2012

Resolutions:

I spent the last few weeks thinking about resolutions. There are the typical ones like "lose weight" and "get out of debt" and "grow in my faith" (the last one has become a trend for me over the past few years) but I think it would be a mistake to make those my New Years' Resolutions (yet again). My weight has always been an issue, so to say that I can spend one year "losing weight" and not have to worry about it in 2013 or '14 etc would be a little delusional. The same with my desire to improve my walk with God. And debt. These are some elements of my life that will probably always be with me. I imagine that I will always struggle with weight and finances (self control, really) and faith/fear/questions, these are not things that I can say I will conquer in 2012 & never have to think about again... All of this to say that these very important items are not my resolutions, but they are things that will be with me throughout the next 12 months (and beyond). Just because they aren't on the list does not mean I will not attempt to do something about them this year.

But I digress.

2012's New Year's Resolution:

To have at least one new experience every month. This could be learning about something new or something from my 100 in 1001 list. The goal of this is mostly to make me step out of my comfort zone. It's so easy to get bogged down in the day to day junks, and sometimes I use that as an excuse. But not anymore, I will force myself to expand my horizons through this easy to keep resolution. (I also like that it doesn't automatically set me up for failure.)

May 2012 be exactly what we make of it!

2011 Review

2011 was a big year for us!

January: We said goodbye to J's brother & his family. They moved to Guatemala to be missionaries. This was taken the night before they left.

February: Worked, mostly. My school's homecoming happens in February, so I got to spend a weekend visiting with the Alumni from the 50's & 60's. Those ladies are awesome (& their husbands too)!

March: Spring Break with the Nerds! Instead of the traditional beach trip, we chose to go to a cabin in the mountains about 30ish minutes outside of Ashville, NC. This was the view from our back porch.

April: We focused on fixing up the house & getting ready for my graduation, then tornadoes ripped through our state. I count myself so lucky to not have been affected by these, but I did see the devastation they caused across this beautiful state of mine, and I was awed at the sense of community this disaster created. If nothing else, I learned that we know how to be tenacious in the moment and unite in the wake. Even now, 8 months later, we are still united in picking up the pieces.

May: I graduated & began my first real big girl job. We moved the same weekend of my graduation. One brother graduated high school & another

turned 15. May was cuh-ray-zee.

My graduation!

Joe's graduation!

Watch out guys. This one will be on the road next year!

June: Cruised to Mexico with my family & celebrated our 2nd Anniversary.

July: Participated in SCT's production of "The Curious Savage" and we finally finished all the house details & threw a small housewarming bbq (complete with burgers, hot dogs, bon fires, & a slip-&-slide!)!

August: Spending time with baby Adley Mae (who was technically born in the last days of July).

September: My 24th (eek) birthday. I'm definitely feeling like a grown up now... My nephew got me a cute toy cat.

October: J's 38th birthday! And I got a new job. It was sad saying goodbye to all my friends, but it had to be done. He really wanted to recreate a picture of his grandparents... so we did.

November: Was mostly spent adjusting to my new job. We (my office) hosted a Veteran's Day event & it was so humbling to be a part of that.

December: We are enjoying spending time with J's sister & her family before they move across the globe (also to be missionaries)!

It's ironic & a little sad for us how the year 2011 is bookended with goodbyes (but we know it's all for the glory of God). This was definitely a year of change and growth here on Self Lane. And I can't wait to see what 2012 has in store!

Excuses... excuses...

I have been ignoring my blog lately. The truth is that I have thought about blogging, said I really need to blog, and just not made myself blog.

I guess, after working at a computer all day the last thing I want to do when I come home is get on the computer. Plus, I don't have any kind of strict schedule to make myself do this blogging thing.

Which is why I'm trying something new. I am going to blog before work. And I've made a schedule... starting small. First, I'm going to try a month of blogging on Wednesdays and Fridays and see how it goes from there.

So here is my promise to blog more.

Misc: Life

1. It’s difficult to come back to work after a 4 day weekend. But my lovely new skirt makes the transition a little easier.


2. Now that Thanksgiving is over, we’re gearing up for Christmas on Self Lane. It’s my first Christmas in a house (as opposed to a tiny cramped apartment with a roommate, and a hotel room) so we’re a little lacking in the decoration department, but I’m just going to have to “make it work.” But the day after Christmas, I’m definitely going to hit up the sales!


3. I.Love.Pinterest. So so so so very much. It’s a sickness really.


4. Last week, the weather was ah-maz-ing. Now, they’re predicting snow… And, I’m ok with that.


5. As mentioned last week, 2 of my BFFs are getting married next summer (not to each other), and I’m still super excited.


6. My sis-in-law is having a yard sale next week to prepare for their move to France/Africa. I feel like this will be a good opportunity to get rid of some stuff, but I’m afraid I’ll end up buying a bunch of her stuff (cuz she’s adorable & I love her style).

OOTD Week of 11/21-11/23

OOTD Week of 11/21-11/23 by annies0627 featuring grey flat boots

Rachel pally dress, $148
CatWorld cotton knit cardigan, $25
Crew neck top, $25
Old Navy v neck sweater, $18
Lightly Flared plus size jean with Right Fit Technology | Lane Bryant, $50
Marc by Marc Jacobs dark jeans, $198
Old Navy cami, $5
Bow shoes, $20
Dorothy Perkins grey flat boots, £45
Dangling jewelry, $15
Hanro - Diary Lace-Trimmed Camisole Top - Saks.com, $82

Short week at work!!!! I love three day work weeks almost as much as four day weekends.

OOTD Week of 11/14-11/18

OOTD Week of 11/14-11/18 by annies0627 featuring a long floral skirt

Velvet jersey shirt, £37
Old Navy cami tank top, $37
Sweater, $30
Sweater
Lightly Flared plus size jean with Right Fit Technology | Lane Bryant, $50
Long floral skirt, $33
Target:Women's Plus-Size Merona® Ebony Straight-..., $28
Target:Women's Plus-Size Merona® White Short-Sle..., $15
Old navy, $5
Old navy, $5
Shoes, $35
Flat shoes, $20

I've decided to start doing weekly Outfit posts, because this blog isn't only supposed to be about what I wore to work... that's just one tool to help me be creative with what little wardrobe I have. Ideally, I'd like to post the previous week on Saturday or Monday, but this blog isn't supposed to be about routine or structured posts. It's supposed to be about my life, it's supposed to be a very organic thing... which is why some weeks I don't post anything, and then some weeks I post several times. There aren't any rules. I have to remind myself that I'm doing this for no one but myself (since no one reads this... & I'm ok with that).

Misc: Life

Following the wonderful, Carissa's lead:

1. Have you ever just woken up so thankful you feel like your going to burst? That's how I've felt lately. Thankful and so so so happy.

2. Getting out of debt is no fun. I have to constantly remind myself that this will be worth it (in like 10 years, when it'll finally be over).

3. I <3 my new(ish) job. Even on the bad days. I love the crap out of it.

4. Sometimes I get really annoyed when people ask when J & I are going to have a baby. We will when the time is right, so back off baby-crazy people.

5. 2 of my BFFs are getting married next summer. I'm so ecstatic for them! (while at the same time, selfishly wondering how I'm going to afford it.)

Thanks Carissa for helping me get started with the actual writing part of the blog. Maybe one day I'll be as eloquent as you.

11/11/11

Wow. What a date!

In the last few years Veterans Day has taken on a new meaning for me. I married a Veteran, who is the son of a Veteran. I now work for an office seemingly full of Veterans. My best friends family members of veterans or active military... And to all of those people I want to give a very very heartfelt thanks. To every veteran and active duty member of the armed forces: Thank you so much. Not just today, but every single day. We wouldn't have this without you.

image via pinterest.

11/9/11

11/9/11 by annies0627 featuring flat shoes

Old navy shirt, $13
Old Navy cami bra, $8
Flat shoes, $17
Target:Women's Plus-Size Merona® Ebony Straight-..., $28

11/7/11

11/7/11 by annies0627 featuring plunging neckline tops

Halogen plunging neckline top, $79
Plus size lace-trim cami | Lane Bryant, $27
Shoes, $30
Teardrop jewelry, $15
Target:Women's Plus-Size Merona® Ebony Straight-..., $28
Buy OPI Nicole by OPI Nail Lacquer, Deeply In Love Online at..., $7.99

11/8/11

11/8/11 by annies0627 featuring flat bow shoes

Flat bow shoes, $17
Another Line hot pink belt, $28
Black and White Polka Dot Rockabilly Dress - Dresses

Lately I've been thinking to myself, "Self, you are kind of boring. You get up, go to work, come home, clean (a little... maybe... sometimes) and watch t.v. or read or play on the computer."

Now, I know there's nothing wrong with doing these things, it's just that I got in the habit of doing them every single day. Which is not good for someone who has relocated to a new small town & only knows her mother & father-in-law... And I remember how I used to go out all the time. And maybe a small part of me has been missing that. But lately, the lazy/shy/no self-esteem/poor side of me always wins.

All this to say that last night (Tuesday) J had a VIP ticket to a fashion show he was working. SO I went. I really didn't want to go. I was scared of going outside my comfort zone. But you know what? After I stopped being so effing shy (thanks to the free vodka), I had a lot of fun!

Click for more info on Rock the Runway.

11/4/11

11/4/11 by annies0627 featuring turtleneck tops

Turtleneck top, $20
Lightly Flared plus size jean with Right Fit Technology | Lane Bryant, $50
Shoes, $30
MICHAEL Michael Kors chain necklace, $165

11/3/11

11/3/11 by annies0627 featuring a cropped sweater

LinQ cropped sweater, $105
Elie Tahari ruffle leather jacket, $370
Lightly Flared plus size jean with Right Fit Technology | Lane Bryant, $50
Flat shoes, $17

11/2/11

11/2/11 by annies0627 featuring a camel cardigan

POL camel cardigan, $35
Old Navy slit skirt, $28
Chloé slip on shoes, $395
Dorothy Perkins flower hair accessory, £4

11/1/11

11/1/11 by annies0627 featuring jade dresses

Jade dress, $35
Top, $25
Flat bow shoes, $17

10/31/11

10/31/11 by annies0627 featuring scoop neck tops

French Connection knit top, $90
Scoop neck top, $23
Bow shoes, $17
Another Line buckle belt, $28
Target:Women's Plus-Size Merona® Ebony Straight-..., $28

Last week was pretty hectic, so there was no time to post. Expect rapid-fire outfits coming in the next day or so...

10/28/2011

10/28/2011 by annies0627 featuring a filigree necklace

V neck tee, $13
Shawl collar cardigan, $20
Lightly Flared plus size jean with Right Fit Technology | Lane Bryant, $50
Flat heels, $13
Teardrop jewelry, $15
Forever21 filigree necklace, $8.80
Buy OPI Nicole by OPI Nail Lacquer, Deeply In Love Online at..., $7.99

Posting daily outfits has forced me to realize how "boring" I dress. This experiment has absolutely made me put more thought into getting dressed in the morning. And now I realize how important accessories are to finishing an outfit. The problem is that I'm not used to wearing accessories... guess I'm gonna have to learn! :)

10/27/2011

10/27/2011 by annies0627 featuring flat bow shoes

MICHAEL Michael Kors striped dress, $198
Cardigan, $23
Flat bow shoes, $17
Skinny belt

This is another example of not exactly what I wore, but the closest thing I could find.

About 2-3 years ago I bought a yellow, green, and white chevron striped sundress from Old Navy. It was on super sale then, so it was already old. So, really, this polyvore set isn't very descriptive/accurate, but it's the closest thing I could find on the internet in 2011. Also, the dress came with some kind of "strap" thing that could be used to make it into a halter dress. I just used it as a belt since all the layers were starting to look shapeless.

10/26//2011

10/26//2011 by annies0627 featuring zebra print tops

Zebra print top, $18
Target:Women's Plus-Size Merona® Ebony Straight-..., $28
Shoes, $30

Wow. There is so much black in my wardrobe.

I started doing this because I need to force myself to be creative instead of just wearing the same outfit over and over and over again. There aren't any rules being enforced or anything. I don't mind repeating outfits, just not every day/week, as I noticed I was doing before.

10/25/2011

10/25/2011 by annies0627 featuring shoes

Target:Women's Plus-Size Merona® Ebony Straight-..., $28
Shoes, $30
Cutter & Buck Women's CB DryTec Championship Polo, $46

Today I had a 7am meeting. Guess it's safe to say that the honeymoon is over! ;)

Seriously, there was really no thought put into this. Mostly I just made sure all my goods were covered up (and it was almost 80 degrees today, so I did consider that much).

Also, not all of these items are the ones I own. There is no way I would spend $40 on a shirt! But most of my stuff is either a few years old or from Ross/TJ Maxx & they don't have websites, so some of these things are similar items. I do own the shoes & pants though. And I love both of them!

10/24/2011

10/24/2011 by annies0627 featuring a scoop neck dress

Vivienne Westwood Anglomania scoop neck dress, £119
Crew neck top, $25
Tight, $13
Ballet flat shoes, $13
Another Line hot pink belt, $28

Another Monday! And it was another long one. But I'm so thankful to have a job I really enjoy! Plus J will be home soon. So, it's a good one.

Finally Friday

10/21/2011 by annies0627 featuring flat shoes

Old navy sweater, $33
Lightly Flared plus size jean with Right Fit Technology | Lane Bryant, $60
Flat shoes, $20
Target:Sterling Silver Large Teardrop Cubic Zirconium Pen..., $30

Made it through the week! Thank goodness City Hall allows a casual Friday. I really needed jeans & flats & comfort this Friday.

10/20/2011

10/20/2011 by annies0627 featuring shoes

Shoes, $30
Pink Long Skirt - Vintage Pink Pleated Midi Skirt | UsTrendy, $65
Target:Mossimo® Women's Ultrasoft Turtleneck Swe..., $20
Plus Size Control Top Microfiber Tights | Plus Size Hosiery & Socks |..., $13

10/19/2011

10/19/2011 by annies0627 featuring cardigans

Cardigan, $50
Shoes, $20
Target:Women's Plus-Size Merona® Ebony Straight-..., $28
Target:Women's Plus-Size Merona® White Short-Sle..., $15

10/18/2011

10/18/2011 by annies0627 featuring shoes

Shoes, $20
Target:Women's Plus-Size Merona® Ebony Straight-..., $28

First Day!

10/17/2011 by annies0627 featuring chiffon tops

Old Navy chiffon top, $37
Old navy skirt, $25
Target:Women's Merona® Euna Pumps - Black, $25

I got a new job!!! This is what I wore to my first day. It was a long one 10am-8pm. Because I work for City Hall in my small town, I had to go to the City Council Meeting to be publicly "introduced" to City Council (although I already met them all) & the citizens of my town.

I picked this thinking it would look professional & flattering. In hindsight, this flip-flop lover should've chosen something with flats for the first day of training!

So far the job is incredibly interesting. It was kind of pieced together from other positions (those people have been promoted/moved to another dept) with some added responsibilities. It's the first time in my (work) life that I finally feel completely grown up. Husband+House+Career=Adulthood.

Recently Pinned

Items I've pinned:

Sticky Bun Breakfast Ring via All Things Delicious

Skittle Infused Vodka via Mix That Drink

Birthday Pancakes (J's Birthday is next week...) via How Sweet It Is

Adorable Owl Cupcakes via A Little Sussy

Changeable Wreath via The Cellar Door Stories

Seriously. I may make every single one of these this month.

A Struggle With My Old Life

I've been thinking about this a lot lately, and today I woke up feeling burdened to get this off my chest.

I am a Christian. But, this is a fairly recent development. I mean, I was baptized when I was little, but after that I went my own way. In high school, I proudly declared that I didn't believe in God. I even admit to taking it a step further and making fun of many Christians and their crazy belief in this... deity. I couldn't understand how anyone could have faith in something when there was no proof. It really made absolutely no sense to me. And if I'm being really truthful, sometimes it still doesn't completely make sense. After meeting J & his family and beginning to go to church & read the Bible, and reflecting, and going through my own set of trials, and being rescued by something unearthly, and just... feeling, I realized that Christians weren't wrong. I was. But, I still struggle almost daily with this past life of unbelief. I find myself questioning myself in the same ridiculing manner of high school. How could someone really be resurrected? How could someone willingly sacrifice themselves? How can I be sure of all these things I (am supposed to) believe? What kind of fool just believes one book to be proof? Honestly, it just doesn't make any sense to me.

But, about a month ago I was reading and this passage just stood out to me and my desire to know everything:

1 Corinthians 2:6-16

⁶ We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. ⁷ No, we declare God’s wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. ⁸ None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. ⁹ However, as it is written:

“What no eye has seen,
what no ear has heard,
and what no human mind has conceived”—
the things God has prepared for those who love him—

¹⁰ these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit.

The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. ¹¹ For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. ¹² What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us. ¹³ This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words. ¹⁴ The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit. ¹⁵ The person with the Spirit makes judgments about all things, but such a person is not subject to merely human judgments, ¹⁶ for,

“Who has known the mind of the Lord
so as to instruct him?”

But we have the mind of Christ.

This was exactly what I needed to read. Funny how God knows what you need even if you don't. It's nice to read that I was not the only one struggling with "wisdom" and the desire to understand God.

In our small group one day a woman said something to the effect of: "We are only humans with human intellect and only have the capacity to understand humans and our nature. That's one way to know that this story isn't made up by humans, because this story defies human understanding." And that struck me as pretty profound.

It's also comforting to know that I am not the only one who will never fulfill that desire on my own. There is no way for a human alone to understand God. We only have the capacity for human understanding. But the Spirit teaches us.

And mostly, it's encouraging to have this passage to keep my old demons at bay.

Welcome Home

We recently moved to our new home. It was J's grandmother's house, and J's dad grew up here. This house was built in 1953, and underwent some changes before we moved in. It's a cute 2 bedroom starter house that's perfect for us right now. We are so lucky to be able to live here (and have some pretty awesome in-laws/landlords)

J took these pictures, they are mostly details and one day I hope to convince him to take pictures of the full rooms.

But... before those pictures, allow me to show you what it looked like before:

This is just a snap shot of the before. The whole house looked like this. It had great bones, but needed some cosmetic assistance.

And now:

There are plenty more pictures. These are two of my faves and I'm having some technical difficulties right now. So... more later.

101 in 1001

Here's my 101 list.

I started it awhile ago... back on my first blog.

The Challenge:
Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.

The Criteria:
Tasks must be specific (i.e. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (i.e. represent some amount of work on your part).

Why 1001 Days?:
Many people have created lists - frequently simple challenges such as New Year's resolutions or a 'Bucket List'. The key to beating procrastination is to set a deadline that is realistic. 1001 days (about 2.75 years) is a better period of time than a year because it allows you several seasons to complete the task, which is better for organizing and timing some tasks such as overseas trips, study semesters, or outdoor activities.

For more information please visit this website.

Started: July 1, 2010
End: March 28, 2013
My 101 in 1001 list:

1. Donate blood.

2. Graduate college.

3. Apply for graduate school

4. Pay off Car

5. Pay off CC 1

6. Pay off CC 2

7. Pay off CC 3

8. Pay off my cc

9. Act in a play

10. Read 3 books from the banned books list

11. Visit the Birmingham Museum of Art

12. Lose 5 lbs

13. Lose 10 lbs

14. Lose 20 lbs

15. Lose 30 lbs

16. Lose 40 lbs

17. Lose 50 lbs

18. Run/Walk a 5k race

19. Go on a cruise

20. Vacation with J

21. Buy something for J just because

22. Make J breakfast in bed

23. Write a letter to family members living abroad

24. Finish & frame decorative marriage certificate

25. Make wedding photo album

26. Write Senior Thesis

27. Blog at least 15x in one month

28. Clean bathroom 1x/week for one month (like seriously cleaned. I polished the faucet and everything. It took for-ev-er.)

29. Attend a play at South City

30. Attend a play at ASFA

31. Move into a new apartment (we are renting a wonderful house!!!)

32. Start a savings account

33. Make Portuguese sweet bread

34. Visit a new state

35. Make strawberry jelly or preserves

36. Visit a different country

37. Go to a winery

38. Stay at a B&B

39. Go camping

40. Go on 3 real dates with Josh (grabbing pizza on the way home doesn't count)

41. Volunteer at church (more than once)

42. Read the New Testament

43. Go to or tailgate at and Alabama football game

44. Pay for the person behind me at a drive-thru

45. Visit family living abroad (1 or both)

46. Take my parents out to dinner

47. Take J's parents out to dinner

48. Send a package via anysoldier.com

49. Go to a drive-in movie

50. Pay 10 strangers compliments

51. Buy a new TV

52. Send flowers to someone

53. Watch 10 movies from AFI's top 100 movies list

54. Try 15 new recipes

55. Go to the farmers' market

56. Take the GRE

57. Donate hair to Locks of Love (or an alternative)

58. Tithe consistently for at least 6 months (hopefully forever)

59. Take a multivitamin daily for 1 month

60. Buy new bedding

61. Find & buy cute, comfortable black flats

62. (Maybe) start trying to have a baby (tried. and decided to stop. we weren't comfortable with that kind of life change yet. maybe in a year or 3.)

63. Attend the midnight premiere of a movie

64. Bake something for a friend

65. Get accepted into the AFY graduate school program

66. Go vegetarian for a week

67. Host a party

68. Improve my posture

69. Leave an inspirational note for someone to find

70. Own a LBD

71. Ride a roller coaster

72. Take a cake decorating class

73. Visit 10 different museums

74. Alphabet movie challenge

75. Donate 1000 grains of rice through freerice.com

76. Donate 5000 grains of rice through freerice.com

77. Play mini-golf

78. Influence a person to make a dayzero list

79. Give up red meat for a month

80. Blog about (important) tasks as I complete them

81. Get a J tattoo

82. Get a new piercing

83. Get a passport

84. Make my own ice cream

85. Complete a crossword puzzle

86. Learn to sew

87. Go one month without soda

88. Bake an apple pie from scratch

89. Have a nerd night

90. Get a massage

91. Go whitewater rafting

92. Go on a missions trip

93. Go on a picnic

94. Read a book by any author from my ENG 232 class

95. Donate blood 8 times

96. Financially support missionaries in our family

97. Track eating habits daily for one month

98. Make pancit

99.Fly on a plane

100. Donate $5 to charity for every task I don't complete

101. Make a new dayzero list

Bold = Complete

Welcome to Self Lane

The first post is always so difficult.

First, welcome to Self Lane!

June 27th marks 2 years of wedded bliss with my dear husband. I love you so much and can't wait to see what the third year has in store!