Wednesday, September 28, 2011

WILW & Pinteresting!

Time to link up with Jamie and Michelle again : )


This week, I'm loving...

...the new recipes that I've found to try in the crock pot.

...that I scored well on my pathophysiology exam.

...BLT's for dinner with all the tomatoes that friends are gifting us from their gardens.

...of course, my husband!
And here are my pins...

Love this for a bookshelf decoration

Taco cups = good for football

Love all the neutral colors

Cute and easy!

DIY wall decor

To end things on a funny note  : )




Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Happenings

  • Pathophysiology isn't turning out to be as rough as I thought it would. That makes me happy!
  • Our house is still in the works, but I'm feeling a renewed sense of excitement as the brick mason finishes up, the siding is almost complete and so is the plumbing. That means only exterior paint and roof before wiring begins!!! Yay!
  • Work is alright. This might be because I'm trying to change my attitude. And having Fridays off is awesome.
  • I might be walking the Nike Half Marathon. But at least I'm still participating.
  • My shopping habits have been curbed by a.) not having a home to haul crap home to, and, b.) trying to save money for the house.
  • That's it for now : )

Saturday, September 24, 2011

A 30 by 30 Update


It's been a while since I've updated this little list, so I thought I would do so now. Here's the status (complete items are in green, in progress items are in blue and not done items are in purple):

1. Run a half marathon - I completed the Nike Women's Half Marathon on 10/17/10. I hope to run the same half marathon this year.

2. Begin (and hopefully finish) nursing school - I've been moving up the wait list for our local Junior College program FAST. It's looking like I may be able to start the 2 year program this January. If not January, then for sure August of 2012. This means that pending I don't drop out, I will finish before my 30th birthday : )
3. Visit New Orleans again - putting this on my list may have been a little ambitious. I'm hopeful that this trip might take place the summer after I graduate from nursing school, meaning that I will still be 29.

4. Go backpacking at Five Lakes Basin - maybe next summer.
5. Grow a garden - see #4. Do you think a topsy turvey tomato plant counts????

6. Become a wake boarder - to do this, I must wakeboard. Updates to come.

7. Hike Bishops Peak - hoping to cross this off the next time we go to SLO.

8. Bake something from scratch - I seriously can't believe I haven't done this yet.

9. Organize all of my photos and place into albums - I'm hoping to do this when we unpack all of our belongings that are currently in storage due to the house remodel.

10. De-clutter and simplify my home - I consider this in progress because we had to clear out 90% of our homes contents. Whilst doing so, I got rid of a lot of stuff. When we move back in, I plan to do another round of clean out and declutter.

11. Take a California road trip - I should probably decide WHERE in California I want to go, as this would be something good to cross off next Spring or Summer : )

12. Learn yoga and meditation - In progress. I've learned some meditation, and I love it. Still trying to get my butt to a yoga class!

13. Go wine tasting - finally went last January to Amador County with my girls and LOVED it!!

14. See a Broadway show

15. Compile a cookbook of all of my favorite recipes - I took the easy way out with this one a started a recipe blog. Soooo, I guess it will never really be complete since I'm always adding stuff. However, I met my goal of compiling all the recipes I enjoy, so there.

16. Learn to drive and launch our boat

17. Have one day of shopping where I buy whatever I want - I'm hoping I can do this once I'm a nurse.

18. Visit Las Vegas - this ALMOST happened last May, but then we decided to save the money to put toward the house project. Someday....

19. Treat my Mom to a spa day - again, once I'm a nurse. Maybe this will happen on the same day as the shopping : )

20. Play a round of golf with my husband  - I've done this a few times now. It's fun to be out in the sunshine doing something different and active with Matt!

21. Eat rattlesnake

22. Learn to barbecue - I now do the majority of the grilling. I've mastered, veggies (mushrooms, peppers, asparagus, squash), fish, tri tip and chicken. One last thing is pork!

23. Open a retirement fund

24. Get reacquainted with the piano

25. Landscape our backyard - I've thought about this A LOT since starting the house project. Once that's done, I'm sure this will be the next thing we tackle.

26. Go to an amusement park with my husband - honestly? I was at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk with him at the beginning of May. I feel like this kind of counts, but at the same time it doesn't because we didn't go on any rides and that's the whole reason that I want to go to an amusement park with him.

27. Learn to make my own green cleaning solutions - in progress. I have the recipes, now I just need to take the final plunge and actually make and use them. Would help if I had a house to clean.

28. Ride a trail on my bike - completed in Tahoe last summer.

29. Find a skin care regimen - love me some Mary Kay because I'm hip like that!

30. Reinvent my wardrobe - in progress. One factor of this is funds. I do feel like I'm dressing more like a 26 year old and less like a 19 year old. That is a good thing.


Okay, 7 out of 30 isn't terrible. Plus, an additional 5 are in progress so that's 12 that I've at least started!! I'll take it : )


Thursday, September 22, 2011

Bitch Fest

WARNING: The following post is what the title indicates. But this is my blog and I can bitch if I want to.

This house stuff is HARD. Like, when we began the whole process last February, it was really exciting. We were meeting with the architect, designing our floor plan, talking about window placement and French doors, and that was fun. Then in June when things really got rolling, it was still fun. We were ripping our house apart, digging trenches through our used to be living room, tearing the roof off, but it was a labor of love. The anticipation of what would be got us through. And it continued to.

But we've now been working on the effing thing for 5+ months. And I'm tired. I'm tired of coming home from work and not being able to walk in the front door of a home. I'm tired of schlepping laundry from the neighbors house, to our house, and back. I'm tired of leaving my dogs by themselves every night. I'm tired of not being able to do all the fun, social things that I want because instead I need to hand Hardie Plank boards to my husband and whoever is helping him or sweep the floor that is still cement for the hundredth time. I want to watch all my shows that are coming back on this Fall. I want my DVR back. I want to dust and vacuum and mop my house (NEVER thought I'd say that!). I want to decorate for Halloween and Autumn. I want to have people over for dinner. I want to exercise without feeling guilty for not working on the house. The lists goes on and on...

And then, reality sets in. I have a house, it's just not livable right now. But it will be, and relatively soon. So many people don't own their homes, others don't even have a place to live. I own a home that will be gorgeous when it's finished, and I have been blessed with amazing neighbors (and friends) that invited my husband and I to live with them indefinitely. I have a job to pay for said house. I have food to eat, a car to drive, clothes to wear while I do all of the above. Am I still awful for just wanting to bang my head against the wall and cry? Because that's where I'm at today. I just want to sit in a corner and have a big pity party.

But, at the end of the day, I won't. I'll leave my office this afternoon, and I'll go home and change into ripped jeans and a t-shirt, and I'll walk in the front door and.....well, I'll do what ever my contractor husband tells me to. It will more than likely be something along the lines of sweeping because I have no other skills when it comes to this trade.

One thing I have to say...Matt and I have been fortunate in our support with one another. There have been times when he's been down like this, and I've been able to see the silver lining and bring him back up. The same holds true today with me. Having a husband that lets me worry, but not overly so, that lets me get frustrated, but not pull my hair out, and that let's me cry, but not an ugly cry, is worth it's weight in gold.

It's Okay Thursdays

Helloooooo!! Decided to participate in a link up that I've seen on a few of my favorite blogs. Join in the fun and go here to share what you're okay with : )

Its Ok Thursdays


It's Okay...

...that I am taking the TEAS (a standardized, how much do you know type test for nursing school) in two weeks and I've only tackled one of four parts of the study guide.

...to wish that I still had satellite television and a DVR. I'm missing all the Fall lineup wonderfulness, but our house will be well worth it when it's finished.

...that I've been "stuck" in my Weight Watcher's plight for about a month now. I haven't lost, but I also haven't gained!

...to be totally non-crafty when it comes to Halloween costumes. Maybe I'll just wear my husbands tool belt.

...that my half marathon training went down the toilet about 6 weeks ago. I'm totally fine walking it, really.


What's okay with you this week????

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Loves and Pinteresting!

Happy Wednesday! Be sure to go participate in these fun link ups with Jamie and Michelle...


First up, What I'm loving this week...

...the brick on the front of our house is going up and the siding is thisclose to being finished! (a house update post with pictures coming soon!)

...I'm going to Arizona to see these cuties for Halloween!
Jackson - age 2
Beckett - age 10 months

...I bought my first Christmas present. So much easier on the checking account to start early, no?

...as always, my wonderful best friend and husband : )


And here are my pins for this week...

(all images via Pinterest)


Cajun Chicken Pasta

An upholstered headboard that I can make myself!

Love this...maybe for the walls in the stairwell?

I'm ready to dress (and shop!) for Fall!





Wish the house was finished so I could decorate...I have lots of good ideas for next year though.





What are YOU loving and pinning this week???




Tuesday, September 20, 2011

A Weight Watchers Post

From time to time, I talk about my weight battle on here. Well, it's not really so much a battle as it is that I met my husband (before he was my husband) and discovered how nice a beer (or 4) is in the evening. And how yummy burgers and foods of the fried variety taste good, followed by another cold beer. And then pretty soon (more like over a 4 year time span) I had gained about 40 pounds. Fail.

Now, I will accept that some of that weight gain is due to the fact that I was 18 when I met Matt. And I acknowledge that a woman's body changes in shape and form. Therefore, I'll let 5-10 pounds slide. It's fine - I actually probably could have gained it anyway given those anorexia rumors during high school, but that's a different post altogether.

So that left me with 30 pounds. It wasn't until about a year ago that I realized I REALLY needed to do something about (actually, I always knew, I just didn't have the motivation or tools that I thought would work. Throughout my early 20's, I tried a few diets.....Atkins, South beach, The Flat Belly Diet, etc. The verdict on all of them was, eh. Last November, I committed to Weight Watchers. Kind of, except then the holidays rolled around, and you know how that goes. So in January, I really got on the train. And I've since lost 20 pounds.

What a difference!! I honestly cannot believe that I didn't do it sooner. I also can't imagine ever going back. Albeit I have about 15-20 more pounds to go, after the plight of losing that first half, I'm more confident that it's attainable.

I'm going to be so effing HOT : )

Saturday, September 17, 2011

I Heart Tim Riggins: Part II

Back in December, I mentioned that Matt and I had begun to watch Friday Night Lights. Well, the trend continued and now, 9 months later, we have only one episode of the series left to view.

Seriously? This piece of television entertainment is gold. The storyline is good, the characters are real and believe able...here's a little more background on all my Friday Night Light peeps!

(all images via here)

Eric and Tami Taylor. The most real husband and wife on television. Their devotion and honesty with one another mirrors real life wonderfully. And some of the comments that they make to one another in general conversation crack me up.

Buddy Garrety. A car lot owner, football booster for the Dillon Panthers turned East Dillon Lions supporter who owns a bar. Father to Lyla Garrety. He becomes more like able as the series progresses. First he's slimy, then he's sweet. Kind of like a sour patch kid only the slimy part is different. Nevermind.

Julie Taylor. Eric and Tami's daughter. She gives the impression that she's not from Texas. She also gives the impression that she has no interest in dating football players. That all changes when Matt Saracen goes for her. She's smart and attractive, but her attitude upon arrival of Gracie Belle leaves much to be desired. And for having such wonderful parents, she sure can be a brat at times. I'm allowed to have a crush on Tim Riggins because my husband has a crush on Julie Taylor. For that, I guess she's alright.

Matt Saracen. Bench warmer turned star quarter back, this teenager has a lot of responsibility. He fights a lot of demons throughout the series, but does it in a like able way. I was sad to see him move to Chicago when he did, but somehow knew that wouldn't be the last I saw of him.

Jason Street. Original star quarterback turned quadriplegic. He dates Lyla for a time, but they eventually end things. Jason's journey is actually one that is very uplifting, though there are Debbie Downer times. And his friendship with Tim Riggins melted my heart on more than one occasion.

Lyla Garrety. Not my favorite, though she grew on me as time passed. The character development of Lyla was entertaining. I think that overall though, she was a little whiney hiney at times.

Landry Clark. AKA Lance to Coach. He adds some humor to the mix. A nerd, turned star kicker, you find yourself rooting for the guy. More so than any other character, really. Also, can this kid ever catch a break with the ladies???? Geez!

Brian "Smash" Williams. A kid from the wrong side of the tracks who hopes like hell that football will be the thing to take him places. His hopes pay off, but not after some trials and tribulations. I would expect nothing less!

Tyra Collette. She's one of my favorites. First, she's totally gorgeous. Second, she ends the stripper white trash cycle with hard work and determination. The only thing I would change is how badly she treated Landry. Homegirl should have wised up and let the good guy finish first for once.

Vince Howard. A thug who participates in the football program to keep out of trouble. It changes his whole life. I was not a fan when first introduced to this character, but that slowly changed. His story is heart wrenching, and you find a certain pride watching him turn things around.

Jess Merriweather. This chick is cool. She is raising her brothers, loves football, and has a thing for Vince. Coach takes her under his wing as a shadow. She wants to be a coach someday. Her and Vince end up together, and that's a sweet relationship.

Luke Cafferty. My Tim Riggins Jr. He's sweet, he's polite, he's Southern. And he's a damn good football player. I was so glad when he and Becky hooked up, and ultimately worked things out. I hope my will be son turns out like Luke.

Becky Sproles. A Tyra Jr. She is introduced because Tim ends up renting a trailer from her mom. They strike up a friendship, and Timmy helps her through some stuff. You can very much see that Becky just wants a place to be loved, and she ends up finding it in the most unlikely of places.

Billy and Mindy Riggins. They become more a part of the story as the show gets "older". Seemingly white trash in the beginning, they grow up to be a decent married couple. Taking care of Becky upon Tim's request makes them incredibly like able, especially Mindy who has more Momma Bear in her than I thought possible.

 And, saving the best for last....


Tim Riggins. Swoooooooooon.....from the beginning there was just something about him. He has everything you could ever want in a good television character - plus he's hot. And making him even more like able is that given life circumstances that aren't the best, he really is a good guy. Someone you could fall in love with or someone who you know you could be friends with for the rest of your life.


Honestly? I want to move to Texas and make Matt become the coach of a high school football team.

Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose.

If you have seen this, please do. I promise you won't be disappointed.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

An Affair to Remember

This last weekend, I had the pleasure of attending the wedding of a dear friend, Tyler.

I met Tyler about4 years ago, through a mutual friend, Rachel. We instantly hit it off. In early 2009, she made the decision to move to Nashville, TN for a few months. Just for a change of scenery and to try something different. Little did she know she would end up meeting the love of her life! 2 years later, they were married in Monterey, CA. The event couldn't have been lovelier. Congratulations girl - love ya!

Friday night we attended rehearsal dinner and then went to a dive bar called Mortimer's for drinks and dancing!
Tyler and BJ with Brian, who married them.

Me and the bride!

She's ready for some dancin'!

Matt, Tito and Nate joined in the fun.

The bride, mother of the bride, Rachel and myself.

DIP!

Ceremony site at Monterey Plaza Hotel. Gorgeous!

My groom and I.

Tito and Matt.

Us again!

Tito and Rachel. They're gettin' hitched on June 16th!

Me, the bride and Rachel.

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

In The Still of the Night

Ten things I pondered whilst awake from 1:15 am until about 2:30 am....

1. That I needed to bring my camera cord to work so I could upload pictures and blog with them. This didn't happen. So much for that mental note I made at 1:17 am.

2. How much fun Monterey was and that I would like to go back in the not so distant future. Must have more fresh seafood.

3. If the aforementioned trip does in fact take place, I must make it a point to run or participate in some form of exercise on said trip. Hips do not like fresh seafood....or more specifically, creamy clam chowder and fried crab cakes.

4. The big spider that I found in the bathroom prior to going to bed. Seriously? It. was. huge. Here's an example:

Matt and I decided it was maybe a garden spider? I didn't want Matt to kill it, just catch it and take it outside. After dancing a fun little jig in attempt to catch the sucker while I hovered on our bed watching, my wonderful husband was successful at capture and set the little darling free. I proceeded to worry about whether or not the spider had returned to the bathroom between 1:32 and 1:40 am.

5. Weight Watchers. And how wonderfully it works when I don't cheat. I need to get back on the point tracking train, oh, and maybe actually exercise again. I haven't gained weight back. And I don't want to. Also, losing another 15-20 pounds would be super fab.

6. How sticking to #5 may or may not effect # 2 and #3.

7. The bird that lives in the tree in our front yard and how I would very much like for him to go away. I can understand birds making loud, annoying noises at 6 am, but at 1:54 am? Not cool. I wondered how I could relocate him and made a mental note to research the relocation tactics of blue jays. Any input is appreciated. And yes, I've very seriously considered just shooting him. But it hasn't happened yet, and if it ever did I think I would feel bad (see #4).

8. That it drives me nucking futs when co-workers walk into my office and ask, "Are you busy?". The answer that I would like to respond with is:

"Why yes, I am always busy while I'm at work, actually. Aren't you? Do we need to assign you more duties? Can I ask you a favor??? When you need something, please do not ask me if I'm busy under the guise that you're trying to be considerate, because I know that's a load of horse crap. I appreciate those who are direct and up front and would much prefer if you simply came out and requested what it is that you need from me. That way, I can get back to my work in a much more timely fashion after I hold your hand through whatever it is that you think you need help with. Thank you and goodbye."

I know I'm a bitch. This is why I have very few friends, but the ones that I do have love me. So there.

9. Thought of a friend who wants a baby. Said a prayer that a year from now, she will be awake at this time of the night with a baby, and will love every minute.

10. Was thankful that my husband wasn't feeling any side effects from his injection earlier in the evening.


Ahhhhhh....the inner workings of my mind. Aren't they entertaining? No? Oh, okay. Sorry....