Silence.

You can get with this, or you can get with that

 I'm crawling out from under the dark cloud that has consumed me (aka: end of semester and FINALS) to let y'all know I'm still alive -- but barely.

As much as I'm dying to study ancient, old, rotted pieces of artwork for my art history exam tomorrow, I decided to make that wait because you fine people might like a little update on muh life. No? 

Too bad, you're getting one anyway.

The lovely Jena and Katie are hosting a new link-up today called...

I'm all for anything that allows me to be random!

This: As mentioned above....it's finals week here in college-land. DUN, DUN, DUN. Hear that? That was the sound of my life ending. Ok, that was a little dramatic but really -- I don't think anything compares to the stress you feel from the impending doom that is finals week.  I have one on Friday, two next Tuesday, and one next Thursday. Blech. At least they're semi spaced out, though right?! 

Nahhhhhhh, it still sucks majorly. 

Good thing I've got my boyfriend here to support me....

Ryan says hi, guys!

That: So it's no secret that I love a good, steamy, romantic, action drama. My newest addiction?

This beautiful hunk of man meat. Or, my other boyfriend. Whichever you prefer. 

Paul Wesley and The Vampire Diaries.

Seriously cannot get enough of this show. I just started watching it online last THURSDAY -- one week ago, exactly -- and I'm already through with the first season and am 3/4 done with the second. It's obvious where my priorities have been....here's a hint: NOT with studying..

This: My sweet girl. Oh I miss her so much! :( I haven't been back home since Thanksgiving and I know she's probably thinking I've abandoned her. Sure, Daddy is there and she loves him to death but I need my snuggle bug! She makes everything better.

See how depressed she is without me? Be home soon, baby!

That: Music. All things music. Necessary for getting me through finals with a {semi} full head of hair, still. 

Especially when it's throwback music from the '90s.

Playas, they gonna play. Haters, they gonna hate. Ballas, they gonna ball..

BOOM.

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Andddd that's all I got. 

See you sweet people when I get my life back in 7 days....

Have a great rest of the week/weekend! 

xo

Just a few favorites...

It's that time again, y'all.

The end of yet another month. 

Yet, I'm happy about this end because that means CHRISTMAS is near!! 

But isn't it funny how our feelings on months ending change throughout the year? Think about it -- we're (mostly) all glad to see the first couple months fly by because they're basically all like a big 'ole Monday. Takes a while to get in the swing of things in a new year. BUT then comes summer (if you're a teacher, student, etc) and you hate to see the end of a month. And then school and the holidays roll around and once again, you're excited to see the end of a month because that the means the next holiday is right around the corner. 

Ya feel me? Or was that mindless rambling?

Regardless - November has ended and therefore, it's time for...

with this lovely lady!

First up...

Birthdays.

Two of the most important people in my life have birthdays in November -- my daddy and Jordan.

Jordan's is at the very beginning (2nd) and daddy's is at the very end (26th), which makes for a very well-balanced month, don't ya think? 

With her favorite --- cookie cake! (Excuse my washed out face..)

Later that night, following a wardrobe change

With two more of our good friends, Audrey and McAuley -- McAuley would be the one acting cray-cray ;)

Didn't get a picture with daddy this year because it was on a Monday and I was back in Chapel Hill for school...but here's one from Thanksgiving..

The sun was NOT our friend, that day..

Next...

The return of college basketball.

I'm a student at UNC -- I think that speaks for itself on this one.

My friend Caroline and I at a home game a couple weeks ago.

Moving on..

Twilight: Breaking Dawn Pt. 2

Yep, I'm one of those people.

Team Edward, baby. All the way.

 Can't forget..

Meeting baby Jayden.

 My sweet high school friend Shannon gave birth to this beautiful baby boy on Halloween and I finally got to meet and hold his precious self over Thanksgiving break. Such a blessing! Love those two, so much.

 Lastly...

Voting for the first time.

  No, the election did not turn out the way I had hoped -- but nonetheless, I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to even have a small say in the results. Blessed to live in a country that allows me to do that. 

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And there ya have it. My favorite things about November. 

Now hurry on over to see Ash and link up with us!! 

Have a wonderful weekend, friends! xo

My main man..

 ..turns 54 today. And doesn't look a day over 40. 

;)

**Picture Overload**

Family pictures, c. 1995

c.1997

c. 1998-99

c. August, 2000

Freshman Prom, 2007

Summer 2008

NYC subway, December 2008

Blurry :( - Junior Prom, 2009

Cancun, Mexico - July 2009

Snowshoe, January 2010

Senior Prom, May 2010

18th birthday, May 2010

High school graduation, June 2010

Christmas 2010 - I know I look young, but it's from the lack of makeup ;)

19th birthday, May 2011 - SHORT HAIR!

Christmas, 2011

Easter 2012

 

Hunt's college graduation from ECU, May 2012

Old Town, San Diego, CA - June 2012

LA Dodgers game, Los Angeles, CA - June 2012

Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, CA - June 2012

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Daddy, 

To say that you're my hero doesn't even do it justice. You are so much more than that to me. You're my rock, my anchor, my blessing, and the one person I know that I'll always be able to count on. I take you for granted entirely too often -- not everyone has a dad that loves them as unconditionally as you do me and Hunter -- and for that, I'm so sorry. But I still think you know how much you're loved and admired. The Lord knows that we would have loved to still have Mama here with us the past 9 years, but to say that you've done an amazing job with me and Hunt would be the understatement of the century. You've worked so hard to make sure that we were never without and that we had the best life possible -- and you couldn't have done it more perfectly. I am so blessed to live the life that you have given me and thank God everyday that he blessed me with you as my father. I will never be able to fully express how thankful I am for you but I'll sure try as long as I live. I can't imagine life without you there to have Chinese food waiting for me when I get home on Thursday nights, without you to spot me doing my backtuck, without you to take me on summer night jeep rides, or without you to just be there -- sitting in your recliner reading the paper with football on the television.

Daddy, I know this won't be the best birthday you've ever had because Mama still isn't here, but I pray that it's still a great day for you because you deserve it more than anyone I know. I love you so, so much, Daddy -- Happy Birthday!!!

 

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Today..

 ...is a good hair day. 

 These are few and far between so documentation was a must.

Have a happy Thursday, y'all :)

xo

 

Randomosity at its finest

Randomosity -- is that even a word?

You're right...who cares?!

Linking up with the oh so fabulous and wonderful and beautiful Shanna ( can you tell I love her?) from Because Shanna Said So  for her first ever link-up of...

Who doesn't love anything with the word "random" in it? 

No one.

Know why? 'Cause random means you can say whatever the heck you want to and nobody can say a dern thing about it 'cause guess what...

IT'S RANDOM.

Bam. Let's go.

1. Y'all are familiar with the oh-so-hilarious website Dogshaming, right? I hope so. If not, you're welcome for introducing you. Basically..when people's dogs do those things that just make you want to kick 'em sometimes...you take a picture of them looking shameful (or not so shameful, sometimes) with a sign stating their crime. It's hilarious. I didn't know dogs could be capable of some of these things.

ANYWAY, long story short -- I submitted one of my dog after her little 11 lb. self sniffed her way to the leftover Halloween candy and helped herself to a couple of miniature Milky Ways and Snickers. No worries, she was only able to open a few. But she also hid fifteen more around the house (in her bed, under MY bed, in my dad's recliner). Sneaky little chihuahua....

SHAMEFUL, I tell ya. 

;)

Still waiting on hers to be published so we can claim doggy fame. I'll keep y'all updated. Duh.

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 2. I purchased these beauties over the weekend at a Stella & Dot trunk show...

Signature Hoops, Bronze

Ella Bracelet, Gold

No longer in lust, my friends. It's officially LOVE. 

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3.  I'm going to a wedding this weekend and it's gonna be 54 degrees and probably a little rainy.

WHAT DO I WEAR?!

Help a sista, out...puh-lease.

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4. I dreamed last night that I was a zombie-killing machine. You know, like in The Walking Dead. Those zombies didn't stand a chance. 

Meet the darker, dreadlocked, fiercer, zombie-killing version of myself... ;)

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5. Shanna is awesome and if you don't know her...you should.

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6. I believe in a good laugh on Wednesdays so here ya go....laugh yo' heads off. 

**all credit goes to How Do I Put This Gently?

MY THOUGHTS ON SHARING FOOD

 

 EVERYDAY BEFORE I WENT TO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

WHEN SOMEONE MENTIONS THEY BROUGHT COOKIES

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Have a happy (and random) Wednesday, y'all!

xo