hello monday

hello 5am, I'm going to be seeing a lot of you from here on out. I'm hoping we can become friends
because, if I'm being honest, right now I don't like you that much.
hello loads of wrapping I need to get done, I've put you off long enough, it's time.
hello last few gifts I still need to purchase, I thought I bought you but apparently I need
to get better at checking my lists twice.
hello Christmas parties. I've got a couple of you this week on the same day,
hopefully I can take part in both.
hello to movie night with the Mullins, I'm excited to see the Hobbit part two.
hello saturday, you can't come soon enough... I can't wait to see my family!!!  I'm so excited
to celebrate Christmas with them and have them here for a whole week.
hello Monday!

What are you most looking forward to this week?

hello monday

hello last week of training in Lakeland. I can't say I'll miss the drive but I will miss the people.
hello divergent audio book series. You are definitely making traffic more bearable.
hello to a week of puppy sitting. Harley and I are going to have a blast.
hello training exams. Studying for you has taken me back to my college days.
hello a week without True Blood. I have to say I've found myself torn, I want to get through this season
and have a break, since I'm not all that happy with most of the characters. But then at the same time
I want to slow down and make the last few episodes stretch out because I don't want to not have
their disfunction as part of my weekly entertainment.
hello mini trip to Miami. I'll be visiting your beaches for one day this weekend and then I'll be
back next weekend. I still have lots of road time ahead of me.

hello Monday. 

What are you most looking forward to this week?

hello monday

hello second week of training. Lots more to learn and master, looking forward to it.
hello crazy traffic. I've got a plan to beat you, an audio book & new music are in my future.
hello True Blood dates w/ Autumn, I'm kind of over Season 5... ready for somethin to be resolved.
hello Halloween party at the new digs, not sure what I am going to dress up as yet but excited for a night with friends.

hello Monday, you are looking pretty snazzy. 

What are you most looking forward to this week?

What to do when you're stuck in traffic...

I'm not sure if I've wrote about this on here yet, but I've started a new part-time job. I am really excited about it and I like all the people I've met so far, but before I can officially start working I have a month of training ahead of me. This training happens to be in Lakeland Florida, which is about 62 miles from me. Which in traffic time comes out to about a 1.5hr drive in the morning and a 2hr drive in the evening. Bringing me to a total of 3.5hrs on the road and A LOT of that time I'm barely moving.

To combat the road rage that tends to come over me in those stand-still situations, I decided to be proactive and have a plan to make the time more enjoyable. Yes, I know some of these ideas are obvious but I think they are worth mentioning because they get me through it and they may help get you through it as well. 

1// Read a Book 

Or rather have someone read one to you. Audio books are awesome. If the book is good, it gives you a mental escape from the bumper to bumper traffic that is taking up your reality. I am currently listening to Love Does by Bob Goff. Not only is it entertaining but his stories are insanely inspiring, they make me want to make the most of every opportunity. Even traffic.

2// Learn a New Language

If you are like me and haven't yet mastered a second language, your commute may be the perfect time to start. I have a cheap $5 Learn to Speak Italian Audio set, I bought in a bargain bin, that literally makes me giggle like crazy. I can't say I've retained anything I've listened to yet, but it sure is entertaining. I am thinking about investing in a better set, something like this or this because I do really want to learn.

3// Have a Scavenger Hunt

We all drive the same roads every day, we know them so well that sometimes it feels like we just ended up at home. Auto pilot kicks in and we've made all the turns without even thinking. Because we are so use to our commute, there is a pretty good chance we are missing a lot of cool details along the way. One way to break up your trip and to appreciate your surroundings is to challenge yourself. Create a list of things you'd like to see and then while your driving keep an eye out. There is a good chance, you are passing by some beauty every day and you don't even know it. I plan on making me own list.

4// Rock Out

If you are going to be in the car for a long period of time, I say embrace the fact that you are essentially alone and rock out to your favorite tunes. Create a playlist of all the songs you love, but wouldn't necessarily sing along to with other people around. Then crank up the volume and sing it out. I do this A Lot. Sometimes, to oldies like Backstreet Boys and Hanson and sometimes I use the time to discover new music. Right now I've been listening to Brandon and Leah, Kim Walker-Smith and Skyler Smith and Sara Bareilles. 

Let me know in the comments what you do on your commute, I'm always looking for good ideas.

hello monday

hello mini-adventure to a new breakfast spot. Lenny's has been the talk of everyone in these parts
for awhile now, I'm ready to try it for myself.
hello movie date with friends. This one's on the IMAX screen so it's extra special
hello small group and connection time with all my lovely lady friends.

hello ikea trip w/ Carrie. I've got a list of stuff to find for my new space. I'm excited.

hello dinner with friends... I really need to learn to cook so I can reciprocate the yumminess.
hello True Blood dates with Autumn, I love you but I also am often left dissatisfied and a bit unnerved.
I'm wondering if that will ever change.

hello oil change. Ruby is in need of a day of pampering.
hello packing. I can't believe we start moving in a week. I've got my work cut out for me.
hello to a few of you days that I'm not sure what is yet in store.
It could be a trip to Nashville or more packing, I'll hopefully know by tonight.

hello Monday, you are looking lovely.

What are you most looking forward to this week?

hello monday

hello sorting & pricing. it's garage sale week!
hello grocery store. i think it's time we became better friends.
hello Faith City small groups, you're making me a better nurturer & budgeter.

hello new job opportunities, i'm ready to see if you're a good fit for me.

hello bootcamp. i skipped you my entire birthday week, please be gentle.
hello boxes, it's time to start slowly filling you. moving day is right around the corner.

hello garage sale day! let's make some money :)

hello Monday, i'm happy to see you.

What are you most looking forward to this week?

hello monday | it's my birthday week!

Hello friends! The best way to start a new week and to take on the dreaded Monday, is to sit down and make a little list of what you have to look forward to this week. It can be big things like an event or little things like your favorite TV show is coming back on. (Bones is back this week by the way.) We all have something we can be excited about, we just have to take the time to acknowledge it.
So here is my list...

hello birthday week! I can't believe you are already here.
hello seats behind home plate. Not a bad way to start the week.
hello budget small group, I am looking forward to your saving tips this week.

hello Candy Crush, I am so over level 65. Someone help me please.

HELLO 30! I can't wait to see what you have in store for me.

hello new hair do, I am ready for a little change.

hello garage sale prep. I so ready to get my sell on.

hello Monday, you are beautiful.

What are you most looking forward to this week?

Lately... in iPhone Photos

Most of these photos were originally posted on Instagram. If you want to connect, my name is BrionySkerjance and I'd love to "meet" you! 

This past week was a full one. I was in Michigan up until Saturday spending time with family and friends. While home I made it a point to go to Uncle Rays in Fenton because they have my favorite sweet delight, chocolate mocha pecan yogurt. It was yummy. Saturday I was back on the road, on my way to Knoxville TN to celebrate Courtney's 27th bday. The evening I got in we went to an amazing Italian restaurant, after dinner we went downtown to the Sun Sphere to ring in Courts bday right. After the Sun Sphere we headed over to a bar called Barleys where we played Buck Hunter and lastly we got Bubble Tea around 12:30pm. Sunday morning we met Momma and Pappa Leedy for church at Court's church, Faith Promise, then we met the rest of the Leedy clan for lunch at the Cheesecake Factory. After lunch we headed out for a game of put-put and some go-carting. The last couple of days have been spent hanging with Court and Meredith. I head back on the road to Florida Wednesday. 

My friend Tabitha started this fun way of recapping our week, make sure you go check her out.

hello monday

hello Tennessee, I'm excited to explore you a bit this week.

hello Apple Store Genius Bar, I hope you can patch up my computer in a jiffy.

hello time with Court, I love that we've had half the weekend & we get two more days together.

hello open road, I'll be heading back to Florida Wednesday.

hello Florida family, I've missed you.

hello high 90 degrees, you I haven't missed at all.

hello True Blood and Kinsey peeps... I'm excited to be reunited.

hello Gar & Ken's Wedding photos, you and I've got some time together ahead of us.

hello other photo shoots, we'll be getting our post processing on as well.

hello Monday, you came too soon but I'm still happy to see you.

Lately... in iPhone Photos

Most of these photos were originally posted on Instagram. If you want to connect, my name is BrionySkerjance and I'd love to "meet" you! 

As you can see from my Instagram pics, this past week was 100% about my baby bro's wedding. All the time and effort was definitely worth it, their day was just as beautiful as the two of them. 

My friend Tabitha started this fun way of recapping our week, make sure you go check her out.

hello monday

hello yummy homemade breakfast, the Smalley house always does it right.

hello japanese steakhouse, you know the way to my heart.

hello drive-in movie... you take me back to being a kid.

hello wedding photos, I'm excited to pick my favorites and get my edit on.

hello family time, I've got to get my fill to last me until December.

hello photo shoots, every time I get one of you I get excited butterflies.

hello carl, you are my favorite cat-dog. let's snuggle.

hello saturday drive back to TN, can't wait to see Court's face.

hello Leedy clan and Dollywood... it's time to celebrate Courtney getting older :)

hello monday, thanks for starting off a great week of vacation.

Lately... in iPhone Photos

Most of these photos were originally posted on Instagram. If you want to connect, my name is BrionySkerjance and I'd love to "meet" you!

This past week was full of a lot of time on the road and a lot of awesome faces and I haven't seen in awhile. I drove 21hrs from Florida to Michigan. The trip was full of traffic jams and rain storms. Since making it home it's been go go go... Kendall's bachelorette party, wedding projects and prep, time with family and friends. This next week is going to be just as busy if not more. My baby brother is getting married Saturday!  It's definitely going to make next week even more epic than this past week.

My friend Tabitha started this fun way of recapping our week, make sure you go check her out.

hello monday

hello michigan, i'm excited to be back for a couple weeks.

hello wedding prep, I am ready to take you on.

hello hair, I know you need some lovin, I promise to get you taken care of.

hello Faith City Fenton, I missed you guys.

hello time with Michigan friends, I love when we get a chance to get together.

hello baby brother's wedding rehearsal, I can't believe you are finally here.

hello Garrett and Kendall's wedding, so much love and time has gone into making you special.

hello happy tears, you need to reign it in. no ugly crying pictures allowed at the wedding.

hello new sister, Kendall, the Skerjance clan is so lucky to have you.

hello crazy dance moves, you are going to get a chance to come out once again.

hello monday, you are the beginning of a busy and emotional week for me. let's get this started.

worry not

It is easy, in this life, to get overwhelmed and allow ourselves to start creating "what if" scenarios. This track can be a dangerous one, it is more like an open invite for worry to come into our life. We worry about what others think, we worry about what will happen next, we worry about things that are not remotely in our control. And we lose sight of the beauty that is now. I'm not talking about planning, planning for your future can be exciting, planning is like dreaming out loud... that is different than worrying. Worrying drains you, it steals the joy out of situations, it weighs you down.

For some reason I think worrying about things somehow makes us feel more in control of the uncontrollable. This kind of activity is taxing and not beneficial, in my opinion. Why not fill that time with something worthwhile like focusing on recognizing all of the "what is" scenarios instead.

I know it is easier said than done... but next time you feel yourself falling down the "what if" worry rabbit hole maybe take a moment to step back and take in all that you have in life. Think about all the blessings: the relationships, the hobbies, the passions, the things that you love that bring you joy... allow all of that to saturate your thoughts and be encouraged. Leave the worry behind you, it isn't worth carrying around. It is much better to embrace the beauty that can be found in the "what is."

"Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up."

Proverbs 12:25

Lately... in iPhone Photos

Most of these photos were originally posted on Instagram. If you want to connect, my name is BrionySkerjance and I'd love to "meet" you! 

I'm a little late with this one, but I figure better late than never. I am heading to Michigan early in the morning and I had a lot to get done this week before leaving. Last week was full of playing in the waves, swimming in a gorgeous blue river, filling our tummies with lots of delicious food and 

being experimental with makeup and finding a new love for the color orange.

My friend Tabitha started this fun way of recapping our week, make sure you go check her out.

hello (mid-day) monday

hello bubble tea, I'll be having you at least once this week.

hello wedding program-fan thingy, it's your turn.

hello again DIY tutu project, your first tutorial was too difficult but I'm determined.

hello candy crush, I finally conquered my 3 quests I can move on to the next level. it is about time.

hello earlier bed time, i'd like to be friends with you but we are so different.

hello road trip, it's been a couple months I'm definitely ready to get out there again with Ruby.

hello Tennessee, I love your mountains and the fact that you are the home of one of my best friends.

hello Michigan, I can't wait to see you friday. we're going to have a couple fun weeks together.

hello monday, i'm excited for what you have for me this week.

happy sunday!

Lately... in iPhone Photos

Most of these photos were originally posted on Instagram. If you want to connect, my name is BrionySkerjance and I'd love to "meet" you!


This past week was a full one. I was able to explore new places with amazing people, as well as be a part of one of my dear friends Big Day. It was jammed packed with awesome people, lots of laughs, beautiful places and a handful of new experiences. It was the kind of week I wouldn't mind having all the time.

My friend Tabitha started this fun way of recapping our week, make sure you go check her out.

hello monday

hello Starbucks, I love you.

hello wedding printables, I'm going to get you done.

hello DIY tutu project, you don't scare me but wearing you does.

hello movie theater, you are one of my favorite escapes.

hello candy crush, you drive me crazy but I just can't stop.

hello Weeki Wachee, I'm ready to see your gorgeous blue waters again.

hello earlier bed time, you constantly evade me but I am determined to catch you.

hello monday, you snuck up on me this week but I'm glad to see you.

love is in the air

Today is my friends Debbie and Charles wedding day! I love them dearly and I know God has amazing things in store for them. I'm so excited for them and for the silly dancing that is to come at the reception. Wedding receptions are one of the few places where it is ok to bust out the oldies, you know what I'm talkin about... moves such as the sprinkler, bus driver, shopping cart and fisherman....  I am so pumped!