30 Day Photo Challenge - Days 22-25

SO CLOSE.

Welp, I didn't live up to it (and I didn't really expect to). I don't have a photo for Day 22 (October 17).

On Day 23, we went out to celebrate a friend completing boards (for dental school). The boys decided to eat fries with chopsticks. I couldn't tell you why - they just did. :)

Day 23 - October 18

On Saturday, we attended Das Best Oktoberfest down by the stadiums. It was nice to be able to walk and not have to worry about driving or parking. Not to mention, we just drank the afternoon away without a care in the world.

We met my cousin and her husband there, along with her coworker. We also happened to bump into some of Gavin's classmates. Small world :)

Day 24 - October 19

The highlight to day-drinking: I fell asleep WAY too early, but slept through most of my hangover, so I was ready to go on Sunday. We took ourselves down to Arundel Mills to watch as many football games at one time as possible. (I do not recommend this. Everyone got dizzy flipping around to see another game.) I had the opportunity to return a damaged candle that I ordered from Bath & Body Works. Whoever handled that shipping did not heed the words "Fragile."

Day 25 - October 20

In any case, I got a brand new candle so I'm a happy camper. :)

30 Day Challenge - Days 19, 20 and 21

OK, now I don't really have an excuse... I was tired? I had errands to run? I fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow?

In any case, here are my photos for the last two days and today's :)

Day 19 - October 14

I was coming home from work on Monday and was stopped at a light behind this car with the license plate, "Top Chef." I can only assume someone famous was in front of me. Now, to Google all potentially-bald, glasses-wearing Top Chef's, presumably located in the Baltimore area. (But I guess he could be visiting?)

Day 20 - October 15

Being in the car is becoming a recurring theme in my pictures. Want to know why? Because I spend a lot of time in the car. And nothing really exciting happens to me at work or at my apartment (luckily). Yesterday's photo is the view I have driving home from work every day. I did what I could to get the skyline, but it doesn't do it justice. When we were making the decision to move to Baltimore, the sight of the skyline was thrilling. My first big city and so much potential. Now, I don't even give it a second glance. I know I shouldn't take it for granted, but I can't bring myself to revel in the fact that I live in downtown Baltimore anymore. It's not as thrilling as I once thought.

Day 21 - October 16

As of January 1, 2013 Maryland recognizes same-sex marriage as a legal union, so today, we threw a groom's shower for one of my co-workers and his groom-to-be and their sweet black lab mix, Churchill. As part of the Fun Team, I got to help plan the event and it came together so well! We had lunch brought in, we raised money for a gift and we decorated (manly colors, of course).

Most importantly, though, we recognized this momentous milestone in their lives. They've been partners for over 10 years and now they're finally able to have their relationship legally recognized. It was wonderful to be  apart of that celebration. :)

30 Day Photo Challenge - Days 16, 17 and 18

I knew this would happen. I would get so wrapped up in everything else that I would forget to post. At least I had a good excuse this weekend!

Like I said earlier, one of Gavin's college roommates came to visit for the weekend. AND I made a quick trip up to PA to visit with my family while we had an auction at the farm.

On my way home from work on Friday, I was stopped at a light downtown and thought it looked so picturesque in the rain. (If you catch certain areas in the right light, downtown Baltimore can look decent.) Unfortunately, my picture-taking skills coupled with an iPhone didn't really do it justice.

Day 16 - October 11

After I packed up the car, I hit the road for what seemed like forever, but in reality was just over 3.5 hours. The rain and fog, along with dark of night made that trip seem to go on and on...and on. I made it to Angela's house with enough time to catch up quickly and then get to bed for an early start the next day.

I woke up bright and early to make it to my grandparent's house (the farm) before the auction really got started. It was quite the experience and I'm so glad I went! People were wandering around, looking at all of our items; some of my family members were selling food (hot dogs and chili at 9 am? OK!); my grandpa was walking around in suspenders that my dad gave him as a child - it was all just neat.

When the auction finally got started, I got to hear the auctioneers driving up the bidding for all of our stuff. I couldn't mimic him if I tried. It was interesting to see how he went back and forth between competing bidders, who bid ever so nonchalantly. A head nod was signal enough to let the auctioneer know that he wanted that item.

After all the bidding was done, it was time to help everyone load up their stuff and get it off our property. This is when Daddi came out of the barn, riding the brand new tractor my grandpa bought. I asked him later if he had a good day and he said, "It was a lot of work, but it was fun." I think he misses being on the farm, so this week and weekend was a great time for him.

Day 17 - October 12

Once everything settled down and everyone who bought something left, we all gathered around to chat for awhile. I decided to hit the road shortly after that in order to make it back to Baltimore for dinner. 

I made it back to Baltimore in great time, but was welcomed by a broken air conditioner. GROSS. I know it's October and *finally* getting cooler, but I like my living space to be cold enough that I can bundle up in sweats and blankets. It was entirely too hot and I was so uncomfortable. Luckily, it was a quick flip of the breaker switch and we were back in business.

We decided on sushi in Fells Point for dinner - which I will never say no to - and then went to a low-key bar afterwards to chat and watch football. It was a great night out on the town and I'm glad we could show Chris a part of Baltimore we actually enjoy.

Sunday was filled with football and friends, per usual, and luckily, not a lot of rain. Gavin and Chris went tailgating at the Raven's game and then went to a bar to watch our Panthers pull it off this week! I stayed home and relaxed because I was still exhausted from all of the running around from earlier in the weekend. We then made our way to Canton, to show Chris another part of Baltimore we love: our friends' house (and our friends, of course!)

We made it up to the roof for a bit, even though it started to get a little too chilly on us. So, I took a picture of the skyline. I know it doesn't look like much, but again, what can a girl do with an iPhone and little to no picture-taking skills?

Day 18 - October 13

All in all, it was a fun-filled, busy weekend!

30 Day Photo Challenge - Day 15

We have a visitor this weekend! One of Gavin's roommates from college came up to stay with us through Monday, so we took him out to dinner tonight. Alewife is a corner bar right by our apartment, so we try to patronize the place as often as our wallets allow. Beer drinkers will love it because they have a bajillion beers on draft (OK, not really, but you get my point) and foodies will love it because they have a smattering of delicious dishes that cater to everyone's palate.

Tonight, I opted for the Mac and Cheese (which they've updated since the last time I was there). I'm a sucker for any kind of macaroni and cheese, so on a cold, rainy night, this definitely hit the spot.

PS: Half way done!

30 Day Photo Challenge - Day 14

I know it's not *quite* November yet, but I got my official registration email for Movember today. What's Movember, you say?

Movember is a charity that asks men to grow moustaches for the month of November to raise money and awareness for prostate and testicular cancers and mental health issues.

This is my second year as a Mo-Sista (as I am not a Bro and cannot grow a "Mo"). It is important to me because cancer is something you can never really see coming. Anyone who knows me knows that my mom has suffered not once, but twice from breast cancer. We donate and participate in related charities, but I can't help but think that I wouldn't be so involved if I wasn't so close to it.

I want to help with this cause now, even though none of the beloved men in my life are battling cancer. I want to help raise awareness before it's too late. The more you do now, the better chance you have later.

If you would like to donate to me or my team, Merkle Mo, please click this link and THANK YOU for your donation! Help save lives by spreading the word about awareness!

30 Day Photo Challenge - Day 13

It was a pretty uneventful day at work, and then I was extremely productive when I got home. All sorts of chores got done! I intended to do a lot more wedding planning (and I still haven't made meatballs yet), but at least the laundry got done!

One of my wedding tasks was to stamp our Save-the-Dates so they could go out soon. I've been told that I'm lucky the stamps are good this time of year. I would agree - I love the apples!

*UPDATE - 10:36 PM*

Just kidding - I made the meatballs!

30 Day Photo Challenge - Day 12

Gavin has always been an athlete, so when we moved to Maryland, it wasn't long before he started finding leagues to play in during his free time. He currently participates in an intramural soccer league on Monday nights.

I try to  make it to most of the games, but have missed the last few. I'm glad I decided to go tonight, though, because I was able to see some of our good friends AND enjoy the fall-like weather that we've been missing the last few days.

30 Day Photo Challenge - Days 9, 10, 11

Whew, we had a *busy* weekend! After a full day at work on Friday, Gavin and I made the 6-hour drive home to North Carolina. (Apologies for the blurry photo - there wasn't much I could do in motion with an iPhone in the dark.)

October 4 - Day 9

It was exhausting, but in order to maximize our time at home, it had to be done. We had a long list of things to take care of in the short amount of time we were home. To start it all off, we had a board meeting for my mom's company. We had to do it when everyone was present in person and we weren't sure if that would happen again during the day (I know, we were that busy!). From there, we went to a cake-tasting at Maxie B's. IT. WAS. DELICIOUS. We booked them as our baker for the wedding and are thrilled with our decision and cake design/flavors.

October 5 - Day 10

After the cake tasting, we had a meeting with our priest, pre-marital counseling, church and a celebratory dinner. We were celebrating my birthday, Jessie's birthday, Momma's birthday, Daddi's "less-than-1000-days-until-retirement," and all of the wedding tasks we were able to check off. We rounded off the evening watching some home videos, which is always a favorite thing to do at home.

The weekend wasn't over yet, though. Today, we woke up bright and early (well, literally dark and early) to take our engagement photos in the sunrise light. The lighting was BEAUTIFUL. I only saw one picture, but was promised a sneak peek soon, so I can hardly contain myself. :) After our engagement session, we met with our caterers to work up an estimate. It was great to finally put a face to the names I'd been emailing and they were so nice to chat with.

From there, we got on the road to get back to Baltimore ASAP so Gavin could watch at least part of the Panther game. I wish we could have spent a few more hours at home, but now that I'm back in the city, I can say that I'm glad I'm not on the road anymore.

October 6 - Day 11

Even though we didn't get to drive through it, I got to see a small piece of heaven on a sign on the way back. Carolina, I'm coming back!

30 Day Photo Challenge - Day 8

Some of our good friends decided to have an impromptu get-together, so after I got home from work and had a quick bite, Gavin and I went to see them for a few hours. We typically see them every weekend, but since we were out of town last weekend for the wedding and will be out of town this weekend because we're going home, we figured we would stop by and hang out for awhile to make up for it.

One of my favorite puppies also lives there, and he is the subject of my photo for today!

Meet Rocky :)

Rocky is a rescue and no one is quite sure what he is. He yodels when he is excited to see you and he is one of the best snuggle buddies I've ever snuggled with.

30 Day Photo Challenge - Day 7

Well, it's been 1 week. I feel pretty good about this challenge so far, but I don't want to get ahead of myself. Let's just see how the next 23 days go ;)

I know I was gushing over fall yesterday, so this picture may feel out of place, but in all honesty, I just needed a bigger mug at work. Too soon?

30 Day Photo Challenge - Day 6

It's October 1! I can't believe we're 3/4 through the year already. The beginning of fall (Sept 21 or 22) is the start of my favorite time of year. I love everything about fall and how it transitions into winter (and the holidays!).

In any case, my photo for today is my new calendar buddy: this sea lion pup covered in sand. I hope he brings joy and a smile each day in October, even when I find it hard to be happy.

30 Day Photo Challenge - Day 5

Today was one of the two days a month we get lunch brought in for our little group at work. Since we work such long hours for the close of the month, my boss is nice enough to pay for us to have lunch. One of our favorite go-to spots is Ruby Tuesday. They manage to get the orders right every time and the food is always delicious.

I switched it up today and ordered the Hickory Bourbon Chicken, instead of the Chicken Fresca. Very good and quite possibly the most exciting thing that happened to me all day. :)

30 Day Photo Challenge - Day 4

Today was our last day in Tennessee for Lee & Caroline's wedding. We had such a great time; it was hard to go back to Baltimore. But, we tried to make the most of it at the airport. (Even though we would find out later that the last leg of the trip would be delayed...)

(This is a *little* bit of a cheat photo - Gavin actually took it, but I didn't have any for today, so since I participated in this one, I deem it acceptable!)

30 Day Photo Challenge - Day 3

Today, my future family got a little bigger! My soon-to-be brother-in-law married his beautiful wife, Caroline :) We traveled to Tennessee for the wedding and had a wonderful time. It was so nice to see family members I've met, and meet family members and friends I hadn't yet. Caroline's family was so nice and welcoming, it felt like we were all family.

Needless to say, the wedding was beautiful and it couldn't have been a more perfect day.

30 Day Photo Challenge - Day 2

I don't think you can even begin to understand how happy today's photo makes me!

We are currently en route to Franklin, TN for Gavin's brother's wedding. Lucky for us, we had a connecting flight in Charlotte, NC (!!!). It feels so good to see Carolina Panther gear, UNC gear, NCSU gear (I know, that's how much I miss NC).

I didn't eat at BWI before we left, so I playfully told Gavin that I was holding out for Bojangles in Charlotte. Once we arrived, I started panicking because I didn't see it on the concourse we arrived in. Fingers crossed, we walked toward our gate and we found it! While I normally get the Chicken Supremes combo, that meal was marked up too much for me, so I opted for a Country Ham Biscuit combo. YUM.

30 Day Photo Challenge - Day 1

I've always wanted to do something like this, but never thought I would be able to keep up with it because my life is SO boring. (I'm hoping this challenge teaches me to see the beauty in things I never thought of before, but we'll see.)

In any case, these next few weeks are going to be kind of exciting, so I figured this would be the time to start, when I could possibly complete my personal challenge of posting a photo a day. Eventually, I'll do the actual challenge, but for now, I think I'll just stick to 1 photo, any photo, per day.

September 26 - Photo 1

Today is my birthday! My apartment complex leaves a balloon and card on your door for your birthday each year. This is the view of mine from my bed; it's floating to the ceiling. It's not to say that this is my favorite part of my birthday or anything; I just kind of liked how it looked like a mobile floating to the ceiling.