Back By Popular Demand

Not really. I know I have been absent for quite some time but the only honest reason I can give is that there was not a whole lot going on. To be really honest, I was lazy. While I don't have anything exciting to share that has happened in my absence which inspired me back to the blogging world, I can say that I simply missed it.

Summer is ending and I couldn't be happier about it. Summer is the poor man's Fall. There are a couple of reasons I can't wait for Fall. One of the main, and very shallow, reasons is to wear my Frye riding boots that I bought this summer. Whatever, they are sweet. Another reason is simply because I am catching a cold every day at work from the blasting air conditioning. The air has to be on because it is 90 out and every time I step outside I start sweating. My body can't handle this. Fall is also closer to Spring which is when I plan on moving out of my parent's house.

Now that I had my Grinch moment I will say that all in all it was a nice summer. A whole lot of family time and outside fun. This past weekend we went to Ann Arbor to move my brother into his new apartment. He starts school at the University of Michigan this fall and it hit me that I was not going back to school this fall for the first time in my life.

What a bummer.

Our summer shadows. My brother thinks he is sweet.

"Because you can't go back now"- Gotta love The Weepies

The Perfect Fedora

This morning I woke up just wishing I could walk out the door in a fedora. Not just any fedora but the most perfect one. Finding this fedora has been quite difficult!!! I keep looking and looking but I can not seem to find the one that works for me. So while I was brushing my hair and putting on my multiple bracelets, I am really into that right now too, a certain picture of my Dad caught my eye.

Now I am not quite certain if this is a Fedora or just a really sweet hat but either way I realized that this was the most perfect hat. The hat that I have been just dreaming of. To make it even more perfect I can now see how sweet I would look in this dream hat of mine. For those of you who don't know what I look like, according to many, I am the image of my Father. No joke, anytime I meet anyone who knows my Dad the first thing they say is how much I look like him. When I was younger it really upset me because my Dad is bald and I am really into my hair. As I got older I am no longer hurt by such comments but, in fact, embrace them. I think my Dad is pretty awesome and has aged quite nicely. Plus, who knew he was such a fashionista!

Breakdown

Tonight I had a breakdown. The kind that you don't know what it was that set you off but something does and you just start sobbing and you can't stop and then you realize all these other things that make you cry harder and harder till your eyes are puffy and your nose is running. I had one of those today. My dad was there and he let me cry on his work shirt and get mascara on it. To be honest he might have not seen the mascara yet but nonetheless he still let me cry on his shoulder. My dad is really good with these breakdowns. I wish I could say this was my first one but to be honest I have had a lot of them through out my life and my dad always makes it better. Even after he lets me bawl for a good amount of time he continues to come up to me the rest of the night and give me hugs and kisses so I know he is thinking about me.

I can't really pin point why I broke down but I think it was just life in general. The stress of graduating and trying to find a job. Maybe it was because I am living at home and it tends to get a little lonely. Overall I think I was just tired. No matter how old I get I still have little kid tendencies to get crabby when I am hungry, cry when I am exhausted, and get stomach aches on a daily basis. All in all it was a good cry. It was a needed cry. Usually after I have a huge breakdown like that I feel better. Just more calm and more confident. Besides in my family breakdowns can only last for a short amount of time because somebody can do something to make you laugh. Brendan can make it better by doing crazy poses like this for my photography project. No joke, he stands like this on the football field and that is how I can tell it is him. Maybe not this dramatic but pretty dramatic.

Maybe I will go skydiving

I have decided to revamp my life. (Is that the right word?) Last night I spent some time organizing my room. I packed away my sweaters, threw out all my old school paper and went through my drawer dumping most of it. I made a decision that I am done with electronic devices by 10:30pm. I mean literally turning off my television, telephone and computer. The only exception I am making to that rule is my kindle. This is my source of reading material so I don't really think that counts. I am going to apply for two jobs every week until I find something (we will see how long that last before I get too discouraged). I want to spend more time focusing on my new hobby, photography. I was inspired by my cousin Kathleen (check out her blog http://ithinkmytummyhurts.blogspot.com) and my Aunt Colleen. They are both incredibly talented with cameras! Every night I am going to to try to clear my mind of stress and relax with a good book and some great jams. I am hoping through these moments of quiet a brilliant idea will pop into my head! To be honest, I haven't had a creative or original thought in a long time which is depressing. I am bored with life. In my defense I am a senior in college and I live at home with my parental. There is not a whole lot of excitement going on right now. So I am looking to the future! Maybe I will go skydiving...

Anyone have some suggestions to spice things up a bit???

(image found on google)

Passion Pit

This weekend I had the pleasure of attending the Passion Pit concert at Congress Theater in Chicago. To say it was amazing would be an understatement. From the lighting to the songs you couldn't help but dance and sing along. They saved the best for last when they busted out Sleepyhead at the very end suppressing all the whispers of doubt that they weren't going to play it. Even though there was no air conditioning at the theater which really put a damper on the evening, literally, we still managed to shake and sing our sweaty bodies to a feeling of euphoria. It was a great start to the easter weekend. Play, dance and enjoy!

The Drunk Dial

Last night I was woken up at 1am by a drunk dial from an old friend. This happened to be a very classic drunk dial. One that involved saying "I got something to tell you but don't get mad" and then saying something that involved an expression of emotion that they would have never said sober and then repeating it over and over through out the conversation. Now that you are all probably thinking about the worst drunk call you ever received or made does it ever occur to you why? Most of us, if not all, spend a night out and always end up calling someone and saying something that makes you cringe in the morning. How many delete their text messages and out going calls in the morning before reading them? Every once in a while you call someone who you talk to on a regular basis but most of the time we call people we normally don't call sober which makes the drunk dial so much better. There is nothing better then dialing that ex boyfriend/girlfriend either screaming or sobbing on the other end. Or even better, dialing your parents when your roommate hooks up with the boy you like. (sounds ridiculous...happens) While the drunk dial can lead to most of not wanting to see daylight for the next 48 hours, once, in a blue moon, we have a little fun with the drunk dial. For example, late night food. Technically that's a drunk dial that we might regret but don't swear yourself to sobriety over. In fact, that late night food made be the best thing that's you have ever had! (You all know what I am talking about) Sometimes we call our crush and don't end up saying the most terribly embarrassing thing in the world but managing to simply come off as flirty ;)! While this is rare, not all drunk dials ruin lives. I have managed to kick the drunk dial habit and no longer partake so there is hope for all of us. However, I must say as the sober person who picks up the phone at 1am, keep them coming because they are quite enjoyable!

The Travel Bug

I have just returned from my first European adventure! I don't want to bore you all with the nitty gritty so here are some brief but memorable moments. Enjoy!

1. Experienced my first jet lag. One word, WOW.

2. Almost pick pocketed the first day, but felt the girl grabbing my purse and stopped her. After looking at her and asking, "did you just try to pick pocket me?" and then receiving no response back I blushed and ran away. Thats right, I blushed. She, on the other hand, had no shame.

3. Spent the day at Retiro where Nora talked and talked and John just smiled and listened. Walked around with some new friends and enjoyed the beautiful scenery.

(gigantic pond at Retiro)

4. Went to St. Peter's Basilica and was blown away.

(One of the many ceilings)

5. Ate a whole pizza everyday while in Rome.

6. Survived a scary hostel but made friends with some cute New Zealand's and whoa, they were hard to understand.

7. Made some new friends!

Overall conclusion of the trip, traveling around Europe is probably much more enjoyable when you can afford a hotel but all in all an incredible trip!

Lately, I have been dancing like crazy alone in my room when nobody is home. Those mornings that I decide to sleep later and ditch the gym (this happens often) I blast the tunes and have a dance party with Darby. To be honest this can last almost the whole morning. I dance all around the house making coffee, getting dressed, and getting my stuff together. While I listen to a number of song the one I repeat over and over is "Lover" by Devendra Banhart. Just listen and you will totally understand why.

Abstract Art My New Obsession

If it doesn't start to get in the 40's soon I am going to die! I can not stand Chicago winter. Mainly because it is no longer winter and there is still snow on the ground. I am refusing to wear a winter coat anymore because it is March and my stubbornness has left me very cold. Today I stumbled across an abstract piece of art by Mark Rothko that really warmed my insides. Doesn't this make you feel hot all over???

My new obsession with abstract art has taken over my life. Instead of working on the massive amount of homework I have due the next week I stared at this Jackson Pollock painting all day. Instead of feeling mass chaos, which is an emotion many feel looking at his work, I felt a sense of calmness. Try staring at this piece of art for awhile the next time you are stressed and see if it relaxes you.

One day I would love to spend time just throwing paint on a canvas and see what happens.

Caught On Film

I was looking through some pictures and here are some weird moments I captured over Christmas. Enjoy!

My brothers looking identical!

Repeated action shots of my sibs. This was the best one.

Documenting their personalities. Presenting Grumpy, Goofy and Guilty.

Darby looking ferocious. She usually cries till you pet her.

My Dad having a conversation with Darby. This happens often.

Blah, I miss the holidays!

A Cooking Deal

Tonight at dinner I made a deal with my parents. Once a week I am going to cook dinner. For those of you who don't know my mom she is a control freak. I love her dearly but she wants things done a very particular way. You all know those people who ask you for help but while doing whatever it is they asked you to do they come and take it over anyways, that is my mom. So after I proposed this topic she already told me what I would be making on Wednesday but she did promise that after this week she would have no input and I could decide what to make. Now please don't think that I am turning this blog into a remake of Julie and Julia, which I loved! I am simple attempting something new which was part of my resolutions for the new year. While I enjoying hosting I am terrible cook. Terrible in the way that I once baked a cake with vinegar. In my defense the birthday girl absolutely loved it and ate the whole thing because it really gave it a lemon zing! Regardless of how terrible a cook I am I do love food. Really, really love food. One of my most shameful secrets is that I have the ability to eat two Chipotle burritos in one sitting. Please don't judge me I am really not proud to admit this. So this is my attempt at trying something different that will combine a lacking talent with a passionate interest and I will keep you all posted on how it goes. Please, please give me recipe ideas!

One day I can only hope to be able to make something like this...

What movie is this from???

A Treat for the Day

Today while doing the homework for my online art class I came across a painting done by John Sloane that made me instantly smile. It reminded me of when I was in New York City this fall with some of my favorites. I stared at while eating a snickers. I suggest you do the same.

The Wine Hangover

We all know that every hangover is terrible. Every time I wake up the next morning dizzy, nauseous, and in physical pain I swear on my life that I will never drink again. It is usually a short lived declaration but I am in college so, for now, I have an excuse to keep torturing myself. I am sure most of us have heard all the secrets to killing a hangover or avoiding one in the first place which include greasy food, drinking 8 cups of water before going to bed, drinking a beer in the morning, etc. We also all know that when you get "that hangover" no cure in the whole world will make you feel better. "That hangover" is the one that leaves you helpless on the couch all day, running back and forth to the bathroom, unable to eat, unable to drink, unable to breath. "That hangover" is usually a result of the liquor, something everyone should just stay away from. Nobody has ever started a sentence with "I am so glad I had that shot." Even though the liquor hangover is one of the worst I would like to introduce a different hangover that some people may have been lucky to avoid, the wine hangover.



Oh the wine hangover! Only those who enjoy wine enough to allow yourself to get a hangover from it will understand what I am talking about but man oh man it is the worst. This hangover is the one that leaves you with a scratchy throat and an acidic stomach. This hangover leaves you grabbing your head for hours thinking that there is actually someone pulling it apart. This hangover hurts your entire body and almost always leaves you with a head cold. No coffee, water or greasy food makes you feel better. If you are ever cursed with the wine hangover I truly do feel for you.



This weekend I had the pleasure of a wonderful get together with my favorite friends, the phlock and the wine was really flowing! Waking up the next morning with the wine hangover made me immediately judge my life decisions and question where I was going. It also made me realize that drinking red wine till 4 am is never a good decision but oh man I do love my red wine.

Too old to babysit?

I spent the weekend at someone's house watching their two kids while they were in Florida. Getting paid to "babysit" a 12 year old and a 16 year old is about as silly as getting paid to dog sit (that is what neighbors are for). As effortless as it was to spend the weekend with these kids and get paid $200 for it, I can't help but think that I am just to old to babysit. I am very aware of what a snot I sound like right now, however I always says yes when people ask me to babysit, always. I am not sure if it is because I have a heart of gold, I just love money or that I have nothing else to really do (most likely a combination of all 3) but either way I always say yes. I also always regret saying yes the day before I have to babysit. I don't like yelling, I am not very good at playing with my imagination at a pg level, and germs seriously make me sick to my stomach. Conclusion: I am going to be a great mom. It is not that I hate kids, but it is way different babysitting another person's kids then your own or even your own family. People have weird food habits, weird shows they like to watch, weird house rules, annoying animals and a whole lot of other things that you can't really comment on but in fact have to make sure they stay intact while their parents are gone. I am sure plenty of people use to say all the same things about me. In fact, I attacked my babysitter with a pencil once so I was one of those psycho kids that people had to babysit. For real, it only happened once. Basically, no matter how good the money is, how easy the kids are or even the amount of good food people have I never think its worth it. After having the most painless babysitting job of the weekend I have concluded I am just to old to babysit. I am cashing out of the babysitting gig until desperate times call for desperate measures or at least until February 7th because the next two weekends I have babysitting jobs lined up.

What kind of year? A Year to Run a Half Marathon

This weekend I ran my first half marathon. I landed in Phoenix on Friday morning and had two days to relax until the big race on Sunday morning. So of course, being that Friday is the only night we have to go out we decided that we should take full advantage of it. After party crashing a party that my brothers friends were hosting we decided to try out the lifestyle of ASU. If you ever go to Tempe, Arizona spend at least 30 minutes as "The Big Bang: Dueling Piano Bar." It was by far the coolest thing that Tempe has to offer. ASU definitely has a bad rep (At least what I have heard) however, it was a lot more fun then I imagined. By 1 that morning I was ready to go home and go to bed. After getting into a cab it became very clear that me and Chris did not have a clue of where we are going and the cab driver decided to completely take advantage of that. Our 40 dollar half hour cab ride ended in a 70 dollar hour cab ride. I am going to have to take full responsibility for this scam because as soon as I got into the cab the comfortable leather seats and the hardness of the window pillow called to me and I curled up and fell asleep, leaving Chris with little help of direction.

Waking up bright and early Saturday was not fun but my first expo was quite the experience and really helped me get "pumped" for the big race. Biggest bonus of the day was the matching ninja sweat protector headbands that both me and my brother bought to protect the seat from our eyes. Honestly, we looked sweet. Due to our lack of sleep from the night before we were sent to bed by 10 pm by Dr. J with no complaints, to be honest, I am pretty sure I skipped.

As soon as my alarm went off on Sunday morning I immediately regretting signing up in the first place. We arrived an hour before which gave me plenty of time to freak out. As the time flew by we go in line at corral number 17. With 26,000 runners we still had to wait another 30 minutes till we got to actually cross the the starting line. When we finally got up to the front and finished shouting at Senator John McCain, who was waving at his elbows God bless him, the count down started and we were off. To my complete surprise we were able to fully complete the half marathon in 2:27 and were able to run the whole thing which was a miracle to say the least. Running across the finishing line was by far the coolest thing that I have ever accomplished. Even though you are basically dying you feel completely energized and that you can do anything.

Since my first marathon I am on a runners kick and am going to attempt to try become a much better and more serious runner. I also realized that physically and mentally you are probably capable of way more then you think. 2010: A Year For Trying New Things.

What kind of year?

This weekend I tried my first lobster. It was delicious, however I am a true believer that almost anything you are suppose to dip in butter is going to be amazing. One of the best parts of eating the lobster was that while eating it I felt like a princess. It could be that I am under the impression that Lobster is a special meal that is not served on a regular basis considering I have never even had it. It could also be because of being waited on by the host and hostess as if I was royalty, the wine was consistently flowing and I think at one point my bread was buttered for me. After eating my first lobster I tried my first cannoli, and no, I don't live in a box. I can say with complete serious that I now understand what "melts in your mouth" means. While trying my first lobster Bridget declared that 2010 was the year for trying new things. Hats off to Bridget, what a splendid idea. So it has been declared that 2010 is the year for trying new things and now I must decide what to try. The list that I have thus far includes:

1. Skydiving

2. Riding on a motorcycle

3. Brussels sprouts (Bridget's suggestions)

5. Learning to play poker

6. Duck

7. Manhattans (The only thing my Grandma drinks)

8. Taking a photography class

I know, I know, I could easily try all of these things this weekend however these items are only a short number of what I am hoping to try in 2010. Just a rough sketch. I am hoping to be blessed with a number of new opportunities to experience however I believe a lot of them will be presented spur of the moment. Much thanks to Bridget for the inspiration to begin the new years off with a bang. I am looking forward to a number of weekends up at Marquette sitting around playing poker, eating brussels sprouts and drinking manhattans?

Is it possible to have too much holiday??

I have always looked forward to the Christmas season. Mainly because all my siblings come home and the older we have gotten the less we see each other. Also, like many others, I look forward to the food, drinks, and presents galore! I still get excited on Christmas Eve, I love squinting my eyes when looking at the Christmas tree (you know what I am talking about), I never diet during the season and I spend most of the time in my pajamas. Now that this holiday season has officially come to end and I have time to reflect I have concluded.....this year there was way to much holiday! I know it has to be because Thanksgiving was so late this year and there was only a month later till Christmas. I also know that I had multiple celebrations with my family because of this and because of celebrating my Grandpa's 80th birthday in the middle of Thanksgiving and Christmas. I am not ungrateful at all! I am also not disappointed that I saw my family so much what I am tired of is eating drinking, staying up so late, laying around all day and the winter weather. I think after this month of eating and drinking I need a major detox!! In spite of being incredible bloated and exhausted there were a number of holiday memories....

1. My parents still won't let their kids use the downstairs shower because its for "guest" and therefore all five adult kids had to share one bathroom.

2. The temperature dropping to single digits and soon as New Years Eve came about (Literally on January 31st).

3. The annual Christmas Brunch with the phlock, woo woo.

4. Running into people from high school and wishing I hadn't.

5. My cousin Kevin calling me a couple times in a row and repeating everything he said the first time he called me. (That was not sarcastic, actually awesome)

6. Watching old season for lost in preparation for the last season premiering in February!!

7. Spending much needed time with good family and Friends and being able to appreciate all of my blessings!!

Happy New Year!!