I want to make a post with a ton of random lists. This song popped into my head. I like it, I put it on a ton of burned CD’s for the car.(“Lisztomania”, is a term to describe the massive public response to Franz Liszt’s piano performances. Liszt’s playing was reported to raise the mood of the audience to a level of mystical ecstasy.Admirers of Liszt would swarm over him, fighting over his handkerchiefs and gloves. Women would try to get locks of his hair, and whenever he broke a piano string, admirers would try to obtain it in order to make a bracelet. )
Sounds pretty crazy. Or, how any teenage girl gets about pop boys.
But, Lisztomania=Listomania ???
Things I could never put a price on:
Kids being psyched to give high-fives.
My families dachshund, Oliver, who lives with my mom.
The feeling of waking up early on Saturday, & thinking it’s a weekday, realizing, and going back to sleep. :)
Having my 87 year old Grandmother beat me in Rummy; repeat times in one sitting.
My dad still calling me pet names, when I talk to/see him.
Things that always put me in an awesome mood:
New shampoo & conditioner.
Forehead kisses; given or received.
Running around with a wand. Bonus awesome mood points if it jingles.
Finding tops/bottoms at a thrift store that fit perfectly.
Helping someone out & seeing them happier for it.
Stuff I’d put in my house if money was not an option:
Monochromatic rooms. One color, each room. Obsessed over the apartment linked in the picture above!
Mixture of polished concrete floors (Please! Click that link!) and wood flooring.
The biggest, softest, enrapturing, 3 feet high of white linens bed. I want 15 pillows. I want to jump and disappear because I’ve sank into a huge cloud-like bed pile.
Things everyone loves, & I just don’t get it:
Owls. I don’t get it.
Men with vain-popping muscles; I hear women swooning over how “ripped” men are, blah. I like strength, but really? I don’t want to cuddle w/ a rock.
Tans… -wrinkles, sagging skin, & sun spots… why?
The whole thing that is too long to be a shirt, too short to be a dress things that you wear with leggings.
Hello! I still can’t figure out what to name my links/image/random floaty thought bits. I’ve been working on actual blog topics this week, but for some reason when I try to write about more serious things, I get so nervous & proof read everything 15 million times… so soon. I’m in no rush -I just want to make sure I’m through and convey everything correctly, my head is so jumbley. I don’t know how all my favorite bloggers write & post multiple times a week… It’s all so good! As always, all images link to source, I’m trying to be good girl about this!
I found out one of my longest friends (since I was 6!), neighbor & all around awesome person, Sophia Canino, had fallen 150ft off a cliff while hiking in South Carolina on May 27th. I had no idea for the pass three weeks, but thankfully her parents have been amazing and created a website & a site where there is updates about pretty much anything that has happened. Yesterday she left the ICU unit, this was great news, I seriously teared up at my desk when I got the e-mail alert that her website had been updated. Reading back through the journal entries was pretty hard though… hearing her sister describe holding Sophie’s hand while she was being read her final rites -I couldn’t imagine! Yesterday, I contacted all the girls we were all friends in highschool with and asked them to look around for some old photos of us all. I think I’m going to put them on all on a poster & mail them to her for her hospital room. Her family’s faith in God has been so so inspiring, times likes this -you believe miracles do happen.
There is a swamp/lake/thing next to our apartment, & I have been taking the back way in because I like hearing the cicadas, frogs & whatever other noise making things are over there. I feel like I’m in the bayou!
I think I am either going to the Tampa Etsy Craft Party or #PascoCountyTweetup tomorrow. If I end up going to Etsy party (#1 pick!) I want to enter the cupcake contest. Gregg suggested I make meatloaf cupcakes w/ mash potato frosting -I’m not sure those will fare well. I thought about making pineapple upside down cupcakes. I’m not terrible at piping, but I prefer the way cupcakes look when they’ve been knife frosted, I do not like the popular “puff” of frosting on top. It’s too much frosting people & terribly distributed. So, pineapple upside down cakes, completely rids the option of frosting.
^^ Holding true this week! >_<
I made this image for Gregg to try & convince him for a puppy in an apartment. It’s so not a good idea; but waiting for a yard seems forever. & waiting for magic kitten/cat to walk into our lives is also unknown time frame.
Exodus 15:26
26And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee.
Wanted a easy little post. I’ve seen some people do Friday Fill-ins. :) Thought I’d try.
(I made bold what I added)
1. Drinking unsweet iced tea instead of coffee in this hot weather feels great.
2. “When the solution is simple, God is answering.“- Albert Einstein
3. It’s easier to fall asleep after a few drinks. ;)
4. How about getting crafty with leaf prints?
5. Loving the one you’re with is something I highly recommend!
6. Imagine people realizing they can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to going to my grandmothers with Gregg, tomorrow my plans include hanging out at the pool and Sunday, I want to hangout with Gregg’s friends in the evening once we’re back.
<3 So much fist pumping. Their label is Memphis Industries & also on the label is Black Moth Super Rainbow, which I love too & saw last year sometime. Which reminds me, I need to find out when GreyMarket plays in Tampa again… sooo good! (& super sexy!)
- Driving to Alabama was easy, I just rode, napped & ate kfc.
- Alabama is beautiful!!!
- My best friend Jessica’s family is all around amazing. They fed us the most delicious food all weekend. So much homemade bbq, steaks, ‘taters, and everything you could ever dream of in southern cooking. Her mom has the most epic garden her, truly inspiring!
- Bars & southern accents… what more could a girl ask for?
- Driving 12 hours with no sleep makes one delirious. (The way home)
- Being reunited with boyfriend after 7 days = <3 <3 <3 !!! :D :D
- I was pretty emotional at the scout flag retirement ceremony, I didn't think I would get misty... but seeing young men with such respect for our country got me there.
- Gregg said we could adopt a cat after watching a video on the Litter Kwitter. (Cats use toilets! -Anyone tried this??) I said that we'll adopt when a cat randomly comes into our lives.
That's it for now! Still recovering from lack of sleep! How was your Memorial day weekend?
Sometimes I worry that lurking the internet for crafts and following so many blogs (I am an addict; you have no idea!), that I lose my imagination and creativity along the way. I see items on the internet that I want to make! Then, I feel guilty for wanting to copy someones idea; when I could just by whatever they have crafted on Etsy. I want to support crafters! But, when the time comes, & I am lurking the aisles of Micheal’s, I just don’t… feel inspired. I’m thinking of other peoples amazing ideas.
Currently, I am decently “fluent” in:
- Sewing (Hand, Machine and Embroidery)
- Soap Making (Both Melt & Pour and Cold Process)
- Pottery (I am familiar with throwing clay & a wheel)
- Candle Making
- Quilting
- Pretty much all types of paper crafts (Origami, Decoupage, etc…)
- Resin inlays
- Wet Felting
- Stamp Carving
- Book Binding (v. novice! I can do little note pads and such, not amazing stuff like this)
- Knitting
- Crocheting
I would eventually like to:
- Build my own potter’s wheel, and kiln <3
- Earthenware
- Glass Fusing/Blowing
- Circut Bending
- Sterling Silver, everything. (Molds, Freeform…etc. )
- Precious Metal Clay
- Dry Felting
In Google Docs, I keep a crazy inspiration & links documents. Here is some stuff that I’ve been eyeing & inspiring me lately. All picture link to source!!
This week since Gregg’s been away on business, I have been cutting, braiding & sewing tee-shirts to make a braided rug for our place. I’m not sure where it will end up, but I’m thinking it would look cute on the patio! :) I have claimed the patio mine indirectly… with all the herbs/veggies/etc I am growing.
This is the idea of the rug I am making, just I chose to make it oval verse a circle. & mine has no colors, just black, white & grey.
What crafty bits have you been up to? Anything inspiring you lately? Any projects planned for this summer? Share!
I am still so exhausted from this weekend. Mostly Saturday. The above picture is from my friend Tara’s birthday party. It was a margaritaville themed pool party which means, we drank from one in the afternoon till one(+) in the morning. Tara’s mom is the one on the far right, she partied harder than anyone I have ever met. It was epic, and inspires me to keep being badass forever. This is like, 10 drinks in so I am pretty tanked, which explains the expression. Also, I know you love those pale legs. Sexxxi.
Yesterday I watched the season finale of Lost. I didn’t hate the series finale, but I didn’t love it either. There is still a bunch of wtf’s?! which bothers me, but I assume they meant it to be that way. Often endings are just endings. Although, I was happy to see Vincent! :)
Last night I was up till 3am? helping Gregg pack for his business trip to Dallas this week. I won’t see him till next Monday/Tuesday since I am going to Alabama next weekend to pickup a friend who is moving to Tampa.
I’ve decided to make good use of this week, and get back on my detox and exercise regimen. I’ve gained 5 or so pounds since the big weight loss 3 or 5 months ago. I was recording myself being stupid on Gregg’s macbook and I noticed how my “cupcakes” (pudginess on top of your jeans) is back. ick. If anything, I just need to get back into a sleeping/eating/exercise routine. Too many late nights, skipping bfast&lunch-one huge meal days, beers, etc etc etc.
I leave you with this cute Boston terrier :) What do you think he’s thinking?
Hello again! This is part two of my recent vacation. [Part One]
When we started planning our vacation, I said I wanted to visit Charleston on the way back since I had been before and loved it so much. I started to look for hotels downtown, last time I visited I stayed on the outskirts, and it was a pain! Everything I could find was over $300 for an evening! I’m fine with paying $200ish for a night, but over that I get antsy. I found an article in the New York Times about Charleston on the cheap which mentioned NotSo Hostel. I e-mailed Gregg right away to see if he’d be “down” with staying at a hostel, I got an e-mail back shortly that he was up for adventure! I booked each of us a bunk for $23.
On Saturday evening around 6pm, we reached Charleston. As soon as we were driving in, I was already pointing, oohing & awing to Gregg about how beautiful Charleston is. Let’s face it, the architecture is amazing! Charleston has amazingly distinctive stately homes and classic buildings, which have stood the test of time, wars and hurricanes.
We pulled into NotSo Hostel, walked inside and found the front desk. An awesome nice girl helped us check in, gave us the room keys and codes for the main areas. We saw a stack of towels that can be rented(?) for $1. We took two, since ours were all campy. She then showed us to the Cuba room where we’d be sleeping.
The room had four bunks and was connected to a shared kitchen and bathroom. It was adorable. I’ll just say it now, the bathroom was really nice. It had marble stand up shower, a cute chair to put all your stuff, and a huge vanity/mirror. Some of the reviews online said the bathroom was a disgrace, but it was clean and quite nice. The whole place made you feel like you were staying with a good friend.
After a much needed hot shower, Gregg and I headed to downtown Charleston. We parked (we could have taken a taxi/bike cab up but decided to drive) and walked around for a long time. If you are hungry, I’d suggest picking a restaurant before heading out! Charleston is a food town! Every single place looks amazing. After taking in all the beautiful sights and smelling everything delicious, we picked a restaurant named Slightly North of Broad, or “Snob”. There was a 45 minute wait, Charleston was PACKED on a Saturday night. I saw at least 5 different bachelorette parties and Captain Morgan vendors dressed up as pirates. We decided to sit at the bar and get a drink while we waited for the table.
While waiting, the bar tender, James, was amazing. He was really attentive, and even heard Gregg when he mentioned we should look at a menu while waiting, and brought us a menu without us even asking.
Dinner: We started with a Charcuterie plate, that had head cheese, olive pâté and other various things. I was asking Gregg what head cheese was, and he suggested I didn’t ask! Gregg got scallops with this amazing crab crepe thing for his entree. I can’t explain it really, but both were yum, and this is from a girl that hates seafood! I want to try scallops again now! I got short ribs in zucchini cups. It was the most perfect shredded beef in perfectly cooked zucchini. Over all, Slightly North of Broad, or “Snob” was great. The bartender even started joking with us, and I love that. ;)
We headed back to the hostel. I said hi to a few guys that were drinking out back by the bonfire, then called it a night. We talked to our two roomies who were from Germany. They were both so so so sunburned! It was funny to giggle and talk to people as you are falling into dream land.
The next morning we woke up crazy early, 6am or so. We took showers, packed up, and decided to go out for breakfast, even though NotSo offers free breakfast. (It’s bagels & english muffins + tons of toppings) We walked down the street to WildFlour Pastry. We picked up coffee and scones that were incredible! We also found a book from Bookcrossing which is a book club that tracks books. You are to leave them in random spots so people find them. Like hide & seek book finding!
While walking to and from WildFlour Pastry, I noticed that one of the most unique features of the houses are the placement of its porches. From the front, the house looks like its entrance is a door to the left or the right. But if you look to the side of the house where that door is, you realize the door actually leads to the porch itself and the true front door is on the porch. Here is an image I found online:
So beautiful! :)
Once we got back to the hostel we headed back to Tampa.
Here’s some more random pictures, plus two videos of NotSo Hostel.
The hostel had bikes for rent $20 a day
I found this flower in NotSo’s garden, anyone know what it is?
Oh, and in case you are curious… head cheese according to Wiki: “Head cheese is not a cheese but a meat jelly made with pieces from the head of a calf or pig (sometimes a sheep or cow) in aspic. It may contain onion, black pepper, allspice, bay leaf, salt, and vinegar. It may also include meat from the feet, tongue, and heart. It is usually eaten cold or at room temperature as a luncheon meat. ”
ps. thanks amazing bf for a great time. :) I enjoyed exploring & adventuring! :)
Last Wednesday (5/12) Gregg & I headed to Damascus, Virginia for Trail Days. It is the largest single gathering of Appalachian Trail hikers anywhere, and draws in excess of 20,000 tourists. (Wiki)
I guess I should explain why we went! Gregg hiked the entire trail in 1999 (2175 miles!! 6 months!!), and ever since I found that out, I have been asking millions of questions about it. What did you bring? Where did you sleep?! What did you eat? He suggested that we could go to Trail Days so I could find out all about it, experience the trail and meet some current thru-hikers.
We got there on Thursday afternoon after stopping to spend the night at his sister’s house the night before. We loaded up a cooler on the way in with beer, (Yes! They sell 30 packs there!) cokes for hikers, and ice.
Once we got to the campgrounds, I helped Gregg set up the tent. We got a really nice place right next to a river/creek.
Another important fact, I’ve camped maybe 3 times in my life. Usually, I’ll go with the idea of sleeping in the tent, but usually head home after a few hours next to a bonfire. A real bed always wins! I also am the type of girl to shower, blow dry my hair, and put makeup on every day. I had decided beforehand that I was going to try for the next 5 days not to be that girl, try to be open-minded, embrace the wilderness and dirt that comes along with it.
Once everything was set up, we got back into the car to check out Damascus & see what was going on. After checking out all the outfitters, we had pizza at Quincey’s Pizza, which is on the main drag. Gregg had told me that it was amazing pizza, I joked that it was only good because he was hiking when he had it, and thru-hikers are known to eat a ton, and everything tastes good compared to ramen. In the end, the pizza was amazing.
Once we got back to the campground, we walked around & checked out “tent city”. I sticked my legs in the backyard creek and it was ice cold, my feet went numb after a few minutes.
This is really the only picture I got of the tent city. There were hundreds of tents, and people. Pretty spectacular! That evening we ended up going to the “city” of “Muff Cuts” (People had named different camp sites) for a drum circle and a huge bonfire that looked like a dog bone. We met up with a guy we had driven around earlier, Wallflower, and talked and watched a guy play this crazy PVC tube Blueman Groupesque musical instrument. After awhile, we were exhausted and headed back to our tent and went to bed. (River/Creek noises while sleeping?! Amazing!)
Friday, we woke up early and I scrambled to take a shower at a hidden bathroom. The water was freezing, but I managed to wash some of the dirt off me. We headed off to find the Appalachian trail so we could hike and find one of the shelters so I could see what they looked like.
1.5 miles later (all uphill, in a skirt and flipflops…) reached Old Orchard Shelter. When the hikers stay there for the night, they all lay side by side. Also, there was rope with twigs tied on them hanging from the roof. Gregg informed me they were there to hang your food, so rats didn’t eat it. He then told me that hearing rats scurry around while sleeping is completely normal, and you are so tired from walking you don’t even care.
At the shelter, we found two hikers who were in the mood for burgers. They has heard of a place a few miles away, and we offered to drive them. We ate lunch, and then headed to Grayson Highlands State Park, which Gregg had said was awesome and had wild horses.
The park was completely empty! It was like we had the whole place to ourselves. Here is a ton of pictures:
Overlook
Overlook
Little flowers that danced in the wind
I’m so stylish & poised.
After a long time walking around & exploring (DO YOU KNOW WHAT A PIT TOILET IS?!), we headed back to camp. That evening we ate ravioli that Gregg cooked outside on a propane burner. Gregg said it was the fanciest meal he’s ever had on the trail. ;)
YUM! We had olive & tomato sauce.
After dinner, we cracked open beers, and sat outside our tent for a little bit saying hi to everyone walking by. (We were right on a main path.) We shared beers with people, and made a friend named Lauren. Lauren had mentioned a band from her home town Boone, NC was setting up and playing a set. We headed up there and met a guy named “Fast Eddie” and jammed out and danced. After awhile, Wallflower, showed up and we danced more! After the set, everyone migrated to the HUGE drum circle going on. On the way there, I slipped in fell into mud and didn’t care the least bit! (It rained for awhile earlier in the evening.) I eventually ended up going around the bonfire in a congo line.
We then headed to “Alcatraz Island” another camping group that was set up on an island. I must have slipped a million times, at this point it was after 9pm, and so so so dark. Navigating the woods with a headlamp is crazy. After hanging out there for awhile, we took a walk around the entire campground, and made sure Lauren found her tent. Then we headed to bed, after talking to our camping neighbors a little bit.
Saturday morning, we woke up and packed up the campsite. People kept passing us and thanking us for sharing our beer. After packing up the car, we took quick (still) freezing showers, and headed up to the gazebo in the main part of town to check out the vendors and hippie wares being sold.
We bought some silly stickers from Low Rider Press & Gregg got a shirt from The Outfitter at Harpers Ferry’s tent. We then looked around the main street again, found Wallflower, I gave him my card so I could send him a book or two down the trail. Then we headed off to Charleston, SC…. which I’ll post about tomorrow. :)
This morning is wonderful. I woke up an hour before my alarm, I’m ready to go for the day BEFORE I usually even wake up. :) Now I’ll spend the rest of the time, not going to get my transcripts, but by playing Words with Friends. My user name is “thatgirlallie” if you want to play. I also jam out to classic rap every morning.
Friday; I got off @ 5 & went to shop a bit to get some tank tops & “summer suitable” clothing for our trip this week. I got a dress, & 4-5 tank tops. I hate them all, but only because I just feel so uncomfortable in anything other than black & 3/4 sleeves. -I am completely comfortable w/ how I dress, just times where tank tops & skirts are appropriate, I’d like to not be drowning in sweat, or look like I belong on Goths in Hot Weather.
After shopping for an hour or two, I met Gregg up at the house & we went to Ruby’s. I ran into my friend Buff, who I’ve never seen there. It was awesome getting to talk to him. We made it an early night (Home by ~10:30ish?) because we had plans to go to Gregg’s work the next day.
Saturday; I was up @5:30am. (tummy issues) We left the house @ 8:00ish, stopped & got bagels (YUM 9grain & chive) on the way to Gregg’s work. Once we got there, I got online to interview a guy who lives in London named Hodge for Option5. It went pretty smooth once I got going. I’d post it here, but it’s pretty long, over 2,000 words. I seem to have the tendency to ramble…
Once that was all done & posted, Gregg had ordered lunch, so we ate. I then played with a graphics tablet, which I’ve always wanted to do. I found out that drawing on a tablet isn’t as easy as I had thought. My handwriting seems so much shakier. I’d like to own one to play & get more familiar with it. I did end up making some herb markers since Gregg has a laminator at work. ;)
At 5pm we headed to Cracker Barrel to pick up some barking dog clock?? my mother wanted for Mother’s Day, then to Target to buy wine glasses (stemless), dish towels, and some other stuff I forget at the moment. We ended up again at Ruby’s for dinner since it’s right by the movie theater. We made the 9:30 showing of Iron Man! I loved loved loved it! The day before, my friend had told me that he thought that it was “too over the top” & “flashy”, but I think they captured Tony Stark perfectly. & just to say it once again, Robert Downey Jr. is a total babe. Like, sexiest man alive. Mmm, confidence. (& I loved those sunglasses he wore!)
Sunday; I laid around in bed till about 11, & went to CVS to get a last minute Mother’s Day card & then headed to my mom’s to go to dinner w/ her & my brother. After, I packed up more shit from my mom’s & headed home. I read & played words w/ friends most of the night.
I rested alot & relaxed this weekend. How was your weekend?
I was looking up recipes that require lavender, since I made the mistake of planting the whole pack of seeds, & soon will have more than I could ever use.
I found this post about a trip to a lavender farm, and spotted the photo below.
After work I stopped by the Apple store to pick up a case for Gregg’s ipad & when I got home, it seems in the house of G you get rewarded for braving the Apple store! Woot!
(All these pictures are from twitpic, they are all screwy… blarg.)
We then went to a charity event in San Antonio, FL – which is between Zephyrhills & Dade City. We ate super yummy fajitas & nachos at Pancho Villa’s. I cannot recommend this place enough, we ordered & within minutes food was at our table. It’s tiny, but in a good cozy sort of way. I’m sure I’ll be begging to go back.
Outside the restaurant there was a block party going on, local bands were playing & beer/beverages were being sold. I was so incredibly stuffed from dinner, I asked to walk around the park. San Antonio is a tiny cute city. There was a tiny little town hall, tiny little church, and tiny little private school. It’s the epitome of cute, tiny & little. (clearly with how many times I used the words…) Loved it.
After awhile, we left & met up with Gregg’s friend & his lady friend for drinks. We played probably 100 songs on a jukebox, & I probably drank about that many shots as well. ;)
Saturday;
We woke up late (Arg Al, why do you drink so much?!) & met up with his folks for a late lunch. Took some old speakers to Goodwill, & napped/internetted a bit till it was time to go to the Ray’s game w/ my mom.
My mom had scored awesome tickets in a suite. There was an *OPEN* bar, hot dogs, peanuts & cookies. It was awesome. Unfortunately, the Ray’s lost… but I still had a great time rooting for them & trying to understand baseball.
Sunday;
We went to breakfast w/ Jen and her son Orson. Then…. we all went on G’s boat together! :D
I liked anchoring & trying to fish. Orson was adorable in his little life vest although he seemed to hate it. Next time we go out, I’m getting a picture of him in it, it’s the cutest. Gregg rescued two jet skiers that had fallen off & couldn’t get back on the jet ski because it was full of water. I threw them a rope, lol. I cannon-balled off the side of the boat & lost my huge sunglasses^^ somewhere in the middle of the bay. I also got a ton of sun, I’m a bit burnt today. I’m going to try to stay moisturized & not peel, I’m aiming for a tan this summer. The sun really wipes you out, I slept for 12 hours last night. (I had fallen asleep on the couch by 8:30pm) Overall, boat = awesome.
I know this post is vomit inducing with all the “we” blarg barf… Thanks Option5 for that^^ joke ;)
I set up a plug-in that should auto-post this to twitter, lets see if it works. ;)
Here’s a few pictures from the apartment garden. These are the only things that have sprouted from seeds so far. There is also a jalapeno plant that we bought already pretty grown. I wake up every day and rush out the the balcony to see if anything has happened, the same thing happens when I get home from work. It’s been pretty exciting since I’ve never grown anything before. Since the picture was taken two days ago, the tomato has sprouted two more seeds. :)
That’s the salsa bar, onions, tomato, cilantro & the jalapeno. :) I can’t wait!!! Gregg likes making salsa.
So beautiful! :)
The hostel had bikes for rent $20 a day
YUM! We had olive & tomato sauce.
Thanks 
