What I Did On My Summer Vacation

Wow, I didn’t realize how long it’s been since I’ve written. I’ve been to trying to figure out my direction. For my life, this blog, and everything. And boy have I been busy. So what have I been up to the last few months? It’s been a lot of getting my shit together.

I’ve visited Mom in Florida twice. The first one over Memorial Day was a fun visit. Brother went too and we had a lot of quality family time and got to hang out with our step-sister and her friends a lot. I also go to experience getting a pedicure with my step-dad. That was interesting to say the least. The second visit was to help out after Mom had surgery on her neck-her second spinal surgery this year. They went in through the front (her incision looked like something out of a slasher movie) and rebuilt three disks. It was nice to hang out and not have her be cooped up while my step-dad had to work. The looks she got on that first trip to CVS were hilarious.

After the first visit I also realized how much I miss Mom and Papa Steve. Visiting two or three times a year just is not going to cut it anymore. So I want to build a life that enables me to be in Florida for part of the year (5 months or so) and in PA the rest of the time. I’m still figuring out the details, but I think teaching yoga can be a way to do this. So I’ve started a teacher training program. It’s a year-long course and there is A LOT of information. It’s also keeping me busier than I thought it would, but I’m finishing my second month and it’s totally worth it. I’m also currently obsessed with the new Wegman’s that’s on my way to the yoga studio. They have an awesome prepared food area that is pretty inexpensive and delicious.

I did the Color Run in July with Katie and it was a BLAST. I can’t wait to do it again next year and I want to get a bigger group together. We didn’t run the whole thing-but for a super humid day in July I think we did a pretty good job.

 I also asked for a raise at job #1 and hope to quit job #2 by the end of the year. Asking for a raise was one of the scariest things I’ve done-but I’m glad I did it. My boss was 100% with me on it, which makes me respect him a lot more (even if he does still get on my nerves). We also updated my official job description. 

I’m also figuring out my budget for moving out on my own (either alone or with a roommate) in the new year. I’m so ready. Even though I’m so grateful that my aunt is willing to help me, I need to know that I can be independent. Call it self-validation, it’s just really important to me.

I guess that’s all the big stuff. I’d definitely like to get back on some kind of posting schedule. I miss writing and my journey through yoga teacher training is pretty interesting-at least to me. What have you guys been up to?

The Zoo, a Book Cover and OMG BABY DUCKS!

I gave myself a four-day weekend. I was finished work Wednesday night at 4:00, went to power yoga that evening (hot power yoga, mind you) and woke up Thursday ready. I met up with a friend who moved to Delaware at the Philadelphia Zoo. Try to have a bad day at the zoo, I dare you. I borrowed my work camera in the hopes of getting some shots I could be proud of. I think I succeeded. Here are a few of my favorites:

I LOVE peacocks.

He was in the rare animal conservatory. I love his face and coloring.

My sister is writing a book about our mom and what it was like trying to find her. She asked me to do the cover for her. It'll be an e-book, available soon. She currently has a book of her poetry available for kindle called The Color of Dawn. She's an excellent writer, and I can't wait to read the novel.

Coconuts just bought a house, so I went to see it (it's super cute, btw) and we ventured over to Zern's-a big farmer's/flea/food market. A local pet store has a shop in there where they bring some of their animals. Friday it happened to be BABY DUCKS! And baby chicks. I totally could have had a Friends moment--but I didn't.

This is Alphonse. I should have bought him.

I hope everyone had a great weekend.

Tidbits

• I decided to not really care about diet so much for the last couple of weeks.  This has resulted in a 5 pound weight gain.  My goal is to drop that, plus a little more as a cushion, before the holiday foodfests begin.  Fingers crossed. I'm planning on cardio 3 days a week, yoga twice, and weight training once or twice.  I also found out my old yoga teacher (from hot yoga last year) is teaching pole dancing at my gym.  I may have to try it.
• Kellifish’s baby shower is this weekend. I’m very excited that I got the blanket done.  I’m making cupcakes for the shower, so I just have to get those done and I’ll be good.  Here’s a little preview.  It’s knit, purl, and seed stitches. It’s supposed to have a hood on the corner, but I don’t think I’m a fan.

• I need to start thinking about what I’m getting/making people for Christmas.  I know for sure what I’m getting most people.
• I wanted to start building at Habitat asap.  The soonest available date is October 27.  Which is a Thursday, when I work 2 jobs.  So I’ll probably end up going to the Women Build site (which is not as close to me) the first Saturday in November.  I would have thought they’d have more Saturdays available.  Shows what I know.
• I really need to either find a different job #2 or start doing something on the side.  It’s making me stabby and I don’t like it.
• I dislike people who come into job #2 wearing Phillies jerseys/tshirts/hats/etc while there's a NLDS GAME GOING ON RIGHT NOW. Are there assigned seats on the bandwagon? Meanwhile, I'm trying to check scores on my phone, which we're not allowed to use while we're clocked in because we can fired for it. Awesome.  Game 4 tonight! Also, who picks the times for these games? 6:07? What is that?

And There Was A Wedding

Kellifish is now a Missus!  I'm so unbelievably happy for them.  She's now lounging on a beach in Aruba spending time with her hubby.  As the MOH, I had to give a speech. I hate public speaking.  I always have. I don't know why.  I'm great one on one, but in front of 20-50-100 people I get nervous, my heart pounds, I get really hot, and turn various shades of pink.  Here's my speech.  Short and sweet so I could sit the eff down quickly.

I’ve known Kelli since 8^th grade.  And we’ve talked a lot about weddings and getting married and prospective grooms, but back then we were mostly referring to Justin Timberlake (and fighting over him). 

We’ve seen each other through a lot- boyfriends and breakups, hard times and the best times.  Almost three years ago we were hanging out and Kelli started getting texts from some guy at her new job.  She said his name was D and said that she was “like, in love with him. Well not in love, but you know what I mean.”  So I knew I had to keep an eye on this one. 

It doesn’t seem like too long ago that they started dating. And it seems like just yesterday that D contacted me for a top secret mission and sent me some pictures of engagement rings.  Since getting to know D and seeing him and Kelli together, you can just feel how much they care about each other and you get a sense of the love that’s there.

The afternoon of the rehearsal dinner Kelli, Amanda, and I were talking upstairs and we heard D laughing at something on TV downstairs.  And Kelli said “I love Saturday mornings when I’m still lying in bed and I just hear him laughing at something on TV.”   And I could see in her face how happy she is and how they’re just right.

I’m so excited for you two as you start your new life and your family.  And I wish you all the best. 

The wedding was lovely.  They had a piper since D is Scottish.  She/we got compliments on her dress, the bridesmaids dresses, the centerpieces (which we made), the flowers and everything.  I really feel blessed to have been a part of it. She's the first one of my close friends to get married, and even though it was stressful I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Congratulations, Biffle!

So I Haven't Posted for a Month and a Half

Sorry about that!  My absense was mostly unintentional.  Lots to catch up on, but I'll keep this relatively short.

Yesterday was June 1. And I fully intended to post, but I got sidetracked by an hour-long phone call with Kellifish. (Long story short, I’m now her maid of honor). There seemed to be a trend around the interwebs yesterday of setting goals. I guess it’s only fitting that this was my horoscope:

You can share your thoughts about going back to school or fantasize out loud about

your latest vacation destination, but you must get serious if you actually want to make

something happen. It's easier to talk about your plans now than to execute them

with the loquacious Gemini Solar Eclipse activating your 9th House of Big Ideas.

But don't waste your time telling tales of maybes and possibilities.

Instead, pick one goal, write it down and then commit to do whatever

it takes to make your dreams come true.

As soon as I read this I thought Molly from Stratejoy could have written it. (PS if you’ve never visited the site-GO. I read the blog every day.)

My goal? I want an apartment-a place of my own. I love my aunt, and am so grateful that she’s let me live in the house that’s been in my family for like 90 years (which I love), but I’m aching for a place that’s all mine. Somewhere that I can leave my shoes in the living room, decorate (I’ve been obsessed with interior design blogs lately), and not feel obligated to give 24 hours notice if I won’t be home for dinner. I’d prefer to live 100% on my own, but I think I’ll have to have a roommate (fingers crossed I don’t get someone crazy).

There are a few things I need to get out of the way first. Like getting a new laptop (with the help of my mom, thank goodness.)

Another goal is to update once a week. Since I haven’t been updating at all lately, I feel like this is the most manageable. I’m not even going to set a specific day, because I’d like to not set myself up to fail.

Here Comes the Bride....

No, not me!

About two weeks ago one of my biffles (best friends), Kellifish got engaged! I’m so excited for them! They’ve been together for two years and have been living together for over a year (officially). I love them as a couple and I haven’t seen her this happy in the twelve years that I’ve known her. I was so honored that he sent me pictures of rings to get my opinion on what would suit her.


This is also the first wedding that I’m in where I get to participate a little in the planning. I’ve been in family weddings before when I was younger, but my job was just to carry some flowers and walk straight down the aisle.

They’ve decided to get married in September, so there’s a lot to do. So far we’ve been dress shopping (she found hers!) and I’ve been helping her get ideas about vendors, etc. She’s so stressed out already since she’s in school and working full-time, but thankfully her fiancé is more than happy to help her with planning stuff. Well, the big stuff. He may draw the line at flowers.

She hasn’t chosen her MOH yet-it’s between me and her sister. (I’m surprised she hasn’t just gone with her sister, but apparently she’s not being 100% supportive.) Any advice for a first time bridesmaid? Or advice on keeping the bride sane?

 
 

In 12 Hours I'll Be in a Movie Theater

It’s heeeeere! It’s Harry Potter day, people. (-Don’t call him Harry Potter- Cuz my name is H Piddy).


I’m a little slow to get on the stuff-that’s-popular train. A lot of the time I rebel against stuff without giving it a chance because I don’t want to do/listen to/read what everyone else is. I boycotted Harry Potter when the first movie came out because I distinctly remember someone saying it was “The Wizard of Oz for a new generation”. AND NO. It’s not. The Wizard of Oz is a classic and my favoritest movie of all time and you can’t go comparing it some new movie with British kids no one has ever heard of. NO.

Then, after years of pleading from my biffle, Kellifish, I started the first book when the seventh came out. And I read them straight through. By the time I got to the last one, I was so attached to the characters that I was crying (I’m emotional to begin with). So I watched and own all of the movies, and went to the midnight show of the sixth. And tonight TONIGHT is the first half of the seventh book. I watch the trailer and I get goose bumps. The movies have been getting better and better, and I thought the last one was great, so I’m very excited.  And it's just a bonus that there's no job#2 tonight, or job #1 tomorrow.

The plan is to go home, take a nap, and grab some coffee on the way to the movie.

Also, I heart Daniel Radcliffe—watch his episode of Inside the Actor’s Studio if you ever get the chance.

PS-No, I’m not one of those people who gets dressed up for the movie.   Kellifish does have a HP tshirt though.

My Kind of Boring (in a good way) Long Weekend.

I am very munchy today. Which would be normal for a Tuesday-had I gone to yoga last night (I skipped due to massive headache which took 4 excedrin and a bath to make any better). I had a long weekend. My office was closed for Columbus Day. Friday I watched Project Runway and Big Bang Theory (from Thursday night…stupid job #2) and the Phillies game. We won! Sorry, Cincinnati (no I’m not).


Saturday I took my aunt to the airport and ran some errands, then had a biffle date with Coconuts (one of my besties from middle/high school). We kicked it old school-dinner at Applebee’s, then to the Regal 24 for a movie. But not before hitting Target for snacks. Helloooooo middle/high school flashback! Except this time my mom didn’t have to drop me off.

Sunday was filled with laundry and baking. And work. Which was busy. Because both the football and baseball games were late. We can judge pretty well when we’ll be busy based on game times, which is kind of nice. Monday I watched NCIS, then ran around a little, mostly just to be outside. I was going to head to the park and sit outside and read, but it got hotter than I thought and I would have died from heat exhaustion. Probably. Or not.

I hope everyone had a good weekend!

 
 
 

Cupcakes!

One of my biffle's birthday is tomorrow.  I have off work and am going to Hershey Park!  Soooo exciting.

I like to use any excuse to bake and try a new recipe, so I made her funfetti cupcakes.  I hate using boxed mixes, so I googled and ended up at Lovin' From the Oven.  The recipe I used is here.  I didn't make any changes or anything.  I got 16 cupcakes (which quickly turned to 15 as soon as they were cool enough for icing).

Here's the finished product:

I've never done piping before, so I'll have to work on making the icing look pretty...

After I took a big bite.

 The icing is soooo good.  I'm definitely going to keep it in reserve for other deliciousness.  Or if I just want to snack on some icing.

Balls! This is Why I Shouldn't Let My Mind Wander.

Sometimes Katie and I have chats while at work.  Here's some of what we discussed today...    me: i want to golfing

  like grown up golfing

  no, i don't know how to golf off the putt-putt course

  but

  i want to yell "BALLS" instead of "FORE"

  fore doesn't make any sense

  people will be on the lookout if you yell balls

  jus sayin

 Katie: hahaha

awesome

  we should do it

  but only if we really dress up (in tams--Scottish hats)

 me: i was thinking about that last night

  and then i realize that this is why i shouldn't let my mind wander too much

  done and done

  i'll have to ask my brother if i can borrow his clubs lol

"Fore" is another word for "ahead" (think of a ship's fore and aft). Yelling "fore" is simply a shorter way to yell "watch out ahead" (or "watch out before"). It allows golfers to be forewarned, in other words. (From about.com or something...)

  I think balls would be just as, if not more, effective

 Katie: i would duck out of the way of balls

also, isn't it usually that fore is ahead and when people yell fore it is for the people ahead of them so they would look behind them?

  so shouldn't they yell Aft?

 me: hmmm

 Katie: balls is better

  by far

 me: maybe "aft" doesn't carry well over a distance?

 Katie: maybe

  i love how gold is the lazy and out of shape person's sport

 me: i know!

 Katie: more outdoorsy than bowling, but in bowling you don't get a cart

 me: you don't even have to walk if you don't feel like it

 Katie: or people to carry your stuff around for you

  i know!

 it's brilliant!

 me: bowling balls are kinda heavy though

  and you have to to that whippy thing with your leg

  you could pull something

  thank you, Scotland I think they'd yell "Bollocks" in Scotland, though

Seriously, though.  It's for *safety*.  Who's not gonna look around when you yell "BALLS!!".

Shoes, Free Stuff, Shopping, and Pedals

I had a pretty good weekend. 

Scratch that.  Saturday was awesome, Sunday kind of blew.

Anyway.

I get a few magazines....The usual suspects: Cosmo, Marie Claire, Elle...I also get e-mails from said magazines.  Elle sent me an email about an event at Nordstrom.  It basically said "Shoes, free food, free stuff". And I was all "You had me at shoes, Elle."  So college biffle Katie and I headed over to our mall and grabbed some lunch (mmm sushi) and then went to Nordstrom to check out the event.  These two charming gentlemen were hosting the shoefashionfreestuffshow.  Eric Daman and Fred Allard.

Via life.com

Eric is the stylist for Gossip Girl, which has amazing clothings and I love it.  And Fred is Creative Director at Nine West. New best friend?  Yes, please.  Plus he's French, which I love.  Nothing screams fashion like France.  Both were so gracious and walked around chatting with everyone.  At the end of the fashion trends show Fred said if anyone had any questions to ask.  I didn't think "Want to hire me?  I'd be happy to get you lattes and your dry cleaning." was appropriate.

So sitting in the shoe department (and having looked shoes up online prior to going) I bought some.

  Via Nordstrom.com

I love them.  And as an added bonus I got a signed copy of Eric's book!  For free!  Yay free stuff!  Ok, that's enough with the exclamation points...

 Via Google

Then Katie and I roamed around the mall for another 4ish hours.  Fantastical day if I do say so myself.

 

______________________________________________________________________

 

In regards to my office tour: I didn't know that my pedals were that interesting lol.  But for anyone who's wondering, I got them at wal-mart for like $25.  They're great if you're on a long phone call or something. 

Coconuts, Babies, and Economics.

 Coco is one of biffles (biffles=BFFLs=soul sista*).  That's not her actual name...I just shortened her nickname.  I'm lazy like that.  Anywhatsit, this is text message conversation we had earlier today.  I'm probably not ready for kids yet.

*I've never said "soul sista" before in my life

Coco:  E had her baby today!  (E is one of Coco's old roommates.  She just got married and then had to have babies right away.)

Me:  Ooo good for her!

Me: i want one...i need to get married lol.

Coco:  Lol u serious?! Please come to wic with me one day  (wic is short for women, infants, and children...it's for lower-income families to get help with pediatrics and whatnot)

Me:  i'm gonna have a good baby.

Me:  boyfriend before baby...gotta do that shit in order.

Coco:  Haha hell yea

Coco:  Don't you want to have 3 baby daddys?

Me:  that might make it easier to pay for stuff...

Coco:  It def does

Me:  it's not slutty.  it's economical*.   

*The Mormons got it backward--one wife, multiple husbands would have worked much better.  Maybe polygamy wouldn't have been outlawed.