Here you go, Joe.

You know how, when you are still in your early twenties and there are times when you really think you have it figured out and you're pretty cool and then the next moment you have no idea what you're doing? Yeah, that feeling? It's kind of hard to explain/deal with/etc. and I have no idea if this is typical across generations or not, but sometimes we 20-somethings think we have it all figured out when really we are just faking it until we make it.

Recently everyone who I've ever known/met/friended on Facebook is all of a sudden getting engaged/getting married/having a baby/getting a new puppy. Really? All at the same time? You see, I'm a maverick. I don't roll with the crowd, I forge my own path.

I also don't currently have a boyfriend/fiance/husband.

And my apartment is pet-free, not that I'd be good at dealing with a pet and it's needs anyway. My roommate and I are really not pet people. But we enjoy that you are, friends on Facebook! Sure looks cute!

All this is to say that I'm in that wonderful age of being incredibly happy for my friends, all while eating ice cream straight out of the container on my fabulously large couch next to my equally jaded roommate. We recently splurged on "Mud Pie" ice cream, which is basically heaven. Eaten with a spoon, straight out of the container is not sad, my friends. It is wise. We do not have a dishwasher you see; water is a valuable resource and washing dishes is not fun. We're environmentalists.

All this to say I'm off to another fabulous friends wedding this weekend! The person who is getting married is someone I truly could not be happier for. She deserves all of the good things in life, and I feel really special that I get to partake in the day. So, even though this sarcastic lady will not be attending with that "plus 1" box checked, I will be looking good in some new heels. Watch out world. (And please, catch me when I stumble. The shoes are pretty high.)

Good morning.

Have a fantastic day!

Thankful.

Image from here. 

Many of my friends (and I'm sure others) have been expressing their thanks each day in November and will continue right on through to Thanksgiving. Some are doing this via Twitter or Facebook, others are writing it in their own journal or blog. I think this is a wonderful little tradition.

Yesterday, I was chatting with my roommate after she and her coworkers had a day together to continue strengthening their work relationships. One of their activities was writing down their top 10 moments/experiences from the past year. It's an interesting concept, and each individual takes it their own way. At one point in our conversation I was thinking, did I even have 10 big things that happened this year that I could put down on a list?

And that, of course, is when it hit me. It's not about those "big moments." It's about all of the little ones. The ones where you're driving along and suddenly realize "I'm really happy!" I'm smiling to myself, I'm content, I have good people in my life and a great home to go to. I have people I can count on all around the world. I have everything I truly need. Wants are an entirely separate thing and are saved for Christmas wish lists. Everything I need to be content has been granted.

Last night, I talked with a friend I've known since kindergarten on the phone. After only a few sentences she said, almost incredulously, "wow, you sound really happy." It was then that I realized that even though daily stressors may gnaw at us, it's great to keep a positive outlook. It's wonderful having a job I love and want to be at, it's fantastic to have a place full of shapes and stories and giggles and ice cream to come home to each night, and I'm truly blessed to have smiling faces to share all of these things with. 

So yes, there are definitely hard times, but overall it's been a good ride. I'm thankful for that, and hope to continue reminding myself what this season is all about.

In case you missed it...

This has been making me happy this week! Originally seen here.

My favorite parts? Push It and the Dougie. What are yours?

'Tis the Season

I decided today was the perfect time for my first Starbucks red cup of 2011. The signature red cups signify the holiday season, and I can't remember the last time I got one of these without snow on the ground. I know that we do need the moisture, but I'm honestly loving not having to deal with snow yet. But I digress.

I was in the drive through at Starbucks, truly having a battle with myself as a casual, chai tea latte is not really in my spending budget throughout the holiday season. I ordered it anyways. Hey, I'm human. When I got up to the window to pay for my drink, the lovely woman in the red van ahead of me had already done so. What a fantastic way to start off the season of giving. Thank you, stranger, for your thoughtful random act of kindness. You made my day.

Now that Halloween is over and November has begun, let's all try to remember that this season is about more than long hours traveling, snow storms, and purchasing things. It's about being a good person and remembering that we can inspire happy moments in each other. It does not have to be through a financial act - it can simply be smiling at the person next to you in line or helping someone with their groceries. Be nice. We're all in this together.

Last night...

I made Pioneer Woman's corn & cheese chowder. I've been so busy lately that I forgot how nice and relaxing it is to be able to come home and cook a full meal from scratch! This soup is delicious - I left out the green onions and bacon (one because I didn't have them & the other because I don't really eat it) and it was still delicious. I also halved the recipe because I'm a single lady. I ate a heaping bowl hot off the stove last night and have lunch for the rest of the week. Success!

While cooking, I was listening to Florence + the Machine's new album that came out yesterday. I highly recommend it! I'm still not sure what my favorite songs are, but I've linked to one below. My friend Travis said that when he heard this song it reminded him of me, which I kind of love:

The song I hope is on the radio when I've been getting in my car lately.