food for thought & life happenings

one: Christmas is in 10 days. who saw that coming? not me and I am by no means ready for it, unless being very much ready to not work for a week counts.

two: this is the first year of life I have not had a Christmas break...it. is. sooo. lame. note: considering a new career that has Christmas breaks.

three: in 5 short months I get to see my dear friend from childhood get married!! so VERY excited for Ches & Doug!!

four: I understand why people hire others to clean their house. dear santa...I will take one please.

five: 12 years ago people stocked their pantries with canned beans and ramen noodles because they thought the world was going to end at the turn of the century. who do you think they thought would eat the food if it actually did end?

sunday sunday sunday...shoes shoes shoes

Seriously. The temptation has been killing me. I would truly love to add these to my shoe collection, who wouldn't. I've already thought of ten different outfits to wear them with. Cannot decide if they are more punk kid, rocker groupie, or biker chick...but for some reason I like them. I want them.

Dear Santa, will these fit in my stocking?

Enough about my needs, scratch that, wants. You may find these at DSW or at Zappos which ever you prefer.

Hope the holiday shopping is treating you well! If you find yourself shopping for me....... :)

{sunday shoes}

Oh. My. The wedding was perfect, the dress was beautiful, the bride...the groom...they looked pretty good too. But the SHOES! They were perfect. I love these, and if you are unsure what wedding I am referring to, shame on you, but really, you can still love the shoes too.

I was not shocked in the least to see that Manolo Blahnik would be the one to provide yet again another perfect wedding shoe for a movie, but I was in love with these at first sight. If you are tying the knot soon or just hopeful, know that this gem is available at Neiman Marcus for a small fee.

Sunday Shoes

Fall is here!! The weather this weekend was perfectly beautiful and perfectly fall. I can think of a few outfits these cute wedges would have also been perfect with. Find them at DSW for not a bad price. Enjoy!

mr. moose

It's been a while since you've seen the "little" guy. Well, here is what I have to say...I'm glad I have not put on weight like he has. Mr. Moose went from 20 pounds to 130 pounds in a matter of 8 months. Yes he did. He is now the size of a full grown person and I still love him every bit as much as I did when I could hold him.

He likes to {and by like I mean he does} think he is still a lap dog and one to be held, but clearly no. Mr. Moose has a tendency when people are sitting on the couch to think, oh...I should join them. He has learned well from watching others, others being how people sit on the couch. Moose will literally turn around and sit his tush on the couch as if it we made from him. I tell him often...Moose, this was in fact NOT made for you. So he turns to his alternative...he sits his tush on your lap. Pleasant right? No. He is in the process of learning this is not appropriate nor tolerated behavior.

Moose goes to school once a week where he quickly became a local celeb. He now has two girlfriends {way to be a player} and several people in his entourage. He would. Despite all the paparazzi he seems to be learning what he is intended to learn. Side note: I was asked if he was for sale during his last appointment...NO, and back away sir or I will make you back away.

Moose's latest challenge {he has taken this on all by himself} is learning how to pee like a man. Can he be called that? Like a boy? A male dog? Anyways...learning how to pee with one leg all janky in the air. Currently: he canNOT do this. However that does not keep him from trying. So this is what has happened all around my neighborhood over the past week...Moose has attempted to pee with one leg propped and fallen, peed on himself...the sidewalk...the parking lot...the street...pretty much everything except what he was aiming for. He has also reserved his tank so that he can give this ample practice on each walk. Meaning he has also provided himself with ample opportunities {which he made GOOD use of} to embarrass himself on every walk.

None the less, Mr. Moose continues to be a local celeb having far more friends than his ever so loyal caretaker. Just one little sighting went like this. The scene: Moose and I walking to the mailbox. Man and his dog about 30 feet behind us. Eventually Moose and the other {much smaller} dog meet...sniff each other...become friends immediately. I say: Moose, be easy. {not because he is mean or aggressive, but honestly...he thinks he's a lap dog and therefore has NO idea how much bigger he is than the other little dogs} Man says: Oh! So this is Moose?! I've heard so much about him.

....of course you have. Who wouldn't have heard about the girl with the dog the same size as her running around town who doesn't know how to pee like a man...boy...male dog??

Sunday Shoes {fashionably late}

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month...put on your pink people!

Fall is here and the weather is perfect. These adorable wedges found at Endless would be perfect for any occasion. Casual, work and most definitely something fun.

My prayers go out to each and every person battling breast cancer, their families, and friends.

The Lord says His grace is sufficient for us, His power is made perfect in weakness. For when we are weak, we are strong in His grace and mercy. {2 Corinthians 12:10}

update...the big one.

I feel like my life somewhat resembles my computer and here are a couple reasons why:

1. I never understand it.

2. I always select "remind me later" when it asks for updates.

So here is later and here is an update for you people.

I have officially been released into the real world. No longer do I check student when filling out important documents. People now ask me "what do you do" as opposed to "where are you in school." {still have not decided how I feel about that one} To answer the question...I am finally an occupational therapist.

To save you one Google, Wikipedia says this..."The role of an occupational therapist is to work with a client to help them achieve a fulfilled and satisfied state in life through the use of "purposeful activity or interventions designed to achieve functional outcomes which promote health, prevent injury or disability and which develop, improve, sustain or restore the highest possible level of independence."

Behind the scenes: the two years in OT school were some of the absolute best of life to this point {not so much the studying, but the adventures and friends made along the way}, graduation was much deserved and very much enjoyed, Boards...studied for a month and were still not so much enjoyed, but I PASSED! Getting my license so that I could actually put my knowledge and hard work to use was a smidge of a challenge, but I have that too. Last but most definitely not least, the JOB...check. I absolutely love my job. All the hard work and the work still to come is very much worth each minute and every penny.

The details: I'm working at Duke in outpatient pediatrics. In short...I get to play with kids all day. Booyah! But really, I do work and I love every minute of it.

When I'm not working: I'm living somewhere between the east coast and TN with a Moose who is so big now he will be getting his own update. Life is flying by {seriously, it's October} and I'm just holding on waiting to see what the Lord has around the corner.

gorgeous people and chocolate lovers

here's to you...

have the best day!

sunday shoes still rocking

It's been way too long. Seasons have changed since the last pair of Sunday Shoes graced the blog. However, please note that the beauties below now live in my closet and debuted themselves at Graduation. ...they let me graduate...I took boards-PASSED...and now have a job. Check.

Moving on to no longer being a student, having a new job, new place to live and new chapter in life. I love these shoes. I am still on a Poetic Licence kick, but why not when they bring these kicks to the table. Although rain is not always my favorite form of weather, these...Rainmaker...I would wear any day of the week.

Here's what I need...these shoes in my closet...then later a hott date (you know who you are) to take me out so I can wear them.

sunday shoes!

55 days until the long awaited GRADUATION people!!! No worries, I'm not counting down or anything.

If you even needed to ask the things I have first thought to carefully consider for this great day...my SHOES and outfit to accompany them. Who's surprised?

Initially I wanted you all to help me find the just right (OT term, you are welcome) shoe for the big day, but guess what? This one was just waiting for me to find it and I'm pretty sure it's prefect! This lovely little Delight will be joined with a darling navy dress. And no, I do not have my cap or gown but some things are minor details.

If you LOVE this shoe you MUST check out the rest of the Poetic Licence Collection. It is just precious.

Have a great week friends!!

sunday shoes...

Happy warm weather people! Do peacocks have a season, if not, I think it should be now. How much are you loving that you may now bust out those sandals in the back of your closet, but could also add an adorable little number like these to your wardrobe?!

I sure would love to have a little Peacock Plume in my closet. Enjoy the warm weather and enjoy a nice pedi to go with these cute sandals!

sunday shoes!

Great simple but lively and under $50! Find them at Endless in any color your wardrobe might need.

Who says interviewing for a job you need to be wearing boring shoes. Well maybe not something too flashy, but still a little something fun is never too much.

They say, I can be serious, but I like to have a little fun too.

just another thursday...

1. packed the Galant for my 5th move in the past 5 months. if only they had frequent shopper gas cards and oil changes.

2. thanks to a dad who takes precious time to pack for any road trip or move I have learned and perfected the art of said packing and went from drawers and coat hangers to maxed out trunk in 32 minutes.

3. living with an 83 year old is...well, it's living with an 83 year old. when I said I was moving she says, that's stupid and a waste of gas (the frequent shopper card would have helped here).

4. being the granddaughter of this 83 year old one might think couldn't be bad for anyone, but when you have an older brother who is "cuter" than you and not overweight as you may be at your ripe age of 7 months...well suddenly being the granddaughter is not so fun.

5. moose decided his last day in this house he would make the one day he peed in the house. way to be moose. {he's still the greatest dog ever}

ps...if anyone is looking for a purchase to make for me, I really need (for the collection) the shoes posted below :)

{sunday shoes}

HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!!! Hope this day was wonderful to you!

The weather could not have been better across the SE this weekend. It was lovely in TN and just as nice in NC. Hope the weather was nice wherever it found you too!

Sun shiny days calling for super cute heels to be worn with fun flowing dresses and all things summer. This fun navy/tan sandal would be great for all wardrobes!

sunday shoes...

For all you dog lovers, here are Adventure Dog Boots (yellow) and Polar Trex Winter Dog Boots (red). No, I have not purchased these for Moose due to the fact that I'm pretty sure he would out grow them by next Friday and he is pretty lazy when it comes to walking any sort of distance.

I saw these awesome little shoes at REI not long ago and thought to myself, do people really buy these. But lets be serious...I'm sure people do. And how could I say anything, with a hobby of collecting shoes, I wanted to get both pair! So if you 1. have a dog and 2. plan on hiking the AT any time soon, here is your shoe. If neither of those fit you then this is merely a fun fact you might need one day to win Jeopardy.

senior roomies and copper pigtails

HELLO from North Carolina! The state that brought us flight so we can travel more efficiently. You are welcome for that. My new residence is with a sweet lady in her 80s...yes that is right. So I have thought for the past week that I have no internet. Funny thing is...when I asked if she had wireless I could connect to, she had no idea what I was talking about. Needless to say, her younger more in tuned nephew set up wireless that she does in fact use she just had no idea what it was. Love that. But more importantly, life with steph is back to running and no longer from the booth of McDonalds!

How is life different when living with someone your grandparents age. Conversations are MUCH different. So I have decided that in edition to sharing lovely shoes and the ever so exciting aspects of my life, I will now also be sharing the little snipits I'm learning from two generations back.

The scene: about 9pm and I'm headed to be (yes, I go to bed before her during the week. so I may be the old lady.) She is watching tv and I say goodnight when she says come here, I need to tell you something. This I know means it will be a while before I head to bed but surely could be anything under the sun she wants me to know. Not sure exactly how the convo began but it turned into her telling me about the last guy she dated and how wonderful he was. Then she started telling me about the random (at least I think) gifts he would give her. He would show up with turnip greens or other vegetables and things along that line. My favorite...the copper pigtail which is displayed on the desk in the living room. I'm still not exactly sure what it even is, but something that comes from when copper things are made.

Stay tuned for more exciting and very interesting snipits from life on Stuart.

sunday shoes!

Coming to you live from the Golden Arches due to lack of internet at my new place. Man do I miss the benefits of the 21st century and realize how much I take them for granted.

Spring has sprung peeps and that should make you excited! If you have seen me pretty much any time of year expect when snow is on the ground you have seen me in Chacos. Mostly because these shoes are amazing. They are perfect for any event from hiking to weddings, yes, I have seen them in weddings.

What is the benefit of them you ask? They are not your basic sandal. The strap is one continuous strap therefore it can be adjusted to fit perfectly on any foot. This is the biggest reason why I love them because if you are like me, my feet do not fit every shoe all that well. But this one is designed to fit you! I thoroughly enjoy the classic sandal here with the toe strap and the simple flip flop. If you do not own a pair of these, I suggest investing in some because they are great for any occasion and last a lifetime.

Another reason to love Chaco...they now have products for animals! And if you are asking have I also invested in these, the answer is you know it! Moose (pictured below) now has a dashing collar in the same pattern as these lovely shoes. Yes please!

now playing: MOOSE PADFOOT DAVIDSON

He is finally here. The long awaited much loved Great Dane, Moose.

Picked up the {little} guy on the way home from the Lonestar state. Thank you to Danes Country in KY for having such wonderful pups! I sure do love this guy!!

Why the name? Moose: because he WILL be a moose when has finally stopped growing. Side note...just in the short time I've had him he has gained several pounds and almost grown out of his first collar. Padfoot: because Harry Potter is awesome and more importantly Sirius Black is one of the best characters. You know how I feel about that. Davidson: because he needs a great last name.

Call me biased, but this dog is by far the greatest dog ever.

sunday shoes...you're welcome

to all my fellow shoe lovers, here is a little information I learned while in the great lone star state.

a new friend of mine (also a shoe lover, because let's be honest, we all stick together) introduced me to this website that will show you a list of shoes that match your style at the beginning of each month. you pick the one you want, and they ship it to you in a cute little pink package. all of this for only 40 bucks. I honestly could not think of a better way to start the month and add to your shoe collection.

will I be participating in this glorious deal? yes and yes! if you are not already sold on getting a new pair of fun and exciting shoes each month no worries, they have handbags and jewelry too!

here's to a new pair shoes! check it out at http://www.shoedazzle.com/

turtle, squirrel, or something...

is it a bird? is it a plane? nope!

yesterday I walked into my first patient's room and she was seated on the side of her bed. so we have a sweet little lady who is all of 4'9" who's feet did not even touch the floor hanging out seeming very preoccupied by something. I say, "good morning miss..... we are here to help you get dressed and ready for the day."

sweet little lady responds, "ok! but can you come here first." and of course I walk over to see what she needs. she says, come here, look right there. she's pointing to the curtains near the wall in her room. then she looks at me and says..."don't you see it, its a turtle or squirrel or something."

umm...no...ma'am, I'm really sorry but there are no turtles or squirrels in our hospital.

Gameday Shoes!!

Packers or Steelers...who will win? By tonight we will know. And maybe by tonight I will let you know who I am cheering for. Here is a little hint...if I owned this cute number I would be wearing them for the game. Best of luck to your team, may the best one win! More importantly, enjoy the commercials, good food, and good times!!

two down. ten to go.

Tomorrow week three begins. Week two...well it ended with a bang.

Pink slips and black eyes. Yes, that is right. I got kicked, punched, and scratched by a 96 year old (I'd like to use the word lady, but that hardly seems appropriate) woman. Managed to dodge the first few, but missed the last one. She got me right in the face. 96 years of great aim she has and boy does she know how to use it. Unfortunately that meant I spent all of Friday filling out 'the pink slip'. Such a joy. I tried the whole "I promise I will not sue your company and I feel fine" but that didn't fly. Too bad because I had to write several novels of just exactly how I lost to a 96 year old stroke patient in a wheelchair.

Things I learned from this dear patient. Never underestimate women who look fragile. 96 years is a long time for people to practice throwing punches. When the nurse says, "she just had her meds and should be fine now," use precaution, this may not be true.

Good things that came from Friday: it was the last day of the week. Sweet little 96 year old got discharged (found out later I was victim #2). Last but not least...they let me leave early to "recover" which meant I went to sonic and got a pedicure/manicure. You know I loved that! All in all, good week number two and looking forward to number three.

sunday shoes!

Adorable. Pair them with a dress. Or maybe with some skinny jeans. Surely these would look good with almost anything or at least I think so. Find these cute little SM Luxe pumps at your local DSW or online. {FREE shipping if you order online!}

reasons to not get out of shape.

1. getting back in shape is no fun, at all, ever.

2. clothes are expensive. wearing clothes that no longer fit you is uncomfortable. muffin tops are only cool at places like panera or your kitchen.

last but most definitely not least....

3. getting shown up by a 60 year old man in a step class AND getting shown up by the same man two days later in a body work class is simply embarrassing.

...all good arguments address both sides of the situation, so let's ponder reasons TO get out of shape.

1. coca-cola classic is delicious always.

2. watching movies during any amount of free time is always and will forever be enjoyable.

3. personal trainers are usually quite attractive and let's not forget...in shape :)

{sunday shoes}

Nothing better than a group of ladies in cowboy boots. As a staple in my wardrobe, I LOVE cowboy boots and recommend them to everyone.

When I first found out I would be living it up in Texas for a few months, bringing the cowboy boots with me was a must. But I should tell you, cowboys (aside from the football fans) are not as prevalent as one would think here in Dallas. I have been informed that if you really want to find a Texan Cowboy you have to venture off the beaten path to small towns. There you may find all things cowboy...hats, boots, spurs, tumble weeds, you get the idea.

The BIG D.

So I made it! Welcome to Dallas.

So far I have noticed all things most different from home, the southeast, and what I love. For starters, Coca-Cola classic tastes different here and the water tastes slightly like dirt. @EmileeM can verify that both of these are true. The roads here, make no sense and the drivers...I have no comment.

Dallas did know how to bring in the New Year with style though. Huge buildings, massive crowds, several concerts, plastic champagne glasses (can you call them glasses?), and fireworks. I'll take that!

Being a tourist for the weekend was GREAT. Four story malls with Christmas trees big enough to need lights to warn off airplanes AND an ice skating rink. Cowboys stadium, enough said. By the way, the stadium is shaped and looks like a glass football (still hoping for Super Bowl tickets). Six Flags over TX, incredible. 6th Floor Museum and The Grassy Knoll (aka...where JFK was shot) was amazing.

Since my personal GPS left three days ago, I have successfully made it around town without the assistance of Charlene (the GPS) which I find a great accomplishment, note the terrible roads mentioned above.

The room has come together quite nicely and feels a little like home or as close as home can feel when it's roughly 800 miles away.

Work. Well it is work. But not quite so much work, rather just orientation for the past few days. Have to love that. Although I do love orientation because that means getting off early. Which means hitting up Sonic for happy hour. Thus Coca-Cola classic. I do love that.

Stay tuned as life in TX unfolds. I feel many stories for the near future.