Playing Catch Up

I realized a couple days ago that I didn't write my alphabet post last Monday. I guess no one noticed though, because I didn't hear anything about it. So to catch up I'll post THE ENTIRE REST OF THE ALPHABET today. Because I can. Because it's my blog. And because next week I'll be out of town and haven't decided if I'm going to write ahead and let it post for you...

So let's start!

U is for until. As in, four days until I go out of town with hubby! We're going to San Diego, which we had hoped to do last summer, but the funds didn't allow it. We're going to Sea World for sure, but the zoo is still up in the air. Bumming around San Diego sound so much better than being in town right now though. I'm very excited.

V is for vampires. Of the sparkly variety. Yes, I finally watched Twilight yesterday. And yes I sat here and (as my friend James put it) "mooned over the sparkly emo vampire." I just can't help it! Claudia, I am with you on every Twilight-related event you ever want to go to. Let's go to Canada and stalk them on set!

W is for wedding. Mine was almost a year ago now. Which is the reason behind our San Diego trip. First anniversary! It's crazy that it was already a year ago. And I wish I could do it all again. It was so much fun! Need proof? Me, sissy, and good friend Nicole singing and dancing...

photo by Mariano Friginal

X is for eXes. Yeah, it doesn't fit technically, but I'm not going to write about xylophones just because it fits. That would be ridiculous! So, I'm going to sound totally evil and mean right now, but I recently heard about an ex that caused much drama in my life. And even though it's totally immature, it was nice to hear that he got his in the end.

Y is for yolks. No, not a mispronunciation of "jokes." Egg yolks. I have some that I need to use today. So I'm thinking maybe a mousse. Or a pastry cream to go with some eclairs. Or a pastry cream for strawberry tarts. Whatever I decide, something will be made. And mom, you'll probably be getting some at home.

And Z is for Zooey Deschanel. Because I couldn't think of anything else. And she's hot. And totally a girl crush of mine. And her hair totally influenced my decision to cut mine.

Image found here

T is for...

T is for several things. Tim, Tad and teaching.

Tim is hubby, just in case you haven't been paying attention. I know I usually refer to him as "hubby" but that's just because I think it's cute. I won't get all mushy because I'm sure no one wants to feel their food coming back up while reading something ridiculously romantical. Just thought that he deserved a spot in this post seeing as how he's my HUSBAND and a huge part of my life.

Tad is also a huge part. If I could buy him from his mother, I wouldn't have to have kids. He's that awesome. If I could buy him (ya know, legally and if I could persuade his mom) I totally would. He even looks like he could be mine. He keeps things interesting while he's here. Whether he's making me sing with him at the top of our lungs (while quite possibly scaring neighbors) or he's quoting Cars because he knows every line. Or chasing the ducks. Or any of the other fun things he does here. I love that kid.

And finally we come to teaching. I've said I wanted to be a teacher since second grade, so you could say it's been in my life FOREVER! Now I finally got my credential, but I can't find a job. So for the time being I'm tutoring. Which is pretty close to teaching. And I'm trying to get Tad ready for Kindergarten (hey moms, any reading programs you loved?). So I'm still teaching in a sense. And I know the right job is out there...

Until then, T is also for time... which I've got plenty of.

S is for...

S is for someday.

There's a lot of things that I'm looking forward to. I think of it today because the kid is here again. He stayed the night after the party yesterday.

I can't wait to have kids someday. It'll still be a while. We've decided that our jobs need to be stable and we want a house. Who wants to decorate a nursery in an apartment? So it will still be a bit before we have any little ones of our own running around.

But I can't wait for it! I know, it's expensive. Kids get sick, kids need diapers, kids can be hard. But hubby and I had a huge part in raising Tad, so I'm feeling pretty good about it. Plus my mom will help me whenever I need it. She's going to be hard to get rid of at some points, I'm sure. You should see her with Tad. She loves being grandma.

I know I'll be mildly depressed when they hit milestones like starting school and such. But I'll survive. And with school comes class parties, and I can make cupcakes! There's just all kinds of things to look forward to. I'm so ready for it all.

R is for...

R is for ridiculous. I seem to use the word a lot. Like currently...

This whole Rihanna/Chris Brown mess is ridiculous. First of all, the fact that it happened is sad. Then the amount of other celebrities who came out talking about it are also stupid. Were you there? No? Then go away. Then there's the sad fact that teenagers are seeing this case of abuse and possibly writing it off. My cousins were in LOOOOVE with Chris Brown for a bit, if they still are, hopefully someone has let them know that girls are NOT to be treated that way.

Also ridiculous: people stealing papers from front porches. Really? You're too cheap to subscribe, or even go to Starbucks and buy it for fifty cents?? Well guess what, I like my paper, so I'm going to start booby trapping my porch if it goes missing again.

The weather is also ridiculous right now. It's been perfect and I have no problems with that. But of course, on the day of hubby's birthday, when we're going to have an outdoor barbecue, there's now rain in the forecast. It's still six days away so I can hope for good weather, but still. I don't want to have to worry about renting a tent because there will be too many people to fit into the house. Ugh.

I'll stop there, because "ridiculous" is quickly turning into "rant" and I don't want to go there right now.

Q is for...

Q is for quiet. Which is not a word that describes me. But I'll work with it...

As I said, I am not a quiet person. Which is funny, because as a child I was painfully shy. I would hide under the table when someone rang the doorbell at my grandma's house. But now when I tell people this, the surprise is evident on their face. I have to convince people that yes, there was a time when I didn't like talking.

Now I'm only quiet when I'm moody. Or sick. Or home alone and super into a book. Actually, even then it bugs me if there's absolutely no noise. Even the ticking of a clock is comforting. I just don't do quiet. Quiet is not comfortable.

Does that make me weird?

P is for...

P is for parties. I kind of love them.

Okay, not all of them. I don't like college "parties" where the idea of fun is keg stands and random hook ups. Actually never liked those parties. Even when I was younger.

I'm also not a ginormous fan of kids' parties. Well, I am and I'm not. I love the themes you can pull off, the games, the decorations, the cuteness of (some) children. I don't love brats shrieking because it's not their party. I also don't love large groups of children who can't behave or have parents who let them run around insane.

But I digress, I do love parties. I especially love being in on the planning process. I love finding a theme if necessary or at least an overall "look." I love finding decorations, brainstorming centerpieces, and checking every last detail. I had fun with my wedding, but there was the added pressure of it being MY wedding. I can relax more with other parties.

I wish I had been able to throw a giant party for hubby later this month. But funds don't allow. Plus he's not really a fan of being the center of attention. But I do get to think about my mom's big one next year... that will be fun.

So, anyone having a party? I can totally help...

O is for...

Wow the things O could be for... but I won't go there!

O is for old.

Yeah, I know, I'm in my twenties, how can I possibly be considered old? But there are things making me feel old now. My husband will be thirty next month. He's struggling with that more than me. My nephew who is like my child will be starting Kindergarten this year. Kindergarten! I just can't picture him spending time at school now, where they get report cards and bad cafeteria food. It makes me sad and I will likely cry. Then hubby will laugh. And I'll get mad.

I also have an issue with the fact that my oldest nephew is going to be eight this year. Eight years old. This is the kid that was a year and a half when I met hubby. The kid who stole my soda the first time I met him. He can't possibly be eight already. I have trouble accepting this.

I know it will only get worse as they continue to grow up. I know that no girls will ever be good enough for my nephews and no boys will be good enough for my nieces. I know this will be the case with my own children one day. How do parents do it? I don't think I ever really realized just how old I was getting until I had kids in my life.

Ugh.

I don't want to be old.

N is for...

N is for negative.

I know I said that I wouldn't post unless I had something to say, but this is kind of something to say.

I feel icky lately. It's not just being sick, it's the fact that everything seems to be going to hell. I'm waiting on the state to get me my credential so I can just get a job already. Hubby is waiting on the state for one last test he has to take. No one is hiring in our area. Having a tiny apartment stinks sometimes, but it wouldn't be smart to pay what we don't have for a house right now.

I've been distracting myself with books. And the kid. But it's just hard to keep a happy mood with everything going on. Layoffs and shorter hours everywhere you look. Hiring freezes. The cost of EVERYTHING going up. What next? Will they tax me if I breathe too much? It's all quite ridiculous.

So I've just been feeling poopy and negative. I'll get over it. I'm not looking for sympathy, just had to spit it all out.

This negative poopiness is what's leading to the issues with me blogging. I just feel like I have nothing positive to say. Nothing great. Nothing to make you enjoy the blog at the moment. Maybe I'll go out on an adventure this week. Something to get out of this mood...

M is for...

M is for movies! You know I love them by now. Summer movies are ridiculously exciting for hubby and I. If someone doesn't know what to buy us, they remember movie passes make us deliriously happy.

My best guess would put us at... one hundred fiftyish movies sitting on our shelves. That's actually not a lot now that I think about it. I guess I thought we had more. Of course there are plenty that we don't own that we wouldn't mind owning.

And speaking of movies, I'm sitting here watching a Veggie Tales DVD with the kid. We love those veggies. And we know all their songs. I'm thinking the sing-along may come next...

L is for...

L is for "list." As in THE list. You know, your five celebs that you get to take off with, no questions asked.

My husband and I have always laughed at our lists. We've had them, mine has changed a hundred times.

On our way home from Disneyland the idea of a list came up. Tad was asleep but all of us were awake. I think I mentioned something about my list and soon mom and I are talking about it. It kept us occupied for a while. My dad didn't name anyone so of course mom was trying to decide who he would pick. Tim couldn't come up with five, even though I know he had five the last time it was brought up.

Well, apparently the list idea got stuck in my mom's head and she and her friend/coworker talk about it (they share an office). So out of nowhere my mom will tell me, "Oh I thought of someone else for my list." It's actually really funny.

So who's on my list? Well, I have a hard time thinking of five definite ones. I have a couple that are a constant. Some of the ones that have fallen off are Barry Zito (I'm just over him), Vin Diesel (also over him) and probably others that escape my mind right now. The new list...

1. Gerard Butler - will ALWAYS be number one
2. Josh Duhamel - he's been there since he was on All My Children, I looove him
3. Josh Holloway - I have to put him on, who doesn't want to get lost with Sawyer?
4. Ben Barnes - he brings the HOTNESS to Prince Caspian
5. Chris Daughtry - I can't help it, it's the singing thing, and the baldness

Numbers 4 and 5 are totally subject to change because I didn't think of them immediately which makes me question whether I would really ditch hubby for them. But there's my list. Who's on yours?

K is for...

K is for... krappy letter. haha... No, really, I'm having a hard time with this one.

K is for kitchen.

I never did enjoy cooking (or the aftermath of cleaning). For a while when I was younger my mom would make my brother and I each take a night where we would cook (obviously with help) dinner. I don't remember it lasting very long. And I think I defaulted to turkey burgers more than once.

Tangent: can I just tell you I make some rockin' turkey burgers? I like to put chopped green pepper and carrot shavings and feta cheese in them... ohhhhh tasty.

So yeah, never did get into cooking much. Then sometime after high school I started really enjoying cookies and cakes and such. Maybe it's when I worked at a bakery. I would sit and chat with the decorators and watch them create these beautiful cakes. Then I would go home and decorate sugar cookies. So baking became my thing.

Then I got married. And I knew I couldn't make Tim cook every night. So I cooked a little. I was very proud of myself on the day I sliced raw chicken breasts. I had never done that before. Raw meat grossed me out. I dreaded the mixing of my turkey burgers.

Tangent: really, the turkey burgers are amazing. I may have to post a recipe next time I make them.

Then I started reading blogs. You should see the ridiculous size of my favorites list. Ridiculous doesn't even begin to cover it. So I start reading these blogs and started wanting to make some of these things. So I did. And it was easy! And the food turned out good! Imagine that!

Now I actually kind of enjoy cooking. I like trying to make new things. I'm still scared of frying things. All that popping oil... OUCH! But I totally try new things. Just last week I tried two new things! And there's lots more on the list of things I want to try. I may just have to make a recipe a weekly thing around here. My blog could include a little bit of everything. Cooking, crafting, fashion, humor, sarcasm... wait, I went on another tangent.

So there ya go. You'll find me in the kitchen at least four days a week making an excellent dinner. Who would have thought?

J is for...

I totally contemplated "J is for jerks" but then I realized it would probably read a lot like last week's "I is for idiots." Can't have a repeat, can we?

So instead, I bring you... J is for job.

I finally finished school and now I'm waiting for my credential to go through so I can have a job. The tough thing about finishing mid-year is there usually aren't many full time positions. But I'll sub for the time being and be fine with it.

Hubby is also looking for a new job. He finished school last year. He currently has two jobs, but one is part time and one is per diem. And neither are keeping him busy enough. So he's been applying at a few places. One of those places? About two and a half hours from here. And right now that's looking like the best chance.

This is exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time. Exciting because it would be a full-time job, and we would live closer to the beach (!!!!). Nerve-wracking because this is a big move. I would stay here by myself while he went to work for four or five days. Then I'd get him back on the weekends. This would be until May, when our lease is up. Then I would have to pack up all our stuff and we'd be moving.

The distance makes me a little nervous. My whole family is here where I am. And I'm super close with my family. There's also a lot of his family here. Not to mention our Tad. What would I do if I had to move away from him? I think that's the worst of it for me. I can't imagine being far away from this kid that we helped raise and make into the little weirdo that he is today.

*sigh* So there ya go. Nothing is definite, just decided to let everyone know the possibilities in my corner of the world.

I is for...

I is for idiots.

I've decided there are far too many in this world.

How else do you explain the men that beat their wives/girlfriends/baby mamas and claim it's because they love them? How do you explain the moronic women that stay with them? Sure people will say that upbringing plays a large part. I agree. Their upbringing turned them into idiots.

There's also evidence that many people driving around our streets are idiots. I think I've lost count of the number of times I've had to maneuver to avoid an accident because someone did something stupid in front of me.

Girls getting knocked up when you can get free birth control at some clinics? Idiots. Boys wearing their pants around their knees because it makes them look tough or something? Idiots. People who cry global warming at every twist and turn? Idiots.

The people who run the city I live in are pretty stupid too sometimes. Apparently they have an abundance of money or something because they are essentially paying people to go out and snoop. My parents have received notices about the trash cans being visible (yes, that's against city ordinance) complete with a photo taken by someone that probably gets off on telling on people. There's supposedly people who drive around on no-burn days (yes, there are days where we can't have a fire in the fireplace) and cite people for burning. The ironic part of that is that no-burn days are supposed to help our air quality, meanwhile how many little city employees are driving their gas vehicles to go nosing around neighborhoods? Idiots.

I could probably go on, but I won't. I could be here all day telling you about idiot moves by politicians, celebrities, people I actually know... ugh. So go about your business today, but watch out for the idiots.

H is for...

H is for husband. I has one. And I kinda like him. He's just a little awesome. And I'm pretty sure some of you should be jealous.

Sorry. That was totally goofy. My Tad is here (yay!) and he has me in a goofy mood.

H is a tough letter for me. So I think you're going to get some random factoids.

H is for history. I pretty much could not enjoy a subject less than I enjoy history. I think ancient history is the only one that appeals to me (which also happens to be sixth grade curriculum here in California). Other history... ugh.

H is also for... aw heck. I dunno. H is an annoying letter. So it's for husband and history. And that's all you get.

Ha! (Bonus H word)

G is for...

G is for great news!

I PASSED MY RICA!!!!!!!

Remember the test at the beginning of the month that I was super stressed about?? I got my "unofficial" results today (unofficial because they're through email and not on a piece of paper) and I passed!!!! I'm so unbelievably relieved. Now I just have to finish my portfolio for my exit interview and I can have my credential!!! Well, I have to hope I passed my TPA, but there's no reason I shouldn't have. That was easy.

G is also for gotta go call my mommy. She'll be stoked!

F is for...

F is for family.

I've already told you about some of the craziness that is my family. But I love that craziness. It keeps things interesting. I don't know if any family laughs as much as mine does. Whether it's my mom's side teasing each other about moments where they're just like my grandma, or my brother and cousin quoting Will Ferrell movies, or Grandpa lying because it's Wednesday - we're insane.

This is the biggest week for family for most people, but especially in my family. We have a house full of people at my grandma's on Christmas Eve for tamales. And I mean, full of people. It's awesome. Then there's Christmas day with my mom's side. There's an insane amount of food (no wonder I gain weight this time of year) and a house full of people again. We usually find some new board game to play and it always ends up being boys against girls. Which isn't always the best idea, because I swear my husband and his brain full of random and useless knowledge puts them at an advantage.

This year is especially awesome because Grandpa is here. It just doesn't feel the same when he isn't here.

F is also for first, as in first married Christmas. Yeah, Tim and I have already had six years of stockings and presents, but this year we're finally married. It probably won't feel much different, but it still is. So that's one more thing to make this year a little more awesome.

So as a side note, I have one other friend who's blogging now. And he's doing his own ABC list. So when are the rest of you going to step up???

E is for...

Okay so I planned this weekly entry to say something about me in general, but today is different.

E is for excited.

And there's so much to be excited about! I got a new camera yesterday!!! *happy dance* It's a Nikon. *another happy dance* My mommy bought it for me. It's little and purple and awesome. I can't wait to use it at...

DISNEYLAND!!! I have five days left. I'm beyond excited. It's going to be so fun! I'll have so many pictures of Tad it will be ridiculous. I don't even know how I'll sleep Friday night. You guys are probably sick of hearing about Disneyland by now too. I'm still debating over whether I'll write some posts ahead of time. Probably not for all four days that I'll be gone. Or it would just be boring filler.

E is also for energy. Which I am in serious need of right now. Tim is off today and we're going to clean so that we can go get our Christmas tree. But I'm so not motivated. Ugh, I hate cleaning...

D is for...

D is for December, it's finally here!

I have four days of student teaching left. I have ten days to finish my TPA (you don't wanna know how much work it is). I have twelve days to get ready for Disneyland. I also have twelve days to decorate my house for Christmas. Because I really want it done before we leave.

Since I'm kind of on the subject... D is for DISNEYLAND!!! I love it every time I go, but this trip will be special. I get to take my Tad for his first trip ever. He's going to love it. I think I might cry when he sees Mickey and Buzz and all the other characters though. I'll have the tissues ready just in case. We already asked him what he wants to ride first when we get there. He wants to go in the "pooky house" then Pirates. Yes, the "pooky house" is the Haunted Mansion. He knows Jack Skellington will be in there. And he totally knows songs from that movie too now! I'm so proud of the rugrat. I'm at the point where I think about the trip every day now. I don't know if I'll be able to sleep the night before we leave. My mom and I are probably more excited than Tad!

D is also for decorating, which I mentioned already. I'm so ready to decorate for Christmas. And there will be pictures. Oh yes, there will be pictures. We have a lot of Nightmare Before Christmas stuff that I'm really excited to put up. I already got the throw blanket out, but everything else has to wait.

And just for something different (hey, another D word!), D is also for dare. I have a couple people I've been bugging to start blogs because they have entertaining things to share. It's also a good way to get a little writing (even if it's just a funny conversation) into your day. So I'm telling you people (you know who you are), start a blog. Make it your New Year's resolution if you have to. But I need some blogging buddies. Do it!

C is for...

C is for creative. Which I like to think I am.

I love doing things. And making things. I will gladly sit down with the kids and play with Legos for hours. Or Play-Doh. It's fun! I love coloring with Tad. We color in his coloring books together. Scrapbooking is super fun for me. If I had the free time and the right amount of space I would be a scrapbooking queen.

My new thing is sewing. Have I actually started? No. But I have projects in mind. And the material. I just need the time to get to my mom's and use her help and her machine. But I'm determined. Especially now that I'm so close to being done with studying. Soon I'll be correcting the homework, not doing it.

I think I'll extend creativity to the home area. Now my apartment can't really be that creative. It's rented. And I would still like my deposit back. So no paint and such. But when I get a house... it's on. I already have files saved and mental images. I can't wait. It will be a glorious thing.

Let's also throw in that C is for cupcakes. Which I'm obsessed with. And I do still aspire to be good enough to sell them. Maybe not have a store, but at least take orders or something. (BTW, Tim said we can have a double oven when we get a house - SCORE!!!) C is also for cookies, something I'm so good at that my sisters sometimes email me just to ask when I'm making them next.

And this week, C is for cranberry sauce and cranberry relish. I only get the relish when grandma is with us on Thanksgiving. And it is amazing. To say the least. Now I'm hungry...

B is for...

B is for boy. Or boys.

I only have two nieces, but four nephews. I'm surrounded by boys. But when it comes to kids, I think I'll be better off with boys than with girls.

Now girls are cute. They have cuter clothes so they're more fun to shop for. They have hair you can braid and curl and do whatever with. They like princesses and sparkly things. What's wrong with those things? Nothing. But girls also grow up. They turn into drama queens. They get interested in boys. They worry about their appearance. They fight with their friends about the studpidest things. And if I have a daughter, she'll be as much trouble as I was in high school. I don't know if I can take that.

Boys are different though. Sure their clothes aren't as cute. But they're messier so that doesn't matter. And you can't curl or braid their hair. But they can have mohawks! They might not be into princesses (hopefully), but they love superheroes and cars. Those can be just as fun. And let's think about when they get older. Boys don't hate their moms in high school as much as girls do. And boys don't create drama. They're actually kind of oblivious to it all. Just ask Tim. They don't fight over girls. And when they do fight it's not the evil rumor-spreading that girls do. It's a couple punches and then they're over it.

I bring this up because it's possible that I may have twins one day. It's just the way it falls in the family. It's either me or Micah and I doubt she wants them (right MP?). If I have twins I really hope they're boys. Or one of each. I just couldn't handle two girls. One mini-me will be bad enough. Think about it, fighting over clothes, fighting over boys, fighting over who gets to be Cinderella for Halloween... I can't do it! I've already told my mom, Tim, and a few others, if I have twin girls I'm leaving one at the hospital. I don't want both. But actually, if any of you want the extra let me know.

Twin boys would be great. I can handle wrestling and fighting. Bumps and bruises are easier than the wounds that girls inflict. So maybe they'll fight over which race car or superhero they play with. Maybe they'll fight over who gets to be Batman. At least they won't come up with, "I'm prettier so I get to be Batman."

So bring on the boys! Although, I do want one girl. Just to dress up and stuff.