Alanna's Wandering Thoughts

We've moved!

2008-11-09T18:12:00.000-08:00

I've realized that I just don't post often enough to maintain two blogs, so from now on, all posts will go to my main blog, The Vanilla Bean!

Please point your browsers to:
http://alannasvanillabean.blogspot.com

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2008-08-26T21:41:00.000-07:00

Blogging from my crackberry!

Camping

2008-08-20T13:21:00.001-07:00

Hey there! I got a bit behind on my posting, sorry! While I was
camping this weekend, my phone died and has been totally out of
service, and I kind of forgot I promised you photos from my camping
trip! Idyllwild is beautiful, and I really liked the area. We had so
many people on our trip that it was like herding cats trying to get
anything done, but overall, we had an enjoyable time. Here are
pictures of some of the highlights of our trip!

Blackberry vs. iPhone

2008-08-18T09:23:00.001-07:00

My cell phone is on it's way out. I just ordered a new battery so I can make sure that isn't the issue. If that fixes it, great, but if not, I will be in the market for a new phone. The two I am looking at are the Blackberry and the iPhone. I know several of you that have one or the other, so I'm looking for some input on pros and cons of the two. Which phone do you have, and what do you like/dislike about it?

Thanks! :)

Going Camping

2008-08-15T12:01:00.001-07:00

Since I am making a conscious effort to keep my blogs updated, I figure I'll check back in for today! At lunch, I am meeting Mike and we are going grocery shopping for our camping trip this weekend! We are planning to leave right after work tonight. I am so excited! When we first started dating, we used to camp all the time. As life has gotten busier though, we've found ourselves going less and less. We do have a beach camping trip planned for October, but we didn't want to let the summer slip by without any camping trips! So, when I discovered that we actually had one weekend with NOTHING going on, I jumped on it and booked us a spot at Fern Basin up near Idyllwild. I've never been there, but I've heard so many good things about Idyllwild. I am looking forward to a day of strenuous hiking tomorrow so I can burn some of these calories I've been ingesting, and make up for the night at the gym I've skipped on. *blushing* So, I will be back on Monday with tales and photos of my camping trip! Have a great weekend, everyone!

In the lap of luxury at Del Mar

2008-08-14T14:17:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I wasn't in anyone's lap, but I sure felt luxurious. Last Wednesday, my good friend K asked M and I if we would like to join her at the Del Mar racetrack. She had been given tickets for a luxury suite - food and drinks were all included. I asked my awesome boss, and being the great guy he is, he let me go for the afternoon. Thanks!!!!

I wasn't sure what it was going to be like, hobnobbing amongst the rich and famous. Was everyone going to be snooty and hoity toity? The dress code was enforced...dresses (or nice pantsuits) for women, and jackets and ties for men. Boy did Mike clean up nice! He brought his friend A along to keep him company. K and I of course looked fabulous in our sundresses, and I wore my races hat. Seriously, I paid $30 something for that hat...I SO have to wear it more than once! So, we headed up the elevator to the elite area. It was so chill...hardly anyone was at the track on a Wednesday afternoon...no crowds to deal with. We found our suite, and lo and behold - we were the only ones there! We had the place to ourselves. We had an indoor lounge full of food and drinks, and our own private betting machine! Outside on our patio, we had a bird's eye view of the track, and a TV monitor to watch the races and the horses. Eventually a couple more guys showed up, but that was it. We had so much fun! We went downstairs to the track to watch a couple races, but eventually retreated back up to our luxurious loft. What an experience! I have now experienced the cheapest way to go to the races as well as the most expensive...which STILL didn't cost me anything! (Thanks, K!)

Note: I did only win one race that day...a whopping $5.60, but hey. That's not really the fun part anyway...I just like to hang out and enjoy the scene! :)

Nothing blogworthy

2008-08-14T14:07:00.001-07:00

Sorry for the lack of posts lately...I just feel as if I have nothing blogworthy to say. The other night the hubs and I had a conversation that I thought might be bloggable, a la The Bobby Pin, but alas...I can't for the life of me recall what it was about! :P

Anyway, just figured I'd check in. Not up to much...preparing to go camping in Idyllwild this weekend, and that's about it for now. TONS of stuff going on in the next few weeks though, so I'll try my best to update my blogs! *lightbulb* In fact, maybe I'll post about my day at the races last week...just to whet your appetite for more of my thrilling life. :)

Be back soon!

I need your help!

2008-07-28T16:40:00.001-07:00

Okay, friends. I need some advice. I really would like to buy a new Chargers shirt for the upcoming football season, and I really cannot decide which one to buy! The t-shirt looks SO comfortable and casual and cute, and would work, but I do already have a jersey, which is kind of like a t-shirt. However, the tank top is super cute, and I could really use something sleeveless for the games early in the season.

What do you think?

MEMEMEMEMEME

2008-07-28T10:20:00.001-07:00

I have been tagged! It's been a while since I've done one of these! My friend Dawn wants me to share things about me with all of you! :)

Meme #1

Yep, gotta list the rules:
1. Link to the person who tagged you.
2. Post the rules on the blog.
3. Write six random things about yourself.
4. Tag six people at the end of your post.
5. Let each person know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.
6. Let your tagger know when you have posted your answers.

Six random things about me—
1. I was born on election day.
2. I saw some AWESOME concerts this weekend!
3. I want to get a new tattoo.
4. I have no idea what I want to do for my 30th birthday this year.
5. My cats are better than children any day.
6. I am slightly obsessed with my orchid, and I really hope it will rebloom.

Next at bat: Holly, Natalie, Danielle (that's enough...I'm cheating on this one.)

Meme #2

R is for rules—
1. Take a random picture of something around your house. Then post it with no explanation.
2. Write a haiku using your initals as the start of each line.
3. The haiku is not an option.
4. Is something currently baking in your kitchen? If so, what?
5. Tag 3 people to repost this MeMe, including a link back to who tagged you. Let your tagger know that you have posted.

1.

2. Another gray day
No sunshine to be seen here
Please bring back the sun!

3. got it

4. Doubtful. My roommate is the only one home, and he's not much of a baker.

5. (See list of taggers from first meme!)

Look alikes?

2008-07-25T13:22:00.000-07:00

Okay, so this has been bugging me for some time, and I finally had to look it up on imdb.com. I thought maybe Juliet from the TV series "Lost" was the same actress as Dagmar in the movie "Lars and the Real Girl." Turns out I was wrong. But check this out.

This is Elizabeth Mitchell (from "Lost").

Doesn't Patricia Clarkson (from "Lars and the Real Girl") look just like a slightly older version of Elizabeth?

I'm just saying....

And...I'm off!

2008-07-01T16:49:00.001-07:00

Dear Readers....all two of you....

I just wanted to wish you all a wonderful 4th of July holiday! I will be in beautiful Ohio (hee hee) for the next week, visiting the in-laws. M and I are driving up to Niagara Falls for a couple of days though to celebrate our 1st anniversary. I can't wait!

Stay tuned for updates! :)

Alanna

New car!

2008-06-09T11:50:00.001-07:00

This weekend was a very exciting one for us! M and I made the decision to trade in both of our vehicles for a Honda Element. M originally was just going to trade in his truck, but we decided that since most of our vehicle usage was just local commuting, we didn't really want two vehicles that required expensive gas. So, we chose to trade in both vehicles, and instead get the Element and a Vespa. The Element will be our distance vehicle, and will be great for cargo and camping! The Vespa will be our local commuting vehicle. We'll be sharing both of them. Pretty exciting! This is our first big purchase as a married couple. We are moving on up! ;)

After spending all day in the dealership, we really wanted to go spend some time in the new vehicle, so we drove it out to the drive-in to check out the comfort and sound quality. We watched Kung Fu Panda and Iron Man. Both great movies! We watched the movie from the front window this time. Next time, we are bringing blankets, laying down the seats, and opening up the back hatch and watching the movie from the back. I can hardly wait!

We weren't able to sign up for motorcycle classes until July, so we won't be licensed to drive a Vespa until then. In the meantime, I'm mainly driving the Element, and M drives his Gremlin to work for now. We are loving the new vehicle! I can't wait to take it out on the road, and on a camping trip! Stay tuned for another update once we get our Vespa! :)

A fun little time-waster

2008-05-04T10:05:00.001-07:00

I found this game on A Southern Grace, and couldn't resist trying it myself!
It is a fun game, but somewhat aggravating because more than half of the pictures I wanted to use wouldn't let me save them! :P

Here's what you do:

1. Go to www.flickr.com.
2. Type your answer to each question in the “search” box.
3. Using only the first page, pick an image.
4. Copy and paste the html into your blog.

Enjoy!

1. What is your first name?
2. What is your favorite food?

3. What high school did you go to?

4. What is your favorite color?

5. Who is your celebrity crush?

6. What is your favorite drink?

7. What is your dream vacation?

8. What is your favorite dessert?

9. What do you want to be when you grow up?

10. What do you love most in life?

11. One word to describe you:
Try it yourself! :)

I'm still around!

2008-04-02T21:44:00.001-07:00

Hello! I just wanted to update everyone on my life lately. Sorry I have not been blogging lately. I am just NOT in the mood to food blog, and I definitely haven't had time to read blogs! :( But, life has been great. I am amazed at how busy I have been while Mike is in Hawaii! Thanks to all my friends for keeping me entertained and busy. :) Work has been great. Today was so much fun! Things are really starting to come together. We got our coffee machine installed, our T1 lines hooked up, and I placed the order for all of our computers and office equipment. Within a couple of weeks, I will actually be working...answering phones, paying bills, taking care of orders, all that good stuff. It's been great to be a part of getting it all arranged! My boss took us out to lunch today...our first company lunch. :)

Meanwhile...I have been eating like a fat kid. :P I have taken advantage of eating alone, and I have NOT been eating healthy! Yikes! And swimsuit season is coming HOW soon? Eek! So...I was going to start my diet tomorrow, but then I realized that Chicago is all about eating and drinking...so there's not much point in dieting now! So, after I thoroughly enjoy myself this weekend, I will be back to my healthy-eating self. Especially after Mike comes home all ripped and healthy from exercising and eating fresh fruits in Hawaii! You all have to hold me to it! Luckily, all my new coworkers seem to be into healthy eating as well, so I should be okay. :)

That's all for now...I'll update again after Chicago!!!!

Job Update

2008-03-27T19:43:00.001-07:00

As many of you know, I recently got a new job which just started on Monday. Thank you so much to all my friends who have been bombarding me with text messages, chats, and emails - sorry I haven't had an opportunity to get back to you yet! Also, thank you to my former employers who gave me glowing references. I would not be where I am today without you! And, thank you to all of you who prayed for me every day that the perfect job opportunity would come up. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Since I just started my job, I don't want to be on my personal email too much yet, so I figure I'll email EVERYONE at once, so you all know what's going on with me, and that way I won't get totally bombarded with gmail chats and emails while I'm trying to work. :)

For those of you who hadn't heard yet, I accepted a job with a small graphic design company that is just getting started in Cardiff, CA. The office is right on the beach, and is only 10 minutes from my house. Everything about the location is ideal. We have a huge picture window view of the ocean, and there are all sorts of cute little beachy restaurants within walking distance. I only work 5 minutes away from Mike! The company is a branch off of a larger retail display company, and since they are one of our major clients, I spent my first three days of work up in their office in San Dimas to get a feel for how they run their office, and to get some advice on how to run my office. I felt like such a grown up, going on my first business trip! It was a little bit lonely staying in a hotel by myself, but luckily one night I was able to meet my good friends Clara and Rachel for dinner, and they kept me company. The office up there was great. Everyone was SO nice, and so much fun to work with. I wasn't sure what I'd be doing there at first, since I was really just there to observe and get ideas for how I am going to set up our new office down in Cardiff. I was a little bored the first day, but I did get some good info. By Wednesday afternoon, I was having a blast, making friends, and I could not believe how long my "To Do" list had gotten! I couldn't wait to get back home though, see Mike, and start working in my own office.

This morning I started my first day in my office. I LOVED it! I had already met the girl I share an office with, and we get along great. My boss is super cool, very laid back and designerly, and the other designer is young and fun as well. There is another boss that works in the office too, but he is out of town a lot, so usually it will just be the four of us. I love it. Everyone is very fun, and I feel like we all have a lot in common. I get to be involved in all the design conversations, when everyone is brainstorming and talking about creative things. Right now my main tasks are to order computers for everyone, since we are switching the office over to Macs instead of PCs, and also researching software for project management and accounting. I get to set up all the files and organize the way we are going to organize all of our design projects. This is going to be SO cool. I get to set up the entire process for the office. I cannot wait! I finally feel like I'm starting something and have a real role in a company, in the industry that I have been going to school for over the past MANY years. This is the job I have been looking for since I started college. It only took 7 years! I have gained so much experience over the years in my past job, and I feel like I finally earned the job of my dreams.

So, again, thanks to everyone who has been wishing me well. Things are great...I couldn't be happier. I think this is the start of an awesome new career, and great things in my life! :)

Much love to you all!

P.S.
I am going to lay low on my personal email and chats at work for a little while, so for those of you who like to send me massive amounts of forwards (you know who you are!) try to leave me off your list for a couple weeks...but I'll try to keep up with my regular emails as much as possible. Once I get settled in at work, I'll have a little more time to get back on my email and g-chat again. :)

Last job update

2008-03-07T17:48:00.001-08:00

I got the job!!!!!!!!!!

Thank God I don't have to stress about it all weekend. Thank you so much for all your thoughts and prayers!!!!!

I start in two weeks, and the pay is just right. I can't wait!!!

Yet another job update

2008-03-07T13:49:00.001-08:00

As I said, my interview yesterday went really well. I made sure to send them a thank you note right away, since I was their first interview, and I didn't want them to forget about me!

This morning, I got a phone call asking if I could come back in today to talk more with the other owner. Of course I said yes! I went up there on my lunch break. My second interview went well. He told me all about the company, all about the job, etc. We went over my resume in a bit more detail (more than anyone has ever let me talk about my resume before), and basically went over everything there was to know.

He said that out of everyone they interviewed yesterday, I'm the only one they called back. They are going to do a couple more interviews today, and if no one else really stands out, they will call me back this afternoon. Otherwise, they'll talk this weekend, and will call me on Monday. He's going to call my references right now. :)

Job Update

2008-03-06T14:12:00.001-08:00

So...I'm back from my interview!

It went pretty well, I think. It was super casual, so it's always hard to tell, since it's more a personality thing than getting the answers right, ya know?
But, the office and people and the job are EXACTLY what I'm looking for. The entire office has a huge view of the ocean, it's by a whole bunch of little beach cafes, it's 5 minutes from Mike's work, and everyone is in the 30's age range. It sounds SO perfect. They said my resume really stood out because of my art background, and were thrilled to find that I was so smart to be good at math AND art. I was their first interview though, so hopefully they won't forget about me if someone else good comes along.

I'm not going to let myself get all psyched out this time...but please...keep me in your thoughts, prayers, cross your fingers and toes and all that jazz. :)

Thanks! Hopefully I'll have another update next week. :)

Breakdown

2008-03-06T11:02:00.001-08:00

You ever have one of those days when you just want to cry for no real apparent reason? Seriously. So annoying. I had such a great day yesterday...I was actually in a good mood, excited about my interview, feeling good about life in general. I was excited to get home and see my husband and hang out together, since his family had left that morning.

Well, I got home, and everything just fell apart. He said we'd been invited to have dinner at roommie's girlfriend's house. I assumed he wanted to go, so I said okay. Turns out neither of us wanted to go, but didn't convey it very well. A miscommunication. So, I was already a little sad over that, since I had just bought ingredients for dinner, and was hoping for a romantic night in.

Then...I got the mail. Oh no. My car payment, which should have been paid over 2 weeks ago never made it to my bank. WTF??!??!?! I ran to check my bank account, and sure enough, the payment had definitely come out of my account. My money was floating in outerspace somewhere. Meanwhile, while I'm freaking out about my car payment, Mike opens our gas & electric bill. Shocker....turns out they had misbilled us on our last invoice, so now we don't owe $100, but $450. In 2 weeks. Um, no!!!!! So, he was on the phone with them trying to figure out why we owed so much for something that was their fault, and trying to figure out how to get it fixed.

All the while, Mike's friends were over, waiting for Mike so they could go play hackey-sack. Hello, I need to talk to my husband first so we can figure out what we are doing tonight! I pretty much lost it at that point. Yes, tears, sobbing (not bad sobbing, but still) and all. We ended up figuring out that we did both want to stay home alone together. So that worked out. He tried to calm me down, and then went with the boys for an hour or so. I had to stop myself from crying and quivering, and got back on the phone to work out my car payment problem.

In the end, things got worked out...there are still money issues and bank issues, but it's solvable. Good grief, I hate days like that. But luckily, dinner was excellent...and we had a lovely night together. :)

Hooray!

Another interview!

2008-03-04T13:07:00.000-08:00

As many of you know, I didn't get the job I was SO nervously excited about a couple of weeks ago. :( It was very depressing, but they always say that when God closes one door, He always opens a window (or another door, or whatever!)

Well, today I just got an email and a phone call about another job I had applied for the other day. It sounds like it could be perfect for me. Near my house, a view of the ocean, a small design company...perfect. The job responsibilities are exactly what I've been doing over the years, and exactly what I'm looking to do now. They were really excited to see in my resume that I have a creative background, so that is a good sign, since I'm looking for a creative company! I interview with them this week.

Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers that this will go well!

Good weekend.

2008-03-03T16:09:00.000-08:00

Yes, it was! It's really been lasting for a long time. Since Wednesday, my father- and brother-in-law along with BIL's girlfriend have been in town, staying at our house with us. They are always tons of fun, and this time is no different! This is the first time I've really hung out with Brittany, so we've been having fun being girls while the boys are being boys.

On Wednesday, when they got in, we had our friends Chris & Holly come over, as well as Matt and Jamie and Keziah, our usual crew, and we all BBQ'd. It was lots of fun. :)

On Thursday and Friday, Mike and I still had to work, but we still had fun in the evenings. On Friday evening, the 5 of us went to Stone Brewery in Escondido for dinner and drinks. They have SUCH a nice restaurant there! It is a bit pricey, but since all their food is organic, it costs them more, so I don't mind paying a little more after knowing the reason why. My friend Natalie actually interviewed Greg Koch, the CEO of the company! I feel special having such a famous friend. :)

Having some fun while we waited for our table. :)

On Saturday, Mike took his brother out to have his hand at surfing. I finally made it down to our beach for the first time since we've lived there! Alas, 'tis as I expected...cold, windy, and boring. I did see Mike stand up on his board once, but other than that, I think I'm going to wait for summer to go to the beach! I just don't see the point of standing on the beach in the cold. No bueno.

Saturday night, we watched "30 Days of Night." I had been so excited to see it, but unfortunately it did not deliver. Sure, it had some cool graphics and was filmed nicely, but the story was just so predictable and common. Oh well.

Yesterday we went out to Viejas to play bingo and eat the buffet! We must have all eaten a LOT because it was the only meal we ended up eating all day!!! None of us won at bingo, but it was definitely fun. Our guests gambled for hours, while Mike and I hit up the outlet shops. I did get a new shirt (which I am wearing today!) but nothing else seemed that amazing. We were there for 6 hours total though...wow! We must have been having fun!

Last night we engaged in a friendly game of Cranium. We chose to play girls against boys....family against the newcomers....and played the "Family Get Together" edition. Brittany and I called our team the "Spicy Cupcakes" while the boys were the "Poots." Yes, seriously. I'm sure you can guess, but us girls totally destroyed the boys. Sounds like we know them better than they know us. But that's no surprise!

I'm looking forward to 2 1/2 more days of fun with them! :)

My new favorite blog.

2008-02-29T16:27:00.001-08:00

Seriously. I am sitting here in my chair at work, and almost falling on the floor laughing. Check it out.

Stuff White People Like

More wedding pics...

2008-02-27T10:58:00.000-08:00

After looking at all my friends' wedding photos, and voting again (you can vote every day - I would be super fantastically pleased if you'd go vote for me again today! ;)), I have been looking through more of my photos, and I feel like sharing the ones that didn't make it into the top 7. Just for fun. Bear with me...I'm still a newlywed and get a little sentimental over the best day of my life. :) ::cheese!::
I promise, no more wedding stuff after this! :)

I love this picture of Mike, getting ready.

My "something old, borrowed, and blue." My mother-in-law's antique pendant, passed down to her from her grandfather. I was going to wrap it around my bouquet, but I decided that I loved the way it looked with my dress.

I love how pretty the aisle looked with these pomanders.

Me and my girls.

I think this shot is adorable...everyone making cheesy faces at us. :)

My husband is just too freaking adorable in this picture. :)

A very cool winery shot. :)

This is the photo we sent out with all our thank you's.
You gotta have the barrel room photos!

Here come the newlyweds! Ready to party. :)

Father & Daughter Dance

My cake table looks super cool in this shot...though you can only see the very top of the "I DO" letters.

I think this is such a classic, pretty picture of the cake cutting.

My nephew thoroughly enjoyed his cake... :)

Time to boogie!

Not sure what Mike is doing here...

Oh yeah, I like to get down on the dance floor!

The coolest bouquet toss shot ever...I totally threw it over everyone's head!

This shot is one of my favorites...end of the night, so romantic. :)

Thanks for putting up with all my wedding reminiscing! :)

Vote for me!

2008-02-26T11:41:00.001-08:00

Dear blog readers:
I entered my wedding photos into the Knot's contest - The First Annual Wedding Awards. It is a competition for the best wedding of 2007. I personally think that my wedding was the best wedding EVER, so of course, I had to enter! :) Please, check it out, and please, vote for me! I would SO love to win a South African safari. I would also get my photos published in the Knot magazine. I'm sure my photographer, Angie Gaylor, would be thrilled!

Here is the link to my photos. I would be SUPER excited if you'd rate me 5 stars on all counts.... ;)

*muah!*

Gross idea

2008-02-25T09:31:00.001-08:00

Okay, I came up with this awesome idea for a scene in a horror movie last night. Mike was totally grossed out, but I still think it's awesome, so I'm going to share it. I've had this horrible congestion lately, even though the rest of my cold has been gone for almost 2 weeks, the stuffed up, snotty nose just WON'T go away. I started to wonder where all the green boogers come from! Seriously, I blow my nose like every 5-10 minutes, and I am so amazed at the volume of this stuff. Where is it stored in me? My roommate T said that it is all in my sinuses...behind my cheeks, behind my eyes, etc. SO totally gross. I have snot pockets in my face. Makes sense why I've had such sinus headaches. But anyway.

So, I was thinking, for a horror movie, part of the storyline could be that one of the characters has a really bad cold. Then, however they end up getting murdered (it's a horror movie...almost everyone gets murdered, k?), their face would get blown off, and along with all the blood and guts, you'd see all the green boogery goo, too. Isn't that rad? I should totally be a horror film writer...LOL

On jobs and temping and getting really anxious

2008-02-19T09:53:00.001-08:00

UPDATE:
Well, she finally emailed me back last night, answered my questions, and set up an interview time for tomorrow. I'm really excited about it. I'm just a little concerned because it sounds like she already has 4 other interviews tomorrow. I didn't realize there was going to be so much competition! Wish me luck...I'll update again tomorrow!!!

*****************************************************************************

So, I feel like my heart is going to beat right out of my chest at this very moment.

As some of you know, I received an email out of the blue last Friday from a graphic design company I had interviewed at for a receptionist job a few months ago. I didn't get that job, and I was really bummed about it, but I got over it. Well, on Friday, she sent me an email, asking if I was still looking for a position, because they are looking to hire a project manager. I have been SOOOO excited about it since then! I got in touch with her that afternoon, but we weren't able to talk, so she asked me to email her my questions about the job. I emailed her yesterday, and she will be back at work today after the long weekend, so today is the day that we need to talk! I'm really excited about this...It sounds like the perfect career job for me (from what I know of the job).

Now, the thing that is freaking me out is the timing. I am working at a crappy temp job, and I am so excited for my contract to be over. I agreed to stay til the end of February, which happens to be two weeks from now. My agent called me this morning, and needs to know TODAY if I am still leaving, or if I am going to sign up to stay til the end of March. Of course I want to leave at the end of February, but I'm still not sure what's going to happen with the job at the design firm! I have to talk to the designer today so I can find out what time frame they are looking to hire someone, and whether or not I even have a good shot at getting the job or not. This could be huge...I am about to go call her. Hopefully it will work out okay so I can call the temp agency and tell them I am still done in two weeks!!!

Wish me luck!!!

Mad Libs "Pickup Lines"

2008-02-14T08:36:00.000-08:00

Ever heard these before? If so, run away dizzily!

Can I buy you a sprinkle or do you just want the money?
Your uvula must be real tired, because you've been oozing through my equator all night long.
Your father must have been a unicycle rider, because he stole the prickly from the doorknob and put them in your pinky toes.
Is it springy in here, or is it just you?
Do you have cheese? No? How about a date?
Look at all of those Kleenexes and me with no zippers!
Do you have a Band-Aid? Because I skinned my belly button when I pooted for you.
I may not be the most chunky guy in the room, but I'm the only one talking to you!

Mad Libs Take 3

2008-02-13T14:40:00.001-08:00

Give me an.....

Adverb:
Noun:
Part of the body:
Verb ending in "ing":
A Place:
Occupation:
Adjective:
Noun:
Body part:
Adjective:
Type of food:
Plural noun:
Plural noun:
Part of the body:
Verb (past tense):
Adjective:

Final installment of "About Me" #76-100

2008-02-13T14:14:00.000-08:00

Okay....let's see if I can scrounge up 25 more facts about me.

76) I once played a pirate in a school play.
77) I sang a solo in that play.
78) The only reason I auditioned for that part is so that I could sing that solo.
79) I used to have two pet rabbits.
80) I had a pair of stirrup pants (in the 80's, of course) that I wore SO often that the knees and butt were worn thin enough to see through.
81) My mom had to take them away from me.
82) She probably should have just bought multiple pairs for me to avoid this embarrassment.
83) My hair was very dark brown when I was born.
84) It turned blonde within a couple months.
85) I hate wearing foundation.
86) I am really picky about fruit, and will only eat it if it is cut into pieces.
87) I won't eat fruit or vegetables that are bruised or brown.
88) I used to be obsessed with catching bugs and keeping them in my Bug Zoo.
89) I used to race grasshoppers (in my bedroom!) with my neighbor.
90) I was in 4-H for most of my childhood.
91) I took two levels of cake decorating in one year.
92) My family was SO sick of cake that year, I think we quit eating cake altogether for a couple of years after that.
93) I made a cake shaped like a Gremlin (the car) for Mike's birthday, the first year we were together.
94) I used to sew clothes a lot.
95) I have a habit of starting things and not finishing them.
96) I get bored easily.
97) But at the same time, I am easily entertained.
98) When I was a kid, I was picking at a puffy sticker in someone's car, and the top picture layer came off, exposing the foam inside. (Remember those stickers? They came apart easy...) I felt really bad. Obviously, I still remember it. I tried to hide it.
99) I used to hide the cucumbers in my salad underneath my seat cushion.
100) I don't like tea.

Mad Libs - "Mama's Boy"

2008-02-06T21:04:00.001-08:00

Mad Libs take 2:
funny content courtesy of BBKiddo and CB
Mama's Boy

At first you thought his relationship with his mother was creamy and moist, but now you're starting to think that your sweaty guy might be a little too attached to her carrot strings. Here are some signs to look out for:

He jumps his mother 4 times a day (OMG!!!)
She still buys him boys to wear at the office.
He asked you to take cooking lessons from her, so you could make his favorite dishes like rack of bunny (OH NO!!!!), Alanna Pie (WTF?), and BB Soup. (hee hee!)
She comes over to the April every night to run him into Nikki.
He lectured you for an hour when you accidentally lost the Rachel his mother gave him.
His mother asked him to drive back home...and he's considering it.

WOO! That was a pretty good one. The April/Nikki one was a little odd, but otherwise...Nice choices, girls! :)

About Me: #51-75

2008-02-06T16:11:00.001-08:00

Still passing the time before I go home. Let's see if I can come up with 25 more things about me that you wish you knew/didn't know.

51) I LOVE the show Heroes.
52) I once had a dream about Milo Ventimiglia (who is Peter Petrelli in Heroes)
53) I also love the show Grey's Anatomy
54) I don't miss TV as much as I thought I would because of the strike
55) but I sure would like to know what happens next.
56) I wish it didn't take so long to drive down to downtown San Diego during traffic
57) I haven't had mac & cheese for a while
58) but it really sounds good right now.
59) I constantly struggle with my complexion.
60) I seem to be eternally prone to pimples.
61) I think I should have gone to college for something more reliable.
62) Babies and old people both annoy me.
63) I refuse to clean up after anyone but myself and my husband.
64) I don't always feel like being sociable.
65) People have said that I'm scary when I get mad.
66) I don't think I'm scary at all.
67) I wish I saw results instantly when I work out.
68) I only use my iPod at the gym.
69) I have gotten two free iPods.
70) Mike has the other one.
71) I seem to be cursed with banking troubles, no matter how hard I try to keep things in line.
72) Sometimes I feel like I am prettier than my friends.
73) Other times, I feel like they are much prettier than me.
74) I started tanning again because I looked like I was turning blue.
75) I don't floss my teeth as much as I should.

Mad Libs, Part Deux

2008-02-06T16:08:00.000-08:00

CB was bummed that she missed out on round one, so since I still have some time to kill here at work, I figured I'd start a new one for her. :)

I need....

Adjective:
Adjective:
Noun:
Verb ending in 's':
Number:
Plural noun:
Animal:
Noun:
Noun:
Noun:
Verb:
Noun:
Noun:
Verb:

The Third Date

2008-02-06T11:48:00.000-08:00

Story details courtesy of Cristin.

The Third Date

On your first date, he rented Disneyland and took you to an expensive hot dog. On the second date, he got tickets to a sold out concert featuring the fabulous new band "Pink Two Hundred." Naturally, you were looking forward to the third date and even bought a new ballerina to wear. Unfortunately, he showed up in jeans, an enlarged t-shirt and carrying a container of Chinese windows. You're disappointed when he says that he thought the two of you could stay in and watch the newest release, "Dude, Where's My DVR, Part 12." You want to dance out loud. Instead, you invite him in and go to change into something more outrageous. When you return, the ugly movie is already playing, he is sprawled out on the house, eating with his purse from the boobies. You suddenly realize you're dating your father!

Um, ew!!!

LOL

Mad Libs

2008-02-06T10:19:00.000-08:00

Okay, I'm starting a new feature. I have this book of Adult Mad Libs just burning a hole in my drawer, so I'd like to actually use the darn thing at some point. So, in order to do this in a blog version, I am going to post a list of words I need. Commenters, please give me words, and once we have them all, I will post your story.

Story #1: The Third Date

Noun:
Noun:
Adjective:
Color:
Number:
Noun:
Adjective:
Plural Noun:
Noun:
Number:
Verb:
Adjective:
Adjective:
Noun:
Plural Part of the Body:
Container:

Okay.....GO!

biting my nails

2008-02-05T21:12:00.001-08:00

UPDATE:
(Like 2 minutes after my original post...)
Hillary is projected to win California. Wow. I'm a little sad. :( I was REALLY hoping for Obama. There's still hope...I'm still hoping it will happen!!! And yay for McCain. I was so not thrilled with Romney.

Seriously, elections make me nervous. Like I told my friend KT earlier, this is like a football game that lasts all day and then some. I am SO anxious to see who is going to win! I know that Super Tuesday isn't even going to decide it...things are so close right now! But, I'm especially to see what my own state of California votes. I'm glad that McCain is doing well as the Republican candidate, but I am seriously biting my nails and my heart is pounding over the race between Hillary and Obama. I am SO anxious to see what happens! Maybe I'll stay up all night...we shall see...

26-50 More things you never wanted to know about me.

2008-02-01T11:55:00.001-08:00

26) I was an extra in the movie "Beautiful" with Minnie Driver, directed by Diane Keaton
27) It was the day before my birthday, which happened to be Diane's birthday, so we all sang her "Happy Birthday"
28) The only color I have ever tried to dye my hair is red
29) I'm afraid if I do anything more drastic, it will never return to it's natural blonde
30) I love trying new microbrews from all over the country and the world
31) I am becoming obsessed with football - the Chargers, in particular.
32) I am also becoming obsessed with cupcakes, though I have only eaten 2 since my obsession began.
33) I can't stand crowds.
34) I hate celebrity gossip (but I still love my friends that like it)
35) This is the first year that I have really gotten passionate about politics, though I have made an effort in the past.
36) The most eye-opening and educational class I took in college was Environmental Ethics.
37) My favorite class in college was Book Arts
38) I have two degrees in Fine Arts - Associates and Bachelors
39) I still want to move to Australia, but I'm not sure if I want to go for my Masters' degree in Illustration anymore.
40) I'm not sure if I want to get my degree in teaching, either.
41) In fact, I'm still not sure what I want to be when I grow up.
42) I'm hoping that having my own business will work out wonderfully for me.
43) I love quesadillas.
44) I love to go grocery shopping.
45) I hate my nose, I think it is way too big.
46) I wish I wasn't so tall, but still thin.
47) I get really cranky when I'm hungry.
48) I used to wear acrylic nails all the time, but I think I've stopped for good.
49) My favorite number is 3.
50) I love camping.

New PJs!!!

2008-01-30T17:35:00.001-08:00

Wooooooooo! My new VS jammies got here today! I tried them on, and they are SO soft. And I LURVE that the pants are long enough for my super freaky long stems. :) I can't wait to go to bed now! (And YES, of course I got the red ones!!!!)

Frustraminated

2008-01-29T13:59:00.000-08:00

Really. I am having SUCH a hard time dealing with being at this job. The hardest thing is that I still have 4 1/2 more weeks of it. I feel like I die inside a little more each day I am here. It was a 6 week assignment that has managed to turn into 3 1/2 months. How am I going to get through this?

Tickets bought!

2008-01-28T13:47:00.001-08:00

I just have to tell everyone how excited I am that I bought my tickets to go to Chicago in April! Woohoo, I can't wait!!!

Things about me: 1-25

2008-01-28T10:23:00.001-08:00

I am stealing this idea from my friend Clara. I will begin with 25 things about me. Once I have time to think of 25 more, I'll post 26-50. :)

1. My name is Alanna
2. I am part Polish, part Irish, and little bits of other things.
3. In my entire life, I have had 2 rabbits, 4 ducks, 4 dogs and 3 cats.
4. I used to want to buy a farm for my family when I grew up.
5. I am the oldest of 6 siblings.
6. I have two adorable nephews.
7. I hate running.
8. I love to read.
9. I am addicted to the internet.
10. I love to cook.
11. I hate to clean.
12. Mayo grosses me out.
13. I hate Peanut Butter & Jelly.
14. I have 25 cousins.
15. My dad's name is Mike, my husband's name is Mike, and my nephew's name is Mike.
16. I like going to the beach, but I hate getting in the water.
17. I am scared to death to try surfing.
18. I am incredibly afraid of heights.
19. I used to have a spider as a pet.
20. I grew up in Fort Collins, Colorado.
21. I was born in Pasadena, CA.
22. I love going on road trips.
23. I graduated when I was 17.
24. I was homeschooled.
25. My favorite color is red.

Stay tuned for more...

4 Things

2008-01-27T20:45:00.001-08:00

This weekend has been SO much fun! On Friday night, I got to try a fun game called Bunco. My friend Ronnie has been playing for a couple years in AZ, and she said she always has so much fun. So when my friend Molly decided to start a Bunco group here in San Diego, I signed up right away. It seemed a little silly, but wow, who could have guessed that throwing dice with a bunch of other girls could be SO much fun? I even won the prize for the most Buncos. I can't wait til next month's game night!!!
On Saturday, I spent the day scrapbooking photos from my honeymoon with some other newlywed friends of mine. I got a lot accomplished, and I had a great time catching up with the girls. :)
Today was Mike and my "date" day. We decided to go to the Wild Animal Park. It was so much fun! It was really nice when we first got there, and we got to see the male lion and lots of other fun animals. We also rode the new Journey to Africa tour, where we got to see the animals really getting active before the rain rolled in. The giraffes were very friendly, and all the antelope were beautiful. We even heard the lion working on his roar on our way back to the Simba Station! The rain started coming down pretty hard by the time we got off the tour, so we headed out of the park. We decided to stop at the Macaroni Grill for dinner on our way home, and when we got back we were so tired and full, we laid on the couch and watched "Rescue Dawn." We both really liked it.

Now, without any further to-do....my wonderful friend Clara wanted me to do this, so I will share 4 things about myself with you. I KNOW you can hardly wait to read them!!! :)

Four Things

Four things about me that you may or may not have known in no particular order.

Four jobs I have had in my life:
1. Circuit City CD Salesperson
2. United States Marine
3. Director of Human Resources
4. TEMPORARY Receptionist

Four movies I would watch over and over: (not sure about over and over but…)
1. Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
2. Elf
3. Moulin Rouge
4. 12 Monkeys

Four places I have lived:
1. Ft. Collins, Colorado
2. Parris Island, SC
3. San Diego, California
4. Pasadena, California

Four TV shows that I watch:
1. Heroes
2. Pushing Daisies
3. Grey's Anatomy
4. My Name is Earl

Four places I have been:
1. London
2. Paris
3. Venice
4. Tuscany

People who e-mail me (regularly):
1. Molly
2. KT
3. Mom
4. Kara

Four of my favorite foods:
1. Chicken Parmesan
2. Texas Burritos from Adalbertos
3. Peanut Butter Noodles
4. Pad Thai

Four places I would rather be right now:
1. Australia
2. cruise
3. Chicago GTG
4. Ireland

Four friends I think will respond:
1. Natalie
2. Amanda
3. Cristin
4. April

Things I am looking forward to:
1. Wine tasting in February
2. Chicago!!!
3. getting my business off the ground
4. summer!

Going to Chicago!!!

2008-01-25T08:26:00.001-08:00

I am SOOOO freakin' excited. I am going to Chicago in April!!! I still have to buy my tickets, but I am definitely going. If anyone finds any good rates from San Diego to Chicago, let me know! Woohoo, I get to party all weekend with my girls! :)

Politics

2008-01-24T16:15:00.000-08:00

I just came across a webpage that I would love to share. Now that Kucinich has dropped out of the race for president, I have been looking to see who is the 2nd most green candidate. Check it out!

How green is YOUR candidate?

And one more, to round things off.

2008-01-24T16:09:00.000-08:00

So, the more I use my Google Reader, the more addicted to the blogosphere I have become. I have my bookbinding and art blog, and of course my cooking blog. As I read more and more news blogs, style blogs, food blogs, and so on, I have been wanting to just post random stuff now and then. And I am a believer in keeping your blog focused on one thing, rather than being all over the place. It's no fun to subscribe to a cooking blog and keep getting updates about some random person's day, or the funny thing their baby said. Not fun. So, I have decided to make myself a third blog to round off my own little blog world. It will be random, yes, but it will not be about cooking or art. Just the random, wandering thoughts that spin through my head. :)