Like My New Look??

I have to give a HUGE thank you to Amy from The Suburban Blender for creating my fabulous new banner and button!  She was a dream to work with and I love what she has created!

Side note: Going on hiatus for a few.  Started my new job today, so I have no idea what my days are looking like and I don't have internet access at my new place just yet.  Love to you all for your well wishes!!!

Is This Thing On?? And...It's Ok Thursday

Sorry I have been a little absent this past week.  It's been a bit of a roller coaster, but I am proud to report that I GOT THE JOB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I had an interview last Tuesday and got word this past Tuesday that they pick me!  Honestly, I was a little nervous when I was told that it was just myself and one other person interviewing and it would most likely come down to personality.  
Have you ever had to take one of those personality assessment tests?  They suck!  And I never do well on them because frankly...I'm too honest.  Not in the "I'm such a good person" way, but in the no filter, brutal way.  I know what employers want to hear, but that's not always reality.  And the idea of asking someone the same question 5 times and changing the wording ever so slightly to see if they will give the same answer every time...UGH! Anyway, getting off that soapbox and onto "It's Ok"

It's Ok...

to be completely over all the political talk on Facebook.

that I got $10 to spend at Starbucks for only $5 from LivingSocial (really...more than ok!)

to have watched some of the dances from last night's So You Think You Can Dance a few times.

to be sooo excited for the changes that will be happening to this here blog soon :)

that I am not really sad about my last day at current work.  I'll miss the people, but I am so ready to get a move on.

that I slept for almost 12 hours one night this past weekend.

to get caught singing in my car at the top of my lungs because I forgot the window was cracked.  

that I am so far behind in reading and commenting on blogs...I'm sorry :(

Hey Blog Star, I'm Amanda!!

Welcome to my little corner of the blog world!  Thanks for stopping by!!
My name is Amanda; I am a thirty-something, recently divorced, momma of an almost 6 year old.  I just found out (literally 10 seconds ago) that I will be starting a new job on Monday!!!!  I feel like things are finally starting to come together for me after a roller coaster of a year.  
Check out these posts to get to find out a little more about me...
Today Is The Day: A Divorced Girl's Commencement Speech Taking Back Happy Thirty Four in Thirty Four I'm Not Your Baby - The Dating Game Part 2
Thanks again for stopping by!  I hope you'll join me on this crazy journey that I like to call life.  

Today Is The Day: A Divorced Girl's Commencement Speech

Today is the day I start writing a new chapter book in my life.

Today is the day I reclaim a part of me.

Today is the day the not-yet-ex becomes the ex.

Today is the day I remind myself that I am the only one in charge of my happiness.  

Today is the day I no longer check the "married" box.

Today is the day I stand on my own two feet and love myself for who I am, what I've become, and what I am yet to be.

Today is the day I tell myself that I will not compromise the value of myself and I will not settle for anything less than I deserve because I am worth a damn.

Today is the day I start exchanging "what ifs" for "oh wells"

Today is the day I wipe my slate clean.

Today is the day I celebrate 8 (mostly) good years  and everything those years have brought me and taught me.  

Today is the day I shake all of the devils off my back so I can dance, just like Flo said to do.

Today is the day I choose to shine.

Today is the day I wrap myself up in a bow, flaws and all, and say, "Here world, I have something pretty great for you."

OHP...Words To Remember

Seriously?  When is spell check going to figure out that Pinterest is a word!?!?!

Thoughts Worth Thinking...

From http://wildandcrazylife.tumblr.com via Kayla

From http://angakingsining.tumblr.com via Rukmani

From http://losing-every-extra-pound.tumblr.com via Cyrena

From http://my-heart-is-in-this.tumblr.com via Laura

From https://www.facebook.com via Missy

From http://iwastesomuchtime.com via Melissa

Need more?  Visit my Thoughts Worth Thinking board on Pinterest!!

Silly String War

Love You, More, Bunches, Most

Every night that E isn't with me, he calls me when he is going to bed.  We talk about his day at school and he asks me what I did at work (which is almost always the same thing).  Our conversation always ends with...

E: Ok, I love you.

Me: I love you more.

E: Bunches.

Me: Most.

E: You say it.

Me: I love you.

E: More.

Me: Bunches.

E: Most.

Sigh...I love this little dude of mine to pieces...grainy self portraits and all.

Oh, How Pinteresting - Giggles

By now, you know what Wednesday means..."Oh, How Pinteresting" with Michelle over at The Vintage Apple. I'm a little moody today so let's go with some giggles for a little pick me up, shall we?  

Source: southernsororitygirl.tumblr.com/ via CM

Source: someecards.com via Michele

Source: pkeen.tumblr.com via Sarah

Source: someecards.com via Lisa

Source: http://goodthingsarewildandfree.tumblr.com via  Erin

Source: http://media-cache-ec3.pinterest.com via Carrie

Southern Mamas Blog Hop...Join Us, Y'all!

Welcome Y'all! To the first ever Southern Mamas blog hop! The purpose of this blog hop is to mix and mingle with mamas who have, secretly desired, or are currently living on Southern soil. So grab a glass of sweet tea and follow along!

The Rules:

1. Follow the hostesses
Megan  {Host}
Sonja  {Co-Host}
Missi  {Co-Host}
Amanda  {Co-Host}
2. Visit at least 4 blogs and say hello! 3. Grab a button and spread the word 4. Have fun now, ya hear! *** If you are interested in co-hosting, feel free to email me***

Me, Myself, and I

1. What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?
Become a photographer or a chef.  It's a toss up.  Maybe both.

2. If you had only six months left to live, what would you do with the time?
Lots of traveling...go on a cruise with my girlfriends, take E to Disney again, spend some time in Italy and traveling Europe, and spend time with the family.  And maybe skydiving, but that would be towards the end of the 6 months...you know...just in case ;)

3. If a front page news article was written on you, what would the headline be?
At this moment...

Single mom literally pulls her hair out in a frustrated rage

4. What is your biggest pet peeve?
Whistling

5. What is your favorite chick flick movie?

Somewhere In Time.  A young Christopher Reeves...need I say more?

Found on imdb.com

 

Monday Playlist

I can't seem to focus today.  My mind is wandering and I can't reel it in.  The worst part...I have no control over the thing that is occupying my thoughts.  Guess the only thing left to do is to throw on some tunes during my lunch break...

I Will Wait - Mumford & Sons (seriously think I'm in love with this song)

Back Down South - Kings of Leon

Hey Mama - Mat Kearney

You and Tequila - Kenny Chesney

Blow Me (One Last Kiss) - P!nk

Hold On - Alabama Shakes (can't get enough!)

One Lovely Day - Citizen Cope

Dog Days Are Over - Florence + The Machine

Home - Philip Philips

Into The Wild - LP

Eyes Open - Taylor Swift

Teeth - Lady GaGa

Barton Hollow - The Civil Wars

Taking Back Happy

I've thought about writing this post for a while; I have to give huge thanks to Daddy Doin' Work and his Achieve Happy post for opening the door and pulling this out of me.

A little over a year ago, I took the first step to taking back happy for myself.  Since then, I've been floundering a little.  As some parts of my life have become happier, others have suffered I have let others suffer.  Now, I'm taking it all back!

Step 1: Stop worrying about what other people think

One of the hardest parts of the past year has been being away from E and not seeing him smile every day.  I miss him to pieces on a daily an hourly basis.  I've spent countless days worrying what the long term effects are going to be on my relationship with E.  Will he hate me?  To get a sense of what it feels like, just listen to this...

I have beat myself senseless defending my actions to people in hopes that they will see that I was actually being selfless for having E stay with his dad.  No more.  It doesn't matter what other people think about me.  I've made the best decisions for myself and my child and I'm over the judgement of anyone else.

Step 2: Re-discover my happy place...and live there often!

Scrapbooking used to be my happy place.  It was my escape and creative outlet.  I haven't visited this happy place in longer than I can remember.  I've tried to force myself to get crafty.  I'll get everything set up, sit down at the table, and just stare at everything.  I've been too concerned about things being perfect instead of just letting go and being fearless about "messing up."  And, honestly, in the beginning, it was really hard to look at all of the pictures of the happy times from the past.  So I've decided that instead of dwelling on how things were, I will celebrate them!  

Step 3: Disconnect to reconnect

Anyone that knows my knows that my phone is always within arm's reach.  I am constantly checking for texts and emails...just in case.  In the beginning, I told myself that I had to have my phone close in case anything happened to E.  But you know what?  His dad is completely capable of handling things (duh...since E lives with him).  And as far as the texts...I need to stop depending on other people to make me happy.  

Step 4: Find things that make me happy

Last night I was thinking "What can I do for me that will make me happy?"  So I jumped on the internet, pulled up the site for the local Humane Society, and signed up to volunteer.  They called this morning and I will be attending the orientation meeting on Tuesday.  And this weekend, I plan on starting my re-discovery of my happy place.  I have been purging my "scrap stash" over the past few weeks (to keep from getting overwhelmed) and am ready to dig in.  And finally, I'm going to start cooking again.  

What makes YOU happy??

I'll end this post with my horoscope for today, since it seems fitting:  Today will offer you the opportunity to make new friends or to strengthen existing friendships.  Your good mood will make the day a pleasant and memorable experience for everybody you meet. 

It's OK Thursday!

This week, I'm saying It's ok...
to be late for work because I hit snooze and Starbucks this morning!
to be totally confused...and not even sure if I should be.
that the divorce papers weren't signed on Monday and now we are in waiting mode.
to quote a movie at any given moment!
that it's 90 degrees outside and I'm wearing a fleece jacket in the office.
that it's only taken 3 weeks but my face is FINALLY clearing up!
that it's been over two months since I've had a haircut.
that I miss my kiddo to pieces.
to rewind and watch the same dance 4 times on SYTYCD last night.

Bless Your Heart

Source: www.someecards.com

I may not have much of a southern accent, but the fact I was born and raised in the great state of Georgia gives me carte blanche to use the phrase "bless your heart" at free will.   

According to Urban Dictionary, "bless your heart" means:

1. A polite way to say "go to hell" 

Bless the heart of the attorney I dealt with on Monday...

Me: We are at the court house now and the judge won't sign the divorce papers because you left out an address. 

Attorney: What exactly is missing?

Me: [reads checklist provided by judge].  The judge said if we can get something to her right now, she'll sign it.

Attorney: There's no way it can be done right now.  I can pull something together and mail it to you.

Me: No, it needs to be done right now.  The judge said it could be done.  We paid you $1200 to get this right and you need to fix it.

Attorney: Ma'am, every county is different and there is no guarantee that we will get it right the first time.

Me: Then what did I pay you $1200 for?!?!  I'm gonna go ahead and hang up now before I say something I will regret.

Attorney: Well, ma'am...I'd really like to help you.

Me: Then hang up the damn phone.

2. A term used prior to ridiculing, insulting the sensibilities of, or pointing out the shortcomings of someone. Used to soften the blow of a statement, and can render nearly any comment, no matter how brash or distasteful, socially acceptable.

Spoke to a former co-worker of the above attorney.  She asked if he was rude to me.  

Bless his heart..."He was too stupid to be rude."

Oh, How Pinteresting!

It's time to hook up with Michelle again for Wednesday's Oh, How Pinteresting!  Today's theme for me...things that make me happy.  Cause let's face it, we could all use a little more happy in our lives!!

17 days and counting...

Source: Pinterest via Lynley

Isn't this just lovely!?

Source: http://www.westcoastweathervanes.com via Michelle

Proud addict...no 12 step program needed!

Source: http://thelastromantics.tumblr.com via Andrea

Makes my heart melt

Source: http://www.flickr.com via Mindy

One of the best love stories...

Source: http://media-cache0.pinterest.com via Kyle

A - Z Survey

I am completely bored and can't think of anything fun to blog about, so here are my answers to a random A-Z Survey I found online...

(A) Available - Technically? Nope.

(B) Best Friend - Check out the ladies on my Introducing page

(C) Crush - I feel like I'm too old for a crush

(D) Dad's Name - Van

(E) Easiest Person to Talk to - I refer to letter B

(F) Favorite Band - Someone actually asked me this the other day.  I have a problem picking just one, so he said "If you could see anyone in concert tomorrow, who would you want to see?" That's easy...Pink Floyd.  

(G) Gummy Bears or Worms - Bears...I like to bite their heads off.

(H) Hometown - Peachtree City, GA...home of the golf cart!
(I) Instrument - I played the clarinet for all of 3 months in middle school.
(J) Job - Have one...need a new one.
(K) Kids - Just the one and only...Ethan!
(L) Longest Car Ride - I'd have to say the trip we took to Richmond, VA when Ethan was 3 months old.  It's usually only an 8 hour drive, but the weather was terrible, we were driving at night, and we had to stop every few hours to feed/change him.
(M) Milk Flavor - I'll pass...milk and my tummy don't get along very well.
(N) Number of Siblings - Zero.
(O) One Wish - World Peace (hehe...just watched Miss Congeniality this weekend)
(P) Phobias - Driving over bridges and overpasses
(Q) Favorite Quote - 

Source: http://www.genpink.com/i-believe-in-pink/ 

(R) Reason to Smile - The fact that I woke up this morning and so did Ethan
(S) Song You Last Heard - "Blow Me (One Last Kiss)" by Pink
(T) Time You Woke Up - 7:30
(U) Unknown Fact About Me - I have never broken a bone on my own, but I have had one broken for me by a doctor.
(V) Vegetable - Not if I can help it :)
(W) Worst Habit - "Picking" at my face.
(X) X-rays You've Had - Both feet and my left arm.
(Y) Your Favorite Food - Cheese
(Z) Zodiac Sign - Taurus

[smahr-mee]

[smahr-mee] 

(according to merriam-webster.com)

1. revealing or marked by a smug, ingratiating, or false earnestness <a tone of smarmy self-satisfaction - New Yorker>

2. of low sleazy taste or quality <smarmy eroticism>

You would like for me to use it in a sentence?  I'll raise you one and share a conversation as an example...

Picture it...my iPhone...20 minutes ago...I am texting with someone I met on the dating website (I know, I know...more about that here and here)...please forgive the lack of punctuation on his part and know that it pains me to type the way he wrote...

SD (smarmy dude): How are you miss

Me: Doing well.  How are you?

SD: I am good are available this weekend

Me: I have my son this weekend.

SD: Ok

SD: U going to have me some weekend soon :)

Thank you for successfully turning something about my CHILD into something sexual.

I now have the overwhelming urge to shower...ICK!!!!   

Oh, How Pinteresting

Linking up again with Michelle for Oh, How Pinteresting Wednesday.  I always joke that in the South, we only have two season...summer and winter.  But I love all things fall, especially Halloween, so let's just pretend for a moment that it's right around the corner, shall we?
Is this not just to die for??

Found on etsy.com  thanks to Dawn


Tulle and a pumpkin? I think I can handle that!

Found on mac-n-dix.blogspot.com thanks to Brianne

I mean...really?  Elmer's glue and glitter!!

Found on redbookmag.com thanks to Elizabeth

And how about these treats...

Found on frogsbeesundertheseas.blogspot.com thanks to Leigh Ann

Found on theidearoom.net thanks to Jamie

I could really go on for days, but I'll stop here.  You can find more on my Holiday Fun board on Pinterest!

August Blog Star!! Hi...I'm Amanda...Welcome to The Year of Me!

Linking up with Mrs. Monologues for the August edition of Blog Star.  This is one of my favorite link-ups...I have made some great bloggy friends from this!



Hi!  I'm Amanda, author of The Year of Me.  So glad you are stopping by!  I am a thirty-something-almost-divorced-mother-of-one.  My little corner of the blog world is dedicated to my adventures during this year, trying to find myself and figure out where I want to be.  You'll find a little of everything here...crafty stuff, dating debacles, and more random stuff than you can imagine!  I hope you decide to stick around for a bit and follow me on this journey.  Leave me a little love, let me know you are here, and leave me a link to your spot on the blog map!  

Sunday Social

Linking up with Neely again for this week's addition of Sunday Social...and it's all about fall!!!

1. What is your favorite Fall activity?

Corn mazes, pumpkin patches, strolling around Serenbe.  There's not much of a fall in Georgia, but I love being outside this time of year!

2. Do you follow a football team?  If so, which one and why?

I'm a huge Georgia fan - GO DAWGS, SIC EM! I went to a small college with no football team, so we kinda adopted the Bulldogs as our own.  Also love the Falcons, since I was born and raised in Georgia :) 

3. What is something fun about fall in your area?  

There is always a fair going on somewhere close by.  There is also a huge dairy farm that does hay rides and has a corn maze.  

4. Favorite fall outfit staple? 

Comfy sweaters and hoodies.  I'm big on layering since you never know what the weather is going to be.  I'm almost always sporting red, black, and white on Saturday and Sunday.

5. Thing you are looking forward to most about this coming Fall season?

Being outside and not melting!  This summer has been ridiculously hot and I'm over it!

6. Favorite Fall holiday? Traditions?  Thanksgiving is my all time favorite holiday!  Traditions are a little up in the air now since I won't have E every year.  But I'm looking forward to starting new traditions this year!

Liebster Award

BIG thanks to Too Smart For Her Own Good for the Liebster nomination!!  And my apologies for taking so long to post it!!  

Here are the rules for the Liebster: 
*Post 11 random facts about yourself. 
*Choose 11 deserving bloggers and tag them in your post. 
*Tell them you’ve tagged them. 
*Answer 11 questions the tagger has asked you, and give 11 questions to the people you’ve tagged. 
*No tag backs.

Here goes the randomness...

1. I have no idea what my natural hair color is anymore.  

2. I lived in the same house from the ages of 1 to 18...then I moved back to said house for a year when I was 22.

3. I used to clog.  That's the ballet of the south :)

I'm on the right

4. I love all things lemon.

5. My handwriting changes depending on what type of pen I'm writing with.

6. If I had kept my middle name when I got married, my initials would have been A.S.S.

7. I don't eat fish or seafood because I don't like the way it smells.

8. I was at the hospital for a whopping 23 minutes before E was born.  That's right, people...no drugs for me!

9. Don't touch my feet...ever.

10. I am 34 years old and 3 of my grandparents are still living.  I had all 4 until I was 18.

11. I am the only only-child out of all my first cousins.

What was asked of me...

1.  What's your favorite day of the week? 

Friday...right now, I don't work on Fridays so there is an extra day of no alarm clock!!!

2.  If you could visit any city in the world, all expenses paid, where you end up?  Anywhere in Italy

3.  Do you Pinterest, if so, do you find it hella addicting like I do? 

Uh, yeah!!  I have more pins than I will ever have time to actually do them!

4.  What is Blogging to you? 

For me, it's all about...well...me.  It's my outlet and I love that people want to read about what's happening in my life.  

5.  What is the deepest thought you've ever had? 

I think it's when I realized someone in my life couldn't give me what I needed.  I was finally thinking about myself and what was right for me...it literally took my breath away.

6.  Who is your biggest celebrity crush?  

Harry Connick, Jr.  I mean, hello??  Have you seen Hope Floats?  He's the total package!!

7.  If the President showed up on your doorstep what would you say to him? 

I'm gonna take a pass on this question cause this is a family show and I'd probably get arrested for what I would say to him :)

8.  If you could change your name, would you and what would you change it to? My last name will be changing in two weeks!  When I was a youngster, I always wanted to go by my middle name which is Shae.

9.  Coffee or Tea? COFFEE!!!!!!

10.  Most embarrassing moment? 

Falling out of my chair at work in front of a customer.  I worked as a teller and we sat in the tall chairs.  Well, my heel got caught on the foot rest and down I went, smacking into a few shelves on the way to the floor.  Maybe I should reconsider #8 and change my name to Grace.

11.  Favorite type of car? 

I'm not much of a car girl.  I do love my Honda Pilot, so I'll go with that.

My peeps...

Two Infinity and Beyond

A Prince and Prozac

Blushing Cheeks

My Mom's a Whack Job

Graceful Disaster

Ramblings of a Southern Belle

Boys Will Be Boys

Vintage Boomer

Obviously Obsessed

A Little Unhinged

What I'd like to know from them...

1. You have a $250 gift card to Target...what do you buy?

2. In the movie of your life, who plays the role of your first boyfriend/girlfriend?

3. Favorite quote or inspirational tidbit...

4. Books...paper or electronic?

5. What's your most favorite non-blog site?

6. If you had to be on a reality competition show, which would you choose: Survivor, Hell's Kitchen, Craft Wars or Amazing Race?

7. What is your guilty pleasure?

8. Favorite song of the moment?

9. Do-It-Yourself or Buy-It-Already-Done?

10. Tell me one beauty trend you are dying to try but are a little scared to...

11. What's the last thing your cooked?