new blog.
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7.22.2012
6.23.2012
currently..
i have been studying for the nclex! i take it in two weeks, and i am so anxious/scared of this test. there are days where i feel like i couldve done more, but then there are days where every conscious thought relates to nursing. at work last week, i even made up a story about "stabbing" my retina, where i would then need detached retina surgery, and then proceeded to tell my coworker how as a nurse i would treat myself with pre and post-op care. yikes. i sounded insane you guys. insane. i really needed a break from studying, so my group of nursing friends, did a girls night out in DC. it was great, we got a hotel and stayed out till 4am. i havent done that in a least months or maybe even a year!
now that i am no longer in school, my days have been filled with working, studying, and going out. i forgot how much i enjoy going out in DC/bethesda not having to worry about studying for my next exam/clinical, etc. it feels just like my life pre-nursing school. and i am having so much fun.
so last night, i went speed dating! speed dating. yes. i did. ive always wanted to go, and im so glad i did. it was so much fun. i was nervous earlier in the week because i had no idea what to expect. i went to happy hour beforehand and did a shot before the event. i dont think i needed liquid courage, but being a bit more mellow definitely helped. there were about 25 guys and 25 girls and the girls all sat down at a table. then the guys sat a table with a girl. this was a 20 questions speed dating event. where the MC would ask a random question at the start of each round and you had 3 minutes with each person. then the guys would rotate. they give you a paper for you to keep and you write down the person's name and number and a brief description about them. some of the questions were like "if you could have any super power what would it be, and why?" "if your house caught on fire, what would be the one thing you grabbed?" so they were easy enough ice breakers. i think when you do an event like this you, you should go into it without putting pressure on the event or yourself. i went in with an open mind, i had my guard down, and talked to each person as if they were a friend. so after the event you can mingle with the guests, and the following day you get an email where you can send each other emails. if anything, this is a great esteem booster. i got a few emails but when i looked at my list of notes, i had wrote a big "NO" next their names. so wait- maybe this isnt an esteem booster, maybe i am attracting the wrong guys? lol
but anyways, i hope my next post will be an update on me surviving and passing the nclex! so i can be a nurse and make you all feel better with my tender, love, and care ;)
i have been studying for the nclex! i take it in two weeks, and i am so anxious/scared of this test. there are days where i feel like i couldve done more, but then there are days where every conscious thought relates to nursing. at work last week, i even made up a story about "stabbing" my retina, where i would then need detached retina surgery, and then proceeded to tell my coworker how as a nurse i would treat myself with pre and post-op care. yikes. i sounded insane you guys. insane. i really needed a break from studying, so my group of nursing friends, did a girls night out in DC. it was great, we got a hotel and stayed out till 4am. i havent done that in a least months or maybe even a year!
now that i am no longer in school, my days have been filled with working, studying, and going out. i forgot how much i enjoy going out in DC/bethesda not having to worry about studying for my next exam/clinical, etc. it feels just like my life pre-nursing school. and i am having so much fun.
so last night, i went speed dating! speed dating. yes. i did. ive always wanted to go, and im so glad i did. it was so much fun. i was nervous earlier in the week because i had no idea what to expect. i went to happy hour beforehand and did a shot before the event. i dont think i needed liquid courage, but being a bit more mellow definitely helped. there were about 25 guys and 25 girls and the girls all sat down at a table. then the guys sat a table with a girl. this was a 20 questions speed dating event. where the MC would ask a random question at the start of each round and you had 3 minutes with each person. then the guys would rotate. they give you a paper for you to keep and you write down the person's name and number and a brief description about them. some of the questions were like "if you could have any super power what would it be, and why?" "if your house caught on fire, what would be the one thing you grabbed?" so they were easy enough ice breakers. i think when you do an event like this you, you should go into it without putting pressure on the event or yourself. i went in with an open mind, i had my guard down, and talked to each person as if they were a friend. so after the event you can mingle with the guests, and the following day you get an email where you can send each other emails. if anything, this is a great esteem booster. i got a few emails but when i looked at my list of notes, i had wrote a big "NO" next their names. so wait- maybe this isnt an esteem booster, maybe i am attracting the wrong guys? lol
but anyways, i hope my next post will be an update on me surviving and passing the nclex! so i can be a nurse and make you all feel better with my tender, love, and care ;)
5.18.2012
Five years ago, I graduated with a BA in psychology. I remember the morning of graduation, I drank mimosas with my friends, got all dolled up, and was so excited that I finished college. My parents, siblings, and my second parents all came and I could feel how proud of me they all were. I didn't have a job yet, but I knew I was moving to DC to live with my sister. I was ready to leave the college life behind and start the next chapter in my life.
Today, I graduate with a BS in Nursing. My parents and siblings are here to celebrate with me. I am even wearing the same cap and gown! Just as it was five years ago, I don't have a job lined up, I'm a little scared of not knowing what lies ahead, but am so ready to start this new chapter. I also feel a bit sad. I didn't picture my life like this 5 years ago. I didn't think I'd be starting over. But I am ready for this new phase and am so thankful for being able to go back to school and begin a new career path.
So today, I begin my new journey. Come along for the ride :)
1.03.2012
new year. fresh start.
2012. this is the year, i feel it.
i graduate from nursing school in 5 months! yiyiyiyiyiyiyi!! then i will start working, making money, and accruing PTO!! ohmygoodness. i can not wait to start going on vacations again!!
ive been in las vegas for the past 3 weeks and its been fun. ive been baking and cooking all kinds of yummy food. i swear, my parents are being spoiled here.
im never one to stick to new year's resolutions and i hardly make them, but this year, my outlook is to better myself. my sister and i have been sticking to our cycling routine and i thoroughly enjoy it! its a good way to sweat it out and de-stress! ive been working out since ive been here too with cycling class and running.
ive also been having a fun time hanging out with my parent's pup santino. its so funny to see him as a mini einstein with a big personality!
cheers to a good year :)
2012. this is the year, i feel it.
i graduate from nursing school in 5 months! yiyiyiyiyiyiyi!! then i will start working, making money, and accruing PTO!! ohmygoodness. i can not wait to start going on vacations again!!
ive been in las vegas for the past 3 weeks and its been fun. ive been baking and cooking all kinds of yummy food. i swear, my parents are being spoiled here.
im never one to stick to new year's resolutions and i hardly make them, but this year, my outlook is to better myself. my sister and i have been sticking to our cycling routine and i thoroughly enjoy it! its a good way to sweat it out and de-stress! ive been working out since ive been here too with cycling class and running.
ive also been having a fun time hanging out with my parent's pup santino. its so funny to see him as a mini einstein with a big personality!
cheers to a good year :)
12.21.2011
Tis the season
I am finally on winter break and it's amazeballs. It is so nice to not have to worry about exams or papers or projects! I got my final grades and I kicked butt this semester! Whoohoo!
This holiday season came up so fast. It still doesnt feel like Christmas is only a few days away. I was supposed to fly home last night and I missed my flight. I couldn't believe. I was sitting in traffic for two hours trying to go 20 miles. I felt so helpless and there really isn't anything you can do. My sister tried calming me down and I could just feel myself loosing it. I got to the airport and they wouldn't check me in. It was too late. I cried, stepped outside and took Einstein out of his carrier. Then I thought to myself, shit happens. Its not the end of the world. After an hour speaking with the airline agents, I am supposed to fly stand by the first flight out this morning. Im sadly not bringing Einstein because I feel it's too much to chance without a guarantee. So, I will try to fly out again in a few hours. Wish me luck!
This holiday season came up so fast. It still doesnt feel like Christmas is only a few days away. I was supposed to fly home last night and I missed my flight. I couldn't believe. I was sitting in traffic for two hours trying to go 20 miles. I felt so helpless and there really isn't anything you can do. My sister tried calming me down and I could just feel myself loosing it. I got to the airport and they wouldn't check me in. It was too late. I cried, stepped outside and took Einstein out of his carrier. Then I thought to myself, shit happens. Its not the end of the world. After an hour speaking with the airline agents, I am supposed to fly stand by the first flight out this morning. Im sadly not bringing Einstein because I feel it's too much to chance without a guarantee. So, I will try to fly out again in a few hours. Wish me luck!
10.16.2011
5 things that made me smile this week:
1. having to do no school work at all this weekend
2. two college friends visiting
3. gorgeous weather where you can wear flip flops in mid-october
4. when you expect to have a chill night and then it becomes an all out crazy, double fisting, dance crazy night
5. laughing so hard that you're convulsing and giving yourself an ab workout
1. having to do no school work at all this weekend
2. two college friends visiting
3. gorgeous weather where you can wear flip flops in mid-october
4. when you expect to have a chill night and then it becomes an all out crazy, double fisting, dance crazy night
5. laughing so hard that you're convulsing and giving yourself an ab workout
9.28.2011
whenever i have a lot on my plate, before i start to tackle anything, i paint my nails. weird, huh? i feel super calm when i do this and i feel it helps mellow me out. so thats what im doing, painting my nails, instead of reading 5 weeks of material (yikes!).
random catch up: i've been having these weird pains in both my legs lately. im thinking its a circulation problem, so i bought compression pants. think running tights meet spanx. and im going to wear them under my scrubs so hopefully that resolves the problem. im somewhat tempted to wear them while im at home too. AND theyre sorta my new motivation to start running again. we shall see.
i took einstein to the vet to get his teeth cleaned today! i was super nervous and worried that it was going to cost me a lot of money. but he really needed his teeth clean, so i sucked it up and made the appointment. good news, no extractions and it was a routine dental cleaning. bad news, it still cost a few hundred dollars, but at least his teeth are all white !
i went to the solar decathlon down at the national mall today. its where 20 colleges from all over the world compete on who has the most green home. it was really different and cool. sometimes, i wish i had a creative brain like that. you should see some of these designs! i really like tidewater virginia's home and hope they win! check it out: http://www.solardecathlon.gov/
ive also been trying to think of where i want to work for my senior practicum/unit after i graduate. im thinking the ER but im kinda really wanting to do med-surg. actually, IMCU which is 1 step above med-surg and 1 step below icu. everyone and their mom hates med-surg. i know its insanely busy, and they assign nurses 4-6 patients (CRAZY, since you're only ever supposed to have like 3 max!), but my rotation in the IMCU, i loved it. yes, i cried a lot bc my instructor made it hell, but i felt like i learned so much. on IMCU you get to really build your skills and see a bunch of stuff. im just worried about the feeling rundown part. but alas, thats a few months away from decision time and i have a little bit more time to ponder.
random catch up: i've been having these weird pains in both my legs lately. im thinking its a circulation problem, so i bought compression pants. think running tights meet spanx. and im going to wear them under my scrubs so hopefully that resolves the problem. im somewhat tempted to wear them while im at home too. AND theyre sorta my new motivation to start running again. we shall see.
i took einstein to the vet to get his teeth cleaned today! i was super nervous and worried that it was going to cost me a lot of money. but he really needed his teeth clean, so i sucked it up and made the appointment. good news, no extractions and it was a routine dental cleaning. bad news, it still cost a few hundred dollars, but at least his teeth are all white !
i went to the solar decathlon down at the national mall today. its where 20 colleges from all over the world compete on who has the most green home. it was really different and cool. sometimes, i wish i had a creative brain like that. you should see some of these designs! i really like tidewater virginia's home and hope they win! check it out: http://www.solardecathlon.gov/
ive also been trying to think of where i want to work for my senior practicum/unit after i graduate. im thinking the ER but im kinda really wanting to do med-surg. actually, IMCU which is 1 step above med-surg and 1 step below icu. everyone and their mom hates med-surg. i know its insanely busy, and they assign nurses 4-6 patients (CRAZY, since you're only ever supposed to have like 3 max!), but my rotation in the IMCU, i loved it. yes, i cried a lot bc my instructor made it hell, but i felt like i learned so much. on IMCU you get to really build your skills and see a bunch of stuff. im just worried about the feeling rundown part. but alas, thats a few months away from decision time and i have a little bit more time to ponder.
9.11.2011
Studying, stressing, feeling exhausted - oh the life of a student. I'm already here and I am none too ready. I have my first round of quizzes and projects due and I'm already panicked and stressed. As I try to breathe and tell myself to relax, I need to remember I'm at the halfway point and this isn't the end all be all.
8.31.2011
happy 4th birthday, einstein. i cant believe its already been 4 years since you walked right into my heart. i still remember the day r & d brought you to home to our small little apartment in dupont, and you were so little and low to the ground, i could barely see your stubby legs! it was definitely love at first sight. its been quite the journey in your 4 years of life, filled with lots of hugs and kisses, mainly from my part, and you always knowing how to comfort me. i love you, my handsome little prince!
8.24.2011
so, there was an earthquake yesterday. and i felt it. so strange to say that i've been in an earthquake. it really only lasted a few seconds, and it was a 5.8 or 5.9 depending on who you ask. everyone i know is just fine, but still it was strange.
i was at home with the dogs and my friend, jackie. we had a 3 hour break in between classes and were sitting on the couch watching tv. the dogs suddenly jumped off the couch and started barking like crazy at the floor. then i felt like something was shaking me, kinda like if someone is grabbing you by the shoulders and shaking you. and all these thoughts raced in my head, i first asked jackie if she felt that shaking too, and yes, she did. then i continued into a panic/frantic mode where i was screaming 'get off the couch', 'what the hell is that', all the while the dogs continued their barking. one of the thoughts i had was that some creature got into the condo and was surfacing itself under the couch and that must be the reason the dogs were barking at the floor, then i thought one of my neighbors couldve possibly drove her car through my other neighbor's basement condo, then i put out there jokingly that it was an earthquake. we saw that one of our rocker chairs was still rocking back and forth and i got really creeped out. we went outside to investigate. there were a group of painters outside and they had felt it too and had no clue what happened. i went to my neighbor's condo to affirm that she felt something too. she didnt so much feel but heard a big rumble. we went back inside and come to find out, it indeed was an earthquake.
i know we had a smaller earthquake last year but i remember thinking it was just a loud thunderclap and continued to sleep (it happened in the middle of the night). i was reading an article on cnn and it said how the pentagon was evacuated and how they did not know at the time that it was an earthquake and thought they were being under attack. i felt so sad reading that. we are coming up on the ten year anniversary of 9/11 and i cant imagine what those people were thinking as they were evacuating and if they had flashbacks to what happened a decade earlier. thank god, it was just an earthquake and a small one to boot.
i was at home with the dogs and my friend, jackie. we had a 3 hour break in between classes and were sitting on the couch watching tv. the dogs suddenly jumped off the couch and started barking like crazy at the floor. then i felt like something was shaking me, kinda like if someone is grabbing you by the shoulders and shaking you. and all these thoughts raced in my head, i first asked jackie if she felt that shaking too, and yes, she did. then i continued into a panic/frantic mode where i was screaming 'get off the couch', 'what the hell is that', all the while the dogs continued their barking. one of the thoughts i had was that some creature got into the condo and was surfacing itself under the couch and that must be the reason the dogs were barking at the floor, then i thought one of my neighbors couldve possibly drove her car through my other neighbor's basement condo, then i put out there jokingly that it was an earthquake. we saw that one of our rocker chairs was still rocking back and forth and i got really creeped out. we went outside to investigate. there were a group of painters outside and they had felt it too and had no clue what happened. i went to my neighbor's condo to affirm that she felt something too. she didnt so much feel but heard a big rumble. we went back inside and come to find out, it indeed was an earthquake.
i know we had a smaller earthquake last year but i remember thinking it was just a loud thunderclap and continued to sleep (it happened in the middle of the night). i was reading an article on cnn and it said how the pentagon was evacuated and how they did not know at the time that it was an earthquake and thought they were being under attack. i felt so sad reading that. we are coming up on the ten year anniversary of 9/11 and i cant imagine what those people were thinking as they were evacuating and if they had flashbacks to what happened a decade earlier. thank god, it was just an earthquake and a small one to boot.
8.18.2011
8.14.2011
end of summer is fast approaching. i start school a week from monday! eeek! its going to be a great, stressful year. this is my last year of nursing school. i cant wait to graduate and start real work again. its going to be a wonderful feeling to be done but its going to be quite the journey to get to this endpoint.
ive been keeping busy the past few weeks. ive picked up an insane amount of hours working at the mall to keep money in my wallet, ive gone on a few trips with some of my friends (ziplining, river tubing) kayaking and roller coaster riding coming up in the next few days! ive also met up with some friends i havent seen in awhile and tried out new restaurants (well, new to me, not as new in the DC scene). ive been so relaxed this summer!
i also got a new haircut!
ive been keeping busy the past few weeks. ive picked up an insane amount of hours working at the mall to keep money in my wallet, ive gone on a few trips with some of my friends (ziplining, river tubing) kayaking and roller coaster riding coming up in the next few days! ive also met up with some friends i havent seen in awhile and tried out new restaurants (well, new to me, not as new in the DC scene). ive been so relaxed this summer!
i also got a new haircut!
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| penny and me :) |
7.27.2011
since summer started, ive been on a nail polish craze. while in vegas, i stayed faithful to glitz blitz. today, i changed it up.
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| introducing: frockstar |
edit - i tried OPI crackle nail polish. fail
7.08.2011
summer 2011
i have spent the last two months visiting my parents in las vegas.
my mom recently had surgery and i was there to help her and my dad out and i also brought them a new puppy, santino.
at first, i felt a little overwhelmed. i hadnt had to take care of anyone except for myself for the past few years and i forgot how hard it is to house train a puppy! the first few weeks flew by and we drove up to Utah to spend a week visiting national parks and salt lake city. i can't even remember the last time we did a family vacation, a road trip one to boot!
Utah is beautiful. I highly recommend visiting! We drove through the whole state and it offered gorgeous views wherever we looked! We would be driving through green mountains and open land then drive a few more miles and be in snow covered mountain tops!
After Utah, I spent the remainder of my time in Vegas. My mom was healing nicely and was able to do more on her own. Santino got house trained and my parents and I fell into a nice routine. We would eat all of our meals together and the kitchen table, watch game shows, sing karaoke, swim in the pool (mostly by myself, but my mom would keep me company outside). I loved this time I had with my parents. I can't even remember the last time we all spent so much time together. My mom was always working when I was growing up, so it was nice to really spend time with her.
My brother and his family came to visit the last week I was there and that was a lot of fun. My nieces are 3 y/o and 5 months. It was great to see them and actually get to know them. They were living in Hawaii so I hadn't seen them for awhile.
I'm finally back in the DC area and I am glad to be back. I'm so grateful that I had the luxury of spending 2 months of my time doing nothing and now its back to reality. School starts next month and I have to start preparing for my last year! I hope it flies by and can't wait for this time next year!
my mom recently had surgery and i was there to help her and my dad out and i also brought them a new puppy, santino.
at first, i felt a little overwhelmed. i hadnt had to take care of anyone except for myself for the past few years and i forgot how hard it is to house train a puppy! the first few weeks flew by and we drove up to Utah to spend a week visiting national parks and salt lake city. i can't even remember the last time we did a family vacation, a road trip one to boot!
Utah is beautiful. I highly recommend visiting! We drove through the whole state and it offered gorgeous views wherever we looked! We would be driving through green mountains and open land then drive a few more miles and be in snow covered mountain tops!
After Utah, I spent the remainder of my time in Vegas. My mom was healing nicely and was able to do more on her own. Santino got house trained and my parents and I fell into a nice routine. We would eat all of our meals together and the kitchen table, watch game shows, sing karaoke, swim in the pool (mostly by myself, but my mom would keep me company outside). I loved this time I had with my parents. I can't even remember the last time we all spent so much time together. My mom was always working when I was growing up, so it was nice to really spend time with her.
My brother and his family came to visit the last week I was there and that was a lot of fun. My nieces are 3 y/o and 5 months. It was great to see them and actually get to know them. They were living in Hawaii so I hadn't seen them for awhile.
I'm finally back in the DC area and I am glad to be back. I'm so grateful that I had the luxury of spending 2 months of my time doing nothing and now its back to reality. School starts next month and I have to start preparing for my last year! I hope it flies by and can't wait for this time next year!
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| bryce canyon |
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| zion national park w/ santino |
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| road trip buddies - mom and santi |
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| scenic drive through utah |
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| dad @ a mexican restaurant in brian head |
5.06.2011
glitz
i have 1 more final separating me and the 3+ months of summer relaxation. so in true fashion, i do everything but study. i cleaned and organized my closet (for the most part), went through the dozens pairs of shoes i own to see which ones i really do wear, and i "painted" my nails. i used the sally hansen nail strips, which are basically polished nail stickers that you peel and stick on, and file away the excess! so easy to use, no smudge, and no waiting for them to dry! i cant wait to try out the other colors!
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| glitz blitz |
4.19.2011
happy (early) birthday to me !
my gift to myself: michele sport sail watch w/ black patent leather strap
Rhea's present: rose gold linked hearts necklace
4.01.2011
birthday month
happy april fool's day! thank goodness no pranks today. i did however miss my alarm and was 20 minutes late to my last day of clinical. at least it was the last day! LAST DAY. i only have class 1x a week for the next 5 weeks. holler!
since we have officially entered april, my birthday is 23 days away! 23 days till im 26. yowzers! im still trying to think of items i want to put on my birthday list...
since we have officially entered april, my birthday is 23 days away! 23 days till im 26. yowzers! im still trying to think of items i want to put on my birthday list...
3.28.2011
Michele watch
Have you heard of Michele watches? I haven't heard about them until last winter when my sister got one for Christmas. I thought it was a nice watch but I didn't take a closer look until recently. You basically have the option to build your own watch. - enough said - SOLD.
I picked the Sport Sail with a black dial and black patent leather straps. I had to order mine since they did not have that combination in the store. I can't wait to get it! If you're like me, once the newness of something wears off, I'm itching to buy something new to replace it. With this watch, if I ever get that urge, I can just buy a new strap! How awesome?!
Side note- when I told my mom about my new purchase, she asked me "Michelle? as in Michelle Obama??" love it.
I picked the Sport Sail with a black dial and black patent leather straps. I had to order mine since they did not have that combination in the store. I can't wait to get it! If you're like me, once the newness of something wears off, I'm itching to buy something new to replace it. With this watch, if I ever get that urge, I can just buy a new strap! How awesome?!
Side note- when I told my mom about my new purchase, she asked me "Michelle? as in Michelle Obama??" love it.
3.25.2011
The Office
The Office does sentimental real well.
Ever since the show first aired, I've always had a special place in my heart for Jim Halpert. I mean, who wouldn't want to start an office romance with him?! I can even recall my spring break senior year of college, my girlfriends and I were in Puerto Rico and one night we were discussing our perfect guy. We each unanimously sighed Jim Halpert.
Every time I watch Jim and Pam's wedding, I get a little teary-eyed. It was done so beautifully, and you just can't help feel as if you were apart of their relationship from the very beginning. In the later seasons, the show seemed to have lost some of its charm. It felt as if the actors were forcing their humor. But last night's episode brought back that sentimental feeling. Michael finally proposed to Holly and it was so befitting for their characters!
images via 1 2 3
Ever since the show first aired, I've always had a special place in my heart for Jim Halpert. I mean, who wouldn't want to start an office romance with him?! I can even recall my spring break senior year of college, my girlfriends and I were in Puerto Rico and one night we were discussing our perfect guy. We each unanimously sighed Jim Halpert.
Every time I watch Jim and Pam's wedding, I get a little teary-eyed. It was done so beautifully, and you just can't help feel as if you were apart of their relationship from the very beginning. In the later seasons, the show seemed to have lost some of its charm. It felt as if the actors were forcing their humor. But last night's episode brought back that sentimental feeling. Michael finally proposed to Holly and it was so befitting for their characters!
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| jim proposes to pam in the rain, at a gas station |
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| "The boat was actually Plan C, the church was Plan B, and Plan A was marrying her a long time ago. Pretty much the day I met her."- Jim Halpert |
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| michael proposes to holly in the annex, filled with candles, and the sprinklers going off |
3.17.2011
le pliage
I've been in need of a new handbag. I still love my Classic Q Baby Groovee but it has seen better days. For years, I've always lusted over the Longchamp Le Pliage tote. I always thought it was really pricey and never bothered to look at the actual price tag - that is until last month. I was shocked at how affordable it was! So on a shopping trip that I should not have been on - I bought it.
i need to plan an overseas trip pronto so i can have an excuse to buy the bigger one!
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