Today I slept until noon. I've been sick, you know. Since my cousin's wedding. And then yesterday it felt like my throat was two sizes too big for my neck. I figured a good night's rest was in order. Whenever I get a sore throat my mother always asked if I've been getting enough sleep. Usually the answer is no. Boy does she know me, or does she know me?
I would hope so. She did give birth to me and raise me after all.
Anyway.
This morning my throat is in a much better condition, you see. I was able to do laundry (including my bed sheets, which is a big deal because I always feel like it takes so. much. effort. You strip the bed, waddle down to the washer and dryer, shove them in, and when they're done you have to waddle all the way back and make sure they fit the right way and you're not putting them on sideways lest you short sheet yourself, and well? Who wants to do that. Really.)
After I had waddled down to the laundry room with my load of dirty clothes and bed sheets/pillow cases and waddled back, I flicked on the TV. Because what is one to do while the laundry is spinning around in circles with it's fancy agitator twisting and turning them every which way?
Practically the only channel I watch is TLC. It has almost all of my favorite shows except House, Glee, ANTM and Chuck. I make exceptions for those because they are just too awesome to miss. But I usually watch them on Hulu or YouTube, so in all reality it doesn't matter that they're not on TLC.
Today the first show I watched was Four Weddings. It's a show were four brides judge each other's wedding based on overall experience, the dress, the food and the venue. The winning bride gets a dream honeymoon to some fantastic somewhere, and doesn't it just make you want to go on a trip?
I love traveling. It's something that makes you wealthy. And not the money kind, because we all know how positively draining traveling can be on your bank account, but you get rich with culture and experience. You step outside your comfort zone to do things that you don't normally do. And I mean really, who doesn't want that? Besides a hermit.
I can occasionally be a hermit. I'm somewhat anti-social. Actually I'm an introvert, I do believe. It's not that I don't like social interaction, it's just draining. I come home from an absolute good time and just want to go to bed and sleep off my overdrawn expended energy.
Anyway, the tall blonde Barbie girl with the sparkly heels won. Big shocker. All the brides liked her wedding best and she was the only one who served decent food. Naturally she was the winner. I'm pretty good at predicting too because I already figured she would win before the show was half over.
I'm amazing.
Then I watched one of my absolute favorite shows. Say Yes To The Dress. That show makes me want to shop. For a gown. For a lovely Cinderella ball gown. Or maybe an A-line. I've become quite versed in my televised experience with wedding gowns.
I've determined that I do not even remotely enjoy the mermaid style. Some girls can pull it off, but it is not for me. I can't decide if I want sleeves or not. My mother, her sister and their sister-in-law all had long sleeved wedding dresses. But I don't think that's what I want. I want a summer wedding, eventually whenever that time in my life occurs (and really, who knows when that will be? I haven't even graduated school yet, and the deal with Dad is that if I get married while I'm still in school he's not footing the bill), but anyway do long sleeves even belong in summer attire?
I really don't think so.
But what bugged me about today's show was a girl who had a very distinct style she wanted (it was mermaid, but who am I to judge? Girls want what they want), but her darn mother kept pushing for a Cinderella poofy gown. I say let the girl have what she wants! She's the one getting married, not you, you old lady. Although I have to say, you may want what you want, but if mom approves that just makes it all the better.
Then Prince-y walks in my room telling me it's time for noms as he grabs both of my feet and starts to pull me off the bed. A real gentlemen.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Sunday, April 25, 2010
The Name Of The Game Is Smile
This week's IHeartFaces contest is smiles. I have so many many pictures of smiling faces you just cannot imagine. I had no idea which one to choose! I sate with my computer screen open to at least five that I'd had to work hard to narrow it down to!
But I settled on this one after a lot of debate with myself. There's a picture of my uncle that I very seriously considered, but in the end, I decided to go with my sister.
I wanted to use a picture that showed a really genuinely happy smile and I think she's got it.
To see more happy smiley faces or enter your own, click the button below.
But I settled on this one after a lot of debate with myself. There's a picture of my uncle that I very seriously considered, but in the end, I decided to go with my sister.
I wanted to use a picture that showed a really genuinely happy smile and I think she's got it.
To see more happy smiley faces or enter your own, click the button below.
Close But No Cigar Young Grasshopper
(If you haven't voted yet read about it here and then go here to support Prince-y in his quest for Monster Hunter domination! You only have until Monday to cast your vote, so the sooner the better! Please and Thank you so much, so very much to those of you who have already voted! We both really appreciate it!)
I spent all weekend on my Master Imitation for my drawing II class. We were supposed to pick an artist and draw a figure in their style.
So since I did my presentation on Chuck Close, I figured I might as well imitate his style since I didn't really want to do any of the other artists.
Chuck Close's work looks like this:
So my self portrait had to be in a similar style. It looks easy enough, right? But it take for freaking ever!
Here's what I came up with:
My teacher told me to draw a grid and go from there. So that's basically what I did. Then I used different colors and geometric shapes to build my figure.
It definitely looks better from farther away than it does close up, but that's all in the style.
Prince Charming says he can tell it's based off of me. But I never think anything I do really looks like me. At all.
What do you think?
I spent all weekend on my Master Imitation for my drawing II class. We were supposed to pick an artist and draw a figure in their style.
So since I did my presentation on Chuck Close, I figured I might as well imitate his style since I didn't really want to do any of the other artists.
Chuck Close's work looks like this:
So my self portrait had to be in a similar style. It looks easy enough, right? But it take for freaking ever!
Here's what I came up with:
My teacher told me to draw a grid and go from there. So that's basically what I did. Then I used different colors and geometric shapes to build my figure.
It definitely looks better from farther away than it does close up, but that's all in the style.
Prince Charming says he can tell it's based off of me. But I never think anything I do really looks like me. At all.
What do you think?
Friday, April 23, 2010
If You Don't Do Anything Else, Click My Links
It's not often where I shamelessly pimp a blog for you. Actually I don't know if I've ever done that - minus giving awards to other bloggers and raving about their awesome pages.
But today, today it is different. You see, I've been meaning to write a post on this for a little while, and with a recent competition and the chance of winning a Wii thrown in the mix, I figure now's a good a time as any to direct your attention to the man in my life, Prince Charming.
You see, Prince-y isalmost as artistic as I am. (He's actually a really talented artist. Don't let me fool you.) He also loves his video games. So he heard about this contest for one of his all time favorite games Monster Hunter!
This game started out for the PlayStation consoles and the PlayStation Portable. Prince and his friends used to sit around in a basement and play for HOURS upon HOURS. Now they're making a new Monster Hunter game, but this time it's for the Wii.
However, we don't have a Wii.
[Enter Contest stage right.]
People created works of art to channel their inner Monster Hunter and Prince Charming created this gem:
But you see, now we need your help. He needs you to go here and vote for "Matthew" so we can win a Wii and the new game Monster Hunter Tri.
He's shamelessly asking people to go and vote and wondered if I could tell you all about it since I'm more popular in blog world than he is. So here I am, also shamelessly asking you to GO HERE and vote for him!!
(He will love you forever and ever and ever but not in a creepy way if you vote for him!)
Also, if you would be so kind as to hop on over to his blog and check him out. Prince-y likes to write game reviews, but there are some very funny stories mixed in occasionally, and also some updates on his virtual art. The poor boy only has four followers, and they all are IRL friends who aren't really interested in video games.
So, if you like video games or know someone else who likes video games then please please please for the love of all hand eye coordination Go. Check. Him. Out! And VOTE!
Pretty, pretty please, with sugar on top?
Update**
Prince didn't win. Actually, the guy who took first was the only professional artist to enter a contest clearly full of amateurs. Oh well - such is fate. We're sad, but dealing, lol.
But today, today it is different. You see, I've been meaning to write a post on this for a little while, and with a recent competition and the chance of winning a Wii thrown in the mix, I figure now's a good a time as any to direct your attention to the man in my life, Prince Charming.
You see, Prince-y is
This game started out for the PlayStation consoles and the PlayStation Portable. Prince and his friends used to sit around in a basement and play for HOURS upon HOURS. Now they're making a new Monster Hunter game, but this time it's for the Wii.
However, we don't have a Wii.
[Enter Contest stage right.]
People created works of art to channel their inner Monster Hunter and Prince Charming created this gem:
But you see, now we need your help. He needs you to go here and vote for "Matthew" so we can win a Wii and the new game Monster Hunter Tri.
He's shamelessly asking people to go and vote and wondered if I could tell you all about it since I'm more popular in blog world than he is. So here I am, also shamelessly asking you to GO HERE and vote for him!!
(He will love you forever and ever and ever but not in a creepy way if you vote for him!)
Also, if you would be so kind as to hop on over to his blog and check him out. Prince-y likes to write game reviews, but there are some very funny stories mixed in occasionally, and also some updates on his virtual art. The poor boy only has four followers, and they all are IRL friends who aren't really interested in video games.
So, if you like video games or know someone else who likes video games then please please please for the love of all hand eye coordination Go. Check. Him. Out! And VOTE!
Pretty, pretty please, with sugar on top?
Update**
Prince didn't win. Actually, the guy who took first was the only professional artist to enter a contest clearly full of amateurs. Oh well - such is fate. We're sad, but dealing, lol.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
I Was A Little Girl Once, I Promise
My friend Em had a closet full of 'dress-up' clothes. It consisted of some hand-me-downs that were too big and too out of style, a couple of old prom dresses, some old Halloween costumes, a few wigs and shoes that were either two sizes too small or two sizes too big.
Hours we would spend trying on one garment after another trying to find the perfect look for whatever character we had decided to be that day. Sometimes we were princesses. Sometimes we were fairies. Sometimes we were poor little homeless girls.
It just depended on our mood.
And always, always, always we had to do each other's hair. Em had a million and ten little clippy things that one uses to hold strands of hair in place. They were all different colors and different shapes and sizes. We would grab pony tail holders and banana clips. We would use bobby pins and scrunchies.
It took us a long time to get the hair to match the outfit and sometimes we would have to redo the hair a few times in order look 'just right.'
(See Prince-y? I can totally be a girl.)
But what's really anticlimactic is that we would spend all. that. time. getting. ready. and then we wouldn't even play pretend! Dress up, do your hair and make-up, admire yourself in the mirror, rinse, and repeat.
Which reminds me of a dumb joke that I learned from Em. I'll type the questions and then you have to answer them. Don't worry, it's not a test or anything. I'm sure you'll do fine.
Pete and Re-Pete are sitting in a boat. Pete fell out, who's left?
Pete and Re-Pete are sitting in a boat. Pete fell out, who's left?
Pete and Re-Pete are....well, you get the idea. I told you it was dumb.
Hours we would spend trying on one garment after another trying to find the perfect look for whatever character we had decided to be that day. Sometimes we were princesses. Sometimes we were fairies. Sometimes we were poor little homeless girls.
It just depended on our mood.
And always, always, always we had to do each other's hair. Em had a million and ten little clippy things that one uses to hold strands of hair in place. They were all different colors and different shapes and sizes. We would grab pony tail holders and banana clips. We would use bobby pins and scrunchies.
It took us a long time to get the hair to match the outfit and sometimes we would have to redo the hair a few times in order look 'just right.'
(See Prince-y? I can totally be a girl.)
But what's really anticlimactic is that we would spend all. that. time. getting. ready. and then we wouldn't even play pretend! Dress up, do your hair and make-up, admire yourself in the mirror, rinse, and repeat.
Which reminds me of a dumb joke that I learned from Em. I'll type the questions and then you have to answer them. Don't worry, it's not a test or anything. I'm sure you'll do fine.
Pete and Re-Pete are sitting in a boat. Pete fell out, who's left?
Pete and Re-Pete are sitting in a boat. Pete fell out, who's left?
Pete and Re-Pete are....well, you get the idea. I told you it was dumb.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
3 Weeks Until Finals Already?
Some people like to choose themes for their year in January when we change calendars. I've never done that before. I prefer to just let my years decide for themselves what they want to be - who am I to place them in a mold? I don't like being placed in a mold and I don't think a year would very much enjoy that either.
But it feels like this year has been very much about change - just as last year feels it was about change. I mean, ever since I graduated high school in 2008 (was it really that long ago?) it feels like everything has been one whirlwind ride after another.
My first year of college was all about learning to be independent and letting go of friendships that had fallen through. Ariel and all that drama was my main source of stress the first semester of freshman year. But a lot of that has remedied itself since.
This year the friend drama surrounds Belle and her lack of ability to make good decisions due to her constant state of being high on pot. Did you know she's already missed two days of class this week? She's been in Walla Walla with Beast since Friday I believe. Does her mother know where she is? I think not.
But I don't understand how she can be away? I feel like I'm drowning in school work. I have so much to wrap up before the end of the year! I have this project and that project and this to do and that to do and here to go and there to go and all I want to do is sleep. I want to close my eyes and then wake up with everything magically righted. Ha. Fat chance.
But if we're dreaming, we should dream big, right?
Right.
That's my philosophy anyway. If I were to even have a philosophy, actually, I imagine that might be what it is. Dream big. I always have liked dreams.
Besides the friend drama that I can never seem to escape, I learned this year what loss feels like. And let me tell you, after I found out my grandpa had passed the only place I wanted to be was home. I didn't want to focus on school. I just wanted to be away from it.
Today I talked to my mom some more about Belle. I really want to call her mother and let her know that her daughter is making some seriously poor decisions, but I haven't got the guts to do it yet. I will cry. I will be angry. I don't want to come off as accusing or irrational. I want to make a convincing argument because what mother wants to hear that her daughter is skipping loads and loads of class and getting high at her boyfriend's house? No mother wants to think her daughter is even capable of such things.
And after I got off the phone with my mother the only place I wanted to be was home.
I contemplate seeing if the Coeur d'Alene campus offers the classes I need - but I doubt they offer what Prince needs and I would't want to be that far away from him again. Also I just think it's easier to be here. I've built relationships with some of the professors. I don't want to start completely over again. Plus I just petitioned to get into the College of Ed so I might as well just stay put.
The good thing is that in a few weeks it will all be over. I'll be home. Or actually, California for a week and then home. And then I'll be ready for camp by the time mid-June shows up. I've always been an independent person.
Always.
I assume it's because I'm the oldest of four kids.
But who really knows? For sure, anyway. Well, besides God. He doesn't count because he knows everything.
But it feels like this year has been very much about change - just as last year feels it was about change. I mean, ever since I graduated high school in 2008 (was it really that long ago?) it feels like everything has been one whirlwind ride after another.
My first year of college was all about learning to be independent and letting go of friendships that had fallen through. Ariel and all that drama was my main source of stress the first semester of freshman year. But a lot of that has remedied itself since.
This year the friend drama surrounds Belle and her lack of ability to make good decisions due to her constant state of being high on pot. Did you know she's already missed two days of class this week? She's been in Walla Walla with Beast since Friday I believe. Does her mother know where she is? I think not.
But I don't understand how she can be away? I feel like I'm drowning in school work. I have so much to wrap up before the end of the year! I have this project and that project and this to do and that to do and here to go and there to go and all I want to do is sleep. I want to close my eyes and then wake up with everything magically righted. Ha. Fat chance.
But if we're dreaming, we should dream big, right?
Right.
That's my philosophy anyway. If I were to even have a philosophy, actually, I imagine that might be what it is. Dream big. I always have liked dreams.
Besides the friend drama that I can never seem to escape, I learned this year what loss feels like. And let me tell you, after I found out my grandpa had passed the only place I wanted to be was home. I didn't want to focus on school. I just wanted to be away from it.
Today I talked to my mom some more about Belle. I really want to call her mother and let her know that her daughter is making some seriously poor decisions, but I haven't got the guts to do it yet. I will cry. I will be angry. I don't want to come off as accusing or irrational. I want to make a convincing argument because what mother wants to hear that her daughter is skipping loads and loads of class and getting high at her boyfriend's house? No mother wants to think her daughter is even capable of such things.
And after I got off the phone with my mother the only place I wanted to be was home.
I contemplate seeing if the Coeur d'Alene campus offers the classes I need - but I doubt they offer what Prince needs and I would't want to be that far away from him again. Also I just think it's easier to be here. I've built relationships with some of the professors. I don't want to start completely over again. Plus I just petitioned to get into the College of Ed so I might as well just stay put.
The good thing is that in a few weeks it will all be over. I'll be home. Or actually, California for a week and then home. And then I'll be ready for camp by the time mid-June shows up. I've always been an independent person.
Always.
I assume it's because I'm the oldest of four kids.
But who really knows? For sure, anyway. Well, besides God. He doesn't count because he knows everything.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Things You Wanted To Know
Well, I really thought that I should maybe type some words instead of just shoving a few pictures down your throats and calling it good. Pictures are nice, but I usually enjoy when there is wordage going along with the pictures....so that last post?
That was the first time I think I've ever just posted a picture.
(It was weird.)
But then I kept on wondering what I should type? I don't have any funny stories at my disposal right now, but as I was hopping along through the blogosphere it occurred to me.
10 Lesser Known Things About Natalie (in blog world):
1. My shoes can be from size 4.5 to 6. I can shop in the little girl's section ;) But sometimes I have to go up to a 7 because the 6 won't fit right. That's usually for athletic shoes though, and they're always just a little too big.
2. I fight back. I grew up with two brothers and in high school a majority of my friends were guys. I still get along better with guys - but they know not to mess with me lest I break their ribs.
3. I actually broke my dad's rib. We were wrestling and he stood up. I kicked forward with no intention to actually make contact, but he moved back at the absolute right time. He didn't go get it checked out, but a year later I think it was he got a bone scan that showed for sure the bone had been busted at one point in time.
4. I'm picky about the necklines on my shirts. I don't like to be too revealing, so I tend to shy away from low necklines. They just make me uncomfortable.
5. I kind of wish I wore more jewelry. Sometimes I get in this mood where I'll want to put on some rings and a necklace, so I break out my jewelry box and lose all my motivation. Some of my stuff I just feel like is too fancy for everyday wear, but I really have no reason to dress up often. I also like to admire jewelry I find online - usually handmade stuff - and I want to buy it, but then I don't. I hope secretly that someone will be psychic and just know I want it and buy it for me. That never happens though. Shocker.
6. I kind of want a tattoo. I have for a while, but I don't want to just willy nilly get one, you know? I want to get one that's meaningful and I want it in a place that's not really visible except if I want you to see it. But so far I haven't been gutsy enough to get one, and also I think my dad would probably kill me. He already doesn't like my nose piercing ;)
7. Every time I go back to visit San Diego, I like it more and more. I always thought I'd be a Wyoming girl, or at least just some where out in the country. I still believe there's a part of me that will forever belong out on the range underneath the moon on the back of a horse, but I can kinda see myself in a city too. I think I'd have to live out in a suburb though to maintain my sanity. But it will be interesting to see where I end up when I'm older. I don't want to stay in Idaho forever.
8. I love losing my voice. Whenever I spend a lot of time somewhere that requires a lot of screaming I secretly hope my voice will leave me for a little while.
9. When I was little, me and the neighbor kids would all get ridiculously excited about the ice cream truck that would drive around the neighborhood. We'd run inside to get money from mom and then back out to the ice cream truck. I never ever knew what I wanted when I got there though. Ever. I'm still almost always the last one to order when we go out to restaurants as well.
10. You know yourself best, but trying to come up with ten things is a lot harder than you think it would be when you start with number one. Or is that just me? I am kinda weird after all...
That was the first time I think I've ever just posted a picture.
(It was weird.)
But then I kept on wondering what I should type? I don't have any funny stories at my disposal right now, but as I was hopping along through the blogosphere it occurred to me.
10 Lesser Known Things About Natalie (in blog world):
1. My shoes can be from size 4.5 to 6. I can shop in the little girl's section ;) But sometimes I have to go up to a 7 because the 6 won't fit right. That's usually for athletic shoes though, and they're always just a little too big.
2. I fight back. I grew up with two brothers and in high school a majority of my friends were guys. I still get along better with guys - but they know not to mess with me lest I break their ribs.
3. I actually broke my dad's rib. We were wrestling and he stood up. I kicked forward with no intention to actually make contact, but he moved back at the absolute right time. He didn't go get it checked out, but a year later I think it was he got a bone scan that showed for sure the bone had been busted at one point in time.
4. I'm picky about the necklines on my shirts. I don't like to be too revealing, so I tend to shy away from low necklines. They just make me uncomfortable.
5. I kind of wish I wore more jewelry. Sometimes I get in this mood where I'll want to put on some rings and a necklace, so I break out my jewelry box and lose all my motivation. Some of my stuff I just feel like is too fancy for everyday wear, but I really have no reason to dress up often. I also like to admire jewelry I find online - usually handmade stuff - and I want to buy it, but then I don't. I hope secretly that someone will be psychic and just know I want it and buy it for me. That never happens though. Shocker.
6. I kind of want a tattoo. I have for a while, but I don't want to just willy nilly get one, you know? I want to get one that's meaningful and I want it in a place that's not really visible except if I want you to see it. But so far I haven't been gutsy enough to get one, and also I think my dad would probably kill me. He already doesn't like my nose piercing ;)
7. Every time I go back to visit San Diego, I like it more and more. I always thought I'd be a Wyoming girl, or at least just some where out in the country. I still believe there's a part of me that will forever belong out on the range underneath the moon on the back of a horse, but I can kinda see myself in a city too. I think I'd have to live out in a suburb though to maintain my sanity. But it will be interesting to see where I end up when I'm older. I don't want to stay in Idaho forever.
8. I love losing my voice. Whenever I spend a lot of time somewhere that requires a lot of screaming I secretly hope my voice will leave me for a little while.
9. When I was little, me and the neighbor kids would all get ridiculously excited about the ice cream truck that would drive around the neighborhood. We'd run inside to get money from mom and then back out to the ice cream truck. I never ever knew what I wanted when I got there though. Ever. I'm still almost always the last one to order when we go out to restaurants as well.
10. You know yourself best, but trying to come up with ten things is a lot harder than you think it would be when you start with number one. Or is that just me? I am kinda weird after all...
Sunday, April 18, 2010
TheKeeper Locks His Truck
I went to my cousin's wedding on Friday night. And besides the fact that it was totally beautiful and I absolutely adored my cousin's wedding dress, I spent 14 hours in the car with my three sick siblings.
This really only means one thing.
I. got. the. bug.
So now it's the end of the semester, classes are wrapping up and I have loads to do - and I'm sick. Coughing, aching, sore throat kind of deal. My voice is all scratchy and cool sounding when I talk, but the more I talk the drier my throat gets and the more it hurts...so I should probably give up talking for a little while.
Plus, tonight at dinner I started to feel not so great and now I have a headache. So I'm thinking maybe no class tomorrow? I'm not sure, so I'll just play it by ear. I don't necessarily want to miss class, but I don't want to go if I'm not going to be able to focus. I think that's worse than not showing up at all.
However, I have to tell you about my morning. Because I think it's kind of funny.
Here I am, sick little me, can hardly talk, standing with the congregation trying to worship but I can't hardly sing at all. I'm standing with my mom because DP goes to the middle school service and Dad and TheMechanic are ushers. TheKeeper was supposed to drive himself to church this morning because he had a soccer game right the service got over.
But he wasn't there.
Mom didn't have her phone and mine was turned off. Noting TheKeeper's absence, I thought it might be a good idea to turn my phone on and text him.
"Where are you?"
"Tell Mom to call me."
Well, mom doesn't have her phone and I figure whatever it is I can probably answer his question, so I take the phone out of the auditorium and dial my brother. "Give the phone to mom" a VERY irate voice growls at me.
"What's wrong?" I pry. I had to pry it from him, too. He didn't want to talk to me. Eventually I got him to tell me that he had gotten halfway to church, realized he didn't have his goalie gloves, turned around and drove back home. He'd left the truck running while he ran in to grab his gloves, but as he shut the door behind him, he realized that he had locked himself out of his running on fumes truck.
He was not a happy camper.
Well, I walked back into the auditorium and there was my dad standing right in front of me. I figured honestly that he would be of more help than mom since he probably actually knew where there were spare keys and mom would have probably just told us to go ask dad.
Sure enough, dad calmed TheKeeper down a bit and told him to quit stressing out. These things happen, it will be okay. It will even be alright if the truck runs out of gas, just quit worrying and relax! Then it was my job to get him, take him to the office of dad's work, grab the spare keys for the truck, and drive him back home so we could both come back to church.
I went and grabbed my purse and told mom what was going on and then I left service to go rescue TheKeeper. He wasn't very happy when I came to get him, but at least he didn't sound as angry as he hand when I talked to him on the phone.
We drove to the office and had a fun time figuring out which key unlocked the door into the lab, then we grabbed the spares out of the lock box that was in the clean lab and headed to gas station to fill up a little five gallon tank so my brother wouldn't be driving on fumes into church.
There were about fifteen minutes left of the sermon by the time we arrived at the church.
I've locked my keys in my own car plenty of times, but never while the engine has been running. I guess there's a first time for everything, you know?
This really only means one thing.
I. got. the. bug.
So now it's the end of the semester, classes are wrapping up and I have loads to do - and I'm sick. Coughing, aching, sore throat kind of deal. My voice is all scratchy and cool sounding when I talk, but the more I talk the drier my throat gets and the more it hurts...so I should probably give up talking for a little while.
Plus, tonight at dinner I started to feel not so great and now I have a headache. So I'm thinking maybe no class tomorrow? I'm not sure, so I'll just play it by ear. I don't necessarily want to miss class, but I don't want to go if I'm not going to be able to focus. I think that's worse than not showing up at all.
However, I have to tell you about my morning. Because I think it's kind of funny.
Here I am, sick little me, can hardly talk, standing with the congregation trying to worship but I can't hardly sing at all. I'm standing with my mom because DP goes to the middle school service and Dad and TheMechanic are ushers. TheKeeper was supposed to drive himself to church this morning because he had a soccer game right the service got over.
But he wasn't there.
Mom didn't have her phone and mine was turned off. Noting TheKeeper's absence, I thought it might be a good idea to turn my phone on and text him.
"Where are you?"
"Tell Mom to call me."
Well, mom doesn't have her phone and I figure whatever it is I can probably answer his question, so I take the phone out of the auditorium and dial my brother. "Give the phone to mom" a VERY irate voice growls at me.
"What's wrong?" I pry. I had to pry it from him, too. He didn't want to talk to me. Eventually I got him to tell me that he had gotten halfway to church, realized he didn't have his goalie gloves, turned around and drove back home. He'd left the truck running while he ran in to grab his gloves, but as he shut the door behind him, he realized that he had locked himself out of his running on fumes truck.
He was not a happy camper.
Well, I walked back into the auditorium and there was my dad standing right in front of me. I figured honestly that he would be of more help than mom since he probably actually knew where there were spare keys and mom would have probably just told us to go ask dad.
Sure enough, dad calmed TheKeeper down a bit and told him to quit stressing out. These things happen, it will be okay. It will even be alright if the truck runs out of gas, just quit worrying and relax! Then it was my job to get him, take him to the office of dad's work, grab the spare keys for the truck, and drive him back home so we could both come back to church.
I went and grabbed my purse and told mom what was going on and then I left service to go rescue TheKeeper. He wasn't very happy when I came to get him, but at least he didn't sound as angry as he hand when I talked to him on the phone.
We drove to the office and had a fun time figuring out which key unlocked the door into the lab, then we grabbed the spares out of the lock box that was in the clean lab and headed to gas station to fill up a little five gallon tank so my brother wouldn't be driving on fumes into church.
There were about fifteen minutes left of the sermon by the time we arrived at the church.
I've locked my keys in my own car plenty of times, but never while the engine has been running. I guess there's a first time for everything, you know?
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Because Dad Told Me I Needed To Post Something New
Sooo I've been pretty busy lately. I have a bunch of projects for school and tests to take and shifts to work. I can't believe there's only a month of school left. Actually there are 32 days until Finals Week, I believe. That's both good and bad.
Mostly because I'm just ready for the semester to be over, but in order to get there I have to wade through a lot of stuff. I get one thing done and there are at least three more waiting to be finished! Like today, for example. I turned in my paperwork to petition to get into the college of ed, but I still have a gallery review to write, a Chuck Close drawing to imitate, a sculpture interpretation of a drawing to start, an essay about what drawing a human figure means to me and a stats sheet to fill out.
And since I was gone last weekend for the funeral I do have some work to make up. And now I'm going to be gone this weekend for my cousin's wedding! Talk about a range of emotions. It's a good thing I don't have anything to do next weekend, or I'd never finish all this school work!!
Tonight I'm at home, listening to my siblings bicker about a video game. I just polished off a bowl of ice cream. Delish. The only thing missing is Prince ;)
Tomorrow Dad said Reveille was o'dark thirty. I don't know if I really want to get up that early, but I did get to sleep in today because I didn't have class until 12:30. But I do like the anticipation of leaving early in the morning. There's something to be enjoyed about the fast paced grogginess that is early morning traveling. You're tired, but excited. Wide eyes held open with toothpicks. I just love it. Don't you?
And because I love you all so much, here are some pictures from the Memorial Service. It was sad, but happy too, so the pictures are all smiley. It was good to sit and share memories and update family that I don't see a lot about my life.
It's weird though, because I don't see it everyday like my family down in California, but today I had to tell one of my teachers that I had been out of town for a funeral and I caught my voice cracking a little bit.
I still have a hard time believing that it actually happened, you know?
Anyway, here are the pictures! :)
Mostly because I'm just ready for the semester to be over, but in order to get there I have to wade through a lot of stuff. I get one thing done and there are at least three more waiting to be finished! Like today, for example. I turned in my paperwork to petition to get into the college of ed, but I still have a gallery review to write, a Chuck Close drawing to imitate, a sculpture interpretation of a drawing to start, an essay about what drawing a human figure means to me and a stats sheet to fill out.
And since I was gone last weekend for the funeral I do have some work to make up. And now I'm going to be gone this weekend for my cousin's wedding! Talk about a range of emotions. It's a good thing I don't have anything to do next weekend, or I'd never finish all this school work!!
Tonight I'm at home, listening to my siblings bicker about a video game. I just polished off a bowl of ice cream. Delish. The only thing missing is Prince ;)
Tomorrow Dad said Reveille was o'dark thirty. I don't know if I really want to get up that early, but I did get to sleep in today because I didn't have class until 12:30. But I do like the anticipation of leaving early in the morning. There's something to be enjoyed about the fast paced grogginess that is early morning traveling. You're tired, but excited. Wide eyes held open with toothpicks. I just love it. Don't you?
And because I love you all so much, here are some pictures from the Memorial Service. It was sad, but happy too, so the pictures are all smiley. It was good to sit and share memories and update family that I don't see a lot about my life.
It's weird though, because I don't see it everyday like my family down in California, but today I had to tell one of my teachers that I had been out of town for a funeral and I caught my voice cracking a little bit.
I still have a hard time believing that it actually happened, you know?
Anyway, here are the pictures! :)
(all the cousins and their kiddos)
(the girl grandkids)
(the boy grandkids)
(L to R: DP, TheMechanic, TheKeeper, and me)
(my favorite picture. my cousin is 22 and never to old to sit on daddy's lap)
Monday, April 12, 2010
Dessert Anyone?
IHeartFaces theme this week is "I Heart Dessert" and during my spring break I took pictures of the AWESOME chocolate cake with raspberry filling that I made for my family.
It's hard to do a lot of baking here at college, so I do what I can when I'm home. And it's awesome. And it just makes me want to bake more while I'm away.
Anyway, this cake was made from a box because I haven't branched out and started making things from scratch. It's Betty Crocker I believe - of the chocolate variety.
I mixed the batter and distributed it evenly in two 8" circular baking pans. Then I cut the top off the bottom layer to make it flat and spread raspberry jam across the surface. I placed the top layer over the jam and covered the whole thing with cream cheese frosting.
Then I added sprinkles on top for a little 'flair' :)
To see more tasty desserts or to enter your own picture, hop on over to IHeartFaces by clicking the button below.
It's hard to do a lot of baking here at college, so I do what I can when I'm home. And it's awesome. And it just makes me want to bake more while I'm away.
Anyway, this cake was made from a box because I haven't branched out and started making things from scratch. It's Betty Crocker I believe - of the chocolate variety.
I mixed the batter and distributed it evenly in two 8" circular baking pans. Then I cut the top off the bottom layer to make it flat and spread raspberry jam across the surface. I placed the top layer over the jam and covered the whole thing with cream cheese frosting.
Then I added sprinkles on top for a little 'flair' :)
To see more tasty desserts or to enter your own picture, hop on over to IHeartFaces by clicking the button below.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Closer to Closure
So I know I disappeared from BlogWorld for a few days, but hopefully you all know the reason I was missing. It wasn't because I hated you all, because I don't. It wasn't because I needed some 'me time,' because I take that anyway and sometimes 'me time' includes 'blog time.' It also wasn't because I was taking a trip to San Diego.
Oh wait. That's exactly what it was. Nevermind.
Wednesday afternoon we flew to San Diego to spend some time with family and attend my Grandpa's memorial service Friday afternoon.
The weather was glorious and I'm really ridiculously sad that we had to return to drab little Idaho and once again bask in the greatness of low temperatures and overcast skies. Also, there are no palm trees here. Which makes me cry a little on the inside because that's one thing I look forward to in California. Palm trees.
I must admit though, that it was all sorts of different to be at my grandparents' house with only one of them present. I kept expecting Gramps to come around the corner and take up residence in his big red chair, only to be disappointed when that never happened.
I caught my dad sitting in that chair once and first glance I thought it was Gramps and had to double check to make sure it wasn't. What chaos these last few days have been.
The memorial service, though, was cleansing. It held a sense of closure. A way to honor someone that so many people loved so dearly. He was a man that found his way into the hearts of almost everyone he knew. He was the kind of man that would get down on the same level as his grandchildren, to really get down into their world, and play their games.
We all had stories.
He was the kind of man that could eat a whole pint of ice cream by himself and he instilled in all of us the love of ice cream. We all talked about how that man could polish off more ice cream than a football team. Grinning the whole time.
Such fond memories we all carry.
We choose not to remember the Parkinson's. We choose not to remember the disease. We choose to remember him as loving and caring. The definition of a man living out a Godly life. The finest example of a life lived with purpose.
He was always optimistic. He never had anything bad to say. His smile could light up a room.
I felt awkward grieving by myself in Moscow. No one to share my memories with. No one who would completely and totally understand. Prince tried. But it's just not the same.
I was weepy sometimes and mad sometimes and sometimes I just wanted someone to hold me and love me and spend time with me, but sometimes Prince just couldn't. I just needed to be with my family. To share my thoughts. My feelings. To let my raw emotions show. To let the truth hang out.
The truth is that I had some guilt and some regret about not being around as much. I harbored some jealousy for the relationship that my cousins got to have with their grandparents that I never experienced because I lived so far away.
But my cousin told me that there's nothing I could do about it. I couldn't hold on to this jealousy, to this regret, to this guilt because it wouldn't do anything for me. She told me I did the best I could at the time I could with the cards that I was dealt.
And she was right.
You can't go around living in the past of should haves and could haves. You just have to live your life to the best of your ability and love those around you and love God. Because that's what you'll be remembered for.
I am blessed with the family that I have. Truly blessed. And I work hard never to forget that.
Oh wait. That's exactly what it was. Nevermind.
Wednesday afternoon we flew to San Diego to spend some time with family and attend my Grandpa's memorial service Friday afternoon.
The weather was glorious and I'm really ridiculously sad that we had to return to drab little Idaho and once again bask in the greatness of low temperatures and overcast skies. Also, there are no palm trees here. Which makes me cry a little on the inside because that's one thing I look forward to in California. Palm trees.
I must admit though, that it was all sorts of different to be at my grandparents' house with only one of them present. I kept expecting Gramps to come around the corner and take up residence in his big red chair, only to be disappointed when that never happened.
I caught my dad sitting in that chair once and first glance I thought it was Gramps and had to double check to make sure it wasn't. What chaos these last few days have been.
The memorial service, though, was cleansing. It held a sense of closure. A way to honor someone that so many people loved so dearly. He was a man that found his way into the hearts of almost everyone he knew. He was the kind of man that would get down on the same level as his grandchildren, to really get down into their world, and play their games.
We all had stories.
He was the kind of man that could eat a whole pint of ice cream by himself and he instilled in all of us the love of ice cream. We all talked about how that man could polish off more ice cream than a football team. Grinning the whole time.
Such fond memories we all carry.
We choose not to remember the Parkinson's. We choose not to remember the disease. We choose to remember him as loving and caring. The definition of a man living out a Godly life. The finest example of a life lived with purpose.
He was always optimistic. He never had anything bad to say. His smile could light up a room.
I felt awkward grieving by myself in Moscow. No one to share my memories with. No one who would completely and totally understand. Prince tried. But it's just not the same.
I was weepy sometimes and mad sometimes and sometimes I just wanted someone to hold me and love me and spend time with me, but sometimes Prince just couldn't. I just needed to be with my family. To share my thoughts. My feelings. To let my raw emotions show. To let the truth hang out.
The truth is that I had some guilt and some regret about not being around as much. I harbored some jealousy for the relationship that my cousins got to have with their grandparents that I never experienced because I lived so far away.
But my cousin told me that there's nothing I could do about it. I couldn't hold on to this jealousy, to this regret, to this guilt because it wouldn't do anything for me. She told me I did the best I could at the time I could with the cards that I was dealt.
And she was right.
You can't go around living in the past of should haves and could haves. You just have to live your life to the best of your ability and love those around you and love God. Because that's what you'll be remembered for.
I am blessed with the family that I have. Truly blessed. And I work hard never to forget that.
Monday, April 5, 2010
World Domination With Coffee? Sign Me Up!
I worked today. And so many many people are glad that I am there. It's nice to feel loved and wanted and welcomed. It's very nice indeed.
But today the espresso machine was throwing a total fit because apparently it didn't have a good Easter holiday and really didn't want to go to work on Monday. And by throwing a total fit I mean it decided that the single shot cambrio really would much rather jump out of the machine and spew hot water and coffee grounds all over the counter and in drinks and on Texas and me.
(Texas is my code name for the girl I worked with today, because she's awesome and from Texas.)
We fought the single shooter all shift. It was very cranky and crabby and I'm quite certain it would have much rather been napping than making coffee. So while in use we had to pull it either very tight or hold it in place. Inconvenient if you ask me.
On the plus side I'm getting faster at making coffee. I was super star awesome amazing fast when it was Java because I knew how all the drinks went together, I was used the machine, and I had my own rhythm. But let me tell you, trying to readjust to new drinks and a new way of steaming milk has gotten me a little behind in the speed department.
However, that is quickly being remedied. As well as my milk steaming skills - I'm honing them in. Before long I will be the best barista ever - again. And it will be amazing. Seriously.
When I worked with The Fiery Redhead we talked about how there should be Barista Olympics and that if we were a team we would totally win. Well, I still believe that to be true - and working with Texas, I think she could join our team of Awesome.
We just need to dump the single shot because he might get angry with life for some unknown reason and foil our plans of world coffee domination, you know?
But today the espresso machine was throwing a total fit because apparently it didn't have a good Easter holiday and really didn't want to go to work on Monday. And by throwing a total fit I mean it decided that the single shot cambrio really would much rather jump out of the machine and spew hot water and coffee grounds all over the counter and in drinks and on Texas and me.
(Texas is my code name for the girl I worked with today, because she's awesome and from Texas.)
We fought the single shooter all shift. It was very cranky and crabby and I'm quite certain it would have much rather been napping than making coffee. So while in use we had to pull it either very tight or hold it in place. Inconvenient if you ask me.
On the plus side I'm getting faster at making coffee. I was super star awesome amazing fast when it was Java because I knew how all the drinks went together, I was used the machine, and I had my own rhythm. But let me tell you, trying to readjust to new drinks and a new way of steaming milk has gotten me a little behind in the speed department.
However, that is quickly being remedied. As well as my milk steaming skills - I'm honing them in. Before long I will be the best barista ever - again. And it will be amazing. Seriously.
When I worked with The Fiery Redhead we talked about how there should be Barista Olympics and that if we were a team we would totally win. Well, I still believe that to be true - and working with Texas, I think she could join our team of Awesome.
We just need to dump the single shot because he might get angry with life for some unknown reason and foil our plans of world coffee domination, you know?
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Yada, Yada, Yada and Painting
So I'm still not feeling 100% normal. I don't know why. I was told that artists and writers feel things differently, and well, I guess I'm both of those. Plus I don't really think I'll feel 'better' until I get some closure. And memorial services equal closure right?
I spent today writing some poems that may or may not be read by me at the memorial service. I like the poems, I just don't feel like they're him. You know? Like they describe something just not what I want to describe. It's just weird to write about him as if he's not here. I know he's not here, but it still doesn't feel that way.
Last night Prince and LadiesMan went out for a 'guy's night' and I spent some time alone watching What Not To Wear re-runs on TLC. Not a super thrilling night and really I don't think it was a great thing for me to just be here by myself. But Zelda was home for the weekend and I really don't have any other friends here, so I managed.
But today I made it my turn to do something fun, so I drug the boys across town to a pottery shop. Its one of those places that have all these ceramics and you pick one out, paint it, they fire it in a kiln and you go back in a week to pick it up.
Super. Duper. Fun.
I painted a "Java Mug" blue with all the fruits of the spirit written on the side. On the handle I painted JFK for Gramps. I painted his initials in red.
Prince Charming painted a "Bhudda Box" but instead of painting it 'traditionally' he went with a crazy artistic interpretation and made him some sort of something-or-other with a red and black robe, chest hair and tattoos. Actually he was kinda cute looking. LadiesMan painted a snake in black and gold UI Vandal colors. Woot, woot! That's some school spirit right there, yo.
It was so much more fun than spending the day cooped up in a prison sized dorm room playing video games and surfing the web.
We got back to the dorm and found out that apparently LadiesMan's door was open the entire time we were gone. Nothing was missing, but ever since we got back he hasn't seemed fine. I wonder if the open door has anything to do with it or if he's just tired of being around Prince and me. That could very well be the case, we're around each other a lot.
A lot, a lot.
But Tuesday I'm leaving for the sudden SoCal trip and I'll get a big break from everything going on down here. Thank the good Lord too, because I really feel like I need it. I don't particularly like the reason I'm going down there, but I'm glad to get away from school. To maybe get some closure. To come back as more myself instead of this semi emotional crazy wreck I am right now.
I spent today writing some poems that may or may not be read by me at the memorial service. I like the poems, I just don't feel like they're him. You know? Like they describe something just not what I want to describe. It's just weird to write about him as if he's not here. I know he's not here, but it still doesn't feel that way.
Last night Prince and LadiesMan went out for a 'guy's night' and I spent some time alone watching What Not To Wear re-runs on TLC. Not a super thrilling night and really I don't think it was a great thing for me to just be here by myself. But Zelda was home for the weekend and I really don't have any other friends here, so I managed.
But today I made it my turn to do something fun, so I drug the boys across town to a pottery shop. Its one of those places that have all these ceramics and you pick one out, paint it, they fire it in a kiln and you go back in a week to pick it up.
Super. Duper. Fun.
I painted a "Java Mug" blue with all the fruits of the spirit written on the side. On the handle I painted JFK for Gramps. I painted his initials in red.
Prince Charming painted a "Bhudda Box" but instead of painting it 'traditionally' he went with a crazy artistic interpretation and made him some sort of something-or-other with a red and black robe, chest hair and tattoos. Actually he was kinda cute looking. LadiesMan painted a snake in black and gold UI Vandal colors. Woot, woot! That's some school spirit right there, yo.
It was so much more fun than spending the day cooped up in a prison sized dorm room playing video games and surfing the web.
We got back to the dorm and found out that apparently LadiesMan's door was open the entire time we were gone. Nothing was missing, but ever since we got back he hasn't seemed fine. I wonder if the open door has anything to do with it or if he's just tired of being around Prince and me. That could very well be the case, we're around each other a lot.
A lot, a lot.
But Tuesday I'm leaving for the sudden SoCal trip and I'll get a big break from everything going on down here. Thank the good Lord too, because I really feel like I need it. I don't particularly like the reason I'm going down there, but I'm glad to get away from school. To maybe get some closure. To come back as more myself instead of this semi emotional crazy wreck I am right now.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Finally Friday
My aunt uploaded a few older pictures to Facebook in her "Memories of Dad" album. I promptly stole this one for my own. Not only is it a picture with Gramps, but it's also a picture of Goose Dog. And we're camping! And seriously, what's better than family camping?
Unicorns.
But that's it.
Unicorns.
But that's it.
(I'm the baby)
Thursday, April 1, 2010
I Wanna Be Forever Young
This week has been long, I feel like. I'm glad it's finally Thursday. Actually, I was beginning to wonder if Thursday would ever get here.
I worked this morning. Have I told you how much I love work? Especially since the lady who bought the coffee stand kept me on as an employee? I heart her for doing that, even if I didn't like her much at first. That place is growing on me.
I'm doing a project for Design Processing that involves taking pictures of the sky at the same time every day to see how much it changes. This picture is my favorite so far. The exposure is pretty neat I think.
But this project caused me to think about photography. What am I saying with it? Yeah, it's just pictures of the sky. The first day I took pictures of other things as well, after I had taken my four sky shots. I haven't wanted to retake the pictures of those things, because I feel like I've already captured them.
They sky, on the other hand, is always different. From one minute to the next it almost never looks the same. The wind carries the clouds around the atmosphere, the sun rises and sets. I could take pictures of the sky all day. But I take a few pictures of a flower and I'm done?
I have trouble seeing the changing in a flower from day to day. But I know it happens. I just don't have the desire to photograph it everyday. But I could. And it would different. Different perspectives, different weather conditions, different camera settings. Maybe tomorrow I will take another picture of a flower. Or a leaf. Or a branch. Who knows?
Anyway, next Wednesday I'm going to San Diego for my first ever Memorial Service. I missed the burial service because that was today, and obviously I'm still here in Moscow, so I wasn't able to attend.
I haven't ever lost anyone this close before. I'm not looking forward to losing anyone else, but then again, who ever does?
I worked this morning. Have I told you how much I love work? Especially since the lady who bought the coffee stand kept me on as an employee? I heart her for doing that, even if I didn't like her much at first. That place is growing on me.
I'm doing a project for Design Processing that involves taking pictures of the sky at the same time every day to see how much it changes. This picture is my favorite so far. The exposure is pretty neat I think.
But this project caused me to think about photography. What am I saying with it? Yeah, it's just pictures of the sky. The first day I took pictures of other things as well, after I had taken my four sky shots. I haven't wanted to retake the pictures of those things, because I feel like I've already captured them.
They sky, on the other hand, is always different. From one minute to the next it almost never looks the same. The wind carries the clouds around the atmosphere, the sun rises and sets. I could take pictures of the sky all day. But I take a few pictures of a flower and I'm done?
I have trouble seeing the changing in a flower from day to day. But I know it happens. I just don't have the desire to photograph it everyday. But I could. And it would different. Different perspectives, different weather conditions, different camera settings. Maybe tomorrow I will take another picture of a flower. Or a leaf. Or a branch. Who knows?
Anyway, next Wednesday I'm going to San Diego for my first ever Memorial Service. I missed the burial service because that was today, and obviously I'm still here in Moscow, so I wasn't able to attend.
I haven't ever lost anyone this close before. I'm not looking forward to losing anyone else, but then again, who ever does?
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