tuesday 10: wishlist

There aren't many (material) things that I wish for. I'm generally not a girl that needs "things" to be happy. BUT, I'm going to try to scrape up a tuesday 10, because I like routine, and because I'm not sure that I'm going to be able to post much this week. I've got sooooooo many travel plans this week and next.

In fact, if anyone would like to guest post while I'm on VACATION, let me know. I'm more than happy to hook you up with some space to write.

On with the 10!

Hosted by Paige @ the eloping stethoscope

via apple

1. Fine. I admit it. I want an iPad.

I don't need an iPad.
There is nothing that I can't do from all my current technology that I would use an iPad for.

But they're pretty.

And I want one.

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2. These beach chairs.
except in turquoise and white to match our umbrella.

I can't find beach chairs that I like ANYWHERE in nyc.
seriously. I need beach chairs.

These beach chairs.

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3. mmhmm. I want a new beach cruiser.

preferably in turquoise, or cream and pink. 

not all pink, cause that's not how I roll.

and it'll be needing a basket.

duh.

oooh.... like this:

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4. I wish, desperately, for my cats to toilet train!

(Like to the actual toilet... not just the litterbox. They're pro's at that.)
I thought about a picture here, but I figured I would spare you.

I would love to never smell cat litter again!

I'm not sure this will happen, but we'll keep practicing.

5. I wish for my Scentsy business to really take off.

I'm doing well with it, for sure, but I wish for a new party booking

or some kind of break that takes it to the next level for me.

6. Time. I wish for more time in a day.

For more days in a week, 

and for more time to do the things that are important.

Less time for all the boring stuff though.

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7. Because paying for gas in nyc is like sawing off your right arm

every single time.

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8. JG-L.

Because.... shut up, a girl can dream.

9. Central Air Conditioning.
'nuff said.

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10. And these shoes.

But I also wish them to be comfortable.

BONUS TIME

and also this...

delish.

There's nothing more to really say about that.

Usually hosted at Mom 2 Memphis and Ruby but hosted at The Eloping Stethoscope until August!

friday letters

What a day this has been, folks. Let's be real, what a freakin' week this has been.... or Month.

I am just so exhausted. There's nothing that I want to do more than lay down... all the time. I basically pass out during dinner. Or on the couch immediately after. Or while B is cooking dinner. I can't keep my eyes open. Last night, I fell asleep at 8:30pm... woke up at 10pm for a brief snack, and right back to sleep until 7:30 this morning. Seriously?

When will it end?!?!?
I hear ya, I hear ya, quit yer whining. On with the letters!!!!

Dear Lexi, I think you're sweet. I really do love you. But I don't love it when you come in from your walk in the morning and then lay directly on top of me. You're big, and you make me hot. Not necessary. I also don't love it when you punch me either, but that's been going on far too long to complain.
Dear Lifesuck, I quit you! No seriously. I put in my notice. My last day is August 11th. I have never been more excited about anything in my entire life. Now... the big question is... what's next?
Dear NYC, this is MUCH better temperature wise, however, I didn't love getting wet this morning. I know, I can't have it all. BUT I WANT IT ALL!
Dear B, I love you (for lots of reasons) but today, it's because of this text convo: me: Batman. B: Horrifying. me: Well. Yes. But I meant I wanted to see it. B: oh. me too!...  adorable.
Dear next step, What are you? I'm so excited to leave the Lifesuck and try Personal Assisting for awhile, but I feel like I'm missing something. I don't know if I'll ever have a "real career". I've never felt "called" to do anything in particular. I hope that something comes along that sparks something inside of me... it's getting exhausting just being a jobber.
Dear Douchebag that I wouldn't give a bag to the other day, Buying a book to get a bag, and then immediately returning it and keeping the bag is an asshole move. You've wasted my time and you lose at life.
Dear Creator of books that make animal sounds and/or play music, You are the worst kind of person. Especially if you thought up the jungle one.
Dear Everyone on Instagram, thanks for posting pictures of your cats. It pleases me.

everyone (or, who doesn't want to talk about me?)

Tuesday's just haven't been the same since Lena took a sabbatical from her Tuesday10. So, when I was perusing my favorite blogs last week, and I stumbled upon this linkup, and an opportunity to answer cute questions about my favorite person (me. duh.) I thought, why not?

Without further ado...

with your hosts:Kristen @ confessions of a graphic design studentBreanna @ my beautiful crazy lifeShane @ whispering sweet nothingsDanielle @ framed frostingJenna @ the life of a wifeAmanda @ for love of a cupcake
Time to get to it!
1. What is your biggest phobia?Heights. I am afraid of high anything - buildings, elevators, rooftop bars, tourist attractions. I've never seen the view of New York from the Empire State Building or The Top of the Rock. I can barely stomach standing out on the roof of my four story apartment building. I can't look out of high windows. I can't stand high ladders. I'm terrified of scaffolding. 
I also am scared of: meeting new people, germs, bugs, change, and dark basements.
This morning, the largest cockroach in the history of ever was on my living room floor. At first, I thought the cats may have killed it, because it wasn't moving, but it was very much alive. DISGUSTING. I went into full scale sweats and panic mode, too terrified to scream. I then threw the heaviest books I could find on top of it. I then left it for B to deal with later. I hope it is actually dead under there and not waiting for me to return for it's revenge.
Geez, this makes me sound like a real winner.... I am cool. I swear.
2. If you could relive any day of your life, what would it be and why?I think I would choose my wedding day, because I don't really remember it. It's all a blur, and it feels like such a shame that the most expensive day of my life be a shadow of a memory. Does anyone else feel this way? I remember it in snapshots, sort of. But mostly it's just a blur. Good thing that there's pictures to remind me. 
3. If you could choose to stay a certain age forever, what would it be?I don't know. Would I want to be young and completely fit and agile forever? Or would I want to be a little older with a little more life experience under my belt. I don't know. Maybe I'll play it safe and say that I'd go with now, because I like where we are, I'm okay with how I look, and I don't especially want to be 30.... ever.
4. Which celebrity do you get mistaken for?I don't really. I don't look like anyone but my mom.If anyone has a different opinion on this, I would love to hear it.
5. What songs are included on the soundtrack of your life?This is an endless list, that I've already started in this post.But I can compound it a little:She's got a way (Billy Joel)I'm Yours (Jason Mraz)Opposites Attract (Paula Abdul)Long Live (Taylor Swift)The Luckiest (Ben Folds)If You're missing (Come on home) (Bethany Joy)Fast as you Can (Fiona Apple)We Belong Together (Gavin DeGraw)Collide (Howie Day)Samson (Regina Spector)Basket Case (Sara Bareilles)
Really, I could do this all day.
But what's important to note is that, if a song makes you feel something... anything... it's worthy. I love music so much it hurts sometimes.
Have a beautiful rest of your day, friends. I'll try not to melt in the NYC heat!

Monday Meetup: Starring Brooke!

Morning, everyone!
Today, on this Monday - start of the work week and crazy day for moi - I have the sweet and lovely Brooke from Covered in Grace, taking over and linking up with her weekly party.  Take it away, lady!

~*~

It's time for another Monday Meet Up!

Hello new friends!! I'm so happy to be blog swapping with Jackie today and to get the opportunity to meet you all.

My name is Brooke, and I blog over at Covered in Grace. There, I write about life as a mother, student, military wife, photog wannabe, writer and Jesus lover. You can find Jackie over at my blog today; be sure to head on over and check out her post! 

For those of you that don't know me yet, I thought I'd answer a few questions about myself so yall could get to know me a little better.

1. How did you come up with the title of your blog?

Covered in Grace was something that had been rolling around in my head for a while. I had been blogging at My Beautiful Brooke for a long time, and while I was ok with the title, "beautiful" because HE sees me, it still wasn't sitting well with me-not completely. Covered in Grace encompasses what I believe, how I live, and pretty sums it all up. I am Covered in Grace through faith in Jesus.

2. If there was one blog post that you'd direct your readers to, what would that be?

Oh man, I'd direct you to any of my faith posts, but right now, the one that I love so much, that really tugs on my heartstrings right now is "...all summer long."  You can also see a branch off of that post at From the Guest Room.

3. What is your go-to quick fix meal when you've spent too much time on Pinterest/Your Blog been very, very busy?

Ha! Pancakes? Biscuits with eggs? Anything breakfast!

4. What is something you're looking forward to this coming summer?

I'm finally going back home to Texas for a visit!! I have been stuck on this rock in the Pacific for two and a half years (without leaving) and I am sooo excited to finally head out for a little bit. My little brother is getting married! And I'll finally get to see my niece! Woo!

5. Do you have any goofy talents or specialties?

Why, yes. Yes I do. I can make a siren sound by throat-chopping myself. It's very, very awesome. I think I'll do a vlog to demonstrate. Stay tuned!

6. If you could be a character from any book through out the entire story, what book-what character?

Oh, that's easy. No question. I would be Claire Beauchamp Randall Fraser...wife of Jamie Fraser. (oooh la la) She's the heroine in the best books ever....the Outlander series. If you haven't read these books, YOU MUST! These are the books I recommend over all others.

7. What is the best piece of blogging advice that you've ever received?

Be yourself. Write about what you want, feel, believe. And don't worry about the numbers.

8. What is your biggest dream?
To grow old with my husband. But after that...it's to become a published author...to just be a writer and have my words reach the masses.

9. What is your favorite Saturday morning like?

Waking up whenever, breakfast with the family, heading outside to be in this gorgeous Hawaiian weather...

10. Why do you blog?

I blog to practice my craft. To use my gifts. To reflect on my spirituality and faith. I blog to glorify God. To share my favorite things. To network with others. To maintain daily writing habits. I blog because it has become a fantastic hobby...and because I love it.

I would love it if you'd stop by and visit me from time to time!

You can find me here:

Covered in Grace | Twitter | HelloCotton | Bloglovin | Facebook

Alright Lovely Ladies {and Gents}...

It's your turn. 

Link up your favorite posts-all week long! 

Woo us to you blog. Let us get to know you! 

Meet other amazing bloggers and extend your blogging community!

Party Rules

1. Link up your posts, link up your page...it's up to you!

2. Grab a button to put on your blog post and/or include a link back to this post so your readers can come see what the fun is all about! You can find the code for the button on the sidebar or on the "buttons" page.

3. Make sure you visit (and comment) on other posts linked up-- what fun is a party if no one talks to each other? Make some new friends!

4. You must be a follower of Covered in Grace and Perched to link up.

~*~

That's a wrap! Can't wait to meet everyone and spend a week getting to know youuuuu!

the search was over...

So, I started this morning with my pelvis on fire. This is not as fun as it may sound.

I'm still battling my back, but I have it more under control than I did last week at this time (ie: I can actually stand and walk about like a living person). I've graduated now to my lower back pain wrapping around my pelvis and pulsating like a jellyfish sting.

I'm at the Lifesuck now though, and moving around is really helping to take my mind off of the ache. There was also another little gem that turned my mood completely around. Here's the scene...

I walked into the cafe for my morning tea (this is the one excellent thing about the Lifesuck... we have our own tea room. Sexy librarian thing to have.) and a song that I had forgotten about came through the old bose speakers, and my little heart soared with love for 80's power ballads.

Behold...

1985. Survivor. Here are some factoids.

Hearing this song totally changed my mood. I have no idea why. Sure, I probably slow danced with a cute boy to this song at a St. Benny's dance in middle school. (And by probably, I mean that his name was JH. He was silent through the dance, and I think that we probably never spoke before or after. And that I totally had a crush on his best friend DS through much of high school.) But otherwise, I have no attachment to this song whatsoever.

The power of power ballads, perhaps?
The world may never know...

friday letters

Dear Weather, screw you. Seriously. I can't move... can't THINK without sweating. This is not cool. Literally.
Dear B, Thanks for putting up with all of my whining and moaning this last week. I'm sorry. I'm miserable. Someday, I will attempt to make it up to you.
Dear L7 Vertebrae, (eventhough my doctor cousin tells me that L7 doesn't exist. Ahh well... I'm still super mad at you!) screw you. I can't remember the last time anything hurt this badly. You are complicating  my entire life. I can't stand comfortably, I can't sit comfortably, I can't sleep comfortably. The only thing I can do is whine. YOU SUCK. I HATE YOU.
Dear NYC, I love you. I really do. But you smell like armpits right now, and it's all I can do not to pass out deodorant samples on every corner.
Dear New Physical Therapist, I don't understand why, on the days that I see you, I don't feel so bad, and on my off days, I actually feel like a giant stepped directly on me and stamped me out. This is not fair. I can't liiiiiive like this! {/end dramatic music] It certainly does help that you're smokin' hot. Is the rumor true? Are you really a part time NYC Firefighter? Yum.
Dear Julie, This is hilarious. Thanks for the MUCH needed giggle this morning. Sorry about the roach.
Dear Dana, Thank you for this AMAZING review of Scentsy's products that I sent you, and thank you for the great plug :) You are a dream, girl. Adore you. Not just because you made my blog gorgeous, either.
Dear Readers, I love you girls (and guys?) with your sweet comments for my back to feel better. You're all the best. I hope that, with this post, I'm back and (still a little sore, but) better than ever. I miss sharing with you!
Dear Magic Mike, WHY HAVEN'T I SEEN YOU YET?!?!?! This must be remedied immediately.

That's all for today.
I'm going to finish work and then drown myself in ice pops and eggless cookie dough from Pinterest!
(random aside: I've been quite the pinning machine lately. It's all I can really do when I lay on my back on the couch, whining about how I can't move. Follow my pinterest page here to see what I'm seeing.)

where she went

Hey all.

I just wanted to write a little note and explain where I've been this last week. I know I've been completely absent. There's so much that I want to share with you, but I can't just yet, so I've been at a loss about what to write about.

Also, I've injured my back somehow. I've been in pain for about 6 days, and only now (with a visit to the physical therapist under my belt) am I starting to feel human again.

And we inventoried at the Lifesuck yesterday. So that was a nightmare.

So friends, I promise that I will be back to my normal posty self soon, but for now, I'm resting and trying to get back to real life too....

much love all around.