Shit I want to do in 2013

I like lists (don't die from shock) and I think my 2012 list helped me stay somewhat on track so here's my 2013 list:

1. Get a new job - this one is a carryover from 2012. Le sigh.... I think I need to redo my resume. And I definitely need to get over my social anxiety (yes, it does exist) and go to more meetings of my professional organization.
   
   
2. Find Jesus. Again. - Another carryover. I swear this is on my list every year...


3. Learn to sew - I've wanted to learn to sew for a long time but never had time. When my great grandmother died two years ago, my mom got her sewing machine and had it fixed with the intention of teaching me on it. But life gets in the way and I finally just asked her for it. Fingers crossed that between YouTube and Pinterest I can figure that thing out.


4. Read 52 books - I love to read. If we aren't friends on Goodreads, we should be. But babies and grad school had me putting my love for reading on the back burner. And even after I graduated, I'd catch myself in a reading "rut". My "to read" list is starting to far surpass my "have read" list. So I'm shooting for at least one book a week. I wish I could commit to more. OH. And first on the list is Harry Potter which I have not yet read but have heard is fabulous.


5. Eat more veggies - I know. I swear I'm not 5. We eat veggies. A lot actually. But more often than I'd care to admit, our meals are carb heavy with little to no fresh veggies on the side. I just want to make an effort to have at least one roasted or fresh or steamed or not-cooked-with-potatoes (yes, I swear he does this) vegetable on the table with each meal.


6. Tackle my house "to do" list - I don't know when we'll sell our house but I'm thinking it's probably sooner rather than later. Once we do make that decision, I'd rather not have 5 million things to do at one time. So along with making my bedroom pretty, I also really want to concentrate on making our house "sell ready".


7. Keep running - I know. I KNOW. I said I was going to run my race and be done. But apparently I lied. I miss it. Stop saying "I told you so".

That's it! Perfectly attainable. Nothing unrealistic. Let's get this party started...

Happy New Year! 

2012 Recap

I know this is such a "shit girls say" kind of thing but seriously, HOW is it 2013 already? I feel like it was just Christmas last year! Looking back, I can say that 2012 was good to me. A little bit of a boring year but that's not always a bad thing. :) There were several things that I wanted to "do" in 2012 and I think I'm at like 50%. Let's see... How did I do in 2012?

1. Finish grad school - CHECK

2. Go to church more - Meh, this was like 50/50. I did go more often than usual but not as often as I'd like.

3. Get a better job - Oh this is a frustrating one. I've sent out more resumes than I care to admit, had several promising interviews, and even had a lowball offer. I wish I was made of money so I could have taken it. Sadly, not the case. I feel like I need to do something different but I'm not quite sure what yet.

4. Get in better shape - I think I can call this a success. I ran a 5k in November and while I am by no means, a runner, if you had told me in January that I would be running 3 miles straight before the end of the year, I'd have offered you another cookie.

5. Do more for "me" - Another win here. I have gotten more pedicures, baked lots of yummies, gone to the gym, started running, spent time with my family, decorated my house, and spent time with friends. And read many, many wonderful books.

So that's 3/5 at least. Maybe closer to like 3.5/5? So...70% success rate according to my trusty calculator. Not too shabby, no?

No worries, I have a list for 2013 too. Stay tuned. Since you're so interested in my fabulous daily life and all. ;)

Birthday Talk

I realized this morning that NJ's third (!!!) birthday is a mere two and a half months away. How the hell did that even happen? I swear she's still sleeping in pj's that were gifts from her second birthday. I cannot believe my little monkey is going to be three.

I've heard through the mommy grapevine that the term "terrible twos" is just something made up so that when two is over you're all "I made it!" and then three hits and you're like "who the fuck is this demon spawn?!" And I kind of believe it because two was really not that bad. I kind of like two. But I see three on the horizon and it's not so much a pretty picture. My sweet child has discovered more than just "no". She has discovered gems like "hang on" and "in a minute" and "nothing" when asked what in the world she is doing that is keeping her so quiet. All served up with a side of teenage attitude. So I'm a little afraid of three but even through all the smart mouth comments, I still see my sweet baby under there so I have faith that we will make it through three just fine.

So I get to plan her party which I love because I really, really missed my calling as a party planner. Like really. She told me a couple months ago that she wanted an elephant party. Then two weeks ago she told me she wanted a blue party. (These are just random statements, btw. I'm not asking what kind of party she wants.) Anyway. That's so spot on with her personality because we went to the zoo in September and she just about fainted over her love for the elephant and has talked about him nonstop and got an assload of elephant themed things for Christmas that she is now OBSESSED with. And blue is her most favorite color in the whole wide world ever, ever so a Third Blue Elephant Party shall be had.

To-do List

Bedroom to do list:

• New dresser
• New nightstands
• New bed
• Paint the walls gray 
• Move file cabinet, bookshelf, vanity, & stool to guest room/office 
• Move mirror & jewelry box to opposite wall
• Sunburst mirror above the bed
• New frames for Norah's pictures
• Replace TV
• Bench at edge of bed (I'm not sure if we have room for one now...)
• Reading corner (again with the lack of room...)
• Replace carpet (probably should have done this before assembling the bed...)

I'm still looking for a dresser on the cheap. Ironically, January and February are months where the mister does not work 13+ hours a day and he would/should have time to refinish one but there's the whole "sun sets at 5" thing and "it's cold" thing so don't be shocked if the dresser gets put on the backburner until May. He'll go back to 13+ hours a day for March & April so May will be the next time that he has 1) time and 2) daylight. And yes, I can do it but I have that whole toddler/running the house thing going on.

Honestly, now that the holidays are almost over, I will gain a LOT of space back in my guest room/office so hopefully I can move the file cabinet and other stuff the first week of January which frees up the space to move the mirror and jewelry box in the actual room. And I'm itching to paint the walls so hopefully that will be a January weekend project as well. I'm just pumped that things are actually getting crossed off!

Hey y'all...

Guess what?

I slept in my bed last night!!

::throws confetti::

Of course it didn't come without obstacles because this bed was sent purely to torture me but we finally finished. And by "we" I mean I stood back with the camera while my two year old "helped" dad with the drill. It looks amazing. I swear pictures are coming but this didn't go down until 10pm and then I had to change the sheets and by the time it was all done, he wouldn't move so I could take a decent pic without my carpenter husband in his drawers.

Basically we finished painting and polying on Sunday. The sanding worked on 98% of the footboard. There are a few places that aren't "perfect" but they aren't noticeable and honestly, I love that it's not perfect. I'd have paid Pottery Barn $1200 if I wanted a perfect Farmhouse bed.

So it dried on Sunday night and then Monday night he started moving things into the room and dismantling the current bed and of course there were issues and I might have threatened divorce and then there was wine and at the end of it all, the bed was put together (yay!) but...the boxspring wouldn't fit.

WTF? Basically the frame is the right size but the ledge on the footboard prevents it from dropping down. Photos will explain this better. But it was honestly fine because we didn't intend to use the boxspring anyway. We were just going to use it for Monday night until we had a chance to get some plywood because apparently you can't just put a mattress on some slats and call it a day. Who knew?

So Monday night I slept with NJ and H slept on the couch. And I was mad. Oh, was I mad. But Tuesday morning I was ok and last night we went to Home Depot (I hate that place so very much) and got plywood and they even cut it for us (because of course it wouldn't fit in the van) and I drank a Mexican Coke (it's not drugged as I originally thought) and then we got home and OF COURSE he had told the HD guy the wrong measurement but fortunately he told him too long and not too short. So he went and cut the damn board ONE MORE TIME and then there were screws and a mattress and sheets and a comforter and it was awesome.  I love it.

Ana-white.com has a "brag" section so I'm hoping to do a complete post from start to finish to link up there. I'll keep you updated. In the meantime, you can find me picking out paint colors for the wall. The bed has determined that our current mustardy/camel walls ain't cutting it.

Let's play a game

Drink everytime I said "bed" in this post. Ok? Go.

Bed. That's one.

So there's no longer a bed in my bedroom. It's in my dining room now! Yay!

We've officially given Mother Nature the middle finger after this weekend. If you recall, the footboard has had some poly "issues". Let's recap what we've learned about poly:

1. It doesn't like humidity
2. It doesn't like cold weather

So of course December is the perfect month to be doing this. <-- loaded with sarcasm. dripping actually.

The mister sanded it down in places where the poly had cracked so on a GORGEOUS Sunday morning I repainted it and I was like "NO MORE PAINTING, HOLLA!" and then the sky opened up and even though it was under the carport, the wind was blowing so hard, the mother fucking footboard got wet and I wanted to cry.

It didn't get really wet, just enough to ruin my paint job. So we hauled it in the house, toweled it off and let it sit in the dining room next to the headboard for the rest of the day. This was the point where I typed up a little Craigslist ad in my head. It goes something like this:

"Solid pine bed. $300. Almost completely finished. About to cause divorce. Must sell immediately. You pick up."

Ok, it's not that bad...yet. I still love the bed. I know it's going to look fabulous if it's ever done. Friday marks one month, btw that I sang the husband's praises for building this thing. But who's counting...

So here's where we stand now: The headboard is like 98% done. It has two coats of poly on everything except the very top because that rests against our wall. So one of us will have to hold it up while the other quickly applies a coat or two and it will be DONE. Praise Jesus. Hopefully that will happen tonight. Not shockingly, the poly dries very quickly when in normal conditions aka not 100% humidity.

The footboard had to be sanded again. I repainted it but the cracked poly was still showing through. What the hell is in that stuff?? So he sanded the cracked areas down to the wood. It will need YET ANOTHER coat of paint. And then I don't even know what. Hopefully it will be fine and we can poly it and be done. Worst case is that it still looks cracked. I really don't know what we'd do at that point. Let's just not even go there. My head is about to explode just thinking about it.


In other news, I hate Taylor Swift. Every time the radio plays one of her songs a kitten dies. So remember that before making a request.

5 drinks which is less than I thought it would be.

39 min, 30 sec

That, my friends, is the finish time for my first ever 5k.

I know! It took me 11 months to do an 8 week program but I did it! I ran a 5k! I'm still kind of shocked by the whole thing. I had been running a couple times a week since July then I took a couple weeks off then the race was coming up fast so I picked it up again. 2 nights before the race I ran 3 miles in 41 minutes. I really wanted to be under 40 for the 5k.

We got there early, even with traffic issues so there was plenty of time for me to get nervous. When I saw the map of the route, I almost fainted. But once it started, I was feeling good. Trying not to go too fast but my RunKeeper app kept telling me I was running something insane like an 11 minute mile and I was like, shit, I have got to slow down. The first mile and a half went great. Then I had to walk for about 30 seconds but I was still doing ok. The next half a mile felt like it took forever. When my app told me I was at 2 miles, I was like, SERIOUSLY, because I felt like I had gone SO FAR since the 1.5 mile mark. I had to walk again and I was totally pep talking myself at that point. I knew I wanted to finish strong so I told myself that I would walk for a minute and really catch my breath because I was going to run the last mile - no stopping.

A mistake I made was trying to get some water at the last water station, I feel like that cost me about 10 seconds because this other girl stepped in front of me. I might have cursed at her. Maybe that was just in my head. Probably not. Anyway, I could see the end and was pumped. My chip time was 39:30 which is awesome. I was very excited and totally partook in some beer and a bacon cheeseburger afterwards. It was as delicious as it sounds.

So yay me! IDK if I will do another one or not. I swore I was quitting running as soon as this race was over but if I know me, I'll want to beat my time because I'm a dumb overachiever. And my crazy running friends are already bugging me about the next one. Freaks.

2/3 Done

There's still a bed in my bedroom. Not put together. Somewhat coated in poly. It literally watches me sleep and if you open the bedroom door too fast, you are guaranteed to walk smack dab into that solid wood mother fucker.

The other night, as I was staring at it, staring at me, I was trying to figure out a fraction for just how "done" we are. I threw out 2/3 then did the "math" and lo and behold, I was right. 2/3. The Mister thinks I'm nuts but whatever. He's the fool that built a bed in 6 hours, 2 weeks before he started working 13 hour days. Let's just not even go there. But it's safe to say that there's only ONE reason he's not sleeping on the couch. It rhymes with smovulation.


My Bed Math:

There are 3 pieces of bed. Each piece needs the following:

• built
• primed
• paint (2 coats)
• poly (3 coats)

So that's 7 steps per piece. Times three is 21 steps total. All three pieces are built (3), primed (3), and painted (6) for 12 steps completed. The frame has been polyed 3 times and is completely done. 15 steps completed. The footboard has one coat of poly on it (16 steps) BUT there was that whole humidity issue and the poly cracked (not enough booze in the world...) so we took two steps back due to 1) sanding the poly off and 2) painting another coat of color. So now we're at 14 steps. 14/21 equals 2/3.

Now all this was two days ago. In the meantime, the husband has sanded but not painted (because of COURSE it's pouring rain on his two days off. of course.) so I guess we're at 15/21? Or would it be 17/23? IDK. Point is there's still a big ass bed in my bedroom and I'm still not sleeping in it.

Want

Isn't this bag to die for?

Nordstrom

Someone send that to the mister ASAP. I lurve it so very much. Actually I showed it to him last night and he was all, "bitch, you be trippin'." Ok, not really. He'd never say "trippin'", that's all me.

We just got a new sink and faucet installed in November and decided that would be our gift to each other (and oh how I love them so very much) but a girl can dream, no? Here's what else I want besides that fabulous Kate Spade bag up above.

Friends series on DVD

Amazon

A new fridge

Lowe's

A juicer (for margaritas. obviously.)

Amazon

For my mother effing bed to be finished and look like this

source

That's it. And World Peace and all that jazz but you know, the juicer first. 

Merry Christmas!

The Universe has jokes

And they are not funny.

For the past two weeks, I've been like, "honey, I want that bed in our room by Dec 1, ok?!?!"

Today is November 28 and there is most definitely a bed in my bedroom. In three pieces. Not polyed. Not put together. But it's in there!

Eff. You. Universe. Eff you.

Due to the all around shitty weather and the aforementioned humidity, the pieces need to be in the house. But they still need to be coated in poly. Oh and now sanded between coats of poly because of other issues that I don't have the energy to type about. The weather will be fabulous this weekend. But I'm going out of town and my husband is working all weekend. So...yeah. I seriously will be lucky to be sleeping in this bed by the end of 2012.

I'm going to start drinking now.

More Bed News

I just realized that sounds like "more bad news" which is kind of funny. I don't really have bad news. I guess kind of both. Let's start with the "not so great" news.

I'm not sleeping in my bed. I will not be sleeping in my bed on Dec 1.

That hurt to type. I worked on it all weekend long and finished the painting (HOLLA!) and let that dry and then it was time to poly. Praise Jesus. We brought our Christmas tree home and attempted to decorate Sunday night so on Monday night, the mister went outside with a clean brush and the can of poly. He quickly got the base and footboard done. The weather was not looking so fantastic so we decided that we'd just stay up, let the poly dry enough, and move them into the house. So we waited and waited and WAITED and the damn thing just would not dry. So we went to bed.

At 5:30, the man is waking me up to help him move the bed because y'all, that storm was coming fast. The footboard was on top of a table so it was fine but the frame was just resting on some 2x4's so we were worried about water coming up the inch or so that it was from the ground. This was good and bad. Bad because holy shit, solid wood frames are HEAVY but good because once it was out of the humidity, it was dry within 30 minutes. Eff you, Louisiana humidity. But of course we now have to do a second coat of poly because my finger touched the edge and there's a perfect print of mine in the poly. Good times.

There's no point in even attempting to do anything else with it until the rain stops and the humidity drops. Since it's 97% at the moment, I don't see that happening today. Or tomorrow. Maybe tomorrow afternoon. I don't even know what the new timeline is.


Ok, on to the good! Y'all remember these nightstands?

Ahem, they now reside in my bedroom. Holla!

Homegirl emailed me Wednesday and told me that she had someone else interested in only the bed. She wanted $300 for both and while they are definitely worth that much, it just wasn't in our budget so I was honest and told her I loved them and really wanted them but just couldn't pay more than $200 for the set and I totally understood if she didn't want to take that little. And she was like, "fine but no less than $200" and I was like, "sold! where do you live?" and we picked them up Friday night. And I fucking love them. They are so nice! I seriously cannot believe that she even got rid of them. I feel like I stole them from her because they are totes worth like $300 apiece. Ok, maybe not that much but definitely more than $100.

Hopefully I'll have more good bed news tomorrow!

Bed update (& other randoms)

Random "let's redo the bedroom" updates:

1. Painting furniture is hard. Now I know why the local unfinished furniture store charges $200 per piece for them to paint it. And they probably have a fancy sprayer.


2. The mister puttied and sanded all three pieces of our bed by Friday. Friday night I primed the footboard. Saturday I spent all day painting. I was able to get two coats of paint on the footboard (holy pain in the ass) and also prime and get two coats on the base of the bed. They look fantastic. We decided to go with a slightly off white color, Swiss Coffee from Behr. No thanks to the uber helpful (not) paint guy. I really hate Home Depot. Lowe's needs to build closer to me so I can stop shopping there.


3. The headboard is fucking heavy so I had to wait for the mister to help me. Sunday I was sore from painting while laying on the concrete outside so I spent the day making an assload of rolls for Thanksgiving. And two pie crusts. When he got home Sunday night he helped me move the headboard into a position where I could either lean it against our house or a table. Let's label that as "where things went south"...
   
   I tried to lean the headboard against the table so I could start priming and promptly cracked the post on the bottom. Which led me to freak and move too fast which sent the rest of this thing slamming into the side of my house. No worries, headboard is fine. My siding is now missing a chunk but whatever. The post is also fine. I'm just a drama queen. Mister sanded it down and it looks as good as new. We determined at that point that I could not paint this thing by myself.
   
   So we'll have to do it together, which is fine except that means I have to wait till he gets home each day which is usually closer to 6:30 and then we eat dinner and then put the girl to bed and by then it's 8, and we're both tired, yo. And we're about to leave for two days for Thanksgiving so that's two days lost. I was hoping to be sleeping in my new fab bed by this weekend but at this rate I'll be lucky if it's Christmas. So I'm a little frustrated to say the least.


4. Timeline: hopefully we can prime the headboard tonight and maybe paint coat one (the primer dries really fast). Then coat two tomorrow night. Poly on Thursday night/Friday then another coat of poly after that one, hopefully on Saturday. Then it needs to cure outside for a couple days. So maybe by Dec 1? That would be awesome. However I also MUST put up my Christmas decor this weekend soooo....yeah. I need a PA.


5. I'm getting a massage when all this is done.


6. None of the previously talked about dressers were available. Still searching. I did find an awesome set of nightstands that I wouldn't even have to redo but they are part of a set and the seller wasn't sure if she wanted to split it up. Which I understand. She said she'd split them if the set hadn't sold by the end of the week. Fingers crossed.

 They are fab.

Bed

We had the bedroom chat on Sunday of this week. On Wednesday, the mister was off of work. I called him from my office and asked what he was doing. His exact response was "I'm building a bed, I can't talk right now."

Um. Say what?

And then six hours later, this happened:

I am pleasantly shocked. It looks flipping amazing. He's still doing wood filler and then he has to sand it so hopefully I can get my paint on this weekend. I've been brushing up on my (nonexistent) furniture painting skills from YHL. And I'm hitting up the Home Depot this afternoon. Lord help the high school dropout working in the paint department today.

But isn't it fabulous?! I luff it.

Dressers

I found some viable dresser options on Craigslist. I think that if it's an option (depending on the dresser), that we'd like to remove a top drawer and stick a dvd player in there.

This one actually also has two matching nightstands. I'm really digging that little door and the chevron wood pattern.

Matching nightstands: Maybe remove that bottom drawer? IDK...

Second one: Again with the cute little door. And all those little drawers! Buying hardware for that could be pricey though.

Three: Obviously I have a thing for tiny doors.

What do we think?

Bedroom Redo

Apparently I'm averaging one post a month here (if you ignore July completely). Commitment is practically my middle name.

I started reading Young House Love a few months ago and holy smokes, I am so hooked to that site. Who knew that I had some dormant DIY-er living inside me?! Obviously "DIY-er" is a term I use loosely. Even though thanks to that site plus Pinterest, I'm all "of COURSE we can install our own stainless steel countertops" but the fact of the matter is that my handyman slash plumber slash electrician is totes on speed dial.

Anyway, the husband and I have been talking about a bedroom redo for quite some time now and then last week one of the drawers on his thirty year old, pressed wood (we're fancy like that) dresser broke and yesterday we actually sat in the room and chatted about what we'd like to do. "Like" being the operative word. I need a place to hammer this out so you're welcome for this way too long post about my bedroom. Sorry there's no sex involved.

Current situation: Bad.

Our bedroom has by far gotten the least attention since we bought the house 4 1/2 years ago. Let's see, we have our bed (a queen & no room for a king) which is basically a mattress, box spring, and frame. No actual head/foot board. Mismatched nightstands. Aforementioned dresser. A vanity and stool that my mom bought me for my twenty something birthday (20? 22?). A file cabinet and bookshelf that belong in the "office". Oh, and another dresser that we actually like, a tv that we don't watch (more on that later), a free standing mirror, and a tall jewelry holder thing that was my grandmother's. OH, and two matching lamps that I lurve as well as matching curtains that match our new bedspread. Which is basically what started all this.

I want to keep: bed, lamps, curtains, mirror, dresser, jewelry holder.
Replace: second dresser, nightstands.
Get rid of: file cabinet, bookshelf, vanity & stool.
Acquire: an actual bed, matching nightstands, starburst mirror, new dresser, new tv, bench for edge of bed, chair, ottoman (maybe), lamp, side table.

Our current bedspread is paisley with blues and greens and I love it so very much. I want to paint the walls a gray color and the trim white, which I assure you will lead to painting all the trim in the house white, which will be a giant pain in the ass but let's pretend that's not the case. So, gray walls, light blueish/green bed linens. So far, so good.

 From here because pottery barn's website is an asshole.

Our current bedding looks a lot like the Sienna Paisley duvet from PB (except with more blue than green) however that shit is expensive AND in person is really not as nice as on their site. Mine is from Marshall's and I'm obsessed with it. Moving on.

The husband is fairly handy and has been wanting to make a bed for us for quite some time now however 1) he's a procrastinator and 2) I'm a skeptic so that hasn't happened yet. Plus I just wasn't really able to envision our room with this particular bed in it BUT then I found this blog and I'll be damned if homegirl doesn't have: 1) (almost) the same wall as me, 2) same light color scheme, and 3) THE BED. Behold:

Found here.

  I almost fainted. Our molding isn't quite as fancy pants as hers (and we surely don't have all that badass lighting) but we do have a tray ceiling and two windows so yay for that.

ps-the plans for building that bed are over at ana-white.com

THE VISION: gray on the walls, my fab light blue curtains, dark (matching!) stained nightstands with my current fab blue lamps, a badass starburst mirror above the bed, that bed (in white), current light blue/green bedspread, and a bench at the end. That's the back wall. I lurve it. Or at least the idea of it.

Mirror

Kind of like this except we have windows. And my husband doesn't like the upholstered bed which I just can't even discuss because really, what's not to love?

THE VISION

OH, OH, and then I stumbled across this blog where this chick is recommending paint colors for the aforementioned, way too expensive, Sienna bedding!

 Dunn Edward Rainy Season

Anyway, to make this dream a reality here's the list of "to do's": paint, build a bed, find nightstands on the cheap (craigslist), refinish nightstands, get a badass starburst mirror, find a bench on the cheap, probably reupholster said bench.

So that's kind of a lot just for one wall but it is the most important wall so there's that.

Moving clockwise, we have wall numero two. Which currently houses the free standing mirror, the dresser we like, and the jewelry box. Mirror and jewelry box need to be moved to another wall but the dresser can stay where it is. And we'd need some artwork there but that will come way, way, way later. So that wall is pretty easy. That dresser is tall (5 drawers) and a dark stain. Hopefully we could get the non-existent nightstands to at least compliment, if not match, that color.

 Current dresser:

Found here

Wall number three currently has: a basket with magazines in it, the pressed wood dresser, a tv we don't watch, the vanity and stool.

Here's the deal with the tv. We cancelled cable so we could afford THE daycare in our 'hood a year and a half ago and kind of never looked back. This tv is a million years old and I've never made the effort to get whatever hardware I'd need to watch the Today show or GMA (holla to Robin) which is all I'd really want it for. On the rare occasion we do watch the tube, it's in the living room. Oh, and I'd like it to watch dvd's with the babe in bed. So the tv needs to be craiglisted. But I would totes get a new tv so I can watch my morning shows and the news at night. Ha, ok not really, more like Jimmy Fallon. Whatever. The news depresses me.

Anyway, here's the plan for that wall: throw the current dresser (it's so ugly, y'all), get a badass dresser on the craigslist, paint it some awesome color (you see how Pinterest and YHL collide so easily?!), get a new tv for on top of the new badass dresser, make a little reading corner where the vanity currently is with a chair, lamp, and side table. And ottoman if it will fit. No biggie if it doesn't. The chair situation will come a LOT later also. But I do really like this one:

Here

That dresser is pretty high on the list since the mister is currently missing a drawer. I would very much like to get matching hardware for all 4 pieces of furniture (2 dressers, 2 nightstands) to bring them all together. And the dresser for that wall would need to be short and long. I am fond of this dresser makeover:

Found here

This is what we're going for, maybe even a shorter dresser than what they have:

 Found here

We even discussed making the dresser white like the bed. But I like the idea of some color as well. Who knows. Anyway...

Finally, wall four which is the current catchall. On this wall we have: file cabinet, bookshelf, random drawer thingy from college. All that shit needs to go to another room in the house. The mirror and jewelry box will go on that wall. We need some art there too but again, that is far, far away. I actually currently have some pics of the kiddo which I do love but we need better frames for sure. The room is really not that big (note to self: measure) so there's not a lot of space for stuff there anyway. OH and we also need new carpet like wHoa. I think that's on my master to do list for the house (what? you don't have one?!).

Ok, so that's the vision. If I knew how to work polyvore, I'd totes make a mood board or whatever that crap is but I don't and I don't really have time to learn so just roll with that. I will attempt to create some uber professional (ha!) looking floor plan with Paint or WordArt or some other 1994 program.

What do you think?!

Flourless Chocolate Cake

I originally made this for a bridal shower and cut them into bites which is perfect because this is a seriously rich dessert. Then I made it for a party but the part was canceled at the last minute so...yeah, it didn't go to waste. Then we went to a relative's house for lunch and her son is allergic to gluten so I brought this since he doesn't get to indulge in many treats. It was very well received. :)

Flourless Chocolate Cake
From: Annie's Eats

Ingredients:
8 eggs, cold
1 lb bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
16 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into 16 pieces

Seriously, that's it. Just three ingredients.

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment beat the eggs at high speed until the volume doubles to approximately 1 quart. Takes at least 10 minutes.

While that's mixing...

Preheat the oven to 325° F.  Do one of two things:

A) If you want to serve it like a round cake, grease the sides of a springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.  Wrap the outside of the pan tightly with heavy duty foil and set in a larger baking pan.

B) If you want to serve it in bite size pieces, make a sling in a square pan with parchment paper. Set in a larger baking pan.

Either way, Bring a pot of water to boil.


Meanwhile, melt the chocolate and butter in a double boiler.  Heat until smooth and very warm (~115*).  Transfer the chocolate to a larger bowl and fold about a third of the beaten eggs using a large rubber spatula until only a few streaks of egg are visible.  Fold in half of the remaining eggs, and then the last half.

Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface with a spatula.  Pour enough boiling water into the larger pan surrounding the pan to come about halfway up the sides of the pan.  Bake until the cake has risen slightly, the edges are just beginning to set, and an instant-read thermometer inserted halfway into the center reads 140° F. This should take about 22-25 minutes but watch it carefully.  Remove the pan from the water bath and set on a wire rack; cool to room temperature.  Cover and refrigerate overnight to mellow the flavor.  The cake can be refrigerated for up to 4 days.

Prior to serving, either...

A) Remove the sides of the springform pan, invert the cake onto a plate to peel off the parchment paper, and reinvert onto a serving platter.  Sprinkle lightly with confectioners’ sugar.  Use a sharp, thin knife to slice the cake.

B) Remove cake from pan using sling. Place on a large cutting board and use a sharp, thin knife to slice into square bites. Serve in mini muffin cups.

Very delicious. Very decadent. Perfect for any occasion.

Pumpkin Scones via Starfucks

So yesterday was kind of a shitty day and I was all ready to post my reasons why but then I realized that it would make sense to no one. So I'm going to post this scone recipe instead. I made a couple changes to the original recipe so that's what's posted. But feel free to click her link since she's one of the best foodie blogs I've come across in a while. It's delicious. I had 1 1/2 yesterday and another one today. Today is also a better day even though nothing has changed since yesterday. Is it the scones? Probably not but let's say it is.

Pumpkin Scones
From: Iowa Girl Eats

Ingredients:
2 c flour
7 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp ground ginger
6 tbsp cold butter, cubed
1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
3 tbsp half & half (or whole milk or cream or FF half & half or whatever milk substance you have on hand)
1 egg


For the plain glaze:
1 c + 1 tbsp powdered sugar
3 tbsp half & half

For the spiced drizzle:
1 c + 3 tbsp powdered sugar
3-4 tbsp half & half
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
pinch ground ground ginger
pinch ground ground cloves

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat mat and set aside.

In the bowl of a large food processor (or in a large bowl) combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Pulse (or whisk) to combine. Add cold butter and pulse until well incorporated and mixture is the texture of cornmeal. If you don't like dirtying your food processor, use two knives or a pastry cutter to blend butter in.

In a separate bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, half & half, and egg (side note: I only had fat free half & half so I did 2 tbsp of the fat free half & half and one tbsp of heavy whipping cream; I highly doubt it made a difference). Add to flour mixture and pulse until just combined.

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead 4 or 5 times to bring the dough together (another side note: my dough was very, very sticky and I had to add a lot more flour to get it to where I could work with it). Flatten into a circle 1″ thick. Using a pizza cutter or bench scraper, cut the dough into six or eight pieces, whatever floats your boat (I did eight).

Place the wedges onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 14-16 minutes, or until just starting to turn golden brown. Remove to a cooling rack to cool completely.

While scones cool, whisk together the plain glaze ingredients (I ended up adding more half & half to get the consistency right), then once they are completely cool, spoon on top and spread slightly. Let harden for 10 minutes.

Whisk together the spiced drizzle ingredients and drizzle on top (again with the more half & half). Let harden completely, about 1 hour, before serving. Store in an air-tight container for 1 day (if they last that long).

Enjoy with coffee. Or share with coworkers.


Many moons ago, my friend slipped and called it Starfucks (she was probably drunk) and I could not stop laughing (I probably was too) and ever since then, it's been called Starfucks and should be called that forever and ever, amen.

I'm Awesome

Since it's already halfway through August (how the hell did that happen?) I thought maybe I'd update on the "Shit I'd Like to Happen in 2012" list. Without further ado:

1. Finish grad school - Check!

2. Go to church more - I started off pretty good and then...didn't. Le sigh, it's a constant internal battle.

3. Get a better job - still working on this one. I've had a couple leads, interviews, etc. but nothing fantastic has panned out. Still sending out resumes like a madwoman though.

4. Get knocked up - this has obviously not happened yet. This is entirely dependent upon numero 3.

5. Get in better shape - LOL, this is interesting. So like everyone else in the world, I started doing c25k in January which didn't go so well. I never got past Week 1 Day 3. BUT. Oh, there's a but. But then I finished school and suddenly had all the time in the world to sit on my ass so my Yankee friend was all, "get up, you're coming to the gym." And I was all, "no." But then I did go and I didn't die. And then a few days later I went back and she was like, "you're starting c25k again." And I was like, "no." But I did start it that day and I really thought I was going to die. But I didn't die! And I didn't die the next day either. And for the past two months I've been at the gym 3 times a week and (drumroll please), I just started WEEK 5 of the app. I know, I don't know who I am either.

6. Do more for "me" - this has gone pretty well! I've definitely been more adventurous in the kitchen, have gotten pedicures on the regular, spent more time with friends & family, and read some great books. I've also attempted to redo a few things in the house which has been fun! And I totes weeded the garden last week. My husband had a small stroke.

So 3/6 is not bad, people! And I still have 4 1/2 months to round out this fun little list. Go me! 

Coffee

I've decided that the way I take my coffee and the day of the week directly correlates with each other.  This revelation was stumbled upon one bright Monday morning when I (shockingly) did not want to come to work and was even more annoyed about work when I arrived to find out that there was no more creamer. So I just added two Splenda to a black cup and hoped for the best.

Surprisingly, it wasn't bad. (Some may think that this is headed into a "I'm giving up ALL THE CREAM to be healthy!" direction but trust me, it's not.)

As I was sipping my black with 2 Splenda cup, I realized that my cup of coffee was very reflective of Monday. So here's what I came up with:

• Monday - black with 2 sugars. no cream because Monday usually sucks unlike cream which most definitely does not suck.

• Tuesday - probably a follow up of Monday but possible a splash of fat free half and half if things ended on an ok note on Monday

• Wednesday - aka hump day. Wednesday coffee definitely has more than just a splash of fat free half and half. More like a dollap. Weekend is near.

• Thursday - holla! Friday eve! Thursday is a full fat half and half day for sure.

• Friday - hallow, weekend! Bust out the flavored creamer, people.

• Sat & Sun - oh sweet weekend coffee. How I live for you. On the weekends I make more in the pot so I can have an extra large cup full yummy coffee flavored with caramel macchiato creamer. If I'm feeling real fancy, I jet on over to CC's around 2pm for a caramel iced coffee too. (and then proceed to stay up like a rabid squirrel for the next 12 hours but that's another story.)

So there we have it. Days of the week coffee. It's creepy how accurate that is.

*I know, where have I been?! It's all ::silence:: and then bam! Coffee! How random is that?!

Chicken & Tomato Pasta

I threw this together the other night after a long day of shopping with the girl. It was on the table in under an hour which is totally my kind of meal. And it was delicious. I was uber excited that MrShoe had a meeting the next night because that meant I got the leftovers all to myself. Nom nom nom...

Chicken & Tomato Pasta
From: Gina's Skinny Recipes

Ingredients:
2 chicken breasts
salt
pepper
dried oregano
garlic powder
olive oil
6 garlic cloves, diced
2 c grape tomatoes, halved
fresh basil
16 oz thin spaghetti noodles

Boil noodles in salted water and reserve 1-2 cups of pasta water before draining. Set aside.

Season chicken to your liking (I love garlic) and cube into bite size pieces. In a large skillet, over medium-high heat, heat up some olive oil and cook the chicken until it is no longer pink. Take out and set aside.

Saute garlic until golden brown and fragrant. Throw in tomatoes and cook until they are just falling apart. Season with salt and pepper. Take some fresh basil and chiffonade it (I love that word; it makes me feel fancy). Throw the basil in and let cook for a couple minutes. Throw in the chicken and fold all together, cooking the chicken all the way through.

Go back to your pasta and pour some pasta water over it if it's dry. Add pasta to the pan and fold some more. Send me the leftovers.

Enjoy.

::throws confetti::

Happy birthday to meeeee!!!*

*Ok, actually it was last week but I've been busy. Sue me.

It's a bittersweet one this year for sure. I'm 29 (yikes!) so the last year of my twenties. I had every intention of doing a whole 30 till I'm 30 list however I 1) have no time and 2) couldn't think of 30 things and 3) wouldn't when you're turning 20 be a good time to start all that?

But back to number 2.

I really have accomplished quite a bit in my twenties that I'm happy about. I married the most awesome man evah (who is currently sporting a beard which he's never done before. momma like.) and we have a gorgeous, funny, smart kid together. She's a win for our genes for sure. We bought a house four years ago which we have successfully turned into a home. I partied my ass off in college but managed to squeeze out a bachelor's degree. Then went back and did it right the second time with my Master's. I've learned to cook better and not freak out quite so much over the little things. I got my first real job and bought my first real car (and my first real minivan). Overall, my twenties have been very, very good to me.

There are only a few things that I haven't done that I wish I had. The big one is travel abroad. I've never been out of the country and that's huge for me. I'm already looking at a trip to Greece. Maybe sometime in the next few years if we can get our funds straight. The other big thing is my career. I have one so that's saying something but it's just not exactly where I'd like it to be. However I still have 365 days to rectify that one so fingers crossed!

I'm celebrating tomorrow night with some of my very best girlfriends so everyone pour out some tequila and drink to my twenties. Ole!

Scary Shit

So I had the scare of my life this week. The heat sensor in our attic went off one afternoon which triggered our alarm company to send me an automated email that says something along the lines of "Your heat sensor went off. Possible fire. Have a nice day."

So I did the obvious thing which was to freak the fuck out and call 911 because my dogs are in there. I raced home at record speed, crying to my husband and mom (not at the same time) that I had burned down our house and killed our dogs. That went over really well. I just knew it was my fault because if leaving your straight iron on was an Olympic sport, I'd be the gold medalist.

Thankfully, my house was not on fire and my doggies were fine. Kudos to the fire department. They got there in record time, suited up, ready to save my doggies and my house. Praise Buddha that they had to do none of the above. I've never been so happy to arrive at my dirty, but still standing, home.

Apparently my heat sensor is "malfunctioning". Ya think? It's gone off 3 more times since then (I was home this time) and there was obviously no fire. So they are coming out tomorrow to look at it.

Moral of the story: unplug your hair stuff and get your alarm equipment looked at every few years. And live one block from a fire department. I think I need to make them cookies or something.

Hummus wraps

These are flipping delicious. We had them for dinner last night and all I can think about right now is how excited I am to have them again. Totally adaptable with whatever makes your skirt fly up.

Ingredients:
tortillas
roasted red pepper hummus
romaine lettuce
grilled chicken breast, sliced
tomatoes, sliced

Spread hummus on tortilla. Add lettuce, chicken, and tomatoes. Roll up. Enjoy. Eat another one.

The depression that's not really a depression. Part 1

Hello again. I realize my sporadic posts are...sporadic. I've been in somewhat of a funky depression lately. Except it's not full blown depression with doctors and medication, not that there's anything wrong with that. It's more...blah. And I can't seem to get out of it which is beyond redonkulous because seriously, my life is pretty darn good right now. I have a great husband and a funny daughter and I'm done with school so no more papers or studying until 3am. My mom and I are finally getting along and I'm doing all kinds of fun stuff with my kid.

And yet this is somewhat part of the problem? I think? I'm so glad to be done with school that I have no desire to do anything around the house. Dishes, laundry, picking up, sweeping...nope. Not going to happen. Except I hate a dirty house like wHoa. It doesn't help that the girl got spoiled by he who shall not be named (ahem, her father) while I was in night class. He would let her fall asleep in our bed at night instead of putting her in her own bed. So now I'm trying to break that. Thankfully, she will sleep in her bed if we go put her in there so it could be worse but I have to lay down with her first and basically, once my body touches that sweet mattress, my brain is all BEDTIME FOR EVERYONE and there's just no combating that. So the house goes untouched. As does my thank you notes. And my job applications because I REALLY can't do those at work. I mean, I can get away with a lot of crap here (like blogging sporadically) but my momma did not raise a fool. Don't apply for new jobs at your current job, kids. It's a bad idea.

Which leads into the next level of blah which is my lack of a job in my field. There are a few things out there that I need to apply for ASAP. I need to make the time to do a resume/letter for each of them; force myself to get up after the kid has gone to sleep (before is not an option as she is all over the place and says "what are you DOING, mommy?!" at least 6,000 times a day. Plus I'm usually trying to get some kind of semi nutritious meal on the table during that time. Or playing with her outside.)  And you know, my current job is a good job and definitely pays the bills, but I'm SO maxed out there. It'll be five years this fall and I'm just done. Not only mentally but I have no more opportunity for growth. It's time to hit the road for sure.

I got some moolah for graduation and SWORE I would not spend it on toys or clothes for tiny people but instead on career clothes. Since the dress code at my current job is uber laid back, my closet has suffered tremendously.  So I headed out to the sales Monday and while I did find a very nice suit for a decent price, I'm fat and I hate the fatness. When I got pregnant, I was already fat. And then I gained 40 lbs. And then I lost 65 because breastfeeding is awesome. And then I stopped breastfeeding and gained 25 lbs in 2 weeks (I'm so not exaggerating) and was basically right back where I started. I'm too scared to even get near a scale at this point. Let's just say my pants are SNUG.

So now I have a dirty house, no decent job, and I'm fat.

DO YOU SEE HOW THIS SPIRALS OUT OF CONTROL?! I need a cookie.

And I realize this made zero sense; I'll attempt a follow up tomorrow.

I'm done!

I graduated! Yay for me! It's been a long three years but I'm finally done.

MrsShoe, M.S.

Now I just need a high paying job to go with that fancy title.


I haven't been posting much because I don't have a whole lot going on at the moment. Or at least nothing to bitch write about here. I'm mostly soaking up all this fabulous free time that I have going on. You'd think my house would be cleaner but it's not.

Graduation was this past Friday and was really a great day. My family and closest friends came and then we went and had a fab lunch. It was nice and drama-free. Saturday was spent at the zoo which was awesome. My husband and daughter have sacrificed a lot for me so I was quite happy to spend the day doing what they wanted to do. Not that my arm had to be twisted. =) Otherwise we are just trucking along as usual.

Catch you on the flip side!

Baked French Toast

I have been dying to make this for quite some time now and since the mister had to work on Mother's Day (there should be a law against that), I decided that was the perfect time to whip this up (on Saturday) so I could just pop it in the oven on Sunday.  It was absolutely delicious and I can't wait to make it again.

From: Annie's Eats 

Ingredients:
4 eggs
1 c milk (or half and half)
1/4 cup maple syrup*
1 T vanilla extract
1 t ground cinnamon
Dash grated nutmeg
1 small French baguette, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 5-6 cups)

*I did not have maple syrup which I will be rectifying soon so I used a mixture of cane syrup and corn syrup. It was still delish.

In a large mixing bowl, add the eggs and whisk briefly.  Add the milk, syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg.  Whisk well until the mixture is evenly combined.  Stir in the cubes of bread until evenly coated.

Grease a casserole dish (I used 9x13 and it was a little too big. Corning ware or Pyrex might be a better choice) and pour in the now soaked bread.  Cover and refrigerate at least two hours or up to overnight.

When you are ready to bake, preheat the oven to 375˚ F.  Remove the plastic wrap from the dishes.  Bake for 30-40 minutes or until puffed up and light golden brown.  Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.

Sprinkle with confectioner's sugar. Add berries or bananas (we did bananas) and syrup. Enjoy!

Randomness

I just realized it's felt like only days but it's actually been a couple weeks since my last post. Update time!

• First, my husband is doing awesome and definitely does not have some undiagnosed, fatal disease like I originally thought. He's back at work and fighting hard to get back 100%. We're still doing some follow up with different doctors but thank the Lord, he's going to be just fine.
• My kid is still hilarious and...two.  Which is my nice way of saying she's naughty and defiant but still adorable and I love her to pieces. Especially when she says things like "tank you, mommay" and "i wuff you" and "coconut! no ma'am!" Hilarious. (Coco is the dog who is always stealing her cheese; it's an epic battle between those two.)
• I passed my test! Did we discuss this? I can't remember. Anyway, I passed my comprehensive graduate exam which means that (pending final exam grades), I'M GRADUATING WITH MY MASTER'S IN THREE WEEKS! Less than three weeks actually. 18 days to be exact. ::hairflip::
• I hate SuperWhy. It's this PBS show with four superheroes and it makes no sense. And of COURSE, my kid adores it. So every afternoon while she's watching, I'm listening to how they are screwing everything up, rolling my eyes from the kitchen. For starters, the only legit superhero is that pig. The alphabet one. Because without the alphabet you can't form words, nor can you spell them correctly.  And without correctly spelled words, you certainly can't read books. Oh and you CANNOT CHANGE STORIES. Stupid Whyatt (ps-dude, your name is spelled wrong).
•  Our lab is FINALLY finished with her heartworm treatment! That is such a huge relief. She is relishing in being able to race laps around our yard and not be confined to a leash and the crate. I cannot wait to introduce her to the dog park. 

Ok, I think that's all I've got for now. Keep it real, party animals.

The Mister

Today is my husband's birthday.  I don't talk about him a whole lot on here (do I?) but he's definitely a huge part of my life.  I was having dinner with some classmates a few weeks ago and we were talking about the different stages of relationships we were all in. One was twice divorced, two were in committed relationships, one was widowed & remarried, and then me, married for the first time.

I was trying to put my husband and I's relationship into words; trying to describe the unique connection that we have.  One of the girls asked if we were a team and I said yes, we definitely are.  I kind of left it at that however I felt unsettled with my answer.  As I thought about it over the next few days, I realized that while we are an amazing, wonderful team, we are so much more than that.  We are each others coaches, cheerleaders, and critics.  We are each others greatest strength and at times, greatest weakness.  Our relationship is so much more than just a team.  In staying with the sports theme...we are an entire athletic department at times.

There's a song out right now by Martina McBride (love her) called "Love you through it" and it's totally sad so don't listen to it unless you need a good cry. It's about a wife finding out she has breast cancer and the song is her husband's way of telling her that no matter what happens, his love will carry them through this dark time in their lives.  I pray that no tragedy ever finds our family however, the words move me because they describe us.  When I am weak, he is strong.  When I don't think I can carry on, his love carries me through all the hard times in our lives.

Our relationship is not perfect. Far from it and yes, we definitely fight.  More often than you'd think.  But I can honestly say that in the six years we have been together (married for 3 1/2) even though I have had thoughts of murdering him in his sleep, I have never ever thought that I made a mistake.  I have never thought, even for a second, about leaving or what else was out there.  Instead, even on the days when he's driving me nuts, I smile and wonder what wonderful thing I must have done to deserve this amazing man.  I consider it a privilege to be his wife.  I am grateful that I get to wake up with him for the rest of our lives.  And if you're rolling your eyes, wondering if I said "obey" in my wedding vows, rest assured that I am quite confident he feels the exact same way about me.

We are equals in the greatest sense of the word.  We have a mutual respect like no other.  But yes, it is still a privilege to be his wife.  I burst with pride for him.  And even now, six years later, when I see his name light up on my phone, I get butterflies in my stomach.

Happy birthday, baby.  I love you because you're you.


I actually wrote this post one night a few weeks ago and came back across it this week.  Oh the irony.  In the past couple weeks, my husband hasn't felt quite right; he hasn't been himself.  We're still slowly (oh so slowly) seeing doctors and working towards a diagnosis.  This is by far the hardest thing we've ever faced together but we are facing it.  Day by day.  Minute by minute.  I will not give up until I have an answer.  A treatment.  I will get my husband back.  Our sweet girl will get her daddy back.  We will overcome this. And in the darker times that are surely ahead, our love will carry us.

What up, party people?!

That is totes my standard greeting. Ask anyone.

First things first, I'm alive. Yay! And I finished my exam. Yay! 52 pages, 11,766 words. You know you were wondering. No, I haven't heard if I passed or if I failed or if I have to do a rewrite (I'm not sure if I'm dreading the fail or the rewrite more) and apparently I won't hear anything for at least another week. Which I'm pretty sure is filed somewhere under "cruel and unusual punishment" since I turned that shit in April 2.

Professors of the world: it does not take 16 days to read 12 highly interesting exams ranging between 30 and 60 pages each. That's only like, 540 pages, give or take a few...hundred.  ANYWAY, I'll report back if I pass. If I failed, I'll be hiding in a cave somewhere. Probably with no internet access.

Other news? Hmm, let's see. I got sucked into the Hunger Games phenomenon and OHMYGEEZUM, can we discuss that? Or no? I know for a fact that one of my measly readers hasn't read them yet (get on that, Egg). They are fabuloso and I'm going see the movie Thursday night with BFF and SQUEEEEE! I am madly in love with the entire story and I'm totes rereading them all right now because any time I read something, I'm all MUST FIND OUT THE ENDING, you know, in case I die. So I reread to catch anything I missed.

That's really all the updates I have at the moment. I still hate my job and on my teux deux list for tonight is "job applications"; I need to make that a more regular thing. I haven't really been in the kitchen much although I will be a lot next week because I'm helping to throw a couples shower for a fab couple (who are getting married VERY soon) and the menu is, how do you say, ah-mazing. So I'm super excited about that.

Oh and my kid is still adorable and funny in case you were wondering. This morning she popped up from a dead sleep (in my bed, thankyouverymuch) and yelled, "I wanna see Pooh!" which means the Pooh movie which she would watch 24/7 if I'd let her. Anyway, it was funny.

Catch you on the flip, yo.

Diet Coke is obviously crack.

Otherwise I wouldn't be contemplating a Sonic run at 9pm on a Sunday for one.

Granted, I have good reason. I'm about knee deep into my graduate exam and my brain HURTS after today. I have seriously analyzed the shit out of Korea for the past 12 hours. And I'm not done. Except I am done. Hence the need for a kick of caffeine.

I was hoping to bribe the mister except I can already hear him snoring so that's not looking up for me.

This week can suck it.

This has been the week from HELL.  I tried and tried and tried to make it salvageable.  But every time I thought things might be looking up, the Week From Hell was all, "Nope. Your life sucks this week" and brought the hammer down once more.  And I just spelled "more" as "moore" and then "moor".  So apparently, he's still at it.

A recap:

Friday to Sunday were spent away from home, at the in-laws.  This means that the entire house was left in disarray because I cannot pack like a normal person.  Instead of packing and folding and putting away and picking up and changing sheets so we could all come home to clean beds, I threw as much as I could into suitcases and totes bags, and then pulled stuff out and threw that on the dirty floor.  But we left at a semi decent hour with clean underwear and gifts and party dresses so I called it a win. Me: 1, Week: 0

Sunday was party day! Yay! There was family drama (of course) the morning of which led to me sobbing silently in the bathroom on my child's second birthday but then I pulled it together and put some eyeliner on because it's what I do. But it set the tone for the rest of the day. Me: 1, Week: 1

The party was great. Lots of family came, the food was great, the Girl got one heck of a loot and some even some green for her piggy bank. Me: 2, Week: 1

The party was great.  Lots of family came, we talked to everyone and by the time we had FINALLY loaded up the van and were ready to go, I thought I was going to die from exhaustion. I have no idea how I drove 2 hours home. Me: 2, Week: 2

And then she threw up in the van on the way home. Spinach dip. Wasn't even digested. Me: 2, Week: 3

Daylight Savings Time happened. Me: 2, Week: 4

Started in the 2 year old room at daycare. There were tears. Me: 2, Week: 5

(Do you see how the week just fucking attacked me all at once? But hang on, it gets worse.)

Tuesday was particularly crazy. MrShoe had a double filling appointment at the dentist at the ungodly hour of 7:50 am (sidenote: I swear he does shit like on purpose, so he doesn't have to help with the mad dash to get out the door in the mornings).  But I also had an appointment at 8:40...for a double crown.  So at 8am, I am doing the "bye, everybody!" song and dance with the girl and then I notice that the dog has vomited.  On the floor.  In her crate.  I wanted to die.  Me: 2, Week: 6

Change the crate in record time and walk out the door at 8:05. Make it to dentist at 8:41 which is totes early for someone who is habitually 10 minutes late. Me: 3, Week: 6

Never, ever, ever do a double crown without being fucking sedated. Me: 3, Week: one million (or 7)

Take 4 hour nap and have hot sex dreams (which is the most action I've seen in WEEKS). Me: 4, Week: 7

Back to work on Wednesday but had awesome lunch with a friend and skipped class so I could sweep my floors and have dinner with my girl group so I'll take that one. Me: 5, Week: 7

But then I unknowingly stuck my finger in a poop diaper. Me: 5, Week: 8

Thursday almost killed me but in a "I'm not taking your shit anymore, Week" kind of way. I had a meeting across town at 3 which of course resulted in me catching rush hour traffic but I used that time to 1) go to the bank, 2) do a 2 week menu, & 3) make a grocery list. No worries; all of the above was done ONLY at red lights. Then I scooped up the girl and went on a massive shopping trip where I saved $25 with my fuelperks and that included tequila. Me: 6, Week: 8

But then I got home at 7:30 and my kid hadn't eaten and there were dishes and OHMYGOD what is stuck to the bottom of the drawer in my fridge?!?! Me: 6, Week: 9

We're planning a beach vacation with the in-laws (if they'd ever call me back at least). Me: 7, Week: 9

And I stayed up late prepping all that food I bought and planning out my week's meals. Me: 8, Week 9

But I stayed up so late that I couldn't fall asleep until 2am and my husband leaves at 6:30am these days so basically I'm a zombie today. Me: 7, Week: 10

So the week definitely won but I guess I put up a pretty good fight.  Regardless, I'm glad it's Friday.  I tried a recipe for Grapefruit margaritas a week ago and I am HOOKED.  So while my muffins were baking last night (for this week's breakfast) and my fish was defrosting (for tonight's dinner) I juiced the shit out of some grapefruits and made a whole pitcher of them for this afternoon since it's Margarita Friday.

Happy Friday, y'all!


Original grapefruit margarita recipe.

The one I use.

Happy birthday to my Sweet Girl!

Happy birthday, baby girl!

Two years ago today, you came into this world screaming your head off. When the doctor placed you on my chest and said, "it's a girl!" I was hooked and completely in love. Today, you still scream your head off sometimes but I'm still hooked by that cheesy grin and those big brown eyes.

Right now you love all things Sesame Street: Elmo, Ernie, Bert, Big Bird, Abby, and Cookie Monster. You love watching Super Why in the mornings with me and eating your grits and strawberries. You love to play outside with Georgia and hug on Coco. You wave to the horses every morning and know what sounds all the animals make. You love cheese and juice for a snack. Your daddy is your hero and I am your best friend.

You are the light of my life; the best thing that I've ever done. I hope you never stop being as curious and as sweet as you are now. I love you more than you will ever know.

-Mommy

Week 10

Ok, now I really am back on track.

1. Graduate - Test in 2 weeks. Holy mother. I had two study sessions this week for various projects and such. I think I need to look into ordering my gown but I'm afraid to jinx it.

2. Church - 4-5.  Le sigh. It happened. 

3. New job - Made my appointment with the career center!

4. Feel better - My only redeeming quality for this resolution is that I gave up chocolate for Lent. I've only forgotten once and it was a half a cookie and not a pan of brownies so that's a win in my book.

5. Me time - I made some cookies for my sweet girl's party this weekend. Too bad I can't eat them.

March Photo of the Day

I'm already behind at this but oh well.

March 1 - Up: bedtime in the nursery.

March 2 - Fruit: I like mine pureed.

March 3 - Your neighbourhood: the mister planted these for me.

March 4 - Bedside: My sweet miracle.

Week 9

I'm getting confused with my dates. So even though my last update was for weeks 7 & 8, and I posted it on 2/26, the week 9 update is for 2/25 to 3/2. I think. Yes?

1. Graduate - Studying, projects, etc. Test in less than 3 weeks. Someone pass the paper bag.

2. Church - 4-4.  Ouchie.

3. New job - I applied for five or so jobs last week. Nothing. I'm making an appointment with the career center tomorrow. My resume must have repellant on it.

4. Feel better - I probably just need to embrace my fat since we've been together for so long.

5. Me time - Some cooking here and there which is always good. I made some kickass broiled fish poboys the other night. WITH homemade tarter sauce. Oh, yes ma'am. And some very delicious chicken stew on Sunday. I also had coffee with my old college roommate the other morning. It was...ok. Not bad and I laughed more than once so that's a good sign.

I hate being cold

Like, I really hate it. Especially in the mornings. This is my shower routine. It drives my husband nuts.

Go in the bathroom. Close the door to the closet and to our bedroom. Turn on the ONLY the light above the tub (the other light is much too bright for 6:30am). Plug in the space heater that puts out no heat whatsoever. Start shower as hot as I can stand it. Pee. Get in.

So the idea here is to create a very, very warm, sauna-like environment so that when I get out I don't go from a balmy 85* shower to a freezing cold 30* room. When no one is fucking with me, this is accomplished and my morning starts off great.

But of course, because I'm me, this doesn't happen very often. Usually my husband comes in to tell me something and forgets to shut the door behind him and then my bedroom literally sucks out every ounce of warm air. Seriously. I can see my warm air being sucked.

Or he comes in, shuts the door behind him, but goes in the closet and forgets to shut that door behind him. Same thing. The cold closet sucks out all my sauna-like air. And then I start yelling and he comes back in the bathroom (leaving the door open) going, "what are you yelling about?"

And I could cry because I know that my sauna experience is over.

Weeks 7 & 8

I slacked a bit. This is not shocking at all. Let's get back on track, mmkay?

1. Graduate - This is going well.  I've started prepping for my exam and am still trucking along in my courses. One minor presentation down, one to go (Tuesday) then I can concentrate on my big exam and then my two major, final presentations. And then, my friends? I will be done (God willing I pass that exam).

2. Church - 4-4.  Aack!  Must get right with Jesus.  I swore I wouldn't let the second number go above the first number.

3. New job - I have been very, very lazy here and that is not good.  New jobs do not find you, you must find them.  Or rather I must find them.  I've been meaning to sit down and redo my cover letter for each one and I just haven't made time.  Not good, MrsShoe.  Just another day longer you are someone's underpaid bitch.

4. Feel better - Meh.  No exercising lately and no detoxing either.  I ate boiled crawfish and while it probably wasn't good for me, it was definitely good.

5. Me time - A few "me" projects lately.  I made a king cake!  Finally.  And it was dry but that's ok.  I'm going to work on it.  And I did some cuppycakes for a friend's b'day.

Trust No One

I saw this on Pinterest a few weeks ago and laughed.  Because if you have EVER worked in any type of group project, you know this is true.

So.  When my final semester of grad school (this is relevant) started a few weeks ago and we were told that we had to do two group projects, I cringed.  Thankfully, the final project we can do with people that we choose so that's fine.  But Mr. Ed (aka my professor who talks like a fucking horse) was choosing the group members for the smaller project.  Ok, still fine.  No big deal.

So the groups are chosen on a night I wasn't there (of course) but I got an email that was polite and straightforward.  AWESOME.  I am all about setting expectations.  We agreed to meet a week later after having a week to choose and research our topics.  I'm just going to go ahead and tell you that our projects main topic is Instructional Technologies because that is VERY relevant in addition to the fact that we are in GRADUATE SCHOOL.  In case you don't know what Instructional Technologies are, it's just the different ways to learn due to the advances of technology.  Online classes, smartboards, ipads, etc.  Mmkay.

So meeting number one happens and things are going pretty well.  Three of us are obviously type A and the fourth girl is a little Type B but she's taking notes and shit so I didn't think much of it.  I had my laptop out (a Mac) and in a lull of conversation, TypeB tells me that she's going to buy a computer the next day.  Cool.  The next 30 seconds went something like this:

TypeB: What kind of computer is that?
Me: (is she serious?) It's an Apple.
TypeB: ::scribbles furiously:: Where did you get it from?
Me: (this cannot be real) The Apple store.
TypeB: ::still scribbling furiously:: How much was it?

So yeah.  That happened.  Ok, maybe she just lives under a rock.  She does openly admit that she's not very technical (please refer back to the project topic. ok then.).  So I'm trying to help her out because I'm a really nice person.  We had to make accounts on a website so I ask for her student username which is a combination of your first initial, last name, and a set of numbers.  She starts flipping through her wallet (ohmygod, you should know this) and hands me...her student ID card.  Ok.  I don't even know what to say since her username is most definitely NOT on that card.  And I am most definitely NOT a psychic.  At that point I asked if this was her first semester in our grad program and at LSU (because we're only 2 weeks in so that would make sense, right?).  Nope.  Second semester in the program.  Jesus help this girl.

So let's fast forward a bit.  Over the next week, we send out a few emails but TypeB is apparently allergic to the Reply button since she never replies to any of them.  We are down to the final week and one of the other Type A's sends out an email outlining how things are going to go.  Person1 is making the presentation, Person2 is doing the introduction, Person3 (that's me!) is doing the conclusion, and Person4 (aka TypeB) is supposed to make a backup presentation.  These are in addition to each person talking about their own topics.  So we basically gave her a part that wasn't even needed but whatever.  I find out 3 days later that Person1 actually did both the main and the backup presentation and is (rightfully) annoyed about it.  She sends out a very, very passive aggressive email about the whole project.  I talk to her about why she's upset and she tells me about how she couldn't get in touch with TypeB so she just did her part for her (which is bullshit; on both parts).

So I send out another email.  I AGAIN outline our jobs and tell TypeB that since Person1 put everything together and Person2 was doing the introduction and Person3 (me!) is doing the conclusion, that she needs to be responsible for THE ONE SLIDE that has the definition of our topic on it.  That's it.  She just needs to read the fucking definition during the presentation.

The next day I get another voicemail telling me that she's just going to talk about her topic during the presentation. OH HELL NO, BITCH, SHIT IS ABOUT TO GET REAL. That was basically my reaction.

It ended up fine. I called her back, left a firm message about each of us pulling our own weight and never heard from her again. The presentation went great, TypeB did her shit correctly (for the most part), and I got a 98.  Snap, snap, what!

But still. Trust no one.