Emily Post never mentioned blog etiquette did she?

I have a question that maybe some of you other bloggers can answer. What is the etiquette for reading, on a regular basis, someone’s blog that you don’t know? Do you become a “follower”, make random comments, or read it in silence and don’t creep them out by sounding like a stalker? Generally speaking I am a habitual commenter; photos, Facebook comments, blogs, doesn’t matter I’ll comment on it if I can. I don’t do it to put in my two cents, which I do like to do, but I comment because I figure if someone took the time to post something the least I can do is say that I appreciate their time and thoughts. But maybe that’s only cool if you know the person. I was just wondering.

There is a chance of snow today in Columbia, South Carolina and I’m not going to hold my breath until I see flakes. We usually get a couple “snow scares” a year but we rarely see anything. I think we’ve only had more than a dusting of snow two or three times in my whole life. Of course we have a show tonight, which means the phones are ringing constantly to see if we will cancel the show, which we won’t. So I’ll just wait and see, and maybe cross my fingers because I would really like to take care of my snow fix. (I was going to see a ton of snow in Maryland over Christmas but it rained the day before I got there and melted all of it. I was not amused.) I'll keep you updated.

On a fun note and in the spirit of Valentine’s Day and all the kids who are getting married you may want to pass this video on to your prince charming so he will know better. I’ve never heard of this guy but he’s got some funny stuff. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iK2OakMoW_c&feature=related. (Also the Chick-Fil-A song is pretty good http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NsJHqstPuNo&feature=related.)

I’m still finishing up The Undomestic Goddess, which is crazy cute by the way, so nothing new there. I do want to say that I miss the show Glee very much and I don’t particularly want to wait until April for the new season to start. I might have to buy the first season just to keep myself distracted.

P.S. My new food obsession is Newton’s Fruit Crisps. They are not too sweet like a cookie and only 100 calories so they are the perfect afternoon snack.

Running Off To Join The Circus

The Circus is back at the Colonial Life Arena this week. Something that is kind of cool is I first started this blog because I was bored out of my mind during last year’s Circus. While not a full calendar year, it has been a full event year. I’ve watched most of the show this year already and it’s pretty good. The animals are my favorite. They have 11 elephants, which are so cute, tons of tigers, included a couple white ones, and the cutest dogs you have ever seen. I’m still trying to figure out how to convince someone to let me ride one of the elephants. And to anyone who sides with PETA when it comes to the Circus, no offense but you are crazy. I went to the back of the building where they keep the animals and saw the really neat, and heated, barns that they set up for all the animals. Trust me, those animals have the good life.

On a separate note has anyone else noticed that everyone is getting engaged? My mom just keeps saying that we are getting to that age; however I’m not sure I feel old enough to know lots of married people yet. But then again I still think of myself as a freshman in college so that might add to the problem. Don’t get me wrong, I’m super excited for everyone who has recently decided to tie the knot and I’m even more excited about going to a bunch of weddings. I just can’t believe we are actually becoming grownups. Eww no, not grownups because that’s boring. Let’s go with young adults. I am thoroughly enjoying hearing about everyone planning though. With all the cool wedding blogs, websites, and registries we can all build up our excitement about all the weddings with the brides to be. P.S I just finished a book called Diary of a Mad Bride by Laura Wolf which was very cute. It follows a woman who can’t understand why women get so crazy while planning a wedding but then starts to plan one herself. You slowly see her because bridezilla and how she makes it to the big day. I’m hoping that I can take some tips from this book and not drive my family, friends, and fiancé crazy whenever that time comes for me.

So Valentine’s Day is next week and I have absolutely no plans for it. The only thing I have in mind is to go see the movie Valentine’s Day because it looks super cute and has a ton of cool people in it. I’ve got to work a women’s basketball game that day, of course, so that cuts out most of the day. If you have any suggestions of what two very poor kids, like Andy and I, should do just let me know. I hope everyone has a lovely day though, and if you don’t have a significant other just know that I’ll be your valentine. ;)

Currently I’m reading: The Undomestic Goddess by Sophie Kinsella. I’ve heard that it is crazy cute so I’m excited. I also just saw the movie Invictus a couple weeks ago, which was wonderful by the way, and it was based on the book Playing the Enemy: Nelson Mandela and the Game that Changed a Nation. I’m on the search for this book and I can’t wait to start it.

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! :(