All I wanna do is have some fun

Subject:	I trust my soul, my only goal is just to be
Time:	11:48 am.

1. What time did you get up this morning? 11:00... it's the weekend, chill

2. How do you like your steak? Paid for by someone else

3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

4. What is your favorite TV show? ...Frasier...

5. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be? Boston/Europe

6. What did you have for breakfast? Strawberry Slimfast

7. What is your favorite cuisine? Pan-Asian, Mexican, Mediterranean, most foods

8. What foods do you dislike? Mushrooms and olives

9. Favorite Place to eat? Chipolte- Memphis needs one STAT

10. Favorite dressing? Honey Mustard

11.What kind of vehicle do you drive? Toyota Camry

12. Favorite clothes? Jeans and a cute top or pj's

13. Where would you visit if you had the chance? Everywhere I haven't been

14. Cup 1/2 empty or 1/2 full? Refillable

15. Where would you want to retire? Where my heart will be content

16. Favorite time of day? Whenever I get to relax, especially in the company of friends

17. Where were you born? Memphis

18. What is your favorite sport to watch? Baseball

21. Who are you most curious about their responses to this? Whoever wants to respond, I'll
read it

22. Bird watcher? Not really, unless my cats are about to attack

23. Are you a morning person or a night person? Usually night, occasionally morning

24. Do you have any pets? My cats

25. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share? Not really

26. What did you want to be when you were little? Ruler of the world

27. What is your best childhood memory? Some mischeviousness involving Moria I'm sure

28. Are you a cat or dog person? Both

29. What was your last drink? Slimfast

30. Always wear your seat belt? Yes- Buckle up for safety! Buckle up!

31. Been in a car accident? Been in a few

32. Any pet peeves? Eating with your mouth open

33. Favorite Pizza Toppings? Extra cheese, sometimes other things depending on my cravings

34. Favorite Flower? Irises

35. Favorite ice cream? Half-Baked

36. Favorite fast food restaurant? Wendy's

37. How many times did you fail your driver's test? Zero

38. From whom did you get your last email? Facebook

39. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card? Super Targer

40. Do anything spontaneous lately? Sure

41. Like your job? It's fine, it pays the bills

42. Broccoli? Not so much

43. What was your favorite vacation? Boston was a good one

44. Last person you went out to dinner with? Moria

45. What are you listening to right now? My mom on the phone, cars

46. What is your favorite color? Orange.

47. How many tattoos do you have? Five

49. What time is it? 12:04pm

50. Coffee Drinker? Yes!

speak words of kindness.

Subject:	People try to put us down, just because we get around
Time:	4:26 pm.

Ten Things I Wish I Could Say to Ten Different People. (but don't say their name)

1. Quit making it about you, it has nothing to do with you and your need to intervene only makes it worse.
2. You are mad at me for something I had nothing to do with and now you're letting that anger ruin our friendship, you dumbass.
3. Ten is extravagant, the entire affair is entirely too extravagant and I almost wish I had a reason to not attend.
4. Want to go get a drink with me?
5. Read a fucking sign, you moron, you're wasting my time.
6. You don't get to have any say in how many tattoos I get, so get over it.
7. I hated you when you seemed to not care or mourn. I wanted to shake you until you hurt as much as I did.
8. You do need to move out, it's time, you're an adult and have no more reasons to rely on the family so much, so get over it.
9. I'm afraid to talk to you about it because I see the same signs in myself and I don't have time to deal with that right now. It scares me.
10. I do think you chose a hard life, I hope it works out though.

Nine things about myself.

1. I live to travel.
2. I take pictures of absolutely everything.
3. I love getting tattoos.
4. When I get really upset, musicals are one of the few things that bring me out of it.
5. I wish I could be in a musical, but I'm tone deaf.
6. I hate white walls.
7. My cats are some of my favorite people.
8. I regret nothing, because I wouldn't be who I am today if I hadn't made the choices I have.
9. I am in grad school to become a teacher.

Eight ways to win my heart.

1. Be able to talk for hours on end about absolutely anything.
2. Never try to make me feel inadequate.
3. Don't criticize my friends or family to the point where you're enjoying it- even I'm doing it, it will piss me off if you do it.
4. Love my random behavior.
5. Be willing to try new things.
6. Make me try new things.
7. Travel like I do.
8. Let me be irrational from time to time.

Seven things that cross my mind a lot.

1. I will never get out of debt.
2. I need to lose weight.
3. I want to move out.
4. I miss ______.
5. I wonder if he could ever like me.
6. Can that wait until tomorrow?
7. _____ needs to call me back soon.

Six things I do before I fall asleep

1. Watch Frasier
2. Sudoku
3. Check my alarm
4. Change into pj's
5. Let the cats in/out
6. Whatever prep needs to be done for the next day

Five people who mean a lot. (in no order whatsoever)
1. Mom
2. Memaw
3. Liz
4. Moria
5. Thomas

Four things you're wearing right now.

1. Tiffany's earrings
2. Class ring
3. Comfy flip-flops
4. Scrunchie

Three songs that you listen to often.

1. Don't trust me- 3OH!3
2. All my relations- Ulali
3. Hang on Sloopy- The McCoys

Two things you want to do before you die.

1. Travel everywhere
2. Make a difference

One confession.

1. I daydream all the time.

2 pairs of attractive lips | speak words of kindness.

Subject:	Swallow that pill called pride, the old me's dead and gone but the new me will be alright
Time:	4:07 pm.

It has been such a long time since I have updated and I know it.

Let's see, Spring Semester ended in the beginning of May, lots of work and stress, but it was good and worth it for straight A's last semester :)

Erica came to visit and that was a lot of fun, even though I got crazy sick and we were stuck in my house a bit more than I planned on. But we still did most of the stuff on our to-do list which was fun. I enjoyed getting to see her after her France travels and all. I love having WU people come visit me here- hint, hint.

Then I got a brief vacation for the rest of May. Danielle has been here, so lots of 3M hang out times happened. We had a bridal shower for MK and then a bachelorette party- waaaaaayyyy fun ;)

Now, summer term has begun- uggghhhh. June 1-25. I can do this, I can do this. So far, on top of it, just need to remain that way until the end. When every major project is due. Cause that's so smart profs. Like we don't procrastinate to begin with. My two classes are very similar which I enjoy. I'm still trying to keep an open mind about one of my classes cause the prof and I did not start off well. But he seemed better towards the end and sent me a nice email for the class I had to miss. So maybe we'll be alright. If not, just 6 more classes. I've had to deal with teachers for a whole school year that I didn't like before, one month should be doable.

Sarah Bader's wedding was this past weekend. That was a lot of fun. I got in to Oregon on Thursday and went down to Salem to see DG's still around. It had been over a year and still everything felt the same. I felt like I was going back for fall semester or something. I stayed with Erica which was very nice :) Then back to Bader's for the Rehearsal and Dinner. Very pretty cathedral, just gorgeous. Met the rest of the bridal party- I only knew Mandy. They were nice, funny, friendly. Late night after the dinner at a bar, lols. Then quick sleep and up early to get all pretty for pictures, then the wedding. It went off without a hitch and everyone complimented my shoes :) (I was a bridesmaid if I didn't mention it already). The reception was fun, though I wished someone else I knew was there to talk to. There were some WU people, but mainly Joe's friends and Sarah's newer friends so it took some time to get to chatting. Alcohol helped with that a lot. The after-party was soooooo fun :) Drank way too much and I have the FB status to prove it, haha!

Now, back to Memphis, school and work. Woot.

*~*K*~*

speak words of kindness.

Subject:	If Death should carve a canyon in between us for awhile, then sing this song for me til I come home
Time:	2:17 pm.

My grandfather died in his sleep this morning.

My mom called me around 6:45 to tell me. I have been crying or on the phone or at Memaw's house ever since.
One Uncle and Aunt are here already.
The others will be coming tomorrow or Wednesday depending on traffic/ticket availability.
We don't know yet if my three out of town cousins will be coming. Which would mean that only Ashly, my brother and myself will be there out of the grandchildren. I find that insane. If I lived out of town, I'd be here for the funeral no doubt in my mind.

We're having the visitation Wednesday night, and the funeral will be Thursday afternoon.

I've emailed my professors and Conor called our boss so they understand we're not sure if we're going to be until next week. My mom thinks we should just keep busy and not think too much about it. I think that would lead to a massive breakdown later on. So I'd rather take some time to grieve now, finish up class stuff before the break and then use that week off to work on getting back on track and working through the grief some more if I need to.

Moria and Lila will be coming in tomorrow night, Kerry and Mary Kathryn are here in town and are moving their schedules around to be with me this week. My father and stepmother are coming in town Wednesday night. My dad cried when I called him.

I know I'm supposed to be prepared for this, and I was sort of. But this was the man who helped raise me. He taught me how to use tools, mathematics, and spoiled me since I was the only granddaughter in town. He went with me to most Father-Daughter dances, etc. Watching him get worse and worse so quickly was horrible. I wanted him to go peacefully and not suffer anymore. But I still miss him more than I can express.

My eyes hurt from all the crying. I'm going to go clean some more.

*~*K*~*

6 pairs of attractive lips | speak words of kindness.

Subject:	To those of us who knew the pain of valentines that never came
Time:	1:18 am.

Ok, update time!

Amanda is now married- Woot! and What? Lols. The wedding was very enjoyable, beautiful and fun :) I was very glad to be able to make it out for it. The slumber party was fun- especially that Mad Libs! Lols, and being made fun of for how I make sundaes- y'all love how weird I am when it comes to preparing my food, so deal. The rehearsal was nice, even if Val was very Val about what we needed to do and how I needed to bow. The ceremony was touching and sweet. And the reception was fun, and yes we all got teary eyed during the father-daughter dance, oy.

My big news is that I am now working at the Brooks Art Museum part time as well!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I had training last week and it was FABULOUS!!!!! My boss is uber sweet and all preggers and cute :) And the job is the bomb.com. I get to meet and greet customers, answer and transfer phone calls and stay up to date on what's going on at the museum. I love it! And the other trainee was really sweet and has a twisted sense of humor like me. When we'd go to parts of the museum on our own, we'd both be cussing like sailors and laughing at random stuff. It was great, esp cause she's an Art History major, so she's able to fill me in on a lot of stuff which I appreciate. I also love that I got paid to tour a museum. Best training ever. I'm sad I won't really get to work with other people since it's a one-person-at-a-time job. I kind of want to call up Emily and ask her to hang out- is that weird or like how it's supposed to be now that friends aren't just built into our lives? We met up to retour the museum on Sunday, and we've got each others numbers. And we were able to chat and joke like from the get-go. And her boyfriend works for my mom's friend's husband who has known me for forever, so we've actually met before, we just didn't know it. Thoughts?

Walgreen's is still happening- for now the hours are a bit more regular, and after going without a paycheck for over a month, I definitely can't say no to some more money. It's easier to work there knowing that I also work at the Brooks and that I'm going to grad school.

School is going well. I had a huge group presentation that happened last night. We taught the class for about two hours, it was intense. But we did well. And I wasn't as nervous as I usually am. I had hit the fuck it, let's just get this damn thing over with moment. Jessica and I did the whole ppt. and it took us over 15 hours. So, she and I were both like, we've seen this a million times, we're ready to tell the class what's up and peace. So she and I were the most relaxed, which was nice. And we knew most of the answers our prof asked. And the class was really good, engaging in all the activities we had for them. They got way into the Jeopardy game- like shouting matches about who raised their hand first, etc. Whoa jeez, we didn't have any money, and everyone got a piece of candy at the end of the night. It's weird to be in week five, cause that means I'm over halfway through with these two classes and inching closer to my next two. I hope my next profs are cool.

That's about it for now.

*~*K*~*

speak words of kindness.

Subject:	So you left your hometown to try out for the part of everybody's pretty little angel
Time:	11:32 am.

Ok, haven't updated for awhile. I start grad school on Monday, which is very exciting, though does make me a little nervous. I had orientation Thursday night and it was good. I won a $50 gift certificate for the bookstore, so that was nice.

I'm applying for a new job because my current one gives me next to no hours and they treat me like shit which I am so over. I know, I know, what else is new.

I had a good Christmas, lots of family and friend time which was fun for the most part. We had Conor dress up like Santa for the family dinner on Christmas Eve and he came in and Maddie was so excited, it was adorable. He gave her a little gift for then and promised her more presents in the morning. She just loved it. And we got a ton of great pictures. Way presh :)

And New Year's was good as well, especially with Liz visiting :) We introduced Liz to cheese dip, and now she too can attest to its deliciousness :P. We also went to Zoo Lights and that was pretty fun. We saw the Peabody Ducks' new home on the rooftop, very nice. We went to Salsa for New Year's Eve dinner with Danielle and Dori and ended up getting our meal for free :) Our waiter was awesome, and kinda cute, lols! Then we went back to Dori's for drinking, dancing and Taboo. Such fun! And on New Year's Day, we went to my mom's friends place for her afternoon party where everyone has to eat black-eyed peas for a good year and collard greens for financial well-being. And Liz did me proud eating all that Southern food, I'll convert her soon enough ;)

And now for some surveys:
( Read more... )

2 pairs of attractive lips | speak words of kindness.

Subject:	I've swallowed my pride for you, lived and lied for you, but you still make me feel like a thief
Time:	3:39 pm.

Survey-ness :)
( Read more... )
Things I’ve done are in bold.

What I’ve done:

1. Started your own blog

2. Slept under the stars

3. Played in a band

4. Visited Hawaii

5. Watched a meteor shower

6. Given more than you can afford to charity

7. Been to Disneyland (Disney World?)

8. Climbed a mountain

9. Held a praying mantis

10. Sang a solo (try outs?)

11. Bungee jumped

12. Visited Paris

13. Watched a lightning storm at sea

14. Taught yourself an art from scratch

15. Adopted a child

16. Had food poisoning

17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty

18. Grown your own vegetables

19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France

20. Slept on an overnight train

21. Had a pillow fight

22. Hitch hiked

23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill

24. Built a snow fort

25. Held a lamb

26. Gone skinny dipping

27. Run a Marathon

28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice

29. Seen a total eclipse

30. Watched a sunrise or sunset

31. Hit a home run

32. Been on a cruise

33. Seen Niagara Falls in person

34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors

35. Seen an Amish community

36. Taught yourself a new language

37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied

38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person

39. Gone rock climbing

40. Seen Michelangelo’s David

41. Sung karaoke

42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt

43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant

44. Visited Africa

45. Walked on a beach by moonlight

46. Been transported in an ambulance

47. Had your portrait painted

48. Gone deep sea fishing

49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person

50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris

51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling

52. Kissed in the rain

53. Played in the mud

54. Gone to a drive-in theater

55. Been in a movie

56. Visited the Great Wall of China

57. Started a business

58. Taken a martial arts class

59. Visited Russia

60. Served at a soup kitchen

61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies

62. Gone whale watching

63. Got flowers for no reason

64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma

65. Gone sky diving

66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp

67. Bounced a check

68. Flown in a helicopter

69. Saved a favorite childhood toy

70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial

71. Eaten Caviar

72. Pieced a quilt

73. Stood in Times Square

74. Toured the Everglades

75. Been fired from a job

76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London

77. Broken a bone

78. Been on a speeding motorcycle

79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person

80. Published a book

81. Visited the Vatican

82. Bought a brand new car

83. Walked in Jerusalem

84. Had your picture in the newspaper

85. Read the entire Bible

86. Visited the White House

87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating

88. Had chickenpox

89. Saved someone’s life

90. Sat on a jury

91. Met someone famous

92. Joined a book club

93. Lost a loved one

94. Had a baby

95. Seen the Alamo in person

96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake

97. Been involved in a law suit

98. Owned a cell phone

99. Been stung by a bee

100. Read an entire book in one day

I'm afraid of ? out of 72 common fears...
[ ] the dark
[ ] staying single forever
[ ] being a parent
[ ] giving birth
[ ] being myself in front of others
[ ] open spaces
[ ] closed spaces
[ ] heights
[ ] dogs
[ ] birds
[ ] fish
[x] spiders
[ ] flowers or other plants

Total so far: 1

[ ] being touched
[ ] fire
[ ] deep water
[ ] snakes
[ ] silk
[ ] the ocean
[x] failure
[ ] success
[ ] thunder/lightning
[ ] frogs/toads
[ ] my boyfriends/girlfriends dad
[ ] boyfriends/girlfriends mom
[x] rats
[ ] jumping from high places
[ ] snow

Total so far: 3

[ ] rain
[ ] wind
[x] crossing hanging bridges
[ ] death
[ ] heaven
[ ] being robbed
[ ] falling
[ ] clowns
[ ] dolls
[ ] large crowds of people
[ ] men
[ ] women
[x] having great responsibilities
[ ] doctors, including dentists
[ ] tornadoes

Total so far: 5

[ ] hurricanes
[ ] incurable diseases
[x] sharks
[ ] Friday the 13th
[ ] ghosts
[ ] poverty
[ ] Halloween
[ ] school
[ ] trains
[ ] odd numbers
[ ] even numbers
[x] being alone
[x] becoming blind
[ ] becoming deaf
[ ] growing up

Total so far: 8

[x] creepy noises in the night
[ ] bee stings
[x] not accomplishing my dreams/goals
[ ] needles
[ ] blood
[ ] dinosaurs
[ ] the welcome mat
[ ] high speed
[ ] throwing up
[ ] falling in love
[ ] super secrets

TOTAL: 10
If you get more than 30, I strongly recommend some counseling.
If you get more than 20, you’re paranoid.
If you get 10-20, you are normal.
If you get 10 or less, you’re fearless.
People who don’t have any are liars.

speak words of kindness.

Subject:	There I go jumping before the gunshot has gone off, slap me with a splintered ruler
Time:	7:51 pm.

Lols, ok. So didn't post recipes for a few days now. Whoops, but not surprising. I'll post a few today to make up for it.

Work is going fine. I have to clean the boss's house this week, eek!!! I feel like it's a test. So I'm way intimidated. Hopefully it will be alright. Not gonna stress it just yet.

Been able to see friends a decent bit this week. Kerry, MK and I did dinner during the week. And then yesterday we got some coffee and went to Walgreen's to see my bro who was dressed up as Santa. And we got our picture taken with him, it was presh and hysterical :)

Family's been fine. Seen Memaw and Pepaw a good bit, helping out and all that. Though, today while taking our tree out of our mom's car, Conor rammed into my side view mirror and took it off its hinges. I was livid, especially cause he was acting like it wasn't a big deal. Which it is. But we've got a temp fix right now, and I'll call garages/Auto Zone this week to get estimates on fixing it. And he's gonna pay for most of it. Oh wells. We moved on and he and I put up our tree and decorated it and then put up all the other lights around the house and some outside. Our house looks so festive, I love it!

OH, for Conor's bday on Friday, he and I went down to Tunica to go to a few casinos. It was fun. I came out ahead! I won on the slots a bit. And I even played Black Jack, cause it's Conor's favorite. On my first time, I got black jack! It was pretty cool, even the dealer was impressed. I made black jack like three or four times total. It was a good day :)

Ok, here are some recipes to try out!

Apple Cranberry Bake
Ingredients
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
3 cups chopped unpeeled tart apples
2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
1 cup old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup cold butter

1. In a large bowl, combine sugar and cornstarch; stir in the apples and cranberries. Transfer to a greased 2-qt. baking dish.
2. In another bowl, combine the oats, brown sugar, pecans and flour; cut in butter until mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle over apple mixture.
Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm.

Bowl of the Wife of Kit Carson
Ingredients
2 whole boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approx. 2 lbs.)
1 quart chicken broth (large can is fine)
pinch of dried oregano (Mexican oregano if you have it on hand)
1 cup instant rice
1 cup cooked garbanzo beans (canned, drain well)
1 ripe avocado, peeled, pitted, and sliced
2-3 chipotle chilies, packed in adobo, (found in Mexican section in a small can)
Be sure to add about 2 tablespoons of the adobo juice
4-6 oz. Havarti cheese, cubed
4 sprigs cilantro

Place the chicken breasts in a pot with the broth. Bring to a boil, then turn off the heat, cover, and poach for 12 minutes, gently.
Remove chicken from pot and cut into bite size pieces. Return chicken to the broth and ad the oregano, rice, garbanzo beans, avocado, chipotle with some adobo juice, and cilantro.
Divide the cheese evenly among 4 deep soup bowls (or put directly into pot, stirring well.)
Quickly heat the soup again to a quick boil, then ladle it into the bowls.

Butternut Squash Soup
Ingredients
3 lg. butternut squash
3 carrots peeled and sliced
1 lg. onion thinly sliced
8 tbsp butter (1 stick)
8 tsp brown sugar
10 cups chicken broth
¾ tsp allspice or pumpkin pie spice
¾ tsp ground ginger
1 pinch cayenne pepper
salt to taste

Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Place squash in a roasting pan with 1 tbsp butter and brown sugar, carrots, onions, 2 cups broth in pan. Cover and bake for 2 hours.
Scoop out squash, carrots, onions, and stock from pan. Add rest of stock and spices.
Put all in lg. stock pot. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.
Puree all in food processor, and return to pot.
Simmer again. Add additional broth to thin in needed.

Holiday Morning French Toast
Ingredients
1 cup Brown Sugar
½ cup Butter, melted
3 tsp. Ground Cinnamon
3 Tart Apples (like Granny Smith), peeled, cored and thinly sliced
½ cup Dried Cranberries or Raisins
1 loaf Italian or French Bread, cut into 1 inch slices
6 Large Eggs
1½ cups Milk
1 tbsp. Vanilla Extract

Combine brown sugar, butter and 1 tsp. cinnamon in a 13x9 inch baking dish. Add apples and cranberries; toss to coat well. Spread apple mixture evenly over bottom of baking dish. Arrange slices of bread on top.
Mix eggs, milk, vanilla and remaining 2 tsp. cinnamon until well blended. Pour mixture over bread, soaking bread completely. Cover and refrigerate 4-24 hours.
Bake, covered with foil, in a preheated 375 oven for 40 minutes. Uncover and bake 5 minutes. Remove from oven; let stand 5 minutes. Serve warm.

Okra Fritters
Ingredients
.25 cup Cornmeal
.25 cup Flour
.5 cup Finely Chopped Onion
.5 cup Evaporated Milk
1 Large Egg, lightly beaten
3 tbsp. Parsley
3 tbsp. Grated Parmesan Cheese
.5 tsp. Salt
.25 tsp. Pepper
2 cups Sliced Okra (about 2/3 lbs.)*
Vegetable Oil

Combine first 9 ingredients; stir in okra. Pour oil to depth of 2 in. into Dutch Oven. Heat to 350°. Drop mixture by tablespoon into oil. Cook until golden brown, turning once. Drain on paper towels.

*2 cups frozen sliced okra, thawed, may be substituted for fresh okra.

2 pairs of attractive lips | speak words of kindness.

Subject:	Someday at Christmas, men won't be boys playing with bombs like kids play with toys
Time:	6:38 pm.

Oy, today has been non-stop sorta. I spent the night at Kerry's cause my house for today got cancelled. So we were just gonna drink some wine- we got it way cheap which was nice, but I think I dropped my twenty in the liquor store which totally sucks. But I'm still praying to St. Tony that it'll appear sometime soon. So we're drinking, and Kerry's cousin calls wanting to come over. He and his girlfriend come hang out, we're chatting, making fun of Kerry, the good stuff. Then we decide we want to smoke a lil, so we call Mack to bring us the green. And damn, I haven't been that high in like a year. It was beautiful. It made the rest of the night one hell of a haze, but that was fine. Mack and Jake got pretty baked as well and Kerry was drunk to pieces. The only one who wasn't gone was Celeste, so props to her.

This morning, got up, Kerry and I hit up CK's for old time's sake. Then I found out I missed calls from work, the first being we need you, the second being a kinda snappy we found someone else. Which was so fun cause I had to go there to get a key for tomorrow and my paycheck only to arrive and find that paychecks are going to be a day late and the house I needed the key for cancelled. So great, waste of time and gas and my boss was like, you need your phone on you at all times on days you're supposed to work. Sorry...

Then my mom called to tell me to go to my grandparents to get some soup, I end up running errands for them when I get there though. Which is fine, I just wish it hadn't already been so late in the day when I got there. Went home, cleaned up a few rooms, etc. Now, I'm finally able to relax and wondering what to make for dinner.

Speaking of food, here's my recipe for the day!

Squash Casserole:
Ingredients
3 cups Squash
1 tbsp. Chopped Onion
4-5 slices cooked and crumbled Bacon
2 Eggs, well beaten
1 cup grated Cheddar Cheese
Salt & Pepper to taste
1 stick Margarine

Cook squash until tender. Season with salt, pepper, butter and onion. Add well beaten eggs and mix well. Put layer of squash in baking dish. Add layer of crumbled bacon and cheese. Repeat layer. Add cheese on top. Bake about 30 minutes. (I don't really layer, I just sort of mix it all together and then add some extra cheese on top, but to each their own)

speak words of kindness.

Subject:	Rudolph, with your nose so bright, won't you guide my sleigh tonight?
Time:	7:22 pm.
Mood:	restless.

I'm going to attempt to do something with this LJ this month, but I'm semi-forgetful, so we'll see if it lasts. I keep getting these pass it on recipe emails, and while I hardly ever remember to paste my own and forward it on, it made me think. My friends and I are starting to cook for ourselves a lot more, so I bet they could use some new recipes to try out. So, I'm going to try to remember to post a recipe a day on my LJ. I'm also going to try do seasonal ones, but I might run out. Anyways, hope y'all enjoy!

Penne with Pumpkin Cream Sauce
Ingredients
1 lb. Penne Pasta
2 tbsp. Butter
1.5 cup Onion, chopped (you can use less if you don't like onion as much, and more if you do)
Salt & Pepper, to taste
15 oz. can Pure Pumpkin Puree (the stuff you make pumpkin pies with)
1 cup Heavy Cream (may be labelled as heavy whipping cream)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan Cheese
1/4 cup Parsley, chopped
1-1.5 cup chopped Ham or Turkery (or whatever meat you think will go well in this dish)

In a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook the pasta until al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup pasta cooking water.
In the same pot, melt the bettur over medium low heat. Add onion and ham/turkey, then season; cook, stirring, until softened (about 6 mintues). Stir in the pumpkin and heavy cream and bring to a boil. Return the pasta to the pot with the reserved pasta cooking water and toss. Stir in the parmesan.
Top the pasta with the parsley and more parmesan.

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Subject:	Tell me, if everybody wants you, why isn't anybody calling?
Time:	10:56 pm.

Ever feel like you've got a million things to say and then nothing comes to mind? Yeah, that's me like all the time, I think. Nowadays anyways.

It's good being home. Though, I need to finally really focus on getting some part time gig if only for the holiday season at least. I semi-need the money, but really need something to do, and a place to socialize 3-4 times a week.

Pepaw isn't doing any better. He won't get better either. The doctors told us he has at most a year left. It wasn't that surprising. He barely eats, he has no energy. He can't even go to church anymore. Which I know upsets him a lot, not just because it means he's missing out, but because it means Memaw has to go alone. So I've been going with her, and then we get dinner and take it to their house and nosh and chat. Conor has been coming too, though ever since the doctors gave the official prognosis, he's been distant. It's weird, he and Memaw I think will be the most affected by his death. Conor and Pepaw are just so close. We both are to our grandparents. They have been major players in our lives all along. I mean, Pepaw taught me algebra, etc. to get me ahead in Math, and from then on I always excelled and always knew a part of it was because of him. He never went to college because Memaw got pregnant a few months after they were married and he had just started his first semester. So he dropped out to start working full time to support his family. He always called himself dumb since he never went to college. And I always hated it when he did that. He's a smart man. And I can't continue talking about this any more for now, because the screen's getting too blurry.

Happier notes now. Been hanging out with MK a good bit. We set up her family's Christmas Village the other night for the most part- some of the light strands blew out so they've got to go get new ones. But otherwise, it was fun. We over analyzed where to put anything, lols. It was great, we sounded insane, but in a beautiful way.

Kerry has moved back to Memphis :) I called her the other night to set something up and ended up going over that night to drink and catch up hardcore. It was great. She will hopefully come to Chattanooga with me next week, as long as her mom doesn't need her for something.

Oh, I think I may have seen a drug bust today on my way to my grandparents. There was a huge section of a street blocked off by like 12 cop cars, major detour to say the least. It was kinda freaky. I told my grandparents to watch the news and let me know. Maybe I'll look it up in a bit. Now, I'm just baby-sitting Little Miss Anna Banana for the night. She's such a cutie, and fortunately remembered me so not as fussy as previous times.

*~*K*~*

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Subject:	I think a change, a change, will do you good
Time:	8:55 pm.

I AM SOOOOOOO ECSTATIC THAT OBAMA WON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

He is an inspirational leader, I have a lot of hope and faith in this country's future thanks to him. And to all who voted for and helped him get elected.

But, I would like all the damn conservatives to shut the hell up. Perhaps it's just the area I live in, Bible Belt- way too conservative most of the time, but I have seen and heard the most horrible things. I've heard people saying they hope he gets assassinated, and they call themselves Christians. Honestly, no one can screw up the country beyond repair, many of our former leaders have proven that time and time again, Dems and Reps alike. It's just so hard to hear people saying that we need to hide our money (how? in some magical bank run by goblins or elves?) or that he will push a non-Christian agenda and try to get them black people more stuff .... Well, perhaps a non-Christian agenda is just what we need, and truthfully too many other politicians are Christians so that religion will always and forever be infused in our politics. And maybe, just maybe, black people as well as other people of color deserve a chance to have more equality in this country. I know we like to deny it, but we favor certain people, certain sexes, etc. Perhaps a nation of equals would be cool to try for. I mean, it's just an attempt to do what our Constitution says we ought to do, right? Heaven forbid...

And I know, I have bashed W. many a time, so perhaps I have no right to criticize. But I still respected him for being the president. More so as I got older and matured a bit, granted. It's a tough, shitty job. And to want to do and then to do it commands some respect from us as citizens. I would've respected McCain, hell, I do respect McCain. I'm not crazy about Palin, but I kind of hoped since she didn't even know what a VP did, she wouldn't be too much harm. I hope McCain continues to urge his supporters to be respectful and supportive of Obama. That was very classy of him to do. I hope they heed his words.

I was no so happy to hear about CA, FL, AZ and AR. In such a moving election, to still have such discrimination being pushed through is appalling. It doesn't surprise me sadly, well CA did a bit, but the other three not really. I've been thinking a lot about how we see fit to take away the rights of people we deem inferior for whatever reason. And it got me to thinking about how as a heterosexual, I don't have to worry as much about these rights being stripped of others. Well, the single-parent adoption, yeah possibly, but the marriage ban, not really. That's exactly the thinking that keeps us from really trying to make a change. That, even if only in the darkest parts of our minds or hearts, if it doesn't really affect us, or we think it doesn't, should we make an effort to change it.

So, I'm thinking about what I can do. I know, join the movement, but still that doesn't seem quite enough. Because I'll still be able to do what they cannot. So, I'm considering refusing to be married until homosexuals can be married. I know, easy to say when I don't have a boyfriend, but I'm hopeful that won't always be the case. And I'm not committing to it just yet. But I wonder, if a decent number of heterosexual couples who appeared to be headed down the aisle decided to not get married until homosexuals were able to as well, would that make any real difference? That's my question to the void. I have given it some thought, like if these couples were willing to do this and tell their friends and family, I'm going to live with my bf/gf, maybe even have children, but we won't get married until homosexuals can. Would it help to garner more support? I suppose it depends on the views of the friends and family. My family would hit the roof. I have friends who wouldn't understand and who would hate telling their parents that I was doing this. But I don't know if it would change their minds or their hearts enough to get them to vote for allowing same-sex marriage. I wonder though...

1 pair of attractive lips | speak words of kindness.

Subject:	Shout, shout, let it all out, these are the things I could do without
Time:	8:18 pm.

Aight, so I'm back in Memphis.

Steve found a new girl pretty fast. And since he finally got that all he needs is an after school babysitter, she was able to start this past Monday.

So, I packed up and went to the Shore for the weekend. Stayed at a wonderful B&B that I recommend to any and everyone- The Seascape Manor in Highlands, NJ. Complimentary wine, sweet pets to pet and play with, a view of the Atlantic, nice rooms, comfy bed, complimentary bubble bath. So my people.

Then I stopped in Morristown, NJ to see one of my older cousins, his wife and son. We had a nice visit, caught up on family gossip, that sort of thing. Went to VA to see my aunt, uncle and cousin again for a few nights. We had a nice visit as well. And I took Pretty Pretty in to Jiffy Lube to get checked out and have her oil changed.

Now, I'm here. Went out with MK last night for Halloween, we dressed as Disco people, lols. It was fun- pics on FB.

And I'm kinda flirting with the barista here at High Point and just scored an extra shot of espresso in my latte, so yay!

And here's the latest survey going around.
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Subject:	I'm on my way from misery to happiness today
Time:	9:51 am.

This is my last week as a nanny. I know, I know, one month and I'm out. But at least I tried. Maybe not as long as I could have, but sometimes a month is enough. Also, I'd be here a few more weeks if the next gal didn't want to start up right away. So yeah.

Let's see, last time I posted I was about to go see Susan and then Cat for Weekend Number Two in NYC. It was nice to see Susan and meet her friend. I traveled all on my own on the subway and didn't get lost, so I think that's a bit impressive. Lols. We grilled out on her terrace and then walked along the waterfront to see the view of Manhattan Island. It was nice, though I passed out a bit early on due to starting to come down with a sinus infection. But anywho, the next day, I met up with Cat in Grand Central. We headed down to Battery Park to get tickets for Ellis Island. Ellis Island was amazing. Just seeing all the rooms with things they brought over, hearing their stories. Just so ... just wow. Waiting in a cramped room with like 5,000 other people just hoping you passed inspection and the interviews and that your family and friends did too. I can't imagine it.

Then last week was blah because I was sick and working on not being sick. I slept a lot, studied as much as I could for the GRE and tried to not be bored out of my mind. Oh, I also gave my notice to Steve, which helped reduce my anxiety and stress a lot. And I got to prepare for Noah's birthday party, bought all the decorations, supplies, food, goody bags, etc. Felt so Mom-ish, it was weird, but kinda fun to get all the lil kid stuffs for a birthday for a change. Also made me glad I was taking the GRE during the party. And I found out that Diane was going to be visiting her family in Scranton, PA (yes the one and the same The Office fans). So I called her up and decided to go visit her after I took the GRE.

This past weekend, I got up early on Saturday, nervous as could be about the GRE and getting lost on the way to it or on the way to Scranton. But I made it just fine, and even got to take it early. And it only took like two hours, thank the Lord. I was not looking forward to being tested for four hours. Like, no. And they showed me my scores on the Math and Verbal parts after I was done. And I got a more than high enough score on those for CBU. Now just to wait on the essays, finger crossed and all that.

Then I headed to Scranton and made it in less than two hours, yay for speeding like a demon! Visited with Diane and her parents for a bit. Then Diane and I went to her friends house for a dinner/birthday party. It was really nice. It reminded me of many nights at WU and home, cooking, drinking, talking about absolutely everything under the sun. The next morning, got up, went to church with Di's parents and one of the sisters-in-law. Then, Diane cleaned my car and taught me how to put air in my tires since they were getting low. It's a lot easier than I thought it would be. We drove around, she showed me different places from her childhood, it was a good bonding experience for us. We went to a wedding reception for one of the nieces who got married back in June in Florida. It was at what used to be the family's bar, but now the daughter divorced the guy and he kept the bar, but their kids still go there and like half the family has worked there, so yeah. Complicated, complicated. Never a dull moment at least. It was sooooo smoky, like I wanted to gag. I stayed about an hour and a half and then peaced and headed back to Millburn.

When I got back, Noah's mom was still here and they were having family time, so I decided to go grab a bite to eat and see a movie. I had some way delish sushi, like seriously really good. And then I decided to see Vicky Christina Barcelona. It was a fantastic movie. Scarlett Johannsen did a great job. And I totally loved the leading man, only to find out that I knew him from No Country For Old Men where he was the crazed Anton Chigur. Like wow. I recommend it to anyone looking for a good, random, wonderful movie that will make you want to roam through the Spanish countryside.

And yesterday, Steve informed me that this would be my last week. So that's fine. I'll go to the Shore, see about stopping at my cousin who lives around here for a night and then go to DC where apparently my mom will be and then to Chattanooga hopefully by Halloween so I can see the baby all cutsied up :)

So now to pack up and finish up my essays for my application to mail them off before I go.

Oh, and here's a survey I took from Suzanne.
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Subject:	I know it might be wrong but I'm in love with Stacy's mom
Time:	11:23 pm.

Ok, Week Two is over. Props to me. It went much better than Week One. Oy to W.O.

I've been getting on the ball with all the application-ness to CBU for next semester. I'm studying my behind off the GRE, sort of. It intimidates me and then I remind myself it's a test, I can handle it. I do better when I don't overthink these sorts of things.

I actually arranged a few playdates for Noah this past week. And he gave me a full out hug for making tacos and has requested that tacos be the Friday night meal, works for me. I like tacos and they're a tasty meal that's easy to keep healthy. I'll let the next nanny know to keep it up. He still pouts and whines a lot and gets easily frustrated. He reminds me of my brother and I at that age. He could do with some counseling to help him sort out his frustrations towards his parents. I know, I know, I'm no psychologist or anything, but I still think my point is valid.

Tonight was quite enjoyable. I took myself out for a date. I went and saw Flash of Genius, bought myself some popcorn ;). Then I took myself to a cute bar and got a few drinks. Then I walked myself through a park to see the pond in the moonlight- gorgeous. And then I tipsily talked to my mom and a few others for like an hour or so in my car so I wouldn't wake Noah up.

Tomorrow, off to NYC to see Susan and then Ellis Island with Cat on Sunday!

*~*K*~*

speak words of kindness.

Subject:	I just called to say I love you
Time:	5:53 pm.

The rest of the week was fine. The next day when Noah was home all day, we went to the library for awhile, the park, lunch, the park, then to see Igor. Wait to rent it. The next two days when he went back to school, I was finally able to take care of some stuff I needed to, like opening a bank account, mailing off some stuff, etc. The only few problems are that Steve got pissy with me over my menu for Noah's meals. Ok, I did make him pasta 3 nights of the week, but the 2nd and 3rd time I did it, it was because Steve told me to. Like, get a clue dude. So this week I made up a menu full of variety for to Steve to review. It's different main dishes each night, nothing uber fancy, but it's healthy. Hope he likes it.

Then Friday, was talking with Cat and discovered she was free Fri-Sun as well so I was like let's get together tonight instead of waiting. So I peaced out like 15 mins after Steve came home and caught the train into NYC. Cat and I met up in Times Square, walked around, watched street performers, got a way too expensive meal at TGI Friday's, got a lil tipsy, went into stores. Then it was like midnight, so we got on the train to Chappaqua- where Cat nannies. We attempted to watch Forgetting Sarah Marshall but passed out like 15 mins into it.

Saturday we got up, went back into NYC and pretty much just walked all up and down 5th Avenue going into different shops, etc. We went to mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral and then went to FAO Schwartz where we bought Lila a really cute pair of frog-feet slippers. Hehe! After a while, we got some food from a street vendor, a must-do in the city I believe. And then we headed back to Chappaqua because we were way too damn exhausted. We actually watched the movie, had some dinner, went to the store, looked around the area, then back to the house. Cat did all her laundry, etc. We watched some TV, chatted, etc. Good times.

Then today, we went to the Metropolitan Museum of Art and just took our time going through a bunch of different exhibits. It was a very nice day. Then we shared a cab to our train stations and headed back. I called my mom to chat and ended up spilling my guts about how much I wanted to be in classes and at home and that I'm just in a funky place right now, etc. We talked at length and decided to see about starting classes in the spring and just nannying for the rest of this year. So, we're getting all that figured out. Just have to see about taking the GRE now, I'm going to call and check on some q's I have tomorrow.

The house was empty, thankfully, when I got in. So I made some dinner and am watching TV. Steve came back for a little bit, reminded me that I need to get him the menu and told me that I need to exchange Noah's notebook cause it has to be spiral bound not bound. I was like... you have the receipt, and the notebook and he has to take it in tomorrow. And I originally said I wouldn't be in until tonight. So... why didn't you just go and exchange the damn thing? It's the weekend, it's my time, are you serious? Ugh.

speak words of kindness.

Subject:	Take me to heart, and I'll always love you
Time:	8:22 pm.

Ok, it is day two of nannyness. So recap time.

Got in here Saturday evening after driving for like 6 hours in the pouring rain on the interstate. Kill me please moments abounded. But I made it, I got a little lost once I got off the interstate, but I made it. Thankfully. Then Steve, the dad, helped me unpack my car and I met Noah, who was a bit shy to meet me. Then we went to Chili's for dinner, my second Saturday in a row, craziness in a way. Then I was hitting exhausted and overwhelmed and we came back and they left to run some errands/shop, so I called family to check in and then just crashed hard.

Sunday was fine, they left for a lot of the day. I wanted to go explore the downtown since it's so close, but Steve forgot to give me my keys so I was kind of stuck in the house by myself. So I unpacked a bit, showered, etc. Then when they came back, they showed me the school, the grocery and the sports place for Noah. Then I hung with them a bit to get to know Noah a bit more. We had dinner, it was nice.

Monday, my first real day. Got up, threw on some clothes and made Noah's lunch and then we left for school. Due to it being my first day, I treated myself to a Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte and a blueberry muffin. Very nice. Watched some TV, interneted it up. Then went exploring in downtown for awhile. Very cute, it's like what Salem is aspiring to be. Came back, relaxed a bit more, then went to pick him up. Made his snack and took him to the sports place for practice only to find out it's been canceled this week for the Jewish holidays. Ok, thanks for the heads up. So we came back, did the no screens hour and played some games. He watched some TV. Ok, most of them are like "I can actually feel myself losing smart brain cells" but a few of the shows for older kids were kinda funny. Started making him dinner, and Steve came home, thankfully, so I didn't have to be in charge so much. So I set up the wireless with Steve's help- YAYAYAYAYAY!!!!!! And at the end of the day I rewarded myself with a piece of organic flourless chocolate cake. Mmm mmm good.

Today, Noah had the day off. He does tomorrow too. I was not looking forward to like 12+ hours straight with him. I don't like spending that much time with anyone. I need down town, space. So we butted heads a few times. But we went to the park in the morning, then came back and attempted to go to a movie. We got beyond lost. I was getting flustered and upset. He was getting annoyed and tired, it didn't mix well. So I finally turned us around and got us back to Millburn and then we got some groceries that I needed to survive. I can do healthy, but I love my Lean Cuisines and 100 calorie packs, and they weren't at Whole Foods. Then we came back, took a break from each other for about 20 minutes. Then we went back to the park for an hour and a half. I met the nanny of one of his buddies. We exchanged info to set up a play date in the future. She's nice, older than me. She's been a nanny for eight years now and is starting to go back to school. She gave me a big hug when we left, I really needed it. Then Noah had his no screens hour, then I made dinner for him and cleaned up. Then I had my favorite Lean Cuisine to make my day. Then shower, TV time, and now Steve is back and it's less than 30 minutes until his bed time, yay!

Tomorrow we're going to the library and hopefully the movie. Different theater this time, one not located on a damn highway. NJ, wtf?

Then back to him going to school during the day so I can chill, wander into town, start studying for the GRE, buy a bottle of wine... Thank god I got caffeine for tonight at least. If Noah hadn't been there, I would've gotten wine, but it seemed inappropriate to do with him there.

And yes, I had a lil melt down today. My mom got me through it. All will be fine, it's just gonna take some time to adjust and all that.

I will say, as much as I miss school and wish I were in classes right now, I'm glad I took the year off to make sure. I'd hate to wonder what if the rest of my life.

*~*K*~*

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