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.

The Summer Bucket List

So, as Memorial Day approaches we're faced with the "unofficial" start of Summer.

Not sure if I did this last year or not, but here goes the 2013 Bucket List.. A mix of old favorites and a few new things to spice up the mix.

___ go camping
___ spend the night at the lake
___ have a picnic at the park
___ make ice cream
___go to the beach at least once each month
**in the event an actual vacation takes place I'll scratch that one off all together
___catch a fish (well duh!)
___ paint pottery with Emily or do a Paint & Pour class
___eat on the back porch at least once a week
___save as much money as possible!!
** honestly, I am hoping to put every spare cent I can into a savings account!


What's on your big list of things to do this Summer?

For old time's sake!

Here's to writing a blog.

It's a slow Friday. By that I mean, school is out for the day. I've had the chance to sleep in (til 7) make my coffee, enjoy it in bed with Kathie Lee and Hoda, as well start to dig in on the house work that has been looming in my head for close to months now. I've also made STRICT plans to only visit Publix for necessary baking items (might even make that the Pig) and return home to be lazy all day.

I had plans but they fell through, furthering my belief of you can only depend on yourself.

So far, we've tackled the dishes, started the laundry and cleaned out a few cabinets. My goal for May is to DECLUTTER. Mr. P and I have some BIG plans for the house, and we're finally at the point in our lives to make a plan and accomplish it. I am OH SO EXCITED! I was blessed with a talented partner in him to do the big stuff such as painting and construction, which leaves me with the design side.

Life continues to be a mix of work, work and work. Honestly I'm not sure how I've functioned lately.

This random unseasonably gloomy cold weather can take a hike. After the epic Spring Break trip of April, nothing just lives up to it. Slowly though I'm starting get excited about another Summer on the lake.

I've got 3 days left with the kiddos I started teaching in February. Wow! These past few months have flown by. I can't imagine what I will do with my new found free time, I know I will miss them terribly.

Until next time folks!