Thursday, May 30, 2013

"Because it's a chance worth taking"

Who would have thought that you could stalk someone and they wouldn't report you to local police. Well, that's exactly how I meet Pekarsk-ing Around. Now let's propel ourselves through many bad and good nights, a few fights, some bad dates, and a handful of dreams that got us to where we are here today. My name is Molly (Good Golly) and we are sorority sisters, Big and Little to be specific (fine insert any and all TSM/TFM jokes). But more importantly best friends. 

When Caroline asked me to be a guest blogger, I will be 100% honest of course I said yes but naturally I panicked because I am a perfectionist. Actually, that might be an understatement and I wanted this post to be perfect a) because her blog is awesome and b) because I didn't want to let down a friend and c) she trusted me with her blog so I can't let down all those that follow.

My life has been planned to a "T" since I was probably in 5th grade. Some factors have changed but the grand scheme of things remains the same. During college, a few curve balls got thrown my direction but it never truly took me off course. Being a planner and a perfectionist makes things difficult, but it also gives me a drive like no other - reasons why Caroline & I got into running half-marathons and didn't fall into the trap of graduating college in 5 years!


In the fall, I applied to be a traveling consultant for my sorority and it would have been the chance of a lifetime. I told myself if I received an interview that was enough of an accomplishment. Knowing good and well I wanted the position and opportunity, I didn't tell any people I applied just in case defeat happened - I didn't want to blow my perfectionist/planner cover. I got the e-mail for an interview and I recall my heart dropping to the ground as I walked back to my apartment from class. I ... ME, Molly Albin ... had been one of the 36 selected out of the hundreds for an interview in Atlanta. Sadly, in March I found out I didn't receive this opportunity. Naturally, I was crush and cried for about a day and maybe had one wild weekend, not sorry! But I knew this wouldn't divert me from my long-term plan ... GRADUATE SCHOOL. Yes, I am one of those crazies that would live off grant funding and student loans.


Flash forward to one of the easiest yet most stressful applications of my life, I am now a graduate student at my alma mater - GO VOLS! I could not be more excited to spend the next two years of my life holding down Fort Ag all over again. I love this town, people, campus, TN pride, and all things orange.


Among all the forks along the way, I have begun to realize that while I have my life planned to a T (no joke - graduate at 23, hopefully married by 27, kids by around 30, get the picture) it doesn't really matter. This is a crazy little thing called life that we have no control over. If I think back upon these past 6 weeks or even these last 4 years and how much my life has not gone to plan or how these things or people just pop in and out of my life, I wouldn't be sitting here in an office typing up this blog post.


So when you make that commute home from work today, just think as you might be upset because you missed the green light to make it to the gym maybe there will be a cute guy running late, too. Or maybe you're having to take a detour home, which means you'll be running late with dinner, there is a reason. Maybe it prevented you from having a wreck or getting a flat tire. Now that would really make dinner late. Or maybe there is an attractive people near by, well figure out his/her name and go for it! Maybe he/she isn't a part of your plan, but a apart of the bigger plan we didn't create. We cross paths with people all day long but never think anything about it. Well, there is a reason. So make it count! Don't be afraid to go with your gut, take a risk, and remember that we cannot truly plan our lives. Life just happens so make it great.


Good Golly


Friday, May 24, 2013

"My momma came from a softer generation"


Who would have thought blog stalking before guest lecturing the Social Media ADV 490 class last fall  would lead to such a beautiful friendship. Morgan Neal is the Online & Interactive Media Coordinator at AC Entertainment in Knoxville, TN. She is also one of my post grad life supports and this week's Pekarsk-ing Around guest blogger! Check her blog out.

Know what's worse than your parents being mad? You're parents being "disappointed." I mean really. It's always been that way for me. I'd much rather them YELL FOR HOURS, then utter that one damn sentence that makes you feel like like a speck on the dirt path of life: "I'm disappointed in you."
I'm 22. I'm completely self-sufficient (aka broke all the time). And yet I still manage to care crave my parents approval of my decisions.
Growing up in the south, certainly has it's positives. You learn the value of sweet tea, southern hospitality, yes ma'ams & no sirs, warm weather, porch sittin, God fearin' and of course all the delicious food. 
However, there are things that sometimes bug me about the unwritten rules of being a southern lady or gentleman. Don't get me wrong much of this may directly correlate to the fact that I was brought up in Southern churches -- and it certainly doesn't apply to everyone. My grandfather is a southern baptist minister, my uncle was a deacon and when my parents decided to leave the baptist church for a presbyterian one I was shocked my grandfather didn't have a heart attack. 
That "baptist guilt" you hear people talk about. Well it's real y'all. And my momma raised me in the baptist church just long enough for me to catch it. 
I've got it (not as bad as my mother aka the preachers kid), but still all it takes is a little dosage and you're destined for a life of feeling guilty far longer than you should about anything that is considered a "disappointment."
Growing up in a southern church family is well…I'll just let the ever so eloquent Pistol Annies tell you: 

I have officially managed to do something that will be kept "hush hush."
My beau and I have been dating for two years (in July). The family has met him. The family loves him (first boyfriend that has ever happened with). The family loves us. It's no secret that this, us, is the real deal. He is my forever future.
WE LOVE EACH OTHER. (in case you didn't catch my oh so subtle drift).
The place where I currently live is cheap rent, but my lease is up in July. Our landlord's daughter is moving back in. My roommate is moving closer to her job. And I can't afford to live on my own, nor do I want to. So, naturally the beau and I have made the decision to move in together. (insert gasps from all of you parents reading).
It took me almost 2 months to work up the courage to tell my mother...Okay so I didn't work up any type of courage. She cornered me. I live three hours away and the woman still knows what I'm up to. (so creepy how she does that). My dad said it "wasn't the ideal situation, but I'm an adult and I pay for all my own stuff so if it's what I want to do then that's fine."
This is where my frustration with southern church upbringing comes in. As a child your basically told that the order your life will go in is this: relationship, engagement, marriage, cohabitation, children.
But with 1 in 2 marriages ending in divorce these days, we should probably just add that on to that string. My parents are currently getting divorced. So naturally, their reaction to my big life decision probably wasn't as severe as it very well could of been. Actually if my parents weren't getting a divorce I don't know that this would even be allowed to happen at all.
I have officially thrown the "southern societal norm" out the window. If you really think about it, it is slightly ridiculous. Two people love each other and want to spend their lives together. If we aren't married it's a travesty. If we went out and got married tomorrow people wouldn't care. (well they'd probably speculate that I was pregnant, because naturally that's the only reason people get married in a rush…)
Granted, the nice thing about being an adult and being self sufficient is that they can't tell me I can and can't do. I mean what can that say? Other than nothing...which is southern parent code for "I'm disappointed in your decision." 
My sister said I should just send them cards that said "Congratulations you're gonna be a grandparent," and on the inside put "Just kidding, I'm only moving in with my boyfriend." Pause not for reaction, but for both my parents to pass out before they got to the inside of the card.
Honestly, I think all parents have an idea of how their children's lives are going to go -- how they want them to go. When we veer from that path that they have envisioned for us, it's hard for them to change direction. As children we have the same vision for our parents. I had a vision of my parents being together on my wedding day, of big family dinners at their house on holidays with my future children & my sister's children running around. That "big happy family" that seems almost unreachable these days.
That's the funny thing about making plans, God always has a different one. As children we will disappoint our parents, as parents they will disappoint us. But at the end of the day if we all do what's best for us, and the ending result is that we are happy as individuals, then we will be happy as a family. Sure my parents probably aren't "thrilled," but I can always count of them for love and support....(sometimes the support just takes a little time).
I finally had my rebellious moment....at 22 years old. I didn't do drugs, I didn't get pregnant, I didn't run off with a criminal. I think compared to the alternatives, it could be a lot worse.
I can hear 'em all now: "Bless her heart." 

Saturday, May 18, 2013

Only miss the sun when it starts to snow

In case you missed it, on Tuesday "Pekarsk-ing Around" had it's very first guest blogger. I'm gonna be taking a break from the blogging world for a bit but I know you're in good hands with my girls. They'll keep you entertained. Lord knows they keep me entertained.

But I wanted to get some pictures up from Mother's Day weekend so I'm making a weekend appearance yes an appearance on my own blog, bless it.

We all may say it, but I was truly blessed with one of the most incredible women as my mother. And this Mother's Day was no exception, full of love and sunshine. Made me miss being roommates with her. And probably made her glad I finally moved. Regardless, being home for the day made me almost miss family yard work days; and of course those nights Dad grills out and we all end the night inhaling smoke and laughing around the fire pit. Kind of like you only miss the sun when it starts to snow. Or your mom when she's not there to tell you to clean your bathroom. 

Mother's Day Card 2013

This is why we can't have nice things

He enjoys ruining pictures as much as I love the skinny arm

My Julie

Just being shambley

Now we can have tea together even when we're not together

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Summertime and the livin' is easy

Hey y'all. My name is Sara and I will be filling in for the one and only, CPekarsk. In honor of her long standing tradition and weekly Tuesday theme, 10 things that somehow make your life ten times better, I'm going to make your life this summer a little bit better.


10 things: Summer Must-Haves Edition
  1. Monogrammed Bikini & hat come on.. you knew this was coming.  
  2. Ray-bans seriously, who doesn't love these?
  3. A good summer read. I recommend this book- definitely one of Sophie's best
  4. Fall in love with the Matchbook Magzine - the March issue is still my favorite, featuring a lengthy guide on how-to channel your inner Southern belle. Any fellow Hart of Dixie lovers out there?!
  5. A long-wearing, humidity proof, sweat proof make up, Double Wear is my favorite. 
  6. While on the skin subject, the Clarisonic is essential, it will be the best money you ever spent
  7. Bold, chunky jewelry, seriously. It looks great with everything. I love this site, great prices and they are even doing 30% sale right now!
  8. Maxi dresses. Perfect for most occasions. Love this one
  9. If you don't have a LBD by now, get one. 
  10. Lastly, the best summer must-have is your best friend, an adult beverage, and a front porch.   




Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Party like it's 1922

IT'S HERE.

GATSBY.

Lucky for your ears I had my Gatsby playlist made and "public" by lunch yesterday, and now I share what is the epicness of it with you.

Top 3:
2. Back to Black
I've heard there are mixed reviews on this track. I vote: epic.
6. Bang Bang
The Black Eyed Peas meets Boardwalk Empire, I can dig it. 
 16. Together
Tragic romance, nailed it.

Now raise your martini glass in a toast and enjoy.

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Everything you own in a box to the left

   So last week's 10 Things were all about moving, well the fun part of moving. Don't get me wrong finding a house/loft/apartment that feels like home the minute you walk in the door is what I like to call a "life moment" and one of the best feelings ever. But, it is a lot of work. I know I underestimated the amount of work/lifting/emotional stress it would be. So for this week's 10 Things I decided to take a more practical approach to moving with a very special guest at the end. Here are 10 tips you will need to know to survive and come out victorious against the evil box spring cover. These are "Mom Approved" and fool proof. Take notes y'all. 


10 Things... you will need to know to survive moving

1. Be realistic when it comes to time. 
I thought I could move my entire life in 3 days. Yeah, no. Give yourself that extra day. Nothing ever goes as planned/scheduled.
2. Spend the extra money to have certain pieces delivered.
It'll save you time and your dad his back.
3. Use what you already have to move/pack.
I used the same 4 plastic tubs I moved in college with. Pack em up, un-pack em, and then re-pack em. Saves you money on moving boxes you'll just throw out, and my plastic tubs now serve as storage in my downstairs closet.
4. Pre-wash sheets and bedding.
Makes life SO much easier. And you'll have a comfy bed ready to hop into your first night.
5. Be patient.
Don't rush accessorizing or having everything just so. Live in it for a while. Yes, this is driving me crazy too.
6. Big things first.
Get your bed/couch/table in first. Monograms come last in this case.
7. Cleaning before furniture.
Take your first couple hours and deep clean. Bathroom and kitchen are priority.
8. Grocery shop pre-move and scout out restaurants prior.
You will get hungry. Get some snacky stuff and/or the favorite drink of whoever is helping you move.
9. Plan ahead.
Call Comcast, your electric company, etc the week before your move and have everything set up. Less stress.
10. CELEBRATE your new house! 

This is the most important tip! I know ordering my moving announcements kept my excitement up during my 4 week wait between my offer being accepted and closing. And a simple Google search for "moving announcements" brought me to one of my new favorite companies, Tiny Prints. Tiny Prints is a sister company of Shutter Fly and just all around amazing. I ordered not only my moving announcements but new return address labels from them. Their products are great quality, always come before their expected ship date, and best of all fit into the "25 and under with a mortgage" budget club. I honestly can not say enough kind words about them. And I'm not the only one. I have friends, former professors (and now friends), and co-workers who have used them for all occasions and loved them as well! And if the rational side of you needs to, just include Tiny Prints into Tip 9: Plan Ahead. I sent my announcements out on Monday and already had mail waiting on me when I checked my mailbox Friday mid move just for fun. 

The back of my moving announcement was a postcard, how cute is that? 


So whatever your stationary need is visit Tiny Prints! They get the Pekarsk-ing Around gold star/stamp of approval/new obsession badge. 


Friday, May 3, 2013

"Game on" "Game on, baby"

   If you've read my blog for a while now, or follow me on Twitter/Instagram, or am just friends with me you should know by now I am extremely close with my mom. I had been documenting all of our antics on social media always with the hashtag #lifewithJulie. And to be completely honest, in my mind #lifewithJulie changed forever last Friday when I signed the papers and moved downtown. [Side story] A couple weeks ago, I was rumaging through the fridge at home and found a small tupperware of what I thought was potato salad. So, I went in the family room and asked "WHEN THE HECK DID YOU MAKE POTATO SALAD?" only to have mom and dad burst into laughter. And since no one answered my question, I asked it again. Only to have mom reply with a smirk, "Why don't you try some." Yeah, that was not potato salad but bacon grease. [Flash forward to Wednesday night] That is until, I opened my fridge Wednesday night to make dinner and realized mom had somehow snuck the tupperware of "potato salad" into my fridge behind the hot dog buns. And so #lifewithJulie lives on. Because you see, your mom might be your mom and you might move away but she will always be your best friend/biggest fan/crazy nut who hides stuff in your fridge. Don't forget that. Now let's all say a prayer I don't set my new house on fire trying to make her Mother's Day present. Amen. 



Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Hooray, hooray.. it's the first of May!

If you're anything like me you'll fall in love with Ashley Brooke Designs in 5 seconds flat. 

Every month she creates a new calendar print you can set as the lock screen on your phone or order a signed print. Her stuff is amazing. And I am utterly in love with her coffee, or for me tea, cups! 

Download this month's print here and follow her on Instagram flash sales have been known to pop up on there! Enjoy!