tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86465544515094642012024-03-13T23:00:45.120-07:00Blue-Eyed BlogAmber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.comBlogger142125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-36277042170868403592012-03-14T06:36:00.001-07:002012-03-14T06:36:40.537-07:00Pretty Soon!<p align="center">I think I figured out some of the weirdness. This spring break feels so different because it’s the last one! Actually, not having an assignment due in the morning will be a reality for longer than a week pretty soon! </p> <p align="center"><img src="http://blog.just2us.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/excited-child.jpeg" width="340" height="358"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?hl=en&sa=X&rlz=1C1SKPC_enUS369US369&biw=1366&bih=677&tbm=isch&prmd=imvns&tbnid=OVoUEn7GvWfv6M:&imgrefurl=http://blog.just2us.com/2011/12/4-headlines-to-get-readers-excited/&docid=4kWB9_AQmcsLaM&imgurl=http://blog.just2us.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/excited-child.jpeg&w=250&h=263&ei=WJtgT-DZPMec2AWz2PX-Bw&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=508&vpy=180&dur=1774&hovh=210&hovw=200&tx=104&ty=135&sig=108802378597098049684&page=1&tbnh=140&tbnw=133&start=0&ndsp=24&ved=1t:429,r:2,s:0" target="_blank">via</a></p> <p align="center">Can I just wear my cap and gown from now until that blessed day in May? </p> <p align="center">My time off after graduation is going to be glorious. I’m already looking at grad schools, however. And they sure aren’t in Mississippi! Where is this gal going to end up? This one has been spiking the radar lately but who knows!</p> <p align="center"><img alt="Colorado State University Rams" src="http://media-cdn0.pinterest.com/upload/53269208062547454_FShsrdtx_f.jpg" width="207" height="207"></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://www.cep.unt.edu/images/CSU.gif"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?num=10&hl=en&rlz=1C1SKPC_enUS369US369&biw=1366&bih=677&tbm=isch&tbnid=i4KosNj4NrfMfM:&imgrefurl=http://www.cep.unt.edu/other/colorado.html&docid=fTthEOcWN9XN6M&imgurl=http://www.cep.unt.edu/images/CSU.gif&w=475&h=321&ei=J51gT_eKJsjs2gXtyNyBCA&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=178&vpy=193&dur=358&hovh=184&hovw=273&tx=187&ty=104&sig=108802378597098049684&sqi=2&page=1&tbnh=139&tbnw=188&start=0&ndsp=18&ved=1t:429,r:0,s:0" target="_blank">via</a></p> <p align="center">Going to be a very interesting year!</p> Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-66145548679105024282012-03-12T06:37:00.001-07:002012-03-12T06:37:25.219-07:00Weird and Excited!<p align="center">Hey there, Reader-Friends!</p> <p align="center">I have a weird feeling. </p> <p align="center">I know there should be more to that sentence…you feel weird about what, Amber? Nothing really, and yet everything. I feel weird because it’s spring break and I have no assignments due this morning. I didn’t spend my <em>entire ever loving</em> day copy-editing articles for the newspaper yesterday. I have no way to communicate with Chad for the next week since he is out in the wilderness of the Texas canyons doing a recreation trip with our school’s outdoor program. I finally have a few minutes to write on the blog and I’m just not sure how I feel about my page right now. Things are just strange. </p> <p align="center">I have a to-do list, however. Of course, it’s rather too long for someone who is on “break!” But on the upside, I’m looking forward to jetting off on Friday for…drum roll, please…</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/127015651960182445_DYj1kDVu_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/127015651960182445/" target="_blank">via</a></p> <p align="center">Oh, yes. The Big Apple.</p> <p align="center">As much as being copy-editor for the university’s paper makes me want to kick, scream and pull my hair out, there ARE benefits. And a trip to NYC for a college media conference just happens to be one of them! I have five work-shifts standing between me and that sky-line! Speaking of work, I should be getting ready for my double today. Listening to G-Love :)…going to need high spirits (and maybe some caffeine!)</p> Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-37819466259850619052012-03-05T07:27:00.001-08:002012-03-05T07:34:00.960-08:00Instagram this Week!Hey Reader-Friends, with spring break around the corner, I hope to post a few more interesting posts besides the weekly Instgram post! Nonetheless, it’s a great time with <a href="http://storyofmylifetheblog.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Jenni</a>! Link up with us!<br />
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1., 2., & 3.) The eats this week! Tomato, spinach, mushroom, and pesto sammie. Fish tacos Friday night with Chad. And chicken fajita quesadillas from camping on Saturday.<br />
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4., 5., & 6.) The fun this week! Cash stash in the sock drawer, new nail polish, and “the broom experiment”…I’m sure you tried it, too!<br />
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7., 8., & 9.) The friends this week! Jenn-Jenn and me at Trivia, followed by a shot of me with one of the cutest couples I know –Liston (the goofy one, obviously) and Meri Ansley..and finally, one of my very best friends and me (snuggling by our campfire this weekend :) <br />
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10., 11., 12., 13., & 14.) The adventure this week! Chad and I took a weekend for ourselves and went camping and mountain biking in Ackerman, Miss. We sweated, we laughed, we snuggled. It was perfection.Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-74128794363681221772012-02-26T15:01:00.001-08:002012-02-26T15:01:12.751-08:00Instagram Weekly<p align="center">Does anyone else have spring fever? I quite literally had the fever this past week. The weather changes have had me hacking in the less than dainty kind of way. Despite all the woes of a cold, the climbing temps. have had me pretty chipper! I really hope the 60s and 70s on the forecast are here to stay, because I know of a certain man that would love to take his gal outdoors for some fun. Speaking of fun, it’s always fun to link up with <a href="http://storyofmylifetheblog.blogspot.com/">Jenni</a> for her Best of Instagram series!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7sfXbr9CtNQ/T0q5naGV1pI/AAAAAAAABE8/A7Co0cg9110/s1600-h/427387_10150832328523298_511433297_12653692_566931471_n%25255B2%25255D%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="427387_10150832328523298_511433297_12653692_566931471_n[2]" border="0" alt="427387_10150832328523298_511433297_12653692_566931471_n[2]" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-h-lHyy95OJ4/T0q5n8dhJeI/AAAAAAAABFE/Uy-vQRXGiwo/427387_10150832328523298_511433297_12653692_566931471_n%25255B2%25255D_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="346" height="346"></a></p> <p align="center">1. This is where I work in my college town. Hey Joe’s. Right across from historic down-town Cleveland. If you’re ever in town, not very likely, but all the same, stop in and ask for Amber Marie! </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vLzggFmtWKg/T0q5oFJdeBI/AAAAAAAABFM/JjlByF4qujA/s1600-h/404302_10150833764758298_511433297_12658058_1220373565_n%25255B2%25255D%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="404302_10150833764758298_511433297_12658058_1220373565_n[2]" border="0" alt="404302_10150833764758298_511433297_12658058_1220373565_n[2]" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HjJejY5_3Lo/T0q5oq12pmI/AAAAAAAABFU/8SnKLJ590TY/404302_10150833764758298_511433297_12658058_1220373565_n%25255B2%25255D_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="356" height="356"></a></p> <p align="center">2. No trivia this week. Confidante (Delta State U’s literary mag.) hosted a poetry night at the coffee shop in our school’s union. I was reading Thoreau’s “The Inward Morning.”</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-DBJq0nd_CXw/T0q5oxj0I1I/AAAAAAAABFc/TdcEv0g6gs4/s1600-h/429172_10150841614768298_511433297_12687518_1011697724_n%25255B2%25255D%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="429172_10150841614768298_511433297_12687518_1011697724_n[2]" border="0" alt="429172_10150841614768298_511433297_12687518_1011697724_n[2]" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-uHYHkMNgHLk/T0q5pbMAgvI/AAAAAAAABFk/1bWKfi4PYFI/429172_10150841614768298_511433297_12687518_1011697724_n%25255B2%25255D_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jJ0usYU7W0U/T0q5p5dR9MI/AAAAAAAABFs/UpeAwEkAKfo/s1600-h/407547_10150841594228298_511433297_12687417_936577918_n%25255B1%25255D%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="407547_10150841594228298_511433297_12687417_936577918_n[1]" border="0" alt="407547_10150841594228298_511433297_12687417_936577918_n[1]" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-a_MlpJ95Dk8/T0q5qIvCkfI/AAAAAAAABF0/eaPAIuPPnqg/407547_10150841594228298_511433297_12687417_936577918_n%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="242" height="242"></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-p1qxX0fdFa4/T0q5qi8DArI/AAAAAAAABF8/5gU7WRTPO_8/s1600-h/429351_10150833784138298_511433297_12658108_1724819617_n%25255B1%25255D%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="429351_10150833784138298_511433297_12658108_1724819617_n[1]" border="0" alt="429351_10150833784138298_511433297_12658108_1724819617_n[1]" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Xm36vZ8eJCY/T0q5q8IETwI/AAAAAAAABGE/zNiOJQOR5_Q/429351_10150833784138298_511433297_12658108_1724819617_n%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="265" height="265"></a></p> <p align="center">3, 4, & 5. I am actually getting into running more and more, so I started investing in the threads and such. P.s. if you like running (or fitness walking), you must go to Fleet Feet. They help you pick out a shoe that is exactly right for your foot and stride. You wont be sorry! I love my Saucony kicks; it’s like running with clouds around my feet! By the way, can you guess what my favorite color is?</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qUBQvLccsok/T0q5rN5dqSI/AAAAAAAABGM/d5U6R21WdAA/s1600-h/421151_10150839428763298_511433297_12678614_1313777125_n%25255B1%25255D%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="421151_10150839428763298_511433297_12678614_1313777125_n[1]" border="0" alt="421151_10150839428763298_511433297_12678614_1313777125_n[1]" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HiguxWfJkxc/T0q5rxT4tiI/AAAAAAAABGU/6pxnzVNzeAM/421151_10150839428763298_511433297_12678614_1313777125_n%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="353" height="353"></a></p> <p align="center">6. I got to come home-home on Saturday night. Went to see my sister at her work. #SeeeesterLove</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dszXDJwTEKE/T0q5sdg3yHI/AAAAAAAABGc/gU3I3Msn5zY/s1600-h/430169_10150841564893298_511433297_12687267_1435666686_n%25255B1%25255D%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="430169_10150841564893298_511433297_12687267_1435666686_n[1]" border="0" alt="430169_10150841564893298_511433297_12687267_1435666686_n[1]" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hBtOuJoYltQ/T0q5sudzZkI/AAAAAAAABGk/_soxaR5L5HQ/430169_10150841564893298_511433297_12687267_1435666686_n%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="264" height="264"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-D2XjfA1nDSA/T0q5tCJQ4iI/AAAAAAAABGs/vM6fcbvHBgo/s1600-h/421124_10150841571433298_511433297_12687292_224293410_n%25255B2%25255D%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="421124_10150841571433298_511433297_12687292_224293410_n[2]" border="0" alt="421124_10150841571433298_511433297_12687292_224293410_n[2]" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-294R-Y_CHtY/T0q5t9-8FiI/AAAAAAAABG0/_Q902lawuYE/421124_10150841571433298_511433297_12687292_224293410_n%25255B2%25255D_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="263" height="263"></a></p> <p align="center">7. & 8. Bring on spring! Daffodils I picked from the same patches in my parents’ yard that I did when I was little. Triple berry sangria from my mama/daughter date at Red Lobster. </p> <p align="center">I love getting to come home once in awhile! Here’s to another busy week ahead, though! </p> Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-85098238112697839152012-02-20T23:44:00.001-08:002012-02-22T05:10:36.925-08:00Irrationally Happy<p align="center">I can’t help but feel like the older I get, the more irrational I get. That is a little backwards, right? But is “irrational” the word I’m looking for? I mean on the surface, it would seem right to label it irrational, but something deep inside of me says it’s not irrational, it’s pure. God, listen to me! “Something deep inside of me!?” That’s just embarrassing…to sound so hopelessly romantic!</p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/212935888601132352_zFDQTbEg_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center">I get extremely stressed out about money, and the future, and all the novelty of my life of late, and then I spend money on the things I want, and I make huge, ambitious plans, and I jump in head first into the sea of new things in my life…because I decide that I deserve happiness…that I only have one life to live…that I probably will die in debt, so why not live with what I want?</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/114630752985105160_uw2jku2h_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/114630752985118779/">via</a></p> Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-81860664695115670332012-02-20T22:51:00.001-08:002012-02-20T22:51:38.185-08:00Why I shouldn’t be alone.<p align="center">…after working a double. while drinking a few beers to wind down. because I’m pissed that some people in this little world have the hardest time meeting newspaper deadlines.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.patagonia.com/#"><img title="Patagonia Women's Full-Zip Re-Tool Jacket" alt="Patagonia Women's Full-Zip Re-Tool Jacket" src="http://www.patagonia.com/tsimages/25475_951.fpx?wid=360&hei=360&ftr=8&effect=dropshadow,0x000000,10,8,120,8&cvt=jpeg"></a></p> <p align="center">I ordered this.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.patagonia.com/#"><img title="Patagonia Yerba Pack 22L" alt="Patagonia Yerba Pack 22L" src="http://www.patagonia.com/tsimages/47900_952.fpx?wid=360&hei=360&ftr=8&effect=dropshadow,0x000000,10,8,120,8&cvt=jpeg"></a></p> <p align="center">And this. Opps.</p> <p align="center">Well, crap.</p> Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-63959466500658857822012-02-20T13:46:00.001-08:002012-02-20T13:46:13.667-08:00My First Shots<p align="center">Still don’t know what I’m doing with my beautiful piece of equipment (i.e. Canon T2i). Probably won’t for awhile, but here are a few shots from an event we had at the restaurant I work at.</p> <p align="center">Disclaimer: worst lighting in the history of photo taking…why not start with those conditions, right?!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hj_dArQpfws/T0K-6clEWBI/AAAAAAAABC8/nZJlN-VDljU/s1600-h/IMG_6914%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_6914" border="0" alt="IMG_6914" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-yruxhjL2vLA/T0K-7TISMhI/AAAAAAAABDE/MkQYT2ZgoVY/IMG_6914_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="296" height="199"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xIiZkyrTxj0/T0K-8EvrR0I/AAAAAAAABDM/9IV7Uh4UN7c/s1600-h/IMG_6916%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_6916" border="0" alt="IMG_6916" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qzQ3-D-6Hns/T0K-81o-GjI/AAAAAAAABDU/8RRH2dZ5txA/IMG_6916_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="292" height="196"></a></p> <p align="center">Chocolate mustache cupcakes for the Keep Cleveland Boring birthday party.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-E79nxNP0R4k/T0K-97F0JJI/AAAAAAAABDc/xmJ66l6ygOQ/s1600-h/aaron%2525201%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="aaron 1" border="0" alt="aaron 1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1-VV1Gehnl0/T0K--UaiqlI/AAAAAAAABDk/o0XeqbuDY6s/aaron%2525201_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="388" height="260"></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-OfshUux9dBI/T0K-_K2Sf2I/AAAAAAAABDs/SF3R9x27eyE/s1600-h/re%252520do%2525201%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="re do 1" border="0" alt="re do 1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-LNsMd72oyr8/T0K-_gCVALI/AAAAAAAABD0/xoGKQRiIXhc/re%252520do%2525201_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="391" height="262"></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4cdbt0haVNI/T0K_Bjrvm9I/AAAAAAAABD8/nUhdXXUzbAw/s1600-h/redo%2525203%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="redo 3" border="0" alt="redo 3" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pBlpeP-G1b4/T0K_CKP-UqI/AAAAAAAABEE/MiIpLe4qRcM/redo%2525203_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="393" height="263"></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-DON5xs6LgtY/T0K_DMWblPI/AAAAAAAABEM/hji2aHCHcDk/s1600-h/redo%252520again%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="redo again" border="0" alt="redo again" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Xb3kJrkc_Eg/T0K_DzDMaEI/AAAAAAAABEU/YDV4nylkj9A/redo%252520again_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="387" height="310"></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-CfFvn37uLug/T0K_GP4F-CI/AAAAAAAABEc/AKoyCm2PUm4/s1600-h/Weej%2525201%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Weej 1" border="0" alt="Weej 1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-EAAiBQTBwSM/T0K_Hgbex_I/AAAAAAAABEk/nCIkLP6EsBo/Weej%2525201_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="384" height="257"></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--DZWmplbgF8/T0K_Ipr8R4I/AAAAAAAABEs/yLWWIp2qnuQ/s1600-h/Weej%2525202%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Weej 2" border="0" alt="Weej 2" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RfmGbC5JWvU/T0K_JIuSucI/AAAAAAAABE0/L6T91-IhrO8/Weej%2525202_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="381" height="255"></a></p> Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-68375652467340298772012-02-19T11:41:00.001-08:002012-02-19T11:41:47.770-08:00Time flies when you’re Instagraming<p align="center">24 hours is just not enough in a day! Seven days are gone in a blink! And all I can do to keep up is re-cap with Instagram. Linking up with <a href="http://storyofmylifetheblog.blogspot.com/">Jenni</a> for this week’s “Best of Instagram.”</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6iZWeIoseJI/T0FQUadLodI/AAAAAAAABBk/k0wDKor9QPc/s1600-h/407084_10150802964168298_511433297_12570777_1622040836_n%25255B1%25255D%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="407084_10150802964168298_511433297_12570777_1622040836_n[1]" border="0" alt="407084_10150802964168298_511433297_12570777_1622040836_n[1]" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZKdoHgFXKn0/T0FQU3hjY4I/AAAAAAAABBs/sfUuZGPL854/407084_10150802964168298_511433297_12570777_1622040836_n%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="335" height="335"></a></p> <p align="center">1. One of the days this past week for the February photo challenge called for something “blue,” so in honor of BEB, ta-da!</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-PEPGWkH3T-k/T0FQWF5c2aI/AAAAAAAABB0/6qcH-0Aeojs/s1600-h/423067_10150811367908298_511433297_12593008_627540466_n%25255B1%25255D%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="423067_10150811367908298_511433297_12593008_627540466_n[1]" border="0" alt="423067_10150811367908298_511433297_12593008_627540466_n[1]" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kez7jQeyQvY/T0FQWiDfdcI/AAAAAAAABB8/N_nNoQwG3qY/423067_10150811367908298_511433297_12593008_627540466_n%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="340" height="340"></a></p> <p align="center">2. Some of my girls and me at Hey Joe’s for Trivia on Wednesday night.</p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hK10fKg3R-8/T0FQY0PRZ2I/AAAAAAAABCE/xFt1oosU5Z0/s1600-h/419880_10150816780443298_511433297_12607730_42926310_n%25255B1%25255D%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="419880_10150816780443298_511433297_12607730_42926310_n[1]" border="0" alt="419880_10150816780443298_511433297_12607730_42926310_n[1]" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-j8MjJh7YAZ4/T0FQZXaWZBI/AAAAAAAABCM/4nCXrhV4v8k/419880_10150816780443298_511433297_12607730_42926310_n%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="349" height="349"></a></p> <p align="center">3. I can’t tell you how many times I have told myself that the responsible thing to do would be to sell this beaut back, so I can better afford bridesmaid dresses, big girl bills, etc…etc…etc…BUT my heart is screaming “NOOOOOO” very loudly. Heart wins for now. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ED0P_6uDCdc/T0FQaCf1zfI/AAAAAAAABCU/8R-3bJsoaeU/s1600-h/395633_10150817170818298_511433297_12608675_1706391281_n%25255B1%25255D%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="395633_10150817170818298_511433297_12608675_1706391281_n[1]" border="0" alt="395633_10150817170818298_511433297_12608675_1706391281_n[1]" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-BqP-SmD1XFM/T0FQcGSDX1I/AAAAAAAABCc/iKxD8YTmaBc/395633_10150817170818298_511433297_12608675_1706391281_n%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="345" height="345"></a></p> <p align="center">4. The past few weekends, Chad and I have made some spectacular dinners. This week’s menu included Tilapia (pictured above) and Mediterranean pizza (gone before a picture could be snapped).</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-luXd7PZzen4/T0FQd1LR7MI/AAAAAAAABCk/25mF_erGAZU/s1600-h/396266_10150821239933298_511433297_12621179_762231615_n%25255B1%25255D%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="396266_10150821239933298_511433297_12621179_762231615_n[1]" border="0" alt="396266_10150821239933298_511433297_12621179_762231615_n[1]" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SguT4kXB-xM/T0FQekwGbvI/AAAAAAAABCs/t1chirrUIc8/396266_10150821239933298_511433297_12621179_762231615_n%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="348" height="348"></a></p> <p align="center">5. And as usual, this is what Sundays look like.</p> <p align="center">Happy day to all!</p> Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-78247348491599439992012-02-14T21:06:00.001-08:002012-02-14T21:06:33.154-08:00Better Late than Never Instagram<p align="center">This semester is my last one of undergrad. All those that have done senior year before me made it look so easy. It was supposed to be the “care-free” year. PHA! I am so busy…It may have something to do with the fact that not one but TWO of my very best friends are engaged!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FfwbeOPyzK0/Tzs9Hdo8rhI/AAAAAAAAA_Y/KJ0kAakg4RE/s1600-h/390414_10150705580708298_511433297_12269478_2021804589_n%25255B1%25255D%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="390414_10150705580708298_511433297_12269478_2021804589_n[1]" border="0" alt="390414_10150705580708298_511433297_12269478_2021804589_n[1]" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-NEewBqBeZCY/Tzs9IpC9hJI/AAAAAAAAA_g/EwbDjpiYP8M/390414_10150705580708298_511433297_12269478_2021804589_n%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="250" height="250"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3oQ3EdA9K3w/Tzs9KEb8K6I/AAAAAAAAA_o/8tznbFWY_30/s1600-h/419624_10150794354213298_511433297_12541983_2062900466_n%25255B2%25255D%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="419624_10150794354213298_511433297_12541983_2062900466_n[2]" border="0" alt="419624_10150794354213298_511433297_12541983_2062900466_n[2]" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-n72xRNVPNw0/Tzs9L6EjkvI/AAAAAAAAA_w/IyFo28o-R6k/419624_10150794354213298_511433297_12541983_2062900466_n%25255B2%25255D_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="252" height="252"></a></p> <p align="center">1.&2. “Will you be my maid of honor?” magnets <a href="http://learningtodanceambergrace.blogspot.com/">Amber Grace</a> made for Jessica and me. Oh, speaking of <a href="http://jessica-calvery.blogspot.com/">Jessica</a>, she just so happened to get engaged tooooo! Oh, and these two gals decided that they are going to do their weddings merely weeks apart this coming July. Deep breaths. Deep breaths. Exciting times!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-etE14vVMhuk/Tzs9MUIldWI/AAAAAAAAA_4/H2jVrPE72j8/s1600-h/407687_10150780712088298_511433297_12508643_841947671_n%25255B1%25255D%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="407687_10150780712088298_511433297_12508643_841947671_n[1]" border="0" alt="407687_10150780712088298_511433297_12508643_841947671_n[1]" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QuUgOOHKyYc/Tzs9M46UhhI/AAAAAAAABAA/EkbPtHaUY7g/407687_10150780712088298_511433297_12508643_841947671_n%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="270" height="270"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-PA1iDvtQsU8/Tzs9NzMpChI/AAAAAAAABAI/a9xkZJjg7PI/s1600-h/407020_10150781299958298_511433297_12510529_1470352270_n%25255B1%25255D%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="407020_10150781299958298_511433297_12510529_1470352270_n[1]" border="0" alt="407020_10150781299958298_511433297_12510529_1470352270_n[1]" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-s5T7hEURYPk/Tzs9OdiuhJI/AAAAAAAABAQ/TvAPZT9fYfA/407020_10150781299958298_511433297_12510529_1470352270_n%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="264" height="264"></a></p> <p align="center">3.&4. Got to spend a leeeettle bit of time with Mama on Monday because I had a dentist appointment in my hometown. I love this woman beyond words. She took me for my favorite…SUSHI!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-FivesKaUUOw/Tzs9PvsIt2I/AAAAAAAABAY/25jQ2J4zw6M/s1600-h/396398_2804484113050_1287030065_32293475_2005509145_n%25255B1%25255D%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="396398_2804484113050_1287030065_32293475_2005509145_n[1]" border="0" alt="396398_2804484113050_1287030065_32293475_2005509145_n[1]" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_LFdwKoVB8g/Tzs9QBpXmwI/AAAAAAAABAg/-bQAdKPyAAM/396398_2804484113050_1287030065_32293475_2005509145_n%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="255" height="255"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nn8mM8LLjIc/Tzs9RVfiDLI/AAAAAAAABAo/5Y8MixaRRic/s1600-h/403165_2804474232803_1287030065_32293470_873024093_n%25255B1%25255D%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="403165_2804474232803_1287030065_32293470_873024093_n[1]" border="0" alt="403165_2804474232803_1287030065_32293470_873024093_n[1]" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9v-iJJs1CYs/Tzs9RjzzSKI/AAAAAAAABAw/1gCtZQxDPOc/403165_2804474232803_1287030065_32293470_873024093_n%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="250" height="250"></a></p> <p align="center">5.&6. Honestly though, I don’t crave restaurant sushi as much these days because my boyfriend happens to be an AMAZING sushi chef! Look at that stuff! It is so legit. That adorable little fluff ball that is ever so intrigued by the bottle of beer is Squidbilly. He was a favorite that night when we had some of my girlfriends over for Chad’s said amazing-ness!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-k2n1F3X3fNg/Tzs9SV5qZII/AAAAAAAABA4/8b0O90Z8-Ro/s1600-h/432034_10150807629568298_511433297_12582718_1298935918_n%25255B1%25255D%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="432034_10150807629568298_511433297_12582718_1298935918_n[1]" border="0" alt="432034_10150807629568298_511433297_12582718_1298935918_n[1]" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-bHtt3Be9KZA/Tzs9TzT0oNI/AAAAAAAABBA/kbmKWrSuC1Y/432034_10150807629568298_511433297_12582718_1298935918_n%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="255" height="255"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-X2hsnIQf9Io/Tzs9VcPNE7I/AAAAAAAABBQ/w9ru1B_klzA/s1600-h/421135_10150808309968298_511433297_12584976_1769888036_n%25255B1%25255D%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="421135_10150808309968298_511433297_12584976_1769888036_n[1]" border="0" alt="421135_10150808309968298_511433297_12584976_1769888036_n[1]" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-F1Inc0OvEBA/Tzs9WEaO2lI/AAAAAAAABBY/DVskGTsQVWE/421135_10150808309968298_511433297_12584976_1769888036_n%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="254" height="254"></a></p> <p align="center">7.&8. Fast forward to V-day. Chad was still an amazing boyfriend, he just happened to be an amazing, broken boyfriend. He took an elbow to the head while playing basketball, and we had to get him eight stiches. He was all tough, and I was all proud! He is definitely going to be in some pain, but it was certainly a memorable first Valentine’s Day. I think those “sweet-hearts” were the right medicine, though. Red velvet cheesecake brownies. I am oh so grateful for Pinterest! </p> <p align="center">Thanks for letting me link up so late, <a href="http://storyofmylifetheblog.blogspot.com">Jenni</a>!</p> Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-62919849455335457312012-02-05T07:38:00.001-08:002012-02-05T07:38:53.658-08:00My Wonderful Week, Instagramed<p align="center">I have been wanting to join <a href="http://storyofmylifetheblog.blogspot.com/">Jenni</a> on her “Best of Instagram” series for quite some time, but Sundays have become laundry/copy editing day, and believe me, it’s an <em>all</em> day affair. Deadlines, deadlines, deadlines….ppffffhh! And I say, “to hell with it all for a moment…this was a great week and I must share!”</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-IVY8sz_kKPU/Ty6iaSEX6-I/AAAAAAAAA9Y/sH2XzNvQMVc/s1600-h/397101_10150751287038298_511433297_12413854_1862201738_n%25255B1%25255D%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="397101_10150751287038298_511433297_12413854_1862201738_n[1]" border="0" alt="397101_10150751287038298_511433297_12413854_1862201738_n[1]" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-dCwaOXDRJtM/Ty6ia9v_UiI/AAAAAAAAA9g/E7vWFsOY608/397101_10150751287038298_511433297_12413854_1862201738_n%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="434" height="434"></a></p> <p align="center">1. A beautiful sunset last Sunday. Snapped this one from the 8th floor of Baptist Desoto Hospital. Daddy just had some more surgery. He had to stay a good miserable minute there, but he is home now and seems to healing up pretty well.</p> <p align="center"><img alt="pic.twitter.com/acoVNBx" src="https://p.twimg.com/Akbmhq0CMAExLt3.jpg" width="352" height="352"><img alt="pic.twitter.com/CsIY7g2" src="https://p.twimg.com/Akbm7idCEAEp170.jpg" width="351" height="351"></p> <p align="center">2&3. My life changed forever this week. Monday, I left for work with butterflies, knowing that when I came back home this baby would be on my doorstep. Its. so. beautiful. And when I learn how to use it properly, I’m going to make more beauty happen! The quality of life increased so much when I tore into that package!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HEvynAhBB78/Ty6ibdG_yQI/AAAAAAAAA9o/h3vXDLLL3sg/s1600-h/420754_10150763154508298_511433297_12453994_1561615792_n%25255B2%25255D%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="420754_10150763154508298_511433297_12453994_1561615792_n[2]" border="0" alt="420754_10150763154508298_511433297_12453994_1561615792_n[2]" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pRUVUxLHHwA/Ty6icLzkXXI/AAAAAAAAA9w/8rNuyMbAx6s/420754_10150763154508298_511433297_12453994_1561615792_n%25255B2%25255D_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="434" height="434"></a></p> <p align="center">4. Yummness. Chicken salad with grapes and almonds in an avocado. I had a half for lunch on Tuesday and on Wednesday….it made my belly so happy!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KCLaQBcN9Po/Ty6icpJi1GI/AAAAAAAAA94/05tS4fZA60Y/s1600-h/402064_10150766798808298_511433297_12463324_1599348835_n%25255B1%25255D%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="402064_10150766798808298_511433297_12463324_1599348835_n[1]" border="0" alt="402064_10150766798808298_511433297_12463324_1599348835_n[1]" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-73QPf5cjeh0/Ty6idB1t6TI/AAAAAAAAA-A/MpSueJihGjU/402064_10150766798808298_511433297_12463324_1599348835_n%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="371" height="371"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7KEqgzbhL0g/Ty6idkHGzvI/AAAAAAAAA-I/zMvI7qVKeO4/s1600-h/429256_10150766940468298_511433297_12463619_1629193439_n%25255B1%25255D%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="429256_10150766940468298_511433297_12463619_1629193439_n[1]" border="0" alt="429256_10150766940468298_511433297_12463619_1629193439_n[1]" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-yQc8vuhGuDY/Ty6id1vn5DI/AAAAAAAAA-Q/0VXluCju9Y4/429256_10150766940468298_511433297_12463619_1629193439_n%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="371" height="371"></a></p> <p align="center">5&6. Those are my feathery friends that came to visit me while I was reading at the park. It was a beautiful, sunny, <em>warm</em>, winter (HUH?) day…that’s Mississippi weather for you. Then that black devilish storm rolled in rather abruptly, and I had to high tail it home. I thought I had pulled up at home just in time to see my roommate get carried off in our little flimsy duplex, but we survived another delta monster storm.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NwwC2Tv0K3E/Ty6ie0bW47I/AAAAAAAAA-Y/7Y2zhoKm4lE/s1600-h/399987_10150767617153298_511433297_12465240_1340589611_n%25255B1%25255D%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="399987_10150767617153298_511433297_12465240_1340589611_n[1]" border="0" alt="399987_10150767617153298_511433297_12465240_1340589611_n[1]" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZQ16KpfsHKQ/Ty6ifVSoE9I/AAAAAAAAA-g/qaQCz8q695A/399987_10150767617153298_511433297_12465240_1340589611_n%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="407" height="407"></a></p> <p align="center">7. This is my beautiful friend Jenn Jenn and I was soooo happy to have her join the team for Trivia this week at Hey Joe’s where I wait tables! We had a great time. We surely didn’t expect to come in third place like we did! See, there are a few smart girls in Mississippi (even though we probably did so well because one of the categories was E!News…minor detail).</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-dohLbI88eQA/Ty6igDhqwHI/AAAAAAAAA-o/9JzdM5qK6hY/s1600-h/422016_10150773310108298_511433297_12478906_352012901_n%25255B1%25255D%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="422016_10150773310108298_511433297_12478906_352012901_n[1]" border="0" alt="422016_10150773310108298_511433297_12478906_352012901_n[1]" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-W7Tgs0Om0WI/Ty6ighQiLzI/AAAAAAAAA-w/bDiPh8qDdd0/422016_10150773310108298_511433297_12478906_352012901_n%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="399"></a></p> <p align="center">8. Friday night dinner at the house. Roasted tomatoes with shrimp and feta. You reeeeeeally should try this. And you can! I posted the recipe <a href="http://ambermarie8.blogspot.com/2012/02/roasted-tomatoes-with-shrimp-and-feta.html">here</a>.</p> <p align="center">And the grand finale of a grand week:</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6dX08ecXiWc/Ty6ihKknKEI/AAAAAAAAA-4/UH-3N6LFpbo/s1600-h/418283_10150776315513298_511433297_12490260_1273575573_n%25255B1%25255D%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="418283_10150776315513298_511433297_12490260_1273575573_n[1]" border="0" alt="418283_10150776315513298_511433297_12490260_1273575573_n[1]" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-92rsyOVui6A/Ty6iiT0FwvI/AAAAAAAAA_A/XXE1Q5y92e4/418283_10150776315513298_511433297_12490260_1273575573_n%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="350" height="350"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-vIsYrcoBaDo/Ty6iiz-vzJI/AAAAAAAAA_I/0JsGqqIY4Y4/s1600-h/418797_10150777356218298_511433297_12495450_2014103183_n%25255B1%25255D%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="418797_10150777356218298_511433297_12495450_2014103183_n[1]" border="0" alt="418797_10150777356218298_511433297_12495450_2014103183_n[1]" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-E7xtpoKahZ0/Ty6ijF2H2NI/AAAAAAAAA_Q/F6HpsWNmWDM/418797_10150777356218298_511433297_12495450_2014103183_n%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="351" height="351"></a></p> <p align="center">9&10. Chad and I took a trip to Memphis last night for dinner at the Magestic Grille (Best. Salmon. Ever. Regretfully, I was enjoying it too much to snap a picture) and then after walking around a chilly downtown for a few minutes (it was warmer that afternoon when I put my skirt on), we shared a glorious piece of coconut rum cheesecake at Cheese Cake Corner. I was smiles all night.</p> <p align="center">Couldn’t have joined <a href="http://storyofmylifetheblog.blogspot.com/">Jenni</a> on a better week! Come back next week for more and stop by <a href="http://storyofmylifetheblog.blogspot.com/">Story of my Life</a> to link up your own “Best of Instagram” post!</p> Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-72509809538248046552012-02-04T06:43:00.001-08:002012-02-04T06:47:12.212-08:00Roasted Tomatoes with Shrimp and Feta<div align="center">
Hey there, Reader-Friends! If you are looking for an simple and quick dinner recipe, you have knocked at the right blogstep! Plus this snappy dish is Italian; could it get any better?</div>
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NtYOXZvYrVg/Ty1D-zm00fI/AAAAAAAAA8Y/bbQujALf5ig/s1600-h/IMG_6790%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_6790" border="0" height="427" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-BgPdHpjQ-70/Ty1D_W8JQgI/AAAAAAAAA8g/MG1Fl5dXWCs/IMG_6790_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_6790" width="638" /></a><br />
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Oh, another plus: it doesn’t call for many ingredients, therefore it is a decently affordable meal to put together.</div>
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-aKWzf9qEUMU/Ty1EAWwll7I/AAAAAAAAA8o/sNLJPbpnqrI/s1600-h/IMG_6799%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_6799" border="0" height="428" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Ds86E-tyQ-0/Ty1EA5KSs8I/AAAAAAAAA8w/1UZ0RpicFvQ/IMG_6799_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_6799" width="639" /></a><br />
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You will need: </div>
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5 <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/ingredients-guide/tomatoes-00000000039381/index.html">large tomatoes, cut into eighths</a></div>
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3 tablespoons <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/ingredients-guide/oils-00000000039335/index.html">olive oil</a></div>
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2 tablespoons <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/ingredients-guide/garlic-00000000039310/index.html">minced garlic</a></div>
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kosher salt and black pepper</div>
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1 1/2 pounds <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/ingredients-guide/shrimp-00000000039364/index.html">medium shrimp, peeled and deveined</a></div>
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1/2 cup <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/ingredients-guide/parsley-00000000039341/index.html">chopped fresh parsley</a></div>
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2 tablespoons <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/ingredients-guide/lemons-00000000039324/index.html">lemon juice</a></div>
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1 cup Feta, crumbled</div>
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crusty bread, for serving</div>
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</ul>
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HAR6Rj3tXq8/Ty1EBn3mJyI/AAAAAAAAA84/-Fb-7H-V-ZQ/s1600-h/IMG_6793%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_6793" border="0" height="424" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Ty7r__MlupU/Ty1ECZBqF1I/AAAAAAAAA9A/2qKV92nF6ow/IMG_6793_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_6793" width="634" /></a></div>
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Directions</h5>
<ol>
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Heat oven to 450° F. Place the tomatoes in a large baking dish and spoon the olive oil and garlic over them. </div>
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Sprinkle with ¾ teaspoon each salt and pepper and toss. Roast on top rack of oven for 20 minutes. </div>
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Remove baking dish from oven and stir in the shrimp, parsley, and lemon juice. Sprinkle with the Feta. </div>
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<li> <div align="center">
Return the dish to oven until the shrimp are cooked through, 10 to 15 minutes. Serve warm with the bread. <span style="color: #9b00d3;">(and beer)</span></div>
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</ol>
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-B5Pszy3XRsk/Ty1EDB8zkxI/AAAAAAAAA9I/iLFhdP3AVSA/s1600-h/IMG_6795%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_6795" border="0" height="422" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ETOuKWoOnsQ/Ty1EDlTSLCI/AAAAAAAAA9Q/1K90_zCJ6lA/IMG_6795_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_6795" width="631" /></a><br />
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You could:</div>
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Add basil or other favorite Italian seasons</div>
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<li> <div align="center">
Add parmesan or other favorite Italian cheeses</div>
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<li> <div align="center">
Serve over angel hair pasta (we didn’t do this, but it definitely has the consistency that is perfect for that kind of pasta noodle)</div>
</li>
<li> <div align="center">
I might throw in some artichokes next time</div>
</li>
</ul>
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This was a perfect fix for an exhausted girl like me on a Friday night. It’s not proven, but this dish may possibly contain stimuli for good conversation. That, of course, is a joke but I really <em>did</em> enjoyed the table conversation last night. You can find the original recipe and other fabulous, yet simple meals at <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/roasted-tomatoes-shrimp-feta-10000000780294/index.html">realsimple.com</a>.</div>
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P.s. Note this is the first blog post that includes photos from my new Rebel!!! Commence girly squeal! I have no idea what I’m doing with that thing, but I am so, so happy to finally have it!</div>Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-47733607073305780882012-01-31T06:49:00.001-08:002012-01-31T06:49:37.110-08:00Let’s Just Say<p align="center">Let’s just say I was an awesome blogger, who posted more than once a week. </p> <p align="center">Let’s just say that that I’m averaging a full eight hours of sleep each night and therefore, my skin is clear and my body is happy.</p> <p align="center">Let’s just say that the load of clothes that have been sitting in my dryer for two days now are folded and put away AND the rest of my house is gorgeously spic and span!</p> <p align="center">Let’s just say that I’m not feeling like a whiny, pmsing wench the past few days.</p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/149604018841412303_Mmu2bnCk_c.jpg" width="382" height="286"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/191332684138857492/">via</a></p> <p align="center">However, let’s, indeed say, without any sarcasm once so ever, that I love you, Reader-Friends, and I appreciate you sticking around when I get behind on life. I shall make it up to you soon!</p> Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-47678612705247269332012-01-25T13:12:00.001-08:002012-01-25T13:12:21.231-08:00Overdue Love<p align="center">Dear goodness, I haven’t linked up with <a href="http://littledaisymay.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Jamie</a> for WILW for ages. So, here we go!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Bhmzui9XZVE/TyBwLo4nUYI/AAAAAAAAA7w/hqa_uSMy45I/s1600-h/WILW%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="WILW" border="0" alt="WILW" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ykuWLV597bM/TyBwLyYKiMI/AAAAAAAAA74/FnjtkeSBDUI/WILW_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="307" height="307"></a></p> <p align="center">I think this is an opportune moment to make a big announcement. The first thing I am <strong>loving</strong> is the special delivery coming my way. Drum roll, please….</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/267049452873837589_4zQM7dN8_c.jpg" width="383" height="383"></p> <p align="center">Yes. I did it. I not only made a decision about the dilemma I talked about in this <a href="http://ambermarie8.blogspot.com/2012/01/i-want-to-be-rebel.html" target="_blank">post</a>, but I ordered a Canon Rebel T2i from B&H on Monday. This is how the ordering process went: I got off of my waitressing shift, I sat down at our local coffee shop to do homework…and the next thing I knew I was clicking submit order. Then, I proceeded to stand up with a zombie-glazed stare, pale as a vamp and floated to the bathroom in case I were to throw up. I didn’t throw up. I smiled suddenly, because a twinge of excitement came over me in a hot flash. But then I realized the hot flash was related to the breakout of hives on my arms. This was my first very large purchase in my life, and I have no idea what I’m doing, but I have a feeling my nerves will settle when I start to figure out that magical device. It’s on it’s way, ya’ll!</p> <p align="center">The next thing I am <strong>loving</strong> is that it’s Trivia Night at the restaurant where I work. The past few weeks I have found a wonderful few hours of stress-free enjoyment there, as I sit with a group of friends and laugh at what dummies we all are. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xwWrSdCtxZg/TyBwMb806WI/AAAAAAAAA8A/3q6cWLdaOUk/s1600-h/399957_10150723411873298_511433297_12329971_1436304971_n%25255B1%25255D%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="399957_10150723411873298_511433297_12329971_1436304971_n[1]" border="0" alt="399957_10150723411873298_511433297_12329971_1436304971_n[1]" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VRRB4YkMck8/TyBwM1XEEzI/AAAAAAAAA8I/RjQJi3lIgUM/399957_10150723411873298_511433297_12329971_1436304971_n%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="356" height="356"></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="2">That’s Olivia, a pretty fellow blog sister and one of my real life best friends, and me at Hey Joe’s (where I work)</font></p> <p align="center">Lastly, I’m <strong>loving</strong> good food. By “good” food, I mean <em>GOOD</em> food. Like healthy-esc. Since I started running and working towards a seriously more fit lifestyle, I feel the effects of what I eat more than ever.</p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/174936766745430422_pWHoV5rC_c.jpg" width="624" height="191"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/114630752985162195/" target="_blank">via</a></p> <p align="center">A good run makes me happy these days; and if I feel like crap from the crap I ate earlier that day, or the night before I tend to get a little cranky. This isn’t a terrible thing. It makes me <em>want</em> spinach. Little changes in diet or hobbies change your whole person. Who would have thought! </p> <p align="center">Speaking of such, I’m going to meet that <a href="http://ow-outonalimb.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">pretty fellow blog sister</a> now in the gym! Link up with <a href="http://littledaisymay.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Jamie</a> and tell us what you’re loving too!</p> Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-12183936671264508762012-01-19T10:31:00.001-08:002012-01-19T10:31:38.533-08:00Just Not Feeling it<p align="center">Crap. I hit a wall. I just haven’t felt inspired to write this week. It might have something to do with poor ole blogging being at the bottom of the lengthy to-do list. Yep, school is most definitely back in session. But guess what! I graduate in May, I graduate May (said in sing-song, of course!) Wait. What? There is an “I’m not ready for the real world” freak out commencing now! </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">Diversion.</p> <p align="center">Look at these neat photographs that I can take the likes of when I get enough courage to spend the money on that fancy camera.</p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/34058540901756733_kI19slsZ_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/171699804513241098_dOXaKexD_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/280841726732777612_j1RYJ9Dz_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/73816881361978034_pGTd4OBg_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center">By the way, I went to Best Buy to play around with the cameras I mentioned in <a href="http://ambermarie8.blogspot.com/2012/01/i-want-to-be-rebel.html" target="_blank">this post.</a> I also looked at the Nikons. I am almost positive that I’m going with Cannon’s T2i.</p> <p align="center">Happy Thursday, Reader-Friends.</p> <p align="center"><font size="2">This meaningless post brought to you by BLUE-EYED BLOG. All photo creds. can be found via <a href="http://pinterest.com/eleganta/photog/" target="_blank">this pin board.</a></font></p> Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-72291681948682338342012-01-13T07:37:00.001-08:002012-01-13T07:37:17.409-08:00I want to be a Rebel!<p align="center">Attention all bloggers, as well as Reader-Friends with fancy cameras!!! </p> <p align="center">So, the more I get into journalism (more to come on that later), the more a dormant passion for photography has been re-surfacing. My very first job as a teenager was assisting a professional photographer in my little hometown. I learned the basics of DSLR shooting, as well as editing with Photoshop. Then I joined the yearbook staff at my high school and got my hands on the school’s Rebel. Since college <strike>and</strike> <strike>since I became stressed out by working towards a career that would have made me miserable and obsessed with being with a man that would have made me miserable</strike>, however, that love and enjoyment I found in taking pictures faded. But all of sudden, it is back with full force. I have always wanted an SLR, but always have let the doubt of not having the time to invest in something so expensive get the better of me. But now I’m letting the fact that I have had so many moments in the years past where I have said, “If I had that camera, I could have this amazing shot and a vivid memory forever,” outweigh that doubt. Plus, I’m quite jealous of some of the quality pictures other bloggers have up on their pages. #honesty. So I think I’m about to jump in.</p> <p align="center">This is where I need some help. WHICH ONE??? I’m looking for as many two cents I can get (maybe enough to make a dollar!)…If you have advice in choosing and purchasing an SLR, let me know here in the comments box or on FB or by email. I know that these cameras can go up and beyond a grand in costs, but I’m not looking to make money off my prints. I really don’t want to spend more than six to seven hundred, and I know you can buy kits for around that. (I know lenses come later). I do want video capability, as well. These are the ones I am looking at mostly:</p> <p align="center">T2i:</p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/267049452873837589_4zQM7dN8_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/267049452873837589/" target="_blank">via</a></p> <p align="center">T3:</p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/215891375856678576_58HylV53_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/215891375856678576/" target="_blank">via</a></p> <p align="center">Annnnd T3i:</p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/257268197433141990_po5gvoMZ_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/257268197433141990/" target="_blank">via</a></p> <p> </p> <p align="center">So, what do you think? </p> Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-57384486244625804882012-01-11T08:14:00.001-08:002012-01-11T08:14:33.077-08:00TGFB!<p align="center"> That’s “Thank God for Blogging”, by the way. I’m proud to say that in the last few months, I have convinced all three of my very best friends to become bloggers. They are starting a journey now that in the beginning, I didn’t realize how much it would be apart of my life. I’m sure on the surface that just made me sound like an utter dorkasaurous (hmmm, that one probably did too); but this is what I have found myself saying to my girls as they have been putting up their first posts: <em>this couldn’t be a better time for you to start blogging</em>.</p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/18858892159216333_blRs1deA_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/18858892159216333/" target="_blank">via</a></p> <p align="center">One of them is going through some hard times and <em>changes</em>, another is going through some very happy times and <em>changes</em>. All in all, life is happening. And they are documenting. As I look back on my past year of blogging, I am thankful for the free therapy it has provided. I went from struggling with the feeling that no one was reading my page, to the realization that this really isn’t even about that for me anymore. I will admit that part of the reason I blog is that I would like someone to think, or being encouraged, or inspired, etc.…but at the end of the day, I just need to document, and create, and work out my mind a little bit.</p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/14003448811079639_aKbVSNEA_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/14003448811079639/" target="_blank">via</a></p> <p align="center">Even if you’re not into the technological hype, I still encourage you to write throughout your life. It’s good for the soul. Go old school with a journal…or a napkin, whatever. But if you are starting to blog or even are thinking about starting to blog, this is my advice. Don’t get caught up in getting everything perfect right away…the look of your layout, the “right” way to say things in this blog culture, gaining an immense amount of followers…all that will come on it’s own, as long as you <em>just write</em>…and write <em>truth</em>-the stuff that is in your heart. You can’t be wrong for that. All that stuff I mentioned you learn along the way. You will struggle with it…probably cuss at your computer screen quite a bit, but persevere, my friend. There are plenty of other bloggers willing and ready to give you tips. Just ask. </p> <p align="center">So, here are a few gals I would like you to meet.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hbOsbO-58Kw/Tw21XLbEoJI/AAAAAAAAA64/85V8qqC8Oi0/s1600-h/384429_341087575904267_100000090831954_1426277_870552009_n%25255B1%25255D%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="384429_341087575904267_100000090831954_1426277_870552009_n[1]" border="0" alt="384429_341087575904267_100000090831954_1426277_870552009_n[1]" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-oeKgkVUVn3E/Tw21XR1-vyI/AAAAAAAAA7A/NZvF7_YIRQ4/384429_341087575904267_100000090831954_1426277_870552009_n%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="263" height="349"></a></p> <p align="center">This is Olivia Jo. She is an amazing young lady that I have journeyed through the depths of English hell along side. What I’m trying to say is she is a fellow English major and a much better writer than myself, and so you should definitely check out her <strong>BRAND NEW</strong> blog: <a href="http://ow-outonalimb.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Out on a Limb</a>. She explains the meaning of her blog title and why she decided to jump into the blogosphere <a href="http://ow-outonalimb.blogspot.com/2012/01/why-i-am-here.html" target="_blank">here</a>. The girl knows what she believes and has a strong will. I’m confident there is inspiration waiting to pour from her fingertips. </p> <p align="center">Meet the “other” Amber.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hyuSTbnMI0w/Tw21YGddbLI/AAAAAAAAA7I/zco_za2uC3M/s1600-h/373930_2546871113003_1290540054_32975099_553634544_n%25255B1%25255D%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="373930_2546871113003_1290540054_32975099_553634544_n[1]" border="0" alt="373930_2546871113003_1290540054_32975099_553634544_n[1]" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-MgJG-W5lIS4/Tw21YoLx1HI/AAAAAAAAA7Q/J6kNI9geKIw/373930_2546871113003_1290540054_32975099_553634544_n%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="196" height="373"></a></p> <p align="center">This is Amber Grace…Often thought to be my sister when people meet us…and apparently that is before they consider that our parents were very uncreative with naming baby girls. She is a very happy gal because one of my other best friends happened to propose to her on New Year’s Eve. It was pretty magical, and you can read the story and go on the journey with her on her blog: <a href="http://learningtodanceambergrace.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Learning to Dance</a>. I know she will be covering a lot of the details that come along with planning a wedding, but her page offers that and so much more. Girl loves her some Jesus and has an amazing testimony that will inspire for sure.</p> <p align="center">And last but most definitely not least, my girl that has been through it all with me- Jess.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3BVX84S6h1k/Tw21Zayd2yI/AAAAAAAAA7Y/zPQ8kB6-gVI/s1600-h/248849_10150192027938575_516988574_7097560_6579939_n%25255B1%25255D%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="248849_10150192027938575_516988574_7097560_6579939_n[1]" border="0" alt="248849_10150192027938575_516988574_7097560_6579939_n[1]" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Q12lXWaQqyA/Tw21Z9FIAjI/AAAAAAAAA7g/_PL5vp1OTmg/248849_10150192027938575_516988574_7097560_6579939_n%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="307" height="307"></a></p> <p align="center">I know you already want to touch her hair! But go read her blog: <a href="http://jessica-calvery.blogspot.com" target="_blank">Shaped by Grace</a>. She has a lot of love in her heart, and it has spilled out all over her page.She is currently student teaching, and I know there are a lot teachers and soon-to-be teachers in blogland; I’m sure my dear Jessica Nicole would love to “meet” you! </p> <p align="center">So, basically what I’m saying is go visit my friends. Tell them I sent you. Leave them some blogging advice-they are all craving it! </p> <p align="center">Welcome to an amazing journey, ladies!</p> Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-37257573685884986102012-01-06T00:50:00.001-08:002012-01-06T00:50:00.939-08:00Dog Days are Over<p align="center">Dear goodness. Just run. </p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/114630752985031366_BBMbP5wK_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center">I have never been the best athlete, but I have always been somewhat active throughout my life. I can’t tell you how much a good dose of “pissed off” will do for a will to work out, though. I think the past few months, I have literally taken all my hurt and anger and just funneled it down my spine and to my feet. I will even confess that at times I have purposely exposed myself to things that anger or hurt me so that I can get a kick-a** work-out out of it. I’m sure that sounds unhealthy, but it is, in fact a pretty good system. If I’m not exposed to the truth, yes, the <em>painful truth</em>, then it is easy to make things up in my head. Don’t we all want to see our situations in life a certain way, and isn’t it common that we play mind games with ourselves to achieve those perceptions? I’m not setting myself up for that. I’m going to accept what my life is, what has happened, and I’m going to run with it (yes, of course, pun intended). I’m going to be in awesome shape and that is something that no one can take from me or ruin for me. It’s all my own. The only one that can let me down is myself.</p> <p align="center">And that’s not going to happened. The only promises I believe anymore are the ones <em>I</em> make to myself. I got some pretty grand things in store for myself, loves, and they are even more than looking good this summer. Selfish? Nah. Love yourself, too. It’s healthy.</p> <p align="center">FYI, This is my anthem, lately.</p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; width: 448px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:67d39762-6b1f-4e6e-9804-ddda08d21484" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="5acda552-94bc-441a-8a59-4d7c417674af" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSCoJGPRCFM" target="_new"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cRuQj1zABaE/Twa1t3IxYuI/AAAAAAAAA6w/-jw0n4c4Irk/video816dcddfe893%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('5acda552-94bc-441a-8a59-4d7c417674af'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"448\" height=\"252\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/pSCoJGPRCFM?hl=en&hd=1\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/pSCoJGPRCFM?hl=en&hd=1\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"448\" height=\"252\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> <p align="center">And don’t believe that I am living some cold hearted life, fueled by anger. All that just landed me in happiness. <em>Happiness hit her like a train on a track…hurt like a bullet in the back. </em>There are things that I want that I don’t currently have. There are things in my life that I don’t think are right and that I’m coping with; but I’m smiling, and it’s real. It’s hard to understand. You just have to view it all in light of irony; my little stint of “hard times” is the very thing that is making my “true” happiness possible. I would have gone through my whole life believing that a <em>forced</em> smile was the best I could do for myself. Lame.</p> <p align="center">P.S. If you’re not pissed, I’m sure there is still plenty of fuel in your life that will help you hit the pavement. Run like a <em>happy</em> fool…to <em>angry</em> chick music. Here is some inspiration, dears.</p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/234468724319671547_5OIhHo6L_c.jpg" width="276" height="250"></p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/274227064779890625_Iv1NutdS_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/114630752985023455_URR3UECc_c.jpg" width="293" height="377"></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" alt="Pinned Image" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/114630752984990075_FOk5oVe0_c.jpg" width="489" height="652"></p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/114630752985017909_wfb0pi9J_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/114630752985031361_XI5a4MWd_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center"><em><font size="1"><a href="http://pinterest.com/eleganta/work-it-out/" target="_blank">All pictures via this pinboard.</a></font></em></p> Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-35435847392986779852011-12-29T09:37:00.001-08:002011-12-29T09:37:30.678-08:00Unearthing Original Answers<p align="center">I instagramed (new verb) this picture a few days ago with the following caption: </p> <p align="center"><em>Delta dirt roads make sense of my life.</em></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ujMnR5If62M/TvylVr33i0I/AAAAAAAAA6g/fjs7Sbx6Fck/s1600-h/398019_10150666092393298_511433297_12105638_1695568543_n%25255B1%25255D%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="398019_10150666092393298_511433297_12105638_1695568543_n[1]" border="0" alt="398019_10150666092393298_511433297_12105638_1695568543_n[1]" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5meOg1Vw4aQ/TvylWFvnp6I/AAAAAAAAA6o/BF3meb4JoC4/398019_10150666092393298_511433297_12105638_1695568543_n%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="340" height="340"></a></p> <p align="center">I’m sure others do it too. Drive the back roads and figure out your life? I had plans to get “a lot” done over the break while I was alone in Cleveland. Well, I don’t know where the last two weeks went, but they have gone very quickly! And though my house still needs a very intense cleaning, and the to-do list looks a lot like it did two weeks prior to now, I think I have made some monumental progress in the figuring out what’s next department. </p> <p align="center"><em>Disclaimer</em>: I’m putting my foot down. I’m going to be a little wenchy about the following topic, because I feel like my polite nod at many people’s advice isn’t communicating what <em>I</em> think about <em>my</em> future. So here it is.</p> <p align="center">I’m going to take a little time off of school between undergrad and graduate school. I have busted it for 17 years of academia-not just got by with a C average, but killed myself to be the best. I’m a determined person, and if I <em>want</em> to go back to school, I <em>will.</em> I understand the logic behind everyone’s advice to go straight through, but I also find the wisdom in my decision to want to breathe for a second. I thought I wanted to teach for years, and merely two semesters before I graduate I found out that it was not what I wanted at all(and found the courage to admit that, by the way). I made that decision because of the very strange convention that pushes 17 year olds to decide what they want to do for the rest of their lives without ever having any experience in life outside of their high school microcosm of the world they <em>think </em>they live in. I’m not about to do that again. I know that I want to get into the recreation/outdoor/health field, but I’m not going to invest time, energy, and a whole lot of money into something that I find interesting from a storefront window view. I have gone on a few adventurous recreation trips and stepped up my health and fitness levels as of recent, but it just isn’t quite grounds to jump head first into anything. I would love to be able to mesh my English degree with the recreation field…write for <em>Backpacker…Rock and Ice?</em> But what is that going to take?</p> <p align="center">Well, it’s time to find out.</p> <p align="center">I know this: our job market is sucky. And competitive. Degrees only mean so much. It’s about what you know (mostly <em>who</em> you know, really) and what you can do with what you know. So, while, yes, I’m in pursuit of finding a degree program that is going to offer the specific credentials I need, I’m also looking for personal connections and relevant experience during the time I take off from school. The way I look at it is I have a nice place to stay with cheap rent in a town where I have a few friends that I like and appreciate. I have a job—yeah, a waitressing job, but nonetheless a job to be thankful for when there a lot of people with superb degrees sitting on their couch and barely paying the bills with their unemployment check. </p> <p align="center">Grad school (especially outside of Mississippi) is expensive! Every time I think about looking at schools out of state, I’m overcome with fear and doubt. Do I really want to risk all that money in this kind of job economy? I mean, am I really going to see what I do turn over in any kind of way? But while I was driving into the sunset the other day, it hit me. <em>This is it</em>. What I’m about to embark on—just my age and situation— could be the time of my life. I’m not getting married and moving back to the town I have known for my <em>entire</em> life. I have a rare opportunity for a small town southern girl: go somewhere and do something different. So yeah, I’m probably going to get myself into a lot of debt, but is it worth the experience? I’m thinking so. It’s not just about a goal anymore; it’s about being happy <em>right now</em>, in the middle of it all. </p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/114630752985024169_2Qj0ccnz_c.jpg" width="487" height="349"></p> <p align="center">Cheers to that, my friends.</p> Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-33845196972563005672011-12-22T08:56:00.001-08:002011-12-22T08:56:45.949-08:00Just Another Christmas Post<p align="center">It seems like everyone is writing about Christmas. <font size="2">I wonder why?</font> I hate to jump on bandwagons, but who can resist when the wagon is decorated with candy canes and smells like apple cider?</p> <p align="center"><img src="http://www.designcrafters.com/secured/uploads/cards/B2-C-3877-C71R-KG.jpg" width="500" height="340"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?q=christmas+carriage&hl=en&qscrl=1&nord=1&rlz=1T4SKPB_enUS343US343&biw=1349&bih=645&tbm=isch&tbnid=6cfqAWVQBxJghM:&imgrefurl=http://www.designcrafters.com/cardModule/card/B2-C-3877-C71R-KG&docid=EKvABK-m-cCHyM&imgurl=http://www.designcrafters.com/secured/uploads/cards/B2-C-3877-C71R-KG.jpg&w=500&h=340&ei=vlXzTrnQI_HEsQLjtoGqAQ&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=174&vpy=286&dur=137&hovh=185&hovw=272&tx=143&ty=54&sig=114787550807986701996&page=3&tbnh=137&tbnw=183&start=40&ndsp=19&ved=1t:429,r:6,s:40" target="_blank">via</a></p> <p align="center">I told a friend that I wasn’t ready for Christmas yet. Usually I am giddily counting down the days till the big one, but this year I feel like it is just going to be sad when it does get here. I mean as soon as it is here, it’s over. I would be more satisfied with the fact that the 25th is merely three days away <font size="2">(Holy Wow!) </font><font size="3">if I didn’t feel like I missed out on the <em>entire</em> season. I’m one of those people that believes it’s Christmas everyday from the day after Thanksgiving on (</font><font size="2">don’t be a hater.)</font><font size="3"><sup> </sup>Jolly type festivities seem to fill the calendar the last month of the year: Christmas parties, caroling with the youth group, community gatherings for the children’s home, seeing the zoo lights, and Christmas movie marathons. I feel like I missed out on all of that this year. Finals were a week later than usual this semester and it conflicted with many of the said functions. Not to mention, I took on a job in my college town about two weeks ago, so I have parked it in solitude for the holidays. And you know, I wasn’t going to admit this, but if I didn’t, then I would be hiding some real feelings (and you know I hate that): There is nothing like the holidays to make one come to terms with a break-up. Jonathan’s family’s traditions became so much my own. For five years I rode in a horse drawn carriage around the Memphis zoo to look at light displays with the only grandparents I have ever known; for five years I watched “White Christmas” snuggled up on the couch with his mom. For five years I laughed at the same jokes his dad makes every year at the dinner table. I wish it was <em>only</em> him that I broke-up with. Is this post just getting depressing? </font></p> <p align="center"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6_n1xSz4UF7c-8ywqmj_AvYZj6FeCua2rUFeS4kiz3mb5JjUUjKHpIhOaRZNoUWiQbuh-zoolCJ6k4Gt3k4jgjYtHSmrTobtq0DIuBjGJnBeb6h-1nl12mNqhXPlj2m0_LIiGxLYg0qyS/s1600/charlie-brown-tree.jpg" width="509" height="321"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?hl=en&sa=X&rlz=1T4SKPB_enUS343US343&biw=1349&bih=645&tbm=isch&prmd=imvns&tbnid=VMeYHoDzZ-oqwM:&imgrefurl=http://kenlevine.blogspot.com/2009/11/charlie-brown-christmas-meets-mad-men.html&docid=B3jF0tou21XC0M&imgurl=https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6_n1xSz4UF7c-8ywqmj_AvYZj6FeCua2rUFeS4kiz3mb5JjUUjKHpIhOaRZNoUWiQbuh-zoolCJ6k4Gt3k4jgjYtHSmrTobtq0DIuBjGJnBeb6h-1nl12mNqhXPlj2m0_LIiGxLYg0qyS/s1600/charlie-brown-tree.jpg&w=509&h=321&ei=wVrzTpurNIflsQK_29nHAQ&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=1023&vpy=185&dur=20&hovh=178&hovw=283&tx=226&ty=121&sig=114787550807986701996&page=1&tbnh=100&tbnw=159&start=0&ndsp=21&ved=1t:429,r:6,s:0" target="_blank">via</a></p> <p align="center">Sorry for the sappy spirit. Yes, I missed out on a lot this year. Yes, this particular year is going to be very different than the many previous. All in all, there is still time for a Christmas movie marathon, right?</p> <p align="center"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3k-xn7fS9HutdxveB3WoFparlEG5dPIOpcu-oY83S5_BUxSNltANznJRaFN_4jiG9kLIyRcuzSRm_Uzq1MVlFUfZ_1fRBM5ZUxQejANk9FfeZYY9HUQ_2XY1aUskpyOeJXuMME2xiJYLj/s400/Chevy+Chase+Christmas" width="400" height="300"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?hl=en&sa=X&rlz=1T4SKPB_enUS343US343&biw=1349&bih=645&tbm=isch&prmd=imvns&tbnid=_8_t1N_tKmHmlM:&imgrefurl=http://nostalgic-g.blogspot.com/2009/11/national-lampoons-christmas-vacation.html&docid=Yr03Fpjl7rci-M&imgurl=https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3k-xn7fS9HutdxveB3WoFparlEG5dPIOpcu-oY83S5_BUxSNltANznJRaFN_4jiG9kLIyRcuzSRm_Uzq1MVlFUfZ_1fRBM5ZUxQejANk9FfeZYY9HUQ_2XY1aUskpyOeJXuMME2xiJYLj/s400/Chevy%252BChase%252BChristmas&w=400&h=300&ei=LV7zToqyBO_CsQKF2tSYAQ&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=589&vpy=336&dur=1064&hovh=194&hovw=259&tx=87&ty=138&sig=114787550807986701996&page=1&tbnh=135&tbnw=181&start=0&ndsp=21&ved=1t:429,r:17,s:0" target="_blank">via</a></p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/114630752985023461_pJNrYc1s_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/114630752985023461/" target="_blank">via</a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkUKfvVKlaycjmwKeEfWPtrz9wmzgcHOjOumDc4ugXLeyOOHZ5NXaJWrkyJ2Dr9bXxmSNbF3CdQX6tVkrKFfp1One2AaGzdvlHPaREVao2NK3ca8mkMw3z1F7yEALx4p3m1OcWWPkkteM/s1600/jimmy_stewart-donna_reed-its_a_wonderful_life-1946.jpg" width="644" height="476"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?hl=en&sa=X&rlz=1T4SKPB_enUS343US343&biw=1349&bih=645&tbm=isch&prmd=imvns&tbnid=e7AsDad5baucbM:&imgrefurl=http://ruebyretro.blogspot.com/2010/11/christmas-wind-down.html&docid=IQuPx6_T4hLiDM&imgurl=https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkUKfvVKlaycjmwKeEfWPtrz9wmzgcHOjOumDc4ugXLeyOOHZ5NXaJWrkyJ2Dr9bXxmSNbF3CdQX6tVkrKFfp1One2AaGzdvlHPaREVao2NK3ca8mkMw3z1F7yEALx4p3m1OcWWPkkteM/s1600/jimmy_stewart-donna_reed-its_a_wonderful_life-1946.jpg&w=794&h=587&ei=K1_zTr3XIueEsgLywviiAQ&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=295&vpy=318&dur=682&hovh=193&hovw=261&tx=127&ty=123&sig=114787550807986701996&page=8&tbnh=132&tbnw=179&start=140&ndsp=21&ved=1t:429,r:1,s:140" target="_blank">via</a></p> <p align="center">There! I’m starting to feel better already. I just have to remember to:</p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/114630752984963519_HIfgTwkc_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/114630752984963519/" target="_blank">via</a></p> Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-78313977462618219872011-12-20T07:15:00.001-08:002011-12-20T07:15:42.443-08:00I’m Back and I Brought Goodies<p align="center">Well hello there, Reader-Friends. Ta-daaaa! I’m alive! I say that not only because many of you probably think I fell off of the blogosphere , but because some readers that haven’t been around very long may not know that if I’m not blogging, it’s because I’m drowning…in books…and papers…and tests. But all that’s over now. I somehow still managed all A’s this hellish semester and I am finally, <em>finally</em> on Christmas break!</p> <p align="center">And I don’t know a better way to celebrate than to show you the amazing perk of joining in on <a href="http://mackeymadness.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Megan</a>’s Christmas Ornament Swap. Please do this next year! First of all, it’s a way to get connected with new people, who usually happen to be great bloggers! No harm in that, right? Secondly, it’s the cure for the humbug, because you have to go out into all the glitz of the storefronts while on your mission to find your partner a Christmas goodie. And finally, who doesn’t get giddy over getting a package? I’m a snail mail enthusiast! Anyway, for the swap I got paired with a fantastic blogger named <a href="http://www.littlegirlinthebigworld.com/" target="_blank">Meghan</a>. She has an adorable blog called <a href="http://www.littlegirlinthebigworld.com/" target="_blank">Little Girl in the Big World</a> that covers a little bit of everything because it seems like the gal just does it all! We had a little chat over email about what our “favorites” are and went to shopping—she in Florida, I in the Mississippi Delta. A short time after this little guy showed up on my door step, and I was exceedingly delighted with how well this girl, who is miles and miles away, pinned the very thing that brings a goofy, wide smile to my face.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-yG1nnTf8zzU/TvCmmZs3CjI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/WtpNh3tPSb4/s1600-h/DSCN6755%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCN6755" border="0" alt="DSCN6755" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jiSJuiJ54xs/TvCmnVK0RiI/AAAAAAAAA6Y/L_tEp48j7Ps/DSCN6755_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="384" height="289"></a></p> <p align="center">Just look at that round, sparkly cuteness! He is setting dead center of my little tree in my apartment-the star of the show, for sure! I’m a penguin fanatic! She did such a good job.Thank you so much, Meghan! You couldn’t have done better even if we had met in “real life”. </p> <p align="center">Special thanks to Megan at <a href="http://mackeymadness.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Mackey Madness</a> for hosting such a fun time!</p> <p align="center">Well, Reader-Friends, it’s good to be back in the blogosphere. Thanks for being patient while I got through all those papers and finals. It’s such a reward to come back to this—to write for me and to hear from you! I’m back full fledge, by the way. Go check out my guest post on <a href="http://vinson-nicole.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Nicole's</a> blog. She hosts a series called “Lessons Learned” there on <a href="http://vinson-nicole.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Bloom</a>. It was the hardest post I had to write perhaps in my history as a blogger. Check it out!</p> Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-90266462820834522402011-12-01T08:23:00.001-08:002011-12-01T08:23:59.329-08:00Time Mocks Us<p align="center"><font color="#a5a5a5"><em>Either we try in desperation to clutch our dream at the last by deluding ourselves with some tawdry substitute; or , having waited the best part of our lives, we find the substitute time mocks us with too shabby to accept.</em></font></p> <p align="center"><font color="#000000">-Eugene O'Neil, From the <em>New York Tribune,</em> February 13, 1921</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rFOJ0ItqKhY/TteqHNRkiHI/AAAAAAAAA6A/ou47H4UGnJw/s1600-h/uihgjh6.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="uihgjh" border="0" alt="uihgjh" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Zt7FWfbrDO4/TteqHVMPDhI/AAAAAAAAA6I/I4mmeFbQ5A4/uihgjh_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="250" height="332"></a></p> <p align="center">O’Neil is a playwright from the Modern period. I like him. He said, “The theatre to me <em>is</em> life—the substance and interpretation of life” (From an Interview with Oliver M. Sayler).</p> <p align="center">It’s kind of interesting that I took a course in Modern drama this semester with everything that has occurred lately. I never really cared for the Modern genre until I found myself suddenly and forcefully transported into the psychological situations of Modern characters. I don’t think I would appreciate O’Neil’s (as well as the other modern playwrights’) work like I have if I didn’t experience what I have this semester. I definitely would not have understood this testimony of his: “I’m always, always trying to interpret Life in terms of lives, never just lives in terms of character. I’m always acutely conscious of the Force behind—Fate, God, our biological past creating our present, whatever one calls it—Mystery certainly—and of the one eternal tragedy of Man in his glorious, self-destructive struggle to make the Force express him instead of being, as animal is , an infinitesimal incident in its expression” (From A Letter to Arthur Hobson Quinn). </p> <p align="center">It amazes me that I can identify with all that la-te-da up there. I have been wondering a lot lately if this happens to everyone at some point in their lives. Everything just starts to make really scary sense. Something clicks one day…or everything you had goes down the drain, whatever…but nonetheless something <em>does</em> click, and your entire reality becomes absolutely surreal. I have had chronic nausea trying to get my head around what life is lately. The conclusion: you don’t end up saving yourself, you just understand yourself. </p> Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-36562845243798817342011-11-30T09:17:00.001-08:002011-11-30T09:17:46.392-08:00I Think I’m Thinking<p align="center">There is just no turning back now. </p> <p align="center">Have you ever got an idea in your head that eats you alive until you fulfill it? I’m getting to that point. </p> <p align="center">I can accept that the person I have been for the past month has been a product of the grandiose changes in my life, but I’m not going to let anyone tell me that I don’t know what I’m doing or understand what I’m thinking because of those changes-because of this “hard time” I’m going through. Irrationality is common after break-ups, I know; and I can admit that I have made some irrational choices lately, but I don’t think every bit of my thoughts and actions are entirely irrational. </p> <p align="center">In fact, I think that I am thinking for the first time in my life. I know that probably makes no sense; maybe none of this post makes sense, but I just have to admit this: I was living life so conventionally. I read the Bible and sang hymns in a Southern Baptist church; I graduated high school with honors; I went to a four year university in my home state; I dated my high school sweetheart for all my young adult years</p> <p align="center">…. and I expected to have a ring on my finger within the next year, a job that is relevant to what I busted my rear studying for the past four years, and eventually a family and house of my own.</p> <p align="center">And all that is changed. I know, I know; <em>you can still have that, Amber</em>. <em>You’re going to find someone who deserves you and gives you all that and more</em>. Here’s the thing, I don’t know how much I want that anymore. I have a friend that refers to this as the “cookie-cutter lifestyle”. I guess because it’s been done before and can be done again no matter how many batches of dough are thrown on the table; of course, the domestic implications probably have something to do with the reference too. I’m not saying that I don’t want a husband, or a job, or a family and house one day! I’m just realizing how much of that “American dream” I was seeping into with all my life assumptions. I don’t have to have that right now. Heck, maybe I don’t even have to have that. Maybe. I’m also not criticizing anyone who wants this pattern of life; there is absolutely nothing wrong with it if it’s what makes you happy. But I don’t know if that’s what is going to make me happy. In fact, I think the thing that <em>will</em> make me happy is finding out what <em>will</em> make me happy. </p> <p align="center">I completely enjoyed my time over Thanksgiving break with my family-I love those people with every piece of my heart, but every time I go home (and I mean to my hometown, more than just my house) I get an annoying, itching nerve to get out. For awhile, I thought,<em> it’s just hard right now being around all the memories made around here</em> (I’m mostly referring to the ones I made with Jon), and <em>it will get easier as time goes on</em>. And though it is true that it will probably get easier to be in those places and see those faces, I don’t think the urge to get out of Mississippi is going anywhere.</p> <p align="center"><img alt="Dr. Seuss is the man" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/114630752985020216_u6Hrm9vZ_b.jpg" width="215" height="429"></p> <p align="center">Would it be terrible to explore some wilderness? To travel? To work a few different jobs? To meet a whole lot of people, and people that don’t exactly think and feel like I do? </p> <p align="center"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" alt="emily dickinson" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/114630752985023828_jDrq5KwX_b.jpg" width="236" height="235"></p> Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-13633607025960754532011-11-25T14:06:00.001-08:002011-11-25T14:10:24.711-08:00Thanksgiving in Review<div align="center">
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/345429215/" target="_blank">via</a></div>
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Check. Check. And Check.</div>
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I hope everyone had a fabulous Thanksgiving with their friends and families! I’m used to having two gatherings to go to during the holidays, and I would be lying if I said my heart didn’t ache a little bit when I realized I wouldn’t get to see the only grandparents I ever really had. But by no means was yesterday a terribly depressing day for me. Talk about abundance! I’m so thankful for the family God has provided for this gal! We laughed, and hugged, and ate, and oh yeah did I mention we YELLED? Not at each other, however; at the television! In fact it wasn’t so much yelling, as it was <em>cheering</em>! Did ya’ll see what my Packers did yesterday? 11-0, reader-friends!!! </div>
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Here are a few pictures from our turkey day!</div>
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-WGzQrQ7KJy4/TtARQyQ8m2I/AAAAAAAAA3M/4bHb5AFbLeU/s1600-h/DSCN6685%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSCN6685" border="0" height="304" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4EzkrYE-Mug/TtARRSRU2UI/AAAAAAAAA3U/tI0vT1_xaCU/DSCN6685_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSCN6685" width="404" /></a></div>
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See I’m not the only shortie in the fam! My aunt Debbie and I with my nephew who is in sixth grade and already passed me up!</div>
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ELXB1wfC-D0/TtARR87bCmI/AAAAAAAAA3c/XFXTusEpe7k/s1600-h/DSCN6686%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSCN6686" border="0" height="310" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-IlFjJvBGdvw/TtARSX-RQxI/AAAAAAAAA3k/81AJQxTzeFk/DSCN6686_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSCN6686" width="412" /></a></div>
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My big brother Larry and me</div>
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--i1S-3oSsQE/TtARS85shjI/AAAAAAAAA3s/deb68p1td2A/s1600-h/DSCN6687%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSCN6687" border="0" height="405" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-n2BWlvSNYe0/TtARTEOy5UI/AAAAAAAAA30/JO-1QCRYAqY/DSCN6687_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSCN6687" width="305" /></a></div>
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Sisters! </div>
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jE9cyaai19E/TtARTuulYuI/AAAAAAAAA38/218SItamWdw/s1600-h/DSCN6689%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSCN6689" border="0" height="294" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zjMd8t9Rz4c/TtARUtINo8I/AAAAAAAAA4E/iyVFwE36PVE/DSCN6689_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSCN6689" width="391" /></a></div>
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Mama and Daddy</div>
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yHvuOfmgEXM/TtARVDu3L2I/AAAAAAAAA4M/iZJbGLIlI1A/s1600-h/DSCN6690%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSCN6690" border="0" height="296" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-s3RAC_GgoVM/TtARVhA-1GI/AAAAAAAAA4U/UoM9RfoCbWs/DSCN6690_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSCN6690" width="393" /></a></div>
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Auntie Deb and Uncle Steve</div>
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JnIaDJeAO5A/TtARWAWpfqI/AAAAAAAAA4c/VpqaRyD7vVQ/s1600-h/DSCN6692%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSCN6692" border="0" height="301" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-p7Glrn3Gadw/TtARWggYN1I/AAAAAAAAA4k/wtpJ1MQLrcA/DSCN6692_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSCN6692" width="400" /></a></div>
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David and Nicole</div>
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-guDXej1f81k/TtARXIuRNjI/AAAAAAAAA4s/7QVXyOU_6Fo/s1600-h/DSCN6693%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSCN6693" border="0" height="285" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-EzxhC6D9oJc/TtARXs0mujI/AAAAAAAAA4w/jRbU1Ior508/DSCN6693_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSCN6693" width="379" /></a></div>
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The victory photo!</div>
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DuCxSlnmhKE/TtARX0d4xwI/AAAAAAAAA44/v9t3Hohz-Lg/s1600-h/DSCN6694%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSCN6694" border="0" height="339" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-db49uvdADLo/TtARYDYuyFI/AAAAAAAAA5A/kbU8bBjy4wo/DSCN6694_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSCN6694" width="360" /></a></div>
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A bunch of cheeseheads acting cheesy!</div>
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4AmkFu9rDkk/TtARY7rfXrI/AAAAAAAAA5E/lNbIw5D6eF8/s1600-h/DSCN6695%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSCN6695" border="0" height="264" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-AQgQMYXFYjo/TtARZSk3KJI/AAAAAAAAA5Q/J_-n7mQUJbU/DSCN6695_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSCN6695" width="350" /></a></div>
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Carving the bird.</div>
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TrzlCU8bHqs/TtARZ2nm_PI/AAAAAAAAA5g/AMuYwqYV_hg/s1600-h/DSCN6697%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSCN6697" border="0" height="287" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tuajSoe88cM/TtARbelqpkI/AAAAAAAAA5o/6Jt5JGRwh1o/DSCN6697_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSCN6697" width="381" /></a></div>
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There are not any pictures after this because there wasn’t too much movement after this!</div>
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Alright, so now that we FINALLY had Thanksgiving, can we all please be excited about CHRISTMAS!?</div>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/384203530/" target="_blank">via</a></div>Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-47338952960872746332011-11-22T07:39:00.001-08:002011-11-22T07:39:29.297-08:00Earth and Sky<p align="center"><em><font color="#a5a5a5">Earth and sky, woods and fields, lakes and rivers, the mountain and the sea, are excellent schoolmasters, and teach some of us more than we can ever learn from books.</font></em></p> <p align="center">-John Lubbock<br></p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/111534528241157123_DKAEGNEN_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center">One word. <em>Walden</em>.</p> <p align="center">Lately, I have not been able to shake the desire to get out there in the well, “out there”. How do I talk about this without sounding like a hippie? Maybe, I can’t. So, I will risk sounding like a peace and love kind of gal (without the whole being stoned thing, of course), to say I want to drink in all the Mother Nature I can! When I’m “out there” I just look around and think about God. I think <em>this</em> is for us. We’re in our cities with our made-to-order commodities all the time and we think that is <em>natural</em>. But I breathe in unpolluted mountain air and I <em>know</em> that I’m where I belong. Oh, I know I sound whimsical and that if I had to rough it more than a few weeks, I would probably miss my bed and running water. But you see, that’s the problem: I know that would happen. </p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/114630752985023499_Q2IfO3dE_c.jpg"> </p> <p align="center">I’m not going to pretend that the circumstances in my life have left me with nothing but independence to pursue. Well, that’s not entirely true; I could also pursue a death grip on anything and anyone that ever so crossed my path. And that would be so easy to do in my vulnerable state, but <em>no</em> I refuse. You only get so many opportunities in life to become the person you truly want to be before you’re so buried in conveniences and comforts. I want to be able to take care of myself no. matter. what. If you haven’t noticed, I’m talking on a few different levels now, but nevertheless I truly believe that spending time out in nature, depending on the raw elements for survival allows one to do the same individualistically-depend on their <em>own</em> raw elements. </p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/114630752985023467_NEBrxY0Q_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center">I just wonder: <em>What am I made of?</em></p> <p align="center">That may be a struggle to truly discover. Maybe even a fight. And when it comes to that, it’s best to…</p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/114630752985023481_vXsTMZdg_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center"><font size="2">{All photos via this <a href="http://pinterest.com/eleganta/outdoors/" target="_blank">pinboard</a>}</font></p> Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8646554451509464201.post-40164740148415412362011-11-20T07:42:00.001-08:002011-11-20T07:42:13.807-08:00Give Me a Break<p align="center">Oh the agony! I have writer’s block. Hmmmm, could it be because I actually have TONS of writing to do? Two very large papers plus a few more assignments need to get done during this “break”. Ha ha, what a joke! No, I suppose it <em>is</em> a break after all; I don’t have class or work, right? But still, I’m going to sit in front of my computer all week working my brain to nothing.</p> <p align="center">I feel this is appropriate: “Give me a break…Give me a break…Break me off a piece of that…”</p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/150166968794694205_Ubyas3VI_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">Man, I see where this post is going. No where.</p> <p align="center">Oh well, let’s journey on.</p> <p align="center">So, I have entered the world of fancy phones. New owner of iPhone4 here. Apple savvy ladies and gentlemen are more than welcome to help a chica out. What should I know about this funky little device?</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/40743571598415265_z60IPPW7_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">Any other randomness? Yes! It’s game day for my undefeated Packers! Get your cheeseheads out, folks!</p> <p align="center"><img alt="Pinned Image" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/216032113344944998_8B7koPr8_c.jpg"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/225508078/" target="_blank">via</a></p> <p align="center">This post about absolutely nothing brought to you by:</p> Amber Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09020865623952989047noreply@blogger.com1