California State of Mind

At 130, on Friday

2010-01-27T01:28:00.004-05:00

With Ashley

With Brett

Whirlwind week

2010-01-27T01:26:00.000-05:00

New guy or guy #5 as you wish has been pretty good about calling, texting, hanging out... it's like what I always thought I wanted. When my home is packed with three couples on any given night, it's hard not to lay in bed thinking... what? But then again, they're all complicated. Actually, one is complicated, one is official, and one is nonexistent in my book.

Since meeting this new guy, he's watched an endless amount of movies with me and my friends, came over just to hang out, gone to several parties with us, helped clean the living room, made my bed more than once, held my hand, napped together, offered to stay sober so I could drink, tried to buy my movie ticket, walked downtown, hung out at his house, met his brother and father, changed my headlight, read my sign's compatibility with his and even commented on the "love horoscope" which said it'd be an emotional Saturday, got awkward when my very drunk friend danced all over me, & questioned my relationship with my friend "B" (yes, I told him I have a strange thing for "B" but he thought we were once a thing). I did spill that I'm friends with a certain ex-someone.

Someone thinks I'm happy even if I don't show it. I want to make sure I don't get hurt again.

I've felt kind of bad because it appears he does like me quite a bit yet I've shown little affection. I thought I didn't like PDA, but I realized I'm totally cool with it. Case(s) in point: when I used to play beer pong with tall P and when I tried all sorts of PDA with Ali G (new nickname!). I just think I'm shallow. I used to be fat and ugly and I couldn't believe it when I got hot guys. It isn't that this one isn't cute. I guess this happens when, at a party, I have two people for which I have some minimal feelings: Ali G and "B."

Maybe it's a good thing that we hang out so often, but I talk so little about it. Maybe I've learned not to obsess or put too much of myself into these encounters. Maybe it's just natural. Though all of this not-talking-about-it is also a reason why there's no PDA. I don't want my friends to know, even though they already do. So... I don't know. I guess I need to learn that hot hasn't worked so well for me. Wait wait, Ali G wasn't even that hot. Okay, I suppose it's different this time because I'm being lavished with attention instead of having to work for it. I don't think for any second, especially when he's been around so much, that I won't see him for over a week.

At the same time...

I have to remember who I am, what I've done with myself... and that no job besides the job all the people we know holds now and for the moment, no car aren't good-on-paper traits. On paper, it doesn't seem to work. But that's on paper, said a friend. We always look for "perfect" and that's no good because we forget about chemistry. Yet, I do have some requirements, requirements that can make or break couples.

Sustaining myself

2010-01-20T20:16:00.003-05:00

I've decided to post my tumblr post here since I want to update here also.

January 20, 2010 (2 years since I've been my heaviest at roughly 185 lbs)
130.8 lbs - 54.2 lbs lost, 15.8 lbs to go

(written in the dietgirl fashion - see link about book I'm reading)

So school was really boring. All I had to do was sit there with another teacher and watch movies with the 9th graders. The first movie was rather good, but I forgot my glasses so I squinted a lot. I've never even heard of "Adventures in Babysitting" and it was rather funny. We also watched "The Ultimate Gift" which I had seen before.

I texted new guy today and he called me a total of 3 times so far today. A few of us are going to see "Men Who Stare at Goats" so since I had work, kickboxing, and eating/showering, I thought it'd be best to have him come with us. Not sure if he's bringing the people he's with though. But you see, I won't let anyone get in the way of my workouts/eating. I was going to make dinner for Yance also. I would have made him chicken parm while I had the alfredo. Saying no is the key.

I got out early, took a nap, bought groceries to make this Hungry Girl chicken alfredo recipe, and went to kickboxing class. I got there early so I did 10 minutes/100 cals on the bike. Kickboxing was fun, but I lost my stamina half way through. :( I need to go again next week for sure. I don't mind standing in the front ever cause I can see myself. I've stopped being so self-conscious of my mistakes.

The Hungry Girl chicken alfredo recipe was extremely filling and quick to make. The tofu noodles were odd though. Oh well, I can deal with a bit of bland food if I can make my goals.

Speaking of goals, while bored at school, I made a ton of lists. I want to reward myself for the hard work I've done.

Goals & rewards* (*in order for it to count, I must be at the weight or below for at least 3 days - I know I will continue to lose so it's not a big deal if I keep going down duh)

130 lbs + find a job - key chain
125 lbs + 25 days worked - purse/Wellies
120 lbs + 50 days worked - purse/Wellies
115 lbs + 75 days worked - $500 to buy clothes (not shoes, socks, bags, etc.)

Calorie count

Sustain myself: -1305 cals
Breakfast: 140 cals cereal & milk [-1165 cals]
Snack: 140 cals Quaker pack (280 cals) [-1025 cals]
Lunch: 200 cals waffle with PB & J (480 cals) [-825 cals]
Snack: 50 cals popcorn (530 cals) [-775 cals]
Dinner: 275 cals HG's Chick-fredo (805 cals) [-575 cals]
Teaching: -200 cals (pretty lazy day) [-775 cals]
Gym: - 100 cal bike + - 375 cals kickboxing (-475 cals) [-1250 cals]
Weigh-in pre-dinner: 130.8 (stable!)

Productive member of society

2010-01-19T23:09:00.002-05:00

I haven't written in here forever, but I figure why not? I don't know what this blog is about anymore. I used to write about design and I still do that, but I've toned down and written more about my life.

After student teaching, I stopped writing because I was so busy with 40 hours a week (at least) at school and then planning at home.

Once that ended, I decided I needed to focus on myself. Well, this realization came to me around summertime when I began to party too much. Thankfully, I balanced that out with weekly outdoor trips and 4-5 days at the gym.

Even with student teaching, I was still too wild. We were out all the time. Afterward, I was unemployed and enjoying it until winter break. I was bored. I went to the gym pretty much everyday. I joined the Rush cause they have better hours. I've toned it down to 6 days a week and more toning in addition to cardio. I do about 1 hour of cardio a day.

I've gotten my life more together. I party on the weekends and only drink once (though I figure that drinking has no point but to get shitfaced so I get shitfaced that one day). I go to the gym 6 days a week. I sub everyday I can. I'm applying for random jobs in the Asheville City School system cause I love them. I found out that they have perma-subs at the high school, but it's okay, I love preschool. I wish there were more preschool jobs. Anyhow, though none of the jobs have panned out so far, I'm kind of glad. I just got called for an interview for a job I didn't know I signed up for - as a teacher's assistant at the preschool.

This is preferable because, well, I'm not ready to really teach or go to grad school. I realized I can go on with some random jobs for a bit. Now, if I get this job, my life will be as follows for the next few years: assist till next year then go to UNC for their year-long masters program in school counseling. This all may change as it does every week.

Yancey still lives with me! Yay. We have Jordan in our basement for awhile, but he's not too bad. :) We have a ton of friends who are rather awesome. The bad ones don't matter anymore to me. I decided I'm not as crazy. I may be an angry drunk, but I'm honest at least.

I'm not proud of being an angry drunk, but I'm proud of my other accomplishments this past year. I finished school, got my teaching license, got in random "relationships" that were well, not "in a relationship" relationships, and I've lost 26-27% of my body weight. Well, let me clarify. I've lost 26-27% of my body weight from my heaviest.

At the beginning of summer, I was 150 lbs. I lost 10 while student teaching. Now I'm almost reaching my next 10 lbs (130.8 after my workout today). I'm steadily losing weight by keeping track of calories and working out. I'm glad I never did one of those fad diets. I knew this was the only way to do it and I finally mustered up enough strength.

Though all this is overwhelming. I've never been called beautiful by a gay man who told me I was fortunate and stared at me for 5 minutes. He then told 3 guys and asked them this. "She's gorgeous... and I'm a fag." He then said, "All the guys are looking at you." Aw. Then my drunk Yancey gave me a hug, saying she's so pretty and thin now and I worked so hard. He wants to move to Austin with me. And, how awesome I was with my kids. I almost cried. This was the first time ever.

Ahh, so I just have to keep my motivation up. Working out gives me endorphins so that helps. I just need a real job and not subbing to remind me I'm a productive member of society. That's really all I want.

2 weeks, 2 days or 5 days SAYS IT ALL.

2009-09-07T17:43:00.010-04:00

She rolls the mile, makes you smile, all the while being true
Don't take for granted the passions that she has for you
You will lose, if you choose, to refuse to put her first
She will if she can find a man who knows her worth

It's the title of this page.

2009-09-05T11:07:00.001-04:00

Getting my shit today: cleaning, lesson plans, studying for the GREs, watching HGTV, cutting out things from magazines.

Linksy

2009-08-29T11:11:00.002-04:00

You call it mid-century modern, I'll give it a go: MCM house tour
Toasters are dull in color. Green is my favorite color, but the choice will depend on what colors I make my kitchen.

Realize

2009-08-27T21:44:00.004-04:00

I hate the rain when I'm out and about, but I like rain when I'm in the classroom and at night, when I'm alone cleaning. Weird.

After a talk with Tucker, I came upon some big thoughts:

Though I partied all summer, being back in the classroom with my adorable students (ages 13-20) has made me realize how wonderful my life is without the partying. I have worked so hard over the past four years to become who I am today. I did a lot of learning this summer as well, mostly about relationships with other people. I let myself go loose.

But here's the kicker, this won't always be my life. It can't be. I'm becoming a responsible teacher. I'm going places - taking my GREs and going to more school or teaching. :)

The druggies, potheads, and drinkers need to be kept at a minimum in my life. They're the ones who don't deserve me - I've proved I can hang with them all.

This gorgeous home tour makes me think about my future... so bright and simple:

Will be back

2009-08-26T01:02:00.001-04:00

Go over to julieboolie.tumblr.com. I use it cause I can update it from my cell when I'm around. I share more personal stuff there than here. I don't have much time for design stuff right now thus, this has been quite barren.

Basically, you just suck.

2009-08-09T20:30:00.002-04:00

Gramkin Paper Studio's cards are hilarious even if I would never use it.

Speaking of rejections and such, I just played kickball and I'm pretty sure this girl has a mild objection to me because of her friend. Chicks, I don't get 'em.

Almost goodbye summer

2009-08-09T14:41:00.004-04:00

I haven't posted at all here as of late. I'll start up once again when I have more time. I'm rarely home, I guess, except on days like today (Sunday). I've had a fantastically strange summer beginning with relationships with friends and you know, the other kind of relations. I have like five platonic boyfriends, or my mantourage. Kris calls my other ventures my manscapades, which may not be as fun sounding as my mantourage. I've also met a lot of great women. It's tough to find good people I think. There are quite a few crazies and people who I don't connect with well. In about 2 weeks though, all of this comes to an end. All the late nights, partying, everything will be over. It'll be hard, but once in awhile over the summer, I had thoughts about being grown up again. I'll be forced to do it soon. The summer though did help me get over the fact that I won't be with my kids anymore. I'm ready to move on. Kris and Liz are both going to Chapel Hill though Kris came back to Asheville promptly.

Bele Chere weekend!

2009-07-26T20:16:00.002-04:00

First Thirsty Thursday with tons of people. Was sufficiently trashed and went to see Johnny's bro play at the Mellow Mushroom afterwards.
JRoach, Megan, Anna, & I

Drew & I take pictures with furries now. Apparently, it's our thing.

Bele Chere day 1 was the longest day ever. After Five Guys for lunch, JRoach drove us downtown and we spent 8 hours thre. Then Liz had to come pick us up.

They're everything but homosexuals, I think

With another mascot

G's

Bele Chere day 2
BFFs summer 2009

4 AM in the morning after I got dropped off, couldn't find Drew's place, and then, luckily, found out that Abby, Kris, JRoach, and Grayson were still awake and had just come back from some adventures.

1st gen iPhone options

2009-07-26T20:01:00.002-04:00

I needed a cover for my iPhone and JRoach suggested the Clear Armor via casemate.

I'm all about snazziness though so I'm totally into the Tiki skin:

Birthday week continued/ Continuing to have fun

2009-07-23T03:14:00.004-04:00

I know I know. I haven't been around on here much. Sometimes that's a good thing though because it means I'm out doing fun activities.

Working with Camp Invention was super fun. I didn't get paid well at all, but Liz and I enjoyed running around with little kids. I didn't go to the gym all week. Slacker, I know, but I lost weight. Though Kris, Jordan, and I just got back from Athens to visit Stephen so there was lots of gyros and drinking involved and therefore, probably some weight gain. Oh yeah, my big birthday bash was also this weekend. So let me recount the times before I forget.

I had trouble going to work because I got some bad news from Yancey. Everyone seems to want to tell Yancey bad news and ask him to tell me. That's messed up and unfair for Yancey because he has to talk to me for long periods of time and I get kind of upset at him for being the messenger. In any case, I decided sleep was for losers and went out quite a bit. Here's a random night where I reconnected with Brenna (red hair):

After work, we would go visit Jordan when he got off to play darts (Liz and I beat him as a team) or pool. We then headed over to Johnny's one night to hang out.

Cute picture of Drew, Sunni, & I

Jordan sat in my lap

With the boys

I appear to have fallen down. No wonder my finger hurt the next day.

So I got over the big fiasco. Learned a lot from it. Had my big birthday party that was super super fantastic. One of my friends caused some major drama, messaged me like 3 times telling me I was a terrible friend but no one agrees with her because it's her bullshit and not mine to deal with. I felt as though she had no respect for me, asking me to kick 5 people (some who are my friends) out of my house on my birthday. Other people, particularly 2 of them who dated for 5 years and definitely have issues, dealt with it by not talking to each other. I would have reacted like my friend as a teenager but we're adults now. Anyways, party went great after that.

The guys

Some random mix of people I didn't know and friends

Trying to take a picture with Drew and Alex, who kept running away

With Catherine in her cute outfit

Hula hooping with Alex - I bought a hula hoop too!

With Laura - we are too cute!

With Drew Dark - love this picture!

Downstairs playing beer pong

At the end of the night with Abby

In the AM before getting breakfast/lunch at IHOP

After kickball on Sunday, we made dinner together. This was steak marinated in honey orange sauce not strawberries.

Keeping up with cool stuff

2009-07-20T11:46:00.006-04:00

I saw this mailbox in InStyle magazine and I definitely want one for my place! It's handmade so I'm hoping not too many people will have one.

(theoryandpractice)

I don't know what I would do with this mobile, but I pretty much just want it cause it's cool looking and I love the colors. They're a tad expensive for not having too much use though.

(frazier & wing)

I finally have an iPhone. It's the 2g, but I like it anyhow. :) I just can't find a good ol' Incase cover that I love so much.

Speaking of iProducts, I think this teardrop speaker for the shower is adorable. Also, I think I should enjoy my showers more.

(Target)

Birthday week

2009-07-11T17:52:00.003-04:00

THIS COULD BE YOU.

I didn't get my birthday wish to come true. It wasn't even a big big one. It was a... I wanted someone to come to my birthday. Though I felt like crap, I guess it would've been nice to know that someone care enough instead of getting trashed elsewhere. Psh. Anyways, I told Drew what my wish was and who it was (eventually after he guessed). He said I needed to make the effort then. On another note, my favorite Afrikan texted me about it and I thought that his inquiry was for Drew. I guess not?

(pictures from Cassady's 90s themed birthday Friday)

Who cares

The night I turned 22 (Wednesday) was fantastic except I get upset when people don’t pick up their phones and he went to bed as we were out till 430 at Denny’s. My BFF made sure I was okay. Love him.

Thursday was crappier cause I was in a hurry, my rash came back, and not everyone I wanted here came. But in the end, you realize who cares and I guess it’s not always who I want. Though I think I fall in love with my BFF more and more everyday. Not only did he miss the baseball game to come hang out, he made sure I was okay at night by turning off my light and tucking me into bed. It made the last few seconds of being awake wonderful.

2 special people

Tuesday: sushi downtown with Kris, gym with Bonnie & Jess, wings, bowling with Jordan, Liz, and Michael - Jordan and I kicked butt plus we were on our own lane and that was good because I can NEVER get angry at him even if I’m competitive, and then beer pong at the regulars’. I chatted for once, got closer. I’m happy about it. :) The neighbor thought I had something with my BFF. I wish! HAHA. Nah. I mean, though my BFF is a hottie, I’m rather sure there’s no chance and that I like the awkwardness, adorableness of another. It’s weird, but I feel so happy to have such great BFFs who I can bond with easily. That song by the Plain White T’s “1 2 3 4” reminds me of him. Then, there’s the super nervousness I succumb to with the other one. I’m doing better and better with him though. And I realized I didn’t so much talk before and thankfully with the talking, it’s working out. :)

I got a good hug too. :)

I might hate nature or it hates me.

2009-07-08T01:24:00.009-04:00

Tubing with my BFFs only. I have a huge rash that I kept scratching while over at Jordan’s and fell asleep. I came home to take a shower to get the river stink and itch off. It did not work. It has gotten worse. I put Cortizone 10 on it. I put bug spray on it. I put Caladryl Clear on it. In addition to my gazillion bites, I have this to deal with. I don’t think it’s poison anything though because it’s mostly my upper arms, my stomach, and wherever my tankini was (i.e. crouch). Sucks. I guess it’s like when I work out and I sweat most where the elastic or my bra is because the sweat collects there. Same with river water? Crap crap crap. This hurts. I’m trying not to scratch. Pants really help. Maybe if I wore a long sleeve shirt, I would stop scratching too.

Tubing was fun though. Just the part of me in the water got an itch. I almost hit a wasp nest when I ran into the tree. Thankfully, I bounced off the tree when I would usually just go through it. I was so lucky. The nest looked like cabbage or iceberg lettuce as I told Jordan. I got stuck so many times on rocks, but I maneuvered myself out. The only thing that sucked was getting out because I was still floating down the river and realized it was a tad too deep for me when I got out of the tube. :/

My BFF and I bought the same candy from all the candy in the store. We also got energy drinks. :) The night was a bust after dinner at Usuals. I shouldn’t have had the sweet potato fries along with the ahi tuna rolls. :/ Oh well, I’m drinking tea to help digest. My BFF was not at the party he was to go to. I think he fell asleep so I immediately chilled in the car cause everyone else kind of sucks.

I wanted to eat and watch a movie or something relaxing but everyone I called was asleep including that one person ya know… I hate calling people and not having them pick up or call back. It’s soooo annoying. This is why I love Jordan, Kris, Alex, and Andrew. They pick up or they text back or they call back at some point. I also know why Yancey and Kris and Jordan hate calling people. I get really upset when no one picks up.

The one who can't be named, which is why I called today and you didn't pick up bitch:

BFF, I kind of did because I love looking at his face:

Yesterday, I ate sushi downtown with Kris for lunch then went to the gym with Bonnie and Jess. Saw Jess's new place and then ate wings at Tolliver's. The guys went golfing and then disc golfing so they couldn't join us until we went over to their house and played beer pong. After eating though, Liz and Michael and Jordan and I went bowling. Jordan and I killed it. It was a good idea to play two lanes with me and Jordan on one because though I'm competitive, I can NEVER get mad at him. Anyways, I won the first two games. :)

Afterwards, at the house, I actually chatted with the person I should be talking to. Yancey still doesn't understand why we (he, Kris, and I) are so obsessed still with our respective persons because honestly, there is no logical reason. I like the awkwardness, the adorable laugh, and then the hugs and warmth.

Weird thing, the two people in my life who I am obsessed with make me a) super comfortable or b) super nervous. Clearly, a) is my BFF who this song reminds me of. Friends included not just lovers.

I have one month of normal life before I have to student teach and give up my life for awhile so I'm trying to milk it. I asked Kris if I should call and I decided that I should. No pick up, which made me sad, but I tried. Yesterday's hugs and talks were quite sufficient. I realized I didn't really talk before, but I am trying and I like them well enough.

On a happier note, my jeans are getting looser. :)

DA KICK BALLAZ

2009-07-06T01:18:00.002-04:00

First thing, I stayed in bed thinking that I'd wake up when people called. Well, I ended up calling Nate and inviting him and Woody over as well as Jordan and Andrew for some burgers we still had. It was fun and chill then Jordan, Andrew, and I hung out for a bit.

I bought some bug spray to get rid of the gnats, many of them, in our kitchen. Gah, there's so many.

Kickball again. So much fun. Jordan and I made matching shirts. :) He decided to pick me first. Terrible idea. I could’ve been picked 3rd or something. He just loves me so much I guess. Haha. :) Then he picked Drew. Haha, love Drew too, but he’s not particularly athletic so it was Andrew, Nate, Woody, Alex, and later Beth versus Jordan, me, Drew, Stephanie, Alex the Afrikan, and Kris.

We lost, but I had a great and hilarious team. I couldn’t run cause I did something to my thigh, but I got a couple of outs by sliding around. You can tell on this shirt how hard I worked. I make a good short stop and caught the ball with the foot, face, chest… everything but my arms really. We stopped people by interfering or tripping them, mooned them, faked kicks, dove, etcetera while drinking beer and smoking (not all of us but some). Afrikan was all over the place, Drew had to run to the outfield for me (and I’m making him food for this), Jordan was hilarious smoking and drinking and running bases, and Kris was the only one to miss a kick. Haha.

Stephanie was pitcher and loved our team for all our quirkiness. I love them too. I thought I had the best team in terms of company. The whole game was amazing because of the overall company.

I found these on my phone and think I remember that I took these of Jordan and Alex because they were both funny at the time... in different ways. Jordan's always laughing and Alex was serious looking.

I put you on a pedestal.

2009-07-05T11:20:00.006-04:00

4th of July started with me buying tons and tons of food with Bonnie when she brought over her grill. We made the huge burgers from Earthfare for $2 each. The sale runs till the 7th so I'm all on that especially if we have Bonnie's grill here.

I had totally forgotten to tell Yancey about this grill out until he read it on my status update! Haha. Well, people came slowly and then they stopped coming cause all of them took naps!

Kris and I went downtown to the Shindig on the Green on Martin Luther King, but it was filled with tourists and this weird octopus contraption for the kids that looked like... well, some human body parts. We ditched it, got some ice cream from Marble Slab (mmmm birthday cake ice cream & peanut butter cups) that I didn't finish, and headed to Barley's for a couple of drinks.

We met up with Jordan in the back to chill for like 2 minutes then we watched actual fireworks they launched from the courthouse.

We went to Johnny's afterward, Liz called being very trashed, I wanted to go to Liz at Barley's so we went where I wrote on a receipt "The dishwasher is hot. Give me his #.", then we went to Jennie's and saw them on their way back HAHAHA, to Nate's for quarters, had to go with Yancey cause I didn't drive and Kris had work, and went back to Johnny's where there were 16 year olds. That's just not my crowd...

I told Yancey that I’m pretty much in love and he said stop it. I don’t know how it’s possible but we - as in Kris and I - love our ‘wife.’ Though I was disappointed to find out that he made out with one of my friends. Um, I suppose I’m protective but he can do sooo much better. Also, I’m kind of jealous that she got some action before I did! :( I mean, I guess that’s what happens when you get friend-zoned. Well, I’m still jealous because he not only made out with her, he tried to take her home. Furthermore, he thought another one of my not so attractive female friends is ‘cute.’ Oh best friend, I’m so disappointed. :/

Hurt and unable to deal

2009-07-05T11:08:00.003-04:00

My BFF told me I need to stop being a gossip so loud. I don’t try to. I’m just loud. I started crying when he said that because I don’t want to be a bitch. Apparently it has happened more than once except he can’t name an instance. When I started crying, he was consoling. He didn’t want me to be upset. I know he was just being overly joking, but I am pretty sensitive about how I act drunk. I’m not particularly mean or nice. I’m nice I think, but I forget about people around me who I gossip about. So I basically said this chick was like not good enough for my BFF, that she was just alright without knowing she heard. :/

Also, I got pretty upset because that dude was at the party then went somewhere else when I made an effort to hang out with him. That was pretty fucking bad. I was like, okay, I’m pretty fun here tonight. :/

This was all after this whole like month and everything. Maybe I do need to get over this, but it like sucks me in every time I get an apology. I was really hoping we’d chill, but he left the party and didn’t come back. I was upset and angry about this obviously.

So today was… kind of fun (we even had dinner with Kris's Norwegian father and family), I was disappointing to my friend I feel (I didn’t even take him home!), and not sure what the hell is going on in my life. Well, the latter might just keep going on until I get too busy to deal with it.

Dinner in Hendersonville with Kris's family - Jordan had a Red Stripe and I had a HoneyMoon and I think it looks like us. Jordan is tall with what he says a "fat ass" and I'm short and stocky (pretty much).

At the Decades party, some people put on some fire show! Beth and I also did lots of dancing inside, including the swing. I had so much fun!

Andrew dressed up for the Decades party. The rest of us didn't. :/ We went back to Nate's afterwards.

New things to do

2009-07-05T11:07:00.001-04:00

Wednesday cookout/potluck at Catherine’s. Brought my BFFs. Bought us the best burgers - Black and Blue (cheese), spinach and feta, and mushroom swiss. The latter were better. Drank Sam Adams to start celebrating 4th of July. Drew & Nate came. Want a hammock now. Looking for one for sure. Went to Nate’s for a little. Tried to find the 24-hour driving range. Drove all the way out to Leicester and nothing…

Thursday, I woke up to Nate’s phone call. Promised I’d help clean. Went to the gym, went to clean up at his place with Dreezy, and then kickball? Yes. It was awesome. Shower and Papas and Beer with Abby and Sarah and Dreezy. Went over to Grayson’s then Johnny’s then Taco Bell and drove everyone home.

Today, El Chaps for breakfast. Pool after. Hang out with Nate after that. Yay. And parties tonight.

Thrilling Tuesday

2009-07-05T11:02:00.003-04:00

Monday night played some quarters. We ganged up on Jordan. Haha. Tried to watch a movie called “The Tale of Desperaux.” Jordan left when the movie mentioned “Soup Day.”

Tuesday, we met up for breakfast/lunch at El Chapala. Had some huevos rancheros. Too salty. Went to Pisgah Forest - Blue Hole, Looking Glass Falls, and some beach area where they had camping. Something attached itself to my butt and bit it. It stung for awhile too! I have no idea what it was because I just flung it in the woods to get it off. Jordan, Kris, and I ate at Jack of the Wood for the first time. I still have my half burger.

Went to Nate’s for the twice or so weekly beer pong. Won with Anna! :) Left at like 1am thanks to Yancey. :) He didn’t get us food though. Instead, went home, made some food, played quarters, jumped a fence and swam, and watched “Office Space” for a very short period of time before we all fell asleep.

Blue Hole

Bridge on the way to Blue Hole

Finally found Looking Glass Falls - so many tourists!

Do I still care so much?

2009-06-30T03:11:00.006-04:00

Before I decided I'm pretty much in love with my friends today, I was thinking almost what this song says... kind of. Everyone says that an apology means A LOT because people could not apologize and leave it at that. I think I've gotten so many apologies and not a damn thing else. Part of me wants to say that sometimes you have to apologize because you don't want to be a crappy person or you fucked over an awesome person (like me duh!). Anyways, watch it and heed the lyrics. Some of them at least.

Am I supposed to put my life on hold
because you don’t know how to act
and you don’t know where your life is going?
Am I supposed to be torn apart, broken hearted, in a corner crying?
Pardon me if I don’t show it
~~I don’t care if I never see you again~~
I’ll be alright
Take this final piece of advice and get yourself together,
~~but either way baby, I’m gone~~

Chorus:
I’m so over it, I’ve been there and back
~~Changed all my numbers and just in case you’re wondering~~
I got that new
I’m a single girl swag
Got me with my girls and we’re singin’ it…… Sing!
na na na na hey, na na na na hey
hey hey hey
goodbye
na na na na hey, na na na na hey,
hey hey hey
goodbye

Cut my hair ‘cuz it reminded me of you
I know you like the long ‘do,
had to switch my attitude up
Thinkin’ of changing up how I ride, No more
on the passenger side
too bad you miss out on the way that I drive it
~~I don’t care if I never see you again~~
I’ll be alright
Take this final piece of advice and get yourself together,
but either way baby, I’m gone

His friend did say I just missed him when I thought she disliked me... hm, why would it matter if I missed him or not? Maybe the apology meant something. In any case, I said I had called today and went straight to voicemail. I hate leaving them, but I left a message just for you...

I'm wondering though if I still care so much. Before, I had been a mess. Now, I'm kind of dealing with it.

P.S. When my BFF left his phone at home today, he promptly texted back AND came over... all the way from across town.

Soul brother/mate

2009-06-30T03:07:00.003-04:00

We discussed the word "soul mate," because I feel like I've found someone who fits the bill in some ways... Surprisingly, not who you think.

A soulmate is someone who has locks that fit our keys, and keys to fit our locks. When we feel safe enough to open the locks, our truest selves step out and we can be completely and honestly who we are; we can be loved for who we are and not for who we’re pretending to be. Each unveils the best part of the other. No matter what else goes wrong around us, with that one person we’re safe in our own paradise. Our soulmate is someone who shares our deepest longings, our sense of direction. When we’re two balloons, and together our direction is up, chances are we’ve found the right person. Our soulmate is the one who makes life come to life.
- Richard Bach

I think a soul mate can be your friend from this description right?

Otherwise, I'd have to hope for...

...which is how I think it all begins anyways.

julieboolie.tumblr.com

2009-06-30T03:01:00.005-04:00

I've been tumbling a lot because it's easy to do so on the go on my iPhone. Check it out: julieboolie.tumblr.com. I'm not moving though! Here are my tumbls and some add-ons.

Saturday was spent in Charlotte:

Yancey and I went to CPK and Ikea in Charlotte yesterday. Well, during this I got a phone call and never really could hear the message until about 3am when I came home. I don’t know… I’m not sure what to do. The night before, Bonnie deleted the coveted number because on Thursday, I met a guy who became my hero. He had done it because it was a waste of his time. I thought the same. So did everyone else. kla;sdf

I need to work out, but I’m going to hula hoop soon so I’ll do my workout after…

Sunday:

Papas and Beer with Jordan, bought Alex the Afrikan an ice cream cake, and played poker. Alex loved his cake! :) It was from Dairy Queen with a monkey. Jordan helped me write "THE AFRIKAN" cause I messed up "ALEX." He didn't want to make it a big deal. I didn't even get to put the black candles we got on it! :/

The second part of our night went as follows:

The gym is closed on the weekends so finding something to do is hard. Well, I found something today:

Running from the cops. I’m short therefore slow. We split up in pairs naturally. I got my best pal. He didn’t leave me. Made sure I was okay. Told me what to do. Was our fearless leader. I laid like a dead corpse. Texted the others. Afterwards, he and pretty much everyone even said we were happy we were in pairs because otherwise, we would not know what to do or when to leave. It was an adventure. The bug spray I put on earlier helped us a lot.

It was actually quite easy. Not something I’d do everyday, but I’m happy the boys cared. They were even concerned when I missed a step and kind of twisted my ankle. It’s on ice now. Hey, I can keep up.

Though, we decided no golfing but I think a couple of the guys went.

I love boys.

Monday:

1) Swam. Laid by the pool. Really tan and summery after the swim with the girls that I decided a shower would only do me a diservice. Instead I’ve headed straight to Tolliver’s for wings. Mmm.

*Called back. Straight to voicemail.

2) Though I went to the pool, ate wings, and downtown, today was just okay. It’s about the company. Kris being here now is cool and I had to go to Barley’s to see my BFF. That made me happy to see him but no pong tonight. Maybe tomorrow.

3) My BFF/soulmate (we decided this) came over after work to play a hilarious game of quarters despite having to go home and then all the way across town. :) Made my night better. I’m starting to get a little concerned about myself. Cute, funny, & just compatible… Fuck. Well I have some awesome, quite attractive friends to keep my mind off somewhat rejection. Maybe sometimes I’m too much of a guy.

Pour out a little liquor... (party)

2009-06-28T13:19:00.004-04:00

So much has happened that I haven't had time to write about, but today is Sunday so here goes. Wednesday night was Woody's birthday. On Thursday, after my last day of work and the gym, Jordan called and I headed over to Barley's for a Pisgah Solstice and a Catawba Valley White Zombie. The latter was delish and the former was well high gravity. Then, when I went home to shower, Jordan scurried to get me some free black bean hummus. Mmm. Well, in any case, we went over to hang with David on this house on a hill where the guy who wrote Kyle all around town lived. I heard the story and now I've met the guys who live there! Well, it was eh but we decided on a MJ, Farrah, and Ed party to commemorate their passing.

We had some girls come! This is rare I guess.

Alex the African and Julie the Asian - I have no idea what I'm doing here.

Me and some guy whose name I kept forgetting because his shirt says "Presidente"

Andrew and I just take fantastic pictures.

Me, Jordan, and Laura

Another day outdoors

2009-06-26T01:41:00.003-04:00

Monday night I was a bit trashed. I think it was Monday. Yes, because I didn't get a call back. What a jerk. So Jordan, Yance, and I came home late and decided to slack off the next day. Jordan did our dishes when he got back and rearranged my spices. Seriously. We went off to Rainbow Falls/Turtleback the next day. The hike was killer. We had fun though and Applebee's for their $4 appetizers, $3 LITs, and big bitch drinks.

How am I to get these Jordan?!

On the way to Brevard, NC

Me and the guys behind me at Rainbow Falls

Yancey & Jordan at Rainbow Falls

Sliding down Turtleback

Our huge bitch drinks - Jordan's Mudslide and my Jamaica Freeze

No time for blogs?!

2009-06-24T11:46:00.003-04:00

Thankfully I haven't missed too much from my faves. I'm at work, but the kids are doing projects. Now we're going to lunch. I'm hungry.

Last night, after my full day, I stumbled upon an issue of Nylon Magazine at my friend's house. Her roomie subscribes. I like the design and the products they feature. I also read the July 2009 issue of Marie Claire. Also great. I'm going to Barnes and Noble when I have a chance to read them. (Save money.)

Kiss Her via decor8

I want a refrigerator like this one.

I've been tumbling shorties.

2009-06-22T01:14:00.002-04:00

TODAY: Called ‘cause I wanted to. Conor agreed. Alex agreed. Tucker agreed. Voicemail. Waiting. It has been 4 hours now. If not, I’m lining up plans for tomorrow and lots of drinking. I think my message was quite sweet and nice and an attempt.

I made Conor go to dinner with me today to give me a pep talk then I went to this busted cookout/gathering. It was lame. I was there for an hour and went home.

“It’s those nights where all I do is think about you and wonder if we’ll ever be.”

“If he’s the one you want, the one you love, and the only one who can make you happy then no matter how long you’ve liked him and no matter what people say, you should keep waiting.”

YESTERDAY: Apparently I’m more obsessed than I should be or thought I was. Went to a party and didn’t get my fix though I did play beer pong again. Lost with the cool South African. I met him a couple weeks ago and Conor loved him. He’s cool and I was sad I only made 1 of the 4 cups we got. :( Andrew and Jordan had left by then, but I stuck around for the game. The host I know wasn’t even there. :/

A day and a half in pictures

2009-06-21T03:09:00.003-04:00

Before Nate's birthday, Bonnie and I went to Eleanor's b-day cookout.

Looking Glass Falls

I went with my favorite people: Yancey (my roomie), Jordan, and Liz. Yancey is not pictured.

Chicken Devan, Jordan's favorite meal growing up as a kid. Jordan's one hell of a cook.

Salad I can't get enough of: lettuce, avocado, apple, Goddess dressing

With rice and rolls too...

tumbling this.

2009-06-20T12:15:00.008-04:00

Nate's birthday yesterday. Drew and I won 5 consecutive games of beer pong till I got tired and my roomie replaced me. :( Still, we're undefeated. On another note, I tried the I don't give a crap method and though I wasn't annoying or whatever, I think I talked to everyone else but... So in the end, it still feels crappy though I was not as bad. Shoot, I'm ready to go all in. I started with a move at like 3am and will hopefully hear something back. I wasn't even a friend last night. :(

Have fun.

2009-06-19T04:51:00.005-04:00

The last week has been rough but in the end, here on Thursday, it turned out pretty good. I listened to Peter. I went out with my friends and I thank them so much for helping me forget about that whole thing that made me upset. Yesterday would have been crap without Liz and Jordan by my side. I had a pretty good day yesterday in particular. After going to work, I worked out a ton (10 minutes stairs, 20 minutes elliptical, 20 minutes bike, weights, and a 45 minute aerobics class), found out McGarBear was in town, went to play poker with Liz, Tucker, Jordan, Johnny, and a friend, won, and went to a gathering. It was super awkward, but Jordan saved my ass by being my beer pong partner. Liz had to drive us all back...

Today was up in the air. I didn't even see McGarBear except for a few minutes when he came by to see us play poker. Work prevented me from seeing him more. :( In any case, I worked out, waited till forever, and finally hit up this party. We went to the bar for a 21st b-day then went back to the party once the bars closed. The whole bar situation was also awkward to begin with but I had vowed to make it as least awkward as possible. I didn't want to be an attention whore so I chatted with my bestie of the week and random other people one-on-one. My bestie has been freaking fantastic. I don't mind talking to him ever and he makes me laugh so I have fun. That's the whole point. Have fun.

Back to the party, we brought our new pal who finally got my name down. Oh yeah, some guy accidentally called me Yancey and mistook Yancey as Julian. Haha. In any case, I think something's going on that has never happened before. Yancey told me that although I got an apology, I needed to forget it altogether. I wondered why and he said he would tell me later. Well, he told me afterwards. Weird. But somehow, I like putting in hard work and cute awkwardness. Maybe I don't really want this part of my life to ever work out or something. I don't know. Should I stick with what's made me upset in the past week or try a more reliant, pretty cool, and yet, lacks something... something rather important. The awkwardness.

I don't know. This is too new for me. It might just be that I fuck it all up.

Getting over it

2009-06-17T03:33:00.004-04:00

Tonight was above average and I'm so happy for that because as I was napping and woken up by the thunder/lightning, I wanted to just lay there. Well, Tucker made me go over to his place to chat then Jordan and Johnny called to go over there. Liz met up with us. Yes, Liz! We went over to David's without him being home yet but it was still cool since he lives with Drew Dark. I couldn't even tell it was him. Yance came, Jordan got tired, Yance got hungry, Jordan wanted a Slamburger, and so we went to Denny's where I ate half of mine and everyone but Yancey also ate a Slamburger. So it's terrible for me since I just joined Weight Watchers today with Alex, but since I've budgeted my food so well, I was able to enjoy the half burger. :) I haven't starved myself. I've just been eating smart.

Andrew was supposed to come, but I got my replacement BFF Jordan which made it much better cause he's super entertaining. He dances, spilled his root beer float, and is always so supportive and chattier. We might go to Looking Glass Falls this Saturday. So we decided it was a good night even though Jordan, Johnny, and I have work at 10 A.M. Crap. Oh well, it was satisfactory enough to make me start thinking about getting OVER IT. Thank goodness for friends and cool people. :)

Responsible me

2009-06-15T09:01:00.003-04:00

Work in one hour. I was woken up so many times last night by myself and then at 8:30 by the outdoors. I woke up at 4, 6, and now. :( I just couldn't sleep. I was up till 2am when I had jumped into bed at 1. I kept tossing and turning. It's all because I keep thinking and thinking.

Well, after work, my check-up, going to the gym with Yancey, and grabbing books to actually start preparing for next semester, I'm going to Barnes and Noble to pick up a new book. I have a book in mind. Actually, I just found out the paperback version comes out tomorrow so I'll wait. I have like 10 books (Che, Harry Potter #5, Huck Finn, etc.) on my nightstand. No joke, but I really am not feeling any of them. I'm never getting through some of them like A New Earth so I need to put that away and be realistic here. I need some girly books. I'm also reading In My Skin for work.

Okay, well, I'm hoping today's activities will preoccupy me from my thoughts. Here's to responsibilities. Hopefully work will help me do this.

Dinner/snack time

2009-06-14T23:58:00.008-04:00

Shrimp Pasta Penne

Recipe:
1 c. cooked whole wheat pasta
5 cooked shrimp
1 tbsp. pesto (Alessi Pesto)

232 calories

Perfect Oven Sweet Potato Fries

Recipe:
1/2 sweet potato
Canola oil applied with napkin
Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Bake for 15 minutes.

122 calories

Playing catch-up

2009-06-14T21:33:00.005-04:00

First, here are some personal notes:

Still to do: clean car, clean bathroom, put things away (we just have too many small things)
I did two rounds of Slim in 6's Ramp It Up. Sweat was dripping from my face and onto the yoga mat. I was going to rearrange my bedroom, but then I wouldn't have space for working out.

Second, I caught up on some blog reading:

Design*Sponge before and after
reminded me of the "How to Do Anything Cheaper Guide" in Glamour's July issue.
design is mine found these pretty pinks
This camera is quirky and I want one too. (haus maus)
I saw these on my latest trip to Target, shelves by Dror. (notcot) $90 for a set (4)?! On my wishlist!
I can't get over Swedish apartments! It's so fresh, so airy. (desire to inspire)

Suddenly brighter? This too shall pass.

2009-06-14T16:22:00.004-04:00

Getting off exit 5B onto Merrimon Ave in Asheville, I spotted this new place a little to the left. It's called Nova and I was curious because of the logo. I thought the location previously sold lamps and the name/logo had just changed until I saw dining tables.

It's another bar in Asheville as well as a restaurant. It appears to be more of a bar targeted towards trendy, rich people. I read an article in the Mountain Xpress that talked about the use of eggs in their cocktails and the prices set from $8-12. Eggs: not terribly gross I think. Price: a little much. They use some wacky ingredients that harken back to the... well, I forget when.

Anyways, I was reminded of this because I was at kitchn and saw an article about Gourmet Magazine's cocktail recipes from the 1940s and 50s. Some are personally familiar. For example,

1940s: sidecar, frozen daquiri, whiskey sour

1950s: Pimm's Cup (my favorite!), grasshopper, Singapore Sling (I thought it was gross!)

Ready to be Slim in 6

2009-06-14T15:27:00.003-04:00

I'm going into week 4 of working out everyday. I do the elliptical, some weights, and now, after watching this commercial, I am definitely going onto the Slim in 6. I do them on the weekends when the gym is closed, but I'm going to give it a try. Since I'm accustomed to the "Start It Up," I'm going to try to do that and the "Ramp It Up" today.

I lost almost or about 7 lbs. since working out for 3 weeks. That's pretty fantastic, but that is just making up for lost time. Now that I'm at where I was, I'm really hoping to lose another 15 if not 20. Eating well too. These Healthy Ones Oven Roasted Turkey Breast slices/Boca Tomato Basil Parmesan Veggie Patties with Nature's Own Light Honey Wheat bread and lettuce sandwiches are so filling that I'm waiting for it to digest before I get to work out... They're under 200 calories with some red wine vinegar or even a thin spread of avocado.

(image via Associated Content)

People like me. You're just an idiot.

2009-06-14T13:18:00.004-04:00

It's super late to wake up... I might have needed it. I stumbled upon a high school friend's long winded note about changing. After freshman year, I became responsible. I found out I wanted to teach, that I wanted to do well in school, and I hoped that everything would come later in life.

After graduation, I went to all these parties and went out every night. It became exciting. I never went to see my kids except once and I didn't even get myself to graduation. I went to the gym instead. Though I don't want to lose that part of me that I've acquired - this drive to work out and change my life for what I know will be better - I never would have missed my kids before. I was content with hanging out at home.

So it all crashed because I got hurt. Everything has the possibility of hurting. I don't have experience with this kind of hurt and it's probably the hardest. I always thought that trying my hardest would work in any situation. I never had everything so I worked on specific parts of me and it led me to find my passion, become a better person, and get through school. I had friends, but I forgot or didn't want to remember what everyone else was complaining about. I hate when friends talked about guys or girls. I just wanted to hit them because I never thought it was important. I found so many other joys. I don't know if I really do believe it all myself. Sometimes I do, sometimes I know I'm just hiding behind everything good in my life to avoid the inevitable. I avoided anything like it for this exact reason: the pain. I just stopped liking people altogether. I just stopped seeing it.

As I write this, I realize how much I've been wanted and here I am complaining about not being wanted. Just because of one person. People like me. I talk a lot, I'm friendly, I'm hardworking, and a lot of other amazing things. Yes, I have insecurities like I don't ever wear shorts or sleeveless shirts. Apparently, that's not very attractive (the insecurities). I'm working on it. In any case, I'm listening to Cassie's 10-10-10(-10) rule. Will this matter in 10 minutes, 10 days, 10 months, 10 years... yeah, I skipped some, but those are the most significant ones for now. Hopefully, I'll get over this in 10 days/weeks if not 10 hours. Cause it's day 4... :/

He's just not that into me. Damn.

2009-06-14T01:55:00.011-04:00

Playing catch-up with some blogs and then, added some notes.

Interior designer Tracey Leigh's home is fantastic taken together. Very homey, a little country maybe? (madebygirl)
Awesome move opening up their kitchen! (thisyounghouse)
I love these almost as much as the Orla Kiely ones. This is even more retro. (sfgirlbybay)
I finally found polyvore, a fun little site with way too much stuff, mostly clothes, to look at!
Also check out moddecor. I bookmarked it and have yet to check it out!
I need to clean my car tomorrow and my bedroom. Those aren't too bad...
I want to rearrange my bedroom, my bed, and maybe even thinking about using my new bedspread... probably not even though I want to.
I had a Boca burger (70 cals), a sandwich thin (100 cals), avocado as spread (50 cals), and romaine lettuce for lunch.
For dinner, I had some deli turkey (~45 cals), 2 slices honey wheat bread (only 80 cals), avocado as spread (50 cals), and romaine lettuce for dinner.
I want a jog/walk tomorrow in addition to the workout video... cause I'm having a hard time here: HE'S JUST NOT THAT INTO ME. Yeah, I just consoled myself by reading the book.

Now with pictures!

2009-06-13T21:37:00.011-04:00

Looks like my roommate beats me up, but really, I love beer pong and jungle rules...
I've been wanting a V-neck t-shirt made of good material.

Not keeping the Women's Merona Ultimate V-Neck Tee ($6) cause I don't like the cut so much. It looks weird from the side and the material is thicker. Merona is never as good as Mossimo...

Keeping and buying another one of the Juniors' Mossimo Supply Co. Pocket V-Neck ($8) even though my saggy arms are visible.

Quilt set I bought and probably will save...

I want a Brita pitcher, but I didn't want to pay for one nor could I choose between green or orange. I'm leaning towards orange because it's a harder color to find (via Luke Durda)

I cleaned a little today. I woke up and thought, yes let's do this. I need to get my spirits up. Friday was a bust. It was the earliest I've come home all week and it was Friday?! Seriously? I just went over to Grayson's after chatting with Peter on the phone and deciding that I should stop making moves for now. All it was at Grayson's was a finished game of poker, Tucker, Colin, and the only person that makes it even remotely better, Jordan. It was lame nonetheless so I came home at 12:30 A.M., watched "Laguna Beach," could not fall asleep, and then, moped. kajsdf

Well, woke up, cleaned, went to get lemonade sorbet (ate very little of it) with Alex and then to Target with her. I bought a quilt set even though I don't need it. It was on clearance and super cute. Um, now I'm waiting to go downtown I guess. It's pretty lame of me but I'm not really feeling it. :/ I'm about to keel over. I'm also waiting for Peter to finish at the gym and call me back. Summer is starting to suck with this "plan" I have and with Kris gone, I'm dying even more.

I just need a friend really... not even anything big. I could hang out with some people, but I'm not sure if I'm up for that. Gah. From a couple of weeks ago or well, last week actually, maybe I'm keeping up though. I'm not behind in my partying. Why do I even need this? I never was one for too many parties, only spurts. Another thing I'm not, outdoorsy and I live in Asheville... :/ I kind of also suck at conversations I think, or at least, I get too nervous talking to people I really want to talk to.

I'm waiting, but if this doesn't happen, I'm going to watch shows/movies all dressed up in my new shirt. :/ Double sadness: I think my roommate's asleep.

Daughtry-Over You
Uploaded by ptibenss2. - See the latest featured music videos.

It is what it is.

2009-06-12T14:05:00.009-04:00

After the gym, which Yance and I have set at 2:45pm, I'll need to get some food and then clean. Seriously clean.

LAUNDRY.
VACUUM.
FIND SOMEONE TO HANG OUT WITH, possibly Jordan now that Kris is away. :(
UPDATE THIS. :/

Cassie has been amazing, by the way. We hung out yesterday, did our nails, and chatted a lot.

I DO feel drowsy. :( And, working out has stopped helping me lose weight. :( I need to eat good foods again. Oh, I probably need to head to the grocery store for that one.

At the last party, Yancey said I was annoying. I drank, fell around, and was jealous. I play confront which apparently isn't acceptable so I can stop that though I wanted to know about being jealous. I really hope I wasn't. Really. I am, but I need to heed to the advice that it is what it is and you can't stop it. I don't want to be the drunk girl or the bitch.

Speaking of this whole fiasco, Kris and I began using the idiom, "Don't put all your eggs in one basket." I dislike this idea because,

"Because if you didn't use a basket, they would all fall down and break. You can't just hover eggs in midair! I have to tell you this?" - I used to have no baskets.
"Last time you tried multiple baskets you couldn't carry them all and wound up dropping some." - I don't want to drop any baskets, especially if some are important to me right?
"You really like that basket and want it to feel needed." - Something like that.

Kris thinks it's like all-in in poker. In that case, I've always, in the very short amounts of time, been an all-in poker player. I take chances I guess, and what I've realized is that it hurts more and trust has never been my game. Historically, I've been scarred. I will learn though that maybe all-in isn't the tactic I should use. I've been doing too much work, including the worrying and the gaming. My BFF Peter said that this is the right move even though it totally fucking sucks. :/

But... (a quote from He's Just Not That Into You)
Gigi: I may dissect each little thing and put myself out there so much but at least that means that I still care. Oh! You've think you won because women are expendable to you. You may not get hurt or make an ass of yourself that way but you don't fall in love that way either. You have not won. You're alone. I may do a lot of stupid shit but I'm still a lot closer to love than you are.

Seems like fun huh?

2009-06-10T02:13:00.005-04:00

I woke up to see my kids... at 8 A.M. Why I woke up so early I don't know why because I had to wait an hour for them to take their finals. Then, I did the toast for tomorrow with them. I decided I would return at 1:30 P.M. but after getting a bagel (ate half) and paying bills, I went to Cassie's and we went to the gym. We called Liz to go swimming. After being in the sun forever, we changed and went to Wild Wing for dinner. Apparently, my friend had intended for us to meet at Northside for game 3 of the NBA finals, but I didn't want to go to Northside. It's wing night (you have to buy a drink though) and they're not quite spectacular. Jordan came to enjoy the $2.50 beers and then Andrew joined us after he finished his homework for summer school. He took forever so much so that we were beginning to walk around to see the Phisheads. Phish played at the Civic Center so downtown Asheville was packed!

Liz has many more female friends and I have many more male friends. We saw why tonight. I chatted mostly with the Jordan and Andrew as we walked around downtown while Liz and Cassie talked about bio? Yeah, maybe that's why...

Apparently, the giant iron got hit by a car and was repaired/repainted. Street musicians get on top and perform. Andrew did too without the performance.

Cassie watched the late night ballroom dance class.

Jordan messing with some crank on a pole... and Cassie found a cool leaf

Seems like fun huh? Not really. I guess it wasn't bad. I'm super tired. I came home after the walk, showered, and kind of listened to sad songs... I'm in over my head. I had no interest at first and now, I'm interested. I'm not like as crazy as I've been in the past. Actually, I'm not at all. Except, because Kris said so, I expect contact within 2 days. That's the rule. I made contact today (failed I guess) so I'm backing off for now. What's wrong with me? I can't expect tons of excitement every night right? I am going to blame the lack of contact soon on Tucker, Conor, and possibly Jordan... I would explain, but it's late...

I just haven't had my usual pep when doing what I normally do. I think I've changed a lot in the past month. I'm easing off my kids and I don't even mind too much... really, that makes me feel terrible. They were once the most important in my life, but now, I have something else to look at. We'll see how that works right?

Tomorrow at 8am

2009-06-09T01:54:00.006-04:00

I'm waking up early tomorrow. Today was okay. After Indian food, I came home, napped, we went to the gym, and I made salad as mentioned before. Then, I waited for Kris to get off work cause everyone was at work or would not go to this gathering with me. Since they had contacted me so much earlier, I didn't know if it was still going on so Kris and I went to say bye to Keri and Zach instead. They're going on a huge U.S. road trip that'll last two months.

Tomorrow, I'm going to see my kids (waking up at 8 A.M. for that and they graduate on Thursday night!), PAY BILLS, gym, swim with the girls (Cassie, Liz, and maybe Jennie), finally pick up my glasses from Abby's, and then go to Wild Wing's for game 3 of the NBA finals with Amanda. Hm, I hope I get a call tomorrow though with other plans or if some people would join me. Kris won't get off work till 10 so I'll have to figure out someone else to take with me. Maybe I can start replacing Kris tomorrow with Jordan or another one of my friends.

Oh, so I found out I have 2 photos on my Blackberry.

I was on the floor. This is my new friend Steve.

Jordan fell asleep. He's comfortable everywhere he goes. Seriously.

Do you think so?

2009-06-08T21:11:00.004-04:00

After having Indian food for lunch with Conor and Asian Josh, I decided on a healthier dinner. Recipe is from Rachel after she made it at the cookout last night. It's delicious: romaine lettuce, apple, cubed avocado, and the important ingredient, Goddess Dressing.

Also, as I was on the elliptical, I read about weightview.com in Self Magazine so I decided to give it a try. Gah, these pants ride up... That's 20 lbs. there. I would love if it took some from the hips and arms... hopefully though I lose little weight in the hips. :(

Cookout and watch the stars

2009-06-08T19:47:00.003-04:00

I napped all day yesterday while trying to clean. It's getting hot because I'd wake up uncomfortably warm. :( Afterward though, we went to a late night cookout. They laughed at me for my Miller 64 calories beer, but it has pretty much the same taste as Southpaw according to my homie Jordan. Jordan also backed me up by drinking some of it. :) It was rather relaxing and then fun once we got into power hour. I did 10 minutes and decided I could not do beer shots.

Cuties!

Hahaha

He's replacing Kris next week when Kris is in Norway.

We'll miss you for 2 weeks Kris! :(

Miss Universe wave by Jordan

Resemblance?

Nate is so cool.

Woody's self-portrait

Yancey, despite being sick, and I went to the gym today. It felt really good and I even did some extra time on the elliptical. :)

Abby found my glasses! Yay! I have to pick them up and maybe head to this little get-together at my friend David who looks like Yancey mixed with Dave Navarro. Haha.

Quickies

2009-06-07T17:04:00.004-04:00

I need to clean and shower. A workout does not seem like it'll happen today. I might need the day off once in awhile. Maybe I can still do some reps and some planks or something.

Tuesday and Wednesday will be my last day with my kids! Next week, I work. Finally, I have to remember to turn in all my forms to go back to school. Oh yeah, I have to remember that I have to student teach next semester... :/ I kind of wished I wasn't. I'm just having too much fun this summer. :)

Roomies who hang out together

2009-06-06T12:36:00.004-04:00

Despite a slow night, I ended up having fun. A lot of fun. Sadly, I did not end the night like I wanted, but Yancey might be right, it would've been weird to go see what I think I called, the love of the my life... in a joking way of course cause I was trashed, couldn't find my shoes, and did not give a damn. As long as I do something everyday, I'm pretty happy and proud of myself. Everything goes at this point cause I never do this stuff.

I adore this girl Abby! :) I met her last week, but she and her roomie are fantastic! I realized I know some awesome roommates including my own roomie. We have split up the roomies, however, into teams to combat the other half. Haha. Anyways...

I love Johnny and Jordan's faces. This is just a great picture.

With the birthday girl and Kris

My roomie with the birthday girl's roomie

With the birthday girl and my roomie in the back

I tried to take a picture with Jordan but failed because I'm short and because he just took a gross shot of something.

Top of the list

2009-06-05T21:22:00.001-04:00

Diesel - Women's College Collage Tiger Eye Collagae Wallet (Black) $65

Adia Accessories The Royal Square Ring in Pink $26

That’s the girl I want to be.

2009-06-05T17:13:00.003-04:00

You know that girl who all the guys like, but they’re too scared to say it because she’s so great? Yeah, I want to be her. She’s not popular because she’s slutty or rude or because she’s drop-dead gorgeous. People like her because she’s one of those people you just like being around. She talks to everyone and tries not to say bad things about people and stands up for people she doesn’t even know. She cares about the world and the environment and she has the most beautiful smile in the world because it’s genuine. She cares about people. She’s friends with all the guys and girls and always seems to know just what to say. She shares her opinions, but never in a hurtful way and she says just enough to still leave people wondering. She makes people smile. She walks with confidence and dresses how she feels that day, sometimes happy and sometimes sad, sometimes classy and sometimes with her hair a mess without any makeup. She has everyone captivated, but she doesn’t notice because she never looks at herself long enough. She’s too busy focusing on important things like the future and her friends and making things better.

That’s the girl I want to be.

(Follow me on tumblr.)

Recent tumbls

2009-06-05T17:04:00.004-04:00

(Follow me on tumblr.)

" I love you. And not in a friendly way, although I think we’re great friends. And not in a misplaced affection, puppy dog way, although I’m sure that’s what you’ll call it. And it’s not because you are unattainable. I love you. Very simple, very truly. You’re the epitome of every attribute and quality that I’ve ever looked for in another person. " - Chasing Amy

there really is never anything wrong with just loving.. so go for it.. even if it's a one-sided love affair with the moon.

how is it so easy for some people? to even find people in the first place?

That's the thing about me. I never say a word unless I really know the meaning. I won't say love if I don't feel it, I won't say hate if I can take it. And I'll never elaborate if I have no idea.

"When they had left and we had opened the envelope,
we learned that the police officer was in love with a Mexican girl named Julie

We mailed his letter, and went home to lay in our beds thinking about how beautiful she must be
and how we secretly knew she would never write him back. " - sometimes police officers fall in love

My mouth is dry, but I don't smoke.

2009-06-04T16:00:00.003-04:00

I need some more water. Till then, I'm getting ready for the gym. I'm trying to be healthier while many of my friends smoke. Asheville is a smoky city. I thought about buying an ashtray. I once made one from clay that melted in the hot sun. :/ Etsy has some vintage ones I particularly love.

$28 tigerluxe

$9 bouquet

$17 CrankHeartPony

$16 cozystudio

$7 epoca

$16 vintology

$32 bubblepipe

$19 mysweetiepiepie

$17 goodlifevintage

$8 Mino180

$25 moderntoretro

I need to take more pictures.

2009-06-04T14:00:00.003-04:00

Yesterday, I woke up and went to lunch at Kubo's with Kris. It's pretty much the same as Zen Sushi since they share the same owner except downtown and possibly a bit pricier. In any case, I had the Boston and bagel rolls, both my fave.

We decided yesterday would be a great pool party day so I picked up some ham, turkey, cheese, lettuce, bread, fruit, etc. from Ingles (and Johnny who sliced our deli meat for us). I bought Yance some food and then we went to the gym. I think I'm working myself on the elliptical too hard. My right hip hurts. :( But according to my scale, I lost weight since yesterday. It's that swimming we did. At around 8pm, we went over to Liz's to swim. It was just me, Yance, Kris, and Jordan with some food and beer. Tucker joined us after. It was fun until we got out and Tucker threw me into the pool. Like, he picked me up and took me over to the pool. Luckily, I survived. We went back, drank tea and beer and decided to go to Grey Eagle. Well, actually, freaking Tucker wanted us to go because this girl he's been hanging out with. There was a cover and we couldn't go in anyways because Jordan decided to pee on the tour van and Kris was drinking in the parking lot.

We called up Woody and headed to their place, sat on their porch, and hung out, playing beer pong. The birthday girl roommate and I almost beat the champs in a chick vs. champs game. We were up 1 cup to 4 cups, but we just couldn't make the last cup! :( Darn. In a lame roomies (Nate and Yance) vs. awesome roomies (Woody and I) game, the awesome roomies lost twice. It was okay though because we had more fun. :) Overall, great freaking night. I took the guys home, got them some Taco Bell, and Jordan and I watched "Gran Torino." Though he stayed up, I fell asleep and randomly woke up to make comments. Haha.

I need some new undies. Maybe a trip to Victoria's Secret or Aerie tonight after the gym.

I'm watching "Californication" and must say, I need to work on my body more. Every chick in this show is way pretty even if they're old.

Wishing and hoping and thinking and praying

2009-06-03T02:40:00.006-04:00

Kris says I should wait 2 days after each contact to get any other word. I don't think everyone follows this.

How do I make a move? Someone help. Cause I'm really fucked otherwise. Particularly cause of the circumstances, I feel so lucky. This rarely happens to me. Actually, how I feel about it NEVER happens so I would love to not fuck it up. Okay, shutting up now to prevent myself from getting too sappy.

Apparently, I already screwed up though by not making plans for next time or getting a promised contact in the next week. Fuck. So next time, as Yancey advised, make some plans, talk more because I'm such a big talker and only really talk to one person, and be less like how I am with Yance, Kris, Tucker, etc.

(via indie rocket)

I'm putting this in the same post because it was just as good... I just watched "Gran Torino." I loved it. It's too freaking sappy... weird right? Maybe it's just how I'm feeling.

Last thing, the title and the song offer a bit of advice I suppose:

Wishing and hoping and thinking and praying
Planning and dreaming each night of his charms
That won't get you into his arms
So if you're looking to find love you can share
All you got to do is hold him and kiss him and love him
And show him that you care

Show him that you care just for him
Do the things he likes to do
Wear your hair just for him, 'cause
You won't get him
Thinking and a-praying, wishing and a-hoping

'Cause wishing and hoping and thinking and praying
Planning and dreaming his kisses will start
That won't get you into his heart
So if you're thinking of how great true love is

All you got to do is hold him and kiss him and squeeze him and love him
Yeah, just do it
And after you do, you will be his

You got to show him that you care just for him
Do the things he likes to do
Wear your hair just for him, 'cause
You won't get him
Thinking and a-praying, wishing and a-hoping

'Cause wishing and hoping and thinking and praying
Planning and dreaming his kisses will start
That won't get you into his heart
So if you're thinking of how great true love is

All you got to do is hold him and kiss him and squeeze him and love him
Yeah, just do it
And after you do, you will be his
You will be his (2x)

Nouns: products and places

2009-06-03T01:45:00.008-04:00

I absolutely love Modern Dose, but I still can't afford it. Well, maybe a couple of things.
For when I get my 24" Mac desktop, the Modern Dose Wood Grain Mouse Pad $23.

Mid-century home via desire to inspire

I love the flooring and the house color not so much the wicker furniture.

I love this little loft for laying down and watching TV. :) I want a little nook like this.

Mid-century modern interior via design sponge
My favorite! I love pretty much every part of the main areas in this house including the furnishings and the architectural style.

MCM exterior via design sponge
So gorgeous and so sunny!

What's also important is that it be environmentally friendly via design sponge
Cute and rustic exterior

I don't like the darker green or individual pieces. Put together, it's nice.

Cool toilet?

A bright spot in this boring day

2009-06-03T01:14:00.006-04:00

Awhile back, I talked about baking Jewel Heart Cookies a la The Jewels of NY. Here's how they turned out.
The jam was delish but not gorgeous. Also, I decided that I would not use the same colors because I didn't want to mix colors or buy sanding sugar. Instead, I used Wilton's Sparkle Gel. I love this stuff. I had used it for Thanksgiving too.

I also made some chicken lettuce wraps in my attempt to get healthier. :) Chicken, green peppers, green onions, and mushrooms.

Today Kris and I woke up and went to Johnson City, an hour drive, to get Indian food at Sahib. We gorged on their lunch buffet. I love Indian food but had to account for the eating later. So, I worked out a little more (15 minutes of my workout video, 25 vigorous minutes on the elliptical, more weights, 50 dance moves (from Self magazine), and about 10 sit-ups haha). I'll need to work on doing more sit-ups for sure. I also did this to account for this smoothie from Keva Juice. Also, had some chips and a razzarita instead of dinner.

Tonight was pretty crappy though. Tucker, Liz, and Kris came over and we went over to Tucker's. He had a set of chairs from a bowling alley/laundromat (love them!) and this mid-century modern buffet his bro got from an estate sale. Then, without Tucker, we went to Usuals for a drink. It was rather boring and everyone fell asleep. :/ Hopefully tomorrow will be better. Kris, Liz, and I are going to lunch, hike, swim, gym, and picnic somewhere in there.

Oh yeah, no Atlanta/Athens because Stephen is training for his new job as a youth counselor for the Dept of Juvenile Justice... :/ Well, maybe sometime soon.

Here Come The Newlyweds

2009-06-01T22:34:00.002-04:00

I'm catching my first episode and I love it. I love LOVE and cute couples. The stories are cute.

Marlo & Mark Corliss

After dating off and on in college, both went their separate ways, only to once again cross paths and fall in love.
Hometown: Yarmouth Port, Massachusetts.

Ashley & Matt Cox
This outdoors-loving couple have known each other since the fifth grade, when they met on the school bus. They know everything about each other, which can sometimes lead to knowing what buttons to push and harmless bickering.
Hometown: Smyrna, Tennessee.

Sarin & Jed Hinkins
Virgins when they got married, this couple's honeymoon was the very first time they were together. Their honeymoon hotel turned out to be a clothing optional resort - which was incredibly awkward for them.
Hometown: Cedar City, Utah.

Brendan & Bridget Huffman
In high school, Brendan and Bridget ran with the same crowd. Years later, Brendan bumped into Bridget at a rock concert -- she was on a date with another guy. Sparks flew, Bridget ditched her date and the two have been together ever since.
Hometown: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Michele & Sonarak Ieng
Sonarak met Michele at a date auction where he was the emcee and she was up for auction. He bid on her and the next day Michele contacted him. The outgoing couple have been together ever since.
Hometown: Fairfax, Virginia.

Makayla & Kenny McMorris
This fun-loving and goal-oriented couple met at their church, but started dating after seeing each other at a club. When it comes to examples of happily married couples, they say that they are each other's best role models.
Hometown: Omaha, Nebraska.

Audra & Rich Newbery
It was love at first sight for Rich when he saw Audra dancing at a club with her friends. Audra says that it was Rich's British accent that won her over.
Hometown: San Francisco, California.

Katie & Nick Oskowski
This couple is addicted to fitness. She teaches aerobics and he is a personal trainer. If that weren't enough, they enjoy spending time together working out at the gym.
Hometown: Mentor, Ohio.

Andrea & Matt Smith
Although Andrea and Matt fell in love at first sight, it was five months before they shared their first kiss, and they dated for two years before getting married.
Hometown: Cottonwood Heights, Utah.
Status: Eliminated

I have so many insecurities.

2009-06-01T21:39:00.006-04:00

Particularly in such situations I guess. What situation? I don't even know. Darnit darnit darnit. :(

I know I'm pretty cool, but I wonder if I match up to all the other girls out there. What makes me so special?

I've been trying. Working out everyday. Eating better. Cooking even. What for? Because I want to buy clothes that I like and because I'm ready to be "more forward" as all my friends tell me to.

So the weekend was fun, I guess. Friday was Kris's b-day. I totally missed one of my students' b-day dinners! :( I was focused on hanging out with people my own age I guess. I went over to where they play poker, waited, and went over to pick up Huevos with Tucker but Tucker left me there for like an hour as he did some business. It was okay though because we hung out next door with the super cute neighbor. They were moving out. We played with this creepy crawly head massager - we helped each other out. That's kind of weird but totally awesome! Haha. We finally made it over to Temptations, a bar/small club. We left after one drink to go over to Bier Garden. We saw people we knew. Afterwards, we went back to hang around at some apartments. It was well, interesting.

Saturday, I went over to Grayson's before going to a party. I think that was my first circle of death in years. In any case, we went over to a dance party. I don't dance unless I've had a few drinks. It was slow so Kris, Grayson's friend, and I went to Usuals for dinner. We came back and found more people. Though it was sufficiently fun, particularly for the guys :), I was disappointed. Something was missing. What was it? I mean, I know what it was.

Yesterday was lame. I was supposed to hang out with Jesse before he left but I ditched for something better? I'm such a bad friend. I made dinner for myself (chicken lettuce wraps) and Yancey/Kris (burgers) then Kris and I headed to a gathering. I suck at beer pong, but I'm getting better. I did get better and I had lots of fun. I came home pretty trashed. I had a lot of fun and it pretty much made my weekend. :D

And so, with that, we go back to the beginning of this post and why I have so many insecurities. Thankfully, I got over it a bit. I danced a bit and talked trashed. It was fun. :)

He's Just Not That Into You

2009-05-31T18:18:00.005-04:00

I need to reread it because I feel lost (and remember that picture quote I had, it's becoming truer and truer.)

Quotes from the movie 'cause this is one quotable movie.

Alex: If a guy doesn't call you, he doesn't want to call you.

Gigi: Girls are taught a lot of stuff growing up. If a guy punches you he likes you. Never try to trim your own bangs and someday you will meet a wonderful guy and get your very own happy ending. Every movie we see, Every story we're told implores us to wait for it, the third act twist, the unexpected declaration of love, the exception to the rule. But sometimes we're so focused on finding our happy ending we don't learn how to read the signs. How to tell from the ones who want us and the ones who don't, the ones who will stay and the ones who will leave. And maybe a happy ending doesn't include a guy, maybe... it's you, on your own, picking up the pieces and starting over, freeing yourself up for something better in the future. Maybe the happy ending is... just... moving on. Or maybe the happy ending is this, knowing after all the unreturned phone calls, broken-hearts, through the blunders and misread signals, through all the pain and embarrassment you never gave up hope.

Any movie with Kevin Connolly is sure fire. He's a fantastic actor.

GOOP

2009-05-29T18:41:00.004-04:00

I love Gwyneth Paltrow's website, GOOP, and her staple clothing. I think we all need this.

Gray is the new color for me. I pick grays for furniture too!

I love wide leg jeans with heels. It looks casual-professional and can work on my casual Fridays to teach (if jeans are allowed).

California ranch and bungalows

2009-05-29T12:20:00.005-04:00

Having lived in Southern California for my whole childhood doesn't make me want to move back, but Southern California has some of the nicest ranch homes. I discovered their bungalows and love them too. If I ever do move back, it'll be for the houses.

Thankfully, my favorites aren't the million-dollar homes but the ones around 400-800K. It's still pretty expensive, but not completely unfathomable.

Modernist Bungalow isn't particularly my style, but it's put together really nicely.

The exteriors are sometimes more fantastic than the interiors...

Since yesterday...

2009-05-29T00:26:00.003-04:00

:( I don't want to talk about it too much. I hope I didn't fuck it up, but I'm kind of really nervous now. Let's just say I really want to watch "He's Not That Into You," which Yancey promised to nab for me tomorrow. I mean, even if I did fuck it up, I was being who I am so what can I do?

Yesterday was a hoot. It was 10 P.M. and I was baking cookies. Yance and I went to rent movies, grabbed Kris and Huevos, and went to a party. I was driving, took Kris home around 1 so he could go to work, came back, didn't play beer pong cause I really really suck (flip cup is better), and then played some weird slap bag game on a bag of boxed wine. Well, I chugged wine twice, had a beer, and then had a rum/Sprite mixed drink... and I was hungover. I still went to the gym cause I'm a trooper. Also, I need to go badly. I'm working on me completely.

Links: This is why you're fat. | Chandeliera | Modernist Bungalow (want want want!) | Eat like a nutritionist.

Boredom batch of songs/music

2009-05-28T22:54:00.004-04:00

"Blame It" ft/ T-Pain - Jamie Foxx
"You Found Me" - The Fray
"Please Don't Leave Me" - Pink
"Boyfriend #2" - Pleasure P
"Second Chance" - Shinedown
"Rockin That Thang" - The Dream
"Sugar" ft/ Wynter - Flo Rida
"Kiss Me Through the Phone" - Soulja Boy
"Birthday Sex" - Jeremih
"U Don't Love Me" - Gucci Mane
"Gives You Hell" - All American Rejects
"We Made You" - Eminem
"Chex Mix" - The Lonely Island
"Dick in a Box" - The Lonely Island
"Circus" - Britney Spears
"If You Seek Amy" - Britney Spears
"Dead and Gone" ft/ Justin Timberlake - T.I.
"Calle Ocho" - Pitbull
"Fire Burning on the Dance Floor" - Sean Kingston
"She Got Her Own" - Ne-Yo
"Never Ever" ft/ Young Jeezy - Ciara
"1 2 3 4" - Plain White T's
"Knock You Down" ft/ Kanye & Ne-Yo - Keri Hilson
"The Climb"- Miley Cyrus

My hopes are high for things to do.

2009-05-28T21:22:00.004-04:00

Sometimes, I want to buy a pineapple and think, how am I going to core it. I remember going to a Von's Pavillon when they redesigned. I loved the free samples and was intrigued by the pineapple corer. I want one. I don't know why it's not a staple. Also, it's only $10 or less.

The Conrad Shop has some really cool kitchen pieces. I love kitchen and office purchases, particularly kitchen...

Joseph Joseph Nest 8 Multicolored Bowls $59

Joseph Joseph Nest 3 Multicolored Bowls $29

SHEESHAM WOOD TRIVET CIRCLE $20

GRANDE EGG TRAY $12

CHOP 2 POT GREEN $14

WOODEN PICNIC FORKS SET OF 10 $8

No job so getting in shape

2009-05-27T14:28:00.008-04:00

Since I have no job, I'm determined to get in shape this summer.

Saturday - 30 minute video
(1 slice jerk chicken/avocado pizza [Mellow Mushroom], 10 boneless garlic parm wings, some fries [Hooters], 1 Dos Equis)

Sunday - 30 minute video
(Yogurt [150], Lean Cuisine [300], salmon and avocado salad with lemon poppy seed dressing)

Monday - 30 minute video, 30 minute walk/jog (half and half), 50 sit-ups
(Yogurt [150], Lean Cuisine [350], salmon/avocado/lettuce in whole wheat tortilla, 1/2 cup ice cream [130], grapes)

Tuesday - 30 minute video, 25+ sit-ups
(8 pieces salmon/cream cheese and spicy tuna sushi, salad with ginger dressing [Mikado's], 1 slice pineapple and chicken pizza on whole wheat, 2 garlic parm breadsticks [Papa John's], 1 Dos Equis, 1 Lambic Framboise)

Wednesday - 30 minute elliptical, 10 sit-ups
(1/2 burger with pimento cheese and lettuce, fries [Ophelia's], 2 breadsticks, 1 slice pineapple and chicken pizza on whole wheat [Papa John's], 1/2 cup ice cream [130], 1 Dos Equis, 2 chugs of boxed wine, Sprite/rum)

Thursday - 20 minute elliptical, 20 leg presses, 30 tricep arm pulls
(1 slice pineapple and chicken pizza [Papa John's], apple, Lean Cuisine [260], cookie)

Start of another uneventful week?

2009-05-26T10:29:00.005-04:00

Sunday and Monday have been rather dull. I sat around the house, praying for something to do.

On Sunday, I went to Earthfare and made myself some food. Then I decided I needed to work out so I did. Bonnie came over to visit. Kris and his friends came over to visit. I baked.

On Monday, or rather yesterday, we tried to get Yancey to see Static X (I have no idea who they are since they're some sort of punk band) but we failed because they were late to Caffiend, the 24-hour coffee shop. I ran for 15 minutes, walked 15 as mentioned in a previous post then did some sit-ups and did my 30-minute workout before showering. Anyways, after all the sad looking for things to do, my neighbor had us go to Usual Suspects. Kris loves it so I invited him and Tucker also. We made a "destiny" napkin and a "hit list" for me. Haha. What happens sometimes is they try to hit on girls. It never amounts to much until Tucker stepped it up and went over to two girls. It didn't work out, but he didn't completely fail. Also, I am very proud of him. Jess and her ex showed up also. No details there.

Today, I just finished my essay and will be turning in my application to re-register for school. I also am putting in the mail my application for Camp Invention and my Netflix movie ("Nights in Rodanthe," which I didn't really watch). I might have to buy paper first. Possibly lunch depending on when my dad is leaving tomorrow. I need to eat healthy but I would like to take my dad out before he goes home. Then, I will buy some 10x10 scrapbooking paper to finish my dad's scrapbook tonight. I want to go over to the rec center to do some aerobics tonight in lieu of my workouts. Hope it all pans out. (Oh yeah, paid for my registration renewal! Just need to get my inspection soon!)

I found out Target renovated their branding on products. I haven't seen it yet, but I'll be on the look out.

(via my private brand)

Yancey's birthday + baking

2009-05-26T01:35:00.004-04:00

Yancey's birthday at Hooters for fight night - we didn't take too many pictures

Yeah, I have no idea why I'm so hunched over... hunching over is not good.

Cinnamon pull aparts aren't quite right when the 2 parts of the recipe were mixed together (by accident cause the recipe screwed up by not splitting up the brown cinnamon sugar and the flour/dough) and when not baked in a muffin pan. I still need one.

Its been awhile (pictures)

2009-05-25T13:45:00.002-04:00

AT: SF

AT: Chicago

It's summer so how about the great outdoors? I sometimes forget to consider it.

House to Home

Today's plans:

Currently finishing my essay so I can turn it in tomorrow and student teach next semester
Applying for a job as a "Camp Invention" counselor (just need to send it out tomorrow)
Already... ran (mostly jogged because my jogging=running) for 15 minutes, walked for 15 and did 25 sit-ups
Will... do my 30-minute workout later
Find something to do... like a cookout?
Make these cookies (Jewel Heart Cookies)

Nixon watches

2009-05-24T22:25:00.004-04:00

Nixon The Time Teller P $55 and in various colors

or SPLURGE, Nixon's The Metric Leather
$150

$120

Memorial Day weekend baking

2009-05-24T20:14:00.003-04:00

I can't eat it because I'm trying to be healthy, but I'm baking and cooking for fun and hopefully, giving them to my friends.

For dinner, I made myself a salad of romaine lettuce, salmon, avocado, and lemon poppyseed dressing.

Now, I'm baking cinnamon raisin pull-apart muffins. Since I have yet to purchase a muffin pan, they will be made in a big Pyrex container.

When I made tres leches cake, I was left with some heavy cream and because I wanted strawberries and haven't eaten them all, my strawberries are in the fridge dying so I found this darling recipe for strawberry scones. I'll have to exclude the sour cream...

I'm going to plan my meals this summer since I have time. I bought some frozen Lean Cuisines and Lean Pockets for my lazy days.

Quick note:

2009-05-24T15:48:00.006-04:00

Current: 155?
Goal: 130
25 to go

30 minutes of working out done today. Though this is supposed to make me happy, I get more frustrated because I have such a long way to go.

Oh, look, I found something to do on Tues/Thurs nights.

Check out these FREE fitness classes at Stephens-Lee Recreation Center, and tell your friends!

Mondays 5:30 PM-Women’s Full-Body Workout

Tuesdays/Thursdays 5:30 PM-Step Aerobics/Weights

Tuesdays/Thursdays 4:30 PM-Teen Weights
(resumes Aug 1; parental permission required)

Wednesdays 2:00 PM-Super Senior Stretch!

Brought to you by Asheville Parks & Recreation! To get to Stephens-Lee, take S. Charlotte & turn onto Max Street. INFO: 828.350.2058

Next 2 purchases:
Farberware Soft Touch 12 Cup Muffin Pan $15

Historic Preservation: An Introduction to Its History, Principles, and Practice (Second Edition) (Paperback)

Phone pictures

2009-05-24T14:26:00.011-04:00

I snap pictures of things I like with my Blackberry.

Vera Wang at Kohl's
I want this book. I'm buying it soon.
I want an Orla Kiely bag (behind in orange) and I thought this pink one was really cool too. (Marshalls)

I did not buy these because they're pink. Instead, I spent a couple more dollars on ones from Target in orange/blue. :)
I have a fantastic can opener that takes off the whole top. I prefer these even over style, but here is a gorgeous white one that does the same thing. Perfect.
Awesome trashcan from TJ Maxx. You can see the green one on the right...

I needed a new tote for work (student teaching).

Love Betsey Johnson

I like these Simple shoes a lot.

Dishes from Target were kind of cool

Summer 2009 is here

2009-05-24T12:08:00.003-04:00

Today's plans include (in no particular order):

Finish my essay so I can register for student teaching by Tuesday!
Finish diagnostic test for the GRE
~~Eat~~
~~Work out~~
~~E-mail co-op about getting books for review~~

Summer plans include:

Register for school so I can get my teaching license
Review world history and psychology books
Work out daily :)
Study for the GREs
Summer bridge (work) June 15-25 (Mon-Thurs 10AM-3PM)
Maybe Canada (end of June, beginning of July)
Austin, Texas
Savannah, GA
Atlanta to visit Stephen

Boy-girl thing

2009-05-23T02:38:00.006-04:00

Watching "It's A Boy Girl Thing" before bed cause I need a little romantic teenage comedy in my life. Came home from time with dad. Ate sushi. Then, watched "Seven Pounds" with Sarah and Amanda and friends. Good movie. Picked up Kris for Bier Garden with Cassie and her friends. Left for a party to meet up with my new pals. I backed out of fireworks. Sad, but I have to make the right decisions sometimes.

Considering a crush. Maybe? I'm still considering if I have the nerve to do anything. This is really kind of bothering me. I mean, I see him sometimes and I barely ever talk. I offer goodbye hugs, which is more than what I normally do I guess. I'm not much for PDA (ish). Also, I don't tell my friends anything - guess I have a trust issue. Wish I had more in common with the dude though...

Let's talk

2009-05-22T01:33:00.005-04:00

My friend who has come over everyday came over to help us with the electricity and walls. I feel bad about this particularly because he wants to hang around and my dad thinks my time is good repayment for the work. Afterwards, I went to dinner with Kris and Yancey. I had a salad - very healthy :). Kris and I went to buy me 5 lb weights at Dick's Sporting Goods as Yancey headed to work. Then, we went over to the supermarket where we saw our new pal and his super adorable next door neighbor. He is so cool and easy to talk to whereas our new pal, mostly high or drinking, just makes weird noises and falls asleep.

We went over to a friend's house and thus, easy to talk to. Finally, we hung out for about 2.5 hours on a porch. The guys drank beer. The conversation there was hard. I might have been interested, but I felt very uninteresting. I'm not much of an intelligent conversationalist. Also, I think I'm such a completely different person. I like things (i.e. materials), buying, watching, doing. I'm not so slow-paced. I'm not as witty as I hope - instead, I have a bit of wit and lots of humor. I laugh a lot.

I'm talking to Yance and I realized why I think the super adorable next door neighbor (mentioned above) is so adorable, why my partial countryman is hot, and why tubing buddy is gorgeous... they smile a lot and I feel comfortable talking to them because of that.

I am sick of one of my friends... but I'll get over it with some time apart.

New buys

2009-05-21T14:09:00.005-04:00

Ross $20

Target $4 and $3

Ross $3-4

Alabaster apple from one of my former students for graduation

Charlotte Russe earrings $3; Kohls headband $6 (free with gift card)

Which ring?

2009-05-21T13:38:00.001-04:00

Just in case

2009-05-20T21:34:00.004-04:00

After tonight, I'm going back to yogurt breakfasts, salad lunches, and Lean Cuisine/Healthy Choice steamer dinners as well as daily walks/jogs.

Drinking... a little less maybe.

Jordan turned me onto this video of guidos. I love jagerbombs.

Recap of Monday-today

2009-05-20T20:41:00.003-04:00

Monday, Bonnie called and we all wanted to do something. This something included more than 10 people in the end at Tolliver's Crossing for 35 cent wings (no purchase required) and beers. Afterwards, we headed to Usual Suspects. It was a mix of really awesome people. I had a couple of drinks and then a tiramisu cake that Liz enticed me with... mmm.

Yesterday, I dragged my dad shopping for 5 hours. We went to the Stir Fry Cafe. The Stir Fry sushi was good, but the rest of their food was ick. The soups were not right nor was the fried rice. The fried rice was awkward - no peas, no carrots just some browned rice. In any case, we bought a ice shaver for my shaved ice ventures, new silverware, and measuring cups/spoons. My dad thought I was crazy because I went 5 hours to 5 different stores to find them. I wanted vintagey ones with the right shape. I ended up buying orange measuring cups and blue measuring spoons that I will promptly take pictures of. When I came back, Yance was at work and then... see last post.

Today, after searching for phones and getting everyone out of the house (they crashed), I fell back asleep till 2pm. When I woke up, Yance, Alex, Tucker, and I went to lunch at... my fave, Papas and Beer. :) We got back and I slept even more (another hour). Alex gave us some info on some of the people at the party last night. They're cool I think, but we might want to check some pawn shops. After "American Idol," I'm going to watch the midnight showing of "Terminator."

My first keg (and 3 lost cell phones)

2009-05-20T20:23:00.005-04:00

I've been to parties with kegs, but this is my first keg shared with Kris, Jordan, and Andrew. We were having dinner, Dos Equis/PBRs/Gaelics, and Jägerbombs at Westville Pub (also my first trip to Westville Pub in West Asheville). The food was subpar. I had a burger (should have gone to Fuddruckers or as they suggested later, Burgermeister's), Kris had a philly cheese steak with too much mayo?, Jordan had a fish and chips (didn't even get his garlic bread), and Andrew had actually delicious-looking mildly-hot BBQ chicken tenders.

Well, as we are talking, Jordan brings up the idea of a keg so we text some people and grab the keg. We have less than 1/4 of it left so Kris is coming over in a little bit to finish it off so I can go get my $75 back. One of the crappiest things about the night was that in the end, 3 people lost their phones. We have never had anyone steal things from our house. There were new people. Yance, Kris, and I talked about this - you need to keep your phone on you. Jordan's iPhone is gone, which really worries me because I saw it late last night when I picked up my laptop from the basement. I placed it on top of the speaker and never saw it again. At that point in the night, we only had people we knew there.

ffffound!

I'm glad my new friends came out to play. No girls though (that one in the picture is just me)... sorry guys. :/

I did a keg stand too. Two random guys and Jordan helped with this event - it was pretty fun.

A couple of them fell asleep... I thought this was cute. The other guys thought I was weird. Now if they were naked too then I would have to leave the room.

Don't fall asleep with your shoes on.

They decided to wrestle downstairs and upstairs. Jordan's bloody knees on our carpet were easier to clean than Yancey's freaking red Kool-Aid. He does not get to drink red stuff again.

Recently ffffound!

2009-05-20T20:14:00.003-04:00

These are cool little quotes.

ffffound!

ffffound!

ffffound!

I want to be an astronaut now.

ffffound!

Graduation night house parties

2009-05-18T00:25:00.004-04:00

Pictures from my camera:

With Chelsea

With Grayson, my new pal

Johnny Huevos (cause he had a "huevos" shirt), Kris, and Yance

Hanging out with my new pals Tucker and Grayson... and this dog.

My new pal Big Tuck

Trevor and I have heard about each other for years now. We finally met.

My new pal Huevos/Johnny

Pictures from Jess's phone and thus, a bit blurry:

A picture of Kris taking a picture of us three

With Andrew at a party on Friday night. I love this picture!

With Jess on Friday night

Okay, this dress is okay if I put something flattering over it. Also Friday night.

I graduated from college!

2009-05-17T23:50:00.002-04:00

I got out of the line to take a picture with Aaron!

Mer took a picture of me in line so I took a picture of her. I just can't find her.

Alex came even though she had to work later!

Well, one of my students came and a couple of ex students too, but this was my favorite!

My mom

Roomie Yancey and friends

Kris came on his lunch break! That's a friend!

Pretty picture of me and Mer

Another student joined us for lunch at Papas and Beer (and fried ice cream)!

Mystery girl

2009-05-15T05:13:00.002-04:00

I'm pretty excited about getting paid. Somehow, it was more than I expected. Huh... I need to buy floss because I raided the house and couldn't find mine! :/ My home is like a bottomless pit when my mom is here. She tried to throw away my tablet pen because... it didn't work! It's not a real pen mom! Eek!

I fell asleep at 9 P.M. when I came home from my favorite place, my kids' high school. I judged 4 graduation projects. I knew 2 of the students. I had imagined myself judging one of them, a former student of mine, and guess what - he was in the group I got to judge! I almost cried during a presentation because she talked about being an immigrant and the restrictions on her educational opportunities. She made points I had made in my sociology paper.

So now I'm awake. There's a girl on our couch. Why is she on our couch? I don't know because shouldn't she be in my roommate's room? Otherwise, she would be home.

I decided to catch up on some shows. "CSI," the one based on Las Vegas has become my least favorite in the series. I'm watching the episode, "Hog Heaven," and must say, I don't prefer men with motorcycles.

I do think I need a nap though. I have to be up at 8AM to go to the senior breakfast and graduation practice at 8:30AM. Why do they hate us? I guess we have to be up early on Saturday anyways but still... :/

Early summer playlist

2009-05-13T01:20:00.004-04:00

So far...

All-American Rejects - "Gives You Hell"
Black Eyed Peas - "Boom Boom Pow"
Britney Spears - "Circus"
Britney Spears - "If You See Amy"
Gucci Mane feat. Letoya Luckett - "G Love (You Don't Love Me)"
Jesse McCartney feat. Ludacris - "How Do You Sleep"
Keri Hilson feat. Ne-Yo & Kanye - "Knock You Down"
Miley Cyrus - "The Climb" (don't hate)
Pitbull - "Calle Ocho"
Sean Kingston - "Fire Burning"
Soulja Boy feat. Sammie - "Kiss Me Through the Phone"
T.I. feat. Justin Timberlake - "Dead and Gone"
Ying Yang Twins feat. Pitbull - "Shake"

I made Yancey listen to these songs. He had no idea that Soulja Boy sang that song. It's probably my favorite on that list right now.

Gucci Mane's song is on youtube so I thought I'd share though Yance says he is not in good enough shape to be shirtless on his album cover.

Good buy: maxi dress $30

2009-05-13T00:46:00.004-04:00

New dress. Got it from Belk for $30. I love the pattern. Can you see it? It's a little long though. :/

I need a new cardigan... and a pair of summer shoes.

Charleston was a disappointment, mostly

2009-05-12T23:12:00.004-04:00

I found either ritzy, expensive stores or dilapidated homes. The difference was huge. The segregation was apparent. Though the day was beautiful and the architecture gorgeous, I was depressed. I drove 3 and a half hours each way today. Lame.

The only store I enjoyed was Vanity with its beautiful bags and accessories. They weren't too expensive either. They had Louis Vuitton, which was obviously too expensive, and gross stores that reminded me of Vera Bradley. Ew.

I think my camera battery died... officially. :/ Since the lens protecting metal thing fell off and I can't put it back on, I'm looking at new cameras to replace my 2 year old. I would never do this to a kid... haha. Also, I really do love my camera. :(

*I can't seem to find one I like except this Lomography film camera, Diana.

I want new Mac products.

This is a tribute to my students past and present.

2009-05-12T01:03:00.008-04:00

Spring 2007

My juniors/history group: They were a tough group to work with sometimes, but somehow they always worked really well together in the end. This was the height of tutoring for me. I fell in love with my students, tutoring, and the high school. Even years later, when I see any of these students, we show our love for one another. :)
I am so proud of BW in particular. I remember wanting him in my group in the spring of his junior year and he was in my groups all senior year. He is honestly the smartest, most driven and pleasant student to work with. He earned the title of my favorite in the class of 2008... by a long shot. No contest.

Spring 2008

I remember how hard these guys were to work with, but they taught me how to deal with high school students. I remember when the teacher wasn't there and they got upset at a tutor. I figured it out, I fixed it. I knew then that I had classroom management skills even if people don't think so. It must be because I care about them and they know it. :)

Spring 2009

When the class of 2008 (above pictures) became seniors, they became so troublesome. I never thought I would love this group of juniors as much but I did. My first group included DI and JL (initials just like mine!) as well as EM who is no longer part of the program. They had so much to offer and I've enjoyed seeing DI grow - he got the "most improved" award his junior AND senior years. I loved working with them and I wish them the best of luck in college - they are going to UNCC, WCU, and App! Great schools for great guys! As seniors, they weren't as bad as the class of 08.

Seniors are not my favorite. Usually, it's juniors. This year's juniors and I have been together for 3 years (some of them), but who I fell in love with wasn't just the juniors. I fell in love with the sophomores and I am attached to both juniors and sophomores. I got to spend time with them in Atlanta. I love them so much, all of them. There is not one bad egg in the sophomore group. What sucks is that I only got 1 year with them. :/ They are the reason I can't leave.

Despite only knowing DR for a semester, he became a favorite. He shares this title with out sophs though because threre are so many awesome sophs I can't even make a list. I will try though: DR, JW (below), DW, WS, and A"D"G are just a few actually because I love SS, KW, etcetera. If I was 16, I'd feel so lucky to be around such cute, smart, and funny guys/girls (if I liked women...). Where do such guys go? Cause I have not found more amazing people than my students. They must all turn into jerks in college or this class of sophs is just fantastic and one of a kind. Back to DR, I'm sad to leave cause I only had to chance to know him for 1 semester. Even though I never tutored him, he'd always talk to me. He's new, but he fits in so well here so I hope he doesn't leave us for a private school. He's adorable and his face makes me smile - he's got charm. I drove to a semi-far away JV baseball game to see him not really play... cause you just can't help but love him.

If I had to pick one favorite soph, it would be JW. I have his number. I hope that's not weird. I also called when he was missing at the banquet. Reason: he's the best and I knew he wasn't there because he lights up my life. Haha. Seriously though, coolest kid, makes me laugh, most awesome wardrobe, and easy to get along with. He's a big ray of sunshine, which is why he beats everyone else. He's my only non-graduating facebook friend. We have a handshake too. :)

Besides A"D"G, I don't really like the girls. Everyone I've spoke about is a boy, but these ladies kill the guys. Maybe not, but I love girls or well, them. They are so much fun to be around, so upbeat. High school girls, let me tell you, are not the most exciting people to be around. There is always too much drama. I love NF, DD, and ZM for their willingness to open up, their silliness, and who can forget, their beauty. I'm living high school all over again vicariously through them. I wish my friends in high school were as awesome.

I don't even know what to say about RH! I've tutored him for 3 years now. He makes fun of me, gives me this head shake when I do something weird, which is often. He makes it easy for me to be myself. He brings out the me I love, the me that is fun. :) I will miss the daily rolling of the eyes and shaking of the head. He's always on top of his game too - smart, mostly nice, and a leader. :)

3 years! DD is going to be a big football star, but he's always been super nice and lots of fun. He doesn't have a big head (quite yet). One of things I've enjoyed about working with the students is how much they do. I never did so much in high school! These students though do so much and they do it well while making the grades in their classes. I knew few students like that at my high school. I believe that sports and extracurricular activities as well as kindness can go hand in hand with academics, and I'm offering my support to my kids. I pledged my Friday nights to their football games... screw the other school I HAVE to be at. (Yeah yeah, I'll stop this soon.) They are so much better than me and they've driven me to become a better student and person.

I treasure these two. They are always smiling and they have the most amazing personalities. Everyone thinks so. You can tell when they are playing football or just getting an award. They are fantastic, they know it, and they use it to fuel their lives yet they keep becoming better people. They light up rooms. They make everyone's life easier (particularly the tutors). You can tell just by looking at them how awesome they are.

I always worried about my students and their children, but I have learned from my students (several of them) that they can become amazing mothers (and fathers). Many of them have the support of their families, which I now see as the most vital thing. If your kids have children, support will make them successful. They will go to college as my students are, and they won't be deadbeat parents. We can't give up. Again, this just shows how much my students have been able to handle in their lives. They are my heroes.

Somehow, I'm attached to DW and WS. DW has the most potential I've ever seen in a student. WS gave up football camp one summer to work with the summer program. I commend him on that one. He is my child, if I could adopt just one. I remember how he never talked and now he's become a strong young man. He talks, speaks out, and makes jokes. I'm a proud big sis? I guess that's what I'll be. They were the two that I picked to take a picture with because they are the some that I will miss the most.

Happiness is...

2009-05-12T00:41:00.004-04:00

...hot wings, blue mascara, strawberry Helado Mexico bars, drinks on fire, & most importantly, my students... when they're all there.

Today was the banquet. I didn't cry. I got a little teary, but no bawling this year. I guess I realized why... I will miss the sophomores most and they were mostly just cracking me up more than making me sad. Yancey also thinks that I expected to cry so I didn't and instead, I will cry sometime later instead. Randomly. Very true. I was also not really into it because some of my faves weren't there. :( But they shall be there for graduation, right?!

I love the sophomores so much! They will be the ones I miss most.

Cuties!

I grabbed 2 students and this is who I grabbed because they were the best there!

Fréya Art & Design

2009-05-11T23:49:00.002-04:00

Let's pick another career!

2009-05-10T23:29:00.006-04:00

Next 3 images via 4designerd:

As I am baking and have nothing to do this summer (except study for the GREs and prep for teaching next semester), I might do some more baking:

...and some fun crafts:

American Crafts: Button and felt bouquet

I'm considering dropping student teaching. Not really. By the way, I'm not even signed up for school right now. I have to do this by June 1st. In any case, I'd rather become some type of designer:

4designerd: Valentines - I could make these.
Lettergirl stamps
KenzieKate invitations
Finch Metal

Zebra print zebra cake

2009-05-10T22:28:00.014-04:00

Yes, I wrote "zebra twice" because not only is the cake within a zebra cake because of its zebra pattern, the outside is decorated (even if poorly) with fondant to look like a zebra! It was my FIRST TIME making/using real fondant! :) Hopefully, it will be good. I know the cake and fondant individually are acceptable. I'm taking it to the banquet tomorrow along with some fruit.

The fondant doesn't taste terrible either! Here's some help for your own:

Fondant ingredients:

16 oz. mini marshmallows
2-5 tbsp water
2 lbs powdered sugar
Crisco for greasing (necessary)

Fondant recipe:

In a large bowl, melt marshmallows and 2 tbsp water using microwave. Microwave for 30 seconds at a time, stir, and continue microwaving. It will take about 2.5 minutes.
Put 3/4 of the powdered sugar in the bowl and mix.
Using a greased wooden spoon, mix for a long time (like 10 minutes) until it gets stiff.
Add a tablespoon of water to make less sticky.
Grease plastic wrap (double up with two sheets of plastic wrap) and grease exterior of fondant.
Place in fridge for at least 2 hours. Apparently, it keeps for up to a week.
Take out of fridge.
Use cornstarch and grease on counter.
Use cornstarch on your rolling pin and roll fondant.
This part sucks cause it gets really sticky! Roll it out to about 1/8 inch or rather thin but not tearing or see through.
This part also sucks. Make sure to sprinkle on some cornstarch before trying to apply to cake.
Roll the fondant onto your rolling pin. :(
Unroll the fondant onto the cake.
Good luck! :)

The zebra cake is much easier and tastier. Thanks to Oven Haven!

Zebra cake ingredients:

4 eggs
1 cup sugar
1 cup milk
1 cup oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups self-rising flour
4-5 tbsp cocoa powder

Zebra cake recipe:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a bowl, mix eggs and sugar completely.
Add milk and oil. Mix well.
Add vanilla extract. Stir in.
Gradually add flour, little by little. Stir in between...
Divide mix into two equal portions.
One portion will be left as is. The other portion will need the cocoa powder. Mix well.
Time to place into the pan! Using a spoon, scoop white batter and drop 3 tbsps of the mix into the middle.
Next, get the chocolate batter and drop 3 tbsps into the middle of the previous vanilla batter.
Continue alternating vanilla and chocolate till you have no more batter.
DO NOT STIR OR TIP. The batter will spread by itself as you add more and more!
Place in oven for 40 minutes.

I used black icing to mix in with the fondant. Painting it or spraying it on might be easier. :/ I put on a very thin layer of fondant. It was all good until I had to put the fondant on. First of all, I need to learn to put the fondant on better and also, I need a better knife...

The "C" is for one of my students, Courtney!

Totes and eco things

2009-05-10T00:04:00.004-04:00

Angela Adams Souvenir Totes $45 each

Angela Adams Linen Totes $65 each

Angela Adams Mailbag $85 each

Springer Ridge Tote Bag $30

Green Tree Natural Tote Bag $10

Perfect Tote Oh Love! $28

Eureka Envirovac ~$70

Sigg Undersea Poetry $22

Wedding dress? Or too glam?

2009-05-09T23:33:00.003-04:00

If my legs ever get in shape, I would wear this to my wedding... if I ever get married. Or at least a dress similar to this.

(Elie Saab via Wide Open Spaces)

Who knew? Jesse McCartney?! With Ludacris? Wild.

2009-05-09T23:21:00.004-04:00

Watching playoff basketball. Enjoying Anderson Varejao. Guess I'll root for the Cavs?

2009-05-09T21:32:00.007-04:00

Another reason why I love Austin, Texas: the Hotel San Jose showcased by More Ways to Waste Time. I realized that along with Atlanta as my other favorite city and living in Asheville, I like cities that start with an A.

It doesn't start with an A, but I love retro and beachy. Case in point: I want to get some old bottle and repurpose them.

(via Design Crush)

I'm giving Design Crush a spot in "dailies" on the sidebar. ->
It it just that amazing.

I also bought a new dress today that I will wear Monday to the banquet. My life has been so much emptier without school and tutoring... :(

I want some strawberries right now and seedless green grapes. Fresh fruit must mean it's summertime... and I love sweet potato fries all year round.

Brazil is on my mind in the form of Anderson Varejao, the Brazilian power forward on the Cleveland Cavaliers. Yes, I'm watching playoff basketball, the only really worthwhile time of the year to watch except for All-Star weekend, which by the way is the first I've missed in years! :(

Anderson built a home for St. Jude's.
Weird picture, but it's cute anyways
Seriously though, I knew Ray Allen tried to fight someone, but was it really Varejao? Funny... and I totally agree with Dime Magazine's comment - I love Ray Allen too.
Anderson Varejao night in Cleveland
Lastly, I stumbled upon a video of another foreigner, Boris Diaw of France. What a hottie.

Stuck at home crafts

2009-05-08T12:13:00.003-04:00

I scrapbooked endlessly last night to the point where my eyes hurt and I needed to close them. I wasn't even very sleepy. I need some white/black letters. I have too much color on them right now.

The thunderstorms are clearing away and I was supposed to get my car inspection/brakes fixed today. I'm still going to do this, but I need to shower and stop being so lazy. :( I also have to sell my books back... maybe Monday. I have tons of them and maybe this year they will take some of the old ones back.

In a few hours, I will be busy working on some decoration. I don't know where my phone is, but I'm sure it's imperative to communicate with the people.

I was going to take mom somewhere this weekend... like Atlanta, but I'm pushing it back until Tuesday/Wednesday because 1) my car is not yet right and 2) I have to bake a cake for Monday. Why would it take me long to make a cake?

First off, I have to make fondant. Last time I did this, it was gross. Then, I am making the actual cake, a zebra cake.

Lastly, I have to use the fondant to decorate it to look like a zebra print cake like this one except less elaborate.

I love tornado drills... only in the RIGHT place though

2009-05-07T01:38:00.007-04:00

4 hours of bad scrapbooking ensued today. I remember I used to be much better. I know this because I have a kick ass one from high school that I looked at and realized, I put way too much work into high school which I didn't particularly enjoy. I didn't hate it, but I love college.

Anyhow, I had purchased an amazing photo album from Ross! Yeah, I know right?! It's by Angela Adams, it's on her web site for $35, and I bought it for $5!

She's on Design Within Reach!

I also must admit I love TJ Maxx for their kitchen stuff. They had Cuisinart Retro things and I've bought some cool plates (Red Vanilla and Kate Spade) from there.

I need a new planner. Help me find one I can deal with. My old one is the best one ever. It's by SCAD/Working Class Studio for Barnes and Noble, and perfect for me. I never found a better one. I almost got a Mead one today from Staples. I'll find some to share...

Besides design-y things today, I realized I enjoy tornado warnings... only at the high school though, and I mean the 'right' high school. I came back to see my kids who had been on a field trip on Monday. Well, one minute into class, we had a tornado drill, sat in the hallway facing the lockers, and waited for an hour. I sat next to my two fave sophomores... kind of. I love the sophomores overall so that's hard... I bought the ones I missed on Monday cupcakes thanks to the Cupcake Corner/Sisters McMullen who individually bagged 11 cupcakes/cookies/cinnamon rolls. The kids who were absent had their goodies given to another student.

Afterwards, I bought some stickers to decorate my album and met to pick new tutors. We met for two hours. An hour mostly of talking about tutors/students in general. We got some crazy ones and by crazy I mean that they are smart and worldly.

Tomorrow involves eating. First, lunch with my boss and former students. They're okay, and we're eating at school. Then, dinner at Tomato Cocina Latina with the staff. I need to make them cards... maybe by Monday though.

Senior week activities

2009-05-06T02:09:00.003-04:00

Last day of classes and grades due for seniors today/yesterday. I got my first B in 3 years. Granted, it was a B+ in a 1 hour class. What a bitch. I hate that woman so much. Anyways, I got an A- in history. :( Sad, but I could care less because I got an A in my big education methods course. I didn't even get the perfect attendance extra credit because I missed for the Atlanta trip. So yay me. I worked my butt off. And of course I got satisfactory grades in yoga and aerobics as well as an A in sociology.

After being able to skip classes (thanks to my profs), I went to a JV baseball game in Waynesville/Tuscola. I went because one of my fave sophomores plays (barely - he's right field though) and asked me to go. I told him I would try. I succeeded. Though I didn't go to the band concert tonight when I really could have. :/ You can see where my priorities are... Anyways, the boys lost, but I had fun and I saw #26 was one of my other students.

Then we went out to Barley's for the senior mixer and free pizza. We met up with Alex and friends at Yacht Club afterwards. Then, Liz thought we should visit Meredi. We did until my mom got lost on her way to Walmart. She didn't get very far.

Jay, me, Mer, and Liz after 4 years...

Pain Killer Mondays at Yacht Club

Jesse and I - I look awesome!

**These were after tutoring so I wore the same thing.

I cried in front of 50 people. :/

2009-05-06T01:42:00.003-04:00

Yes, I did. They just had to schedule the student teaching orientation on the same day as my last day of tutoring. As you know, I'm NOT student teaching where I've tutored for 3 years. Obviously, I was overwhelmed and when my friend asked about working, the coordinator said that we can work but in the end, we might have to decide on our priorities. Well, my priorities are still at my first school. I had such an amazing experience that I can't imagine this next one being better. No one is assuring. I don't even want them to be. I actually like the confirmations that the student teaching school is sub-par. :/ I want to know that my feelings are right.

My prof asked me if I wanted to share. Then, this guy was like, "Are you going to cry?" I said, yes. I don't know if I will particularly like my advising group because of him. :/ I tried not to cry obviously. The two teachers there thought I was overwhelmed by student teaching. I was not. My friend set them straight. Thank goodness for him. I AM NOT OVERWHELMED BECAUSE OF STUDENT TEACHING. I AM OVERWHELMED BECAUSE I CAN'T CONTROL MY LIFE.

Anyways, on a happier note and since I haven't posted in a few days... my mother is here. Well, that's not happy especially when I was 2 hours early to pick her up. I didn't check like I always would and took her word for it. She was supposed to arrive in Atlanta at 1:45 and here at 3:45. :( Then, she cleans but she loses ALL my stuff. It's really annoying. Really really really annoying. She lost my Netflix envelope so now I won't get a new movie for ages.

Okay, well, seriously, positive stuff. Well, it's not totally positive I guess but close enough. Monday and Tuesday were my last days with my kids. :( Yes, not happy. But I have to whip out the gorgeous pictures. They make me so happy. :)

From my facebook album titled, "THIS IS HOME. (Stop trying to "imprison" me somewhere else.)" A fellow tutor said that "imprison" is the correct word because I think "betrayal" means that I want to be anywhere else but here.

Instant favorite! What sucks the most is that I only had the chance to know some new students for a semester! :(

Another one of my favorites - easily. So easy to talk to.

I'm not a big fan of girls, but they make me love female students too!

3 years and lots of fun! :)

My group and other students who I love so very much. :)

Also 3 years...

Class picture!

The girl on the left makes the best baked goods (cake usually) and the girl on the right is adorable.

He used to talk much less. He talks a little more now.

Kid on the right - he's got so much potential and he is so cool.

I'm so lucky to have bonded with my students through summer bridge before they come to high school.

I will miss all his inappropriate comments.

Okay, this is honestly the most adorable group ever.

They are so funny together.

Are they my favorite seniors? Pretty much... except for one of them who is on the top left of the next picture.

I made them pillows thanks to the help of Alex and Liz.

They're funny, smart, and off to college soon!

Freshmen

I remember tutoring him for a semester in 7th grade. Now he's in 9th. He's gotten taller since last semester too.

Here is the above student playing JV baseball. He never invited me. Another student did but that student rarely gets to play. :(