Day 59: Pay Day/Wine Thirstday

Day 58: Day Off

Day 57: Cereal Goes with Anything

So happy to be able to enjoy a frozen yogurt date with my Daddy! Yes, those are Lucky Charms and Captain Crunch Berries on my Sugar Free Strawberry FroYo! I can't even begin to explain my addiction to cereal.

Day 56: Odd Couple

Day 55: Too Many Choices

Day 54: Beauty from Afar

Day 53: Newest Addiction

Day 52: My First Pair

Day 51: Coozie Time

Day 50: You Don't Know Me!

Best gift ever. Period. End of story. You can't win this battle, so don't even try.

Thanks to my WONDERFUL best friend (My Favorite), I get the pleasure of dealing with snarky remarks every single day. Except this time, they come in print form, accompanied by the date.

This calendar is probably the funniest thing that I have ever owned in my entire life. This day doesn't even begin to brush the surface with the things that I have read in the last 49 days of the year. But, I felt that this one was fitting because it clearly doesn't realize that I, in fact, am perfect. Hello, have you met me?!

Jokes! Jokes. Chill. I live in my own dreamland where I'm perfect. You're more than welcome to visit whenever you'd like. It's quite a trip (at least I think so...)

Day 49: Making Donations

In March, my sister-in-law is shaving her head to donate to research for childhood cancer! I cannot be more proud of her for what she is doing for such a beautiful cause. If you or any of your family members are interested in donating, please let me know! I wouldn't normally do this, but I can't get over how dedicated my sister-in-law, and so many others in this world, are to children. Especially children with special needs.

I know that many of us aren't floating around in tons of cash, but even just $1 helps! I was only able to donate $10, and let me tell you how wonderful it felt to know that it's going towards such a great cause.

Day 48: Surprise Gifts!

My grandma (I call her 'Mama', for future reference) is THE CUTEST.

This past weekend when I was home visiting, I asked her to help a granddaughter out and fix some jeans for me. Being the supreme seamstress that she is, she took the whole task into her own hands. Have you seen my sewing? I haven't done so since 7th grade HomeEc when I was forced to sew a pillow. Oh, it was b-e-a-utiful. There began my "She can't even hold a needle and thread" reputation. That's besides the point. My Mama is just a saint when it comes to anything that I break. She always comes to the rescue if my Mother doesn't get to it first. Between the two of them, I have my own crew of fixers.

Back to my story...

I came home today to find a package with a pair of jeans from Old Navy. While my Mama was fixing my jeans, she wrote down the style, size and store they were from AND ORDERED ME ANOTHER PAIR. Totally surprised and couldn't believe it. Not only can she fix everything, but she's always so thoughtful. I couldn't believe it. It's the little things that get me, and my family knows that. Love you, Mama!

Day 47: Dressed for Success

When I got hired for the job, I was freaking out about the fact that I was going to have to go out and buy new (cute) clothes (dresses) for this new position. Boy, I was pleasantly surprised when I was told "Oh, we provide you with the dress AND THE SHOES."

Okay, I can deal with that. I mean, look at this dress. It doesn't get much cuter than this. Only problem? Totes see-through. We're going to work on that minor mishap. Still waiting on my Ralph Lauren shoes...

Yup. I said Ralph Lauren, FOR FREEEE. It's legit.

Day 46: Light Reading

THIS. IS. MY. TRAINING. MANUAL.

Emphasis enough? I can't even believe this. No, I haven't even cracked this sucker open since I was sitting in front of my boss when he handed them out. Sue me. DO YOU SEE THIS THING?! I figure we will go over it...together...one day. At least, I hope that's what happens.

If there is a quiz, I'm screwed.

Day 45: Happy Valentines Day!

After a very, very, very long Day 2 of orientation, I came home to what I thought was just going to be another normal Thursday. I was so wrong! I should have known that my Dad would have some kind of surprise up his sleeve.

Waiting on the table for me was this adorable card, that he picked out earlier that day. He also surprised me with a Target giftcard. This man has realized my addiction and isn't helping the already weekly visits that I pay to that store. BUT, I'm not complaining!

It didn't stop there. He also made LASAGNA. Another way to my heart. Homemade lasagna at that. He went out and bought all of the supplies, because we hardly ever have any food in this house because I'm a grocery store slacker. I couldn't believe that he remembered how to make this delicious meal after everything that has happened.

He continues to surprise me every single day. Love you, Dad!

Day 44: My Mind is Blown

Well, I successfully completed my first day of orientation at my new job! I will admit that I'm falling in love. Although only one of these pictures is from the building that I will be working in, it gives you a sense of what the whole property looks like. Actually, our multiple properties. As much as I learned today, I can't even imagine what I will be learning over the next few months. This place is so wonderful to work for. I've already met some great coworkers and I can't wait to continue to be introduced to even more along the way. I will admit that this is a lot to take in. If you asked me 6 months ago if I could have even imagined being where I am now, I would have told you that you were crazy. Hell, half of the time I'm the crazy one!


My view from lunch!

The view from the room where orientation was held! (This is also my view from work!)

Day 43: Quality Car Time

Today was my last day of unemployment! Therefore, I had to care to the tender needs of my beloved Bradley (yes, I named my car. All the cool kids do it.)

I figured if I didn't get all of these necessaries taken care of now, I would never do them. Plus, I'm realllllly good at spending money that I don't have. It's actually one of my best qualities.

Although this only took up a portion of my day, it sure was the highlight. However, I quickly realized that I'm still terrified of car washes. But, my views about mechanics were put to rest when I actually dealt with some gentlemen that were actually listening to what I asked for, without trying to sell me services that we both know didn't need to be done at the time. Just because I'm a lady does not mean that I don't know anything about the car business...(I mean, I know enough to talk to them like I know what I'm talking about.)

Day 42: Signed My Life Away

Well, NOW my job is super official! Today I was given my Official Offer Letter, which has for sure made this whole thing feel real. Now I'm even more excited than I was when I was just getting the job offer by word-of-mouth.

I met with the 3rd and final manager this morning, he helped me cross all my t's and dot all my i's. Every single piece of paper is signed and I'm in the system! I swear to sweet baby Jesus if I have to sign my name ONE MORE TIME in the next week, it won't even be legible. Now, I'm just waiting for the food trying part of the job. They still do that stuff, right? I do love food...

Did I mention that they have already given me homework. HOMEWORK?! As soon as I thought I missed school, I was told that I had to memorize 3 of the longessssttt sentences E.V.E.R. in less than 48 hours. Not only do I have to memorize them, but I have to read them, out loud, at orientation. You know, in front of a ballroom full of heaven only knows how many people. Let's just say that I'm surprised I haven't typed those 3 sentences in this post yet because it is the only thing running through my mind. Yeah...I may or may not have already memorized them...

I'm a bit of a nerd when it comes to things like that. Then you challenge me with the whole time limit thing? Oh, it's on.

Day 41: Growing Up So Fast

While I was home this weekend, I COULD NOT miss the celebration of one of my favorite little boys! One of my best friends from high school, Megan, threw her son THE.CUTEST. 2nd Birthday party today. Between the vintage decor, the oodles of sweets and the precious outfit of this little man, you could not have painted a better child's birthday party. I told Megan she's totally in charge of planning and executing my next birthday party. I want the sandbox and everything. That's not too much to ask for, right?!

Day 40: A Country Visit

As much as I complain about the town where I grew up, I have to admit that it does have its perks. Okay, our house and our property have perks. The town itself is still questionable.

I always love walking out on our dock because it NEVER fails to be a picture perfect opportunity. Today proved that, for sure. With it being a perfect 75 degrees outside, I couldn't help but sit out there for a few minutes and just soak it in. Being that I live with my Dad now, in a neighborhood, I have truly realized how much I love living on a huge piece of property out in the middle of nowhere. Let me tell you, I'm NOT cut out for neighborhood living. Nope, can't do it. The lack of respect that people have for others really shines light when you live in a neighborhood. I don't want to hear what song you're playing in your car, especially at 3AM when I'm STILL attempting to fall asleep. If I want to hear it, I'll ask. I'm not shy.

This lake front property is where I could see myself forever. Obviously not this EXACT one because I can't live with Mom forever...or can I? Haha! I'm still trying to get by with the whole "Broke College Student" status. Even though I graduated college...over a year ago.

Day 39: New Beginnings

Well, as promised, I told you that I would tell you when I heard news about my potential new job...

I GOT IT! Words CANNOT even describe how EXCITED I am about this opportunity. So grateful for the friends and family that have been next to me the last few months when things weren't the best. Goodness knows I need this job for my own health!

I will be working at Jack Dusty, a new restaurant that just opened at the Ritz Carlton! This has been a long awaited job option for me, and I can't believe that it actually happened...because IT'S THE RITZ! Being that I have been a broke college student for what feels like my whole life, I've never even step foot inside of a Ritz because I assumed that just doing that would cost me about $100 (Come to find out, it's free. Who knew?!) So, you can imagine my awe when I walked through the oversized glass doors and saw nothing but a row of chandeliers lining the ceiling, coupled with shiny, shiny, shiny marble floors. Did I mention the floors are shiny?


Let me tell you how B-E-A-UTIFUL the scenery from the restaurant is...BEAUTIFUL! But until I can creepily sneak some pictures to actually prove this fact to you, you'll just have to take my word for it. I was able to snap a picture of the hotel itself. HAVE MERCY. When I walk inside this castle, I feel like I'm in a totally different world that can't possibly exist 5 miles from my house. We basically share airspace.

Orientation starts on Wednesday, so I'm sure you'll be getting more pictures of anything and everything that is brilliant about this hotel. And that would LITERALLY be anything and everything.

Day 38: Adding to my Collection

I'll let you in on a fun, yet sort of embarrassing collection that I started a few years ago: Corks & Coozies. I have a jar full of both items. And I mean FULL. It's mostly coozies, because those are obviously more useful. Also, I collect a coozie from just about every place that I visit. If they sell them, I but them. I will admit that it the most creative thing that I have ever thought of (Don't judge).

Tonight, I added three more corks to the collection! Can't wait to throw them in the jar!

Day 37: Simple Sunset

Throughout this whole project, I always wake up every day and ask myself "What the heck am I going to take a picture of today? What if I don't do anything worth documenting? How is that going to help me to remember this day, a year from now?" But, when I walked out of my house today, I quickly realized that nature is the best backdrop for anything worth looking at. I know we can get creative and take pictures of something we did, something we bought or a cool object at a place that we visited. But, we forget that the location and the landscape itself often provide us with the most beautiful pictures.


Now, I know that I can't take a nature picture every single day, because goodness knows that I for sure won't remember it a year from now. But, for today, I couldn't help but capture this scene that I saw, and I will forever remember the 'light bulb' moment I had as I was taking this: although we all see the same sun every day, we see a different sunset. The scene that is painted for us is interpreted differently in each persons eyes. Just that thought it worth capturing, but I am so glad that I have an image to couple with it.

Day 36: Frozen Yogurt Addiction

I do have a frozen yogurt addiction and I don't care who knows it! When I lived back with my mother, just outside of Orlando, I used to drive about 35 minutes to get to my favorite frozen yogurt place, Menchies, even though there were two places less than 10 minutes from my house. But, as I've said before, when I find something new, I fall in l-o-v-e with it. When I moved in with my father, a Menchies had JUST opened less than a mile from my house, so you know where I was at least once a week. But, when this new place opened up, I had a change of heart.


Thanks to my wonderful friend Lauren for giving my Father and I a giftcard to Earth Fruits Yogurt! She knows us all too well; it's one of my Father and I's favorite places to go for a little late night sugar craving cure. I am so grateful that this place opened up right down the street from our house just a few months ago. I have to admit that every single time I go in there, I fall in love with a different flavor of FroYo. However, my father always defaults to the vanilla flavor, with some chocolate toppings. He's a simple man. This time I tried a blend of their Peanut Butter FroYo and their Oreo FroYo, topped with 2 vanilla wafers, crumbled graham crackers, granola (they have THE BEST), oreos and Cinnamon Toast Crunch (we'll discuss my cereal obsession at a later date)!! This has to be one of my best combinations to date. I know there are not too many Earth Fruits around, but if you have one, PLEASE go try it. You won't be disappointed.

Day 35: Just Be Yourself

My morning started off with the best advice you can ever hear, and it came from my wonderful Mother: “Just be yourself!”

Without going into TOO many details, because I don’t want to get excited just yet, I will tell you that I had a job interview today! When I find out the ‘results’, you know I will for sure spread the word! Until then, I will tell you that it went really well, I was in a super great mood for 10:00AM and the view from the interview spot was spectacular, sunny and bright. I’m praying that those same words can be used to describe my mood in a few days when I get the call!

Until further notice, I’ll leave you with these pictures from my day! I was super excited about this adorable, sheer peachy-colored shirt that I got for my interview, which turned into a casual shirt with shorts for my post-interview coffee and Skype date with a great friend!

Day 34: SuperBaugh

I’ll go ahead and apologize for the lack of quality and creativity that went into today’s picture. I had a lazy, stay in the house kind of day and the most ‘exciting’ thing I could capture was the Super Bowl, of course. Although I’m not a fan of either team, it is sports and I really wanted to see Beyonce, just to say that I saw it. I mean, let’s face it; I picked which team I was going to root for by which had the cuter coach. Being that they are brothers, I thought it would be a difficult choice, assuming that they probably look pretty similar. I was wrong. There was a clear choice, which led me to root for the Baltimore Ravens.

One thing I do regret is the documentation of the overzealous look on my face when I witnessed the mini Destiny’s Child reunion. I relived 1999 right from my very own couch, 14 years after the fact. I have got to find that CD somewhere…

Day 33: Take Your Pick, Wineo

Again, I realize I'm continuing on my adult beverages trend, but I still don't mind. I have also realized that I have become a wineo, yet I am still not well versed on wine knowledge. Mainly because the knowledge isn't the fun part, right?

Have I ever mentioned that I have some pretty great friends?! Two of the girls that I hang out with in town are two people that I have grown to really respect because of the way they have 'taken care' of me since I've been in this town. Tonight was nothing short of the great things they involve me in. We all three ventured to a wine bar in downtown called 'Sarasota Vineyard'. Having been to an actual vineyard, I know this place fell short of being anything close to the actual thing, but it was 100% one of the coolest places I have experienced. Upon walking in the doors, you are greeted by the most anxious wine-giver-outers ever! First, you have to put a personally selected amount of money on a plastic card, which you'll use to pay for the endless samples of wine you'd like to try. Once you fill your card, you are given a wine class and free reign to sample anything they have in house (so long as you have the correct amount of funds. Situations like these come at a price, hello!) Thing is, the wine is dispensed like soda. I can't even make this stuff up. You insert your card, then proceed to put your wine glass under the spout and select a sample, a half glass or a full glass. Being that I love any and all white wines, I stayed towards that side of the selections.

After finally picking out my favorite (Riesling!), we each filled our glasses and sat down for some weekly catch-up. Again, I'm so thankful for nights like these and friends like this.


Hope you are all having a fabulous weekend!

Day 32: New and Old Friends

I seem to have made a Friday night routine of venturing to Downtown, and I feel like I am faced with a completely different crowd every time I walk into bars there. Needless to say, it proves for interesting stories. I have been making these Friday adventures with my friend Catherine who just moved to town a couple of months ago. We met at the University of Florida in Geology Lab quite a few years ago. We still share the embarrassing stories from that class, because a majority of them are worth repeating. Tonight, she invited out some of her friends, hence the new friends that I met! We all had a blast dancing to a live cover band and watching the prime of this town shake their groove things.