Sunday, December 15, 2013

I'm happy.

"What do you want for Christmas?"

"I can't think of anything, I am perfectly happy with what I have.  You, Zach, everything."

And then as I thought about what I might want, I thought the same thing.  Normally I like to be spoiled rotten on Christmas.  Well, just spoiled rotten in general, but Christmas especially.

This year I'm pretty practical.  Perfume, some new pj's, and an electric toothbrush.  I can't really think of anything else. 

Are you content?  Why/how do you like to be spoiled?    




Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Ja, yes, si, oiu, sea, ken, sim.

If I could say it in every language, I would.  YES, YES, YES!!  

11/16/13 - The beau asked me to marry him.  We were in Amsterdam, watching local people ice skate, laughing our asses off and just enjoying eachother, the locals, the culture, the cold weather, everything.

It is amazing how excited and happy our family and friends are for us.  We are so loved, it's an incredible feeling.  The love we have for eachother is intense.  The love our family and friends have for us is an amazing feeling, and one I hope to never forget and always appreciate.

Oh, I'm such a sap.  I've written this post in my head a few times, but now it just sounds like hearts and love and mush.  Although, I wouldn't have it any other way. 

I'll do an Amsterdam recap later on this week.  Enjoy your Tuesday!






Thursday, November 7, 2013

Another year, another Halloween

I love Halloween!  I really love any holiday where I get to decorate the house, but Halloween is fun because I love seeing kids dressed up in their super cute costumes.  The LO is currently obsessed with Star Wars.  And when I say obsessed, I mean it's all he talks about type of obsessed.  So this year he wanted to dress up as an X Wing Fighter Pilot (Luke.)  But that's not all.  He wanted us all to dress up like a Star Wars character.  Seeing as how I've only recently slept through watched the Star Wars movies, I was a little nervous to pull of a Princess Leia costume.  Especially because I decided to make the costume.  Oh, did I mention I'm not even close to a seamstress?  I had my work cut out for me.  BUT the LO was way too excited for us not to pull this off.  The beau made his vest for his Han Solo costume, found some great pants, and I got his shirt from Goodwill. I made a dress and belt for Leia, and we ordered the LO's costume off Party City.  Then, we got dressed up and took a picture in the backyard.  After we took the picture, I was telling the beau how I'd love for it to be photoshopped with the Star Wars background behind us.  Considering he's pretty much a computer genius, he made it happen.  And this is why I love the man.  Because he's awesome and will do anything to make the LO & I happy and smile.  Did you have a happy Halloween?  What's your favorite part?



The roof was on fire.

Well, it wasn't actually the roof, it was a room on the 3rd floor of my hotel but it was still pretty surreal.  Most hotels have those little maps on the back of your room door illustrating where all of the exits are in case of emergency.  I never really pay attention but last night I had to.  I am staying in Ohio for a tradeshow and around midnight I was woken from my slumber by a fire alarm.  The weirdo part of my brain tried to rationalize this, and thought maybe it was some creepy person trying to get the single women to all come out of their rooms and maybe there really wasn't a fire (see, I have such weirdo thoughts sometimes) but then the alarm started blaring in my actual room so it was time to get the eff out.  I opened the door and the hotel manager is yelling for everyone to evacuate...and don't take the elevators.  I grabbed my purse, laptop, and wool coat.  Not even a pair of shoes.  Running down the stairs with no shoes & a cold floor really woke me the hell up.  The closer I got to the 3rd floor, the more smoke I could smell. Homegirl was sitting in the lobby barefoot, with pj shorts & a Star Wars shirt.  I bring the class, let me tell you.  The firefighters ran upstairs & put out whatever fire there was, and we were told about 40 minutes later we could go back to our rooms.  I've had some pretty strange things happen while traveling, but never an actual fire in a hotel.  Has this ever happened to you?  What would you grab if there was a fire in your hotel?  One things for sure, I am going to need a big cup of coffee today to get me through the show!




Sunday, August 25, 2013

...and we sat there for what seemed like hours.

25 or so years ago, I sat there.  I remember it vividly.  I was one of the last kids my age to be able to tie my shoes.  She sat there with me, legs spread apart, as I sat in between them, knees up to my chest, trying to tie that shoe.  It felt like eternity to me, hours really,  and I still remember it as if it were yesterday.  I did not know then, what I know now.  She did not have to do those things for me.  She did not have to sit there showing me over, and over, and over again how to tie a shoe.  It seems pretty basic now, but obviously I wear shoes everyday, so everyday I'm reminded that someone that did not have to help me, but chose to.  Oftentimes we forget.  We don't even realize every day when we wake up, get ready for work or school, make lunches, drive, things like that...the days we kind of just go through the motions, we forget.  We forget that we're actually teaching every day just as we were taught.  And that is important, and special, and may seem mundane, but one day the person you're teaching will go on to teach someone else.  And be able to do all of these things for themselves.  I had an "ah-ha!" moment the other day.  Zachary could not tie his shoe.  As I sat there with him after I made his lunch to take to school, the same way my step mother had sat there with me 25 years ago, I realized how special the every day tasks can be.  And he may never remember that moment.  But you know what?  I will.  And that's worth doing a million times over.

So, the days you lose your patience and it feels like it's taking them "forever" to "get" something?  Just remember, it probably feels even longer to them.  We didn't acquire all of our knowledge over night, and neither will they.  Patience and nurturing is one of the most important things to teach.





Monday, August 12, 2013

An Angry Birds Party.

The LO recently had his birthday.  He turned 6!  When my beau was blessed with the LO, he was 3 lbs. 1 oz.  He has since grown to become a smart, super funny, always kind, very artistic, science loving little boy.  He has been obsessed with Angry Birds for a very long time.  So, naturally he wanted to have an Angry Birds themed party.  I spent hours on Pinterest finding some very creative things we could do.  We scrubbed the house top to bottom and the day had finally come.  All of the kids had a fabulous time, and I'm kind of wishing we could do it all over again!  Here are some pictures from the party:













...and we know a post isn't complete without an OOTD shot.  :)



Monday, August 5, 2013

Sayonara to my 20's.

It's true.  My birthday has come and gone.  I can officially say I'm 30 (yikes!)  Better than being 6' under though.  It hit me 2 days ago "holy shit, I'm 30."  It's true that time seems to speed up the older we get.  

I wanted to document some things I learned in my 20's and what better way to say sayonara 20's, and hello 30's than to remember some very important life lessons I learned in my 20's?  

Dear 20-something-year-old-Nicole:

  • Go to college right after high school.  Seriously, you will not remember half the shit you learn in high school, and I'm pretty sure your brain is not nearly spongey enough when you haven't had to read text books in 10 years.
  • Life goes on after your first love.  Contrary to what you thought as a teenager and half way through your 20's, your life does not begin & end with him.  Do NOT waste any time trying to make something work.  It either works, or it doesn't. Never settle.
  • Time is precious.  Seriously.  It goes by way too fast, you spend too much time doing things you have to, so spend your free time enjoying whatever you want to do.
  • Your former place of employment, where you had the worst, stinky boss in existence, actually brings you the 2 loves of your life.  Your beau & your best friend aka sister from another mister.
  • Say sorry.  Don't hold grudges.  Forgive.  Not for them, but for you.  Resentment will eat you alive inside.  
  • Set goals.  Achieve them.
  • The person you were, does not have to be the person you are.  You can always change.  It is never too late to be what you might have been.
  • Words hurt.  Taste them before you spit them out.
  • A Father is someone who should always be there for you.  You will end up having an amazing bond with yours.  Better late than never.  
  • Always listen when someone wants to tell you something.  Keep a secret.  Let people trust you. Trust people.
  • Broken hearts can be mended.  You have gone through times where it literally felt like your heart had broken in half.  It will heal. 
  • Friends come and go, but best friends are forever.  
  • Believe in yourself.  You can and you will.
  • Do things for people without expecting anything in return.
  • Jury duty is not that bad.
  • Be a good person.  Have a high moral compass.  Surround yourself with people that support you and praise you, and do the same thing for those people.
  • Wear sunscreen.
  • Rap music sounds awful the older you get.
  • You are at the age you start saying "when I was a kid...."
  • Break your own dating rules.  Seriously, it will be one of the best decisions of your entire life.
  • Lil Wayne is an idiot.
  • Your hair will start turning gray.  Just like your Dad's.  That's okay, there's always hair dye. Appreciate that you still have hair.
  • It's true what they say, you are really more confident the older you get.  Don't let anyone take that from you.
  • Keep saying your prayers every night.  
  • Appreciate everything you have.  The good and bad.  Everything happens for a reason.




Wednesday, July 17, 2013

My trip to Chicago.

I've been in Chicago a few days for work.  For the last few years, I've come here during the Summer for an annual meeting session in our industry.  It is fun.  Although I am a little ways out from the actual downtown area, it is still nice to get out of the office and meet customers face to face.  

When I was getting ready to head to the airport Monday morning, my boss texted and asked if I was still home. and had access to a printer?  Turns out he bought me a ticket to see the play "The Book of Mormon."  So, the plans for my Tuesday night were in place.  I called a car service to take me into the city.  Upon entering the city I decided to look around at the stores and maybe do a little shopping.  Unfortunately I lost track of time and was not able to grab dinner before the show.  A total bummer because I was really looking forward to all of the delicious food Chicago has to offer.  I drank a beer & hoped that'd tie me over. By the time I got back to the hotel at 11:11 the kitchen was already closed.  This led to a growling belly with nothing to eat.  Next time I won't choose shopping over food. When I entered the theatre I was blown away.  The architecture was absolutely incredible.  The theatre first opened in 1906 so it was as if I was stepping back in time.  The play was pretty funny.  My boss thought it was "omgslapyomomma" type of funny, but I wouldn't go that far.  The show stealer in my opinion was definitely Elder Cunningham.  His wit, talent, and one liners were executed magnificently and it was his performance that made the whole play.  It was my first time seeing a play, and it was a really fun experience.





Today we've got a few more meetings and then I head home on Thursday morning.  I always enjoy a trip to the Windy City and look forward to being here again next Summer. 

Hope everyone is having a fabulous week.  :)


Sunday, July 7, 2013

My first 5K run.

I've done a 5K before.  I walked 1 or 2 & raised money for the American Heart Association.  I walked and never even attempted to run.  

That's why the Watermelon 4th of July 5K was a big deal for me.  I had been practicing and training to run it.  I cut back on bootcamp and focused more on running.

Well, the day came and I had butterflies in my tummy.  I actually had butterflies about 2 days prior.  It was all I could think about.  "Am I crazy?"  "Will I do ok?"  "My main goal is to cross the finish line."  Come to find out, I am pretty bat shit crazy, yes I did better than ok, and I 100% crossed the finish line. The energy at the race was intense.

The beau's sister in law & I were the ones who signed up and ran.  She is a natural runner so definitely pushed me when all I wanted to take a break and walk.  I love the fact that she pushed me.  I also love the fact that I threw up.  What happened was...we were in the final stretch of the race and she looks at me and says "come on, let's go!  We're doing it!" and we start to haul ass closer to the finish line.  I am feeling absolutely stinkin' proud of myself.  I start to get goosebumps and then wonder if I'm going to cry.  But nothing came from my eyes.  Instead it came from my mouth.  As I was crossing the finish line I started throwing up.  It was all kind of blur because there were just SO many people, but all that matters is I did it.  And didn't throw up on anyone's shoes in the process.  I am so curious to see how the race pictures will turn out.  

After the race, we found our men - they had unfortunately got to the finish line about 5 minutes after we crossed.  But that was okay.  I was so happy that they loaded up the kids so early in the morning and came to cheer us on.  They had lots of water and tons of snacks, bounce houses, watermelon eating contests, all kinds of things.  It was a fun time for the kids and for us (once we caught our breath!)

We then headed back to the beau's brothers house so we could swim & have a cook out.  It was a lot of fun and I am so happy that I signed up and completed it.

Next on the list?  A half marathon.  We have 21 weeks to prepare.  I will do this.  I will cross the finish line.  Hope everyone had a fabulous 4th!  God Bless America.  :)







Saturday, June 22, 2013

Weekend update

So it came back.  The motivation.  I was just thinking about how I've lost 10 lbs. so far and I can't stop now.  Unfortunately, I've always quit because it's just so much easier to do than put in the work.  I've been "dieting" for as long as I can remember.  Probably since 4th good.  Off and on, off and on, goodness it can be exhausting.  Although I did totally stuff my face hole with sushi & sake last night, but a girls gotta eat...right?

Anyways, while I was looking for inspiration on the internet, I was mainly looking for a WOD (workout of the day.)  I can NEVER find something that just tells me what to do!  I need a workout plan written out for me.  I made this one up while I was being a shithead and missing boot camp, so here ya go.  I actually had fun creating this!


We went out for sushi last night and it was so damn good.  I had been craving it for awhile so we finally found a place close to the house & it did not disappoint.  I'm not sure what the rest of the weekend has in store for us, but we will see.  Hope you all are having a fabulous weekend
!


Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Where the eff did my motivation go? I want it back.

I have been in a sort of "funk" lately and I'm ready for it to go away.  I don't know if it's because I'm a month away from my 30th birthday, the fact that I don't currently have school to occupy my time & teach me something new, or what...but man, I'm so over it.  I was doing so, so, so good with bootcamp and I've been slacking on that as well.  Granted, I have been doing my own workout routines and jogging to get ready for this 5K but I feel a general dissatisfaction with life in general.  I'm not sure what it is.   I used to get a similar restless type feeling a few years ago, and I'd dye my hair, or get something pierced, or go crazy for a week or 2 and it'd be gone.  I'm past doing any of those things (except the hair dying thing), so I've gotta find something else to do.

I just really need to kick my own ass.  I get very frustrated that losing weight feels like it takes for.ev.er and I just want to give up.  Then I realize I've already lost 10 lbs. and I need to stick with it.  Nothing good happens if you don't work for it.

I'm willing to work for it.  Need to just get rid of the no-tivation.  Help me, ya'll!  And I promise, I'll help you.  :)


Thursday, June 6, 2013

I think I'm going to throw up.

Okay, I feel sick.  Wanna know why?  Because I just signed up for my first 5K.  And it’s in 28 days.  And I am not anywhere near the shape I should be in.  I’ve been doing boot camp for almost 2 months now, so my endurance is pretty good, but damn…5K?!  It’s official, I’ve lost “it.”  Tell me if you find “it.”

Update:::::

I decided to skip boot camp tonight and go for a run.  I did pretty terrible, not gonna lie.  What the hell did I get myself into?  Ha!

This is my "da fuq did I sign up for?" face:




Tuesday, May 21, 2013

"W" stands for you're a loser.

Sometimes, I get an idea.  Sometimes, said idea is a really fricken stupid idea, yet I still go through with it.

I recently got the idea that I wanted to go back to school.  So I registered and paid for classes.  My boss agreed to help foot the bill of said continuing education endeavor.  Sweet, right?  Yes, very much so.  I am very lucky to have supportive people around me.

I took 2 classes during the spring semester and Aced them both.  Hell yeah, I could do this.

Then I got the wild hair up my ass that I should take a summer I class.  Yeah.  A normal 3 month class squeezed into 6 weeks.  And what subject did this brainiac decide I'd like to be tortured in?  Math.  I am not a math genius.  Hell, I can add/subtract/divide/multiply like a champ but that's about the extent of what my brain remembers.  I've been in the work force since I was 16 and that's the only math I've used.

Anyways, I registered for Intermediate Algebra.  I only had 1 option for a night time professor at the campus by our house, so I took him.  Even though I could tell by his name he was definitely russian.  Let's just say, worst professor ever.  No patience, did not explain any concepts, english was his 4th language so you can imagine how hard it was to understand him, and when someone asked a question he berated us that "this is easy!!" and what was wrong with us?  I knew after the first class that I should drop it.  But I listened to other people and stayed in.  I've been staying up until sometimes midnight or 3 a.m. trying to get all of the homework and quizzes done.  I've put in more than 100% and I just couldn't seem to get the hang of it.  So what'd I do?  Went to campus today and withdrew.  Feeling stupid, defeated, and more importantly annoyed that I was now out about $500 (tuition, books, mathXL.)

And while I do feel defeated today, and pretty sad ...I'm happy that I will have the opportunity to re-take the class and actually understand the concepts.  I won't have to try and cram all of that information into my brain in a short period of time.

So basically, I learned a lesson.  A very expensive lesson.  Always trust your instincts.  No one learns the same.  You're the one attending class, not other people.  Do what's best for you, and always, always give 100%.

Sorry for the rambling, but I needed to get that off my chest.  Hope ya'll had a fabulous weekend.


Wednesday, May 1, 2013

30 by 30

Okay ya'll, so I was feeling so discouraged.

I was eating well (or so I thought), and busting my butt working out and NOTHING was happening.  Sure, my clothes were getting looser but I wanted that magical number on the scale to start going down.  I decided to do something drastic.


I joined a chicks only boot camp.  And it's actually been fun!  I've been 7 times in the last 16 days and so far have lost a total of 5.1 lbs.  Yes, the .1 totally counts.  It just feels so good to start seeing the scale move again.


The crazy thing?  I am eating so much more, but I'm also sticking to a paleo diet.  I guess I should use that term loosely because I had a few beers last Saturday, and once in awhile I'll have a piece of chocolate after dinner.  But besides that, no cheating.  Coffee black.  Eggs & chia seeds & veggies for breakfast.  Boring food, but nutritious food and I'm okay with that. 

It feels weird that I just realized I am actually starting to achieve my birthday goal.  Sure I still have almost 25 lbs. to lose before my birthday, but I'm getting there.  Finally.

Hope you're all having a fabulous week.  We got major rain here tonight, so we're just relaxing on the couch since the beau has been out of town the past few days.  We've got some catching up to do.  ;)


Monday, April 22, 2013

Tons-o-weekend Fun

Had a fabulous time this weekend spending it with the beau's family.  It was his nephew's first birthday, and true to fashion, the beau's SIL threw an amazing party!  Seriously, I don't know how she does it.  She always has the most amazing food and desserts it will pretty much make you drool on yourself.  

I always love it when the LO & his cousins get together.  He just loves it so much, and has a fun time that it's all he talks about for quite awhile.

After the party fun on Saturday, we ventured out to Lake Eola on Sunday morning.  They were having a farmers market, and a free book event for the kids.  Lunch at Panera, and then we were in the car for the 2 hour drive home.  

It wasn't a very eventful weekend, but it was fun.  Good, quality family time.  That's the stuff memories are made of.

The LO wanted to dress his cousin up...I die.  Too much cuteness. 

Some of the desserts...ugh, I stayed away from it all thankyouverymuch. 

Ugh...I am so jelly of Kristen's skinny ass legs. 

This is my tall drink of water showing me how to stretch my aching calves...mmm yeah, about that. 

Look at this big ass birds nest!  That bird was definitely close to poking my eyeball out.

Hope everyone survived their Monday!


Wednesday, April 17, 2013

30 by 30

Oh, where to start with this post?

I thought about quitting this weekend.  Just giving up.  I can't seem to control myself on the weekends.  I eat like my life depends on it.  I drink like I'm in a college frat some weekends.  I gained a few pounds.  I really did think about quitting.

Then I told myself NO.  There has to be something else that will work for me.  So, I joined a boot camp.  No lie.  I worked out yesterday morning.  I am so not a morning person.  But I went.  And got my ass kicked for a full hour.  It was brutal and I can barely walk.  So I skipped the boot camp today, but will run tonight.  And be back at boot camp tomorrow.

I just see people around try with such minimal effort and they lose.  And here I am, all big and uncomfortable.  So I will keep going.  Not give up like I usually do.  Something will happen, eventually.

Moral of the story:  everyone is different, never give up.  Even if it's sometimes hard as a mother effer.






Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Styles that leave your man thinking "what the eff"

...is this bitch wearing?  Now I know the beau doesn't refer to me as a bitch, ever, because he's smarter than that, but there are times when it would be totally appropriate:

What kinda weird makeup job is that?  Why does she look like a cat?
Whoa!  Who's she going to stab with those nails?
Wow!  Those shorts are short...(said no man ever.)

So I guess there are exceptions to every rule.  

Anyways, I recently found out there are some things that women do that leave men totally scratching their head.  Of course I only found this out because I am totally guilty of a few of these and the beau finally fessed up.  Here's the list of things you wear/do that will leave your man wondering who started this fashion trend and why you decided to hop on the train.


Black nails.  I am so guilty of this.  I love black nails.  Maybe it's because they match my soul (kidding), or maybe because I'm not really good at washing my hands and they hide the dirt under my nails?  I really have no idea why I'm so in love with black nails, I just am.  So this trend is staying.  



While we're on the subject of nails, let's talk super pointy nails.  No, you are not a kitty cat.  No, your nails should never be used as weapons.  Unless of course you're Lady Gaga.  I'm sure that chick is into some weird shit.  She does wear meat dresses, after all.  These nails are a no, no, no.  Unless you want your man to run away from you in the bedroom.  Then they're a major do!



Let's talk leopard.  Now, I guess I should probably clarify with my beau if men hate all leopard print, or just ridiculous iPhone cases.  Either way, I bought this gorgeous cover and he says "what IS that thing? It's hideous!!"  Again, I will keep this trend.  Because I love all things leopard print thankyouverymuch.




Let's talk hair.  I love buns.  My hair is almost to my ass crack.  It's long, it's thick, it can be a royal pain in the  the b-hole.  Buns are my go-to hair do when I don't have much time.  Apparently men hate them.  It's true, they even dedicated a whole "King of Queens" episode about it.  Oh well, this is another one of my "styles" that is staying.  I might even throw in a sock bun here and there to really make him question what's going on.



Speaking of hair, how do you feel about the "poof?"  Apparently it makes the male species question what the hell you've done to yourself.  I wore it other day around the LO (who is only 5) and he says "Ms. Cole, what's wrong with your hair?" I couldn't help but laugh.  And once upon a time, I had a horrible bangs...in the Summer...in Florida...so my bangs constantly stuck to my forehead.  The poof helped get rid of that.  I don't care what any man says, I love the damn poof.  

Last thing that confuses the shit balls out of them:  statement necklaces.  They have no idea what's hanging around our necks.  The beau said he much prefers something dainty. Too bad for him, as I've purchased around 10 "statement" necklaces.  Know what statement I'm trying to make?  That I like big things on my chest.  Ha!  

What fashion items/styles do you wear/do that you think (or know) your beau thinks is totally weird?  I'm sure there are plenty we've missed.

Hope everyones having a great week!