Sunday Letters [on Tuesday] and other things.

REPOST!!** Duh, guys. I totally forgot to add the Sunday Letter part.... Scroll to the bottom to see that ;)

So. I am sorry that I haven't been much of a presence, here, lately. But I have been so busy!

Before I continue, I want to make sure everyone checks out the interview/feature for Bloggin' Ladies that I posted earlier today here. The post is on Ilene from much love, illy. She is the best, and I think you will all find it very inspirational!

Anyhoo. I am feeling really sleepy today because last night I worked until midnight, and couldn't sleep until about three a.m. You can believe that I am exhausted, and after I take my puppy for a walk and get in a little HP time, I am going to take a loooooong nap. Followed by a trip home to see the fam, and then meeting Nick back at his place to do some grocery shopping. His work is having a potluck tomorrow so I am going to help him make some of that guacamole I told you all about to share with his work buddies!

Later, we're going to cuddle up and watch this week's Dexter. If you've already watched it, don't leave any spoilers in the comments, please! I love this season. I can't wait to see how it plays out. 

Yesterday, my supervisor from UC came to observe me, and it went really, really well! The kids were very well behaved. Granted, they knew he was coming, and I maaaaay have bribed them with candy. Bob seemed to really like my lesson, and kept going on and on about how engaged they were. He said it was really nice to see me smiling so much (which is probably because I am always so nervous for his visits, that I can't manage to smile!)

Also, side note? I am LOVING GoF. I know I have read it before, but I am remembering so many awesome things about these books, and have become slightly obsessed. 

I really want to blog about my plans for Nick's Christmas present, because I am so, SO excited about it, but at the risk of him reading this post, I better leave it out. But, just so you know, he is going to be one HAPPY boyfriend on Christmas morning. Eee!! 

Also? I made it to 30 days with no soda. Yesterday was the official day, and I am really excited! It was the perfect way to stop altogether considering if I started drinking it again, now, the last thirty days would have been pretty silly. So, go me! :) 

Sunday Letters....*

This week's letter goes to "someone I wish I could meet.."

Dear Grandma, via 1953,

Grandma, you are 18 years old, and probably about to start nursing school. You're about to meet Grandpa, and a lot of things in your life are going to change. Are you excited to become a nurse? It would be incredible to be friends with the 18 year old version of you; I know we would have so much in common. Thank you for all of the things you do for me, 30 years from now. You are amazing, and an incredible role model. I love you.

Stephanie

Hey, y'all!

I just wanted to drop in and tell you about the sponsorships I mentioned earlier! The ads are up over at Pardon My Ffrench:

Jaelynn was gracious to do this for me at no charge, which was SO NICE of her. I plan to send her some goodies in exchange before the week is over; I hope she likes them! 

And Windshield Diaries: 

Go check em' out :)

Also...*

I have some really fun Bloggin' Ladies lined up for you guys over the next few weeks! I can't wait to share them [or read them, for that matter!]. I hope you guys love.

Tonight, we went shopping for the week and then Nick made us dinner, and I made the guac! I have featured this recipe a couple of times, but you can find it here to make on your own! 

I have tons of papers to grade (grrr) and a puppy + boyfriend to cuddle. Hope you all had/have a fantastic Monday! <3 S

Saturday Haps and Sunday Letters

I still never remembered the second story that I wanted to post about yesterday. Big surprise. I had the posts all planned out in my head. Where I would research, etc. And POOF! Just like that. Half of it gone.

Today has been fantastic so far. Nick, Guillermo, and I stayed in bed until about noon, then we made our way (minus one puppy) to brunch, and then to Kroger. We were out of a lot of puppy essentials, so that trip ended up being a little more than we [Nick] wanted it to be, but so is life. Life with a puppy son. While we were at Kroger, I also picked up a few fresh raspberries, strawberries, and... these!! For the homemade guacamole recipe I shared with you oh-so-long ago. Check out the full post here!

Here's the recipe again if you're curious. Nick says it's better than Chipotle's :)

2 avocados, diced

1 small tomato, diced

1/3 of a red onion, diced

1 tsp (or more!) of diced chilis

1/4 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp salt and pepper

1 tbsp fresh cilantro

1/2 of a lime, squeezed

Accompany with your favorite (corn) tortilla chips! Yum!

We ended up not going to the homecoming game like I had originally planned last night, and instead went to the Hofbrauhaus for dinner with our friend Kas. I had a plain old salad and their potato pancake (omg yum) and Nick had some delicious looking meat-filled club. I still haven't gotten him to go off of meat ;) I was the DD since I haven't been able to warm up to alcohol again since my birthday (yes, folks, this was back in July). I just can't bring myself to enjoy the taste. STILL. Unless it's wine.

Anyway, after dinner, we scooped up Guillermo and went to another friend's house for a bonfire. Guillermo had so much fun relaxing on my lap in front of the warm fire. And he looked oh-so-cute in his sweater :)

I also painted my nails yesterday! I haven't done this in SOLONG. I used one of my favorites - 'Navy Baby' by Sally Hansen. It's from the SALON Nail Lacquer line, and it's amazing. It goes on perfectly in one coat and lasts forever. The only downside is that if you don't use a base coat (and sometimes even when you do) it can stain your nails pretty badly. 

~~~~

Sunday Letters

This week's letter goes to my parents! 

Dear Mom and Dad, 

You guys are probably the best parents a girl could ask for. I can't imagine having a better childhood. I always had everything I could ever want (you could say I was spoiled) and until Tony came along, you guys were my best friends. THEN I got a brother and a baby sister out of the deal! I can't say how thankful I am for them - and you! You guys have always helped me whenever I needed it - especially lately. Thanks for that. You're the first one's I go to for advice or when I'm upset, and I don't think I could ask for better psychologists ;) I love you guys SOMUCH. Thanks for being the best :) 

Love,

Stephanie.

Happy Sunday, everyone! Hope Monday is just as good! xoxo Stephanie