Adventures In: Nashville

So I had this massive post started about Nashville. But, honestly who is really going to read all that nonsense. 

Quick review. 

 

Trip down fun, lots of laughing, talking, singing along with the radio. Felt like it went by quick. 

We ate awesome food. 

The Dog of Nashville 

Blvd. Nashville

Monelle's (with my beloved former RA!! Thanks again Kricia) 

We saw awesome sights. 

The Strip 

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

The Blue Bird Cafe 

Antique Archeology (will always be special to me) 

The Ryman

Etc. 

The Butch Walker concert was amazing. As always.   Just amazing. 

Met cool people in line! 

The hotel sucked. The pool was closed. Thank goodness the neighbor hotel let us swim. Super relaxing. 

The trip home was fun. Stopped at

Sad Sam (fireworks and souvenirs) 

Lost River Caverns 

The National Corvette Museum 

That's a quick summary of our amazing trip. Even if he wouldn't have popped the question it would have been one of the best trips ever. We both needed to get away. We had fun focusing on us, relaxing, sight seeing, and officially taking or relationship to the next level. I'm so blessed!!! 

I'll share a few pics I have on my phone, the rest are on the computer. I'm slacking on posting them, but I will soon!!! 

Xo TaraPants

Adventures In: SAYING YES

Now this is the story all about how..... I GOT ENGAGED!!

OH MY GOODNESS friends, I can't believe I'm typing those words. Me, engaged. WHAT?

It's true.

Let me tell you lovely folks how this all went down. It's a pretty fun story, and really it fits BRad and I pretty perfectly.

So.. it was July 20th (ish) and Brad and I were having dinner. I think I blogged about this already. He texted me to ask if I wanted to go look at e-rings. I was over the moon excited about that. Well we went to look. We both fell in love with a ring and band. I was told to leave this store. Enter thoughts of OMG YAY OMG OMG I'm getting engaged at some point in the near future. OMG I'm so happy. Etc.

Cut to about 45 mins later. He calls me to find out where in the mall I am. I proudly show him the present I bought him. And casually mention, "did you find a present for me". AKA-- where in the French is my ring :) He tells me the financing didn't work out. I think umm what, you have super credit. But he goes on to say something about how he just got a limit on a credit card increased, and was just pre-approved for a home loan so those things probably caused him not to get approved. I bought it. Seems legit. Credit card companies are weird/I don't really understand them. BUT hey at least we are heading in the right direction. I'm excited.

Jump to a few weeks later, on a Saturday, we head to the near by town of Crawfordsville to spend the day, explore, see a movie because I won free passes from a radio station. We had a fun day, went to this crazy round jail museum place, antique stores, etc. I was DYING of thirst. BRad, likely sick of my whining, pulls into Taco Bell to get me a beverage. We are waiting in what has to be the slowest/longest drive thru line EVER. I'm bored. I'm fidgety. I'm pressing buttons, wiggling around in my seat, I'm basically a 5 year old. THEN IT HAPPENS.

No he didn't pop the question at T-Bell. I flick open the glove box, for ZERO reason other than I'm still bored. Andddd... WOOP THERE IT IS!! The bag from the jeweler!!! I'm not sure who slammed the glove box closed, I think it was both of us. My hand fly up, and cover my mouth. I'm sitting there in shock, happiness, excitement, OMGness I ruined it-ness. I almost cried, because I was so very excited. My sweet BRad is just like oh no. He's sort of in freak out mode. He finally asks me, "do you want me to do it today, or stick to my original plan?" I tell him of course stick to his plan, that way something will still be a surprise. I felt really bad that I messed up his plan. But we laugh about it now. I would be the one to find my e-ring in a Taco Bell of all places. It's just so us. I'm so very glad it's something we laugh about now.

Actually oddly enough we had went to dinner at good ol' Taco Bell the night before and he gave me a sauce packet that said WILL YOU MARRY ME. Hahah maybe they will cater our big day! :) Just kidding!

So I spent a few weeks trying to get hints, etc. I even convinced him to go ahead and take my ring in to be sized before it was official so that I won't have to part with it once it's mine!

So lets jump to Friday September 6th. We are in Nashville to enjoy a mini vacation, and see Butch Walker in concert. We went to Antique Archaeology the store from American Pickers. I got out of the car, and walked ahead. He told me to stop and stand on the grass that was in the parking lot. I wasn't facing him, but I stopped and stood there, looking around. I turn around after a minute or two and he was standing there with the sweetest look on his face and a sign that he had made that said "PICK ME". OMG So cute! He bought a cute little hard shaped box that was on the sign too. I walked up to kiss him, and said "pick you  for what" and he smiled even bigger. I was told to open the box, and there was my beautiful shiny ring!! I said YES!!!! And gave him another big smoooch. There was no big speech, but I'm sure I would have been a melted make up mess if that would have happened. It was sweet, and perfect. He told me over and over through out the weekend how much he loved me and what I meant to him, and we started using crazy words like fiance, and future husband/wife!!! :)

The next day, more than 24 hours later when we were driving home, it FINALLY clicked in my head why the sign said PICK ME..... we were at the American Picker's store!! Dingy me!! :) We cracked up about that aspect of the story :)

We also agreed on that drive that we would hold off making any big wedding plans until after the first of the year. We want to take time to enjoy this stage of our relationship. We don't want to rush into the stress and craziness that comes with wedding planning. Now of course I'll keep pinning things on my beloved (secret) wedding Pinterest board, and we'll discuss things I'm sure between now and then, but no plans will be officially made until after the holidays, and all that stuff.

Anyhoo-- that's the story of how I'm not a bride to be!!
Clearly I'm very excited, and so this story may not be the best written thing ever, but you can deal with that right? :)

XO
Tara

PS I was FLOORED to see that within one day over 100 people liked the first picture I posted of my ring on my facebook, it was my hey we are engaged announcement. We are feeling so loved!

Adventures In: Being A Lucky Girl.

I don't know how I got so lucky to find my boyfriendy, but I'm oh so glad I did. Maybe it was my reward for putting up with so many assholes. So glad those days are behind me, and that they seem like a life time ago.

Why am I feeling so lucky friends? Look at the attached pictures? The boyfriendy sent me those messages recently. One while I was making dinner for us, the other last night while I was in the shower. It was pretty cute how he brought the one last night to my attention. I went to snuggle up with him on the couch. I grabbed my phone but didn't look at it when I sat done. He says, "hey I think your phone rang while you were in the shower". It didn't, but I saw that text and it made my night!!

I hope everyone as feeling as loved as I am. Also hopefully this can be a reminder to make sure your loved ones know how you feel!!

XO- TaraPants

Adventures In: Friendship

I have a couple of thoughts I want to share about friendship.

First and foremost I'm so so thankful I have people I can call my best friends. I know they will be my true BFF's, and that last will truly mean FOREVER!!! Sara and Sarah and Alicia I'm so lucky to have you all in my life!!! I'm also lucky to have a handful of other people who are great friends. It's so nice to have people in your life that you may not see or talk to as often as you like, but when you do reconnect you pick back up right where you left off. It's a great feeling. I'm also so very thankful that the boyfreindy is also one of my best friends.

What sucks about my current friendships is that I have ZERO girlfriends in the city I'm currently living. My co workers are great, and I enjoy chatting with another co-workers wife, but these friendships aren't the same. We are work friends, and I need outside of work friends. Again, I'm super thankful that I can count the boyfriendy as a friend, but I NEED my girls! It's rough not having them in the same town. I miss being able to hop in my car and be at Webby's in 10 mins. or the late night trips to Steak and Shake with Silly. I'll never in my life be too old for slumber parties with these girls, but it's hard when they are 2 and 4 hours away.

I also don't understand why it's so much harder to make friends as an adult. I enjoy meeting new people, I think I'm pretty friendly, but man it's rough! Being in a new city with no girlfriends sucks. I don't recommend it! That's why I'm so glad I can talk to the boyfriendy about anything, and I can be my same silly self around him that I would be with my girlfriends, and he loves me, and laughs at my sillyness/randomness.

Friendships, especially when you are far away, and at different stages in life, take work. I fully get that. I make the effort to keep in touch with people, I feel like I really do, at least I try. When the other person doesn't seem to try it sucks. It hurts. I'm an emotional girl, and when people don't put the same effort into the friendship that I do, it makes me sad. (Just for the record Webby and Silly are NOT who I'm talking about here, they are great about making equal effort in our relationships). I don't like endings, or goodbyes, so when I feel friendships fizzling it's hard on me. I wonder do I keep making efforts, and continue getting my feelings hurt, or do I move on and close that chapter in my life, and smile at the memories made with said friend. Both are hard.

I love love love that I have amazing friendships, and great people in my life, but at the same time I'm sad because I feel other friendships ending, and have no local besties.

Okay--- there is no real point to this I guess. I can't sum things up in some nice little way. Just more Tara rambles :)

Do me a favor-- call a friend you haven't talked to in awhile today :) It'll make their day!!

XO
Tara Pants

Adventures In: Getting Healthy (Or Trying To At Least)

It's time for this girl to get her butt in shape. I'd never in a MILLION years be brave enough to post my weight on my blog like Emily did over on RUNNING LIKE A MOTHER WAY TO GO!!! Not only for being brave enough to post your weight, but more importantly for all your hard work. You are an inspiration! 

Yesterday I started (re)using the MyFitnessPal app. It has helped me in the past. I think just knowing I'm going to have to document what I put in my body helps me make better/smarter/healthier choices. I really like how easy it is. Plus it's free. Score. 

The boyfriendy and I also took a walk for over an hour. Tonight we are heading to the gym. We started off so strong with our workouts, but then he got sick, then I got sick, then we both got sort of lazy about it because of the cold. I wish it was warm enough to talk another walk outside, but Indiana weather is INSANE, and it'll be too cold. Such a bummer. 

The best friendy is also doing the app with me. We are going to be each others encouragement from afar. 

I'm excited and motivated. I hope that lasts. 

I'm also signed up for a 5K in July. I won't be running it. My boobs just DO NOT allow for running to happen. However, I'd like to complete this awesome super fun Color Run without feeling like I'm (or actually) dying!!! 

Wish me luck pals!! 

XO

Love TaraPants

Adventures In: Having An Amazing Boyfriend

Hi friends. I'm going to get sappy in this post.

You've been warned!

So I'm laying here next to the boyfriendy, listening to his sleep breathing (poor boy works so hard. Eleven hour days and every other Saturday. I really should ease up on him for falling sleep before me, but anyhoo), and I am feeling so blessed. We've had some conversations in the last week that have stuck out to me. I want to share them. Mostly so I'll remember, but maybe it'll spark some fond memories in my readers. Ok. Reader. Ok person who is skimming this. Okay probably just the boyfriendy who I convince to read my sillyness somehow :)

Me: sing some sad song in the car (out of tune of course)
B: (turns radio down) you know, you've ruined every sad song for me!
Me: Huh?
B: I just can't relate to them anymore
Me: (melts into a pile of smiles) Awww!!



Me: (getting out of the shower, drying off) (shouts) Babe come here!!!
B: what?
Me: Feel my butt. I think I'm actually getting a butt from the gym. Omg I have no butt, do I have a butt now... Etc
B: (grabs butt) it is pretty juicy!!

Lol. One he never says things like "juicy butt". Two score!!! I hope this butt thing isn't some fluke. I have or maybe (hopefully) had the flattest butt ever!!!


Then this one is one I'll remember forever.

We were laying in bed Sunday night. We were discussing what a great weekend we had, and his birthday party etc. We were snuggled, and warm, and happy.

B: Will you marry me someday?
Me: YES!
Gladly.
But only say that if you mean it!

Then fell asleep with the biggest smile!! We've talked about marriage before. Where would we have the wedding, what songs we'd want played, etc. But hearing him put the question to me that way made it so much more real. I love him, with all that I am. I can't wait until the day I hear that question again, like for real, with a ring and all that jazz!!

Ok sorry if you barfed from my sappyness.

I love you all, and hope you all are feeling very loved today!!

Big Xs and Os from meeee!

-TaraPants

Adventures In: Recapping/Looking Forward

2012. WOW. That really sums it up. It will go down in history of one of my best years EVER! 2012 brought so many great things. I had a blast bonding with friends, laughing with family, and loving my boyfriendy! The boyfriendy came into my life mid year, May to be exact. My life has been forever changed, for the best. We became "offical" in June, and I moved to Lafayette in August to be with him. Most people say it happened to fast, but darn it; when it's right its right!!! With him it was just right. Sure it was a major life change for me, but it hurt me so much being away from him. The road trips were fun, but I'd cry almost the whole way back to Evansville. Things were difficult with the move at first, finding a job took over a month, but sleeping next to the one I love every night made it all beyond worth it! I'm so lucky to have found him.

Anyhoo. Enough sappyness about the boyfriend. You can put your barf bags away!

This year had other great things too. Countless "slumber parties" with Webster, where we did all sorts of things, and nothing at the same time. Hours at pool this summer where my freckles exploded, and I got sunburnt lobster like! Many concert/road trips. Cowboy Mouth on NYE, and my birthday, Butch Walker in the spring, and on 12/30/12 too. Celebrating my the first birthday of my AddiCakes, and JMan turning 3. Those two cuties are some of my favorite people on this planet! I love love love watching them grow! We had plent of "Best Friends Day's" this year, went to the zoo in both Evansville and Indy. I also attened several wedding this year. I was honored to be a part of Emily's big day as a brides maid, and attned weddings of two great pals this fall. I had a trip to the ER this summer, that wasn't fun, but thankful I've had no major issues since.

Thank you 2012 for all of your amazingness!!

2013- bring it! I'm ready! This year I'm going to strive to be the best version of myself that I can be. In my work, in my relationships, in my health, all of it. I can't wait for the gym to open so I can start getting on track with my working out. I miss my awesome zumba class from Evansville so much. I'm going to make more of an effort to stay connected to the people who I love who don't live near me. I'm going to work hard to make new friends in my new city. I'm going to continue to be happy in my relationship with the boyfriendy. Relationships take work, and I'm ready to do the work to continue to foster amazing relationships with all the people I love!!

I hope anyone reading this has an amazing year!!!! Make each day count, and all that jazz!!

XO TaraPants

Adventures In: Being A Sap

In honor of the new year I wrote out for my boyfriend 13 (for 2013) things about him that I love.

Thanks for making 2012 amazing boyfriendy. I can't wait to see what 2013 has in store for us.

I love you!!!

Adventures In: Christmas Cheer!!

We started our Christmas celebrations over the weekend. We have 7 all together. Yeah, crazy train right. But we've completed 3, and they were super!!

Saturday was celebrating with the boyfriends mom (Momma Bear), and his brother and his wife. Lots of fun, awesome gifts, and of course bored games!!!

Sunday we headed to Danville to celebrate with the boyfriends grandma (Mo). It was tons of people, gifts, and tons of awesome food. On the way home we pulled over and watched a fun light show that someone had set up, and it was all choreographed with music. So festive'n

Today (Tuesday) the boyfriendy and I exchanged gifts. He's the BEST Santa. EVER!!! I got some awesome stuff! Shoes, a charm necklace, skeleton keys, a couple of games, picture frames, a much needed new blow dryer, craft supplies, oh and some DIAMOND EARRINGS!!!! Are you freaking kidding me? Homeboy is amazing. I couldn't believe it!! My first diamonds ever!! I adore them. Oh and to be funny he got me a light up toy microphone called Magic Mic because I wanted Magic Mike ;) so not only is he incredibly sweet, but so silly! Boyfriendy I adore you.

I also got to Skype with my family today too!! It was great! My mom, sister, grandma, tons of cousins, uncle, Momma T. It was much needed, and fun!!! Technology rules!!

Oh oh. I also made my very first Christmas dinner!! It was a hit. Glazed ham, cooked apples, baked beans, mashed potatoes, deviled eggs. Yum town!!! I would have made even more, but it was just the boyfriendy, myself, and MommaBear for dindin!

My heart is so full of love today. I'm so blessed, and thankful for so many things. Love love to anyone reading this.

I'm gonna post a bunch of pics now from our various Christmas activities thus far. Including the adorbs gingerbread houses we made on Friday!


XO TaraPants