Lenticular Clouds

The images from this EarthFirst post are incredible.

Weekend? What weekend?

A girl at the front desk quit, so my hours have been boosted. Boosted to include weekend shifts. I guess that's what happens when you work at a hotel. I didn't know I had it so good at the animal hospital. Open 7:30a - 12p on Saturday, closed on Sunday.

What this means is that I can't seem to get any house chores done. I'm still in the mindset that I'll do them on the weekend. But when you work on the weekend, that doesn't happen!

I yelled at Mr. P yesterday for not having done anything while I was gone (he did do stuff, just not as much as I thought he would--or how much I would have). I realized the reason I was so upset was not because he didn't do much, but because I have all this stuff I want to get done and can't, while he has all the time in the world.

At any rate, we went for a bike ride yesterday evening. I had so much fun. I still think the bike was a good purchase. I was hugely impressed that I got all the way up the drive without stopping--and it was my first time back on the bike this season.

Today I had high hopes on getting Chris' side tables sanded and prepared for paint, but alas, sanding takes longer than I thought. I got the tops done and that's it. And that's with a rotary sander! But that's okay, I need to re-think my plan anyway. I started sanding and realized the wood is really nice and they might be okay with just a light stain. Right now they have a very dark stain and look really dated.

I then cleaned the house. I also reupholstered the storage bench--that was fun! Completely different look. By the time lunch rolled around, I was exhausted and still had more to do. If I'd only learn that if I kept it clean during the week, I wouldn't have so much to do at one time on the weekend. So by the time I had to start getting ready for work, I had the house clean but felt like I hadn't gotten anything done. I guess because I still have so much on my list.

• Clean out stuff from under bed
• Deep clean/organize guest room
• "/" bathroom
• "/" computer room
• "/" movie closet & dresser--we have way too many movies
  
• "/" kitchen
  
• "/" carport closet
• "/" shed
• Finish side tables
• Paint bedroom

I just need to realize that these things are going to take a little longer because of their nature.

Ya know what I just realized? Why do I have this list? Why did I decide I needed to go through each room and get rid of stuff? Do I feel suffocated by all this junk? Maybe. The more likely answer, however, is because I have a thesis to write.

How 'bout that.

From a blog I peruse

Check out this post from Awkward Family Photos.

Kinda creepy and hilarious all at the same time.

Wallpaper

I've never been particularly fond of wallpaper; if you've ever had to take wallpaper down, you know what I'm talking about.

And the images that are conjured up in my mind when I think of wallpaper are of roses, lace, awful colors, you know, old people wallpaper.

Design*Sponge has completely change my mind though. I've come to realize that there are some pretty awesome wallpapers out there. And you don't have to use them on all your walls...just one as an accent works great. Or some on the top of an old side table you purchased at a yard sale to repurpose. Or some on the faces of drawers of an old dresser you have.

Which led me to my next question: where the heck do you buy wallpaper? I've never had to buy it before and therefore, have no clue! :oP

Wow.

Check out this before & after (Dominique's Hall) at Design*Sponge. Definitely not your average hall.

Back in the saddle!

I found it pretty difficult to keep my Shred routine going after my shower weekend, so I took 7 days off (Mon-Fri of last week & Mon and Tues this week--plus the weekends, but I don't do the Shred on those days anyway).

I started it up again yesterday. Right now I'm on day 2 of two weeks (5 days) of the advanced version of Level 2.

It's difficult, but the only thing I have to stop in the middle of are those darn double jump ropes (Level 1 is single, Level 2 is double). I'm still amazed that something seemingly simple is actually pretty darn tough to do.

My sister has started doing the 100 pushups thing again. I'm tempted to start it up again now that my core muscles are up to snuff. When I tried it the first time, I kept pulling an ab muscle so I quit.

I also read this cute blog post from Elizabeth Anne Designs blog. I emailed it to Mr. P and he says with incredulity, "You want to do a half marathon?!" Well, no. Not a half marathon per se. I like the idea of it--a 5k or something is a little more attainable. It would be a great goal to reach together (although, he could probably run one right now without a problem) and it'd get me fit in time for the wedding (maybe?). The other thing I was thinking was maybe not running (the hills and roads--no shoulder--around here make for a difficult run), but biking would be a good option. He's been pretty good about riding his to work, but I haven't gotten on mine once all season. :oP Disappointing.

VOTE FOR RUTH!

Ruth is my cousin's wife's best friend. She makes the best purses/bags! Vote for her here.

Honest Scrap Award

A Life Less Ordinary tagged me for the "Honest Scrap Award" and the rules are to post 10 things about you that are true, that they might not know. Then you have to tag other bloggers to do the same.

1. I hate living in a messy house, yet can't keep mine clean.

2. I have second thoughts about having kids because of my fiance's computer game/video game habit.

3. I have a subscription to Wine Spectator and haven't opened a single issue I've received.

4. I doubt my decisions and abilities all the time but have become really good at pretending the opposite.

5. I hate that I love to gossip.

6. I used fake eyelashes for the first time 2 weeks ago.

7. I'm my own worst critic.

8. I love edamame, cheese, and Sour Patch Kids.

9. I tend to do/say random and unexpected things just to see what kind of reactions I can get.

10. I don't regret anything I've done or that has happened in my life (even incidents in Italy & an abusive relationship) since it has led to who I have become and has led to many lessons learned.

Now I would love to tag:

my cup runneth over

Time after Time

VenetianBlond

Wandering Thoughts

The Golden Life

Preparation is key

Our buddy Dave is leaving town today for his new job in Boston, so there was a little get together at a local pub & grill (where I met my fiance btw) last night.

Mr. P & I walk into the patio to sit down and at that point, there were only 2 other people at our table and they commented on how nice I looked with my makeup and clothes. Apparently I don't normally look like that and the reason for the next question: why?

So I said I had had a second interview at a new dermatology clinic in town and we started talking about that for a little bit. A friend was saying it's great we have one now because it took her forever to get into the one in Asheville.

At any rate, I then noticed a little commotion behind my friends at another table. I look over, and there are the owners of the clinic, who just interviewed me, looking our way and laughing. We waved to each other, said hi, and I swiftly crapped my pants.

We all had a good laugh about it. After they left I leaned over to my fiance and asked, "I didn't say anything bad did I?" I really couldn't remember what I said before I noticed they were there.

Weird thing is that I had completely envisioned this happening as I was getting ready to go out. But what I envisioned was walking by their table, pausing, and politely introducing them to my fiance. Not what actually happened at all.

I do not want to die

From Spring Moon by Bette Bao Lord:

The child shook his head. Slowly the tears fell, like brave soldiers marching before the king.

"Was it a ghost?"

"I..." His words burst forth. "I do not want to die, I do not want to die like True Mother. Why do I have to die?"

Bold Talent put his arms around him, comforting him. "You see, if no one ever died, the world would be a terrible place. There would be too many people, no room to grow food or play. So it is better to have a season and live each minute until it is time to join our ancestors."

Honeymoon Preparation I

*Whew! I'm glad I read this before our trip! I was starting to think I wouldn't know how to handle it.*

From The WORST-CASE SCENARIO Survival Handbook: EXTREME EDITION

HOW TO SKI OFF A 100-FOOT DROP

1. Look for danger below.

Just before you ski off the edge of the cliff, look down and out over the slope. If your projected path takes you toward rocks, trees, or another cliff, change your takeoff angle by jumping to the left or right so you will head toward safer, wide-open terrain.

2. Jump up and off the ledge.

Just as you are leaving the ground, hop up and slightly forward to help you clear any rocks or other obstructions that may be hidden just below the ledge and that could knock you off balance.

3. Pull your legs and skis up and tuck them under your rear end.

This compressed "ball" position will help you maintain balance while airborne and help you to land safely.

4. Thrust both arms out in front of you, elbows slightly bent.

Avoid the "cat out the window" position, where your arms and hands are splayed out above your head. That position will put you off balance when you land.

5. Look out, not down.

Looking down at the ground will lead to a "door hinge" landing, where you bend forward at the waist and plant your face in the slope. Look out over the mountain.

6. Focus on a suitable landing site.

Land on very steep terrain. Avoid a low-angled slope or, worse, a flat section of the mountain. As long as the snow is powder and at least one foot deep, you should be able to land without serious injury.

7. Bend your knees as you land.

As you approach the side of the mountain, keep your knees bent to absorb the force of the impact with the ground. Avoid leaning back, which will cause a "tail first" landing and probable back injury. If you cannot ski away from a landing, land on your hip. Do not lean too far forward or you will fall on your face.

8. Extend your feet, bend your knees, and turn across (or "into") the mountain to slow down.

Because of your extreme speed while airborne, you must minimize acceleration by turning as soon as you land, or you risk hurtling down the mountain out of control. Modern skis should stay on top of deep powder instead of sinking, giving you a reasonable amount of control.

9. Continue making turns to keep control and reduce speed as you ski away.

BE AWARE

• If you feel yourself falling backward while airborne, move your hands further in front of you and make fast circular motions, forward and back. This balancing maneuver is called "rolling down the windows."
• In any jump greater than 15 feet, avoid landing in the same spot a previous jumper landed; the snow will already be compacted and will not provide sufficient cushioning.
  

Let's make a deal

Two weeks or so ago Mr. P made a trip up to the neighbor's house above us to see who they use to do their lawn. Yesterday, the guy came down to the house to talk about what we'd like done and how much he would charge.

Well, turns out he used to live in my house! He's married to the woman from whom I bought the house! He's the one who put all the planters in and I'm pretty sure he also built the firepit. I hope we haven't disappointed him too much by how we've let it grow up!

I had called a different guy to come and give an estimate, but I think I'll scratch it. This other guy is just too perfect. He knows the property lines, what's planted (weeds vs. plants), and he's charging a lot less than I expected. He's going to trim up the hedge (great b/c I don't have a hedge trimmer), cut off some lower branches of the trees above the house, clear out the rubus (blackberry--man I hate that stuff) from the front of the house, and do the regular weedeating. I can't wait! I wouldn't even do this work for the amount he's charging. And then he wasn't even worried about getting paid. He says, 'Well, if I don't get it the first time, I'll just get it the next time.'

Too bad he can't come by until next week. :o(

2 Notations

1. My veggies are growing! The watermelon plant has finally started growing, I have peppers (hot & bell), a real nice yellow squash (last year I had a problem with bugs, so I'm diggin' this nice looking squash), two big ol' tomatoes, some killer cucumbers (have never actually seen these suckers grow), and cilantro that's so potent it'll knock your socks off. My lettuce is still hanging in there--not doing much of anything really. And the strawberries are non-existant. Damn you birds! My fiance is in charge of making a scare crow, but I think that's not high on his priority list.

2. Had a job interview for a receptionist position at a new dermatology clinic in town. I'm super excited about this and have a second interview with the doctor on Monday. We discussed the possibility of me moving up in the clinic (because of my advanced degree--hardy har), so that's pretty frickin' awesome. Definitely better than the sporadic paychecks I'm currently receiving...or not receiving rather.

Need to go. Have to get up at 5:15a to go feed some people breakfast. Ugh. What one will do for money. I guess I should count my blessings.

Such hostility!

I went to Walmart today and got CornPops, 2 packs of thank you cards, & provolone cheese. Since I didn't have my grocery bags with me, I told the cashier that I'd just carry them out without a bag. WHOA NELLY was that the wrong thing to say. She got very upset and informed me quite rudely that I'd have to show the Walmart welcomer (is that their official title?) my receipt as I left. I politely informed her that that was fine with me. She then yelled across the way to the welcomer that I would be leaving without a bag *gasp* and that she would need to check my receipt on the way out. The cashier then, with attitude mind you, tried to let me know that I would need to push...oh wait, I'VE ALREADY DONE IT YOU IDIOT! She tried to get all snotty when I didn't push no cash back, but alas, I had already done everything...just waiting on you to push your little 'Debit' button Miss Walmart Meanie. Sorry, she really perturbed me.

Final vindication: I started to stop by the welcomer and the lady waved me on and said, "Oh, you're fine...go on." Take that you silly cashier!

Whirlwind of a weekend

I figured I'd be recovered by now, but when you get sick the first day back in your house, it makes the recovery even harder.

The bridal shower was on Saturday and just about went off without a hitch. There was some family feuding before and after (only 1 of which related to the shower), but I ignored it as best as I could. It was a little awkward because I didn't know a lot of the people and didn't know where to look to thank the person whose present I had just opened. I was also a little nervous to make sure Mr. P's mom, grandmother, and cousin felt at ease. They all had driven a substantial distance and I was (am) really honored.

We had our engagement session Sunday with my bridal portraits taken after Mr. P left. I had my makeup done at Mac (they only hire makeup artists btw--as opposed to anyone off the street) and was worried it was too much, but I think it worked. I can't wait to get the proofs! We had so much fun doing them...we got some in front of the pond, on the dock, in the barn, and I got some in my dress in the hay field and in the creek. It was such a let down too when we were done, and the only thing I had to show for it was stinky armpits and running makeup. I wanted to see the pictures right away!

On Monday I went with my mom to the wedding venue and I think I nailed down where the ceremony will take place. Woo! We also went by the rental place to look at linens. We narrowed it down to two and then we were told one was $39 per linen and the other was $40. I think we'll go with the $16 polyester, thank you.

I got home Monday afternoon and quickly realized there's little space left in this house for the bridal shower presents. Where do you put an 18qt roaster when you're already storing crockpots on top of your refrigerator?? It's a sad day when 960 sq ft is too small for two people.

I can't wait to move.

I got sick this morning and it pretty much ruined my mood for the entire day. That's expected I guess. Despite this, I still managed to reserve our hotel room for our wedding night and reserve the room in which we'll have the day after wedding brunch (lunch?) for select guests. The lady was so cute...she was really excited to put it under my new married name. She even added the "Mrs." which she normally doesn't do apparently. We got a pretty good deal on the room too!

I also still managed to go into the lab and run a gel that I wasn't able to do on Friday. Now I'm at work waiting for my other half to bring dinner. I only have 2 hours left to go!

Job interview tomorrow! I've never wanted a job so badly.

My lilies

My lilies have finally bloomed! I've been waiting months! I had no idea it would take them this long.

Homemade laundry detergent

Made my own laundry detergent the other day! Washed a load with it too. Seems fine...the only difference I noticed was that the clothes didn't have that overwhelming fresh laundry smell. Which some like, some don't. You can add essential oils to it to get a scent, but I didn't have any to use. Didn't have a container for it either...had to use a fish bowl I had laying around.

I followed this recipe.

Two tips:
I'd probably double the recipe--the original recipe doesn't make much and it's a hassle to grind up the soap. I'd rather make a bunch than have to drag the food processor out every 2 weeks.

DO NOT hover over the food processor after you grind the soap up. I inhaled a bunch of soap particles and I about keeled over. Blech!

Recycled Napkin Rings

These are awesome! I can't wait to try it. And no sewing!

This is just awesome

Design Sponge Blog

I'm totally enthralled by this blog and I can't even remember how I came across it. It always has the most amazing pictures.

The rooms always look so well put together, but not--like the designer wasn't trying (a good thing). If I was to try anything like this, it'd just look like a room full of crap.

Maybe it's the photographer. Perhaps if I have a professional come in and snap pictures of my house it'd look like this blog. Nah, probably not.

One of my goals in life is to have my house look amazing and still feel welcoming and cozy. Wonder if I'll ever achieve that.

Change of plans

No matter how cheap we got the cottage/cabin, it's still a lot of money when people require 2 or 3 night minimum stays. This is what I came to realize the other day. So then the question became...

Do we want to spend $300 on a place for 2 nights after our wedding or would we rather save that money for our real honeymoon?? My answer: save it (no surprises there). Mr. P's answer: spend it (no surprises there).

Now we're (I'm) back to square one. Because I work at a hotel, I qualify for an employee discount at all IHG hotels. Whether or not they'll give me that discount for a jacuzzi tub room, I don't know.

The plan is to see what kind of rate I can get for a jacuzzi tub room and go from there. One hotel I checked with doesn't give discounts on the weekends (poopheads!) and so it was going to be $200 for one night. Ridiculous.

The other good thing about going with a hotel room is that it's possible we can rent space there too for the Sunday brunch for our out-of-town friends. That would certainly make life easier.

P.S. Callie keeps peeing on the dog beds. It's pissing me off. *no pun intended--okay, maybe a little*

Coupon organizer in the mail

So I broke down and bought a custom made coupon organizer like the one with which I fell in love. I'm still in love. I would give my left arm to be able to do this. Well, maybe not my arm, but I'd definitely shave my head. Check out iSew's etsy shop. Here are the pics:

Job Interview!

Be sure to always answer your phone in a nice tone...

I've been getting a lot of calls (again) for Celeste lately, so when my phone rang with a number I didn't recognize, I didn't use the nicest of tones when I answered it.

And lo and behold, it's someone calling to schedule me for a job interview as a receptionist for a new dermatology clinic in town.

As a receptionist no less. :oP

Adventures in future in-law land

The fiance and I made a quick trip down to SC on Thursday for his brother's high school graduation. We only stayed one night, but it felt much longer. I had a good time, it's just that their family is so different from mine.

There's 4 kids in ours and we're all grown. They have 5 kids, one just graduated, another is a junior/senior, and the youngest are 8, 6, and 4. At one point, there was 13 kids (ranging from barely walking baby to high school) and 4 adults in the house. And that wasn't even a graduation party--just to have dinner!

We took the dogs down with us and I am so proud. I had no idea my dogs were so good. They let the kids jump all over them and when the kids were walking them, they didn't pull or anything. And they (the dogs) wanted nothing to do with their dogs--pretty funny actually.

We stopped at several scrapbooking stores on the way back home, but we still weren't able to find a paper sash we like to go around the invitations. :oP Quite annoying.

That's really about it...I'm at work right now, so maybe I should get back to "work".

Renovation

I had this dream last night that a neighbor renovated the attic and basement of his/her house and it was kick-ass. So much so that I decided in my dream to do the same.

When I woke up I was sorely disappointed to remember that I don't have basement and my attic isn't livable. :oP

Pom-pom kit

My pom-pom kit came in the mail the other day and I'm lucky I even got it considering the addresser left a number out of my address. So that's pretty cool...I hope they're not too difficult to put together.

I've noticed that ever since I won, I'm a contest entering fiend. HGTV Green Home (boy would that be nice!), $3000 from The Container Store via Real Simple, and wedding invitations (even though I have everything already to make ours). And I'm sure there will be more.

Big plans for this week and next. Driving down to South Carolina on Thursday to go to my fiance's brother's graduation. Only going to stay the night, so the dogs are coming with us. I'm hoping Brutus (my future in-laws' male rottweiler) puts Athena in her place--she tends to have problems with other dogs. Who knows, maybe she'll give him a run for his money.

The Saturday after next is my bridal shower and then I have my bridal portraits and our engagement photo session the next day. I really hope I don't get overwhelmed and shut down. Have plans to get eyebrows done, nails, and pedicure. :oP There goes the money! But I'm so excited--it's been a while since I've gotten these things done.

We finally made a reservation for our pre-honeymoon at a cottage near Hendersonville. Glad that's over...I was going a little crazy. I just can't make that final decision until I've looked at all the possibilities. And that's just not possible. It was like that with my wedding dress too. The lady (girl, really) would say, 'Is this the one?' and I'm thinking, 'Well, no, I haven't tried on the rest of these dresses.' ;o) And this is why Mr. P is in charge of the ski resort honeymoon plans.

I started Level 2 of the 30 Day Shred yesterday. At first I thought 'oh, this isn't so bad!'...and then my butt got kicked.

Time for me to sign up for Day 2 of butt-kicking...later!