Ms. Domestique

Gettin' Hitched!

2011-11-12T15:04:00.001-05:00

Well, mostly everyone knows that Mr. S and I are F-I-N-A-L-L-Y engaged, which is so exciting (and stressful)! He proposed on November 5th during our trip to New York right on the steps of the NY library! For an English major and book nerd, that was probably the cutest place he could have ever picked. We didn't realize for a while that it was also Guy Fawkes day, which is also perfect for my anglophile self.

Before you ask: no, we don't have any plans yet. I'm almost done with the registries so that I can finish a website. A local friend just picked up photo as a hobby, so we're going to help her build a portfolio and I'm very excited to finally get some pictures of us that I didn't take with a tripod.

My good friend C really wants to see the ring, but I didn't want to be "that girl" who posts all these things on her facebook, so I'm going to post them here. He went a little bit crazy...I would have just been happy with a cracker-jack ring, but, well, it speaks for itself:

Yeah, how about them apples.

Clarisonic: A girls "real" best friend.

2011-09-26T18:13:00.002-04:00

A sweet friend told me the other day that my skin was looking fantastic. Who doesn't like to receive a compliment like that out of the blue? Since this sweetie is in the market for some new skincare ideas, I have a little secret to share.

This summer my skin decided to switch sides and start batting for the other team, if that sports analogy makes any sense. I've been breaking out on my forehead, my neck, my chin: it has been a regular solar system on my face lately. Since I'm obnoxiously pale, this will not fly.

I blame it on the weather first and foremost, as well as trying out some new products. I thought that I'd try the yes-to-carrots line since I had heard some good things about them and they're au natural. I really wanted so much to like them! I tried so hard because they make such adorable products with amazing phrases and clever directions on the bottles. It was not meant to be because my skin freaked out on me.

It has literally taken months to get my nice skin back and I'm still working on it. I got my first facial (love) and got some good tips from the esthetician and I've added toning and moisturizing to my cleansing. I never knew I actually had dry skin...whoops. During my facial they used a fantastic machine by Clarisonic (from the makers of the sonicare toothbrush). The Clarisonic machines get regular cleansers deeper into your pores (6X better make-up removal) and it feels lovely!

Luckily, there are a few versions that you can get at Sephora and you can use any cleanser with the Clarisonic.

Obviously, I rushed directly to Sephora and got the Mia in a bright sunshiny yellow, because washing your face should be fun when you have to do it so much.

It was $149, but they just reduced the price to $119. That might seem like a lot of mulah, but it is so worth it! My face is softer, has a more even tone, and it has cleared up a ton of the smaller bumps, as well as a lot of blackheads (arch nemesis). I'm not even using it every day and I've noticed a huge difference and I'm only using Cetaphil. It's waterproof so I can use it in the shower, which is my favorite place to wash my face.

The absolute best part is that I didn't have any menstrual breakouts on my face this cycle, which is normally the worst time for my face. My body did compensate with some zits on my ear and right under my hairline, but there were no landing pads on my face, so I'll take it.

Come to think of it, I can't think of any new breakouts on my face since I've been using it almost daily.

That's such a big deal, ya'll!

Summer DIY

2011-09-11T15:59:00.002-04:00

Well, it felt good to get all that Austen-ranting off of my chest, but it you don't care two winks about my dearest Jane, then we've also been up to some Summer DIY.

I know that I've shown you my Laundry Closet before and some of the organization I've gotten up to, but we made a new and fabulous addition that I think you'll like.

Because our "twins" are front loaders having them on the ground was no bueno! Mr. S is 6'5" so if it was hurting my back, you know it was hurting his to have to bend down to switch laundry. For some reason our house is set up with the washing attachments on the right and the doors to our appliances were opening into the middle. Since this closet sits on a hallway it took up a lot of space and to switch the laundry because we'd have to go around the doors.

Pedestals for front-loaders are almost the price of new appliances: atleast, $200 for each one. I'm sorry, but we are not made of money. So...off to the internet I went!

A lot of the laundry raisers with tutorials online are not very attractive, to be quite honest. I know it's just going to be put in a closet, but I still want it to look somewhat professional. It wasn't looking good until I found this tutorial from the author of Show and Tell.

My handsome honey got to work and it took him 2 weekends and about $150 for all the supplies. I helped by painting it. We also flipped the sides they were on.

The lettering and clothespins are brought to you by my fancy splurge for this project: a Silhouette Vinyl/Paper cutter. I'm so in love with this machine and I've gone a little label-crazy in other parts of the house. The baskets are from Crate and Barrel (online only).

Most of the credit does go to Mr. S because he did all the heavy lifting with the help of his dad.

I also chopped off my hair today. It was down to below my chest and it was just getting in the way of everyone in the house. S would even get stuck in it while getting out of bed in the morning and that is not a peaceful way for me to wake up.

Why Girls (more specifically, me) Go Apeshit For Austen

2011-09-11T15:02:00.003-04:00

Over the summer, I was staying with my bestie and we finished off a bottle or two of wine while watching the BBC version of Pride and Prejudice. Needless to say, it was a fantastic evening. Her flatmate, a self-described viking, asked me: "What's deal was with chicks and this movie?" He just didn't get it. My answer was less than stellar--deer in the headlights comes to mind. I was drunk and it never occurs to me that everyone isn't Apeshit for Austen like I am. To me it hardly bears explaining, it just is, like breathing: obviously.

I devoted the majority of my studies to Romantic Literature. Austen falls right before this genre started, but a lot of teachers still include her. I avoided Dickens in college (mistake) and took every class that offered any of Austen's books. Since everyone in my classes was also into Austen (especially my All Austen class), I only ran into one person in college (also a guy) who wasn't into Austen. How my professor, Prof. Peter Graham, who has written TEXTBOOKS on Austen didn't fly across the room to throttle this gentleman in the face...I've never quite known except that he is a gentleman of Austenesque standing. Long story short, it is very rare that I find someone who doesn't get "it" since most of my peer group waxes euphoric about Jane. I guess I shouldn't be surpirsed, the Bronte sisters really didn't like Jane Austen. I like both Austen and the Brontes, so I'm excited to read an Austen Spin-off where Lord Byron turned her into a vampire and Charlotte Bronte is her vampire archenemy through the ages. (Are you really surprised that storyline exists with all the spin-offs and vampire books popping up? There is a market for everyone.)

Anyway: So, what is the deal with chicks and this lady, Jane Austen?

Allow me to break down what I think attracts women to Pride and Prejudice and then Austen in general.

Since Pride and Prejudice is the most universally popular/viewed/read for school it only makes sense that there are a lot of different types of P&P fans. Is P&P my favorite? No. That distinction goes to Persuasion, Austen's last book. However, there is a lot of great character development and gooshy love-stuff in there. In fact, P&P was what originally did "it" for me. I read Sense and Sensibility in high school and loved it (I'm a bit of an Eleanor), but it wasn't until I watched P&P on my freshmen exam sickbed that I really got "it."

So what's the deal?

Yum...Darcy--The Darcy groupies are probably the classic example of the followers of P&P. This has everything to do with the BBC mini-series and Colin Firth. I'll admit it: Darcy will always be Colin Firth in my mind, even when I'm re-reading the book. I've never met a lady that didn't love a tall, dark, and handsome, brooding sort of guy. It's the mystery and the knight in shining armor bullshit. Austen's world is stocked full with social boundaries: not touching, dressing from head to toe, and all out sexual repression. So when Darcy takes a dip in the lake on his way back to Pemberley, all the while fighting with the inner turmoil over Elizabeth's rejection and chastisement...well, it's basically wet, t-shirt Regency porn. True story.
Pair Darcy with his foil Wickham and girls go nuts. We all have that guy in our past who is our Wickham, the one we thought was great or "the one" and it turns out that he was a dead-beat. So we love to watch Lizzy figure out Wickham isn't all he's cracked up to be, because we feel vindicated.
The Crazy Mother-- If you made Mrs. Bennet a religious zealot and gave my mother a lace cap they would be the same person. "Why aren't you maried yet?" or "Why aren't you better at x, y, z" are pretty much my daily bread and butter. Austen is in true form in P&P with relate-able characters, which brings me to number four:
Relate-able characters--Most women can sympathize with at least one of the Bennet sisters. My Austen prof actually wrote a book comparing the Bennet sisters to Darwin's theories about birth order in the animal kingdom. Brilliant.

Jane: pretty, shy, gets walked over
Elizabeth: considered pretty (but she's no Jane), witty, bookish, daring, and honorable
Mary: homely, misunderstood, blacksheep
Kitty: always outdone by her younger sister
Lydia-rude, impulsive, notorious flirt

The language can be a little obtuse at first, especially if it's your first time reading literature from this period, but as you become more accustomed to the syntax, the language becomes a main point of attraction. Especially the absolutely biting, subtle, and polite way the characters tell each other off. Lady Catherine's visit to Elizabeth at Longbourn is probably my favorite example. It's delightful because if I ever said this to another woman, they probably wouldn't even understand what it meant. Oh it's so delicious!
The costumes are fantastic in the movies and the descriptions are very detailed in the books. You can tell a lot about a person in Austen's world by how they dress as well as their titles. A knowledge of the history of social titles and dress can explain a lot about personalities in the books.

Austen is nothing without her social commentary. She is a subtle wit who takes to task society, women's issues, the education system, and the social ladder. She was a huge champion of education and sense for women. In fact, she was so biting that her sister destroyed a fair chunk of her correspondence after Jane's death to cover up some of the things she said about people. I really wish Cassandra hadn't done that, but I guess she had as much prophetic understanding as her namesake.

Austen also bears the attraction that she died very early. I'd love to see what she would have written if her career had continued, yet at the same time I don't because I fear it might not have been as good. She was a formula writer, which might sound boring, but even though you always know the book is going to end with a wedding, each time you read her novels you're always in agony about whether they really are going to get together in the end. She's very good at delayed gratification in multiple ways, again, it's the sex or lack there of.

Even though she might be "old hat" in a modern world, it is her nuances and woman's intuition about people and situations that continues to draw modern readers to her novels, as well as, her extremely detailed characters that continue to hold our interest and parallel people we know. She reinforces that even 200 years ago, individuals were still yearning for the same things: Love, Happiness, and Social Justice.

Don't you love how this started as a blog post and ended with a conclusion paragraph? Psh, you don't want to read those college essays. 2 years later I still haven't brought myself to read the solid, gold crap I turned in for my seminar class.

Expansion

2011-09-09T17:52:00.000-04:00

Isn't it funny how your life gets in the way of your blog about your life?

I've been doing a heap ton of projects and "fun" reading this summer that the relevancy of updating my blog has completely slipped my mind...and I feel bad to have to go back a few months to go over it all. So in my guilt, I just don't post or I half write posts and never publish them. For instance, I have a magnum opus locked in my arsenal from an occasion where a viking asked me why girls love Pride and Prejudice. Really, it should probably be turned into an article or a formal essay, but I might just pull out the stops for you all. Really, it's amazingly nerdy.

While I've been whiling away the remnants of my summer and being blissfully ignorant of my blog, I was suddenly blindsided by a request that I update my blog...from someone I would not in a million years have thought knew my blog existed. Every time this happens, I'm always taken aback and very grateful, but always guilty that my blog is lacking so much of its "muchness."

So my wonderful friends, a brilliant idea popped into my head...concerning facebook. I'm sure a lot of you are like me and live on the FB most of the time. I have a few friends who can't figure out how to comment using blogger (tutorial needed?) and will tell me something on facebook. Many folks may not have me in a blog-feed so they aren't aware that I've updated.

There are so many reasons and they all boil down to "I need a page to be able to have another way to communicate with people because I really have no idea who really reads this or cares and I just need to know someone cares...damn it"

So...go add Ms. Domestique on facebook (two of you already jumped the gun on that--Thank you!).

Ms. Domestique on Facebook

I'm really looking forward to being able to link to post on there without everyone I knew in highschool stalking me (pseudonyms are fantastic things), being able to conduct polls/gauge how the website is functioning, and you won't miss posts. I've changed the homepage of Ms. Domestique to only show one post at a time since I tend to, shall we say, ramble and that makes me have to scroll to find my favorite blogs at the bottom. Since I also tend to post a lot all at once, with only one post showing something is going to fall through the cracks. I know, I need a posting schedule, but sometimes you can't control when the muse descends.

So please do me the honor, nay the condescension of your "like" on Facebook and I will try to be more interesting.

A Newfie Breakfast

2011-06-26T11:49:00.003-04:00

My goodness, I've been obnoxiously domestic this weekend! Not that I'm complaining--at all. I mentioned yesterday that I'd dipped my toes into homemade dog treats and I doubt I'll be able to buy him treats ever again. I'm ok with this since Petsmart isn't really that close or cheap or big enough.

Mr. Puppy has been following me around begging for these bars all morning! He came back for seconds, thirds, and fourths before I finally cut him off.

I found the recipe here:

Homemade Dog Treat Recipe
Newf Breakfast Bars
12 c. oatmeal
4 c. whole wheat flour
>8 eggs
3/4 c. oil
2/3 c. honey
1/2 c. molasses
2 c. milk
1 large can solid pack pumpkin (optional)
3 to 4 mashed bananas (optional)
Preheat oven to 325. Grease 2 cookie sheets
Dump everything into a VERY large bowl. Mix this whole mess together (I use my hands, AFTER I take my rings off, another story), pat onto greased cookie sheets & bake at 325 for 1 hour. After 1 hour turn oven off, crack oven door & allow cookies to cool in oven. Break into whatever size you want (mine like LARGE).
These freeze really well. My guys love these, they sit in front of the oven waiting.

This recipe does make an extremely large amount of bars...I filled up 2 gallon zip-lock baggies to give you an idea of the quantity. I'm going to freeze the rest since there aren't any preservatives in these puppies.

Doggie "ice cream" might be in my future soon too. Have you met a more spoiled dog then my newfster?

I didn't think so.

Crafty Saturday

2011-06-25T23:31:00.004-04:00

I've been wanting to make a camera strap for my DSLR practically before I even upgraded cameras.

There are tons of really cute straps on Etsy and many of them go for $20+. I was able to accomplish mine from a tutorial at lbg studio. It was super easy and included a pocket for the lens cap. Isn't never knowing where to put the cap the absolute worst? (Especially when you're oh...I dunno...at the zoo or some such place.)

The best part was that it only cost me $8 for enough materials to actually make two. If anyone is interested in a twin, let me know.

Say "Hello" to Mr. S sitting on my desk. <3


I did the stitching in teal for a little color pop. I'm on a yellow/gray kick at the moment. The only thing I think it needs is something on the pocket. Buttons, maybe?

There are so many cute fabrics that you could choose to make your own! Oh-my-gosh, fabric stores are so much fun to wonder around in. Lots of trouble hidden in there.

This little button will take you to lbg studio so that you can check out some other fun/inspiration tutorials. I really love her set-up and her instructions are very non-technical--so go check it out!

PS-I also entered into the world of homemade dog biscuits today...more to come on that and I hope to get the Bramston seal of approval.

Invisalign Reveal Day!

2011-06-01T21:37:00.000-04:00

It's finally that time. The time for the big Invisalign reveal! Today I ordered my retainer and I got all of my little nubs taken off. I'll still have to wear the retainer 24/7 for the next 3 months until I gradually wean myself to wearing them just at night, but I'm so amazingly/ecstatically/genuinely/in-awe happy with the results.

Once again, if you're thinking about doing something to fix your smile, I 100% recommend Invisalign and you can know I mean every word because no one is paying me to say that. You're welcome for the free, word-of-mouth advertising Invisalign. If you wish to pay me that would be aces!

I wanted to find you a really good "before" picture, but I realized that I haven't smiled full-on in a photo in a very long time, years even. Thanks to facebook I can literally track that. There were an alarming amount of duck-lip pictures that made it to profile status, though. I might need therapy.

This is the best/worst one I could find, which was taken right before my graduation 2 years ago:

Photo compliments of Lady Di.

Um...hello, Snaggle-Tooth and Roller-Coaster Bottom Teeth. What's up?

Please, let me introduce you to Ms. Sexy-Straight and Gradual Slope. They're new to the neighborhood.

Lovely, right! I like Ms. Sexy-Straight and her sister Gradual Slope. They can come to my house to party any time. I also think my teeth are whiter...maybe that's all in my head, but I'll take it. I've been using a little trick I picked up from one of the challenge participants about adding baking soda to my toothpaste. It doesn't taste that great, but I'm excited to see how it works.

Here's the side-by-side before and after:

Well thanks for sitting through that.

If I happen to see you and I take out my aligners to show you, please don't think I'm too weird. I'm just excited.

Stoked- Love People More Than Things

2011-05-25T14:14:00.001-04:00

Monday was the first time, I think ever, that I actually enjoyed going to the grocery store. Normally, I spend the entire time in agony because what I want to get and what I talk myself into getting because it's healthier is always in conflict. I'll even go back and forth several times over the same thing hoping that my reasoning might come to a different conclusion, so by the end I'm stessed out and feeling really unfulfilled with what I've gotten.

However, this week was different due to all of the things I've been putting into play with this challenge. I've made Mondays my grocery days every week and I've added a reminder to my calendar at work that reminds me 15 minutes before I leave that it's grocery day. This has helped me keep healthier options around to snack on and I even feel like I'm spending less over all.

Food has become a thing that I can explore instead of something dull I have to pick up. For instance, this week I brought home:

Kiwi- they were 5 for a $1 and I've never bought them because I've been terrified of how to prepare them.
A complete pineapple- I've never bought one of these either because I've also been terrified about how to prepare it...which, was not nearly as hard as I thought it would be.
Beans! I went to the bean aisle and picked up lentils, which I've never made, but I'm excited to try (recipes welcome).
Buckwheat
Non-dairy yogurts, which I never knew existed until this challenge and I find that to be incredibly sad.
Gluten-free Granola from Trader Joe's that is kind of rocking my world right now with sunflower seeds, flax seeds, pecans and cranberries.
Cilantro and Jalopeno hummus-normally I'm a more traditional hummus eater or I just got with spinach, but this one is soo spicey and wonderful
Banana Buddies-frozen banannas covered in dark chocolate so that I get the ice creamy feel without the upset tummy later.

Doing good, right?

Today we got the e-mail for what's next on the challenge and my first thought was "oh no, what next" but I'm surprisingly pleased with what's to come! De-junking! My absolute favorite. I have a very strict opinion about stuff I don't use: if I haven't used it in a few months then I don't need it. While our house has an attic, I'm of the opinion that I don't need to store things for a long period of time nor do I ever want to move anything I don't need. So I have designated good-will boxes around the house, which currently need to be taken.

Clutter stresses me out to no end! My vendetta against this goes back to my childhood: My mother gets overly sentimental about posessions. She never gets rid of anything because so and so owned it or she has a fond memory of something a long time ago. A perfect example of this are the two lava lamps currently in my foyer. Why are they there, you ask? Because my mother came up to see me for my birthday and for some reason she decided to bring two lava lamps that were in my bedroom when I was 12. And now I'm stuck with giving them away. Want one? She also keeps furniture she admits to hating and thinks is horribly uncomfortable just because it was my Dad's mother's. She keeps every paper: ever. However, she is organized about it, but I don't need to keep things to remember or feel them. I'll always have the memories of that time without keeping the t-shirt.

Random junk particularly runs rampant during holidays/birthdays. People don't know what to get you so they just grab some nice random thing. I personally am not offended by gift cards or cash or making a donation in my name to a charity. Just get me anything other then something useless/random/cluttering that I feel burdened with. I still know you love me without it. <3

Ms. Crabby Cakes

2011-05-19T20:24:00.001-04:00

Oh Lordy, I'm so behind! Forgive me! I went on vacation for my birthday and I've been feeling like I've been playing catch-up since we got back.

Our trip was wonderful! If I ever get a chance to unload my camera and edit those pictures, I'll give you a little tour of what we did. Until then, I'll leave you my little, insanely cheesy "postcard."

As far as the challenge went I wasn't entirely on the bandwagon since it was our vacation, but I did have a lot of stress-free "me" time. S and I tried out a lot of great mom and pop restaurants and some amazing seafood. Because we were eating out so much, I really focused on stopping when I was full and not feeling guilty about leaving food on my plate. I think I did really well with that exercise and I felt great for doing it. I also went grocery shopping while we were there for in-room snacks and that helped.

Last week the challenge group eliminated gluten and I have failed, oh-so-hard, at this. I've never, ever, ever had to think about it and it is completely out of my train of thought when I'm planning meals. If I got diagnosed with a gluten allergy tomorrow, I don't know what I'd do. Obviously, I would start to become more aware of it, but right now I don't even realize I've eaten it until it has already gone down the hatch. Right now, I'm just trying to be as aware as I can and if I do happen to eat gluten I'll try to notice if I feel any difference.

I don't know if it was all the seafood I ate on vacation or just having to go back to everyday life, but I've been in a crabby mood this week. The newest part of our challenge has arrived at just the right time: positive thoughts and affirmations. The past two days it seems like as soon as I walk in the door in the afternoon nothing goes "right" one thing after another has happened or gotten on my nerves or cause me to nit-pick. By the time I got on the call last night I hadn't eaten since noon, I'd cleaned and had a dust reaction, I'd work myself into a migraine and we were talking about self-love and balancing multiple aspects in your life to create an even harmony. It SO was not what I wanted to talk about. Luckily, I was at least smart enough not to do some of the exercises during the call because I would have just said "everything about my life sucks and here's the laundry list." That is not effective and I realize that. Perception is half the battle, right?

Tonight the biggest blow came when one of my personal goals in life and for the challenge just exploded. I've been working so hard to get my 1 year old dog to walk on the leash without pulling, without lunging at other dogs, and without getting super excited at anything that strikes his fancy. I've taken him out every day this week except yesterday because it rained. He did marvelously! No pulling what-so-ever and he didn't care about any of the other people out walking, any smells, any other dogs or kids or bikes. Such a proud fur-baby moment!

Tonight, on the other hand, was the complete reverse. I took him for a warm up just down our street to work off some energy before we went to the other neighborhoods. S joined us, which rarely happens because I'm the one with this vendetta that our dog must be a good walker. So Bram got super excited that "daddy" was walking too and instantly started pulling. I corrected that and he was doing ok as we left the neighborhood. Then some middle-schoolers were walking their large-ish dog and he went crazy, I tripped, fell, ripped the only 1 of 2 pairs of jeans that still fit me, and got a 6 inch gash on my knee and busted some knuckles.

Let me tell you, I was the little piggy that cried all the way home. I wasn't crying because I was hurt I was crying because I just want to enjoy a nice walk with my dog and he was doing so ,well, perfect! So frustrating.

I'm not sure how I got into all that...kind of a ramble, right? However, I'm going to be working on thinking about the positives a lot this week. I used to be so good at that, but somewhere along the line I've gotten a bit jaded. It really only takes my commute to work in the morning to get me frazzled. I've been reading a lot of excerpts from Thoreau's Walden Pond the past two days, which is excellent reading to coincide with this part of the challenge. I'm hoping that good old Thoreau will give me some insight and lift my spirits...except I really can't go build a cabin in the woods and live completely on the land...but, I'll use it as a metaphor.

The other part of the challenge is dairy, which I've got in the bag, except for cheese. I'm lactose intolerant, but I love cheese. I really wouldn't trust a person that doesn't like it. :) My vacation fully affirmed my problem with milk because I had one of the worst reactions I've ever had after eating handmade local ice-cream. It was good, but I'm not even sure it was worth what came afterwords.

This Is What 24 Looks Like

2011-05-11T23:48:00.000-04:00

I've been envisioning taking this picture for a while and I finally had time to myself today to get out my camera. I miss snapping photos, but it's a hobby I haven't really gotten to play around with lately.

What I really want to point out about this picture is my teeth. I know I haven't posted a picture of my recent invisalign adventures, but that's because I'm almost done! Almost done, as in, I might be ordering my retainer next Monday. Cross your fingers for me! I'll do a big reveal post, don't you worry.

We've canceled the cable, so I fully anticipate having more time for my projects and doing more things for me, which also happens to be the next focus for my detox challenge.

So how are you "doing you?"

The Human Pincushion

2011-05-11T15:21:00.000-04:00

Monday I got my allergy test done! I'm so relieved to get that over with. Now I know what bothers me and I can avoid it. Apparently, a lot of things bother me because I had a pretty large reaction. I was tested for a total of 36 things!

Don't worry, I took pictures! (I edited them with a cross process so that you can really see how many places I reacted):

The verdict?

CATS!
Basically, they told me I was allergic to my children. The doctor didn't mention anything about getting rid of the cats, but he did say they are not allowed in our bedroom anymore...that's the thing that saddens me the most because bedtime is prime cuddle time and at least one of them almost always sleeps with me. :( Oliver has had a hard time with this because we have cuddled every morning after the alarm goes off since he was a little kitten. I also have to make sure I wash my hands whenever I touch them. I knew they were out to kill me, but I didn't know they'd resort to biological warfare...geez!
Feathers
Dust
Dustmites
I have to cover all of our bedding in special protective covers and wash the sheets in ultra hot water at the very least once a week. I'm so not excited about more laundry, but I think a lot of my headaches/migraines will go away. I went to Bed, Bath, and Beyond right after work (coupon in hand) to get a mattress cover and multiple pillow covers since Mr. S and I swap pillows unintentionally. So far, I think it's working! S thinks our bed feels like a hospital bed, but I'm sure that will go away once we wear in the covers. I'm trying not to inconvenience him too much...I'm also trying to con him into hardwood floors in the basement since I have medical proof for my headaches every time I go down there...
Trees
Molds
Grass
Ragweed

The doctor gave me some bangin' nasal spray that has almost eliminated my sinus pressure. For the molds and pollens I've decided to take allergy shots in the hope that one day I won't have issues any more. It's going to be expensive at first, but as it stands now, I spend about $300 a year on allergy meds. So if I'm allergy free for the next 50 years that's a savings of $15,000. Plus my insurance is going to pay for 90% of the shots. Score!

I really hate taking the over the counter meds because they really dehydrate me and I have to confirm twice a month with the feds that I don't have a meth lab in my kitchen. That just makes me feel skeevy.

I actually got pretty upset at the doctor's office when they went over how many different things I was allergic to. My initial reaction was to sucker-punch both of my parents in the face for negligent parenting because they never got me tested and for looking at me like I had 3 heads every time I mentioned allergy testing growing up. Then I realized this was just more of the same from them and that I've done so many positive things for myself since I've become an adult that I'm proud of me.

Oh! By the way, it's my birthday!

It begins...

2011-05-05T18:16:00.002-04:00

So many thoughts about this so far--gee whiz!

I started my challenge yesterday morning by packing a huge lunchbox of healthy snacks and skipping the coffee. I had a headache all day yesterday and I couldn't figure out if it was my insane allergies or if I was having withdrawals from not having my one soy latte in the morning (I''m lactose and alcohol intolerant, by-the-by). For the most part, I'm really not a coffee drinker. However, today no headache, so I'm leaning more towards allergies. Although, I wasn't as groggy this morning without the coffee, so I'm stoked about that.

Whenever I'm eating a lot more fruits and veggies I always feel like I'm a little rabbit because I'm literally eating all day! Or it feels like that since I'm eating little bits at least every 2 hours, whereas I normally I would eat larger meals spread very far apart (4-5 hours). It's challenging for me to eat the smaller portions because I don't feel like I'm as productive. I feel like I'm spending most of my time fixating on food and my next little snack. With that said, I feel a lot lighter throughout the day because I'm really only eating a little bit at a time and not gorging myself because I've gone 4-5 hours without food and I'm starving. It takes a lot more planning, but it pays off. Today I didn't feel like I was "starving" the entire day, which is good and I felt like I had more energy in the morning and maybe even now.

I had a big test of will-power today since there was a pizza party at work--with cookies! Oh goodness...Normally I like when work provides food because I can get something quick and free and then I can work through lunch and leave earlier. But, I knew if I had pizza and then smuggled cookies to my office I would feel so guilty and sick that I'd get mad with myself. So instead of perpetuating a guilt cycle, I went to Trader Joe's to pick up a salad. Bad idea! Normally when I go to TJ's I'm to the salad aisle and out the door. Today, I literally noticed every cake, every cookie, every pie, every dessert--they were screaming for me! I just kept telling myself: "I packed strawberries for lunch, I packed strawberries for lunch, I packed strawberries for lunch." I made it out of there alive with a great blackbean salad, but that was tough. The strawberries were delicious and I felt good about not taking home the sweets.

So far so good, but I fully anticipate the cravings for sugar to get stronger as the week goes on with a slight chance of headaches. I'm not sure if I'll be able to tell if the headaches are from sugar withdrawals or my allergies because I have to discontinue all use of allergy medications for the next 3 days to get them out of my system before an appointment with an allergist next Monday. Oh, I'm going to be such a hot mess, but I'm hoping to start immunization shots! (I'm not sure why I'm so freakishly happy about that, but I am.)

Alright, off to go wash the dog. He's barking up a storm in the backyard (and probably annoying the who-hey out of the neighbors). I really hate when Mr. Boyfriend leaves him in the yard after lunch because there's nothing but mud for me to clean when I get home and that's just what I want after a long day at work. Got to love those furr-babies...

How is everyone else doing? Any cooking adventures this early in?

That's The Life

2011-04-30T11:40:00.000-04:00

Oliver wishes you a very lazy Saturday.

Personally, I plan to do absolutely nothing and enjoy every minute of it! It's one of those weeks where I really don't need any projects to stress over and I want to just be present in the moment and see where it all takes me.

Much love,

Second Order of Busniess:

2011-04-27T22:33:00.000-04:00

I kicked Disqus comments to the curb. I was having a lot of trouble with people being unable to post comments on my page. Lame!

I at least figured out how to get blogger comments embedded in the page so that it looks semi-decent.

Happy commenting!

First Order of Business

2011-04-26T21:43:00.007-04:00

I'm so excited to share a new program with you, that I've been asked to participate in and then blog about the experience!

It's a 28 Day "Detox" challenge that's being guided by Paige at Healthy Spirit Wellness. I know Paige through a co-worker and all-around-lovely person, Emily, who owns Healthy Spirit Wellness and writes a wonderful, all natural food blog called Kisses for Breakfast.

Admittedly, I was instantly on my guard when I read the word "detox." The trendy idea of drinking liquids and running to the loo every 10 seconds is not appealing to me, although I'm sure my bladder would enjoy the company. I'm also very skeptical of anything that claims to be a quick-fix or cure-all. I generally want to work with my filtering organs, not freak them out. However, I know these people and they are sensible folks and I was assured it wasn't going to be like that.

So, what is it going to be like?

In 28 days you'll learn:

How most of us are living in some kind of toxic environment, whether the toxins come from food, environment, relationships, work...and how you can discover yours.
I feel like this part of the class is going to be the most helpful for me. I work in a fairly high-stress position--at least a position that can get me frustrated quite frequently and which keeps me at a desk most of the day--and I have a few relationships that I could cope better with since, as much as I would love to cut them out of my life, they're as close as kin can get.
How to break away from those heavy winter foods and feel lighter and cleaner for the spring.
Looking forward to this part! I fall prey to seasonal eating, so I'm always craving fruits and veggies come spring time.
How to discover which foods work best for your body so you can feel better than ever this summer.
Each week is going to focus on a different type of food, (i.e. sugar, gluten) and I'm eager to see how my body reacts to giving up or limiting some things that I haven't tried before.
How to really branch out with your cooking, but in a way that's still convenient to your lifestyle.
I'm always looking for recipes! I'm a fatty, but I'm not a foodie. I really don't like to cook at all, so anything that helps me learn to enjoy time in the kitchen is very valuable! I'm also so nervous to mess up new recipes that I rarely try anything new without watching someone else make it first.
How to break free of cravings for sugar, caffeine, carbs, and more...and feel better because of it!
This is something I've tried to combat my whole life! Sugar and, often by extension, carbs, are my arch-nemesis: the Lex Luthor to my Superman, the Magneto to my Professor X! I have a feeling, from what I've observed, that Paige is full of great tips to help with this, so I'm excited for what I can learn.
How to take what you've learned and apply it to your life after the detox period for lasting energy and happiness.

You'll receive:

A weekly packet of recipes and food resources to support you through each phase of the cleanse.
Weekly group conference calls throughout the entire detox program, where Paige Lysaght, CHC will guide you through the next phase of the challenge and offer opportunities for questions and discussion.
A workbook for each group call, complete with worksheets and journaling opportunities that will help you to really dig deep and determine what's holding you back from being your healthiest, happiest self.
Access to an exclusive message board for program participants where you can discuss ideas, recipes, challenges, and successes throughout the program and beyond.
An official challenge t-shirt (since you'll certainly earn post-challenge bragging rights). (What wouldn't I do for a free t-shirt? Nothing!)

It sounds easy enough! It doesn't include unrealistic food expectations or jungle juice and there is going to be a community of people to share experiences with and that makes me a lot less nervous.

Paige has also generously offered 50% off the enrollment fee if you drop my name (real or blog pseudonym) in the comments section of the Detox Sign-up page. No pressure, but the option is there if you're interested and I would be stoked to have another friend participating.

Either way, I'll definitely share the good recipes that I find and let you know how things are going: the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Cheers,

Spring-a-ding-ding

2011-04-22T20:29:00.000-04:00

I'm so ready for some better weather! Taking Caitlin's suggestion, I've been keeping a running favorites list on Etsy of cute summer dresses and then forgetting to post them. Sorry!

Don't you just love the colors?

I threw some work attire in there too, just for good measure. I'm seeing a lot of Twiggy, Audrey Hepburn and Elizabeth Taylor in my choices.

Last week I think I wore a dress twice to work. That's probably because I need to do some major laundry.

Any idea what I'll be doing this weekend?

Happy washing and spring cleaning!

June Afternoons

2011-04-21T13:12:00.000-04:00

I know that I've introduced you all to Beth at ishouldbefoldinglaundry.com before, but today she deserves a little special mention because she is combining my three favorite things: babies, Etsy, and Anthropologie. I feel like we are shopping compatriots.

Her new Etsy shop, June Afternoons, will be donating all proceeds to James and Jake's March of Dimes Team until May 31st. You can also donate directly to March of Dimes.

Please go check this out and possibly order something, if it strikes your fancy (and donate to life-saving research that will save babies). Also, check out Beth's blog (link at the top) if you're interested in more of the backstory of James and Jake. As their mother, she puts things much more eloquently/beautifully/straightforward then I ever could and I feel like it would be an absolute disgrace if I even tried to summize.

For my part, I ordered this for my office:

Oh Pretty-pretty! I cannot wait for it to arrive so that I can put it in a delightful picture frame! I'm also debating going back and ordering the "Love" spelled out with hands picture...mayhaps. Or since my birthday is coming up, maybe a fabulous friend will get it for me? You guys know I love gifts that also give to great causes!

The Anthropologie portion (in the form of a gift card) is a little bribe for people to spread the word by posting the advertisement for June Afternoons. The ad is all the way at the bottom of my page. I'm sorry I don't have things laidout very well for advertisements. Since it's probably not going to get much attention down there, I felt like I needed to write a post about it. So that post is now sign, sealed delivered.

Much love,

Wishful Thinking

2011-03-31T12:41:00.000-04:00

Do you ever have "If I was ever" moments?

I just had a good one.

If I was ever a teeny tiny person I would only wear vintage dresses I bought on Etsy. It's almost a crime that all my tiny friends don't--an injustice, even!

Yes, just like the guidance counselor on Glee:

Exactly like that...

I should probably point out that I had this epiphany while eating blueberry chobani yogurt, cause I'm being a good girl and taking my lunches to work. But, how come all you people who love this yogurt never told me the aftertaste is seriously the same as after you throw up?

Or is that just me? Maybe I'm fortunate enough to have blueberry chobani tasting bile.

In The Kitch

2011-03-27T16:32:00.000-04:00

I know that I've dropped off the planet recently and I wish I could come back and tell you about all the amazing things I've been up to...however, since we hired a cleaning lady, I'll admit I've been doing a lot of sitting on my bum and it has been wonderful!

We've been able to get a few projects done, but I've mostly been spending my time with the puppy. Yesterday, we took him to the battlefields for a long walk and then he got to play with his cousin Archie while we did our taxes (let me just rant about how much it sucks to owe money for the first time ever). He was such a tired puppy when we got home. I've been trying to get him better on the leash cause he's a puller and it has been slow goings so far. He has an appointment to get his man-parts snipped April 4th, so I'm hoping that will calm him down a lot and ease his need to spray everything.

One project we were able to complete was the backsplash in the kitchen. And lucky for you, I remembered to take pictures. We still need to paint, but it's coming together.

It took me forever to find real metal for this project. Everything I could find locally was plastic and even more expensive then the real metal I ended up special ordering and which FedEx somehow lost after Christmas. That was fun, let me tell you.

As you can see, this was a sharp project, and Mr. S bled to get it done. :(

We also replaced a light fixture. You can see the backsplash in the background

I got new canisters that actually hold enough to use. World Market find if you're interested. The hippo clip is part of the animal house series target and Pier 1 used to have <3

It turned out beautifully! Once we paint we'll only have a few things to do to finish off the kitchen. Today I ordered this shiny:

Does that vintage seafoam green not just make you want to squeal????? Or is that just me? I was super stoked to get a deal on this beauty. It's normally $299, but I'm going to get it for 209.99 when it's all said and done with no shipping, no sales tax, and a subscription to either Martha Stewart or Everyday Meals. So excited!

We've been trying very hard to make more meals at home. I took lunch to work 4 out of 5 days last week and this week I'm going to try to take breakfasts as well. I'm tempted to get a new coffee maker as well and take coffee in to work with me too because I really don't like the new coffee they switched to at work so I've been stopping for soy lattes on my way to work and that adds up the monies. The biggest problem I had this week was remembering to take my lunchbox home with me. :/

I'm so not a foodie, help me!

2011-03-14T15:48:00.001-04:00

No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main. If a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as well as if a manor of thy friend's or of thine own were: any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind, and therefore never send to know for whom the bells tolls; it tolls for thee. Neither can we call this a begging of misery, or a borrowing of misery, as though we were not miserable enough of ourselves, but must fetch in more from the next house, in taking upon us the misery of our neighbours.--John Donne, Meditation XVII

I miss simplicity.

Some days, I really want to give a few of my co-workers hugs because we're all running around looking way beyond stressed out. More stressed then we should be, anyways.

I know, random thought of the day. Thanks for sharing that with me.

Repurposing

2011-03-08T14:17:00.001-05:00

So...I really want a new car. However, this isn't the best option since my current one is paid off and still runs. Although, I should add a disclaimer to never buy a suzuki. Every sensor on this car has gone out at least once and you'll have to buy special tires that cost twice as much as a normal tire.

My car used to belong to my father and when I got it there was already a lot of wear to it. In fact, daddy-o hit a groundhog and the plastic front grill was busted so he decided to glue the parts he had back to the car...lovely. There is a lot of plastic on this car that either I've busted up or my dad busted up or something I never saw busted it up.

S also doesn't even fit in my car because he is so tall. Even though this car is tiny, it's a great commuter car.

Sadly, buying a new car isn't really an option. If we were going to replace one of our cars it would probably be Mr. S's since his is a lot older, the heat and AC don't really work anymore and it has more miles then mine does.

I think a lot of the reason I've never liked this car is because I never really made it much of my own. So instead of just throwing in the towel, I'm going to give it some TLC this weekend.

This morning I bought some new decals on etsy for the back that are momma and daddy owls! So adorable and they help with the ambiguation my vanity plates seem to cause. I'm not going to tell you what it is since I don't want everyone in the DC area to know that's my car, but it is owl related. Somehow, people either think it means I'm an aggressive driver or I have huge boobs...come to think of it, both are probably true...so the owl stickers will, I hope, help sort it all out.

I'm also going to pair down my VT swag. Right now I have a huge sticker on the window and a license place cover. There are only so many times you need to say "hey, I guraduated, go me!" At least, when you're a working adult. Still love my hokies, though!

This car needs to be detailed, like whoa since I eat in the car and I transport plants in the car. It's covered in gross. But detailing is expensive, so I'm going to attempt it myself. I might need some help, but I'm going to do it.

So the plan is:

Take out the front seats and ~~vacuum the crap out of this car~~
~~Wipe down the dashboard~~
~~Glue some covers in the trunk back on~~
Glue my key back together (it doesn't stay on a key ring very well any more because it cracked)
Go to the car wash and then wax
~~Clean all the upholstery with upholstery cleaner~~
Get new windshield wiper blades
Get a new air filter--the place I get my oil changed at has been telling me to replace this for at least 3 oil changes now.
~~Organize all the cables/airpumps/emergency blankets/flashlights/first aid kit foolishness in the trunk (I bought a bin today for that, so I'm half way there)~~
~~Organize the glove compartment and make sure the paperwork is current~~
~~Take all the papers out of the visors~~
~~Put in air fresheners~~
~~Figure out how the middle seatbelt goes back together~~
~~Take plastic bag recycling to the grocery store~~
~~Return Library books~~
Get a new key ring to top it all off

It's as easy as that. ;)

#10-Jane Eyre is my number 50!

2011-02-27T20:12:00.002-05:00

"My bride is here... because my equal is here, and my likeness" -Mr. Rochester to Jane (Ch. 23)

I'm on my 50th book on the BBC list and I saved a really great one for this: Jane Eyre!

How come no one ever told me about this amazing story? When I started it, I instantly felt a pang in my heart that no one had read this book to me in my youth. It's just that good!

Jane and Rochester's love even rivals Darcy and Elizabeth. The main difference is that Rochester and Jane talk about every single passionate or dark emotion they have, where as Darcy and Elizabeth rarely talk about their feelings, but when they do you feel the gravity of them.

One thing I will say is that the Bronte sisters definitely know how to write "crazy." Although, I think that Emily's Heathcliff in Wuthering Heights definitely trumps Charlotte's Bertha, but it's a close one.

So if you haven't read it, let me sum it up for you:

Orphan, mean Aunt, puritan school, tuberculosis and typhoid, new order, governess, dark brooding man, suspicious maid, almost burned to death, fire-side chats, trick, bite marks, doctor fetched in the night, trip, mean Aunt dies, proposal, "apparition" of crazy lady, wedding, objection: "you're already married," crazy lady locked in mansion, gotta go,wait, you're my cousin, happy ending.

Love, love, love. I've busted out 4 more books since I finished Jane, so that brings my total to 54 of 200. I also finally finished all the Roald Dahl books on the list and I'm very happy to be done with those as great as they were!

If you're looking for another suggestion, I highly recommend A Town Like Alice: SO GOOD!

Aligner 3

2011-02-24T22:02:00.000-05:00

2011-02-11T09:03:00.000-05:00

Oh Friday, thank you for your awesomeness! I was ready for your arrival on Monday.

I'm so ready for the weekend. It'll be the first weekend in a while that I haven't felt like dying, so I'm hoping to get a project or two out of the way.

I just ordered some vintage frames off of Etsy for my half bath, so I want to get those up. I'll give you some pictures, don't worry.

My kitchen has been a wreck for a few weeks because I need to put up my backsplash, change the light fixture, and paint. I've had all the supplies in boxes in the dining area. If I can at least do the backsplash and get Mr. S to change out the light, I'll call this weekend a success. Do you know any kids I can pay to paint my kitchen? I'm so over painting because I've done a 3rd of the house by myself. Mercy!

And if I'm able to be ultra persuasive, maybe I can get Mr. S to go to Crate and Barrell with me and get a sleeper sectional for the basement...(don't hold your breath for this one).

It's still freezing here, but I've got the urge to get to gardening. I have to wait, but maybe I can plan out some landscaping in the back yard and get a budget together.

And last of all I have to tidy up so that the cleaning lady can clean on Monday. Did I mention that I'm in love with her? Really...best investment in "us" we've ever made.

Happy Friday, all!

Aligner 2 (The Princess of Dorkdom)

2011-02-09T21:34:00.000-05:00

Well, here's another update on my invisalign. I'm still loving it, but the new set I put in this morning is definitely a lot tighter! I hope that in 2 weeks I can see a lot of improvement between the aligners. Either way, I know I'm not going to be able to really tell until I compare the original with the final product.

So here you go, more pictures of my teeth!

In other nerdy things/events, I ordered my first pair of glasses. I would have gotten them yesterday but they had trouble getting the lenses into the frames correctly and then ran out of lenses...so they had to have more lenses over-nighted. I wasn't too bummed because they upgraded my lenses for no extra charge and then gave me lens cleaner for my wait. Since I'm pretty laid back it was no big deal. I did almost 2 hours of window shopping, got a pretzel, and had a text-a-thon with my best friend. All in all, that's a pretty decent evening. I hope that I can pick them up tomorrow after work before Mr. S and I go out to celebrate V-day.

I guess I should also shave my legs tomorrow. Isn't it funny how that's your main concern when you've been together for so long? We aren't doing gifts, so it's mostly just an excuse for a nice dinner.

Anyroad, I'll post some pictures of the glasses once I get them. Glasses and "braces"...it has been a big year for me.

Convalescent Crafting

2011-02-05T15:49:00.001-05:00

I saw this sign for the laundry room on Make it-Love it and I said to myself...wait...the company they're talking about sells kits you use to make these? Really? A kit? Lame!

Keeping with the theme of organizing/decorating my closets, I decided I needed to make one of these for myself...without a mamsey pamsey pre-drilled kit.

Since I'm feeling under the weather for the 3rd time in just 4 weeks, I decided there was no time like the present to work on this. I trekked to Michael's and wandered around aimlessly trying to find an associate. Seriously, does anyone work there? I was having a hard time finding vinyl that you could print on (for the lettering). I thought this would be all the rage in scrapbooking, but I guess I was wrong. I was told to go to a fabric store. That didn't fly since I was barely able to complete my mission at Michael's without infecting the entire district, so I substituted sticker letters. Don't judge me.

Let's get to the how-to of it all. I did the entire thing from scratch in 30 minutes (they estimated 45 for the kit) and in the comfort of my bed.

You'll need: a plaque, a piece of scrapbooking paper (I went with a sunshine yellow), mod podge, a brush, twine, letters, a drill, and a pen.

I recommend you use sand paper to file the edges down a bit, especially if you cut the paper just a little too wide. Also, use a little mod podge to seal down the edges.

I used a piece of paper as a straight edge so that my letters didn't turn out wonky.

Drilling was easy, but if you're using wide twine you'll need to use a larger drill-bit. And of course if the holes don't line up that adds to the charm!

Not too shabby(chic), eh? I really wish I could have gotten the vinyl to do the lettering because then I could have gotten a really cute font on there, but since this is going in a closet, I'm not really that worried about it, but if I ever find the correct materials I don't think it would be hard to upgrade.

Catch-up

2011-02-02T21:17:00.001-05:00

I know that I'm 2 months late on this, but I forgot to share the most hilarious image in the history of pet torture.

Happy Holidays! Buah-ha-ha-ha-ha!

Remember, this is love. I took some of the dog in a Santa hat, but nothing beats this. This picture will be up all year in the living room. It makes me laugh so much every time.

I know, I'm evil.

Cabin Fever and More OCD Tendencies

2011-02-02T20:48:00.000-05:00

I think the feeling of winter cabin fever has set in for a lot of us (are you ready for Spring yet. I know fo' reals). I know that my friend Caitlin has been bitten by the organizing bug in her new apartment and I totally empathize with this sentiment. Last week I got snowed in on Thursday and used the time to take on the task of organizing my pantry (and the rest of the house).

Here's the pantry in a sort of sorted phase...I say "sort of" very loosely.

Before

We've been keeping the pet food in these huge containers in the middle of the kitchen/eating area...They're huge and not very attractive. If only I had a place to put them... Also, enjoy Oliver pining to go out in the snow: love him.

Sadly, my shelves in the pantry are really low.

I used some elbow grease to remove the bottom shelf and ta-dah! Even found a great place to hide my step ladder.

I used clothes pins and my label maker to mark where things go on the shelves, Now there is no excuse for Mr. S not to put things where they go. (Seriously, let me tell you how much I love my new camera lens...life is good)

And once I was done, everything had a home and was sorted by beverage, mix, fiber&oatmeal, oils, etc. Oh and I made the plastic bag holder out of old materials I had. If you're interested in the how-to, let me know. Easy-peasy.

After

A was for Amanda, but now it is for Apron

I installed a great shelf to hang brooms and mops too.

What do you think? I also organized the hall closet with bins and a little set of drawers for outside gardening things and our sport accessories...There was a lot of closet action last week, but I was in panic mode trying to get all the junk in the house sorted because our new cleaning lady started this past Monday...and let me tell you...I'm so in love with her! She cleaned my door handles...and unclogged our tub, and even moved the dog's crate with him in it to clean...and she emptied our vacuum, which she didn't even use...

I'm in raptures because my house has that bleached clean smell you get when you slip into hotel sheets. I might be the only person who likes that, but I really loved coming home from work. If you're in my area and need a recommendation, let me know and I'll hook you up!

And I'll leave you all with a teaser for my next kitchen renovation project. I got the idea back in October and one weekend I'll actually get to it. It took me forever to find the materials for this because I ended up special ordering them. I've been a weeny about doing this one because I only get one cut.

Ain't it fun?

Aligner 1

2011-01-25T19:45:00.000-05:00

Simply stated: I'm so in love with my Invisalign. Best obscene amount of money ever spent, ya'll.

They don't hurt nearly as bad as metal braces did when they're moving your teeth. In fact, they're down right comfy.

You can't tell I have them on unless you want to get close enough to kiss me...which I admit has been a problem for folks lately. (Sorry...cheeky moment.)

For the most part they've cut out a lot of mindless snacking since I have to take them out to eat anything which has made me more mindful. I've only been to the candy bowl at work once: props!

So before (sorry I didn't take proper pictures):

After 2 weeks:

Maybe it's all in my head, but I feel like I can already see a difference. Don't ruin it for me if you can't. ;)

Itchy

2011-01-25T19:22:00.000-05:00

All day I've been in the mood to bloggity blog! Isn't that the worst when you're a work and whistfully dreaming your job was to write on your blog for a living? If I could make a living out of doing this I would so do that.

Lately, I've been feeling very inspired and DIY-ish. Maybe I've been spending too much time on Etsy? Mayhaps, but it feels good to get back into doing some crafts because once upon a time I was a very crafty lady (The Eagles Witchy Woman is now stuck in my head).

And I feel like some time might be freeing up in my schedule soon. Why? Simple: I failed as a woman and hired a cleaning lady. Don't judge me! Aside from my guilt, I'm really super excited for this change, since I have been beyond bogged down with house duties and I want some time to do something fun with my weekends and evenings besides clean.

So, I'm hoping to give you a little pre-view of my amazing teeffers and brush off the cobwebs on one of my super-secret side project blogs.

Cheers and Spring fever to you all!

Jump the gun much?

2011-01-16T18:30:00.000-05:00

I know this post is a little pre-mature, but I couldn't help myself!

As these things always go, I was on Etsy (If you have never been to this amazing website, go now. Go now and waste an hour or two looking at handmade or vintage goodness).

And I came across this bracelet at thecottagepath made of spoons from 1915 with a Bridal Wreath pattern:

And I said to myself, "that is the perfect 'something old' for a wedding." And I showed it to Mr. S, who didn't seem the least bit freaked out about me buying something for a wedding (seriously, what has happened to this man? Have I finally beaten him into compliance? I jest.).

And so as not to feel too weird about this purchase (and it's only $1 to ship a second item from the same vendor), I also got a necklace made with the charter oak pattern for everyday use/eating:

I dunno why I like this silverware so much. Maybe it's the ornateness, but I really like that people are re-purposing them as jewelry. I blame my best friend, who bought me a spoon cuff back from Berlin this summer, for lighting a spark of inspiration.

I'm Doing Me

2011-01-16T18:01:00.000-05:00

I've had a very self-uplifting week and it has put me in a very good mood.

It started on Wednesday when I got my invisalign. I haven't stopped smiling since. This is a big deal! Since my teeth started moving around I stopped smiling a lot in pictures or when I meet people. (Okay, I'm still bubbly as all get out, but I feel like I can be even more so when I'm feeling spunky and self-confident). If you're looking to adjust your smile, I highly recommend invisalign. The trays are super-duper comfortable, easy to take in and out, and easy to clean. Maybe it's all in my head, but I swear that I can already tell that they've moved some and I'm so stoked!

Friday I transferred to the gym across the street from work. I love this gym! It has everything you could ever think of and a lot of the small things my old gym didn't have. They provide towels and locks, there's a rock wall, two slides into the pool, a hair and nail salon, and they have spin classes with bikes my cycling shoes will fit with (my favorite). Not sure I'd ever use the rock wall, but it's there if I ever get whimsical. Already I have been twice and I'm excited to get back into things (5-6 hours a week) since I took the holidays off. Today I did an hour and fifteen minutes of cardio. If my ipod battery hadn't given out on me, I would have stayed to try out the weight machines, but I find that if I don't have an ipod I feel awkward, like I should try to talk to the other people at the gym and people are rarely sociable at the gym.

Saturday I finally found someone I like to do my hair. My friend P recommended her hairstylist and I went in to get a new do. I went with a side bang and she put more structure in my hair, which I needed because my hair is very long. I'd give you a picture of the new style, but my hair is currently up with a headband, sorry. Today I also updated some of the music on my itunes and created a new gym playlist. Steven gave me his itouch a few months ago and I haven't done anything with it, until today. I updated the background, got myself an armband so that I could wear it in the weightroom, and some hot pink headphones. Love.

I'm very pleased with my new playlist. Just think of every grunge, rock and roll, and rap song that screams empowerment and you've got my playlist...then add some musical numbers because I love them. I am that person at your gym that mouths the words with the song and if there weren't people around I would sing at the gym. I also joined some podcasts that Mr. S and I listen to together on roadtrips and I'm going to put some of the books on cd I have on my ipod so that I can listen to those.

Anyroad, it has been a very good week without be extraordinary. I felt very optimistic and extremely productive and at peace with life.

Mission accomplished,

2011-01-02T13:47:00.000-05:00

One of my quirkiest habits has to do with picture frames. I'll buy them and then sit them around or hang them up without my own pictures in them. I guess I'm waiting for the perfect picture to be taken or to get so fed up with it that I take my own. Not sure which.

About 6 months ago I bought 3, 16X20 frames for our stairs to put family photos in. I've been wanting to get some professional ones taken, but Mr. S hasn't been too keen on that idea (one day I won't give him the choice). Since he got me a new 35mm lens for christmas, I woke him up today informing him of his pending torture.

The results of what will be put in our 3 frames:

Us and our hobbies...now off to get them from Walgreens....

PS- Love my new lens!

2010-12-30T19:59:00.002-05:00

If anyone has been following my reading progress, you'd notice that I'm 4 books away from 50 of 200. Since this is a fourth of the way to the finish line, I'm pretty excited about it.

I've been going to the library every couple of weeks and it has definitely helped me do this project on the cheap.

I've got a few books in progress right now, such as:

Artemis Fowl-pretty cute little book. Since I've been listening to it on tape I've been thinking in an Irish accent for a few days (not even kidding). Such a beautiful cadence to their speech. Can we go to Ireland, please? Modern take on Fairies that's pretty cute and there is a spy element mixed with Sherlock Holmes that I'm really liking.

I'm also working on The Golden Compass. This is number 2 on the big list. Well, technically His Dark Materials is number 2, but that's actually the name of the whole series. With so many books to go, I'm not reading the whole series. At least, not yet anyway. I've tried to read this book before when the movie came out. I couldn't really get into it, but I actually saw the movie a month ago and it looked like something I could eventually get into. As I'm reading, I'm really just wondering when the polar bear is going to show up. When does that happen? Cause he seemed really cool!

Started into some Oliver Twist...and I'll have you know that the "please sir, I want some more" scene happens in the second chapter. So what the heck is supposed to happen in this book? No idea. I never had to read Dickens in college and that might be because I avoided him like the plague or professors thought his books were too long for a semester. We'll see how this goes, but I'll probably end up getting the CD of it. Maybe I should watch a BBC version of it so that I know what the blazes happens in this plot line. Poor kid, gruel, beatings...Les Miserable again but in a different country?

I'm really not sure what to read next. So if you go to my Good Reads page and see something that you've really loved and I haven't read it, I'd really appreciate a recommendation. It also seems like my comments might not be working. If that's the case for you, please hit up the facebook to let me know you pick.

S'il vous plait et merci!

The Shinies, Precious!

2010-12-19T00:13:00.000-05:00

S and I were lucky that our upgrades for our cellphones became available this time of year. Anyone who knows me knows that I HATE my blackberry, I was set on downgrading to a phone that just makes calls and sends texts because I hated that my battery sucked and that I neer knew when my phone went dead in my purse. However, there were some cons to this. We are old school verizon, so if I canceled my data plan I would lose the unlimited internets. Apparently, this is a huge deal. So I wouldn't want to lose that.

It is also super convenient to be able to e-mail things to myself and get directions when I'm lost. When I told the guy at the verizon store I can hold a charge for about a day or two he looked at me like I was the luckiest person on the planet. Apparently, you can only expect to have a crappy battery life on a smartphone. Why? Yeah, I'm not really sure about that one, but I'm going to have to get used to it I guess.

So when we went into the store, I took a look around and came to the Droid Pro. Now, this may also be shocking since I swear up and down that I hate droids. Steven has the first model of the Droid and it's impossible for me to work. I normally end up throwing it while swearing profusely that they should make phones user-friendly. Yes, I know how old that makes me sound.

But then I got looking at this baby:

So there are some things that make it much better for me. Notice, the keyboard on the front. I don't like having to slide out a keyboard and rotate what I'm looking at. Too much motion gets me confused and this phone allows me to turn off auto-rotate (love). Second, it's lightweight. Third, and most importantly, you can actually get the touchscreen to respond. Shocker, I know.

And the best thing is that you can get so many free apps that you can actually find on your phone! The biggest problem I had with my blackberry was that applications and upgrades never seemed to show up, no matter how many times I shut it down and re-started the thing. Yes, that's why I haven't uploaded a picture to my facebook from my phone in over a year, because the upgrade never worked correctly. Lovely, no?

S got the new larger and improved Droid that he's currently trying to ~~hack~~ improve.

An even better thing...it was buy a Droid and get any phone free. So once we mail in the rebates, my phone upgrade was free and S got the phone he has been drooling over.

So this means that I can keep in touch more. My new years resolution is to text more and to rely on technology to keep me organized and to go paperless as much as possible. Good goals and it feels great to actually have a goal this far in advance that has nothing to do with losing weight.

Love it!

Post of Shame

2010-12-13T12:20:00.002-05:00

I have been eating soooo horribly lately. I'm sure a lot of it has been all the holiday crap since I've been to a party every weekend, but a lot of it has just been my willpower.

For instance (I'll tell you everything, so that it keeps me accountable), yesterday I had:

A large latte with sugar-free syrup, that's ok
My polkadots, which are a pretzel with a hersey kiss with an m&m melted into it...yeah, I had about 30 of those. The sad part is that I made those to give to other people! Not to mention all the broken ones I had to eat...and I had to finish the rest of the pretzels.
Lunch, I can't even remember it, but I'm sure it was crap. Although, part of me hopes that I can't remember it because I didn't eat it.
Dinner was TACO BELL! The creme de la crap! 2 chalupas...do you know how many calories those things are? Kill me.
THEN! Once I got home and I was laying in bed...about to go to sleep...I had a craving for cheese puffs...and my wonderful love got dressed and went out to buy me cheese puffs and I ate half a bag...a big bag!

When I went to bed last night I had every intention of just eating salad today...but no such luck.

Breakfast (I'm ashamed to say) was low fat pringles and some gatorade. This is nutrition?
Lunch was chicken strips (not that bad)
and I just ate half of a king sized hershey bar....

Oh, help! This is so not good. Someone please kick my ass back into gear, so that I don't have to carry said ass around on a side-car attached to my fanny.

Seriously...

National Tree Lighting

2010-12-11T09:33:00.001-05:00

This past Thursday, S and I made it into the district for the tree lighting. We left work at 2 since they started letting people in at 3. I should mention the even didn't start until 5.

So after we had been standing still in freezing cold weather (literally) for 2 hours...we were frozen solid once the thing actually started. We got to see Sarah Bareilles perform, which was great.

The best part of the evening was getting to see the President and the first family. W00t!

So once they lit the tree I snapped some pictures and we made straight for an Italian restaurant on F street.

Here are some pictures for your holiday enjoyment. I hope to torture the cats later this weekend for some pictures...remember, I do it out of love...

Cheers!

2010-12-06T22:27:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago I got a letter in the mail from my orthodontist stating they'd take $500 off my treatment if I started treatment before the end of December. Since I was quoted $4,500, that's kind of a big deal. So I called them this morning and set up an appointment for this Wednesday to get the molds taken for invisalign. Since I work with people, a lot, standard braces were not even an option...plus I was quoted $6,000 for old school braces. Crazy? Yeah, I thought so.

I have had braces before, so I'm kind of bummed that I have to do it again. But the first go around was done by someone in the process of getting certified as an orthodontist, so my parents got a good price, but I got a crazy set of teeth. I also had permanent retainers, which I've always hated and the top set broke a few years ago. Because the wire was so close to my gum line, I was consulted by my regular dentist to keep it as it was. Over the years one of my front teeth has slowly drifted. I call it my snaggletooth.

See Nanny McPhee as exhibit A:

Then see my chipmunk face and the "snaggletooth." I know that it isn't that bad, but I'm super, duper, uber self-conscious about it! I've stopped smiling in pictures or taking a lot of pictures of myself, especially if my mouth is open. Not to mention, if you look really close...it has gotten so long I've chipped it a little on the end! Ugh.

It might be ridiculous, but the last time I went to the dentist I found out that the second tooth from the right has moved back so far that it hits my lower teeth when I bite, which is making it a little loose. No bueno. Since my biggest fear is losing my teeth, I freaked out and started saving up my pennies.

I'm so excited to start on this so that I can stop hiding from it. Cause you know behind all the gunk, Nanny McPhee is the ultra fabulous Emma Thompson...and I'd kill to look like that literary savvy diva! Just not as Professor Trelawney...

So here's to a straighter smile in about a year: Cheers!

2010-11-16T12:36:00.003-05:00

I've found a renewed motivation for reading through my book list. I'm determined, but it's daunting since I'm not even 1/4 of the way through...so I'm "reading" a lot of them on tape. I don't have time to sit down and do much of anything, but a book on tape I can listen to in the car, while I do laundry, when I'm painting the house, and even when I'm at work.

I used to do this all the time in college, especially with books I couldn't will myself to read. It helps when the actor reading the book has different voices for different characters or the book is 1,000+ pages. Long books take hours and hours and hours and I just don't have that kind of time to sit on my ass. I really wish I still did. C'est la vie.

So, I hope it's not considered cheating. I want to get through the great works of literature, but you know how life gets in the way. For a good laugh, I recommend Angus, Thongs, and Full-frontal Snogging. Hilarious! It's basically Bridget Jones for young adults. I lost it when the 3 year old little sister of the main character, Georgia, told the cute, love interest "Georgie took a big poop this morning!" Yeah, I died. How random and awkward.

Oh, Sentimental Me.

2010-11-12T21:20:00.000-05:00

I heard this song on my way home from work and it really sums up where my head's at right now.

It also made me remember how much of a bad-ass I thought I was when I listened to this CD in the 90's. Funny how the music in your formative years really stays with you. Can you also believe I was 8 when this came out?

Rock and Roll...that was complete contraband when I was 8. Dang. Smuggling banned books and music into my parent's house was the most exciting thing I did growing up. Ah, memories.

I didn't find Meredith Brooks until I was 13 and the song Bitch changed my life...not really, but once again, I felt completely bad-ass.

Both songs let you know that it's ok to be a walking contradiction and I believe we are all contradictions, if only a little bit or for a little while. For instance, I'm a "Hippie" that works for "The Man" if you want to break it down to black and white. Most days I don't know how I really feel about that, but it pays the bills. The most frustrating part is that I'm there to help people and support them so that they can do their jobs, but I'm stuck in the corporate limbo of what I can and cannot do, which produces a feeling of absolute impotence. By extension, that also really makes me want to pierce something or get a new tattoo because it feels so nice to see people in suits do a double take when they see my wrist tats. I know, I'm weird, but I don't make enough money to get so worked up over this stuff.

I'll just leave you with Bitch, in case you don't remember it, and I hope that it makes you feel the bad-assery of it all. Cause we all want to feel a little bit wicked sometimes, right?

Or I'm having a quarter-ish life crisis. Meh.

In Which I Contemplate Teaching Bram to Kill Petsmart Workers on Sight

2010-11-12T20:41:00.000-05:00

Well, our trip to Petsmart started well and ended well, but in between there was a lady I'd really like to punch in the face. Tonight I definitely experienced that feeling parents and pregnant ladies must feel when they get unsolicited advice.

Going anywhere with our dog is almost the equivalent of taking a hyper kid to the zoo. He gets overstimulated in situations with a lot of people, cars, and smells. We have to go slow and we have to do a lot of warming up before we go anywhere. I normally take him for a long walk to wear him out before we get in the car. Once we're in the car he gets super excited because he loves the car and because he thinks we're going to Grandma's. Once he figures out that we aren't, he gets even more excited. Once we reach the store we have to do a few rounds in the parking lot so that he gets used to the noise and all the dog smells and everything. I normally try to get him to focus on me and come when I say his name...or really just to look at me if I talk to him. It's hard because he really wants to smell things.

So on his walk before we left, he was a champ. He walked the best on the leash then he has in a long time because I've basically stopped caring if he's right beside me. My dog is so big, we literally cannot walk abreast on the sidewalk. So, I let him go in front a little, if he doesn't pull it's a great walk. I was so proud of him. At Petsmart he got a little anxious at first, but I used the shopping cart to block his view of the people and other animals and he did really well. He'd get interested in something then we'd tell him to come along and he listened. Major big-boy steps here! I should also mention that my dog just turned one. He's the size of a house, but he is still just a puppy.

I've also mentioned his recent issues with his new food and his issues with food in general. My dog is an anorexic, mostly because he's too excited too eat. He has access to food all day, but he has always been underweight.

So in comes Ms. I'm-A-Trainer-Here. Ugh.

"Oh, is that a newfie! He's so cute! Have you done lessons with him?" (This whole trip to Petsmart is a lesson, in our opinion)....

"Yeah, we've looked into it."

"Oh, well you should definitely join one of my beginner classes, yada yada."

"Ok, we'll think about it."

"You know, he's really thin for a newfie."

"That's because he doesn't like food."

"What's he eating?"

"Insert the name of super expensive vet recommended food."

"Oh well that's crap, you should get him on holistic dog food."

"Sure, we'll look into it..."(not)

Now, this is the point where I'm getting a little sensitive about the subject because I have literally hand-fed my dog only for him to pretend to eat it and then hide it under furniture. I've mixed pumpkin, rice, chicken, chicken broth, dog food mixers, refrigerated dog sausage, etc. You name it and I have tried it. We've also been through several different types of dog food and the one we use is the one he will eat the most of.

"Oh, well you should mix in soft food with it so that he's interested in it."

Our vet has specifically told us not to use soft food. It upsets his stomach, like whoa. And there is nothing medically wrong with him that causes him not to eat, he just doesn't like to do it. He's weird. Meanwhile, Penelope has tried to eat his food, which is why my cats are obese and my dog is a toothpick.

So yeah, this condescending lady that has no idea about my dog's history with his weight and all the things I've tried to do and all the hours of sleep I've lost over it, comes in with her...oh, well you're really bad dog parents look...really?

Our convo goes on about all the bigger dogs she knows that have died so young (really?). And yes, I know that my dog will be lucky to make it to 10. I really don't want to think about that because I'd rather love him while I have him. And his hair is course because he's a freakin' water dog with a double coat, unlike your stupid Bernese Mountain dogs and oh I could just go on and on about how much this lady rubbed me the wrongest way possible... but I'll resist.

Instead of wondering around the store some more (and buying more) and really enjoying the fact that we were out in public with our dog and he was doing really well, we took our "crappy" expensive food and went home.

But, the night wasn't all bad. We stopped at Chick-Fil-A for dinner and he was a celebrity. I always forget how big my dog really is until other people react to him with "OMGEE, he's effin' huge! Is that a real dog?" (to which a guy responded "Well, he isn't battery operated"). He got two nuggets and a lot of pets from the lady at the drive-thru....ok everyone who worked there came out to the window to see him. He loved it and I love him and how awesome he is.

Screw you lady at the Petsmart, I definitely won't ever take him to you for lessons and after the debacle that was his first grooming experience there, I wonder why we ever go to Petsmart in the first place?

2010-11-12T16:48:00.000-05:00

Well it's almost 5 o'clock and I'm still at work...and it's Friday...that never happens. Mostly my Fridays consist of me watching the clock tick slowly by, however, today was crazy-town.

Oh well, I at least got to try out a new restaurant today: Eggspectations. Ever heard of it? We have one near work and I got to go out with the office ladies to chow down. Delicious.

Now I'm deciding if I should go to the gym even though I really don't want to go or make a trip to Petsmart because my baby-dog does not like his big-boy food. He switched to Adult dogfood (Science diet=not cheap) and has thrown it up every time. My poor dog...and my poor carpets...and my poor wallet.

Can it be Thanksgiving break yet? I need the reminder of all the things I'm thankful for.

Holiday Preview

2010-11-06T13:13:00.001-04:00

If you're hip on my facebook life then you know about my most recent spaztastic, special purchase: a record player. I got it because it can fit under a bed. My current record player is part of a huge stereo that I have no room for.

The record player fits into this post because the melodious joy that is Billy Joel was the soundtrack of this adventure. His song Vienna sums me up to a tee.

As you can see, Oliver doesn't know what to think about record players or Billy Joel. I say he has horrible taste in music.

I digress...because I have been a busy beaver trying to get ready for this holiday season. If you remember from last year my artificial tree had a very major accident and snapped after 30 minutes of operation. It was a short life for the tree and a tragic end to many of my ornaments.

We rallied our spirits and got a real tree. It was very messy and my ornaments were too heavy for the limbs especially as the tree started to loose its umph.

So this summer I scoped out a new artificial tree with a full metal composition on the cheap. Summer really is the best time to get a tree since I only paid $150 for a $300+ tree. It also doubled the amount of tips I had.

So naturally, I need more ornaments. The following are what I've grabbed up so far. I've organized them by store just in case something catches your eye. I should probably put a disclaimer that I have the tackiest tree you've ever seen and I wouldn't have it any other way. I want my tree to burst with happiness and fun, so I mix a ton of colors and textures and holiday genres from rustic to vintage (my favorite) to handmade to ice to just plain whimsical.

Trust me, you want to be at my house this holiday.

Crate and Barrel:

Peacock feather in glass bauble

Every year we get a photo ornament and I put our favorite couple picture from the year in it.

Teacher says "every time a bell rings an angel gets its wings."

Mistletoe


Swirly tree. I have a colored one that's flat squiggles, now I have a 3D clear one.

Pier 1 Imports:

Oh the glitter! Makes me miss retail.

Argyle. You should see my sweater collection.

SoOoOo tacky! I love it! I have spray that matches this and they even ring.

Why yes, that is an ornament of a balloon animal. Dinosaur to be exact. They have a few other animals too.

Snowflakes. Pretty! Pretty! I hope we see a little less snowflakes this year then the last.

His legs are so tiny and his belly is so big...need I say more?

Polar bear snow globe. The snow globe thing is very big with ornament this year.

Dancing snowman...with even tinier legs than Santa.

Garden flag...so cute

Khols:

Love doves.

Zoo Trip

2010-11-06T12:33:00.000-04:00

Last weekend we traded in this muchkin with the grandparents so that he could have a play-date:

And upgraded to this munchkin and her older sister and took them to the zoo.

Now, if she doesn't make your ovaries hurt just a little bit I don't think you're quite human. Little bitties K and N are positively the happiest and smartest babies in the world. It was such a great day to take them to the National Zoo and catch up with their parents.

They grow so fast! K is learning so many words and she got so excited to see the animals...mostly to see the ducks, but we'll take it!

She didn't even leave a note...

2010-11-03T19:49:00.000-04:00

First, the exciting part of the night: Penelope ran away and no one knew she was gone until our neighbor knocked on our door: "Do you have a cat"--"uh, yeah, two of them"--"I think one of them is on my parent's deck"--"Couldn't be mine (not my perfect babies)...is it gray...silver tag..."--"yeah" "(crap)."

I could see Oliver in the kitchen acting completely nonchalant and maybe even a little happy to be the only cat. (Or did I imagine that?). When I yelled to the basement to see if Mr. S had seen her, all I got was a "huh?" Penelope was nowhere around, but I still denied that it could be our cat. However, when I went over there, climbed up on their deck, there she was. Stinker.

She went to our sweet, Indian neighbors two houses down and spent the day on their deck trying to get into their house. (I should just say how sweet and fabulous this older couple is because I adore them). I went over there and boy did she yell at me! That meow sounded exactly like "what took you so long." I kid you not. It might have even been that many cat syllables.

I tell you what, she is a DIVA. I still have no idea how precious Penel got out of the house. I rectified the situation immediately by giving her wet food: her favorite...just to, you know, remind her how good we are to her. I think she realizes that because she didn't protest at all when I carried her home holding her like a baby, which she hates.

But, I'm convinced she secretly loves it. The lady doth protest too much...and might get back at us by pooping somewhere exciting! Of course, that's only if she feels like the evil glares aren't working well enough. The eye daggers are working, Penelope, promise...

Hum...as a precaution to pooping, I'll be paying Penelope some extra special attention tonight.

2010-11-01T13:19:00.000-04:00

How in the world do you deal with stress?

Work has been bringing me down lately because I've had to deal with some extremely rude people. More specifically, rude people who are in a customer service capacity. It's a personal pet peeve since I have work people-oriented jobs forever. Is being nice really that hard? Apparently it is.

I got off the phone with said person today and went directly to the company candie corn. Not good.

Anything fun you recommend to cool down at work? It took me the whole weekend to get over the crap from last week and it begins again.

Ugh, and just so you know, if you ever need to rent AV equipment in the DC area, let me know and I'll tell you who not to contact. I have to draft a letter to the head of our event hall to complain because it has absolutely, 100% been that bad.

How do you manage to do it all?

Yoo-hoo?

2010-10-29T09:09:00.000-04:00

You know, I wasn't kidding when I asked you a few posts ago what your favorite book growing up was.

For reals, I want to know.

I'm really enjoying James and the Giant Peach. I've been taking it slow since it's really quite a tiny book, but very inventive and surprisingly educational. I'm learning about garden bugs. :D

Pump-it-up

2010-10-28T18:24:00.000-04:00

I've come to the conclusion that trainers are horrible for your self-esteem. Since we're winding down to the end of our 8 week train-a-thon, we had "that talk" about where we were aiming after the challenge and where our trainer would like to see us.

I would have thought I could go with another 10, but she pulled out 20. 20? I wanted to cry. Just this past 10 has been painfully slow to get off. I mean I'm going to the gym 6+ hours a week and eating so clean my intestines could pass a white glove test. It has taken me 2 months just to lose 6-8 pounds! At this rate, it would take me 6 months to get where she wants me. It's super frustrating because I can't loose weight quickly anymore. One summer I lost 30 pounds in 3 months. Amazing. Why can't it come off like that anymore? (Because you're losing much more realisticly and healthy this time, dumb-dumb). Grumbles.

I think it would take 2 hours of cardio and weights a day, for 6 days a week to get me there at a regular pace. Can you say frustrating? Who has time for that? I barely have time to sleep, or see people as it is!

Grumbles...part of me wants to just say f-you lady, I'm eating this whole chocolate cake. The other part of me really wants to do it. Le sigh.

If you need me, I guess I'll be at the gym. We do have a weigh-in tonight...yay? Not so much

You Capture: Autumn

2010-10-28T18:14:00.003-04:00

Whoa buddy it has been a while since I have done one of these. It has also been a while since I've picked up my camera.

These aren't very brilliant, but they did cause me to set something funny on the nikon and have to try to reset it. No idea what I did but everything came out over-exposed except for what I took before I killed my camera...obviously.

Anywho, I hope that you're ready for some good ole' turkey day coming up. We're protesting Halloween this year. Why? Because I don't want any candy laying around the house for months until we finish it. My holiday plight this year is how in the world to have a healthy holiday season, but that's another quandary for another day.

My welcome brigade.

Such pretty colors. They make me miss the mountains.

Ok, you caught me, I really just needed to nap on the deck.

I've really been enjoying the beautiful weather we've been having. It was about 80 today, which doesn't seem like fall at all. I say that now, and watch it drop to the 30's tomorrow.

I apologize in advance.

Next week the challenge is Halloween and/or silence.

Literary Days

2010-10-27T12:31:00.000-04:00

Well you'll be proud of me, Monday I went to the library across the street from where I work and signed up for a library card. I'm pretty stoked since they also rent e-books. I do have a library card in my home county, but they are always closed whenever I have the time to go. It's very inconvenient.

I swear that it always seems like I have the reading level of a 5th grader when I check out books. For instance, this trip I checked out: James and the Giant Peach, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and Matilda. Noticing the theme? They're all Roald Dahl books and they're also on my BBC reading countdown. I'm pretty stoked since Matilda (the movie) was one of my favorite stories growing up. Apparently is was the honey's favorite too. I never read the book though, so I'm excited to see if it's different/better.

I love childrens and young adult books! I really believe that the books you read while you're younger really effect the person you become. I also think they can teach adults some important lessons we maybe forgot along the way. Plus, it keeps me young. I always imgine how the books would sound if they were read out loud to little tiny ones and that makes me happy.

So what was your favorite kids book, and why? I think mine was The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis. I loved it because of Lucy's kind heart, Peter's courage, Susan's strength, and Edmund's ability to change.

Surprise: Ms. Domestique Headquarters

2010-10-25T13:03:00.001-04:00

So check out your surprise: the new Ms. Domestique headquarters!

Every office needs a demanding overlord.
Miss Penelope is mine.

I told you that I was a busy beaver this weekend, so I hope you like the fruits of my labor! I spent most of the weekend trying to do something with my third bedroom. I decided to go with someplace that I can do hobbies and crafts. Since this blog is a major hobbie, I needed a place to put my computer to make it a little more comfortable. I had been doing all my photo editing in our kitchen...ew. Since I would also like to get better with my camera, I wanted a place that I could work.

I also wanted to spend as little money as I possibly could. I spent about $70 on this entire room because I had most of the stuff tucked away in boxes.

The desk was an attachment I got at Ikea for $50 that fit onto a bookshelf I was using as a tv stand. These shelves are great because they can got vertical or horizontal and I know that I can definitely use this again if I have to take apart this room. Since I stole the tv stand I did have to buy the honey a new media stand, which Ikea readily supplied for quite a bit of dough.

The vintage-y blue chair was $20.

The paint was left over from when I painted our bedroom. I had to combine the two grays since I was low on both colors. The combination looks exactly the same as my room. The awesome flowers were something I picked up before I left college that have just been sititng in a closet. The curtains used to be in our bedroom as well, and the chair was a gift from my first Pier 1 store that doesn't match anything in the house. I still love it.

Most of the stuff in here are things that don't really match the rest of the house or that are personal to me and not to Mr. S. In the rest of the house, I've been trying to use things that are more "us." However, the honey has his office and now I have mine. We've found that it's important to have our own space to work. My hippie music does not blend well with zombie killing. :)

Anyway, what do you think? Not bad for something I threw together in a day and a half, eh?

OCD Tendencies

2010-10-24T13:22:00.002-04:00

I have been such a busy beaver this weekend! I did about 10 loads of laundry and organized our closet. I cleaned the bathrooms on the third floor. They're the worst to clean because they're the ones that we use the most. I feel like I could have gotten more done, but I've felt kind of funky--like I'm on the verge of getting sick.

Friday I made an enhancement to our laundry closet. This house was clearly designed by a man because there is no light in there. You cannnot see what you're doing. Apparently you don't need to see to sort/fold/wash clothes.

Maybe I really am just that blind?

I dunno, but for the past few months, we've just had a plug-in lightbulb hanging from the shelf in there. It was something we re-used from a lamp that broke when we moved. It was pretty chicken-rigged in there. And by chicken-rigged, I mean that it was just wrapped around the pole 10 times with the wire hanging in the way.

When I was at Ikea, the first of the two times I went this weekend, I found a shade that would work with the light cord we had. I think it's quite quaint. It reminds me of a pastoral painting. Like it?

I also got a little carried away and organized the shelves re-using some bins I had been using for sweaters. They have a little pink rose print on them. Basically, I've made the laundry room so girlie Mr. S will never want to go in there.

Not that either of us really want to go in there.

A picture of the whole closet if you're interested:

Now I ask you: why was there no light in here?

It's a Miracle

2010-10-24T10:30:00.000-04:00

I've had yogurt 4 times this week. 2 of those times were yesterday.

I know that doesn't seem like a lot if you eat/like yogurt, but I've never ever liked the stuff until I found granola.

Granola and fruit and it's just delicious!

I guess Donkey in "Shrek" was right, everyone does like parfaits.

PS-I have a big surprise later on...if I can get myself motivated. I woke up feeling very gross this morning. I hope I haven't caught some office ick going around.

Send healthy vibes my way lovelies.

I should let my brain wonder more often

2010-10-21T11:49:00.000-04:00

Cause it comes up with some awesome ideas!

I've been fiddling with the idea of tiling my backsplash but I hate all the tiles I've found...

I was eating a salad for lunch (cheer me on folks) and I was thinking about old school general stores, which make me think of tin ceiling tiles, which also makes me think of how much my mum loves them. And the weird thing is that it's one of the only things we like together.

Then I was looking up...my ceiling is too modern and large to pull it off...

But...

My backsplash...totally open and needing a modern twist on something old-school. Silver with all my black appliances and my black countertops...not to mention it's was easier to put up than tile...

Oh it is going to be delicious! I just hope it's something I don't have to special order cause we could get this done this weekend!

It's a bit of a mind flip; You're into the time slip.

2010-10-19T18:43:00.003-04:00

I was really looking forward to the Glee Rocky Horror episode since Rocky Horror is one of my favorite things...ever. In fact, this is a picture of my dormroom door Sophomore year when the bestie and I went to go see it performed:

Ah...memories...Maybe I should pull out my de-virgination certificate...cause I totally kept that.

Anywho, after seeing this preview for the show...

'Glee' Does The 'Time Warp' @ Yahoo! Video

I'm starting to think that I'm going to be a bit disappointed...Mercedes...as Frank? Bring Puck back from prison, put him in drag, and oh baby then you have a Frank not a Francine...!

Pity. But Riff-Raff is amazing and Brad and Janet are perfect-o. If Kurt wasn't playing Riff-Raff he's probably the only person on the show who could work that black corset.

Oh the...antici pation!

PS- You need this in your life because Tim Curry cannot be beat:

Decisions: 2

2010-10-17T20:55:00.001-04:00

What in the blue-blazes should I do with this room?

(PS- Sorry for all the crap photos lately. I can't find my boo's camera, and he stole the keyboard to my comp with my photo software that uploads the pics off my nice camera...so you're stuck with photobooth--crappy, but convenient)

This is my smallest bedroom upstairs. I'm just stumped with what I can put in here except for my drying rack, obviously.

We have an office downstairs, so it seems pointless for me to make this into an office and it has periodically also been used for guests when we have a large number of people over. We have even borrowed a twin bed and put it in there before.

Ideally, I'd like to fill it with babies since it is directly across from our room and you can't fit much in there except miniature things. That isn't in the works right now, but one day that room will be baby station, so I'd like to do something with this room that isn't going to cause me to have to store a lot of furniture later. I was thinking we could just get one of those cribs that converts to a headboard and use it as a bed now and turn it back into a crib later. I also really love trundle beds.

I don't really have time for hobbies, so a hobby room won't help me much. I barely have time to keep it all together as it is.

Do you have any ideas? Anything fun, creative, good use of the space, fairly inexpensive and not set in stone?

Decisions: 1

2010-10-17T19:38:00.001-04:00

So now that my living room is actually starting to look like...you know...a living room, I'm moving on to what the next house purchase should be. Since Thanksgiving is around the corner, I think that a dining table might be just the ticket.

Last year we had Thanksgiving kind of non-traditionally...on the floor. We borrowed a table from Mr. S's parents, took the legs off, and put in on blocks on the floor of where my living room is now. Classy, I know, but there was no way we could find 8 chairs to fit all the people we had on the budget we had.

It all turned out really well though, and the food was to-die-for, so much so, that my bestie and I have already started putting together the menu. For some reason our house has become the holiday house. I'm ok with this, but Mr. S isn't quite sure why we're always sharing holidays with so many people. I love it though...a lot. So this year...there is no place for anyone to come and eat unless we have people out on the deck. Since it will be the end of November, I don't think this is a realistic option and I secretly want a huge family table.

But I don't know what I want! Well, I did until I went to the store and completely talked myself out of my first choice. That's where you can help me friends. These are the two finalists, both are from Crate and Barrel:

The Lovely Basque collection, shown first. We would most likely get the honey color (not shown) since it doesn't seem to scuff as much as the darker color and it matches our kitchen cabinets very well. The chairs are sturdy and I love the idea of the bench, since it can seat more people and it screams little house on the prairie/family.

And since we don't live on the prairie (and I hope we never do), we have the Kipling extension table. I love the flair on the back of the chairs. I love that it extends, since we have limited space now, but one day we might have the beautiful fortune of living in a bigger house. I also love the dark color because it matches the rest of the furniture we have. What I don't like are the legs. They are very traditional...almost touching on geriatric. Dontcha think? However, they are offering a deal from now until the end of November for a 9 piece set for less than a 6 piece set of the Basque with a bench (the bench is cheaper than 2 chairs)...so that's a definite plus.

Decisions, decisions. Anywho, which one would you like to sit at if you ever came to dinner: the rustic Basque or the modern/old Kipling that just makes me think of Charlotte's apartment in Sex and the City...am I the only one possibly seeing that?

I'm losing it.

Vintage Find!

2010-10-15T18:54:00.000-04:00

So my weekend was a little out of the ordinary. My parent's called me up--odd enough--and said, want to meet us in Fredericksburg for a trolley tour? Since I feel the need to put in a few hours with my parents a year, so that I can feel like semi-decent spawn, I agreed.

Until last weekend I had never been to Fredericksburg and I had no idea it was historical. I had no idea George Washington grew up near there. I had no idea that it was a cute town with great colonial houses. Who knew?

If you're ever in the lovely little town o' Fredericksburg, never eat at the Battlefield restaurant. You will ask yourself: "Is there anything on this menu that is not swimming in gravy?"

After the precursor for pepto-bismol, it was off to the trolley tour.

Then we stopped at a local ice cream shoppe where I wished that I wasn't on a diet. I had a chocolate banana protein shake that I've been trying to convince myself for a week that it wasn't packed with sugar. Cause if it was full of sugar, I should of just had the dang handmade ice cream.

Then came the antiquing. When my parents visit, or really any time we meet up with them, there is always antiquing. This is always when I realize that Mr. S really does truly love me. For 1, he has spent an entire day with my folks and didn't run away screaming, and 2, he actually spent time around useless old shit, as he likes to call it. I like old things, but only if they're reasonably priced, and still usable. I have a flare for the vintage, don't get me wrong, but it has to be done correctly.

I'm pleased as punch to say that I found these beauts! Vintage Armani glasses...for $20. Since I'm going blind I decided to get them and have them re-prescribed. Someone somewhere has to do that, right?

'
And, if I look a little dazed and confused in the last one, it's because I can't see a dang thing with the former owner's prescription in those puppies.

Speaking of puppies...I think a pair of hush puppies would suit these very nicely.

Grumbles...and plastic.

2010-10-11T18:24:00.000-04:00

I hate, hate, hate my credit card. My limit is le crap, and my company provides no services. I have tons of alerts set up so that when I get to $500, it yells at me. I wish it was like my Pier 1 card and that it yelled at me every day I was still over that $500...but no. It has no listings of any of my transactions online since October 6 and somewhere over the last 5 days I apparently maxed out my card. On what, I couldn't tell you. But, since I can't view any of the pending transactions it would take me about a week to figure out how bad the damage was if my card were, heaven forbid, stolen.

I did do a lot of purchases and returns this weekend, so maybe that's all shaking out?

The moral of the story?

Never steal my credit card, lovelies, because you couldn't buy a pack of gum with the limit I have because it's my high school limit. I need to just take the time to call them and explain that I have an adult job now, but I think I'm going to look for a better credit card company or just get rid of it all together. That would be a personal challenge to not use plastic...I'm not so sure I could do it since I hate having cash on me.

Anywho, so until furthur notice, I'm officially "broke."

Day 29 → Something you hope to change about yourself. And why.

2010-10-07T09:42:00.000-04:00

This one is so easy because I've been dealing with it for years: my weight. I have a lot to catch up on when it comes to learning healthy habits because I was never taught them. My father's side of the family is incredibly skinny and he thinks eating well and working out is a joke. My mother's side of the family was rather larger with some health issues and she has always dealt with any weight gain by crash dieting and not eating.

So I was a really skinny kid who gained a lot of weight very quickly when I hit puberty. I never played sports and I ate all the wrong things and picked up my mom's dieting habits. So I have tried and failed at every fad diet you have ever heard of.

The first time I ever worked out or set foot in a gym was my senior year of high school. I had no idea how to work anything, but I got a tour with one of the instructors and that helped. When I started college I reached my heaviest of 225-230 freshman year. I'm 5'8" so I can hold a little bit more weight then most but it was too much! I couldn't do anything. Walking up the stairs was tough and nothing ever fit me. I love clothes so this was probably the most frustrating thing.

Since then I have devoted a lot of time to eating better and trying to work out more. At my lowest I've lost 50 pounds from my highest. I still have about 20 to go before I can be at a healthy weight, but I reach about 178 and I bounce back to 188. I've done this twice, so I've trying to learn how to maintain a smaller weight.

It's so frustrating because I feel like I've lost a lot of time learning this stuff. It's my goal to get a handle on this for me and Mr. S before we have kids. I 1,000% don't want our kids to deal wtih this crap. I worry about how my larger weight will effect my health down the line. I want to be around as long as I can with my kiddies. That's so important to me. And maybe they'll inherit my dad's metabolism, but that won't stop the silent killers in my family like heart disease.

As a country we have to get rid of this problem. I see so many overweight kids these days and that's terrifying. Being overweight leads to so many health issues and we're killing our kids by giving them all that sugar-covered, deep-fried crap. I hate, hate, hate it! So I need to learn to be an example.

I'm trying to make it more of a priority. I'm trying to pre-plan meals and pack things to take to work. I'm also trying to learn between physical and emotional hunger.

The hardest part is going to be the holidays. Sugar is my weakness and it's everywhere starting at Halloween and ending at Easter.

Oh help.

Day 28 → What if you were pregnant or got someone pregnant, what would you do?

2010-10-05T22:21:00.001-04:00

Call everyone I know, throw the biggest party that has ever been thrown and generally freak out as much as humanly possible with sincere excitement, a lot of yelling, and a ton of jumping.

And then I wouldn't stop smiling...ever.

Shoot, I do this whenever I find out someone I know is prego. Screw St. Gerard, the patron saint of expectant mothers, that's really me.

Day 27 → What’s the best thing going for you right now?

2010-10-05T22:16:00.000-04:00

I've got so many things going for me this post just seems superfluous.

PS-really love that word.

Honey, House, Job, Furbabies, etc. Life is good.

My Crappy Day

2010-10-05T22:11:00.000-04:00

Whoever said that dogs don't "mess" where they lay was full of crap, or never met my Bramston. When he was a puppy we had a lot of trouble with the kennel. But at about 6 months he was finally able to make it 4 hours in the crate without having an accident (he pee'd ever day for months. We still go home in the middle of the day to give him a break and make sure he's doing OK.

Now he understands it and does very well during the day. He even understands that he shouldn't go while he's in a crate he isn't used to...like at the groomers. (BTW, never take your animals to Petsmart for grooming, my lil champ made it 9 hours without a potty break and I was proud of him when he left the grooming station and peed all over the sales floor and an associate had to mop it up. I mean who doesn't take a dog out after that long? He may be over 100 pounds, but at the time he was only 9 months old...sorry for the rant).

Anyways...where was I...yeah, he gets the crate, really, or so we think. 4-8 hours he's good...great, even...but you take him outside for a potty break and then leave for an hour to go to the gym and you come home to crap for days.

Crap-for-days!

Crap for days, which my puppy uses to write his name in. You can literally almost see...B...R...A...M...smeared across his 58 inch crate.

So help me...I'm proud my baby can spell and all...but...wow.

Day 26 → Have you ever thought about giving up on life? If so, when and why?

2010-10-04T21:27:00.000-04:00

When I was in high school there were two times I got a little dramatic. I had a loss of faith, if that's the right way to say it, and I got really freaked out that my whole world view was different. I also wanted to give up when a doctor told me, when I was 16, I might not be able to have kids.

But, I can hardly get enough energy to take myself to the gym, let alone do anything drastic, come on ya'll. I do get depressed from time to time though. My mom and her mother both have/had depression issues, so I always try to monitor myself. Thankfully, I have an amazing support system and they tell me to get a grip every now and then. It helps me so much because they wake me up to it when I can't see that I'm even down.

The most important thing to do, with anything, is to stay positive. Your attitude can make or break a crappy situation. I also believe that you'll never see the solution that's right in front of you, if you're so busy focusing on all the things that are going wrong. Start with what's going right and work from there. If you have to make a list of all the great things going for you, do it. It helps.

I have so many great things in my life and I know that I'm lucky. So I'll accentuate the positive.

Something peppy for ya:

Day 25 → The reason you believe you’re still alive today.

2010-10-03T11:37:00.000-04:00

I'm a little confused about what this post should be about. I don't believe in a greater cosmic purpose for my existence, but I'm pleased as punch to still be here and I'll fight to stay that way for as long as I can.

This world is so beautiful that I'm happy to explore and love in it for as long as I can.

Hello October!

2010-10-01T10:40:00.000-04:00

I think that I can officially say that Fall is my favorite time of year. I used to have a little flirtation with Miss Spring, but there are so many more amazing things to do in the Autumn. Such as:

1. Pumpkins...anything and all things pumpkin: picking them from the patch, carving them, eating them, drinking them at Starbucks...I just love um. I also love my homemade pumpkin dip and some ginger snaps.

2. My annual trip to Blacksburg to visit my college and some amazing friends...and it's going down this weekend! One of my lady's is having a pig roast in her backyard so there will be tons of fun, a bonfire, and some good ole' mountain drinkin'...which my lame butt can't do because of this stupid diet I'm on...Le sigh. My camera is packed and hopefully I use it this trip.

You voted and I'm the worst amateur photographer ever.

3. Halloween. This will be the first time in 2 years that I haven't had to work halloween night...and I'm going to see some trick or treaters, dang it! Last year we only had two, according to Mr. S, but he still got to see them! Our neighborhood is definitely geared more for young professionals without kids, but somebody needs to knock on my door or I will be forced to dress the cats up again. Bramston ate said costumes from last year, so I can't re-use them and I love to torture my animals...mostly Penelope, because she forgets how to wlk when you put anything on her. It's love, really.

4. Leaves and mums. My garden in the fall is so fun! It's a lot of work but the temperature is perfect. I love putting away the summer stuff and putting out the pumpkins, mums, wreathes, and doing all the prep work to get my plants through the winter. It's kind of like putting them to bed. I read them a story, tuck them in with mulch, and plant some pansies as little nightlights for the winter.

5. Thanksgiving! Oh, the food and the people! My house is holiday central and I love to have people over for some good noms.

6. Christmas shopping! It's totally that time to think about gifts. This year I'm having a "no random crap" policy when it comes to gifts. I hate, hate, hate all teh left over things I can't find a home for that I either end up giving away or putting in a closet. I'm the kind of person that really loves gift cards. Really, they aren't impersonal, they're perfect.

It's a little early for stores to have stuff out...but they do, and I've been bad...Someone actualyl told me to be Mrs. Claus for Halloween...it's teh most perfect costume idea for me since...I'm totally Mrs. Claus and Mr. S is really short for Mr. Santa and our house in in the North Pole. :)

Anywho, Happy Harvesting!

Day 23 → Something you wish you had done in your life.

2010-10-01T08:33:00.000-04:00

I really wish that I had gone to school overseas or even gone to an out of state school. Since we were dirt po' there was no way that was going to happen. I was lucky to even get to go to college. I'm grateful for that, honest.

Two good friends of mine got to live the dream. One did her undergrad in London and the other is doing her Masters at Oxford. So happy for them but sometimes it drives me crazy.

Oxford would have been the ultimate dream. Wouldn't that be the most ballin' place to get an education for an English Lit major? Yes indeedy! Oh the beautiful English words made 1,000% better when taught to you with a British accent. Why does everything sound better with a British accent? It's teh great mystery of life.

Le sigh, maybe one day I'll actually get to tour it! But my college experience was great...and I picked a school that looks almost like Hogwarts. VT baby! I love my hokies.

Day 22 → Something you wish you hadn’t done in your life.

2010-10-01T08:30:00.000-04:00

No regrets. I can't go back and change anything so it's silly to stress over things that are gone and done. What I've done I've learned from and that's the most important thing that ay I'm not doomed to a vicious cycle.

So carry on, ya'll!

Better Than Fine

2010-09-29T16:52:00.000-04:00

At my office gig I've been doing a lot of offer letters. It's probably one of the only things at work I use my degree for besides the company newsletter which, I'm convinced, no one reads (Kind of like this blog lately). Offers aren't even that language oriented since I basically copy and paste into a template and send it along to corporate for the green light.

Every offer letter I get the same response back..."The offer letter is fine." No matter who approves it...I know that's probably the set "line," but is it too much to ask to get a "spectacular, fantastic, orgasmic, brilliant, so amazing we need to publish it" reply?

Really? Too much?

Maybe they can just send me a gold star for Christmas.

Day 20 → Your views on drugs and alcohol.

2010-09-29T12:45:00.000-04:00

Eh, I'm at the time of my life where I'm really trying to prepare my body for kids in a few years. Alcohol is fun, but only once in a while for me. Once you start to depend on it, then you have a problem and should re-access why you need alcohol to cope. I don't like to use things as crutches and I don't do well with things that make me loose control.

Drugs, I've never done those. I had a math teacher in middle school that told me that weed would cause birth defects even if I smoked it early on and only one time. That's probably absolute crap, but I've never wanted to risk it. Mr. Cole probably saved me from getting mixed up with some bad folks in high school. A few of my friends actually got expelled for possession. But, my unborn chillins are super important to me and were even back then.

I'd never want to try the heavy crap like cocaine, but if I was 80 or 90 and at the end of my life, I could totally see myself putting some Bob Marley on and blazing away.

Day 21 → (scenario) Your best friend is in a car accident and you two got into a fight an hour before. What do you do?

2010-09-29T08:50:00.002-04:00

My best friend and I have only had one fight in the 16+ years I've know her and it was over something big and important. After we yelled via AIM we didn't talk for a few months. I still stand by what I said, but I realized that having her in my life was much more important then what we were fighting about.

But if anything had happened during that time I would have been there--hands down. Pride doesn't get you anywhere if you loose people because of it.

2010-09-24T13:31:00.000-04:00

I read everything about Newfies before we decided to get one. Great breed, I highly recommend them, but I'm starting to learn that they're full of crazy antics. If I remember correctly, I did read a blog about a guy and his crazy newfs...

Most dogs are a little crazy, but imagine when your dog weighs over 100 pounds and if he stood up on his back legs, he'd be as tall as you are...sometimes he's a train plowing through the living room and once he gets something in his head...I don't really have the manpower to stop him.

Other times he's so lazy we literally have to roll him out of the room. In fact, S does this every morning before he takes a shower because the dog sleeps in our bathroom. Sometimes I have to poke him to make sure he's still with us.

Last week we took Bramallama to hang out with the "in-laws" pups. He gets so excited when he realizes we're in their neighborhood. A part of me thinks he'd much rather live there then with us. He also loves to roll with the windows down so that he can fly drool kites. When we pulled up to the house, Mr. Happy jumped out of the car window and ran to the front door eager for someone to let him back into his house...

S and I just turned and looked at eachother...yeah, our dog just did that...It's was at that moment I started to suspect that the dog secretly hates us...and part of me thinks we should get Bramston a dog...yes, I just said we should get the dog a dog, so that he has a friend. Is that a new level of spoiled, a reasonable solution, or am I just trying to bribe my way into our dog's heart?

Either way...he's grounded from window privileges for a while.

Day 16 → Someone or something you definitely could live without.

2010-09-24T12:54:00.000-04:00

This one seems a bit strange to me since there are tons of things that I can live without, and I do. Is that such a bad thing? I think that the Big S and I could definitely be a little bit more minimalistic.

Right now, if I had to pick, I'd go with my trainer. :D She's kicking my butt and I really just want a chocolate milkshake with a pack of chewy chips ahoy, on a donut coaster...OK, I could probably live without that too.

Day 15 → Something or someone you couldn’t live without, because you’ve tried living without it.

2010-09-24T12:30:00.000-04:00

I literally couldn't live without vaccinations/antibiotics! Too literal? Maybe. But I picked up every sickness I could when I was a kid and I was always sick! If I had been born during any other time period I don't think I would have made it to my teenage years. When I was 16, I found out that I am a carrier for tuberculosis. It has never become active, i.e. gotten to my lungs so that I can spread the love around, but I was still put on a 9 month treatment of antibiotics just in case. In a few years it's recommended that I do another round of the horse pills, but I'd like to put that off as long as possible.

I haven't tried going without either of these things, but a few people recently have and we're seeing diseases we thought we'd eradicated sneaking back up. Like polio and whooping cough, and other such crazy things. It's a pity, really, since all the research has shown that the autism/vaccine link is crap and that if we vaccinate we can save a lot of people.

So, thank you, modern medicine!

Love,

I love a good tidy-ooop

2010-09-23T13:24:00.000-04:00

Since the weather is cooling down, I sense that it is almost time for my semi-annual rummage and organization fest! It's time to go through every closet, box up things we aren't using, and give them away!

I love, love, love when our house is clutter free. It hasn't been completely organized since we moved in. I try and I try, but we have so much freaking crap! If I could offer one piece of advice to people combining households: narrow down what you're keeping and give things away before you move. You will spend 6 months trying to give away your college microwaves to good homes. And you will use up so much cabinet space with 2 George Foreman grills and the electric grill that your mother gave you. I guarantee.

I think I'm going to spend a lot of time organizing the new office we built out in the basement, find a way to organize S's computer cords, and put some things on craigslist. Such as: a bookshelf, a broken treadmill, a TV, and crap, crap, and more crap.

I've decided to get rid of my stereo. I haven't used it in a year and I only still have it for the record player. If anyone wants to gift me a vintage-looking, portable record player that would be great. :D S would just like me to have everything on an mp3, but I like to kick it old-school every now and again. Plus, they make record players that will convert to mp3. Hello, $0.05 vinyl albums converted to my iPod!

Maybe if I'm feeling super ambitious I'll get out my fall decor and spruce up the joint! Still looking for rugs and I also still need to put up blinds...c'est la vie. I'm not to stressed about that cause I know the dog would find someway to ruin the rug, and the cats would pull down the blinds. Some how, some way I'd come home to a plundered livingroom.

If I'm really feeling motivated, I'll hire a maid. A maid might just be my Christmas present to myself. I don't want to give up anymore weekends to cleaning. There are 100,000 more things I would rather be doing.

Can you tell that Autumn is my favorite season? Can you also tell that my energy level has come back up from all the working out and the better eating?

Day 14 → A hero that has let you down. (letter)

2010-09-23T12:48:00.000-04:00

Dear Maw Maw,

Hands down, you're the type of grandmother I want to be. Holidays were the best when I got to spend them at your house. I would count down the days until Christmas starting in the summer because I knew Christmas morning we'd be on the road to Charlotte, NC and your mashed potatoes. You are a style icon and a timeless beauty.

It sucks that you got alzheimers and are no longer the amazing person you once were. You never let me down, but this stupid disease did. I really wish you could still remember me, but I'll remember you as long as I can. And hopefully if alzheimers claims be too, I won't lose the memory of those Christmases, the way all your linens always smelled, the taste of your home-made candies, and you.

Love,

Day 11 → Something people seem to compliment you the most on.

2010-09-21T12:41:00.000-04:00

I guess my sense of style? I put a lot of effort into how I decorate the house and I get a lot of good feedback about it. I try to keep things classy and a little timeless. I guess that's a good way to to describe me classy and a little timeless.

People also always tell me that I've always got a smile on my face. It's important to stay positive about things even when things don't look so good.

Day 12 → Something you never get compliments on.

2010-09-21T12:37:00.001-04:00

I don't know that I spend a lot of time worried about things I'm not complimented on. If I like it, do I really need someone else to tell me they like it?

Day 10 → Someone you need to let go, or wish you didn’t know.

2010-09-21T12:13:00.002-04:00

I wish I wasn't so good at cutting people out of my life, but it has come in handy on more than one occasion. If I want you in my life then I'll at least try, if not I get my Amish shunning skills on.

And everyone I've met along the way, even if they weren't so good to me, has taught me a lot about people and myself, so it's good I knew them.

(Also aware that this makes me come off as kind of a biotch...I just don't do drama folks)

Day 13 → A band or artist that has gotten you through some tough ass days. (write a letter.)

2010-09-21T12:08:00.001-04:00

Dear John Lennon (Both solo and in The Beatles),

You've gotten me through some great summers and some deep stress. Every time I listen to you, you remind me to fight when I need to, love when I need to, and most importantly to give peace a chance.

And when people call me a dreamer, you remind me that I'm not the only one.

Shine on, John!

Day 09 → Someone you didn’t want to let go, but just drifted.

2010-09-17T12:11:00.001-04:00

In the 7th grade my friend Whitney moved back to Oklahoma. Since I've never been to Oklahoma you can tell that I never went to visit her, but we were avid pen pals for a few years after her move.

I still have all our letters saved in a box. She was such an awesome person and I miss being able to talk and dream with her. She was always so crazy and I admire crazy people who aren't afraid to march to their own drum.

She's still in OK and I'm still in VA, so I doubt we'll ever get to hang out again or even see her again, but I didn't let her go on purpose. We just grew up.

This just re-emphasizes that growing up is really dumb. I'd really like to do it less.

2010-09-16T13:18:00.001-04:00

Sorry I started going out of order...but if I didn't catch up soon it would have taken me days to play catch-up.

Thanks for sticking with me!

Day 03 → Something you have to forgive yourself for. (So behind on this)

2010-09-16T12:31:00.000-04:00

Something I need to forgive myself for...there are a lot of thing, but one really stands out for me.

During S's 21st b-day party (we weren't together yet), I made a huge fool out of myself.

I drank--a lot--too much and I acted ridic.

Long story short, I woke up in a very uncomfortable predicament with one of his roomies and it was a place that my sobered up self didn't really want to be. (nothing too serious ya'll, but still)

So for the rest of the weekend I slept in Big S's room because he made me feel safe. He always has and always will.

Since then I haven't had anything more than half a margarita if I haven't been with either S or my best friend. It makes me very lame, but after I lost so much control it really terrified me.

And I should forgive myself. I was young and I was stupid and I know better now. Still, I regret the whole thing and anytime I drink any alcohol it's pretty much all I think about.

Day 01 → Something you hate about yourself.

2010-09-16T12:28:00.000-04:00

I've been thinking long and hard about this one and it's difficult to pick one. There are a ton of things that I don't like about myself--I'll save you the grocery list--but something I hate...well that's a little bit more difficult.

I'd like to think that the things I don't like about myself are things that I can work on and improve because I always try to be optimistic, but when I think about things I have no control over that places a lot of blame on environment or other folks.

So what about something I could change but haven't been able to kick just yet?

I like to be in control too much and when I'm not? I stress out...a lot. I worry about almost everything and I hate that. When I was a little kids I was a nervous puker. I threw up over almost everything: the first day of school, field trips, tests, when Spice World came out, I mean, you name it.

I eventually grew out of just throwing but now I tear my hands up when I'm stressed out or nervous. It's so bad that I keep fake nails on most of the time so that I can't pick at my hands.\

I've never been able to figure out why a kid with no real cares in the world would stress out so much. Now it makes sense since I have bills and work and drama, but I guess I was a little kids that felt all alone in the world.

When I can't control something I get really uneasy. How do I fix this? The only solution might just be drinking margaritas on the beach...delightful!

Day 07 → Someone who has made your life worth living for.

2010-09-16T12:24:00.000-04:00

For me, I've made every decision in my life for my future kids. Hands down I love them more than I can say and I've never even met them. When I close my eyes and think about them I just feel this warmth in my tummy and that makes me so hopeful.

When I was 16, I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and the doctor told me it would be very difficult for me to have kids. I wanted to punch her in the face! However, it did help me focus on myself a little more and I picked up some hobbies that were just for me and I made school my priority. SO I work on me so that I can eventually be good for them.

I've wanted to be a mother since before the age of 5 and even if I can't have them on my own I'm more than willing to adopt.

Right now when I think about the type of world that my kids will come into I get a little sad. Things are less than ideal, but now's the time to change things so that they don't inherit a crappy planet and any of the things in my DNA that I can prevent passing on.

Day 08 → Someone who made your life hell, or treated you like shit.

2010-09-16T12:12:00.000-04:00

When I moved out of the dorms and into my first apartment I moved in with someone who I considered a good friend at the time.

It turns out that she had severe depression issues I didn't know about and she had stopped medicating. I fully believe that some people can get over the blues and don't need medicine to do so, but then there are other folks that should never get off the pills. She should never be off the pills.

Her behavior got really aggressive towards me and she started to harass me via internet and text, mostly over the dumbest stuff like a bathroom rug. I stopped talking to her because confrontation would only make things worse. I started working a lot more and very late at night so that I could sneak into the apartment once she was asleep. I'd skip class when she went to class so that I could get things done in the apartment. My grades suffered.

She started to talk about me to our mutual friends, and since I refused to say things about her they believed her side of things. There were a few people who I learned were really my friends since they came to me because what she was saying just "didn't sound like Amanda." I got very scared and would panic about being in my apartment and once I filled my mother in on the situation she told me to move in with S.

So I left all my stuff and furniture except my school stuff and my dirty clothes hamper and slept on S's floor for 2 months so that I could do my finals. I still paid half the bills and rent even though I wasn't living there.

It was a huge mess. I still haven't said a word to her or seen her since I left. Luckily she didn't take any of my things or damage anything, but at the time I was more concerned for me. There are still some people I haven't talked to since then and that's ok because they believed her and I clearly didn't need them.

Day 06 → Something you hope you never have to do.

2010-09-16T11:53:00.000-04:00

Plain and simple: I hope that I never have to bury a child. I think it's the hardest thing in the world to outlive your kids.

I honestly don't think that I'd live through it with my sanity.

Day 05 → Something you hope to do in your life.

2010-09-16T11:52:00.000-04:00

It seems like everyone has put that they want to deliver a baby naturally...which is totally my answer because I'm terrified of the needles too! (Maybe that's a common fear?) But I'm going to go with something different.

I really want to move to England. I've always love English culture and history and I've wanted to live there since elementary school. I've been there to visit once and I love, love, loved it. I'm also a weirdo who likes crappy, coldish weather, peacoats, tea, scones, and knitwear.

Maybe once we retire we can move there, but right now my honey works for the government and he wouldn't be able to do that again if we lived over seas. They're very particular about that, sadly.

Attack the Fat 2

2010-09-11T22:51:00.000-04:00

Since my last post might have made you think I'm a sociopath...how about I talk about something normal?

S and I start the second round of Attack the Fat at our gym on Monday. I"m dreading it! We got a very hard trainer, whom I don't like. Whenever I see her with clients they always look like they're in the worst pain of their lives...like child birth or something. How am I supposed to want to work out if it isn't even fun? Not to mention she looks thru people when she talks with them and calls them sweetie or honey so that she doesn't have to remember their names (sorry, rant. I just hate that!).

To make things worse, the scale is not going to say good things. We've had two months off, just two, and you'd think I could maintain that. I thought I'd gained maybe 5 pounds because my smaller clothes still fit...well when I weighed this week to see what I was getting myself into...the scale said I had gained everything back.

I think the scale is a little liar pants and I will go to my grave saying my sodium intake is causing me to hold onto water.

So, tomorrow I can either eat my "last meal" or I can not eat at all and drink 3 gallons of water. Either way, my fitness test is not going to be pretty come Monday.

Maybe I'll think of it as carb-ing up. It is a competition with prizes for the team that wins. S has gotten the biggest individual loser award before (makes me want to hate him, if I wasn't so dang proud of him), so maybe we'll have a shot at winning one.

Goodbye carbs, diet soda, and caffeine. I'll miss you!

Day 02 → Something you love about yourself.

2010-09-11T21:52:00.001-04:00

I know I'm behind on day one, but I can't think of something that I hate about myself. I've started a million drafts! There are about 100 things I don't like, but none of them stand out as something I hate...at least nothing yet, and I've been thinking on it and maybe working myself into a bit of a funk focusing on all the negatives about my appearance and character.

So I'm forging ahead to day 2 with the intention of going back to one.

Something I love about myself is that I have any sort of people skills. That may sound like a weird one, but I was raised by two hermits who found one another and have one of the weirdest relationships I've ever seen. When people ask me about my family I give them the blankest stare...like what's that? I seriously couldn't tell you if my father has ever had a best friend because I've never seen him interact with another male in a fun or recreational capacity. My mother has never once had a dinner party or kept a friend for more than a hot minute. In fact my mother's personality makes things super awkward with people. It's one of many factors I suspect is behind the distance my half-siblings keep. (I guess I should also throw in there that I love the rents since it seems pretty harsh on them)

Since I'm essentially an only child, I had a lot of issues figuring other kids out. In the 5th grade I actually had someone tell me that the first time they met me they thought I was special-ed. I was, by every definition, a space cadet who spent most of her time reading or playing in the woods making up elaborate worlds in my head (once when it snowed, I spent an entire day pretending I was Mr. Tumnus from The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe)...so I guess I can't be too mad about that comment. Even though it made me cry at the time I'm still in contact with the person who said it.

After a comment like that, it was my personal challenge to throw myself into social situations: birthday parties, clubs at school, etc., but only in small doses. All of them were agonizing, but they helped me gain some experience. I don't feel bad for missing out on a lot of things. I selected what I wanted to do based on how much I felt I could handle. So no regrets. I spent a lot of great time with people I still consider friends.

Somewhere down the line I became a little bit more extroverted, but it's still a conscious effort. In college alcohol helped a lot. All of my jobs have involve massive amounts of human interaction: serving at restaurants, daycare, lots of retail, managing, being a receptionist, and now HR. I've done that on purpose.

I love that I worked on it and got better. I love that I'm comfortable enough to be in a functioning romantic relationship with open communication. Being involved with people was hard, but I didn't have more than 1 or 2 guy friends until college. In fact, my first semester was spent at an all girls college. What was I thinking?

Now my parents think I'm weird and slightly obnoxious because I talk to people. I still only have one or two good friends, but I try really hard to keep up with other folks and I'm still learning. Mr. S's mother is a born extrovert and I analyze her in social situations. Does that make me a creeper?

I know that I'll always be more comfortable reading a book, but maybe one day I'll feel completely comfortable in a crowd and I like that.

My optimism, yeah, I love that too!

30 Day Challenge

2010-09-10T13:12:00.000-04:00

A few of my blogger buddies are doing a 30 day blog challenge...The challenge for me will be to see if I can remember to do it every day. :D

Day 01 → Something you hate about yourself.
Day 02 → Something you love about yourself.
Day 03 → Something you have to forgive yourself for.
Day 04 → Something you have to forgive someone for.
Day 05 → Something you hope to do in your life.
Day 06 → Something you hope you never have to do.
Day 07 → Someone who has made your life worth living for.
Day 08 → Someone who made your life hell, or treated you like shit.
Day 09 → Someone you didn’t want to let go, but just drifted.
Day 10 → Someone you need to let go, or wish you didn’t know.
Day 11 → Something people seem to compliment you the most on.
Day 12 → Something you never get compliments on.
Day 13 → A band or artist that has gotten you through some tough ass days. (write a letter.)
Day 14 → A hero that has let you down. (letter)
Day 15 → Something or someone you couldn’t live without, because you’ve tried living without it.
Day 16 → Someone or something you definitely could live without.
Day 17 → A book you’ve read that changed your views on something.
Day 18 → Your views on gay marriage.
Day 19 → What do you think of religion? Or what do you think of politics?
Day 20 → Your views on drugs and alcohol.
Day 21 → (scenario) Your best friend is in a car accident and you two got into a fight an hour before. What do you do?
Day 22 → Something you wish you hadn’t done in your life.
Day 23 → Something you wish you had done in your life.
Day 24 → Make a playlist to someone, and explain why you chose all the songs. (Just post the titles and artists and letter)
Day 25 → The reason you believe you’re still alive today.
Day 26 → Have you ever thought about giving up on life? If so, when and why?
Day 27 → What’s the best thing going for you right now?
Day 28 → What if you were pregnant or got someone pregnant, what would you do?
Day 29 → Something you hope to change about yourself. And why.
Day 30 → A letter to yourself, tell yourself EVERYTHING you love about yourself

Anniversary Trip

2010-09-09T13:25:00.000-04:00

Last Thursday I celebrated 3 years with my amazing Mr. S. It really doesn't seem like we've been together that long, but I guess that's a good thing!

We spent the labor day weekend in Georgetown and it was so nice to get away from things for a while. I actually took time off from work and the grandparents watched the dog. (Please don't pass out from the shock of it all).

Now, you may be asking why we got a hotel 45 minutes from our house. Yeah, it's 45 minutes, but it's a completely different world in the District than in the suburbs we roll around in.

We took the metro in Friday night and after we checked into our hotel, that was directly on M St, we went to an Italian restaurant called Paper Moon. I really loved the atmosphere! Restaurants in Georgetown are really neat because the whole windowed-fronts of the buildings fold open so that you're inside and outside at the same time. It's a great way to people-watch. The food was good. I got a spinach ravioli that was a normal portion size (but we still paid like $15 for it). We stopped at Häagen-Dazs on the way back to the hotel. They had a guy out front who was giving away free samples and he was so entertaining. He yelled "ice cream!" in as many different voices as he could come up with. Oh, he made me laugh! The best part was that I actually think he loved his job.

Saturday we spent the day in the Capital area. I got a guide book from Barnes & Noble that had a few sites in it we wanted to check out. I tried to find some things that weren't super touristy. First we took the metro redline to Friendship-Heights to buy S some shoes. For some reason he didn't pack walking shoes for this trip...I dunno either. Then we went to Dupont circle to get Krispy Creme donuts. I had seen the donut shop when I was driving to the zoo the weekend before and I wanted breakfast. We ate our delicious goodies in the park by the fountain directly in the middle of Dupont circle. It was so refreshing to sit with my honey on a bench and just be. The squirrels and birds were delightfully entertaining and the transvestites and street performers were nothing but memorable.

After our snack, we hopped on the metro again and headed to Eastern Market, a cute little open air market that sells a lot of different things. The building in the center houses a few delis with some questionable meats and seafood items. From Eastern Market you can see the capital building, so we hoofed it to the top of the mall when we were finished browsing the market.

We stopped at the Library of Congress which literally took my breath away! The great writers of all time are featured in the architecture and there are so many things hidden away and tucked into little tiny spaces. Right in the center is a huge painting of Minerva, my homegirl, and it made me feel right at home. The main reading room is only accessible if you have permission to research there, which was disappointing, but you still get to peak in and see what it looks like from behind a huge glass wall. What made it the best part of the trip was the gift shop! Where else can you get a Jane Austen action-figure complete with writing desk?

The National Botanical gardens was alright. It wasn't what I was expecting, but it would be a great hang-out spot during the winter. After all the walking we did, we were ready to head back to Georgetown. Dinner was just Unos, but it was still good after a long day. I had a margarita that was pretty delicious.

Sunday was low-key. We walked to Dumbarton Oaks which took us through the residential area of Georgetown. I love to look at old houses and I can really be somewhat of a creeper., but it's all good. We got to the gardens an hour or so before they even opened. There wasn't really anything to do until they opened, so we decided to come back another time. I'm really interested to see the gardens since the guidebook listed it as one of the most romantic sites of the city. The walk was pretty so no complaints.

Then there was the shopping on M St. Whenever I go into an Anthropologie I'm going to just let them hold me down, beat me, and take all my money. $300 later I came out with a few nice things.

We found a great cupcake place called Baked and Wired that had an indie vibe to it. The cupcakes were probably better than Georgetown Cupcakes. We didn't make it in GC since that place always has a line! B&W cupcakes were at least made with good ingredients and they were huge! Yums!

The worst part of the trip was that I had my camera the whole time and I never took a single picture with it. I guess I was enjoying myself too much!

I Got Tagged

2010-09-09T12:51:00.000-04:00

My good friend Caitlin at Married Life in Paradise tagged me in a little survey.

1. If you could have any superpower, what would you have? Why?
I've always been a fan of the rapid ability to heal. You live forever, never get sick, can fall off of buildings or take bullets to the head...and even get adamantium (sp?) put on your bones and survive it...

2. Who is your style icon?
My grandmother. I have some pictures of her from the 30's/40's and she was so stylish. She's also one of the most graceful and elegant people I've ever known. My fondest memories involve going to her house for holidays and I hope that I can make the holidays as special when my time comes around.

3. What is your favorite quote?
I live for words! If I had to pick, it would be the opening to Pride and Prejudice. It just gets me so excited for what's about to follow.

4. What is the best compliment you've ever received?
My favorite is when people tell my I'm going to be a great mom one day. I sure hope so!

5. What playlist/cd is in your CD player/iPod right now?
The most recent thing I've listened to on my ipod was probably Michael Jackson. I like to have upbeat music while I'm at work.

6. Are you a night owl or a morning person?
Morning person. I feel like I get so much more done before everyone else I know gets up. Since I live in a crowded area, it's also a great way to beat the crowds.

7. Do you prefer dogs or cats?
I have to go with cats. I love my puppy, but my cats have never eaten my shoes, or my windowsills, they can be left alone if I need to be gone for a weekend, and they're lap-sized.

8. What is the meaning behind your blog name?
It's kind of ironic since I have zero time to get anything domestic done anymore. Once upon a time...I got a lot of projects done. I used to sew and bake and clean...college was a wonderful time. Now I just work all the time and once I get home I sit down and don't get up.

So...now I have to tag someone else...I choose you: http://ferdistheword.blogspot.com/.

#2, #38, #40, In which we take on Ms. Austen

2010-09-03T15:03:00.000-04:00

“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife”

I wish that I could tell you that I've spent so much time away from my blog because I was taking on Watership Down, but sadly I abandoned that project for more amusing reads like...The Hunger Games series (dazzling).

The only reading I accomplished that I can cross off my list is that I finished my annual reading of Pride and Prejudice, finished my third reading of Persuasion, and watched the BBC version of Emma. Now, don't be alarmed, I have in fact read Emma, but it is not my favorite, and why torture myself?

Pride and Prejudice still hasn't gotten old for m even though I read it every year. Elizabeth and Darcy are perfection. With this book, and all of Austen's works, I just wish we could get a glimps at their life after marriage and I would love to get some of the book written from Darcy's point of view. Alas, this was not Austen's plan. Some people really don't get this book, or any of Austen's other works, and the language does take some getting used to. It's helpful to have some knowledge about the English upper-classes so that you know a little bit about titles and Regency manners before diving right in.

Some people criticize Austen for being too domestic. It's true, most her books are set in a small town with only a few neighbors, the main character normally gets one trip to a bigger city like London or Bath, and the biggest highlight is a ball. That being said, I find that the conversation really drives the book. My favorite thing is often what isn't said, the slight brush of a hand, or a look across a room. It's almost Victorian, but I've always loved the pull between what you can do and what you want to do in Austen's world.

Persuasion is Austen's last novel and the more times I read it, the more I think that it's my favorite. This novel is also not as famous as Auten's others because the main character is a little past her prime. However, she's intelligent and extremely loyal. She's also one of the more genuinely kind characters.

Since it isn't a book anyone really mentions in school or makes a mini-series out of, here's a synopsis:

Boy meets girl, boy proposes to girl, girl rejects boy because she's persuaded by a family friend that he has no prospects (money or landed title), boy goes to sea to make his fortune, boy comes back 8 years later (loaded), boy might marry another and far younger girl (heartless),Lyme, head injury, lots of good poetry, Bath, evil money-grubbing cousin, amazing letter of declaration, and then boy and girl are married 8.5 years after the first proposal.

Basically, it all boils down to that that one amazing, handwritten letter.

Emma is not, and probably never will be, my favorite character. She's rich, very conceited, and often a little clueless even though she thinks she's number one in the class. Don't believe me? The movie Clueless is based entirely on this book. There are a lot of broken hearts in this one and most of them are because of Emma butting into things. She frustrates me.

The only shinning star about this book, is that it has one of the great male leads: Mr. Knightley. He's full of sense, very practical, 16 years older than Emma and treats her like his little sister...until he falls in love with her. In the movie versions, Mr. Knightley is never portrayed so much older and I thank you for that movie makers.

So to sum up:

Darcy and Elizabeth=Perfection,

Nothing beats a really good letter,

and...

Emma is stupid until Mr, Knightley knocks some sense into her...and sometimes you really wish that he, literally, would knock some sense into her.

Mulah, Mulah

2010-09-03T14:15:00.000-04:00

Lately I've been thinking a lot about different ways we could be saving money. Are we strapped for cash? No. However, I think that we could definitely be making the most of how we spend our money since I don't have a second job anymore.

Most of this mentality is because I've realized that we've reached an "ok" place. We have the essentials and that's a great feeling, so I'd like to squirrel away as much as we can... or at least finish saving for the $4500 I need for braces.

The things we could work on:

Food

We don't eat out as much as we used to, but we still primarily grab lunch out while we're at work. Mostly this is because we switch off who gets to go home and let the dog out. I wish we could write up a set schedule, but our workloads are always in flux and meetings sometimes come up with only a few hours notice. Boo. One option would be for us to keep things to make food at work so that we don't have to go out, and I'm going to start doing that.

Books

This is mostly my problem...I love books...maybe too much. If I want a book I normally just buy it. That might seem wasteful, but for some reason library books will never get read before I have to return them. It's a strange paradox. I'm going to make a vow to start going to the library more and try.

Our 3 year anniversary was yesterday (big smiles) and Mr. S got us a nook(which I can get free ebooks for)...so I think it's safe to say he's tired of every surface in our house being covered with spanking good literature. The part of me that doesn't like clutter agrees and the other half is convinced that books are the best decorations there are...it's a win-lose thing, but he gets a new gadget, I get to save some money, and one day when computer parts take over our house I can bring up my book sacrifice. Good plan!

Pets

Our pets--and by pets I mostly mean the dog--are Spoiled, with a capital "S." Whenever I go to Petsmart, I always come home with some new toy or a specialty bone. My puppy could care less, although he does like the $8 a bag yogurt chewy bones only available at Petsmart. He loves his old smelly toys, but I have to throw them out every couple of months. Lately he has really taken to liking tennis balls. No need to buy any of those because my pseudo-mother-in-law (what else do you call your boy toy's mother when you've been together as long as we have?) is an avid tennis player. What I can really cut out, is the trinkets. I've already stopped with the accessories. That's mostly because they don't make sweaters big enough for my boy...I'm thinking I'll have to get him a sweater from the little boys section this year for Christmas cards.

I digress. The long and short: huge, expensive, loveable dog who needs to learn some responsibility. I'm going to make him get a job to pay for his chewy bone habit. I jest.

Any road, what do you do to save money when you can? I'd love some tips.

2010-08-17T13:08:00.000-04:00

Well my to-do list did get a little bit shorter before the family arrived.

The To-Do List:

Measure for and order new blinds. Won't the house look nice from the outside when you won't be able to see my curtains? And won't it be nice to not have to worry about the neighbors getting a peep show? Indeed! (When I measured and checked prices it turned out this was going to be a very expensive project. So it might take a while to complete)
~~Mulch in the backyard~~ and in the hydrangeas...possibly move the hydrangeas too...sorry hubs...
~~Plant around AC unit~~
~~Weed, whack, and mow the yard.~~
Paint the kitchen, living room, and stairways
~~Hang new rods and curtains in basement~~
Sand, prime, paint, trim out the room in the basement.
~~Hang mirror in living room~~
Buy area rugs for first floor/living room

DC Weekend

2010-08-17T13:04:00.000-04:00

Mr. S's extended family was in town this past week. I really loved having them in town since it contributes to my knowledge of card games.

My favorite part was going into the city for the day. The Big S's little cousin, who is 14, wanted to see Georgetown Cupcake. You may know them better as DC Cupcake on TLC. Since we drove into the city, I stayed in the car with S and dropped them off. M st. was crazy so we spent the entire time trying to circle back around to get them. While we were doing that I spotted a canoe rental shop called Jack's Boathouse in down-town Georgetown that I really want to go back and try as well as an icecream or gellato (not sure which) shop that looked delicious. We never made it into Georgetown Cupcake, but we still got to reap the rewards because they brought us some yummies back. I had the lava and it was delicious!

After that, we made our way to Union Station, which is beautiful. It's this grand, old train station in the heart of the city where it is impossible to park. It had some good shopping and a bike rental shop that looked pretty neat. My favorite part was the statues that were gifted to the US from Italy, and were equipped with nudity shields once they crossed the Atlantic. Union Station also appeared to be more pigeon friendly than other DC buildings and I dug that. It reminded me a lot of Trafalgar Square in London. At the station we boarded a trolley for a night-time tour. The seats were uncomfortable, to say the least, but we got to pick up some cool facts and legends.

I really want to go back to the United States Botanical Garden. I never knew we had a national garden! I'm just stoked that it's free.

I've been trying to find more things to do in the city so that S and I can spend a weekend there doing mostly un-touristy things. So if you know of any good places to check out, please let me know!

Catalog Living!

2010-07-28T17:18:00.000-04:00

While I was having a three course facebook stalk, I came across this:
Catalog Living: In which the author tells the story of catalog pictures from the voice of faux-couple Elaine and Gary.

Maybe I find this so hilarious because I've secretly always wanted to be in a home and garden catalog...

Enjoy!

What to Do, What to Do?

2010-07-27T13:38:00.000-04:00

I know, I know: I've been such a busy beaver with the house, just trying to catch up with everything, that I haven't blogged in a day or two...or a week or two.

I'm really loving being at home more. So far, I've been able to cook dinner for Mr. S, keep up with the dishes, go grocery shopping on a semi-regular basis, vacuum like a crazy lady, finish painting our bedroom, keep up with the laundry, clean out our smallest room (as much as I can since it's still housing a 10 ft ladder), and spend last night in a vegetable state in front of the TV.

Spending time in front of the TV watching You're Cut Off (horrible show) tells me that I need to expand my projects. Especially since Mr. S's extended family will be in town in 3 weeks. EEP!

To-Do List:

Measure for and order new blinds. Won't the house look nice from the outside when you won't be able to see my curtains? And won't it be nice to not have to worry about the neighbors getting a peep show? Indeed!
Mulch in the backyard and in the hydrangeas...possibly move the hydrangeas too...sorry hubs...
Plant around AC unit
Weed, whack, and mow the yard.
Paint the kitchen, living room, and stairways
Hang new rods and curtains in basement
Sand, prime, paint, trim out the room in the basement.
Hang mirror in living room
Buy area rugs for first floor/living room

Now...how much can I realistically expect to complete?

Since I've bored you with my monotonous list, here is something cute: Mila's Daydreams. Check out that creative mothering! Love it.