I mean it.  I need them for my Pinterest project.   But, I wouldn't mind every once in a while to hear some good ole life situations...  I'd like to hear the real deal.

So there you have it.  My soapbox of the day.  We just have to be aware of things.  It's okay to not be perfect all of the time.  Or at least that's what I think.  We also need to be aware that everyone else isn't perfect all of the time.  It's an easy trap to fall into.

Stay real,
Prinsass

Leavin on a jet plane

First off, those that have been praying for Rob, I can't thank you enough.  Seriously. Yall are rockstars, whether you know it or not.  It has been very cool/life changing/amazing to see how much your prayers have meant to our boy Rob.  That joker continues to amaze me:)

So, I am asking that you keep praying.  Today, I got to hang with him and his posse before he headed north to Pittsburg.  Yep, you heard right.  He is headed north to check some things out.  Please pray for safety, health, hope and peace for him and his entourage. And whatever else you would like to add.  There have been a whole heck of a lot of unknowns, so it is pretty awesome that he gets to fly north:)  Rob has been holding court at MUSC for quite sometime now and today is the best I've seen him in a while now.  So keep the prayers coming. 

I owe you one,

Prinsass.

My people

Alright, this is a mushy post so just stop reading now.  No harm no foul.  I was driving home tonight and all I was thinking about was that I am really, really thankful for my people.  It is almost too hard to put into words.  But, alas, I will try.  Sometimes I get stressed because I have some really incredible friends, but they are all dispersed and spread out, that it's hard to get to connect.  But, tonight I just kept having this super content/lucky/overwhelming/blessed feeling.  I just feel blessed to get to do life with some extremely great people.  People that inspire me.  People that encourage me.  People that love me.  People that challenge me.  People that make me up my fashion game..  People that are real.  People that inspire me to go for it.  People that really do life with me.  For example: I was with some very dear friends tonight.  They are older than me (and cooler than me), yet they are so very dear to me.  I am in a completely different stage of life than these people, but they still let me hang with them:) We are all very different from each other, but I couldn't love them more.  I laugh oh so much with them (sometimes at them)(In a nice way). Sitting there tonight, between laughs what not, I realized that this is how it is supposed to be.  Everyone is very different and has their good stuff and their junk, but we are all just supposed to do life together.  We are supposed to be a community for each other.  A safe place.  A fun place.  There is nothing better than being with people that you love and being 100% yourself and 100% at ease.  Seriously.  That is one of the all time best feelings ever in the world.  I wish I could be like that all of the time.  So to all of my friends out there, near and far, young and old-  LOVE YOU LONG TIME.

Just had to get that out there:)

My friends are married.

My best friend sent me this and I had to share.  She too is married-so I take it that it's okay to share this with you...  I personally relate to #2.  Any who- If you are married (which if we are friends then you probs are bc almost everyone I know is currently married or getting married...It's cool, I fully support marriage.) do not be offended.  I love you.  And hopefully the person you are married to.  But, seriously, never bring a framed picture of your husband when you come visit.  Not okay...

Click Here
And Here
And Here
Last One...

Some times you just have to laugh...
Roll on with yo bad self.

-Prinsass.  Currently not married. 

The Jackpot

Okay.  What I am about to write is somewhat ridonkulous.  I am aware. So here goes.  Tonight, for a solid hour, I was 1% 75% certain that I was going to win the Powerball jackpot.  Crazy.  I know.  I never play the lottery, but I got swept up in million dollar fantasy land and went and got some tickets with a partner in crime.  Then we got to the gas station and started filling out tge tickets.  I did not play it smooth at this point.  I panicked.  I had no idea what numbers to do and it was stressing me out.  But, I persevered and did it.  We were going to split our millions.  I knew, deep down, that we had a 1 in 175 million chance, but I had a glimmer of hope.  It was quite fun dreaming up what I would do with my monies.  So I will just lay it out here:

First off, I would keep it hush hush.  A mysterious millionaire.  Eventually, word would get out, but I would enjoy my millionaire privacy for a bit.  You know- some sacred moments before People magazine wants me on their cover...  Then all of the crazies come out of the woodwork.

I would throw an incredible party.  I'm talking bands, food truck rodeo, ice luge sculpture of moi, friends, prizes and goody bags galore.  It would be epic.  Lots of tambourine action.

I would acquire a plantation. Nothing to fancy.  In the Ace Basin. On deep water.  With a really cool house.  Maybe a few guest cottages so I could have some friends.  I will also hire a ridiculously good looking (maybe Luke Bryan or Tim Riggins) caretaker.  We would accidentally and miraculously happen to fall in love and live happily ever after. Just throwing it out there.  It could happen.

I would find a perfect cottage-ish house in the Old Village.  Maybe do some renovations.  It must have a music room, a library, a gun chamber and some beadboard.  It would also have Diet Mt. Dew, Blue Moon and Fireball on tap.  Priorities.

I would build the best ever Young Life camp.  I'm talking wave pool, wake boarding, shooting, go carts, 4 wheelers, zip lines, horses, good bands, a baller food court, sports, ponds, pools, half pipes etc.  You name it.

I would donate a significant chunk to some charities.  I would also have to do some tithing.

I would buy back Optimus Prime, the Tahoe.  I would then also probs make a new car purchase.  Or two.

An old Hewes flats boat would be trailered up to Optimus Prime.  And maybe a few more four wheelers.  And possibly an old motorcycle...

I would then retire and do some good ole volunteering.

I would share some of the wealth with friends and the family. Surprise trips.  Surprise gifts.  Maybe a million here, a million there.  You never know.

I would take people to lunch like it was no body's business.  Mozzo would have to name a sandwich after me..

I would then save all of the rest of it.  Using it for good deeds when opportunities arose.

Sadly.  We did not win.  Hopes have been dashed, but I think I will survive.  We lost, but there is always next time...

Buying tickets with a minor is standard procedure:)

Fashion no no.

These tights.  no mam.

Gobble Gobble.

Lots and lots to be thankful for.