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OK, so I had a nice chat with my fantastic aunt Stephanie (the hair stylist) re: my hair color. She is all for it. While most of my blog readers (inlcuding almost everyone in my family) are pretty much against me taking the plunge and coloring my hair, I'm actually leaning towards doing it. Is it like me to go against what most people suggest me doing? No. Still, I trust Stephanie and she 100% agrees that I need a change and putting a 6 week gloss on my hair would be the perfect way to do it. Heather was there and after listening to Stephanie talk about how good it would be for me to change my look a bit, she has given me "permission" to do it. :) I figured that if I don't like it, it'll be back to black in 6 weeks.

So, friends, it really might happen. Your opinions are important, so cast your vote on my poll on the right!

While I'm blogging, there are a few new favorites that I must share with my loyal readers. First of all there's a new TV show that's surprisingly very entertaining. It's no secret that I'm a fan of TLC. I love "What Not to Wear" and I'm totally addicted to "Jon and Kate Plus 8". The name off my new fave is "Rock the Reception." Seen it? It sounds cheesy I know, but hear me out on this. Now, if you know me well at all, you know that I DON'T and CAN'T dance. I wish I could, but that's a gift that God gave both of my sisters--not me. I especially wish I could dance after watching this show. IT'S SO FUN. In case you haven't seen it advertise, I'll fill you in on exactly what takes place. A bride and groom hire a professionaly choreographer to teach them a fun dance for their reception to totally surprise their guests. So, when it's time for the first dance, everyone expects it to be a slow, sweet song, and guests expect to watch the couple gaze into each others' eyes (while probably discussing how awkward it is to have so many people staring at them). BUT, when the couple walks out, they totally break out in an out-of-control choreographed dance. I think it's so fun and would totally love to have the ability and the money to do that if I get married one day. You really need to watch it.

Moving on...here are a few new favorite snacks (you know I've got to talk about food!). I LOVE LOVE Triscuits. Normally if I buy them, I get the plain kind. BUT that was before I had the life-changing Fire Roasted Tomato and Olive Oil flavored Triscuits. OH.MY.GOSH. They are heavenly. PROBLEM-I can't buy them. Why you ask? Well, embarrassingly I bought some one night not too long ago. I was totally craving them and nothing else would satisfy my craving. Ummm...let's just say that by the next day THE ENTIRE BOX WAS GONE. I am so embarrassed to admit that. I have absolutely no portion control. I buy them only on special occasions, and try to stick to my 100 calorie packs on a daily basis. Speaking of 100 calorie packs (which, by the way, were a GENIUS idea), have you had the 90 calorie Mini-Delights? They are small rice cakes drizzled with different flavors. There's caramel, chocolate, chocolate mint, and peanut butter. There may be more, but those are the only ones I've tried. They are all so yummy and really do satisfy my sweet cravings.
I would love to meet the person who invented 100 calorie packs. I bet she (I assume it's a female) is skinny.
It really helps people like me, who have no concept of correct portion sizes!
Tomorrow is my last day at MINT. It will be a sad day for me I tell ya. I plan on working in my classroom all day Wed. and Thurs. and then Fri. is my REAL first day back!
WHERE IN THE WORLD DID THE SUMMER GO??

MERRY CHRISTMAS! (in July!)

It's been quite a busy week! My days have kinda been running together for some reason lately. I just had to look at my phone to see what day it was.

As you can see, MINT had a big Christmas in July sale! It was last night from 6-10. This is an event that Emily has been planning for a while now. Little did anybody know that little Smith would decide to enter the world a few weeks early! He was born Tuesday afternoon. Needless to say, Emily was NOT at the sale, but her 3 little employees (including myself!) managed just fine! Don't worry, Emily, you were definitely missed!

Back to the sweet baby--

I went to see him in the hospital Wednesday night. He is absolutely adorable. This picture isn't too close up of his cute little face, so you can just take my word for it, or look at Emily's blog for more pics. I got to hold him for a while and loved it.

Here is the "shrine to Smith" we made at MINT. :)
Congratulations Emily and Reed!

Subject change. You know my blog posts wouldn't be complete without a bit of randomness.

Ummm...can I just say that I have to be at school in A WEEK?! Ahh. I'd be lying if I said I was absolutely THRILLED about going back, but I am anxious to get back. See the difference? Don't get me wrong--this summer has been great. It was exactly what I needed and I am not ready to give up my summer job, but I am ready to meet my new students (I think). I've spent a little time in my classroom this past week (whenever I wasn't working), and I've still got quite a bit of cleaning and organizing to do before I'm completely ready. I'll get there though. I'm not stressed. Heather and Trey are coming today, and although Heather doesn't know yet, she's coming with me to school tomorrow to help me clean! Shhh...don't tell her...she may decide not to come. :)

Also..I need to talk to the person "in charge" of this town. We are in the process of getting ANOTHER Sonic (approximately 1/2 a mile from one of the other Sonics nonetheless). This makes like our 47th Sonic here. Slight exaggerration, but I'm not that far off. I mean, this is not a big town. Is another Sonic REALLY what we need? I also happened to notice that this Sonic has a drive through window. I don't get it. What's the difference in the drive through and the regular place to order at Sonic? I thought that was the whole point of Sonic. You know, the whole -you don't have to get of your car thing?! That just doesn't make sense to me.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not dogging Sonic. They have fabulous ice, and as long as they remember to put a cherry in my Diet Cherry Limeade, I'm a fan. However, there are more important things in life.

It's time for Starkville to get a Target.

I can't think of a good title here.

This post will be one of several topics, so forgive my randomness.

First things first--here are some more painting samples from my friend Heather and me ("Polka Dots and Curly Q's!"). These huggies were painted for my mom's Bunko group and I think they turned out really cute! I think painted huggies make great, inexpensive "happies!" If you're interested in ordering some of these or any other painted items, contact Heather at 601.573.1678 or hsimmonds@starkville.k12.ms.us. We'd be happy to paint something for you!

Secondly--advice is needed. I've been wanting to change my "look" lately. I don't know why--maybe it's because I'm in the process of starting over after a not-so-fun experience and I think it might help my confidence. I think one of the easiest ways to change your look is by changing your hair. Now...here's the problem...my hair is DARK. VERY DARK. Would I be stupid to try to put color on it? Don't get me wrong, I like my hair color, but I'm just kinda tired of the same old look, you know? I know I can sometimes wear it straight as opposed to my everyday curly look, but still. Color just sounds super fun to me. Of course I would never do anything as drastic as blonde, nor do I want to do serious dye of any kind. I was thinking maybe putting a little red highlights in it. Thoughts? Comments? Both of my sisters are opposed to this, and I usually do whatever they tell me (I am a middle child. I have always done what I'm told to do). Fortunately, my aunt is a hair stylist, so if I decide to bite the bullet and do it, I have faith that she won't allow me to look like a clown in the end. I'm just a scaredy cat and I want to know that if I end up not liking it I can change it back to my normal color.

I mentioned recently that I've been playing around with my make up too (particularly eye make up). I think that, too, is a great way to change your look and spice up an outfit. I've been enjoying wearing purple eyeshadow and eyeliner as opposed to my everyday browns. Perhaps I will try blue soon. I've become so spontaneous as you can see. (Can you also tell that one of my summer hobbies has been readying "In Style" and "Lucky" magazines?!).

I'm heading to the 'Burg tomorrow to visit my sisters. Yes. I said "sisterS" as in plural. I mentioned earlier about Kristen's living situation and you can read more about it on Heather's most recent blog post. My original plan was to go Thursday afternoon, but Kristen goes back to Clinton on Thursday morning, so I would miss seeing her. She insisted that I leave tomorrow after I get off work. See? Another perfect example of always doing what I'm told. My mom even says that when we were little, Kristen would boss me and Heather around (this comes as no surprise to anyone who knows Kristen). Whenever she would tell us to do something, I would always say "OK" and Heather would of course reply with a bratty "NO!". Typical.

I'm looking forward to hanging out with the 2 most fun people I know.

My goal for the trip: buy a new purse. I really want a big, fun, trendy yellow or burnt orange one. Why? I have no clue. But I know I would feel super cute if I had one.

This will be my last trip of the summer! It has flown by and it's crazy to think that we're only down to a few weeks before I'm "Miss T." again! I'm also about to begin my 5th year of teaching which doesn't even sound right. I'll be retiring before I know it! :)

As my adorable nephew would say "HAPPY DAY!"

You're just jealous because you're not a teacher.

I've become really close to several of the teachers at my school this past year. I play Bunko with a lot of them, and we've had "nights out" during the summer (since, of course, WE DON'T HAVE TO WORK). Last night we went to the State Theater. Super fun. Heather and I met Bambi, Angie, Catherine (former teacher who will soon be leaving us :( ), Jessica (new Sudduth teacher! :) ), and Tassie (teacher from another school...but we still like her :) ). It was great to spend time with my friends...new and old!

And guess what guys...

I NOW HAVE INTERNET CONNECTION AT MI CASA! Woo hoo! So, as we speak, I am lounging on my couch in my pj pants. Yes, I know it's Friday night, but I am a working girl and I am tired. Don't judge.

3 more weeks until I have to go back to school...yikes.

Red, White, and Blaine

Don't understand the title of this post? Watch "Waiting for Guffman," one of the most genius movies ever made and you'll understand.

Happy late 4th to you all.

It was a very laid back one for me, just as I hoped it would be. Kristen has begun a rotation in Hattiesburg, so she spends Monday-Thursday at Heather's, allowing her weekends to be open and her schedule to be a little more flexible. She will be doing this until October.
Kristen, Rob and Henry were able to come here for a long weekend. We went to Collinsville for the day on Friday to visit some of my mom's family. We also grilled out and just relaxed. It was fabulous. I'm posting a lot of pictures from the weekend. Mostly because Henry seems to get cuter everytime I see him, causing me to want to post a million pictures of him. :) Not only is he getting cuter everytime I see him, but he's also getting slightly bossier each time--this is just a reminder that he is most definitely Kristen's child! He walks around saying "Happy Day," and has learned to say "I love you" (sounding more like "I wuv wu"). My heart melts everytime. You will also see in some of the pictures that Kristen is continuing to dress him in cute little smocks (most of the time against Rob's will). It's funny though, because my dad has a small baseball hat for Henry that he keeps at my parents' house. The second he walks in the door at my parents' house he looks at my dad and says "Da! Mone! Hat!" (translation: "Da! Come on! Let's get my hat!"). He wants to wear his hat at all times, especially when he's around my dad. It's adorable.

Now, go rent (or better yet, BUY!) "Waiting for Guffman". You won't regret it unless you have no sense of humor. :) Have a great week!