Improvement

In the same amount of time it first took me to ski 2.8 miles and burn 400 calories, I can now ski 4 miles and burn 500 calories. It's taken me 3 weeks of on and off skiing, but just getting that much better has made me feel better about myself. :)

Only Have Time For...

- Work
- Dinner
- Short skiing session
- One chapter of a book before bed

6 days of work in a row completed... 7 more to go.

I'm taking my dad to work now, too, so at least he will pay some of my gas money :)
And I'll have an hour every day where I sit at his work and read and rest my weary head.

I'm also trying to catch up on the new season of Project Runway and Season 2 of Dexter but there needs to be about 3 more hours in every day.

I've been super ornery lately, but I just can't help it. I can't see the light at the end of the tunnel of endless work yet and it's starting to seriously affect me. Be glad I don't have time to hang out with you.

I'm already way behind schedule... gotta go ski! And try to watch Shark Week at the same time.

Addicted

Tonight I started playing Wii... and couldn't stop! After sushi, Franny & Megan came over and we ate baby ruth bars and boxed each other until we were sweaty. Then I dropped them off at home and played my brother for a good hour. It was one of those "One more game... just one more," kind of things. I'm not very good so I want to practice! My fitness age is 64 somehow so I will be changing that with every day!

I highly recommend Osaka Sushi & Hibachi in Eden Prairie. Fair prices, delicious rolls. I tried eel for the first time and really, really liked it. Wasabi is growing on me, too! I can't wait for "Moms Too" sushi night with all our moms so mine will buy me the fancy stuff I can't afford :)

I found out last night/today that I've already read the book I'm reading, but like 6 years ago ;) I can't remember the end so I like reading it again.

Off to bed; tomorrow promises to be a huge day at work and hopefully I'll get to catch a glimpse of Aaron before he leaves!

A Great Afternoon May Consist Of:

+ Making Baby Ruth Bars
+ Biking to Jerry's to pick up a missing ingredient
+ Eating peanutty Chinese chicken & noodles
+ Reading
+ Eating said bars once they've cooled
+ Stuffing one's face with Cheez-Its
+ Texting up a storm
+ Being all alone in a big house


I really need to play Wii... I haven't touched it since we got it 3 days ago!!

I Don't Get It

Why do people make getting drunk the center of their social calendar? Doesn't anyone want to fully experience and appreciate the company they're with? The activities they're taking part in? I prefer to live my life at full speed and full enjoyment.

I think my frontal lobe developed more quickly than the average young adult.

Noah's Ark!!

What a great birthday present. :) I got to Eau Claire the night before so we could leave nice and early Wednesday morning. Aaron and I had a couple adventures, involving a golf course at night and my first taste of Jeff & Jim's pizza. I am such a cautious baby, that a lot of the time I can come close to ruining experiences for myself with worry. Aaron is a good companion in that he puts my fears to rest, often with logic to soothe me.

We woke up pretty early and got on the road about 9 am. I was really worried about the weather since it was overcast in Eau Claire when we departed. I wasn't expecting to drive my car all that way (neither was my car), but there weren't too many problems. She slipped out of gear a couple of times, but by the time we bought some transmission fluid and checked the gauge, Bernadine seemed to be back to normal. My car has a name, yes. I come from a car family. It's nice to be able to describe any situation to my dad and get several solutions to try in response.

It was hot and muggy in the Dells; perfect for getting in the water! We kept it pretty tame on the rides. We didn't ride the big attractions - Black Anaconda, Time Warp, etc - since we weren't really feeling the long lines. We didn't even get in the wave pool! :( We took it all at a slow pace, even going around the Lazy River 3 times! We laid around for a while, and eventually left due to the weather. It got cold and cloudy fast around 3:30. On the way back, I wish I had caught a glimpse of the dried up Lake Delton. I couldn't really tell anything was different in the Dells, though. Just Orlando-like tourism grabs everywhere.

We drove back with only a couple of stops (thanks for the gas, Aaron!) and missed the bad weather. Aaron convinced me to run a mile when we got back, which I'm glad he did. Only, I forgot to take my inhaler before going out and therefore struggled most of the way with only half my lung capacity. I hadn't run a mile since sophomore year, so it was a shock to my system. I've been skiing three to five miles every day, but the experience can't even compare to full out running. Running is almost TOO hard on my body, since I still haven't fully recovered and it's Sunday. I'm going to try to be able to run with Aaron in the fall though, so I'm going to kick it into high gear and try to run once or twice a week instead of skiing.

Then I ate the rest of my mushroom, green pepper, and extra cheese pizza from Jeff & Jim's and we got ready to head to White Trash Wednesday. It unfortunately turned out to be a dud of a night, crowd-wise, not to mention my first bowling game. I didn't hit a single pin the first five frames and ended with 27 points. It was a little embarrassing, but mostly funny. Being lefty, bowling with alley balls is really hard for me and my thumb since the holes curve the opposite way. I found my "Secret Handshake" and ended up beating Aaron 92-89 in the second game. Hahahahaha. I think everyone was a little surprised at me, especially me!

The night ended with an episode of Heroes and an early turn-in since we had worn ourselves out at the water park. I had to wake up extra early to head back home and babysit on Thursday. Quite the bummer, but Aaron was leaving for work anyway. At least I was driving home during the day, since driving at night is my least favorite activity.

Overall, it was a fantasticccccccccccccccc birthday present. And the other half is coming up on the 31st with the Twins game!! I can't wait. I love being spoiled.

Why So Serious?

I wanted so badly to go to the Dark Knight midnight premiere (12 theaters were open for it at EP mall... whoa.), but I had to go to work in the morning. Instead, I went at 5 on Friday with my little brother. That was overall the best decision I could have made. The show wasn't even sold out, so I had plenty of elbow and foot room. When we got out of the theater, 100 people were already lined up outside to come in.

I watched Batman Begins last night while I was babysitting, so I really got a chance to compare movies. At first I liked the first one more, but having refreshed my memory, the second was soooo much better. The Joker was a much more dynamic villain. This reminds me of the first and second Spider-Man movies, where Doctor Octopus was the far superior villain in the second movie. I am obviously crushed that Ledger can't reprise his role in future Batman films. It just makes me wonder what they're going to do for the rest, if they'll do what they did by replacing Katie Holmes with Maggie Gyllenhaal. (Does anyone know why?)

Anyway, it was a fantastic movie. A little on the long side, but the action kept happening so I was never really bored. Only thing I wanted different: someone who was as good-looking as Cillian Murphy as Dr. Crane in the first movie to be in the film. Yes, he showed up for about 5 seconds, but that's just not enough to satisfy a girl!

Work Work Work Work

So... Simon Delivers is closing. So, Gopher Grocery is going crazy. So, I am scheduled to work 14 out of 17 days. I worked yesterday and Friday, and was heartily looking forward to doing so today (and the money that comes with it). Somehow, by some fluke, the total didn't even reach what it should have. Saturdays are usually much less busy, but we needed third person yesterday! You'd think today would reach the same or higher total. GRRR. At least I've been babysitting a lot. Kids I don't really like, but that's okay.

I'm a little bummed to be working so much, even though I'm so excited to rake in dough. I had just perfected a daily routine and now I've got 15 library books on my nightstand to somehow read in 3 weeks. I don't have as much time to work out, and I like eating one big brunch instead of separate meals. At least we got upgraded on the snack front at work. Nature Valley granola bars, veggie tray, good coffee, etc.

This frenzy coupled with working 4 days a week during August will surely allow me to actually get out and DO STUFF!!! Like get a hair cut. I can't wait for my next paycheck.

Proving my Nerd-dom

I took videos to show the world how funny my talking birthday cards are:

Cancer

Element: Water
Ruling House: Family & Home
Ruling Planet: The Moon - Ruler of Emotions
Best Color: Silver
Starstone: Pearl


Cancer, the fourth Sign of the Zodiac, is all about home. Those born under this Sign are 'roots' kinds of people and take great pleasure in the comforts of home and family. Cancers are maternal, domestic and love to nurture others. More than likely, their family will be large, too -- the more, the merrier! Cancers will certainly be merry if their home life is serene and harmonious. Traditions are upheld with great zest in a Cancer's household, since these folks prize family history and love communal activities. They also tend to be patriotic, waving the flag whenever possible. A Cancer's good memory is the basis for stories told around the dinner table, and don't be surprised if these folks get emotional about things. Those born under this Sign wear their heart on their sleeve, which is just fine by them.

The mascot of Cancerians is the Crab, and much like this shelled little critter, Cancerians are quick to retreat into their shells if it suits their mood. No wonder these folks are called crabby! For Cancer, it's not that big of a deal, though, since they consider this 'shell' a second home (and they do love home). The flip side of this hiding is that shell-bound Crabs are often quite moody. Further, in keeping with their difficulty in sharing their innermost feelings, it can become a Herculean task to pry a Crab out of its secret hiding place. What to do? Give the Crab time -- eventually these folks will come out to play again. When they do, they'll be the first to say so, in keeping with the Cardinal Quality attached to this Sign. It's said that Crabs are first to laugh and first to cry, so you can bet they'll fill you in. That shell, by the way, isn't the only tough thing about Crabs. These folks are tenacious and strong-willed and like to get their way. If their well-documented kindness and gentleness doesn't do the trick, however, they're not above using emotional manipulation to make things happen. If that still doesn't work, they'll just go back to their shell and sulk, or find a way to get back at the source of their pain, since Crabs can be rather vindictive. That said, any self-respecting Crab would tell you that they are ultimately motivated by protecting their home and loved ones, a most noble goal.

Wowee Wow Wow!

So my boss just called, saying he was mixing things around for August, and offered me first pick for what days and how many of them I wanted to work! Basically, I am working 4 days a week = 40 hours = full time!!! :D :D :D :D :D That's about $250 a week if you take out taxes. I won't be living from paycheck to paycheck! I'll make $1000 in one month! I can buy the stuff I drool over on eBay! I can drive places! I can save more money! I can buy more kitchen gadgets!


SO HAPPY/RELIEVED/AMAZING, I just had to share.

You're Not Too Young!!

From MedHeadlines.com:

The most lethal form of skin cancer is on the rise in American women aged 15 to 39, according to data provided by the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) program, operated by the National Cancer Institute. The number of cases of melanoma, the form of skin cancer in question, has risen in young women by as much as 50% between 1980 and 2004. Authorities suggest the increasing popularity of tanning salons may be one reason for the dramatic increase in this cancer.

Melanoma is a cancer of the pigment-producing cells of the skin and the American Cancer Society estimates 62,480 new cases will be diagnosed this year, accompanied by 8,420 deaths associated with it. Exposure to the UV rays from the sun and tanning salons is the most risky factor associated with the disease but other factors contribute. People with the fairest skin tones are most at risk but people of all races and with all skin tones are susceptible to the disease.

Analysis of the SEER data revealed an increase in melanoma cases from 9.4 to 13.9 per 100,000 between 1980 and 2004 in young women between the ages of 15 and 39. Melanoma rates among young men of the same age range remained stable, at 7.7 cases per 100,000. Tanning salons are more popular among young women than young men and young women are also more likely to spend time tanning in direct sunlight, too.

Some researchers feel the rising rate of melanoma may be, in part, due to the improved methods of detection in recent years but many of the cancers included in the study were later-stage cancers. When caught early, cancerous lesions are thin but they thicken as the disease progresses. The earlier melanoma is detected, the better the chances for a cure.

To provide the best protection against developing melanoma, it is best to avoid sun exposure when it is most intense, between the hours of 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Protective clothing and rigorous use of a sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher is also recommended. Perhaps more important is to refrain from active tanning whether it takes place directly in the sun or in a tanning salon.

IT CAN HAPPEN AS YOUNG AS 15, FOLKS!!!

Pharrell + Julian Casablancas + Santogold

3 of my favorite music artists:

Coo.Boo

You might have heard, but soon there will no longer be a need to risk your laptop in precarious situations in the kitchen. Modeled after a spatula, coo.boo is a digital cookbook that fits into the kitchen environment better than any laptop or printed cookbook. Recipes stored on the user’s computer are automatically synchronized through a wireless docking station and displayed on the face of the device. Digital function allows the cook to choose the degree of support wanted, from simply displaying recipes to full audiovisual cooking lessons. Not fragile like other high-tech digital devices, coo.boo is washable and can be placed on the counter top or hung up next to other kitchen utensils. Designed by Philipp Gilgen, a student at the University of Applied Sciences in Northwestern Switzerland, it recently won the IF Concept Award 2007. Still in prototype stage, there is no word yet on release or price. Contact Philipp Gilgen for more info.

- From coolhunting.com

I am always worried about spilling stuff on my laptop. I hate printing recipes out because I'm trying to use less paper and it just takes forever to go on my parents' computer and print 'em out (I didn't have a printer of my own until an hour ago). I can't wait till this comes out. I know I won't be able to afford it, but I can at least hold it in my hand and marvel at it.

PRESENTS (from my family)

So happyyyyyyyyy with absolutely everything. Especially the cards I got. I wish I could record the message inside the card my mom got me. Tears were rolling down my face because I was laughing so hard.


just like I said before! I'm getting myself the measuring cups now.

- Little mixing/prep bowls with measures marked
- Set of mixing bowls with covers
- Veggie peeler, double-ended & magnetic measuring spoons (the hearts aren't the most practical), paring knife, & oven mitt with silicone grip, all in cute colors
- Cherry Potholder
- Airbake cookie sheet


Very sold out, very awesome printer/scanner/copier & ink

The Crown Jewel of the night:

The cookbook/cooking encyclopedia to end all others. Probably about 10 pounds, 1350 pages. It is the most intense thing I have ever seen in my whole life. I will have it until I die. I will love it until I die. I think it was more expensive than the printer.

& we are getting our Wii in the mail soon. I am gonna buy MarioKart right away for sureeee.

19... maybe it's not so bad.

Birthday Recap

Too busy to post yesterday... surprised? No.

+ Woke up late
+ Worked out in the insufferable humidity
+ Picked up books from the library (6!)
+ Pizza & Cherry Garcia ice cream with Hunter @ Luce in Uptown. I love free food :)))
+ The Take Cover show! I got to see tons and tons of people I've been missing lately and soaked up all the birthday wishes.
+ Megan's ceramic giraffe present
- Adam breaking Megan's ceramic giraffe present
+ Yummy takeout leftovers from Kinhdo
+ Party @ Chad & Mary's amazing, amazing loft
+ Playing Wii for the first time/getting addicted
+ Sour Cream & Onion Chips
+ Lots of great conversations
- Staying up too late
- Not being able to sleep
- Waking up at 7 this morning
+ Not using 3 gallons of gas I don't have and not waking up at 6

Ultimate Birthday Gift

It would really be to be taken to a state that has a 7-11 so I can get a free Slurpee on my birthday, when they give out free Slurpees every year. But I will definitely settle for this:


Today I found out on accident that I'm getting the heart shaped measuring cups and spoons from urban outfitters that I have been so in love with lately. I didn't mean to find out, I just mentioned how much I love them to my mom and she gave a telling smile. Needless to say, I geeked out. My mom said "all the blue went to my eyes and they started sparkling" when I put two & two together, hahaha :)

Delicious Ice Cream Sundae

+ Vanilla Ice Cream
+ Chocolate Chips
+ Shredded Coconut
+ Chopped Walnuts
+ Banana Chunks

Yum!!

A Day of Ups and Downs

The day started out bright and sunny & I didn't want to get out of bed. I finally got ready and packed everything to head to Charlie's house for lunch, and the severe weather sirens went off right as I got into my car. It was the most intense storm of all time!! It passed an hour and a half later, but Charlie's power had gone out so we decided to relocate to my house. He started making his way over, only to be hindered by tons of roadblocks caused by the hurricane-strength winds. By the time he got to my house, I had to leave 40 minutes later for an appointment. I already had most of the food cooked by then, so we wolfed it down (It was my first meal of the day). Eggs, pancakes, turkey bacon, toast, and milk. And the last cupcake for him. By the time we both left, it was hot and sunny outside again. Found out I had a $35 overdraft fee on my account that caused it to be a negative balance again. Called the bank, realized it was all my dumb fault, set up overdraft protection. Why wasn't it offered to me the first time I overdrafted, for a smaller fee? Lame-o. Then just now I found a wii online for pretty cheap and my dad ordered it asap :) Now I'm about to go make my cake! Let's hope there are more ups for the rest of the night to tip the scales in the favor of the positive!

Birthday Cake

I've gone through so many changes, but I've finally decided!! White cake with raspberry jam filling & lemon frosting. Tell me that doesn't sound like summer in a birthday cake! I can't wait. And for my birthday dinner we're having peanut chicken and cous cous :)))))))) I love getting my way!

This weekend, I plan on making s'mores cupcakes :) they better turn out real tasty. I did serious research and comparing.

I bookmarked a slew of other recipes to make, too. Biscuits, pecan pie, and turkey meatballs. All supposedly the best in their respective classes. I especially can't wait for the biscuits. I could eat cornbread & southern style biscuits all day every day!

Mmm now I'm hungry... good thing I have a big brunch to look forward to when I wake up! Maybe we should make biscuits and gravy...

Get To Know Me

My Myers-Briggs results. Fits me to a t.

ISFJ: The Protector
ISFJs are characterized above all by their desire to serve others, their "need to be needed." In extreme cases, this need is so strong that standard give-and-take relationships are deeply unsatisfying to them; however, most ISFJs find more than enough with which to occupy themselves within the framework of a normal life. (Since ISFJs, like all SJs, are very much bound by the prevailing social conventions, their form of "service" is likely to exclude any elements of moral or political controversy; they specialize in the local, the personal, and the practical.)

ISFJs are often unappreciated, at work, home, and play. Ironically, because they prove over and over that they can be relied on for their loyalty and unstinting, high-quality work, those around them often take them for granted--even take advantage of them. Admittedly, the problem is sometimes aggravated by the ISFJs themselves; for instance, they are notoriously bad at delegating ("If you want it done right, do it yourself"). And although they're hurt by being treated like doormats, they are often unwilling to toot their own horns about their accomplishments because they feel that although they deserve more credit than they're getting, it's somehow wrong to want any sort of reward for doing work (which is supposed to be a virtue in itself). (And as low-profile Is, their actions don't call attention to themselves as with charismatic Es.) Because of all of this, ISFJs are often overworked, and as a result may suffer from psychosomatic illnesses.

In the workplace, ISFJs are methodical and accurate workers, often with very good memories and unexpected analytic abilities; they are also good with people in small-group or one-on-one situations because of their patient and genuinely sympathetic approach to dealing with others. ISFJs make pleasant and reliable co-workers and exemplary employees, but tend to be harried and uncomfortable in supervisory roles. They are capable of forming strong loyalties, but these are personal rather than institutional loyalties; if someone they've bonded with in this way leaves the company, the ISFJ will leave with them, if given the option. Traditional careers for an ISFJ include: teaching, social work, most religious work, nursing, medicine (general practice only), clerical and and secretarial work of any kind, and some kinds of administrative careers.

While their work ethic is high on the ISFJ priority list, their families are the centers of their lives. ISFJs are extremely warm and demonstrative within the family circle--and often possessive of their loved ones, as well. When these include Es who want to socialize with the rest of the world, or self-contained ITs, the ISFJ must learn to adjust to these behaviors and not interpret them as rejection. Being SJs, they place a strong emphasis on conventional behavior (although, unlike STJs, they are usually as concerned with being "nice" as with strict propriety); if any of their nearest and dearest depart from the straight-and-narrow, it causes the ISFJ major embarrassment: the closer the relationship and the more public the act, the more intense the embarrassment (a fact which many of their teenage children take gleeful advantage of). Over time, however, ISFJs usually mellow, and learn to regard the culprits as harmless eccentrics :-). Needless to say, ISFJs take infinite trouble over meals, gifts, celebrations, etc., for their loved ones--although strong Js may tend to focus more on what the recipient should want rather than what they do want.

Like most Is, ISFJs have a few, close friends. They are extremely loyal to these, and are ready to provide emotional and practical support at a moment's notice. (However, like most Fs they hate confrontation; if you get into a fight, don't expect them to jump in after you. You can count on them, however, run and get the nearest authority figure.) Unlike with EPs, the older the friendship is, the more an ISFJ will value it. One ISFJ trait that is easily misunderstood by those who haven't known them long is that they are often unable to either hide or articulate any distress they may be feeling. For instance, an ISFJ child may be reproved for "sulking," the actual cause of which is a combination of physical illness plus misguided "good manners." An adult ISFJ may drive a (later ashamed) friend or SO into a fit of temper over the ISFJ's unexplained moodiness, only afterwards to explain about a death in the family they "didn't want to burden anyone with." Those close to ISFJs should learn to watch for the warning signs in these situations and take the initiative themselves to uncover the problem.

If You've Been Living Under a Rock...

You have no idea how many people quote this to me constantly. I still love it :)

Healthy Living

Lately I've been focusing more on working out more and eating healthier. I started 3 or 4 weeks ago by doing simple exercises 3 times a day, and now I've slowly upgraded to an hour of aerobics and exercises + 30 minutes on my ski machine daily. I feel a lot better about myself and a lot less guilty when I lick the batter off a spatula or eat an extra cookie. I've always been super self-conscious and slowly getting into exercising more has eased that a bit. Yes, my goal is losing weight, but a healthy amount in a healthful way. I just wish I could still fit in some of my dresses from last year, but certain medications have enhanced certain, um, assets that prevent my zippers from closing at the top.

To enhance my daily workouts, I've been eating a lot healthier portions and limited myself to one dessert a day (okay, not every day. But it's my birthday week!). I love my fruit and my mom has willingly kept the kitchen stocked with peaches, strawberries, raspberries, melons, apples, and grapes. I still get to eat my favorite breakfasts, just smaller portions of them. I'm saving big meals for going out with friends so I don't have to think twice about it.

My mom also bought me new shorts to work out in tonight. Getting to work out in them is pretty exciting :) The mesh pair I just got are my favorite things in the world right now. I get pleasure from the small things, I guess; I'm also geekin' out about my new toothbrush.

I'm trying to ride my bike more, but doing 30 other minutes of cardio a day kind of limits that right now because my legs aren't used to so much work! It's my goal to be able to run around Uptown with Aaron in the fall. Tomorrow I'll be biking to Charlie's house for a big brunch, though, which is exactly why I'm biking!

Enrich My Life

By recommending me some good books! I just reserved a boatload at the library :)

yes yes yes yes yes yes yes!!!

The forecast says it will be 92 degrees on my birthday... what luck! I'm getting everything I want :)

Siesta Fiesta

I love naps. This is common knowledge. However, my favorite naps are in the middle of the afternoon with my wind open and the breeze blowing and the birds chirping outside. I just slept for 3 hours and I definitely got plenty of sleep last night. That's just what the perfect conditions do to me - knock me out!!

I really want to get a chaise for the deck outside my room next year so I can sleep in the great outdoors. It's just a shame it faces north so no sun really comes in. At least I've got a screen door I can keep open all day long.

Usually 3-hour naps just make me exhausted the rest of the day, but I'm finally ready to get up and go work out!! I haven't done anything but eat brunch and snuggle so far today.

Early Birthday

+ Matching Twins tees & hats
+ X-tra special Twins game with food & raffles :)
+ A trip to Noah's Ark
+ Bunch of old tees
+ Chino Latino burrito & Jamaican jerk skewers (that kicked me in the mouth)
+ Sharin' cupcakes
+ Ben & Jerry's cones
+ Jimmy Eat World
+ Orange juice & grapes party
+ Sleepover
+ Sleepin' in
+ Cookies for breakfast

All from/with one person. Won't be topped! I just wanted to bragggg.



Sushi tonight with great people :))))

Here We Go Again...

My mom moved back in today. I don't know why, but if it's what she wants then I'm going to accept it.

I didn't work today. It looks like I won't be working tomorrow. I got gypped with this job. I was promised 4 days a week, I'm only guaranteed Saturdays. I can't live off of $50 paychecks.

I loved biking in 90 degree heat today, with air so thick it was weighing me down. I wish I still lived in the South. Tomorrow promises to be 85. I can only hope :) Minnesota rules once summer heats up

I'm excited to start celebrating my birthday tomorrow by going to Chino Latino & to see Jimmy Eat Worldddd.

I made Coconut Curried Chicken for dinner tonight. It was my favorite dinner that I've made so far. I love curry & mango chutney. Next time I will remember to get jasmine rice. Later this week I'll make peanut chicken... I'm dying to use up the cous cous in our pantry. My grandma told my mom she thought I should definitely pursue a career in cooking/baking. It feels good to know the direction I want my life to go, and to have people behind me to support that future. I'm thinking about minoring in nutrition or journalism now, instead of HRIR & marketing. I'd rather hone some skills not related to business while I've got all the resources of the U at my fingertips.

Happy Fourth

I woke up at 1:30. My family was off doing their own things. If I had woken up earlier, it wouldn't have mattered. I would still be sitting here at 2 p.m. wondering what I should do. We rarely do things together anymore. No one asks anyone to come along on a task, unless it's grocery shopping, or I want someone to bike with. I miss the years we used to come up from Kentucky and take part in a huge barbecue/picnic for my dad's side of the family. He has 7 brothers and all but 1 are married. I guess I don't really have anyone to talk to on that side anymore, since my older cousin that used to look like my twin has such different interests than me now. I got along with my cousins from Virginia, but they don't make the visit often. I love family, despite how I rarely have people to talk to, and I wish there were more get-togethers, on both sides. No one makes the effort these days. All I can hope for is that my brother gets married and has lots of kids and my husband comes from a large family.


In other news, my birthday is in a week. My family already bought all my gifts, so the week is going to DRAG by. I still need to decide what kind of cake I'm making! I've got 3 days of work and a Jimmy Eat World concert to keep me busy for the first half of the week at least.

Next Items To Bake:

+ Chocolate citrus cupcakes
+ Banana orange bars
+ Chesscakes (mix of pie crust, cupcake batter, and jelly filling)
+ Mini vanilla-almond peach cupcakes
+ Lemon raspberry cupcakes
+ S'mores cupcakes


Diabetes here I comeeeeeeeeee!!!

Baking & Cooking

Lately I've made:
+ Sour Cream Sugar Cookies
+ Chocolate cupcakes with fancy vanilla frosting (Megan's B-day)
+ Caramel Treasure brownies
+ Fresh outta the oven: devil's food brownies with cream cheese filling

If heaven has a smell, I bet it's the one that's lingering in my kitchen right now. I can't wait to taste these puppies.

I have been baking & cooking a ton lately. The other night I just poured over my mom's Betty Crocker International Cookbook. I need it. I want to make curry, paella, baklava, everything!!! I am definitely putting that on my Buy list for the new apartment. I made tangy organic beef sandwiches for dinner tonight and they were a success :) A crock pot is also on my list. We stopped by the grocery store real quick tonight and I picked up some chicken thighs and mango chutney to make some chicken curry for dinner soon. Chicken curry, cous cous, mango chutney, and asparagus will probably on that menu :) I hope next year I really get a chance to cook a lot. I've grown to like doing it around here when my mom asks because she pretty much gives me free reign and everyone ends up loving what I make.

I'm also excited to make my own birthday cake! I haven't decided what it will be yet, or if it will be cupcakes, but it's going to be something different and interesting for sure. Maybe lime, ginger & chocolate cupcakes? Maybe orange coconut cake. I've got a week to decide :)

Baking & cooking have definitely become a source of pride and accomplishment for me. If I'm ever feeling anxious or down, I just do some deep breathing and focus on how I feel when people give me compliments about my food. I'm getting better at controlling my anxiety and derailing my pessimistic thoughts, and I really do think cooking and keeping busy has helped that.

I'm getting pretty excited about the Culinary Institute of Arts in New York. A famous chef guy Aaron knows told him that I should go there. Mr. Ace of Cakes himself went there and so did 3 winners of Top Chef. I looked around the site and the requirements and I would love to go. I'd only have to get an associates because I'll have already taken the business and language classes at the U. One HUGE downfall: $50,000 for that associates degree. I want to cry, really. School only costs my parents $500 - $1000 a year plus rent, and I don't think they'd want to pay for baking school for me, too. I highly doubt I'll be able to afford it, but who knows. Maybe it will be worth it.
OFFER: Need something (relatively simple for now) baked for a party or just for tasty snacks? I'll make you what you want! We can talk about it and I promise I'll make it cheap for you to have. Just call/text/email/im/message me!

Cupcake Assessment: Pure heaven, I need to whip the filling a little better next time. Holy cow. Have me make you these. Yum. Yummmmmmm. I'll post a picture tomorrow because I don't want to give myself a reason to eat another.

Please Do This For America, 50 Cent

50 Cent has been offered a $10,000 donation to the charity of his choice by a U.S. fast food firm - if he agrees to change his name for one day.

The challenge, issued by Taco Bell, stipulates that 50, real name Curtis Jackson, must stop by one of the chain’s restaurants and rap his order at the drive-thru window - using a new moniker: 79 Cent, 89 Cent or 99 Cent.

If he completes the deal, Taco Bell managers will feed everyone in that particular eatery for free, in addition to the charity donation. Taco Bell President and CEO Greg Creed has written a letter to the star urging him to step up to the challenge, according to OK! magazine.

The letter reads: "We know that you adopted the name 50 Cent years ago as a metaphor for change. We at Taco Bell are also huge advocates of change…we encourage you to ‘Think Outside the Bun’ and hope you accept our offer."

Lesson of the Day:

Use a Southern accent, get anything you want.

Fate

I decided to randomly eBay search for absinthe spoons to start that collection I mentioned earlier, and what was the first thing I came across?