Wednesday, January 18, 2012

American Idol Highlights and.... Lowlights

That's right. It's the first night. Here I am. Back by unpopular demand. I can't help myself, not to mention my amazing prediction from last season. This season the A.I. squad visited Savannah, Georgia. I have my eye on these two youngin's:

David Leathers, Jr., 17


Gabi Carrubba, 16



And to spice it up... this person wins the worst of the season... so far.

Jessica Whitely, 19 -- you wont regret watching this entire thing. I promise you.


Gotta love it!

Monday, January 9, 2012

Someday...

This past week has been far from perfect. In addition to a number of annoying events, I happened to have accidentally spilled my entire cup of coffee on my laptop... while I was using it. Of course. Needless to say... this week could've been better.

For this reason I ask: Have you ever been so annoyed with your life that you just needed a change? Something that'll spice up your life? Make it interesting, purposeful, and exciting? Creating a spontaneous adventure like buying a plane ticket to visit a new place for only a weekend. Signing up for Match.com just because you're so bored. Or even trying out for American Idol or Wipeout. Obviously a dream for most all of us. Or... buying a new puppy... just... because...

[wha-wha] No I didn't buy  haven't bought one.

I argue to my roommates It makes perfect sense for me to have a new little puppy. I'm an adult. I am loving. I am mature. I can handle responsibility. What else would they need?

Turns out I need to wait until I have some sort of financial security other than student loans. I suppose they are right. I mean, I did need some assistance with my breaks on my car... which literally quit working last month. I used my Xmas funds simply on my coffee spill.

Although a new, adorable, loving little puppy isn't in my life at this very moment... I will use Pinterest as my outlet for choosing my future pup. Here's what I'm thinking:










Last but certainly not least:
source: fat dog
Someday pup... someday... you will be mine. 

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Iowa... what up?

As many of us know, and continue to be reminded about, the Iowa Caucuses are tonight. So what's it like living the life of an Iowan during Caucus season? Let me give you a snapshot:

  • I've heard countless television commercials...
  • Hundreds of radio ads...
  • I've seen the Bachmann bus twice in the past 5 days...
And the real kicker...
  • I have received one text message at 2:18 A.M. (that's 2:18 in the MORNING!!!) from Rick Santorum. 
Puke.

Can you believe that? I was just workin the REM cycle and then *ding* my cell phone goes off. Of course I can't ignore it as it would only continue with the *ding* every 5 minutes until I pay attention to it. So barely alive I partly open one eye and WOW- a text from Rick Santorum (my least fav of them all) stating, "Vote for Rick Santorum at your local Republican Caucus. He is the man you can count on and trust." 

Puke.

Can you believe that? Not only am I bombarded with pathetic negative campaign garbage on a constant basis but I have to be awakened from my slumber by flippin' Rick Santorum. Urg! Yes, Caucus season in Iowa is absolutely absurd. Buuuuuuuut Iowa has its perks. Watch this video. It made me feel better. 


That's all I have for today.

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

December Update

So... a LOT has happened in December.  Here's the rundown:

1) Late November- message from Joe (Allison, my little sister's BF) I'll be asking your dad over Thanksgiving to marry your sister...   it wasn't that short of a message but that was the gist. I  felt gitty and excited but unable to share my joy. I mean, it is just a question towards my dad at this point.

[my dad said yes.]

2) Early December- Joe sent me another message... with an additional 37 other people as well.  It reads: Hello everyone! PLEASE KEEP THIS A SECRET. I can't stress that enough. I'm planning on proposing to Allison on December 17th at the ice rink. I'm going to pretend to fall or something to get her attention and then propose to her. I want to surprise her with a party with all her friends after the engagement at her place...

*note, I may or may not have added/deleted portions of that message.
Most people who know me would agree that I'm not the best with secrets. They are simply too exciting for me to hold in alone. Luckily there were 37 people on the list to gossip with. Naturally, I informed my mom, dad, boyfriend, his friends, my friends, their parents, their siblings, co-workers, my ebay followers, people I met in a bar, santa claus and his elf's... I mean, this is his surprise to tell. His secret is safe with me.

3) 12/17- ALLISON & JOE ENGAGED!!!

And I'm so excited for them! They are just the happiest little couple right now!






4) 12/17- BRAD MOVES INTO HIS OWN APARTMENT!!! This is a BIG day!! He has been hoppin' around to-and-from my parents house and his parents house doing his rotations and I know there is nothing more than his own home base to minimize his stress. It's an adorable little one bedroom downtown and everyone that lives there is basically over the age of 65- YES!!! I think I'm going to do the honors of developing an events calendar for the place, specifically BINGO night. Is that too much? I think not!


5)12/20- I got a 4.17 GPA! That's right! In graduate school! I got over 100% in a class... somehow! Holla!

6) 12/22- TABBY TURNS 2!!

















7)12/25- CHRISTMAS! I went to Brad's parents in Ft. Dodge for Christmas this year. We played games, drank wine, played games, and drank wine! It was wonderful! And then Brad and I traveled down to Des Moines to my parent's house watch movies and eat, watch movies and eat. At 7am Monday morning we hit the road to Missouri for grandma's house! Yee-haw! Hit up both grandparents and back by 8 that night!

What's next? A relaxing and CHEAP New Years Eve in Kansas City with friends! We are skippin' the bars, cabs, and expensive drinks and goin' for a laid-back, yet, action-packed NYE with close friends. It's gonna be AWESOME.

And yes, I will still wear something sparkly. No worries.


Wanna know what's weird? I sat down to write a post about something completely different. No idea what it was now. I suppose I felt a rundown of my month was more important than a random thought I had running in my head earlier this morning. That's life. Let's roll with it.

Thursday, November 24, 2011

My THANKFULness List

On that nationally recognized day in which Americans only get bigger, I thought it would be appropriate to make sure my heart gets bigger as well. Here is my list of 26 reasons why I'm thankful. Obviously I chose 26 because that's my age... of course.

*Note: This is in no particular order.*

1. My vision
On a sunny day in October, I noticed my eye was red and it felt like something was in it. Naturally, I ignored it. Soon I couldn't keep my eye open for very long-It hurt and watered... I'm sure the lady I was meeting with thought I was on drugs. I went home and took out my contacts. Maybe there's a tear in my contact? Nope.
10pm my mom roommate went to buy me some fancy eye drops. They did nothing. Throughout the night the pain only got worse.
6:30am I quietly sneaked into mom's roommates room. Mom, something is seriously wrong. I think I'm going blind. She replied "Should we go to the ER? Or I can call the eye doctor?" I don't know... it just hurts. I leave her bedroom with the pressure on her shoulders to take action. (This is when having my mom as my roommate is super convenient)
6:30-8:00am I sat, crying downstairs, in the dark, like a 12-year old. Why me? I probably have cancer. 
8:00am My roommate mom kindly drove my blind butt to the eye doctor. She called to warn the eye doctor we were on our way with a crying 26-year old emergency. I was escorted from the car to a dark room (with the help from two secretary's and my mom) as I was unable to open my eye. At least I have one good eye. I think I'll become a motivational speaker. The eye doctor immediately diagnosed me with "Acute iritis cornea abrasion." Basically any time my pupil dilated it caused severe pain so I got on some intense steroids for my eye and 2 other drops. *I would also like to note that I'm thankful my mom took me bc I wasn't able to search for my wallet to pay for these pricey meds... Ahhh the perks!*
I spent the entire day in the dark basement with an eye patch while I had nothing to do but sleep. Some of you may argue that just sleeping all day would be wonderful... it my nightmare. No computer. No phone. No TV. Nothing but sleep. L-A-M-E
I am now so thankful for my clear, painless vision. Forever thankful!

2. My parents
For obvious reasons above. In addition to their unconditional love, excellent role modeling, and raising me in an environment that promoted independence, self confidence, and determination.

3. Brad's Family
I love that his family is so loving and supportive. <3

4. My sisters (and their significant others)

5. My niece

6. Mental and Physical Health
Some might beg to differ but I am thankful I am mentally healthy ;) So thankful for my parents and grandparents, a beautiful and healthy niece.

7. Brad
Specifically that he moved out of my parents basement last Sunday and will have his own apartment next month! HURRAY!!! And I am thankful for his love and support. You are the best.

8. My Extended Family
Both my grandparents and aunts, uncles, and cousins. As my cousins continue to get married, the family keeps growing!! *Love*

9. Good weather in NOVEMBER!

10. A vehicle... that works. 
I drove past a car at 7am the other day who was pulled over the side of the road with car problems. It made me realize I have been taking my car for granted on how reliable it is. *Thankful*

11. Lessons Learned
As Carrie Underwood says: "There's some things that I regret, some words I wish had gone unsaid, some starts that had some better endings... Every change life has thrown me, I'm thankful for every break in my heart. I'm grateful for every scar. Some pages turned, some bridges burned but there were lessons learned."


12. Health Insurance


13. For being 26 :)


14. My Friends (I wish more of them lived near me though!!!)


15. Being admitted into the Masters in Social Work program at Iowa
I worked really hard to be admitted... basically forced them to let me in. And I am so happy with what I have gotten out of it and what I've learned.

16. Loan money! 
*Thanks, Lori Dirks, for reminding me why this is something to be thankful for!

17. My Mom's cooking!

18. My desire and love to learn!
I can't say I've always had this desire and love for learning... but I'm glad I have it now!

19. Being born in AMERICA!!!!!
Seriously... I couldn't be more thankful for this. I love our country. Regardless of how twisted our government may be!

20. My parents paying for my braces when I was 14 :)


21. My excellent functioning iPhone and my Mac. 


22. Scarlett-- my supervisor at my practicum- (Iowa Mediation Services)
She is an excellent role model. She is kind and thoughtful. She has taught me a lot.

23. For the opportunity to live at home while in graduate school.
I have been lucky enough to not have to work this year (rather, take out loans) but only for the cost of my school because I am fortunate to have housing and food available to me. :)

24. My Gym membership & the kickboxing class it offers :)
Especially during the holidays.

25. Never having headaches, migraines, or trouble going to sleep
I know a lot of people struggle with this... it makes me thankful I do not have to deal with that stressor!

26. God.
Because without him none of the these things would be possible.


Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. 
Remember to count your blessings. 

Friday, November 4, 2011

Halloween Recap!

I hope everyone had a fantastic Halloween last weekend. If you haven't already seen this video... do so NOW!

 So I thought it'd be such a *cute* Halloween activity for my hottie and I to buy some pumpkins... from Fareway... and carve them together. Aww. Cute! Right? Wrong
1)  Brad HAD to take a nap, so my sister filled the spot! 
2) It's a GROSS, NASTY, pathetically challenging job! Ew! 
3) Requires creativity... which requires thought (vs a brainless activity such as watching football perhaps)
So, thanks to a pathetic level of assistance from my sister, Morgan, I present:
FAT CAT!
boo-ya!

Here's a few quick shots of Catwoman & Batman

 My good friend, Stephanie, and her FIANCE, Hans traveled all the way from the comfort of their rural communities to celebrate Halloween my birthday Saturday night!!! Hans *very recently* popped the big question and they are getting married next year!! WOO-HOO! PAR-TAY! Aren't they adorable?  

Add a splash of flippy cup...
 And I'd say this was a very successful Halloween!

And of course, here's my niece... the adorable little Octopus!

Marching on this weekend to my college home base: AMES! It is my hope there will be a lot of THIS going on!




GO STATE!
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Okay... so I saw this on Facebook. I couldn't help myself but to share it with all of you. Give it a shot!
Apparently I am: Epic, Broken, & Funny

As I was typing that I found FUN. (and not in the same word as funny... that would be cheating)


What are the words that you find?