OMG

Jamie Lynn Spears is pregnant. PREGNANT. I can't even believe it! Holy cow!

***

Also? In case anyone was wondering or anyone cares, I still have the ability to test well when it comes to the arena of academia. I aced the final and the paper in Human Development. And I seriously, seriously aced them, as in got perfect scores on both. Which I didn't think was possible and I know is exceedingly obnoxious and really, who CARES about grades, right?

....


I DO. Gah! I am trying SO HARD not to, but the second I got the e-mail from my professor, I ran to find Alex to share my good news. And then I called my mom. Which I thought was funny. I am 27 years old and my initial reaction is still to tell mommy so she can be proud of her little girl. But really, my mom is so cute and supportive, you can't not tell her. And I knew that if anyone in this world would be unabashedly proud and not at all alarmed at my inability to NOT geek out, it'd be her.

Sorry to share this. I even made the conscious decision not to blog about this when I found out, because, seriously, WHO CARES? But it's my blog and I care, dangit! I'm just so relieved that my hard work paid off! And that I'm learning something in a field that I'm really excited about and interested in. Plus, I am SHOCKED that I did so well. I had so much going on this semester (wedding...funeral...), that I had prepared myself to get less than stellar grades. I'm just so happy with myself and the results.

Should I delete this? I might delete this. Maybe I will. I'll sleep on it first, though.

***

In other news, I am thisclose to finishing Christmas shopping for my side of the family. Yes, just my side. Alex's side of the family has decided to wait until after we all get back in town. Which is fine by me because I am SUCH a slacker gift buyer.

However, I am pleased to report that I managed an amazing present score today when I purchased my father's "showstopper" gift. Giving gifts is a big deal in my family, and I am sure part of it has to do with my state of only child-ness. (Proper English!) Also, I just think my parents are into gift giving. Well, at least my mom is. My dad is into letting her buy whatever. Does that count?

My father usually will give me a short list of items he might enjoy as a gift. And every year, I try to purchase those items and maybe one or two more to surprise him with. This system has been exceedingly helpful these past few years and I have come to expect, nay, rely on these lists.

Well this year, my father has decided to be difficult. He doesn't "need" anything. There isn't anything he can really think of that he "wants." There's nothing that is catching his eye or tickling his fancy or even slightly appealing. NOTHING. The one thing he has mentioned is replacement razors for this electric shaver. Seriously. Replacement razors?

Tonight, I had a total breakdown in Wal-Mart. I couldn't think of anything at all to please him. Nothing. I called my mom and we had a pow wow in the bathroom furniture aisle. Still nothing. NOTHING. I was so frustrated and upset. I know that it's the thought that counts, but I totally view gifts as an expression of my love and a gift card to Wal-Mart simply does not convey that sentiment.

I finally gave up and headed to Kohl's. I get my love of clothes from my father and he always likes the ties and shirts I pick out. I picked out a snazzy tie, a cotton non-iron shirt (Important! Because my mom refuses to iron!), and as a bonus, a chenille throw. All nice things, but nothing really amazing. No home run. No show stopper.

And then I saw it. In the men's coats, there on display right by the aisle, a black leather jacket. It was gorgeous. And perfect. And yes, I know, PETA will hate me, but my dad loves leather. Seriously. Loves it. Always wants to go in leather stores and look at the leather items and lovingly caress them. I called my mom and told her my idea and her reaction confirmed it. She said, "He would love it, but he would NEVER buy one himself." That is the classic sign of the perfect gift. And to add to this great find, I also had a coupon for 15% off all purchases. And then when I checked out, I got to scratch off the super special coupon and got 20% off instead. It was a sign, people! A sign!

So now I have a beautiful leather jacket to give my dad that he is totally not expecting. I am so excited and so relieved. I can't wait to give it to him and see the look on his face. And hopefully, PETA won't be able to find us.

Living Vicariously

Many, many, many congratulation go out to my dear friend Philly who got engaged tonight! Yee haw! You can see a picture of the happy couple and the gorgeous ring here. I'm obnoxiously excited for these two and it has taken everything within me to not call and tell people myself. Ha! However, I did get to tell Alex and my mom. (She says, "Congratulations!" by the way.) Granted, I didn't really "tell" Alex so much as "screamed/squealed" loudly in the car. Many thanks to him for not wrecking us as we left Bed, Bath, and Beyond.
Anyways, congratulations are in order to my dear friend. I couldn't be more happier for you both!

Updating

Forgive me, internet, I have ignored you. Things have happened! Let me share!

1. The mailman thought I was pregnant. I almost cried. Apparently the men of the world hate me.

2. I finally put up our Christmas Tree!
And lo, it is small and funny looking. But it was cheap and pre-lit! Alex and I are scrooges and hate spending tons of money on a Christmas tree. So we are hoping to find a good deal the day after Christmas this year. Also, please note that we do not own a real tree topper. This is because we are not actually adults.

3. I got my hair done! But I have yet to take a picture of it that I like. Howevever, I can give you a preview:
Why yes, yes it does look red. And no, that was not the point. I picked out a color called "warm caramel." As in, "I'M A BRUNETTE NOW!" But it turned out much more reddish than I intended. I suppose it's the Irish in me feeling feisty. Which...thanks a lot HAIR. I mean, it's a great color, but not what I was going for. At least Alex and I don't look related, which was my fear of dyeing it red.
Also, those are bangs you see. I think the bangs are freaking me out way more than the actual hair color. I walked into our friend's holiday party last night completely unnoticed. And two of my co-workers didn't recognize me yesterday. So yes, it is very different. But I also failed to take a picture of myself last night in my holiday-themed turtleneck. But no fear, we have yet another party to go tonight! And I will take pictures, I promise!


4. I woke up this morning to find lots of snow on the ground.
Very, very pretty. I enjoy walking outside in the snow. It's so quiet and awe-inspiring. I do not, however, enjoy driving in the snow. Fortunately, my amazing husband has volunteered to go purchase the ingredients necessary for our amazingly awesome cookies for the competition in tonight's party.

5. I made green bean casserole last night. Again, no pictures, but it was quite tasty if I do say so myself. And I made it in one our new Corningware dishes. So, you see, we are inching our way into legitimate adulthood.

Urgh

Today was kind of rough for me. I'm just not feeling well and it's kind of bringing me down. I'm at the weird beginning stage of getting sick and desperately trying to avoid it. But what can you do? You've got to get up and go to work and suffer through. I wasn't bringing my "A" game all day and I freely admit this. After work, I needed to run a few errands and the last one was at Target. I was desperate for some snowflake stationary to go in my snowflake Christmas cards this year and all Staples had to offer was 250 sheets of it. And while I am blessed with many friends, I don't have 250 of them that I want to send letters to. So I found myself in the Target parking lot finishing the last bit of my turkey sandwich. At that point, I felt like I was going to pass out in my car and so I decided I needed to eat something before I made my way into the store. Once I finished my delicious sandwich, I opened the door and then turn to unplug my phone from the charger. I looked up before I grabbed my purse and realized the guy next to me has come up to get in his car. I apologize and close the door. We had the following exchange:

"Thank you."

"No problem!"

Harmless, right? I grab my purse and get the trash to throw away and step out of my car. The guy has not left yet and instead, chooses to roll down his window.

"What do you mean, 'No problem?" Like, what does that mean? I said, 'Thank you' and you responded with 'No problem??"

At this point, I giggle and make a move to leave, because he can't be serious right? But he continues.

"No. I wonder what you meant by that. When someone says 'Thank you,' you say, "You're welcome,' or 'Have a nice day,' or nothing at all. But you said, 'No problem.' Why would you say that? What do you mean by that? What does that mean??"

I stare at him and say, "I don't know." At this point, I'm not thinking clearly and can only think, "Is this guy serious? Really? Who cares?" But no. He hasn't dropped it yet.

"No really, what do you think that means?"

I giggle uncomfortably and start looking around for back up. And also the best way to run away from this creep. He figures out that I'm not there for a fight, and (hopefully) that I don't give a rat's ass what he thinks and he concludes with, "Have a nice day." He rolls up his window and drives away.

Sadly, there is no one around to pick my jaw up from off the ground. I proceed towards the store and feel disbelief that someone would really take umbrage with such a stupid phrase. And then I pause and say out loud, "Blog post for tonight!"

Always the silver lining, eh?

I'm a Winner!

You may or may not know that NaBloPoMo offers prizes to those who participate. Many of these prizes are fantastic handmade goodies, the likes of which you can find at Etsy. As Alex can attest, I went through all of the links to the prizes and proclaimed multiple times in variable whiny pitches that I wanted to win a prize. I want a prize! Right now! Before my juice and nap!

So yes, I was totally stalking the site Sunday night when prizes were announced. And guess what? I WON A PRIZE. I know that comes as a shock to you, considering the title of this post, but it's true. I WON SOMETHING. As many of you know, I am neither lucky nor athletically gifted, so I usually don't win things. Unless you count that one time I won the Social Studies Fair in the 10th grade.

So yes, my prize is a lovely small quilt from Julie. I'm so excited I could throw up. And when it gets here, I will, of course, post multiple pictures of my awesome, hand made prize.

In other news, I took my final final today, so I am done with classes until January. That is a full month of non-school bliss, people. Celebrate with me!

Also, I have discovered that I have a weird new love for "Everything Little Thing She Does Is Magic" by The Police. Do not ask me how this song escaped my attention these 27 years of life, but it is true. But now, I have found it and I love it. Much to my disappointment, I discovered that Alex and I do not own a copy of this song. We have over 20,000 songs in our library and there is nary a Police compilation in there. :sigh: We do have a few singles and while "King of Pain" is freaking fantastic, it's no catchy magical feeling song sung by Sting. You know what I'm saying?

I should decorate my our Christmas tree. I haven't done that yet, which makes me a bad American, I think. But I have excuses so hopefully the Christmas Police do not take me away. Hopefully. At least not before my quilt arrives!

Things I have Learned in Married Life

Alex's favorite sandwich is turkey, pickle, and mayo on wheat.

Sarcastic jokes delivered in the wrong tone lead to fights about college football. (Stupid, stupid fights.)

Just because one of us has a key to the back door, doesn't mean the other one does. And just because that back-door-keyless person has a key to the front door, does not mean that person can open that freakish, old, impossible front door.

Guessing if the envelope contains either a Christmas or a sympathy card is a fun game!

My dog is not annoying. Yours definitely is.

Two computers + two dogs + two blankets + one space heater = good times in an extremely small room.

Deciding to cuddle instead of studying might not help ones grades, but does indeed help one feel warm and fuzzy on the inside. And outside. Because it's cold. Have I mentioned that it's cold? Because it's cold.

Louisiana for Christmas is an excellent idea.

Oh dear

Alex really loves college football. His favorite team, by far, is Ohio State. This is completely understandable considering he grew up in the same city as the university. Also? They're pretty darn good.

While I cannot match Alex in his fervor, I, too, am a college football fan. Particularly of the SEC. Which is understandable considering I grew up in the same southern area my entire life. LSU, in particular, has a special place in my heart, what with the almost attending there and the fact that half my class did and it was the closest big university to my hometown.

Up until this point, there was OSU and there was LSU and never the twain shall meet. Right? Right?? WRONG.

Tonight, it became official.






















Yikes. Stay tuned to see if the Cora/Alex union can survive January 7th.