Falling Hard on this Couch

Noon. That was the time I rose and shined. It’s been a long time since I have slept in that late. To be fair, I did wake up at 6:30 and 7:00 before I actually crawled back under the covers and say ‘Screw You!’ to the early morning fogginess. Seriously, it’s sort of disgusting out…and I told myself I was going to hit up the gym some time today. Well, the day is young.

All comfy in my comforter and I just don’t want to get out to it. Ever.

Yet here I sit in my pajamas eating TGIFridays Potato Skins: Cheddar and Bacon flavored. Two words: Rough Night. In more ways than one. It further proves to me why I’m a terrible person. I really am, but deep inside, I’m okay with that. At least I think I am. That, or I have a burning desire to see how many people will buy be drinks before they decide to throw them in my face. Girlish tendency? Perhaps.

I must try this fun stuff.

“When you jump up the earth wants you back.”

Okay, Jenny Lewis, singer and songwriter. If you say so.

She looks like a sly elven princess in training.

But every once in a while, I wish I could jump up and I could simply float away, find a new landing ground, a new landscape, a new place to belong. I guess that’s why nomads broke all the rules back in the day…they didn’t want to belong to anything or any place other than themselves.

Pack your bags, kiddos.

Plus I slept in my new favorite Bulldogs hoodie last night, and now I don’t want to take it off. I think I might slap a ‘Emotional Recovery’ stamp on this afternoon. Sad, yes, but I’m feeling pretty low for multiple reasons.

All I need is a box of tissues and a sob-worthy chick flick.

However, there is one way to turn a frown upside down with me, and that is with my Fabulous Friday. Here is what made my Friday extra Fabulous this time around:

Fabulous Season:

I’m hanging on to this sight when the snow starts to fall.

Fabulous Cookie Recipe:

It might not be a recipe, but look at how awesome these cookies look!

Fabulous Spooky Make-Up:

Sort of spooky, but sort of beautiful at the same time.

Fabulous Fall Treat:

How delicious do these sound? Starbucks Frappucinno Cupcakes.

Fabulous Breakfast:

Use Christmas cookie cutters to pour pancake batter into them for awesome-shaped pancakes.

Fabulous Post-Wedding Moment:

First private alone-time kiss right after the ceremony? Hot.

Fabulous Wedding Accessory:

How cute are these for the groom the day of the wedding?

Fabulous Bathroom Organizer:

A simple shelf can now hold all those lady hair products that clog up counter space. Amazing.

Fabulous Smile:

“I feel like if Mockingjay is split into two movies, they’ll end the first one at Katniss and Peeta’s reunion. Like it’ll show him wring her neck and Boggs punch him and then boom credits and we’re all just sitting there like this.” – Emma Stone on Hunger Games.

Fabulous Halloween Decorations:

So simple. Put a light inside a plastic milk jug and draw a face on it.

Fabulous Kitten Action:

Kung-Fu Kittens! Hi-YA!

Fabulous English Lesson:

Fabulous Elf Trick:

Tape up your child’s bedroom door so they have to fight their way out in the morning, and tell them Santa did it so they wouldn’t sneak out in the middle of the night to get their presents.

Fabulous Tan Line:

Secret agent gun placeholder.

Fabulous Bedroom:

Who wouldn’t want to sleep in a horse-drawn carriage?

I seriously need a bowl of soup with a Gatorade or something along those lines. I’m just not having a good day here. However, there is a gigantic tub of ice cream in my freezer. I bought that ice cream before the wedding, convincing my sister I was allowed a bowl every night if I wanted. It was slow-churned frozen yogurt, after all. You know what? I didn’t even touch the stuff.

This is heaven in a martini bowl.

Granted, I also abandoned by entire workout regime that same week, but I also stuck to fruits and veggies a whole lot more…and more chicken strips I probably should have consumed, but hey! I looked great, the bride looked great, and I didn’t falter on a single note of either song or reading. Damn good prep on my part.

Belting it!

But now I’m going to lie in self-pity on the couch, and pray those ambulance sirens aren’t carting off anyone I know to a local mortuary because there have been a lot of them in the last 12 hours.

I don’t even know how our doctors rate around here when its an emergency.

May the Force be with them this afternoon.

Find Your Inner Diva!

That took far too long for this stupid typing block to load properly so I could finally type here. And yes, I realized I haven’t written again a long time. Guess what? When you don’t have a laptop of your own, you’re working 12 hours a day and all you can think about is a heaping bowl of Edy’s frozen yogurt when you finally kick your shoes off for the day, I know I should feel like writing, but I don’t.

Come to Mama!

Instead, I choose to turn into a vegetative couch potato and fall asleep, ready to do it again the next day.

Couch Potato Kitty wants another beer.

On a different note, last night while out and about with my crew for a Halloween party, I think I have stumbled upon my ulterior personality. For karaoke, for dancing late at night, for approaching men…I have discovered my inner party girl and she is amazing. Last night, I was always surrounded by a group of three or more guys, and I was loving it. Or should I say, Raja was loving it.

Except we didn’t dance this classically.

Hey, this is perfectly acceptable to tap into a new side of myself. If Beyoncé can have Sasha Fierce, I can have Raja. Everyone loved her, too.

Let’s hear it for Sasha!

Other than plenty of tequila and dancing (and rattling my belly dancing belt all over the place. Do you know how hard it is to sit down on a sheet of coins? It’s uncomfortable when you forget that’s what’s covering your lower half), I had a pretty jam-packed weekend of dress shopping (the wedding is in less than a week!), hockey watching (damn those nachos looked delicious), and working (it just never stops.)

I have a weak spot for goalie’s

The dress I bought instantly reminded me of Kate Middleton. Between her and Keira Knightley, I have my fashion choice muses. It’s cream-colored with black across the back and over the shoulders, and it hits right above the knee. The most important part of it? It hugs me beautifully in the waist. Much like Ms. Middleton’s most noted fashion tip: Cinch it in the middle, people!

Check it. This dress is hot.

On top of that, a little trip to Victoria’s Secret saw me coming home with a new (and dare I say Raja-inspired) bodice-corset piece in the sexiest color of purple that I have ever seen. It’s quickly become my ‘I need to feel sexy underneath these normal clothes’ lingerie item. So, so sexy, and I dare say I walk a little taller. You never know…I might be wearing it right now as I type this.

It’s about to get hotter…

It’s really bad. All while shopping, I saw about a hundred and one new pieces I wanted to add to my working wardrobe. My bank account would quickly become zero if I ever let myself go clothes happy at the mall. Trust me, I may not seem like a fashion diva, but I care about the way I look as much as the next person.

“What do I think about the way most people dress? Most people are not something one thinks about.”

The fickle fashion editor, Diana Vreeland, is on to something there. There are so many people out in the world who have been labeled as total Fashion Statements. I look at them and wonder, what the hell are you wearing?I’m sure people do the same mental thought through their minds when they look at me, but whatever. I wear what I want, when I want.

Don’t be looking at my lingerie, lady.

Hence the reason why I sewed a couple of Jedi Academy patches on a pair of black sweatpants and call them my Jedi pants. You wear what you like, and they look badass!

Just one of the patches on said Jedi pants.

But, on that same line, here are a few things I found to be incredibly badass for my Fabulous Friday, and maybe a nod or two towards Halloween. But man, my Friday was pretty Fabulous. Here’s why:

Fabulous Video:

Fabulous Haunted Decoration Idea:

Chicken wire and white paint. And look how spooky your yard will look.

Fabulous Laugh:

Fabulous Exit:

Simply epic.

Fabulous Reality:

Fabulous Self-Made Decor:

Use your old photo slides to create a new lampshade. You’ll see the photos through the light bulb’s radiating rays.

Fabulous Date Idea:

Travel to your own love destinations, and stamp both your passports every time you visit a new country of love.

Fabulous Halloween Decoration:

Puking pumpkin…of guacamole!

Fabulous Past Halloween Costume:

Jedi, of course.

Fabulous Smile:

Fabulous Timeline:

Show the timeline of your relationship through a wall of photos.

Fabulous Reminder:

Fabulous Laundry:

Paint your washing machines…How genius and fun is that!?

Fabulous Thought on Love:

Fabulous Creativity Jumpstart:

Seriously, a million new design thoughts running through my head at this very moment.

Sad to think the weekend is just about over. As a working girl, the free days seem to fly by faster than usual. Probably doesn’t help that the wedding is less than 7 days away, and I have so, so, so, so much to do! Am I forgetting something? I don’t know! That’s half the fun of it, right?

Keep it real, all, and wear those Jedi pants with pride.

Next will be the tunic.

I wear mine everywhere. Including the grocery store and the dance studio

Let your true colors fly, and let that inner diva out!

This May be a Call to Duty

I’d like to start with the words with one Rita Hayworth, a total Hollywood babe. Everyone knows more people pay attention when you direct their attention to someone labeled “a total Hollywood babe.” Right? (Feel free to scowl at the people who believe that now.)

How could you call that face ugly?

“A girl is a girl. It’s nice to be told you’re successful at it.”

Do you hear that boys? Tell the next girl you see how nice she looks. If she happens to be having a sweats and ponytail sort of rough day, tell her how much you appreciate her smarts. But be sure to tell her how nice she looks when she does put an ounce of effort into her look on any other day.

Women have lots of strengths men don’t. We’re too very different species. Women make major decisions while turning into their emotions. Men tend to think with either their gut or an appendage found right below the hip line…it’s much more primal. Basic survival instinct, if you will.

Women tend to be more empathetic, where men just want to hit something. They don’t have a tendency towards expressing themselves with their intuitive side. Women do. We think with our hearts (and I’ll admit it, sometimes with our stomachs.)

It’s all there.

Why this sudden harping on why women and men differ so much?  I’ve started doing my research into our two presidential candidates, and I’m not so thrilled. Repealing funding for Planned Parenthood, saying there are not enough qualified woman out in the work force to fill high-paying jobs, getting rid of the very healthcare plan that was just passed, and absolutely no mention of the same-sex marriage issue….Thank goodness I haven’t been called to fulfill my duty as a Jedi in protecting the Senate. I don’t think my protective efforts would be accepted if I had to protect Mr. Romney…I might not be “qualified” for the position. Not until he looks over my binder first.

Seriously? Idiot.

Good gravy, Snoop Doggie-Dawg.

For the first time since I’ve been able to vote in any political election, I do not know who I am voting for. Honestly? I want Obi-Wan Kenobi for president. He’s our only hope (no pun intended at all!)

But, through my frustrations, I’m also demonstrating another womanly strength: Tolerance. We can sure take a beating whether its verbal, physical, mental, or because of our own actions. We can take it. The phrase shouldn’t be “Take it like a man.” It should be “Take it like a woman.” You’d also be allowed a piece of chocolate, too.

Let yourself feel the things moving through your heart, body and mind.

Enough of the political talk. One great thing about being a woman is finding inspiration in  absolutely everything, and that inspiration is what makes our lives Fabulous. Here are my picks for the week that left me with quite a Fabulous Friday.

Fabulous Bracelet:

Not too dainty, and not too tough. Just right.

Fabulous Video:

Fabulous Fall Look:

That coat is to die for!

Fabulous Swimming Mates:

Dangerously serene.

Fabulous Fitness Plan:

Fabulous Wedding Keepsake:

The flowers from your wedding bouquet, an invitation, a save-the-date, and your handwritten vows.

Fabulous Cuddling:

Fill an inflatable pool with hair, and then fill it with comforters and as many pillows as you want. Instantly, the comfiest bed you have ever slept on outdoors.

Fabulous Laugh:

Ha-ha-HAAAAAAA!

Fabulous Midweek Bite:

Veggie kebabs. What else would be better in the middle of the day?

Fabulous Idea:

Take a wine glass, put a tea light candle in it, and then put a shade made out of patterned paper over it. Instant mini lamp.

Fabulous Treat:

Oh dear me… Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Devil’s Food Cake Cheesecake.

Fabulous Nails:

Map nails…perfect for the avid traveler.

Fabulous Nightstand Photo:

Better than a boudoir shot.

Fabulous Girl Time:

Preach it.

Fabulous Kissing Potion:

Want to give it a try?

I really should turn this political filth off. Look at what happened on Coruscant when the Senators went at each others throats all the time. They succumbed to greed and thievery. They became awful, dirty people with very few spots of cleanliness thrown in between.

So many corrupted minds, and too little time to set them straight…

I can’t watch this stuff anymore. It’s putting my faith in the way our government works into question, and I have far too many other things to ponder and worry about than what the hell our government is up to and why they can’t answer a simple question plainly.

Just stop the bullshit! Seriously!

May the Force be with this country come November’s election day.

Natalie Portman knows what’s up. (But, seriously, where can I find a shirt of that for my own?)

My Taste, My Rules

There’s something about fall that gets me going.

How does this not take your breath away?

The changing leaves, the cooler air, the fact that I feel like I’m a part of the Fellowship of the Ring whenever I slip on a particular pair of boots, the idea that Halloween is just around the corner which further feeds my theatrical spirit (who wouldn’t want to wear an exorbitant costume for one full day out of the entire year?). There is so much I love about this season.

And the styles that come with it!

I know a lot of people claim to think that spring is the time for rebirth and change, but I think the same is true for fall. Seeing the leaves change color makes me ask why I can’t change a little something about myself? Which gives full reason as to why I’m looking at images for my tattoo and in November, once the upcoming wedding nuptials are said and done with, I will be heading to my stylist and saying, “Make me a redhead.” I need to keep a spark alive in me once winter hits, or I die inside. Little by little, I die inside.

Yup…I’ll be joining the ginger world.

Plus, everyone feels a little randier when winter hits. You’re stuck indoors, and needing to stay warm. Taking the flirtatious nature of men and women up a notch isn’t always a bad thing. Just know what you’re getting into before you’re knee-deep and questioning your morals.

“Good taste is the worst vise ever invented.”

The wise words of Edith Sitwell, a perverse poet. Let me sum it up for you: Whatever you like, like it. Don’t give a second thought to those who think they are better dressed, prettier, or overall more stylish. If it works for them, great! They could never pull off the looks I do, and vice versa. We’re all meant to be different, and like different things.

She clearly looks like she had impeccable style!

It’s another reason why I hate winter. Everything starts to blend together, and I get mentally bored. Which is why you will often find me having a tropical day in my bathroom on a random weekend in my apartment. Dressed in bright colors, bikini top on, coconut oil stinking up the place, fruity candle burning, and a margarita mix in the blender. You have to liven up the soul somehow, or we all die.

Keep them coming, Jeeves!

I am not a winter girl, but I am in love with every other season that exists. With that in mind, here is what I personally found to be in good taste the past week to make my Fabulous Friday:

Fabulous Manicure:

Perfect for this time of year…totally mysterious.

Fabulous Fall Beauty Look:

Super smokey eyes = yes!

Fabulous Idea:

Frame your keys, and you’ll never lose them again. Brilliance.

Fabulous Album:

They always know how to pull my heartstrings just the right way.

Fabulous Fall Beverage:

Vodka, Frappiccinno, and a little ice? Count me in.

Fabulous Wedding Must:

For my wedding day, of course. I want to be comfy when I’m getting my make-up done.

Fabulous Event:

Happening today!

Fabulous Honeymoon Suite:

After a long and glorious wedding day, this would be icing on the cake.

Fabulous Fall Accessory:

Flannel, snappable scarf. Goes under everything. I want it.

Fabulous Smile:

Fabulous Laugh:

Fabulous Kids Costume:

So pretty

Fabulous Life Goal:

Fabulous Bouquet:

Perfect for breaking the traditional colors of a fall wedding.

Fabulous Bed:

Sweet dreams, indeed.

Our forecast said snow sometime this afternoon, and I am already cringing inside. Are you kidding me? It’s the beginning of October! It’s not supposed to snow until mid-November in these parts. Even sadder…I still need to find and buy a pair of winter boots before I have to shovel my car out every morning before heading to work. BLAH!

I’m picky with my winter boots. They need to be practical, and still stylish.

In the meantime, it’s a perfect fall day (at least last time I checked about an hour ago), and there is a restaurant serving sushi calling my name for lunch. Never disobey a hungry stomach…especially when you’re taking Vitamin B tablets to boost your metabolism. Yikes. It’s not pretty sometimes, the noises my stomach makes when its hungry. Basically: Feed Me Now.

Oh, come to me, my sweet crunchy roll!

I shall obey. Happy Saturday!

Warning: Political Topics Ahead

We are on the brink of October, and I couldn’t be  more excited.

So many memories in this month…

October is possibly my favorite month out of the entire year (although June is a close second to that…I really love the month of June, and no, it’s not just because it’s my birthday month.) The leaves are turning all sorts of reds, oranges, and yellows…Full Fall Mode and I love it! The weather is cooler in the morning and night, but in the afternoon, it is still absolutely gorgeous out. All I need is a heavier leather jacket or a warm hoodie to make it through the cooler temps.

Two words: Bad Ass.

I’m more grateful for the time I get to spend outdoors, which questions my motives for sitting right now and writing this blog post. It’s supposed to be 70-something degrees out right now, and I’m here, in a computer lab, killing precious sunlit hours. What’s wrong with me?

I have a keen desire to write since I haven’t done it in the past 3 days, that’s what’s wrong with me.

“The world language is English as spoken by foreigners.”

Does anyone ever really understand another these days? My answer is a full, loudly spoken “no.” So, Kristen Nygaard, a programming language pioneer, I think I have to agree with you. This could bring up a whole whopping list of topics, all concerning the upcoming presidential election, but I’m going to choose to refrain from these topics.

Girls can be language nerds, too!

It is not a Jedi’s place to try to impress another’s ideas onto someone else. We express our opinion, and then fight for peace and justice. Not always with our lightsabers, but when the negotiations call for aggressive moves, more often than not, the blazing swords come out.

We decided to go with aggressive negotiations.

I met up with a gentlemen for drinks last night. Quite cute, funny, and easy to talk to…but he asked what my stance on a lot of things are, and I told him it’s my place in the universe to stand up for peace and justice. Then he threw me a curveball…what if I had to choose one or the other: peace OR justice? I thought about it a second, and then answered, justice.

Vote Luke Skywalker 2012!

Honestly? This world is never going to know long-lasting peace. History, when tallied up, has seen maybe 200 years of peace in the thousands of years human civilization  has roamed the earth. I mean, the animal world is constantly at war with each other and we supposedly evolved from theses creatures (don’t even get my started on the theory of evolution!) There are too many people out there who have been told from the moment they are born “s0-and-so is your enemy.” While I think everyone can learn to be friends, I can’t speak on the behalf of 6 billion people.

If a fox and a hound can be friends, so can two different religions.

Even the Transformers could only help us fight an impending alien force who wanted nothing more than to cause chaos and enslavement on our planet (and if the Transformers can’t uphold peace on their planet, we’re all doomed.)

Is there a sexier robot than Optimus Prime?

I recently watched the movie “Babel” and the entire theme of communication barriers was quite interesting to me. A large area of my work is centered on communication and what gets people ticking. A lack of communication, or a lack of understanding of one’s language, is a huge issue. I find it interesting that here in America, you can find the building instructions to anything written in multiple languages, from English to Spanish to Korean to Farsi. You’re telling me if I moved to Saudi Arabia, and I needed to go out and buy a piece of furniture, I would find instructions on how to build a couch written in English for me? I highly doubt it.

Not in English? Don’t worry…every other language in the world is included.

I know America is highlighted as the land of eternal opportunity…Come here and all of your dreams will come true. A hundred years later, and our country is still deemed as the land of opportunity. Where a small town girl can win American Idol, and become a famous singer overnight. Where someone can start a computer business in his garage and become the CEO of the most successful company in the entire world (here’s looking at you, Apple.) However, just because we are the land of unending opportunities doesn’t mean we should have to cater to each and every individual that comes to live here.

A true American story, indeed.

Our native language is English. Learn it already. If I moved to China, I would be expected to have an understanding and capability to speak the language.

I really don’t want to get into a political posting here, but I’ve probably already said too much. Just be warned, there will probably be more as the election draws closer. I try to avoid these things, but man, I get so swept up in the excitement. It’s the romantic in me. If I’m not tearing my own heart out about something on a daily basis, I just feel lost.

Seriously gorgeous.

Let’s flip gears here, shall we? The weekend is almost over (le sigh), but there were things I found which  made my entire week oh-so-wonderful. Here are my Fabulous Fridays:

Fabulous New Sunglasses:

Ever since I discovered Top Gun, I’ve been in love with aviators.

Fabulous Evening:

Country style. Just add a cozy blanket, a hot cup of hot chocolate, and Lord of the Rings or Star Wars marathon. Perfect evening.

Fabulous Idea:

Put your favorite quote on the light switch, and you’ll feel inspired every single day.

Fabulous Bowling Shoes:

I’d wear them as regular, every day shoes.

Fabulous Farm Girl Truth:

Fabulous Challenge to Society:

My heart has fallen out of my chest, and on to the floor. Too much to handle…

Fabulous Decor:

Don’t bother with a headboard. Use curtains and drape them into the shape of your desired headboard.

Fabulous Train Ride:

Officially on my Bucket List.

Fabulous Treat:

S’more cones. In the fall season, need I say more?

Fabulous Bit of Body Art:

Declare your inner, zodiac self. Myself, I am a Cancer and fully proud of it!

Fabulous Thought Worth Sharing:

Fabulous Thankfulness:

So simple…and all in front of our faces.

Fabulous Future Wedding:

Wearing Daddy’s heart on your sleeve…sort of

Fabulous Quote:

Fabulous Closet Space:

Glorious, glorious space!

It’s time to get out of here to enjoy the fall sunshine, and maybe take a stroll along the lake. Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

It just makes me feel all fuzzy inside!

Too soon we’ll be getting down to business once again.

You tell’em, Captain Shang.

Jedi Don’t Quit

Friday’s are supposed to be days of joyous celebration, aren’t they?

I mean, the work week is THISCLOSE to being over, I put extra effort into my overall look this morning when I crawled out of bed, I let myself splurge on lunch a little bit, I don’t have to work at my part-time “fun job” when I walk out of here in a few hours, and I have a few of my fave movie scores playing in the background all while i work the afternoon away. (Did I mention I spent about an hour on Pinterest, and it was all for work-related purposes?)

John Powell, you did it again

Yet, everything seems to point in the direction of “an awful day” when I shake the magical What-Will-My-Day-Be-Like 8-Ball.

“All of humanity is living in a dream world, but suffering real consequences.”

Lauren Hill, a lovely Grammy girl, has hit me on the nose. I’ll admit most days, I live in my own fantasy world. But when the real world hits…watch out.

She’s got it going on.

First things first. I could barely open my eyes this morning. Maybe it was because I spent an hour at the gym waaaay beyond my normal work-out schedule. The gym closed 15 minutes after my departure. Yeah, I was there that late because my schedule ended up needing me to be more flexible than I was almost ready to give. Anyways…

I managed to throw a few pieces of bread into a container along with my jar of Nutella, so I wasn’t starving halfway through the morning. I’ve been experiencing small fits of nausea every morning for the past couple of weeks, and I honestly don’t know why. It’s actually very obnoxious.

If you haven’t tried it, you should. It will rock your world.

Before trudging up the stairs, I decided to put a little more effort into my appearance. Not the usual Friday style of jeans and maroon/gold fitted T-shirt. I put on a polka-dotted, flirty dress and paired it with my fave black boots. You know, putting a little more rock n’ roll into the feminine side of things. It’s like me. I can be a sensitive case of tears one minute, and then totally all about kicking your ass the next,. In other words, don’t cross me. (An old friend of mine once told I’m crazy…he may be right. Or I’m a Cancer…I’ll let you decide.)

So much love for my boots and dresses. Seriously.

Where did things go wrong with my outfit? I noticed too late that if I stand in a well-lit area, you could clearly see right through the skirt of my dress and there was a small possibility the color of my underwear became noticeable to anyone who caught a glance. Throw in a large case of static cling with my skirt, and I’m suddenly wearing very flowy, polka-dotted shorts.

At least my boobs didn’t pop out anywhere.

Yeah…wardrobe malfunction in the professional setting. I’m learning my Big Girl Lessons fast.

This is all before I even get to work. Once I’m at my office, I get my computer booted, check my personal and work email (as is my usual routine) and I immediately find three emails showing comments on a work new blog post made the day before. One of them was great feedback. The other two? Not so nice.

Hanging by a thread here…

The rest of the morning was spent in crisis mode. How do we respond, do we even respond? If we do, what do we say? How do we say that?
Just a mess of stuff.

Chicken strips and onion rings suited me for lunch, and I let myself have an extra dipping cup of mayonnaise. Terrible, I know, but it’s so nummy and after the morning I had, it was deserved. Plus it’s Friday!

Such a guilty indulgence…

Rest of the afternoon went fine, and I actually was told to go home 15 minutes early. I was able to go to the grocery store! I haven’t actually shopped for food in a long, long time. I was able to take my time, go from one end of the store to the other, and back again.

It was halfway through shopping when my stomach suddenly took a lurch. It kept up until I got home, where it seemed to tighten and churn more. Probably against my better judgement, I head to the gym and did a ‘Walk for 5, Run for 10, Walk for 5, Run for 10′ type of routine. I actually felt really good running, but when the cramps set back in, I was toast. I couldn’t do it. I kept telling myself “Jedi Don’t Quit,” and they especially don’t quit because they feel sick. So…I kept pushing.

Just keep running….even when the guy on the treadmill next to you burps every 5 seconds and then breathes it in your direction, and it smells like rotting pizza.

Bad idea. I got home, and just about died. Stomach cramps, womanly area cramps, showering didn’t make me feel better…nothing felt good. I ate some soup, but my stomach didn’t like it. Little did I know, , my sister ordered a ton of Chinese food and she told me to help myself. Another bad idea: I did. I ate cream cheese wontons, sweet and sour chicken, general tsao chicken, rice…all of it.

Must find a recipe and make my own batch

I’ll be spending a lot of time in the bathroom in the next 24 hours, that’s for sure.

After I ate, I passed out on the couch. Cold. The only time i do that is when I’m not feeling well. Off to bed I go.

Out. Cold.

But before I pass out entirely, here are the Fabulous things that made this Friday, and the prior work days, awesomely bearable.

Fabulous Fall Combination:

I want to do an entire room in these shades.

Fabulous Smile:

Hilarious…

Fabulous Idea:

Take a piece of plastic on the other side of their door after they’ve gone to sleep, fill the space between sheet of plastic and the closed-door with balloons, and they’ll open their door to an avalanche of balloons in the morning.

Fabulous Make-Up Moment:

I will always love glitter. Always, always, always.

Fabulous Updo:

Kate, you are always so fabulous.

Fabulous Political Pause:

Fabulous Disney Remix:

It was only time before Disney jumped on the bandwagon of this song.

Fabulous Autumn Day:

Absolute perfection…I love summer, but autumn will always hold a special place in my heart.

Fabulous Fall Blazer:

The subtle touch of purple, and I am sold.

Fabulous Fall Salad:

Think of it as a harvest…the greens, walnuts, a raspberry dressing. Lovely.

Fabulous Pie:

Raspberry crumble. Yum.

Fabulous Self-Mantra:

Fabulous Reminder:

Fabulous Movie Theater:

How sweet would this be? Relaxing on the water PLUS a movie on the big screen? I’m there.

Fabulous Motion:

How sweet is this?

A best friend is coming into town, and I better not be sick to see and hang out with her manana. I need a few beers, and gal pal time.

Grab a growler and let your inner tiger out…

Like I said, Jedi Don’t Quit.

If My Brain Wasn’t Encased in my Skull Already…

To sum it all up, it’s been a rough week, and only to about to get a lot harder.

I’m having another minor surgery in less than 3 hours. More tissue samples need to be taken, and since this is the second time I’m going through this same procedure, they’re going a little deeper than before. To really see what’s going on with my body and the evil little strands that want to tear it apart.

I will not let you win, evil demons!

Let’s just say I am not looking forward to my afternoon.

On top of that, I’ve been really flighty-minded, and have totally spaced on every important date I’ve needed to remember for the past couple weeks. So, of course, I forgot to ask for time off when my part-time “fun” job posted this week’s schedule, and I was out-of-town the whole previous weekend, leaving me absolutely no time to find someone to switch shifts with me.

Would either of you like to switch with me?

So…I’m getting cut into and then have to stand on my feet for about 4 hours after that. I’m in for such a good sleep tonight. Any type of painkiller I can find, I’m going to be knocking it down the hatch, that’s for dang sure.

“My whole life has been absurd.”

The words of Holocaust survivor and post-minimalist sculptor, Eva Hesse. I’d have to agree with her. My life has been one bump, turn, and 180 flip since the beginning of time, and it’s going to stay that way. I just know it. I like to look at it as a curse and a blessing all wrapped into one big hug from the universe.

Doing her thing with the minimalism.

But I don’t want to think about the curses, I want to think about the good things. Like how I spent this past weekend cuddling the cutest toddlers anyone could ask for. Or how I was able to spend time with my brother and sisters, my mom and dad, and laugh and giggle like we used to when we all lived under the same roof. How I cried as I told them what might be happening with me, and how they all told me they were behind me no matter what happened.

You’re friends are with you Aragorn.

Just thinking about it right now, I have tears threatening my eyes. I love my family, and God help anyone who tries to hurt them while I’m still living and breathing. A bit dramatic, maybe. But the meaning behind the words still stands the same whether I’m smiling as I say it or not.

A little behind the times (when am I not?) but here are the things that made my past week oh-so-fabulous, and I promise the next few times I come to share with you, you’ll find me in a much happier, more upbeat tone. That…I can promise. I don’t like feeling like a big bunch of yuck the moment I wake up. I just don’t. So…happier times ahead.

Here are my Fabulous Fridays:

Fabulous Proclamation:

Fabulous Fairy Tale Photograph:

Magical.

Fabulous Feeling:

Finding that perfect Fall-colored path and feeling a warm sweatshirt against your skin as you walk.

Fabulous Boots:

Katniss’s boots are still hands-down the best I have seen.

Fabulous Giggle:

Fabulous Theme:

There’s just something about the Roaring 20s.

Fabulous New Bag:

Sturdy and durable.

Fabulous Accessories:

What gal wouldn’t love those boots

Fabulous Laugh:

Next summer on the beach…

Fabulous Tumbler:

Make every beverage a little more epic

Fabulous Fall Look:

Seriously…how pretty are these?

Fabulous Idea:

How cute are these for getting ready the morning of the wedding?

Fabulous DIY:

Made out of a hula-hoop, draping cloth over, and a hook on the top to keep it standing up straight. How darling!

Fabulous Laugh Take 2:

I LOVE her.

I hope you all had a great weekend, and send the Force my way. I could use a little extra help in the next couple of hours, if you can spare the time to send a good thought my way.

We’re all busy people.

Guess what? So am I?

May the Force be with you.

Remember That One Time?

I woke up yelling at my alarm clock.

My usual morning attitude. Don’t cross me when I’m still waking up. Just don’t.

I know some people exaggerate and say they screamed at their alarm clock as they open their eyes in the wee hours of the morning. But I actually did. I screamed at it. Maybe I was in such a deep sleep I didn’t know what I was doing? The alarm sounded, I guess I started screaming…THEN I woke up and realized what was going on.

Weird, right?

When I managed to climb up the steps this morning to grab a cup of coffee as I got ready for the day (Two days at the gym, and I am already feeling it in my thighs. Hello, Stairs, who are now my mortal enemy!), my sister had to ask what was happening this morning in my living quarters of the house.

Yes, I’m glaring at you…I’m staring down every single flight of stairs…

“Oh nothing much. Just woke up screaming at the alarm clock, that’s all.” “That’s all?” “Yeah, nothing to worry about.” “Did you have a nightmare or something?” “Naw. Just woke up screaming.” Then I began the long descent back down the stairs to where my hair dryer and closet of clothes waited for me.

The pretty never rest. They aren’t allowed to.

Talk about your rough morning. Eh, it could be worse.

“All I want is to be more famous than anything or anyone.”

The short and sweet answer from Patsy Kensit, the British pop singer.

She almost reminds me more of a wannabe porn star, if you want my opinion (and guess what, you’re getting it regardless.)

I’m right there with her. It’s the big conundrum of our race. How will I be remembered? Will I even be remembered after I’m gone? Will it be good enough to only be remembered by family and friends, whose memories of me will eventually be passed down so much, it fades with time until no one knows or remember my name, let alone my face?

Does the written word still hold the same value it once did?

It’s best to be immortalized. Enter the fame game. Do something outrageous, become rich, act your ass off, or hit the record number of home runs over and over again. Be remembered as the greatest of the great (Way to go, Michael Phelps. No one is going to forget you anytime soon. Not as long as the Olympics are played!)

Ultimate triumph!

Do I want to be remembered? Sure I do. Am I going to stretch myself as far as Achilles as so greatly told through the movie “Troy”? Probably not. I’m not rushing off into battle with my sword blazing, ready to take out an entire city, let alone an entire stretch of people.

To be remembered as a great warrior to be remembered as a father of many children and a great lover? It’s an interesting thought.

My legacy will most likely be along the lines of Rose and Jack from “Titanic”. (Oh yes, another Titanic reference, here we come!) Rose didn’t even have a picture of the guy. He existed, as she said, in her memory.

Short time together, but look at the passion they had for one another.

What more proof did she need? She met the guy, fell in love with him, let him draw her nude, almost died alongside him, and revisited the nude drawing almost 80 years after the fact. (Hell, that portrait is going to be her legacy, and what a great one to leave behind! If I looked like Rose/Kate Winslet sans clothing, I’d be all over the nude drawing thing. In fact, I’m pretty sure I added that to my bucket list: “Be drawn in the nude by my lover just like in Titanic”. I know…I’m a bit obsessive.)

The infamous drawing that started it all.

It’s interesting to see how people will be remembered for years to come, thanks for the internet. Nowadays, you can look up anybody you want, even people you have no idea about. It helps when you have special access to things, too, I try not to exploit that power too often. Simply by keeping this blog, people will be able to look back, see what I was doing a year ago from now, and know a bit about me.

The Jedi in me knows more than this physical, technological stuff. My spirit and what really makes me who I am will continue to live on through one thing, and it’s an important thing: the living Force. Everything is bound together, feeding off one another. The balance must stay in place, and when it’s my time to swap sides, and give my balance to the other side of life, so be it. I hope it’s not for quite some times yet, but given recent medical visits and test, things could be looking sketchy again.

Keep the balance. Save the Force.

I’m choosing to remain positive. It’s the only way to be.

And how better to keep a positive spin on things than by looking around for sources of inspiration, things that make me smile or stir up the resins in my cranium. Late from last week, we’re getting a double dose of Fabulous Fridays. Here’s one today, and the other is coming at you tomorrow. Enjoy (even if only for a few moments):

Fabulous End-Of-Summer Bite:

Baked Potato Soup! Put those veggies from the garden to good use…and put them in your tummy.

Fabulous Sandy Pup:

Seriously, the cutest little boy and he’s with the cutest dad. I love them both. Plus, check out Orly’s pants. Just adorable.

Fabulous Smile:

Fabulous Play on a Name:

Fabulous Bedroom Accessory:

I think it would be very calming…or I’d wake up yelling at a gold-fish instead of my alarm clock.

Fabulous Truth:

Fabulous Make-Up:

Halloween anyone?

Fabulous Brothers:

Thor AND Captain America? Uh…..Hi. I don’t think we’ve met.

Fabulous Fall Print:

Find a pretty frame, and print the sayings out on nice paper. BAM! You’ve got a fall print that will make you smile as your recall those memories you cherish.

Fabulous Photo:

Who doesn’t like a pretty girl who gets a little silly?

Fabulous Laugh:

Because one wasn’t enough!

Fabulous Barbie:

RDJ at his best…Adding to my collection now…

Fabulous Way Around Technology:

Fabulous Discovery:

Spielberg and Lucas…you wily foxes.

Fabulous Film Men:

Now, don’t you feel better? If not, go fill up your coffee mug and stare at the Fabulous Film Men a few minutes longer. They are just so….yummy.

The weekend is almost here, where more adventures await this Jedi.

Until then, here’s a little more Josh Groban to brighten the day

Make It Deluxe…With the Mayo

As promised, here is a double-whammy of Fabulous Fridays from the last two weeks that I have failed to update and post.

I hope you enjoy, and take heart from Heidi Klum, the model for millions, and her wise words she offers:

“I jumped into the water with forty-five sharks without a cage in the Bahamas for a Discovery Channel show. That was a really good experience. I’m not saying that everyone should swim with sharks, but sometimes you have to jump over your own shadow in order to learn something that you will never forget for the rest of your life.”

Without further adieu, here is my deluxe Fabulous Friday!

Fabulous Smile:

Fabulous Decor Idea:

I love the combination with modern and other distinct styles. Why? I don’t know, but I like all of this and want it in my new Bachelorette Pad.

Fabulous Pup:

Other than my own dogs, Wishbone will always be my fave pup.

Fabulous French Detail:

J’adore!

Fabulous Idea:

Use a wine rack to hold your towels. Simply roll them up!

Fabulous Pajamas:

Satiny soft and so sexy!

Fabulous Invites:

These make me wish I had another party to plan for.

Fabulous Sweatshirt:

Welcome to my Saturday afternoon on the couch with my fave man,

Fabulous Dwight-ism:

Fabulous Laugh:

Oh Chris Hemsworth and your flowing, long Thor hair…

Fabulous (Flat Belly) Snack:

Nothing like an egg to get your morning started off right!

Fabulous Cake:

Childhood on a cake = Perfection.

Fabulous Office Sign:

Fabulous Halloween Idea:

How great is this for Halloween?! Break open glow sticks and pour the liquid all over your steps!

Fabulous Distinction:

Fabulous Hairstyle:

My hair needs to be much, much longer than it is now, but it’s so pretty!

Fabulous New Hobby:

I’ve been into archery for a while now, and it’s about time I pick up a bow and show the world what a woman can do. Even if she is in a dress.

Fabulous Quote:

Fabulous Baby Outfit:

Watch our, parents.

Fabulous Table Decor:

Simple and elegant. Completely my style.

Fabulous Highway Freak-Out:

Who hasn’t thought this?

Fabulous Creamer:

Perfect for fall. It’s flavor is Pumpkin.

Fabulous New Pair of Shoes:

I’m having a huge fascination with polka-dots right now. These shoes simply fit the bill.

Fabulous Coffee Accessory:

A corset for your morning coffee to-go mug. How awesome is this?

Fabulous Smile Take 2:

Fabulous Confection:

So, so pretty. Too pretty to eat….almost

Fabulous Bridal Bling:

A part of my fairytale wedding, to be sure.

Fabulous Reason to Run:

Fabulous Lion King Lesson:

Listen to Rafiki. He knows the way!

Fabulous Bridal Party Memento:

Have every female member of the wedding party (and anyone else you’d like to include, really) kiss the unlined side of an index card, take a picture of it, blow it up, and arrange them together to create a poster sized portrait!

Happy Midweek! Almost to Friday once again!

A Scandal, You Say?

Due to the hectic-ness of my past weekend, I once again neglected to share with you my Fabulous Friday’s.

Joey is shocked and can’t believe I did it. Again!

Believe me when I say my Friday was quite wonderful, and they are only going to get better when I start getting into the swing of things with my new job. I can’t believe I am about to start the next big chapter in my life. A week from today I will leave the current job I’ve been working for a 1.5 years, and I will be starting an actual career job…at least a job that will give me an edge in the type of career path I imagine myself on. A week from today! Ahhh I can’t wait!

I’ll be a high-flying career woman yet.

But the countdown has begun on when my last day at my current job will be. T-minus 4 days. I couldn’t be more excited. Every evening will not be dedicated to answering a phone or showing people where to go for dinner while they get to enjoy their evening out. I won’t have to worry about random people running in through our doors thinking we’re a church with handfuls of money to handout for their well-being and assistance. No more working parties where everyone is plastered within the first hour or so, and then the men continue to hit on me or try to catch a glimpse of something more down the front of my shirt.

Sure, I’m in control of the phone, but I really hate it most of the time.

No more, I say! Most of my evenings will be my own, as will be my weekends, and certain plans are already being set into motion for some Big Girl adventures now that I have available weekends. Let’s just say every adventure should be filled with passion of the heart, and let yourself experience it all for what it is and never, ever look back.

I’m growing into my adulthood, what can I say.

“I have often thought that I am the most clever woman that ever lived, and others cannot compare with me…Although I have heard much about Queen Vctoria…I don’t think her life was half so interesting and eventful as mine. I have 400,000,000 people dependent on my judgement.”

Those are the exciting words of Empress Dowager Cixi, a 19th century notable. Can you imagine ruling over that many people? Four hundred million! I can’t even grasp how large that number is in my head. If we’re talking dollar amounts, I know I’d be set for life with that large of a sum.

Anyone with the title of Empress Dowager is a-okay with me.

Come on, lucky lottery ticket!

A little Napoleon help is a great thing.

The only royal I feel I can relate to (or at least pretend I know enough about in order to relate) is the Duchess of Cambridge herself. I know there’s more to being princess than always looking perfect, welcoming foreign visitors and political dignitaries with humility, gracious manners, and courteous smiles. It’s not about the clothes or appearing to be happy in the public eye. It’s volunteering, it’s putting a face to a much bigger cause.

Looking fab and talking politics. Nothing out of the ordinary here!

It’s more than hospital visits, opening child care centers, or breaking dirt and being the center of a photo-op. Kate Middleton carries the burdens placed upon her well. I wouldn’t be complaining about a front row seat to every single Olympic event you wanted to attend. So what if she isn’t smiling in the photo plastered to her all-access pass? It’s protocol!

You can sort of see the infamous pass here, if you look pretty closely.

While i have no doubt Middleton leads a very exciting and eventful royal life (seriously, I’m super jealous of her Olympics access), but there are a few things she can’t do without it being labelled with a huge red stamp of SCANDAL. Me? Sure, it’ll be a scandal most likely, but I can get away with it and not have it splashed across the cover and Page 6 of every major publication in the world.

Vanity Fair 2012 Best Dressed List? Please and Thank You.

For now, at least.

Anyways, without much further ado, and it’s Monday so no one likes to read a novel length posting on a Monday, here are the reasons my latest edition of Friday was so freaking Fabulous:

Fabulous Look:

Pure glamour. A touch of skin and some sparkle. Loving it.

Fabulous Laugh:

Damn Africa!

Fabulous Moment:

Insuring the Death Star is important business, you know.

Fabulous Worry:

Fabulous Trick:

Use for those really annoying neighbors.

Fabulous Office Space:

Oh pretty please!?

Fabulous Start to the Day:

Just getting in tune with the Force before heading to work.

Fabulous Secretary’s Daydream:

Fabulous Smile:

Admit it, it makes you giggle a little bit.

Fabulous Summer Lunch:

Grilled steak, a baked potato with sour cream toppings, and some sort of green vegetable = the perfect summer meal.

Fabulous Villan:

He’s sort of messed up in a sympathetic way.

Fabulous Starbucks Complex:

Plus, it’s mobile!

Fabulous Wedding Gift:

It’s a really cute idea I may do for my parent’s 40th wedding anniversary.

Fabulous ‘Friends’ Moment:

Fabulous Challenge:

Happy Monday, boys and girls, and may you be treated like kings and queens of old in your relationships with those whom love you.

I would love to be treated like Kate Middleton. Even if only for a day.

Unless your Han Solo and a scoundrel, and a very sexy scoundrel at that. Then, you have every right to treat me with a little more edge and finesse to your words.

But seriously.

Women should be treated like the princesses and queens we are, and in return, men will be rewards like kings.

Challenge accepted? I sure hope so!

If only Frodo had been that determined little stick-man.