Stay Tuned…

Hi readers! I know, I’ve been absent again. And I’m SO sorry. BUT… I’ve decided this blog needs a focus – and I know exactly what that focus will be. It’s just going to be a hard first post to write. So bear with me, I’ll be back very soon! And thanks for sticking around

For now I’ll leave you with some pics…

Me and Mike

the girls at Jess' wedding

some of my faves on the 4th

Normally, I Wouldn’t

I didn’t intend on bringing politics into this blog. It gets sticky. BUT, one of my favorite bloggers, Janet from Slice of Pink, couldn’t have said it better.

Go check out her post. Because she rocks. And so does Obama.

(I couldn’t help myself.)

Introducing…

Music Monday! Yes, I’ve failed at Treasure Tuesdays BUT they will be making a reappearance, along with the new what-I’ve-been-listening-to Monday post.

So without futher ado…

LOVE Matt Woods’ “Misconception” (in fact, I’m listening it to it as I type this).  Check it out NOW. I stumbled across it on Pandora and can’t stop listening.

If you haven’t checked out Scarlett Johansson’s album, Breakup, with Pete Yorn, I highly recommend it. I was skeptical at first (as I typically am with actors that try to cross over), but thanks to Mike, I was convinced to give it a shot. And I’m glad I did - she has a very unique voice, which combined with Pete makes for a soothing and catchy album.

Lastly, a tune perfect for the gym. When it comes to music that pumps me up and gets me motivated to kick booty, they aren’t necessarily the best songs ever. But they do the job, and that’s what counts. This week I’m picking Miley Cyrus’ “Party in the U.S.A.” Even though I find her a poor role model for young girls, I can’t help but like the song.

Readers: What are your favorite tunes this week?

The Long Awaited Birthday Post

Again, slacker. (Points finger at self.)

I swear things REALLY have been hectic. Good and bad. Trying to get my priorities straight, the number one spot going to my health. So, that being said, while I organize my life I’ll do my best to keep this blog alive and kickin’.

First, let’s recap. My birthday. Was. Awesome. Seriously, I have absolutely amazing friends. And family. And a boyfriend. And even a cute dog. I’m one lucky girl.

I’ll let the pictures do the talking…

Back to Life, Back to Reality

Happy Monday!

(Really? Who says that?!)

I must say, after a wonderful birthday weekend (more on that later – gotta get some pics together) this Monday is particularly depressing. After waking up late I was in a rush to get things together before leaving for work – it’s not all bad though, I DO get to leave early… but for a doctor’s appt. Blech.

At least I have a fun night to look forward to! Lebanese Taverna has been lowering their prices every Monday this month (and I’m hoping they’ll continue it into October) so I’m meeting a couple girlfriends there for some grub.

Afterward, I plan on going home, putting on the most comfortable clothes I own, and cuddling up with the TV remote to catch up on Grey’s.

See, Monday sounds better already!

A Quarter Century

Considering I’m only a few hours into my birthday, it’s been an excellent one so far.

V-NO was great – I had a delicious (and inexpensive – $5!) glass of sangria and good conversation with some girls I haven’t seen in far too long. We sat outside, along the water, and caught up on life – with little talk about the book (typical). (I didn’t mind though, considering I’m still about 20 pages from being finished.)

After book club came to an end, I met up with Mike – who had a beautiful bouquet of pink (duh!) roses I’m one lucky girl. We walked over to RA and had a scrumptious dinner with the Swyers. (Thanks guys!) We started with some sort of chai/oatmeal shot adult beverage, which I followed with a mango mojito (mmmmm). And for dinner I had two very delicious sushi rolls (shrimp tempura and dragon). While waiting for the check Michael Phelps came in – a pretty decent way to wrap up round one of Birthday #25.

This morning Mike and I woke up early to head to Spoons for breakfast. They must have known it was my birthday because my favorite dish was magically back on the menu (it disappeared a few months ago) – Eggs in a Hole. After some coffee and fruit I was pleasantly stuffed.

And now, here I am. Soon leaving for the next birthday stop: a manicure and pedicure! (Thanks, babe!)

I’ll be back later (most likely tomorrow or Monday) with pics and a final birthday recap. Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Birthday Agenda

with Mandi and Renee on my 24th bday

Having a birthday on a Saturday is the best. Because the WHOLE weekend is devoted to festivities, starting tonight…

Friday
*Birthday Book Club at V-NO (I’ve been wanting to go this place for a while, I’ll let ya know what I think.)
*Dinner somewhere in Harbor East (hopefully RA)

Saturday
*Breakfast at my favorite, Spoons (duh) with my other favorite, Mike
*Getting pampered at About Faces
*Dinner with (some of) my favorite girls at Abbey Burger Bistro (another place I’ve been dying to try)
*Party at Kara’s (aka our new apartment starting in two months) with the rest of my favorites
*OUT!

Sunday
*Lunch at my mom’s
*Dinner at my dad’s (including a photoshoot with Fritz by my personal photographer)

I LOVE birthdays!

Tell me, what are your favorite birthday traditions?

My Personal Photographer

Mike’s (not so secret) hobby is photography. Which, aside from the incessant occasional posing, works out well for me. Because I get the benefit of having a talented photographer wherever I go. Some examples (aside from the ones that have already made an appearance on From A to Pink):

Inner Harbor

at J&L’s wedding

Artsy me

Camden Yards

CF Great Strides walk

Want to see more? Check out his flickr. And get ready for some pics from the upcoming bday shenanigans

A Look Back

Photo courtesy of the BF

Again, I suck. But let’s get past that, because tomorrow I turn TWENTY-FIVE. For some reason, it’s hitting me a little harder than I expected. Yes, I know it’s not OLD. But it sounds monumentally older than 23, or 24. Which has made me feel slightly unaccomplished. Silly, I know. So to make myself feel better I thought I’d take a look back at where I was last year and where I am now…

Last year: Lived in an aparment in a suburb of Baltimore and strongly disliked my living situation (for various reasons).
Now: Living in the city (yay!) with two wonderful roommates (and their full-of-personality dogs).
Soon: Will be moving to an apartment with Mike that has everything on our wish list. (More on this later, but first, YIKES, I’m going to be living with a BOY! Cue “Friends” episode where Rachel moves out and Chandler moves in… come on, I know you know what I’m talking about. Right?)

Last year: Was fearful I would no longer be employed. And therefore worked my little butt off to prove myself.
This year: Goal achieved! Am now a much more valuable part of my company. Woohoo!
Soon: Will continue taking on more responsibilities and kicking more ass butt.

Last year: Was a novice kickball player. And loving it.
This year: Am a novice player that has successfully made it to third base, twice.
Soon: Hoping to make it home!

Last year: Was an unpublished writer.
This year: Will (soon, like, next month) be the writer of a published article!
Soon: Hoping to continue with freelance and get other articles published. (Any tips/tricks from you published writers out there?)

Last year: Wanted to be a part of something.
This year: Has joined the local alumni chapter of my sorority, allowing me to meet and become involved with a wonderful and diverse group of women.
Soon: Will continue attending events, volunteering, and getting to know my sisters.

Last year: Was playing the role of single girl in the city.
Now: Am (very happily) back together with Mike
Soon: Will be taking a momentous step forward in our relationship. (See above.)

I’d say it’s been a pretty good (and productive) year. So, self (and others feeling a similar way), STOP WORRYING about what you HAVEN’T DONE and start LIVING IN THE MOMENT.

Lesson learned over the last 12 months: Things happen JUST as they should. With a lot of work, a little optimism, and a pinch of hope, life works itself out. I promise.

Turning 25 doesn’t sound so bad after all! What have YOU learned in the past year?

Tonight’s Agenda

- Go home
- Chat with roomies
- Read for book club
- Catch up on DVR (OTH, Rachel Zoe, Glee)
- Blog
- Finish laundry
- Grocery store
- SLEEP

Gotta wake up for 6am Body Pump tomorrow. Ouch.