September

This photo has little to do with anything, but what's a post without a photo? It's statistically proven that the internet loves cats, so here is sweet Greg, helping me sew. 

Here we are guys, mid September. WHATTHAHECK? It's basically fall. The highs all week are sub 90 (hey, it's Texas, we'll take what we can get), and pumpkins have made their appearance at HEB. I've been integrating leggings back into my wardrobe and planning Halloween costumes. (WHAT SHOULD I BE?)  What have you been up to? I've been working working working. Running a store means periods of relative peace, and periods of chaos. This is a period of chaos, but I sort of thrive in that environment, so it's okay. I go into workaholic mode and become sort of addicted to work. I worked 56+? hours last week between both jobs, and secretly loved it. Don't get me wrong though, I'm tired and prefer the periods of peace.

Mr. Hogan is somehow already wrapping up his second of six rotations, and honestly it's been lovely. I mean, at least for me. Everyone warned us about rotations and how hard they'd be, but really, it's been great. It's just like he has a job. That he pays to go to? There's no class, no studying. When he's home, he's home. We can chill and play and relax without the stress of school. Our theory is that everyone thinks rotations are so hard because they've been perpetual students for almost a decade and most don't know what it's like to work 40+ hours a week. And it is a big change. Pharmacy school is hard, no doubt, but you're sitting most of the time and even though it's a lot of mental work, you're not actively "working". I can definitely see how rotations could be a rough change. But Brendon is a hustler by nature and no stranger to work, so it's been a smooth transition. So far. We're only two rotations in, there could be some nasty ones in the future. Like the one in another city where he lives away from me for six weeks. That's going to be fun. 

Sewing season has begun. I'm working on my dirndl number three (one and two here) and obviously have a Halloween costume to make. I'm having a hard time deciding what to be this year. I'm sure, as always, I'll wait until the last minute to throw it together. Feels good to be sewing for myself! 

And hallelujah we made it through summer without giving up on running. Kept it up all through the heat, running 3-4 days every dang week, aside from our vacay in Colorado. It's been cooling down and I've been so grateful that we stuck it out all summer. Every day our runs get faster, thank goodness for fall temperatures. We've got the five mile Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving and then the Austin Half Marathon in February. Eeeee! 13.1 miles! We haven't been able to add much distance over the summer, I think our longest run was seven miles, so it's time to start ramping up the distance! Our longest run in the spring was ten miles... ready to beat that! 13.1, I'm coming for you.

Hurray for fall. My most favorite time of the year is beginning and I couldn't be happier. Now bring on more cold fronts!!

Some sunshine with little Greggo

It's the little things you guys, and this cat lives for the little things. If I'm ever down, hanging out with Greg turns my mood around. He's the happiest and sweetest cat in the world, he cannot get or give enough love. Everyone could benefit from being a little more like Greg.

Sometimes I feel like I get a bit too caught up in the bad, a bit too worried about the imperfect things in my life. I forget that I have so much good around me. My life is not perfect, but it is wonderful. Sometimes you just have to take a step back and reevaluate. Refocus. Remember what you have and remember whats important. People and creatures and love and living. Everyday will not always be easy, but if you look for the good it will be easier. And more fun of course! Especially with a Greg. Or with cats in general. I highly recommend cats. Always.

Greg knows how to live the good life. And it doesn't hurt that he's ridiculously good looking. I'm going to try to be a little more like this blue eyed baby.

Decemberlife

Why yes, that is the Twilight Saga next to the Fifty Shades of Gray trilogy. Sometimes I'm a silly girl, don't judge.

Sheesh! December is always busy but dang, this year it seems extra crazy. I've been slightly absent from the blog because life you guys. Life. 

I have recently become the big boss lady at work, got that General Manager status y'all! Brendon just finished up his semester yesterday, so I have my husband back for a few weeks! It had been study city up in the Hogan residence you guys. Study study study, with little movie breaks (somehow we fit in the new Batman trilogy).

But as crazy as life is and no matter how much I wish it would slow down sometimes, it is still so good. This holiday season has been full of all kinds of goodness already. It's a bit sad that it is almost over (6 days till Christmas? Get out!), but at the same time I will be glad for things to slow down and life to resume its normal pace of craziness instead of running constantly in craziness overdrive.

So I leave you with two little creatures who have no concept of holiday (or any sort of) busyness or stress. Two creatures who think that we put up the Christmas tree just for them, and that the presents underneath are an obstacle course.

As usual, Sophie refuses to show her face. But I'll fill you in on what she was doing; chewing on a present. 

I had to leave a path for Greg, he refuses to go around the tree. Sorry family if your presents are a bit smooshed. Our cats are anything but skinny.

And this has nothing to do with anything, but amidst my blogging absence I made this and it was delicious:

And yes, that is yet another Smitten Kitchen recipe. I told you that book was life changing.

Greg presents a guessing game

Sweet little Greg, you are the cutest thing in the world sometimes. Thank goodness, because you are also the most annoying thing in the world sometimes.

Halloween is quickly coming up! And you know what that means, time to make a costume! As it was last year, it's a secret until the day of Halloween. But because I'm terrible at keeping secrets, Greg and I are giving you one little hint, this beautiful blue velvet. It's a smallish part of my costume, but also my favorite part. Last year I think I gave my costume away a little too easily, so you only get a little hint this year. If you guess correctly, I will make (and ship, for all you far away friends) you a little sewing prize!

Isn't it beautiful? I love love love the color. I've never made anything with velvet, so wish me luck! If I mess it up too badly, I guess I'll just donate it to Greg to sleep on.

Two cats and their human

 
It has been too long since these furry babies have graced my blog. I've said it before (possibly a gazillion times) and I'll say it again, I don't know what I'd do without Sophie and Greg. These two, man. They are too wonderful.

Greg is much more photogenic than his grey sister. When I take pictures of him, he looks like this:

And when I take pictures of Sophie, she looks like this:

Seriously. 90% of the pictures I take of her, she has the "ghost head" as Brendon and I have taken to calling it. She wont stay still for crap. I think it has to do with the fact that she is way too cool to have her picture taken. She's too cool for a lot of things. Like cuddles, most of the time. But she can act tough all she wants, she's a big softy. She is the first to greet me at the door when I come home and usually the first to wander sleepy eyed with me into the bathroom when I wake up (even at 3:30am). And she always loses her cool when we are gone for long periods of time. She is a big fan of us, she just doesn't like to admit it. Little tough sweet baby, what would I do without you?

Greg on the other hand is always about the love. He is the most affectionate cat, probably on the planet. Also perhaps the weirdest.

I have felt bad lately, because I've hardly been home to hang out with these guys. So today since I had free time after work, we had a cuddle party on the floor. Which is pretty much their favorite thing ever. You want these cats to love you? Lay on the floor.

Greg basically lost his mind with happiness.

The whole time I was taking pictures with Greg, Sophie was directly behind the camera, looking like this:

Classic bitch face. She's not Greg's biggest fan. And she turns into the green eyed (literally) monster whenever he gets attention.

But of course she got some love too:

But it didn't last long, because she's a brat like that and had to escape asap. Unlike Greg, she is not a fan of kisses or hugs.

Cat love. It's endless. And I'll leave you with this lovely image:

Greg looking incredibly special. Surprise!

Instaweek & one year down!

Wow y'all, this week has been crazy. Actually this whole month has been crazy! There aren't enough hours in the day lately. We have been busy bees and I am ready for things to slow down. Work has been nuts for me and the end of the semester is always hectic for Brendon. But Tuesday Brendon finished his first year of pharmacy school!!!! One year down, three to go! Exciting stuff. Thus begins the summer of awesomeness. This is his only summer off while in school so we are determined to enjoy it!

Somehow with all the wildness lately I have kept up with my running and working out. Along with running as often as I can, I've been doing pilates and also a little light weight training with Brendon. I have become one of those people, who enjoy exercise. Hell may have frozen over y'all.

And here is my gift to myself for one month of being active:

Girly ass workout gear. Look at that sports bra. I saw it and was like, is this for real? A rainbow puked all over it. It was so ridiculous (and on clearance), I had to buy it. And I am officially an owner of those running shorts. You know the ones I'm talking about, the ones that college girls wear NONSTOP like it's a fashion trend (except mine are cheapos from Old Navy and not Nike, I can't bring myself to drop a whole bunch of money on something I'm going to sweat all over) and do so in large groups so it looks like everyone coordinated (who knows maybe they did... "Hey, are you going to wear a baggy t-shirt and running shorts again today? OMG ME TOO! Make sure to do your hair and make up though.").  The girls of UT, I swear. Okay, okay, END running short rant. Anyways I promise to only wear them while working out... and maybe to post workout food runs. But isn't that stuff cute?! Those little tank top things are awesome, super lightweight and soft. Plus they were like two for $10. WIN.

Next up on the list are shoes. My ankles have been KILLING me lately and I'm not sure if it's because I've been running too much on concrete (probably) or my ancient shoes are finally dying (the soles are starting to fall off). Brendon and I are running the Rebel Race (Central Texans, come run it with us!!! I may or may not die, but it will be fun!) next month, and you go through mud so that will be their last harrah. I have no idea what kind of shoes to get though. Anyone have a particular brand they love? The last time I bought tennis shoes was my junior year of high school (so sad they've lasted this long), sooo... I'm a little clueless.

SEE THAT? Muscles. Little tiny ones, but muscles.

And because I have the next three days off:

I PAINTED MY NAILS! Actually Greg painted them. Jk, he doesn't have thumbs. We can't wear nail polish at work, so this is the first time I've had nail polish on my fingers since.... last summer? I miss painting my nails! Yay for pretty colors on your fingers!

And I leave you with sleeping cats, because I feel like they haven't graced my blog with their presence in a while:

Life is good at the Hogan household. We are happy and the future is bright! Best summer ever? I sure hope so!

The heat is almost here and a whole lot of randomness

Yesterday morning when I left for work, I wore a jacket and had the heat on in my car. When I came home from work, it was HOT. Nice in the shade but real hot in the sun. Texas hot. Brendon and I went on a short little walk to get the mail and I was literally appalled by the heat. I got a sinking feeling in my stomach as soon as I felt it. It instantly brought back memories of last summer, the summer of terribleness, and I wanted to get out of it as soon as possible.

Seriously, I need to get a grip. Texas summers are stupid hot, and they always will be. Last summer sucked (and it was ridiculously-record-breaking hot every damn day), but this summer will be infinitely better. I know this. It will probably kick last summers butt into outer space, and I should be counting down the days, but for some reason I am still dreading the months of summer. Silly but true. I am dumb and can't wait for the good memories of this summer to erase the not so good of last summer. I'm just not quite ready for the scorching heat yet. I need to hold on to this beautiful spring for a few more weeks.

In other news, this weekend we were finally able to get together with my dad and Lynne to do a little belated birthday celebrating. Mostly it was just nice to see them! We ate at a little restaurant called Woodland near us. It was good! They had a cool menu and the space was neat. There were hipster servers galore (I think our waitress may have had a heart attack when my dad ordered a miller lite) but hey, it's Austin. They had some amazing chocolate pies on display that I MUST try soon. We will be back.

 Birthday candles on cupcakes and my perfected Katniss braid.

And here's Brendon yesterday, studying hard to be a pharmacist:

Here's Brendon annoyed with me for taking pictures and proving that I am the palest person alive:

And here's me and Greg, he didn't seem to mind the pictures as long as he got to headbutt me:

 Sleepy Sophie napping in the sun, behind my creepy looking sewing machine:

Also, this weirdness:

 Mostly a joke. 

 My scotch tape dispenser matches the dress I'm making perfectly. Kinda weird.

Sparkles, Greg, and hair.

Things that have happened lately:

- Working, eating, sleeping; repeat
- Consuming copious amounts of grapefruit, fending off the sickness that everyone seems to have
- Thinking a lot about being productive, but being lazy instead
- Missing Mr. H
- Dropping mugs on my head at work
- Debating big decisions
- Snuggling and cuddling with a husband and two fat cats every time I get a chance (not often enough)
- Sparkle toes
- The heat has returned to Texas, boo!

Things that have not happened lately:

- Winning the lottery
- Anything remotely creative
- Seeing the light of day (kidding)

I have no idea where this last week has gone. This is good because it's another week of pharmacy school down and a week closer to summer, but it is also a week where I feel I got absolutely nothing done. I have nothing to show for this last week and that's weird. Making and creating things makes me happy and I did zilch this week. I don't know how or why but I don't like it. Time is flying, and that is good, but I feel like I might as well have been in limbo not existing all week. Weirdness.

So even though I have diddly-squat to show for the last week, I treated myself to a pedicure today. Because although I didn't make anything pretty or yummy, I did work my butt off all week dealin' caffeine and these legs are tired.

I went all out and got pink sparkly toes. Because why not?

They make me happy. Happy toes!

While I was sittin' on the floor snappin' some pictures of my bedazzled feet, the cats decided to be cute. And by cats I mean Greg, because Sophie hates the camera.

Greg does this thing when he wants attention where he lays on his back with his belly and feet up. It looks like someone shot him. It's beyond cute. That boy knows how to work it. However as you can see, his charms don't work on Sophie. But they sure do on me!

Sweetest blue eyed baby, oh how we love you! Just not when you put your butt in our faces.

In hair news, my monster hair is gettin' pretty long:

Mirror pics y'all. Bringin' them back.

I'm on a mission to continue growing it out and to keep it as healthy as possible. Although it is in bad need of a trim. My mom got me a gift certificate to get my hair cut (perhaps as a hint?), so I think soon I'll get a trim.

In an effort to keep my hair healthy, I try to avoid attacking it with heat. I have straightened my hair once or twice this year so far. I blow dry it a little once a week or so just because it takes ages to air dry. For example, I showered at like 11 this morning and it probably finished drying at like 7 this evening. I have a lot of hair. And since I basically don't ever style my hair, it usually looks a little wild. It's not quite straight but not really wavy. It just does it's own thing, and I'm cool with that.

I just got some coconut oil to help with my dry ends. My hair gets really oily super fast near the roots, but the oil never makes it down to the ends so they're always a little on the dry side. I had been looking for something to condition them with but everything seemed full of chemicals. I looked at the ingredient list of some split end stuff yesterday and it was super long and contained a bunch of alcohols. Doesn't alcohol dry your hair out? Brendon said it was a bonding agent between chemicals or something, but that's too sciencey for me. I read on the internet somewhere that coconut oil was a good natural conditioner, so I figured I'd try it out. Hopefully it works because I bought a GIANT jar. It starts out as a solid but melts with heat. It's kinda neat, you can cook with it and use it on your skin and hair! It's a multitasking machine! I'll let you know how it goes. Hopefully I don't end up smelling like a bottle of Hawaiian tropic suntan lotion.

Well. This post was all over the place. My life is all over the place. And I like it.

Insta-week

One of my fav bloggers and fellow Austinite, Jenni, has started a Sunday tradition of sharing your week in instagram pics. And I dig it. So even though my week was a little uneventful (aside from v-day), here are a few moments from it. Actually this is mostly pictures of me and my grey feline buddy. Cat lady problems.

Arts and crafts time with my girl Sophie.

 Valentine's love.

 Roses from the hubby. There were also chocolate covered strawberries, but you know I inhaled them.

 

The best way to start your morning is with a cat sleeping on your head.

 

I repotted a couple of our plants and we planted some Forget-me-not seeds.

 

More arts and crafts!

Sleepy Greggo on my very messy desk. And a photo-strip of us in like... 2008?

Sundays off with your hubby are bueno. Even if he does have to spend most of it studying.

Today Brendon took me to see the Vow, because I whined about wanting to see it forever. It was cute, but if you've seen the preview for it, then you've seen the movie. That's basically it. It's set in Chicago, and it made me want to go back and visit badly. Chicago is such a cool city! And homegirl is an artist, so I can relate. Not really, seeing as how that hasn't panned out so well for me (yet). I'd kill for her studio space though.

Hope you guys had a good week. It was a little bit of a rough one here for the Hogans, but we survived as always. Brendon had four tests and is gearing up for three more. So I just worked a lot and missed my man. One more week of pharmacy school down, one gazillion to go! Really though, this semester is flying by and I am so down with that. Before we know it, it will be summer vacation! And 200 degrees outside again.