My birthday party is in just about two weeks now and I am super excited. My sister rented out a rollerskating rink for the occasion and we will be skating for three hours in the middle of the night, and have the rink all to ourselves. Hour of the Wolf is playing, and we're baking a million cupcakes. We're also making an awesome playlist of all the old school rollerskating tunes we used to skate to in the 80s and 90s. Yay! I invited some more friends today, some old friends and some new friends, some acquaintances. The more the merrier, really. I'm not one of those people who doesn't like getting older. In fact, I love it! I really cherish birthdays and I love celebrating, and I'm so glad another year has gone by successfully, as silly as it sounds. My real birthday is May 29th, but we'll be on the Jersey shore then, and the weekend before we will be in Vermont...so that's why we're celebrating a bit early. So many of my old friends will be making it out to rollerskate and it really warms my little heart they will be there.
Like I said, on my actual birthday, we will be out of town, and Hank's birthday is two days after, so we'll be having dinner at one of our favorite pizza places, Federici's, and then ice cream on the boardwalk, ride some of the rides, etc. I can't wait!
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Birthday!
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Shopping at my favorite cheap place!
This was from the other week, when I was dress shopping with Autumn via cell-phone photos. I ended up getting this cute little floral number, amongst too many other things as usual. Forever21 is a bit of a problem for me...they often have cute things (very hit or miss though in my opinion- when it's good it's good, but when it's bad...it's all beaded hippie shit), but they're cheap and don't last. I'd really rather invest in better quality clothing, but cute, cheap things are irresistible! I usually can't leave the store without a few things, and luckily they are mostly about $25.00 each! I am looking forward to when H&M opens, but I know the selection won't be great if they don't end up carrying the Ladies Trend line. And even so, I know the store here won't even compare to the larger city's stores. But we'll see.
And NOW, off to bed. ;)
PMA/jobs
Today was one of those days where I woke up on the right side of the bed, and everything was wonderful. My last post and all of the (wonderful) comments really had me thinking about positivity. I don't know if I made it clear, but my positive outlook is still here, just my outlook on people is a little more realistic. Upon examination, I think where I am is a good place to be. Realistically optimistic.
I haven't been taking very many photos this week, I'm not sure why, but I have a big event Saturday that Hank and I are dressing up for, so I'm sure I will update my Flickr then. About 5 months ago we also received an insanely amazing, brand new Nikon D-SLR, which I am focused on learning to use by our East Coast 3-week extravaganza. We will be in many, many beautiful places and I am looking forward to extensively documenting our trip, both through blog and photo.
And speaking of documenting, lately I have really, really been loving that I have so many photos from almost everyday of my life. Some people may find it odd that I take photographs of myself a lot, photographs of Madeline, photographs on our walks, love photos, sleeping photos...but I appreciate life so much, and I love that I have all these little snapshots of everything, everyday. I will never stop doing that. I just need to work on photography more, and taking different types of pictures. I am so excited for Hank to teach me to use the new one.
It's weird how time goes by. Because I am a teacher, time is set into neat little boxes for me, which makes it fly. It's put into quarters and semesters, days and periods. There is always something coming up- a holiday, a vacation, a progress report, a summer break, a bell. In a weird way I love this- I have always loved the structure of being in school, the idea of working hard for awhile, then getting rewarded with a huge break. And obviously it's no different as a teacher. I work for awhile, and get that same long break. After being a teacher, there is no way I could ever go back to a normal job- and really, I've only worked a few normal jobs in my life, for a couple years right after college.
I've become inspired to list all the jobs I've had, lucky you!
First of all, my parents never insisted I worked in high school, and in fact frowned upon it because I was so busy- they wanted me to have fun (and oh, did I). So I ended up taking weird jobs so I could work with my friends! Here's my timeline, the best I can remember. Due to many wild choices (including too many parties and too many raves in the mid to late nineties) I don't have the best memory of age 14-18. Oops.
I don't know the order of these jobs, but here are the places I worked in high school-
Subway- I don't remember much about this job except we used to steal the big bags of mayo and throw them out of our moving cars at people. Yes, I know that's horrible, but my guy friends were all crazy skateboard guys who liked to have "ruckus" night, which also included launching these bags, and balloons full of who knows what at cars from my backyard. Also, stealing golfcarts from the golf course I grew up on, one of my guy friends jumping into the lake during the old folks concert, and pretending to drown, and another golden time, going in to the JC Penney Home Store at the mall and hiding behind the shower curtains in the model bathrooms and jumping out at old, old people and screaming at the top of their lungs...all caught on video. We were 16 and stupid, what can I say?
And speaking of JC Penneys, I worked there for awhile with tons of friends. Shawna and Kara worked in the Home section, and I spent hours folding those shitty Arizona brand jeans and mens shirts upstairs. I don't remember much about this place either besides all of our friends that were there too.
Some weird telemarketing place- I worked here for about a month before I realized how fucked it was. They would put us in a back room, with no ventilation, and make us cold call people for hours without a break. Sweatshop anyone?
Home Plus- I worked here with my very best guy friend Ryan for awhile. I think we got fired? I don't remember.
And I think that's it for high school.
In college, I worked a few steady jobs throughout my four years at NAU.
Granny's Closet- My good friends Susan and Alyssa had gotten jobs here the summer before sophomore year and got me a job here serving. This was the weirdest place I have ever, ever worked and I can remember so much about it, so vividly. From the bulldog in the kitchen, to the huge vat of ranch, from the penny tips from the drunk Native Americans, to serving wings in the disco, setting up and taking down that godforsaken salad bar, it's so fresh in my mind. I dated some dude I met there for awhile. He turned out to be a total creepie, and I should have learned my lesson about dating restaurant guys. But nope. Stay tuned for that one.
Aveda O.P.O. Salon and Spa- I loved this job. I don't remember if Barb or Autumn (she was just graduating massage school) got me this job, but it quickly became a huge part of my life for all four years of college. It was a family owned salon/spa in downtown Flagstaff, and a wonderful woman Jennessa owned it. She treated her employees so well, and soon I was not only an assistant manager, but became the "Wedding Planner" extraordinaire and had so much responsibility. And I loved it. This is where I first fell in love with Aveda. We had so many good times there and it will always have a special, special place in my heart.
The Cracker Barrel- That's right, the mother-fucking Cracker Barrel kids! Shirley and I decided to apply here where a million of our friends got jobs here. They told us all about the big tips on Sunday mornings from the church-goers...and they were right! Cracker Barrel is a super weird place though, the training alone scared me so badly, but I stuck with it and somehow ended up loving it. We had to wear ridiculous aprons, and memorize all of these weird abbreviations and number codes for ordering. Example: a country-fried steak, white gravy with mashed potatos, brown gravy, and a side of carrots and fried apples looks like - CFSw 8b, 3, 9. Seriously weird, huh? And the longer you work there and take these little tests, you get a star (par level) on your apron. We would work a few nights during the week, and always Sunday morning. We would go to bed at 3 or 4 in the morning, and drag ourselves to work still drunk or hungover and serve all morning, until we go off around 2 or 3. Shirl and I would usually go to Cafe Express for lunch and then head to our house to nap all day, and usually find Autumn still in bed, sleeping away! I also met a guy who shall be called "T." at this fine establishment, and ended up dating him for a long time. He moved to Florida and we consequently parted ways. Somehow he lives in Prescott now. Odd.
So those are three places I have worked in college. After college, I kept just two jobs until I became a teacher.
Aveda- I was the assistant manager at the Aveda store at the Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall for almost two year. After being around Aveda products for all of college, I couldn't be away from it and took this job. It was either that, or manager at Sephora, and I am so glad Aveda won out. Anyway, I met so many wonderful girls at this job, and had a blast. I was working here when I met Hank, and I can still remember telling Rosemary (the head manager) all about him. My main responsibilities were to open/close the store, stock inventory, sell, typical retail stuff. The employee discount though was 74%, which is unheard of, and I loved it. Overall this was probably one of my most favorite jobs- I was required to wear black all day, had to look good (makeup and hair since we were selling beauty), and could show my tattoos. Awesome.
Barnes and Noble- I worked at B&N for a short while up in Prescott to make ends meet while I was student teaching. I love books, and I should have probably just become a librarian. This job was heaven! Coming in an hour early to sort and put away books, talking about reading all day, and a great discount? If I would have gotten laid off, this would have been my back up plan. Barnes and Noble is the jam...besides it being in a mall and always full of my students. Hmmm.
So anyway, now you know my work history. Did anyone even read this far? I feel insane for typing it all out, but I also feel very accomplished. Go me.
And go me, to bed. Goodnight lovelies. xo
PS. Where are some of the weird places you've worked?
I haven't been taking very many photos this week, I'm not sure why, but I have a big event Saturday that Hank and I are dressing up for, so I'm sure I will update my Flickr then. About 5 months ago we also received an insanely amazing, brand new Nikon D-SLR, which I am focused on learning to use by our East Coast 3-week extravaganza. We will be in many, many beautiful places and I am looking forward to extensively documenting our trip, both through blog and photo.
And speaking of documenting, lately I have really, really been loving that I have so many photos from almost everyday of my life. Some people may find it odd that I take photographs of myself a lot, photographs of Madeline, photographs on our walks, love photos, sleeping photos...but I appreciate life so much, and I love that I have all these little snapshots of everything, everyday. I will never stop doing that. I just need to work on photography more, and taking different types of pictures. I am so excited for Hank to teach me to use the new one.
It's weird how time goes by. Because I am a teacher, time is set into neat little boxes for me, which makes it fly. It's put into quarters and semesters, days and periods. There is always something coming up- a holiday, a vacation, a progress report, a summer break, a bell. In a weird way I love this- I have always loved the structure of being in school, the idea of working hard for awhile, then getting rewarded with a huge break. And obviously it's no different as a teacher. I work for awhile, and get that same long break. After being a teacher, there is no way I could ever go back to a normal job- and really, I've only worked a few normal jobs in my life, for a couple years right after college.
I've become inspired to list all the jobs I've had, lucky you!
First of all, my parents never insisted I worked in high school, and in fact frowned upon it because I was so busy- they wanted me to have fun (and oh, did I). So I ended up taking weird jobs so I could work with my friends! Here's my timeline, the best I can remember. Due to many wild choices (including too many parties and too many raves in the mid to late nineties) I don't have the best memory of age 14-18. Oops.
I don't know the order of these jobs, but here are the places I worked in high school-
Subway- I don't remember much about this job except we used to steal the big bags of mayo and throw them out of our moving cars at people. Yes, I know that's horrible, but my guy friends were all crazy skateboard guys who liked to have "ruckus" night, which also included launching these bags, and balloons full of who knows what at cars from my backyard. Also, stealing golfcarts from the golf course I grew up on, one of my guy friends jumping into the lake during the old folks concert, and pretending to drown, and another golden time, going in to the JC Penney Home Store at the mall and hiding behind the shower curtains in the model bathrooms and jumping out at old, old people and screaming at the top of their lungs...all caught on video. We were 16 and stupid, what can I say?
And speaking of JC Penneys, I worked there for awhile with tons of friends. Shawna and Kara worked in the Home section, and I spent hours folding those shitty Arizona brand jeans and mens shirts upstairs. I don't remember much about this place either besides all of our friends that were there too.
Some weird telemarketing place- I worked here for about a month before I realized how fucked it was. They would put us in a back room, with no ventilation, and make us cold call people for hours without a break. Sweatshop anyone?
Home Plus- I worked here with my very best guy friend Ryan for awhile. I think we got fired? I don't remember.
And I think that's it for high school.
In college, I worked a few steady jobs throughout my four years at NAU.
Granny's Closet- My good friends Susan and Alyssa had gotten jobs here the summer before sophomore year and got me a job here serving. This was the weirdest place I have ever, ever worked and I can remember so much about it, so vividly. From the bulldog in the kitchen, to the huge vat of ranch, from the penny tips from the drunk Native Americans, to serving wings in the disco, setting up and taking down that godforsaken salad bar, it's so fresh in my mind. I dated some dude I met there for awhile. He turned out to be a total creepie, and I should have learned my lesson about dating restaurant guys. But nope. Stay tuned for that one.
Aveda O.P.O. Salon and Spa- I loved this job. I don't remember if Barb or Autumn (she was just graduating massage school) got me this job, but it quickly became a huge part of my life for all four years of college. It was a family owned salon/spa in downtown Flagstaff, and a wonderful woman Jennessa owned it. She treated her employees so well, and soon I was not only an assistant manager, but became the "Wedding Planner" extraordinaire and had so much responsibility. And I loved it. This is where I first fell in love with Aveda. We had so many good times there and it will always have a special, special place in my heart.
The Cracker Barrel- That's right, the mother-fucking Cracker Barrel kids! Shirley and I decided to apply here where a million of our friends got jobs here. They told us all about the big tips on Sunday mornings from the church-goers...and they were right! Cracker Barrel is a super weird place though, the training alone scared me so badly, but I stuck with it and somehow ended up loving it. We had to wear ridiculous aprons, and memorize all of these weird abbreviations and number codes for ordering. Example: a country-fried steak, white gravy with mashed potatos, brown gravy, and a side of carrots and fried apples looks like - CFSw 8b, 3, 9. Seriously weird, huh? And the longer you work there and take these little tests, you get a star (par level) on your apron. We would work a few nights during the week, and always Sunday morning. We would go to bed at 3 or 4 in the morning, and drag ourselves to work still drunk or hungover and serve all morning, until we go off around 2 or 3. Shirl and I would usually go to Cafe Express for lunch and then head to our house to nap all day, and usually find Autumn still in bed, sleeping away! I also met a guy who shall be called "T." at this fine establishment, and ended up dating him for a long time. He moved to Florida and we consequently parted ways. Somehow he lives in Prescott now. Odd.
So those are three places I have worked in college. After college, I kept just two jobs until I became a teacher.
Aveda- I was the assistant manager at the Aveda store at the Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall for almost two year. After being around Aveda products for all of college, I couldn't be away from it and took this job. It was either that, or manager at Sephora, and I am so glad Aveda won out. Anyway, I met so many wonderful girls at this job, and had a blast. I was working here when I met Hank, and I can still remember telling Rosemary (the head manager) all about him. My main responsibilities were to open/close the store, stock inventory, sell, typical retail stuff. The employee discount though was 74%, which is unheard of, and I loved it. Overall this was probably one of my most favorite jobs- I was required to wear black all day, had to look good (makeup and hair since we were selling beauty), and could show my tattoos. Awesome.
Barnes and Noble- I worked at B&N for a short while up in Prescott to make ends meet while I was student teaching. I love books, and I should have probably just become a librarian. This job was heaven! Coming in an hour early to sort and put away books, talking about reading all day, and a great discount? If I would have gotten laid off, this would have been my back up plan. Barnes and Noble is the jam...besides it being in a mall and always full of my students. Hmmm.
So anyway, now you know my work history. Did anyone even read this far? I feel insane for typing it all out, but I also feel very accomplished. Go me.
And go me, to bed. Goodnight lovelies. xo
PS. Where are some of the weird places you've worked?
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
sweet...
I am generally a really sweet girl. Sometimes too sweet, I guess, and I have been called fake numerous times, and disliked for being "too happy." Ha! Seriously though. But lately I sadly feel as if that sweet of my personality is slowly, slowly falling away. I have a sneaking suspicion that this is "growing up," and this is my heart turning a little colder and older, and losing a bit of my childish charm.
AND THIS TERRIFIES ME.
I guess I should feel lucky I am aware of this, but it's scary. I can't figure out if I was just naive before, and now perhaps I am in reality, but something is different. I want to tell all of the shitty people in the world that they're shitty. I want to stop being friends with people because they're shitty. I don't see the good in people anymore, I actually think that most people are shitty. And THAT'S shitty! When did this happen to me?
I have been thinking about this a lot. And also thinking about how I really don't care anymore about always being nice to people because most people aren't nice! I guess the sad part to me is that realization- people aren't nice. Have I changed, or just become more aware of people's true selves? Or have I simply gotten older and changed, and in turn, am surrounded with other older people who have also become a little less nice? I could turn this over in my head forever.
Hank says I think about things too much, not in a negative way, just in a observant way. I agree with him.
I'm definitely a positive person, but my rose-colored glasses are nowhere to be found. I need them back. I want them back! I want to still see people as good, I want my heart to feel light and happy. I never want to lose my child heart, the spark I have for life.
This entire entry makes perfect sense to me, but I wonder if you get it too. Sometimes my thoughts are a bit jumbled, making for a jumbled entry. But I tried...
In other news, today was a pretty okay day. It was the last day of the work week for me. Tomorrow is Rally Day and then two days at Northpoint. This weekend we'll be in Phoenix for a weekend full of friends and fun. I am currently trying to find motivation for a late night gym visit, but I am thinking it may be more beneficial to just head to sleep by 10 and do the gym in the morning.
Either way, I wish you all beautiful dreams!
xo
AND THIS TERRIFIES ME.
I guess I should feel lucky I am aware of this, but it's scary. I can't figure out if I was just naive before, and now perhaps I am in reality, but something is different. I want to tell all of the shitty people in the world that they're shitty. I want to stop being friends with people because they're shitty. I don't see the good in people anymore, I actually think that most people are shitty. And THAT'S shitty! When did this happen to me?
I have been thinking about this a lot. And also thinking about how I really don't care anymore about always being nice to people because most people aren't nice! I guess the sad part to me is that realization- people aren't nice. Have I changed, or just become more aware of people's true selves? Or have I simply gotten older and changed, and in turn, am surrounded with other older people who have also become a little less nice? I could turn this over in my head forever.
Hank says I think about things too much, not in a negative way, just in a observant way. I agree with him.
I'm definitely a positive person, but my rose-colored glasses are nowhere to be found. I need them back. I want them back! I want to still see people as good, I want my heart to feel light and happy. I never want to lose my child heart, the spark I have for life.
This entire entry makes perfect sense to me, but I wonder if you get it too. Sometimes my thoughts are a bit jumbled, making for a jumbled entry. But I tried...
In other news, today was a pretty okay day. It was the last day of the work week for me. Tomorrow is Rally Day and then two days at Northpoint. This weekend we'll be in Phoenix for a weekend full of friends and fun. I am currently trying to find motivation for a late night gym visit, but I am thinking it may be more beneficial to just head to sleep by 10 and do the gym in the morning.
Either way, I wish you all beautiful dreams!
xo
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Naptime!
I somehow just woke up for a super long nap which felt so good, but I know I will regret tonight. I also just realized a few things - in less than three weeks I am having my wonderful rollerskating birthday party, and in less than four weeks Hank and I will be spending three weeks traveling around the East Coast. I can't believe how quickly summer has arrived. And I couldn't be happier!
I don't have very many responsibilities this week, but here is my to-do list:
1) check up on bank fraud/send in affidavit
2) fix bike once and for all! (I have been putting this off and I need it done, like yesterday)
That's really it. I have a two day work week (Wednesday is a big rally all day so I am not counting it as a teaching day) and Thursday and Friday I'll be away from school doing judging at another high school! I feel so comforted as this year winds down. It's been the first year I have actually liked teaching almost every single day, which is a great feeling.
So this morning we went to brunch at the Dinner Bell with friends, then walked a bit downtown, went to the market, then I came home and made some cupcakes for the guys as they watched basketball. Then...took a long, long nap! I am planning on not doing much else for the rest of the evening, probably going to watch "Yes Man" right here in our big, comfy bed!
Here are some photos from this morning-
Here's me on our back porch, and my new MJ in action. I am so happy with it. One of my friends Zoe has it and we talked about which size, whether or not I should do the tan or black, etc. She is also a collector and recommended the tan, and I am soo happy with it. It is my most favorite bag right now.
Hank waiting for our table
Outside, enjoying the beautiful weather
Granite Creek Trail
I don't have very many responsibilities this week, but here is my to-do list:
1) check up on bank fraud/send in affidavit
2) fix bike once and for all! (I have been putting this off and I need it done, like yesterday)
That's really it. I have a two day work week (Wednesday is a big rally all day so I am not counting it as a teaching day) and Thursday and Friday I'll be away from school doing judging at another high school! I feel so comforted as this year winds down. It's been the first year I have actually liked teaching almost every single day, which is a great feeling.
So this morning we went to brunch at the Dinner Bell with friends, then walked a bit downtown, went to the market, then I came home and made some cupcakes for the guys as they watched basketball. Then...took a long, long nap! I am planning on not doing much else for the rest of the evening, probably going to watch "Yes Man" right here in our big, comfy bed!
Here are some photos from this morning-
Here's me on our back porch, and my new MJ in action. I am so happy with it. One of my friends Zoe has it and we talked about which size, whether or not I should do the tan or black, etc. She is also a collector and recommended the tan, and I am soo happy with it. It is my most favorite bag right now.
Hank waiting for our table
Outside, enjoying the beautiful weather
Granite Creek Trail
Sunday morning
Right now I'm on hold with Bank of America, because I had 6 huge charges mysteriously show up on my inactive debit card, which is totally scary. Huge kudos to BofA though, they are so helpful and are taking care of it. They alerted me to it right away. Thank you Bank of America!
Last night we had some old friends in town, so we went to sushi, then to Hank's show, out with everyone, etc. It was a really fun night, and lots of friends were in town from Tuscon and Phoenix because it was Kyle's birthday and some other things were going on. I still have not drank any alcohol since New Year's Eve (outside of some tastes of wine at a wine bar with the Loops), and last night yet again reminded me of why I just don't have the urge to anymore. I have fun no matter what, I love hanging out with people and I don't need it to 'cut loose,' or to destress. There's actually no reason at all for me to drink, especially since I don't see the logic in being sick the next day! So anyway, I didn't drink again last night and I am so glad, I love love love waking up feeling fantastic the next day, plus all of those toxins are no good. I'm not saying I won't ever drink again, but for this period in my life I don't feel like it. Surprisingly Hank stayed out after his show (he always goes home and then we all go out) and he had a great time! If you don't know me personally, my hubby is straight edge and doesn't go out to bars and prefers to avoid drunk people. He never judges, but it's just his choice. I definitely don't mind that he doesn't go out on the rare occasion I do, but it was such a nice treat that he stayed out all night with everyone and had a great time! In my life I always go through drinking and non drinking phases, but I've never been one to drink a lot (besides parts of college, but that's a whole different story). Overall, the point I'm trying to make is that I feel so healthy and good without it, I'm not sure if I will choose to do it again for a long time. But, we will be on the Jersey shore for almost a month...haha...
Here are some photos from last night, they're just shitty bar photos, nothing too good. :)
Hank and Jordan
I ran into my friend Ashley who now lives in Tucson! She is the cutest thing.
Addison and Brett
Jordan filling in on bass for a song, he is too cute.
Kyle the birthday boy and Brett!
Last night we had some old friends in town, so we went to sushi, then to Hank's show, out with everyone, etc. It was a really fun night, and lots of friends were in town from Tuscon and Phoenix because it was Kyle's birthday and some other things were going on. I still have not drank any alcohol since New Year's Eve (outside of some tastes of wine at a wine bar with the Loops), and last night yet again reminded me of why I just don't have the urge to anymore. I have fun no matter what, I love hanging out with people and I don't need it to 'cut loose,' or to destress. There's actually no reason at all for me to drink, especially since I don't see the logic in being sick the next day! So anyway, I didn't drink again last night and I am so glad, I love love love waking up feeling fantastic the next day, plus all of those toxins are no good. I'm not saying I won't ever drink again, but for this period in my life I don't feel like it. Surprisingly Hank stayed out after his show (he always goes home and then we all go out) and he had a great time! If you don't know me personally, my hubby is straight edge and doesn't go out to bars and prefers to avoid drunk people. He never judges, but it's just his choice. I definitely don't mind that he doesn't go out on the rare occasion I do, but it was such a nice treat that he stayed out all night with everyone and had a great time! In my life I always go through drinking and non drinking phases, but I've never been one to drink a lot (besides parts of college, but that's a whole different story). Overall, the point I'm trying to make is that I feel so healthy and good without it, I'm not sure if I will choose to do it again for a long time. But, we will be on the Jersey shore for almost a month...haha...
Here are some photos from last night, they're just shitty bar photos, nothing too good. :)
Hank and Jordan
I ran into my friend Ashley who now lives in Tucson! She is the cutest thing.
Addison and Brett
Jordan filling in on bass for a song, he is too cute.
Kyle the birthday boy and Brett!
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Happy 1st Birthday Madeline!
The picture in the middle makes me laugh because it really looks like she's saying "Hey guys! It's my birthday!"
Friday, April 24, 2009
tattoos, tattoos
I never thought I wanted to get tattooed. In fact, I always said I would never get tattooed. Reading back in my livejournal in high school in some of those surveys I would answer "no tattoos, definitely not for me!" And I remember yelling at two of my girlfriends during our senior trip in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico about the tattoos they got at some shop. Not only was I concerned about the cleanliness, I was upset that they would do something like that to their bodies! I wasn't the girl who grew up listening to hardcore, and I wasn't the girl who grew up going to shows and was around tattoos all the time. I started going to shows when I was 18, and that was the first time I was around people who had lots of tattoos, outside of my friends in high school who had the occasional one on their back or hips.
My high school experience was full of sports and dance, student council, and lots of parties, etc. Some of my boyfriends had tattoos, Lucas got his last name huge across his back, Dale had some on his arm and on his back. But it's just funny to me that I ended up really, really falling in love with tattoos because I never would have been able to call that one growing up, and I don't think anyone else would have either.
Like I mentioned before, when I was 18 I started getting into hardcore and going to shows. At this time I was in college, up at NAU, and it was such an enlightening experience. I was in a sorority all four years, and although I still connect with so much of that, I always felt like there were certain things about life that the people around me just didn't get. I found those missing things in the music that I was listening to more and more, as cheesy as it sounds. As I starting going to more shows, I was around people who appreciated tattoos, and actually had beautiful, amazing artwork on their bodies- not just the tribal and hearts with wings I saw in my hometown of Mesa. The more I thought about it, I realized that I wanted to get tattooed. Luckily I had a good friend who steered me to the right shop and the right people.
I got my first tattoo in 2003, from Jason at Immaculate, and it was my Vonnegut piece on my back. I still remember how nervous and scared I felt to be taking this "plunge" into a totally different world. I knew I wanted tattoos for me, but at 20 I still felt insecure in my own skin at times and I wasn't sure how my "other" friends and family would react. It's weird to think back now, because that tattoo was on my back! No one would ever see it, and who cared if they did? But I was a different person then, with a totally different mindset, and I did care, as funny as it is now in retrospect!
Being super close with my Mom and Dad I was scared to show them- and like I had anticipated, my parents' reaction wasn't a positive one. They just didn't get it. They actually still don't get it, but they are loving and "tolerant" of it all now...but I'll talk more about this later.
After getting my back tattooed I realized that I actually did want a lot more, so I kept thinking and thinking about what I wanted to get. I was listening to a lot of Bane at the time, and I decided to get "live the life you love" on my right side and "love the life you live" on my other. Looking back I'm so glad I got my ribs tattooed straight away because my back wasn't horrible, and these were a nightmare. It made me realize how bad getting tattooed was, and in comparison the following ones weren't as bad. After doing these, I thought I was really ready to get visibly tattooed. The same friend who steered me in the right direction towards Immaculate and Jason really asked me a lot of questions, tried to make sure I was ready for what I was getting myself into. "Was I sure I wanted to be judged everytime my skin is showing?" "Was I sure I wanted to be an 80 year old woman with tattoos on her chest?" I thought about it, for a long while actually, and realized that this was what I wanted so I went in and Jason tattooed two roses on my shoulders. My roses turned into a chest piece, my chest pieces turned into getting my sternum tattooed, and then my wrist, my arm, my rib panel and now the back of my neck.
Sometime along the way I crossed some bridge where I stopped caring about what people thought. Even when I first had my chest tattooed I would feel uncomfortable. That's embarrassing to me, because no one should care. But I did. I am still sensitive, but it would literally hurt my feelings and depress me when people would stare at me, or make rude comments. I remember going to Disneyland with some friends a little before I got my chest done, and the way my heavily tattooed friends were treated was appalling. I never expected that to happen to me, but lo and behold, walking around with a dress or tank top caused people to stop, stare, talk, etc. And like I said, for awhile I was bothered. I went from feeling like I should cover up in public so I wouldn't have to deal with it, to wanting to show them so I could glare back at people, to now- which is a kind of apathy. Look all you want, I don't care. I don't know if many newly tattooed people go through a cycle like that but it took a long time for me to get to where I am, confident and not caring if people want to stare.
I am a high school English teacher, which is another tattoo issue in itself. When I first started student teaching, I only had to cover my chest. I found it annoying at first, but then I realized that most things I wore (ruffly blouses, button ups with cardigans) covered them anyway, I didn't care as much and didn't give a second thought to tattooing my arm. Now I have to wear long sleeved cardigans and higher necked blouses everyday, but it's not a big deal. The administration has actually verbalized to me that I can show them, but I'm not sure if they know the extent and I personally would never want to do that. The kids would be way too distracted and it would be more annoying than anything. Because my husband is in a band that so many of my students love, I see them at shows so they know that I have tattoos. So of course there's always a question about them, but I simply say, "Yes, I have some," and move on.
In terms of judgment, I live in a small town so it's a given. Being a teacher makes it a little tricky because it's so incredibly awkward to see parents and students out in the summer when all I have on in a dress and everything is out and proud! I don't care if they disapprove, but I prefer to avoid that awkward scene.
My own parents still don't like the fact that I have tattoos, but completely accept me, my sister and hubby and our friends. They really have no choice, and I think my Mom gets sad at times when she thinks back to us being little girls, but I often remind her of all the other "bad" choices we could have made! After she is reminded of that, she comes back to reality and realizes she has some pretty awesome daughters. It's also nice to be married to a man who loves them and is heavily tattooed himself. I often get the question, "What will you do when you're old and wrinkly?" Well luckily I am married to someone who will also be old, tattooed, and wrinkly! Wrinkly skin is wrinkly skin, tattooed or not. That kind of thing doesn't bother me at all. Wrinkly, tattooed skin? Awesome!
One other thing I really like is the barrier it sets up for me, almost like a screening mechanism for shitty people. I've actually had a 'friend' say "Oh I can't have her as a bridesmaid, she'll ruin the photos!" Now, it's fine if you don't want tattoos in your photos, but if your friend who you love has tattoos, why wouldn't you want them to be themselves...isn't that why you're friends with them? I know people have differing opinions on this, but I thought it was pretty shitty. Another thing that I have dealt with is going out with friends who aren't tattooed at all. A few of my very best friends are from my sorority and go to very mainstream bars. I used to hate going out with them because it was always an issue. People would always come up, because I'd stick out like a sore thumb, and it was uncomfortable. I don't care as much now a days, but I still get a little weird in situations like that.
I love tattoos (hate getting tattooed) and I am looking forward to a lot more in my lifetime. In the near future (next month) I am getting my right thigh tattooed, and plan on doing both thighs, shins, other rib panel, upper back, and arm. Once I stop working and I'm a Mom I will tattoo the sides of my neck and hands/knuckles. But that's only when I am at home and don't have to worry about covering them anymore. Hank and I have often talked about what it would be like to have parents like us, and I'm sure our kids will either love it or be mortified. It's funny to think about! I love it and I know it's not a popular thing to be so tattooed, but it's for me. The old school tattooed women of the early 1900s are beautiful to me and it's exciting to be adding to what I have. I love that I have beautiful girlfriends who are also heavily tattooed, I love seeing what they dream up to get done.
I've been getting a lot of questions about them on here, so I thought I would devote an entry to it. I would love to read the "tattoo stories" of my other friends, so if you feel inspired to take time and type it out, please do! And I know this was a lot to read, so if you made it this far thanks for doing so! I hope you enjoyed it!
xoxo
My high school experience was full of sports and dance, student council, and lots of parties, etc. Some of my boyfriends had tattoos, Lucas got his last name huge across his back, Dale had some on his arm and on his back. But it's just funny to me that I ended up really, really falling in love with tattoos because I never would have been able to call that one growing up, and I don't think anyone else would have either.
Like I mentioned before, when I was 18 I started getting into hardcore and going to shows. At this time I was in college, up at NAU, and it was such an enlightening experience. I was in a sorority all four years, and although I still connect with so much of that, I always felt like there were certain things about life that the people around me just didn't get. I found those missing things in the music that I was listening to more and more, as cheesy as it sounds. As I starting going to more shows, I was around people who appreciated tattoos, and actually had beautiful, amazing artwork on their bodies- not just the tribal and hearts with wings I saw in my hometown of Mesa. The more I thought about it, I realized that I wanted to get tattooed. Luckily I had a good friend who steered me to the right shop and the right people.
I got my first tattoo in 2003, from Jason at Immaculate, and it was my Vonnegut piece on my back. I still remember how nervous and scared I felt to be taking this "plunge" into a totally different world. I knew I wanted tattoos for me, but at 20 I still felt insecure in my own skin at times and I wasn't sure how my "other" friends and family would react. It's weird to think back now, because that tattoo was on my back! No one would ever see it, and who cared if they did? But I was a different person then, with a totally different mindset, and I did care, as funny as it is now in retrospect!
Being super close with my Mom and Dad I was scared to show them- and like I had anticipated, my parents' reaction wasn't a positive one. They just didn't get it. They actually still don't get it, but they are loving and "tolerant" of it all now...but I'll talk more about this later.
After getting my back tattooed I realized that I actually did want a lot more, so I kept thinking and thinking about what I wanted to get. I was listening to a lot of Bane at the time, and I decided to get "live the life you love" on my right side and "love the life you live" on my other. Looking back I'm so glad I got my ribs tattooed straight away because my back wasn't horrible, and these were a nightmare. It made me realize how bad getting tattooed was, and in comparison the following ones weren't as bad. After doing these, I thought I was really ready to get visibly tattooed. The same friend who steered me in the right direction towards Immaculate and Jason really asked me a lot of questions, tried to make sure I was ready for what I was getting myself into. "Was I sure I wanted to be judged everytime my skin is showing?" "Was I sure I wanted to be an 80 year old woman with tattoos on her chest?" I thought about it, for a long while actually, and realized that this was what I wanted so I went in and Jason tattooed two roses on my shoulders. My roses turned into a chest piece, my chest pieces turned into getting my sternum tattooed, and then my wrist, my arm, my rib panel and now the back of my neck.
Sometime along the way I crossed some bridge where I stopped caring about what people thought. Even when I first had my chest tattooed I would feel uncomfortable. That's embarrassing to me, because no one should care. But I did. I am still sensitive, but it would literally hurt my feelings and depress me when people would stare at me, or make rude comments. I remember going to Disneyland with some friends a little before I got my chest done, and the way my heavily tattooed friends were treated was appalling. I never expected that to happen to me, but lo and behold, walking around with a dress or tank top caused people to stop, stare, talk, etc. And like I said, for awhile I was bothered. I went from feeling like I should cover up in public so I wouldn't have to deal with it, to wanting to show them so I could glare back at people, to now- which is a kind of apathy. Look all you want, I don't care. I don't know if many newly tattooed people go through a cycle like that but it took a long time for me to get to where I am, confident and not caring if people want to stare.
I am a high school English teacher, which is another tattoo issue in itself. When I first started student teaching, I only had to cover my chest. I found it annoying at first, but then I realized that most things I wore (ruffly blouses, button ups with cardigans) covered them anyway, I didn't care as much and didn't give a second thought to tattooing my arm. Now I have to wear long sleeved cardigans and higher necked blouses everyday, but it's not a big deal. The administration has actually verbalized to me that I can show them, but I'm not sure if they know the extent and I personally would never want to do that. The kids would be way too distracted and it would be more annoying than anything. Because my husband is in a band that so many of my students love, I see them at shows so they know that I have tattoos. So of course there's always a question about them, but I simply say, "Yes, I have some," and move on.
In terms of judgment, I live in a small town so it's a given. Being a teacher makes it a little tricky because it's so incredibly awkward to see parents and students out in the summer when all I have on in a dress and everything is out and proud! I don't care if they disapprove, but I prefer to avoid that awkward scene.
My own parents still don't like the fact that I have tattoos, but completely accept me, my sister and hubby and our friends. They really have no choice, and I think my Mom gets sad at times when she thinks back to us being little girls, but I often remind her of all the other "bad" choices we could have made! After she is reminded of that, she comes back to reality and realizes she has some pretty awesome daughters. It's also nice to be married to a man who loves them and is heavily tattooed himself. I often get the question, "What will you do when you're old and wrinkly?" Well luckily I am married to someone who will also be old, tattooed, and wrinkly! Wrinkly skin is wrinkly skin, tattooed or not. That kind of thing doesn't bother me at all. Wrinkly, tattooed skin? Awesome!
One other thing I really like is the barrier it sets up for me, almost like a screening mechanism for shitty people. I've actually had a 'friend' say "Oh I can't have her as a bridesmaid, she'll ruin the photos!" Now, it's fine if you don't want tattoos in your photos, but if your friend who you love has tattoos, why wouldn't you want them to be themselves...isn't that why you're friends with them? I know people have differing opinions on this, but I thought it was pretty shitty. Another thing that I have dealt with is going out with friends who aren't tattooed at all. A few of my very best friends are from my sorority and go to very mainstream bars. I used to hate going out with them because it was always an issue. People would always come up, because I'd stick out like a sore thumb, and it was uncomfortable. I don't care as much now a days, but I still get a little weird in situations like that.
I love tattoos (hate getting tattooed) and I am looking forward to a lot more in my lifetime. In the near future (next month) I am getting my right thigh tattooed, and plan on doing both thighs, shins, other rib panel, upper back, and arm. Once I stop working and I'm a Mom I will tattoo the sides of my neck and hands/knuckles. But that's only when I am at home and don't have to worry about covering them anymore. Hank and I have often talked about what it would be like to have parents like us, and I'm sure our kids will either love it or be mortified. It's funny to think about! I love it and I know it's not a popular thing to be so tattooed, but it's for me. The old school tattooed women of the early 1900s are beautiful to me and it's exciting to be adding to what I have. I love that I have beautiful girlfriends who are also heavily tattooed, I love seeing what they dream up to get done.
I've been getting a lot of questions about them on here, so I thought I would devote an entry to it. I would love to read the "tattoo stories" of my other friends, so if you feel inspired to take time and type it out, please do! And I know this was a lot to read, so if you made it this far thanks for doing so! I hope you enjoyed it!
xoxo
Thursday, April 23, 2009
almost Friday, almost there
I just got home from a late night gym session and I am feeling great, despite today actually being a pretty shitty day at work. I won't get into it because I don't want to talk about personal work stuff here, but just know that I had to deal with a violent situation at school which totally scared and disheartened me. Hank totally cheered my grumpy self up though, we did our usual afternoon stroll with Madeline and picked up Hugos on the way home. Yum!
But now that the week is winding down, let me say- what a week! Lately I feel like I am just going through the motions until the next weekend comes. I hurry and get out of work to come home so I can hang out all night, go to the gym uncharacteristically late, go to bed later, wake up later, etc etc. Then the weekend comes...sweet, sweet weekends! Hank doesn't work at the salon on Saturday anymore so we can just stay in bed as long as we want. Even though we don't want to start having babies for awhile, I think about how these are the times we need to really savor, life is still so slow and easy, and it's such a luxury to do as we please, all weekend long. One day when we have kids and other responsibilities I'm sure we will look back to these days fondly. And even better, I only technically have three weeks of work left. I know this is why I am behaving in such a weird way in terms of staying up so late and not really accomplishing very much in terms of grading/work! I have a stack of essay tests I need to grade and keep putting them off. Oh well, I have three weeks to get them done. I am already feeling like it is summer though, because of all of the traveling and Hank and I spending every day outside in the sun.
I drove down to Phoenix yesterday to pick my ring back up (they had to repair a prong and sauter my wedding and engagement rings together). I was so sad without them for a week but now they're back home on my finger. I also came down to get tattooed and that was great as usual, minus the pain of course. I got the back of my neck tattooed with a cute nesting doll (the first one I ever got from Russia!) and she turned out beautifully. We also set the date next month for my thigh. Fun fun.
This weekend Hank (Hour of the Wolf) has a show Saturday night and I am anticipating another wonderful, relaxing two days. Next week I only work Monday-Wednesday because Jenn and I are spending Thursday and Friday at another high school doing portfolio judging, which is awesome. And then that next week is Shirley's charity event- Viva in Scottsdale, so we will be spending that weekend in Phoenix. Autumn and the family will be in town and I cannot wait, I am counting down the minutes. Annnd I/we are super stoked because our favorite frozen yogurt place from Long Beach, Yogurtland, finally opened their store down there. They aren't quite as healthy as Pinkberry but much cheaper and a much better selection. Their green tea flavor is to die for.
Alright, it's almost 11:30 so I am off to bed, I'll leave you with some photos from yesterday and this afternoon!
driving down
frozen yogurt from yogurberry
today, before our walk, squinting in the sun
Hank and Madeline
We saw Jenn (my next-door teacher, great friend, and fellow fitness aficionado) riding her bike by Hugos, so I snapped a pic! She is so cute and a hardcore triathlete.
But now that the week is winding down, let me say- what a week! Lately I feel like I am just going through the motions until the next weekend comes. I hurry and get out of work to come home so I can hang out all night, go to the gym uncharacteristically late, go to bed later, wake up later, etc etc. Then the weekend comes...sweet, sweet weekends! Hank doesn't work at the salon on Saturday anymore so we can just stay in bed as long as we want. Even though we don't want to start having babies for awhile, I think about how these are the times we need to really savor, life is still so slow and easy, and it's such a luxury to do as we please, all weekend long. One day when we have kids and other responsibilities I'm sure we will look back to these days fondly. And even better, I only technically have three weeks of work left. I know this is why I am behaving in such a weird way in terms of staying up so late and not really accomplishing very much in terms of grading/work! I have a stack of essay tests I need to grade and keep putting them off. Oh well, I have three weeks to get them done. I am already feeling like it is summer though, because of all of the traveling and Hank and I spending every day outside in the sun.
I drove down to Phoenix yesterday to pick my ring back up (they had to repair a prong and sauter my wedding and engagement rings together). I was so sad without them for a week but now they're back home on my finger. I also came down to get tattooed and that was great as usual, minus the pain of course. I got the back of my neck tattooed with a cute nesting doll (the first one I ever got from Russia!) and she turned out beautifully. We also set the date next month for my thigh. Fun fun.
This weekend Hank (Hour of the Wolf) has a show Saturday night and I am anticipating another wonderful, relaxing two days. Next week I only work Monday-Wednesday because Jenn and I are spending Thursday and Friday at another high school doing portfolio judging, which is awesome. And then that next week is Shirley's charity event- Viva in Scottsdale, so we will be spending that weekend in Phoenix. Autumn and the family will be in town and I cannot wait, I am counting down the minutes. Annnd I/we are super stoked because our favorite frozen yogurt place from Long Beach, Yogurtland, finally opened their store down there. They aren't quite as healthy as Pinkberry but much cheaper and a much better selection. Their green tea flavor is to die for.
Alright, it's almost 11:30 so I am off to bed, I'll leave you with some photos from yesterday and this afternoon!
driving down
frozen yogurt from yogurberry
today, before our walk, squinting in the sun
Hank and Madeline
We saw Jenn (my next-door teacher, great friend, and fellow fitness aficionado) riding her bike by Hugos, so I snapped a pic! She is so cute and a hardcore triathlete.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Say goodbye to my untattooed neck!
Yay! I am excited to get tattooed tomorrow, and get my leg traced. Annnd today was an awesome day. I got off work at 3:30 and Hank and I spent the whole evening on a long walk downtown, as usual. We walked to Thaifoon and had our regular- he got satay with peanut sauce and fresh tofu, and I got my special dish they make me, healthy veggies and fresh tofu. It's so spicy and so good! Addy came and joined us for awhile which was nice, I love him. We walked home and Dustin was on our front porch, so the guys watched basketball while I crawled into bed and watched Weeds while I dozed in and out. I love to nap. I ended up waking up around 8pm or so, and went to the gym.
Now I'm just sitting here thinking about some of the emotions I went through this evening- I really got upset about stupid stuff, let it get to me. I have to remember that some people are negative and I cannot, cannot, cannot take it personally. It's so hard for me and it sounds so stupid (I hate that I wrote about this yesterday too), but it's very hard for me to not get bummed out when friends are short, or mean, or just rude. I'm not typically a sensitive person, I have thick skin, but I am talking about close friends here, not the typical acquaintances. I talked to Hank about this for a long time, and he helped so much. I can't worry about other people, they have their reasons for being shitty, and if they want to be shitty and take it out on me, or be rude, that's their deal. I don't have to let them affect me! I am not going to write about this again in this blog, it's a waste of time, whiney, and just plain redundant. So farewell to that topic!
So, to bed I go. I can't get over that I have about 20 days left of work. This summer is going to be amazing, I can't wait.
xoxo
Monday, April 20, 2009
Monday
I have had a really relaxing night after a fairly good day at work. I went to the gym right after school since I slept in this morning. Good news, I thankfully and finally lost the 5-6 pounds I've been carrying around for a month and I'm back to my regular weight. I could tell in recent photos that I had gained some (face and arms), I'm not sure why or how but it was there. But thankfully I am back to normal and have stepped up my working out a ton and I am hoping to lose some more. Starting this week I'm doing one hour of cardio 6x a week and weight training 6x per weeks (chest/back, legs, arms/shoul, rest, repeat) and abs every other day. I love to workout but I haven't really been giving it my all lately and I'm sure that's why I have not looked my best. And, I know I'm not overweight annnd I know it's annoying to read stuff like this but it's me, so take it or leave it!
Speaking of leaving it, I have been realizing how hard it is for me to be friends with negative people. I really need to work on not taking people's emotions or bad moods into my own psyche. I know people can't be happy all the time, and I am definitely not, but it drives me crazy to only hear complaints all the time. Haha, as I complain about people who complain. Awesome.
So tonight is a quiet night, I just finished scrapbooking and I am going to head to bed around 11 or so. It sounds weird, but making little crafts and books is so therapeutic, I really love it. I don't know when I fully turned into a weird domestic lady, but it's a good place to be.
Speaking of leaving it, I have been realizing how hard it is for me to be friends with negative people. I really need to work on not taking people's emotions or bad moods into my own psyche. I know people can't be happy all the time, and I am definitely not, but it drives me crazy to only hear complaints all the time. Haha, as I complain about people who complain. Awesome.
So tonight is a quiet night, I just finished scrapbooking and I am going to head to bed around 11 or so. It sounds weird, but making little crafts and books is so therapeutic, I really love it. I don't know when I fully turned into a weird domestic lady, but it's a good place to be.
Monday, Monday
Good morning! I am so incredibly tired but this weekend was so worth it! This photo is for one of my nearest and dearest- Hey Em! Haha. Thumbs up for a positive day for sure.
And here is my tried and true breakfast of champions.
2 Kashi Go Lean Honey and cinnamon instant oatmeal packets
1 tsp bee pollen
1 tsp flax
1 tsp wheat germ
Add water...and mixed berries...Microwave...
and WA-LA, breakfast!
It is such a powerhouse meal and it keeps you full all morning long.
Today is going to be great- my 4th hour is having a little pizza party and I can count down the days until I get tattooed...three! I also get my wedding/engagement ring back from the jewelers Wednesday, thank goodness!
I hope everyone has a lovely day!
xoxo
And here is my tried and true breakfast of champions.
2 Kashi Go Lean Honey and cinnamon instant oatmeal packets
1 tsp bee pollen
1 tsp flax
1 tsp wheat germ
Add water...and mixed berries...Microwave...
and WA-LA, breakfast!
It is such a powerhouse meal and it keeps you full all morning long.
Today is going to be great- my 4th hour is having a little pizza party and I can count down the days until I get tattooed...three! I also get my wedding/engagement ring back from the jewelers Wednesday, thank goodness!
I hope everyone has a lovely day!
xoxo
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Sunday
Today was another great day. I have been going to Phoenix so often that this weekend Hank and I really enjoyed our time in town, with this beautiful weather! We woke up this morning and decided to have a little breakfast picnic on the sqaure- Hank got a dark chocolate croissant and a coffee from Sweettart and we went and found a little spot. Unfortunately there was a Republican rally of sorts going on at the square, so we couldn't quite enjoy it, but we had a lovely time away from all of that. After wandering downtown for awhile we headed home and did so much food shopping/errand running etc. We got so much done and when we got home and put everything away I headed to the gym. Returning home I found Hank and Dustin had cooked a seriously delicious tofu dish that tasted just like buffalo chicken, really! I will have to make them write down the recipe for me so I can post it- it was completely vegan and so tasty. I ended up cooking and baking all night to get ready for the week, and I feel super accomplished.
I'm really looking forward to this week. The forecast calls for warm, warm weather and I am so excited! Pretty soon we can plant our veggies and get our flowers/garden in order.
So, I hope everyone has a great start to your week. I am going to be doing a lot of crafting this week- I have two projects I need to start and finish, which I'm excited about. I am making a book for my Mom for Mother's Day and another super secret thing for someone special! ;)
I am going to leave you with a live video of one of my all-time favorite songs. Goodnight sweethearts!
cooking/baking from tonight
Hi everyone! I wanted to share two recipes I made tonight, both very healthy and delicious (the muffins were even approved by my hubby and Dustin!) -
Applesauce Oatmeal muffins (Clean Eating cookbook!)
1 cup dry, old-fashioned oatmeal flakes
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
2 egg whites, beaten (or n-r-g egg replacer for vegan)
2 tbsp ground flaxseed
2 tbsp + 1 tsp canola oil
1 tbsp baking poweder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
3/4 cup whole wheat flour
1/4 cup dried, fruit juice sweetened cranberries
1/4 cup non-sugared raisins
Prep:
1) Preheat oven to 375 degrees, line muffin tin with papers
2) Combine oatmeal, applesauce, egg (or replacer), flax and oil in a medium bowl. In another bowl, combine dry ingredients (everything else) including fruit. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour wet ingredients into it. Stir until all ingredients are just combined.
3) Fill cupcake liners 3/4 full, bake 15-20 minutes and cool! YUM!
Makes 12 muffins!
Per muffin: 120 cal, 3g protein, 20g carbs, 3g fiber, 3g sugar, 3g fat, 17mg sodium!
After I made the muffins I decided to make a turkey loaf (much to my veggie hubby's dismay. ;) I didn't get this from a cookbook, I made up the recipe myself so I don't have exact measurements but it's not too precise. It kind of looks gross but it's so so SO good! AND, if you don't eat meat you can substitute TVP (textured vegetable protein).
1 pound lean, ground turkey (organic and hormone free! And don't forget you can sub TVP!)
1 cup dry, old-fashioned oatmeal flakes
1 whole onion (I love onion so I add a LOT)
1 egg white
1 tbsp ground flax
organo, basil, sea salt, pepper to taste!
1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2) Mix all ingredients into a bowl
3) Put into a casserole dish, make into meatballs, burgers etc. Your choice!
4) Bake for about 30 minutes or so, just be sure if you're using meat the inside isn't pink at all.
It really is yummy and if you do the meatballs you can add them to soup too.
Enjoy!
xo
Applesauce Oatmeal muffins (Clean Eating cookbook!)
1 cup dry, old-fashioned oatmeal flakes
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
2 egg whites, beaten (or n-r-g egg replacer for vegan)
2 tbsp ground flaxseed
2 tbsp + 1 tsp canola oil
1 tbsp baking poweder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
3/4 cup whole wheat flour
1/4 cup dried, fruit juice sweetened cranberries
1/4 cup non-sugared raisins
Prep:
1) Preheat oven to 375 degrees, line muffin tin with papers
2) Combine oatmeal, applesauce, egg (or replacer), flax and oil in a medium bowl. In another bowl, combine dry ingredients (everything else) including fruit. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour wet ingredients into it. Stir until all ingredients are just combined.
3) Fill cupcake liners 3/4 full, bake 15-20 minutes and cool! YUM!
Makes 12 muffins!
Per muffin: 120 cal, 3g protein, 20g carbs, 3g fiber, 3g sugar, 3g fat, 17mg sodium!
After I made the muffins I decided to make a turkey loaf (much to my veggie hubby's dismay. ;) I didn't get this from a cookbook, I made up the recipe myself so I don't have exact measurements but it's not too precise. It kind of looks gross but it's so so SO good! AND, if you don't eat meat you can substitute TVP (textured vegetable protein).
1 pound lean, ground turkey (organic and hormone free! And don't forget you can sub TVP!)
1 cup dry, old-fashioned oatmeal flakes
1 whole onion (I love onion so I add a LOT)
1 egg white
1 tbsp ground flax
organo, basil, sea salt, pepper to taste!
1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2) Mix all ingredients into a bowl
3) Put into a casserole dish, make into meatballs, burgers etc. Your choice!
4) Bake for about 30 minutes or so, just be sure if you're using meat the inside isn't pink at all.
It really is yummy and if you do the meatballs you can add them to soup too.
Enjoy!
xo
Saturday, April 18, 2009
lovely Saturday
Today was a perfect day, and it reminded me yet again of all the reasons I love Hank so much. I couldn't have dreamed for a better partner in life. I thank my lucky stars every single day we found each other.
But, yes, today was a lovely and perfect day. We slept in later than usual (for me at least). I am a 5-6am 'waker-upper,' and this morning I managed to sleep in until 10am! We made some oatmeal and hopped back into bed with our breakfast, I watched Big Love on my laptop with headphones, and Hank watched the playoffs on our bedroom TV. Sounds kind of silly to be curled up watching different shows but it's how we do. And I love it. After we dragged ourselves out of bed we took Madeline on a walk downtown, stopping and enjoying the weather. We walked her back home and dropped her off, then headed off on a casual little date...at Hugo's! For the rest of the night we've been doing stuff around the house and it's almost midnight right now. I need to get to sleep! Tomorrow we are getting up early for a little breakfast and then doing some shopping. I am on the hunt for a few little vintage things so we will stop by the stores downtown, and then we needt to do the grocery shopping we put off tonight.
Whew, now you know my entire day. Odd. Blogs are a funny thing. I hope all of you had a pleasant day! xo
Super 7 in San Francisco
This photo was taken by Hank's friend Kirkland, at the Super 7 art show "It Came from Skullbrain," featuring custom toys and toy photography. Hank's photograph is that blue one on the bottom left. I wish we could have been there this weekend but unfortunately we had obligations here. Either way, totally awesome! I should have some better photos later.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Weekend goals
Tomorrow is Friday, one of the best days of the week! I am actually more of a Sunday girl, but I am very burned out from work this week so Friday is welcome to be here as soon as possible. This weekend I decided to make some goals for myself so I continue to stay motivated.
1. Try one new recipe- I am leaning towards this delicious-looking quinoa bake, and I'll post the recipe if successful.
2. And on that topic, get all of my recipes organized.
3. Finally get a tangible address book for my purse (I have asked Shirley and Elisa for their addresses ten times in 2009, I'm sure).
4. Get my bike fixed up. I think it needs new tubes, whatever those are. Hank, help?
and
5. Get at least 10 hours of sleep Friday and Saturday nights! I seriously can't wait for this one! haha.
Today was a good day though, I gave my dreaded 7th period new seats and it worked like a charm. I tried not to take it personally when they all expressed their hatred towards our current novel, Fahrenheit 451. How can an entire class hate the book, when all of my other classes love it? It's bizarre and I think I have to attribute it to the last class of the day curse. But today was much, much better and I am happy. I had a great workout and I am simply exhausted. So, bedtime now and an enjoyable last day of the week tomorrow.
I'll leave you with a favorite song from one of my favorite gals. Sweet Lisa, how I love you.
Ooh, and I have to add this one. Live is so much better anyway.
1. Try one new recipe- I am leaning towards this delicious-looking quinoa bake, and I'll post the recipe if successful.
2. And on that topic, get all of my recipes organized.
3. Finally get a tangible address book for my purse (I have asked Shirley and Elisa for their addresses ten times in 2009, I'm sure).
4. Get my bike fixed up. I think it needs new tubes, whatever those are. Hank, help?
and
5. Get at least 10 hours of sleep Friday and Saturday nights! I seriously can't wait for this one! haha.
Today was a good day though, I gave my dreaded 7th period new seats and it worked like a charm. I tried not to take it personally when they all expressed their hatred towards our current novel, Fahrenheit 451. How can an entire class hate the book, when all of my other classes love it? It's bizarre and I think I have to attribute it to the last class of the day curse. But today was much, much better and I am happy. I had a great workout and I am simply exhausted. So, bedtime now and an enjoyable last day of the week tomorrow.
I'll leave you with a favorite song from one of my favorite gals. Sweet Lisa, how I love you.
Ooh, and I have to add this one. Live is so much better anyway.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
rest your little head
I wasn't planning on posting again, but I am all cozy in bed and I forgot my current book at school...so blogspot, you are my wind down tonight! Today was a weird day. I was in funk right up until Hank got home (it's amazing how much he cheers me up), and now I feel better than ever. I had a lot to do, and I didn't really end up accomplishing anything. Tomorrow I have a million packages to ship out and multiple errands to run. I ended up NOT liking that Marc bag and I am happily returning it. I don't know why it looked so different online, in person it wasn't me at all. I am going to go with the Hillier Hobo I think. But anyway, I have a lot to do and I am still struggling with the motivation to get it all done. This weekend I am really going to spend some time doing me things- scrapbooking a little present for my Mom, finishing up my book, and watching some movies. I am also signing up to take a cake decorating class in two weeks, which I am so, so happy about. As I am typing I am feeling more motivated to take on everything, awesome!
I will leave you will a clip from one of my all time favorite films, I couldn't help but Facebook and tweet a moment ago about how I am most certainly channeling Dawn Wiener's style into my spring/summer look! Check out that awesome blouse, high waisted skirt and that hair bobble! Love it.
I will leave you will a clip from one of my all time favorite films, I couldn't help but Facebook and tweet a moment ago about how I am most certainly channeling Dawn Wiener's style into my spring/summer look! Check out that awesome blouse, high waisted skirt and that hair bobble! Love it.
Can't wait!
I love to bake. I'm weird, because I bake often but don't always eat my creations. But regardless, nothing makes me happier than taking a fresh, homemade pie out of the oven or icing cooled cupcakes! YUM! And I know Hank doesn't complain. So I am just so excited that Babycakes Bakery (in NYC) is releasing their cupcake recipe book on May 5th! This is a definite "must-have" in my kitchen.
Today
this morning I:
-woke up an hour late
-washed my hair for the first time since Saturday (whatever, I only wash it 2-3 times a week)
-ate a bowl of Kashi Go Lean with almond milk
-changed my outfit three times
-ate an orange when I got to work
today I:
-graded 120 short stories
-put all my grades in for this last quarter
-got very, very irritated with my talkative 7th period (ugh, they are my only "bad" class all of a sudden)
-ate 1/2 of a Hugo's pinto bean and veggie burrito and avocado for lunch
-took Madeline to the vet
tonight I:
-am going to watch LOST in 50 minutes
-am feeling a bit blue (hormones I think, I hope at least)
-am taking the night off from the gym
-will go to bed at a decent hour!
-woke up an hour late
-washed my hair for the first time since Saturday (whatever, I only wash it 2-3 times a week)
-ate a bowl of Kashi Go Lean with almond milk
-changed my outfit three times
-ate an orange when I got to work
today I:
-graded 120 short stories
-put all my grades in for this last quarter
-got very, very irritated with my talkative 7th period (ugh, they are my only "bad" class all of a sudden)
-ate 1/2 of a Hugo's pinto bean and veggie burrito and avocado for lunch
-took Madeline to the vet
tonight I:
-am going to watch LOST in 50 minutes
-am feeling a bit blue (hormones I think, I hope at least)
-am taking the night off from the gym
-will go to bed at a decent hour!
Wednesday
I can't seem to get motivated to wake up early anymore! Alarm set for 5:30am, but I only managed to crawl out of our nest of a bed 45 minutes ago. I'm ready for work now, but so so tired. Thank goodness each Wednesday is a half day! I said it yesterday, but this weekend cannot come too soon! I am trying to keep up a sweet little PMA but I have teacher-itis, which is similar to senior-itis, but much worse. I still have a hundred papers to grade. Eek! So, I am off to grab a sweater, pack my lunch, and head to work. Happy day to all of you little sweethearts!
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Some good morning music from my #1 girl crush!
I am so tired today, I was supposed to wake up at 6:15 but I woke up around 7:45. Oops. I need to get it together! I had posted a video last night but I had to take it down because I was way too self-conscious. So no more of that for now! But, today is going to be a good day. Amber is coming to school to eat lunch with Jenn and me, and we are going to work out after work and do dinner. I have a million things to grade after dinner- I have been putting off these 150 short stories and now my procrastination has crept up on me! Progress reports are due tomorrow so I have quite the task ahead of me.
But, it's almost halfway to the weekend and I am especially looking forward to it! Hurry, hurry.
But, it's almost halfway to the weekend and I am especially looking forward to it! Hurry, hurry.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Monday/question thing
This morning was a great morning, except I slept in way too late and skipped my morning workout, but it did feel nice to get some extra sleep. Amber and I ended up working out when I got home so all is well. I cannot wait until we can workout together everyday once she is home. Yay.
I'm very sleepy so I'm going to head to bed but I was tagged in Amy's blog so I will post this here. I know we all used to do things like this in our livejournals, so I figured I'd keep it going in our blog world now. Oh, and I'm not tagging anyone in particular, but I hope that everyone on my list does it! I love asking questions and reading the answers that everyone writes!
So, you can ask me one question, anything you'd like. I'll answer it here, and you should post this in your blog and see what people ask you!
Awesome. I will answer anything under the sun, so ask away! You can also post as anonymous if you'd like.
Have a great night lovelies! I am off to cuddle with my hubby.
I'm very sleepy so I'm going to head to bed but I was tagged in Amy's blog so I will post this here. I know we all used to do things like this in our livejournals, so I figured I'd keep it going in our blog world now. Oh, and I'm not tagging anyone in particular, but I hope that everyone on my list does it! I love asking questions and reading the answers that everyone writes!
So, you can ask me one question, anything you'd like. I'll answer it here, and you should post this in your blog and see what people ask you!
Awesome. I will answer anything under the sun, so ask away! You can also post as anonymous if you'd like.
Have a great night lovelies! I am off to cuddle with my hubby.
good morning monday!
this is my typical work attire- high necked shirt and cardigan (oh, the joys of covering my tattoos at work), skinny jeans, flats...and a ponytail for today due to waking up kind of, sort of late. that bowl is full of kashi go lean and almond milk- breakfast of champions!
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Easter
What a wonderful, relaxing weekend. I'm sad, almost devastated actually, that it's over. I had a half day Thursday, off Friday, and of course had the weekend off. At the start of my mini-break I promised myself that I would really try and relax, rather than stretch myself too thin with all of my friends, try and shop at every store I love, eat at every frozen yogurt shop I enjoy, etc. I always do too much and end up needing a weekend from my weekend. But not this time. I stayed up super late every night, slept in, and relaxed everyday. I only ended up hanging out with friends Friday night, and doing lunch with Sarah Saturday. I spent every other moment at home, hanging out with my family, spending time lounging in bed with my laptop, etc. I feel so rested and rejuvenated I am really looking forward to a positive week!
Amber is visiting from San Francisco this week so we just had a little movie night and watched Rachel Getting Married (finally). My family and I were going to watch it last night but my parents elected to watch a soccer match instead. Anyway, we both really liked it, although it was so upsetting at times. It's very engaging and Anne Hathaway's acting makes you almost feel invasive for watching it- it's that good. It was so nice to just sit with Ambs and talk, she is moving home next month and I feel so happy about it.
And happiness...I been thinking so much about this, as an idea. As someone who has struggled, and still struggles, with feeling the ups and downs, it's something I think about a lot. Sometimes when I am really really happy I stop and think about how this won't last. That's so weird to me. Does anyone else do this? It's like I am willing my happiness away by acknowledging that it will be short lived. And I know no one can be happy all the time, but it seems weird that I think about how fleeting happiness is, while I am experiencing it. I don't even know if that makes sense, but I need to stop doing that and just live in the moment.
And I guess if I am on this whole topic, something else I have been thinking about are people who just hate to hate. I don't know if their hating stems from jealousy or what, but I have experienced certain girls who just can't be happy for others. Here's any example: I put my life out there- I post photos all of the time, I blog, I love interacting with people on the internet. My friends are scattered all over the place and I adore that the lovely internet keeps me in touch with them. I usually couldn't care less what people think, because the people who do want to be negative are not people whose opinions I care about anyway. But there are times when, in the back of my mind, I know there will be some person out there, who, for whatever reason, will find a reason to hate on what I put out there. I dwell for a minute on that negativity and it's such a bummer. So right now I am really trying to just let go of people like that, live my life, and hope they life their own and don't worry so much about my little one! Another example is a friend of mine, she also has a blog, and recently had to change her commenting to private because she was getting nasty, anonymous comments. How horrible is that? It makes me sad. I shouldn't have even wasted a paragraph on that kind of nonsense but I started typing about it, and there it was.
Another thing that has been on my mind is the beautiful inspiration I have been drawing from my parents. I adore my family, and these past two years have been a nightmare of health problems for my entire family, minus myself somehow. I haven't even shared some of the things that we've gone through, because it's never ending and sometimes I don't want to get others involved. But what's insane to me, after my Mother's battle with cancer, sarchidosis, etc., my Father's heart failure, surgeries, things my sister has gone through, they are hands down, the most positive people ever. I don't even know how they do it. I struggle with staying positive, just being a support system. I am typing this and almost crying because I feel so much emotion about them all, how much they inspire me, and I just want everyone to realize that no matter what you are going through, you make a choice to either give in, or give it up and go forward. Every single day we have that choice. When we wake up, we decide what kind of day we are going to have. Since I have been with Hank, he has been a constant reminder of this. On the days when I wake up and feel so sad, he reminds me that I decide what kind of day I am going to have. So I choose to have a good day. I choose to smile at people and be nice to rude people. Everyone has their pain, some just choose to give in to it. And some don't. My parents, amidst some of the most adverse circumstances, choose to not give in and choose to be happy. I have these reminders everyday about why I choose to live my life for the positive.
So, on that note- this week I have a few goals for myself. I am planning on eating "clean" all week (if you'd like to know more about this, let me know- I don't want to fill this blog up with all of that- I could write a novel). But yes, I usually eat clean but this week I am really making a conscious effort to keep everything I eat home cooked and wonderful. Another personal goal for the week is to really work on loving more. I know that sounds silly, but I feel so filled with love my heart right now and I want to make sure that all of my loved ones know how much they are valued and cared about. I feel like there are so many little things I could do day to day and sometimes I just don't, either out of laziness or who knows what. So this week I am working on loving more, and better! ...as silly as that sounds!
I hope all of you had a beautiful weekend. xo
Here are some photos from our Easter brunch at my parents, we went a little Photobooth crazy!
my Dad- so healthy :)
Laur and me
The whole family, minus Hanky. He was with his side of the fam today!
sister, sister
I don't usually eat sugar, but today I did, and I enjoyed it sooo much. These are my all-time favorite candies!
pretty sister
Nanny and me!
I love them so much.
Happy Easter ;)
Amber is visiting from San Francisco this week so we just had a little movie night and watched Rachel Getting Married (finally). My family and I were going to watch it last night but my parents elected to watch a soccer match instead. Anyway, we both really liked it, although it was so upsetting at times. It's very engaging and Anne Hathaway's acting makes you almost feel invasive for watching it- it's that good. It was so nice to just sit with Ambs and talk, she is moving home next month and I feel so happy about it.
And happiness...I been thinking so much about this, as an idea. As someone who has struggled, and still struggles, with feeling the ups and downs, it's something I think about a lot. Sometimes when I am really really happy I stop and think about how this won't last. That's so weird to me. Does anyone else do this? It's like I am willing my happiness away by acknowledging that it will be short lived. And I know no one can be happy all the time, but it seems weird that I think about how fleeting happiness is, while I am experiencing it. I don't even know if that makes sense, but I need to stop doing that and just live in the moment.
And I guess if I am on this whole topic, something else I have been thinking about are people who just hate to hate. I don't know if their hating stems from jealousy or what, but I have experienced certain girls who just can't be happy for others. Here's any example: I put my life out there- I post photos all of the time, I blog, I love interacting with people on the internet. My friends are scattered all over the place and I adore that the lovely internet keeps me in touch with them. I usually couldn't care less what people think, because the people who do want to be negative are not people whose opinions I care about anyway. But there are times when, in the back of my mind, I know there will be some person out there, who, for whatever reason, will find a reason to hate on what I put out there. I dwell for a minute on that negativity and it's such a bummer. So right now I am really trying to just let go of people like that, live my life, and hope they life their own and don't worry so much about my little one! Another example is a friend of mine, she also has a blog, and recently had to change her commenting to private because she was getting nasty, anonymous comments. How horrible is that? It makes me sad. I shouldn't have even wasted a paragraph on that kind of nonsense but I started typing about it, and there it was.
Another thing that has been on my mind is the beautiful inspiration I have been drawing from my parents. I adore my family, and these past two years have been a nightmare of health problems for my entire family, minus myself somehow. I haven't even shared some of the things that we've gone through, because it's never ending and sometimes I don't want to get others involved. But what's insane to me, after my Mother's battle with cancer, sarchidosis, etc., my Father's heart failure, surgeries, things my sister has gone through, they are hands down, the most positive people ever. I don't even know how they do it. I struggle with staying positive, just being a support system. I am typing this and almost crying because I feel so much emotion about them all, how much they inspire me, and I just want everyone to realize that no matter what you are going through, you make a choice to either give in, or give it up and go forward. Every single day we have that choice. When we wake up, we decide what kind of day we are going to have. Since I have been with Hank, he has been a constant reminder of this. On the days when I wake up and feel so sad, he reminds me that I decide what kind of day I am going to have. So I choose to have a good day. I choose to smile at people and be nice to rude people. Everyone has their pain, some just choose to give in to it. And some don't. My parents, amidst some of the most adverse circumstances, choose to not give in and choose to be happy. I have these reminders everyday about why I choose to live my life for the positive.
So, on that note- this week I have a few goals for myself. I am planning on eating "clean" all week (if you'd like to know more about this, let me know- I don't want to fill this blog up with all of that- I could write a novel). But yes, I usually eat clean but this week I am really making a conscious effort to keep everything I eat home cooked and wonderful. Another personal goal for the week is to really work on loving more. I know that sounds silly, but I feel so filled with love my heart right now and I want to make sure that all of my loved ones know how much they are valued and cared about. I feel like there are so many little things I could do day to day and sometimes I just don't, either out of laziness or who knows what. So this week I am working on loving more, and better! ...as silly as that sounds!
I hope all of you had a beautiful weekend. xo
Here are some photos from our Easter brunch at my parents, we went a little Photobooth crazy!
my Dad- so healthy :)
Laur and me
The whole family, minus Hanky. He was with his side of the fam today!
sister, sister
I don't usually eat sugar, but today I did, and I enjoyed it sooo much. These are my all-time favorite candies!
pretty sister
Nanny and me!
I love them so much.
Happy Easter ;)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)