Living the Dream

Do you ever have those moments where you realize you are, in fact, living your dream? I'm having one of those moments today. It's funny because when you are thinking about your dream life - you know, the dream job, your own place to live, a healthy and happy social life, inner peace, a fully stocked fridge and wine cooler (whatever your particular dreams are, mine just happen to include a nice brie and sauvignon blanc) you think it's going to be this groundbreaking insanely exciting thing. And it is, in a way. But life being as it is, and people being as they are, the "omg this is it," feeling fades quickly. Today I'm taking the time to step back and really look at my life. Upon doing this, it's clearly obvious that I AM living my dream. I am smack-dab-in the middle of my dream life. That, my friends, is insane.

When I first got out of school (two years and three months ago, le sigh), I was slightly lost. The economy was awful and I had some idea of what I wanted to do - but I wasn't sure. I knew writing had always been a love of mine and I hoped to get into some communications field, but besides that, I was lost. The summer before I got my first job, I lived at home (God bless my mother, I know I was difficult to live with coming off of a senior year of going out, only twelve hours of classes and more going out). That summer I made a "vision board." I really didn't know what I was doing, I just wanted to move out and into a place of my own. On the board there were apartment layouts from three different apartment complexes in Raleigh, there was a picture of me and my boyfriend, pictures of me and my family, and a fake business card I made dubbing myself a "PR specialist" or something similar.

Wow. Two years later and look where I am. I live in one of the three apartment complexes that were on my vision board (with plans to move into a cute house in a few months), my relationships with family and friends are stronger than ever and I am an account associate at a pr agency. AND I just got my first ever business cards to prove it. Hello dream!

Now, this post is most definitely not a "go make a vision board" post. I don't really think the vision board had much to do with me being where I am today. Honestly, the biggest thing I can credit is learning more about who I am (which at times takes some pretty serious and scary soul searching) and coming out the better for it. I don't have everything right now, but for now, right now is a pretty good place to be. :)

The letter B

Lately I've seemed to have an affinity for the letter B. Seriously. I really want a Bike with a Basket that I can ride to my local Butcher -- this isn't a joke -- I really do. I also really want to go to Bickett Market, a new farmers market in town. And then there are the perpetual standbys - Boys (always frustrating, sometimes worth it) and Birthdays (never frustrating, always worth it). Just a random observation.

I'm off to the lake in about an hour for my birthday weekend. All the boys (see what I mean about these b words) are coming up too. I hope Daddy doesn't get too stressed. I am craving some sunshine, beach music, and yummy food and drink. The new job is great so far - and my main client starts with a B!

Happy Weekend y'all!

Thank you...

As I'm sitting here on my second to last day of work, so many thoughts are coming through my mind. I am going to my dream job, but it's so bittersweet. I wanted to do PR out of school, but now I see things have happened just how they should (haven't I learned this lesson yet?!?). Getting the job here has prepared me for this new PR job. I have learned SO much in my time here, both life lessons and career lessons. There is one lesson, however, that stands out above all of them. On that note, thank you SA, for teaching me:

OPENMINDEDNESS. I remember when I first started here, I was shocked. There were two of us from the South. The rest were from England, Italy, even... New York. Even though I've travelled all over the world, I have been in a certain environment most of my life. Broughton and Carolina are both very southern, old money schools. And because of my family, I've been surrounded by those type of people often. Before SA, I felt a certain superiority for being from this background. Not in a financial sense - just in a "I'm Southern, I'm better," sense. I often found myself not relating well to people not from this same type of environment. Now I realize it's because I didn't try to relate. While I will always be a proper Carolina girl who loves her mama and daddy, can't get enough bbq, appreciates wine and cheese, would do anything for her Tar Heels, and puts college football before most other things in her life, I've learned that different types of people are what make the world go round. I have met some of the most amazing people here - people I never thought I would be friends with that I now cannot imagine my life without. Now when I'm not cheering for my Heels, I'm cheering for Inter-Milan. Instead of fighting with the nearest Duke fan, I'm fighting with an Ohio State fan. Instead of a sandwich from the perpetually Southern classic Village Deli, I'm getting a turkey club (so much better than Village Deli's) from Meridian Cafe, a local cafe owned by a Greek family from Jersey. While this job has not made me so openminded as to like Durham, it has opened my eyes to the beauty of difference and for that, I am forever grateful.

Some good news and vacay recap...

I got a new job. :) Junior Account Executive for a PR Firm in Raleigh. It's sort of my dream job. I start next Monday. I'm so nervous, but so excited to be starting on a career path. And to all you people still searching for jobs, don't lose hope! It's all about timing and not getting one now just means there is a better one waiting in the future. I'm proof of that. :)

Vacay was amazing. Lots of sun, food, and drinks. The Ritz was gorgeous as usual. I think I've forgotten how to open a door for myself. I've come back deciding I want to take singing lessons and surfing lessons. I know -- I've got lots of plans. <3 Lovelovelove.

Noooooooooooooooooooo

The NCAA is investigating our football program. The accusation is (please please please just be an accusation) that Marvin Austin and Greg Little talked to/received gifts from/did something illegal with agents in the off-season. THIS IS AWFUL.

The guys could get suspended or we could get sanctioned and they could take away wins from the upcoming season (these investigations usually last a while) or we could lose post-season eligibility. I want to cry just thinking about it. All before a season with incredible potentional. Ugh. I can't talk about it anymore.

"Dark Horse National Contender"

Oh.my.goodness!!! I just read an article that said we are a "dark horse national contender" in football this season. National contender???!!???? Whofreakingcares about the dark horse part... National Contender and North Carolina (football) have not been used in the same sentence since... well.... never. ANDDD the article said we would keep that status regardless of TJ's performance. THIS IS CRAZY. I absolutely CANNOT WAIT!!

Vacay I Can Almost Taste You...

I'M SO EXCITED. I'm officially four days away from spending a week at the Ritz in Amelia Island, Florida. This is my first week long vacay since I've had a big girl job and I plan on taking full advantage of it. Tanning, cocktails, dancing, shopping, food... all on Daddy's dime :) Thanks Daddy!

I'm trying to put together a few playlists for the drive down there (le sigh, I know, but we are stopping in Savannah to break up the trip)... Any suggestions from creative music people out there? (I really long to be a creative music person, but don't think I'm really cool enough to be...)

Happy Tuesday y'all! Lovelovelove.

Expectancy v Expectation

I was reading The Shack last night (again, I know) and I was particulary struck by a discussion of expectancy versus expectation. The excerpt was specifically in reference to friendship and how when we put expectations upon one another, we begin to live in the "noun" format, with laws and rules. When we live in expectancy, however, we are in the "verb" format, in a dynamic relationship that can grow and change without expecation and law being placed upon it.

Whoa... I LOVE THAT. I can think of several friendships I place expectation upon. I only end up disappointed and the person had no idea he was even doing anything wrong! I must must must learn to live in the verb format. In expectancy.

If I could make every student coming into college read a book, it would be the Shack. (I know that would never fly, but it would be sooo much better than whatever book I had to read about the army...)

Love and relationship over power and hierarchy. Expectancy not expecatation.

BRILLIANT.

Lovelovelove!

Entrepreneur Envy

I, like most, have always been jealous of those amazing women who can run their own business. Sure they work like heck and get little thanks, but they get to set their own schedule, make their own business decisions, and work with something about which they are truly passionate. Lately I've been wondering... could I be one of these women?? It's time to stop dreaming of it and make it happen.

I'm going to start small, of course. There's no room for quitting my current job to take on my dreams and falling flat on my face. But I'm going to start a catering service. Something small. Maybe a service where apt residents can buy frozen dishes to stick in the oven when they feel like a hot meal? Or maybe some delish tailgating treats? The details still need to be ironed out, but here goes quitting daydreaming and forging ahead. Happy Tuesday y'all!

I Know, I Know...

I'M SORRY. But when the only sports happening are the NBA playoffs (read: gag me as we remove every ounce of greatness from the sport of basketball and replace it with ugly uniforms, outrageous contracts, one-on-one flashiness, and a league that has never heard of the word "defense") and my money is running low (read: no money for Banana Republic or even banana splits) then my blogging topics come to a halt.

Friday night I saw Deon Thompson out in Chapel Hill. I, of course, pretty much attacked him as he was getting money out of the ATM, but he was very sweet and took a picture. People don't understand how I can get so excited about seeing Carolina basketball and football players, but to me, those guys are celebrities. Think about it: I tune into Carolina basketball at least twice a week during the season... that's more than my weekly visit with the stars of Gossip Girl or Law and Order.

I saw my first real life pair of Louboutins last week. Of course, I've seen them online and in stores, but last week my company's President from Italy came in wearing a gorgeous basic (can you even say basic when it comes to Louboutins? I think not) pair of black Louboutin pumps. I was in love the minute I saw those red soles as she walked down the hall. In love. Who needs boys when you have Christian?

Bad, once again

Hey y'all. I'm so sorry I haven't written in a while. I have had some stuff going on in my personal life that has consumed me as of late. But things are looking up now. and.. I AM GOING TO BE BETTER. Seriously.

The boys lost in the finals of the NIT. Sad, but such a good run considering the way we started!!

Spring football was a blast. The game itself was rather boring, but wearing a football dress, tailgating, and being in Kenan on a warm sunny day makes me smile. :)

Battle of the Blues...

No, we aren't playing Duke. I'm talking about our game against the also powder blue (though not quite as pretty) Rhode Island tonight. We face off at 9 at Madison Square Garden with a trip to the NIT Championship on the line. Also on the line is a 20 win season -- something that would be very nice for the record books. So many people had given up on this team and I am so incredibly proud of them. LET'S GO HEELS!!

Final Four, Once More

So it's the Final Four of the NIT...who cares?

The Heels defeated UAB last night 60-55. I saw smiles, I saw cohesiveness, I saw hustle, things I haven't seen all season... so I really don't care if it's the NIT.

The Heels ended UAB's 33 game home winning streak. And in the final seconds, the sold out arena (the first time the arena has sold out in years), shouted "TAR" and shouted "HEELS."

The boys head up to MSG to play the winner of tonight's VA Tech Rhode Island game next Tuesday at 9.

I am so proud of this team. No matter what happens from here out, this was the perfect way to end this season. Perfect.

...It's Not Going to Change Your Life...

As some of you know, I have tried to be better with my money of late. I have a rather sizeable debt to pay back to my parents and I want more than anything for that debt to dwindle down to zero. (Note: I think I'm doing pretty great at this - 450 dollars to each parent in the last two weeks -- thanks tax refund!)

It seems the more I try to be better with my money, the more I find things I want. (In reality, I think this is stemming from a greater sense of self, a clearer idea of my own taste and design style, but that's a whole 'nother post.) For example, the purple post it note on my desk is a list of wants. I realize these are all WANTS. None are close to needs.

Today I was on the elevator and a man was talking about drapes. He said, "Then you go with the regular drapes, not the silk drapes because silk drapes aren't going to change your life."

Well, I don't know what to think about that theory. New Lindsay Phillips flats probably aren't going to change my life, though they could change my business casual wardrobe drastically. A new tv probably won't change my life, but it will make watching Carolina games that much more enjoyable. A wine cooler isn't going to change my life, but it will ensure my wine is the perfect temperature when I get home at 5:00 on a Friday.

Yet, his point does have some merit. The Ray-bans on my list... probably won't change my life, or my wardrobe, or my level of sun protection. With that theory in mind, I bought some cheap, tortoise shell aviators from Target today.

In the end, I think the man's point is a good one, but shouldn't be used to extremes. After all, if my new flats with interchangable decor can go from work to dinner to drinks... can you really argue that they won't change my life?? I think not....

NIT Update

That's right... the Heels are in the NIT. We were considered "on the bubble" for the NIT, but somehow managed a 4 seed with the worst record in the tournament. I guess that's what the letters "NC" stamped on your chest get you -- and I don't mind.

We are currently in the "elite 8." We have won two tight games, the first over William and Mary, the second over the #1 ranked Missisippi State. The second was won with 2 seconds left with a left handed layup over the nation's #1 shotblocker. Guess who scored the layup? That's right... none other than my baby LD. :)

I honestly have never been so excited about the NIT. I cried when he scored. Cried. At the NIT. I continued to cry when I saw the first smile I've seen on his face in months. And when he looked playfully into the camera and said, "Hi mom!"... well game over.

Larry Drew represents a microcosm of the Tarheels this year. Talented, but often struggling, and always criticized. So to see him smile on Saturday, and to see the Heels look a bit cohesive, it chokes me up a little bit.

Tonight we play #2 UAB at 9pm. LET'S GO HEELS!!!

*Disclaimer: I know this picture is from high school. But look how happy he is? I like to think he was this happy after his game-winning basket on Saturday.

I.am.awful - part deux

I am really, terribly, incredibly awful. It has been over a month since I have written. I promise I have not forgotten about this little baby of mine -- I've just been SWAMPED at work. And then, weeknights between homework, pilates, coaching the tigers and trying to maintain some social life -- things have just been insane.

The boys have not beeing doing so hot... 15-14. Yikes. Senior night is tonight so hopefully we will step it up. We are coming off a win against Wake. I have never, ever, ever, seen a team fall apart like this one. The team that beat Michigan State and Ohio State often looks like they couldn't beat my tigers.

I promise I'll update more later. Really. Seriously. Honestly.

Lovelovelove and HAPPY MARCH!!

Down With the Woofies :)

c

On Tuesday night, my Heels came out to play. They played solid defense, executed well in the half court, and defeated NC State by 14 points. THANK GOODNESS. We definitely needed a win and a win over such a big rival is huge.

The boys were led by Larry Drew's 18 points, 7 assists, and 1 turnover. :)

Next game: Sunday, v. UVA, 7:45 (pending the weather forecast - we are expecting SNOW!!)

Transition Year

I will now, officially, deem this a transition year. My boys lost their third game in a row last night to Wake Forest. We were only down three at the half, but had an abismal second half. I will not badmouth them or be a fairweather fan, but I must be realistic. Here's hoping we make the NCAAs. Love my boys no matter what. :)

I.Am.Awful.

I haven't updated in two weeks! My apologies!! Things have been insanely busy/productive/exciting/scary!

Where to begin? I guess I'll start with one of the main topics of this blog, sports. My bball boys have not been doing so hot. We opened up 1-0 in ACC play with a win over Va Tech, but quickly dropped our next two to Clemson and GA Tech. Clemson was one of the most depressing games I've ever seen us play. This team just lacks confidence entirely.

I've started a writing class through UNC which is AMAZING! It's actually a lot of work,but I think it will be really good for me. I love reading and writing again. Writing used to be my lifeblood - I'm getting back to that.

Might try to work on one of my homework assignments in the next post. Thanks for being my guinea pigs! :) Happy Tuesday, y'all!

Monday Morning Review

The bball boys beat Albany by 18 (it really wasn't that close, but we played everyone) on Wednesday evening. My baby had a good game, but the highlight of the evening was the new "I'm a Tar Heel" commericial which featured, none other than the greatest two guard in UNC basketball history, Shammond Williams. "I'm Shammond Williams and I'm a Tar Heel." GOOSEBUMPS.

In other, AMAZING, news, all of our defense announced they are coming back, even Marvin. No one thought this would happen, especially me after seeing his tears at the bowl game. This means we will basically have the exact same team featuring one of the nation's best defenses. Time to step up offense!! (Love you Teejy!)