New Years Resolution's!

I came across my blogpost from 2014 on TimeHop today, and it got me so excited to pick new resolutions for the 2015 year! Looking back on what I wrote was a lot of fun. It was interesting to see how I (as everyone does) have changed as a person over just the last year!

This year has been a whirlwind- another big move, another big job, new friends, new "family" away from family, and new goals. I have changed, and grown (or not in certain areas) so much as a person. I still have a long way to go, but it's fun to look back, and move forward into a new year.

A bad habit i'm going to break:

I  would say picking my nails...but then i'd be lying...then i'd have to break 2 habits.

I'm probs not breaking any habits this year. 

A new skill i'd like to learn:

I would love to learn sign language. I think it would open up a whole new form of communication. That would be fabulous!  

also- I would love to learn how to relax. It's not in my nature. 

A person I hope to be more like:

Jesus

...and Jimmy Fallon. (we're both kind of out there) 

A good deed i'm going to do:

As Kathy Lee Gifford once said "I love to talk, but the real truth is, I love to listen too!"

I want to really BE there for people. Whether it be a family member, friend, or even a complete stranger I want to BE there. I never want anyone to come to me without leaving laughing, or with a smile. Life is too short to be anything but funny/happy.

We're all brothers and sisters making it through this crazy journey we call life together. Plenty of people have been there for me, even over the smallest of issues. This year, I want to make it my year to be aware of everybody, and be there to listen and help. Caring about others, doing for others, and living a life of service is what the Bible says it's all about.

A place i'd like to visit:

Over the course of my short 26 years of life, I have moved 9 times. My family has stayed in my hometown, but I have personally moved 9 times. 7 of those times were within my home state of North Carolina, but then I took on New York City. My biggest adventre has been over the last year, living in Ohio. I have tried to visit every small town within this state!

I love small towns, they are the heart and soul of America, and the people in each small town I have seen have been incredible. Truthfully, if I could visit my favorite small town- it would be Wrightsville Beach. I absolutely love it there.

I don't care about going overseas, or even across the country...I just want to surround myself with the beauty of a small town...preferably with a "Gilmore Girls" like gazeebo, and people who treat you like a member of their sweet "small town"family when you walk by. Specifically, Bellville Ohio has bee a favorite so far. Their gazeebo was gawwgeous.

(Thanks to Garden & Gun Magazine for so many great small town attractions) So many ideas, and places to go.)

 So, small town America- i'm comin' for ya!

A book i'd like to read:

Well, y'all know I already discovered the miracle that is "Garden & Gun Magazine". I could read each issue over, and over, and over, and...okay you get the picture! :)

Truly, I would love to read another etiquette book. I have been collecting them since I was 12. Over 72 books grace my shelves, all highlighted and marked in throughout to present my favorite parts. I love to learn abut etiquette, manners, and social graces. I also read medical dictionaries for fun...maybe I drop that habit, and start reading more of the New York Times. No, it's not a book- but it is informative, and Chuck Bass reads it. ;)

A letter i'm going to write: 

This letter. I want to get back into blogging. It's the greatest outlet. It is so nice to write, and come back to read it a year later.

Also, I need to write those bajillion thank you notes for all of my Christmas gifs. I need to get on that. Stat.

A new food i'd like to try:

Antelope or Zebra. I've heard great things!

I'm going to do better at:

Living a life of faith and service. Not worrying about what the future holds, and truly putting my life in God's hands. I want to smile and laugh more every day! Life is good baby, and way to short. I don't want to delay the happy by dwelling on the past, or fretting about the future. The present is pretty great! I am going to do better at embracing each day, and making it my best day yet.

 Happy New Years Eve, y'all!

I Needed This Today

You know, sometimes for even the happiest of people, life can just get a bit overwhelming. I feel a special need in my heart to remember those less fortunate this time of year, and try to find some way to bring them a little joy.

I read 2 quotes that really hit home this morning, and got me back on track with how to live life the way I am supposed to.  I need to remember to walk with God always, and live a life in the Pursuit of Happiness. Always look at the glass half full, and try to help others who are unhappy or unfortunate. Life is all about what we do for others, and I think it is so important to keep that in perspective. The most important relationship we have is the one we have with the Lord, because at the end of the day...that's who i'll see! :)

That being said, I saw these wonderful quotes earlier this morning- and it really got me excited to be home for Project Santa...but even to make sure I am living positively and bringing a smile to other people everyday. Being negative never helps anything.

“Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile.” 
― Mother Teresa

“People are often unreasonable and self-centered. Forgive them anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. Be kind anyway. If you are honest, people may cheat you. Be honest anyway. If you find happiness, people may be jealous. Be happy anyway. The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway. Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough. Give your best anyway. For you see, in the end, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.” - Mother Teresa

Thanks to a wonderful co-worker for posting this quote earlier this week. I needed this today! :)

Have a great Tuesday, y'all! :)

Southern Belle in Ohio

So, I think I met the LOML last night. 

He walks in, wearing a beautiful tartan sport coat, with a perfect side part and baby blues. 

Friends with my neighbor, so we were quickly introduced...

I say "i'm cold" even though it was burning up, and next thing I know...he's lending me the tartan blazer.

End of the night, i'm in my Uber- he's in his...but I still have the blazer. :)

We're having dinner on Tuesday so I can give it back.

Southern Bell ways even work in the beautiful, fun state of Ohio!

"Oh, Do You Have a Square?"

Well, there's a first time for everything! This Sunday was my first Easter Sunday away from my sweet family.  The week prior, my mother came up for 5 days while I had my wisdom teeth out (kill me) and we found my new Church home!

It's an adorable Presbyterian Church where all members are 75+. I prefer that, because I can sit in the middle, by myself, but talk to everyone! They are all so wise, and so sweet. I enjoy a traditional Church service with older members, it's just my favorite thing!
However, I would like to find a young adult group, but this Church feels like the perfect fit!

Anyways, back to Easter Sunday-
I knew if I didn't go to Church on Easter Sunday, my Mother would know, and it wouldn't be pretty!

I couldn't make it to my Church though, because it's a good ways away, and I had Brunch plans.

What's a girl to do??

Thankfully, I talked to my friend T, and we decided to go together,
...only thing is, he's Catholic!

Now, I spent 8 years in Catholic School, and I have a deep appreciation for that religion. Truthfully, I thought it would be fun, and it was right up the road from where I was brunching. 

When we walked in, it was the most beautiful Church! We sat in the middle, and the music began to play. It was just gorgeous, and after each song- the children would yell "YAY" It was precious!

NOW- onto when things took a turn, and got awkward!

The Priest was nice, but didn't speak English! I had no idea what he was saying, and then they came around flinging Holy Water into the crowd, and a drop nailed...and I mean NAILED me in the eye! I accidentally squealed "Oh my God!"

Great...i'm there 10 minutes, and I take our Lords name in vain.
"so SO sorry"- I said, as he paused for a second...

THEN, it was time for the offering.

I didn't have any cash, and wasn't think, so as the Usher came by I whispered to my friend...
"Do you think they have a square??"

The Usher then looked at me, smiled, and said "next week, sweetie."

HOW embarrassing.

Just to reiterate-

...I asked if they had a square
...to swipe my card
...to tithe to the Lord.

HAAAHAHA! Never a dull moment, y'all!

Thankful that I made it to Church, and had a wonderful Sunday. In fact, the whole Easter was wonderful. I spent it with my work family, and it was just perfect.

It's Time for a Giveaway!

Here's a great way to start out your Monday! 

I've partnered with Over Under Clothing for a fabulous giveaway! They sent so many great items!

All you have to do to win is send me an email with your name, address, and why you love the Prep Life!

The first 3 people to email will win!

(katherineelizabethgarner@gmail.com)

:)

Good Luck!

Have a great Monday!

overunderclothing.com

A Date 2 Remember

This weekend was one of the best weekends i've had in CBus yet! I have finally started to meet some more people who love going to events on weekends/doing a lot of charity stuff! SO much fun! I love me a Black Tie Event!

This weekend, my friends and I went to an event called Date 2 Remember. I don't actually remember much, because...well, it was a long night! I do remember it being incredibly fun though, and we took so many great pictures!

Another thing I remember is the Date Auction. I remember this so vividly because I bid on a date i'll never get! I wasn't very interested in anyone in the auction (because my type is a preppy/pretty boy!)

I was talking to my friends during the auction when a tennis ball caught my eye! Tennis balls were being hit into the audience! I glanced up, grinning from ear to ear and yelled..."OMG, I played tennis in college, I have to bid on whoever that is!" Next thing I see is a reeeeeally attractive guy named Crew (weak at the knees!) wearing a bowtie! He was hitting tennis balls into the audience.

So, yes, I bid on this bow tie wearing, tennis playing HUNK in the date auction. 

He's gay. 

I had no idea. 

WHYYYY?!!!?!

After that, I was ready to find snacks somewhere, so we left the event and went back to my friends house. It was a great event! Loved the photo booth, loved the guy named Crew, and loved meeting so many new people! Great weekend! :)

A Non-Valentine Valentines Day!

Last night, for Valentines Day, my friends and I went to our local neighborhood bar because we heard a really good band was playing! We go a lot, and it reminds me of the bar in How I Met Your Mother...always the same people, and it's a good spot! Plus we can walk, so that's a perk!

We got to the bar, and I could already hear the band upstairs playing Lynard Skynard. As I was about to head that way, I saw somebody coming down the stairs with what looked like an Appletini! 

S'cuse me, I want one! :)

I got so excited, was this new?! Was it a Valentines Day special?! 

I didn't know my bar was that festive! 

Anyways, about 5 minutes, and crowds of people later...we finally made it upstairs. That's when I saw an unusually perky man blocking the entrance, taking the cover for what I assumed was for the band. Still though, this guy looked like he INVENTED Valentines Day- he was decked out. Hmm...I should have caught on...but I didn't.

I've never seen anyone so happy and bright eyed say "$5 for the event!”

We all just assumed the "event" was the band, paid, and went in! 

Oh wait, it gets so much better...

In about 10 minutes, I had gotten my martini, and was front and center with K, B, & M listening to the band. FINALLY! SO excited!

Suddenly, after M T & B walked away for a few, this older man came up and yelled “Have you done one of these before?” 

I assumed he was talking about my Appletini with a hint of grenadine (I know YUM, right?!) and said “No, this is the first time, but so far I’m really pleased with it!” 

About that time, M & K (two of my guy friends walked up) and the older man goes “Well, I guess it works out better for some of us than others”. 

At that point, I was so confused...why would an Appletini work out for some better than others!? WHAT WAS GOING ON?!??!!?

About that time, M goes “We HAVE GOT to get off the second floor, and get back downstairs!

Confused, and frankly a little mad, I said "I want to hear this band and drink my appletini, so NO, i'm not moving!"

That's when he said- "this is a stir event for match.com, we gotta get out of here!"

...I beg your pardon, say whaaaaa???

I didn’t walk, I RAN downstairs, and I took my martini with me! 

We just crashed a match.com event on Valentines Day! Like, what world does this even happen in?!

When we got back downstairs, I still had my martini, I could still hear the band, and we saw some of my neighbors! All in all, it was the best Non-Valentine Valentine’s Day! 

snOMG!

Hey y'all!

Well, let me just say that I have't stopped laughing since 1 am yesterday! Here's why...

It all began when I woke up around 1 am to get ready for work. We started at 4 as opposed to 4:30, and I was a bit panicked about all of the snow! We were forecasting for up to 10", and if we're being real....i've never even seen 3"! My emotions were a serious mix of wildly excited, and fairly nervous about driving in this blizzard! (if you're reading this from Minnesota, don't judge me, I know you practically live in an igloo/blizzard conditions for most of the year!)

The snow is friggin' gorgeous when it's falling down, but when I can't see my car, I might trade in gorgeous for a few four letter words to describe the conditions! ;)

When I got up, and looked out the window, all I saw was the body of my little Volvo S40...the tires were buried under mounds of snow. I was livin' on a Prayer because I just had a gut feeling that I wouldn't be moving out of my parking spot! Last night, I parked in guest parking (even though that's technically not allowed) because HELLO...I didn't want the plows to cover my car in snow. I THOUGHT at the time, it was a good idea. BREAKING NEWS- It wasn't.

I made it out to the car (after slipping 3 times, falling 1) and started scraping. I lost a little pride (because I think my scraper is really ugly, and it's embarrassing to use) and pulled some muscles, but finally got all of the snow and ice off of my car! YAY! :)

After that came the fun part- starting the car, and backing it out! Of course it started, but when I went to back up, it wasn't pretty! I slid around for a bit, and almost hit the car beside me, (Sorry, neighbor Alex!) but eventually got out of my parking spot. At that point, I thought things were looking up...UNTIL I couldn't move! I was officially stuck in the middle of the road! I do pretty well in chaotic situations, so I literally laughed, and kept trying to gun it...and get out of the way. After 15 minutes of that...I threw my hands up, and I was totally over it.

I thought about my situation for a minute, and then BING it hit me! I did what I always do when I have a concern, I called the Police! I have a habit of calling the police when I need help. I mean, hello! That's why they're police...they help people! If i'm in a situation where I need quick help, I know who to call! ...I wonder sometimes if they'll eventually trace my calls, block my number, arrest me???!?!!!!? Let's hope not :). 

The neighborhood Policemen and I are pretty tight. I've had a few parking citations, (some call them tickets. I'd rather not.) and they know me pretty well. One of them loves the pink whale on my car!

Anyway- so they were so sweet, and said they were sending an officer right away! WOW- I love how nice everyone in my neighborhood is!

After I called the Police, I called my station to tell them my current situation! I am so paranoid about being late anywhere, so I called one of my favorite producers/my friend because I knew she would be really sweet and know what to do. 

A few minutes, and 3 Mariah Carey Christmas Songs later, The Policeman, Dave, showed up! Love him! What a nice guy! He rolled right up on me shoveling...ehh, handing the shovel to my friend to dig snow out of my tires.

We all agreed that Dave the Police Officer should bump my car with his to get mine out of the driveway. Station friend drove, I rode in the passenger seat, and off we went! We were able to get me onto the main road so I could drive to work! Hallelujah!!

Once we got onto the road, I jumped in the drivers seat, and sped off! Right as I was speeding off, Dave the Police Officer was like "ALL GOOD?!" I found myself yelling "GOOD TO GO" out the window...then attempting to brake, because DAVE COULD STILL PROBABLY GIVE ME A TICKET!

Braking was just NOT a good option at that point...

I slid around again, before yelling, No worries, i'm alive! (all while winking/hinting PLEASE don't give me a ticket!)

I think we all laughed together

...at me

...they all laughed at me.

It's fine.

When I finally made it to work, I pulled in, and it felt like I was riding something fierce at Cedar Pointe! I slid in all directions before making it to the parking lot. Once I made it there, I saw someone with a plow truck clearing the lot, and a lot of people stuck in the snow! I just whipped my car into (what I thought was) a spot off to the side! Whoops! Stuck again!

At that point, I decided to give Trevor the Plow Guy my keys and I said "have at it, just run them in to me at some point!" He was like, well alright!

What a nice guy to park my car for me! Loved it! I

One might ask what it took to get my car out of that mound of snow?

I dont even care at this point...i'm turning the blind eye, and Trev Trev can plead the 5th, because i'm just glad I didn't have to drive it! :)

After work, I was walking out to the parking lot, and had NO idea where Trev Trev parked my car...I didn't see him to ask, so I was just praying it was atleast in the lot!

I saw my fav weatherman walking out, and he drove around the lot until we found my car (wondering why I gave my key to the plow guy randomly?) He and I have a joke now that I lost my car in MY work parking lot...that might be the first time that's ever happened! Such a "Katie" thing to do ;)

The day ended awesome, and in the end it made me realize how people are good. People are always there to help other people. I should do more of that, and if anything, that day made me want to be a better person...and it taught me to laugh at everything instead of fret over it. There IS light at the end of every tunnel! :)

Have a great Monday!