So I know just like a week ago about feeling like my bucket was empty. But, seriously, I could write an entire post now about how my bucket is overflowing. I wish my bucket would get off whatever roller coaster it's on and just be content hanging out under the steady stream of a faucet.
I'm trying to think of why my bucket is overflowing, and I think there's several reasons.
1. My roommate is back, and we've gotten to spend quite a bit of time together, watching our Royals. Yes, they are ours. When your team, that is based 10 minutes from your apartment is in the competition for bragging rights of that sport, they suddenly become your team.
2. I get to see my mama, baby brother, oldest brother, and his wife (my sister-in-law), this weekend. It's my nephew's baby shower!!!!! LESS THAN A MONTH!!!! I'm so excited to get to see everyone. I haven't seen some of them since July (holy cow!!)
3. There is so much pride and happiness in this town right now, because of the Royals People are just happy.
4. You know how after being in a relationship for a while, the compliments and flirtatious banter tends to disappear for deeper conversation? Not with Mo. We are able to have a completely serious conversation and then switch it to playful immediately. It's one of my favorite things about him, although there are SO many of those!!
5. I get to Skype with some of my best girlfriends tonight. We don't usually get to chat like this, since one of them is in Panama (yes, the country) but it magically happened. It will be so fun "seeing" them and catching up!
6. I've started working out, like I posted earlier this week, and I think the endorphins have been helping. No, the being passed out by 10:30 PM every night isn't always the greatest, especially with the late games the Royals have been playing, but sweating out my frustrations makes up for it!
I hope my overflowing bucket is helping to fill someone's bucket out there! I think it's interesting that today was a particularly rough day at school, yet I'm writing a post about how happy I am. No, work wasn't terribly awful, but just one of those days where everything seems to go wrong that can. But, here I am; happy :)
Thursday, October 23, 2014
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
You know...
You know you had a good vacation when the only pictures you have from a vacation are pictures of food. While in NOLA, I took pictures of food, a fire fountain, and that's it. Not one single picture of Bourbon Street (although I did get beads...but not that way), not one picture of the river (although it was gorgeous). I guess I have a few pictures of the stunning cathedral/minor basilica that is there, but I have more pictures of oysters (fresh and chargrilled), alligator (tastes like chicken!), meat pies (best gas station food ever), beignets and cafe au lait (even better at midnight) than I have of the touristy things that are there.
I think this is one of the first vacations I've ever been on where I was more focused on enjoying and experiencing than adventure, rather than taking pictures to remember. I think that's part of the reason I look back at it as one of the best vacations I've had, even though it was a whirlwind.
Mo and I hopped in the car Thursday morning and were headed south by 7 AM. It was a boring, but sometimes pretty, drive. Mo drove the whole way (I can't drive his car!!) so I got to read, space out, and just relax. We got to Bossier City, which is just across the river from Shreveport. Mo, his mom and dad, his granny and I had hot sausage pi-boys for dinner and then all of us, except for his dad headed to Great Raft Brewing for drinks. It was hot. It was so hard for my brain to wrap around it being 90 degrees when it is October. We had some AMAZING fish tacos and a meat pie while we were at the brewery, too.
Friday morning, we left Granny at his parents' house to watch the dogs and drove to Baton Rouge. I had my first experience of oysters, thanks to Mo's dad. I liked the fresh (uncooked) oysters, but I REALLY liked the chargrilled ones, with garlic, butter, and cheese. Of course I like the unhealthier ones!! We met up with his brother and we went to the Baton Rouge Zoo for the Zoo Brew. It was fun, but we didn't get to see the animals as much as we'd hoped. After that, Mo, his parents and I, headed to New Orleans. (Yes, LOTS of driving was done that weekend.) Luckily, I got a nap in the car so by the time we got to the hotel, I was refreshed and ready to go. Our hotel was just a few blocks from Bourbon Street, and we had a neat view of Canal Street from our hotel.
We went out, walked down Canal Street. The coolest thing about NOLA is that you can get a drink from anywhere, and walk out of the bar with it in your hand. It was so strange, but so cool! We walked down Bourbon Street, to the cathedral, and to Cafe du Monde for beignets and cafe au lair. Mo wasn't feeling so hot (we'd had a few, and lots of spicy food) so we headed back to the hotel and crashed.
Saturday morning, Mo and I got up, did some of our own wondering around, did some shopping, and met up with his parents. We all did some shopping, some drinking, some eating (more oysters, and deliciousness). We went to a delicious oyster bar for dinner and to watch the LSU game, where I had even more oysters, and got to try alligator! About that time, Mo realized he'd left one of his watches in a store we'd bought significant amounts of wine at. So, we got to experience the streetcar and learned a very valuable lesson: during non tourist hours, they don't stop at every stop; you have to pull the cord.
So we ended up sitting outside a station, which the driver got his break. We got his watch and met his parents back on Bourbon Street, where we went to Pat O'Brien's. It was a HUGE bar, with a patio, fire fountain, and lots of "rooms" that had different things (live music, dueling pianos, and who knows what else). I couldn't tell you how many hurricanes I had. But I had a great time! There's lots of funny pictures from the night, but unfortunately I can't share them :/
Eventually we decided to head back to the hotel, but not before a stop at IHOP on Canal Street. I'm not really sure what I ate, but there were more laughs for sure. We got back to the hotel, and fell asleep quickly after walking over 10 miles that day!!
Sunday, we drove from NOLA to Bossier City, had lunch, got Granny packed up in the car, and the 3 of us headed north. We finally got to Mo's a little after midnight. We were all so tired, but luckily Mo didn't have to work on Monday (Columbus Day) and I just had PD (so no students!).
It was easily one of the best vacations I've ever taken. I had great company, great food, and a great time! I can't wait to go back again. I'll add some pictures later, when I'm not at school (oops!)
Also, because I wrote this post as more of a "scrapbook" for myself, I'm including anecdotes that I can't explain, so please don't ask publicly. :)
-Sheldon the Shark "That's not yours"
-Ranch dressing
-The blue signs on the right
I think this is one of the first vacations I've ever been on where I was more focused on enjoying and experiencing than adventure, rather than taking pictures to remember. I think that's part of the reason I look back at it as one of the best vacations I've had, even though it was a whirlwind.
Mo and I hopped in the car Thursday morning and were headed south by 7 AM. It was a boring, but sometimes pretty, drive. Mo drove the whole way (I can't drive his car!!) so I got to read, space out, and just relax. We got to Bossier City, which is just across the river from Shreveport. Mo, his mom and dad, his granny and I had hot sausage pi-boys for dinner and then all of us, except for his dad headed to Great Raft Brewing for drinks. It was hot. It was so hard for my brain to wrap around it being 90 degrees when it is October. We had some AMAZING fish tacos and a meat pie while we were at the brewery, too.
Friday morning, we left Granny at his parents' house to watch the dogs and drove to Baton Rouge. I had my first experience of oysters, thanks to Mo's dad. I liked the fresh (uncooked) oysters, but I REALLY liked the chargrilled ones, with garlic, butter, and cheese. Of course I like the unhealthier ones!! We met up with his brother and we went to the Baton Rouge Zoo for the Zoo Brew. It was fun, but we didn't get to see the animals as much as we'd hoped. After that, Mo, his parents and I, headed to New Orleans. (Yes, LOTS of driving was done that weekend.) Luckily, I got a nap in the car so by the time we got to the hotel, I was refreshed and ready to go. Our hotel was just a few blocks from Bourbon Street, and we had a neat view of Canal Street from our hotel.
We went out, walked down Canal Street. The coolest thing about NOLA is that you can get a drink from anywhere, and walk out of the bar with it in your hand. It was so strange, but so cool! We walked down Bourbon Street, to the cathedral, and to Cafe du Monde for beignets and cafe au lair. Mo wasn't feeling so hot (we'd had a few, and lots of spicy food) so we headed back to the hotel and crashed.
Saturday morning, Mo and I got up, did some of our own wondering around, did some shopping, and met up with his parents. We all did some shopping, some drinking, some eating (more oysters, and deliciousness). We went to a delicious oyster bar for dinner and to watch the LSU game, where I had even more oysters, and got to try alligator! About that time, Mo realized he'd left one of his watches in a store we'd bought significant amounts of wine at. So, we got to experience the streetcar and learned a very valuable lesson: during non tourist hours, they don't stop at every stop; you have to pull the cord.
So we ended up sitting outside a station, which the driver got his break. We got his watch and met his parents back on Bourbon Street, where we went to Pat O'Brien's. It was a HUGE bar, with a patio, fire fountain, and lots of "rooms" that had different things (live music, dueling pianos, and who knows what else). I couldn't tell you how many hurricanes I had. But I had a great time! There's lots of funny pictures from the night, but unfortunately I can't share them :/
Eventually we decided to head back to the hotel, but not before a stop at IHOP on Canal Street. I'm not really sure what I ate, but there were more laughs for sure. We got back to the hotel, and fell asleep quickly after walking over 10 miles that day!!
Sunday, we drove from NOLA to Bossier City, had lunch, got Granny packed up in the car, and the 3 of us headed north. We finally got to Mo's a little after midnight. We were all so tired, but luckily Mo didn't have to work on Monday (Columbus Day) and I just had PD (so no students!).
It was easily one of the best vacations I've ever taken. I had great company, great food, and a great time! I can't wait to go back again. I'll add some pictures later, when I'm not at school (oops!)
Also, because I wrote this post as more of a "scrapbook" for myself, I'm including anecdotes that I can't explain, so please don't ask publicly. :)
-Sheldon the Shark "That's not yours"
-Ranch dressing
-The blue signs on the right
 |
| Fire Fountain at Patty O'Brien's |
 |
| Alligator! |
 |
| Greg's parents at Patty O'Brien's on Bourbon Street |
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| A Second Line Wedding Celebration |
 |
| The Basilica in New Orleans |
 |
| Beignets and Café au Lait |
 |
| Meat Pies |
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
Starting
Today is the start of something new for me. This morning, I had an alarm set for 6 AM with the intention of going and working out for half an hour. Well, my body decided 5:07 was just as good, so I was on the treadmill by 5:40 AM instead. Alas, I intentionally exercised this morning. I've packed a healthy lunch of salad with chicken. And I'm sure I'll try to eat something healthy for dinner (I haven't decided what quite yet).
Mo and I are headed to Panama over my Spring Break, and we both want to be our best. With a 5 month head start, I'm hopeful that I'll be able to really make the changes I want to, and see their effect. It's kinda nice knowing that Mo is in on this, too. Sometimes I struggle with staying motivated and having him to keep me accountable, even if it's just to brag about how sore I am from my workout, should help.
Hopefully by stating my plans publicly, I'll be able to announce my success publicly as well in a few months! :)
Mo and I are headed to Panama over my Spring Break, and we both want to be our best. With a 5 month head start, I'm hopeful that I'll be able to really make the changes I want to, and see their effect. It's kinda nice knowing that Mo is in on this, too. Sometimes I struggle with staying motivated and having him to keep me accountable, even if it's just to brag about how sore I am from my workout, should help.
Hopefully by stating my plans publicly, I'll be able to announce my success publicly as well in a few months! :)
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
Love Languages
For some reason, I've always loved learning about love languages. I think knowing your own love language helps you understand yourself better, and helps you to find relationships (friendship, family, romantic) that have a higher chance of being successful and fulfilling. I also think having a conversation with people who are significant members of your life is beneficial.
We all think we know how we best show and recognize love, but when it comes down to either Choice A or Choice B, what would you actually choose? I've always known I craved physical touch. I love cuddling, hugs, holding hands, and being in close proximity to someone I care about. But I just recently took the test again and was surprised to discover that I tied Physical Touch with Quality Time. I've always been appreciative of spending time with loved ones, but I never thought it was as much as I enjoyed physical touch.
And yet, I get myself into distance relationships, where I rarely get to see them (lack of physical touch), and we only get to connect electronically (lack of quality time). Yes, phone calls become so important, but when they don't happen, I start to feel my bucket emptying by the second. And there's only so much you can talk about on the phone. The real connection and conversations of substance happen face to face.
Those results have gotten me thinking about my relationships. Lately, my bucket has been feeling a little empty in several aspects. Work is great, and that bucket is overflowing. I miss my family, so that's part of it. And while I got to spend lots of time with Mo this weekend, seeing lots of sites, traveling; there wasn't a lot of quality time. The entire drive home was spent with his grandmother, so processing through the weekend, didn't happen at all. I think that's contributing to a lot of my "empty bucket"ness.
Life has been so busy for Mo with work, and school has been pretty intense for him, too. And I'm trying to be supportive. I really, really am. But it's hard when I feel like a hassle and a distraction. And I don't ever want to be considered needy, but I do have needs. It's just hard sometimes to stand up for your needs when you know they're not being met a good reason. Does any of this make sense or am I just rambling?
We all think we know how we best show and recognize love, but when it comes down to either Choice A or Choice B, what would you actually choose? I've always known I craved physical touch. I love cuddling, hugs, holding hands, and being in close proximity to someone I care about. But I just recently took the test again and was surprised to discover that I tied Physical Touch with Quality Time. I've always been appreciative of spending time with loved ones, but I never thought it was as much as I enjoyed physical touch.
And yet, I get myself into distance relationships, where I rarely get to see them (lack of physical touch), and we only get to connect electronically (lack of quality time). Yes, phone calls become so important, but when they don't happen, I start to feel my bucket emptying by the second. And there's only so much you can talk about on the phone. The real connection and conversations of substance happen face to face.
Those results have gotten me thinking about my relationships. Lately, my bucket has been feeling a little empty in several aspects. Work is great, and that bucket is overflowing. I miss my family, so that's part of it. And while I got to spend lots of time with Mo this weekend, seeing lots of sites, traveling; there wasn't a lot of quality time. The entire drive home was spent with his grandmother, so processing through the weekend, didn't happen at all. I think that's contributing to a lot of my "empty bucket"ness.
Life has been so busy for Mo with work, and school has been pretty intense for him, too. And I'm trying to be supportive. I really, really am. But it's hard when I feel like a hassle and a distraction. And I don't ever want to be considered needy, but I do have needs. It's just hard sometimes to stand up for your needs when you know they're not being met a good reason. Does any of this make sense or am I just rambling?
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