Treat or Trick?

Okay, so I know I am probably going to get hell on this post, but I don't care. One of my favorite things about Halloween is seeing children and dogs dressed up in Halloween costumes. And yes, I said dogs.

I love how there are so many creative costumes for dogs. I'm sure you have all seen the hot dog bun that a wiener dog wears. That's one of my favorites. A couple years ago Jack was Frankenstein but he hated it because he had to wear a little hat thing that he kept taking off. This year he is going to be Superman again (like last year). Unfortunately I didn't have much time to get him a new costume and he isn't going a party with me this year anyway.

While in Savannah for Katie and Stephan's wedding last weekend, there was a trick or treat for dogs down River Street. Dogs of all sizes dressed up (well their owners dressed them up) and went from shop to shop getting treats. I think this is a fabulous idea and wish we had something like that near us. Although Jack would probably be scared out of his mind, Bella would love it!

Which brings me to my next point: I wish we were more pet friendly. "We" as in the U.S. When I lived in Italy you can take your dog(s) anywhere with you. You can take them to the grocery store, a restaurant, and sometimes even work. Right after I got Bella, my Mom, Janet, and I went to order food to go from The Olde Blind Dog in Alpharetta. Being that Bella was only 5 weeks old and not wanting to leave her in the car, I took her inside (holding her) to look at a menu. The manager immediately came over and kicked me out. I mean, I understand that people don't want pets in restaurants, but she was itty bitty and I was only going to order my darn food. So anyway, we got kicked out into the cold and I had to wait on my Mom and Janet outside while they ordered for me. Bella was quite popular that day though. Several servers came outside to meet her and play with her. She sure is little miss popular pretty much all the time though. But enough about that.

I hope you all have a happy and safe Halloween. I'll be sure to post pictures from the parties that I will be attending, I'm sure they'll be interesting.

P.S. In the pictures, Jack is the one in the Superman costume and the others are just random pups!

Carpe Diem!

Well, I don't even know where to start with this one...

The last couple of days I have been doing a lot of thinking. I think it stems from reading too much. I've been going through books like crazy!

Anyway, I must quit stalling. As a preface, I would just like to say that I LOVE my life. I have had opportunities to do many things in my 25 years that some have not done in a lifetime. I have lived abroad in Italy, been skydiving and graduated college, among many other wonderful experiences. Not to sound cocky, but I do think I am better off than some of my friends. I have an awesome family, a decent full-time job where I was recently promoted, I work a second job part-time on the weekends for extra cash, I live in a nice area, I drive a nice car, and I have two sweet little pups to come home to every night. Then why, you ask, am I writing this?

Well, I guess I feel like I have more life to live. Although everything is great and wonderful, I feel like I am missing something. And no, not love like you guys might infer per my semi-recent break up. It is quite the opposite I suppose. I think now is the time to live in the moment, "seize the day", if you will. Carpe Diem!

As many of you know, I lived in Italy in the summer of 2007 and absolutely loved it. I told myself, and many of you, that as soon as I graduated from college I would move back for at least a year or two. Well, after reading my last book, I figured why not? I am young, single, independent, and love new adventures. Sure, all the logistics would have to be planned out ahead of time- a place to live, a job, and money to get there- but why couldn't I just pick myself and move away for a while? Move to Italy? Well who knows... but what I am saying is that I am ready for something new, something exciting, and something not so mediocre. I mean, I am 25 years old and I already feel like an old lady with the same old routine going to a job that I am indifferent about. Not that routine is bad, but I think you get the gist. I don't think it helps that the majority of my friends are getting married and are having kids and that I am no where near that point in my life.

The whole married and having kids thing is foreign to my best friend, Ashley, who lives in NYC. She can't believe how many weddings I have been to just these past couple of months. The culture sure is a lot more different down here than it is in New York. I was talking to her tonight, in fact, explaining to her how I was feeling about life and such and that I am ready for something new and refreshing. She instantly tried to convince me to move to the city with her. Although she has several good points- that I already have friends and family up there, that I could live with her as long as I needed, and that she would find me a job- I'm not sure if New York would be a place for me. But then again, could I really leave Atlanta, the home I've known for so long?

Okay, so that was probably a lot for you guys to take in. Am I really just going to pick up and move somewhere? Who knows. Any insight would definitely be appreciated. I wish I could just win the lottery and travel the world. I guess that means I would have to start playing, eh?

P.S. The picture is from Positano, Italy... my favorite place in the world! (so far!)

Being Passionate About Your Beliefs

Last night, my roommate Katy and I stayed up pretty late talking with the boy she had over (I forgot his name already) about their beliefs. We stayed up until after midnight which tells you how much I enjoyed the conversation, being that I am usually in bed by 9 or 9:30pm. Anyway, Katy and the boy are both Mormons and live their lives unlike most of us, which I find quite intriguing. I'm sure many of you already know, but Mormons have different guidelines to follow in the ways in which they live. For instance, they dress more conservatively, they don't drink or have premarital sex, and they go to church for 3 hours every Sunday (among other things). Last night they let me ask them all sorts of questions, which was entertaining and quite educational. They are much more conservative than most but also are much more passionate in their beliefs (and also very knowledgeable) and do not care what others think. After speaking with Katy and her friend, it reminded me of when I publicly acknowledged my beliefs and passion for Jesus Christ this past summer, which is an experience I will never forget.

For those of you that do not already know, I was baptized in August at 12Stone church in Lawrenceville. My parents and I met up with Jeremy for church that Sunday when they happened to have an open baptism call. Baptism has always been something I had wanted to do. I think it is very important to publicly acknowledge that you love and want to live for Jesus Christ. So, we were sitting there watching person after person being baptised at the end of the church service. I looked at my parents and Jeremy and told them that I would be right back and went up there, in my street clothes and all. I don't think my parents thought I was going to go get in line- I'm pretty sure they thought I was making a trip to the restroom or something. Anyway, after I was baptised in front of the whole congregation, I went to a room and met a 22 year old girl named Jessica who prayed over me. She congratulated me and was such a warm little lady. Overall, it was a life changing experience. I am so glad that I had the opportunity to share my love for Jesus without caring what other people think.

All in all, I think it is important to be passionate about your beliefs and to be true to yourself. Oh how refreshing it is!

"Baptism is, in fact, much more than a ritual conferring membership in a community, as many people conceive it nowadays. It is a process of birth, through which a new dimension of life opens out." ~Peter Seewald

About the pictures:
*The first picture is a picture I took the beginning of this summer when I was going through a very rough time. It made me realize how small my problems are in comparasion to the grand scheme of things. I think it was a direct sign from God telling me that there is light at the end of the tunnel and that behind every cloud there is beautiful sunshine.
*The second picture is blurry but it is from the Sunday morning I was baptised.

Oktoberfest

Well, this past Sunday I went up to Helen for Oktoberfest with some of my besties and we had a wonderful time. I love that we spend pretty much every Sunday together. I wouldn't have it any other way! Here are some pictures!

Keep The Change

As most of you already know, Barack Obama just won the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize- one of the most important awards in the world. I think this was a huge shock to us all. What really baffles me, is that he was nominated only 12 days in office. Can someone please tell me what kind of accomplishments this man has actually come through with while he has been in office, let alone in the first 12 days? I truly do not understand why this man receives so much praise.

On a NY Times blog someone wrote: "What did Obama do to deserve the nobel peace prize?" Someone else wrote, "What he has done is not be George Bush." That was followed by several others with "You're an idiot" and my favorite..."Congratulations for not being George Bush, here is your prize. Love, Europe."

The award has previously gone to exceptional people, such as Mother Theresa, Martin Luther King, Jr., and several other truly amazing people. By giving this award to Obama, I think it really diminishes its value and importance. It is so shocking that Obama would be acknowledged and be given this award for his "Change." The only change that I have experienced is my view of our country and how much of a joke it has become.

Bella Mia

Well, I have officially had Bella for 3 days now and what a doll she is! She is spunky, sassy, and sweet. We've had a couple rough nights (keeping me up with her crying) but she is totally worth it. Last night, my Mom and Janet came by and brought her a bunch of toys and food. Her favorite toy is a little pink bone chew toy that fits perfectly in her mouth. I need to take a picture of it. She also met a bunch of my neighbors who all fell in love with her. She has only had 1 out of her 3 sets of shots so unfortunately she can't meet any other puppies or be set on the ground since I don't want her to get Parvo or worms. Overall, she is a true joy and I can't wait until she and Jack become BFFs! :)

I'm an old fart!

So this has been a great week so far. It went by so quickly and I feel like I got a lot accomplished, both at home and at work. Yesterday, like pretty much every other day, I got home and went running. I ran about 6 miles which is starting to become my regular routine. After running, I showered and decided to cook a nice dinner for myself. It was the first time I had cooked something nice since I've been at my place, which is pretty sad since I've been there for 4 months now. I cooked chicken parmesan with fresh mozzarella over some thin pasta. As an appetizer, I made a caprese salad with basil and balsamic dressing- a little piece of heaven, if you will. I topped off this fabulous meal with a classy glass of Two Buck Chuck Cab. Mmmm. Anyway, I am sitting at the dinner table by myself, with Jack begging for food at my feet, when I came to a very sober realization- I am getting old. I am 25 years old. I have been out of college for a year and a half. It was 7:30pm at night and I was exhuasted. I don't go out during the week anymore and I was all alone (which I was happy about). Where does the time go? It was about that time that I figured I would go to bed early at 8:45pm- my usual bedtime being 9:30pm. Pretty sad, I know! I'm not saying that I don't like my life or anything like that but man has my lifestyle changed! For those of you that know me, I was always the last one out partying and having a good time and always the first one to wake up for work the next day (hangover free of course!). My body just doesn't work the way it used to. If I don't get at least 7 hours of sleep, I'm not a happy camper the next day. I love my life and I love that I have a regular schedule but boy do I feel like an old fart. These past couple of years have flown by so fast. I guess that's the way the cookie crumbles. On a side note- I am feeling pretty darn good and rested today and I am sooo ready to party this weekend with some old and new friends! :)