Weekly Round-Up

Let's get right to it, shall we?

Here's what made me feel all twitterpated, smile contagiously, giggle uncontrollably, etc

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I came home from work on Tuesday night, and I was just so happy with the way things have come together lately. It's amazing what can happen when I put my ego to the side, say "yes" to new opportunities, and let God take care of the rest. A year ago, I didn't know what I wanted out of this adventure. I felt very lost. I've been reminded lately that some of the best gifts in my life have been unanswered prayers. I need to keep this in mind when I feel doubtful and worry (my biggest mistake). At this moment in time, I feel confident in my future, and I really do like who I'm becoming. I'm going to try to hang on to this optimism for awhile!

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One of my best-loved moments this week can be attributed to Starbucks. I ordered my favorite iced beverage, sat in the parking lot in silence, and savored my first sip. There's just something so divine about an Iced Caramel Macchiato. Since Flyboy's away, I went for the real deal -- none of that skinny business! It was nothing short of amazing. The best part about this treat? Taking your first sip and tasting nothing but milk and caramel.

It wouldn't be a Friday round-up without a few of my favorite finds...

Gigi Wallet / Hot to Trot Bangle / Lined Paper Notepad / Rainy Day Ballet Flats / 

thxthxthx: Thank Goodness for Everything / Sheer Dot Scarf / Sailors Knot Dog Collar

We're a sight, kind of like Ouiser and her unruly St. Bernard, Rhett.

I took the fur kids in for their annual appointment yesterday, and there are only two words to describe the situation: HOT MESS. For days leading up to the appointment, I was anxious. Surprise, surprise! I'd never taken both of them to the vet by myself. In the past, I tried to stagger their annuals so I wouldn't have to deal with 170 lbs. of uncooperative dog. Because of Hawaii's quarantine laws, their record due dates were all wonky, so I opted for one appointment to streamline the process. Then again, I also had hoped the Mister could join me, but that would have been too perfect. If you know anything about my dynamic duo (see this post), you know this isn't an easy feat. Tripp would be content never leaving the house and Beesly's sunny disposition is dunzo once she gets close to the vet clinic.

In preparation for the appointment, I couldn't help but wonder what the Dog Whisperer would say. I hearkened back to one of Cesar's tips in which he advises his clients to pretend to be someone that emits confidence and grace. He says it's all in your state-of-mind. If you're anxious, your dog will be as well. I started thinking about figures I admire like Kate Middleton and Audrey Hepburn, but I felt more like Ouiser Boudreaux in Steel Magnolias. There's nothing graceful about me wrangling two large pups. When they get nervous or excited, they start to molt. It's ridiculous! I showed up at the clinic covered in hair and slobber, wrapped in leashes, and swinging my Baggu full of records and fecal samples. Needless to say, we showed up and made a memorable scene. We left with a hefty bill, a follow-up appointment, and a warning regarding Tripp's weight. This Golden doesn't understand the word "diet."

Suede Sidewalk Skimmers

In the last week, I wore these Crystal Blue Skimmers twice. They're comfy and fun. Why NOT wear them? Well, I'll tell you why... 

I'm standing in line at Subway, and I'm more than ready to pay for my Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki sandwich. It's been a long day, I'm famished, and I just want to get home to my dogs. A bronzed middle-aged man with long, golden locks, clad in Aloha wear and cargo shorts, walks into the restaurant. He's one of those guys who's just waiting to lock eyes with someone for an ounce of attention. I always attract people like this, and I just so happened to look up and make direct eye contact. Big mistake. Huge. In a loud and local dialect, he asks me: "Do you get paid to dress with that much personality? Seriously. Oh my gosh, look at your shoes. Are those magic pot shoes? Those things are psychedelic -- like some kind of magic pot test!" He motions the sandwich artist to peek over the glass barrier to take a gander at my flats. "Am I high or not? I dunno, just look at her shoes." At this point, I couldn't believe all of the hubbub surrounding my skimmers. I smiled, painfully, grabbed my sub and hightailed it out of that joint. 

If only this book really existed...

I think I'm going to give my blue suede shoes a rest this weekend.

Have a fabulous Friday!

Toodles,

ANF

P.S. If you have a free moment, read this post by Jess Constable. Be prepared for a meaningful lesson with a fresh perspective! "I want to be in the icing, but not of it."