Ahh

Work has been insane lately. We are going though this huge conversion so there is a completely new operating system we need to use. The customers are grumpy because they can't get cash until the next day unless they have the money in their account. When the previous compnau ran things they let someone who has $1 in their account cash a $2000 check no questions asked. So I understand the frustration but people need to realize that I didn't personally make the rules. I am not trying to ruin your day nor do I have a personal vendetta against you. I am just doing my job. There is no need to cuse or yell at me. I don't like it either. Oh and when I kindly ask you to take your Id out of you wallet I would appriete it not thrown at me. I am trying to ensure that the right people are takig money from the right accounts. For your protection. One day I will have a job where I don't have to deal with customer service...

When is a day off really a day off?

Because of crazy stuff happening at work I get to work all weekend. Which means I got today off. It is hard having a day off so early in the week. I usually forget all about it by the time saturday comes around. I took advantage of the free weekday and went grocery shopping. There was no one out it was great. I then proceeded to cook dinner for the whole week. I had this magazine article which had directions. It said you will have all of your dinners for the week cooked in less than 2 hours. The article lied. Sure after cooked 2 potatoes, cut and cook 3 onions and 2 heads of garlic, sauté red bell peppers with broccoli, then de- tail a pound of shrimp it takes 2 hours. 3 dishwasher loads later we now have dinner waiting to be reheated stored in the freezer. Next time I'll remeber to do the prep work the day before. It will be nice to come home to food that is good for us without tons of effort. Plus I can eat most of the stuff for lunch which saves tons of money.

No one probably reads this but

But I can now blog on my iPhone. Hmmm why should I pay for the Internet? Now all I need is flashplayer and life will be complete. Expect more blogs soon.

As Promised

The biplane ride was fun. Surprisingly I didn't cry, or yell, or completely freak out. Todd was proud of me for this. I did however clutch his hand the whole time and squeak whenever there was a bit of turbulence. The worst part was when we were turning the plane and it leaned and the only thing keeping my in the plan was a lap belt. I did it and I will remember it forever. And it will be the inspiration for a wonderful scrapbook!

Ive been a Bad blogger

I'd be better if the blogger let you update your blog on the iphone. Yep it is my new obsession. I get to read my scrapbook blogs all day long but never get to send anyone an update. Oh well. Off to bed I get to ride in a byplane tomorrow...pictures soon...

It's Official!!

I am now the proud owner of a Red 2007 Toyota Yaris! It is a 4 door has only 24,000 miles on it and gets 44 mpg. This means I can drive from here to sac and only use 2 gallons of gas... talk about amazing

:)

Today is the Day

Luck must be wished. Finger must be crossed. Hopefully everything works out ok. The good that comes out of this is that I FINALLY get to spend some time with my wonderfully fabulous grandma. She is such an amazing lady. I am going to make it a point to tell her ever second how much she means to me. I don't know where I would be without her. In foster care? In a ditch? Who knows but my whole life she has pulled through when she hasn't had too. I am grateful for her

What kind of car to get?

I plan on documenting this huge moment in my life. My grandma agreed to cosign on a car loan. Now of course there is the question as to what I can afford. What is the most dependable. What is the cheapest to maintain. And do I know any of the answers? That's a big fat no. I just know what I read on the internet and what is in my price range. I knew this would be a stressful process but geeze! I know that in the end it will all work out. I am just excited at the thought that I won't have to drive around in the Sable.

In a way though it is kinda like a loss of a goldfish ( I say that cause a loss of a real pet would be more difficult). I have had some fun times in that car. That car got me through high school and college. That car has stuck it through some pretty hard times. That care has gotten me through some pretty tough times. No matter how many times I have been unhappy with it, it always pulls through. I don't know what I would do if something happened to it.
Poor Sable I have taken you for granted through the years. But look at all you have taught me. It is hopefully time for you to retire seeing as the mileage on the car exceeds what can actually be seen on the mileage tracking thingy and the air conditioner hasn't worked for how many years. The vibrating butt massage will be missed, but not the embarrassment that accompanies it.
Yes it has had many problems but at least I had a car... ok back to www.kbb.com

Wow time flies

I can't believe how fast time goes by. I come home ever night after an 8 hour shift and eat and try and relax a little and then all the time has gone by. Maybe this means I am doing too much relaxing...

I can, I will, I should

I can't...

*go a day with out thinking about my grandpa

*run long distances

*ride a roller coaster without having an intense thought of falling to my death

*always do the things I want and see the people I want to see because of constraints in time and money

*be mean to someone's face

But I can...

*love

*bake and cook some amazing food

*be diligent at my job even though I hate it

*laugh for no reason because of a random thought that has popped in my head

*smile often

I won't...

*lie (someone will always find out the truth anyway so what is the point?)

*give in if it is something I truly believe in

*ever vote Republican unless the Democratic nominee really sucks

*apologize for who I am

*let my past or my parents hold me back

But I will...

*try and be more optimistic everyday

*spend 50% of my income on scrapbooking stuff :)

*live, love, and laugh

*forgive but never forget

*go back to Law School someday

I shouldn't...

*let one setback ruin my whole week

*be bothered by customers that are rude to me

*gossip so much

*spend so much time online.

*be so lazy

But I should...

*do my chores (wash clothes, clean the litter box, do the dishes)

*complete tasks that I have already started

*study my LSAT book

*walk to the airport with Todd cause it would make him really happy

*tell my grandma how much she means to me


Thanks Gina :)

Yay

Today was a successful day. I got my chipboard for $0.35 a piece at the scrapbook store! Now all I need to do is work on the cover and finish the last three pages. It is so fun working on this and looking at the amazing photos I have over and over again!


I am such a dork!

untitled

The concert was amazing. I am diligently working on a scrapbook for it. Does anyone know where to get chipboard in Chico? I tried to go to the scrapbook store but it closes at 5. I got off work at 5:15. So close!!! I was inches away from Gwen and the boys. It was amazing. The rest of the weekend was pretty relaxing too. I went and looked at cars. My grandma agreed to co-sign on a loan with me. Too bad my car reportedly gets to many miles or I could turn it in for $4500. That is my luck though...too close but yet still too far. Oh well it is almost winter time and then my car won't be so bad, and maybe next summer I will be able to get one on my own.
Todd and I went to see Transformers 2. It was ok. Tessa and I saw Harry Potter. It was amazing. I don't like it when I tell them I went to see the movie and the first thing out of their mouth is "it isn't as good as the book." Well duh. Have you seen one movie that even compares to the book at all? No. The book is always better. Always. Thank your imagination for that. Thank the fact that you can fit more details into a book than on a screen. Read more books. You don't go see the movie to make up for the fact that you didn't read the book. You see the movie for its entertainment value and the fact that you liked the book so much you are interested to see how another portrayed it.

Ok enough ranting. The movie was great. I want to see it again. Happy Tuesday

The thing that gets me through Tuesdays

Tuesdays are such a boring day. They are so far from Friday (I don't start counting to Friday til Wednesday) but they are better than Mondays. Cause Mondays are just awful. On Mondays all you can think about is how it will never be Friday which means it will never be Sunday because I always know I will get Sunday of. But Sundays are equally as bad as Mondays because you spend the whole day thinking about how tomorrow is Monday and you have to start this silly countdown in your head all over again. (Yes this is really my life) Anyway, the thing that gets me through Tuesday is this. Thanks a billion Elise for the ideas. I now know how I am going to put together some of the picture that I have.

Oh and what got me through this Tuesday...


Hell's Kitchen is back. Oh so fabulous. :)

So proud of myself

I finished 5 pages in my Best Friends mini book that I have started on. The idea of this project is a collaboration of many ideas that I have seen various places and is going to be a gift for my best friend Tessa. I finally printed out photos and got them from Walgreen's. For some reason the project just feels more real when I have actual photos as opposed to ones I have just printed on my computer. I need to look into buying a new one. I guess we will see. I am glad I also had the idea to print photos of camping and 4th of July so hopefully I can make a mini for those. I feel like I have accomplished a lot today and that is a wonderful feeling.

:)

It is hard to blog when there is nothing to blog about

Let's see...Friday was spent shopping and semi cleaning the apartment while I baked 3 different kinds of cookies for Monica's birthday present. Then she came over and we all watched Mama Mia and enjoyed some ribs. The ribs turned out great. It was my first time making them and I impressed myself with my skill. It movie was only ok. I hate when some of the songs in a musical are boring. And when the whole point of the movie is to find out who her dad is and you never really find out. But whatever.
Saturday was spent mostly working. Why they changed our hours to 4 on Saturday I will never know. NO ONE COMES IN. Oh well they are the ones who have to pay me to stand around for 3 hours doing nothing. But it did give me some time to get to know some of my co-workers more which is good. After work we went to Monica's to meet her new kitty Izzie. She is pretty cute. Then we took Monica to dinner at Monk's wine lounge for dinner. Dinner there is always amazing. We then headed back to Monica's where we watched Role Models before heading back home.
Today's plans consist of bunch and more cleaning and hopefully some crafting. I hope everyone had a great weekend!!!

Hump Day

Nothing super exciting happened today. I didn't get any scrapbooking or card making in. I did however get a fabulous dinner made for my from Monica. Tomorrow's plans include mastering the latest Tuesday Tutorial while cleaning the apartment, planning a fabulous birthday present, watching the newest Harold and Kumar movie (well new to me cause it arrives on Netflix tomorrow) and loving up on some kittens. Pretty much sounds like a perfect Thursday...added with the fact that I don't work Friday which will be spent with Todd!


Life is pretty good :)

New Birthday Card

So this card took a lot of ideas from this blog which was featured on this blog. Ali (the second link) has a great Tuesday Tutorial feature that I am obsessed with now. I found out about it when I was reading Elise's blog. Elise is a girl who I went to Junior High with and we worked at Jamba Juice together. While at Jamba she impressed me with her creativity and reading her blog has inspired me to push myself which is good. You can read her blog here; I hope I don't sound creepy or stalkerish but I am just so excited about crafting lately. Anyways, here is the aforementioned card that I worked on all night :




Any and all feedback would be greatly appreciated :)

Our Camping Trip

We left Tod's dad's house with plans to go to Lake's Basin. We stopped at Graeagle (yes it is really spelled that way) to make some sandwiches, pick up some ice, and buy some night crawlers. We finally arrived to Packer Lake. We discovered that it was reserved for day use only. So we decided to go to Sardine Lake which was only 5 or 6 miles away. Once there we found out that every campsite was occupied or reserved. After looking at 3 different campsites in the area and achieving the same result we looked into different campsites nearby. We ultimately decided to go to Buck's Lake. When we finally got to Buck's Lake we went to the Mill Creek Campsite where we encountered the same problem that we faced at Lake's Basin. Disappointed, we tried the next campsite over. The first campsite was vacant!! We immediately reserved it. After a quick survey of the other available sites we claimed the first site as our own. It was perfect. In our "backyard" we had access to the Lake. Todd put the tent together while I fished and watched the Canadian Geese that were swimming by. We decided to go find a place to fish. We found a place on the side of the road that looked like it would be easy to walk down to the Lake and happened upon a neat little fort that someone had made. We tried fishing there for a little bit but we encountered so many snags we decided to leave. After driving around for a bit we decided to head back to the campsite for dinner and bed.
The Second day we woke up and went to the kioski to figure out where to go fishing next. We settled on Mill Creek because when Todd went with his dad last year to Buck's Lake on the a call; the campers told them that there was good fishing there. We hiked to Mill Creek until we got to a point where it was too steep to go down unless you held onto a rope. Me having no upper arm strength could not go down. So we decided to hike back and follow the Lake for a bit. Once we did we discovered a remote place filled with butterflies (and sand fleas, but those aren't so pretty). We fished and picnicked. We even saw a hawk catch a fish. We however weren't as lucky as the hawk.After a couple hours we headed back to camp for a nap. When the nap was done we decided to try a different location for fish. We went to Lower Buck's Lake. The water there was extremely calm. So calm that the whole time we were there we didn't see a fish bite. We gave up and went back to camp where we enjoyed hot dogs, beans, and roasted marshmallows for desert.
The third day we headed home. Todd was afraid that he was going to run out of gas so he drove in neutral most of the way. We were glad to home to see Nugget and Zuma who were excited to see us.

17 day...but whose really counting??

In an effort to blog more I am sharing something that I have been sharing with everyone and at work and hopefully if I write it down here I can stop driving everyone crazy. I am going to the No Doubt concert in 17 days. I will be feet away from Gwen and the boys. It is going to be amazing. None of this oh the girl in front of you bought the last pit tickets (oh yeah Gina did you know that was you?). I can hardly contain my excitement. I think I am going to dedicate a whole scrapbook (or mini-book) for the event.

4th of July and Zuma

My 4th of July was fabulous. It started Friday night when we went to pizza and watched fireworks on top of the Chico State parking structure. And of course I forgot my camera so I was unable to document my evening. That is one of my many new goals. To take more pictures. How am I going to become a fabulous scrapbook-er if I don't have any pictures. And another goal. Print pictures. But I digress. On Saturday we went to Upper Crust where we enjoyed a wonderful breakfast. Then we went to the Saturday Morning Market. Monica and I have a standing date to attend the Thursday Night markets but because we are both usually working we rarely get to attend the Saturday Morning one. After the market and getting some amazing blackberries, peaches, and some bread from Tin Roof Bakery; we went and looked at some books at the used book store. Then we went and had hot dogs at Monica and Chris' house. After lunch we went to see the Hangover. It was a pretty good movie. Then we went back to Monica and Chris' house for the best tri-tip, baked potato, and salad I have ever consumed and some apple pie all accopanied by some Mojhitos. It was pretty much the best Saturday you could ask for.


Oh and we also adopted a kitten. Her name is Zuma. She is named after Gwen Stefani's son. I think it is fitting for a cat but not so much a human but she (the cat) is probably the clostest I will get to naming a living creature after something Gwen related so I'll take it. The two cats are finally getting along. It is so cute to see them play together.

April Came and Went

How does time fly so fast. Oh I know...There's airshows, friends visits, phone calls, cleaning, working, Easter, cooking, family issues, driving, socializing, oh yeah and more work. I am officially a full-time employee...great for the paycheck not so much for the socializing factor. Pretty much everything is the same; but slightly different.
My sister had a tragic loss. She found out her baby would not survived if she carried it full term. I went to Sacramento for three days so I could be with her at the hospital. I cannot believe how strong she is.
The good that has come out of this is that she and I are a lot closer.


Oh and my goal for May is to blog more...

Sorry...

...agh I have been so busy. Who knew that working everyday would be so time consuming. Even if I don't work full shifts I find that there are not enough hours in the day.

Things are good though. Works good, Todd's good, friends are good, and family is good.

Todd and I celebrated our two year anniversary. After work we went to Serria Nevada and ordered a pitcher of beer and some food. It was nice.

My birthday was very nice. At work I got cupcakes and orange balloons. Then Todd, Tessa, Tessa's brother, and I all went to dinner. Then Todd, Tessa, and I went to Panama's for a drink before coming home and drinking some wine. Luckily I had this plan for a while because I had the forethought to schedule the next day (my actual birthday) off from work. Tessa and I spent the whole day watching movies. It was so nice and relaxing.

This past weekend I went to Sacramento to visit with the family and for Ashly's baby shower. I had a wonderful birthday dinner with my grandma and sister. My grandma got me a Kitchen Aid Mixer something that I have been asking for for years but thought I would never receive it until my wedding.

Ashly's baby shower was so nice. I always love to see the girls from high school. I am glad that I have remained friends with them all these years. Ashly's pregnant belly is so cute. She seems so content and happy. I couldn't be happier for the family she has started.

That's about all that's been going on. So til next time...

Parenting 101

While I was wandering the aisle at Micheal's I was shocked when I heard a parent whistle at their child like you would a dog. I thought it was a little odd but moved on and didn't dwell on the event to much. Then I ventured over to Target where I again observed the same thing. I couldn't believe it. I understand needing to get a child's attention if they are distracted by the amazing things that Micheal's and Target has to offer but come on people children are not animals. Call there name don't whistle at them. Maybe this is my own personal beliefs but I could not believe it. I found it very disrespectful to the child. Their parents are using the same call for them that they would use for the family pet. Now I am no parent but I hope that when the time finally comes I will treat my children with a little more dignity and respect.

Crazy Busy

So life has been a little hectic lately. I got my hours increased at work (finally) and now it feels like I am there all the time. I still only work 30 hours but those extra 10 hours a week add up a lot. Also I got the most referrals in my branch for the month of January cause I am so amazing.

Other than that I have been trying to get things done to no avail. Although today I did make some super cute cupcakes from the Martha Stewart Living magazine that I get thanks to Todd's mom.

On a sadder note Todd's step grandma died so the weekend was spent with his dad's side of the family so we could say our goodbyes. It is always sad when someone dies. It was super hard for me because it brought back memories of my grandpa. I think of him almost everyday and it doesn't hurt as much as it used to but with the resent events it made it a little harder than usual for some reason.

Besides that nothing to fun is going on. Todd bought an Xbox 360 so we have been entertaining ourselves with that. There is a no Xbox when Todd has homework rule because he gets distracted. Also I have been slacking on my card sending. I need to catch up badly. Cassie's birthday has past and I still need to make her and Todd a Valentine's Day card. I need to get to but I am just so tired when I get home from work.


Til next time...

Feeling Crafty

Now that I officially have my desk back (thanks Todd) the plans are to turn it into a craft desk. In an effort to get organized and keep my crafts handy I have decided to make my own pen holders. It is relatively easy to do and what is best about it is it is free (well for me because I have an abundant supply). All you need is cleaned empty vegetable can some scrapbook paper and glue.
All you need to do is measure the tallness of the can and wrap the paper around to make sure it fits all the way around and then glue it to the can. The result looks like this:
Now I only have 5 billion more to make :)

Nugget

So yesterday Nugget went to the vet for her yearly check up. Yes Todd and I are responsible pet owners. Nugget is not a fan of the vet whatsoever. As soon as she is taken out of her cage she goes wild. I have to hold her while the vet examines her because she won't let the vet hold her. And when she gets her shots the vet has to cover her with a towel just so she won't get bit. I feel like a bad parent when Nugget behaves that way but I guess there isn't anything I can do. So in honor of Nugget here are some pictures of her and Todd playing. Oh and for the record she is a super nice cat as long as she isn't at the vet.

Busy, Busy, Busy

I feel like I have been going nonstop since Thanksgiving. Mostly it is my fault because I spent every free minute reading all the books in the Twilight series. Yep all four of them. It makes me so happy to not be in school cause I can read whatever I want. Aside from keeping my nose in a book a lot happened. Christmas Eve was spent in Red Bluff. I learned how to make stacky upies and see Todd as a baby. He was so cute. The next morning the rest of Todd's family came over and we ate breakfast. Todd has the nicest family ever. Afterward we opened presents. Everyone seemed to really like what we got them so that made me happy. Todd's famliy got us way to much stuff. Todd's mom got us the Rachel Ray cookset

A year subscription to Martha Stewart and various things that I have needed and wanted for the house for a long time.
After Red Bluff we drove down to Sac. I went to my grandma Barbara's house first then my grandma's. I got to see all my grandma's on Christmas which made me happy. After present opening we went to the Buggy Whip for dinner. It made me kinda sad that we had to go to a restruant on Christmas but it made sense. My grandma didn't have anyone to help clean up because I had to go back to Chico for work.
Once Christmas was over I worked Friday and Saturday. It was my first Saturday shift. It was just like any other day but the people were a little bit more impatient. Then on Sunday we went to Stomp.

It was a pretty good show. I have never seen anything like it before.

On New Years Eve we went to Downieville with Angie and Dave to visit Tessa. We stayed in this super nice loft that Tessa cleans. The only thing that kinda sucked about it was that we couldn't get the heater to work...so our solution start drinking. Overall it was a pretty good night. I love spending time with friends.
Yep so that has been the past week and a half. I am glad that things are starting to settle down a bit. There is nothing to do this weekend which is nice. But the time is probably going to be spent cleaning.