Dear Heart, Don't Stop Fighting.. Prepare, Ride the Lightning

Lots of things have happened in the past several weeks..

Work has been OK but stressful.. Every year around this time, I face the fear of losing my job, as a result of job cuts and downsizing. I can only trust that God has something great planned for me, whether it's this job (that I love) or something else, somewhere else.

I'm coming up on my 4-year anniversary of living in South Carolina. So crazy! Has time really gone that fast? It feels like just a few months ago, Justin was helping me pack my car to the brim and head down to warmer weather. Since then, we've been married and seen friends get married, we've made new friends, we've gone through the excitement of babies being born and soon-to-be born, we've had a ridiculous amount of parties and beach trips.. Oh, and speaking of weddings and babies? Eeee! I'm so excited for my friends! I can't wait!! More excitement on some big news later (and no, I'm not preggo).

Justin and I had the sweetest Valentine's Day. We made our usual reservation at P.F. Chang's and dinner was delish (as always) and our server was really cool. The only downside to the whole evening? If you've ever been to P.F. Chang's (or at least the one in Greenville), there is some good seating and some blah seating. We knew it would be too much to ask for a booth, so we followed the hostess to our table against the wall (half booth/half chairs). The wall-side tables are spaced really close.. almost too close. Everything was great and lovely until a really awkward couple was seated right beside us. The guy actually looked like he might be her dad and the girl had crusty hair and was dressed like she was getting ready to host a Garage Sale. They stared at us for most of the evening, which was ignorable. The part we had a hard time ignoring was every single time Flannel Girl hacked up phlegm and made gurgling sounds as we were eating our fantastic Lettuce Wraps and Crab Wontons. C'monnn! Besides the gagging and gurgling, the couple didn't even interact! They were on their phones the whole time. Happy Valentine's Day, weirdos!

We agreed not to exchange gifts this year, but of course Justin broke the agreement. We even had the discussion a few weeks ago: "So, babe.. 'no gifts' this year really means 'no gifts', right? It's not the kinda thing when we say 'no gifts' but then you go and get something anyway, is it?" Riiighht. Well, I sure felt like a loser when Monday rolled around, and my husband surprised me with beautiful flowers, a cute card, chocolates and a little gift bag for me. What?? Cheater! I couldn't believe it.

Me & My Valentine..

His "Lil' Monster Valentine" card cracked me up!

Pretty Daffodils & Irises

The first time I've ever received boxed chocolates!

Although I didn't get him an actual gift, I did cheat a little myself. After my client cancelled for Monday afternoon, I chose not to tell Justin. Instead, I planned to clean the apartment like a crazy-woman and bake some yummy things for him. I made one of his favorite desserts from when he was a kid - Funny Cake, and a new dessert that I haven't had a chance to make yet. It's called "Better-Than-Sex-Cake".. The name is a little risqué, but the cake is flippin' amazing. We spent the rest of the night rotting our teeth and watching movies. Man, I love Valentine's Day.

The recipe came from my Aunt Sheree.. I can't believe I haven't made it before! It's SO EASY!


Better-Than-Sex Cake 
1 box chocolate cake mix (I used a fudge cake recipe)
1 jar butterscotch/caramel ice cream topping
1 (8oz) Cool Whip
2-3 crushed Butterfingers


Bake cake according to box (I used 2 springform pans and when they cooled, I stacked them with a super-thin layer of chocolate frosting between). After the cake has cooled, poke several holes in the cake with the handle of a wooden or plastic spoon. Drizzle butterscotch/caramel topping over cake, making sure it flows into poked holes. Frost with Cool Whip and sprinkle with crushed Butterfingers.

Other than working and baking (ha!) I have been planning quite a few parties! I have a Rockstar Birthday Party coming up at the end of this month that I'm helping with, as well as a bridal shower, a birthday party and a baby shower for the month of March. Am I crazy?! Either way, I can't wait! PLUS, Marta is coming back for Round Three! She flies in on March 10th to celebrate my birthday and make even more memories together. I can't even put into words my excitement when friends/family come to visit!

I guess that's basically the latest.. No crazy stories for now, but I'm sure we'll have some soon enough. Oh yeah, one last thing.. Justin and I are super-pumped for an upcoming show we're hitting in May. Sleigh Bells!! AUGH! Gonna be insane.

What I'm Listening To:
Sleigh Bells







xo

[Lyrics: Sleigh Bells - "Riot Rhythm"]