2013 is almost over.

Standing outside Obama's viewing box for the inaugural parade in DC

Despite my best efforts, I turned 25

Crafting Easter eggs

Enjoying good music, food, and company at Googa Mooga with free VIP tickets.  Later in the trip, I met Matthew Broderick. 

Reliving Rocky's glory days in Philly.

Me and my wedding date, using as many photo props as possible.

I found myself back in DC, riding bikes in front of the White House with these two patriotic beauts. 

Grandma and Papa celebrated 65 years of being married

One of my first days of teaching, taking selfies in the staff bathroom

Celebrating Melissa's engagement to Vance

Oliver and I dressed up as Charlie Brown and Snoopy for a Halloween party

I attended my very first country concert...and enjoyed it. 

In November, my oldest sister had her first baby the day before Thanksgiving.

In December, I played bingo and had lunch with my grandma's church group consisting of many older women who are avid supporters of both bingo and a modest lunchtime

And just like that...

I'm a teacher! Today was my first day and I'd be lying if I said I didn't come home at 4 pm, have dinner, and take a nap. I forgot how lively high schoolers are! And I forgot what the sky looks like at 5:30 am...totally black. I forgot to take a first day of school pic but just imagine a bright dress and a jean jacket to get a good idea.

After I woke up from my nap, I made a Target run in which I spent more than intended (has that ever NOT happened?) and enjoyed Starbucks for the second time today.

Cheers to surviving!

New Car, New Job

What our life looked like for a few days- Oliver watching me watch TV, read,  etc.

Hi! A lot's changed in the past couple of weeks. But we'll start back in August. Or really, last spring. I began applying for teaching jobs earlier this year and after the school year started, I hadn't heard anything from any school. In late August, I started getting job interviews. I went on several and while they went well, none seemed like a good fit. Then two weeks ago, I interviewed at a school and loved it. Towards the end, they told me I was the youngest and least experienced candidate. My hopes of getting the job sank, especially when the day I expected to hear back came and went without a phone call or email. 

Then about two weeks ago, I got in a wreck. I won't go into the details but it was bad. I came out of it as well as anybody could in that sort of thing- with a few scratches, bruises, and banged up knees. I spent a few hours in the hospital before some very sweet friends (D+L- seriously, I can't thank you enough) were able to bring me clothes and wait with me until I was discharged at some point that night.  I was still in shock at the time and spent the majority of the night wondering where my new Bonlook glasses were. The firemen couldn't find them in my car before taking me to the hospital. Once I was at the hospital, I kept fixating on how much one of the doctors looked like Emilio Estevez. I've heard when you're in shock, you focus on one thing to cope with the stress. Now I understand why.

The next few days were weird, for lack of a better word. I ached all over and kept reliving that night. My parents were wonderful and helped me out more than I'll ever know. And Oliver was totally fine with napping all day. On Friday, my dad and I decided to go car shopping. It was his birthday and I felt guilty that he had to spend it helping his hobbling daughter pick out cars. On the way, I got a call from the school I loved. They wanted to hire me! I couldn't believe it. And my dad was so happy to be looking at cars that he failed to realize at one point that I was half asleep on a bench. 

That night, we found a car I liked and enjoyed late night milkshakes and everything felt alright again. Since then, most of my bruises have gone away, I turned in a notice at my current job, and started collecting supplies to decorate my classroom. I'll be finishing up my current job on Friday and hopefully starting my new one shortly after that.

It's wild to think of what I was doing just a month ago and what I'll be doing at this time next month. Thanks for taking the time to read all this. I'm excited for what's coming! 

Oliver!

If you need me, I'll be playing with this little guy:

OLIVER WALLACE HAYES I

a.k.a. Ollie-Wollie-Bing-Bong

He's got a killer collection of bow ties and enjoys tap dancing on hardwood floors. #truelove #allieverwanted

I adopted Oliver (originally named Logo) from Lake Norman Animal Rescue. He's a 3 year old Boston Terrier and I couldn't be happier with this American gentleman! There's nothing like coming home to a dog so excited to see you that he can't sit still.  We're working on learning our basic commands but he's a master at sitting, so basically he's a puppy Einstein.

Hi!

Sometimes I forget about the internet. Well, at least I forget about this blog. In short, the past two months have been spent moving, getting a dog (!!!!!!), traveling, and unpacking. HOW does one person accumulate so many belongings?

Just in case you forgot what I looked like, here's a cheesy photo. #notashamed

25

Two months ago, I turned 25. And I freaked out a little, especially when my sister texted to say "Happy Birthday! You're starting to look old like the rest of us." You can always count on sisters to be honest. Here are a few pictures ( several are compliments of my friend, the lovely Callie) of the rad Quarter Life Crisisparty we had to celebrate:

This picture is super flattering...NOT.

I can't believe I can round up to 30 now! 

Truth Be Told

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Truth be told, I've had a badditude for the past couple of months. Nothing terrible has happened and I'm not totally sure what brought it on, though I fear turning 25 had a little something to do with it. And the ever-looming question of "what's next" hasn't seemed to help much either. Hopefully I'll be back to the regularly scheduled programming soon! Thanks for caring and asking.

DC Part 1: Inauguration Day Parade

A DC sunrise

Men in uniform, all lined up 

The man of the hour: Obama and the always lovely Michelle

Presidential Viewing Booth 

Joe and Jill Biden making an entrance

That's  me! In the same picture as Obama!

Guys, we have SO much to talk about. I spent the past week in DC for Obama's inauguration. It was a rad and cold time filled with so many good things. Watch out, North Carolina- DC might have me hooked!

Looking forward to 2013

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In 2013, I'm looking forward to...

> reading more than watching

> finding a place for everything

> buying less and making more

> filling up my gas tank before the light comes on (trust me, it's become a problem)