Nephew Day

I had the pleasure of spending an entire day with my brother, sister-in-law, and adorable nephew today. After antiquing with the sis, we made dinner at home and ate on the back deck. I got to play in the sprinkler with the cutest little boy in the world and watch him try to help daddy push the cart in Petco. After errand time, we went for ice cream at Captain Sundae and the-little-Mr tried to make friends with everyone on the patio while wandering around with his ice cream covered face.

I’m so blessed to be able to spend time with him when I have the chance – I just wish I had so many more chances.

Antiquing Sisters

My sister-in-law has gotten really into antiquing lately – and when she ‘gets into something’ she does it whole-heartedly – so antiquing is her favorite, new past-time. Thus, this is the activity she chose for our Saturday afternoon together. We ran around Holland from shop to shop looking at GlassJars&OldCans, specifically seeking a lantern or items for the camp-theme she’s decided on for my nephew’s toddler room. I’ve always loved antiques, so it was fun to have a common bond for the day, even though I couldn’t find any must-haves.

Coffee Home

A Starbucks is a Starbucks is a Starbucks…

I head a joke the other day in which the comedian referred to his confusion every time he walked into a Starbucks – wondering if he’d been transported to mid-90’s Seattle. Some Starbucks, no matter how cookie-cutter, seem like home, though. Over a recent weekend ‘back home’ I wandered into the Starbucks I frequented all last summer and I had a sweet, nostalgic, 2011esque feel wrapped around me… even though there’s not much special about its décor.

Fisher Building

I discovered the Fisher Building on my drive through downtown this evening.

I really really want to go inside.

The details on the outside alone are beautiful.

Grandpa's Walks

Nothing can keep my grandpa down.

He’s already out walking the wooded trails on their property.

Such an active man.

AllStar Votes

I finally did my online voting for the MLB Allstars Game.
Straight Tigers & Rockies.

(Mr.U’s two favorite teams.)

Downtown Goodies

Mr.U got to take a tour with the company he’s interning for the other day and a lot of local goodies were center-stage.
I got to enjoy the goodies he wasn’t interested in.
.Nom.Nom.Nom..Good People Popcorn..Faygo..Simply Suzanne Granola.

Manager Beads

All the ladies in the upstairs office of my building kept complimenting my necklaces and bracelets, so I let them know that if they gave me a color-scheme, I’d make them something since I’m trying to get rid of the unorganized pile of beads taking over my coffee table. The first to volunteer her desires was our Canadian-American, incredibly fashionable manager who requested long&black.
So, I spend a weekend putting one together and brought it in a couple Mondays ago. I let it hang by my desk, though – worried it wasn’t cute enough or looked too homemade – until she walked into my office yesterday and pointed out how badly she needed a long, black necklace for the outfit she had on.
I showed her my creation and she loved it.

Relief.
Today she brought me in a lotion from the new Burt’s Bees line.
It’s fun to have someone else to bead for besides myself.

Creating Happiness

My father's parents insisted on my brothers&I going to private school – so much so that they footed the tuition bill. I can't complain – I was given an excellent elementary education, but I was also surrounded by people whose parents actually paid the tuition, though, which meant they had enough money to have a lot of things handed to them. We lived in a trailer until I was three before moving into our modest home. I can't say I remember wanting for much but I was efinitely aware that I didn't have everything and the most of my classmates did.
Eventually we all moved to public school where the playing field was much more even. I had my specialties – they had their specialties – it was no longer all about money. Unfortunately, though, college takes money and I did not have parent who volunteered tuition payments. So I attended a university close to home where I could keep my job and pay my bills and my private-schoolmates went off exploring major universities in exciting, new towns. Don't get me wrong – I loved my college experience and – looking back – I wouldn’t change a single thing, but while keeping in touch with my friends I can't help resenting the fact that they never had to think too much about their lives – worry about bills, stress over finding a job, or save for a wedding that their parents wouldn't pay everything. They are starting masters programs and I can't fathom taking out more loans. They're dabbling in photography because someone footed the bill for an incredibly expensive camera. They’re taking random vacations while I’ve never been abroad.
They are worry-free yet passion-less.
But alongside my frustration I remember that I wouldn't want their lives. I'm proud of the work I've done and the accomplishments I've made entirely on my own. I cherish the girlfriend I spent my college life loving and I do not regret my lack of marriage or children because of losing her. If I had it my way I would simply be comfortable - surrounded by family, growing my own food, and enjoying the sunset instead of a shopping spree. I live with the mother of the man I love and I share a car on my daily commute. I buy second hand t-shirt then tailor them to fit my taste and spend an entire weekend beading a necklace I could have bought. I create my own happiness and no one can give that to me or take that from me.

Detroit Drives

Love You, Virginia

The problem with having a big-young-healthy family is that eventually someone has to get old&sick.

Rest in Peace, Grandma Virginia.

I’ll always remember scouring the speckled carpet for a little something only my “young eyes” could find and making designs out of your polished rock collection. I’ll take care of your fluffy-stuffed-puppy, refer to my favorite blankets as “my security,” and only enjoy the best naps on davenports. I wish I still had that sweet turquoise suit of yours I rocked through the high school hallways.

You were a tough, beautiful women with an amazing spirit and this world was incredibly blessed to have you these past near 93 years. I’ll see you again someday and I’ll love and cherish the wonderful family you left behind.

Attitude Adjustment

I’ve had a poor attitude about my job for a while. I let little things like interruptions and immature outbursts get under my skin and irritate me till I can’t dig out the good anymore. But, I told myself to get a year of experience and – when I actually think about it – this place is not that bad.
I have flexible hours
casual dress-code
laid-back coworkers.
I’m good at my job – it’s pretty simple not too swamped.
I’ve already been given more responsibility and praise…
so I really need to adjust my attitude and stop dwelling on the things that bother me.
They aren’t worth getting worked up every day.
My job is good – my location is great – my mindset will be wonderful.

Fact Day

I miss my mindless youth.

Random Love

Random Things I Love: Summer 2012M&M Birthday Cup Hard-boiled Eggs Casino Buffett Burt’s Bee’s Lotion Salvation Army Shoes Fishtail Braids Polar Pops

#BFF PoolDay

I was able to spend yesterday with my #bff – poolside, drinks in hand, underwater camera for underwater fun. We dug out whatever beer and wine coolers we could find and tried to mix a drink from her parents’ antique liquor cabinet (which ended up tasting awful). When the sun started setting we made salads for dinner and baked some cupcakes for a visit with her #djbf then ran into town for a peopleofwalmart adventure and buy hair highlighting supplies.
I got up early this morning to swing by home, pick up Mr.U, and kick-off another work week.

Tigers Vs. Rockies

Last Saturday, I had the pleasure of watching Mr.U’s 2nd favorite MLB Team play our hometown Tigers with some great friends and beautiful weather. We started the afternoon off with drinking games in the backyard then piled into Mr.U’s mom’s Escape (VPBF&I squished in the way-back) and headed downtown. We stopped at a bar on our walk to Comerica Park – watching the beginning of the game on the bar’s tvs – then grabbed a couple beers before heading to our bleacher seats. Once the Tigers won, we nestled into our favorite table at Detroit Bar for some french fries, pitchers of beer, and faygo shots before making our way to Greek Town for dinner at Pegasus. After quite a bit of drama with the reservation and wait, we were seated and joined by even more wonderful friends for a delicious greek meal. We then started the long journey back to the casino to meet our ride home and pile back in the car. VPBF&I immediately drug ourselves upstairs for bed, but the boys stayed up most of the night playing card games and drinking beer.
Good night for all.