Childhood Bedroom

It has been one of those weeks. You know when you're in a funk? The kind of week you don't feel like yourself? It was also a week for some serious nostalgia. This post over at HelloGiggles couldn't have come at a better time.

I lived in my childhood home for 17 years. The first time I moved, I was 17, in the middle of my senior year of high school. So I only had two bedrooms from newborn to the time I moved out at age 21.

My childhood bedroom was small with wood floors (that were eventually covered up with carpet). The coolest feature of the room were these two giant built in bookcases. I remember when I was little, housing my stuffed animal collection up there, then later books, and eventually a light bar. Looking back at my mom's old pictures, the room was originally blue, but was later painted pink with a unicorn border. Remember borders? How awful. I always hated the pink. Pink was never my color. So my grandma had my room professionally painted when I was in middle school to a lovely lavender. It was fabulous. I remember getting a purple plaid comforter to match. I thought I was the SHIT.

This picture of my friend Sam and I was taken around 5th grade (1995ish). It was the only decent picture I could find on my flickr of my room.

Please note my Beethoven's 2nd magazine clipping right next to Mariah Carey (probably singing 'Always Be My Baby' or something). Funny thing is I never even remember liking her all that much. I also had some lovely BOP magazine pictures of all the boys I was certain I was going to marry. JTT, Devon Sawa, Rider Strong, Leonardo DiCaprio, Joshua Jackson, and the list goes on. All of these covered the entire backside of my door. The big poster above my bed was a cartoon map of Orlando. It was actually pretty cool and I have no clue whatever happened to it.

When we moved into the house my mom still lives in now, I was so excited. I was excited to get decorate and paint a whole new room. At the time, I was really big into Trading Spaces and all things interior design related. I had seen this episode where one of the designers painted a room in big stripes of the same color scheme - dark to light. So I decided that's what I was going to do - purple stripes. I know I have a better picture of it but this is all I could find.

The bottom portion was a super dark purple. I was pretty proud of it. But it's one of those designs that gets old quick. Eventually I painted over it with 'Stingray Gray' as you can see below.

I remember where everything was. The fish tank on the left side of my dresser, the popasan chair in the corner (that everyone fell out of when visiting), my desk against the wall next to my closet, and my bed that was in a different corner under the window.

I was just thinking how much I miss that room. Both rooms, really. Sure I love having my own place with my stuff scattered around everywhere but it was kind of fun having everything I owned in one room. My whole life in a 8x10 (that's a guess. I have no idea how big my room was.) There was just a certain level of comfort and safety. It was just so nice to be alone in there. To watch tv, eat on the floor, write, read, cry, sleep, craft, think, talk on the phone, etc.

I just wish I could go back to those rooms and spend just one night. I need to get my hands on a time-turner or a DeLorean. Either would do.

Big Boy & Friends

Dustin and I had dinner with Nicole and Jimmie last night.
Fun times!

Handwritten Letters

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I have always loved getting mail. My grandparents traveled around the world when I was growing up and my grandma would send me postcards from everywhere they went. I have postcards from Paris, Bali, London, New York, San Francisco, etc. I also had a friend who moved back and forth while we were growing up and we always managed to stay in touch through letters. I was always so excited to go out to the porch and check the mail box. I loved seeing letters or postcards addressed to me. It made me feel special. It still does.

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The mailbox above is similar to the one that we had on the porch of the house I grew up in. The house was built in the 1930s and was a bungalow style. So the old fashioned mailbox just kind of fit right in. I just can't believe we actually put mail out in the open like that for the mailman to take. Crazy!

When was the last time you wrote a handwritten letter? Or sent a postcard while you were on vacation? Or even Christmas cards or thank you notes? I love sending and receiving all of these things. It's just so much fun to open that mailbox and find something other than bills or coupons I'll never use. It's also equally exciting to have spilled my heart out on paper and fold it into a nice little rectangle just to put in an envelope and drop in a mailbox, which will eventually show up at the home of someone I care about. I mean how cool is that?

I love technology. I have grown up with it and it's been awesome to watch it advance. But as much as I love telephone calls, emails, instant messaging, and social networking, I will always love snail mail more. It adds such a personal touch. It shows you that someone really took time out of their life to sit down and write to you. Sure it takes more work but for me it's totally worth it. There's just something to be said for handwritten letters.

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The Friday Five

FOOD. Meals. Dustin asked what my my top 5 meals were. This was tough but most are homemade faves.

In no particular order:

CHICKEN & DUMPLINGS
My grandmother makes this from scratch and the whole family comes running. Not only does it taste good, but it reminds me of big family meals outside on picnic tables.

TUNA NOODLE CASSEROLE
My mom never cooked while I was growing up but the three things she DID make were the best. This one was my favorite of the three. The little 'crunchies' she puts on top are just fantastic.

FETTUCCINE ALFREDO with CHICKEN & BROCCOLI
Yeah, I like my pasta. What is the problem? Dustin makes a killer (I don't know why I just typed the word killer because I never even say that in real life. But I'll keep it in here. It can be a part of my blogcabulary.) fettuccine alfredo with chicken. Since he hates anything in the veggie category, I add in the broccoli myself. It's just so damn good.

CHEESEBURGER
My favorite burger of all time comes from Five Guys. No one does it like them. No fast food or even home cooked burger has come close to theirs. Their fries are also awesome.

TURKEY SANDWICH
I have one of these almost every day for lunch. I just love some turkey lunch meat on honeywheat loaded with veggies. Mmmm. I like to add some chips or an apple on the side. It's my favorite lunch.

Yep, I like things simple. Not into fancy meals. Sure, I'll try most things but it always comes back to the comfort food.

Found

The Tale of the Three Brothers painted on a wall. SO cool.

Dustin is making me see this in the theater. Wonder why?


Um, so looks like our quarterback got married. How did I not know about this?

Fingers crossed we win the lottery tomorrow so I can go to this.

I'm kind of in a funk this week (sad face!) but this poster always cheers me up a bit. I love those Brits.

New Walking Dead trailer looks awesome!

All in the Details

I'm not one to dress up very often. It's fun for special occasions but I'm not getting all dressed up to walk around the mall or to go to the grocery or to a birthday party. Casual attire all the way. But just because I like the more casual look, doesn't mean I don't want to feel good about myself. So these are the little details that make me feel pretty.

Fun nails! (I just tried this stick on design yesterday for the first time and LOVE it. Easy to put on. AND they stay on. Most importantly they are super cool. At least I think so.)

Curly/Wavy hair.
I got this style from a blog I enjoy - Ohdeardrea. She posted her pictures from trying the 'no heat curls tutorial' and I loved it! So I had to try it out myself. Check out the video HERE. I first tried this last weekend.

I slept like this.

And then when I woke up I took out the headband and had these awesome curls.

Here I am yesterday using the same technique except I only had a few hours.

Still awesome, just less curly. Wavey!

And lastly a headband.

Weekend In Pictures

Yoga. My trapezius felt this later on.


Brother.




Cookiecupcake monster.

Kierce is TWO.

Katie.

Dustin Says

I like to keep track of the hilarious things that come out of my husband's mouth. Figured I would share them with the universe. Or at least the internet universe.

"When I'm done with this hockey game, we can watch wrestling, you can cry, and then we'll talk about Harry Potter."

"If I were a turtle, I'd be the only one that hated lettuce."

"I like Phil Collins. Is that a problem?"

Random Pet Peeve

Kids at the movies.

I don't know how Dustin and I always end up stuck in theaters with babies/young kids but we do. And it's annoying. The crying, the high pitch squeals, the constant talking = ruining my movie experience. Not cool people!

When I go see a movie that I'm paying practically $10 a ticket for, I want to be able to enjoy it. I want to sit back and relax. I want to take it in completely. You know what I don't want? I don't want to give dirty looks to the parents who brought a 6 month old baby to the movies and just sit there while their baby screams. I don't want to miss what's going on in the movie because the little kid behind me keeps asking a million questions.

Dustin and I have recently seen Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows PII, Captain America, X-Men First Class, Transformers: Dark of the Moon, Super 8, etc. You want to know what all these movies have in common? They are all rated PG-13. And yes I even checked on Fandango. We are not going to movies that are rated G where I would expect to see children. I don't even remember the last time Dustin and I saw a G rated movie in the theaters just for this reason. We much rather enjoy it later on when it comes out on DVD in the quiet of our own home.

What is the deal? Why bring a 3 year old to see any of the movies I listed above? Sure, maybe some have super heroes in them BUT I wouldn't say any of them are for young children. So basically it comes down to parents being selfish. It just seems that they want to see this movie so bad they don't stop and think of how a whiny or loud or obnoxious kid can really mess up a movie for everyone else.

Dustin and I don't have children yet (and possibly never will) because right now we realize how big a sacrifice it is. I see it as giving up my freedom. Giving up my trips to the movies. I'm not ready for that so we don't have any. If we did, I GUARANTEE that child wouldn't see a movie in the theater until it was 5.

Hey parents, I don't hate your kid but please do all of us movie go-ers a courtesy and leave the little ones with a sitter. No sitter? Please look into netflix.

The Friday Five - Braid Brigade

So I thought I would start this 'feature-ish' on Fridays where I list 5 things that share the same theme. I love a good list. Lists rule.

I love braids. I actually wore a braid in my hair today. And for my wedding? A braid. They can be simple or intricate but ALWAYS fun. That's really my main point - braids are fun!

My go-to braid. (Thanks Lauren for feeding my obsession)

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Growing my hair out JUST so I can attempt the fishtail.

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Summer braid.

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Not just for hair.

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Coolest braid toy.
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New Music

What are the odds that Thrice AND Jack's Mannequin release new music in the same week?! Pretty damn good because it totally happened. Dustin's favorite band (Thrice) and mine (JM). High five!

Download Thrice's 'Yellow Belly' for free HERE.

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Listen to Jack's Mannequin's new song HERE.

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Other music I am enjoying right now...
Taking Back Sunday's new self titled CD.

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I Can Make a Mess Like Nobody's Business - Gold Rush.

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The Dentist

Yesterday, I had to go to the dentist. I always get Owl City's 'Dental Care' song stuck in my head.

I've been to the dentist a thousand times
So I know the drill, I smooth my hair
Sit back in the chair
But somehow I still get the chills

"Have a seat", he says pleasantly
As he shakes my hand and practically laughs at me
"Open up nice and wide", he says peering in
And with a smirk he says, "Don't have a fit
This will just pinch a bit", as he tries not to grin

A dozen shots of novacaine, three fillings, and one viewing of Finding Nemo and I was done.

This is me trying to smile as much as I can. Dustin couldn't stop laughing and even I have to admit it is pretty funny.


I wasn't really in any pain so we laid on the couch watching more Freaks and Geeks, waiting for my face to go back to normal. Dustin is seriously the best nurse in the world. Anytime I'm sick he gets and does anything I need. Last night he helped me drink a sip of apple juice without spilling it down my shirt, heated up my dinner, and held my hand while we watched tv. He's the best.

This morning my jaw is really sore from straining to keep it open for so long. Fingers crossed this work day flies by.

Thank You, Harry.

As a lot of my friends know, I started my Harry Potter obsession in 9th grade (1999!). My grandmother read all the time and just happened to read the first book, The Sorcerer's Stone. She didn't care for it but thought that I would like it so she gave it to me. I still have that book. Parts of it are torn, some pages stained, and the spine is barely holding together but it is one of my favorite possessions. That book started it all.

I would re-read it several times a year along with the rest of the HP books that followed. I would get so excited to get done with my school work just so I could have the last 10 minutes of class free to read. I also handed it out to any classmate who was remotely interested. I just wanted to share this world with everyone. I still don't know anyone who has actually sat down and read it, not like it. Maybe they aren't as passionate as I am but everyone I know who has given a shot, has enjoyed it.

For the last 12 years I have gone to midnight book release parties, waited in the long lines at the theaters on opening day, and even braved a roller coaster just to get more of Harry Potter, more of the wizarding world I just love so much.

I remember holding the Deathly Hallows book in my hands for the first time. It wasn't like all of the others I just tore into. I was excited to see how it all ended but I was nervous it wouldn't end the way I wanted. I had a great expectations for the last book but I quickly learned to never doubt J.K. Rowling. She is just brilliant. That book is brilliant. I also remember the bet Dustin and I made. He always thought Snape was a good guy and I was never convinced of it. Dustin ended up being right which won him a free dinner.

It feels like forever ago that the release dates were announced for Deathly Hallows Part I and II. I remember thinking, wow that's years away. That's going to take forever! It's come and gone just like that.

I took Friday off work which was partly due to the fact HPDHP2 was out but I also had a doctor's appointment. The first half of my day was pretty shitty. I'm not a fan of getting my blood drawn and just so happened to pass out at my doctor's appointment. Thankfully the day got better and as soon as we pulled up to the theater to see HPDHP2, I immediately got a rush of happiness and excitement.

I had bought our tickets in advance a month prior for the 7PM show. I wasn't sure if I could get the day off so we were planning on going as soon as I got out of work. But everything worked out and not only did I have the day off but Dustin got out of work fairly early. So it was 3:30PM and we were ready to see HP! The theater was nice and let us switch our tickets out for the 4PM show. I was so giddy as we sat there waiting for the movie to come on. The moment it did I almost flew out of my seat. I was tapping Dustin on his leg in excitement.

I cried through out the whole thing. Dustin kept leaning over to give me part of his shirt sleeve to clean up my face. There are so many great scenes in the book and they really did each one justice in the movie. The greatest part of it was being back at Hogwarts. Also, seeing so many friendly faces and then of course Harry Potter defeating Voldemort. It went out on top. I left feeling completely satisfied.

I was blown away by each book and I felt the same way with the movies. They really stayed true to the books and I have always appreciated that. I think every fan has.

I was so happy to see the final numbers for the weekend over at Mugglenet which can be found here. It broke several records! Top opening weekend movie of all time, midnight release, opening day, and presale tickets! Go Potter!

Thank you J.K. Rowling for creating such a fantastic world. I will forever love getting lost in it. Thank you Mugglenet for keeping me up to date on all things Harry Potter over the years. I will continue to follow and enjoy this website long after the dust has settled. Thank you to the entire cast for bringing these beloved characters to life and especially Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint. This series would have been nothing without the three of you. And lastly, thanks to Harry Potter who is indeed a fictional character but one who I will always see as a friend.

This video got me all teary eyed.

And this one made me laugh.


And finally, this is Dustin and I after seeing Harry Potter and running to the car in the pouring rain. What a rush.

Happy Birthday Kierce!

Hope everyone is having a wonderful Monday!

I had the best/busiest weekend. I have lots of photos and video I need to work on and will post through out the week. For now I would like to share a birthday video I made for my bff's daughter, Kierce. She turned TWO last Friday so I made sure to wish her a good one with my friend Elmo. And yes, I totally drew that myself. I'm pretty proud of it.

Time

I have been anxiously awaiting Sometimes Sweet's next Journal Day. Here's this week's prompt.

The older we get, the more certain we get about who we are and what our purpose is. For me, a lot of it is still unknown, but as I make my way down my own path, I have begun to realize that there are indeed some inevitable truths that I know for sure. On your own blog, write a post that talks about "the one thing you know for sure."
The thing I know for sure is that time passes by quickly. Much too quickly if you ask me. I recently turned 26 and yet I feel like my high school days were just a couple of years ago. But when I really sit down and think about it, I realize my ten year reunion is just around the corner. How does that happen? I feel like time plays tricks on me.

I have really started to make a conscious effort to stay in the present. To enjoy the present. I have always been one to reminiscence about the past a little too much and daydream about the future even more. I'm finally starting to appreciate the present for what it is. I don't want to rush the future anymore. Time waits for no one and I remind myself of that every day.

It makes me appreciate the people in my life that much more. I feel as though I really do my best to stay connected to these people in whatever way I can. When it comes down to it it's the people in my life that matter most. It's not work. It's not the stuff I own. It's the relationships I have. I know it's cliche to say but the older I get the faster time seems to go and I want to cherish every experience fully with the ones I love.

There's nothing I can do about the passing of time but I know if I waste it I will regret it forever and that IS something I have control over. So I'm going to continue to do what makes me happy. I'm going to enjoy the people that make me laugh. I choose to make the best of the time I have.

Suction Cups To The Rescue

My car hates windows that actually work. In the last 4+ years I have had to replace the motor for 3/4 windows at $200 a piece! Fun! Tons. Of. Fun. So when the final window bit the dust, as I knew it would, I wasn't even surprised. Sure I was pissed off I had to tape up my window but I refused to get it fixed. I refuse to pay another $200 on such a stupid thing. For the past couple months the tape had been doing the trick. Although every time it would rain it would lose all stickiness which is kind of what tape is all about. Then a few weeks back my genius co-worker friend told me to get suction cups. She said they worked like a charm. She was 100% correct. So maybe my window isn't the coolest looking window in town but it stays up! Even in the RAIN!!

Freaks and Geeks

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I have finally crawled out from the rock I've been living under for 12 years. Once my eyes adjusted to the bright lights I got to watching 'Freaks and Geeks'. This show came out when I was a freshman in high school which sounds a lot further back than it actually feels. I've heard about it through the years and I've always been curious but never did anything about it. Last week Dustin asked me what movie we should get next via Netflix, in which I replied "We should try Freaks and Geeks". And we did. And we LOVE it. It's just one of those shows you can't help but getting hooked on. The main character, Lindsay Weir, reminds me of Ellen Page (which by the way is a total compliment). The rest of the cast is amazing too. There are so many recognizable faces in this show. For me it makes it a little easier to really be open minded about a new show when there is at least one actor I know from something else. Weird? Maybe. But it's the truth. It's a bummer that it only lasted one season. A good show is a good show whether it was on a season or ten.

Had To Be There

Here is random video of the past month.

Harry Is My Friend

This is going to be a rough week for me as Harry Potter comes to an end. I watched the Larry King special last night and was a complete basket case. There will be many more posts on Harry Potter but I thought it would be fun to take a look back at my personal Harry Potter related pictures.