Prest-o, Change-Whoa!!!!

They say the only thing that's constant is change, right?  Well, let's just say that I'm a firm believer of that!  I happen to be one of those people who used to fear change....um, not just a little, either.  I just wanted to hang on to things just as they were, and when anything threatened the security in that, I would pretty much have an anxiety attack merely thinking of it.

Well, it's been a goal of mine to overcome that fear of change, to let go and let God.  I'm a work in progress, but I'm getting better at it.  I also have decided to baby step it.  Where did I start first?  Well, at the top of my head, of course!

My beloved hairdresser (who has got to be some sort of MacGyver/ninja/Jedi/wizard type of woman) has been one of the biggest forces in my life to challenge me and help me get past this fear of change.  She talked me into the bangs I actually loved (although that did take her a full twelve months of campaigning).  I know, the shame.  It's only hair.  I'm finally getting to that place, and my how liberating that is!  It's phenomenal actually.

I must digress to really show off my hairdresser's work because she is AH-MAZING.  She came up with this for my wedding ceremony:



Photo Credit: CGS

...and then she expertly turned my hair into this for the reception.  With no help.  In the backseat of a limo.  While the car was moving.  With no mirrors available.  Without me seeing it.  (How did I know it was okay???  When my brand new husband said, "Wow, baby, that's perfect!")

Photo Credit: Official Entertainment

So, when this incredible woman took on the challenge of another change-up for me, I actually did pretty well jumping off the edge - it's shocking, but I did it!

Are you ready for this, world????  Well, buckle up, because Chicken Wing's fiery spirit is now showcased firmly on her head!

Ermagersh, I'm ginger!

Now, I realize that photo looks like I have taken on a lifetime role of Ariel in The Little Mermaid but my hair isn't that red all the time!  It is, however, when I stand in front of a deep turquoise wall.  So, if you see me in the Bahamas with that turquoise water, don't be afraid - as far as I know, mer-people aren't real.  Here's another view (please excuse the cell phone quality) to show you how it photographs differently depending a) on what I'm wearing and b) what color I'm standing in front of!

So, it's a big change for me, but to be completely candid, I am digging it!  I've been blonde for so long and in this case, I am thrilled with the change.  I love how it brings out my eyes, and even does wonders for my typical winter pasty complexion.

If the only thing that's constant is change, count me in!

Until next time,

Falling In Love With Fall

Do you know what I love?  I'm sure you're smart enough to read the title of this post, and if you were, then you know I'm talking about the sensational season of FALL.

There's something so romantic about fall.  The crisp air, the changing and falling leaves, pumpkins, mums, the promise of a bonfire and snuggling in a warm blanket with someone you love so dearly - I sincerely can't say enough about this season.

It makes me want to hike awesome trails, cheer on my favorite football team (GO REDSKINS AND RGIII), roast marshmallows and make s'mores.  It makes me want to decorate my home in the colors of autumn.  Fall has a magical way of making you want to dream again after a summer of wanting to do nothing but relax and have fun.

Want to know another thing I absolutely love?

For reals, y'all.

The best thing about Pinterest is that I can link multiple loves together.  For example, I love fall.  I love decorating.  I love decorating my home with fall things.  Pinterest gives me ideas and tutorials on how to do that.

Another example, you say???  Well get ready, because here it comes!  Let's say I wanted to decorate with pumpkins but in a new and exciting way.  Hit up Pinterest and......................GO!

Love this lady's creation, which I found on Pinterest,
and she created based on inspiration she found on Pinterest!

And who thought panty hose + pumpkin would = love?

How chic!

Maybe home decor isn't your jam, and that's okay. Pinterest has something for everyone.  Maybe you are the next Rachael Ray or Bobby Flay.  In your case, you might enjoy these scrumptious findings:

Buffalo chicken dip?  Makes me wanna cuddle up...with some Tostitos.

Sweet potato casserole = all kinds of good!

Okay, let's just say you're an uber-grouch and don't like decor or food.  Well, that leaves you with these guys.

Oh em gee.

If you don't like those adorable babies, I personally have a problem with you and your state of mind.  Get a therapist.  Get medicated.  Find the Lord.  Do what you gotta do to get right!  That.is.all.

Happy Fall, y'all!

Until next time,

I Remember

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I remember the horror that swept the nation 11 years ago today. I remember watching with my classmates at Governor's School in the breakroom.  I remember the shock.  I remember the tears. I remember each of us holding onto one another as if we, too, could be taken from one another at any moment.  It was heartbreaking.

Seeing this now sends chills down my spine.

I remember the extensive news coverage that seemingly could only get worse.  I remember the timeline.  I remember seeing the unthinkable - a plane flying into a building and the explosion that followed.  I remember connecting the dots that there were people inside - human lives were being lost in front of my eyes.

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I remember the smoke billowing out of each of the Twin Towers, as dark as the hearts that caused this situation. 
I remember thinking, " I can't believe they attacked the Twin Towers."  A symbol of American prosperity and success.

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I remember thinking, "I can't believe they attacked the Pentagon!  The PENTAGON!"  A symbol of American strength and security. 

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And then there was United Airlines Flight 93.  This plane was also hijacked, but the outcome was not what they wanted.  There, the terrorists took on the American spirit.  There, even though good and innocent people did not make it out alive, the terrorists lost.

It's so easy to turn to depression or grieving when you think about that day.  It is so easy to let the darkness overtake the light.  It's easy to get angry.  It's easy to forget the blessings of life.  Instead of doing that, though, I am going to take a different path - a less traveled one.  This choice is one that I haven't always made - mainly because the other path is so much easier and it's a natural reaction.  Instead of choosing fear, sadness, and darkness, I am choosing faith.

Here's what I know. I know that God is good.  I know that He loves us and wants us to be happy.  I know that He made the ultimate sacrifice for each and every one of us.  I know that God is love.  I pray for all of the people who were touched by 9/11.  I pray for peace and I pray that God wraps His arms around us all because we really could use more of Him in our world and in our lives.

Here's some encouragement, folks.  Hold on to the people you love.  Tell them how much they mean to you.  Put down whatever you're tangled up in at work and wrap your arms around your loved ones.  Make that phone call you've been putting off for any number of unimportant reasons.  Put your heart on the line for someone else.  Lift your neighbors up in prayer.  Lift the world up in prayer.  Hold tight to your faith and if you have no faith, find some.  If you feel that's not possible, please come see me - I can help you with that.

I leave you with this.  May it bring peace to your hearts and minds today.  It surely did for me this morning.


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Love always,

That Time Of Year

Okay, I guess it's time to accept the fact that I'm getting older.  It's self-admittedly pretty bad when you forget that your own birthday is a few days away.  I guess that's what I get for being so busy, yeah?  Oh wells, life goes on.  Today is the day we celebrate my birth.  I, for one, am glad I've been given this many years to live and I hope God grants me many more!  I am more blessed than I ever imagined!

I've been trying to reflect on the past year so that I could leave you all with some pearls of wisdom - wisdom is what you're supposed to look forward to with age, isn't it?  I find this assignment to be challenging, since who knows if there is anything that I have learned this year that would apply to your lives, but here goes nothing!

1.  If you're going to have long hair, for the love of everything, attempt to style it!  (I am as guilty as they come of rocking the "hey, check out my hair as it literally just hangs on either side of my face day after day" look.  But we have to focus - Pinterest has changed the game, y'all.  There is no excuse for not at least TRYING the tutorials for cute styles that you've pinned.)

2.  That brings me to the next thing I've learned - when you put your mind to something, eight times out of ten, you can accomplish it!  The project isn't going to complete itself, folks!  For example, if you stumble across a craft project and accompanying tutorial - if you think you can make it cheaper than you can buy it, give it a shot!  I wanted to use fabric flowers as accents in my wedding.  Did I know how to do it?  Heck to the no!  Did I find a tutorial and have the materials?  You betcha!  Could I really justify spending $10 PER FLOWER when I felt capable of doing it myself for $10 or less TOTAL?  You have lost your mind!  Did I finally work up the courage to try?  Yes sir, yes ma'am.  And I'm so glad I did!

Proud crafty mama, I am!  Can't wait to share professional pictures of these bad boys in use!

3.  Sometimes, letting go is a part of growing up.  Over the past year, several people I had invested a lot of time and energy in let me down.  Not just once - more like continuously.  I have finally gotten to the point in my life where I am okay with letting go of relationships that make me sad more than they make me happy.  If someone constantly uses me, they're gone.  If they lie to me, they're gone.  If they only exist for the sole purpose of starting or continuing drama, they're gone.  As much as I've tried to complicate it over the years, it really is as simple as that.  Pray for them, bless their hearts, and move on.

4.  In the same vein as number 3, make it a PRIORITY to surround yourself with good, positive, challenging people.  I promise you, it will become one of your proudest accomplishments.

5.  Spend less time posting on facebook and other social media sites and live your life.  Wow this took a lot of time to put into action, because let's face it - we all love a good timesuck or two.  For example, I actually had someone say to me, "I can't believe you didn't post pictures while on your trip this week!"  Newsflash:  I was enjoying my HONEYMOON.  The only honeymoon I'll ever get.  I didn't want to spend my precious week off putting pictures or statuses on facebook about how much I enjoyed engorging myself with crab legs, hush puppies, and honey butter (rest assured, I did.  A lot.).  I wanted to spend my precious week off from work with my brand new, super sexy, uber fun, hunk of a husband.  [Sidebar:  I did take pictures.  I will post them when I get some time.  Pinky promise.]

6.  Magic Mike was an awesome movie, and not for the plotline.

7.  Getting organized is hard.  Staying organized is harder.  This is a work in progress for me because I'm not a natural organizer where everything has it's place.  Or, I'm not that way about everything - I am about some things and I wish I was about everything.  I'm a clutterbug.  My husband is somewhat of a clutterbug.  Two clutterbugs living in Casa De Clutterbug equals chaos on most days.  We're working on it.  If organization is a challenge for you, too, all I can say is keep going and don't give up! 

8.  When all else fails you, simply say a prayer.  God hears everything you tell Him.  He is always faithful.

9.  When you constantly have prayed for something (that promotion at work, the guy/girl to take things to the next level, to win the lottery, to find someone to be with, or to make pain go away in some form) and nothing changes, the right move is not to curse God.  It's not to blame Him, call Him a meanie or some other terrible name, or swear off believing in Him altogether.  The correct move is to take a long hard look in the mirror, buck up a bit, and realize that maybe God isn't ignoring you...maybe God is simply telling you, "No."  Guess what, it happens.

10.  Finally, one last nugget of wisdom (you like how I word played on a form of chicken???) for you that I've learned in the past year is marry someone who turns you into a team.  Marry someone you genuinely want to do life with.  Marry someone who you can successfully have difficult discussions with.  Marry someone who makes the world a better place.  Marry someone who takes time for the little things.  Marry someone who makes you laugh.  Marry someone who knows what to do when you cry.  Marry someone who knows how to say the words, "I'm sorry."  Marry someone who wants to marry you.  Marry the person who does all these things for you.  Trust me, it rocks the most.

From me, on my birthday, to all of you - thanks for being in my life and for constantly lifting me up.  I hope I can do the same for all of you!

Until next time,

I Don't Even Know My Own Name!

Well, hello, dah-lings!

It is I, your beloved Chicken Wing, and I am as upside down as I've ever been!  Things are a little cray cray insane right now and I'm doing my best to love every single second of it.

Let me set the scene for you.  I'm sure for most of you, much like myself, work is pretty much always crazy.  There are always a million things to do and your most important responsibility is to never ever screw up on anything.  Ever.  Seriously.  I'm sure for a lot of you, also much like myself, your home life is also crazy.  Clean this, organize that, wash this dish, fold those clothes, and don't ever stop sweeping up CiCi fur.  Ever.  Seriously.

Every now and again, you get a sweet vacation planned and boy do you look forward to it.  The beach is always a safe haven for me - I feel my most beautiful when I've got my toes in the sand, and I'm looking much less Twilight than I normally do. 

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Speaking of this, I must digress - WHY did this cheating scandal happen and completely rock my world?  On a serious note, I do feel for them.  People make mistakes every day, and unfortunately for these two young folks, a bad situation got a whole lot worse with the entire world watching.  I guess whatever will be will be and I wish nothing but the best for them.  The one good hilarious thing to come out of this breakup???

This. God bless you, Will Ferrell.

Anywho, back to the topic at hand, which is basically that when you take a vacation that you've been really looking forward to because work is killing you, you have that moment while on said vacation when you realize that the day you go back to work, you are really going to regret taking that vacation.  Nine times out of ten, that does happen to me, with the exception of this year.  Don't get me wrong - I have been so crazy nuts looney busy for the past few months, I don't even know my own name.

You think that's funny, do you?  Well, I really don't even know my own name because this time, it's gone and changed on me!  :)  You may recall a certain hunk of a man named Comanche - there have been many wonderful stories about him around these parts, and stay tuned, because there will be many more!  Well, he stole my heart, so I stole his last name!

Miss Chicken Wing is now Mrs. Chicken Wing, y'all!!!!!!!!

Love this man so much (and my hair stylist and my uplighting and my DJ, who took this picture)!
Photo Credit:  Official Entertainment

He's mine, he's mine, he's MINE!!!!
Photo Credit:  Official Entertainment

And for those of you smart cookies that put 2 and 2 together, the reason I had no regrets about this vacation is because it was my honeymoon!  We had a wonderful first week of being married, and we've gotten back to half-way regular life now - working hard at our jobs and at making our house a home.

I genuinely can't describe how blessed we were throughout the wedding planning process and the wedding  itself.  We're some lucky loves, let me tell you!  I can't wait to share more about the big day with all of you, and I will definitely do that once I get my official wedding photos back. Then, I can brag about all the amazing vendors we used and hopefully make each and every one of you feel like you were there. 

Bottom line:  Hi, my name is MRS. Chicken Wing.  I don't even know my own name, and I couldn't be happier about it!


Until next time,

PSA: I AM ALIVE!

Attention, attention!

Is this thing on?  There is a very important public service announcement that must be made right this very second.  Are you ready for it?

I.am.still.alive.

That just blew your minds, didn't it?  Being as it has been an embarrassingly long time since my last post, I was almost ashamed to revisit my blog.  I thought that y'all must have officially blog-broken up with me due to my making our relationship very one-sided.  By that, I mean you keep checking to see if I'm alive and I have no new material to offer you.

I questioned whether or not to check my own blog but I wanted to make sure that Blogger had not shut it down due to inactivity, not that I would have blamed them.  I'm 100% positive that there are millions of much more interesting people with tons of content that can keep readers busy.  But there is a distinct reason that I decided to write this post today and it is quite simply.....you.

I was astounded at the number of hits my blog had gotten from people checking in to see if I'd posted anything new.  I was shocked at the messages I found saying that people had recently discovered my blog and were reading back-entries and thought my writing was not only good but hilarious. Bottom line - my heart exploded into heart-shaped clouds that hundreds of unicorns were flying through causing cotton candy to rain down from the skies!

Thank you for not giving up on me and for caring about me!  Thank you for encouraging me and respecting the fact that I've been so busy that I haven't had time to blog anything about the cool adventures I've been on lately.  Thank you for supporting me, even when I didn't give you a reason to.  Y'all are rediculously amazing, and I am so lucky.

One HUGE reason for my absence, outside of working myself to death, is that in a mere FIFTEEN days, my last name is going to change. 

Remember this stud? I get to MARRY him! Squeeeee!

If I manage to make it through this experience without spontaneously combusting from being so happy, I will definitely try to blog more.  I love sharing my life with you guys.  I love that you want me to.  Thank you for rocking my world time and time again.  You are simply the best!

Until next time,

Six Years!

Type of Ticket:  One Way
Destination:  Crazy Town
Population:   Me

I just wanted to say that today is the six year anniversary of my being employed at my awesome company!  On one hand, I'm hollering "WOO HOO!" and on the other, I'm scratching my head in disbelief that it could even be possible!  I'm a huge fan of longevity, so I guess this is right up my alley.

It's really cool to think about my 21-year-old self walking through the doors for my first interview here, wondering if I was giving away just how nervous I was.  It was a weird, out-of-body experience, because nervousness actually fuels me - I guess I could chock it up to my Public Speaking classes in college.  Scared to death - check.  Ready to kick some arse - also check.

I've come a long way since January 16, 2006, and my life has seen so many changes, but one thing remains - I am so grateful for the experiences in my life.  I'm so proud to work where I work, with the people I work with.  I'm so thankful that the powers-that-be decided to extend a hand and give this young gal a chance.  I hope they're as happy with their decision as I've been with the decision to accept their offer.

Here's to my sixth year of being excited to go to work every day!  Let's make it a great one!

Until next time,

The NEW Post

Okay, let's just be honest - I've been a blogging slacker to the max lately!  And, in typical Chicken Wing fashion, I'm fashionably late in wishing each and every one of you a very

Well, 2011 left as quickly as it came, didn't it?  I don't know about all of you but I have gotten quite busy - not that anyone should necessarily be surprised by that.  For whatever reason, it's surprised me more than ever. 

But, it's now 2012, and this is a NEW post in a NEW year with a NEW blog background (you may or may not have noticed).  I felt the desire to change it up because hopefully, we're all changing up.  New years bring new resolutions and new hope - you want to learn more, eat better, live better, and just be better.  None of these are easy tasks, to be sure, but for whatever reason, when the last two numbers of the year change, you get this jolt of electricity through your veins that makes you excited about the possibilities that await you.

Don't get me wrong - I'll never completely change.  I like myself - sometimes too much, and other times not enough, but as a general rule, I really like myself.  I just aspire to be the very best version of myself, and I really don't think there's anything wrong with that.

From where we left off (Christmas, of course) to now, I've been living in a maze of boxes as Little Sister Chicken Wing and I prepare to depart our current rental townhouse!  Talk about crazy!  We've lived together for the past few years, and there have definitely been highs and there have also been lows.  I don't know about each of you, but for us, we get along so much better as siblings when we don't occupy the same dwelling.  I'm looking forward to us branching out on our own again and the closeness it will allow.  I'll miss the absolutely crazy things she does that typically make me laugh (either with her or at her) at least once per day.

Our moving situation is a little more stressful than others I've been in before for a few reasons.  1)  The little sister and I are moving to two different places.  2)  The majority of the furniture in our townhouse is mine, so moving it too early will make it really difficult for LSCW.  3)  LSCW literally has ONE DAY to move.  How?  She can't move into her new place until the same day we have to turn the keys over to our place. Suckfest 2012!

Where does all of this leave us?  Feeling like we are going to soon be featured on an episode of this:

I'm shaking in a corner already.

I've always been a little bit of a clutterbug, and I also have a tendency to want to keep things.  But, for some reason, ever since this show started and as the level of horror I experience when I watch the stories deepens, I get panicky!  So, my answer to that has been to sell pretty much anything I don't think I'll need!  I figure, the best way to keep the new place pared down is to get rid of things that are not necessary for living there before I even have the chance to move them in!

While a few sales made me sad, most of them make me want to high-five myself!  (Subsequently, I may or may not have actually high-fived myself multiple times - don't judge me.)  It feels pretty good to just let go of things that actually weigh you down in the long run, especially when you realize that someone else can love the item even more than you did!  Plus, with a wedding to pay for, the extra income is another glorious benefit!

If you are moving, too, I feel your pain sisters and brothers!  If you are not, high-five yourself.  If you're busy, I hope you are busy doing things you love and that make you happy.  If you're not busy and not enjoying it, get PUMPED and off the couch!  If you're too busy (like I've admittedly been), take a breather and live in the moment.  Happy Everything, Peeps!

Until next time,