Allow Me to Explain...

...Why I have been MIA for so long! And why my blog perhaps mysteriously stopped appearing on your reading lists (that is assuming, of course, that you all are still reading!).

There was a bit of an issue with privacy in photographs and names on my blog. A few people, I will not say who, were concerned about being displayed on the internet for all to see.

I totally get it, and I understand. While this blog has been an outlet for me and a way for me to share my life with you all for the past 2.5 years, I understand that not everyone else feels comfortable doing that.

So, at first, I "deleted" the blog, but once I took some time off, I was DYING to come back. I missed you guys! I went through and deleted/edited some of my posts, and now I am back. You may be seeing/hearing less about certain topics and people, but it is still the same old Hot Coco(a) you know and (hopefully) love.

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So, with that taken care of, here are some updates:

1. The best friend is now officially Married! (And I didn't pee my pants during my speech!). There will be photos to follow in another post.

2. The boy and I have officially decided to take the plunge and move in together. It's a big step, but I know it is for the best and it will all work out. Right now we are still in the "looking" phase, but we are hoping that pretty soon looking will turn to "moving".

3. Work...is still work. Haha. I don't hate it and I still generally like my job in particular, but I can't say I like work in general.

Fun activities as of late have included:

-BFF's Wedding (and rehearsal dinner, and reception...)

-MD Wine Festival

-Virgin Mobile Free Music Festival

-Exploring Baltimore and trying out some new places

What has everyone else been up to as of late?

This 4 Day Weekend

This 4 Day Weekend is special for several reasons:

• It is the first 4-day weekend I have had since I began working full-time in April


• It is my first "Labor" Day as an actual member of the workforce


• I am kicking it off by FINALLY seeing the final Harry Potter movie


• My best friend is getting MARRIED on Saturday! AHHHH

I don't even know where to begin. My emotions are all over the place. I can't believe that my best friend will be a married woman in 2 days' time. It makes me nostalgic for our childhood, but at the same time excited for my own adult future.

It seems like just yesterday she and I were playing dress-up and holding fake Miss America Pageants in our basements...and now, she will be walking down the aisle.

I am the Maid of Honor. Am I nervous? YES. (Mainly because of my specch--yikes!)

But mostly, I am just super excited to share in this special day together. Her fiance is amazing and they will have a wonderful marriage. I have a great boyfriend/wedding date. I get to reconnect with family and friends. I get free food and drinks and can dance the night away. Basically, it is going to be fabulous.

And Monday? Well, Monday...is for sleep.