Life in Pictures

Marcus and I at friends' wedding in Greenville. 

Texans, Yurman, Heels.

Yes, my fantasy team is named after TJ Yates. (Yaters Gonna Yate!)

Perfect.

Really into this book 7. It's about how we all live with so much excess. Read that last paragraph. Insane.

Homemade feta, caramelized onion and spinach bread.

Game day feet.

Beer, sausage dip, Louise for the Carolina v. Louisville game.

Sibling love.

Shoe fun.

I'm weird and take inventory of all the food in my house. It helps me to not waste!

Dad, brother and I at the Carolina v. ECU game. Victory!

Baby B and I at the Carolina v. ECU game.

Porch sitting, supporting Teej and my Texans.

Facts.

1. I don't like anything from any body of water. Most people would call that seafood. But, I'm going to go ahead and include things from lakes, seaweed, etc. I really wish I did, because I love food. But I just can't do it. In fact, I've convinced myself that I have an allergy (I don't) just to justify it. 
2. I'm a homebody. And I need my alone time.  Much, much more than most people I know. That being said, I love going out every once in a while.
3. I love clothes. Way too much.
4. My love for Carolina football may have surpassed my love for Carolina basketball. The amount that I love Carolina football is ridiculous.
5. I  miss basketball. I played for most of my life and miss it so much.
6. I have a soft spot in my heart for Clemson. My blood bleeds Carolina blue, but I'm pretty sure there's a tinge of Clemson orange in there too. Both sides of my family have Clemson roots and game day down there is like no other.
7. I have a not so secret desire to start a tailgate catering business. Too bad I'm always tailgating myself on game days.
8. Running has invaded my blood. It's a love/hate relationship, but I couldn't live without it.
9. This morning I had yogurt with granola and chia seeds for breakfast. Oh yeah, and a brownie.
10. I very rarely do my hair. Sorry. Not sorry.
11. I lovelovelove grocery shopping. I love to spend hours in the store just browsing and finding the deals. I'm on a first name basis with all of the cashiers and baggers.
12. I'm a serious list-maker. "To Do," "Want," "Ways to Lead a Fuller Life," are some consistent ones.
13. I want to live every second of every day to the fullest, but I really really love my sleep and need at least 8 hours a night. This contradiction annoys me daily.
14. My family is crazy. And amazing.
15. Sometimes I feel like I'm super cynical and don't find things funny enough. I had some belly laughs last night that warmed my heart.
16. I swear by Biotin. 
17. I've taken Pilates twice a week, every week, for the past three years. 
18. I believe in second (and third and fourth chances). Because if you see a little bit of yourself in everyone, how can't you forgive? 
19. I am blessed beyond belief.

September Goals

I cannot believe it's September. I'm sort of confused about how I feel about this. I lovelovelove summer. But I didn't take a lot of trips this summer which means I still have vacation days to use before the end of the year which may make me lovelovelove fall. But while I adore football and Thanksgiving, I'm not really on the whole pumpkin bandwagon (please, don't shoot). I think I'm one of those weird people who honestly likes something in every season. Call me an optimist.

Anyway, it's time to create some new September goals. But first, let's review August's.

1. Pick up running again. I took some time off (oh hey 100 degree summer in N.C.), but I'm ready to get back into it. I went on a short run last night and remembered that sometimes, I really don't hate running. I'm not going for anything crazy. Just back up to 5K status.
Yes - I've started running again! Nothing serious, but it's a start.

2. Save money. This is always a goal.
No - I didn't do a particularly great job at saving, but I did come into some money to put into savings. Weird, I know.

3. Get house projects done. I've still got to paint a coffee table, a bench, set up my new tv, get some rocking chairs and get the backyard in order.
Yes! I've painted the coffee table and bench, set up my new tv, got the rocking chairs and cleaned up the backyard. Good job on this one, Linds.

4. Have some fun. As Po told me the other day when I was worried about turning the number I will turn in 8 days, "You're young. You're beautiful. Have fun. Be crazy. Worry about being old in 30 years. And then you still won't be old. Listen to your grandmother."
Yes!

5. Work on starting a small catering business. This has been a goal for a while, but not a very realistic one while sharing a kitchen. Now that I'm in my own house, I can move this back up the priority list.
No. Need to work on.

6. More yoga.
Fail. Didn't go to one class in August. 

7. Make time for girlfriends. Until recently, a good percentage of my friends have been guys. And I love that. Those boys are my brothers and I know they will be for the rest of my life. But I've gotten closer to some pretty awesome girlfriends lately. It's time to do some of the things the boys always make fun of me for doing (wine nights etc).
Yes! Hosted a couple of wine nights with my favorite girls.

8. Be kind. Always. No matter what.
Hopefully this is true!

9. Put together some ridiculously awesome tailgate outfits. And recipes. Go Heels.
First tailgate went great. Next, looking forward to ECU in a couple of weeks!

And for September:

1. Take more pictures! I have a wedding this weekend - perfect opportunity.
2. Get back to 5k status.
3. Be grateful. And keep things in perspective. Janie's accident has reinforced this more than ever.
4. Cherish family and spend time with them.
5. Save money. Still. Always.
6. Plan a trip/Vacation days.
7. Up strength training.
8. Spend time in fellowship.

First Game Day!

Hey y'all! We started out the season in style beating Elon 62-0. It was amazing! Even more importantly, our tailgate at our brand new tailgate spot went great! Here are some pictures from the day!

Game day spirit. 

Carolina cake pops.

Note the time.

Setting up the tailgate.

Carolina girls!

Faith Unmatched

I know, I know. Once again I have fallen off the blog wagon. I'm sorry. Life has been life and hasn't left much time for blogging.

I did want to take a minute to tell you all about one of my dear friends. I was lucky enough to have a girl named Mary Norris as my intern a few semesters back. She was a great worker, always positive and most importantly, loved her Carolina sports. Carolina students are known for loving their basketball team, but their football team, not so much. Mary Norris and I love both and would talk sports constantly. She is genuinely one of my favorite people.

A couple of weeks ago Mary Norris' sister, Janie, was in a horrible car accident. She is in a medically induced coma and every day is a struggle. But somehow, throughout it all that family has remained incredibly faithful and positive. Mary Norris' mom, Emily, writes a blog that touches my heart and soul in all the right places. She speaks of her relationship with God and how he is getting them through this difficult time. In the midst of tragedy and stress, her faith, the whole Fountain family's faith, has not wavered once. They are incredible.

And they also serve as a huge reminder. While I'm complaining about my bad night's sleep last night, or how much work I have to do, or what a mess my house is because I was lazy all weekend, Janie is in a coma and no one is complaining. Sure they are upset and sad and terrified, but they are still giving it all to God, praising him and thanking him. What a perspective check.

I do have a favor to ask. If you are a religious person, please please pray for Janie and the entire Fountain family. If you aren't, good thoughts will help too. Janie is only 18 and I know God has huge, awesome plans for her.