I've noticed ants crawling on my peach tree and I want to nip in a bud before it's too late.
So I did a search on how to keep ants off of a peach tree. I went to a Yahoo! Answers site where a woman has the same problem and was asking for solutions. There were several...whitewash the trunk, ring of vaseline at the base, Tanglefoot, soapy water spray, etc. And then the best one:
Aardvark.
Nice.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Never felt more inadequate
I happened across a blog today while doing research on coupons.
This woman had a cleaning to-do list in a sidebar where she listed things she had already and still needed to clean. She had it divided up into rooms. I was just so floored by what was listed. Vacuum behind the fridge, clean tops of cabinets, etc.
Hmmmm...I wish I had motivation to do that. I consider it a good day if I vacuum period.
An aside: I cannot clean the house until I write each room on a slip of paper, put all slips in a container, and whichever one I pick, that's the room I clean--until all rooms are done. It makes it fun for me (weird, I know) and much more manageable.
Happy spring cleaning!
P.S. I got notice today that I'll receive for free, the satellite layers (for my research) that normally cost $3200. Woo! Yay for $3200 freebies!
This woman had a cleaning to-do list in a sidebar where she listed things she had already and still needed to clean. She had it divided up into rooms. I was just so floored by what was listed. Vacuum behind the fridge, clean tops of cabinets, etc.
Hmmmm...I wish I had motivation to do that. I consider it a good day if I vacuum period.
An aside: I cannot clean the house until I write each room on a slip of paper, put all slips in a container, and whichever one I pick, that's the room I clean--until all rooms are done. It makes it fun for me (weird, I know) and much more manageable.
Happy spring cleaning!
P.S. I got notice today that I'll receive for free, the satellite layers (for my research) that normally cost $3200. Woo! Yay for $3200 freebies!
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
My new kick
COUPONS!
I was watching the CBS Early Morning Show this morning and they did a segment on clipping coupons and how much you can save. $79 worth of groceries for $26. Apparently the trick is to gather multiple coupons for the same item and wait until that particular item goes on special at the grocery store. Makes sense. That means you'll be stocking up though, and there's the potential to get a bunch of stuff you don't need/want if you're not careful.
My mom used to use coupons a lot and I was always kind of embarrassed because we'd hold up the line while we fished for them and then while the cashier scanned them. I'm beginning to see the usefulness in them though and want to try it out. My first problem: finding the coupons. I don't get any mailings really and I'd hate to use my own paper and ink to print off coupons you can find online. My second problem: how to organize the coupons. Okay, so this is what this post is really about. The real reason I want to start using coupons is so that I can carry a cute little coupon organizer with me to the grocery store. :oD
I did a search on Etsy for coupon holders and came across Crunchycute's shop. I think her organizers are awesome! And even though though they're really cute and fairly priced, I still can't bring myself to spend more than $5 on one. I know, I'm really cheap. Hey! I just spent $420 at the vet thankyouverymuch!
So then I did a search on how to sew your own organizer. I'm a novice sewer and thought this would be the perfect time to put myself to the test. Fun! I came across a post on isew's blog. I'm disappointed there's no pattern, but I like her design so much I might contact her to see if she could draw up a pattern or even maybe make me one (I'm curious how much she would charge). And the little tabs!! How cute is that?! I'm in love...*sigh* Oh, looks like iSew has an Etsy shop too--closed while she moves to Seattle. :o(
Oh I'm so excited. That'll probably change once I see how crappy the organizer I make is compared to the others. :oP
Sunday, April 26, 2009
No late freeze, please.
Against my better judgement, I bought and planted some fruit and vegetables. I think we're out of the chances for any more freezes, but who knows what can happen...what with this global warming going on and all. ;o)
I planted:
I planted:
- strawberries
- watermelon
- tomatoes
- lettuce
- serrano peppers
- green bell peppers
- cilantro
- yellow squash
- zucchini
- cucumber
WORMS! Glorious WORMS!
I planted some petunias yesterday evening but didn't have enough potting soil. My first thought: gotta get some soil when we go to Wal-Mart tomorrow. Second thought: Silly me! I have a compost pile! I can get it for free from there!
So this morning I go to rake the big stuff off the top to get to the lush dark organic stuff on the bottom and what do I find?!?! Worms! Fat ones! Lots of 'em! Oh man I was so excited. I even woke C up to tell him. His response was less than enthused. When I started the pile there weren't many and whenever I'd come across any while I was digging in the yard, I'd transplant them to the compost pile. And for those of you who don't know, worms are very important in breaking down the debris. Woo! Here are some pictures:
The compost pile in all its glory (it's actually kind of ghetto--I used leftovers from the fence).
Two wormies
Yum!
So this morning I go to rake the big stuff off the top to get to the lush dark organic stuff on the bottom and what do I find?!?! Worms! Fat ones! Lots of 'em! Oh man I was so excited. I even woke C up to tell him. His response was less than enthused. When I started the pile there weren't many and whenever I'd come across any while I was digging in the yard, I'd transplant them to the compost pile. And for those of you who don't know, worms are very important in breaking down the debris. Woo! Here are some pictures:
The compost pile in all its glory (it's actually kind of ghetto--I used leftovers from the fence).
Two wormies
Yum!
7:00 AM & a pet peeve
I can't seem to sleep past 7:00 in the morning. I've gone to sleep at midnight the past two nights and I still wake up at 7:00. :oP I want to sleep...feel like I need it, but I just can't. So maybe I don't really need it. It doesn't help when my back starts to hurt after so many hours in the bed.
My pet peeve: I can't stand misspellings and sloppy grammar. I'm not saying I'm perfect. There's a church down the road that has one of those signs where you put up letters...they had "christain" up there. You'd think a church would at least know how to spell that. There's also someone at work who can't spell. "Corperate" is written everywhere. Kinda odd considering how much that person reads. I used to think readers were pretty good about that kind of thing. Apparently not.
Alright, I probably should start doing something productive with my day. I hope the mower starts today...if not, well, I just don't want to think about that.
My pet peeve: I can't stand misspellings and sloppy grammar. I'm not saying I'm perfect. There's a church down the road that has one of those signs where you put up letters...they had "christain" up there. You'd think a church would at least know how to spell that. There's also someone at work who can't spell. "Corperate" is written everywhere. Kinda odd considering how much that person reads. I used to think readers were pretty good about that kind of thing. Apparently not.
Alright, I probably should start doing something productive with my day. I hope the mower starts today...if not, well, I just don't want to think about that.
Learning the WNC ways
Language is a funny thing. When I first moved here, I was talking with my landlady about the "bar in the woods" when it finally occurred to me, she's talking about the BEAR in the woods. That was my first indication that I was in the same country but in a foreign place.
A couple of years later, my fiance (then boyfriend) and I were talking about the difference between the mountain locals and the non when he started talking about this term "youns". It's the equivalent to "y'all". I hadn't heard anyone say it at that point, but since then, I've heard it several times. I just have to laugh when I hear it said. My first thought is, "You just indicated you're a true local and probably haven't travelled much out of this county." My second thought is how it just doesn't make since. I understand y'all from you all. Youns? What's that from? Younguns? That doesn't make sense because it's used for all types of people, not just kids.
I may never know, but that's quite alright.
A couple of years later, my fiance (then boyfriend) and I were talking about the difference between the mountain locals and the non when he started talking about this term "youns". It's the equivalent to "y'all". I hadn't heard anyone say it at that point, but since then, I've heard it several times. I just have to laugh when I hear it said. My first thought is, "You just indicated you're a true local and probably haven't travelled much out of this county." My second thought is how it just doesn't make since. I understand y'all from you all. Youns? What's that from? Younguns? That doesn't make sense because it's used for all types of people, not just kids.
I may never know, but that's quite alright.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
$419.81
And that's after getting a $15 "interpretation of radiographs" charge removed. :oP!!!! Freakin' ridiculous. Mr. P said I handled it well (didn't sound like a bitch), so that's good. I told the woman that had I know I would be charged for that I would've just mailed the xrays to my old boss and had them "interpreted" for free. Stupid. I'm still not quite over it.
The deal is...
I found a lump on Thena's belly about a month or so ago and took her to the vet today to get it checked out. It's not a lipoma, so the doc did a needle biopsy. While examining her, the doctor said she felt an organ (either liver or spleen) in a place where she shouldn't. They could be correlated or they might not be. So she took some blood and then two xrays to try to determine what was going on inside.
Xrays didn't show much except some major poo (ha) and arthritis in two of her spinal vertebrae. The doctor said they'll probably fuse at some point. The difference between the healthy vertebrae and the ones with arthritis was C R A Z Y!--very obvious.
So now we're just waiting on the results from the bloodwork and the histology. Should get those sometime next week.
I hope it's something manageable--she's not allowed to start her exit yet!
The deal is...
I found a lump on Thena's belly about a month or so ago and took her to the vet today to get it checked out. It's not a lipoma, so the doc did a needle biopsy. While examining her, the doctor said she felt an organ (either liver or spleen) in a place where she shouldn't. They could be correlated or they might not be. So she took some blood and then two xrays to try to determine what was going on inside.
Xrays didn't show much except some major poo (ha) and arthritis in two of her spinal vertebrae. The doctor said they'll probably fuse at some point. The difference between the healthy vertebrae and the ones with arthritis was C R A Z Y!--very obvious.
So now we're just waiting on the results from the bloodwork and the histology. Should get those sometime next week.
I hope it's something manageable--she's not allowed to start her exit yet!
.jpg)
My dad's influence
I like things and think things should be done a certain way. And when they're not, I get-I don't know-disappointed?
All this week I've trained at the front desk. But I've been unsure whether I'm now doing both kitchen or front desk or just front desk or what. I guess it's not THAT big of a deal, but I've felt like i've been in limbo and I don't like that in-between feeling.
So then while I was at work last night my kitchen manager came up and told me the general manager had told her she was pulling me up to the front and that she could start interviews for a new kitchen person.
Hm. I kind of would've liked to have had that information.
That said, woo to not working in the kitchen!!
All this week I've trained at the front desk. But I've been unsure whether I'm now doing both kitchen or front desk or just front desk or what. I guess it's not THAT big of a deal, but I've felt like i've been in limbo and I don't like that in-between feeling.
So then while I was at work last night my kitchen manager came up and told me the general manager had told her she was pulling me up to the front and that she could start interviews for a new kitchen person.
Hm. I kind of would've liked to have had that information.
That said, woo to not working in the kitchen!!
Friday, April 24, 2009
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Doing my part
I recycle.
I use rechargeable batteries.
I use reusable grocery bags.
I made a feeble attempt at a garden. This year will be better, I declare!
I have a compost pile.
I reuse.
I make eco-conscious shopping decisions (most of the time).
I use plastic containers for my bag lunch instead of ziploc bags.
I (mostly--I won't lie) use fabric cloths instead of paper towels. One roll lasts for months.
I have moved to the funky light bulbs (used up all my old standard ones).
And now, my big (or little) move is to natural cleaning products. My fiance says, "We're out of Scrubbing Bubbles! Put it on the list!" Little did he know, I have a plan. When "natural tub cleaner" is typed into a Google search, this is what pops up first. And as I expected, vinegar and baking soda do the trick. Not surprising since these two products are used often in cleaning. Think of the money saved! Think of the satisfaction gained by knowing crap isn't going down the drain! *sigh*
Now there's something that I've wrestled with for a while. Instead of completely replacing everything (bulbs, appliances, cleaning products), I use them until they're gone and then switch to more eco-friendly options. And boy do I feel guilty! Why is that?? Why, after all the reducing, reusing, and recycling I do, do I feel guilty for using my chemical laden cleaning products that I still have?! I'm blaming it on the media.
I've come to this conclusion: this is what works for me and I'm not changing a thing.
I know that it gets tiring hearing "Green is the new black" over and over AND OVER AND OVER. On Oprah yesterday (she drives me nuts sometimes) she was floored by the massive (size of TX she kept repeating) swirl of trash in the ocean. Really? You're JUST now aware of this? Just like with the puppy mills. She was flabberghasted and swore she'd only adopt from then on! Really? You're JUST now aware of this? Anyway, she has tons of money so I guess it's okay.
I guess I get upset because it seems like being eco-friendly has be done a certain way. Go replace all your bulbs. Go recycle everything that can be recycled...and if your city doesn't recycle it, find some place that will. Create a rooftop garden. Get rid of your old appliances and buy only energy efficient ones. Install a digital thermostat. Ride your bike to work. The list goes on and on. I say screw everything you're supposed to do. Do what you can. Can't remember those reusable grocery bags? That's quite alright...carpool to work tomorrow instead. Can't afford to get all new energy efficient appliances? Buy just one. Or whatever little thing you can do.
It's like trying to become something your not...it just won't work.
Don't want to get rid of all your non-eco-friendly cleaning products? Use them until they're gone, then replace with green options.
Perhaps I have it all wrong...people really are just giving suggestions and really would like to see a minute change and it's my own self that's bringing out this crazy feeling of guilt.
I'm ending it there. Because now I'm all confused and can't make heads or tails of this post. Ha!
I use rechargeable batteries.
I use reusable grocery bags.
I made a feeble attempt at a garden. This year will be better, I declare!
I have a compost pile.
I reuse.
I make eco-conscious shopping decisions (most of the time).
I use plastic containers for my bag lunch instead of ziploc bags.
I (mostly--I won't lie) use fabric cloths instead of paper towels. One roll lasts for months.
I have moved to the funky light bulbs (used up all my old standard ones).
And now, my big (or little) move is to natural cleaning products. My fiance says, "We're out of Scrubbing Bubbles! Put it on the list!" Little did he know, I have a plan. When "natural tub cleaner" is typed into a Google search, this is what pops up first. And as I expected, vinegar and baking soda do the trick. Not surprising since these two products are used often in cleaning. Think of the money saved! Think of the satisfaction gained by knowing crap isn't going down the drain! *sigh*
Now there's something that I've wrestled with for a while. Instead of completely replacing everything (bulbs, appliances, cleaning products), I use them until they're gone and then switch to more eco-friendly options. And boy do I feel guilty! Why is that?? Why, after all the reducing, reusing, and recycling I do, do I feel guilty for using my chemical laden cleaning products that I still have?! I'm blaming it on the media.
I've come to this conclusion: this is what works for me and I'm not changing a thing.
I know that it gets tiring hearing "Green is the new black" over and over AND OVER AND OVER. On Oprah yesterday (she drives me nuts sometimes) she was floored by the massive (size of TX she kept repeating) swirl of trash in the ocean. Really? You're JUST now aware of this? Just like with the puppy mills. She was flabberghasted and swore she'd only adopt from then on! Really? You're JUST now aware of this? Anyway, she has tons of money so I guess it's okay.
I guess I get upset because it seems like being eco-friendly has be done a certain way. Go replace all your bulbs. Go recycle everything that can be recycled...and if your city doesn't recycle it, find some place that will. Create a rooftop garden. Get rid of your old appliances and buy only energy efficient ones. Install a digital thermostat. Ride your bike to work. The list goes on and on. I say screw everything you're supposed to do. Do what you can. Can't remember those reusable grocery bags? That's quite alright...carpool to work tomorrow instead. Can't afford to get all new energy efficient appliances? Buy just one. Or whatever little thing you can do.
It's like trying to become something your not...it just won't work.
Don't want to get rid of all your non-eco-friendly cleaning products? Use them until they're gone, then replace with green options.
Perhaps I have it all wrong...people really are just giving suggestions and really would like to see a minute change and it's my own self that's bringing out this crazy feeling of guilt.
I'm ending it there. Because now I'm all confused and can't make heads or tails of this post. Ha!
The perks of being a church member...
...you get the use of a church for your wedding at no charge. You also get the preacher at no charge.
What do we get for not belonging to a church? Spending lots of money on a place to have the ceremony and spending ~$300 for someone to perform the ceremony. WHAT?!
I knew we'd be paying a pretty penny for a site, but never in my wildest dreams did I think the going rate for an officiant would be $300. It still blows my mind. Of course, you can hire a magistrate and legally, they can't charge anything over $20. You'd probably give them a pretty good tip, but they can't charge you more than $20.
I'm just worried a magistrate won't have the "feel" of a preacher. Which is funny...I want the feel of a preacher but without all the God stuff.
I have a bad feeling about this...I'm going towards a religion discussion and that's a topic (along with politics) that you're not supposed to talk about.
I was baptized Methodist and when I moved here, went to almost all of the Methodist churches around here. I skipped one because it looked REALLY small (it's on the registry of historical places I think). Anyway, I didn't feel connected to any one and determined that it wasn't the churches...it was me.
I've since semi-determined that my place is in the Unitarian Universalist church. I haven't yet attended one, so I don't know for sure, but I feel this is where I'm meant to be. The nearest one to me is in Franklin, however, it's so small they don't have a regular preacher--they have "speakers". And that doesn't appeal to me (I get enough of that at school), so I haven't gone. The next closest is in Asheville, but I haven't yet gotten to where I'm willing to drive 45 minutes to go to church.
The whole point of this post was that I emailed the reverend at the UU church in Asheville about performing our ceremony. He said he normally doesn't do it for non-members, but he'd be willing to do it for us. I wonder what I said in my email that made him take pity on us??
Anyway, after reading his email, I'm really excited about him possibly doing the ceremony. It'll fulfill my vision of a preacher with a liberal religious view. He even stated that he's protesting NC laws that prohibit same-sex marriage by not signing wedding licenses (we'd need a magistrate to sign it). And that makes me even more convinced that he's the man for us!!
His price is $300 as well (negotiable he said), but if we meet with him and like him, I think we'll just suck it up and spend the money.
And that's the story of the search for an officiant.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Fun animal pictures
.jpg)
I bought a net to go over the peach tree and Callie thought I bought it for her to play in.
.jpg)
Friday, April 17, 2009
Happy happy joy joy!!
My presentation is o-v-e-r! Did a good job except a little short on time. Answered questions concisely. No more seminars! One more presentation for thesis defense and that's it!
Speaking of thesis defense, I picked up a hood at the bookstore today and then tried the whole get-up on when I got home. I've since decided I'm no longer wearing my wedding dress at the wedding-I'm going to wear my Master's costume. I don't think it'll be a problem.
Contacted a magistrate today about doing the wedding. According to the law, he can charge no more than $20. Good news for us because the quotes from others have been ~$300. He's sending me some info and then I'll go from there.
Got a quote of $350 for the ice drink luge. Blech! That sounds about right though.
Got a call from my boss saying someone from the front desk is leaving-which means I might get moved entirely from the kitchen to the front desk. Hallelujah!!!!!
I'm so excited for this evening. I have nothing to worry about, fiancé has no WoW raids scheduled (i'm embarrassed to even say that out loud) so we can chill out, watch a movie, and eat wonderful cinnamon kettle corn made from my awesome Whirley Pop.
Hope your Friday evening is even more enjoyable!
Speaking of thesis defense, I picked up a hood at the bookstore today and then tried the whole get-up on when I got home. I've since decided I'm no longer wearing my wedding dress at the wedding-I'm going to wear my Master's costume. I don't think it'll be a problem.
Contacted a magistrate today about doing the wedding. According to the law, he can charge no more than $20. Good news for us because the quotes from others have been ~$300. He's sending me some info and then I'll go from there.
Got a quote of $350 for the ice drink luge. Blech! That sounds about right though.
Got a call from my boss saying someone from the front desk is leaving-which means I might get moved entirely from the kitchen to the front desk. Hallelujah!!!!!
I'm so excited for this evening. I have nothing to worry about, fiancé has no WoW raids scheduled (i'm embarrassed to even say that out loud) so we can chill out, watch a movie, and eat wonderful cinnamon kettle corn made from my awesome Whirley Pop.
Hope your Friday evening is even more enjoyable!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Commencement
I won't technically be done with school until August. The last day to turn your thesis in is July 10, so I must defend before then. BUT, because of budget cuts there will be no August commencement and summer graduates were given the option to walk in the May or December commencement. I JUST found this out. I chose May.
I ordered 10 announcements and a cap and gown. I just assumed they would include the Master's thingy that distinguishes us. Nope. I got it home, torn into it all excited to see what cool thing I'd be wearing and found only a black gown, cap, and tassel. Poo. So I asked my fiance (he's been through it before) and he said yeah I should have something.
I just went back and checked the bookstore online and lo' and behold there's a Master's cap, gowns, and HOODS button. I apparently just hadn't gone to the end of the products.
I know what I just wrote was boring, but I'm so excited to wear a 'hood' with my little graduation outfit.
I'm also excited that my extended family might actually see me graduate from something.
I ordered 10 announcements and a cap and gown. I just assumed they would include the Master's thingy that distinguishes us. Nope. I got it home, torn into it all excited to see what cool thing I'd be wearing and found only a black gown, cap, and tassel. Poo. So I asked my fiance (he's been through it before) and he said yeah I should have something.
I just went back and checked the bookstore online and lo' and behold there's a Master's cap, gowns, and HOODS button. I apparently just hadn't gone to the end of the products.
I know what I just wrote was boring, but I'm so excited to wear a 'hood' with my little graduation outfit.
I'm also excited that my extended family might actually see me graduate from something.
Wake-up call
I always try to find the best deal (except when buying stuff to wear under wedding dresses--that's so stressful I'll apparently buy whatever).
So I had this brilliant idea to reserve a block of rooms at the Holiday Inn Express in Asheville for my out-of-town wedding guests at the discounted employee rate. I called them today and the guy pretty much laughed at me. He said I'd be lucky to get ONE room in October and the discounted rate would probably be well over $100. BAH!
So now I'm thinking about reserving some rooms at the HIExp here (where I actually work), but then it becomes a question of if it's even worth it since the wedding would be more than an hour away.
I think at the very least we're going to officially send Save-the-Dates now with a little nudge that the wedding is during peak tourist time and hotel space is limited. It hadn't even occurred to me.
So I had this brilliant idea to reserve a block of rooms at the Holiday Inn Express in Asheville for my out-of-town wedding guests at the discounted employee rate. I called them today and the guy pretty much laughed at me. He said I'd be lucky to get ONE room in October and the discounted rate would probably be well over $100. BAH!
So now I'm thinking about reserving some rooms at the HIExp here (where I actually work), but then it becomes a question of if it's even worth it since the wedding would be more than an hour away.
I think at the very least we're going to officially send Save-the-Dates now with a little nudge that the wedding is during peak tourist time and hotel space is limited. It hadn't even occurred to me.
So yeah
...don't expect to get anything this cool at our wedding.
The Wedding Spinner 2 from Michael Antonia on Vimeo.
The Wedding Spinner 2 from Michael Antonia on Vimeo.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Yesterday
Got a cavity filled.
Got my hair trimmed. This is the fifth hairstylist I've seen since moving here and I'm still underwhelmed.
Went to Dillard's to buy under wedding dress stuff. Finally picked out a bra and when I was about to pay for it, I noticed the sales lady was bleeding all over it. Really. Needless to say, I left the store without buying anything.
At that point my head was in such a "I'm coming home with something no matter what" that I stopped by David's Bridal to see what they had.
It all happened so fast. Before I knew it, I was walking back out to my car $160 lighter than when I went in. And then, when I started driving back home, I freaked out and thought to myself, "Wait! Did I even get something that's going to work with my dress?? Oh my gosh. I didn't. I just spent $130 on something that I can't return or exchange. Well, maybe we can alter it or something."
Good news: I tried everything on just a while ago, and I'm pretty sure it'll work. It better. Even if it doesn't, I'm still wearing it by golly.
Got my hair trimmed. This is the fifth hairstylist I've seen since moving here and I'm still underwhelmed.
Went to Dillard's to buy under wedding dress stuff. Finally picked out a bra and when I was about to pay for it, I noticed the sales lady was bleeding all over it. Really. Needless to say, I left the store without buying anything.
At that point my head was in such a "I'm coming home with something no matter what" that I stopped by David's Bridal to see what they had.
It all happened so fast. Before I knew it, I was walking back out to my car $160 lighter than when I went in. And then, when I started driving back home, I freaked out and thought to myself, "Wait! Did I even get something that's going to work with my dress?? Oh my gosh. I didn't. I just spent $130 on something that I can't return or exchange. Well, maybe we can alter it or something."
Good news: I tried everything on just a while ago, and I'm pretty sure it'll work. It better. Even if it doesn't, I'm still wearing it by golly.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Follow up to the presentation post
I just did my presentation to my advisor and I think she's pretty pleased with it. She said it was much, much better and I did a good job. Woo! See, I wasn't lying earlier.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Presentation this Friday
I'm optimistic about it. More experience, better graphs, more pictures. I'm thinking it will go much better than last time.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Plant help
Anyone know what these long shoots are going to do?? I think this plant is a night blooming cereus.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde
I have two personalities: nature-chick & sorority girl
Most of the time I'm a blend between the two, but sometimes I'll deviate to one extreme or the other.
I've gone over to the super girly side and it's all because I got my makeup done at the M-A-C counter yesterday.
It was SO much fun. I usually just wear mascara & this was just the second time in my life that I've had my make-up 'professionally' done.
So now I'm doing internet searches like crazy on techniques and products. I've always wanted to wear more makeup but I'm never sure what colors look good. It doesn't help that I don't have good lighting or a makeup mirror. I'll think a color looks good and then I'll look in my car mirror and go, "WHOA!"
And I learned something new about eyeliner. New to me, at least. I was under the impression that you weren't supposed to line your "water line". But everything I've seen recently has said the opposite. Maybe that's why I've had such a rough time with eyeliner??
The other thing was that the makeup was dramatic (to me at least), but it still looked good. I noted that had I done it myself (even if I did everything exactly the way she had done it) I probably would have chickened out, said it looked horrible, and promptly taken it all off.
Anyway, that's what I'm excited about right now. Makeup. Thrilling, I know.
Most of the time I'm a blend between the two, but sometimes I'll deviate to one extreme or the other.
I've gone over to the super girly side and it's all because I got my makeup done at the M-A-C counter yesterday.
It was SO much fun. I usually just wear mascara & this was just the second time in my life that I've had my make-up 'professionally' done.
So now I'm doing internet searches like crazy on techniques and products. I've always wanted to wear more makeup but I'm never sure what colors look good. It doesn't help that I don't have good lighting or a makeup mirror. I'll think a color looks good and then I'll look in my car mirror and go, "WHOA!"
And I learned something new about eyeliner. New to me, at least. I was under the impression that you weren't supposed to line your "water line". But everything I've seen recently has said the opposite. Maybe that's why I've had such a rough time with eyeliner??
The other thing was that the makeup was dramatic (to me at least), but it still looked good. I noted that had I done it myself (even if I did everything exactly the way she had done it) I probably would have chickened out, said it looked horrible, and promptly taken it all off.
Anyway, that's what I'm excited about right now. Makeup. Thrilling, I know.
DVD/VHS storage
My house is relatively small (960 sq ft). So when my fiance moved in, our dvd & vhs collections merged...but had no real home. Currently, we have two open shelving units in the 'coat closet' and a chest of drawers right next to the piano full of movies. This is not the ideal situation because the entryway is crowded and we have to put our coats in our already packed closets.
We've looked for dvd and vhs storage units, but the ones that are big enough are expensive and probably wouldn't fit in the house anyway. Does anyone have any other suggestions for me? (Other than get rid of some movies.)
We've looked for dvd and vhs storage units, but the ones that are big enough are expensive and probably wouldn't fit in the house anyway. Does anyone have any other suggestions for me? (Other than get rid of some movies.)
Friday, April 10, 2009
I love my sleep
So it's 2:30 am and I can't get back to sleep. I woke up at 12:45 after going to bed at 10. Thoughts of my presentation next Friday are swirling in my head. I just keep trying to think of different ways to say essentially the same thing. Im not doing it on purpose and i have no idea how to make it stop! Blarg!
Thursday, April 9, 2009
To a T
I meant to share this picture of some buttons with you all a while back. They suit my fiance and me perfectly! But really, I suppose they could describe a lot of couples.
Yoga for my neck
It seems like I've always had neck problems. I had torticollis when we lived in Florida, so before I started 1st grade. What is that, 5?
I'd also pull muscles in my neck periodically, but there was a time in college when it really was at least once a month I'd pull something in my neck. I'd finally feel better and then do it again. It got to the point where I went to the doctor, but all he said was take some medicine for the pain.
I noticed recently that I can't turn my head and look to the right as far as I used to. I still have the same amount of motion to the left, but the right is stiff. I really noticed it this morning when I had to turn in my seat to talk to someone. Blah.
My prescription: start doing neck stretching exercises twice a day.
I'd also pull muscles in my neck periodically, but there was a time in college when it really was at least once a month I'd pull something in my neck. I'd finally feel better and then do it again. It got to the point where I went to the doctor, but all he said was take some medicine for the pain.
I noticed recently that I can't turn my head and look to the right as far as I used to. I still have the same amount of motion to the left, but the right is stiff. I really noticed it this morning when I had to turn in my seat to talk to someone. Blah.
My prescription: start doing neck stretching exercises twice a day.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Goings on
.jpg)
Two weeks later, I finally feel like myself again.
We made our way into Asheville and stopped by the tux place in the mall. I think we're pretty well settled on one.
Then we met with a dj that we ended up really liking. I'm concerned people won't want to dance and he had some pretty good ideas to get people involved. He even offered to provide accent lighting for the reception. He's getting married in a week at the same place we are, so he knows the place and had some pretty good ideas with layout. Without going into too much detail, the place is tricky & I haven't been able to figure out where everything should be. And I hadn't thought of this until he said something, but if we wanted him to do the rehearsal dinner as well, he'd give us a discount. I can't decide whether I'd rather spend the several hundred dollars more to get a live band or save that money by hiring him. ?????????????
After that meeting we made our way down to Greenville to visit my cousin and her husband. We went to David's Bridal & another shoe store to look for wedding shoes and decided on some contenders. Let me tell you...this is not easy. We'll find a style and color we like, but the heel won't work for an outdoor wedding. AAGH! SO frustrating.
We ate dinner after that and then went to see Monsters vs. Aliens in 3D. It was...cool. I guess. I just didn't like the movie that much (plot or whatever). If it had been Finding Nemo or Cars in 3D, I'm sure I would've left the theater in a full skip.
We headed back to our place around 9:00 and what should have taken us only 2 hours actually took us 3. I was not happy. There were two places where the highway was down to 1 lane. If I hadn't had to get up early for work today, I wouln't've cared, but I did, so I was not a happy camper. My fiance will tell you that that's an understatement.
Worked this morning, came home and mowed/weed eated, pulled weeds in one bed :oP, watched half of Mansfield Park, went grocery shopping, decided to transplant the wisteria--where has yet to be decided (don't buy wisteria btw), filled the bird feeder (bird seed = splurge made today), watched the rest of the movie and ate dinner. I managed to convince my fiance to move the electric fence to block the dogs from the flat part of the backyard. Cross your fingers for an easy transition. I have great hopes for the restoration of the yard and flower beds.
I must leave you for "Last Cake Standing" now.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Amistad
If you haven't yet seen Amistad, I recommend you do. It's an "older" movie that I just got around to watching. The last time Matthew McConahey impressed me like this was in A Time to Kill.
I amaze myself
I came up with a solution to my problem. And all by myself too!
Background: We're getting our engagement pictures taken the same day as my bridal portraits because the photographer won't charge us for the engagement pictures if we do it that way.
Problem: How to have a casual style hairdo (engagement) and a formal hairdo (bridal) all in the same day and without my fiance seeing my formal hairdo. It's not a big deal if he sees it, but I'd prefer him not.
Solution: Don't have a formal hairdo! I'll have plenty of pictures of it at the actual wedding, so why not leave it casual for the bridal photos?? I'm a genius. I think it'll work especially well since we're getting the pictures taken on my grandparents' "farm".
Sweet.
Background: We're getting our engagement pictures taken the same day as my bridal portraits because the photographer won't charge us for the engagement pictures if we do it that way.
Problem: How to have a casual style hairdo (engagement) and a formal hairdo (bridal) all in the same day and without my fiance seeing my formal hairdo. It's not a big deal if he sees it, but I'd prefer him not.
Solution: Don't have a formal hairdo! I'll have plenty of pictures of it at the actual wedding, so why not leave it casual for the bridal photos?? I'm a genius. I think it'll work especially well since we're getting the pictures taken on my grandparents' "farm".
Sweet.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
I love sour patch kids
I have a cold and can't get any air through one nostril. Of course this would happen during my two days off. I thought I would get through the season without getting sick, but alas, I have not.
I went out with the bio kids, which was fun, but I now have a huge headache. Side effect of the cold?
I have another job interview at the golf club tomorrow (diff position). I hope it goes well considering the pay is much better than what I get now.
Weight-loss isn't going well because I haven't been able to work out lately.
I went to the dentist and I have a cavity. And from a dentist's daughter no less!
We met with a guy from the campus print shop about our invitations today. I have high hopes.
We're meeting with a dj on Saturday. I'm excited because they're the cheapest and offer exactly what we want. Plus, the owner is getting married in two weeks at the same place we are. He'll probably have some insight as to how everything should be arranged.
After that we're driving down to greenville to see monsters vs aliens in 3d. I'm excited.
Alright, I can't stand it anymore, I must go sleep off this headache.
I went out with the bio kids, which was fun, but I now have a huge headache. Side effect of the cold?
I have another job interview at the golf club tomorrow (diff position). I hope it goes well considering the pay is much better than what I get now.
Weight-loss isn't going well because I haven't been able to work out lately.
I went to the dentist and I have a cavity. And from a dentist's daughter no less!
We met with a guy from the campus print shop about our invitations today. I have high hopes.
We're meeting with a dj on Saturday. I'm excited because they're the cheapest and offer exactly what we want. Plus, the owner is getting married in two weeks at the same place we are. He'll probably have some insight as to how everything should be arranged.
After that we're driving down to greenville to see monsters vs aliens in 3d. I'm excited.
Alright, I can't stand it anymore, I must go sleep off this headache.
Crossing my fingers
There are now 4 people I know of whose computers have crashed. I hope I'm not next. That would be BAD.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)