Wow, that was fast!

Hopefully all of you had a wonderful holiday!!! Mine was good, busy, but good!

The holidays flew by but that is what happens when you are busy and so exhausted (who says holidays are relaxing?!) We managed to fit almost 40 people in our tiny house, and it went off without a hitch!

The holidays are exciting enough but within a matter of a week, two of my friends (and bridesmaids and one of their fiance's was Blake's best man!) got engaged!!! I didn't see either of them coming (well, one of them i knew about) and I am super excited for them!!!!

Congrats Staci and D-rock!

Congrats to Matt and Becca (After 8 years!!!!!)

Speaking of lovers (hee hee), I think my baby, my little baby, Piper is in heat. She is such a baby to me, and is just 4 1/2 months! She kept me up a lot of last night, and i have no idea what to do for her. I have never had a cat, and never had a dog that went into heat so this is all new to me. I can't get her spayed until a month from today!!! It's going to be a looong few weeks!! Any tips or ideas? (We don't let her out but one of our neighbors lets their cat roam free, and he's been around lately!!!)

Back to the holiday, what was your favorite gift? My has to be my i-phone. It's like crack in the form of an electronic. It does everything but wipe your ass (and I'm sure in a few years it might be able to, lol!) Seriously. It's that awesome. :) Then again, i had a pos that didn't do anything but call people!

Happy freaking Christmas man.....

Well, it's turning out to be a fan-freaking-tastic holiday so far! My mom has been staying with us since, well, since Friday (the day aftter she got into a car accident). Since too long......Since she decided that the dust bunnies underneath the couch were appalling (I for one, loved those damn bunnies!), since i don't clean the windows on our french doors enough....since she won't go away.....since my husband wants to leave because she is one of those people that should only be handled in small doses (I know, horrible daughter i am, but YOU try livng with her...you'll agree in about an hour)

Anyone want her? I'm willing to make a trade (or force her upon someone.) She loves to clean....anyone?

I guess I will take this opportunity to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday (as in the Christmas holiday, which we are now allowed to say, as it was banned for a while, but let's still call it holiday to be on the safe side, right?)

I unfortunately have to work tomorrow and wishing right now i was at home in my comfy, warm bed snuggling with the animals (yes, i said animals not husband, come on--he's not as fun to snuggle with) I am an old woman, I realize as i sit here questioning why i decided to partake in adult beverages when I'm too old to deal with the repercussions, and to think that shots were a good idea? Ha, I laught at my self, but at least it was fun.

Oh, amy, when will you learn?

I'll learn as soon as my mom leaves.

On another note, if you haven't visited Triumph, you need to go there now! Go, run. Their Calamari is the best i have EVER tasted, as is their edamame hummus, and their stuffed mushrooms, and well, everything. If you visit on a Monday, buy two entrees and get a BOTTLE of wine for FREE! Yes, it is what i partook in and yes, there were 6 free bottles of wine!

Like i said, Have a happy and SAFE holiday! (we are hosting xmas eve, so wish me luck and sanity or that my mom leaves.....)

I swear I am going to start walking everywhere

My mom was in a car accident tonight. (if you listened to the radio right around rush hour she was the accident on 270, and you can thank her for the traffic) That makes 6 car accidents between me, my mom and brother for this year. She is OK but i think her car is most likely totalled.

I think Mexico is sounding better and better, or at least places with now cars.

I will have to admit that since my accident I have become the most paranoid driver. I thought it would have subsided by now (my accident was 8 months ago) but it hasn't. I'm usually alright until i hit traffic and then i tense up......i really don't know how else to get over it and with this new incident, it doesn't make matters any better. I have avoided the highway and high traffic areas just to get away from it.....

I had a guy last night on the way home ride my ass. These are the people that just make me so mad, and obvioulsy nervous, but we were in traffic. I wasn't going anywhere. So, i moved over to the next lane, and he turned around to give me a look of death. Like i was preventing him from getting someowhere. It is people like this that make it hard to NOT be nervous on the road.

Has anyone had any similar experiences? What alleviated the anxiety?

The good, the bad, and the downright ugly!

The Good:
The highway that has been closed (for you stl folks, 40) is finally opened! My commute home has (well, to work too) been cut down by at least 30 minutes.
Christmas is creeping up!


The bad:
We had our new dishwasher almost delivered today. I say almost because the delivery men couldn't get our old one out,. They said that the previous home owner left the old floor down, and built the new one around it, so there was no way they could get it out without taking off the counter tops, which they are not allowed to do. So, no new dishwasher for me today! :(

The downright ugly:
Best Buy (actually, I learned they contract through Best Buy) delivery people came to put in our stove, and dropped off our microwave. He went to push the stove back and it didn't fit. That was the first issue. I ran to get Blake who was still asleep. When i explained to Blake what had happened, the delivery men looked at him and said, "well, you need to measure things before you buy them." Thanks jerk. We did, and that isn't the issue. What was the issue was that when they put in the new counter tops, they built it around the stove. We measured it and it was the exact same size as the oven except for the spot in the front which was like a 1/4 of an inch more. It felt like an eternity after the delivery man said that because we all stared at each other for a while and we had no idea what to do. We expected they would give us some assistance, or give us some ideas on what to do. After they stood there and stared at us, Blake told them to just leave it, and we'll figure it out. They left and as soon as they pulled away i noticed that the counter top (which the guy was standing in front of) was missing a huge chunk. Furious Blake called Best Buy while i filled out the survey they gave us and emailed Best Buy.

Blake hangs the phone up to say that they have to see what the delivery men said and will call us back. So, a few minutes later the phone rings. Apparently, the delivery driver told them that WE PUSHED THE STOVE BACK! I was now more furious. Blake wasn't even in the same room as them until they left. and me? Do they want me to whip out my physical therapy bills??

We are having my entire family over and some of his for Christmas eve, and im just pissed. If they hadn't been so rude about it or at least admitted they did it and apologized, i wouldn't be so mad. Rude. Rude. Rude.

The weather. I hate winter. I hate snow, I hate it all. I hear Mexico is nice this time of year, I think im running away? Anyone wanna go?

Before and After

Remember back in the day, I posted about painting our cabinets? Well, i eventually finished them, and after our stove and microwave came on Saturday (and now thanks to Best Buy we have a huge chunk of counter top missing, but that is another story, lol) it looks like a totally different kitchen!

This is before (and right after the wedding, note the pink flowers on the stove). Also note, that I do not miss that stove. The handle fell off every time you opened it, and i detested it.


And here it is today! (I love it, it's clean steel i think, it doesn't show fingerprints!)

Note the light is on inside, and it is SO clean. i refused to clean the old one because i hated it so much!

If you can also remember, or if you are new, we did some more work on our living room--mainly on the fireplace. It wasn't hideous (well, the mantle was--it looked like a piece of driftwood that someone just set there) but it took up too much room, and wasn't really our style.

Here is was before we touched it:



After we removed all the bricks.......


and now......(please note, matt damon is on my tv....)

I loooove the tile, but not so sure about the trim around the fp. I hate the speakers there, but i wasn't given a choice on that part, lol. BUT--what a difference it makes to the whole room. It's feels more warm and homey. (Let me add this to say that we DO NOT USE our fireplace, nor will we ever which is why we decided to put the TV there.)

So, i will leave you with one more thing today. I bought some water from target, and this is what I found inside.....
A PIPER! :)

I don't know if i should be mad, or laugh

I had a crap-tastic day yesterday, was dead tired, and just all out had a bad day. (I will spare you the details!!) I had just got home, and usually Piper greets me. I heard some noises in the room our Christmas tree (the one i am working on becoming our PINK AND GREEN tree, no, Blake did not have a say) is in. This is what I found. (I took it with my phone-notice the awful quality)

Yep, that's her in the tree. She has managed to knock down the few ornaments we have on the tree. BUT--after looking at her cute face, I found it hard to be mad. I wish i would have had time to get my camera because this was priceless. I am sure this will happen again.

Speaking of happening again, does anyone have any tips on how to keep her OUT of the tree?

It's THURSDAY ALREADY?

And i still haven't made a post all week?

This week has been insane. Blake and i woke up Tuesday with the stomach flu!!! BOOOO!

Last night, he pulls out pieces of paper with something on them. He goes, "Here's your Christmas present." Let me first say that Blake is notorious with not holding onto gifts very well! Each birthday, Christmas or holiday i have always got my present early. The day he bought my ring, he almsot gave it to me. Then the night before he gave it to me, he ALMOST woke me up at midnight to give it to me. While I don't mind this, he is the most difficult person to buy for.
Anyway, i look at the papers in disbelief. MY FREGGIN APPLIANCES! I know, this is the first sign that i am getting old but i have been wanting new appliances for eons. We talked about getting them, but maybe waiting till we were finished with other projects first. I am pretty excited! Saturday I will be anticipating their delivery like a kid on Christmas day!

On another note, for those of you who don't know, I work with kiddos with disabilities. I have come to the realization today that this world is not yet accommodating to kids like this. I can't go into details, but the atrocity that goes on in this state, in our city is absolutely ridiculous, even at places you would think would be safe.

I'll leave today on a pleasant note---tomorrow is FRIDAY! Wooohoo! (and the 1st annual STLWED Ornament Exchange! YAY!) I'll be there with bells on (well, not really bells, but you get the idea) and my yummy Artichoke Bruchetta!

Fun places for free stuff

I have been (thank you blogger peeps) finding great blogs about saving money which some i have shared with you. I was ecstatic last night when i went grocery shopping. I spend 101 (and some change) and only paid 75+ some change last night. I saved $25.00. While part of it was a $10.00 off for the weekly Shop N' Save deal they have going, but I saved 15.00 in the coupons i had.

I had two coupons for free products which I got here at Vocalpoint. Sign up and they will send you things to try, or other fun things. I got a free coupon recently for a free box of Kashi fruit bars (they are YUMMY!) Join--you'll be happy you did. The site is chuck full of good info too! Also, when they send you coupons they send you ones to give to your friends! Your friends will love you!

The next place to check out is from General Mills. Psst. After I joined, I got a free box of chicken broth which i used to make the best chicken soup! I also got coupons and some to share! I also got free box of Macaroni Grills pasta!

Click here for Progresso coupons!

SheSpeaks is another good one as well!

Another one is Krafts First Taste

Hope you all enjoy your free and fun stuff! Next week, I will share some of my favorite freebie sites. My husband thinks it is halarious that i get stuff in the mail everday but after last nights shopping trip, he was pretty amazed.

On another note, i HAVE my proofs FINALLY! I got them two weeks ago, and have been too overwhelmed (and the files are too big so i have to upload them to photobucket or something) to post anything.

More love to share.....

Blog love that is :)

1. This first blog has me amazed, and well, a bit teary eyed. After talking about materialistic things, and how they didn't need them, a couple decided to do more meaningful gifts, and donate the money there planned on spending to a village across the world. Well, the husband created this awesome project as a gift to his wife. Here is what i found on his blog that describes what he is doing:

I am creating my wife’s Christmas present-the Mother Letter Project. Simply
stated, I am collecting a series of “open letters” from mothers, to mothers. Share your stories—no matter how raw or difficult. Share you concerns—no matter how foolish they may seem. Share your wisdom—no matter how you came by it. Share your mother story. The only request? Start the letter “Dear Mother” and sign it. I will compile all of the letters in a Christmas book for my wife. If you share a letter email(motherletter@gmail.com) before Christmas, you'll get your own copy of the letters.

Now, tell me that isn't the sweetest thing ever? I have read a few that readers have sent in and he posted links to, and they are definitely sweet, and kleenex worthy.

2. Speaking of Kleenex, remember this video (99 Balloons) I posted? Well, Eliot's parents have a blog, and they have a new addition to the fam as well! Click here. Oh, and mom has some sweet jewelry...you can see here.

The next two sites are so stalkworthy, and good ideas for xmas!!
3. IDIY--it's a DIY for weddings but good stuff in general! Check is out NOW!

4. This is one of my favorite blogs, One pretty thing, i have found a ton of good ideas here, and can't wait to try them....

Last but not least, Thrifty Jinxy.....'all the best info for living on the cheap'. Lots of giveaways, freebies, and goodies!

These cookies are the bomb.com, really!!

I found this recipe in BHG and was they were so purty, i had to make them. Turns out, they are some kick ass cookies!

Red Velvet Whoopie Pies.


2 cups flour
2 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 cup buttermilk (i used reduced fat and they turned out yummy!)
2 Tbsp. red food coloring
1 recipe Whoopie Pie Filling

1. Preheat oven to 375. Line sheeting with parchment paper (i didn't do this but recipe called for) Combine flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt--set aside.
2. In large mixing bowl, beat butter on medium to high for 30 seconds. Beat in brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla. Alternately add flour mixture and buttermilk, beating after each addition just until combined. Stir in food coloring.
3. Spoon batter in 1 or 2 inch onto baking sheet (i found they were easier when smaller)
4. Bake 7-9 minutes for 1 inch, and 9-11 for 2 inch or until tops are set. cool completely on baking sheets on rack. remove cooled cookies from baking sheets.
5. Top one cookie with Whoopie Pie filling and place other cookie on top.

To make whoopie pie filling: beat 1/4 cup softened butter and half an 8-ounce package of cream cheese until smooth.

Fold in one 7-ounce jar of Marshmallow fluff.....

and viola! The bestest cookies, EVA! seriously, they are awesome. I will tell you that they are better once refrigerated for a bit because the filling hardens up a bit.......keep them in the fridge for up to 4 days and ENJOY!

But how can they not be with Marshmallow fluff?

Skanksgiving

"Yeah, i remember i picked up some broad the night before thanksgiving, and i ended up marrying her..... "


Yep, my husband said that.

I finished the saga!

::swoon::

I will have to say that of the four giant books, the last one, Breaking Dawn was one of my favorites. I have not seen the movie but Blake and I are going this weekend, but I have a feeling I will be reading these babies again!

If you haven't read them--beware they are addicting, your social life may suffer, as well as the rest of your life but it's worth it, lol. I was like most people who didn't think i would like them, didn't think that vampire books appealed to me, but----they are so much more that that!

I'm Kreative man!

Thank to Lauren for giving me this award even though i am WAY behind in posting about it! I am supposed to say 6 things that I am thankful for. I know that most people say theirs husbands, family and friends, but that is obvious to me, so I'm going to be a little Kreative, lol.


1. Ice Tea--One of the goals of my life is to figure out how Bread Co. makes such good tea. I am SO picky about Ice T that I know where and where not to get it. (Pei Wei makes the most awesomest Orange Ice T......and Bread Co--Panera for you non-St. Louis-ans) I would die without my ice t. Really.

2. My animals. Blake things i am turning into the crazy animal lady because I love my animals like they are kids. I am also obsessed with all cute animals, and would have a zoo at my house if he let me. They show such an unconditional love that cannot be duplicated by humans. One of the best parts of my day, is coming home to be greeted by them, plus the fact that they are both cuddle-bunnies makes it even better! I am truly blessed to have them in my life

3. Good Health--I never appreciated life and the ability to do whatever you want the way I have since my car accident. I was lucky that I was not the middle of those two trucks that hit me, because i think things would have been a lot worse. While my back is still screwed up, I am lucky that I am healthy, and that i can walk! Its been a long road to recovery (i sound like an addict) but I am so thankful because things could always be worse!!!

4. Speaking of good health, I am thankful for the kiddos I work with. I see the struggles that their little bodies go through, and the pain they endure mentally and physically. They keep me grounded, and more thankful for the life I have been given.

5. My house--I love my house! I am lucky to have my own home as I know many people who are older who are not so lucky. While we have less money in our pockets (and bank accounts), it' OUR home, where we have and will make memories, and where our story begins.

6. The Internet---HA! I know but seriously, I have been introduced to the world of blogging, met some fun and cool people while planning my wedding, and have a world of knowledge at my fingertips. It gives me a way to keep in touch with those who I am not lucky enough to live near, and who I don't get to see often enough! What is not to love? It also was great during grad school because some of my classes were online! I seriously think the Internet is crucial to my survival, that and my ice tea (and my tivo! lol!!!)

So, I need to give out this award to some people.....

Mary; The Wishes and the Glitches; Jen; Amanda; Nicole; and to anyone else who hasn't yet been hit! :)

Hopefully, this is a new award for you all! It seems to have spread like wildfire!

And to the rest of you, Happy Turkey Day! Hope it is a day full of blessings, and good food! :)

They are in THE MAIL!

Our cd of proofs from our wedding have been shipped! They should be here tomorrow or Saturday!

I am pumped! 6 1/2 months later and they are ALMOST here.....eeeeek!

You might see an explosion of wedding pics next week, lol.

Thanks for all the grad school comments. I have to decide what I need to do ASAP!

A Conundrum

I really like that word--conundrum. I know i have been tagged a few times but i will get to that, I promise....and I won a few fun things that I must post! Later, promise! :)

Anyway back to the conundrum. I started grad school in 2006 to get my Masters and Certification in Early Childhood Special Education. I was a nanny at the time and miserable. Then, I started my current job two years ago, and have found that it suits me, and actually like it on most days. It just doesn't pay much, but the benefits are well worth it.

Ok, so your wondering what is the issue, right? I took the summer off of school because after the wedding, working, and school, I was burnt out on school, and ready to have my life back. So, i planned to go back in the fall but found how wonderful it was to have free time again---to not have to worry that i should be doing homework, or this or that. I got a ton of stuff done around the house....and so on.

Well, guess what came in the mail yesterday? Student loan bills (because my deferment will end in December.) I will be honest, right now we cannot afford another bill, and this one is more than either of our car payments. So, then Blake brought up going back to school.

Basically, he couldn't understand why I didn't want to go back. His thoughts were

A) "your good at it (he isn't a fan of school, and while i am not, it's generally easy for me)

B) Why stop now when you have come this far

C) Do you really want to make $xx,xxx for the rest of your life?

D)You were just stressed out because of the wedding that last semester, it wasn't school.....

I really don't know how to answer any of those questions but to look at the pros and cons. I get his points, but i am happy for now, but then again.......that could always change. I do miss working one on one with kids, but what I do now is rewarding.

Cons

it would put us farther into debt.

It would also take me another two years to finish, and I plan (don't know about him, lol) to have kids before then.

Then, there is the whole, I don't know what i want to do with my life kind of thing.

Takes away time from my life

did i mention it's expensive?

It will not further me or get me any more money where i am at currently

Pro's

Give me something to fall back on in the future

Teaching would be a good schedule for when we have kids

Ill accomplish my goal of getting my MA.

I would make more money in the future

I just don't know what to do. Anyone have any wise advice?

By the way, I picked up New Moon on Sunday night and FINISHED IT today during my lunch break! See, If i was in school i wouldn't have time to read and obess over Twilight.......

I've been bit.....

I didn't sleep well last night, and had plans to join some ladies for brunch, but i still wasn't feeling well (me and antibiotics don't mix, i have hardly eaten all week) I couldn't sleep, but still didn't feel well to do anything.

I picked it up, and was ready to find out what all the hype is about since i just finished another book i was reading. I just started reading it and i am already 300 pages in. Laundry didn't get done today, and I don't foresee that happening.

I can now see what the hype is about.

A little of this and a little of that....

Thanks for the comments yesterday! I remember going through this right after I moved back home from college. It's funny sometimes I look around the house and go, this is our house, this is all of our stuff---I am all grown up. I know, i am almost 30 and I still think that....funny huh? Sometimes being grown up sucks, but most of the time its pretty damn nice! :)

* Today, I am in a great mood, I feel so much better! Finally! You don't really appreciate good health until you get sick.......

* My brother didn't end up getting his surgery. His hand actually was broken so they casted it first. Also, his eye is healing well. He will have to wear glasses but he won' t loose his sight in it--which is wonderful news! Thanks for the good thoughts!!


*We put Lily on a steroid Tuesday because she has been biting and biting at her feet like there is no tomorrow. I mentioned a few months ago she had a rash (which cleared up with benadryl), and our vet is sure its allergies. I hope it works for her, i know she is just miserable. She bites them until she cries sometimes, it just breaks my heart! I have noticed that after two full days of the steroid she isn't biting them as much, so I am hoping it works for her!


*Piper now weighs 3 1/2 pounds! My baby must be eating because she only weighed 2.10 last month! This is a pic of her from the vet office i took with my phone. She crawled up my neck into the hood of my sweatshirt. Tell me that isn't the cutest thing ever!

(sorry--you'll have to wait, as I'm having issues with blogger right now!)

*Anyone feel like Christmas is coming too soon this year?

This was one random post! Oh well! Have a great weekend everyone!

Growing up

Do you ever feel like your life is changing and you have no control over it? It's really how I have felt lately, and the only way i know how to explain it. The more and more I have thought about it, I think it has been happening for longer than I realized. (Maybe the past year or two) I have grown up which is a normal path of life to take, but after a huge life altering event (our wedding) I have started to examine the relationships in my life. While i feel that some of my friendships have grown and deepened, I feel differently about others.

I'm not a very open person, but over the course of the past few months, I have found my mind wandering a lot about this... more often the past month or so......I started this blog as an outlet to express myself, and maybe learn some things along the way. I'm going to be vague to protect the guilty (and the innocent too, lol?)

I got married six months ago, and feel our relationship has grown. I'm happy in that department :)

But my husband is not the only relationship in my life (no, nothing adulterous here, lol) In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, I have felt some fading, some distancing---due to having families of their own, others due to sheer lack of time and energy and others? Well, we just grew apart for no real reason (at least I can pinpoint) or because of several reasons crammed together. I will admit that in some cases I am partly to blame (grad school, work, and wedding planning wasn't helping.) but others--i have a hard time forgiving.

I feel like I was let down. I will admit, I have a hard time trusting (and I forgiving someone whose hurt me several times, its hard to get past that) but at the same time, I am too trusting. (I know, I don't make sense) I think i WANT to see the good in people but have felt let down too many times to completely put myself out there. I can't decide if it's sad or smart.....I have been stomped on many times in the course of my life but as i grow up, i have grown a pair. Though, they are a tiny pair, lol.

A couple weeks ago, I watched 27 dresses. Girl meets boy, boy tells girl she has issues with saying no. Hmmm....sounds familiar. OH! That's because it reminded me of myself. I am too nice, I have had a hard time with conflict, and have a bleeding heart. Sometimes I feel like I give, give and give, and never really get anything in return. At one point, I said I was tired of giving, tired of being the good friend but who does that make me then? Do I want to live my life like that?

As you can see, this part of me is still under construction.

Planning my wedding demonstrated that. There are several things I let go that I shouldn't have because i didn't want to cause conflict or make anyone mad. This was supposed to be a joyous time, instead I felt like a effing referee.

I am working on that, and I'll admit its really been difficult for me. I really miss times of simplicity but life changes, we change. I get that. I guess the point of this post was that i feel too many relationships in my life have changed,and it really saddens me. I know its a part of growing up and moving on, but I look at my husband who has had the same group of friends since he could remember. I will admit, i find myself jealous at times, but at the same time, am happy I left home, and for those i met in college.

I started to think that maybe I was just over analyzing things like i always find myself doing. Add a few cocktails, a few friends, and I learned that maybe I am not alone. It was a good feeling, but at the same time more confusing.

But then I wonder, what do i do? Let them go, or hold on? I guess only time (and my gut feeling) but at least i know that I am not alone in this. that maybe this is (gasp) normal.......

So, i've been a little MIA but i have a REALLY good reason!

Remember last week, when I posted this, about my awful intern experience?

Well. I have decided to change allergist. Not solely because of that but because i woke up Wednesday with a 103.0 fever. A headache that felt like i was having an aneurysm. I know, blame him? well, just wait......

It's kinda funny too because I ended up going to urgent care (the new one in kirkwood, i swear do they not teach bedside manner anymore? ) that same day because I wasn't feeling good anyway. Again, bad service. Take some protonix and give it two weeks (acid refux med). So, i went a head and called the doc. that she recommended because my pcp quit her practice, and I was doctor less. She was awesome! She wanted to run some blood test, and gave me a pneumonia shot (i know for old people but she likes to give them to people with asthma) and a flu shot. I woke up that night with a high fever and starting throwing up.

I called the doctors office to see if it was normal after a flu shot, and she called me back herself. Wow. She was thinking maybe i had caught something before i got the shot, and to see a doc if it didn't go away in the next day.

Fast forward to today, Saturday. I can barely move, my heads going to fall off. So blake takes me to urgent care. She tested me for the flu because my symptoms were on dead on. Then, the doc comes in and looks me over. Well, (and not to gross you out) but she says I have pus in my nose. Yes. You heard me.

So, i left with a diagnosis of a sinus infection gone bad, and left untreated for weeks, that didn't clear up on its own. What i dont't get is that effing allergist didn't bother to catch it when i went in for a chronic headache? I am beyond furious, missed work. I got home and took my antibiotics, and have actually been able to get up, and check email and catch up on life. I literally slept for two days straight. Luckily, i have a wonderful hubby who have been tending to my every want and need, but i think we both got a little freaked out because i have never been that sick ever.

I hope this makes enough sense as i am still a bit delirious, The sad thing is that this doc is rated top allergists, but to me this is indescribable, and this whole thing could have been avoided.

Ok, vent over. I just wanted to get the word out, to speak up when you don't feel like something is right. i should have the first time, but I will never let myself get into that situation again. As for my allergist, i will be contacting him to let him know how that care i received was awful. I understand that doctors need practice, but he should have looked at me as well.

Hope you all are enjoying your weekend. back to bed for me!

Animal House

Warning: the pictures you are about to view are very cute and cuddly.

I love my little fur babies and all but when they get going, chasing each other around the house, i feel like i live in an animal house!!

They both have their own spots they cuddle in.....Lily has her cute little pink girlie bed. Piper love to sleep on top of the couch but when we leave the computer door open (which we only do if we leave the laptop closed because she likes to pounce on it) she likes to sleep in this spot.

Yes, that is a cd organizer she cuddles in. Here I obviously awaken the beast

(she doesn't like the flash!)

I bought her a Halloween costume thinking she'd be more likely to wear it but it was way to big. Then, last night i was cleaning out our spare bedroom and found the t-shirt to a bear (Blake bought it for me in Vegas 3 years ago when he went for a bach. party)

It was just her size.

It didn't bother her one teeny bit......


She hates me now......but not as much as her dear sissy..............

She wasn't diggin' it either, but left it on long enough for a pic opportunity.
Please note, that she believes she believes she deserved an angel costume. She also believes Piper may be the perfect devil......

The day has come.....

Work has blocked my favorite forum. What am I to do with myself now? Work?

This sucks.

By the way, i have an email with the link to my proofs, but he forgot to give me my password. Ironic huh?

Oh, and I have to add that I was married 6 (yes, SIX!!!) months ago today! Time flies!

Halloweeny Updates!!!

Happy Halloween!!!

(Don't let this happen to your pumpkin. Please keep them away from alcohol!)

On another more important note, my brother is in surgery right now. He was in another car accident Wednesday night. He is having surgery on the tendons in his hands, and has to see a opthomologist since he injured his cornea. Poor guy, but luckily no seizures or anything (last January he was in a bad car accident where he had a seizure after not having them for 6-7 years), as this one was caused because he was swerving to miss a deer. The whole situation is worse since he is no longer on my parents insurance and does not have any. Luckily, I gave my parents tips on what they need to do to deal with this because those bills are going to be outrageous!!!! Good thoughts for him for a speedy recovery!!!


We have purchased Rock Band 2 and according to Blake, 'How are we going to have time to watch our shows, go to the gym, and rock out?" What a conundrum.


I started PT again on Monday. After six months, I am hoping this is what I need.

Oh, remember how i removed my captcha (or whatever it's called?) Now, i understand the need for it as i have a comment from someone named Chantix, talking about the quitting smoking drug.....

Speaking of six months, our proofs from the wedding are supposed to be posted today. Cross your fingers, PLEASE! We've seen a handful, and have waited long enough!!! (I may not be able to work due to this, just so ya know, lol)

So, what are your plans for Halloween? Anyone dressing up??

Whatever you are doing, have a safe and happy halloween!!

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

99 Balloons

I have to warn you, this is a box of Kleenex kind of thing....I originally found this from a friend, and then i saw them on Oprah. I truly found myself inspired in what the mom said--we'll be sad later. Basically, every day was a true blessing with their son.

How not to examine a patient

I had an appointment with my allergist on Friday. I went in thinking my asthma was acting up because Blake has told me that I have been breathing really heavily (no, no explicit dreams or anything) in the middle of the night. He would push at me and tell me to roll over or move because and I quote 'i didn't want you to die' (thanks hubs, I'm glad you like me enough to not let me die)

So, anyway. I go to my doc on Friday. I see the nurse, she weighs me and i get faintly excited because i lost 5 pounds from the last time i was at the gym. (i know scales can be different but lets at least let me think I've lost 5 pounds, k?)

After she shoves me into a room, a tall swanky man comes in (not my doctor, I'm assuming he is an intern and is just going to talk to me) He asks me what is wrong, and blah blah blah. We'll let's listen to you lungs. Ok, fine enough. I'm just gonna look into your nose.

OH SWEET JESUS! He rammed that thing so far into my nostril i think brain fluid starting oozing out. Thinking it was just an accident I let him shove it into my right nostril. NOPE! Again, i think I'm bleeding. Can i see my doctor now for pete's sake?

Then, he shoves it into my ear and yep, he rams it into there like he is digging for gold!

WTF? Did this guy just get out of class because I think I could do a better job. I mean seriously. And I hope he washed his hands before he touched me. I don't know where he has been (or if he has caused others to ooze bodily fluids)

Oh, it gets better. He then proceeds to ask more questions. Well, would your husband say that it seemed like you were gasping for air? Are you tired often? (um, yes, but i see where you are going with this and I don't think it's sleep apnea)

Then, the question. "So, how are you with your weight gain?'

Come again? What do you mean, HOW AM I with my weight gain? Am I happy about it? HELL NO. Do i need you reminding me that i can no longer fit into half of the clothes in my closet? Um, i think i'm going to say--NO!

He looks at my chart, hmmm. yea, it looks like you've gained some weight since you've been here last. Thanks, jerk wad ass face, like I didn't know that and thanks for reminding me. It's not like the tight pants i am wearing didn't already remind me of that, oh yeah, or that GIANT scale that i stepped on when i got here.

Thanks buddy. Call me when you become a real doctor so i can know who NOT to go to. As I sit there waiting for my injuries to heal, I think i might have said a little prayer or ten hoping that he didn't come back in. He did but luckily with my doctor, the guy who doesn't injure me when he examines me.

He gives me new allergy meds, and thinks that congestion is causing the heaving breathing. He didn't examine me, or anything just looked over the notes from Dr. Doom. Hmmm...i would have felt more comfortable if he would have at least looked in my nose to make sure the brain matter has stopped oozing out.

hmmm. that doesn't seem right.

I must filter myself here because according to this, I've only mangaged to cuss on about 24% of all of my posts.

So, what's your number? Anyone higher????

Heeeeheee

Whatever side you are on--you know this is funny!

Thirtyone......

A friend at work had a catalog with this stuff, and i HAD to get this.

What is it? lol, it's a fabric letter B! I haven't decided where to put it yet, as i have like 6,000 places i want to put it. They also have it in damask, and cheetah print! Speaking of damask, they have the MOST adorable green damask apron. It's my next purchase for sure! it is darn cute. I wish i had a pic i could post......

I also got this----love it and it is SO handy! With this eating healthy stuff tubberware, i have used a ton of tupperware. (normal lunch boxes don't fit that stuff in it but these do!!!) I got this print with my monogram in yellow!

So, if your bored and you wanna take a gander at the cute stuff go here. and you feel like ordering something, go right ahead! :)

The thing i just noticed is SOME of the things are pictured on the shop part but if you go to the catalog (click here to see the catalog) you can see it all.

Oh, and I am having a little par-tay at my house and it is so not company ready--- like NOT AT ALL. I have a gaping hole in our bathroom from where our TP holder was (have a nice kitty story about that later....) and i need to patch the hole . I should at least get to that but our damn fireplace isn't done, and the walls are completly bare still.

So, if you are reading this and you are one of the lucky peeps to come to my home....just be warned, it's under construction!!!

It's a......

GIRL!

And SHE is perfectly healthy. (I was like a nervous mom because her brother from her mom's first litter that blake's mom kept--Eli, has a heart defect!)

And the vet, and all the girls that worked there gushed over how cute and sweet she was. (and he was suprised at how social she was too!)

Yep, I know. She IS cute!

Two things

I cheated on my gym tonight (well, i cant technically say that because i haven't been since right before my car accident in April) but i joined the same gym that Blake 'goes' to (and he can't really say that he goes because he hasn't in a loooong time either!). AND--get this--we actually went, and worked out! We did some light cardio and i feel so good. Well, in a omg, i am so out of shape and realized i have gained waaaay more weight then i thought i did kind of way..... Oh, snap. Immediately after workout, amy went and bought a ton of veggies. I'll show you scale!

Hopefully, my back won't kill me tomorrow. Crossing my fingers. It's been pretty decent lately, hopefully it sticks!

Ok, don't get offended but did anyone else think that McCain looked like he had to poop tonight on the debates? maybe he needs some Benifiber.

Ok, i lied. one more thing. We take Piper to the Vet tomorrow and we get to find out if she is really a girl. I hope we didn't make her uncomfortable assuming she is a girl :)

Happy Birthday!

I apologize in advance for long post, but today is Blake's b-day (and the pics weren't cooperating with spaces)! Today it no longer looks like he is 3 years younger than me, but only a mere 2 :) While he hasn't been the most fun to be around this week as a result of nicotine withdrawal, I still like him enough to pay homage to him on his day! I knew from the first time that we hung out together, that he was the one i was going to marry. He gets under my skin like no one else, but yet he makes my heart melt like no one else.

Blake, thank you for ALWAYS making me laugh. (Even on our wedding day!)
Thank you for always being you(even it means you cry in front of all your friends and family)

And looking at me the way you do---even five years later! Thank you for bringing your friends, and family into my life. (and being so much fun that Matt was able to give such an awesome speech)

Thank you for Lily (and Piper too!)

Thank you for all the adventures we have had, and will have in the future....... (This one cracks me up every time!!!)

(This was right before the homeless lady threatened our lives)

Thank you for the best day of my life, (and letting me have the wedding I wanted even though you almost had a heart attack after each payment we made, lol)

Thank you for loving me

Thank you for being my friend, my confindant, and listeing to my daily ramblings.

I know we have a long road ahead of us, and i am ready for the ride.


Happy Birthday honey! I know you may not enjoy it, but at least you have cake. :) I love you!

All pictures from Browers Photography

I have goals man....

I do, I really do. Remember yesterday how i said i wanted to eat better, and cook at home more? Well, last night hit up the grocery store and bought a TON of fresh veggies and fruits. Our fridge hasn't look so good and healthy in a while!

So, i decided I needed to add goals on here so that I actually follow it. :)

1. Eat at home at least 5 nights out of the week...that means I have to cook!
(or teach Blake how to!)
2. Only eat out at work a minimum of once a week
(this is going to be hard because we eat out way too much at work)
3. Eat more fresh foods
4. Eat less ''packaged" foods, and less of anything that is not fresh and processed .
(I made some shells and cheese the other day shop and save brand, and it was more florescent yellow than normal, and it clicked how bad this crap is for us)
5. No fast food
(and yet again, this is going to be hard. I used to NEVER eat ff until Blake....oh darn him!)
6. Join a new gym that is closer to home (which my hubby happens to be a member to)
7. Get to the gym at least 3 times a week (prefer 5 but we'll see how my back cooperates)
8. Try a new food each week (or recipe because it seems we eat the same crap over and over)
9. More veggies and fruit in our diets.
(I was good at this for a while in the summer but we hardly ever eat any veggies anymore!)
10. No more soda!
11. Drink more water

I used to be SO healthy, but i got busy with work, and school, and living with Blake for the past 4 years has really deteriorated my good eating habits. They are actually in our toilet now. Blake's doc told him the other day that quitting smoking and eating better would be really good for him so we are taking a step! (By the way, his great mood has gone down the crapper. Crappy nicotine withdrawal Blake is back.....hopefully for not very long!)

Wish us luck!

Ready, Set, Quit!

Thanks guys for laughing at me! Just kidding, I was pretty entertained by my nosedive as well, and can i just tell you that I STILL have a mark on my face. Classic.

On other notes, this post will most likely be random, just a warning! (I just read on a blog site that listed posts are not reader friendly....hmmmmm?)

• Blake QUIT smoking yesterday. So far (and i hope this keeps) he hasn't been crabby nicotine-free Blake yet. I am dreading that but he was in pretty good spirits yesterday, let's hope for my sake that keeps up! lol.


• We have also decided that our lard asses need to stop eating fast food, and eat better in general. I am going to start cooking more, and cooking more from scratch. That is goal numero uno! Then, we will progress to working out! My doc told me that i could start trying low impact cardio, and VERY VERY light weights. (Like under 20) I was also told i need to go back to PT. I have mixed emotions about that because it's kind of time consuming but i'd rather be completely healed rather than have this my whole life! The pain has gotten better, but it's still here baby! I just realized too that my accident was almost 6 months ago (a week from today it will be!)


• Why the hell is it going to be 80 this weekend? WTF happened to fall? and where was the weather when i was freezing my arse off last weekend in Chicago?


• I just realized that Sarah Palin has a kid named Piper. I did NOT name my kitty after her kid. Just so you know, lol.


• Speaking of kitty, I mean Piper, she is awesome, the bestest cat in the world. Never thought I'd be a cat person and here i am doting on her! Lily and her are slowly becoming friends. Here they are---i love how lily looks at her like she is nuts (we covered our leather chair bc we didn't feel that she needed to ruin it!)

Thanks to Pamela, i realized that I had annoying Captcha, and i removed it! Yay for easier posting comments! I am also glad i am not the only one who thinks it is annoying!

This is the first weekend in like two months that we don't have booked solid! I am so excited for some R-E-L-A-X-A-T-I-O-N! (and my house looks like a typhoon went through it) Friday is Blake's b-day, and he has NO desire to do anything (i think it's the whole quitting smoking thing!)

What you have on the agenda this weekend? (I know, it's Wednesday and I'm ALREADY ready for Friday, but hey, I've been out of town for the past two weekends, and it's a 3 day weekend for me!!!!)

Of COURSE I did!

Holy crap, this was an exhausting weekend! I have SOME pictures, but I will be honest, they are craptastic. I was so bummed that i was being forced to travel alone :) but it ended up being ok.

Friday was a bit weird, awkward as i only knew the bride, and my friend. I was completely exhausted so as soon as we got back to the hotel, i crashed. We got up, rushed to the salon to meet the bride to get our hair did. It was pricey!!!! They were good though, but i don't have a good picture of my makeup or my hair really :(

The bride was in good spirits, i thought she's be more nervous but she did great, and i kind of helped out in that dept. Right before we were to walk down the aisle, we were lining up. There were a few stairs and for some reason i walked over to them, and did a complete nose dive. In front of the entire wedding party!! I scuffed my my knee pretty good, and it was an entire Catholic wedding ceremony so we of course were kneeling at some points.

I told everyone i did it on purpose to make the bride less nervous, at least it worked out that way! I swear, only I could do something like that! I was getting ready this morning, and what do i see? Oh, a little mark on my chin from my dive. Yes, i have BRUISING.

Yes, i truly am special. Let's hope the photog didn't capture that moment (he by the way, was annoying)

I drank a lot that night, and the drive home was more like being tortured a slow and long death. I never have been happier to be back in Missouri.......

Thursday blog finds......on Sunday!

I said I'd do this weekly and last week i forgot. Oops!



1. This isn't a blog but someone forwarded this to me and its a great ol idear. If you have old pots and pans, or even spatulas, and waffle pans, they will re-coat anything! http://www.frypanman.com/intro.html

2. This is one of the many infertility/baby-making blogs i read. I dont know why but this one is so honest, and well written. Antigone Lost.

3. This next one I have been following for a while. This Young House. One couple, one house, and tons of projects. They have been getting a ton of national recognition--even from HGTV! There is a lot of good stuff here.....and the couple is adorable! It's kinda what i feel like we are doing to OUR house. :)

4. The word says it all---DesignSponge. Good stuff.

5. I have a ton of photographers on my Google reader, from wedding, to kids, to families, to odd things! TonyandCo. And her little girls are adorable!

Tunica Recap!

We had a blast in Tunica. I don't have a lot of pictures because we gambled most of the time we were there, and I learned in college that you are NOT allowed to take pictures in casinos. (They almost ripped the camera out of my hands.)



Tunica is an EASY drive down 55. Then we get off this small road, and take it for about 25 miles. Part of it is well, kinda scary. Then, i saw this. I had to snap a pic of it.

If you can't read it---It's All Good Auto Sales. I love it!
This is what the sights driving down consisted of---Cotton. For some reason, i was highly entertained by this and wanted to touch it.......Blake wouldn't let me :)

I don't have a clue who and what this is.................
Ah---we made it!
The entrance to our hotel. We were going to stay at Harrah's but last minute Blake changed it because this hotel went down by like $200! I thought it was going to be POS, but actually it turned out to be okay!
Our room was small, but it was nice. I love this headboard!!!
A bad pic of the outside but the hotel was based off an old western and everything on the outside was to look like an old western town. It was cute. We stayed and played (lol) at our hotel on Friday. Saturday, we explored. We headed to Hollywood, then to Harrahs.

I didnt get any pics of us together but manage to get one of my SIL and our friend!

This is me after a few drinks, in the backseat of a car after a short drive. Again, easily amused.

I'm entertained way too easily because i found this exciting. It's an automatic toilet seat. I know, I'm amused too easily.

Here is my dear hubby, helping out his sis. Her feet apparently hurt.

Too bad, his zipper is down. HA!

All in all, it was a blast. We got to spend a lot of quality time together, so it was great. I was looking forward to more time together this weekend, but unfortunately, I'll be traveling a lone to this wedding. Booooo hoooo! I've been pouting since i found out (he got offered to do a job on Saturday making good money, that he couldn't turn down!) because i hate driving, and i am directionally challenged.

Wish me luck! (When you read this I'll already be in Chicago-land, thanks to the awesome-ness of scheduled postings!!!!)