1.31.2013

Blog of the Month: Enjoying the Small Things


I have to admit, I was super excited about all the awesome feedback I got from my 13 Bloggers to Read in 2013 series. Let's face it, we all love stumbling across new blogs to stalk. But seeing someone's button plastered on a sidebar doesn't tell you much about the person behind the writing. On the other hand, there's something about reading a heartfelt and honest review from one of your favorite bloggers that makes you want to see what all the fuss is about!

Which is why, the jury is still out on sponsorship. While it's a great way to gain exposure, it just doesn't feel...real. I want every facet of my site to represent me. My posts are real, my photos are real and my endorsement of my fellow bloggers is real.

That's why I'm kicking off a new initiative on this blog!

{Bee}autiful Blessings'
Blog of the Month.

Each month, I'll select one of my favorite blogs to share with you all. The candidates will all be blogs written by ladies (or guys!) who keep it real. Blogs that keep me coming back, week after week. Blogs that deserve to see their follower count increase.

And I'm inviting you to do the same! Link up with me each month, and share your absolute favorites. Spread the word, and the love and give your followers someone new to check out! 


So who, you may wonder, is my pick for February?

Someone you're probably familiar with...

Kelle at Enjoying the Small Things

via

I first fell in love with Kelle's writing when I stumbled upon her daughter's birth story on Pinterest. She wrote so poignantly about seeing her daughter for the first time and the moment she realized her baby girl had Down Syndrome. I was immediately brought to tears.

Recently, she wrote a post about savoring the last few weeks of her third, and what will likely be her last, pregnancy. Once again, I wept. Are you sensing a theme here?

In terms of writing, no one in the blogging world is comparable to Kelle. She published a memoir entitled Bloom, last year, which admittedly I have not yet read (but I do intend to!) which causes me to hope that there are many more books in her future.

via
If you're looking for encouragement, for inspiration, or just some refreshingly beautiful writing, Kelle is your go-to girl.

> > >

Who is your Blog of the Month?

Grab a button and link-up so I can discover even more wonderful blogs to read!


1.25.2013

Letter to my Former Single Self


I am so excited about this link-up. I've thought about how much my heart has been changed over the last few years over and over again and there's so much I wish I could say to my former single self. So here goes...

 
 
Dear Kaity Bee,
 
Hello from the future! I've waited so long to write to you, and nearly 5 months into your marriage at 24 years old (That's right 24...you're not going to die alone, hooray!), now seems the absolute perfect timing.
 
I'm writing to you, because I know how hurt you are. I understand your trust issues. I get why you're uncomfortable just being in a room alone with an older man. I'm sorry you're so scared.
 
It's a lonely place to be- in your own world of brokenness and keeping up the facade of being strong. But, I have news for you- those instincts will serve you well.
 
Some men suck. Some men will cut you down with words and make you feel worthless. Some men will treat you as a sexual object and not even acknowledge your inner beauty. Some men will take advantage of your pure and genuine nature. Some men will take all you have to give and then abandon you when it suits them. Some men have done this to you, and you have every right to feel begrudged.
 
But here's the thing: cling on to those feelings of distrust. Be skeptical of a man's intentions. Not only will it protect you from the skeezeballs of the world, but one day a man will come along who will be the exception. The night you meet your husband, you'll know.
 
You'll know that this is the one you've been waiting for. This is the man who puts all others to shame. This is the man who will care for you like no man ever has before. This is the man who you can trust to always be true, good and kind. This is the man who tells you how beautiful you are every day, but has fallen deeper in love with the beauty of your soul.
 
There will come a day when the walls you've built around your heart will come tumbling down. All because you've met a man who will work tirelessly to remove it, brick by brick. Don't change a thing about yourself, because it will all lead you to him.
 
Love,
Blissfully married Kaity
 
Oh, and by the way, there'll be a brief  period where you'll start to believe you must be a lesbian because you've never met a boy you were crazy about. Kaity, you like boys, or rather boy. And in just a few months, you're going to meet the man who will not make you crazy in love, you'll be clinically insane ;)
 

1.23.2013

Currently, Prayer & Blessings


As I left work yesterday evening, I cried. I stopped momentarily at the mechanic when I asked if they could fit me in for an oil change. They couldn’t. I paused briefly as I made my way through the aisles of my local grocery store. But from the time I left work at 4:00 PM to the time I went to bed with my Hubby at 11:00 PM, I cried.

I am exhausted. Physically, my back is killing me from lugging customers’ cases of soda and water at my second job. Emotionally, I am so homesick and ready to move back to Ohio and be with our friends and family. Mentally, I am so discouraged and miserable at my job.

I am just plain exhausted.

I haven’t been posting my Sunday Blessings lately. One, because I’m either working or completely out of commission by the time Sundays roll around these days. Two, because I haven’t made God much of a priority these last few months. But today, for the first time in weeks, if not months, I prayed. I sat in a traffic jam caused by a three-car collision and prayed for those involved. I prayed for my Hubby who is equally as exhausted as I am. And ever-so-selfishly, I prayed for myself. I prayed for peace, for the strength to stand up for myself when I need to, for faith in God’s timing. In the midst, of a serious case of the blues, I humbly brought myself to the feet of my Lord.

I am still exhausted. Still miserable at work. But, I am not alone. I didn’t hit rock bottom. But I hit just low enough, to scrape together what faithfulness I have left to call on my God.

It’s funny how sometimes the very act of prayer is an answered prayer. Sitting in stop-and-go traffic, tearfully asking the Lord for more mercy and grace then I will ever deserve, I began to reflect on my blessings. So while I experience this rough patch, I am eternally grateful for the roof that rests over my head. For the food that fills my cupboards. And for the absolutely astounding love and kindness my husband bestows upon me every day.


1.22.2013

The Facts of {Bee}


Considering yesterday was statistically the most depressing day of the year, it seems only fitting to devote a day to a light-hearted link-up. Plus, I get to fill you all in on some of the oh-so-fun quirks about yours truly! It's a win-win.

 
Fact.
I detest odd numbers. Like I actually have a complex about the precise time in which I get out of bed. 6:37 AM? Forget it...I will stay in bed those extra 3 minutes just to avoid having a complete mental breakdown at the thought of not awaking at a nice, round, even number.
 
Fact.
I suck at keeping in touch with people. Not just my old high school friends, but I can legitimately go weeks without talking to my own mother sometimes. It's horrible.
 
Fact.
My justification for the aforementioned lame-ness? I live for face-to-face conversations. As far as I'm concerned, the phone can suck it. Hubby is probably the only person I ever call.
 
Fact.
The only time I've been in the hospital was my freshman year of college when I fell from a cheerleading stunt and dislocated my elbow. I lived off oxycontin and rocked a bionic arm brace for a solid month and a half.

Clearly drugged at this point.

Fact.
Chocolate constitutes an entire food group for me.
 
Fact.
My worst job ever was as a housekeeper for a Best Western. People are gross, y'all. Respect your housekeepers- their job sucks.
 
Fact.
If job-hunting was a full-time job, I could totally pull in six figures. I am constantly looking at job postings for dream jobs.
 
Fact.
In the last 5 years, I've held 9 different jobs (not counting internships) and lived in 5 different homes (not counting dorms or my Mom's house). I guess you could say I have commitment issues.
 
Fact.
I have two tattoos with plans to get more when I can justify spending the moolah.
 
 
Fact.
I'm not exactly sure how to end this post. So, I'll abruptly stop here.
 
What are some fun facts about you?!

1.17.2013

Thursday Thoughts: Gender Equality

Last week’s Thursday Thoughts post stirred up quite a discussion around these parts. I was ecstatic that so many intelligent and articulate ladies stood up to the plate to sound off on their take on feminism. I had some awesome moments of insight e-mailing back and forth with a handful of bloggers who all had an opinion to share.
Somehow or another, most of the conversations took a similar turn. Our words revolved less around feminism, per se and more about gender equality in general. I feel as though it’s equally unjust for a woman to be deprived of her full potential by the corporate glass ceiling as it is for a man to feel emasculated for choosing to be a Stay-at-Home-Dad. Nor do I think a woman should be chastised for choosing to be a homemaker. I simply want to live in a world where no one is limited in their pursuits simply because of these odd social norms we abide by.


Who decided women have to be the ones to cook and clean? Who decided that only men are capable of physical labor?
The good news is, I was so encouraged when multiple ladies shared with me that their father or a member of their family chose to stay home with their children. It illustrated to me that although we have a ways to go our society is moving in a more equal and free direction. Power to the people!
Sound off- what are your thoughts on gender equality?

1.11.2013

Temporary Home


I was struck as I was drooling over beautiful photos of a fellow bloggers' apartment by the thought that I haven't shared a gosh darn thing about our current residence on this blog. And the truth is, I probably won't. I don't like our apartment. Not only are we counting down the days until our time in Pittsburgh is up and we can move back to Chuck's hometown in Ohio, but I just plain don't like our apartment.

It's old and outdated, there's no washer/dryer, no dishwasher, no counter space. The bathroom is so tiny that only one of us can be in there at a time...oh and there's no door. Yup, no door on our bathroom. There's nothing quite like dropping a deuce sans a door to initiate you into married life. (Was that TMI?)


Hubby working hard to replace the decades-old contact paper in our kitchen cabinets.

We had a beautiful, newly remodeled and cheaper apartment a few months ago, but had to scramble to find something closer to my job. After nearly a dozen apartment-hunting fails, we settled for the only thing we could get our hands on. And it stinks!

I know how blessed we are to have a roof over our heads, but as clothes lay strewn across our bedroom floor after a trip to the laundromat and dishes pile up on the 6 inches of counter we have next to the sink, I'm utterly frustrated. This apartment still doesnt' feel like ours, but like a temporary home. We have no plans to stay there much longer than we have to and it shows on our bare walls.


Those are some bare walls!

I think the state of our home is a testament to my inability to live in the present, among other things.

I'm constantly thinking about the next step in my career, and neglecting to be thankful for the learning experience my current position is providing me with.

I'm daydreaming about what it will be like when Chuck and I decide to expand our family, and taking for granted this time of just-the-two-of-us that should be cherished.

I'm envisioning our starter house when we move back to Ohio, and treating our first residence as a married couple as a temporary home.

1.10.2013

Thursday Thoughts: Feminism


I really don't know what direction this post is about to take. What I do know is, this is something that's been on my mind lately and something I want to admit: I am a feminist.

Before you tune me out and start picturing me picketing in my Birkenstocks, know that 1) Feminism is not a dirty word and 2) I am not a man-hater. 

The fact remains, I believe we live in a sexist society and I believe in equality for women.

Source: google.com via Joⅆi on Pinterest


I think my feminist mindset has been brewing under the surface for some time. For instance, when a rude, older gentleman at my former place of employment prompted me to write this post. Or when a former professor posted this link that showed off the 'humorous' graphic tees marketed by Spencers with lines like, "When I want your opinion, I'll take my d**k out of your mouth," "Hey slut, let's f**k" and "Fetch me a beer b***h." Ugh, re-reading makes me physically ill.

The thing that bothers me perhaps more than anything, though, is that women are so often guilty of perpetuating this misogynistic mentality. Why are so many of us so ready to attach our worth to our physical appearance, our marital status or our ability to procreate?

Don't get me wrong, I can't wait to be a Mommy. But I refuse to assume 100% of the parental responsibility simply because of my gender. I believe parenting should be an equal partnership. Just as I believe women should expect equality in every other facet of their lives.



There's a lot more I could say on this and much more articulately, I'm sure. But, I'm curious-
Do you describe yourself as a feminist?

1.04.2013

Four Months as Mrs.


It's so crazy to me that we've been married four months. I remember anxiously awaiting the day when I could say we had been dating for four months so we'd feel like a more legitimate couple. Silly 22-year old, Kaity.

Four months as a Mrs. is longer than my only other dating relationship. Ha!

Four months as a Mrs. has gone by so much faster than as a girlfriend, or a fiance.

Four months as a Mrs. has prompted me to share my smattering of thoughts on the matter, so here goes.

After four months...

I still can't believe I'm married.

I'm probably giving Chuck a complex with how many times I say this- but I really never believed I'd be a wife. Let alone, one of the first of my friends to get hitched. 

I remember one of my friends describing me as a dandelion seed. Just floating on a summer breeze until I found a good spot to land. That's how I lived my life and how I always thought I would. Then, BAM! Chuck happened. All of a sudden this dandelion grew roots. 

It's been a weird pill to swallow. Not good, or bad. Just different. A couple weeks ago I was telling Chuck about this full-tuition scholarship I found for a school in Massachusetts that I could be eligible for. After we sat down and talked about it, it was obvious that it just wasn't a realistic pursuit for me. A couple years ago, I wouldn't have given it a second thought. 

I knew what I was signing up for when I recited my vows, and yet the notion of considering anyone but myself is so contrary to my nature that it's taking some adjusting. 


Sex.

Most days, I still feel like a 16-year old inside. I've just come to terms with drinking in front of adults now that I've been legal for nearly four years. Imagine my discomfort when the topic of procreating arises.

But here's the thing. Sex between a husband and wife is not a dirty thing. Within the respectful bounds of my husband's privacy, it's something I want to talk about because frankly, not many people do. I've learned that dating sex and married sex are two very different things.

Dating sex is hormone-fueled. Dating sex is wondering what the other person thinks of your naked body. Dating sex is being mortified that someone is looking at your naked body. Yes, it's new and exciting, but it's also nerve-wracking, intimidating and awkward as hell!

Then comes married sex. Comfortable sex. Not comfortable, as in lazy or unromantic. But all that awkwardness and those insecurities are a thing of the past, and all that remains is a physical and emotional connection that is completely unparalleled. 

Granted, Chuck and I have aged about 5 years in the last one year. We went from free-spirited dating and a naive long-distance relationship to a married couple working a combined 120 hours a week. We're still learning how to find balance; something we'll hopefully have mastered by five months ;)


Chuck remains my BFF.

Despite my disbelief that I'm a married lady, in most ways, making the transition hasn't been as challenging as I thought it would be. I've effortlessly taken on his name, and haven't even goofed when jotting down my signature! My commitment fears haven't reared their ugly heads, either.

Life is easy when you're in love with your best friend.

1.03.2013

A Resolution to be Real

Just a little snapshot of our Christmas via Instagram.

It’s good to be back today. Weird, but good. Chuck and I had a wonderfully, simplistic Christmas and I spent the following days working sporadically and soaking up time with my baby sister who came to visit. By the time New Years Eve rolled around, I had caught a nasty virus of some kind that had my body doing unspeakable things (HIMYM reference, anyone?). Long story short, I haven’t blogged in what feels like forever. And it’s been good. Really good.
For the last two weeks, I’ve felt zero pressure to keep posting regular content, to immediately respond to e-mails or to develop some kind of “filler” post to remind the world that I’m still alive. In the wake of throwing myself into sponsorships, giveaways and link-ups, I needed a break.
Being away from my blog for a significant amount of time caused me to do some serious reflecting. Reflecting on the things that matter to me, the things I want to continue writing about and the things I don’t. It’s been so wonderful to watch that number next to my GFC widget continue to increase over the last few months, but I’m realizing that I have no idea how many of those numbers represent people who follow this blog because they like what I have to say…and how many represent people who want what I have to give away. If it’s the latter, I’d rather not have them at all.
I work two jobs. I see my husband at bedtime and for a few hours on the weekends. I have far too little time and energy to devote to something that isn’t an honest, authentic and real representation of who I am. I love to write and this blog has served as a mirror; allowing me to reflect on the {bee}autiful blessings in my life, as well as those pesky areas that are in constant need of improvement.
Above all, this blog is my journal. I write what I see, what I know, what I feel. Anything less than that is a disservice to myself and a disservice to those who have stuck around for the ride.
So to those of you who have, thank you so much. In light of this new year, I resolve to always be true to myself, and be real for you.
Happy 2013, everyone!!! Let’s kick this year’s booty!
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