25 in 25 -- Final Push!

Alright, kiddos and cadets.

My 26th birthday is fast approaching [tomorrow!! eep!] so an update on my 25 in 25 list seems appropriate.

First, checking a few off the list.

10. Get a wax. [yikes. Too much information?? I've never done it but I've been meaning to give it a try....]

Let me preface this by saying, I am only sharing this story because of this item on the list. T to the M to the I, so consider yourself warned. I did "get a wax" though not in a traditional salon visit sort of way. It was more of a my-boyfriend-spent-two-weeks-at-the-beach-with-me-on-spring-break-and-we-got-bored-so-he-helped-me-with-an-at-home-wax-kit kind of way. No photos. Thank goodness.

11. Attend opening night at the movies. [haven't done that since.... Pirates?]

For Valentine's Day, we attended opening night of Safe Haven. I found it dramatic, breathtaking, and charming. He found it...chickee. 

12. Finally get glamour shots done with my Nana. 

Okay, so no technical glamour shots happened, though we did try. However, we snagged this stinking adorable [if I do say so myself] glamour-y shot of the two of us when she visited da beach for Spring Break. What can we say? We're hotties. 

Papaw made his way into this one, but I'd still call it a beauty shot, wouldn't you?

14. Stick to my handwritten journal and actually fill up an entire diary!

I'm giving this one a half-check because I have been writing in the journal pretty consistently! It's just nowhere near full. But this is easily the longest I've kept up a handwritten diary and since it's been such an exciting time of my life, I know I'll cherish it forever!

17. Knock out another 5 books in the Top 100. [I hope to do more but some of them are long and dry as a bone and I want to be realistic here.] 

1. Anna Karenina 

2. Anne of Green Gables 

3. Birdsong 

4. The Wind in the Willows 

5. Animal Farm 

BOOM! 

 18. Have something published. [Either a post on a reputable blog or an article in a journal or magazine or a book or something. Time to get serious with that part of my life.]

Check me out on SweetLemonMag.com! 

"On the Job Hunt" 

"Why We Can't be Afraid to be Happy" 

"You do NOT have to like her, but you DO have to work with her" 

"2013 Summer Reading Wish List" 

"My Career Mentor Says - Part 1" 

"My Career Mentor Says - Part 2"

 And now for those items I've been slacking on... 

1. Take a ride on a motorcycle.

9. Get my very own bicycle.

13. Finally visit an Amish village with my Papaw.

16. Subscribe to the newspaper, and then get up each morning with enough time to enjoy my coffee & read it. [this one may be a work in progress. The snooze button is one of my favorite things to tap. ;) ]

21. Get a professional massage. [I've been waiting YEARS on this one, even bought a Groupon for one earlier this year but it expired. wompwomp.]

23. Sew something.

24. Finally fit into my "goal jeans" like I want to. [It's been 3 years coming. The time is now.]

25. Find my way out of the country again. [I know what you're thinking: "Sarah! You just got back from Europe! And you want to get out of the country again?! Twice in one year?? You must be crazy. You have no money. You have to work. It seems impossible!" ...and you would be right. I love attempting the impossible. :) ]

{::} {::} {::}

We're down to the wire! I turn 26 at the stroke of midnight. What will the next 11 hours hold?!?! The world may never know...

Cheers to nearly a year older!

xo

Sarah :: Your Plucky Picaroon

Thursday we

...arrived in Surfside at 10am after driving 12 long hours through the night. For you math wizards reading along, that means we left home circa 10 pm. 

Around 2:30 am, somewhere in Tennessee, I attempted to do the responsible thing and find us a cheap hotel to sleep the rest of the night. [because two exhausted girls driving through the night was a good idea when? #notthebrightestbulbs ] Anyway, I pull into a Hampton Inn and behind the desk is this guy:

{::} No image does this man justice. {::}

[while searching for an image, I made the mistake of googling "this." bluhuha //shudder]

After realizing that this hotel was a bit out of our we-just-want-to-sleep-for-4-hours budget, I asked about a cheaper option near by. The clerk says to me, "Now, there's only so much information I can give you by law but... Lady, I wouldn't let my dog sleep in that other hotel. It'll run you about $65 a night, but you'll have an "itchy" stay, if you know what I mean..." 

Well well well. Don't hold back. Tell me how you really feel.

So, back on the road it was.

Sorry, Snapp! But at least it isn't on Instagram?!

Sunrise! With only 3 hours to go! 

Since we arrived, we've spent our time very intentionally. Activities have included sleeping, sunning, eating, reading, watching tv, and any combination thereof.

There may have even been a moment yesterday when one of us peed in the ocean. Standing up. Just peeing. I won't say who.

This, my dears, is the life. The life, I say!!

Laying out poolside with the bestie. #bestdayever

Honestly the most beautiful day in recent memory. So glad to be back for one last hurrah!

Hope your weekend is off to a great start!

xo

Sarah :: Your Plucky Picaroon

Birthday Month: Name That Tune

I hope this month of mine is treating you well thus far. Today, we delve into my favorite tunes of all time: COUNTRY MUSIC! 

Today, your challenge is to roll the window down, crank the radio up, and sing at the top of your lungs.

Even at stop lights. 

Happy Birthday Month to me!!!

xo

Sarah :: Your Plucky Picaroon

"It was never between you and them anyway."

“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

I've been noticing frustration lately with things and people that I really don't think should cause me that much stress. I get caught up in someone's "tone" and respond to their snarky or critical or presumptuous way of speaking and want to claw someone's eyes out.

Fortunately, taking a few deep breaths has saved many an unsuspecting speaker's eyeball. 

When we're in situations or around people that drive us crazy, we have options, you know? Are we benefiting in some way that makes that person's presence worth it? If not, bail. I'm not even kidding. 

We live one life, after all. If you spend a year or 5 years of it trapped in an office with people you can't stand then you have wasted that year. Yes, you've got one more job experience. Yes, you can add writing experience to your resume. Yes, there are TONS of other opportunities that could give you the same experience and same portfolio builders in a way that you actually enjoy doing it. 

That's freeing, eh?

Also, don't get me started on good leadership. I may not be a great leader, but I've worked with and for great leaders.... As you probably know, it's not difficult to tell the difference. Addressing tough issues is essential. Having difficult conversations or sharing criticism in a kind, productive way is an art. Someone should offer a class in it....

Anyway, off my soapbox. I just got fed up with myself for allowing petty, nonessential things to affect my mood, my outlook, and my life. 

Too much brilliance and fabulousness happening these days. Ain't nobody got time fo dat.

With renewed zest,
xo
Sarah :: Your Plucky Picaroon

For One More Day

Em Snapp and I are headed back to the beach TONIGHT. Can you say all-nighter??

Until then, I'll be here. :)

xo

Sarah :: Your Plucky Picaroon