why you gotta look so sad. why’d you pick today. don’t talk yourself out of this. we’re all afraid. they say it comes when you don’t look, so I’ll help you look away. you always try to make me smile. let me do the same.

I listened to the song  Until You Won Me Over by Trent Dobbs (which includes lyrics that also serve as the title of this post) over and over again yesterday.  For some reason I found comfort in these words.  They were not only soothing, but they were also a bit encouraging. It's no secret on my …

champagne mornings and vodka nights.

My legs are sore; my throat is scratchy; and the dark circles underneath my eyes keep getting darker and darker.  Just the price you pay for spending a weekend with your friends, including those named Champagne & Vodka.  Might I add that it was a four-day weekend too.  Oh, and lucky me woke up this …

weekend shenanigans with addie, mitch, lana, jordan & kendall

One of my favorite things about living in Chicago is that friends are always anxious to stop by and play for a weekend.  This weekend I hosted four of my OU besties: Ashley, Mike, Libby, and Jay (pictured left to right).  Note: They may be referred to as Addie, Mitch, Lana & Jordan- which became their …

my best friend’s wedding

For the last 7 1/2 years, I have been one of the luckiest girls in the world.  Now I say 'one of the..." because there are many of us who have been blessed to have Brandon as their friend.  And on Saturday, June 25, 2011, Brandon made Stephanie the luckiest of all when he became …

oh becca & kenna, don’t you ever grow up. it could stay this simple.

As I rode back from Midway Airport early Tuesday morning, I turned on the Becca & Kenna playlist that my weekend guests made me only to find myself crying happy tears as Never Grow Up by Taylor Swift played.  After spending a weekend with my 18-year old cousin, Becca, and her best friend, Kenna, I couldn't help but wonder …

it’s okay not to be okay.

Yep, still not feeling well.  What is this? And when will to finally go away???  We're hoping to rule out mono (pingers crossed), and trying treat it with lots of early bedtimes and gallons of OJ.  Honestly, I'm starting to believe that this really is a case of being run-down (and maybe a minor sinus infection).  …

the nanny diaries: my weekend with max

"Oh, and when you figure out, Love is all that matters after all. It sure makes everything else, seem so small."  Carrie Underwood sang these words (to me) and captured my attention today as I rode the bus this morning on my way to our new work office (finally) in downtown Chicago.  I thought of …

sometimes you just know

This may be the shortest post I've ever written, but I really cannot stay to chat tonight.  Things have busy, but what else is new?  Anyways, today/tonight i got to spend some time with my friend, Michelle, and the adorable little Max (her son) and I feel like I cannot go to bed tonight without …

secret to life: let your friends be there for you (too).

It's no secret on this blog...last week was not my week.  Five full days of being an emotional wreck- yep, that was me.  But I'm happy to report that those have come & gone (at least for now).  I won't lie, I woke up on Saturday still feeling blah, even nearly canceling on a friend's …

if you really need me- ever- i am there. xoxo.

My Couch & Me: The perfect way to end a Moan-day.  Along with my new favorite OU tee-shirt, leggings, pigtail braids, and a blanket wrapped around me and my cold-inflicted body.  (Blah.)  And even better, I got to enjoy a new episode of my guilty pleasure, Gossip Girl, and in particular, one particular story line between Blair, …