don't be gelish! (my first nail post)

So, I've been a little obsessed with all the cute fingernail posts on Pinterest and the various fashion/beauty blogs that I frequent. I've never been very make-up crazy, and am typically pretty basic when it comes to my beauty routines. But, there are so many nail polish combos and ideas that have caught my eye, and I'm hoping to try some this spring/summer. Until then, I thought I would share my recent manicure experience.

2 weeks ago my mom treated me to a manicure, and I chose to use Gelish polish for the very first time. I've heard a lot about it over the past year, and so far it has definitely lived up to the hype. It's a 3-step application for natural nails (a UV lamp is used to set each layer), and is supposed to last for at least 2 weeks with no cracking/peeling. When I paint my nails with regular polish and a top coat, within 2 or 3 days it begins to flake-off, crack, and peel. So, any polish lasting longer than that would make me a happy girl.



The first 2 pictures were taken 8 days after the polish was applied, and the 3rd was 2 weeks out. I chose a very simple, but pretty pink. (I did not pay attention to the name of the color while in the salon, and after browsing the Gelish colors available online, I'm thinkin' it was either "passion" or "go girl")

So far, the only cracking/peeling has occurred along the cuticles, but it's only noticeable to me when I run my fingers over my nails (which I have been doing rather obsessively haha!). I am very impressed with the polish, and still can't believe how long it has last.

I think the only negative to trying Gelish, is that now I wish I could get a gel polish manicure every couple of weeks! Unfortunately, small luxuries such as this are not really in my budget right now. But, I can't wait til I am able to get it done again. I highly recommend it to any gal who is looking to add a little snazz to her nails, without having to mess with acrylic.

today, tomorrow, and always.

Today is hot, which is very unusual for Kentucky in March. I think we're heading towards 85 degrees before the afternoon is out. Our winter, which is normally snowy and cold, was mild to say the least. And it looks as though old man winter (who must have been very bored this year) has packed his few belongings and moved on!

But, it's been a tough fall/winter, so Spring is a VERY welcome development. My family has experienced much loss over the past 5 months, and I think everyone needs a few rays of sunshine.

My cousin Alyssa passed away in a tragic car accident on October 28th. She had just turned 17.

(wasn't she beautiful!!)

In December my cousin Justin, father of 2 adorable little boys, also passed.

(Justin and his dad, Frankie)

And then on February 17th, my grandmother Barbara Lou Kelty, joined my grandfather in heaven.

(her smile was contagious!)

I try on a daily basis to celebrate and fondly remember the lives of those my family has lost. Most days I am NOT successful at this. Everything feels too fresh, and sometimes it is as though they are not really gone. Whenever I go home to visit mom and dad, I keep expecting to see Grandma sitting on the couch, pockets stuffed with Kleenex, wrapped up in her favorite robe, yelling at my mom that it is TOO cold in the house! But, she's not there...

I could go and on, dissecting my grief, lingering on sad emotions that like to sneak up and ruin my day. So, I will stop and be thankful that through all the tears and loss, my faith has NOT wavered.

Romans 14:8 For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s

John 14:1-4 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.”

We love you Alyssa, Justin, and Barbara Lou... Today, Tomorrow, and Always! (my grandmother ended every card and letter she gave me with this sentiment)

Under the Harvest Moon

Tonight is the harvest moon. Unfortunately, the clouds and rain prevent the bright full moon to make any impression on the Eastern Kentucky sky.

Still, every year on this night I am reminded of my favorite poem by Carl Sandberg. When I was twelve, I bought a little pocket book of love poems at a gift shop while on vacation with my family. I suppose even then I was attempting to fuel the hopeless romantic within. Under the Harvest Moon was my favorite of the collection, and I have never forgotten it.


Under the Harvest Moon
When the soft silver
Drips shimmering
Over the garden nights,
Death, the gray mocker,
Comes and whispers to you
As a beautiful friend
Who remembers.

Under the summer roses
When the flagrant crimson
Lurks in the dusk
Of the wild red leaves,
Love, with little hands,
Comes and touches you
With a thousand memories,
And asks you
Beautiful, unanswerable questions.

of silver linings and frappucinos...

It's been a quiet day here at the shop. I spend my time running errands (it seems every day we discover something else we need) reading, and periodically checking Facebook. We've had a bit of business over the past week, and once all those computers are repaired and ready to go, we will at least have earned the overhead to keep the doors open. I've been back and forth with my worries, one day in panic mode, and the next seeing the silver lining behind every cloud. Today is a silver lining day :)

Regardless of how this business venture turns out, opening the shop has fueled in me a new-found appreciation for Jackson and it's residents. Every day someone pops their head in the door to say "hello" and wish us luck. I can't even walk down the street to my vehicle without someone nodding or saying, "howdy" and "love this weather" - all from complete strangers. I love it! Yes, there are some very nice people in Lexington, but there is a charming openness to the people in this area, and it only helps to solidify my decision to move here.

Of course, all would be perfect if there were only a Starbucks or Seattle's Best! Alas, Jackson seems to be content with their Cozy Corner, Bee Happy's, and White Flash. I'm sure the kind-faced old men sipping black coffee and laughing around old diner style tables, could care less about caramel or pumpkin spice frappucinos.


Small town hospitality, home cookin', and a simple cup-o-joe are good enough for them... and for the first time in my life, they are good enough for me too!


UDDATE: Bee Happy's bit the dust, and is no longer open to the public. Boooo! Thank goodness Cozy Corner still has the most dee-lish chicken strip salad!

Thank you for calling The Computer Mechanic!

Don't worry, I'm not planning on presenting a long, boring explanation as to why I continue to attempt the blogging thing, but then abandon it after two or three posts. I honestly have no excuse.

I'm here now, and that's all that counts, right??

I am currently sitting at the front desk of The Computer Mechanic, fiending for some caffeine after a restless night of sleep. I suppose you would peg me as a glorified secretary, and I honestly have no problem with that title. Besides, I am the owner! Yes, myself and Steven have started a new adventure, and it's been such a blessing making one of his dreams turn into a reality. Everything sorta fell into place over a month's time, and we had to make a quick decision as to whether we should wait another year, or go ahead and snag the most perfect location ever for a business in Jackson. We knew we were taking a huge risk going forward with the business, but it also seemed like such a shame to wait and lose the rental space to someone else.

So, here we are, our 5th day open for business, hoping and praying that as the word (or a mass outbreak of computer viruses) spreads, people will come pouring in with all their PC woes!

But for now, it's been pretty quiet 'round here. I can't help but be nervous, and it doesn't help that everyone around us is expecting us to fail. No one has directly come out and said as much, but the constant questions and worrisome glances tells me that both our families (Steven's especially) have absolutely no faith that we will make it. It's not that they want us to fail... they simply already believe that we will.

I want to prove them wrong more than anything in the world!

Fingers (and toes) crossed...

workin' 9 to 5 ... do i really wanna?

I remember times when I felt as though I was trudging through life, dragging my feet so they shoveled deep into the earth, making my journey even more difficult.

Now I sorta feel like I'm floating... my feet not even touching the ground. The weeks seem to be flying by, and as crazy as it seems, I seem to be losing touch with the fighter, leader, and over-achiever within myself. Yes, the load on my back is much lighter than in days past, but life seems so dull without a goal in my sights.

I know it stems from being without permanent employment for so long... I'm a person who thrives on some type of challenge. Sure, I'll complain with the best of 'em, but nothing can top that sense of accomplishment when you've completed a task, and done so to the best of your ability.

It's time to light a fire under my arse, and really start digging again for viable employment. Not to say that I have not been trying at all, but my heart and energy have been lacking in the quest.

Of course, I refuse to return to the work lifestyle I maintained at Kirkland's... it sucked the life out of me, and deeply affected my relationships with family and friends outside of the store. No job will ever be more important than time spent with those I love... all the money in the world can't pay for missing out on memories.

I learned that the hard way...

quick update from the hills...

I've been at Steven's friend's house for a couple of hours devouring as much internet as I can. Unfortunately, most of the time has been spent searching for plane tickets to Mississippi next week for Holly's wedding. Turns out my poor van seems to be developing problems, and I don't trust it to make the 10 hour trip. So, to the skies we go!

Steven's grandfather passed away last Tuesday, and at the same time I was assaulted by a vicious stomach bug. It was a very long and difficult week, and I still can't believe Papaw Aaron is gone. But, I am feeling much better, and Steven and his family are doing very well considering...

The trip to Cleveland is now happening this Thursday. It's going to be an interesting ride with Steven's mom and dad. They are a hoot sometimes! Soon after we return I'll be back in LexVegas for a day and then it's south of the Mason Dixon. It's gonna be very busy for me until I return from Mississippi on the 25th, but I am looking forward to visiting with Holly and just getting away for awhile.

Maybe when I get back internet at the home-front will be up and running (fingers crossed!!!)

Now it's time to tear my fingers away from the keyboard and head back down the curvy road to my country home...