waiting in the dark

most of the time, I think all my problem spring from being entirely too self-centered.

that is...I don't know what I want to do with myself.

I like photography, but I'm not naturally awesome at it. and I don't care enough to learn more, because I don't want to take pictures of other people, I want people to take pictures of me.

even though I hate pictures of myself.

I like writing, but coming up with a good story -- one that flows, that twists when you aren't expecting it, one that other people want to read, one that has characters and adventure and great dialogue -- is hard. it takes time, practice, planning, editing and I'm just not sure that I have all that in me.

 I like cooking, but I don't know that I'd want to be a chef as a career. I left retail because being on your feet all day, with very little recognition for the work that you do? that doesn't sound like fun.

 I want to sing for a living, but choir and a cappella isn't exactly a high-paying vocation. you have to be able to take rejection again and again. not sure I'm strong enough for that.

 I guess maybe that's what this is all about. I hate rejection. but doesn't everybody? doesn't everyone fear going out into the world and having people reject them?

time to put on my big-girl pants.

"jumping up and down the floor, 

my head is animal." 

(of monsters and men)

sometimes, I say things

usually they happen. sometimes they don't.

I'm not sure I'm back for good, but here's a small laundry list about me. in case anyone still reads:

1. Because of my red hair and fair complexion, people assume I have more Irish blood than I actually do. I'm only about 1/4 Irish. Sorry if that's a disappointment.

2. My biggest fears are: confrontation, falling, and having people dislike/be disappointed in me. Probably in that order.

3. I've always been an above average speller. It annoys me when people can't spell, but I've gotten better at letting it go.

4. I love filling out forms. The more forms the better, no matter how repetitive they are. That's probably why I get drawn into things like this.

5. I have anxiety and authority issues that I tend to try to ignore. It doesn't always work, and often results in tears.

6. My favorite scent is Clean Linen, followed closely by anything that smells delicious. Liike vanilla or baking cookies.

7. I miss being in Boston, where I lived for only two years,  more than I miss being in Tallahassee, where I lived for over 20. It makes me think that Boston is where I was meant to be, and that, no matter what, I need to end up there.

8. I have a very addictive personality. Thankfully, I can't hold my liquor and smoking often gives me a migraine. So I get addicted to less hazardous things. Like surveys, and facebook games.

9. For the first time in my life, I am making enough money to support myself. This means I am indebted to many people, and I have a running tally of the amount I owe them, which I fullly intend to pay back. I haven't forgotten.

10. I miss my mom and my sister more than I thought I would. I would love for us all to live in the same place, but I don't know if that will ever happen again.

11. My biggest want is to be in the know. I like giving advice, and I like to have all the information. I think this is because I try not to have my own drama, so I enjoy hearing about everyone else's. I don't, however, exude sympathy, which might hinder me in this endeavor.

12. My favorites foods are as follows: anything pumpkin flavored, stuffing, dark-meat turkey or chicken, ham, chocolate, pasta, cheese (pretty much anything except swiss,) utz honey bbq chips, coke, chai, green beans, anything peach flavored, mussels, cooked: mushrooms (pretty much anything except portabella,) spinach, white/yellow onions. my favorite spices are is basil and rosemary. i tend not to salt things very much when i cook. i hate anything pickled, most things involving vinegar and anything remotely spicy, including pepper/s/corns or anything pepper related.

13. I miss tap dancing. I'd liked to start it again.

14. Being on stage is my favorite high. I miss theatre, but I've found a decent replacement in a cappella.

15. That being said, as much as I like singing a cappella, I only like listening to some of it.

16. One of my life goals is to write a novel, but I don't know that I have the planning skills, or even the creativity, to do it, anymore.

17. In 6th grade, I learned to type correctly. I promptly forgot, but played online text-based games enough that I can type 80 wpm. Ergonomically split keyboards are my demise.

18. I'm passably good at a lot of things, but not great at many of them. This means that I have many interests, and pretty much anything that takes work gets abandoned quickly. This includes: foreign languages (excluding sign language,) and drawing/painting. And math. Not because I'm not good at it, but because I just don't much like it.

19. Remember how they told us in elementary school we would never write in print again after 4th grade? They lied. RESENTFUL!

20. I am obsessive about knowing Dog Breeds. To the point where I spent a lot of time in middle school studyin the AKC breed list. Ask me what kind of dog it is, I'll probably know. And I can sometimes pick out specific breeds within a mix.

21. I tend to second guess myself a lot, and I don't like being wrong. Therefore, I hate guessing games. But I still like gameshows. Go figure.

22. My Father gave me this genetic hearing issue where I have problems distinguishing speech from background noise. It seems to get progressively worse. On top of that, on my Mom's side, hearing seems to go as you get older. Awesome. Especially for a musician.

23. I love being able to play piano, but playing in front of people makes me super nervous. Even if there's just other people in house while I'm playing, it makes me nervous. I think this stems from my need to impress people, but it's rather frustrating.

24. I had a weird premonition (and I think my sister did, too,) once, when I got one particular phone call: The one from my  Mom when my  dog, Scout, was put down. We just new.

25. The thought of one of our cats, Nala, being dead still makes me want to cry. I can't tell if it's because of the way she died, or because she was the most awesome cat EVER. Probably a combination.

26. I love miniature things. Love.

27. I love reading, but I'm not a primarily visual learner. So I can reread books multiple times and still get enjoyment, because I re-learn/remember new things each time I read it.

28. Grocery shopping is one my favorite activities. There's just so much to choose from!

29. I want to learn how to sail. I also want to learn how to do Irish dance. These two things aren't really related, I guess.

30. When I was in 4th grade, my best friend and I became fascinated with little junk things we would find on the playground. We wound up writing a whole set of stories about Rick the Brick (a piece of brick who had a split personality,) Ms Lady Ma'am Person (not a real thing, just the voice of reason,) Eagle (a plastic cutout of a seagull,) Bead (a bead,) Feather (a feather) and probably some other characters. I'm pretty sure I got left on the playground while looking for new characters at some point.

bye, now.

ten on tuesday

 Link up for Ten on Tuesday at Roots and Rings.

 1. What are your designated chores in your home?

Me: Cooking, Dusting, Laundry, Vacuuming (occasionally,) cleaning the kitchen in general (except dishes.)
Nate: Dishes, Cat Box, cleaning the bathroom (mostly,) taking out the trash. Anything that involves heavy lifting.
 
2. What is your least favorite chore to do around the house?


Dishes. Ugh.



3. What was your designated chore growing up?

My sister and I did the dishes when my Mom cooked (when I figured this out I started cooking. I HATE DISHES.) and then whatever we were told to do, when we were told to do it. Mostly vacuuming and cleaning our room. We had a cleaning lady who did the bathrooms/kitchens/floors, so we only did those occasionally. (I make it sound like we were rich -- our cleaning lady came once or twice a month I think, it's not like we had a maid.)

4. Did you get paid to do chores or was your allowance connected to you completing your chores?

We sometimes got rewarded, but I don't think we ever got paid for them. We didn't really have an allowance, either, after a certain point. We just asked for money when we needed it. I guess when we were younger we'd do chores and such to earn money so that we could buy American Girl stuff, though. But we didn't get paid for every chore.

5. If you had a bit of extra money, would you hire a cleaning person or would you save the money for something else?


Probably save it for something else. We live in a <600 square foot apartment, we can handle the cleaning. =P

6. What chores will you make your kids do around the house?

Probably the same ones I had to do, depending on...stuff.

7. How frequently do you do laundry? Wash your sheets? Dust?

Laundry we do just about every week. Sheets...we probably need to do more often. And dusting? Hah. Once a month? When the patina of dust covering the entire apartment causes me grief because people are going to come over?

8. Do you have a designated “chore day” during the week?


Kind of Sunday, but it changes depending on what we have going on.

9. What is your favorite chore–if such a thing exists?

LAUNDRY! I just love it. It smells so fresh and clean.

10. Do you do anything to help pass the time while doing chores (music, TV, etc.)?
 
Music or the tv will usually be on.

ten on tuesday



Ten on Tuesday | Roots and Rings



0.01×10^2. What was your best/worst day in math class?


I hate a math. A good day was when I immediately grasped what was going on. A bad one was every other day, when I didn't ever really understand.
20×10^-1. Who was your favorite/least favorite math teacher? Why?

My favorite was probably a woman who I never actually took Math from as a class. I went to her 'math camp' between 7th and 8th grade so that I could try and take Algebra my 8th grade year. But then my schedule wouldn't let me actually have her class, so I got stuck with a guy who didn't teach. He was probably my least favorite math teacher, but most of my math teachers were pretty heinous. Although, I did have some pretty good math TAs in the college. Mr. Haciomeroglu. Try saying that five times fast =P (Or, just once.)

3×10^0. Is it okay to be bad at math if English is more your thing?
It's fine. Some people just aren't that good at math. That doesn't mean that you can just ignore math, because you might hurt math's feelings. Plus, it's sometimes kind of useful.

0.4×10^1. How does this video make you feel?

Oh. dear. god. (in other news, this made me watch the original evolution video and I want to strangle people. EVOLUTION IS NOT A THEORY. That is all.)
500×10^-2. What do you like/not like about math?

I dislike math. It's too absolute. But I like knowing how to do things, so there's that.
0.006×10^3. What makes someone a nerd?

You know, you can actually look up the definition of this? I believe nerd is more smart and less social.

7×10^0. Who is the nerdiest person you know?

Hmmm...I know a lot of nerds. This is not a fair question.
80×10^-1. What is the nerdiest thing you’ve ever done?

Mu Alpha Theta and Latin Competitions in high school?
0.9×10^1. Do you think GraphJam is funny?

Yup! But not really because of the graph part...
10×10^1. Have you ever used math outside of school?

Yes. I do use math on a daily basis. Mostly stuff like percentages for tips. Also for adding things together. You know, important stuff ;)

feeling accomplished

You know what?

I've been reading several posts about how other bloggers can make you feel inferior. How they don't respond to comments sometimes, or don't seem to really read comments when they do respond to them. How they have awesome closets, or spend all day pinning things on Pinterest and then show you pictures of their DIY projects that look like something you could buy at UO (or Watson Kennedy -- which is an awesome store that doesn't exist outside of Seattle, I don't think. Le sigh.) I read a lot of bloggers that buy all (and I mean ALL) their clothes at Anthropologie, a store I hadn't even really given a second thought to before diving head-first into the blog world

Though, I do have to admit, they have freaking cute dresses and coats.

In any case, these posts made me sad for those people, mad at other bloggers, and somewhat depressed about mys own state. And I contemplated writing a very heartfelt (read: pity party) post about how anxiety gets the best of me most of the time and I can't even call the dentist to make an appointment to get my filling re-filled without my boyfriend's help; so I went back to this 'list' I had created a little while back to remind myself of how much of a failure I am in most aspects of my life.

And a funny thing happened.

See, I tend to be a kinesthetic learner -- I learn by doing. I have to literally write things on a piece of paper to be able to remember them long-term (and therefore, the advent of bringing computers to class was the demise of any real studying for me, because typing doesn't learn me the same ;) So, I had forgotten about this list I typed. It doesn't exist anywhere except on my blog -- which I've kind of abandoned in recent times -- and I hadn't actually looked at it in a while.

Apparently I know myself pretty well though, because this is my list:

Things to Accomplish in Seattle

• Start arranging a cappella again
• relatedly, have an arrangement performed and/or recorded
• Learn to sew and use my handheld sewing machine
• Run a 5k (not necessarily enter a race, just be able to run 5k on the treadmill without stopping)
• Lose 5-10lbs (I'd be happy with 5 and even happier with 10!)
• Save money for Hawaii
• Take a wine tasting class (also maybe cheese and chocolate tasting class? I like all these things...)
• Audition for a show at a community theatre (musical or non)
• Take dance classes.

Things to Accomplish by 30

• Complete a novel and/or book of short stories
• Run a 5k Race...outside, somewhere. With other people!
• Take serious cooking courses; possibly get a culinary degree?
• Audition for five or more professional singing gigs (choir, theatre, cruise ship, etc.)
• Learn how to Irish dance proficiently

And here is the list with the things that I have accomplished crossed off (also, a few expected things in italics):

Things to Accomplish in Seattle

• Start arranging a cappella again
• relatedly, have an arrangement performed and/or recorded we are starting learning my arrangement at this Saturday's rehearsal
• Learn to sew and use my handheld sewing machine
• Run a 5k (not necessarily enter a race, just be able to run 5k on the treadmill without stopping) I am halfway to this goal -- I can run 1.5 miles. Baby steps.
• Lose 5-10lbs (I'd be happy with 5 and even happier with 10!)
• Save money for Hawaii
• Take a wine tasting class (also maybe cheese and chocolate tasting class? I like all these things...)
• Audition for a show at a community theatre (musical or non)
• Take dance classes. I have found a place that has relatively inexpensive classes that is within walk/jogging distance of my house at times that I can go. Now I just have to work up the courage to do it. Or, find someone to go with me.

Things to Accomplish by 30

• Complete a novel and/or book of short stories
• Run a 5k Race...outside, somewhere. With other people! It's possible I will be doing the Seattle Color Run in May. Possible.
• Take serious cooking courses; possibly get a culinary degree?
• Audition for five or more professional singing gigs (choir, theatre, cruise ship, etc.)
• Learn how to Irish dance proficiently

So I kind of surprised myself.

And that feels pretty good.

What have you surprised yourself with lately?

(now to post this list somewhere where I actually see it daily!)

there is no rose (ten on tuesday!)

It's Ten on Tuesday time! Link up over at Roots and Rings =)

1. What are 3 things that are on your Christmas wishlist?

Some Tarte gift-sets from Sephora, some video games and a couple really expensive accessories. (I guess that's technically three types of things. Oh well.)


2. What’s your favorite Christmas song?

Coventry Carol. Or Rachmaninoff's Ave Maria, but that doesn't have to be for Christmas.

3. Do you have a favorite band or singer that sings it especially awesome?

Mmm...nope. I really just love the traditional setting of the piece, though. The King's Singers do it pretty well!

4. Have you heard about the website goodreads?

No...?

5. What are 3 books you want to read?

Well, I suppose I should finish the second book in the Game of Thrones series. Other than that, I am open to suggestions.

6. Do you hunt deer?

No. No hunting, period.
7. Have you started Christmas shopping? Are you completely finished?

Uhm...I think I have bought one Christmas present. I need to get on that.
8. Did you shop on Black Friday? What was the best deal you got?

Yup. I got a bunch of stuff at VS for pretty cheap!

9. What’s one holiday tradition your family has?

Again, we aren't big on traditions. But when we lived in Tallahassee, we used to go see a movie on Christmas Day afternoon.

10. How many blogs do you read? Do you subscribe/unsubscribe often or do you purge every once in a while?

Uhm...a lot. And I would unsubscribe, except every time I try to, Google makes it impossible for me to do so.

It's December...?!

I can't believe that. Like, really. There are less than thirty days until Christmas. Just about three weeks until I'm on a plane to Baltimore with my love to see my MOMMY (I'm kind of excited, can you tell?) and a week and a half off work.

I need to buy Christmas presents.

Crap.

Ok, so this isn't what this post was supposed to be about. It was supposed to be about this, which I stole from Lemonade Life:

December {Currently}

Current Book: American Gods. Again. It's like, the umpteenth time. I just love it so much. once I get finished with it, I'll probably switch back to the second book in Game of Thrones and read that until my brain can't handle it anymore, and I have to find another young-adult book to fend off the crazy.

Current Movie: I actually watch Jig last weekend, a documentary about several kids competing in different age brackets at the World Competition for Irish Dance. It was awesome.

Relatedly, I'm a loser.
Current Song: I'm digging the Newsies Soundrack.

Current Restaurant: BuiltBurger! Cause today is their last day =( Boo.
Current Needs: To shop for Christmas presents. I guess this means I need Christmas lists. (I'm looking at you, family.)

Current Dream Travel Destination: Hmmm...I really want to go back to the St. John before the lease for Maho is up for good. They keep extending, but who knows what will happen in the future.

Current Bane of My Existence: My office's holiday party invite list. Ugh.

Current Inspiration: I'm finding inspiration for arranging in a lot of songs I've listened to forever. Some that I even wrote off as un-arrangeable in the beginning. It's awesome! (Now I just need to sit down and do it.)

Current Favorite Blog: Digging Run, Eat, Repeat and Lariats and Lavender recently!
Current Excitement: Other than going to see family for Christmas, I'm excited about ordering my new glasses. Gonna do it super soon!



howl (ten on tuesday)

Oh, hello. Back into the swing of things for Tuesday. Glad it's only a four day week. So very glad.

It's Ten on Tuesday time! Link up over at Roots and Rings!

1. Do you wear glasses, contacts, or are you one of those perfect eyed people?

I am the blindest of blind. Actually, I guess the blindest of blind would actually be blind, but I have very near-sighted vision. My newest prescription (which was updated yesterday) is -7.5 in the right eye and -7 in the left. So...to actually answer the question, yes. To both. But I only wear glasses at home when I can't stand my contacts being in anymore.


2. What is the next item you are going to purchase?

...as a follow up to the first question, hopefully my new glasses from Warby Parker! Yea...finally. But I'm excited to actually have an updated glasses prescription (I don't do it very often, because I wear my contacts so often,) because it means I can wear my glasses outside of the house without having to squint at everything, anyway.

3. Have you ever watched Judge Judy or any other real court show?

For, like, two seconds. I hate that crap =P

4. How do you feel about fake nails?

They're bad for your nails! And honestly, they just bug me. I've tried them a couple times and can't get past the feeling. I run my nails into stuff too often, I'm always afraid I'm going to rip my whole nail off when I have them on.

5. What is your favorite sport to watch?

Mmm...gymnastics? Or figure skating.

6. If you could create your own Ben & Jerry’s ice cream flavor, what would it be and what would it be named?

It would probably be something they've already invented, but something that tastes like an almond joy would be a-ok by me.

7. Do you have any scars?

Random little ones from cat scratches, falls off my bike, etc. And then a big one from them slicing my toe open for my bunyon surgery. (Have I mentioned I'm an 80 year old?)

8. Does your pet’s name fit them? Is there a more appropriate name?

Well...I'm not sure if she's a whole lot like her name -- Mikaela. I think CrazyFace, which is what we call her half the time anyway, fits her better.
9. What is your favorite television show theme song?

I like The Big Bang Theory theme song, cause Nate and I sing it to eachother and each have our own parts to do. But I also like Friends. And How I Met Your Mother.

10. What was your favorite activity on the playground?

Our playground in elementary school was awesome, cause it was made out of giant tires that you could crawl around it. But I also enjoy the merry-go-round, until I start feeling sick.

Ten on Tuesday: Thanksgiving Time!

Link up over at Roots and Rings with Chelsea!

1. What are you doing for Thanksgiving this year?

Going out to eat, just me and Nate. We're going to McCormick and Schmicks down the street from us because a) it's supposed to rain and b) they promised traditional food. I want me Thanksgiving, yo!

2. What are you most thankful for this year?

I am thankful for a lot of things, but I think I am most thankful for both Nate and I having jobs that provide health insurance and paid time off (well, for me.)
3. Do you have any traditions on Thanksgiving? The parade? Football? Long naps?

Eating and then eating again? In Tallahassee, we'd have Thanksgiving dinner at my Grandmother's house (Dad's mom) early in the afternoon or Thanksgiving at my (parent's) house in the late afternoon. Then we'd all just lay around and chat until we were hungry again. I guess sometimes there's football on, but it wasn't a central focus.


4. Is it called stuffing or dressing? Is it in the bird or a separate dish?

Stuffing. And it tastes better from inside the bird, but I know that can be dangerous (or whatevs) so after a certain point, ours was a side dish.


5. Do you cook?

I did last year. And I think I remember helping my Mom some when I got older.
6. What is your favorite dish?

STUFFING. But really, Thanksgiving food is the best of foods. Favorited. Forever.

7. What is your dessert preference?
 
Pumpkin Pie and whipped cream. Lots and lots of whipped cream.


8. What is your favorite Thanksgiving memory?

Probably when my family went down to my Aunt and Uncle's house in the Keys, and all my Mom's siblings and kids (aka my cousins) were there. I thought my cousin Cam wasn't going to be able to come, but he showed up and it was lots of fun. Especially because I was kind of bummed that we were going out to eat and not making food, since my cousin Tim is a chef and I love Thanksgiving food so much. But then the whole family got DRUNK, so it was a fine and dandy time. (Minus some things I won't talk about. Hah.)

9. Do you plan to shop on Black Friday?

Maybe a little. Nothing hardcore. And probably later in the afternoon.

10. What are you most dreading about Thanksgiving this year?

...nothing? Out to eat = no dishes. Maybe that Nate will want to watch football all afternoon ;)

Plenty to be THANKful for: My Hometown!

Oh, my hometown. Tallahassee, FL. I guess I have it a little different than other people, because I lived in my hometown until I graduated college. I have a love/hate relationship with Tallahassee. There are so. many. memories:

Shows with my theatre. (this is Footloose)

Going to Prom!

Tea parties with friends...sophomore year of college.

Dinners at the Melting Pot.

Making cakes for my sister's birthday.

Afternoons at Lake Ella.

Dancing at Waterworks.

Yearly visits to the Junior Museum.

Being with Yahtzee!

not to mention...

The beautiful old capitol building.

The new capitol building, which looks like a...

well...you tell me what it looks like. =P

The Tennessee St. Strip --

right across from the School of Music!

My high school on the hill.

(relatedly, our parking lot at the bottom of the hill getting completely flooded.

The water came up through the floor of my car! Flash flood, y'all!)

Dancing at AJ's, late-night Wal-Mart runs, parties at the Backyard and the Treehouse. Working at my Dad's store. 

 Tallahassee is a lot of things, but it will always be my hometown.

Link up over at The Perfect Compilation Tape with Meghan!



ten on tuesday!

Link up over at Roots and Rings, with Chelsea!

1. What are your pantry staples?

We actually don't really have any staples -- though we do always keep pasta on hand. Lately I've been keeping soup on hand, as well, because it feels good to eat warm soup on a cold day =) When I was living at home, it was Progresso soups and Red Clam Sauce.
2. What are your refrigerator staples?

Cheese, cheese and more cheese. And usually ranch and catalina salad dressing -- to marinade things, not to eat on salad.
3. You already look like Heidi Klum (or your favorite supermodel). Now, what are the top three non-physical things you would change about yourself?

• I would destroy my inability to make small talk.
• I would be nicer, naturally.
• I would be more observant. I'm kind of oblivious, as it stands.

4. What’s holding you back from your dream job? (If you already have your dream job, how did you get there?)

The auditions that go along with it. If I could skip right to being an established, working singer it would be fabulous. But I hate, hate, HATE auditioning.
5. You have $500 to spend but it has to be on one item only. Go.


iPhone 4S for meeeeeee.

6. What is something that you are embarrassed to admit you buy on a regular basis?

Hmmm...I'm not really sure. I don't buy many things on a regular basis anymore.
7. What’s in/on your bed every night?

Me, the boyfriend. No top sheet, just a comforter. Lots of pillows. Sometimes the cat sleeps on my pillow above my head. Then she chews on my hair in the morning and I kick her out.
8. What is a non-necessity item that, no matter how expensive it gets or how tight your budget if, you will always find room for it?

Dessert! (Stitch is depressed. He needs dessert.) Also, eating out. It brings me some semblance of sanity to have someone serve me food every once and a while.

9. What is the weirdest sandwich you’ve ever made?

Remember in middle/high school, when you used to put your chips inside your sandwich? That's probably the strangest I've gotten. I make boring sandwiches.
10. Would you rather: Be banned from Pinterest forever, but gain a million captive Twitter followers; or, never get on Facebook again but gain five thousand blog readers?

Banned from Pinterest. *gasp* But it's true. I keep track of friends and family via Facebook, and I can't get that from Pinterest or my blog.

Thankful for Guilty Pleasures (Thanksgiving Challenge!)

Thankgiving Challenge! You can get a list of topics and link up over at The Perfect Compliation Tape!

Today's topic? Guilty Pleasures!

Isn't it funny how guilty pleasures can be anything and everything, so long as you feel some sort of shame associated with them? I think that's what makes them so awesome! I, for one, am very rarely ashamed of my guilty pleasures. Does that make them no longer guilty pleasures?

ANYWHO...

I'm (guiltily) thankful for...

big sunglasses

hats that look like animals

true life on MTV

(i am NOT ashamed!)

backstreet boys

(specifically 'i want it that way')

Pinterest...obv

Any of the same guilty pleasures?

Anything you'd, literally, never own up to?

do you hear the people sing?

I want a life filled with

• late nights and lazy mornings
• snuggling under the covers when its cold outside
• coffee brewed with a french press
• farmers markets and antique malls
• swinging on swingsets
• reading, reading and more reading
• cups of homemade chai
• mountain hikes when you can see your breath and the sun is just rising over the trees
• cloudless skies over colorful meadows
• thunderstorms with plenty of lightning
• candlelit dinners
• small furry animals
• bunny slippers
• mugs of hot cocoa by the fire
• watching the snow fall on the pines
• silence and noise
• canoe rides on a glass lake
• swimming in a cold river on a hot day
• log cabins in the woods
• fresh vegetables and fresh baked breads
• classical music filling every room
• plane trips to far away lands
• stars uninhibited by city lights
• long drives on winding roads
• picnics in the sun

...and joy. A life filled with joy.

ten on tuesday!

1. What’s your favorite television show for each day of the week?

Monday: The Sing-Off
Tuesday: Chopped
Wednesday: America's Next Top Model
Thursday: Grey's Anatomy
Friday: ...
Saturday: whatever happens to be on TLC, Foot Network or HGTV. Although, last Saturday there was a  True Life MARATHON. Thumbs up.
Sunday: Sister Wives


2. How many times do you wear your jeans before you watch them?
 
Usually between 2 and 7 times. I do the wash once a week, and I usually wash my jeans.


3. What is your favorite pasta shape?

Spirals. Especially if they are tri-colored. Uhm...what do the Italians call it? Rotini!

4. Do you read newspapers?

Nope. I'm not up or down (or sideways, I suppose) with current events.

5. Do you sleep in socks?

Actually, socks are one of my most hated clothing items, so...no. Not unless it's FREEZING.


6. Favorite genre of movies?

This is hard. I love Horror, so I guess I'll go with that. I do love a good RomCom, tho.


7. How do you feel about wrestling?

Hate it. It's stupid.


8. Should men pluck their eyebrows?

I think men should trim their brows. You know, just general upkeep. Maybe get rid of a stray hair that's creeping toward the sideburns. But there's no reason for them to complete define the brow, the way women do.
9. Do you have dimples?

I have a weird indent on my cheek that happen when I smile, but only one. And it isn't a full blown dimple.


10. Do you like to camp?

It's good, when the weather is right. I don't like camping in the rain, though, that may just be because I had a bad experience with a non-waterproof tent.

monday, monday, monday!

Stolen from: here

Monday Check-In

Obsessing over: a cappella love!

Working on: work. You know. Hopefully later I'll be working on arranging. Or laundry. Or...both?

Thinking about: sleep. I am very sleepy.

Anticipating: Dinner. Which reminds me -- I didn't make the pork. Need to do that tomorrow. Crock pot, here I come!

Listening to: Sonos cover of Bon Iver's Re: Stacks.

Drinking: Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte. Brought to you by: Caffeine! Because it's the only thing that's keeping me from passing out on my desk right now.

Wishing: I was sleeping. Or at least lying down. Even just lying down would be okay.

Did you see I added a music page?

These are just some songs I like

and thought you might want to listen to!

I'll continually add to it.

Yay!

Franz and the Eagle

Found this on They Call her Meghan!

So basically, you just scratch off the thing that you've done or apply to you.

Appearance

I have/had piercings besides the ears.

I want piercings besides the ears. Contemplating belly button, but need a skinny belly again, first. And to maybe get over my inability to sleep anywhere except my stomach.

I have many scars.  Foot from bunyon surgery. Random ones on my hands, knees and elbows from cats, bicycles, etc.
I tan easily.

I wish my hair was a different color.

I have friends who have never seen my natural hair color.

I have a tattoo. I have three!

I want a tattoo. Yes another one. Always another one.
I can be self-conscious about my appearance. Absolutely. We all have good and bad days.
I have/had braces. I had headgear, too. Oh yes, you totally want to be my friend now.
I have more than two piercings.



Embarrassment

Disney movies still make me cry. They didn't used to make me cry. I guess I've grown into it.
I’ve laughed so hard I’ve cried.
I’ve glued my hand to something.

I’ve laughed until some kind of beverage came out of my nose. Ow.
I’ve touched something sharp/hot/etc to see if it would hurt. Does setting a napkin that I'm holding in my hand on fire count?



Health

I’ve gotten stitches. I guess technically I had stitches when I got my foot surgery. Also, when my wisdom teeth came out?

I’ve broken or dislocated a bone. (ok, so this is an 'ish' because I've never broken or dislocated anything by accident, but my foot surgery involved breaking my big toe to reset it in the correct position)
I’ve had my tonsils removed.

I’ve had my wisdom teeth removed.
I’ve had chicken pox.
I've had malaria.

I've had typhoid.

I've had jaundice.



Travel

I’ve been on a plane.
I’ve been to the US. I live there, in fact.

I’ve been to Europe.
I've been to at least one other country.
I've never been out of my country.

I’ve driven/ridden over 200 kilometers in one day. Cross country road trip!


Experiences

I’ve gotten lost in my city.
I’ve seen a shooting star.

I’ve wished on a shooting star.

I’ve seen a meteor shower.

I’ve gone out in public in my pajamas.
I’ve pushed all the buttons on an elevator.

I’ve slapped someone.
I’ve kissed someone underwater.

I’ve chugged something.
I’ve crashed a car.

I’ve been skiing.
I’ve been in a musical. A lot of musicals. It's kind of all I did between 4th and 12th grade.
I’ve auditioned for something. Kind of part of being a singer. ;)

I’ve been on stage.

I’ve caught a snowflake on my tongue.

I’ve sat on a rooftop at night.

I’ve pranked someone.

I’ve ridden in a taxi.



Honesty / Crime

I’ve been threatened to be arrested.

I’ve broken a law. Everyone does when they jaywalk!

I’ve done something I promised someone I wouldn’t. I can't think of anything specifically, but I'm sure this is true.

I’ve done something I promised myself I wouldn’t.

I’ve snuck out.

I’ve lied about my whereabouts.

I’ve cheated while playing a game.

I’ve been in a fist fight.



Death

I’m afraid of dying.

I hate funerals.
I’ve seen someone/something die.

Someone close to me has attempted/committed suicide.

I have attempted suicide.

I’ve thought about suicide before.

I’ve written a eulogy for myself.



Materialism

I own over 10 music CDs. They're at my Dad or Mom's house, but they still exist!
I own over 10 novels.
I own over 5 electronic gadgets.

I’m obsessed with anime/manga.

I collected comic books.

I own a lot of makeup.

I own gaming console(s). I guess technically the Wii is Nate's, but there's that whole 'what's yours is mine' thing, so...

I own a car.

I own a bike.

I thrive on compliments.

I thrive on hate.



Random

I can sing low key. I'm not quite sure what this means, but I'll say it's true.

I’ve stolen a tray from a fast food restaurant.

I open up to others easily.

I watch the news occasionally.
I like to kill bugs.

I sing in the shower.

I’m a morning person.

I’m a sports cricket fanatic.

I twirl my hair.

I care about grammar.

I love spam.

I’ve copied more than 30 CDs in a day.

I bake reasonably well.

My favorite color is either white, yellow, pink, blue, red, black, purple, or orange.
I would wear pajamas to school.

I like Martha Stewart.

I laugh at my own jokes.

I eat fast food weekly.
I’ve not turned anything in and still got an A in a certain class.

I can’t sleep if there’s a bug/insect in the room.

I’m really ticklish.
I like chocolate.

I bite my nails. I try not to anymore, but old habits die hard.
I’m good at remembering names.

I’m good at remembering dates.

My memory sucks.

I have no idea what I want to do for the rest of my life.


People

...used to ask if I was anorexic/bulimic.

...called me fat.

...say I’m skinny.

...have said I’m ugly.

...have said I’m pretty.

...have spread rumors about me.

...force me to eat.
...say I eat too much.

...say I eat too little.

...say I eat too fast.

...say I eat too slow.

...have called me a genius.

...have given me gifts.



Eating

I’ve lost weight.

I’ve gained weight.

I’m at my thinnest.

I’m at my biggest.

I’ve lost weight and kept it off.

I’ve lost weight, but gained it back.

My weight affects my mood.

I diet.

I’m vegan/vegetarian.

I exercise.

I’ve fainted from exhaustion. Or heatstroke. Take your pick.



Family

I’ve sworn at my parents.

I’ve planned to run away from home before. When I was a little kid! I totally packed a brown paper bag of clothes and everything and put it outside so I would have it for later. Then it rained and everything got soggy.

I’ve run away from home.

I have a sibling less than one year old.

I want kids. Maybe. Someday.
I’ve had kids.

I’ve lost a child.



Relationships

I’m engaged.

I’m married.

I'm in a relationship.

I’ve gone on a blind date.

I have/had a friend with benefits.

I miss someone right now.

I have a fear of abandonment.

I don't like to depend on others.

I’ve gotten divorced.

I’ve had feelings for someone who didn’t have them back.

Someone has/had feelings for me when I didn’t have them back.

I’ve told someone I loved them when I didn’t.

I’ve told someone I didn’t love them when I did.

I’ve kept something from a past relationship.



Sexuality

I’m a cuddler.
I’ve been kissed in the rain.

I’ve hugged a stranger.

I’ve kissed a stranger.



Bad Times

I regularly drink.

I can’t swallow pills.

I can swallow numerous pills at a time without difficulty.

I’ve been diagnosed with depression at some point.

I have anxiety problems.

I shut others out when I’m upset.

I don’t have anyone to talk to when I’m upset.

I have taken/take anti-depressants.

I’ve slept an entire day before.

I’ve plotted revenge.


What can you scratch off?

safe with me

For the weekend, I leave you with this thought: eyebrows, or no eyebrows?

brows

no brows!

Thoughts?

ten on tuesday!

As always, link up with Chelsea over at Roots and Rings for your very own Ten on Tuesday fun!


1. You’re packing for a week long vacation, do you pack ahead of time or wait until the last possible minute to pack? Last possible minute? Maybe a combo of the two -- I'll pack (or at least think about) what things I need to pack in spurts ahead of time, but most of the packing is done last-minute. I wear most of my casual clothes on a regular basis, so the non-casual clothes can get packed earlier than the casual...which will probably need to be laundered before I bring them with me.

2. Are you a light or heavy packer? Heavy. I like to have options.

3. What are your favorite road trip snacks? It's funny, as soon as I get on the road somewhere, all I want is a freakin' salad or some fruit. I think it's because I get dehydrated easily while traveling, so I want something crisp an cool. I do also enjoy corn nuts. =)

4. Do you take any reading material along? Traveling by car, not usually -- I can't read in the car. Traveling by plane? Most definitely!

5. Do you prefer to drive or fly to your vacation destination? I like both, so it really depends on how far I'm going and how much time I'm going to have when I get there!

6. What is your favorite time of the year to take your vacation? I loved vacation in the Summer in Florida, to get away from the heat, but living in cold places, I love vacationing in the Winter, to get back to that southern warmth!

7. Where is your favorite place to vacation? Anywhere, honestly. I just love traveling and being somewhere new!

8. You are vacationing in the mountains, what is your favorite thing to do while there? Can we assume I'm staying at a cabin that has a hot tub on a porch overlooking stunning mountain views? Cause that's my favorite thing. Otherwise, I do very much enjoy hiking and being out in the mountains.

9. You are at the beach for your vacation,  do you like to take it easy on the beach or play all day in the water? A combo. I love to be out on the beach and playing around, but I have very pale, sensitive skin so I have to be really careful about putting on sunscreen every two hours for the whole time I'm outside. That gets frustrating, so I usually spend about half the day out in the sun and the other half eating/drinking on a deck somewhere!

10. While your on vacation do you prefer to eat out every night or cook some of your own meals? I like cooking, but one of my favorite thing about vacations is trying out new restaurants and types of food, especially things that are local. I will say the former!

headstrong today (ten on tuesday)

1. Red Sauce or White Sauce?

I like both, but usually red sauce.

2. Do your prefer pasta you can twirl or stab?

I like long spaghetti, but I'm bad at twirling it. I also like rotini, so...both?

3. Baked or boiled?

Boiled.

4. Do you like meat in your sauce or do you kick it vegetarian style?

Both? I do like a good meat sauce, though...

5. Where have you had your very best pasta ever?

Hmmm...I've had pasta a lot, but I can't think of any that sticks out as ridiculously good.

6. What is your favorite pasta dish?

I'm good with just spaghetti and sauce. And cheese, of course =)

7. Do you serve meatballs when you make spaghetti or just do a meat sauce?

Just meat sauce. I'll eat meatballs while we're out somewhere, but I don't make them.

8. What type (rice, whole wheat, egg, etc) of noodles do you use?

Regular! Sometimes whole wheat. Egg noodles if I'm making tettrazini.

9. What type of meats or vegetables do your put in your sauce.

Ground beef or pork, mushrooms, onions and spinach. Yum.

10. Do you make a "Sunday gravy" to use throughout the week or do you just open a jar of whatever and heat it up? (no judgement on this one!)

I buy canned/jarred sauce, usually. The jars we have now are from a super-sale where it was ridiculously cheap. So we're set for a while.

tell me on a sunday

It's Monday, and I am still hanging out with guests so there is no weekend recap. I wouldn't normally have Columbus Day off, since apparently the west coast doesn't care about Columbus discovering land that was already claimed by other people before he got there, but I took it off anyway.

In any case, here's a little Meet Me on Monday (via Never Growing Old) to keep you up to date while I'm out playing at the top of the Space Needle!

Questions:
1.  The best part of waking up each day is __________?
2.  How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?
3.  Red or Green Apples?
4.  Do you forgive easily?
5.  If you could live in any home on a television series, which would it be?

1. Seeing my booboo's smiling (or sleep-deprived) face! Also, when the cat attacks him and he is still asleep. Hehe.

2. I would be 21. Old enough to drink, still not old enough to know that even though you were so tired of classes, college was the shizz.

3. Red. Though, I do like a good granny smith with some brie.

4. I do. Partially because I forget easily, but also because I don't like confrontation. I think it's less 'forgive' easily as it is 'push it to the back of your mind so you don't remember and it doesn't cause problems' easily.

5. The Enterprise, on Star Trek: TNG. Totally awesome.

(for those who are wondering, I'll announce the giveaway winner later this evening!)