Whatever "it" is, It's me...

(Sunset Beach, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico...on the balcony of our honeymoon suite)

Just in case this post ends abruptly, let me tell you I am and have been an emotional basket case (hard to imagine, I know) right now and I may just not be able to finish typing.  Either way, it is what it is (I seem to be saying that A LOT lately).


Pressing onward...


I'm not exactly sure why I'm feeling the way I am.  I can't find an exact starting point and I can't envision what may have changed.  Regardless, I have been ready to cry at the drop of a hat and felt fairly bitter toward others around me (including my precious 3rd graders).  For the sake of others and myself, I took a sick day today.  Now, am I the kind of sick to go to the doctor and load up on meds (as what's been "going around" lately)?  No.  I am sick, as in my mind is on a roller coaster that's not ready to fill the rest of my body in on what the hey is going on!


So, I needed this day for me.  (fyi...the tears have begun)  I wanted to sleep in (to help with the constant desire to close my eyes and walk peacefully to dream land).  I wanted to wake up and enjoy a late morning cup of coffee (it's a daily morning routine that aids my energy level and possibility of no afternoon headache).  I wanted to tackle the house cleaning chores I've been slacking on (to help the dirty home anxieties I've been having when I walk around this place...sink piled up with dirty dishes and dishwasher piled up with clean ones, clean laundry spread across the guest bed, and papers/mail attacking the coffee table).  Sadly, I didn't want to focus any of my time on school or being a teacher (I believe we [teachers] NEED this time to survive.).  *Although I feel a bit guilty for this, I am sticking to it.  I wanted to take a drive with the sunroof open (even in the 30 degree temps) and the music blaring, in the beautiful sunshine that was planned and is shining brightly through the window as I type!  I wanted to take a little time to shop/gain some retail therapy.  I wanted to make up for my lost day of 2.5 miles running (I'm training for the Derby mini marathon to run with my sisters and brother!) that I chose not to take part in yesterday.  I wanted to do ALL of this by myself!  To top off my ME day...I want to share in an evening of sushi with my one and only (or maybe Lauren...a confidante and another female to console me and UNDERSTAND that I'm not crazy for being "sick.")  *I do have to add that Matt's been overly consoling and understanding of my tantrums.  He even massaged my feet last night and let me bury my snotty nose in his chest as he just stood there with his arms around me. (even more tears, at this moment, for the thought of just how blessed I am to have him as my life partner)


As I wrap up this horribly soppy post, let me  first say that I'm well on my way to fulfilling my wants for this day.  I'll end by saying that I'm really liking this whole blog thing (yes, I know, my brain just hopped around on you).  It's a release for me.  As you'll probably notice, my past couple of posts have been pretty down in the dumps.  Let me tell you, I've got so much to be thankful for and I am fully aware of that.  Are there things that pull me down?  Of course.  I do know; however, that I can overcome.


In God, I trust.  He is my Lord and Savior and he brings me strength.

Rise to the occasion?

So, my birthday is coming up...TOMORROW!  

I've never really been a huge fan of my January/Winter/not even a month after Christmas birthday.  I'm so very thankful that I was born!  Don't get me wrong.  I'm just NOT a winter person...dry skin, dry/frazzled hair, dangerous weather (beautiful the first time around...that's it!), less sunshine,...  It's just NOT me!  To add to the mess, my daddy (although celebrating in a MUCH better place) is not here with me.  And, yes, I know I'm being selfish, but isn't that what birthdays are for?

Needless to say, I'm always down and out and trying to get out of this rut in January, February, and sometimes March.  It hasn't seemed to change, however hard I may try before my "blah season" begins.  

I admit...I'm a sure sign of a "Negative Nellie" this time of year.

With that, do I seem very interested in the fact that my birthday is tomorrow?!

Didn't think so.

However, because I'M TRYING to get out of my rut, I decided to search for some "sweet" ways to change my attitude.  I came upon this... 

(compliments of www.bakerella.com)

Velvety and yes … red.

And delicious. And moist. And one of my favorites.

It’s covered in cream cheese frosting that’s to die for. Help me.

There’s something about a red velvet cake that always makes me feel good inside. And it’s not just the taste. It’s the memories it brings of family and holidays and home. But it doesn’t have to be saved for special occasions. I think it should be loved all year long.

Red Velvet Cake

2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
2 cups sugar
1 Tablespoon cocoa
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups oil
1 cup buttermilk
1 Tablespoon vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 oz. red food coloring

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Grease and flour two 8 inch cake pans.
• Lightly stir eggs in a medium bowl with a wire whisk. Add remaining liquid ingredients and stir together with whisk until blended. Set aside.
• Place all the dry ingredients in your mixing bowl and stir together really good with another wire whisk.
• Add wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix on medium-high for about a minute or until completely combined.
• Pour into cake pans and then drop the pans on the counter a few times to release any air bubbles.
• Bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
• After about ten minutes, remove from pans and cool completely on a wire rack. I also cover in plastic wrap while the cakes cool.
• Then make the frosting.

Note: This cake has a pretty good amount of oil and is really moist. I haven’t tried this one with cake balls yet. But, if I did, I would either use less oil or less frosting to mix together. Next time I make it, I’ll do a little experimenting.

Cream Cheese Frosting

8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
1 cup butter, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla
6 cups confectioners’ sugar

• Sift sugar and set aside.
• Beat cream cheese and butter on high until creamy. Add vanilla.
• Then, add the sugar in batches. Scrape down the sides in between each addition.
• And frost away.

Red Velvet brings back some wonderful memories of my Meme (who went to celebrate with my Daddy, shortly after him...last winter).  She loved baking my birthday cake and my special request was ALWAYS her RED...VELVET...CAKE!

After a morning of self-therapeutic online browsing, my days have brightened a bit.  I'm looking forward to trying my hand at my birthday cake tomorrow!

New Year...New Decade...New Traditions

It's a new year AND a new decade...what will I make of it?  I'm looking forward to all that is to come for my family and friends.  There is so much "new" in my life that I don't even know where to begin. 


New year...resolutions/"I cans"... (in no particular order):
1) I can create and maintain a diet primarily consisting of water-rich fruits and vegetables, 
2) I can create and maintain a workout that works for me, 
3) I can continue strengthening my relationship with God, 
4) I can be a more intentional teacher, 
5) I can give more quality time to my husband and family. 


I'm looking forward to (again, in no particular order)...
1)   a new brother-in-law...my sister's redeployment (return home);
2)   new babies (of friends);
3)   continuing new family traditions;
4)   new vacation exploration(s);
5)   new trips to Louisiana (Geaux Tigers!)
6)   new clothing and fashions;
7)   new home furnishings and decor;
8)   a new ride;
9)   a new alma mater;
10) a new and healthy ME!!


With all of the above comes my revised trek with God to less worry and anxiety and more peace and grace!
May God Bless You All!

A smidge of Southern grace...

I'm having a bit of withdrawal from my decor desires.  Until the school year comes to a close, my wishes are on the back burner.  For the meantime, I'll sift through photos of my dreams come true... 



This vintage style room offers an country-eclectic look.  For more eclectic ideas, check out Anthropologie.  Great Stuff by Paul also has some interesting accessories!



Vintage suitcases...undeniably gorgeous!



I'm wanting a simple, yet unique, vanity...I think I may have found just the thing!



The hutch, in white, is just one of my new desires.  It will match perfectly with my grandmother's Moderntone Depression glass blue dishes!  I WILL own this (or something close) one day soon!



My blue dishes, from my Meme's estate.


I'm starting to get an itch for more...with 19 days of school left, who knows what'll begin to happen!