I'm Almost 25 And...

I have an obsession with Taylor Swift.

I've read people say she looks like a drowned rat, and that she's the least attractive person they've ever seen. People say she can't sing or write music.

Obviously these people have not seen the latest issue of Vogue magazine.

She looks absolutely stunning.

All photos courtesy of Vogue

And my favorite videos:

If its Not Forever, If Its Just Tonight

A long time ago, back when Chris and I first met, he told me to listen to this song by Kings of Leon: "Sex on Fire." I did and IMMEDIATELY loved it. It has remained a favorite since then. I, however, am a country girl at heart. One day, probably a year after I heard the Kings of Leon version, I picked up Sugarland's "Live on the Inside" CD. And on that CD would be a cover of "Sex on Fire" done by Sugarland, obviously. Let me tell you, it is the BEST REMAKE OF A SONG EVER. It is slightly twangy, and the piano is amazing. I'm a sucker for piano, and I just love it. Jennifer Nettles has such an amazing and raw voice for the song, that it sounds so great. So, for your listening pleasure:

In other news, I've ran 9.3 miles this week and it feels amazing. I've been plugging along and although Monday and Tuesday were easier runs, I just keep going, and then I sprint to the finish. It feels great. All of it has been under 30 mins and 30 seconds (Monday was under 30 mins).

A Perfect Friday... After Work

Work does not make for a perfect Friday. In fact, if anything, it makes for an imperfect Friday. However, it was replaced with the good things in my Friday evening. I took yesterday off from the gym for a rest day, and went back tonight. I didn't even realize until it was too late that I spent almost 2 hours there. It felt so good. My body is adapting well to my workout intensity. I've just lifting some heavy weights and constantly switching up my cardio. I think it is really helping my leg muscles progress.

To continue with my happy Friday, Chris and I went to Panera. I was feeling kinda chilly and I am kinda sore, so alongside my soup and salad I ordered some hot tea. I forgot how much I enjoy a nice cup of hot tea. Especially flavored teas. Panera had Republic of Tea bags, so I was able to choose between a few different ones. I had the Mango Ceylon, which is apparently a metabolic tea. If it helps, it helps, otherwise I just really liked the flavor. The second one I had is Orange Ginger Mint, which is an after meal tea. And that's exactly when I had it, after dinner. When I put it in the cup with the water, it looked like Mountain Dew. I was afraid that it would be too unusual for my liking, but I really am enjoying it (still drinking it). I'm going to have to expand my tea cupboard.

Finally, I really like Miranda Lambert's new album: "Four the Record." I love the song that Blake Shelton wrote, "Over You." It is such a heartfelt song. I can really understand why he wouldn't want to sing it himself; getting too choked up, but her voice is perfection on it. She has the perfect angry/sad sounding voice. Take a listen; drink some tea; and relax on this wonderful Friday night.

I Forgot to Make a Title

I have an interview for a promotional position tomorrow. I'm only somewhat nervous. I have to take some kind of test beforehand, so hopefully that goes over well. I wouldn't be too disappointed if I didn't get it, and I'd be happy if I did. We shall see what happens.

In other news, it has been super cold here in San Diego at night and in the morning. As much as I love wearing pajamas and slippers, I do not like to freeze on my way to work. I left Maryland for a reason. I remember all the layers, flannels under my work clothes; sweaters and fleece; my wool coat; ear warmers; gloves, snow boots, and a number of other things.

My friend told me that Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf has Red Velvet Hot Cocoa. I'm pretty excited about that. I love anything red velvet (and pumpkin and carrot). I think I'll be having one this weekend.

Speaking of weekend, a 3-day weekend is just what the doctor ordered. Chris and I could really use some time to organize some stuff, clean, work out, and overall spend together. Maybe hot cocoa and reading?? Its supposed to rain this weekend. Which is so abnormal for San Diego.

Anyhow, I'm about to watch the CMAs.

I love Brad Paisley & Carrie Underwood.

Footloose and Fancy Free

If you did not know, Footloose is definitely my all time favorite movie. I haven't watched it recently (shame on me) but I really love the movie. I love Kevin Bacon's character, Ren McCormack and John Lithgow's character, Reverend Shaw Moore. I love the idea of books being banned and not being able to dance in a small town and a guy from the big city coming in to change that. I love the 1984-ness of it, I know that's not a word, but I still love it.

My heart broke in a million pieces when I saw they were remaking it, with rap in it? Something about that ruins it for me. I was watching Blake Shelton's video for Footloose and I felt forced to like it because its Blake Shelton. I don't know if I find it worse that they are literally remaking it with the same characters and would I like it better as a sequel, or the fact that it will be different.

Personally, it just won't do as well in 2011. Its too sexed up.

Anyway, this is my favorite scene:

A Little Bit Country

Every time I hear this song, I want to throw on my boots, and a flowery skirt, kick up my heels, fake a southern drawl, and dance around like a crazy girl.

I love this song. When I was visiting my family, I went out with my sister and her friends, to a "pub" that had country night which is clearly, right up my alley. They had a live band, and it was pretty awesome. The drinks were strong, so worth the $$$.

Little Sister (Danielle), and her best friends Leah and Katelyn.

Me and the sister

Katelyn and myself. We don't dance, we drink beer.

Take a listen, and a look, at Mr. Bryan

I have a GIGANTIC crush on Luke Bryan. Damn him for having a GORGEOUS wife.

Anyway, I have this, I don't like to use the word fetish, it sounds so bad, but I have this strong like for country men and their jeans. It just goes hand in hand.

Country singer + good jeans = hotter than a desert day in July.

Here's my list, if you needed to check it out yourself:

1. Luke Bryan

2. Rodney Atkins

3. Jason Aldean

4. Tim McGraw

5. Blake Shelton

6. Charles Kelley

7. Jerrod Niemann

I think you get the hint.

Hope you're having a sensational day!

Oh, I ran 4 miles today. But that's all. One week of vacation killed me. Building back up again.

Sunshine Saturday

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I'm excited that my hair is finally growing and will soon (okay maybe by my birthday or shortly thereafter) look like hers. Oh, and I'm hoping to win myself some tickets to her concert.

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Recipe available from link as well.

Fall = pumpkin everything.

I bought a new pumpkin candle.

I am holding out for a Pumpkin Spice Latte, but I'm looking for pumpkin flavored coffee.

Mmm, that pumpkin and cream cheese pie looks divine.

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I love the look of all those mirrors together.

I want to do this in my apartment.

Chris doesn't understand mirrors that you don't use to look at yourself in.

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Flare jeans.

My absolute fave!

Much more flattering than skinny jeans, on me at least.

I have the pair on the left in dark denim and black.

I'm excited to bust them out.

This song.

I'm just like my mom.

We hold our purses the same.

We look the same.

We walk the same.

We like the same things.

Now We Ain't Ashamed of Who We Are

Just some things to brighten my Monday.

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Are these not totally to die for? I would wear them with everything. Jeans, slacks, dresses, skirts, everything. Sparkles and pink makes everything better.

I can not get enough of these lovely ladies:

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Miranda Lambert is one of my favorite artists (and I love her hubby Blake Shelton as well) but this Pistol Annies trio is awesome. If you did not know, Miranda is "Lonestar Annie", the girl in the middle, Angaleena Presley, is "Holler Annie," and the girl on the right, Ashley Monroe is "Hippie Annie." Anyway, I love their debut CD. I can not decide what song I like best, so take a listen if you'd like:

And last but not least. Lisa Van Der Pump of "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" please transplant your home into my apartment. I love all the pink accents, and it not be overwhelming. I think a man could manage living in these pink rooms.

I don't like taking baths, but I'd take one in that tub.

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Have a great start to your week!

Things That Make Me Smile

Even though Mondays (especially when C has to be at work at 5 AM) generally suck. I'm going to be an optimist and show you things that make me smile.

And maybe some of them got me through this Monday:

{one}

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Really, what would I do without my coffee?

I don't know. But I am turning into my mom.

I can not function without coffee in my system.

Awesome.

{two}

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The fact that this guy FINALLY has another book out.

I hope the library has it.

Or I could buy it for my collection.

Hmm...

{three}

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I would really like this shirt.

I love the play on the "potty mouth" of BS.

And I love Blake Shelton.

I'd be upset that he's married, except that he's married to my favorite lady: Miranda Lambert.

Have I ever mentioned their photo is my computer's desktop?

Okay, you can be officially freaked out.

{four}

This music video:

This song.

I LOVE IT.

Its so smiley and happy.

{five}

The fact that even though I didn't work out today, I ate pretty well and don't feel too badly about any of my choices.

Smiles and high fives all around.

Happy Monday!

Continuing Across the Country

So, after our night Blacksburg, we headed onto Tennessee. We did not think about the time zone changes as we were driving, so sometimes we felt like our drives were closer than expected. Oh well. This brought us to Nashville (my favorite, BY FAR).

(Chris and the Volunteer State sign)

(Me and the Volunteer State sign, pardon my terrible clothing choices, and my appearance, we were living out of a car)

Knoxville. That's all I got. I'm a big racing fan, so it is a two thumbs up for me, but we only had so much time.

My favorite!!! We got to the museum with an hour left before they closed, who knew they'd end up kicking us out. I apologize in advance for my terrible photos, we were very rushed, but this is only a few, some of my faves.

Patsy Cline's dress

Reba McEntire's dress

Hank Williams's clothes and awards

The manuscript for Dolly Parton's "Jolene" - I really like this song, and how cool is that??

Garth Brooks's guitar. He is probably my ultimate favorite.

Jason Aldean's jeans and cowboy boots. :]

The Second Fiddle in downtown Nashville. I like Nashville bars better than San Diego and Las Vegas and anywhere else. Really, it is true. I'm a beer drinking, sometimes whiskey shot taking, country music loving girl.

Aww, aren't we cute? We were both major grumpy pants that night, but this is after we turned our frowns upside down.

The best part of Nashville bars? LIVE MUSIC from musicians who have their own bands, play covers and their own songs, oh and they happen to be the band for famous people. I believe if I remember right, the keyboardist had just finished playing a show for Jerrod Niemann before he came to the Second Fiddle. AWESOME!

So bummed our trip didn't bring us on these days. Oh well. Maybe some day. Actually, right now (well starting tomorrow) is the 2011 CMA Music Festival, and I am watching the CMT Music Awards.

I really want to go back to Nashville ASAP. In fact, if things don't work out in California, we might head to Nashville. Yes. Oh we were unable to see the Grand Ole Opry because it was still being remodeled after all the flooding. The exits on the freeways were even closed so we couldn't drive by it. I had one really blurry picture as we drove by. What a major bummer. Such a sad, sad place to be when we were there because many places were finally coming out of the flood slump. However, it was still fun. My favorite.