Sister Sister

My sister came to visit this weekend. We hadn't seen each other in 2 years and have way too much to catch up on. One weekend is not enough. We went to Taco Bus in St. Pete for dinner on Friday evening and I shared a Mexican coke with my nephew. I missed him so much and I was just so thrilled that he even sort of remembered me that when he slobbered all over the bottle, I didn't mind. My sister of course set the tone of the weekend when she squirted verde sauce all over herself and the table.

Saturday we headed to Tampa for a bit of shopping. We hit Westshore first, then went over to International. My nephew brought along a camera to document the excursion.

We walked into Lush because I always do and also because Cindy had never been in one, much less heard of the store. We found ourselves in the back corner trying to figure out what the heck they were selling hardened blocks of shit for. Well, as it turns out they do not sell hardened blocks of shit. They sell henna and call it "caca." We asked about it and the really sweet sales girl explained the whole bit. We were sold.

(Cindy and I dye our hair red because it feels more natural than what grows out of our heads. I had redder hair when I was little and my natural color is browinsh-red. She's a honey blonde. As red-heads, we stop planets from spinning.)

We bought the Caca Rouge and went to work on it that night. I'll do a post about it because it is too hilarious for this post. Anyhoo, look out for the post when I tell you about 2 girls, 1 bathtub (that was one of our gut-busting jokes). Have a fab Tuesday!

Fill in the Blanks Monday

Happy Tuesday-eve! Lauren took a break from the blanks last week, so I thought I'd come up with some of my own. These were the questions I came up with for the ladies I tagged in the 11 things meme.


1. What was your first car?   A white 1989 Plymouth Acclaim.  
2. How do your like you coffee?   Black.  
3. Who is your favorite cartoon (Disney, Universal, etc) character?   I really love Hello Kitty, but my favorite Princess is Ariel. I also really love Alice.  
4. Do you have a favorite musical? What is it?   Funny Girl.  
5. What is your go to scent for everyday?   Heaven by Gap. It's very crisp and feminine.  
6. If you had the power to end one reality show right now, who would get the ax?   All the dating shows. Gone. Go find your mate like the rest of us!
7. What are you most proud of yourself for? Right now I'm feeling extra proud that I've made it this far in college. Most proud? Making it 8 years in the Army!
8. How do you blow off steam after a long and/or frustrating day?   A glass (or 3) of wine and something to read tames this wild beast.  
9. What is one thing (or a few) that you try to keep off of your blog?   Religion and politics.  
10. You know that one drink that made you so sick that you don't even want to see it ever again? What is it?   For awhile it was Rumplemintz. A long while. I snuck a shot from the freezer the other day though. I gagged but went back for another. I love and hate the stuff!
11. What is the one food that you can sit down and eat anytime of the day, the one meal/dish you are always in the mood for?   Gimme all the cottage pie!


Link up! I want to see everyone's answers!

How have you been?

I'm still here. It's funny how when you skip a day or two and not even look at your blog, how it feels like a week. After not having classes last week, getting back into the swing of things this week was exhausting. The Sandman hasn't been sticking around as much at night as I'd like and when he does, he doesn't chase away the nightmares.

On a positive note, my best friend is coming in town this weekend. Yep. My sister. With that said, I have a lot to get done before she gets here. I have to finish my Paradise Lost midterm (kill me now), clean the house around a (sometimes unhelpful) boyfriend, and pick up some things at the supermarket.

One thing I will leave everyone with is some advice. Go watch the documentary Helvetica. Especially if you're a fan of any kind of Typography. A whole documentary about one little font and how it changed the world. (I found it on Netflix).

I don't think I'll post until Sunday afternoon, so have a great weekend!

#FebPhotoSkill Days 15-21

3 weeks down! How's everyone hanging in? Anyone else doing the photo challenges? Have you posted? Link up, I wanna see!

15. Negative Space // 16. Positive Space // 17. High Contrast

18. Documentary No. 2 // 19. Freeze Action // 20. Black on Black // 21. White on White

Happy 200th Post to me!

This teensy milestone snuck up on me. It may not seem big, but I feel like 200 is a pretty solid number at this point.

I started blogging back in '08 to blow off steam and rant about my then boyfriend. I wrote mostly to get the poisonous thoughts out of my head and the hurt feelings out of my body. I could have kept a journal, sure, but trust me the internet was actually safer. My little blog was so obscure that I knew it was safe from him and I ranted away. I've since taken that blog down because I am rid of that angst and the [insert colorful word] who caused it all.

In late 2010 I began to read a few blogs here and there, but over the holiday break I began to read them more regularly. I also made a twitter account for my cat. I was bored. Then just shortly after the new year, I made my very own WordPress blog. I blogged there until the summer and then moved over to Blogger. That was a big move for me. I was so scared that in the 5 or so minutes it took to import my blog to Blogger that I would lose everything. In the beginning everyone wants to know that they are being heard. They want readers, they want to feel apart of a community. I felt a little isolated being on a different platform, that no one read what I wrote anyway.  I was scared that when I was a little more visible (and had access to GFC) no one would even pay me the time of day anyway. I was wrong. My blog may not be big, but it is successful. By that I mean, I'm getting out of it what I want: a creative outlet. I've learned over the course of the year that the stats don't matter. All that matters is that I am able to express myself. I appreciate everyone who has given me advice and the people who have followed along over the last year. Here are a few of the ladies who have inspired me the most.







There are more, of course. I would be here all day. I just want to say thank you to everyone who has even looked at my blog long enough to see my header!

 

Fill in the Blanks Monday (Love)

I love goats!

1.  The love of my life is   Chris.

2.   Falling in love is   is something I used to do too easily. As I got older I realized I was never in love, I was simply infatuated. I'm learning that real love takes time to grow and actually has to be nurtured. People don't fall in love, rather they grow to love someone.

3.  Marriage is   not something I've tried. I guess we'll come back to this later.

4. The longest relationship I've ever had was  3 long and unhealthy years. Chris and I have been together for a little more than 2 years now and those 2 years have meant more to me than anytime I've ever spent with a guy.

5. The key to a good relationship is  communication and compromise.

6. I feel loved when   when someone remembers the little bits. Especially because of my ticks, it's nice when someone remembers that I like something just so or I have a fit (read OCD).

7.  My favorite quote about love is  "If you want to be loved, be lovable."

Ovid

Blanks by Lauren

Sundae Stroll

Happy Sunday (my favorite day). So on the blog today is a meme. Yep. A meme. I'm chugging away on homework and the weather is dreary, so no adventures today! I think the one and only meme I have posted on the blog was the ABC one, but sometimes I think these are helpful because it allows readers to learn more about the blogger, so here goes!


I was tagged by Megan from Surprise High Five.

There are six "rules"
1. Post these rules.
2. Post 11 random things about yourself.
3. Answer the questions set for you in the original post (i.e., Megan's for me).
4. Create 11 new questions and tag people to answer them.
5. Go to their blog and tell them you've tagged them.
6. No saying, "If you are reading this, you're tagged.

11 random things about me:
1. I was in Jrotc all 4 years of high school.
2. I've been known to talk, walk, and eat chocolate while asleep.
3. I prefer my coffee black.
4. I dye my hair red because it feels more natural.
5. I actually like warm beer better than cold. I'll order 2 Guinnesses (Guinnei?) and let the 2nd warm up.
6. I usually learn things the hard way.
7. I still confuse my left and right, there should be clear markers which is which. (ding! teensy tattoo idea)
8. I love pens.
9. After 14 years I still have the occasional craving for red meat.
10. My hair is stick straight. That kink from ponytails? Straightens itself in 5 minutes.
11. I was allergic to chocolate and pineapple when I was little.


Megan's questions for me:
1. Are you a cat or a dog person?
I'm kind of a bothy. I really love dogs, but.... I really love cats. I love ferrets too.
2. Who is your dream date?
It would be more like a get together, but I would love to have a drink (or black out) with the folks from Flogging Molly.
3. What is your favorite food?
Chocolatesushicheese <----(it counts).
4. What do you want to be when you grow up?
I want to be a wildly successful author.
5. When was your first kiss?
It happened when I was 15, back in November 1999.
6. What is the craziest thing you have ever done?
My family tells me that leaving my unit to join another that I knew was deploying was the craziest. I bet there's a troopy who does that everyday. Personally, I still think swallowing that goldfish for a 12er was pretty cray.
7. What makes you mad?
Get me behind the wheel of a car and see what doesn't. No but really. Woman beaters. I wouldn't piss on one if they were burning in a ditch.
8. If you could only keep one article of clothing and had to replace the rest with new stuff (What Not to Wear style), what would you keep?
This one's a toughy. I'm not overly attached to the clothes I have these days. I guess my favorite black pj pants. We have history.
9. What is your guilty pleasure?
Reading zombie books. 
10. What is the best/worst present you have ever received?
Best? It's a tie. I got Cheetara when I earned my AA and I got Trinket for my birthday last year. Worst? Who the hell gets his girlfriend a fishing pole, then refuses to take her fishing... or even let her go fishing by herself?!?!??! He's an ex for a reason.
11. The Spice Girls decide they need you to join them on tour, what "spice" are you?
Well, I think I would be Teapot Spice or Crafty Spice..... Bookworm Spice? I'll only go on tour if I can have a body like Posh. 


Alright, here's what I wanna know:
1. What was your first car?
2. How do you like you coffee?
3. Who is your favorite cartoon (Disney, Universal, etc) character?
4. Do you have a favorite musical? What is it?
5. What is your go to scent for everyday?
6. If you had the power to end one reality show right now, who would get the ax?
7. What are you most proud of yourself for?
8. How do you blow off steam after a long and/or frustrating day?
9. What is one thing (or a few) that you try to keep off of your blog?
10. You know that one drink that made you so sick that you don't even want to see it ever again? What is it?
11. What is the one food that you can sit down and eat anytime of the day, the one meal/dish you are always in the mood for?


I'm tagging Velma, Rachel, and Heather.


Anyhoo, that's it! I hope everyone has a great Sunday!

Stars in her eyes

I stumbled onto The Perfect Pear blog a few days and found an awesome diy. I'm sure there are a zillion other great diys, but I'm still exploring the blog. This one is quick and I suggest jumping on it before Picnik closes. In her post Lauren shows you how to create a galaxy silhouette.

Hers looks so much better than mine, but this was my first go around with it. Pretty cool, huh?

Anyone there?

Do you have a minute? I need to talk. I'm finding that this last semester in school is one of the hardest. While I'm only taking 9 credits, they feel like the hardest 9 credits of my life.

I can't understand why, they all compliment one another so well. I'm taking 17th-18th century British literature, Late Shakespeare, and the History of Sexuality. They could almost be rolled into one! The two lit class are with the same professor, I've taken classes with her for the last two semesters. I know her style, I know what she's going to throw at me.

This history class is the straw that's breaking this camel's back. I took two history classes for my AA. They didn't cover anything so vast as sexuality and it's influence on history. Right now I should have a general outline of a research paper as well as a list/bibliography of sources.

I don't even have a topic.

The outline and bibliography are due tomorrow evening.

Why did I wait so long to even start? I am very intimidated by the idea of writing a history paper. I've written several research papers for my literature class, so I know the "formula." I'm a wiz at analyzing literature with or without knowledge of the author's intent. So a history paper.... I have to have a question.... a burning desire to know how something effected something else and changed it. The hardest part? Tying in sexuality.

The paper can range in topics anywhere from polyamory to fetishes to LGBTQ to well, anything that involves anything you can even think of that has to do with sex! Agh!

I'm in a pickle, you guys. History is a big part of my beloved literature. In order to understand the relevancy of the words on the page you must first know what was going on at the time they were written. I get that. But how do I take that and apply it to a history paper?

I think what it all comes down to really, is that this is my last semester of college (for now?) and I'm shaking in my boots. What's next? Who knows.

So if you're a history buff, or just generally good with cranking out research papers of different subjects throw me a bone. How should I be thinking about this? I know I'm looking at it all wrong, so how do I look at it right?

#FebPhotoSkill Days 8-14

8. Still Life // 9. S-curve // 10. Ordinary Object

11. Documentary No. 1 // 12. Silhouette // 13. Texture // 14. Typography

Be mine?

Happy Valentine's Day friends! I wanted to share what I sent to Rachel for the Oh! Strumpets Valentine's craft swap.

Yep, I made her one of these. I had another craft already finished when then this idea came along. Everyone likes cameras, perhaps more than a heart bunting. What did you do for Valentine's Day?

Fill in the Blanks Monday

1.  I started my blog because   I needed an outlet. Writing, photos, stories...I have stuff to share.

2.   One thing I love seeing on other blogs   real life happening. Well, real life that happened and the stories about it that the author wanted to share. I know everyone doesn't run around taking pictures of their outfits and shopping sprees everyday. I like to read the off days. I like to read about adventures.

3.  Something I love about blogging   is that just when I think no one is listening/reading, a voice from the back of my head says, "It doesn't matter, you aren't here for that." Then I go back to writing for me. I love that blogging gives me a place to share the things in my life and in my head, whether anyone reads about them or not.

4. A favorite blog post of mine is probably  my most popular one. I'm not being vain. My most popular post is the tutorial on how to change your oil. Yeah, sure it's a little girly (pink car and goofy grins) but it also shows my stronger "I can do anything you can do better" side. I worked hard and earned that "strength."

5. Something my friends in real life know about me that I've never before mentioned on my blog is   that while I am super introverted, it only takes a few seconds to get me out of my shell. After that, you. are. screwed. I talk a lot and sometimes I don't realize that I'm the one doing most of the talking. I remember in the 7th grade my Uncle Barry timed me to see how long I could be quiet. I didn't even last a whole 5 minutes. I even talk in my sleep. #ChattyCathy

6.  My new favorite blogs to read are  Educated... not so domesticated, ApriliaLove, The Wild + Wily Ways of a Brunette Bombshell, The Girl Who Stole the Eiffel Tower, and The City Birds Nest.  

7.  Some things I tend to avoid doing on my blog are   writing about politics and religion. Trust me, I've got some opinions and I could write all day about them. However, we all have very different views and there are people out there that want to argue (go to war) because their views are different. If I wanted that I'd take my blog and go back to Iraq or become a politician. I ain't even got the time.

Blanks by The Little Things We Do

Sundae Stroll

I worked today. It's the first Sunday shift I've had in a few weeks. Well, this shift was training for a new denim promotion and I was one of the select few to go through it. Part of the training was to try on a few of the jeans, mostly fits we never wear.

 

As I was gathering them all up in my size I told everyone, "If you hear me crying in the fitting room, just bring me size 10's." I have size 8's (in fact I'm wearing them right now) that I will only wear with certain shirts. They give me muffin top these days and I don't want anyone to see it, not even my dog (especially not my cats).

Guess who discovered size 8 really does fit as long as she wears the correct style for her body shape? This girl.

I know, I know. Sizes are just numbers, but no one in their right mind will tell you they aren't happy when that number is lower than what they thought it would be.

I actually love the jeans that I tried on today, they were actually a higher rise. Maybe I should step outside my comfort zone more often. Actually I should just stay away from low rise jeans all together. I'm constantly pulling my pants up over my hips and I realized today in the fitting room that I actually gave myself a camel toe. Whoops! Awkward! I hope that hasn't been happening all along or I will be absolutely mortified. Well, not really because I just told you all about it.

...and that's about all the excitement I'm going to see today. I'm going to start working on a research paper and maybe work on my blog design a little. Speaking of, what do you think? I'm learning, be gentle. Anyway, have a fun Sunday! (funday?)

Under Construction

Hey gals (and guys) the blog is under construction today. "But you just gave it a makeover a month ago!" I know, and that helped motivate me to write. The last update did the job, but I've learned a few new tricks and I'm ready to climb to the next level. You see, this blog is an outlet for me. I write a lot for school, sometimes I want to write for school and other times I want to write for myself. I write for myself here. I also view this blog as practice for when I start my book. This blog will also become an escape for when I need a break from my book. So since the blog will be under construction for the day, here are some pictures to looks at!

These photos were taken with a Canon Xsi and a Diana+ 20mm fisheye lens. The fisheye effect isn't prevalent, but the soft toy lens feel is still there. All of these awesome photo layouts and tape bits are from the talented Katrina from Pugly Pixel. I just finished downloading Photoshop yesterday and let's just say I'm a fast learner. Hope you all are having a great weekend (I'm battling the sniffles as I type).

#febphotoskill Days 1-7

Is anyone else doing the #febphotoskill challenge? I decided to do this one instead of the the photo challenge similar to January's. Anyone else getting frustrated by the people who mix up the hashtags? Ugh... I feel like such a snob. Whoops! Here are the first 7 days:

1. Line // 2. Shadow // 3. Portrait

4. Pattern // 5. Landscape // 6. Motion // 7. Shape

Have you blogged about any of yours? Lemme see! (link up below)

FYI: the hashtag is in fact #febphotoskill, I just made a typo.

Animal Kingdom

Last weekend Chris and I made a trip over to Orlando. On Friday, we spent 2 hours at Animal Kingdom before heading over to Oblivion Taproom for a few drinks. We were at Animal Kingdom long enough to snap some photos and for me to go love on/pets the goats. I love goats. Here are some of the photos I posted on instagram:

I didn't bring my camera with me into the park, but Chris did. I'll direct everyone to his post when he's gone through the photos he took. 

We went to Magic Kingdom on Saturday and I ran around with my Diana+ 20mm Fisheye. I don't have a full frame camera but in some photos the effect is present. I'll post some of those in a day or 2. I rode Space Mountain and we went on Haunted Mansion. Big Thunder Mountain was down for refurbishing so we couldn't go on it. The Swiss Family Robinson tree house has re-opened and it looks amazing. You'll see, I took some photos (so keep and eye out!)

Fill in the Blanks Monday

1.   If money wasn't an issue, the first thing I'd cross of my life list is   an extra long vacation to Europe. I want to see England, Spain, Germany, Ireland, Italy, France, you get the idea.   

2.   Walking in mud   is something I like that other people think is weird. (Well, others might actually think it's gross, but I love the squishy/gritty texture of mud.)

3.  If my life were a movie right now, the title would be  Caffeinated Confessions of a Rabid Bookworm. I'm not sure that that's a good title but at this point in my life I think it works. I don't know what I consume more of, words or caffeine.    

4.  Three things I am looking forward to this month are   Valentine's Day    ,    making my notebook for 30 Days of Lists   and   Leap Day. 

5.  My favorite song to sing in the shower is  pretty much every song from Funny Girl (in my best Babs voice, of course).  

6.  If I found out that the production of     Tazo Passion tea    was ending this month, I'd go out and buy as much as I could tomorrow.

7.  One thing I'll never grow tired of is    reading books. I love them so much and I'm pretty big into escapism.  

Prompts by Lauren

Sundae Stroll---study hall ed.

Well, today won't be terribly adventurous; I'm spending it writing a teensy paper and reading a few books from Paradise Lost (::snoozzzzzzze::). I'm also finishing up my craft for the Oh! Strumpets craft swap. I had one done already, but I changed my mind and started a whole new project. I'm mailing it out first thing tomorrow (don't worry Rachel!)
I watched the Puppybowl on Animal Planet today. I died 3 times. That water bowl cam is the best! I didn't watch the actual Superbowl but because Madonna was doing the halftime show I wouldn't be able to function for the rest of my life if I hadn't watched it. Long story short, I only watched the halftime show and it was amazing. I've been a fan since before I can remember. I had Madonna outfits that I wore to school in kindergarten. I'm a "Material Girl" through and through and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Well, I'm going to go finish some homework. How was your weekend?

Fur Babies, part 3

Remember a looooong time ago when I introduced my babies to everyone? Well, I never got to part 3-- my no-fur-havin' babies. 

Snappy AKA Snapzilla

Snappy is a big boy. He's an Alligator Snapping Turtle. He's heavy too. He's difficult for Chris to pick up with 2 hands. Snappy used to live inside in a long 50 gallon tank with another turtle, but they didn't get along well. He has an attitude problem and issues with authority figures. Now Snappy has his own pond in the back yard. Trust me it is covered and he cannot escape! He loves goldfish and shrimpand he's about 4 years old with a face only a mother could love. :}

Cooty

This is Cooty. He's a Carolina Cooter. He's also around 4 years old, but much smaller than his old tank mate. I can easliy pick him up but he doesn't always like it. He has a 50 gallon tank with a turtle topper all to himself. Cooty does yoga. No really. No actually, when he sleeps he sticks one leg straight out. I call it turtle yoga.

Pascal & Delilah

These 2 crazy kids are our veiled chameleons. They aren't bunk mates anymore because I caught them having sex one day. Yep. I'm not ready for grandchildren and they really were getting too old and needed to be separated. They are almost 2 years old and love crickets more than they love me. 

We also have 2 Tokay Geckos (JD and Em) and a Golden Gecko (Goldie). They don't hold still for pictures and they certainly don't smile. 

That's it for our clan, if you missed the last posts these are the links!

Fur Babies, part 1: Ferrets

Fur Babies, part 2: Cats