May Goals and Confessions

I confess:

+ I totally sucked at  my April Goals.

- save $1000: FAIL

- get a microwave and couch (already set in the budget for both): Semi success... got couch!

- finish one book: Success! Finished Slammed by Colleen Hoover and half way through another one

- watch Divergent, The Wolf of Wall Street, and Gravity: Only saw Gravity. Not sure why I listed this as a goal... I want to see all of them, but will wait for Netflix!

- go to a museum: FAIL

- make a Spring wreath: FAIL

- hang artwork: FAIL

- donate/sell clothes that don't fit: FAIL

- participate in Steph's Wallet Watch: I participated. And noticed that I did terribly. Gah. 

+ My May Goals are all the ones I failed/semi-succeeded at in April. Oh, and get my hurr did. 

+ There has been an outbreak of chicken pox and mumps at work. MUMPS!! Who the hell gets that anymore?! And the people who got it had been vaccinated. This is causing me to have a minor major freakout. 

+ I have never had chicken pox and have heard and witnessed that the adult version (aka shingles) is 100x worse.

+ I'm a little stunned/upset that I forgot this on Friday:

+ I have to use 16 vacation days by June 30th or I lose them. But no one else can get off from work and I'm low on funds. 

+ I did it... I brought stinky food to lunch yesterday. Payback is a bitch, coworkers! #notevensorry #begladitwasntfish

+ This still makes me chuckle:

What are you confessing today? How are you doing with your goals? 

Link up with Vodka and Soda and My So Called Chaos!!

Weekend Updates

Friday was a lazy night in. We ordered some Chinese food and laid low. It was great to be able to just relax.

Saturday I wanted to go out somewhere...anywhere...but the forecast called for rain, and everything I wanted to do was outdoors, of course. It was supposed to rain all day. It actually rained for like 30 minutes and then was sunny again *grumble* I ran some errands, took a nap, made some tacos, sat on my porch with some friends. It was chill. And then we all went out nearby at night. It was great until my friend drank too much, started talking bs to RJ, and then walked out. (She apologized yesterday-- though she didn't remember exactly what she said. Apparently it was a rough night for her.)

patio weather is my fave

Also, I got a text from my guy friend, who was also out. Do you know how much a ticket is for peeing in public? $500!!! And I wondered but didn't ask... like, how does that work? Does the cop let you finish? Or do you see him/her coming and just stop mid-pee? Can guys even stop peeing mid stream? Random thoughts... moving along...

Sunday I woke up early and headed to central NJ to visit my friend's new baby! She's only 10 days old!! She was asleep most of the time, but I did get to hold her- she's so tiny, only 7 lbs!

welcome to the world, A!

I also got to see this lil guy. He is such a ham- love it!

Overall it was a great weekend with lots of food and baby action!

How was your weekend?

Confessions: Late Easter Edition

I confess...

I really thought today was Tuesday

I didn't do an Easter weekend post because nothing exciting really happened and I didn't take any pics

Actually, I took one pic. I fell off of my bed Sunday night and now there's a HUGE bruise on my leg. I would share a pic of that, but I kinda hate when others do that, so I'll spare you

I've never gotten a visit from The Easter Bunny, but I still got candy because my mom used to plan an Easter egg hunt for me when I was young... there are embarrassing pictures somewhere

I hate jelly beans, Cadbury eggs and Peeps...

This was the first year I ever ate a Deviled Egg,... and it was DELICIOUS! 

I love super corny jokes:

RJ made himself into a meme

What are you confessing today? Link up with Vodka and Soda!

Book Club Friday and Back That Azz Up

This week I'm sharing:

From Goodreads:
Following the unexpected death of her father, 18-year-old Layken is forced to be the rock for both her mother and younger brother. Outwardly, she appears resilient and tenacious, but inwardly, she's losing hope.

Enter Will Cooper: The attractive, 21-year-old new neighbor with an intriguing passion for slam poetry and a unique sense of humor. Within days of their introduction, Will and Layken form an intense emotional connection, leaving Layken with a renewed sense of hope.

Not long after an intense, heart-stopping first date, they are slammed to the core when a shocking revelation forces their new relationship to a sudden halt. Daily interactions become impossibly painful as they struggle to find a balance between the feelings that pull them together, and the secret that keeps them apart.

My Thoughts:
Honestly, I skipped the Avett Brothers intro at the beginning of each chapter.

I loved Eddie, and the pink balloon scene in particular.

I loved the poetry- especially The Ocean. I loved how Will understood Layken so well, even from the beginning when she was trying to remain guarded. He was always there for her, even when he was trying to stay away, he seemed to keep an eye on her. I loved both of their interactions with their brothers. Though I thought Layken was sometimes childish in her interactions with her mother- literally running away when the conversation got too tough, or she didn't like what she was hearing. Slamming doors in her mother's face, even after she knew what was going on. But I guess everyone deals with grief in their own way, and she does ultimately come around.

Definitely one of my favorite books- I gave it 5 stars!

Fave Quote(s): 
“There are three questions every woman should be able to answer yes to before they commit to a man. If you answer no to any of the three questions, run like hell."

"Does he treat you with respect at all times? That's the first question. The second question is, if he is the exact same person twenty years from now that he is today, would you still want to marry him? And finally, does he inspire to be a better person? You find someone you can answer yes to all three, then you've found a good man.”

"Don't take life too seriously. Punch it in the face when it needs a good hit. Laugh at it. "

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Afterlife- Ingrid Michaelson

Confessions: All Hot and Bothered

I confess... I've been pretty hot and bothered lately. And I haven't been good at keeping up with my confessions, which adds to it! Here are some other things that are annoying me lately:

...people who say they don't like a certain food but have never tried it

...people who say "ew, that looks weird," when offered free food, to the person who made it  #rude

...people who complain CONSTANTLY

...people who bust out their phones during dinner. I understand if you're "checking in" (hey, I get a lot of free appetizers/discounts by checking in, I get it), but holding a text conversation while out with friends? Not cool- be present!!

...no-reply bloggers

...when I can't figure out how to follow/unfollow  your blog

...cash only bars, especially if they don't have an ATM in the bar. C'mon, I'm just trying to get my drank on, please don't make me walk several blocks away to get money, because chances are, I'll just find a bar near it. 

...anyone who warms up fish/seafood in the office microwave. We're in a confined space people, and that shit reeeeeeeks! 

...the fact that I just had to look up the correct spelling of "reeks"

...people who can't comprehend how someone can be over 23 and "still fit into a size 2 or 4." Also, when people think that the only way it's conceivable to be a small size is to "drink your calories and don't eat."  I'm 5' 2 1/2" (yeah, I'm counting that 1/2 in!) and wear a size 2. I'm petite. My mom is petite. My grandparents were petite. Also, I eat a whole lot, especially meat and pasta. Sometimes it's just in the genes! 

What's making you all hot and bothered lately? 
Share with Vodka and Soda!

This Weekend I...

+ watched Gravity. It wasn't my favorite. Actually, I was kind of bored.

+ caught up with my girlfriend and her baby

+ ate ice cream in the park

+ caught up on Game of Thrones

+ cooked this for the first time

+ bought all my groceries at The Dollar Store for $7.07 [holla!]

+ had some patio beers and relaxed in the sun... and it was perfect!

How was your weekend?

Book Club Friday and Back That Azz Up

This week I'm sharing:

From GoodReads:
The faction-based society that Tris Prior once believed in is shattered—fractured by violence and power struggles and scarred by loss and betrayal. So when offered a chance to explore the world past the limits she’s known, Tris is ready. Perhaps beyond the fence, she and Tobias will find a simple new life together, free from complicated lies, tangled loyalties, and painful memories. 

But Tris’s new reality is even more alarming than the one she left behind. Old discoveries are quickly rendered meaningless. Explosive new truths change the hearts of those she loves. And once again, Tris must battle to comprehend the complexities of human nature—and of herself—while facing impossible choices about courage, allegiance, sacrifice, and love. 

My Thoughts:
I had a hard time getting into the book until about halfway through. However, I liked the change of scenery, from factions to "the outside" and seeing how things we saw all the time (like an airplane) were explained to them. I really liked that it was told from 2 points of view and I feel like I got to know Tobias a lot better. I didn't realize he was so insecure. I also really enjoyed Tris's mom's journal, and wish there was more of it. It just kind of ended, and my questions regarding what happened between her and the head of The Bureau. Regarding the ending (which seems to have riled up people the most), I was hoping that it wouldn't end the way it did, but I understand it. I really don't think it could have ended any other way that would have made sense. 

Favorite Line:

I fell in love with him. But I don't just stay with him by default as if there's no one else available to me. I stay with him because I choose to, every day that I wake up, every day that we fight or lie to each other or disappoint each other. I chose him over and over again, and he chooses me.

Have you read this? What did you think?

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Sing- Ed Sheeran

P.S. Steph posted this list of awesome apps (particularly for the bar)-- great list! Thanks!

Last Weekend

Friday: Went to Happy Hour for my best friend from work's Farewell. It was kind of sad, especially since I've worked with her and eaten lunch with her just about every day for 4 years. But she got a great opportunity, so she and her family are moving to California. At least I'll have another reason to go there (and a place to stay!). 

Saturday: Did some chores, and then FINALLY GOT MY COUCH! All I wanted to do was sit on it for hours and watch TV and eat popcorn, but my friend and her fiance were coming over, so I had to actually do things. 

I was so excited to see them- I haven't seen them since,... maybe July 2012?!? I'm not sure but it was a LONG time ago! They live in Reading, PA, so it's quite a trek for us to see each other. My friend's fiance actually had a school fair in NYC (he's a recruiter), so she tagged along with him and they stayed over. It was perfect timing too because the couch has a pull out bed, so they got to test it out. We went out to dinner nearby, and then had a few drinks at a local bar. 

Sunday: Lazy, lazy day. All my friend and I did was catch up (without the guys being there), eat, and watch Four Weddings. It was like glorious. Once her fiance was done with work, they headed home, and I may have watched Pitch Perfect. Twice. And the last 2 performances like 7 times. And I didn't notice when RJ walked in because I was singing. Oops!

How was your weekend?

Shit Men Say

It's my favorite time of the month- "Shit Men Say" is back! Link up with Amanda and Danae below! As last time,  all of these were from RJ unless otherwise noted!

Think you're patient? Play a video that you really want to see on Youtube, when that advertisement comes in the beginning and you realize that there is no "Skip Ad", and the ad is 30 seconds long...try not getting a little upset.

How many times must you say "Excuse me" before "Yo, get the f*ck out of my way" becomes necessary? For me today...twice.

"The world is your oyster". Ugh this world and oysters are GROSS. Recycle and eat nachos instead.

I'm so excited about this spring weather that I just wet my plants! (Cornball!)

On April 1st:

Chris: It's that time of year again. Remember not to trust anything or anyone. Except that email from a Nigerian prince. Dude seems legit.

Before I do anything, I first ask myself if it will impress Shania Twain much.

27 years old and I still haven't gotten over Topanga.

Amazon Prime is like a drug. Meant to buy a book. Ended with a ukulele.

Chris: Why do girls hang out in odd numbered groups? Cause they can't even.

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Also, just a PSA: 

32 Happies

I was going to finally update on last weekend, but alas, I still haven't uploaded pics. And then I found this fun little link up, so I'm joining in!

32 Things That Make Me Happy: 

photo booths and strip photos

sunshine... and warm weather

holding hands

toes in the sand

vacations

[live] music

long distance phone calls with old friends

the smell of clean laundry... and clean laundry in general

getting carded at 30!

really good sales

Carbs... all the carbs

inside jokes

romantic comedies

happy hour(s)

nautical everything, particularly anchors

freshcut flowers in pretty vases

fireplaces

girl time

really good eyeliner

jeans and a tshirt

surprises

game nights

coozies

good hair days

Fridays when the clock strikes 5pm

live baseball games

brunch

puggles

having money and being able to pay all my bills

coffee

lists, and crossing things off of them

love 

April Goals

MARCH GOALS RECAP

- finish one book

Success! FINALLY finished Allegiant! First time I finished a book since December!

- try three new recipes... and blog about them

Semi-success. I did try three new recipes, but I didn't blog about them. Oops. 

- stick to budget

So I kinda forgot to create/redo my March budget in the beginning of the month. Fail. 

- post (at least) 3 times a week

Besides the first week... Success! 

- weather strip all the windows

Fail. I thought it was going to get warmer, so I didn't buy weatherstripping. And then yesterday it snowed. So maybe I should still get it. Can't hurt.

-clean out one closet

SUCCESS! I cleaned out alllll my closets, scrubbed my floors (literally) and fully spring cleaned the apartment! Huzzah!

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- save $1000

- get a microwave and couch (already set in the budget for both)

- finish one book

- watch Divergent, The Wolf of Wall Street, and Gravity

- go to a museum

- make a Spring wreath

- hang artwork

- donate/sell clothes that don't fit

- participate in Steph's Wallet Watch

My rules:
-track spending daily
- no unnecessary/non-budgeted purchases (gift cards not included)
- stick to budget

What are your goals for April?