Because I'm Typhoid Ashley

Weekly Manicure

2012-02-13T10:17:00.000-08:00

Themed for the week of course...

Also, you can see I didn't go for bangs. I had a really great hair day on Friday and it made me chicken out. Oh and if you can't tell what the blobs on my fingers are... hearts duh!

It's nice having a holiday to help me decide on my nails. Next week... no holiday but husband and I are going somewhere that will provide a nice theme for me. :) You'll find out later.

"She's got more than enough... to make some poor fool cry."

2012-02-09T06:44:00.000-08:00

Random title, I know. Lyric from a song by my cousin's band. I woke up with it stuck in my head. There are worse things to be singing.

I've been slackin' lately. I just don't feel inspired to write about anything. And I do have pictures for the other blog page, but I doubt I have some from every day.

This weekend is more fun mixed with busy stuff. Hair appointment. Musical show with the ladies in my family. I have to dig out my sewing machine because I'm going to try and make a Jedi cloak. Because I'm officially helping with our local STAR WARS PUB CRAWL! It's gonna be legit. Look for me to be really excited about it and posting flyers and all.

Thursday, tomorrow is Friday. I'm really happy about this. I want my weekend right now.

Help

2012-02-07T07:51:00.000-08:00

I have a hair appointment Saturday. And I'm a girl so I'm indecisive. I'm definitely getting my Brazilian Blowout again. But I'm wavering on whether or not I want bangs...

For reference, here I am now, without them.

Here's my normal look without them. The old ones are still there, just super long and I kinda like them like that. It's a little swoopy and fun to curl back.

And here's an old picture from when I had them before. I loved them.

So. Torn. I'm rotten with decision-making. Here are a couple pics of what I'm thinking...

Source: images.search.yahoo.com via Ashley on Pinterest

Help me decide friends. My appointment is Saturday.

Weekly Manicure

2012-02-06T19:33:00.000-08:00

So last week was INSANE. Too much going on for this girl. But I'm home with less to do this week. Not exactly feeling wonderful, but I'm here. And I did my nails.

I got a little Valentine-y.

So last week... errands almost every night because I kept forgetting to pick up stuff that I needed for school or for church. Church Wednesday night. Packing and prepping for 100th Day of School on Thursday night. Rushing out the door Friday afternoon to go to winter camp with eleven of our church girls and my aunt. Camp was super fun of course. Spent lots of time with our intern and my cousin - possibly my two favorite people right now. And of course late nights with my aunt and our girls.

But I'm glad to be home. I missed my bed. And my hubby. And sleep. Not necessarily in that order.

5 Things

2012-01-31T09:49:00.000-08:00

I'm full of crazy random shtuff this week. So there ya go. Don't expect many coherent thoughts from me.

5 Things I'm Loving

Date night with husband. Tuesdays. Eureka Burger. Steal the glass. Not actually stealing it, you get to keep it when you order the beer of the night.
Random dates with husband. Like the movies last night.
Movies. Specifically "The Grey" last night. WHOA. Intense, brutal, and depressing. But amazing. It's apparently based off a short story so I shall be finding it.
Winter camp! I leave right after school on Friday.
Having the income to do stuff. Like buy our new television. :) It's pretty exciting.

Sooo... hoping for great things this week? There's some possibilities floating around, but nothing definite.

Weekly Manicure

2012-01-30T16:21:00.000-08:00

Short but sweet people... I'm having a minor freak out over here that will hopefully lead to awesome sharing later.

The girls at school flipped for the leopard print.

Friday Photo

2012-01-27T09:14:00.000-08:00

Thankful for another fast week. Even if I spent most of it slacking off. I mean, I haven't even watched Idol yet. Both nights are sitting on my DVR. I'm just feeling lazy. That stops tonight and tomorrow. I have stuff to do. :)

I'm missing my Tad right now so that's what you get today. In a Packers jersey. Playing with the lightsaber app on my phone. Look at that face. He loves it.

Busy weekend ahead. Possibly super busy if I get paid this weekend. We'll see. Hopefully plenty of pics to share.

Happy Friday!

5 Things

2012-01-24T08:58:00.000-08:00

It's almost February. I have things to be excited about...

Valentine's Day! Not like we celebrate it big or anything (we'll probably stay home and watch Glee), but I love it. All the pink and red, the candy, the class party...
I have a random week off! Instead of two Mondays this month, our school takes an entire week. Hubby and I are looking at Disneyland.
The Walking Dead is back!!! We're debating whether we will continue joining the bar group or if we'll have our own viewing parties at our house. That depends on whether or not we get a new TV in time.
Tax return! That we won't do anything with because we want to save for a house!
We'll be that much closer to spring. And flip flops. Oh how I miss flip flops.

Then as soon as spring gets here I'll piss and moan about summer. Can't win with me. Happy Tuesday!

Weekly Manicure

2012-01-23T09:52:00.000-08:00

I felt so much pressure this week! Friday I got a text message from a parent... "All I've heard about since school was out is how the girls can't wait til Monday so they can see your nail design of the week! lol" She has three girls, I have the middle one, but apparently all three of them look to me as a fashionista. Which I love. It's absolutely adorable. So it put some pressure on me yesterday! I kept it simple...

White, with black stripes separated by a silver glitter line. Easy, but still fun I think. I love stripes like that, they remind me of Tim Burton. Also featured, my boyfriend's picture on my phone. I got a new phone case, and it's clear (ish). Clear enough that I decided B. Weezy should be back there to accompany me on a daily basis. Oh Brian, you gorgeous man...

So it's Monday. It's rainy. I have a new kid starting today. Think I'm feeling a little intimidated??

American Idol... Special Sunday Fun!

2012-01-22T20:30:00.000-08:00

Well... my computer decided to shart. So no blog. Unless something amazing happens. Which I doubt. I mean, we started off with a heftier version of Bikini Girl.

Boo old laptops.

American Idol Continues...

2012-01-19T21:00:00.000-08:00

Really hoping the computer holds out for this whole episode. The power cord is being a beast. UGH. So the show was the topic of conversation at work today. We're all going for Phillip Phillips already.

Heejun Han is weird. He was really hard to take seriously until he started singing. Was he faking the awkwardness? I'm not a fan of that if he is. Because now I'm impressed, but not liking his weirdness. Eric thinks his "story" will be that he started out as a nerd and make it far. I love having another person to analyze this with. Especially since hubs is taking his Jeopardy test right now. Oh, and Heejun is through.

Ugh, just realized we're watching live and can't fast forward tonight. *sigh* Let's hope for good commercials.

Reed Grimm is seriously singing the song from Family Matters? haha I don't even know how to respond except to laugh. What's funny is that he sounded really good. Jennifer said he was exciting to watch and they let him through.

Aaron Marcellus, Chase Likens and a bunch of random people that are good. Jumping in hallways and such. And Steven Tyler drumming on the table. :)

Umm... a girl brought her sister who just planks. Yup. Just planks. Samantha Novacek is the singing sister. She's alright, I'm not amazed though. The judges are putting her through. And just so we're straight - planking

Interjecting during the commercial break to say that I win at life with my homemade guacamole. It makes an excellent snack for Idol.

Creighton Fraker... um, he wrote his own song. And he scats. Jennifer just said it's like Jamiroquai and Justin Timberlake had a baby. I'm sure I just butchered the spelling of his name. He's fun, but he's not my favorite so far. The judges are sending him through to Hollywood.

And there's seriously another commercial already. Ugh. Fox, we're gonna have to have a talk...

Eben Frackewitz is a baby. And his mom seems the momager type. He's cute and he sounds good. The girls are going to fall all over themselves for him if he gets to the voting rounds. Jennifer can't get over his cuteness.

Travis Orlando is back!!!!!! I gushed over him last year! He seems better, but not as exciting as last year. Steven nailed it because he said he isn't showing passion. And he has a sob story that legitimately makes me sad. He dropped out of school which breaks my heart when I hear about kids doing that (maybe the teacher in me). Yeeeeee!!!! He's back again! I really hope he makes it to voting this year! I love him!

*clutching my heart* Steven Tyler was singing to the contestants. I would pass out right there. For reals.

Erika Van Pelt is a wedding singer. Which just sounds fun. Her voice is really deep and I like her. Steven loves her, he can't contain his smile and occasional pleased chuckle. She's obviously through. I'll root for her.

Shane Bruce is a coal miner. Hard core. He picked a bad song for me. The song isn't bad, but the fact that another love named Jason Castro sang it makes it hard for me to hear from others. He still sounds a'ight, but he's not amazing. The judges let him down easy.

SO TIRED of commercials. Checking Facebook for funsies and my coworker posted, "Still loving Phillip Phillips!" I have to agree. But Travis being back... *squee*

Hallie Day (yes, real name) has another "inspirational story." She's good too. Usually what happens with the last contestant we're shown. She's going through. I'm happy with that.

So we sent 38 to Hollywood tonight. I happen to love that number. It's kind of the number of my favorite closer. AND WE HAVE SUNDAY NIGHT IDOL! Oh my. Guess we'll meet again then.

American Idol!!!!

2012-01-18T22:21:00.000-08:00

We're back. And to go really old school I fired up the old laptop. It's still alive! Last season was too hard blogging from my desktop. I had to take notes during the episode then type it all out... no.

P.S. My brother in law will probably be guest commenting. He and hubby will probably be hilarious tonight.

David Leathers Jr. is NOT seventeen. He reminds me of my nephew. Who is ten. (First Steven Tyler fabulousness just happened.) Okay so this kid is good. Jennifer asked him to sing some Michael Jackson which seems fitting. The judges of course send him through.

Gabrielle gave us a Steven Tyler medley of amazing face. (I'm so stoked for Steven Tyler to be back.) Anyway, Gabe Carrubba is good. She picked a song I'm partial to, so that kinda helps over here. :) She's through to Hollywood.

Medley of good people. And Steven Tyler's fabulous hat. If I was on my faster computer I would totes post a screencap of it. Because it is GLORIOUS.

Jessica Whitely is finally our first bad one. She's still not the worst this show has seen. SO MUCH SILENCE. Then Randy said awful. Wait, did she say she's auditioning in Texas too?? Oh. Yup. She did. And now Eric (brother) is comparing her to a seagull, complete with seagull noises. I'm in for a fun season. :)

Shaun Kraisman aspires to be Ryan Seacrest. Poor guy. But his voice is dead-on. He made Steven Tyler cackle. Singing... he's alright. But he was fun to watch.

Shannon Magrane made Steven Tyler do the pervert smile! It was hilarious, I had to rewind it so the boys could see. OHNO! Steven just used "hot, humid, and happening" to describe her... to her dad. I missed his antics so. Anyway, so this little girl can sing. She's through.

Ew. We just discovered Randy is a Dodgers fan. Hubby said a naughty word and informed me that he hates Randy more now.

Oh, more bad singers. And judge's disappointed faces.

And now a girl who lives in a tent. "Inspirational story" and all. Anyway, her name is Amy and she sounds good. Aaaand she proclaimed herself a hippie baby.

SO MANY COMMERCIALS. Thank God for DVR.

I'm very confused by Joshua Chavis. He's just... yeah. I had to let out a big laugh at him supposedly being compared to Chris Daughtry. Of course he sounds nothing like him. Jennifer just let him down like she was breaking up with him.

Stephanie Renae is one of those kids that was raised on this show. So she's all giggly and nervous. She's okay, but I don't know if she could be a winner. She's through (not unanimously).

So we have a sibling of an almost contestant last year (Colton, who I loved but didn't make it to the Top 12). The judges are going to make him sing. :) After Schyler Dixon (his sissy). I like her. It's really cute watching her brother watch her and the judges. And now it's his turn and I still like him. A lot. They want BOTH of them. So hope Colton goes far again. And sissy is piiiiissed. Kinda funny.

Sad faces. I don't like seeing people cry.

Lauren Mink made Steven smirk. She sounds good. The judges loved her. She's through to Hollywood. (Eric just did a goofy dance and said he likes the part after people go through when they play a song and "they dance around all happy.")

Mawuena is from Africa. And you can't understand him. Poor thing. I'm almost mad at the producers for finding it funny. Steven tried to be nice, but he's not going anywhere.

Ashley Altise makes me laugh. She's doing the "joy hop." And I kinda like her. So do the judges, she's through.

W.T. Thompson is not the smartest. He quit his job to audition. With a baby on the way. He's good, but he's not great. Still got through though. I hope he gets better, he's cute.

Oh Steven Tyler... all the ladies love you. Myself included. Oh and we have a crazy woman! I love the editing on this show sometimes. SHE JUST GRABBED HIS ARSE! Whoa...

Stalker's name is Erica Nowak. And she's not good. Now she's grabbing on Randy. Nutso.

Brittany Kerr is an NBA "dancer." Yeah I used quotation marks. What of it? She's good. Steven did a little mini-singing and I squealed. The men put her through. Because she adjusted her boobs gratuitously...

Phillip Phillips (yes, his real name)... oh his dad's name is Phillip too! He's a boy with a guitar and I love me a boy with a guitar. He's cute! I love his drawl and his mama hittin' on Ryan Seacrest. YES. And yes. And more yes. I love him. OHMYGODHE'SADORABLEILOVEHIM. He is doing Thriller as an acoustic song?!? I'm in lurve. And Eric is laughing at me. Because I turned into a teenage girl right now.

Okay, good first episode. Now off to do some work for tomorrow. And freak out over Phillip Phillips. WHO I LOVE.

Weekly Manicure

2012-01-17T19:33:00.000-08:00

Day late and all... but it's here!

Paired nicely with the beer of the evening and a cheesy smile to show I am enjoying said beer. So aside from the beer... ooooh a manicure! I went for a chevron-ish stripe. It was a pain and I don't see it happening again soon. I like the colors together. A shimmery white, sparkly black, and gold. It's funny because the first thing the upper grade girls do at school now is ask to see my nails. :)

I know it's Tuesday and I didn't think of five things for you... oh well.

Wait For It

2012-01-16T09:29:00.001-08:00

The manicure didn't turn out like I wanted last night. So we're redoing it today. Just sit tight.

Wednesday Want

2012-01-11T07:46:00.000-08:00

It's another want that I have to do myself...

Source: 320sycamoreblog.com via Ashley on Pinterest

Love the Beatles. Love Valentine's Day. So I'll probably be making this. Assuming I take my butt out to a craft store. And I just realized I don't already own red glitter. Well, not the pretty super fine glitter. But I'm pretty sure I have a frame. So that's a start, right?

5 Things

2012-01-10T07:38:00.000-08:00

5 Things About... Whatever

I can't wait to decorate for Valentine's Day. Yes, I decorate for Valentine's Day. I might do it this weekend.
I'm making a huge leap... wedding cupcakes and small cake in March. YES. Not technically my first wedding, but this one will be big.
Hubby and I are (likely) starting Weight Watchers soon. It worked for a couple of my in-laws so I feel good knowing people who liked it.
My coffee and creamer I need every morning are zero points on Weight Watchers. :)
I want to have a dance party. With music from back in the day. And fun lighting. And craziness.

I could keep going, but it IS called five things. Looking at a week that's filling up with stuff to do. Church tomorrow, and the chance to be involved in the planning stages of a pub crawl on Thursday... I'm excited and I think I'm going to do it. Because it will be OUTSTANDING.

Happy Tuesday.

Weekly Manicure

2012-01-09T10:33:00.000-08:00

Quick, someone call Samsung and tell them I'm giving free advertisement! My phone was just handy when I went to take a picture of my manicure. My nails look black here, but they're actually a super dark blue. Polka dots added because I had no other ideas. When I don't have a "theme" to go on, I have no ideas.

School is back in today. I'm guessing most of the day will be spent pulling my kids back from "vacation brain." Hope everyone else has a slightly more productive Monday...

sigh

2012-01-07T10:13:00.000-08:00

Let me get the fluff out of the way before the heavy stuff.

I only have five days left of the last soap opera that I watch. Five days before they take it away from me. I cried watching yesterday's episode. They're pulling out all the stops and it's so bittersweet. The show hasn't been this good in a long time, but it's good because they're time is dwindling.

It's also bittersweet watching it because hubby's cousin, Allison, used to watch it. She passed away yesterday morning. She was younger than me. She's been battling cancer and was in the hospital for most of the last month I believe. We went to see her Wednesday night. She didn't open her eyes, but when I talked to her you could see them moving behind her eyelids.

The family is not okay. As you might imagine. Knowing it might be coming never makes it easier. So I use this random Saturday post (y'all know I'm never here Saturdays) to ask for prayer. For her family. This is the tightest-knit group of cousins I've ever seen. The girls are particularly close. For her kids. The oldest is still in elementary school. My heart just breaks for those kids. And her mom. She had to bury her husband when Allie was little. Now a daughter. Everyone needs a lot of strength right now.

As an aside: I want to do something for her kids. I don't know if I want to do a scrapbook, or what. Anyone have ideas? Have you ever received something that meant a lot to you after losing a loved one?

Friday Photo

2012-01-06T10:20:00.000-08:00

We went to Yosemite this week. And this mule deer with the beautiful rack will be haunting my hubby for awhile.

Playing with the new phone today. Hopefully finding a partner or two to have an adventure with me tonight. We'll see. Definitely enjoying my last days of break.

Happy Friday!

Wednesday Want

2012-01-04T08:58:00.000-08:00

Source: starsforstreetlights.com via Ashley on Pinterest

I want this shirt. It was a DIY. Which means it's on my list. Along with a million other things. But seriously, look at this. Glitter. So much glitter. It's so sparkly I'm gonna die!!! (That was for you mom.)

Took Tad home yesterday so today is a childless day. I'm thinking of going out to do a little shopping, then I have a brainstorming meeting at church. Then, hubby and I discussed an at-home beer tasting tonight. :) I love time off.

Happy Wednesday!

5 Things

2012-01-03T10:48:00.000-08:00

We went to Yosemite yesterday. Apparently it's a big deal to others that I can just drive there for a day trip. Apparently I take that for granted. I started thinking about it, and even though this state and its constant nannying frustrate me mostly, there are some good things about it.

5 Things I Like About California

I can drive to the beach just for a day. Not a long drive. Actually, we have a TON of beaches to choose from!
I can drive to Yosemite or any other part of the Sierra Nevadas. Relatively quickly. I can even do it straight from a beach trip.
Disneyland. 'Nuf said.
Our baseball teams. Also driving distance for a day trip.
The fact that people in other states still feel like we're a "big deal" out here. Before I started this blog I took a trip to Alabama to visit family. While there I was introduced to a younger cousin. When she found out I was from California her eyes got big and she said, "Y'all are from California? What's it like?" It wasn't the question so much as the way she asked it. Like I had been to the moon or something. She's aware she was the highlight of my trip. :)

Sooooo... we're off to do... things not exclusive to California today. Movies maybe, some archery practice for the Tad. Happy Tuesday!

Weekly Manicure

2012-01-02T10:32:00.000-08:00

New year, first manicure of the year.

As always , tough to see. They're gray with black, white and glittery dots. Tad thought I was doing racing checkers.

Oh yeah, Tad is here. :) Stayed with us last night. We're going to have an adventure today. I have to squeeze as much fun as I can out of my remaining days of break.

New

2012-01-01T17:48:00.000-08:00

If you look directly to your right, you'll see something different in my sidebar... well, as long as I did everything right.

I'm going to shoot for posting a photo each day of this year. No promises that it'll be fabulous, but I'm going to try to do it. I'm hoping it will encourage me to bust out the camera more often. We shall see. I haven't uploaded today's yet, still working on what I want it to be.

2011

2011-12-31T11:32:00.000-08:00

It's seriously been another year. Another calendar full of birthdays and events. Dunzo. I was laughing at some pins on Pinterest last night that said things like, "I can't believe it's been a year since I didn't become a better person."

So since this is typically a time spent reflecting, let's reflect. For funsies.

January
Wow, looking at my blog it was a pretty dead month wasn't it? I did start the year off with a lot of reading. Which I really hadn't made much time for what with stressing about my first year of teaching. Of course, we also saw the return of the REAL Old Spice man. And there was much rejoicing. Not to mention the return of American Idol, which renewed my love for Steven Tyler.

February
Gotta love February at my private school. We have a week off. A whole week. YES. I went and had a fancy straightening procedure done on my hair. My Packers won the Super Bowl!!! Ready for a repeat performance coming up? Volkswagen put out the cutest commercial ever. And I posted adorable pictures of my furbaby. Plus Arthur had to spend some time in the shop right about the time hubby went and bought a new (to us) car.

March
I began recapping American Idol again. Not quite as faithful to it this year since I wasn't doing it from my laptop. I planned a lumberjack party for hubby's birthday. I unveiled my fancy pants gallery wall in my house. Which I still receive compliments on. I also started getting pumped for springtime.

April
I started crushing HARD on Brian Wilson. Which made my husband's beard all the more glorious to me. I got all riled up by our idiotic state and their "improvements" to education. ABC tore out my heart and stomped on it by cancelling BOTH of my soap operas. I was irate. Hubby and I celebrated three years of marriage by heading to the hills with some siblings and shooting targets. Started enjoying baseball season.

May
May is always such a crazy month. As evidenced by my whopping nine posts for the entire month. My baby turned seven. I embraced the fact that it was my last month of my first year of teaching. I visited my fist IKEA store! There was much excitement as we went to our very first Giants game with two of the nephews. Then there was devastation at that game as it's the infamous one where Posey was injured and out for the season. Hubby also went and got us a new furbaby.

June
June brought my first summer vacation!!! I began it with soaps, because what better way is there? I started the weekly manicures for funsies. There was much crushing on some certain baseball players. Thankfully hubby is an understanding man. I got the super news that my Leo would return to my soap. Happy sighs and goosebumps all around. I said another goodbye to my aunt that we lost last year. I dyed my hair PURPLE because I could. And I LOVED it. We finished the month with an Oakland game in which me met DAVE STEWART AND VIDA BLUE and my mom almost passed out from the excitement of it.

July
We celebrated the 3rd AND 4th of July because that's how we roll around here. We also headed out to a local ballgame. We celebrated again for the All-Star game and I had super cute nails. I started watching MLB network on a regular basis after discovering we already had it for who knows how long. I wrote a letter to Old Spice stating why Brian Wilson should be a spokesman. FACT: he's glorious. I went to the Harry Potter midnight premiere!!! Kind of. My theater had an epic fail and some people seriously lost their shiz. I discovered an insanely easy dessert that became popular around these parts. I can't count how many times I've made it since. We went to ANOTHER baseball game for which I made a sassy shirt. Then there was yet another game at which my cousin and I decided owling was necessary.

August
Sadly, I watched summer wind down. But I started the month with a manicure dedicated to Cody Ross because I got a freakin' winky face from him!!!! My bartender friend squealed with me over this. I had to get back into the classroom and then school started. I had a cute manicure and cuter students. Went to a game for my cousin's birthday and took the best family picture ever. Then I decided to show off my craftiness by posting my super cute headband I made for said game. The whole time I was wishing summer (and baseball) would never end.

September
September was a pretty mellow month. My cousin came and stayed with us Labor Day weekend. There was much fun and obnoxiousness had. Then of course I GOT MY FIRST TATTOO. A fitting Shakespeare quote. I got my kids back into the habit of being at school. Our Wednesday night program at church started up again. There were more manicures, and much cheering on of the Giants. Then there was one last game in San Francisco, which was fun even though they had already blown postseason.

October
The manicures started to get a Halloween theme to them. I started visiting my brother at work a lot, which turned into some awesomely random nights. My mom took our family dog to be put down and our hearts broke. Halloween started to make appearances in my house. I found out I'm a pretty good painter. I got my second tattoo, this one to match my grandpa's. Halloween finally got here and we had to say goodbye to my favorite month.

November
It was a slow month. Most of my posts were about my manicures. Oopsie. The days got shorter. We watched a lot of Walking Dead on Sunday nights. I went to a canned food drive and got to see one of my favorite local bands. Thanksgiving break hit and the hubby and I went to IKEA to buy our new couch! And I got closer and closer to my 30th birthday...

December
Even though my blog posts don't reflect it, December was the busiest I've been in a loooooong time. Well, I guess my blog posts do reflect it when you consider the absence of them. There was practice for our Christmas program at school. There was prep and cleaning for my party. I got my third tattoo in honor of my aunt. (Yes that's three tattoos in four months.) I finally turned 30 and had an amazing party with people I love. Christmas break hit and it was a rush to finish shopping, wrap presents and bake cookies. Everything was done with a little time to spare. Then it was off to Vegas for a couple days of vacation, including one of the final performances of The Lion King.

Thanks to everyone who was a part of my year. There are so many people I'm glad to have. And I hope next year brings more of the same love and good times.

Friday Photo

2011-12-30T10:08:00.000-08:00

I hate undecorating. I actually haven't started yet because we just had more people over last night. And I probably won't start today either. I just don't like it. It's almost sad.

Las Vegas was still decorated. I was obsessed with the Venetian. Just let me show you their tree.

First is at night, then one during the day. Pictures cannot do this tree justice. It was gorgeous. My jaw dropped, I gasped, and I clutched my pearls. Okay, I wasn't wearing pearls to clutch, but my hand went to my chest like I was.

I wanted to bring it home. I want one for my front yard next year. I want one ALL THE TIME. But it might be a bit excessive for my town.

Two days left in 2011. I'm debating what I want to do with mine. Do I spend the whole day reading again? I have the house to myself so I could. I do need to get to the grocery store at some point. And if I'm out I may as well do a little shopping...

Tomorrow I'll probably recap the year in the typical style that bloggers do. For now, happy Friday!

Resolutions?

2011-12-29T21:16:00.000-08:00

Let's face it - I am QUEEN of procrastination. I'm not about to make a list of resolutions that I likely won't keep. But there are some things I would like to work on this year. No pressure or judgement on myself if I don't do it.

Hubs and I are discussing a beachy vacation over the summer. This would obvs require swimsuits. Which would obvs require some weight loss. So I want to get back into running. I don't care about the number on the scale, but I would like to wear a swimsuit and show off my tattoos without feeling like a whale.

This is the year I want an organized sewing room. The sooner it gets organized the sooner I can have a television in there. And with a television comes a DVD player. Which means I can watch/listen to movies while I work.

I want to give more. Whether it's time, or money, or whatever. I feel like we were so blessed this year that I need to give more next year. Not grudgingly either, but with a happy heart. I think I can do it. I would love to find a couple organizations that I can really get into.

I want to make more. Over vacations I have the time, but sometimes I just get lazy. I need to be motivated. It's fun when I start, just the getting started takes a little extra oomph.

So instead of resolutions, what are some of the things y'all would like to do? Focus on?

"Don't you forget about me."

2011-12-28T09:26:00.000-08:00

Sorry, at time of writing I am honestly reciting the movie in my head. Soundtrack included.

I give you some cousins today. And my brother. With new, shorter hair!

Top is my Jules, she has memorized Easy A with me. And we frequently recite it to each other. Middle is my cousin Micah. She's all around amazing. With gorgeous eyes. And the bottom is little brother and our cousin Carson. Back off girls. The odds of my letting you date them are slim.

Good Genes

2011-12-27T09:25:00.000-08:00

If my mom and aunts are any indication, I have years of looking fabulous ahead of me.

"A gentleman caller, oh happy day mama!"

2011-12-26T09:06:00.000-08:00

I love that movie. If you don't know the quote, it's from Easy A. Amazing movie. You must watch it. In fact, I just got it for Christmas. Come over and have a beer with me while we bask in its fantasticalness.

Oh wait, you can't come over. Because I'm going to Vegas for a few days. So no manicure post today (let's face it, was I really going to have time to do my nails ON Christmas?), but I'll have one for you when I come back.

In the meantime, I have three days of picture posts. So you can peek at my Christmas. Think lucky thoughts for me, not that I plan on gambling a bunch. But maybe a little bit.

I leave you with my tree skirt. Very Nightmare-ish. I hand-painted it. Want proof?

I enjoy painting. It's kinda relaxing. And I love my tree skirt.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T00:01:00.000-08:00

It's Here!

2011-12-24T11:57:00.000-08:00

It's Christmas Eve! Presents are wrapped and cookies are almost done. As I sat on the couch with hubby this morning looking at the gifts under our tree I couldn't help but feel extremely blessed this year. We had a few instances of "conveniently timed money." And we were able to do a lot because of it. I know it wasn't random, and I'm thankful to God for blessing us in such ways as well as countless other ways this year and particularly this season.

I didn't really prep a special post, so I thought I'd share our Christmas card with you. Well, one side of it. Actually, one side of one of them. (Yes, we had two different ones. And they were both two-sided.)

Gotta love when your scanner goes out and you have to take a crappy webcam photo. All credit goes to the super awesome Mariano Friginal, our wedding photographer. Pics were taken in... August I think? When Sookie was a lot smaller and Greenlee was fresh from a haircut. :) I love my babies.

Hope everyone has a safe and happy Christmas.

Weekly Manicure

2011-12-19T20:50:00.000-08:00

You probably thought I forgot, huh? Nope. Just didn't want to do my nails then wait for them to dry before I could wrap presents and such today. So manicure happened during football tonight...

So of course the colors don't really show well... gray nails, purple sparkly tips, black and white stripes. Not exactly Christmasy. But very Burton-y.

Speaking of Burton... I need to be taking pictures of the awesome stuff hubby and I accomplished this year! Our Christmas theme is "Nightmare Before Christmas" so we're pretty decked out over here. Maybe I'll give you a tour later in the week. It'll either be photos or really crappy video. Which would you enjoy more?

Whoa

2011-12-18T17:57:00.000-08:00

Thank GOD it's time for Christmas break. I had too much going on in my life last week. So much that I actually had a total breakdown one morning. Thank God for my coworkers. I don't know what I'd do without them.

But everything is done! I got my tattoo, I turned 30, our Christmas program was OUTSTANDING, I cleaned and prepped for a party (with a lot of help), had a super fun party... and today I did nothing. NOTHING. Grazed on leftovers, caught up on soaps, laid around on the couch, did a miniscule amount of cleaning... and it felt nice.

Don't know which of my partygoers currently read the blog (seeing as how I'm awful at updating it), but for those of you who were here Saturday and are currently reading...

THANK YOU!

You are amazing friends and family and I love you all. I love that I can put all of the people I love into one room and it's just fun. There were bad jokes made, stories shared, and just all around happiness. I feel loved. I have wonderful people in my life.

Now, seeing as it's Sunday, I suppose I'm off to do my manicure. And feed my dogs. And wait for my husband to get home.

Weekly Manicure

2011-12-12T08:15:00.000-08:00

Ignore the fact that I haven't cleaned up my cuticles... I got to the manicure a little late so I was itching to take a picture and get to bed.

Went for glitter this week. I know it's going to be a PAIN to remove, but oh well. I like it. Kinda festive without being cheesy.

I'm in for a crazy week so don't be surprised if I don't pop in... at all. But I will get pics up soon. I have Christmas decorations to share and a tattoo appointment tomorrow...

Friday Photo

2011-12-09T07:05:00.000-08:00

UGH. Talk about a crazy week. I wanted to throw in the towel a few times. Okay, more than a few. A lot. Things changed from one minute to the next...

Monday it was flippin' cold. 27 degrees when I got to work. I live in CALIFORNIA. I was not ready for this. Then we figure out that for some (still unknown) reason, our bells aren't working at school. Not a HUGE deal, but an inconvenience for sure.

Tuesday was another cold one - 26. Awesome. Still no bells. Feeling massively overwhelmed in general and want to hibernate until Christmas. So to relax we hit up our favorite bar for some pizza and beer. And while there I made the horrific discovery that the Giants traded away mi novio, Andres Torres (yes, that's how we refer to him around here). There was wailing on the part of myself and our bartender (who I love which is why I visit her so often). And general anger when we got home. Still feeling bitter.

Wednesday wasn't awful to start. STILL no bells, still no clue why, but we've gotten used to it now. Struggling to keep a few students focused because I think their poor brains are on break a week early. They've checked out. On the plus side, practices for our Christmas program are going REALLY WELL. I'm feeling kind of like director of the year. AND AND AND AND... I totes got mistaken for a high school student at church. Normally I'd be offended or something, but the week before I'm going to turn 30??? I'LL TAKE IT!

Thursday was 25 DEGREES when I got to work. Ew. And ew some more. Plus no interwebz at work this morning. Not a huge deal, but I have parents that email me. Then at lunch we got our network back! Yay! And within minutes I had read that the Giants didn't resign Cody Ross. Super sads. Like, ridonk sads.

I'm honestly not sure I want to know what's in store for me today. Plus side: hubs is off work earlier than normal so we'll actually get to spend time together - beyond abnormal for a Friday.

And since it's a Friday photo, and since I'm missing my Cody already...

Oh Cody, you will ALWAYS rock my black and orange socks.

sigh

2011-12-07T07:26:00.000-08:00

My Giants are changing too much. At dinner with hubby and brother in law last night I was reading the ticker on ESPN and screeched a little while grabbing hubby's arm. He stared, brother stared, bartender-friend stared. Then I found words and said,

"Search Andres Torres right NOW. I think they gave him to the Mets."

Gasping and loud protests came from bartender-friend and I. Then hubby confirmed it and we were all a little depressed. Add to that the fact that Sabean has already said he's "pessimistic" about resigning Cody Ross...

It's not a good day for me. So let's post a video and enjoy these two adorable men when they still wore our colors.

Weekly Manicure

2011-12-05T08:10:00.000-08:00

SUCH a busy weekend. You almost didn't get my candy cane striped manicure. :)

Got a lot of Christmas stuff done this weekend. And yet there's still more to do. I guess that will be most of my after school activities this week... Hopefully tonight is tree night, complete with viewing of White Christmas! We always watched it growing up on the night we decorated the tree. I've kind of forced hubby to keep up with that tradition. :)

Alright, let's get this week started. And let's hope it's a little nicer to me than last week.

5 Things

2011-11-29T22:43:00.000-08:00

I see myself cracking open more than one bottle of wine this month. See, it's almost December which means I have entirely too much to do. I'm looking forward to all of it, but it's also going to make me tiiiiired...

5 Things I'm Excited For

All of a sudden there's a lot to do this weekend. Possible football game Friday, several events in Tower on Saturday, and probably a whole lot of sewing on Sunday.
Finishing the Christmas decorations. The goal is for me to do everything I possibly can (which is everything that does not involve climbing on rooftops) this weekend. I won't get all my sewing done (well, it's doubtful anyway), but if I can get my tree up and all the other stuff that doesn't have to be made... I'll be content.
Christmas program at school! I was the "acting coach" last year (just call me the director). I'm doing the same thing this year. Rehearsals start today. We have five after-school rehearsals and at least two during the school day. All before the fifteenth. Because that's when we have to be perfect. I'm going to tell the kids that a great performance can be considered my birthday present. :)
Oh yeah... my birthday! Obviously there won't be much celebrating on the actual night. But we're having a party over here. Which means lots of prep. And I have a feeling I'll be doing a lot more of it than I was hoping to.
Christmas. I love it. But man it's a lot of work. I feel like I should have three celebrations just to get back all the time I put in. I'm done with one gift. One. That's pathetic.

There's so much more going on besides that. Church stuff, another tattoo, a trip to Vegas... I'll sleep someday...

Weekly Manicure

2011-11-28T20:45:00.000-08:00

Ooops, kinda forgot about this today.

Kept it simple this week. Grey with a bright pink french tip. I like them.

Things are crazy this week. Rehearsals for our Christmas program at school start tomorrow afternoon. Did I mention I'm kinda the director again? Yeah. Plus our living room is emptying as I speak (and probably still as you read) because we're getting our carpets cleaned before my party in a couple weeks. Yay for clean carpets, not yay for all the moving involved. One of our cars is sleeping outside while our stuff is in the garage.

Oh and once the carpets are done y'all will get to see my new couch! Yeeee! Plus our Christmas tree can go up. All kinds of excitement!

Off to do more moving. :( Happy Monday night!

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T06:46:00.000-08:00

Let's see if I can keep this short and sweet and let everyone get back to celebrating (or preparing to celebrate)...

I feel like every year there's more to be thankful for. Is that a part of growing up, or am I just that blessed? I work at a private Christian school so I teach my kids daily Bible lessons and one week our theme was blessings. It's funny how a lesson designed for first and second graders can make you look at your own life. There's so much to be thankful for that I just overlook things sometimes. So a quick list today...

my job. Thankful doesn't begin to cover it, I'm definitely blessed by being there.
my family. Mine as well as my husband's. How many people can have their brother-in-law live with them and genuinely enjoy i?
the ability my husband and I have to support ourselves without getting into debt. That's so hard for so many these days that it's a big deal to me that we live in a house and have our individual cars. It's not something to be overlooked.

I also wanted to throw some things in from Pinterest...

Source: cardiganempire.com via Ashley on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Ashley on Pinterest

Happy Thanksgiving friends. I'm thankful for all of you.

Wednesday Want

2011-11-23T08:14:00.000-08:00

Okay, a mix between a wish list and a want. More than one thing, but not a whole list.

Source: etsy.com via Ashley on Pinterest

I'm big on head coverings right now. It just got cold. And I got a mustard beanie last week. So this grey one would be a nice part of my collection.

Source: etsy.com via Ashley on Pinterest

It's a hooded scarf. I actually have seen the incredibly less-than-stellar name "scoodie" floating around. Minus the stupid name, I want one. I may have to make up a pattern.

Source: wanelo.com via Ashley on Pinterest

Aaaand the coolest hair dryer I've ever seen. Very much want.

Tomorrow's Thanksgiving. I'm crossing my fingers our paychecks come before Black Friday like they did last year. I'm also gearing up for Christmas over here. Just made a garland last night for the mantel. Must add to it and make it look pretty...

Oh, and I have to take the boy back today. :( I'd keep him if I could.

Check

2011-11-22T06:38:00.000-08:00

Woohoo! Checked something off the list yesterday... I hope y'all are fully aware that I'm not going to finish it. I mean, we have just over three weeks to my birthday.

Anyhow, we bought a couch! No pictures yet. I want to get my gross carpets cleaned before we take pretty pictures. I love it. The arms are even comfy for sitting.

Now I'm off to spend time with the manlet. He's here with me. :)

Weekly Manicure

2011-11-21T08:55:00.000-08:00

Yay-yuh. Vacationnnnnnn. We watched Walking Dead at the bar last night. Good times, I see us doing the same next Sunday. And when I got home I did a quickie manicure that actually turned out pretty cute...

The colors aren't the easiest to distinguish. The bottom is a taupey grey. The top is a metallic silvery lavender. And then a silver glitter stripe in the middle. Kinda love.

We're off to check something off my list today. Then start decorating for Christmas later this week.

P.S. I saw Breaking Dawn yesterday... loved it.

Friday Photo

2011-11-18T09:19:00.000-08:00

Me and my boy. Since next week is Thanksgiving break I do believe I'll be spending a little time with his adorable face. :)

Two conferences left today. Then DMV... ugh. But then it's vacation time!!!!

Happy Friday!

Old School

2011-11-17T10:46:00.000-08:00

I love having a buttload of music on my computer. I can hit a random list and see what pops up. This did last night.

What girl wasn't obsessed with this song in the 90's? I still have a massive girl crush on Gwen. And I can still sing every word to this song.

It's Thursday. And I'm half-done with conferences. And my break starts next week! We're off to cross something off my semi-forgotten 30 Before 30 list. Because let's face it, I'm not hitting all of those in less than a month. Famous for my procrastination...

5 Things

2011-11-15T07:43:00.000-08:00

I actually did a lot this weekend. So here's a rundown...

5 Things I Did This Weekend

Report cards. Yay. But they're done. And I didn't stay up late either!
Went to a canned food drive in my favorite spot in Fresno.
Saw a band I've only seen once and been dying to see again.
Bought stuff to make my birthday invitations. And some centerpiece stuff.
Bought some super cute shoes.

So yes, it was a good weekend. I had a moment of embarrassment thanks to my dad... he came down to the food drive because one of the shops sponsoring it is owned by his friend from high school. So my dad and I were hanging out. This also happens to be the site of my weekend bar so we went downstairs from time to time and had a drink together.

This band that I was talking about... LOVE them. I saw them once and was obsessed. They're just talented and super cool guys. So I was upstairs listening to them and my dad came out and listened to them for awhile and people were impressed/amused that I knew their songs and that was a total run on sentence. *whew* So when my dad and I were back downstairs we were sitting next to some of the guys at the bar and we chatted with the one right next to us. Well when he was ready for another drink my dad says, "Hey let me get your next beer. My daughter over here loves you guys."

Way to make me sound like a fangirl. *head smack*

But it was only one second of being embarrassed. And the day overall was pretty sweet. And since none of y'all have any clue who I've been talking about, how about some links?

The band I'm apparently a fangirl for: Poor Man's Poison

The shop owned by dad's friend and his wife: Bebe O's

You should probably just expect a picture of the fabulous shoes I bought at Bebe O's later this week. And you should go visit them. I love them to pieces.

Weekly Manicure

2011-11-14T06:29:00.000-08:00

Oh Monday, you're even more unwelcome after a three-day weekend. I didn't sleep great, my throat hurts a little... ugh.

So... did my nails last night. If there's one routine I keep up with it's that one.

I tried to go for an ombre-ish look with two different greens. It came out mildly camouflage looking. I'm okay with that.

So off to another Monday. Yay me though. This is our last week before Thanksgiving break!

All In a Day Off...

2011-11-11T21:05:00.000-08:00

I may have to start reviewing stuff I buy on here. Think it'll get me freebies? ;)

I bought super comfy (and cheap) shoes today. Plus some amazing chips. Plus I've been raving about my curling iron to anyone who will listen.

Write-ups may come soon. Not tomorrow, headed to a fundraiser/canned food drive. If you're local head down to Tower or text me and you can join me.

Friday Photo

2011-11-11T08:50:00.000-08:00

Friday at hooooome. Yes. *insert Snoopy dance and unnecessarily loud singing of joy*

Actually I have to grade this weekend. Conferences are next week. But it's always nice to sleep in for an extra day. Besides the grading this weekend? A fund raiser, some bar time, spontaneous dancing in my living room (thank goodness for weekends alone), soap operas, and who knows.

Who wants a photo?

Love my brother. And I love that he works at a bar that had a Halloween party, because we really weren't up for throwing one this year. I also love my wings. They got a lot of compliments.

Happy Friday friends! If you want in on some fun in the Tower District tomorrow hit me up!

Weekly Manicure

2011-11-07T10:00:00.000-08:00

I only have nine days of waking up before Thanksgiving break. Yessss. Oh, and I did my nails.

They look kinda pink, but they're totally red. With the ring finger going a little Tim Burton-ish with the stripes.

Another busy week ahead, thankfully I'm not sick this time though. That cold was brutal. And I think I gave it to hubby. Oops.

Friday is a day off. Saturday I'm heading to a fundraiser. Sounds like the week will fly by.

Excuses Are Like Armpits...

2011-11-03T08:45:00.000-07:00

Yeah, yeah, yeah... but that doesn't mean I don't have one for you! I know I'm lame and I haven't been posting. But I'm sick. It's a cold, but it's trying its best to kick my arse. I took off work yesterday which I HATE doing because having a sub just throws my kids off.

Oh well.

So yeah, nose is red, I have man voice and I'm starting to cough (which usually means I'm almost done with the runny nose). I am SLEEPING all morning Saturday until I have to get ready for our school's auction. And hopefully by Monday I'll be fine. Because really, sick for a week with a cold is just weak.

Weekly Manicure

2011-10-31T10:10:00.000-07:00

Another Monday, another bad picture of my manicure.

Bad lighting, I know. The black has a really subtle sparkle in it. The ring finger is actually a dark purple glitter. With doodles. Because I was kind of bored.

I'm recovering from my weekend and getting ready for tonight. I thought I was better after a good night's sleep on Friday night, but I woke up yesterday feeling rotten again. It's just a cold, but UGH.

I'll maybe post some costume pics later. Or not. It's going to be a busy day. Sissy and the kids are coming tonight. :)

Happy Halloween!

Booooo

2011-10-27T09:14:00.000-07:00

No, not like I scared you. Like, I don't like something.

Being a grown up is just no fun sometimes. You can't tell people what you really think of them, you can't post funny (okay, wrong) pictures to your Facebook, you can't use naughty language on your blog...

Can I pleeeeeease let someone know what I think of her? Just this once?

Super Coolnesssss

2011-10-26T09:33:00.000-07:00

Yeah, I've been a bit sporadic. And it's bound to get worse. Just warnin' ya. I have a mall stop and then church tonight. Haunted house tomorrow night. Range date with some ladies from school on Friday. Halloween festivities on Saturday. Shooting on Sunday. Actual Halloween on Monday.

*whew*

But in my time spent on the interwebz, I found this yesterday. Some of you are bound to have seen it already. I've watched it twice. Both times the song was stuck in my head for hours. I will probably be singing it again this morning.

I wish I had enough money and boredom and money to do something like this.

Happy Wednesday. Halfway through our week!

Weekly Manicure

2011-10-24T09:54:00.000-07:00

Last Halloween manicure for this year. Sadsies. :( I like this week's though...

So the lighting doesn't do it much justice, but they're a sickly greenish (like a zombie) with dark red blood splatter. It was pretty easy. I love them. I'll have to change them before Saturday since I'll likely paint my nails to go with my costume, and I don't think fairies have zombie-killin' nails. :)

New week. Bring it on. I got some fun stuff planned.

Friday Photo

2011-10-21T07:55:00.000-07:00

Ah Friday again. Seriously, at the rate time is flying by I'll be celebrating my 40th birthday before I know it.

Great, I just thought about being 40 in ten years and made myself depressed.

So we're just over a week away from Halloween!!! And I have a green porch light. It's REALLY green.

This is from inside the house. I can't even begin to express the greenness of this light to you. It's kind of funny. Decorating is still going on around here. Not done yet. We'll actually attack the front yard after our gardeners come this week (yes, we have gardeners... they were included in the rent). More pictures to come of course.

I have another busy weekend again. But it'll be fun so I'm excited. Happy Friday!

**And if any of my locals want to join me at Babylon Saturday afternoon I wouldn't tell ya no.**

Oh Randomness

2011-10-20T09:09:00.000-07:00

Every once in a while I ask hubby if I could go blonde. He always says no. I wouldn't actually do it (unless of course someone paid for me to have it done professionally and then paid for me to go back if I hated it). But it's fun to try and picture myself blonde.

Also random and in the same subject of being blonde... I love Britney. No I don't have to put a last name because y'all should know who I mean. I wore a fedora last night and bumped Britney in the car. And secretly wished for blonde hair.

When I was younger (like, just out of high school up until 24 or so) people would randomly say I looked like Britney. My cousins said it all the time (so did their mom). I had a coworker call me Britney instead of Ashley for a period of time. He found himself amusing. Then there was the short period of time that Britney went brunette. There was a pic of her on a tabloid cover in her sunglasses and my oldest nephew (who was maybe 3 at the time) turns to me and says, "Tia Ashley, that looks like you." I laughed.

In non-blonde randomness I am having to deal with drama. At almost thirty years old. Ugh. Some people should just exit my life quickly and quietly. Or at least put their drama elsewhere so I can have fun. Because I'm pretty sure I grew out of "OMG my crush likes you so I'm going to HAAATE you" way back in high school. Seriously.

It's Thursday. Which means tomorrow is Friday. I'm hanging out with a friend. :) On Saturday I will see my little brother. And on Sunday... perhaps I'll actually rest.

Wednesday Want

2011-10-19T08:58:00.000-07:00

Okay, so since I'm not a huge fan of making wish lists anymore I thought I'd pull stuff straight from my Pinterest. Since I'm addicted to Pinterest. And I spend too much time on it...

I have a board on there titled "Want." Simple enough. And I came across this one last week. It's pretty much in "need" territory more than "want."

Source: 80stees.com via Ashley on Pinterest

Best part of pinning from Pinterest... I don't have to link. If you squint, you can see the links to the site, my profile, and Pinterest under the pic.

Sweet.

Anywho, you know you love the shirt. It's on the birthday list. Or the list that y'all can shop from because you love me. :)

So glad it's already Wednesday. I love when a week goes by quickly.

Weekly Manicure

2011-10-17T08:41:00.000-07:00

Oh another Monday. And another weekend that flew by too quickly. But I did do something fun this weekend! I love it!

That's right! New tattoo!!!! It kinda matches my grandpa's panther. I showed him yesterday. He loves it. He actually said, "Gosh that looks better than mine!" And if you look at the top of the photo, there's my manicure for the week. Here's a better one...

We're goin' old school with Frankenstein this week. I think he's pretty cute. But I guess he really shouldn't be, should he? Oh well. I love him.

So let's start counting down to Friday, shall we? I have good things planned so I'm ready to get there.

Friday Photo

2011-10-14T09:27:00.000-07:00

Another week done... thankfully. I feel like time is flying by lately. We're already just over two weeks from Halloween. Meaning I have about two weeks to finish a costume. I think I have everything - I just need to do it. Plus two more for after Halloween... yup. One for a theme night at church and one for a dress-up day at school. Excuse me if I don't hang out and do nothing for awhile...

I wanted to show off some handiwork today...

I painted that dresser. I did the stripes. For my thirteen-year-old cousin. I am in LOVE with how it turned out. I kind of want one myself now. It was super easy and I kinda wish I could be paid to do it. So if anyone needs zebra stripes... hit me up.

I'm out to get ready for my weekend. High school football tonight and tattoo tomorrow!

Happy Friday!

Current Count

2011-10-12T07:09:00.000-07:00

Halloween is making itself known around these parts. Our current list with check marks next to them...

10 pumpkins (at the moment, there WILL be more)
3 orange light bulbs
1 green light bulb (and it is REALLY green)
mantel is decorated
bathroom is decorated (yes I decorate my bathroom)
wreath done (a new one this year)

By the way, I'm pretty sure I've mentioned a few hundred times that my neighborhood is LEGIT when it comes to Halloween and trick-or-treaters. I'm so stoked. We're sticking with last year's tradition of Beth and her fam coming over for dinner then walking the neighborhood. I may just get my brother-in-law's new friend to come with her adorable little man...

So ready. 19 more days.

5 Things

2011-10-11T19:04:00.000-07:00

Better late than never... right? RIGHT???

Yesterday was a tough one for my family. My mom had to take our dog to be put down. He was 14 and has had several cancerous tumors over his life span. The last one was inside his mouth on his gums. When mom took him for surgery in June, the doctor warned her that they may not have gotten all of it. They didn't. It came back quick and poor baby was finally miserable. It actually looked like it wanted to burst or something. So we had to say bye. Obviously didn't leave me in a writing mood.

So in honor of my Josiah dog...

5 Favorite Memories of Josiah

ha, how about the day we got him. I NEVER had a pet growing up. I think my dad was against it more than my mom. And we never really pushed for one. But my sophomore year of high school we were playing mud football at church on Black Friday. And as everyone is leaving, my brother and I spot a puppy wandering around the field and church parking lot. He came right to us and he had the sweetest face. We convinced dad that GOD WANTED US to have this dog. And he came home with us. And stayed. :)
Josiah always loved having his belly rubbed. You couldn't start petting him or even really get near him without him turning over on his back to beg for a belly rub.
Josiah is an escape artist, even at 14 with bad hips he found a way to get out. When he was young he got out for an extended period of time. We freaked. We put up signs but nothing came back. Fast forward a few MONTHS and my mom sees a random "Found Dog" ad or sign or something. So she called the lady (who happened to live two blocks away). After the woman described Josiah she threw in, "He loves having his belly rubbed." And we knew. We got him back. :)
Hubby and I had a pup a few years ago that we ended up adopting out to another family (long story). But not before he met Josiah. Josiah didn't like him. To the point that he jumped up on the picnic table outside because our baby couldn't reach him there. It was pretty funny. If dogs can give death looks, Josiah was giving one.
Like I said, Josiah was old. He started limping and just moving like an old man. But when Tad was over and ready to play, the limp disappeared. He was just a puppy playing with a little boy.

He was a good dog. And yesterday sucked. We'll definitely miss him.

I'll try for a happier post tomorrow.

Weekly Manicure

2011-10-10T09:25:00.000-07:00

I know... I totes neglected the blog last week. I got no rest last weekend so my whole week was just a tired blur. I rested a little this weekend, so hopefully I'm good to go this week. I even put a little effort into my manicure...

Candy corn!!!! The yellow is a little lighter than it should be, but it's really cute.

Wanna try to beat my randomness this weekend? I visited my brother at the bar he works at Saturday afternoon. Which turned into staying there for about five hours. And having drinks with some friends of my dad. Who else can say they had a beer with someone dad went to high school with? Yup.

Happy Monday.

Oops

2011-10-05T22:01:00.000-07:00

Unplanned hiatus. Just when I don't think I can be busier - I am. So here's my manicure this week...

First: I'm aware baseball is over. But I was cold and this hat was handy.

Second, the nails are black and green with different angles stripes. Complete with silver glitter. I couldn't think of anything Halloweeny. I'll do better this week.

Over the last week I have had entirely too much fun with my aunt and cousin. To the point that our pastor may or may not think we're crazy. :) We all work with a children's group at church.

I need Halloween ideas. I have ideas, but costumes are getting smaller and I'm... well, I'm not. Plus the fact that I'm a little old for some of this stuff. Plus the fact that one of them (yes, I'll probably wear multiples) has to be church-appropriate.

I'm evil. The past week has only confirmed it.

It's Thursday already. This makes me so happy. I need some veg time this weekend. Badly.

Friday Photo

2011-09-30T10:22:00.000-07:00

Whadduuuup... do you love Fridays? I do. Even if this particular Friday means I have to camp out with a bunch of 5th and 6th grade kids.

In honor of baseball being over for us (*sigh*), I give you a baseball photo today. It'll be awhile before you get another fresh one. Almost exactly six months actually.

At least they won the night we went. And the weather was gorgeous. I didn't want to come home.

I do have other pics floating around that weren't posted. So it's not the end of my baseball pictures...

Feel Loved

2011-09-29T09:06:00.000-07:00

My kids are adorable in the first place. But my little class is full of love bugs this year!

there are the random little hugs when they go home
I get little flowers from the playground at least once a week (yes, technically they're weeds but...)
yesterday one of my girls brought me a new hair accessory... orange and black for my Giants. How adorable is that??? All because I told her I loved her Giants hair bow last week.

Seriously, how cute are they?

5 Things

2011-09-27T08:53:00.000-07:00

Yesterday WIPED me out. Don't you hate it when Monday does that? So you don't get much creativity today. Tomorrow either. Because we're going to our last baseball game of the season tonight.

Sadsies.

5 Things About Nothing in Particular

I already miss baseball. Two games left for the Giants. And I care about absolutely no one in playoffs. *sigh*
This week is the book fair at school. I already bought two books. There's a good chance I will purchase more.
I'm itching to work on home projects. I painted a little last night. I want to do more though.
I miss my Tad. This is what happens when I get him for a weekend. I'm spoiled.
Our neighbors have started putting out Halloween decorations. It's time...

Alright, see you guys Thursday. Unless something amazing happens that must be blogged about tomorrow. I don't see myself being awake enough to do that though. :)

Weekly Manicure

2011-09-26T08:45:00.000-07:00

Whoo, what a weekend. Kinda tiring, but worth it since it was spent with my little man. I love that boy to pieces. While he was sleeping in his fort yesterday morning, I took the opportunity to do my nails...

I enjoy them. The muddy grey color makes another appearance. It really wasn't hard. I'm already planning my next version of this, but different colors. I was gonna go Giants-themed one last time seeing as how we're going to our last game of the season on Tuesday... but I'm not too thrilled with the way they seem to have given up now that the playoffs aren't in our future.

It's Monday. I'm ready for Friday. I have projects I'm excited to do.

Gotta Follow Up

2011-09-22T08:41:00.000-07:00

I have another first world problem.

Facebook changed and me no likey.

Seriously. Do. Not. Want. I feel like I'm missing updates and stuff. And I'm completely aware of how selfish and "American" it is to complain about something optional and free. But oh well. No bueno.

Would you like some positivity for your Thursday?

We be goin' to one more Giants game. Yay-yuh!
The Giants won last night. Yay-yuh!
Tomorrow is Friday. Double yay-yuh!

I will attempt to get a pic of my fun new thing that I made. That I won't tell you about. Until I post a picture. Which will hopefully be tomorrow.

Happy Thursday y'all.

5 Things

2011-09-20T07:30:00.000-07:00

So sometimes when I complain, I feel like a jerk. Cuz really, we have it made compared to people in other countries. A couple times last week my buddy and I were laughing at our "first world problems." So today I give you...

5 First World Problems (That ALWAYS Happen To Me)

When your internet is... *gasp*... slow and a page takes more than ten seconds to load.
Toasting a bagel only to find you don't have cream cheese (this was me last week).
Pouring coffee and discovering you don't have creamer (this was the same morning).
When your DVR cuts off a really important show, or even scenes from the next episode.
When you pour a bowl of cereal and find there's no milk.

My friend likes to post these types of complaints on Twitter with the hashtag #firstworldproblems. I enjoy it.

How about you? What do you complain about that really isn't that big a deal when you look at the big picture? Share, you know you're all guilty.

Weekly Manicure

2011-09-19T07:45:00.000-07:00

Someday I'll take time to photograph my manicures nicely so I can pin them. But for now...

So today is Talk Like a Pirate Day. Yup. I'm taking a couple pirate books to class. So, the theme is supposed to be piratey. Cuz ya know, their bandannas always seem to be red and white polka dot. And most pirate costumes involve stripes. The ring finger is gold because I was too lazy to try a Jolly Roger.

New week. Not super busy, but I never enjoy Mondays. On the plus side, Glee starts tomorrow night!!! AND the Giants are on a great streak right now. AND I completed a really cute project I'll share with you later this week. Assuming I get motivated to take some pictures...

Friday Photo

2011-09-16T08:24:00.000-07:00

Due to recent wins by my G-Men, you are getting a baseball picture yet again.

Last game we went to. For my non-fan readers, Cody wears (or was wearing for awhile) the striped socks. And he typically wears eye black. I got high-fives and pictures for my outfit that night. :) Cody saw my sign too.

Ahhhh Friday. And a cooler weekend. And a wedding to go to! Aside from that I see a little bit of house improvement (in the form of painting and hanging some spice racks) and a whole lot of vegging.

Happy Friday!

Wednesday Wish

2011-09-14T10:30:00.000-07:00

It's not a wish list, just one thing. I'm not asking for much today.

We need some Giants wins. Pretty please????

And if you don't understand the panda hat... it's a nickname for a player. I put on the hat Monday night and he hit a home run. I'm trying to stretch the magic out of it...

5 Things

2011-09-13T08:25:00.000-07:00

Ahhhh... Monday is over. And I have much to be happy about today...

5 Things I'm Happy About Today

Yet another day that ISN'T triple digits. Hello fall, I can see you hiding around the corner.
Sleeping in! I have a BTSA meeting in Sac tonight so I have a sub for the day. Yay-yuh!
Spending the day with the husband. He's coming with me. We may hit up IKEA.
Both my baseball team AND hubby's won last night. And there was much rejoicing.
I'm keeping up with my grading so far! Well... better than I was doing last year anyway.

I'm also thrilled it's not Monday. Yesterday my poor kiddos seemed sleepy. And sniffly. And nobody was driving right. So I'm glad that's over with...

Happy Tuesday!

Weekly Manicure

2011-09-11T22:29:00.000-07:00

So I've recently become obsessed with Pinterest. Don't even click on that link if you don't want to waste a TON of time. Anywho, I've found a ton of cute manicure ideas. So I went with one from there this week.

Don't mind my hardcore thuggin' face. lol I was feeling particularly Mexican rockin' my bandanna so I made a face to match. So if you really can't tell, the nails this week are a jade-ish green with pink leopard spots. Except for the ring fingers. Those are hearts. I see this happening in many color combos in the future.

Ready for another week. I think. Last week wasn't too friendly to me. Hoping this week is better.

2011-09-11T09:24:00.000-07:00

No title today. Because it's hard enough to decide what to say, let alone give it a title.

My cousin and I were discussing today while she was here last weekend. My husband and I discussed it a little last night. It's easy for everyone to put an emphasis on it today since it's been ten years. And when we hit twenty it will likely be a "big deal" again.

But it's still a big deal to me. Every year.

The kids I teach were born after the attacks. My children were born after the attacks. I knew about Pearl Harbor as a child, but until the morning of the attacks, I didn't know what fear America must have felt. I don't think I knew just how important that day was because I hadn't already lived through something similar. Having experienced it... how do you make sure our younger ones don't gloss it over?

My husband and I consider ourselves pretty patriotic. I'd like to think that we'll raise our kids in the way that they will respect and remember this day - as well as others - without having lived through something like it. I pray they don't have to experience something like it. The confusion, sadness, and questions of that day will never leave my mind.

I was nineteen and in college on September 11, 2001. Just before my alarm went off that morning my mom called me from her office. She didn't sound herself and she was telling me to turn on the television, turn it on, we've been attacked. She wasn't panicked, but she didn't sound like normal mom. I turned it on while I got ready for school and almost didn't go. I wanted to stay home, wanted to find out what was happening, wanted to make sure nothing else was going to happen. Every few minutes there was some new piece of information. I still made myself go to school. There, every classroom I walked into had a television on. Teachers had thrown lesson plans out the window. Tests were cancelled. We were told that if we didn't want to be at school we could go back home or wherever we wanted to be.

I came dangerously close to punching a girl who walked into class, took one look at the television, and said, "UGH. We have to watch more of this?? I'm so tired of this!" Yeah, that happened. Let me mention I had an even bigger problem with it because she was not a native of this country. I wanted to hit her. I wanted to shake her and ask her what the hell she was complaining about as a person whose family had willingly come to this country. I wanted to tell her to leave if she couldn't show compassion. The teacher looked at her point blank and said, "If you don't like it you can leave. Go. Leave." Thankfully she did. I'm going to assume that she's no more patriotic ten years later though.

Ten years later. It's really been that long. My brother-in-law and I put up the flag this morning. It was funny because it was a tough choice for us. Put it up to show our support for our country? Yes. But it's been a rainy morning, you don't display a flag in the rain.

Today you do.

OMG GUYS!

2011-09-09T19:42:00.000-07:00

This is my alma mater!!! I love it!

Friday Photo

2011-09-09T09:19:00.000-07:00

I know it was only a four-day work week, but I'm wiped out. Too many emotions, too much BS, too many challenges. I need a picture of my Tad. Dying laughing. Seriously, if you could have heard how hard he was laughing, it would make your day.

Love him.

Happy Friday.

Vent Time

2011-09-08T09:00:00.000-07:00

Just a short vent, but it was on my mind.

I can't stand enablers.

Seriously, why do you let the people you "love" continue to hurt themselves and others? I may or may not be dealing with an enabler in my life at the moment. Of course I'm not going to fill you in on the details other than the fact that IT'S FRUSTRATING AND STRESSFUL.

The reason we have such a helpless generation growing up now is because parents have become some awful enablers. I don't want to hand our society over. I've heard stories. I've seen the enabled and entitled children grow up. No thank you. I for one will make my kids do things for themselves. Chores, their own homework, teach them to cook, the whole nine yards.

Okay. Vent over. After a stressful period of time I had a good night at church last night. We had a superhero theme and ironically I decided to be The Punisher. Amusing to me since I am the teacher...

Wanted

2011-09-07T07:52:00.000-07:00

So... what are all my local peoples doing on the actual night of Halloween?

I need some zombies.

I think that's the theme for the house this year. We're fencing in the front and making a creepy graveyard. I think a coffin may make an appearance. Spooky lanterns, stuff hanging from our trees... we'll just have to see. It's the front runner as far as ideas go for the year.

And yes, we're already thinking of Halloween fun. :) Did you expect less? Feel free to send your zombie ideas my way.

5 Things

2011-09-06T07:51:00.000-07:00

So... the tattoo Sunday night was my first tattoo. I was pretty nervous. But it truly wasn't awful. I'm still willing to do it again after all. :) So in honor of that, I give you today's list...

5 Things I Was Thinking While Being Tattooed

Ow. Okay not too bad... ow... okay not bad again... owwwww.
Maybe I shouldn't have picked my hip. It's getting sensitiveee... owwwww.
Poor Kayla. I hope I'm not hurting her hand when I squeeze it.
Hopefully my shoulder won't hurt this bad.
Do I want to see? Or do I not want to see? I think I'm glad I can't see. But I wish I could see where she's at because owwwwww.

I do think the particular spot was sensitive. The next one (or at least maybe the next one) is near my shoulder blade. I've got plans for others later. I guess I learn to suck it up for the pain.

Happy Tuesday.

Check

2011-09-05T17:04:00.000-07:00

Check one off the list...

That's right... FIRST TATTOO!!!! The quote is Shakespeare and I felt like it fit me perfectly. Also featured: this week's sparkly manicure.

K, off to barbecue and be sore now. :)

Weekly Manicure... Coming Later

2011-09-05T09:51:00.000-07:00

I was gonna post just the manicure, but that would be boring. So I'll post a pic later. My super sparkly nails with...

... something new of mine.

Friday Photo

2011-09-02T08:40:00.000-07:00

Heeeeeey little brother.

That's my typical greeting for him. If you used to watch Scrubs you know how to say it the right now. Just a random pic of us at our first baseball game together in probably close to twenty years. I also got to see him last night. He took me to the tattoo shop he uses and I made my appointment for my tattoo! Two weeks from tomorrow. Plenty of time for me to freak out...

Happy Friday.

Check

2011-09-01T09:21:00.000-07:00

Completed another item on the list. All of August was NO SODA. The first week or so SUCKED. Bad. Not kidding. But after that I didn't feel too bad. Lots of tea this month.

And that whole "no soda can make you lose weight." Yeah, I'm calling BS. The scale says the exact same number that it told me on the first of the month. Jerk. I do feel a little smaller, but maybe that's all in my head. And I'm about to pick up my running schedule regularly again. So maybe the number will go down.

It's Thursday and I'm exhausted. Yesterday was a... wait I'm counting... roughly fifteen hour day. Yay me. So ready for this weekend. Three nights of FUN with my cousin. And others. But mostly my cousin.

I'm gonna go before I ramble much more. Happy Thursday.

I Made That

2011-08-31T09:19:00.000-07:00

Honestly, wish lists are such a pain. I really have to be feeling them. They may become a once-a-month thing.

For today, I wanted to show off some cuteness I made.

Now you can't tell from the picture, but it's actually a headband. Seen in action here...

Because sewing up my shirt, planning lessons, and planning my outfit wasn't enough for one night... the night before the game last week I decided I needed a hair accessory. So I stitched this baby up. I bought the patch on eBay. Actually, I ordered five. I've used two so far. Stitched the patch onto white felt by hand. Sewed the white to the black with my machine. Hot glued it to the headband. Glittered the white edge. Voila... cuteness. I got a lot of compliments. For how easy it is, I may try to make some to sell. We'll have to see...

5 Things

2011-08-30T08:19:00.000-07:00

Things around here have been signaling fall... I thought I'd share.

5 Things That Hint Fall is Coming For Me

Halloween stuff. I am completely okay with this. I almost bought some dog t-shirts at Target last night.
Semi-cool mornings. Those actually went away for awhile, but they're coming back. By Friday I may need a cardigan to do yard duty.
The limited availability of short sleeves. I went looking for a light weight cardigan the other day so I could wear a cute new dress... nope. All too warm or long sleeves. *sigh*
Boots! It will soon be time to add some to the collection. This makes me happy.
The looming end of the season for baseball. I don't even want to talk about how few games are left. Sads.

What's making you realize, "Holy crap it's fall?!"

Weekly Manicure

2011-08-29T07:29:00.000-07:00

Still finding time on my weekends to do my nails. :)

I give you guys the crappiest webcam photos. But I never open the blinds at home. It's too hot!

Still using my coral-ish color. I feel like when I stop using it summer will be over. Although I could do without the triple digits.

Maybe for the first week of September I'll tone down my nail color...

Friday Photo

2011-08-26T07:38:00.000-07:00

There is only one word for today's photo so I'm not going to blab on and on:

AMAZETABULOUS.

Thought About It

2011-08-24T08:40:00.000-07:00

I thought about doing a wish list for y'all today. I really did. I went so far as to favorite some things on Etsy. I even had a theme picked out.

But there's just too much to do my friends.

See, it's my cousin's birthday today. So I'm part of a group heading out to see my favorite boys in orange this afternoon. So last night was a rush of planning for the next couple days (since I won't be productive tonight IN THE LEAST). Plus outfit planning so I can change as I walk in the door and promptly get back out. Plus a poster was in the works...

I love baseball. Why must it end?

Probably no post tomorrow morning. I gotta Rockstar it up just to get out of bed. :)

5 Things

2011-08-23T08:15:00.000-07:00

I was going to do an overshare and tell you about five things that are getting me through PMS this week. But then I got too lazy to take pics. So that idea went out the window.

Instead...

5 Things I Already Miss About Summer

Sleeping in! Obviously. Honestly it hasn't been bad though.
My purple hair. I still like my black hair, but that purple... *sigh*
Going out during the week. I wanted to go out last night. I decided to be a grown up and stay home.
Just the idea of freedom to do whatever you want at any point of the day.
Shorts and flip flops and no makeup days. Now I have to be presentable. Every day.

I am extremely grateful I have a job that gives me a summer vacation. I just wish it hadn't flown by. :) And I am excited to be back at work with my kiddos. I have some funny personalities in class this year. It should be interesting... like my second grader who burped yesterday and then said to his friend, "That tasted like my lunch."

Yup. These are the gems I get daily.

Weekly Manicure

2011-08-22T08:11:00.000-07:00

Sunday nights are perfect for doing my nails. Settle in to watch True Blood and bust out the nail polish. For three more weeks at least... then True Blood is done for the season. I am not okay with this. It feels like it JUST started. Ugh.

So anyway, on to this week's fun...

Yup, we have a Giants theme again. We're going to a game this week for my cousin's birthday (possibly our last game this season). So I'm showing Cody Ross some love. I mean, he did give me a winky face. :) I even went and bought striped socks to wear to the game. And I'm making a sign. Much fun will be had.

Starting our first FULL week of school this week. Possibly going out to a local show tonight. Back to school night Thursday... I'm sure this week is going to fly by before I even realize it happened.

Happy Monday.

Friday Photo

2011-08-19T07:41:00.000-07:00

**For some reason this didn't post on Friday like it was supposed to. Just found it in my drafts. Boooo. So pretend it's Friday for a minute.**

This could be my favorite picture from this week. Which technically isn't saying much since I didn't take very many... but still.

This is from the journal of one of my kids. :)

First day and she writes about me. She did yesterday too. This girl should be my kid. She's so girly and ALSO wrote "I love me" in her journal yesterday. I mean seriously, when your kids love you this much how can you NOT love your job?

Ready for day three today. REALLY ready for some sleeping in tomorrow. And some lesson planning, because I'll let you know something: there is ALWAYS more for a teacher to do.

Happy Friday! And have a great weekend! I don't see myself being around much. :)

**Also, happy 19th to all my fellow DT junkies!**

Obsessions

2011-08-18T08:11:00.000-07:00

Potential new Thursday post for y'all. Because I have this habit of getting STUCK on things for awhile and obsessing over them. So this might be fun to share. And you guys can maybe INTERACT and tell me what you're currently obsessed with.

So anyone who knows me (or at least knows me well) knows I love musicals. This led to a love of Broadway shows. So in April when I got to see Wicked...

Oh my.

First of all, if you have any appreciation for musicals - GO SEE IT. Please. It'll be in Sacramento next year. I'm thinking I should go see it again. This time with the husband. Because even though he won't admit it, he enjoys it with me. (Sorry if I took his man card there.)

Anyway, for some reason lately I've been obsessing over the soundtrack. Songs CONSTANTLY stuck in my head. Turning it way up in the car and belting it out like a fool. Love.

P.S. - Just found out that Adam Lambert was an understudy for the part of Fiyero. There's video of him in the show on YouTube. Random...

First

2011-08-17T18:27:00.000-07:00

I meant to post today. I did. But I kinda got caught up getting ready for school.

And now you don't get an interesting post because my head has been threatening to explode since I got home. Seriously, worst headache in recent memory. I think it's a combo of allergies, tiredness, and possibly not eating enough.

But school was good. So there's that. The kids were EXHAUSTED by the end of the day. It was kinda funny to watch them slowly wind down like toys losing their battery power. It's crazy how much my second graders (who were my first graders last year, I teach a combo) grew! They came in and my jaw dropped a couple times! Where did my babies go?

Two more days to wear them (and myself!) out then we get a weekend. I can handle that. :)

5 Things

2011-08-16T07:30:00.000-07:00

I'm gonna stick with this for Tuesday posts. It's easy and I typically have something random to say that fits nicely in here.

I like my randomness. :)

Let's go with truly random...

5 Things On My Mind

School, DUH! I have possibly seventeen kids now and a new aide coming my way. And uh... I didn't practice waking up early. Oops...
Wicked... or specifically, the soundtrack. There's one song from it that I CANNOT get out of my head. It's been popping in randomly and making me sing for three days now.
Running. Confession: I kinda got out of it once it got really hot this summer. I definitely need to start again. Like, yesterday.
My hair. I miss the purpleness. I really do. But I'm diggin' the black more than I thought I would. I'm also doing the annual, "Should I cut it" contemplation. I won't. I love my long hair.
Sewing. I haven't been sewing anything from scratch, but I have three t-shirts that are getting makeovers. I'm pretty excited about them too. One is just going to fit better, but the other two will be fun!

24 hours until my kids start walking in. And at the time this posts, I'll be on my way out to school already for CPR. Joy.

Monday Manicure

2011-08-15T23:57:00.000-07:00

It's still technically Monday! And I just finished my manicure. So here's this week's...

I'm hoping to keep up the weekly manicures. Because they're fun. And who doesn't like having fun nails?? Obviously (well, obvious to me) I went for the school theme. Note how the ring finger looks like notebook paper. I love. The color is actually a little off. It's true notebook paper colors. And the other nails are actually more of a coral than pink.

Someday I will share my amazing nail polish that's only two bucks a bottle. But that post would be a lot more work so it'll have to wait...

Another Year

2011-08-15T08:31:00.000-07:00

Time for another school year. First day of school is Wednesday. I'll be doing school-related things until then too.

I should be more functional this year than I was last year. What with the last minute hiring last year and the fact that it was my first year with my own classroom. This year I know what I'm doing so I shouldn't feel as overwhelmed. Meaning hopefully the blog won't suffer.

I'll probably be changing my posts. Still posting weekdays only, except for the occasional weekend post because something fabulous happened.

On a completely different note, the purple hair is gone. The process was... interesting. Let's just say that dark brown wasn't dark enough. Now my hair is black like my soul.

I have yet to look at it in daylight so there may be some purple tint left under there. I guess I'll see tomorrow. I didn't want to go black, but I like it better than I thought I would. So yay me.

Happy Monday. Gotta get stuff done around here!

**I would like to add that I will be 30 in four months. That's entirely too soon. Eek!**

Fun While It Lasted...

2011-08-08T23:59:00.000-07:00

I love my purple hair. LOVE it. Yes, there are some downsides, but not many. Anyway, school starts next week so it's finally time to make it a normal color again. Sads. Maybe someday I'll have my bakery and/or Etsy shop and I'll be allowed to have purple hair all the time...

Anyway, I thought I'd review the ups and downs of the two dyes I used. Yeah, two. Not that I think any of you will dye your hair purple, but you never know...

So this Splat kit is what I used the first time. Got it cheap at Walgreens. I've also seen it at Wal-Mart. Let's just run down the pros and cons of this one.

PROS: If you're a dark-haired girl like myself, you aren't going to get a true bright color without bleach. This kit came with bleach. The kit was super easy to use. And the color when I first finished it was beautiful.

CONS: There was enough bleach for me since all I did was streaks of blonde before the dye. But if you wanted to bleach more hair, there's not enough bleach. The same is kind of true of the dye itself. One bottle didn't leave my hair purple enough. So I headed out the next day for a second bottle. Another gripe: it didn't last nearly long enough. I did my hair June 9. By Father's Day (June 19) it was more pink than purple.

So if you want something really temporary, go for it. They have a few colors to choose from, but not a huge number.

Special Effects Deep Purple is what I used the second time around. I read a lot of reviews of different dyes this time. Something that anyone who wants unnatural color should note: THERE ARE NO PERMANENT UNNATURAL COLORS. But this one came highly recommended. I searched four stores in town and no one had this brand (not even Hot Topic) so I ordered it on Amazon.

PROS: Best. Color. Ever. Seriously. I loved how this turned out SO MUCH MORE than the Splat. This color is intense. Since I had already bleached the sections I wanted I just went ahead and dyed. Even with my long hair, I didn't use the whole bottle. I had enough to touch it up before pictures last week (yes, I did a photoshoot with my purple hair).

CONS: This stuff WILL stain. More on that at the end. Other than that, I really haven't had issues with this color. Yes, it fades. But I went six weeks from my first application to touch-up application and it was still purple. Not pink, purple. It was definitely a lighter purple, but not to the point that I was unhappy like with Splat.

So... some final notes about crazy-colored hair dye.

It washes out. I covered that. Expect the water to be pinky-purple when you wash it. REALLY colorful the first few times after you dye. Less so each time. Tip: don't use Head and Shoulders with any temporary dye. It's not kind. And use an old towel to be on the safe side.
There's a good chance your hair will bleed onto things if you aren't careful. Don't use a white pillowcase. Period. Dry your hair completely if you are going to be wearing a light color. I didn't ruin anything (besides the shirts I wore during the dying process), but there was a slight lavender tinge on a couple collars. It washed out with Oxi-Clean.
I mentioned this stuff stains. I'm not kidding. Wear junk clothes when you dye. Use junk towels when you dye. And for the love of all that is holy, wear good gloves. NOT the gloves that come with the kit, get good ones. Medical-grade ones if possible. Use vaseline at your hairline and such. Because both dyes love your skin. And buy a cleaner with bleach. Because when you rinse in the tub (and please use your tub, not your shower) there will be purple left. But Clorox with bleach took it right out of my bathroom. Spray, let it sit, rinse.
Still on the staining/bleeding subject: if you play with your hair and you have light-colored polish on... your nails could end up with some nice tint to them. Just saying.

It sounds like a lot of work, but it really wasn't. Obviously the bleeding factor goes down as it begins to fade and wash out.

I'll be fixing my hair later this week. I'll let you know how that goes. I'm a little curious if any purple with remain and be a tint under my normal hair color... hmmmm.

Oh Giants

2011-08-08T07:36:00.000-07:00

So we had a GOOD baseball fight the other night.

If you follow baseball, you know that there's just no love to be found between the Giants and the Phillies. So this turned into one of the best bench-clearing brawls in recent memory. Well... at least in the past year. Because this kinda happened last year too.

What's sad (and a little funny) is this was the best part of the game that night. My cousin and I were recapping our favorite parts on Facebook (if you're good at recognizing players, just look for Sergio Romo in the video... GANGSTA!). Twitter blew up. I commented that Eli Whiteside (the catcher for the Giants) was protecting his pitcher AS HE IS SUPPOSED TO DO and got attacked. Of course the genius who attacked me was courteous enough to give my blog a few hits. Thanks for raising my stats jerk! :)

Thankfully there were no suspensions. And the Giants won yesterday. So all is right with the universe again. Feel free to watch the video more than once. Between the actual game, post game, and the coverage in days following, I've probably seen it more than ten times. :)