What a Great Feeling!

I can't really describe it.  It's a mix of being anxious, with giddiness, relief, excitement and a bit of affirmation...  Kind of like a kid right before Christmas, a teenager before Valentines Day or senior prom, a student about to graduate college, a woman finding out she's expecting and me, finally grabbing a full-time job that will no doubt turn into a career.  Yep, that about sums up how I'm feeling this week!

Hump Day Fave: Emma Stone & Easy A

I love Emma Stone, as well as her new character in Easy A.  This clip keeps me laughing up until I finally get the song out of my head!

New Page: .snapshot challenge.

If you remember back to my 800th post, I shared that I will be participating in my own 100 Snapshot Challenge.  I finally have taken 6 snapshots - which was finally enough for me to dedicate a place to store them.  Where else besides right here?  So... if you ever feel like seeing some of my recent snapshots, then head on over to my snapshot page.  Here are a few thumbnail-sizes of my first six.

I can't wait for the rest of the 94.

Best Free Swag: Petunias

Amongst all the free swag we received from the race this weekend - key chains, wrist bands, frisbees, temporary tattoos, flashlights, baked goodies, smoothies, protein bars, paint cans - by far, the best one would be this lovely potted petunia.  Being kids at heart, our team made our way to the kids zone and learned how to pot flowers.  I believe the booth was put on by Home Depot, and I think it was a fabulous idea for the kids zone and I believe when the flowers bloom, they will be PINK!  Perfecto!

Happy Birthday Google!

Goal #99: Complete five 5k races (1/5)

One down, four to go!

This was my 2nd year participating in the Susan G. Komen, Race for the Cure, and we had a BLAST!  Madalyn and I power walked our booties off, and let me tell you - I definitely didn't want that monster hill to slow me down, and as I powered through it (like a champ *smile*) I can't help but regret the pain I'm feeling in my shins today.  But considering the race raised $1,267,030 to date - it's worth the momentary soreness.  Visit my sister's blog to read more details and see more pictures.

Next race - Dana Point's Turkey Trot.  Wanna come race with me?

I'm Bored...

...with my wardrobe.  I don't know what it is lately, but recently I've been ridiculously bored with my options.  Here are a few finds that may be In My Shopping Cart... in the near future to liven things up.

New tops for everyday I'm considering...

Marble Top

Classic Woven top with pockets!

Flounce Ruffle Top

New dresses that I will absolutely be purchasing...

Embroidered Woven Dress

Simple Georgette Dress

Textured Career Dress

These dresses are on my priority list at the moment.  I'm hoping the next couple weeks will prove that they're much needed.

Thigh-High

I would totally sport some pretty woman-style boots like these.

Wouldn't you?

Love!

{via}

Goal #40: Read 10 new books (8/10)

After an afternoon at Borders I took home 4 new books, and this is the first off my list.  It took me only 4 occasions of reading to fly right threw it, and I loved it.  It was definitely a roller coaster of love, fear, sadness, tears and joy.  I recommend it.  But be prepared for tears at the end... goodness gracious!

I believe:

{via}

I believe that imagination is stronger than knowledge.

That myth is more potent than history.

That dreams are more powerful than facts.

That hope always triumphs over experience.

That laughter is the only cure for grief.

And I believe that love is stronger than death.

- Robert Fulghum, American author

Musica: You Got Me, by Colbie Caillat

Is it bad that while watching the intro of Letters to Juliet, I was more interested in this song rather than the movie?  I literally restarted the movie, turned it up a few notches and shazamed it!

Oh, and this is definitely a Movie Must-See rental with the girls.  I'm not sure which part I liked the most: enjoying the scenic routes throughout Italy, drooling over the many accents or getting caught up in the usual romantic story line.

I've Been Longing to...

...revisit the piano.

With all the years of classes and experience in my youngin' days, I've been longing to recollect my memory.

I Wonder...

...if my mom can knit me one of these.

{via}

I bet she can!

Today at Starbucks

I walked into Starbucks in dire need of caffeine.  However, I was going to be at least somewhat reasonable and order a grande, rather than a venti sized SKVL.  But to my surprise, the fabulous barista that knows me very well had already prompted a venti sized cup... dawned with my name:

How could I resist?

And to top it all off, I was lucky enough to get the 4th shot that was not being used (I love that they aren't wasteful!), as well as an extra pump of sugar-free vanilla to soften the taste.  Goodness, I love my usual Starbucks.

A Day In...

... the midst of autumn colored leaves.

{via}

I WANT THIS WATCH!

Tell me this watch isn't cute.  I dare you.  Yea, can't do it huh?  I absolutely love this watch.  The color combination, gold/white/navy, totally works.  It's classy, yet casual.  I don't even mind the gold.  Boy don't I wish my birthday was moments away... it would be the perfect excuse to request this right now.

I Want a Porch.

{via}

So I can have a day bench just like this one, with all of it's colorful fabrics, to relax on and enjoy the cool night air.  Does that not sound like the most enjoyable evening by far?

See, it's simple

"See, it's simple... First, you meet a nice girl, and then you date for a while to make sure you share the same values.  See if you two are compatible in the big, 'this is our life and we're in it together' decisions.  You know, talk about which family you're going to visit on the holidays, whether you want to live in a house or an apartment, whether to get a dog or a cat, who gets to use the shower first in the morning, while there's still plenty of hot water.  If you two are still pretty much in agreement, then you get married."
At First Sight, Nicholas Sparks

Is it really that simple?

You meet someone.
Date for a while.
Make sure you're in agreement on all the important stuff.
Then comes a ring?
Then comes marriage?

Meditation

So watch the thought and its way with care, and let it spring from love, born out of concern for all beings.

- The Buddha

"Whatever it is that I feel in my heart I pass on to others, knowingly or unknowingly.  As I grow in my awareness of what is going on in my mind, I can direct my thoughts.  This is so powerful!  I can choose to feel peaceful and create an atmosphere of peace for myself and those around me.  I can then send that feeling out into the universe, making a difference in the world."

"Today I am taking time to fill my heart with joy and love and compassion, sending them out to everyone in the world with a prayer for peace."

{Peace in our Hearts, Peace in the World pg. 78}

Wear Your Passion

I couldn't find a link to credit this, but I love it and wanted to share.

Me Likey

{via}

Laughter and Tears

I too would prefer to laugh.  But sometimes the tears need to roll.

Goal #40: Read 10 new books (7/10)

Thank you Shannybear for lending me yet another fabulous book!  Chelsea Handler is a super funny writer and divulges a little too many personal stories in her life, but I'm glad she does.  I started this book a while back, took a break for some odd reason, and when I came back to it I breezed right through.  If the title doesn't persuade you to take a peek, take my word for it - this is a funny read.

This is Me:

Right now.

Minus Marc Jacobs. 

But for $20, I'll take him too.

Do Things With Passion

I'd Like to Ask the Audience:

Come take my poll to let me know know... WHO ARE YOU?

P.S. Feel free to select more than one if applicable.

Street Fair Update

I can't believe it has taken me this long to throw out an update on my very first Orange Street Fair experience... but here it is!  I had a pretty fabulous time with Toni and Rich.  These two Street Fair Alum showed me some henna love, all the best food stops, local bars for future reference and a quick stop at the drive-thru liquor store.  Quite the experience.  Oh!  And I learned a little something new...

These two photos were taken in the same spot, with the same lighting, but with different cameras.  One was taken with the famous Droid and the other was taken with the MyTouch Slide.  Both cameras have a flash, so neither had any extra advantage.  So which would you guess is which? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ok, times up!

The following picture was taken with the MyTouch Slide camera:

That's right!  The brighter, more vivid and colorful was taken with my baby MyTouch camera *cheese* and the other less vibrant was taken with the maybe not-so-ultimate Droid.  Rich don't be sad.  Your phone still has a shit-ton more than mine, I'm suurree:

Thank you guys for a fabulous day!  We shall make this another tradition to add to our list!

Goal #74: Collect 50 postcards for every state (14/50)

14 down! 36 to go!

May I present to you my postcard line-up in order of receipt:

1. Arizona  |  Sender: Sister Danielle

Another fabulous postcard from my sister Danielle to represent my second home.  My sister Alex and I spent nearly every single summer, from beginning to end, visiting my dad, step-mom, sister and brother.  We have had a lot of fun and crazy times in the insanely hot state of Arizona, and Danielle (love her) shared some funnies about just how hot Arizona truly is...

And since my scanner couldn't pick up all of her writing, I've summarized it for you below:

It's SO hot in Arizona that...

- You discover that in July, it takes only 2 fingers to drive your car

- You experience condensation on your butt from the hot water in the toilet bowl

- You determine the best parking spot by shade not distance

- You no longer associate bridges or rivers with water

- You consider using pot holders to drive

- When the temperature drops below 95, you feel a bit chilly

- You can get a sunburn through your car window

- You break a sweat instantly when you step outside at 7:30 AM

- It's noon in July, kids are on vacation and not one person is out on the streets

2. San Diego, CA  |  Sender: Sister Alex
While on her anniversary vacation, my sister was kind enough to send me some love (love her)!  Thanks to her, I have 2 Cali postcards.

3. Atlanta, GA  |  Sender: Bryan
My cousin is officially amazing.  He not only is helping tremendously with this goal, but his simply comments make me smile and laugh instantly.  Atlanta sure is sparkly!

4. Alabama  |  Sender: Bryan
Yet another thoughtful card from my cuzzz.  A big thank you shout out to you Bryan!  You will single-handedly help me knock this goal out of the park

5. New Mexico  |  Sender: L&C Follower!
Yeayy!  My first official postcard from a follower of my blog.  This was a huge surprise and a humbling experience.  Unfortunately I can't read out the signature... So I decided to give you a nickname (kind of like Jersey Shore), K-Love!  You are my first official blog-love outside of my close friends and family, so K-Love I will remember you by.  I'm glad you are enjoying the meditations, and I will definitely look into those movie suggestions.

Thank you everyone for helping me reach my goal!  In the coming days I'm expecting some new cards from some of my favorite bloggers Dana Treat and Letterpress Makes Us Happy.  I can't wait to fill in those states!

State Recap:
AL
AZ
CA*
CO
FL*
GA
HI
IL
MD
NM
NV
NY
OR*
WI

Bonus:
Bahamas