10 Things I'd Tell My Newbie Blogging Self

I can't really remember much of what I thought to myself when I started blogging so for Monday's post, I wrote about what I'd tell my newbie blogging self.

1. Find a new designer and volunteer to be their guinea pig so you don't pull your hair out trying to perfect your own mediocre design.

2. Don't you dare use Google+ as your profile. G+ is the devil's work.

3. put yourself out there. comment on others' posts and you'll make connections a lot faster.

4. Use the Twitter. Tweet your posts and use it to bond with other bloggers. Use the Twitter.

5. Click around on linkups. Make some friends.

6. Don't be afraid to reach out to the "big bloggers." They're usually pretty down-to-earth people. Hey, Taylor and Helene (masterminds behind #Blogtober14)!

7. It's okay to take a break when you're feeling burnt out. Refresh and ease yourself back into it with a cool linkup.

8. Make an attempt to have a uniform width for pictures.

9. Tell your mom about your blog. She'll love it.

10. Have fun -  people will love what you've written and you'll make some awesome friends!

Fall Anti-Bucket List

I'd love to sit here and make a bucket list of all the things I want to do this fall. I won't do that because it's basically setting myself up for disappointment like when I only accomplished 2 items from my Summer bucket list. I will, however, give you a list of all the things I won't do this Fall.

Walk through a haunted house - Nope, not happening. I won't be paying money to give myself anxiety and scaredy-ness.

Carving pumpkins - While I'd like to, ain't nobody got time for that. Also, messy, squishy insides. Blech.

Giving out candy - No, I do not want to listen to kids screaming because they got colored pencils instead of a Snickers. I will hide in my room watching Harry Potter because I'm sure it'll be on abcfamily that night.

Picking apples or pumpkins - Hay fever. Nope.

Baking - I'll let mom do all that. Maybe I'll help :)

What will you (not) be doing this Fall?

The Worst Things in Life

Any other week, I'd be more than happy to split my time between the couch and my bed watching movies and eating pudding all day long. This week is not that week, although I did do all of those things. It's a whole different experience when you've got 4 gaping holes in your mouth and feel like you've been kicked in the face by a donkey wearing ice skates. This is one of the things I'd file under "things I wouldn't wish upon my worst enemy" otherwise known as THE WORST THINGS IN LIFE.

Obviously, there are much more horrible things that could happen, like losing a loved one, cancer, car accidents, and missing jets plummeting into the Indian Ocean (still don't understand that). The following list is made up of the kinds of things that make you want to go back to sleep for the day.

The Worst Things (in life):

// when your pen runs out of ink halfway through a sentence.

// stepping into a puddle in socks
// stubbed toes
// hitting every red light when you're running late
// chipped nail polish
// when you order medium rare and your steak comes out well done
// getting your wisdom teeth out
// Walmart shopping carts (or Walmart in general)

If this post is a little to much of a downer for you, you can check out my list from last month when I wrote about the best things in life. 

 

What kind of things make you say "that is the worst"

Movies I Haven't Seen

Sitting in my bed, doing nothing but watching movies for the last 5 days reminded me that there are a lot of movies I haven't seen. Once upon a time I even wrote a post about it. My first list included Rocky, American Pie, Pretty Woman, The Sixth Sense, and Anchorman. Since writing that, I watched Pretty Woman and American Pie YAY ME.

So now we're back with another edition of Movies I Haven't Seen.

SIX: Monty Python and the Holy Grail
I don't know anything about this movie, except that everyone and their mother has seen it. Also, I borrowed it from Courtney and have yet to watch it. I might need more convincing.

SEVEN: Bourne Movies
I know I'd love these movies, but I'm too cheap to buy them. Someday someone will lend me their box set and I will join the club for fans of Matt Damon's face.

EIGHT: Chicago
I know all the words to Cell Block Tango. But I haven't seen this one yet. Hmm. I had it coming, I had it coming. I only had myself to blame.

NINE: Breakfast at Tiffany's 
Audrey Hepburn in all her glory. It's on my list, okay? Don't judge me.

TEN: Good Will Hunting
This dvd is downstairs in my living room. I'll probably check that off first since everyone keeps saying "aw you'll love it, Mon." And Matt Damon and Ben Affleck wrote it so I'm all for it.

Back to the wisdom teeth movie marathon!

Is there anything else I should add to my ever-growing list?

6 Years

Today is my 6th anniversary with Kristobal. 6 years ago today, this man boy was walking me to work when he stopped in the middle of the pavement and asked me to be his girlfriend. (He tried asking me via text the night before, but I wouldn't have it so I told him to "man up" and ask me in person.) I took a chance on my then physics lab partner and said yes. It was the best decision I've ever made. I thank God every day for bringing him into my life and I can't wait for our future together.

I love him for more reasons than I can count, but I'll share some with you guys. What better way is there to celebrate than by airing your love out on the internet?

Why I love Kristo:

1// He cooks. Sometimes his culinary creations backfire (like the time he thought it would be a good idea to put cinnamon in scrambled eggs) (or the time his "croissants" turned out like pita chips), but at least he tries. Boy, does he try.

2// He thinks I'm funny He laughs at all my jokes(even when they're completely lame, which is all the time)

3// He wiggles his ears to make me laugh. I can't do this. Can anyone else do this?

4// He doesn't take my shit and he tells me when I'm being a brat.

5// He's patient when I don't understand rules of whatever sport we're watching and he never judges my choice of teams EVEN THOUGH THEY NEVER WIN

AND he buys me shirts for his teams when mine don't make the playoffs(which is always)

6// He doesn't think I'm nuts get annoyed that I've already picked a date for our wedding even though he hasn't proposed yet.

Last, but not least, he loves all of me and all of my weirdness all of the time.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, KRISTO. I LOVE YOU.

The Best Things in Life

Short sweet post...ready set GO!

Every once in a while, you realize that you only need the little things in life to be happy. It isn't often and it's hard to see among all the bad things we see on the news and read in the paper and on msn's homepage. But I'm not here to dwell on the bad stuff. I'm here to spread sunshine and tell you all the little things that make me happy. 

+ the first sip of tea in the morning 

+ watching the last piece of glitter settle in the snow globe

+ homemade mashed potatoes

+ fresh school supplies

+ overhearing someone say something nice about you

+ seeing shapes in clouds

+ new socks

+ being caught up on your favorite shows

+ link ups with your blog friends. Make sure you pop over to Jordan's blog and read yesterday's post because it's going to be a link-up next THURSDAY! 

What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?

I'm the Kinda Girl Who...

...Caught on to this linkup really late today. How did I not know about this? Maybe because you haven't been around Monica, geez! I really like this idea so I still wanna write about it.

Here it goes!

 

I'm the kind of girl who...

 

...loves to make people laugh, even if it's at my own expense.

 

...hates getting ready, but loves going out.

 

...reads a book in one sitting and then gets depressed because it's over so quickly.

 

...loves my boyfriend to death, but will bust on him at every opportunity.

 

...hates cats. They're so snobby, though.

 

...takes a picture of everything (for the blog!), but always forgets to post them.

 

...loves to sing everything.

 

...loves to have her picture taken.

 

...loves blogging more than I ever thought was possible.

 

...is always cold because I have Reynauds disease. Yes, even in the Summer.

 

...who loves to photobomb people.

 

 



 





Hello 2014

Happy New Year everyone!

I hope you all had a fantastic holiday and that you're not too hungover today. Haha, right. Pop some Advil, eat an egg sandwich, and chug some Gatorade. I'll wait.  I've been spending the last few weeks resetting and relaxing and I've missed you all. Following the custom for the new year, I'm writing out my goals for 2014. Hopefully I can use this post to hold myself accountable and maybe inspire a few people to stick to their own goals. Hey we can all help each other out, right?

SMILE
Apparently my bitchy resting face made too many appearances in 2013 because I constantly had people asking me if I was okay. No one ever believed me when I was I was fine. Time to smile more.

READ

Once upon a time, I read 104 books in a year. That year was most definitely NOT last year. This year I wanna get back to my first love: books.

STUDY
I have to retake the GRE before I apply to grad school in September I plan to do a few chapters a week until my scores improve.

EXERCISE
Even though I can eat whatever I want without gaining a pound, I can't walk up a big flight of stairs without getting winded (I'm actually an old man #geezer). This year, I wanna get back into some kind of shape.

SIMPLIFY
Yes, I stole Rachael's word of the year. Out with the old and in...nope. Let the old stay out. I don't need new stuff. Mostly because I have nowhere to put it. Also becauase I want to pay less attention to things  and more attention to everything else in life.

PRAY
I started to realize at the end of 2013 that I only find myself praying when I need something. My goal for 2014 is to pray in all situations because God is always around, not just when we need something.

BLOG
I also have a few goals for this little blog of mine for the coming year.

• keep to the "blogging plan" I've created for myself so that I'm not scrambling to figure out what to write at the last minute
• answer all emails in a timely manner
• sponsor at least 3 blogs (dolla dolla billz y'all)
• write a guest post
• update my design
• cohost a linkup...maybe?

What are your goals for 2014? Let me know in the comments!

Factoid.

Guys, my bff Kaylee (if that is her real name) wants me to tell you 11 random facts about myself. This sounds like a good idea since I didn't get around to writing a post today.

1. I already have my wedding date picked even though Kristo hasn't proposed to me yet.
2. I want 6 kids. He wants 3.
3. I will intentionally cross the street if the other side is sunnier.
4. The Sound of Music is my favorite musical. And no matter who performs in it, I will still love it.
5. I'll be getting my diploma in February, but I don't get a graduation. There weren't enough of us to justify holding a Winter commencement. Laaaaame.
6. I found out that house hunters isn't real, but I can't stop watching.
7. I'm shy. When I meet someone for the first time, I put in a lot of extra work so I don't come off as snobby(does that make sense?). It is emotionally draining.
8. I've seen Halestorm, my favorite band 7 times in 3 years. Glee performed one of their songs in an episode this year and then they won a Grammy.
9. When customers are rude to me, I secretly smash their chips as I scan them.
10. I also make hideous faces at little kids while their parents aren't looking.
11. I talk like Fran Drescher...like a lot.
    

If you wanna know more random facts about me check out these posts!

And just because every post needs a picture.

Ugly sweater contest from Christmas 2011. Still bitter that I didn't win.

XO - Monny

Chins Up, Smile On.

Happy Monday!

Usually, this is the day of the week that I hate most, but I got more than 5 hours of sleep last night and there are only 3 days until national gluttony day Thanksgiving so I'm in a good mood.

I hope you all had a great weekend! Mine was pretty low key, except for the fact that I GOT TO SEE CATCHING FIRE. It everything I wanted it to be and more. I laughed, I cried, I got mad that Plutarch didn't show Katniss his watch, but mostly I fangirled. It is every book lover's dream that the movie adaptation is true to the story line and it was for the most part. I want to see it again and again. What are you waiting for? Walk away from the computer and go see it - I'll wait. When you get back we'll discuss Finnick's abs and Effie's eyelashes.

Since this week is going to be kind of crazy, I'm writing my mini goals list here so I can keep myself accountable.

• Deaf event essay - due Monday 5 pm 
• Audiology online quiz - due Tuesday 2 pm
• Online observation and language sampling analysis - due Tuesday night 11:59 pm
• Evaluation report - due 12/3

To help you get through your Monday...

XO - Monny

Handwritten Post

Borrowing a fabulous idea from Anjali at From L&P to English Tea

Weekly Wishes

It's dreary outside and it's supposed to thunderstorm all night. Apparently the world is sad that it's Monday too.

I know you're all excited to read about my super exciting weekend,but I have to let you down because I didn't do anything fun. I worked Friday and Saturday, and did homework and crossed off stuff from my to-do list yesterday. I have so many "do's" lately that I feel like I'm drowning in work. This rbings me to my post topic for today.

I'm linking up with Melyssa from The Nectar Collective for Weekly Wishes. I almost typed out my to-do list as a post today, but I think this is more productive.

1. Organize my to-do lists. I feel like I'll be less stressed if all of my to-do's are written out in front of me instead of having tasks split between my phone a a hot pink Post-It stuck to my desk. I'm also on a hunt for the perfect task organizer app for Android so if you have any suggestions, please let me know!

2. Review for the GREs. This is scary. I'm taking the test next Wednesday at 8 am and I'm not prepared. I kept putting off studying for the test over the summer and now that school is in full swing, it's almost impossible to open the damn review book. I'll be needing some good prayers/vibes  on Wednesday.

3. Clean my room. This may seem like a no-brainer, but it's really hard to find the time to clean my disaster zone bedroom. It's also difficult to be productive in a messy room so I'm stuck in a vicious cycle. When I finally get my room clean, it's like a weight has been lifted off me and I get the best sleep so that needs to happen asap.

4. Find inspiration. I've been feeling kind of negative towards humanity and the hot mess that our country is lately so this week I'm on the lookout for quotes, pictures, and people who inspire me.

What wishes do you have this week?
XO - Monny

Friday?

Happy Friday, y'all (I still feel weird saying that)!

I had all intentions of drinking a beer and writing today's blog post before bed last night, but after the beer, I laid my head down to rest my eyes for a minute and woke up NINE HOURS LATER. So, here we are finally getting that post done.

Except, I have no idea what to write. Aw crud. Okay, new plan - write whatever comes into my head. Annnd GO!

Should I bullet it? Yeah sounds good.

• The new Snapchat update looks like a kindergarten classroom.
• I made my Earl Grey perfectly today.
• I can't believe I have an A in math. It is seriously a miracle. But really.
• Really not looking forward to 7 hours of manual labor today.
• How does Whitney fit all that into her purse?
• I bet Kris is jealous of my whistling skills.
• I should probably answer the questions Meg sent for my blog spotlight. 
• I should also probably apply to graduate like now.
• I'm so happy I'm making blog friends!
• especially ones who help me fundraise. 
• And I'm happy that it's only a little awkward asking people for their numbers.
• I may or may not have used this line last night.

Linking up with Whitney for #backthatazzupFriday

I think that's about it. Have a fantabulous weekend, everyone! XO - Monny

I'd Rather Be Naked

Hey y'all (did I say that right?)

Monday is the first day of school so I figured I should probably do my wash considering how I have nothing to wear.

Since I have to sit and wait for my wash to be done, I figured I should write a post about my love/hate (mostly hate) relationship with laundry.

LOVE:
I love to hold clothes when they're fresh out of the dryer.  Mmm toasty.

I love smelling the fabric softener scent leftover from the wash.

I love being able to look at all of my clean clothes and making outfits in my head.

I love arranging my closet by type and color so I know exactly what's in my inventory.

I love looking fabulous and posting that ish on Instagram in an #ootd post.

HATE:
I hate sorting laundry. Darks? Whites? Nah, throw it all in the same load. Ain't nobody got time for that!

I hate folding. Period. I just hang as many pieces of clothing as humanly possibly.

I hate matching socks. I just throw them all into my drawer and hope it's easy to find a match when I'm in a hurry. Also, the sock monster? He's real.

And if I didn't throw a first world problem into the mix, it wouldn't be a party so here's one for you. I hate that even when all of my clothes are clean and neatly hanging in the closet, I still have nothing to wear.

Whoops, the washer beeped just as I finished "airing out my dirty laundry." Just in tiiiime.

What's your least favorite part of laundry day?

XO - Monny

"I Shouldn'ta Told Yeh That!"

Day 5: Today's prompt is: 10 Things you shouldn't know about me, but I'm going to tell you!

This is not my favorite prompt, but I'm being a good blogger(but not really because this shiz should've been posted last night). Here are 10 things I don't tell just anyone. Once again, 10 awesome points for whoever gets the title reference.

1. I don't shave my legs on a normal basis because I'm lazy. At least I know Meg and Juliette won't judge me.

2. I still sleep with a stuffed monkey that Kristo bought me 5 years ago. His name is Nanners. Try not to judge.

3.I also wear a nightguard to sleep so I don't grind my teeth and/or bite my tongue off.

4. I recently broke up with one of my "best friends" - a girl I've been friends with for 12 years because she always expected me to be there for her through all her petty drama and life "problems," which I was. However, she refused to even send a text to acknowledge the fact that my grandmom died.  

5. I have certain people who I only talk to every once in a while just to stay on their good side.

6. An easy way to kill me is to feed me watermelon. Throat swelling yeah.

7. The first time I got drunk was when I was 19. My bff Amy and I watched (500) Days of Summer and drank vodka and juice in our dorm room. It ended with us giggling loudly and yelling at my computer screen.

8. My sister and I still fist-fight at the mature ages of 22 and 20. It's easier to settle arguments by beating the crap out of each other. No one's been seriously injured...yet.

9. I hate to say it, but I often find myself judging people for what they wear and how they act in church. I'm sorry, but booty shorts are not appropriate. Never will be.

10. It is impossible for me to keep my room clean for more than one day. I've tried and failed more times than I can count.

Hopefully this list doesn't make you run for the hills. I'm not that bad, I swear!

Thanks for reading!
XO - Monny

You Ain't Never Had a Friend Like Me

 Day 2 : Today's prompt is:  If you had three wishes what would they be and why?

*Ten awesome points to whoever gets the title reference!*

Let's see, if I were a superhero, my wishes would be for an end to world hunger, war, and for good to always triumph over evil. I, however, am not a superhero. I'm a 22 year old college student. So here are my very realistic wishes.

One: I'd wish for a closet that refreshed every season to my tastes and needs so that I'd never have to go shopping again. Yes, I'm a girl who hates shopping. NOTHING EVER FITS RIGHT.

Two: For wish number two, I'd really like the winning Powerball numbers. I could really use that $290 million to pay off our school loans and to pay my parents mortgage, and to make sure all my aunts, uncles, cousins, friends can live comfortably. I'd probably donate some to church too.

Three: Obviously, this game doesn't include "Da Rules" from the Fairly OddParents so I'm gonna go with unlimited wishes for wish number three. That way I can include stuff like world peace, food for everyone, a library for my bedroom, and for men to stop leaving the toilet seat up.

What would you ask for if you got 3 wishes?

XO - Monny

It's My Birthday! 22 Things

Happy Sunday! I hope you're all having a good weekend! I know I am. I've been celebrating my birthday since Thursday night, but I'll save that for my weekend shenanigans post!

I've learned a lot since I turned twenty-one 365 days ago. Most importantly, I've learned to eat before I drink so that I don't puke everywhere. I'll just leave this post here before I return to the festivities.

22 Things I've Learned in My 22 Years!

1. Not everyone is meant to stay in your life forever.
2. If something is causing unnecessary stress in your life, let it go.
3. If you find someone who puts up with your shit no matter what you do, hold on to them.
4. Eveything tastes better covered in hot sauce, chocolate, or cheese.
5. Sitting on your feet is bad for circulation.
6. Tell people when something is bothering you - bottling it up only causes major problems later.
7. Nervous breakdowns can result in huge life decisions.
8. Sometimes the weird guy from your science class ends up being your soulmate. 

   

   yes, we're doing the prom pose

9. Making your bed makes you feel like your life is together
10. Booths are always be better than tables
11. When your grandfather tells you the same story you've heard a million times, listen to him. You're gonna miss those stories when he's gone.
12. Always pour the hot water over the tea.
13. Push-up bras don't do anything if you don't have boobs to push up.
    
14. Write it down now or you will forget it.
15. Carry your phone charger everywhere.
16. Most people suck, but there are still some who can restore your faith in humanity.
17. Dust from top to bottom, then vacuum.
18. You sleep better with a clean room and fresh sheets.
19. Taking vitamins actually keeps you healthy.
20. Withdrawing from a class does not mean you're a failure.
21. Beer causes fewer hangovers than vodka.
22. If you work in a grocery store, you will get hit on by creepy men.

Retail Robin always understands

Time to go get ready for my fancy shmancy birthday dinner!

XO - Monny