Rose Writes

Cleanse After the Storm

2010-01-08T11:31:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

This year I went from living on Lean Cuisines before my wedding to saying "Screw It!" for the six months that followed. I ate more sweets this Christmas than ever. Cookies are good breakfast food. Also snack food, meal replacements and with a nice glass of wine.

I went away to a cabin in the mountains for New Years with a group of friends. It was so much fun and I'm not sure that there is a picture that would be appropriate. There is a video that once I get a copy of I will show, because, well, its the best dance routine ever! Anyway, while at the cabin (or Booze Cruise on Land, if you will) we ate. A lot. The whole trip was basically one itinerary of "what are we eating for the next meal?" This is all well and good, but by god I hit my wall (and you know how when you are on vacation you get a little off, uh, schedule, know what I mean?) Anyhoo, it's time to do something.

This week I have drank more water than I ever have in my entire life I think. This is called Alison's Water Cleanse. That's it. No soda. No juice. No alcohol. I allow one cup of coffee in the morning, because come on. I am peeing every twenty minutes but I swear I'm shedding bad stuff. I can feel it!

It's not as if this is something new. Water is good for you (energy, skin, appetite). But I have to say I really feel great. I like making changes that are small. I didn't want to do anything where I had to take a bunch of vitamins, deprive myself of anything, be starving...this is a small and relatively easy endeavor. I highly recommend it. I'm going to try to keep it up for another week, we'll see how I do.

*Word to the wise: with all the peeing and in turn wiping, baby wipes are not a bad idea :)

What Makes Me Happy

2009-12-18T09:33:00.000-08:00

As I get a little older I find that happiness is a bit relative, isn't it?

Little things make me happy, small joys like the printer at work working when I need it to.

Some other things that make me happy are:

Waking up early on a Saturday, making coffee and just enjoying being at my home

Nights when my husband and I sleep with our arms wrapped around eachother all night. If one turns over, the other follows.

Mornings that start with music.

Reheating delicious leftovers (made by me) to eat while catching up with shows on my DVR. This has to happen when the house is empty and peacful. Isn't that just heaven? Ahhhhhh...

Walking into my parents house, my dad greeting me as he looks up from his newspaper, saying "Hi Sweetheart!" with the biggest smile on his face. Melts me.

When my mother tells me "Don't fret, Sweetpea."

Farmers Markets.

Having my boss say "Lets shut 'er down" two hours early on a Friday.

Bear hugs from my sweet brother.

Listening to live music on a grassy hill.

Touchdowns...flying or football.

When the bus comes early in the afternoon and I'm there waiting for it!

Reading a book that I just can't put down. Isn't that the best?

Being silent with a dear friend. Or talking non-stop. I have to have those kind of friends.

Feeling that peaceful feeling inside that I know exists but sometimes slips away; I feel like that today, that must be why I needed to write this. I feel at peace for no reason at all. It feels like a deep breath, like the most satisfying drink of water or the first day of vacation. Relaxed, calm, not worried...even in the face of chaos, worry and dread. I love to feel as if I have some control over my emotions, my state of mind and my reactions. When I don't, I am not happy. Today, at least, I feel very happy.

Holiday Giveaway!!!

2009-12-17T08:13:00.000-08:00

I am giving away.....drum roll....

All the rest of my Chex Mix so that I will stop eating it! Last night Courtney (you don't know her) came over to watch White Christmas, like we do every year. As she walked in the door I looked at her deeply in the eye and said "Help me. Please. I need an intervention. A Chex Mix Intervention." You see, I had been passing the time waiting for her by devouring the Chex Mix straight from the large tub that it resides in. This method is exactly the opposite of what any good dietitian, nutritionist, sane person, person who doesn't have a problem with binge eating, would do or recommend.

I have a problem and I need help.

OK, so I will do a real giveaway...right after I win this one!

Happy Holidays (in a singing baritone voice)

2009-12-16T09:50:00.000-08:00

Oh aren't the holidays just filled with cheer and love and warmth and joy?

Or is it all the booze and food? I'm not sure, I don't care. The holidays are, uh, fun! Right, they're fun!

I've almost got all my gifts and I'm happy with them. I on the other hand really don't want a thing. REALLY. I'm serious! I don't want one single gift....well I would like a new wallet (like from Target) and maybe like a Starbucks card. But thats it!

I have a small house, people. I do not, I repeat, DO NOT, want any more crap to be brought inside my house. None. I am into minimal living, I don't like waste and I don't really need anything. I am as happy as can be with what I've got and really, if I need something I can buy it for myself. So, Internet, all this to say if you were thinking of getting me something, don't trouble yourself, OK?

Cool.

So, now that we have that out of the way lets all give a quick shout-out to Won over here. We had a mini-internet squabble but I think we're cool now. It was just a case of miscommunication, voice not coming through over the internet and that oh so special thing of thinking that what we type is not really real (like when you drunk email an old boyfriend at 2 am....not that I do that!)

Also, lets give a big ol' smooch to Kaylen over HERE cause she thinks I never talk to her anymore (not true though....I have about 247 outgoing emails to her in my sent box)

Gosh, who else have I offended lately??? Me and my big mouth are just going to go into hybernation for a while and eat the rest of the Chex Mix. So, see ya!

Office View

2009-11-19T07:27:00.000-08:00

Remember when I said I wanted to be "out there?"
Not anymore I don't, its freezing out there!

Starbucks Christmas in a Cup

2009-11-18T08:23:00.000-08:00

"Just hear those sleigh bells ringin' a ting ting ting ahh...." (something something something)

I would hate to say I'm in the holiday spirit, Mrs. Cynical me, but I am!

I blame the Starbucks Gingerbread Latte. It is yummy and full of holiday cheer! I include Thankgiving in "The Hoildays" so don't think I am jumping the gun, that is next week!

It's Friday (the 13th)!

2009-11-13T09:24:00.001-08:00

Friday the 13th. Meh. I'm not superstitious really.

I've been slacking on this little ol' blog -o- mine. I'm sorry blog. I still love you.

Let's talk about what's floating around in my head, shall we?

1. My father in law had heart surgery last week. Last night he ate at Buffalo Wild Wings. That's all I'm sayin'.

2. I just ordered this cute shirt today! Aren't you loving it? I wanted this cute little jacket that they had, too but it was sold out. I mulled it over for too long and missed my opportunity. That happens to me a lot. Usually I just say "well, it wasn't meant to be." But what if that is the wrong attitude? Maybe I'm missing great opportunities all the time.

3. Do you ever feel like your lady parts doctor isn't hearing what you say? I do. Its like they act as if "if you've seen one, you've seen them all" I like to think I am special down there and because I'm so special I have issues....know what I'm sayin?

4. I would like to get a new camera. Does anyone have any suggestions for a reasonably priced one that takes nice photos? I don't need anything fancy.

5. I put my new black jeans in the dryer last night. Now as I sit here and type they are digging into my stomach. That was a bad move after two glasses of wine. Drinking & Drying - DON'T DO IT!

6. I'm starting to feel in the holiday spirit. I've already got a couple gifts picked out from Etsy. My husband and I decided that this year everyone gets a gift that is $40 or under. I hope to do gifts that are homemade either by me or someone else. Just say no to malls! This has been a big year for us financially (house, wedding, honeymoon, stuff for the house etc) so I think everyone will understand. Plus, I really don't think that Christmas should be about gifts anyway. I don't need anything and I'm happy to just spend quality time with my family.

7. Speaking of Christmas - this is our first Christmas in our new house and as a married couple. I want to start our own tradition of some sort, does anyone have any good, original ideas?

8. Let's all go to Mexico. I have been freezing for the last two weeks, I think Mexico is the only way I can warm up. Here is a photo from the last time I was there to convince you that we should go :

Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup

2009-11-10T11:06:00.001-08:00

I actually called this my "I just got home from being out of town and can't eat any more take out, but I'm super tired and don't really want to cook tortilla soup."

This is easy easy and tastes good on a cold night. This is one to make during the week after work that will provide leftovers for a couple more days.

We got home from being out of town and at a hospital for 5 days in a row (everything is a-ok!) and I was so sick of eating out I wanted something that tasted semi-home made, at least.

So here is your easy shopping list:

1 roasted chicken from your grocers deli. The one I had was Rosemary and it worked just great.
1 onion (or half, whatever)
1 can black beans
1 can pinto beans (feel free to use whatever kind of beans you like)
1 can corn
1 large can diced tomatoes
Some chicken stock or tomato sauce or even puree (that might make for a good consistency)
1 packet taco seasoning
1 small can green chiles (optional if you want a little more spice)

For garnish (optional, but so good):
grated cheddar cheese
sour cream
tortilla chips
avocado
cilantro

The only labor intensive part of this whole thing is the removal of the chicken skin and then taking 2 forks and shredding the chicken. Do this first. Other that its easy.

So start by heating a little vegetable oil in your soup pot, dice up those onions and throw them in. I had a leftover half an onion and that worked just fine but if you love more onion throw in some more.

Once your onions are see through throw in your tomatoes, beans (I would suggest not draining them), corn (I drain this), chiles if you want them, your shredded chicken and the taco seasoning packet.

Give it a stir.

Do you want it to be more liquid-y? Ok then, add a little chicken stock or tomato sauce to get the consistency you want. It will cook down a little so consider that before going crazy with the liquid, you can always add more later.

Let it warm on stove still heated through and you are good to go. Stir occasionally but you don't have to be right on top of it.

I told you it was easy.

I garnished mine with all the goodies and it was quite good and very filling. The leftovers are even better!

I'm Back!

2009-11-09T11:06:00.000-08:00

I'm back and I've got some posts coming. I know, I know I didn't post while I was away - I warned you! But I've got some photos and a recipe or two to share so have no fear!

I'm BBBBAAAACCCCKKKK!

Another post on being married

2009-11-02T16:43:00.000-08:00

Back my popular demand (thank you two loyal readers) here are some more feelings on being married:

1. It does feel different but not a different in like "EVERYTHING IS WONDERFUL AND ROSE PETALS AND FROLICKING THROUGH THE MEADOW NOW!" different. It feels like, "You are my husband now, do as I say" different.

2. I feel more free to throw temper tantrums about little things because well- You are my husband so too damn bad! You are stuck with me and my crazy!

3. I feel that I should be able to stay at home and just be a wife and homemaker now. HA! Do those exist? Do people become just wives and stay at home all day? How is this financially possible in this day and age. No fair if they do exist! NO FAIR! (temper tantrums...told you)

4. I feel like I want a yittle baby. That's the truth! But alas,it is not in the cards at the current moment. Children seem like they might be a lot of work, do you think? And they must cost a lot, too.

5. I feel like I should workout and try to look hot for my husband but I also feel like I must eat as much Halloween candy as possible, and that trumps the working out bit.

These are my feelings on being married. Consider them before you get all excited about having a wedding, cause you know thats what half of those single gals really want. They don't want to hear about the candy eating, the money woes and the tantrums...no no, because reality is not all rose petals and champagne... well maybe cheap wine, though.

However, the reality is also that I love much deeper, laugh even harder and make small moments count so much more now that I am married. I love us. (awwww)

A Make-Up Post

2009-11-02T15:55:00.000-08:00

Like make-up sex, only not.

I want to try hard to post every day in November. I really want to TRY. We are going to be out of town this Tuesday evening through Saturday night and the nature of our trip may not allow me to be on the internet a lot so will you forgive me if I double up some days? Will that still count?

Lets do some random thoughts, mmmk?

- Why did I eat my weight in candy this weekend?
- Why does the guy at my afternoon bus stop have to shoot snot rockets every day in public? ick.
- Speaking of the bus stop, this other bus stop that I sometimes go to had lipstick marks on it last Thursday. Nasty. That meant that someone put their lips onto the glass of a public bus shelter. Ick again. I don't even like to hold the bars inside the bus because of other people's greasy swine flu-y hands touching them all day long.
-Why don't they provide hand sanitizer or clorox wipes on the bus like at the grocery store? They should! I'm going to suggest this to someone in charge! I'm making this my mission.
- Has it really been a year since I've had this blog? Why have I only got like 50 posts? Thats an average of like : 0.136986301 posts per day. Wait...is that the right math? I am not so good at math.
- Am I lazy blogger? Sometimes I just feel pressure to post something not craft something (lazy). Or is it more like stage fright? I think its more like stage fright because I over think it. Most of my emails to friends are more entertaining than this blog. OOO! Good idea for future blog posts- "A Peak Inside My Email"
- Why did I buy all that halloween candy? Why did I eat my...oh. I already said that.
- What shows are on Mondays now? I get so confused. HIMYM, right? Love that show!
- I changed the direction that my dining room table faces. What a difference! The room feels much more open and spacious. Try it tonight, just change the direction of one thing. If nothing else it will make your husband know that you did something while he was away at work all day.

I should have called this Random Questions, cause it was more of a question driven post.

Office View

2009-11-02T15:44:00.000-08:00

I wish I was out there instead of looking at it from inside.

Kitchen Update

2009-10-29T08:19:00.000-07:00

Sigh. When I went home last night my kitchen didn't seem so awesome and simple as my kitchen drawing, so I'll be modifying today and I'll report back. Just needed to share with you my morning kitchen sadness.

Also, I'm freezing! When did the weather turn so poopy? I had to frickin walk half a mile in the wet, windy, freezing weather. What the ef weather?

Be back later. See ya!

Oh my, look what I made!

2009-10-28T11:49:00.000-07:00

Yes. I am an architect. Professional. I don't charge much, lets make a deal.

This is my little kitchen and these are my little daydreams. I want to remove those 2 walls to open it up both to the back door entryway and out to the dining room. Good idea, right? Then I want to have the same flooring run throughout that entire area- currently there are 3 different types of floors (wood, tile and carpet) Wouldn't it be nice if it all flowed together? Aren't you excited to see my next drawing? Cause its coming soon...

Wine Country

2009-10-27T08:36:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday I organized a wine tasting on an EcoShuttle for a group of my friends. It was absolutely one of the most fun fall things to do. I am going to make this a tradition every year. The weather was the most gorgeous fall day you have ever seen. What was so crazy though was that the day before had been a horrible rain storm and the day after gray and cold. Pat on the back to me, I am good at choosing days!

Here are a few pictures from the fabulous day.

One Nice Thing...

2009-10-23T10:28:00.000-07:00

I was inspired to do this after reading this blog. I feel like lately I am annoyed and complaining about my husband, feeling alone in making our house a home and forgetting to appreciate him and all he does.

I've felt overwhelmed that my house is still not fully in order after moving, that there are still wedding gifts sitting in boxes stacked in the spare room and that I have been talking about getting a filing cabinet for months but STILL haven't gotten one. I also am trying to embrace my little kitchen and not worry so much that it gets cluttered faster than a bigger one would. I'm trying to secretly throw away a piece or two of mail that gets piled by dear sweet husband each night. I'm trying not to put so much pressure on myself, the inspiration to organize will come. The dishes will eventually get done. And none of this is worth leaving the house in the morning feeling defeated from the get go.

Last night my husband got home (late as usual - lately) and we were talking about something random (the recycling I think) and I burst into tears. My best friends mother was diagnosed with cancer. Though I had known for a couple days it hit me last night and I was sad. My husband dropped everything that was in his hands, looked at me the way only he can and wrapped his arms around me tight. So many times he has been there for me like this. He is so comforting - he doesn't try to make me feel better by saying a word, just squeezes me tight. It's the best.

Now for a new series called...

2009-10-22T11:33:00.000-07:00

WTF Hollywood

This would not happen in real life and if it did it would be because there was some sort of major disfunction. Are you with me people? WTF? Not meeting the children of the man you are marrying? From my family's personal experience, having a mate with a child from another marriage or relationship is very difficult and complicated and is not something that you take lightly when entering into a committed relationship with that parent.

A Package

2009-10-20T09:00:00.000-07:00

Last night I made it back to my house after the long trek from the bus stop and what awaited me? (besides my excited puppy) A package!

I love getting a package! I think we should all start something where we send each other a piece of mail or a package with something fun inside. We should all have to send something once a month. I was reading this blog the other day and she got a magic type writer left on her door step! Isn't that amazing?!

Last night I got a bunch of stationary! Those who know me know that I love stationary. I am the thank you note queen. I love to write thank you notes. Its relaxing to me and I feel like I can express myself better through a note. This package was courtesy of BlogSpark.com via Kaylen's Blog. Thank you!!!

Let me know if you want my address so you can send me something. K?

Conan O'Brien

2009-10-15T11:17:00.000-07:00

I love Conan O'Brien let me just make that clear. When I lived in my first grown up apartment and was working temp jobs I would stay up late enough to watch him often. (Yikes! Now I go to bed so early...what time did he used to be on? 12:30?) Anyway, I know his humor isn't for everyone- well I don't understand why but I hear people saying that they "don't get him" I think this actually means they haven't ever watched him. Whatever. Jerks.

So I happened to wake up on my couch last night (I fall asleep on my couch every night. Every. Night.) after a nightmare and told my husband to please turn on something that was "happy" for just a minute so that before going to my bed I could not worry about being murdered or ghosts coming in to haunt me. Naturally, he turned it to Conan. Yay! This guy came out, really funny, I remembered him from the movie Kocked Up which I just watched for the second time last weekend. H e plays the asian doctor who grills Katherine Heigl about smoking (remember him?). Apparently since then he has been in a few more movies and is on a new TV show. He is also a real life doctor who gave up his career to act! Cool! So they are discussing the movie The Hangover, which I haven't seen, and his nudity in it. The guy starts talking about how he got all this advice about manscaping and how it will make his dick look inches longer....STOP! Wait! BLEEEEEP! The word dick was bleeped out. Conan looked pissed. PISSED. I had never seen him like that before. It was so uncomfortable for me to watch. I kept thinking of it for the rest of the night while I lay in bed (scared of monsters and rapists coming to get me). Was that really such a big deal? I'm sure people have said worse things that had to be bleeped out.

And then my other observations:

1. Its not a live show. No harm done.
2. The word dick? I think its a silly word...grown men are NAMED this
3. Is it worse than ass?
4. Why are we such prudes?
5. We still know what the word is even if its bleeped out
6. This isn't a family show- this was on at 12:15 at night
7. Why did Conan act personally insulted? Cause he did. It seemed like Conan was thinking "Hey you unknown actor how dare you come on my show and say such a thing. You should be so LUCKY that I invited you"
8. Of all the words that get said on TV (bitch for example) how is this any worse? I would have made the same mistake if I were him...this seems like a harmless word for a late night comedy show.
9. Grow the Ef up people! Dick? Come on...

Happy Birthday to Me!

2009-10-14T08:51:00.000-07:00

It's my party and I'll do what I want to! The list includes:

1. Doing minimal work today, but just enough to make the day go by fast
2. I will buy myself a Chai Tea latte at approximately 9:30 this morning...maybe a muffin, too.
3. I will get a "Club of Love" at lunch. This includes ridiculous amounts of thick sliced bacon and an herb mayo slathered generously. Yum.
4. I will feel free to eat as much ice cream cake as I like
5. I will unload my dishwasher only if I feel like it
6. I will make my husband my personal love slave
7. I will drink at least 2 margaritas...Grande
8. I will demand that anyone who addresses me call me Genevieve. Just because I like that name. Alison is good, but a little vanilla (sorry mom) on my birthday and calling me queen or princess is a little weird. I think Genevieve conjures the image of a queen or princess nicely.
9. I will probably be asleep by 10 and thats just how I like it

Happy Birthday to Me, Genevieve!
**** Update: someone treated me to the latte!! yay!

I need batteries for my camera...

2009-10-13T13:55:00.000-07:00

I have multiple things that I want to post to my blog. There is only one little problem. No photos. I am going to get some TONIGHT and in the coming weeks I am going to document some things including:

1. My refurbished cabinet (ALMOST done)
2. African Peanut Soup
3. Baked Potato Soup
4. Pup-Pup Rosie

Hold me to it reader(s)!

In the meantime enjoy this photo from the past (I didn't say it was a good camera or that I had skills):

Falling into Another Year

2009-10-13T09:39:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is my 26th birthday. I love that my birthday is in the fall, the most beautiful time of year. In fact my husband and I just sang "Its the most wonderful time of the year" the Christmas song (with new words including fall things) just the other day.

This time of year I imagine being a kid again. I remember riding the school bus home, happy that I finally got to wear all my cool-weather new school clothes. Now its so funny because it feels like the kids started back to school just the other day. Remember when it seemed like for-ever until you could bust out the new sweaters and tights? On second thought, it could be global warming because I distinctly remember bobbing for apples at my birthday party one year and it was so warm that everyone ended up IN the tub of apple-bobbing water. Gosh, that was fun. I think I will plan a fall party where we bob for apples this year!

Anyway, in my 26th year I plan to be more adventurous and take more risks. Thats it. To me sometimes a risk is a small thing... like buying a bike knowing that I very well might not use it as much as I should. But I want to take the risk because what if I do end up riding it all the time!?

On Sunday I got a fortune that said to look ahead 3 months, in 3 months something wonderful would happen. I don't know what on earth this could be but I intend to put myself out there more in hopes that something good will come my way.

I won! I won! I won! (I'm singing and dancing it!)

2009-10-09T10:03:00.000-07:00

I won a contest! I don't know exactly what I won...some yogurt I think. I just like to enter and try to win!

The next contest I am entering is actually based on talent - its here.

What if I actually got in the running to be on the show? This would be a dream come true for me! And I wouldn't be going on to talk about my problems (cause I'm sure those could get me on!).

If there is a voting portion to this show, I expect you all (2) to vote for me a lot, OK?!

I'll be sure to let you all know when I am on my way to Chicago! Ciao for now!

Puppy Dog

2009-10-01T09:43:00.000-07:00

The newest and brightest thing in our lives right now is our sweet puppy Rosie. Kaylen says I am overly obsessed with "Rose." It's just a coincidence. She IS a Rosie. I think this all stems from me supposed to be named Rose. Its my middle name. I love the name. It conjures such sweet images and feelings for me.

Anyway, Rosie. She literally has changed my life. I've never loved something like I love her. I had a dog growing up, but its different when you are the soul caretaker. She is my little baby.

I now look forward to waking up early because I get to hang out with her before work. And I am dying to get home to see her. Before I wasn't exactly dying to get home to be home alone for 2 hours until my husband got home from work.

I haven't gotten much done in the last 2 weeks as all my time has been taken up by her. Gladly.

So meet Rosie:

Another Great Giveaway!!

2009-10-01T09:39:00.000-07:00

I've recently gotten my courage up to comment on blogs that I usually just stalk. Go me! In doing so, I've paid more attention to giveaways! Yay free stuff! This one is particularly great because its a bunch of etsy stuff! Etsy is my favoritest favorite site ever!

BLOG GIVEAWAY!!!

2009-09-30T10:11:00.000-07:00

Go here to try to win!!!!

Married

2009-09-01T14:41:00.000-07:00

I was thinking I should devote some time to a few of my married moments.

We've been married for a month and a half now and I've had a couple "If I were a fifties wife this would not be good" moments.

1. Forgot husbands birthday. Realized once at work. Called to say "oops. I wondered why you were looking at me with those 'isn't there something you would like to tell me?' eyes"

2. Washed a purple thing with white things. Yay! who likes tye dye? Me! Me! Me!

3. Missed 4 consecutive days of birth control. Had to go to Planned Parenthood for Plan B. Flashed my wedding ring to everyone in the waiting room and the nurse at the counter. "Oh no I won't be needing any screenings or anything....I'm married. See?"

4. Served my husband both undercooked and overcooked chicken dinners in the span of a week! Yum!

You see, all of this might be a bigger deal to a real new wife whose just getting used to her new precious shiney husband but we've been living together for quite some time, I've been cooking and doing laundry and remembering birthdays for years. I get married though and whooosh! its like we are starting from scratch. And also half my brain is gone.

5. Also I've been eating like a horse. My friends say its cause I'm married now.

Havent Posted....Must. Win. Contest.

2009-09-01T14:36:00.000-07:00

http://www.yourwishcake.com/2009/08/on-giveaway-etsy-style.html

YAY for cute things that I love!

I won!!!

2009-04-01T08:18:00.000-07:00

Now go over to Kaylen's blog and do the second part of this contest.

Whatever

2009-03-31T15:23:00.000-07:00

The house gods are not in my good graces today so I am officially declaring to them that I do not care about them and their stinky houses, I am so over it house gods! See? See how much I don't care?

I really want to win!

2009-03-30T15:08:00.000-07:00

My friend Kaylen is having a contest on her blog, it's going to be really fun and I am determined to win!

Say A Prayer To The House Gods

2009-03-27T10:12:00.000-07:00

People (all three of you who read this) please send some positive vibes our way! We've found a house that we really like, but of course its not enough just to like it so please say a prayer to the house gods for us.

Specific things to pray for (cause I've seen that Christiany people say to be specific):
Pray
1. That there is nothing majorly wrong with it
2. That they want to accept our low offer
3. That Nick and I don't kill each other
4. That some cash falls out of the sky and lands on my head
5. That you will be coming over this summer to enjoy our hot tub!
6. That you will be bringing me a nice green plant very soon...
7. That this is the right choice for us!

I heart you internet, thanks for praying to the house gods for me even though we hardly know each other. It means a lot!

Isn't it nice? I know!

And another thing!

2009-03-25T08:32:00.001-07:00

I HATE THE BRA I AM WEARING TODAY WITH THIS SWEATER!

I feel so much better now, thank you internet. If you happen to see my ill-fitting bra today at least you will know that I know.

Warning: Never go to WebMD

2009-03-24T13:40:00.000-07:00

Because if you do, you inevitably will be able to diagnose yourself with a multitude of deathly illnesses. I try my hardest to avoid going there but every now and again I am too curious/masochistic to resist. Why do I do this to myself? Why don't I consult a real physician? I'm not sure. I think this is a deep seeded fear of doctors whose root I am not exactly certain of. My parents love to tell a tale of me running naked through the doctors office in an attempt to escape the doctors cold, piercing needle. I would do that now if I wasn't so intimidated by the crowd of waiting room waiters seeing my white cellulitey ass jiggle out the door.

Except Dr. Gregory House, I don't like doctors.

Aren't we in a recession? That's what I thought

2009-03-23T11:21:00.001-07:00

I have a job & I'm extremely thankful for that. My mom's company just had to lay off all these people and it was so sad just thinking what they must be feeling, worrying about etc. So let me just say again that I am so happy to have a job!

BUT...at the first of the year I was given "bonuses" from the people that I support. A couple were in cash and a couple were in gift certificates. Obviously I would have preferred cash all around but three of four gift certificates I got were to some fancy pants boutiques and I thought "well, that might be fun. At least I have to spend them here and not on a bill or something" Well peeps, I had a total of $300 between three different fancy pants places and I've spent $50 so far. I've gone to one store in particular three times and nothing really tickles my fancy. And on top of that, their shit is like $200-$400 (for a sweater). To some people maybe this is totally reasonable, but not to me. I'm cheap when it comes to clothes. Even though I have "free" money the principle just kills me. How can they ask $248 for a t-shirt? A fucking t-shirt, are you kidding me?

So on Saturday after my cooking class I was in the neighborhood and decided to stop in to a couple of the stores. I thought "ya know, things are bad in the economy, we're transitioning from winter to spring, there's got to be some good deals." No. Nope. Not even close.

I finally decided that I should buy something just so that I can be done with it. So I tried to find something that would normally be way out of my price range but that I really liked. I found a scarf that I kinda liked, looked at the price tag and I'm sorry I know I said I was going to splurge and all but I AM NOT PAYING $101.00 FOR A FREAKING SCARF! (that I don't even love!)

I'm wondering who is shopping at these places. Are the shops making any money? How will they stay in business? In fact, I really should buy something soon because they very well may go out of business and I will be screwed. No bonus for me.

Do you think I should get a dog?

2009-03-20T17:18:00.001-07:00

OK, so earlier today I was thinking of a fun survey to put on here. HAHAHA....no one even reads this, but I was just daydreaming that if I did have readers it would be an awesome survey. But I can't remember what it is really so never mind.

Anyway, we've been wanting to get a dog for a while now. But space, money, laziness etc. has prevented that. But I really want one when we get our new house with a yard. My house is going to have a yard folks. A yard that will need mowing, weeding, bark dusting, planting, weeding, weeding. I'm sure my mother will be thinking "Wow, all the things I had to practically threaten death to get you to do. Good idea, though!"

Ever since sweet angel of a dog Shyanne passed away almost exactly a year ago, honestly, something is missing in my life. Dogs are the greatest. Some months back my mom found the perfect pet for us named Yoda. Pretty much the freakin' cutest thing you have ever seen in your life, Yoda was a two year old black pug through Pacific NW Pug Rescue. I was scared at the time. What if I can't take care of him? What if I have to feed him, like regularly? What if I want to go somewhere for a while? So we didn't get him, or pursue getting him I should say (there is a rigorous adoption process. I'm sure adopting a child from Asia is easier).

Now I have pet regret. I think about little Yoda all the time and just pray that he is doing well and has a family that would love him as much as we would have. And that feeds him regularly, too.

Please don't call the HR Department on me

2009-03-20T16:20:00.000-07:00

Kaylen said that if I confess to the internet I can be forgiven. (Luckily I have basically no readers so that's a plus!)

So today my co-worker (who is so nice and coincidentally raised Catholic so this is fitting that I am confessing & that just yesterday I was bashing on them as a group (see yesterdays third blog post)) had to go to a funeral and he was a pallbearer. It wasn't his favorite aunt or anything, it was the old lady that lived across the street from him when he was a kid. Cute. And he sorta made a joke about it the other day (I'm just setting you up for what I'm about to confess to!) so today as he was leaving he's all "Bye Alison, see you later today" and I'm all "Ok, ya see ya. Don't drop the casket!"

Oops. That was inappropriate, right? Ya. It was. But don't we all "gaffe" sometimes? Yes, we do. Even the president. The Leader of the Free World "gaffes." That word, by the way, is like the sound of someone else clipping their toenails to me. I can't stand it.

Anyway, I'm sorry co-worker and also all people in caskets and anyone who has ever been a pallbearer and really just anyone who knows anyone who has died if that was offensive to you. I'm sincerely sorry and just so you know I know a lot of people who have died, I love dead people. I totally have nothing against them. I swear.

Another Episode of That Ain't Right

2009-03-19T16:05:00.000-07:00

No offense Catholic church, but y'all ain't right. The recent comments from the Pope are so horribly irresponsible and dangerous I can't even begin to say.

Anytime something comes on the news about the Catholic church I immediately look to my man with a "What the Fuh?" expression on my face. And I'm serious. I want an answer. He grew up Catholic. He was an alter boy & all that. He even went to Catholic school. So he is my resident expert and authority and I look at him expecting him to speak for not just the Pope but all followers of the Catholic faith. But he just looks at me and says "I know. I know. This is why I am a recovering Catholic."

Thats him in the pics up there.
Gettin' tipsy at a wedding. He always reminds me that Catholics are down to drink. That's cool I guess.

MMMMMM....

2009-03-19T15:58:00.000-07:00

Did I mention I'll be in Mexico in 4 short months? I hear a choir singing somewhere for me.

Not part of that world quite yet...

2009-03-19T15:29:00.001-07:00

I love the world of bloggers. I want to be part of it, there is just this one teeny tiny problem...I am bad at writing on my blog! It provides me endless entertainment all day long to read blogs and randomly stumble onto new ones. I like the regular peeps living their regular lives and writing about it, I love the famous bloggers, I love the sort of offensive in a good way ones, I love the funny ones, sad ones, news organization ones, lots! I love blogs! And I love that people form these friendships & communities on them. And you can win prizes sometimes! And look at me not linking to any blogs in this post. Like, I should have had a link to the blogs that I am referencing above, but I'm too lazy (and I'm at work SHHHHH I don't have time to linger here).

Singing- "Someday I'll be, part of that world" (imagine me on a rock with the cold Oregon coast waves hitting my back and my short hair whipping around into my eyes and mouth while I belt this out).

I suck.

2009-03-13T08:40:00.000-07:00

Fuck. I knew it. As soon as I shared with the internet my little strategy of getting ready for the big day....I haven't flossed since! Or worked out. Or really continued my skin care regiment. Or...what else did I say I was going to do? I don't even remember.

Whatever. I have 4 months. 4 months - that's a long time! Right?

4 months

2009-03-11T16:09:00.000-07:00

I am getting married in 4 months. Some how when I was getting married in 5, 6 or 7 months it did nothing to motivate me to do anything to be physically ready for the big day. But 4 months- WHOA, Watchout!

It might be because of the nightmares of me fat, white and just generally unprepared grooming-wise on my wedding day that I've had lately or it might be that in the past anytime I decide to go on a health kick it only lasts for 3 months. So I figure I've got 3 months to really go hard core and then the last month will be busy, full of excitement and will really feel like crunch time so that it won't be an issue. So here is my list of things that I have started or plan to start to do in preparation:

1. Get some form of physical exercise at least 3 times a week.
2. Floss my teeth daily ( I just want to do this anyway & now is as good a time as ever. So far I've done it 2 nights in a row!)
3. Wash my makeup off at night. I don't wear a lot, but this should be good for my skin.
4. Get a teeth whitening kit and do it. I had one from the dentist with molds and all that but I can't afford to buy more of the gel stuff and it seems like a lot of people use Crest White Strips and it works just fine.
5. Get or give myself regular manicures.
6. Start using moisturizer on a regular basis on areas besides just my face.
7. I plan to tan starting in May. Don't judge. I'm not normally a tanner, this is a special occasion.
8. Continue to eat healthfully & bring a lunch to work. No buying out!
9. Look into a cold sore treatment from my doctor. I tend to get them in the sun and with stress. I am getting married in the middle of July. Hello! This could be bad!

Thats all for now. I've got a few other things I want to work on, but these are the most basic. Doable, don't you think?

Firsts

2008-11-20T10:47:00.000-08:00

I got this idea from Kaylen because I am bad at blogging. I bore even myself, this is not good.

1st Concert: I think it was Shania Twain! Isn't that so cute? I remember not liking the crowds & telling my parents that when they came to pick me and my friend up. I can't remember her name, we were only friends that year...was is Jessica? Sarah? No, those don't sound right. I will have to think on this.

1st Car: Technically I drove a 1972 Chevy Pickup truck for a couple months before I got my own car, (that I still drive!!) a red Honda Civic.

1st Volunteer Memory: Bringing cookies and singing carols at a nursing home. An old lady choked on the cookies and it really scared me. I cried. Not a fun first experience.

1st Serious Boyfriend: mmm...Shea O'Shaunessy. It was fourth grade and it was serisously serious.

1st Memory of Life: I don't know. That would be hard to pinpoint. Somewhere around the 4-year mark, though.

1st International Travel: Mexico. 8 years old. That counts right?

1st Surgery: Never have had surgery.

1st Long Lasting Pet: Thumbs the cat. We had a love/hate relationship Thumbs and I. He liked to hide at the bottom of the stairs and attack my legs when I came down. He was quite a character,though. He had a bent tail, extra thumbs (hence the name) and he only liked to drink water out of the faucet, never a bowl.

1st Frat Party: Senior year or wait...Junior year of high school. I'm not certain, but it was at Portland State and it was all in all pretty lame and I tell you it's because high schoolers don't belong at Frat parties. The ones in college were much more fun!

RIP Turbo

2008-11-14T11:27:00.000-08:00

My best friend's best friend died two nights ago. His name was Turbo and he was the sweetest little puppy you could ever meet. He was only part of their family for a couple short months, but we all loved him and are so sad to have to say goodbye. I find myself being more sad over dogs dying than I am humans sometimes.
Dogs, to me, are the best souls on earth.
I love you Sarah. And Turbo I love you, too.

Coolness

2008-11-14T11:22:00.000-08:00

Someone I don't know attempted to add me as a friend today on myspace and said "You look cool and I am moving to the area." I denied this request because mainly I don't look cool on my myspace page. So this was either some sort of scam or I know from the get-go that my new "friend" is a liar who only tells me what she thinks I want to hear. And that ain't no good friend in my book.
Lay the truth on me friends...if you dare call me friend, that is.

Coming Down From The High

2008-11-12T14:59:00.000-08:00

Can you believe how many things were written about people's addictions to the political campaigns? And what we were going to do about it once they were all over?

For months straight I came home right after work to watch CNN...for three hours. I would even lie to friends and say I had plans (ya I had plans...to come home , grab the cheezits and feed my Campbell Brown cravings).

I haven't had an addiction like this since I first discovered Lost on DVD (do not even think of talking about the 4th season to me, it doesn't come out on DVD till December!). At the time I became aware of my addiction a friend was going through AA, luckily I had her to help me through the steps.

1. Admit you have a problem. "Oh I know I have a problem. I don't want to do anything outside of watching Lost. I dream of Lost."

2. Is it interfering with daily life? "Yes. I am staying up later than normal because I have to watch just one more episode. The next day at work I am so tired and everyone asks me what I've been up to, but I can't say. I am ashamed that I am wasting my life away in front of the TV."

3. Your boyfriend is enabling you, isn't he? "Yes, he watches with me. He's addicted, too."

4. Have you lost interest in hobbies that used to give you joy? "Yes. I went out to the bar with my friends and I ended up giving a long monologue about how Lost was just one big metaphor for life and they told me to shut up and have another drink."

5. Do you find yourself unable to concentrate? "Yes. What? Wait, what did you just ask? I'm sorry I was thinking about last night's episode of Lost and how Jack looked so hot in his dirty t-shirt and how I wish he would just go on and get it on with Kate already!"

Chiropractor Love

2008-11-11T08:20:00.000-08:00

Have you tried this?! I was a little nervous at first, I don't know why but all the cracking and popping I guess is a little nerve-racking.

A little known fact about me is that I wore a back brace all through middle school because I have scoliosis (best 3 years of my life alright). Ever since getting out of the brace I've experienced pretty bad back pain. I've gone to physical therapy, taken muscle relaxers, done yoga, gotten massages...I'm always looking for things that help. So when my friend recently became a chiropractor I said sign me up!

I only just went to my second session and really I think it has helped me. My back just feels so tight normally and this really seems to loosen it up. Such satisfaction comes from hearing those cracks in my back. I want more!

Drum Roll Please....

2008-11-10T19:58:00.000-08:00

I got my new coat!

I highly recommend that you all go to Old Navy this week and enjoy some of the fabulous deals they have there right now. I've heard that this holiday season of shopping should be good for those who have a little money to spend because retailers will be pulling out the sales to try to get people in to shop amid these difficult financial times. They must have had me in mind..."did someone say sale?"

My coat, normally $89.50 was only $44.75! That's a good deal for a nice coat!

I ended up not going with the green. I saw it the moment I stepped in the door, but as I was browsing around I stumbled across the brown version. I accidentally tried on the extra small. I did like how it fit in some places, but it would be tight to wear a chunky sweater under and when I stretched my arms out I had exposed-wrist action going on. But I loved the brown color and to be honest, the green was very green in person. I couldn't find a small in brown, though. I thought that maybe it wasn't meant to be, that I should stick to the plan (I almost didn't by purchasing at least 3 other items, but I put them back. Yay for self-control!) so I went with the green up to the cash register. At the last moment I ask about a brown small and voila! The sales girl found me one! Back in business.

Though I am wearing the coat today, I think I am finally going to take the advice that has been given to me over and over again (just yesterday in fact) by the What Not To Wear team and get a tailor to alter my coat. Though the small fits well in arm length, it is a little big around the waist and I kinda look like I may or may not be pregnant and this is not a question I want to find myself answering.

That Ain't Right

2008-11-10T10:33:00.000-08:00

Now for a new column called "That Ain't Right."

While reading one of my favorite blogs, Project Rungay, I came across this horrifying picture of Posh Spice! I fully agree with the sentiments left by commenters on their fabulous site...her frame is shocking! This is not someone who is "naturally thin," as all celebs seem to say any time they are questioned about their weight. Her head and waist are the same size!

I remember seeing Mrs. Beckham on the Barbara Walters Special and she flat out answered "No. Never." when BW asked her is she ever has a cookie or some chocolate.

Besides the terrible, horrible, extremely dangerous health risks of starving oneself...how can she live without chocolate!?!

Update

2008-11-09T10:26:00.000-08:00

I am going to Old Navy tonight- I heard on TV that they are having a half price sale on all outerwear! Yay! I'm getting my coat! Yay!

A Great Recipe

2008-11-07T08:37:00.000-08:00

I didn't write this, but I'm really going to try some of these things. I get so busy in my day to day that I often forget to slow down. I am guilty of dwelling on the past, getting caught up in gossip, worrying about work and other non-important things. Just the other morning as I was taking a few extra minutes in bed to snuggle with my very cuddly boyfriend, I thought 'You know what? If I am 3 minutes late to work because of it, its not the end of the world.' In the end, isn't that better time spent? I think so.

1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate anti-depressant.

2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. Talk to God about what is going on in your life. Buy a lock if you have to.

3. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, 'My purpose is to__________ today. I am thankful for______________'

4. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.

5. Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli, almonds & walnuts.

6. Try to make at least three people smile each day.

7. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.

8. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.

9. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

10. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

11. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

12. You are not so important that you have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

13. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.

14. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

15. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

16. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this matter?'

17. Forgive everyone for everything.

18. What other people think of you is none of your business.

19. GOD heals everything - but you have to ask HIM.

20. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

21. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch!!!

22. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

23. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: I am thankful for__________. Today I accomplished_________.

24. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.

25. When you are feeling down, start listing your many blessings. You'll be smiling before you know it.

May your troubles be less, your blessings be more and nothing but happiness come through your door.

Chillin' With My Peeps

2008-11-06T19:09:00.000-08:00

Maybe you'll like me better now you know I hang out with celebs.

I Heart Coats <3

2008-11-06T08:28:00.000-08:00

I really need a new coat. I think of this every morning as I am scurrying (read:frantically running like a madwoman out of breath) out the door to catch the bus. It's not that I don't have coats already it's just that none seem to suit me at the moment. One has all but 2 buttons left. One has some kind of dust or dirt all over it - actually I think it's from the coat being on the floor at a bar that allows patrons to throw peanut shells on the floor (very difficult to remove!). One isn't waterproof and it's been rainy lately. One is sooo five years ago. One is a ski coat. So you see? I totally need a new coat!

I want a nice, sensible coat. One that would be practical to wear to work virtually everyday and on the weekends with some jeans. I also want it to be somewhat "trendy" but not overly so because I want to wear it at least until next year (realistically I'd like to keep it for five years as that is my current practice with most things...sometimes longer).

I am very frugal when it comes to clothes. I never buy anything at full price, but the occasional pair of jeans. Most of my wardrobe is from Target, Forever 21, Nordstrom Rack, hand-me-downs, and then just the shear volume of old stuff that I have had since 2002. So I decided to look online at Old Navy because they have good deals there, right? Right!

This is the smart, sensible coat I want...

I also love green. :)

Pictures!

2008-11-05T19:05:00.000-08:00

Blogs need pictures!

Yep, thats me!

I totally left off a title...I suck at this. Yeah...I came back and edited after I posted already. What?

2008-11-05T18:53:00.000-08:00

The more I'm reflecting on this whole me writing a blog thing, the more I like it. There isn't an assignment. There isn't a word limit. I'm not trying to write something perfectly edited that fits the....wait! Stop! Cue the record being stopped in mid song scratching sound effect! The second I started typing those words was the second I started caring what I wrote! This blog totally sucks so far. Now I'm thinking that blogs are stupid and who really gives a shit what I have to say anyway!

I am not writing again until I have a clear topic to blog on. That is what the research I did tells me works, so I am going to try that.

OK...

2008-11-05T18:33:00.000-08:00

First off I like ellipsis- get used to it.

OK, so... I did a little research. I'm serious it was just a little, literally. I was at work, hello! I had stuff to do! But I did check out a couple blogs (literally, a couple) it seems like they didn't "introduce" themselves in their first blog. I think some blogs try to be something new or unique, I don't think that's me so much. The only thing unique is me...that I've never done this before. In everything I've read and heard on NPR (name drop!) about bloggers, they all say that you can't go into it thinking you are going to become the next best blog or whatever you just have to blog to blog. Maybe you love to write, maybe you are a total narcissist who thinks everyone will be thrilled to hear about your trip to the mall, maybe you are famous already and think that automatically gives you the license to post your rants publically, maybe you have a good idea even (like stuff white people like or living oprah). No matter what, I have learned that I should blog to blog so that is what Im doing. I am sure that no one has even read this "blog." So I'm bloggin' to blog and writin' to write. Write Rose Write! (that was a reference to some of the first entries I read today!)

Once upon a time...

2008-11-05T14:34:00.000-08:00

I wonder how long it takes for someone to read ones blog... I'm not talking about my mom here. I mean, should I tell people that I have started a blog? Is that weird? My friends are already sick of me and my rambling why would they want to read this crap? Maybe I should facebook it, or send a mass email. Perhaps I should shamelessly comment on other blogs and make sure to link to my blog when it asks for my url. OOOO....I've always wanted to have my own url! What is a url anyway? What does that stand for? Is that dumb that I don't know? How many years has it been now that url is an everyday commonly used acronym would you say? Is it even an acronym? Gosh, I'm sure glad this blogger thingy has spell check, I can see that I'm going to need it already. A lot of my spelling errors have to do with the cut on the tip of my pointer finger (I'm always letting myself off the hook like that). What does one do in their first blog post ever? Do I introduce myself? Have a clever anecdote that sums me up? I'm going to research that... I think I'll visit some blogs, go into the archives and look for the original post.

Will report back next time...