Please Allow Me To Reintroduce Myself

Well, well, well....

Where to begin. I haven't blogged in such a long time! Let me be clear, it hasn't been because I didn't want to or because I've had no life. Believe it or not, I haven't had the time to write.

A ton has happened since my last post. So much that I don't even know where to start. So much has happened that I can't decide which piece of information I should share first.

In that case I will show a few pictures...

Celebrating Mexico's Independence Day

 Zac Brown Band Concert at SPAC

Fun with the BF

The last picture I have of my very first dog, Tasha Ann. Unfortunately we had to put Tasha down a couple weeks ago. Such a sad time. I miss you Tash <3

A lot has happened within this past month. I promise to keep you better informed. I'll be talking to you soon!

Hot Off the Press

I told you once I got these bad boys that I would post them so here they are....

Also... I thought I really liked my shirt, but if Joan Rivers saw me she might consider me a victim on fashion police.... Perhaps in the segment, Who wore is best?

VS

Celeb Status

Thanks to this very special lady...

my beautiful cousin, Alyssa, I was able to meet yet again..another celeb! Woohoo 2 down in the book for me! (First one being, Regis).

Last night my sister and I had the opportunity to meet Darius Rucker at the Lady Antebellum, Thompson Square, and Rucker concert at the Radio City Music Hall.

There are a few things you should know about Darius. 1. He is NOT tall, 2. He's a very genuine, down to earth kind of guy, 3. He is a great performer.

I have to admit that I didn't swoon over this celeb, we all know that Regis has me heart. However, Darius was a very, very, nice guy. We shook hand, exchanged names, snapped a pic, then rode in an elevator together! So cool, right?

I don't have many pictures from the concert-- surprise, surprise! Darius' manager wouldn't allow personal cameras during the meet and greet, but team Rucker took pics. Once I recieve those puppies, you better believe they'll be up to share!

Here are some of the very few pictures I took...

Thanks, Alyssa!!!

Motherhood

This weekend I went to a baby shower and the things the girls were talking about really really frightened me. Butt paste? Breast pads? WTF happens to your body????

Don't get me wrong, I love children. But after the shower, I really got to thinking...what happens when I really am a grown up and have a family, have children, and have a home of my own?!?!?? I need answers, answers, answers!!!

After pondering these thoughts, I thought about the one and only Duggar family. Is it really necessary to have 32 children?

Mrs. Duggar, you found it appropriate to have 37 children? (Yes, I know it was 32 in the last paragraph, but they reproduce at a rapid rate...we may now be at 40)

Can you imagine being a teacher and having 25 students and come home to a house full of 37 of your children, and all with names that begin with "J"?  Give me a break.

Josh, James, Jana, John-David, Jill, Jessa, Jinger, Joseph, Josiah, Joy-Anna, Jedidiah, Jeremiah, Jason, James, Justin, Jackson, Johannah, Jennifer, Jordyn, Josie, Jim-Bob, Michele there are more ways to earn fame. Leave your mothers' uterus out of it!!!!

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Golden Years

Good evening all  followers anyone who stumbled upon this blog.

For those who thought I retired from the blogging world, I just wanted to let you know..I'm still kickin'!!!

Did you know that I had all of last week off? Did you also happen to notice the lack of productivity I produced throughout my week off?

I can't say I didn't do anything, because that's far from the truth. I did however spend a decent amount of time with this fox...

My Gram recently had surgery on her back, so I tried to keep her company as much as I could. While watching her recooperate from her surgery, I was again reminded of how much I DO NOT want to get old. No offense to my Grandmother or anyone over 30 for that matter (I kid).

Besides being feisty and a fox, this lady is full of wisdom. She told me that the whole idea of The Golden Years was a crock of you know what. She said that the only thing golden about her older years was her "urine" (which for the record can probably be resolved by consuming more water).

Any who, although this surgery has gotten my Gram off her feet, I am happy to say that she is getting back to her normal self. She also inspired me to live it up!

So, besides visiting with Lou this past week, I also caught up with friends and made time for myself!

Pictures of my week off? Of course I didn't snap a single photo, but please insert my face in these pictures. A little imagination never killed anyone...

Parental Advisery is Advised....

I have to be honest, and must confess that believing in the Easter Bunny was very difficult for me as a child. No offense to my parents, because they did a great job with every holiday. They made sure to include all the special details and gave my brother, sister, and me anything that allowed us to have a wonderful childhood. Cripes, I believed in Santa Claus up until 6th grade!

BUT, that Peter Cotton Tail never made any sense to me.

When I have children I am not ever sure of the correct story to give them! Where does this bunny live? How does he travel, and in what time frame? How does he carry all those baskets? How big is this bunny? The questions are endless.

Sure, Santa has elves, lives in the North Pole, travels by sleigh pulled by 8 reindeer (or is it 9?), loves milk and cookies, and has a magical bag that holds a gazillion presents. Duh, I know all this.

You know those "Easter Bunnies" at the mall? Is that the actual size of THE Easter Bunny? If so, holy hell-- that could be scary.

Don't get me wrong, I do not want to be known as the Scrooge of Easter, but I hope I have enough time to figure this thing out before I have children in 8 years.

Happy Easter!!!!

Wishing everyone a happy holiday, enjoy time with your family and loved ones!

24 Going on 40

I gotta tell ya, getting old sure does suck.

This weekend I went out, and by went out I mean stayed out past midnight! Yep, still got it in me. It is currently Wednesday and I am still not caught up on my sleep. Par-tayyy animal.

Ah, to be young again.

People always say, "You're young- live life!" To those who think I don't live my life, I am perfectly content with staying in on a Friday/Saturday night with Johnny, watching hours of  Diners, Drive-In's, and Dives. Guy Fieri has the best job, and the worst roots.

Besides the recovery of going out, finding something to wear to go out is a very difficult task. As a 24 year old I do NOT want to be dressed like a skank, and I certainly do NOT want to be dressed like Old Mother Hubbard.  What do you kids even wear now a days?

Any way, here is proof that I am alive and that I still have fun...

Hello, My Name is...

For all those who were wondering, yes I am alive.

I can tell you a million reasons as to why I have been non-existent. But, lets just say...I needed a break. I still need a break. A tropical vacation may do the trick, but since that is not in the near or distant future, let me just fresh your minds as to exactly I am.

My name is, Tara.

This reminds me of a story, that I have yet to tell. I almost forgot about it until I witnessed a similar situation happen to my dear friend, Chandler Bing. Yes, I know him personally. Or, I pretend to know him. Same. Thing. (For those who do not know who Chandler Bing is, he's from my very favorite show, Friends)

Before subbing in the current school I am working in, I worked as a Teacher's Assistant in another school, for privacy reasons this school will be known as School X.
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And so it begins...

I worked at school X for about 6 months. All the people I knew were extremely nice, and are/were great people. Even the people who I didn't know, or who didn't know me were nice. Which brings me to the story...

One teacher, the only teacher who ate lunch with me in the faculty room (Yes, I am a loser. Yes, I am okay with that), referred to me as, Stacy. She would address me as Stacy, and not to be rude...I answered to Stacy. While eating she would say, "Hey Stacy,would you mind passing me the salt?" Or, "Hey Stacy, how was your weekend?" It even got to the point where she nick-named me "Stace."

As this had gone on for some time now, I was unsure as to how to address it.

This woman was the sweetest lady, and she was my only lunch buddy- so I didn't want to rock the boat, so to speak.

Well, one day I ended up working with her in the class she was in, along with another colleague. She kept referring to me as "Stace," but the other teacher/colleague had no idea who she was talking about and/or who "Stace" was. Until I finally, mustered up the courage to confess my true identity. I could barely get the words out because I found it extremely humorous and thought it would be a perfect skit for a sitcom (you're welcome, Friends).

After this, my lunch buddy STILL referred to me as "Stacy," and I am sure if I still worked at School X, she would've continued to call me "Stace."

Whatever.

So for my followers, if there are even any of you left. Let me remind you, my name is, Tara.

Thanks for stopping by!

Whose Wagon are You Riding?

Besides being late with posting, I was also late with the whole Adele saga. I missed the first trip on the bandwagon, but am now riding along with everyone else. Sureee, I thought she was good, but I didn't know how good.

After pondering for about 15 minutes in Target, trying to decide if I wanted to purchase the Best of Whitney or Adele CD- I finally made a decision (I am the worst at making decisions, the WORST).
I am pretty confident that I made the best decision and that the CD has been on repeat in my car since the moment of the big purchase.

Do you know who else was happy with my purchase? My Dad! Apparent, besides taking down bucks and doing manly things he enjoys the vocals of Adele himself. Who would have known?

Besides jumping Adele's bandwagon, I also am riding first class on this bandwagon...

The new ABC show, GCB. Chenoweth is hilarious. Her larger than life "Christian"/Texas personality and her even bigger closet of designer clothes has got me hooked!!! What does GCB stand for you ask? Good-Christian-Belles...or is it Bitches?

They're Home!!!

Finally! I can unload.

My roommates parents have been away. I can not express how happy I am that they will be home tonight at 6:30. What a hectic life style those two live. Lots of responsibility. Lots of responsibility that I was responsible for the past 5 days.

I decided not to post about my parents being away until they got home. Why? Well, I was always told not to publicly notify when I was going on vacation- especially on facebook. So I figured the rules still stood while my parents were gone. Plus, I was scared that someone might try and rob the place. Truth be told, I am kind of a scaredy cat. Once A couple times Sometimes while driving at night I feel like someone is hiding in my backseat. In return, I drive with the lights on.

Anyway, back to my point. My parents are coming home. Such a sigh of relief!!! Taking care of my 17 year old brother was quite the nightmare. I never want teenagers. Ew.

Mom, Dad...

You know what they say, "Home is where the piles of laundry and dishes are"....no?
(I actually did loads of laundry and washed plenty of dishes)

Source: tossandturn.bigcartel.com via Michelle on Pinterest

One of the perks to being an aspiring teacher is the week long breaks...the weeks well deserved I might add. Whether you are somewhere tropical, warm, or sitting home and watching the Bravo channel all week, it is nice to re-coop.

I did not get the opportunity to go away this week. I will admit I am quite jealous of those who went away. The common destination, Florida. Ahhh, someday..someday.

My week flew by and believe it or not, I got a lot done. Between dinner, shopping at the outlets, a lot of cleaning, catching up with some friends, and beer tasting, I also made time for SOME work. I tutored and made it to the gym 4 times. Yep, you read it f-o-u-r times. Can I get a thank God hallelujah?

The down fall of this vacation? Spending money that I do NOT have. I did make the decision to not buy any more winter clothing except for a new pair of grey boots. Wishful thinking.

 Instead, I had my eye on a few thing for Spring...

Source: ashley-ringmybell.blogspot.com via Tara on Pinterest

How do we feel about colored pants?

Source: shopbop.com via Tara on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Tara on Pinterest

Source: weheartit.com via Tara on Pinterest

Spring vacation, where you at?

Your Thighs on Cheese

Have you ever seen this billboard?

I was caught off guard when I saw this bad boy. I even took a picture of it on my phone, but because I am the only 24 year old who isn't technology advanced I was unable to upload it. Instead, I was able to find it on Google- for your viewing pleasure.

There are two things I want to know...1. Who would ever pose for this ad? 2. Why does cheese have to be so detrimental to your body?

While on break this week, I was able to watch Dr. Oz. He was giving "tips" on what to eat to help lose weight in your derriere. Want to know his advice? He suggested eating more carbs and drinking tea that suppresses your appetite. Basically. That was the gist of his hour spiel. What a crock!

To top it off, there were women of all sizes standing in their panties. Why do women subject themselves to such humility? It is possible that they have a ton of confidence, but standing in your underwear, on national TV...not my idea of a good time.

Cheese, cheese...it's BAD for your health...unfortunately :(

Jesus is My Homeboy

Because it is February break and I have a week off I figured that I would be plenty motivated to do all the odds and ends that I have been slacking with. Including this blog. But, being that it is Tuesday and I have just signed onto blogger you can see that my motivation went right down the tubes. Starting tomorrow I am going to get motivated.

Tomorrow also starts Lent. I have been trying to think of something to give up for 40 days, but can't seem to find anything I want to part with. The past 2 years I have given up candy, and I am thinking that I will most likely do the same thing this year. I have the biggest sweet tooth and giving up candy is very very very difficult for me.

But, for this guy....

I'll DO it!

What are you giving up for my homeboy?

Grammy Night

My Grammy night consisted of events slightly different from Adele's and Chris Brown's. No, I wasn't walking down the red carpet in a gown made by Chanel,Versace, or Valentino...not even a dress made by Oscar de la Renta. Now that I think of it... I wasn't rubbing shoulders with Bruno Mars, or Carrie Underwood. Instead, I was rubbing shoulders with MY Grammy.

Isn't she a doll?

While speaking of the Grammys and my Grammy...I remembered a music video that I had just recently watched. It was posted on someone's facebook wall. The song is called, "Rack City," have you heard of this song?

No?

Neither did I, and to be honest I don't even understand the song in the slightest bit. However, after viewing it about 7 times in a row and picturing my grandmother and brother performing in the video- I have a new found love for the video.
Please watch

Don't judge me.

It's Okay to Laugh

For those who don't know and/or who care, I've been super stressed and so uptight lately. Hard to believe, right? No, seriously...ask Johnny, or my Mom they will gladly vouch for me.

Any who...I decided to go to spinning today. I thought that on my day off I would try and be positive, and take a day to myself..personal health day, if you would.

Believe me when I tell you, it took everything I had to walk through the doors to the gym. Let me tell you, spinning was quite the struggle. However, once the music started to play my attitude changed a bit. I couldn't help but laugh at the other women. I know that's mean. As a former member of the "judgement free zone," or Planet Fitness, I knew for sure that everyone else does the same thing. Everyone judges, its the truth and I'm speaking it.

The only thing different at my new gym (which by the way I love) is that I was laughing WITH the other women, not exactly laughing at them. They were soooo energetic and wild. I was sure that I had missed the free mimosas that they had to of been handing out prior to class. If not, then I would like to patent that idea. Mimosas and bloody marys would entice me to come to the gym...just saying.

These women were waving their towels and screaming, which made me laugh. Sometimes, we get so wrapped into our busy lives, we forget to laugh!!!

So besides spinning with drunk ladies (I wish) here are a few other things I found on Pinterest that made me smile...

Source: imgfave.com via Tara on Pinterest

Source: fellowcreatives.com via Tara on Pinterest

Source: iwastesomuchtime.com via Tara on Pinterest

Source: abeautifulliving.blogspot.com via Tara on Pinterest

And the Giants Win!

Okay, so I just wanted to clear the air.

I am an Indianapolis Colts fan, or at least I think I am. I was/am a really big Peyton Manning fan, buttt he didn't play this season, so what's a girl to do? I will tell you what she should do...go after the younger brother, Eli.

And, that my friends... is what I did! I rooted for the New York Giants, I am a New Yorker, a Yankees fan, it just made sense. Thanks to my interest in the Manning family, and my extra support...the New York Giants can thank me for their super bowl victory.

You're welcome!

Talent Shmalent

In college at the start of a new semester in every class, the professor would start the class off in the most awkward, most embarrassing way. "Please introduce yourself, and tell the class one interesting fact about yourself." Ummm... no thanks, I rather pass. That isn't what I said obviously, but if I wasn't such a wimp..I totally would have.

As the class would share their really cool facts, I would be sweating and stressing out about what I would say. Maybe, the rest of my classmates facts weren't really that cool, but I wasn't paying attention. I was scampering through my years of existence searching for a fun fact about myself.

The same thing comes to mind when I watch pageants, or interviews. How is everyone else so much cooler than ME!?!? Just recently I was teasing my brother because he signed up for a pageant/talent show, Mr Rensselaer. I know what you're thinking. Where's Rensselaer? and... What is Mr Rensselaer? For myself, my biggest question was "What is Tyler's talent going to be?"  The talent is still a mystery. I will have to find out with the rest of the nation  1000s of people  all of Rensselaer 50 other people who will be attending this Saturday.

I am guessing it will be baton twirling, or singing, maybe lip singing, or a cheer, like everyone else's "talent." I mean, come on people. Let's make things interesting. Step outside of the box for cripes sake.

Have you ever seen Little Miss Sunshine? It is the best movie. The little girl, Olive Hoover (great name) wants to compete in a beauty pageant. However, they miss the boat on the concept of what a pageant actually is. Her talent act on the other hand, perfection!

Sweet or Sour?

Valentines Day is coming soon, and Johnny and I have decided not to celebrate it this year. No gifts (except for a dozen of chocolate covered strawberries).

To be honest, I don't really know the true facts about Valentines Day. Sure, I know about Cupid, and the significance of saying, "I love you," and telling the ones we love and care about how much they mean to us. But, is that IT?

I am pretty sold on it being a made up holiday. I've been on both sides for a while. Yes, it is nice to receive gifts, and tokens of appreciation because you are simply loved. However, if you don't have someone significant in your life... the day can be suicidal. Just saying. The day can be pretttttty dreadful.

I guess if everyone in the entire world had someone to love, I would embrace the holiday- whole heartedly (no pun intended). The idea is nice. AND truth be told, it is a cute holiday. There are tons of crafts and sweets to make.

So the question is...

Does Valentines Day leave you feeling sweet?

Or sour?

Source: tumblr.com via Leigh on Pinterest

 Please disregard the purple heart, that is a bit harsh.