'merica - running the world since 1776 (and my week at home)

Last week I left behind Winston-Salem, NC (my current home, where I went to law school, and where I'm currently studying for the Bar) for home sweet home.  

For you non-Goose Creekers (I have no idea what we are actually called)...this is our interstate exit.  I always tell people that I'm from Charleston, but here it is blog world...I am from GOOSE CREEK.  A small (or not so small 32,000 people) town, right outside of Charleston, SC.  Home of beauty queens, pro-baseball players, and THE spokesperson for Young Free SC, y'all.  I can honestly say that seeing this sign on my way home gets me really excited.

So I came home.  While this blog may lead you to believe that this was one glamorous week full of playing, that's really not the truth. In fact, a majority of the week looked like this: BarBri lecture playing, highlighters flowing, and me attempting to be a part of family activities (here's my Dad cooking and me pretending to supervise).

First, there was...

RETIREMENT.

The reason why I went home was to surprise my fabulous Mom.  After 36 years of working for the Government, she has officially retired.  And of course she had to go out with a bang: 3 parties, an office yard sale, and a quick swim in the SPAWAR fountain.  I couldn't be prouder of how hard she has worked, and I'm so excited to start sending her projects that I want her to make (hahahaha).  I seriously need her to learn to sew with a pattern, and I know she has plans to help me out with wedding crafts. Love you Momsie!

I don't know why this picture came out so strange, 

but here's us at her surprise party.

 Me & my boo at the festivities.

Then, there was my FAVORITE holiday...

FABULOUS FOURTH IN THE CREEK.

We opted for a small get together at my parents house this year.  There was everything you could ever want...

1.  A fabulous backyard that my parents worked really hard on to get ready for the party.  I wish you could see the new deck, fire pit, and pond...but I thought this panoramic shot that Darryl took was really neat.

2.  Jorts and an American flag t-shirt.  

I mean, what is more American than that?

3.  A father rocking a ridiculous American flag hat. (also, he specifically asked me to not put this picture on the internet...so you know I had to)

 4.  A hot dog topping bar: our favorite Fourth of July tradition.  We love the random topping mixtures.  My favorite?  Bleu cheese, onions, and bacon.  But that corn relish was to die for (and yeah I totally just winged that recipe - I was pretty proud).

 5.  Pinterest food projects:  Here's my renditions of an edible American flag (watermelon, cheese, and blackberries - a refreshing appetizer) and homemade cookie sandwiches with patriotic sprinkles.

6.  A handsome fiance, who knows you love America so he celebrates with pride (even though he's totally from Canada and Canada Day was three days before this).

7. Good friends, hours of ladder golf, and some laughter.

All in all it was a perfect holiday.

Then, there was...

THE BIG MOVE.

Darryl and I picked out one awesome apartment complex in West Ashley.  Complete with salt water pool, huge gym, Mac business center, large walk-in closets, epically big bathrooms, lots of counter space (for my recent cooking addiction) and a jealousy inducing porch.

We hadn't really planned to already be moving in, but when an apartment opens up at this complex you have to take it ASAP or it's gone.  So that's what we did.  We moved Darryl in on Friday and Saturday.  My stuff won't be coming until after the Bar.  Then, we'll be busy decorating this place to it's full Pinterest potential.  So definitely expect a before and after post sometime in August. 

Here's the keys to our first place

Sawyer breaking in our new fabulous couch

Wall paint colors - living room, bedroom, bathroom 

(and yes that green turned out VERY bright...)

Finally, came my favorite day of the whole week...

MY LAST DAY.

I lucked out y'all.  My best friend, since the 1st grade, just happened to be coming to town.  So I managed to catch her on the morning I was leaving to head back up to Winston.  She currently lives in NYC, so I was quite the lucky girl to get to see her.  So we planned to eat breakfast at Early Bird Diner in West Ashley (our new home).  The Diner is known for it's chicken and waffles (see below), and Ashley quite simply loves them (and so does my fiancé).  We were also excited because Stephanie, our other fabulous best friend from 5th grade on, was able to join us with her hubby, Chad.  It was JUST what the doctor ordered.  Good food and good conversation.  

Side note:  For those of you who do not know, I have four best girl friends: Ashley, Stephanie, Kristin, and Jackie.  They're my life.  Seriously.  Obsessed doesn't even begin to describe it.  We've been living separately for seven years now (Charleston, Seattle, Provo, Dallas, Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Atlanta, Savannah, Winston-Salem, Columbia, DC, and Harrisonburg).  So when we actually get to see each other it is a rare treat, and boy does it make life so much happier.  Thank goodness for baby showers, wedding showers, holidays, football season, baseball off season, weddings, and bachelorette parties - they've been getting us through.  I feel certain that there's a post coming sometime soon about how amazing these girls are, considering they're my bridesmaids.  So stay tuned for that sappy post.

Here's the epic chicken and waffles.  

It's topped with a syrup/honey mustard blend. 

Also in this picture is my creamer with a side of coffee

 and their shrimp and grits (my meal/delicious).

And Darryl's hand digging in to the Mac & Cheese.

Me and my boo.

Our breakfast dates.

On the way back to Winston-Salem, I stopped in Columbia to see my sister and all her babies.  Much needed, as they just keep growing!

Madison is really starting to have a seriously funny personality.  She just laughed and laughed at me, not having any idea what I was saying but hoping that it was funny.  This is her and my sister, Heather.

Me and my favorite girl of all time.  Love this little love bug.

Aunt Kelly with her favorites.  

Austin is 13, Korben is 6, and Madison is 1.

So, then I had to return to Winston.  I missed my friends up here, but Bar studying is getting REALLY intense.  There's a bit of a panic spreading around here.

That being said - you're not going to see a post from me until August.  I won't be doing anything fun/blog worthy.  So don't worry - you'll be missing out on absolutely nothing.

Hope you enjoy the rest of your summer, and try to stay cool in these ridiculous blazing hot days!  Say a little prayer for me as a I battle the SC Bar Beast.