Monday Inspiration

Guys, I know I am super obsessed with Ted Talks lately. I don't even know who I am anymore -- except that I've been working really hard to be truly purposeful with my down time and making sure I'm doing something positive, productive, and in a lot of instances doing something to better myself. 

I hope that you are able to take the time to view and listen to this one in its entirety.  I have to admit, I mainly clicked the link because of my inherent curiosity on what Monica Lewinsky would even say.  But her discussion on our culture of shame and the monies made from public humiliation is spot on and worth a listen.  I used to read US Weekly, People Mag, etc.  Over the years, I pretty much refuse to engage in these publications and try not to pay attention to a lot of the garage in the media.  My last forray involved looking at a cover that had Angelina Jolie and Jennifer Anniston wearing the same sunglasses or something to that effect.  That's when I realized I had better things to do with time and that there are better things to read.  Even still, I am avid Twitter user, avid Instagram scroller and can certainly not say that I haven't wanted to cast judgement and shame on strangers involved in scandal.  This was a great Sunday listen for me this weekend.  I hope you can glean something from it also. 

~the married gal~

Monday Inspiration

I didn't want to get too heavy on a Monday but I came across this article in the Washington Post this weekend and it really resonated with me.  I have been working a lot and in between progress and feeling discouraged at never ending emails I really enjoyed this article.  

Exhaustion is not a Status Symbol

{via linked article}

Lillian Cunningham interviews University of Houston professor Brene Brown (they also link some of her Ted Talks...must look into these also) about vulnerability in the workplace.  Really thought this was a great read for my Monday and wanted to share. 

Here is the link to her Ted Talk  on Vulnerability in the Workplace that I promise myself I will listen to at some point this week. 

Thoughts? Anyone else feel like they can never get it all done? 

~the married gal~

Three Months Wed

Just checking in to report that we have made it through 1/4 a year of marriage without killing each other or anything very dramatic.  Being married remains fun and awesome but I'm here for Real Talk all the same.   I have been working a lot and Matt has been out of town a lot so I did get some takeaways from the last month for sure. 

-it remains in life that we are able to get too "busy" and too "tired" at the end of the day to connect with anyone.  We have these days like everyone else.  Especially since I have been working a lot since January.  We do a great job catching up at night before bed but I want to be better about the Cell Phone Devil and rolling over and scrolling away before I fall asleep.  

-we still do a great job at the "little things".  Sweet notes around the house.  Taking care of dinner or making dinner together.  A kiss every day before we leave each other whether the other person is asleep or we decide on a minor make -out in the garage as we leave together. Asking Matt to go see a movie because I know that is something HE enjoys and even though I don't love movies it's still important for me to recognize the things he loves.

-I think what I love most about marriage is what it will really show you about yourself -- the good, the bad, the ugly.   I'm not perfect and the reflection you see of yourself when you live the days so close with another can really bring some things to your attention along with the recognition for some change.  Little things like living in the moment, not worrying about a huge to do list, and worries about being defined by how productive I am are some things I am working on.  

-in other news -- I still haven't managed to change my name.  But I'm working to remedy that this week -- I looked online and I believe that I can just mail in my request with my pertinent documents.  I have the application filled out. Baby steps. Then onward to the DMV and my second passport issue within a year. Hopefully I don't get flagged as a terrorist. At first I complained a lot about the hassle of a name change but I was driving to work one day and remembered that I'm incredibly lucky to be the girl Matt picked.  Having this last name is a fantastic and wonderful thing.  

Happy Sunday! 

Monday Inspiration

I feel like I don't want to start Mondays with obsession anymore. I'd rather start with a little inspiration instead.  Or humor.  Anything else really to set a better tone.  I feel like starting with obsessions kind of sets a tone of wanting things I don't have for the week and that doesn't quite sit well once I really think about what I'm saying and putting out there for my week when I start that way.  Work has been long but is still rewarding.  Days are still hard.  I still have SO much to learn.  But that's okay. 

Alright everyone. Let's get after this Monday! Have a great week! 

~the married gal~mon

Wedding Photos (finally)

File me under "Worst Bride Ever" but seriously get married right around Christmas and tell me what you have time for once January hits. I didn't want to inundate you but I did want to share some pictures from our special day -- do today we start with "getting ready"! 

All photos taken by Marissa Havens Photography

Dress is Allure - from the Romance collection.  I purchased the gown from Anya Bridal in Atlanta. 

Wedding flowers by boukates

My younger sister didn't make it to the "get ready" party but we have some good pics later. Promise. 

Thanks for stopping by! I'll try to keep the rest of the photo posts a decent length.  Next up - First Look + Family pictures in the park. 

~the married gal~

Friday Five

.1. Matt left a bunch of notes for me to find all around the house while he is on his golf trip this week. I think the one I found in my Cheerios box was my favorite so far. 

2. I know that it is going to get up to about 50 degrees today but I was really taken aback by all the snow this morning in Atlanta.  It's not really sticking but it was really coming down for a while. 

3. PowerPoint is not my strong suit at work.  Thank you Lord for you kids fresh out of college that can teach me all the tricks. If only my document were done today...

4. Someone please remove the ebay app from my phone immediately. I can't stop bidding on cheap JCrew. 

5. Overall it's actually been a good week. Feeling stronger at work and more on top of a few things even though it's busy. I also registered to start a designation to have on top of my insurance licenses an I am going to a networking event next week. Basically I'll be a CEO in no time

This and That

Wedensday -- how did I get here already? Work has been flying by since I got a new client assigned late Monday and Matt has left town for a boys trip -- but not before I made him renew his Netflix account so that I can watch House of Cards this weekend.  I have been feeling good and back in the routine of working out but today I skipped the gym and came home to just walk in the neighborhood and be outside because ohmygoditwasaglorious 70 degrees! 

I have been on a serious eBay shopping kick lately...but I have found 2 really killer deals by bidding on some JCrew suiting for work -- and then found a fun blouse today.  My suit dresses were about $30 each.  I felt like I stole them! 

This is the one I got today! 

I tried a sample in my makeup drawer this weekend -- Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment.  It's a two minute mask that you wear and massage into your skin and then rinse.  I actually really felt like after one use I could see a difference in my skin.  My face looked and felt fresh and had a hint of a glow.  I'm thinking of ordering the small tube to try -- its $22 at Sephora.  Warning -- if you have sensitive skin pass this up.  It's really strong stuff and can burn a bit. 

Lately I have been incredibly obsessed with Amy's Organic Taquitos.  They are frozen and you put them in the oven for 12 minutes -- plenty of time to pour your wine and get out your accoutrements -- and dinner is served.  Clearly since Matt is out of town I will be disposing of a lot of our stash the rest of this week.  Now if only I can find time to read...

Other than that I'm trying to work up some decent posts for you guys -- some wedding photos, my chair recovering project, a review of my first year at my new job, and 3 months of marriage (ha). 

What are you guys up to this week? 

~the married gal~