a copy of a copy of a copy

"With insomnia, nothing's real. Everything's far away. Everything's a copy of a copy of a copy. When you have insomnia, you're never really asleep, and you're never really awake." (Fight Club is one of the coolest, most relevant movies ever. Maybe.)

You may or may not be able to tell, but when I took these pictures the other day, I was headed to school and I hadn't slept in almost 30 hours. 

Mikey's been in Florida, working at his new job (and doing exceptionally well, I must add) for the last month and some change. I've been here in Jersey, finishing up my semester and living with his dad. Most girls can't handle separation from their husbands, I think I do it just fine. But I'm not most girls (and it also helps that he's not in Iraq this time--I admit, I didn't handle 130 days of that so great in the beginning, but that's different--there isn't much of an FPCON level in Fort Myers, Florida). I love my alone time and when I have it, I cherish it by spending a good amount of time thinking, reading, drinking wine, listening to music, taking bubble baths, painting my nails, writing in my journal, and watching a shit ton of Arrested Development (but you already knew that). I have my whole life to spend with Mikey, so there's no sense in me crying everyday that I miss him so much. It goes without saying that I do. But I've also always been abnormally independent. It doesn't mean I don't love as much, I just do it differently I guess. Why am I even saying all this? To show how strong I am? I don't think so. Quite the contrary I suppose. You see at night, that's when everything becomes a bit more challenging. I'm used to Mikey sleeping next to me. I guess in that aspect, I've grown very dependent. In bed with him, I sleep better. Like a baby. Since he's been gone, I haven't had the best sleep. I've been averaging about four hours a night during the week--if I sleep at all--but come the weekend, I can be in bed by nine or ten p.m. and sleep well past noon the next day. (Maybe school is just stressing me the fudge out and that's why I can't sleep during the week? Who knows.) I recently purchased a bottle of "Sleep Aid Maximum Strength" at Target; the lady at the pharmacy counter told me it's really just Benadryl and that she recommends it over Melatonin (which is what I usually take) if you're having honest to goodness trouble sleeping. It obviously works like a dream, but I've been trying not to take it every night, so as to give myself the opportunity to fall asleep naturally. I was godawful tired tonight, so I resisted the sleep aid and what do you know? It's 4:37 in the morning and I have class at 9:55...

If any of you have suffered from this ruthless bitch, Insomnia, and have any remedies that might work, feel free to send them my way. 

Vintage 1950's dress from The Attic in Las Vegas (it was a gift from Mikey on our 1 year anniversary)

Gem stone floral necklace: Anthropologie 2010

Mel by Melissa "Apple" Bow Jelly Sandal (mouthful)

In other news, Spring has finally sprung in New Jersey. It's beautiful, especially on FDU. And oh yeah, I suppose it's been a while since I posted (shocker), so I have new hair. Hiiiii. K bye.

Love, me.

P.s. I start my week long road trip to head south to Florida next Friday after my final exam! I'm making a few pit stops along the way to see some old bffs, my mother-in-law, and maybe meet up with some girls who I adore from IG (I'm spontaneous-and crazy-like that). Can't wait!

the early November

Guys, here are some pictures that never made it to the blog because I decided to take that long break. These are from November, right after I made it to my first blogaversary and Mikey bought me a celebratory dress for the occasion. We were at school and there were tons of leaves everywhere so naturally, I played in them. Here are the photos.

Coat: Oasis// Dear Creatures dress via ModCloth// Cardi: Express// Tights: ModCloth// Brogue shoes: Endless

This is one of my favorite dresses to play with. It looks so different/lovely/perfect with heels! If I could own everything Dear Creatures puts out, I'd be the happiest girl everrrr.

I think that last one is a pretty neat shot, if I may be so boastful. Good job, Mikey. 

How many of you know that The Early November is--well, was--a band? They used to be one of my favorites, back in my emo days. It's still fun to play them in my car and reminisce on past times (especially with this song). Not only that, the early part of November is also my favorite time of year. The air just smells and feels better. And it reminds me of chilly nights in 2002 when I first began my adventure in the military (I was so young!). I wrote a little personal essay about that last year, maybe I'll share it one day. 

Anywho, I hope you're all having a relaxing Sunday. 

Love,

me

last New Jersey winter

Oh, heyyy.
Well, I certainly didn't plan on taking a 3.5ish month break from my blog, but what can I say? Life just happens. A lot. And after a while, the guilt that normally encompassed me when I missed as little as three days of blogging disappeared.
I'm here right now because I want to be. I really miss having a sort of picture diary, versus just having my personal daily journal. When I was updating here so much I  abandoned my journal, and I always felt so horrible because, as you would imagine, I shared 'more' there. I miss all the friends I made here and the ways we communicated, but to be honest, I still don't see myself updating this thing as much as I used to (but who really knows with me?). I will, however, update when I can, therefore making this what I initially intended it to be: for me; for memories; just because; for fun. I don't like feeling like things I enjoy are chores and I think that's part of what happened before. Plus, aside from getting their phone calls and texts WEEKLY, I know my mom and sister want so bad to come to this website again and actually see what I've been up to. Our every-other-day phone calls are just not enough for them. :) So, Mom, Mona, this post is for y'all.
Today it snowed. And apparently it's going to snow a lot-lot more. Mikey and I decided to document our last winter/snowstorm here in Jersey. (Dear God, I hope it's our last one.) He recently got a job that will be requiring us to move to Florida before the start of summer. We're so, so excited! I'm eager to get back to the south end of the U.S. I miss not having four seasons. (Hey, I've lived in Texas, Oklahoma, Vegas, Ecuador, and the caribbean--I crave the hot-hot-heat!) But I'm very happy having been able to finally experience a white Christmas, random snowfalls on Halloween, gorgeous foliage sceneries in the fall (my favorite season), beaches a short drive away, and of course New York City and its tremendous energy (and exquisite fine dining) whenever I felt like it. New Jersey & New York, you will be missed. Now, bring on the blizzard!

A (class)room with a view. I love my school (stated on this blog for the billion&fifth time). I think I'll miss it more than any other place in Jersey and NY combined. 

"Wait, I forgot to put on lipstick--I look too pale!"...*runs inside for MAC Russian Red...*

...again with the hand on the head. I had a high bun under the beanie & felt like the hand made the big bulge less noticable. Wrong. 

Licking some snow off my lip, ha!

Today was fun. (Did I already say that?) I baked a batch of cookies and sat near my window, drew the blinds and just stared, dreamily, at the falling flakes. Snow and I have had a long, complicated love/hate relationship the last three winters. It's beautiful as it falls and absolutely charming in the way it decorates ordinary structures, but oh, dear Snow, why must you cause already-subpar drivers to drive even more like shit and scare the hell out of me while doing so, completely interrupting the moment I'm having while singing softly along to Beach House, so that I have to neurotically restart the song--about 6 times--because I didn't get to 'feel' my favorite part? I hate you for that, more than when you become the annoyingly disgusting brown slush that dirties up said structures and my cute Mini Cooper. But I digress. Snow, if this weekend is the last I see of you before we leave then I'll know that you came as a birthday (it's Sunday) gift to me, and I suppose I should say thank you. I know I'm sure your intentions have always been good. 

Was that weird? ^^^ I have had a couple glasses of vodka since coming back inside. Don't judge me, Mom. I needed to warm up, duh. 

Mom, Mona, and anyone else who will happen to see this post, I hope y'all enjoyed the wintry photos and the vodka-induced ramblings of a self-proclaimed tumbleweed. 

Until next time!

<3 a stranger. 

Playing with my money is like playing with my emotions

Romper: Ruche// Cardigan: Red Dress Shoppe// Brogues: Endless// School bag: ModCloth// Hair bow used as bow tie c/o Coral Clover (one of my sweet Instagram pals!)

So check this out. Other than bartending every now and again on weekends, going to school is my full time job and my/our source of income. Mikey and I, having served in the military, are granted free education through what's called the GI Bill. Not only is our tuition absolutely covered, but we each get a separate paycheck just for going to school, therefore, we don't get paid when we aren't enrolled, e.g. during summer. So it is a job. A pretty sweet deal, yes, but it came with its cost and I feel veterans are more than deserving of this privilege. But I digress. It's nearing October and where we usually get paid precisely on the last day of the month, we have yet to see our August checks. We're also still waiting on our book stipends, a separate check that covers the cost of books each semester. The VA (Veterans Affairs office) is backed up by like, A LOT, on sending out paychecks to all of us vets. Basically we've been big time homebodies eating a ton of sandwiches, egg concoctions, and Ramens...which is typical college life anyway I suppose. But we're not used to this so it sucks (plus I haven't shopped in an eternity!). Dear VA head honchos: You don't want me to go all Big Worm on you, because playing with my money is like playing with my emotions. And I don't like it. So please send us our dinero. Now. 

And friends, please send good vibes our way so that Mikey can get one of these jobs he's applied to since graduating college this summer! (He's only enrolled in school again this semester so that he can help bring in money until he gets a call from a potential job opportunity.) Thanks in advance. 

I hope your weeks are going well! :)

small talk

Dress: Nishe via ASOS// Granny cardigan: F21// Brogues: Endless// Hair bow: American Apparel

It was SO chilly when I headed to school one morning this week. The realization that fall is rapidly approaching kind of bummed me out. What was once my absolute favorite season is now regarded as the prelude to my winter blues. Don't get me wrong, I love layering, my impressive collection of tights, cozy cardigans, and any excuse to wear a cute printed scarf, but my relationship with fall went from "in a relationship" to "it's complicated" when we moved to the northeast. I still adore fall when it's here, yes, but I don't wish for it to come anymore because I feel like it's just gone in a blur, so happy to make way for the prolonged, butt-shivering winters that I loathe more than all the habitual red light runners and rear-ending tailgaters of New Jersey.
And on that sourpuss note, y'all have a great rest of your week! :) Oh, that vlog I wanted to post by Friday will likely come Saturday or Sunday now...I was having a ton of problems fidgeting and looking down as I responded to the questions, so it's going to require some editing. Why am I so awkward?!

"Cause back in school, we are the leaders..."

[I've never been able to start school up again without this song playing in my head.]
Last week was fun but exhausting. The first week of school always wears me out, and I was taking naps as soon as I got home every day! All this new information stored on top of previous semesters information and waking up at 6 a.m. versus whenever the hell I feel like it was causing everything in me to shut down somewhere around 4 p.m. However, I think my body and brain are finally aware that I require them to be productive once again so I'm excited to take on new academic challenges. <---Extremely nerdy shit right there.

Blouse: Marshall's// Skirt: ModCloth// Flats: Target 

  

I took long strolls across campus after classes last week, just to soak it all in. It's a new season. A new semester at my beloved uni. I hope it's another positive one (filled with A's and maybe new friends, but mostly A's). Am I the only one who gets this sort of rush from the anticipation of meeting my newest professors and seeing the new flock of youngins I'll be stuck with all semester long? I live for first days of school and scanning the faces in the room. It makes me feel like a kid again, so excited to be starting over....I just love when things are brand new.

Good luck to any friends that have recently gone back to school or to my friends across the globe that are having final exams before a break!

Love,

Roni 

Summer school

[Flashback: A post from when my cousin Mercedes was visiting town.]

I didn't take any classes this summer but I did find myself playing and having picnics in the backyard of the mansion at my uni several times. I know I share plenty of pictures of Fairleigh on the blog, but whenever Mikey & I have visitors, I just have to let them see the campus in person, especially the calm and lush backyard. My cousin and I spent a couple hours here this day, touring the mansion, talking and listening to country music (while I cooled my feet off in the fountain). By the time we were walking the path back to my car, she was dead set on coming to school here. D'awww

Mercy lookin' so purrty :)

I purchased this camel and white gingham dress from Crush Vintage back in June and while it needs to be taken in a little, a belt works for now and it's become one of my favorite summer dresses! 

teenagers and their cell phones...

hands down the most awkward and uncomfortable pose ever! 

50's vintage dress: Crush Vintage// flats: Target// bag: thrifted// 50's vintage frames: Speakeasy Vintage, Montclair, NJ

Eeep! Almost forgot my sign off: ahem, y'all have a lovely day. It's raining here :D

From where I stand/sit...

So much green!
School just looked so beautiful today. I had to stop and take pictures.

And I call this my favorite path. It leads to the mansion where I've had at least one class every semester. 

I needed to finish reading a couple short stories before class started later in the day, so I took a seat in an empty, dark room near the window where the sun was coming in, giving me just enough light to read without straining my eyes. I could hear the water making bubbly noises from the fountains two floors below and snapped a couple more pictures. The view from the third floor of the mansion's backyard is just so lovely. I could live here, I swear.

I hope you each find simple beauty in the places you see every day. 
Have a terrific Tuesday! 

Friendly visits: Stephanie

Last month one of my best girlfriends -from Vegas- visited me for a few days. It was a short but super sweet stay. Here are some photos from our four days of fun. (Sorry I'm just getting to this, Steph. You know I love you.)

Our first stop when she got to Jersey was Park West Diner. The best! Also, my darling Steph has always acted like my second little sister. The bratty little sister that says, "I'm wearing your clothes all weekend. Dress me b*tch." So, top to bottom, Steph is in my stuff in every photo, fyi :)

Except for the bag she's carrying - it's hers. She got it in Africa and it's amazingly unique!

You might recall the many times I've bragged about my beautiful school, so naturally I wanted to take Steph to see the pretty landscaping. We had a fun photo shoot this day. 

Darn, this had the potential to be a panty shot ;)

This was the first time I had worn my junk food dress, so it seemed fitting to buy us some cookies from fellow students raising money. 

Cookie monsters :D

It's always so nice having people that have known me for years stop by to visit me in a place where I'm starting from scratch [in building new friendships]. It's sort of like a relief in ways because everything is beyond natural...it's familiar and feels like home...to me, friends feel like home. I hope that makes sense. 

Tomorrow I'll do a part 2 with our photos from a day in New York since this is already picture overload.

Thanks for visiting my bloggy-blog. 

Love,

Roni

P.s. If you click on my "Fairleigh" label below, you can see other posts that contain more random pictures around my campus. Just throwing it out there, if you care. :)

shoes worn from top to bottom: Swedish Hasbeens loafers, Jeffrey Campbell Daisy D, Swedish Hasbeens Mimmi