Just Lots of Rambling

So what did you think about the Oscars? I always enjoy. My favorite speech was the director who won for The Kings Speech and thanked his mother for finding the script. AWW. All of the gowns were really beautiful this year right?! Everyone looked stunning. Check out the text to the right for my favs.
Lets talk about how amazing Jennifer Hudson is looking right now. Wow. I bet she feels so good. I gave out a little squeal of delight when she was announced to present because they played one of my favorite songs! I Love You I Do from Dreamgirls. It's very special to me and Scott because I surprised him at our wedding and sang it to him! Scott had no idea I was planning on doing that and he loved it! The song is just too perfect. I had to do it!!!

Photos via facebook friends :)

Hmmm....apparently Landon, who is in kindergarten, gets in trouble every day for talking too much. He most definitely gets that from yours truly. I got shushed a lot in school for talking too much. Sometimes there's just a lot to say....

I'm not sure what to do with myself today. I feel as if I should take advantage of my down time and tackle some major running miles. It sure does look pretty outside. I also need to catch up on my Shutterfly books. I love to make one for every trip Scott and I take. If you guys aren't using Shutterfly you should!!! It's so much better than in a big, thick photo album. I'm even thinking about creating a fun little wedding Shutterfly album. That could potentially take forever given there's like 2000 photos. I guess I don't have anything better to do though. Well actually, I may potentially have a job lined up. I know. That was easily fast huh! My boss (former boss) called me on Friday about this idea and she thinks I'd be the perfect person for it. I won't go into detail in case it doesn't work out but let's just say it's pretty awesome and I would still be doing hair. It's kinda perfect actually. I'll let you know more as I know more!

500th Blog Post!

It's time to celebrate because this marks Kara's Stories 500th blog post! I had no idea when I started this blog what I was doing. I was bored while living in Memphis and thought this would be a great way to keep me entertained. I'm so glad to know I've kept others entertained as well! I've had 3700 page views this month which just blows my mind. I surly don't understand why anyone would want to read about my little life but I definitely love that a lot of you enjoy keeping up with it!
Soooooo what better way to commemorate my 500th blog post than delivering some very big news. Drum roll please........I quit my job yesterday. Yikes! I know. I'm super shocked too. It most definitely hasn't sunk in yet. I woke up this morning and my first thought was 'I quit my job yesterday.' It's crazy.
I've been teetering with quitting my job for a while now. Don't get me wrong I'm in love with my profession. I truly believe it's what I was meant to do and I don't regret for a second leaving the UofA to pursue my dream. I don't know if I can even articulate into words why I've been wanting to leave. I just have lately. Scott and I have talked for months about it and he's always said that he's totally supportive of whatever I choose to do. I've prayed about it and driven myself crazy going back and forth of what I want.
So yesterday our manager called me into the office. He said that he could sense that I'm not happy with the new policies we implemented just this week and wanted to talk about it so he could make sure I'm okay with everything. Of course in typical Kara fashion I erupted into tears (so embarrassing) and told him how I felt about the new policies and just working there in general. Which led my mouth to blurt out 'I think it's best if I leave.' I love The Spa and everyone I work with and I believe I have the best bosses in the world. But I have been feeling for a while that I was wanting to take my life in a different direction and I felt that the Lord had him ask me if I was okay, which led to the perfect opportunity for me to leave the company. So anyways, I called my boss/the owner and told her about my decision and she said Clint had already informed her about it. She said that he said I was very lovely and respectful about the way I left and that sometimes it's just time to move on. I told Cathy that I'm still going to renew my license every year so if they're ever super busy and need someone to come in please give me a call. Or if they need someone to watch the front desk because the person who's supposed to do it is sick then think of me for that too. Clint told me that if in 2 months I think to myself 'why did I quit?' and want to come back then just come back. No big deal. Or if it's even 2 years from now, the door is always open for me to return.
Now for the million dollar question...what are you gonna do now? Hmmm...I have not a clue! For now my title will be housewife. The reason I hadn't left my job earlier is because I couldn't think of anything to do. But sense the Lord presented the perfect opportunity yesterday, I just decided to go on ahead and bite the bullet. I've been really interesting in volunteering lately so maybe I'll look more into that. I may get more involved with my church. Maybe I'll try my hand at substituting again although not with the Bentonville School District. (anyone remember that disaster?) I feel as if my possibilities are endless! I just have to find the right fit. And I'll still get to do the hair of my friends and family of course.
So yeah, crazy huh? It most definitely doesn't feel real but I'm so grateful that Cathy and Clint totally got what I was saying even though it made no sense at all I'm sure. Sooo....that's that. I prefer to not think of myself as unemployed but as simply a housewife! When Clint asked me what my goal with my career was (before I quit) I told him 'honestly my goal in life is to be a mom.' So yeah we're definitely not going to be making the babies because of this but I could take the opportunity to do some major nesting for the next 3 years or so. HA!
Alrighty. I'm done talking about this. It wears me out. Scott is taking me to a special dinner tonight to.....celebrate I guess? He won't tell me where we're going and I love when he surprises me like that. All I know is to be ready at 8. I'm definitely looking forward to it. Enjoy your weekend!

Baby I Was Born This Way

Wow! It is pouring down rain outside. This kind of rain usually comes with a side of thunder and lightening. Isn't it so wonderful to wake to rain tapping on your window. It makes your room extra dark which makes it extra hard to get up. I don't have to go into work today until 2. I'm there until 8. If you're wondering if I like those hours the answer would be no. For many reasons. I like waking up early in the morning because I have to. On Thursday's I'm the epitome of lazy. It's almost 1 and I haven't even showered yet. Also, I hate working until 8:00 for obvious reasons. Boo. Oh well. Can't always get your way right? Usually rainy days = slow work days because people don't want to pay to get their hair done for it to just get wet or frizzy.
Last night Jaclyn and I had a little happy hour at Bonefish. It must'v been very happy because we got there at 4:45 and stayed until 8:30. Time flys when you're eating good food, drinking wine, and having girly conversation! It's always nice to have someone keep me company. I told Jaclyn last night that I truly believe the Lord made me specifically for a man who works nearly 24/7. I don't think the average woman could handle it. It annoys me sometimes but usually I'm really okay. I'm mostly just very proud of Scott. He's got a very successful career going and he deserves it because he works so stinkin hard. I would never complain (well okay every once and a while) to him about how hard he works. I just try to be very supportive. Maybe it helps that my father is the same way. This is what life is to me. The men work all day, all night, all weekends and that's just how it is. I remember going to a friends house after school and her Dad came home at 5:00 and I was so confused by that. I mentioned it to my Mom when I got home and she was like 'yeah Kara that's normal. Most people's Daddy's get home at 5:00.' I had no idea! Clearly I was born for this. It helps to talk to my Mom about it because she 100% gets it. So anywho, I'm always up for a girls night because well 1.) I don't have to cook. 2.) I get in some good company/conversation and 3.) It's just nice to get out on a week night right? Thanks JJ for last night's company!
Alright. I guess I should hop in the shower and get ready for work. Even though a movie and blanket seems way more approporiate for this weather. I really need to invest in some rain boots....

Dream Jobs

If you had the opportunity to do your dream job what would it be? I got to thinking about that today but I couldn't narrow it down to just one. This is what I decided upon.
1.) One of those people who travels around the world either doing stories on restaurants, hotels, or resorts. I mean, how can I get in touch with Travel and Leisure and figure out how to get hired by them because I'm pretty sure I'd be really good at it. I love to read my Travel and Leisure magazine and just sit at my computer for hours checking out stuff on their website. I could recommend the top places to stay and eat at any city around the world. Trust me. I've done my research.
2.) Kelly Ripa's job. She has to have one of the best jobs EVER.
3.) Here comes the quirky dork in me: Professional Organizer. This job is totally obtainable and I would get a little organizing high every day if people hired me to come organize their house...especially their closet.
4.) Working for Marie Claire, my favorite magazine. Imagine how cool it would be to work for a fashion magazine therefore always being the first to know the latest fashion trends AND nearly being required to dress totally fabulous for work. All the while meeting celebrities at The Ivy or Chateau Marmont and interviewing them, then going to their photo shoot for the cover and being involved in that too!
5.) Call me strange but how cool would it be to be Brangelina or TomKat's kids nanny? You get to travel all over the world with them plus get a little nosy insight into their life. And really, how hard could it be to be a nanny? Well, I guess Brangelina's bunch could be a little exhausting....worth it though. Plus you could probably totally raid Suri's closet when she grew tired of her stuff.
6.) It would also be so cool to own a vineyard. Can't you just see me sitting in a rocking chair on my wrap around porch, wearing a white button down, slacks, ballet flats and a pashmina, looking at my grapes, while sipping the wine I just made? I can.

I'm pretty sure if I could do one of these jobs I'd feel like the coolest person on earth. Ahh....good day dreaming today. I should waste more of my time and think like this more often.

Broken

I'm still in Little Rock. I decided to stay an extra night. Scott had to do a lot of work yesterday and there was really no need in me watching him do it! I'm going to head back today though.

Yesterday Scott and I went with my parents to Fellowship Little Rock. It was truly one of the most moving sermons I've ever heard. It was about forgiveness and the pastor was speaking about Christ dying for our sins because he loved us that much. Of course we've heard that before but this touched a little deeper with me because of the way the pastor spoke on it. He mentioned that before the cross once you sinned you had to go, find your best lamb, take him to the alter, place your hand on his head, ask for forgiveness of your sin, the lamb was killed, then you were forgiven. We've all heard that before too. However, then the pastor said 'I bet if we had to do that still, we wouldn't take sin lightly.' Wow. That really got to me. I thought about Holly. She's my best. I'd have to sacrifice her because of a stupid sin. How horrible that must have been. The sermon made me look at the cross in a different way. I'm so grateful Christ died for me so I don't have to sacrifice an animal like that. After the sermon was over, the pastor had us fill out a card that we received as we walked in. It was something that we wanted forgiveness for. Then if you wanted, you walked up to the front of the church where a cross was placed, and laid your card at the foot of the cross. It was incredibly touching. Everyone just one by one came and placed their card. The praise band sang the most beautiful songs and suddenly, after I placed my card and went back to my seat, I found myself completely broken. I'll be honest, it's the first time in a long time I've felt broken over a sin. But I also felt like a weight was lifted off my shoulders because at that moment, I truly felt forgiven. Luckily, my Mom had tissues! Once church was over, and we got in the car, we were all silent until Dad said 'well all I can say is wow. That was not a service to be missed.' I'm so grateful I was there. It was a life altering experience for me.

I've said it a million times before and I'll say it again-- Fellowship Little Rock is the best church in the world. I wish I could be a part of it every Sunday.

So anywho, that was what my day was like yesterday! Followed by The Kings Speech with Mom and Grammy--great movie! Alright. I'm going to hop in the shower and get ready for French Onion Soup at Panera with my Mom. I started counting calories again yesterday. I've taken the 'It's The Holidays!!' food excuse with me for an extra 2 months which has led to an extra 5 pounds. I'm mortified at myself. This must get off immediately. I feel gross. It's amazing how just 1 or 2 bad meals a week can result in 5 pounds over 4 months. Honestly, I was probably eating like a normal person actually does. It's ridiculous that I have to eat only chicken or fish and vegetables for dinner, very small amounts of carbs, and tuna for lunch and run 4 miles every day if I want to stay really thin. I will never have a good attitude about it and I will never get to be the person who can eat just whatever. Bitter Betty....Bitter Betty indeed.....

Cheveau

Cheveau. That would be the wine I just got out of my Dads wine fridge and it's aaaahhhmazing. I'm in Little Rock folks. Came down today for a little party tomorrow night and to get my doodlebug and take her back to my place. It is way overdo for my custody time. She missed me. I missed her too. I almost cried when I saw her...not kidding.
Ahhh. Excuse me I just had a sip of my Cheveau. I love raiding my Dads 500 bottle wine fridge when I come to Little Rock. I gave him a little call (he and Mom are in Napa. Jeal) and told him I was in the mood to drink a glass of white, while sitting on his back porch enjoying the lovely weather while listening to music play on the speakers. He suggested Cheveau and I'm so glad he did. It's amazing. This is the first time I've had it and it's officially on my top 5 list now.
Im sure you've noticed by reading this blog that I enjoy a little Vino. I'm very into it. Not just the drinking part of it. I love smelling it and swirling it. I love tasting which fruits are in it and what type of barrel it sat in. I love everything about it. I'm a little mini sommelier waiting to blossom. Drinking my Dad's wine is the best because it's always top notch. Unfortunately Scott and I cannot afford the wine my Dad can right now but luckily he shares! Macadoodles it is for the Johnsons. Dad's get's shipped from Napa. The stuff in the liquor stores is not good enough for him. He's a wine snob and isn't even ashamed to admit it...as he shouldn't be. I find it to be a beautiful quality. HA!

Speaking of Napa, I've still gotta make it there soon. It's on my top 25 things to do while I'm 25 list. I told my Dad I guess I'm just really confused why he didn't take me this week. He keeps sending me pictures saying 'cheers.' I told him it's not sweet to rub it in. Hopefully, when my Dad retires, he'll buy a vineyard in Napa. That would be the ultimate of coolness. Wine is definitely something my Dad and I share a love of. It's a fun hobby that we have in common and we enjoy very much together. Dad says he's taking me to Napa in June. Chris Botti is playing at Robert Mondavi Winery and we both want to go hear him! That would be another thing Dad and I share in common....jazz!

Alrighty folks. Scott should be getting here soon. We drove in separate cars because I just didn't feel like waiting on him to get off work. I don't work on Fridays and wanted to hurry to see my Holly girl instead of sit at home and twiddle my thumbs. I tried to talk Scott into taking today off but of course that didn't fly. He won another award at work today. The Star of Excellence for something. It should start to be getting embarrassing by now. I mean, can't he share with the other 60+ people in his office? Greedy, greedy, greedy. I guess I should take him out to Bonefish to celebrate. Any excuse right? Enjoy your weekend folks. CHEERS!