balls of steel

Does anyone else grow some serious balls when they get behind the wheel?

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Seriously, I think I have a problem.  I wouldn't call it road rage, but it's close.

Last night a dude was going slow in the fast lane.  He wasn't passing anyone--the slow lane was free and clear.  So obviously I'm going to get around this idiot.  Not.  He starts to speed up.  So I get on his bumper and debate with myself whether or not to put my brights on.  After several minutes I found room to pass him, and may or may not have hit 100 mph.  I hope Boyfriend isn't reading this.  ;)  Do you grow balls of steel in the driver's seat?

piece and love,

kayla

i promised you my love story, didn't i?

Before Boyfriend was, in fact, Boyfriend, he was The Boy Who Smiled All The Time.  We had mutual friends, and I never saw this dude without a smile on his face.  I think I was in love before I even knew I was in love.  I would find myself being aware of my surroundings and who was in my surroundings.

I noticed his 19th birthday on Facebook, and in the likely infested cafeteria, received my first hug.  When I learned he was having pizza at his dorm for his big day, I said absolutely not.  I had a girlfriend call him up and tell him we were taking him out to eat.

He got my number from that girlfriend with strictly platonic intentions about a King's Cake I wanted to give away.  It's a cajun thing.  One night I wanted to go running, and obviously didn't want to go alone in the dark.  I texted him to ask if that was his sort of thing.  And that's where it all began.

I looked forward to every single freezing night.  I ignored my burning lungs and tired legs, but could never overlook the butterflies throughout my body.  I was never sure if he felt the same, but our late nights were always accompanied by friendly conversation.   

Boyfriend does not like math.  I was consistently offering my assistance.  We were going to the lake one day with some friends, and he needed some quick help before our trip.  So he said.  It was a trick!  He grabbed my hand, told me how much he liked me, and said Can I ask you a serious question now?  I shook my head and we went to the lake.

Little did I know, I hurt his feelings.  Here's the thing.  I didn't want to ruin what we had.  I was having so much darn fun crushing on him.  I didn't want the excitement to end, and I surely didn't want to lose such a wonderful friend.   So when he asked me again weeks later one evening before a school play, I said no again.

Don't worry, you know how this turns out.

Eventually, he sent me a take it or leave it text.  I had until the end of the semester to tell him what I wanted to do, which I'm pretty sure was about two or three weeks.  

Storms were bad that year, and the power went out one night.  I woke up at 4AM that morning and texted him:

If I told you Yes to your question would you know what I was talking about?

What question?

The "serious question"

:-)

And that was that.  It was May 2, 2011.  

piece and love,

kayla

**I wish I could have provided more details, but the memories are jumbled up in my head with no trace of chronology.  

yadayada

I'm in the process of sanding and staining my blue crayon colored bed.  Why is it blue?  It was free, who cares why it's blue.  I'll have pictures when I'm finished.

I know in this post, I said I was going to start my annual diet/exercise.  Guess what?  It didn't happen.  I am the biggest I have ever been at a womping 155.8 lbs.  That's not big, you say?  I'm 5'2".  I am unhappy and unhealthy.

I have about two more weeks of vacation and every motivation to get started.

piece and love,

kayla

apartment, sweet apartment

Allow me to show you part of my little world.

Well, that's it guys.  This is my little space.  My home.  

piece and love,

kayla

little darlings

First of all I would like to say thank you for bearing with me through these sad little posts.  The semester is over, and I'm thrilled.  I have zero obligations for an entire month.  Other than bills of course, but who really cares about those?  Bills are way less stressful than amortization, if you ask me.

I have had my computer for almost a year now, and I just discovered that I can put my memory card from my camera right into the side!!  I was going to do an awesome post and give you a tour of my apartment, but I have clothes to fold, and more clothes and dishes to wash.  So you're just going to have to wait.  But I will show you a beautiful bracelet my granny got for me!

Could this be more gorgeous?  I love simplicity.  This is a really thin brown braided sting with a really small sterling cross.  I love love it.  And would you like to see how wonderful Boyfriend is?

That's a picture of us, if you didn't know.  He had it blown up on a board thing.  Ok seriously?  Forgive me, it's the end of a long semester.  I'll have a post of our wonderful love story soon.  I know I promise posts a lot and then never follow through, but our story is wonderfully wonderful.

piece and love,

kayla

my dear readers

I had a test Tuesday, and two on Wednesday.  Keep in mind this is the week before finals.  So I try with all my might to study and my brain just won't allow it.  I didn't retain anything.  My eyes were rolling in the back of my head.  So I quit, prayed, and took my tests.  I got 2 Cs and a B.  That may sound bad to you, but for not studying, I think that's awesome.  GOD is GOOD!

piece and love,

Kayla

break room

At this point I think I would like working two full-time jobs rather than going to school.  I'm exhausted. Finals are the week after next and I'm about ready to crack.

On a brighter note,

This is my Christmas tree.  It's all of 2.5 feet tall and close to 20 years old.  I promise I'll be a better blogger after finals.

piece and love,

kayla

running on E

I worked 10 hours on Sunday.

I printed 139 pages worth of study material yesterday.

I registered for next semester at 7 am this morning--I'm mostly excited about Marriage and Family.  It's going to be a nice little break from business and numbers.

I was trying to take a nap before I have to work 8 hours today, and was interrupted by a phone call.

So here I am with this sad little post about how tired and worn out I am.  But you know what?  I have a roof over my head.  I have groceries in my kitchen.  I have a job so I can make some extra money.  I have a man who loves me.  And most of all I am blessed enough to be getting this education--no matter how hard it is sometimes.  I'll spare you any further rambling.

piece and love,

kayla

my sincerest apologies

I know, I know.  It's been a while.  College life is busy.  Here's what I've learned in my 2.5 years here:

No one really cares if you wear make-up or sweatpants.

Any money you make goes to food.

You will grow at a different rate than your friends.

Pleasurable reading is a thing of the past.

Love is sacrifice.

piece and love,

kayla

good morning

Enjoying my pumpkin spice creamer.  :)  I added 1/2 tsp cinnamon and 1/4 C applesauce to my pancakes this morning.  Go try it.  Now.

piece and love,

kayla

blueberry cheesecake cookies with white chocolate chips

Not sure any other combination of words would have enticed you more.

click picture to go to original recipe

I took a night off from studying and decided to tackle those dishes.  And what better thing to do when you finally finish dishes, than to dirty more?  You're going to love how easy this is.

Blueberry Cheesecake Cookies

2 boxes Jiffy blueberry muffin mix

4 oz cream cheese That's 8 tablespoons if you didn't know

1 stick butter Mine came out flat--maybe try 3/4 a stick

1/2 C light brown sugar, firmly packed

2 eggs

1 1/2 C white chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 325.

Cream together butter, cream cheese, and sugar.  Add eggs one at a time until blended.  Combine muffin mix with the butter mixture and mix well.  Fold in white chocolate chips.  Chill for at least one hour.  Drop by little spoonfuls onto greased cookie sheet.  Bake 14-15 minutes.  Cool on cookie sheet 1-2 minutes then transfer to wire rack.  Enjoy!

piece and love,

kayla

diaries of a worn out tan woman

I'd like to work more hours...

Thrift more stores...

Create more things...

Cook  more meals...

BUT

I'm a college student.  Every time I finish one test, I get news of another.  I had a test Wednesday.  I have one Tomorrow.  I have one Tuesday AND Wednesday.  Are you serious?  And two weeks from today I have another book review due.  

I've had Taco Bell 4 times in the past three days because my dishes are piled so high I can't even fill a glass with water.  I haven't done anything with my appearance since my date because there's no point in dressing up for the library.  

piece and love,

kayla

date night

Each morning I wake up with every intention to do my hair and make-up.  And each morning I leave the house bare faced, with my hair in a ponytail.  Today is no different, BUT I had a hot date Saturday night.

I spent over an hour getting dolled up and I felt sooo sassy.  I finally ripped the tag off the special dress I bought over a year ago, and rocked it with some $4 shiny, black pumps I bought from Goodwill.

piece and love,

kayla

what this blog is for

There is a new peace about me these past few days.  I was truly blessed in bible study on Wednesday.  We discussed this verse:

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.  Mark 1: 35

It's a beautiful day.

My body is sore from my 1st run in over a month.

I got paid yesterday.

I have a date after work tomorrow.

All my worries of school work have left my mind.

I'm cooking dinner tonight WITH meat.  Yeah, I can't do it anymore.

I feel wonderful.

piece and love,

kayla

my first recipe!

Remember the other day when I was telling you about all the homework I had?  Well I was basically stressed out and depressed all day.

So THIS guy...

...goes out and gets me THIS.

Are you serious?!  I almost cried.  I was totally surprised.  There were a bunch of other goodies in the bag too.

This is my auntie's recipe.  It's super easy, and one of his favorites.

Strawberry Pizza

1 sugar cookie roll

1 package cream cheese, softened

1 8oz tub cool whip

1 container strawberry glaze (I don't know the size but it's found by the fresh fruit)

1 container fresh strawberries

Preheat your oven to 350.  Dig out your pizza pan, and grease that thang.  Slice your cookie roll into about 1/2 in slices.  Slap them on the pan.  I like to start from the middle and work my way out so it looks more like a pizza.  Press together with your fingers until it's all relatively the same thickness.  If the dough keeps sticking to you, just wet your fingers (that's a life saving tip, right there).  Throw that thang in the oven.  Bake until golden.  Longer if you want it crunchy.  Let that thang cool completely.

Meanwhile,

Grab your hand mixer and a large mixing bowl.  Combine your cream cheese and whipped topping until smooooth.  Throw it in the fridge.  Rinse and slice your strawberries like pepperonis.  In another not as large bowl, fold your strawberry slices into your glaze.  Spread your cream cheese mixture on your cookie, then plop the strawberry mixture on top.

piece and love,

kayla

rest in love

Ok guys.  I've never lost anyone before.  No one exceptionally close, that is.  I lost a friend today.

This is me singing Yolonda Adams to him when he was a baby.

This was our road trip to go visit Jessie.

It's a really sad day.  I knew he wasn't going to live forever, but dang he's been with me for a long time.  We gave him a proper burial.  And I'll still see him every day.

piece and love,

kayla

oh, monday...

Oh, the life of a college student...

Oh, the life of an accounting major...

Oh, the life of a procrastinator...

I have 5 chapters worth of homework to do today.  Which is actually really great, considering I thought I had 8.  And I have an online midterm to do. 

I have a book review due Thursday.  I'm on page 25 out of 207.  

I have an accounting test next Monday.  I've read 1/2 of 3 chapters.

So I'm totally stressing out.  And it's 100% my fault.  And what am I doing now?  Blogging.  I spent 3 hours in the library.  I need a break.  So I'm whining.  To my three loyal readers.  

piece and love,

kayla

date night

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It's not hard to not eat meat.  It's hard to remember to not eat meat.  I ordered a grilled cheese with onion rings.  Not healthy, but not meat.  And Boyfriend and I had an ice cream shake eating (drinking?) contest.  He won this time.  He had to redeem himself from last time.  

It was great.

We went window shopping and held hands and rode with the windows down.  Today was wonderful.  And it's Fall Break.  That means no class until Monday.  That means I'm going Christmas shopping Thursday and getting my hair done Friday.  

piece and love,

kayla

seriously speaking

God blessed me with this man.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Love is patient, love is kind.  It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

This brings me peace every time I read it.  Oddly, it reminds me that love is easy.  

A relationship, on the other hand, is hard.

Two different people.  Two different backgrounds.  Two different beginnings.  One happily ever after.

Ponder that.  

piece and love,

kayla

mcchicken with no chicken

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Excuse me if I think this is a little bit hilarious.  

So I work at a hotel.  I absolutely love it.  It's nothing fancy, and it's only for gas money, but it's so fascinating to meet so many people.  I met a man today who gave me a card and told me to call him when I get my degree.  He owns a business in Dallas.  How awesome is that?  Despite the occasional full house and minimal housekeeping staff (this weekend), I love the hospitality business and I'm so blessed to have a job.   

I decided to treat myself to some good ol' no meat pizza after my oh so hectic weekend.  Even though I cooked this recipe for dinner last night.  Except I used low sodium soy sauce, and a whole lot of it.  And I fixed some scrimps for Boyfriend.  I would type it out with a pretty picture, but I don't have a pretty picture.  So just click on the link.  :)

This is the background on my phone.  It makes me happy.  

piece and love,

kayla

national vegetarian month

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Alright guys, along with Breast Cancer Awareness-, Domestic Violence Awareness-, and National Popcorn Popping-Month, October is National Vegetarian Month.  The awesome thing is, I learned this little fact AFTER I decided to do a vegetarian challenge.  

I wish I could link up with somebody (not that I really know what that means) and be awesome (because people who link up are awesome), but I kind of made up my own challenge before bed one night.  

TECHNICALLY I'm an ovo-lacto vegetarian.  This means I eat eggs and dairy, because I'm just not that crazy yet.  

But really.

Think of the money I'm going to save this month.  Meat is expensive!  I spent $15 last month on a pork butt!  I think the hardest part is going to be to remember that I'm not eating meat.  I think I've only ever really met one vegetarian...and she ate fish...which is meat.  

Anyway.

I'll keep you updated.  Hopefully I'll find some awesome recipes for y'all.  Wish me luck!

Oh yeah!!!  Go grab a button, guys!!  

piece and love,

kayla

run like you stole something

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Alright guys let's talk about something awesome.  I love running.  I mean, I REALLY love running.  I fell in love with Boyfriend because I didn't want to run the trail alone at night.  The problem is, I forget how much I love running because it's hard.  It's draining.  It takes my breath away.  It makes me sweat.  It burns my insides.  It's absolutely wonderful.  

I've become lazy.  I've abandoned my love for my recliner.  And Taco Bell.  With Boyfriend's new love for the gym, I've become inspired again.  

Oh and today was picture day.

piece and love,

kayla

one of those days

The average age a woman begins her menstrual cycle is 12.

The average age of menopause is 50.

The average period lasts 5 days.

That's 38 years multiplied by 12 months multiplied by 5 days.  That's 2,280 days of bleeding.

piece and love,

kayla

it's gettin' hot in here

Hey Guys!  That's my awesome heater.  Yes, I said heater.  I broke it out this morning to make my bathroom all nice and toasty before my shower.  It's basically the most awesome thing ever.  Oh!  And that's my favorite sweatshirt Boyfriend gave to me.  It's my favorite.  Oh yeah and today is my one year and five monthiversary.  

piece and love,

kayla

i'm falling and i can't get up

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It's Fall!!!!!!!

I see sweatpants, scarves, coats, and boots in my near future.  I'm so excited.

On a more dismal note.

I made my first F today.  Maybe not my first F.  But my first F on a test in college.  What a wonderful way to start the week.  And month.  Technically, I made the F LAST Monday.  And technically it's a D because of the curve AND the bonus points from group work.  Regardless, I earned an F.  

I've never really had to study to pass.  In high school I was a super nerd who would study my butt off and make 100%.  When I got to college and realized I could skip studying and still pass, I was like Oh Man why haven't I been doing this all along?  Well, Intermediate Accounting II is absolutely the hardest class I've had yet.  I have never sat in class thinking What in the world is going on?  Thank you Dr. Jep, and whatever inspired me to be an Accounting major.

But I'm super proud of myself.  I went to the Student Union today and watched an hour lecture about Dilutive Securities and Earnings Per Share.  I know for a fact you just cringed.  So did I.

piece and love,

kayla

get real

Day One

148.2
37.5-30-42.5

Every year it's the same thing.  I get tired of squeezing into my skinnies.  I don't know about y'all, but this is my morning any day I decide to wear jeans.

left foot in

right foot in

shimmy

squat

jump 

squat

left kick 

squat
right kick 

shimmy 

jump

And every year I obsess about diet and exercise until I lose about 20 lbs.  Well it's that time folks.  In honor of the coming winter, I want to be cute in turtle necks and boots!  Tips, tricks, and recipes coming soon!!  

piece and love,

kayla

date night

If you don't know, that handsome young man in my picture is my future husband.  We try to have date night once a week, but it's been so busy lately.

Tonight is the night, folks!

Except it's more like a date DAY because he must be back for a meeting.  Darn Student Government. 

Shout-out to the landscaper with his ridiculous lawnmower interrupting my pieceful blogging time.  If he only knew I was staring him down right now.  

This is the view from my balcony.  Taken from my webcam.  Once I find my camera cord (I can never keep up with that dang thing), I'll have more pictures for y'all.  But for now, the webcam will have to do.  Enough rambling.

piece and love,

kayla

technical difficulties

Excuse the mess as I try to figure out this funny business.  I don't even know how to write my About Me at the moment. But don't worry!

I GOT THIS!

 Meanwhile, allow me to throw some inspiration at you.

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Alright I suppose that's enough..mostly because I'm hungry.

piece and love,

kayla

round two

You see, I had a blog before.  I disappointed my 7 followers by deleting it.  Never in my life have I been able to keep a journal.  I was rummaging through some old things at Grandma's house this summer, and I found one of my old journals.  In one week's time I managed to declare my undying love as well as hatred for a multitude of people.  C'mon.  What do you expect from a 10 year old?  My point is a blog is an online journal, and I'm just not good at journals.

On the other hand.

Writing gives me purpose.  Writing to an audience gives me motivation.  I've been in a funk lately.  All I do is eat Taco Bell and watch The New Adventures of Old Christine--Lifetime 10:00-12:00 Monday through Friday.  I've lost my desire to get out.  I stopped studying and doing homework (I'm a junior in college).  I woke up yesterday with a happy spirit.  

So this is my change.

I'm going to write my pieceful peaces to inspire, and to be inspired.  Life is too beautiful to waste away eating fast food and watching the same reruns every day.

*I promise I know the difference between PEACE and PIECE.

piece and love,

kayla