Photo Challenge

I just reviewed some pretty fantastic memories I put down in the 30 day photo challenge I started last December. Although I didn't even get close to finishing it in the 30 days, I went in order and really enjoy looking back on it.

So I decided to up the anty. 

I'm going to go with a monthly challenge [some inspiration from this place], to document that months happenings, as they relate to the challenge for the month. Goal- get me taking more pictures with my wonderful camera, and get me blogging more.

October- Spooky & Scary

November- Yummy yummy in my tummy

December-The Christmas Spirit

January- New year, New ________. 

February- Love and devotion

March- Teeny Tiny- Macro

April- Portraits and People

May- Flowers

June- Summer lovin' had me a blast

July- Entropy (things breaking down)

August- Color- all about the spectrum 

September- Black and White

Keep an eye out for some shots

12 month Photo Challenge

Life Update 2.0

Lauren, has requested another life update. Thanks for thinking of me lovely. :)

I have been on a bit of a break from blogging. Not because I don't love to put down my thoughts, events, etc., but because I have been way too stinkin busy.

Real Estate

For 12 days in September, I crammed 90 hours worth of education down my throat. In addition to my part time job? I was way busier then than most 2 week intervals in college.

Then I spent hours and hours between the end of my class, September 18th, and yesterday, cramming for the exams. 1 school exam (average of 3 attempts before someone passes- I did it on the first shot - woo hoo!), 1 national exam (pretty easy based off my previous studying) and 1 state exam (see national exam). I finished with my testing yesterday! woo hoo!

Thhhhheeeeennnn the 6 additional hours you have to take, finished that this last Saturday [awesome Saturday. sarcasm intended.]

I interviewed brokers. 3 to be exact. [If you don't know, interviewing brokers (the person who is, sort of, legally responsible for a real estate agent) is not like interviewing for any other job. Instead of them interviewing me, it's more like me interviewing them. So all in all, a pretty awesome experience.] I met with one good broker, 1 horrible one, and 1 absolutely fantastic one. Guess which one I went with. That's right, absolutely fantastic brokerage. More specifically,

I am absolutely extatic about choosing KW, and the Biltmore Partners seem to be a perfect fit for me.

Licensing

You don't just become a RE agent over night, too bad, hunh? but I have completed most of what I need done. In fact, I hope to be licensed tomorrow!!

Life

In spite of the fact that I have been crazy busy and absolutely overwhelmed, life is fantastic.
-This past Friday we celebrated Brandon, Dad and Grandfather's birthdays. It was really nice to have the family together.

-I spent this past Saturday evening with Cammie and Nicki, eating confusing pitas and seeing What's your number? Absolutely hilarious and it was wonderful to spend time with ma ladies.
-I was in Tucson just over a week ago, which was also fantastic. [see separate post when I'm blogging from home] and this upcoming weekend Nicki and I will be rendezvousing in California at Disneyland in celebration of her birthday! [believe me, there will be pictures]
-A pretty fantastic group of us are planning a half marathon at Disney next September [which my mom has started training for and I'm so proud of her].
-Dustin is fantabulous- and doing so stinkin well at his new job :)
-Nicki and I got to visit Kieren about a month ago, her little Clara is just so precious!!! Also, her new place has so much space! It's a pretty wonderful place.

looks like someone missed the stripes memo

Ma Face/Body

As you probably remember from these Frankenstein pictures, I was in a pretty gnarly accident. Well, I'm lookin a little bit better! I've finished 6 weeks of physical therapy, and finally was able to run my first mile this past Monday (and again with mom yesterday). Welcome back knee!!! Although, I would like to say when I was in Tucson, peeps felt it necessary to rub my scar without my offer/their asking. you're weird.

Ehhh, that's enough for now. How about I just become a little bit more regular on my posting? deal.

What does your life update look like?

Date Night

Tonight Dustin and I are going out for dinner [exciting]

Which is making me think of 2 things.

1. This bomb.com pizza from True Food Kitchen [extra fresh and awesome, extra expensive]

Which was consumed with these lovely ladies, this past Sunday.

2. Chad has a baseball game tonight, and he is just too precious for words.

Well, I'm off. Dinner time :)

ADPi Parents Weekend, Alum Style

As an alum, I am missing a little space in my heart, which was filled with collegiate ADPi love. And it has definitely been the hardest part of graduating.

So I jumped at the opportunity to come down to Tucson, and Parents Weekend? Why not.

Thank you all for a special weekend, but a special shout out to my Gabby. Love ya!

Strange Things- Tales of a traveler

I noticed some strange/funny/just crazy things while driving the other day. Wanted to share them with you.

Everyone jokes about anyone who "applies" to ASU gets in, and now I have proof. It seems as though Satan is an ASU alum. 

I am an equal opportunity car crasher. I want to crash into all car with equal desire - no desire. So just because you have a sign letting me know what kind of precious cargo you're carrying, doesn't mean I am going to be any less likely to crash into your car. In fact, I may rear-end you while trying to see what your sign says.

However, if you're going to be sporting any kind of sign, this one will surely keep me as far away from you as possible. 

Happy Sunday people!

Life Update

If you were wondering, 

I "graduate" in 4 days.
I take my school exam in 8 days.
I have had one interview with a broker, 3 more to go.
State/national exam in 2 weeks.
I hope to be licensed in less than 3 weeks.

What do all those days equal? So much studying my brain hurts.

worth it!

My love

I have many loves, and usually "my love" is used in my vocabulary as-

my love, (noun)- an affectionate pet name for my long time boyfriend, Dustin. 

Well, there is a someone else. and I'm obsessed.

And technically, it's a group of people- The Office, is one of my favorite guilty pleasures. And season 8 starts in one week and some odd hours. Yeah, I'm pretty excited.

season 8 baby

tv baby

Never Forget

Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it

- George Santayana

"I hope we're not trying to figure out who he is and more to figure out who we are through watching it"

I see this photo, as one of the most disturbing photographs of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. I feel for every individual who lost their lives that day, and I pray they are with the Lord. However, I think this photo forces us to attempt to feel what must have been going through the hearts and heads of those lost on that day.

Thank you to the men and women who have protected our country, those who currently watch over and defend our freedom, and most importantly to those who gave their life in the name of freedom.

God Bless America

Blogging hiatus and a rant

I've been on a bit of a blogging hiatus. But for very busy reasons. working 30ish hours a week, while going to school 30ish hours a week, while doing physical therapy (ouch), and homework during my down time.

It's been a little insane-o. But wonderful. Because in one week from today I will be finishing my 90 hours of education and getting ready to start the exam process.

[begin real rant here]

When I first decided I wanted to be a Real Estate Agent, I thought it was awesome. And my friends & family agreed. and they are supporting me to the fullest. [as per usual] Because they know I can do anything I set my mind to. But then, somewhere along the line, random strangers felt the need to tell me how my decision to be a Real Estate agent was a stupid one, as the economy is pretty down right now. Why, thanks person I don't even know, you obviously know best.

Actually you probably don't. Bet these people didn't know that 70% of homes sold right now are short sale and foreclosures (i.e. crazy cheap)? I bet they didn't know that the nation is facing record low interest rates, and that if you have the money, this is one of the best times to buy a house? Did they also know that for every home sold $60,000 goes back into our economy? and that people like me are going to help make that happen? and did they know I have heard numerous stories of agents who are in their first year right now and are looking to make around $100,000 this year (while my dreams would be reached if I made even a sliver of that, it makes me wonder- how much are you pulling in per year, stranger?)? I bet they didn't know things like this.

Point of the rant- I am oh so energized and ready to prove these fools wrong. I will be making money this year, doing something I like, and having the schedule I choose. I'll get to help people make one of the biggest decisions of their lives. And these strangers can judge, and wrongly assume, because I have my friends and family who will be proud of me. And frankly, that's a-okay with me. Love y'all. 


Thanks for your love and support

Day Off

Yesterday, as you know, was mine and Dustin't 3rd Anniversary. I am so blessed. :)

But what you didn't know is that it was my only day off for the next 18 days. Yep, between work and Real Estate School, I will be going non-stop for 18 days.

So what did I do on my day off? Tortured myself with some physical therapy. Thanks knee.

And I slept. so much sleeping. I took a nap when I got home from PT, after I took my mom to her dr. appt. and after watching too much tv. Guess I was a sleepy girl.

Or maybe I was stocking up for the 2 1/2 weeks of crazyness ahead of me. Probs both.

Fabulous day to you all