Day 319

Merry Christmas!

I swore I wasn't going to neglect this...however due to working full time and not getting my whole house put together, I have been waiting to get everything up before I took pictures, but I guess that's too long from now. It was so nice to be home today for the holiday. To be home with family is one of the nicest gifts this christmas.

For Christmas, Braxton got us Panthers tickets and dance lessons for the two of us. Here are some latest pics from this past weekend:

Day 307

It is Friday and my upcoming move is this Sunday. Though I am sad to go and have gotten used to having company at all times, I am ready to establish my adult life. Things I have realized from the moving process:
1. Everything is more expensive than you think it is. Having little credit, my security deposits are off the wall and everything requires an initial installation or initiation fee of some kind.

2. I don't know if I need cable. Though I love my TV shows, I am going to try an experiment for a few months and invest in Apple TV or Roku. With a flat fee and then starting up my subscription to Hulu and Netflix, I believe I can save around $60 per month of cable.

3. I think I am okay keeping my old hand-me-down items until I get a few more months pay under my belt. Considering I didn't have a full week's paycheck under my belt, I spent the whole paycheck plus savings on my rent and 1/2 security deposit this month. Though I have my wishlist for some upgrades that were made in the year 2000, I am excited to start the process of moving in and upgrading to some adult staples.

4. This calling and spending hours on the phone to set up accounts and going before work to set up accounts is for the birds. Do people still fax? Also, would it kill to email some of this stuff in?

SO, I will give an update on Monday (that's when they are installing my internet) on how the move went. To sign off...here are some things my wise oldies have taught me this week:

*Your butt checks should be referred to as your "biscuits".
*Sometimes it's important to just hold someone's hand.
*Poop really isn't that big of a deal. Farts are even less of a deal.
*Always wear a bra...or your tatas will end up by your belly button or lower.

Day 302

This past week was long, and the weekend was welcomed with a Holiday Gala and some well needed relaxation time. Spending time celebrating the end of Braxton's first semester of PA school with all of his friends was so much fun! Top top the weekend off, I saw the coolest house with Christmas lights this weekend. It had everything from a T-Rex, to the nativity, to Sponge Bob, and South Park. It was so funny. Plus, it had it's own radio station. Here are a few shots I got of the house. Hopefully it will spread some Christmas cheer.

Day 297

Big News!!!

I just signed a lease for a place to live! It is a nice townhome, so close to work, and perfect distance from the BF and the Fam. After looking at many different apartments with granite counter tops, valet trash, and fancy fitness centers, I realized that I wasn't paying for square feet, I was paying for all of the upgrades. Though they were beautiful and I could see myself at most places, I couldn't really see myself building a home for an extended period of time. I felt young and temporary. Finally, while trying to make my decision, my mother and I ran across a few townhomes for sale and rent. That same day, someone called us back to check in on one. It could've gone either way: outdated and a dump or a hidden gem. Luckily, I found the hidden gem. Although I will be giving up some counter space, fancy appliances, granite counter tops, large jet filled tubs, and a fancy gym just steps from my doorstep, I will be gaining > 500 sq ft and amazing closets. There is a space for my bike (and hopefully a new road bike this spring!) along with a small fenced in yard for a dog (maybe this summer). Though it needs some TLC and personalization, I am excited to get this new chapter of my life officially started! Move-in day will be in a few weeks, expect some pictures and updates on new furniture as the new year progresses.

<3

Day 292

Today on Facebook everyone has been posting pictures of their lavish feasts and what they are thankful for having in their lives. I could talk about the awesome food, and brag about my family/boyfriend/job/friends, but it struck me to think that 5 months ago I was in the midst of terrible poverty. The feast we had tonight, though it is tradition, slightly disgusts me due to the fact that all of that food could've fed a family for a week, and we made it for one night. I sit here covered in a blanket, wishing the fire was on because it's "chilly", when I should be so grateful to have real walls, a roof over my head, and heat. So, on this Thanksgiving, I am very thankful for my family for giving me support and love. I am thankful for the opportunities that have been provided for me to get an education and find a job. We forget how lucky we are to have these simple amenities and I shoot up a prayer to all of the families I met, and the millions that I didn't meet, wishing them hope for the future and the perseverance to brave the world.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Day 284

I have officially started my first big-girl job. I can honestly say I work at a lovely facility with lovely people. Thanks to all of my family and friends that have celebrated with me this past week. I am excited to work with patients again.

I was less excited to sprain my ankle earlier this week...which has me out of exercise for the next week at least. Hopefully it's just minor and I can work through it... I getting tired of wincing whenever I want to walk.

Also, HAPPY BIRTHDAY MITCHELL!!! My baby bro, Mitchell Moo, turns 21 today. I am sure he will be drinking strawberry kiwi capris sun as always.

 Operation Christmas Child boxes!!! 6 boxes total...one from each of us, one from Braxton and another from Britney. 

A celebration package from Margie and Marie from getting my first job. :) Thanks for making my day!

Happy Birthday Mitch! Cheers!

Day 281

This past weekend was special. Being away due to school as unfortunately led to missing way too many birthday celebrations. I am happy to announce that I was able to spend a wonderful day with my Nann for her birthday. Lots of family attended, however some were missed. We will have to get together again for another birthday (Pops...your turn is next)! Here are some pictures of our beautiful weekend in the burg: 

 A trip to the peanut shop for some free samples and gifts...

 A quick stop at a new bakery in downtown Williamsburg...it smelled so good!

 A walk downtown...

 Visiting Bruton Parish... My grandparent's church and where my parents were married. 

I can honestly state that it hasn't changed one bit!

 The ladies with the birthday girl!

 After an afternoon of previewing old Foley home videos, we learned that every good photograph needs a diva pose...

 The chicas....

 Mother and Daughters...(minus one!)

 Downtown is so beautiful this time of year!

A special walk with a special lady. :)

Happy Birthday Nann!!!

ALSO: Another announcement...

I GOT A JOB!!!!!!!! As of Friday, I am officially employed. More excitement to come in the upcoming week... details to follow. :)

Day 274

SO...

After passing by boards...and receiving my license.... and being depressed about being unemployed... I was invited to go away for the weekend to Little Switzerland with one of my BFF's E. We have been best friends since 2005 and I am so blessed to have her in my life. She has had to work so hard this past year, and finally is employed at a GREAT job with GREAT benefits. I am so proud of her and am blessed to have the weekend away.

 E at Linville Falls - Upper Falls....

 And I thought this was a beautiful view...wait until we hiked up to....

 This view! We were JUST DOWN THERE! 

 and then we thought we couldn't get a prettier view until....

 We hiked up to THIS VIEW! SO BREATHTAKINGLY beautiful. 

 Sweaty and Happy at the top of our hike. :)

 Time to light a fire...

 This time, with a lighter that actually works...

 Such a warm and cozy fire...

 Fire + Footie PJs + Wine = RELAX

 The view from the Fox and Hen Den...

 Before breakfast, on the porch...

180 degrees of beautiful. 

I am blessed. <3

Day 269

BIG NEWS:

I passed my board exam!!!!!!!!

So, after attending a continuing education course on making foot orthotics, I got an excited text message from a classmate saying that the scores were up. I then had to drive 45 minutes home in anxiety, to check my scores. Lucky for me, they were in my favor. It feels monumental and I have such a relief to know that I have passed. I cannot wait to start this new chapter of my life, as a licensed PT. I graduated high school in 2007. Did I ever think that my journey would entail all that it has? No. Did I ever think I would have lived outside of NC? No. Am I glad I did? Yes.

Cheers to this new part of life! Cheers to a career! Cheers to a lifestyle!

:)

Day 267

So, today I can say that I have done something I never thought I would do: A Half Marathon. 13.1 miles. I was inspired by my lovely mother, who was walking with team in training for Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The Durham Dashing Divas raised so much for LLS and were rewarded in a successful race. I was honored to walk/jog beside them. It was a good way to start off a Sunday morning. I loved having my mom there to motivate me to reach a little farther and run just a little bit through the soreness. One of the most rewarding parts was running into a man on the way home. He stopped us and said "Thank You" for raising money for LLS. He said that the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society had saved his life by financially contributing to his treatment. He ran the half marathon and said that he wouldn't have been alive today, had they not helped. So, to everyone who donated in my mother's campaign, this is where your donation went. Helping people who truly appreciate the assistance, and saving lives because of it.

Here are some pictures!

 It was a chilly start, but with this much body heat around you, you were warm! We welcomed the sunrise and literally ran right in it's direction. 

 Mile 4...uphill....The first half was actually the easiest part of the race?

 Mom and I in front of the finish line. Wearing some new "Bling Bling" that was rightfully earned. We ran/walked 12-12.5 min miles. It was a great way to feel accomplished. 

The Durham Dashing Divas. 

Crushing personal goals. 

Raising money to save lives. 

Day 263

I'm DONE! Today I finished my national board exam and I feel hopefully free. I will find out in 10 business days whether or not I really passed, but for now it's ignorance is bliss.

Here are the pictures I have promised from the past few weeks!

 Zero-Dark-Thursday! The UNC on ESPN game! It was so much fun to be back in Chapel Hill and attend the game. Sadly, we lost, but we were winning until the last 30 seconds of the game!

Still, it was a good time.

 Bull City Race Fest. Over 5,000 people showed up to run and even more showed up to eat at food trucks. This race wasn't our personal best, or our personal worst. It as actually pretty cold and had a 2 mile walk back to the car, so needless to say the grits I got from Fowler's on the Fly was well worth the wait. 

 Pumpkin Carvings! Mine is the middle...it is a minon from Despicable Me. I love those minions. Braxton carved his pumpkin as homage to Campbell University. What day is it? Hump Day! Brittney carved herself a cute ghost. Overall, I learned my friends are OCD and carving a pumpkin is a lot harder than I remember. 

 Finally, Braxton and I went to the State fair! It was full of fun, food (gluten free, now!), and rides. What a fun way to end October and spend Braxton's fall break. 

 45 minute wait for the dog show...but it was worth it to see high flying dogs play with frisbees, high jump, and dock jump. 

 Gluten free cookies at the fair! Yum!

 No minion for us this year, but it was still a fun day. 

Here's to you, NC.

Day 260

WOW.
First off, I apologize for the lack of updating. I will say, I have been busy the past week, and before that I was studying my bottom off - which lead to nothing interesting going on - which lead to no pictures.

SO. With that being said. This is how this upcoming week is going to go:

Monday - STUDY
Tuesday - STUDY
Wednesday - LICENSE EXAM
Thursday  - INTERVIEW
Friday - INTERVIEW X 2

Wow, it's going to be a busy week and I am ready! This upcoming month is going to FLY by and I am excited to see what it has in store for me. I have prepared, I have studied, I feel ready to take this exam and give it my all. I will update photos, because I have a BUNCH, maybe on Halloween.

Again, my sincerest apologies for keeping you on the edge of your seat this month. My life just hasn't been that eventful or interesting.

Here's to November!

Day 239

Wowza! I am one lucky girl to have the weekends that I get to experience. After a fabulous Friday night with Braxton' PA school friends relaxing by the pool, and an even more awesome Saturday eating a pumpkin flavored "family dinner" at A^2 apartment, mom and I completed the Ramblin' Rose Triathlon today. It was an event focused on women's empowerment. Even though we got up at 4:55am, got to CH at 6am and were all set up and marked by 6:30am, we had a great time sitting around and just hanging out before the race. My start time was round 8:30 am and I finished around 9:36 am. Needless to say, when they announced my name, which the pronounced correctly for once, mom was in line for the swim and hadn't even started yet! That turned out for the best though, because it was so fun to cheer on mom throughout her first race. Margie showed up to cheer on mom, too, and it was an emotional and happy surprise for her. Here are some pics Braxton took with his fancy shmancy camera.Enjoy.

 Swim is done!

 Here goes the bike!

 Crossing the finish line happy and strong!!

 Hey! They pronounced my name right! That always deserves a celebration!

 Found mom in line for the swim at the end of my race! I was glad that I finished so I could cheer her on for the whole race!

 Races with Bling-Bling really help with the motivation. 

 There she goes! Done with the swim!

 Starting the bike!

 Going strong finishing the bike leg!

 Uphill the last .5 miles? Not fair..but good thing Margie was there to give you some support!

 What an awesome surprise and a great friend!

 My mom ROCKS! End of story. 

 So lucky to have the opportunity to race with her!

 The skillful photographer and his photography subjects. :) Thanks for the pictures, Braxton!

 Margie and Mom . What a great sign!

 Forced Family Fun? More like just FAMILY FUN!

Ready to go home! Now, time to relax. 

Two weeks until the Bull City Racefest with Braxton!