Day 367

#np - We Are Young by Fun.

#np - Just Dance by Lady Gaga

#np - Save the World by Swedish House Mafia

We made it!  One year later, I'm 30 years old.  I'm so happy to have made it this far.  Originally, I thought this blog would be more of a lament about my youth with a list of complaints about my knees and back hurting.  

I think it turned into something else though.  It was a daily reminder to be happy to be here.  Grateful.  

One of my favorite TV shows is Parks and Recreation (you know this about me).  One of the characters, Chris Traeger, is a very upbeat and positive person - to an extreme.  Ann Perkins asked him once why or how he was so upbeat.  He states that when he was little, he had an illness and doctors predicted that he wouldn't make it six months.  He says his parents were worried but in the end he defied the odds. He quotes the number of days past 6 months that he's lived (greater than 10,000) and he says he's enjoyed every one of them.

What a neat perspective to have.  We all have bad days.  But each day you get should be celebrated.

This year has been wonderful for so many reasons.  In addition to living every single day fully, I got my masters degree, got a new job, moved to a new city, met new people, renewed and strengthened relationships, and loved my dog.  It's been a great year.

Now for the list I blogged about earlier.  In trying to come up with what I wanted to put on my list, I really just had several word vomits over the following week.  Here's what I've come up with:

23 Things I Learned On My Way To 30 (Because I couldn't think of 30 and I got tired. Sue me, it's my blog and it's my birthday!!!)

1. Always listen to your body when it tells you to stretch or eat more fiber.
2. Never loan money to a relative.  If you can afford it, gift someone the money they need and never speak of it again. (From Dad)
3. Don't keep score.  Relationships have imbalances.  Sometimes you end up being the person that always helps a friend move and then they're always working when you're moving.  Be there when you can and be understanding when a friend can't be there for you.
4. Keep some perspective but don't kid yourself.  Asking if it will matter in 100 years is too broad (and only nuclear war really matters that long - and maybe the solvency of social security).  Ask yourself if the issue will matter in 100 days.  If not, let it go.
5. Always have an opinion but don't always give it.  Some things are better left unsaid.
6. Speak up when someone's a racist, a sexist, or a homophobe.  This is 2012 and you're an adult.  Sometimes your awkward laugh is seen as tacit agreement of the statement and it creates a bullying environment. 
7. If you're going to skip the dentist, you need to floss.
8. Don't forget to turn off your curling iron/straightener/stove burners.  You don't want to have to fumigate your house after you leave eggs boiling (and then burning) on the stove all day.
9. It's okay to be afraid of big decisions but don't let that stop you from making them.
10. Don't confuse the gas light and the oil light in your car.
11. Always ask for exceptions to whatever fee a company is trying to stick you with.  Cite how long you've been a customer and ask them to remove the fee.  It may not work but I've gotten out of a lot of fees for being a loyal customer to US Bank, Sprint, American Express, Marriott, and Enterprise.
12. Have one non-doctor friend who can screen the internet/WebMD to see if your symptoms are serious.  This will save you a lot of hypochondriatic stress. 
13. Don't just have friends that share your opinions.  Debating issues with people you trust teaches you respect while refining your argument.  And if you change your opinion, that's okay.
14. Regardless of your income, set a budget for yourself.  Sticking to it will instill discipline that will help you when you make life choices that require lots of money (like going back to graduate school or having kids).
15. Use lots of lotion.
16. Don't underestimate the power of a blooper reel marathon of your favorite TV shows.  Youtube is great for this.  My favorites are Friends and The Office.  There's also laughing babies and the video of the sneezing panda.
17. Grease stains don't come off painted walls even with a Mr. Clean Wall Eraser (unless you have a secret way to do it, in which case, please share!).
18. It's okay to have a good cry.  (From Mom)
19. If you're a UK Basketball fan, respect the game and stay until the end.  
20. Someday, it won't be as easy to climb the stairs or walk the block.  Take care of your health now so that you can give your 60 year old self the best life.
21. You will regret the times where you didn't stand up for someone when you see them as an adult around town or at a reunion.  Not because of how they're doing but because you'll wish you'd be a positive impact for them.  You still can be one.
22. Be sure to back up your flash drive onto your home or work computer.
23. It's okay to think you can change the world.  You can.

Day 366

#np - Walk by Foo Fighters

One more day until my big day!

Day 365

#np - My Life Would Suck Without You by Kelly Clarkson

For all of my favorite people (and dogs) who make this life amazing.

Day 364

#np - More by Usher

Day 363

#np - Dancing Queen by ABBA

I mean, please!  This had to be in the blog!

Day 362

#np - Lolita by The Veronicas

Last Monday of the blog!

Day 361

#np - My Body by Young the Giant

Day 360

#np - Radioactive by Imagine Dragons

If you haven't heard the music of Imagine Dragons, you should check them out.  I featured another song of theirs around Day 240.  We may dance to another one of their songs before next Saturday. :)

Day 359

#np - I'm Alright by Jo Dee Messina

I got to catch up with Juanita yesterday.  It's so wonderful to keep up with friends who have moved away.  After hearing about her recent move (in with her boyfriend) and the renovation of his house as well as her job search, she asked how I was feeling about my birthday.  Maybe it's because I tend to be a little dramatic about things but I think people expect me to stage a nutty or go on a crying jag.  

Y'all!  Not the case.  

Think about it.  In a eight days I'll turn 30 years old. How awesome is it that I've been on Earth that long?  I can only hope that I'm leaving the world better than when I arrived.  Karyn recently tweeted a link that got me thinking about my impact.  http://unicornsforsocialism.com/2012/05/01/27-ways-to-be-an-even-better-person-practically-levitate-with-awesomery/  It's a blog from someone I don't know but she/he wrote a post of 27 (because she's 27 years old) ways to be even more awesome. Already being awesome but wondering how to move on from this plateau and continue to positively impact the world in the process, I soaked in the list.  For the record, I excel at numbers 1, 3, 10, and 25.  I seriously need to work on numbers 11, 12, and 19.

But then I thought I needed my own list.  30 somethings to something or whatever.  So, my last week as a 29 year old is going to be spent thinking about this list.  When it's done, I'll post it.  

Day 358

#np - Crazy by Aerosmith

There's nothing like belting out a great song in the car after work.  At the end of the day you just don't give a shit.  You're out of work and heading home and it doesn't matter to you that they guy next to you thinks you're nutty.  In-car concerts are the best.  I belted this tune out yesterday and loved it so much I had to listen to it again today.  

Day 357

#np - Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I'm Yours by Stevie Wonder

Day 356

#np - Hangin' Tough by New Kids On The Block

I'm posting this song after a fun conversation via facebook with some high school friends of mine about our early-in-life crushes.  The list included Jake Ryan (from 16 Candles), Knox Overstreet (from Dead Poet's Society), Jonathan Brandis, Donnie Wahlberg, the boys of NSYNC, and Andrew McCarthy.  In junior year, my AP US History participated in a massive voting campaign to have Hangin' Tough at the top of the TRL (MTV's Total Request Live) charts on a specific day.  We found out about via email forward and spent our entire class voting online and forwarding the email to everyone we knew.  This was pre-facebook.  The song made it to #2 and it's one of my proudest high school accomplishments.

Day 355

#np - Wake Me Up When September Ends by GREEN DAY

Dear Mom,

I told you.

Love, Tara

On another note, who would ever want to sleep away the month of September?  That's blasphemy!

Day 354

#np - Heartbreaker by Pat Benatar

For real, why don't I own a Pat Benatar greatest hits album?  This is a serious transgression.  Wikipedia says she's touring this year with Journey and Loverboy.  What I would give....

Day 353

#np - I Go Blind by Hootie and the Blowfish

Day 352

#np - Amber Waves by Erin McCarley

Day 351

#np - Try Again by Aaliyah

Day 350

#np - Carry On by Fun.

This week has been tough so far.  This blog is about celebrating life and getting older but when you're sick, that's a bit of a struggle.  I think it's far worse when you're taking care of someone or something that can't tell you where it hurts.  Poor Barkley has been sick this week.  Starting Saturday night, he couldn't keep anything down - water or food.  All day Sunday we worked on cleaning everything and trying to get some water in him.  All he wanted was food.  I thought he was doing better by the end of the night and he kept his food down all night into Monday morning.  

But as I came home over lunch to check on him I basically found him laying around little pools of vomit (sorry, TMI) and I got him to the vet ASAP.  I was so worried about dehydration.  HUGE shoutout to Plantation Animal Clinic in Louisville.  They just met Barkley a couple of weeks ago when he stayed with when I was in Nashville.  They made time to see him and took absolute care with him. I never felt stupid for talking about his symptoms.  They ended up giving him a little fluid sac injection under his skin (like a little camel back) and an anti-nausea injection with a followup call to discuss the need for x-rays if he doesn't get better.  They also gave us bland food for him to eat that would also keep him hydrated.

I think he's doing better now.  We're going to stay on the bland diet for a couple of days to give his digestive system a rest.  Plus, he loves that food.  The worst part of this was that he couldn't tell me what was wrong.  Like a baby or child, he could just cry and give me pointed looks.  

Through all fo this he's been super snuggly (which is pretty usual) and I can tell he trusts me.  Even when he was sick and vomiting he knew I'd be there for him and that he wasn't in trouble.  I don't like have a sick dog but knowing that he loves me as much as I love him is heartwarming.  It's sad thinking that as I get older, so does he.  I want to freeze him just as he is now so I have him forever.  I know it's not realistic but it's what I want!  Instead I will resolve to enjoy every day with this perfect dog - even the sick days.  He deserves it.  So do I.

Day 349

#np - Settle Down by No Doubt

Barkley ended up spending some time at the vet yesterday getting fluids and bland food.  My little biggins is struggling with a stomach virus.  I'm hoping things settle down so he can feel better and we can enjoy our three weeks together.

Day 348

#np - Shooting Star by Owl City

Day 347

#np - Lean On Me by Bill Withers

Little Barkley is sick today so it looks like we're going to spend the day relaxing and hopefully making it to the trashcan or sink before he vomits anymore.  Last night and this morning were pretty nasty and the sheets on my bed are now in the washer.  But I'll do anything for this dog so if that means clean up his vomit and give him a second bath (he got one yesterday) then that's what I'll do.  He'll also get lots of cuddles to make his tummy ache go away.

Day 346

#np - Big Poppa by The Notorious B.I.G.

Day 345

#np - Somebody's Watching Me by Rockwell

Driving back to Louisville today.  So long St. Louis!

Day 344

#np - Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go by Wham!

Less than 30 days to 30!  I'm starting to get a little sentimental about this entire thing.  I don't know that I blogged as much as I wanted about the perils of aging but I found that I don't really feel 30 (or almost 30).  Sure, it hurts to uncurl my legs after sitting cross-legged on the bed for a while but I don't feel any different.  Maybe it's because aging is so gradual.  I know I'll have more to say on this when my birthday rolls around.  One thing I know is that I probably won't stop dancing in the morning.  Whether it's when I wake up or in the car on my way to work, my morning dance is a great way to start the morning.  I've really enjoyed taking a moment to smile to myself and work out a little stress by shaking my butt!

Day 343

#np - Raspberry Beret by Prince

Day 342

#np - Pinch Me by Barenaked Ladies

Day 341

#np - Cupid Shuffle by Cupid

Heading to St. Louis today for work.  As sad as I am to leave Little Biggins (Barkley) every time I go on the road for work, I do love this job and the traveling that's involved.  Thank goodness I have friends and family willing to help me with him so I can keep him and keep this job. I don't know what I'd do without either one.

Day 340

#np - Redneck Woman by Gretchen Wilson

Confession:  I'm a HUGE Honey Boo Boo fan.  And for some reason I'm really in touch with my redneck side when I'm watching the show (Here Comes Honey Boo Boo on TLC).  Growing up, my family wasn't a redneck family.  We didn't do any of the stereotypical activities that you see on TV.  But I'm CRAZY protective of them.  I don't know what it is.  I feel the same need to defend when people make fun of Kentuckians.  I don't like it.  If you already don't like rednecks, for whatever reason you've come up with that couldn't possibly be simply because you've lumped them all into a group that you'd never want to be in or around, I suppose Honey Boo Boo (real name - Alana) and her family (Mama, Sugar Bear, Pumpkin, Chubbs, Chickadee, and Glitzy the pig) is a little much for you.  But I find them to be sincere and funny.

I just hope Honey Boo Boo doesn't hate herself when she is an adult.

Day 339

#np - Eyes Open by Taylor Swift

Hungerrrrrrr Gamessssss out on DVD!  Lets do a little dance for Katniss, strong female characters, and strong women.  We need more role models in literature.  They don't have to be perfect but they should be real and we should be able to look up to them and acknowledge their faults.  

Day 338

#np - Sky by Joshua Radin (feat. Ingrid Michaelson)

Reunion with Barkley this morning.  After last night's storms, I've never felt so bad leaving him at a kennel.  Boo!

Day 337

#np - Upside Down by Diana Ross

Day 336

#np - Let's Hear It For The Boy by Deniece Williams

While driving around Brentwood with Mom last night this song came on the radio.  It was a nice little throwback after dinner and dessert with one of my favorite people. 

Day 335

#np - Ready or Not by Bridgit Mendler

Being on the road for work isn't so bad when your momma comes along!  :)

Day 334

#np - Spice Up Your Life by the Spice Girls

Driving to Nashville for work.  Boo.  I'd rather be watching gold medal montages.  Olympics hangover.

Day 333

#np - If You Leave by OMD

In honor of watching Pretty in Pink last night.  

I'm spending the day packing for Nashville (work and visiting my Momma) and maybe getting Cheesecake Factory.  And snuggling with Barkley, of course.

Day 332

#np - Skinny Love by Birdy

Slow it down for a Saturday. :)

If you haven't listened to Birdy's music, do yourself a favor and have a listen.  

Day 331

#np - Little Talks by Of Monsters and Men

Day 330

#np - These Are Days by 10000 Maniacs

It's important to remember the lessons of this song.  I love it.

Day 329

#np - Follow You Down by the Gin Blossoms

Day 328

#np - I Won't Give Up by Jason Mraz

Today is my mom's birthday!! She's one of the absolute best people in the world and she deserves an entire month of celebration. Luckily I get to see her next week. :)

Day 327

#np - West End Girls by Pet Shop Boys

Day 326

#np - Life is a Highway by Tom Cochrane

On the road to Lexington today for brunch with some school friends and then a meeting at Alpha Gam.  I've missed this place!

Day 325

#np - Give it Time by Tyrone Wells

Day 324

#np - Rock 'n Roll All Night by KISS

I stayed up WAY too late watching the Olympics and Big Brother.  Whoops.  Just rockin' and rollin' all night.

Day 323

#np - American Idiot by Green Day

**Disclaimer:  This has nothing to do with the Olympics.  I'm totally Team USA.**

I found myself so disappointed yesterday.  I switched on the news and saw Americans of all beliefs creating a divisive culture that alienates people.  I won't rehash the issues surrounding Chick-Fil-A.  It's in the news.  You can google it.  I think my feeling are very apparent on this blog so I won't go into those either.  This song does that for me as well.

But I'm sad.  I'm sad because I prefer to love people rather than hate.  There's too much hating going on from both sides.  When I die, I want people to remember me for how much I loved everything and everyone.  I've stated before that I don't want to leave this life having taken things for granted.  That includes people.  I want to love and I want to experience people.  I have no room in my heart for hate. None.

It's hard to wake up and celebrate another day toward 30 when I know people are using their days to perpetuate hate.  I must redouble my efforts to put positivity and love into the world.

Day 322

#np - Home by Phillip Phillips

Day 321

#np - Your the Inspiration by Chicago

Day 320

#np - Rainy Days and Mondays by The Carpenters

Another Monday!  I don't think today will get me down except that I can't follow the Olympic coverage from work.  But watching my favorite sport, swimming, last night had me thinking about my time as a swimmer.  My brother used to sing this song a lot.  In fact, the whole lot of us were pretty obsessed with The Carpenters.  Swimmers have always been pretty weird.  We were no exception.  I've thought a lot about my fellow PSTers the last few days.  I miss them all.  I have some amazing memories of growing up and most all of them involve a few people who enriched my life.  It may be time for a reunion.

Day 319

#np - Heroes by David Bowie

Since I'm Olymplics-obsessed, it makes sense that I'm obsessed with the London 2012 soundtrack.  I suspect the entire soundtrack will be featured the next two weeks.

Day 318

#np - Come Together by the Arctic Monkeys

There was a lot of hate on facebook and twitter over the Olympics Opening Ceremonies.  People are saying they were lackluster.  I missed the beginning so I could pick up Barkley but I loved the parade of athletes.  I always feel so unified when I watch the Olympics.  

I guess what I'm saying is "Shut up and stop hating on the opening ceremonies!"

Caveat:  Seriously, the Queen could've been a little more spirited when she declared the games open.  A toss of her hat or a twirl would've been appropriate.

Day 317

#np - Crazy by Gnarls Barkley

I almost missed today!  I got up this morning at 5:30 to leave out of the Atlanta airport early this morning.  I could barely function this morning so I'm not surprised I forgot my song.  Here it is now though (which is kind of appropriate because I did just wake up from a LONG nap).  Now I'm off to Waddy to pick up Barkley.  

Day 316

#np - Take A Walk by Passion Pit

I've self-diagnosed myself with tonsillitis.  :(  It's not a sore throat in the sense that I have a cold or the flu.  It's a localized soreness around my right tonsil and it hurts like hell.  Apparently I have tonsil stones.  I was able to shove my finger back there and without going into any more detail I will just say it's gross.  Sorry to be a downer but it's super annoying.  WebMD also says it can contribute to major bad breath so now I'm super self-conscious of the fact that I may have been bowling people over around me for the last week.  

It's so bad I may have to go to urgent treatment when I get home.  It hurts that bad.  I can hear my mom now..."Tara, you need to gargle some salt water."  

Thanks, Mom. :)

Day 315

#np - Just a Little Bit by Gina G.

Hold the phone.

Stop the presses.

Tell those kids to shut up.

I have an important announcement...

I worked out yesterday.  On a treadmill.  For 45 minutes.

Mark the f-ing calendar.

Resume your normal programming.

**I think I was just bored.  Let's not get our hopes up that this is a thing.**

Day 314

#np - One More Night by Maroon 5

Day 313

#np - Sunshine by Matisyahu

I love exploring places I've never been.  I love to watch scenery as I drive down the interstate.  I love new restaurants. 

But Columbus, Georgia doesn't have much.  We flew into Atlanta and then rented a car to get to Columbus.  It's about and hour and a half away.  Southwest doesn't fly into Columbus so it was a sacrifice we made in the name of SW Rapid Rewards points.    But getting here was completely uneventful.  As uneventful as the West Kentucky Parkway...without all the potholes.  

I ventured out on foot for food around 9pm.  I was a little scared that everything would be closed given that it was Sunday but I lucked out.  My hotel is in an outdoor shopping district so there are lots of chain restaurants.  I hurried over to Fridays and quickly figured out that they still have smoking sections in their restaurants and sure enough, the bar is a smoking section and that's where you place to go orders.  I sat there for about 30 minutes and I could feel my hair soaking up the smoke.  

I hate to be THAT person - that nonsmoker who hates on smokers.  I mean, no one was blowing it on me.  However, after you get used to YEARS of smoke-free public areas, the concept of "Smoking or Nonsmoking?" is so foreign.  I can't remember the last time I had to take a nighttime shower to wash the smokey smell off of me.  It was all so...weird.

So I guess Columbus isn't doing well so far on my list of favorite places I've traveled for work.  It'll be hard to beat Baltimore/DC and Austin and undoubtedly Seattle will put them all to shame in September.  But I'm willing to give Georgia and the people a couple more chances.  Except for the guy who hit on me at the bar (when I looked like a mess after 8 hours of traveling and just wanted my damn cheesecake), everyone's been pretty nice down here in the heart of the south!

Day 312

#np - Take A Little Ride by Jason Aldean

Off to Georgia with a new audiobook, Lakeside Cottage, on my iPod ready to go.  I listened to the first few chapters last night and it's great so far.  I didn't know that you could rent audiobooks online through the public library.  I'm hoping my travels are uneventful with the audiobook to keep me company.  Fingers crossed!

Day 311

#np - Runaways by the Killers

Day 310

#np - What Makes You Beautiful by One Direction

You know, the thing about these boy band songs is they get in your head.  Here you are, going along with life and suddenly you're singing the chorus of a song you can't name.  It drives you crazy but you aren't concerned.  That is until you hear the radio play it and talk about the resurgence of boy band fever.  Then you remember how you spent plenty of slumber parties singing NKOTB songs into your hairbrush and then had a dorm room full of NSYNC posters (where you may or may not have won an internet contest for a Lance Bass marionette - I loved the gays, even then!).  So of course you like the new boy band.  How can you not.  It reminds you of your childhood and of college and while you wouldn't return to those times, they do hold some sort of magic.  

Of course I'm just speaking hypothetically.  I wasn't a boy band fan girl.  

Day 309

#np - One Headlight by the Wallflowers

I'm leaving for Georgia (Columbus) in a few days for work.  One thing I've noticed with these work trips is that I have a tendency to treat the time in the hotel as a vacation.  That means I lay around and watch HBO, order dessert with dinner, and shop a lot.  I need to reign this in so I'm thinking I may take this opportunity (a fairly boring city and too hot temps outside) to start working out.  Maybe.

Day 308

#np - One Week by Barenaked Ladies

Confession: I like one reality show...Big Brother.  In fact, I love it.  LOVE.  I wish I could say I'm not proud of it but I don't even care what people think.  I love it.

The show started last week and I've already given in and gotten the live feeds.  I'm claiming that it's because I didn't want to be tempted to stay until until 3am to watch Big Brother After Dark on Showtime 2 but I think we all know that's a lie.  Anyway, last night the houseguests went crazy and it's only the first week.  I think this season will be really good unless it takes a sharp turn toward annoying which is always possible.

Day 307

#np - Just One Look by Doris Troy

Day 306

#np - London Calling by the Clash

11 Days to the Olympics! I should make it home from Columbus, GA just in time for the opening ceremonies.  :)

Day 305

#np - Day That I Die by the Zac Brown Band (feat. Amos Lee)

Day 304

#np - Sittin' On the Dock of the Bay by Otis Redding

This weekend will be a relaxing one where I try to gather everything together that I need for my next trip.  There won't be any bays or docks but I do intend on dreaming about them.  

Day 303

#np - All For You by Sister Hazel

Day 302

#np - Mr. Brightside by the Killers

Last day in Frankfort for a while. Last night was our networking centennial event.  I hate networking (as I said yesterday, I believe).  The best part of the afternoon was when my boss's boss looked at me and said "I hate this kind of stuff." We were quite the pair.  Today is our staff conference which I'm setting the bar low for with regard to keeping me awake.  Fingers crossed that I don't embarrass myself or get fired.

Day 301

#np - Buddy Holly by Weezer

Today I head to Frankfort at lunch for what is likely going to be the most awkward collection of state employees ever.  DFI is celebrating 100 years of protecting the public (!) and they're holding a celebration and staff conference.  Unfortunately I am too new to really know people and I don't like unknown situations with unknown people.  It's truly a wonder I made it through college.  Hopefully it's not too painful during networking hour.

Day 300

#np - No Diggity by Blackstreet and Dr. Dre

Wow!  300 days of being 29 years old!  That explains the aches and pains.  It also explains the weird looks I got when I walked into PacSun last week to buy some flip flops.  The floor staff tried to up sell me another pair of shoes (but they're 50% off!) and I had to say that no, I don't need any plaid chucks or pink jellies.  I mean, I do need plaid chucks but where does an almost-30-year-old where those?  I don't have any hip, trendy events coming up.  Dammit.

I'm spending the next three days in Frankfort (driving back and forth each day) for work.  I'm not a huge fan of the city which is weird because I generally like all things historic or government or anything called a capitol.  For some reason, however, it's always gloomy when I go to Frankfort.  Perhaps today will different.  

Day 299

#np - How Far We've Come by Matchbox Twenty

Day 298

#np - Ho Hey by The Lumineers

Day 297

#np - Days Go By by the Offspring

It feels good to sleep in!  This will be a completely unproductive weekend. :)

Day 296

#np - Take On Me by a-ha

I need book suggestions! Now that school is over I have tons of time to read.  I don't just want Harlequin romance novels though.  Nothing against them but I'm not really into the romance genre.  I like books that create a world (i.e. Harry Potter, Hunger Games, etc) for the characters to live or fight in rather than accepting the world as we know it.  I have a vivid imagination and I love the detail that comes with books that set the entire scene.  That usually leaves me with young adult books that have some kind of action scenario.  I don't mind it.  I like it.  But I've run out of recommendations.  Young adult fiction is hit or miss on amazon and the Lexington Public Library is tapped out (although I'm on the waiting list for a few titles).  Help!  

Day 295

#np - Call Me Maybe by Carly Rae Jepsen

I spent the Fourth of July with my favorite couple, Sara and Zac, and Sara's family at their yearly cookout.  It was wonderful seeing everyone.  They're by far the closest thing I have to family in Louisville.  I just love them all.  Before dinner, while we were all snacking on a veggie tray, Zac and Sara both started singing this song and it was stuck in my head all night.  They're in their cute newlywed bubble still (they've been married just over a year) so I forgive them for this.

I hope you all had wonderful holiday celebrations!  I think I'm one of the only people that actually has to work today.  The field office is going to be empty.  A dance party at lunch may be in order!

Day 294

#np - American Girl by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

I'll be heading to the McGarveys for a cookout this evening but today I'll be celebrating America's birthday with my all-American pup.  

I recently found out my apartment management banned all fireworks in our complex which is good news for Barkley.  He doesn't mind storms or other weather issues.  But he HATES fireworks.  Hopefully he'll be alright while I'm gone.

Day 293

#np - Kick Drum Heart by the Avett Brothers

It feels so good to be home.  Yesterday I came home from work and snuggled up on the couch with Barkley.  There's just something about the comfort of HOME that you miss more when you're in a sterile hotel room a lot.  By the end of this year I'll have stayed around 50 nights in a hotel.  Next year it will be over 75.  I'm really liking my job and the travel is a perk for sure but I was so happy to see Barkley and be home on Sunday.  I think it's important to remember the little joys in life.  

A sweet dog happy to see you after work.

A sweet conversation with a family member after a hard day.

A surprisingly good book.

Slipping into bed and realizing you shaved your legs and put clean sheets on your bed that morning.  

The little things.