The Lucky Ones

This week has been rough--just emotionally taxing and I'm exhausted from working all weekend, but, such is life ya know--it happens.

I was wallowing in my self pity this morning (I have a PhD in wallowing, fyi) and after an entire bag of Sour Patch Watermelon gummies did not help (NO JUDGING), I decided to snap the hell out of it.

You know why? Because, I'm lucky.

I have a roof over my head, plenty of food in my belly (mostly, sugary food, but, that's not the point), puppies to love on, a loving family, and amazing friends.

Friends that text me during the Royal Wedding, friends who check in to make sure I'm surviving work trips, friends who come visit and send me puppy pictures, friends to have monthly supper club with, friends to quote TV shows and watch Army Wives with.

So, although today, my Princess Kate/Catherine/Duchess of Cambridge hair attempt failed (who knew redheads couldn't go brunette?!), and I'm slumming it in jeans and boots, and I still haven't gotten my mitts on a damn tiara, or title--I'm lucky.

And very, very, thankful. Always.

What makes you lucky today?

Remember how last week a Prince got married?

I'm sorry, there was a wedding?

BAHAHAHA—like I would forget!

But, the folks at Time Warner Cable sure as hell did and when my DVR broke TWO WEEKS AGO and I was assured it would arrive on Tuesday night, giving me plenty of time to set it and triple check to make sure it was working, it still had not arrived and guess what, it’s the next Tuesday and the blasted thing still isn’t here. Oh people are going to hate life when I find the time to call and rip them a new one. Trust me.

ANYWAYS. That meant I absolutely had to watch it live (which I was going to do anyway, but, I wanted to record it because oh my god it’s like my favorite movie only REAL. It’s like The Sound Of Music, only with tiaras! I am DYING)

My alarm went off and it was the one singular time in my life I did not hit snooze. Oh no, I sat straight up, turned on the light, and then the TV. Oh, and then got on Twitter, naturally.

Y’all, it was a damn fairytale. Because as some point don’t we all dream of being a princess? And at some point in our lives, didn’t we all want to marry Prince William or Harry? To which I say: HEY HARRY, I COULDN’T WAIT FOREVER AND THAT’S WHY I GOT MARRIED BUT I’M WILLING TO RECONSIDER.

Also: Pippa would be a good runner up to me. Marry her. Don’t go with Chelsey Davy, k? You know you want to.

I mean LOOK AT HER:

Y’all could have just gotten rid of Will and Kate and gotten married there instead and no one would have cared—she’s wearing a white dress and everything. Gah, Harry, use your brain!

(dudes, I secretly hoped that either Pippa would A. Tackle Kate and marry William instead or B. That Harry and Pippa would get married—just to ya know, shake things up.)

Also, you know that Chelsey was all “Imma cut that bitch” when Pippa and Harry walked out of the Abbey together.

Did you guys know I have a big huge coffee table book on Princess Grace? Well, I do. It was given to me by my daddy for Valentine’s Day years ago and I love it. I could spend hours looking through it on a regular basis—who are we kidding, I do.
And when Kate emerged in her gown, my heart did a little jig because it looked just like Princess Grace's. Although, I mean, I kinda sorta wished it was a little more dramatic, I mean, she is marrying the future King of England and all, but, if you're going to go for a specific look--Princess Grace is the way to go.

Well played, Princess Kate/Catherine/Duchess of Cambridge/Whatever We're Calling You Now.
But, it was perfect for her. Also? Thank you Kate for making modest stylish again. THANK GOD.

This dress will also be added to my list of items I must have just to wear around the house while doing housework or watching Friends.
Much like I used to dream of being Princess Grace when I was a little girl, I am certain that my future daughter will dream of being Princess Kate/Catherine/Duchess of Cambridge/Whatever We’re Calling Her Now.

Silly as it was, I couldn’t help but wish my mom had been alive to watch it with me—we watched Diana’s funeral together and I remember her telling me about Charles and Diana’s wedding—but, of course, I texted my sister and told her I now have 5,000 ideas for when my nieces get married—mainly that there will be boys choir and an Abbey involved.

I know there are bigger things going on. I know that our own country has been hit with a lot of devastation, I know that homes are destroyed, lives are lost and things are forever changed. Believe me, I get it—I’ve lived through natural disasters and lost loved ones in them—it's heartbreaking and awful.

But, sometimes, it’s ok to live in a happy little fantasy land for just a little bit. And ya know what? I'm really, really happy for these two.

And then cheer that the wicked witch is dead.

Sorry Britain, we can’t help but one up you.

Also, please expect any wardrobe additions to be solely based on my ability to look like Kate. Well, except for the two dresses I bought yesterday—so, everything after today.

And, of course, now, I really want to go darker with my hair—like a more reddish brown—like fellow redhead Julia Roberts sometimes does.

Damn you, England!

But, seriously, Princess Kate/Catherine/Duchess of Cambridge/Whatever Your Name is Now, call me--we'll do lunch. Or go shopping. Or whatever it is that you do.

I survived Jersey

Aren't you proud? Even though the roads make no sense, I still did it! I navigated from Newark to the shore--thus, I am awesomesauce.

This weekend was a whirlwind of exhaustion and fun. As much as I grumble about my crazy work schedule and the fact that I was you know, in Jersey--seeing people cross the finish line of a marathon always puts a smile on my face.

In this case, my sunburned face. Word.

And, like a good little minion, I woke up before the sun to watch the royal wedding on Friday. It was the one time in my life that my alarm has gone off and I didn't hit snooze. Thank goodness I had Danielle to text while watching it!

Obviously, that set me up for a long weekend, but, so.worth.it, of course.

And, sadly, I am leaving New Jersey without Dr. Chase or Dr. House, which, let me tell you, is the real crime. I could have faked an injury to end up in Princeton Plainsboro, I'm just saying!

What'd you do this weekend? Did you watch the wedding? Did you think that maybe Pippa was debating if she should tackle Kate and marry Wills instead? I mean, she was in a white dress and all.....

I'll be back with some substance soon--once I've maybe slept for more than five hours, but, who knows when that might be.

xoxox,
SP (I was a princess first, Kate/Catherine/Duchess of Cambridge)

(as you can see, so, so, tired)

Yep, still yapping about Boston

After the 5K, and sleeping off the pukey, it was off to Fenway for my very first Red Sox game. Now, we all now my love and adoration of my Texas Rangers (and mainly Josh Hamilton), but, I was super excited for the game (thanks again for the tickets, Sam!)
Me and Sarah at the game. It was kind of rainy before the game, but, it turned out to be a really nice day.
Sarah, me, Danielle, Jessica and Sam.
After the game, Sarah, Danielle and I hopped the T and somehow made it to Cambridge for dinner. And by "hopped the T" I mean we looked like totally lost tourist idiots who couldn't figure out the T. I can manage the underground in London like a pro, but, send me to Boston and I get all sorts of confused. True story.

ANYWAYS. The Red House. Cambridge. Awesome.
After debating between sparkling water, bottled still and Cambridge's Finest Tap Water, we ordered. I got a yummy pasta dish with mussels. Mussels. And garlic. Does that piece of garlic on my fork not look like a mussel?!?!
And this is our waiter Jesse. Who Danielle assured that we were not hitting on him. Because men love to hear that. Our reservation was for 5:30, we left at like 8:30. We had way too much fun!
Yep, that's exactly what you think it is. A picture of me, sittin' on a toilet (D, aren't you proud?). Seriously, how tall is that thing? I couldn't touch the floor!
My fave girls!
So, since dinner lasted for 500 hours, we had to book it to NikeTown hoping they were open--they were! But, after we left, I'm sure they wished they'd locked up about five minutes earlier. See that photobooth behind Sarah and Danielle? Yeah, we took it over. Danielle became a pro and was teaching everyone else how to use it. It.was.awesome!

Yes, we trekked all over Boston to get these pictures. And? I LOVE THEM!!
We had so much fun! I cannot even tell you how much I loved hanging out with those girls. Why is Maine so far from Texas??

I know, y'all really just care about the marathon posts. I'll get there, pinky promise.

I went to Boston? Are you sure?

So, I went to Boston over the weekend. I knew that it was going to be an awesome trip. Granted, there were some hiccups in the plan since one of the main reasons I was going to Boston wasn’t able to make the trip, but, that’s ok—she’ll have her Boston someday and we will rock that trip like nobody’s business. (Dear Boston, I apologize in advance)

First up after reading Water for Elephants on the plane (yes, I read it in a day. I never do that. The more removed I am from the book, the more I love it. I have to admit, I wish there had been more about the relationship between Marlena and Jacob—or maybe more of that dynamic—I don’t know) (also, I am now in love with the name Marlena)—anyways, after I read a book on the plane, put on some makeup and pretended I didn’t look like a freezing hobo (dear Boston, I’m from the south) I headed off to the first event—a blogger happy hour.

Which really turned into a bunch of screaming girls and me attacking my marathon guru with a huge ass hug. (um, why do I have no pictures of you until the baseball game?)

I got to meet Sarah and Danielle, and Katie—and see my fave little grad student, Christy again—and my favoritest redhead evah (imagine I’m saying that with a Boston accent).

Redheads unite!

Then, because I was about to cut someone for some H2O, we headed out in search of food and ended up at Kings—a restaurant/bar/bowling alley in a parking garage (seriously!) where Sarah, Danielle and I proceeded to eat way too much and we also met with Sam, his brother Josh and friend Matt.

Thanks to the five Diet Cokes I downed at dinner, I could not fall asleep and stayed up watching TV into the wee hours and then woke up to rain, rain, rain on the morning of the BAA 5K.

Sarah, Katie and I were going to walk it because we’re cool like that, but, then Sarah got cold feet (literally!) and decided to stay warm, and I just decided I’d do whatever and take it as it came. After all, it was a 5K. I could do this.

Me and my Christy--love this girl!
I could do it, and I did.

But, here’s where SP’s Life Lesson #523 comes in: don’t run a 5K on two Excedrin and a bottle of water. Trust me—it hurts coming up.

I went back to my hotel to sleep off the pukey, and that’s pretty much where the day goes downhill—or, uphill? I’m not really sure. It got awesome, let’s just say that.

Mainly because Danielle has hot legs and wins awesome contests. (OH MY GAWD SO MANY INSIDE JOKES)

Me and Sarah before the 5k.

There's also a super cute picture of me and Danielle after the 5k, but, she hasn't posted it yet. Sads.

Stay tuned for part 3 of 561. Or something.

Best. Weekend. Ever!

This picture pretty much sums up the weekend:

Sam is superman, y'all! I won't steal his thunder, because I'm sure he'll have an awesome blog up about Boston, but, dang it if seeing him on Boylston didn't make us all cry.

Best.Weekend.EVER!

And I just love this picture of Danielle, it's my second favorite picture of the weekend. Yes, our Sam had a major cheering section. He did it. Sub 3 hour marathon!

Only 364 more days, huh?

Someday Life

In my someday life, me and this girl will live next to each other....

This will be our view...

We will have little miniature farm animals (yes, I will name it Kevin Bacon) and our children will grow up and get married--and then we'll officially be related....

This girl and I will own a villa here... and we'll have assistants who tell us that our offices cannot rotate and we'll never fly coach (inside jokes--do y'all watch Mr. Sunshine? If so, you miiiight get those!).

(Ren, I would have posted a picture of you and me, but, I don't have any that you approve of!) (be grateful I didn't post a picture I found of the two of us from initiation brunch um SEVEN years ago. When did we get old?) I'll wear fancy shoes and Isla Fisher will ask me for fashion advice. Oh, and, I'll be skinny, duh.

I love my someday life. What does your someday life look like?

xoxo, Mrs. Igelsias Princess Counsela Banana Hammock

(oh my gawd, everyone, please go see Bridesmaids when it comes out so you'll understand my ridiculous quotes)

(pictures from here, here and here)

Good news: My time machine works!

Bad news, it only works on the ten years in reverse function.

Sadly, it doesn't have the ability to go forward or selectively pick areas in which to reverse and STOP at (obviously, I'd choose the time I ran into Colin Ferrel at the Admirals Club at LAX and would freeze frame the hell out of that moment).

In case you're wondering, here's what I looked like ten years ago (I'm on the right). That's me and my high school BFF who now is a park ranger (?) in Washington. And that's me on the left this time--my sweet, sweet, amazing friend who lived down the street from me and is now a teacher.

And that's me and my sister--no, NOT MY CHILD I SWEAR on Easter.

And that's me, yesterday, in my car, rockin' out with the sunroof open and Sublime on the radio (someone please explain the alfalfa sprout situation with my hair?)

Yesterday, I was driving home from work in a lovely sunny day, sunroof down, music up and I couldn't help but remember the days, ten years ago, when me and the girls pictured above (well, maybe not my sister) would pile into my SUV, open the sunroof, blast the music and just drive.

Of course, no country drive dance party was complete without a 32oz Dr. Pepper and a box of Hot Tamales. The only thing that has changed is that now it's a 32oz Diet Coke.

I loved it. I felt like a kid again.

My time machine works. (apparently, it's a combination of SUVs, sunshine and awesome music). Huh. I should patent this.

(yes, yes, this was in high school when I thought I needed to be blonde. I've obviously gotten over that) (for the most part) (oh, and yes, my hair is curly, I am bff with my flat iron)

Because it's Friday

Why yes, I did study political science in college and why yes one of my very best friends worked on a presidential campaign in 2008, but no, we will not be talking about the potential government shut down today, oh no.

Today, we shall talk about this: I know, i just snort laughed too.

Find more at Kate Middleton For The Win. (warning: you will get nothing else done today)

Lucky bitch. I've never wanted to be someone else more in my entire life (this includes my dream of being Isla Fisher, Nancy Kerrigan and Reese Witherspoon).

Happy Friday!

(I'm sure that Kate really is very nice. She just has the most amazing hair and you know, will be a PRINCESS and all. Again, lucky bitch.) (I need to be nicer) (even to royalty) (I KNOW)

The Many Faces of Ella Mae

This is my little snuggle pup, Ella Mae.

She came to us two years ago as a rescue. Before her foster mom got her, she was a pound puppy for a month and before that she was a wild dog. How the pound ever caught her is a total mystery to me. I love her so much. She's my girl. She's my footwarmer, my alarm system, my dish cleaner upper and the silliest, happiest dog I've ever seen. Isn't she cute?

This is Ella sunning herself.

This is Ella trying to be incognito on the new Pottery Barn pillows. "Youz can't seez me. I blendz in....." And this is Ella Mae's signature side eye "Bitch please". This is Ella Mae's version of helping--sleeping on the job. Obviously, barking is very exhausting work, time for a nap. I snapped this the other day when she was just lounging around. Cracks.me.up! Look at her freckley belly! And her little beagle feets. Which I think are the cutest thing ever.

Can you imagine what I'll do to you when I have actual human children? My apologies in advance.

Now, tell me how cute my beagle daughter is.

Success and Failures--in the same weekend!

Yes, I am that talented.

Success: I slept in on Saturday and even managed a few naps, which were blissful except when the beagle attempted to climb into my lap and then fart. Waking up to that smell will make you grumpy, trust.

I also managed to put on my big girl undies and go see my friends and more specifically, mom to be. However, turns out the gameplan was to see Jane Eyre and I’m cheap, and tired and you know, anti social, so, I ate my fro yo with them and we chatted, and then I went home to snuggled with the dogs and sleep.

Oh, then I somehow managed to stay up way too late watching season one of Sons of Anarchy (why isn’t it September, WHY?!). The husband even stayed up to watch it with me even though in terms of shows on FX he is firmly in the Justified/Lights Out camp and I have fallen more and more in love with outlaw motorcycle gangs. See also: WHO AM I??

We had our first bbq of the season yesterday and I stuffed myself silly with way too much food, stayed up too late (again!) and had a generally glorious time. Did I mention food? Failures: Cold is still here. I’m pretty sure that I should be a case study for the longest cold ever in the history of the world. Dr. House, I’ll be in New Jersey the end of the month—I’d be happy to stop by the hospital for a check up, just sayin'.

I had a dream on Saturday night that my baby sis was home and I tackled her. It was the best dream. And then I woke up and realized it was just a dream, and it will be another year before I can tackle her.

I’ve been up since 4AM thanks to am awesomely loud thunderstorm and I broke my favorite butter dish yesterday when I attempted to melt three sticks of butter for approximately 500 pieces of garlic bread (before you ask, yes, it was microwave safe). Let’s just add blowing up the microwave to my life of talents. Also? Butter is a real bitch to clean.

All in all, it was a fabulous weekend AT HOME, spending time with friends and family. A reminder that although I don’t get to have them that often, they are my favorite kind of weekends.

And, falling asleep to Jax Teller also doesn’t hurt.

(image from here)

How was your weekend? What did you do?

Weekend Sheemkend

Guess what? I'm not working this weekend! I know! Cue choir of angels... now. Awesome.

I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am, but, please note, I'm almost as excited as I would be if there had been a new episode of Bones on last night, but there wasn't so homegirl was passed out at like 8:45. No judging! (sidenote: did y'all hear that Emily Deschanel is pregnant? I looove her and I'm so happy for her. Does this mean that Bones and Booth will finally get together?!?)

Now, you would probably think that because I'm not working I'm going to use this time to maybe clean the house, cook some meals, maybe actually go to the grocery store. But, you would be wrong. I will do none of those things--well, maybe go to the grocery store, I get hungry ya know.

I fully intend to sleep my weekend away (thus hopefully kicking this two month cold to the curb)--although, there has been talk of movie and treats night with two of my favorite church gals--not sure that a) I'm up to it and b) I am trying to convince them that the only Pride & Prejudice worth watching is the Colin Firth version and so far I am failing on that front, thus, do I really want to stay up late watching a Jane Austen movie if Mr. Darcy isn't freaking Colin Firth? I think not.

But, I do really love them both and one of them is about to have a bambino like any minute, soooo, it's probably best that I put on my big girl grown up undies and go enjoy our last hurrah sans baby.

Sigh. Who woulda thought that at 26 I'd want to go to bed at 8PM and eat cookies and call that a successful evening? 18 year me is kicking my ass. Who knows, maybe I'll be cooler at 30. Doubtful, very doubtful.

Oh! And, I'm getting my hair cut after work today--don't panic, just a trim. This damn mop has gotten out of control and my bangs have grown out--not a good look for me. Also, don't worry, no color is involved, sister is stayin' red.

What are y'all doing this weekend? Wanna come watch Colin Firth movies/House/Bones/Sons of Anarchy/Friends/Will&Grace with me?

If y'all don't have plans, you should really consider heading to The Woodlands to participate in an amazing fundraiser for an amazingly sweet family--plus, you'd get some quality time with my bff and I bet she'd even quote Friends for you.

GO TO THE WOODLANDS!