It was Thursday.

It's been a crazy week. One of those where I walk into school and immediately get sent to cover a crisis. I had a long week alone playing with my new toy. I FINALLY gave in and bought an embroidery machine. I'm in love. I've monogrammed everything within my reach. Mr. P is back from Detroit.

I've seen life come full circle this week. Death, and birth, and death, and another imminent birth. Crazy, I know right.

but on Tuesday, my life changed. My prayer answers, my window of opportunity. That's right, I got a job.

I officially start on Monday. I can't wait. It's nothing new to me, just the promotion to permanent and full time.

It's also American Education Week, and next Thursday, Thanksgiving. This year more than ever I'm thankful.

Tomorrow is November 1st, there's 61 days left in 2013, crazy.

It's the start of a mad rush of birthdays, holidays, parties, games, traditions.. the list goes on.

I'm excited for all it brings, and for some reason. I even have just a hint a smidge of holiday cheer. I'm ready for Christmas card photos, and tree cutting and wonderful memories created around family traditions, I'm ready for new traditions to begin. I'm ready for Thanksgiving, I'm ready just to enjoy life. I'm ready to sleep in!!  Since my birthday (and all year long) really I've tried to say NO more and YES more. Yes to the things that I know I'll regret missing, and no those things/people that get me down. On top of that I'm going to be an aunt before the month is over.  

 a

It's been a long year full of uphill battles, changes and the kinds of surprises you're not so excited to get (like paying the IRS and car repairs). Adulthood has sunked in, in full force this year. I've become that "adult child" more so than ever I think. Our parents have looked to us for advice and support this year and we've been eagerly there to give it. I'm a little proud of myself. No wait, I'm a lot proud of myself.

My goal for the next 61 days is gratitude and grace. To enjoy my family, enjoy my friends, and savor each second that I have. To listen to what God has to say and take a moment to really see what work HE is doing in my life. To say thank you and give myself a little wiggle room to not be everywhere all the time. To instagram more and enjoy one too many cockatails on special occasions. I completely sucked at seeing my friends out of town and my "Summer Bucket List" so I wont even bother with a Fall/Winter one. I'm just going to take life as it comes.  After last weekend in Charleston I know I am more than in need of a slow down. I need a flat stop where I am at. God will provide as he always has, and this year has been a lot of just letting it go and giving it COMPLETELY to him.

good enough

Have you folks ever visited Hollie's Quotes?

It's been around for ages.. and every now and then I check back to see what her QOD (quote of the day) is.

I just happened to check it tonight before turning things off and read this one from today. In some ways I felt like this was God speaking me. I've been battling with so much self doubt and self worth issues lately. The never ending battle of interviews and job searching combined with a struggle to define who is and is not worth my time and effort. It's wearing me thing.

On to bigger things though. I should worry about the rejection and insecurities that haunt me daily. My life is perfectly planned out by the One who created me. The one who loves me more than the stars. So here's my lil reminder that nothing else matters in this world except that.

You don’t need anyone’s affection or approval in order to be good enough. When someone rejects or abandons or judges you, it isn’t actually about you. It’s about them and their own insecurities, limitations, and needs, and you don’t have to internalize that. Your worth isn’t contingent upon other people’s acceptance of you — it’s something inherent. You exist, and therefore, you matter. You’re allowed to voice your thoughts and feelings. You’re allowed to assert your needs and take up space. You’re allowed to hold onto the truth that who you are is exactly enough. And you’re allowed to remove anyone from your life who makes you feel otherwise.
-Daniell Koepk 

I'm not Falling for it.

Fall that is.

I mean, it's SC, we're still in the mid eighties most days and even though it's now officially FALL I'm stuck in a post Summer rut.

The rut where you don't know what to wear in the mornings.
The rut where it really is too warm for "Fall" clothing but I wouldn't be caught dead in shorts.
The one where you'd love to put up something orange but the leaves outside are still all green.
The rut when the water's a lil too cold to swim in.
The rut where the idea of PSL latte makes me scream but I'm already thinking Christmas cards and gifts.
(disclaimer, I don't really like them.. the iced ones are okay, but not my thing)


Alas, the days are getting shorter, the temperatures have dropped, and it is football season. It's starting to show up slowly and eventually I'll jump on the bandwagon. In fact tonight I was just thinking I'll have a fire on the porch soon.

I'm looking forward to the surplus of family time to come, a weekend in Charleston and whatever other surprises head our way.

Life is sweet.

So, it's Sunday night and I just finished dinner. I'm settling in to watch the Emmy's and just HAD to share this recipe with you folks.

We're always struggling around here to NOT COOK CHICKEN! It's Mr. P's favorite so many many many nights a week we eat chicken. In fact, there's a rotation of about five meals we use each week. Lately though they have just been so maddening to cook. I hate it!

A few weeks ago though I was reading the latest issue of Food Network magazine and came across a Smoked Sausage Alfredo recipe. At first I was like.. hmmm. Then after reading how EASY it was and saw how CHEAP it sounded I figured it was at least worth a shot.

I picked up the necessary ingredients tonight at Publix and came home and got to work. Points for using two dishes to make this. One for the pasta, then one to brown the sausage and create the sauce in. I added peas to give it a little more substance, but any veggies you pick would go amazing. I used a pre-mixed blackening spice I had on hand to sub for the Cajun seasoning.

The magazine shot is on the left and mine on the right. Pretty spot on. I could have used a skillet which I probably will next time, I just had that frying pan handy.

my 29th year

So last Monday I turned 28, thus beginning my 29th year.

Crazy.

This year I vow to say "no" to anyone and everyone no matter what and "yes" to me.

Time to put being nice and polite to rest.

Bucket List update!

Well.. that blog post is just a few weeks old and already I've made progress..

So far I've made ice cream!
We have plans to go camping in July (can't wait)
I've also made tentative plans for a few other things as well.

But.. we definitely haven't had dinner on the porch AT ALL. Between the heat and the rain, there's no chance. I also could be doing better with saving $$ but I think I've gotten a decent start, and about halfway to my goal for the Summer.

I also wanna add, go to NC/see my best friends three times this Summer.