Tag: Life

Live Loudly.

Published on by Louise

I posted this on FB Monday but I wanted to share it here, too.

Monday morning I woke up to news of the tragedy in Las Vegas & all I could honestly think was, ‘Goddamn it.’ It’s the same reaction I had after the theater shooting during the Batman release in 2012. My brother was at the midnight premier in a different state, but he could’ve been at the target theater. I attend so many concerts- I could’ve been in that courtyard in Vegas. Any one could’ve been there- so many people were there. GODDAMN IT, why can’t we just live?

I get so mad when this stuff happens. Then I stumble across pictures and descriptions of those who lost their lives and my anger morphs to devastation. When I learned about the folks that died in the Pulse Night Club shooting I felt so broken. The stories of lost friends pushing their surviving friends into a safe closet or boyfriends pulling their girlfriends to safety while taking a fatal bullet to the back. It just sucks so so much. And there’s absolutely no explanation for our logic-seeking broken hearts.

What the hell can we do about it?

Without launching into a gun control debate or mental health talk or terrorist rant, I feel like the very best thing we can do is live. Go to the movies, rock out at the concerts, board the plane and travel the world. It’s all you can do.

At the risk of sounding morbid and unsympathetic (which I’m not ❤︎), we’re all going to die. It’s 100% guaranteed. And while it makes me so mad when someone’s life is snuffed out unexpectedly or violently, we’re all guaranteed to lose our lives one way or another. I’ll be damned if someone steals the joy of living away from me with fear and terror.

I’m a Christian and I honestly believe that once we’re done here, if we’ve lived a life of love and compassion and kindness, we go to Heaven. And Heaven doesn’t have mass shootings. I’m praying that my version of Heaven has a boat-load of dogs. But I can 100% guarantee that there are NO mass shootings in Heaven.

But I’m not there yet and, if you’re reading this, neither are you. We’re here and “here” could use a whole bunch of fearless, life-loving people to alter its current state. Be sad and grieve the loss of lives in Las Vegas and Puerto Rico and Mexico and other sites of tragedy, but don’t be discouraged. Don’t give in to fear. Don’t let hate and violence and sadness corner you into a dark space. Grab your closest friend’s hand, tell them you love them, and turn on some music. Drop off some kibble at a local shelter or bake some cookies for your local police department. Volunteer at the soup kitchen or donate some coats and blankets to a shelter. We can’t always do anything about the bad, but we can ALWAYS add more good.

You are important and your life matters and you have the ability to affect many- don’t let anyone make you feel any differently. We’re all going to die; we don’t get a choice. You 100% get to choose how you live, though.

My heart is broken for the friends and family of those who were killed in Las Vegas. It’s really not fair and so frustrating. Please live loudly, friends. We only have one go at this ❤︎

Advertisements

Currently…

Published on by Louise46 Comments

Reading… The Moon-Spinners for Erin’s Challenge. I’m having a hard time with this book even though I find the story interesting. Fortunately I’m also reading HP & the SS which is sucking me in just like it did nearly 20 years ago ❤︎

Eating… terribly. I haven’t wanted to dirty the kitchen because of all the showings/inspections happening so we’ve been doing a LOT of external dining (or take out). The few meals I have made at home were busts. I need to work on this.

Feeling… sick. My mother had a head cold (#FirstGradeTeacherProbz) and I think she passed it on to me last weekend. Grr.

Planning… a house warming / Halloween / fall party in the new crib 🙂

Pinning… alllll the home decor. When we moved into our current house we were newlyweds carting around everyone’s generous hand-me-downs. Since then we’ve been intentional about design and I’m excited to decorate the new space with pieces that are important and unique to us.

Recovering from… last weekend’s bachelorette party in Cleveland. We took a party bus to the city, dined at Margaritaville, & had some dessert at The Chocolate Bar. The bride was on antibiotics and crutches (different incidents) so it was a slightly tame evening, though still exhausting!

Looking forward to… a slower season at work, moving into a new neighborhood, cool temperatures.

Here are some pictures from the last month or so of life 🙂

Kyle and our PI banner on the field at DCI World Championships
Lylee channeling how I hope to be this fall…
A bridal shower I helped with… K and I are both in the wedding next month!

*To my blogger friends in the south/east: If you need anything please let me know! Stay safe this weekend ❤︎

So what’s new with you? (Linking up with Kristen & Gretch!)

What's New With You

Ramblings of Sorts

Published on by Louise22 Comments

I don’t have anything worthwhile to say today. (How’s that for a lead-in?)

So here are some random thoughts.

For those in Texas, human and critter, know that my heart and prayers and donations are with you ❤︎
I can’t explain how proud and hopeful I feel when I see the stories of people taking their boats & large trucks into affected areas and helping people out of buildings. That is what makes humanity wonderful and keeps our country united and strong.

In a different breath, I think this president is growing increasingly dangerous. His small steps to reverse policy and pardon dirt bags and alter law enforcement/military power is extremely alarming. Don’t let these things go unnoticed. Be aware of what your government is doing before it’s no longer your government…
I believe both sides of the aisle should be fired up.

And now some lighter things to get us through the rest of the week…

This popped up on my FB yesterday:

Sorry, but there’s no way to decrease your chance of death/dying. It’s 100% guaranteed.

Oll's

In honor of yesterday being 8 years since I moved into my first dorm at college. Woof.

I’ve seen this before and for some reason it sends me into a fit of giggles.

(The original post had a dated and offensive term so I edited it. Ha.)

A Tuesday Reminder: In an effort to protect our brains in this crazy world, if you’re like me and you still have a Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc. that you scroll through multiple times a day then I suggest taking time to really go through and unfollow/unlike/unfriend the folks or accounts that bring you down or upset you. If it’s differing or hurtful opinions or a perfect manicured life or gorgeous vacations once a month or whatever… unfollow them because you don’t owe anyone a follow or Facebook friendship. If it’s affecting your mood then take some action.  It’ll make you feel better to be free of weird social media obligations, lol.

Alright. This was a weird post. Happy Tuesday ❤︎

It’s Coming… 🍂

Published on by Louise34 Comments

It seems that the majority of us are ready for a seasonal shift…

I am anti-wish the days away, but I’m so pro-fall someone should give me a crown and call me Queen of October. Seriously, though…

Today I bring you a list of late summer things that remind me fall is coming. (I feel like a GoT reference could be made, but I don’t watch it so I’m going to let that opportunity slide.)

Humidity-Free Breezes
You know what I mean. It’s that cool, fresh breeze that interrupts an 82 degree afternoon. We feel it, we suddenly crave more, and we obsessively check our weather apps to see if the windows can be cracked that night.

That Bonfire Smell
My husband says bonfires smell like ham. I don’t agree since I dislike ham but love the smell of burning logs.

Movies on Television (that are just a tiny bit premature)
My heart actually leaves my chest when I see films like Beetlejuice on TV. #MyFav

The Leaves
Most of ours are still green but if you look toward the top of the trees you have a few rebel leaves that are starting to protest in red and orange. Be still my heart.

The Produce Aisle
The squashes and pumpkins and other gourds are coming out to play. Is it too soon to carve a pumpkin? Asking for a friend.

I have zero shame in my fall obsession. I’m glad summer is packing her bags. Please Lord, give us a cool, breezy, uneventful fall.

Got any fall plans this year? Hopefully we’re moving houses, going on a small trip, and celebrating my b-day. (We’re definitely doing the latter 😉 ha.)

Mini Letters

Published on by Louise43 Comments

Dear Fall,

I’m ready for you. I know some people are trying to soak in those last rays of summer, but my sweatshirts are knocking on the closet door and my windows long to be open at night. I’m already burning my woodsy candles in anticipation of your arrival. ‘Love you.

Dear Eclipse,

Thank you for providing a brief, healthy, unique distraction for our country. I am 100% camped out in the “Stay Vigilant” campground, but it was kind of adorable to see the country come together to witness a fun thing like you. You came at a good time.

Dear Realtors,

If you could schedule your showings & open houses all in one day that’d be awesome… I’m so stinkin’ tired of deep cleaning my house. (I know, I know… it’s all for the greater good. I know it’ll pay off.)

Dear The Tudors,

I love you. You’re one of my favorite things to watch on Netflix. Henry Cavill definitely helps…

Also, Natalie Dormer as Anne Boleyn is amazing.

Dear Zac Brown Band & Kenny Chesney,

While I’m so ready for fall, your music makes me long for the beach. Or maybe my current stressors just make me long for a vacation. Either way, someone give me an all-inclusive trip 😉 j/k

Sincerely,

Currently…

Published on by Louise42 Comments

Let’s get into this life update, shall we?

Thinking about 100% of the time… selling the house. When the buyers (who’d put in an offer 2 days after our house was listed and had us cancel our first Open House) backed out of the contract K and I felt pretty defeated. We’re not discouraged, just let down. I promise we’re trying to bounce back and stay positive.

Working on… Chelsea and Ryan‘s 31 Days of Kindness! It’s not too late to join in!

Reading… four different stories at the moments… I’m making my way through Erin’s Challenge, slowly but surely.

Listening to… a lot of country music. Especially Kenny Chesney. He’s my feel-good artist of the summer. We saw Incubus & Jimmy Eat World last week so I’ve been mixing a little alternative rock in, too.

Watching… nothing really. I’m getting my film list ready for Jenn’s challenge and I just shared the Fall shows I’m looking forward to.

Loving… the cool evening temperatures around these parts. I sleep with the windows open when it dips below 70* and I love it!

Hating… loud neighbors, contrary house hunters, the p.o.s. potus, half-ass sunscreen, drama, stress, ticks, keeping the house in pristine condition for last minute showings.

Experiencing… summer concerts, races at Mid-Ohio raceway, outdoor parties and bar-hopping.

Planning… so many things. Bridal showers & Bachelorette parties, a potential lake-day, business trips for this fall & winter, a Halloween party (WOO!), Christmas gifts, etc.

Wanting… kayaks for the husband and I.

Craving… a fall getaway. I’m thinking maybe a girls’ trip, but I haven’t reached out to anyone yet…

Eating… cherries! I freaking love cherries.

Drinking… sweet wine or amaretto & rootbeer because my aunt-in-law has me hooked.

Looking forward to… being in a new house with some warm sunlit rooms and quiet neighbors 😉

Linking up with Kristen & Gretch for What’s New With You?.

What's New With You

Exhausting Musings

Published on by Louise33 Comments

I had a different post lined up for today but a) I just want to ramble and b) I haven’t quite finished it yet…

Last month I read ‘The Art of Racing in the Rain’ and it mentioned Formula One race tracks all over the US/world. One of those tracks is about two hours from me but we’ve never been there. Then, at the beginning of this week, my brother called and said his work gave him 8 tickets to the Indy car races at that track! I don’t know why, but it feels so cool to have read about the sport and the tracks, and now I get to go to one!

K and I are obsessed with Bravo’s Below Deck Mediterranean. We watch the new episodes on Tuesday nights and we know all the crew members’ backstories and we actually discuss the show. It’s embarrassingly satisfying. Hahaha.

I didn’t know it was possible to be this mentally and physically exhausted without the involvement of college, children, or holidays. July has 100% kicked our bootys- professionally and personally.

Our dogs killed a nest full of rabbits on Friday. The main reason this sucks is because 6 bunnies lost their lives. Secondary reasons this sucks are because a) I can’t tell if Enzo is moody or if he’s sick from noshing on bunnies and b) trash day is on Thursday… so our trashcan is not smelling its freshest and it makes the driveway area quite heinous.
*Fortunately the trash truck came today.

A few days ago I went to Starbucks to get K and I drinks. I also had a free reward. Well, they 100% botched mine. The guy scanned my phone at the window and then tried to hand me the wrong drink order. I corrected him and he blushed and admitted he was flustered and handed me the two I’d ordered (although one was totally wrong). Regardless, I asked if I still owned him since he only scanned for the reward drink. He shrugged and told me to forget it. Lol. I still feel like my experience was a win.

Guys. It’s so hot & I hate summer. (Don’t stone me- I’ve tried to like it, I swear.) I just want to sit in front of an a/c vent in a sports bra and underwear and drink icy drinks. (Let’s remember I live in Ohio. If I was a southerner I think I’d actually die.) Please, oh please let fall kick in early this year…

*My grandparents had a large in-ground pool when I was growing up. When they sold that house my hatred for summer was born. I know that makes me spoiled. Sorry.

At the end of August K is playing (in a band) with an Elvis impersonator. I don’t know why I find that so amusing (especially since he’s done it before), but I do. Also, it’s an outdoor concert at our local park and I’m really excited to fill a water bottle with wine and sit on the lawn and listen to him 😉

Ok. That’s all I’ve got. Tell me about your weekend plans! I’m hoping in the car with one best friend to go celebrate another best friend at her engagement party! Woot woot!