Have you felt inspired today?

I went to the beach on Monday, the day was windy and only 85 degrees, but I feared it would grow too cold to enjoy if I didn't make the trip soon, so I packed up and headed down the 10 mile stretch of road.

As soon as I stepped out of the car I was greeted with that glorious salty smell. A sense of peace suddenly nestled itself in my chest - the same peace I experience when walking into a sanctuary or going to adoration.

"I love the ocean," was my only thought as I shucked my shoes and waded into the cool water, letting my toes sink into the sand as I watched the waves white cap.

I stood there, feet sinking, wind whipping my hair and breathing deeply, savoring every second.

The most amazing thing about the ocean, in my opinion, is the fact that it is never the same. Each day the wind shifts it in a different direction, waves break at different points and temperatures change. It, as a whole, deserves a certain level of respect, as we all know it can be rather unpredictable at times. It plays host to life, a different world lies under the surface.

If the ocean were a human being, it'd never live the same day twice. It wouldn't be a slave to routine. It would make its own path, knock down any obstacle that was in its way.

It would inspire.

There is nothing like an ocean to put things in perspective. Next to it, everything seems so small. Those silly fights we've had with friends or loved ones, those failed attempts to achieve something, troubles... everything seems to fade away and is replaced by a fierce desire to create - to take charge.

Perhaps you're not a beach person, but that isn't my point. My point is this: I dare you to find something - anything- that inspires you. Find something that awakens your passion for life and run with it.

I dare you to create. Break things, build things, DO things. Creativity inspires creativity. Be wild, bold and unpredictable.

Be your own ocean.

'Tis the Season

for weddings.

I still cannot believe we are at the marrying age. (Well, some of you are).

My best friend gets married in two days. TWO. DAYS.

It seems like yesterday we were blowing bubbles in our chocolate milk while sitting in gross cafeteria chairs, skipping gym class to hang out in the library and having slumber parties.

Where did the time go? I'm sure with two days left before the nuptials my best friend wouldn't even have the brain power left to blow a chocolate milk bubble. Apparently a lot of planning goes into these events? I'm not sure, I just show up in the designated dress and stand where I'm told.

Speaking of this year's dress; it is a doozy.

Whomever thought to make a dress out of ultra-shiny tangerine material WITH(!!!) pockets ought to be put in front of a firing squad and shown no mercy.

That whole "You can shorten it and wear it again!" thing is bullshit. If I wore that sucker out socially, I'd be shunned. Forever branded as the girl that was too cheap to spend money on a decent dress. Wait... maybe that is fitting?

I'm not even out of one bride's maid dress and I already have another friend e-mailing me about HER bride's maids dresses. Sheesh.

"Just a little black cocktail dress!", my fanny!

Let it be known, ladies, that when (if) I get married, you'll pay.

My first thought was to put every one of my brides maids in something with numerous ruffles and preferably in a disgusting shade of pink, blue or yellow. ... On second thought, let's go crazy and do all three!

Kidding.

No, no. What I have in store will be far more entertaining. I'm saving all those dresses, girls, but not for the fond memories I had in them. I've decided I'm going to shorten them and have YOU wear them again!

But why stop there? I think then I'll have them all sewn together, just like (gasp!) quilted dresses! Of your very OWN!

It'll be like Tim Burton meets Raggedy Anne.

The only thing you have to look forward to is large quantities of champagne, but even that comes after a few hours of wearing those masterpieces.

Just a little something to keep in mind when browsing for something to dress your favorite bride's maid in. :)

It's a dog-eat-dog world out there...

... but I'm not sweating it, especially with this butterball on my team:

That's Boss, my slightly overweight yet completely lovable dog.

At present Boss and I are still trying to adjust to life on the ranch. For me it's because I'm a recent (enough) graduate of Texas Tech University, unemployed and therefore living with my parents. For Boss it's the twice-a-day feeding schedule.

Whoever said "You can always go home again.." obviously never did. Don't get me wrong, I'm very blessed to have parents that are willing to put me up until I find employment, but the whole dynamic of our relationship has changed. I got used to living solo, watching trashy TV, overfeeding my dog and letting dishes pile up. They got (prematurely) used to peace and quiet around the house after 20-something years.

They should have known better.

Amid resisting the urge to watch The Real Housewives of New York and dish washing, I've managed to send out quite a few resumes.

Apparently, no one is hiring. Or are they just not hiring me?

You know, I've never looked good on paper. Maybe it is time to spruce up the ol' cover letter and resume? Just a little pizazz that'll have them chomping at the bit.

A former classmate told me that journalists are notorious for substance abuse. A whoppin' 90-somethin' percent abuses alcohol (I blame meager salaries and bouts of unemployment). If what my friend said is true, (he didn't check his facts) they should love the New-and-Improved(!!!) paper version of Caitlin Probandt:

"Passion, combined with desperation, makes me the perfect candidate for this position. I have sufficient experience in writing, editing, meeting deadlines and drinking on the job. I have a work hard, play hard mentality that I apply to every day life."

...

Kidding.

... Sort of.