Wednesday, February 29, 2012

day 60



something i am listening to.

Time and space stretch out before you
And the universe implores you
To take your place
Amongst all things

and that concludes the february photo a day project. it was actually a lot harder than i thought it would be . now i'm going to go back to taking a picture of whatever the hell i feel like. so much more freedom!

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

day 59



money.
$3.65 is about $3.60 more than what is usually in my wallet.

Monday, February 27, 2012

day 58



something i ate.
Mmmm.

golden ponds and colorful car washes

FRIDAY: It was a good mail day. Our newest terrible towel came in - decorated in shamrocks! That's right, we now own a St. Patrick's Day terrible towel. Neither of us are Irish but our anniversary is on 3/17 so I can't help but buy certain St. Patty's stuff.

Sam came over and hung out for a bit. We watched you tube videos and then ended the night with a viewing of The Life Aquatic. Dustin and I are obsessed with all movies Wes Anderson and Sam couldn't remember if she had seen it or not so we threw that DVD in faster than you could say Team Zissou.


SATURDAY: Had my ass kicked at yoga! I had a lot of balance issues this time around which lead to a lot of laughing. AND even more falling over.

Later that day my mom came over to watch 'On Golden Pond'. I bought my mom the DVD for Christmas because it's one of a handful of movies she always talks about. I had never seen it so I was kind of excited. She is always trying to get me to watch older movies and she has definitely introduced me to some good ones (Urban Cowboy, Love Story, Stir Crazy etc.). On Golden Pond was good. It started a little slow I thought but overall it was good. It was sad to watch the main character, Norman Thayer, cope with the struggles of getting older. He was really grumpy from it all. It really had an impact on me. I'm technically still youthful as a 26 year old but it had me really wanting to live even more so. I don't want to waste any time on things that can't be changed and things that just don't matter. It all goes by so fast. Right now, I'm 26 but soon enough (if I'm lucky) I'll be part of the elderly club too. It also made me realize there is no such thing as a perfect age. Each age has comes with it's own hardships but you just make the best of it.

Dustin and his team of Buds ended up winning ANOTHER championship game too! That's back to back championships and TWO banners. High five buds!

And Dustin let me edit a video using his Mac! He's kind of protective of his baby so I was super excited he let me have it for hours. The toughest part for me was using a laptop - I hate all laptops. It's just a preference of mine but I am very devoted desktop user. The other issue was the obvious - getting used to the way Macs do things. I don't know how many times I googled how to do something. Google and I reached a whole new level of friendship that night. I want a Mac so bad! So so bad. In time.




SUNDAY: After breakfast, we both drove down to get our cars washed. We were still kind of tired so we opted to just drive them through. I had NEVER driven through a car wash myself in my life. Sure, I've been in the car while other people got their car washed but I was always kind of scared of them. Not really sure what I was scared of but I thought I might end up like Christopher Lloyd in 'Camp Nowhere'. But who knew car washes could be so pretty?


I watched the Oscar pre-show, well actually I switched back and forth between the pre show and a show about the history of the White House staff. Both were very entertaining! Seriously! My favey fave looks were Michelle Williams, Jessica Chastain, & Ellie Kemper ! Go pretty pale girls! Who needs a tan when pale looks so good? The actual show was so awful. Billy Crystal wasn't funny. Harry Potter lost both categories it was nominated for. It had no spunk or flare - and if Jennifer Aniston taught us anything it's that you need all the flare you can get. We decided to just go ahead and tune in to the newest episode of Walking Dead which by the way was awesome.

Usually, I'm all sad when Monday barges in so suddenly but not this time around! Only 3 days of work then 4 days of serious fun. What. Up.

Sunday, February 26, 2012

day 57



night.
this was taken inside, looking out my front window. that hockey game is a reflection off of the window because we certainly do not keep our TV in the front lawn.

Saturday, February 25, 2012

Friday, February 24, 2012

Thursday, February 23, 2012

day 54



shoes.
my fave flats as of late.

wear your retainer kids!

I went to a new dentist yesterday because I needed a second opinion about a filling that was giving me problems. He confirmed that sometimes it takes some fillings longer to settle and during this time it can cause pain or sensitivity. He showed me that the nerve was no where near the filling and everything looked normal, so I will just have to wait it out. So, that was somewhat good news.

I do have a few other cavities that need to be filled which was no surprise. That will be lots of fun in the upcoming month. Also, the dental assistant told me I need to start wearing my retainer again. I haven't worn the thing in almost a year so needless to say my teeth have shifted a bit. It's not visibly noticeable but the amount of pain I'm in right now is confirmation enough. I'll be wearing it for a week straight until everything is back in order. Then I just have to wear it every other night. She told me she had to wear braces twice and didn't want someone else to go through that which I appreciate. I would have called into work sick today if I wasn't taking a couple days off next week for fun. My head, jaw, ears, and teeth are just killing me. But I rather suffer through this pain and go to work and by this time next week it'll all be over and I can just have some fun.

They also told me I may need a night guard because I have been grinding my teeth lately. Apparently it's due to stress because I don't seem to do it all that often. That's another reason for the retainer - I have to get my teeth in order so if I do end up needing a night guard they can have a proper mold of my teeth.

Overall, I was very happy with the visit. Everyone was really friendly and helpful. They listened to my questions and gave me answers. I haven't really been 100% happy with a dentist since my grandpa retired but I have a really good feeling about this one.

Hears to straight, shiny, white, cavity free teefs!

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

day 52

66

a fave photo of yourself.
the smile and laugh found on my face in this photo is so unbelievably genuine.
one of the happiest days ever.

Monday, February 20, 2012

getting contacts to wear more glasses

I was excited for today to come. I finally had an appointment to get contacts. Where are you going glasses!? Wait a minute! Hear me out! We aren't breaking up, I promise!


I have worn glasses since I was 13 years old. I tried contacts once in high school and by try I mean the doctor got a foot from my eyeball with the contact and I freaked out and told him he was fucking crazy. Ever since that incident, I never even had an interest in contacts. Not one bit. Ever. Me and my glasses were best friends forever with matching broken heart necklaces and everything.

Then there was a whole situation about a year and a half ago. I had gone in for my annual eye exam and no surprise to me I needed new prescription lenses. Somehow while checking my current presciption, the woman smudged my lenses permanently. It almost looked like they had melted a bit. So I was FORCED into wearing contacts for a whole week straight while my new lenses came in. It was such an interesting experience to say the least. I remember calling Dustin crying and he told me to go back inside and put those damn contacts in my eyes. Matt and Rachelle were nearby and put their plans on hold to come and give me moral support and all the encouragement I needed. The video. It took about an hour but I actually got both contacts in my eyes! Go Team Benton!

Thankfully, I ended up getting my $200+ lenses for free. Suckas! But as soon as those lenses came in I went right back to glasses and never looked back. Until now.

Recently, I have wanted contacts for when I'm out and about doing more physical activities (sporting events, swimming, theme parks, yoga, etc.) I love my glasses but it would just be easier if I had contacts to do certain things. But over the past few weeks I have really had an urge for them so I can wear more glasses. I know that probably doesn't make much sense but there are just so many cute sunglasses out there that I have literally never been able to wear. Of course I try them on all the time because I love glasses but I never purchased any. That would mean another $200 bill for prescription lenses. But with contacts I could go glasses crazy.

My plan is to wear contacts every now and again, mostly during any kind of hard core physical activity or when I wanted to wear sunglasses. I would still wear my glasses 90% of the time. I just don't really feel like myself without them. I feel they are just a part of me like a tattoo or freckle. I even feel prettier IN them than without them. My glasses are more than just glasses to me. They are part of my identity. But I am still open to options. Still open to a slight change to make my life a little easier.

So there I am waiting to be seen by the eye doctor for an hour. Apparently he was behind schedule which was fine. I was annoyed by it but I was determined so I waited patiently playing Family Feud on my iPhone. While waiting these two sisters were running around the office like they had just poured a pound of sugar in their mouth. Come on people, control your children. I was exhausted and I didn't have any association with them. Exhausted by a stranger's child. That whole kid thing is overrated but I digress.

I was finally seen at 6PM. He gave me contacts to put in my eyes. It took me a little while to get them in. He kept telling me how I was doing it wrong. I knew what I was doing but I kept blinking. He would then yell at me for it. I kept thinking in my head "what a fucking asshole". I mean I have NEVER worn contacts in my life other than the week I HAD TO. Cut me some slack. He could have been just a little more patient. He then gave me an exam with the contacts in to make sure I could see. Then I had to get them out which wasn't too bad at all. He started to go over how to rinse them, store them, blahblah. That's when it happened. I was standing and started to feel queasy. I started to lose my balance. I ignored him completely and just went to sit down in the lobby. That's when it really got bad. I started to pass out. The black dots, nausea, panic, sweat. I called Dustin and asked him to come down there. I needed a familiar face while I felt like death. Passing out always looks like no big deal in the movies but it is truly one of the worst feelings in the world. The doctor got me some water and I started to come out of it right as Dustin showed up. I made it home and laid on the couch while Dustin took care of me. He put a cold wash cloth under my neck (that always helps when I pass out while getting my blood drawn which always seems to happen these days). He got me some soda and gave me the remote - all while he cooked us dinner. I felt much better after lying down and getting some food in my system. I guess it can happen when changing from glasses to contacts but I had never heard of it. It didn't happen last time. Guess I'm just a wimp.

I'm supposed to wear the trial contacts for a few hours a day to get used to them. Now I'm a little nervous but I plan to just wear them at home for safety. Nothing is ever easy, is it?

day 51



handwriting.
i've noticed my handwriting kind of changes over time. i like to change it up on purpose.

Sunday, February 19, 2012

sharktopus can walk on land

this weekend was super low key which was pretty nice for a change. did some organizing and cleaning (which lead to almost killing myself from toxic shower cleaner. dustin had to step in and finish the job. we both felt weird - do not inhale that shit! also, it will make you sing britney spears which isn't exactly a bad side effect.) yoga. a bit of shopping (got some pretty sweet deals at old navy!). napped. watched really bad movie trailers on xbox (for example: sharktopus) facetimed with pat and discussed his upcoming return. read. caught up on the trusty DVR.






1. harry potter and the sorcerer's stone in my bed with sam.
2. sunday morning orange rolls.
3. snazzy dustin. he dresses so nice for strangers.
4. i spy an...upside down squirrel.
5. BBQ time.
6. how many glasses can i wear at one time? should've totally worn my nerd shirt then that would be a total of three.

day fifty



something i hate to do.
ugh dishes are the worst. i have always hand washed our dishes (can't quite figure out that whole dishwasher thing).

Saturday, February 18, 2012

day forty nine



drink.
my grandma used to tell me i drank this by the gallons as a little girl. some things never change.

Friday, February 17, 2012

day forty eight



time.
ok this one is kind of cheating because i took this last year but i think this photo shows 'time' better than a screen shot of my phone.

Found

Interesting read on religion and atheism.

Prettiest wedding I've seen in a long time. Part one. Part two.

My Dustin sent this video to me performed by another great Dustin. It got me teary eyed in the best way possible.

And people wonder why I don't want kids. They are ungrateful.

Big squirrel and baby squirrel.

Makeovers that never should have happened.

Dustin and I don't listen to a whole lot of whatever the hell plays on the radio - which would explain why we just heard this song 2 weeks ago. It's awful BUT it's totally catchy and THIS video is just too awesome.

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

V-Day

It's Valentine's Day! One of the most hated holidays ever. I don't really get it. I mean I love celebrating love. Love for Dustin, love for my friends, family, all of it. Plus it's the perfect excuse to eat a bunch of sugar and get crafty. Two of my most favorite things.

We never make a big deal over Valentine's Day but we do always celebrate it in some little way. This year it was dinner in as it's been almost every year. It's simple. It's perfect. It's fucking delicious (and I can totally wear my pajamas - which I did).

Dustin got me lillies! They haven't bloomed yet but I think they will burst open very soon. I really hope I don't kill them. Knock on wood. His card cracked me up too. How cute is that meatball? And yeah, I got him I <3 Bacon boxers.


day forty five



heart.
from my secret valentine at work. fun day but i'm currently in a candy coma.

Monday, February 13, 2012

day forty four



blue.

Still waiting on Sergio

My computer has been ill the last few days hence the lack of posts. I think Dustin has got it in working order now - fingers crossed. I definitely see a pretty Mac (desktop) in my near future. This four year old Dell bullshit just isn't cutting it anymore.

THURSDAY: This day really sucked for a lot of reasons. Apart from the family drama that had my head spinning and my heart hurting, I stumbled across a giant puddle in our kitchen. At first I thought it was a rogue ice cube that melted. Turns out the water line that runs to our ice maker had a pin hole sized leak. Dustin tried to fix it himself. There was a trip to Home Depot, tools scattered about, and water splashing into his face before he called it quits. He finally just decided to turn off the water for the ice maker. That was Thursday. It's now Monday. Still not fixed.


FRIDAY: I finally was able to track down some Girl Scouts and bought FIVE boxes. I'm not ashamed I spent $17.50 on cookies. Nope! I've gone through a sleeve of thin mints in two days. I'm really trying to pace myself. TRYING SO HARD.

SATURDAY: We woke up early to meet Sam at IKEA. I haven't had a dresser in a year - since we moved. I was using Dustin's old one ever since we moved in together but it didn't fit in the moving truck so it got left behind. My clothes have been quite a mess with no dresser and more recently - no closet. I had asked Sam to come because I didn't think the box would fit in my car and she drives a big ol' truck AND she's just a good friend like that. It just so happened that it did fit in my trunk. But I'm glad Sam came regardless. We had fun. We always have fun. We lounged in her closet waiting for Sergio to bring chocolate covered strawberries while we figured out which of her 100 pairs of shoes to wear. When I say her closet I mean the closet in IKEA that was huge and so beautifully organized with a chaise lounge. And when I mention Sergio, I'm talking about Sam's imaginary butler. Also, you've never truly lived until you have been pushed on an IKEA cart in a parking lot. See video below.

We got an early lunch and decided to walk around the mall. More like try on ridiculous stuff in the mall. Ah, good times.









We put the dresser together later that night and OHMYGOD was it a bitch. It turned out awesome. It's sturdy and has tons of room and even makes our bedroom look like adults live there but what a nightmare!


SUNDAY: We went out to breakfast and then went to see The Vow, which I absolutely loved. How can you not love everything Rachel McAdams is in? Also, the story was just so sweet, heartbreaking, and unique. Dustin even enjoyed it - well, he said "It wasn't that bad. That Rachel McAdams seems like a nice girl." which I interpreted as him enjoying it.

Sunday, February 12, 2012