9 Months

First of all I'm going to clear up the fact that the title of this post does not actually indicate that I'm pregnant. So family, if you're reading, get that thought out of your mind! 

I had the best surprise of my life this last weekend. Dan was packing his stuff to move back into his dorm, I was home alone because the rest of my family was house sitting for my uncle and I wanted to skype. But he said he was too busy to. On Saturday, I went to work thinking that I wouldn't be able to talk to Dan for a while because he was going to be moving his stuff into his dorm. So I was just sitting at home waiting for my mom to come pick me up so I could go help house sit. They finally got to my apartment and told me they needed my help carrying groceries in because they went shopping.

So I went outside...

Rounded the car...

And saw Dan standing there! 

It was.. the best day ever. I had day dreamed about something like that happening for the longest time. (The last 3 years, to be specific) So we got to spend one last weekend together before school started. And it was wonderful! We didn't have anything planned and we still had a lot of fun. We went out to eat the first night we were there, and then we had both gotten nominated to do the ALS ice bucket challenge so we recorded that together. We got to sleep all curled up and snuggly together, which was my favorite part. 

I wouldn't have traded that weekend for anything in the world.

But he's back at school now, and today was his second day of classes. 

So this marks the beginning of the end. We've been at this long distance deal for 3 years now and the end is finally in sight. We have to get through this next 9 months before we can start taking the next step, and it's going to require a lot of patience. It's not going to be an easy 9 months, but we've come too far to give up now. 

For my sanity, I hope it goes by quickly. 

May 9th, I'm ready for you. I've been waiting for you for a very long time and we're almost upon you. (That's his graduation date, if you didn't put it together yet) 

the gorgeous flowers my love got me while he was here <3

Mexi-Mac

One of these days I'll catch you guys up on all that's been going on but for now I'm going to share one of my favorite recipes with you!
Now this is a very complex and confusing recipe so I want you to pay close attention, 'kay?


So here's what's going on. That bowl of delicious up there is probably known to just about everyone but just in case we're going to give you, the lucky reader, directions on how to indulge yourself.


First, make a box (or however many boxes you need) of macaroni and cheese like normal. With the milk and butter and cheese powder and all that jazz.

I usually brown the hamburger as I'm going that but you can do it whenever your little heart desires. But make it all nice and taco-y. As for a measurement, use as much hamburger as you want. I just used a pound with 2 boxes.


After both of those things are done, mix them together. Yup, just throw the meat right into the pot of mac-n-cheese.


Finally, to give it that mexi-mac name, add some taco seasoning. And I don't have a measurement for you, I just go by taste. So put as much in as you want, stir it all together and enjoy!


Fine dining on a budget is what this is. But really, it's one of my favorite things to eat because, hey, I'm a cheap date.

15 Things You Should Stop Saying To Girls WIth Tattoos

Happy Thursday! If you haven't noticed, I've kind of hit a wall over the last two months. I was throwing posts out there every day, and now I do one every couple weeks. I'm sorry, I suck.


 You guys are going to hate me, but I'm doing another one of those copy/paste posts because I find this article relatable too. #SorryNotSorry


I only have one tattoo, but doesn't mean I don't hear some of this stuff all the time.


Here's my official disclaimer: The list that follows was copy and pasted from this article. The picture is mine though.

15 Things You Should Stop Saying To Girls With Tattoos

1. "But you're so pretty!"

I’m not sure if you’re saying girls with tattoos are less pretty, or…? (And I think my tattoos are pretty, and they make me feel pretty, which is more than I can say for your complisult.)

2. "Aren't you worried about sagging/what they'll look like when you get older?"

You know what I’ll look like when I get older? An awesome old lady with tattoos.

3. "I don't usually like girls with tattoos."

Congratulations. The tattoo-free ones are still out there. Even if you’re following this up with “… but yours are okay,” it still feels like there was some serious initial judgment.

4. "Well, I wouldn't get that."

Well, it’s a good thing it’s not on your body, isn’t it?

5. [if you're a total stranger] "But what does it mean?"

Do you realize the potential can of worms you’re opening up here? Do you really want to ask somebody about something that could, for all you know, be related to something really personal that happened in their life? Do you? Do you want to take the conversation there?

6. [if it doesn't mean anything] "So why'd you get it then?"

Because I wanted it...?

7. "What do your parents think?"

Whatever they think, at the end of the day, it’s not on their body. (Besides, how do you know if my parents don’t have them, too?)

8. "What about when you have kids? Are you going to let them get one?"

If they’re an adult, they can do what they want. (P.S., ink doesn’t make me any less suited to be a
goodgreat, accepting, loving, understanding, encouraging parent.)

9. "Do you only date guys with tattoos?"

Do you only date people who ask questions that stereotype someone else?

10. "Why would you spend so much money on that?"

A) It’ll be there for the rest of my life, hopefully, so it’s smart to spend good money on quality work.
B) The best artists — because yes, this is artwork — don’t come cheap.
C) I sense that you think I wasted my money. I don’t think I did.

11. "Don't you regret it?"

Do you just want me to admit that you’re right and I’m wrong and tattoos are dumb and oh lord forgive me for I have sinned? Because I won’t.

12. “Aren’t you worried what it looks like with your [wedding dress/work clothes/insert clothing here]?”

No, actually, I think it kind of enhances the whole thing and makes it more unique. But I still know how to cover up when I need to. It’s all about being appropriate to the situation.

13. "I'm thinking of getting [___________]. Should I?"

Whatever floats your boat, or finds your lost remote, baby. I’m not here to sound off on the shoulds or shouldn’ts between you and your skin, because if you’re having second doubts now, chances are good you’ll hate it in five years.

14. "Did it hurt?"

…………. Needle. Skin. Puncture wound. Foreign substance. Inflammation. No, not at all! (But my saying it did doesn’t make me any less worthy of having them.)

15. "When are you going to stop?"

When are you?