Those Phi Mu's Are the Best

When I graduated high school, it never occurred to me to

"Go Greek."

No one in family had ever rushed and I thought I could make friends on my own. After all, I "didn't want to pay for my friends."

Looking back, I'm so glad I had a change of heart. I've met some of my very best friends and quite frankly Phi Mu is the best thing that has happened to me and by far the best decision I've ever made.

Being a first generation Greek in my family, I want both my sister's to be Phi Mu's and any future baby girls I have to be Phi Mu's too. I think it comes with the territory.

Fast forward four years and now my baby sissy, Stephanie IS a Phi Mu. (as of yesterday) I spent all of the summer recruiting her and worrying for her future Greek placement. When I was able to attend her Preference Night, I knew I had sealed the deal. Bid Day was the best day ever. Like Christmas! To see her run to the Phi Mu's, her future sisters ,made me so excited for her!  It can be scary, but it's a great feeling at the same time.

I couldn't be happier or more proud.

Yesterday was her initiation. I took a half day at work and everything. The ceremony was beautiful and I love how even though I was a Phi Mu at a different school, I was welcomed with open arms and able to be apart of something so precious. I know she chose the right sorority and will be able to do great things because of it.

So it's official: we are double sisters!

 Is that a thing? Probably not, but it's still cool. We share a forever bond (as if being genetic sisters wasn't enough) and it connects us on a whole different level.  

Steph, I can't wait for you to experience all that Phi Mu has to offer. It can open so many doors for you if you let it. Love you sissy!

She's an official Phi Mu y'all!

LIOB now and forever!

P.S. If you are thinking about going Greek--you definitely should no matter what sorority you choose--Because I Said So!

TGIF

Thank goodness it's Friday y'all.

Another week in the books and the weekend means I have time to catch up on sleeping, shopping, and decorating!

A girl's most favorite weekend activities. 

I don't know what it is, but I can't seem to keep my apartment clean. With the unpacking and the day to day living (read getting home from work and vegging out in front of the TV)...it's a mess. Josh came to visit on Tuesday and just about had a stroke. (He's my much neater half)  When he left, he challenged me to keep it clean until he visits again next Tuesday. Truth be told I'll probably just clean it real fast Monday night before he comes over Tuesday. But I'd like to think that I can keep it clean on a day to day basis--I am a big girl after all. 

I still have NOT unpacked everything from my "big move" last week. I really have no idea how I accumulated that much STUFF in my 22 years of living, and more importantly where it's all going to go! That will be project #1 for the weekend.

Sleeping late will consist of project #2--I know I have it so tough. I find that I can't sleep that late anymore ever since I started working--that and the fact that I have no curtains in my room yet and it gets pretty bright in there.

I will also be scouring the city for thrift shops and the perfect dining room table! I have No Fleas Market on my list, but would love any recommendations! The list of things I need/want for my apartment continues to grow--mostly when I go to say wash my hands and realize I have no soap. Typical. 

I get to see the fam this weekend too--I make it sound like I never get to see them anymore, but it IS different not having them around ALL THE TIME. I can't wait! It is also my weekend to have LANEY! Yes we "share custody" of our pup like a divorced couple, but hey it works for us and Laney loves the occasional change in scenery.

YAY for the weekend!

 

Also if anyone has any must see places and have to do things in  NOLA I'd love to hear them...because let's face it, sitting in my apartment cleaning all weekend, every weekend is NOT going to cut it!

A Place to Call My Own

Well I did it!!!

I'm officially moved out (mostly) and living in my own big girl apartment.795 square feet and its all mine--at least for 14 months.

I only need about 102,897,456 more things to get it the way I want it. Has anyone else had this problem? Maybe it's my "type A" tendencies, but I want it to look HGTV worthy right now without spending more than like $500.

Do I hear a challenge?

My list (and we all know how much I love lists) includes, but is not limited to:

pots and pans

utensils

chairs

rugs

lamps

curtains

a microwave

FOOD

dining table and chairs

etc. etc. it grows by the minute

So when I said I found the perfect place, perfect was relative. It does need some work--don't get me wrong, but you should have seen some of the other places I toured before deciding on my perfectly imperfect space. I'm sure I'll be posting more on my DIY projects, as well as, any of the unique experiences I encounter as I adjust to apartment living.  You'll just have to check in from time to time--Because I Said So :)

Get on Your Bikes and Ride!

And cue the Queen song!

This past weekend was the MS Tour for Cure. It's a (in total) 150 mile bike ride to raise money for those with multiple sclerosis.  75 miles there, 75 miles back...uphill both ways. Just kidding. But there really are lots of hills throughout the course.

I could never. But my dad does it every year. This year being no exception even with the risk of a Tropical Storm--thankfully it dissipated before any damage could be done. Nonetheless, my weekend started off at 6 AM on Saturday. After overseeing the start of the race,  and making sure Dad was off to a good start,





us girls of the family went back home for a quick nap and some last minute packing before heading to the finish line located in Percy Quinn State Park. We were determined to not miss him crossing this year! Once we had arrived, the clouds were seemingly non-threatening...until we had to ride in the back of a ranger's truck to get the finish line. That's when the bottom fell out--of course. So here we are getting soaked before we even get there..I can't imagine how Dad was feeling riding through the rain. At least we had rain jackets?



Luckily for us, and Dad, the rain stopped almost as quickly as it had started. While waiting for dad to cross the finish line, we took many  selfies, cheered random people on who were crossing the finish line, chatted with people sitting around us, and observed the nature that is to be found in the state park (mainly complained about gnats and spiders).

Around 2 o'clock Dad crossed the finish line! Hip Hip Hooray! Time to CELEBRATE!! What better way to celebrate than with an ice cold beer? IDK how he drank that after riding 75 miles!

While Dad recovered and socialized with other bikers,  my sisters and I caught a couple of zzzs --like we were 5 years old again. Seriously napping on a blanket in the park. Even with a nap, the Ellzey family hit the hay early, to get ready for another day of bike racing.

The second day of racing was super foggy.  I noticed that some bikers had strobe headlights on their bikes--which I thought was a nice touch. Dad does have a birthday coming up.....

And it was back to Hammond for the girls and back to Cracker Barrel for the second time this trip. My most favorite thing about Cracker Barrel is that you can buy the PEZ refill candy without the annoying PEZ container and just eat all of it to your heart's content. It comes like 4 in a pack. HEAVEN.

Sunday, thankfully there was no rain, though it looked like it at moments throughout the day. After some quick shopping, we headed to the finish line to await the arrival of Dad. We spread out our blankets and got to tracking dad to see EXACTLY where he was. Modern technology is a tad bit CREEEPPY!

Here Steph is anxiously waiting for Dad to come around the corner.

Beating his time yesterday by an hour or so, Dad crossed the finish line! YAY! GOOOO DAD!!

Can't wait for next year! 

Reasons Why I Love October

October is probably the best month ever in my book.  The leaves changing (in theory) and the chill in the air (though non-existent right now) makes my heart and soul happy. No really ask Josh, I'm in a totally better mood when the cold weather comes along. Something about hot, muggy weather just makes me cranky.  Not really a good thing when you live in the South, but that's an issue for another day.

I really just can't think of any reason why you wouldn't/shouldn't/couldn't like October!

For one thing, it's officially fall y'all!  Fall means the leaves on SOME trees changing colors and a chill in the air. Disclaimer: It doesn't seem like it right now in the South though. Which brings me to my next point, you can still go swimming and to the beach in October and you won't be sweating your butt off! I think its a win-win. The chill will come eventually--hopefully. I do NOT NOT NOT want a HOT Christmas.

Next on my list is pumpkins.  No, I don't actually like to eat pumpkins or pumpkin pie or pumpkin spice lattes, but if we are talking about the candy corn version of "pumpkins" I'm so there.  What I do love about the "actual" pumpkin is...PUMPKIN PATCHES! Going to pick out pumpkins to decorate with and possibly carve is so exciting! This year I WILL carve one and decorate with them. In my household, we don't decorate for Halloween--we decorate for fall (way cuter)!

It's Sweaters and Boots Season. Enough said. Fall clothes are simply the cutest! After having boots for about three seasons while I was in college, I had to throw them out. It was a sad day. But I found a great new pair for this year and I can't wait to try them out! As for the sweaters, if I even think about trying them on or buying them I start sweating--that's how hot it is here. We are going to have to wait on the whole sweater thing.

Countdowns. Christmas is in three months, Josh's birthday in 2 days, Dad's birthday in 26 days, Pittsburgh trip in two months, and NEW APARTMENT next month (fingers crossed). Hellooo GET EXCITED!!

Football Season. While I'm not that huge of a football fan, I am by association. Josh loves the Steelers (even though they aren't doing that great this year) and everyone I work with loves the Saints. So while I wouldn't die for football, it is definitely a fall MUST and I enjoy watching games all season long.

 

Leave a comment and let me know what your favorite thing is about October/the Fall....because I said so!