So it seems that I have managed to stumble myself right into quite the down day... :( Although it wasn't really a surprise since I've been feeling a bit... murky... for the last few days, it still sucks. I'm having a time with my anxiety as well, AND I am suppose to be doing a digital interview for a customer service job today. Whoop-De-Flipping-Do...
I honestly feel like I might burst into tears in the middle of one of the interview questions... *sigh* but what can you do? I was sitting in the bed this morning trying to snap myself out of my funk with a little instagram and a bit of youtube, but it didnt work. It only led my mind to wander aimlessly, which ended up with thoughts of how useless I am and wondering if wanting to be happy at work is selfish. I dont know. The most frustrating part about days like this is that I cannot pinpoint
a specific thing that sent me down. Normally, I can have a bit of self
talk and work out what's bothering me and figure some way to remedy it,
but no matter how much self talk I did/do I'm still stuck.
How am I feeling right now? I'm feeling like an island engulfed by fog... I'm feeling very um... alone. I feel like I'm all by myself in this day. I know that down days always pass, but that knowledge does little to lessen the fierceness of the day itself. I know I need to pull it together to do this interview. I know I cannot collapse. I know falling apart isn't an option. But it gets hard. Pulling yourself up by broken bootstraps is hard. I just want to hide in the corner.
Monday, December 8, 2014
Thursday, November 6, 2014
Thrift Haul! A return to Thrifty Thursdays
A few weeks ago I had to run an errand all the way out to Babe's school in Clermont. I say "all the way" because Clermont is a good... 45 minute drive. So while I was up that way, I stopped at a little thrift store called Angels of Mercy. It looked to be either a mom/pop shop or a church owned stored. I love coming across those because they always have great finds at great prices if you're willing to take a while and pick.
When I got to the door there was a sign that said "all clothes on hangers 50% off" 0.0 and naturally I thought Thrift Store Win! I ended up not buying any clothes because I have no real closet space, but I did kindly load myself up with a few other things. Books being a huge portion of this haul. SO Angels of Mercy has a books/media room and while drifting about in it I saw another sign... "Bag of Books- $2" and considering one paperback was $0.50 and a hardback was $1 it only made sense for me to get a bag. Even if I only found like 4 books it would have been a good deal. I ended up with 11! Slight overkill, but whatevs!
After the book room, I ventured over to the bags and purses. I got one tote for $4. It's huge and bright yellow... my own bit of sunshine ^.^ It just needed a bit of a clean, but other than that it was in great condition. I'm now carrying it as my work bag and lemme tell you I love me some big bags! (I almost said I like big bags and I cannot lie... ::rolls eyes at self:: -___-)
I also picked up a few things for the kids at work: a couple puzzles and some crayons. Just cuz I'm nice like that.
All things considered, I spent $9 before tax for 11 books, 2 puzzles, 2 new boxes of crayons, and a large tote/weekend bag. Oh! They gave me a free loaf of bread too. :) This thrift trip really brought back my love for independent thrift shops. I mean, I do enjoy shopping at Goodwill, Salvation Army, and St. Vincents Du Paul's, but there's just something about mom/pop/church thrift stores that feels so nice... Am I crazy... probably not ^.^
When I got to the door there was a sign that said "all clothes on hangers 50% off" 0.0 and naturally I thought Thrift Store Win! I ended up not buying any clothes because I have no real closet space, but I did kindly load myself up with a few other things. Books being a huge portion of this haul. SO Angels of Mercy has a books/media room and while drifting about in it I saw another sign... "Bag of Books- $2" and considering one paperback was $0.50 and a hardback was $1 it only made sense for me to get a bag. Even if I only found like 4 books it would have been a good deal. I ended up with 11! Slight overkill, but whatevs!
After the book room, I ventured over to the bags and purses. I got one tote for $4. It's huge and bright yellow... my own bit of sunshine ^.^ It just needed a bit of a clean, but other than that it was in great condition. I'm now carrying it as my work bag and lemme tell you I love me some big bags! (I almost said I like big bags and I cannot lie... ::rolls eyes at self:: -___-)
I also picked up a few things for the kids at work: a couple puzzles and some crayons. Just cuz I'm nice like that.
All things considered, I spent $9 before tax for 11 books, 2 puzzles, 2 new boxes of crayons, and a large tote/weekend bag. Oh! They gave me a free loaf of bread too. :) This thrift trip really brought back my love for independent thrift shops. I mean, I do enjoy shopping at Goodwill, Salvation Army, and St. Vincents Du Paul's, but there's just something about mom/pop/church thrift stores that feels so nice... Am I crazy... probably not ^.^
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
Our Wedding Day!
So it's been.......... 5 months since I last wrote on here! Holy Canoli!!! That is a bit ridiculous.
I totally thought that I'd be able to keep up with non-wedding blog posts throughout the wedding planning process... turns out I didn't do so well on that front, lol. Anywho, I have returned to blogging... I may not be a frequent as I'd like (multiple posts per week) but I will actively write. Scout's honor ;-)
Since my ghost-mode was brought on by wedding planning stresses and whatnot, I figured that my "comeback" post should be the wedding story. I'm sure I'll post more photos later. So here goes.
Lamar and I got married on Sunday, June 15th. It was Father's day and we had LOTS of friends and family in town. That morning I got up super early (for my standards...) and had a blast getting ready with my girlfriends. My bestsisterfriend, Amber, did my makeup which made it feel that much more special. At random times throughout the morning I remember thinking 'I should eat' but be it nerves or excitement or forgetfulness I couldn't sit down to do it. (Later on my cousin told me that she was sneaking me apple slices by calling my name and shoving a slice in my mouth. lol! seriously!?) Soon it was time to get cinched up into my dress. In hindsight I should have told them it was too tight, but at the time all I was thinking was 'at least it's not gonna slip down'.
After a few hours of primping, all the ladies were ready. We rode to the church in a stretch hummer (which I am still trying to decide how to like *shrug*). Oh and it smelled like smoke and the AC was horrible. We got to the church but couldn't go in because the guys hadn't made it there yet. So we waited. When it was time for the wedding to start and the men still hadn't arrived, I got worried and called Lamar. He told me he was on the way. I knew that meant he was not just going to be a couple mins late... but I said ok. Soon it was half an hour past the scheduled start of the wedding and he still was missing. Good ol' freak out me went just like this: wonder what's taking him so long... I hope he's OK... What If He Got Stuck In Traffic... WHAT IF HE GOT IN AN ACCIDENT!?!?!?!?!?! OMG! HE'S BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT! ON OUR WEDDING DAY! HOLY CRAP! ::frantically dials phone::
When I saw him I was like c'mon yall, I'm getting out of this limo NOW! All the guys were in the church in their places and we were FINALLY able to get out of the limo.
My cousin Marquita beautifully sang 'From This Moment' for the wedding party's entrance. My friends Ricardo & Tasha sang 'God Bless the Broken Road' for my entrance. I know it sounds super corny, but when the doors opened I only saw Lamar. He looked so happy. He also looked a little like he was holding his breath. I wanted to speed walk down the aisle. My dad and mom gave me away without crying and then we were walking up to our huppah.
Lamar and I talked and laughed a lot during our ceremony. We held hands the whole time. These are the sweet little things I remember. Lamar's younger brother, Jason, sang 'I Want to Spend Tomorrow Here with You', my old roommate, Cherie, shared a reading called 'The Art of a Good Marriage', and our friend, Brianna, played violin while we lit the unity candle. I loved having them participate in our ceremony.
One of the highlights of our ceremony was the kiss. And not for the kissy face reason. Lamar decided to "choreograph" a bit to Kiss de Girl from the Little Mermaid. The bridesmaids were dancing and the groomsmen were encouraging him to get on with the kiss. The best part was that our guests didn't know it was coming so there was a collective whaaat?? at the beginning. :)
Just before we were pronounced husband & wife we had a 37 seconds moment. I wanted to do it because SO many people kept telling me that my wedding day would be a blur of smiles and people and I wouldn't remember hardly any of it or who was there. I figured that if I could take a bit of time to look at everyone and consciously make the memory I should. So based on the quote from Mr Magorium's Wonder Emporium "37 seconds well spent is a lifetime", we stood and looked out on all our friends and family. I am VERY glad we did it. It's the only time I remember seeing my best friend Ricky :)
We were then pronounced and everyone clapped and cheered. The last part of the ceremony was a blessing read by our fathers. Well it was supposed to be read by our fathers... Lamar's dad read the part I gave him, but my dad decided not to read the one I gave but to make up his own instead. I'm so glad it still went with the theme of the blessing.
The reception was pretty standard, I think, well except for the appetizers and drinks during the cocktail hour. Those were all created by Lamar and put together by him & the groomsmen (which was the reason for his late ceremony arrival). They were delicious. We had toasts to our parents, toasts from the Best Man & Maid/Matron of Honor, mother son dance, father daughter dance, first dance, cake cutting... all the necessities.
There were a couple surprises such as, my Maid of Honor, Sheree's toast was a poem she wrote to Eminem's "My Name Is" and that was really cool. She even had these christian folk doing the call and response (HI - my name is - WHAT - my name is - WHO - my name is mrs. mrs. mrs. ryan!) Lamar changed our first dance song at the last minute to 'At Last' and Tasha sang the mess out of it.
He also asked Marquita to sing 'Fever' and we chair danced along (a la Cosby's). Ricardo and Vincent also sang during dinner. When Lamar and his mom danced, they looked so sweet ^.^ I remember he was wondering if she would actually dance. I'm glad she did.
The father-daughter dance was definitely a surprise for everyone because not only did my dad put together a choreographed dance segment to 'Billie Jean'... it turned into an impromptu dance battle between us! lol! Then when we got the the actual dance to 'Daddy's Angel' there are now quite a few pictures of my dad's crying face. hehe :)
When we cut the cake, I remember thinking that it looked exactly like the drawing the baker did. It had 3 tiers each with their own color and flavor (yellow amaretto, green velvet, blue lemon). I'm pretty sure the blue layer may have confused a guest or two. The groom's cake was a stack of donuts topped with an Orlando Magic logo (please excuse the fact that the logo is upside-down in the picture) and sculptures of Kiva & Toot done by my aunt Margie. Lamar was soo excited. :)
The rest of the night was spent dancing with friends and family and having a good time!
So that was our wedding day. To be completely honest, the first month after I had a hard time feeling like it was the "best day ever" because I could only see all the things that went wrong. The expected wedding day was SO different than the reality and that made it hard for me to be happy about it. One night I googled 'wedding day gone wrong' and read story after story of wedding fails. That helped me to see that ish happens... even on your wedding day. Everyone has some horror story in the files of their wedding, but you have to focus on the whole day and not the bad details in order to see that it was the best day ever. Now, four months later, I am consistently laughing at most of those bad details. But I see the day as I should: the day Lamar and I promised forever. :)
I totally thought that I'd be able to keep up with non-wedding blog posts throughout the wedding planning process... turns out I didn't do so well on that front, lol. Anywho, I have returned to blogging... I may not be a frequent as I'd like (multiple posts per week) but I will actively write. Scout's honor ;-)
Since my ghost-mode was brought on by wedding planning stresses and whatnot, I figured that my "comeback" post should be the wedding story. I'm sure I'll post more photos later. So here goes.
He was fine. And soon arrived at the church.
 |
| First look with my dad :) |
Lamar and I talked and laughed a lot during our ceremony. We held hands the whole time. These are the sweet little things I remember. Lamar's younger brother, Jason, sang 'I Want to Spend Tomorrow Here with You', my old roommate, Cherie, shared a reading called 'The Art of a Good Marriage', and our friend, Brianna, played violin while we lit the unity candle. I loved having them participate in our ceremony.
 |
| This is probably one of my favorite kiss pictures because of Allan's epic fist pump! |
The reception was pretty standard, I think, well except for the appetizers and drinks during the cocktail hour. Those were all created by Lamar and put together by him & the groomsmen (which was the reason for his late ceremony arrival). They were delicious. We had toasts to our parents, toasts from the Best Man & Maid/Matron of Honor, mother son dance, father daughter dance, first dance, cake cutting... all the necessities.
 |
| All the toasts were really awesome. We're so blessed to have such great friends and family. |
 |
| I always have so much fun dancing with Lamar :) |
 |
| Look how cute these two are! |
 |
| I honestly thought my dad was going to have a tearful breakdown. |
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| Yum! All the goodies! |
The rest of the night was spent dancing with friends and family and having a good time!
So that was our wedding day. To be completely honest, the first month after I had a hard time feeling like it was the "best day ever" because I could only see all the things that went wrong. The expected wedding day was SO different than the reality and that made it hard for me to be happy about it. One night I googled 'wedding day gone wrong' and read story after story of wedding fails. That helped me to see that ish happens... even on your wedding day. Everyone has some horror story in the files of their wedding, but you have to focus on the whole day and not the bad details in order to see that it was the best day ever. Now, four months later, I am consistently laughing at most of those bad details. But I see the day as I should: the day Lamar and I promised forever. :)
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Small Stones: A How I'm Feeling Post
Recently I've been feeling quite overwhelmed with all things wedding. It's warranted because our wedding is 3 weeks away and there is still SO much yet to be done... or at least I feel like there is.
I've been having a super hard time going to sleep as of late, and that is starting to catch up with me. Meaning, I'm starting to sleep smooth through my morning alarms which is not good. Especially when my to-do list is way way longer than the done list.
Tonight, a few minutes ago, I checked my email and opened a message from a daily positivity thing I signed up for a long time ago. This was the quote:
"The man who removes a mountain begins by carrying away small stones." ~William Faulkner
This is actually the second time I've come across this quote in recent days. It gives me encouragement. It's saying, "just keep moving small stones, one project at a time, and when you look up, Kilimanjaro will be moved."
I need to keep this quote nearby. It applies to so much more than to-do lists or wedding planning. Any area of life can benefit from the mindset that a mountain is nothing but a pile of small stones.
I've been having a super hard time going to sleep as of late, and that is starting to catch up with me. Meaning, I'm starting to sleep smooth through my morning alarms which is not good. Especially when my to-do list is way way longer than the done list.
Tonight, a few minutes ago, I checked my email and opened a message from a daily positivity thing I signed up for a long time ago. This was the quote:
"The man who removes a mountain begins by carrying away small stones." ~William Faulkner
This is actually the second time I've come across this quote in recent days. It gives me encouragement. It's saying, "just keep moving small stones, one project at a time, and when you look up, Kilimanjaro will be moved."
I need to keep this quote nearby. It applies to so much more than to-do lists or wedding planning. Any area of life can benefit from the mindset that a mountain is nothing but a pile of small stones.
Sunday, May 11, 2014
Wedding Spot: DIY Wedding Veil
Hey there, it's wedding diy time again ^.^ Crafting my wedding one detail at a time (I'm corny, I know)
One of the first things I decided to definitely try to DIY was my veil. I figured that a veil is, at its base, a piece of tulle, a comb, and a bit of trim. I can handle that. I was an apparel and design minor in college after all! If I can't make a wedding veil, my teachers would be SHAMED! lol
In the midst of my dress search, I tried on a veil and unfortunately it weren't pretty... I totally felt like I couldn't breathe! I went all panicky and what not. Afterwards I thought, "well I guess I need to walk around with a sheet over my face as practice..." *shrug*
So back to the DIY. I first took pictures of veils that I liked to figure out what style to create. In the end, I chose a 2-tier elbow/fingertip length design. This would allow the top tier to double as the blusher. It would have a comb attachment and a nice floral trim.
Of course, like a good DIY'er, I did quite a bit of pinteresting to find a usable pattern. I found and really like this one. The instructions were clear and super easy to follow. Two thumbs up! I got my tulle from Joann's because I cannot justify not using a coupon on my crafty purchases... The hair comb came from my local beauty supply store and the trim was from the fabric shop I wrote about a little bit ago <original post -here->.
So yeah, I jumped right on it.
The first hard part I ran into was gathering the tulle. Who woulda thought... It was SO fiddly and trying to hold and sew a straight line down that wispy fabric was enough to set my teeth on edge! But eventually I got it done. [imagine accomplished face Caleisha here ^.^] After I successfully gathered everything, I began the super-tedious task of pinning the trim to the edge. Once I made my way about half way around, I noticed that there was way too much ruffling happening in the front. That caused me to have to remove the whole gather -___- and redo with less material.
It took quite a bit of back & forth and trying different things before I had a veil that I could be proud of. I'm very glad I decided to make my veil instead of just buying one. There is just something about knowing that you yourself made aspects of your wedding details.
One of my favorite details of the finished veil is the price comparison to the inspiration veil. As a thrifty gal, this seriously warms my heart *.* BOOO-YAAA!!!
I can't wait to see the veil with my dress on our wedding day! (1 month 4 days & counting ^.^)
One of the first things I decided to definitely try to DIY was my veil. I figured that a veil is, at its base, a piece of tulle, a comb, and a bit of trim. I can handle that. I was an apparel and design minor in college after all! If I can't make a wedding veil, my teachers would be SHAMED! lol
In the midst of my dress search, I tried on a veil and unfortunately it weren't pretty... I totally felt like I couldn't breathe! I went all panicky and what not. Afterwards I thought, "well I guess I need to walk around with a sheet over my face as practice..." *shrug*
So back to the DIY. I first took pictures of veils that I liked to figure out what style to create. In the end, I chose a 2-tier elbow/fingertip length design. This would allow the top tier to double as the blusher. It would have a comb attachment and a nice floral trim.
 |
| Inspiration veil from David's Bridal |
Of course, like a good DIY'er, I did quite a bit of pinteresting to find a usable pattern. I found and really like this one. The instructions were clear and super easy to follow. Two thumbs up! I got my tulle from Joann's because I cannot justify not using a coupon on my crafty purchases... The hair comb came from my local beauty supply store and the trim was from the fabric shop I wrote about a little bit ago <original post -here->.
So yeah, I jumped right on it.
Picture 1: Determine the length you want for your blusher/top tier and back tier.
(I rigged up my dressform to simulate me with my wedding hair :) and draped the tulle over to determine how I wanted the veil to fall. My dress is also on the form so I could make sure the details showed the way I wanted.)
Pictures 2 & 3: Lay out the tulle and cut to the desired length. Round the edges.
Picture 4: Fold top tier over bottom tier and clip.
Pictures 5 & 6: Pin along the fold line and sew a wide running stitch to gather.
Picture 7: Gather tulle along the stitch line. Sew back and forth a couple times to secure.
Picture 8: Attach the hair comb to the gathered area.
Picture 9: Sew on trim
The first hard part I ran into was gathering the tulle. Who woulda thought... It was SO fiddly and trying to hold and sew a straight line down that wispy fabric was enough to set my teeth on edge! But eventually I got it done. [imagine accomplished face Caleisha here ^.^] After I successfully gathered everything, I began the super-tedious task of pinning the trim to the edge. Once I made my way about half way around, I noticed that there was way too much ruffling happening in the front. That caused me to have to remove the whole gather -___- and redo with less material.
It took quite a bit of back & forth and trying different things before I had a veil that I could be proud of. I'm very glad I decided to make my veil instead of just buying one. There is just something about knowing that you yourself made aspects of your wedding details.
One of my favorite details of the finished veil is the price comparison to the inspiration veil. As a thrifty gal, this seriously warms my heart *.* BOOO-YAAA!!!
I can't wait to see the veil with my dress on our wedding day! (1 month 4 days & counting ^.^)
Friday, May 9, 2014
My Furry Friend Tag
(Because... why not?)
A while ago I saw Claire, from HeyClaire on YouTube, do the My Furry Friend Tag about her cat Bruce and of course this was my response, "Yes!!! A perfectly reasonable opportunity to write about my dogs!!" Buuut who really needs an excuse, right? ;-)
There are 9 questions in this tag and there will also be a slighly obscene amount of doggy photos in this post... Just a heads up ^.^ Anywho, let's get it!
1. What's you pet's name?
My pets are named Kiva Antionette and Tootie Lashay. I have a thing about names. I want names that have meaning. Kiva is a Hebrew name that means protected. I decided go with that name because a few months before I got Kiva, I had a whippet mix named Yanis (gift of God) for a couple days. Unfortuanately, it turned out that Yanis had parvo and only lasted a few verrrrry sad days before he passed. So needless to say, I was nervous that my next dog would have some ailment or another and I wanted her to be 'protected'. Yep. That's the story. Oh, and my best friend named her Antionette because she wanted to call her Toni for short... She's never called her Toni.
Tootie on the other hand was named by her first owner and yeah... Tootie Lashay... Early on, I wanted to change her name, but Lamar told me not to because he started calling her 'Toot a la poo' or something like that, lol. So Tootie she is and shall stay.
2. What kind of pet and what breed?
They're both dogs... but I think you may have figured that out already...
Kiva is a beagle/jack russell mix. Tootie is a chihuahua/rat terrier mix... maybe. If you're good at calling dog breeds... let me know what you think she is :)
3. How long have you had your pet?
I have had Kiva for maybe 5 years and Toot for 3-ish. I'm terrible at keeping track of these things *shrug*
4. How did you get your pet?
I adopted Kiva from the pound in Huntsville.
Tootie's gotcha story is my favorite ^.^ Basically, I was dog-sitting for a coworker while she was moving into a new apartment. She was only suppose to be with me for a couple weeks, but as it unfortunately happens sometimes, the girl never came back for her. I called her when Toot chewed up ALL my high heels and she promised to come get her at the end of the week... I have still not heard from her. Good thing she left Tootie with me, because she could've easily ended up a stray or a pound puppy.
5. How old is your pet?
Here is another one of those questions that I'm not really sure about... Since I adopted Kiva I'm not sure how old she is really. I'd say she is roughly 6ish. Tootie is probably going on 4 maybe... I could be totally wrong tho. Meh...
6. What are some quirky things about your pet's personality?
These two dogs are so full of quirks its crazy! Kiva use to have super bad separation anxiety when I first got her and now whenever I come home she cries and runs around to find something to hold in her mouth like a pacifier. She also will push your hand up and down her belly if you stop rubbing her. Very bossy... Kiva is suuuper guilty... like all the time, whether she's done something or not. If you ask her if she's sorry she makes the most pitiful looking sad face ever! It makes it really hard not to laugh when she actually gets in trouble. She also likes to snuggle with whatever yarn ball I'm currently using.
Tootie is a grimlin. She LOVES cave-like spaces. Under the bed, behind the clothes in the closet, under tables, under chairs, down almost under the car seat. She has even tried to get down by the pedals in the car. Tryna kill us all... sigh. She also likes feet. She will lay next to your foot and cuddle it like a wierdo :) She also likes to get up on Lamar's shoulder when he's driving and look out the window. I'm always a little nervous that she's gonna fall out.
7. What does your relationship with your pet mean to you?
There is something about coming home and having super excited dogs jumping up and down like you're the best person in the world! Kiva is very sensitive and will come lay next to me if I'm sad or crying. Tootie just makes me laugh a lot.
8. What are your favorite past times with your pet?
Dog parking & cuddles mostly. I use to take Kiva hiking when we lived in Alabama and that was fun. I need to find somewhere down here to take these pups a-gallivantin'.
9. What are the nicknames you call your pet?
Kiva-diva, Keevee, Kivanator, Stinker, Pretty girl.
Tootie-bootie, Tootles, Toots boots, Grimlin, Little one.
If you have pets, you should do this too. It was fun answering the questions and thinking back over the years of having these two pups. Now for more pictures! Huzzah!
A while ago I saw Claire, from HeyClaire on YouTube, do the My Furry Friend Tag about her cat Bruce and of course this was my response, "Yes!!! A perfectly reasonable opportunity to write about my dogs!!" Buuut who really needs an excuse, right? ;-)
There are 9 questions in this tag and there will also be a slighly obscene amount of doggy photos in this post... Just a heads up ^.^ Anywho, let's get it!
1. What's you pet's name?
My pets are named Kiva Antionette and Tootie Lashay. I have a thing about names. I want names that have meaning. Kiva is a Hebrew name that means protected. I decided go with that name because a few months before I got Kiva, I had a whippet mix named Yanis (gift of God) for a couple days. Unfortuanately, it turned out that Yanis had parvo and only lasted a few verrrrry sad days before he passed. So needless to say, I was nervous that my next dog would have some ailment or another and I wanted her to be 'protected'. Yep. That's the story. Oh, and my best friend named her Antionette because she wanted to call her Toni for short... She's never called her Toni.
Tootie on the other hand was named by her first owner and yeah... Tootie Lashay... Early on, I wanted to change her name, but Lamar told me not to because he started calling her 'Toot a la poo' or something like that, lol. So Tootie she is and shall stay.
2. What kind of pet and what breed?
They're both dogs... but I think you may have figured that out already...
Kiva is a beagle/jack russell mix. Tootie is a chihuahua/rat terrier mix... maybe. If you're good at calling dog breeds... let me know what you think she is :)
3. How long have you had your pet?
I have had Kiva for maybe 5 years and Toot for 3-ish. I'm terrible at keeping track of these things *shrug*
4. How did you get your pet?
I adopted Kiva from the pound in Huntsville.
Tootie's gotcha story is my favorite ^.^ Basically, I was dog-sitting for a coworker while she was moving into a new apartment. She was only suppose to be with me for a couple weeks, but as it unfortunately happens sometimes, the girl never came back for her. I called her when Toot chewed up ALL my high heels and she promised to come get her at the end of the week... I have still not heard from her. Good thing she left Tootie with me, because she could've easily ended up a stray or a pound puppy.
5. How old is your pet?
Here is another one of those questions that I'm not really sure about... Since I adopted Kiva I'm not sure how old she is really. I'd say she is roughly 6ish. Tootie is probably going on 4 maybe... I could be totally wrong tho. Meh...
6. What are some quirky things about your pet's personality?
These two dogs are so full of quirks its crazy! Kiva use to have super bad separation anxiety when I first got her and now whenever I come home she cries and runs around to find something to hold in her mouth like a pacifier. She also will push your hand up and down her belly if you stop rubbing her. Very bossy... Kiva is suuuper guilty... like all the time, whether she's done something or not. If you ask her if she's sorry she makes the most pitiful looking sad face ever! It makes it really hard not to laugh when she actually gets in trouble. She also likes to snuggle with whatever yarn ball I'm currently using.
Tootie is a grimlin. She LOVES cave-like spaces. Under the bed, behind the clothes in the closet, under tables, under chairs, down almost under the car seat. She has even tried to get down by the pedals in the car. Tryna kill us all... sigh. She also likes feet. She will lay next to your foot and cuddle it like a wierdo :) She also likes to get up on Lamar's shoulder when he's driving and look out the window. I'm always a little nervous that she's gonna fall out.
7. What does your relationship with your pet mean to you?
There is something about coming home and having super excited dogs jumping up and down like you're the best person in the world! Kiva is very sensitive and will come lay next to me if I'm sad or crying. Tootie just makes me laugh a lot.
8. What are your favorite past times with your pet?
Dog parking & cuddles mostly. I use to take Kiva hiking when we lived in Alabama and that was fun. I need to find somewhere down here to take these pups a-gallivantin'.
9. What are the nicknames you call your pet?
Kiva-diva, Keevee, Kivanator, Stinker, Pretty girl.
Tootie-bootie, Tootles, Toots boots, Grimlin, Little one.
If you have pets, you should do this too. It was fun answering the questions and thinking back over the years of having these two pups. Now for more pictures! Huzzah!
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| official blanket testers |
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| any crochet thing laid out is automatically her spot |
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| cuddle-bug extraordinaire |
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| this is how grimlins sleep lol |
Monday, May 5, 2014
Oceans: A How I'm Feeling Post
It was really hard to get out of bed today. And what makes it worse, I've felt myself sliding into this one. But there's nothing I can do except pray it's a short one.
I did get myself up a couple times, but ended up back in bed... curled up. The last time dragged my body out of bed, put clothes on and went into the living room. I opened the front door since I kinda remembered someone knocking on it so I thought maybe the remaining wedding invitations had come. It wasn't them. Instead, there was a package from the library.
A couple weeks ago, I was getting dressed for church and listening to Pandora. A song called Oceans by Hillsong came on and I immediately liked it. Especially, the vamp at the end:
So I found it at the library and requested home delivery. Based on my account, I wasn't expecting it until tomorrow. So today, when I saw it, I put it on straight away. Thinking this will help me feel better. But the vamp was not the reason I got the CD today. This was...
An ocean is what I have always described my depression as. A deep dark ocean. With threatening waves. Unknown depths.
Sometimes I'm on the shore, just inside the water... maybe up to my knees. I can still see the shore. My feet are still on the ground. I'm deep enough for the strength of the waves to move me, but not knock me down. If something shakes me, I can still get out.
But there are other times that I feel like Peter, out in the middle of dark water and the waves are huge and there is no way I can possibly swim. And I start to sink.
When I first started sinking, my friend Ricardo told me to go outside and hold my hand up for God to grab me. It was weird, but worked. A lot. I still do it... 8 years later.
When I feel myself in the middle of the vastness of my oceans I feel so small. Infinitely small. Like dust. Like one good strong wave could dissolve me. Treading water is hard. My limbs are tired. My lungs burn. And all I can do is whisper...
I did get myself up a couple times, but ended up back in bed... curled up. The last time dragged my body out of bed, put clothes on and went into the living room. I opened the front door since I kinda remembered someone knocking on it so I thought maybe the remaining wedding invitations had come. It wasn't them. Instead, there was a package from the library.
A couple weeks ago, I was getting dressed for church and listening to Pandora. A song called Oceans by Hillsong came on and I immediately liked it. Especially, the vamp at the end:
Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever you would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith would be made stronger
In the presence of my savior
So I found it at the library and requested home delivery. Based on my account, I wasn't expecting it until tomorrow. So today, when I saw it, I put it on straight away. Thinking this will help me feel better. But the vamp was not the reason I got the CD today. This was...
I will call upon Your name
Keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine
An ocean is what I have always described my depression as. A deep dark ocean. With threatening waves. Unknown depths.
Sometimes I'm on the shore, just inside the water... maybe up to my knees. I can still see the shore. My feet are still on the ground. I'm deep enough for the strength of the waves to move me, but not knock me down. If something shakes me, I can still get out.
But there are other times that I feel like Peter, out in the middle of dark water and the waves are huge and there is no way I can possibly swim. And I start to sink.
When I first started sinking, my friend Ricardo told me to go outside and hold my hand up for God to grab me. It was weird, but worked. A lot. I still do it... 8 years later.
I will call upon Your name // Keep my eyes above the waves // When oceans rise
When I feel myself in the middle of the vastness of my oceans I feel so small. Infinitely small. Like dust. Like one good strong wave could dissolve me. Treading water is hard. My limbs are tired. My lungs burn. And all I can do is whisper...
JesusJesusJesusJesusJesusJesusJesusJesusJesusJesusJesusJesusJesusJesusJesusJesusJesusJesusJesus
God showed me today that He cares about little me.
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
WIP Wednesday: The Metamorphosis of an Idea
(As usual I have fallen off the blogging bus... but in my defense... there has been quite a bit of wedding to do around here. And I started a new job, nothing fancy, but it'll do. I have been handwriting posts in my notebook, but sadly they take forever and a day to get to the computer. *shrug* I really enjoy writing/keeping this blog, so I'm just going to have to figure a way to make myself do it... Anywho, on to the actual post!)
So I find it really cool how some ideas seem to grow and develop rather organically. I mean you start with a thought like this, "I'm gonna tie these thank you tags on with a ribbon. Than some alphabet charms catch your eye and they get tossed into the mix. So you sit down and try multiple times to tie a nice ribbon bow. You know, one that will show off the charms, only to realize... It doesn't quite work. So back in the bag they go.
The next idea is to use a bit of chain to hang the charm just below the thank you tag. Brilliant solution right?!
The thing about creation is that sometimes the stars align and suddenly, while packing up beads to give to a friend, it hits you! They're not suppose to be tied on with a silly bow! These pieces are meant to be keychains!
And then this happens.
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Whoa Wednesday!!
I can not believe that it is only Wednesday! Imagine me dragging myself up the hill that is humpday.
-____________-
That's how I feel. I've been getting a lot more hours at the studio last week and this week due to a bit of understaffage, but I'm totally not complaining. :) I'm just suuuper tired. I feel like right now the only thing keeping me awake is the grande peppermint mocha I had this morning. By the way, yummy! Plus it tasted like roasted marshmallows... but maybe I was hallucinating from sleepiness... *shrug*
Anywho, this past Monday was my 28th birthday and... yeah... what else can I say about that? I worked all day & ended up leaving the studio super late almost in tears because I missed my bday dinner with Lamar because people wanted to be ridiculous with their pictures. But what can I do. I had someone ask me if she could bring her own camera in, have me take pictures with it in our studio, charge her "regular", and then she will put the pictures on her computer... I wish you could see the look on my face. Seriously lady?!? No... THEN I had a lady who wanted to do a fourth outfit change for her 16 year old after my next TWO appointements had shown up. How can people have so little concern for other people's time?? I dont understand.
Yesterday I worked another full day... and the craziness did not cease. I had a guy come in and ask (with a straight face) if we sold babies. I was so confused, but since I was tired and counting down the hours til I could clock out, I answered him without laughing. It went something like this:
Then he proceeded to walk around the studio looking at the camera room and whatnot and made an appointment for 4 couples to take pictures. He's coming in tonight. Allegedly...
Now it's Wednesday. So far so good. My lunch break is over and I'm about to be totally swamped with appointments tonight, but luckily I'm not alone so the crazies shouldn't come out in full force like the last couple days. I'll probably update this after I get off tonight.
Pray church!
-____________-
That's how I feel. I've been getting a lot more hours at the studio last week and this week due to a bit of understaffage, but I'm totally not complaining. :) I'm just suuuper tired. I feel like right now the only thing keeping me awake is the grande peppermint mocha I had this morning. By the way, yummy! Plus it tasted like roasted marshmallows... but maybe I was hallucinating from sleepiness... *shrug*
Anywho, this past Monday was my 28th birthday and... yeah... what else can I say about that? I worked all day & ended up leaving the studio super late almost in tears because I missed my bday dinner with Lamar because people wanted to be ridiculous with their pictures. But what can I do. I had someone ask me if she could bring her own camera in, have me take pictures with it in our studio, charge her "regular", and then she will put the pictures on her computer... I wish you could see the look on my face. Seriously lady?!? No... THEN I had a lady who wanted to do a fourth outfit change for her 16 year old after my next TWO appointements had shown up. How can people have so little concern for other people's time?? I dont understand.
Yesterday I worked another full day... and the craziness did not cease. I had a guy come in and ask (with a straight face) if we sold babies. I was so confused, but since I was tired and counting down the hours til I could clock out, I answered him without laughing. It went something like this:
Crazy Guy: Hello. Um... I would like a son and a daughter please.
Me: What?
CG: I would like a son and a daughter. Don't you sell babies?
Me: No. ::raises eyebrow & looks around for Ashton Kutcher::
CG: Well... I really need a son and a daughter.
Me: You should get married.
CG:I am. We already have a daughter, but I want a couple more kids.
Me.: I'm sure your wife can help you out with that.
CG: Yeah! She's in too. We'd like a son and a daughter... and a #1.
Me: I'm sorry. We don't sell babies here. If you bring your own babies I can take pictures of them.
CG: When would they come back?
Me: The PICTURES of the babies YOU BRING will be back on the 14th.
CG: I'm really upset that you don't sell babies, but since you were so nice I wont complain to your supervisors. I hope they pay you $30 an hour.
Then he proceeded to walk around the studio looking at the camera room and whatnot and made an appointment for 4 couples to take pictures. He's coming in tonight. Allegedly...
Now it's Wednesday. So far so good. My lunch break is over and I'm about to be totally swamped with appointments tonight, but luckily I'm not alone so the crazies shouldn't come out in full force like the last couple days. I'll probably update this after I get off tonight.
Pray church!
---------------------------------- UPDATE ----------------------------------
So the crazy "do you sell babies" guy turned out to be a PASTOR! WHAAAT?!?!?!
Evidently, this is the life I lead...
*shrug*
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Hello, Fabric Heaven!
Hello Fabric Heaven!
Hey there!
Recently I visited a fabric store in Maitland called The Sewing Studio. I was on the hunt for a lace trim for soon-to-come veil making, and this shop seemed like a good place to check out. And let me tell you I totally caught a case of crafter's ADD when I walked in!
There was soo much fabric! And in sooo many different patterns and materials. It was uh-MAZE-ing. They also have a discount shop with all sorts of fabric, trims, & notions. I can't even express how cool the shop was... & the ladies working there were very helpful.
So yeah, enjoy this colorful fabric yumminess!
Needless to say... now I want to...
Hey there!
Recently I visited a fabric store in Maitland called The Sewing Studio. I was on the hunt for a lace trim for soon-to-come veil making, and this shop seemed like a good place to check out. And let me tell you I totally caught a case of crafter's ADD when I walked in!
There was soo much fabric! And in sooo many different patterns and materials. It was uh-MAZE-ing. They also have a discount shop with all sorts of fabric, trims, & notions. I can't even express how cool the shop was... & the ladies working there were very helpful.
So yeah, enjoy this colorful fabric yumminess!
Needless to say... now I want to...
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| via:Savory Stitches |
Monday, February 10, 2014
Wedding Spot: DIY Ring Pillow & Tutorial
It's been a while since I last did a Wedding Spot post, so here is a bit on my most recent DIY.
Maybe a month and a half ago, I was walking around the wedding section of my local craft store and stopped to look at the flower girl baskets and ring bearer pillows. Needless to say, they were rather expensive... and nondescript... blah. So off to the Goodwill I went to find supplies to DIY these things.
Tonight I'll be talking about the Ring Pillow. I first decided I wanted to DIY this after seeing these on pinterest.
I initially tried to crochet a doily with a clover pattern, but that didn't happen... at... all. After that, I started looking at fabric ring pillows. My first try was really crappy. The idea of it was nice, satiny fabric with a ribbon trim. Sounds lovely right? In reality... it was more like a wonky marshmallow with the middle poked in... -___-
The next plan was to use felt. My best friend brought the idea of felt flowers to my attention a while ago and I absolutely loved them :) So I figured that if we all have felt bouquets and boutonnieres adding other felt touches would be a great idea. Oddly, when I started making the felt pillow, I fell into a flow and it just came together. Yay me!
Step 1: Cut felt into two squares. Sew together leaving a space to stuff pillow. After stuffing, sew hole closed.
Steps 2-3: Trace large shamrock shape onto a piece of tissue paper & pin to top of pillow. Using the green embroidery thread, do a running stitch around the outline. After going all the way around the design, remove the tissue paper.
Step 4: Continue stitching around the shamrock shape with a running stitch between the stitches of the previous round. I suppose you can also use a backstitch to begin with but I'm a new-be at embroidery. So use whatever stitch you're comfortable with.
Step 5: Using one of the felt scraps sew a handle on the back of your pillow. Trace the small shamrock and initials onto tissue paper and pin to the handle. Stitch the designs just as you did for the large shamrock.
Step 6: Cut a length of ribbon (enough to make a pretty bow around the rings). Make a couple stitches through the middle of the shamrock. Pull them tight to make a little dip. Sew on the ribbon.
Step 7: Step back and admire your awesome craftiness!
There we go! I'm super proud of myself for making this! It's so cute and so me ^.^ Now I just have to settle on how I want the flower girl basket to look... :)
Maybe a month and a half ago, I was walking around the wedding section of my local craft store and stopped to look at the flower girl baskets and ring bearer pillows. Needless to say, they were rather expensive... and nondescript... blah. So off to the Goodwill I went to find supplies to DIY these things.
Tonight I'll be talking about the Ring Pillow. I first decided I wanted to DIY this after seeing these on pinterest.
 |
| via: Whollykao |
The next plan was to use felt. My best friend brought the idea of felt flowers to my attention a while ago and I absolutely loved them :) So I figured that if we all have felt bouquets and boutonnieres adding other felt touches would be a great idea. Oddly, when I started making the felt pillow, I fell into a flow and it just came together. Yay me!
Materials
2 pieces of felt
Fiberfill pillow stuffing
Green thread
Green embroidery thread
Embroidery needle
Thin green ribbon
Shamrock patterns large and small
Letter patterns
Tissue paper
Scissors
Sewing machine or sewing needle
 |
| 1. 2. 3. |
Steps 2-3: Trace large shamrock shape onto a piece of tissue paper & pin to top of pillow. Using the green embroidery thread, do a running stitch around the outline. After going all the way around the design, remove the tissue paper.
 |
| 4. 5. 6. |
Step 5: Using one of the felt scraps sew a handle on the back of your pillow. Trace the small shamrock and initials onto tissue paper and pin to the handle. Stitch the designs just as you did for the large shamrock.
 |
| Ta Da!!!! |
Step 7: Step back and admire your awesome craftiness!
There we go! I'm super proud of myself for making this! It's so cute and so me ^.^ Now I just have to settle on how I want the flower girl basket to look... :)
Friday, January 31, 2014
Gallivanting Files: Diverse Word Poetry Slam
Hi there :)
Tuesday night I did something I haven't done in QUITE some time. I went to a poetry slam with my roommate and one of her friends :)
Now I must say it started off slow and a bit... meh... but then it picked up and the poets were really awesome. I kept feeling myself getting giddy and wanting to get up and perform something. My mind kept flashing back to the days when I was a regular fixture on any available poetry stage. I always participated in cyphers and could be found writing poem after poem in notebooks, on class notes, my hands, anything. Poetry was such a huge part of my life, but for some reason a few years after graduating college, I just stopped.
You know when you were really known for something when years and years later people are still asking "Do you still write?" or saying "You should start writing again."
The clencher for the whole evening for me was the last poet. He was like 20 years old which made me remember being his age and totally submerged in poetry. I could see how much his poems moved through him and how he got into them. I miss that. His last poem was about using your talents even when you don't feel like it. It was along the lines of use it before you lose it. I totally felt like he was preaching directly to me... Needless to say, I want get back into writing again. I miss having that passion/outlet in my life.
Soo... don't be confused if I start posting random poems on here, K ^.^
Tuesday night I did something I haven't done in QUITE some time. I went to a poetry slam with my roommate and one of her friends :)
Now I must say it started off slow and a bit... meh... but then it picked up and the poets were really awesome. I kept feeling myself getting giddy and wanting to get up and perform something. My mind kept flashing back to the days when I was a regular fixture on any available poetry stage. I always participated in cyphers and could be found writing poem after poem in notebooks, on class notes, my hands, anything. Poetry was such a huge part of my life, but for some reason a few years after graduating college, I just stopped.
You know when you were really known for something when years and years later people are still asking "Do you still write?" or saying "You should start writing again."
The clencher for the whole evening for me was the last poet. He was like 20 years old which made me remember being his age and totally submerged in poetry. I could see how much his poems moved through him and how he got into them. I miss that. His last poem was about using your talents even when you don't feel like it. It was along the lines of use it before you lose it. I totally felt like he was preaching directly to me... Needless to say, I want get back into writing again. I miss having that passion/outlet in my life.
Soo... don't be confused if I start posting random poems on here, K ^.^
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Music of the Moment
Just a little ditty that reminds me of mah booski :)
I love this song. I want it played during my reception, but I really think I'll be the only one jamming to it. *shrug* Meh! Whateva... I'm the bride! lol
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
The Recent Craftiness of the Ghost of Apt 203
Greetings from your friendly blogiverse ghost-girl! It seems that I've been a rather crappy writer here of late and I really want to change that. Matter of fact, I want to change a lot of things... But first I'll start with actually writing a post. Baby steps right?
Anywho, a few days ago, during a particularly slow couple of hours at work, my coworker and I got to talking about what sort of things I crochet. She asked if I'd ever made one of those crochet crowns that people use as baby props or anything like that. I told her I hadn't, but of course it got my wheels a-spinnin' on what type of things I could make to use as photo props at work.
Pinterest to the rescue!
I started browsing pinterest to get an idea of the kinds of handmade things people are using in photos and came up with various forms of garlands, crowns, cute hats with animal or sports themes, and umpteen photo-booth themed props. Oh and LOTS of mustaches... While looking, I made a little list of things that I am most likely to be able to sit down and crochet without needing to buy new supplies or perform some super involved fancy stitches. The list consisted of: Valentine's heart garland, child-size cupid wings, crowns, bunny ear hats for easter, sports-themed hats, and possibly a child sized fedora (tho I'm still debating that last one...)
After making the list and sharing it with my coworker to see if they were things she'd actually use, I set about mentally inventorying supplies. I did have to purchase bulky red yarn, but that's it. Everything else came from my existing yarn stash, so my work project also acted as a stash busting project. Hurray for a two-fer!! When I got home, I turned on a movie, got comfortable on my bed, and got started making big red hearts. When I connected them together, I felt like the ends of the garland were missing something... so I added pom-poms... everything's better with a pom-pom on it right?!
With the garland finished and pinned up on my wall (looking mighty valentine-y I might add) I moved on to the crowns. I used BobWilson123's video on youtube for the pattern. It's simple enough so once I take the time to learn some other trim stitches, I'll be able to modify the look of the crowns. But I made 3 basic crowns in white, pink, & blue. And then, because I was feeling fancy and wanted the crowns to be REALLY nice, I hand washed them and blocked them! Watch out now! I never block anything, lol. I'm actually glad I did because it really defined the points.
The last thing I made during my photo prop crafting spree was not crocheted. While browsing on pinterest I came across a valentine themed picture where the child was holding a jar of colorful candy. I thought how cute and simple it was, so I decided upon recreating it. I got a mason jar with a cork lid from the thrift store, a couple of bags of dollar store candy and a roll of valentine ribbon. Here's the finished product. Very appropriate and when the holiday's over, the studio has a candy stash ^.^
That's it for my recent craftings. I going to really put in effort to write more regularly on here. I feel like the spirit of this blog might change tho. Not hugely, but a bit... But then it's not like a change will really be noticed, so whatever! Onward and upward :)
Peace out!
Anywho, a few days ago, during a particularly slow couple of hours at work, my coworker and I got to talking about what sort of things I crochet. She asked if I'd ever made one of those crochet crowns that people use as baby props or anything like that. I told her I hadn't, but of course it got my wheels a-spinnin' on what type of things I could make to use as photo props at work.
Pinterest to the rescue!
I started browsing pinterest to get an idea of the kinds of handmade things people are using in photos and came up with various forms of garlands, crowns, cute hats with animal or sports themes, and umpteen photo-booth themed props. Oh and LOTS of mustaches... While looking, I made a little list of things that I am most likely to be able to sit down and crochet without needing to buy new supplies or perform some super involved fancy stitches. The list consisted of: Valentine's heart garland, child-size cupid wings, crowns, bunny ear hats for easter, sports-themed hats, and possibly a child sized fedora (tho I'm still debating that last one...)
After making the list and sharing it with my coworker to see if they were things she'd actually use, I set about mentally inventorying supplies. I did have to purchase bulky red yarn, but that's it. Everything else came from my existing yarn stash, so my work project also acted as a stash busting project. Hurray for a two-fer!! When I got home, I turned on a movie, got comfortable on my bed, and got started making big red hearts. When I connected them together, I felt like the ends of the garland were missing something... so I added pom-poms... everything's better with a pom-pom on it right?!
With the garland finished and pinned up on my wall (looking mighty valentine-y I might add) I moved on to the crowns. I used BobWilson123's video on youtube for the pattern. It's simple enough so once I take the time to learn some other trim stitches, I'll be able to modify the look of the crowns. But I made 3 basic crowns in white, pink, & blue. And then, because I was feeling fancy and wanted the crowns to be REALLY nice, I hand washed them and blocked them! Watch out now! I never block anything, lol. I'm actually glad I did because it really defined the points.
 |
| See my fancy-pants blocking skills |
The last thing I made during my photo prop crafting spree was not crocheted. While browsing on pinterest I came across a valentine themed picture where the child was holding a jar of colorful candy. I thought how cute and simple it was, so I decided upon recreating it. I got a mason jar with a cork lid from the thrift store, a couple of bags of dollar store candy and a roll of valentine ribbon. Here's the finished product. Very appropriate and when the holiday's over, the studio has a candy stash ^.^
That's it for my recent craftings. I going to really put in effort to write more regularly on here. I feel like the spirit of this blog might change tho. Not hugely, but a bit... But then it's not like a change will really be noticed, so whatever! Onward and upward :)
Peace out!
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