First off, I don't entirely know how to even write that number....$500,000,000 I think. That is a lot of zeros. These days, one million dollars wouldn't go very far. You could get a decent house and maybe pay off your debts, but thats about it. I am not sure if you could even bank the entire payout and live off the interest. Life is just too expensive these days.
The first thing I would do is pay of my and my hubby's debt (which in the grand scheme of things isn't really that much). I'd throw a million to each his parents and my parents. Half a million to my brother and his brother.
After, I would find the perfect piece of land (around 5 acres). If it had a house, I'd likely knock it down, because in its place would be my custom built dream home. It would not be an extravagant house. A simple floorplan single story house. It would have a master suite with 1 huge and 1 large walk in closets (one for each of us, obviously mine would be the huge one for my clothing and footwear addiction, I'm a girl, what can I say?). There would be a fully stocked organized craft room as well as a entirely Mac computer office room. The living room would be large, as there would be a huge picture window overlooking a flower garden and birdfeeder. The cats would have a memory foam pad to chill on. Catification would take place throughout the entire house, done subtly so it doesn't stand out; there would be holes in the wall for the cat to pass through on the overhead catwalk. My guinea pig would have a 3 x 7 C&C cage and some friends to play with. My hubby would be able to design his dream kitchen and fill it with what he needs.
The house would function entirely off the grid. It would have solar power and geothermal heating/cooling. It would feed back into the electrical supply. Obviously we would have to be connected to cable and internet.
Attached to this perfect house would be a very large garage, complete with 2 lifts and plenty of storage space. It would have to be huge because I would be adding a Fiat 500 Abarth, a Dozer Yellow Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon, and a Graphite Gray VW Golf TDi (that would be traded for a Graphite Gray VW Bug TDi if they ever release one) to my Fiat 500 and Geo Metro Convertible. I would get a new Vespa 150 and buy the hubby his Triumph Bonneville. A Can Am Spyder would join the stable as well. The hubby would also be able to pick out whatever he wants for cars.
I would donate $5 million to charity. I would donate $1 million each to build the Cocheco Valley Humane Society and the Concord SPCA their new facilities. $1 million to the NH SPCA in Stratham, and $2 million to Live and Let Live Farm in Chichester.
The money that is left over would go into a high interest savings account, and we would live off the interest. I definately wouldn't be spending it all. I don't want to have to work. I want to want to work.
A girl can dream anyways.....
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Thanksgiving
Having a very hard time finding reasons to be thankful this year. I am not sure why. I have every girl's ideal husband, one wonderful kitty, another shitty kitty who is the sweetest cat you could ask for and can't stay mad at, no matter how much poop she tracks, the sweetest guinea pig ever, and some really nice toys (Vespa, Fiat, and Geo, Apple iStuff).
But right now, I seem to be dwelling on the negative. Most people say, well you have your health, a job, a roof over your head, and food for your belly. Yes, I am still able to walk and breathe (mostly), but I am not "healthy". I have some fairly serious mental illness. I am so far beyond exhausted every day. I know, I know, you are all thinking quit yer bitchin' and do something about it! Well, that whole laziness and mental health and name change are kinda making it a lot harder than it should be.
Speaking of the name change, if you didn't know, I got married at the end of October. I guess it's pretty sad that I have yet to do a blog entry about it. After all it is supposed to be such a happy day. It all went smooth. We had a very nice honeymoon at the Mountain View Grand. I'll use the excuse of I was waiting for the professional photos from Samantha Ruth Photography (which btw, came out beautifully), but that's just an excuse. The name change has been a major issue for me. I know I should change my last name to his, however I just don't like it. I have tried for the insurance and the bank, but I am just not happy with it. It is definitely a source of friction. I guess it's just the growing pains of becoming an adult. As everyone says, I need to grow up and deal with it. :/ I just don;t cope well with major changes.
I have a job. And a decent paying one at that. But I never feel appreciated there, I will be losing all the shifts I like at the end of the year, and the new schedule is not looking promising for replacement of those said shifts. I have to learn a route I don't care for to be able to get something for hours. I don't get the ADA shifts I used to to boost the paycheck. It wouldn't be so bad if I didn't get so sleepy early in the morning and have to avoid shifts that start before 6am due to the sheer fear of having an accident.
I do have to admit I have a very nice roof over my head. I am thankful for that. I also have plenty of food. Ok, so that is half of the typical thankful items. I do love my vehicles, but those are just inanimate objects.
I am thankful for the troops who keep our country safe.
But right now, I seem to be dwelling on the negative. Most people say, well you have your health, a job, a roof over your head, and food for your belly. Yes, I am still able to walk and breathe (mostly), but I am not "healthy". I have some fairly serious mental illness. I am so far beyond exhausted every day. I know, I know, you are all thinking quit yer bitchin' and do something about it! Well, that whole laziness and mental health and name change are kinda making it a lot harder than it should be.
Speaking of the name change, if you didn't know, I got married at the end of October. I guess it's pretty sad that I have yet to do a blog entry about it. After all it is supposed to be such a happy day. It all went smooth. We had a very nice honeymoon at the Mountain View Grand. I'll use the excuse of I was waiting for the professional photos from Samantha Ruth Photography (which btw, came out beautifully), but that's just an excuse. The name change has been a major issue for me. I know I should change my last name to his, however I just don't like it. I have tried for the insurance and the bank, but I am just not happy with it. It is definitely a source of friction. I guess it's just the growing pains of becoming an adult. As everyone says, I need to grow up and deal with it. :/ I just don;t cope well with major changes.
I have a job. And a decent paying one at that. But I never feel appreciated there, I will be losing all the shifts I like at the end of the year, and the new schedule is not looking promising for replacement of those said shifts. I have to learn a route I don't care for to be able to get something for hours. I don't get the ADA shifts I used to to boost the paycheck. It wouldn't be so bad if I didn't get so sleepy early in the morning and have to avoid shifts that start before 6am due to the sheer fear of having an accident.
I do have to admit I have a very nice roof over my head. I am thankful for that. I also have plenty of food. Ok, so that is half of the typical thankful items. I do love my vehicles, but those are just inanimate objects.
I am thankful for the troops who keep our country safe.
Monday, August 13, 2012
A busy couple months....
I was on a bus to NYC last weekend. Spending the night in NJ. Unfortunately, it was just too damn hot to go back to the city, so we stayed at the hotel and went to the large Walmart down the street, just to see what was different. I have been in a lot of Walmarts in NH....almost all of them in fact. Don't ask, it just happens, not planned. I was shocked at my experience in the NJ one. First of it was packed. Ugh, crowds are annoying, or at least that is what I was expecting. My experience was quite the opposite. People were actually nice and polite. They weren't pushy and rude like they are in NH. That was a major curveball. Despite the store being packed, it was actually one of the most pleasant Walmart shopping experiences I have encountered.
This weekend was my first ever yard sale. I had never been to one, or been a seller at one. But my fiancé and I wanted to get more room in our apartment. I was sick of all my clutter (which was generally well hidden, but still there). He had some things he wanted to get rid of. When the local Facebook Online Yard Sale Group decided to do a group sale, we jumped on the opportunity. And i am glad we did! We made nearly $200 selling "junk". Whatever didn't sell, went into the donate pile. I jokingly referred to the large pile that lived in the living room for a week as "the Hoard". As you may or may not know, I am a Hoarders: Buried Alive, and Hoarding TV show addict. Those shows make me want to purge everything that we do not use. I have to admit, I seem to finally have my spending addiction under control. I no longer want to buy things that will take up room. :-) Finally, a step in the right direction for my debt control.
Next weekend, we will be in North Carolina visiting his family. Hopefully the weather will be decent. We want to get out to Raleigh and go to our favorite restaurant (Tir Na Nog). Because I am awesome, I was able to get us a $25 certificate for $2. Restaurant.com did an awesome Black Friday sale where you could purchase a $25 credit for $2. So I picked one up. There are a bunch of restaurants that participate. Even on a daily basis, $25 certificates are $10 or less. Check it out, after you finish reading my blog, of course.
Keith Urban is coming to Meadowbrook in September and we have tickets, the first weekend I think....
In October, we are getting married (unless we decide to push it up and forego the ceremony all together and just do the paperwork). Our honeymoon is booked at the Mountain View Grand. Ideally we would have been going to The Hideout, a dude ranch in Wyoming, but that was not financially feasible this year. So we will stay local this year, and save up for next year!
As excited as I am for all this traveling and adventure, I can't help but be worried about my Kalikat. She has FIP (feline infectious peritonitis) and is on medication daily to help sorta maintain her. The disease makes her have a lot of diarrhea. She's 14 and underweight due to her condition. I worry about the stress and her weakened immune system. Luckily I am boarding her at her veterinarian, so if anything does happen, she will be treated promptly; and she does handle change better than Hobo.
Hopefully there will be plenty of time for rest and recharging. I have been exhausted.
This weekend was my first ever yard sale. I had never been to one, or been a seller at one. But my fiancé and I wanted to get more room in our apartment. I was sick of all my clutter (which was generally well hidden, but still there). He had some things he wanted to get rid of. When the local Facebook Online Yard Sale Group decided to do a group sale, we jumped on the opportunity. And i am glad we did! We made nearly $200 selling "junk". Whatever didn't sell, went into the donate pile. I jokingly referred to the large pile that lived in the living room for a week as "the Hoard". As you may or may not know, I am a Hoarders: Buried Alive, and Hoarding TV show addict. Those shows make me want to purge everything that we do not use. I have to admit, I seem to finally have my spending addiction under control. I no longer want to buy things that will take up room. :-) Finally, a step in the right direction for my debt control.
Next weekend, we will be in North Carolina visiting his family. Hopefully the weather will be decent. We want to get out to Raleigh and go to our favorite restaurant (Tir Na Nog). Because I am awesome, I was able to get us a $25 certificate for $2. Restaurant.com did an awesome Black Friday sale where you could purchase a $25 credit for $2. So I picked one up. There are a bunch of restaurants that participate. Even on a daily basis, $25 certificates are $10 or less. Check it out, after you finish reading my blog, of course.
Keith Urban is coming to Meadowbrook in September and we have tickets, the first weekend I think....
In October, we are getting married (unless we decide to push it up and forego the ceremony all together and just do the paperwork). Our honeymoon is booked at the Mountain View Grand. Ideally we would have been going to The Hideout, a dude ranch in Wyoming, but that was not financially feasible this year. So we will stay local this year, and save up for next year!
As excited as I am for all this traveling and adventure, I can't help but be worried about my Kalikat. She has FIP (feline infectious peritonitis) and is on medication daily to help sorta maintain her. The disease makes her have a lot of diarrhea. She's 14 and underweight due to her condition. I worry about the stress and her weakened immune system. Luckily I am boarding her at her veterinarian, so if anything does happen, she will be treated promptly; and she does handle change better than Hobo.
Hopefully there will be plenty of time for rest and recharging. I have been exhausted.
Friday, July 20, 2012
The Wild West
My current Netflix addiction is Heartland . A great TV show about a teenage horse whisperer who lost her mom and is living with her sister and grandfather. It takes place and this gorgeous farm in a state or province like Montana.
My neighbor goes to Montana every year, and would always show me her pictures from her trips. It looks like heaven. Wide open spaces exploring on horseback. Absolutely gorgeous views of the mountains. Perfection.
I would love to go and spend the entire day on horseback. Leave out the camping part...I am a little too attached to indoor plumbing...a nice lodge with a jacuzzi in the room and good homestyle food is a much better idea.
I think it would be fun to do some cattle herding as well, moving large quantities of cows across the countryside. And one of these days, I will ride a mechanical bull...
My neighbor goes to Montana every year, and would always show me her pictures from her trips. It looks like heaven. Wide open spaces exploring on horseback. Absolutely gorgeous views of the mountains. Perfection.
I would love to go and spend the entire day on horseback. Leave out the camping part...I am a little too attached to indoor plumbing...a nice lodge with a jacuzzi in the room and good homestyle food is a much better idea.
I think it would be fun to do some cattle herding as well, moving large quantities of cows across the countryside. And one of these days, I will ride a mechanical bull...
Monday, June 25, 2012
It's been a while...
As the title says, it's been a while. What have I been up to during this time?
I took my first ever trip to New York City. It was an almost 5 hour bus ride on the bus my fiancé was driving. Luckily I had the nice front single seat and my iPad to keep me sane.
When we got out of the subway, the sheer size of the buildings was overwhelming. Coming from nice little NH, there is nothing that even compares to the size. Even Boston looks small!
It was a very busy day, and of course the first place I wanted to go was the local Vespa dealer in Soho, as they sold the brand of jacket I would really like to purchase (Corazzo). We then headed to Grand Central Station as we both have a fascination with transportation. WOW, what an amazingly huge and beautiful place.
After that we went for a carriage ride through Central Park, well a corner of Central Park, I never realized the sheer size of that place! It was beautiful though. Very unexpected for the center of a huge city.
After a visit to FAO Schwarz, we headed to Times Square. Wow. It is like an entirely different place/atmosphere than anywhere else we had been that day. There were screens that took up entire sides of buildings. The masses of people was insane.
Of course, I had to pick the silly chain restaurant for dinner, but OMG, it was one of the most delicious dinners ever. The whole atmosphere in Red Lobster was not at all like the ones that are stand alones elsewhere in the country. This was upscale dining.
In the dark, Times Square was even more amazing. All the signs and lights and billboards added a whole new dimension.
Besides being completely exhausting, it was an excellent trip. We are going back in 2 weeks to explore a different section of the city!
The next weekend was part of Laconia Motorcycle Week. Me, being a little odd, decided to take my Vespa up there. It was a long ride, but I was actually a lot more comfortable and less sore after riding the Vespa than I was after riding my motorcycle after the same amount of time. The sustained 55mph speed limit was a bit taxing on me, so next time we will take an easier route. It will take longer, but thats ok, I love that silly little red scooter!
So here's to more fun adventures over the summer.
I took my first ever trip to New York City. It was an almost 5 hour bus ride on the bus my fiancé was driving. Luckily I had the nice front single seat and my iPad to keep me sane.
When we got out of the subway, the sheer size of the buildings was overwhelming. Coming from nice little NH, there is nothing that even compares to the size. Even Boston looks small!
It was a very busy day, and of course the first place I wanted to go was the local Vespa dealer in Soho, as they sold the brand of jacket I would really like to purchase (Corazzo). We then headed to Grand Central Station as we both have a fascination with transportation. WOW, what an amazingly huge and beautiful place.
After that we went for a carriage ride through Central Park, well a corner of Central Park, I never realized the sheer size of that place! It was beautiful though. Very unexpected for the center of a huge city.
After a visit to FAO Schwarz, we headed to Times Square. Wow. It is like an entirely different place/atmosphere than anywhere else we had been that day. There were screens that took up entire sides of buildings. The masses of people was insane.
Of course, I had to pick the silly chain restaurant for dinner, but OMG, it was one of the most delicious dinners ever. The whole atmosphere in Red Lobster was not at all like the ones that are stand alones elsewhere in the country. This was upscale dining.
In the dark, Times Square was even more amazing. All the signs and lights and billboards added a whole new dimension.
Besides being completely exhausting, it was an excellent trip. We are going back in 2 weeks to explore a different section of the city!
The next weekend was part of Laconia Motorcycle Week. Me, being a little odd, decided to take my Vespa up there. It was a long ride, but I was actually a lot more comfortable and less sore after riding the Vespa than I was after riding my motorcycle after the same amount of time. The sustained 55mph speed limit was a bit taxing on me, so next time we will take an easier route. It will take longer, but thats ok, I love that silly little red scooter!
So here's to more fun adventures over the summer.
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Follow up Influenster Vox Box: Sally Hansen Salon Effects`
It's been about a week with the Sally Hansen Salon Effects Nail Polish strips I received from Influenster. They lasted surprisingly well with very minimal chipping. I have soft nails, so there was some cracking, but it wasn't very noticeable up close. I was also pleasantly surprised with how easily they were removed with acetone nail polish remover. They came off clean and did not leave any color residue like regular polish does.
I will be purchasing these again, and would definitely recommend them to anyone not wanting to spend the money or time to go to a nail salon. :-)
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Influenster VoxBox Review #1: Sally Hansen Salon Effects
It is a hot summer day here in NH, and while most people are out enjoying the sunshine and heat this holiday weekend, I am better suited for staying in the nice cool AC. So what better thing to do than to work on my VoxBox reviews?!
I tried the Sally Hansen Salon Effects nail polish strips. The pic does not show the color I used, but you get the idea! In the future, I will take a pic of the actual product.
But anyways, I had been wanting to try these for a while but couldn't justify the price ($8-$10). Lucky for me, when my Influenster VoxBox arrived, I had a set inside.
At first it seemed like a lot of work, you have to shape and buff your nails (they include a multi use mini nail file and cuticle stick). Then, one of the most important steps, is to wipe down your nails with polish remover to remove oils and residue from the buffing. This made perfect sense to me after restoring a car. I don't really have much for nails as I am a bit of a nail biter :-\ so the process was quick and easy for me. The directions included are very clear and simple to follow.
I have to say, I am very pleased with the results! There is no dry time and no mess other than the assorted bits of paper and plastic film used to protect the strips in the box. See the results for yourself!
I tried the Sally Hansen Salon Effects nail polish strips. The pic does not show the color I used, but you get the idea! In the future, I will take a pic of the actual product.
At first it seemed like a lot of work, you have to shape and buff your nails (they include a multi use mini nail file and cuticle stick). Then, one of the most important steps, is to wipe down your nails with polish remover to remove oils and residue from the buffing. This made perfect sense to me after restoring a car. I don't really have much for nails as I am a bit of a nail biter :-\ so the process was quick and easy for me. The directions included are very clear and simple to follow.
I have to say, I am very pleased with the results! There is no dry time and no mess other than the assorted bits of paper and plastic film used to protect the strips in the box. See the results for yourself!
I apologize for my hideous hands, for being only 27, I have the hands of someone much older. Yuck. But anyways, back to topic. As you can see they are a nice fit. Overall, I did feel like they took longer to apply than traditional nail polish, however, factor in the dry time and I was ready to go a lot sooner.
Now, to see if they last, especially as I am not a "girly" girl....
I still have plenty more items to review, and I will update on these the next time...
Friday, May 18, 2012
Influenster
In my hours and hours of perusing the internet, and more specifically Pinterest, I stumbled upon a site called Influenster. You sign up for it and complete survey-like questionnaires about as many aspects of your life as you want. I did that. Then kinda forgot about the site until I got an email in my inbox saying that I had been chosen to receive a VoxBox. What is a VoxBox you may ask? Well it is a delightful box mailed to your residence chock full of goodies!! When it came, I just let it sit on the table for a day, thinking that it will be useless stuff I don't want or use, much less something I want to blog about. But, then I decided to open it and was pleasantly surprised. I had received a nice shipment of goodies.
It included:
It included:
- Sheer Cover Duo Concealer
- Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Wash
- Chapstick lip SHIELD 365
- Sally Hansen Salon Effects Polish strips
- Bath and Body Works Fine Fragrance Mist
- SOYJOY bar
- Dr Scholls for Her ball of foot massaging gel
My initial impressions are:
- Concealer...eh, I don't wear makeup, so I need to figure out what to do with it so I can try it! But I would like to try it as my face is icky.
- Body Wash....I like Aveeno. I hope it will help my dry skin. Nothing seems to help me.
- Chapstick....absolutely perfect for my scooter bag! My lips are dry anyways, and the sun protection is a major plus.
- Nail polish. I will never turn down free nail polish! Now, to find the time to figure out who to apply it.
- Body mist....what a very nice scent! Sweet Pea. It is one of the scents I like!
- SOYJOY bar. I have had them in the past and they were decent. Unfortunately they sent me blueberry and I don;t like blueberry flavored stuff. My fiancé quite enjoyed it though, and wants to buy more for a healthy snack/meal.
- Insoles....they are made for high heels, but as I don't wear those, I will try them in some flats instead.
I will write a more complete review after I have chance to try the products! (Plus this is kinda part of the deal of them sending me free stuff, lol) If I want more free stuff I have to be an active member! Oh well, I'll take it!
Sunday, April 29, 2012
The anticipation....
The wait is killing me. I, like most people, like instant gratification. If I do something, I want the results to be instantaneous. The website should load as soon as I click the link, I buy something, it should be in my possession immediately. It is just how society is, and for once, I fit into the norms.
I have been spending a disgusting amount of time on Modern Vespa, researching and learning more about Vespas and scootering in general. The more time I spend on there, the more I get excited for my Vespa. The dealer is waiting on parts, and I know I need to be patient, obviously I want it fixed, and fixed correctly, but the wait is torture. Regardless the weather has been too wet or too chilly to ride, that right now the scooter is nice and warm and happy in the climate controlled dealership, I still want to have it. I keep picturing myself riding around, enjoying my new toy. And I want that happiness, these days I am pretty miserable.
Hopefully in the next week I will be united with my scooter, and the fun times that it promises.
I have been spending a disgusting amount of time on Modern Vespa, researching and learning more about Vespas and scootering in general. The more time I spend on there, the more I get excited for my Vespa. The dealer is waiting on parts, and I know I need to be patient, obviously I want it fixed, and fixed correctly, but the wait is torture. Regardless the weather has been too wet or too chilly to ride, that right now the scooter is nice and warm and happy in the climate controlled dealership, I still want to have it. I keep picturing myself riding around, enjoying my new toy. And I want that happiness, these days I am pretty miserable.
Hopefully in the next week I will be united with my scooter, and the fun times that it promises.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Blargh
I basically had today off. Worked from 6:00am to 7:45am. It was semi decent out, windy and cool, but sunny. I have plenty of things that I could do around the house. I have a immense stash of craft supplies and all the inspiration I could ever need on Pinterest. Obviously I have a boatload, or maybe a Titanic load of time to kill, especially this week. But no, instead I have crawled the internet, researching Vespas, puttering around on Facebook and Pinterest, all while watching mindless TV. I have plenty of DVR to catch up on in the living room, shows that i enjoy and follow. Instead I am laying in bed, watching my latest addictions of Animal Cops and the Discovery Health channel. Speaking of which, the show "I Didn't Know I was Pregnant" scares the ever living shit out of me. Damn, I have a wedding to plan and make stuff for, what more motivation could I need?
I wish I knew how to get motivated, because I have wasted this entire day when I could have done something other than just laying here. I eat in lunch on the bed, I eat dinner in the bed, I lay on the bed. It is now hard for me to eat sitting up, I like to lay down on my side and eat. It's a wonder I am not 500lbs! Luckily I am not snacking all day. I just have no energy. Everyone has told me if I just suck it up and get moving, the energy will come. Well, it's easy to tell someone that, it is much harder to be the one who has to actually act on it. My joints hurt, but as I'm told, they will feel better if I use them. Yeah, some may feel better, but others don't. We have had crazy rain yesterday, and laying here on a laptop is definitely not ergonomically friendly. I am not even sure an electric cattle prod would get me up and moving. Nothing seems to make me want to move.
On a happier note, I am really hoping to get a Vespa. This Vespa in particular. It a 2004 ET4 150. I am selling my motorcycle because it is just too much to handle (see the previous paragraph), and I never ride it. The scooter is a heck of a lot easier to deal with and just over half the weight of the bike. I am really hoping to get a call saying it's all set to go, but I am very worried there will be some sort of a problem that will prevent me from getting the bike. :-\ Good things don't work out like I expect them to, so I am just laying here, waiting for the disappointment.
I wish I knew how to get motivated, because I have wasted this entire day when I could have done something other than just laying here. I eat in lunch on the bed, I eat dinner in the bed, I lay on the bed. It is now hard for me to eat sitting up, I like to lay down on my side and eat. It's a wonder I am not 500lbs! Luckily I am not snacking all day. I just have no energy. Everyone has told me if I just suck it up and get moving, the energy will come. Well, it's easy to tell someone that, it is much harder to be the one who has to actually act on it. My joints hurt, but as I'm told, they will feel better if I use them. Yeah, some may feel better, but others don't. We have had crazy rain yesterday, and laying here on a laptop is definitely not ergonomically friendly. I am not even sure an electric cattle prod would get me up and moving. Nothing seems to make me want to move.
On a happier note, I am really hoping to get a Vespa. This Vespa in particular. It a 2004 ET4 150. I am selling my motorcycle because it is just too much to handle (see the previous paragraph), and I never ride it. The scooter is a heck of a lot easier to deal with and just over half the weight of the bike. I am really hoping to get a call saying it's all set to go, but I am very worried there will be some sort of a problem that will prevent me from getting the bike. :-\ Good things don't work out like I expect them to, so I am just laying here, waiting for the disappointment.
Monday, April 16, 2012
Exhaustion
I like sleep, a lot. Actually I love sleep. Lately, it is all I want to do. When I wake up in the morning, I can't wait until bedtime, so I can go to sleep. I don't know why I like sleep so much, it doesn't make me feel better. I am completely exhausted all the time. It's not right.
I sleep all night. If I don't have to go to work I often sleep 10-12 hours. I wake up tired. If I sleep 8-10 hours, I wake up tired. I don't really snore, I do toss and turn. I am a heavy sleeper. We like to joke a bomb could go off and I would sleep through it. The fiancé goes to work early in the morning (between 2am to 3:45am) and I sleep right through it almost every night.
I never used to nap, now it seems I nap all the time, any chance I get. Anywhere from 15 minutes to 2 hours. They rarely help me feel better, usually I just get dizzy and crappy feeling. I am drowsy when I shouldn't be. My caffeine addiction is getting worse because I am trying to combat this constant tiredness. The caffeine doesn't really help much anymore. The drowsiness is a very persistent enemy. There seems to be nothing that can make it go away or prevent it.
Ugh. It is very frustrating.
I sleep all night. If I don't have to go to work I often sleep 10-12 hours. I wake up tired. If I sleep 8-10 hours, I wake up tired. I don't really snore, I do toss and turn. I am a heavy sleeper. We like to joke a bomb could go off and I would sleep through it. The fiancé goes to work early in the morning (between 2am to 3:45am) and I sleep right through it almost every night.
I never used to nap, now it seems I nap all the time, any chance I get. Anywhere from 15 minutes to 2 hours. They rarely help me feel better, usually I just get dizzy and crappy feeling. I am drowsy when I shouldn't be. My caffeine addiction is getting worse because I am trying to combat this constant tiredness. The caffeine doesn't really help much anymore. The drowsiness is a very persistent enemy. There seems to be nothing that can make it go away or prevent it.
Ugh. It is very frustrating.
Monday, April 9, 2012
The Past
The past, by definition has gone by and no longer exists. Everyone has millions of memories of the past, good and bad, happy and sad. It's part of life. We also have memories that we attempt to forget, memories we try to lock into a vault and intend for them to stay there. Normally those are bad memories, but in my case, I have some very very happy memories that I had thought I had locked in that vault.
You probably wonder why I have happy memories that I don't want to remember, well, that is complicated and not something I want to share with the interwebz and everyone on it. Just take my word that those memories needed to go away so that I could move on with my life. I thought I had done well locking them away. Every once in a while a memory would pop up, but quickly got put back where they belong, out of my head. I would move on and be just fine.
Well lately, it seems there was a massive failure of that vault and the ninjas were able to completely broke down it's defenses. My brain has been flooded with the memories I try so hard to forget. When I am idle, my mind has been racing, thinking about those memories. Trying to sleep is a challenge for the first time in a very very long time. I am constantly reminding myself there was a reason I got out of that situation, that I have everything I ever could want now.
It's so hard, especially now I travel all over the state, often past places that have one of those memories attached to them. It hurts. I am hoping that construction of that vault will be completed soon, because this is taking its toll on me. I don't want to be depressed. I want to make new happy memories, not stay trapped in the past.
You probably wonder why I have happy memories that I don't want to remember, well, that is complicated and not something I want to share with the interwebz and everyone on it. Just take my word that those memories needed to go away so that I could move on with my life. I thought I had done well locking them away. Every once in a while a memory would pop up, but quickly got put back where they belong, out of my head. I would move on and be just fine.
Well lately, it seems there was a massive failure of that vault and the ninjas were able to completely broke down it's defenses. My brain has been flooded with the memories I try so hard to forget. When I am idle, my mind has been racing, thinking about those memories. Trying to sleep is a challenge for the first time in a very very long time. I am constantly reminding myself there was a reason I got out of that situation, that I have everything I ever could want now.
It's so hard, especially now I travel all over the state, often past places that have one of those memories attached to them. It hurts. I am hoping that construction of that vault will be completed soon, because this is taking its toll on me. I don't want to be depressed. I want to make new happy memories, not stay trapped in the past.
Monday, March 26, 2012
More craftiness
Wreaths are defiantly my new addiction. I love they brighten up our boring green door. Now, if only we had a light at the front door do it wasn't so dark!
This is my latest creation:
It is made from a wooden vine wreath form I got at Michaels (half price due to a signing error!), and 3 clusters of artificial cherry blossoms in pink and white.
The wreath was very simple to make, I cut the flower clusters off of the main stem, and weaved them in between the vines on the wreath to hold them. This is meant for an indoor decoration, otherwise I would have hot glued the flowers. As my wreath was slightly misshapen, I thought the 2/3 decorated, 1/3 plain looked the best.
Another year older
I turned 27 on Saturday. I have yet to figure out what the big deal is about getting older. So many people panic because they are getting closer to 30....big f-ing deal I say. It's just a number. There are days that I feel 5 and days I feel 95. For the most part, life is right on "schedule" if there is such a thing. I am engaged and planning our wedding. I have a car payment, a cell phone, student loans, and plenty of debt. Seems like what I would expect for my age. I guess I am lucky like that. I don't want kids, so that isn't constantly looming in the back of my mind.
I had a great birthday. My fiancé did an awesome job picking my presents...he got me a Fiat 500 T shirt I wanted, and key covers. I was thrilled. He has it fairly easy, most girls would not be so excited over car crap as a gift. Hey, I bought myself rims and tires for my Metro Convertible as a present to myself and using the money I get from my parents and grandma. Speaking of the Vert, it is currently being prepped for the upcoming spring/summer/fall! Can't wait for it to come home!
The rest of my birthday was good as well. I had a riding lesson and got to canter for the first time in ages. My fiancé was able to come with me and see my progress, so that was really nice.
After lunch at McDonald's (needed small and simple as dinner would be epic), I decided I wanted to look at scooters. I have a motorcycle, but I just have lost interest in it. A scooter is a heck of a lot easier, and I would be getting one that is new or close to new. Ideally, I will get a Vespa 125 or 300, but financially that may not be feasible. I was looking at the Yamaha Zuma 125, a really nice scooter with a great brand name, but not really the Italian styling I was after. Oh well, I gotta stop spending money and pay off more debts before I can get anything like that!
We had another amazing dinner at Carraba's; my favorite restaurant. I love the PicPac pasta. The sauce is just amazing. So simple, tomatoes, garlic, and basil, but damn, it is heaven. The fresh pasta just adds to the epic deliciousness. Of course, the fiancé had to say it was my birthday, so they sang to me, but I did get free cake! The things we tolerate for free food....
I had a great birthday. My fiancé did an awesome job picking my presents...he got me a Fiat 500 T shirt I wanted, and key covers. I was thrilled. He has it fairly easy, most girls would not be so excited over car crap as a gift. Hey, I bought myself rims and tires for my Metro Convertible as a present to myself and using the money I get from my parents and grandma. Speaking of the Vert, it is currently being prepped for the upcoming spring/summer/fall! Can't wait for it to come home!
The rest of my birthday was good as well. I had a riding lesson and got to canter for the first time in ages. My fiancé was able to come with me and see my progress, so that was really nice.
After lunch at McDonald's (needed small and simple as dinner would be epic), I decided I wanted to look at scooters. I have a motorcycle, but I just have lost interest in it. A scooter is a heck of a lot easier, and I would be getting one that is new or close to new. Ideally, I will get a Vespa 125 or 300, but financially that may not be feasible. I was looking at the Yamaha Zuma 125, a really nice scooter with a great brand name, but not really the Italian styling I was after. Oh well, I gotta stop spending money and pay off more debts before I can get anything like that!
We had another amazing dinner at Carraba's; my favorite restaurant. I love the PicPac pasta. The sauce is just amazing. So simple, tomatoes, garlic, and basil, but damn, it is heaven. The fresh pasta just adds to the epic deliciousness. Of course, the fiancé had to say it was my birthday, so they sang to me, but I did get free cake! The things we tolerate for free food....
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Gotta love Pinterest....my addiciton
Hi, my name is Amber, and I am a Pinterest addict. I pin when I wake up (if I am not racing off to work), I pin when I get home from work, I pin before dinner, I pin before bed....I'm surprised I don't pin in my sleep.
One of my favorite things to do on Pinterest is find new crafts and DIY projects. Recently I completed a few of these projects myself.
Wreaths are my latest craft endeavor, I love dressing up the very boring apartment door with a splash of color. Many of them are very simple to make.
My first wreath was the Valentines one. It was crafted from a foam heart form and 10 sheets of felt in 3 colors. I cut the felt into 3"ish circles, folded them twice, and then pinned them to the form.
I then crafted a St Patricks day wreath using the same method, but added in some dollar store artificial carnations.
My most recent wreath endeavor was a lot simpler than these two, but has a cute effect. It is perfect for Easter/Spring. I used the same foam wreath form and wrapped Fun Fur yarn around running a bead of Elmer's glue around the back to secure it. It took a little over 1 skein. When that was completed I used pins with a rounded head and attached artificial flowers.
My last recent project was for the apartment. We are sick of the dining room table being a collect all. I saw a pin about Wall Pockets based on a Pottery Barn design. I used the pattern from the original pin (look in my Craft Ideas board, which is also where you would find all the original pins that link to the original tutorials for all the projects on this page!)
This didn't come out exactly like I wanted, the top folder is crooked on the top, and the gap between the two folders is larger than I would have wanted, but this was my first time ever using cardboard as a building medium. Even with the defects, I am happy with the end result. It is functional.
So thanks to Pinterest, my wallet is lighter and our apartment is much more colorful!
One of my favorite things to do on Pinterest is find new crafts and DIY projects. Recently I completed a few of these projects myself.
Wreaths are my latest craft endeavor, I love dressing up the very boring apartment door with a splash of color. Many of them are very simple to make.
My first wreath was the Valentines one. It was crafted from a foam heart form and 10 sheets of felt in 3 colors. I cut the felt into 3"ish circles, folded them twice, and then pinned them to the form.
I then crafted a St Patricks day wreath using the same method, but added in some dollar store artificial carnations.
My most recent wreath endeavor was a lot simpler than these two, but has a cute effect. It is perfect for Easter/Spring. I used the same foam wreath form and wrapped Fun Fur yarn around running a bead of Elmer's glue around the back to secure it. It took a little over 1 skein. When that was completed I used pins with a rounded head and attached artificial flowers.
My last recent project was for the apartment. We are sick of the dining room table being a collect all. I saw a pin about Wall Pockets based on a Pottery Barn design. I used the pattern from the original pin (look in my Craft Ideas board, which is also where you would find all the original pins that link to the original tutorials for all the projects on this page!)
This didn't come out exactly like I wanted, the top folder is crooked on the top, and the gap between the two folders is larger than I would have wanted, but this was my first time ever using cardboard as a building medium. Even with the defects, I am happy with the end result. It is functional.
So thanks to Pinterest, my wallet is lighter and our apartment is much more colorful!
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
My First Tutorial: Fleece No Sew Cat bed
My cats are spoiled. They have more toys than any 2 cats should have. It's pathetic, but, they are my babies, so they get lots of goodies!
I don't remember where I got the idea, most likely Pinterest but who knows.
Anyways....the tutorial
First: Get yourself some soft foam. This almost feels like memory foam. It was <$8 at Walmart and you get two squares.
Second: Cut the foam to desired size. I wanted to use mine in our huge window sills, so I cut the foam in half, you could easily use the full size.
Third: Cut your fabric, you need two "sheets", one for the top and one for the bottom. It is common to use a solid and a pattern, but have fun with it! I didn't bother to measure, but you want to have a sufficient border to make your fringe, and make up for the thickness of the foam. I think mine was about 4" on all sides. To cut, I used pinking shears because I liked the zig zag look on the end of the fringe!
Fourth: Cut a fringe through both layers. I used a special fringe rotary cutter I was very happy to purchase on clearance at JoAnn fabrics. It cut 4 at a time, 1/2" apart. You can use standard scissors, or there is a myriad of tools to help you, just search Amazon.
Fifth: Tie the two layers together. I used 2 knots for each tie. Do the 2 long sides and one of the short ones, leaving the opening to stuff the foam into. I did not separate the layers because it was easier to match up the cuts to tie.
Sidenote: One of the kitties helping keep the fabric in line.
Sixth: To make the bed more attractive to the kitties, I used a catnip spray that I had on hand and soaked the foam. You can buy it at any pet store, or just sprinkle dried catnip inside. Insert the foam into the fleece pocket you made, and finish the knotting.
Seventh: Place your bed where you want your kitties. This was a pretty quick project. I didn't time it, but it was probably an hour? It was very easy.
I decided to place some no-slip shelf liner (gotta love the dollar store) on the window sill to prevent the bed from sliding when kitty jumps on it.
All done. A nice cozy bed for the kitties to watch the snow.
I don't remember where I got the idea, most likely Pinterest but who knows.
Anyways....the tutorial
First: Get yourself some soft foam. This almost feels like memory foam. It was <$8 at Walmart and you get two squares.
Second: Cut the foam to desired size. I wanted to use mine in our huge window sills, so I cut the foam in half, you could easily use the full size.
Third: Cut your fabric, you need two "sheets", one for the top and one for the bottom. It is common to use a solid and a pattern, but have fun with it! I didn't bother to measure, but you want to have a sufficient border to make your fringe, and make up for the thickness of the foam. I think mine was about 4" on all sides. To cut, I used pinking shears because I liked the zig zag look on the end of the fringe!
Fourth: Cut a fringe through both layers. I used a special fringe rotary cutter I was very happy to purchase on clearance at JoAnn fabrics. It cut 4 at a time, 1/2" apart. You can use standard scissors, or there is a myriad of tools to help you, just search Amazon.
Fifth: Tie the two layers together. I used 2 knots for each tie. Do the 2 long sides and one of the short ones, leaving the opening to stuff the foam into. I did not separate the layers because it was easier to match up the cuts to tie.
Sidenote: One of the kitties helping keep the fabric in line.
Sixth: To make the bed more attractive to the kitties, I used a catnip spray that I had on hand and soaked the foam. You can buy it at any pet store, or just sprinkle dried catnip inside. Insert the foam into the fleece pocket you made, and finish the knotting.
Seventh: Place your bed where you want your kitties. This was a pretty quick project. I didn't time it, but it was probably an hour? It was very easy.
I decided to place some no-slip shelf liner (gotta love the dollar store) on the window sill to prevent the bed from sliding when kitty jumps on it.
All done. A nice cozy bed for the kitties to watch the snow.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Driving in circles...
It's been a while, not that I think I have anyone who actually follows this blog, but anyways, if you do, thanks, if you don't, what's wrong with you? Haha, just kidding! Mostly....
I have been busy training to be an intercity bus driver for a local company. So far it is very enjoyable. I have done a couple runs solo, and that is way less stress than I thought. Hopefully I will be released from the training program soon and be on my own to terrorize, I mean drive, the local streets. Ok, actually the only reason I care to be released from training is to get my uniform so I can stop wearing my regular clothes and, more importantly, to get the silly briefcase that will let me create a "bus kit"
In more interesting, non-bus related news, we have a new addition to our "family", a 14 year old kitty cat named Kalikat. She was living with my parents, but was starting to go downhill due to her hatred of dogs and the other cats. She refused to eat with the other cats, and wasn't a fan of going downstairs to the litterbox. That doesn't really work so well, so she lost a ton of weight and was making a mess. I offered to take her so she could get away from her stressors. She's been here almost 2 weeks; what a difference, She's started putting on weight. The litter box is still questionable, but part of that had to do with her having some nasty diarrhea. Poor baby. She is actually making an attempt now. I am hoping her bowel condition improves, because I am sick of cleaning up after her. I know the fiancé has fallen for her. It is too cute to watch them together. She thinks he is the ultimate pillow, and that he should spend all day petting her while she sleeps on him.
The wedding planning has been going well. The guest list is finalized, and the venue is booked! Very exciting. Speaking of that silly thing called love, he gave me the most thoughtful Valentine's gift ever. He picked out the cutest little photo album, one that I would have picked myself, and filled it with pics of us and places that have meaning to us! It was the sweetest, most romantic gift I have ever received. So perfect. It just added to the reasons why I love him!
As for the rest of my life, I have found that I love the Instagram app for my iPhone (add me, I'm squishy car). I am also a hopeless Pinterest addict. Pinterest has taken over my life lol. I spend more time on there than on any other website, hence the reason my blog has been neglected for so long...so join up and follow me!
I have been busy training to be an intercity bus driver for a local company. So far it is very enjoyable. I have done a couple runs solo, and that is way less stress than I thought. Hopefully I will be released from the training program soon and be on my own to terrorize, I mean drive, the local streets. Ok, actually the only reason I care to be released from training is to get my uniform so I can stop wearing my regular clothes and, more importantly, to get the silly briefcase that will let me create a "bus kit"
In more interesting, non-bus related news, we have a new addition to our "family", a 14 year old kitty cat named Kalikat. She was living with my parents, but was starting to go downhill due to her hatred of dogs and the other cats. She refused to eat with the other cats, and wasn't a fan of going downstairs to the litterbox. That doesn't really work so well, so she lost a ton of weight and was making a mess. I offered to take her so she could get away from her stressors. She's been here almost 2 weeks; what a difference, She's started putting on weight. The litter box is still questionable, but part of that had to do with her having some nasty diarrhea. Poor baby. She is actually making an attempt now. I am hoping her bowel condition improves, because I am sick of cleaning up after her. I know the fiancé has fallen for her. It is too cute to watch them together. She thinks he is the ultimate pillow, and that he should spend all day petting her while she sleeps on him.
The wedding planning has been going well. The guest list is finalized, and the venue is booked! Very exciting. Speaking of that silly thing called love, he gave me the most thoughtful Valentine's gift ever. He picked out the cutest little photo album, one that I would have picked myself, and filled it with pics of us and places that have meaning to us! It was the sweetest, most romantic gift I have ever received. So perfect. It just added to the reasons why I love him!
As for the rest of my life, I have found that I love the Instagram app for my iPhone (add me, I'm squishy car). I am also a hopeless Pinterest addict. Pinterest has taken over my life lol. I spend more time on there than on any other website, hence the reason my blog has been neglected for so long...so join up and follow me!
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Resolutions
As it is the start of a new year, it is the time to start actually making this chapter of my life better than I have been.
I need to take better care of myself, take more pride in how I look on a daily basis, even if I am not going out anywhere. Doing simple things like using a nice smelling lotion, painting my nails, getting my hair cut more regularly should help. I especially need to lose some weight so I am not so self conscious of my middle. However, my complete refusal to do gym exercise kinda hurts that plan, but I want to lose weight by making smarter choices in what I eat. As I have issues with my blood sugar dropping, I need to find healthy foods that will help hold me until the next snack. Snacks need to be sensible choices, high in nutrition. I know my new schedule where I can come home midday will help as when I am home I tend not to eat as much. One place I will start is ordering skim milk in my coffee, I have switched to 2% at home.
Another area I need to improve is my finances. My new job (possibly jobs) still leave me short on what I was making before. There is an online advisor free through one of my banks that I will fill out and have to use. I need to be able to build savings as well as I am now without health insurance. My credit cards need to be gone, yet again. I really just can't have a credit card because I will get into a funk where I think spending money will make me feel better, when it is just a temporary fix. I will be couponing even harder to make up the difference, so I am still a contributing member of the household, and keeping a good log of my savings.
I need to appreciate all I have a lot more than I do. I am always depressed and I have no reason to be. I have everything I could want. I need to remember that.
Here's to 2012 being a success and me getting back on track.
I need to take better care of myself, take more pride in how I look on a daily basis, even if I am not going out anywhere. Doing simple things like using a nice smelling lotion, painting my nails, getting my hair cut more regularly should help. I especially need to lose some weight so I am not so self conscious of my middle. However, my complete refusal to do gym exercise kinda hurts that plan, but I want to lose weight by making smarter choices in what I eat. As I have issues with my blood sugar dropping, I need to find healthy foods that will help hold me until the next snack. Snacks need to be sensible choices, high in nutrition. I know my new schedule where I can come home midday will help as when I am home I tend not to eat as much. One place I will start is ordering skim milk in my coffee, I have switched to 2% at home.
Another area I need to improve is my finances. My new job (possibly jobs) still leave me short on what I was making before. There is an online advisor free through one of my banks that I will fill out and have to use. I need to be able to build savings as well as I am now without health insurance. My credit cards need to be gone, yet again. I really just can't have a credit card because I will get into a funk where I think spending money will make me feel better, when it is just a temporary fix. I will be couponing even harder to make up the difference, so I am still a contributing member of the household, and keeping a good log of my savings.
I need to appreciate all I have a lot more than I do. I am always depressed and I have no reason to be. I have everything I could want. I need to remember that.
Here's to 2012 being a success and me getting back on track.
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