Welcome to my life

love and valentines

2012-02-14T17:23:00.000-08:00

Even when I was single, I never thought that Valentines Day was a made-up holiday. My mom always went out of her way to make it special for us, making our milk pink for breakfast, buying us chocolates and for me a Valentines Day shirt to wear to school.

I can clearly remember the first Valentines Day with Andrew, he bought me a fishing pole (we still laugh about that one) and cooked me dinner for the first time. I baked him cupcakes and had a friend take some portraits of me to give him. Every year I've had the tradition of making us a yummy dessert and dinner. This year was a red velvet cake with cream cheese icing.

Please excuse my novice cake decorating skills. I was off work today, so I picked up 5 Guys for Andrew and I and took it to him at work. When I woke up this morning, there was a huge box of chocolates on my spot on the couch and then he came home with a beautiful lily.

I know that plenty of people think Valentines Day is stupid and that you don't need an excuse to tell someone you love them. While I agree a little with that statement, I do think its nice to show someone how much you care for them and any excuse to eat chocolates all day is fine in my book!

an update in photos

2012-02-08T08:34:00.000-08:00

My life has not been very exciting recently, I've mostly been working and doing things around the house. Over the weekend, Andrew and I celebrated our four year anniversary. It was pretty low key, we spent Saturday night at his old roomates place out in West Jefferson. They were having a little party and it only seemed appropriate to hang out at the place where we fell in love. We exchanged small gifts (I got Andrew a grilling book and a sign for the garage) and he got me a spider plant. I know that sounds odd, but I've been wanting one for a long time and it will be a nice addition to our other house plants.

I also learned how to crochet on Sunday and took to it pretty quickly. I'm hoping to turn what I've started into a large blanket for our living room. I've loved knitting on the loom, but I can only make hats and scarves using those and since this winter has been so mild, I'm kind of over it!

Its sort of relaxing to come home after a long day at work and spend the evening working on this blanket.....its therapy for me without all the cost.

We also moved some furniture into the new room downstairs and the old office upstairs is basically empty (all that's left is a dresser) and we'll be turning it into a spare bedroom. I still need to go get some furniture from my parents house so we can fill the room back up again. As far as stuff for the rest of the room, we want to get a loveseat and a TV and sort of use this room as a place to relax and a home office space. Up next on the remodel list is putting in a bathroom next to this room and a mudroom as well.

I've also been busy with the wedding planning - picking out a pattern for the flower girl dresses, finally finding invitations that I like and go with our theme, ordering seeds for the flowers we are going to grow and narrowing down the colors. These next seven months are going to pass quickly I imagine!

Four

2012-02-04T03:41:00.000-08:00

I cannot believe that its been four years and that in just seven months we will be getting married. It doesn't seem like very long ago that we were falling in love.

I cherish all of the memories of our first year together: our bike rides around West Jefferson, laughing till we cried, looking for houses, getting to know your family, dinners out and meals cooked together, parties, holidays, trips to Hocking Hills and early morning or late night fishing.

I never thought that I could find someone who makes me so happy and lets me be myself. Our journey together has not been easy, but no love story can be perfect.

I will never forget the joy I felt in my heart and soul the day you asked me to marry you. I don't think I've smiled so much in years and somedays I still find myself staring at my ring in disbelief that I will be yours forever.

"Love is the ultimate outlaw. It just won't adhere to any rules. The most any of us can do is to sign on as its accomplice. Instead of vowing to honor and obey, maybe we should swear to aid and abet. That would mean that security is out of the question. The words make and stay become inappropriate. My love for you has no strings attached. I love you for free." - Tom Robbins

Frustration

2012-01-30T05:08:00.000-08:00

I've become increasingly frustrated with my current plan of losing weight. I have not been consistent recently and the stress is really starting to get to me. The little bit I lost, I've gained back. My face is super broken out and my pants are getting tight again.

While grocery shopping yesterday, I didn't put anything horrible in the cart. No brownie mix, valentines day candy (even if those conversation hearts are my favorite thing on earth), ice cream, bad snacks for work and no pop. I did get some sun chips, but I figure those can't be nearly as bad. While browsing Pinterest yesterday, I saw a workout tip sheet about how one candy bar = 85 minutes of walking to burn off. That really hit me hard, I don't want to be this person anymore.

Its not all about my weight or how I feel (though I have zero self confidence most of the time), its about my fear of having health problems and having even less confidence than ever. It doesn't help that I have a very critical mother who is always asking me what I'm going to do to loose weight for the wedding or why I don't try harder. She's always judging me when we go out to eat, staring at whatever I choose and making me feel bad about my decisions. Sometimes even my fiance is pretty judgemental and its really hurtful. I know this sounds crazy, but every time my mom tells me I need to loose weight, I loose my motivation.

I am determined to go to the gym tonight and really bust my butt at least three days a week when my work schedule allows. I have to do this for me.....not for anyone else.

My Pinterest Addiction & Wedding Ideas

2012-01-28T06:02:00.000-08:00

I'm going to guess that nearly everyone who reads this blog is addicted to pinterest like I have been for the last two months. When I found out about this website, I almost died because it was such an easy way for me to gather ideas for the wedding. But not just for the wedding, for the house, cooking, fashion, helping me pick out the new dog I want when Andrew decides its a good idea, gardening, workout tips - I mean, you name it and I'll probably 'pin it.'

I've been searching for ways to make this wedding more cost effective and how I can do a lot of things myself since we are on a tight budget. Here are a few of my favorite ideas via Pinterest!

I love the idea of doing the broach bouquet, but I'm not sure how its going to be since I don't have that many broaches. Maybe I can mix some in with the flowers, we'll see how this one turns out!

We are for sure using jars for the table decor since everyone in Andrew's family has them coming out of their ears. We will have a few with flowers in them and then others with candles. I think wrapping the jars in lace will be a nice touch!

This is my general idea for the table decor, something simple so that people can still see one another from across the table. After talking with Andrew's mom on the phone the other night, we've decided to grow the flowers that we're going to use for the reception and bouquets! She is an amazing green thumb and it will save us tons of money!

Then I found this picture of these amazing burlap roses and wondered if this would be a good idea for some of the tables as well. Maybe I won't have time to craft a bunch of these, I have no idea how hard that would be to do either!

Since we're doing cupcakes and a cookie table for the wedding I think giving people a box to take cookies or dessert home is a nice idea for a favor. I'm going to start looking for boxes I can buy in bulk online.

And something funny for you - this is the cake topper that I'm ordering! Its perfect for me and my hunny!

The wedding dress

2012-01-23T13:19:00.001-08:00

I've been going back and forth for months about my wedding dress. At first I wanted something short....
I was totally against strapless, having a train, and a skirt that wasn't really full. The first option was to have my mom make my dress so I bought a pattern similar to the dress above in the hopes that we could use her wedding dress to make a new dress. We knew it would be a lot of work but it sounded like fun.

Then I got away from the short dress idea and decided that something that went to the floor would be a little more formal for the church. My mom and I went to Wendy's bridal in Dublin and I tried on several dresses and many different styles. Once I saw what I looked like in a strapless dress my mind totally changed. It wasn't that bad and actually made my bust look smaller. I feel in love with the ruched look and a slight drop waste. Though I did like a few dresses at the first store we went to, I didn't want to jump into a decision right away.

My mom, dad and I made a plan to hit a few used/vintage stores a couple weeks later. So fast forward to this past weekend. Our first stop was a vintage bridal store.....nothing at all what I was expecting. It smelled of smoke, had no heat and they didn't have a single dress in my size. I started to feel sick when we left. I was so sure that I would find something there, I pretty much let everything ride on a vintage dress. Next up was a consignment store, she had beautiful dresses and one that I kind of liked but it was way too big and I couldn't picture what it would look like.

By this point, I was getting depressed and frustrated. Now all my hopes were riding on our last stop, Henris Cloud 9 or going back to Wendy's to buy the dress I wasn't so sure about. Upon walking into the last place, I noticed the prices were really high, but low and behold the sales lady found a dress left from a Black Friday sale that was discontinued and it FIT ME like a GLOVE!!! It even matched the veil from my mom's wedding dress. The best part was that it was on sale for $600 off the original price! When everyone started crying we all knew that it was the one!!

Now I feel like a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders and I never believed that it would be so difficult to find the perfect dress!

just wait 5 minutes and it will change

2012-01-15T04:50:00.000-08:00

I took the above picture on December 4th. It had been winter for a few weeks but we hadn't really seen any snow. I was totally okay with no snow since I have a 30 minute commute to work. Just a week ago, it was 50 degrees here in the Columbus area and then things changed.....

On Friday I woke up to these crazy snow drifts outside our back door. They are almost two feet high though we only got maybe three inches of snow.

I have a love hate relationship with winter time, the first snow can be really pretty but this was just a bit much. When I got home from work on Friday night, I had to shovel a drift away from the garage door so I could pull inside and the poor dog could hardly get out the front door.

But in true Ohio weather fashion, its supposed to warm up again mid week, all this snow will melt thanks to the rain we are going to get and by next weekend it will be cold again. Maybe its time for me to move somewhere with more predictable weather patterns.

New Year, time off and wedding plans

2012-01-12T13:31:00.000-08:00

I can't believe that we're 11 days into a new year and that so much has already gone on in January.

I've been off work since January 6th and I go back on the 13th, this break has been amazing.
I tried on wedding dresses for the first time today with my mom and it was fun.
My best friend and I made a trip to Amish Country, it was unseasonably warm and we had a wonderful time!
I haven't had much luck finding another job but I'm trying to keep positive.
I've been on track with better eating and I've been cooking a lot during this time off from work.
I finally got all of my Christmas decorations put away and a good deal of organizing done.

I'm going to spend my last day off catching up on all the phone calls I need to make for the wedding and finishing up the pile of laundry that needs ironed downstairs. Of course the weather is going to turn to snow tonight and I've got that long drive to the other side of town tomorrow.

My mom and I are going to a vintage shop next weekend to look at more wedding dresses and I'm in the process of finding a caterer. I'll keep you updated on the wedding plans and I hope that everyone is having an amazing January!

Another house project nearly complete

2011-12-31T07:03:00.000-08:00

As all of you who read this blog know, our home has been a work in progress for quite some time. We've recently been working on the third level of our four level split. This room actually was the garage when the house was built and we aren't too sure what the previous owners used it for, but for us it will be an office/rec room for when we have parties. This room had the most water damage/mold and four feet of drywall had to be ripped off and the walls insulated. Here's the start of the project a few months after the house was purchased.

As you can see, it wasn't pretty. There was a "wood" floor in this room too but had to be torn out because it was never put down properly and was coming unglued from the cement. There was quite a lapse in time before we started working on this room again since other projects became more important, but we had to get the moldy drywall out. Next step was insulating the walls.

And after all that was done we were finally ready to paint the ceiling and hang drywall back up.

This process also took a long time because Andrew had never done this much drywall work before, but he did a really great job!!! And now to reveal the finished product......

All we have left to do is put up the baseboards and put some wood on the window sills and then move in the furniture!!! I can't even explain how much pride I feel that Andrew was able to do most of this work himself (though we did hire someone to put down the carpet) and that he's worked for so long to get this done!! Up next, is the downstairs bathroom, located just next to this room, and the mudroom so stay tuned!

2011 - Looking Back

2011-12-30T05:00:00.000-08:00

I cannot believe how fast time has passed and that I'm sitting here (in a Snuggie of all things) writing up my post about how 2011 has been and all the things that have gone on.

Big Events that happened in 2011:

Andrew and I went to look at engagement rings early in the year, just before our anniversary.

We celebrated our three year anniversary with a lovely dinner at Buca Di Beppo and a trip to West Virginia go to to Cabelas.

Tried lots of new recipes including made-from-scratch eggplant parmesan, Chicken Cordon Bleu, Chicken Parmesan, Beef Stroganoff and finally perfected making a lot of things totally from scratch.

We did a lot to our house this year: repainting the trim and shutters, finishing the 3rd level which will be an office/rec room, hooking up a transfer box to plug the generator into when the power goes out, getting new living room furniture and probably tons of other little projects I can't remember.

In April, we got engaged, the BIGGEST event of this year by far. We were at Buckeye Lake when Andrew proposed and although I kinda knew he had my ring I had no idea how he would ask me. We went to tell my parents, did a shot of whiskey with them to celebrate and had a lovely dinner at Olive Garden that night.

We had our annual Memorial Day party with even more people and fun than the year before. I am happy to have this tradition and hope that we can continue it for many years to come!

My brother also got engaged this summer and is planning to get married in 2013.

Andrew got a new boat, new to him at least and sold our old one to my brother. We took it out quite a bit despite me having to work every other weekend and though we didn't catch many fish we still had lots of fun.

Finding out my grandpa had lung cancer was not a happy moment in this year, but he seems to be doing a little better. He has two more chemo treatments before they do another scan on his tumors. His hair started growing back and he's gained back some weight, but the neuropathy (numbness in his feet) makes it hard for him to walk. I just keep praying that he will make it through this, he's a pretty tough guy.

I learned how to knit (even if its just on a loom for now) and its been a nice distraction for me in the evenings.

I spent a weekend in Pennsylvania with my mom and we had a wonderful time together. I'm glad that our relationship is maturing after all these years of fighting and not getting along.

I've been getting better at using my DSLR camera and have been really impressed with the photos that I can take and I've been getting better at photoshop as well!

There are a lot of exciting things to come in 2012 as well!!

Our four year anniversary in February.

Our new niece should be born in February as well.

Our wedding in September.

Andrew turing 30 in October.

I am sure there will be other exciting events but these are the only ones I can think of off the top of my head!

Wishing you and yours a very blessed and happy New Year!!!

Christmas

2011-12-27T05:55:00.000-08:00

I can't believe that Christmas is over, it seems like this year has gone by much too quickly. It was wonderful to spend so much time with family laughing, exchanging gifts and having fun and I wish that it could have lasted much longer.

Christmas Eve is the traditional Polish dinner with my parents, which this year was late because they sang at 6pm mass at our church. The food was wonderful and Andrew and I managed to score some pretty great gifts during the exchange: a gas card and home-made Christmas decor and muffin/cookie mixes. When we arrived home Andrew and I exchanged our gifts. We didn't do much this year because we had just bought new furniture so I received a new bird feeder, more tupperware for my set, lots of chocolate, gloves and candles.

Christmas morning we had breakfast and exchanged gifts with my parents, brother and his fiance. Things are so different now that I don't live at home, its strange to not wake up to my brother standing over my face telling me to get out of bed and then proceding to throw a cat on me, sometimes I miss that. Dinner that day was at my grandparents house and it was more relaxed than years passed with a nice dinner and exchanging gifts afterwards.

Yesterday I hosted the holiday gathering for Andrew's family and it was really nice to have everyone in our home. I don't realize how tiny our house really is until there are more than four people in one room, but no one seemed to mind. We snacked and ate far too many cookies and did the gift exchange as well. I have to say the gift Andrews mom gave to me (and the other girls in the family) was hands down the best of them all. She gave each of us two rings (she loves rings and has been buying them constantly since she got out of college) that were either hers or belonged to another family member. I received the first sapphire she had purchased as well as a beautiful aquamarine solitare that belonged to Andrew's fathers mother. Gifts like that mean more to me than anything else.

Though I'm sad to see Christmas is over, I'm excited to see what 2012 will bring and to get back into high gear with my working out and wedding planning. I'm sure that September will get here really fast!

Christmas Prank

2011-12-17T02:39:00.000-08:00

Last night Andrew and I went Christmas shopping after he got off work. As we were walking to the front door, arms loaded with gifts, I heard Andrew yell, "Whats all this $%*@ on the porch?!"

Someone had left us a lovely Mr. & Mrs. Claus with some cryptic notes....now we're trying to figure out who the culprit is, though my parents and brother are claiming it was not them, my parents neighbors might be the pranksters. Regardless, they are kinda cute and shockingly, Andrew the outdoor light Grinch, wanted to leave them outside!

in my life

2011-12-13T13:27:00.000-08:00

Things have been crazy since I last posted, I feel like I'm always making excuses about this blog and not keeping up on it....so from now I'm just going to post when I have the time. I'm not going to stress out about posting once a week or whatever....right now my life needs my focus I guess.

I just spent the last two weeks training a new person at work, which was super insane and difficult for me. Even though I don't love my job, I'm very OCD about how it gets done and its hard for me relinquish my control to someone else. Watching the new gal struggle and figure things out was really making me crazy and I was so mentally exhausted every night. I didn't work out much in those two weeks, which made me more tired and moody and gain back a pound or two that I lost. I figure this whole month might be a wash with the holidays and all. I'm back to working every other weekend and I'm working Christmas Eve and New Years Eve. Only benefit to that is the holiday pay and the fact that I have three paychecks this month!

Andrew finished painting the "lower room" on Sunday night and it looks so pretty, a nice grey blue shade that we both love. All of the recessed lights are installed and they are measuring for carpet on Saturday afternoon. It should be installed after the new year and my brother will do all the trim and finish work. I cannot thank Andrew enough for all the time he has put into the house and all the hard work he's done, all that drywall, insulating, light installation has been a ton of work for him on top of his 40 hour work week. He's pretty awesome and sometimes I just need to step back and realize that for a moment.

Christmas is fast approaching and we've only bought one gift so far due to a lack of money. I'm hoping to get a ton of shopping done this weekend between working Friday-Monday (thankfully I'm only here till 3:30 all those days). I'm hosting Andrew's family Christmas on the 26th and I've been trying to decorate and clean like crazy. Having four days off in a row just didn't seem like enough, but it was nice to come back to work and feel mentally stable for once.

I'm hoping that soon things will calm down a little, but for now I'm going to focus on me a little and I'll try to check in here when I can.

home progress and christmas decorations

2011-12-01T12:07:00.000-08:00

For the first time I really feel like Andrew and I are adults, we finally got new living room furniture last week and its really been amazing. We had a couch that his sister gave us and it was literally falling apart. The side where Andrew normal sits was caving in and the side where I sat had an armrest that was falling off. The loveseat was in okay shape, but we hardly used it because it was really uncomfortable.

We had been to every furniture store in Columbus and finally found something we both agreed on that was a price we could afford. I'm still getting used to having such nice furniture and I think Andrew is too. We're using our same TV stand and end/coffee tables as well as lamps since thankfully they all still match.

Andrew has also tirelessly been working on the third level of our four level split and its really coming along. The ceiling is all painted and no longer yellow. The new drywall is primed for paint (a blue gray that we both like) and we still need to shop the carpet price at a few more stores. We also installed a new back door this summer since the other wasn't insulated/let in tons of cold air and painted the walls in the mud room a pale yellow. We'll be using this room as Andrews office/lounge area when its all completed.

We jumped the gun a little this weekend and bought a piece of furniture for said room as well, an art deco curio cabinet that we've made into a liquor cabinet. Its currently in the living room (and I sort of wish it was going to stay there because I love it so much) and I really like how everything is displayed inside. Of course, this might be something we need to get rid of when we have kids, but for now its something nice and adult for us.

I also got out most of my Christmas decorations this weekend and found myself feeling very sentimental. I have the nativity my mom used to put out when we were little, our advent calendar from childhood and some neat pieces I've picked up myself along the way.

Thankful

2011-11-24T04:57:00.000-08:00

I'm working a 12 hour shift today, its pretty boring around here on the holidays so I figured I'd have time to write out my list of what I'm thankful for this year.

My fiance Andrew, no matter what he's always been there supporting me and loving me. He works so hard to provide us with a comfortable life, he's been working on our house nearly every day and can always make me laugh when I'm about to cry. I cannot wait till this time next year when I'm his wife!

My family. The last two years have been rough with my dad loosing his job of 27 years, my brother starting his own business and my mom taking on a leadership role at her work. No matter what, they have always been there for me too and love me for me!

My home. Sure its not a mansion and its not even totally remodeled yet, but its a nice little start for me and Andrew. I'm sure that in five years or so we'll outgrow this house but the memories we will make here will last forever.

My job. Yeah, its not my dream job at all, but at least I have an income that pays the bills and lets us have a little extra money for things like a shopping spree at the thrift store or a new couch and love seat (which should be moved into the house when I get home).

My health. I've really come to value my health watching so many women struggle with Ovarian Cancer through my volunteer work. I believe its something we all take for granted and really shouldn't.

My in-laws. They might be totally different than the rest of my family, but they have been so good to me over the last year. I'm so happy to have such a close relationship with my future mother and father-in-law and Andrew's siblings. I'm also thankful that my brother and Andrew get along so well and have become good friends.

I'm sure there's a million more things that I could write to be thankful about, but I think I'll just keep it short and sweet. This year has been a crazy amount of ups and downs in my life and I can only hope that next year will bring more amazing memories and wonderful times. There have been wonderfly happy moments: our engagement, graduation, accomplishing things with our home and there have been some moments that have been hard: finding out my grandpa had lung cancer, my dad having to change jobs again. Next year there is going to be a lot to be thankful for and hopefully I'll do a better job of keeping up on this blog.

I hope that you and yours have an amazing Thanksgiving and take a moment to reflect on what you're thankful for this year.

another weekend here and gone

2011-11-14T05:19:00.000-08:00

This weekend was pretty good considering I was off work on Friday and so was Andrew. We started off our long weekend with a Thursday night dinner out at Tumbleweed after meeting with our wedding photographer. I think she really understands my vision for the wedding and the photos and it doesn't hurt that she's so sweet and does an AMAZING job! We spent Friday running our errands and working on the house, got a take and bake pizza at Meijer and settled in for a night at home.

Saturday and Sunday were more of the same, but we did make time on Saturday to go to the Franklin Park Conservatory. We had planned to drive out to Battel Darby park, but it was super windy and since most of the good stuff at the Conservatory is indoors it worked out a lot better. I've been pretty bummed about how we can't afford to take a little trip and get out of here so being out of the house and doing something nice together was good and much needed. Sunday also turned into a good day because we finally got new living room furniture. Our couch is literally falling apart and is so uncomfortable that neither of us can stand to sit on it. We really did want to wait till we could afford something without financing it, but the deal was good and we couldn't pass it up. We should have the new stuff in a few weeks and I'll post some pictures then.

I've also decided to give it a rest on my job search for the time being. Nothing seems to be working out and all of the rejection is getting way too hard for me to handle. For now, I'm just going to have to suck it up and deal with being broke all the time, continue working hard and proving that I'm capable of a better job and keep working hard with my volunteer work to help build my resume. I don't need all this stress during the holidays, I want to be able to enjoy my time with family even if I'm going to be working like mad through all of the holidays. There are still days when I question my going back to school and if it was really worth leaving a job that I liked, I know that my degree is important, but so far it hasn't helped me find a job. Every month I fork out $500 to pay for it and it will take me almost 12 years to finally see that zero balance. Its hard every month watching how we can't get ahead and not feeling the need to blame myself for all the money problems we have.

I've got to learn to quit asking myself all of these what if question and just learn to live with the way things are.....and pray that they will get better because I know I deserve so much more. So here's to hoping that this is a good week!

Crafting, knitting and sewing

2011-11-11T05:28:00.000-08:00

The winter months are quickly approaching and with dark coming at 6pm I've been looking for ways to occupy my evenings so I don't want to go to bed super early. Last winter I spent a lot of time reading since Andrew was going to bed around 7pm so he could wake up at 3am and go into work to make sure his trucks started in the cold weather. I still plan on doing more reading but I wanted something else to occupy those cold evenings.

I bought a sewing machine at an auction but have yet to get a new needle or clean the machine up. I also need to clean my "office" so I have a place to put said sewing machine. I also have zero sewing supplies (thread, scissors, you know stuff that I might need in order to sew). A few weeks ago I went to dinner with some of my friends from college who've gotten into loom knitting so I bought a loom.

After a few frustrating first tries I made a hat and then made another (I think the yarn is a little too stiff but its still cute). The grey one is my first attempt and its okay, the teal is my second and the yarn is a little stiffer but I love the color and how the white flower turned out as well. I'm planning on getting more yarn tomorrow so I can start making a scarf and possibly a blanket. I was so excited that I figured it out all on my own and actually crafted something again. After working at Joann Fabrics for 4 years, I got pretty good at crafts but haven't had the time to do many recently.

Hopefully soon I can get my sewing machine up and running and make some pajama pants (something easy to start with) and move into some holiday decor or maybe some drapes for my living room and pillows for the bay window.

One month later, such is life

2011-11-04T05:34:00.000-07:00

Its been a month since I've written anything on this blog and as much as I've missed it, taking a break has been pretty nice. My head has been swimming, I've been an emotional mess for the last three weeks or so and now I've finally found the time to think about it all and move on.

My job hunt has been un-fruitful at this point, despite all the interviews I've been on, not a single job has wanted to hire me. The rejection is wearing me thin and I'm having a hard time trying to figure out why I'm such an undesirable employee to these companies. But on a much better note, I'm now the Marketing Chair with my volunteer work and tomorrow I'll present my plan and budget to the board of directors which I'm praying will go well.

I've been working out, though not as much as I'd like to be, and starting to feel better. I haven't lost a ton of weight but when I leave the gym the endorphins are raging through me and it makes the day a whole lot better. Andrew said at the beginning he'd go with me, but never does so its sort of my alone time as well, zoned out to my music and sweating on the elliptical.

Emotionally I've been all over the place, trying to keep up the positive attitude comes and goes. I've also been feeling rather emotionally disconnected from Andrew recently and I'm not sure why. I think we've both been working a lot and not making enough time for one another. Last week I tried to remidy this with a nice dinner out, but we had bad service and the food sucked and we both left upset/not talking the whole way home. My hope is that this weekend we find some time to reconnect and get back to where we were back in April when we got engaged.

I've done some wedding planning, got the tent deposit paid, found some bridesmaids dresses online, I'm meeting with the photographer and started looking for a caterer which needs to be wrapped up soon.

I'm not looking forward to winter at all, though the fall was really pretty it just rained way too much. Hopefully we can hang onto some of these 60 degree days for a few more weeks and it won't snow till Christmas morning.

Here's some photos for you as well :)

An evening walk at Alum Creek

Everyone needs a good guard dog

Buzzards

What I'll be celebrating in October

2011-10-06T06:25:00.000-07:00

I'm not going to spend this month wearing pink and forking out money for products covered in pink ribbons. Instead, I'm boycotting the Susan G. Komen foundation and companies that "donate" proceeds to them. In recent months, I've been doing A LOT of research on the "pinking of America" and how breast cancer is now a brand instead of an illness.

Please let me preface this by saying a few things: I do understand that breast cancer kills women because my grandmother died of this disease, I'm not trying to say that breast cancer doesn't deserve awareness but I do think we need to tone it down a little and remember that there are other diseases that kill lots of women and people in general.

When I walked into the grocery store last week (which was still September/Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month) there was pink EVERYWHERE. Signs on the door telling you which brands were donating money, pink ribbon balloons and just a general sea of pepto pink. Many of these companies want you to believe that breast cancer is the number one killer of women, but in reality its not even in the top 10. Want to guess what number one is - heart disease, which is follwed by cancer (in general) and stroke. Last night, Andrew and I watched a special on CNBC about Corporate Philanthropy and where the money really goes that companies donate. One of my favorite quotes from the show was "if shopping could cure breast cancer, we could have cured it ten fold by now."

I was surprised to find out that a lot of products sporting pink ribbons can actually cause cancer such as Yopliat yougurt. The yougurt is made from cows that are injected with a hormone that increases the risk of breast cancer in women. Komen has apparently done their own research into this and found that there is no risk and continues to place the pink lids on their product every October. They also recently were in the news for suing other breast cancer non-profits for using the the words "race for the cure" to promote their own races. The organization I volunteer with wanted to partner with them to make women more aware that breast and ovarian cancer are linked, but they refused without at $25,000 donation to their organization.

The cause marketing that Komen is using makes breast cancer seem like something we can easily glamourize and make light of by purchasing pink products. The truth is that any kind of cancer is not glamorous and cannot be cured by buying everything with a pink ribbon attached. Instead of giving your money to breast cancer awareness this month, consider some of these other great causes or at least do your research and find out where the money is really going!

Celiac Awareness

Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness

Healthy Lungs

Lupus Awareness

Domestic Violence Awareness

Sweet Autumn

2011-10-02T11:46:00.000-07:00

As much as I hate to see summer go, I really do love the fall. The crisp mornings, changing colors of the leaves, bonfires, hoodies, Halloween, lots of family birthdays and Thanksgiving.

Yesterday we celebrated birthdays for Andrew, his parents and his sister. After the party, Andrew's sister and I took a walk around her place and into the woods at his parents house. We saw tons of neat mushrooms, pretty fall blooming wildflowers and trees starting to turn.

This morning I woke up with a terrible cold, hardly slept at all and managed to snore so loud that Andrew went and slept on the couch (which I felt horrible about). I've tried to get things done around the house, but now I'm totally worn out again, watching my DVR shows and contemplating making dinner early. Hopefully I'll be feeling better by tomorrow or I may not be going to work.

Eight

2011-09-29T12:33:00.000-07:00

Eight years ago today I met someone who changed my life so much that I know I'll never forget him. I kept wondering why I was feeling so strange lately, why certain songs were just bringing me down and making me depressed. Then this morning, all of a sudden it hit me when I looked at the date.

On September 13th, 2003 I started college and in that same week I met the first person I was ever in a long term relationship with, that is until I met Andrew. The beginnings of our romance were a whirlwind, at first I wasn't too sure about him, but he kept pursuing me and got me interested. We had the best time together and I fell fast even though I knew he'd be moving thousands of miles away for school soon. I couldn't help myself, it felt so good to be wanted so much by someone. He was a very passionate person and a very emotional person. This made our relationship a rollercoaster with the fighting, breakups and long distance drama. But through it all we had this connection that neither of us could deny.

The final blow to everything happened not long after my 21st birthday, the giving back of the stuff, the weeks I spent locked in my room not eating or sleeping and the fact that still I couldn't let go. To this day, I can't even remember what led to that fight or what it was about and we never talked about it again. I know that we were both mean to one another and didn't appreciate what we had and maybe love just really wasn't enough. For a while, we tried to be friends until I started dating again. When that relationship ended, he was there to catch me and the whirlwind started again. I spent a lot of time with him and we were still pretty involved in one anothers lives until about two years ago. The last time I saw him, I was his date at a wedding. I hadn't seen him in ages and as soon as our eyes met, there were those old fireworks again. I figured that we'd get back together and that everything would be perfect this time, but he basically told me that he couldn't do the long distance relationship, it wasn't going to work. I poured my heart out to him and all of his close friends that weekend, said I knew we were meant to be and went on and on, all the while making a fool of myself.

I've obviously since found someone who completes me and makes me feel appreciated. But if I'm this much in love and going to marry someone else, why can't I finally just let go? What do I need to do to make myself forget? Every year on this day, I'm a total mess and it drives me crazy. I just want to forget, I need to forget what happened eight years ago.

A good weekend

2011-09-26T16:35:00.000-07:00

This weekend was a pretty good one! We started out on Friday with dinner at Olive Garden which was delicious despite the annoying table next to us who had the most horrible laughs I'd ever heard. We met up with my brother and some of his friends at Classics Sports Bar afterward for a few drinks and headed home early.

Saturday I was up with the sun to go to an auction in Mt. Vernon (about an hour from my house) with Andrew's mom and sister. There were at least 30 other auctions going on Saturday but we seemed to think this one was the right pick and boy were we right! I only spent $32 and managed to get the following: a Kenmore sewing machine for $2, a very old bird bath for $10, assorted table cloths and linens for $1, an old-fashioned cake & pie carrier for $9, a pair of art deco candlesticks for $8 and a box of vintage Christmas decorations for $2! I messed with the sewing machine (it seems to work fine, just needs cleaned and a new needle) and managed to find a manual online for free. I also got a ton of free apples thanks to Andrew's brother who works at a college with an agriculture program. The apples apparently weren't big enough to sell this year so they let the employees take them!

Sunday we ran all of our errands and went to my parents for the "first annual" Sunday soup dinner. I suggested we not always have soup but maybe next time everyone brings a dish they like to eat while watching football. It was nice to spend time with my family and grandparents. My grandpa seems to be doing a lot better, his hair is even growing back! He's got a ton of bright white peach fuzz and it looks pretty cute.

Today I had lunch with my maid of honor and browsed the bridesmaids dresses at Davids Bridal (which reminded me why I hate that store so much). They didn't have a single dress that either of us liked because everything was strapless. I came home and got started on freezing my huge box of apples, I managed to do 8 quart bags and I'm still not done. I gave up for the night in favor of eating dinner and going to the gym. My working out is going well and I've been more energetic and really sticking with my routine!

On the agenda for this week: Working the next 4 days, meeting with our wedding photographer Wednesday night, continuing with my work out routine and celebrating all of the October birthdays with Andrew's family next weekend!

Goin to the chapel (in a year)

2011-09-22T06:25:00.000-07:00

Exactly one year from today I'll be getting ready for our noon wedding! I cannot believe that time has flown by so quickly because it still seems like yesterday that we got engaged! I'm bubbling over with excitement envisioning myself walking down the isle to the man of my dreams!

A few fun quotes I found about marriage:

"I love being married. It's so great to find that one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life." - Rita Rudner

"A man marries a woman to have a home, but also because he doesn't want to be bothered with sex and all that sort of thing." - W. Somerset Maugham

"Like a good wine - marriage gets better with age, once you learn to put a cork in it." - Gene Perret

chicken

2011-09-21T17:50:00.000-07:00

My brother bought 6 freshly hatched chicks in early spring, 3 barred rocks and 3 golden comets that had a 97% chance of being females. Of the 50 chickens that the store sold, there was only one rooster in the bunch and Adam was lucky enough to get him. We knew pretty quick he was different since he grew twice as fast and his tail started to fill in different. Needless to say, in true Rooster fashion, Mr. Cogburn is a nasty little guy. He's really beautiful and can crow with the best of them, but you better watch out when he's roaming with his 5 ladies.

Just today, he laid into my grandma (my brother is keeping the chickens in a coop he built at their house) and got her good in the leg with his spur. Adam is putting him in Craigslist to trade for more hens as we speak. The hens should be laying eggs soon and I can't wait to get some of the eggs since free-range organic eggs at the store are so expensive.

I'd love to have a little flock of chickens of my own, but they are a lot more work than people might think and with my crazy work hours I know I wouldn't have the time. Hopefully Mr. Cogburn finds a nice home with a new flock of ladies to protect.

End of the year Goals

2011-09-19T09:04:00.000-07:00

I didn't really start this year off with any goals in mind (other than finding a job). Now that its September, which I can hardly believe, I've decided to set some goals that I'm hoping to accomplish by the end of the year:

1) Consistently work out: I finally have a gym membership so for $30 a month, I better use it as much as I can!

2) Find a new job: I'm really praying hard this is going to happen before the holidays so I don't have to work on Thanksgiving and New Years Eve/New Years Day.

3) Read at least three books: I'm working on one right now, not sure yet about the other two. I'm thinking "Place of Yes" by Bethany Frankel will be one of them for sure :)

4) Get the deposit paid for the reception tent and find a caterer for the wedding: I MUST do these things in the next month....as well as meeting with the photographer and going to try dresses on so I can make sure I still want the style I've picked for my mom to make. We'll have to start on the dress come January.

5) Try some new recipes: I've tried two in the last couple months, one was excellent (Ruben Casserole from Andrew's mom) and the other sucked (crunchy onion chicken). I've been saving recipes from Martha Stewart, Taste of Home and Country Living for months but have yet to try making any of them.

6) Keep eating healthy: I've been good about this one lately and want to continue.

7) Get organized: My house has been turned upside down since Andrew and I have both been working so much. I cannot stand the piles of clutter, how I never seem to find/make time to put laundry away and the dog hair tumbleweeds rolling across the floor. When I get home at 8pm, cleaning is the last thing I want to be doing.

8) Maintain a positive attitude: I really have to work on this and I really don't want anything to stop me from being less bitchy and depressed. I know once winter comes, this is going to be difficult because the weather makes me feel awful. But I have Christmas to look forward to and our 4 year anniversary so hopefully these things will keep me positive!

I'm sure I could think of more goals, but I think this is a good start for now. What do you want to accomplish before 2012?

How Amanda got her groove back

2011-09-16T13:56:00.000-07:00

I think I'm finally "setting the sun" on my negative attitude, which would explain the above photo (which I took on our evening fishing trip a few weekends ago). After multiple tufts and arguments with my mom and Andrew about my attitude, many nights crying on the way home from work and sleepless nights, I've decided I need to check my attitude at the door.

So what exactly was bothering me? Well, it was a lot of things, my job isn't exactly anything I'm passionate about and I know I'm capable of a lot more. I feel like we just can't seem to get ahead financially and its in part because of my job/student loans. I'm worried about how we'll pay for our wedding since my family can't help much due to my dad loosing his job almost two years ago. The job situation is just something I have to deal with till something better comes along, I'm not going to get my hopes up about every single job interview or phone screening at work anymore.

Money also isn't going to be such a big worry. I've lived without much for a long time so I should be used to this by now. I think its harder now that we have a house and I want it to be nice. Our couch is literally falling apart and if it does we might sit on lawn chairs till we can afford something. Andrew hates to finance things that aren't a house or a car and the last thing we need is another bill.

We also joined our local YMCA this week and working out again has given me a better attitude. I sleep better and have more energy during the day. I've cut out a lot of bad foods and decided that once on the weekends we'll splurge. I'm tired of feeling down about my body and my weight.

I know its going to take a lot to keep my positive attitude going but for once I'm going to make it happen!

It's a new day!

2011-09-14T17:37:00.002-07:00

So after my rather depressing post, I'm happy to say that I'm feeling quite a bit better. I've had a few rough days at work this week but I'm trying not to let it get to me. I had the day off work and went thrift store shopping with Andrew's sister in law, nothing makes me feel better like retail therapy and getting a good deal! I scored (for $32): two pairs of jeans, six shirts for Andrew, a long vintage wool winter coat, corduroy blazer, two sweaters and a cookbook. I stocked up on health food at the grocery store and came home to make a Mexican feast for dinner.

We also joined the local YMCA tonight and I can't wait to start getting in better shape. The Y isn't all the fancy and doesn't have a pool but they offer Zumba, spinning and toning classes all included with our membership. The best part is that for both of us to be members only costs $31!!

I'm on the hunt for a different job as well and trying to suck it up and do my best at the job I have - it might suck but I just have to stay positive. I have a hard time remembering that I am only 25 and just starting out in my career. I know things can only get better and after watching my dad struggle with unemployment for 15 months, I'm thankful to at least have a job, whether I like it or not!

Thanks to all my faithful readers for your amazing comments and support - it means the world to me!!!

so about that positive attitude

2011-09-09T06:23:00.000-07:00

My goal of having a good attitude this week totally went into the toilet yesterday. I've become so frustrated at this point that I can hardly control my emotions and its starting to get really annoying.

Yesterday was an insane day at work, busy, crazy and there were lots of moody/annoyed people yelling at me. Throughout the day, I was texting back and forth with Andrew about my wanting/needing a new car, things we need to buy and how we're broke as a joke. I'm so tired of feeling like we will never get ahead and thinking about all the stuff we need just makes it worse. I got depressed thinking about the recent job opportunity that I didn't get, how I hardly make any money and I feel like everything with my career is a dead end. I've got a piece of paper worth over $70,000 that hasn't done me any good. Sometimes I think I should have bought a house instead of going to college to be quite honest.

Then to top it off, Andrew's brother (who works at the same place as me and doesn't have a degree), got a promotion and raise. He constantly brags about doing nothing at work and here I am busting my butt and I can't even get an interview. I know I sound bitter and bitchy, but I just can't help it. He's worked here a little longer than me, but still I just don't feel like its fair.

I cried the whole way home from work, so hard that I could hardly see to drive. I hardly said two words to Andrew last night, I just layed my head on his shoulder and sobbed. I didn't even know how to explain to him why I couldn't stop crying.

I think its been building up inside of me for so long, the feelings of just total disappointment with my career are eating away at me. I don't want to get out of bed in the morning, I don't want to see my friends or even talk to them on the phone - I know that this is depression in its purest form and I hate that I've let it come back into my life. I'm hoping that spending time with a good college friend this weekend will help along with going to the walk for Ovarian Cancer on Sunday (although that's emotional too because of the women we've lost this year). I'm open to any suggestions on how to make myself feel better or if its time to seek professional help. Thanks to all of you who read this and leave such wonderful comments!

Getting back to me

2011-09-06T01:45:00.000-07:00

I've posted a lot recently about my lack of "me time" or even "free time" and I hate feeling like work has taken over my life. Right now, I'm currently the only day shift person working my position at the hospital. Until they hire someone new I don't have to work weekends, but I'm still required to work my two 8 hour shifts and two 12's so for a brief time I'll have a "normal" schedule. It will be nice to have the same days off and to have at least three weekday evenings to cook dinner and relax with Andrew.

I've decided that no matter what happens, I need to get back to the "me time" and focusing a little more on myself. I'm tired of feeling bad about the way I look or the attitude I've had about life recently. I know that I'm the only person who can change this attitude and this funk that I've gotten myself into.

I've been depressed about my job.
I've been depressed about the way I look.
I am jealous of other people my age advancing quickly in their careers.
I sometimes feel my degree was a waste of money.
I feel like we're never going to get ahead.

These are the most common negative thoughts that run through my head constantly. My goal for this week is to quit thinking like this all together.

I've also started reading a great diet book, "This is why you're fat" by Jackie Warner and after only reading the first three chapters, my attitude feels a little better. I know what I need to do to change the way I look and feel and it can only get better from here.

Catch up

2011-09-01T06:05:00.000-07:00

Please let me start by saying I've been a terrible blogger and a lot has been going on. There may be good/bad news coming on my job front soon, I'll find out tomorrow and I'm going to try and post something about it! My grandpa's latest round of chemo is kicking him hard and he's been pretty sick, major bummer. But in the good news department, we're spending Labor Day weekend camping and I'm finally going to see the Ohio Reformatory in Mansfield, OH where Shawshank Redemption was filmed!

Also, in a little over a year we'll be getting married! Sometimes I still look down at my ring (especially this week since I had it cleaned really well on Saturday) and I'm in disbelief! I need to get back into wedding planning mode - start looking for caterers, put a deposit on our tent, meet with my photographer and go over the invitations with a good friend from my volunteer work. My little savings account is racking up a nice balance and I'm hoping something good will happen in the job department so I can put away even more money. My mom and I are planning a day to go try on dresses so that I'm 100% sure I want the style my heart is set on. I'm not really all that excited about trying dresses on because no one has a dress that I want. The general look will be something like this one.

Other than that, not much has been going on. I've been so exhausted lately and I can't seem to find a minute to do something for myself. I barely have time to hang out with my friends or even see my family. I really need something to give or change in my life so that I can get back to being me. Everything seems to be thrown on the back-burner, including one thing that's driving me crazy - loosing this weight! Maybe I need a good kick in the pants for motivation......I just don't know how much longer I can keep feeling bad about myself. Hopefully this weekend will put things back in perspective and I'll see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Dreams and Goals

2011-08-19T13:13:00.000-07:00

So I've been terrible about participating in anything where you link up on someones blog. I used to be so hardcore with Writers Workshop over at Mama Kat's and then, poof, I just stopped for some reason. But today while browsing one of my fave blogs Le Musings of Moi I saw her post liked up from Modily Chic on dreams and I knew I had to do this post too! Ever since I graduated in December I've been thinking a lot about my goals and dreams for my life and career. Its fun to finally talk about these things and share them with my lovely readers!

1. Fess up – if you could do anything professionally what would it be? There are a few things that I would love to do! 1) Have an event planning business and plan parties for kids and adults. There is nothing that I love more than throwing a party and getting everything organized. I think planning my own wedding has really brought this out it in me. 2) Teach other women how to be resourceful/more like a 50's housewife. Okay I know this might sound insane, but I think I'd be good at it, for real. I love to can, iron, clip coupons, clean, cook and bake and I think I could really teach other girls my age how to do all these things if they don't know how or want to get better at it. I've had friends ask me how to do several of these things I love and I've considered having a few of them over at a time and doing a little class. I know this dream might sound crazy, but who knows it might just work! Too bad I don't have a bigger house.

2. What draws you to this? My degree is in Public Relations which I think really draws me to the event planning business that I'd love to have. It was one of my favorite aspects of my internships and some past jobs I've held. As far as the "housewife lessons" its just something that I really love to do, but I think I'd be bored to tears being a stay-at-home-wife because I love working and having my own money. But should one of these businesses take off, it would be nice to be my own boss :)

3. When did you first start dreaming about this ideal? I'd say in the last year or two I really started to see how I could use my skills and knowledge. Everyone teases me about how good I am at domestic stuff, but I think its a skill that everyone should have!

4. What’s holding you back from going all in? Money is the major factor since I have a lot of student loan debt right now, plus I have a million other things I'd love to do such as going back to school to get my real estate license and really settling in my career path. And with a wedding happening next fall, I really need my focus to be on planning that event.

5. Sometimes the first step is the hardest… what’s one step you can take now on the way to realizing your dream? I think planning my wedding will be a really great first step for me to see if the event planning idea would really work. As far as the housewife lessons, I think I could start with my friends and see how it goes. Maybe someday I'll win the Mega Millions and I can afford to start all these random businesses.

Thank You

2011-08-19T05:11:00.000-07:00

I've always been the person who has to write a thank-you note after someone gives me a gift or does something special. I've also always been under the impression that other people do this as well, but I've recently learned that's not always the case. For some reason I get a little upset when someone does not write me a thank you note, especially if I've gone out of my way to find a nice gift for them or have invited them to my home for a dinner or a party. I don't care if its hand written, an email or even a message on Facebook - its really the thought that counts. My mother raised me to believe and know that its always important to say thank you because if you don't people might not want to give you gifts anymore.

I've been to more than one wedding where I did not receive a thank you for a gift, and several bridal and baby showers. At least for those occasions it seems appropriate to send a thank you note. When you spend anywhere from 50 to 150 dollars on a gift, you expect a thank you note in return. I get a little bit mad when people expect you to buy them and their children lavish gifts and don't even bother to recognize the kind gesture. There have been several family members of mine who have been guilty of this, and other family members have stopped buying gifts for them and their children because they don't get a thank you in return. I'm considering doing the same thing.

Its especially irritating with someone who will soon be a part of my family. I'm not trying to play the game of "I got you something for your birthday, how come you got nothing for me" but with them its a little outrageous. They used birthday money for their child to buy things for themselves and expect lavish gifts for her on every holiday. For their kids first Christmas, they spent nearly $300 and wanted more gifts from everyone else in the family. I've stopped buying their kid expensive stuff because they don't appreciate it at all and never say thank you. I spent a lot of money on her baby shower gift and never got a thank you note. Am I the only person that gets annoyed by this or do I just have weird manners that don't exist in our society anymore?

This is yet another reason I feel so old fashioned, maybe thank you notes are a thing of the past, but for me they never will be!

The rollercoaster

2011-08-17T06:35:00.001-07:00

The past few months have involved a lot of ups and downs for me. I may have talked a little about these things, but my heart is so heavy I need to let them out.

The biggest down is my grandpa and his battle with lung and now brain cancer. There are days when he seems better than others, but now he's on a really hard core four treatment chemo and seems a lot worse this go-round. The only place he has hair is on his arms, which strikes me kinda funny since his legs, head and face are totally bald. He's thin, but not nearly as thin as he was and he's developed a syndrome where it feels like he is walking on marbles. Its a side effect of the chemo that may or may not go away. I can tell my grandma is really worn down, both physically and emotionally. I wish I could help her out more, but my work schedule just doesn't allow me to be there as much. Thankfully my great aunt (my grandma's sister) is here to stay with them for a month and help out a little. She was a nurse in the Air Force for 35 years. My biggest fear is that he won't be here to see me get married. I know that's selfish but things just won't be the same without him there to share in my special day.

I've also been down about my career path and lack of a good income. Sure I have good benefits and what not, but things are tight and everything just keeps getting more and more expensive. I'm also going to need a different car to drive this winter as mine does not have anti-lock brakes and doesn't do well in the winter. I do have some hopeful leads for new jobs, but I'm trying not to get my hopes up too much right now.

The biggest ups are everything I've been able to accomplish this summer. I've done a good deal of canning (pickles and tomatoes so far), I've been keeping my house fairly in order, until my aunt came and gave me tons of stuff and Andrew and I have had a lot of fun. We've been to the state fair, the Hartford County Fair (Ohio's biggest small town fair) and we've also been able to take some fun walks and bike rides. We've got a campsite reserved for Labor Day weekend at Clear Fork Reservoir near Mansfield, Ohio and we're going to see the Ohio reformatory where Shawshank Redemption was filmed. The wedding planning is coming along nicely and I have lots of wonderful DIY ideas that I'm hoping to share soon.

I'm trying really hard not to let the bad things get me down and to focus on the good, but sometimes that's really hard for me. I'm happy to have this place as an outlet for some of my emotions.

summer weekend and why I adore my daddy

2011-08-08T05:38:00.000-07:00

This weekend was a good one! I had to work till 11:30 on Friday night but that didn't stop me from having lots of fun on Saturday.

In the morning we went to an auction about 25 minutes from our house, there was something for me and Andrew (tools, guns and glassware). I was able to score some great finds including one complete set of vintage Pyrex refrigerator dishes, a pressure cooker/canner and a folk art picture. Andrew got some tools and various box lots of what I would call junk. We headed home afterward and I got ready to head to my church festival. I was in charge of taking pictures for the festival website and Facebook page. My dad is in a band and they played at the festival, so I was excited to get some pictures of him as well. How many average girls can say their dad can really jam on the guitar?! My dad is pretty much the reason that I love music so much

Sunday I was hell bent on cleaning and reorganizing my kitchen, but then making another mess by starting on my canning. I did manage to get my cleaning items, pots and pans and food storage containers all moved into more suitable cabinets. I also got the floors cleaned but that was about it. I made two batches of pickles, one dill and one bread and butter. I've also got today off so I'm going to get the rest of my house cleaned up, and maybe made some home-made salsa.

What did you do this weekend!?

3 1/2 years and many more to come

2011-08-05T08:24:00.000-07:00

Today is our 3 1/2 year anniversary. No, we're not doing anything to celebrate but I just feel like that is a really outstanding milestone for a relationship. Well, for my relationships anyway - this is now my longest (consecutive) relationship to date and I'm very proud. I'm so glad that I finally found someone who understands me, listens and completes me in ways I never thought possible. By this time next year, we'll be a little over a month away from our wedding, which is really hard for me to believe. We'll also be engaged for four months at the end of this week. Time really flies by when you're falling in love!

About a month after we officially started dating on St. Patricks Day. If you can make goofy faces like that together it must be love!

And all this time later, here we are finally engaged to be married.

one of my favorite bands

2011-08-03T04:57:00.000-07:00

As long as I can remember I've loved the Goo Goo Dolls. I've seen them open for other bands before but this time they came to Columbus as the main act and I just had to go! My good friend from college Sarah came along too, since she's also a huge Goo Goo Dolls fan.

Before the concert with Sarah (it was about 100 degrees out last night too).

Johnny Rzeznik, my crush forever! My first AIM screen name even had his name in it :)

Playing Iris towards the end of the concert, I'm pretty sure everyone who's anyone knows that song!

It was really good to get out of the house and do something fun. I've been feeling really bummed out about my job and how we can never seem to get ahead. My work schedule at the end of this month is going to be totally insane since we're learning a new computer program. This means that on my days off I get to spend 4 hours sitting in a classroom.

Since I'm off this weekend I'm hoping to relax and get my mind wrapped around this crazy month.

You Might be a Catholic

2011-08-01T10:01:00.000-07:00

So I'm totally sort of stealing this idea from my friend Caitlyn who wrote about "You might be a Mormon if..." I also got this idea from Andrew and his family, who are always joking with me about being a Catholic. So here goes!

If there's beer at your church festival, you might be Catholic.

If you've been drunk in the school cafeteria at your church, you might be Catholic.

If your church is more crowded on Easter and Christmas, meaning you have to get to mass almost an hour before it starts, you might be Catholic.

If you dressed like a bride for first holy communion, you might be Catholic.

If someone's asked you, "How's the pope doing these days" you might be Catholic (Andrew's dad asked me this when we first started dating, love it!)

If you've ever gone to CCD or PSR on a Monday/Sunday night, you might be a Catholic. (We called it Catholic Childrens Dungeon)

If you find nothing odd about getting an aerobic workout on a Sunday morning (sit, stand, kneel, sit, stand), you might be a Catholic.

If people in your family were offended when you didn't ask them to be your Confirmation sponsor, you might be a Catholic.

If your wedding was over an hour long, you might be a Catholic.

If you're at a gathering and someone says a blessing over the food and you're the only one doing the sign of the cross, you might be a Catholic.

If you have at least one rosary, gold cross necklace and Precious Moments bible, you might be a Catholic.

I'm sure I could go on and on for days about this, but I think you get the humor and the point! If you've got any to add, leave me a comment or let me know which one is your favorite!

Weekend Wrap-up and What's ahead

2011-07-24T17:26:00.001-07:00

This weekend was what I'd call short but sweet. I worked the late shift on Friday (3pm-11:30pm) and went straight to bed. Saturday morning we were up early to have breakfast with my parents and head to an estate sale afterwards. Its been oppressively hot around here for the last week, so we were hoping to be done at the auction early.

Its been a long time since I've been to an estate sale and this one was awesome! Lots of fun people, good auctioneers and items selling really cheap. Andrew wasn't all that thrilled to come along, but he ended up buying more stuff than I did! Some of our awesome finds included: a 70's one speed mens bike, large pickle/cracker jar with its original metal lid, coat tree and a card table with chairs. I could have done without the sunburn on my neck/heat sickness but it was so much fun!

Saturday night I headed out to see some of my college friends. We had a crazy rain storm and our power was out (meaning without the generator running the basement would flood) so Andrew had to stay home and deal with that situation. To make matters worse, the dog has been acting nuts since her surgery, bashing her cone into everything and digging it into my flower beds in what I think is an attempt to get it off her head. I was happy I got to see my friends but felt so guilty leaving him at home.

Today was mostly spent relaxing and running errands. We met up with Andrew's family for dinner at Buca de Beppo, which was amazing and came home to lay around.

On the agenda for this week: working, helping my mom with our church festival, hoping to try out some more zucchini recipes and seeing one of my best friends Friday night!

What did you do this weekend?

my furry child

2011-07-22T13:06:00.000-07:00

Let it be known that I am obsessed with my dog - and to be technical she's not even really my dog. Andrew rescued her from an abusive situation years before I met him, but the first time I saw her I was totally attached. I remember when we broke up briefly I was so upset that I might not see Bessie again.

Poor old Bessie has been sick on and off since winter, probably about February. When there was still snow on the ground I noticed blood in her urine and knew something was wrong. We took her to the vet and since then she's been on three medications and special dog food for what they thought was a UTI. Well, over the weekend her bladder started to loose control and she was peeing everywhere. I was getting really worried about her and made her an appointment for Tuesday of this week.

They took an x-ray of her bladder and found three large stones as well as several small stones laying under them which would require surgery to remove. She had her operation on Thursday and she's doing well! She's on medicated dog food, has a lovely cone on her head and some pills to take for the next couple weeks. I feel so horrible that she had to go through all of this but I'm so glad that she's okay. To know Bessie is to love her, and she truly is the sweetest dog in the world. I never have to worry about her when friends and family stop by, she just wants them to love on her and throw her toy a few times. She makes the silliest noises and is incredibly smart. But that snout and sniffing nature can get her into some serious trouble because she loves to eat trash and steal food. I know its just part of her nature as a hound dog.

Andrew's parents really helped us out a lot and picked her up after surgery and kept her for the night. She's back home now and very happy indeed. She can manouver in her cone really well and has figured out eating/drinking with it on and never runs into ANYTHING. I'm ready for her to be back to her old hound self again soon!

in a moment

2011-07-19T16:53:00.001-07:00

Life has taught us that love does not consist in gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction. ~ Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Staying Active

2011-07-17T05:37:00.000-07:00

For the last two years my weight and level of activity have been like a roller coaster. I'll get into a three or four month routine of eating well and working out and then quit for no reason, and its usually just when I'm starting to see results. I feel pretty crummy about my body image and it doesn't help that my mom is very judgemental of people who are "overweight" and criticizes me a lot. I'd also like to be in a smaller size for the wedding, but I'm not pushing myself to be so skinny that no one knows who I am - I just want to feel better and I think that's more important than the size on my jeans or a number on a scale.

Andrew and I used to be really active when we first started dating. The town where he used to live was friendly to walking and bikes and we walked or rode our bikes everywhere. There were also lots of nice parks, a few within walking distance, that we would go to in the summer. Where we live now is a totally different story. The main road in front of our house hasn't been paved in about 12 years and is full of potholes and very narrow. There are no sidewalks or bike trails and the parks suck, for lack of a better word. We have to drive 15 minutes to get to a nice park (Blendon Woods) or about 20 minutes to walk at Hoover Reservoir (no, not the one you think I'm talking about). I can't really afford a gym membership right now, but I've got a nice bike and a carrier for my car. Yesterday we took a nice drive down to Lancaster and went to Rising Park where I realized how out of shape I really am while climbing up a pretty steep hill to the top. It was both embarrassing and eye opening.

I'm not really sure what stops me from being more active. Sure, its a little inconvenient to drive to a park to work out, but I'd be doing the same thing if I belonged to a gym. My work schedule is also pretty erratic, I work two 8 hour shifts and two 12 hour shifts a week (7am-3pm or 7am-7pm and sometimes 3pm-11pm). When I have a day off I'm usually worried about getting caught up on housework, doing my grocery shopping and having a little time to relax. I convince myself that scrubbing the bathtub and vacuuming counts as a workout and I don't need to do anything else. Andrew and I have had a lot of long ~~arguments~~ discussions about my "lack of activity" and we've decided to get out and do something three times a week and see how it goes.

Now I'm looking for suggestions - but remember that:
1) We live in the flat lands of Columbus, OH
2) Andrew isn't into workout DVDs but I'm trying to convince him they aren't that bad.
3) We live behind the high school that has a track, bleachers and large open fields.

What would you suggest to keep us more active?

Engagment Pictures

2011-07-12T05:28:00.000-07:00

At the beginning of the month, my brother's fiance took some engagement pictures for us. I feel like I've been waiting forever to see them since she has been training out of town for a new job - but now I can share a few of my favorites!

In front of the barn at Andrew's family farm, it was built in the early 1900's and has been in his mothers family for over 100 years.

Inside of the barn, pictures never seem to do it justice.

We're standing on the spot where we'll have our wedding reception next fall. Andrew's parents and his brother also had their receptions on this spot.

One of my favorites.

And of course you have to have a kissing picture!

My family is my heart

2011-07-11T07:55:00.000-07:00

My mom and I just spent the last three days a half hour outside of Pittsburgh visiting her family. It was probably one of the best trips out there in years! On Friday we had lunch with my god-parents/my mom's brother, his wife and their daughter. We talked about wedding stuff, enjoyed some wonderful food and beautiful weather.

Saturday my mom's sister took us to some adorable consignment and vintage stores. It was so hard to resist the temptation of spending my entire paycheck, but I did manage to find a really cute top and bracelet. That evening all of my cousins and their kids, my uncle and his wife joined us for a cookout and it was a blast! I really miss my family there and we don't get to do things like this often enough. My second cousins have grown up right before my eyes and its neat to see the little adults they are becoming. We laughed till we cried, shared family stories and wondered where the time has gone.

I feel so fortunate to have such a wonderful (and big) extended family. Although my brother and I are a lot younger than most of my cousins, at the age I am now I don't really notice the difference.

With almost all of my cousins - but these are the girls who've always been close.

I am an advocate

2011-07-06T09:48:00.000-07:00

Over the last year I have become a major advocate for two different kinds of cancer - Ovarian and Lung. I know they don't really have anything in common besides that they are different kinds of cancer, so allow me to explain because I don't think I've ever talked about this on here before.

In April of 2010 when I decided I was going back to school and would be leaving my full time job, I wanted to find an internship. I looked through several websites, talked to a career counselor and eventually landed a Marketing Internship with a local Ovarian Cancer group. I knew basically nothing about Ovarian Cancer, but I knew I wanted to try out working with a non-profit and since Breast Cancer runs in my family (and the two tie in together) I thought it would be a good fit. Little did I know the passion that I would gain for this cause in the process, how my wardrobe would be overwhelmed with Teal clothes and how my heart would break when two of our survivors lost their fight. I never thought I would want to stay on at the end of my internship and continue on as a volunteer mentoring the new interns. I am now the assistant chair of the Marketing Committee as well as the Chair of the Live and Silent Auction for the gala held each spring. The women that I have met have touched my life in more ways that I can ever explain, they've taught me to listen to my body, to know when to ask for more tests or a second opinion, that life is something so precious and faith can pull a person through just about anything.

In April of 2011 my grandpa was diagnosed with lung cancer after an inoperable mass was found on his right lung. He began chemo almost immediatley and is doing surprisingly well at the moment. He's going for his fifth treatment today, and although he's lost most of what was left of his hair, has gone down a pants size and lost around 18lbs, he's doing a lot better. He was the most upbeat I've seen him in a long time over the holiday weekend and thankfully the chemo hasn't been making him too sick. After he was diagnosed I vowed to help someone I know quit smoking. I've had a hard time deciding who will be my "victim" because this isn't exactly something you can make someone do unless you really want to quit. My grandpa was a smoker when he was younger, but I always remember him chewing tobacco, which I know is just as bad. I will admit that I used to smoke in college, it wasn't a horrible habit and it took me about a week to go through a pack. I can't even remember the last time I bought a pack of cigarettes and for that I'm glad. There are a lot of smokers in my family and a lot of them really make me upset, a lot of my cousins and other family members smoked while they were pregnant and now their kids have asthma and other problems, they smoke in their house while their little kids are in the room and in the car with a baby. The temptation to rip the cigarette out of their hand and give them a little "love tap" has come over me more times than I can count.

Watching someone you love battle an illness that could have been prevented is not an easy task and I'd like to never see that happen to another person I love. I also want all of the women who read this blog to remember that its important to talk your OB/GYN about ovarian cancer, your risk and the symptoms. For more information you can visit www.ocao.org or leave me a comment! For more information on the American Lung Association please visit www.lungusa.org

For what causes are you an advocate?

Weekend In-Review

2011-06-26T16:40:00.000-07:00

One thing I love about my job is the three day weekends I get when I do have a weekend off. Although I didn't get as much accomplished as I had hoped, I'm glad that it was relaxing and fun.

Some highlights: going out for Mexican and seeing a band on Friday. Saturday we had our engagement pictures taken, saw Andrew's family and drove out to Dillon Lake near Zanesville. While we were there, my brother called to tell us he proposed to his girlfriend (they've been dating on and off since the 6th grade)! Sunday was grocery shopping and cleaning, making raspberry freezer jam and brats on the grill.

A black and white sunset at Dillon Lake - I'm glad we finally made it out there even if we didn't catch any fish. We took Route 40 the whole way instead of I-70 and I'm glad we did because we saw lots of pretty barns and wildflowers.

Since I missed out on U-pick strawberries this year, I made raspberry freezer jam instead. Andrew's mom has several huge bushes and they were full of fruit. I used the recipe from the Sure-Jell box, which was easy and quick. Now I just have to let it sit out for 24 hours then refrigerate what I'll give away and freeze the rest for up to a year.

My garden is also coming along nicely and I'm planning a post about that later this week! Here's to hoping that everyone had a wonderful weekend!

Home sweeter home

2011-06-23T05:30:00.000-07:00

When we first looked at our house, I'm not going to lie, I hated it. I thought there would never be enough time or money to make it our own, but over the last year its become more like a home. We've spent a lot of time (but not a horrible amount of money) fixing, repairing and making things our own. One major project from this year was changing the trim color from Kelly Green to a redish brown and leaving the house itself white.

I took this picture the day we closed on the house.

And this one the last weekend of May. It might be hard to tell, but just changing that paint color has made such a difference. It matches the roof and the stain on our deck and seems to suit the house a lot better.

Our next major project is the third level of our four level split, which is coming along nicely. That area will have a den/family room, mudroom and a second full bath.

Tree Ripened Peaches

2011-06-22T18:29:00.000-07:00

There is an orchard near our house and every summer and fall I look forward to picking fresh fruits and veggies from there. As I was driving home from errands the other day I noticed the tree ripened peaches sign was out and decided to stop in. The peaches were already picked and cost $8 a basket. As soon as I got home, I was looking for a tasty dessert recipe for peaches and found an easy Peach Cobbler.

The recipe sounded easy but it had been years since I've peeled and pitted peaches, which is a lot more work than I remembered. But despite the hard work the end result was delicious! I'm excited for the blackberries and raspberries to be ready at my future mother-in-laws house so I can make more yummy desserts and some jam!

How my garden grows

2011-06-08T06:38:00.000-07:00

I took this picture just a week ago and believe it or not my plants have doubled in size! I'm going to take another picture this weekend because I can hardly believe it as well. I've been wanting to do a square foot garden since we bought the house, but last year I really didn't have time because of school and just did tomato plants instead.

The garden includes: 3 kinds of large tomatoes and 2 cherry tomato plants, eggplant, yellow squash, radishes, red onions, white bunching onions, 6 kinds of peppers (3 bell peppers and 3 hot peppers), romaine lettuce and red cabbage. I also have two more heads of red cabbage and zuchini's in pots by our deck along with cilatro, parsley and basil!

I don't think I'll see much "money saving" from the garden this year, but I'm hoping that next year I will. The dirt alone cost about $90 and thankfully we already had the wood and netting from when I thought I would make the garden last year. If things go well, I'm going to make another 4x6 box next year or in the fall. I'd love to have one with early plants and one with summer plants.

I'll be sure to update throughout the summer how things are going and how much I'm able to harvest!!

Life

2011-06-04T06:58:00.000-07:00

So I haven't blogged for a few weeks - life really got in the way of things lately! But here is a little recap of what has been going on. I'm going to be doing some photo posts this week and hopefully keeping an update on my new summer project, which is my square foot garden!

I turned 26 on May 30th. It was a nice laid back celebration that included a Sunday dinner with my family complete with Boston Cream Pie and a Monday celebration with Andrew's family and going to dinner at Bravos. I still can't decide what I want Andrew to get me for a gift yet...but most likely it will be a deep freeze.

Andrew has been working tirelessly on our house for the last month. Our trim is now a redish brown instead of kelly green and the lower level of the house has drywall again! We shopped for a new back door, bathroom items (we need a shower, sink and toilet), and carpet for the "internet lounge"

I was disappointed to find out my dream of moving the laundry room isn't going to work out, but after we get the 3rd level of our 4 level split complete we'll be fixing up the basement. I'll finally get a counter to fold laundry on and shelves for all my seasonal decor.

My garden and flowers are all planted. My mom weeded my flower beds and bought my salvia and geraniums as a birthday gift. I'll post some pictures this week.

We had an awesome party for Memorial Day complete with tons of picnic food, a keg and my brother parking a pop-up camper in our front yard to sleep in - every year we have our party it gets better and better!

I'm walking at graduation next weekend even though I got my degree in December. My school is small and only has one commencement every year. Some of my family is coming from PA and it will be nice to see them.

Other than that, life is the same. We do have the church booked for our wedding (9.22.2012), we're reserving the tent soon and I have an amazing photographer as well as a DJ! Work is the same and I'm still holding on to hope that I'll find an amazing Marketing or PR job within the same company soon.

Hope that everyone is having a wonderful start to their summer - do ya'll have anything fun planned?!

The beauty of nature

2011-05-22T17:41:00.000-07:00

Friday morning I went out to get the paper before work and noticed the sky looked so beautiful. I ran back inside to grab my camera and snap a few pictures before the pink and coral color in the sky faded.

Sunday night there was a beautiful double rainbow in front of our house after a warm-weather thunderstorm. I'm thankful we got my square-foot garden bed finished before the sky let loose. If the rain holds off tomorrow I'll get my veggies planted.

antique store finds

2011-05-18T16:00:00.000-07:00

I love going to antique stores when I have the time and a little fun money in my wallet. Most of the small towns around Columbus have a nice row of antique stores but some of my favorites are in Delaware. I had the chance to go yesterday with Andrew's sister after we enjoyed an indulgent lunch and dessert at Bravos!

A cute broach for my rain coat.

An adorable cow salt and pepper shaker set. I bought them because they reminded me of our basset hound.

I'm always looking for a neat jar brand that I've never heard of, something different than Atlas or Ball. This one is called "Queen WideMuoth" and yes that's how it spelled! For a few bucks I couldn't pass that up.

Is there anything you like to look for at antique stores?

A lovely weekend wrap up

2011-05-16T04:15:00.000-07:00

This weekend was just what I needed: three days straight of no work, spending time with family and friends and cleaning.

Friday night I went to dinner with my college friends at California Pizza Kitchen, where I splurged on a summer salad of beans, onions, cucumbers and beets, white pizza and a piece of Key Lime Pie....super yummy! We wandered around the mall afterward and talked about what we've been up to since we hadn't all been together for a long time.

Saturday we spent most of the morning and afternoon at garage sales where I was able to score some great deals! We've been wanting a gas dryer to save money on our power bill and found one for $30, Andrew got a nice piece of luggage for his work trips for $5 and I was also able to get a Hoover Floormate Hard Surface Scrubber for $20! We got a few other odds and ends and it was fun to scope out the deals with my mom and dad. We attempted to go fishing later in the night but got rained out and headed to dinner with my brother and his girlfriend instead.

Sunday we decided that it was time to start going to church again. Right now, since I'm working every other weekend, we don't go very often and haven't found a place that we liked. As I was looking at churches, Andrew suggested we just see about getting married at the church I grew up in and said he'd be more than happy to convert to being Catholic if he needed to. I thought my heart was going to explode, I was really hoping that we would get married in a Catholic church but I didn't want to pressure him about the subject.

In other news: the wedding planning is coming along and I'm going to call to book the date for the church today! I've been working a lot, but I'm hoping to find a different job within the same place I'm working that has more "normal" hours and pays a little better. My grandpa will possibly be having brain surgery in June to remove the spot of cancer they found and I'm trying to remain optimistic about the situation.

Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!!

The Waiting is the hardest part

2011-05-11T04:22:00.000-07:00

I wrote this post and never published it about two weeks before we got engaged. I thought it was funny and wanted to share because he had the ring since a WEEK after we went and looked and I had no clue! Its funny to look back and see how frustrated I was and how happy I am now that things have fallen into place!

I think Tom Petty said it best, the waiting really is the hardest part and there is something that I'm waiting for right now that's making me crazy.

Almost three months ago Andrew and I went to look at engagement rings. I already knew what I wanted, something simple and classic, but I wasn't sure if he would understand what I was talking about. So we spent a Saturday afternoon going to four jewelery stores and looking at rings. I found the one I knew was "the one" at the very first store we went to - it was so perfect. A round 1/2 carat solitaire in the center and 4 small accent stones on the sides in white gold. The diamond (which was loose from the setting) was nearly flawless and it didn't matter to me that it was smaller because it sparkled like nothing I had ever seen. We still went to the other three stores just in case I found something I liked more, but I didn't. After that weekend we talked a little more about getting engaged and then that was it.

Then about two weeks ago, Andrew bought a boat. Yeah, it was used but its not like that made it super cheap. He complains about money all of the time and even though I am working now, its still never ending. The boat pretty much emptied out all of the extra money that we had, which means no money for a ring.

I feel like our relationship is at a point now where we need to move onto the next level. Both of us are starting to get too settled with living together and the fact that we've been dating for almost four years. Everyone that I know is engaged, married, pregnant and so happy because of all those things. I don't want to be a "girlfriend" anymore, I want to be a fiance and then a wife and maybe a mother. Its not that I'm jealous of all this other people (although I'm not going to lie, maybe I am just a little bit) but I just feel like its time for this to happen.

This morning we had a small blow-out about money, getting engaged and how stuck I feel in the whole situation. I'm so sick of being told "a watched pot never boils" and that "if you stop bothering him about it, maybe it will happen" only because I feel like that watched pot has no water in it and that if I don't bother him at least a little about it, maybe it won't ever happen. I've been waiting my whole life to find someone who loves me as much as he does, who understands me, who lets me be myself and who I could not picture my life without. I guess I'm just ready to take the next step....maybe I should just propose to him!

Saving money, one coupon at a time

2011-05-05T13:10:00.001-07:00

I've always been a reality TV junkie, but lately I've been hooked on one particular show and I can't get enough....

via

I am TOTALLY OBSESSED and never miss an episode. I have also decided that I want to become an extreme couponer or at least start saving even more money on food. As I've started planning this wedding and looking at our finances, I'm realizing I need to start saving a lot more money to have the simple but nice wedding of my dreams. If I can really get into this, I'm hoping to take all the money I save on food and put it into an account for the wedding. I always remember my mom clipping coupons when I was a kid but never remember her matching the coupons with store sales or anything that extreme.

I started out by joining a few coupon sites that are free and getting a subscription to the Sunday paper where most of the coupons are found. I also started a Meijer Perks account (our nicer version of Walmart in case you don't have Meijer where you live) and those discounts will work along with a coupon. I'm also going to grow a garden this summer which I'm hoping will save us some money on fresh produce - along with my canning and freezing I think we'll be well on our way to a lower grocery bill.

I don't plan on starting a stockpile like a lot of people on the show but maybe I'll be able to make a $75 grocery bill $10 or get some of my more expensive purchases for free. I never imagined I'd be getting into "extreme couponing" but I think it will be fun!!

Weekend Recap

2011-05-02T11:45:00.000-07:00

This weekend started off on a bad foot with me getting sick on Wednesday (my weekend was going to start on Thursday night). I had the day off and did my errands, but when I got home my head was throbbing and my stomach was very unhappy even though all I had eaten was some toast. I spent the rest of the day with chills, body aches and belly issues. All I had to eat was Oyster Crackers and some gatorade/water to drink.

I didn't sleep at all Wednesday night between being sick and a crazy wind and rain storm and decided it was best for me to stay home on Thursday from work (which I felt guilty about since I just started my job and had the next 4 days off). I layed around all day and finally felt well enough to eat, so we decided to at least attempt to go on our Northern Indiana fishing trip.

I felt okay for most of the weekend, but didn't feel much like eating. The weather was nice and we got to squeeze in some fishing, a trip to Shipshewana (an Amish community) and some rest/relaxation. I'm hoping we can go back again this summer since its free to stay at the cabin and only about three hours away. It was fun, but spending almost four days crammed in a tiny 4 room cabin with some of Andrew's family including a 22 month old - I was happy to come home and relax last night.

Geese on the channel leading out to the lake.

Andrew out fishing alone on our "new" boat.

Neat, and big, painted turtle we saw on an afternoon boat ride.

Renewed

2011-04-21T05:46:00.000-07:00

Spring is one of my favorite times of year and I've been feeling its amazing effects this year more than ever. I've really been able to enjoy watching the flowers bloom, the trees turning green and the grass growing again. There is a beautiful courtyard between the three major buildings that make up where I work and there are hundreds of tulips and tall blooming trees I get to see when I'm lucky enough to get outside.

Things have been crazy for the last few months, starting a new job, getting engaged, finding out my grandpa has lung cancer and that a close family friend is struggling with an autoimmune disease and other family issues - I need to take a deep breath and step back. There are so many things I've been wanting to do that I haven't had time for, but its time to stop making excuses and do something about it.

I need to be committed to being healthy and working out.
I need to keep up on my housework and not let my house get so trashed every week.
I have to get on a consistent sleep schedule.
I want to start saving money to get my student loans paid off at least five years faster than I should.

I hope that this time of year can bring me a new sense of hope in my life and help me set some goals and stick to them. I've always hated the winter and how cold and depressing it is, how it makes me so unmotivated.

What do you do to keep yourself motivated? Does spring make you feel renewed?

I still cannot believe it

2011-04-17T05:27:00.000-07:00

Yesterday it was a week since we got engaged and I'm still somewhat in disbelief. We have set a date (September 22, 2012) and the reception at least will most likely be at his parents beautiful farm. I wanted to get married in October but I'm afraid it will be too cold. I still want to go with a vintage/fall/country theme despite it being early fall.

I've asked all of my bridesmaids and I've started getting ideas from magazines and the internet. We're looking into halls and country clubs as well for the reception but since we're on a tight budget I think a tent is going to be our best bet.

I know I have a REALLY long time until the actual wedding and an equally long amount of time to plan but I cannot stand procrastinating.

Here are some more fun pictures I took of the ring! Hope that everyone has a good week!

My favorite sign of SPRING!

2011-04-14T12:12:00.001-07:00

I adore the star magnolia that is planted in our yard. Every spring when it gets into full bloom, it smells and looks amazing. I was afraid when it got chilly last week that it wouldn't bloom, but it still did! I'm sure that soon our beautiful crab apple tree will be blooming along with the tulips.

What are your favorite things in bloom right now?

I'm Engaged!!!!

2011-04-10T04:31:00.000-07:00

After nearly four years of dating, living together for a year and the happiest and most fun times of my life - the man of my dreams finally asked me to marry him yesterday!!

When I got home from work I told him I wanted to get out of the house for a little while, take a drive and maybe go walk around in a park. So we drove out to Buckeye Lake where we often take a warm weather drive and found a pretty little park. After walking around, we sat down at a picnic table and watched the swans and ducks out on the water. He started fidgeting around saying he had an itch and the next thing I remember I looked over and he was holding the ring. It didn't even feel like it was really happening, I was in such disbelief and started to cry.

"There's no one else I'd want to marrry" he told me and I could tell he was just as happy as I was! My family and his are both so excited and I can't wait to start making plans. We'll most likely get married in the fall of 2012.

I can honestly say this is the happiest I've ever been and I've been smiling from ear to ear since late yesterday afternoon.

Do I seem old to you?

2011-04-05T11:10:00.000-07:00

I don't go out during the week anymore nor do I drink other than Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.

I think that bars are too loud and hate going to "clubs" downtown. There is one bar that I like to go to but not on a regular basis. Plus its cheaper to just stay at home.

I dress more for comfort and practicality than I do to show off to other people.

I own house slippers.

I watch the news at 5:30am and 10:00pm pretty consistently.

I watch the weather channel/weather radar channel. Also recently my boyfriend purchased a Weather Channel weather station thing for our house.

I talk about "young people these days" and how they dress and act.

I clip coupons, complain about food being wasted and only buy things that are on sale.

I can and freeze vegetables, own matching tablecloths and place mats and have an extensive glassware collection.

Do all of these things make me old or am I just different?!

An update in photos

2011-04-04T04:47:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't love a cute picture of a dog as the beginning of an update post?! Things have been a little crazy lately with work and things going on around here. The job is starting to get better as I keep adjusting but this week my hours are nuts and I have to work the weekend.

Saturday was the gala for my volunteer work and I love an opportunity to get all dressed up! I had worked so hard helping plan this event and it was so much fun! We had great music, food and drinks and managed to raise close to $30,000.

We also got a "new" boat a few weekends ago. Its pretty ugly late 70's brown, but its a good bit bigger than our old boat and has a faster motor. We took it out for the first time yesterday, and although it was a little bit cold it was nice to get out and do something fun together.

On the agenda soon: starting on my flower beds and veggie garden, keeping my up on my house work better than I've been doing, finish reading the two books that I've started and take a little time out for me :)

Getting my life back on track

2011-03-28T15:43:00.000-07:00

I've now been working for five weeks and I've had my first two paychecks! Its great to be working again and last Thursday I was officially done with orientation. Its nice to have my own money again (even if a lot of it goes to my student loans every month) and to have somewhat of a routine.

But everything else in my life seems to have gone by the wayside. My house....well, to put it lightly is a total disaster and although I've vacuumed around the piles of clutter, done dishes and a few small things I can't stand the mess any longer. I finally got around to some spring cleaning on Friday and Saturday but left the messiest room of all to do later, our office/catch all for crap. I'll probably get to that tomorrow before I work the remainder of the week.

I've been able to spend time with a few friends and my family recently, which is something I've been missing. I saw a good friend from college the other night and I've spent some time with my parents and grandparents as well as my brother. Family time has become super important recently since we found out my grandpa has lung cancer. I haven't talked about it much on here, Facebook or Twitter because its been hard to take. In a week we'll know what stage he is and how the course of treatment will go, but for now we just know that it's cancer and there is a mass under his right lung.

Also, as if I need more on my plate, I applied to take some college classes in the hopes that in a few years I can get my real estate license.

Next on the agenda: get started on my gardening (if the spring weather ever comes back), get the messy office cleaned and find a minute to relax.

I just can't wait!

2011-03-21T01:48:00.000-07:00

My daffodils and tulips are poking up out of the ground, the star magnolia bush is almost ready to bloom, my day lilies are turning from brown to green and all of these things mean SPRING!!

It seems as though this winter has lasted for a long time and I'm ready to see it go. I'd love to not wear a winter coat to work everyday, to be able to open the windows and spend more time outside. There's nothing I love more than it being just warm enough to turn off the furnace during the day and hang clothes on the line. I'm also excited to get started on my square foot garden and planting flowers.

In other news: I'm trying not to be so bummed out about my job situation and I'm continuing to look for something where I can use my degree more. Starting in May I can sort of create my own schedule, so that will be nice as well. We're trying to figure out where we'd like to go on vacation this summer - I'd like to go to Nashville or Dollywood (don't judge) but I'm sure we'll end up going fishing somewhere. I also cannot believe that its March already and I've been working at my new job for a month.

What do all of you love about spring?!?!

detroit rock city

2011-03-13T17:37:00.000-07:00

This weekend was just what I needed, some time away from home and lots of fun!! We headed out up to Detroit for a work function Andrew's company hosted on Saturday morning for a one night stay at the Greektown Casino. Typically spouses/significant others don't get to come on these fun outings so I was excited when I found out the ladies were invited. Besides that, if you read my previous post, I've been a little down in the dumps and some fun was just what I needed.

We arrived Saturday afternoon a few hours before check-in but we were able to get to our room early - our view from the 23rd floor was AMAZING

After we got situated we headed down to the casino with our spending money and played some slots and ended up loosing quite a bit of cash right away. The party for Andrew's company started at 5pm with cocktails and photo booth pictures followed by dinner and awards. It was nice to finally meet all the people I hear him talk about from work. Following dinner we went to gamble more and won back all the money we lost earlier in the night.

We took a nice walk around Greektown on Sunday morning to see some of the shops and a a German-Catholic Church that was right next to the casino.

I don't think I'll ever be a "casino regular" but it was fun to do something a little different.

Funk or Quarter Life Crisis

2011-03-11T13:35:00.000-08:00

Something's been going on with me lately and I can't quite figure it out....I'm either in a terrible rut or this is my "quarter life crisis."

This last month has been a roller coaster of emotions for me. I was so excited to finally be working again, but the job is not what I expected and I feel really overwhelmed. I don't want to sound like I'm being ungrateful because I know there are so many people looking for jobs, but please just hear me out. I feel like, and I know, that I'm not where I want to be in my career because I didn't graduate from college on time. It was a big and very hard decision for me to decide to go back to school last summer, quit my job and focus on getting my degree.

I just "assumed" that when I was done with school I would be able to find a job in my field, I've had two internships and many jobs that have helped me to build a really good resume. I know that I have a great work ethic that is appealing to employers in times like these, but none of those people wanted to hire me. I applied for nearly 150 jobs from October to the present and only had two interviews. I started applying for jobs that I could have done without my degree because I needed the money, I had to find a way to pay back those loans. So I went back to a receptionist job thinking it would be a good way to get my foot in the door.

In the last two weeks, I've felt an overwhelming sense of anxiety and doubt and its been affecting every aspect of my life. Most of the anxiety has been related to my job and the rest of it to all of this debt that I have. I've made an appointment to go and talk to my doctor but he can't see me till the end of the month. I feel like all of the time I spent going back to school to fix all the mistakes I made when I was young was a total waste of time. My degree hasn't really done me much good and I feel sick about it. I haven't been sleeping much, my social life is basically non-existent and at the end of the day I just want to be left alone. I really need something to pull me out of this funk and I'm open to any suggestions because I'm sure I'm not the only one who has gone through something like this.

I hate writing such a "downer" post, but I really needed to get this out. Its something that I feel needs to be shared so other people going through something similar don't feel alone. Its also therapeutic for me to get this out there so its not weighing on me so heavily. I'm hoping that since we are going out of town this weekend I'll have some time to unwind and stop thinking about work and stress for a few days. Nothing like a free nights stay at a casino and some free food and alcohol to brighten the spirit right?!?!

Three days I'd like to forget

2011-03-07T01:51:00.000-08:00

*Disclaimer - I wrote this post last week and forgot to publish. The events below happened from March first to the third.*

This week has not exactly been sunshine and rainbows or unicorns and glitter. Its been more like nails on a chalkboard or someone rubbing styrofoam together right next to your ear.....let me just summarize for you what's been going on.

Monday: I worked my first 12 hour shift which really wasn't all that bad. The last two hours went by rather slow, but I survived. I had to get my second TB test because anyone who works in healthcare has to get a two-step. The nurse who gave me the skin test was not very nice and stuck me good and hard. I got home around 8pm and basically collapsed.

Tuesday: I worked half a day with my preceptor and the other half shadowing on the floor where I will actually work and got to see how they do things a little different. The place on my arm where the TB test was given was also itchy, red and had a good sized lump which means that you may have been exposed to TB. It bothered me all morning and my manager suggested I go have it looked at so I did. I was told to come back Wednesday for a definitive answer on the test since it cannot be read for 48 hours. Thankfully this was only an eight hour day.

Wednesday: Came in to find out that our fax/copier broken as well as the fridge in the break room and some of the nurse phones. I still had a lump on my arm as well and it was itching like crazy. I got walked in on while pulling up my pants in our unisex bathroom by a very attractive doctor or med student (he was just as embarrassed as me). This was also another 12 hour day. Prior to lunch I headed back down to employee health to have my arm looked at and was seen by a doctor this time instead of a RN or NP. They measured the lump on my arm and since it was 10mm I had to get a chest xray to see if there were any signs of TB in my lungs. More than likely, I just had a reaction to the skin test but I won't know until later this afternoon.

I am happy to say that my chest xray came back negative but sad to say there is still a red patch on my arm from the dumb TB test. I think I needed to write this post because I was so frustrated. Starting this new job has not been easy but I'm trying my best to make it work.

Sunday Update

2011-02-27T16:05:00.000-08:00

So I've survived my first two weeks of being back in the working world. I'm still in training until the end of March most likely and I'm still learning a lot! Working in a hospital is a lot different than any other job I've had. Tomorrow I'm working my first 12 hour shift (I've never worked one in my life) and I'm working this weekend, but I get Thursday and Friday off which is nice.

As far as the rest of my life, well its been pretty darn boring. I have been trying some new recipes which I hope to post about soon and I finally got caught up on all my cleaning and laundry yesterday. Today I took a little break and we drove out to Battelle Darby Park to see the Bison they have there. I'll try and get the pictures up sometime this week.

I've also been busy with my volunteer work, helping get a newsletter off the ground and planning the fundraiser gala Live & Silent Auction. We are also going to the Motor City Casino as part of an awards ceremony for Andrews work March 12th & 13th so that is something fun to look forward too. Sorry for my lack of blogging and commenting but I promise to get back on track soon!!

Whew

2011-02-17T01:46:00.000-08:00

Please excuse me if I'm a little bit absent from commenting on blogs/blogging.

I started my job on Monday and the training is hectic. I have never worked in the health care field before and I'm mentally exhausted from all there is to learn. Today we have a test to take and then we learn how to use the computer programs such as the email, intranet and online learning guides.

I'm in training until Tuesday and then I start shadowing another person with my job title until the beginning of March then I'm on my own!

I hope that everyone has a great rest of the week and weekend - I'll try to write something up on Sunday and get to commenting on some blogs!

Happy Valentines Day

2011-02-14T02:00:00.000-08:00

Love it or hate it, I do believe that Valentines Day is a real holiday and that it was not invented by Hallmark. I remember very vividly learning about St. Valentine in my CCD classes as a kid.

I also start my new job today and I'm hoping that it will be a good first week. I've got 7 days of training and shadowing then I'll start working on my own. I think everyone gets nervous to start a new job.

I'm going to make Chicken Cordon Bleu for dinner tonight with mashed potatoes and green beans. Andrew and I got one another small gifts this year and here are a few photos of what he got me.

I hope that all of you have a wonderful Valentines Day!

Another life change

2011-02-11T04:04:00.000-08:00

So on Monday I'm starting my new job. Its not exactly a fancy PR or Marketing job, but I'll be getting my foot in the door at one of the best places to work in Central Ohio. The job is entry level and the pay isn't much more than my previous job - but I think it will be an AMAZING opportunity.

In the 6-8 months I've been job searching I've only had three interviews, two of which were for the job I got. I thought the economy was improving but I guess I was wrong. Although I've enjoyed the free time I've had since school ended before Thanksgiving - I'm going insane. Yes, cooking fun meals, baking and spending time with friends has been great. Being broke, the only person who is home all day and starting to get cabin fever is not very glamorous.

I've spent a better part of today cleaning the house, getting everything organized for my transition back into the working world. I cannot concentrate at work when I know my house is messy (dear Lord, I'm becoming my mother) and I need my full concentration during my 7 days of training. So now my house is pretty well cleaned, my job clothes are ironed (don't make fun of me, I do iron my dress clothes) and I'm doing everything in my power to relax this weekend.

My nerves are a wreck right now, I've always been anxious when starting a new job but I'm hoping come the end of next week I'll feel much better.

My Valentines

2011-02-10T01:21:00.000-08:00

Yup - that's my boyfriend with the van he bought this summer and although I hate that van I still love him. He's not just my Valentine because he's my boyfriend but because he's truly my soul-mate. I know that sounds corny, but its true. Everyone around us notices how we bring out the best in one another and fill in the voids the other person has and its true. He can always make me laugh or smile, he's sweet and kind although sometimes he teases me too much, he's proud of what I've accomplished and he loves me no matter what.
I can't believe that we've been dating for 3 years now and that this is our third Valentines day together!

I know that most people wouldn't pick a dog as their other Valentine but this little love holds the key to my heart. One of the reasons I fell in love with Andrew was that he had rescued Bessie from a really horrible existence. She was tied up with a German Sheppard, had a broken leg and was half starved to death. I knew that any guy who cared about an animal that much would make an amazing boyfriend.
But back to Bessie, I don't know what I'd do without her. Its nice to have the company when Andrew travels for work or has to work late, when I'm upset or lonely she's always there to get me to play with her or scratch her belly. She makes the cutest little noises, howls and those eyes just melt your heart.

So who are your Valentines? Write up a post and link up at Mama Kat's by clicking the button below!

L.O.V.E

2011-02-07T02:39:00.000-08:00

This weekend we celebrated our 3 year anniversary. The day began with a 2 hour (rather scary) drive to WV to go to Cabelas and pick up some Yuengling Beer for the Super Bowl. We ran into a lovely freezing rain storm on the way and watched at least 5 cars spin out, nearly hitting one of them and saw a jack-knifed semi as well. But since we were more than halfway there, we kept going. Once we got there, the roads were fine and they were on the way home too. I must really love my boyfriend to go on a 2 hour trip just so he could splurge on a new gun with his tax return (but when we got home I ordered my Kindle and a few other Amazon wish listed items).

We had lunch at Quaker Steak and Lube and only spent $5 thanks to a gift card I had from Christmas. Then we picked up our beer and headed back to Ohio.

I wanted to go somewhere different for dinner this year so I made reservations at Buca Di Beppo. We shared a Caesar Salad, Prosciutto Chicken and Spaghetti, I think I was food drunk after the meal. We were also treated to a brownie sundae after telling the waiter it was our anniversary. We always tend to go to the same restaurants and it was nice to do something different.

I feel very lucky to have the relationship that I do. He can always make me laugh, get me to calm down when I'm freaking out and I adore his family. Though I wish that we were married already, I think its time to give up harassing a certain someone about that - when he asks the time will be right and it will be a surprise.

A cooking adventure

2011-02-06T04:06:00.000-08:00

So I decided it would be fun to have Andrew's parents over for dinner this winter and wanted to really out-do myself with some good cooking. Since his parents are vegetarians/vegans, I began searching for a good recipe that would please everyone and then I found it in my Martha Stewart magazine: Eggplant Parmesan. I had made the Chicken Parmesan a month ago and Andrew said it was one of the best things I've ever cooked, but I skipped one of the major time consuming parts which was making the sauce. This time I went all out:

I made the sauce.

Cut up and breaded the eggplants.

Then let them sit for 30 minutes so the breading would stick then fried them for 5 minutes each.

Started layering my casserole and popped it in the fridge for the next night.

Total time: 1 hour and 50 minutes - holy cow! I don't think I've ever cooked something so time consuming. Everyone raved about how good the dinner was so I'd say it was a success! I would post the recipe but then this post would be really long! If you'd like it though, let me know and I'll email a scan of the page out of the magazine (I couldn't find it online).

"The Marriage Talk"

2011-02-03T02:00:00.000-08:00

When the discussion of marriage first started between Andrew and myself there was plenty of talk on my part about the romance of getting engaged and married. I find it adorable that he wants everything to be surprise, from the ring to the proposal itself and found myself dreaming of all the possible ways he will ask me.

But soon the romance turned to a more serious discussion, the discussion of a pre-nup. To me, a pre-nup is something rich people have or people who are entering into a second marriage and have the interest of their children to protect. But for Andrew, its "an insurance policy for the relationship, a way for me to protect my stuff because you know what if you want to take my boat or my van when you get all bitter and want to divorce me." When I argued that it takes away the romance of marriage I don't think he quite understood where I was coming from, I felt my heart slowly falling apart and I wasn't sure what to do.

This discussion went on for months, I did my fair share of internet research and finally decided it would be a good idea for both of us to meet with his family lawyer and figure out if we really needed a pre-nup. So one dreary December day, we headed to his office. I had been writing down questions for months, not a lot of conversation went on during our 35 minute drive and when we arrived I got nervous. What if Andrew is doing this because he doesn't think or marriage can last? What if he thinks I'm a gold digger?

Although the family lawyer doesn't write pre-nups, he gave us some worthwhile advice from all of his experience dealing in family matters and the man did have some good advice for both of us. After voicing our concerns about marriage, divorce, inheritance and children this was the advice he had to offer.

He told Andrew that any inheritance he would gain would be his alone as long as it was not placed into a joint account and that the same went for anything I would inherit. He told us it would not deal with custody of children should we have any or anything that is considered "marital property." As we both weighed his opinion in our minds I could see that this was not something we needed. We would both have to get our own lawyer (big $$) just to have a pre-nup written, both parties would have to agree on every sentence and word and there would be no turning back once it was signed. I totally understood where Andrew was coming from when he mentioned how bitter and vindictive people can become during a divorce but I was also hoping he would understand that I don't believe in divorce (in most cases).

I was so relieved when we left the office and Andrew had decided that the whole thing was a bad idea. He's a really cheap person, and paying for two lawyers didn't sound like such a good idea to him. I had a feeling that we would end up not having a pre-nup at all but I had to at least let him talk it out with an unbiased party. Now I can spend my time worrying about planning a wedding instead of planning out a pre-nup.

So have you had this same discussion? Write it up and link up over at Mama Kat's for her weekly writers workshop!!!

When a man loves a woman

2011-01-31T02:53:00.000-08:00

Steve Martin: When a man meets the woman he loves, everything changes. His heart races, his head spins. And suddenly, all the dozens and dozens of women he's sleeping with no longer matter. A few years ago, I found the woman I love, and I have put some of my feelings into this little poem:

"Every man needs a woman, and I need you
To lift me when I am sad
To comfort me when I am down
To clean me when I am a drunk
To walk beside me when I want to look like I'm not gay
To walk in front of me when I need someone to act as a human windbreak
To kiss me when I'm horny
To massage when I am tense and/or horny
To make me horny when I'm not horny,
and then to watch me fall asleep.

I need you, darling,
to clean between my toes when they are not clean to my satisfaction.
To pick the nits out of my hair when I have head lice
To try milk for me when I am not sure of the expiration date.
To be there when I need you to be there
and to be out of town the rest of the time

My darling, although it may seem sentimental
I want to take this moment to tell you I love you,
because I don't want to lose half my stuff.

And even though you are far away across the ocean
I always have this to remind me."

[ points to his ring finger, where he quickly notices no ring is there ]

Sorry.

Good night, my love.

I was crying from laughing so hard when I saw this skit on the Steve Martin SNL compilation that was on VH1 the other day. I love his sense of humor! How he kept a mostly straight face while reading this is beyond me.

Hope this was a good pick me up for everyone on a Monday morning :)

Things I hate about winter

2011-01-28T04:31:00.000-08:00

As a follow up to my previous blog, here are some of the things I despise about this time of year. Yes, I'm aware I live in Ohio and that's all just part of living here, but someday I want to move south.

No one can remember how to drive when it snows.
The car is dirty for months and it drives me crazy.
Meteorologists make every flake sound like its going to create a full blown blizzard.
I love wearing hoodies, but when it so bad that I need that plus a coat, hat and gloves, I'm totally over it!
Coming home from running errands and the bottom of your jeans are wet and cold.
Not being able to wear heels because I'm afraid I'll slip and fall.
After Christmas, who really wants to keep seeing snow?

I seem to be over winter more this year than others and I'm not sure why. Its really only fun when you're a kid and you go out to play in the snow or get school canceled because of it. Now as an adult you have to worry about getting to work or wherever you need to go on time, cleaning off your car and driveway and dressing warm enough.

I'm excited for spring to come :) What do you hate about winter?

Things I love about winter

2011-01-21T08:40:00.000-08:00

There isn't a whole lot I like about winter, in fact I would give anything to move away from the snow. But there are a few things I love about this time of year, or luxuries I have that make these months a little easier.

Having a garage I can park in so I don't have to scrape snow off my car.
The quiet after a big snow.
Curling up on the couch with a blanket and a bottle of wine.
Cooking in the crock pot.
Having a snow blower (although I can't use it) so the snow cleanup is much easier.
Andrew's winter beard (which I blogged about yesterday).

I was trying to come up with 10 things but I didn't get that far so here are a few photos from our latest winter storm.

What I like about you

2011-01-20T01:30:00.000-08:00

I have a really weird thing I love about my boyfriend - his ability to grow an AWESOME beard! This is last winters beard and yes, in real life it looks just as full and crazy! He looks totally different when he doesn't have a beard but in a way I look forward to this side of him.

See he only grows this beard in the winter, you know to keep his face warm since apparently we live in a igloo or something. He usually starts around Thanksgiving and its normally shaved off as soon as spring starts to show its face. Sometimes I wish he would keep the beard year round but really who has something like that on their face in the summer?!?!

He jokes every year that he's going to get it going really long, maybe down to his chest so he can stroke it or braid it. Although I think that would be funny for a minute I don't really want to date someone who looks like they are in ZZ Top ;)

So my boyfriends odd talent might seem odd to you, but you have to admit - the beard plays!

Wanna write something up about your hunny - head on over to Mama Kat's by clicking the button below and link up!

Another week of the "new me"

2011-01-18T01:28:00.000-08:00

I've been doing really well this week with my diet and working out (I mean shoveling snow off the sidewalk is also a good workout). I have been eating a lot of healthy things, like fruit for breakfast and snacks, adding more veggies to our meals and trying to cut out more carbs. My most difficult thing has been desserts, I love candy, ice cream and chocolate. I found these little Weight Watchers ice cream cups and they have held me over when I need a sweet tooth fix.

Working out has been going much better, my body doesn't feel like its going to fall apart after every work out and I've been mixing things up to keep it exciting and to work as much of my body as possible. For those of you who do Pilates, man you must have slamming bodies, I did an ab video and it really worked my core hard!

Cheating - well there was a little yesterday when we went to Amish country and I had mashed potatoes with my lunch and half a piece of peanut butter pie (none of the fruit pies they had for the day sounded appealing).

People say they can tell I'm loosing weight but right now I feel like a lot of it is water weight because I've been cutting out a lot of sodium and a good deal of carbs and if I do eat carbs its all whole grain (part of that South Beach Diet I've kept going). I've found though that its not really all about the diet, yeah you shouldn't eat junk all day, but its mostly portions and keeping your metabolism going throughout the day.

This week my goal is to work out everyday but Sunday and to try a few new recipes!

Confidence

2011-01-14T13:10:00.000-08:00

I've lacked confidence for most of my life due in large part to my horrible problem with acne. I've literally had breakouts since I was in the 4th grade, about age nine. I was wearing make up by 5th grade to cover up said zits and the never ending cycle of dermatologist visits, pills, creams and washes began.

Everyone told me it would go away as I got older and it has somewhat. I also did 9 months on Acutane, the very controversial acne drug and it helped so much despite the crazy side effects (hair loss, very dry skin, nosebleeds, night blindness and dry mouth were all really fun).

Now that my acne is mostly gone I struggle with the scars of years of "face picking" and "zit popping" that no matter what I couldn't quit doing. So for Christmas I asked my mom for the Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector expecting that for $50 it would do something.

I've been using it for almost a month now and I can totally tell a difference. My redness is extremely reduced, my scars are much less noticeable and when a new zit goes away it doesn't leave a bad mark (I'm trying to be better about picking too). I can't wait to see what happens as I reach the end of the treatment which is about 6-8 weeks.

For the first time today I had the CONFIDENCE to go out to the grocery store with hardly any make up on (just concealer under my eyes and powder, no eyeshadow or anything) as well as my hair pulled back. I never would have done this a month ago let alone a year ago. I think Andrew would be proud of me, he's not a big fan of my "face putty" and is happy to see my confidence growing each day!

Home Dream List

2011-01-10T05:22:00.000-08:00

Now that there is a decent possibility that I'll have a job by Valentines Day (I'm about 98% sure, but trying not to get too excited till I get my actual offer) I've been thinking about things I really want for the house. We were out and about today and I took a look at a few things I've been dying to get and the top 10 list is:

1) A small deep freeze - much like the one pictured. I plan on freezing and canning a lot of food this summer because I'm going to do a square foot garden. I also feel like our freezer gets full so fast because we have a side-by-side and now a Sam's Club membership so you do the math.

2) New couch and love seat for our living room - Preferably something in leather or microsuede, a dark tan or brown would be nice. I haven't been able to find a picture of something that I want really bad or anything and I'd rather go and look in a store then on the internet.

3) Maybe some new dishes/pots and pans - I will probably wait and ask for these as a wedding gift (lol well you know it's nice to dream). We were at Kmart today and I was browsing the dishes while Andrew looked at tools and saw a few Corelle and Country Living sets I liked a lot. Pictured is the Corelle set and Sears didn't have a picture of the Country Living set that I loved but it's called Blue Denim and its adorable! A little country but I like it a lot. I've also got a set of Calphalon pots and pans picked out that I've wanted for the last seven years.

4) A new vacuum that is good at picking up dog hair: We currently have an upstairs and downstairs sweeper system going but I'd like to get it down to just one. I know everyone keeps saying get a Dyson - but I'm not going to. I've heard they break often and you have to send them overseas to have them repaired (this was from a vacuum salesman if you can believe that). Instead I'm going to get a Shark, its $150, lightweight and has a whole bunch of attachments just for dog hair!

I can't wait to be making decent money and to be able to afford things like this. And then maybe someday when I get my loans paid off I can finally get a car of my own and a list of about a million other things.

Week one

2011-01-07T08:13:00.000-08:00

This has been the first solid week of my working out/diet routine and let me tell you I was more out of shape than I thought! My abs and thighs are killing me thanks to the workers of the devil named Jillian Michaels and Denise Austin. I'm going to get a yoga mat today and try out some of her yoga videos (I found this amazing On Demand channel that is nothing but work out videos - SCORE).

Also, I have a job interview today! Its not a PR job but it would get my foot in the door at a really great place and help me further build my resume. Plus, those student loans are hanging over my head and making me crazy and I have to have income by March or else its bad news bears.

I still haven't taken down all of my Christmas decorations, but the tree is out of here and I still need to get my manger scene and some other odds and ends put away. I'm thinking Sunday will be a good day for that and the rest of the house cleaning.

I'm glad that its the weekend again - although you would think not working means everyday is a weekend, that's not the case. I love the time I get to spend with Andrew and there is a lot of that on the weekend! We're going to the Boat & RV show tomorrow to check out some boats and fantasize about things we can't afford and then maybe have dinner out with some of our Christmas gift cards.

So what are you up to this weekend? Can you believe another year has come and gone?

Getting back on track

2011-01-03T16:20:00.000-08:00

I've decided that starting today, its back to a better diet and exercise - and no this isn't a "New Years Resolution" I'm just sick of feeling fat.

My goal is to consistently loose weight, if its a pound a week, fine. If its 10 pounds a week, that's even better (totally joking here though because that seems impossible/is probably not healthy).

No one believes I'm going to stick with it this time, but I have a feeling I will. See its all about this "body image" issue that I've been having. It started with my mom getting me the Clinique Clinical Dark Spot corrector for Christmas, and in one week I am already seeing an improvement. Since my acne scars are going away to quickly I want to see this weight come off as well. Its been hanging around far too long. I've been horrible about eating well, drinking more than I should and snacking during the day because I get bored while looking for jobs.

I'm getting back to the healthy eating. I bought a lot of good food to make this week and didn't get any junk food at the grocery store. I'm also going to detox from alcohol and coffee for one month and see if that helps with my heartburn (I've read that weight loss also helps with heartburn).

I'm not sure just yet what my goal weight is but I'd like to be a size 8-10 again; here is what I'm going to attempt for a routine.

- Monday, Wednesday and Friday: Work out with my "sister-in-law" either doing a DVD workout or a long walk around the farm where they live.
- Tuesday and Thursday: Use my treadmill for at least 20 minutes alternating jogging and walking.
- The weekends: Not sure yet, when its warm we go on a lot of bike rides, but right now we don't do many outdoor activities.

I hope I can really make it work this time!

Looking back and moving forward

2011-01-01T12:09:00.000-08:00

2010 was quite a year. Big events that occurred:
~My dad finally got a job after 15 months of unemployment
~ I got my BA in Public Relations!
~Went camping for the first time in July at Salt Fork State Park and had a lot of fun
~Andrew sold the motorcycle and bought a creeper van
~I met the most inspirational and amazing women through my internship. They have touched my life in ways I can never explain
~Went on two fishing trips to Northern Indiana and never caught a single fish
~I learned how to make applesauce and can/freeze veggies
~We had our first big party at the house for Memorial Day/my 25th birthday
~I tried and failed at becoming a vegetarian but did make a good attempt to eat healthier foods

This year has been great but I'm really looking forward to 2011. I hope that this year I will:
~Get a job I love
~Maybe get engaged
~Celebrate 3 years with Andrew
~Save money and start paying off my student loans (maybe that's an oxymoron)
~Get a lot done in the house
~Spend plenty of time with family and friends
~Continue to do volunteer work through my former internship and meet more amazing people.

So what was the best part of 2010 for you and why are you looking forward to a new year?

Post-Graduation Blues

2010-12-29T13:12:00.000-08:00

I kind of figured I wouldn't have a job before Christmas, and now with 2010 almost over, I'm starting to get antsy.

I keep getting things in the mail from my student loan company, further depressing me and making me wonder how I will pay it all back. I have till March to find a job, but I'd prefer to have something by Valentines Day - the sooner the better. If I can't find a job in my field by then I'll be forced to do retail or fast food to just pay on at least one student loan so we don't deplete all the money we have.

I apply for at least five jobs a day, sometimes ten on a good day. Mailing, emailing and faxing applications, resumes and cover letters consumes the first two hours of my morning every day. I haven't had a single interview and I've been applying since November 1st. Its really starting to wear on me. I know that I'm qualified for at least 90% of the jobs I apply for and no one will give me the time of day. I sometimes get rejection emails within a half an hour of applying - there is NO way they read my resume and application that quickly.

I've networked some, but there are at least 10 people that won't return my emails, phone calls or linked-in messages about wanting to get together. I know this is a busy time of year, but some response would be nice.

I just feel like I'm running out of ideas and every time I look at my diploma it makes me more and more depressed....I'm totally open to suggestions not just about job hunting but also about how to get my mood in a better place!

The Christmas Re-cap

2010-12-27T16:22:00.000-08:00

I cannot believe that Christmas 2010 has come and gone already. As I sit here on the couch, looking at the tree, no longer consumed with presents I feel a little sad. There is so much preparation for this day and in a moment it seems to be over. I would say this year was one of the nicest holidays I've had in a while.

For starters, my dad had a job this year and I completed my degree. Although my grandparents weren't here, which was a little odd it was still a really nice day. Christmas Eve we went to 4pm mass to see my parents sing and then it was off to my mom and dad's for dinner. We have a traditional polish meal of pierogies, fish and my mom's amazing rolls and we also had corn casserole and a salad. Afterward we had our gift exchange and shared some wine, laughs and fun. Andrew and I both got some awesome gifts - a Starbucks gift set, Godiva hot chocolate set and movie passes.

Christmas morning we were up bright and early to go to his family's Christmas breakfast and white elephant exchange. We had awesome fruit, casseroles and cookies and exchanged our gifts. Its fun finding things around the house that you think other people in the family would want. I got some awesome items from Andrew's sister including some antique candy and meat thermometers (in a dorky way, I'm obsessed with them) and adorable kitchen towels. Andrew's mom made me a binder that included all her favorite recipes and some from her mom, mother-in-law and aunts. It really meant more to me then any gift. We went to my parents in the afternoon to exchange gifts. My two faves were my Clinique Even Better Dark Spot Corrector for my acne scars and the picture coasters my mom made me with old photos in them.

We spent the evening at home, eating leftovers and watching movies snuggled up on the couch. It was the best Christmas I've had in years for some reason and I'd love to relive that weekend again!

Here are a few photos from the festivities.

Family photo

Goofy photo - the River Dancing is a long story.

Even dogs need a gift from Santa :)

Presents and the village under the tree.

I hope you all had a wonderful and blessed Christmas!!!!

Merry Christmas to you and yours

2010-12-20T13:15:00.001-08:00

These are some of the photos I took at the zoo lights over the weekend. I'm sure I'll post a Christmas recap on Sunday or Monday. I finally got my shopping done today and all the gifts are wrapped and under the tree. Money was a little tight this year with me not working so although the gifts aren't the most expensive a lot of thought went into them. I just hope Andrew likes the gifts I got him with some of my graduation money, he is the hardest person to buy gifts for because when he wants something he buys it right then.

I hope all my readers have a wonderful holiday, be sure to tell those around you how much you love and appreciate them especially this time of year.

Santa's Surprises cookies

2010-12-16T07:25:00.001-08:00

My mom made these cookies last year and I was hooked! I believe the recipe is from a girl she works with - they take a little time to make but they are really tasty and loved by everyone!

Santa's Surprises

Ingredients:
2 sticks of unsalted butter softened
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup white sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla extract
3 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 large bag of miniature Snickers bars unwrapped

- Cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add in peanut butter and blend until combined. Then add eggs and vanilla and mix well.
- Sift together flour, baking soda and salt and mix well with wet ingredients.
- Cover bowl and chill dough in the fridge for 2-3 hours (note: I'm not sure what would happen if you left it in longer, I chilled mine for 2 hours)
- Meanwhile, unwrap snickers bars and place in a bowl.

- Preheat oven to 325 and prepare cookie sheets (note: I used parchment paper and sprayed a little Pam on them as well)
- Remove dough from fridge and make into 1 Tbsp balls and flatten. Place a snickers bar in the middle and form the dough around the candy to make a ball - place on cookie sheet.
- Bake each batch for 10-12 minutes and cool on a wire rack. Garnish with powdered sugar and drizzled chocolate if desired. (note: I didn't have any chocolate so I just did the powdered sugar).

Photography play time

2010-12-13T13:32:00.000-08:00

I got a lovely Canon Rebel T1i from Andrew's parents for a graduation present. I've always loved taking pictures and I've been eying digital SLR cameras for quite some time. I didn't want something super fancy, just something I could change the lens on and take really crisp photos. I think this camera will be perfect for that! I ordered a Dummies book off Amazon last night to help me learn the in's and out's of how the camera works, but I've been able to figure some things out on my own. Here are a few shots I took today and then edited them in photo-shop.

My sweet little Bessie - she is going to be my subject for these photo trials.

I like the look of the black and white with a slight sepia tint.
I think I like the regular version of this one best, I love the snow on her nose and the little bit stuck to her ears.

We are going to the zoo this weekend for the Christmas lights and I hope to get some good photos there and I'll be sure to share those as well!!!!

All I want for Christmas.....

2010-12-11T16:51:00.000-08:00

Is a job that I love where I make enough money to pay off my student loans....

Some things I know I won't get: an iPad, Fish-eye lens for my digital SLR, new HTC phone at Sprint with 4G and a Wii (I know I'm a little behind on wanting one of those)

A Basset Hound with bows on its ears.

Clinique Clinical Dark Spot Corrector to help with my acne scars.

A pair of black flats.

A magical weight loss pill that will make me drop 40lbs.

This is really the first time in a long time I have been this happy, but at the same time there is so much more I want out of life. I am anxious, nervous and scared about finding a job and paying on all of this debt I owe to my college. Don't get me wrong, I feel so wonderful for finally graduating, but there is so much more I still want to do.

This weekend was a bit of a wake up call on all of my debt. We went to look at a car for me to replace our early 90's Volvo only to realize my loans have put the idea of a car loan on hold. I feel silly for getting my hopes up.

So what are some of the outlandish things you'd love for Christmas?

No words are needed for this post

2010-12-09T05:47:00.000-08:00

But I'll still write a few! Bet you can't guess what's inside of this lovely leather case! I was beyond thrilled to get my diploma yesterday. We went to my parents house last night with a bottle of champagne to celebrate and Andrew's mom took me to lunch as well. Tomorrow night, Andrew and I are going out to celebrate since work has been nuts for him lately and he's been doing 10-11 hour days.

I've been spending a lot of time applying for jobs lately and networking with Alumni from my college.

I also got a fancy digital camera for a grad present so expect to see some photos soon!!!!

Post-Graduation Goals

2010-12-06T08:08:00.000-08:00

I've been officially done with school for one week now. Later in the week I can get my transcripts and by Christmas I'll have my actual diploma! I've got a lot I'd like to and that I'm starting to accomplish now that I have more free time.

Find a job! I need to have one by March when the student loan payments start coming due again. I've been applying for jobs since Halloween and I have a few networking meetings lined up in the coming weeks.
Get my Christmas cookies made (I'm planning to start on that later today or tomorrow morning).
Get the house well organized.
Take my pile of Goodwill stuff to the Goodwill.
Clean out my kitchen cabinets.
Start and finish my Christmas shopping. All I've done so far is order some things from bookorder through my mom.
Go through all of my school stuff and decide what I really want to keep, and possibly have a math bonfire.
Try some new recipes or get a new cookbook.
Go thrifting for winter clothes, which I'm planning to do on Wednesday.

I'm giving myself till New Years to get most of this list done. I think that it should be easy to do if I can accomplish one or two things per day. Today I'm getting laundry caught up since we weren't home all weekend and getting the bathroom cleaned. I've also been making lots of phone calls making sure everything is lined up for getting my diploma and making some appointments for after the holidays.

It feels so good to be done with school, but now I don't know what to do with myself. I really hope to get a job sooner rather than later.

Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas

2010-12-01T02:53:00.000-08:00

I've got my tree up.

My table is all decorated.

The 50 free photo cards I won from Shutterfly are going to arrive today according to the UPS tracking website. (I'm not positing a pic of them because I want them to be a surprise)

I'll probably do some baking this week and maybe start getting ideas for gifts.

The outdoor lights will most likely go up this week once Andrew figures out why the outlet doesn't work.

There is a chill in the air and I've already seen snowflakes a few times.

I adore Christmas time, I would say that and Halloween are my two favorite Holidays because they both involve fun parties and decorating. Its so fun to have my own place to decorate but sometimes I miss getting a tree with my parents and brother though its still fun with Andrew. I have some new cookie recipes I want to try this year and have a few white elephant gifts chosen from my "basement junk" for the gift exchange with Andrews family.

Are you excited for Christmas?

song of the moment

2010-11-29T14:08:00.000-08:00

I've had a little more free time than normal now that school is over (but I won't know my grades till Wednesday UGH) and I found a song I forgot about that really fits how I felt/feel about someone who in a way prevented me from finishing school when I could of. I let him become a priority in my life when school and my career should have been the number one thing on my mind.

Stupid Boy - Keith Urban

Well she was precious like a flower
She grew wild, wild but innocent
A perfect prayer in a desperate hour
She was everything beautiful and different
Stupid boy...you can't fence that in
Stupid boy...it's like holdin' back the wind

She laid her heart and soul right in your hands
And you stole her every dream and you crushed her plans
She never even knew she had a choice
And that's what happens when the only voice she hears is telling her she can't
Stupid boy
Stupid boy

So what made you think you could take a life
And just push it, push it around
I guess to build yourself up so high
You had to take her and break her down
Oh...

She laid her heart and soul right in your hands
And you stole her every dream and crushed her plans
She never even knew she had a choice
And that's what happens when the only voice she hears is telling her she can't
You stupid boy

Oh you always had to be right
And now you've lost the only thing that ever made you feel alive

She laid her heart and soul right in your hands
And you stole her every dream and crushed her plans
She never even knew she had a choice
And that's what happens when the only voice She Hears is telling her she can't
You stupid boy
Oh, I'm the same old, same old stupid boy

It took a while for her to figure out she could run but when she did she was long gone, Long gone

Oh she's gone
She's long gone
Yeah she is
Yeah, ohhh

Oh, nobody's ever gonna love me like she Loved me
And she loved me, she loved me
God please just let her know I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry baby
Yeah, im down on my knees
She's never comin' back to meeeeeee

I've obviously since moved on with my life, but this really hit me today when I heard this song on the radio today after not hearing it for years. Tears filled up my eyes and I remembered how I felt all those years ago when everything fell apart. But when I did figure out that in the long run I would be better off, I ran just as fast as I could away from it all. I doubt that he still thinks of me fondly, and I'll never know that for sure. I know that he has moved on and doesn't need/want me back in his life and that is great. I'm the happiest I've been since I was 18. There is a whole world out there waiting for me and the stupid boy is gone.

What is your song of the moment?

I'm done?!?!?

2010-11-24T01:20:00.000-08:00

I took my final at 1:30pm on Monday for my math class. I'm not really sure how I did....I know there were at least three questions I did not know how to answer. I know the whole last half of the test was easy for me because it was a section I actually understood and remembered which formulas to use. On Friday my professor told me I could fail the midterm and still get a C, which isn't ideal but it's passing and I've worked my butt off to keep a low B in the class. I've never been good at math and I wasn't going to kill my brain to get an A. I had to have a tutor and I worked day and night for that grade.

I'm not sure how to feel right now, it doesn't feel like I'm done, but I am. I'm still volunteering with the organization where I interned so that will keep me busy while I look for a job. Now I have something new to be anxious about because Andrew had promised me that once I finished school we would get engaged. I have no idea if it will happen before the end of this year or not. He wants everything to be a surprise, which coming from someone who isn't the most romantic is shocking to me. I've never wanted anything more than to be his wife and I'm praying that it happens this year or around our anniversary in February.

Today is Thanksgiving with Andrews family and then another turkey day with mine tomorrow. I'm so thankful to finally be done with school and I hope that I get a job quickly. I'm thankful for the support of my family, Andrew and his family, my friends and everyone on here who gave me such wonderful advice!!!

Thank you all and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

What's been going on 2

2010-11-19T06:41:00.000-08:00

Well, I've been absent again for a little over a week but here is what has been going on:

I take my final on Monday, I've already turned in my portfolio for my internship and its pass/fail so I'm assuming that I passed.
I've been studying day and night, re-taking tests and working on homework to bring my grade up just in case I don't do all that hot on my final. But good news, if I do great on the final he will drop my midterm which I got a C on.
My grandparents are headed back to Florida this weekend to be snowbirds again.
I'm making a turkey for the first time to take to Andrew's parents house for Thanksgiving on Wednesday then making a few pies to take to my parents for Thanksgiving on Thursday. Here's to blowing my diet.
I haven't had any time to clean, cook a really good meal, work out or do much of anything else (including reading blogs or commenting when I have time to read something).

I can't wait for all of this homework to be over with; if I ever considered going to grad school I know now its not for me or at least not right now. It will all be worth it come mid-December though when I get that diploma!

I hope everyone has a wonderful Holiday and a great weekend, just in case I don't post again for a while. I need to get my sanity back after this final!

Christmas Cards

2010-11-12T07:18:00.001-08:00

I've been obsessed with Shutterfly for the last two months. I've been using them to upload photos and print them since I have little time to run to Meijer or Target to print photos. I've also been compiling a book of all of our house projects on there and when the house is done I'll get it printed. I love all of the neat photo gifts they have and plan to take full advantage of that after I get married (ps: I'm not engaged yet but I have my whole wedding planned in my head). I've been to several weddings where they made a photo book and used it as a guest book at the church, which is a really neat idea!

I'm hoping in the next few weeks I can get a good picture of me and Andrew so that we can do a photo card this year, even include the dog maybe. Here are a few of my favorite designs. You can find other designs here

I love the ornaments on this one and I'm a big "Merry Christmas" person so that was my number one stipulation the card had to have!
I love the band of snowflakes on this one and the font on Merry Christmas. The modern look is also really nice.
This one is probably only really cute if you had a baby (which I do not), but I couldn't pass up this adorable card!

They have plenty of other gifts also for your family, including wall calendars and canvas wall art which I'm sure anyone would love. I've never had an issue with their shipping or items not arriving on time and the quality is WONDERFUL!

Bloggers get 50 free holiday cards from Shutterfly… sign up: http://bit.ly/sfly2010

These are my confessions

2010-11-11T03:57:00.000-08:00

I've always loved this Usher song and when I saw this was a writing prompt this week, I was all over it, so here you go, these are my confessions:

I'm afraid of never finding a job where I'm happy and where I'll get to use my degree.

I don't ever think I'll stop loving the guy I dated for 3 1/2 years in college even though I know it would never work out and I love Andrew.

I'm scared I'll never loose the weight I want to.

I'm also scared I'm going to have zits and breakouts for the rest of my life. I know Accutane is the only thing that will help me, but I don't want to go through that again.

I miss some of the friends I've lost in the last three years, but sometimes I wonder if they were only meant to be in my life for a brief time.

Sometimes I think I sabotaged graduating from college for myself because I was too scared of the real world.

Okay so these are some really hardcore confessions and I usually post something funny....what are your confessions?

The home stretch and a busy two weeks

2010-11-08T03:15:00.000-08:00

Starting today, I'm in the homestretch with two weeks of school left. I'm a little frustrated right now because my grade fell a little bit and I need to get it back up to a "high B" before the final. I've got a chapter test to work on this morning (everything is online except for our final and midterm) and homework from Friday that I have NO idea how to do. Looks like meeting with my tutor will get crammed into this busy week!

I've also got my internship portfolio to finish as well as a meeting for my internship, Andrew going out of town for work at the end of the week, my grandparents going away to Florida dinner this weekend and another meeting for my internship on Saturday. Add in some homework and various household things and I'm going to be pretty busy. After that, its Thanksgiving and we'll probably be working at Andrew's sisters Christmas tree farm that weekend.

This weekend was great, we didn't have any plans! I got all my Halloween stuff put away, changed out my "fall themed" glassware in my hutch and put out all my clear pretty stuff till I break out the Christmas dishes. I really was tempted to put up some Christmas decorations but I didn't. We ran some errands and checked prices on outdoor LED Christmas lights, which I wanted last year but didn't get. We decided on what to get, but I'm going to make it a surprise and post about it later! Yesterday, we did nothing and it was wonderful. We watched a few movies, had some wine and snacks and we were in bed by 9pm (thanks time change).

I'm going to go ahead and apologize now if I don't blog much, I'm going to at least try to do Writers Workshop this week!

Hair disaster

2010-11-04T01:22:00.000-07:00

I've had my fair share of hair disasters in my lifetime. I've always had this baby fine hair that doesn't want to do much and my whole life I've longed for thick hair with beautiful waves that I could grow all the way to the middle of my back. Since I couldn't think of just one hair disaster, I'm going to name my top five!

"The 9th Grade Perm" - When I started high school, I wanted a new look and for some reason I decided on a perm. A girl at the salon my mom went to needed a model for a perm, so I could get one for free. The perm didn't turn out too bad, but she didn't perm my bangs and it looked horrible. I looked like I came straight out of an 80's movie or something.
"The Mushroom Haircut" - In order to get rid of the perm, I decided to cut my hair short, which from the title, turned into the mushroom haircut. It literally looked like I had the cap of a mushroom sitting on the top of my head. It finally grew out into a cute bob, but for a while it was a hot mess!
"The Bridesmaid Up-do" - I was in my cousin's wedding when I was about 15, around the time the mushroom was starting to grow out. We went to a salon at a department store to have our hair done for the wedding. Since my hair was at an awkward length I figured the beautician would know what to do, I was WRONG! She teased my hair to the point where I looked like a 1970's or 1908's country singer. When they turned me around, I thought the bride was going to pee her pants. There are photos somewhere of this but I don't have them. I think they'll come back to haunt me some years from now.
"Red Highlights" - Along with also wanting long, thick hair I've always wanted red hair. Don't ask me why or where that came from. So one year during spring break I decided to get red highlights, a light strawberry blonde, before going on a trip to Pittsburgh with my best friend. My mom hated it, and so did the rest of my family. Thankfully it was semi-permanent hair color and it came out pretty quickly.
"Dark Brown" - When Andrew and I had our brief break up I decided it would be a good idea to change something about myself. I got my nails done, that wasn't enough. So I chopped my hair, got bangs again (what was I thinking?!?!) and dyed my hair a really, really dark brown. I think my mind was wrecked because for a while I thought it was cute, but then realized it didn't look good on me at all. Thankfully a good year and a half later, my hair is normal again.

So what's been your worst hair disaster? Write about it and link up at Mama Kat's by clicking the button below!