i almost got beaked by some birds today. i got too close and they charged. some call the noise they make a quack, but i call it a battle cry. i screamed like a little girl.

"do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires."

I got measured today for a bridesmaid dress for my brother's wedding. My chest size puts me in a size four. My waist size puts me in a size two. And my hips put me in a size eight. I'm sorry, but does anyone else find that upsetting? Hmph.

Also, walked the bridge today. Hot as a mother... I thought Tonya and I might die. Note to self: Hydrate. If you think it's not going to be hot - hydrate. Hydrate. Hydrate. Hydrate. And maybe wear sunscreen. I have acquired some wicked tan lines.

Now, it's time for a story where I was socially awkward:

I went to Starbucks earlier... I ordered a tall, two pump peppermint, two shot affogato vanilla bean creme with no whip. And then the barista came back to me and told me they didn't have any peppermint. I was floored. I literally didn't know what to do.

Barista: I'm really sorry. I forgot. We're actually out of peppermint.
Me: (completely flustered) Really? Oh. Ok. I need to re-evaluate my situation.
Barista: What other flavors do you like? We can figure out something different.
Me: I don't know. This has never happened to me before.
Barista: We have pumpkin spice and new toffee mocha. They're really good.
Me: Yeah... I know... (still looking really stunned)
Barista: I'm really sorry. Let me call the store a block away and see if they have it. (makes phone call) They do. It's just down the street. And here's a free drink coupon for you.
Me: Oh no, you don't have to do that. I'm not upset. I was just momentarily confused.
Barista: I know. I just felt really bad. You looked so disappointed.

Me: I just don't think I would have been happy with something else.
Tonya: You wouldn't have.
Me: I put a lot of thought into what I order before I do it.
Tonya: I know that about you. And you wanted peppermint.
Me: I'm a big dork.

Oy. I shouldn't be allowed in public.

And Tonya and I got interviewed today for a broadcast journalism class in all of our sweaty glory on King St. The girl was incredibly nervous talking to us and filming us. Wanna know what she asked? Basically, how we felt about "sexting" ... ie. sending photos, etc. What? Really? That's what you're asking us about and filming us? PS. Personally, it's not for me. And I think it's awful if younger kids are doing it. But if you're an adult who pays their own phone bill, then by all means. I don't tell you what to do in your bedroom and I'm not going to tell you what to do on your phone. Please just don't involve me. Ok. Thanks.

Anyway, it has been an interesting day for sure.

I can't wait to move into my new place. I took Tonya by to see it today. And I took Patrick last night to see if it was sketchy - we may or may not have stumbled across a drunk fella laying next to the pond on the phone. I will neither confirm or deny it.

Alright. Alright. Time for a shower and laundry. Then sushi. Delish.

Colonial Village at Westchase

I feel like I have a lot to say, but I'm at a loss for words. Crazy, right? That hardly ever happens to me.

"The time has come,' the Walrus said,
"To talk of many things:
Of shoes - and ships - and sealing wax -
Of cabbages - and kings -
And why the sea is boiling hot -
And whether pigs have wings."

But... I am moving!

On November 2, I will have an apartment all to myself! I'm so excited!

My lease is a year. But that doesn't mean I'm not still on Team Cola 11!

more details to come...

via beth gillespie

Patrick: You have a lot a friends.
Me: Yes. Yes I do.
Patrick: How do you know all these people?
Me: I'm a delight.
Patrick: It's true. I'll give you that.

Out the Wazoo.

That's the name of the "series" we're doing at Kinetic :: Crosstowne's 18-30 age small group. I like it. Both the "series" and the group. I don't always talk, but I'm always listening and then I usually share it later with someone. Or with you, my devoted blog readers. So, I like Out the Wazoo because it's a mashup of topics. Wednesday, we talked about things marriage is not...

Marriage is not a cure of loneliness. Marriage is not a means for a makeover. Marriage isn't all about sex. Those are interesting things to think about because those three reasons are probably three of the biggest reasons why people get married. Love, of course, but to cure or fix something in their lives by adding another person.

"Don't be in a hurry to add another person to your life."

I'm pretty selfish. I don't know how to take care of my dog, much less a husband.

We also discussed Things You Should Do Before You're Thirty:

1. Lose your stupid friends. - Paul tells us in the Bible to arouse each other from inactivity and provoke one another to love and good works. Makes sense, right? So, why do we hang out with people who hold us back? It's time to grow up.

2. Read Books. - Not just for fun, but books that will develop you.

Right now, I'm reading The Happiness Project. It's a book that breaks down daily life behaviors into months as this women tries to become happier. She's not unhappy. She just wants to spend more time focusing on things that are important. I'm only in February and I've learned a lot from her already.

3. Write down your GOALS. - Next year. Next month. Next week. This one is hard for me. Personal life goals. Spiritual goals. Volunteer goals. This is one I'm struggling with.

4. Find a parent/mentor that you can ask for criticism. - What do you think I lack and what can I do better? It needs to be someone you trust and feel safe with, but someone you know will be honest with you.

5. Accept Hardship. - It happens to everyone. Try to be glass half full about it.

6. Cut the cynicism. - Don't roll your eyes at other people and their lives. AND I QUOTE, "If someone loves Dave Matthews Band, let them love Dave Matthews Band. It turns out their last album wasn't actually that bad." Oy with the poodles. This also means, if someone doesn't love DMB, then let them not love DMB. Oy with the poodles, again!

7. Volunteer. - Do something for somebody else. For free. This is hard for me too because, again, I'm selfish and I like my free time.

This was by no means the end of the list, but it certainly gave me quite a bit to think about.

My life is good. I like it. I've been working well at the store with my new manager and sales lead. I've been going to the gym 4 times a week. Drinking coffee. Hanging out with my neighbor - going kayaking and watching the Gamecocks. I've spent time with my family and friends. I've started looking for an apartment with plans to move by the end of the year if I can find an available place where I want to move. I've been reading and continuing to watch LOST. I'm going to Columbia soon to see my friends. My life is happy. But what is it's meaning? What are my goals?

I'm just saying. It's a lot to think about. Your twenties prepare you for the rest of your life. I have five more years to do it right. And I want to do it right.