Making a menu is - without a doubt - my least favorite chore. I dread it every week. It may be that I often don't have an appetite or that I am bored with all my current meal ideas... whatever. Making a menu sucks. I tried something new this week. I looked up recipes online and decided to make NEW things this week. Here are the things we're trying out. I'll follow up with reviews at some point.
Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff, Sloppy Joe Spaghetti, Mushroom Chicken, Soft Gingersnaps, and Mexican Style Shredded Pork. We're also making turkey noodle soup to finish off the leftovers from Thanksgiving. Last week I made some new (to me) Crescent Rolls that were pretty good and next week I'm gonna try PW's Cinnamon Rolls (minus the coffee). I will admit that the menu and cooking thing is more fun when I'm trying new things.
Last night, we had the Beef Stroganoff. It was so super easy. I did read the reviews and found some tips for making it even yummier - doubled the soup/water, added sauteed mushrooms at the end, and added some spices. We served it over rice. I am so scared of using the slow cooker. In my mind, cooking something for 8 hours = BURNED! It didn't burn. I'm just paranoid, I guess. The meat was fall-apart-in-your-mouth tender. The sauce was a little thin, but that could be corrected with a little cornstarch next time. I had some leftovers for lunch today and it was AMAZING. The flavors fell in love and married over night. YUM!
I also made the Soft Gingersnaps yesterday. They were FABULOUS. Such an easy recipe. I substituted margarine 'cause that's what we had available - and in my opinion butter make for a good flavor, but a crappy product - it cools and goes crispy. Margarine stays softer. Anyway, I followed the directions exactly (other than cutting it in half) and cooked the first dozen for 8 minutes. Those came out like a regular gingersnap on the outside and soft on the inside. The second batch cooked for 6 minutes and came out nearly perfect. So chewy, so delicious. DROOL. There is still dough in the fridge to make a couple dozen more. Yay!
Tonight, I'm making turky noodle soup. Nothing major, but gotta use up those leftovers. I'm excited for the meals we have planned for the rest of the week.
new goals
I spent a couple hours emptying a large cupboard last weekend so that I had a spot set up to start building food storage. I have a fantastic apartment and a great landlord, but I lack a cold storage room under my porch. LOL.
Frankly, the thought of getting started with storing food is completely overwhelming, but it's something that I've wanted to do for a while. Steph and I asked our parents for the food storage starter kit for Christmas last year, so I've got wheat, rice, beans, and oats. To be honest though, I'd have to be literally starving to eat those beans. LOL I think it's a great starting off point, but I need our storage to be more practical.
What I've decided to do is to stock up on items that we'll use when I find great deals. Today I spent about $15 and I bought 6 cans of tomato soup, 4 cans each of tuna, cream of chicken, cream of mushroom, and green beans, 3 cans of diced green chilies, and two bottles of gatorade. Stir that all together and enjoy. j/k
I've got a long way to get where I want this to be, but I'm really so excited. This little tiny dent on this goal makes me happy.
Frankly, the thought of getting started with storing food is completely overwhelming, but it's something that I've wanted to do for a while. Steph and I asked our parents for the food storage starter kit for Christmas last year, so I've got wheat, rice, beans, and oats. To be honest though, I'd have to be literally starving to eat those beans. LOL I think it's a great starting off point, but I need our storage to be more practical.
What I've decided to do is to stock up on items that we'll use when I find great deals. Today I spent about $15 and I bought 6 cans of tomato soup, 4 cans each of tuna, cream of chicken, cream of mushroom, and green beans, 3 cans of diced green chilies, and two bottles of gatorade. Stir that all together and enjoy. j/k
I've got a long way to get where I want this to be, but I'm really so excited. This little tiny dent on this goal makes me happy.
up to something
It really has been a long time since I blogged. I've honestly been jumping back and forth between too-busy-to-post and nothing-blog-worthy-to-write-about. In the past month, we've had two visits from my brother (he's currently deployed and in Texas, soon to be Kuwait), hosted a quilt group meeting, undertaken some large projects (I was commissioned to do some sewing - and we also bought a cabinet to repaint for Stephanie's bedroom). There have been many other little things all squished in there as well.I like being busy, but I really like downtime so much more. LOL. I'm excited to have this sewing project done so that I can focus more on my own projects.
The pitcture in this post is my first attempt at cutting vinyl on my Silhouette and it was SO MUCH FUN!! I have designed several other things to cut and I'm loving it. That little machine was such a great investment. Honestly, I don't scrapbook as much as I'd like anymore, but I use "Sil" a couple times a week for vinyl and other projects. When I do scrapbook, it's so nice to be able to design exactly what I want and just press that little "cut" button!
On another note: I need a freaking vacation!
quilt group
Steph and I are starting a quilt group and we're so excited! This is our first project. It's a square called "dominoes and squares" and I've been in quilt-love with it since I was about 14. I literally made ONE square and have kept it all these years. I also worked out the blocks so that we could use full squares rather than triangles and keep things simpler and more pleasing to the eye.
We have some fun friends in the group. Our first meeting isn't for almost a month and I can't wait to see what fabrics everyone has picked. It'll be so great to see them all come together.
(The quilt pictured was made by Steph and the photos do not do it justice!)
We have some fun friends in the group. Our first meeting isn't for almost a month and I can't wait to see what fabrics everyone has picked. It'll be so great to see them all come together.(The quilt pictured was made by Steph and the photos do not do it justice!)
new wallpaper
I have had the same desktop wallpaper for a year. I know that's not a crime, nor is there an expiration date, but I had kind of intended to switch things up from time to time. Yeah. My desktop showed "August 2008" for 11.5 months.
Saturday, my friend Tiffany came over so that I could make some announcements for her son's baptism and I remembered how much fun it can be to dink around in Photoshop. LOL. Sunday, I was sick but felt creative, so my butt found the computer chair and I got a new wallpaper designed! Yay!
I intentionally left the date off (lol) and I made it to match my living room decor (yeah... I know I'm nuts). This quote was on the old wallpaper and I was going to change that, but I got lazy and just changed the colors to match the new wallpaper. I may change the quote or pictures periodically, but it's good for now.
I love being crafty and creative.
Saturday, my friend Tiffany came over so that I could make some announcements for her son's baptism and I remembered how much fun it can be to dink around in Photoshop. LOL. Sunday, I was sick but felt creative, so my butt found the computer chair and I got a new wallpaper designed! Yay!
I intentionally left the date off (lol) and I made it to match my living room decor (yeah... I know I'm nuts). This quote was on the old wallpaper and I was going to change that, but I got lazy and just changed the colors to match the new wallpaper. I may change the quote or pictures periodically, but it's good for now.
I love being crafty and creative.
keeping busy
I woke up with a headache and I think I'm cranky, but I've kept myself busy in an effort to distract myself. I designed a new wallpaper for my desktop and took some photos of my watches so that I could get them listed. Here are the two newest additions to my Etsy shop.
I made "Tilly" for myself a month or so ago and I wear it all the time. It goes with EVERYTHING! I sold one a few weeks back and finally got another made to list. "Blink" is new and is so sweet and fun. Black and pink are so classic and fun. I'll have to make another one just for me. That's what happens when I make a fun new band - I have to have one too! I think I have twenty of these bands myself :)
I made "Tilly" for myself a month or so ago and I wear it all the time. It goes with EVERYTHING! I sold one a few weeks back and finally got another made to list. "Blink" is new and is so sweet and fun. Black and pink are so classic and fun. I'll have to make another one just for me. That's what happens when I make a fun new band - I have to have one too! I think I have twenty of these bands myself :)
ah, motivation!
I've been excited to paint this table for about a year, but I just never took the time to work on THIS project. Anyway, I got motivated and spent way too much time fretting over paint colors. I literally had swatches from every local store and just about every different brand. I finally settled on a color and just bought cheapo Walmart paint.
I got her all primed and painted and I hated it. The paint was dry, but I could peel it off - and the color I'd fretted over just wasn't right. Anyway, I sanded it all off and started over. That didn't really take a long time. It took almost as long to dust my house afterward. LOLI skipped the primer the second time and I didn't spend a lot on the paint, but I didn't want to buy another quart when I had SO MUCH leftover from the first round. I figured I'd play around with adding acrylic paint to get the shade I wanted and figured that if I totally screwed up the paint I could just buy more. It actually worked perfectly! I poured some paint in a plastic cup and then added acrylic paints until I got the shade I wanted.
Once the paint was dry, I sanded her up and distressed her. Oh, I also replaced the knob and I go back and forth on it- love it/hate it. Give me ten minutes and I'll change my mind twice. For now it's staying 'cause I love it half the time. LOLNow I can't decide how to decorate the top. I've searched tablescape ideas and nothing has sparked for me yet. Any suggestions?
The color changes a little as the lighting changes and it looks so great in every light. I'm glad that I finally felt motivated to tackle this little project. Now I'm kinda in the mood to paint other little pieces of furniture.
my $pace
The Nester is having a link party where people share a room of their house and add up what they spent to decorate it. I actually wondered about this the other day. How much have I spent to make my house all homey? (Oh, ignore the sideways Monet on the shelf above the couch - it doesn't belong there but I was tired of looking at an empty shelf and I don't want people to think that it belongs there - thus being sideways, the mess of decor items on the end table waiting to find a home, and the picnic basket)
1. couch and loveseat: $750 on Ebay 4 years ago. I hated then for the first day or two. Now, I think they're great. I will need to replace the cushions on the loveseat soon though. You can definitely tell where we prefer to sit. LOL2. entertainment center: $100 used. I found this in an online classified ad a year and a half ago. I wanted something black and considered painting it, but I liked how it looked as is. I'm glad I didn't paint it now - it would have been SO visually heavy.
3.
computer armoire: $88 at Walmart 4ish years ago. Love it! I can store everything computer/office related inside and close the doors on it when I'm tired of looking at a computer.4. hope chest: I made this sweet (huge) baby in my 9th grade shop class. It cost about $55 in supplies at the time. I was 14, so my parents paid for that, but I included it in the overall cost of the room. It is awesome for storage.
5. coffee table and end table: $45 and $13 at Ikea, 2 years ago. I like the look and love the price!
6. wicker chair: $49 at Pier One about 5 years ago. We got it on sale and it lived buried under clothes in Stephanie's room until I sent out a search and rescue team to retrieve it for use in the living room. It occasionally gets buried in clothes here too... the dumping pla
ce for clean laundry before it's folded and put away.7. decor: Ok, there's a long list and I won't go into detail on all of it. I almost never pay full price. I watch the ads for Michaels, Joanns, Hobby Lobby, etc. and I make good use of coupons. Pillows: about $75, which includes the fabric and the pillow forms. I like sewing home decor stuff. Baskets: $60. That's for the two in the entertainment center, two in the coffee table, and one smaller one for mail (over by the computer stuff). Ficus: free. My aunt or grandma gave it to my mom and I talked about stealing it all the time. One day she said I could have it. I love it. And I love that I could use something that someone else no longer had a use for. Birdcage: $20 on clearance at Target like 6 years ago. (not really pictured - it's on the hope chest). This is one of those pieces that can be used anywhere. It's large, but I've used it in my bedroom and under my console table. I like having it out here in the living room. Other: old books, vases, a globe armillary, an antique phone, a silver candlestick, various frames, and so much more.
I estimated a total of about $1857 for everything except electronics.
There's still so much to be done in the room. In the corner you didn't see in the photos, I have a console table being used as a desk. The table is getting a makeover this week and I'm so excited to have that done. I've also got a leather parsons chair and a decorative shadowbox frame over there. Perhaps when the table's done I'll share some photos of that. I'm also buying curtains because I'm seriously tired of these renter drapes. Fugly. And I may add a ribbon to the bottom of the lampshade.
I'm also on the lookout for something to put on that shelf above the couch. I'm just not sure what I want there. Any suggestions?
random confession
When I strip*, I do so while humming the Perry Mason theme song.
*pretend to strip or change my shirt while my sister is in the room... I have no reason to strip for real :( lol
*pretend to strip or change my shirt while my sister is in the room... I have no reason to strip for real :( lol
a nothing post
So, I have nothing to write about, but it's been so long since I blogged last that I figured I had to get something new up here. Now, a quick run-down of things:
I'm back to eating healthy after a month-long break that started when I got sick and couldn't eat anything at all.
I have allergies. Lots of sneezing.
I'm 90% finished with a large sewing project that I haven't particularly enjoyed. Only 10% left.
I LOVE the first 3 hours of work. We have great conversations which are far from appropriate. :) -Acemaking, fake pregnancies, women becoming men, human postal scales, inappropriate jokes, etc. If you don't know what those things are and want to, you'll have to come work my crapjob with me.
It has rained so much this month, which is fantastic. Thunderstorms are my favorite!
I have a vacation schedule next week that I'm excited for. The only two things causing me stress are: my car does not have AC(long stupid mechanic story), so it's gonna be a miserable ride. I don't know where I'm staying either. Also, I have some things I need to get done before I go and I'm running out of time.
I'm making new watches all the time and having fun!
I got a sweet kiss last night. It was from Mason (my nephew) and I was covered in baby slobber. He was so happy about having kissed me though. It was worth it :)
I ate a McDonalds last night. That means I've met my McD's quota for the year. Once a year seems to be my rate.
I want to punch a coworker for taking tomorrow off work. The early morning hours will be much more boring with him sleeping away at home. Maybe I'll call him repeatedly to interrupt said sleep. I'll be bored, so I might as well.
I'm reading Stardust, which is not a genre I ever thought I'd read, but I'm enjoying it thus far.
Sirens give me anxiety (I just heard sirens.. that's not just a random comment). It goes back to one of my earliest memories. Anyway.
I've got more stupid ramblings, but I'll spare humanity from having to read them (well- the three people that read my blog...) LOL
I'm back to eating healthy after a month-long break that started when I got sick and couldn't eat anything at all.
I have allergies. Lots of sneezing.
I'm 90% finished with a large sewing project that I haven't particularly enjoyed. Only 10% left.
I LOVE the first 3 hours of work. We have great conversations which are far from appropriate. :) -Acemaking, fake pregnancies, women becoming men, human postal scales, inappropriate jokes, etc. If you don't know what those things are and want to, you'll have to come work my crapjob with me.
It has rained so much this month, which is fantastic. Thunderstorms are my favorite!
I have a vacation schedule next week that I'm excited for. The only two things causing me stress are: my car does not have AC(long stupid mechanic story), so it's gonna be a miserable ride. I don't know where I'm staying either. Also, I have some things I need to get done before I go and I'm running out of time.
I'm making new watches all the time and having fun!
I got a sweet kiss last night. It was from Mason (my nephew) and I was covered in baby slobber. He was so happy about having kissed me though. It was worth it :)
I ate a McDonalds last night. That means I've met my McD's quota for the year. Once a year seems to be my rate.
I want to punch a coworker for taking tomorrow off work. The early morning hours will be much more boring with him sleeping away at home. Maybe I'll call him repeatedly to interrupt said sleep. I'll be bored, so I might as well.
I'm reading Stardust, which is not a genre I ever thought I'd read, but I'm enjoying it thus far.
Sirens give me anxiety (I just heard sirens.. that's not just a random comment). It goes back to one of my earliest memories. Anyway.
I've got more stupid ramblings, but I'll spare humanity from having to read them (well- the three people that read my blog...) LOL
under arrest
Last night was awesomely exciting in the perfect way... short-lived, non-scary drama. Just a crazy situation and lots of laughter.
I was sitting on the porch with Jen and Austin (almost 3) came over with some handcuffs and told me that I was under arrest. Jen warned me NOT to let Austin put the cuffs on me because they are real and they didn't have a key. I played along with Austin without being cuffed.
Twenty minutes later, Kassie (almost 12) and her friend came back from their bike ride. Jen and I looked up from our conversation and realized one second too late that Stevie had cuffed Kassie... I stayed outside with Mason while Jen oiled Kassie's wrist and tried to slide the cuffs off. There were tears and frustration, but Kassie remained cuffed. Jen called her Ex (Brandon, a cop) and asked him to swing by with a handcuff key. He explained that he couldn't get away, but that he would dispatch someone from Logan City to come unlock the cuffs.
Officer Hoth arrived like some actual emergency was taking place and declared that his handcuff key didn't fit and that the cuffs were actually a toy. Ok, fine. These are the most realistic TOY cuffs I've ever seen. The neighbors started to gather as the cop tried numerous things to get those cuffs off. Nothing seemed to work. He even called his wife to see if their kids had a set of toy handcuffs. They didn't. Brandon called back to see if we'd had any luck yet and offered to come by with a bolt cutter.
The paper clip finally did the trick and Kassie was freed. Those cuffs found their way to the dumpster so we won't find ourselves reliving this situation again. LOL
I was sitting on the porch with Jen and Austin (almost 3) came over with some handcuffs and told me that I was under arrest. Jen warned me NOT to let Austin put the cuffs on me because they are real and they didn't have a key. I played along with Austin without being cuffed.
Twenty minutes later, Kassie (almost 12) and her friend came back from their bike ride. Jen and I looked up from our conversation and realized one second too late that Stevie had cuffed Kassie... I stayed outside with Mason while Jen oiled Kassie's wrist and tried to slide the cuffs off. There were tears and frustration, but Kassie remained cuffed. Jen called her Ex (Brandon, a cop) and asked him to swing by with a handcuff key. He explained that he couldn't get away, but that he would dispatch someone from Logan City to come unlock the cuffs.
Officer Hoth arrived like some actual emergency was taking place and declared that his handcuff key didn't fit and that the cuffs were actually a toy. Ok, fine. These are the most realistic TOY cuffs I've ever seen. The neighbors started to gather as the cop tried numerous things to get those cuffs off. Nothing seemed to work. He even called his wife to see if their kids had a set of toy handcuffs. They didn't. Brandon called back to see if we'd had any luck yet and offered to come by with a bolt cutter.
The paper clip finally did the trick and Kassie was freed. Those cuffs found their way to the dumpster so we won't find ourselves reliving this situation again. LOL
Time flies
So, this week FLEW by. I didn't work much and I slept a lot. Sounds great, right? It wasn't. As much as I'd love to never work again, I am so much more productive when I do. This week wasn't so much lazy as it was sick. I got a nasty stomach bug from my niece and nephews and spent the better part of three days asleep. That beat the alternative activity I had to deal with when I was awake...
Anyway, I'm finally starting to feel better. With increased energy and motivation, I finally listed some watches for sale. I'll get more posted throughout the week, but for now - you can see what's for sale here.
Anyway, I'm finally starting to feel better. With increased energy and motivation, I finally listed some watches for sale. I'll get more posted throughout the week, but for now - you can see what's for sale here.
watch these...
When I start a new project, I tend to get a wee bit obsessive. These are the watches I've made this week (be sure to click the photos to enlarge). I am having so much fun I can barely contain myself! LOL What other colors do you like or suggest that I make? I DO plan to sell watches/bands in my Etsy shop, but I wanted to get some made before I started listing them. Custom orders and pre-orders are available if you're interested. One thing that I really like about these is that the bands are interchangeable, so you can buy one watch face and then just swap the bands out to coordinate with your wardrobe. On the other hand, I think I'm in love with some of these watch faces and I want one of each for myself!
random confession
When I was younger (ages 12-15), I used to go to Kings and arrange the dolls in the dollhouse so that they were in naughty poses.
swatches
I found myself oddly fascinated with book bindings last week and set out to try making a book. I wanted something small and simple. I also needed a way to take fabric samples with me when I'm shopping and trying to match things. Thus, my swatch book was created. I'm crazy and picked my color scheme based on the head of the pin I wanted to use. Yellow.
Coptic binding is simple. It does take some coordination and practice. Mine is FAR from perfect, but it was fun to go out and learn something new. I watched a great video online and also read through some instructions here. I liked that I didn't need any special tools and it didn't use adhesive. Another great feature of this binding is that it opens flat.
I'd like to make another book one of these days... to get more practice, mostly. It's hard to tell dimensions from the pictures. The book is about 4.5"x5"
obsession
I love making jewelry, but I have a new obsession... watches! They are fun and easy and so dang cute! Here's my very first one. She's feminine and reminds me of neopolitan :) There are MANY more in the works. And there will be some in my shop once my online purchases get here and I can get them designed!
on the wagon
Steph, Jen, and I changed our eating habits back in March. We cut out white flour, and strictly limited sugar. I'd done this before and lost 30 pounds without effort - beside giving up yummy food, anyway. I wanted to lose some weight again, plus I remember how good I felt when I was eating better.
One of my motivators was fear. My family health history reads like a horror story and I wanted to do everything in my power to avoid such things as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, etc. My dad has diabetes and I've seen more medical crap than one should. I saw his failing eyesight, heart attacks, bypass surgery, hospital stays, dialysis, and a kidney transplant in a short two years and KNEW that IF such things could be avoided, I was gonna do just that.
As I mentioned, those 30 pounds came right off. I took about 3 months and I just felt SO good. I had way more energy, could think more clearly, my skin cleared up, and I required less sleep. Alas, I plateaued and found myself out of town (incidentally, for my dad's kidney transplant) - which makes it harder for me to stick to a diet and fell off the wagon. I gained it all back, plus some.
Anyway, we've been eating well and feeling great. We've all lost 15+ pounds (I've lost 19!) and we're motivated to stick to it. We felt we'd have more diet-stamina if we occasionally allowed ourselves to eat a treat, so we enjoyed a delicious fruit pizza on Mother's Day.
When you eliminate white flour for a period of time and then eat it again, you can clearly tell how much it affects you. I start acting like I'm drunk (well, what I assume I'd be if I drank) - not so much impaired judgement, but my obscenity filter vanishes and I slur. I swore a lot in traffic. Anyway... Steph got sick. My dad suggested that maybe her blood sugar was high and offered to test it for her.
Diabetes is this fear in the back of my mind. I always wonder and worry that my sugars will be high and then I get paranoid about a diagnosis, etc. I asked him to test mine as well. So far, so good. I was at 127 after eating dinner, 2 cookies, and a bunch of fruit.
So, I'm back on the wagon today. I actually missed eating well. I enjoy feeling well and knowing that I do have some control over that.
One of my motivators was fear. My family health history reads like a horror story and I wanted to do everything in my power to avoid such things as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, etc. My dad has diabetes and I've seen more medical crap than one should. I saw his failing eyesight, heart attacks, bypass surgery, hospital stays, dialysis, and a kidney transplant in a short two years and KNEW that IF such things could be avoided, I was gonna do just that.
As I mentioned, those 30 pounds came right off. I took about 3 months and I just felt SO good. I had way more energy, could think more clearly, my skin cleared up, and I required less sleep. Alas, I plateaued and found myself out of town (incidentally, for my dad's kidney transplant) - which makes it harder for me to stick to a diet and fell off the wagon. I gained it all back, plus some.
Anyway, we've been eating well and feeling great. We've all lost 15+ pounds (I've lost 19!) and we're motivated to stick to it. We felt we'd have more diet-stamina if we occasionally allowed ourselves to eat a treat, so we enjoyed a delicious fruit pizza on Mother's Day.
When you eliminate white flour for a period of time and then eat it again, you can clearly tell how much it affects you. I start acting like I'm drunk (well, what I assume I'd be if I drank) - not so much impaired judgement, but my obscenity filter vanishes and I slur. I swore a lot in traffic. Anyway... Steph got sick. My dad suggested that maybe her blood sugar was high and offered to test it for her.
Diabetes is this fear in the back of my mind. I always wonder and worry that my sugars will be high and then I get paranoid about a diagnosis, etc. I asked him to test mine as well. So far, so good. I was at 127 after eating dinner, 2 cookies, and a bunch of fruit.
So, I'm back on the wagon today. I actually missed eating well. I enjoy feeling well and knowing that I do have some control over that.
torture
I've been a bad blogger lately. Truth be told, I find myself so mentally drained at the end of the day that I can't create a coherent sentence. Work was been rough and it's taking everything I've got to just survive my 40 hours a week. I am so very grateful to have a job, don't get me wrong, but gratitude doesn't overcome frustration. Not where my job is concerned, anyway.
I had a fantastic dream last night. In it, I had what I wanted. Non-material things that I'm unable to get on my own when I'm awake. I was so blissfully happy, I can't even explain it. Morning came and the alarm disrupted my dream and I felt so lost and lonely. I want to go to that place again, but in a way that cannot be interrupted by the torturous beep of my alarm clock.
I had a fantastic dream last night. In it, I had what I wanted. Non-material things that I'm unable to get on my own when I'm awake. I was so blissfully happy, I can't even explain it. Morning came and the alarm disrupted my dream and I felt so lost and lonely. I want to go to that place again, but in a way that cannot be interrupted by the torturous beep of my alarm clock.
weekend to do:
work on sewing project:
Did some, need to do some more. I'm sewing a nursery set for my cousin Katie.
make a coptic-bound book:
Done! I actually made/took apart/remade the same book three times to try new techniques and get it how I wanted it. It was fun and I can definitely see myself making more little books. I'm going to decorate the cover and then I'll post pictures.
pay bills (credit card, student loan):
Paid the credit card, will pay the student loan in a few days. It's not due yet anyway.
create some new jewelry creations:
Made 2 cute watches and I'm so addicted! I just bought a ton more watch faces online (because in town they are marked up 300%!!!). I need to also make a necklace for a custom order - Thanks, Melinda - and a few other little projects.
photograph and list items on Etsy:
Not yet, but soon. I need to do this badly!
go see "Peter Pan" at Old Barn:
TOTALLY spaced it. I've been planning this for like a month, was reminded Friday, and still forgot to go. Oops.
lunch date with Jen and Steph on Sat:
Had a fun time out with my girlies. And the two babies. It was nice.
attend church:
Oops.
do something for mother's day:
Had a great get-together with my parents, Jen + kids, and Steph and I. We had planned for kabobs and fruit pizza, but the grill wasn't cooperating. We improvised and cooked the chicken in the oven and made a stir fry with all the veggies. Yum. It was a beautiful day. I spent time outside with a sleeping baby's dead weight on my chest (love that!). Enjoyed spending time with my parents.
Did some, need to do some more. I'm sewing a nursery set for my cousin Katie.
make a coptic-bound book:
Done! I actually made/took apart/remade the same book three times to try new techniques and get it how I wanted it. It was fun and I can definitely see myself making more little books. I'm going to decorate the cover and then I'll post pictures.
pay bills (credit card, student loan):
Paid the credit card, will pay the student loan in a few days. It's not due yet anyway.
create some new jewelry creations:
Made 2 cute watches and I'm so addicted! I just bought a ton more watch faces online (because in town they are marked up 300%!!!). I need to also make a necklace for a custom order - Thanks, Melinda - and a few other little projects.
photograph and list items on Etsy:
Not yet, but soon. I need to do this badly!
go see "Peter Pan" at Old Barn:
TOTALLY spaced it. I've been planning this for like a month, was reminded Friday, and still forgot to go. Oops.
lunch date with Jen and Steph on Sat:
Had a fun time out with my girlies. And the two babies. It was nice.
attend church:
Oops.
do something for mother's day:
Had a great get-together with my parents, Jen + kids, and Steph and I. We had planned for kabobs and fruit pizza, but the grill wasn't cooperating. We improvised and cooked the chicken in the oven and made a stir fry with all the veggies. Yum. It was a beautiful day. I spent time outside with a sleeping baby's dead weight on my chest (love that!). Enjoyed spending time with my parents.
life is good
I survived work.
I'm wearing an adorable new outfit.
I get to have my favorite meal for dinner.
I'm hanging out with Jen tonight.
I might go shopping.
I only work half-day tomorrow.
I have ideas for many fun projects.
I'm on the lookout for a new purse.
and...
I'm being featured on a blog (well, my Etsy shop is). And there is a giveaway. Go there and enter for a chance to win!!
I'm wearing an adorable new outfit.
I get to have my favorite meal for dinner.
I'm hanging out with Jen tonight.
I might go shopping.
I only work half-day tomorrow.
I have ideas for many fun projects.
I'm on the lookout for a new purse.
and...
I'm being featured on a blog (well, my Etsy shop is). And there is a giveaway. Go there and enter for a chance to win!!
in the mood...
I want nothing more than to be creative! I haven't decided if I want to scrapbook, sew, or work on one of my many other projects.
I'm currently doped up on claritin-D + mucinex + ibuprofen and I'm amazed I'm doing as well as I am today considering I had maybe one hour of sleep last night. I am always so excited for the snow to melt, but it only takes me a day or two to miss it. It seems the snow covers everything I'm allergic to. I definitely have a cold or something too. I've got a fever/chills, couching, etc. Good times.
I'm currently doped up on claritin-D + mucinex + ibuprofen and I'm amazed I'm doing as well as I am today considering I had maybe one hour of sleep last night. I am always so excited for the snow to melt, but it only takes me a day or two to miss it. It seems the snow covers everything I'm allergic to. I definitely have a cold or something too. I've got a fever/chills, couching, etc. Good times.
delicious
I have craved the same meal every night for almost two weeks and I indulged myself tonight... A fabulous chicken salad from Costa Vida and rasperry ice Crystal Light. Yeah, it was freaking awesome. (My salad had no rice and none of those weird crunchy tortilla things on top, nor did I eat the tortilla underneath - I'm being very selective of the carbs I consume and I've lost 10 pounds in the last four weeks).
In other news, nothing is new. I've been adding things to my to do list below at a slightly faster rate than I'm crossing things off. I'm not too worried about it. None of the things on that list are VITAL, rather they're things I would like to have done. I'm working on some home organization and decoration projects and it has been a lot of fun (except for dropping a box on my foot - that hurt! LOL)I hope to have several of those projects out of the way after this weekend.
In other news, nothing is new. I've been adding things to my to do list below at a slightly faster rate than I'm crossing things off. I'm not too worried about it. None of the things on that list are VITAL, rather they're things I would like to have done. I'm working on some home organization and decoration projects and it has been a lot of fun (except for dropping a box on my foot - that hurt! LOL)I hope to have several of those projects out of the way after this weekend.
to do list:
I've been in this weird funk where I only get things done if I write them on a list of some sort. I've always been a list-maker, but I have always been able to get things accomplished that were not on the list as well. Oh well, I'll go with the flow.
My to do list:
Make new duvet cover. And pillows.
Buy a new bedskirt.
Change the sheets on my bed.
Buy brackets for a shelf.
Finish painting the shelf.
Hang the shelf. And decorate it.
Gather all the stuff that needs to go to storage.
Take a trip to my parents house to store my crap in their basement.
Sort the crap already stored there and give some to DI.
Vacuum.
Laundry: whites, colors, jeans, towels, and bedding.
Fold and put away all that laundry.
Make a menu and a shopping list.
Go grocery shopping.
Make new jewelry items for my Etsy shop.
Buy protective film.
Cut protective film to fit the viewing screen on my new camera.
Read the new camera manual.
Take photos.
Find a good weight-training DVD. Any suggestions??
Catch up on Bones and Office. Maybe just Bones. Office is lacking this season.
Scrapbook. Nothing specific. Just to prove to myself that I'm still capable.
Send the cards I started making in January.
Sand and stain the tray for my bedroom table.
Buy a new pair of pants... I ripped my favorites on Monday :(
Do something bold and courageous. Very non-specific, I know.
Find a way to be of service to someone.
Get my ass to church. Yeah, I see the irony in "ass" and "church" being in the same sentence. Just proof how badly I need it.
Wash walls, windows, and baseboards.
Sort toys in the toy drawer.
Maybe go to a movie. Because I never do.
Research painting and distressing techniques.
Get laid. You know, just in case I forget to add this to the appropriate list at the appropriate time (and because my coworker stood over me and said "add get laid to your list").
Buy paint to change up an accent table.
Impulsively buy and assemble a new accent chair.
Sort and organize my huge bead stash.
Buy new towels for the bathroom.
Go to the post office.
Mail rent check.
Plan menu for Jen's birthday party this weekend.
Pick 3 books for the book club.
Buy Jen flowers as a favor to Steven.
Take a much-needed nap!
Think of other things to add to this list. LOL
My to do list:
Make new duvet cover. And pillows.
Buy a new bedskirt.
Change the sheets on my bed.
Buy brackets for a shelf.
Finish painting the shelf.
Hang the shelf. And decorate it.
Gather all the stuff that needs to go to storage.
Take a trip to my parents house to store my crap in their basement.
Sort the crap already stored there and give some to DI.
Vacuum.
Laundry: whites, colors, jeans, towels, and bedding.
Fold and put away all that laundry.
Make a menu and a shopping list.
Go grocery shopping.
Make new jewelry items for my Etsy shop.
Buy protective film.
Cut protective film to fit the viewing screen on my new camera.
Read the new camera manual.
Take photos.
Find a good weight-training DVD. Any suggestions??
Catch up on Bones and Office. Maybe just Bones. Office is lacking this season.
Scrapbook. Nothing specific. Just to prove to myself that I'm still capable.
Send the cards I started making in January.
Sand and stain the tray for my bedroom table.
Buy a new pair of pants... I ripped my favorites on Monday :(
Do something bold and courageous. Very non-specific, I know.
Find a way to be of service to someone.
Get my ass to church. Yeah, I see the irony in "ass" and "church" being in the same sentence. Just proof how badly I need it.
Wash walls, windows, and baseboards.
Sort toys in the toy drawer.
Maybe go to a movie. Because I never do.
Research painting and distressing techniques.
Get laid. You know, just in case I forget to add this to the appropriate list at the appropriate time (and because my coworker stood over me and said "add get laid to your list").
Buy paint to change up an accent table.
Impulsively buy and assemble a new accent chair.
Sort and organize my huge bead stash.
Buy new towels for the bathroom.
Go to the post office.
Mail rent check.
Plan menu for Jen's birthday party this weekend.
Pick 3 books for the book club.
Buy Jen flowers as a favor to Steven.
Take a much-needed nap!
Think of other things to add to this list. LOL
wallflower
My mom once told me of an experience she has while she was expecting me. Someone asked her what I would be named and she replied; "Emily." The person asking said; "Oh don't name her Emily. Emily's tend to be wallflowers." My mom thought; "No child of mine will ever be a wallflower, so I'll name her Emily anyway."
As it turns out, I'm a wallflower.
I remember being very shy as a child. Sometimes ridiculously so. It didn't help that we moved a lot (21 times in 21 years!)which made it hard to find the motivation to "invest" in a relationship, knowing we'd be moving again soon. I focused on being friends with my family (and my siblings are still my 3 very best friends!). I have always gotten along well with people, I'm just slow to let them in.
Several years ago, I had a lot of friends. I was social and busy with "social activities" 5 or so days a week. Someone commented that I was a "social butterfly," which was the weirdest term I'd ever heard used to describe ME. It was fun and I was happy. I'm not sure how I went from "wallflower" to "social butterfly" in a matter of months, but it was fulfilling in a very new way.
I then had an experience that resulted in a loss of all trust. I pulled away from everyone. I completely withdrew and quickly built walls all around myself. It was the only way I knew to protect myself from being hurt again.
Last week, I realized it has been four years since I had that experience. I have long since forgiven those that hurt me and I've repaired my relationships with them. In fact, we're close friends again. However, I still have walls all around me and I honestly have no idea how to tear them down.
Don't worry, I DO have great friends, I just don't ever do anything. I want to break out of my hermit shell a couple times a week. And I want to find ways to let others in more easily. The life I want for myself is not the one I'm living and the only way I can get there is to break those walls down.
As it turns out, I'm a wallflower.
I remember being very shy as a child. Sometimes ridiculously so. It didn't help that we moved a lot (21 times in 21 years!)which made it hard to find the motivation to "invest" in a relationship, knowing we'd be moving again soon. I focused on being friends with my family (and my siblings are still my 3 very best friends!). I have always gotten along well with people, I'm just slow to let them in.
Several years ago, I had a lot of friends. I was social and busy with "social activities" 5 or so days a week. Someone commented that I was a "social butterfly," which was the weirdest term I'd ever heard used to describe ME. It was fun and I was happy. I'm not sure how I went from "wallflower" to "social butterfly" in a matter of months, but it was fulfilling in a very new way.
I then had an experience that resulted in a loss of all trust. I pulled away from everyone. I completely withdrew and quickly built walls all around myself. It was the only way I knew to protect myself from being hurt again.
Last week, I realized it has been four years since I had that experience. I have long since forgiven those that hurt me and I've repaired my relationships with them. In fact, we're close friends again. However, I still have walls all around me and I honestly have no idea how to tear them down.
Don't worry, I DO have great friends, I just don't ever do anything. I want to break out of my hermit shell a couple times a week. And I want to find ways to let others in more easily. The life I want for myself is not the one I'm living and the only way I can get there is to break those walls down.
never fear...
I'm still here. I've just been sick with a nasty cold. It's making the rounds at work and starts with "Man, my throat hurts!" Those very words came from my mouth Sunday afternoon and by Monday morning, I was MISERABLE. I took a day off and slept until every part of my body hurt. Oh, and Dayquil makes me so sick.
Anyway, I'm starting to feel a little better. I've got several fun little projects going, which I will share pictures of soon because they're more interesting than hearing about my latest illness. lol
Anyway, I'm starting to feel a little better. I've got several fun little projects going, which I will share pictures of soon because they're more interesting than hearing about my latest illness. lol
so.very.angry.
I use a prepaid cell phone because I hardly use it (except to text) and I can't justify spending a chunk for a monthly plan. I've had no complaints with my service for the past 2 years... until now. I had the feeling that my minutes were rapidly disappearing, but I convinced myself I was just using it more than I realized.
I have never gone through the 300 minutes in 2 months time, so I was alarmed when I got down to 50 minutes remaining last Friday. In a matter of 6 texts sent and received, I was completely out of minutes. (That should have cost me a total of 6 minutes). I was away from home until late Friday, so I emailed my phone company that night. They replied and told me to call tech support.
I live by a general rule: don't ask for a supervisor. They can't do more than a regular agent, so don't waste your time or theirs. However, the agent I spoke to today was completely inept. She had me on hold for 70% of the call while she "checked something with her supervisor" and she just seemed new and inexperienced at her job.
I am really nice and patient on the phone. Supervisors get treated SO poorly by people that are angry or feel entitled to things. I should know. It's what I do for a living. Anyway, this supervisor got on the line and was very unhelpful. She was rude, defensive, condescending, and literally could not subtract .5 from 227 without the use of a calculator and three minutes of my time. When all was said and done, my phone is still not fixed and I screamed at a stranger on the phone.
She told me she could give me as many as 300 courtesy minutes for the problem (I've gone through more than 100 just this weekend because of the issue) and in the same breath told me that it would be 100 because I didn't call sooner to report the problem (um, noticed the problem Friday night and was out of town on Saturday. bite me) and that she was only going to issue 30 because I couldn't tell her how many text messages I've sent while having this issue. She told me she was punishing me for not calling the second I thought there might be an issue. Silly me. I thought the phone should handle that so I didn't have to.
So, I got angry. And I screamed at her for about 30 seconds. And hung up. I was most angry because the phone is still not working and I had to waste 17.5 minutes (of test texts) proving to the sup that there was an issue. I don't want to call again. Both representatives of their company failed at something simple. Neither offered solutions. Neither wanted to help. So, I'm venting to cool off before I come up with a solution of my own. I like this company and the rate I pay, so I don't cant to cancel, but I have to figure something out.
I have never gone through the 300 minutes in 2 months time, so I was alarmed when I got down to 50 minutes remaining last Friday. In a matter of 6 texts sent and received, I was completely out of minutes. (That should have cost me a total of 6 minutes). I was away from home until late Friday, so I emailed my phone company that night. They replied and told me to call tech support.
I live by a general rule: don't ask for a supervisor. They can't do more than a regular agent, so don't waste your time or theirs. However, the agent I spoke to today was completely inept. She had me on hold for 70% of the call while she "checked something with her supervisor" and she just seemed new and inexperienced at her job.
I am really nice and patient on the phone. Supervisors get treated SO poorly by people that are angry or feel entitled to things. I should know. It's what I do for a living. Anyway, this supervisor got on the line and was very unhelpful. She was rude, defensive, condescending, and literally could not subtract .5 from 227 without the use of a calculator and three minutes of my time. When all was said and done, my phone is still not fixed and I screamed at a stranger on the phone.
She told me she could give me as many as 300 courtesy minutes for the problem (I've gone through more than 100 just this weekend because of the issue) and in the same breath told me that it would be 100 because I didn't call sooner to report the problem (um, noticed the problem Friday night and was out of town on Saturday. bite me) and that she was only going to issue 30 because I couldn't tell her how many text messages I've sent while having this issue. She told me she was punishing me for not calling the second I thought there might be an issue. Silly me. I thought the phone should handle that so I didn't have to.
So, I got angry. And I screamed at her for about 30 seconds. And hung up. I was most angry because the phone is still not working and I had to waste 17.5 minutes (of test texts) proving to the sup that there was an issue. I don't want to call again. Both representatives of their company failed at something simple. Neither offered solutions. Neither wanted to help. So, I'm venting to cool off before I come up with a solution of my own. I like this company and the rate I pay, so I don't cant to cancel, but I have to figure something out.
slacker
I've been posting to my blog so infrequently. Oh well. I think I have three people that read it. LOL. I have been busy, sick, and in a funk. Not all at the same time though.
Steph and I went to Katie's house last weekend. It was nice to just do something different. We usually play a couple rounds of "what do you want to do tonight?" before one of us sits down at the computer and the other falls asleep on the couch. So, it felt great to break out of our routine. We did some shopping and talking and taught Katie to make jewelry. Oddly, the Walmart in American Fork is less busy than Walmart is in Logan. I figure there are just more stores to choose from down there. Walmart here is a madhouse unless you're there before 9:00 am (and even then you wait in line 20 minutes because they have so few checkers open. Sigh)
Earlier this week, I took Maverick (my nephew) to the doctor. He broke his collarbone a couple months ago and has been in a brace forever. Jen was sick, so I got to take him in for his x-rays and then he got the brace off. I've never broken a bone, so it was kinda fascinating to watch.
I got what Jen and all the kids had and missed two days of work. I literally slept those two days away. I went back for one day and then had a weekend, which has also been filled with lots of sleep. I'm feeling better now though.
Hope everyone's doing well!
Steph and I went to Katie's house last weekend. It was nice to just do something different. We usually play a couple rounds of "what do you want to do tonight?" before one of us sits down at the computer and the other falls asleep on the couch. So, it felt great to break out of our routine. We did some shopping and talking and taught Katie to make jewelry. Oddly, the Walmart in American Fork is less busy than Walmart is in Logan. I figure there are just more stores to choose from down there. Walmart here is a madhouse unless you're there before 9:00 am (and even then you wait in line 20 minutes because they have so few checkers open. Sigh)
Earlier this week, I took Maverick (my nephew) to the doctor. He broke his collarbone a couple months ago and has been in a brace forever. Jen was sick, so I got to take him in for his x-rays and then he got the brace off. I've never broken a bone, so it was kinda fascinating to watch.
I got what Jen and all the kids had and missed two days of work. I literally slept those two days away. I went back for one day and then had a weekend, which has also been filled with lots of sleep. I'm feeling better now though.
Hope everyone's doing well!
one word
Where is your cell phone?.......purse
Your hair ..........curly
Your favorite thing? ...........life
Your dream last night?.....recurring
Your favorite drink? ...........water
Your dream/goal? ...........fitness
The room you are in? ......cubicle (at work)
Your fear? .........rejection
Where do you want to be in 6 years?.......Home
Muffins? .............poppyseed
One of your wish list items?..........camera
Where you grew up? ...........Tremonton
The last thing you did? .......organized
What are you wearing?.......butter... lol
Your TV?...........dvds
Your pets? .......zero
Your computer? .....reliable
Your life? .........hermit
Your mood? .........happy
Missing someone?..........always
Your car?........paid
Favorite store?.....anywhere
Your summer? .....air-conditioned
Favorite color?...all
When is the last time you laughed? ....today
Last time you cried? .......january
Three people who email me? ....ebay, amazon, spammers
Three of my favorite foods? ......mushrooms, chocolate, vegetables
Three places I would rather be right now? .....home, shopping, cuddling
Your hair ..........curly
Your favorite thing? ...........life
Your dream last night?.....recurring
Your favorite drink? ...........water
Your dream/goal? ...........fitness
The room you are in? ......cubicle (at work)
Your fear? .........rejection
Where do you want to be in 6 years?.......Home
Muffins? .............poppyseed
One of your wish list items?..........camera
Where you grew up? ...........Tremonton
The last thing you did? .......organized
What are you wearing?.......butter... lol
Your TV?...........dvds
Your pets? .......zero
Your computer? .....reliable
Your life? .........hermit
Your mood? .........happy
Missing someone?..........always
Your car?........paid
Favorite store?.....anywhere
Your summer? .....air-conditioned
Favorite color?...all
When is the last time you laughed? ....today
Last time you cried? .......january
Three people who email me? ....ebay, amazon, spammers
Three of my favorite foods? ......mushrooms, chocolate, vegetables
Three places I would rather be right now? .....home, shopping, cuddling
wardrobe malfunction
Ok, I don't embarrass easily, which is a really good thing because I constantly do ridiculous things. What follows is the story of my unfortunate wardrobe malfunction yesterday:
I was working away at my desk and felt something kinda weird in my lap. I looked down and saw that my pants were completely undone (think slacks - a zipper, two hooks, and a button) and hanging open. Yes.
I had a vague recollection of thinking it hadn't taken very long to use the bathroom after lunch. Now I knew why. I had simply pulled them up, tucked in my tank top, and straightened my shirt.
I'm lucky that I was stuck at my desk all day. Walking around would have resulted in those slacks finding their way down to my ankles. That would have been humorously awful.
Don't go thinking that I was flashing all my coworkers. I wear a pair of leggings or long johns under my slacks to keep warm in the winter. Plus, my shirt was longish - almost long enough to completely cover the hanging flaps of my slacks.
Yeah. Just another day in my life. LOL
I was working away at my desk and felt something kinda weird in my lap. I looked down and saw that my pants were completely undone (think slacks - a zipper, two hooks, and a button) and hanging open. Yes.
I had a vague recollection of thinking it hadn't taken very long to use the bathroom after lunch. Now I knew why. I had simply pulled them up, tucked in my tank top, and straightened my shirt.
I'm lucky that I was stuck at my desk all day. Walking around would have resulted in those slacks finding their way down to my ankles. That would have been humorously awful.
Don't go thinking that I was flashing all my coworkers. I wear a pair of leggings or long johns under my slacks to keep warm in the winter. Plus, my shirt was longish - almost long enough to completely cover the hanging flaps of my slacks.
Yeah. Just another day in my life. LOL
good and not-so-good
I had the greatest set of roommates back in my college days. It's been eight years since we lived together, but it feels like it was yesterday. Five of us met up at Olive Garden in Layton on Saturday. We ate dinner and did a quick little catch-up on our lives. It was nice to see everyone again. Of the 6 of us, there are three nurses, two elementary school teachers, and me - the drop out! LOL
I went to bed early Saturday night because I literally could not stay awake. Sunday, I had no energy and just laid in bed watching movies on my portable dvd player. Monday, I was feeling okay, so I ran errands. That wiped me out and I spent the rest of the day being lazy. Yesterday, I was sick. Achy, nauseous, exhausted. I had a headache too. I called in sick and spent the day dozing in and out. I managed to clean my bedroom (halfway) though. Today, I pushed myself to work and I shouldn't have. I hurt everywhere. I'm starving and the thought of food makes me want to vomit. My head is pounding. And, its taking a great deal of effort to keep my eyes open. I really should have taken another sick day, but I always feel so guilty when my coworkers are short-handed. Sigh. Today is day 5 of being sick. I'm hoping to be better in just 2 days. I don't know what I'll do if I have 5 more days of this to endure. UGH.
I went to bed early Saturday night because I literally could not stay awake. Sunday, I had no energy and just laid in bed watching movies on my portable dvd player. Monday, I was feeling okay, so I ran errands. That wiped me out and I spent the rest of the day being lazy. Yesterday, I was sick. Achy, nauseous, exhausted. I had a headache too. I called in sick and spent the day dozing in and out. I managed to clean my bedroom (halfway) though. Today, I pushed myself to work and I shouldn't have. I hurt everywhere. I'm starving and the thought of food makes me want to vomit. My head is pounding. And, its taking a great deal of effort to keep my eyes open. I really should have taken another sick day, but I always feel so guilty when my coworkers are short-handed. Sigh. Today is day 5 of being sick. I'm hoping to be better in just 2 days. I don't know what I'll do if I have 5 more days of this to endure. UGH.
moving forward
I've had a really rough couple of days. It seems like every 3-4 months I have a couple days where I can't handle ANYTHING. I wish I could blame it on PMS, but it's just some other cyclical bitchiness. I usually end up crying for a day and then I'm back to normal for 3-4 months.
I'm not sure the tears will come this time though. I just spent 20 minutes with a good friend of mine and my mood is so much better. Who knew that something so simple could help so much. I am so happy now that I can't remember how badly my morning went (ok, I can if I try, but I don't want to). I want to move forward with this much better mood and keep this tingly/happy feeling as long as I possibly can! And, tonight I'm spending time with another friend. Take out, a movie, and some girl-talk. Life is good.
I'm not sure the tears will come this time though. I just spent 20 minutes with a good friend of mine and my mood is so much better. Who knew that something so simple could help so much. I am so happy now that I can't remember how badly my morning went (ok, I can if I try, but I don't want to). I want to move forward with this much better mood and keep this tingly/happy feeling as long as I possibly can! And, tonight I'm spending time with another friend. Take out, a movie, and some girl-talk. Life is good.
happiness
I haven't always understood that happiness is a choice. I think I figured that out in my late teens, but it's made SUCH a difference in how I live/interact/view life and those around me. It can still be difficult to choose happiness on days that are just flat-out crummy, but I think that's when it's MOST important. I've been having mostly good days lately and here are ten reasons why:
1- Christmas is OVER!! January may be my favorite month of the year for this very reason. My tree is still up and we may leave it up for a while because I like it, it's not in my way, and well, I can!
2- Being creative. I've been working on several projects around the house, plus jewelry and scrapbooking. I am honestly happiest when I'm doing something creative.
3- Having a clean house. I love when my home is clean. It's far from spotless, but the dishes are done and the clutter is at a minimum.
4- Hearing from friends. Whether that be through email, postal mail, blogs, phone calls, IM's, text messages, etc. It makes me so happy to just connect with my friends.
5- I have a HUGE crush on a guy-friend of mine. Enough said, right?! I talk to him every day and wow. Just wow!
6- Adding people to the hitlist in Mafia Wars (on Facebook). Seriously. It is so freaking awesome and makes me smile each and every time. I added one person to the hitlist because they spelled their own username wrong. It felt good. LOL
7- Going to bed early. Some people feel bad for me if they hear that I went to bed early. Honestly, it feels awesome to climb into bed before you're completely exhausted and just relax there while you reflect on the day.
8- My niece and nephews. I love them to pieces. They are so adorable and it is so fun to see them grow and learn new things. Makes me excited for my own kids someday.
9- Work. I have a decent job and coworkers that I get along with most of the time (there may have been some drama today... oops). It provides me with structure and income and job skills that I may not have gained had I chosen a different job. Sure, my job can be super stressful, but it has benefits as well that generally even things out.
10- My home. I've never lived anywhere as long as I've lived here and I love it. I will be so sad when it comes time to leave. It has become a part of who I am in a lot of ways. I love that I can escape here. I can be private and reclusive if I want. I get alone time here. I really just adore being at home.
What's making you happy right now?
1- Christmas is OVER!! January may be my favorite month of the year for this very reason. My tree is still up and we may leave it up for a while because I like it, it's not in my way, and well, I can!
2- Being creative. I've been working on several projects around the house, plus jewelry and scrapbooking. I am honestly happiest when I'm doing something creative.
3- Having a clean house. I love when my home is clean. It's far from spotless, but the dishes are done and the clutter is at a minimum.
4- Hearing from friends. Whether that be through email, postal mail, blogs, phone calls, IM's, text messages, etc. It makes me so happy to just connect with my friends.
5- I have a HUGE crush on a guy-friend of mine. Enough said, right?! I talk to him every day and wow. Just wow!
6- Adding people to the hitlist in Mafia Wars (on Facebook). Seriously. It is so freaking awesome and makes me smile each and every time. I added one person to the hitlist because they spelled their own username wrong. It felt good. LOL
7- Going to bed early. Some people feel bad for me if they hear that I went to bed early. Honestly, it feels awesome to climb into bed before you're completely exhausted and just relax there while you reflect on the day.
8- My niece and nephews. I love them to pieces. They are so adorable and it is so fun to see them grow and learn new things. Makes me excited for my own kids someday.
9- Work. I have a decent job and coworkers that I get along with most of the time (there may have been some drama today... oops). It provides me with structure and income and job skills that I may not have gained had I chosen a different job. Sure, my job can be super stressful, but it has benefits as well that generally even things out.
10- My home. I've never lived anywhere as long as I've lived here and I love it. I will be so sad when it comes time to leave. It has become a part of who I am in a lot of ways. I love that I can escape here. I can be private and reclusive if I want. I get alone time here. I really just adore being at home.
What's making you happy right now?
cake at midnight
I work early in the morning, which means I'm out of bed by 4:30am most days. I don't mind it. It's my routine. That also means I'm rarely up past 10:30. Last night, Steph and I went to Jen's to chill with her and the babies. I got drowsy watching movies, but once those were over and we started chatting, I was awake.
At about 12:30am, Jen and Steph had a craving for cake, so we started baking. We talked while we baked and had a good time while we waited. I made it to 2:40 before I could not keep my eyes open for another second and crashed into bed.
Now, I have a headache. This happens when I mess up my sleep. Oh well, I'll get through. Nothing monumental happened last night, but our cake at midnight will be a fun memory anyway.
At about 12:30am, Jen and Steph had a craving for cake, so we started baking. We talked while we baked and had a good time while we waited. I made it to 2:40 before I could not keep my eyes open for another second and crashed into bed.
Now, I have a headache. This happens when I mess up my sleep. Oh well, I'll get through. Nothing monumental happened last night, but our cake at midnight will be a fun memory anyway.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
