A Little Bit of Everything

Blues and the Wetlands

J and I had an awesome weekend. We went to the Blue Festival downtown but it wasn't what we expected. Instead of sticking around to watch a bunch of no-bra wearing old women dancing, we crossed the street to walk the levee and talk a lookie out on the boardwalk. The Mississippi was extremely high and I took some photos, but the lazy in me will post them later. :) Hey, I'm sneaking this post in between cooking for clients, exercising and cleaning, so shush.

After strolling along the boardwalk, we walked over to the Louisiana Art and Science Museum and saw Hurricane on the Bayou, a film which focuses on our rapidly disappearing wetlands and the devasation Katrina brought. I was a bit surprised at how the film affected me. You would think after seeing so much on the news and so many documentaries created after Katrina that I'd get used to seeing the destruction of New Orleans and surrounding areas. Not the case.

Passports, Check

Saturday morning we got our photos taken and sent off the necessary to obtain passports. Jason's brother is getting married on a cruise ship beginning of next year and invited family to come along on the cruise. So we decided to get that item checked off our list. Now that the cruise tickets are ordered and paid for, and the passports will be here shortly, I have less anxiety about the whole situation. There's no backing out now. I can be excited.

Baber's Homecoming

J and I have been counting down. As of today we have 3 days left before he comes home for good. I'm excited, I'm nervous, I'm anxious, I'm ready, I think I'm in the honeymoon phase again...

Mother's Day

I love to hear what everyone does for their mothers on Mother's Day. My Mom was very helpful this year and told me she wanted a handmade sunflower wreath. Sooo, artsy fartsy me went to Hobby Lobby and picked up all the necessaries and got to work. I was so excited about trying something new and immediately dived into it and now its done! I would post a photo but Mommy Dearest reads my bloggy so I can't. What are you doing for Mother's Day?

Thursday Thirteen #3 - Things my dream house must have

Before I start my TT, I have a request - I NEED WORKOUT-INSPIRING MUSIC!

Please, if any of you have a play list of songs and artists you can share with me I'd be so grateful. I'm getting a little bored with the same songs on my iPod and I need something to boost my energy on my long walks. I love alternative rock, Breaking Benjamin, Chevelle, 12Stones, etc. but I really adore all music, so send me some ideas of what really gets you in the mood! And if you don't work out but just have some favorites to share, let me know what those favorites are too. Thanks so much!! Feel free to email me. :)













Things My Dream House Must Have



1. Covered porch/patio - Both J and I love being outdoors. We can't wait to have a house with a covered patio to have get-togethers or to just have a space to be outdoors.

2. Glider swing - swinging with an iced tea in one hand and a good book in the other...


3. Wood floors in main living area - I like the sound of bare feet on wood floors. And they really add character to a home.


4. Garden - Out of cilantro? No need to put the lipstick on for the store - just walk out the back door to pick a fresh sprig.

5. Land - So its not part of the actual house, but I want land for me and my family to grow on. To ride 4-wheelers on and take walks on. To build on and just enjoy the beauty of.


6. Satsuma tree - This is kind of for Babers cuz he loves them so much. And they're pretty and stuff.


7. Fig tree - I love figs but not as much as my mom does. In a way, I want to own a fig tree some day so that she can have an everlasting supply of them when she wants.


8. His & her sinks in the master bath - He wants this. I want this. We will have this.

9. Hammock - This is sort of a thing between me and Babers. We would love nothing more than to take naps in the hammock outdoors on Sundays. Every Sunday.

10. Window above my kitchen sink- Preferably over looking my backyard. Hey, the dishes ain't gonna wash themselves. You know how its so much easier to do your cardio in front of the tv? Same thing for me with the dishes.


11. Kitchen must have tons of counter space! I want to have the house everyone comes to on holidays. I'll need enough space for a turkey, a ham, side dishes and at least 5 desserts. :)


12. Arts & crafts room - *squeal* I'm scared to talk about it because I'll end up with a novel here. I'll keep it brief: altered art, photography, jewelry making, painting, scrapbooking, AHHHH!!!!!


13. Fire place - Chop the wood honey, my toes are getting cold! Hot chocolate and snuggles and blankets and warm toes. And snuggles. Did I mention snuggles?

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others' comments. It’s easy, and fun! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Food for Thought

Bananas Foster French Toast anyone?

I saw Paula Dean do a really fattening version of this on tv and whipped up my own light recipe, using hers as inspiration. I traded her Karo syrup, pure maple syrup and heavy whipping cream for skim milk and regular light pancake syrup instead.

You will need (for one serving):

1/2 medium banana
handful chopped walnuts (I used almonds but that's just what I had on hand. I believe walnuts would be much better.)
light pancake syrup
one piece bread (I used light brown bread)
vanilla
1 egg
1 splash milk

Mix one egg, a splash of milk and a splash of vanilla in a bowl. Place bread in the mixture and let it soak up the goodness. Place bread in a non-stick skillet on medium heat with a little butter. Check underneath the bread and flip when it becomes a light brown color. Once french toast is cooked, take off heat and plate.

In same skillet, add about 1/2 cup of syrup, just depending on how much syrup you like. Then add walnuts and bananas and stir around to coat the nuts and bananas. It only needs about a minute in the skillet to heat through. Pour the syrup mixture on top of the french toast. Ta da! A fancy breakfast in less than 15 minutes.

P.S. - No making fun of my expensive china.

__________________________________________________________________

Change of the Season

Oh I just love this time of year! The flowers blooming everywhere, the sun warming everything, my allergies... No really, I do love the change of each season. In fact, to celebrate, I went to the nearest nursery and picked up some seeds and potted myself some green onions when I got home. I will put green onions in practically everything and plan to do just so when these puppies start growing in. Sounds like a crawfish fettucini is in the near future. Thankfully, Babers like green onions okay. I'm going back this week when the nursery restocks to get some hot banana peppers specifically for him. And some rosemary, cilantro and parsley. :)

I also got the movie Atonement on the way home. I adore movies made during that time period and I fell in love with Kera Knightley in Pride and Prejudice, so I have high hopes for this movie. And let's face it, I had to hurry and sneak in some girlie movies I've been wanting to see - ten more days and J will be home trying to make me watch scary, boy movies again. *sigh*

How was your weekend?

Jellybeans and Lollipops

A meme from Mom's place. Feeling a bit out of clever.

You're feeling: Lazy and a bit worn out.

To your left: my cute little bistro table

On your mind: Is 9:00pm too early for bed?

Last meal included: I just made a pot of spaghetti and meatballs and had a bowl, mmm.

You sometimes find it hard to: please everyone all the time

The weather: dreary and gray

Something you have a collection of: cookbooks and chic lit books

A smell that cheers you up: Baber's boy smell

A smell that can ruin your mood: cigarette smoke, public restrooms

How long since you last shaved: eh, Wednesday?

The current state of your hair: serious bed head people

The largest item on your desk/workspace (not computer): my workspace is my bistro table and I just peeked over at it - the biggest is my cupcake container, which has been sitting there SINCE EASTER. *sigh*

Your skill with chopsticks: EXPERT! Used to be a sushi eater. Not so much anymore. That's another post.

Which section to head for first in a bookstore: pyschology or chic lit (I know, weird combo)

Something you're craving: something salty, as usual

Your general thoughts on the presidential race: blah, blah blah blah (I don't speak political, sorry guys)

How many times have you been hospitalized this year: not once! I'm not even sure I've ever been hospitalized before

Favorite place to go for a quiet moment: well, since I live by my lonesome, I can have a quiet moment pretty much anywhere, anytime, any day in my apartment

You've always secretly thought you'd be a good: domestic goddess!

Something that freaks you out a little: someone breaking in. I think about it more than any sane person should.

Something you've eaten too much of lately: Well, I've had three shrimp salads this week and a chicken salad from Izzo's today for lunch, so I'd had to say salad.

You have never: pregnant, homeless, sky diving, on a cruise, to Alaska, painted my toe nails black, seen the Pope - I can go on for hours. Email me if you want more. *snort*

You never want to: be divorced, be trapped, be unhealthy, grow into a selfish person.


Take the meme if you want it! Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Thursday Thirteen - Foods I Could Live Off Of

Since recently picking up a new gig as a personal chef part time, I think it only appropriate that I post about food. Yes? You no like, you kiss it.


1. Blueberries. I can't get enough of these. Both sweet and tart and the only food in the world of that color, blueberries are packed with antioxidants and have lots of other terrific qualities that nourish our bodies. My favorite uses for them are in blueberry pancakes and blueberry muffins.
















2. Cheese. I've never met a cheese I didn't like. Well, except for the really stinky kind. My favorites (so far) are baby smoked gouda, pepper jack and sharp cheddar. I also really love feta in a greek salad and well, who doesn't love the stringy mozzarella that tops pizza?

3. Salad dressings. Particularly my Dad's homemade italian dressing. SECRET recipe people. There's just something about this dressing that makes you go back for seconds and thirds. And my mom makes a delicious thousand island style dressing that is so good I can't even keep it in my fridge for fear I'll dip anything I come across into it. I could gain 5 lbs a week on that stuff alone.

4. Frozen yogurt. If you're a long time reader, you've heard me go on and on about frozen yogurt like it's gold. And to me, it is. Low in calories and fat free with endless possibilities in flavor, you just can't go wrong with this stuff. I've actually had it for dinner on occasion.


5. Olives. Mmm. What can I say about these pretty little things just bursting with flavor? I prefer green olives to black olives, but both are great in each their own ways. I have a jar in my fridge now that I pick a few out of every evening after dinner.




















6. Salami. Okay. I never eat this stuff because its crazy fattening, but I feel like I have this love affair with salami. I would marry Genoa salami if it was legal. My Paw Paw brings a huge roll of it to my parents when he visits and sometimes my Dad will offer to cut a chunk of it off for me. But like I said, I gain a pound just looking at it so I rarely take him up on the offer. But oh, how I love it.

7. Onions. Not by themselves!! I cook almost everything with onions and without them, I believe most of the recipes I love would be dull. Red, yellow, white, even green - I like them all the same.

8. Eggs. They are used in such a wide variety of ways and are really a great tool for casseroles and baking. My favorite would have to be over easy though, with a runny yolk. Mmm.

9. Mayonnaise. Ugh. You all think I'm so country now, don't you? ADMIT IT. *snort* I'm sorry but I can't have a sandwich without it and its really great for my newest hobby - creating salad dressings! I'll share my Green Goddess dressing soon. :)


10. Fajitas. I don't know why I even open a menu in a Mexican restaurant. I always end up ordering fajitas. Just something about grilled meat and not having to grill it yourself. *sigh*

11. Tea. That counts as food, right? I've been drinking the decaf kind as of late so as not to cancel the good effects tea has on your body by nixing the caffeine. I drink it in the morning for breakfast and continue until I hit the bed at night.

12. Black beans. I'm a mexican whore - not, I'm a whore from Mexico, but, I love mexican food so much that, oh nevermind - and black beans are great in any mexican dish. Salads, soups, I love them.


13. Pineapple. I really enjoy a piece of fresh pineapple but its so darn expensive done up for you and I sure ain't chopping and peeling a pineapple, or whatever you do to those things. Still, I love pineapple and pineapple sherbert and pinepple flavored drinks...


Hungry now? Come on over, I fix ya something right up. ;)

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others' comments. It’s easy, and fun! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Cloud 9

It's 7:45pm. I've got my jammie pants on and my feet propped up while laying on my couch. I'm thinking about a glass of wine but just not sure I feel like getting up just yet. Why? 'Cause I've had a full day.

I've struggled the last few years with accepting that I'll just be working as an administrative assistant or something of the like for the rest of my life. After 10+ years of hand crafting jewelry, I finally put my Jillry business together. Its doing great, but let's face it - I'm a one man band, not a factory. Unless I hire Gwen Stefani's hiroshuku (msp?) girls to help string my designs for maybe a waiter's hourly wage, I won't be able to make a living off my jewelry. Not yet anyway. :)

So, the business venture I spoke briefly of in a previous post has finally come together. You are now reading the blog of a Personal Chef. Yes, I'm serious. *squeal*

Tonight I had my first clients, which just so happen to be my boss and his wife. After my regular work day I stopped by Whole Foods - screeeech!!! I just have to say here how much I adore this store and wish I could shop there every day. *sigh* THEY have ARUGULA, DAMN IT!! - okay, sorry. As I was saying, I picked up the necessary groceries this evening and let myself into my clients house.

The wife would be arriving an hour later, so I had the house to myself. They live in the freaking Country Club of Louisiana, so I expected a nice house but geez, it was really fun cooking in that bad ass kitchen. I was in absolute heaven. By the time she walked in the house smelled of fresh steamed green beans and tilapia mixed with the aroma of a casserole I had baking in the oven for dinner another night.

Doing something I love and getting paid for it... I never thought I would be that lucky. But tonight, cooking in that beautiful kitchen while my client leaned over the bar picking green beans out the pot while ooing and ahhing - priceless.

As I walked out the door this evening, my client booked me for the next week. I walked out smiling, realizing that this could really be something. Her neighbor is interested in my services as well, as is my doctor. I would love to be able to do just this some day and I'm going to work my tush off to make sure it happens.

And to top it all off, my sweet, always supportive boyfriend had nothing but encouraging words to say as we talked while on my way home. For a second I think I may have heard a little pride in his voice too. :)

That's all I've got for now. I'm relishing in the after glow right now and that glass of wine is starting to sound really good...

Thursday Thirteen - Every Day Kindness

I joined Every Day Kindness last year to take part in small acts of kindness that could collectively add up to a big ol' world of kindness, one act at a time. When Claudia first created the Every Day Kindess site and invited bloggers to join in, I hesitated. How could my little acts of kindness make a difference? And besides, what if I couldn't commit to an act every day?

I didn't realize how easy it is to do simple things to help others out, make a person smile, give another person a break. Once I joined I started thinking about it more often. Every new situation I found myself in triggered the thought "What can I do?" I'm getting better at spontaneous acts now, but in the beginning it was tough to think of ways to be kind to others, whether they were people I knew or strangers. I hope this Thursday Thirteen will help others who are participating in Every Day Kindness.

13 Every Day Kindess Acts - Thursday Thirteen

1. Bring lunch to a co-worker. Ever notice the co-worker who always runs out to buy lunch or often dines from the vending machine? Dish an extra container of that spaghetti you made last night or take 5 minutes to whip up another sandwich. This is a simple way of taking care of another.

2. Slip an anoynomous card. Make a handmade card or spring for one at the nearest Hallmark. A note to a friend that says "Thanks for being there" or a "Thinking of You" card sent to your grandparents would really make their day.

3. Do a chore your husband or wife normally does and do it without broadcasting it. Step into the kitchen to wash the dishes before the other does. Take a few minutes and a little exercise to scrub the tub or run the trash out before they get to it. An unexpected helping hand is a beautiful thing.

4. Let a fellow driver out in traffic. I do this one often. In congested cities (like mine) it could take five to ten minutes just to get into the flow of traffic. Flash your lights, wave, and let someone in front of you. Think of all the times you were running late and swore at every person who didn't let you in line. Now help prevent someone else from having that kind of morning.

5. Smile and smile like crazy. I've gotten into the habit of smiling at random people in random places. My favorite place to do this is the grocery store, and in particular, at elderly people. They're less likely to think you're crazy or want something. Just a quick flash of your pearly whites can be addictive. Just do it. See if you can make someone else mirror your smile. It can brighten another's mood and yours as well.

6. Five minutes of silence. This is something I also practice on occassion, especially when I'm stressed out. Instead of spouting off the first thing that comes to your mind in a stressful situation or heated moment, step away. Allow yourself five minutes to calm down and decide if the situation is worth getting your blood pressure up over. It can also prevent you from hurting someone's feelings. Think about it and come back to the situation with a calmer, clearer perspective.

7. Baked goods! Who doesn't love sweets? While you're picking up the cinnamon rolls for breakfast at your local grocery, reach over and grab a roll of cookie dough while you're at it. Bring cookies to initiate a probably well-needed group break at work or to your neighbor or parents just because. Sweets can brighten even the grumpiest faces.

8. Answer the call. Sure, you may not feel like talking to your always-depressed friend or your grandpa about his fishing trip, but they called you for a reason. Take ten minutes out of your busy day to plop on your couch and lend a ear. Too antsy or not enough time? Tell the person kindly that you only have a few minutes to talk but are glad they called. People just need to be heard. Hopefully the next time you need an ear one will be there for you too.

9. Tell your loved one its "their day". Lend yourself fully to them for the day and be their partner-in-crime on whatever their heart's desire. Go to the ball game even though you aren't a sports fan, take her to the boutique she's been wanting to visit, go see that action film he's been talking about, or help her make lunch for a picnic. In this busy day and age, its not often we get a day to ourselves. Having someone else say "Hey, its okay. Let's do this together," releases a bit of the guilt that may creep up knowing the to-do list we have waiting at home.

10. Say thank you. Seems simple, right? How many times have you gone through the post office or grocery store where the clerk doesn't thank you? Kind of bums you out doesn't it? Makes you snarl a little, huh? Say thank you. On the phone when a receptionist takes your message or to your bank teller. To your spouse when he or she cooks dinner or picks up the dry cleaning. Its polite and it will make someone feel appreciated.

11. Hold the door. For anyone and everyone, male, female, young, old - its just a kind thing to do. While your at it, throw in a smile. Hey, two acts in one. You're a pro now. :)


12. Help the elderly. This is such a simple act that not only will brighten their day, but it will reflect on your mood because you're doing something kind and/or helpful for someone who may not have a support group or family nearby. Examples? Pull the empty garbage cans in for Mrs. Smith two houses over or bring the paper to her door when you can. Take over a home cooked meal. Just stop by once a week to say hi or give them a call to see if they need anything. You could save them a trip to the grocery for two measly items when you're going there anyway. Knowing they have a friendly, helpful neighbor can be comforting.

13. Be kind to yourself. This I cannot stress enough. Since I've joined Every Day Kindness, I notice that I'm taking better care of myself. I exercise but in a more pleasurable way like nice long walks in the evenings. When my to-do list becomes too full, I scratch the not so important items off and sit down on my couch with a good book and a glass of wine. I focus on nutrition so that my body will be nutured and work the way I need it to. I make sure I get 8 hours of sleep a night and have learned to say no to people. Being kind to yourself will make you a better friend, daughter, husband, mother, lover and make it easier to be kind to others.

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others' comments. It’s easy, and fun! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Baby Love

I took these when I first got my new camera and have been meaning to share.













This is K's "sweet eyes". When I take my camera out she immediately starts to smile and give me sweet eyes. She even has a few poses like below.














And now, time for RANDOM ASS SISTER PHOTO OF THE DAY!! (I do have enough to do this daily, but I'll spare you guys.)

I Embarrass Myself

This evening I took a trip to the grocery store to look for a specific brand of wine that I enjoyed at my all time fav Greek and Lebanese joint. So I'm walking down the wine aisle squinting at the labels cause I've recently gone blind and I hear a voice address me.

"Ma'am, can I help you with something?" One of the guys stocking wine walks up to me and smiles. And as I'm telling him what brand I'm looking for, he smiles some more. Usually I would have been all weirded out and self conscious, but I had on a new top and was feeling quite confident thankyouverymuch. He jots my number down and tells me he'll order some and will call me when it comes in. And smiles.

I finish up my shopping and walk to my car thinking, aw, maybe he has a crush on me! That's why he was smiling at me so much. *snort* Then I get into my car and catch a glimpse of myself in the rearview mirror. Oh shite! Somehow while browsing the produce section for arugula (which by the way NO ONE IN MY CITY APPARENTLY CARRIES), a tiny piece of dark green leafy something or other found its way to my face and planted itself in my lipgloss. Oy! (<--- I'm English now, didn't you know?) So much for confidence. And now for some delightfully silly quizzes I urge you to partake in. My very mature boyfriend sent them to me at work today to fill my spare time. Pfft. Me? Spare time? I am much too important a person to need quizzes to fill my time! (Shuttap, I'm trying to get my self confidence back.)


What are your chances of surviving a Zombie Apocalypse? 37% chance of survival for me


How many five year olds could you take in a fight? I could take 15. (Jason's was 28!)


I wanna hear the results people!

I've been a busy girl

I know I'm slacking on the blogging but I swear I have 3 posts waiting to be proofed and finished. My Jillry is a bigger hit than I thought it would be, on both my site and locally, so I'm wishing there were far more hours in the day than there are now. I've had two customers seek me out for parties which I will hopefully be able to clear the schedule for to book before summer's heat hits. And then there's my second business that I'm woring on. No, I can't tell just yet. I feel I'll jinx it. I spilled to one of my favorite blogger friends (you know who you are) but I'd love to wait until its a definite to share with everyone. Let's just say I've got two consultations with future clients this Monday!! I know, I'm a tease.


So here's what I've been busy doing. Btw, I have hypoallergenic, nickel free posts now thanks to Kelly's request! A few pieces from my spring collection:

Whew, I'm tired. I need a strawberry margarita. ;) Miss you guys.

Randomness!

randomness...feed your mind and your blog
Week of March 30: Finish the Sentence

Fill in the blanks for this weeks meme....
1. I always wanted to ___________________.
2. I really hate it when___________________.
3. My best friend is______________________.
4. In high school I was _____________________.
5. My greatest fear is _____________________.
6. My dream job is _______________________.
7. Some people really should _________________.
8. My favorite author is ________________.

My answers:

1. I always wanted to be naturally thin.

2. I really hate it when people aren't self aware.

3. My best friend is also my boyfriend.

4. In high school I was the silly comedian cheerleader who preferred being friends with the loners and a few rebels as opposed to the snotty, evil popular kids.

5. My greatest fear is losing a loved one and/or being attacked.

6. My dream job is owning a sweet little boutique filled with my Jillry, one of a kind clothing and other accessories.

7. Some people really should think about what they are going to say BEFORE they say it.

8. My favorite author is no one in particular. I have so many favorites and therefore can't pick just one!

Since this is a meme from a site I frequent and not something I've been tagged with, I'll give you peeps a break and not tag. BUT feel free to steal and check out the site - they have great memes!

Good Night Mom and Dad

Little bodies tucked in bed. Little brother in one room, closest to the den where his mother and father sit watching tv. Two older sisters lay across from each other in another room further down the hall in matching twin beds.

Three bugs all snug in a rug.

"COME KISS US MOM AND DAD!!!" We shout down the hall from our beds in unison, giggling at the echo in our room. Our nightly ritual.

"YEAH, COME KISS USSSS!!" Mimics little brother in his sweet little voice.

We hear the familiar creak and click of our father's recliner as he puts it into sitting position and rises out of it. Then the shuffling of our parents coming down the hall to kiss little brother first, then us. As they get closer we stifle our squeals with covers pulled up to our noses, peering out at them.

"Good night Mom and Dad." Kisses, hugs and tucks, kisses, hugs and tucks.

I haven't thought of that in a long while. I wish I could keep all my favorite memories in a box to visit as often as I wish instead of relying on random things to trigger certain ones.

I miss those days.

Creative Mommies

Look at what my sweet Mama made for me today. Isn't it the prettiest? She runs a PSP club where members make each other tags and connect with each other creatively. So, she's always making these extravagant, gorgeous tags for everyone. And now... its MY TURN. Jealous? You should be. ;)

Tookie is somewhat new to the blog world and you may remember her introduction on my blog a few months ago. Go pay my Mama a visit. Really, I insist. (Or I'll get Guido after ya.)

These Dreams, Not So Sweet

You've probably read about my dreams before on here and know I tend to be haunted by not-so-nice dreams pretty regularly. Some could be considered nightmares, but most just leave me with a chest full of anxiety. Dreams of my parents getting hurt or lost, my boyfriend betraying me in the worst possible way. My sweet J even got me a dreams interpretation book it had become such a frequent thing.

The Baber betrayal dreams have stopped, but now a new one takes it place.

A couple of months ago my sister ran into an ex boyfriend of mine. From what I was told, they had about a minute of small talk before he turned the subject on me. How was I doing? Was I still living at the apartment? Was I still single? Happy?

This ex was a hard one to get out of my life. I'm not even sure if I could technically call him a ex, we were so on and off. He was a mysterious one and struggled with family issues that kept him away and in termoil for days at a time. We had common interests and shared a passion for music. But, he could bring me down in an instant with his disappearing ways. I remember when Miranda Lambert's song came out Bring Me Down, I felt she sang it just for me.

One day I had enough of his disappearing acts and said good bye. He had escorted me to a company Christmas party and as he went to step into my apartment at the end of the evening, I thanked him for a good time and told him I wouldn't be seeing him again. I think the look of defeat on his face haunted me for months.

I hadn't thought of him in ages. When my sister told me she ran into him, I had to think hard to remember his last name or even his face. Still, I have these dreams and they are driving me CRAZY. I feel nothing for what once was so why am I having these awful dreams?

In these dreams, I am trying to walk beside J and my ex walks up and takes my arm to guide me away. J's stride continues but at a faster pace, as if he's walking away from me. He looks back at me with a blank expression while my ex latches onto me and pulls me in his direction. I had another one where I was walking in this huge house from room to room to room calling J's name. I'd open a door and the ex would be in the room. And in the next, and in the next. He turned up a radio so that J couldn't hear me calling his name.

I feel such anxiety when I wake from these dreams.

I am in a beautiful, loving relationship with the man of my dreams and yet I am having dreams about this other man? Its disturbing to say the least.

I haven't told J yet, though he'll know soon enough when he reads this. *sigh* (Sorry babe.) I almost didn't write about this but I thought "What can I write about anymore?" This blog has always been a journal for me and upon inviting my loved ones to read, I've been more... shielded? Is that the right word? They shouldn't take that statement the wrong way, I want them to read. But, I also want to write about what's bothering me and right now, THIS is what's bothering me.

So there.

Hopefully J won't beat me tonight for writing about it. Just kidding. He's not even in town tonight. *snort*

So my question is, WHY? Most likely it was just because my sister ran into him. My dream book conveniently doesn't speak about exes so I'm going to need your psychoanalysis. I know I can count on one person for sure to give me one. *cough* Papa *cough*

I await your explanations. Thanks in advance. ;)

@*%$#!!!!

I'm trying to be nice. Really, I am.

Sometimes I just want to look at people and ask them what planet they were born on.

First, our office's CPA. She's a CPA, so she should be bright, yes? This morning's conversation:

*as she walks in the door*
Me: Hey.
Her: *stops abruptly* What?
Me: *stares at her* What do you mean What? I said Hey.
Her: Oh. *laugh* Why were you smiling?

I mean really. I smile ALL THE TIME. Do I need a reason to throw a smile in with my greeting to you? "I was smiling because just before you came in a read a really funny joke and it made me laugh." ??? I WAS JUST BEING NICE.

And then she comes into my office and just sits there. Just sits and watches me print out emails and respond to a few. Watches me write a personal email and answer the phone. My skin crawls. Decides she wants to hold a conversation after I've just dialed someone's number and the line is ringing. I go to the restroom thinking she'll be gone when I get out, but no such luck. I know she has stuff to do, why must she just sit there and watch me? Its AWKWARD.

Anyways, this may sound picky but it happens all the time. It gets old.

Another one of my favorites: My other co-worker, who is sort of second-in-line from my boss has just been sent an application to be on my Sh*t List. Recently she's begun to sneak up behind me in the front office while I'm typing up an email and will hover behind me, peeking at my screen. I don't know if she's trying to be nosey or see if I'm maybe typing up a personal email, but I can always hear her. I don't know who she's kidding. I like to wait until she's right up behind me and swing around real fast. "You need something?" I'll say. I can see her twitch a little and look down from the screen to whatever is in her hand and say "Oh, no. Let me give you this."

*growl* What is she trying to catch me doing, I wonder?

OR - this is a good one - if co-worker above has to catch the line while the boss is out of the office and I'm on another line, she'll write the message down, hang up, and walk down the hall PAST MY BOSS'S OFFICE to hand the note to me, so I can then get up, WALK BACK DOWN THE HALL to place the message on my boss's desk. His office is between ours, yet she has to put the message in mine. Obviously, this is another issue of control and power. "Here Ms. Office Manager/Assistant/Receptionist/Jack of All Trades, YOU are below me and therefore have to deliver all communications to the boss yourself."

Ugh. I'm sorry my sweet readers but this will not be the last time I rant about this. I give myself a pep talk every morning before work. "Its just a job! You can do it! Don't quit yet. Wait until you move into Central with J." Its getting hard though. I really want to just do my job without all the mind games.

Is that too much to ask??

Wednesday Mind Hump

Today is Act Happy Day. Name some things that make you happy . . .

A song: Keep On Loving You by REO Speedwagon - I like to sing this song to J in a ridiculously annoying baby voice. East to West by Casting Crowns. Its a very hopeful, uplifting song.

A book: The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger - based on an aspiring writer trying to get her break by working for the Devil herself at a well-known fashion magazine. This girl is drug through the dirt just trying to make a year for a referral from this highly respected woman.

This book is a reminder of a path I chose. I used to dream of making it big in New York city as a graphic designer once I graduated from LSU. I graduated and stayed here and I wouldn't have it any other way. I sometimes wonder if Someone was looking out for me and believe where I am has a lot to do with who I've become and knowing THAT makes me HAPPY.

A memory: So many to choose from. The chart topper would be the night I saw J out, the night that started our fate as a couple. Seeing him see me through the window of that bar that neither of us really wanted to go to, my heart skipping a beat when I saw that big familiar smile I'd always known. Both of us trying to act cool by not running up to each other right away once I'd gotten into the bar. The easy flow of our conversation, the giddy feeling in my tummy I got while looking at someone I had known for so long and yet knowing this meeting was different.

A food: Frozen yogurt. Sure, I love my mexican food but it sometimes comes with a hangover or guilt trip. I seriously get excited when I'm in the area of my favorite frozen yogurt place, Counter Culture. My favorite is the cheesecake flavor. The server hands you a little nutrition card with a bunch of zeros on it and damn it if that feels good and makes me hum a little while eating it!!

A person: Babers makes me happy. His best quality is his awesome sense of humor and apparently making me laugh is his main goal in life. :) My nephew and niece are the ever constant source of my ear to ear smiles and giggle fests. They are adorable. Toot is very bright and I just can't wait to hear what will come out of his mouth next. Kay Kay is growing into her bitty personality each day and makes me fill up so much inside it comes shooting out my eyes sometimes. My family makes me happy. We all get along well and love each other so much and for the most part accept each other for who we are.

A place: My bedroom on Sunday mornings. Orange Beach, AL on vacation with J, zombie-fied in front of the waves.

Thanks for humping! I hope I've made you happy today.

Wanna play? Click here for Blogdrive Insanity

I Can't Believe It

Are you tired of hearing me whine about J being away during the week? Tired of me being depressed because life just isn't complete when you have to love long distance?

Well people, I'll have to find something new to aggravate you about. Babers is coming home!!!

J got an official offer from the company he works for now for a position here in his home town with a promotion! I am so proud of him and so freaking excited for ME at the same time! Hehehe. J heard word of this move and told me about it, but even in my excitement I was hesitant. I didn't want to get my hopes up and be so let down when it didn't happen. And then he got the official offer. Though we aren't for sure, he could be home as early as the end of April.

A few things I'll miss:

Road trips to see him. I've only been to his current place of residence a handful of times but I really enjoy the drive there. Listening to my music with the windows down and sunroof back. The anticipation of seeing him. No city lights, just amazing black night sky with stars as far as you can see. Animals everywhere, climbing all over you. Fires shared between just the two of us.

Scrreeeccch. Babe? Can we do smores in the fireplace? Hmm...

Morning text messages. He wakes me up every morning with his sweetness. Yes, the man is even perfect in text messaging. Its ridiculous people. I'll miss the "Good morning beautiful" and the "Dream about me?" He's probably blushing right now.

Friday night hugs. Fresh in the apartment from his road trip, we become leeches. Latched to each other, kissie face and all that nonsense.

What I'm really looking forward to:

Not having to cram laundry, errands and plans with friends and family together with our quality time. Now we'll have more time for our quality time. *sigh* Movie nights during the week. Watching the Office beside him instead of miles away. YES! Cuddles on the couch. Evening walks with the Mini Monster. Cooking normal dinners for two instead of bachelorette style cuisine. Just being able to see him every day. Daily kisses.

Are you sick of hearing about it? Told you I would find something new to aggravate you about. ;)

Just had to share my excitement. On another topic, I've been a busy bee with my jewelry sales and creating so blogging has unfortunately taken the back burner. I peeked for a second at my bloglines today to see the posts I've missed and I hurried up and X'd it out. There are so many to catch up! You guys are maniacs!!

Hope everyone is having a good week. I'll be around this evening to visit. I've missed you!!

I'm a Cool Cat!

Sweet Kitty gave me this precious award:












She gave me this award stating: I'm going to pass it [this award] on to some bloggers who are obviously very fond of animals since they have blogged beautifully (sometimes very movingly, and often hilariously) about their animals.

Aww! I, in turn, want to pass this award on to other animal lover bloggers. RoxRocks, Christie, Ari, Stacie, Kelly and Hammer.

I'm not sure who else has much adored pets, but if you do let me know in the comments section (a sort of pet introduction) and take that award and plop it on your sidebar!!

And since it just fits, I leave you with some Mini trivia & photos. If you can answer at least two of the trivia, I'll make a tag for you! (Disclaimer: tag will not be of professional quality, but will be made with as much creativity as I can muster and lots of wuv!)
















How did Mini come about in our life? (Babers & my life, not yours silly goose.)















Can you name two of Mini's nicknames?
















Where does Mini currently sleep on the weekends?















What kind of candy did Mini once steal in the middle of the night?

I leave obnoxious comments

I'm sorry, really I am. Some days I am just so out of things to say and then BAM - you catch me on a good day and I'm rambling all over your comment box. I just did this to a few people and wonder: Do you find this obnoxious? Should I be embarrassed? When people do that to mine, I LOVE it, but I'm weird. Just curious.

And how do you feel about comment moderation? I have been getting these massive novels about politics or religion from crazy doofs and it takes up 17 pages (kinda like my comments) worth of space in my comment box. I'm over it. I already have the word verification, but obviously that ain't keeping the crazies out.

What do you think?

If you missed it, go look at my cute puppy on the post below.

Adorable Pups and Boy Smell

I got home from working out tonight and took a look at my blog. What a lousy post. My moods are so up and down, come in and leave with such quick, full force that one day I'm restless and unmotivated, and the next I'm casting molds of the sculpture David.

*crickets*

I dunno, it just sounded good. Anyway, I don't much like hearing myself whine and wallow in my dips, but it seems once I get it out of my mouth I'm okay again. So, thanks for reading.

Went to see the Babers this weekend and had a good time as usual. We did a little exploring of the land on the 4 wheeler with Mini in tow. Friday J surprised me with a little goodie bag: SF Berry Lifesavers, Into the Wild DVD and some boy soap. So we watched my new movie Friday night after a failed attempt at a fire in the freezing ass cold. A word to the wise peeps: make your fire before it gets cold.

The movie was long but I really enjoyed it. This movie didn't come out in the theaters where I live so I've been waiting for it to come out on DVD. I was so excited when J surprised me with it. If you don't like longish movies with light dialog, don't rent it. If you like beautiful imagery and story lines that tug at your heart and press you to the verge of tears, do.

You wanna know about the boy soap, huh? J lives in a camper trailer during the week for his job, so on Friday nights he goes straight to the back for a shower with more water pressure. When he gets out he smells so freaking good I wanna just shove my face in his armpit. His soap is d i v i n e. Anyway, my family always used Lever soap, so I did too. But this soap... it makes me want to cheat on my usual soap. So, being the good person he is, he sent me home with some so I can smell like him too. :)

Saturday night after some delicious red fish by Chef Babers, vino and way too many smores, I stole away from our company with Mini into the camper. I just wanted to lay my fat head down for just a second. Just... one... second. *snore* My eyes pop open when J walks in the trailer and suddenly I feel this heavy weight on my head. Can it be a hangover that quick? No, I only had a couple glasses. I realize then that the Mini Monster has taken residence upon my head for a little snooze. There is space on the couch, floor, recliner and her puppy bed, but she decides she wants to sleep on Mama's head. So we just had to capture the moment. (My new camera battery died upon my arrival this weekend, so this photo is kinda grainy because it was shot with my phone.)

What kind of crazy thing does your pet do that you just adore?

Case of the Mondays

I'm going through one of my things right now. I call them "things" because I don't know how else to tag them. I'm on the dip of the rollercoaster. Not inspired to do anything creative, to write or make jewelry or even empty my dishwasher. I wish I knew how to get out of this or how to stop it before it happens.

I'm only writing because I know how the bloggy world is - you get sick or slack off and everyone goes away. But I feel its like friendships, something you have to nuture. And right now I'm in a pooper of a mood so I'll be lurking around visiting everyone's new posts but will most likely not feel clever enough for a comment. *sorries*

Hope not everyone is having a case of the Mondays. ;p

Slacker back on track?

Probably not for long.

First I have to show off my lovely friendship award, presented to me by dear Claudia.














Claudia was already given this award, but if I had received it first, I would definitely pass it on to her. She always has a positive uplifting word to say and I always look forward to her next post, comment or email. Thank you C! This may be my most precious award yet.

My turn! I must pass these on to those bloggers I just click with, even though we've never met. If we lived in the same town, I know we'd be the best of friends:

Stacie
Kelly



Yes, just two for now. I adore all of my billions of readers (ha ha) but I'm being sentimental and girlie at the moment.



And now for a neat meme-type thing that Claudia tagged me with. She's just full of goodies isn't she?



You are about to send a virtual Message In a Bottle across the Blog Ocean. Leave a message in the sand or on the bottle. Write anything you wish. Be a pirate or a poet. Serious or silly. Anonymous or not.


What message would you like to send out to the universe?


Message In A Bottle Meme:

1. Compose a message to place in your virtual bottle

2. Right click and Save the graphic above

3. Use a graphics program of your choice to place the message on the picture

4. Post the meme and these rules on your blog

5. Tag a minimum of five people - or your entire blogroll - to do the same. Notify them of the tag.

I am tagging anyone who would like to partake in this!

Mac & Cheese?

Hi everyone! I've been a little swamped lately and haven't had time for a real posting, but wanted to share this recipe. Good Morning America had a Mac & Cheese contest last week which you may have seen. They went through thousands of mac & cheese recipes to find the best one and I've posted their choice below.

I've left the recipe on my desktop so that as soon as I'm done with WW I can make this! Yummers!!! Enjoy!

Best Mac 'n' Cheese Ever from Laura Macek Ingredients:

1 head of garlic, roasted
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 pound Cavatappi pasta
½ pound sliced Applewood smoked bacon
1 ½ cups fresh white bread crumbs (5 slices, crusts removed)
½ cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
8 tablespoons butter
¼ cup minced shallots
½ cup flour
1 quart whole milk
6 ounces Gruyere cheese, grated
8 ounces extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, grated
½ teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg


Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°.

To roast garlic: Slice ½ inch off the top of the entire head of garlic. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Wrap garlic head tightly in a square of heavy foil and roast until tender — about 45 minutes. Remove garlic pulp by squeezing garlic head. Smash cloves with a fork to form a paste.

Cook pasta according to package directions.

Cook bacon completely. Drain on paper towels. Reserve 1 tablespoon of bacon fat. Crumble bacon when cool.

Content
Sign Up for the GMA Recipe Recap E-Mail! To make topping: Combine breadcrumbs, crumbled bacon, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, and 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Set aside.

Preheat oven to 375°.

Sauté shallots over low heat in reserved bacon fat for one minute. Add remaining 6 tablespoons of butter and continue to sauté shallots in butter and bacon fat until translucent.

Add flour and continue to cook for 1-2 minutes. Increase heat to medium. Stirring constantly with a whisk, add milk and roasted garlic paste.

Cook until sauce is thickened (coats the back of a spoon). Remove sauce from heat then add salt, pepper, nutmeg, Gruyere and Cheddar cheeses. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if necessary.

Stir in cooked pasta. Pour into baking dish. Sprinkle topping to cover entire top. Cover with foil and bake 15 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking until sauce is bubbly and topping is browned. Enjoy!

Random Thoughts

I love Saturday mornings when J is home with me. Usually I wake first and I feel this very real calmness. I'm aware of so much: his breathing, the color of the light peeking through my blinds, the contrast of his warm limbs snuggled up against me and the freezing temperature in the apartment. I'm so aware of everything and its the only time I can really take it all in with out the hub bub of every day life. And I'm so in love with him in the mornings. Probably because he's asleep.

I'm kidding.

Running is so much easier with a really good pair of thick, squishy socks. I just purchased a pair of thick-soled ankle socks and I swear, I can run the track much longer than usual. Its not my breathing or being tired that makes me stop. Its those pesky thin socks that rub the balls of my feet raw. Invest in squishy socks.

Have you ever woken up in the middle of the night and really, really had to pee but you're just too sleepy to get up? So you go back to sleep and then in the morning you have to pee so bad that it hurts and you have to hobble leaning over at the waist to the bathroom just so you won't lose it?

Sorry if that was unlady like. Just wondered if I was the only one.

I'm a little torn about solicitors. At work, I hear my boss and co-worker say "I'm not interested," and BAM hang up the phone. If you catch me on a bad day, I'll probably do the same. However, I realize these people are just doing their job. True, they could pick a better job but lately I find myself saying "We already have service, but thank you for calling." Maybe my one decent response in the midst of hundreds of hang ups will give them a break. But just don't be calling my house phone yo. I'll get stupid with ya.

Have a great weekend my lovies!

She's a maaaaniac, maaaniac...

Ever notice how when you're bored, its nearly to tears and you can't even find a single book or magazine or tv show to get you through it, but then the next day there's so much to do your head is spinning? Happy medium people. That's all I want.

Pfft. I shouldn't complain. Keeps me from missing the Babers too much. *sniff*

I've been playing:

Every Day Kindness

I'm still participating in Every Day Kindess but I find that lately, its coming to me a little differently. Instead of trying to figure out ideas for these acts of kindness, I just make myself aware so that when an opportunity to be kind arises I'm on it!

My little sister Jenny did my hair this weekend at her place. I don't get over there often as I'm a good thirty minutes away, but I always enjoy our little visits when I do. When I walked in she looked tired. I took a quick glance around her living room and complimented her on how clean and orderly it looked. She laughed and told me that she frantically ran around picking up while I was on my way. Then she told me not to judge the appearance of her bedroom and laughed.

As I was waiting on my color to set in - yes, I color my hair occasionally - I walked into her bedroom to talk to her while she got ready for work. Now, Jen has always been a clutter bug, but this time it had gotten pretty out of control. She works more than most single parents I know and I can't imagine she has time to shower, much more keep her place spotless. I suddenly got the kindness fever...

While she fixed her hair in the bathroom, I grabbed her laundry basket and went to picking up all the clothes on the floor and other surfaces. I threw away anything that looked like trash. I hung up all her loose hangers in her closet. I grabbed glass cleaner and worked over her mirrors and windows. She looked around the corner at me and shrieked for me to stoopppp!!! but there was no stopping me! So that she wouldn't feel bad I just told her that I suddenly had the craziest urge to clean and didn't she get that way sometimes?? I told her too bad I wasn't home cuz my place could really benefit. My family has pride issues but I know how to get around them. :)

Within 10 minutes her bedroom and bathroom were spotless. I think having that extra hand really helped her get motivated. She saw me picking up and we suddenly had this funny little race going on to be the person to do the next cleaning item in need. We're tards like that.

Anyway, the photo at the top of the post is actually of my bedroom. It was a time when I was so busy that I just could not find the time to pick up after myself. I remember crying when I finally talked myself into finally doing it.

Acts of kindness are everywhere, just waiting for you to bring them to life. You just have to keep your eyes and hearts open. This weekend, my sister needed a merry maid and I was there to help her out. She thanked me of course, but the idea of her coming home from work that night to a spotless bedroom was enough for me.

Three Things I WANT

In my last meme, I couldn't figure out how to answer one of the questions:

Name 3 material things you want now.

I have my answers.

A new summer & winter closet full of clothes waiting for me when I lose my last 10 lbs. Only 8 lbs to go. *sigh* This is going so slow...

A silver omega necklace. I adore pendants and I've started making pendants to add to my Jillry collection. I would love nothing more than to have something to hang my creations on for myself. Automatic advertisement baby!

A second bedroom. Does this count? I want room for my jewelry shop, which is literally taking over my living room and dinette at the moment. It would be nice to have the extra room for a cardio machine and free weights too. :)

There you go SCG. ;) Thanks for pushing me to want for myself. I knew I had it in me! Lol.

Happy weekending everyone. ((hugs))

Another meme for your viewing pleasure

Kitty tagged me this time. As you all know, I'm a meme whore. *sniff* You love it. Gotta do it. However, I think I'll take a break after this one as the last two I've done have taken a lot of effort to answer. And I'm just to lazy right now for all this deep thinking. ;p

1: Name three things about yourself you would like to improve:

My skin. I wish that for just one day I could say "I think I'll go without make up today," and actually be confident enough to do it. I don't have acne or anything, but my cheeks always look a little like someone's grandma just went to pinching them.

My patience. I get riled up waiting in traffic and have to distract myself. I have no patience for screaming kids in supermarkets or for their parents who just keep on shopping without saying a word to them. I absolutely DO NOT DO LINES. If there's more than 3 people in line where ever I am, I simply walk out. I'm really trying to improve on this right now for several personal reasons. I hope I am successful.

My guilt issues. I know where it comes from and have been slowly getting better. I realize that I can't be responsible for other people's problems and just need to let go.

2: Name something you would like to achieve:
a) Within 1 year: Move from an apartment into a house I can call home. Or be made into an honest woman. Either one will do, I'm not picky.
b) Within 5 years: Have a successful handmade jewelry business.
c) Within 10 years: Peace. While I'm almost there now, I know in the future my plate will be full and my life totally different. I am making a goal that my "self" in the future would most likely need me to make now. Pfft. How's that for deep?

3: Name something you would like to help achieve for somebody else:
I would love to help my sister get fit & healthy. She's my little sister but seems like she's my older one at times because she's been through so much and has sort of pushed her own needs aside. I'd love to be her support and partner in a healthier lifestyle that would ultimately make her feel better about herself, not to mention tack years back onto her life.

4: Name one place you haven’t been, but you’d like to go:

Sicily. My great grandmother on my father's side came straight off the boat and I've always wanted to travel there. I hear the men are very..um,.. appreciative of women, so I'll need to invest in a head-to-toe cloak so my boyfriend won't get red in the knuckles.

5: Name one person you haven’t met, but would like to meet:
My bitty Baber child. I hope he has his Papa's eyelashes. (Or she.)

6: Name three material things you would like:
This is DANGEROUS. Okay. A boat for Babers. Well, it would be for me too. Shut up. Mmm, and a new bra. I don't like shopping for them and I need a new one right now. (Ladies, you KNOW what I'm talking about.) Like I said, I'm not picky. I would also like - man this is hard! I don't really want anything right now. Oh! An engagement ring.

OH NO YOU DI'NT!!! (Oh yes I did! Uh oh, now I'm in t-r-o-u-b-l-e. Its all your fault Kitty.)

Tagging away this time:

Kellers

Tookie

Stacie

Grilled Pizza

Mainly cuz I'm interested to see your answers. And cuz I know you be some clever chics. If I didn't tag you please go for it! I would love to get to know you better. (And duh, I love reading memes as much as I love doing them.)

My Funny Valentine

I am an awful girlfriend. *nose in corner*

Friday I was reading everyones blogs and seeing the flowers, chocolates and lingerie that my ladies were receiving on Valentines Day. I must admit it, I read and read and felt sorry for myself. I pouted. A lot.

See, J got me a new pink bluetooth device to go with my previously purchased new phone last weekend and told me it was for Valentines Day. That day I was excited about my new gizmo but a few days later felt sad that I wouldn't be spending this romantic day with him. I looked at my new pink device and missed him. I also questioned the romanticalness of a blue tooth device. (Yes, that IS a real word.)

Then on Wednesday I was surprised by two of the sweetest cards in the mail: one from Babers and one from Mini. Yes, can you believe Mini actually sent me a card? She wrote "I ruff you, Mama!" She's so clever, really. And, I won't embarrass J, but, his card brought tears to my eyes. Twice.

Back to my point - I was pouting on Friday evening. J was on his way in and even though we had dining plans for Saturday I was still a little bummed because it was kinda my idea. Hey, its J's fault really. If he hadn't started out spoiling me I wouldn't expect it. Hmph.

So I'm fresh out the shower when I hear J let himself in my place. I have my jammies on and a huge towel piled up on my head. My Aunt Jemima moment, as J puts it. I'm dropping my dirty clothes in the hamper when I turn to see J walking in the room with his wife beater on, his cap backwards and a sweet smile on his face. I gasp. In his left hand is a chilled bottle of champagne and in his right is a bouquet of a dozen beautiful red roses.

Awwwww baabbbe, I say. (At least 4 times.) Awwww...baaaabbee.

I am the worst girlfriend in the world. Just awful. I just held onto him and hugged him till I squeezed the lovin' right out of him. And then I kissed his face off.

After I gave him his goodies we sat on the couch sipping on our champagne and watched LOLCatz videos until tears came out my eyes from laughing so hard. And then I cried again because I felt so bad for wanting so much.

So yeah, I was spoiled fat ass rotten this Valentine's Day. And loved every minute of it. Don't worry guys, J gets his share of spoiling too!

Before I leave you, I must share this FRICKIN HILARIOUS video J and I were watching after our LOLCatz session Friday night. We went from laughing out loud to sitting in confused, uncomfortable silence after clicking on this film. Techno Viking. Please, I beg you - WATCH IT. If its not funny the first time, watch it again. It will come.

New Stuffs

New pretties on my jewelry site. Go see! Jillry

Just checking in. My belated Valentines Day post next. Promise. Hope everyone had as great a weekend as I did. I know, I know, you don't wanna hear about the mush. Tough titty. (Yes, I just said titty. Sorry Mom!)

Acts of Kindness

In celebration of random acts of kindness week, Claudia at EveryDayKindness started a few memes and tagged me on this one. If you are participating in random acts of kindness, please feel free to snag this cute meme!

Kind Fives
1. List five kind things you do for yourself. List five kind things you do for your closest friend, partner or child. List five kind things you have done for a stranger.
2. Tag five people.
Easy, right?

Five kind things things I do for myself:
1. No matter what I have on my to-do list when I come in from work in the evenings, I plop my butt on the couch for at least thirty minutes to unwind, relax and watch the Food Network.
2. I try to better myself. I'm a self-help junkie and read any article I can get my hands on to become a better friend, a better mate, a good employee, daughter, sister. How to be healthy, in better shape, more financially stable, etc. Being the best person I can be makes me feel better about myself and keeps my confidence in line.
3. I no longer allow myself to be victim to "toxic friends". I'm a magnet for them, but I keep myself at arms length around people in my every day surroundings that are negative.
4. I listen to music all day long. I am passionate about music and play it during work to keep me centered. Its also very calming for me on my way home from work in hellish traffic when stress is likely to creep up on me.
5. I'm always health-conscious. I try to tackle the 8 foods you should eat every day, take vitamins, do cardio, lift weights, and drink plenty of water. If you are kind to your body, it will reflect on your mood, appearance, energy level, sex drive, I can keep going if you'd like. :)

Five kind things I do for my closest friend, partner, or child:
1. I cook a big pot of something the night Jason comes in so that he’ll have at least a few days of home cooking to take back with him. I know cooking isn't his thing, so I try to help him out in this department by taking care of him even when I'm not there.
2. I always put him first. This may sound old fashioned but I can’t help it. Whether it’s hitting the hay early on the weekends cuz he’s pooped, serving his breakfast first or hanging out with his friends all day, I just do it.
3. I let him know I’m thinking of him. Text messages, emails, little calls during the day and cards in the mail. I’d want the same, wouldn’t you?
4. I never, ever speak negatively about him to anyone. Claudia listed this as one of hers, but its a big rule in my love book so I had to list it too.
5. I make myself aware of what he needs and try my best to be that for him. Sure, I'm not the beer guzzling, football lovin', sex maniac he wants me to be (kidding) but I work hard on keeping my PMS at bay, spend as much time as I can with him and really listen to him when he does open up. And give him slack when he's not reading my mind like he should be. ;)


Five kind things I have done for strangers:
1. I recently went to lunch with my sister and noticed our waitress had far too many tables to tend. As a former waitress, I'm sensitive about these things. I left her an extremely large tip and wrote the words "Great service!!" on the restaurant receipt so that her boss would see it and hopefully give her a better shift in the future.
2. I compliment people on a regular basis. Tenants that come in the office, my co-workers, frends, family, the cashier at the grocery. Even if its just "your blouse is so pretty". I know how nice it can be when I receive a compliment from a total stranger so I'm passing it on.
3. I let at least one person in line in traffic a day. There's a lot of road construction in my area and you could wait a good ten minutes just to get onto the main road some days.
4. I recently brought a ton of slighty used clothes to my local Goodwill box instead of just chunking them. Hopefully this act will reach several people in need.
5. I smile at random people. I only frequent the gym and grocery store during the week, but when I do I smile like a fool at people. Some get a little confused which only makes my smile widen. I find that the elderly are the first to smile back. I think the younger generation is more skeptical.

Again, please play along if you'd like! Have a great weekend everyone! J and I will be celebrating Valentine's Day this Saturday since we were without each other on the actual day. TGIF!

Love is in the Air

I’m going to Walmart tonight for some business card paper and grocery needs and I’ve decided to pick up a pack of Depends. Controlling my bladder when its at the point of bursting is beyond me and I’m simply tired of wrapping ten paper towels around my hand to wipe the piss and hairs off the toilet seat so I can relieve myself.

On a more uplifting note, I have two mantras for you today:

Show her that you know her.

I heard my favorite dj on KLove say this yesterday and it was the best thing I’ve ever heard anyone say about Valentines Day. It’s not about the money you spend or extravagant plans you make. Showing a woman (or man) you truly know them by doing something they would appreciate or giving them something packed with thought and sincerity really makes an impact.

For example: Playboy magazine for the hornball boyfriend; cookbook by a favorite chef for your domestic goddess; favorite chocolates for the chocoholic; a mixed cd of music he/she loves.

Really listen to what she enjoys and has interest in. Take note of what excites him. Go there.

To err is human. To forgive is divine.

I actually saw this on a bumper sticker last week. I repeated it over and over to remember it so I could share with you.

That’s it for today! I have a fun and uplifting meme to do that Claudia tagged me with that’s up next. You’re on the edge of your seats aren’t you?

At Last....

...my love has come along...

What an exhausting and lovely weekend! First things first:

I've finally put my jewelry online!! Click here to visit my shop. I have TONS more to put up but I've just found out I have triple A.D.D. and am not superwoman. *damn* I will eventually get everything up, doing some each day. I'm so excited to finally have my lovelies up!!

I have so much to report but I'm too pooped to go there now. Plus, I have lots of visiting to do. I'm afraid I've been an awful blogger. However, I've finally got internet at the homestead and promise to be a much better blogger in the future. :)

Hope everyone had as great a weekend as I did!!

Out of Pocket

Hey peeps! I've been out of pocket for the last several days and I'm pretty sure my friend Karma has something to do with it. See, I've been hijacking my neighbor's wireless internet at home for some time now and they've just moved out. Poor me, no blogging at home.... not until Friday at least. I'm finally biting the bullet and having internet installed at the apt. You know what this means. Maniac blogging and jewelry posting. Word.

I've been making pretty bobbles like crazy and I should have the jewelries up on either Ebay or Etsy by this weekend. I'm so thrilled!

And yes, I received Bella last week finally. (My Nikon D40x, duh.) I've named her Isabella, Bella for short because she's just a beautiful piece of machinery. Then of course my first digi cam got jealous and I named her too - Mini B, after Babers and because she's the smaller of the two cams. I'm sick with it, I know. Don't ask me to get help, I like being ill. It helps the creative juices. Hello, Van Gogh cut his own ear off and look at the pieces he came up with. Pfft.

I've been asked to report my progress on WW and I shall on Friday after my weigh in. I'm definitely feeling some extra room in my slacks so I'm crossing fingers for lost poundage. Can I just praise Babers for a second? Shut it, doing it anyway. You're not the boss of me.

I love my iPod.
I love my iPod.
I love my iPod.

Without my little Nano, I would not get lost in an hour of walking. I'd be counting down the minutes. Instead, I daydream as I walk to the soundtrack of my workout. I can't remember exercise before it. Maybe I should name it too?

Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you.

Off to visit my lovelies. I've missed you so....