4.28.2011

Awkward and Awesome: Summer Come and Gone

What is this posting two-days-in-a-row business?!  I can't even explain it.

I'm not going too crazy with the awkwards and awesomes this week.  But I am happy to report a pretty equal division between the two categories.  Much better than a couple weeks ago.  Victory!

Awkward:
- The timing of the rain all week.  I've been teased by sun shining while I'm working and rain falling when I get off.
- Rumors of snow tonight.  Not okay.
- My current eating habits are just bad.  I need to get in a better schedule and I really need to plan my meals out more.
- I thought I found the perfect little booties to tromp around Europe in.  Instead they made my left foot fall asleep.  I don't think that's a good sign.  So I'm back to square one.
- Rats all over our basement.  One died and has been stinking up my parent's bathroom.  So we're all sharing one bathroom.  Overall, it's been a blast.
- I still don't know a lot about my Europe trip.  The details are getting ironed out and there have been a few bumps along the way.

Awesome:
- For my trip, I am getting up for a conference call with the travel agent tomorrow.  Unfortunately, it's at 6:45, but for Europe it's worth it.  And I'm going to visit my family in Finland.  Hopefully in the next week or so I'll have more details.
- The weather this past Saturday.  It was sunny and around 70.  For a day or so, it finally felt like spring was here and summer was just around the corner.
- The new reality show, The Voice.  It's all good singers and I'm loving all the music.
- This weekend!  My mom and I are meeting my oldest childhood friend and her mom for lunch on Saturday.  Then I'm going back with them to Portland for a Timbers game and some fun.  And I'm taking the train home, which is a mostly gorgeous trip.  I can't wait!!!!
- This video (from Rachael).  So hilariously cute.

4.27.2011

Ten on Tuesday: the Prodigal Returns

Hey guys!  Remember me?  I used to write on this blog sometimes.  It's been a while.  But I'm back.  Life has been a little crazy and this post literally took me a full 24 hours to write.  I'm so skilled.

You probably already joined Ten on Tuesday for the week, since it's now Wednesday, but I've decided it's still not too late.

1. How many blogs do you read every day and what are they? (The ones you NEVER miss)
I follow somewhere in the realm of 100+ blogs and try to read new posts every day.  However, there are a few I just can't miss.  I'll try to keep my round up relatively brief, but I'm kind of an addict.  I was going to tell you a little blurb about the different blogs I read daily, but this question quickly became essay-like in length.  Instead, I'll give you a quick list and plan on doing an actual post sometime soon about more of my favorites.

I always read my mom (Hi Mom!), my sister, Christine, Krystal, Stevie, Sarah, Kendi, Amy, and Stacey (a recent find)

2. How many “best friends” do you have? Do you have different “besties” for different areas of your life?
I would say I have 3-4 really close friends.  They pretty much all know me.  That said, I'm tend to be a pretty private person, which is funny considering I blog.  I just internalize a lot and have some personal boundaries, if that makes any sense.  Also, I've been trained to be transparent.  Thanks Mom and Dad.  (But mostly Mom.)

3. What’s your daily make up routine?
It really depends on the day.  On Tuesdays and Thursday, when I don't have to be at work until 10, I often take the time to apply the full face: daily moisturizer with SPF, touch-up stick, undereye coverage, mineral foundation, bronzer, blush, eyeliner, and mascara.  I like to play with eye shadow a lot.  If it's a quick morning, then I throw on touch-up, blush and mascara.

4. What is your ideal girl’s night?
I like going out for happy hour or hanging out at home relaxing.  I don't mind a little dancing now and then, and a pair of cute heels.

5. Do you keep up with your nails/toenails or are they au natural?
I pretty much always have my toes painted, even if it's nail polish from a month ago.  Sometimes I'm lazy.  I paint my finger nails pretty often, but right now they are on a recovery break.  Last time I took the nail polish off, the top layer of my nails came off with it.  A little gross, I know.  They get a little beat up after a while.

6. What’s your best roommate story?
The second house I lived in college had radiant heating in the ceiling. (No, that doesn't really make sense.)  One of my roommates kept her room warm enough that she would often be in shorts and a sports bra.  My cousin and I kept our room at about 55 degrees, just to ensure that our bathroom pipes wouldn't freeze.  It was fun times.

I also lived in a one bedroom apartment with two other girls for a month and a half.  That was a good time.

7. What’s your “go to” outfit that you wear more than anything else?
I wear jeans and converse a lot because I have to walk so much for my job (and can dress casually).  But if I want to look cute, a dress, a cardigan and flats or boots are my go-to combo.  Or I throw on jeans and heels.  I love shoes.

8. Do you have a beauty secret?
It's just really important to find the products that work for your skin.  That said, I couldn't live without my Bobbi Brown touch-up stick.  I always have it on.  (Thanks a lot, continuing acne.)

9. Did you read Seventeen magazine growing up?
Who didn't?!

10. How did you learn to put on makeup?
By trial and error, by copying others, and with tips from professional makeup artists I've had.  Copying is the most sincere form of flattery, right?

4.21.2011

Awkward and Awesome

I've turned into a lazy blogger.  If it wasn't for my internet addiction and these semi-regular weekly posts, you probably would never hear from me.

Also, I'm busy.

Not that busy, but still.  A girl needs her excuses for at least some of the laziness.

Awkward:
- Conversations with people on heavy-duty pain killers.  My boss had surgery this week and is doing fine.  I called her to check in.  It was funny.
- My avoidance of anything resembling a hair brush.  Seriously, the only time I might think about using one is when I blow dry my hair, and sometimes not even then.
- The fact that it hailed two mornings in a row this week.  That's not right.
- Getting a major tune-up on my car this Friday.  I'm already dreading the bill.  I'm also afraid they are going to say my brakes need to be replaced.
- Still needing to get a new windshield.  I decided to wait until after the winter.  You know, just because.
- I went to pick up a mattress set for my parents from Macy's today and the man at the loading dock just watched me as I put on the straps.  I knew what I was doing but the added pressure was annoying.
- Getting my financial aid for next year and having it be all loans.  This just solidified my need for a job down south.
- How out of control my room is.  I am a good piler of crap, though.

Awesome:
- My sister coming home for the weekend.
- A fun baking project that I will share (assuming it's a success).  Hopefully I'll be able to talk the sister into helping me out.
- Dinner with a friend tonight.
- The sun making an appearance today.
- Shabby Apple dresses.  Have you been tempted?  I definitely crossed the line of temptation last night.
- The puppy cuddling with me as a I write this post.
- We should be getting finalized details for Europe tomorrow.  I can't wait to find out and share!!!
- My general use of grammar and the English language.  Take "good piler of crap,"for example.

Well, I'm off to research some recipes.  I can't move because the puppy (and by puppy, I mean 4 year old) is literally resting her head on my left hand.  Today's post was a team effort.

4.20.2011

Wednesday Quick Blog

I feel like this week is flying by.  I've been busy, with work and more work.  I haven't unpacked from this weekend.  My room is a disaster.  And I'm struggling to just keep up with all my blog reading.

If I've learned anything this spring, it's that I'll have to cut back on the blogs I follow come this fall.  Working while going to school will probably be fairly time consuming.  I'll deal with the problem later.

I don't want to borrow trouble.

In other news, our dogs ate an entire package of mint Oreos this afternoon.  They were on the back of the stove (the Oreos).  Needless to say, the dogs' energy levels were a little high when my dad and I returned from the mowing fields.

Well, I know this has been a riveting ten sentences, but I need to head to bed.  I have 6 hours of typing, a mattress to pick up, and dinner with a friend tomorrow.  It's going to fun, especially the dinner.

Although, who doesn't love a trip to pick up a mattress?!

4.16.2011

Beautified, or I will be.

I'm having a blast with family here on the east side of the state.  I've seen my sister's play twice, eaten some delicious (mostly) homemade food, and gotten in some shopping.

I'll be back with more about the weekend, but I thought I'd share the shopping with you.  And it actually has nothing to do with shoes.  Though when the six women stopped by DSW, four of us did end up buying something.

I just held out for Ulta.  I had hoped we'd have time for a visit and had compiled a mental list of things to pick up.

I also love when other bloggers talk about their top beauty products, so I thought I'd combine the two into one post, since my purchases today combined things I can't live without and things I've wanted to try.

Some old faves:

- Maybelline the Colossal Volum Express: Why the ridiculous spelling, I have no idea.  But this mascara has become a favorite.  It gives me thick, wonderful lashes and doesn't leave them dry and brittle.  What's not too love?!

- Neutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Moisturizer (with spf 30): Now that I'm older and wiser, I know that sunscreen is kind of important.  But I have no interest in wearing the thick, greasy product of the summers of my youth.  This lotion is light and doesn't cause my face to freak out.  An all-around win.

- Any nail polish by OPI or Essie.  I purchased a couple options today, in fun, springy colors.  I can't wait to try them all out.  But probably not all at once.

- Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat: I love wearing nail polish, obviously, but always smudge my nails when applying it.  Always.  Then some friends on Twitter suggested Seche Vite to me.  A. May. Zing.  Truly.  It dries to polish quickly and leave a nice protective layer.

New Stuff I'm Trying:
- Oscar Blandi Dry Shampoo: This purchase is mostly for my Europe trip, though I've wanted to try a dry shampoo for a while now.  It comes well recommended and will help me wash my hair even less than usual.

- Stila One Step Correct: I was excited when Stila released this product and have put off purchasing it due to the price.  It's a primer, corrector all-in-one, that's supposed to deal with everything from redness to large pores.  Fingers crossed it works as advertised.

- Garnier Nutrisse in Dark Intense Auburn: I've been getting my hair professionally colored for almost two years now.  And I love it, but it's kind of expensive.  Ultimately, I plan on transitioning back to my natural brown, but I couldn't resist staying a red head a little longer.  I've loved the red and am not quite ready to let go so I'm giving the at-home dye job a go.  Just to put off the inevitable a little longer.

So there you have it.  If I remember, I'll try to let you know what I think of the new products.

**These were my own purchases and not sponsored in any way.  All links are to Ulta since that's where I made my purchases, but most of these products can be found any number of places.

4.14.2011

Awkward and Awesome time

It's like hammer time, but without the pants.  But don't be alarmed, I'm wearing pants.  That was just a little pop culture reference.

Guys, it's Thursday night, which means I'm approximately 4 work hours away from the weekend and some fun times.  I'll tell you more about that later.

Awkward:
- Recent weather phenomenon has included snow.  In April.  This morning, in fact.  I just don't even know what else to say about it.
- Wearing a necklace with a cheap chain earlier this week.  I have a circle of itchiness left around my neck as a reminder.
- TMI warning: a 14-day period.  It's about as fun as it sounds.  Don't worry though, I'll be meeting with the doctor about it on Monday.  With my work schedule, that was the soonest I could get in.
- Forgetting I didn't have sheets on my bed until I wanted to sleep last night.  It made me grumpy.
- Getting out of bed 5 minutes before I left for work.  It was also kind of awesome though.
- Trying to fill out my time sheet tonight.  We have to submit a paper and electronic copy, and it's almost impossible to get them the same.  At least for this time around.  I'm giving up and throwing in the towel.
- The spring/tights dilemma.  My legs are too white and pasty to be exposed, it hasn't really been very warm here, but it just feels wrong to have tights on.  I just don't know what to do.

Awesome:
- A trip across the state to see the sister's senior project, a play.  I can't wait for some good family time, and maybe a little bit of shopping.
- Online shopping.  No crowds, no parking, and you wear sweats the whole time.  Wait, is that last part just me?
- Random text messages from my cousin that never cease to make me laugh.  Thanks favorite cousin!  (And our secret is out...about the whole favorite cousin thing.)
- Friday, friday, friday....

I swear, more than that is awesome in my life, but I'm too tired to think of it right now.  And I still haven't packed for the weekend.  And at the rate this time sheet is going, I won't be getting paid.

So peace out.

4.12.2011

Ten on Tuesday, spring has sprung

I have a confession to make.  I didn't go for a run yesterday, even though the afternoon ended up being absolutely gorgeous.  Instead I ate 4 cookies.  And watched TV.  And caught up on my blog reading.

I've found that all these hours at work are really interfering with the blog reading and email checking.  I probably won't even be able to do either until sometime tomorrow night.  The things I do for work.

I'm such a martyr.

It's Tuesday, in case you didn't know (although I cheated and wrote this Monday night).  That means it's time for me to answer ten questions someone else chose.  You should answer these questions to and link up over at Chelsea's blog.  It'll be fun.


1. If you work, do you drive to work or take public transportation?
I drive to work everyday.  I actually, I drive to the neighborhoods north of campus and then walk the rest of the way.  My commute is about three and a half miles round trip and my car is a hybrid, so I don't lose a lot of sleep over it.  A tank of gas often lasts over a month.

2. How often do you get your haircut? Do you go to the same person every time?
Recently I've been getting my hair cut about every 6 weeks or so, but that's partially because I've been getting it colored and my stylist (always the same one) makes me feel guilty otherwise.  I'm planning on switching back to my natural color, even though I love the red, so I'll probably also get it cut less often.  With grad school starting in the fall, I'm saving every penny I can.

3. Do you read the newspaper? If so, a hardcopy or the online version?
I read the paper online somewhat regularly.  I get the NY Times every day in my inbox and I check the local paper somewhat infrequently.

4. What is the best book you have read this year?
Oh man.  This is not an easy question at all.  Currently, I'm working my way slowly through the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon.  I'm really enjoying them so far, but just haven't had time to really dig in.  Reading is almost a competitive sport in our household, though my dad doesn't really take part, and I'm definitely losing this year.  My mom and brother go through books like people who read really fast (I tried to think of an actual metaphor and failed).

5. What is the best movie you have seen this year?
The King's Speech was fantastic.  It helps that I love Colin Firth and have since watching the BBC Pride and Prejudice.  I actually wanted him to win awards just so to hear his speeches.  Though, to be honest, I haven't seen that many movies.  I also really enjoyed Easy A, which is a completely different part of the movie spectrum.

6. Do you tend to crave sweet or salty foods?
I probably crave sweet more than salty.  I will admit to eating four cookies this afternoon.  In my defense, they were small cookies.  But I'm equal opportunity when it comes to food.  If it looks/smells/sounds good, I'll try consume it all.

7. Do you eat breakfast every day? If so, what do you have?
I hate missing breakfast.  I'm not a creature of habit though.  I eat toast, cereal, oatmeal, donuts, muffins, and whatever else is handy.

8. If you celebrate Easter, what Easter treat/candy are you most looking forward to?
When it comes to candy, any combination of chocolate and peanut butter is sure to get my vote.  I don't really like malted chocolate or jelly beans.

9. How late is "sleeping in" to you?
That depends on the night that preceded it.  I usually consider 10am or anything later, which rarely happens, actually sleeping in.  If I had a choice, I would get up around 8:30am every day.  That's my "sweet" spot.

10. Where are you going on your next vacation?
Europe!  In June!  Although, if we're being literal I'm headed to the east side of the state twice this spring for shenanigans related to my sister's graduation.  I'll be leaving Friday afternoon, in fact.  But Europe is my next real vacation.  And really, the only vacation I have planned.  But since it's kind of a big deal, I'm okay with it being the only one.

4.11.2011

Lovely, Lazy Weekend

This weekend was all kinds of wonderful.  I worked some, not a lot, got some good friend time in, and did a ton of relaxing.

Meaning, it was pretty much perfect.

It started out with dinner made by a good friend.  It was delicious and we enjoyed ourselves.

Saturday, after a brief lawn mowing session, I headed to the local casino for a bachelorette party.  My work friend is getting married in less than a month and we were celebrating.

We did a little in-suite spa day, all of gathering around the jacuzzi to soak our feet and spreading out across the floor to paint our nails.

For dinner, the staff has reserved the board room for our.  The food was delicious and served family style (meaning the portions were huge).  Also, the seats were pretty much the most comfortable ever.  We drank sangria, shared stories, laughed, and shared bites of dishes.

Afterwards, we headed back up to the suite for games and presents.  The game was about being sexy and fashionable, with each of us rewarded and deducted points for different things.  And I won!  I ended up heading home with a super cute mug and a delicious bottle of wine.

I followed that funness up with a completely lazy Sunday.  I watched a lot of the Master's and some Criminal Minds, took a nice long bath, chatted with my cousin, and ate some casserole.  It's a wonder I was able to get up this morning.

As a side note, casserole is one of the weirdest words ever.

Now I'm done with work for my Monday and not quite sure what to do with myself.  Maybe I'll take advantage of a little blue sky peaking through and head out for a run.

In the meantime, you all should enjoy this Adele/Britney Spears mashup.  I know I do.

4.07.2011

Awkward and Awesome: the abridged version.

It's not quite Friday yet, but I'm calling it that already.

I have a little more than an hour to get this done before Thursday officially ends.  And it's going to take all my brain power to make it happen.  That's the kind of week it's been.

Without further ado, my awkwards and awesomes.

Awkward:
- The direct correlation between the hours I'm working and my desire to wear anything other than hoodies and tennis shoes.  But I haven't given in once this week.  Too bad I still have 8 more weeks to survive.
- Having to sit in the corner of a classroom by the trash.  There's just nothing good about it.
- Sitting in front of a computer for 11.5 straight hours every Tuesday.  I'm not sure my back will ever be the same.
- The recent weather.  It has only felt like spring for a few moments here and there.  Spring here usually means rain, but it's been freezing with freakish weather recently.  (Freakish = snow/hail)
- Migraines.  Actually, they are just plain awful.
- 90% of my awkwards having to do with work.

Awesome:
- Dinner catching up with good family friends.  Also, seafood mac 'n' cheese and roasted apple bread pudding.  Delicious.
- A trip to Europe.  Every spare moment is spent planning and plotting.  Currently I'm fixated on what shoes to bring and what bag to carry.
- My friend's bachelorette party this weekend.  Spa day, fancy dinner, night at the casino.  There's nothing this perenially-single girl loves more than good girl time.
- Naps when the sun is shining.  Or naps when the it's raining.  Or just naps.  I don't nap very often, mostly because it takes a while to fall asleep and requires a good chunk of time, but that doesn't mean I don't appreciate them.

That's all I'm mustering tonight.  Happy Friday all!

4.06.2011

Blah, I'm tired, Blah.

This quarter's schedule at work has me feeling rather exhausted.  The craziness wasn't a surprise.

There are new students that we're providing service for and not enough workers.  The newest transcribers, who would normally spend a quarter training, are being thrown straight into class.

Things are just plain crazy.  In fact, I'm working 10am-8pm on Tuesdays, straight, with no break.  My back is a little tight.

Yesterday evening, after finishing up my editing when I got home, I spent about 15 minutes speed reading blog posts for the day (my long list of blogs I follow coming back to haunt me), unwinding, and watching a little TV.

And that was it.  I had to get to bed so I could wake up and leave by 7:15 the next morning.

Luckily, this afternoon, after picking up another hour of work for the quarter and finishing typing up captions for a video, I got to head home.  My dad and I mowed one lawn and otherwise I've been able to relax.  It's been wonderful.

Now you're getting this wonderful post.

I'm telling you, the blog is going to be crazy interesting for the next two months. (SF*)

I don't really have a point to this post, except to say that I could really use a masseuse.  I'm accepting applications for the position.  I can't promise much in terms of pay, but you will get to enjoy my sarcasm daily.  So that's pretty major.  (SF)

I should probably just go to bed.  And I will, once this episode of Criminal Minds is done.  Night!

I just realized you could have gotten the gist of this post just from the title.  So if you made it this far, thanks.  It really means a lot.

*SF stands for sarcasm font.  Have I talked about this before?  The family and I decided we needed a way to signal sarcasm in texts. And since you can't actually change the font, SF was born.  We're very creative, I know.  Please, hold your applause.

4.05.2011

Ten on Tuesday: Dating

I should preface this Ten on Tuesday with a little background information about my dating career.  First of all, I don't have much dating experience, especially with "serious" or long-term relationships.  I'm kind of picky.  In fact, I'm pretty much perennially single.

Also, I've only been the dumper, not the dumpee.  I'm not good at it necessarily, but I have had a few turns at it.  I don't really know what says about me.  I could certainly tell a few stories from dating, but I'll save those for later posts, or just later in this one.

1. What's your ideal best date?
I love having a combo of quality time to talk and active time where you don't have to worry about awkward silences.  Like a fun outdoor activity followed by a meal.  I don't really have a specific ideal date though.

2. How long does it take you to get ready to go on a date?
That totally depends on the date.  That said, I'm not a girl that spends a lot of time primping.  Sometimes figuring out what I'm going to wear takes some time and if I straighten my hair then I'm in for the long haul, but otherwise, I'm done in a half hour or less.

3. What would you wear on the date?
Well, that would depend on the date.  I love cute casual.  Something like jeans, a nice top, heels, but it's nice to have a chance to dress up every once in a while.

4. If you are married, how often do you go on dates? If you are single, when was your last date?
Well, this question is slightly depressing.  Let's just say it's been a while since my last date and leave it at that.  Oh, and I'm not married, by the way.

5. What was your worst date?
This is a toss up.  Probably a blind date I went on.  I met the man at Starbucks, where he had already consumed too much caffeine.  I was there quite a while, didn't say much, and listened to a lot of chatter.  The only silver lining, I had gotten in a nap ahead of time so it didn't completely exhaust me.

6. Do you/did you kiss on your first date?
Negatory.  Although, I probably would if properly tempted.

7. If married, how long before you know he/she was the one? If single, how long before you know if the person is marriage material?
I'll let you know when I find him.  I would it say it's probably easier to tell someone isn't the one than if they are.  Made obvious by my singleness.

8. Do you prefer day dates or night dates?
I prefer dates with someone I want to spend all day with.

9. How old were you when you were first allowed to date?
16, true story.  Which actually is fine with me.  Socially, I was pretty young for my age and probably would have been overwhelmed by a relationship.  Though there was this boy at the end of my freshman year....

10. What is the most embarrassing moment you have had on a date?
When I broke up with my first boyfriend my senior year.  We had been officially dating for a week and I had to give him a ride afterwards.  Talk about a fun drive.

I also had a girl ask me out for a guy in 7th grade (taking it way back).  She had just broken up with him and told me to just go out with him out of sympathy.  I declined.  That wasn't so much embarrassing for me though.

4.02.2011

Really, really big news.

I got some big, exciting news this week.

I'm going to Europe!!!  For the month of June!!!

The story of how this trip came about is a little long and convoluted.  Basically though, my BFF and I will traveling about with a stop by Norway, the stretch through Great Britain, and a cruise through the Mediterranean.

She has some generous family friends and some unique circumstances, and I was lucky enough to be selected as her travel companion.

Needless to say, my thoughts and this blog over the next two months might be slightly consumed by all things travel.

I don't have a lot of details now, but rest assured that I will share them as I find out more.