Highlights of the Week (#20)

boy was it a busy week. I had a cold at the beginning of the week which meant I spent more time resting than being productive. in fact, I was in bed before 9 one night...I can't even remember the last time I did that. but it definitely helped so that's the important thing.

wednesday evening I was scheduled to do recreation for children's choir at church and that's always a fun experience. the kids really just want to play outside on the playground equipment and that's fine with me. they always make me laugh which can be a great pick-me-up in the middle of the week. 

yesterday was the big 10-mile race I had signed up for at disney. my aunt and my cousin were both signed up as well and my mom was going along to be our supporter. well, I decided a couple weeks ago that I wasn't going to be able to do it. I figured I don't want to start anything if I can't finish it. and to be honest, I had not put forth the training efforts that I should have. so my goal (one of many) is to work hard so that next year I can sign up for this particular race again and complete it. I really want that medal. 

anyway, the weekend was still great because the four of us stayed at the boardwalk inn at disney and we had a lot of fun. did a little relaxing pre-race (which began at 10 pm) and Mom and I did our best to cheer them on when we finally saw them on the course...I think it was with just about a half mile left. after the race we could stay in the park (the studios) until 4 am and we almost made it till closing. needless to say, after a short night's sleep...we are all pretty tired today. my cousin's husband was flying in today and they are spending the week at another resort on disney property. lucky them. the rest of us...back to work tomorrow. 

here's hoping the kids treat us well!

Highlights of the Week (#15)

so there's one week of school in the books...yay! we had a good first week so that definitely makes the list of highlights. also among the highlights from these past seven days: my copy of The Hunger Games came in the mail on Wednesday. so of course I had to watch it right away that evening. and it was just as good as it was in the theater. if you haven't seen it yet, well, what are you waiting for??? it's so good. seriously though...I would definitely recommend reading the book first. and just remember: the book is always better. always. 

not sure yet if we'll be feeling any effects of hurricane Isaac. it's been windy and uber cloudy all day. guess we'll have to wait and see. in the meantime I'll continue to prep for school this week and possibly do something fun like paint my nails. since I'm ready for fall, I'll probably paint them in a fall-ish color. like this or this or even this. 

have a good week and stay safe!

Highlights of the Week (#12)

this past week was another busy one. watched a lot of the Olympics...so hard to avoid spoilers but that's just the way it is in this day and age. will be sad to see them end in a week but at least I'll get back to a more normal bedtime. especially because school will be starting up again; can't keep going to bed at midnight every. single. night. 

speaking of school, I got a new job this past week! I'll be teaching a VPK class at my church's preschool and I'm very excited. this should be a great experience and will definitely bring a new, and valuable, perspective going into grad school *assuming I get accepted somewhere that is ;)

how to possibly top getting a new job?! spending 3 days out and about shopping during the annual tax-free weekend of course! Friday was mostly about getting supplies for school. as any teacher will tell you, we are always buying supplies for our classroom and students. because sometimes it's necessary...and sometimes it's just fun! Saturday my mom, aunt, and I made our semi-annual trek to the ginormous Florida Mall in Orlando. we love shopping there and usually spend the entire day there. and we always go to the same stores, in the same order. such creatures of habit. today was a shorter shopping day (thank goodness...it's tiring and well, let's face it, I'm not made of $). I have to say though, today was probably the most successful shopping day for me. great bargains...great clothes. 

so this is officially now my last week of summer vacation and I plan to enjoy it to the max. have a blessed week!

Highlights of the Week (#2)

it was an interesting week for me. glad it's over. wouldn't want to repeat it anytime soon. among my favorite things this past week: claiming my free birthday cupcakes from my absolute favorite cupcake place, Sweet! by Good Golly Miss Holly. if you live locally, you should totally check it out. follow the link for all the important details. 

Sweet! by Good Golly Miss Holly

let's see, I also enjoyed listening to The Hunger Games soundtrack on repeat. like, a lot repeat. it kind of makes me want to watch the movie over and over again. either that or read the book yet again. it's just so good. wanna listen? check this out:

The Hunger Games soundtrack

and finally my definite favorite highlight from this past week: going to a local blueberry farm to pick some berries! I brought my mom with me today and we spent about an hour there. between the two of us we managed to pick about 3 and a half pounds of blueberries. I also sampled a glass of fresh, homemade blueberry/orange blossom lemonade. it was outstanding! I would love to find out the proprietor's recipe. at any rate, my mom also bought a homemade blueberry pie and I enjoyed a warm slice tonight as an after-dinner treat. so delish! again, if you live in the area you should definitely take time (soon though) to check out this local blueberry patch!

Lake Catherine Blueberries: Groveland, FL

enjoy your week everyone and I hope you have plenty of highlights come your way!

Fun at the Orange Bowl!

so I went to the Orange Bowl a couple weeks ago to watch the Clemson Tigers play the West Virginia Mountaineers. and boy was it fun! well, pre-game tailgating was a lot of fun...the game itself, not so much. not for us Tigers fans that is. regardless of the final score, it was great fun to attend a major bowl game...an amazing atmosphere, beautiful (albeit chilly) weather, seeing the band Train, and good friends. 

December 2011 in review (part 2): the zoo!

well we went to the zoo on the 30th of december. the brevard county zoo to be exact. it's a small zoo, but so worth visiting. the weather was perfect for strolling through the zoo and the animals were very active. I used my new camera(!) and got some really terrific pictures. 

happiness is...

seeing Neil Patrick Harris live and in-person! he was a narrator at EPCOT's candlelight processional over the weekend and my mom and I got to see/hear him. it's always a beautiful event this time of year and saturday evening was no exception. and seeing NPH...bonus!

College Football Baby! *Go Clemson Tigers*

I love, love, love college football! Seriously, it's like one of my most favorite things in the whole world. Unfortunately, I have only ever experience two previous college games live and in-person. Thanks to this weekend, my total has now gone up to three! 

I flew up to Clemson, SC to spend the weekend with family and friends and attend the Clemson/Florida State game. Talk about picking the perfect game to make my Clemson debut! The weather was absolutely gorgeous (hello, being able to wear jeans and not sweat to death!) and the Tigers played a fantastic game. The sold-out stadium was a loud, orange-and-purple lovin' place of amazingness. Seriously, I so got goosebumps when the Tigers started running on the field and they released the massive amounts of orange balloons into the beautiful blue sky. Nothing can compare to seeing the action live. Every team and stadium has fantastic traditions that make them special, and I truly loved experiencing Clemson's for the first time with people who love their alma mater so deeply! 

Thank you, thank you, thank you family and friends for making the weekend so special! Love and hugs!

30 Day Photography Challenge: days 21 - 25

I think this is the group of pictures I've had done the longest. I had pretty much forgotten what they even looked like; good thing I'm satisfied with what I took. My favorite picture in this group is probably my animal shot or maybe it's the sunflare. I love taking pictures with sunflare...they almost always turn out stunning!

Day 21: faceless self-portrait

White Peach - day 21

Day 22: hands

White Peach - day 22

Day 23: sunflare

White Peach - day 23

Day 24: animal

White Peach - day 24

Day 25: something pink

White Peach - day 25

Yes, that is pink ice cream. Actually, it's fat-free frozen yogurt: raspberry pomegranate. So delicious!