Insane in the Membrane, Insane got no Brain - but Wait, I still need it

As I go through the typical motions of a nursing student,

A.K.A. no life, so much studying, your blood may be replaced with caffeine, and what is sleep again?

I may be on the brink of insanity - actually I might of been there for a while now and we may already know this...

Anywho, I wanted to share this great little article that I stumbled upon on Facebook this week.

It just seemed so fitting as I contemplate why I constantly stress myself out and spend my life studying.

http://ceejandem.blogspot.com/2010/02/graduate-school-barbie-tm.html

Please read this. It is "Graduate School Barbie" and while I may not be in graduate school (yet), I believe that many college students of all majors/levels can relate in one way or more to this article. 

I can honestly say that everything in the article rings true and I have dealt with or thought about it all more than once. 

Stay Tuned for my next post...I'm sure it will consist completely of the first year being in a house and having trick-or-treaters along with two young puppies to deal with. Oh yea!

Shake It Off

We have hit the end of the week!!

I am so happy that it is Friday - except for the fact that I have to study all weekend. Yep. 

Who spends their Friday afternoon studying until their boyfriend gets home? I do!! 

It'll all be worth it in the end.

And tonight Daniel and I are carving pumpkins! I am so excited.

Tomorrow Daniel and I are going to a Fall Bazaar for a few hours and then doing normal weekend crap, like grocery shopping - I lead such an exciting life, right?

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend (and I hope you aren't studying, like me) and I will share what has been going on these last few weeks!

Velvet and I like to play even if the ring is too wet to ride in

It's official, I am an addict... (not that we didn't know this) 

The babies are two months old today!!

My google app is struggling today so I cannot show you the picture of my gorgeous fall wreath - I'll upload that with the pumpkin pictures!

I also cannot share my cupcakes and Starbucks that Daniel got me because he knew I was so stressed. It was such a sweet surprise. I love him to death.

So, since google apps is being a turd, enjoy this funny trailer Forest Gump made into a horror movie

Being a Puppy Parent

This post is a little rant - you have been warned - stop reading if you want rainbows and butterflies, so feel free to keep reading!

I have had the boys for a week and half and I have experienced the weirdest thing that, females especially, are warned about at one point or another. When it comes to babies (human, animal, etc) everyone and their mother is going to have an opinion on how you should raise said baby....

THIS IS HOW I FEEL! 

Let me name the multiple things that I have done wrong/should not do according to different people.

1) Don't let them on the couch/bed (oops)

2) No plush toys (...we have 4)

3) No tug of war toys (yep, broke that also)

4) No wee wee pads (...I have no comment for this)

5) Do they sit yet? (They just turned eight weeks - but we are mastering it!)

6) Don't leave them home alone yet (double oops)

7) Do not get litter mates (OOPS!) 

Let me add a little disclaimer so that you all do not think I am just a cynical bitch:

I fully understand that everyone has an opinion on what you should and should not do, but I do not appreciate being voicing their opinions when they are not wanted or needed. If you have legit advice (i.e. this worked when we went through potty training, etc) I will gladly listen. I appreciate tips and tricks that have been learned from experience. Also, the litter mate thing...I have gotten so much negativity about getting two puppies - let alone litter mates. I did my research before getting them, I fully understand why litter mates may lead to problems, but I also know (from having rabbits, horses, cats, hamsters, dogs, etc since I can ever remember - and we've known multiple families with litter mates) the best ways to combat the potential litter mate problems. Dominance and separation issues can occur with any animal, at any age, and every size. 

So how do I feel about all of this?

Okay, so that above statement is not exactly true - I do my research and I make the best decision for myself and anyone else involved from there. 

I hear it only gets worse when it's actual children - the horror!

Sorry for my little rant, but I could not believe it! Within a week and a half and everyone has something to say. Such is life I suppose!

We survived!!

Friday!! I don't know about you, but I don't think I've been so happy to see a Friday for a while. This week has been a doozy - and that's putting it lightly. 

I AM EXHAUSTED. 

I am ashamed to say how many Starbucks runs I have made. I will be making my second run later today when I pick up shampoo.

Besides school, and keeping the puppies alive, I have done absolutely nothing. I finally vacuumed this morning, it's been a week (I am obsessive and vacuum every other day - hello white carpet!). I should be cleaning, or doing my online class, or doing the laundry but I have plopped my butt on the couch and I am prepared to do absolutely nothing but snuggle with Daniel and the puppies later while drinking a beer. 

As I procrastinate adult responsibilities, let me share some pictures from my cousins wedding! My dad, Daniel, and I flew to MI (as Daniel says my homeland - I've lived down South longer, but I love them both) and I was able to see my dads side of the family who I haven't seen for a while. Daniel has never been to Michigan and he was ready to move. The wedding was beautiful and I should of gotten more pictures but I was having too much fun.

 Me and my Cousin Destiny (The Bride!)

 Yep, we rode a ski-lift up to the ceremony :)

 The view from the ceremony

 Walking down the aisle!

 Destiny looked stunning

Photo booth fun!! Literally, Daniel and I would of taken a ton of pictures with all the different props if there wasn't a line.

Have a great weekend! I am taking the boys to the vet tomorrow - they've gone twice before I got them but tomorrow could be interesting!

Puppy Madness!!!

I haven't even been a puppy mother for one whole week and it is exhausting.

The fact that I had two quizzes and two tests this week may have something to do with the exhaustion and I'm sleep deprived from the boys waking up at 6 every morning.

Meet my new munchkins! 

  Ah, peace and quite!

They've actually been quite good, I can't complain that much. Being a first time puppy mommy, I am discovering a few things.

1) Potty Training is H-E-Double Hockey Sticks

The munchkins are only seven and a half weeks old. I am very aware that potty training is not going to fully happen for a while, but nothing is more frustrating than sitting outside and watching them play/explore, while I run frantically to catch them, and within five minutes of being inside one of them pees. I understand that they don't have control of their bladder but my non-existant patience wishes they could magically go outside every single time. Thankfully, the are doing well and accidents are minimum.

2) Puppy Training is a Must

I planned on enrolling them in puppy classes before I got them, but watching them run around and towards the driveway/road is not a pleasant sight. They are curious little buggers who are just exploring, but the little buggers do not realize the road is off limits. The backyard is starting to get boring and apparently the side/front of the house is much more interesting now. Obedience training should be fun! I'm sure there will be a story, or two, to accompany puppy class. 

3) The Joys of Learning to Wear a Collar

Didn't you know that the foreign object that goes around your neck is much more fun to rip off your brother vs. actually wearing it?! To get acquainted with the collar, the boys wear it for a few hours each day. It is best when they are eating, playing, and going outside because they are distracted and don't notice it as much. Key point in that sentence is 'as much.' They still notice it and scratch, wine, attempt to get it off of each other, but overall they are taking to it quite well. Next will be the leash - that oughta be fun. 

4) They Will Mouth Everything and Anything

As I said, they have been well behaved little munchkins, but they do have a tendency to put their mouths around anything that they can reach. They aren't really chewing on anything, just seeing what it is. That is why having many toys is wonderful because they can rip those to shreds all they want! Boone did bite the brick step leading to the backyard today...smart cookie isn't he?

They really have been better than what I thought they were going to be! I already love the little goobers and am so happy to have them, except yesterday when I was so stressed because of a chemistry test and the whole potty outside thing wasn't going to so well. I cannot wait to form a bond with them. I had such a bond with Bailey that it has been difficult because I want to have that bond with these two so badly. It will take growing up and life experiences together, but I am hoping to share a special bond with them and I think one day I will. 

 Little Ash taking a much needed nap - being a puppy is so hard.

Boone! 

It's love :) 

21st Birthday Mash-Up!

Adriana (Dog Hair Is An Accessory - check her out here!) is doing a 21st Birthday story mash-up! 

While my Birthday story may not be as good as hers, I decided to share my story.

Prepare yourself for the 21st Birthday/Spring Break gone horribly wrong.

My Birthday is on March 3rd which is always the very beginning of Spring Break at NC State. I wasn't expecting to go wild that night (I had a 7:30 plane ride to Florida and I did enough partying freshman year that, it's incredible I survived, I didn't feel the need to go crazy until Florida). 

The exciting news was I was 21 and Spring Break started the next day! The bad news, EVERYONE left that night to head to their Spring Break destination - thanks friends! To make up for it, Daniel took me to a nice dinner at the Melting Pot and I wasn't even carded. How disappointing. Why is this disappointing? It was my first 'legal' drink and my first 'legal' time getting alcohol, and the waiter didn't even bother. 

Fast forward to after dinner, Daniel and I made our way to the Ale House where the bartender was hell bent on getting me drunk. A few beers and a shot, or two, or three, later it was time to go home and sleep. Thankfully for me, and to the dismay of the bartender, I have a high alcohol tolerance.

Florida time! I was so excited to spend Spring Break in Florida - on the beach with a few drink(s) in my hand! First day (Monday) in Florida was boring because it was two cold to go on the beach and we had to go get a rental car. Finally, day two (Tuesday) rolled around and it was gorgeous. Then we got a phone call from Daniel's dad - his grandfather had passed away and we had to get our butt on a plan early Thursday morning. Que the crying (all me) and emotions out the wazoo from both of us. I felt so bad for Daniel's family, but I also had a little pity party for myself since my family rarely vacations and I had been looking forward to this trip for months. After I attempted to drown my sorrow with a few drinks, Daniel and I had a nice dinner (where I attempted to drown my sorrows yet again). We decided to make the best of Wednesday so we drove around and spent the day exploring. So there you have it! My Birthday/Spring Break bash all ended within 2 1/2 days (it was originally 6) and for a very sad cause. 

It definitely is a story to tell! I wished a lot of things would have ended differently, but that is life, my friends! Share your 21st Birthday stories! I would love to hear them - and then link up at Adriana's blog (Here!)

Down Dog is NOT so Easy

Two posts in one day?!?!?! I am trying to make it up for my slacking and I'm worried that I will be too distracted with puppies next week, that I am posting a quick post all about my new found love for yoga!

I am an avid workout junkie - no it does not get in the way of any aspect of my life, but I truly enjoy working out. About a month ago I decided to incorporate yoga into my routine. Now I wish I had been doing it for years!! I absolutely love it. Am I that great at it? Nope. My hamstrings are tight, my hip angle needs to be opened up, and my balance isn't as good as I thought it was. Nothing will make you hurt and make you realize how not flexible you are quite like yoga!

But I love it. It relaxes me, it pushes me, and did I mention it relaxes me? I am a stressed out little lady on a regular basis. Thank god for Daniel and yoga. They keep me grounded. If anyone is an avid workout junkie and you have not tried yoga - I highly suggest it. I use to think you didn't work that hard in yoga...I was very, very, wrong. It works your arms, core, legs, balance, and it makes you focus on your breathing. Moral of the story? Do yoga!! It switches up your workout routine and will make you realize that your core isn't as strong as you thought it was.

One last thing, I want to praise Hard Tail's Yoga Pants. I adore them. I am a yoga pant junkie (it's shameful, I know) and I have many pairs of VS yoga pants but Hard Tail's are just fantastic. They are made from great material and I have had no problems with the stitching stretching when I work out in them (problems I've had with VS yoga pants - sorry VS! I love you, but Hard Tail's Yoga Pants have been better for yoga), and they come in a multitude of colors. I am also a fan of their sports bra's and jackets. Comfortable and made extremely well. 

I hope everyone has a great night! I am watching Tangled instead of working on an Anatomy and Physiology Lab (shocker). 

Also, I was not paid or asked to say anything about Hard Tail gear, I have worn it for a while and just love the quality so I wanted to share!

It's Fall Y'all!!

Side note: The 'Ya'll' above is the most southern I will get. I may have been in the south the majority of my life, but I cannot bring myself to say 'y'all, soda, bless your heart, etc.' I love the south, but being born up north, I still have a few things that stick with me!

October is my favorite month. Sadly, it was 86 degrees here yesterday...

Get it together weather! Thankfully the temperature has dropped today but it won't stay low consistently so I can wear all my cute fall clothes. Boo. Even if I can't consistently wear everything yet, I am going to share my favorite fall clothes and accessories. These are the things I love and pretty much live in.

1) Free People Sweaters

Here!

I have a ton of Free People sweaters/pullovers. I am pretty much a sweater whore as soon as the fall rolls around. 

2) Joe's Jeans The Skinny

Here!

I love these. Finding a good pair of skinny jeans is incredibly hard to find. Now that I found a pair that I like, I will be buying another pair.

3) Frye Boots 

                     

 Here!

What can I say...I can never have enough Frye boots!

4) Red Lipstick (Menace)

      

Here!

I love red lipstick. I have a few brighter reds, but I plan on picking up this wine/red this weekend when I am at my parents to pick up the puppies!! Sadly there is no sephora around my house.

5) Dark Nail Polish

Here!

Essie's Smokin' Hot. I have this color and I love it. I also have way too many nail polishes. But for the fall I love the grays, purples, and reds. 

6) Drink (Starbucks - I am addicted I know!)

The chocolate chai tea latte is on point. I may buy too many of them. It actually is sad how much money I spend on Starbucks, but I love it.

Preparing for Puppy Madness!!

Notice: I apologize for the lack of pictures - I am getting back into the swing of things after my heartbreak.

Growing up, it's a funny thing. I have been heartbroken, overjoyed, incredibly frustrated, and I've cried a lot. This does not pertain to a male per-say, but all aspects of life. So, as I keep plugging along - I am learning how to prepare for puppies!! Life is all about growing, and let me tell you, I have had many growing experiences. These puppies will be another one!

Let me just say, I am overjoyed and overwhelmed to receive these puppies this weekend - but I have a lab practical/midterm and two tests right after I get them - womp, womp. womp. I guess I will have to spend my study time wisely while the boys sleep.

I have grown up with dogs, and loved every single one of them. But, I never had to raise the puppies before. Am I up for the challenge? Hell ya! But I didn't realize how much planning it would take.

I have a collapsable crate √

I have toys √

I have treats and a treat container √

I have bowls √

Leashes/collars √

Name tags √

I am ordering a bed for them this weekend that they can grow into and I am on the hunt for puppy pads and a baby gate tonight! Finding a baby gate is difficult. There are so many and you don't know which one will work best until you try it (I sound like a crazed mother, don't I?).

I have to be careful on what I buy because I am getting two Miniature Australian Shepherds and they are smart cookies! They are very athletic and can get bored easily - that is why the toy hunt was also interesting. 

I have stocked up on toys (these boys are so spoiled and they don't even know).

Kong toys are recommended for dogs who need brain stimulation. So, I got a Kong, Kong balls, and a Kong Wubba. 

See Kong toys here

I also got this ball which has been a favorite of many of our past dogs 

Here!

For my dog treats...I got a massive Mason Jar. I kid you not! I am slightly obsessed with it and got it from Target. 

That's Right

If this is what it's like preparing for a puppy, I cannot imagine what it will be like preparing for a child later in life. Craziness! I also am so sorry for no puppy pictures. When I went to see them, I neglected to take pictures because I was happy way to much fun playing with them (oops!!). But I get them this weekend and I promise you will be flooded with puppy pictures and might even get sick of the cute ones.

Until next time!

...What Has Been Going On?!?!

So, in my last post I said that I would be updating more regularly.

That was the honest intention - in fact, I had multiple posts planned out!

What happened?

Life got in the way and hit me like a ton of bricks. 

It still pains me to say this (in fact, it always will), but my little love muffin of joy, my little Bailey has passed away unexpectedly. 

Even though I know he is gone, I could not find the strength to type it out. It was hard enough to drag myself to class the next morning and try to function somewhat normally.

For the first week, I was in shock. It stayed away from the house until Daniel was home and when I did find the strength to go home - the silence was sickening. 

I had a few bumps in the road - the major one being I left my keys in Daniel's truck and he went to work one morning and after getting ready for class I walked into the kitchen and realized that my keys weren't there. Que the panic!

I am slightly neurotic about being clean and having things in there place. I don't forget things, I never leave things, and I am always 10 steps ahead (in my head) of a situation. 

I fully intend on getting everything on track again - I just had to take sometime and try to get everything as back to normal as I could.

Bailey was the best dog there ever was. I know everyone says that about their dog, but Bailey was my knight in shining amour when no one else was there. I will forever miss him and he will not and cannot every be replaced. I wish things didn't end so tragically at the age of 7. He should still be here with me - but this is life. And life is a bitch and we either give up, give in, or continue plugging along. 

So, if I am a little slow with updates for a little bit, please forgive me. Things will fall back into place.

I need to share my Cousin's beautiful Wedding Weekend and I have some other exciting news...I am getting two puppies. I can pick them up next weekend and I am excited to share them with you.

I hope life has been treating everyone well. Either way, remember to keep plugging along.