as the ball drops

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My New Years Eves are {mostly} always a comedy of errors. At least if you're me. For your sake, I hope you have better luck (or maybe not--see below). Every time December 31st rolls around--I know I'm about to make poor decisions that will haunt me the next day. (Read: alcohol and it's after effects.)

One summer in college, I had a boss who told me she always made sure to start the year out with the worst hangover ever--if only because then the only way the year could go is up. It can only get better, right?

Well without knowing it, I must have taken her philosophy very seriously because most years that's how I end up. There was the year I slept until 9 p.m. the next day. Or the year my friends had to save me with greasy fast food. The year I lost my shoes and still to this day have no idea where they are. Oh, I have stories for days. But most are too hazy and a little too embarrassing for the internet.

But here's the thing: I sort of believe in the power of her philosophy. Every January 1st I've woken up feeling like sh*t has truly made for some fantastic years. Knock on wood.

So my hope for you is this: May your New Years Eve be the best time you've ever had. May your New Years Day be terrible. And may your 2012 be the best year yet.

I for one, will be donning a very sparkly outfit and dancing my face off with my best friends. New Years Eve is unofficially our holiday. We've been doing it up big since 2006 ;). And I wouldn't have it any other way.

What are your New Years Eve plans?? Do tell!

poll of the week: resolutions

Two weeks ago, we asked about who y'all would never live with. Here's what you said:

This week we wanna hear about your resolutions for the new year. Do you make them? If you do... what are you resolving to do?? Feel free to choose any of the choices below, or enter your own!




See you tomorrow ladies!

read this

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Hello lovelies! Did everyone have a great Christmas? I hope so! Mine was perfect. But unfortunately getting up for work this morning was a harsh reality. How many days till the next long weekend?(Four!)

I did lots of reading over my break and since I got a swanky new Kindle for Christmas, I thought I would share a few of my favorite books I've read lately... and then hope that y'all have a couple to share with me too!

• Hunger Games Trilogy, Suzanne Collins
  

Let me just say that when I first heard people talking about these books I was hesitant because I thought they would be too much like Twilight... But, I am happy to say they are so, so much better than anything Twilight ever was. I read all three on our last vacation--couldn't put them down. Am now happily a fangirl who is counting down the days until the movie comes out. So yes, your friends were right--read the books. You can thank us later.

• One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are, Ann Voscamp

I'm sure I've written about this book before one here.... It's all about being thankful for what you have, living in the present, etc. I loved it. It was exactly what I needed when I read it, and I think it would make a great book to read at the first of the year. It's not a novel by any means, but Ann is such a great writer--you'll want to take notes.

• The Lucky One, Nicholas Sparks

Well, let me just say that I read this after watching the hot, steamy trailer that is now out featuring Zac Efron for the upcoming movie. This one reads like every other Nicholas Sparks book you've ever read. And I'm not saying I didn't like it... but maybe the formula is getting a bit overdone for my taste? Not my favorite Sparks book, but I didn't hate it. It's quick and easy read which is great for vacations. Will go see the movie, if only to see Zac Efron. Just sayin'.

• Delirium, Lauren Oliver

This is another one of those YA dystopia novels (similar to The Hunger Games triology) that I read just this past weekend. About a girl who falls in love in a society where love is "cured." Just trust me and read it. One of the best books I've read in a while. And bonus! It's also part of a trilogy. The only bad thing about this book is that the sequel doesn't come out until February. Bummer!

Alright... now what have you read lately? I can read pretty much anything, as long as it comes with a good recommendation. Also, do you have a Goodreads account? I update mine religiously, and always check out what others are reading. My name is just Annye if you want to check out my bookshelves.

tis the season

I cannot believe Christmas is just days away. Where has the year gone?! This time of year always makes me panic just a little bit... I feel like the days have passed me by without my consent. I just wish time would slow down a little.

Today, a carload of my family arrived in our driveway. They'll be here for a few days as we celebrate the holidays. My parent's house is currently bustling with activity and people (hence the late blog post) and the next few days are guaranteed to be a whirlwind. But I wouldn't trade it for the world.

During the stressful holidays and the panic of the ending year, all that really matters is that I have a family that I love, friends I cherish, a warm house to come home to, a job that challenges me, and more blessings than I can count. This year has certainly had its ups and downs, but seeing my family all together always puts things into perspective.

I hope your holidays are just as crazy as mine ;) and you take some time to bask in the craziness and enjoy your blessings. Life is never going to be at the pace we want or expect it to be. All we can do is brace ourselves for the ride.

Merry Christmas friends!
xoxox
Ps... We'll be back next week with a new poll of the week and the results from last week's poll. So in the mean time, if you haven't voted yet.. go do it!