Not A Monday Weekend Recap!

On this lovely Monday morning you will NOT be getting a weekend recap like everyone else in Bloglandia is giving you. Why?

BECAUSE MY WEEKEND ISN'T OVER!

I took a glorious 4 day weekend and went to visit my bff in St. Louis! Hopefully you've been following along on my Twitter and Instagram, but in case you haven't I'll have a full recap of this perfect weekend getaway tomorrow!

In the meantime let's chat..

I've been working behind the scenes lately on a little 30 Before 30 bucket list. Aka 30 things I want to do before my 30th birthday. Which is about 6.5 years away. Ish.

It has typical things on it such as -
> Marry my forever guy.
> Buy my first home.
> Become a mom (even if it's just a puppy mom)

It also has some not so typical things -
> Go to Comic Con San Diego with my Mom
> Stay at Inn BoonsBoro (it's a Nora Roberts thing)
> Write a book (even if no one else reads it)


So, here's the thing.. I'm not quite done. I have about 5 open spots left and I can't decide what to fill it with.
So here's me begging you guys to tell me what do I need to do before my 30th birthday! (January 2020)

Comment below and let me know! Then I'll post my final list sometime this week!

Oh and also THANK YOU guys for joining in on the Blogger Book Club on Friday. I was beaming ear to ear all damn day. I love you peoples! 

Blogger Book Club - Me Before You

It's time! For anyone and everyone who joined me in reading the first Blogger Book Club book, it. is. time!

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BBC's first book was Me Before You by JoJo Moyes.

I loved it. Very pleasantly surprised! After reading the brief "this is what this book is about" my interest was peaked, but it wasn't a book I would've read right away. I am so glad I did!

Did I absolutely love and adore the end? No. I didn't at all. But it fit the story. JoJo did a wonderful job of staying true to the story she was trying to tell. If you're looking for a love story where the end is all tied up with a pretty red bow, this isn't the book for you. However, it is a beautiful story.

Louisa is a wonderful character! Just the right amount of quirky and realistic. Right from her introduction you feel like you know her and you can relate to her. When Lou begins to make grand plans you really want her to succeed and you're rooting for her the whole way. When her plans go a little array, it's endearing how she attempts to fix it and learn and grow along the way. Will is hard to like in the beginning, but JoJo does a great job of making you care about him. I also liked all of the supporting characters! They in no way stole the show, but they made the perfect cast for Louisa and Will to really shine!

What I really loved about this book was the questions it brought up. It made you think. It made you wonder "what would I do?". And I'm not talking about questions like "would I choose my first love or my second?". I'm talking life and death questions. Questions like "what does it mean to really live?". I have to say, I don't have an answer.

And the ending? Oh the ending! I cried. Purchase a box of Kleenex before reading this book because you will be in tears. It was strange because I knew how it was going to end. It wasn't a surprising ending. I knew. And yet, I still cried. Bawled like a little baby.

I've been recommending this book to everyone. You absolutely need to read it.

But what do you think? Write a small (or large) review and link up below!

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Missed Blogger Book Club book #1? Well I'm here with BBC book #2!

Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout

Good Reads description:

In a voice more powerful and compassionate than ever before, New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth Strout binds together thirteen rich, luminous narratives into a book with the heft of a novel, through the presence of one larger-than-life, unforgettable character: Olive Kitteridge.

At the edge of the continent, Crosby, Maine, may seem like nowhere, but seen through this brilliant writer’s eyes, it’s in essence the whole world, and the lives that are lived there are filled with all of the grand human drama–desire, despair, jealousy, hope, and love.

At times stern, at other times patient, at times perceptive, at other times in sad denial, Olive Kitteridge, a retired schoolteacher, deplores the changes in her little town and in the world at large, but she doesn’t always recognize the changes in those around her: a lounge musician haunted by a past romance: a former student who has lost the will to live: Olive’s own adult child, who feels tyrannized by her irrational sensitivities; and Henry, who finds his loyalty to his marriage both a blessing and a curse.

As the townspeople grapple with their problems, mild and dire, Olive is brought to a deeper understanding of herself and her life–sometimes painfully, but always with ruthless honesty. Olive Kitteridge offers profound insights into the human condition–its conflicts, its tragedies and joys, and the endurance it requires.

It won a PULITZER PRIZE, ya'll. Yes, I did just throw "ya'll" in with "Pulitzer Prize". I'm classy and I know it.

I read this NY Times review of this book and it totally sold me on it! I can't wait to read Olive Kitteridge and I hope you do too!

Also, I'm always looking for ideas for the next BBC book. Jen is basically my go-to girl when I'm stuck, but we'd both welcome new suggestions! I promise! Feel free to let us know!

***I've been told that the LinkyTool below isn't working. Unfortunately, I'm in a car on my way to St. Louis, so there isn't any way for me to figure out and fix the problem right now! (insert saddest face ever here) As soon as I can, I'll work on it! In the meantime, comment below so everyone can read the comments and get to your blog to see your review! Sorry guys!!***

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I Have A TV Obsession

I am so ridiculously happy lately and loving and enjoying life that I can not focus on a blog post. It's weird because it's almost like I want to share every little thing that's happening, but I think it'd bore everyone who isn't me. So instead I can't find anything worthwhile to blog about.

However, I'm not sure if you've noticed because you live under a rock, but a lot of tv shows are starting this week and in the next couple weeks. So let's take a minute to talk about some of my shows. I have many, many, so I'm just going to touch on a couple!

*Spoilers may appear below.. I'm not sorry, so don't get cranky. This is your warning*

NCIS 

Cote De Pablo (aka Ziva) is leaving. Cue groans. I have to say I wasn't super impressed with the season premiere Tuesday night. If felt very thrown together and that's because well, it was. Cote didn't decide to leave the show until that first episode was written, so it had to be re-written quickly AND they had to begin writing her character out of the show. Basically it all annoys me. They've spent 7ish years teasing us with a Tony(Michael Weatherly)/Ziva relationship.. and they teased us HEAVY in Season 10 and now here we are, in Season 11 and we KNOW Ziva is leaving, we KNOW she's off the show. So we have to assume no Tony/Ziva. Ugh. Annoying.

NCIS: Los Angeles

While we're on the NCIS subject, let's talk about it's spin-off. Loved every second of the premiere on Tuesday! Deeks (Eric Christian Olsen) is my BOY! And now he's all sad and confused and falling apart and it's so precious. Did I just say that? Yep. I also like how they wrapped up the drama from last season. I'm ready to take a break from constantly dealing with Sam's (LL Cool J) drama. The whole Sam character is annoying me. I'm really looking forward to the Deeks/Kensi (Daniela Ruah) relationship building. Also Daniela Ruah is pregnant IRL so I'm curious how the writers and directors are going to write around that.

 Bones

I'm over it. So over it. They've had the same big bad guy for like 3 seasons now. I'm so done with it.

 Criminal Minds

I didn't really have a lot of expectations going into this season. Mostly because the end of last season just sort of felt like.. well.. the end. They didn't leave us with any kind of a teaser. Which was odd. Then they came back with the season premiere last night and well.. Surprised me. I'm definitely curious to see where they go with this. Sort of wish we could have gotten into the agents personal lives a little bit more, but hey, what do I know?

The Vampire Diaries

I'm pee-my-pants excited for this premiere! You're welcome for that visual, by the way. I don't even know where to begin. Damon (Ian Somerhalder) and Elena (Nina Dobrev) are together. Finally, officially, gloriously together. Halle-fricking-lujah! However, I've gotta feel bad for Stefan (Paul Wesley), in a safe, in a river, while his doppleganger (seriously another one?!) parades around Mystic Falls with his face. Then we have Katherine (also Nina Dobrev) as a human. I can only imagine the ridiculousness that is gonna come from that. Bonnie (Kat Graham) is dead.. awkward. But Jeremy (Steven McQueen) is alive! Yay! And I've already heard that there are at least 4 new characters that will be introduced in the first couple episodes.. I'm pumped.

 The Originals 

Spin-off of The Vampire Diaries. I'm. Pumped. First of all, Elijah (Daniel Gillies). *swoon* I just love him to pieces! I can't wait to see a show that highlights him more. I also don't hate Klaus (Joseph Morgan). I know, I know, I tried.. but I can't. He's sort of loveable in an "I'm a huge dick" kind of way.

 Supernatural

We ended last season with all of the angels falling to earth and little Sammy (Jared Padalecki) was in bad shape. Oh, and Castiel (Misha Collins) is human. Weird. So far the only teaser I've heard is that there will be a big secret that Dean (Jensen Ackles) keeps from Sam. I can decide what I'm most excited for, but I'm pretty sure it's just seeing Dean crack a joke one minute and the next minute looking like a poor little lost puppy that I just want to take home with me!

And now I need to stop going on and on about my tv shows because I could seriously do that all day. Seriously.

Feel free to comment and tell me how wrong I am or how much you agree with me. For real, I love hearing what everyone else says. Also, I watch many other shows that aren't on the list, but if there's a show that you think I absolutely need to watch, let me know! I'm totally fine with having a full DVR!

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REMINDER:

Tomorrow is the Blogger Book Club link-up! If you read our first book Me Before You by JoJo Moyes and want to write a short (or long) review and link-up with us tomorrow, we'd love to have you!

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The link-up will go live at 7am EST!

Why I Recycle

So today I wanted to address a few questions I get a lot all regarding the same thing.

Let's just get this out there first - I recycle.

Who?
Moi.

What?
Recycling. I currently recycle cardboard, plastic, glass, aluminum, batteries, and plastic grocery bags. Not inconvenient.

How?
I'm still using the same system I put in place in April. Huge plastic bins stored in a spare closet (i think it was supposed to be a coat closet for my back door) in my kitchen. Not inconvenient.

Where?
My apartment doesn't have a separate recycling bin, so I have to take my recycling to the recycling center.  The recycling center is on the way to my parents house, so I usually just load up my car with the bins and drop them off when I'm on my way to their house. Easy. Not inconvenient.

When?
My bins are big enough now that I usually only go once a month to the recycling center. I only take batteries about once a year. Not inconvenient.

Why?
Because I think this is the only planet we have and we should take care of it.
Because it is something my parents always did.
Because it is something my grandparents have always done.
Because I've seen one too many documentaries about what happens to our trash.
Because trash bags can be annoyingly expensive.
Because I'm all about saving the turtles.
Because the idea of a landfill grosses me out.
Because I can use my recycling for crafts.
Because it doesn't add that much time to my daily routine.
Because it's not inconvenient.
Because I think I can make a difference.

But the absolute #1 reason I recycle? Because I can't think of a good reason not to do it.

To find a recycling center near you, click here.

Not inconvenient. 

Hairbangers, Parades, and A Thank You..

I've got to say, I am one happy girl this wonderful Monday morning! I guess a really good weekend will do that to ya.

Before we get into the weekend recap, I want to give a little shout out. I spend a lot of time working with a volunteer group, made up of mostly parents. I've worked with the same group for 6 years now. Some of them read this blog and to you guys I just want to say THANK YOU. Thank you for always showing up to get the job done, for respecting that someone younger than you is your supervisor, and for always backing me up when a decision has to be made. For the texts, the calls, and all of the hugs when I'm falling apart and my own parents aren't there to pull me together. And most of all, for defending me as if I was your own child. Thank you, thank you! 

Let's get to it..

Nina Dobrev posted this on Insta and I have to say, she was so right! Love this song and LOVE Kat Graham!

Oh and I worked another IU Men's Soccer game Friday night, where I was then given some roses. I work with some of the best people, ever!

Friday night I did something totally spontaneous after work and went to Hairbangers Ball with my bestie for the restie and her boy toy! It's basically and 80s cover band and they're hilarious. At the beginning of every show the say "I hope you brought protection, cause you're about to get banged" And it's hilarious and we love it.

Also, I'm not very good at sneaking videos of my bff and her boy singing, they caught me.

Saturday morning it was PARADE time!!
First of all, the only reason I go is to people watch. My dad and I didn't stop laughing the whole damn time. 

Also in case you're wondering, this is the cast of Porter Ridge. I've heard that if you don't have anything nice to say you shouldn't say anything at all.. So I'm not saying anything else.

Saturday night I worked the IU football game, duh, duh, duh. I don't do much of anything else these days! (and then iu lost, ugh) BUT CHECK OUT THOSE CLOUDS! No filter, no anything on those pictures above! Looks like something right out of a painting!

 Sunday night I made homemade pizza. Well, store bought crust, homemade everything else.

Sunday I also went to one of my happy places.. Half Priced Books. Love that place!
Then I read Me Before You for Blogger Book Club! (and possibly ate some ice cream.. maybe..)

Then I had the privileged of spending 47 minutes on the phone with Comcast, my cable provider, to fix my cable that was not working for no freaking reason.

I don't even want to think about all of the people I would've killed if I had missed Breaking Bad.

Speaking of.. HOW BOUT THAT 2ND TO LAST EPISODE?! 
Man, Jesse Pinkman has had a bad couple of days.. weeks.. years..

Link up with Sami, obvi.

I Have A Problem..

Hi, my name is Kay and I have a candle problem.

The first step is admitting you have a problem and boy do I have a problem.

I got an email from Bath & Body works yesterday. 2 for $22 candles. Boom.
I tweeted it out to everyone and then went on my lunch break to pick some up.

Then I came home.. and I had no where to put my two new pretty candles because I had so many. So I did a quick count..

Forty-Seven. FORTY-SEVEN candles in my apartment.

I rarely leave Target without a candle.
I avoid the Yankee Candle store like the plague.
It's a real problem.

And now I have 47.

And do you wanna know something? I'm not gonna stop. Ever.
I LOVE CANDLES!

Currently..

Laughing.. About this wonderful post idea to make my life easy this morning! It's such a cop out post and I love it.

Loving.. That all of my tv shows will be starting in the next couple weeks! Seriously, I'm overly excited about this! My DVR is about to get a workout and I could not be happier!

Hating.. That I #1, have to delete a ton of stuff off of my phone for this iOS7 update and #2, that I have to update to the iOS7 after I got to read all night long about how everyone hates it. My sister updated and said "I'm literally mad because my phone looks this way." Direct quote.

Reading.. Me Before You! No, I'm still not finished! NOT because it's not an awesome book, it really, really is! But because I have to get at least 5 hours of sleep a night or I'm a bear the next day! So I'm forcing myself to go to bed when I really just want to keep reading!!

Watching.. I've been multitasking like a maniac at work this week and using a split screen on my computer to watch season 4 of The Vampire Diaries! #TeamDamon and also, I'm in love with Jeremy. And I miss Alaric.

Planning.. On finishing the 4 blog post drafts I have going right now. Look for the next week, because I will be a better blogger, darn it! But I definitely appreciate everyone who still reads these rambles and comments to tell me they're not rambles. Even though I know you're lying!

Enjoying.. The gifs I just added to this post for no reason! I'm LOLing at some of these and I'm sure no one else will. I'm so weird, ugh.