Days like today

It's been exactly 2 months since Kris & I left for our Napa trip. That doesn't sound like very long ago, does it? To me, it seems like an eternity. You see, as much as I love Napa (and I do love Napa)it's not ever really a vacation when we visit. Kris is in "work mode" whether he realizes (or admits) it or not. It's not a time for us to slow down and enjoy one another. We're hopping from one appointment to the next, and it's exhausting. Sure, the food and the wine are plentiful, but it's not what I consider good quality time.

We're scheduled to visit Washington and Oregon wine country in September. Don't get me wrong, I'm very excited for this trip because I've been to neither Washington nor Oregon. But make no mistake, this will not be a vacation. Kris will be "work mode" and I'll be in "best behavior" mode. We won't be alone. Another couple, who work with Kris, is making the trip, as well. It will be fun, but I'm not counting on it being restful or Kris and I getting any time to ourselves. And I'm desperate for some time alone with him. Some good quality time.

I need a break from "Jessica the lawyer" and "Kris the country club manager." I need some time to be "Jessica and Kris the couple." Both Kris and I work way too much. We spend way too much time apart, and it's hard. Very hard. One of my biggest fears is that we'll get too comfortable with this lifestyle and our relationship will suffer. To combat that, we try to do things together when we can. Even if it's just watching television or sharing a meal. It doesn't happen often, but when it does it just fills my cup. More than Kris knows, I'm sure.

So I cling to moments when it's just us. I don't think he understands it or how much I need that time. I'm not saying he doesn't care, I'm just saying, as a guy, I don't think it bothers him like it bothers me. He doesn't get it when I say "Well, I'd rather it just be the two of us." It doesn't come from a place of not wanting to do anything with anyone else, it comes from a place where I'm a wife needing my husband. There are days when the only word we say face-to-face are "goodnight" and "goodbye." Sometimes, I need more.

I'm all about having personal or alone time. I think a healthy relationship with yourself is vital to having healthy relationships with others. We all need to dance around naked without the fear of being interrupted. But on days like today, I'd rather be with my husband.

Style Statement Tuesday

It's Style Statement Tuesday! 

As you may know, Style Statement Tuesday is way for me to chronicle my outfits and discuss how/if they fit my style statement, which I've defined as 'Classic Pretty.' It's also a place for you to link-up  your outfit posts and inspirations. To read more about Style Statement Tuesday, click here. 

This week's outfit is one I wore to a wine tasting party Kris and I hosted at our home Saturday evening.

Dress: Banana Republic

 

I'm obsessed with this dress. It's linen and so simple, but the beading gives a hint of something special. I feel so feminine when I wear it.

 



I added the turquoise colored necklace to give the outfit a pop of color. I think this outfit is perfect to summer!

By the way, I'm becoming increasingly dissatisfied with my photographer's skills. His heart doesn't seem to be in it, as we only got 2 halfway decent shots this time! ;)

Link up and share your style!

In Recovery

We hosted a wine tasting party Saturday night, and I think I'm still recovering. I'll be back tomorrow, loves!

Call me, maybe?

As part of my 30 Before 30 undertaking, I wanted to go 2 weeks without texting or emailing. The thought behind this was getting back to more personal ways of communicating. It was an interesting 2 weeks, to say the least.

First off, let me say that I did still email for work. If I wanted to keep my job I was going to have to be available by email at all times. Second, I did text message my husband one time in an emergency situation, i.e., my diabetic dog needed insulin and food immediately.

OK, here's what I experienced:

Texting...

1. Not texting is terribly inconvenient. I found myself wanting to know something, but not wanting to know it badly enough to stop what I was doing and make a phone call.

2. I felt very disconnected from Kris. We both work long hours, usually opposite from one another, so we text on and off throughout the day. I missed knowing what he was up to.

3. People get pissed off when you call them after they text you. I got several "you've made your point" messages. It kind of hurt my feelings that no one wanted to talk to me.

4. No one cared that I wasn't texting. People kept right on texting me and expecting me to text back.

5. No one understood why I wasn't texting for 2 weeks. It was as if face-to-face or voice-to-voice communication was something to be frowned upon. I found that disturbingly odd.

6. Texting is really more of a habit. I had to consciously think about not picking up my phone & sending a text.

7. I felt more centered and in control of my expression of thought.

Emailing...

1. This was really no big deal, I did not find it difficult at all.

2. Email is really only relevant in the business world.

3. Text is the new email.

Although I had a terrible time making people understand why I wanted to do this little experiment, I'm glad I did it. I do not believe technology is a bad thing, but I do believe it's taken over parts of our lives that are better left alone. Not every thought needs to be expressed, and thoughts worth expressing are probably better expressed in a more meaningful way.

What do you think? Could you do it?

Style Statement Tuesday

It's Style Statement Tuesday! 

In case you don't know, Style Statement Tuesday is way for me to chronicle my outfits and discuss how/if they fit my style statement, which I've defined as 'Classic Pretty.' It's also a place for you to link-up  your outfit posts and inspirations. To read more about Style Statement Tuesday, click here. 

Lately, I've been feeling very uninspired when it comes to my style/clothes. In part, it has to do with the fact that I've been trying to lose about 10 pounds. I'll succeed in losing 4-5 pounds, then I'll gain it back. Basically, it has me feeling unhappy with anything I put on my body. But anyway, this is Style Statement Tuesday, not Shrink Sessions Tuesday. I'll move on.

 

This week's outfit is the kind of outfit I wear all summer. It's an easy look that keeps me cool in the Tennessee heat because it's June and already 90 degrees y'all. 

 

I think this look is extremely safe and very "classic." I like that the shoes add a little texture and pattern. I'd say it fits my style statement, but it doesn't blow me away.

 I'd probably wear this out to lunch, to a concert, or while shopping. I've recently taken to wearing my chambray top open over tanks, and I really like how it looks. It gives me a reason to wear it more often, which I love!

So what are you wearing?

Link up & share your style!

How to: Import Your RSS from Google Reader to Bloglovin'

Google reader is dead to me. Or it will be on July 1, 2013.

My readers are numero uno. I WANT YOU TO STICK AROUND. So, here's how you can keep getting your Love & Loyally fix. Let's face it, there's nothing better than an co-dependent relationship.

How to Import Your RSS subscriptions  from Google Reader to Bloglovin’:

First, click here:

http://www.bloglovin.com/import/reader

 

 You'll see this:

Click "Import from Google Reader"

You'll see this:

Click "Accept"

You'll see this:

After the import is finished, all the blogs you follow via Google Reader will be in your Bloglovin' feed. Yay!

Weekend Update!

I spent my Saturday with my family playing at a water park. It was so much fun being all together. My family really are my favorite people. Kris was the only one missing, but he was there in spirit. I could tell because I thought about him constantly!

Let me start by saying I was the only person going to the park that doesn't have children. I was also the only person going who can manage to be on time. Therefore, I was tasked with being the first one to arrive to save two tables around the kiddie pool. Can we say nightmare? But, I did it because that's what I do. I was there for an hour by myself fending off families who were not at all amused by one person occupying two tables. To entertain myself (when I wasn't getting the stink eye), I took pictures of myself. What else was I going to do?



I wore my sorority flip-flops for old time's sake

I also wore my giant Dollar Tree sunglasses

Then, I got to hang these 2 adorable babies. So, it was worth it!



Ari & Zairyn

Hope you had a fantastic weekend! Linking up here!