I know, I've been a horrible blogger, but in my defence.... I got nothin'.
Since we last talked I got new job. It's nothing exciting, and it's not even engineering. I'm working in the file room at a repair shop in a car dealership. The files come in, I put them in folders, I put the folders back. Occasionally, I get folders for people who need to see the history of a car. That's my day. It's only part time (about 20 hrs/wk) and pays peanuts, but at least it's something. So I've been doing that.
I've also been trying to keep the "grand scale" of my wedding down. Everyone around me seems to want cherub encrusted go boxes for a fancy wedding cake with handmade custom cake toppers, and I want strawberry shortcake with cute animals dressed up like brides and grooms and plain-ish boxes decorated by me. Never mind that I found a way to get gourmet cake for the entire guest list for under $300 from a place that charges over a grand for "wedding" cakes before decorations. No, we have to have "real" wedding cake. I'm like anti-bridezilla over here. My mom is freaking out over people potentially wearing jeans because the invitations are "too casual", and I could care less what they wear, as long as they have fun. And it seems like every fun thing I want to do for the wedding is being shot down because it's not "traditional" enough. I just want to yell "I'M NOT TRADITIONAL EITHER, HAVE YOU NOTICED?" End rant.
Also, I got the results back from the big test I took back in October (which I apparently never blogged about?), and I PASSED. This was the Fundamental of Engineering exam which is the first step in me becoming a licensed professional engineer. It was hard. I studied for months. PAYOFF BABIES.
Anyhow, That's about it. Not much to write about.
I promise I'll be back much sooner next time!
Money Money Money
So. Tomorrow Is my last day at work. Part of me is looking forward to being able to have a break and sleep in everyday for a few weeks. The rest of me is scared shitless. Because, I like money. And not making any of it, is going to suck. I'm trying to get my new business up and going, and hopefully that will garner some cash, but, from what I've seen advertizing on Craigslist is not going to help much, the only responces I've gotten so far are from people thinking I'm posting a personals ad (I don't know why).
I've made the decision to turn on ads for the blog. Hopefully this can help somewhere. I know it wont help much, but I figured it couldn't hurt to try.
If you're very opposed to the ads, let me know, I care about what my readers think!
I've made the decision to turn on ads for the blog. Hopefully this can help somewhere. I know it wont help much, but I figured it couldn't hurt to try.
If you're very opposed to the ads, let me know, I care about what my readers think!
I'm trying something new.
Themed posts to keep me more regularly posting!
I think Monday will be Mailbag Monday. Where I write short open letters. I stole this from http://www.clevergirlgoesblog.com/
I know that it's Tuesady, but I wanted to start this now!
Anyway, here goes:
______________________________________________________
Dear The New Orleans Saints;
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I've been waiting my entire life for y'all to be so awesome. TOTALLY WORTH IT.
Love,
Rachel
_______________________________________________________
Dear The Chicago Cubs,
Why can't you be more like the saints?
-Rachel
_______________________________________________________
Dear ABC,
I officially hate you. Stop cancelling awesome shows even though they are gaining more and more viewers every week. First Pushing daisies, now Eastwick? If you cut Ugly Betty, I will end you.
_______________________________________________________
ANNNNNNND, done.
In other news, I'm still looking for a new job, and in the meantime, I'm going to work on becoming a "personal organizer" for some extra cash, since I'm 2 months shy of working to be eligible to apply for unemployment. (Thanks, buttholes in management) If anyone has any ideas on how to market myself, and what to include in my website I'm building... you know where the comment box is.
I think Monday will be Mailbag Monday. Where I write short open letters. I stole this from http://www.clevergirlgoesblog.com/
I know that it's Tuesady, but I wanted to start this now!
Anyway, here goes:
______________________________________________________
Dear The New Orleans Saints;
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I've been waiting my entire life for y'all to be so awesome. TOTALLY WORTH IT.
Love,
Rachel
_______________________________________________________
Dear The Chicago Cubs,
Why can't you be more like the saints?
-Rachel
_______________________________________________________
Dear ABC,
I officially hate you. Stop cancelling awesome shows even though they are gaining more and more viewers every week. First Pushing daisies, now Eastwick? If you cut Ugly Betty, I will end you.
_______________________________________________________
ANNNNNNND, done.
In other news, I'm still looking for a new job, and in the meantime, I'm going to work on becoming a "personal organizer" for some extra cash, since I'm 2 months shy of working to be eligible to apply for unemployment. (Thanks, buttholes in management) If anyone has any ideas on how to market myself, and what to include in my website I'm building... you know where the comment box is.
I had really hoped to blog about my engagement pictures today, however, our photographer is still working on the processing.
So, instead, I bring you: MY FURBABY, Charlie:
In May of 2008 I dogsat for a friend of mine who has a 110 pound black lab mix (named Dr. Frankenfurter). I grew up with a black lab, and love dogs. Being around Frankie reminded me of how much I missed having a dog in my life. Around this time, I also discovered long coat Chihuahuas. A friend of mine got one, and it was the sweetest dog I'd ever met. Long coats are bred to select for personality traits mostly, and personally, I find them WAY cuter than smooth coats.
One day on a whim, Brett and I decided to stop in a pet store and play with puppies. We had decided on getting a dog from a shelter after we moved in June, and I wanted to get a feel for what type of dog we would be compatible with. First we played with a Min-Pin, who aggrivated Brett's allergies so much that he was immediatley out of the question.
Next we looked into a window, and saw two dogs, one was a sleeping 2 pound long coat chihuahua. I asked the girl to get him for me, and as soon as I held him, I was in love. He nuzzled up to my neck, cuddled with me, and fell asleep right there. We asked how much he was. Over $2,000, but if we paid in cash today, they would knock off 15%. Brett said no, and I cried the whole way home. He went back to Cleveland that night (at the time were Long distance), and over the course of 3 days, I went to visit this amazingly sweet pup 2 more times. Each time it was harder to give him back. Eventually, I convinced Brett that he would make a wonderful birthday present, while simultaneously convincing the pet store to give us a 50% discount on the pup that I had already named Charlie.
Brett paid by credit card over the phone, and I took him home on Wednesday.
Since then he has brought something into our lives that we never knew we could have with a dog. He is pretty darn close to perfect. He almost never barks (the exception being if he thinks that there might be an intruder coming to get us), he snuggles with us like a champ, he's as sweet as can be, and he's our little slice of awesome. He is five pounds of pure sugar.
So, instead, I bring you: MY FURBABY, Charlie:
In May of 2008 I dogsat for a friend of mine who has a 110 pound black lab mix (named Dr. Frankenfurter). I grew up with a black lab, and love dogs. Being around Frankie reminded me of how much I missed having a dog in my life. Around this time, I also discovered long coat Chihuahuas. A friend of mine got one, and it was the sweetest dog I'd ever met. Long coats are bred to select for personality traits mostly, and personally, I find them WAY cuter than smooth coats.
One day on a whim, Brett and I decided to stop in a pet store and play with puppies. We had decided on getting a dog from a shelter after we moved in June, and I wanted to get a feel for what type of dog we would be compatible with. First we played with a Min-Pin, who aggrivated Brett's allergies so much that he was immediatley out of the question.
Next we looked into a window, and saw two dogs, one was a sleeping 2 pound long coat chihuahua. I asked the girl to get him for me, and as soon as I held him, I was in love. He nuzzled up to my neck, cuddled with me, and fell asleep right there. We asked how much he was. Over $2,000, but if we paid in cash today, they would knock off 15%. Brett said no, and I cried the whole way home. He went back to Cleveland that night (at the time were Long distance), and over the course of 3 days, I went to visit this amazingly sweet pup 2 more times. Each time it was harder to give him back. Eventually, I convinced Brett that he would make a wonderful birthday present, while simultaneously convincing the pet store to give us a 50% discount on the pup that I had already named Charlie.
Charlie relaxes after a long walk.
Since then he has brought something into our lives that we never knew we could have with a dog. He is pretty darn close to perfect. He almost never barks (the exception being if he thinks that there might be an intruder coming to get us), he snuggles with us like a champ, he's as sweet as can be, and he's our little slice of awesome. He is five pounds of pure sugar.
Back to workouts!
Well, I went back to working out with Muscles on Monday night (I hadn't gone in TWO MONTHS!) and I'm still sore all over. I took time off from the gym and my running while I was sick, and barley had the energy to stand, and now that I'm feeling better, it's time to get back into the swing of things.
In other news, while I normal put an "embargo" on Christmas decorations until after Thanksgiving, I'm doing things different this year. The tree still wont go up until next week, but stonkings have been hung, lights have been strung, and Christmas Candies fill the decorative wooden bowls around my apartment. I'm listening to Christmas albums, baking cookies, and taking in the spirit of the season.
I want this year to be a great Christmas.
My entire life, the only real tradition my family has had has been that my brother and I wake up early, rouse our parents, and everyone unwraps presents while we watch "A Christmas Story" as a family, and then we spend the rest of the day eating, playing and never changing out of Pajamas (unless we were in Lousiana, in that case, we changed and went to MawMaws house for homemade candy, and an endless feast). Christmas has always been my favorite holiday, no one faught, no one cried, and no one yelled (unless it was a yell of "YAY I LOVE IT"). Last year was the first year that I didn't wake up at my parents house. I didn't know that it was going to be the last time I even had the chance. Instead Boyfriend and I trecked up to Ohio to visit his family and (aside from being there to visit with Amber) it was not an enjoyable trip for me. His family had tricked us and said the family dinner would be ON Christmas, it wasn't, it was 2 days later (so, in short, we could've done both family celebrations but instead I got cheated out of seeing my brother, spending the last Christmas together as a family, and I spent Christmas morning crying because I was homesick).
I want this Christmas to start a new tradition. One for me and Boyfriend. I just don't know what it will be yet. This will be the first year that we wake up together in our own place on Christmas morning. I want it to be fantastic.
In other news, while I normal put an "embargo" on Christmas decorations until after Thanksgiving, I'm doing things different this year. The tree still wont go up until next week, but stonkings have been hung, lights have been strung, and Christmas Candies fill the decorative wooden bowls around my apartment. I'm listening to Christmas albums, baking cookies, and taking in the spirit of the season.
I want this year to be a great Christmas.
My entire life, the only real tradition my family has had has been that my brother and I wake up early, rouse our parents, and everyone unwraps presents while we watch "A Christmas Story" as a family, and then we spend the rest of the day eating, playing and never changing out of Pajamas (unless we were in Lousiana, in that case, we changed and went to MawMaws house for homemade candy, and an endless feast). Christmas has always been my favorite holiday, no one faught, no one cried, and no one yelled (unless it was a yell of "YAY I LOVE IT"). Last year was the first year that I didn't wake up at my parents house. I didn't know that it was going to be the last time I even had the chance. Instead Boyfriend and I trecked up to Ohio to visit his family and (aside from being there to visit with Amber) it was not an enjoyable trip for me. His family had tricked us and said the family dinner would be ON Christmas, it wasn't, it was 2 days later (so, in short, we could've done both family celebrations but instead I got cheated out of seeing my brother, spending the last Christmas together as a family, and I spent Christmas morning crying because I was homesick).
I want this Christmas to start a new tradition. One for me and Boyfriend. I just don't know what it will be yet. This will be the first year that we wake up together in our own place on Christmas morning. I want it to be fantastic.
Resolve
So, Yesterday was a somewhat enlightening day for me. And I have some "resolvements" this morning so to speak, so now, in twitter style:
I have resolved that:
-Starbucks will never spell my name correctly on a cup (because Rachel is just TOO hard I guess)
-There are worse things in life than getting laid off from a job you hate
-That, yes in fact, I do want to be a Chemical Engineer
-That moving into Project Management one day is still my upmost goal.
-That I hate THIS job... not this profession.
-That "Passion Tea" is a horrible substitute for green tea at starbucks, but it's the only decaf tea option, so I'll drink it anyway.
I think that's about it. I'm starting to look at the lay off as a positive thing. At the very worst case I will be out of work for a month-ish until work starts coming in at my "home company" (they have the contracts, just not the physical workload). I will be in a place where I can learn a little bit more. I can ask for more money now. I will be in a better place to learn from Project Managers. This is a good thing.
Now, I want to respond to the comment that Amber Lane left on my post yesterday. Indeed, I am more fun, energetic, and social than most engineer types. And I think that is what will make me a good Project Manager. It is a job perfectly suited for me. It's filled with spreadsheets, file folders, teamwork, and (my favorite) team building outings! There is in fact a 5 year plan (which I will naturally be altering slightly today, given the new set of variables) (also, naturally, it's been put into a gannt chart, because, I am a dork) to get me there. It's all just a matter of building myself as an engineer first. Also, while I would LOVE to move back to Ohio and start fabulous party planning with you, the snow will have to leave first. No more snow for me. Snow is evil.
Well Readers, Here's to a fruitful job hunt! :D
I have resolved that:
-Starbucks will never spell my name correctly on a cup (because Rachel is just TOO hard I guess)
-There are worse things in life than getting laid off from a job you hate
-That, yes in fact, I do want to be a Chemical Engineer
-That moving into Project Management one day is still my upmost goal.
-That I hate THIS job... not this profession.
-That "Passion Tea" is a horrible substitute for green tea at starbucks, but it's the only decaf tea option, so I'll drink it anyway.
I think that's about it. I'm starting to look at the lay off as a positive thing. At the very worst case I will be out of work for a month-ish until work starts coming in at my "home company" (they have the contracts, just not the physical workload). I will be in a place where I can learn a little bit more. I can ask for more money now. I will be in a better place to learn from Project Managers. This is a good thing.
Now, I want to respond to the comment that Amber Lane left on my post yesterday. Indeed, I am more fun, energetic, and social than most engineer types. And I think that is what will make me a good Project Manager. It is a job perfectly suited for me. It's filled with spreadsheets, file folders, teamwork, and (my favorite) team building outings! There is in fact a 5 year plan (which I will naturally be altering slightly today, given the new set of variables) (also, naturally, it's been put into a gannt chart, because, I am a dork) to get me there. It's all just a matter of building myself as an engineer first. Also, while I would LOVE to move back to Ohio and start fabulous party planning with you, the snow will have to leave first. No more snow for me. Snow is evil.
Well Readers, Here's to a fruitful job hunt! :D
Well.
This morning I recieved news that as of December 11th, I will be laid off. At least I have a whole month to look for something else. The trouble I'm having is that I'm not sure that I want to stay in Chemical Engineering. I hate the job I have now. I don't get it. I loved all my internships, maybe it's just THIS job.
I don't know, I've been fantasizing latley about other career paths. Nursing, Wedding Planning, Activity Co-ordinating... something with more face to face interaction. My problem is that I don't know how to ebb into any of those feilds, and I also know that I like money, and wont make the amount of money that I make now, at least, not initially. I don't know what to do.
This morning I recieved news that as of December 11th, I will be laid off. At least I have a whole month to look for something else. The trouble I'm having is that I'm not sure that I want to stay in Chemical Engineering. I hate the job I have now. I don't get it. I loved all my internships, maybe it's just THIS job.
I don't know, I've been fantasizing latley about other career paths. Nursing, Wedding Planning, Activity Co-ordinating... something with more face to face interaction. My problem is that I don't know how to ebb into any of those feilds, and I also know that I like money, and wont make the amount of money that I make now, at least, not initially. I don't know what to do.
I know, I know. It's been over 2 weeks. In my defense, Things have been hectic, though not in any kind of exciting way to provide any bloggy material.
Anyhow; After my doctor apointment on the 30th I found out what has been casing me grief in my stomach. I have what is apparently a fairly severe case of Acid Reflux as well as something called a "Sliding Hiatus Hernia" (what this means is that due to stress, the muscles in my eusaphagus have tensed so much that they are litterally pulling my stomach into my chest cavity.) The doctor perscribed Nexium and a reduction in stress. Reduction in stress is a tricky one for me. Right now I'm working on avoiding the foods that add to the stress effects in my body (fatty foods, caffeine, chocolate, alcohol, etc.) Fatty foods has been the easiest. Lack of caffeine and chocolate means that I cannot have my favorite winter treat: Starbucks Pepermint White Mocha. Oh yea, I'm also supposed to avoid pepermints... I've switched to a decaf green tea in the mornings (Thank You Arizona Tea company for making your diet green tea in decaf!)
Reduction in stress is not going so well. This is a tricky one for me. I tend to worry and stress over little things, and planning a wedding + parents divorce + Brett potentialy losing his job + every day normal stresses doesn't bode well for me. But I will work on my coping mechanisms, and things will get better.
In happier news, I'm still IN LOVE with the clarisonic. I'm using it religiously, and in return it has given me some GREAT skin. I haven't worn concealer in weeks, and I completley skipped my "about to start my period" face breakout this month.
I also booked a DJ for the wedding. He is somewhat expensive, but, Has amazing reviews all over the web and I feel like a good DJ can really make or break the "party theme" of an event. And I want booties on the dance floor.
That's about it as far as "news in Rachel Land goes" See, two weeks, in a quick update. So, that's that.
Anyhow; After my doctor apointment on the 30th I found out what has been casing me grief in my stomach. I have what is apparently a fairly severe case of Acid Reflux as well as something called a "Sliding Hiatus Hernia" (what this means is that due to stress, the muscles in my eusaphagus have tensed so much that they are litterally pulling my stomach into my chest cavity.) The doctor perscribed Nexium and a reduction in stress. Reduction in stress is a tricky one for me. Right now I'm working on avoiding the foods that add to the stress effects in my body (fatty foods, caffeine, chocolate, alcohol, etc.) Fatty foods has been the easiest. Lack of caffeine and chocolate means that I cannot have my favorite winter treat: Starbucks Pepermint White Mocha. Oh yea, I'm also supposed to avoid pepermints... I've switched to a decaf green tea in the mornings (Thank You Arizona Tea company for making your diet green tea in decaf!)
Reduction in stress is not going so well. This is a tricky one for me. I tend to worry and stress over little things, and planning a wedding + parents divorce + Brett potentialy losing his job + every day normal stresses doesn't bode well for me. But I will work on my coping mechanisms, and things will get better.
In happier news, I'm still IN LOVE with the clarisonic. I'm using it religiously, and in return it has given me some GREAT skin. I haven't worn concealer in weeks, and I completley skipped my "about to start my period" face breakout this month.
I also booked a DJ for the wedding. He is somewhat expensive, but, Has amazing reviews all over the web and I feel like a good DJ can really make or break the "party theme" of an event. And I want booties on the dance floor.
That's about it as far as "news in Rachel Land goes" See, two weeks, in a quick update. So, that's that.
101 in 1001 plus why I love the fine people at Clarisonic.
So, I guess there was some confusion about my last post. The 101 in 1001 is a list of 101 goals to complete in 1001 days. As to why I want to fold all those cranes? In Asian folklore it is said that 1000 paper cranes will make a wish come true, it is also associated with 1000 years of hapiness and prosperity. I want to fold these cranes and somehow incorporate them into the wedding. Because I am a dork totally sappy.
In other news, there are some list items completed, or kind of anyway.
3. Pass the FE Exam - This is "in progress" I took the exam on Saturday (yay! done studying!) but wont get the results until January. Hopefully I passed it because I don't want to ever take that test again. Other things I don't want to ever do again: Anything involving electrical engineering. ouch.
Also: 29) Buy a Clarisonic Skincare Brush.
I took the plunge, I bought it, in pink naturally.
In other news, there are some list items completed, or kind of anyway.
3. Pass the FE Exam - This is "in progress" I took the exam on Saturday (yay! done studying!) but wont get the results until January. Hopefully I passed it because I don't want to ever take that test again. Other things I don't want to ever do again: Anything involving electrical engineering. ouch.
Also: 29) Buy a Clarisonic Skincare Brush.
I took the plunge, I bought it, in pink naturally.
I am in love y'all. If you have ever considered buying one of these babies, but hessitated based on the price, JUST JUMP IN AND DO IT. It is truly worth every penny. Even after 3 days I have noticed a HUGE improvement in my skin. Important fact of note here: I am a compulsive skin picker. This means that without even realizing it I will pick at every flaw in my face until I've turned it all into a bloody mess, I don't even notice that I'm doing it half of the time until the damage is done. That said, my pick sites are healing remarkably fast, my scars seem to be fading quicker than ever, and my skin tone is evening in ways I didn't think possible. And this is only after 3 days. Imagine what I will see in one month!
I bought it online from Sephora (where they are running a "friends and family special" through Nov 2, 2009 - the online code is FF2009, I got 20% off). I noticed they also have a smaller size "travel" version that is $50 cheaper. I opted not to get that one because it only had one speed setting and one timmer setting. The full size version has 2 speeds, and 3 timer settings, allowing for a little more customization. I've been using it with the included cleansers and following up with DDF 10% Glycolic Toner and Philosophy Hope in a Jar. I can feel a noticible difference in the moisture level (I was using the DDF and hope in a jar with a DDF cleanser before, FYI) over time using the Clarisonic (meaning my face HOLDS moisture better than ever.).
Seriously, y'all, just do it. Get the Clarisonic and never look back. Best. Purchace. Ever.
Oh my Gosh!
I can't believe is has been a week since I posted!
I have been a busy bee preparing myself for my upcoming Fundamentals of Engineering Exam. It's on Saturday. I have been studying with almost every spare second of my days.
So, there hasn't been much to blog about.
However, I have also been working on a 101 in 1001 list. Right now, I'm only at 76 items, so any suggestions on how to finish this are more than welcome!
101 in 1001 (Finish Date: Tuesday, July 17, 2012)
1. Read Anne Rice's "The Vampire Chronicles" (0/10)
2. Read 10 books that I already own, but haven't read yet (0/10)
3. Pass the FE Exam
4. Ask for, and get, a raise in my salary
5. Work somewhere other than the company I work for now
6. Bring Chemical Engineering Textbooks to work
7. Make/Build a Kite and Fly It
8. Complete a "100 things that make me happy" list and scrapbook it
9. List handmade cards for sale on Etsy
10. Fold 1000 Paper Cranes (0/1000)
11. Buy and color all pages of a coloring book
12. Make a scrapbook of me and Brett
13. Take 26 Photos to represent A-Z (Theme TBD)
14. Pay all Credit Cards off in Full 12 months in a row (0/12)
15. Set up 401k
16. Open savings accounts for the following purposes : savings for house, savings for retirement, savings for future children's college
17. Pay off Bank of America Credit Card
18. Buy a House
19. Bake a Pie from scratch (crust and all)
20. Attend the Louisiana Strawberry Festival
21. Eat at the Melting pot 6 times (0/6)
22. Take a Leisure Class at Louisiana Culinary Institute
23. Eat a Deep fried Snickers Bar
24. Run a 5K
25. Don't eat fast food for 60 days straight 3 times (1/60) (0/3)
26. Find an alternative to Skin Picking for when I'm stressed
27. Go 30 days without alcohol 3 times (0/3)
28. Get a Facial
29. Give up Caffeine for 30 days
30. Establish Rules for self regarding caffeine intake
31. Actually Say No to something I don't want to do 10 times (in lieu of saying yes to please another person) (0/10)
32. Unplug from Facebook for an entire week
33. Wash Face every night for 30 days (0/30)
34. Take at least 10 bubble baths (0/10)
35. Get Married
36. Get Pregnant
37. Host a Holiday Dinner at my own House.
38. Get my hair back to that blonde color that I LOVED
39. Learn to Locate all 50 US states on a map
40. Sing karaoke in Public
41. Place in the top 4 of a Magic Tournament
42. Host a Poker Night
43. Attend a Pub Trivia night
44. Get Teeth Whitened
45. Complete a NYTimes Sunday Crossword with NO help from people or internet.
46. Make 5 New Friends (0/5)
47. Wear Makeup Everyday for 30 Days (0/30)
48. Volunteer for an Animal Shelter 6 times (0/6)
49. Have personal photos printed, frame, and bring to work.
50. Watch 26 Movies I've never seen starting with each letter of the alphabet (not including movies for other items on the list) (0/26)
51. Watch 10 of the IMDB Top 250 Movies (not including movies for other items on the list) (0/10)
52. Finally watch "Citizen Cane"
53. re-organize and begin using Franklin Covey Planner again (as a tool to track goals instead of time)
54. Set Up a "finished crafts" display stand in the craft room/office.
55. Organize Video Games into a system similar to DVDs
56. Finish organizing DVDs & DVD catalogue spreadsheet
57. Go to Paris with Brett
58. Make and send 6 Halloween Greeting Cards one year
59. Make and Send 15 Christmas Cards one year
60. Kiss Brett at the top of the Eiffel Tower (Vegas Or Paris)
61. Surprise Brett with Candlelit dinner
62. Go to Las Vegas again (this time, don't loose so much money)
63. Finally throw out all of my expired Makeup
64. Get something other than "the usual" at 6 different restraunts (0/6)
65. Go 30 days without meat (including fish) 3 times (0/3)
66. Establish and rules regarding fast-food, takeout, and fried foods
67. Make dinner (using no shortcuts) everyday for 7 days
68. Go 90 days without Chocolate (0/90)
69. Buy a Clarisonic Skin Brush (Bought that, this morning using the Sephora Friends and Family Discount (online cupon code: FF2009))
70. Donate $5 for every item not completed to American Cancer Foundation (Current total: $500)
71. Go 30 days without dairy 3 times (0/3)
72. Clean and organize the accessory closet (and give away at least half of the purses and shoes)
73. Go to 5 “New to me” local restaurants
74. Save $10,000 (for “the future”, not a house)
75. Finish a Quilt
76. Host a “wine night” where all wines are under $10 or come from a box.
77. TBD
78. TBD
79. TBD
80. TBD
81. TBD
82. TBD
83. TBD
84. TBD
85. TBD
86. TBD
87. TBD
88. TBD
89. TBD
90. TBD
91. TBD
92. TBD
93. TBD
94. TBD
95. TBD
96. TBD
97. TBD
98. TBD
99. TBD
100. TBD
101. TBD
I have been a busy bee preparing myself for my upcoming Fundamentals of Engineering Exam. It's on Saturday. I have been studying with almost every spare second of my days.
So, there hasn't been much to blog about.
However, I have also been working on a 101 in 1001 list. Right now, I'm only at 76 items, so any suggestions on how to finish this are more than welcome!
101 in 1001 (Finish Date: Tuesday, July 17, 2012)
1. Read Anne Rice's "The Vampire Chronicles" (0/10)
2. Read 10 books that I already own, but haven't read yet (0/10)
3. Pass the FE Exam
4. Ask for, and get, a raise in my salary
5. Work somewhere other than the company I work for now
6. Bring Chemical Engineering Textbooks to work
7. Make/Build a Kite and Fly It
8. Complete a "100 things that make me happy" list and scrapbook it
9. List handmade cards for sale on Etsy
10. Fold 1000 Paper Cranes (0/1000)
11. Buy and color all pages of a coloring book
12. Make a scrapbook of me and Brett
13. Take 26 Photos to represent A-Z (Theme TBD)
14. Pay all Credit Cards off in Full 12 months in a row (0/12)
15. Set up 401k
16. Open savings accounts for the following purposes : savings for house, savings for retirement, savings for future children's college
17. Pay off Bank of America Credit Card
18. Buy a House
19. Bake a Pie from scratch (crust and all)
20. Attend the Louisiana Strawberry Festival
21. Eat at the Melting pot 6 times (0/6)
22. Take a Leisure Class at Louisiana Culinary Institute
23. Eat a Deep fried Snickers Bar
24. Run a 5K
25. Don't eat fast food for 60 days straight 3 times (1/60) (0/3)
26. Find an alternative to Skin Picking for when I'm stressed
27. Go 30 days without alcohol 3 times (0/3)
28. Get a Facial
29. Give up Caffeine for 30 days
30. Establish Rules for self regarding caffeine intake
31. Actually Say No to something I don't want to do 10 times (in lieu of saying yes to please another person) (0/10)
32. Unplug from Facebook for an entire week
33. Wash Face every night for 30 days (0/30)
34. Take at least 10 bubble baths (0/10)
35. Get Married
36. Get Pregnant
37. Host a Holiday Dinner at my own House.
38. Get my hair back to that blonde color that I LOVED
39. Learn to Locate all 50 US states on a map
40. Sing karaoke in Public
41. Place in the top 4 of a Magic Tournament
42. Host a Poker Night
43. Attend a Pub Trivia night
44. Get Teeth Whitened
45. Complete a NYTimes Sunday Crossword with NO help from people or internet.
46. Make 5 New Friends (0/5)
47. Wear Makeup Everyday for 30 Days (0/30)
48. Volunteer for an Animal Shelter 6 times (0/6)
49. Have personal photos printed, frame, and bring to work.
50. Watch 26 Movies I've never seen starting with each letter of the alphabet (not including movies for other items on the list) (0/26)
51. Watch 10 of the IMDB Top 250 Movies (not including movies for other items on the list) (0/10)
52. Finally watch "Citizen Cane"
53. re-organize and begin using Franklin Covey Planner again (as a tool to track goals instead of time)
54. Set Up a "finished crafts" display stand in the craft room/office.
55. Organize Video Games into a system similar to DVDs
56. Finish organizing DVDs & DVD catalogue spreadsheet
57. Go to Paris with Brett
58. Make and send 6 Halloween Greeting Cards one year
59. Make and Send 15 Christmas Cards one year
60. Kiss Brett at the top of the Eiffel Tower (Vegas Or Paris)
61. Surprise Brett with Candlelit dinner
62. Go to Las Vegas again (this time, don't loose so much money)
63. Finally throw out all of my expired Makeup
64. Get something other than "the usual" at 6 different restraunts (0/6)
65. Go 30 days without meat (including fish) 3 times (0/3)
66. Establish and rules regarding fast-food, takeout, and fried foods
67. Make dinner (using no shortcuts) everyday for 7 days
68. Go 90 days without Chocolate (0/90)
70. Donate $5 for every item not completed to American Cancer Foundation (Current total: $500)
71. Go 30 days without dairy 3 times (0/3)
72. Clean and organize the accessory closet (and give away at least half of the purses and shoes)
73. Go to 5 “New to me” local restaurants
74. Save $10,000 (for “the future”, not a house)
75. Finish a Quilt
76. Host a “wine night” where all wines are under $10 or come from a box.
77. TBD
78. TBD
79. TBD
80. TBD
81. TBD
82. TBD
83. TBD
84. TBD
85. TBD
86. TBD
87. TBD
88. TBD
89. TBD
90. TBD
91. TBD
92. TBD
93. TBD
94. TBD
95. TBD
96. TBD
97. TBD
98. TBD
99. TBD
100. TBD
101. TBD
Meep
Yes, I have been a bad blogger.
I have been keeping up with reading, I just haven't had much to say.
I want to tank everyone who commented on my last post. It really means a lot to me.
And here's some bullet point action of what I've been up to:
-Trying to figure how to stay out of the middle of this divorce
-Midnight emergency vet visits with Charlie (after he got into something that didn't agree with him)
-Going back to blonde
-Trying to find a "Guidance Counselor" for adults
-Crafting, Crafting, Crafting (Halloween cards, cards for my fabulous bridesmaids, buliten boards of awesomeness, etc)
-Doctors visits to figure out my stomach problems
-Did I mention I went back to blonde? cause that's the highlight (PUN INTENDED) of my week
I have some posts in the works right now:
-Blonde hair pictures
-some wedding related posts
-a few 'round the house crafts that I want to post about.
For now, I'm going to get back to work, put my head down and charge through the rest of today.
100th post.
This was supposed to be a post with a great giveaway in it. I just hadn't thought of it yet.
However, my giveaway will have to wait. You may remember that in my last post.. I talked about getting some bad news... and I need to blog about it now.
12 days ago, my whole life changed. I pulled into my parent's driveway ready to meet my mom and go out for the evening. I saw my mom and asked if she was ready to leave, and she said "well, I've had kind of a bad day... we need to talk." She explained to me that my dad was having an affair, and that she kicked him out. I spent Friday working on the office/craft room, then spent the rest of the weekend crying.
Yesterday, my mom filed for divorce. My dad has already put in an offer on a new house and keeps talking about "starting over."
I do not feel good. I'm actually angry at people who went through divorce as children. Because, they were sent to psychologists, people cared what they went through. I keep hearing "oh, just get over it." I don't want to. I want to hit people, I want to stay in bed all day, I want to cry. But, no, I'm an adult. I have to go to work, and act like I'm not falling to pieces, I have to act like I'm not loosing my hope and faith in love. I have to pretend that this doesn't make me SO FREAKING SCARED to get married. It's hard. And it's happening SO fast.
So, there's where I'm at, readers.
However, my giveaway will have to wait. You may remember that in my last post.. I talked about getting some bad news... and I need to blog about it now.
12 days ago, my whole life changed. I pulled into my parent's driveway ready to meet my mom and go out for the evening. I saw my mom and asked if she was ready to leave, and she said "well, I've had kind of a bad day... we need to talk." She explained to me that my dad was having an affair, and that she kicked him out. I spent Friday working on the office/craft room, then spent the rest of the weekend crying.
Yesterday, my mom filed for divorce. My dad has already put in an offer on a new house and keeps talking about "starting over."
I do not feel good. I'm actually angry at people who went through divorce as children. Because, they were sent to psychologists, people cared what they went through. I keep hearing "oh, just get over it." I don't want to. I want to hit people, I want to stay in bed all day, I want to cry. But, no, I'm an adult. I have to go to work, and act like I'm not falling to pieces, I have to act like I'm not loosing my hope and faith in love. I have to pretend that this doesn't make me SO FREAKING SCARED to get married. It's hard. And it's happening SO fast.
So, there's where I'm at, readers.
Hokay, Sho...
Now, I wasn't planning on having this project completed until Sunday to blog about, but I recieved some... less than settling news last night, which put me in the mood to finish off my organizing cleaning spectacular in the Office. Here's the problem with our office... I let Boyfriend be in charge of it. Big Mistake. Huge.
Here's the before:
Here's the before:
Okay, this is in fact, my work area, so this is my fault. But beyond here lies... well... Boyfriend's fault.
From the doorway (note the pile of dishes, beer bottles, and trash surrounding boyfriend's area...).
The closet... filled with boxes we still haven't unpacked from over a year ago.
Finally, a corner full of boxes and computer stuff....
And after a full day of pulling out boxes, assembling shelves, and organizing, (plus breaks to watch Grey's, Modern Family, and Eastwick) I'm proud to show off the AFTER:
My work area. The board above my desk has some finished greeting cards waiting to be sent out. You can also see the huge daquiri that Brett picked up for me when he went out earlier. Trust me, if you had been through what I've been through in the past 24 hours, you'd need one too (by the by, that's not a reference to the cleaning, but to the unsettling news I received in regards to... well, I don't want to talk about it.)
The closet, NOW.... much improved. The pink boxes contain craft supplies, the unit on the left will house my laptop when I need desk space for crafting, so that I'll still be able to listen to my tunes. You can see that I took the hippie way out when I decorated and utilized my sarongs... but I'm not ashamed, it warms the place up a bit.
Our new bookshelf. It holds the contents of most of those boxes you saw in the before pictures. Including all of my textbooks from school...
Boyfriend's Desk (and Charlie's tail). MUCH BETTAH. Note the trashcan I strategically placed next to the desk... Still a mess of wires otherwise, but, I get the feeling it will be hard to control that.
Some clean floors, and an extra cute goggie.
I know... I haven't posted in like a week.
I have a few posts that are coming together. I will do a giveaway, and I will be doing a fantastic update on how I am transforming my home office (which Boyfriend had taken over with trash) into an office/crafting studio.
It's all in the works.
I promise.
In the meantime, I've been up to a lot latley:
- A little bit of "fall madness" cleaning/reordering. I don't know why, but I've been sort of "nesting" latley trying to make the apartment more homey ( I think it's because I've finally resolved that we aren't going to be buying a house for quite some time now)
- Lots of crafting. I have several greeting cards in the works (including some halloween cards I'm sending to a few besties this year). Some wedding DIYs. And several pieces of beaded jewelry.
- I took up playing "Magic: The Gathering" (now, before you go calling me an uber-dork, hear me out!) Boyfriend has been having trouble making friends, and recently we found a place where he could make some friends through playing Magic. HOWEVER, due to his social anxiety and hermit-like ways he doesn't want to go alone. Also, he hasn't played in over 10 years and is afraid of being laughed at by the other boys because he doesn't know the new rules. So, I decided that I will be his buffer. I took up the game in hopes that I could ask all of the dumb questions, and make him feel more comfortable.
-I am also organizing and creating a catologue system for my DVDs. They have taken over the living room. I'm removing them from boxes, putting them in sleves, assigning numbers and ordering them. Then I put the movies in my catologue system (which I'm using Google Docs for, so that it can be accessed on my iPhone) which can be sorted alphabetically, by genre, by year of release, or on a scale of 1 to 10 based on the like of either me, or boyfriend. So far I have processed over 100 movies, and am about 1/3 done with the movies. Then I will start with the TV shows, then workout videos. I still haven't decided where to put all of the boxes (which I naturally want to keep)
Anyway, This has gotten too long. more updates to come!
XOXO,
Miss Rachel-Ann
I have a few posts that are coming together. I will do a giveaway, and I will be doing a fantastic update on how I am transforming my home office (which Boyfriend had taken over with trash) into an office/crafting studio.
It's all in the works.
I promise.
In the meantime, I've been up to a lot latley:
- A little bit of "fall madness" cleaning/reordering. I don't know why, but I've been sort of "nesting" latley trying to make the apartment more homey ( I think it's because I've finally resolved that we aren't going to be buying a house for quite some time now)
- Lots of crafting. I have several greeting cards in the works (including some halloween cards I'm sending to a few besties this year). Some wedding DIYs. And several pieces of beaded jewelry.
- I took up playing "Magic: The Gathering" (now, before you go calling me an uber-dork, hear me out!) Boyfriend has been having trouble making friends, and recently we found a place where he could make some friends through playing Magic. HOWEVER, due to his social anxiety and hermit-like ways he doesn't want to go alone. Also, he hasn't played in over 10 years and is afraid of being laughed at by the other boys because he doesn't know the new rules. So, I decided that I will be his buffer. I took up the game in hopes that I could ask all of the dumb questions, and make him feel more comfortable.
-I am also organizing and creating a catologue system for my DVDs. They have taken over the living room. I'm removing them from boxes, putting them in sleves, assigning numbers and ordering them. Then I put the movies in my catologue system (which I'm using Google Docs for, so that it can be accessed on my iPhone) which can be sorted alphabetically, by genre, by year of release, or on a scale of 1 to 10 based on the like of either me, or boyfriend. So far I have processed over 100 movies, and am about 1/3 done with the movies. Then I will start with the TV shows, then workout videos. I still haven't decided where to put all of the boxes (which I naturally want to keep)
Anyway, This has gotten too long. more updates to come!
XOXO,
Miss Rachel-Ann
The Colors DUKE!
I was searching my brain hole for something to blog about today (because, I do not want to slip on my bloggly duities) when it hit me. I haven't really talked about the colors for the wedding!
Initially, I thought black and white with deep red accents (think, the color of a red rose) were the way to go. Then I started reading wedding blogs. Suddenly, my world was flooded with beautiful colors: blush pink and buttery yellows, muted pinks with pewter and charcoal, khaki and turquoise, etc. All of these color combos that I saw and loved crashed down on my black and white "classy" affair.
As I considered all of these muted palettes, I tried to figure out what “my vision” was. I considered what was important to me about the day. Is it important to have a high class function? Was it more important to have fun? How will I feel about these colors as I look back on my wedding day?
I ordered swatches of paper from paper-source and started looking at these combinations that I had fallen in love with. I discovered one thing, they just weren’t me. Anyone who knows me in real life will tell you that I’m anything but muted. For starters, I’m LOUD, it’s almost obnoxious. I’m strange, and have slight impulse control problems (if I think something will be fun, or funny to me, but doesn’t put other people at harm… I’ll probably do it). I’m bubbly; I’m one of those cheerful, laugh-y, excited people that everyone else hates. These colors were dull, and un-exciting, and NOT me.
Over time I realized what was important to me: that I have a kick-ass fun-filled party with good food, good friends, and picking colors that set a FUN tone became my goal.
I was flipping through a bridal magazine when I came across an ad (for a company that now escapes me) featuring girls is hot pink and iridescent orange dresses. I found my colors. Pink and Orange. In various shades (because, let’s be real, one dimensional colors are boring.). I’m planning on using bold shades, because, that’s how I roll. I’m so excited for things to start taking on more shape, and come together.
FALL!!!!
One of my favorite things about fall - aside from the return of highs BELOW 90 degrees - is the return of fresh Candy Corn to store shelves everywhere. I love Candy Corn. From the buttery-sweet taste to the chewy texture. It is, without question, my favorite candy.
Yesterday at Target, I was looking for a bag with small individually wrapped portions of candy corn (which serves the function of slowing down my consumption, as well as keeping the humidity from ruining the candy after the bag has been open for more than 2 days). I stumbled upon something... something wonderfull.
Yesterday at Target, I was looking for a bag with small individually wrapped portions of candy corn (which serves the function of slowing down my consumption, as well as keeping the humidity from ruining the candy after the bag has been open for more than 2 days). I stumbled upon something... something wonderfull.
Yes, that's right, Hershey's Kisses CANDY CORN. I grabbed the bag immediatley, and sauntered off to the register so that I could get home and try this bag of wonder.
When you unwrap them, they pretty much just look like candy corn, but when you put them in your mouth... magic happens. This has the same smooth creamy texture as white chocolate, but also has the buttery-sweet flavors I love about candy corn.
I am in love.
Plus, chocolate isn't as readly attacked by humidity, and the individual wrappers will keep them fresh enough that I can eat one or two at a time, without any worry that the whole bag will become a sticky mess the next day.
In other news, yes... I am a bad blogger. What can I say? Hopefully, this post will mark a return in a big way.
I know, I know...
I haven't really been blogging as of late, because, to be honest, nothing exciting is going on at the moment.
I recived my Vera Bradley Bag, and that has been the highlight of my week. No Kidding.
I stayed home from work on Tuesday, because I have been sick. I do not have, the flu or the cold, but rather, my stomach hates me, and any food other than cereal and toast seems to make me nauseous.
That's been my life. Eating cereal, loosing weight too quickly, and not working out, because i simply don't have the energy to even remain standing for 20 minutes. Oh, and doctors, lots of doctors.
However, I am DETERMINED not to let this ruin my upcoming Trip to Ohio. I leave on Saturday morning: we'll drive up to Boyfriend's mom's with Charlie, and stay there for a few days, before meandering south to visit with Miss Amber Lane and my brother.
Things I hope to do while in Ohio:
- eat at Chipotle
- eat at Skyline Chilli
- relax
- cause general mayhem with Amber
- order a bridesmaid dress (and perhaps, look around for my girls to wear?)
- perhaps try on a wedding dress or two (i don't know... I can dream right?)
- enjoy some crisp air (since, we wont see crisp here for another month or so)
Yay shopping!
Recently, I came across a little place on the 'nets called RueLaLa.
I know I'm a little behind to the party, but, what can I say? Nothing.
How the site works is as so: It's invitation only, and They send out an e-mail every day to members at around 11:30 est. This advertises the day's sales (which they call "boutiques") along with upcoming boutiques. The boutiques are open for 48 hours. They carry designer clothes and accesories at closeout prices. Usually, the "good stuff" doesn't last the full 48 hours (some items sell out as quickly as 3 hours after the boutiques open).
I've been watching the site, quietly waiting for something to REALLY pique my interest. Lo and behold, I found it. Today they opened up a Vera Bradley Boutique. Prices ranged from 19 dollars, to 39 dollars. They only had four patterns, and the one I've been buying Up latley (Carnaby) was not one of them.
However, I like the Pinwheel Pink as well, so I went ahead and made a purchase.
I bought the miller bag which will hold my important electronics (by that I mean, laptop and camera) on the long trek to Ohio for Labor Day. This was the biggest bag offered in the print I liked, and it normally goes for $84. I snaged it at $39. Over 50% off.
I went back later to buy the matching wallet too, but by that time it was sold out. Which is well and good, because tommorrow they open a Philosphy Boutique. And well, I need my monies saved up for those goodies.
Want an invite to the site? just click HERE. Please use my invite too! Once you join and make a purchase, I'll be gifted with a $10 credit to my account (You'll get the same deal when you invite people), which I can turn out and use to buy more things to blog about, so really, it's kind of like a gift for you. ;)
I know I'm a little behind to the party, but, what can I say? Nothing.
How the site works is as so: It's invitation only, and They send out an e-mail every day to members at around 11:30 est. This advertises the day's sales (which they call "boutiques") along with upcoming boutiques. The boutiques are open for 48 hours. They carry designer clothes and accesories at closeout prices. Usually, the "good stuff" doesn't last the full 48 hours (some items sell out as quickly as 3 hours after the boutiques open).
I've been watching the site, quietly waiting for something to REALLY pique my interest. Lo and behold, I found it. Today they opened up a Vera Bradley Boutique. Prices ranged from 19 dollars, to 39 dollars. They only had four patterns, and the one I've been buying Up latley (Carnaby) was not one of them.
However, I like the Pinwheel Pink as well, so I went ahead and made a purchase.
I bought the miller bag which will hold my important electronics (by that I mean, laptop and camera) on the long trek to Ohio for Labor Day. This was the biggest bag offered in the print I liked, and it normally goes for $84. I snaged it at $39. Over 50% off.
I went back later to buy the matching wallet too, but by that time it was sold out. Which is well and good, because tommorrow they open a Philosphy Boutique. And well, I need my monies saved up for those goodies.
Want an invite to the site? just click HERE. Please use my invite too! Once you join and make a purchase, I'll be gifted with a $10 credit to my account (You'll get the same deal when you invite people), which I can turn out and use to buy more things to blog about, so really, it's kind of like a gift for you. ;)
Saturday nights in the life of a boring me.
Tomorrow we're having a surprize birthday for one of my favorite great aunts. I decided to whip out my card making skills to creft up a birthday card for her.
This is what I started with:
First I went through the cards and ribbons to find the best match with the paper. It didn't take long to settle on these.
This is what I started with:
- A pile of Ribbon Scraps
- Adhesive roller
- xacto knife (IN PINK)
- scissors
- a little baggie of the beads neaded to spell out "Happy Birthday Aunt Margie"
- a cutting mat
- markers
- a selection of five notecards
- and a piece of really pretty scrapbooking paper
- my iPhone for listening to some tunes.
First I went through the cards and ribbons to find the best match with the paper. It didn't take long to settle on these.
Then I went to work threading the letters onto the ribbon using a bead needle. This was much harder than it looked; I broke two needles and had to break out pliers at times to get the ribbon through the small holes in the beads.
After that I improvised a little bit extra. I used the adhesive roller to get these ribbons to stick on the back of the card and in two spots each on the front to make sure they stay in place.
Then, I used the same technique to attach the ribbons I beaded the letters onto. I'm pretty pleased with the way the front of the card turned out, but the pictures makes it kind of look like an 80's prom dress now that I see it.
After that I used the exacto knife to cut a piece from the paper to cover up the ribbon ends on the top half of the card. Again, the paper looks much better in person.
I also lined the envelope, but took an easy way out and lined it all the way to the edge. I'll figure out a way to enclose the envelope tomorrow, but for now, I'm super happy with the lining.
I used the markers to write the message on the inside.
And, just because I'm a classy broad, I did it all with a glass of water in a wine glass at my side:
So, over the past few months I've been in generally missing the life I left behind on Ohio. I know that going back wont make this life re-appear, as so many of my friends also left the state. And there's that whole "not in college anymore" thing to contend with. But I miss my college life a lot.
Lately (the past week or so) I've been missing one specific summer. We called it "the summer of the blingin' shoes." I was home from school and my best friend from high school (Miss Amber Lane) and participated in more scandal, shopping, and fun times than you could ever imagine. I ruined fantasies, names were forgotten, cats were threatened, trees were urinated on, gnomes were hunted, blondes had more fun, booze was snuck into bars in tupperware, and the responsibilities seemed to vanish completely that summer. I worked at a store in the mall for 20 hours of the week, and never had to be there before noon. It was probably the most fun summer I ever had.
Now it's (dear god) 5 years later. How did I spend my summer? I did go on vacation (twice, but the week long one was in the spring, and the other was only a weekend), but other than that, I worked... worked... worked... at a job I'm not very happy at. I spent my weekends sitting at home with Brett, because we STILL haven't made any friends here outside of work and my family. I spent countless hours facebook stalking my friends from Ohio wishing I was there for birthdays, trips to the bar, shenanigans, planning weddings, and lazy days by the pool (side bar: I accidentally typed "poop" and it immediately cheered me up a bit).
I realize it was my choice to move here. I really do. But I miss the life I used to live in college.
Sent from my iPhone
Lately (the past week or so) I've been missing one specific summer. We called it "the summer of the blingin' shoes." I was home from school and my best friend from high school (Miss Amber Lane) and participated in more scandal, shopping, and fun times than you could ever imagine. I ruined fantasies, names were forgotten, cats were threatened, trees were urinated on, gnomes were hunted, blondes had more fun, booze was snuck into bars in tupperware, and the responsibilities seemed to vanish completely that summer. I worked at a store in the mall for 20 hours of the week, and never had to be there before noon. It was probably the most fun summer I ever had.
Now it's (dear god) 5 years later. How did I spend my summer? I did go on vacation (twice, but the week long one was in the spring, and the other was only a weekend), but other than that, I worked... worked... worked... at a job I'm not very happy at. I spent my weekends sitting at home with Brett, because we STILL haven't made any friends here outside of work and my family. I spent countless hours facebook stalking my friends from Ohio wishing I was there for birthdays, trips to the bar, shenanigans, planning weddings, and lazy days by the pool (side bar: I accidentally typed "poop" and it immediately cheered me up a bit).
I realize it was my choice to move here. I really do. But I miss the life I used to live in college.
Sent from my iPhone
The first day of the rest of my life or something, right?
So, Tonight I start running for real. I'm taking my workout out of the gym and onto the roads. I've been planning this transition to outdoor running for weeks now, and today comes... currently, it's 94 degrees, with a heat index hovering at 103. It's about to start raining. So, do i brave the rain, and and chance it? Do i brave the sweltering heat? Or do i just humbly go back to the gym, and struggle in front of all of the fit people?
I'm thinking... brave it.
That's how much I hate running at the gym.
I hate people looking at me like a freakshow as I huff and puff my way to a better bod. I hate how the treadmil makes me dizzy, and I hate how the scenery never changes. These are all problems fixed by taking it outside. If someone looks at me funny, who cares? I'll be gone in a few seconds anyway!
So, I'm gunna do it!
Sephora/ULTA Haul
Today, I hit up two of my favorite stores for some retail therapy: Ulta and Sephora.
And boy did I ever have a marrathon sesh. Here's the haul ladies:
ULTA:
And boy did I ever have a marrathon sesh. Here's the haul ladies:
ULTA:
First up Is DDF 10% Glycolic Toning Complex. This will apparently help rid my face of my premature wrinkles, and hopefully will help heal the scars from my latest bouts with skin picking.
I also Picked up NailTek III for dry brittle nails. I love this stuff. It will help you grow your nails, keep them strong and is currently working to heal my nails after some serious damage done by myself when I decided to rip off the Acrylics that I wasn't happy with.
Also, swisspers, cause I was out.
To top everything off, it all came with this great Free Gift! A cute clutch filled with some Ulta Brand cosmetics.
Then, I hit up Sephora:
Continuing on with my nail care trend, I picked up these colorful mini-buffers in a pack of three. I figure I can keep one in my desk at work, for those days when I just can't keep my hands still.
I also picked up a glass nail file, which I've always wanted to get, but never have. I'm really not sure why, at only 8 bucks they are too cute to pass up!
Hope in a jar. I like to call this stuff "miracle potion of the gods" seriously, it be awesome.
Bare Minerals FINALLY supplied me with a refillable brush! Gals who apply make up in the car in the morning everywhere have rejoyced!
Finally, a small size of Ojon dry shampoo. For days when a shower seems like too much, but my hair wont behave.
Well, that's it ladies, that was my day of retail therapy. And now I'm off to go play with my loot!
iPhone, where were you all along?
You guys, I have a problem. I'm in love my phone. I've become one of those people who goes to a bar, and plays with my phone all night. Yep.. I'm that girl I made fun of less than a month ago. But, i just can't stop.
My answer to the battery life problem I had? I carry the charger in my purse.
I've downloaded every App that I made fun of in comercials as being "something i can do on the blackberry for free with google". Because, as I discovered, those apps are free... and actually work like a charm.
In other news, This weekend was both good and bad. It was Chickfest which was... okay. Usually it's my favorite time of year, and I have a blast, but this year, it just reminded me that I still don't have any close friends here, and I spent a lot of the day throwing myself a pity party and sitting in dark rooms instead of going outside. because I'm lame, and apparently emo.
However, i did get to see my brother and his girlfriend. And we went bowling with one of my cousins. So, that was fun.
Well, I did it.
I took a big plunge and bought an iPhone. I went to the apple store and inquired about the return policy. I have 30 days to decide if I prefer the iPhone, or a blackberry on verizon. But let me tell you, the iPhone is winning in all sorts of big ways. I love it. I love the tabbed web browser. I love the App Store (and the big heaping pile of free games that come in it). I love the way sms is set up.
But, I miss Blackberry messenger. I miss the gtalk app (apparently, there isn't one for the iPhone). I miss the battery life.
Now, admitadley, I've been playing with my iPhone pretty much all day. I've downloaded no less than 5 Apps this morning, and had the mail "fetch" (oh yea, and I miss pushed gmail) set to "every 15 minutes". I've looked on websites, played games, and found nearby restraunts. But I still think I should have more than 35% of my battery left after that.
Maybe once I can keep my hands off of it for longer than 30 minutes the battery life will fall into place.
Or perhaps when i sync it with iTunes? No joke, this is a reall life quote from the "genius" at the Apple store: "You have to sync it to your computer at least twice a week, because that's how it sleeps." it was all I could do to not laugh so hard i peed my pants.
iPhone vs. Blackberry
So, the time has come for me to finally leave my parent's "family plan" and venture off into the world of paying for my own cell phone again.
Now, I have been a faithful blackberry user for a little over 3 years now. Beyond that, I have been with Verizon for almost 10 years.
Recently, Boyfriend's company has decided to give a go at producing Apps for the iPhone, which resulted in him getting a free, (they're even paying the bill!) iPhone. I was fine and happy with blackberry until I played with this baby. The internet works more seamlessly, the User Interface is 20 times more intuitive, paid apps start at 99 cents (for blackberry, the cheapest paid apps are $2.99), typing on that particular keypad even seems easier than on my curve (especially with the acrylic nails, since i can't accidentally push surrounding keys with my nails), and more useful (sometimes even cheaper, or free-er) versions of many of the apps made for blackberry.
But there are still downsides, like gmail not being pushed to the phone, the lack of MMS, and most notably, AT&T's network.
I'm craving a touch screen phone, but I really don't like the SurePress Technology that the storm has to offer. I also have serious doubts about leaving Verizon's network (especially knowing that 90% of my friends and family can be reached without using my minutes.
So, ladies and gentlemen, I ask of you, what do you suggest? Any tips? Any AT&T users reading my ramblings? I'm truly at a loss as to what I should do.
Okay, back to bloggy goodness.
Okay, show.
I am back, and better.
This weekend I accomplished some wedding tasks.
1) Friday and Saturday, I completed the design of and goccoed the printed parts of my save the dates. This is a blog for another day, after they have been fully completed, and sent out. I don't want to ruin any surprizes for those who will get them in the mail. I will say this, the design was painstaking for me. I cried more than once over not being able to find "the perfect font". I doubted my vision repeatedly, and cried again when several of my ideas refused to translate to the Gocco method. But in the end, I am SO HAPPY with the result.
2) Sunday, I booked a Photographer! Jenn Ocken (http://jenn.ockenphotography.com/). I had met with her last week, but the price tag left me wanting to think about it further, in the end, i was able to make it work within my budget, and I seriously LOVE her. She was at a "How to plan a Wedding in a Weekend" siminar that I went to on Sunday, and ran up to me, gave me a great big hug and said "I'm so excited you came!" So i signed the contract and will send over a deposit via pay-pal this week.
In other news, I'm desperate to go home in lieu of working right now (not that blogging, and creating excell spreadhseets to keep track of wedding planning constitutes much work... but, you know). Just 5 more hours, and then i'll be set free till tomorrow.
I have been a bad blogger.
I have put up posts over the past few weeks, then almost immediatley removed them.
I'm having some trouble latley. My anxiey seems like it's worse than it has ever been. I'm going crazy trying to iron out details I want for this wedding. And, I hate my job.
yep. that's about it.
I have put up posts over the past few weeks, then almost immediatley removed them.
I'm having some trouble latley. My anxiey seems like it's worse than it has ever been. I'm going crazy trying to iron out details I want for this wedding. And, I hate my job.
yep. that's about it.
I got a special package this weekend to cheer me up.
It was my print gocco! After I unpacked everything that came with it, i decided to lay out the contents to take some pictures.
After that, i got so excited flashing my first image, that I forgot to take pictures, but i did eventually get a shot of my VERY FIRST print:
I think i messed up the flashing. Either there wasn't enough carbon in the print, or I pulled the print off of the screen too soon. Either way I like the distressed look it ended up giving me.
Eventually, my kitchen table looked like this:
I got some shots of the actual printing:
I know that i wasted a lot of precious space on the screen, but i was just so excited to use the gocco, that i didn't even care.
I even decided to emboss some of them to see how it would turn out, here's the inking with the embossing powder unheated:
and here it is after the embossing tool did it's work:
It's hard to tell, but it's very shiny, and raised, I'm not sure how I like it though for the invitations. The edges aren't as crisp as i hoped they would be, and sometimes the embossing powder gets blown away and creates random shiny bumps. I think I'm actually not going to heat emboss any of the invites or save the dates. Maybe I can at least try it on one first.
So, now I have a stack of plain thank you cards. I wont use these for the wedding, because this is just the generic "thank you" text that comes with the machine (they include several sheets of graphics that you can image.)
Today I've been working on the save the date, invite, and rsvp designns using my 30 day trial of adobe indesign (so, I guess I should finish them in the next month... )
So, about my "i just can't" moment.
I was raised in a house where our animals were put on the same level as humans. When I was a kid, our cat had it's own bedroom. My brother's pet snake now even has it's own room. Loosing Sheeba was as if I suddenly lost a best friend. She was the perfect combination of companion dog and hunting dog, and it was a big loss for the whole family. She was 13 years old. And one of the sweetest dogs in the world.
I've been at a loss of words as to how to talk about what this means to me. I feel like people will think it's somehow silly for me to be this broken up about a dog, when there are human lives lost everyday. But, damnit, she was important to me. She was a great pal to my tiny dog Charlie,
I miss her.
I was raised in a house where our animals were put on the same level as humans. When I was a kid, our cat had it's own bedroom. My brother's pet snake now even has it's own room. Loosing Sheeba was as if I suddenly lost a best friend. She was the perfect combination of companion dog and hunting dog, and it was a big loss for the whole family. She was 13 years old. And one of the sweetest dogs in the world.
I've been at a loss of words as to how to talk about what this means to me. I feel like people will think it's somehow silly for me to be this broken up about a dog, when there are human lives lost everyday. But, damnit, she was important to me. She was a great pal to my tiny dog Charlie,
I miss her.
