You're turning me off!

Ok people, I'm back on the set of Ten Days of Blogging, and today's special guest is "Four Turn Offs." Not too sure where I'm exactly supposed to go with this theme, but I'm gonna just keep it to people in general, and not four things I find repulsive in a partner...tmi if you ask me.

So let's see, four things that turn me off to a person..

1) Mean people suck. Really they do. The worst thing you can do in my book is be an unnecessarily cruel or unkind person to someone or something that doesn't deserve it. It's one thing if you step up your verbal game to put a pompous you know what in their place, or defend someone else who is being abused or mistreated and aren't all sugar and sweetness about it. It's a completely different story though when you're mean to an innocent person just to make yourself feel better, or you're just a bitter old hag. In that case, I'll go out of my place to either A)avoid you and your negativity at all costs or B)look for the perfect chance to give you a dose of your own bitter and revolting medicine.

2) Debbie Downers. I know you've all seen my previous rant on this subject, so I won't go too in-depth on all the intricacies of what makes me loathe Debbie Downers so much, but it has a lot to do with the fact that these types of people don't appreciate what they have, when in reality it could be a helluva lot worse for them. It's like those people who complain about going in the ocean because they "get wet" or take a beautiful sunny day and make it less so by wishing it were raining. No matter what they have, they always want something else, and it will never be good enough. So my response is to not let those people in my inner circle, my nest of trust if you will. If this life isn't good enough for you, then I just don't know what to say, because you only get one, and there aren't second chances.

3) Ignorance. But not just ignorance in and of itself, because let's be honest, I don't know a lot of things about a LOT of things, but when I don't know something, at least I'm honest about it. I can't STAND people who spout off uninformed opinions, whether it be about politics, religion, relationships, current events, or popular culture. It's those types of people that perpetuate idiocy and incorrect information, they start a chain reaction...forcing their opinion on others, who then turn around and tell someone else, all the way creating an even larger and evolving collection of false information. And the worst thing is, you can't tell these people they're wrong, because in their eyes, they're NEVER wrong. It's a vicious cycle.

4) And last but not least, I'm incredibly turned off by those who take their lives for granted. Whether it be by neglecting their physical health, mental health, or just failing to take advantage of the opportunities thrown their way...I can't stand it. It's kind of a cliche, but its that whole "there are starving kids in Africa" thing that your parents use to use on you when you wouldn't finish your plate. Oh, what's that you say? You're mad because your pizza was delivered 5 minutes late? Oh you can't get off the couch today and get some exercise because you're too tired? You don't want to play with your kids because you're too busy? News Flash: At least we live in a country where hot food can be in your hand within minutes without you ever lifting a finger. At least you have legs that work, do you know how many kids with Cerebal Palsy would give anything to walk one step?? How many amputees, would trade anything to have your two working legs, and you can't bother yourself to even get up off the couch to change the channel. How many childless couples wish and hope and pray every day to have the chance to be a loving parent, and you can't trouble yourself to be a part of your own children's lives. It's just terrible, and it is really upsetting. Life's a garden, dig it. When it hands you lemons, make lemonade. And all those other cliches in life, that are actually quite true when you think about them.

So those are my four turn offs. After reading this entry, if you think to yourself, man, I'm definitely one of those things, then don't bother reading on, kindly show yourself the door because I just don't have time for you in this wonderful life of mine. :-)

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Ghost Hunting!

Bucket List Alert!!

It's finally happening! I'm slowly chipping away item by item at my hefty bucket list, and the next feat up for conquering is staying the night at a haunted hotel!! Spooookkkkyyyy!

My mom, who you could say is probably this blogs number one follower (thanks mom for faithfully reading lol), mentioned to me after reading my bucket list entry that she wanted to help me accomplish something on my list, and to my surprise it turned out to be staying the night in a haunted hotel. Initially, it began as something I was going to do with my sisters, and now Mom has agreed to join our motley crew on a mission of utmost paranormal importance!

As a kid, I was always fascinated by anything and everything ghost related. I'd watch scary shows or movies by myself before bed, glued to the tv, constantly looking over my shoulder or out the window to catch somebody or something staring back at me. Of course, I'd immediately have to follow anything spooky up with my favorite VHS of My Little Ponies or CareBears, but dagnabit, I'd make it through every second of Tales from the Crypt. Living out in the middle of nowhere pretty much, I was the one who convinced my little sister that we lived on an Indian burial ground, and that unless she wanted to be hunted down and scalped by our land's previous inhabitants, she better spit on that old fence post and run like she'd never run before. Or those ghosts were gonna get her. She owed them that penance of spittle. Or by gosh, they'd come to collect, and it would either be her Pokemon Pikachu card...or her life.

I was an odd kid.

With that said, I've never really lost my fascination with the otherworldly, and after my mom mentioned she was gonna make this dream a reality, I immediately got to searching for the perfect place to spend our "NIGH OF TERROR" in, as I have so fondly come to call it. I've done a little internet research, as well as gathered some reviews and suggestions by others who have taken on this little dare. And we will be staying at...drum roll please....

The Faust Hotel in New Braunfels, TX. Now, I don't want to spoil the follow up blog post, when I spill all the dirty details of our delightfully frightening stay, but I'll fill you in on few tidbits about the place. The Faust is a national historic landmark, located in the small german town of New Braunfels, just outside of both Austin and San Antonio. The hotel was originally begun in 1929, just two weeks before the stock market crash, and has since survived on into this day and age. Currently, the hotel retains its period decor, with minimal upgrades to provide for guest comfort, which is one of the reasons I chose it. I didn't want to stay in what was supposed to be a haunted hotel, surrounded by modern decor, and flat screens, and all that jazz. I wanted it to feel authentic! Part of the fun is setting the ambience, and letting your mind play tricks on you, and I just don't think I could do that surrounded by minimalist furniture and bottles of Evian.

Anywhooo, the hotel has been rumored to be haunted by several ghosts, including but not limited to a previous owner who likes to play tricks on guests, a naughty bar ghost, a man dressed in period clothing, and a little girl nicknamed "Christine." All with mostly harmless MOs, aimed at providing playful antics. Except for the one ghost that pushed someone down the stairs, killing them instantly.

JUST KIDDING. But wouldn't that be cool?!

So, that's just a little teaser/trailer for the cool blog to come soon! Our hotel is booked for the weekend of May 7th, and yes I requested the scariest room on the scariest floor of the hotel, I mean we gotta do it big right?? I'll be strapped with my camera all night long, wishing I had some other cool paranormal activity gear other than my own two eyes and ears...but I guess they'll have to suffice.

Has anyone ever had a ghostly experience themselves? If so, please share! Let's help set the mood for this otherworldy overnight expedition...

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C'est La Vie!! Ah, oui oui!

C'est la vie! Ok, I'll be honest, that's about the only french phrase I know, but tonight we had the true privilege of being exposed to some DELICIOUS french culture. And when I say delicious I mean amazing, and when i say culture I, of course, mean FOOD. (I mean really, what's more important than food?)

Our household is currently full to capacity with three full time occupants (soon to be minus one), three pets (a dog, a cat, and one hedgehog), and one traveling kiteboarder of extremely european and fancy descent. Our good friend Jeremy (Leoni to us) is crashing our couch for a few weeks, until his apartment is ready for occupancy. Everyone should be extremely jealous of him and hate/envy him just as much as I do. Not only has he just returned from an extended vacation in Brazil, but he's relocating to Corpus Christi to live the dream as I like to call it. He gets to spend every day outside on the water, teaching the good people of the dirty dub c how to surf some gnarly waters with his kite. Not too shabby of a situation if I do say so myself. We all loathe/love him in this house because we are truly jealous...but extremely happy for him at the same time.

Anywhoooo, having gotten to spend a good amount of time with him as of late (he's served as an excellent escort the past several weekends to various events where Jeff was unable to attend), I now know that the name Leoni is of italian descent, meaning lion, but that his parents were actually from the region of Northern Africa...don't hate me if I'm wrong Leoni, but Tripoli and Algeria?? Bear with me, because the point of this blog is food, and I'm getting there.

So, recently we were having conversations about food and what we like, and Leoni mentions this amazing concoction that is a staple in the regions where his parents are from. It's basically made of what's called merguez, which is essentially a spicy lamb sausage, served in a crusty baguette, heaped with french fries, and doused in a special spicy sauce called harissa. Of course, my intial reaction is to want it immediately. Hence, we devise a plan in which Leoni, who has never before made this concoction, agrees to prepare this meal for us, in all its delicious glory!

Let me just say, he didn't let me down. Now I don't know what a traditional merguez baguette is supposed to taste like, and I've actually never had lamb before, but this fantastical treat was off the chizzain. We're talking juicy meat, spicy sauce, crusty bread, topped with all the familiarity of your traditional french fry. An epic party in your mouth. Paired with a new summer blend of Shiner Ruby Redbird Beer (which I've also never had), and you've got yourself a dinner.

Now, I'm only gonna say it once Leoni, so you listen good. Please don't leave usssssss. We've so enjoyed having your French @$$ around here, and well, now that I know you can cook...I never want to let you go. Our couch is comfortable. I know the cat is annoying. I know we wake you up every morning leaving for work, but we can change. The cat can go. We'll make it work. Let me know what you think. :-)

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The Five People You Meet in Heaven

Man, I'm totally NOT holding up my end of the bargain on this ten days of blogging thing, am I?

My sincerest apologies, all 24 of my dedicated blog readers.

Today's topic is 5 people who really mean a lot to you, and for me this is so difficult! I have quite a few people in my life that really mean a lot to me, and its very VERY difficult to narrow it down to just five, so rather than pick and choose, I've narrowed it down by a few groups of people that mean a lot to me.

My parents) This is a no brainer. My parents brought me into this world, and for that I owe them...well..my life. Everything I am today is because of them. I've taken the good and incorporated it into my own life, and also seen what not to do (sorry mom and dad) and changed myself for the better. As I grow older, I see more and more how difficult it is to raise a child, and how much I took for granted as a wee sassy, slightly spoiled youngster. Thanks for putting up with me guys. :-)

My sisters) My sisters are like built in best friends that HAVE to love you. They have no choice. I couldn't have been blessed with two better sisters, and I'm lucky to have been given the job of "big" sister. All those days I played house with Sam when I was technically too "old" to play anymore. Showing Alex all the cool un-lady like things to do. It's been a great experience, and I can't wait to see what's ahead for us as we all make our own families, and create memories together. Love you guys.

My BABE!) I've gotta say I'm truly the luckiest girl. It's taken me a while to get to this point, but I feel like now that I'm/we're here, I've never been happier. Don't get me wrong, life's not perfect, and some days are harder than others when you're with someone, but when you're in it for the long haul, you work through it, and you always come out on the other side. I honestly don't know where I'd be without my special someone, and I can't wait to see what happens for us next!

My friends) Obviously, all of the friends I've made and kept along the way are important to me! They've all touched my life and changed me in some way, and I couldn't be more blessed to have those people in my life. I've got my best friends, Sara and Heather..two friends I got know in college, and have had in my life ever since! They're some of the first people I call with news..good news, bad news...advice, venting, crying, laughing. They're amazing. In addition to my "besties," I've met some great friends through work and play down here in Corpus, as well as at my previous job in Kerrville. I've also got a group of lifelong friends from grad school that I still keep in touch with via "life update" emails, and others from undergrad. I'm truly blessed when it comes to the friend category!

My grandpa) I'm not going to say much about him, but my Papa Fennon was one of the most amazing men I have ever known. He's passed away, but I still miss him every day and wish I could see him and talk to him all the time. When my family went through rough times, he was there. He took care of us. Anything we needed, he'd do everything he could to get it for us. He loved us, and we loved him unconditionally. I can't wait to get to see him again one day, and I live every day to make him proud.

So there you have it folks! The five people in my life that mean the most to me. Ok, I know I know, I didn't really narrow it down, but when you have so many great people in your life, how are you supposed to choose??

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Life ain't always beautiful, but it's a beautiful ride.

So today's blog topic is hard for me because technically I'm supposed to write about "6 things I wish I'd never done or could change". The reason why this is difficult for me is because I strongly believe in the whole adage that everything happens for a reason...even more so in the idea that our path is steered by something greater than ourselves, and we are brought to the joys in our lives for the same reasons that we are brought to our sadness.It's all part of the plan. You have to experience the bitter so the you can relish the sweet.

With that said, I honestly can't pinpoint anything in my life that I'd change or regret doing. The people I've loved cross my mind, the career paths I've chosen and how I'm changing direction crosses my mind as well, the things I've said or didn't say when I should have...yes, things may have been easier had I known better, and hindsight is always a perfect 20/20, but how would I know what I truly want and need had I not experienced what I now know to be what I DON'T want? Does that make sense?

So, I'm boycotting this blog topic. I could be wrong, and many of you out there may have things in your life you wish you could change...do you? If you were given the chance would you go back and make a different decision? I'd like to know what the consensus is on this subject matter...

For many people, the need to be perfect or live that dream life is an overwhelming feeling, but just keep remembering that "Life ain't always beautiful, but it's a beautiful ride."

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Pretty Pretty Please

Pretty Pretty Please Don't you ever ever feel like you're nothing, you're f@#$# perfect to me!

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"Life is what happens while you're busy making other plans."

Seven Things That Cross Your Mind Alot

Ok ok, so I know I haven't been keeping up with my ten days of blogging, I admit it, I'm terrible. But right now it seems that I have a little downtime, as I've been pretty dang worthless all weekend due to "too much fun syndrome" aka having one too many cocktails. So I'm taking it easy, munchin' on some magical mcnuggets of goodness that my sweet boyfriend went and got for me, and I'm posted up in bed...ready to write and roll!

So today's topic is seven things that cross your mind alot...I'm sure I can list more than seven, but for the sake of being concise, I'll narrow it down.

1. My future.

Honestly, for me, right now, the most important thing I've got going for me is getting into my program, and starting (and finishing) it as soon as humanly possible. It's truly taken me so long to finally figure out what it is that I think I want to do with the rest of my life, and I'm so antsy to already be done with it! I go through these little bouts of craziness when I realize how old I am, and where I thought I'd be at this age. In all honesty, I thought I'd be married, maybe have a kiddo on the way, doing Athletic Training, own a home...you know, living the American Dream :-) ...And I couldn't be further away from that picture right now, but I wouldn't trade where I am and the people I have in my life right now for the world. I'm finally doing what I WANT rather than what I think I SHOULD be doing. I'm with the right person. And I'm taking my time. There is no perfect timetable, a plan that everyone has to follow. Married by 25, kids by 28, house by 30...yada yada yada. Trust me, I still have those days of panic when I think life is passing me by, but as John Lennon once said "Life is what happens while you're busy making other plans." You can't always be planning the future, or you'll forget to enjoy the present.

2. Food.

I love food. I'm either thinking about what I want to make next week, brainstorming my grocery list, eating, thinking about when I'm going to get to eat next, cooking, thinking about what I'm going to cook that night, or wishing I was eating. Food is a big part of my life as I learn to enjoy cooking, and making things that look and taste delicious. I enjoy the challenge, and I like sharing my creations with the people I love.

3. The great to run or not to run debate.

As I've mentioned in previous blogs, I love running. With that said, it can sometimes require A LOT of effort to continue to run consistently. When I'm pressed for time, running late, or have a lot of things to get done, surprise surprise, running is usually the first thing that gets cut from my to-do list. I do most of my running during the week on my lunch break. With school, and work, and homework, and just trying to find some time to relax, I don't have much expendable time or energy during the day. There are times when everyone wants to go out to lunch, and I can't go because I have to run. Of course I'd much rather be stuffing my face then dragging myself around the block in the sweltering heat, but as hard as it always is to get going, the feeling I get when I finish my run for the day is irreplaceable. It's a constant battle of to go or not to go, but you can almost always count on me lacing up those kicks and trudging on.

4. I wish I was sleeping.

Well, I think this one is pretty self explanatory. From the moment I wake up in the morning you can bet I'm already thinking about how awesome its going to be when I get to go to sleep again. I loveeee sleeeepppp. Almost to the point that I could develop anti-social tendencies just because sometimes I'd rather sleep than go out. Nothing beats the feeling of waking up refreshed and ready to go. And if I don't get at least 7 hours a night, I'm gonna be cranky. You can count on that.

5. Did someone take Lexi out?

I mean, its nothing super exciting, but I'm just being honest. My dog Lexi is like my child. I love her. Talk to her even. Force her to wear ridiculous garb and then take pictures of her. She's my shadow. Soooo, if I'm not taking her outside to go to the bathroom, I'm constantly wondering if any of my other apartment mates remembered to take her out. I mean imagine how you'd feel if you had to hold it in all day?

6. I hope Jeff's ok.

My boyfriend works long hours, very late at night, so I'm constantly worried that he's alright. He gets off late, and then has to drive about 15 minutes home, on the same road that could be filled with crazies at that time of night...so like clockwork, I usually wake up and check to make sure he made it safely home. I can't help it, I have this need to know that the people I love are safe and sound. It's weird. =-)

7. I love my friends and family.

So I know this is a pretty generic thought, but I don't necessarily have one or two people that I'm always thinking about. It's more like throughout the day my mom will pop into my head, or my sisters, or my dad, or this friend, or that friend. I'll wonder how they're doing, what they're doing, and hope that they know I love them. Thoughts of them are also usually accompanied by the thought that I'd much rather be with them then doing whatever it is I'm doing at the moment!

So those are the seven things that cross my mind alot. Nothing to special, no real deep musings on the origin of life or anything like that. When it comes down to it, I'm a pretty simple person (no, not simple minded!). I think this list is truly a brief glimpse into the things that are most important to me. Like sleep. food. family...and well, you get the picture.

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...And I'm Freeeee, Free Fallinnnn...

Well ladies and gents! Mark another one off the good ol' bucket list because this girl has officially taken part in the craziest thing she's ever done! Plummeted from 10,000 feet above the Gulf of Mexico, to land on a tiny strip of beach in Port Aransas..and man, was it something else.

I've literally been ITCHING to write about this topic ever since I knew it was going to happen, about 2 months ago. My Aunt Marti called and informed me that she wanted to surprise my mom for her 50th birthday by treating her, me, and my sister to a gift of a lifetime...a tandem skydive jump! Because we wanted it to be a surprise, we secretly planned the whole ordeal...set up the dive, invited close friends, and planned a small get together at the coolest restaurant in town, Brewster's Street (that's a plug for you babe!) for afterwards. We even went as far as to get a custom cake ordered from Janet's Cakery (the most awesome bakery in town) with the face of my mom's favorite person of all time plastered on it, Elvis...uh huhhhhh (said in the classic Elvis style). We've never had a party like this to celebrate a birthday, and 50 only comes once a lifetime..as does skydiving if something goes wrong lol.

Anywho, I digress. Let me just say, skydiving was an utterly exhilarating experience. For four of us to go, it literally took hours, as this small, local business Skydive South Texas was utilizing a VERY SMALL plane that could only take up one jumper at a time. Those hours waiting weren't spent in vain, don't worry...as we waited for each of our group members to land, we got to sunbathe, drink a few brewskis, and soak up the rays of another gorgeous day on the island...now that's what I call service.

My mom went first, it being her birthday and all, and also probably for the fact that if she waited for everyone else to jump, she'd more than likely end up talking herself out of it. The smile on her face after her land was priceless, and not many people can say they've jumped out of a plane at 50. Congrats Mom!

Then my sister Sam, who was the skydiving veteran of the group (she's been once before) got to go, except she got to go above and beyond just enjoying the ride! She got the amazing experience of pulling her own parachute cord, and even doing a little light steering...now that's what I call a badass!

Then there was me. Let me just tell you, as a girl who gets sick riding shotgun in a honda civic, going on a ferris wheel, riding in any size boat, AND flying in airplanes, I was more than a little apprehensive that I'd end up vomiting all the way down on my "majestic" ride from 10,000 feet above. What makes the emotions even more tumultuous is that you spend a good 2o minutes slowly gaining altitude in a little puddle jumper, which gives you PLENTY of time to second guess what you're about to so, and totally psych yourself out. So you can imagine my stomach was already turning circles at that point. But in all reality, it doesn't really hit you that you're about to jump out of a plane until the side door opens and you can feel the wind rushing past you. THAT'S when I panicked. What did he say earlier about arching your back? Was he gonna tap my shoulder once or twice?? Or was he gonna tap my leg?!! OMG I'M GONNA DIE!

And then nothing.

All of a sudden you're out, you're doing everything he told you to do, and all you can do is look around you in complete and total awe. The wind creates a vacuum of thought, and well...you're flying. For approximately 45 seconds you're in complete freefall. Dead weight, heading toward the ground. The closest you'll probably get to "flying" in your entire life, and it's truly amazing. You're trying to ham it up for the camera, but really all you can do is stare at the view. The water, the beach, the horizon, the intense blue of the sky from this high up. It's almost indescribable.

Then reality sets in as the parachute opens, and you're jerked upwards, which was literally the most uncomfortable part of the whole gig. Anyone who says they didn't get a camel toe from that strap is an outright liar. Despite the camel toe, the floating sensation was pretty amazing. That is until we started manuevering in circles to adjust our speed and altitude for landing, which was approximately the point in the descent during which my stomach started saying to me "hey, I think we're gonna hurl." Nevertheless, I held it in enough to enjoy the last bit of air, and as soon as we landed and disengaged, I bent over and dry heaved the crap outta myself.

Luckily, nothing came up, and I recovered just in time to see our last diver, Terry make her jump! So proud of you lady! You did amazing, and looked flawless coming down!

So that was our experience. As we were floating to the ground, our Tandem Instructor, Ken (who was strapped to my back at about as close as humanly possible) asked me what was the craziest thing I'd ever done before this. I honestly couldn't tell him. I've spent most of my life playing it safe. I always wear a seatbelt. I try not to text while driving. I don't eat nuts at a bar. At that moment, I realized jumping out of a plane was in fact, the craziest thing I'd ever done in all my 27 years on Earth, and I've gotta change that.

There may be nothing like the feeling of free falling to give yourself that rush, but be prepared folks, because if there is...I aim to find it.

Pre -Dive Group (me, sam, mom, and Terry)

Right before we signed our lives away

Party like a rockstar Mom.

You're not hardcore unless you live hardcore.

Getting strapped in before the drops!

Sisters por vida.

Mom coming down with the sun behind her.

Like Mother, Like Daughter.

Sam coming down with the prettiest parachute I've ever seen!

Lovin' every minute of it.

I have no idea what I'm about to do lol.

Me, heading downtown!

Floating.

Sick as a dog. gonna vom.

Terry rockin her descent!

Happy 50th Birthday Mom.

My mom and her favorite person not alive.

We even got a Jeff siting! Score!

We'll be the spokespeople for Skydive South Texas :-)

Loving me some family.

Be on the lookout as I'm sure to be posting more pictures and video from our actual dive! Can't wait to see how ridiculous we all look!

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Build a Bridge.

Well folks, you're in for a treat. I've got another rant coming for you! Sorry in advance if I offend anyone but wow, I need to get a load of my chest.

Now before I begin on this particular rant, don't misunderstand me. EVERYONE has bad days, bad weeks, bad months...hell, I'll even go as far as to say bad years. I get it. I've had them, we've all had them. It's just part of life. What I can't stand are those people who won't accept support, encouragement, or advice when they're feeling down. Those people who just seem to downright refuse to be happy. Those that mope around all day, or spout complaints to anyone who will listen, and then when someone asks how they are (which is what they're wanting in the first place) they either say "oh nothing" or they go on and on about how much they're life sucks, when in reality, they're 72% of the time, the root of the problem. And when you try and cheer them up, nothing, NOT ONE THING, can make them see the proverbial silver lining.

Honestly, life is not that bad. And if you need a reminder of that, turn on the news for just 10 minutes out of the day and you can be hit in the face with that fact. Abductions. Senseless killings. Unemployment. Homelessness. Gigantic natural disasters that destroy entire countries.

NOW THOSE ARE REAL PROBLEMS. And it's truly all a matter of perspective.

Like I said, don't get me wrong, I have my momentary pity parties, where I seek advice and counsel from my close friends. I shed some tears even every now and then. But I eventually build a bridge and get the hell over it pretty dang fast. You can either waste your time being unhappy and in the process bringing everyone else down along with you OR you can re-evaluate the importance of the situation at hand, and figure out if in the scheme of things..OF ALL THINGS...if its really that important. Chances are, if you've still got a roof over your head, food to eat, and someone who cares about you, then it's just not that bad.

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Eight Things I Couldn't Live Without...

#1 God. I know it's cliche-ish, but for me its really true. Without His comfort and love I'd be curled up in a ball rocking myself like a crazy person. He truly is my first "Dad," and everything I have is because He gave it to me!

#2 Obviously my family. My parents, sisters, my babe, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins...the whole shebang. I also consider a few of my great friends my family. You all fit into this category! I'd be nothing without you.

#3 My pets...I truly am the biggest animal lover. I cry during the ASPCA Sarah McLachlan commercials..EVERYT TIME. I can't really visit animal shelters or I wind up taking somebody home..which is how I got my two great gals Lexi and Jugee (don't ask about the name, I can't explain lol). No matter how bad my day is, the fact that they are ALWAYS happy to see me can't help but brighten my day!

#4 Mapquest. I think you can figure that one out.

#5 My running shoes.

#6 My Canon T1i...ahhh, I'm not so secretly in love with it and its magnificent pictures.

#7 Diet Soda...I've tried, oh how I've tried to give you up you filthy habit, but you keep sucking me back in.

#8 My Ipod (nicknamed the Baddest IPOD alive) and for damn good reason. If you're interested I'll let you have a listen.

And that's pretty much it! Those are the essentials. To be honest, it was really difficult thinking about actual items that I couldn't live without...all of the "things" I listed I could truly give up and be ok, as long as I have God, friends and family, and of course...my pets lol.

What are some things you guys couldn't live without?? Inquiring minds want to know :-)

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Day Two

Okay so nine things people may not know about me...here goes nothing haha.

1. I cannot stand the sound of silverware clinking against ANYTHING metallic or teeth or plates for that matter. The simple thought of it is driving me nuts right now. It's almost a panic that washes over me when I hear that noise.

2. Same goes for fingernails scraping against paper of any sort. Omg, I have the chills right now and must immediately move on from this topic.

3. I used to have THE BIGGESET gap between my two front teeth known to mankind. I could pose as a fountain and spit water out of it, and nobody would know the difference. But then I got it fixed and now my teeth are perfect, all without the aid of braces :)

4. I used to raise goats. Lots of them. I was like a goat lady or something.

5. I like to think I have a semi web toe, though nobody agrees with me.

6. I was the valedictorian of my high school class, and graduated undergrad with a 4.0.

7. I once came toe to toe with a car thief trying to jack my car, and 30 minutes later after having a nice conversation with him, convinced him not to steal my car. He walked quietly away into the woods.

8. I secretly wish I could be a professional photographer.

9. I'm addicted to watching HGTV. I'm watching HGTV right now.

So there they are! I'm kinda lame, so now you officially know how lame I am! :-)

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Day One

Ok, so I'm bored and incredibly impatient and antsy, so I'm starting my first of the ten days of blogging tonight! I'm just to exciteeedd to sleeeeeepppp!

So the topic for Day One is "Ten things you want to say to ten different people right now."

Ronnie and Sammy: You guys are horrible together. Ron, you're incredible...incredibly jealous and controlling that is. Sammy, I think you like this about him? I just don't get it. Every time I'm "forced" to watch Jersey Shore by my sister, I get progressively more annoyed. Hallelujah for season finales.

Elizabeth Taylor: I loved you in National Velvet. You remind me of my memaw. I'm sad you're gone. :-/

Sam (sister): So happy for you and all of the adventures you have ahead of you! Can't wait to be your wedding planner. But deep down inside I'm so sad to know that my best friend will be leaving me soon to start her new life! I'll miss you lots!

Heather: Again, I'm super thrilled for you and Casey to be moving back to San Antonio to be together and be with your family....I'm gonna miss you guys so much though, you don't even know! It's been a great year getting to have my best friend in the same town, and the door is always open when you come back to visit! Looking forward to New Orleans :-)

Meg: It's about damn time that boy put a ring on it! So happy for you and Joe getting engaged! I knew he would get some sense knocked into him soon and realize that you're the best damn thing that's ever happened to him! Can't wait to see the pics of the new house and hear all about your new adventures. :-)

Steve Carrell: Why are you leaving the office? Seriously. Why? This has been haunting me all season long, and I'm not ok with it.

Jugee (my cat): Why why why whyyyyyyy do you wait until right before I have to walk out the door (usually running late) and then dash into my room, directly under my bed, and refuse to come out?? You know I can't leave the door open in my room while I'm gone, and you know I can't lock you in there all day, so why do you do it? Why do you force me to drag you out of there by the tail? I just don't get it.

Jeff: I'm super proud of you and how far you've come. So looking forward to seeing where this whole thing takes us :-) Also, I wish you were home right now so we could eat lots of bad food and watch Californication. :-/

Mom: Get excited old lady! It's almost your fiftieth birthday! Prepare yourself for what's in store, and that's all I'm gonna say. ;-)

JMU Peeps: I can't wait for New Orleans this summer! It's gonna be a blast and reunion of epic proportions!

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On the first day of blogging my true love gave to me..

Just random photos of the kiddos :)

Doesn't it suck when life gets in the way of having fun? That's essentially what I feel has been happening to me lately! My life has been consumed with school, work, homework, sleep, shower, and repeat. No time for creativity and blogging and all of the things that bring joy to my life...which is a terrible thing for my mojo :) Sooooooooo....

I've decided to take on this fun little blogland activity titled the very catchy, "TEN DAYS OF BLOGGING". Not catchy at all, lol, but nevertheless, very inspiring. Most nights, after work, I find it hard to bring myself to even bathe or brush my teeth, let alone write a funny and thought provoking blurb that people actually want to read, so this blog series is essentially ten days of writing about prompted subjects that you guys may or may not care to know, but will get me back in the groove again!

Here's what the ten day schedule looks like:

Day One: Ten things you want to say to ten different people right now.

Day Two: Nine things about yourself that most people don't know.

Day Three: Eight things you couldn't live without.

Day Four: Seven things that cross your mind a lot.

Day Five: Six things you wish you could change or you wish you’d never done.

Day Six: Five people who mean a lot to you.

Day Seven: Four turn offs.

Day Eight: Three turn ons.

Day Nine: Two words that describe your life right now.

Day Ten: One confession.

So that's the plan! Feel free to leave comments, play along, give me your own thoughts or whatever else tickles your fancy. Let's have some fun!

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I'm on the pursuit of happiness.

Wow, I am so full. Full of food. Full of life. Full of happiness, and all of the great things that come along with that. One of my favorite verses from the Bible is from Psalms 23:5 “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou hast anointed my head with oil; my cup runneth over.” My cup runneth over…to me that is the epitome of my life today. My proverbial cup is overflowing with all of the good things that life has been sending my way as of late, and I just cannot gush enough about them! First of all, lets just get a brief recap of the past week so you can all get a handle on what’s been going on at Casa de Johnson (Yohnson if we’re being lingually correct).

1. My littlest sister Alex (aka Karate Kid) has spent the entire week of spring break with me. That in and of itself has kind of thrown off my normal routine, but it truly has been a great experience. Every once in a while, its necessary for us creatures of habit to be thrown out of our every day normalcy and be challenged to adapt. This week has been exactly that. From shopping, to movies, to eating out, to the beach and the pool, we’ve truly lived it up. Watch out, you may be seeing us on Girls Gone Wild SB2K11 Edition! (Just kidding mom, we were always fully clothed…except for that one time…but they promised us beads, so its ok).

2. My middle little sister Sam has been gone most of the week to New York to visit her boyfriend, now FIANCE in New York. Yep, that’s right, she’s getting hitched! Her and her long time boyfriend got engaged on her trip, and she couldn’t be happier. So this means, we both get to live our lifelong dreams of planning a wedding (her for real, ,me, vicariously through her lol) and we can now rest easy knowing that all of our lonely nights of David Tutera and TLC weren’t for naught!

3. My wonderful boyfriend Jeff, has been on a work related hiatus from our crazy household for the past year or so (he probably calls it his vacation from estrogen overload), and he is now officially back in CC for a wonderful new opportunity :) And all of us girls (cats and dogs included) just couldn’t be happier! We’re all looking forward to what’s in store for us next.

4. I finally tackled a bucket list item, and came away victorious!! That’s right folks, you heard me, BUCKET LIST ALERT!! I’ve successfully tackled one of Julia Child’s most difficult recipes, Beef Bourgouignon, and nobody’s thrown up yet! That, in itself, is a triumph for all. For all mankind. Well, for all womankind who envision themselves amateur foodies that is, lol. It can be done! If I can do it, so can you! Be on the lookout, I’m putting together a separate post with pictures and an epic description of the 6 hour debaucle that was the tackling of this particular girl’s Mount Everest.

So sit back, and enjoy a few pictures from this weeks happenings, and prepare yourself to be wowed in the very near future by my FOOD PORNO MONTAGE. All PG of course.

As for me, I’m just going to sit back, pick the Beef outta my teeth, and try not to let my cup of Black Bottom Cupcake Ice Cream Overload runneth over too much.

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