I've been MIA in the bloggy world for more than a week!
Life has gotten pretty crazy lately. I started my job last week, and I'm finally getting used to working all day. I'm still trying to balance cleaning the house and working full time though. Although I have always given my mom credit for being a single, working mom, I have a newfound respect for her (and all you working ladies out there). I don't even have kids, just one messy husband, and I am having a hard time working and keeping the house clean!
Tomorrow my in-laws are coming in for the weekend. (Sorry, that means I will be MIA again!) There are going to be 6 adults, one child, and one dog in our one bedroom apartment this weekend. It's going to be very interesting!
Today is wednesday wishes, which I love to participate in, but I couldn't do two in a row without any real posts in between. Head over to Brooke's blog if you would like to participate!
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Wednesday Wishes (25)
I wish for:
This "Peachy Keen Necklace." Soo cute.
Red velvet cake balls. These babies have been on my recipe list for a few months, but I have yet to try them out.
New tennis shoes. Right now I am wearing an old pair of choach shoes to work, and after only two days, my heels are killing me.
Link up with Brooke to share your wishes!
This "Peachy Keen Necklace." Soo cute.
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| one |
Red velvet cake balls. These babies have been on my recipe list for a few months, but I have yet to try them out.
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| two |
Link up with Brooke to share your wishes!
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
I got a job!
Woooooooooooooooh!
After 6 months of filling out applications, 5 interviews, and lots of frustration, I finally got a job!
Unfortunately, it is at another sub shop.. but I have so much experience that he hired me on the spot.
FYI, this is my third job at a deli, and all three times I have been hired on the spot (the first time I was hired as I turned in my application, and the other two after the interview). There have been plenty of jokes in my household (mostly from Chris) but its all in good fun. In today's economy, you gotta go with what you know... and unfortunately, I know subs.
Did I mention that my job is full time? This month marks a year since I have had a job, and although I am excited to go back to work, the idea of working 35 hours a week for the first time is a little daunting. I guess it will be less hours than going to school full time and working part time though.
All in all, I'm pretty darn excited. Chris and I decided that we are going to go car shopping in July! Well, I guess I better go get ready for my first day : )
After 6 months of filling out applications, 5 interviews, and lots of frustration, I finally got a job!
Unfortunately, it is at another sub shop.. but I have so much experience that he hired me on the spot.
FYI, this is my third job at a deli, and all three times I have been hired on the spot (the first time I was hired as I turned in my application, and the other two after the interview). There have been plenty of jokes in my household (mostly from Chris) but its all in good fun. In today's economy, you gotta go with what you know... and unfortunately, I know subs.
Did I mention that my job is full time? This month marks a year since I have had a job, and although I am excited to go back to work, the idea of working 35 hours a week for the first time is a little daunting. I guess it will be less hours than going to school full time and working part time though.
All in all, I'm pretty darn excited. Chris and I decided that we are going to go car shopping in July! Well, I guess I better go get ready for my first day : )
Monday, May 16, 2011
Operation Petticoat
Yesterday, I went to a photo-session hosted by Operation Petticoat. They are an amazing group of women who have decided to get together and provide a free day of pampering and photos to military wives.
So yesterday morning, the hubby and I, (and Jack of course- he couldn't be left home alone all day!) hopped in the car and drove the 2+ hours to LA. At the salon, all the girls snacked and chit-chatted until it was their turn to be pampered. Chris, on the other hand, took the dog for a walk, skate boarded, and played monopoly on his ipod. He is such a good hubby.
The theme was 1950's pin up. Kat did our makeup, complete with falsh eyelashes, cheek bone hugging blush and bright red lipstick. Sandi curled our hair, and Connie styled it a la 1950's. Carrie, who owns her own vintage style shop, brought in a ton of clothes for us to choose from. My options were a bit limited since I am so small, but we found this adorable pink sheer nightie that was perfect. After all the primping, Jules took our photos as we pretended to be real pin ups.
I had a blast. I absolutely love the 1950's era- I have a folder on my computer full of inspiration, I sometimes rock the red lipstick and bandana in my hair, and my hubby even jokes with me about how I am an 'old lady' by which he means to say, and 'old soul' haha. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity, and I am so happy I had the chance to do it! We got a few prints to take home with us, and they will be posting more on facebook soon, so I will post some up when they do!
So yesterday morning, the hubby and I, (and Jack of course- he couldn't be left home alone all day!) hopped in the car and drove the 2+ hours to LA. At the salon, all the girls snacked and chit-chatted until it was their turn to be pampered. Chris, on the other hand, took the dog for a walk, skate boarded, and played monopoly on his ipod. He is such a good hubby.
The theme was 1950's pin up. Kat did our makeup, complete with falsh eyelashes, cheek bone hugging blush and bright red lipstick. Sandi curled our hair, and Connie styled it a la 1950's. Carrie, who owns her own vintage style shop, brought in a ton of clothes for us to choose from. My options were a bit limited since I am so small, but we found this adorable pink sheer nightie that was perfect. After all the primping, Jules took our photos as we pretended to be real pin ups.
I had a blast. I absolutely love the 1950's era- I have a folder on my computer full of inspiration, I sometimes rock the red lipstick and bandana in my hair, and my hubby even jokes with me about how I am an 'old lady' by which he means to say, and 'old soul' haha. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity, and I am so happy I had the chance to do it! We got a few prints to take home with us, and they will be posting more on facebook soon, so I will post some up when they do!
Thursday, May 12, 2011
My First Car
Today I am linking up with Momma Kat and her writing workshop. Each week, she provides a list of writing prompts; you choose one, write about it, and link up!
I chose to write about my first (and only) car because it is honestly a pretty interesting story.
I think I need to provide some background info first.
Sometime before my freshman year, my grandpa gave my mom his old pick-up truck. About a month after getting my permit my sophomore year, my mom decided to trade in the truck for a new-er car, and goes to the dealership by herself. When my mom calls on her way home, she tells me she is driving a... MINI VAN. I thought she was joking- there was only two us (three with my grandpa) and this was the car I was going to pick up my friends in after I got my license? I almost cried when she pulled into the parking spot.
My senior year, things started to get a little more tough around the house, and eventually we lost the van. By this time, my friends affectionately called her 'Big Bessie.' She was the ultimate get-away-car during a light night t.p. session; I left the door open, and they all dove in as I drove by to pick them up (Don't tell my mom).
Right around the time that we lost the van, I got a second job. I had one day off a week, and I spent that time catching up on homework and sleep. We moved to a new house at the beginning of my senior year, which was 20 miles from school, and luckily a little closer to my jobs. I spent 2-3 hours on the bus a day.. depending on whether I had school and work, or worked both jobs. I know, taking a bus isn't that bad.. except when your 18 years old, taking AP classes in high school, working two jobs, and getting 4 hours of sleep a night. Sitting at the bus stop, I would envision my self in the cars driving by- to this day I am an expert at guessing what kind of car just by glancing at it.
After 5 months of taking the bus, my dad told me he found me a car- a 2001 hyundai sonata. I was so desperate at this point that I would have taken anything, but when I heard it was Pearl white and had a V6 engine, I was ecstatic.
There was only one problem- my dad, along with the car, was in New Mexico. I had no way, nor money, to get there.. except my favorite method of transportation, the bus. By some grace of God, my best friend offered to take the 8 hour bus ride in the middle of the night with me. It was a nightmare. We had to sit in the last row, where the seat backs were straight up, and no one, including the bus driver, spoke english. We missed our bus stop, because only one person got off, and the bus driver didn't understand our question, so my dad had to follow us to the next stop, right at the border of Mexico.
When I saw my car, I was in love. When I drove my car, I was head over heals. Although I wouldn't have considered her a sports car, she did have a V6, and she could go. So later that day, I sped back to AZ with my new car, my new TOM, and an old gun (a lovely semi-automatic 22 rifle) my dad promised me in the trunk. I was under the impression that my gun was supposed to my registered, so when I went through border patrol I almost had a heart attack until they waved us through, but I later found out I was fine.
I have had a lot of interesting adventures with 'Pearl' (yes, I named my car) in the past three years. It is going to be hard to let her go, but with every mile she creeps to the 200,000 mark, I know I am getting closer to that day.
Do you have memories of your first car that will stay with you forever?
I chose to write about my first (and only) car because it is honestly a pretty interesting story.
I think I need to provide some background info first.
Sometime before my freshman year, my grandpa gave my mom his old pick-up truck. About a month after getting my permit my sophomore year, my mom decided to trade in the truck for a new-er car, and goes to the dealership by herself. When my mom calls on her way home, she tells me she is driving a... MINI VAN. I thought she was joking- there was only two us (three with my grandpa) and this was the car I was going to pick up my friends in after I got my license? I almost cried when she pulled into the parking spot.
My senior year, things started to get a little more tough around the house, and eventually we lost the van. By this time, my friends affectionately called her 'Big Bessie.' She was the ultimate get-away-car during a light night t.p. session; I left the door open, and they all dove in as I drove by to pick them up (Don't tell my mom).
Right around the time that we lost the van, I got a second job. I had one day off a week, and I spent that time catching up on homework and sleep. We moved to a new house at the beginning of my senior year, which was 20 miles from school, and luckily a little closer to my jobs. I spent 2-3 hours on the bus a day.. depending on whether I had school and work, or worked both jobs. I know, taking a bus isn't that bad.. except when your 18 years old, taking AP classes in high school, working two jobs, and getting 4 hours of sleep a night. Sitting at the bus stop, I would envision my self in the cars driving by- to this day I am an expert at guessing what kind of car just by glancing at it.
After 5 months of taking the bus, my dad told me he found me a car- a 2001 hyundai sonata. I was so desperate at this point that I would have taken anything, but when I heard it was Pearl white and had a V6 engine, I was ecstatic.
There was only one problem- my dad, along with the car, was in New Mexico. I had no way, nor money, to get there.. except my favorite method of transportation, the bus. By some grace of God, my best friend offered to take the 8 hour bus ride in the middle of the night with me. It was a nightmare. We had to sit in the last row, where the seat backs were straight up, and no one, including the bus driver, spoke english. We missed our bus stop, because only one person got off, and the bus driver didn't understand our question, so my dad had to follow us to the next stop, right at the border of Mexico.
When I saw my car, I was in love. When I drove my car, I was head over heals. Although I wouldn't have considered her a sports car, she did have a V6, and she could go. So later that day, I sped back to AZ with my new car, my new TOM, and an old gun (a lovely semi-automatic 22 rifle) my dad promised me in the trunk. I was under the impression that my gun was supposed to my registered, so when I went through border patrol I almost had a heart attack until they waved us through, but I later found out I was fine.
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| I had pictures from the first day I drove my new car to school, but they are on an old computer. The only picture I have is this one, when my best friend and I were trying to fit her bike in my car so she could take it to college with her. We eventually took off the handle bars. |
I have had a lot of interesting adventures with 'Pearl' (yes, I named my car) in the past three years. It is going to be hard to let her go, but with every mile she creeps to the 200,000 mark, I know I am getting closer to that day.
Do you have memories of your first car that will stay with you forever?
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Wednesday Wishes (24)
One. A fun grocery list pad like this one that will help me stay organized.
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| source |
Two. A dress that is as classy and sexy as this one. (and yes, I want the hat too)
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| source |
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| source |
Monday, May 9, 2011
Bad Puppy
Do you ever wish your puppy could talk? I do. Especially lately.
Sometime in the past, I did a post about our puppy Jack, and I said something like "we potty-trained him in two weeks!" He was originally my sister's dog, and he peed on her carpet at least a few times a day. He has been doing so well..
Last week, he peed in the bedroom, on the carpet, even though there was a puppy pad, three times. We were on like a 3 month spree.
Last night, he peed on the puppy pad three times. Thank goodness it was not on the carpet, but why did he go three times? The first time was less than hour after I took him out for the night! He seriously has used a puppy pad like twice in the past few months, on the weekends when we didn't wake up at 4 am.
I don't know what has gotten into him! Has your dog ever all the sudden had a bad-streak? What did you do about it? We are going to rent a shampooer from home depot.. maybe when all the smell is gone things will go back to normal.
I just wish he could talk to me, and say something like, "Mommy, I peed on the floor because I am mad at you for not playing fetch with me all day." Or, "Mommy, I have a tummy ache, and that's why I went potty four times last night."
Sometime in the past, I did a post about our puppy Jack, and I said something like "we potty-trained him in two weeks!" He was originally my sister's dog, and he peed on her carpet at least a few times a day. He has been doing so well..
Last week, he peed in the bedroom, on the carpet, even though there was a puppy pad, three times. We were on like a 3 month spree.
Last night, he peed on the puppy pad three times. Thank goodness it was not on the carpet, but why did he go three times? The first time was less than hour after I took him out for the night! He seriously has used a puppy pad like twice in the past few months, on the weekends when we didn't wake up at 4 am.
I don't know what has gotten into him! Has your dog ever all the sudden had a bad-streak? What did you do about it? We are going to rent a shampooer from home depot.. maybe when all the smell is gone things will go back to normal.
I just wish he could talk to me, and say something like, "Mommy, I peed on the floor because I am mad at you for not playing fetch with me all day." Or, "Mommy, I have a tummy ache, and that's why I went potty four times last night."
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Mother's Day and Mixed Emotions
Mother's Day is kind of a sensitive subject right now, for two reasons.
One. This is my first year not living with my mom during mother's day. Last year I was going to school, but I was still able to drive the 2 hours to go home and spend the weekend with her. My mom and I are extremely close- she raised me as a single mom and I have always considered her one of my best friends. I sent her a gift card to get a pedicure, and I wish I was there to go with her! Plus, it is my sister's first year as a mother, and I haven't even met me nephew yet.
Chris has duty, so the house is really quiet today. I guess it's Mommy and Jack time - he is my furbaby after all : )
One. This is my first year not living with my mom during mother's day. Last year I was going to school, but I was still able to drive the 2 hours to go home and spend the weekend with her. My mom and I are extremely close- she raised me as a single mom and I have always considered her one of my best friends. I sent her a gift card to get a pedicure, and I wish I was there to go with her! Plus, it is my sister's first year as a mother, and I haven't even met me nephew yet.
Two. Last month I went in for surgery to have an ovarian cyst removed, and last week I found out that I most likely have endometriosis. Although the doctor gave me a treatment plan for 'until I decide to have children,' I have still been super emotional thinking about the big what-if of infertility.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
flower centerpieces
I love flowers, but I know nothing about them.
So when I started thinking about what flowers to use for my wedding, I sort of panicked and decided to do it later. I thought I found the perfect flowers a few weeks ago, but now I'm second guessing my choice for the centerpieces.
I was thinking of using these flowers:
And making these bottles to put them in:
I'm for sure making the bottles; I think they go so perfect with our country theme! Chris and I have already collected like 15 bottles, and we still have a way to go! The flowers are billy balls, and they are originally yellow. I'm afraid that they are going to look orange when I get them : / Oh, its so hard perfecting all the wedding details.
So when I started thinking about what flowers to use for my wedding, I sort of panicked and decided to do it later. I thought I found the perfect flowers a few weeks ago, but now I'm second guessing my choice for the centerpieces.
I was thinking of using these flowers:
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| source |
And making these bottles to put them in:
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| source But I originally found them on Brooke's Blog! |
I'm for sure making the bottles; I think they go so perfect with our country theme! Chris and I have already collected like 15 bottles, and we still have a way to go! The flowers are billy balls, and they are originally yellow. I'm afraid that they are going to look orange when I get them : / Oh, its so hard perfecting all the wedding details.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Wednesday Wishes (23)
My wishes are for:
1. Some pretty makeup, like the stuff I found on etsy the other day. Not only is it handmade and affordable, but its all natural.
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| one |
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| one |
2. A reusable farmer's egg crate. You might think I'm weird, but I would love it if the inside of my refrigerator was pretty and organized. I want drinks in pretty glass pitchers instead of the ugly plastic bottles with labels all over them, and a pretty egg crate.
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| two |
3. Tall Boots for riding. I have one pair, but I left them back home in storage. I figured I wouldn't be doing much riding for awhile, and if I did, I could just wear my cowboy boots. Wrong! Last week one of the groupon deals was for two riding lessons, and I decided to use it as an excuse to ride again and learn something I never did- jumping! They even have horses for advanced riders; I'm so excited!
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| three |
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Book Review: Plain Truth
Or should I say author review?
I love books. I love my books to have a happy ending, which is why I don't understand why my favorite author is Jodi Picoult. Maybe this is why:
"These are some of the things I’ve done in the name of research: Watched Sly Stallone on a movie set (for Picture Perfect); observed cardiac surgery (Harvesting the Heart); gone to jail for the day (The Pact); milked cows on an Amish dairy farm (Plain Truth); learned Wiccan love spells and DNA testing procedures (Salem Falls); explored bone marrow transplants (Perfect Match); gone ghost hunting (Second Glance). For Vanishing Acts, I spent time in a hardcore Arizona jail, and met with both detention officers and inmates (learning, among other things, how to make my own zip gun and the recipe for crystal meth); and went to the Hopi reservation to attend their private katsina dances. For The Tenth Circle, I trekked to the Alaskan tundra to visit a remote Eskimo village and to follow a dogsled race on a snowmobile – in January, when it was -38 degrees Fahrenheit. For my upcoming novel, LONE WOLF, I spent time with a man who lived in the wild with a wolf pack for a year – and got to meet some other wolves he has in captivity. " -Jodi Picoult
I love how much research she puts into her writing. Not only that, but she always adds something interesting that doesn't have to be there, and she expands on it: whale watching, an apple farm, astronomy, lost religion. She doesn't just mention them, she gives details, and incorporates them into the story. I have never seen another author do it so well.
I have read 7 of her 18 books: The Pact, My Sister's Keeper, Picture Perfect, Change of Heart, Nineteen Minutes, Songs of the Humpback Whale, and Plain Truth. Does that show you how much I love her writing?
I'm lucky that I picked up The Pact first. It is a tragic love story that was so haunting I couldn't put it down. (It is still my second favorite book today, behind Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte) It also made me want to pick up another one of her books, and another.. I'm also lucky because if I would have been recommended Jodi Picoult, and not The Pact, my logical mind probably would have picked up the first book she ever wrote since I like to do things in order, which was Songs of the Humpback Whale. I was not a fan; I found it awkward; and I also discovered later that she was very inaccurate with her research. However, that is the only one so far I would not recommend.
In Plain Truth, a dead infant is discovered in an Amish barn, and evidence leads to an 18-year-old unwed Amish woman named Katie Fisher. When Ellie Hathaway, a big-city attorney, takes on her case, there is a collision of cultures- the "plain" way and the American system of justice.
I give this book four stars out of 5. I def recommend it!
I love books. I love my books to have a happy ending, which is why I don't understand why my favorite author is Jodi Picoult. Maybe this is why:
"These are some of the things I’ve done in the name of research: Watched Sly Stallone on a movie set (for Picture Perfect); observed cardiac surgery (Harvesting the Heart); gone to jail for the day (The Pact); milked cows on an Amish dairy farm (Plain Truth); learned Wiccan love spells and DNA testing procedures (Salem Falls); explored bone marrow transplants (Perfect Match); gone ghost hunting (Second Glance). For Vanishing Acts, I spent time in a hardcore Arizona jail, and met with both detention officers and inmates (learning, among other things, how to make my own zip gun and the recipe for crystal meth); and went to the Hopi reservation to attend their private katsina dances. For The Tenth Circle, I trekked to the Alaskan tundra to visit a remote Eskimo village and to follow a dogsled race on a snowmobile – in January, when it was -38 degrees Fahrenheit. For my upcoming novel, LONE WOLF, I spent time with a man who lived in the wild with a wolf pack for a year – and got to meet some other wolves he has in captivity. " -Jodi Picoult
I love how much research she puts into her writing. Not only that, but she always adds something interesting that doesn't have to be there, and she expands on it: whale watching, an apple farm, astronomy, lost religion. She doesn't just mention them, she gives details, and incorporates them into the story. I have never seen another author do it so well.
I have read 7 of her 18 books: The Pact, My Sister's Keeper, Picture Perfect, Change of Heart, Nineteen Minutes, Songs of the Humpback Whale, and Plain Truth. Does that show you how much I love her writing?
I'm lucky that I picked up The Pact first. It is a tragic love story that was so haunting I couldn't put it down. (It is still my second favorite book today, behind Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte) It also made me want to pick up another one of her books, and another.. I'm also lucky because if I would have been recommended Jodi Picoult, and not The Pact, my logical mind probably would have picked up the first book she ever wrote since I like to do things in order, which was Songs of the Humpback Whale. I was not a fan; I found it awkward; and I also discovered later that she was very inaccurate with her research. However, that is the only one so far I would not recommend.
In Plain Truth, a dead infant is discovered in an Amish barn, and evidence leads to an 18-year-old unwed Amish woman named Katie Fisher. When Ellie Hathaway, a big-city attorney, takes on her case, there is a collision of cultures- the "plain" way and the American system of justice.
I give this book four stars out of 5. I def recommend it!
Monday, May 2, 2011
I'm a proud wifey
Last week, my husband did his board for bluejacket of the quarter.
On Friday, we found out that he WON!
I am so proud of him for all of his hardwork; he truly deserved this.
If you don't know, Bluejacket of the quarter is an award given to one seaman on the ship every 3 months. I am one proud Navy wife : )
On Friday, we found out that he WON!
I am so proud of him for all of his hardwork; he truly deserved this.
If you don't know, Bluejacket of the quarter is an award given to one seaman on the ship every 3 months. I am one proud Navy wife : )
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