P is for Productive Procrastination

(I am finally back on the band wagon? Its only been what...a month? Whoops.)

My freshman roomate and I like to think we coined this term.

Productive Procrastination is putting off doing on task (in our case, homework/studying) but not spending the time idly. I am becoming a champion at this. I will clean, do wedding projects, run errands, clean out my desk, organize my recipes, fill out requests for samples, write blogs, make cards and about anything else to avoid doing my homework.

I've been worse than usual since I've returned from Scotland (I think I adopted the wrong end of their carefree attitude) and this semester, with my developing case of senoritis (and the fact that most of my classes are GEPS and not major classes), I've become the champion of productive procrastinators.

What about you? Is there anything you avoid by doing other necessary things first? Or do you get the worst over with in the beginning?

Day 3: Your dreams

I could write post after post on my dreams, but I'll just share a few with you now.

I dream of having a craft room, with plenty of scrapbook storage and a wrapping station.

I dream of being a good cook.

I dream of making a living with my pen.

I dream of being a full time volunteer.

I dream of having a happy, healthy family.

I dream of traveling throughout the UK, Europe, Australia, the United States and various exotic locations.

I dream of having a Girl Scout troop.

I dream of making a difference.

I dream of being able to give, and not having to borrow.

Day 2: My Vices

Shall I just list them?

I'm inpatient. Terribly, so.

I have terrible handwriting.

I like to elaborate my spoken ancedotes. Once I start telling them they just seem lame, maybe I should correct this to I tell bad stories.

I can't cook but I am trying to learn.

I have very few physical coordination skills.

I stink at math.

I eat way too much chocolate.

Yep, I think thats enough.

Great Giveaway

If you're interested in having your blog made into a book you should check out this giveaway:

http://2momstalk.blogspot.com/2010/09/blog-book-giveaway.html

Another Week of Running

The beginning of my week is jam packed but I'm hoping that the end of it is relatively calm. I need a calm end of the week to help my catch up on all of the projects- school and wedding wise- that I need to complete.

1. Address the remaining wedding invitations.
2. Do a wedding planning update post.
3. All classes, homework and tests (can you believe I have midterms this week?)
4. Editoral Board Meeting- school paper
5. Call Soup Kitchen
6. Make appt with health center to discuss smoke issues.
7. Poetry Reading
8. Send my mom a birthday card.
9. Pick up my marriage liscense.
10. Complete my logo design project
11. Write my article for the paper.
12. Print my pictures
13. Start my ring bearer pillows
14.  Update Project Serve's service board
15. Write the service newsletter.

What's on your todo list this week?

30 Day Challenge- Day One

I know, I know. I've already started the ABC challenge and I haven't made any progress on it the last few days. I'm hoping to pick it back up at letter P over the next two weeks, but to try to help myself get back on a writing schedule I'm taking part in the 30 day/post challenge.

Post One: Your Best Friend

I know it sounds cliche but my finace is truly my best friend. I share things with him that no one else knows. We were friends before we dated and I think that is part of what keeps our relationship strong. But I do have a second (as in another, not 2nd place)  best friend.

(photobooth picture)

I like to call her Hotglue and she calls me that sometimes too, so it can get a tad confusing. She's 4ft9 and absolutely adorable. She loves children and is a psychology major at the college down the street.

(Birthday girl!)

We met the summer of my 11th grade year at Governor's School and she has been one of my closest friends ever since then. Even though we used to go through periods of time where one of us would drift away, we've managed to always remain close. Prehaps, absence really does make the heart grow fonder.

(birthday night  picture!)

I've loved living so close to here these past three and a half years and I'm going to miss seeing her whenever I want. She's really crafty and a scrapbooker. We share a love for baking and a fondness for chocolate and are equally crappy cooks. Her mother always tells us both that we will never get married because no man wants to eat sweets 24/7.

She's the maid of honor in my wedding and has been a really big help, conceptually and practically. She, along with my roomates, helped me out for three hours (or so) the other night assembling, addressing, closing and sealing our wedding invites (pictures to come on another post)

(game night!)

Catching a Breath....But Only One!

kenYa'll days and weeks are flying by over here. Its like someone set SC on to warpspeed. I'm taking tests and turning in papers and attending meetings left and right!

I'm interning at Hub City Press, arranging service projects for a club at school and helping edit the school paper. And keeping up with wedding planning and social activites. It is darn near exhausting.

This weekend has been fabulous though. Mr. Groom came down Thursday after and we went to one of his favorite places for dinner- WAFFLE HOUSE. Ya'll those pecan waffles are pretty darn delicious. We just hung out and relaxed around the hotel room.

Friday we went and applied for a marriage liscense! And later in the day had dinner with my family. I was suprised at how well everyone behaved and how painless the entire experience was.

Today we went and picked up my cleaned and tightened engagement ring at the mall, bought him some pants, ate Korean food for lunch, took a long nap and then met up with three of my bridesmaids for dinner and conversation. (And the Amish baked goods that Mr. Groom brought down from PA).

He's leaving tomorrow after church to continue the job search. I've had such a great weekend I don't want him to leave just yet (This is the first time we've been together since we've been home from Korea) but I know that soon we'll be together for quite a long time. Keep him in your prayers as he drives back.

How Does That Make Sense?

For the past few days I've been waking up with the smell of cigarette smoke in my nose. I have trouble breathing and have to pump the air freshners up to double duty.

Tonight, while watching TV  I smelled cigarette smoke. I double checked to make sure our window was closed and it was.  I walked outside to locate the culprit. I politely explained my allergies and asked the girls to move a little further away from the building. Their answer This is the designated smoking area for our building.

I ran back upstairs and checked the college's handbook. They're correct. The designated smoking section is right under my window. What genius thought of that? The policy says that it is designed to promote a healthy environment for nonsmokers as well as allowing smokers their right to smoke.

A healthy environment? Second hand smoke is coming in my room and clogging my nose and lungs. I'm constantly sneezing, coughing  and blowing my nose. There are easily avoidable pollutants in my home.

Tomorrow, I'm going to look into getting the smoking area moved a little further from the building.  Not just because my body can't tolerate cigarette smoke (it really can't- cigarette smoke has caused me to puke before), but no one should have the second hand smoke forced on them because they happen to live on the right side of a building.

So Much Going On!

I am really trying to get back on a posting schedule. I think my regular life schedule is finally set- regarding classes, internship and club meetings. Here's whats going on this week:

1. Classes and homework per usual
2. Interview for Assitant Editor of the online paper
3. Greeting Card Workshop at church.
4. Dinner with the parents and Mr. Groom
5. Applying for a marriage liscence.
6. Greek Festival?
7. Continue trying to contact nonprofits.
9. Generate ideas for new articles.
10. PSLT meeting
11.Senior pictures!
12. Workout!
13. Bio test- YIKES!
14. Deliver Big Sis/Little Sis Gifts for the roomie.
15. Season Premiere of Big Bang Theory!!!!! WOOT! (Major stress reliever)
16. Pick up my newly cleaned and tightened engagement ring
17. Dinner with a few friends that Mr. Groom has yet to meet.


It's going to be a busy week for me! What have you got going on this week?

The Makings of a Fabulous Weekend

This weekend has been going great and looks like its going to keep on chugging in that direction.

Last night was Sparkle City's Collegefest, where students from all six colleges gathered to listen to 3 bands and eat free barbecue, pizza, fried oreos, candy apple, funnel cakes and beer. Okay, I ate dinner before hand so I could save all of my free tickets for the fried oreos, funnel cake and candy apples. Goodness, that does make me sound like a pig. I DID share the oreos with both roomies and the funnel cake with Lyric. And I brought the candy apple home for a movie night snack. Before we left for the night though, the waterbottle I packed leaked all in my bag and completely soaked my phone so now the battery won't charge. I have the worst luck with phones! Hopefully, I can find a cheap battery  to buy.

Today I did homework  (bleck) and went shoe shopping. I found a really cute pair of white flats with "crystals" on them, but they're $70 and I really don't want to spend that much on them, so  the plan is to hit up David's Bridal tomorrow to see if I can find something similar. Tonight the plan is to work on invitations with the roomies and Hotglue, watch Lifetime's polygamist move, eat some tenderwhite popcorn and my candy apple.

Tomorrow? Church, lunch with the girls and then a FREE cooking lesson at William Sonoma, updating my registry, more shoe shopping, more homework and the beginning of present delivering for K10's Big Sis/Lil Sis week.

What did you do this weekend? Any exciting plans?

Creamery Creek Goat Milk Soap

I recieved many fabulous items in the mail when I was in South Korea. One of those items was a bar of goat's milk soap from Creamy Creek.

My roomate and I  both used the soap. We both liked that the soap smelled nice but wasn't over bearing. I hadn't used bar soap in quite a while so I was expecting to feel a scummy feeling. Not the case. My hands felt clean, and even soft- not dry like I was expecting.

The little information card that came with the soap says that because of the soap's simple, recognizable ingredients and low PH it is great for sensitive skin and people undergoing chemotherapy.

Creamery Creek offers a wide variety of scents from Bayberry Rum to Pineapple Blossom. All soaps are $5 a bar.

"Lyric" and I are both loving this soap and will probably order more once our sample runs out. Now, we just have to get a cute soap dish!

* Disclaimer: I was given a free sample of Creamery Creek Soap in exchange for a review.



College is Offically in Session...

(Does that mean I could have skipped class last week? )

We had opening convocation today, which traditionally means we get all dressed up and go listen to a few speeches and then feast on fried chicken on the lawn.

This year was different. This year we're SENIORS! And this year was the best year yet.

We spent last night decorating the campus in red. My class is the Red Devil Class of 2011 (Odd years are red devils, even pink panthers) My group of friends was responsible for decorating the rock and the fountains.

Aren't we cute

Pretty good for nongangsters....

I promise I have shorts on.

This morning we filed into the assembly wearing our graduation gowns and red devil gear. I almost teared up walking down that aisle. The entire room was silent as we entered and our little sister class was waving red pom poms in the air. There was an intense feeling of love, support , and sisterhood. As we began to file into our seats they erupted into cheers and shouts and we joined in with them.

Waiting to line up

Tail shot

 

The speech was given by an amazing, friendly and somewhat eccentric professor, who began by handing out speaking rubrics to his faculty  (which he mispronuced as phallic) colleagues. He then asked us to wait a minute while he went and grabbed someone. He came back carrying a cardboard cut out of Jacob Black.  He told us it was because he knew a full moon was around (Full Moon is the secret group of senior pranksters). We all howled with laughter and he occasioanlly referenced Jacon in his speech.

I almost teared up when we sang the alma mater, and when we filed out and the pompoms were again waved.

I love the women I've met here and have never regretted my decision to attend an all women's college. I've loved every minute of my time here. Its a bittersweet experience for me because I know I will not be here in the Spring for all of the senior celebrations with these fabulous women and the Converse traditions. I'm trying to soak up everything I can semester, to make every minute a memory.

I love all of these ladies!

The roomies: "Lyric", K10, Me

Me and my "little sister"

To Do List 9/13-19

I did a pretty good job of knocking things off of last weeks's list so I thought I'd post this weeks list to keep me motivated. Before I write the list I want to ask ya'll to keep Mr. Groom in your prayers. When he was in Korea he had intense stomach pain and was told he had a hole in his stomach. Now, the situtation has escalated. The doctor's here think its because he wasn't given enough medicine to allow his body to fully heal. He goes to the hospital on Tuesday and Wednesday. On a more positive note, he has a job interview lined up!

Here we go!

1. Attend all classes and do all homework!
2. Attend Senior Hats on Party
3. Help the other seniors decorate campus in red.
4. Start my internship!
5. Buy postage
6. Start addressing invitations
7. Contact two nonprofits for Project Serve- whoops I only did one
8. Come up with three goals for my position (Publicity Chair) for Project Serve- only one at the moment, but I've got until Tuesday.
9. Go to College Fest
10. Cooking lesson at Williams Sonoma
11. Try to update my Williams Sonoma registy while I'm there.
12. Shop for shoes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Does anyone have a pair of pretty white, low heels in size 5.5-6 they want to get rid of?)  I found a pair!
13. Post a review of Creamy Creek Goat Milk Soap
14. Call my Aunt to let her know about the Flower Girl dress colors. Again, I'm a slacker.
15. Go to the Conversationalist Launch Party
16. Type a new schedule for above my desk.
17. Find out why I didn't get a response about my engagement notice.
18. Decide if I want to fence or participate in the card making ministry .
19. Workout.
20. Call the Courthouse and find out about marriage liscense requirements

Wow. I'm exhausted just looking at this list. Here goes nothing!

25 Books to Read

One thing on my 101/1001 list is to make a list of 25 books I've been meaning to read. Here's the list (in no particular order):
1.Problems Men Started- Nikki Hardin  (This has been on my to read list for quite some time and I'm determined to read it this go around!)
2. Animal Farm- George Orwell (I loved 1984 but never ventured to read Animal Farm)
3. Retribution- Jilliane Hoffman (My mom loaned my this this summer and I've yet to finish it)
4. The Lost Summer of Louisa May Alcott- Kelly O’Connor McNees (I won this in a giveaway)
5. The Last Song- Nicholas Sparks (This one may change)
6. Traveling with Pomegranates- Sue Monk Kidd (I love the other books of hers I've read)
7. The Lost Hours- Karen White
8. As if I am Not There-Slavenka Drakulic (I discovered Drakulic last year and can't wait to devour more)
9. Daniel X- James Patterson (Another loaner.)
10. A Homemade Life: Stories and Recipes from My Kitchen Table- Molly Wizenburg 11. Outlander- Diana Gabaldon (recommended by mom)
12. The Distant Hours- Kate Morton
13. The House at Riverton- Kate Morton
14. The Glass Castle- Jeanette Walls (several recommendations)
15. The History of Love- Nicole Krauss
16. A Jodi Picoult Book
17. The Abstinence Teacher- Tom Perrotta
18. American on Purpose- Craig Ferguson (I love Craig Ferguson. Not enough to stay up every night though)
19. A Good Mule is Hard to Find- Kirk Neely (Dr. Neely is my pastor)
20. The Murder of King Tut- James Patterson (I love Patterson!)
21. A Bill Bryson Book (I love reading Bryson!)
22. In Cheap We Trust- Lauren Weber (seems interesting...subject to change)
23. House of Sand and Fog- Andre Dubus (I loved the movie)
24. Barbie and Ruth- Robin Gerber (I'm curious)

25. A Movable Feast- Hemingway (I recently read an excerpt for class and its gotten me hooked)
What do you think? Did you love/hate any of these? Any suggestions for a specefic book where my list is vague?

5 Question Fridays

1. Do you feel guilty spending money on yourself?


Yes! I am really bad about this. My flip flop bedroom slippers are totally worn out and I need more page protctors for my "to try" recipe notebook, but I probably won't buy them until next month, and then I'll probably just get the slippers.
2. How well do you know your neighbors?

I know my neighbors from my childhood home fairly well. They always treated me like their children/grandchildren. Now, if you ask me who lives on my hall in the dorm I could probaly only name three people, and two of them would be my roomates.


3. What age are you looking forward to being?
This one! People are finally starting to stop asking me what colleges I'm looking at. I wonder if its the ring... 22 should be exciting because that'll be my my first year as a married woman.


4. Do you get excited when the mail comes? Why?

Haha, yes. I love seeing if I have any little suprises- especially on campus when clubs are trying to bribe us to attend events by placing candy in our mail boxes. And as soon as I finish my copy of Real Simple, I start looking for the next one



5. What is your earliest childhood memory?

Playing in the yard with weeds I thought were lettuce and being surrounded by 8-10 cats who followed me whereever I went. We lived in the country. (When my parents first bought our house, the street was just a number and was later given a name.)

A Relaxing Afernoon Downtown

After lunch I made my way over to my best friend's campus to check our her cute new apartment. We then walked downtown and checked out the new bakery, where I enjoyed a fresh peach tart and Lu had an equally deliscious mini red velvet cake.

We explored the connected bookshop and coffee bar and then headed over to an upscale consignment shop that was having a 50% of sale. I found plenty of cute shoes, but none that I liked for the wedding. I guess I'll check out a few more places this weekend.

Once we left the consignment shop we wandered over to a small farmers market and made googly eyes over massive fresh picked apples, peaches and peppers. We split a bag of peaches and headed home.

Later tonight I'm picking up my cap and gown and stopping to watch a Comedian/Musician.

I hope ya'lls day has been as great as mine!

Getting on the Ball

Ya'll I promise to get back on the blogging ball as soon as I get back into a routine. Today I'm going to share my to-do list for the week and answer the GTKY questions.

First up, my to do list:

1. Attend all classes (Bio, Bio Lab, New Testament, Graphic Design, Feature Writing, Integrated Marketing Communications) and knock out all homework.
2. Start writing my article for the college's paper.
3. Prepare a recipe for the college paper.
4. Help out at the Involvement Fair
5. Pick up my cap and gown!!
6. Go to an internship interview.
7. Attend a 31 Gifts Party.
8. Shop for wedding shoes.
9. Buy some back to school, basic supplies.
10. Cooridnate a dinner "date" with Mr. Groom and my parents.
11. Type all of the guest list addressess.
12. Workout!!
13. Work on my Korea photobook. (ie harrass mr. groom into giving me his pictures)

Yeah, I think thats plenty for now. Now, for GTKY

1. Do you like seafood?

 yes
2. Are mermaids hot?
sometimes?
3. Have you swam in the ocean?
yes, I love the Ocean

4. If you got stung by a jellyfish, would you let a stranger pee on you?
Do I have to? Is there no one I know?

5. Have you ever pee'd in the ocean?

As a child

6. Can you make a cute fish face? (Show a pic..if you want)

Nope :(
7. When you see the lobster tank at the grocery store do you just have this overwhelming urge to set them free or cook them up?

Neither.

8. Are you afraid of sharks?
 
Um, yes. Who isn't?

What a Wonderful Friday

Friday was a fabulous day. My classes finished up around noon and then I had a leisurely lunch at the new Sandella's that just opend up on campus. Have you ever been to one? They have the most delicious paninis, wraps and quesadillas.

My wonderful roomate helped me to put together one of my invitations so I could get it weighed and order postage.

Then we went shopping and I bought a paper mache mailbox that I want to decorate and have at the reception to serve as part of my guest book. We also stopped by a new local coffeeshop/bakery/bookstore combo.

After a dinner of leftover pasta, we all headed outside. My college had set up a large outdoor movie screen. We watched the Blindside and nibbled on free popcorn and candy.

I loved the Blindside! I can't believe it took me so long to see it. It made me feel like crying during one part, and a few minutes later had me laughing at the top of my lungs. The experience was made even better by the fact that I was laying on a beach towel under the stars, and surrounded by good friends.

 I want to see Blindside again, and may have Mr. Groom watch it with me when he comes to visit in two weeks.

Have any of you seen it? Did you love it too?

A Friendly Game of Tag

Yenta Mary at Food Floozie recently tagged me in a game of questions. The rules? I answer her questions and  then tag 8 friends with questions of my own. Here's what she asked:
1. What item of yours has the most sentimental value, and why?


I really loved my charm bracelet- I'd collected a charm for every activity I'd been involved in as a child and had been given charms by mom parents and grandparents for special events. And then some jerkoff luggage inspector had to steal it.

2. What is the best compliment you've ever received?

Possibly related to my writing.

3. What did you want to be when you grew up?

In charge. Haha. I talked about being an actress, novelist, magazine writer, news anchor and teacher.

4. Do you love or loathe family get-togethers?
I tend to loathe them because it means long periods of time with my mother. However, I do enjoy seeing my little cousins and getting to see them growing up


5. What is your favorite breakfast?

Pancakes and bacon or a veggie omelet


6. Where were you born?

South Carolina

7. What is your favorite holiday?
I love Christmas but I also love to see the fireworks on the Fouth of July.  My family actually shoots off fireworks on Christmas Eve. I just love them.

8. What are you going to do for yourself today to make yourself happy?

Well, I did eat a Brownie earlier and am considering a trip to Hobby Lobby. And of course, I'm planning to read some in my current book.

Questions:

1.  What is your favorite family tradition/ritual?

2. What do you like to watch on TV?

3. How many calendars do you have?

4. What is your favorite chocolate concoction?

5. What's your favorite dinner to cook?

6. What's the best place you've ever been?

7. What is your dream vacation?

8.  What is your talent?

The Tagees:

Mandy's Life After 30
Mommie Cooks
The Answer is Chocolate
More Than A Mommy
Southern Comfort in a Northern Life
A Day in the Life of a Grad Students Wife
Life of Meg
One Sassy Vixen


Even if you're not tagged, I'd still love to hear your responses!