Wax this!

Ugh, I cannot believe Christmas is already over. I always get just as sad as a little kid when Christmas is over and everything has been opened. I made out pretty well this year; my baby listens to me so well. He managed to get me nearly everything I mentioned I had asked for over the past few months....quite an accomplishment. I was actually pretty taken aback by him. Just adds to me evidence that I definitely picked a winner.

However, I am still recovering from our whirlwind Christmas extravaganza. We drove out to the high desert last Tuesday, and we spent Christmas with my family. We then left from there at 4:30 on Saturday morning and drove out to Kingman, AZ for Christmas at his parents' house. We didn't end up doing the one thing I had looked forward to the most though, which was taking a train ride out to the Grand Canyon. ::le sigh:: Alas, I hope we shall do it on another trip. We did manage to take a trip up to the Hualapai Mountains and have lunch at the lodge up there, blasting the "Twilight" soundtrack as we went. BTW, did I mention that I managed to get my collector's edition version of "Twilight" re-read over the past few days. I am already on "New Moon" again.

Anyhoo, we made the five and a half hour drive back on Monday, and today I did absolutely nothing. It was marvelous. I did manage to get my new ihome plugged in though, and I used this to clean off my bedstand:
This new Swiffer wood cleaner smells lovely. It's the little things that count. Hope everyone is having a nice break.

"Off" Christmas

Can you have an "off" Christmas? I was driving my friend to the airport yesterday, listening to my Brian Setzer Orchestra Christmas CD, but something just didn't feel right. I don't know about you, but everything has been rushed this year. We got our tree somewhat early, but then we waited a week to put on ornaments. What the heck? I also had to go out every single day the last week that school was in session to get my secret Santa gifts because I hadn't gone out early to get them. The last day of school felt weird too as well. The kids just weren't as chipper as in past years. And do not get me started about Christmas cards. I will hopefully be sending mine out today. For me, the whole month has felt off. I cannot put my finger on it, but things just do not feel as they should. Oh well, I guess it is just a weird Christmas.

Wrong Mindset

Ugh, my mind is already here, picturing myself snuggled up with a blanket, mug of hot cocoa, and my copy of "Twilight." That's a bit of a problem when there are still four school day left and the Lewis and Clark expedition to cover. This rain has totally thrown me off. Don't get me wrong. I actually love the rain, but not when I have to deal with the rain and thirteen year olds who still like to jump in puddles. Sheesh! Oh well, I guess I have my secret santa gifts to pull me through the week. One day down...four to go!

SO CUTE!!

If this doesn't warm you up, then you truly have no heart!

Hello Kitty Deals

Yes folks, it is that time of year again when Target places all of their Hello Kitty appliances on sale. I am going to ask for this addition to my Hello Kitty appliances:That is a Hello Kitty cereal dispenser everyone, and I wants it. It will fit in so nicely with my Hello Kitty waffle maker, toaster oven, toaster, and popcorn maker. All Hello Kitty appliances are on sale for fifteen dollars! If you should go with any, I would definitely say the waffle maker. The waffles turn out absolutely adorable, and I think my husband gets some kind of sick satisfaction out of eating Hello Kitty's face!

Fumbling...

I feel so out of the loop. It has been such a long time since I have written anything, and yet every day I have had something I have wanted to post. I have no energy to do anything. I am so bogged down by things at work and with my master's that I feel as though I am barely going to make it until Winter Break. Grr. I keep telling myself that everything will be worthwhile the next school year when all of this is done and I have added so much to my resume, but it's hard while I am doing the work now.

And by the way, it has been so hard to get in the holiday spirit out here in California. The warmth is making me ill. I long for a white Christmas.

Twilight Obsessed

I should have known it back in February when I had about six students reading the book during our silent reading period. They told me they were staying up until midnight reading it, and they were putting off homework. I noted the title, but I still didn't purchase it. My sister then started to read it, raving about it...and I still didn't purchase it.

My husband actually read it before I did. He kept complaining and whining about how mushy it was, and I laughed it off. Just last week, I started to read it...and I could NOT PUT IT DOWN! I've gone through the first three books in the series, and what have I spent Veteran's day doing? Reading the fourth book of course. Yes, I am officially 100 percent obsessed with "Twilight." I have OCD: obsessive cullen disorder. I'm even contemplating purchasing a shirt that says "Boys in books are just better." Stephanie Meyer has completely captured the obsessive, irrational, over the top thought processes of a young girl in love. I haven't experienced the emotions I have felt reading through this book in such a long time. All of the ups and downs, chills, and goosebumps that one goes through when in love.

I am reading the fourth right now, "Breaking Dawn," and I almost don't want too because I know it's going to be over soon. And yet, I am so involved with the characters that I cannot put it down. It's bad. It's to the point where I have skipped lunch with colleagues so I can read.

If you have not read this book yet, I highly suggest it. It has reminded me once again why I love to read so much.

Yes, We Can!!!

I have to admit, I was scared today. I wasn't really sure that enough people would get out and vote despite the predictions. I started to read blogs, and I could not believe how ignorant people sounded. McCain, Palin...seriously? Do you have two neurons connected in your brain? Have you heard her speak?

But I can rest assured now. I don't know if you watched Obama's acceptance speech, but I got goosebumps. Someone needs to shake things up in Washington and establish a new agenda. I am excited for the new year and for things to come.

If only the religious yahoos hadn't passed prop 8...things like that made me realize how little we've progressed. At least federal courts will overturn that.

Too Far from the Truth....

Usually, I can stomach when a movie adaptation of a book strays from the story. I typically find that it is not too far from the story line, and I understand the reasons why changes were made. However, "The Duchess" just strayed too far from the amazing story of the the Duchess of Devonshire, Georgiana. The story started off different from the story of her life, having her married in a different year; it then proceeded to twist things from there. She didn't meet Lady Elizabeth Foster at the right time nor accept her relationship with the Duke, she had kids at different times, and she wasn't involved as politics as much. The movie focused on all of the extramarital affairs, yet did not focus on the amazing influence she had in politics for the Whig party. It didn't show her campaigning for Charles Fox in the streets as she did, nor did it show her dressed up in military wear, out supporting the troops as they prepared to fight Napoleon. It didn't show her conversing with men of high influence as much, maneuvering the prince into certain decisions that would benefit the Whig Party or her trips to Parliament. Georgiana, in my opinion, was so much more interesting and intelligent than the movie made her out to be.

I can see why they focused on the extramarital affairs and how the movie going masses would find that appalling... but couldn't they have added the other things into to show how much influence women truly did have during the time period?

I should have know that I had too much invested into the study of her life to have liked the movie. If you haven't read "Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire" by Amanda Foreman, please go see the movie. You will surely enjoy it. Otherwise, don't stray from the story you've already read- it will do your heart some good.

Relaxing Weekends...

(I miss this)

I remember when the weekends were a time for relaxing. I would go get Starbucks in the morning, read all day, and watch a movie at a night. Those weekends have seemingly escaped me. I feel like the weekends, now, are a time where I desperately try to catch up with everything I wasn't able to do during the week. I was talking to a colleague of mine, and she said that she manages to get all of her master's work done during the week so that her weekends are free. I was like, "Huh?" Does she actually teach or grade? Because weeknights are spent doing that, and weekends are for master's work.

I had a breakdown this weekend and decided I wanted to quit my master's program. I am in GATE credential and character education program as well, and I am struggling to balance all of this along with being an ASB teacher for the first time. I just do not know how I am doing it.

I keep trying to tell myself it will be worth it next summer when I am done, but right now I am just barely chugging along.

I hope your weekend was more pleasurable. I felt guilty for spending Saturday doing nothing with my hubby.

Craving..

Agh, another week down. I only have three more before I 'll have my first break from students (yeah!). I have to say that this year is flying by for me actually. ASB has been keeping me so busy, along with work from my master's classes. I cannot wait to have everything finished this year. I will be set for my next year of teaching.

Anyhoo, I have been craving lots of things lately (as usual). Here are a few items that I am longing for right now. This sweater from Anthropologie:




And this Silk Taffeta Ballerina Dress by J. Crew: And this pair of Frye pumps:
:Sigh:: I don't know why I even bother going to these sites sometimes. They just make me long so much for things.

It's noon now. Nick and I are headed out to San Juan Capistrano for an art fair, and then we might go see Bill Maher's new movie "Religulous". Enjoy your Saturday!

Britney's Back Bitches!!

• MTV
• Music Videos
• MTV Shows
• Entertainment News

Trapped!

Well,

As soon as I walked in the door today and looked down to the left I saw our little visitor. It was just a teeny, tiny little field mouse, and it was struggling in the trap. I felt so bad I almost started to cry. I called up our maintenance guy, and he came to remove it. I felt awful because I know the little thing was going to be killed. At least with the other one Nick found he was able to hurl it away outside somewhere else. This one was going to meet a different future. My mom tried to make me feel better by asking whether or not I would just prefer to keep it in the house, but it still made me feel bad.

Hope you had a quick and uneventful Monday.

Little Itty Bitty Mice

We have a mouse. I take that back actually, we have mice. The other day my friend and I were walking after work, and one of the custodians told us to make sure we close our windows and shut our doors because we have a rat problem at the school (yuck!). Later that night, as I was sitting in bed typing up my students' quiz for the next day I looked down and saw a little mouse run underneath our bed.

I am not kidding.

I, of course, let out a blood curdling scream, and let Nick find the little sucker. He did and chucked it into oblivion outside.

When I told my mom, she told me, "Well, if you have one, then you probably have many." That night, Nick saw another one.

We haven't been able to track that one down, but our maintenance men set up traps while we were away in Temecula yesterday. We still haven't found the little jerk, and I hate it. I'm afraid to walk through our apartment without shoes. Woe is me.

Hopefully, we'll catch the little bugger tonight. Hope you had a mouse-free day!

And a few other purchases

Oh yeah, I guess I forgot to mention that I got these two lovely pieces of art by John Derian at Target as well. I am tucking them away in hopes of hanging them in our front entry way once Nick and I purchase a house (hopefully this winter). I can't wait!

Tune In Tuesday...

Well,

After my online master's classes last night, I decided to treat myself to a little Target run today after attending a GATE conference. Here's what I picked up:


The "Sex and the City" extended version DVD. Of course, the regular feature would not suit me. I was one of the masses that braved things to attend a screening opening night with my sister after having cosmos. I am so excited for the extended scenes!


And the new "Kings of Leon" CD: Only By the Night. If you haven't heard of this band, you must check them out. No one sounds like them. They play gritty Southern rock in a way that has never been heard before. I adore them, and I already heard two of the new tracks on SNL. Must buy!

I also picked up Josh Kelley's new CD, but I have to say I'm a bit disappointed. There are too many slow to mid tempo songs on it; and quite frankly, it's pretty dull. Is Katherine sucking up your songwriting powers Josh?

Sickie-poo

How can it only be the third week of school, and I am already sick? Granted, I haven't been very good about my vitamin intake. My mom always put an assortment out for me to take when I lived at home, and I always seemed to fair quite well. Being in front of over a hundred students every day does have its disadvantages I guess...even though I use hand sanitizer up the wazoo.

And I really do think that products like airborne, emergen-c, etc do not work. Trust me; I've tried it all. The only thing that really seems to work is sleep and chicken soup.

Randomness

School has definitely bit me in the butt! I'm only in my second week back at work teaching, and already I am not blogging. Here are a few random thoughts/comments floating through my mind:

1) "The Hills"- hasn't been that great. In fact, I haven't even caught last week's episode, so it's obviously losing it's steam. Maybe this will be the last season?

2) How great did Britney look at the VMA's last night? It brought back memories of when I secretly envied Britney's incredible body.





3) I need to stop going to Target. I scored the shoes in the last post among other things on this weekend's binge.

4) "True Blood" is actually quite decent despite the negative reviews. I heart the premise and the quirky humor. Maybe I am enjoying this more than others because I haven't read "Twilight" yet.

5) How awesome is Bev Mo's 5 cent sale? Martha Stewart's Rose is actually quite crisp and sweet...perfect with the pizza I had last night.

Hope you don't get swamped in work like me this week. Taking on ASB in addition to trying to finish my master's classes may turn out to be too much. Time will tell.

Tar-get

Hubby woke me up super early this morning which left me super grumpy since I only have one more weekend after this one before I start teaching again. It did grant me time to look through clothing at my favorite store, Target. Here are a few of my favorite finds:

Gray is a big color for fall, and I love how the Vanessa Peep-toe Flats have this staple color with a pop of color. I adore the combination of gray and yellow and know I will shortly be adding them to my shoe collection.

I also just got this Rosette Tunic, and I love the applique at the top. It's hard findings plain color tops with great detail, and I love the rosettes all over the collar of this one. This will be great for work with a pair of black slacks for me.

Happy Shopping!

Audrina's a..

biotch! OK, here is my delayed review of the first new episode of season four of "The Hills." All in all, it was a pretty blah episode as far as season starters go. No major drama, no big confrontations...except at the end. I have to admit, last season I was so stoked to see Lo move in with LC because I just adored her on "Laguna Beach."


However, slowly but surely, she emerged as a self-absorbed rude girl. She seemed to be stealing all of LC's attention, and making fun of Audrina's interests and friends as much as possible. I tried to give her the benefit of the doubt: she isn't a season regular, so it must have been hard for her to start on the show so late.

I knew things were coming to a boil between Audrina and Lo, and last Monday's episode culminated in the boiling point. Lo finally went to confront Audrina about how she wanted to be friends and that she was at least trying, but then:


Audrina's super catty response, "We'll never be friends!"

Whoa, who the heck does Audrina think she is? Has she built herself up that much in her mind? Granted, was Lo being sincere...definitely not. But still, Audrina was just so mean about it. It'll be interesting to see things come to a boiling point between her and LC later in the season.

Can you contain...

the excitement??? The Hills starts up again tonight! I can't wait to sneer at Heidi and Spencer again!!!

Before I forget...

Here are some of the engagement photos from the session Nick and I did last week:

Stressed...to the max!!

That is how I feel right now. There are only two more days until the wedding day, and I am freaking out. Nick and I have so much to do still: favors, menus, finalizing the music playlists...so much for last Friday's deadline. On top of all of that, I have master's classes work that I am trying to finish up. I like a crunch, but this is almost too much. You aren't supposed to wake up sick to your stomach every day the week of your wedding, are you?

Tonight is going to be a long one...I can already tell.

Bachelorette Party

So last Friday night we went out for my bachelorette party. I had planned for us all to go see one of my favorite bands, Rooney, play at the House of Blues on Sunset. We had an absolutely fabulous time, and what made it even more fabulous was the fact that Jeffrey Jones, who played Mr. Rooney in "Ferris Bueller's Day Off," actually introduced them. It was classic.



One of my friends managed to get us tickets to the Foundation Room afterwards, so we went upstairs. My sister had bought us posters so we could meet Rooney, but me (being the doofus I am), just had to get a picture with them. I had the valet take me back to my car to get my camera. However, the nasty security guard at the HOB then announced that he would be kicking people with cameras out. So my sis and I left and met my friends back up in the Foundation Room. We stayed up there so long that by the time we left it was to late to get into the Standard. I was bummed a bit because I had wanted to go dancing. And I was wearing my best "Carrie Bradshaw" dress. However, we did catch someone on the way out that saved the night: Robert Schwartzman, lead singer of Rooney. He was on the phone, and I felt like an ass interrupting. But he stopped to take a photo with me. He was such a doll!



I had the best night. My little sister truly made me happy and didn't let me down. And my friend Kristine demonstrated what a true friend is. And Sarah...she came down after having been in an accident!

Emotional Disaster...

That image pretty much sums up how I feel at this point about the wedding. I just want to run. Everything has gotten to be too much. I used to laugh at brides freaking out or seriously contemplate their mental stability. "How could someone panic over something so seemingly trivial? It's just a wedding!"

I totally understand now.

There is still SO much left to do on top of all of the work I need to finish up for my master's classes. I hate that we have summer classes. The timing is just wrong. Thank goodness I am not teaching summer school this year...I'd probably be in a catatonic state.

My make-up trial run went horribly wrong yesterday. I looked like a clown. Thus, I'm off to get more make-up tomorrow so I can attempt to do mine for the wedding. I get so upset thinking about it still...she even took my own mascara!!

Oh well, we're off to shoot our engagement photos tonight. Hopefully, they won't turn out too dreadful. I think it's hilarious that we are doing them this late to begin with.

Ciao now!

Shoes

::Le sigh::

OK, I am totally happy with the shoes I have for the wedding. I'm happy with at least the color. And yet looking at these shoes makes me yearn for the unattainable. Oh manolo blahniks!! This could be the one time in my life that I wear you, but yet, I cannot. Some day perhaps...

Placecard Holders...done!!

OK...I may not have posted yesterday, but these little lovelies were completed yesterday. Yeah! One DIY project down...only a few more to go.

One more...

My reaction to continuing to look at wedding blogs...!

Less than a month...?

What...the...heck?!

How did it get to the point where I am less than a moth away from my wedding? I have so many projects to do, and so little time. But that is me, Ms. Procrastinator. And I love the crunch...though I have given myself a deadline: everything has to be done by July 25th. I know that quite a few people don't believe I can get it done, but I know I can.

Anyhoo, I wish I had started this blog a bit earlier. I love the idea of being able to post my ideas for the wedding here. It might have helped me keep track of things a bit better. ::sigh:: Wishful thinking and I.

Tomorrow....I am set to start a project. A project a day I say shall get accomplished. Don't believe me? Watch me.

BTW, who likes this idea for our arch? I don't want it directed all phoo-phooey with flowers. What do you say?

Engagement Party

So Nick and I had or second (yes second) engagement party this weekend, and I can already not deal with all of the questions everyone is asking. "So what can I do?" "Aren't you stressed out?" "How are you going to do your table arrangements?"

Honestly, I so don't care about any of it. The wedding isn't until August, so I cannot see why I would be stressed out already. I know how I want everything to look already, so what gives?