Valentine Shmalentine

I think this happened around this time last year...life got immensely busy and I started feeling like I needed to cry every day. I suppose it's just the "February blues," and they stink!

I got my cry on yesterday morning, so I'm feeling much better today--which is good, because it's Valentine's Day! Like you needed the reminder! It's all over the radio, the blogosphere, the news....I guess Valentine's Day is fun, but to me it's not really that big of a deal.

James and I exchanged little presents this morning, and he gave me money last week to buy myself some new clothes because I was complaining about hating my wardrobe. That's about all we're doing to celebrate.

So, since I am having a boring Valentine's Day (that is actually jam-packed with classes and meetings until 9:00 tonight), here are some fun Pinterest finds to help put you in a loving mood.

Source: cuteoverload.com via Erin on Pinterest

Source: coolandbello.co.il via Yehudit on Pinterest

Source: leloveimage.blogspot.com via Jenna on Pinterest

Source: vintageholidaycrafts.com via Kana on Pinterest

Jerk!

Today I had the unfortunate experience of being stuck in a room with someone for several hours who was just a real jerk. I could use different language (and already have in my rant to James), but I'll just stick with good, old-fashioned "jerk" for the rest of the world.

I guess the major reason that this woman was a jerk was because of how judgmental she was. And how incredibly over-confident she was. And the way she talked over me and patronized me. And that time she totally contradicted herself to get what she wanted. And the fact that it was more important to her to be heard than to listen to the ideas of others.

Oh, hmm, that's a lot of reasons. Sorry! I just have a hard time with people like that and it put me in a bad mood. I try to see the best in people--I really do! And most of the time I'm really good at it, and I find that I truly do like most people I meet. But when I feel that a person either disrespects me or the people around me (especially when it is done behind their back and for the entertainment of others), I have a really hard time finding any good in them at all.

It doesn't help that things have been stressful lately. School started up and the semester got going really quickly. I feel like I'm trying to be all things to all people, and that is really hard and darn near impossible! I have a lot of things coming up in the future that I need to prepare for now: job interviews, graduation, wedding, licensure exams/applications....And then there are those pressing things that should have been done yesterday: homework, readings, emails to friends, balancing my checkbook, bills, valentines...

So, with the mood that I'm in and the to-do list from hell that's sitting next to me, I am getting on a roll tonight and getting crap done! I shall use my fury for good and accomplish wonderful things! And I'll also leave you with some beautiful Pinterest finds that make me smile (because, really, when in doubt, pin it!).

Source: theinspiredroom.net via Jennifer on Pinterest

Source: radiatortunesblog.blogspot.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

Source: apartmenttherapy.com via Karyn on Pinterest

Benny's got a new pair of shoes!

I purchased my wedding shoes today!! Yay! They are flats (score!) and gold (double score!) and I love them dearly! I wish I could wear them tomorrow...but I won't.

Before buying my shoes, James and I had a very fancy dinner of hot dogs. Check out my masterfully applied mustard.

 {day 6}

And these are my wedding shoes! I don't have a problem sharing them early. They're special, yes, but not too special to give a sneak peek!

{day 7}

Aren't they cute as a button?

Liebster

What a fun surprise! I got a blog award today!!

Thank you, thank you, thank you to Maggie at Finding Myself. "Liebster" is a German (I happen to be 50% German) word that means "favorite" or "dearest", and the award is meant for up-and-coming bloggers with less then 200 followers. 

Rules:

*Thank your award presenter on your blog {check}

*Link back to the blogger who presented you with the award {check}

*Copy and paste the award to your blog {check}

*Present the Liebster Award to 5 blogs that have fewer then 200 followers that you think deserve to be recognized {see below}

*Let them know by leaving a comment on their blog {doing that right after I finish this post}

And the Liebster Award goes to:
Incredible Moments of that One Girl
The Magical Misadventures of Meghan
Bells Will Be Ringing
Good Girl Style
Passenger Seat Perspectives

I think this award is a really great idea for those of us who are not big-deal bloggers, but who still have a lot to share with the blogging community. I hope you enjoy my picks for the award!

Weekend

So much for the photo challenge keeping me posting every day! I guess that's what happens when you've got a few projects due, plans every night, and a lazy weekend to contend with! So, I'll tell you about the last few days as I show off my pictures...

 One of the things that I really need to get going on is applying for my social work license. My supervisor recently printed me out about 100 pages of directions, application, literature...all about the license and the exam. All I see is words...

{day 2}

What I do love to see every day (that has nothing to do with school or work) is my James holding Cuddles. These two are the sweetest, and the way they love each other is pretty special. I know she's just a cat, but his hands holding her make me so excited for the day when he will hold our very own baby...

{day 3}

Last night was an epic adventure in eating! We met friends of ours in Athens, NY for drinks...then walked to a great little Italian place for dinner...then topped it all off with hot fudge sundaes at Stewart's! Needless to say, we were satisfied and stuffed. Yesterday's prompt was "stranger," and since I am not comfortable being a paparazzi and I am not creative enough to think outside the box, I have no picture from yesterday. Fail.

But, today began another adventure! At 10am, my kitchen counter looked like this...

{day 5}

...I'm not saying anything more because it will give away my Valentine project!

Now it's time for a little nap before we head out to catch up on movies we've been wanting to see--a 3:30 show of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy and then a 7:10 of We Bought a Zoo. We're boycotting the Super Bowl (not really, but it's fun to say we are). Hope you had a great weekend!

February 1: your view today

James and I are trying to consciously make more time for each other during the week, so that the days don't fly by and we find ourselves at Friday feeling like we hardly saw each other. This doesn't mean that we have to be doing something constantly, but that we enjoy each others company each day.

So last night, while James watched his new movie from the couch, I read Tuesdays with Morrie from the recliner. It was a relaxing evening that we both needed desperately.