BELLA SERENITY

Ragnar

2012-01-19T21:49:00.000-08:00

Last weekend was the PF Changs Rock n Roll Marathon here in Scottsdale and I went to support my friend & boss. I've never been much of a runner but I've always wanted to be a runner. Danica from Chic Runner is one of my favorite bloggers to follow and I've always been envious of her ability to run so much. Well, call me easy to inspire but after going to the PF Changs race I caught the running bug and went for my first run that day.

Then, my dear friend Sarah sent me a facebook invite that day about the Ragnar Relay Race and I was instantly in. Here is a brief description of Ragnar from their website:

"Ragnar is the overnight running relay race that makes testing your limits a team sport. A team is made up of 6-12 individuals; each individual runs 3 legs. The legs of the race vary in difficulty and distance, from 3-8 miles, allowing elite and novice runners to run together. Over 2 days and 1 night, teams run across 200 miles of the country’s most scenic terrain. Pair that with crazy costumes, inside jokes, a great finish line party and unforgettable stories. Some call it a slumber party without sleep, pillows or deodorant. We call it Ragnar."

Sounds pretty cool, huh? I am super excited and hope we can get our team together soon! We are planning on doing the Las Vegas race in the beginning of November.

*I have never run more than 5 miles at a time, I spent about 2 hours making a training plan and I will try to put it on my blog soon.

WISH ME LUCK!

An update

2012-01-17T18:10:00.000-08:00

I think it's time for an update on what's going on in my life. Not too much has changed, but there are a few things worth mentioning I guess. Right now I'm working at a spa and going to school- both full time. I am finishing up some pre-requisites for nursing school and by the end of this semester I will be ready to apply. I have overloaded myself with classes this semester (20 credits/7 classes)so this should be interesting. Today was the first day of class and it was a pretty good feeling being back :) I just had one class and it's a continuation of another class I took last semester and I just adore the professor. She's so smart, has such great advice, and just really cares.

Ok, so I realize that this isn't the greatest update but I'm running late on time......

More later!

Bringing it back...

2012-01-16T18:16:00.000-08:00

And almost two years later, I've decided to come back to this blog. I've missed it! I hope to reconnect with my followers that haven't left due to the hiatus and make new friends :)

MOVING!

2010-01-26T18:26:00.001-08:00

I'm moving! email me at bellaserenityblog at gmail dot com if you'd like my new address!

Slacker

2009-12-18T09:40:00.000-08:00

I've been seriously slacking with my blog, I know. Next week I'm only working 2 days because business will be really slow and so I promise I'll be better. Today I work til 7:30 and a friend from work is having a little christmas party that I want to go to but I feel like I'm getting sick so I don't know what to do. Sigh.....

My BFF...

2009-11-26T12:29:00.000-08:00

My best friend (IRL) just set up a blog of her own so you should all go check that out too! Her link is:

www.littleblondemonster.blogspot.com

She's funny, you'll like her! :)

XOXO

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T12:24:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving everyone :) I hope you have an amazing day and happy tummy's!

I'm just laying in bed for a few more minutes before I have to get ready for work. Working til midnight every night is really taking its toll on my energy levels.

Today is also the birthday of someone special to me. That's why if you look at my profile on here, you'll see a "Happy Birthday" blog that I made for him. He's the one person that if he asked me to marry him today, I would, and have no regrets. So you guys can check out that blog but don't comment on it because I don't want it linking back to this one!

XOXO

thankful

2009-11-25T12:40:00.000-08:00

I need to keep reminding myself of how thankful I am to have a job in this economy. Even if it is forcing me to work on one of my favorite holidays and not see my family. I love my job......

I love my job.......

I love my job......

blank

2009-11-24T09:23:00.000-08:00

It's really quite difficult to type w/ a cat on your chest but here I go. Over the weekend I worked the overnight shift. It was.......interesting. Last night I went on a date that went quite well, we went to dinner and saw the MJ movie, and tonight we're going running together!

Although I adore pink & green, I think I'm going to change my blog colors to something more winter-y. I feel like my blog just screams springtime and is in major violation of the "no white after labor day" rule.

I have not been whittling. I'm a whittle my middle failure. Sad sad...

Exciting "news"

2009-11-19T06:53:00.000-08:00

Remember that running post I did a while back? Well, I've recently decided to just "dive right into it" and am now training for a half marathon in April. I will no doubt need lots of encouragement but I figured announcing it on here would make it more official that I'm going to do it, and keep me motivated.

And with that, I'm off to start my busy day! Class at 9, straight into work until 11:30. Thank goodness I can sleep in tomorrow since I'm working the overnight shifts on Friday & Saturday. Good thing I LOVE my new job!

PS

2009-11-17T09:56:00.001-08:00

To my Southern Girls: I checked in a certain someone, from a certain southern tv show show the other day and thought I was going to faint. Guess who...

So Sorry

2009-11-17T09:53:00.000-08:00

I am SO SORRY I have been such terrible blogger as of late. I really miss it, and I don't think I've been as happy not blogging and reading all your blogs too. I have realized that I really have to set some priorities in my life and stick with them! Blogging is definitely one of them. As well as exercise. In fact, I'm going to do the Whittle My Middle challenge, thanks to Marissa and Britt. I'm at school right now but when I get home I'll post those dreaded pictures!!

In more exciting news, I just got these jeans and I am completely obsessed. I suggest everyone go out and get a pair because they are sooooo unbelievably comfortable and cute! And I think they look better on me, than the Nordstroms model (if I do say so myself!) so don't judge them by the pic that's on here!

Okay, time to do work before my class starts :/ Be back later with an abs update and pics!! Hope you all have a fantastic Tuesday :)

Quarter of a Century

2009-11-11T22:02:00.000-08:00

Today I turned 25. A quarter of a century. Jeez.

25 made me take a really good look at myself and you know what I saw? Wrinkles. I kid you not. Now I'm sure they didn't just crop up on the eve of my 25th, I'm sure they were already forming- but today, on my 25th birthday, I found my first wrinkles. Luckily, one of my gifts was new eye cream. Obviously, my old one was not working.

Among other things, I got a pair of beautiful pearl earrings from my dad, and my mom gave me a strand of my grandmothers pearls (and she has the same birthday as me!). Even though I worked, it was a wonderful day.

This is also my 100th post! Pretty exciting. Thank you all for your birthday wishes, I appreciate each and every one!

be patient..

2009-11-10T06:32:00.000-08:00

I haven't been on blogger in ages- I have a friend visiting from NY, homecoming was last weekend, and tomorrow (11/11) I turn 25. Yikes! I'll be back tomorrow :)

help!!

2009-10-30T22:52:00.000-07:00

I cannot even begin to tell you how overwhelmed i'm now feeling with work and school. I can already tell I'm going to love the job, but it is so much right now on top of school. I have a test in all 4 of my classes next week, and I work everyday until Thursday, when my last test is and I have a friend flying in from NY. I'm seriously going to get barely any sleep next week. Example: School 9am-5:30pm & work 6pm-12am. I'm not making this up. I probably won't be blogging this week so please, bear with me.

Do any of you go to school & work full time? How do you do it?

And PUG PEOPLE: I think Sophie has "puppy warts" she has a little raspberry looking thing on her bottom lip (it's a lot uglier than "raspberry" makes it sound) and she has 2 in her mouth. I googled it and it looks like COPV. Have any of your dogs had this problem? How long did it last and what did you do about it?

Please help, I'm so stressed! :(

Tomorrow, tomorrow...

2009-10-28T23:22:00.001-07:00

Tomorrow I have class and then it's my first day at work- I'm nervous!! I hate first days. And I have SOOO much work to do for school, I'm feeling overwhelmed already :(

Sweater Season!

2009-10-26T22:06:00.000-07:00

Ok, so it may not exactly be sweater season yet in AZ, but I really don't care, so I'm a little toasty in the afternoons, its worth it when they're so cuddly and lovely. I got this new sweater this weekend and I think it is so cute- I even took my first bathroom pic to show you all! Seeeeee....

Ohhhh pretty sweater!

Right now I'm blogging in half my halloween costume. I was going to be a peacock but that was getting a little bit too expensive so I decided to keep everything super classy and be a playboy instead haha. The bunny outfit really never gets old to me. And 11 days after Halloween I will be 25 so I thought I'd squeeze that outfit in one last time while I still can!

Oh, how's this for good news: I GOT MY FORMAL OFFER FOR MY JOB TODAY!! I'm going in on Wednesday to do new hire paperwork and then I will be officially working for the.... dun dun dunnn..... THE W! I'm so excited. They are part of Starwood hotels & resorts and they're a great company to work for. And the W is just sooo much fun! I can't wait to start and bring home that paper!! Wooo hooo!

Tomorrow is my Tuesday (well, I guess everyones Tuesday) but for me, that means being in class from 9-5:30, at least. Yucky yucky yucky!

I had my last golf clinic on Saturday and that deserves a whole separate post! I'll get to that one later.

Please pray for my friend Brittany and her cat Riddles, she just found out she has feline leukemia :(

sleepy pug

2009-10-21T17:14:00.000-07:00

Not a good picture of me, but too cute of the pug not to post!

Celebrate

2009-10-21T13:38:00.000-07:00

So, I GOT THE JOB!!!! Well, it's contingent on the results of my drug test and background check, both of which I've never failed in the past so I consider the job mine! Thank you for all your well wishes, I am so very happy about this. I will get the final word next week so there's still a bit of anticipation but I've been told its smooth sailing from here out. When I get the formal offer, then I'll let you all know where I'm working. Gotta keep a bit of mystery ;)

XOXO

Pretty in Pink Pug

2009-10-20T20:50:00.001-07:00

2 types

2009-10-20T18:24:00.000-07:00

There are two types of girls out there:
1) Girls that always have to have their nails/toenails painted
2) Those that don't

...What are you?

I have a second interview tomorrow morning!! Eeeeek- so nervous. I went shopping for the occasion, I got: purple ann taylor top (kinda casual), purple elie tahari top (more dressy), a brown tweed theor skirt, and a black satin dana buchman skirt. I'll try to take pics later.

Let's Talk Taryn

2009-10-19T20:33:00.000-07:00

Let me introduce you to Taryn. She's from Miami. I'm from New York. She's crazy. We hit it off right instantly.
We met one night in college at some bar (I think), where I was leaving and she was also leaving with her friends. Their cab came, and I just decided to go in it with them and go wherever they were going. We started talking and playing "Jewish Geography" and what do you know, I made a new best friend. I think the second night we hung out I was sitting next to her really annoying friend (sorry), drinking a martini when someone bumped into me and I spilled some on annoying friend. Obviously, I did not mean to do it (you know how hard it is not to spill martini's!!), and she got mad at me and then proceded to complain about all the calories in drinks. Gag, go home. Anyways, I digress... So Taryn is one of those people that is really loud and never shuts up, but she's really funny so it doesn't really get annoying (I love you Taryn). Taryn also loves to take ridiculous pictures of herself and post them on facebook, which inspired me to do a parody of her which I (among others) found most amusing. So here's to Taryn. I miss you and I'm so proud of everything you're doing in Miami. I miss you so much, going out, dying the next morning, heart to hearts, pulling off you're Halloween wig, waking people up in the middle of the night eating pita pit and throwing it all over their bed, playing with Toby and Squeezy, calling your mom just to listen to her cute accent, and everything else... I love you :)

And some more:

'fit of the day

2009-10-19T08:07:00.000-07:00

A lot of you do outfits of the day, however, mine are really never that exciting but I thought I'd give it a try anyways. For now, you'll just have to do with internet pics, maybe later I'll take an actual picture of myself.

American Apparel v-neck t:

Chip & Pepper "Olivia" jeans:

Tory Burch flippy's:

Longchamps tote:

Lilly Pulitzer "Hadley" Sunnies (mine are a dark tortise):

Happy Monday everyone! :)

XOXO

sorry.

2009-10-18T23:04:00.000-07:00

I was a really bad blogger this weekend. Can I make up for it with a random picture of myself? Here ya go:

One of my BFFs, Kate, and I before going out one night. And my cute room for some of college. Those were the days!

Anyways, I didn't do too much this weekend, organized clothes, played a little golf, went shopping (got a new pair of Lilly sunglasses because I "misplaced" my others) and visited someone in the hospital today. All this hospital business is making me really nervous about getting swine flu (excuse me, "H1N1"). I've been using so much hand sanitizer that my skin feels like it's going to flake off, yuck. How many of you know someone that had swine flu. I think my brother has it, Josh, do you have swine flu? Feel better if you do! :) I watched a special on 60 minutes about it and it said that it can travel 10 feet and infect you. Ewwwsies!

Okay, it's 11pm which means its my bedtime. I have 1 class early in the morning and then I'm spending the rest of the day in the library doing all the hw and studying I didn't do this weekend.

XOXO

hmmm...

2009-10-15T22:24:00.000-07:00

Well today was a real gem of a day. My car broke down on the way to school, I was late to class (I hate being late), my dad was in the hospital, and my mom and I got lost looking for her car in a parking garage for at least 30 mins while in really uncomfortable shoes.

I'll give a more detailed post tomorrow, I'm exhausted.

XOXO

I'm a loser

2009-10-15T07:36:00.000-07:00

Can someone please invite me to "The Prepublican"... I don't even know if it gets updated or not but I really want to read it. Leave a comment and I'll write back with my email (it's my full name so I don't want to leave it on here).

I really should make a bloggy email...

XOXO

woo hoo!

2009-10-13T21:58:00.000-07:00

Lab didn't get out til 6:30 tonight- ughhhh. Thats FIVE STRAIGHT HOURS of O-Chem, not my idea of a good time. I was tired, cranky, and my distillation took freaking forever, and then my distillate was so cloudy I had to do it all. over. again. AND i missed happy hour. Not a happy girl.

Since my private blog was such an epic failure, I guess I'll talk about (almost) everything on here. I really just don't care anymore. I have been talking to someone, and that's all I'm really going to say about it at this time. It's a good feeling though and and makes me happy :) I don't want to jinx anything, so enough about that!

Tomorrow I'm babysitting and I'm planning on calling the girl I interviewed with to see if she knows anything yet and to show her how interested I am. I hope I get only good news!

XOXO

Tuesday Bluesday

2009-10-13T07:44:00.000-07:00

I really don't think I could hate Tuesdays any more. I have my first class at 9-10:15 (which I really enjoy), go to the library after class til chem lecture, 12-1:15, then chem lab 1:30-5:30. Ughhh, it's brutal! And I may or may not fit food in there because A) I really don't have any time B) I have no food at home that I can bring, and C) The food on campus is gross and there's really only one choice. I miss the Union at U of A. That place was amazing. I think I'll dedicate a whole post to it later. Feel free to leave lots of comments about how much my Tuesdays suck, I get them on my phone and they totes cheer me up :) Hope everyone else has a fab day.

XOXO

Bloggy UGH's.

2009-10-12T19:26:00.000-07:00

You know what really bothers me?

1. When people make blogs for the pets, like their pet is the one typing, saying "today I really scratched my mommy..." blah blah blah. I love my little ones too, but freaking use the first person when you speak of yourself!

2. When people don't have pictures of themselves up. I am nosey, this is why I have people on my blog roll so I know when they update. I hate those pictures where the face is cut off, blurred out, or walking away from me. I'm constantly looking for a reflection to see what the person looks like! Am I the only one who does this? I hope not, because then I'll feel like a real freak.

*This post is written ~~half~~ mostly jokingly. Don't take me too seriously, obviously I still read ppl's blogs who don't show their pictures. However I will not follow your blog if you are in the #1 category. Maybe my pug will tho. Haaaa.

Less Than 1 Month til my BIRTHDAY!

2009-10-12T13:05:00.000-07:00

I just realized that yesterday was the 1 month mark away from my birthday. In case you really suck at simple math, my birthday is 11/11/198_. I'll let you all guess how old I'll be. In honor of this special day, I thought I'd make a birthday list, in case you all were wondering what I want.

And if you live in Minnesota, share the same last name as me, are moving to LONDON very soon, and wish to get me a kick ass birthday present before you leave me on this side of the pond, then I suggest you read on. And if you happen to be my mother. Or extremely generous.

1. Membership to hot yoga (McCormick Ranch location).

2. Latisse

3. The rest of my laser hair removal packages paid for (also where I can get my Latisse).

4. New pearl earrings (I'm fairly certain I'm getting these already).

5. lululemon gear

That's all- Happy Shopping (wink wink, nudge nudge)!!

Thank You!

2009-10-12T12:42:00.000-07:00

I just want to say thank you to my kind readers who wished me good luck on my interview. I don't want to jinx myself, but I think I did really well, and I honestly think I am a great fit for the company. Like I said, I've wanted to work there for years and being there today made me REALLY REALLY REALLY want to work there. I'm hoping to hear back by the end of the week so keep your fingers crossed for me!!

XOXO

Goodnight

2009-10-11T21:45:00.000-07:00

It's not even 10pm but I'm going to bed, I have to be up early, and I HAVE A JOB INTERVIEW tomorrow! Woohooo... I'm really tired of not ~~having any money~~ working, and I've been wanting to work for this company for years so wish me luck!

XOXO

Sporty weekend

2009-10-11T16:28:00.000-07:00

Right now I'm watching the Cardinals game and it is very exciting/frustrating. We were way ahead at the end of the first half but Houston has been catching up since then.

Okay, enough of the sports. Well, maybe not. Before, I had the title of this post as "Sunday Funday & Weekend Re-cap" but I just realized my whole weekend pretty much revolved around athletics. Yesterday I had my golf clinic at The Phoenician and I did really well! I was quite proud of myself. At the end of the clinic you have to hit a shot in front of everyone and yesterday we focused on pitching so we did a little scramble. We all wrote our names on our balls and then they were pulled out of a hat by my friend Liz and guess who she pulled out first? Yup, me. I was so nervous to be the first one but my ball went perfectly on the green and ended up being the best one so we all hit from it! And then my mom was the only one to get the putt from there. Mummy and I are quite the team!!

And last night we went to watch the (University of) Arizona football game w/ a bunch of UA alumns. It was fun, except I had a killer headache so I guess it wasn't that much fun. And I forgot my phone in my car parked far away from where we were and I had made plans with someone and I couldn't get in touch with him so it was a big mess :( Worst feeling ever not having your phone!!

Sophie's Famous!

2009-10-09T09:50:00.000-07:00

Check out my little girl on Leaving & Loving on a Jet Plane's blog! She is such a little (grumpy) pumpkin and I just love her sooo much! :)

I keep thinking of this Sex and The City quote because it is totally something I do:

"When Charlotte really liked a guy, she said his whole name -- it helped her to imagine their future monogrammed towels"

I have Fridays off so I am organizing my closet and going to the mall with my mom later. I woke up with a headache and I was on the phone with her and told her when she replied, "you better hurry and take some aspirin so you can make it to the mall. I want to go to Macy's, JCrew, and Lacoste." Oh how I love her! I took her advice and I no longer have a headache. Yippee!

Today I am going to be selling my wool Burberry trench, so if you're a size small and interested, let me know and I'll hold off on taking it to the consignment shop.

XOXO

Things that make me happy...

2009-10-08T15:02:00.000-07:00

• Thinking there are no nice guys out there and then being called 'sweet pea' by someone :)
• Having someone come up to me and tell me my ex is an odd character w/ no prompting from me.
• Being in the same room as an ex and having him not recognize me because of my new hair- score!!
• These awesome custom note cards by Lydia and Pugs, could they possibly get any cuter?? I won a giveaway from her a while back and also ordered some other custom notecards and she is amazing, everything comes really quick and in really cute packaging.

• My new "car" playlist. It's amazing how music can change your mood. Here's the playlist w/ all my favorite lines from the songs. Warning: random playlist w/ a wee bit of profanity.

Live your Life (T.I. ft Rihanna)- Your values is a disarray, prioritizing horribly, unhappy with your riches cause you're piss poor morally. Ignoring all prior advice and forewarning, and we mighty full of ourselves all of a sudden aren't we?
Face Drop (Sean Kingston)- Touch my heart, disappear...
Who's Got Your Money? (Tina Parol)- It's hard to believe how much I did for you. Everyone knew how much I adored you but that's that and I ain't lookin' back.
Praise You (Fatboy Slim)- We've come a long long way together, through the hard times and the good. I have to celebrate you baby, I have to praise you like I should - (pretty much the ONLY lyrics).
Starry Eyed Surprise (Paul Oakenfold)- 'Cuz tonight’s the night it goes sweatbox, laser beams, flashin lights, wild cards men from Mars, dressed in stars and stripes. Eclectic electric, ladies of the evenin' drinkin' booze and minglin'..I walk into a club and I’ve found paradise.
You Belong With Me (Taylor Swift)- She wears high heels, I wear sneakers. She's cheer captain and I'm on the bleachers dreaming bout the day when you'll wake up and find that what you're looking for has been here the whole time.
Party in the USA (Miley Cyrus)- So I put my hands up, they're playing my song and the butterflies fly away. Nodding my head like yeah, moving my hips like yeah - (because who DOESN'T love the chorus to this song?!)
Here Comes the Boom (DMX)- I stomp a mud hole in your face, mothaf*cka, rip your butthole outta place (hahaha- this line cracks me up).

My Bad..

2009-10-07T23:29:00.000-07:00

I am WAY too tired for a real post since I've been working on my layout for HOURS! All those codes are making me crazy. But get excited to see the cutest things you've ever seen to tomorrow's post- seriously, it's great, and it involves stationary :) my favorite.

Night chickadees!

PS- Does anyone know how to get the right & left borders on my sidebars to work? I can't figure out how to get those. grrrrr.

PPS- Is this layout working on everyones computers or is it too wide? PLEASE let me know about this one!

Under Construction!

2009-10-07T21:15:00.000-07:00

As you can see, my blog is under a little construction right now! Hopefully I will be all finished by tonight so you can see my handiwork! I am doing this ALL myself btw!

UPDATE:
*THIS IS REALLY HARD!!!*

I'd Like to Thank...

2009-10-04T22:50:00.000-07:00

Yay- I have received 3 awards!! Well, technically, two, but different two people gave me one of the same awards so I'm just going to count it as three to make me feel special!

The First, given to me by the fabulous Marrissa (also went to high school with her):

The two requirements for this award are:
1. List 5 current obsessions
2. Pass the award on to 5 other bloggers

1. Yogurtland Frozen yogurt- my friend Elena got me hooked on this stuff when I was in San Diego and luckily they have one pretty close to me in AZ!
2. Pumpkin Spice coffee's from Starbucks- SO good and SO necessary to start my morning.
3. Learning and understanding Organic Chemistry- I'm actually really loving this class!
4. Blogging- duh. I love all the wonderful people I've "met" through blogging and I'm so thankful for all of you.
5. The Pug- I think I'll always be obsessed with her!!

And my five bloggers that I'd like to pass this on to:
1. Elefantitas Alegres- Quite possibly my most favorite blog, love her writing, humor, 'fits, etc.
2. Petunia in Paradise- Love Petunia! Pretty much has the life I want, right down to working in the hospital assisting in surgery.
3. My Blonde Reality- Even though I'm not still blonde, in my heart, I always will be and this blonde is amazing! A great source for skincare info too!
4. My White Coat Hides My Outfit- A 20something physicians assistant living in SoCal, obviously I'm going to love this blog.
5. Pretty in Pink Megan- Anyone that loves Tory Burch as much as I do has to be on this list! Great fashion blog.

...I'm too tired- I'll do the other award tomorrow!!

Weekend re-cap

2009-10-04T22:31:00.000-07:00

Hmm.. My weekend was pretty tame. Saturday I played a little golf- I'm going to be golfing every Saturday for the month of October to step up my game. I'm doing a clinic at The Phoenician and it's pretty fun. My outfit was beyond cute for the first lesson, but sadly, I did not take a picture of it. I might just have to recreate it though because it was seriously that cute. A friend and I decided a great place to meet guys? The golf course, of course! Haha.. we already got asked if we wanted to play with a couple guys but we were going to lunch instead :)

And today I got my hair did, as you can see by the post below, and went to a friends parents for Sunday night dinner. It was delicious!! Chicken, potatoes, and broccoli- yum yum. I must not forget to send a thank you note tomorrow. I stopped by Trader Joes to bring them flowers for when I arrived but they all looked like they were dying so I truly mustn't forget the thank you card. In fact, I think I have some monogrammed stationary at the store waiting to be picked up- it will be perfect!

More of a Jackie

2009-10-04T21:11:00.000-07:00

Without further adieu, I'd like to present you all with my new hair! I am now less of a Marilyn, more of a Jackie and so far, so good! Come cooler months, I always want to change my hair so I finally took the plunge and went dark. Remember, self portraits are never that pretty and mine are no exception so I'll try to put a better pic up later, but for now, this will have to do. What do you all think? Honestly!! I love hair because you can easily change it without feeling like you're making a big committment. If I want to go back to blonde later, its easily done, but right now, I'm loving the dark locks :)

you first!

2009-10-02T20:28:00.000-07:00

Ok, I'm getting my hair done on Sunday so I just wanted to see if you have any suggestions for me. I'm pretty sure I know what I'm getting done, but I want to hear your thoughts first, to keep this unbiased an all!

me.

2009-10-01T23:15:00.001-07:00

I just want to be happy....

Running

2009-09-30T12:03:00.000-07:00

For some reason, I've always admired people that run. Maybe because I can't. My legs get extremely itchy (weird, I know), I get terrible cramps in my side, and I pretty much feel like dying. BUT, I really want to give this whole running thing a chance. For one, it's cheap. I have a treadmill at my house and there is always the great outdoors, wherever I go.

My question is- are any of you runners? Do any of you suffer from the itchy legs with cardio exercise? How do you deal with it? And the side cramps? What's the best way to get started?

HELP!

PS- I remember reading a blog where someone like couldn't even run around the block when she started but now she's a runner. Is that one of you girls? Or do you know who she is?

My Regime

2009-09-28T23:59:00.000-07:00

I don't know if anyone cares, but here's my first post about the products I use & love. I always love buying new products, but I've always been a slacker on actually using them. This is going to sound gross, but until recently I barely even washed my face. A) I really never break out & B) I always like the way my makeup looks the next day when I sleep in it. Before you get too grossed out, I would shower and sorta wash my face in there, but there was no routine. Just some cleanser and thats it.

Well now, the thought of not washing my face really grosses me out. I can't believe I ever did that. I have put myself on a strict routine and my skin already looks soooooo much better. I'm an idiot.

So here are some things I love and believe in. Everyone is different though. I'll put the prices too b/c I hate googling all that when I see other people's things. Although most of the stuff isn't totally ridiculous, I am a bit of a snob when it comes to products and I equate price with quality, even though derms assure me it isn't the case. But for me, if I spend more on it, I'm more likely to use it.

OK, First of all- everyone needs to buy a Clarisonic. Best. Thing. Ever. I got mine a long time ago, but now there are all these fancy, cuter ones. Mine is the boring white.

Morning Routine-

1) Clarisonic ($195, splurge on this- you'll thank me)

2) Intraceuticals Opulence cleanser ($69.00). Just started using this to try to get rid of some sun spots that have been creeping up, and to have a more even skin tone. So far, so good!

3) Soothing Propolis Concentrate ($60). I love this stuff. I have actually been using it for YEARS and I swear by it. It's great for sensative skin, is an antiseptic and antibacterial, and acts as a vasoconstricter. Oh, and it smells amazing!

4) Ok, here is where you can all attack me for my poor decision making. You know those sun spots I'm trying to get rid of? Well they're the result of never wearing sunscreen pretty much my whole life (yes, I live in ARIZONA), and the highest I did ever use was a 4. No, I did not forget a zero. But I wear a 70 now so be quiet!! ;) Aveeno Sunblock. It's probably cheap, I think I won this or something because I would never normally buy a 70, or maybe someone left it at my place, I don't know...

5) In between my cleanser and the propolis, I usually use a toner. Depending on how my skin is doing on that particular day, I use either the Pevonia Power Repair ($28.50) when my skin is dry, or Medicalia Medi-Clear Clarifying Toner ($27.60) if I have a breakout. Both are made by the same company.

***I need to go to sleep! I have class from 9-5 tomorrow, with an organic chem lab test. Night routine (my favorite) tomorrow. Goodnight beauties.

9/27/09 = Dud of a Day

2009-09-28T20:23:00.000-07:00

So a few weeks ago, I had this dream that something significant was going to happen on September 27th. It didn't. I don't know exactly what "it" was supposed to be, but it was a pretty average day. I woke up, went to Starbucks, did homework and studied, and that's pretty much it. Oh, and I went to West Elm with the ex and the saleswoman asked if we were married- HA. Then she asked if we were engaged and was telling us to get engaged. Ummmm, awkward! There should be some sort of rule about that like there is with asking a woman if she's preggers, I think it's pretty much just as bad.

Today I saw a different ex with his girlfriend. I feel like I fell from the failed relationship tree and hit every branch on the way down. Can't a single girl just freakin break?!

Manners

2009-09-26T11:39:00.000-07:00

I might be in a slightly bad mood right now, but what is up with guys and their manners? I was in Starbucks today juggling my wallet, keys, venti coffee, venti water, and a scone walking towards the door when the guy at the back at the line starts heading to the door. I thought, "oh wow, thats so nice of him to get the door for me" when he opens the door, goes through it, and lets it slam on me. Thanks asshole.

Seriously, it seems like no one has any manners anymore. Guys, do you know how special it makes you seem when you hold doors open, stand up when a girl gets to the table, wait to eat until everyone else has been served? This isn't hard stuff!! I had this all down when I was 3 years old but guys in 30s don't seem to get it.

While trying to think of some guys I know with good manners, only 1 comes to mind, ONE! I was so impressed with his manners, I still think back on the nice things he did, not even trying. I think he may be a secret reader of this blog, so feel free to comment if you think this is about you! And don't forget, I have google analytics so I know where my readers are coming from!

Girls, what are your experiences with guys and their manners? Can these things be changed?

Reason #1,273,538 why I hate Scottsdale

2009-09-24T22:28:00.000-07:00

We have no fall. No cute fall clothes to wear, no pretty changing leaves to look at, no delicious smell of said leaves, and no pumpkin patches to go to... :( We do, however, have yummy Pumpkin Spice coffee's that almost make up for it, but no, not really!

you, me, and pinot gris

2009-09-24T19:12:00.000-07:00

First of all: I think I'm going to change my URL for my blog soon. Too many people that I don't want reading it, know about this one. I attempted to maintain a separate blog for this reason, but it's just too much work. And, I'd like to have a "signature" title for my blog. We all know Mrs.Newlywed, JGIWC, and PIPM. Something like that. So if you have any suggestions, please let me know. I will give lots of warning before I actually change it, and it will probably not be for a few weeks, so don't worry.

Second: I'm getting to that age where everyone is getting engaged/married/having babies and while I'm very happy for all my friends that are starting families of their own, I can't help but to feel lonely and a tad bit jealous.

I'm one of those girls that always knew I was meant to have a family. I am extremely family-oriented with a strong need to nurture (also, why I'm in the medical field). But why can't I find a decent guy? Am I really that terrible? I'd like to think I'm not. I'd like to think I have a lot going for me. I'm pretty smart, have a lot of ambition with what I want to do in life, fairly attractive, in shape, care A LOT about people, am funny in my own right, like to cook and do all things domestic, and overall I'm a pretty levelheaded girl. Of course I have my faults, but are they really that bad??

Living in Scottsdale is also kind of hard. I see all these really fake girls, addicted to drugs, not very intelligent, don't seem to want to do anything with their lives, but you know what? They all seeem to have someone. I was at dinner with a friend and had one of those couples next to us with their friends and they actually said the last thing they would ever want to do is have a job, they would rather shop all day, everyday. Now don't get me wrong, I love to shop too, but I can't feel good about it if I'm not doing anything with my life. The last thing I'd want to do, is have to depend on someone to live. I would never, ever want to find myself stuck in a relationship because I couldn't support myself on my own. Being independent in that way is very important to me.

On the same note, I think a lot of the guys in Scottsdale are really fake too, or put too much importance on money, and not enough on the more important things like love and family. Or they're too busy spending their time with the fake girls, mentioned above.

So what am I supposed to do? Give up school and my goals, go get some DD's from my plastic surgeon neighbor, pick up a coke/xanax addiction, and forget about my morals? No, that's not me. I just have to keep faith in God and know that the right person will come and forget about all the not-so-great people I have dated in the past and be happy for my friends that have found what they've been looking for. My time will come ........I hope (sigh).

Organic lab:1 , Heidi:0

2009-09-23T20:15:00.000-07:00

I seem to get all my best blogging in when I have work to do. I started doing some chem homework/studying when I remembered this great story from lab yesterday.

The lab was on acid-base liquid/liquid extraction, using benzoic acid, p-nitroaniline, and naphthalene, and dissolving all in ethyl either. Okay, y'all probably aren't interested in the science stuff so I'll just skip to my mishap.

I had a mixture of ether and napthalene (a neutral compound) in a beaker and I had to isolate the naphtalene. To do this, you put it in a hot water bath to boil the ether (it boils at a really low temperature) and then all you're left with is the napthalene. Well since the hot water bath wasn't that hot, I decided to just hold it in the hot water bath. As it was boiling, you could see the vapors being sucked up by the fume hood and it was actually pretty cool. Yeah, well not for long. Once it was done I realized my hand was feeling really funny. I took off my glove and my french manicure had MELTED in the glove. huh?? And then, my hand goes completely numb. I tell (freak out) my instructor and she says that ether used to be used as an anesthetic. Sweet, I totally anesthetized my hand on accident. She assures me that my hand will make it and that I shouldn't have that sad look on my face when I admit that the sad look is actually for my ruined nails. We both had a good laugh and I tried to negotiate some extra credit points to make up for my nails.

Cubby

2009-09-23T19:57:00.000-07:00

I know the pug seems to get all the love on my blog, so I thought it was time to show our other dog, Cubby. He is the tiniest little thing (3lbs!) and pretty darn cute! Oh, and me w/ no makeup... ahh :/

Dancing With The Stars

2009-09-23T19:30:00.000-07:00

Okay, normally I don't watch any sort of "reality" tv, but I am obsessed with Dancing With The Stars! I only started watching last season because Shawn Johnson was on it and I love her, but it got me hooked. This week started the 3-day premier. Do any of you watch the show? Who are your favorites? Mine are:

Aaron Carter- He's actually kinda cute on the show!

Kelly Osbourn- I actually cried when she finished dancing (along w/ like everyone at the show), never been a fan of her, but now I am!

Melissa Joan Heart- I mean, who doesn't love Sabrina the Teenage Witch?!

Mya- She's just hot on the dancefloor!

Joanna Krupa- She is just gorgeous I think, and she has a great personality it seems

no nuts for me..

2009-09-23T18:58:00.000-07:00

I have a little predicament, I love thai food, but I'm allergic to nuts and almost everything either has nuts, or may have traces of nuts. So what do I do? I make up my own thai recipes. Tonight I made a really yummy vegetarian rice dish (except I was missing a lot of my key ingredients). Here's what my sauce consisted of:

-sunflower seed butter (obviously, you could use peanut butter if you're not allergic, but the sunflower seed butter from trader joe's is my favorite)
-tiny bit of toasted sesame seed oil (don't get confused and get the untoasted kind, its gross)
-splash of soy sauce
-3/4 can of lite coconut milk
-lots and lots of chili pepper flakes (usually I use that asian chili paste stuff w/ garlic- it comes in a jar...)
-because i like it really spicy and didn't have any asian hot sauce, i substitued in a little bottle of tabasco :)

I combined all ingredients in a saucepan and heated on low heat until hot and combined. Usually, I would also use fresh chopped ginger and garnish with green onions. Serve over rice (so its a little soupy and enjoy)!

MISSION FOR YOU

2009-09-23T17:01:00.001-07:00

By nature, I am a giver, and because of this, I want to have a giveaway. However, I don't think I have enough followers, so girls- here is your mission:

Get more followers so I can have host a fab giveaway! :)

Once I get my 100th follower, it will be like Christmas- I promise!

A couple pics from SD

2009-09-21T13:40:00.000-07:00

I only have a couple pics from my camera, and am waiting on more from someone else's but heres a little teaser from my trip...

Elena & I:

Quick pic from the dance floor:
Jake & I:
In-n-Out (Marissa, don't throw up!):
Sleepy from above meal, in the backseat:
Awesome sand dunes:

San Diego!

2009-09-20T23:31:00.001-07:00

My computer is about to run out of battery so (for now) I am just going to say that I had the most spectacular time this weekend in San Diego. I got to hang out with a couple really amazing people and the trip gave me a lot of clarity and things to be happy/excited for. It's funny how some things work out.

Even badder..

2009-09-14T19:51:00.001-07:00

It's now almost 8 and I still haven't started my work. Eeeek- it's going to be a looooong night. I just wanted to post the video, and I'm really going to hit the books. I know the whole tank top/bra straps isn't the most classy look but hey, sometimes it happens.

Being Bad

2009-09-14T18:41:00.000-07:00

Uh oh... It's already 6:30pm and I haven't done anything productive since I left school at noon. I have a organic chem lab report to write that I have been putting off like nobody's business but it's finally due tomorrow. Time to get crackin.

Today I went to the shooting range with my dad. I really think every girl should know how to load and shoot a gun. It really makes me feel more safe, and I am afraid of everything. I shot a .45 for the first time today, which is the highest calliber I've ever shot. My dad took a video of it so I'll try to post it later. I have always been afraid of those because I've seen videos on youtube of girls firing them and then the recoil is too strong and they end up hitting themselves in the head with the gun. Thankfully, that did not happen to me. I was awesome. I thought I was going to go to yoga today so I went to the range in my lulu lemons. So much for being "peaceful."

Oh, and please bear with me while I get my blog layout under control. I might be purchasing a template tonight that will be done in a couple of days, unless I decide to keep this one, but I doubt that.

Random Ramblings...

2009-09-13T23:19:00.000-07:00

I can't really sleep so I thought I'd fit in a quick post. This weekend was pretty fun, Liz and I went to a graffiti toga party in Old Town. Last week was ....interesting. Had a little date Wednesday evening. He wants to hang out again. We'll see- I may expand on everything in the private blog.

Ugh- It's already 11pm and I'm still up. This makes me mad, I like to be asleep by 10! I have class at 9 then I'm meeting up with a guy in my O-chem class for a study date. Wooo hoo.

I've decided that my blog really needs a makeover. Does anyone have any good sites for templates? I would get it custom made, except that I don't want to wait a while for it and I don't want to pay a lot.

This is a very ADD post but I went to hot yoga last week and it was amazing. I really want to start doing it more. And in the spirit of randomness, I went shopping today and got the most perfect Vince sweater for fall. I can't wait for it to cool down here!

Here's a pic from the toga party:

Goodnight!

:)

2009-09-04T20:52:00.000-07:00

I'm happy. Really really happy.

Pretty Pug..

2009-08-30T13:45:00.000-07:00

Some people keep calling the pug a boy. She is not. She has little girl parts and looks just like a little girl (to me). Other people say she looks like a little boy and she needs to be easily distinguished as a girl, so without further adieu, here is the pretty pug wearing her pretty new collar. Complete with little flowers, awww:

For you, and for me

2009-08-27T05:19:00.000-07:00

Okay, I thought I should make a list of things I want to blog about when I actually get the time:

1) My AMAZING new notecards from winning Lydia & Pugs' giveaway- Thank you SO much Dawn, I haven't had time to email!

2) All my new books acquired from my awesome neighbors, complete with pictures! (Karen, I'll bring over your stick of butter today, if my mom hasn't already) :)

3) Starting a PRIVATE blog about my dating adventures/misadventures since a couple of you girls have shown interest- so leave me a comment with your email and I will email you when I get that going

...I think that's a good list for now, considering the fact that it's still 5:3o in the morning!

another quickie...

2009-08-27T05:12:00.001-07:00

Again, I don't have time for a real post, but I will seriously try to update later tonight, or if not, after the weekend. I have class from 9-1:30, dog trainer at 2, a little break til 6ish (during which I will be doing errands, laundry, cleaning, and making cookies for the therapy dept at work bc one of them has been dying for my triple chunk cookies, recipe later), and then going out with someone for dinner (and a movie maybe?)... any suggestions on movies out now? I already brought up Julie & Julia but he won't have that haha, guess I'll have to go with my mama.. which I would prefer anyways! :)

quickie

2009-08-22T10:54:00.000-07:00

Sorry I've been so bad about posting recently. Work has been crazy. I'm going back to school and have been going on dates with my new single status :) It's been fun. That's the short version for now. Hopefully I can write more later.

cookies

2009-08-05T22:32:00.000-07:00

Tonight was a baking night. I made over 70 delicious soft chocolate chip cookies and documented it all to share with you.

Ingredients:
4 1/2 c. all purpose flour
2 t. baking soda
2 c. butter, softened
1 1/2 c. packed brown sugar
1/2 c. white sugar
2 (3.4 oz) packs of instant vanilla pudding mix
4 eggs
2 t. vanilla extract
4 c. semisweet chocolate chips
2 c. chopped walnuts, optional

1. As always, preheat oven (350º).

2. Sift together flour and baking soda and set aside.

3. In a large bowl (or KitchenAid mixer), cream together the butter, brown sugar, and white sugar.

4. Beat in the instant pudding mix until blended.

Side note- I am highly allergic to peanuts and my parents still leave them on the chopping block. Not cool! Right Cathy?

5. Stir in the eggs and vanilla.

6. Blend in flour and then chocolate chips (and nuts) ...obviously, I omitted the nuts.I couldn't decide which batter picture I liked better..

7. Drop cookies by rounded spoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are golden brown.ENJOY!

Monogram Swap!

2009-08-01T23:00:00.000-07:00

Three posts in one day, definetly my record!

I got my goodies from Nora from the JGIWC's monogram swap and they are sooooo cute!!! I got a handmade sign that say's "May You Always Dream in Pink & Green," notecards that have my monogram and full name on them, and return address labels to match! I didn't really take pics of the return address labels b/c I don't want my address posted on the internet, but look how cute the other stuff is:
Eeeeek... swaps are so fun!! (This was my first one)...

Puglet

2009-08-01T18:32:00.000-07:00

My little funny face...
Wandered into my jeans to take a nap while I was sorting laundry:

And looks like a little princess in her new bed:
The End.

Antiques Roadshow!

2009-08-01T14:47:00.000-07:00

The Antiques Roadshow is in Phoenix today so my mom and I got tickets and took some of our "treasures" down there. I got one thing appraised from the 1800s and it was only worth $50. Boo. But you may or may not see me on TV after January ;) for something else!

getting out there again

2009-07-30T22:05:00.001-07:00

It's soon, but everyone seems to think I need to get out and meet some new people. So tonight, Liz and I went to an event for her health club at the W in Scottsdale. They had free drinks so we both had two vodka sodas, and then went out for sushi. They were having more free drinks at 9, after we had our sushi, so we went back to check out the scene but it seemed lame so we left and went home. It was pretty fun. Only two drinks and I already feel a headache coming on, oy!! Here are some pics:

At the W:
Full from too much sushi:

Break up news

2009-07-29T23:14:00.000-07:00

David and I broke up this week. I don't really feel like getting into the details, but my monogram swap partner from JGIWC's has been a great help and seems to have gone through the same exact thing. Here, Nora* talks about her breakup:

K and I called it quits. I had a very hard time being with someone who wasn't excited to see me, and felt mediocre all the time. He is great person, just not my great person. I want someone who feels as passionately about me as I do them. :(

Basically, I didn't feel that I was being treated in the way that I should. I do know that I deserve to be loved and appreciated and I just have to remember that. C'est la vie.

Tomorrow starts 3 days off in a row for me! I'm so excited. Tomorrow I'm just going to spend the day reading, getting organized from moving a bunch of stuff from Davids, and playing with Sophie & Bella.

* Nora's blog is private, if you want to be invited, just leave a comment on my blog with your email and I'm sure she'll get back to you!

Pug

2009-07-29T21:33:00.000-07:00

Puppy Breath?

2009-07-24T22:50:00.000-07:00

Has anyone else heard of "puppy breath?" I hadn't... until today when I went to the vet asking why Sophie has such yucky breath. Apparently, it's "puppy breath" and you either love it or you hate it. Obviously, I am not a fan. I can't wait til she grows out of it. We had a little scare with her yesterday- I think she ingested something she wasn't supposed to while outside (we have no idea what it could have been), but she went totally limp and her eyes were rolled back in her head. It was SO scary. I thought she was going to die in my arms. The vet pumped her tummy and gave her some activated charcoal and sent her home still in the same condition. After a few hours of no muscle control or anything, she just snapped out it- thank goodness.

In other news- my "superior" at work was fired on Wednesday and I am hopefully going to be taking over her position as activities director (instead of assistant). Not to toot my own horn, but in the two weeks I've been there I have been making so serious headway. I have to be there for 6 months and be enrolled to get certified as an activities director but my boss said that thats what we're going to work towards so I'm pretty sure the position is mine. I felt it was a big accomplishment to be moving up so soon and I'm really proud of myself. I love my job so much and I'm glad it's showing in my work. This will only make me work harder and harder :) I really never thought I could like going to work so much! I've missed all my residents on my two days off- although I do have to work this weekend so thats a slight bummer. Oh well, 6 days in a row can't be that bad, can it?

Welcome... Sophie!

2009-07-19T22:16:00.000-07:00

So we decided on naming her Sophie. We actually started calling her that before I put that last blog post up so I'm so glad you all liked Sophie as her name too! She continues to be the cutest little thing, although she can be a little mad woman at times too. She is teething which is not good- I bought her a puppy kong from Target tonight and she is enjoying chewing on that right now. In fact, I brought her to Target and she was quite the hit. I got her some new shampoo, a toothbrush and toothpaste, the kong, some dental bones, and cute little ramekins that I'm going to use for her food and water. She "made a mess" in her crate this morning so I had to give her a bath before work, but we took a voluntary bath together tonight. She was sooo good in the bath, I think she enjoys it (like mother, like daughter). I even brushed her teeth and she was good with that too. I want to get her started early with things like baths and teeth so they won't be difficult later on. I also want to avoid dental surgery/cleaning later down the road so I'm trying to get ahead. I'm too busy/lazy to get out the real camera so here are more 'berry pics. Enjoy!

My sleepy passenger:

The preppy pug (also what I call her) still snoozing in the car:
She matches our pillows perfectly!:
About to fall asleep after playing with the kong
Goodnight pug (blogging in the background):

i got a pug!

2009-07-18T21:27:00.000-07:00

So today, pretty much totally randomly, I got the cutest, sweetest little baby pug (she's sleeping across my chest at this very minute). I was at the mall today and went into the pet store (please don't hate on pet store puppies- they guarantee NO PUPPYMILLS), and there she was! I got a room with her and it was love at first sight. I put her on hold, went home to tell David all about her, and then we went back and got her. I cannot stress enough how much of a little sweetheart she is! She is making the cutest little cooing noises now as she sleeps- awwwwwww!

Now I just need a name for her, we're thinking of either Chloe, Sophie, or Emma. PLEASE feel free to give some suggestions if you have any, and/or tell me which one of those three you like best. I listed them in no particular order so do not be swayed by that!

The above is a blackberry pic- I'll take better ones tomorrow but I just want you all to see how cute and little she is! The pink thing on the bed is my eye mask for sleeping and the black is my b.c. if that helps any for some perspective :)

self-pity

2009-07-17T17:27:00.001-07:00

I'm bored. I'm home recovering from a very minor procedure I had done today but all I can do is lay down. Not my thing. Okay, don't get me wrong- I love my naps but being bed bound all day is not fun. And David is in LA for the day. He flew there this morning and is coming home this evening. I can't wait for him to be back! He's going to NY for a week next week :( booooooooo.

Here is a pic of my best friend that I grew up with (in NY) when she came to visit me in college. It is taken in my very pink room that I miss dearly, perhaps after a night of partying...I'm so jealous that David gets to be in the same city as her for a week while I'm stuck in 116º weather working. Life is not fair!!

I snoozed!

2009-07-16T07:27:00.001-07:00

...but only once!! I was still able to get up, shower, and do my make up :) Go me.

Here is the view I used to wake up to (we now have shades, so its hidden behind them).

And here are one of Arizona's strange wild animals. I now introduce you to the javelina (have-a-lean-ah). I saw these guys on my parents street. They used to live in the drain system at our house but I guess they've moved on.

While these may look like nice creatures, they're not. They are mean and killed my neighbors great dane. GREAT DANE! Crazy.

i WILL NOT snooze. i WILL NOT snooze.

2009-07-15T22:34:00.000-07:00

I don't know exactly what goes on downstairs at night, but whatever it is, it seems to suck David into a black hole and he doesn't come up to bed until I'm totally zonked out.

Tomorrow I'm going to wake up early, shower, blow dry my hair, and actually "get ready" for work. Today I went in in yoga pants, sneakers, and a t-shirt. That will not happen again tomorrow, although I think I may have to go home to get clothes first. All my residents seem to respond really well to my Lilly Pulitzer outfits. They have great taste. The bright colors must really appeal to them.

Anyway, every night I seem to stay up past my bedtime reading all my favorite blogs and then I just snooze away the morning. It is a vicious cycle. But tomorrow is like my Friday and David has a theory that its okay to be tired on Friday because you can sleep the rest of the weekend- and I agree.

I've been really lacking in pictures recently, so my apologies for that. Last weekend we went to the Diamondbacks game with our neighbor who I love, she rocks and her bf is on the team so we got hooked up with good seats and amazing parking ha ha. Here she is, cheering him on.
Someone proposed on the big screen thing during the game wearing her bf's jersey, although that always sounds corny to me, it was too cute in real life.

Ok, goodnight!

I DID HOT YOGA!

2009-07-14T07:51:00.000-07:00

...and it wasn't that bad! I used to be pretty into yoga, but haven't done it in a year or so. I tried going to a class with David a few months ago but I wasn't prepared for how hot the room was (it wasn't even hot yoga), and how difficult it was, especially being next to some yoga freak doing all his postures while standing on his hands. I felt like I was going to pass out, throw up, and was way too intimidated by it all so I just sat down. I think I may or may not have been an embarassment to be with because David suggested we leave like five minutes after my sorry butt hit the mat.

Then over the weekend I was looking at a new car and the overweight salesman in his 50s was telling us he goes to hot yoga and the studio he goes to just happens to be right in our neighborhood so I thought, "well if he can do it, I can do it" so I went to the studio with David and we got 2 week free passes to try it out.

Last night was the first class I could attend so I drank lots of water throughout the day, psyched myself out, and timidly walked into the studio at 7pm. And you know what? It wasn't that bad. I'm so happy I did it and made it through the entire class. I sat down for one song but I did everything else! I'm proud of myself :) And I plan on going back tonight and doing it all over again. The end. Time for work.

Recipe time

2009-07-12T07:55:00.001-07:00

Quick post before I go to work (yes, I work on Sundays)...

Last night I made David and I dinner that I thought was quite tasty so I thought I'd give you all the recipe:

• Salmon •
1/2 t. chopped garlic
2 T. dijon mustard
3 T. soy sauce
6 T. olive oil
Mix above ingredients in a bowl, pour half over salmon and refridgerate, pour other half over salmon after you grill it.

• Asian noodles •
I don't have exact measurements for this one but it's really simple, just make some thin spaghetti, and mix toasted sesame oil and soy sauce for the sauce. Top with chopped green onions.

Monogram Mania

2009-07-11T10:30:00.000-07:00

I am going through a phase where I just want to monogram everything but I decided I'd start with some stationary. It took me almost TWO hours just to pick out what kind of note cards I wanted, I can't even imagine how long it would take me to do something like wedding invitations. Anyways, I finally decided on a one-sided, bordered note card. I couldn't find any pictures of exactly what mine are going to look like, but if you imagine these two together, you can get an idea:I have a mint border like the card above, with a classic monogram like the card below (my monogram color is mocha, which is a little more muted than this one):

First Day Re-Cap

2009-07-06T22:45:00.000-07:00

I LOVE my new job! I am so happy that this job seems to be working out and I hope I continue to be this happy with it. The time went by so quickly and I actually had energy when I left work, even though I was on my feet almost all day. The people as so funny and cute there, I fell in love with a woman named (grrr, I don't know if I can say, stupid HIPAA), we'll just call her "M." She is the cutest lady ever (besides you my mama) and helped me out all day today. I'm just so happy that I actually look forward to work, instead of dreading it! :) And with that, I bid you adeau.

First Day Butterflies!

2009-07-06T07:26:00.000-07:00

Today is my first day of work at my new job and I'm a bit nervous! The first thing stressing me out was the whole "business casual" thing since it seems to be different everywhere. My last job I could wear jeans and flip flops, but that is way too casual for the new place. I finally settled on a light pink Theory buttondown shirt and a green and pink Lilly Pulitzer skirt that comes to the middle of my knees so hopefully that will be acceptable. I think I'll be the most colorful person in there- I feel like Elle Woods (Legally Blonde, duh). The only bad thing is I don't have any closed toe shoes in a light color that aren't like 4 inch heels. I have two pairs of Tory flats (one gold, one black) but the lighter ones aren't the right size so they're kind of uncomfortable so I'm forced to wear black shoes with my cute, bright outfit- boo :(

What do all you other working girls wear to work?

I'm going to try to talk my way into wearing scrubs.. that would solve everything and would be so much more comfortable!!

Well, I'm off to Starbucks for my morning jolt- wish me luck!

Oh my goodness..

2009-07-01T14:59:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's been so long since I last blogged :( A LOT has been going on though. Last week, I quit my job (but promptly found a new one, go me!). I was working as a claims processor but it was so not for me. Too much computer work, no human interaction. So instead, I am now an activities assistant director at a skilled nursing facility and while I haven't started yet, I know I will be much happier. Tomorrow I have orientation from 9-1 and I start on Monday.

David is at the airport now, picking up his brother who is visiting for a week and I'm at home watching over the maids. I hate when you are outnumbered by people who don't speak your language- I always feel like they're talking about me. And I'm pretty sure these maids were earlier. Whatever.

I got new sunglasses that have made me really happy. I never knew sunglasses could put such a smile on my face but I really adore this pair, they're by Lilly Pulitzer and I also got a new Lilly dress yesterday :)

I'll try to find pictures later...

Hair update..

2009-06-22T07:08:00.000-07:00

I decided to get my hair a little darker (more of an in between of what it has been), which is actually more like my natural color so I think the upkeep will be A LOT easier! I'll update later about the weekend, hope everyone had a wonderful fathers day :)

Hair Troubles

2009-06-18T15:04:00.000-07:00

I'm getting my hair done on Saturday and I can't decide what I should do with it. Right now it's pretty blonde but very root-y, which is why I'm going in... but, I was thinking of going more brunette-ish. I had it dark once before but I wouldn't go quite as dark. It was more brownish-redish then, but I'm thinking of a medium brown. I'll probably just stick with blonde, but let me know what you think. Here are some pics to help:

RIP Turtle/Kitty Lady..

2009-06-18T07:08:00.000-07:00

So, at work there is a lady that has her desk decorated with a ton of turtles and one picture of what I am assuming is her cat. The cat picture is really cute (esp. b/c I love cats) so I always wanted to tell her that I thought it was a really cute picture, etc. But she always had earphones in while she was working so I didn't want to disrupt her and then recently I haven't seen so I assumed she was on some sort of vacation. Well, it turns out that she suddenly passed away and I don't think they know why yet. It's really sad/scary how people can just go like that.

So, if you have something to say to someone, do it. I wish I could have told her that I really like her cat and would purposely walk next to her cubicle to see it. It would have disrupted her for a few seconds but it would have probably made her happy.

A happier post later...

magic chairs

2009-06-17T07:22:00.000-07:00

So I got to work today and they moved all our seats! I went from a cozy little corner in the back to the front row, ugh. We think they were trying to break up the "cliques" because only some of us moved. But I think the so-called cliques made work more enjoyable, isn't it good to have friends at work?! Last night we watched "Taken" and it was really good, not as good as "He's just not that into you," but still pretty good. Okay, I better get back to work :( It's hard to be a slacker in the front row!

guest room

2009-06-16T08:33:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of the guest room I talked about in a previous post.

The bed (from the doorway):

Dresser & view from the bed area:

Floral arrangement I made, I really love low bouquets, packed with lots of the same flower:

The pictures aren't of the greatest caliber because they were taken with my phone, but you get the idea...

tuesday blues

2009-06-16T07:15:00.000-07:00

Monday turned out to be a very weird day. When I got home from work, I saw that our alarm had gone off and triggered all the motion detectors/alarms in a path that someone would walk through our house. This really creeped me out so I didn't go in the house, called my mom, and then booked it to Davids. Turns out, someone had gone all the way through our house, but it was a police officer checking everything out after the alarm went off. I'm such a good investigator! But we found this out when we had another cop check everything out because my mom and I are big scaredy cats- but it really was scary!!

Then David and I went to Starbucks and a lady randomly proceded to explain to us that she spilled coffee all down her leg and how she's going to have to go home and launder them and then another old couple asked if we had anything to jumpstart their car with. We didn't, but David gave him his AAA card but they were so weird that when they went around looking for a phone, we snuck out of Starbucks, leaving them with his card.

Okay, enough about Monday, today when I got to work I found out that TWO people had/have the stomach flu in the past 24 hours!! And one of them sits one person away. Yuck (Sorry, Kim), (and Kirstin who has to sit next to her)! I will be so mad if I get the stomach flu, I don't think there's anything worse than that. Luckily I started this new thing where I've been drinking TONS of water so hopefully that will keep my system flushed out. I brought a 1.5L bottle to work today that I need to get on. Yesterday I drank over 80 oz at work, that is A LOT of water!!

On a side note, I think David's friends read this more than mine. If you read this, will you please leave a comment so I know who my readers are? Please? Thank you.

Just another manic monday

2009-06-15T07:40:00.001-07:00

This weekend we didn't do too much outside the house, after work we went to Ikea for FIVE HOURS! It was exhausting. The receipt was about as tall as I am, I will take a picture next to it later. We got a bed, two night stands, a bench (well, we meant to, but we picked up the wrong thing), a dining room armour thing, and a bunch of other things. The rest of the weekend was spent assembling all that furniture that comes in 8971993827 pieces.

I know it came out a while ago, but I finally saw "He's just not that into you" and it was soooooooo good! I loved it so much and Jennifer Aniston is so cute!

FRIDAY!!

2009-06-12T11:55:00.000-07:00

Yay, it's Friday! The best day of the week (after 3:29pm). I woke up really early today to shower and blow dry my hair before work and it seems like I've been up forever and the day is going by so slowly! Luckily lunch is in like 3 minutes.

David is going to my house to pick up the truck and then we're going to meet at Ikea to do some house shopping! I'm very excited about that. I think I like house shopping more than clothes shopping if you can believe that. Somehow I can justify getting stuff for the house more than, say, a t-shirt. However, if you look in my closet it, it may tell a different story.

It's employee appreciation day here at work so we had free ice cream for two hours. I had two ice cream bars and lunch so I am stufffffffed.

PS- Has anybody else heard of Carmine? It's crushed up beetles used for red coloring. YUMMY! Now go check your food labels ;)

Blanco

2009-06-11T22:51:00.000-07:00

Tonight we went to Blanco to watch the game and have some margs. I thought I didn't like tequila so I've never really had it before but the drinks tonight we so yummy. I had a peach/hibiscus margarita that wasn't too sweet so it was perfect. I have turned into such a lightweight- 1 and a half drinks and I had to have my mama come pick me up! But that's what mommy's are for :) Remember in high school when you would have died from embarassment having your parents pick you up from a party? I now think it's the coolest thing ever. Here's a pic- never mind the fact that my face is the same color as my cardigan (I told you I'm a lightweight), and that I'm wearing no make up. Top: Chris, Tyler (Davids roommate), and David
Bottom: Katie (Tylers GF) and me

pig flu

2009-06-11T07:59:00.000-07:00

I'm pretty sure someone at work has swine flu and it's really grossing me out.

bagels were a bad idea

2009-06-11T07:15:00.000-07:00

You know those bagels that I was so excited about? Well, they were a very bad idea. I got sick, Kirstin (who sits next to me and whose blog is linked on my page), and a couple other girls also got sick. Yuck.

On a happier note, we went to PITA JUNGLE last night. Yummmm- now that was a good idea. I love it there. I resisted going for so long because I thought it was going to be like Pita Pit but it's totally different. The cilantro-jalapeno hummus is to die for.

wednesday

2009-06-10T10:24:00.000-07:00

A picture from last weekend in San Diego. Left to right: Elena, Kate, Me.

I'm at work right now, clearly not doing any work and instead, blogging. Someone brought in bagels & cream cheese for all of us which definitely put me in a better mood being at work- carbs cure all! Especially since I brought a salad in for lunch today- yuck. For some reason salad really doesn't do anything for me. I find them neither filling nor satisfying. Except for caesar salad, that is amazing. Leave it to me to like the most fattening salad.

Bella slept at Davids for the first time last night and she was a perfect little girl. However, she has not yet met Moses and that will be quite interesting when she does. I know he will scare her and she'll probably hide under something all day, she's so silly.

I really don't have anything exciting to blog about. I don't think we're doing anything in particular after I get off work today, probably just relax and work around the house. I kind of want to go to the art suppy store to get some stuff to do an oil painting for the house since we only have like 3 pieces of art in the house. So that's all, see ya.

BLOGGER!

2009-06-09T09:20:00.000-07:00

Okay, I decided that I couldn't deal with having an ugly layout for my blog so I've switched over to Blogger and promise I will do no more switching it up!

It is quite an annoying move though because for some reason, I could not just export/import my other blog. I had to manually copy and paste each and every post but the pictures wouldn't work so I'm going to have to go through and add those later. At least I'll have something to do to pass my time at work! And I think I'll just copy my comments into my posts as well. It will be so nice when my blog is up and running smoothly!

one of those days

2009-06-03T09:20:00.000-07:00

It's one of those days where I'm just in a bad mood. Ughh.

David really cheers me up. I am so thankful I have the best boyfriend in the world. I LOVE YOU!! <3

Marissa Says:

I am so sorry you are having a bad day. Hopefully tomorrow will be better!
PS- Love the photo of you two!!

Renita Says:

What another cute pic! A perfect Barbie and Ken couple, hehe (and if you say you hate Barbie I’m afraid we can’t be friends anymore). So glad to see you are happy and hope work is treating you well!

Dear Marissa

2009-06-02T09:18:00.000-07:00

I'm at work and tried writing you a comment but it didn't work so you get your very own post! I'm trying to seriously cut down on eating meat and may think of going vegetarian sometime in the future and I was wondering if you could post one, or two :), of your favorite recipes that I could make for dinner tonight. And spicy is okay, we both like that :)
Thanks!
Heidi (and David later)

*Comments*

Marissa Says:
This is awesome! I love my own post!!
1. Made up chickn/rice/bean/pineapple/salsa love child: http://redheadedjournal.blogspot.com/2008/11/made-these-up-in-my-pretty-little-head.html
2. This are AMAZING. The chipotle sour cream will change your life, seriously: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/guy-fieri/roasted-corn-quesadillas-recipe/index.html
3. Mac and Cheese (featured in GQ) BIlly made this for Thanksgiving and it was a huge hit: http://www.mixingbowl.com/message/recipe/view.castle?g=676826&m=3910777

Sunday Funday

2009-06-01T09:17:00.000-07:00

Well, I had an amazing weekend.. Yesterday, David and I went to the outlets and I went a little crazy at the J.Crew store. Then we went to a concert in the railroad park with the dogs.

Pics:
David, Moses (american bulldog), and Lil Wayne (french bulldog)

Me and Lil Wayne jammin'

Us in the park

a girl, a boy, an american, and a frenchie!

LOVE!

2009-05-30T09:16:00.000-07:00

I really LOVE my new blog. I think the layout is ugly (hopefully it will change soon) but I woke up and immediately wanted to get on my computer to do "blog stuff."
Anyway, it's only 8:15am but I'm already having a wonderful Saturday. I woke up around 7 (there are no window treatments yet at Davids) to the most beautiful view and haven't wanted to get out of bed yet. I will soon though, I promise. I kind of feel like baking so I may bake a cake, or cupcakes, or cookies later. I just have to research some recipes and then go to the store but I will post pictures later of whatever I make. I'm also doing a "treasure hunt" where if I get something at these 11 stores in the Scottsdale area, they give me a gift certificate for $75. Luckily, the 3 stores I have left are walking distance so I'm going to go to those later too. One is a home goods store (good for David), one is a clothing store (good for me), and the other is a baby/kids store (good for my friend who's having a baby VERY soon!). Oh, and David is currently at his other house fixing it up so he can rent it so I might score some good girlfriend points and go over to help him out :)
View from bed
Closer up view from the bed :)
Moses being really cute and lazy with me this morning
Bella cuddling with me after work yesterday

TGIF!!

2009-05-29T09:15:00.000-07:00

Woohoo, it's friday! I can't wait to be off work and have nothing to stress about. I just want to do nothing all weekend :) Especially since I will be busy next weekend in San Diego. It's funny, I haven't even talked to Kate or Elena about the trip since we planned it over a month ago.
David and I started talking about pet peeves, so I thought I'd list some of mine:
1. Picky eaters! (ahhem, David) - Side note: I don't like olives so I got some yesterday at the store to try and "train" my palate to like them and they are yucky! But at least I'm trying!!
2. People who don't like cats.
3. When people give me a hard time about sampling vanilla frozen yogurt- not all vanillas were created equal!
4. The phrase, "keep your eyes peeled."
5. Boston accents.
6. "Head nodders" in classes.
... I'm sure there are plenty more, I'll add to the list when I think of them.