an oldie but goodie

In honor of graduation season, I just happened to stumble upon MY graduation announcement. 

I cannot believe I graduated two years go. 

Time is FLYING BY.

 And yes, I have a Masters in Engineering. 

Am I using it? NOPE.

Does it really bother me? It used to, but mostly NOPE.

three more weeks

That's all I have left of work.

Due to University policies, as a temporary employee, after working for one year, I have to take a month off.  We were really hoping they would let us get around it because I'm leaving in July but they laid down the law and told me to get outta here.  So while it's not ideal financially, it is wonderful for my sanity.  Kudos to people who work full time ALL THE TIME because I sure am over it.  It could be the fact that I've lost all motivation since I knew I was leaving soon anyway. Regardless, three more weeks.  Then I get at least four months of nothing but crafting, sewing, making our photo albums, trying new recipes, working out, laying by the pool and maybe I'll even take up reading again.

Here's to May 31!

BORING

That's how I would describe my wardrobe.  Granted, I have some great pieces in there, but as I've gotten older it's just gotten so... functional but without style.  As I was trying to figure out what to wear this morning I decided I need to change that.  No more buying v-neck cotton shirts and solid color (black or brown, of course) conservative heels.  It's time to spice things up! So, I stopped at TJ Maxx on my way home because I've now heard 3 of my very well-dressed friends say they shop there.  I tried new shapes and fabrics and patterns. Some were a success, others... not so much.  But these... THESE were a huge success.

Now I just have to figure out what to wear them with...

Pictures from the weekend, can you believe it?

My weekend really started on Wednesday night.  Oh how I wish every weekend were like that!  After hinting a few times that I wanted to go to Wicked, Ryan finally sat me down and had us just pick a date and seats together because he was clueless.  Love him, though.  And LOVE this picture of us.  And LOVED Wicked!

Schuster came in on Thursday night (and was patient enough to wait at the airport for almost 2 hours because the vet took FOREVER with Ryno, who poor little guy has an ear infection).  We went to a Durham Bulls baseball game which really meant that Schuster and I got to talk in the beautiful weather! :)

Friday we went on a hike around Jordan Lake.

I tell you what, once the weather turns nice in NC, there is SO much to do!

I will definitely miss that aspect of living here.

Fresh-picked strawberries are THE BEST.  We picked about 8 pounds and ate half and froze the other for smoothies. (Ryan and I are trying to be healthy by making the popular "green smoothies" which include spinach).  Gotta do what we can to get our produce in!

 

We balanced out our veggies with plenty of tasty grilled meat.  

Omaha steaks, cilantro lime turkey tips, lemon pepper chicken...  SO GOOD!

The always-enjoyable-Ashworths joined us as well.

Saturday was Ryno's first trip to the beach! He dug with his nose instead of paws... 

Man + dog + beach = Ryan's heaven

He wasn't so sure of the water, but he would at least go in if we did.  

I'd call it a success.

Ah, summer is here. And I couldn't be happier!!

Need a pick-me-up?

Puppy videos always do the trick, right?

How about licking a beater of peanut butter fruit dip. Yummmm.

Or playing with Dad (but like Mom, he only plays if he gets to win)

He LOVES these bones, obviously.

He went absolutely crazy after a bath, but had calmed down slightly once we started filming

We suck at waiting.

Our two year anniversary and Ryan's birthday are coming up (June 12 and July 3) and I've been trying to figure out what to do for him.  When I read our friend Kristina's post about her "banniversary" gift I knew exactly what she was talking about.  I got an idea in my head and I've been so excited I can hardly wait to get it for Ryan.  He, of course, has no idea what it is.  He never knows what I come up with in this clever brain of mine.  The problem is, he has also been using his brain to think of what HE would like as a birthday present.  And it's not what I thought of.  Now that we've both been actually discussing these gifts, we are getting impatient to get them!  I caved yesterday and agreed to let him order what he wants - a GPS watch.  I'm still on the fence with my gift.  I still really want to get it for him.  But I don't want to wait even a month... Seriously, we SUCK at waiting.

Day of Rest

I love it when Sundays are used for what they are intended - as a day of rest.  We definitely needed it today after our wonderful weekend.  One of my bestest friends, Megan Holt (aka Schuster), flew in Thursday afternoon from Boston and we were treated with great weather all weekend.  I think Ryan and I's 2.5 hour nap today was definitely deserved after a weekend full of a baseball game, hiking, strawberry picking, grilling out, and a day at the beach!  Being with Megan was like second nature, I love her and miss having her around already!

Pictures may or may not be posted. :)