It's My Birthday and I Can Ramble If I Want To

Ahh I need to stop ignoring my blog. I’m going to try and be better about it this year. I have a feeling that some big stuff is going to happen this year, or at least I hope something happens, so I better keep track.

Yesterday was my 24th birthday. Twenty four is kind of a boring age to become. The excitement of turning 18 or 21 is long gone and all we have to look forward to is turn 25 so we can rent a car on our own and have lower insurance rates. Lots of people talk about how they aren’t where they thought they would be when they turn another year older. I guess I don’t have that problem because I had no plans for where I should be at 24. I’m very happy where I am, for the moment. I have a good job that is close to my family and friends. I have a boyfriend who exceeds every thought I even had of what a significant other should be. And more importantly makes me laugh every day. I have plans for the future and a general idea of how to get there. Over all I’m happy to report I’m happy.

Now I don’t mean this in a bragging way by any means. I’m confused and scared and worry that I won’t amount to anything as much as the next person. I think the few years right after college are the most confusing. Up until now we have had our lives mapped out for us. We went to school so we could get into college. We went to college so we could get a job. After you graduate though you are on your own to pick and choose what comes next and hope that it works out for the best. I figure it’s normal to be unsure of how to proceed in life at this age so I’m not going to worry about it too much.

On a much lighter note, I find that it’s the small things in life that can really make your day. They don’t have to be any significant, but something that makes you happy. Today my small thing was getting a cupcake from Cupcake with my mom after lunch. I’m not a fan of cake really, I’m more of a cheesecake kind of girl myself, but these cupcakes are out of this world. If you haven’t tried them do it NOW! Andy and I would get them as a treat every so often in Charleston but now they have opened a store in Columbia and my indifference to cake is going straight out the window. We had a Chocolate Peanut Butter and a Chocolate Tuxedo cupcake and they were fabulous. I little cup of heaven. Go do something that makes you smile.

Currently I’m reading: Nanny Returns by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus. It is the sequel to the Nanny Diaries and it’s pretty cute so far. I just finished Hissy Fit by Mary Kay Andrews which was wonderful. I didn’t want it to end. It was completely frivolous and Southern and is the definition of a perfect beach book. I highly recommend it.

How is it December already!!!!!

I can’t believe how long it has been since I’ve updated my blog. The weird thing is that I feel like I just did. However September was not yesterday, it was a long time ago. This always seems to happen around the holidays. Time just seems to fly by and it’s getting faster the older I get. I miss being able to leisurely wrap presents, bake cookies, and listen to copious amounts cheesy Christmas music. Oh well being a grown up isn’t always what I thought it was going to be. (Blast you pesky bills!)

So as is my custom I will highlight some of the stuff going on in my life just because I feel like sharing.

* Taylor Swift, who is a favorite of mine and I don’t care who knows it, went on sale today and sold out within like 20 minutes. It was incredible. Can you imagine being so successful and not even 20 yet? She could have sold out about three times over but alas there will only be one show here in Columbia. Oh and I sold all my suites before the tickets actually went on sale which has never happened and is pretty awesome.

* On another teeny bopper note we had probably one of the busiest weekends in the arena’s history last week. We had Thanksgiving on Thursday, a basketball game on Friday night, the Carolina vs. Clemson (USC WON!!!!!) at noon and then the Miley Cyrus concert Saturday, and then two shows of Trans-Siberian Orchestra on Sunday. I was beyond tired after that.

* My cousin Chris was on leave from Afghanistan for the Thanksgiving holiday and she came down to Columbia to have lunch with Mom and I. It was so good to see her and we are incredibly proud of her. While I don’t think people have to support the war, I do believe in supporting our troops.

* Next weekend I get to go to Charleston and see eight ESA alums in Charleston and I couldn’t be more excited. We are renting a huge house and hanging out and doing service and just catching up. While all of us weren’t crazy close during college we all have bonded over being in the grown up world. I’m just pumped to get away for a little while and have a full on girls weekend.

* One of my bestest friends in the whole world is moving to Greenville today and I’m going to miss her so much. We would have never met because our majors were so different but working at Gibson’s brought us together. I’m so happy she is moving for her job but sad that I won’t have easy access to my friend.

Okay I’m done babbling on about nothing. Hope everyone is well and ready for the holiday season.

Currently I’m reading: Lipstick Jungle by: Candace Bushnell. It’s by the same writer who wrote Sex in the City. It’s very women’s power, kicking butt in heels. I’m also starting the Accidental Billionaires by: Ben Mezrich. It's about the creation of Facebook. I haven't gotten very far but I think it'll be interesting.

A Spot of Tea

I had the most fabulous Mother/Daughter day this past Saturday. Now I realize that most girls either say they don’t get along with their mom or they are best friends, the Olsgaard women and definitely the latter. We have always been close but when my dad passed my mom and I truly became each other’s support system and best friends. I think we get along so well because I am a carbon copy of Mama O. If Andy wants to know what I’ll be like when I’m older, just look at my mom. We think alike, talk alike, and everyone says we look alike, although we don’t see it. But anyway let me tell you about the best bonding day ever!
We started off the day by driving to Ridgeway, SC i.e. in the middle of freakin’ nowhere. We drove to Laura’s Tea Room. Now I realize to some people this whole experience will sound silly and lame but it was so much fun! The first floor is the cutest little store with lots of knick-knacks and tea themed stuff. But the best part was on the second floor. Upstairs is a bunch of little tables with all kinds of different settings and lots of windows. First you get to pick out your own tea cup from a table full tea sets (cup, saucer, and a tiny little spoon) and then you are lead to your private table. The hot tea of the day was Black Apricot, which we definitely took, but they will happily brew you anything kind you want. They also had a Pomegranate iced tea, which they dropped a frozen peach in and I’m telling you it made all the difference. Note to self: if you want to make a drink fancy schmancy add froze fruit. They serve you all kinds of delicious snacks like: scones with Devonshire cream, cornbread salad (which sounds kind of weird but was really good and I need to find a recipe for), cucumber sandwiches, and lots of sweets. Mom and I had an absolute ball. It was just a great girly experience, although men are welcome as well, and a wonderful way to feel young. The women who run the place are wonderful too, they pay extreme attention to details, which I love, and they honestly want you to have the best time you can. They even have a large collection of hats that you can choose from and wear while you have your tea. (Both Mom and I have very small heads so none of them really fit us.) If you are in South Carolina I would recommend you take your mom or friends or anyone you can to this place and have high tea. ;)

The rest of our bonding day was quiet but so much fun. We went home and did at home pedicures and watched two weeks’ worth of America’s Next Top Model, Project Runway, and Runway Models episodes. It was just so nice to spend the whole day being girly and bonding with Mom. It reminded me how lucky I am to have her.

Currently I’m reading: The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom. I’ve always heard people talk about this book so I figure it’s about time I finally read it. I’m also reading Bitter is the New Black by Jen Lancaster. It’s an autobiography and it’s hysterical! The author is a self proclaimed b***h and smart a** and a perfect example of how not to treat people. If you need a laugh, read this. I’m also still getting through Twenties Girl, don’t get me wrong it’s a wonderful book; I just don’t have enough time in the day for reading. :(

How Rude!

That's right "How Rude" just like Stephanie Tanner in Full House. I was talking with my good friend Rebecca last night and we were noticing that September has been a month filled with random rude acts, instead of random kind acts. I realize that I was raised with what some people would call strict parents. I was told from a very young age how to act toward other people and how to handle myself in public. To me, and many of the people I grew up with, this wasn’t a sign of overbearing parents; it was called teaching your children manners. We have seen a great lack of manners in the last couple of weeks and I just want to know, what the heck is wrong with people?!?!?

First there was Senator Joe Wilson. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TyTelRaoBAI&feature=related I will start this statement off with a disclaimer that I know shamefully little about what is going on in the political world. I don’t really know what President Obama was talking about in his speech or why Senator Wilson was so offended by what was said. However, I do know that calling the President of the United States of America a liar simply because you don’t like what was said is inexcusable. The Senator is supposed to be representing the state of South Carolina and all he did was embarrass himself. And let’s face it, the people of South Carolina go through enough embarrassing moments that we don’t need anyone adding to it. I think SC has reached our yearly limit now.

Also, what possessed Kanye West to get up during Taylor Swift’s VMA speech and proclaim that Beyonce’s video was better? First of all Taylor is 19 years old, is the first country music singer to win a VMA, and is America’s sweetheart. Second, I personally love the Single Ladies video, I think Beyonce is amazingly talented to be able to dance like that for over 5 minutes and should be recognized for it. Which she was, later on in the night; it didn't need to be acknowledged during Taylor's moment. Kanye just embarrassed himself, all his fans and supporters, Taylor, and Beyonce. Can you image what it would feel like to be standing up there getting an award and someone runs up and tells everyone that you don’t deserve to win? Wow, I don’t even want to think about it. The silver lining is that Beyonce has been raised with class and manners, or has a really good PR rep, and was very sweet to let Taylor come up during her acceptance speech later on in the show so Taylor could have a chance to thank the fans. Kudos to Beyonce.

I’m just wandering what has gotten into people to randomly ‘show their behinds’ and ruin other people’s moments? Contain yourselves people and respect others. Thanks!

Season Beginnings

I never intended this to be a check in once a month kind of blog but I think I’ve been so busy doing stuff that I forget to record it for all you lovely people. ;) I was thinking today about how September has become one of my favorite months simply because it is the beginning of so many different seasons. First it’s the beginning of fall which I love best. It’s sweater, tailgating, jackets, no need for air conditioning, season.

The ‘season’ starts tonight at the Colonial Life Arena. We kick it off with Sesame Street Live. Woho! Except it’s been a little sad because apparently kids just don’t watch Sesame Street like they did when we were kids. I’m not sure what they are watching but it makes me sad to think that Big Bird and Elmo are slowly being phasing out.

The television show season is also starting back. Generally speaking I’m not much of a TV person. I’d rather read or watch a movie. However I have become addicted to a couple mindless shows and I’m so excited they have started again. My mom and I are the reason that stations run marathons, because if we start watching one we are instantly addicted to it. That is how we became obsessed with Project Runway, America’s Next Top Model, Top Chef, and Desperate Housewives. I realize these shows don’t offer much of an intellectual aspect, but I love them!

I’m very proud of myself on how I have also continued my reading obsession and fall is the perfect season to curl up in a blanket and read. My list of ‘want to read books’ is embarrassingly long now. I add to it constantly. I’ve been blessed to find a couple girls how have the same taste in books, pure chick lit mostly, who have graciously let me borrow a ton of their books. Is it bad that some mornings I wake up and just want to sit outside all day and read? That would be a perfect day.

One last thought, yet another season has started, and it’s pretty much the most important. And I’m talking about FOOTBALL season of course. My beloved Gamecocks aren’t supposed to be very good this year but that won’t stop people from going to the games or wavier my loyalty. I’ve already had a ball cooking for the games. I made beer cheese dip that didn’t turn out very good, but the Bourbon balls and Oreo balls were a hit. If anyone has any good tailgating recipes send them my way. I’ll need them!

Currently I’m reading: Good in Bed by Jennifer Weiners. I love her style and humor, although it seems like her main characters are always either over weight or pregnant, neither of which I have any experience with. Cannie in this novel is both. And Twenties Girl by Sophie Kinsella. It about Lara who is ‘haunted’ by her great aunt Sadie and is sent of a wild goose chase to find a necklace from her pass in order for Sadie to peacefully pass on. I really like it but it’s taking me a while because I just don’t have enough time to read! :(

What I've been up to

I have yet again been very negligent of my blog. It hasn’t been because of a lack of exciting stories, but simply a lack of time and patience. So without further ado here are a few of my random thoughts.

* I have had the pleasure of travelling out of the country since my last post. The Olsgaard clan visited my cousin Amber and her husband Joe in Germany in July. We had a fabulous, jam packed 10 days of touring Germany and Austria. I saw things that I had only read about or seen in books, which I always find to be a surreal experience. I huge shout out goes to the Genaus for being such wonderful tour guides. If you want to see the fruit of our trip, meaning pictures, check them out on Facebook.

* I have been waiting for months for the movie Julie and Julia to come out and it finally did this weekend. I ran out and bought the book as soon as I saw the movie trailer so I was ready for the movie. I loved it, and so did my mom, and would recommend it to everyone. I’m always a little nervous when I get really excited about a movie, because generally it doesn’t live up to the hype. But the movie was crazy cute and entertaining and I can’t wait for it to come out on DVD.

* In between reading the Shopaholic series, I picked up a book called The Blind Side. It is a book about football which didn’t seem that interesting to me; however I had heard the storyline and was intrigued. It is based on the true story of Michael Oher, a poor boy in Memphis who was taken in by a rich white family and he became an incredible football player. The story is really good and it makes you want to really got out there and help somebody. I’m truly enjoying reading about this unbelievable success story.

* And the most exciting things is that Andy, who has been in Maryland for a month, is coming back home tonight and I’m over the moon. I got used to having him around in June, so I’m happy to finally have him back.

And to end on a traditional note I’ll update you on what I’m reading: The Blind Side by Michael Lewis. I’m also reading Baby Proof by Emily Giffin, which is a book about a woman who does NOT want to have children and her struggle with that decision. I like Emily Giffin’s style of writing, strong female characters, so I’m enjoying this one.

Where did the month of June go?

So it has been a month since I last posted and I’m a little disappointed in myself for letting it go that long. In all honestly I have been crazy busy but still. I enjoy reading everyone else’s blogs, so I should at least try and contribute. So here is a little run down of my life recently:

* I’ve been working tons lately. We have had a religious convention in the arena for the last three weekends which requires me to be in the arena from 7:00am to 6:30pm Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. It’s not hard work, but it makes for a very long weekend. Plus I don’t get to do anything fun for the weekend of the 4th of July because I’m at work. :’(

* However I got to skip last week's convention because Andy and I went up to Maryland. I love going home with him. I love his town, his family, and his friends. Andy was a groomsman in his best friend from high school’s wedding. It was a beautiful event and I was so happy I could go. (I don’t know about everyone else but I feel like everyone I know either got married this month or went to a wedding. I guess we have hit the age where there really is a wedding season. Yay for being grown ups; bring on the free cake!) We also went to an Orioles game, which was my very first major league baseball experience. We went with a couple of Andy’s old friends and we had so much fun!

*I’m getting excited about the family’s trip to Germany this month. I can't believe I'm leaving in two weeks!

*Andy has officially moved back to Columbia, which makes life ten times easier. I loved Charleston but I missed being able to see him during the week. Andy moved into a huge old house with a couple of friends from college and will start grad school in the fall. I can’t believe we have been together for almost a year now. Part of me feels like it was only yesterday and part feels like we have been together forever. It’s been wonderful no matter how long it’s been.

*I take back a little bit of my statement from above, that I am not going to have any fun for the 4th. Andy and the guys are have a housewarming party/Independence Day party on Friday the 3rd. All the guys that we hung out with during college are coming into town and we are having a mini reunion. It’ll be great to see everyone again.

* One last gem from my life, I saw the movie Public Enemies last night and it was so good! I little "shoot 'em up" for my taste in parts, but over all very entertaining. Plus both Johnnie Depp and Christian Bale are gorgeous and there are plenty of quotable lines.

And to end on a traditional note I’ll update you on what I’m reading: Julie & Julia by Julie Powell. I saw a trailer for this movie that will be coming out the month and thought it looked adorable. I found out that the movie is based on a book, like usual, and I am determined to read the book before I see the movie. I also started reading Bless Your Heart, Tramp by Celia Rivenbark. It is hysterical! If you want a good look at how Southerns think, this is the book for you.