Friday Letters

Dear blog....I think it should be noted that I wrote this post last week but apparently forgot all about it. I was confused all Friday as to where my blog post went. #whompwhomp

~

Dear Friday...week after week, you continue to be my favorite day. I'm really glad you got here so fast this week. Let's make this speedy arrival a weekly thing, mmkay?

Dear Eastern North Carolinians...I know to some of you, the 3 centimeters of snow we got last week doesn't seem like a big deal. But to a big rickety school bus that has to drive through back country roads - any kind of frozen water is a big deal. And yes, a "snow day" does seem like a stretch but hey, don't hate the playa hate the game. Sorry you still had to go into work - should have been a teacher.

Dear Keeping up with Kardashians...you are getting harder and harder to keep up with. And Kim - you're Armenian. Get rid of the blonde hair, please.

Dear Walmart...why oh why are you the only store in New Bern that sells fiesta ranch mix? Please talk to your frenemy, Harris Teeter, and get them on the fiesta ranch bandwagon. Thanks in advance.

Dear scarves...You know I love you and you know that normally you are my favorite go-to winter accessary. However, lately I'm going through this weird phase where you're making me feel a little claustrophobic. I'm sorry, but I need you to stop being so clingy. I don't know if I'll be able to make it throughout the rest of winter without you.

Dear Super Bowl weekend...I can't believe you're here! I still haven't even decided which gluten-full treats I'm going to over indulge in.

~

Speaking of Super Bowl weekend. I'm linking up today for Sarah's biggest Fan Friday ever - Super Bowl Edition. I'm actually getting pretty excited about the Super Bowl. I've decided I really like the Seahawks. I know, I know - I'm that girl. But I admittedly, totally am. I don't follow professional football, despite the fact that it's on my TV every weekend in the fall. I don't mind watching it, I just don't have one particular team that I'm emotionally invested in.

However, if I had to pick one I'd probably pick the Seahawks. Russell Wilson (the QB) went to NC State when I was there, which is pretty exciting. Also I'm kind of sort of in love with that crazy Richard Sherman. Again, I'm that girl. I know.

But his interview was nothing short of hilarious. As was Erin Andrews' reaction. It was also brilliant because over night he became a household name. You know what they say, there is no such thing as "bad" publicity.

Also, I somehow ended up watching the Seahawks EPSN press conference and I was really impressed with what I saw. Every single player said something about the importance of working as a team. They built each other up and while they definitely have a "we're the best" attitude, they still seemed humble about it. I like that.

So while I'll be hoping for a Seahawks win, we all know I'll really be enjoying yummy treats (I'm thinking about making like three different dips) and watching all the good commercials. I'm sure Twitter will provide some pretty entertaining tweets in regards to Bruno Mars' halftime show.

What are you looking forward to this Super Bowl Sunday. Head on over and link up!

Also - don't forget to get your Mix It Monday posts ready! I'm co-hosting with Lauren and we guarantee to help ease the pain of your Super Bowl Monday!

A Photo an Hour - Snow Day Edition

So I had a completely different post in mind for today. I had even mapped out a "typical" school day and was ready to take pictures of it all. Until school got cancelled for the foreseeable future thanks to a little bit of snow.

In all fairness, it actually turned out to be quite a lot of snow. Really pretty snow. So I'm done complaining about all the crazies who stocked up on enough bread to feed a small army.

But because I still want to participate in this fun little game, I'll show you what a not-so-typical day looks like when I'm snowed in with my favorite man and two sweet little pups.

Once my life is back to normal, I'll probably still post my school day hour a day photos only because in my own little world y'all are actually curious about the whole thing.

I guess my day technically started at 6:00am when I was coaxing the dogs outside and realizing that it did in fact snow all over the place last night. But don't worry, by 6:15am I'm crawling back in bed. It is a snow day after all.

Slowly waking up forreal this time, discussing what Robbie and I want for breakfast. 

Oh, and trying to convince this lazy bum to get out of bed. 

After cooking breakfast (bacon, egg, and cheese biscuits for him. Homemade banana bread for me) it's time to bundle up and head outside (aka put on everything in my closet). 

Playing in the snow with my sweet little family. Willow was such a trooper, but really hated every minute. 

Time for lunch, snow cream, and Pretty Little Liars.

Still snuggled on the couch, possibly gearing up for the first nap of the day.

Cabin fever was beginning to set in so we tried to brave the icy, snow covered roads. We made it once around the block.

Still battling cabin fever, I thought cleaning my house would be a good idea. 

Got my nails did - at home.

Ventured down the street for a neighborhood sippy, wine in tow.

Snow day #ootd? aka hot mess express. 

We were home by 10 and I was snuggled on the couch, still drinking wine, and checking out Pinterest. 

And yes, I was drinking wine out of a #1 Teacher turvis tumbler. I didn't chose the thug lyfe...

Go link up with Meg O and Steph!

Hump Day Full of Lies

Disclaimer: The snow finally came! And it's glorious! Sure we've got another snow day that we're going to have to make up. But at least this one came with actual snow!

I am so ill right now. Like unbelievably ill. Just for the record, it is still currently Tuesday evening, despite what the title of this post leads you to believe. I'm just hoping that by the time I publish this bad boy, on Wednesday, my ill mood will have subsided and I will have been able to add an updated disclaimer to the beginning of this post.

Apparently New Bern was expected to be hit with the blizzard of all blizzards yesterday. Almost a foot of snow predicted for some areas. We were put on a winter storm warning, bread and milk flew off the grocery shelves, and school was cancelled before we even went home Monday afternoon.

Now, don't get me wrong. Normally I pray for random days off from school. Especially during the months of January-March. The span from Christmas Break to Spring Break draaaaags on, so any and all interruptions are usually welcome.

However, there's something to be said for normalcy too. And thanks to random threats of winter storms, we haven't had a normal week since coming back after Christmas break, a month ago. Two-hour delays, snow days, freezing rain. Add on top of that middle of the year assessments we've been busting our butts to get done all month. It's been rough.

Plus, every day we miss is a day we have to make up. And because we live in Eastern NC, we don't have days built in for snow. Because, let's be real, when does Eastern NC ever get snow.

Oh, that's right...never. Hence my extremely ill mood right now. School was cancelled for today due to "snow". However, I have yet to see a single flake. I think there was about 3 minutes of freezing rain a few hours ago. But that's about it. I'm still waiting on our predicted 6-12 inches.

It's annoying because yet again, my whole week has been thrown off - I was still playing catch-up from last week. And we're going to have make this day up who knows when. And even worse, I'm going to have to listen to 20 first graders complain about not being able to play in the snow.

Dear Weathermen, I know you're trying to keep us safe. However, all you're doing is building up the hopes and dreams of ENC children everywhere only to crush them all when, yet again, you're wrong.

In other news - I was able to get some pretty productive things done yesterday. Like my partial new blog design. It's not completely finished but I like where it's going. Plain, clean lines, simple.

I also convinced Robbie to take pictures of me for Mix it Monday. I'm co-hosting next week and I'm pretty excited! I was wishing to have a snowy backdrop but eh, it is what it is.

Oh and I also finally caught up on #RichKids of Beverly Hills where I learned the importance of differentiating between the people you hang out with at night vs. the people you hang out with during the day. Obvs you should be much more selective with your day time friends. At night it's like, whoever. Also, don't smile at strangers - you'll waste the collegian in your face. And ain't nobody got time for that. #lifelessonsforreal.

My Two Cents

The Grammys. Made only more enjoyable thanks to Twitter. The Grammys were actually able to keep my attention for a solid two hours before I realized I had had enough. Which is a pretty substantial amount of time considering my track record with awards shows.

I always get so excited for awards season but I think I like the hype a lot more than the actual show itself. And I know I enjoy all the tweets wayyyy more than the actual thing. 

Anywho...I didn't watch the red carpet, which is usually pretty entertaining. But that's what Fashion Police is for anyway. Besides I already know two things - 

I'd get pregnant tomorrow if I was guaranteed to look as good as Ciara. And if T-Swifty didn't get on my ever last nerve, her dress would have been my favorite. 

Seriously, I had a Barbie that looked just like that when I was little. But I only had one Ken doll so I guess that leaves just one thing they have in common.

A few other tidbits from the show - Beyonce and Jay-Z are seriously the best thing ever. Honestly, I don't love Beyonce the way every one else seems to love Beyonce. But I do think she's pretty badass and I love her with Jay-Z. Like love love them together. Although, does anyone find it odd that for the first ten years of their relationship they were all "mum's the word" and lately they've been parading it around for the whole world to see. I don't hate it, just an observation. 

Oh, and if anyone has seen Beyonce's missing weave, please return it as soon as possible. I am not a fan of the look she's got going on right now.

I couldn't understand Hunter Hayes and I know a lot of people have border-line creepy crushes on him but it's just not working for me. Sorry Hunter.

One thing I really noticed this year, and loved, was the wide range of performers. We literally went from Robin Thicke (who needs to gives Michael Buble his act back) to Keith Urban to Imagine Dragons' epileptic performance to some girl in light up cowgirl boots. I was impressed with all the various artists represented. 

Including all the drugged up old rockers that are still proving to be the original bad boys of music. And also reinforcing everything I learned in D.A.R.E. "Say no to drugs". 

Taylor Swift whipped her hair back and forth, making me and Willow Smith cringe. I really want to like Taylor Swift again. Like really really bad. But I literally just cannot stand her. 

Also Pink...I love you but the whole acrobat thing is over done. We get it. You would be a great addition to the Cirque de Soleil cast. And it's impressive, don't get me wrong. But it was just as impressive when you did it three years ago. 

It wasn't long after that I went to bed because I was done. 

But as I mentioned earlier. Twitter has become the most enjoyable part of these shows. So I'll leave you with a few of my most favorite tweets. 

Linking up for Totally Posted Tuesday.

All the things

I've heard this rumor that Sunday is supposed to be a day of rest. And most of my Sundays are just that. However, yesterday something came over me and I did all the things!!

Robbie and I woke up and went to church - after I made a heaping stack of gluten free pancakes. Seriously, this recipe is the best I've ever found and I use it most weekends.

After enjoying a nice lunch with my mom and stepdad it was decided that my mom needed a workout partner. Apparently she started this "biggest loser" DVD challenge (but not the one with Jillian Michaels) and two days in, she hates it. I can't say I blame her. Working out is hard. But I thought it'd be much more enjoyable if we did it together.

So I went home, changed clothes and then had the brilliant idea to run with Willow to my mom's house. She only lives about 1.5 miles away, it was a brisk 55 degrees, and if you're gonna do it you might as well do it big. Plus Willow loves to run and I love to please that sweet furball.

After running to mom's (we made it all the way without stopping btw) and completing 30plus excruciating minutes of burpees, planks, and lunges we were spent.

But my abundant energy didn't stop there. My stepdad was down the road working on their new boat dock so we decided to walk down to visit him where Willow proceeded to run around in the dirt with her new dog friend Chico.

Once we got back home Willow was more than ready for a good nap. But thanks to her frolick in the dirt she needed a bath first. If bathing children is as hard as bathing Willow my future kids will never take baths. #sorrynotsorry. She hated it and Roxy was jealous that she didn't get to participate in all the torture. Meanwhile I was knee deep in soapy water dealing with a wiggle worm of a pup.

As soon as she was free from me and semi-dry she snuggled in on the couch with Robbie, who was working on lesson plans, while I went to work. Laundry, vacuuming, meal planning. I don't know what came over me. I keep hearing about these "endorphins" that supposedly come after working out but I've never personally experienced them...until yesterday apparently. I wanted everything done. Clothes folded and put away. Dishes cleaned and put away. Kitchens counters wiped down. Floors vacuumed. Dog toys put up. Kitchen table cleaned off. It all got done. Grocery list made (Robbie said he'll go after school today). Dinner menu planned. Lunch packed. Everything is done.

I felt like the energizer bunny. I kept going and going. Straight to the fridge to pour myself a hefty glass of wine once all my work was done. By 6:30 I was parked on the couch, wine in hand, chips and queso nearby, and Law and Order : SVU on the tv. I think I more than deserved to stay right there for the rest of the night. Which is exactly what I did.

I did eventually flip over to the Grammys. I'll share my thoughts on all that later. For now, I just want to continue to bask in my productivity.

Hugs, 

I May Have Lost My Mind

Nope. Scratch that. I've most definitely lost my mind. This is what happens when I'm told I have yet another two-hour delay due to "snow", down a diet coke in less than 20 min, and have the entire house to myself for the afternoon.

I made a vlog. A house tour vlog. And by vlog, I really just mean a shaky video of me walking around my house talking about things nobody but me cares about - like how my idea of chic decorating involves taking off every closet door in the house.

I don't know what came over me. Well besides caffeine. It's like all of a sudden I thought I was an actual interior designer and that my house remodel actual belonged among the ranks of Young House Love. Don't worry...I've come back down to Earth.

Except not completely. Because I'm still posting the ten minute video. Gah - I talked for ten minutes. You totally don't have to watch. Unless your in need of a some cruel and unusual punishment for the day. Or you know, if you need a good laugh. Definitely don't watch if you get motion sickness and/or if your looking for really high quality decorating advice.

Oh and for what it's worth - in the process of uploading this video I went and looked at a new construction house down the street and will spend the rest of the night dreaming about it. Seriously, I have a problem...I'm addicted to houses.

Hugs,

Did You Know...

...I haven't uploaded pictures from my iPhone in for-ever. And considering that is the only camera I ever use, I've got a ton of pictures to dump on you today. Along with some pretty interesting "did you knows" about yours truly.

Did you know...

That I strapped our Christmas tree on top of the car, almost completely by myself. 

With Robbie's back issues, there was no way I was going to allow him to lug that thing on top of his car by himself, much to his dismay. So I found some work gloves and did it myself, with Robbie's very strict instruction. The good news is, it didn't fall off. The bad news is...it came a little too close. Fortunately I've got a whole year to perfect my skills.

Did you know...

That we sent our tree up in flames after New Years. 

And I had a slight pang of anxiety worrying that I had forgotten to get all the ornaments off. Because you know, the 20 min car ride with the tree strapped on top of the roof wouldn't have demolished any forgotten ornaments. 

Did you know...

That these two little lovebirds celebrated their 5th wedding anniversary a few weeks ago.

My mom and step-dad got married when I was a sophomore in college and even though it feels like Big Wave has been a part of our family forever, it is still hard to believe that 5 years has passed. I've said it before - divorce is hard but seeing my mom so happy makes it a lot easier. Plus my step-dad, step-brother, and step-sister are pretty much the best there is. So there's that. 

Did you know...

That I redecorated this table yet again.

If you follow me on Instagram (@mariannadunn), you did already know this. You also already know that I redecorate it at least once every month. I just can't stop changing my mind about that little space. 

Did you know...

That I've secretly always wanted to be a school mascot.

I've always thought the mascots at college football/basketball games are so cool. #nerdalert. But it's always just looked like so much fun. My dream came true the other night when my school was spotlighted at the Board of Education. Obviously, I had to dress up as our school mascot. And obviously, it was wonderful. 

Fingers crossed for a more relevant blog post tomorrow!

Happy Monday!

Five on Friday

{one}

I would first, just like to take note of the time (10:50 am) and the fact that I am currently at work and live blogging. I know for all of you cute little office chicks who can get on the internet anytime of the day, this seems like a little thing to be excited about. But, trust me, coming from a teacher who's daily internet time consists of BrainPopJr., PowerSchool, and parent emails being able to open up blogger and write an actual live blog post is pretty cool. (See also, I'm a nerd.) 

Oh, and just for the record - today was an optional teacher workday, not a real day with kids. Otherwise I would barely have a chance to take a potty break, let along blog.

{two}

Since I'm at school and have zero pictures on this computer and no access to my Pinterest board (firewalls are legit), this post is probably going to be a little word heavy. Sorry in advance.

{three}

Robbie and I went to see Wolf of Wall Street last night because it finally came to New Bern but only for like a hot second. We had to get it in while we could. Robbie read somewhere that it was being banned and apparently last night was the last night it would be played in any theater. I'm not sure if this is true, but we didn't want to take the chance. 

My overall opinion of it --- it was alright. I could definitely see why it's being yanked out of theaters. Risque doesn't even begin to cover it. The guy at the theater last night told us there were 506 f-bombs in it. Again, I'm not sure if that's true but there were definitely a lot...apparently too much for the couple behind us who walked out half way through. 

{four}

Besides going to the movies last night I also dressed up as a cougar (not to go to the movies, don't worry), drank three diet cokes, and had twizzlers for dinner. It was a wild Thursday night over our way for sure.

{five}

Everyone around me around me has been extra snotty this week. Not snotty acting, just literally snotty. Runny noses, scratchy throats, loud coughs. Being around 20 six-year-olds daily usually consists of more than your fair share of snot, but this week even my grown-up friends have had extra boogies. I'm crossing my fingers and Lysol-ing my life in hopes of not catching whatever's going around. 

I've got a three day weekend to enjoy after all.

Sorry for the worst Five on Friday in the history of Five on Fridays. 

I really just wanted an excuse to blog....

Hugs, 

I'm the kind of girl...

....who clearly doesn't blog everyday. My bad.

....who has to sleep with at least three pillows, all to herself.

....who talks about her dogs as if they were her children.

....who packs her lunch and picks out her outfit the night before.

....who loathes blow drying her hair.

....who would rather spend $11 at Taco Bell than Sephora.

....who drinks cheap white wine out of red wine glasses (they're bigger).

....who doesn't shave her legs all that much in the winter. #sorrynotsorry

....who can watch the same Law and Order: SVU episode over and over again because she never remembers the end.

....who secretly kind of hates being by herself.

....who can talk to her mama about anything.

....who surprisingly gets really shy around new people. (She's an introverted extrovert.)

....who refuses to watch the dog abuse/starving children commercials. Seriously, she would adopt them all if she could.

....who has high, sometimes naive, expectations of people.

....who loves to gossip, even though she knows thou shalt.

....who sometimes gets really worked up over stupid, little things and

....who sometimes gets really worked up over things totally worth getting worked up about.

....who currently has about 10 different 5-year plans in the works. Who knows what could happen.

....who thinks everyone should just mind their own business about things that don't directly effect them.

I'm the kind of girl who loves God, her husband, and having a good time. The kind of girl who's still just trying to figure it all out. The kind of girl who secretly hope she never fully does...

Hugs.

What Had Happened Was...

You see, I had big plans last night. To kick my feet up, pour a glass of wine, and watch the Golden Globes. I was even going to blog about my reactions while I watched it, making my Monday morning blog post a helluva lot easier.

So there I am pre-gaming with E! Live From the Red Carpet when my sweet muffin husband comes home from the grocery store with part 2 of the final season of Breaking Bad.

The next thing I know, it's way past my bedtime and I've missed what, according to Twitter, sounded like an awesome awards show. But what can I say. I can't resist the temptation otherwise known as Walter White. Color me obsessed.

Apparently though, I'm not the only one, again according to Twitter. Breaking Bad won big last night. As they should.

Anywho....I'll spend my Monday catching up on all the winners and losers of last night's events, as well as all the fashion dos and don'ts. I'm looking at blogland to help with this process, so I'm really hoping you girls have something good for me.

Oh yea, and counting down the minutes until I get off work and can go home and watch more Breaking Bad. We're getting so close to the end. 

Peace out brussels sprouts.

Almost Wordless Wednesday

On Wednesdays, this sums up how I usually feel.

But then I remember, it's almost Thursday. 

And Thursdays are usually good days. Because they're right before Fridays.

And everyone loves Fridays, duh.

So basically, Wednesdays are great days because we're practically at the weekend. And weekends mean you get to do lots of fun stuff.

Like eating lost of nutritious food....or not. 

Having one too many adult bevvies while out with friends. 

Or maybe even going on a romantical date.

Either way, I hope you all have a wonderful almost weekend day. 

Hugs,